Less than 2 Weeks to July 6th Cruise - Who's Beyond Excited!

[stormkrow]

It's now officially less than one month until we cruise the western Caribbean on the Magic. I CAN'T WAIT!

So, who else is going? Who's in your party (kids, ages)? Where are you staying the night before? What excursions are you going on? Are you making reservations for Palos or the spa?

Our family (me, DW, DD-18, & DS-13) is staying at the Radisson the night before the cruise and at Disney's Hilton Head Resort on July 4th.

We have tickets for Old Town Trolley & Shipwreck Historeum at Key West (bought them online). Reservations are in place for the Grand Cayman Land Tour and Xcaret at Cozumel. Castaway Cay is an unknown at this time. We'll probably just relax.

My DW and I are renewing our vows on board Thursday afternoon (that's our excitement - besides the cruise). We're planning to do a night at Palos. And the spa, the Sureil Bath and the Rainforest are definately on our schedule.

So, who else is going and what are you doing on the cruise (and before)?:smooth:

[Mulljac]

Well there's me, hubby (both early 40's), DD13 & DS 10. Leaving on July 4th from NJ. Stopping over in NC and then continuing to the Radisson at the Port for a Fri night stay. We hopefully plan on doing Palo's dinner and brunch, the Suriel Bath and Rainforest, maybe a Spa treatment or two. Would like to do the Trolley in Key West, and Stingray City in Grand Cayman. Not sure about Cozumel yet. Snorkeling at Castaway Cay and maybe a little down time on the adult beach. This is our first cruise so I want to get in as much as we can on the ship itself. Would like to hear about anyone else's plans. Maybe it would give me a few more ideas. How about it? Who else is on our voyage?:Pinkbounc

[llachance]

Me (Lisa), my 15yo daughter (Josephine), and my mom (Judy) are on the cruise leaving the 6th. My daughter and I arrive at AKL on the 3rd and my mother joins us there on the 5th. We have a car picking us up the morning of the 6th to get to the ship. My daughter and I sailed on the Eastern last year during this exact same time frame. I/we are bringing my mother/grandmother along for her retirment present. (She retires on June 12th).

In Key West we plan to do the Conch Train and the Sunset Sail. On Grand Cayman the trip around the island, and at Cozumel my daughter and I are going to the Tulim ruins and my mother is taking the Jeep ride.

See you all soon.:Pinkbounc

[stormkrow]

Mulljac,

Welcome. Another family from NJ. We're driving down also, but we're leaving the night of July 3rd and staying overnight in Hilton Head. We like to travel at night to avoid all the traffic between Philly and Washington, DC.

This is our first cruise on CL, although my DW and I did cruise Carnival back in 1985.

[Mulljac]

Stormkrow, I know what you mean about the traffic. We also leave at night. (More like 1 a.m. in the morning) This is the best way to travel. The kids go back to sleep and we don't have to listen to them say "are we there yet?":)

[Mogoofy]

We're right there with you. Can't wait. We fly out on the second into Tampa, Spend the night there and then head to WDW for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th. We got great plane fare into tampa. Used hotwire and got a suite at Tampa on the Bay for $40.00 on the second.

llachance tell your daughter I accidently deleted her email before my DS could reply.

What night are you guys going to palo's. We can't decide.

We have not got our Doc. yet. Getting a little worried, as some on the 13th cruise already have theirs.

What do you think about getting together at some point for a drink, maybe by the pool or at one of the adult bars?

Well it's getting late, better go to bed. :o

[stormkrow]

Well, the FedEx man has paid a visit to our happy abode and left a small box with our cruise documents enclosed.

HURRAY!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

I was surprised the box was so small. Oh, well.

My DW and I have spent the last two hours pouring over the literature, the tickets, and the small print.

Anyone else from the July 6th cruise get their documents besides llachance?

Mulljac, we also leave around 1 am and the kids sleep through the night. We shoot to reach NC before we stop for breakfast.

I got your email. I reserved the 2-bedroom last October and that's the rate they quoted us. A number of DISers have mentioned using the promotional code "FALL" will get you a great rate of $59 for a standard room and $99 for the 2-bedroom. Call the hotel and see if any of the promotinal rooms are available and switch.

Mogoofy, I like the idea of a get-together. It's always better to put a face to a strange name. Any suggestions??

29 days and counting . . . . .:smooth:

[Mulljac]

Ok, just one more question. Is the rate you were quoted for the 2 bedroom include parking at the Radisson for the week or do you have to park over at the port? Just want to know before I call the hotel and change my reservation. The rate they gave me of $109 included parking at the hotel and they told me that if I took the $59 rate that I would have to pay to park over at the port and it would be about $50 more. Thanks

[llachance]

Glad to hear that things are coming together - would love to plan a meeting somewhere - probably a sea day?! Can't wait to meet everyone.

