November 18, 2012 ~ Turkey day on the Wonder

[Goofy's_Gal]

Then let there be cake! I wonder if there will be some kind of celebration?

MMMm...cake...yum. No better reason to have cake than someone's b-day. Even a mouse!

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

Deborah, we're not diehard, but we love to collect them. Bring them everytime we go to the parks. Not sure though if I can get my FE together. I'm am so not crafty so trying to think what I can make work. Thinking a shoe holder put some disney stickers on from the $$ store with a dowel and string attached? We're 7536

Take 4 Christmas stockings, take some ribbon, lace it through the holder and tie a knot...then let some ribbon out, lace another (as in give some room between stockings) and tie a knot...do that for all 4 until you have a string of stockings. Leave enough ribbon to wrap/tie onto the fish. Use some glitter glue to write your names. Bring a zip tie to secure it to the fish and Wa-lah...you are done

 

[adnil530]

5 days to go...let's think about NEXT week

PV - http://www.wunderground.com/history...erto+Vallarta&req_state=&req_statename=Mexico

Cabo - http://www.wunderground.com/history...erto+Vallarta&req_state=&req_statename=Mexico

The weather 10-day forecasts can be found using weather.com or any other number of weather sites.

PV - http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Puerto+Vallarta+MXJO0047:1:MX

Cabo - http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Cabo+San+Lucas+MXBS0135:1:MX

And here's San Pedro just for grins...(it's a little early on all these forecasts, but you can watch them as we get closer) - http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/San+Pedro+CA+USCA1009:1:US

Generally, the first and last full days (Mon and Sat) of our cruise will be quite cool and possibly windy (we're talking sweatshirts/jackets), and the middle 4 days (Tue-Fri) quite warm and pleasant. The prevailing wind is usually from the north this time of year, so it shouldn't be too windy (hopefully) on the way south (ship moving with the wind); however, when we push north out of Cabo on the way home it's usually quite windy on deck as we are cruising into the wind (a ship moving at 20 knots into a 20 wind equals 40 knots of wind over the deck!). Disclaimer: I am not a weather forecaster, nor do I play one on TV! These are just generalities. Last T-Day cruise, it was raining for the sailaway out of LA so they had to do the party in the atrium...YIKES! Let's hope for better this time.

So, the tip of the day...PACK ACCORDINGLY. Remember, they have self operated laundry on the Wonder for about $2 each to wash/dry (or you can send it "out" if you prefer), so keep that in mind. Disney sells a lot of sweatshirts to passengers who thought it would be sunny and 90 degrees from the moment they sailed! Now where did I leave my sweatshirt??

edit: It looks like a chance of rain in PV but a very little chance in Cabo! Temps in the upper 80's. Very tropical!


Also, the laundry rooms on the Wonder have been converted a while back to the "swipe your card" to pay for the laundry machines so no need for change.


But be sure to bring plenty of $1 bills for room service! We usually tip $2 for the first item ordered and an additional $1 for each item thereafter. If you like the All Hands on Deck cheese platter, order 2 in the morning with your coffee or whatever and put the leftovers in a baggie in your cooler box to have cheese and crackers to nibble on throughout the day in your room. The plate won't fit in the cooler box, but the baggie will. Not that there is a shortage of food on the ship at any given time It is just convenient to have something on hand and not have to wait for room service during busy times.:


Pulling my suitcase out this morning and packing while the kids are in school. I'm not getting much done after they are home. Just too much to do lately. One thing about being self employed, I can take a day off to get into Disney mode. DD and I are doing the EBPC 2 weeks after this cruise and I've been working feverishly on the FE gifts. There are over 200 participants on that FE exchange Wanted them done before we left on this cruise but unless a miracle happens, that's not happening. But I'm ready for this one


Speaking of the FE. I sent a message to abqDisneyMom to check on her to see if they were going to be able to make the cruise and have not heard back from her. I hope everything is ok. It'd be a shame to have to cancel a cruise at this late date. That said, she did state that they would not be able to participate in the FE. Like most of you, our FE gifts are already ready so I will be bringing gifts for them even if they can't reciprocate.


