September 2013 with a twist - New 9/13 - we are on our way!

[indimom]

Day 9 – Mon Sept. 23rd​

This will be our second day on the Dream which is our Nassau day. We are still trying to figure out exactly what we will do this day- remember there are 10 of us to please. I think it is possible that we may split up. Two of the boys(Gunz & Stitch) want to go deep sea fishing with their dad. There is no way that our DS(Buzz) is going to do that. So I am going to list what I think we will be doing and we will see what the rest of the group settles on.

Because we will be making our Cruise reservations just 60 days before the cruise our options may be limited so I will list what we would like to do in order of priority:

This is our first Priority:


blue lagoon dolphin swim by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

Our goal will be to get the 9:30am boat to Blue Lagoon. If we can then we will do our Dolphin encounter as soon as we get there and explore the area after that. We will make sure we take a boat back to the ship so we are back on board by 5pm.

If we are unable to secure a Blue Lagoon reservation our second option will be to head to Atlantis to do this:


Atlantis Shallow Water Dolphin by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

During this excursion we will spend 30 minutes in shallow water with the dolphins and then be allowed to explore the lagoons of Atlantis. Some of the Lagoons we do not want to miss are:


Ruins Lagoon by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet


Predator Lagoon by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet


hibiscus lagoon by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet


royal ray lagoon by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

If we don’t get priority one or two then our plan will be to head to Atlantis through a different way:


Atlantis by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

We have reserved a room at the Comfort Suites on Paradise Island. This will give us full access to Atlantis. This is a guarantee because I do not have to book through the cruise line. In fact, I have already reserved the room since we can cancel up to Sept 18th with no penalty. We will actually save about $200 by booking Atlantis this way rather than booking directly through Disney.

If we end up with this option, we will have to take a cab from the dock to the hotel and then back to the boat at the end of the day. We will check in to the hotel first thing in the morning and then head immediately to Atlantis. It will be nice to have the room if one of us needs a break but more than likely we will not use it

We will plan to see as much of Atlantis as we can before 4:30pm then head back to the boat.

We will explore the Lagoons first and then head to the water park. Sadly there is not much that are little ones can(or will) do since most everything requires a 48” height. (this is the main reason why this was not our priority 1 option.). We will probably spend some time on the lazy river and here:


Current River by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

This is a fast moving version of the lazy river

Finally we will spend some relaxing time here:


Beach Atlantis by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

We want to be back on the boat by 5pm so we can get cleaned up in time to see this:


Villians tonight by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

After the show we will either go play Bingo or go to the Family Dance Party. Then hopefully we will be heading to here for dinner (this will depend on if I get the dining rotation I am hoping for):


Royal Palace by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Borrowed from the internet

Once again, the kids will participate in Dine and Play so they will be picked up about 45 minutes after dinner starts and taken to the kids club.

Once we are done with dinner we will swing by the kids club to see if the kids want to stay or come hang out with us. If they want to hang with us we will head to the D-lounge to see what is going on there. If they want to stay in the kids club we will head to the adults only part of the ship.

We will try to get to bed at a decent hour because the next day is our Castaway Cay day and I want to be off the ship very early so we can enjoy a full day on the island.

Okay, I've mentioned my reservations about cruising before.

You ALMOST won me over with the photo of your room. Aahhhhh. That looks so lovely and relaxing and luxurious. I had no idea cruise ships had such spacious cabins.

BUT, these pix are really getting to me. That all looks like So Much Fun! And DH would LOVE the deep sea fishing.

I can see it now, I'm gonna get sucked in.

I'm gonna want to take a cruise.

Dear God, I hope I can handle it with motion sickness meds.

(Never should have read this PTR, never should have read it... )

 

[lsenquiz]

Dear God, I hope I can handle it with motion sickness meds.

(Never should have read this PTR, never should have read it... )

I spend a good amount of time on the Cruise board and there are lots and lots of people cruising now that suffer from sea sickness. There are lots of ideas over there on how to combat it.

Honestly I am not a big cruise lover(we have been on two-neither of them Disney and I did not think they were that great). I agreed to this one for my cousin but the more I plan the more excited I get. We will see what I have to say in my TR

 

[Suziewan]

Joining in!

