Oct 30 and Nov 3, 2011 - B2B Dream- Viva La Nanahead

[BealsRwe]

We will be at CI&S. Radisson was booked up when I tried, but will probably try again over the next few months.

I did get our confirmation earlier, so we are official! We haven't been on many vacations in the past, so I think we are making up for it now!

Our group is me (Amanda), DH (Dale), and our two girls that will be 5 and 3 at sailing.

We are at CI&S the night before too. It will be our 3rd time staying at CI&S prior to a cruise. We live just west of Orlando, so we could drive over day of. The convenience of starting our vacation a day early, the parking included, nice breakfast prior to heading on the free shuttle, the great staff, nice rooms...our choice is once again CI&S.

Stephanie
(DH-Peter, DD-Kayla, age 7 at sailing)

 

[Mickeygolf]

I tried the Radisson and it was booked. Couldn't believe it would be full that far in advance. Turned out great because it made me go another direction and I think we did okay. We're staying at Four Points Sheraton in Cocoa Beach. It's a bit farther from the port but it's close to the ocean (block and a half), it's a suite (we're a party of 5), and it looks like great shopping and restaurants nearby. There's a large surf shop attached to the hotel which my kids will love and it's right next door to Ron Jon. We'll be able to drop the car off at Budget on the way to port or I might drop everyone off at the port and return the car myself and catch the shuttle back. Pretty good price with the pay now no change option, so we're really excited.

My daughter is driving me nuts wondering when we'll get the FE list. Woogal has assured me it's on the way and I try to keep reassuring my daughter. Boys not as excited about the FE's but they can't wait to check out Edge and the Aqua Duck. Are we really still 9 months away???

 

[Dixielady908]

Afternoon all:

Well just gearing up for our up coming snow storm....supposed to start around 3pm today....we are waiting on one of our doctors to see if she will let us cancel her schedule for tomorrow.....most of us live far enough that we may not be able to make it to work....so hopefully she will let us close the office.

I booked Country Inn Suites also....I was also surprised that Radisson was already booked....so I guess we all can have a mini meet the nite before.

Hope everyone in bad weather areas stay safe...

later all

 

[BealsRwe]

Hi everyone. We have been watching the news coverage of the weather from Texas to Maine...be safe out there everyone. We live in Florida now, but I am from Wisconsin, and DH is from Maine...we see the snow on tv, and that's enough for us. I have lived in Orlando for 14.5 years, and have only visited relatives during winter months a few times in that span...they all much prefer to visit me this time of year. I was in shorts and flip flops yesterday...today it's sunny and warm, but a cold front is moving toward us and will stall...rain in our forecast for the next 4 days. I will envy your weather in June, July, & August.

Stephanie

 

[happytime]

Denise, Be safe whatever you do.

We live here in the St Louis metro area and basically everything has been closed down for the day. Major corporations have closed. My son (fastpaks on this site) works for FedEx as a driver and he got the call to not come to work early this morning. And FedEx doesn't close.

Hwy 70 goes across our state, as you probably know, and they even have closed it due to this storm. (white out conditions)

Terry

 

[happytime]

Hi everyone. We have been watching the news coverage of the weather from Texas to Maine...be safe out there everyone. We live in Florida now, but I am from Wisconsin, and DH is from Maine...we see the snow on tv, and that's enough for us. I have lived in Orlando for 14.5 years, and have only visited relatives during winter months a few times in that span...they all much prefer to visit me this time of year. I was in shorts and flip flops yesterday...today it's sunny and warm, but a cold front is moving toward us and will stall...rain in our forecast for the next 4 days. I will envy your weather in June, July, & August.

Stephanie

Thanks Stephanie. We're holed up in our house, well-prepared with food supplies, and just enjoying the view of the weather from our windows.

We also used to live in Florida so we know how you are enjoying your weather right now AND how humid and uncomfortable it is in during the summer months. We lived in Titusville..space coast. But we didn't really see too many relatives from the north.

I guess we lived just a little too far from all the fun in Orlando. WDW was 65 miles away one way and with the toll highways, I guess it was just too much of a deterrent. Not too bad on the way to the parks, but a hike back when you're tired and don't want to deal with driving long distance to get that needed rest. Plus if they were on vacation, they just didn't want to deal with all that mileage day after day.. LOL

 

[PrincessTinker11]

We are staying at the Pop Century the night before and I am having a private shuttle, works out to 11 dollars a person!

 

[Dixielady908]

Denise, Be safe whatever you do.

We live here in the St Louis metro area and basically everything has been closed down for the day. Major corporations have closed. My son (fastpaks on this site) works for FedEx as a driver and he got the call to not come to work early this morning. And FedEx doesn't close.

