Journal Through Panama Canal

[calmom]

Hi Everyone! Not sure if some has already post some details..but I'll post a few. We are sailing out of Castaway right now! Mickey hands waving good-bye. Only a little more than 24 hours in the cruise, and it has been the best vacation ever!

[Verandah Man]

Enjoy the rest of your cruise, 14 more days to go!!! :thumbsup2

[calmom]

I'm trying to download a photo of the welcome gift - and it keeps timing out. It is a map of the cruise stops - about the size of a dinner placemat. It is nice.

We got to the port around 9:45am. DH stayed out with the luggage and a couple kids and I went inside. I got number 2. Once on board, we went straight to Palo's and got our brunch, no problem. The sailaway party was as usual. Ricky Kalmon is on tonight. The shows listed:
1) Welcome Aboard
2) Ricky Kalmon
3) Golden Mickeys
4) When Mickey Dreams
5) Kevin Johnson
6) Scott Record
7) Twice Charmed
8) Art of the Story
9) Los Caporales Festival Folklorico
10) Joey Fatone and Alphonso Ribeiro
11) Crew Talent SHow
12) Mike Super
13) Enchanted
14) Remember the magic

[Buckeye Gal]

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us live vicariously through you! :goodvibes

Enjoy your cruise!! I'll be lurking around waiting for more!

[Lil' Grumpy]

pretty....:cool2: & pixiedust:


..if you get a lil' bored [ :laughing: ], maybe you can post what

their..shows about? :wizard:

[imheather]

Wow Mike Super! He is a big deal now make sure you catch his show he is AMAZING! Joey Fontane too! You guys are gonna have a great shows:) I got off last week and am so sad to be home. Have a great time...

Heather

[disfrog]

Keep up all the good news and hints of what might come on our Eastbound PC trip in August....

[ga9497]

I'm trying to download a photo of the welcome gift - and it keeps timing out. It is a map of the cruise stops - about the size of a dinner placemat. It is nice.

We got to the port around 9:45am. DH stayed out with the luggage and a couple kids and I went inside. I got number 2. Once on board, we went straight to Palo's and got our brunch, no problem. The sailaway party was as usual. Ricky Kalmon is on tonight. The shows listed:
1) Welcome Aboard
2) Ricky Kalmon
3) Golden Mickeys
4) When Mickey Dreams
5) Kevin Johnson
6) Scott Record
7) Twice Charmed
8) Art of the Story
9) Los Caporales Festival Folklorico
10) Joey Fatone and Alphonso Ribeiro
11) Crew Talent SHow
12) Mike Super
13) Enchanted
14) Remember the magic

Isn't there one night missing since the cruise is 15 nights? I saw on another blog that Donny Osmond is scheduled to be onboard one night

[cinderellaismyhero]

Very exciting!! We are sailing on the EB repo, i hope Joey is on ours too!! :)

[Michelle2]

Isn't there one night missing since the cruise is 15 nights? I saw on another blog that Donny Osmond is scheduled to be onboard one night

Oooooh, where did you see that at? That would be awesome!

[disneyjunkie]

:surfweb: :surfweb: :surfweb:

[TheDisneyGirl02]

OMG! You're going to see Joey Fatone! There's nothing better than being on a DCL AND seeing Joey Fatone!

Hope you are all having a wonderful voyage!

[ga9497]

Oooooh, where did you see that at? That would be awesome!

http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2008/05/embarkation_disney_magic_panam_1.html

[lvstitch]

popcorn::

[MagicMe]

Thanks for posting. It's so great hearing about the trip! popcorn::

[CrazyZeus1]

Can't wait to read more!!

[calmom]

Well, I didn't have very good wireless in our cat. 9 cabins so couldn't continue with a journal - sorry! It was a WONDERFUL cruise! So many special things. No Donny though!

Joey was good, although didn't seem very prepared. But still of course enjoyed the show.

I will try to post pictures later, although I'm sure others will do so maybe quicker than me!

Other than the map on the first day, we got a few other surprises. We got a litho from Ducky, which he made especially for the cruise. He was available to sign them. Also received a Tinkerbell pin one time at dinner. And then the last night we received a beautiful ceramic container that had the logo with Chip & Dale going through the canal on the top and inside a map of the cruise.

