Andrea from PA
Wish Upon A Star each night
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2007
Patiently been waiting for another installment.
This does count for summer reading doesn't it?
The "Double Double-Dip" 17 Day Florida Vacation - 1,233 Pictures Report
- Thread starter bubba's mom
- Start date
Patiently been waiting for another installment.
This does count for summer reading doesn't it?
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Okay, this brings us to our embarkation day of my son's very first cruise. He has been waiting, according to him, forever, for this cruise. He has been very excited about taking the cruise, going to the Oceaneer Lab and sleeping in a bunkbed. 
This is going to be a looong day, so use the potty and have all snacks and beverages handy....here we go....
Day 4 - Sunday, June 29, 2008
We all decided to sleep in a bit since it was a full day and late night yesterday. I was the first up at 8am to get my shower and get ready to go. Everyone else soon woke up and got ready and we headed to breakfast at about 10am so we would have time to eat and catch the 11am shuttle.
Let me mention, for a newer hotel, the elevators are extremely SLOW (and we were only on the 2nd floor!) We were accustomed to the quick elevators at the Portofino Bay. Instead of waiting for the elevator, we just went down the lobby stairs figuring it'd be a heckuva lot quicker...and, it was.
Our breakfast was good. They had make your own waffles, a toaster for bagels, Poptarts, toast & muffins. Cereal, eggs, bacon & sausage were readily available. As were, biscuits/gravy, milk, juices, iced tea, coffee, etc....
We finished breakfast and went back to the room to use the bathroom one last time and finish packing up.
The elevators were still slow, so as we were waiting for one, DH told me to go check us out while he waited for the elevator with the luggage. I walked down the lobby stairs, checked out and was back upstairs waiting for the elevator with him and the luggage! It's a great hotel and wonderful breakfast, but be warned, elevators will take a long time.
Just as I was taking a picture of the lobby, my DH was yelling for us to come outside. He had taken the luggage cart right outside to wait for our shuttle, and I have no idea what happened, but we managed to get an earlier shuttle. Well, you don't have to tell me twice, I'm SO there. Out we went, loaded the luggage and we were on our way! (I don't know the exact time, but it I'm figuring it was about 10:45am) I liked that the $3pp shuttle fee was paid at check-in on our credit card...didn't have to worry about that, just his tip.
Now, never being dropped off by hotel shuttle before, we checked our bags with the porter at the curb (which seemed really far away, but that's where we were supposed to drop our checked bags) and headed to the terminal.
On our way, to the terminal, we were asked for ID. Not a problem. Passports in hand.
As we approached the terminal to security, I was extremely surprised that there wasn't a line. Where was everybody? We walked right up to x-ray/security line and I put our rolling cooler up on the x-ray belt and the very first thing the security guy asked me was, "Is there any ice in it?" Told him "absolutely not" and since the zipper was broken (don't ask), he just looked in there and helped me lay it down to go thru the x-ray....not a problem at all.
After breezin' through security, we went up the escalator and there was a CM who handed us a boarding number and directed us to the check-in line. It was now that I happened to notice it would seem "everybody" was already here and sitting around in the terminal....waiting.
I was surprised there was only 1 guy ahead of us in line to check-in. We were directed to a CM very close to the exit/other end of the line. While I was checking us in (and Mom was next to me checking herself in), my husband struck up a conversation w/ the CM directing you to which window to check-in at. He was from our area and knew exactly where we lived. He mentioned where he lived and I knew exactly where it was...behind Bubba's doctor. Small World...how 'bout that?
Then, CM 'Barbara' came up to me and asked me our room number and last name and told me she'd tell me why in a second. Well, when a CM asks you your cabin number and last name, you tell them. I must have had a puzzled look on my face because she wrote it down and then told me that since it was Disney's Year of a Million Dreams, our family was chosen as the Dream Family to kick off boarding and board the ship first. Huh...excuse me? Us? Why? Really? Oh the irony! Oh my dear Barbara....if you only knew how much our family loves Universal!
She even asked if Bubba was already registered for the kids club, and I told her yes, I did that online. Then, she said, "Well, let's just go over there and get him officially checked in and get you your pager." She totally cut us in front of a line that was at least 20-30 minutes long. Score.
A pictureBubba took. Bubba was very fascinated with the model ship...and took these pictures of the back of it: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Then, she took us over to the concierge waiting area where we sat and waited to get our picture taken and start boarding the ship. Someone brought over an envelope to Barbara and she handed it to me. It was a certificate to commemorate being chosen as the Dream Family. We chatted with her in the concierge area (she didn't leave our side until we boarded) until she told us it was time to go the ship model to have our photograph taken.
Goofy was there having his picture taken with the passengers and Mickey was soon coming to relieve him. She told us that since we were chosen as the Dream Family, we would be the only family to have our picture taken with BOTH characters.
A picture of just my son with Mickey & Goofy.
And here too.
Barbara told us that Mickey's handler would take a picture with our camera if we wanted him to. That is where my luck ran out.
For whatever reason, I handed my camera to my DH and he didn't have it......and it fell to the floor...right on the lens. Gone. Broken. Crap. 
BUT, we still had our son's digital camera....we were just down to 1 camera now instead of 2.
We took our picture with the characters and then headed back to the concierge area to wait to board. It wasn't very long (maybe 10 minutes) and they were ready to start boarding.
The announcer came out to ask us how to pronounce our last name and make sure he knew how to say the city we were from.
Then, he announced to the terminal who we were, where we were from and we were ready to start boarding.
We had plenty of time to have our boarding pictures taken and then we were announced on the ship. Sweet.
My son was the very first passenger on the Wonder that day...he thought that was way cool.
