Pre-Trip Report: Thursday, September 4th - Heading to the Disney Dream! Part 2

As promised, here is Part 2 of the next day of the Pre-Trip Report - the arrival at Port Canaveral for the cruise on the Disney Dream!

As I mentioned in Part 1, I had initially decided to rent a car and drive down to the Port.  However, after thinking about it further I decided to hire a car service to take my friend and I to the Port. Disney has a transportation option that for $35 per person will take you to the port.  However, you don't have much control over when you leave and I like to be at the port by 10:30-11:00 AM.  The last time I took their transport we got to the port about 1:45 which was a bit late for my tastes.

I am also going to re-evaluate my plan to visit MK that morning of the cruise.  Since EMH (Extra Magic Hours) are at the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, it opens at 8AM for resort guests.  This means the buses will be starting about 7AM which makes it easy to get to Kona Cafe; I'll just take a bus to MK and ride the monorail over to the Polynesian for my 7:30AM breakfast.  However, I don't know if I will have time to go into MK as I'll need to ride a bus back to Coronado Springs and be there by 9:30 to meet the town car for the drive to the port.  I *might* be able to bounce in for a quick 15-20 minutes and soak up some Main Street USA atmosphere, which will work for me!

The town car will pick me up, and then we'll go to Art of Animation to pick up my friend and her daughter.  Then onward to Port Canaveral!  It's about a 45-60 minute drive from Disney World.

At Port Canaveral, you drop off your bags before you go in with the porters (the bags will be delivered later to your room, so don't forget the baggage tags you get in your cruise packet!) and then go through a small security (much like you would at the airport, except you don't need to remove your shoes or coats). You then get in line to check in; if you are a Castaway Club member (you've sailed on DCL before), or are sailing Concierge, you have special check in areas.  You then turn in your signed cruise contract (that you printed off at home once you completed your online cruise check in), show them your passport or other documentation, get your Key to the World card, your lanyard (if you've sailed before) and then you're ready to go! In the past, this process takes anywhere from 5-20 minutes, depending on the length of the line.

You also get a boarding group number; when the ship starts boarding about 11:30AM, they call boarding groups 1, 2, 3, etc so there isn't a mad rush to the boat, all at once.  I am hoping to get a fairly high boarding group number, so I can have as much time as possible on that great ship!

When my boarding group is called, I will walk through these gorgeous, gleaming ears....and be ready to start the cruise!  WOO HOO!

I hope to be on the ship itself by about Noon.  Caletta, her daughter and I will grab lunch, and then I imagine we'll go our separate ways until dinner time.  We have separate staterooms, but we've chosen to link our reservations together so we can dine together in the evening.  We have the second seating, at 8:15PM. I prefer the later seating, as it's nice to not rush after excursions or a day at the pool to get ready for dinner.

You have access to your stateroom about 1:30PM, although your luggage won't arrive until closer to 4:30PM.

I don't have many set-in-stone plans for that first day, but I will for sure:

* Check out my stateroom at 1:30PM and put my custom magnets on the stateroom door.  I have ordered a few from Etsy and also made some - it's a fun way to personalize your door (and also helps locate your room the first few times you go to it!).  Just be sure you only use magnets; any tape or other adhesives is a no-no, and you'll be paying for them to clean and paint the door!

* Change into my swimsuit, and spend some time at the pool. Make sure that you pack your suit, medications or whatever else you'll want before you get your luggage in a day bag.

* Register for a mixology class. Caletta and I plan on going to at least one of the mixology classes on board and you register once you're on the ship, so I'll do that in the afternoon at some point.  I have done the wine tasting before - I would like to try the martini tasting this time!

* Attend the Sail Away party. This is a party of the top decks of the ship where there's music and dancing with the characters and cruise staff while the boat sails away from port. It's fun and a great way to kick off the cruise!

Other than that, I am just going to relax and see where the day takes me!

What are your favorite parts about embarkation day on Disney Cruise Line?

The "Extras" I Pack for a Disney Cruise

Today we're going to take a break from the Pre-Trip report, and talk about the "extras" I pack for a Disney Cruise.  When I say "extra", I don't mean your clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc.  I mean little fun things that can make your Disney Cruise even more enjoyable.

