Our WONDERful 3 day cruise, April 9th - 12th - TR

[disneychic]

Hi there just back from a GREAT trip on the Wonder. Actually, we did have a few days at WDW prior, so I will start my TR there.

The cast:

Me (37) - 7th Disney Cruise
DH (33) - 7th Disney Cruise
DM (56) - 4th Disney Cruise

My best friend (37) since I was 5 --we’ll call her DBF
My best friends Hubby (42) -- we’ll call him DBFH
My best friends son (almost 3yo) we’ll call him DBFS
** my BF and her family are all 1st time cruisers**

Tuesday, April 7th

My BF and family arrived in Orlando early on Tuesday morning. They checked in to the WL and hit Epcot by 11:00 AM. I had to work on Tuesday -- no fun for me at all My mom’s flight came in at3:00 PM, so I worked until just after her flight landed. She was taking DME to the Boardwalk Villas, where we would be staying using her DVC points until leaving for the cruise on Thursday. My husband had to work Tuesday, Wednesday AND in the morning on Thursday (wasn’t too thrilled about this, but there was no way around it). So, just my mom and I would be staying at BWV. We actually were trying to stay at the WLV, but could only get Wednesday night. We were waitlisted for Tuesday and it never came through, but BWV did for the 2 nights, and it was easier for my mom to just stay in 1 place for 2 nights instead of pack/unpack, move, etc. So, when she called on Tuesday and said she was on the DME, I bid farewell to my co-workers and was officially on VACATION I drove over to BWV from my job (which is about a 10 minute trip) and left my car with the valet and headed for the lobby to check us in. By the time I was finished checking in my mom was walking through the lobby-- perfect timing mom! We got up to the room, a preferred view studio, with a view of the main pool. Waited for our luggage, and then made our way over to Epcot to meet up with my BF and her family. Oh yeah, I’ve been gathering up presents for my BF’s son, who calls me “Aunt Jens”. I had a HUGE Disney bag chuck full o’ gifts for him (my DH and I can’t help it, we love to spoil him). I gave him his gifts which included a Disney remote control train, beach toys for Castaway Cay – 2 pails, shovels, Disney sand molds from Cars, Finding Nemo, and a fish shaped water pitcher, a t-shirt from NASA, 3 Disney coloring books and crayons, candy, and some other goodies I can’t remember at the moment? But, he loved them all We walked around the countries for a while and then met up with my DH at the Boardwalk for dinner at the Flying Fish. After dinner, my DH was tired, as he had to be at work at 6:00 AM the next morning, so he went home, and my BF and her family went into Epcot to see Illuminations, my mom and I walked around the Boardwalk, picked up some grocery items at the store on the Boardwalk, and then went back to our room where I caught up on some school work that I wanted to get out of the way before going on the cruise (besides working full time, I am also going to school full time to finish my undergrad in Space Studies). Tomorrow…..Magic Kingdom!

