Godiva5

Also got off Adventure of the Seas this morning. Because of greatly reduced passenger count, EVERYTHING was a breeze except guest services. Our reservation was so screwed up. We boarded at 11:30 but  didn’t get everything straitened out until 9:00 pm. They sold our balcony stateroom to another couple! We ended up with a Jr. suite for an additional $100. SO MANY folks canceled due to COVID concerns and they had a lot of people in the wrong staterooms on deck 8 alone. It was a mess!  Once it was all straightened out, we had a good time. Only other snag was all of the increasing daily entertainment cancelations. Not a whole lot to do but eat, drink, walk, repeat. The crew were so awesome❣️Delayed departure from Cozumel to swap out crew with Serenade of the Seas. Passengers were very respectful of COVID protocols. I really hope the crew remain healthy this season. Take extra masks. It was super gusty and they were flying off faces! 😉

Save you $$ and, just hang out on the beach. Our family of 10 managed to score a really sweet spot on the beach with not one but TWO hammock's under shade trees! It was perfect. Best nap I've taken in ages. :) Why would you want to hang out in a little room when you could be enoying the sun and surf?

We were on The Dream when the ship was positioned closer to port for a launch viewing on Thurs. morning. It was rescheduled several times before finally being scrubbed. After that, we headed back out to sea. The launch was set again for Friday 7 AM. My son-in-law missed our 6:45 AM breakfast in Animator's Palate to watch it on deck 12 at 7:00 AM. Pretty cool!

We just returned from our Disney Dream 4-day cruise yesterday. Prior to sailing, I reserved a trip back to MCO for our party of 10 family members. As they instructed, I called them for pick up just as everyone was curbside. Took them all of 2 minutes before the van pulled up. The family group next to us also called them but, he called out our name. John "JR" was our able driver. Older gentleman, personable, professional and very helpful. Loaded all of our luggage and, put the step stool out to assist my elderly Mom into the van. Pleasant and genuine small talk (lots of info about the area) on the trip. We were VERY pleased with their service. Gratuity was already factored into our pre-paid reservation. Slipped him an extra tip for his impeccable service. I HIGHLY recommend Cocoa Beach Shuttle and will use them again.;)

Hey Rover11, we're also sailing on the Dec. 1st Dream cruise. Flying in on Sunday from CA, IL & TX. No snow here in Chicago but, cold as all get out! So looking forward to sunny, warm weather and precious family time.:) Safe travels to Cape Canaveral.

Hey Rover11, we're also sailing on the Dec. 1st Dream cruise. Flying in on Sunday from CA, IL & TX. No snow here in Chicago but, cold as all get out! So looking forward to sunny, warm weather and precious family time.:) Safe travels to Cape Canaveral.

Thanks for responding Moki'smommy. :D I'll do some research on those as a possible alternate. Reliability, cost and, ability to transport all 10 of us as a group are what we're mainly looking for.

First Disney Cruise and looking to do return shuttle service to MCO from Port Canaveral. Found Cocoa Beach Shuttle online. Seriously considering reserving with them for our return trip the MCO. Anyone have first-hand experience using Cocoa Beach Shuttle's service. Also looking for an alternate service.

We are doing a one-way rental of two cars when we arrive the day prior. Want to take advantage of zipping around town for a little sightseeing, beverage/snack run for the ship and going to dinner. Will drop-off before heading to port the following morning. Thanks for your advise.

Yep, that's right. Doing the 30-day dance over here:D. Spent the day purging at the house. Donation pick up scheduled, putting winter clothes in bins and setting aside (warmer) weather clothing for our VERY FIRST Disney cruise. It's been brutally cold in Chicago these past few days so, REALLY looking forward to a warmer, tropical breeze.

Any words of wisdom or advise to pass on to us?

Well, by now, the hospital nurse's interview on the Today Show has been seen over and OVER again. Take reasonable, necessary sanitary precautions as usual. Wash your hands frequently, steer clear of sick people, don't (you) cough on folks. Stay well rested, check the worrying at the door and.....CRUISE ON! :)

Well, by now, the hospital nurse's interview on the Today Show has been seen over and OVER again. Take reasonable, necessary sanitary precautions AS USUAL. Wash your hands frequently, steer clear of sick people, don't (you) cough on folks. Stay well rested, check the worrying at the door and.....CRUISE ON! :)

Do you have children or grandchildren? My granddaughter will be the only child in our party of 10. She asked me to make her a pillowcase for character signing (and I did). If you're not crafty, check out ETSY. You can give them as gifts to family and friends when you return for the holidays or, as a special treat for that special someone. You can also drop off hats, t-shirts, photo frame mats, mugs, etc. at Guest Services on your first day.