Wow, I am envious of the crew you get to travel with; I wish I could get more family to come with me, I've always wanted to rent a cabin at Fort Wilderness, but can't justify it for just DS and I. We did travel with another family last April, but we weren't sure our friendships could stand the complete togetherness of sharing a cabin; that's more for family who are still required to love you when you get on their nerves.

 

[lsenquiz]

Joining in!

Wow, I am envious of the crew you get to travel with; I wish I could get more family to come with me, I've always wanted to rent a cabin at Fort Wilderness, but can't justify it for just DS and I. We did travel with another family last April, but we weren't sure our friendships could stand the complete togetherness of sharing a cabin; that's more for family who are still required to love you when you get on their nerves.

We do enjoy our Grand Gathering for our trip in September but honestly enjoy our May trip just as well when it is just DH, DS and I. It can sometimes be challanging to please so many even when they are family.

I like that we get one trip a year where we can devote all our attention to our DS

 

[indimom]

I spend a good amount of time on the Cruise board and there are lots and lots of people cruising now that suffer from sea sickness. There are lots of ideas over there on how to combat it.

Honestly I am not a big cruise lover(we have been on two-neither of them Disney and I did not think they were that great). I agreed to this one for my cousin but the more I plan the more excited I get. We will see what I have to say in my TR

It trully does look very fun! And it sounds like you have a great travel group (DH and I can't do multi-family vacations, we're too selfish. lol.) I'm looking forward to reading our TR (and all the others I've been following through their PTRs). It will be neat to see how many of our plans turn out, whether our faves are still our faves, or if any surprises will come along during the trips...

 

[lsenquiz]

It will be neat to see how many of our plans turn out, whether our faves are still our faves, or if any surprises will come along during the trips...

I agree

 

[hunter1211]

I am joining in too. Hello fellow Neighbor. I am a bit jealous as I have always wanted to take a disney cruise, but with 5 kids that is tough for us. We for now are just taking advantage of the sept fall break we get every September. Don't worry about the attendance in elementary school here in cherokee county, it's high school you have to really worry about. I will have a 9 th grader next year and they have reviewed the policy with us several times. (plus she is taking a couple of high school courses in 8th grade and has to adhere to the high school attendance policy.) In high school they don't care if its excused or unexcused. Once you hit the 7th absence you have to go before a committee and they will decide if you will get to pass that class or not.

 

[lsenquiz]

I am joining in too. Hello fellow Neighbor. I am a bit jealous as I have always wanted to take a disney cruise, but with 5 kids that is tough for us. We for now are just taking advantage of the sept fall break we get every September. Don't worry about the attendance in elementary school here in cherokee county, it's high school you have to really worry about. I will have a 9 th grader next year and they have reviewed the policy with us several times. (plus she is taking a couple of high school courses in 8th grade and has to adhere to the high school attendance policy.) In high school they don't care if its excused or unexcused. Once you hit the 7th absence you have to go before a committee and they will decide if you will get to pass that class or not.

I know exactly what you mean. We also have a DS25 and DD21 both graduates of Woodstock High School. My son was easy because he hated to miss school. My DD was hard because she competed in horseback riding through her High School years which resulted in more than the occasional missed day. We came very close to going before that committee several times

 

[lsenquiz]

Day 10 – Tues Sept. 24th​

This will be our third day on the Dream which is our Castaway Cay day. We are pretty excited about this day but do not have a lot of firm plans. One thing I know for sure is that we will be up and off the ship as early as we are allowed (8:30am). We will head straight to the second beach to find chairs as close to the water as possible. I know our DS8 will want to play in the water and I will want to lounge around so it would be great if we could sit in a lounge chair and feel close enough to him to let him play in the water.


CastawayCay by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

Another reason for finding seats at the second beach is we want to be close to this. I expect we will spend a good amount of time on it.


Pelican Plunge by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

I do want to do some M&Gs while we are on the island but other than that it will be lots of beach fun.

The plan for now i5 to eat lunch here:


Cookies by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

We will head back to the boat around 4:30pm. I know we will want to head straight to the room and get cleaned up. After that we plan to do this:


Dream Detective Agency by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

Then we will get into our pirate gear and head to this:


pirate deck party by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

If I get the dining rotation I want we will head to dinner here:


Animator's Palate by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

I think this is the perfect restaurant to spend Pirates Night in.

It would be awesome if we got a table next to this dude!


