First, let me say that the trip reports here helped us make the most of our vacation. Thanks to everyone!
Disney Wonder (3 Land/4 Sea)
Polynesian: 11/24/05 - 11/27/05
Sail Date: 11/27/05 - 12/01/05
Crusing Experience: Our first Disney Cruise (My 4th, Wife's 3rd, Kids 1st - 9,7,5 boys)
Since we live in NC and have driven to Orlando many times before, we did not purchase airfare or transfers from Disney. It took about 10 hours to get to Orlando on Tues (Nov 22). We did this to avoid the Wednesday traffic and to be better rested when the Disney fun would start. The kids had a half day of school on Tuesday with Wed-Fri off for Thanksgiving. Since I can work from anywhere there is an internet connection, I found a nice place for about $85/night called the Country Inn and Suites in Orlando and booked a KidSuite. It worked out great for 2 nights.
On Wednesday AM, we went over to Polynesian to see if we could get the tickets early to make use of DisneyQuest, but since the tickets were part of the room, we could not get the tickets early. We were told that we could check-in (even if the room was not ready) early on Thursday to get the room keys (Key to the World Cards) and start the fun. We went back to the hotel. I stayed and worked while the rest went to cheesy souvenir places nearby for a few hours. After some time working, the family came back and we decided to go to City Walk to see Harry Potter and perhaps catch dinner at Margaritaville. The kids wanted to see Chicken Little, but we knew that it would most likely be playing abourd the Wonder. Good Movie... Margaritaville was swamped though, so we headed back towards the hotel and found a Steak and Shake - not quite the same, but the kids enjoyed the shakes.
Thursday - We got up early and made the breakfast in the hotel lobby (WAFFLES!!!) and packed up to head over to the Polynesian. We checked-in and had the bell staff take our bags. The Extra Magic Hours for Thanksgiving were in the evening at EPCOT. We quickly boarded the monorail and headed over. EPCOT was great! We had made reservations at the Dolphin for a Thanksgiving Buffet dinner. It was a little pricey ($48 for adults / $22 for kids), but it was pretty good and there were characters there that were on stages throughout the huge convention center where you could get pictures taken. We headed back to Polynesian after to check with the DCL folks. The gentleman there helped, but suggested that I stop by on Friday or Saturday to speak with another woman who knew more about how to handle people who did not purchase trnasfers from DCL. I took my 9 and 5 back to EPCOT while my wife stayed at the Polynesian with the 7 to relax and perhaps go for a dip later. We stayed until 11pm at EPCOT and got a few more rides in. What a FUN day!
Friday - Extra Magic Hours starts at 8am in the MK. We got over to MK and stayed until about noon. We headed back to Polynesian for Lunch and Pool. We went back to MK around 4:30pm. I brought the 5 back to the room around 7:30pm because he was so tired. The rest stayed until 11pm for the extended hours.
Saturday - We weren't big fans of AK, so we decided mot to take advantage of the extra magic hour there in the AM. We headed to MGM and arrived right at 9am. I also got all documents to DCL folks at 8am so that we would not need to stand in line at terminal. We did the big rides and saw the Power Rangers (my 5 loved it); we left MGM around 12:30. We then head back to the Polynesian for more swimming and then headed to DisneyQuest around 4pm and had a blast until 8:30pm. We were getting tired. We headed back to Polynesian and the pool.
Sunday - While the wife packed up the bags, I took the boys over to MK at 9am and hit Thunder Mountain RR (twice), Splash Mountain, and Alladin's Magic Carpets in an hour! We then went back to Polynesian to check-out and head over to the ship.Sunday - Once at the terminal, we dropepd off the tagged bags and I went to park the car. After going through Security, we simply boarded the ship about 1:15 and hit the buffet; the rooms were ready at 1:30pm. We registered the Kids at the Club and Lab. We had already made our shore excursion arrangements and Palo reservations online, so we explored the ship a little and then we hit the pools. The Mickey pool was very crowded, but the goofy pool was much more open with chairs/lounges available. At 3:45, we went back to the cabin and got changed; put life jackets on and headed to Animators Palate (our assembly station). It was the smoothest lifeboat drill I have ever experienced. We did some more exploring and went to see Hercules at 6:15. We then went to Goofy's for the kid's dinner and got them to the club/lab. My wife and I then went to Triton's. Out of the three restaurants, this was the best meal. Monday (Nassau) - We all went to Triton's for breakfast. Our server did not seem to be enthusiastic about us being there. I really just ignored it and still had a good meal. We set out to see Nassau in the AM. We headed over to the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Although we did not do the museum, their gift shop is nice if you like Pirate stuff. I bought a Skull and Crossbones T-shirt that I would wear the following night for Pirate night. We did the obligatory walk through the straw market. My 7 wanted a turtle pull toy. We bought one for $4. He broke it before we got in the elevator on the ship. We really aren't big shoppers, so we headed back to the ship for lunch. I had made my own reservations for a Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island outside of Disney because it was cheaper than booking it through DCL. We did have to take a taxi over to Paradise Island to catch the ferry to Blue Lagoon, but it was only $20. Once at the Dolphin Encounters facility, we got started quickly and were in the water within 20 mintues. Water temp was about 75. It was fine for me and the boys, but my wife decided to take advantage of the wet suit that you could borrow. If you get cold easily, I would suggest using it. It wasn't bad once you got in. We swapped cameras with another family to tak eeach other pictures. They turned out great. After the encounter, we were taken back to the cruise ship docks. We got back to the cabin and dressed for the Juggler/Comedian show. Our 9 went with us to this show and to dinner. Our 7 and 5 wanted to go to the club. This was our Animators Palate dinner night. I was expecting more I guess. My 9 then went to the lab while we went to shutters to look at pix and do grown-up stuff. We got the kids around 10:45pm so that we all could see Chicken Little at 11pm.
