Wonder getting REPO'ed to Vancouver!: May 20th, 2013 Official Thread!

[BartmanLA]

The spa varies by who you get and what treatment, in general they are good but some will try to upsell. I hear the Exotic Rasul is a fun thing to do.
Elaine

I hope so, I have it booked on the 5th day out! Want experience it all since this our first time cruising! Wooo Hooo only 18 more days!!!!!

 

[zakerdog]

The spa varies by who you get and what treatment, in general they are good but some will try to upsell. I hear the Exotic Rasul is a fun thing to do.
Elaine

Wait and check out the navigator the night before a port day, they always have some good specials at the spa on port days. Last cruise they had a list of 7 treatments and you could pick 5 from the list for $99.

 

[Double Trouble]

Since we all seem to be "smoothie" fans, here's some more info...

If you go to Triton's for sit down breakfast, you can get a Mango Mountain Hike - fresh blend of mangoes, honey muesli and low-fat yogurt, or a Mornin' Tug Boat - fresh blend of strawberry, bananas, almonds, raisin granola and low-fat yogurt. These are also the two "breakfast smoothies" I've seen at Goofy's Galley in the early morning (walk up service). Both of these are very good, and an awesome finish to a morning workout. After the gym, if they are out at Goofy's, I've gone down to the entrance to Tritons and asked if they could get me one while I waited (kind of tacky I know, but they're that good!). The "better" way I guess is to shower and then go to Tritons for breakfast where you can even order both if you like! Just a tip.

I've attached a link to an old copy of the Triton's breakfast menu that will give you some idea..

http://allears.net/cruise/menuWtritonbrk.htm

Regarding the other (bar/lunch/dinner) smoothies on the Wonder's bar menu ("all ages"...non-alcoholic), there are two "standard" smoothies; the Passion Cream Freeze (Orange Passion Fruit Juice, Vanilla Ice Cream, Grenadine) and the Parrot Song (Fresh Sliced Banana, Coconut Cream, Pineapple Juice) for around $4. I've also ordered another smoothie in the dining room for the kids but can't remember the details on that.

Another option is to make a free ice cream float on Deck 9 aft by getting a free soda on the port side, and then put some free ice cream in it over on the starboard side. Many more ways to go I'm sure.

Enjoy! And as someone else added...I'm going to have to get up pretty early to beat this crowd to the smoothie bar!

 

[BartmanLA]

Since we all seem to be "smoothie" fans, here's some more info...

If you go to Triton's for sit down breakfast, you can get a Mango Mountain Hike - fresh blend of mangoes, honey muesli and low-fat yogurt, or a Mornin' Tug Boat - fresh blend of strawberry, bananas, almonds, raisin granola and low-fat yogurt. These are also the two "breakfast smoothies" I've seen at Goofy's Galley in the early morning (walk up service). Both of these are very good, and an awesome finish to a morning workout. After the gym, if they are out at Goofy's, I've gone down to the entrance to Tritons and asked if they could get me one while I waited (kind of tacky I know, but they're that good!). The "better" way I guess is to shower and then go to Tritons for breakfast where you can even order both if you like! Just a tip.

I've attached a link to an old copy of the Triton's breakfast menu that will give you some idea..


Regarding the other (bar/lunch/dinner) smoothies on the Wonder's bar menu ("all ages"...non-alcoholic), there are two "standard" smoothies; the Passion Cream Freeze (Orange Passion Fruit Juice, Vanilla Ice Cream, Grenadine) and the Parrot Song (Fresh Sliced Banana, Coconut Cream, Pineapple Juice) for around $4. I've also ordered another smoothie in the dining room for the kids but can't remember the details on that.

Another option is to make a free ice cream float on Deck 9 aft by getting a free soda on the port side, and then put some free ice cream in it over on the starboard side. Many more ways to go I'm sure.

Enjoy! And as someone else added...I'm going to have to get up pretty early to beat this crowd to the smoothie bar!

Thanks for the info, it's very helpful! Smoothies are so refreshing in the morning for sure! Just as long as I don't have to make them of course! LOL

 

[wonderwoman68]

Hello All! We are so excited for the May 20-27 WONDER Cruise! This is our FIRST cruise ever- celebrating our 20th year Anniversary and bringing our daughters (ages 15 and 12) cause we love to spend time with them! Would LOVE any TIPS from those of you more experienced cruisers! I just found out about FEE- is there already a list of peeps joining in on the fun? How do I get signed up?