Everything was wonderful - lobster on two nights! The shows were great, although I wasn't a great fan of the Mickey dreams one. Had a lot of fun meeting fellow DISers. Surprisely, even with 15 days it didn't seem like enough time to do everything we wanted. I'll post more later, but wanted to post about the freebies (free with the cost of admission!).

Lisa

[calmom]

Short and sweet report:

We arrived late on May 9 (sailing on May 10). The airport porter at luggage insisted he could take the luggage all the way up to our room at the Hyatt. So we had him take our luggage, only to find out that the Hyatt won't allow airport porters to come up to rooms. So we had to tip twice (both airport and Hyatt). Moral: if you are at the Hyatt and want to have someone take care of your luggage, get a Hyatt porter. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2526454888_170f5033e9.jpg

We used QS tranportation from the Hyatt MCO to the port. I wanted to get there really early to get a low boarding number. We had the van come at 8:30am, although we didn't get the kids (4 sons, ages 2, 5, 8, 10) ready in time. We ended up leaving about 8:50am. The driver was very kind and didn't mind our tardiness. We got to the port around 9:30am. We got dropped off at the curb and there was no porters yet - they were still helping those getting off the ship. We had two cabins (connecting 9's) so I took the two children that were registered in my cabin and went to check in while DH stayed with the other two with the luggage. We got boarding #2! Very excited. There were upgrades available, although since we needed 2 connecting cabins it didn't matter to us. Other DISers did upgrade. They had a suite available, although I never found out what one (I do know it was a Cat. 3). Cat. 4, 5, and I think 6 or 8 were available. I was surprised as I figured there would have been nothing available. The upgrades went fast.

We hung out for several hours, checking out the ship and getting pictures with Mickey. How fun! We were so excited. Our 2 year old kept looking at Mickey's Ears and wanted to so badly go through! Finally they said they would start calling numbers. One person just pushed their way to the front - saying "I'm number 2" and went right past all the rest of us that were number 2! But no bad feelings as I knew it would be just moments until we got on board! Sure enough, a moment later they called number 2 and we head in. One look back....to Florida....and off to California we went.

I almost cried when they announced our family. After a long 18 months, we really were starting our trip of a lifetime! Once on board, DH went to guest services to get a stroller and I went to Rockin Bar to get Palo's and check on our table assignment. We got PLA, which is what I wanted - Parrot Cay on Pirate night and Luminere's on Formal. Perfect! Our time was very early, 5:30pm. I was worried it would be too early but they said we could come after 5:30pm, no worries. Most nights we didn't get there until 5:45pm. Our table was just our family, so no worries they said.

Tons of brunch and dinner at the time we checked in. "No problem" they said. We already had our dinner, so made a brunch on the 17th.

After that, off to Parrot Cay. Then to Mickey Pool. It was all just perfect. We had the pin order form waiting in our room. The deal: each cabin could order one of each pin (the ports, the 2 panama canal, and the one large logo). You put them in order of preference. It seemed pretty certain that you were guaranteed one of each. If you wanted more than one, you needed to complete another form, and those would be filled after everyone got there first choice. They also had ornaments (limited to 120). Since we had 2 cabins, we put down for 2 of those as our first choice. We also got enough of the PC pins for all the kids (just the PC, not the other ports - we could have, but it would have been expensive. They also had some special pins to put down - a Mother's Day one, Chip and Dale, Prince Caspian. I put down Mother's Day as my second priority (after the ornament) but didn't get it. We got all the other ones. After, they still had some left over if people wanted to buy more. The ornaments did sell out.

Castaway was the first day - and it was Mother's Day. It was a great way to spend the holiday. Loved it. The boys rented bikes. A guest unfortuantely broke his leg while riding bikes. Saw him a few days later at Palo's and he was doing well. That night was the best - I met up with some other DISers and we had a blast dancing and visiting.

Sea days were wonderful. The kids loved the club. Played bingo for the first time using the electronic bingo. Didn't like it as much as old fashion, but suppose you have better odds. The jackpot bingo ended up over $30,000! For EB people - be sure to get there early as they ran out of the electronic cards during the big jackpot one on the last day.