If you are a participant in the FE, be sure to come to the meet up at 3:00, Deck 3, Promenade Lounge for the meet and greet and bring your FE list with you. You can print it off the website: http://disneywonder11182012.weebly.com/ There may be cabin updates and/or people may be upgraded and you will want to get those changes. If you miss the meet, I will have a list. You will need to get a hold of me for any changes. Call me in room 7627.


Okay then. Happy Packing!


If I don't get back to post before we leave on Friday morning: I'm looking forwarded to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I'm also wishing everyone safe travels to our destination: The Disney Wonder, Port of San Pedro, CA


Linda & Family

 

[sranes]

We would also love to join mini FE - we have our main FE gifts made but it is easy to do extras so if you still want members count us in. Let us know. It may be too late.
We are in stateroom 2538
Kathie and Jeff
Alex 12 and Katie 10
Can't wait - local forecast is for possible showers Sunday. Hope they hold off so we can do sail away party in usual style!
What time do folks plan to gather for terminal get together?
We are excited for a great trip and to meet you all!

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

Does anyone know for sure if the buffet is an option for dinner. I am hoping so...I am not too thrilled with dinner menus I have seen.

 

[dhend30disney]

Mini FE List
Disney Wonder 11/18/12

1. Adnil520
Rooms 7627/7629
Linda (Adult)
Mike (Adult)
DD15
DD11
FE on one of the fishes.

2. Dhend30disney
Room 8042
Deborah (Adult)
Patricia (Adult
DS3 (Connor)

3. Traveln4fun
Room 7636
Lydia (Adult)
DS23 (Aaron) (23 yrs., but functions between 4-5 yrs)

3A. Traveln4fun
Room 7628
Monica (Adult)
DD25 (Sophia)

4. Goofy’s Gal
Room 7621
Name Susan (Adult)
DD4 (Sara)

5. PixieLizzie
Room 2548
Liz (Adult)
Elaine (Adult)

6. NorCalCruiser
Room 7536
Rebecca (Adult)
Husband (Adult)
DS10
DD8

7. sranes
Room 2538
Kathie (Adult)
Jeff (Adult)
Alex 12 (Please clarify: boy or girl)
Katie 10

7 Families
8 Rooms
19 Participants

Last call to join the Mini FE. Tomorrow I will publish the final list.

Deborah

 

[Double Trouble]

What time do folks plan to gather for terminal get together?

We are early arrivers, usually among the first few in line, so we'll be set up with our "DIS" signs shortly after the terminal opens. I'm planning on arriving at the terminal by 10:30 or so. If for some reason we get delayed, just head for the far right corner after going through security by the large TV display. Feel free to show up whenever. If you arrive well after boarding begins (usually between 12-12:30), we'll see you at 3 pm in the Promenade Lounge.

 

[Double Trouble]

Does anyone know for sure if the buffet is an option for dinner. I am hoping so...I am not too thrilled with dinner menus I have seen.

The buffet is generally open every night for dinner if you prefer; however, many of their items are similar to what's on the menu in the dining rooms that night, although maybe not as fresh. With few exceptions, we've generally found the food to be quite good in the dining rooms; and, some of the dining room "experience" (like the Animator's Palate show) is fun to see. The good news is if you don't like something, just order something else! The server's recommendations are usually very helpful as well. There are generally about 4 appetizers, 5-6 soups/salads, and 8-10 entrees to chose from. And let's not forget about dessert! If none of those interest you, you can always order a "Mickey Bar". Hard to go wrong there.

If you haven't tried Palo, you could give that a shot as well. The food and service are exceptional. There is a surcharge of $20/person, plus gratuity, for eating brunch or dinner there. I have heard from friends the T-Day dinner menu in the dining rooms may not measure up to standards some of us may be used to of a home-cooked holiday meal with family (hard to cook for a family of 2500!); so, we're going to Palo that night for an Italian Thanksgiving.

You can also grab something quick on deck...pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, wraps, fruit, paninis, fries, etc. I usually gain about one pound per day if that's any indication of the food selection and availability; and, that's after I hit the gym almost every day as well. As Linda pointed out, room service is always an option as well...anything from a full meal to popcorn.

Linda/others, care to comment??