Tuesday - We decided to do the Beach Blanket buffet to start out the AM. Shortly after, we disembarked at Castaway Cay and headed for the Famly beach after some Xmas Pix. We had a blast at the beach and headed over to cookies for Lunch. We checked the kids into Scuttles and proceeded to Serenity Bay where I had a massage appointment for my wife. I grabbed a quiet spot at the shore and had an island drink. Shortly after the massage was over, my wife joined me on the beach for a short time before heading back to do some Castaway Cay shopping. We grabbed the kids and headed back to the ship for Pirate Night. Our 7 and 5 joined us for dinner on this night. My 9 wanted to go to the Lab. Since my 5's b-day was coming up (as well as mine), my wife arranged for a surprise after dinner by our servers. We then headed up on Deck 9 for Pirate Night Festivities. Our 5 was so tired, so I took him back to the room while my wife took our 7 to the club by his own request. BTW, Lab and Club were open unntil 1am this night.
Wednesday - We started out with several trips up to Beach Blanket Buffet to get a light breakfast for the kids. We had reservations for Palo for Brunch at 11am. We saw some characters in the AM before taking the kids to the club/lab and for us to go to Palo. Palo was great - lots of choices and lots of food. This was my wife's favorite; I enjoyed it very much too. After Palo, we got the kids and did the pool. We then headed for dinner as we dropped the kids off at the club/lab. Dinner on this night was Parrot Cay. I liked the atmosphere here, but it was probably my worst night for food. It wasn't bad, but I enjoyed the other selections better. I didn't feel like complaining and I had such a good Brunch that I ireally wasn't hungry. After dinner, we packed up the bags and put them in the hallway. We stopped by Shutters to order pictures/xmas cards and headed to Pub Night. Pub Night was cut short because our 9 wanted to leave. We were tired too. We grabbed the kids from the club/lab and handed over the pager. We had one last call to room service and went to bed.
Thursday - We all went to Parrot Cay for Breakfast. Since I had already tipped the servers the night before, they weren't as anxious to see me. I don't know if they know that we know this about it, but it does show. Since we were the late seating, we disembarked right after breakfast and had a porter help us with the bags to the minivan. We loaded up and were on our way home by 9am. 10 hour drive seemed longer going home for some reason.
Observations:
Lost kid - During the sail away celebration on Sunday, my 9 kept on going when we stopped. I thought he headed for the bathroom or perhaps the gameroom. He didn't know where we got separated and asked a Cast Member for help. They first took him to our cabin, bu we were not there yet. They then took him to the Lab. When we got to the cabin, the phone was ringing, but we missed the call. My wife headed down to the Lab to see if that is where he may be. I called Guest Services. While speaking to them, the pager went off. My wife had found him in the lab safe and sound.
Oceaneer's Club/Lab: WOW - these people did a GREAT job entertaining our kids for the times we needed them. I think we were initially thinking that the kids would only use this when we had grown-up things scheduled, but they really enjoyed it so much and looked forward to it. We love our kids and love to spend time with them, but there are some times when the kids will not enjoy what you are doing.
Bingo - We played Bingo several times and came close only once to winning. Still, it was fun for my 9.
Family Activities - Good activities for familes to do together. We did a couple like "Walk the Plank".
Bar staff - Good Service and reasonable drink prices. Just a little over $5 including the autogratuity for a Rum and Coke.
