Our first Wonder Cruise and some WDW stuff too Part One

[jd99]

We had only sailed the Magic and were never particularly interested in a shorter sailing until...


Our Fantastic April 9 Easter Trip

Despite all the crowd horror stories, we planning a six night trip to WDW for Easter after buying an add on to our DVC that gave us “free” 100 points that had to be used at SSR. We had never stayed there before and quite frankly didn’t think we’d want to..but free is free.

Then DCL came out with its Kids Sail Free promotion and we just couldn’t pass that up. And it fit so well into our trip. So we stayed at SSR for one night in a studio, took the cruise, then returned to SSR and booked a 2 bedroom for the last 2 nights of our trip to use up those points. We are myself, DW, DD10 and DD5. This is our trip report.

Day One

After an easy flight and Magical Express, we arrived at SSR around 5 p.m. and checked in to a studio in the Grandstand section. SSR was MUCH nicer than we had imagined and we loved the Grandstand location. We had decided that we were going to take it easy that night – maybe go to DTD for dinner but otherwise, stay close to the resort since our pickup the next AM was at 9:15 for the cruise.

On our way to DTD, we walked by the Turf Club and thought, why not eat here? The wait was short and we got to sit outside. Dinner was great and we wandered around a bit in the main building, did a little shopping and then retired for the night anxious to cruise.

Cruise Day!

Having only sailed on 7-night cruises to this point, we went into this one with a lot of trepidation that it would be too fast and we wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the fun things we like about cruises. So we planned to take the MOST advantage of our time onboard and do the things we love. We were able to mostly stick to that plan.

We woke up early, had the bagels we picked up the night before for breakfast from Artist’s Palette and ate in the room. Gathered our bags and got out to the front for our pickup from Tiffany TownCars. Had a GREAT driver (Jack) who knew everything about Disney as he had actually helped build part of the resort and had met Walt and Roy during his work. Now retired, he loved the driving biz.

Made it to the port earlier than ever and the terminal was empty when we arrived. For some reason, we got a number 4 boarding card, nearly upgraded to a suite (then decided for a 3 nighter it really wasn’t worth it) and waited to board.

DW and DD5 with Goofy

DD5 with the Captain

We were onboard by 12:05 p.m. – part of our pan to maximize our experience – went straight to the Mickey Pool. Got lunch. Kids swimmed. It was a blast. We’d never done this before as we usually get on a bit later, go to Parrot Cay and just wander around.

Went to our stateroom at 2 or so. Our first time ever in an inside stateroom and it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined (since I’m slightly claustrophobic) but I probably wouldn’t do it again as I really missed seeing the outside when in the room and REALLY missed the verandah for the times when we were coming into port – especially Castaway Cay.

Our luggage came immediately, we unpacked, attended the DVC Member event which was fun then we wandered the ship a bit and then made it to the boat drill which was relatively painless (though DD5 was in no mood).

Now it was time for the Sailaway party which we always love. This one didn’t disappoint. They even called all the kids up to the stage at one point so they had a good time.

Tisa was great!

Kids were all invited onstage

We had late dining this time for the first time in a long time so we didn’t have to rush off to get ready for dinner which was great.

I stopped at the Promenade Lounge for a drink and then we went back to the room for a brief time and then got ready for the night. Tonight was the Golden Mickey’s which we love. Show was great and then we went to the Promenade Lounge for Mickey Mania and guess what. DD10 and I got chosen. We were the Blue Donalds. Alas we didn’t win but we did have a good time.

Dinner this night was at Triton’s and we LOVED our servers – Agung and Victoria (especially Victoria). They knew us before we arrived and took incredible care of us the whole trip. It was way cool. DD5 decided to head to the club before dinner was over – they now do a Dine and Play program where they send counselors down to the late seating to get kids who want to go up. While DD5 didn’t do that, it was cool it was offered. After dinner, DD10 also went to the club and DW and I headed to Wavebands for Match Your Mate. Alas before our drinks arrived we were paged so DW went and got the kids and I watched the end of the show. Very funny. Then back to the room to sleep like a baby – we always do on the ship.

The princess gathering before Nassau

Since when is Aladdin a princess?

Nassau Day

I haven’t been to Nassau since the Atlantis wasn’t the Atlantis but had fond memories of a beautiful island. We were there on Good Friday so most of the island was closed but we had booked the DCL excursion to Atlantis (the beach day one, not the slides). Gotta say we wished we wouldn’t have. We were very disappointed in this excursion especially for the price. Atlantis was, overall, kind of run down except for the lobby/casino area. And marching the kids through the casino to get to the beach..not for me. The beach was okay but was not as I had remembered it. It was a little dirty and overall just okay. Nothing like any of the other beaches I have been to anywhere in the Caribbean and completely unlike what I remembered about Paradise Island.

We didn’t really stay all that long. The highlight was probably the predator’s tank on our way out. AND getting back to “our” ship. Lots of people told me to stay on the ship on Nassau day since we love the ship so much. They were right.

DD10 the Fish

The Atlantis

 

[jd99]

Nassau Day, continued

Once back on the ship, we went directly to the pools. I even got a little time in the Quiet Cove (aaaaahhhhh). Today was the highlight day for DD5 because she has never been able to make Flubber before but tonight was her night and it lived up to ALL her expectations. DD10 and I went to the Promenade Lounge for Pirate Trivia and we won a medal! Then, DW and I got to go to Palo (again, ahhhhhhh) while the kids hit the clubs. We had a fantastic time and left in time to take the kids to the dining room. Servers were appalled that DW and I wouldn’t eat anything but we had a nice time anyway.