This is what I heard: "Fish Extender Exchange, or FEE for short. It’s basically a gift exchange among a few of the folks from your meetup group. In short, everyone makes some kind of hanging pocket that they place outside their room. It hangs on the fish hook that your mail comes in every day (this is where the name of the exchange comes in – it extends your fish hook). Each participant brings enough little gifts and trinkets for everyone in the group, and delivers them one of the days you’re on the ship! It was so much fun to come back to the room after dinner, or a show, or the pool, and find little fun treats in our pockets! "

 

[wonderwoman68]

*************************Sorry, I changed to a July 2013 Alaska cruise, so I must jump ship. Have a great time!!!! Save some mickey bars for me!

The cruise in only 16 months away, but it is time to get a thread going! This will be my second cruise, my first one is coming up in April. I dont mind keep this post updated on a regular basis with the current fish extender and meetup list.


Current cast of characters for the Repo as of 2/17/12:

Twindaddy / Charles, Twinmommy / Gina, Grandma Marcie, DD7 Grace, DD7 Julia. Two staterooms 6654 and 6645, veranda and inside stateroom across the hall from eachother aft Deck 6

ACDSNY, DH, cousin and wife maybe

Timefordisneynow (Monika) and DH Michael, Plantinum members, wow!

WDWLVR Mary and DH Mark

wisegal Nicole, DHDave, DD - Brooklyn (6) and DS Michael (5).

mackiemom3 herself, DH, (and in 2013) DD 11, DS 8, DS almost 5

disneypeach herself and ?

Susiesark Susan, DH Rick, and DD Grace, 8

Debberino Debbie, DH, DD 3 and 5, bringing a friend and possible a brother. Two rooms deck 2 and one deck 6

Corabella - Debberino's friend, not clear if she is bringing anyone (hopefully!)

FergusBC & dh, DD 8 and 12. booked a 5C on deck 6, might be moving closer to hot chocolate station

jilljill (Disboard Moderator! Mind your P's and Q's!!) DH & DD(18)

TLDL: 3 rooms, 11B for them, partner and yet to adopt son; another 11B for bro in law, his wife and their daughter; and also a 10C for my good friend and his partner.(total of 8 people)

MRSA1993: family of 5, myself, DH, and 3 boys who will be 13, 11, and 3 at the time of the cruise. We are also bringing my inlaws. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary and my in laws will be celebrating their 10th anniversary.

Hello All! We are so excited for the May 20-27 WONDER Cruise! This is our FIRST cruise ever- celebrating our 20th year Anniversary (Michele & DH-Pete) and bringing our DDs (ages 15 and 12) cause we love to spend time with them! Would LOVE any TIPS from those of you more experienced cruisers! I just found out about FEE- is there already a list of peeps joining in on the fun? How do I get signed up?

 

[wonderwoman68]

Hello! Please put us on a FE list! It will be our two daughters (DD- ages 12 & 15) Once I can private message, I will send you our room number. THANK YOU!

 

[wonderwoman68]

Jamiee,

I know you need 10 posts before you can send a PM, but can you receive them now? I sent you one regarding the FE to check. If not, just do another 6 quick posts (even just to say "hi") and you'll be good to go. For now, can you give me a rough idea of how many people are in the 2nd FE group, just so we can start planning?

Sorry, but we're not on FB so I'll have to stick to PM'ing with you here on the disboards if that's okay.

Dear Double Trouble-
We are so excited to participate in the FE! We have started our goodie bags! I'm a newbie so I cannot send a PM yet- Please add us to a FE list and let me know how I can help! It will be for two our DDs ages 12 & 15. THX!

 

[wonderwoman68]

I got this info off another post to answer an earlier post. PS. Why are all of my posts showing up at the very end instead of attached to the original? I apologize for so many comments I have left today- I'm excited AND trying to get to 10 so I can PM. Thx everyone for your patience.

What is a Fish Extender?
Everyone wants to know what a fish extender is, and the answer is simple. . . it is something that you hang off the fish that is next to your stateroom door. The fish actually is part of the ship, put there so that DCL Cast Members can leave you mail or messages. By hanging the Fish Extender off of the fish, the Cast Members can still use it for its original purpose.

What does it look like? And where can I get one?
The most common Fish Extenders are ones that have a pocket for each person in that stateroom. Some are very fancy, some are very plane. Some are store bought, some are homemade and many are bought on ebay (search on "disney fish extender" and you will get options ranging from $15 to about $35 - the higher priced ones are normally personalized for your family).
You do not need to go over the top to join in for this fun exchange! Many are now opting to simply hang a single bag (or a small tote bag) on the fish extender and they still have just as much fun!

