November 18, 2012 ~ Turkey day on the Wonder

[dhidalgo]

Making final payment today - now it is begining to feel real. We are real excited about the FE especially since it is small being our first time participating.

 

[Double Trouble]

Just got off the phone with DCL with some more info (subject to change, of course...only one of our cruises had different rotations than we were told by DCL agents)...

Dining Rotations:
TAPTAPT
APTAPTA
PTAPTAP
(no "doubling up" this time...this is different than the normal MR flow due to T-Day)
So, for example, with PTAPTAP you could get formal night and T-Day in Tritons, and pirate night in Parrot Cay. Although we never have, I understand you can put in a request through your travel agent. Has anyone had success with this??

Late Added Note: Our friends from last year were told this as well, but then the ship went with the PTTAPTA "double up" rotation anyway...so ???)

Movies:
Brave
Avengers
Odd Life of Timothy Brown
People Like Us
Chimpanzee
John Carter
Warhorse
The Muppets
The Help
Cars 2
Pirates of the Caribbean, On Stranger Tides
and, although they would not confirm it, "Wreck It Ralph" should also play since it comes out November 2.

Decorations:
Last year they had the Gingerbread House built in the Promenade Lounge and some of the other Christmas decorations up for Thanksgiving. However, they did not have the family "gingerbread house making" event until the week after. I'll follow up on this.

Other:
The ship did leave Cabo for the night even though they had done Pirate Night the night before. They usually just cruise/hover off shore then just pull back in the next morning.

The agent I normally work with was not in today so I will try to get a better update with her when we get closer to the cruise date.

If nothing else, maybe this info will help whet your appetite!

 

[tammie33]

Thank you for getting all that information! I just made our final payment today and our window for excursions opens tomorrow. Can't believe we are at the 90 day mark.

I'm not so concerned about which dining room we get, but I did want to book a Palo brunch and don't want our character breakfast to be the same morning. I may ask for PTAPTAP and book Palo around that, but won't be disappointed if we don't get it.

In Puerto Vallarta I think we are going to do Las Calletas. My DD got to zipline and do a ropes course at girl scout camp and loved it. Plus the idea of a smaller beach without being hounded sounds heavenly.

In Cabo, she'll probably do the dolphin program. We're not early risers, so I'm debating whether to do it day 1 and just stay on the ship day 2 or if we should try and do it around 10 or so on day 2 and that would open day 1 for another excursion. Not sure yet.

 

[adnil530]

Just got off the phone with DCL with some more info (subject to change, of course...only one of our cruises had different rotations than we were told by DCL agents)...

Dining Rotations:
TAPTAPT
APTAPTA
PTAPTAP
(no "doubling up" this time...this is different than the normal MR flow due to T-Day)
So, for example, with PTAPTAP you could get formal night and T-Day in Tritons, and pirate night in Parrot Cay. Although we never have, I understand you can put in a request through your travel agent. Has anyone had success with this??

Late Added Note: Our friends from last year were told this as well, but then the ship went with the PTTAPTA "double up" rotation anyway...so ???)

Movies:
Brave
Avengers
Odd Life of Timothy Brown
People Like Us
Chimpanzee
John Carter
Warhorse
The Muppets
The Help
Cars 2
Pirates of the Caribbean, On Stranger Tides
and, although they would not confirm it, "Wreck It Ralph" should also play since it comes out November 2.

Decorations:
Last year they had the Gingerbread House built in the Promenade Lounge and some of the other Christmas decorations up for Thanksgiving. However, they did not have the family "gingerbread house making" event until the week after. I'll follow up on this.

Other:
The ship did leave Cabo for the night even though they had done Pirate Night the night before. They usually just cruise/hover off shore then just pull back in the next morning.

The agent I normally work with was not in today so I will try to get a better update with her when we get closer to the cruise date.

If nothing else, maybe this info will help whet your appetite!

Great information to have. My daughter did request the PTTAPTA for our group on our last cruise and we did recieve it.

We just saw the Odd Life of Timothy Green yesterday. It was a good movie. Still holding out hope for Monsters Inc 3d though!

Thank you for getting all that information! I just made our final payment today and our window for excursions opens tomorrow. Can't believe we are at the 90 day mark.

I'm not so concerned about which dining room we get, but I did want to book a Palo brunch and don't want our character breakfast to be the same morning. I may ask for PTAPTAP and book Palo around that, but won't be disappointed if we don't get it.

In Puerto Vallarta I think we are going to do Las Calletas. My DD got to zipline and do a ropes course at girl scout camp and loved it. Plus the idea of a smaller beach without being hounded sounds heavenly.

In Cabo, she'll probably do the dolphin program. We're not early risers, so I'm debating whether to do it day 1 and just stay on the ship day 2 or if we should try and do it around 10 or so on day 2 and that would open day 1 for another excursion. Not sure yet.

