What's changed in 4 years?

[Sawyer]

My family did a land/sea package on the Wonder about 4 years ago. We LOVED it and we're considering going again. I wanted to know what has changed, if anything in the following areas:

1. The run for the ressies: last time we had to make a mad dash as soon as we embarked to make our reservations for Palos and the spa. Is that still the case or have the reservation procedures changed?

2. How's the food?: On our last cruise I liked the food. But on the Boards people pretty consistently complained about the quality of the food. How is it these days?

3. What is security like?: Our last trip was pre 9/11. I'm picturing strip searches and xrays for hours while waiting to get on the ship. Am I right?

4. Arm twisting at the spa: Last time I made an appointment at the spa. It would have been nice except for the spa staff spent the whole time giving me the hard-sell on their products and then pouting when I said no. Is that still the way it is?

Thanks for the info. If there is anything else that is a big issue or that is really outstanding these days, I'd love to hear it!

 

[MarkRG]

My family did a land/sea package on the Wonder about 4 years ago. We LOVED it and we're considering going again. I wanted to know what has changed, if anything in the following areas:

1. The run for the ressies: last time we had to make a mad dash as soon as we embarked to make our reservations for Palos and the spa. Is that still the case or have the reservation procedures changed?

Nope, not really, unless you're considering a longer, 7-day cruise, where they have this new thing called Romantic Escape at Sea(REAS) where you can make palo ressies in advance and a Spa session is included.

2. How's the food?: On our last cruise I liked the food. But on the Boards people pretty consistently complained about the quality of the food. How is it these days?

I'm one of the realists, if you're expecting 5 star dining that you would get at that 8 table restaurant downtown, no way. But it's still of very good quality. 'I liked the food' would about sum it up.

3. What is security like?: Our last trip was pre 9/11. I'm picturing strip searches and xrays for hours while waiting to get on the ship. Am I right?

This is the NEW COOL thing. They have totally reorganized everything. You don't mention how you're getting there. But if you're not doing the Disney bus, they have one dropoff point for everyone now that is outside the secured area and under a permanent canopy. You then go thru one document check to enter the secured area, then you go thru the xray machine/metal detector right at the door to the terminal. You'll appreciate this later on when boarding as it is now a much smoother operation as the only thing you do when evtering the ears is they swipe your KTTW thru then they have mutiple stations taking your boarding picture then you board. The whole process is much more spread out and streamlined.

4. Arm twisting at the spa: Last time I made an appointment at the spa. It would have been nice except for the spa staff spent the whole time giving me the hard-sell on their products and then pouting when I said no. Is that still the way it is?

Neat trick, when filling out the 'survey', put in the comments section 'No sales pitch please' and they'll never bother you about anything unless you ask about it.

Thanks for the info. If there is anything else that is a big issue or that is really outstanding these days, I'd love to hear it!

They have also remodeled both ships, the ESPN club is gone to be replaced by the Teen Club, and the dualing pianos club is now a sports club called Diversions, and the old teen club is now called Cove Cafe, serves gourmet coffee beverages and is a nice adults only place to visit.