Cast: me, DH, DS, sister, & BIL
SUNDAY, 4/14:
While I repack the overnite bag DH & DS go to Mickey D's across from the Radisson to get breakfast biscuits. When they return we begin to rearrange the bags to go to the port.
Tip: I packed a flat corrugated cardboard box for this trip.
We had 5 bags to check and I used this box to pack everything else; the collapsible cooler we used in the car, a treasure chest for DS, a crate which contained DH's "survival kit," the beach tote and DS's backpack, extra canned drinks, snacks and other miscellaneous stuff that would have had to be carried on otherwise.
We checked out of the Radisson. Our plan was to drive both vehicles to the port and drop off DS, sister, and BIL (who is handicapped and has trouble walking long distances), carry-ons, and all the luggage. DH & I would then return to the Radisson, park the vehicles and catch the shuttle back to the port.
Drop off was easy, return to Radisson was easy, parking and the shuttle back was not!
When you check into the Radisson your room key card operates the gate to parking near the rooms. Once you check out you no longer have access to this area. I went back in to the Radisson desk and asked where to park the cars and if they wanted any info such as vehicle descriptions, tag #s, names, etc. They wanted no info and I was told to park anywhere out front. They also have an Avis rental site at the hotel so parking out front was scarce because about 1/2 the spaces are marked for Avis cars. The Radisson also operates a convention center adjacent to the hotel and we considered parking there. But any vehicles left there could easily be targeted for break-in so we decided against it. It took about 30 minutes to park the Expedition and the mini-van -- now on to catch the shuttle!
The Radisson shuttle is severely understaffed. There are not nearly enough vehicles to handle the number of people/bags which need to be delivered to port in such a short amount of time.
I saw 1 mini-van and 1 15-passenger van. We did not make reservations for the shuttle because we were told the evening before that if we were going to the port without luggage we could probably hop on the first shuttle with another family.
It is now about 11:30 a.m. There about 10-12 families with their luggage waiting for the shuttle. DH spoke with the Radisson driver and he agreed we could go along on his next shuttle run. However, in the 30 minutes we waited no shuttles left. Both the mini-van and the larger van were there but not being loaded. DH was getting frustrated with this situation. He approached the Avis shuttle driver and asked him if we could ride with him. He agreed and we left in a 15-passenger van with only 3 other passengers and their luggage. He dropped us off in the middle of the secured parking lot across the street from the terminal. (This is the designated drop-off/pick-up point for all shuttles and taxis.) DH tipped the Avis driver $5 and he said we could use the Avis shuttle when we returned if we were planning to do the same thing. We thanked him and were on our way to check in.
I'm going to jump ahead and cover our return so that all this info is together.
When we debarked from the ship the porters who assisted with luggage take you to the same parking lot across the street, dump your bags and leave you to wait in line for the shuttle.
We insisted that our bags be left in front of the terminal along with DS, sister & BIL. We were planning to do the reverse of our embarkation. We walked over to the shuttle area; it's about 9:00 a.m. and already about 85 degrees. There were about 20 families/luggage waiting on various shuttles in the middle of this hot parking lot. Little kids were already complaining. DH approached a taxi and the driver agreed to take us to the Radisson for $5. We passed the Radisson and Avis shuttles on the way back. It was great to arrive at the Radisson and see both vehicles.
Would I park at the Radisson again? Only if I had more than 1 vehicle to park. We saved about $70 in parking fees but I was leary of the security at the Radisson. I would also not check out until I was ready to take the shuttle back to the port so that I could park my vehicle at the back of the hotel. And I would definitely use a taxi instead of the shuttle. With just one vehicle I would just plan to park in secured lot at the terminal to avoid all the hassle and time involved.
Back to embarkation:
We checked in about 12:30 p.m. and it was extremely easy. Boarding had already begun. I must compliment the Disney personnel. BIL & sister were moved to the front of the boarding line and allowed to wait on us just inside the atrium. BIL was repeatedly asked if he needed any assistance or a wheelchair all throughout the trip.
The DCL personnel announced our arrival and we were off through the atrium. Mickey was there to greet us.