Aruba was fun - we didn't do any tours on this trip. We walked up and down the streets, bought some souvenirs for the kids. Got some sunglasses.

Sea day again. Had Palo dinner on the 15th. Of course, it was great.
Went to bed early to prepare for the big day!

On the 16th, I got up at 5am. Did I mention it was my 40th birthday???? What a great day! My eldest went up with me. By 5:15am, all the spots against the railing were taken on deck 10 forward one person deep. The sides were pretty empty. We had made a banner, but didn't have it set up yet. In hindsight, I wish we did that first thing. Also, I only saw the photographers at the first set of locks. As hard as I tried, I couldn't get an answer as to where they would be and at one time before the actual day of the crossing. So we ended up never getting a photo of us behind our banner. I don't think the photographers knew when they would be able to go out. It probably isn't something they could plan well. Also, there was a US sub that went right before us so that messed with the webcam slightly they said. Security reasons caused them to make the webcam offline.

Back to the day, I had a great time hanging out waiting for the crossing to start. They had a buffet set up on deck 10. A wonderful young couple allowed the kids to sit up in front of them. Around 6:30am, it started to get pretty packed. I called DH to have him come with the rest of the boys. Around 7:30am, they announced it would be another hour before the actual crossing. Most people stayed put. By the time of the actual crossing, it was a bit claustiphobic was so many people packed in. But I had no desire to leave. DH left with the baby, who wanted to go back to sleep. A little while later, two more boys went to the cabin and it was just me and my oldest (just like we started the morning). You can see where the French canal was. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2526398700_285112d370.jpg The photographers were on shore during the first set of locks, taking lots of pictures. If you don't see your photo and you think it was taken, be sure to ask to see the negatives. They only make one copy of each, so if you are standing next to someone, they might buy it before you get to see it. The whole thing was pretty impressive. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2526428074_34a851c722.jpg

After the first set, we went to lunch at Topsiders. That was really neat to sit outside. Then we headed to deck 4 to stand next to our banner during the next set of locks. By then, we couldn't see any photographers on shore. They were walking around the ship, as was several of the characters. My favorite part was sailing through the lake - that was very beautiful.

That night, we had a great chocolate cake for my birthday. The next day was at sea and Palo's brunch. In Acapulco, we took a taxi to see the cliff divers. I've seen divers in Maui and have to say that I enjoyed the Maui dive watching much more. We made reservations at the lunch at the restaurant were everyone gathers to watch the show. The restaurant actually collects a fee before being served ($15/each). It seemed pretty cheesy, so we passed on it and paid the $3 to walk down the stairs. With the $3, you got a drink (Squirt). Overall, it was somewhat of a disappointment. Regardless, we were making the most of it. We then paid our taxi driver to take us on a quick tour. He took us to this old hotel that was being refurb. It had a fantastic view. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2525570913_e35d65ced7.jpg

Other ports: In PV, we went straight to the Westin and played in their pools. http://www.flickr.com/photos/24984696@N02/2526397168/sizes/m/ We used points and paid for a night, although we were just there for the day. It was $60 plus I think 4000 starwood points. Great deal. In Cabo, did the same thing and went to the Sheraton. It was a great pool and beautiful hotel. We made it back in time for Pirate night, which was a little tough given our 5:30 dinner time. In hindsight, I wish we had stayed on the ship for Cabo.

The whole trip was magical and if they released more PC cruises in 2010, I'd book in a heartbeat. It was wonderful.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away. It was a great time. I'm very jealous of you EB who have the great journey ahead!

[Joy2theWorld]

Thanks for the updated report!! Sounds like you had a great time... perfect way to celebrate not only Mother's Day, but you're birthday as well!

Did you get one of the ornaments? I wasn't sure... It is sad there were only 120 of those. That would be on my list of things to get.

Did you go to the beach at the hotel in Cabo? I keep reading that the water there isn't that safe, so, I'm questioning my decision to book one of the beach excursions.

[calmom]

Thanks for the updated report!! Sounds like you had a great time... perfect way to celebrate not only Mother's Day, but you're birthday as well!

Did you get one of the ornaments? I wasn't sure... It is sad there were only 120 of those. That would be on my list of things to get.