F&G show

Mom at Epcot


Wednesday, April 8th

Mom and I woke up at about 8:30 or so and had breakfast in our room, cereal, juice, coffee. Nothing fancy. By the time I did some more school work and we got out on the Boardwalk it was after 11:00. We took our time and enjoyed the beautiful weather (it was going to be about 75 degrees out on Weds.) We decided to walk through Epcot and take the Monorail over. It was a great day for a walk, and we enjoyed taking a closer look at the flowers, as the night before we were only in the park for an hour or so, and mostly catching up with my BF and her family. By the time we made it to the monorail, it was roped off There was a sign that said that the MK was at or near capacity. But we spoke to a CM and told her we were going to have lunch at the GF café. She had us show her our KTTWC, showing that we were resort guests, and she let us on the monorail. We switched monorails at the TTC (which was a ghost town, by the way) and headed over for lunch at the GFC. Mom and I both had the Cobb salad – it is HUGE, don’t know why we didn’t share?? Oh well, next time. After lunch we took the monorail over to the MK. Now, there was NO line at bag check, NO line to enter – odd for a park that was supposed to be NEAR or AT capacity?? Anyway, we got there just in time for the 3:00 parade. We enjoyed watching the parade. My BF & her family had gotten up early and had gone over to DHS, where it was very crowded, but they were able to get their little guy on to see the Muppets 3-D, the Studio Back Lot Tour, and he played in the Honey, I shrunk the Kids play area. My mom and I just took our time and strolled around MK. The line wait times were 40 – 90 minutes on practically every ride. We went onto the people mover, and then walked over to Frontier land and hopped on the train, and by the time the train was pulling us onto Main St. USA, my BF and her family were waiting for us. We made our way over to Buzz Lightyear and there was only a 30 minute wait – which ended up being a 15 minute wait – pleasantly surprised on that one. After that, we went back on the people mover, and after that took her son to get his picture taken w/ Buzz……ok, we got ours taken with Buzz too! We then went over to the speedway so my BFS could go on the “wacing caws” and by then my DH had met up with us. We made our way back to Tony’s for dinner. Food was yummy as always! I split spaghetti & meatballs w/ DM. After which, it was time for the parade. My BFH and I left the group and made our way over to Space Mountain where someone with a child was leaving and said that their son chickened out, and then asked us if we wanted their fast passes! Absolutely! Thank you very much! So, we had really no wait at all for that ride, and since we didn’t have a wait for that, we then ran over to BTMRR, but the ride was down, so we went on SM – there was only a 20 minute wait for that---score! We got to watch the fireworks while on that ride….and we got DRENCHED by the way! After which we decided to try BTMRR, and it was open and only 20 minute wait. So, we rode that too! My DH left the park after the fireworks --didn’t get to say goodnight (because he had to be at work at 6:00 AM again the next morning. So, after BTMRR, my BFH and I met up with my mom and my BF and her son over in fantasy land, where they had taken the little guy over to ride It’s a Small World. We then took him on Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and back to Small World. We left the park at about 12:15 or so (the park closed at 1:00) and they headed back to WLV, while DM and I took the bus back to BWV. It was a very busy day, and a busier day was ahead!

Another beautiful day

DBFH & Son on Buzz....looks like he was a bit scared

Me and My BF on Buzz...giggling away as usual

DBFH and son w/ Buzz

Me & DBF w/Buzz

Next up: THE WONDER!!

 

[disneychic]

Back again with Day 1 of our 3 day Cruise:

Thursday, April 9th

DM and I woke up at 8:30 or so, ate breakfast and got ready to head out. We checked out of the BWV and made our way over to the WL to pick up my BF and her family. We picked them up at 10:00 and made our way over to the port. My DH called us just as we were leaving and said he was leaving work to meet us over at the port. We had a great time chatting on the ride there and before we knew it, we were going over that bridge and spotted the Wonder for the first time. My BFS yelled out “Mommy look! It’s Mickey’s big boat!” When we got to the luggage drop off point, my DH was waiting there for us. While we were waiting for the porters to take our luggage, my DH took my car & parked it and made it back over and we all walked through security together and checked in. We were given boarding #9, and by the time we were all checked in and got our photo taken for our KTTWC, they were already boarding #11, there was hardly anyone left in the terminal and we basically just walked on the ship – it was about 12:20 or so. We made our way up to deck 9 and ate up at BBF. No wait for tables outside. I couldn’t believe that we got a table for 6 without waiting. We all ate lunch and then by the time we finished the staterooms were ready. All of our staterooms were located close to each other. My BF & family had an outside stateroom, Cat. 9, mid ship, deck 2. My DH & I were in a Cat. 10, inside SR, mid ship deck 2 as well. My mom had the same - Cat 10, deck 2 (when booking the rooms, they said the ship was full, and that there weren’t any rooms for 3, so my BF & her husband were booked in 1 room, and we convinced my mom to take another vacation this year, and so my mom and the baby were booked in the third state room (even though the baby slept in the room w/ my BF and BFH). My mom’s room was actually right next door to my room. But, we wanted to experience my BF and her family’s excitement when they saw their room for the 1st time, so we all walked them to their room and they LOVED it! They couldn’t believe how nice the room was. Whew…we were glad. Ya never know how 1st time cruisers are going to react to the ship, the rooms, etc. Everyone got settled in and unpacked a bit before making it over to the DVC member presentation. My mom and I, and my BF went. The boys went their own way. My DH showed them around the ship. My BF is on the verge of joining DVC; actually her mom is a founding member. So we dragged her with us (my Mom and I are both members). I ended up winning a DVC Bag