There was a lot of confusion and chaos in the atrium area. Two tables set up for mug sales. Everyone (inlcuding me) seemed to feel it was necessary to stop and purchase these right then. In addition to the mugs they were also selling carrying straps which could be attached through the mug handle or a water bottle. These were white straps with the DCL logo and cost $2 each.
Just a note: the complimentary mugs from AAA are different from the ones sold on the boat. The ones from AAA are white and red and have a screen printed DCL logo and say "Compliments of AAA," the others are white and red, yellow or blue and say "The Wonder" on them.
Members of my group were directed to move on ahead of me to Parrot Cay while I redeemed our coupons for the complimentary AAA mugs. I also bought 2 of the straps (these were rarely used).
I would suggest that you walk right thru this area and take care of getting the mugs later. It's fewer less items to juggle along with your carry-ons and not nearly as busy in this area just an hour later.
Anyway, when I was done I followed the DCL rep's directions towards Parrot Cay expecting to meet up with my group. I was told at Parrot Cay that it was full and to proceed to Beach Blanket up on deck 9. I hustled up to deck 9, snagged a table, and looked for my group. Nowhere to be seen. Rested a minute and whipped out the cell phone. They are all happily ensconsed in Parrot Cay eating shrimp and chillin'!!! (We tried the hand held radios but there was lots of static and we picked up other conversations so we only used the cell phones. Of course you can only use these while in port.)
The announcement was made that rooms were ready while we were finishing lunch. DH and I went off to make Palo and Spa reservations. We got our second choice for Palo (Tuesday nite) and the last Surial appointment available (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.). You definitely should not wait to make these ressies.
Headed back to meet up with our group. Escorted sister and BIL to their cabin #5639 and got them settled and then onto our cabin #7614. We both discovered Mickey totes filled with treats from sister's MIL. What a nice surprise!! All but one of our bags were already in the cabin. (This makes me seriously reconsider the amount of carryon stuff that is necessary.) DH decided to chill on the verandah while I went with DS to sign up for the Lab.
DS was very pleased with what we found at the Lab and immediately took up with several others there while the parents completed registration. DS was allowed to sign himself in & out. I was not completely comfortable with this. So I insisted on being given one of the text beepers. I told DS that when he signed in he should have one of the counselors beep me with a text message that he had arrived and if he signed out that he should also beep me with his plans. If I checked up on him and he was not where he was supposed to be this privilege would be revoked. He did great with this privlige. By Tuesday I did notice groups of 3-5 boys, mostly in the 10-12 age group roaming the ship unsupervised. I guess by then they had figured it out. Personally I think 13 should be the age to have free run of the ship. OK -- I'm off the soapbox.
Back to the cabin to change for the Sailaway when there was a knock at the door-received the Mickey cheese, cracker, fruit tray from my cousin. Unpacked and stowed suitcases under the bed and Greg, our host stored the cardboard box for us to use when we left. He already had ice in cabin and had the temp adjusted. DS headed to the Mickey pool while we found spots for the party. Great Sailaway party! DH, DS and I headed to the Hercules show. Sister and BIL just enjoyed the deck party. We met up shortly after the Herc show and went to Mickey Mania. Sister & DS were contestants. They were the Goofy team and came in second place. First place winners received a "real gold-colored medal." We returned to the cabin for Dramamine; DS & DH also used Seabands. Onto to Parrot Cay for our first dinner. We had the 8:30 p.m. seating and wonderful servers- Daniel, Sunil and Donavan. Our dining companions were from the Boston area, two boys-14 & 9 and 1 girl-7, and mom & dad. I'm not sure if they read the brochure regarding dining attire or just chose to ignore it. When the 9 yr old asked my son why he was so dressed up he replied because that's what the Captain requested! Mom, dad & daughter's attire was ok but the boys were alway in athletic type tops and shorts (on one occasion it was a cut of sweat shirt.) Our dining companions were really feeling the boat and suffered through dinner-eating little and leaving early. Dinner was ok and afterwards DS headed to the Lab. Sister & BIL went back to their cabin. DH & I went to cabin for a break and then on to Duelin' Pianos and the Cadillac lounge. DS met up with sister and they saw "The Count of Monte Cristo." Upon return to the cabin, beds were turned down, and we had a doggie towel critter. I finished unpacking, completed the room service order for next a.m. and waited on DS to return from the movie. I sat on the verandah to unwind just a little.