DD5 with her fave chipmunks

DD10 and I in the hot tub

A packed Mickey pool

Tonight was Pirate Night but all of our running around finally caught up with the kids as I am the only one who made it to the Pirate party. I had a good time but wished the girls would have seen it as it seemed better than ever for some reason. I think it’s the first one we have been to in a while that had perfect weather so that must have been it. I skipped going to the clubs tonight though and hit the hay a little early myself.

Castaway Cay Day

I am not sure I even have to go into it here. Perfect day. Perfect weather. Perfect Island. I love Disney. We thought we were late getting off the ship (about 9:10 a.m. or so) even though we were able to get off the ship by 8:30. As we were getting off, I was struck by how few people were walking with us, heading for the family beach. I thought EVERYONE was there already and we were going to have a hard time finding a spot. WRONG. We were among the earlybirds and for the first time in five cruises that hit CC, we got an upfront spot. Water was chilly but the sun was hot so we swam, played in the sand, rented pedal boats, ate a great lunch, had a few cocktails, played some more and just had a wonderful day in paradise.

We headed back to the ship for some time in the pools again. Once again, I got a little Quiet Cove pool time in too. We relaxed, had a snack and then got ready for the night. The girls got their hair braided while I was at the Quiet Cove and then we all went to the Promenade Lounge for a drink and to play Name that Disney Tune trivia (or whatever it’s called). We did well but didn’t win a prize. It was quite fun, however and a lot of folks were there. We went to Disney Dreams – our favorite show – and then dinner for the last night – this time in Parrot Cay. Great meal and super service again.

DD10 having fun at dinner

Meeting Peter Pan

DD5 went to the pajama party at the club and afteward we hit ‘Til we Meet Again

and put the bags out (whimper, cry) and then DD10 went to the lab for a bit. Our night wound down all too soon and before we knew it we were at breakfast the next day getting ready to get off the ship.

I’m sure I missed some important details but I am doing this totally on memory as I didn’t take any notes this time. What a great great cruise it was.

Two Days at WDW

We ended our Easter break trip with two nights at SSR as mentioned above in a two bedroom. What a great unit – in the Springs area. It really exceeded my expectations. I love the BCV because of the proximity to Epcot, DHS and the Boardwalk and thought I wouldn’t like it here because it’s so far removed. But SSR is quiet and the grounds are beautiful. While I still wouldn’t choose the property first, I’d stay here if we couldn’t get into BCV, AKV or BWV.

Instead of day by day on this part, I’ll just give some highlights.

Easter Day at Disney Hollywood Studios was fun. We didn’t get there early enough for Toy Story Mania, but we did see the block party and American Idol. We had dinner at O’Hana that night and it was fantastic! Swimming in the pool late at night was cold but fun.

Monday we commando raided the Magic Kingdom, getting into an empty park at 7:30 a.m. Rode Space Mt. 3 times, Splash Mt., Big Thunder Mt., and about 8 other rides – all before 11:30 a.m. Lunch at Casey’s and we were ready to head out. We spent the afternoon at the pool at SSR then went to the Preview Center to see the models of AKV (where we are staying in June) and Bay Lake Towers (which I think we want to buy) and then we had dinner reservations at Whispering Canyon which was great fun. Ended our long day after that and the rest is the sad part. Packing, going home.

What a great great great trip. Overall the things that surprised us this time:
1. We liked SSR much more than we thought we would.
2. Parks were not as crowded as I had imagined, especially the MK on Monday.
3. The three day cruise DID go fast, but we packed a LOT of stuff into those 3 days. Most importantly, we turned day one (which is usually a sort of lost day for us on a 7 night cruise) into a kind of “sea day” where we did much much more than we thought we would.

 

[wilma-bride]

Great trip report - thanks for posting. I find the 3-day is kind of short but I would much rather do a 3-day than not cruise at all

 

[theostwalts]

Great report and photos Jeff!!!!!

Glad you guys had a great time!!!!!

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Hi Jeff, Nice report. I 'm gla dyou liked the 3 day. We loved them. They are just a nice 3 day weekend to relax and have some fun.
Your potos are great!!

Kathy

 

[vatchr]

I was reading your TR and recognized you from the Mouseketeer game. We were in the audience that evening and watched you.

Also, in your sailaway party pictures, my daughter and I are on the Aerial View and also my DD is in the pic of kids on stage.

Very funny...it was a great cruise, but I agree...way too short!!!

I'm also doing a trip report.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2148085

Wasn't Castaway Cay day wonderful!!!

 

[Jaime]

Hi Jeff!

Great report...love the pictures! The girls look like they had a lot of fun! Was suprised by your review of Atlantis...good to know...we were leaning toward a 4 day cruise instead of a 7 because it was somewhere I always wanted to visit...

 

[jd99]

Hi Jeff!

Great report...love the pictures! The girls look like they had a lot of fun! Was suprised by your review of Atlantis...good to know...we were leaning toward a 4 day cruise instead of a 7 because it was somewhere I always wanted to visit...

Actually it surprised me too. I was there a couple of times a half a lifetime ago and remembered it as a beautiful beach. Perhaps the overdevelopment of the Atlantis site has impacted that. Or maybe I'm just really spoiled and picky. I just know that we had a MUCH better time at the beach at Cozumel and on Grand Cayman (and St. Maarten and St. Thomas too) on our 7 day cruises.

 

[disneediva]

JEFF!!!
You forgot the most important part..how much fun was it really without your BFF's....

miss ya.............