nov 28, 2010 - 4 night cruise on wonder

[RadioFanatic]

Thank you, Kimberly!

Looks like we have a very nice, diverse group going here--kids from toddlers to teens and adults who enjoy Disney even with no kids in tow. Here is the updated list:

Peg (mannpeg729)
DH-Brian
DS (6) Harlem
DS (4) Houston
#6560

Kim (smartkim)
DH-Lee
DS-Kyle (17)
DS-Josh (13)
#6055 (subj. to verification LOL!)

Becky (tigger30066)
Julie (friend-adult)
#7119

Me-Beth (CrazyBoutDisney)
DH-Dave
#6099

You-Kimberly (RadioFanatic)
DH-Mark
DS-Isaac (almost 3 on the cruise)
#5520

So, does everyone have their transportation to and from the cruise planned? Who's spending time at WDW either before or after? Wish we had enough time off work to play at Mickey's house, but sadly, all we have is the day before the cruise.

We'll fly in Fri night and will be staying at AKL. A good friend of mine lives just north of the port is expecting her first child in 3 weeks, so I'm planning to visit her and the baby on Saturday. We're renting a car so we can get to the port early on Sunday. Last time, the DCL bus didn't get us there till 2:30pm and we missed our DISmeet!!

Which reminds me--do we want to plan a meet? Personally, I like having one at the beginning of the cruise. That way, we can put faces to names and be able to recognize our new friends when we see them through-out the cruise. Also a good time for folks to discuss and decide if they want to do things together. I, for one, am looking for a buddy to do the Martini or Tequila tasting (or whatever they are doing on this cruise) with me. DH is up for the wine tasting, but he's not into the other stuff.

Although we have a toddler with us, DH and I have been going to WDW every year from our honeymoon until now - so 10 years before DS was even born. Poor kid never had a chance!

We are making this a CRAZY vacation. First started out with cruise and then four nights after at AKV (rented points). Then, added two night to front because I really wanted to stay at BLT and could rent points for two nights there. Then, SW rates came out and it was $120 less to fly on thanksgiving rather than friday which we originally planned - that's what ASMovies cost, so we decided to come a night earlier - so three resorts and a cruise for 11 nights total! We were planning to use Disney transportation bc didn't want to rent a car or bring a car seat. Now you have me concerned about how late they get you there! I would love a meet!

 

[klivanos]

Sooo excited!! Theres 8 of us going to celebrate my daughters Sweet Sixteen
4 adults and 4 girls ages 17,15,12 and 11..
107 days to go. we cant wait. Were doing a night before and a night after the cruise at the Pop Century..

 

[tigger30066]

Welcome to the thread. We are first time cruisers as well. Are you going to join the Fish Extender? Check the previous posts in this thread to find our more information.

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Sooo excited!! Theres 8 of us going to celebrate my daughters Sweet Sixteen
4 adults and 4 girls ages 17,15,12 and 11..
107 days to go. we cant wait. Were doing a night before and a night after the cruise at the Pop Century..

Glad to have you and all the princesses aboard!!! What an awesome way to celebrate your daughter's birthday, too. Does her b'day actually fall during the cruise? Mine does--Monday, 11/29! Of course, I'm a few years older, but I'd be happy to wait for her to catch up!!! Looking forward to meeting you all!

Aww Becky and Kimberly, I'm so jealous! You get to play with Mickey and the gang (pout, pout) Would really like to hear what you think of BLT. We're DVC members and haven't been able to get in there yet. Prior to DVC, ASMovies and Pop Century were our favorite resorts. Becky, be sure to say hello to the dalmations and Andy's room for me!

 

[klivanos]

Haven't decided if I'm doing the fish extender yet. I'll get back to you on that.

My daughters birthday is actually the last day of the cruise 12/02 so we will celebrate at Hollywood Studios

Anyone have any suggestions on what to do in The Bahamas.
we want to go to the beach but dont want to pay crazy $$$ to just lay on the beach.Does anyone know of a beach that we can go to???

 

[mavenmom]

Hi All

We are from Virginia, family of 3, and booked this cruise a few months back but just found this site. Cool! This will be our first cruise, ever, kind of see how our son likes Cruising before taking a longer one someday. We are driving down from VA, and also planning on extending our vacation, having a 3-4 day excursion in Cocoa Beach area post-cruise, to do NASA stuff, etc. before driving back, considering Ron Jon Caribe resort.