And, of course, we got a family picture.
We had headed for the aft of the ship for lunch, but since we had just eaten a full breakfast, we realized we weren't hungry enough to eat, and skipped the boarding lunch (for now anyway). I was a deer in the headlights, I had no idea what to do.
Had I known we'd be the first family to board, I could have had a plan, but I had nuthin'. Thinking quickly, we decided to head to Deck 10 to score some pictures while the boat was still empty. I managed to get a picture of an empty Mickey pool and an empty Goofy pool and here and the Quiet Cove adult pool. Quiet Cove 2. Quiet Cove 3.
I also scored some pix of the eatries on Deck 9 (none of which we would ever eat at) Pinnochio's Pizza , Pluto's "Dog" House 1. Pluto's "Dog" House 2. and Goofy's Galley.
After a few pictures from up top, my son suggested we visit the Oceaneer's Lab. So, we set out to find that. At first, we walked right past it, not realizing the entrance wasn't along a main hallway....it was tucked in the middle of the ship...across from elevators and actually between the stairs. We got there only to find out, it didn't open for another 15 minutes. Well, I didn't know what else to do, (and we weren't hungry, remember?), so Mom found a seat and we decided to hang out and wait for it to open.
Finally, after what seemed forever to Bubba, the Lab opened. We talked with a CM there, got a Navigator and I took many pictures.
Oceaneer Lab pix: computers , activity area , pic 2 , pic 3 , pic 4 , MORE computers , pic 5 , more activity area , computers/activity area and an activity table.
Bubba crawling through the wall....and coming out the other side onto the beanbag chairs!
The computers have all different games on them and Bubba happened to find a computer with Rollercoaster Tycoon Platinum on it...a game that was MIA in his room prior to vacation. He was excited!
They also have a place to mock drive/steer the ship. Bubba had a good time doing this!
Along with many board games, arts and crafts, beading, etc..., they have a Wii and PS2. One of the popular things they have is Mario Cart competition for 4 players on the giant screen tv. To give you an idea how large this screen is, when it's divided into 4 sections (for the Mario Cart competition), one quarter is still larger than our old 52" tv.
They kept the kids busy with activites in the Lab, in Studio Sea (another room they'd go to) and the sports deck. Studio Sea 2 and Studio Sea 3
They also had plenty of free time...which, Bubba REALLY enjoyed!
I thought the Lab was run wonderfully.... Between: the pager we got, signing the kids in and out (& requesting a password), and when they entered the Lab, they received a squirt of soap in their hand and were directed right to the bathroom to wash their hands and the fact that we were able to just "stop by" and peek in, or say "Hi" to him if we wanted, we have absolutely no complaints about the Lab, the staff and how it was run. A job well done Disney.
We were in the Lab for a long time and once we were finished at the Lab, I went to check out the Oceaneer Club and I took some pictures to report back on.... Club 1 , Club 2 , Club 3 , Club 4 , Club 5 , Club 6 (which was a tv), and Club 7.
By this point, we were looking for something to do because it wasn't quite 1:30 and we couldn't get into our cabins yet. I asked Bubba if he wanted to swim (had his duds in my bag), he didn't. So, we joined Mom at the chairs on Deck 5 overlooking the atrium and just watched the people board. I thought it was a very nice touch that everyone was announced as they boarded and a CM personally greeted each party boarding.
After sitting here for about 20 minutes or so, we realized it was getting close to 1:30 and we were able to get into our cabin soon. Here is a good place to interject that the ship is marked very well. Every elevator tells you the deck and whether you are 'forward', 'mid' or 'aft'. Sometimes there was a deckplan on the wall near the elevators too...but, if you remember you eat in the aft (back) of the ship most times, you'll always have an idea of where you're going to eat
So, we went to the mid ship on Deck 2 (had connecting Cat 9's) and would soon find out, we weren't far enough "forward". We stood in the elevator "lobby" area, along with everyone else, waiting for the ropes to drop so we could make our way to our cabin. We were standing there (maybe 10 minutes, if that) talking and all of a sudden, there was another passenger on the other side of the rope in the hallway!
Hey!
So, just as we were going to lift the rope, a CM was there to do it. We made a right down the hall and found our cabins....We were the cabin second from the elevator lobby from the 'forward' elevators! ....dang...I knew that! 
We opened the door to our cabin and we loved it. We were 2030 (Cat. 9, Deck 2) and Mom was adjoining in 2032. Bubba was pretty confused by the two bathrooms (and the step UP into them), but he eventually thought it was cool.
Sink with tub/adjustable height showerhead in this room and then hopper and sink in this room. Definetely a "one" person bathroom .... not much room if you need to use the hopper!
We thought all the storage space was great...but, I don't think we used the steamer trunk for any storage at all. Steamer trunk 2, Steamer trunk 3, and steamer trunk 4.We all had plenty of room.
Cabin pix: Bubba on the sofa , vanity area , another vanity view , our queen, pillowtop, comfy bed and here. A shot from the window toward the door.
Our closet , our closet and safe. Another picture of the safe and storage drawers and yet another picture of the safe to gauge the size of it.
If you need an extra blanket,it is above the tv (I would find that out 2 nights later!)
Make sure you bring a clock that lights up in the dark (that is, if you want to see the time in the dark) and to use as a nightlight. This is the clock they have in your room.
Of course, we had our OBC and excursion tickets waiting for us on our bed.