Did you go to the beach at the hotel in Cabo? I keep reading that the water there isn't that safe, so, I'm questioning my decision to book one of the beach excursions.

Yes, I did end up getting 2 - one for each cabin. I think that perhaps not a lot of people wanted it?? It was $55 each.

We did go to the beach in Cabo and our 8 year old had a scare. I would not recommend going in the waters, at least where the waters are rough (which I think they mostly are). The pools were great, and playing in the sand is fun. Last time we were in Cabo, we went to the beach close to the port and had a similar scare experience...think we'd learn! It just doesn't look at strong as it really is.
Lisa

[calmom]

Also, forgot to report the Coast-to-Coast sleepover they did in the club. All ages had a sleepover, each in different areas. Our three older boys did it, and liked it (although were a mess later!).
\

[Joy2theWorld]

Thanks for the information! I heard about a few "scares" in Cabo. I am a good swimmer and still don't trust myself from what I heard, but DH is not and he is the one that tries to venture out to see fish and such. I'm going to have to keep him on shore.

[Joan1]

Did you like the Westin in PV? We are thinking of doing the same thing and was wondering wether to just pay for the use of their facilities or was having a room worth it?

[calmom]

Did you like the Westin in PV? We are thinking of doing the same thing and was wondering wether to just pay for the use of their facilities or was having a room worth it?

Having a room was half the fun for us. We had a beautiful view with a balcony (didn't have a balcony on the ship). Also, was able to take a nice shower and bath as the bathroom was awesome. It also was very big so easy to bath the 4 boys and get them ready for dinner. So we could go straight from the beach to dinner without having to go back to our cabin on the ship to get ready. Saved some time.

Also, our rate was pretty good so I wouldn't think the rate for using just the facility would be much less. That being said, we never looked into that rate so not sure.

The hotel is VERY close. You can see it from the ship. It looks like you could just walk there, but you can't as you can't go straight there. The taxi ride was about 5-10 minutes. It was $10 to get there, $6 to get back.
Lisa

[Joan1]

Having a room was half the fun for us. We had a beautiful view with a balcony (didn't have a balcony on the ship). Also, was able to take a nice shower and bath as the bathroom was awesome. It also was very big so easy to bath the 4 boys and get them ready for dinner. So we could go straight from the beach to dinner without having to go back to our cabin on the ship to get ready. Saved some time.

Also, our rate was pretty good so I wouldn't think the rate for using just the facility would be much less. That being said, we never looked into that rate so not sure.

The hotel is VERY close. You can see it from the ship. It looks like you could just walk there, but you can't as you can't go straight there. The taxi ride was about 5-10 minutes. It was $10 to get there, $6 to get back.
Lisa


Thanks - you can use the facilities for $15 per person but without the room of course - I can see where the room would come in handy to get ready for the evening if you are staying all day, thanks

[sue l]

Hi,

We were on the cruise as well and had a great time. Can you tell me where I might get all the cool images people had on their cabin doors. I would love to have some of them. Please let me know. Thansk Sue L

I'm trying to download a photo of the welcome gift - and it keeps timing out. It is a map of the cruise stops - about the size of a dinner placemat. It is nice.

We got to the port around 9:45am. DH stayed out with the luggage and a couple kids and I went inside. I got number 2. Once on board, we went straight to Palo's and got our brunch, no problem. The sailaway party was as usual. Ricky Kalmon is on tonight. The shows listed:
1) Welcome Aboard
2) Ricky Kalmon
3) Golden Mickeys
4) When Mickey Dreams
5) Kevin Johnson
6) Scott Record
7) Twice Charmed
8) Art of the Story
9) Los Caporales Festival Folklorico
10) Joey Fatone and Alphonso Ribeiro
11) Crew Talent SHow
12) Mike Super
13) Enchanted
14) Remember the magic

[Joan1]

Having a room was half the fun for us. We had a beautiful view with a balcony (didn't have a balcony on the ship). Also, was able to take a nice shower and bath as the bathroom was awesome. It also was very big so easy to bath the 4 boys and get them ready for dinner. So we could go straight from the beach to dinner without having to go back to our cabin on the ship to get ready. Saved some time.

