Our Surprise 3-day Cruise-Feb 2008

[my three girls]

‘I need a vacation’

It all started in the fall of 2007. My wife was working two consulting jobs and working a lot. The money was good, but she needed a break. (And so did I.) So, we started thinking of vacation getaways we could manage early in the year while leaving our three daughters (12, 8 & 5) with grandma and grandpa. We didn’t like the idea of leaving them for very long, so I said why not bring them along for a long weekend, with Disney being our favorite destination. But, what about school? My wife then remembered there was a long weekend (Friday and Monday off) in February. Hey, I said, doesn’t the Wonder have three day sailings Thursdays through Sunday? Perfect! We would only have to take them out of school for one day if we left Wednesday night. We’ve been on six cruises on the Magic, but never the Wonder. It’ll be interesting to see how they compare. Now, should we make it a surprise or just tell them???

 

[my three girls]

So, the idea was hatched. We could make it a surprise Christmas present. We’ve always wanted to do one of those surprise cruises, but it’s so hard to plan and we like to enjoy the anticipation with them. I said, why don’t we surprise them with a Disney World trip at Christmas and then surprise them again with the cruise after we get down there. We did a scavenger hunt with Disney-related clues. Here they are with one of the ‘clues’ we gave them Christmas morning – Mickey dollars:

 

[my three girls]

Brilliant! Now, we already had a 5-day cruise planned for September. So, making arrangements for both started getting a little tricky. I kept forgetting which one I could talk about to the kids. And, which arrangements were for which cruise. My wife took care of most of it though; I just added my input when needed. But, it was still very confusing. (We were even talking about a 7-day in May of 2009, so that just added to the confusion.) Every time one of us would slip up in front of the kids, they would think we were talking about the September cruise, so it worked out fine. They didn’t have a clue. We needed airfare, a room the night before, a rental car and a room the Sunday night after. Don’t forget the trip insurance. We also needed to decide between a 5 person cabin or two adjoining cabins. My wife talked to the travel agent and it was not much more to book two adjoining cabins, so that’s what we did. We put the girls in one room (which they loved) and we took the other. It worked out great. We brought along door stops to prop the door open, so it was almost like having a suite. Except, we could always close the door if necessary (if you know what I mean). Next, we started brainstorming ways to spring it on them. A surprise lunch was conceived. We’d tell them we had to pack up and move from the ‘cheap’ hotel on Thursday morning and drive a little while to this real cool restaurant and then to the Disney Resort. I had no idea how this would all work out, but with our kids, it should be very interesting.

 

[my three girls]

Nothings ever easy, especially when you’re planning a surprise of some kind. In January, about a month out, I received an email from the very discount airline that we decided to try since the times and fares worked. They had moved our Monday return to Wednesday. This would not work. The girls needed to be back in school Tuesday and there was that ‘work’ thing for me and the wife. So, we scrambled. It just so happened that American Airlines had times and fares almost as good as the ‘other’ airline. We lucked out. With five people, this could have cost us twice as much. And, we needed some cash for incidentals… However, we had to leave very early Wednesday morning (7:05 am), instead of Wednesday evening. No one seemed to mind, (except me). This would give us an extra day in Orlando, but the kids would miss another day of school. Oh well, what else could we do? Besides, the girls rarely miss school and are good students. They deserve a reward, (and so do we.)

Next up: A VERY early morning and that little guy scared me!

 

[my three girls]

We scrambled to pack Tuesday night and then got up at 4:30 am so we could get to the airport for a 7:00 am flight. Despite some stress making sure we had everything, we made it fine. The girls were not that hard to get up. Anticipating a trip to Disney World helps. We actually had a couple of surprises for ‘the girls’ this trip. We arrived in Orlando about 10:30 am. I left the girls with my wife to wait for the luggage, while I went to find the rental car counter. I usually don't like to split up like this, but we wanted to start our vacation ASAP. There was a line for the rental, so I’m glad I didn’t wait for the luggage. I was just about to the front of the line, when I saw them and the luggage come around the corner. Everyone was carrying or dragging something. No one got lost and all the luggage made it. Amazing.

