We sail in a week, and I still have a few questions! Please help!!!!!

[First_Time_Dis_Cruzr]

The DIS boards are the most amazing boards ever! All of you veteran cruisers have provided so much enthusiam, great ideas and helpfullness. But, alas, I have a few questions in my panic before we sail?

1. We still haven't gotten our tickets yet and I am beginning to have a panic attack? When is the latest someone has gotten their travel papers? We are traveling via car, and leaving on Friday before sailing on Sunday. YIKES! Travel Agent says they just got there on Friday and they are sending overnight on Monday.... I can't help but be nervous!!!

2. We took advice from the boards about staying at the Radison at the Port. Is it as good as everyone says? They don't charge for the shuttle do they? It it an easy transition from the bus to the terminal? What about when we return? Is the shuttle good then too?

3. We are picture nuts! How are the prices at Shutterbugs? Are there packages? Is it worth the $$$?

4. On Castaway Cay, we got the excursion package with the 4 options - bikes, snorkle, float and stingrays? Is this good or a ripoff?

5. I have heard of people giving pillow cases and picture frames to CM's to get signed? Can you do both, or is it a one or the other type thing? Also, do you turn them in at Guest Services?

6. During this trip, DH and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary? Has anyone done anything special - gifts or something, that is REALLY neat?

7. I have noticed that nobody really talks about the disembarkation (is that the right term?). On previous cruises on other lines, this is always the WORST and most painful. How is it with Disney? Any tips on making it better? Do they require you to do breakfast in the dining room, or can you do room service?

Thanks in advance for all of your help! We can barely contain ourselves! This week at school ought to be interesting!!!

This time next week, I hope we are eating and dancing on the WONDER!!!

 

[First_Time_Dis_Cruzr]

We are making signs for our doors. Are the doors metal so that you can stick them up with magnets? Or, do you need to use that sticky stuff we use at schools for block walls???

 

[love2travel]

We are making signs for our doors. Are the doors metal so that you can stick them up with magnets? Or, do you need to use that sticky stuff we use at schools for block walls???

Yes the doors are metal! Enjoy your cruise!!

 

[love2travel]

The DIS boards are the most amazing boards ever! All of you veteran cruisers have provided so much enthusiam, great ideas and helpfullness. But, alas, I have a few questions in my panic before we sail?

1. We still haven't gotten our tickets yet and I am beginning to have a panic attack? When is the latest someone has gotten their travel papers? We are traveling via car, and leaving on Friday before sailing on Sunday. YIKES! Travel Agent says they just got there on Friday and they are sending overnight on Monday.... I can't help but be nervous!!!

2. We took advice from the boards about staying at the Radison at the Port. Is it as good as everyone says? They don't charge for the shuttle do they? It it an easy transition from the bus to the terminal? What about when we return? Is the shuttle good then too?

3. We are picture nuts! How are the prices at Shutterbugs? Are there packages? Is it worth the $$$?

4. On Castaway Cay, we got the excursion package with the 4 options - bikes, snorkle, float and stingrays? Is this good or a ripoff?

5. I have heard of people giving pillow cases and picture frames to CM's to get signed? Can you do both, or is it a one or the other type thing? Also, do you turn them in at Guest Services?

6. During this trip, DH and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary? Has anyone done anything special - gifts or something, that is REALLY neat?

7. I have noticed that nobody really talks about the disembarkation (is that the right term?). On previous cruises on other lines, this is always the WORST and most painful. How is it with Disney? Any tips on making it better? Do they require you to do breakfast in the dining room, or can you do room service?

Thanks in advance for all of your help! We can barely contain ourselves! This week at school ought to be interesting!!!

This time next week, I hope we are eating and dancing on the WONDER!!!

I will try and answer some of your questions.

1. Don't worry I'm sure your tickets will arrive.
2. Sorry haven't stayed at the Radisson.
3. Shutters, the pictures are a little expensive, yes they have packages, but the pictures are amazing.
4. Sorry haven't every purchased the excursion package. Castaway Cay is terrific!
5. I'm not sure if you can do both, I have done a mat in past and it turned out great. Yes turn it into Guest Services.
6. Sorry, don't know. Happy Anniversary!!
7. Disembarkation is very smooth on Disney. Room service is not available on the last day. You can eat in the dining rooms or at the buffet for a lighter breakfast.

Have a GREAT trip!!!

 

[First_Time_Dis_Cruzr]

THANKS SO MUCH! Very helpful! We can't wait!

 

[SaintTaris]

Thanks for asking the questions as we are on the same cruse and I had some of the same questions.

I'm not sure if you also live in the Atlanta area, if you do, I would advise you to leave very early on Friday morning to get a head start on traffic. We've learned from experience that I-75 is very crowded on the Friday before Spring Break. We plan on leaving at ~ 5:00 AM.

 

[First_Time_Dis_Cruzr]

Yeah, we are on the same cruise! Unfortunately, DH and myself are both employed by school systems, and there is no way we can miss school that day! Enjoy the head start you will get on us! We are just going to try to get as far as Valdosta on Friday - then leisurely make our way down on Saturday to the port! We are toooo excited.

