May 8th 2008 cruise

[mdhkitten]

Sorry Fredms! LOL Ok, I wish that I had an AUNT that loved me that much!

Hey, I think that I saw on here (maybe it was somewhere else) that you can have someone that's sailing prior to you that's willing to do it, send your nieces a postcard saying that they're going on the cruise. I could possibly have dreamt that, and if I did, then it's a great idea!!

 

[mdhkitten]

Never mind, I guess that I didn't dream it! LOL Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=629204

 

[fredms]

Hey folks -

I was catching up on the thread and wanted to gve a little advice as this will be my fifth cruise on the Wonder.

- Palo is a must if you can. I usually swap it for Tritons but it will be the best meal on the ship.
- Spa is a little over priced (I live in NY - an overpriced world) and I've heard good things about the hot stone massage. Not sure I'd get a facial for the first time on the cruise in case you have a reaction. Beware of product pushing.
- Nassau is a little dumpy. In my opinion (for what its worth) stay on the ship. The time goes so fast and you will spend the Castaway Cay day at Castaway Cay. Spend the Nassau day enjoying a less crowded ship and everything it offers.

Just some thoughts.

How many more days?
S

 

[Grumpymom73]

Thanks for the tips! Please share anymore that you think of.

64 days to go if you count today. I don't want to so it's 63!

So what is everyone doing lately to get ready?

I went shopping over the weekend and picked up some clothes for the boys. I looked for myself but didn't buy anthing because I'm hoping to lose a few pounds. I did buy my over-the-door shoe organizer. I was so excited, but DH just looked at me like I was crazy. He just doesn't get that I live for these little things. I also bought a blow-up electric guitar for my DS14who is not sure he can survive a few days without playing. I'm going to keep it in my suitcase as a surprise joke.

 

[CastawayJP]

OK just put in my request with DU for the cruise. One step closer! All that is left now is to shell out the $'s!

We are planning on flying in the day before and staying at WDW. And after we get off the ship we are going to go over to WDW for a day at one of the parks before we fly back that night. Just our way of transitioning back into everyday life!

Next time I post we will be officially booked for this cruise!

 

[DisDee]

Glad to hear you'll be joining us CastawayJP! We also used DU for the first time and are very pleased with their customer service.

Grumpymom-I've done some shopping too. When we booked the cruise last August, I was able to find some end-of-summer clearance. I too was hoping to lose some weight so I bought a smaller size. In a few weeks I'll get them out of the attic and hope they fit. LOL! We were in Florida a couple of weeks ago, and I found 2 cover-ups. My DH's birthday is next week, so I'll be buying him some cruise wear (since he hates to shop). I need to think of something fun for him too.

fredms-We've already booked our Palo night and are looking forward to dining there. I just hope it isn't the same night as AP, but we can work that out once we're onboard.

We start our trip 2 months from today, as we'll be at WDW first. The countdown continues!

 

[DbleTheFun]

We decided not to do Palo this trip... dissapointing, but we thought we would make this holiday 100% about spending time with the boys. I am sure there will opportunities in the future to take in the restaurant... since I have heard so many good things about it!!

As for us, I havent done to much. I, like some of you have shopped for the kids... but as for me, nothing yet! Still hoping to lose a bit of weight maybe! HAHA.

Thanks for the tips regarding Nassau... I think we will stay on the ship. My DH may decide to go to the casino for a few hours, since he LOVES to do so when we cruise, and since there isnt one on the ship, this is a nice opportunity to do so for him... either that or he may go diving with a local outfit (Not booked with ship excursion) still deciding! I am content however, in just staying on the ship and relaxing! Hope to many others dont decide to do the same thing!!!

 

[fredms]

one more tip - the lanyards to hold your KTTW cards are very helpful especially for us ladies who don't always have pockets. They sell them on board for slightly less than a million dollars but you can get them at Walmart for a lot less.

As far as getting ready I may go do some shopping this weekend as I need a swim suit - also trying to loose some weight but have since last year so latest suits don't fit. Yay!

Am plannning to take the girls shopping in a couple weeks "just to buy them some summer clothes" as they still won't know about the trip.

Also trying to convince my sister to let them miss school on Wed so we can fly down on Tues night or Wed morning and spend Wed in MK. Will see how that goes.

 

[mdhkitten]

one more tip - the lanyards to hold your KTTW cards are very helpful especially for us ladies who don't always have pockets. They sell them on board for slightly less than a million dollars but you can get them at Walmart for a lot less.

As far as getting ready I may go do some shopping this weekend as I need a swim suit - also trying to loose some weight but have since last year so latest suits don't fit. Yay!

Am plannning to take the girls shopping in a couple weeks "just to buy them some summer clothes" as they still won't know about the trip.

Also trying to convince my sister to let them miss school on Wed so we can fly down on Tues night or Wed morning and spend Wed in MK. Will see how that goes.

Emily and I will be at MK on Wednesday as well! Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[Grumpymom73]

Well, I did some more shopping this weekend. I bought some stuff for DH and myself.

I"ve been giving some thought to upgrading our cabin. We are booked for a Cat. 11 but I've been looking at changing to a Cat. 9. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Only two more months to go!!!!

 

[CastawayJP]

It's official! We are in for the cruise. Paid it off a few days ago and the official countdown has begun!

 

[Grumpymom73]

It's official! We are in for the cruise. Paid it off a few days ago and the official countdown has begun!

Welcome!!!

 

[DisDee]

Grumpymom, How many are in your group? Are you in the "guaranteed" category or did you chose your stateroom?

