May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[MousseauMob]

Help from anyone in the know!

I heard back from the lady at ERA about the helicopter/dog sled excursion and they are offering a 10% discount on the regular excursion due to the error in booking us for the extended one that we wanted that they had to cancel.

Problem is the latest we can book with them is 10:15. I have the Mendenhall excursion booked through DCL right now for 12:30. I really like the later time as I know there is such a high chance for cancellation due to fog and am hoping the later time ups my chances a bit.

What would you all do? It is a $550 savings but I don't care about that if the 10:15 got cancelled and we'd be able to fly at 12:30! I'd be heartbroken and SO mad at myself!

The other concern with booking outside of DCL is we will not have any cell service at all in Alaska. We have Virgin Mobile and they do not service Alaska at all. So once we leave the the lower 48 there will be no way to communicate with us if ERA needed to cancel or anything.

What do we do? Dh is useless in trying to help me make this decision. AHHHH!

Based on everything you said I think I would choose DCL. 1. Because of the phone situation. 2. I'd play the worst case scenario game, which it sounds like you already have and it came up DCL. So worst case -- foggy and neither can fly, they tie. Both can fly and you went DCL, you'd be out some money. Morning foggy and ERA can't fly but DCL can and you went ERA, devastation. I'd take risking the money loss over risking the excursion every time.

Of course I didn't research probability of morning fog grounding versus afternoon fog grounding, so if its possible the morning fly's but the afternoon is grounded, that would probably swing me the other way.

I hope some of my ramblings helped in some small way.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

I can't seem to find anything definitive on fogginess but just doing a search through the Alaska Excursion review thread where I see the cancellations I am seeing they were in the mornings so that is why I was leaning towards going as late as possible to up our chances.

I emailed the lady back from ERA explaining my concerns about the earlier time to see what she has to say as well as my concerns about having no phone service. No decision has been made yet.

Maybe while I sit and stew the clouds will part and the excursion I really want at DCL magically become not sold out anymore and all my problems will be solved! It is our anniversary that day after all! Come on Disney throw some magic our way!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

Sorry to those who were waiting for it. The most recent FE Update is now up on page 1 of this thread: click here for shortcut

This is also posted on page 1 of this thread and will also be posted on the group's FB page.
Everyone who is participating in the FE now has my email address (I do not want to post my address on this public thread) If you have any questions about the FE, I am much quicker at answering emails as I am not allowed to be on DIS or FB during my day job and with my schedule it could be a few days before I get back to you outside of email.

I'm asking Please, Please, Please if you have already signed up and need to make a correction please do not submit another FE signup form. I have set up the form to feed to a brand new spreadsheet with formulas that calculate the last minute adds. It was a bit confusing and very time consuming to go through the first spreadsheet and make adjustments to the repeat sign ups for the calculations to be correct. (Sorry if that sounds like whining to any spreadsheet geniuses out there.) No worries to those of you who did have a repeat. Not intending to call anyone out. I just would like to speed things up for me from this point on since we're getting so close.

I've emailed everyone who filled out the FE sign up form. If you have not yet replied to me, please check your email/spam boxes.

I have not heard back from the following people for a confirmation that I have your info correct. Most of the people on this list I know are definitely participating, but it's important for you to reply to my email so I can get the correct information on the lists. Some of the people on this list I have never heard from, so if by Friday, February 28th I do not get a reply, I will add you to the standby list until I do hear from you.

Still need to get replies from:
* Pinocchio #1 Fan/The Maleficent One
* Vegam060
* Fredrickson
* Jackson's Grammie
* XebainSotau
* Disneymom73007
* hamm1207 and N365PA
* Arizona Rita
* Katpen5
* Maleficent59
* TripletsOnTheRun

The following have an asterisk next to their name on the FE columns on the Roll Call List, but I have not received an FE sign up from you. Sorry to put you on the spot. I just don't want to leave you out if you do in fact want to participate.

* Huggybear

 

[Arizona Rita]

Good norning Moondaughter,
I am so sorry. I honestly thought I sent whatever you needed.
Do you need the whole form or what?
I will get it back to you tonight if you need the whole form or if its just a couplr of questions tell me what they are and I can answer now.
I fell and broke my arm two weeks ago and am typing very slowly.
Thank you!
Rita

 

[pequele]

Good norning Moondaughter, I am so sorry. I honestly thought I sent whatever you needed. Do you need the whole form or what? I will get it back to you tonight if you need the whole form or if its just a couplr of questions tell me what they are and I can answer now. I fell and broke my arm two weeks ago and am typing very slowly. Thank you! Rita

Oh no Rita! Besides the typing is everything going ok now, luckily it wasn't right before the cruise! Id hate not to be able to wash my hands on a cruise ship (well anywhere for that matter but most certainly on a ship!