In no particular order, here are some things I make sure to bring with me on every Disney Cruise:

* Dollar bills for tips. I don't carry a lot of cash (I use my debit or credit card for 99% of my purchases) and so before I cruise I make sure and get between $15-20 in dollar bills.  They are handy for tipping the porters who handle your bags at the port, as well as for room service.  Room service is free but it's still a nice thing to tip the cast member who brings it to you.  I typically tip about $1-2 for each room service call for one person.

* A Tervis cup (or any cup with a lid). There are self-serve soda, coffee, tea and hot chocolate stations on the upper decks of the ship, near the pools and Cabanas.  They do have cups there for your use but they are very small.  I like to bring my own Tervis cup from home (or buy one as a souvenir on the ship!) and then fill that up, so I need to make fewer trips to the drink station.  They do ask that you still use one of the paper cups to fill yours, rather than place your cup right up to the dispenser.

It's also nice to bring your own cup if you've brought your own beverages (wine, alcohol, etc) onboard and want to enjoy a glass in your stateroom.

* Magnets to decorate my door.  As I posted on my Pre-Trip report a few days ago, I like to decorate my cabin door as soon as I get access to my room.  I make sure to pack the magnets in my carry on bag, so I can personalize my door!  It's not only a cute way to personalize your room, it's also a practical way of remembering which room is yours - all those stateroom doors like the same after a while!

Some I buy on Etsy, and others I make myself.  Just be sure to use magnets, and not tape, glue or anything that will stick to the door.  Otherwise, you'l have a nasty charge on your onboard account to repair the door!

Share with the class - what are your favorite extra items to bring on a cruise?

The "Winner" of my Wednesday, September 3rd Disney World Plans!

Thank you to everyone who commented on Facebook and gave me suggestions for what to do with my last full day at Disney.  If you'll remember, I gave some options for this day and asked everyone to contribute with their vote on what I should do.

To refresh your memory, here were the choices:

A) Relaxed morning, then afternoon at Downtown Disney.

B) Animal Kingdom in the morning, then afternoon at the resort.

C) Animal Kingdom in the morning, then a water park in the afternoon.

And the winner is....

Plan D!

Huh?! Plan D, you say?!

A few friends made a great suggestion that I go to a water park in the AM, then either go to a park or lounge at the resort in the afternoon.  I'm hearing that the mornings are the best time to go to a water park crowd-wise.

Thank you to everyone who gave me their input - I really appreciate it!

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: Thursday, September 4th - Heading to the Disney Dream! Part 1

Hi, all!  Hope everyone had a wonderful & safe 4th of July weekend.

I am going to break up the Pre-Trip Report for September 4th into two parts; Part 1, which is the morning of the cruise and Part 2, where I'll talk about my plans for the cruise itself and my first day on board.  I started to write this and it was becoming a MONSTER post since this is such a busy day, so you get two posts for the price of one.  Bonus!

Today is September 4th - the day that I leave on the Disney Dream!  WOO HOO!  I cannot wait.  I just LOVE to cruise.

Hello, gorgeous!

But in the morning, there is still plenty of time to see and do before heading to Port Canaveral.

I am picking up my friend Caletta from Art of Animation Resort at about 9:30AM, so I have a few hours free in the morning.  I am renting a car to get to the port, so I figured, why not go somewhere in the AM and catch a yummy breakfast before heading to Port Canaveral?

And because I like to cram as much Disney into a day as humanely possible, how about an hour or so at a park, too?!

Last week, I asked on Facebook where you'd make a breakfast reservation on property and got a few resounding votes for Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort.  I whole-heartedly agree with this, so I made myself a 7:30AM breakfast reservation for Kona Cafe on the 4th.  Bring on the Tonga Toast!!

I am going to drive over to the Polynesian, enjoy my breakfast and then take the monorail into Magic Kingdom.  There are Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom that morning, starting at 8AM, so I figure I'll be able to spend an hour or so there before it's time to head out.  I'll ride the monorail back to the Polynesian and then head out to Art of Animation to pick up Caletta and her daughter.  Then it's onto Port Canaveral and the Disney Dream!

Maybe I'll ride a Magic Carpet!

