November 24, 2012 ~ Western Fantasy ~ Pachyderms of the Caribbean

[jjbescher]

So, the DW wants to investigate and see if there is going to be anyone doing this fish extender gift exchange thing on our cruise. Where do I go to find this out? Also wouldn't mind being added to the page one list by whomever is keeing the list up to date. This is all new to me as far as the cruising goes. When we went in 1992 we did a DIS meet but we didn't have this fish extender gift exchange. Sounds like a fun way to get to meet people.

The list on Page One has those that are doing the FE gifts. They have the fish going back and forth next to them.

There are about 12 or more of us doing it.

 

[Katesdad]

The list on Page One has those that are doing the FE gifts. They have the fish going back and forth next to them. There are about 12 or more of us doing it.

Guess I should have read page one closer than I did. Coming over here from the YC/BC thread on the Resorts Board, I know that page one is usually very important. Sorry about that. So let's go ahead and put that we are swimming with the fishes!! (Doesn't sound good, doe it?).

Me - Keith
DW - Sharon
Stateroom - 6592

 

[dizney-cruiser]

The list on Page One has those that are doing the FE gifts. They have the fish going back and forth next to them.

There are about 12 or more of us doing it.

Keith & DW Sharon are actually #19!!

Everyone has until 10/12/2012 to sign up and then we will decide if we will be 1 large group or split into 2 (people wanting a larger group can sign up for both groups)

 

[jjbescher]

Keith & DW Sharon are actually #19!!

Everyone has until 10/12/2012 to sign up and then we will decide if we will be 1 large group or split into 2 (people wanting a larger group can sign up for both groups)

I guess I need to learn how to count. That is great.

jon

 

[dizney-cruiser]

I guess I need to learn how to count. That is great.

jon

Don't worry Jon, I have your back!!

 

[Katesdad]

Keith & DW Sharon are actually #19!! Everyone has until 10/12/2012 to sign up and then we will decide if we will be 1 large group or split into 2 (people wanting a larger group can sign up for both groups)

Thanks for including us. We are looking forward to working on this FE deal over the next several months as we get closer to the sail date.

I noticed some of you are staying at the Radisson. We'll be doing the airport Hyatt and then coming over ME on Saturday morning. If anyone is staying there and would like to meet up pre-boarding for dinner or drinks on Friday we'd be happy to do this.

I read where some of you have paid off the trip already. I'm not sure I'm too anxious to do this. The due date for us is 9/10 which also happens to be the day we can start pre-booking some of the dinners and excursions (only our third cruise). Given that, I'm pretty sure we'll be waiting until the last minute to pay unless someone knows a better reason to pay off early other than to have it out of the way.

We've done the Magic with the family in '00 and the Wonder in '02 for our 25th anniversary. This is one of those "spur of the moment" decisions for our vacation time this year. Really looking forward to meeting you all and getting to see this new ship.

 

[uziel5000]

Thanks for including us. We are looking forward to working on this FE deal over the next several months as we get closer to the sail date.

I noticed some of you are staying at the Radisson. We'll be doing the airport Hyatt and then coming over ME on Saturday morning. If anyone is staying there and would like to meet up pre-boarding for dinner or drinks on Friday we'd be happy to do this.

I read where some of you have paid off the trip already. I'm not sure I'm too anxious to do this. The due date for us is 9/10 which also happens to be the day we can start pre-booking some of the dinners and excursions (only our third cruise). Given that, I'm pretty sure we'll be waiting until the last minute to pay unless someone knows a better reason to pay off early other than to have it out of the way.
We've done the Magic with the family in '00 and the Wonder in '02 for our 25th anniversary. This is one of those "spur of the moment" decisions for our vacation time this year. Really looking forward to meeting you all and getting to see this new ship.

Welcome to our thread!

At least for me, paying early is all about getting it out of the way. I sure do not want to be tempted (or forced! ) to spend it on something else so I pay up early and make sure I don't want to worry about it.

Also, I just want to say that the BC/YC Resort thread is awesome! I went to the World in early May and stayed at the YC. All the information I was looking for, I found in that thread. It was extremely helpful. You guys do an incredible job a maintaining that thread and answering questions.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

For us, our "Tax Return" is also our "Vacation Fund" so we pay the trip off as soon as that money comes flowing in . . .

 

[Katesdad]

For us, our "Tax Return" is also our "Vacation Fund" so we pay the trip off as soon as that money comes flowing in . .

I hear you on that. Many people I know do that same thing. We're using the Disney VISA so that we get six months to pay this baby off. By the way, thanks for keeping the page one information up to date and getting this all organized. It is appreciated!

