Nov.1 2009 on the Wonder! it's never too early to chat!the

[MinnieMouses1969]

Kika

 

[eyes4mickey]

I just booked and paid for this cruise last night for my 7 year old DD and me. Can we join you here? We have been on one cruise before (Carnival), but this will be our first Disney cruise; we are so excited! We would also love to participate in the FE exchange. My daughter would love to meet some kids around her age; I know she will be all about the kids' club!

WELCOME!!!!! You and your daughter will have an awesome time!!! I have 2 sons, ages 9 and 12. I'm so glad that you will be participating in the FE Exchange!!

 

[tjbaggott]

FE Gift Exchange List Has been updated!
see post 245 Page17​

 

[Kika]

Thanks, all! I am also looking forward to a relaxing and fun cruise.

To answer your questions:

No pre or post trip plans. We live in Orlando, so when we get back it will be back to school for DD (and back to work for me) on Friday.

I haven't booked any excursions yet. Was thinking of maybe doing the sting rays in CC and was maybe going to do our own thing and book a room at the Confort Suites in Nassau to get access to the Atlantis pool and aquarium. Anyone else planning on doing these?

 

[disneynewbee]

Thanks, all! I am also looking forward to a relaxing and fun cruise.

To answer your questions:

No pre or post trip plans. We live in Orlando, so when we get back it will be back to school for DD (and back to work for me) on Friday.

I haven't booked any excursions yet. Was thinking of maybe doing the sting rays in CC and was maybe going to do our own thing and book a room at the Confort Suites in Nassau to get access to the Atlantis pool and aquarium. Anyone else planning on doing these?

We have the Stingrays booked on CC. Me, dd 16, and my mom will do the 10am and dh and dd 6 will do the 11am. We had to break it up because we have two little ones that can't do it and didn't want to put them in daycare. I really wish my 3yo could do it she is a huge animal lover and is halfway in the tank trying to pet the sting rays at a pet store near us that has a petting tank. I thought about Atlantis but we would have to get two rooms so it would be really costly. We'll either book dolphins through an excursion company or do a beach day at one of the hotels on our own.

 

[tjbaggott]

Friends of mine have extended family that actually reside on Paradise Island (I WISH!!!), anyway, she assures me the aquarium itself is free, free to walk around. Can anyone confirm that for me? Thats one thing we plan on doing, taking a cab over there and a walk through the aquarium. Not doing Atlantis itself though (family of 6, costs too much). I want to walk between the ship and the straw market, seeing the shops, find a rum cake shop and purchase one of those. DD18, wants to buy an outfit like she did our last trip there. The boys I'm sure will be anxious to get back on board to the kids clubs. One thing I'm looking forward to on this trip is the evening adult entertainment in the adult only club (what is it on the wonder? Diversions or Cadilac lounge?) Couldn't do that on last trip as our youngest was just 2 1/2 and we didn't want to or couldn't have him in the nursery that late (can't remember which it was), but now he is 6 and will love the kids club and I believe he can be in there quite late (believe me, he's a night owl when allowed).

 

[disneynewbee]

Friends of mine have extended family that actually reside on Paradise Island (I WISH!!!), anyway, she assures me the aquarium itself is free, free to walk around. Can anyone confirm that for me? Thats one thing we plan on doing, taking a cab over there and a walk through the aquarium. Not doing Atlantis itself though (family of 6, costs too much). I want to walk between the ship and the straw market, seeing the shops, find a rum cake shop and purchase one of those. DD18, wants to buy an outfit like she did our last trip there. The boys I'm sure will be anxious to get back on board to the kids clubs. One thing I'm looking forward to on this trip is the evening adult entertainment in the adult only club (what is it on the wonder? Diversions or Cadilac lounge?) Couldn't do that on last trip as our youngest was just 2 1/2 and we didn't want to or couldn't have him in the nursery that late (can't remember which it was), but now he is 6 and will love the kids club and I believe he can be in there quite late (believe me, he's a night owl when allowed).

I've read both about the aquarium that it's free and that there is a charge. Not sure what the truth is. I'm curious to know because it looked like fun but then I read on the board here that there was a charge. I'm thinking I probably won't get to do any of the adult only stuff this cruise. I know my 3yo would flip if I tried to leave her in the clubs. I didn't even register the baby for any time in flounders because I figure I'm going to have the 3yo anyway why put the 1yo in there. My mom will be with us but I don't want to ask her to babysit on her vacation.

 

[tjbaggott]

LOL, I guess we'll find out if/when we go. DH is more than happy to just stay on the boat. Maybe one night while on board your DH will watch the little ones and you and mom can enjoy one of the adult events? I didn't really miss it our first trip as I never knew what was happening in them anyways. We were just happy to be on the ship and enjoy our kids joy
My DD it turns out can enjoy the best of both worlds, the teen club because she is still in high school, and the adult only areas because she is 18. So if one night my DH doesn't want to attend with me, I know my daughter will, so perhaps both she and I have the best of both worlds this trip!
In many ways she IS her age, but in many others, she is a few younger I think. So I think she'll find for herself where she's most comfortable, where she fits in the best.