Drink Station on Deck 9 - I LOVE THIS - I hate having to pay $$$$ for something that is relatively cheap like soft drinks. Every AM, I got a Diet Coke and got coffee for the wife. There was also milk and creamer dispensers. Also, in the wee early morning hours, there was cereal available there too - before the buffet started.
Cabin - Service was very good and towels were in the shape of animals every night. Kids enjoyed that. We were in a Category 4 (sleeps 5) in 8084 (port side). I loved this location because it was right around the corner from the steps and elevators that led to the drink station and buffet. I would recommend the starboard side because of the views of Castaway Cay are better. This was my first private Verandah. We didn't spend much time there. Even though the cabin was smaller than the hotel room at the Polynesian, it seemed to fit us just fine. I was worried that it would be too small.
Dining Rooms - Servers were attentive, but disappointed when the kids did not come with us. We liked our assistant server much more than our server. We initially wanted first seating, but we thought about how the kids would probably like seeing a show more than eating. We kept our 2nd
seating choice and were very happy with it. TV - Kids loved watching the Disney Movies playing while we were in the cabin.
Overhead announcements - I wish there was a way that you could hear the overhead announcements without opening the cabin door. A button would be a great addition to hear what is being said out in the hall without having to run to the door and crack it to hear the message.
People - We really didn't meet many other people. No table mates because the ship was only at about 2200 instead of 2700. But, everyone seemed nice and to be there for the same reason. I really didn't hear anyone complaining bitterly because they like to do it.
Teenagers - I didn't see many, but the ones I spoke to seemed to be having fun in their special area as well. I have been on a cruise where it seemed like they took over a section of the ship. This did not happen here.
Seniors - There were some there, but most were there with families.
Special Needs Kids - We saw some kids in wheel chairs that needed special attention. They seemed to have quite a bit of fun too!
Internet - I used the internet cafe for about 20 mintues. It may have been the servers that I was attempting to connect to, but I did not have much luck. It was not as fast as I had hoped. It would be great to have WiFi through out the ship. I did bring my laptop, but used it mainly for
picture downloading from the cameras.
Public Areas - Well Kept - I noticed nothing that seemed worn out to me. Everything looked great!
Overall - I think this was the best vacation our family has taken. It cost a lot, but we got a lot out of it. It could have cost a lot more if we chose another time to go (like Xmas). I wish that we could go again tomorrow!
Disney Wonder (3 Land/4 Sea)
Polynesian: 11/24/05 - 11/27/05
Sail Date: 11/27/05 - 12/01/05
Crusing Experience: Our first Disney Cruise (My 4th, Wife's 3rd, Kids 1st - 9,7,5 boys)
Since we live in NC and have driven to Orlando many times before, we did not purchase airfare or transfers from Disney. It took about 10 hours to get to Orlando on Tues (Nov 22). We did this to avoid the Wednesday traffic and to be better rested when the Disney fun would start. The kids had a half day of school on Tuesday with Wed-Fri off for Thanksgiving. Since I can work from anywhere there is an internet connection, I found a nice place for about $85/night called the Country Inn and Suites in Orlando and booked a KidSuite. It worked out great for 2 nights.
On Wednesday AM, we went over to Polynesian to see if we could get the tickets early to make use of DisneyQuest, but since the tickets were part of the room, we could not get the tickets early. We were told that we could check-in (even if the room was not ready) early on Thursday to get the room keys (Key to the World Cards) and start the fun. We went back to the hotel. I stayed and worked while the rest went to cheesy souvenir places nearby for a few hours. After some time working, the family came back and we decided to go to City Walk to see Harry Potter and perhaps catch dinner at Margaritaville. The kids wanted to see Chicken Little, but we knew that it would most likely be playing abourd the Wonder. Good Movie... Margaritaville was swamped though, so we headed back towards the hotel and found a Steak and Shake - not quite the same, but the kids enjoyed the shakes.
Thursday - We got up early and made the breakfast in the hotel lobby (WAFFLES!!!) and packed up to head over to the Polynesian. We checked-in and had the bell staff take our bags. The Extra Magic Hours for Thanksgiving were in the evening at EPCOT. We quickly boarded the monorail and headed over. EPCOT was great! We had made reservations at the Dolphin for a Thanksgiving Buffet dinner. It was a little pricey ($48 for adults / $22 for kids), but it was pretty good and there were characters there that were on stages throughout the huge convention center where you could get pictures taken. We headed back to Polynesian after to check with the DCL folks. The gentleman there helped, but suggested that I stop by on Friday or Saturday to speak with another woman who knew more about how to handle people who did not purchase trnasfers from DCL. I took my 9 and 5 back to EPCOT while my wife stayed at the Polynesian with the 7 to relax and perhaps go for a dip later. We stayed until 11pm at EPCOT and got a few more rides in. What a FUN day!
