Solo On The 3-night Wonder
WDW Annual Passholders Cruise
Part Two
I really enjoyed meeting other DISers on the Wonder. We had a mini DIS Meet in the Promenade Lounge on embarkation day. That was a good location, since the weather outside was so cold and windy. Several people showed up, and all were most likeable. It is always nice to put faces to the names and to discover that there are a lot of terrific personalities among the DIS.
As mentioned on the previous page, this cruise had a special program for WDW annual passholders. Each stateroom of a passholder received a limited-edition lithograph created just for Passholder Families onboard. There was also a special button to wear to allow Crew and other Passholders to recognize us. Limited-edition Passholder pins were available. I got one each, of two different styles. On Friday there was a group session in the Walt Disney Theatre with famous Character Artist Don "Ducky" Williams (who designed the lithograph, button and pin). While speaking to the group, he stood onstage and drew sketches of various characters, one each on a large sketch pad. We were each provided a raffle ticket. At the end of the session they called ticket numbers. Those who were called could come up and pick which sketch they wanted to take home. I was one of the lucky ones, and of course I selected his sketch of Chip.
Everyone got up on the stage for a group photograph. We all had to sign a photo release for this cruise. I learned that Expedia was also doing some 360 filming. Don "Ducky" Williams had another session to teach passholders how to draw Mickey, but I have attended one before so I skipped it for other activities. However, I did have my lithograph personally autographed by him during the opportunity at Treasure Ketch.
Although guests braved the cold for the Sail-Away party on Deck 9, the Tropical Party on Nassau night was moved to the Atrium. It was very crowded, but certainly better than freezing up on deck. The ship was rolling a lot due to the rough seas. Everyone was worried about the possibility of not being able to dock at Castaway Cay. As it turned out, we docked as scheduled. It was a bit cool and windy in the morning, but sunny and warmer (in comparison) in the afternoon. Still, I think most people chose not to go in the water due to the temperature.
Although I love Castaway Cay, it would not bother me terribly if we were unable to dock, since I cruise more to experience the ship rather than the destinations, and I enjoy a day at sea. However, it would surely be miserable to be surrounded by disgruntled guests who think Disney should be able to control the weather. Thankfully, we did dock, which also meant my favorite server had the afternoon off this time, and I was happy for him.
One of the highlights of this cruise was that I met Bari (DIS name "organicb"), with whom I had been e-mailing for some time and discovered we have much in common. She and her family were doing back-to-back Wonder cruises. Bari and I attended the Castaway Club returning cruisers reception together, hung out on the ship observing other guests and talking about servers.
I must explain about my recent focus on the servers of the Wonder. I have come to realize that they work extremely hard and do not always receive their deserved rewards. Many guests seem to avoid showing up on the final evening, which is when tips are distributed. Most of these servers take their work seriously, which is the Disney way. The job is hectic and stressful. They must tolerate people who make unreasonable demands regarding food or service. Then there are guests such as myself, having been spoiled by a server who knows exactly what I like and when I want it.
Someone once suggested that thoughtful guests should wear a button that reads, "Be kind to a Cast Member" (Disney's term for an employee). This year my motto is "Be kind to a server." Service (with a smile) is what it is all about. Disney Cruise Line does it best . . . with a little help from the Croatians ;).
My next DCL Cruises - 25 May 03, Disney Wonder 4-day; back-to-back 25 Sept. 03, Disney Wonder 3-day and 28 Sept. 03, Disney Wonder 4-day; 11 Oct. 03, Disney Magic 7-day Western Caribbean.
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