The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[Mndisneygirl]

If you have never taken Dramamine before, then I would suggest you try it at home first. It works great for my husband, and he doesn't get drowsy at all. I, however, am a different story. I actually don't even get motion sickness(knock on wood), but I am terrified of flying, and a friend suggested taking some Dramamine might take some of the edge off of the fear for me. I took some about thirty minutes before my flight, and it made it worse! The medicine make me dizzy and naseuous and gave me a weird, wired feeling, like I had had too much caffeine. I wish that I had tested it somewhere that I could lie down!

That's good advice!! You never know how you will react to a medicine. I guess I was lucky when I first took it!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Rinky, you and your readers have provided me with such a wealth of cruise information and I am so thankful! It's these kind of trip reports that I need since this will be our first cruise.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Thank you again for all of your information. It really is putting me at ease. I am almost 98% that we will be booking in the next week or so. My DH wanted me to do it a couple of days ago but I was uncertain. We will be doing the 4 night cruise on the Disney Dream. We are driving down on Saturday. I want to stay at a Disney hotel on Saturday but DH wants to be closer to the port. That way we aren't in such a rush to get there. As far as the dress code, I am glad to hear that sundresses, polos, and khakis are ok. We are not fancy people so the restaurants worried me. Good to know they have burgers and such for picky eaters. I hope you don't mind if I ask more questions along the way. I know WDW like the back of my hand and doing something new causes me stress. Thanks again.

That all sounds great! I think you will be glad you came in a night beforehand. And WDW is only an hour from the port so I don't think you would be rushed to get there.

Now that I know you are driving I can tell you about parking. You can either park there at the port or use the park n' cruise. When we went, the port parking was $15 a day, including the day you leave at the crack of dawn, so it would be $75 for the 4 night cruise. Jen said she thought it had recently gone up to $20 a day though. The park n' cruise was only $6 a day but you have to park off-site and be shuttled to and from the port. When you arrive at the port, just pull up to the curb and drop your bags with the CM there. You'll need to tip him too. Porters are also available when you leave the ship to take your bags to your car, but that is optional. You can do it yourself if you want to save the tip.

Yes, the dress code is much more casual than you were thinking. You can actually find it on the DCL website if you want specifics. Basically I think only tank tops, swimwear, and 'ragged' looking (ripped jeans...) clothing were prohibited. We aren't fancy people either so that was very important to me to know I didn't have to really dress up. And just to clarify (I want to make sure I didn't offend anyone with my earlier comments)... I have no problem with the people who choose to dress 'fancy' for dinner. I thought the ones who did looked great! I just don't want to be looked down on for choosing not to. That's all. I say to each his own.

And please feel free to ask all the questions you want. I felt just like you when planning our cruise. I know WDW well, but cruising was a whole new world! And if I can't help, there are lots of great Dissers here who will jump in and be glad to give you advice!

If you have never taken Dramamine before, then I would suggest you try it at home first. It works great for my husband, and he doesn't get drowsy at all. I, however, am a different story. I actually don't even get motion sickness(knock on wood), but I am terrified of flying, and a friend suggested taking some Dramamine might take some of the edge off of the fear for me. I took some about thirty minutes before my flight, and it made it worse! The medicine make me dizzy and naseuous and gave me a weird, wired feeling, like I had had too much caffeine. I wish that I had tested it somewhere that I could lie down!

I will keep that in mind. I tend to have 'weird' reactions like that to medications too so I really need to take that advice. I took Tylenol PM once and it blew my mind!

That's good advice!! You never know how you will react to a medicine. I guess I was lucky when I first took it!

Yep! I will be sampling those goods before we go back for sure!

Rinky, you and your readers have provided me with such a wealth of cruise information and I am so thankful! It's these kind of trip reports that I need since this will be our first cruise.

Well you are very welcome! When I was planning my cruise, I had TONS of questions and there were many wonderful Dis gals that came to my rescue. I can't even count the number of questions that Michelle, Jen and Sheree answered for me! So I don't mind paying it forward one bit! It will be your turn when you get back!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

And I sure LOVE to chime in with information that I have!!! I'm always around Rinky's TR!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

And I sure LOVE to chime in with information that I have!!! I'm always around Rinky's TR!

It is so nice to see the kindness and generousity on the TR boards. I just don't know why the rest of the DIS isn't like that. I have found that if I stray too far from this area of the DIS, people can get very rude and ugly. They need to hang out over here for a while and see how the DIS should be!