Friday - Extra Magic Hours starts at 8am in the MK. We got over to MK and stayed until about noon. We headed back to Polynesian for Lunch and Pool. We went back to MK around 4:30pm. I brought the 5 back to the room around 7:30pm because he was so tired. The rest stayed until 11pm for the extended hours.
Saturday - We weren't big fans of AK, so we decided mot to take advantage of the extra magic hour there in the AM. We headed to MGM and arrived right at 9am. I also got all documents to DCL folks at 8am so that we would not need to stand in line at terminal. We did the big rides and saw the Power Rangers (my 5 loved it); we left MGM around 12:30. We then head back to the Polynesian for more swimming and then headed to DisneyQuest around 4pm and had a blast until 8:30pm. We were getting tired. We headed back to Polynesian and the pool.
Sunday - While the wife packed up the bags, I took the boys over to MK at 9am and hit Thunder Mountain RR (twice), Splash Mountain, and Alladin's Magic Carpets in an hour! We then went back to Polynesian to check-out and head over to the ship.Sunday - Once at the terminal, we dropepd off the tagged bags and I went to park the car. After going through Security, we simply boarded the ship about 1:15 and hit the buffet; the rooms were ready at 1:30pm. We registered the Kids at the Club and Lab. We had already made our shore excursion arrangements and Palo reservations online, so we explored the ship a little and then we hit the pools. The Mickey pool was very crowded, but the goofy pool was much more open with chairs/lounges available. At 3:45, we went back to the cabin and got changed; put life jackets on and headed to Animators Palate (our assembly station). It was the smoothest lifeboat drill I have ever experienced. We did some more exploring and went to see Hercules at 6:15. We then went to Goofy's for the kid's dinner and got them to the club/lab. My wife and I then went to Triton's. Out of the three restaurants, this was the best meal. Monday (Nassau) - We all went to Triton's for breakfast. Our server did not seem to be enthusiastic about us being there. I really just ignored it and still had a good meal. We set out to see Nassau in the AM. We headed over to the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Although we did not do the museum, their gift shop is nice if you like Pirate stuff. I bought a Skull and Crossbones T-shirt that I would wear the following night for Pirate night. We did the obligatory walk through the straw market. My 7 wanted a turtle pull toy. We bought one for $4. He broke it before we got in the elevator on the ship. We really aren't big shoppers, so we headed back to the ship for lunch. I had made my own reservations for a Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island outside of Disney because it was cheaper than booking it through DCL. We did have to take a taxi over to Paradise Island to catch the ferry to Blue Lagoon, but it was only $20. Once at the Dolphin Encounters facility, we got started quickly and were in the water within 20 mintues. Water temp was about 75. It was fine for me and the boys, but my wife decided to take advantage of the wet suit that you could borrow. If you get cold easily, I would suggest using it. It wasn't bad once you got in. We swapped cameras with another family to tak eeach other pictures. They turned out great. After the encounter, we were taken back to the cruise ship docks. We got back to the cabin and dressed for the Juggler/Comedian show. Our 9 went with us to this show and to dinner. Our 7 and 5 wanted to go to the club. This was our Animators Palate dinner night. I was expecting more I guess. My 9 then went to the lab while we went to shutters to look at pix and do grown-up stuff. We got the kids around 10:45pm so that we all could see Chicken Little at 11pm.
Tuesday - We decided to do the Beach Blanket buffet to start out the AM. Shortly after, we disembarked at Castaway Cay and headed for the Famly beach after some Xmas Pix. We had a blast at the beach and headed over to cookies for Lunch. We checked the kids into Scuttles and proceeded to Serenity Bay where I had a massage appointment for my wife. I grabbed a quiet spot at the shore and had an island drink. Shortly after the massage was over, my wife joined me on the beach for a short time before heading back to do some Castaway Cay shopping. We grabbed the kids and headed back to the ship for Pirate Night. Our 7 and 5 joined us for dinner on this night. My 9 wanted to go to the Lab. Since my 5's b-day was coming up (as well as mine), my wife arranged for a surprise after dinner by our servers. We then headed up on Deck 9 for Pirate Night Festivities. Our 5 was so tired, so I took him back to the room while my wife took our 7 to the club by his own request. BTW, Lab and Club were open unntil 1am this night.