SUNDAY, 4/14:
While I repack the overnite bag DH & DS go to Mickey D's across from the Radisson to get breakfast biscuits. When they return we begin to rearrange the bags to go to the port.
Tip: I packed a flat corrugated cardboard box for this trip.
We had 5 bags to check and I used this box to pack everything else; the collapsible cooler we used in the car, a treasure chest for DS, a crate which contained DH's "survival kit," the beach tote and DS's backpack, extra canned drinks, snacks and other miscellaneous stuff that would have had to be carried on otherwise.
We checked out of the Radisson. Our plan was to drive both vehicles to the port and drop off DS, sister, and BIL (who is handicapped and has trouble walking long distances), carry-ons, and all the luggage. DH & I would then return to the Radisson, park the vehicles and catch the shuttle back to the port.
Drop off was easy, return to Radisson was easy, parking and the shuttle back was not!
When you check into the Radisson your room key card operates the gate to parking near the rooms. Once you check out you no longer have access to this area. I went back in to the Radisson desk and asked where to park the cars and if they wanted any info such as vehicle descriptions, tag #s, names, etc. They wanted no info and I was told to park anywhere out front. They also have an Avis rental site at the hotel so parking out front was scarce because about 1/2 the spaces are marked for Avis cars. The Radisson also operates a convention center adjacent to the hotel and we considered parking there. But any vehicles left there could easily be targeted for break-in so we decided against it. It took about 30 minutes to park the Expedition and the mini-van -- now on to catch the shuttle!
The Radisson shuttle is severely understaffed. There are not nearly enough vehicles to handle the number of people/bags which need to be delivered to port in such a short amount of time.
I saw 1 mini-van and 1 15-passenger van. We did not make reservations for the shuttle because we were told the evening before that if we were going to the port without luggage we could probably hop on the first shuttle with another family.
It is now about 11:30 a.m. There about 10-12 families with their luggage waiting for the shuttle. DH spoke with the Radisson driver and he agreed we could go along on his next shuttle run. However, in the 30 minutes we waited no shuttles left. Both the mini-van and the larger van were there but not being loaded. DH was getting frustrated with this situation. He approached the Avis shuttle driver and asked him if we could ride with him. He agreed and we left in a 15-passenger van with only 3 other passengers and their luggage. He dropped us off in the middle of the secured parking lot across the street from the terminal. (This is the designated drop-off/pick-up point for all shuttles and taxis.) DH tipped the Avis driver $5 and he said we could use the Avis shuttle when we returned if we were planning to do the same thing. We thanked him and were on our way to check in.
I'm going to jump ahead and cover our return so that all this info is together.
When we debarked from the ship the porters who assisted with luggage take you to the same parking lot across the street, dump your bags and leave you to wait in line for the shuttle.
We insisted that our bags be left in front of the terminal along with DS, sister & BIL. We were planning to do the reverse of our embarkation. We walked over to the shuttle area; it's about 9:00 a.m. and already about 85 degrees. There were about 20 families/luggage waiting on various shuttles in the middle of this hot parking lot. Little kids were already complaining. DH approached a taxi and the driver agreed to take us to the Radisson for $5. We passed the Radisson and Avis shuttles on the way back. It was great to arrive at the Radisson and see both vehicles.
Would I park at the Radisson again? Only if I had more than 1 vehicle to park. We saved about $70 in parking fees but I was leary of the security at the Radisson. I would also not check out until I was ready to take the shuttle back to the port so that I could park my vehicle at the back of the hotel. And I would definitely use a taxi instead of the shuttle. With just one vehicle I would just plan to park in secured lot at the terminal to avoid all the hassle and time involved.
Back to embarkation:
We checked in about 12:30 p.m. and it was extremely easy. Boarding had already begun. I must compliment the Disney personnel. BIL & sister were moved to the front of the boarding line and allowed to wait on us just inside the atrium. BIL was repeatedly asked if he needed any assistance or a wheelchair all throughout the trip.
The DCL personnel announced our arrival and we were off through the atrium. Mickey was there to greet us.
There was a lot of confusion and chaos in the atrium area. Two tables set up for mug sales. Everyone (inlcuding me) seemed to feel it was necessary to stop and purchase these right then. In addition to the mugs they were also selling carrying straps which could be attached through the mug handle or a water bottle. These were white straps with the DCL logo and cost $2 each.