I haven't paid off yet. Probably should though. I don't want to miss out on brunch! I came across a Palo brunch video and shared it with some family that are going with us next month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss74RMIV0_0 Now that will whet your appetite!

Linda

 

[tammie33]

I haven't paid off yet. Probably should though. I don't want to miss out on brunch! I came across a Palo brunch video and shared it with some family that are going with us next month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss74RMIV0_0 Now that will whet your appetite!

Linda

Yummy... I'm so not a foodie, but I'm definitely looking forward to the brunch.

Quick question. On the Dream, we were lucky enough to find Meridian on our first night. The bar had an outside balcony area on the aft of the ship where we were able to relax and watch the waves while enjoying after dinner drinks. We were there every night while our DD enjoyed the kids club after dinner. Is there any place like this on the Wonder?

 

[adnil530]

Yummy... I'm so not a foodie, but I'm definitely looking forward to the brunch.

Quick question. On the Dream, we were lucky enough to find Meridian on our first night. The bar had an outside balcony area on the aft of the ship where we were able to relax and watch the waves while enjoying after dinner drinks. We were there every night while our DD enjoyed the kids club after dinner. Is there any place like this on the Wonder?

The Disney Wonder has The Outlook Cafe. This was created for the Alaskan cruises that Disney partakes in. The Cafe is forward, just above Cove Cafe and overlooks the adult pool area and is totally enclosed. You can enjoy after dinner drinks and specialty coffees here. You are welcome to venture outside on deck 10 if you do not want to be in the enclosed area.

Enjoy!

 

[mlemmons]

We have made final payment for the cruise and we are wondering if it is too late to join the FE group. Our group includes myself, DW, DS 15, DD 13, and DD 10.

This will be our fourth DCL cruise and first out of LA.

 

[kennedyparalegal]

This is my first time taking a Mexican Riviera cruise and only my second cruise. I was looking at a few of the resort pool port adventures. Is this something we could arrange on our own cheaper than going through Disney?

 

[GhostlyHitchhiker]

Paid off a couple of weeks ago and just booked Palo brunch, dinner and our Puerta Vallerta Pirate Excursion!

::doing the happy dance:: Looks like this, but less cool:

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

Dining Rotations:
TAPTAPT
APTAPTA
PTAPTAP
(no "doubling up" this time...this is different than the normal MR flow due to T-Day)
So, for example, with PTAPTAP you could get formal night and T-Day in Tritons, and pirate night in Parrot Cay. Although we never have, I understand you can put in a request through your travel agent. Has anyone had success with this??

I just paid up and made my palo brunch for Tuesday...with these rotations, when would your character breakfast be? I would want a palo brunch around the character breakfast.

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

My room # is 7621 - please update the FE list. I forgot I had changed it from being around the corner from you

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

Thanks for posting the last years menu on the FE list...if that is what I have to look forward to, I'll be eating up at Beach Blanket Buffet or getting room service. That is very unappitizing to me

 

[Double Trouble]

Thank you for getting all that information! I just made our final payment today and our window for excursions opens tomorrow. Can't believe we are at the 90 day mark.

I'm not so concerned about which dining room we get, but I did want to book a Palo brunch and don't want our character breakfast to be the same morning. I may ask for PTAPTAP and book Palo around that, but won't be disappointed if we don't get it.

In Puerto Vallarta I think we are going to do Las Calletas. My DD got to zipline and do a ropes course at girl scout camp and loved it. Plus the idea of a smaller beach without being hounded sounds heavenly.

In Cabo, she'll probably do the dolphin program. We're not early risers, so I'm debating whether to do it day 1 and just stay on the ship day 2 or if we should try and do it around 10 or so on day 2 and that would open day 1 for another excursion. Not sure yet.

Regarding excursions, availability is limited for some popular things, like Dolphins, so your may want to reserve them right away...you can always change your mind later (I believe it's up to a week or so before boarding??). We've done Dolphin Kids in Cabo twice now for our girls, and they had a blast. They charge a lot for pictures, but the pics are awesome! Haven't done dolphins in PV, but the tradeoffs are as follows...PV lets you take cameras, but they also charge each non-participant $35 just to ride the bus to the facility (you walk to the facility in Cabo).

The second Cabo day is short, but there is still plenty of time for most things. Last time we did everything on Day 1 and didn't even get off the ship the second day (but we've been there many times so didn't feel like we were missing anything). We just found a cozy spot on deck to sit and admire the view of El Arco while sipping on a cool drink (ahhhh....I want to be there now!).

We've actually had our character breakfast the same day as our Palo brunch and it's no big deal. There is time for both. We let the kids chow down while we just had something light (smoothie, coffee, etc) so as not to ruin our appetite for brunch later. It doesn't interrupt the fun, photo ops, and the character interaction as much that way either. Basically, I wouldn't worry about too much about it.

