4/5/07 Wonder cruise trip report

[TrojanJulez]

Thank you for the wonderful review and the amazing photos. I can't wait to go on another Disney cruise! More than a year away... yikes! Seeing your photos was almost like sailing again, though! Thanks again for sharing!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Thank you Mom x4 Grandma!

I looked at the website you posted and the FL Resident discount rates are great! I have been adamant about taking the kids on Disney for their first cruise but the regular prices are outrageous!

I will check the website regularly to get a time when the kids are out of school...

Thanks again!

 

Julie

Julie,

I am glad you found the site useful. We didnt know about it for a few years but now we check it for every cruise and have saved on the last 4. Most were close to or half price!! Just remember onc eyou see your cruise call immediately because it can disappear as quickly as it appears.

mom x4,grandma x4

[mom x4,grandma x4]

That was an awesome review. I am going to try to use your savings method too. We are taking our first cruise this year with NCL. We would love to take our 3 year old on a DCL vacation next year and after reading your review I will try to make it affordable.

 

It really is amazing how quickly it all adds up. WE like to go to see a movie now and then, but instead of going out in the evening, we see the Matinne to save some $. But we bank the difference between the prices.

There is just no end on cutting corners if you really try.

In the end it all seems worth it.

 

I know a lady who does occassional babysitting on saturday evenings for young couples who want to go out and she saves that too. She only does it on nights she was going to be home anyway, so she doesnt feel like she is giving up her own time.

 

A few people I know when they have their garage sale let the kids to a lemonade stand with home made cookies. They put up a sign saying they are raising money for spending on a Disney cruise. People have been very generous to the kids and gives them spending money.

Their signs were creative like a picture of disney characters and saying something about going to see Mickey.

 

well good luck, I'm sure you'll make it!!!

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[featuremom]

We got on the day you got off -- thanks for warming it up for us! We had great weather, some Easter surprises from the staff and enjoyed it thoroughly. You mentioned Topsiders? I thought you meant Beach Blanket. Thanks for sharing!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Sometimes I get the names reversed. I have been on both ships so many times i sometimes will refer to the buffet or a club by the name it is on the other ship.

Sorry!!

Glad you had a good time too and better weather than us.

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[featuremom]

I had read so much on message boards about decorated doors on Disney ships that I was disappointed not to see a single one! I saw a few Vacation Club member magnets, but nothing that a passenger had done -- at least on deck six. I almost did one myself, but we were in an inside cabin off the main hall and I didn't think anyone would see it.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

I did a simple one this time. I know on 3 and 4 day cruises it seems people dont go all out like they do on the 7 day ones.

 

I usually start on deck one and walk every deck to see who has signs. I walk off our dinner that way.

 

On short cruises I usually see about 6 signs but on the 7 day I have seen as many as 30 or more. Many people get busy towards the time of the cruise and just for get about it or even forget it at home.

 

Last November the people on my cruise meets list all had signs, many had a different sign for each day of the cruise. It was GREAT!! There was over 60 of us, so the ship's hallways were really decorated that trip!!

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[Ellanora]

Great review and pictures. I especially loved the pics of The Flying Dutchmen. I can't wait to go myself. Thanks for posting.

[EggDropErin]

:) What a nice review! I loved your photos! Thank you. A friend of mine is consdering a Disney Cruise, and I am going to pass this info along.

[TrojanJulez]

Can you tell me more about the decorated doors? :o

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Can you tell me more about the decorated doors? :o

 

 

Howdy,

many people use a standard size sheet of magnetic paper you can find in wal mart or any store that sells computer supplies. It comes in a red package and is found by computer speciality papers that make greeting cards or iron on transfers and such. I believe I paid about $7 for a package of 5 or 6 sheets.

 

Then the fun begins. There is no right or wrong way to make the signs to decorate your door. use your imagination.

some buy stickers of disney characters or pirate items to put on the page.

Some get disney icons on line on line and print it right onto the page.

 

Some use pictures of their kids or family if they are having a birthday or anniversary celebration too.

First pick a theme you want to use.

