October 31, 2009

[Renysmom]

Last year Disney didn't announce their Halloween plans for the cruise ship until about a month or so out from sailing. I am assuming this will be the case as well.

I will bet that they will do all the events after the sailaway party. It's Disney and it's Halloween. They will do something

 

[jnadelman]

we are booked both at the Hyatt in MCO and the Radisson by the port. It all depends on the flights we get and the times. But has anyone had any luck with the flights? We are booked right now for flights via DCL and we can't even come close to beating their price. We don't want to fly with DCL since we have no control over times or connections. But everything else is coming out a lot more expensive.
Also, we booked the 10am shuttle from the Radisson. How does that work? we don't have a confirmation number or anything, should we? Howe early does it get us to the port and how much waiting around will there be? What about luggage?

 

[Dawn414]

LOL. I haven't even thought of October flights yet. But for the Radisson...you come to the front of the hotel with your luggage about 15-20 minutes before your time and check in with the shuttle guy. he's got your name on a list...no confirmation#. Then around 10 (or once they get clearance from the ship), they board folks that are scheduled and take them over to the port (about 5 minutes). Last time I went, they stopped at Carnival first and then went to DCL. First time, it was straight to DCL. You drop your luggage off with a porter (tipping is a nice idea) and then show the folks at the terminal your id (paperwork) and then you go into the terminal itself and the fun begins!!! You check in at one of the podiums, get your boarding # (usually 2, 3, 4 for that early). In about 30 minutes or so, they open the check-in for oceaneer's club/lab so you can get your pager. They start boarding around noon-ish. For the kids, they have tv's with cartoons and characters start coming out for photo ops. There's no 'line' per se. Once they call your boarding number, you're free to board. You have a choice if you want to have lunch at parrot Cay (deck 3 aft) or if you want to go up to deck 9 (aft). I like deck 9 because it's close to the pools. Plus, if your kids are picky (like mine), you can also get some pizza or chix fingers/burger outside by the pool.

The downside of taking the DCL bus from the airport is that you don't necessarily know what time you'll get to the port and even though it's a longer trip, my feeling is that you're paying for that first day too so make the most of it!

Hope that helps!

 

[pam775]

Hi everyone! I just booked this cruise and am very excited to be cruising with all of you. We are also from NJ and this will be our first Disney cruise. It will be me - 36, DH - 40, DS - 7 and DD - 5. Can't wait until October!!!!

 

[Dawn414]

Welcome! It's gonna be awesome! This will be our 4th (4/07-4 night wonder, 5/08-7-night western, 3/09-3-night wonder and then the Halloween cruise)... Looking forward to getting to know you!

Dawn McG

 

[pam775]

Thanks Dawn, same here. And I hope you have a great time on your cruise in March. I'll be checking in here from time to time so I hope to talk with you again.

 

[hampson8]

Hello Everyone!!

I have wanted to post for a while but have finally gotten around to it. We are joining all of you on the Oct 31, 2009 cruise. I have PM about adding us to the Fish Extender list and I have even checked out our website which is sweet! This is our 2nd DCL. The first was a gift the day after I finished the Disney Half Marathon. Disney does everything with style.

We have 3 cabins with 12 people going.

My family and I go to Disney about every 2-3months. We live in Illinois but it is so worth the trip. We have two little boys with a little girl arriving in June.

We have one cabin on deck 5, and two on deck 6. And we all have the arly seating.

I can't wait!! We booked last May and have been counting the days since.

Renysmom my sister's, who is joing us, birthday is Oct 31 so celebrations galore.

 

[jnadelman]

Hi everyone! I just booked this cruise and am very excited to be cruising with all of you. We are also from NJ and this will be our first Disney cruise. It will be me - 36, DH - 40, DS - 7 and DD - 5. Can't wait until October!!!!

Great to hear. We are also from NJ (who isn't). My DS is 7 and my DD is 4 (but almost 5 by the cruise). So it sounds like are kids are the same ages.

 

[whayes]

We are also from NJ (who isn't).

Me.

 

[pam775]

Great to hear. We are also from NJ (who isn't). My DS is 7 and my DD is 4 (but almost 5 by the cruise). So it sounds like are kids are the same ages.

Sounds good. I'm sure there will be a lot of kids in this age range!!!

 

[Renysmom]

Hello fellow cruisers -

Well I guess there is one thing to be said about having the flu and ordered to bedrest by your Dr.. You have time to update the cruise webpage

I think I got everyone's information updated and added, if I missed someone please let me know, all I have it time for the next day or so to update LOL

Can't believe we are at 266 and counting. My son's girlfriend was here last night and we started talking that we really need to start planning our excursions and such. We are headed to WDW in 21 days (if Dr allows, and he better) and then I will be all over planning.

Whalen - I saw you bought BLT, so did we. but because of this March trip and the cruise we won't be staying there until 2010. Can't wait to hear all the reports about it though..

Anyway, if I have anything wrong I will be happy to update the website, just let me know.