Let's move on to the 'beverage cooler'...shall we? Open and ready to fill! We start with 1 beer to give you an idea of the size. It didn't take long to fill the cooler. I had asked for ice to chill a couple bottles, but Nerisa (our cabin attendant) told us that the back of the cooler was the coldest part. And...she was right. Every time we grabbed a drink, it was from the back and rather cold. Now, I will agree, not ice cold like from home, but given what it was, the beer was cold enough to drink. We wouldn't hesitate to bring our own and use it again.
Cooler full, I quickly unpacked a few essentials and decorated our door , and Mom's door....(which, I would later find out from our cabin attendant) was a big hit. She said a LOT of people stopped to admire it and wondered (out loud), "why didn't we think of that?" (I'm sure being right near the elevators didn't hurt either
)
By now, it's about 2pm and my boys are starting to feel the hunger pains. Well, how about we check out the buffet then?
Everyone agreed and we went in search of Beach Blanket Buffet. The themeing was great, and the food selection was not a disappointment. Buffet 1 , buffet 2 , buffet 3 , buffet 4 , carved beef and dessert. And, a close up on those desserts...of course!
At the entrance to the buffet (and every restaurant I would soon find out) there would be a (CM holding sometimes) tub of pop-up disposable hand sanitizing wipes. You wiped your hands and then disposed of the cloth in the trash at the 'station' there. While an excellent idea, quite annoying by the end of the trip.
There were choices-a-plenty for the buffet, but we had a 'snack' moreso than 'lunch', since dinner was at 5:45. Bubba clownin' around.
After our snack, it was only about 3pm and we didn't have muster till 4. So, we walked on the deck outside and took some pictures. Another picture. Helpful if you're interested in taking a jog. We even played a couple of rounds of shuffleboard.
We wandered around and found the Walt Disney Theater, because this is where our muster drill was ....and the shopping area decorated nicely for the Golden Mickey's show that evening. Pictures in the hallway of the shopping area: Mickey , Donald's nephews , Goofy too and Mickey & Minnie.
We found ourselves on the other side of the ship and snapped some pictures of the terminal from the ship. Another picture , and the gangway.
We had just enough time to run back and scope out the secret Deck 7....noticing Beach Blanket Buffet at the top.
By this time, we had to head back for our muster drill. We were in the Walt Disney Theater. We really couldn't hear the cruise director over the intercom, guess it wasn't working in the theater?? But, not to fret, Team Leaders told us what we needed to know. I did notice on our way out, this mess....geez people, we haven't even left port yet and you are letting your kids leave a mess!
Okay, after muster and depositing lifevests back in our room, we headed up to Deck 10 for the sail away party. I decided not to wear shoes. Whoops.
THAT was a mistake. Didn't realize how hot the deck was gonna be....but, lucky for me, DH got warm and took his shirt off...which, I then stood on
The sail away party was very fun and I can see why it's a not to be missed event. We all got streamers to wave and Bubba even caught some as they shot them with the confetti as we pulled out. Mom and Bubba scored a spot directly across from the stage, while DH and I stood off to the side. I wanted to be able to get a picture of the CMs at the terminal waving goodbye to us. We were standing next to another DISer (my DH found out by asking because of the color of her shirt) and the girls' shirts read: "5 girls, 1 guy. Our dream. His nightmare." While, the guy's shirt read: "5 girls. 1 guy. Their dream. My nightmare." They were very cute.
After the crew did their songs and dance, Rachel our Cruise Director appeared to introduce our 'hosts' and to announce our departure.
Ready? Set? We're off! Bubba was thrilled! Another picture of a VERY HAPPY little boy! You know you are 'officially' underway, when you get "the escort".
Okay, believe it or not, it's already time to start getting ready for dinner! It was just after 5pm. So, we headed back to the cabin to get ready...first up,Animator's.
Random pix: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6.
We arrived at the entrance. We were table 42 and in a nice little corner by the kitchen.
This would be a good place to mention the "deal" I had with our son. While at Universal, he was able to order what he wanted off the kids menu. "BUT", I told him, "Once we are on the cruise and at Pap's house (my FIL's--which was our destination after the cruise), you will be eating better and trying a lot of new foods." He was okay with that. I looked at his menu and gave him a choice of 3 things he could order... he chose spaghetti. (Here is a picture of 3 of the kid menus....I don't recall him getting one the last night?)
I still wasn't very hungry, so I just ordered the 'light fare' of chicken. The 'light fare' menu was the same pretty much every evening. My DH had filet mignon and I think Mom had the same. Menu 1 and menu 2.
Bubba didn't want anything for dessert, I think because we told him the Oceaneer Lab opened at 6pm and we would drop him there after dinner....I think he was in a hurry to get there
So, when placing dessert orders, Bubba ordered 'nothing'. I fully expected a plate with "nothing" written on it in chocolate to come out, but he got this instead. We would find throughout the cruise, our server would just bring us stuff to try or eat...without ordering it. At the very least, we tried it...but, it usually got eaten. I believe Mom had the chocolate cheesecake , DH had a strawberry shortcake type of dessert and I think I got chocolate cake. It would become the 'norm' to try each others food while onboard...appetizers, entrees and (especially) desserts!
As you know, the room (and the servers) were awash in color by the end of the meal....Bubba thought it was cool and wanted to know how they did it. My DH explained and he thought it was a kewl concept! I was under the assumption the room gradually changed color as the courses were served. I did not realize they added color to the room with each course, and then would take the room back to black and white. Then, add another color, then back to black and white. I thought they kept the color up while adding more color...but, I still enjoyed it the way they did it.
Random color pix: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6.
