Live From the Wish, Feb 13-17, Bahamas cruise + DW pre-cruise adventure Feb 8-13

[Ken the cruiser]

We are currently disembarking on Wednesday, Feb 8, from a fun 11-day Caribbean cruise on the NCL Dawn (see my Live From NCL thread for more details) and heading to Orlando where we’re going to spend a few days with family and friends at Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios), Legoland, and a few hours on the last day at the Crayola Experience before heading to Port Canaveral to board our 4-day cruise on the Disney Wish! 😁
 

 
As always, you are welcome to follow along! But please don’t expect any food pictures. That’s just not my thing. However, I will be posting a variety of pictures from our adventures, as those that have followed some of my previous NCL, Princess and Celebrity threads already know! As you might imagine, this is definitely going to be a fun 10 days!! 😁 

 

[phabric]

I will follow along.  I have not been to Disney for a few years.

[Ken the cruiser]

Cool! The last time we were at DW was in late March 2021, right after we got our initial set of vaccines, and there was a 40% capacity restriction and everyone had to wear a mask and social distance while standing in line to get on a ride. I know those restrictions are long gone, but you still have to reserve the days at each park you want to go to. No more just showing up with your park ticket in hand.

 

[jalves]

I'll be interested to hear your take about the Wish.  We've sailed her twice now and I know there is a lot of controversy about its design.  

[markkw07]

I am also interested in your opinion of the Wish. We just did the Holiday Cruise in Dec 2022.

We are looking forward to the arrival of Treasure!

[Ken the cruiser]

3 hours ago, jalves said:

I'll be interested to hear your take about the Wish.  We've sailed her twice now and I know there is a lot of controversy about its design.  

 

1 hour ago, markkw07 said:

I am also interested in your opinion of the Wish. We just did the Holiday Cruise in Dec 2022.

We are looking forward to the arrival of Treasure!

Wow, no pressure! 😂

 

I will say we were lucky enough to book aft-facing balcony cabins for the family when the itinerary first became available, so we’re definitely excited about that! We also won’t be doing any excursions in the Bahamas or possibly at Castaway Cay, as my DW really wants to try the new Aquamouse ride, and we’re figuring the line will be long on the two sea days.

The small family and friends group we will be cruising with also won’t have any children with them, just young at heart Disney loving attitudes! I will also note that I have only been on one previous Disney cruise back in 2019 up in Alaska on the Wonder and had a fantastic time, especially in the adults only area after 9 pm. 😁

Edited February 7, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[markkw07]

1 minute ago, Ken the cruiser said:

 

Wow, no pressure! 😂

 

I will say we were lucky enough to book aft-facing balcony cabins for the family when the itinerary first became available, so we’re definitely excited about that! We also won’t be doing any excursions in the Bahamas or possibly at Castaway Cay, as my DW really wants to try the new Aquamouse ride, and we’re figuring the line will be long on the two sea days.

The small family and friends group we will be cruising with also won’t have any children with them, just young at heart Disney loving attitudes! I will also note that I have only been on one previous Disney cruise back in 2019 up in Alaska on the Wonder and had a fantastic time, especially in the adults only area after 9 pm. 😁

 

 

Haha...no pressure at all! LOL

 

We loved the Aquamouse, and you WILL and DO get wet! Just be prepared for that 🙂 We didn't have to wait too long, peak times its always going to be busy, but port days and later in the day seems to be the best times when the wait was not as long haha...When the wait is long, they did not allow anyone to ride solo, we thought it went faster when it was 2 people in the boat vs 1, which seems odd, but that's

what we determined. LOL

 

We did not do any excursions either. Castaway Cay is a great island and Disney does a good job of accommodating everyone's preference, from the family beaches to Serenity Bay, which is just for people over 18. 

 

Adult area is on the aft end of the ship(deck 13), its not the biggest, but there is a pool and hot tubs....we didnt have any issues with it, but as usual there are those who are going to nit pick and say XX and XX and XX..but it just comes down, it is what it is, again, we didnt have any issue with it....