It is me, my DH and son, who turns 5 that week. He is SO excited to go, went to Disney in Orlando last year. I honestly cannot recollect what stateroom or deck we are on, I know it is interior, low in the ship and has no window, very close to elevators. We wanted no porthole, no verandah to fall off of, just a room to sleep in that we could take turns go in and out of without waking him.

Our son is daycare savy, not clingy, pretty independent, very much looking forward to playing with the other kids in the provided childcare programs, where he believes parent's arent allowed to go. He likes all superheros, dinosaurs, pretending army, scooby doo, is pretty gentle and funny, really likes to swim. We have made NO plans for shore excursions or on-boat activites yet, but know we are in early dining (thank goodness!) .

We are early risers, also and pretty strict with regard to behavior, potty words, sharing, good manners, like yes ma'am/sir, thank you, etc. etc. etc. Would love to meet some other families, with playmates for him, esp. other parents with just 1, to give another only child a chance to "connect" with someone else, maybe even in advance, to give them both something to look forward to!

OK I probably exceeded any reasonable "first post" etiquette or limit, so apologies in advance and thanks for reading and see all of you come November.

MavenMom

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Hi All

We are from Virginia, family of 3....

Welcome aboard, mavenmom!!! Where from in VA? We're from the northern part, near Dulles airport. Looking forward to meeting you and the family!

I don't think you'll have any trouble finding a buddy for your DS. If I remember correctly, Peg has a couple of boys right around his age and there are a couple of others slightly younger. And that's just here on this thread! There will be plenty more on the ship!

Feel free to ask any questions you may have or check out the FAQ thread near the top of the cruise line board. I was so nervous underneath all my excitement for our first cruise--I'm sure with a youngster in tow, it must be twice as bad for you! Believe me, the folks here on the DIS will bend over backwards to help relieve the stress.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Hi All

We are from Virginia, family of 3, and booked this cruise a few months back but just found this site. Cool! This will be our first cruise, ever, kind of see how our son likes Cruising before taking a longer one someday. We are driving down from VA, and also planning on extending our vacation, having a 3-4 day excursion in Cocoa Beach area post-cruise, to do NASA stuff, etc. before driving back, considering Ron Jon Caribe resort.

It is me, my DH and son, who turns 5 that week. He is SO excited to go, went to Disney in Orlando last year. I honestly cannot recollect what stateroom or deck we are on, I know it is interior, low in the ship and has no window, very close to elevators. We wanted no porthole, no verandah to fall off of, just a room to sleep in that we could take turns go in and out of without waking him.

Our son is daycare savy, not clingy, pretty independent, very much looking forward to playing with the other kids in the provided childcare programs, where he believes parent's arent allowed to go. He likes all superheros, dinosaurs, pretending army, scooby doo, is pretty gentle and funny, really likes to swim. We have made NO plans for shore excursions or on-boat activites yet, but know we are in early dining (thank goodness!) .

We are early risers, also and pretty strict with regard to behavior, potty words, sharing, good manners, like yes ma'am/sir, thank you, etc. etc. etc. Would love to meet some other families, with playmates for him, esp. other parents with just 1, to give another only child a chance to "connect" with someone else, maybe even in advance, to give them both something to look forward to!

OK I probably exceeded any reasonable "first post" etiquette or limit, so apologies in advance and thanks for reading and see all of you come November.

MavenMom

Where in Virginia? I grew up in Roanoke but now live in upstate NY. We are a single child family too - our son will be almost three at the time of the trip and is "day care savvy" as well. We definitely would love to get together! We also believe in good manners as well. Maybe we could exchange email or regular addresses so the boys could send a little something to each other to show what each are like - like photos or something.

 

[ssbeari]

I just found this thread. We are also cruising this date. First time cruise for me, my DH, DD, and DS. We are also cruising with my father and mother. and are very excited. My parents have been on the disney cruise before and loved it. We have been saving forever for this trip. We wanted to also wait a little while for my DS to turn 4 so he could really enjoy every bit of it.

Need to look into the Fish Extended idea but would be interested in doing that also. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Looking forward to it.
sheri

 

[mavenmom]

Thanks, Beth, Kimberly

We are in Richmond area. Kimberly, would love to meet your son, and also,

Sheri, I heard you say just now you have a 4 year old son.

And Pegs sons are right around mine.