After dinner, as promised, our first stop was the Oceaneer Lab. We deposited the boy and went back to our cabin...where, we already had turn down service and his bed was all ready for him! Well, I couldn't let my son have ALL the fun now, could I? I just had to give 'er a whirl! (He was in his glory having the bunk bed at the Country Inn & Suites the night before and now for 4 nights on the ship! Poor kid is so deprived...he only has a queen bed at home.) Also, a note here: so you know, I am 5' 9" tall and my DH just a tad taller than I. We were perfectly able to sit upright on our sofa without hitting our head on Bubba's bed. (We just had to be careful sitting down and getting up - not to bump our head doing that.) Even though it doesn't look like enough room to sit under the bed comfortably, there is.
DH & I decided to walk around the ship and take some pictures. Pic 1 and pic 2. I loved this carpet outside the clubs and the elevator there too.
We also decided to go up to Deck 10 and as forward as we possibly could. .....And man was it windy! We didn't stay out long...couldn't catch our breath!
We headed inside and happened upon the shopping area of Mickey's Mates and Treasure Ketch. Let me say, what a GREAT time to be shopping! First night aboard, NOBODY was there! We browsed for about a half an hour and we bought Bubba a DCL t-shirt, a Christmas ornament and a small, plastic model of the ship that we planned to leave on his pillow for him to find at bedtime.
We checked our Navigator and decided to catch the adult trivia in Diversions. DH had a beer and I indulged in a "For the Love of Chocolate" drink. ANY drink containing Godiva chocolate has GOT to be good, right? This was no exception!
We sucked at the trivia...and there were only about a dozen people playing! Oh well...at least we had fun and we didn't come in last! When we first settled in at Diversions, I saw this tower of huge blocks sitting in the middle of the floor. I thought it was odd and just HAD to take a picture of it. (We eventually figured out this was a huge JENGA! game.)
Also, when in a club or restaurant, don't expect restrooms IN the actual place you are in. They are always located outside in the "lobby" area. I frequented this beautiful one outside of WaveBands and Diversions.... a lot.
After hanging out in Diversions for a while, we decided to go across the hall to WaveBands. (We seemed to end up in here every night!) We did some dancing
and after a while, we decided we had to retrieve the boy at about 10pm because we all needed to get up early in the morning.
So, we left to go get Bubba, who was actually kinda tired and ready to go. He was ready for bed just before 10:30 and was very surprised he got a treat on his pillow. We acted dumb and told him maybe Tink or Mickey had left it for him! He didn't seem to believe it, but, was very happy with his little gift!
Afer getting him settled to sleep
, we decided to head back to WaveBands.... the "One Hit Wonders" game was going to start soon. We did a little more dancing and then they started the game. The first to name the song got a free shot...and they wuz yummie! My DH got the song "I'm Too Sexy" correct, got a shot and was drug onstage with most of the other guys that were dancing for an impromptu fashion show. They all had to show off their "catwalk" manuevers from stage. While I was dancing on the floor, I and 2 other girls were pulled away by one of the CM girls. She took us backstage and told us we were going to dance to "Mickey" by Toni Basil. We ended up having a good laugh over that...(probably helped I had that drink...was feelin' NO pain!) She gave us headbands w/ bows on them and pompoms
and set us up behind the curtain. The game was over and the curtain opened. My DH was lucky to get a shot of me, because the only thing I could yell to him as I was being dragged off the dancefloor was "I'll be right back!" He didn't know where I was going, for how long or why....I think he thought I deserted him!
About 11:30, we decided, reluctantly, we had better turn in ourselves. We were having a lot of fun in WaveBands and we really didn't want to leave
...but, I knew it was a good idea. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't plan an early excursion for the first day. (But, given the excursion was the stingray snorkel at Castaway Cay, and DISers know you schedule the first one on the first day, I had no choice.)
The beautiful thing about our cabin location is that it was one deck down from WaveBands...and on the opposite side of the ship. We didn't have far to walk at all! (That may be one reason why were there every night?)
We arrived back to our cabin, got ready for bed and gave our exhausted little boy a kiss and turned in.
What a wonderful day.....
This is going to be a looong day, so use the potty and have all snacks and beverages handy....here we go....
Day 4 - Sunday, June 29, 2008
We all decided to sleep in a bit since it was a full day and late night yesterday. I was the first up at 8am to get my shower and get ready to go. Everyone else soon woke up and got ready and we headed to breakfast at about 10am so we would have time to eat and catch the 11am shuttle.
Let me mention, for a newer hotel, the elevators are extremely SLOW (and we were only on the 2nd floor!) We were accustomed to the quick elevators at the Portofino Bay. Instead of waiting for the elevator, we just went down the lobby stairs figuring it'd be a heckuva lot quicker...and, it was.
Our breakfast was good. They had make your own waffles, a toaster for bagels, Poptarts, toast & muffins. Cereal, eggs, bacon & sausage were readily available. As were, biscuits/gravy, milk, juices, iced tea, coffee, etc....
We finished breakfast and went back to the room to use the bathroom one last time and finish packing up.
The elevators were still slow, so as we were waiting for one, DH told me to go check us out while he waited for the elevator with the luggage. I walked down the lobby stairs, checked out and was back upstairs waiting for the elevator with him and the luggage! It's a great hotel and wonderful breakfast, but be warned, elevators will take a long time.
Just as I was taking a picture of the lobby, my DH was yelling for us to come outside. He had taken the luggage cart right outside to wait for our shuttle, and I have no idea what happened, but we managed to get an earlier shuttle. Well, you don't have to tell me twice, I'm SO there. Out we went, loaded the luggage and we were on our way! (I don't know the exact time, but it I'm figuring it was about 10:45am) I liked that the $3pp shuttle fee was paid at check-in on our credit card...didn't have to worry about that, just his tip.