 

Have a great time, we loved the Wish, no matter what the negative reviews say 😛

[Ken the cruiser]

We have arrived in Tampa! Yay!! Now after eating breakfast one last time on the Dawn, we’ll be disembarking the ship and heading down I-4 to Orlando to start the next leg of our adventure!! 😁

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Here’s a not so fun fact. Everyone has to go through Customs which is setup in the Bliss Ultra Lounge on Deck 7 forward, before getting off the ship! We of course are in the first “walk off” bunch with our luggage.
 

Now to get in line you have to join the line by entering from the outside promenade on Deck 7 at the Stardust Theater entrance.
 

BTW if you think taking an elevator down to 7 other than on the forward set of elevators, forget it. You will have to get off at Deck 8 and walk down the stairs to even get to Deck 7. 😂

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

We have arrived in Orlando after creeping along I-4 for about an hour along the way! Yay!!
 

 
First sign of bird life in Orlando! 😂

 

 
Our plan is to stay at a nearby Hyatt for 2 nights before heading to the Grand Polynesian Hotel Friday morning which is near the Magic Kingdom. Then the plan is to go to MK on Thursday, Hollywood Studios on Friday, Legoland on Saturday, go see Cirque Du Soleil Saturday evening, and Epcot on Sunday after visiting the Crayola Experience Sunday morning. Then on Monday, we head to Port Canaveral!

Edited February 8, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[CruisinMama2003]

Wow, after all of that "Disney-ing" you will definately need this relaxing cruise afterwards haha! 

 

Have the best time! Sounds like an amazing trip you have planned so far 🙂

[Ken the cruiser]

41 minutes ago, CruisinMama2003 said:

Wow, after all of that "Disney-ing" you will definately need this relaxing cruise afterwards haha! 

 

Have the best time! Sounds like an amazing trip you have planned so far 🙂

Thanks! But we’re are already looking for to the cruise, and that’s just from dealing with all the traffic in the Orlando area! 😂

[Norwaylady]

Great! Im ready to follow your next adventure;) 

We have been to Magic Kingdom & Hollywood Studios in 2013.

Very excited for your cruise on Disney. We really want to try it out🤩

[PATRLR]

I assume you've got your reservations for Disney (assuming they are still doing that?  Are they?).

I don't know if you've seen the Cirque show at Disney, we saw it many years ago.  Assuming it's basically the same I still think it was one of the best we've seen.

Last March, during a very hectic time for our families for multiple reasons, we went to Disney to see a nephew who was marching in a parade.  We had very little time to plan anything more than flights, car, and a place to stay (no planning is unusual for me).  We arrive and are having dinner at the bar in, I think, Rainforest Cafe and start talking about which parks to go to and when.  Looking at phones for ticket pricing ad such a couple of us realize at nearly the same moment that reservations are required, we have none, and there are none available (it's a school break week)!  You've got to be kidding me - we came all this way and won't even be able to get into the parks????  

Shortening the story, we ultimately "finagled" our way to getting reservations and tickets and had a great vacation.  But boy that first night at dinner was one of those moments we won't forget and talk about to this day ;).  

I've enjoyed you last couple reviews and really looking forward to this one.

Edited February 9, 2023 by PATRLR

[Ken the cruiser]

36 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

I assume you've got your reservations for Disney (assuming they are still doing that?  Are they?).

I don't know if you've seen the Cirque show at Disney, we saw it many years ago.  Assuming it's basically the same I still think it was one of the best we've seen.

Last March, during a very hectic time for our families for multiple reasons, we went to Disney to see a nephew who was marching in a parade.  We had very little time to plan anything more than flights, car, and a place to stay (no planning is unusual for me).  We arrive and are having dinner at the bar in, I think, Rainforest Cafe and start talking about which parks to go to when.  Looking at phones for ticket pricing ad such a couple of us realize at nearly the same moment that reservations are required, we have none, and there are none available (it's a school break week)!  You've got to be kidding me - we came all this way and won't even be able to get into the parks????  