 

[eyes4mickey]

Thanks, all! I am also looking forward to a relaxing and fun cruise.

To answer your questions:

No pre or post trip plans. We live in Orlando, so when we get back it will be back to school for DD (and back to work for me) on Friday.

I haven't booked any excursions yet. Was thinking of maybe doing the sting rays in CC and was maybe going to do our own thing and book a room at the Confort Suites in Nassau to get access to the Atlantis pool and aquarium. Anyone else planning on doing these?

We booked the Comfort Suites in Paradise island. We stayed at the Atlantis when my 12 year old was 1, we went for the weekend and had left him in Florida with my parents. It's a beautiful place. I thought it would be nice to spend the day there with the kids, I like the beach and they can do the slides with their dad.

 

[Jilly8384]

Just an FYI:

I just checked and the rates dropped in our category by a little over $100! (We have a Cat. 6)

You might want to check yours to see if you can get a little cash back!

 

[tjbaggott]

Just an FYI:

I just checked and the rates dropped in our category by a little over $100! (We have a Cat. 6)

You might want to check yours to see if you can get a little cash back!

I wonder if that would be the fuel surcharge amount? If so, that will be an extra OBC you will receive. I noticed last spring the price for our two rooms total had dropped by something like that. I contacted our TA who looked into it and said it was the fuel surcharge. Apparently if the rate per barrell is below $70.00 on Sept. 17th, then any of us who paid a fuel surcharge with our bookings will get that amount back in an OBC. Here's the link that explains it http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/wh...-new-bookings/

I think the rate as of today was $68.00 per barrell!

 

[WeNeedKetchup]

Just an FYI:

I just checked and the rates dropped in our category by a little over $100! (We have a Cat. 6)

You might want to check yours to see if you can get a little cash back!

Our category (4 - the Deluxe Family Staterooms that sleep 5) is sold out for the cruise - I assume I won't be seeing any price drops, except hopefully the fuel surcharge OBC!

 

[tjbaggott]

I CAN'T believe it! I'm actually done packing up my FE GIFTS! (except for the main adult gift of course), One thing I can share here without ruining the surprise is I used Disney lunch bags, However I forgot I used a lot of the boys ones for grab bags at my son's birthday party. I went back to wallmart to get some more yesterday but they don't have ANY anymore. SOooooo, I hope everyone's Boys don't mind having a Tinkerbell bag LOL.
So that's one thing OFF my list of things to do (didn't actually think I'd have that one done by now) and will just do up more as needed for others that may still join in.
Today, I'm cleaning out and organizing our Garage, so DH can park his car in there while we are gone on Holiday. We've never parked a car in there before because of all the stuff in there, but we have gotten rid of our big old finicky snowblower (that was a shocker that DH was willing to let that go. Perhaps her forgot how much snow we had year before last). I've got bike racks that attach to the walls, and other gadgets to hang our recycle bins onto the wall, and other gadgets to help with organizing STUFF!
Never would I have thought I could be SO excited about cleaning out a Garage!

 

[disneynewbee]

Looks like your getting everything handled. I'm kinda in a rut.
So what is everyone wearing for pirate night? Are you dressing up or just a t-shirt. I'm thinking t-shirts for our adults and teen and costumes for the kids. Still waiting for the costume stores to open to pick out costumes for the MNSSHP and pirate stuff. We got all of our passports but one yesterday. I know we don't really need them but I'm peranoid, besides if we paid all that money for passports dh will want to use them again.

 

[eyes4mickey]

Looks like your getting everything handled. I'm kinda in a rut.
So what is everyone wearing for pirate night? Are you dressing up or just a t-shirt. I'm thinking t-shirts for our adults and teen and costumes for the kids. Still waiting for the costume stores to open to pick out costumes for the MNSSHP and pirate stuff. We got all of our passports but one yesterday. I know we don't really need them but I'm peranoid, besides if we paid all that money for passports dh will want to use them again.

We have passports, got them last year. We were told to get them because at anytime they can change the requirements. They were expensive and the kids are only good for 5 years.
My husband and I both wore pirate t shirts and my boys wore costumes. DS9 wore a costume, DS12 wore t-shirt and did his face with Pirate tattoos and and earring. They both wore bandanas. I didn't go too crazy because it all has to get packed. You will see some people really go all out with elaborate costumes and others just t-shirts. It's a lot of fun. The party is fun and then they have a buffet at the end. The fireworks are amazing, hard to believe that they can light them right off the ship.

I haven't done anything with the fish extender gifts yet. I wish I was so organized to have it done. I'll have to get moving in the next few weeks.