Next on Part 2: My plans for my first day on the Disney Dream!

Happy 4th of July!

Hoping you & yours have a wonderful, fun and safe 4th of July! 

Pre-Trip Report: Wednesday, September 3rd - Help Me Plan!

Today's edition of the Pre-Trip Report is full audience participation - I need your help in deciding how to spend my last day at Disney World!

Wednesday the 3rd is the last full day on Disney World property before I begin the Disney Cruise Line portion of my trip.  I am on the fence about what to do today; I have some ideas.  My only "set in stone" plan is that I have dinner at 7:30PM at Maya Grill at Coronado Springs. Which of the following plans is your favorite? What would you suggest I do?

* Idea A: Have a leisurely morning where I don't have to be anywhere at a set time.  Have some down time at Coronado Springs and plan on having lunch in the food court. In the afternoon, head over to Downtown Disney and do some shopping and leisurely walking around.  Plan on being back at Coronado by 5PM so I have time to get ready and start packing for the cruise before dinner at Maya Grill.

* Idea B: Go to Animal Kingdom in the morning.  Extra Magic Hours are at AK this morning, so I could be at the park by 8AM and tour for a few hours.  I do love that safari!

After Animal Kingdom, head back to Coronado in the afternoon and have more pool time.  In late afternoon / early evening, get ready for dinner and start packing for the cruise!

* Idea C: My final idea combines both Animal Kingdom park & one of the Disney Water Parks.  In 15+ trips I have never been to one of the water parks (I know, I know, shame on ME!) and being that it's center-of-the-sun hot in September, I thought this would be the perfect time to try it out.  This idea would be to start out the morning at Animal Kingdom, then head back to Coronado around lunch time. Grab a quick bite to eat, change into my swimsuit and get on a bus for either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.  If you had to choose, which would you go to?

I would then spend 3-4 hours at the water park, then head back to Coronado Springs to pack and get ready for dinner.

So, what's your vote?  If you were me, how would you spend your last day at Disney World?  I am leaning one way, but I'm interested to hear all of your opinions.  Please post below or comment on Facebook!

Pre-Trip Report: Tuesday, September 2nd

Happy Tuesday, readers!  And the first day of July...this summer is just whizzing by!

And you know the other cool thing?!  Starting today, I get to say - "I am going to Disney next month!" (OK, yes, I know LATE next month but it's the little things, right?!)

The next day of the trip will take me to Epcot ~ I just love this park - - both because of the attractions (like Soarin and Test Track) and also the World Showcase.  As with my Magic Kingdom day, the crowds on this day are predicted to be pretty low, so I am hoping I can get in multiple rides on some of my favorite attractions!

I plan to get to the park when it opens, so I can have plenty of touring time before lunch.  Since the World Showcase doesn't open until 11AM, I will get in plenty of rides on Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space and Living with the Land. I may even hit up the Character Spot and get some pictures with Mickey, Minnie and the gang!

I'll plan on being in the World Showcase when it opens at 11AM, so I can do a leisurely walk around the lake before lunch.  I plan on picking up a Times Guide at the start of the day, so I can catch some of the fun performances and special events at the different countries in the World Showcase.

One of the things I am looking forward to with touring solo is the ability to stay in the shops and countries as long as I want.  Some people like to rush through this part of Epcot but there are so many cool things to see and do.  It'll be nice to wander and see what I like, at my own pace.

After a relaxing morning and early afternoon, I will head over to Les Chefs de France in the France area of World Showcase.  This is another one of the restaurants I have never tried and am excited to eat there for the first time.  The menu sounds very good and I can't wait to be there!

(pictures courtesy of DisneyWorld.com)

After lunch, I will wind my way around the last 1/3rd of World Showcase, stopping in the UK and Canadian sections before making my way out of Epcot.  As I've mentioned before, September tends to be HOT and my plan at this point is to tour in the mornings, and then head back to the resort in the afternoon for some pool and relaxation time.

Epcot's nightly fireworks show, Illuminations, is a favorite of mine.  If I am feeling up to it this night, I will head back into the park later in the evening to catch the show.   I am still getting the knack of fireworks pictures, but I think these turned out pretty cool!

What are your favorite things about Epcot?

Have a magical day!