Take care

 

[Dee73]

Sure
Does anyone know which dinner seating they have yet? We have the early seating. Also, our home away from will be on Deck 1. Anyone else down there with us? We did Deck 1 last time and it worked out pretty well for us.

We just joined this cruise and are also on Deck 1. You've been down there before and it was okay? Last time we were on deck two and had the big window but there are no rooms left on deck two. We were supposed to be on the cruise that is currently sailing (January 21-Eastern) but our dd7 got really sick a week before we were supposed to leave and ended up in the hospital for a week Happy to say that she is doing much better but my parents and sister & her family are all sailing now which was a little disappointing. We are super excited to join the October 31st cruise - it looks like there is a lot happening Our two kids (dd will be 8 then, and ds will be 10) will be happy to know that there is going to be some Halloween fun on the ship.

We're not from NJ either ... but the Canadian cold. So looking forward to joining everyone on this trip even if the rest of my extended family won't be there.

 

[thewright6]

We're excited to be joining this group. We just got off the Magic Saturday and everyone in our family is ready to go again! We thought we would go again in 2010 or 11 but while onboard, we purchased DVC. We thought we'd gotten decent incentives to join but when we got home they'd changed and were offering a free 7-night cruise if you purchased 270 points. We'd already bought 220 so we just added 50 and got a cruise for free. VERY EXCITING~!

Anyway, we're not from NJ (hard to believe, huh??) but rather another from VA.

At cruise time my kids will be (DD) 12, (DD) 9, (DS) 6 and (DS)3. I am most excited the little one will be able to particiate in the Club this time and not just the nursery.

Since we just got off the ship if anyone has any questions I'll try to answer them while my memory's still fresh.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Debbie

P.S. I tried to PM b/c we'd like to be listed on the "Shipmates" as well as participate in the FE but it said I had to write 10 messages first. I'll try...

 

[knewton64]

.....just left the Wonder Jan 15th after a wonderful first timer vacation to WDW / DCL (Jan 7th - 15th). Looking forward to this vaction as I am a solo traveler and get into all things Disney. I do have a trip report listed under DCL trip reports if anyone of you want to read it. I am the trip report that has the yellow smiley face just to the left of the TR title.
I may have a few questions to ask so it would be greatly appreicated if you can take me under your wing here (shore excursions, etc) as I have never been to the Western Caribbean either. Love Key West, Key lime pie (YUM!) and yes, can't forget about those Margaritas!

Thanks!

Kris

P.S. Yes, please add me to the FE list. Question: Are we doing some sort of a "Meet & Greet" during this trip?? I think it would be a fun way to meet all of you.

 

[Dawn414]

..
Question: Are we doing some sort of a "Meet & Greet" during this trip?? I think it would be a fun way to meet all of you.

For past cruises, my DISers have hooked up in the Promenade Lounge around 3ish...

Hello fellow cruisers -

Well I guess there is one thing to be said about having the flu and ordered to bedrest by your Dr.. You have time to update the cruise webpage

Take care

Do you have the link for that? Wasn't sure if I asked to be added to the Fish Extender list. THX!

We just joined this cruise and are also on Deck 1. You've been down there before and it was okay? Last time we were on deck two and had the big window but there are no rooms left on deck two. We were supposed to be on the cruise that is currently sailing (January 21-Eastern) but our dd7 got really sick a week before we were supposed to leave and ended up in the hospital for a week Happy to say that she is doing much better but my parents and sister & her family are all sailing now which was a little disappointing. We are super excited to join the October 31st cruise - it looks like there is a lot happening Our two kids (dd will be 8 then, and ds will be 10) will be happy to know that there is going to be some Halloween fun on the ship.

We're not from NJ either ... but the Canadian cold. So looking forward to joining everyone on this trip even if the rest of my extended family won't be there.

Never stayed on Deck 1 before...I heard the downside of it is that it doesn't run the full ship so it could make getting places slightly more challenging. Can't really give anymore input there. We've been on Deck 6 twice (Cat 6), will be on deck six (cat 11) on the 3-nighter coming up (in 26 DAYS) and then Cat 6/deck 6 for this cruise. We like it there because then we can take the stairs to get to most places up or down.

Be well all!
Dawn McG

 

[knewton64]

A lot of fellow DISsers ask me that many times when I was on the Wonder last month. And hey, what can I say??? Anyway - got the Goofy question of the day (Goofy is my fav):

And its about my pre-day. I am beginning to get around to putting it together (just booked the cruise yesterday!) And I am stumped. Ok...I have never seen any Disney fireworks displays and I haven't seen Spectromagic either until this trip so I am going to MK (Keys to the Kingdom tour? Still checking on it & times) followed by 1900 Faire at GF the next morning (I have never conversed /met Mary Poppins) but.....what nice sit down places do you suggest I can have an ADR while at MK??
Or, would you suggest Narcooses (hope I spelled that right) and avoid MK all together but still be able to see the fireworks???? Need input /suggestions please.
Secondly, after 1900 faire, suggestions on what to do for a few hours?? I figure I would have about 3 hours to goof aorund with before the ME bus takes me to the port & onto the Disney Magic.
Anyway - let me stop for now & listen. Afterwards, I need to ask a few questions about shore excursions but I figure I will pick that up next week.

