Thanksgiving on the Magic?

[mcnuss]

DH, DD8 and I are booked on the November 23 Western. This is a really big year in our family as we have our 10th wedding anniversary, my 40th & DH's 45th all within 3 months. We decided that there was no better way for a bunch of Disney addicts to celebrate than to go on a Disney cruise!

But because of my work restraints and DD's school, the only time we can go is Thanksgiving. Have any of you veterans cruised over that holiday? Do they do anything special? Is it awfully crowded? We are in a Cat. 6 on Deck 5 - my TA was able to work out a wonderful deal for us so that we can have the verandah. Any thoughts on the weather at that time of year?

Thanks for any & all opinions.

 

[PeterPanTwinFans]

Congratulations on all the wonderful events you will celebrate this year.

We'll be there, myself and twin DS8 traveling with another Mom and her DS8. Last November, we all went on the 3 day and the weather was beautiful - very warm but not unbearable. Although November is still hurricane season, we'll be at the end of the month so hopefully no problems.

The ship will be decorated for the holidays and it is beautiful! I think this week usually sells out as others book it for the same reason you have. It is more expensive this week but worth it in terms of school days missed. I believe they serve turkey as an option on Thanksgiving Day and that will be interesting and a bit different!!

I'm in a category 4 on Deck 8 and my friend will be Category 5 on Deck 7.

There was another post recently about cruising this week and not too many folks responded. Maybe we'll meet some more folks online in the next couple of months and we could plan an informal get together on board.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Barb and Tony sail at Thanksgiving every year and love it. There is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner option in all restaurants on Thursday night. Yes, the ship is probably a bit more full that week than during other weeks in the Fall, but it's not a problem.

 

[PeterPanTwinFans]

Dave, thanks for the info. Would love to meet Barb and Tony as I've learned so much from her site and all her posts here.

Dave - Big Chicken Rules! I'm in East Cobb. Your site is awesome and I'd like to say thanks for all the work you do for these boards!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

PeterPanTwinFans, you'll probably enjoy this page!

www.dcltribute.com/bigchicken

 

[mcnuss]

If I recall correctly from other posts, Barb & Tony are usually on deck 5, somewhere near where we'll be. I sure hope we'll meet up as her EXCELLENT reports have been critical to my decision-making about my cruise.

 

[mcnuss]

just bumping...

 

[Lizziemom]

We sailed on the Wonder for three days last Thanksgiving and will be on the Magic for 7 days this year. We loved the Thanksgiving cruise. The dinner was Turkey if you wanted it. We were in Lumineres and the dress was a little more dressed up on that night. Sure beats cooking at home!

The ship was not overly crowded. We found the adult pool very empty and quiet.

Our teen loved the cruise and keeps asking when we will sail with Disney again. He won't know we are going until the day before we leave.

Lizzie

 

[mcnuss]

I wonder if it was quiet last year bc of 9/11? It would be nice if it wasn't too much of a zoo this year but I am told that they are expecting a sell-out.

Maybe we'll meet on board? We are in a cat. 7 on Deck 5.

Thanks!

 

[pagemaker]

Hurray, I've found some others sailing the same week!

We are in the same situation, work and school schedules not very flexible, so thanksgiving it is. I'm glad to hear the ship will be decorated for the holidays and we can have the traditional turkey dinner.

We are 1st time cruisers and all the planning has been very stressful. Thank goodness for these boards!

We are in room 6116. DH, Myself, DD10, DD6.

Regarding 9/11...
I have mixed feelings about the ship being full or not. Of course it would be great for us if it wasn't fully booked (more pool space, better chances of Palos), but I also think that we, as a country, should not succomb to the fear of terrorism. DH is a NYC Police Lt. and it was his idea to take this vacation to try and move on with our lives. We lost many of our friends that day, so in a way, we are taking them with us, too.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. On to happier thoughts again. My DDs will be absolutely thrilled to find out about the cruise. We have held off telling them about the cruise until we are closer to the date. I have already purchased so much stuff for the trip, it's getting harder to sneak it into the house without them catching on.

Is anyone going to do the dolphin encounter? I have heard this is an incredible experience and it books up quickly.

Any thoughts?

 

[mcnuss]

pagemaker -- so sorry to hear of your personal losses on 9/11. I am a native New Yorker so it was like someone ripped my heart out that day, but nothing can compare to what your husband and his colleagues suffered.

Your cruise will be a wonderful relief and so much fun! We will be below you in 5622. I have a DD8 so right between your 2 - maybe in the same kids program as your DD10 since I think the grouping is 8-10 yo's. Maybe we'll meet. She knows all about the cruise and cannot wait. I could not keep the secret bc I am too excited!

As for the planning, it's the only thing keeping me sane this summer since we are foregoing our summer vacation for the cruise (another reason I had to spill the beans...). I am glad to hear that I am not the only person buying stuff now for the cruise. DH just rolls his eyes and gives me that look when I come home with my goodies.

 

[PeterPanTwinFans]

Pagemaker,

We did the dolphin encounter on the Wonder in Nassau last November and loved it. My twin DS8 still talk about "Sean" the dolphin we spent time with! The Nassau excursion was wonderful and you had time to spend on the beach after the dolphins! All in all, it was a great experience and one I would highly recommend.

We're looking forward to the stingrays in the Caymans this cruise.

 

[pagemaker]

mcnuss, the girls will probably meet up in the clubs. I'm sure they wiill have a blast!

When is everyone arriving in orlando?
Leaving an extra day before was not an option for us, so we will be at Jet Blues mercy out of JFK the morning of the cruise. We are scheduled to arrive at 10:00 at MCO. The flight is non-stop/direct, but I'm still panicky about delays, holiday travel, security and the likes. I guess I'll just hope (worry?) for the best.

 

[mcnuss]

We arrive on Friday night really late and are staying at the Hyatt at the airport. I am a business traveler and so had lots of points to use for our tickets and for the hotel. I am glad that we have the flexibility to leave the night b4.

I am sure that all will go just fine for you.

 

[mcnuss]

bump....