After the DVC presentation it was time to get ready for the Boat Drill. After the Boat Drill we all met up by the elevators to go up to the sail away party. We started out on deck 10, but my BFS wanted to be down on deck 9 with all the other kids on the dance floor, so we made our way down there. After the horn blew we went back up to deck 10 to wave goodbye to port Canaveral – and we saw dolphins escorting us out! Then we all made our way back downstairs to the state rooms, my BF & I got showered/changed & ready for dinner and the 2 of us met up to go out to the see the Golden Mickey’s. My Mom wanted to go up to deck 4 to relax, while all the boys decided to take naps (understandable for the 2 year old, not so much for the husbands!) After the show my BF & I went to play Bingo, and we both didn’t win My DH caught up with us in there mid game. After Bingo it was basically time for dinner, so went over to Animator’s Palate. We had the late dining, and our rotation was A-P-T. My BFH & son, and my mom were already in there waiting for us. Our wait staff was the BEST I’ve had in 7 cruises! We had Tino & Raj. They were awesome! I was excited to try out the new menu. Here is what I had: Appetizer: Wild mushroom Risotto (very good), Salad: Confetti Tomato Salad, Entrée: Lemon Thyme marinated chicken breast (good, but very salty), Dessert: Apple crumble (good, but I was stuffed, so I only took a bite out of it—peer pressure!) After they served the dessert, they came over w/ a birthday cake and they said it was for Kathleen (DM) but my mom’s birthday isn’t until August! I corrected them and said it was for the baby, as his birthday is in 2 weeks. He was soo excited! He got a “Boiday Kek” as he called it. The cake was almost as big as he was. We all got a kick of him eating the cake. Very funny.

After dinner, my mom took DBFS (babysitting him so the couples could go out). My DH and My DBF and her hubby & I all went to Wavebands to see “Match Your Mate”. As always, this was very entertaining. After Match your Mate it was Rock/Country night….well, there was no Rock n Roll in sight and there’s not 1 of us that enjoys country music so we were outta there! We went into the Cadillac Lounge. There was a different singer this trip, and he was EXCELLENT! Can’t remember his first name, last name was Martini. Very good singer. He took requests, and did a great job. We then made our way into Diversions, but it was last call, just about 12:00 and the lights were coming on. We went to try and find DM and DBFS but they were no where in sight? We called her room and no answer? I said that she may have taken him into see Hanna Montana movie, but my BF & her hubby said there’s no way he’d sit through that, he’s never even been to a movie. Well, her husband went into the WD Theater and there they were. When he asked him if he wanted to leave he said “No, I watching Handa Montanda wif Aunt Kappy.” So, her hubby left him in there w/ my mom. At that point, I’d had enough of walking around/bar hopping. So I went in and joined them at the movie (I missed the first 15 minutes or so). My DBFS loved the movie. It was very cute. He stayed and watched – it was 2:00 in the morning when it ended – musta been all that sugar from the “boiday cake” that kept him going! He still had energy after that, so we all went up to Deck 4 and the boys played shuffle board and the girls relaxed on the teak loungers. Finally made it back to the room at about 2:30 or so. It was a great day, but a LONG day!

DBFS eating dessert at BBB after boarding

DBFS checking out the baby grand

DH and I getting ready for the 4:00 drill

DBF & I having a sail away toast!

Sail away party

DH & I at the Sail away party

DBFS and his Birthday Cake

Nothin' like a birthday cake!