Sent from Stephie's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Arizona Rita]

Thanks Stephanie.
I caught water on my title floor in my kitchen and took a fall Jerry Lewis or Goofy would have been proud to call their own!
Luckily it was my left as I am a rightie. Not washing the hands as good as I would like does bug me.
I thought I had submitted everything for the FE. Now Im worried.
Dont leave me out cuz Im here and do want to play

 

[Sweetpeabass]

Which massages and body wraps did you do? I've been tempted. Signed up for a Swedish massage on the eve of day 3. I just know how rotten my muscles are and how great it will feel until that ungodly owie feeling when you knot all back up again haha. I know still not the same thing but because I'm such a ball of stress my muscles are confused Heck as it is tonight I was using the tennis ball on my shoulder and rib cage and I am just a mess there. Do you think I should I book one every day hahaha (just kidding). The body wrap is just the cellulite one correct? I have plenty of that to loose, I should book one of those everyday perhaps? What to do, what to do??

It is the Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap with Half Body Massage. I believe this is the one I did on my first ever Disney cruise, but not positive. Heather is doing that one plus a Swedish Massage and Tristan and I are doing the Couple's Swedish Massage. We do couple's massages all time here where we live; we are actually getting one on March 14.

 

[sweetlovin']

Thanks Stephanie.
I caught water on my title floor in my kitchen and took a fall Jerry Lewis or Goofy would have been proud to call their own!
Luckily it was my left as I am a rightie. Not washing the hands as good as I would like does bug me.
I thought I had submitted everything for the FE. Now Im worried.
Dont leave me out cuz Im here and do want to play

I hope you heal quickly

 

[pequele]

I updated the first thread through here. Please let me know if there is any thing you want me to add or remove? I am not taking info from the document you filled out simply because some people feel that added layer of security when their info is not so transparent which is fine.

It's crazy but I have been booked since day 1 and had 5 million days to go. We now have 87 days and I feel so behind in getting stuff together like magnets etc. still need to make my son a journal so he can bring it into show and tell just before the end of the school year. Ugh.

Sent from Stephie's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Arizona Rita]

Does anyone know if I should be worried that I havnt heard back from MoonDaughter yet?
I would really hate to miss out on the FE.
All of my info is correct on the first page.
Thanks!

 

[sls239]

Because I obsess and I can't book any excursions yet...

1) Is there lemonade, fruit punch, or root beer on board?
2) Is there any sort of discount for booking an "Adventures by Disney" on board?
3) Do the gift shops on board have any plus sized clothing?
4) Do all the elevators go to all the decks?

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Because I obsess and I can't book any excursions yet...

1) Is there lemonade, fruit punch, or root beer on board?
2) Is there any sort of discount for booking an "Adventures by Disney" on board?
3) Do the gift shops on board have any plus sized clothing?
4) Do all the elevators go to all the decks?

1) Lemonade and Fruit Punch yes, on deck 9. Not sure about root beer.
2) Sorry, don't know. Probably not.
3) Yes. But limited selection.
4) Yes.

 

[MousseauMob]

Does anyone know if I should be worried that I havnt heard back from MoonDaughter yet?
I would really hate to miss out on the FE.
All of my info is correct on the first page.
Thanks!

Have you emailed her? I know she is able to respond to her emails easier.

Because I obsess and I can't book any excursions yet...

1) Is there lemonade, fruit punch, or root beer on board?
2) Is there any sort of discount for booking an "Adventures by Disney" on board?
3) Do the gift shops on board have any plus sized clothing?
4) Do all the elevators go to all the decks?

Wendy replied to the items I know, but I did want to add a bit of clarification, the elevators do go to all floors, but sometimes you need pick the best elevator. For example, for Palo you want the AFT elevators.

 

[pequele]

It is the Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap with Half Body Massage. I believe this is the one I did on my first ever Disney cruise, but not positive. Heather is doing that one plus a Swedish Massage and Tristan and I are doing the Couple's Swedish Massage. We do couple's massages all time here where we live; we are actually getting one on March 14.

Ahhh I've been in need of a massage for sooo long now. I booked the Swedish one on the eve of day 3. I was thinking about how sore I will be after because I'm such a mess! So I'm thinking of another to help alleviate the pain but also added in a facial. Just not sure if it is all worth it (other than one). What to do what to do?

Because I obsess and I can't book any excursions yet...

