May 9, 2012: 5 Night Bahamas Cruise on Disney Magic

[Britster18]

It's so cool every once in while I get totally teary eyed. I have no clue why, but it's just one of those things that if you get to see in person you will remember it for the rest of your life!
I'm so glad you got to have that experience... even if it's just a plane

 

[jenf22]

Britster18... This was prob'ly before your hubby was w/AF1 but it's my only AF1 story. Remember I mentioned we used to like taking the boys to go eat ice cream and watch planes in New Orleans years ago? Yep, one of our weekly or more trips we forgot that then-President Clinton was in New Orleans for something-or-other. There's a regular road open to daily traffic that runs parallel to the shorter of the 2 runways at that airport with a chain-link fence and short grassy strip between them. The shorter runway is only 5,000 ft long. On that day we made a few passes on that road, could see AF1 in the distance pulled off/parked away from the regular terminals, but there really wasn't much going on. For whatever reason we decided to go to a nearby mall for something, forget exactly what for. On our way back out to the car we noticed right away that there were helicopters all over and regular air traffic was circling far off in the distance. Tracey looked at me and said, "Hurry up! AF-1 is about to take off!" We strapped the boys down and high-tailed it back towards the airport. I kept telling Tracey not to get in a hurry because there was no way they were going to attempt to take that massive airplane off the short runway. Even if we got in prime position we wouldn't see much with it taking off the long runway. Still, we hurried keeping a close eye on the skies as it was very apparent that the airspace was being cleared of all traffic. We made the turn onto the airport/short runway road and directly behind us a police car pulled onto the road with his lights on and closed the road. Tracey was freakin' out! "It's happening! We're going to see it!" I was still not willing to believe it would be on the short runway. 5k feet is not much and we'd seen so many smaller passenger planes use every inch to get off the ground. We rounded the corner and, low and behold, we were right next to AF-1 side-by-side in it's full glory. I couldn't believe it! Tracey slowed down a little but not too much realizing full-well that we could easily be seen as a security threat. We rolled down the windows, watched, and cheered, as that massive aircraft sprung to life. We could see people's faces in the windows of the plane. It was so surreal...and beautiful....and amazing! I know the exact stats on that aircraft aren't put out there for anyone to access but I can tell you that day we watched a frickin' 747 lift off a 5,000 ft. runway using only half the distance available. Now that is impressive! Definitely a highlight of our airport gazing days. Big time!

It is definitely cool to see. Whenever the president is in Denver, AF1 lands here (at the base where I work). I've never seen it take off or land though. I work for Boeing, so anytime I can see a 747 up close (ish) is super cool!

I don't know if we're going to do the full-blown pirate costumes for this cruise or not. I suspect maybe not. Anytime the topic of Pirate Night comes up Tracey talks about wanting do all-out costumes. Yesterday I finally asked him if he realized how much quality costumes cost to purchase, reenactment quality, not costumes like from a store. I told him and he said, "Yeah. And?" Like that's okay to spend. He went on to explain his perspective and it really does make sense. How many Disney cruises do we have booked? There's a Pirate Night on each of them. Investing in or taking the time to construct good quality pirate ensembles for us is more like an investment and something we can add to over time. It's not like they're a one-shot deal. So true! I doubt I spring for all that stuff before this cruise but I see a direction for us to be working towards in the future.

We all have full-up pirate costumes because we dressed up last year for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom. Just last night my husband was asking "Are we really dressing up? Do adults do that?". So I *think* we're dressing up. I might need to research it more so we're not the only adults wandering around looking like pirates!

 

[Britster18]

My DH would LOVE to work for Boeing... sooo cool!!!

As for pirate night, I don't think we are going to do costumes but just do accessories.

In Tampa every year we have Gasparilla (a pirate invasion) so over the years we have collected all kinds of stuff.

 

[PixieMom712]

So many A-10 fans! That's awesome. Now I have to see if I can get my hubby to agree to do something A-10 themed for the FE. XD

I have never seen AF1, but DH's brother used to do a lot of the pre-arrival setup stuff. That's as close as I've ever gotten!

I think for Pirate Night DS is going to have a costume. I'm looking at maternity t-shirts with pirate logos and I might bring a hat. We'll be lucky if we can get DH in a bandana . I am jealous of Sweetpee_1993!

 

[Mom2Finn]

Can I ask a check in question? We are spending the night before in a near by hotel. They have a shuttle/car service to the port, but I am worried that I won't be able to take it since we have the baby and she is in a car seat. So DH is talking about driving us over, dropping off me and the kids and then driving back to the hotel and taking the shuttle. Is there a better plan? Would there be someplace for us to wait?

