October 26, 2013 HalloWonder Cruise

[Stitchintime75]

Congratulations on scoring such a great deal!!! Question....why would you prefer starboard? I checked and we're starboard. I'm curious as to what you get to see starboard that you don't see port.

I could be wrong but I don't think there's much difference on what you get to see. Our last cruise we were booked port side and during the sail away that was the side closest to the port. Also when in Nassau the exit was under our room so I thought I had it all figured out. Port side is the side to the port and the side you enter and exit from. So the next day we pull into Castaway Cay and kept looking out our window so we could run down to exit as soon as we saw the first people start to leave. The original itinerary said 915am and it was 845am so I figured we were still good. Although we had been in port for over an hour and our group was starting to pace waiting for the gangplank to come out. 920am rolls around and we couldn't stand it any longer! We went to go wait on the lower deck. Turns out the gangplank was out. On the starboard side! The ship had been letting people off since 830am, on the wrong side if you ask me.
I asked about the difference and was told it all depends on what port you are in and what side of the pier you are assigned to. Of course I could still be misinformed on this and this trip we will simply go stand down on the lower deck as soon as we dock. I'm not going to miss an hour of Castaway Cay time wandering around my room waiting for a gangplank. DH still brings up the hour we missed out on. Oooops.

 

[Mekamax]

The other ships (other lines) I have been on have had to change sides depending on the docks they go in on and sometimes that changes if they have to substitute ports for other ports or have problems... Didn't really think about them being able to unload and load on the same side only but then I have seen ships turn completely around and face the other direction when coming into Cozumel so I'm not completely sure.... They do come into Galveston sometimes and face the other direction and then turn around to leave. We always go up to the Pool deck to have something to eat and check out which side of the ship we are exiting from.. We like to wait at least 30 min after the gang plank goes out though because of crowds... Better to let those in a hurry to get off and we can walk off without being in the crowds and rush.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Very helpful! It's nice to pick the brains of those of you who have experienced DCL!

I haven't actually.... this is my first DCL cruise. However, I *may* have obsessively studied the deck 5 plans.....

When we pull out of Galveston the Starboard side will face the dock and they workers wave us on with big white Mickey Mouse hands. Of course it is fun to be up top for sailaway.

This goes to show you never know. SO many on the DIs are adamant that the ships back into CC, which means the starboard side faces the beach where we spend the day and the port faces the dock/Mickey Hand wavers. But have read TRs where people are in starboard rooms and see the dock and wavers. So, I guess you just don't know what you are gonna get until it happens. And either way has it's benefits. And in the end - who cares?? I am at CC!

 

[CatDenver]

SO many on the DIs are adamant that the ships back into CC, which means the starboard side faces the beach where we spend the day and the port faces the dock/Mickey Hand wavers. But have read TRs where people are in starboard rooms and see the dock and wavers. So, I guess you just don't know what you are gonna get until it happens. And either way has it's benefits. And in the end - who cares?? I am at CC!

Exactly! They could back the ship in for all I care! Just lead me to the beach!

 

[CatDenver]

Is the sail away party held before they actually pull away from the dock? DD9 wants to be front and center for the party but I'm inclined to want to be one level up to watch us leave. My hope is that it's before so we can have the best of both worlds.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Is the sail away party held before they actually pull away from the dock? DD9 wants to be front and center for the party but I'm inclined to want to be one level up to watch us leave. My hope is that it's before so we can have the best of both worlds.

We watched a youtube video (what did we do before Youtube?) of sail away on the Wonder and there seemed to be hoop-la both before and after the actual sail-away moment. There was some dancing and a countdown, and then after "3-2-1" the horn blew and the ship pulled away.

Cruise ships move so slowly out of port it can be difficult to even tell you are moving. I am thinking you will have plenty of time to enjoy some hoopla on deck 9 and then head up to watch the ship leave port. We have sailed other cruise lines out of Galveston a couple of times and it takes a little bit to get into open water and speed up.

 

[grimgrningghost]

We booked this cruise yesterday. It will be me, dh, dd4 and dd1! Our first cruise. Can't wait!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

We booked this cruise yesterday. It will be me, dh, dd4 and dd1! Our first cruise. Can't wait!

Yay!!! Readig through you will see that we have a Halloween Trick or Treat Group set up for the kiddos, if you are interested!! I have a 4yo DD to, and I know she would be upset if she didn't get to wear her princess costume and go ToTing!!!