Dream Crush by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

I am not sure if the kids will do dine and play or not on this night. However, if they do, we will go get them in time for the Pirate Party and to watch this:


Dream Fireworks by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

After that, it will be back to the cabin. I think everyone will be pretty tired after a day that started at 7am and ended close to midnight!

 

[Suziewan]

Sounds like a fun-packed day! Maybe you'll get a little rest time on the beach to keep you going until 12:00. I think the pirate party looks like a blast....do people dress up as pirates for this? Is there something like the Pirates League onboard?

 

[indimom]

Day 10 – Tues Sept. 24th​

This will be our third day on the Dream which is our Castaway Cay day. We are pretty excited about this day but do not have a lot of firm plans. One thing I know for sure is that we will be up and off the ship as early as we are allowed (8:30am). We will head straight to the second beach to find chairs as close to the water as possible. I know our DS8 will want to play in the water and I will want to lounge around so it would be great if we could sit in a lounge chair and feel close enough to him to let him play in the water.


CastawayCay by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

Another reason for finding seats at the second beach is we want to be close to this. I expect we will spend a good amount of time on it.


Pelican Plunge by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

I do want to do some M&Gs while we are on the island but other than that it will be lots of beach fun.

The plan for now i5 to eat lunch here:


Cookies by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

We will head back to the boat around 4:30pm. I know we will want to head straight to the room and get cleaned up. After that we plan to do this:


Dream Detective Agency by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

Then we will get into our pirate gear and head to this:


pirate deck party by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

If I get the dining rotation I want we will head to dinner here:


Animator's Palate by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

I think this is the perfect restaurant to spend Pirates Night in.

It would be awesome if we got a table next to this dude!


Dream Crush by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

I am not sure if the kids will do dine and play or not on this night. However, if they do, we will go get them in time for the Pirate Party and to watch this:


Dream Fireworks by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

After that, it will be back to the cabin. I think everyone will be pretty tired after a day that started at 7am and ended close to midnight!

Looks like a very fun and tiring day! Maybe you can squeeze in a power nap on the beach (if you take turns to watch the young'un). That beach looks so gorgeous and peaceful!

 

[lsenquiz]

Sounds like a fun-packed day! Maybe you'll get a little rest time on the beach to keep you going until 12:00. I think the pirate party looks like a blast....do people dress up as pirates for this? Is there something like the Pirates League onboard?

We do plan to dress up. I think it is similar to MNSSHP About 50/50 on who dresses up and who doesn't. I do not think there is a pirates leaque on the Dream although I'll admit to being a complete newby when it comes to Disney cruises. This is our first one.

Looks like a very fun and tiring day! Maybe you can squeeze in a power nap on the beach (if you take turns to watch the young'un). That beach looks so gorgeous and peaceful!

I agree about the beach. Normally we are not beach people but this one looks amazing.

 

[lsenquiz]

Day 11 – Wed Sept. 25th​

This will be our forth and last day on the Dream and it is a day at Sea. I am really looking forward to being able to sleep in and not feel like we have to be up and out the door to get on shore. So everyone will sleep as late as they want. For me this will be about 7:30am, DS will probably sleep until 8am and DH can sleep as late as 9am.

I will head up here as soon as I get up to grab some breakfast:


DreamCabanas by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo Borrowed from MousePlanet

My plan is to bring a plate back to the room and enjoy it on the balcony. I will be perfectly content to sit out there until everyone else is up and ready to explore.

I expect that DS will want to head to the kids club as soon as he is ready and that is fine with me. DH and I will head up to the adults only section and just grab a lounge chair and relax. We may also spend some time in here:


SENSES SPA & SALON ON THE DISNEY DREAM by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo Borrowed from MousePlanet

If I am relaxed out by the time bingo starts I might participate in that. Otherwise we will plan to pick the kids up around 4pm so they can have some time on the Aquaduck before we have to get ready to go see this at 6:15:


Believe by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

After the show we will do some M&Gs and then head back here for dinner(fingers crossed that we get the dining rotation we want)


Animators Palate by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

The kids will want to do dine and play so the adults will head to the quiet cove to listen to some music and enjoy a few cocktails.

After that it will be bed time. We want to be off the ship as early as possible because we will be heading back to Disney for the rest of the week.

 

[indimom]

Day 11 – Wed Sept. 25th​

This will be our forth and last day on the Dream and it is a day at Sea. I am really looking forward to being able to sleep in and not feel like we have to be up and out the door to get on shore. So everyone will sleep as late as they want. For me this will be about 7:30am, DS will probably sleep until 8am and DH can sleep as late as 9am.