Also, our rate was pretty good so I wouldn't think the rate for using just the facility would be much less. That being said, we never looked into that rate so not sure.

The hotel is VERY close. You can see it from the ship. It looks like you could just walk there, but you can't as you can't go straight there. The taxi ride was about 5-10 minutes. It was $10 to get there, $6 to get back.
Lisa

Thanks for the info - I have reserved a room for the day as it wasn't much more then what it would have cost to just use the facilities.

Did they let you have the room early in the day? The reservation says check in is at 3pm. I have put in a request for early check in but just wondering what your experience was

Thanks again

[Rand0mTh0ughts]

So excited! Thanks for report! We are on the east bound and I am so excited!

How did the meals work? Did each night have the same menu in all of the restaurants? Did they did the restaurant specific menu rotation?

Thanks!

[littleaussie]

Hi Lisa!
It was great to meet your family during the cruise! I enjoyed the ventriloquist show when your oldest participated in it. And the talent show was fun to watch with your boys' skits!
Glad you had a good time, we did too!

Take care,

[calif disney 1]

I am so bummed, we wanted to go on this trip sooooo bad, but just could not make it happen this year...can somebody please send me the link that sounds the Magics horn.........so I can at least hear it and wish upon a star.......thanks

[RLccweems]

popcorn:: popcorn::

[tadsdaddy]

Thanks for the information! I heard about a few "scares" in Cabo. I am a good swimmer and still don't trust myself from what I heard, but DH is not and he is the one that tries to venture out to see fish and such. I'm going to have to keep him on shore.

Speaking of beach "scares," be careful at the "Acapulco Beach Break" or if you go to El Morro beach at all.

The beach was fairly steep and the current was strong in and out (but not side to side). Every eighth or ninth wave in was much bigger for the next two or three waves. This made it fun and a little scary for my 12, 13, and 15 year olds, but dangerous for younger kids. We all got tossed a few times, but a young boy and his Dad who was trying to help him really got hammered to the point where myself and others rushed in to help them. To their credit, a site employee got to the boy very quickly and he was better off than I thought he would be after I saw this wave land on him and slam him down face first. Dad was relatively okay too, but I don't think either got back in the water.

Basically, the outbound current from the first big wave prevents one from escaping up the beach from the next big wave. It would have been better and easier if they dove into the wave.

On the bright side, Ducky Williams was on this excursion with his traveling friends, but we didn't say more than hello. They also had jet skis and parasailing nearby.

From Disney Web site:
Acapulco Beach Break
Retreat to Acapulco's stunning El Morro beach for an unforgettable excursion awash in sun, sand and surf.

[fourmcds]

Lisa....love your TR!!! You write just like I would if I wasn't so lazy:lmao: I dreamed of writing a TR for this cruise, and in my sleep it was great:rotfl2:

It was a great cruise....just wish I had more time to get to hang with everyone more.

Glad your birthday was such a wonderful day....enjoyed spending just a bit of it with you.

And, your boys are very handsome and so wonderfully behaved....

[amesmom]

Having a room was half the fun for us. We had a beautiful view with a balcony (didn't have a balcony on the ship). Also, was able to take a nice shower and bath as the bathroom was awesome. It also was very big so easy to bath the 4 boys and get them ready for dinner. So we could go straight from the beach to dinner without having to go back to our cabin on the ship to get ready. Saved some time.

Also, our rate was pretty good so I wouldn't think the rate for using just the facility would be much less. That being said, we never looked into that rate so not sure.

The hotel is VERY close. You can see it from the ship. It looks like you could just walk there, but you can't as you can't go straight there. The taxi ride was about 5-10 minutes. It was $10 to get there, $6 to get back.
Lisa

Hi, Lisa. We did the same thing in Aruba and Acapulco at the Hyatt. The Hyatt Aruba is amazing and we had a wonderful beach/pool day. The shower was heaven compared to the showers in the staterooms, and we were able to go back to the ship refreshed rather than hot and tired. The Acapulco Hyatt was just OK, but I don't know what else we would have done in Acapulco. That port didn't appeal to us at all.

