March 8, 2008 Western

[mkmommy]

So I am all stressed out now. We were planning on staying at the Polynesian the day before the cruise, swimming all morning at the pool and then taking the DCL transfers. I now find out the the main pool is going to be closed, should I change resorts, or rent a car and get to the port early so the girls can get some time in the pool before it gets too busy, or book a car service? I am travelling with my girls by myself so I did not really want to have to juggle the girls and the luggage, but I hate to pay that much for the Polynesian and not able to use the pool. I thought I had everything all planned

Lisa

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We are staying at the POFQ before our cruise and I just read that the pool was going to be closed there as well. One of the reasons we picked the resort was because of the cool serpent slide. Oh well. As it turns out, we probably won't have much time to swim anyway. If worse comes to worse, we can go use the Riverside pools.

 

[garytam]

Hi mkmommy

We are staying at AKL for two nights prior to cruise. I think the pool is open and even if it is close, there are a lot of things to do within the resort. I haven't decide to rent a car or get a town car yet but leaning toward the town car since it would be much easier.

 

[mkmommy]

The AK Lodge is an option, my girls love the bunkbeds, so I will have to give it some thought, and I know they will love the pool there.

Garytam, are you flying from Toronto or Buffalo? We are heading from Buffalo on Thursday. Airtran keeps changing our return flight, but I keep hoping they will change the departing flight as we will not get in till after 5:00.

Lisa

 

[garytam]

Hi Lisa


We are flying out from Buffalo on Thursday via Southwest. Staying by the airport hotel on Wed. Heard a lot of good comments about AKL, it will be our first visit.

Gary

 

[mkmommy]

The AKL is a beautiful property, I stayed there for 4 nights last month. The pool was really nice, and I found the bus service very good , never waited very long for a bus either at the resort or the parks.

I don't think I would want to stay there for a week, as it was quite far from everything but the AK, but it would be great for a short 2 days stay especially if you plan on going to the AK.

Merry Christmas to all.

Lisa

 

[garytam]

Just one note, there is Pirate and Princess party at MK on Thursday night. We just booked that.

Merry Christmas and best wishes to everyone

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Thanks! We already got our tickets. We'll be there too.

 

[mkmommy]

Make sure to see the fireworks at the PPP. Last Feb, we got lucky and were on the ferry from the TTC to the MK, we were the only people on the ferry so the pilot stopped in the middle of lake and we had the most amazing view of the fireworks, I have every seen. Our flight does not get into Orlando until 5:00, but I am hoping to catch the PPP fireworks from the beach at the Poly.

Lisa

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I just finished doing my online reservations. I was so excited to see that Palo brunch reservations were still available as we won't be arriving to Port via DCL transportation until after 1:00 PM.

For some reason, I can't access my on-line forms yet, but they can wait until tomorrow.

Good luck to all of you with your reservations!

 

[mkmommy]

Just an FYI, I was able to book a one way rental for March 15 with a drop off at MCO through budget.ca for $20 with taxes for a small car.

 

[pats_magic]

Hi,
I'm completely new to this board, have been lurking for a few days, and am really happy to find it! We are sooo excited to be going on this cruise, our first. (especially now that we are buried under a foot of snow!) We have 3 kids (DD 6, DS 10, DD 12-going-on-13). It took me a while to figure out the reservation system, but I'm also wondering if it's not better just to under-book and enjoy the boat and beaches. We're planning on doing some scuba, snorkeling, and beach-hanging. How much time are the kids going to want to be in the club activities? I'm trying to get a picture of what the days will be like. Thanks!

 

[mkmommy]

Pats Magic, welcome aboard. We were looking at some of the kids club activites last night, and I think my daughters will be spending lots of time in the clubs, they seem most excited about making Flubber. I keep trying to get them interested in going on excursions, but they seem more interested in staying on the ship.

I hear you about the snow, can't wait for some warm sunshine.

Lisa

 

[retiredkid]

just the two of us on this trip, and we decided not to do any excursions. We plan on just getting off the ship and walking around and doing whatever hits us at that time. We may even stay on board for some of the ports. This is all about relaxing for us. Can't wait!!

 

[Out to Sea Lee]

Welcome Pats Magic!! We are also very excited about this cruise. This is our first Disney cruise we've sailed three times on Carnival. I have become addicted to reading these boards. My children are the same age as yours... DD6 and DS10. They are looking forward to spending time in the clubs. Only nine weeks from tomorrow!!! I cannot wait!! Has anyone booked a room at the Port? I have been looking at the Raddison and Country Inn & Suites, not sure what to do. I got to get it done soon though.

 

[pats_magic]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!
Great to hear the kids enjoy the clubs. We go to family camps where the kids go off with their groups all day, so I think they will be in heaven. My ship-board plans are pretty lofty - a whole novel, read in peace in a chair, looking at the ocean!
Glad to see there are so many Canadians aboard. Bodes well for a great cruise!

 

[pats_magic]

As long as I'm asking questions: DD-12 is worried the 10-12 club will be too young for her. She's in 7th grade, is 5'7", responsible, etc. Will she be allowed to do the teen activities/dance?

 

[dragonflydreaming]

Welcome Pats Magic!! We are also very excited about this cruise. This is our first Disney cruise we've sailed three times on Carnival. I have become addicted to reading these boards. My children are the same age as yours... DD6 and DS10. They are looking forward to spending time in the clubs. Only nine weeks from tomorrow!!! I cannot wait!! Has anyone booked a room at the Port? I have been looking at the Raddison and Country Inn & Suites, not sure what to do. I got to get it done soon though.

We're staying at the RonJon

http://www.ronjonresort.com/

It's pricy but we're flying down from TO 3 days early so we wanted a place with lots to do for our kids, dd 6 and ds 5.

If you're interested call them directly. For some reason their website always says no availability even when there is.

See you onboard!

 

[mkmommy]

I dread packing, but I guess I am going to have to soon take stock of what still fits the girls. I think my 5 year old has grown about 3 inches since the fall, she wears nothing but dresses and I am sure they will all be too short.

Anyone got suggestions on how to keep the luggage down to a reasonable amount, the girls have a real hard time with the one stuffed animal rule.

Lisa

 

[Out to Sea Lee]

Lisa
I'm the opposite of you!! I'm so ready to start packing. We received a new set of luggage for a Christmas gift and I have left it out because I am ready to start packing, but I guess I need to wait a little while. I'm not one to ask about packing light. The way I look at it...the children's clothes are smaller so I can pack more of them. No, I'm really tryng to decide if I want to full around with doing a wash or two of laundry mid week. Then again it is vacation, so who wants to do laundry??

On our last cruise, I let my daughter choose one doll and one stuffed animal, and she understood that was all she could take. As far as clothing fitting, I'm also crossing my fingers. We usually give the children all of their spring clothes for Easter. I've starting picking up a few things along that will be cute to wear on the cruise also.

Lee Ann