 

[kamandjaw]

Your daughter looks like she had a great time at the tea party! I showed my DD7 the pic and she loved her dress. Can you tell me where you got it? I have looked online for an Alice dress but can't find anything we both like.

 

[SoonerGirl]

It is so nice to see the kindness and generousity on the TR boards. I just don't know why the rest of the DIS isn't like that. I have found that if I stray too far from this area of the DIS, people can get very rude and ugly. They need to hang out over here for a while and see how the DIS should be!

This is SO true, I spend almost all of my time on the DIS on the TR boards. I may go to another board for information, but I very, very rarely post anywhere else.

 

[mickeystoontown]

It is so nice to see the kindness and generousity on the TR boards. I just don't know why the rest of the DIS isn't like that. I have found that if I stray too far from this area of the DIS, people can get very rude and ugly. They need to hang out over here for a while and see how the DIS should be!

I agree with you 100%. Some of the threads get downright mean and ugly. I'll keep to my kind, sweet threads thank you very much.

 

[reelmom]

Holy Cow! We are BOOKED!!!! We cruise in 393 days. We are leaving on May 26, 2013 on the Disney Dream.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

It is so nice to see the kindness and generousity on the TR boards. I just don't know why the rest of the DIS isn't like that. I have found that if I stray too far from this area of the DIS, people can get very rude and ugly. They need to hang out over here for a while and see how the DIS should be!

AMEN!!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Your daughter looks like she had a great time at the tea party! I showed my DD7 the pic and she loved her dress. Can you tell me where you got it? I have looked online for an Alice dress but can't find anything we both like.

I got it on ebay. We looked and looked and looked at costumes before she finally decided that was the one. The stripped leggings were what sold her. She liked them because they were different. It also has the Cheshire Cat on the apron and she really likes him. She actually wanted a CC costume but we couldn't find anything appropriate for little girls. Anyway, if you do a search on ebay for "Alice costume tween" you will find several for sale. It is listed as a 'tween' costume and is shown being worn by a teenage girl, but it is sold in sizes for younger girls. I ordered my DD a 10-12 and it fit, but you'll have to check the sizing chart. Here is a link to one on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIRLS-COSTU...83573?pt=US_Costumes&var=&hash=item3a6ac03135

This is not the person I ordered from... just the first example I found when I did a search. Happy shopping!

This is SO true, I spend almost all of my time on the DIS on the TR boards. I may go to another board for information, but I very, very rarely post anywhere else.

Same here. And it's a shame! My feeling on it is that I won't say anything to anyone online that I wouldn't say to their face. Other people don't seem to think that way though and it really bothers me. I'm pretty much done with posting anywhere else on the DIS. I recently posted a question about a stateroom on the Dream and it only took about 3 replies before people started that crap. I just don't get it. It's like they are looking for a reason to argue with others and be hateful!

I agree with you 100%. Some of the threads get downright mean and ugly. I'll keep to my kind, sweet threads thank you very much.

Me too. It's such a shame the way people talk to one another online. I always think though that I wonder if they would be so bold and brazen if they were standing face-to-face with the other person. I really doubt it!

Holy Cow! We are BOOKED!!!! We cruise in 393 days. We are leaving on May 26, 2013 on the Disney Dream.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!! I know you are so excited! And you have plenty of time now to figure all the details out so don't fret about that part. I think you are going to love it!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

AMEN!!!

Well I am glad to see that others have noticed how sour some of the folks are around here. I wondered if it was just me. I think it's pretty ironic though that people would be so mean talking about the happiest place on Earth.

 

[sharonW]

I haven't noticed the mean stuff and I hope I never do, don't want my magic ruined. If ya can't say something nice, say nothing!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well I am glad to see that others have noticed how sour some of the folks are around here. I wondered if it was just me. I think it's pretty ironic though that people would be so mean talking about the happiest place on Earth.

I have been perusing some of the other boards/threads researching Alaska cruises, and restaurants etc. It is definitely not the same. I think with the TRs and how we all kind of follow each other, we've developed relationships that those other threads don't have. So people feel free to say things that don't always come across as friendly and welcoming like we are!

 

[MEK]

Ok, I'm hashing over ADRs and would love to know if any of you have tried any of these places. If so, I'd love to know what you thought of the food and what you ordered if you can remember.

Liberty Tree Tavern - Can't decide between lunch or dinner. I've heard the pot roast at lunch is wonderful, but the family style Thanksgiving dinner sounds good too.

Tutto Italia or Via Napoli - (Lunch or Dinner) I'd like to try one of these, just not sure which one or what to order at either.