[calmom]

Hi,

We were on the cruise as well and had a great time. Can you tell me where I might get all the cool images people had on their cabin doors. I would love to have some of them. Please let me know. Thansk Sue L

Do you mean the magnets? If you post on our meet thread, I'm sure people would post their magnets. Everyone has different ones, and mostly with their names on it. Let me know if that is what you mean and I can post a couple.

[calmom]

Thanks for the info - I have reserved a room for the day as it wasn't much more then what it would have cost to just use the facilities.

Did they let you have the room early in the day? The reservation says check in is at 3pm. I have put in a request for early check in but just wondering what your experience was

Thanks again
Yes, we could check in early. I just said "any room" and it was ready I think around noon. Not terribly early, but before 3pm. If I did it again, I'd email them as well to make sure they had my request.

[calmom]

So excited! Thanks for report! We are on the east bound and I am so excited!

How did the meals work? Did each night have the same menu in all of the restaurants? Did they did the restaurant specific menu rotation?

Thanks!

Different every night! Someone just posted the navigators on the main thread which listed the rotation. Some nights all restaurants had the same, other nights specific to the restaurant. It was great. I asked to keep several of the menus, especially the Panama Canal Crossing one (which was specific to our cruise). The California Cuisine night wasn't the best...but most everything was great.

[calmom]

Hi Lisa!
It was great to meet your family during the cruise! I enjoyed the ventriloquist show when your oldest participated in it. And the talent show was fun to watch with your boys' skits!
Glad you had a good time, we did too!

Take care,

I love reading your report! It was great to meet you as well. I wish the boys were up to doing the dance with the girls...they got "shy" being the only boys!

The girls were great - that was a great dance rotation.

[calmom]

Lisa....love your TR!!! You write just like I would if I wasn't so lazy:lmao: I dreamed of writing a TR for this cruise, and in my sleep it was great:rotfl2:

It was a great cruise....just wish I had more time to get to hang with everyone more.

Glad your birthday was such a wonderful day....enjoyed spending just a bit of it with you.

And, your boys are very handsome and so wonderfully behaved....

It was so great hanging out with you on my b-day passing through the first locks! I wish I had more time to hang out with all the great people from DIS, but with the family, we were pretty tapped (as I'm sure most with young ones can relate). It was the BEST cruise. I have so much more I'd like to say about the cruise, but am quite lazy myself!
Lisa

[calmom]

Hi, Lisa. We did the same thing in Aruba and Acapulco at the Hyatt. The Hyatt Aruba is amazing and we had a wonderful beach/pool day. The shower was heaven compared to the showers in the staterooms, and we were able to go back to the ship refreshed rather than hot and tired. The Acapulco Hyatt was just OK, but I don't know what else we would have done in Acapulco. That port didn't appeal to us at all.

I wish we did a hotel in Acapulco...Owen was determined to see the divers. We went back to the ship pretty early.

[lat]

Lisa, thanks for the trip report.

Because of your report, I booked a cash and point at Puerto Vallarta and Aruba. I am a plat. member and saw that there is club level at Puerto Vallarta. Were you able to access the lounge? How was the pool and beach?

Thanks so much!!

[frdeb1999]

Thanks for the TR. Sounds like you had a wonderful time! :)

[newfamilyman]

Thanks for the report. We'll be going on the EB, and our children are young as well (DS just turning 4, DD7). Do you have any recommendations of things that your kids enjoyed? We're not doing any excursions directly through Disney (except in Cartagena) because so many of them start at age 5, whereas if you book them on your own, that restriction magically drops. Thanks in advance.

[calmom]

Lisa, thanks for the trip report.

Because of your report, I booked a cash and point at Puerto Vallarta and Aruba. I am a plat. member and saw that there is club level at Puerto Vallarta. Were you able to access the lounge? How was the pool and beach?

Thanks so much!!

I didn't think about accessing the lounge - I'm sure you could. We got an upgrade (being plat.) and had a wonderful view of the pool and water. The photo I posted was from our room.