Next, we dragged the luggage and the girls to the car and packed up and were on our way. We had a 12:00 reservation at The Whispering Canyon Café. I have read a lot about this place, both good and bad. But, I really wanted to give it a try. In case you don't know, it's sort of a themed restaurant, where they yell and make fun of you. It gets kind of loud and rowdy, so if your looking for a nice quiet meal, forget it. This was their first surprise. We didn't tell them anything except that we were going to a special restaurant. So when things started getting rowdy, they were a little puzzled, but they love a good time and joined right in. This was one restaurant you didn't have to sit still and be quiet.

We got lost using my wife’s usually impeccable directions , but eventually made it to the Disney Wilderness Lodge. A beautiful place by the way. Looks like it was made out of Lincoln logs. (In fact, they had Lincoln logs to play with while you waited for your table.) We all ordered the bottomless milkshakes. Delicious. We decided not to get their famous skillets, but all ordered an entrée. This is not a cheap meal, so plan accordingly. But, it was a pretty fun place and the food was decent. Our younger girls participated in the ‘pony’ races and the hokey pokey, my oldest somewhat reluctantly. Our youngest, DD5, did a couple extra laps around the restaurant with her pony, but we eventually corralled her. They loved it!

Since it was February 13th, our server slipped me a Valentine’s card to give my wife. It was a Happy Birthday card with ‘Birthday’ scratched out and ‘Valentine’s Day’ written in. Pretty funny. Towards the end of the meal, he snuck a three-foot-tall baker man statue behind me. Then, tapped me on the shoulder when he went by and I turned to find this little ‘man’ standing there staring me in the eye. It scared me pretty good, much to the amusement of the others. Everyone around me had a nice laugh, except me. He left it there for the rest of our lunch. The girls had fun playing with him.

He was even in our group shot:

Next up: Embarkation, Valentine's Day and SURPRISE!

 

[Amlee]

Can't wait for the rest of the story!

 

[my three girls]

It was a little hectic re-packing, but we had an exciting day ahead of us. The girls thought we were leaving to go to a ‘special’ place for lunch, then to our stay at the Boardwalk. And we were trying not to act too excited about our pending cruise. We woke up around 9:00, ate some doughnuts we purchased the night before, finished packing, then hit the road for Cape Canaveral and our big surprise. We hopped on the Bee Line and were on our way. We still weren’t sure how to spring this surprise on them, but figured it would be memorable. ‘We’ll just wing it.’ I say. After less than a half hour on the road the questions started; ‘How much longer?’, ‘Where are we going?’, ‘I’m bored.’, etc. We just kept telling them it was a surprise and it would be well worth the drive. Then it happened, we came over the hill and there she was, The Wonder. The first thing my oldest says is, ‘Are we going on a cruise!?!’ Cathy thinks quickly and says, ‘Yeah, right. We’re going on a cruise…’ as sarcasticly as she can. This seems to appease her. Next we get to the Port A or B option and, of course, we take the wrong one. So, now we act like we’re looking for this ‘special’ restaurant, but there’s nothing but old, run-down buildings and we tell the girls we’re lost. Which we kind of are. So I turn around and we double back and find the correct port exit. Now we go over the draw bridge and we’re heading straight for the ship. So, we act like we’re still lost and this is purely an accident. Then, Cathy says, ‘Hey, who wants to eat lunch on the Wonder?’ And they look at each other all wide-eyed with their mouths open. We tell them we’re going to sneak on, eat lunch, and sneak off. They were excited, but scared. ‘Are we really gonna sneak on the Wonder?’ ‘Do you want to?’ ‘I guess.’ The exchange gets crazier the closer we get. Then we have to give them our name and I’m sure this will give it away, but we just keep it up. I say, ‘Cathy, did you make reservations for this lunch?’ And, she says, uh, yeah. After checking our IDs and names, we hear, ‘Proceed to the terminal and Have a Wonder-ful Cruise!’ This still doesn't faze them. They have no idea. The next thing you know, we have to stop to unload the luggage. I thought for sure this would give it away. But our oldest, just didn’t know what to think. After giving the porter his tip, I say ‘We’re going on a cruise!!!’ And I think it sinks in. But, she’s almost as mad as she is excited. Being the oldest, she’s usually in on these things. She’ll get over it, we’re going on a cruise! Next I park the rental car and by that time, Cathy has checked us in and got our lanyards. Before you know it, we’re getting our picture taken and boarding the ship.

