May 11th 2008 ~ Any Double Dippers Out There?

[CustardTart]

Yes! I think you should definitely tell DCL! . . . .actually, you reminded me- my DH's birthday is May 13th! (Haha! Helps if I pay attention, huh?) Do you think I can claim that the cruise is his birthday present? Or am I obligated to get him something else?

Well obviously you can claim it, hon!!! Run up to Beach Blanket Buffet and bring him brekkie in bed on his birthday - I think that'll cover everything...

 

[CustardTart]

Hi all! My daughter (13) is being sent on a DCL trip by Make a Wish and they are trying to schedule this particular one. May 11 is her birthday, so it would be even more special for her if she can not only celebrate getting through the most frightening part of her condition so far, brain surgery, but she can celebrate her birthday on the cruise as well.

We will be cruising with DD (15), DD (14 the first day of cruise), DS (4), and DS (2). The two year old is trying desperately to get pt'd before the cruise. I worry about him getting bored stiff by the nursery, because he is used to doing everything his older brother does. He's more like a 3 year old than a 2 year old. He'll be 5 months short of 3, though, which is the cut-off for the youth programs, right? Is there any chance of them letting him bump up to the three year old group? I've been told by friends who've been on other cruises that there is no possibility of that at all. I'd have not wanted my other children to move up at that age, but this one started walking at 6 months and has done everything else at least 6 months early also, so I'm really concerned about him being bored stiff. I'd rather just wait until his birthday in October to go, but this is for DD, so we want HER to be in charge of what we do and when.

I've only read through the first 4 pages of this thread, and the last page, so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions answered once I get through the others, but I may have other questions as well. LOL

OH, for those of you who've been on a DCL before... The casual dress dinners... how casual and dressy do people dress? Same question for the dressy night. My girls are homeschooled, so they will probably never get a prom. They had looked at some beautiful semi-formal dresses and even some full-length gowns before we knew the 4 night only had a "dress-up" night. I don't want us to be under dressed or over dressed. TIA!!!

Hello and ... I sincerely hope your DD can be part of the cruise - it would truly be a wonderful experience for her... Unfortunately I cannot answer any of your questions about your youngest - my babies have long since grown up...

As for dining - you won't be under or over dressed. Just do your own thing and enjoy!!!

 

[momof4ngls]

Thank you, CustardTart! I have been reading through the posts from the beginning, but you can imagine how hard it is to find much time to read at once with four children in the house and trying to homeschool the two oldest! I am keeping a list of questions I come up with as I read, but I don't want to ask them until I'm finished, in case they are answered already between there and here. LOL

 

[CustardTart]

Thank you, CustardTart! I have been reading through the posts from the beginning, but you can imagine how hard it is to find much time to read at once with four children in the house and trying to homeschool the two oldest! I am keeping a list of questions I come up with as I read, but I don't want to ask them until I'm finished, in case they are answered already between there and here. LOL

Wow!!! It must be very difficult to find any time for yourself!!! TBH I'm sure no one would mind answering your questions as they come to you - that's got to be easier than reading thro' the entire thread...

 

[CustardTart]

Just wanted to post that I'm v-e-r-y overexcited about this cruise today!!!! Today, my DD and I are only 3 months away from our May trip and the prospect of the Floridian sun and Castaway Cay is making me positively giddy with anticipation...

Happy Sunday, guys...

 

[Kimberly815]

Well obviously you can claim it, hon!!! Run up to Beach Blanket Buffet and bring him brekkie in bed on his birthday - I think that'll cover everything...

I think that is EXACTLY what I will do!!

 

[Kimberly815]

Welcome momof4ngls and family!


I have a few more questions.

The drink station provides water right? Is it filtered? Does it taste okay? (I am a bit of a water freak and drink it almost constantly- I can't decide if we should bring some onboard with us.)

Can I get away with cute flip flops for footwear during dinner on the casual nights? I have a few pairs that are cute and bejeweled and match certain pretty summery outfits.

I just read that they will still have the Palo Brunch on our last Castaway Cay day? Anyone have any reviews?

Thanks! I can't wait for the next few months to fly by!! Is it time to go yet?

 

[CustardTart]

...I have a few more questions...

Bring it on, Ms. Kimberly!!!

...The drink station provides water right? Is it filtered? Does it taste okay? (I am a bit of a water freak and drink it almost constantly- I can't decide if we should bring some onboard with us.)

I don't know about the drink station serving water, we didn't check it out. Last time we bought a box of 24 500ml bottles from Cast Members as we walked to lunch just after we boarded. These were delivered to our stateroom and seemed the easiest option...

...Can I get away with cute flip flops for footwear during dinner on the casual nights? I have a few pairs that are cute and bejeweled and match certain pretty summery outfits...

Yes you can! I wear the same...

...I just read that they will still have the Palo Brunch on our last Castaway Cay day? Anyone have any reviews?

Palo Brunch is awesome! We booked for the first time last September and agreed it's a must-do as far as we're concerned... Well worth the $15 per head. Here's some photos to whet your appetite...