1) Is there lemonade, fruit punch, or root beer on board?
2) Is there any sort of discount for booking an "Adventures by Disney" on board?
3) Do the gift shops on board have any plus sized clothing?
4) Do all the elevators go to all the decks?

1) Lemonade and Fruit Punch yes, on deck 9. Not sure about root beer.
2) Sorry, don't know. Probably not.
3) Yes. But limited selection.
4) Yes.

The only one I can say anything to really is that I believe there is only a "Future Cruise" desk. I don't think there is much more you could book onboard as far as Disney goes.


I think it would be awesome if people posted more questions like this because I wouldn't have thought of these things to ask, but it is great to know. I like lemonade and fruit punch! I too can't remember about root beer. BUT if you are looking for caffeine free products, did you know that Barqs Root Beer has caffeine and is the only one sold in the US with it? Just something to think about if you are caffeine free!

 

[pequele]

Just checked Palo tonight at 10:37pm EST. No brunches currently available. But looks like many dinners options. Of course I am the only one old enough on our ressie so that may make an issue but this was what I found:

Day 1

Sat, May 24
Vancouver, Canada
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
Day 2

Sun, May 25
At Sea
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:30 pm
Day 3

Mon, May 26
At Sea
6:30 pm *
7:30 pm *
8:30 pm
Day 4

Tue, May 27
Sitka, Alaska
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
Sail Away Deck Party
Day 5

Wed, May 28
Tracy Arm, Alaska
8:30 pm
Day 6

Thu, May 29
Skagway, Alaska
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
Day 7

Fri, May 30
Juneau, Alaska
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
Day 8

Sat, May 31
Ketchikan, Alaska
6:00 pm *
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
Day 9

Sun, Jun 01
At Sea
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
Cancel

 

[MousseauMob]

Ahhh I've been in need of a massage for sooo long now. I booked the Swedish one on the eve of day 3. I was thinking about how sore I will be after because I'm such a mess! So I'm thinking of another to help alleviate the pain but also added in a facial. Just not sure if it is all worth it (other than one). What to do what to do?

I hear ya! I have a big knot behind my right shoulder blade. But I can't do massages on ships. Front of the ship and me, just don't get along that well. I'm fine for a show or something, but not laying on my stomach with someone pushing on my back. Thanks for bringing it up though, because it gave me the idea to get one here before we leave.

Just checked Palo tonight at 10:37pm EST. No brunches currently available. But looks like many dinners options. Of course I am the only one old enough on our ressie so that may make an issue but this was what I found:

I'm so glad we booked ours. To anyone that wants brunch and didn't get one don't give up, reserve a dinner and after boarding get on the wait list. I went to dinner at Palo and when my server asked if he would see me again, I told him I hoped for brunch, was on the wait list, but wasn't able to get a reservation. The next morning I had a call they had an opening. Coincidence... maybe, but the same server was waiting for me when I walked in with a big grin!

That was on the Hawaii cruise which was mostly experienced (Platinum and Gold) travelers. Being Silver, getting a brunch reservation even with all those sea days wasn't possible.

 

[ImprovGal]

Because I obsess and I can't book any excursions yet...

1) Is there lemonade, fruit punch, or root beer on board?
2) Is there any sort of discount for booking an "Adventures by Disney" on board?
3) Do the gift shops on board have any plus sized clothing?
4) Do all the elevators go to all the decks?

1) yes, yes, and definitely not in the fountains. They may have cans available for purchase, but it's not guaranteed to be stocked. If you're concierge, they may be able to make sure some is available for you. I recommend bringing your own (and some rum to make root beer bombs with the soft serve ice cream)
2) Most likely not. In the past when they've had ABD on board for trips, they've given ABD presentations and offered a booking discount. Then they were just doing that on the Fantasy for a while, and I haven't heard of it being done on any ships recently.
3) I've seen t-shirts and tops sized up to 2x in ladies sizing. Unisex tees/sweatshirts may have been offered in higher sizes.
4) I can't remember whether or not midship elevators go to deck 1. You can't walk all the way between forward and aft on deck 1, at least. And if you're wearing a dress or skirt and heading to Palo or Cove you may not want to walk between forward and aft on the outside decks 9 or 10.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

So now that the FE update is out of the way I can socialize for a hot second. Groups are assigned! I just need to clean up my lists before I send them out. Providing no drama between now and Saturday I will have them out on time. I clearly had pixie dust sprinkled on me during the process because everyone votes were so even it made it easy to create your groups.