Hwy 70 goes across our state, as you probably know, and they even have closed it due to this storm. (white out conditions)

Terry

The winds are really picking up now and driftting snow....yikes...we are closing our office for tomorrow...cancelled the last few patients that were scheduled for tonite...but I have to say, I work 10 miles from my office, it normally takes me 25-30min to get there...I was really lucky, as it only took me 35 min to get home tonite....I have a 6 mile streach of 2 lanes and its by open fields....so it was pretty bad in thoes spots, but the rest not so bad...
The winds are going to pick up to 45-50 mph....

Stay warm and safe everyone

 

[JLSE50]

We are staying at the Pop Century the night before and I am having a private shuttle, works out to 11 dollars a person!

WOW
can you share details?
Jan

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Morning all,

hope everyone is staying warm and safe. No storm out west where i am at. We are 27 this morning and heading to 45 this afternoon. A real heat wave compared to alot of you.

Denise i hope you get to Heathers ok, No cancellations for your flight. I know its not long until you go.


Stay safe everyone,

Kathy

 

[Dixielady908]

Morning Nana's

Well we have around 18 inches of snow since 3pm yesterday....the winds last night were blowing at 45mph and we had thunder and lighting.....got up this morning and poor Jack was unable to go out the deck door....the snow on the deck was knee high....have been out trying to shovel him an area where he can go.....its just wonderful here.....and guess what??? Tomorrow they are calling for wind chills of 20 below.....I am soooo happy living here in the midwest.....(not) I dont suspect things getting much better or cleared up much for tomorrow either.....there is a slight possiblity that we may keep the office closed tomorrow as well.....

Well break time over have to shovel some more snow!!!

later


Morgan how are you doing in Indiana???? Any better????

 

[Kj4402]

Hello,i just booked this. First cruise ever super excited and super nervous. My friend told me. to register here. It will be myself and my,children ages 13 and 8
It would be nice to have friends on board

 

[Princess Olivia]

Hello Kj4402! Is your 13 yr old a girl or a boy? I have a 13 yr old son who'll be with us and a 14 yr old daughter so either way I have you covered if he/she might be looking for a friend onboard!!

I am also staying at CI&S!! I am currently trying to find a reputable car service. Anyone have a recommendation?

Another snow day here in MA. Even DH is home I love having extra help with the babies!!!

I think I'll post this on the main board but maybe someone here has some advice. This is my first time traveling with little kids (toddlers). We didn't take the big kids to Disney until they were 5 and 6. I'm not sure how to fly with two babies. Are two car seats neccessary, Nolan will only be 12 months? Where would I put them for the cruise? Should I take two strollers (umbrella) or a Maclaren double umbrella? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Jen

 

[Dixielady908]

Hello,i just booked this. First cruise ever super excited and super nervous. My friend told me. to register here. It will be myself and my,children ages 13 and 8
It would be nice to have friends on board

Welcome KJ4402 & family.....

My name is Denise and traveling with Wally, this is my 3rd and Wallys 2nd cruise....sorry I have no kids coming along....my two are grown adults and out of the house.....Just keep posting and you will have tons of friends before cruise time.

Jen: The last 2 cruises I went on we used Happy Limo....I was very satisfied with them....however, I have been checking out limo services for this cruise and its seems that Happy Limo at this time is the higest priced...so I may try another service this time....will keep ya all informed of my decisions on that.

later

 

[PrincessTinker11]

Hello,i just booked this. First cruise ever super excited and super nervous. My friend told me. to register here. It will be myself and my,children ages 13 and 8
It would be nice to have friends on board

Welcome Kj4402!!!!!!

 

[Princess Sleepy]

Hello KJ4402! Welcome to the DIS!

My older daughter will turn 8 the last day of the cruise. Her sister will be 5 and I will be with my nieces (7 and 5) and their cousin (9 year old boy). So lots of kids in the age range.

I think we are going to end up staying at the Marriott Residence Inn the night before we sail. DH's aunt and uncle have points there and can stay for free and DH wants to stay where the rest of his family is.

I was looking at another thread regarding online check-in. We have been using a TA to book. Will we still want to do online check-in? Will we get a crappy boarding number because this is our first cruise?

PrincessTinker11: I would also like to hear which shuttle service worked out to $11 per person. We are thinking we will rent a car as the cheapest option, but I would definitely take a shuttle that was that cheap.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Hello,i just booked this. First cruise ever super excited and super nervous. My friend told me. to register here. It will be myself and my,children ages 13 and 8
It would be nice to have friends on board

WELCOME !!!


Happy to have more people along.
I am Kathy traveling with Hubby Greg.

We do have a cruise mates list that Shell is working on so everyone here can get aquainted better and you'll be able to see who has kids the ages of yours. Then you can help the kids get connected ahead of time so they will have friends waiting on board the first day.