Welcome!

 

[PrincessBs Mom]

It will be myself, DH, and DD4 also! First cruise! We are beyond excited. How many people are doing the FE? Count us in for the ToT and the FE. Do I have to sew one or is there something I can buy? No room numbers yet for us!

 

[CatDenver]

We booked this cruise yesterday. It will be me, dh, dd4 and dd1! Our first cruise. Can't wait!

Welcome! There are a few of us first time cruisers on this trip!

We have an FE list and a ToT list so if you'd like to be added to either one, let me know and we'll get you on there. More details to come later regarding the plan for ToTing!

 

[CatDenver]

It will be myself, DH, and DD4 also! First cruise! We are beyond excited. How many people are doing the FE? Count us in for the ToT and the FE. Do I have to sew one or is there something I can buy? No room numbers yet for us!

Welcome aboard, PrincessBs Mom! You're on both lists. We currently have 16 staterooms on the list.

As for sewing an FE, you don't have to sew one. I've read where some people are finding an FE at IKEA that they add things to it. You can search their web site for wall pockets and find a few options. Here's a DIS thread on that topic: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3049563&highlight=ikea

Catherine

 

[CatDenver]

Enough acronyms for you in the title?

Just a note those who have joined in the last several days that we are managing lists for FE and ToT, and we have a Facebook group called Disney Cruise HalloWonder 2013. To join the group, search for the group name and ask to be added. It is a closed group.

178 more days!

 

[Stitchintime75]

Is the sail away party held before they actually pull away from the dock? DD9 wants to be front and center for the party but I'm inclined to want to be one level up to watch us leave. My hope is that it's before so we can have the best of both worlds.

I can't remember if it happens at the same time or not? I do remember we were front row for the sail away party and still had plenty of time to walk over and see the CMs waving at us with big Mickey hands from the port. I want to say after the sail away party is over, they make a quick announcement and then you hear that wonderful Disney horn! Then the ship starts moving. I was so excited I can't say if it all happened at the same time or not? But if they pull out of Galveston the same way as Florida you shouldn't have any issues with making it up a deck to watch us leave the port. Especially if you take the stairs or aft elevator.

Can we leave tomorrow?

 

[grimgrningghost]

I'm not sure yet about TOT but definitely put us down for FE!

 

[kjack89048]

I will get the FE list updated! It has been a crazy week at work! SO READY FOR VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

I can't remember if it happens at the same time or not? I do remember we were front row for the sail away party and still had plenty of time to walk over and see the CMs waving at us with big Mickey hands from the port. I want to say after the sail away party is over, they make a quick announcement and then you hear that wonderful Disney horn! Then the ship starts moving. I was so excited I can't say if it all happened at the same time or not? But if they pull out of Galveston the same way as Florida you shouldn't have any issues with making it up a deck to watch us leave the port. Especially if you take the stairs or aft elevator.

Can we leave tomorrow?

It is very very slow. No wake zone, I guess.

 

[thelionqueen]

I put our deposit down on Friday and we can't wait! This is out 2nd Disney cruise on the Wonder. It is me DS12 and DS16. Plz add us to the FE list .

Me-Lanette-Favorite character-Cheshire Cat/Rapunzel
DS16-Tristan-favorite character-Mickey
DS12-Roman-favorite character-Chip/Dale or Stitch

Going to look for the FB group now

 

[Stitchintime75]

It is very very slow. No wake zone, I guess.

It is super slow! I know we were waving at the people, and a few minutes later we were still waiving at the people.

 

[CatDenver]

I've posted this info in the FB page but wanted to post here as well for those who don't FB. This was a DCL shoreside concierge response to my question regarding what the dining dress schedule is for our cruise:

Formal night will be on night two, Pirate night is on night four (29th), Costume night is on night six (31st replacing semi-formal night).

Maybe for Halloween I'll dress up as a cruiser who is dressed for semi-formal night!

 

[grimgrningghost]

Our missing info for the FE is:
Me - Laura - Muppets
DH - John - Iron Man
DD4 - Kate - Maleficent as a dragon, Merida, & Tink (really hers change weekly so no telling by October)
DD1 - Ella - Mickey

We are in a GTY room and are from Dallas, Tx