May 28, 2009 Wonder Cruise - Anyone Else?

[dthogue]

Well, our kids just think we are going to Disney World. That is the norm for our vacation. We have been talking about different things for us to do this year. I still don't know what we are going to tell them the morning we head to the port. I suppose i will tell them there was something fun I read about there...

My plan is to ask Brenna if she wants to spend the day at the beach, then when we get to the port and can see the ships in the distance we are going to pull over and give her a letter from Mickey telling her about the cruise. Hope this all works out as planned.

Tammy

 

[dthogue]

We are hoping to arrive by 10am also; at least that is the plan. We got a great deal on our rental so it will be cheaper to leave it at the port than to drop it off and pick up another one after.

I don't know how you are keeping it a secret...I would have let it slip by now. My DD has to be involved in every aspect though, so there is no surprising her.

Would you mind sharing you car rental deal? I'm struggling with the planning as well - right now we are planning on spending Wednesday at the Nick Hotel, then driving to the port. My other option is to spend the day at Sea World and get a cheaper hotel. Its killing me not being able to ask her what she wants to do.

Tammy

 

[Jenn522]

Just popping in again to say hi. Can't believe it's April already. I'm sorry we're not participating in Fish Extenders but please don't forget about me (us)! Still hope to meet up with you all (3:00? is that official time?).

Kinda OT but... on a whim I decided to look for a new bathing suit -- a treat since I just lost 10 lbs+ and wanted something new for the vaca. What a horrifying experience!! The harsh department store lights!!! The pale, pasty skin from a long winter!!! AAAAAAHHHH!!!! Plus the stores didn't have much of a selection yet. I've actually got to shop for the kids too -- like, overnight, both of them (DD-11 and DS-9) grew and need everything for spring/summer. Anyone else need to shop for their trip?

Well, that's it here from NJ on a cold, April day. Spring? HA! The forecast today is calling for SNOW showers!!!

Let's keep counting down those days!!

Jenn

 

[tay72699]

Would you mind sharing you car rental deal? I'm struggling with the planning as well - right now we are planning on spending Wednesday at the Nick Hotel, then driving to the port. My other option is to spend the day at Sea World and get a cheaper hotel. Its killing me not being able to ask her what she wants to do.

Tammy

I got an Alamo weekly special back in December...mid size for $132/$190 with all fees. I figure that will save a lot of time with returning the rental and getting back to the airport, plus the convenience factor. We rented points for BWV from a friend and saved alot of $, so we are able to go down on the 25th and spend a few days at WDW prior to cruising. We are still tossing around the idea of DVC since BWV is our favorite place to stay.

 

[astempel]

I also have to shop for our family for the cruise. The girls (10,8, and 3) need all new summer clothes! If it makes you feel any better, it is only 47 degrees here today! No snow, but still cold!

 

[live4christp1]

Hi all!!!!!

7 weeks from tomorrow we will be setting sail!

 

[tay72699]

We are counting the days...

My DD and friend are counting down anxiously....they will miss the last four days of school since snow days were used. That makes this vacation even better for them.

For those of you spending time at WDW prior to cruising, have you thought about shipping your FE and gifts down to the resort? I am thinking this might be a good idea; I want to avoid trying to lug everything since we are flying. Any thoughts?

 

[live4christp1]

Still waiting on room assignment. Maybe we will get a good upgrade.

 

[goofydad99]

We are driving so we won't be shipping anything ahead.

I am ready for vacation!

We are missing one day of school as well!

I still haven't spilled the beans either. Although I have come close.

 

[sshivers]

Ok..here is an updated list of peeps participating in the FE. Please let me know if I missed anyone. Also, when you get your room # please send me a PM and I will add it to the master list. I have a nice spreadsheet with names, ages, and room #'s that I will send out before the cruise that you will be able to print off and take with.

basketrn - 2 adults 2 children (DS 12, DS 5mos)
sshivers - 2 adults 2 children (DS 11, DS 1)
astemple - 2 adults 3 children (DD 10, DD 7, DD 3)
live4christpl - 2 adults 2 children (DS 11, DD 6) **Nut Allergy**
gmilligan - 2 adults 2 children (DS 16, DD 9)
mickeefan - 2 adults 1 child (DC 11)
jamdkvan - 2 adults 3 children (DD 9, DS 7, DD 5)
dthogue - 2 adults 1 child (DD 11)
apples1996 - 2 adults 1 child (DD 10)
tay72699 - 2 adults 2 childredn (DD 9 DD 10)

We have lots of kids around the same age! Very exciting!! Only 77 more days!!