Also, I just want to say that the BC/YC Resort thread is awesome! I went to the World in early May and stayed at the YC. All the information I was looking for, I found in that thread. It was extremely helpful. You guys do an incredible job a maintaining that thread and answering questions.

Dee and the group do a great job passing out the information for everyone. That's why I'm kicking myself for not spending more time on this thread's page one. I harp on that all the time over there.

 

[tigger-too]

Sailed on the Dream last month and loved the ship so much, my DW and I had to book on the Fantasy, so we booked today!! Ya-hoo!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Sailed on the Dream last month and loved the ship so much, my DW and I had to book on the Fantasy, so we booked today!! Ya-hoo!

Welcome Aboard!!

 

[Katesdad]

Sailed on the Dream last month and loved the ship so much, my DW and I had to book on the Fantasy, so we booked today!! Ya-hoo!

Steve, by your signature it appears you have done this cruise stuff a few times before. I'll be interested in hearing your impressions of the Fantasy in relation to the other ships you have been on. Having been on the Dream recently, any insider tips you would like to share will be welcome by this non-experienced member of this cruise.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

Has anyone been to Cozumel before on DCL? What excursion(s) have you done and enjoyed?

I was looking at the port adventures they have listed and nothing is really sticking out to me. We've been to Cancun before and done the whole rapelling, snorkeling, ziplining thing so was looking for something different.

Chris

 

[jjbescher]

Steve - so glad that you are joining us. Starting to get in cruise mode. Hopefully this thread will pick up.

 

[foohpah]

Has anyone been to Cozumel before on DCL? What excursion(s) have you done and enjoyed?

I was looking at the port adventures they have listed and nothing is really sticking out to me. We've been to Cancun before and done the whole rapelling, snorkeling, ziplining thing so was looking for something different.

Chris

The only time we went to Cozumel with DCL is when the kids were really little and I just stayed on the ship while my DH went off and explored some of the port area. My DS and I are huge fans of the Amazing Race and my DH and DD like it well enough so I think we are going to do this in Cozumel this trip: The Amazing Race Cozumel

Sounds like a nice change of pace and very fun!

 

[stalbertsteve]

The only time we went to Cozumel with DCL is when the kids were really little and I just stayed on the ship while my DH went off and explored some of the port area. My DS and I are huge fans of the Amazing Race and my DH and DD like it well enough so I think we are going to do this in Cozumel this trip: The Amazing Race Cozumel

Sounds like a nice change of pace and very fun!

I've read about the amazing race thing and watched some videos on YouTube. Looks like a lot of fun, something we would like to do. I'd also like to take my 13 yr (will have just turned before we set sail) old son to try "Discover SCUBA Diving" as well during our stop here. I would like to hear some stories about doing the scuba thing and if it might be possible to do both during our day in Cozumel.

 

[tigger-too]

Steve, by your signature it appears you have done this cruise stuff a few times before. I'll be interested in hearing your impressions of the Fantasy in relation to the other ships you have been on. Having been on the Dream recently, any insider tips you would like to share will be welcome by this non-experienced member of this cruise.

Welcome aboard.

Hello Katesdad, yes my DW and I have been on a few cruises. The Magic and the Wonder are fantastic ships, although they are smaller and older than the newer DCL ships (Dream and Fantasy). I never thought any ship could take the place of the Magic and the Wonder, but the Dream did it. The Dream is certainly a beautiful ship that out shines the older ships by:
1. Newer technology (Enchanted Art, facial recognition, and RFID Keys of the World for the photo kiosks cabin doors, etc.)
2. More entertainment options for children, teens, and adults (the adult-only "district" has lots of different places to buy a cocktail and dance the night away)
3. The Aquaduck (WAY COOL)
4. Larger open spaces (in fact, the ship holds over 1,000 more passengers, but it rarely felt crowded)
5. The art work is amazing
6. Free “phones” in the room to use during the cruise to keep in touch with your family members around the ship

Areas where I believe the magic/Wonder are still better include:
1. The Dream’s adult pool area is not as inviting as the Magic/Wonder and the staff allowed teens into the pool.
2. The fast food on the Magic/Wonders pool decks are on both sides of the ship. This food is all in the same general area on the Dream, so it is much more crowded when the masses are hungry.
3. Compared to the Magic/Wonders Animators Palate restaurant, the Dreams was somewhat boring (although Crush is funny).

As far as DCL in general, my DW and I love all of the Disney ships and DCL is our favorite cruise line. You will never find cruise ships with better service and entertainment. Every crew member speaks good English. You don’t feel overran by children, and not having any children, that says something. You can bring your own alcohol on board. Free sodas. It's is also the only cruise line to have a full fireworks show while underway. Oh, and you get to see Mickey!

If you have any specific questions regarding the port of calls (we have been to all of them several times) or the cruise line/ship, just ask.

