October 7, 2007 Wonder

[eyesing2]

Hey Sandy:

We liked the brunch last time even better than the dinner, so we're doing it again this time. As for the kids clubs, I had to drag my daughter out of there after midnight a couple times. Since we spent most of the days together and she was there just in the evening we still had good quality time together! The only thing she really didn't get into were the activities at Scuttle's Cove-it was the only time I was paged. I'll bet u get plenty of quality "alone time"!

Terri

 

[glassslipper2004]

What were the Scuttle's Cove activities like? I get the feeling from the description that there isn't any water involved, which I can see might make a kid feel left out of the fun on Castaway Cay (if they were old enough to get it).

I got to visit the adult beach on my ladies-only cruise last December, and while it was wonderful (and chilly, in December) I think we'll all hang out together on Castaway Cay - unless of course my kids want a break from us!

 

[eyesing2]

Scuttle's Cove is an off shore sandy area. They have a whale dig where the kids dig up the whale bones and some other activities, but nothing involving going to the water. I can understand where there are safety issues involved. There should be a navigator for the kids on the days activities there. I saw kids there having fun, but my DD was more interested in playing in the water.

 

[bbixler1]

Just getting on the boards here - hi everyone. I'll be celebrating my 46th b-day on the 7th along with DH and DD16 (just turned) - any other teens on this one? She made great buddies 2 years ago, so I'm not too worried.

We'll be at the Boardwalk prior to the cruise - our first time at that resort. But then again, we've loved them all so far!

 

[HaleysMom2]

Hi everyone! I haven't been on the boards in a while, but I'm starting to get back into it since it's just about time for us to book excursions and such. Since we are first-timers, I believe Tuesday is the day we can book. What time (Central) can I begin booking? Would you suggest actually staying up late in order to book as soon as it becomes available? Seems as though Palo and certain activities go fast.

Also, this is what we were thinking in the way of excursions...

Nassau: Auarium at Atlantis and Dolphin Encounter

Castaway Cay: Extreme Getaway Package (float rental, bike rental, snorkling, and stingrays), and a banana boat ride

Please give me some feedback on these choices. We have never been, so we really have no idea if there will even be time to do all of this and/or if they are worth all the extra money. Thoughts???

One more thing...how do you determine which nights you eat in which restaurants? We would like to book Palo on our repeat night, but I have no idea what night that will be. We signed up for late dinner (8:30 I think)...not sure if we should have maybe gone with earlier dinner since DD is only 8 yrs old...

 

[eyesing2]

Hi Haleysmom:

I got my excursions at 11 pm my time (central), so depending on the time zone you're in you might not have to stay up too late. It opened up right at midnight eastern time on the 90th day. The excursions you planned sound really great! I haven't done the banana boat yet-waiting until DD turns 8 next year! FYI-the Atlantis tour is A LOT of walking that Disney doesn't tell you about. Are u booking through them or just grabbing a taxi ride to Atlantis??

I've never done the Dolphin Encounter, but have heard mixed reviews about it. It's rather expensive for the short time you actually get to spend w/ the dolphins. When my mom did it, she liked it but didn't think it was a great value. I've heard non-Disney dolphin encounters do a little more, but then u run a risk with a non-Disney excursion.


I believe that the Nassau night should be one of the duplicate nights. That's the night that we booked for Palo's. You definitely don't want to book on Castaway Cay night, because that is the night of the pirate party and fireworks. Either way if you don't get the seating rotation that you are expecting (we had APPT last time and it was great!) then you have the option of changing it right after you board-usually at Wavebands-but verify place and time when u check in!

We also booked the late dinner at 8:30pm. We prefer it, otherwise my daughter would fall asleep during the late show performances. If we get hungry early we usually order a cheese plate to the room to tide us over while we're changing clothes for the evening. It works well for us!

Hope you get everything you want! Good Luck!

Terri

 

[Maddie's Nana]

Hi everyone! ......
Also, this is what we were thinking in the way of excursions...

Nassau: Auarium at Atlantis and Dolphin Encounter

Castaway Cay: Extreme Getaway Package (float rental, bike rental, snorkling, and stingrays), and a banana boat ride

Please give me some feedback on these choices. We have never been, so we really have no idea if there will even be time to do all of this and/or if they are worth all the extra money. Thoughts???

One more thing...how do you determine which nights you eat in which restaurants? We would like to book Palo on our repeat night, but I have no idea what night that will be. We signed up for late dinner (8:30 I think)...not sure if we should have maybe gone with earlier dinner since DD is only 8 yrs old...

Hi Haleysmom: We decided to check in at the Comfort Suites in Nassau - you get free access to all of Atlantis which is a lot cheaper than DCL's Atlantis excursion, plus you can use the pool & beach. I am also concerned about booking Palo's. It would be great if our rotation is APPT. We have 8:30 dining with our 5 year old grandaughter but she is used to eating late and staying up late so we should be fine. Getting closer -

 

[HaleysMom2]

Thanks Eyesing and Nana...I really appreciate all the info! I'm having the hardest time booking our excursions. I was able to access everyhing last night when it first opened, but wasn't able to actually book anything. Same thing for today. I was able to rserve a couple of things, but not able to submit anything....so it still shows at "uncomfirmed". I'm getting really frustrated with the process!!! I'm so afraid we won't be able to get anything we are wanting because by the time the website allows me to book and submit...everything may already be booked. AGH!!!