 

[momof4ngls]

Okay, I just don't think I'll get the rest of the thread read through. LOL So, here are some questions for now and some things I've found out in reading various sources as well.

A child can be moved up to another age group if they are within a month of that birthday. This leaves out my son, since he'll be five months away from his birthday. I'm sure he'll have a great time, I just worry about being able to make child care reservations as late in the game as we are. I'm also hoping we'll be able to get Palo reservations for at least that delicious looking brunch.

During the day, for breakfast/lunch, can the girls come in their swimsuits with a sundress or shorts? I don't know if they'd want to, but I want to know the answer before we get there. At night, for casual, capris okay? Jeans? Or should we plan only dresses/slacks? Does it matter about the little ones (4 and 2)? I can't imagine they are going to be expected to dress up, but I want to make sure. Palo for brunch and dinner, dressy? Semi-formal?

Is this group going to participate in any extra things like the fish extenders? It sounds like so much fun! Since this is a special trip for my daughter, to celebrate her getting through her first, and hopefully most difficult, surgery, as well as celebrating her birthday, I want to make it as magical as possible for her. It would also help to pass what's left of the time making door signs, fish extenders, and gathering little gifts for other DISers. Again, you have probably already discussed this, but I'm REALLY late joining the game. LOL

Will our cruise documents tell us a specific time to arrive at the terminal, or do we just get there anytime before departure? I've seen on cruise specials on the travel channel that you should not get there before 1:00, or you'll just be sitting/standing around the terminal forever. I'd love to get unpacked, eat lunch, check out the ship, etc., before the safety drill. But my boys are going to be frantic with excitement (oh please, we will ALL be frantic with excitement) and I don't think they could handle waiting around in the terminal longer than necessary just 'cause mama was anxious to get there.

I had a whole other list of questions, but my computer locked up and I lost the document. I'm sure they'll come back to me later. LOL I don't even know yet if Make a Wish has been successful at getting us on for this particular cruise date. If not, I think I'll request they wait until closer to the youngest's birthday, so he can participate in the youth program. I'm so fascinated with their generosity and kindness toward my daughter and the rest of us!

 

[momof4ngls]

Welcome momof4ngls and family!


... I can't decide if we should bring some onboard with us.)

Thank you for the welcome! I thought I read that you can not bring drinks on board the ship, am I mistaken about that? What about snacks? MaW has asked for my children's favorite snacks to send with us and I don't want to end up having to throw things away because they didn't eat them all on the plane.

Another question... if we decide to book another cruise while onboard, to take advantage of the discount, do we need to pay a deposit right then? If so, how much? Since we're not arranging or paying for this trip, I have no idea how any of that works and have been too busy reading about all the fun to read about things like that.

 

[CustardTart]

Okay, I just don't think I'll get the rest of the thread read through. LOL So, here are some questions for now and some things I've found out in reading various sources as well....

Fire away!!!

...During the day, for breakfast/lunch, can the girls come in their swimsuits with a sundress or shorts? I don't know if they'd want to, but I want to know the answer before we get there...

I'm not sure about lunch/brekkie in the restaurants but that'd be fine at the Beach Blanket Buffet...

At night, for casual, capris okay? Jeans? Or should we plan only dresses/slacks? Does it matter about the little ones (4 and 2)? I can't imagine they are going to be expected to dress up, but I want to make sure. Palo for brunch and dinner, dressy? Semi-formal?

I'm a great fan of nice capris with a pretty top and cardigan - I wear that sort of thing most nights for dinner. I also wore that for Palo's brunch. I think there's one dress-up night on this cruise and I'll probably wear a long skirt and top for that - which I can also wear in Palo's for dinner... This is more of a semi-formal cruise than the 7 night ones so don't worry about what to wear too much. The little ones will be fine in t-shirts and shorts I imagine. The only I've never really noticed are people in jeans in the dining rooms - I'm sure there are but can't say I've spotted them...

...Is this group going to participate in any extra things like the fish extenders? It sounds like so much fun! Since this is a special trip for my daughter, to celebrate her getting through her first, and hopefully most difficult, surgery, as well as celebrating her birthday, I want to make it as magical as possible for her. It would also help to pass what's left of the time making door signs, fish extenders, and gathering little gifts for other DISers. Again, you have probably already discussed this, but I'm REALLY late joining the game. LOL

Actually we haven't discussed this! I've never been a part of a group that's done this so don't really know what it's all about... Maybe the others could let us know what they think...

Will our cruise documents tell us a specific time to arrive at the terminal, or do we just get there anytime before departure? I've seen on cruise specials on the travel channel that you should not get there before 1:00, or you'll just be sitting/standing around the terminal forever. I'd love to get unpacked, eat lunch, check out the ship, etc., before the safety drill. But my boys are going to be frantic with excitement (oh please, we will ALL be frantic with excitement) and I don't think they could handle waiting around in the terminal longer than necessary just 'cause mama was anxious to get there.