 

[lowtiger]

We did the Magic Eastern the first week of March. We live is Atlanta and left after work on Friday. Traffic was bad to Fayetteville, but then it cleared. We drove as far as Gainsville FL and spent the night there. It wasn't to bad a drive and the rest of the trip to Canaveral was real easy the next day. FYI, there are a lot of toll roads between Orlando and Canaveral; have some extra change with you. I know that everyone is always in a rush to get to the ship, but you should have plenty of time.
HAVE A GREAT TRIP. It hasn't even been a month and I am ready to go again. I just have to relive our trip through the DISBoards.

 

[sourmug]

The DIS boards are the most amazing boards ever! All of you veteran cruisers have provided so much enthusiam, great ideas and helpfullness. But, alas, I have a few questions in my panic before we sail?

1. We still haven't gotten our tickets yet and I am beginning to have a panic attack? When is the latest someone has gotten their travel papers? We are traveling via car, and leaving on Friday before sailing on Sunday. YIKES! Travel Agent says they just got there on Friday and they are sending overnight on Monday.... I can't help but be nervous!!!

2. We took advice from the boards about staying at the Radison at the Port. Is it as good as everyone says? They don't charge for the shuttle do they? It it an easy transition from the bus to the terminal? What about when we return? Is the shuttle good then too?

3. We are picture nuts! How are the prices at Shutterbugs? Are there packages? Is it worth the $$$?

4. On Castaway Cay, we got the excursion package with the 4 options - bikes, snorkle, float and stingrays? Is this good or a ripoff?

5. I have heard of people giving pillow cases and picture frames to CM's to get signed? Can you do both, or is it a one or the other type thing? Also, do you turn them in at Guest Services?

6. During this trip, DH and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary? Has anyone done anything special - gifts or something, that is REALLY neat?

7. I have noticed that nobody really talks about the disembarkation (is that the right term?). On previous cruises on other lines, this is always the WORST and most painful. How is it with Disney? Any tips on making it better? Do they require you to do breakfast in the dining room, or can you do room service?

Thanks in advance for all of your help! We can barely contain ourselves! This week at school ought to be interesting!!!

This time next week, I hope we are eating and dancing on the WONDER!!!

1. Your tickets wil arrive on time! No Worries
2. We stayed at the Radison. Great place to stay. They took us right to the port and we walked right off to the van back to the parking lot. We were very pleased with the service.
3. Pitures are excellent. I suggest putting all your pictures together through out the curise and you make selections at the end of the cruise. Stack them behind each other.
4. We did the Kayak adventure but not this option. The kayak adventure was well worth the time and effort. The downside is that we missed the character pictures on castaway cay.
5. You can do both. Just drop them off at the first of the cruise and they will be delivered back to your stateroom during the cruise.
6. I have not done the special gifts but have told the cast members. They gave us buttons and treated us very special at dinner.
7. They recommend dining but if you have an early flight just let them know they will place you at the front of the line.

DCL always tries to take care of their clients.

M

 

[SaintTaris]

We did the Magic Eastern the first week of March. We live is Atlanta and left after work on Friday. Traffic was bad to Fayetteville, but then it cleared. We drove as far as Gainsville FL and spent the night there. It wasn't to bad a drive and the rest of the trip to Canaveral was real easy the next day. FYI, there are a lot of toll roads between Orlando and Canaveral; have some extra change with you. I know that everyone is always in a rush to get to the ship, but you should have plenty of time.
HAVE A GREAT TRIP. It hasn't even been a month and I am ready to go again. I just have to relive our trip through the DISBoards.

It seems like every time we take a road trip to Orlando, there is something going on and we get stuck in traffic. Many times we got stuck in traffic because of races at Atlanta Motor Speed Way, other times it was because of the Masters in Augusta. This is why we leave at 5:00 AM coupled with the fact that this is the time I leave for work in the morning. I really hate to wake my wife and son up that early. My son has no problems sleeping in the car and my wife is usually ok after she has some and watches a movie or 2 while I drive.

 

[First_Time_Dis_Cruzr]

We will surely think about you as we trudge off for that last day of school before VACATION! My DH is a high school principal, so that day is REALLY special, as you can imagine!

 

[nenner1]

Hi! I just got back from my 4- day and can help you a little with your questions..

1. We had our papers at least 2 weeks early. I would call if you don't have them 5 days prior to leaving. (hopefully you've gotten them in the meantime)

2. Don't know, we live in Tampa. We found weekend traffic light and as far as the port only advise not to arrive too early. We got there about 20 minutes til 10 am and the parking lady acted as if she didn't know what to do with us (as IF we were the first earlybirds ever- geez!) Other than that it was remarkably easy arrival & embarkation even for first timers as we were.