Check out the video: (It's pretty funny.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SRA99siH_I

 

[my three girls]

Right before you board they ask your name so they can announce your arrival on the ship over the loud speaker. I was feeling pretty feisy, so I say, ‘Let’s tell them we’re the Griswolds’, (from the Vacation movies fame). My oldest says ‘You won’t do that.’ But, of course, I did. You have to remember, we usually travel with my in-laws. So, for this trip, I can be a little crazy.

Now, we’re ready for that special lunch. See kids, we told you Mommy and Daddy had a special lunch planned. We didn’t lie, at least not about that. They tried to herd us (and everyone else) toward Beach Blanket Bingo. But we knew better and Cathy just blew past the CM and we followed, straight into Parrot Cay for our lunch on the Wonder. They both serve basically the same buffet food, but Parrot Cay is more of a sit-down restaurant with waiters. Upon sitting down, I am immediately approached by a CM with a tray of ‘The Drink of the Day’ Bahama Mommas, and I can’t refuse. I’m on the Disney Wonder cruise ship in the middle of February. Life is good.

After lunch, we decide to wander the ship a little. Although we’ve been on the Magic several times, this is our first time on The Wonder. There wasn’t a lot of difference, but it definitely had a different ‘feel’. Triton’s, instead of Lumiere’s. Route 66 instead of Beat Street. Beach Blanket Bingo, instead of Topsiders. And, I believe, the décor was different. All in all, we’d rather cruise on the Magic. Maybe, it’s just the longer itineraries. We had told the girls to wear their swimsuits under their clothes because we might swim after our ‘special’ lunch. So, we hit the pools and hot tub and just relaxed until our room was ready at 1:30.

I had arranged a surprise in the rooms for us and the girls, a kids basket with snacks and sand toys for them and an adult basket with snacks and drinks for us. (From Shirley at The Perfect Gift of course.) Since Disney has only Coke, I included some Diet Cherry Pepsi for Cathy and Bud Light for me. Everyone was happy. Here's the girls and their basket:

\

Next up: More from Day 1 - Valentine's Day

 

[DMMarla07860]

greay report I actually watched your video before I read this and that was awesome and funny they were like are we really going, it was a great video

 

[my three girls]

greay report I actually watched your video before I read this and that was awesome and funny they were like are we really going, it was a great video

Thanks. We had a great time!

 

[my three girls]

Next, it was time for the Life Boat Drill, so we got to put on the funny life jackets. At least we were in a restaurant this time (Lumiere’s I think) and not packed like sardines on a hot deck four, like we usually are.

Then it was time for the Sail Away Party! ‘Who’s ready to party?’ ‘The Griswolds are!’ I say. So we go up on Deck 10 to steak out our spot. But, before we get to the party, DD13 just has to make a phone call. ‘Alissa, guess where I am? I’m on the Disney Wonder!’ She just had to call her best friend and brag. I don’t blame her. We were all pretty excited. The Sail Away Party was pretty high-energy. We took lots of pictures, waved our streamers and danced to the music.

After much revelry (and pictures) we headed back to the room to see if our luggage had arrived. It had, and now we had to unpack, again. The connecting rooms made for a LOT more space. We actually had drawers we didn’t use. We were able to put the girls and their ‘stuff’ in one room and our ‘stuff’ in the other. I brought a couple of door stops to use to prop open the connecting door, when we wanted it open. The next time I’ll bring a much larger one; that door is heavy.