Now, never being dropped off by hotel shuttle before, we checked our bags with the porter at the curb (which seemed really far away, but that's where we were supposed to drop our checked bags) and headed to the terminal.
On our way, to the terminal, we were asked for ID. Not a problem. Passports in hand.
As we approached the terminal to security, I was extremely surprised that there wasn't a line. Where was everybody? We walked right up to x-ray/security line and I put our rolling cooler up on the x-ray belt and the very first thing the security guy asked me was, "Is there any ice in it?" Told him "absolutely not" and since the zipper was broken (don't ask), he just looked in there and helped me lay it down to go thru the x-ray....not a problem at all.
After breezin' through security, we went up the escalator and there was a CM who handed us a boarding number and directed us to the check-in line. It was now that I happened to notice it would seem "everybody" was already here and sitting around in the terminal....waiting.
I was surprised there was only 1 guy ahead of us in line to check-in. We were directed to a CM very close to the exit/other end of the line. While I was checking us in (and Mom was next to me checking herself in), my husband struck up a conversation w/ the CM directing you to which window to check-in at. He was from our area and knew exactly where we lived. He mentioned where he lived and I knew exactly where it was...behind Bubba's doctor. Small World...how 'bout that?
Then, CM 'Barbara' came up to me and asked me our room number and last name and told me she'd tell me why in a second. Well, when a CM asks you your cabin number and last name, you tell them. I must have had a puzzled look on my face because she wrote it down and then told me that since it was Disney's Year of a Million Dreams, our family was chosen as the Dream Family to kick off boarding and board the ship first. Huh...excuse me? Us? Why? Really? Oh the irony! Oh my dear Barbara....if you only knew how much our family loves Universal!
She even asked if Bubba was already registered for the kids club, and I told her yes, I did that online. Then, she said, "Well, let's just go over there and get him officially checked in and get you your pager." She totally cut us in front of a line that was at least 20-30 minutes long. Score.
A pictureBubba took. Bubba was very fascinated with the model ship...and took these pictures of the back of it: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Then, she took us over to the concierge waiting area where we sat and waited to get our picture taken and start boarding the ship. Someone brought over an envelope to Barbara and she handed it to me. It was a certificate to commemorate being chosen as the Dream Family. We chatted with her in the concierge area (she didn't leave our side until we boarded) until she told us it was time to go the ship model to have our photograph taken.
Goofy was there having his picture taken with the passengers and Mickey was soon coming to relieve him. She told us that since we were chosen as the Dream Family, we would be the only family to have our picture taken with BOTH characters.
A picture of just my son with Mickey & Goofy.
And here too.
Barbara told us that Mickey's handler would take a picture with our camera if we wanted him to. That is where my luck ran out.
For whatever reason, I handed my camera to my DH and he didn't have it......and it fell to the floor...right on the lens. Gone. Broken. Crap. BUT, we still had our son's digital camera....we were just down to 1 camera now instead of 2. We took our picture with the characters and then headed back to the concierge area to wait to board. It wasn't very long (maybe 10 minutes) and they were ready to start boarding.
The announcer came out to ask us how to pronounce our last name and make sure he knew how to say the city we were from.
Then, he announced to the terminal who we were, where we were from and we were ready to start boarding.
We had plenty of time to have our boarding pictures taken and then we were announced on the ship. Sweet.
My son was the very first passenger on the Wonder that day...he thought that was way cool.
And, of course, we got a family picture. We had headed for the aft of the ship for lunch, but since we had just eaten a full breakfast, we realized we weren't hungry enough to eat, and skipped the boarding lunch (for now anyway). I was a deer in the headlights, I had no idea what to do.
Had I known we'd be the first family to board, I could have had a plan, but I had nuthin'. Thinking quickly, we decided to head to Deck 10 to score some pictures while the boat was still empty. I managed to get a picture of an empty Mickey pool and an empty Goofy pool and here and the Quiet Cove adult pool. Quiet Cove 2. Quiet Cove 3.
I also scored some pix of the eatries on Deck 9 (none of which we would ever eat at) Pinnochio's Pizza , Pluto's "Dog" House 1. Pluto's "Dog" House 2. and Goofy's Galley.
After a few pictures from up top, my son suggested we visit the Oceaneer's Lab. So, we set out to find that. At first, we walked right past it, not realizing the entrance wasn't along a main hallway....it was tucked in the middle of the ship...across from elevators and actually between the stairs. We got there only to find out, it didn't open for another 15 minutes. Well, I didn't know what else to do, (and we weren't hungry, remember?), so Mom found a seat and we decided to hang out and wait for it to open.
Finally, after what seemed forever to Bubba, the Lab opened. We talked with a CM there, got a Navigator and I took many pictures.
Oceaneer Lab pix: computers , activity area , pic 2 , pic 3 , pic 4 , MORE computers , pic 5 , more activity area , computers/activity area and an activity table.
Bubba crawling through the wall....and coming out the other side onto the beanbag chairs!
The computers have all different games on them and Bubba happened to find a computer with Rollercoaster Tycoon Platinum on it...a game that was MIA in his room prior to vacation. He was excited!
They also have a place to mock drive/steer the ship. Bubba had a good time doing this!
Along with many board games, arts and crafts, beading, etc..., they have a Wii and PS2. One of the popular things they have is Mario Cart competition for 4 players on the giant screen tv. To give you an idea how large this screen is, when it's divided into 4 sections (for the Mario Cart competition), one quarter is still larger than our old 52" tv.
They kept the kids busy with activites in the Lab, in Studio Sea (another room they'd go to) and the sports deck. Studio Sea 2 and Studio Sea 3
They also had plenty of free time...which, Bubba REALLY enjoyed!