Just a note: the complimentary mugs from AAA are different from the ones sold on the boat. The ones from AAA are white and red and have a screen printed DCL logo and say "Compliments of AAA," the others are white and red, yellow or blue and say "The Wonder" on them.
Members of my group were directed to move on ahead of me to Parrot Cay while I redeemed our coupons for the complimentary AAA mugs. I also bought 2 of the straps (these were rarely used).
I would suggest that you walk right thru this area and take care of getting the mugs later. It's fewer less items to juggle along with your carry-ons and not nearly as busy in this area just an hour later.
Anyway, when I was done I followed the DCL rep's directions towards Parrot Cay expecting to meet up with my group. I was told at Parrot Cay that it was full and to proceed to Beach Blanket up on deck 9. I hustled up to deck 9, snagged a table, and looked for my group. Nowhere to be seen. Rested a minute and whipped out the cell phone. They are all happily ensconsed in Parrot Cay eating shrimp and chillin'!!! (We tried the hand held radios but there was lots of static and we picked up other conversations so we only used the cell phones. Of course you can only use these while in port.)
The announcement was made that rooms were ready while we were finishing lunch. DH and I went off to make Palo and Spa reservations. We got our second choice for Palo (Tuesday nite) and the last Surial appointment available (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.). You definitely should not wait to make these ressies.
Headed back to meet up with our group. Escorted sister and BIL to their cabin #5639 and got them settled and then onto our cabin #7614. We both discovered Mickey totes filled with treats from sister's MIL. What a nice surprise!! All but one of our bags were already in the cabin. (This makes me seriously reconsider the amount of carryon stuff that is necessary.) DH decided to chill on the verandah while I went with DS to sign up for the Lab.
DS was very pleased with what we found at the Lab and immediately took up with several others there while the parents completed registration. DS was allowed to sign himself in & out. I was not completely comfortable with this. So I insisted on being given one of the text beepers. I told DS that when he signed in he should have one of the counselors beep me with a text message that he had arrived and if he signed out that he should also beep me with his plans. If I checked up on him and he was not where he was supposed to be this privilege would be revoked. He did great with this privlige. By Tuesday I did notice groups of 3-5 boys, mostly in the 10-12 age group roaming the ship unsupervised. I guess by then they had figured it out. Personally I think 13 should be the age to have free run of the ship. OK -- I'm off the soapbox.
Back to the cabin to change for the Sailaway when there was a knock at the door-received the Mickey cheese, cracker, fruit tray from my cousin. Unpacked and stowed suitcases under the bed and Greg, our host stored the cardboard box for us to use when we left. He already had ice in cabin and had the temp adjusted. DS headed to the Mickey pool while we found spots for the party. Great Sailaway party! DH, DS and I headed to the Hercules show. Sister and BIL just enjoyed the deck party. We met up shortly after the Herc show and went to Mickey Mania. Sister & DS were contestants. They were the Goofy team and came in second place. First place winners received a "real gold-colored medal." We returned to the cabin for Dramamine; DS & DH also used Seabands. Onto to Parrot Cay for our first dinner. We had the 8:30 p.m. seating and wonderful servers- Daniel, Sunil and Donavan. Our dining companions were from the Boston area, two boys-14 & 9 and 1 girl-7, and mom & dad. I'm not sure if they read the brochure regarding dining attire or just chose to ignore it. When the 9 yr old asked my son why he was so dressed up he replied because that's what the Captain requested! Mom, dad & daughter's attire was ok but the boys were alway in athletic type tops and shorts (on one occasion it was a cut of sweat shirt.) Our dining companions were really feeling the boat and suffered through dinner-eating little and leaving early. Dinner was ok and afterwards DS headed to the Lab. Sister & BIL went back to their cabin. DH & I went to cabin for a break and then on to Duelin' Pianos and the Cadillac lounge. DS met up with sister and they saw "The Count of Monte Cristo." Upon return to the cabin, beds were turned down, and we had a doggie towel critter. I finished unpacking, completed the room service order for next a.m. and waited on DS to return from the movie. I sat on the verandah to unwind just a little.