However, if you really want them on separate days, once you get your official dining rotation (on your KTTW card when you check in), you can verify your character breakfast day/time with Guest Services immediately after boarding (they have a dining matrix sheet for that trip), and then go straight to Wavebands where the dining staff can attempt to make any changes/additions to your seating, Palo ressies, etc. We usually go there to request a certain server we like for our Palo meals. With the ship pretty full for the holiday, there may not be a ton of availability, but we've never had a problem picking up a second brunch during the week as well.

I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you come up with.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[adnil530]

We have made final payment for the cruise and we are wondering if it is too late to join the FE group. Our group includes myself, DW, DS 15, DD 13, and DD 10.

This will be our fourth DCL cruise and first out of LA.

You're in! And welcome! The FE list can be found in my signature below. I've also added you to roll call, the first page of this thread. Our dd is 11. She'll be 12 in December so kinda in the middle of your two daughters.

This is my first time taking a Mexican Riviera cruise and only my second cruise. I was looking at a few of the resort pool port adventures. Is this something we could arrange on our own cheaper than going through Disney?

You would have to look at what Disney has to offer and then do some research. Last April, we preordered 2 wave runners through Puerto Vallarta tours, $45 each. Included with the wave runners is full use of the facilities at Crystals. However, there were others at Crystals who just walked up and used the facilities with no fee, lol. Paradise Beach was a popular and well liked excursion on our last cruise but I haven't done it and I don't know if you can book it on your own.

Paid off a couple of weeks ago and just booked Palo brunch, dinner and our Puerta Vallerta Pirate Excursion!

::doing the happy dance:: Looks like this, but less cool:

I'm still waiting to make final payment. Saving that 20+ days of interest....I should just do it and get it over with but I hate parting with money.

My room # is 7621 - please update the FE list. I forgot I had changed it from being around the corner from you

Done!

Thanks for posting the last years menu on the FE list...if that is what I have to look forward to, I'll be eating up at Beach Blanket Buffet or getting room service. That is very unappitizing to me

I guess I'll spend another Thanksgiving Dinner without you and Sara Maybe you'll stop by for dessert????

Linda

 

[GhostlyHitchhiker]

I'm still waiting to make final payment. Saving that 20+ days of interest....I should just do it and get it over with but I hate parting with money.

Oh I (our whole group, but mostly me) have been biting my nails and counting the minutes until I could book Palo and our excursions! While this is the third cruise for DH, myself & my DDs, it's the first for everyone else and something none of them ever expected to be able to do. Final payment being made makes it more "real" for everyone!

 

[G'sMaman]

Hello Everyone! Normally I am a huge planner, but we just booked this cruise over the weekend. This will be our third Disney cruise, but we've never been to the MR before so looking forward to reading up on the various shore excursions. We'd love to join the FE group as well. There will be 3 of us - DH, DW and DD (5) and we'll be celebrating DD's birthday. DD has a variety of food allergies so please no candy or food products for her. We joined the FE group on our last cruise to Alaska and it was so much fun. Look forward to getting to know everyone over the coming months!

 

[Goofy's_Gal]

I guess I'll spend another Thanksgiving Dinner without you and Sara Maybe you'll stop by for dessert????

Linda

Well, I guess depending on what the show is that night, we could always come for a few minutes then head up to the buffet. Honestly, I've looked at some menus on some trip reports and I have a feeling we will be eating out of the dining rooms quite frequently. I certainly don't want to have 7 nights of eating off the kids menu We'll see, I guess.

 

[freemice]

Hello all,

We are first time Disney cruisers! Please add us to the FE list. My wife and I have 2 children. A DD age 15 & a DS age 13. We have not told the children. Look forward too meeting you all!

 

[adnil530]

Hello all,

We are first time Disney cruisers! Please add us to the FE list. My wife and I have 2 children. A DD age 15 & a DS age 13. We have not told the children. Look forward too meeting you all!

Yea! And Welcome! I will add you to the FE list and roll call when I get on the big computer lol. I am sure our dd's will get along great. Both our girls love the clubs.

DoubleTrouble...we having some meet ups?? I suggest that we do so people can meet and we can get any room changes for the FE list. We are a small dis group so I hope everyone attends the meetups!

Linda

 

[adnil530]

Well, I guess depending on what the show is that night, we could always come for a few minutes then head up to the buffet. Honestly, I've looked at some menus on some trip reports and I have a feeling we will be eating out of the dining rooms quite frequently. I certainly don't want to have 7 nights of eating off the kids menu We'll see, I guess.

You've got to look past the fancy names and give it a try. If you leave hungry, get room service or the buffet. I can't remember if the snack shacks are open or not during the dining hours but hey what's wrong with ordering off kids menu?