Our First Disney Cruise 3/1 Wonder (Updaed 3/11)

[disneyfan19712006]

This trip began as one of those things I had to do. I had been hoping and dreaming of a Disney Cruise since the announcemts in 1996. I decided to do it with my tax return this year. I booked on 2/5 for a 3/1 sail date.

The participants in this cruise were myself and my DS 17. I wish we had done this many years ago. The children's programs are great. My son had been on two other cruise lines who just left the teens out of everything.

Let me tell you Disney really takes care of teens. He met lots of new friends. They were occupied til the early hours of the morning. My son even opted to skip the last dinner to not miss a monent of the teen club Aloft.

Day One: We had very little sleep the night before. Remember the commercial about the family too excited to sleep. That was us. Up at 4:30 and my son drove us to The Parking Spot to leave our car. Onto the shuttle and arrived at Dallas Fort Worth Airport at 6 AM. Checked our luggage with the Cruise Line tags attached (wonderful idea to skip the airport luggage claim). A quick breakfast and time to board the plane.

The flight seemed to take forever. The wait for the bus seemed forever. But, finally we are on the way to Port Canaveral. When the Wonder came into view there were tears in my eyes.

The check in process was very quick. Then on through the Mickey tunnel to the ship. Our room was ready since we did not board til almost 2. We dropped off our carry ons and headed to the Buffet.

The lifeboat drill was very orderly and quick.

Now time for the Sail away. I had heard about it but words did not do it justice. I couldn't stop the tears. My son was a little hesitant about dancing but quickly joined in.

The topper of the experience was the sounding of the ship's horns.

By the time we went to the show and dinner I was exhausted. My son headed to the teen club and I headed to bed.

Next Installment Nassau (Anna Nichole's Funeral Day)

 

[ohsodisney]

Can't wait to hear the rest. I am with you on the teary eyes. So glad you were finally able to do your dream trip

 

[ab2c]

We're heading out on the Wonder on 3/15 !!! I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Great Tr so far...txs for sharing

 

[curlybop]

What a great report so far! Keep on going!

 

[manntra]

Can't wait to hear more. We have our first cruise in August (myself and 11 yr old niece.) I know I will have tears too!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Cant wait to read more!!

 

[meresandwillsmom]

What was the weather like? We leave this Sunday and was wondering if it really is warm enough for "summer clothes". Thanks.

 

[Turtletyson]

I was on the same cruise as disneyfan19712006. (Sorry we didn't meet - too busy!)

As to the weather, it was high 70's/low 80's in Nassau & Castaway Cay. However, in Orlando it was only in the 60's. I actually packed TOO many shorts and should have thrown in some cropped/long pants and a jacket.

Laurie

 

[disneyfan19712006]

I was on the same cruise as disneyfan19712006. (Sorry we didn't meet - too busy!)

As to the weather, it was high 70's/low 80's in Nassau & Castaway Cay. However, in Orlando it was only in the 60's. I actually packed TOO many shorts and should have thrown in some cropped/long pants and a jacket.

Laurie

I'll second that. Nassau and Castaway were great. but the first night was rather windy if you went up on deck. A sweater or light jacket would be useful. I mostly packed capri pants, I figured they could go either way. My son wore shorts but opted for jeans on the way home.

 

[disneyfan19712006]

Day Two: After being rocked to sleep by the ship, we woke up ready to go. No exact plans. We were already docked in Nassau when we got up to the buffet for breakfast. I was uncertain if we should get off or not considering the paparatzi circus in town for Anna Nichole's funeral that morning. We did want to see Atlantis aquarium, the shore excursion was full but we decided to take a taxi over. When we got off the ship there were the usual tour guides trying to get groups to take their tour. I did something I have never done before. We took one. It was very interesting we learned about and toured the different parts of the island, Cable Beach, The Hood, The rich areas, Fort Fincastle, The Queens Staircase and the Atlantis. For 25.00 we saw it all. Mary was our guide and she knows everyone it seems. I was surprised to see a Dairy Queen in Nassau.
We did go by the church when they were starting to come out. Cars were lined up and down the roads in the grass. We later passed the cemetary where there were many cars with photographers and news people. One guy rented a utility truck with a bucket so he could get a better view. We did not photograph or video any of the cars paticipating in the funeral but I did get some footage of all the news media. It was a true circus. I'm just glad it is over and she was finaly laid to rest. The cemetary overlooks a beautiful lake we saw white ribbons on some of the trees surrounding the lake.