Shortening the story, we ultimately "finagled" our way to getting reservations and tickets and had a great vacation.  But boy that first night at dinner was one of those moments we won't forget and talk about to this day ;).  

I've enjoyed you last couple reviews and really looking forward to this one.

Luckily, our DD and her spouse have been planing this weeklong DW anniversary party for friends and family for months, and gave us guidance on what was required months ago. For us we booked a 3 day park-hopper pass via the Disney app. First, we only had to note the number of tickets and time span we needed. The more tickets per person you requested, the larger the span. In our case we were given a 5-day span to make the specific 3 park reservations. Later on when we knew the exact dates based on the “party” schedule, we were able to reserve the specific parks on the days within that span. Now our other daughter and her son, who had only made Disney hotel reservations and forgot to make the specific park day reservations was able to complete their specific park reservations just a few days ago. I guess it pays to book a Disney hotel!

 

We too saw the Cirque show over 10 years ago. But our DD said this is supposedly a new one, so we’ll see. However, at our age who can remember any show that far back! 😂

 

Well the park today opens at 9 am until 11 pm, and it’s a beautiful day, so it’s time to get ready to head out and start the party!  Also, as we will be on our own for dinner at MK tonight, as the others have dinner plans at Victoria and Alberts, my DW was able to make last minute early reservations at the Be My Guest restaurant in Magic Kingdom! So let the party begin!! 😁
 

 

Edited February 9, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[silkismom]

Nothing like a little Freddie with my morning coffee.😂

[Ken the cruiser]

What a first day at the Magic Kingdom! We arrived at the Magic Kingdom parking lot around 10 am.

 

 

And then walked to the entrance where we boarded the Ferry to take us over to the Magic Kingdom. We could have taken the monorail, but thought this would be more fun!

 

 

 

Our first glimpse of the Magic Kingdom!

 

 
We passed by the Contemporary Hotel along the way.

 

 
Then there was the greeting committee as we disembarked the Ferry. 😂

 

 
Finally, we made it to Main Street! All together it took us about an hour to get from the hotel, walk from the car to the Ferry, and then cruise over to the park. Nothing is quick when it comes to Disney! 😂

 

 

 
First we went to Tomorrowland to meet up with our daughters who had gotten there pretty much when the doors opened at 8:30 am.

 

 

Then we headed off to the People Mover to get an overhead view of Tomorrowland.

 

 
Tron Lightcycle Run, the new roller coaster ride than opens in April 4th!

 

 
Then we headed past Cinderella’s Castle over to Adventure Land.

  

 

 

 

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

 
Haunted Mansion

 

 

 
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel behind the Cinderella Castle

  

 

 
Then we headed over to the Pirates of the Caribbean. But on the way we signed up via the Disney App for the Genie Plus program for $20 per person. The benefit of the Genie Plus passes worked the same way as the Fast Passes used to (for free). Basically they allowed us to get on a ride usually within 5-10 minutes rather than waiting in line with a wait time of usually 45-60+ minutes! For us it was definitely worth the extra $$. Here’s a picture of the Pirates line we totally bypassed using the genie Plus pass! 😁

 

 
Pirates of the Caribbean

 

 
Inside the Enchanted Tiki Room and their singing birds and other mechanical wonders!

 

 
Then we headed back over between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland to drive the cars, which was quite fun!

 

 

 
Then it was time to relax on a ride through It’s a Small Word.

 

 

 

There was definitely no shortage of strollers with mom and dad pushing their little ones around! 😂
 
 

 
The Cinderella statue in front of her castle.

 

 
Then it was time to head over to the Be My Guest restaurant under the Beauty and the Beast Castle for what turned out to be a fantastic meal!

 

 
Then after dinner we headed over the Jungle cruise, but unfortunately it was too dark to take any pictures on that ride. Then it was time to head back to Cinderella’s Castle and Main Street to watch the fireworks!! But as one might imagine the whole area was packed!!