I thought the Lab was run wonderfully.... Between: the pager we got, signing the kids in and out (& requesting a password), and when they entered the Lab, they received a squirt of soap in their hand and were directed right to the bathroom to wash their hands and the fact that we were able to just "stop by" and peek in, or say "Hi" to him if we wanted, we have absolutely no complaints about the Lab, the staff and how it was run. A job well done Disney.
We were in the Lab for a long time and once we were finished at the Lab, I went to check out the Oceaneer Club and I took some pictures to report back on.... Club 1 , Club 2 , Club 3 , Club 4 , Club 5 , Club 6 (which was a tv), and Club 7.
By this point, we were looking for something to do because it wasn't quite 1:30 and we couldn't get into our cabins yet. I asked Bubba if he wanted to swim (had his duds in my bag), he didn't. So, we joined Mom at the chairs on Deck 5 overlooking the atrium and just watched the people board. I thought it was a very nice touch that everyone was announced as they boarded and a CM personally greeted each party boarding.
After sitting here for about 20 minutes or so, we realized it was getting close to 1:30 and we were able to get into our cabin soon. Here is a good place to interject that the ship is marked very well. Every elevator tells you the deck and whether you are 'forward', 'mid' or 'aft'. Sometimes there was a deckplan on the wall near the elevators too...but, if you remember you eat in the aft (back) of the ship most times, you'll always have an idea of where you're going to eat
So, we went to the mid ship on Deck 2 (had connecting Cat 9's) and would soon find out, we weren't far enough "forward". We stood in the elevator "lobby" area, along with everyone else, waiting for the ropes to drop so we could make our way to our cabin. We were standing there (maybe 10 minutes, if that) talking and all of a sudden, there was another passenger on the other side of the rope in the hallway!
Hey!
So, just as we were going to lift the rope, a CM was there to do it. We made a right down the hall and found our cabins....We were the cabin second from the elevator lobby from the 'forward' elevators! ....dang...I knew that! We opened the door to our cabin and we loved it. We were 2030 (Cat. 9, Deck 2) and Mom was adjoining in 2032. Bubba was pretty confused by the two bathrooms (and the step UP into them), but he eventually thought it was cool.
Sink with tub/adjustable height showerhead in this room and then hopper and sink in this room. Definetely a "one" person bathroom .... not much room if you need to use the hopper!
We thought all the storage space was great...but, I don't think we used the steamer trunk for any storage at all. Steamer trunk 2, Steamer trunk 3, and steamer trunk 4.We all had plenty of room.
Cabin pix: Bubba on the sofa , vanity area , another vanity view , our queen, pillowtop, comfy bed and here. A shot from the window toward the door.
Our closet , our closet and safe. Another picture of the safe and storage drawers and yet another picture of the safe to gauge the size of it.
If you need an extra blanket,it is above the tv (I would find that out 2 nights later!)
Make sure you bring a clock that lights up in the dark (that is, if you want to see the time in the dark) and to use as a nightlight. This is the clock they have in your room.
Of course, we had our OBC and excursion tickets waiting for us on our bed.
Let's move on to the 'beverage cooler'...shall we? Open and ready to fill! We start with 1 beer to give you an idea of the size. It didn't take long to fill the cooler. I had asked for ice to chill a couple bottles, but Nerisa (our cabin attendant) told us that the back of the cooler was the coldest part. And...she was right. Every time we grabbed a drink, it was from the back and rather cold. Now, I will agree, not ice cold like from home, but given what it was, the beer was cold enough to drink. We wouldn't hesitate to bring our own and use it again.
Cooler full, I quickly unpacked a few essentials and decorated our door , and Mom's door....(which, I would later find out from our cabin attendant) was a big hit. She said a LOT of people stopped to admire it and wondered (out loud), "why didn't we think of that?" (I'm sure being right near the elevators didn't hurt either
) By now, it's about 2pm and my boys are starting to feel the hunger pains. Well, how about we check out the buffet then?
Everyone agreed and we went in search of Beach Blanket Buffet. The themeing was great, and the food selection was not a disappointment. Buffet 1 , buffet 2 , buffet 3 , buffet 4 , carved beef and dessert. And, a close up on those desserts...of course!
At the entrance to the buffet (and every restaurant I would soon find out) there would be a (CM holding sometimes) tub of pop-up disposable hand sanitizing wipes. You wiped your hands and then disposed of the cloth in the trash at the 'station' there. While an excellent idea, quite annoying by the end of the trip.
There were choices-a-plenty for the buffet, but we had a 'snack' moreso than 'lunch', since dinner was at 5:45. Bubba clownin' around.
After our snack, it was only about 3pm and we didn't have muster till 4. So, we walked on the deck outside and took some pictures. Another picture. Helpful if you're interested in taking a jog. We even played a couple of rounds of shuffleboard.
We wandered around and found the Walt Disney Theater, because this is where our muster drill was ....and the shopping area decorated nicely for the Golden Mickey's show that evening. Pictures in the hallway of the shopping area: Mickey , Donald's nephews , Goofy too and Mickey & Minnie.
We found ourselves on the other side of the ship and snapped some pictures of the terminal from the ship. Another picture , and the gangway.
We had just enough time to run back and scope out the secret Deck 7....noticing Beach Blanket Buffet at the top.
By this time, we had to head back for our muster drill. We were in the Walt Disney Theater. We really couldn't hear the cruise director over the intercom, guess it wasn't working in the theater?? But, not to fret, Team Leaders told us what we needed to know. I did notice on our way out, this mess....geez people, we haven't even left port yet and you are letting your kids leave a mess!
