November 9, 2008 4 day Wonder- who's in?

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome, Inukshuk and Momto2PrincessesIL!! So glad you have joined our group!

This is our first DCL cruise as well. We are all so excited! We are booked at POR for the land part of our package. I have a friend who stayed at POFQ for a week last year, though... I am still mulling over which is the best place for us to stay. Any thoughts? I love the pool at POFQ! But in November I am wondering how much we'll use it. Are they heated, does anyone know? My DD and DH are polar bears- they'll be in the water no matter the temperature. Heck, Rachel will swim in the Pacific here in the winter, and the water temp is like 54 degrees! But my DS (Kyle) and I prefer warmer water, thanks!

I just got my Passporters. I got the spiral bound WDW one (since we probably won't go back to the World for a few more years) but the Deluxe DCL one so I can get a refill for next year's cruise. Anyone else get them? I've been reading a lot this week, hee hee. I am normally not much of a planner... I like a kick back vacation (which is why the cruise appeals so much to me!). But WDW is so different than when we went 4 years ago now. Our last 2 trips the only ADRs we made were character dining, and only because we had large groups. But this time I need to plan more in advance. Grrr! I do think we'll do Disney Dining Plan for our land stay, because it will be worth it just in the cost of some of the character meals. So I've been tentatively looking at some menus and thinking of places for our ADRs. Anyone else have them planned yet? We've done Chef Mickeys and Plaza Inn (the one in WDW, I think that's the name) before so we were thinking of doing something different.

I think we'll end up skipping Palo on the cruise... so much else to do and see on a 4 night! I don't want to miss anything. What category rooms did everyone get? We are a cat 10 SPH!

Christine

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Where is club 33??
Lucky you. I want to see Mickey too!! I LOVE MICKEY!!

Club 33 is the private club inside Disneyland. Members and guests only. We know someone who is a member (or more correctly, her ex is a member...), so she took us. It is super-exclusive. VERY nice meal, excellent service. It's the only place in DL you can be served alcohol. It's located above Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square. So much Disney memorabilia in there. It's a place Walt designed after seeing some "private clubs" at the New York World's Fair- places he could entertain dignitaries and investors in DL. It had always been a dream of mine to go to Club 33 someday, I am really lucky that I got to go! It was probably a once in a lifetime chance. Mickey and Pluto spent a lot of time with us there and were so great. Pluto even signed DH and DS's matching Pluto hockey jerseys. I took a million photos since I am sure I won't be able to go back. I debated about taking the kids, but I am glad I did it. They will always remember it.

Christine

 

[inukshuk]

We live just outside of St Thomas, we have a small hobby farm, 4 horses and two pot belly pigs. We will fly out of Toronto, my husband works for an airline so we go on passes which is great, but it is not confirmed. When we went last year we got the last three seats. I am looking forward to staying at the poly, last year we stayed at CBR. It was great, I do not think we ever saw daylight there. We were up so early for our ADR and late for the parades. We are booked as Cat 6 on the ship. Last year we were on board during Hurricane Noelle. The Captain did a great job. They had to cut our stay at CC short because of the weather and kept clearing the beach for the storm while we were there.
I just found out yesterday that my mom has gotten us Ellen Degeneres tickets in April. This had been a great two days.


me DH DD 4

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We live just outside of St Thomas, we have a small hobby farm, 4 horses and two pot belly pigs. We will fly out of Toronto, my husband works for an airline so we go on passes which is great, but it is not confirmed. When we went last year we got the last three seats. I am looking forward to staying at the poly, last year we stayed at CBR. It was great, I do not think we ever saw daylight there. We were up so early for our ADR and late for the parades. We are booked as Cat 6 on the ship. Last year we were on board during Hurricane Noelle. The Captain did a great job. They had to cut our stay at CC short because of the weather and kept clearing the beach for the storm while we were there.
I just found out yesterday that my mom has gotten us Ellen Degeneres tickets in April. This had been a great two days.


me DH DD 4

Where are you going to see Ellen? I love her!

When did you cruise last year? Hurricanes are still a little worry for me- but not enough not to book! I recently reminded my kids that *if* there was bad weather we might have to skip CC. I read all those threads on the main cruise board about people blowing up because they didn't dock at CC. Whoa! So I thought I'd make it clear now that sometimes things happen, and you just make the best of it. But that 95% of the time, they do indeed dock at CC. My kids have seen pictures from the boards and the dvd, and they are really excited to go there. No matter what, I can't imagine we won't have a good time!

Christine

 

[inukshuk]

Christine
We are going on April 17th. I have never been to LA, so any or all advice I will take. I do not know where to book a hotel. We are bringing my 18 year old daughter. She is so excited.

We were on the Halloween cruise last year. Like I said the Captain did an amazing job to get us into CC. It was such a beautiful island. Even though it was cut short it was still a highlight of the trip. That night we had seas of 20 feet. It didn't bother us at all.
Do you know what you are going to do in Nassau?
Jen

 

[Mrs.Charming]

I have my itinerary planned! I am all ready to make my ADR's at 180 days. We are going very character meal heavy since this will be my ds's first trip to Disney.