We were at the pool mostly, although I would have loved to go to the beach. They had cabanas on the beach (I'm not sure of the cost). They had floats you could rent - $10 a day for most of them, $15 for certain ones. Not sure if you have kids, but the floats were a big hit with mine. They had big whales you could try to balanced on as well as small duckie floats for toddlers. You could keep trading them in - so use one for a little while and then trade in for another. We rented 2 $10 and 1 $15 for the 6 of us and it worked at great. We stayed at the pool that was more of a "kids" pool - had mostly shallow areas. There is also a playground right next to it, but we never went there. The pool right next to the one we were at had a swim up bar - we went there for some snacks. We brought a cooler with tuna sandwiches, chips & cheese, etc from the ship as well as thermas of waters and coke. We still ended up buying some shirley temples and nachos. The prices were not as inexpensive as other places in Mexico - beer was I think about $4 and the kids lunches where $8 or $10.

The pool was not extremely busy, which was nice. I do wish we had left the ship even earlier to make the most of the day.

The hotel room was really nice - very relaxing. The air conditioner felt wondeful after being out in the hot sun! It had a big bathtub and shower. Complimentary water (being on the Starwood floor).


To the poster that asked what to do with younger children: I highly recommend taking a taxi straight to a hotel and hang out at a pool area and get a room. It was great down time for the younger ones - my 5 year old actually feel asleep for a little while in the room while everyone was getting ready for dinner. It was so much more relaxing getting ready for dinner in a hotel room as opposed to our small cabin. It allowed us to stay longer in the port.

[calmom]

Isn't there one night missing since the cruise is 15 nights? I saw on another blog that Donny Osmond is scheduled to be onboard one night

It was the prem-ear of Prince Caspian that was left out. I thing they didn't put it so it would be a surprise.

[newfamilyman]

To the poster that asked what to do with younger children...

Thanks. I was actually wondering if you had tips for the cruise as a whole with younger children. Thanks again.

[ibouncetoo]

Lisa, I didn't know you'd done a report....glad I checked the forum!

Enjoyed our dinner at Topsiders. It turned out that was the only night I didn't do regular dining...I was afraid I'd miss checking in with my tablemates! I did go down to the dining room after our dinner to join the group for dessert and discovered that our server had arranged for some orders of PC chicken wings for Daniel and I (we whined when they weren't on the regular PC menu). I ate one order and took the other TWO back to my statroom for lunch the next day!

It was such a treat to see you and the boys around the ship. I had really wanted to catch some of the family activities at Studio Sea, etc. but it just didn't seem to happen.

A note to all you EB cruisers: Even with 15 days, you still can't do everything! :worried:

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[lat]

Lisa, thanks so much for the reply. We have 2 girls 7 and 10, and I will definitely look into the floats. I cancelled our DCL excursion to do the tequila and old town and decided to just hang out at the resort. It is probably nice to be on land for a day. Thanks agian.

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Hi,

We were on the cruise as well and had a great time. Can you tell me where I might get all the cool images people had on their cabin doors. I would love to have some of them. Please let me know. Thansk Sue L

I got a lot of images and ideas from this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1523226


Lisa, I'm enjoying your report and pictures! I'm so glad we had a chance to have dinner together at Topsiders so I could spend a little time w/you and DH. I have some cute pictures of your youngest at dinner (can't remember his name--OG thing!) that I'll either post or email you.

[littleaussie]

I love reading your report! It was great to meet you as well. I wish the boys were up to doing the dance with the girls...they got "shy" being the only boys!

The girls were great - that was a great dance rotation.

No worries about the boys, it is to be expected sometimes. It looked like they had fun with their own skits.

I liked to see you guys come in the Walt Disney Theater each night, just to see what you had dressed them all in. . . So cute!

[woody73]

Lisa, great trip report. I enjoyed visiting with you and the boys on deck 9.

Woody

[calmom]

:wave2: fellow WB cruisers! We sure had fun didn't we?

Regarding what to do with younger children on the cruise....there is so much it is hard to really pin it down as to what is the best. Studio Sea had a lot of really fun activities - they aren't always crowded so it was easy to go with little ones. Of course all the shows are a big hit. My kids liked the clubs, so they would hang out there sometimes. We mostly stayed at the Mickey pool for swimming - Goofy pool is harder to watch the younger ones.

Sorry I'm not much of a help....really, the whole cruise is good for young ones!
Lisa