May 6, 2007 - 4 night Wonder

[cindrelly31]

Ok, so 160 days may seem like a lot, but it is only 5 months 1 week and 2 days! Can we make it??? I don't think so. I am just too excited about this.

We are taking my 16-year old sis on the trip . She had one last chance to "make the grade" (she was insisting on bringing home D's & E's) . This year she has pulled all A's & B's!!!! (All she had to do was turn in homework that made up 60% of her grade!)

A friend of mine purchased the Passorter Guide to WDW for thier first trip down. My DH & I browsed through it and found A LOT of helpful tips and info (more so that Birnbaum's). I have ordered the "Deluxe" edition that comes in a binder that is update-able for the years you decide to take a trip. The Disney Cruise edition should be available in Jan if anyone is interested. (www.passporter.com)

The reason for the previous paragraph is that my sister just wasn't too excited because browsing through the pictures of our previous trips (without her) and other video just didn't give her a "teenage" view. The Passporter has tips for traveling with infants, toddlers, children, teens, and other adults. She finds it to be very helpful in deciding what she would like to do on our land portion of the vacation.

So far for the cruise I have listed 12 adults, 1 teen, 1 pre-teen, and 4 children and 3 under-3. I will plan on making bracelets for everyone. Has anyone thought of what time we would like to meet? I tried to attend a meet on the previous cruise we took. Only about 5 families showed up of the 20 that said they would be at the meet. That meet was before the sail away party. I think we should meet after when everyone has gotten more comfortable with the ship.

I look forward to seeing everyone. Until later...keep dreaming of the fabulous sunny locations we will be (it is another dreary day here in Michigan.)

 

[DisneyPhD]

Serousily, today is LOVELY for MI in Nov. Or at least as good as it gets.

I think the meet after the sail away party is a good idea.

I have 2 trips to WDW before this one, so it is my last trip on my mind, but we are looking forward to it. Also we have never been before so we don't know what to expect (but I am going to look at your book Cindy.)

 

[Lesley Mahler]

Is there enough time between the sail away party and 1st seating to do a meeting? This is our first cruise and I have no idea what to expect!!!!!!!!!

Lesley

 

[cindrelly31]

Is there enough time between the sail away party and 1st seating to do a meeting? This is our first cruise and I have no idea what to expect!!!!!!!!!

Lesley

We should have a bit of time. We could even arrange to meet on Deck 10 above the party for a different view if people wanted to do that. (I don't recommend because we won't hear anyone talk.)

Let's see what I remember...

Sail away starts at 4:30...Boat actually pulls away right at 5pm...party lasts about an hour, so that puts us at 5:30ish.

(Coming back to reality)...We could meet at 5:45pm in the Promanade Lounge (it will be quieter in there). Do you think that would be enough time everyone to get together before the FIRST first seating at 6:15??

Happy, happy, joy joy to meet more people!!! I am so excited!!

 

[vgates81]

That seems like a good time to meet. Plenty of exploring time before then too!

Anyone have advice for obtaining passports we need for the cruise? I need to get our familys before we go. None of us ever needed one before so I dont know where to start really.

 

[cindrelly31]

Check out these sites for passport information.

Passport Home: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
First Time: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html

It is the government site. I would not wait much past the end of Jan to apply.

We are going to apply for my sister's and daughter's the middle of January. (With hopes we have the new Birth Certificate for DD!!) They recommend for a child under 2 to wait until 3 months before departure so you have the most recent up-to-date photo since children change so fast.

Also, for children under a certain age you need BOTH parents to go to apply. Make sure you read all the rules closely.

When you do get the passports back in the mail, you may not get them back all at the same time. My DH & I applied together and his arrived before mine. (Ours were processed at different locations.)

 

[cindrelly31]

Well - 3 1/2 months until we cruise. How is everyone doing? We haven't been here for a while, so I just wanted to bump the thread. Look forward to seeing everyone.

Oh BTW - I just became a stay at home mom So I will have time to concentrate on the vacation more!! Or at least as much as my 10 month old DD will let me.

Stay in touch.

 

[Lesley Mahler]

I thought we didn't need passports, did something change??

TIA,
Lesley

 

[vgates81]

This is a long post... This confuses me as to if we do or dont need passports but this is from the Disney cruise official website.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/myCruise/landing?name=PassportDetailPage

My Passport

On October 4, 2006, the U.S. Government extended the deadline for Guests to obtain passports for sea travel to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico. The deadline is now expected to be January 1, 2008. Please note, however, that recent legislative changes may permit an even later deadline depending on whether certain requirements are in place by January 1, 2008.

For air travel, however, the deadline is now January 23, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air on or after January 23, 2007, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are still required to carry a valid passport after the effective date.

Despite these new requirements, we encourage you to obtain your passport as soon as possible. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you're traveling. For more information on the benefits of acquiring a passport, visit our FAQ.

Below you will find some helpful reminders and web site links that can assist you in applying for a passport:
When to Start
What You Need
Where to Go

We'll also provide you information on:

Passports for Children under the age of 14
Renewing a Passport

When's the best time to get started? Right now!

When To Start
In general, the passport application process can take up to eight weeks to complete, so it's best to get started as soon as possible — even if your sailing is months away.

At Disney Cruise Line®, we ask that you provide your passport number at least 75 days prior to the start of your vacation in your Guest Information Form in My Online Check-In. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to acquire proper citizenship documentation (passport and/or green card). Those without proper documentation at time of departure will be denied boarding.

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What You Need
You must appear in person at the passport location when you are applying for a passport for the first time. This includes minors (see Passports for Children under the Age of 14 below).

Here are the documents you will need in most cases:

1. The U.S. Government's DS-11 Application – Download the application from the government site to be certain you have the latest form.