Size does Matter!
You need to make sure your Fish Extender is no more then 8" wide.

Why do I keep hearing about Fish Extenders?
Many of the DisGroups arrange the Fish Extender Exchanges. Everyone that would like to participate will sign up by a deadline. Normally the deadline will be about 2 - 3 weeks before we sail. This allows everyone ample time to pre-buy what they want to exchange, even if you are adding a stop to Walt Disney World before we sail.

If my group has three staterooms, do I get 3 Fish Extenders?
Some people choose to leave one item per stateroom, so I would recommend you have one for each stateroom, but, there are no set rules!

What do we exchange?
Pretty much anything goes here! Some of the things people have given are:
- - - Magnets from their home state
- - - Anything Pirate
- - - Anything Disney
- - - Anything with our cruise sailing dates on it (pencils, pens, candy . . . )
It isn't about how much you spend, it is about the fun in exchanging and seeing what you get!

Who can join?
Anyone and everyone! Even if your stateroom is 2 adults, you can join and have just as much fun!

What is the next step?
Once we get a volunteer to handle the exchange, we will each provide that person with our info. You will turn in: Your Stateroom number, Number of Participants and ages of each person involved. If the group that wants to play gets to be too large, we might split into more then one group. You will most likely get told the day you are to deliver your gifts so that not all gifts come the same day.

When leaving a gift, do we identify who it is from?
This is totally optional. We have gotten them both identified and unidentified. I personally prefer to know who it is from but each person can decide for themselves.

Will we have to walk all over the ship?
If the group gets to be too large we will most likely split the group up by location. If we end up being one big group, I suggest you break up your items by stateroom number before leaving home. Use large ziploc baggies - the empties can be used for so many other things - maybe even bringing your FE items home!

Do people carry all their gifts in their suitcases?
You can ship your items down. They must arrive by the day before you sail and contain no food items (they will get snagged by the dogs and get held up). Make sure you packaged addressed exactly how your name is in your reservation and it will be in your stateroom when you get there (even before your luggage!).

Anything else I need to know?
Yes, this is your vacation! You do not have to feel obligated to join anything you don't really want to do! You can join everything or nothing at all!

 

[wonderwoman68]

Wish I would have found this forum months ago- better late than never! COUNTDOWN: 17 days to go!!

 

[wonderwoman68]

Here's how it works in San Pedro with Disney...

1. Check you bags on the curb with the porters. Don't check anything critical (passports, meds, etc).

Note: The Wonder will be at Berth 93 (to your left) but you must drive all the way around (counterclockwise) starting to your right to get to it. It appears we are the only ship there that day.

2. Walk up to the main entry to the terminal. The agents will check your paperwork there to let you in (the forms you printed on Disney's web site). They may also ask for your passports just to verify you have them. They will direct you upstairs (elevator/escalator). Note: Your group needs to enter together, or each have their own copy of the paperwork! The agents will also give you a sheet with the highlights of the remainder of that day (kind of like a mini-Navigator).

3. Before you go upstairs (escalator and elevator available), there is a table to your right where you must fill out a quick form verifying no one in your party is "sick" (Hint: You are "not", or you may be quarantined).

4. You take that form, plus your documents and passports, and get in line upstairs either to the left set of counters if you are a first time Disney cruiser, or to the right set of counters if you are a Castaway Club member (cruised previously with Disney). If you are Concierge level, you're check in is to the far right.

5. At the counter, they will check your docs/ID, reconfirm your stateroom assignment(s), take your photo for your Key to the World (KTTW) card (it's your room key and what you use for charging things on the ship, as well as going ashore and reboarding...along with a photo ID for those 18 and over).

TIP: Your KTTW card has the following info printed on it: your name, "A" for adult or "M" for minor, your Castaway Club member number (if it's your first time...you're now a member!), your dining time, rotation and table assignment (e.g., 5:45 PM, PTAPTAP, Table 56), and in large bold print a letter that represents your lifeboat muster station (e.g., "R"...that's where you go for the lifeboat drill or in a real emergency...there is a map on the inside of your stateroom door). For those in your party who you did not allow "charging" privileges (e.g., young children), there will be "NC" in the lower corner as well. You stateroom number is NOT on the card, so no one can sneak into your cabin if lose it. You can get extra cards from Guest Services as needed.