I booked our rental car today with Enterprise. Our last 2 rentals were with them, and we were happy with their service and vehicles. Our rate is $118.00 for 4 days for an Intermediate car. Of course I'll continue to shop around as usual, but as of right now, I feel that's a good rate. The only drawback is that they're offsite at MCO. Oh well, whatever works! I'll take the cheap rate.

We've decided to go to the House of Blues during our WDW stay. Any reviews for me? We're also going to Villa de Flora at the Gaylord Palms. I've heard good reports about it, and the GP is awesome.

Counting down-4 more radiation treatments and 55 days till WDW!

 

[Grumpymom73]

We didn't pick our cabin, but when we booked we were told cabin #6605. We are a family of 4. If we called and wanted to upgrade would they even let us?

I have only known people who have gone to concerts at The House of Blues. Is this what you were planning? Or a meal?

I went to Walmart tonight and picked up my travel size Downy Wrinkle Release and added it to my cruise pile.

 

[DisDee]

Grumpymom...I just checked the DCL website, and as of right now, if you decided to upgrade to a Cat. 10, cabin 5522 is still available which is a "secret porthole room". In other words, you pay for a deluxe inside room, but get a room with a porthole that has an obstructed view. You would also get more square footage and a split bath. I'm sure they'll allow you to upgrade. DCL will happily take your money, but you'll have to pay the difference immediately.

Regarding the House of Blues, we're just going to do lunch or dinner. We like to try some new places each trip, and since we're not on the dining plan, we thought this might be a good choice.

DH and I had a discussion about our luggage last night. Every trip we say we're not going to pack so much, but always take more than we need. So we decided we'll take 2 large checked bags, 1 small rolling carry-on for our day bag, and I'll carry a tote bag that can be our beach bag for Castaway Cay. I figure we'll need 6 days worth of clothing for VWL and the cruise, then when we get to OKW we can do laundry if necessary. Now if I can cut back on my shoes, we'll be in good shape!

Grumpymom...let us know what you decide to do re: the upgrade.

 

[Grumpymom73]

Thanks so much for the 'secret' porthole info, but I think I was too late. I went online before I picked up the phone to call DCL and it said the cabin was no longer avail. Oh, well! It's my own fault for waiting so long to check. But again thanks so much for trying! I still think we will call this weekend and upgrade to a Cat. 10. or a Cat. 9. My DS8 wants a window but on such a short cruise I'm not sure it's worth the money. We don't plan on being in the cabin very much there's just too much to do!

You will have to let us know how The House of Blues was. I would think it would be a neat place to try. I also love trying a few new places mixed in with our favorites on each trip. Always fun to explore new things.

 

[Grumpymom73]

Well, we called and upgraded to a Cat. 9.

Now, I'm just waiting for my Deluxe Cruise PassPorter to arrive in the mail.

 

[DisDee]

I'm sure you'll love the larger Cat. 9 cabin Grumpymom! I was thinking about ordering the Passporter, but we borrowed our son's from last year when he honeymooned on DCL, so most of the info is pretty accurate.

I haven't done much in the way of planning for the last few days. DH did buy himself a couple of new shirts...one for Palo and also a tropical print for a casual meal. He got some shorts, a passport holder and digital camera case for his BD, so he'll look like a real tourist. LOL! All he needs to do is hang binoculars around his neck.

How's everyone else's planning going?

 

[Grumpymom73]

Well, I'm still doing little things to get ready. Bought some new shoes and got a new hairstyle today. I've wanted to get it cut for awhile and I decided I better do it now so I will have time to figure out how to work with it. Don't want bad hair days for all those pics they take onboard. LOL

Hope everyone else is doing well and having fun planning for their trip.

fredms - Did you figure out how to surprise the girls yet?

 

[degrapevine]

Hi! Another DIS-er signing in for the May 8th 3 Night Cruise!

This is our second Disney cruise (did a 4 Night back in Dec 2006). I wanted us to take another before the State Dept. decides to require passports for land travel to the Caribbean. Hey, that's almost $500 I can spend on Disney instead!

We are a family of 5, DH41, me (38), DS13, DS9, and DD7. This trip is our gift to ourselves after finally selling our home after 16 months, downsizing to get rid of debt, and settling in after a few months of living with boxes! Since we are Florida residents, when we got an email saying there were May cruise discounts available, I jumped on it. We are staying on Deck 1 (We were on Deck 2 last time, don't mind being "low" at all) in 2 adjoining Category 10 cabins. I couldn't resist the price ... less than $2100 for all 5 of us! The kids will miss 1 1/2 days of school, but they are all A/B students and have great teachers that will understand, plus we've all been under a lot of stress and it will do us a lot of good to get away!

My DS13 will be in the Teen group for the first time and is VERY shy, so if anyone has a 13 year old boy who likes computers, video games, Legos, math (basically geeky), I'd love to know it so Eric could maybe email before the cruise. Our other 2 are social butterflies and make friends easily, so I know they'll have a great time in the clubs.

We are signed up for Second Seating, but will try to get switched to First when we board so we are not rushed for the Pirate Party like last time. Also will probably do Palo the night of Triton's, as we were not really impressed with that menu. We did the Dolphin Encounter and the Ardastra Gardens last time, so we'll just stay on board on the Nassau day (other than some Straw Market shopping) to enjoy the ship.

We can't wait to see what goodies we'll get as Castaway Club members. DU was wonderful to book with (again) and I can't wait to relax after such a stressful past year!

Looking forward to meeting some DIS-ers on board!
Rose Devine (degrapevine)