 

[Britster18]

Can I ask a check in question? We are spending the night before in a near by hotel. They have a shuttle/car service to the port, but I am worried that I won't be able to take it since we have the baby and she is in a car seat. So DH is talking about driving us over, dropping off me and the kids and then driving back to the hotel and taking the shuttle. Is there a better plan? Would there be someplace for us to wait?

I think you should be fine in the shuttle. It's either a big van that has seat belts or a shuttle bus thing that doesn't have any seat belts at all.

You can always call the hotel and ask?

 

[Mom2Finn]

I think you should be fine in the shuttle. It's either a big van that has seat belts or a shuttle bus thing that doesn't have any seat belts at all.

You can always call the hotel and ask?

Thanks! If it had seatbelts and I brought her car seat, would there be any place for me to check or store it on the boat?

 

[Britster18]

Thanks! If it had seatbelts and I brought her car seat, would there be any place for me to check or store it on the boat?

I've read on here that if you ask your CM for your room, they can store it for you. I don't know where... but they can. I'm debating our stroller.
Also, the beds are raised... I can't remember how high, but high enough for a suitcase so I bet if you put the handle down all the way (if it's an infant seat?) it will fit under the bed.

 

[wildforgoofy]

You will need to book what they call a "dummy" cruise. It is just for that purpose. DCL only has bookings available thru 2013. What you will do is go to the future cruise desk and let them know what you are planning, they are great and will help you with the process. They will book you on a cruise that is available, usually a short cruise to keep your deposit low. Then you will keep moving that booking until you are able to book the one you want. You will keep the 10% off and the OBC. Many people book dummies, I will be doing two myself! We want a Fantasy cruise '14!

Just be sure you move it before the PIF date!! You dont want to lose it!

My guess would be as far out as you can book a cruise?

Thanks for all the info on the cruise. I was telling my DH about it, and he said, "Let's see if we like the cruise before we start booking future cruises." I was like Dahhhh! Of course we'll love it, what are you talking about!

 

[DVCTigger]

I've read on here that if you ask your CM for your room, they can store it for you. I don't know where... but they can. I'm debating our stroller.
Also, the beds are raised... I can't remember how high, but high enough for a suitcase so I bet if you put the handle down all the way (if it's an infant seat?) it will fit under the bed.

The beds will not fit a car seat underneath, there is room for a suitcase, but not a car seat. Also, your plan to have your DH drop you off then drop off car is actually a good idea. You would be able to start check in (and possibly get thru) while DH is dropping off the car. As long as you can handle the kids by yourself, this works well. And if you are going to put any kids in a kids club, then you can get in that line sooner as well. If you take the shuttle, I'm sure your statroom host can store your car seat for you. Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for all the info on the cruise. I was telling my DH about it, and he said, "Let's see if we like the cruise before we start booking future cruises." I was like Dahhhh! Of course we'll love it, what are you talking about!

Believe me, it wont take long before you will be ready to book a dummy cruise! FYI, the lines at the future cruise desk are super short at the beginning of the cruise, and pretty long the last day or two! The sooner you decide the better

 

[PixieMom712]

We were talking about having DH drop the car (Budget rental we think) while I wait with DS to check in. My concern is our checked luggage. If he drops me off is there a place to leave it, or do we have to keep it with us until we board/check in/get a boarding number? I am planning on tags with our Stateroom # on them, but this is a part of the process I can't seem to find any info on! I can handle DS and carry ons but not the big bags too. Thanks!

And here is my first attempt at a door magnet. I figured I should make one DH will appreciate.

 

[DVCTigger]

We were talking about having DH drop the car (Budget rental we think) while I wait with DS to check in. My concern is our checked luggage. If he drops me off is there a place to leave it, or do we have to keep it with us until we board/check in/get a boarding number? I am planning on tags with our Stateroom # on them, but this is a part of the process I can't seem to find any info on! I can handle DS and carry ons but not the big bags too. Thanks!

And here is my first attempt at a door magnet. I figured I should make one DH will appreciate.

Your DH will be directed to the drop off location, and there will be porters right there to take your bags. DCL will send with your cruise docs luggage tags for all the checked bags, so no need for you to make your own. The porters are DCL protocol, but it is a nice way to start the cruise, they wisk your bags away, and they will be delivered to your room. They should show up before dinner. Ours are usually there when we return to our room from the sail away party.
And again, you can go ahead and get the check in DONE while DH is returning the car. You dont have to wait for him to check in. The only thing is that you will need his passport, and he will need his DL to get into the terminal.

And I really like your door magnet!