I am so glad this group is getting larger! I am really into the idea of doing fun things like the fish extenders and that works better with a lively group.

 

[Momto2PrincessesIL]

What character meals are you planning on going to? We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast and 1900 park fare for dinner when we were there in October. Both were really good. I think we are going to do Crystal Palace, Liberty daughter has wanted to see Daisy everytime we have been to Disney and has yet to see her. Those of you that have cruised before - have you ever seen her on the boat?

I was thinking of ordering the Passporter for the DCL- is it worth the $$$?

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Christine
We are going on April 17th. I have never been to LA, so any or all advice I will take. I do not know where to book a hotel. We are bringing my 18 year old daughter. She is so excited.

We were on the Halloween cruise last year. Like I said the Captain did an amazing job to get us into CC. It was such a beautiful island. Even though it was cut short it was still a highlight of the trip. That night we had seas of 20 feet. It didn't bother us at all.
Do you know what you are going to do in Nassau?
Jen

Do you know where she films? Which studios and city it's in? I might be able to help a little if you know that already.

We still don't know what we're doing in Nassau- maybe the pirate museum and a beach somewhere? Or a snorkel/beach excursion? I don't know. I've been reading my Passporter!!

Christine

 

[Mrs.Charming]

We are planning on hitting Chef Mickey (One of my favorites!), Crystal Palace, Tusker House (I have heard Daisy is here for Breakfast!), Playhouse Disney Play & Dine, Akershus & Ohana's (Lilo and Stitch B'fast).

As for the cruise part, in Nassau we are going to make a reservation for a room at Atlantis so we can use the facilities for the day and hopefully CC will be a nice relaxing beach day. We do not plan on hitting Palo on this trip. If this is a successful trip we plan on switching off every other year between a week on land and a week on sea and we can hit Palo on a longer voyage.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for this trip!!! I wish it was November already (although I don't want to rush the summer away)!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We are planning on hitting Chef Mickey (One of my favorites!), Crystal Palace, Tusker House (I have heard Daisy is here for Breakfast!), Playhouse Disney Play & Dine, Akershus & Ohana's (Lilo and Stitch B'fast).

As for the cruise part, in Nassau we are going to make a reservation for a room at Atlantis so we can use the facilities for the day and hopefully CC will be a nice relaxing beach day. We do not plan on hitting Palo on this trip. If this is a successful trip we plan on switching off every other year between a week on land and a week on sea and we can hit Palo on a longer voyage.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for this trip!!! I wish it was November already (although I don't want to rush the summer away)!

We are going to hit Tusker House as well- and REALLY hope to see Daisy! She's my fave, and so rarely seen. I have had a pink Daisy Duck WDW keychain since I was 16. Every time I go I get a new one! I've been thinking about either Ohana's (since Kyle is such a Stitch fan) or maybe Coral Reef (not character, I know- but sounds neat!) in Epcot as well. Gotta decide about any ADRs for our post-cruise days also, which won't be on the dining plan. Anyone been someplace great in the past? We have done Chef Mickeys and Crystal Palace but that's it.

Does anyone know the days schedules yet for November? Which parks have early entry and late night for guests? That will make a difference fon my plan.

I like your idea of switching off a year on land and a year on the cruise. I plan to hit Palo on next year's cruise. I am so excited about keeping it a surprise for my kids until Christmas. By then, they will have gotten off this cruise and I know will be wanting to go again! So it's their Christmas present this year. They are already so excited for this trip.

Christine

 

[Momto2PrincessesIL]

I don't believe they release the park hours and extra magic hours for November around May 1st. I can't wait for them to release so I can decide which parks I'm going to on which days and to schedule my ADR's. Keep in mind that Saturday, November 8th is part of Super Soap Weekend at Disney Studios, so avoid that park that day unless you want autographs from soap stars instead of characters!

 

[Mom2Beauty&theBeast]

My family will also be joining you as we are doing a Land & Sea Vacation, as well. As you have already heard from my sister Momto2princessIL we too, will be staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter.

This is my husband and I's 3rd cruise but first time with Disney... I'm so excited for my children and to be going on another cruise... love them!

Looking forward to sharing many thoughts and ideas of what to come on our trip!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I don't believe they release the park hours and extra magic hours for November around May 1st. I can't wait for them to release so I can decide which parks I'm going to on which days and to schedule my ADR's. Keep in mind that Saturday, November 8th is part of Super Soap Weekend at Disney Studios, so avoid that park that day unless you want autographs from soap stars instead of characters!

Oh my gosh... if the cast of General Hospital will be there, then my DH will be in heaven! (I think they have been in the past.) He is so funny, he's a die hard GH fan. He tivo's it every day (but only watches certain plotlines). He grew up watching it with his mom, and still does... boy, if he can meet the actors who play Sonny and Jason this will be a dream vacation for him! He once saw the actor who plays Sonny and the actress who plays Elizabeth in a restaurant with their respective families. He was so excited he must have called me 5 times from the restaurant! He wouldn't go ask for their autographs though since they were having dinner with their kids.