Next: Nassau day

 

[Erikas4228]

Sounds like so much fun looking forward to the rest. We sail on the Wonder May 17. And you saw Hanna Montana my daughter will love that she get's to see it on the ship but Wow 2am. More More

 

[disneychic]

Friday, April 10th

Well, after partying it up last night, not one of us was getting up and out early today. We didn’t have any excursions planned, so we were just going to hang out on the ship. My DH, & my mom and I went over to Parrot Cay at about 9:45 or so for breakfast. Our wait staff was there and asking where my DBFS was – um, he’s sleeping! We told them that he was out until 2:30 in the morning because of all that sugar from dessert! After breakfast my DM + DH went up to the Quite Cove Pool. I went and purchased the internet package ($27.50 for 50 minutes) so that I could log onto my school and get some school work done. I ended up using all of my minutes, + an additional four minutes, oh well. I then met up with DH and DM up at the pool. It was a nice day, very breezy. My DH immediately went into the pool/hot tub. Not me, I’m always cold. I did end up going into the pool for about 2 seconds, but it was very windy out and I froze once I got out. My BFH met up w/ us at the pool at 12:00 or so and said they were at BBB for lunch. After I dried off from the pool, I walked that way to meet up w/ them. I was by myself, and of course I slipped and fell on the wet deck over by the family pool – into an almost split position. 1 leg bent behind me and the other one stretched out in front There was a guy and his wife behind me (probably mid 40’s) who STEPPED OVER MY SHOULDER to move past me – so sorry to hold you up. And then when I got up they were laughing at me. I said “Was it really that amusing?” and the guy just stood there and gave me a goofy look. To which I said “Yes, that was very classy of you to step over me when I fell, nothing like lending out a helping hand”. I have to say I was PISSED Because if I was behind someone who fell, I’d help them up, my husband would have helped them up, everybody I know would have helped them up. Yes, it may have caught them off guard and maybe it looked funny, but you STEP over someone as they’re laying there? One of the crew members did come over just as I was getting up to help me. But the idiot and his wife that just stood there and laughed really annoyed me By the time I made it BBB my knee was really swollen. My DBFH got me some ice and I sat there and iced it up. Eventually my DH and DM met up w/ us over there and we had lunch. After lunch my DBF, DM and I had pedicures scheduled. So we headed over to the spa. My DH took DBFS to the arcade and stuff while DBFH went to the art auction (DBF saw a piece that she wanted earlier). After our pedicures, we tried to make the end of the art auction, but they were packing it up, and moving the art back upstairs. We went over to the desk to ask if my DBFH had been there, and sure enough he had gone and won the piece of art that my BF wanted! The lady said, he won, but he ran out of here to go to beer tasting before she could tell him that they also get to pick out a lithograph. Too funny. My BF and I stopped by the DVC desk to ask a question and Adarsh (CM) told us to go to the DVC presentation. He said that there would be a raffle for $300 ship board credit, and that if one of us girls were to win we should share it and both go shopping. After beer tasting my DBFH & DBFS went to their cabin to take a nap, and my mom, DH, DB and I all went to the DVC presentation. It wasn’t very crowded in there. I ended up winning the $300 ship board credit Adarsh came over and said “hey, remember you have to split it!” Of course we would split it! She’s my BF! DBF made an appointment for herself and her husband for the following afternoon to find out about joining DVC. After the DVC presentation, we all went to rush and get showered/changed. We met up at Preludes to get our picture w/ Captain Jack and then into the theatre to see Toy Story the Musical. This isn’t really my favorite of shows, but the baby LOVES Toy Story, so we all went to see it. After the show, the baby wanted to go see Mickey & Minnie who were in the Atrium Lobby. So we waited for pictures w/ the characters there, and then went to Parrot Cay for dinner. I know that a lot of people don’t care for PC, but it is my favorite restaurant. The food is always sooo good there. I had: Appetizer: St. Maarten Stack, Salad: West Indies Romaine Salad, Entrée: Caribbean Roast Chicken – all excellent. When our waiter, Tino asked what desserts we wanted the baby said “Boiday Keke for me!” so, of course, they brought him out another birthday cake! We headed up to the Pirate Party after dinner. I’ve never been down on deck 9 for this, but again, with a small child who sees all the kids down there, he wanted to be there too. So, we all went down to deck 9 on the dance floor! He really enjoyed the fireworks, and the dancing! We all got a kick out of watching him dance with all the little kids around us. After that, my DM took the baby to the arcade, and my DBF and I wanted to watch Pirates out there at the pool, but after about 20 minutes the husband's did not So, we ended up going to Wavebands for Karaoke. We eventually convinced my DBFH to get up there and sing. He used to sing professionally, he’s been in bands before, + he’s classically/operatically trained. He has a great voice. We convinced him to just get up and sing something …anything! So, he did, and he sang “Soul Man” + got roaring applause! At about midnight we wandered into Diversions and they turned the lights on us again! Last call comes way too soon! Another great day….but tomorrow is Castaway Cay!