 

[Double Trouble]

4 days to go…taking care of “business” (bank, phone, internet, etc.)

For those new to cruising and/or international travel…

Nothing can kill a post-vacation buzz like coming home to an unexpected $1000 cell phone bill full of international roaming charges. So, if your teen feels the “need” to text her BFFs 500 times a day, you may be in for a rude awakening if you are not up to speed on your phone plan and potential international roaming charges. Just checking texts or email can set you back quite a few $$.

Or, another trip bummer is if you use your credit or ATM card to buy something in PV, and when you later try to use it in Cabo, you find out your bank locked your card because they thought it was being used fraudulently (since you didn’t tell them you were traveling outside the country).

So, here are some tips you may want to consider at your discretion, of course (may vary based on your bank/phone/internet provider)…

1. Contact your bank (if they care) and let them know the dates you will be in Mexico and potentially using your credit/ATM cards. Mine allows me to do all this online.

2. Check your cell phone plan with your provider regarding calling/texting/surfing on your device while on the ship or in Mexico, and make the appropriate arrangements. Disney has an emergency number in you documents (1-888-DC-AT-SEA) that family/friends can call the ship if absolutely needed. It’s very expensive…about $7/minute (satellite phone), but an option for extreme emergencies. If you want/need to stay in touch with the “real world” while on vacation, most service providers offer many affordable options. Check it out to avoid getting surprised. Luckily for me, I’m just not that “important”, so mine will be turned OFF and in the room safe!

3. Internet: Here’s the link to DCL’s site regarding internet, phone, etc.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/services/internet-phone-services/

Be forewarned…the ship’s internet access is expensive and very slow! So, you may want to plan ahead if you need it.

Any tips from those who have stayed "connected" while cruising??

My whole family is into cruising and we have an inside joke we all use right before we sail… “if there’s nothing I can do about it, I don’t want to know”; so, we usually go “incommunicado”.

OK, time for me to quit posting and start packing. I’ll be happy to answer any questions anyone may have though. Please travel safely and we’ll see you at the meetups!

 

[kennedyparalegal]

Also, don't forget putting a hold on mail and papers, etc. I also have my neighbors putting my trash cans out and bringing them in for us.

 

[adnil530]

The buffet is generally open every night for dinner if you prefer; however, many of their items are similar to what's on the menu in the dining rooms that night, although maybe not as fresh. With few exceptions, we've generally found the food to be quite good in the dining rooms; and, some of the dining room "experience" (like the Animator's Palate show) is fun to see. The good news is if you don't like something, just order something else! The server's recommendations are usually very helpful as well. There are generally about 4 appetizers, 5-6 soups/salads, and 8-10 entrees to chose from. And let's not forget about dessert! If none of those interest you, you can always order a "Mickey Bar". Hard to go wrong there.

If you haven't tried Palo, you could give that a shot as well. The food and service are exceptional. There is a surcharge of $20/person, plus gratuity, for eating brunch or dinner there. I have heard from friends the T-Day dinner menu in the dining rooms may not measure up to standards some of us may be used to of a home-cooked holiday meal with family (hard to cook for a family of 2500!); so, we're going to Palo that night for an Italian Thanksgiving.

You can also grab something quick on deck...pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, wraps, fruit, paninis, fries, etc. I usually gain about one pound per day if that's any indication of the food selection and availability; and, that's after I hit the gym almost every day as well. As Linda pointed out, room service is always an option as well...anything from a full meal to popcorn.

Linda/others, care to comment??

I think she ought to try new things and eat in the main dining rooms

Also, don't forget putting a hold on mail and papers, etc. I also have my neighbors putting my trash cans out and bringing them in for us.

Thanks for the newspaper reminder! I did one but not the other. Doing it right now!

Linda

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

There is no way a lit of the menu items are going to cross my lips. I was hoping the buffet would offer more normal buffet foods. I look forward to the dining room ambience and special drinks, but have a feeling my real dinner will be elsewhere. Ok..thanks for the info Double Trouble. You are a vastness of knowledge

 

[adnil530]

Today is the last day to book anything through Disney. But don't fret, you can always go to the excursion desk on board. Even if something is sold out, check with them and they will see if they can add you on sometimes. I know they found room for our party of 6 when there were only 2 slots available on an excursion last October. Just ask.