I'm seeing some "alone time" for Daddy on this trip hahahaha!!! Guess that's when the kids and I will be on RockNRoller Coaster!!

Christine

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

My family will also be joining you as we are doing a Land & Sea Vacation, as well. As you have already heard from my sister Momto2princessIL we too, will be staying at the Port Orleans French Quarter.

This is my husband and I's 3rd cruise but first time with Disney... I'm so excited for my children and to be going on another cruise... love them!

Looking forward to sharing many thoughts and ideas of what to come on our trip!

Welcome Julie! Glad you joined in!

Where else have you cruised? Have your children ever cruised? Have your kids been to WDW before? Their ages will be so wonderful for your trip! My DD was 15 months at her first WDW trip, and DS was 3 at his. I have such wonderful memories of them on those trips! Character meals were huge hits, of course.

What sold everyone on a Disney cruise?

Christine

 

[inukshuk]

Hi Christine
I think the show is taped in burbank.

What is Chef Mickeys like? We haven't done that meal. I was going to try an book the meal with Sleeping Beauty. Wow this is so wonderful, my family thinks I am crazy to get this excitied so early. It is nice to share this with all of you.







me DH DD

 

[Mom2Beauty&theBeast]

Welcome Julie! Glad you joined in!

Where else have you cruised? Have your children ever cruised? Have your kids been to WDW before? Their ages will be so wonderful for your trip! My DD was 15 months at her first WDW trip, and DS was 3 at his. I have such wonderful memories of them on those trips! Character meals were huge hits, of course.

What sold everyone on a Disney cruise?

Christine

DH and I went on a 7 Day Southern Caribbean for our Honeymoon, then on a 5 day Bahama cruise both on Royal Caribbean. None of my kids have been on a cruise or to WDW. My husband has never been to WDW and it has been 20 years since I've been there. Looking forward to it.

Maybe well see you there!

 

[marcybk]

Julie, I'm sure your kids will love it. We took our kids to WDW for the first time in November and they were over the moon. We're not doing WDW with the cruise this time since we went so recently, but I'm looking forward to seeing the kids faces when they see the characters on the ship. I'm also looking forward to a bit more of a relaxing trip. WDW is a blast, but man, it was exhausting!

I'm doing the cruise with my family too (2 sisters, their families and my mom), so sounds like there will be quite a few big groups on the ship.

Marcy

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

DH and I went on a 7 Day Southern Caribbean for our Honeymoon, then on a 5 day Bahama cruise both on Royal Caribbean. None of my kids have been on a cruise or to WDW. My husband has never been to WDW and it has been 20 years since I've been there. Looking forward to it.

Maybe well see you there!

I'm sure you will!

Wow, so this definitely is a big trip for all of you! How exciting. I'm guessing you've never done Disneyland either, then? How many days do you plan to be at WDW? Last time we did 4 days in the parks, and man it was not enough. So this time we are doing 6 days- 3 pre and 3 post. This way we can relax a little, do a water park and maybe MVMCP as well.

I still get excited talking about our LAST WDW trip! Ohmygosh. Even my DH I think is getting a little excited this time. He loves Disney too- but he tries to be manly about it. He won't be the one crying at the fireworks, but I sure will.

christine

 

[neonurse]

Julie, you and your family are going to have so much fun. NOTHING like your first time. Just don't try to do and see all at disney or you will burn yourself out. If you have time a good rule is to do a park day followed by a pool/shopping day. That way you don't get exhausted by the miles of walking at the parks. You have picked at great hotel (my fav because I used to live in Louisiana). Its beautiful and will be decorated in Mardi Gras colours for Christmas. I wish I could be there to see the magnolia trees in bloom.

I have been on a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas before with my DH but my kids have never been on a cruise. I don't know why, but I didn't care for cruising. Others I know love it. Some friends at work would rather go on cruise than anything else. What am I doing wrong?? I think part of it was that DH and I are not real partiers or really outgoing to go and mingle with strangers so we sort of kept to ourselves. I felt like all we did was go from one meal to the next. I know this time it will be much different since we will have our kids with us and all our family and of course because its DISNEY

Colleen

 

[Mrs.Charming]

As for us, DH and I have been on a few cruises just the two of us (RCCL Eastern Caribbean for honeymoon, NCL Hawaii, and Princess Tahiti) and we took ds on his first cruise a year ago this coming weekend (RCCL).

Cruising is our absolute form of vacation! I like how it can be as relaxing or as active as you want. We like to have a cruise be a bit of both but with ds the relaxing part is getting harder and harder I really need to make sure I get my Flounders Reef time set up ASAP so we can at least have some spa time.

We also LOVE Disney! DH and I got engaged there in October 1996. So the Disney cruise is a natural extension for us.

inukshuk - Chef Mickey's is a huge buffet The food is pretty good (IMHO) and the character interaction is fantastic! I think it is as much of a "must do" as a princess meal.