Wednesday - We started out with several trips up to Beach Blanket Buffet to get a light breakfast for the kids. We had reservations for Palo for Brunch at 11am. We saw some characters in the AM before taking the kids to the club/lab and for us to go to Palo. Palo was great - lots of choices and lots of food. This was my wife's favorite; I enjoyed it very much too. After Palo, we got the kids and did the pool. We then headed for dinner as we dropped the kids off at the club/lab. Dinner on this night was Parrot Cay. I liked the atmosphere here, but it was probably my worst night for food. It wasn't bad, but I enjoyed the other selections better. I didn't feel like complaining and I had such a good Brunch that I ireally wasn't hungry. After dinner, we packed up the bags and put them in the hallway. We stopped by Shutters to order pictures/xmas cards and headed to Pub Night. Pub Night was cut short because our 9 wanted to leave. We were tired too. We grabbed the kids from the club/lab and handed over the pager. We had one last call to room service and went to bed.
Thursday - We all went to Parrot Cay for Breakfast. Since I had already tipped the servers the night before, they weren't as anxious to see me. I don't know if they know that we know this about it, but it does show. Since we were the late seating, we disembarked right after breakfast and had a porter help us with the bags to the minivan. We loaded up and were on our way home by 9am. 10 hour drive seemed longer going home for some reason.
Observations:
Lost kid - During the sail away celebration on Sunday, my 9 kept on going when we stopped. I thought he headed for the bathroom or perhaps the gameroom. He didn't know where we got separated and asked a Cast Member for help. They first took him to our cabin, bu we were not there yet. They then took him to the Lab. When we got to the cabin, the phone was ringing, but we missed the call. My wife headed down to the Lab to see if that is where he may be. I called Guest Services. While speaking to them, the pager went off. My wife had found him in the lab safe and sound.
Oceaneer's Club/Lab: WOW - these people did a GREAT job entertaining our kids for the times we needed them. I think we were initially thinking that the kids would only use this when we had grown-up things scheduled, but they really enjoyed it so much and looked forward to it. We love our kids and love to spend time with them, but there are some times when the kids will not enjoy what you are doing.
Bingo - We played Bingo several times and came close only once to winning. Still, it was fun for my 9.
Family Activities - Good activities for familes to do together. We did a couple like "Walk the Plank".
Bar staff - Good Service and reasonable drink prices. Just a little over $5 including the autogratuity for a Rum and Coke.
Drink Station on Deck 9 - I LOVE THIS - I hate having to pay $$$$ for something that is relatively cheap like soft drinks. Every AM, I got a Diet Coke and got coffee for the wife. There was also milk and creamer dispensers. Also, in the wee early morning hours, there was cereal available there too - before the buffet started.
Cabin - Service was very good and towels were in the shape of animals every night. Kids enjoyed that. We were in a Category 4 (sleeps 5) in 8084 (port side). I loved this location because it was right around the corner from the steps and elevators that led to the drink station and buffet. I would recommend the starboard side because of the views of Castaway Cay are better. This was my first private Verandah. We didn't spend much time there. Even though the cabin was smaller than the hotel room at the Polynesian, it seemed to fit us just fine. I was worried that it would be too small.
Dining Rooms - Servers were attentive, but disappointed when the kids did not come with us. We liked our assistant server much more than our server. We initially wanted first seating, but we thought about how the kids would probably like seeing a show more than eating. We kept our 2nd
seating choice and were very happy with it. TV - Kids loved watching the Disney Movies playing while we were in the cabin.
Overhead announcements - I wish there was a way that you could hear the overhead announcements without opening the cabin door. A button would be a great addition to hear what is being said out in the hall without having to run to the door and crack it to hear the message.
People - We really didn't meet many other people. No table mates because the ship was only at about 2200 instead of 2700. But, everyone seemed nice and to be there for the same reason. I really didn't hear anyone complaining bitterly because they like to do it.
Teenagers - I didn't see many, but the ones I spoke to seemed to be having fun in their special area as well. I have been on a cruise where it seemed like they took over a section of the ship. This did not happen here.
Seniors - There were some there, but most were there with families.
Special Needs Kids - We saw some kids in wheel chairs that needed special attention. They seemed to have quite a bit of fun too!
Internet - I used the internet cafe for about 20 mintues. It may have been the servers that I was attempting to connect to, but I did not have much luck. It was not as fast as I had hoped. It would be great to have WiFi through out the ship. I did bring my laptop, but used it mainly for
picture downloading from the cameras.
Public Areas - Well Kept - I noticed nothing that seemed worn out to me. Everything looked great!
Overall - I think this was the best vacation our family has taken. It cost a lot, but we got a lot out of it. It could have cost a lot more if we chose another time to go (like Xmas). I wish that we could go again tomorrow!
