More random questions!!

[jenlovesdisney]

Here is the next batch of random questions I have been jotting down! (CM Mom are you listening?)

When you board which one should you go to Parrot Cay or Topsider's for lunch?

I have read that you can get your dessert to go and take it to the show. Does anyone do that? Is it frowned upon or is it OK? If I can I would love to do that! I plan on stuffing my face at dinner (hey~ at least I am being honest!) and if I know I can get dessert I will want to and eating it later sounds like a happy solution!

Where is the best place to sit in the theater? I have a 3 and 5 year old.

Is there a kids performance on the 3 night? Do they do anything special any kind of theme nights on the 3 night?

Thanks again in advance!

 

[CM_Mom]

Jen, yep I'm listening. This is my DIS time just since I tend to be a night owl while I'm listening to the Weather Channel to figure out if Ivan is heading toward in-laws in NW Florida.

Parrot Cay or Topsiders in my opinion depends on WHEN you are sailing. In the summer, I'd recommend Parrot Cay since Topsiders can get somewhat hot if you're sitting outside in Port. In the winter, lots of folks have mentioned that they know their vacation has begun when they sit in the SUN at Topsiders, especially if they've come from freezing weather at home. We ate in Parrot Cay in May. Both are buffet I believe. I think it's a matter of preference.

Don't remember seeing anyone with desert in the show but we had late seating so went to the early show. I think the plate and fork would be awkward. HOWEVER, Subhash fixed my cheesecake "to go" one night when I was too stuffed to eat it and I took it back to the room for a late night snack. In fact, he wouldn't let me take the partially eaten one from the table and insisted on bringing me a fresh piece on a clean plate (with sauce and delightful presentation - of course) with a plate cover! MMMM. So I know you can take food from the dining rooms back to your room.

We sat in the back section but then we liked getting to the theater just before the show was starting and weren't trying to be close to the stage. Since it's a slanted theater like set up, I'm don't think there's a bad seat in the house. Seating is probably more a matter of how early you want to get there and what your preferences are. I get a crick in my neck if I sit too close to the front - so I don't.

Sorry I can't tell you anything about kids shows or theme nights on the Wonder. DD has only worked and I've only sailed on the Magic.

Have fun planning.

 

[webray]

We have never seen anyone with dessert in the show either. I think that would be a bit of a hassle..since they are regular theatre seats, you would probably be bumping the person next to you everytime you take a bite, and there aren't tables to rest your food on. I would have my dessert in the dining room..besides..once the show starts..it is dark.

The theatres are small..all the seats are good.

We have always eaten at topsiders..because..well..we can look at the water!

 

[mmouse37]

I agree with CMmom about time of year and when to eat....when we sail in Feb we usually like topsiders because we are getting out of cold NY winters and it feels good to sit in the warmth up on deck.

But, when we sail during the summer months we opt to eat at Parrot Cay and enjoy that cool A/C...I hate eating food while hot and sticky out!!! Both places serve same food so it is definately a personal preference.

We sail in 10 days and depending what the weather is on that day then we will decide where we will eat once onboard!!

MJ

 

[MarkRG]

Right on CM Mom.

Parrot Cay and Topsiders in fact get the buffet from the same kitchen, so there is no real difference in the food at either place for sailaway. Just a preference of locale. We also usually go up, just to enjoy the view.

As far as dessert, I do agree if you want it, get it to go and put it up in the stateroom. The 'dessert' that is in the theatre is they come around offering smoothies before the shows now. They also do sell food at the entrance to the theatre so I don't think food brought in would be frowned upon, but it would be messy to deal with and enjoy the show at the same time.

 

[Zandy595]

One other thing to consider when deciding on where to eat lunch: It can be difficult to find an empty table at Topsiders/Beach Blanket. This is a real pain when your're juggling carry-on bags and trays. We'll be going to Parrot Cay on embarkment day on our next cruise (10/16). I've read that the CM's take you to your table and bring you drinks at PC.

 

[lbastida1]

One piece of advice to consider which may or may not apply to you. My kids really didn't like anything in the buffet but the fruit. The chicken had sauce they didn't like etc... There was really no "kid food" per say. We didn't know they could get pizza/hot dogs/hamburgers midship on deck 9 just a few feet away from the Topsiders buffet until AFTER we got home. They were starving and didn't like all the "grown-up" food. For that reason alone, I'd choose Topsiders IF you have kids that are picky eaters.

 

[jenlovesdisney]

Thanks guys for all the advice! That really answers my questions! Except the theming~ anyone know about that!? I think I may be trying to overplan but I don't think you can be too prepared now can you? Especially since we are on the short trip.

Linda~ thanks for the heads up about the food. My kids are picky eaters (chicken in sauce would not go over very well). My son eats about 5 things FOR REAL! So I guess that cinches the decision then. We will go to Topsiders (oh, and since it will be October I do not think it will be stifling) and that way I can grab them something to eat somewhere else. Wait, that is what you were saying right? There is another place you can grab food? Is it Pluto's that place where you can get hot dogs and stuff?

I am glad I asked about the desserts! I would have felt silly trying to eat my dessert with everyone around me drinking a smoothie!

 

[lbastida1]

Jen

Topsiders is in the back of deck 9. The buffet is inside but you can take your trays and try to find a table outside in the middle of the deck (between the Mickey and Goofy Pools). Pluto's Dog House is near the Mickey Pool. Pinnochio's Pizzaria is near the Goofy Pool (all on deck 9). Here's a link of the deck plan:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/disneycruiseline/ratesanddates/ships/deckindex?id=Deck9

One other good suggestion I read is to have your kids alread in their swim suits (easier for boys). Girls can wear under clothes. Then they can jump right in the pool (assuming they are old enough). Then you and DH can sit out on the deck and they can be the first ones to swim. Alcoholic drinks are served by the adult pool at the front of the deck if you're interested.

Have a great time. Our first cruise was on the Wonder 10/2001 and the weather was not too hot. We're going the Magic on 10/02. The Wonder will be in dry dock getting all gussied up the first week of October so it should be all shiny and nice for your cruise!!! Where in Texas are you from?

 

[cristit14]

As far as dessert in the theater goes, when we sailed in July we went to the matinee of Disney Dreams. DD and I had just been to Parrot Cay for the lunch buffet and we took 4 of the big chocolate chips cookies to the show with us (two for us and two for DH and DS). Something like that worked really well, but I think something that you would need a fork for would be more difficult.

 

[jenlovesdisney]

Oh, I did not think about cookies (I was leaning more towards the lava cake and if you know me you know more of it will be on me than in my mouth, so again probably not the best thing). But cookies would satisfy me and the kiddos! good idea!

Linda~ We are in Arlington, not too terribly far from you!