DBFH & Son with Minnie (his favorite)

With Capt. Jack

Watching Pirates on Pirates night

DBFH at Karaoke

 

[kimkreis]

We were on the cruise with you. Isn't it amazing all the different things folks can do all on the same boat?

 

[disneychic]

kimkreis,

Yes, it's amazing how many different people have so many different experiences on the same cruise! I hope your family had a great vacation! We had an amazing time. Can't wait to cruise again in September!

 

[disneychic]

Saturday, April 11th

CASTAWAY CAY DAY! It was PERFECT weather for the beach. The high of the day was going to be 88 degrees. I got the dreaded wake up call at 8:30 but I just couldn't get myself out of bed ---even for Castaway Cay. DH got up and wanted to get onto the beach to get a good spot for us- which I was very thankfull for because I was just too tired! So, he got ready and then went off to find a spot on the beach. At about 9:00 My DM & I went up to Parrot Cay and had breakfast, & then met my husband out on the beach at about 9:45. We found him very relaxed in a hammock at the end of the family beach. At 10:30 my DH & I went to get pictures w/ Capt. Jack. After which my DH went back to the ship to call DBF because we didn’t see them on the beach, and I went back to our spot on the beach and stayed w/ DM. A half an hour or so passed before they all made it out to our spot on the beach. The water was a bit chilly at first, I think they said that the water was 79 degrees. But, once you got in it wasn't so bad. We really enjoyed the beach, built sandcastles w/ the baby, relaxed in the sun.

At 12:30 we went to Cookies BBQ for lunch, which I have to say I enjoy more and more each time. I don't recall liking the food choices as much on our first cruise in 2001. After lunch I did some shopping w/ DM while the others went back over to our area on the beach so that DBFS could finish his sandcastle At 2:00 the guys helped my mom back to the ship w/ all the bags, and the baby. She was going to watch him while the 4 of us did the Eco tour (jet ski’s). Our tour started at 3:00. Just as we were getting our life jackets on the people from the previous tour were getting back and told us it was really rough + choppy out there….great. My DH + DBFH were the drivers and my DBF and I were the passengers. I hadn’t been on a jet ski in about 12 years, and that was on the gulf – which was very calm. Not the case on CC – it was very choppy. We weren’t even out 5 minutes and I told my husband that I didn’t like it at all! But, as I got more used to it, I enjoyed it more and more. We had a great time, and the colors of the water are amazing. I think my DH and I will do this excursion on every cruise from here on out. I just hope the next time won’t be so choppy. The tour ended at about 4:00 or so, and we made our way back to the ship to get showered/dressed for dinner and the show.

We met up with everyone at the WD Theatre to see Disney Dreams. I love this show. I knew my BF would cry at this one (she cried the whole trip, at Small World, Wishes, Golden Mickey’s, Pirate Night fireworks, etc.) After the show my BF wanted to go up to the future cruise information desk (her husband wasn’t keen on plopping down $16K for DVC at this point, but he did want to do another cruise). So, they ended up booking the 7 day Tortola cruise that my DH and I are sailing on this September (9/12) While DBF & DBFH were booking their next cruise, DH, DM & I took DBFS to get pictures w/ Pluto, Chip and Dale and Stitch.