6. If you want to pay for an upgrade at the port, you can check with the supervisor desk at the left end of the Castaway Club check in counter. If they have any cabins available, they use a little matrix to determine how much it will cost to upgrade say from a 9C to a 5B, or whatever. Then it's up to you if you want to pay for the upgrade. If you do, remember to let everyone know at the meetup (if you're on the FE list), and know that although they say your luggage will manage to get there on its own (and maybe it will in due time), I've usually had to go to our original cabin and either get our bags or let the room stewards know your new cabin number so they can deliver them. No worries though either way.

7. Once all that's done (don't worry...it's very simple), you walk to your right and go through security into the waiting area. At check in, they give you a card with a number on it that represents your boarding group. Concierge gets groups 1 & 2, so even if you get their early (as we usually do) you will get Group 3 at best. Boarding usually starts between 12-12:30, but it can vary based on how long it takes to get the ship cleared of arriving passengers and get the computers reset for our trip. They will call boarding groups in numerical order when the time comes. You can use one card for your whole party, so if you show up at the terminal at different times you can still board together.

TIP: Although there are snack/drink machines in the waiting area, you may want to bring your own bottles of water/soda/whatever and maybe a few snacks to enjoy prior to beginning your 7-day feeding frenzy aboard. And, yes, there are bathrooms as well.

8. At some point (11:30-12:00 or so), the counter will open for getting the bracelets for your kids going to the Oceaneer's Club/Lab. You can also do this onboard, so don't sweat it if the line is long and you don't want to wait. You should have checked your kids in already on-line (if not, you still have time!) but you need to get the bracelet at some point.

TIP: The bracelets are CLUNKY (like a big wristwatch) and some kids find them uncomfortable (they use them so they can electronically "scan" your kids into/out of the club/lab). Use discretion as they charge $50 if you lose them (and $200 if you lose the "wavephone"...there are 2 in each cabin...kind of like cell phones that only work on the ship); but here's what we do. Cut the band off and store the device in a safe place until the kids want to go to the lab/club. The CMs will print a new band and reattach the device when the kids go in. Another reason to take them off is they can ruin an otherwise perfect family photo (like on formal night). Ultimately it's up to you.

9. Very shortly thereafter, Mickey and Minnie will show up for preboarding photos just to the right of the kids counter.

10. Finally, after ceremoniously boarding the "family of the day", they begin boarding with concierge (1, 2) and then in numerical order after that. We've always been in Group 3 but others have told us it goes pretty fast. If you arrive later on, I imagine you could pretty much go straight through. Then, the magic begins as you pass through another family photo op on the dock, and then walk a few ramps before strolling into the main atrium where the CMs "announce" your family's arrival to the ship.

11. Lunch is available until 2:30 in several locations. The pools are open and you can swim if you pack your bathing suits in your carry-ons. Cabins open around 2 pm. Changes to dining, including Palo, may be made in Wavebands (Deck 3 forward). Any other issues may be addressed at Guest Services in the main lobby, Deck 3, port side (the excursions desk is on the starboard side). Luggage usually arrives somewhere between about 3-5 pm (pack essentials in your carry-on!). Time permitting, you might want to tour the spa/fitness center on Deck 9 forward, and maybe shoot a few hoops or play ping pon on the sports deck (Deck 10 forward). And finally, yes the bars are open for business too!

12. I'm not sure if we're having a meetup (?), but after that, the mandatory lifeboat drill (NO life jackets) is at 4:00, and the sailaway party is up on Deck 9 shortly after that.

13. Finally, lock your cell phone in your room safe and take a week off from the rest of the world!

LET THE MAGIC BEGIN!!

WOW! Great info! Thank you so much- very helpful!

 

[wonderwoman68]

hi - this is our first cruise. we are from the phoenix area. we have a 14 yo girl, 10 yo boy and our little girl will turn 6 on the cruise!
i just learned about fish extenders. can you let me in on this?

Welcome Aboard! This is our first cruise as well! Isn't it exciting? I 'think' Double Trouble is organizing the second FE list for this cruise.

I got this info off another post:

What is a Fish Extender?
Everyone wants to know what a fish extender is, and the answer is simple. . . it is something that you hang off the fish that is next to your stateroom door. The fish actually is part of the ship, put there so that DCL Cast Members can leave you mail or messages. By hanging the Fish Extender off of the fish, the Cast Members can still use it for its original purpose.

What does it look like? And where can I get one?
The most common Fish Extenders are ones that have a pocket for each person in that stateroom. Some are very fancy, some are very plane. Some are store bought, some are homemade and many are bought on ebay (search on "disney fish extender" and you will get options ranging from $15 to about $35 - the higher priced ones are normally personalized for your family).
You do not need to go over the top to join in for this fun exchange! Many are now opting to simply hang a single bag (or a small tote bag) on the fish extender and they still have just as much fun!