Lisa

[stormkrow]

Mulljac,

Our Radisson reservation includes parking at the Padisson. That's what sold me on staying there. Parking at the port runs $8 a day.

I would call and ask them. But, even at $109, you're saving $56 parking and everything I've heard about the Radisson is great.

Good luck!

[MrsG]

Stormkrow,

How do you set up vow renewal. Can you just show up, or do you have to do something in advance?

Thanks, Mrs. G

[stormkrow]

You have to reserve the vow renewal service in advance. You can find all the general info you need at www.disneyweddings.com Also, the cost is about $1100 - not Cheap.

Hope that helps!
:)

[stormkrow]

Well, gang, just 26 days and counting!

Anyone started packing yet? Actually, we've started setting aside items that we don't want to forget. It's a little more difficult for us since we're stopping at Hilton Head on the way down, and staying another week in Orlando after the cruise. So much to remember.

I've been spending so much time planning the cruise that I sometimes forget the other places we're also going to on this vacation.

Our DD is going to college this August. This could be the last FAMILY vacation we take. Once they go away to college, things will be different. Instead of "Where are we going on vacation this year?" it will be "Can me and my college friends use the DVC points over spring break?"

Oh, well.:(

[MrsG]

Just got our docs today! I was a little disappointed with the flight home to NY that Disney arranged. We are flying from Orlando to Pittsburg and then to NY. What should have been a 2 1/2 hour flight will now take 6 hrs because of the stop over. If I would have known, I would have booked my own air. When I called US Air to confirm and get our seats, the rep said that we had seats next to eachother on all flight except Orlando to Pittsburg. She said that wasn't bad, other DCL passengers on the flight had families that were seated all over the place! So fellow cruisers, check your flight seats if you are on the return flight from Orlando to Pittsburg and then to NY, you may not be seated next to your families.

But, in all honesty, I am so excited about the cruise, if this is the worst that happens, I'll be fine with it!

See you all soon

Mrs. G

[stormkrow]

Well, fellow July 6th Cruisers, we're down to 3 weeks - 3 WEEKS!!!:bounce:

Anyone else getting exited?????

We've selected our night for Palos - Tuesday. It seems to be the best night based on our activities over the cruise.

Is anyone else staying at the Radisson the night before like us?:)

[llachance]

My daughter and I will be at AKL starting the 3rd, my mother joins us on the 5th and we have a car to the port on the 6th.....we are ready to go and counting the minutes.!!!!!

[Mulljac]

Hi all, well I e-mailed the Radisson and also called them about the $59 rate. I was told both times that parking for the week is included. So I have cancelled the $109 cruise parking package and made a ressie for the $59 room. I'm so glad that I've been reading this board. The info I've gotten has been a big help. So now I have an extra $50 that I can spend on my cruise. Hey every little bit helps. Been trying to pack away the little things so I don't forget them. By the way, for those who are driving down don't forget to have your car inspected for fluids, belts etc. My van unexpectedly broke down yesterday. The belt slipped off. I'm so glad that this happened now and not 3 weeks from now. So make sure that your vehicle is also prepared!! I would hate to miss my cruise because we broke down on the side of the road! See you guys in 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stormkrow]

We've scheduled the car for an oil change and complete check-up for next week. Don't need anything to go wrong on the drive down (or back).

Three weeks from right now we'll be unpacking our bags and probably touring the Magic or the first time. Can't Wait!

Mulljac, see you at the Radisson!:Pinkbounc

[trishy]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:


I AM

[Auntienee]

We are driving from NJ also. DH, myself, DD's 10 and 13. We are leaving early am on the 4th and driving all the way to Savannah, GA. We are also staying at the Radisson the night of 7/5 with the $59.00 rate. Sister-in-laws and families are flying in on 7/5 and staying at Radisson too. We have Palo's scheduled for Tuesday night, Banana Boat ride at Castaway Cay. Most likely will do Trolley ride in Key West and planning on hitting beaches in Cozumel and Grand Cayman, along with shopping of course. We are definitely on countdown now!!!

[Mulljac]

Hi Auntienee,
Welcome aboard. Another from NJ! I'm glad to see that you have a daughter that is 13. So is mine. Lisa has a daughter that is 15. Maybe all of our kids can get together. And maybe the adults can too!:p

[amanda6913]

Less than three weeks left and we'll all be cruising!! I know I cannot wait... I am 20 and going with my parents and 15-year-old brother... looking forward to spending some time together in some nice weather.

As far as excursions...I know we are doing the snorkeling at Key West...and my brother and I are scuba diving both places... but other than that..we're just going to be relaxing.

I'm praying the weather will be nice!! Of course, it's the carribbean...is it ever NOT nice??? (Don't worry, I didn't jinx us!)