I will head up here as soon as I get up to grab some breakfast:


DreamCabanas by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo Borrowed from MousePlanet

My plan is to bring a plate back to the room and enjoy it on the balcony. I will be perfectly content to sit out there until everyone else is up and ready to explore.

I expect that DS will want to head to the kids club as soon as he is ready and that is fine with me. DH and I will head up to the adults only section and just grab a lounge chair and relax. We may also spend some time in here:


SENSES SPA & SALON ON THE DISNEY DREAM by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo Borrowed from MousePlanet

If I am relaxed out by the time bingo starts I might participate in that. Otherwise we will plan to pick the kids up around 4pm so they can have some time on the Aquaduck before we have to get ready to go see this at 6:15:


Believe by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

After the show we will do some M&Gs and then head back here for dinner(fingers crossed that we get the dining rotation we want)


Animators Palate by Disneyalwaysn4ever, on Flickr
Photo borrowed from the internet

The kids will want to do dine and play so the adults will head to the quiet cove to listen to some music and enjoy a few cocktails.

After that it will be bed time. We want to be off the ship as early as possible because we will be heading back to Disney for the rest of the week.

Looks like a perfect low-key rest day. Especially since you will be heading to the parks after. That spa looks Wonderful!

 

[lsenquiz]

Looks like a perfect low-key rest day. Especially since you will be heading to the parks after. That spa looks Wonderful!

I agree. I am a little worried about taking a 4 day cruise because I think we will feel pressure to get everything in in a very short timeframe(exactly why I take 2 week trips to Disney ). So we'll see how well we do with this "down" day.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Hey! I just found your PTR and I have to say, your plans sound awesome! So many different experiences in one trip--I'm sure you'll have a blast.

We are also going in September, from the 10 to the 21st. We will be at the same MNSSHP as you on the 17th. It will be our first time so we're extra excited!

 

[lsenquiz]

Hey! I just found your PTR and I have to say, your plans sound awesome! So many different experiences in one trip--I'm sure you'll have a blast.

We are also going in September, from the 10 to the 21st. We will be at the same MNSSHP as you on the 17th. It will be our first time so we're extra excited!

Awesome! We leave tomorrow for 2 full weeks at Disney. Then we are headed back in September. I promise to give the PTR some more attention just as soon as we get back!

 

[indimom]

Awesome! We leave tomorrow for 2 full weeks at Disney. Then we are headed back in September. I promise to give the PTR some more attention just as soon as we get back!

Yeah! I can't wait to hear more about your September plans! It sounds like such a fun trip! Have a great time this week. I'll be thinking of all the fun you're having while I'm slaving away at home.

"See" ya soon!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Awesome! We leave tomorrow for 2 full weeks at Disney. Then we are headed back in September. I promise to give the PTR some more attention just as soon as we get back!

That's awesome! Enjoy! Can't wait to hear about it.

 

[katt789]

I’m in!!

We’ll be there the 11-19th! I’ll see if we have any match ups on our days! It looks like this is certainly an adventurous trip! Lots of pirates that’s for sure! Haha.

I’ve always wanted to stay at BLT, it’s really the only part of the Contemp that appeals to me, haha. We’re doing CM’s our arrival day too, haven’t eaten there yet, but I’m hoping it’s good!

We’ll be at Epcot the same day, that’s for sure! I love Turtle Talk! There’s no kids in our travel group but I’m always insistent on making a stop here, it’s super cute!

From what I’ve heard you miss the “design a car” thing in the FP line.

Looks like great minds think alike, we’re at MK/MNSSHP the same day too! It’s our second MK day so we’re starting at Crystal Palace pre park opening! My guess is we’ll be in the Frontier/Adventureland side of the park most of the day, but also all over the place, bahah.

Awesome that wait times have historically been that low! That’s GREAT! Our party plans are pretty much the same but we’ll be heading to the Princess/Prince line instead of the dwarfs!

We share a love for FOTLK! I would sit and watch that show all day!

Those cruise plans sound great! I want to do a Disney cruise, but am a little afraid of the whole boat thing, bahaha. I’m sure I’d be fine once on one, but I feel like I’d rather do a cruise with more port time than at sea time, your itinerary looks perfect, lol!!