For those that are undecided about PV, I sent a message to http://www.crownparadise.com/ asking about their cruise passengers' day pass. Here is their response:

We do have special price for cruise members that is 35 usd per adult and children under 6 to 12 years old is 18 usd and the toddlers its free.

Includes food, drinks and activities. It is from 9 am to 5 pm.

To purchase directly at the front desk. Upon arrival.

Very close to port, a 5 minute walk. I've never been but read some decent reviews. If it is nice out, you might find me here for lunch and beverages after 11 or so.

Still gotta pack.....

Linda

 

[adnil530]

Mini FE List
Disney Wonder 11/18/12

1. Adnil520
Rooms 7627/7629
Linda (Adult)
Mike (Adult)
DD15
DD11
FE on one of the fishes.

2. Dhend30disney
Room 8042
Deborah (Adult)
Patricia (Adult
DS3 (Connor)

3. Traveln4fun
Room 7636
Lydia (Adult)
DS23 (Aaron) (23 yrs., but functions between 4-5 yrs)

3A. Traveln4fun
Room 7628
Monica (Adult)
DD25 (Sophia)

4. Goofys Gal
Room 7621
Name Susan (Adult)
DD4 (Sara)

5. PixieLizzie
Room 2548
Liz (Adult)
Elaine (Adult)

6. NorCalCruiser
Room 7536
Rebecca (Adult)
Husband (Adult)
DS10
DD8

7. sranes
Room 2538
Kathie (Adult)
Jeff (Adult)
Alex 12 (Please clarify: boy or girl)
Katie 10

7 Families
8 Rooms
19 Participants

Last call to join the Mini FE. Tomorrow I will publish the final list.

Deborah

I was copying this info to my other FE list and wanted to say that Sranes has Alex as ds12.

Be sure you are counting yourself as a participant also as I think there are 23 on the 2nd list
Linda

 

[pixielizzie]

trying to see if doubletrouble got my pm...

 

[Double Trouble]

trying to see if doubletrouble got my pm...

Just replied with a PM at 11:41

 

[Double Trouble]

One last time...see you there!

Meetup Summary: Everyone is Welcome!

Sunday in the Terminal before boarding, far back right corner after going through security.

Sunday at 3 pm in the Promenade Lounge, Deck 3 port side. Everyone.

Monday at 2 pm in the Outlook Cafe (Deck 10, above the Cove Cafe)...this one is adults only.

Tuesday at 5 pm on the "Secret Verandah", Deck 7, all the way aft. All ages. BYOB if you wish.

Look for our DIS signs

 

[rmonty02]

So I actually just started packing!!! We are heading down to DL tomorrow, I think Linda will also be at the park on Saturday? We are staying at the Grand but have not decided what kind of park touring we are going to do except for hitting Carsland First!!
Just wanted to thank everyone for their helpful posts, especially Linda and Double Trouble Hope everyone travels safely and see you on Sunday!

 

[calberry]

So I actually just started packing!!! We are heading down to DL tomorrow, I think Linda will also be at the park on Saturday? We are staying at the Grand but have not decided what kind of park touring we are going to do except for hitting Carsland First!!
Just wanted to thank everyone for their helpful posts, especially Linda and Double Trouble Hope everyone travels safely and see you on Sunday!

Just saw your post this morning. Our DD lives in Walnut Creek and they are also driving down today, staying at the Grand, and will then meet us at the parking lot at the pier on Sunday (thank goodness for cell phones ). If you see a young family of 4 with a mom that looks like she just finished breast cancer radiation treatment yesterday (her hair is just starting to grow back after chemo) stop and say hello Their DD is 5 and DS 3.

Have fun at DL and CA! We'll be going back down in Jan. for the Tinkerbell 1/2 marathon.

Steve

 

[GhostlyHitchhiker]

We leave in less than 24 hours... We're all going to need this vacation just from the stress of packing and last minute prep!

My DD11 woke up this morning and just said "It's really happening!!" And promptly asked for 5 more minutes.