Tours over we got dropped off on Bay Street. I had left my thank you cards at home and had to buy more. Don't shop for greeting cards in downtown Nassau.I paid 9.00 for three cards. My son got some of those lifetime gurantee sunglasses from Del Sol. We headed to Senor Frogs for a late lunch. We haden't eaten for hours. There was a 30 minute wait so we got a couple of yards and headed back to the ship. Now alcohol and an empty stomach and a warm day are not a good combination. I tripped and fell while walking out the doors to the port. I scared the poor customs guy. But all was well and we made it back to the ship in one piece. A guick shower and a room service order put us back in shape. I think that was the best cheeseburger I have ever had.

Next Up: Pirate Night

 

[disneyfan19712006]

Pirate Night: After my nap, I got dressed for the show. The show that night was The Golden Mickeys. Don't miss any of the shows, I cried at all of them. Our dining rotation was Tritons. We had last seating 8:30 and the party started at 9:45. This made dinner a little bit rushed. Earlier in the day my DS found a Pirate Costume at Mickeys Mates in an Adult XXL. Really a shock since we always see costumes for little kids and he's a big football player. Anyway, due to timing we wore our pirate things to dinner. By the time we got to the White Chocolate Dome desserts we were rushing. I think DS ate his in 3 bites.

The deck was full of people ready to celebrate Pirates. The dance music was hopping and my DS got on the big screen several times. I won't tell too much incase someone is reading for the first time. This is something to be experienced. Pirates take over the ship and then..... The fireworks are even more beautiful over the open sea.

When the party was over they showed Pirates of the Caribberan The curse of the Black Pearl on the big screen. Of course there was the buffet as well. Fix a plate and watch the movie on the open deck. My DS headed for Aloft and I finally headed to bed. He had to be up at 8 for an excursion on CC. Of course we ordered our milk and cookies for the night. I just put his milk in the cooler until he arrived about 2.

Next Up: Castaway Cay

 

[tubachick]

I was on the same cruise as disneyfan19712006. (Sorry we didn't meet - too busy!)

As to the weather, it was high 70's/low 80's in Nassau & Castaway Cay. However, in Orlando it was only in the 60's. I actually packed TOO many shorts and should have thrown in some cropped/long pants and a jacket.

Laurie

I missed both of you!!! we were on the 6th midship and I had a door full of LGMH's!!!! enjoying your TR and yes, I had too many shorts and not enough sweatshirts for WDW!!! I can't believe it, we had the same rotation and seating time too!!! What table were you at???

 

[LovableGluttons]

We were on that cruise with you too!

We initally had the late dining rotation, but I had it changed to a 6pm seating. Our rotation was PTA, with our last night in Palo instead of Animator's Palatte.

I can't believe there were so many DISers on board and we didn't run into each other!

Great trip report!!!!

 

[Disney owl]

Thanks for sharing

 

[disneyfan19712006]

My DS was up at 7:30 despite getting to bed at 3 AM. We went to Beach Blanket for breakfast on the open back deck. We got our first look at Castaway Cay. I was right there along with my son on the excitement scale. It was amazing. The Flying Dutchman was like a magical ghost ship.
My son went on the Teen Wild Side excursion. He had a fantastic time, even after they wrecked one of the bikes. It sure was a wild time.

I got off the boat about 10 and stopped to have my picture taken with Jack Sparrow, Minnie, and Goofy. I'm sorry my son missed out on pictures but he had a great time. I headed to the adult beach. I only stayed a short time. It was too quiet for me I felt more isolated there. I then went to the family beach, found an umbrella and settled for the day. I spent most of the day in my chair under the umbrella reading. My son joined me about 2, so we could do the Person eco watercraft tour. That was the scariest thing I have ever done. I got in trouble for going too slow. One of the guides came back and told me it would not turn over he had me going full throttle. I was flying and bouncing over the water. We arrived at the sand bar with the others and I was shaking so bad I could not get off.

I was ready to kiss the ground when we got back. Don't let anyone make you think this is a slow ride. It is fast. Fun for thrill seekers but not for a middle age woman.

I had wanted to mail postcards from Castaway Cay, but the post office was closed. They did let us turn them in at Guest Services for mailing on the next cruise.

Back on ship we showered and got ready for the show. Disney Dreams was wonderful. We then got all our goodies signed by the Captain. My son then consented to 20 minutes to have his picture taken with me, Mickey and Minnie in his suit. He spent the rest of the night in the teen club, while I attended dinner, picked up our last pictures from Shutters, packed and prepared for the end of our out of the world experience. I cried as I packed. Three nights was not nearly enough.

Next up: How long can we delay getting off?