 

 
So we decided to head to the Ferry and watch the fireworks from there, which turned out to be an awesome idea! Here’s what the Ferry looked like when we boarded!

 

 
And here are only a few of the many firework displays we saw over a 20+ minute span! 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And then the sprinkles started when we were sitting on the tram waiting to head back to the parking area where we were parked. And by the time we were driving out of the parking lot, the rain started to come down harder and lightening started flashing all over!
 

Like I said earlier, it turned out to be an awesome idea to watch the fireworks from the Ferry! But I have to say we did not envy the many 1000s who chose to leave after the fireworks or possibly stay in the park until closing at 11 pm as the rain started to get pretty heavy about 10-15 minutes after the fireworks were over.

Edited February 10, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[LizikinsLivesToCruise]

Wow! Fantastic Live From thread as usual, Ken. Haven't been to DW in almost 20 years! 

[Ken the cruiser]

For those interested to learn more about the Genie Plus, here’s a link that may help. The price is $20 per day if you want to purchase the Genie’s Lightening Lane service.

 
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/genie/lightning-lane/#drawer-card-drawerRecommender

 

Or just about the entire Genie service.

 
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/genie/?ef_id=6e301b5c5e5d1d67f07b78ba1ecbbe98:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!5060!10!80058321077247!80058445424401&CMP=KNC-FY23_WDW_TRA_EROC_W365_SCP_WGNIE_GeneralGenie_GeneralKWS_EXACT|B|5231213.RR.AM.01.01|MSX0BRP|BR|80058321077247&keyword_id=kwd-80058445424401:loc-4089|dc|disney genie plus service|80058321077247|e|5060:10|&msclkid=6e301b5c5e5d1d67f07b78ba1ecbbe98

 

Edited February 10, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

Day 2 - We check into the Disney Polynesian Hotel this morning and then spend the day at Hollywood Studios with family and friends! Then this evening after the fireworks, we’re off on a very special adventure to enjoy our DD and her spouse’s anniversary party at an Epcot After Hours event!! 😄
 

Should have some more pictures to post later on as it’s supposed to be another beautiful day and evening, hopefully! 

[phabric]

I have been to Disney when they had Fast Pass and you have to choose day, time, and ride and they gave you about a hour time period to use it..

 

With the Genie, I know the price is per day.

Do you have to choose time, and ride? Or just show up at the ride?

Is there a line at each ride just for Genie?

[Ken the cruiser]

2 minutes ago, phabric said:

I have been to Disney when they had Fast Pass and you have to choose day, time, and ride and they gave you about a hour time period to use it..

 

With the Genie, I know the price is per day.

Do you have to choose time, and ride? Or just show up at the ride?

Is there a line at each ride just for Genie?

Yes, you have to choose the 1 hour time frame you want to go on an applicable ride. But as soon as you check in on that ride you can book another one. There are some other 2+ hour booking options, but that’s pretty much it. 

[Norwaylady]

Lovely pictures🤩 can’t wait for the rest😁 Your climate and temperature are a bit better then here🤣🤣🤣 ( it’s been full storm the last days in the north of Norway) 

 

Greetings from Hurtigruten, Ms Nord-Norge⚓️ we are going to visit Jarle father this weekend. 
So we are sailing Bodø- Nesna🚢

[Ken the cruiser]

Checked into the Disney Polynesian Resort today, but it was a long day and we didn’t actually get to our room until around 1 am! 
  

 
Then it was off to Hollywood Studios!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got to go to a special party at Epcot after closing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

[Ken the cruiser]

11 hours ago, Norwaylady said:

Lovely pictures🤩 can’t wait for the rest😁 Your climate and temperature are a bit better then here🤣🤣🤣 ( it’s been full storm the last days in the north of Norway) 

 

Greetings from Hurtigruten, Ms Nord-Norge⚓️ we are going to visit Jarle father this weekend. 
So we are sailing Bodø- Nesna🚢

What, I would have thought most of the inland sea water would have all been frozen up there this time of year! Happy cruising!!! 😂