Based on advise of CC members, I'll be including fabric markers for the pillowcase signing. Also taking photo mats for great-grandma.

There are a whole host of door magnet and t-shirt designers over on the Disboards website. You can check out their "DISIGNS" and, just for the asking, they will customize designs just for you, at no cost - FREE.

Also, your kids can be creative on their own. Should be a lot of fun! Warning - the only "approved" way to adhere your door decorations is with magnets. No tape, glue, putty, etc. is permitted. Michaels & JoAnn sell magnet sheets and rolls that, you can cut the size you need and simply adhere to the back of your designs.

You've got lots of options. Just don't wait until the last minute. :D

moki'smommy, as a seasoned Disney traveler, you give us newbies such great and useful advise. :D

I hadn't even thought of the day from the Disney experience factor. Thanks one and all for sharing your remembrances. We were ALL affected, no matter what we were doing on that day in history. Whether vacationing, at home caring for a sick school age child, at work, traveling for business, giving birth or burying a loved one.....we each had very distinct remembrances of that so so tragic day.

Thanks for the feedback. Would love to be in the Royal Palace for dress up night.

Is it possible to find out what our dinning rotation is prior to boarding?

Hi...I don't believe you are allowed to bring/use a Magic Bullet onboard...

I would suggest you bring some vodka and mix it with the free soda and juice from the Cabana's..however, you cannot walk around with an alcoholic beverage made by yourself...you will have to enjoy it in your stateroom...

Well well, lookie hear......I just went down to the (rarely used) bar in my basement to scoop up my Magic Bullet and found a pocket sized "Cocktails for Dummies". That will be perfect to take. So, my mini bar set-up will include: jigger for measuring, single serve mini cocktail shaker and corkscrew for the vino. :D

Electric blenders are on the prohibited item list.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-cruise-plans/faqs/prohibited-items/prohibited-items/

Thanks for the prohibited list link. I see your point. I always bring my extension devise (it's not corded but a plug-in just the same) and travel iron. Now, am I brave enough to try bringing my Magic Bullet? Maybe just my cocktail shaker.

Just when we no longer have to think about Rum Runners..... LOL :D

Hey folks. Many have given lots of suggestions on where to shop for beverages to bring onboard, for the stateroom.

Any quick and easy cocktail recipes, that can be whipped up in the stateroom, for enjoying while sunning around the pool or on your verandah? I'm not a mixologist but, I'm so tempted to bring my Magic Bullet for a frozen concoction or smoothies.

Hit me with your best "shot" (pun intended)! :rolleyes:

be sure to use the cash lanes and KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS AND RENTAL AGREEMENT.

 

There have been numerous cases of people getting billed by their car rental agency a couple months or more after the fact for "running tolls."

I just went through a battle with Alamo from our time in the Dallas/Ft Worth area in July. I was never told about the toll roads (all camera monitored -no booths) Alamo said it's not their responsibility to inform their renters!!! They are so sneeky. After I finished with them, they dropped the $20 surcharge they billed me. That's why I'm particularly asking. Tolls are almost inevitable now but, I just need to be informed and prepared.:rolleyes:

I'll make sure to have quarters and singles available and ready to roll.

We are paying 24.50 for a one way rental from Budget for a compact to cape canaveral this friday from orlando airport. That is the total cost, no drop off charge.

How are you getting such a low price?:confused:

Just trying to factor in everything for our rental trip from MCO to Residence Inn in Cocoa Beach. What is the toll rate for that stretch of roadway? Is the system like the Dallas/Fort Worth area in where, they have camera's take a picture of your license and, they send you a bill you or, do you toss your coins in a tube or pay the attendant at an actual toll booth?

I really, really appreciate your feedback everyone. Got some final homework to do so I can book a car this weekend.:D Looking forward to trying out one of the restaurants listed for dinner.

We're sailing on the Dream on Dec. 1st. after flying into MCO the day before and, staying at Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach.

Since Mom is flying in separately from CA, I thought it would be better to do a one-way car rental and double back to the airport to pick her up later in the day/evening. I don't like waiting til the last minute to finalize plans, ESPECIALLY since, none of our party has been on a Disney cruise before. :eek: We have a total party of 10 but, we are flying in from several states and, at different times. Some may opt to reserve a private shuttle ride to the hotel but, I really don't want my elderly Mom to be bothered with that when she arrives at night.

I figure, since we'll have a rental car, we can also do a stop-drop-n-roll at a store for snacks and beverages to bring on-board and, importantly, drop Mom curbside at the port.

Any solid suggestions for rental car deals or valid coupons? Helpful tips for getting around the area, what stores or restaurants are good? I want to reserve ASAP. Thanks for your input.