?'s re: Hair Braiding; Onboard Account; & plan

[esulerzy]

I have a couple questions that I hope some of you experts can help me with. I am taking two of my nieces on the 4-day Wonder in February 2003. One is 13 and the other is 8.

The 13 yr old would like to get her hair braided on our last full day (the day at sea). She prefers to wait until the day at sea so the braids stay in as long as possible - to show off at school the next week! Do they do this on the Wonder? If so, how do we go about getting reservations? We also want to spend some time getting manicures that day so we want to plan in advance when we can do each of these things.

Re: The onboard account. Which credit cards does the Wonder accept for your onboard account? I would like to put everything on my Disney Credit Card. Will they accept this card? (I am assuming so, but you never know)

My plan is to book the Swim with the Dolphins in the morning of our day at Nassau and walk around the Straw Market that afternoon (ir is open again, isn't it?). During our day at Castaway Cay, we will be renting some Aqua Bikes and floats. So far, the 13 yr old is not too interested in the special teen activities - that may change!! The 8 yr old is a water freak so this plan will suit her great. During the day at sea, the 8 yr old may prefer to play with others in age appropriate activities so I'll be flexible with her on that day. We currently have cabin 2021 (I wanted something less expensive since we will not be in the cabin much), which appears to be 'quiet' and the early dinner seating - we will see the shows each night. How does this plan sound - in order to maximize the kids enjoyment?

Thanks for any and all help. This is my third cruise (first on Disney) and the kids first ever cruise! The 13 yr old is helping to plan; the 8 yr old will get a surprise at Christmas

 

[Irishmom23]

from the 3 day Wonder, and they did not have hair braiding on board. They did have it on Nassau, and they may have had it at Castaway Cay, but I am not sure. I believe that hairbraiding is only onboard ship on the seven day Magic. I used my Disney credit card on board as my credit card without any problem, and then used it again when we got to WDW. My card has never seen so much activity what with five of us on the cruise then 8 days in WDW! Make sure if you want the Dolphin SWIM (must be booked on your own) or the Dolphin Encounter (done through DCL) that you book well in advance, as the spots fill up quickly. We did the Dolphin Swim at Blue Lagoon in Nassau, and it was AWESOME. I was able to book it several months in advance on my own (www.dolphinencounters.com) The Encounter can be booked through DCL 60 days in advance. Have fun!

 

[tkd lisa]

Confirming that hairbraiding is on-board the 7 day only. It is available on Castaway Cay, and is done by some locals who come over on a boat. We were on the 7 day and had it done on board on Monday, and it lasted quite well for 2 weeks. Much better than what I had done at home (which only stayed in 2 days and looked bad after the first night!).

About the aqua bikes, they are a fair amount of work to pedal around. Make sure that the kids really want to do that before you book it. If you're not sure, don't reserve it ahead of time. They are never full, and once you're onboard if you cancel, it still costs you.

The floats are nice, but instead of renting theirs, a lot of people bring cheap ones from home so that you can find your group (compared to the thousands of clear tubes and blue mats)!

 

[Irishmom23]

When we were on the 3 day WONDER, my DD, age almost 14 did not enjoy the organized teen activities, but met some girls through this web site and I e-mailed their mothers for several months prior to the cruise, as did the girls, and when they met on board, they already had some friends! It worked out great as the girls hung around together, went to the movies, swam on Castaway Cay, etc. We still did things as a family, but she was able to have "quality" time away from the parents! My 10yo DD also met someone through the DIS boards and went to the clubs at night with her and really enjoyed the activities for her age group. As ten yo's, they could sign themselves out, but she always waited for us to get her, as did her friend.

 

[grandmalinda]

Hi, esulerzy! This will be the 1st time for me and my two granddaughters (8 and 5). We're leaving 7/27. We'll being staying in room 2519, just adjacent to your 2021. Nice to hear that it is quiet. If you'll email me after my trip, I'll let you know if it was a good cabin. Like you, we don't plan on being in the cabin much and will fall fast asleep at night from all the fun activities. My two were with the dolphins in Hawaii and loved it but we don't plan on doing it again. I would definitely recommend it. Since you are taking your nieces, don't forget to get a notarized note from the parents that it is ok for you to take them and also approve any medical treatment. Linda

 

[esulerzy]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Linda (grandmalinda), I never thought about noterized statements from my brother and sister-in-law! Thanks so much for reminding me. My brother and sister-in-law are excited about me taking the two oldest girls on this trip -- their younger sister is disabled and requires round-the-clock nursing. Needless-to-say, this trip will be a great mental and physical break for them. Wouldn't want anything to happen on the trip, but if it does it is best not to have other issues pop up - they get enough of that at home!

Thanks again.