Example: Since there is a pirate party you might want a sign that has to do with pirates. You can put words across the top of the page , something like: Arrrrrgh!!! We be Cruisin with Pirates

Then have priate stickers or pictures below. They do sell many pirate and disney stickers in many stores and on line. Just google disney stickers or pirate stickers.

 

Another topic:

Our First Disney Cruise

Castaway Cay, Here we come!!

Making Magical Memories

Cruising off to Paradise

Ahoy Matey's, We be cruising with Captain Mickey

 

Just what ever your imagination can come up with.

I saw a cute one once with the kids pictures on it and they looked like pirates and had pirate names underneath the photos.

 

Some have holiday designs.

Many have a different sign geared towards each island they are visiting on their cruise.

 

They can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Glitter does NOT work. it will fall to the carpet everytime you open the door.

If you want to cover the entire door you could make about 6 or 7 signs.

 

Many make a different sign for each day of the cruise.

 

Hope this helps some.

mom x4,grandma x4

[TrojanJulez]

Wow, thanks for the info - it sounds like a lot of fun! :D

[yndygo]

some how the first part of this report wound up on it's own thread, so look for the other 4/5/07 wonder report to see how it started.

 

sorry everyone,

mom x4,grandma x4

 

I came hunting for your trip report! :)

 

I still haven't finished writing mine from our 3-day on 3/29... but then, I started a new job 2 days after we got back... so no time!! :)

 

Looks like I'm destined to be "pre-tripping" you again in November - as we booked onboard for the 11/10 eastern! We thought about the 11/24 - but timingwise it didn't work for us... :( That makes twice now that I've hit the run right before yours!

I'll have to work harder to hit one of the ones you booked this time around! :)

 

You guys probably lucked out skipping the diningroom - or you might've had the same table we did (16) with the world's WORST server. But I'll save that for my own trip report... :P

 

Still - wasn't the gal doing the rebook desk sweet? We ran down there same way when I saw there was no line and went and grabbed DH... turns out she's only been doing that job as primary for a month now (tho she's been on ship for a long time) but she was SO great! I can see why you booked more than one.

 

Love all the pics... glad you guys had a good, relaxing one!

[yndygo]

Great review. I loved your pictures. I've been thinking about taking my 4 year old on a disney cruise, but cost was a major factor. after seeing this review I think it would be worth every penny. Thanks and keep them coming.

 

We took the Wonder on 3/29 with my 4 y.o. DD - and while I was also concerned about the cost - it should tell you something that we rebooked on board for a 7-day eastern on the Magic in November of this year!!

 

My daughter had the time of her life - and I can't imagine a better family vacation with a 4 y.o. - the Oceaneer's Club alone is worth the price... she loved it so much - and the characters are everywhere - and no walking, no lines, just Disney magic everywhere!!

 

This is definitely THE way to cruise with a 4 y.o. - seriously!

:D

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Howdy,

glad you found me, now lets see your report soon, ok??

I love to read others reports too.!!

 

I agree that especially when you have little ones the cruise is so AWESOME!!!

Of course it is AWESOME even without kids!!

 

Well, if you want to do a 7 day in 08, try for 11/29 Western. we'll be there with a bunch of great people I have cruised with before.

 

Or how about another quick 3 day next year, 3/20/08 Easter Weekend??

We will be there too!!

It is something to think about while on your Nov cruise, you could rebook then, and then if the date doesnt work you can always change the date later.

See, I am always trying to get people to come along, sometimes it actually works.

I'm sorry we will miss you again in November, but I'm sure you'll have another Magical cruise.

 

Please finish your report soon and keep in touch,

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[Ellanora]

Question - is there any kind of discount or plus to booking a cruise on board, other than convenience? Just want to be prepared...:)

 

Also, thanks for the info about the door signs. I will definitely make one up for mine and my son's first Disney cruise. He'll love it.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Yes there is. You get 10% off and an onboard credit which varies according to how long your cruise is. I think we got $100 credti for the 3 day and $200 for the 7 day cruise.