See you all soon...

-Amanda

...eagerly anticipating the cruise, but don't want it to ever be over...

[stormkrow]

We have an 18 year old DD and a soon-to-be 14 year old DS. Sounds like there are alot of kids around the same ages.

Amanda, my DD, Alyson, will ber glad to hear that someone "older" will be on the cruise.

See everyone in less than 3 weeks.

[Versailles Cruisers]

Hi! We are with a group of 30 (20 adults and 10 kids--nine cabins) from Ohio that will be cruising on the July 6 Disney Magic! We can't wait! We had a Pre-Cruise Party last Friday and everyone is getting excited.

Some of our group will be flying but we are driving. Leaving a week early to site-see on the way to the Port. All 30 of us will be staying at the Radisson the night before the cruise.

We have made plans to go to Stingray City and do some snorkeling. Looking over other excursions.

It would be nice to meet some of you on the cruise!

[llachance]

My DD (15yo) is wondering about kids ages in this group. Would love to set up a time to meet at Common Grounds to get to know everyone!:Pinkbounc

[stormkrow]

Welcome to the DIS boards, Versailles Cruisers!

Thirty people in one group. That's a party in and of itself. I'm curious also about the kid's ages. I have a DD (18) and a DS (13). How about your group?

I'm sure I'll run into you at the Radisson. It's hard to miss a group of 30 adults and kids.

See you in Two Weeks!

[Versailles Cruisers]

Hi all!

Once again we have 30 in our group and 10 of them are kids. Here are the kids ages:

Girls: 16 months, 6 years, 9 years, 9 years, 10 years, and 12 years
Boys: 10 years, 10 years, 11 years, 16 years

We are all getting excited. We have been planning this trip for about 1 1/2 years! Four of us are teachers and one is a retired teacher. Other friends and relatives are joining us too.

My family (DH, DS-11, DD-9, and me) and my parents are leaving this Sunday and driving down to the Port from Ohio. We are going to stop in Charlotte, North Carolina and possibly Savannah, Georgia and Daytona Beach, Florida on the way. We will meet up with everyone else from our group at the Radisson the night before the cruise!

We hope to meet you on the cruise or at the Radisson!!!

[Mogoofy]

;) :wave:

Good to have you aboard! We are leaving a week from tomorrow. That sounds exciting and frightening at the same time. Hope I get everything packed. We are a family of 3, dh, dw, and 15 year old ds.

We can hardly wait. It will be a nice break for all the sports and my husband's barn project. My son plays soccer, basketball, and baseball for his high school. He has been in conditioning leagues the month of June. We finish out this week with 4 basketball games and 2 soccer games. Plus he just finished his last game with his comp baseball team. Due to vacation he will miss several of their games in July. I don't think he minds though.

Hope your drive is safe! Hope to see you on the boat.

[llachance]

Ok - it is time to get excited! The next time the Magic comes back to port we will be getting on it!:Pinkbounc My daughter and I leave Wednesday morning for WDW. We will be staying at AKL. My mother joins us Friday evening and we have Tiffany taking us to the port on Saturday morning! Suitcase is packed, pet sitter is arranged, mail and newspaper will be stopped.......I think I have it all. We are in cabin 6080 and have late seating for dinner. I am certain that my daughter will be at Common Grounds as quickly as I will let her once we board! Since this is my mom's first cruise with Disney we will have to take the grand tour so she can see what we are so excited about! Can't wait! See you soon. Lisa, Josephine and mom (Judy).

[stormkrow]

Less than a week! Unbelievable.

11 months ago when I made the reservations, July 6th seemed so far away. Now it's here!

Lisa, we're leavng on Wednesday, also, but we're driving down and stopping at Disney's Hilton Head for the 4th of July fireworks.

See ya, soon.
:cool:

[Mulljac]

We're with ya. Almost ready to go. Now I'm really getting excited, but nervous too. Seems like I have so much to do before the 4th. Thanks Lisa for reminding me to stop the newspaper! How many times I have said I have to do that and then I forgot again. I better go do that right now!!!
See you all down there.:Pinkbounc

[trishy]

llachance:

We were at AKL over the weekend (we're at Boardwalk now) - you are going to love it!!! It was definitely the highlight of the trip so far. So many animals in the Arusha Savannah. We were in 5521 (a 5th floor room because of our family of 5 - has daybeds on that floor) and it was a great view. If you're on the 2nd of 3rd floor though, you won't have to look down through the trees. Anyway, have a great time. Do the night vision tracking while you're there - it's cool to see them at night, too. We saw big herds around 1:00 a.m. Friday night/Saturday morning. Can't wait for the cruise, but so busy having fun. Had to get my internet "fix" in. :p It's been raining A LOT - pack an umbrella.