It was now time for dinner at Triton’s. I have to say that on previous cruises, I wasn’t too thrilled w/ Tritons. I’m allergic to shellfish, and generally don’t eat fish at all, and I don’t like a lot of heavy creams/sauces. So, I’ve never really found anything on the menu that I like. This cruise, however, with the new menu I really really enjoyed Triton’s. I didn’t like anything on the appetizer menu, so I ended up w/ a soup (tomato) and a salad instead. My main entrée was the grilled farm raised chicken breast. The sides on my main entrée were fantastic. It was asparagus & a barley that had raisins and pineapple in it. Sounds weird, but it was the best thing I ate on the cruise! For dessert you guessed it, they brought the baby another birthday cake! By the time dinner had ended it was 10:15. We all ran to our rooms to get our luggage out by 11:00. After that we all did our shopping, while my mom took the baby to see the Hannah Montana movie again. My DH, DBF, DBFH & I went to have a drink in wavebands, and then moved over to Diversions and one last walk around deck after that. We were back in our room by 1:15 and couldn't believe how fast the last 3 days had gone

With Captain Jack

DBFS playing on the beach

DH & DBFS building sandcastles

Me & DH

Me & DM before dinner at Triton's

DBFS with THE BEST waitstaff EVER, Tino & Raj!

DM & DBFS going on their "Handa Montanda" movie date



Sunday, April 12th 2009


Wake up call at 7:45…yuck. I don’t want to go home! I am jealous of all those double dippers who get to stay longer! We made it up to Triton’s for breakfast by 8:15. All of us tired and cranky, not wanting to leave the ship. We got to see our servers one last time, and really thanked them for their outstanding service. The best I’ve encountered in 7 cruises. Time to disembark. We made it back to the cars, DH left in his car to go pick up our dogs who were at the kennel. While DM, DBF and her family jumped in mine, and I drove them to WL where they stored their luggage and enjoyed one more day at MK (or, Mickey’s Castle as the baby calls it). And here I am, back at work & wishing I was on another cruise! Oh well, our next one is in 5 months. I guess I can day dream of Castaway Cay until then!

 

[frdeb1999]

Great TR and pics!

 

[poohs4me]

I really enjoyed your trip report! Sounds like the baby is just darling with his birthday cake..

 

[Had2disneycruz]

Glad you had an awesome trip! We just got back Sat. from the Magic. Our trip went way too fast too! Just wanted to let you know that I also slipped and fell on the deck at the family pool. Luckily, no one stepped over me. A CM quickly came over to help me up. My pride and my bum were a little bruised but otherwise, I was ok. It is really slippery with flip flops. I think I did better when I went barefoot.

By the way, your DM looks awesome! Great pictures, especially the one of Jack Sparrow on the big screen. Wish I had thought of taking pics then! Enjoyed your report, thanks!

 

[daisylove]

Great report. We were on the same cruise cat 9 deck 2 midship as well lol 2086/2088. Small world. Wasnt the weather at CC perfect?

 

[disneychic]

Glad you had an awesome trip! We just got back Sat. from the Magic. Our trip went way too fast too! Just wanted to let you know that I also slipped and fell on the deck at the family pool. Luckily, no one stepped over me. A CM quickly came over to help me up. My pride and my bum were a little bruised but otherwise, I was ok. It is really slippery with flip flops. I think I did better when I went barefoot.

By the way, your DM looks awesome! Great pictures, especially the one of Jack Sparrow on the big screen. Wish I had thought of taking pics then! Enjoyed your report, thanks!

Had2disneycruz -- I feel your pain....literally! I was wearing flip-flops too. That should be put on the thread "what's the best tip you learned on the DIS'...um DON'T WEAR FLIP-FLOPS ON DECK 9 UNLESS YOU WANT TO TAKE A SPILL!

 

[disneychic]

Great report. We were on the same cruise cat 9 deck 2 midship as well lol 2086/2088. Small world. Wasnt the weather at CC perfect?

Yes, the most perfect weather on CC. Doesn't it feel like it was SO long ago? I need another vacation already!

 

[vatchr]

Yes, the most perfect weather on CC. Doesn't it feel like it was SO long ago? I need another vacation already!

I totally agree!! We were on the cruise also. I don't even feel like we went, and it hasn't even been two weeks yet!!

 

[Georgia Jamie]

What a great report! Loved the details and really loved the pictures! Too cute!

Glad you had fun.