Size does Matter!
You need to make sure your Fish Extender is no more then 8" wide.

Why do I keep hearing about Fish Extenders?
Many of the DisGroups arrange the Fish Extender Exchanges. Everyone that would like to participate will sign up by a deadline. Normally the deadline will be about 2 - 3 weeks before we sail. This allows everyone ample time to pre-buy what they want to exchange, even if you are adding a stop to Walt Disney World before we sail.

If my group has three staterooms, do I get 3 Fish Extenders?
Some people choose to leave one item per stateroom, so I would recommend you have one for each stateroom, but, there are no set rules!

What do we exchange?
Pretty much anything goes here! Some of the things people have given are:
- - - Magnets from their home state
- - - Anything Pirate
- - - Anything Disney
- - - Anything with our cruise sailing dates on it (pencils, pens, candy . . . )
It isn't about how much you spend, it is about the fun in exchanging and seeing what you get!

Who can join?
Anyone and everyone! Even if your stateroom is 2 adults, you can join and have just as much fun!

What is the next step?
Once we get a volunteer to handle the exchange, we will each provide that person with our info. You will turn in: Your Stateroom number, Number of Participants and ages of each person involved. If the group that wants to play gets to be too large, we might split into more then one group. You will most likely get told the day you are to deliver your gifts so that not all gifts come the same day.

When leaving a gift, do we identify who it is from?
This is totally optional. We have gotten them both identified and unidentified. I personally prefer to know who it is from but each person can decide for themselves.

Will we have to walk all over the ship?
If the group gets to be too large we will most likely split the group up by location. If we end up being one big group, I suggest you break up your items by stateroom number before leaving home. Use large ziploc baggies - the empties can be used for so many other things - maybe even bringing your FE items home!

Do people carry all their gifts in their suitcases?
You can ship your items down. They must arrive by the day before you sail and contain no food items (they will get snagged by the dogs and get held up). Make sure you packaged addressed exactly how your name is in your reservation and it will be in your stateroom when you get there (even before your luggage!).

Anything else I need to know?
Yes, this is your vacation! You do not have to feel obligated to join anything you don't really want to do! You can join everything or nothing at all!

 

[zakerdog]

Dear Double Trouble-
We are so excited to participate in the FE! We have started our goodie bags! I'm a newbie so I cannot send a PM yet- Please add us to a FE list and let me know how I can help! It will be for two our DDs ages 12 & 15. THX!

Hi and welcome aboard. I am not an organizer for the FE but it was closed off a few weeks ago. There was a second one started on Facebook but it closed a few days ago. We have a page on Facebook too you are interested in joining.


https://www.facebook.com/groups/276341785782324/

 

[dolphingirl47]

Hello All! We are so excited for the May 20-27 WONDER Cruise! This is our FIRST cruise ever- celebrating our 20th year Anniversary (Michele & DH-Pete) and bringing our DDs (ages 15 and 12) cause we love to spend time with them! Would LOVE any TIPS from those of you more experienced cruisers! I just found out about FEE- is there already a list of peeps joining in on the fun? How do I get signed up?

Welcome on board.

Hello! Please put us on a FE list! It will be our two daughters (DD- ages 12 & 15) Once I can private message, I will send you our room number. THANK YOU!

The Fish Extender Exchange closed on April 8th. There was a second group, but I think this is now closed, too.

Corinna

 

[katds10]

Hi and welcome aboard. I am not an organizer for the FE but it was closed off a few weeks ago. There was a second one started on Facebook but it closed a few days ago. We have a page on Facebook too you are interested in joining.


https://www.facebook.com/groups/276341785782324/

Is that FB group for this cruise in general or just for people doing the FE exchange?

 

[dolphingirl47]

Is that FB group for this cruise in general or just for people doing the FE exchange?

This is the Facebook group for the cruise in general.

Corinna

 

[katds10]

This is the Facebook group for the cruise in general.

Corinna

ok, cool! thanks! will send a request to join now

 

[wonderwoman68]

Thank you so much zakerdog for updating me! I will check out your FB page- someone PLEASE let us in your FE group!


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[Kairi]

I have question for the 1st FE group. If we were lucky enough to upgrade our room at the port, how would we notify the others in the group of our room change?

 

[dolphingirl47]

Just make sure you are at the meet on the first day.

Corinna