Opinions are divided on this! Most people seem to get there early (10/10.30am) so they are one of the first to board when it starts at midday I think. They like to get on, have lunch and go to the pool - makes that first day seem longer. Personally, that's not my style - we'll probably get there at around midday and board when we can as it seems less busy then...

...I had a whole other list of questions, but my computer locked up and I lost the document. I'm sure they'll come back to me later. LOL I don't even know yet if Make a Wish has been successful at getting us on for this particular cruise date. If not, I think I'll request they wait until closer to the youngest's birthday, so he can participate in the youth program. I'm so fascinated with their generosity and kindness toward my daughter and the rest of us!

It sounds wonderful!!! I hope you get on whichever cruise suits you and your family best - fingers crossed...

 

[CustardTart]

Thank you for the welcome! I thought I read that you can not bring drinks on board the ship, am I mistaken about that? What about snacks? MaW has asked for my children's favorite snacks to send with us and I don't want to end up having to throw things away because they didn't eat them all on the plane...

You can bring drinks aboard. I'm not sure about snacks but I imagine so - I think you just can't take them off at the ports...

...Another question... if we decide to book another cruise while onboard, to take advantage of the discount, do we need to pay a deposit right then? If so, how much? Since we're not arranging or paying for this trip, I have no idea how any of that works and have been too busy reading about all the fun to read about things like that.

Again I'm not entirely sure but I think you get a 10% discount for cruises of 7 days+ and $200 onboard credit. For shorter cruises, you just get the OBC. The deposit is $250 per person and I imagine it does have to be paid there and then.

Hope that all helps a little! Have a great day....

 

[momof4ngls]

Hope that all helps a little! Have a great day....

It does! Thank you so much, and you have a wonderful day also!!!

 

[Kimberly815]

Thanks CustardTart! You are so helpful! You are making this all way too easy on me!!

That Palo brunch looks so delicious right now!

Is this group going to participate in any extra things like the fish extenders? It sounds like so much fun! Since this is a special trip for my daughter, to celebrate her getting through her first, and hopefully most difficult, surgery, as well as celebrating her birthday, I want to make it as magical as possible for her. It would also help to pass what's left of the time making door signs, fish extenders, and gathering little gifts for other DISers. Again, you have probably already discussed this, but I'm REALLY late joining the game. LOL

I don't know much about this stuff- but I am definitely interested.

 

[branv]

Hi everyone! Hope you're all enjoying a good morning (halfway to Friday is always a good thing )

Just one more step down the path to the vacay -- so very excited, got my P&PP tickets this morning! I was sitting on hold to order the tickets, singing along to the recorded music, "Nooooo Ooooone drinks like Gast...oh...hello". Busted!!! Love talking to the CM's sometimes, just those little things like "I see you've visited us before, well welcome back!" I know it's a spiel, but still makes that little difference, kwim? So I'm feeling all Disney warm and fuzzy today. Certainly what a landlubber needs on a day she has to hoist her sails and swab the deck (i.e. get off the couch and vacuum the unending pile of cat hair off the carpet).

Have a great day

 

[CustardTart]

...Just one more step down the path to the vacay -- so very excited, got my P&PP tickets this morning! I was sitting on hold to order the tickets, singing along to the recorded music, "Nooooo Ooooone drinks like Gast...oh...hello". Busted!!! Love talking to the CM's sometimes, just those little things like "I see you've visited us before, well welcome back!" I know it's a spiel, but still makes that little difference, kwim? So I'm feeling all Disney warm and fuzzy today. Certainly what a landlubber needs on a day she has to hoist her sails and swab the deck (i.e. get off the couch and vacuum the unending pile of cat hair off the carpet).

Have a great day

Well done, Brandi!!! I'm being all macho and strong and holding out to see if there'll be a DVC discount!!! Grrrr!!!

 

[momof4ngls]

Here is the thread on the fish extenders:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

 

[Kimberly815]

Hi everyone!

I have very sad news (for me, not you). It looks like we have to push back our cruise.

My DH and I are hoping to buy our first home soon. Pushing back the cruise get us much closer to that goal- so that's what we are going to do. I know its the right thing to do, but its still a big fat bummer!

Anyway. . . I hope you all have a wonderful time. . .and I better see some trip reports when you get back- that way I can enjoy it through all of you!

 

[CustardTart]

Hi everyone!

I have very sad news (for me, not you). It looks like we have to push back our cruise.

My DH and I are hoping to buy our first home soon. Pushing back the cruise get us much closer to that goal- so that's what we are going to do. I know its the right thing to do, but its still a big fat bummer!

Anyway. . . I hope you all have a wonderful time. . .and I better see some trip reports when you get back- that way I can enjoy it through all of you!

That's a shame, Kimberly but if it means you can buy a house sooner rather than later that's got to be a good reason! Good luck and I hope you find the home of your dreams...

 

[Pansy]

I booked at my 90 day mark last night and was able to book everything we wanted Castaway Cay Couples Cabana Massage, Palo Dinner, Palo Brunch & Bicycle Rentals this is for the May 11th DD. I just checked and brunch is still open. So those of you who haven't booked for this cruise get busy.