We are happy to trade some pics, maybe email before hand so they know who to look for at a meetup or the pool, playcare, etc. I went to join the Facebook link in a previous thread but think I got rejected, as it was pending for me to join, then disappeared. I can't PM yet, I don't think.

It is sort of overwhelming for us, November. I'ts going to be a crazy month. I have a business trip the two before Thanksgiving up in DC. Then, I get back Friday, 19th, and my son's birthday party is on Saturday. Monday is his actual birthday so just he and I will do something, then work a couple days before Thanksgiving. Off for Thanksgiving, then a day or two to pack and get on the road, before needing to be in Fla by Sunday, 28th. So much to still do. We didnt realize a child needed a passport, nor did we realize BOTH parents have to go to get one, and that it takes an appointment at the post office. So, hope to get that done next Saturday morning.

We arent sure where we should stop and stay on the way, like push and get to Cape Canaveral a day early and stay there Sat night or stop in SC/GA, half it up. We heard there is a lot of traffic on cruise days.

We don't quite understand the dining yet, like do you disappoint your assigned dining mates if you decide to do your own thing? Also, have no idea on the shore excursion in Bahamas. Some things sound fun but it all sounds so expensive. Lots of choices. I just don't want to run nonstop from thing to thing and not have a moment's peace, all the events and shows and dining times pushing us to get places, either on board or off ship. KWIM?

DS Says: 0000ggggfffrggggt444434DDDE3WWSASAAAA

 

[smartkim]

It is my understanding that kids don't need a passport, a certified birth certificate is fine. Can anyone else answer this for definite?

 

[ssbeari]

You do definitely need a passport for every person traveling. even children. go to passport.gov for more info.

and we are from richmond also. we are leaving on the 19th doing 7 days at disney world 3 days at universal and then getting on the boat on the 28th for a much needed 2 week whirlwind trip.

 

[RadioFanatic]

are you sure? I was told a certified birth certificate was enough as well since the cruise starts and ends in the U.S.

 

[RadioFanatic]

Also, have no idea on the shore excursion in Bahamas. Some things sound fun but it all sounds so expensive. Lots of choices. I just don't want to run nonstop from thing to thing and not have a moment's peace, all the events and shows and dining times pushing us to get places, either on board or off ship. KWIM?

DS Says: 0000ggggfffrggggt444434DDDE3WWSASAAAA

I'm looking at these two options for Bahamas because our son loves the beach but I don't want to spend a ton of money. The first is $50 per adult, however, that includes $30 in food/drink vouchers. Also, it's VERY close to the boat, i.e. walking distance.

http://bahamascruiseexcursions.com/NassauHiltonResortPass.htm

The second is also $50 and all inclusive, but you have to drive/boat to it:

http://www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com/ParadiseIslandResort.htm

 

[mavenmom]

The first is $50 per adult, however, that includes $30 in food/drink vouchers. Also, it's VERY close to the boat, i.e. walking distance.

Thanks, this one looks really good for a relaxing beach day, with a good food voucher for adults and kids. I like that it is close by and a known brand.

While I want to see Nassau, am I the only one that doesnt want to try to strap my 5 year old into some van, bus or cab with no carseat??? Maybe a Disney bus ( I know $$) but not some cabbie!! The ferry that takes you to the other side of the island seems safer to me, not sure why? And a fun ride, if you don't have a boat ride planned. But I worry about getting back on time, worry about getting lost on the other side of the island, missing the ferry back, etc. If it was up to DH, we would take some jugaboo jeep ride through the slums and backroads of the island, sweating and holding on for dear life to get to eat at some authentic restaurant where we get some intestinal bug with our local "flavor".

We looked at all the ones Disney sponsors on the cruise website, and for the glass bottom boat one, the little kids couldnt see@!! In every picture, the parents are holding kids up to see the glass bottom part. Wow that sounds like a sucky multi hour boat ride, taking turns holding up a 40 lb kid to see down into a hole on the boat. The one that goes semi-under water seemed at least better for seeing but it looked so big on top, small on the bottom, is your time "under" limited. Maybe an animal encounter, turtles, sea lions? Mine is too young for stingrays or dolphins and wow, the $.

What is everyone else doing? Those who have been there before, what do you recommend? Many said lots of walking, significant walking etc, which wouldnt be the best way to start the day, with kids. Also, is Nassau right around the port crawling in people selling things and begging and hassling you to take their tour, etc like some places (Cancun comes to mind).