Tip: You will need to complete this form, but do NOT sign it until you are at the passport location where the Passport Acceptance Agent will instruct you. If you sign the application form before you get there, it will not be accepted and you will be asked to fill out a new form!

Tip: Don't use white-out or correction tape on the application; you will be asked to fill out a new form.

2. Proof of Citizenship – Visit the US Government website for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship, including the particulars of what is considered a certified birth certificate.

Tip: Your certified birth certificate will be submitted with the passport application. That means you will not have it for approximately eight weeks. If you will need the certificate during that time — for example, to register your child to attend kindergarten or to play soccer — be sure to make a copy.

3. Current valid identification with a signature, photo and physical description (your height, weight, etc.) – Visit the government site for examples of valid identification.

Tip: A social security card is not considered valid identification.

4. Two current color photos – Visit the government site for the particulars of a passport photo, including size and acceptable attire.

Tip: Some passport locations offer photos at an additional charge. Call your location to find out.

5. Methods of Payment – Visit the US Government site for the methods of payment. Different locations accept different forms of payment. Be sure to check with your individual passport location to verify its acceptable methods of payment. You can request Expedited Service to obtain your passport faster than the normal processing time.

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Where To Go
There are 14 Passport Agencies and over 7,000 public places that accept passport applications. To find the locations nearest to you, including locations that offer handicap access and photos on-site or nearby, enter your zip code in the form at the US Government site.

Tip: Be sure to contact your location to verify acceptable forms of payment, hours of operation, and need for an appointment.

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Passports for Children under the Age of 14
To submit an application for a child under the age of 14, the child must appear in person. Visit the U.S. Government's information on passports for children and the U.S. Government's issue of Consent for an Application of a Minor for information on obtaining passports for children under the age of 14.

If your child is adopted abroad, we recommend you visit Child Citizenship for information on appropriate documentation requirements.

Tip: You must use a birth certificate that includes parents' names. The credit card-sized birth certificate you may have for your children may not include your names. You will need a certified birth certificate.

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Renewing a Passport
You can renew your passport by mail or in person. Download U.S. Government's Renewal Form DS-82 and review the U.S. Government's information on renewing passports.

 

[ktstewart]

May will be here before we know it!! This is our first cruise. We have three daughters, ages 11, 9 and 6. They are so excited. My daughter will have her 10th birthday on during the cruise...she thinks this is so cool!!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

May will be here before we know it!! This is our first cruise. We have three daughters, ages 11, 9 and 6. They are so excited. My daughter will have her 10th birthday on during the cruise...she thinks this is so cool!!!

Wonderful and welcome. I knew there had to be more people out there on this ship then the 4 or 5 of us on this thread.

I have a 6 year old DD too (or will be at the time of the trip.)

Anyone else going to be on this boat with us??????? Come on, I know you are out there.

 

[bethzfl]

We're going! My first cruise - (DH has been when he was younger). We'll be celebrating our 1 yr anniversary on the 7th

 

[DisneyPhD]

We're going! My first cruise - (DH has been when he was younger). We'll be celebrating our 1 yr anniversary on the 7th

Yea, 2 new people in 1 day!

Welcome.

 

[vgates81]

Welcome to the thread!

I will have an almost 1 year old, and also will have a 6 year old on the cruise.

So much to celebrate for us!

My birthday is April 20th!

My Daughter will be 1 year old May 24th!

And My 8th wedding anniversary is May 29th!

Im so excited omg.. 3 months really? omg ! yeay omg!

 

[ktstewart]

No need for passports unless we are flying...right?

 

[vgates81]

Thats what it looks like it says but its hard to tell.. Might have to call and confirm it soon. I want to be all set. To be denied boarding on arrival would kill me!

 

[Heironymous]

Hi everyone!

We just made final arrangements for the May 6th (4 night) Disney cruise. This will be our first cruise as a family. We have friends who cruise and they recommended Disney as a good first cruise experience for us. I haven't been on a cruise ship in over 20 years and I've heard it has changed quite a bit

Since we weren't sure if our 2 children (DS is 7 and DD is 2) would like any of the kid's clubs we invited my sister to join us. She has been on a cruise before and has wanted to travel with us. So, for the price of her airline ticket, she has promised to help us out with the kids on this vacation.

 

[Lesley Mahler]

Hi Everyone
I'm so confused about the passports!! Is anyone getting them?
Help please
TIA,
Lesley

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi Everyone
I'm so confused about the passports!! Is anyone getting them?
Help please
TIA,
Lesley

We haven't decided yet. We had planned to, but are procrastinating. If you don't have to that is like $400 we saved. Also the girls are so small if we do get pass ports for them I would rather just wait for next year when they are a bit bigger.

I think it is safer with them, but it more work and money with them too.

Welcome Heironymous, I have a 2 year old DD too.

 

[Heironymous]

Thanks for the welcome.

Glad to see there will be others with small children.

As for passports, we decided to go ahead and get them for the kids, as we already had them. You do not need to have a passport to board the ship. The date for that requirement was pushed back 1 year to 2008. You only need a passport to fly out of, or, into the US, from a foreign country.

The only reason we decided to get them for the kids is that our 2 Yr old is susceptible to catching colds, and if for any unforseen reason she got seriously ill on the cruise that forced us to disembark from the ship in the Bahamas, both our children would not be able to fly home to the USA without a passport.

So, it is the "better safe than sorry" rule that made us rethink our options. After much debate it was that fear, that very small percentage chance, you WILL need it, that motivated us to cough up the extra money. We figured after what we were already spending on the cruise, the stay at WDW (before & after), and travel insurance premium (trip cancel, & medical), it seemed to us, the wisest choice.

Hope that helps.