I have to take the boys to get their pants shortened and make sure everything fits. DS12 can fit into my husb shoes so, that will be a savings. I like them to dress nice one night so we can get a good picture of all of us. I bought our Christmas Cards on the ship last year with a family picture on them, it was so easy and they came out great. It's not like me to want a picture of myself going around, it's always been just the kids. The picture came out so nice that I was fine with sending them out and the family loved getting a picture of all of us.

Boys went back to school on Thursday so now I have more time to get things ready. I can't believe that the cruise is coming up so soon. Can't wait!!!!!

 

[tjbaggott]

In our case we HAVE to have passports (to get across the U.S. border). Thankfully I only had to order one new one and that was for my DS6. Our passports are good for only 5 years, but for children under 3, they are only good for 3 years. We had them for our trip 3 1/2 years ago so will get used twice before they expire!
We are all planning on dressing up as Caribbean Pirates if I can ever get our costumes made. We are using them both for MNSSHP and pirate night. Didn't do anything for pirate night last trip (we had no idea that some people do dress up), just wore the bandanas given to us at dinner that evening.
I too hope for one nice dress up night picture. I have a little suit for my youngest, DS12 will have dress pants, shirt and tie as well as DH and DS16. DD18 wants to wear her Formal prom dress, and me, I have a dressy top I bought for this event, but have yet to get a pair of dressy black pants or skirt or capris (think I'd like dressy Capri's the best) My mother is quite stylish and wears the same size as me, so she's given me permission to raid her closet before we go. Surely she has a blak skirt or capri's. If not, I'll just have to go shopping in Orlando!!!!
Well I did get that garage all cleaned out, and parked the car in to make sure it fit! Too bad garbage day is still 6 days away. Does anyone know if the photographer on board, on formal night will take pictures with your own camera too, like they will in WDW? I'm bringing my new CANON slr which will take just as great pictures as the photographers cameras will take, so would rather not buy pictures from shutters, but still want those pictures taken. If not, I'll just ask another cruiser to take the shot for me.

 

[disneynewbee]

I want to get some nice pics too. I would pay for the cd if they allowed enhancements. The hardest part is explaining to the girls that they have to match. They keep falling in love with dresses that are impossible to match. I'll be wearing black capris or pants with a shirt to still be found. I don't do dresses or skirts. My legs are too short and stubby. It's hard because the fall stuff is already out. We won't have a car in Orlando so can't shop there.

 

[eyes4mickey]

In our case we HAVE to have passports (to get across the U.S. border). Thankfully I only had to order one new one and that was for my DS6. Our passports are good for only 5 years, but for children under 3, they are only good for 3 years. We had them for our trip 3 1/2 years ago so will get used twice before they expire!
We are all planning on dressing up as Caribbean Pirates if I can ever get our costumes made. We are using them both for MNSSHP and pirate night. Didn't do anything for pirate night last trip (we had no idea that some people do dress up), just wore the bandanas given to us at dinner that evening.
I too hope for one nice dress up night picture. I have a little suit for my youngest, DS12 will have dress pants, shirt and tie as well as DH and DS16. DD18 wants to wear her Formal prom dress, and me, I have a dressy top I bought for this event, but have yet to get a pair of dressy black pants or skirt or capris (think I'd like dressy Capri's the best) My mother is quite stylish and wears the same size as me, so she's given me permission to raid her closet before we go. Surely she has a blak skirt or capri's. If not, I'll just have to go shopping in Orlando!!!!
Well I did get that garage all cleaned out, and parked the car in to make sure it fit! Too bad garbage day is still 6 days away. Does anyone know if the photographer on board, on formal night will take pictures with your own camera too, like they will in WDW? I'm bringing my new CANON slr which will take just as great pictures as the photographers cameras will take, so would rather not buy pictures from shutters, but still want those pictures taken. If not, I'll just ask another cruiser to take the shot for me.

I can't remember if they will take your pictures with your own camera. I'm pretty sure that if it's a character the helper will take your picture when the photographer does but, I can't remember if you can for the pics iwth the backrounds. If not definately ask another cruiser.

Wow, that's awesome that you can make your own costumes!!! I'm lucky if i can sew a button on when it comes off.

I think the kids passports are only good for 5 years here too. I'm so glad that I don't have that expense this trip since we bought them last year.

 

[Kika]

We have the Stingrays booked on CC. Me, dd 16, and my mom will do the 10am and dh and dd 6 will do the 11am.

Oh, cool. I will haven't booked the Stingrays yet, but will log on today or tomorrow and try to book one of these times.

I am still debating about Atlantis. It looks like it will cost less if we book a room at the Comfort Suites. However, it will be even less if we take a taxi ride over there and just walk around/have lunch there or something.

If there is another party of 2 that wants to split a room with us at the Comfort Suites so we can both save some $, let me know!

 

[Kika]

I don't think I'm up for getting dressed up in full pirate regalia , but I'll probably try to find a shirt and bandana or something. DD probably will dress up.

Regarding dress up night, I'm not sure what we're going to wear yet. I would like to get a nice pic taken, too.

Haven't bought any FE stuff yet.

I had better get on the ball this week with all of these things!