 

[Mom2Finn]

The beds will not fit a car seat underneath, there is room for a suitcase, but not a car seat. Also, your plan to have your DH drop you off then drop off car is actually a good idea. You would be able to start check in (and possibly get thru) while DH is dropping off the car. As long as you can handle the kids by yourself, this works well. And if you are going to put any kids in a kids club, then you can get in that line sooner as well. If you take the shuttle, I'm sure your statroom host can store your car seat for you. Good luck with your decision!

Thank you for your help. Do you do kids club after check in?

We were talking about having DH drop the car (Budget rental we think) while I wait with DS to check in. My concern is our checked luggage. If he drops me off is there a place to leave it, or do we have to keep it with us until we board/check in/get a boarding number? I am planning on tags with our Stateroom # on them, but this is a part of the process I can't seem to find any info on! I can handle DS and carry ons but not the big bags too. Thanks!

And here is my first attempt at a door magnet. I figured I should make one DH will appreciate.

Love it! How did you make it?

Your DH will be directed to the drop off location, and there will be porters right there to take your bags. DCL will send with your cruise docs luggage tags for all the checked bags, so no need for you to make your own. The porters are DCL protocol, but it is a nice way to start the cruise, they wisk your bags away, and they will be delivered to your room. They should show up before dinner. Ours are usually there when we return to our room from the sail away party.
And again, you can go ahead and get the check in DONE while DH is returning the car. You dont have to wait for him to check in. The only thing is that you will need his passport, and he will need his DL to get into the terminal.

And I really like your door magnet!

So if our check in time is 12, should he drop me off at 12 or earlier? And what is a DL? So I would just have the kids and the carry ons? That seems possible. Thank you for your help!!

 

[lzmom_of_twins]

Tiffany I love your magnet!!! My DH loves the Redwings too! I think you should make us all magnets for the FE

 

[DVCTigger]

Thank you for your help. Do you do kids club after check in?

There will be a seperate line for getting the kids checked into the clubs in the terminal. This line tends to be longer then the checkin line! Not really sure why it takes so long. My kids are all adults now, and this process is new from my last few cruises. You used to go to the club after boarding to check the kids into the clubs. Now you do it in the terminal pre-boarding.

So if our check in time is 12, should he drop me off at 12 or earlier? And what is a DL? So I would just have the kids and the carry ons? That seems possible. Thank you for your help!!


12 is fine, if you want to get started a little eariler, they wont stop you from entering the terminal. DL = Drivers License He will need ID to get into the terminal, and knowing your room number helps too!! And yes, just you and the kids and whatever carryons you want to deal with. Or you can leave carryons with DH! The only thing DH will need to do once in the terminal is get his picture taken (assuming this is your first cruise). And. . . you're welcome!!

Hope that helps. . . feel free to ask away if you need more!

 

[Feisty Fairy]

Oh choices to be made. I know I am staying at the Residence Inn the night before the cruise because I have a free night. But I have annual passes that are itching to be used before May 8 when they expire. Debating on staying at WDW on the 7th to get a Day and half of parks. To decide on yes or no, what hotel and QSP Dining or BDP. Oh sweet choices

 

[lzmom_of_twins]

Fiesty we are staying at Bonnet Creek May 5-9. It was super cheap.. 2 bedroom deluxe condo for $425 TOTAL! If you decide not to go, LMK if your tickets can be transferred. Ill buy them off of you. We are going to MK the 7th and HS on the 8th

 

[Feisty Fairy]

Fiesty we are staying at Bonnet Creek May 5-9. It was super cheap.. 2 bedroom deluxe condo for $425 TOTAL! If you decide not to go, LMK if your tickets can be transferred. Ill buy them off of you. We are going to MK the 7th and HS on the 8th

That is too funny. We where thinking about MK and Epcot on the 7th and HS on the 8th for half a day so we could ride Star Tours. Small World. Pun intended.

We are thinking of one of the value resorts with dining plan (not sure which one) as they are running annual pass holder discounts right now. Or maybe Wilderness Campsite.

 

[DVCTigger]

We are thinking of one of the value resorts with dining plan (not sure which one) as they are running annual pass holder discounts right now. Or maybe Wilderness Campsite.

Oh, we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Fort!!! That is how we got addicted to WDW! Spent about 3.5 weeks at Fort Wilderness in December when kids were in year round school, it was Awesome! We were hooked!

 

[lzmom_of_twins]

That is too funny. We where thinking about MK and Epcot on the 7th and HS on the 8th for half a day so we could ride Star Tours. Small World. Pun intended.

We are thinking of one of the value resorts with dining plan (not sure which one) as they are running annual pass holder discounts right now. Or maybe Wilderness Campsite.

Well maybe we will see you in line at Star Tours