So what is everyones excursion plans? SSHIVERS...are you going to use flounders? I am torn..this would be the first time DS would be in child care that wasn't a family member, but I would really like to have some free time, maybe to do the spa, or enjoy Palos?

Anyone going to make any spa plans? I really want to do the couples villa thing, but 400 plus

So any plans for us to all meet at some point? We arrive the morning of the cruise and will be driving from the airport (our plane lands at 9am). Then staying at WDW for 10 days after the cruise

I have not made plans to use Flounders. I think I will leave that up to timing and if I need free time and Flounders is not full then maybe. Playing that by ear.

 

[sshivers]

Yes, its getting harder and harder to keep the secret - just this week she came home from school all excited becasue her class field trip is on her birthday - the 28th!! We'll guess what, she won't be there - I'm so torn as what to do - should we tell her or just keep going with the surprise. I'm gonna play it by ear and see how the next few weeks go - if something else comes up school related I might just have to tell her something.

Tammy

This is so funny because we are surprising our DS for his 11th birthday also. We received a letter home saying his 5th grade graduation is on the 27th. This will put us about 6 hours behind on leaving for the cruise.

 

[Mickeefan]

The title says it all, but the specific question is whether kids can wear dress shorts in the dining room for dinner or not. Would dress shorts with a polo be okay for a kid about 12 years old? Thanks.

 

[goofydad99]

This is so funny because we are surprising our DS for his 11th birthday also. We received a letter home saying his 5th grade graduation is on the 27th. This will put us about 6 hours behind on leaving for the cruise.

Our ds is going to miss his. They rescheduled it due to snow days and now he won't be there for it. I can't imagine making the long drive and boarding the ship in the same day.

 

[basketrn]

The title says it all, but the specific question is whether kids can wear dress shorts in the dining room for dinner or not. Would dress shorts with a polo be okay for a kid about 12 years old? Thanks.

I think a pair of dress shorts and polo would be fine! That is what my DS will be wearing. I think on the 3 day cruise there really isn't a "formal" night like the other longer cruises.

 

[dthogue]

This is so funny because we are surprising our DS for his 11th birthday also. We received a letter home saying his 5th grade graduation is on the 27th. This will put us about 6 hours behind on leaving for the cruise.

Well at least you are still able to have him attend - bummer that you will be leaving later - I bet you'll be dying to leave thinking the whole time through the ceremony about the cruise My daughter is so excited about her 5th grade Graduation, although it isn't until June 5th.

When is you DS' birthday?

Tammy

 

[goofydad99]

Ok, it is slowly getting closer. We booked our pre cruise room yesterday. I don't know if I will be able to tear the children away from Storm Along Bay.

Has anyone else considered buying their own snorkeling gear?

 

[goofydad99]

Duplicate

 

[dthogue]

Has anyone else considered buying their own snorkeling gear?

On our last cruise we brought along our own masks and snorkels - we didn't bring the fins - I bought decent sets at Walmart and they were fine for what little snorkeling we did. I couldn't get past sharing snorkels knowing that others used them before us Although I don't know what happened to them - can't find them, might have to buy another set for us to share

Tammy

 

[live4christp1]

Dress codes for kids (preteen boys). I'm glad to see that others would rather just do the dress shorts and polo for the boys. I know DS was not going to be happy to be dressy. What is it with this age (11) .

So dress shorts & polo for dress up night.

I'm curious as to what your boys around the same age will be wearing the other two evenings. I know my DS would rather be in a pair of cargo shorts and a t-shirt.

Thanks,
Cristy

 

[live4christp1]

HEY FE EXCHANGE PARENTS

If you have a moment can you please take time to post your kids favorite character and an alternative. If they are older and don't really care for the Disney characters much anymore post what they like.

Thanks!
Cristy