3. I am also a picture nut. Actually more like a picture FREAK. Shutters is pricey but not horrible. They do have packages- the one we originally had was $299.00 and it was for I think 10 8 x 10's and 6 6 x 8's. We ended up getting much more than that, when all was said and done we spent almost $600. (and that is after a half hour of loud arguing on the floor with pics all spread out about which ones we are not buying!) The pictures are really good though... Every night there is an opportunity for pics with a different backdrop. They all look great, especially the white one.
Oh, and btw we also took over 600 digital pics of our own.

4. I don't know about your package but its probably not a rip. We did our stuff separate, snorkel, floats, banana boat..probably spent around $100. Keep in mind it will be hot, hot, hot and you may tire quickly of activities on the beach. Even us florida folk were burnt and exhausted by 2:00, and the temps were not higher than 72. (The sun was brutal, though).

5. Don't know.....good idea though....(next time)

6. Yes, they have a "celebration" cake they will bring and present to you after dessert at one of your regular rotation dinners. It is made of some mousse type stuff , not quite a cheescake...but on a graham crust. It has a cool decoration on the top of the ship printed on a curl of white chocolate. (Check with your head server about this, and it wouldn't hurt to let DCL know ASAP, I read somewhere they like to know about celebrations and special events before sailing...) Oh you'll also get a button (pin) too.

7. Disembarkation- piece of CAKE. They assign you a restaurant, but you don't HAVE to eat there. We actually (for once) were ready early and being so tired with a bit of a drive ahead decided to forgo the breakfast and eat at the buffet. When we were done, we just walked off the ship. No numbers, no lines, nothing. When you get in the terminal, porters will help you find your luggage and even escort you right through customs and to your car. Its a breeze.

Hope that helps! Have a fantastic cruise!!!!!

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

Since you posted in the trip report thread we all know you know where it is at. Sooo we all except a trip report when you get back. Have fun!

 

[jima53]

We stayed at the Radisson on a previous cruise and other than the room we felt that the stay was way overpriced. A large wedding/cruise group also stayed there and took up the inside eating facilities which inconvenienced us. Also they were given priority for the shuttles the next day again knocking us out of our early reservation for seats. Overall we felt the money spent was not worth it and would stay elsewhere next time.


Jim

 

[1sttimecruz]

Regarding Shutters...on our recent 3-nt cruise, I found that we were so busy, that we often missed a lot of the photo ops. If that is important to you, make sure you plan to maximize your own opportunities.
We did get a few character photos with DD and then DD & I had our pictures made a couple of times (the boys seemed to be particularly and oddly camera shy this trip ).
Anyway...when I looked at the pictures at Shutters, they were all beautiful. Looking around the room at the posted prices, all that I saw were package prices. I didn't know about buying a package (and they were several hundred dollars per package) so I thought I was out of luck. I'd look at the photos, then discard them in the bins and leave.
Finally, on the last morning, I was looking one last time and found mine and DH's Palo photo from the night before and asked if I could buy individual pictures and was told that I could.
I bought the Palo 8x10 and 1 more, and 2 5x7 photos of DD with characters. It cost about $60 ($20 for the 8x10, maybe $10 for the 5x7s).
Hope that helps. Of course, if I had known that earlier, I might have spent more, so that may not be helpful info.
Have a great cruise!!

 

[scottishwee35]

We are making signs for our doors. Are the doors metal so that you can stick them up with magnets? Or, do you need to use that sticky stuff we use at schools for block walls???

Hi

Print out with magntic paper and it will stick the door.

Have a fabulous times

Scottishwee35

 

[ArmandXG]

We stayed at the Radisson on a previous cruise and other than the room we felt that the stay was way overpriced. A large wedding/cruise group also stayed there and took up the inside eating facilities which inconvenienced us. Also they were given priority for the shuttles the next day again knocking us out of our early reservation for seats. Overall we felt the money spent was not worth it and would stay elsewhere next time.


Jim

We stayed at the Radisson in October 2006. They had those sleep numner beds which Husband and I found most uncomfortable. I didn't like their parking and wouldn't care to leave my car in their lot for a week. It's not secure like they say it is.
We drove our car to the port, paid extra to park it in a gated area. My Husband dropped me and luggage off at curb, and parked the car less that 50 yards away. He walked back over and the porter took our luggage and we went into the terminal.
On debarkation, we got off the ship, found our luggage, a porter picked it up and escorted us through customs, straight to our car and loaded it in for us. We were heading out of the parking lot as the hotel shuttles were still sitting there waiting for all their guests to get off the ship.
If you don't mind having to wait for everyone and you don't mind leaving your car at the hotel where other guests are coming and going, then the shuttle may be for you. My personal opinion is to pay the extra money for the Port Canaveral parking. I even got a photo of my car in the parking lot while I was on the ship! And NO, I didn't have a problem with ants as others have reported. I also had a very clean car, so that may have helped.

 

[Mama Twinkles]

It's definitely worth it to hire a porter when you disembark because s/he will usher you through customs very quickly. The porters know which inspectors give travelers more of a twice-over, and which ones are more easygoing. Plus, as the previous poster noted, they'll take care of your bags.

Have a great time.