Still need to get email replies from:
* Pinocchio #1 Fan/The Maleficent One
* Vegam060
* Disneymom73007
* hamm1207 and N365PA
* Katpen5
* TripletsOnTheRun

No one will be kicked out if you don't respond. I'm just doing a standby list and I'll plug you in somewhere once I hear from you.

Sorry again, Rita for making you worry. I just can't respond to social media fast enough.


My Check-in Process:
My daughter and I were set for online check-in at 9:45p. We watched the Goofy cartoon as part of our check-in ritual (Am I the only one who LOVEs that cartoon ). We got all of our 1st choices for PAT and excursions (everything is through DCL except Mendenhall which we're doing on our own). Even though I said I wasn't going to, I changed my mind and went ahead and booked a Palo Brunch because this will be my last DCL vacation for a few years and I must have the Grape and Gorgonzola Pizza. Just kidding...The pizza is amazing, but I love all the food so I am treating myself.

The only way I'm able to even keep up as a single mom is because my often demanding job is virtual so I work from home and we homeschool. Things are easier now that DS is driving himself! But I agree, I need a vacation! Can't wait!!!

Sweet! I think there are a few if us single mamas here! Raise you hand single mamas!

Hats off to the Single Moms. Y'all and my sis impress me. Not sure how I would handle it. But then again I was not so sure I could homeschool either, and here I am

We are quite the range of people and talents but have sooo much in common. Love my DisBoards

Single Mom over here too!

I just got off with DCL and they have no idea which nights are which

I think they take great enjoyment in making us planners suffer!

Good Grief! I'm suffering. My past 3 cruises had the schedule out in the first 6 months. I guess I've been spoiled too much by DCL.

Just checked Palo tonight at 10:37pm EST. No brunches currently available. But looks like many dinners options. Of course I am the only one old enough on our ressie so that may make an issue but this was what I found:

I'm sorry you didn't get one. Do you want me to see if I can add you to my brunch since I'm by myself too? I'm at 10:30a on Tracy Arm day.

But otherwise if you get to the Palo reservations set up as soon as you board you'll have a good chance of getting a brunch. That's how I got my first one. On the Magic it was Studio Sea. Does anyone know where it would be on the Wonder? I know they also post the location in the terminal.

 

[chris31997]

So now that the FE update is out of the way I can socialize for a hot second. Groups are assigned! I just need to clean up my lists before I send them out. Providing no drama between now and Saturday I will have them out on time. I clearly had pixie dust sprinkled on me during the process because everyone votes were so even it made it easy to create your groups.

Still need to get email replies from:
* Pinocchio #1 Fan/The Maleficent One
* Vegam060
* Disneymom73007
* hamm1207 and N365PA
* Katpen5
* TripletsOnTheRun

No one will be kicked out if you don't respond. I'm just doing a standby list and I'll plug you in somewhere once I hear from you.

Sorry again, Rita for making you worry. I just can't respond to social media fast enough.


My Check-in Process:
My daughter and I were set for online check-in at 9:45p. We watched the Goofy cartoon as part of our check-in ritual (Am I the only one who LOVEs that cartoon ). We got all of our 1st choices for PAT and excursions (everything is through DCL except Mendenhall which we're doing on our own). Even though I said I wasn't going to, I changed my mind and went ahead and booked a Palo Brunch because this will be my last DCL vacation for a few years and I must have the Grape and Gorgonzola Pizza. Just kidding...The pizza is amazing, but I love all the food so I am treating myself.







Single Mom over here too!





Good Grief! I'm suffering. My past 3 cruises had the schedule out in the first 6 months. I guess I've been spoiled too much by DCL.



I'm sorry you didn't get one. Do you want me to see if I can add you to my brunch since I'm by myself too? I'm at 10:30a on Tracy Arm day.

But otherwise if you get to the Palo reservations set up as soon as you board you'll have a good chance of getting a brunch. That's how I got my first one. On the Magic it was Studio Sea. Does anyone know where it would be on the Wonder? I know they also post the location in the terminal.

Good for you for treating yourself. I think your rate

I have no clue where it would be on the Wonder. But when we check in at the port, there should be a Navigator handed out and it should have the info. I know I will need to be beelining it over there to get all our Palo Brunches under one time versus the individual times The joys of differant booking windows

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Good for you for treating yourself. I think your rate

I have no clue where it would be on the Wonder. But when we check in at the port, there should be a Navigator handed out and it should have the info. I know I will need to be beelining it over there to get all our Palo Brunches under one time versus the individual times The joys of differant booking windows

It will be in Wavebands on the Wonder. The navigator will tell you want time they will start taking reservations. We will be heading there too as we need to add people to our reservation.