So, how much is a room at the Comfort Suites...if you don't mind me asking. Also, you say that it gives you access to all of Atlantis. Does that include the aquarium...or do you have to pay a seperate fee for that? Does it include the waterpark?

Thanks again! After planning all of this....I'm gonna need a vacation!!!

 

[wwwosie]

Hi HaleysMom
I know what you mean about the frustration booking excursions. Keep trying, I just now was able to book a banana boat ride . Last night (I'm in California) I could have booked Palo at almost any time but since I don't like solo dining.
DD10 wants to do parasailing but I haven't had any luck doing that. At this point, if we just hang by the beach, I'm happy with it.
Still debating whether to just walk around in Nassau or do something else...

See you all on the ship (or sooner on these boards!)

 

[Maddie's Nana]

Hi Haley's Mom - I think tonight at 12:00 is the time we are able to make our reservations (75 days from sail - ist time cruisers)- I have tried today but I get the message that Palo's is sold out & to try once on the ship.
Our room at the Comfort Suites is $250 for 5 people - that includes access to all of Atlantis, I believe.

It is now 5:00 PM DST and I was able to book Palo's. Yeah!!!!

 

[Olivia'sMom]

Just getting on the boards here - hi everyone. I'll be celebrating my 46th b-day on the 7th along with DH and DD16 (just turned) - any other teens on this one? She made great buddies 2 years ago, so I'm not too worried.

We'll be at the Boardwalk prior to the cruise - our first time at that resort. But then again, we've loved them all so far!

We will be traveling with my almost 16 year stepson. He is very out going so I am not worried either.

 

[HaleysMom2]

Yay!!! I was finally able to book everything!!! Even Palo...I can't believe it! The only thing I couldn't get is both the dolphin encounter and atlantis beach day because the times for those overlap, so we had to choose one. Here is our line-up:

Nassau: Dolphin Encounter
Castaway Cay: Extreme Getaway Package and Banana Boat
Palo on last night at 8:00

So excited! DD8 can't wait either! Really hoping that she will make some friends so that she will be more likely to want to spend some time at Oceaneers Lab (at least during our Palo reservation).

 

[Belle322000]

We will be joining everyone on the Oct 7, Wonder cruise. We are Me, DH, and DS 11, DS 14, DS 16. We have been to Disney World twice and cruised on RCCI twice, but this is our first trip with Disney Cruise Line. We can't wait!!! Teen sons won't have any fear of being "left alone" with the other teens, but DS 11 will hope to find some new friends. Hope to hear from some fellow Disney cruisers.

 

[wwwosie]

Welcome Belle!
I think your DS11 will be able to find some friends, I have a DH10, so I'm sure they will meet.
I have a question for everyone. Are you guys taking your children out of school or are you lucky enough like us to have a 3 week break in October (year round school, out last chance because it's not an option on 6th grade, and the reason why DH and DS are not joining us (big lug is a JUNIOR this year!!!! ), or are you homeschoolers?

Just curious, it is my personal belief that life and family times are precious and that a few days with the family are more important than school (as long as you are not way behind )... I know not everyone thinks that, and that's ok too!
The good thing for us is that we don't have to bring homework! Yay!

 

[Belle322000]

Thanks for the welcome. We are from Huntsville, Alabama. We have a week long fall break in our county. We did take the kids out for a week to go to Disney World a few years ago. We did talk to the principal in advance and they made up their work. It was well worth it.

 

[Belle322000]

Hi Oliviasmom

My sons are 11, 14, and 16. They are also excited about going, but want to be sure there will be kids their ages too. My teen boys have been asking me lots of questions about what kind of stuff will their age group have to do. They want to be sure they aren't doing little kid stuff. The cruise brochure makes it sound cool for teens. Tell your step-son there are at least a few boys his age.

 

[HaleysMom2]

Funny, Belle...we are from Huntsville, AL as well! What are the chances?!

 

[Belle322000]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. There may be more from Alabama, due to the school break issue. We are very excited about the cruise. Kinda makes going back to school Aug 2nd tolerable.

 

[Olivia'sMom]

Hi Oliviasmom

My sons are 11, 14, and 16. They are also excited about going, but want to be sure there will be kids their ages too. My teen boys have been asking me lots of questions about what kind of stuff will their age group have to do. They want to be sure they aren't doing little kid stuff. The cruise brochure makes it sound cool for teens. Tell your step-son there are at least a few boys his age.

I will tell him about your boys. We are from Columbus, GA and my step son went to school in Smith Satation, AL from 1 grade till last Feb.

 

[Maddie's Nana]

Anyone else sailing on Oct. 7th, 2007? Anyone with 5 or 6 year old? Only 2 months & and 6 days to go!!!