Narcoosee's - (Dinner) You all know how I like to go somewhere that you can see the fireworks while you eat. The food also seems to get good reviews, but I have no idea what to order. Also not sure if it's worth 2 credits.

T-Rex - (Lunch or Dinner) The food here gets mixed reviews so I'm not sure if we should just check out the gift shop and leave or actually eat there.

Boatwright's - Surprisingly, this gets good reviews. It will be convenient if we stay at POR too, but I know nothing about it.

Kona - (Breakfast) This is a definite... I'm thinking Tonga Toast or the Pineapple Mac. Pancakes.

Tusker House - (Breakfast) Also a definite... I've heard the food is good and we want to go for the characters



I'd also like to eat somewhere in the Boardwalk area. I'm considering choosing one of these for dinner:

Flying Fish - Never heard much about it and it's 2 credits.

Big River Grill - Gets mixed reviews.

Yachtsman's - Again, I've never read much about it and it's 2 credits.



Thanks for any suggestions you can offer!

Sorry I've gotten so far behind this past month and I still have some catching up to do, but here's my 2 cents:

LTT - I prefer lunch over dinner! There are some seriously yummy choices here at lunch time! One of my fav lunch places.

Tutto - OK. Not on my top 10 list, but still a good meal.

Via Napoli - YUM! and cute waiters! Really cute!

Narcoossee's - Food is OK. There are better siggie restaurants (IMHO) but you can't beat the views and the CM's are really nice.

T- Rex/Boatwrights - Never eaten at either.

Kona - LOVE the Tonga toast

TH - Never had breakfast here - ended up canceling. Someday. Loved lunch!

FF - Loved it! Best scallops I have ever had - anywhere!

Yachtmans / BRG - Never eaten there. Well, I actually ate at a BRG in Nashville and it was not the greatest.

Good luck with you ADRs

 

[brookelizabeth]

Holy Cow! We are BOOKED!!!! We cruise in 393 days. We are leaving on May 26, 2013 on the Disney Dream.

CONGRATS!!!!

I have been perusing some of the other boards/threads researching Alaska cruises, and restaurants etc. It is definitely not the same. I think with the TRs and how we all kind of follow each other, we've developed relationships that those other threads don't have. So people feel free to say things that don't always come across as friendly and welcoming like we are!

I agree! I only lurk on a few other threads, generally just for information about various things...I once was active in a few "Community Board" threads and I quickly left! TR/PTR Land is my DIS Home!

 

[MeMom]

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Sorry for the delay in updates everyone. DH has been on vacation this week and we've been doing spring chores. We aren't going anywhere this week, just spring cleaning and doing yard work. I promise, I'd much rather be on the DIS! Hopefully I'll get at least one update done at some point this week. I think the break has given everyone a chance to get caught up though so I guess it's worked out well. I'm also behind on a few of your TRs, but I promise I'll get caught up soon! Hope you all have a great week!

I have had so little DIS time this week. School is taking up a lot of time, plus I had to fix a TCAP teacher breakfast yesterday, and I've been getting ready for our Chef Mickey's party today. I am ready for a day of rest!

It always feels good to get some spring cleaning done. I went up in my attic last weekend and threw away several bags of junk. Not that anyone can see it, but at least I know the attic is a lot cleaner now.

Have a good Saturday!

 

[pmama]

Saw your ADR plan and somewhere a mention of November. We're going Nov. 9-20 then spending a few nights on the beach! Can't wait! it will have been 3 years since our last trip to Disney. Time flies doesn't it? What are your dates? I couldn't find them. Our ADR musts are: Chef Mickeys, Tusker House, Cape May, Coral Reef, T- Rex, Tepan Edo.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Holy Cow! We are BOOKED!!!! We cruise in 393 days. We are leaving on May 26, 2013 on the Disney Dream.

Congratulations!

Rinky: I saw this this morning, the new Tutto Italia menu, it looks like they took away quite a few offereings, I don't see any of the last 3 items that I've ordered on this menu. Via Napoli might be the better option for you

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/04/27/new-re-vamped-tutto-italia-menus-in-epcot/#more-54500

 

[DirtyDiana]

I'm late to the party but I just started reading and I'm loving it so far! I am so extremely jealous of your cruise! It seems absolutely wonderful. I may just have to book one soon And your DD is the cutest thing I've ever seen!

And I know you've probably been asked 2479 times, but what kind of camera(s) did you use? I would love to get a waterproof camera. All of your photos look so nice!