 

[mavenmom]

and we are from richmond also.

hi Sheri, was trying to PM you but cant as I am too new. Maybe we could trade emails, since we are both in Richmond area. That is a pretty cool coincidence, as we also have sons, a year apart I think, and crusing at same time, etc. Maybe could meet up sometime at Cartwheels N Coffee or something !

 

[tigger30066]

Thanks, this one looks really good for a relaxing beach day, with a good food voucher for adults and kids. I like that it is close by and a known brand.

While I want to see Nassau, am I the only one that doesnt want to try to strap my 5 year old into some van, bus or cab with no carseat??? Maybe a Disney bus ( I know $$) but not some cabbie!! The ferry that takes you to the other side of the island seems safer to me, not sure why? And a fun ride, if you don't have a boat ride planned. But I worry about getting back on time, worry about getting lost on the other side of the island, missing the ferry back, etc. If it was up to DH, we would take some jugaboo jeep ride through the slums and backroads of the island, sweating and holding on for dear life to get to eat at some authentic restaurant where we get some intestinal bug with our local "flavor".

We looked at all the ones Disney sponsors on the cruise website, and for the glass bottom boat one, the little kids couldnt see@!! In every picture, the parents are holding kids up to see the glass bottom part. Wow that sounds like a sucky multi hour boat ride, taking turns holding up a 40 lb kid to see down into a hole on the boat. The one that goes semi-under water seemed at least better for seeing but it looked so big on top, small on the bottom, is your time "under" limited. Maybe an animal encounter, turtles, sea lions? Mine is too young for stingrays or dolphins and wow, the $.

What is everyone else doing? Those who have been there before, what do you recommend? Many said lots of walking, significant walking etc, which wouldnt be the best way to start the day, with kids. Also, is Nassau right around the port crawling in people selling things and begging and hassling you to take their tour, etc like some places (Cancun comes to mind).

We are doing the sea lion encounter. Of course we are adults, but that one looked the best to us.

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Also, is Nassau right around the port crawling in people selling things and begging and hassling you to take their tour, etc like some places (Cancun comes to mind).

Most definitely! And be glad you have a boy--the women wanting to braid your hair are sometimes pushier than the cabbies/vendors/tour operators! Our recommendation for Nassau? Stay on the boat and enjoy some less crowded pool time! Personally, I commandeer one of those WONDERFUL padded loungers on deck 4 facing the water and immerse myself in a good book. We've been to Nassau twice and were not impressed. Altho' we have not done the Aquarium out at Atlantis and I've heard it's really, really nice.

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

are you sure? I was told a certified birth certificate was enough as well since the cruise starts and ends in the U.S.

Kimberly, that is true, as long as all proceeds according to plan. The exception allowing children to travel on a certified birth certificate on closed-loop cruises (beginning and ending in the US) applies to sea travel only. But, God forbid, if something happens and you would have to fly back to the US from the Bahamas. With regards to AIR travel, according to the State Dept & Dept of Homeland Security :

"The United States Government currently requires all U.S. citizens, including children, arriving from countries outside the Western Hemisphere to provide a passport when entering the United States. IRTPA, as amended, does not contain a general exemption from providing a passport or other document designated by DHS for children under the age of 16 when entering the United States from Western Hemisphere countries. Consequently, children under the age of 16 arriving from Western Hemisphere countries will be required to present a passport when entering the United States by air. Requiring passports for children departing from or entering the United States will also assist the U.S. Government, as well as foreign governments within the Western Hemisphere, to prevent child abductions. "

Again, this is specifically for AIR travel. You should be fine with just the birth certificate 99.99% of the time. It's that 0.01% chance that scares me.

 

[ssbeari]

mavenmom- sorry i dont know what im doing on here so i hope you get this. We live in glen allen. Ive never heard of cartwheels and coffee but sounds good and Id love to meet. Just let me know. if you facebook, my face book is sheri hyman allen, and we could catch up that way.

radiofanatic- sorry i dont want to give any wrong info on passport stuff. you can read all the guidlines at passport.gov if your not comfy with any of it. I just figured i would rather be safe than sorry. my kids at 10 and 4 so we went ahead and ordered passports. it was an addl expense but i dont want to have any problems on our trip.

still counting down the days. cant wait.