Thanks!

CBR 01-07-2009
Disney Wonder 01-11-2009
CBR 10-29-2009
Disney Magic 10-30-2009
Disney Magic 12-29-2010 (& LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!! WOO-HOO!! )

Kris
(hhhmmmm....I seem to be the only one here from Texas).........

 

[Dee73]

Hey everyone! Has anyone ever stayed on deck 5 before? We're looking at a Category 8 and there are no rooms left on Deck 6. We're currently on Deck 1 but we'd really like to have the big window vs. the two smaller ones. If anyone knows anything about staying on Deck 5 I'd really appreciate some feedback. I'd love to go up even further but with the cost of airfare from Calgary ... Cat. 8 will probably be the highest we can go. I'd rather be able to go again then pay the extra for one cruise.

 

[Dawn414]

A lot of fellow DISsers ask me that many times when I was on the Wonder last month. And hey, what can I say??? Anyway - got the Goofy question of the day (Goofy is my fav):

And its about my pre-day. I am beginning to get around to putting it together (just booked the cruise yesterday!) And I am stumped. Ok...I have never seen any Disney fireworks displays and I haven't seen Spectromagic either until this trip so I am going to MK (Keys to the Kingdom tour? Still checking on it & times) followed by 1900 Faire at GF the next morning (I have never conversed /met Mary Poppins) but.....what nice sit down places do you suggest I can have an ADR while at MK??
Or, would you suggest Narcooses (hope I spelled that right) and avoid MK all together but still be able to see the fireworks???? Need input /suggestions please.
Secondly, after 1900 faire, suggestions on what to do for a few hours?? I figure I would have about 3 hours to goof aorund with before the ME bus takes me to the port & onto the Disney Magic.
Anyway - let me stop for now & listen. Afterwards, I need to ask a few questions about shore excursions but I figure I will pick that up next week.

Thanks!

CBR 01-07-2009
Disney Wonder 01-11-2009
CBR 10-29-2009
Disney Magic 10-30-2009
Disney Magic 12-29-2010 (& LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!! WOO-HOO!! )

Kris
(hhhmmmm....I seem to be the only one here from Texas).........

OK, I'm confused...are you saying you're looking to do stuff the day the ship leaves? I would recommend trying to get to the port as early as you can. Even though it's a seven day cruise, that is still considered your first day. Why waste it?

Hey everyone! Has anyone ever stayed on deck 5 before? We're looking at a Category 8 and there are no rooms left on Deck 6. We're currently on Deck 1 but we'd really like to have the big window vs. the two smaller ones. If anyone knows anything about staying on Deck 5 I'd really appreciate some feedback. I'd love to go up even further but with the cost of airfare from Calgary ... Cat. 8 will probably be the highest we can go. I'd rather be able to go again then pay the extra for one cruise.

I've not stayed on Deck 5 (by the time we hit this cruise, we'll have had 4 stays on Deck 6 between the Magic & Wonder), but Deck 5 is great too...it's convenient to the kids clubs and in the middle of the ship which becomes convenient when you're going to various places. Instead of waiting for the elevator, you can just take the stairs.

 

[knewton64]

Hello everyone:

My October 2009 vacation takes me into the Orlando area a day prior (Friday Oct. 30th) as I chose to spend it back at Disney's Caribbean Beach hotel followed by 7 days on the Disney Magic (I will be on deck two). Please keep in mind there were a few things I didn't get a chance to see nor do last month when I made my very first visit into MK, AK, HS & Epcot.
So - my wants & needs (for Friday October 30th) are that I have never seen a Disney Fireworks show nor did I get a chance to see Hall of Presidents or Splash Mountain. So, I am also fielding suggestions / reviews from people who have been to Narcooses or Ohana's and if they would suggest either restaurant for an ADR (for Friday October 30th) OR opting enstead for park food at MK. And if park food, WHERE at Magic Kingdom?? Anyone been to Tony's??????
And yes, while at Mk, I am attempting to do a "Keys to the World" tour but don't know about the times. I don't know since I will be getting to CBR around 11:30am (Friday Oct. 30th) if I would be able to make the KTTW tour IN TIME. Anyone know the answer to this???
Moreover, I have never been to the Grand Floridian and am looking to do a character breakfast (1900 Park Faire) there the morning I depart from Caribbean Beach hotel and go on to the port to enjoy my cruise (Saturday Oct 31st).
So these are the questions I am asking as I begin now to put my vacation together. I am a solo traveler and part of the fun is being able to cover a lot of ground in the shortest amount of time. Besides, I am also looking in booking an Avis car rental the day we all depart from the ship and check out either Dwntwn Disney or the Space Center. Anyone been to the Kennedy Space Center???? What's it like??
Ok - been real. Looking forward to your input.


T.T.F.N.

 

[Dee73]