It all helps!!!

Plus we like to sit there and pick out our room too. I know you can request a room when you call to book too, bit I just like to be there in person to make sure it is a done deal!!!

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[Ellanora]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. :)

[mom x4,grandma x4]

No Problem,

if I can help with any other questions, please ask and I will answer if I can,

Kathy

[RMOTHERHUBBARD]

Thank you for the wonderful report. I am going with my father, 22 year old son and 9 year old daughter. This is our first Disney cruise, I have cruised before about 16 years on the Disney Red Boat. I am hoping next year to go on the cruise with my parents, my 3 children and grandson. My husband will not go near water.

We are going to celebrate her 10th birthday. Has anyone ever celebrated a child's birthday while on a cruise. I am just wondering what happens.

Again thank you for the wonderful report and photos

[RMOTHERHUBBARD]

I forgot to mention that we are going on our 1st Disney cruise on 5/10 3 day Wonder. Any suggestions would be welcome

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Hi,

yes, many birthdays are celebrated on board for all ages. Wew have done it before a swell as anniversary celebrations.

Usually they like for the birthday to be within 30 days before or after your cruise date to get the free cake. You can buy a birthday cake too for the special night.

 

What you need to do is get in touch with whom ever you booked through and tell them you are celebrating a birthday and they need to notify the wait staff.

First night at dinner the head waiter should come by the table and introduce himself. Remind him you have a birthday celebration planned for ?? night. He is in charge of this or if this is a secret from her go to the manager at his desk at the entrance of the restaurant and verify this with him.

 

They bring out a small cake which looks really neat and they sing Happy Birthday and sometimes they give a birthday button to wear. You will hear celebrations all over the restaurant every night.

 

There will be a pamphlet about decorations and cakes and gifts that will coem with your paperwork and it will tell you how to order it if your interested.

 

For your 3 day cruise, i would say DON'T stay on the ship at Nassau. People do this because they dont like Nassau. It is not the prettiest port but the people are friendly. It is a totally different culture there which is why we go to other places, to experience other peoples ways of life.

The straw market is a unique experience for shopping. Everyone will be asking you to buy things, just say No thanks and keep walking if your not interested. You can barter prices there too.

 

Usually there is a shopping presentation you can attend on the ship to aquaint you with the area. Bring your own bottled water, it costs a fortune to buy there.

 

If you want to do something with the kids or yourselves, go to Atlantis and go through the dig, which is the aquarium. It is themed for Atlantis the lost city. I am not much for aquariums, but this one was great!!

Afterwards we browsed the hotel around the casino to look at all the statues and decor, it was amazing.

You can catch a cab and pay for the aquarium without taking the excursion if you want.

But what ever you do, go explore,see what it has to offer. if it's just adults and you like to see a few historical spots, do the 2 hour historical city tour. it is a great tour.

2 blocks behind the straw market you will see the Pirate Museum. It is a large purple building. It will take you about an hour to see it all, I believe it was $12 per person. it was a very good museum and the gift shop was quite nice, although small, it does have a small lounge attached too.

 

On CC explore the island, go to the adult area and the family area. We rent bikes and ride both bike paths. One has an observation tower and ther eis a great view of the island and ship with 2 whimsical items to see as I mentioned in my report. Check out the Grouper Game room.

 

Many go straight to the beach, have lunch, back to the beach then back to the ship and never see what the island is really like. You have the entire day,s o have fun and explore.

 

Biggest tip for the ship, take your camera everywhere with you, even at dinner. Things happen all the time, you will want your camera!!!

 

Have a magical cruise!!

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[RMOTHERHUBBARD]

Thank You

[mom x4,grandma x4]

If yu have any specific questions, please ask and i will be happy to try and help you,

 

forgot to say, don't miss the sail away party and Pirate party.

Kathy

[RSGS315]

If yu have any specific questions, please ask and i will be happy to try and help you,

 

forgot to say, don't miss the sail away party and Pirate party.

Kathy

 

I understand that they have adults only restaurant. Is there more than one and which one would you recommend?

Ginie