Once you have 12 or 15 posts you can send a private message to Shell about getting yourself on the list. Only those on the list will get a copy of the list.
She will tell you everything she needs to know about your family to add you to the list.
So post alot so you can be able to PM her soon.
When the time comes look ot the upper right corner of this page and it says Private Messages. Click on that and then where it asks who your sending it to put Woogal. Thats her posting name.

What is your first name?

Many of us are seasoned cruisers, although not on the Dream but we can answer general questions for you. So please feel free to ask anything you want and we will try to answer for you.

Kathy

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Hello KJ4402! Welcome to the DIS!

My older daughter will turn 8 the last day of the cruise. Her sister will be 5 and I will be with my nieces (7 and 5) and their cousin (9 year old boy). So lots of kids in the age range.

I think we are going to end up staying at the Marriott Residence Inn the night before we sail. DH's aunt and uncle have points there and can stay for free and DH wants to stay where the rest of his family is.

I was looking at another thread regarding online check-in. We have been using a TA to book. Will we still want to do online check-in? Will we get a crappy boarding number because this is our first cruise?

PrincessTinker11: I would also like to hear which shuttle service worked out to $11 per person. We are thinking we will rent a car as the cheapest option, but I would definitely take a shuttle that was that cheap.

Not sure how they are doing the boarding numbers on the Dream but it use to be the first to check in got the first boarding passes. So first come, first served. Now handicap and people in the Roy and Walt Disney suites do board before anyone else does.
But it goes so fast it really makes little difference in when you get on board. I think everyone in the terminal got boarded within 30 minutes of the start of boarding last cruise we took. After that they didnt even give out boarding numbers. You checked in and walked right on the ship.


Kathy

 

[BealsRwe]

Hello Kj4402! Is your 13 yr old a girl or a boy? I have a 13 yr old son who'll be with us and a 14 yr old daughter so either way I have you covered if he/she might be looking for a friend onboard!!

I am also staying at CI&S!! I am currently trying to find a reputable car service. Anyone have a recommendation?

Another snow day here in MA. Even DH is home I love having extra help with the babies!!!

I think I'll post this on the main board but maybe someone here has some advice. This is my first time traveling with little kids (toddlers). We didn't take the big kids to Disney until they were 5 and 6. I'm not sure how to fly with two babies. Are two car seats neccessary, Nolan will only be 12 months? Where would I put them for the cruise? Should I take two strollers (umbrella) or a Maclaren double umbrella? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Jen

We have cruised with DD since she was 5 months old. DD is 6, and will be 7 at the time we cruise. This will be her 8th DCL cruise, and she was on one Carnival with us too. We live near Orlando, so didn't have to deal with the flight to get to our cruise, but I can tell you, car seats shouldn't necessarily be needed to travel with, unless you're renting a car (you can get through car rental, but often extra charge). You shouldn't need the car seats anytime on the cruise. I felt uneasy in other countries when we have cruised at times, but in some countries they don't even have seatbelts in cars to attach car seats. If you do bring a stroller, you have to store it in your room.

We brought DD's Graco stroller onboard-and this is probably my best suggestion! It was a bit larger than an umbrella stroller, but I found well worth the space, especially since we used a lot. Our DD was more comfortable sleeping in her stroller (with infant seat for her infant days), vs the pack 'n play. We would also load her up in her stroller at night for dinner, movies, anywhere we were going on the ship. It made it easy for us to enjoy dinner, and for her to just fall asleep. Then we could enjoy the ship just walking around with her sleeping in her stroller.

Since you're flying, you may want to look at the Babies Travel Lite options to have diapers and wipes in your room when you arrive vs buying ahead of time...I'm sure the cost is more, but might be worth it with airline luggage fees. There are also quite a few stores to stock up close to the port.

Welcome!

Stephanie

DH-Peter, DD-Kayla age 6 until July 8th

 

[pjpoohbear]

Not sure how they are doing the boarding numbers on the Dream but it use to be the first to check in got the first boarding passes. So first come, first served. Now handicap andpeople in the Roy and Walt Disney suites do board before anyone else does.
But it goes so fast it really makes little difference in when you get on board. I think everyone in the terminal got boarded within 30 minutes of the start of boarding last cruise we took. After that they didnt even give out boarding numbers. You checked in and walked right on the ship.


Kathy

We have had varying experiences with HCP boarding process, DM uses a walker and is still unsteady on her feet even then.

In 2004, yes, right after Conc, we were even sat at a spot right near the Mickey ears. In, 2007 & 2009, no, but were offered to board at the beginning of our boarding group without standing in the line in 2009.

But I have had a conversation with a cruisers who in late 2010 did board with her HCP mother right after the Conc. sailors. So depending if DM is still having walking issue, we will see what happens in 2011.


PJ