 

[my three girls]

Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner. Cathy and I had Palo reservations, so we had to dress up. Our dinner was before theirs, so we left DD13 in charge of getting her and her sisters (DD9 and DD6) ready for dinner and getting them to dinner in Animators Palate. I was a little nervous, but everything worked out great. They made it to dinner and even had their picture taken with Mickey and Minnie:

I had the Filet Mignon and it was perfect as usual. Cathy had the Halibut, but it was just ok. We also had appetizers and dessert, so we were stuffed. After we finished our meal at Palos, we headed down to check on the girls. They found the restaurant and were dressed nice and everything. We had arrived just in time for the ‘show’ at Animator’s Palate and watched as the black and white décor slowly changed to color. The pictures on the walls came alive with different colored lights. The waiter’s vests even changed from black and white to color. I think Mickey may have made an appearance as well. Our waiters tried to get us to eat something, but we were just too full (and tired). We all went back to the room and crashed. The boat was noticeably moving by this time and it rocked us to sleep like babies.
Here’s the happy couple:

The girls:

Next up: Day 3 - Nassau Day

 

[my three girls]

We woke up to find our youngest with a fever. NO!!! We don’t need this. We gave her some Tylenol and she seemed better. I wonder if it was from the Mickey Pool? She sometimes swallows water. Oh well, soon she was her normal self. Let’s go to Nassau!

We wanted to buy some things at Del Sol, but other than that we decided to just ‘wing it’ in Nassau. As soon as we walked out of the ‘tourist holding area’ we were inundated with locals wanting to help us. DW asked the man “Can you tell us where the bargains are?” and he directed us to Bay Street. We dodged the cars (kinda crazy drivers) and wandered the streets and finally found the famous Del Sol. They make clothes and fingernail polish and stuff that turns color in the sunlight. Pretty cool. I bought a new pair of swim trunks and the girls got t-shirts and I think some polish. They even gave us a tote bag for free. We’re all over that free stuff, especially the wife. Then we wandered around a little. I bought a Nassau t-shirt from a street vendor for $5.00 and it promptly fell apart after the first wearing. Oh well, you get what you pay for. On the way back to the port, we saw a guy hawking carriage rides. I negotiated a deal ($20.00 for ½ hour, I think) and off we went. The driver had that neat Bahamian accent and said ‘mon’ a lot. DW quizzed him on the history of the island and he had an answer for every question. It was a lot of fun and educational. The driver had a horn he would honk if a car or person were in his way and he was not shy to use it. After the carriage ride, my DW got a heck of a deal on hair wraps for the girls. I think she paid $25.00 for the three of them plus tip. (The sign said $40.00 per person.) Did I say my wife likes a bargain? While we were waiting I got thirsty, so I took a walk and found a store with cold beer and bought a six-pack of Bud Light. (No, I didn’t drink them all on the way back.) They were just finishing up, so headed back to the Wonder.

Up next: Castaway Cay!

 

[Echie]

What a wonderful trip report - I am really enjoying it! I LOVE the surprise and how your girls didn't "get it" - you guys must be great actors

 

[lovesDCL]

great report! can't wait to read more! we are also going on a cruise (on the magic though) this coming valentines for our honeymoon! happy to see that they have the cute borders on the pictures for valentines day!

 

[binks]

Loving the report! Can't wait for the next installment.

 

[my three girls]

What a wonderful trip report - I am really enjoying it! I LOVE the surprise and how your girls didn't "get it" - you guys must be great actors

We've never done anything like that before, so we didn't really know how to act. But, I guess because we've never done it before, they were easy to fool. They weren't expecting it. It was really fun. Did you watch the video?

 

[my three girls]

great report! can't wait to read more! we are also going on a cruise (on the magic though) this coming valentines for our honeymoon! happy to see that they have the cute borders on the pictures for valentines day!

I'll have another installment this weekend. They had the borders and some other Valentine's things. You'll have a great time! I'll try to post some more pictures.

 

[catho72]

I am enjoying your trip report! Looking forward to more!

 

[my three girls]

Oops, almost forgot about Pirate night. Our Pirate Night dinner was in Parrot Cay. The girls got decked out in their 'best' pirate-wear, which we snuck in our suitcase. And we all got tattoos. Here they are getting ready for the big night:

They supplied us all with black and white bandanas and our waiters helped us wear them.

After dinner, the staff and kids all marched around the restaurant. They had a great time.

We had the best waiter, Ralph. He's from Jamaica and has been on the Wonder for many years. The girls really liked him. Here he is doing a magic trick for DD6.

Our group shot after dinner:

Then, it was time to head up to deck 9 for the Pirates in the Carribbean deck party! We always enjoy this high energy show.