Okay, after muster and depositing lifevests back in our room, we headed up to Deck 10 for the sail away party. I decided not to wear shoes. Whoops.
THAT was a mistake. Didn't realize how hot the deck was gonna be....but, lucky for me, DH got warm and took his shirt off...which, I then stood on The sail away party was very fun and I can see why it's a not to be missed event. We all got streamers to wave and Bubba even caught some as they shot them with the confetti as we pulled out. Mom and Bubba scored a spot directly across from the stage, while DH and I stood off to the side. I wanted to be able to get a picture of the CMs at the terminal waving goodbye to us. We were standing next to another DISer (my DH found out by asking because of the color of her shirt) and the girls' shirts read: "5 girls, 1 guy. Our dream. His nightmare." While, the guy's shirt read: "5 girls. 1 guy. Their dream. My nightmare." They were very cute.
After the crew did their songs and dance, Rachel our Cruise Director appeared to introduce our 'hosts' and to announce our departure.
Ready? Set? We're off! Bubba was thrilled! Another picture of a VERY HAPPY little boy! You know you are 'officially' underway, when you get "the escort".
Okay, believe it or not, it's already time to start getting ready for dinner! It was just after 5pm. So, we headed back to the cabin to get ready...first up,Animator's.
Random pix: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6.
We arrived at the entrance. We were table 42 and in a nice little corner by the kitchen.
This would be a good place to mention the "deal" I had with our son. While at Universal, he was able to order what he wanted off the kids menu. "BUT", I told him, "Once we are on the cruise and at Pap's house (my FIL's--which was our destination after the cruise), you will be eating better and trying a lot of new foods." He was okay with that. I looked at his menu and gave him a choice of 3 things he could order... he chose spaghetti. (Here is a picture of 3 of the kid menus....I don't recall him getting one the last night?)
I still wasn't very hungry, so I just ordered the 'light fare' of chicken. The 'light fare' menu was the same pretty much every evening. My DH had filet mignon and I think Mom had the same. Menu 1 and menu 2.
Bubba didn't want anything for dessert, I think because we told him the Oceaneer Lab opened at 6pm and we would drop him there after dinner....I think he was in a hurry to get there
So, when placing dessert orders, Bubba ordered 'nothing'. I fully expected a plate with "nothing" written on it in chocolate to come out, but he got this instead. We would find throughout the cruise, our server would just bring us stuff to try or eat...without ordering it. At the very least, we tried it...but, it usually got eaten. I believe Mom had the chocolate cheesecake , DH had a strawberry shortcake type of dessert and I think I got chocolate cake. It would become the 'norm' to try each others food while onboard...appetizers, entrees and (especially) desserts!
As you know, the room (and the servers) were awash in color by the end of the meal....Bubba thought it was cool and wanted to know how they did it. My DH explained and he thought it was a kewl concept! I was under the assumption the room gradually changed color as the courses were served. I did not realize they added color to the room with each course, and then would take the room back to black and white. Then, add another color, then back to black and white. I thought they kept the color up while adding more color...but, I still enjoyed it the way they did it.
Random color pix: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6.
After dinner, as promised, our first stop was the Oceaneer Lab. We deposited the boy and went back to our cabin...where, we already had turn down service and his bed was all ready for him! Well, I couldn't let my son have ALL the fun now, could I? I just had to give 'er a whirl! (He was in his glory having the bunk bed at the Country Inn & Suites the night before and now for 4 nights on the ship! Poor kid is so deprived...he only has a queen bed at home.) Also, a note here: so you know, I am 5' 9" tall and my DH just a tad taller than I. We were perfectly able to sit upright on our sofa without hitting our head on Bubba's bed. (We just had to be careful sitting down and getting up - not to bump our head doing that.) Even though it doesn't look like enough room to sit under the bed comfortably, there is.
DH & I decided to walk around the ship and take some pictures. Pic 1 and pic 2. I loved this carpet outside the clubs and the elevator there too.
We also decided to go up to Deck 10 and as forward as we possibly could. .....And man was it windy! We didn't stay out long...couldn't catch our breath!
We headed inside and happened upon the shopping area of Mickey's Mates and Treasure Ketch. Let me say, what a GREAT time to be shopping! First night aboard, NOBODY was there! We browsed for about a half an hour and we bought Bubba a DCL t-shirt, a Christmas ornament and a small, plastic model of the ship that we planned to leave on his pillow for him to find at bedtime.
We checked our Navigator and decided to catch the adult trivia in Diversions. DH had a beer and I indulged in a "For the Love of Chocolate" drink. ANY drink containing Godiva chocolate has GOT to be good, right? This was no exception!
We sucked at the trivia...and there were only about a dozen people playing! Oh well...at least we had fun and we didn't come in last! When we first settled in at Diversions, I saw this tower of huge blocks sitting in the middle of the floor. I thought it was odd and just HAD to take a picture of it. (We eventually figured out this was a huge JENGA! game.)
Also, when in a club or restaurant, don't expect restrooms IN the actual place you are in. They are always located outside in the "lobby" area. I frequented this beautiful one outside of WaveBands and Diversions.... a lot.
After hanging out in Diversions for a while, we decided to go across the hall to WaveBands. (We seemed to end up in here every night!) We did some dancing
and after a while, we decided we had to retrieve the boy at about 10pm because we all needed to get up early in the morning. So, we left to go get Bubba, who was actually kinda tired and ready to go. He was ready for bed just before 10:30 and was very surprised he got a treat on his pillow. We acted dumb and told him maybe Tink or Mickey had left it for him! He didn't seem to believe it, but, was very happy with his little gift!