 

[tigger-too]

Also, my DW and I live very close to Port Canaveral, so if anyone has questions about the area I would be more than happy to answer them.

 

[tigger-too]

Welcome Aboard!!

Thanks! Great to be aboard.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

I thought I would chime in with Steve [and add in a few tips if you have vever cruised DCL]. We too have been on all three of the "older ships" and are looking forward to cruising on the fantasy!!

The Dream is certainly a beautiful ship that out shines the older ships by:

1. Newer technology (Enchanted Art, facial recognition, and RFID Keys of the World for the photo kiosks cabin doors, etc.)
We loved these new touches! If you are not aware, on the Dream, when you go into your room you will need to keep one key in a slot when you first walk in the room. The key needs to remain in there as it controls the lights. What we do, is take with us some "magnetic hooks" and have them hanging on the inside of our door. When we walk in the room, the lanyards go right on the hook (as do our sunglasses) and then when you need to put in a key in the morning, they are all right there.

2. More entertainment options for children, teens, and adults (the adult-only "district" has lots of different places to buy a cocktail and dance the night away)
I should start this comment off with I am definately geographically chanllenged! I always tell people that I get lost going home from work! That being said - I had issues finding my way through the district. Of course, it isn't a bad area to be lost in - and I look forward to finding my way around there on the Fantasy!! So, if you need to send a search party to find me, start there, but not too quickly!!

3. The Aquaduck (WAY COOL)
When Linda (my traveling companion) first heard of the AquaDuck she couldn't wait to get on it! I surprised her with a week long Dream cruise for Christmas 2010. I on the other hand, a huge wimp, wasn't sure if I would ever go on it. As it turns out, I spent most of 2011 out of commission (still having issues) and the week before our cruise I found out that I had 2 degenrated disks in my back. Linda went on the AquaDuck before we even went to lunch (we always wear our bathing suits under our clothes when we get on)! I asked her if it was a smooth ride and how scary was it when you went over the edge of the ship. She said it was definately smooth and she didn't even know when she was over the edge. So, I went on with her. . . fyi. . . you go over the edge at the very beginning of the ride!! But it is not the least bit scary and it is a ton of fun!! One thing we didn't do yet was to ride it at night, so that is on our list to do in November!

4. Larger open spaces (in fact, the ship holds over 1,000 more passengers, but it rarely felt crowded)
Linda spends most of the cruise by the pool. The adult pool was a bit smaller compared to the older ships - but with the addition of "Satellite Falls" I don't think it will be that much of an issue. I rarely see adults "swimming" in the pool. Mostly, people take a dip to cool off so the falls should help cover that!

5. The art work is amazing
Nothing to add here - we loved it as well!

6. Free “phones” in the room to use during the cruise to keep in touch with your family members around the ship
The wave phones were great to find each other. There are 2 in each room, which is all we needed, but I believe you can request more (but there might be a fee)

Areas where I believe the magic/Wonder are still better include:

1. The Dream’s adult pool area is not as inviting as the Magic/Wonder and the staff allowed teens into the pool.
Oh. . . I sort of spoke to this already - but we too ran into some issues with the CMs asking people to take their kids to other areas (they are always good about the way they handle that) and parent's were yelling back at the CMs telling them that they paid the same amount as everyone else. . . I think that perhaps on the shorter cruises people don't have enough time to learn the ship and know where they should or shouldn't be.

2. The fast food on the Magic/Wonders pool decks are on both sides of the ship. This food is all in the same general area on the Dream, so it is much more crowded when the masses are hungry.
This is a very interesting observation! I did notice that that area was a bit crowded but never put together the fact that it was all in that one area as opposed to spread out on the older ships!!

3. Compared to the Magic/Wonders Animators Palate restaurant, the Dreams was somewhat boring (although Crush is funny).
I actually loved the design more on the Dream - but I think it is the Mickey Pant's Chairs (wish I could have a few at home!) and those paintbrush butter knives!

As far as DCL in general, my DW and I love all of the Disney ships and DCL is our favorite cruise line. You will never find cruise ships with better service and entertainment. Every crew member speaks good English. You don’t feel overran by children, and not having any children, that says something. You can bring your own alcohol on board. Free sodas. It's is also the only cruise line to have a full fireworks show while underway. Oh, and you get to see Mickey!
We also cruise as 2 adults and we never feel as though we are surrounded by children. In fact, one of my favorite things is when you first check in at the port, and Captain Mickey comes out. . . the squeals from the children (of all ages), is truly Magical!!
We typically choose to have some beer and water in our stateroom. Rather than order it on the ship, we order it from Shirley (thePerfectGift) and we save ourselves a few bucks! She also puts together great gift bags if you would just like to have some surprises for your family in your stateroom when you get there.