Afer getting him settled to sleep
About 11:30, we decided, reluctantly, we had better turn in ourselves. We were having a lot of fun in WaveBands and we really didn't want to leave
...but, I knew it was a good idea. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't plan an early excursion for the first day. (But, given the excursion was the stingray snorkel at Castaway Cay, and DISers know you schedule the first one on the first day, I had no choice.) The beautiful thing about our cabin location is that it was one deck down from WaveBands...and on the opposite side of the ship. We didn't have far to walk at all! (That may be one reason why were there every night?)
We arrived back to our cabin, got ready for bed and gave our exhausted little boy a kiss and turned in.
What a wonderful day.....
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Barb is pinching that guy's butt!
why did i know YOU would catch that?
Patiently been waiting for another installment.
This does count for summer reading doesn't it?
Sorry took so long... I had the 'reading' part typed up for a couple days...it literally took me all day today to add the pictures...it's VERY time consuming...especially the first day of the cruise (because of boarding, the cabin...)
RAPstar
Proud Redhead
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2008
Great update, Brab. I had read about the Animator's Palate a few years ago and loved the concept of it starting black and white then being in color by the end o f the meal. Now I know what it looks like! lol Now I haven even more reason to go on a Disney cruise........eventually.
keishashadow
Proud Redhead...yes, I have some bananas!
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2004
and she appears to be enjoying it
, watch it, he comes w/baggage - has a youngin another great installment
that pic of PBH pool is great, such a nice pool; as i recall it was the deepest we swam in onsite? Did u try the other pools, just read in a guidebook there was a 3rd smaller one somewhere other than the quiet pool near the bocce court.
the hotel @ port looks swell, if u don't mind me asking....approx how much? parking & shuttle included in base rate or did u have to book a special pkg...inquiring minds need to know lol
so glad ur liking the Wonder (and who wouldn't with the VIP treatment
imagine that, u w/o a plan...had to be killing u
). While DVC costs an arm & a leg, then another arm; it is top notch all the way!
Tizzy_Meliss
No longer an HHN virgin. ;)
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2006
Hey Barb, your vacation frig looks just like our vacation frig! Minus the Arbor Mist 
Love the report! Sounds like you had a blast!!
Love the report! Sounds like you had a blast!!
Andrea from PA
Wish Upon A Star each night
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2007
So worth the wait!
You are the Trip Report goddess
You are the Trip Report goddess
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
per "request"....added kids menu to Animators
(sorry...didn't think to put it there the first time! )
(sorry...didn't think to put it there the first time!
)
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Hillside pool is on the East Wing side (you're thinking Villa pool near bocce court) We were walking back from dropping the rental car off and only knew it was there because we heard some peeps in it .... we didn't go in it because it was too far to walk around to that side of the hotel
. (will post a pic when I get to that day) Researching, a lot of the hotels offer park 'n cruise packages. Dunno how much, didn't have a car till after we rented one after the cruise, but figured it was cheaper to pay $3pp for shuttle
At CI&S, breakfast was included, shuttle to ship was $3 pp/ow. ($6 rt) ...NOT included....billed to your room. I missed the early boat on booking and AAA was not available...think we paid around $160 for the night? ...but, was worth it..... ioho 
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
Hey, I cheated and went straight to the Cruise part (although I promise I'll go back and read the rest later )
Great start to your cruise - sounds like you were having a blast at Wavebands, one of our favourite places on the ship
)Great start to your cruise - sounds like you were having a blast at Wavebands, one of our favourite places on the ship
d4est
<font color=orange><b>The Tag Fairy is really Ghos
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2004
Okay...I am soooo loving this! You are a supa-star (yes, say it with the voice and imagine the cheer pose) at trippies! I've read every one and am anxiously awaiting the next installlment! Helps the time go by and feeds my need until I can go back!
keishashadow
Proud Redhead...yes, I have some bananas!
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2004
thanks barb, always wondered if it would be better to return a rental car @ port inlieu of paying for parking etc (w/o staying @ hotel pre cruise)...may have to price it out
Q: (if ur going to address later i'll be patient lol) was there anything u did order aboard ship for dinner that u didn't think was top notch?
Q: (if ur going to address later i'll be patient lol) was there anything u did order aboard ship for dinner that u didn't think was top notch?
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Q: (if ur going to address later i'll be patient lol) was there anything u did order aboard ship for dinner that u didn't think was top notch?
will point out visual in report, but didn't care for the fancy potatoes or the mashed red ones...very lumpy and i like my mashies smooth
...other than that, everything we had was yummy!
keishashadow
Proud Redhead...yes, I have some bananas!
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2004
i am banking on LOTS of food pics
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
NashvilleTrio
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2005
Hey Barb - I just finished reading up to this point and am not disappointed! Very exciting stuff!
We were at US/IOA on June 16-18; wish we could've been there at the same time and met up like we did last year. That was fun! Glad you got to meet with Allison & her family.
And I'm glad you guys liked PBH - it's our favorite now too. A bit pricier than the rest, but definitely worth it.
The cruise sounds like a blast - we'll have to plan one soon...
Thanks for such a great report so far - I'll be watching for the rest!
-Melissa
We were at US/IOA on June 16-18; wish we could've been there at the same time and met up like we did last year. That was fun! Glad you got to meet with Allison & her family.
And I'm glad you guys liked PBH - it's our favorite now too. A bit pricier than the rest, but definitely worth it.
The cruise sounds like a blast - we'll have to plan one soon...
Thanks for such a great report so far - I'll be watching for the rest!
-Melissa
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
hey Melissa.... 
Josh would LOVE the Disney cruise
Josh would LOVE the Disney cruise
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