20050618 - June 18, 2005 - Magic to Mexico

[KelNottAt]

Could I be the first DISer to look for others on the June 18, 2005 magic cruise to Mexico? :wave:

We are: myself, DH, DS12, and DD10. Before sailing, we're spending a day at the Grand Californian on June 17. Can't wait! :cool1:

Kelley

[tink1963]

Hello KelNottAt :wave:
My DH and I are also on the June 18th sailing. A thread was started a few months back, but it was lost when the board was revamped. We are in Santa Barbara so we will be going directly to the ship. This is our first ever cruise. DH was a little reluctent...afraid he will get sea sick. But since it's disney I was able to talk him into going. Do you have early or late seating?

We are counting the days till... :boat:
Venetia

[KelNottAt]

Hi Tink,
Too bad about the other thread. We have the early seating for dinner. You can let DH know that I've been seasick on 2 prior cruises, due to rough seas. It took about 4 hours to reach calm water, then, instantly, I was fine.

Counting down...
Kelley

[tink1963]

Hi KelNottAt,
It's nice to know at lease a couple of DISer will be on this sailing. The other thread that was started only had 2 or 3 others people going on this date. Maybe now that you have started a new place for us to post and as the clock continues to count down more people will find us.

We have late seating. We thought since early seems to be more popular with families, and it's just myself and DH, we would take the later seating.

Did you take anything for your seasickness or just ride it out? I would like to have something on hand just in case, but since this is our first time at sea I'm not sure what to bring.

Venetia :umbrella: :flower1:

[vacationbug]

I see we got a new thread started!

Thanks Kelley. I like the way you spell your name --my SIL, who is going on the cruise with us spells her name Kelley too!

I can't believe those calendar count-downs! Wow! Time is really starting to move!

We're all still excited, but I am not making any airfare plans just yet! USScare is still questionable, and we're supposed to get Northwest (gee, I don't even know if NW goes to CA but thought it might) starting sometime in May, so I am holding back....

This is the last of our warm-spell today. Tonight it is going to get cold and hit hard...ugh. Now I'm gonna be dreaming about the cruise!

DD9 and DS13 are really getting excited. I have lots to do before May so that will help the count-down timers go faster!

[tink1963]

:wave: Hi vacationbug. Good to hear from you. We are also counting the days and dreaming of warm dry :umbrella: weather.

Both DH and I have been out of work all week since we commute between Ventura and Santa Barbara and the freeway we drive has been closed since the mud slide in La Conchita. I hope and pray the weather you will be experiencing will not be as devastating.

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. You have remined me that I better get started on my plans as well. I'm just not sure where to start. :earseek:

[vacationbug]

I have only cruised one other time (4- Wonder) and therefore am not a "veteran" but did worry about the seasickness thing prior to that cruise. I carried chewable Bonine and Sea-bands and candied ginger.

We all felt the slight motion as we were crossing the stream, so it was a bit rocky, but I passed around the candied ginger and we all felt well enough (i.e. stomaches were settled) to go to Palos for dinner (well, the four of us adults) and during dinner we relaxed and had so much enjoyment that we didn't notice the rocking as much.

I did notice the rocking still when we went to sleep, but by that time I was just tired from all the excitement and fun (we'd been to WDW just before the cruise) and so the rocking just lulled me to lala land (zzzzzzzzzzzz).

In the morning it had stopped and there was no further noticing of the rocking; only when I went ashore and I felt movement when there was none.

As I said, I am not a veteran and we sailed in early June (not September!) and so I really didn't experience "bad" seas. We didn't have great weather - it poured rain on our CC day, so the next day (a planned day at sea) the itinerary changed to repeat CC. Nice of DCL to do that!

[CruisingCA2005]

We're also on the June 18th cruise! There will be 8 of us on the cruise. DH, me, DS (8), & DD (3) in one cabin. My mom, aunt, & 2 twin cousins (12 year old girls) in the other cabin. We'll be on the late seating for dinner.

We live about 15-20 minutes away from the port.

We've cruised twice before...once on a 4 day wonder and once on a 3 day cruise to Ensenada Mexico. We didn't get sea sick at all on the Wonder but I felt a little queasy going to Mexico. Before you think that you'll be getting sick on the cruise, I was 3 months pregnant, suffering from morning sickness, and we were on the dinky little RCL Viking Serenade.

We've already made horseback riding arrangements in Mazatlan but haven't decided if we want to go on any excursions in Puerto Vallarta & Cabo.

I remember seeing 1 or 2 other DISers who were on the other thread.. I hope they check in here too!

[HockeyHeather]

Hello Everyone!

I posted on the first thread along with Vacationbug. My mom and I will be driving to California from Ohio. We are staying at the Grand Californian for four nights before the cruise. This cruise is a belated birthday present for my mom who turns 75 in March (also celebrating at WDW on her birthday during a spring break trip) and a birthday present to myself (June 20th) :cake: . We have cruised once before on the Magic in June of 2002 on the western cruise.

Is anyone interested in going on a tour with Mazatlan Frank? My mom and I would like to go on one of his tours, but he needs at least six people.

HockeyHeather :teacher:

I believe in Bowling Green State University Falcon Hockey :jumping1:

[CruisingCA2005]

Hockey Heather: I'll check with my mom & aunt to see if they want to go on the tour with you. DH & I will be taking the kids horseback riding and both of them were NOT interested in going horseback riding. LOL.

Do you have any more details about the Mazatlan tour with Frank?

[tink1963]

Hockey Heather...I would also like to hear more details about the Mazatlan tour with Frank. :jumping4:
Thanks

[CruisingCA2005]

Has everyone seen the shore excursions posted on the Dreams Unlimited site? The prices for the Puerto Vallarta excursions aren't posted though.

Here's the link for the Mazatlan Frank tour that Heather posted: http://www.mazatlan-frank.com/COPALA.html

For more information & lots & lots of pictures of shore excursions in Puerto Vallarta, you can check out http://www.vallarta-adventures.com
They even have a sea lion encounter that looks pretty cool (Disney doesn't offer this excursion).

[KelNottAt]

Thanks for the tip about info on the DU site! Now I'm really psyched! As soon as the Eagles game is over I'm gonna show DH. :rolleyes:

Kelley

[CruisingCA2005]

I've been going over those shore excursions since they came out! We still haven't made up our minds about Puerto Vallarta & Cabo but DS says he wants to try the Dolphin Encounter for kids and the canopy adventure looks pretty cool to me (look at http://www.vallarta-adventures.com for more information & pictures). I'm pretty sure we won't have enough time to do both so we'll probably end up doing the Dolphin encounter...anything to keep the kids happy!

On the cruisecritic board there were 2 users who are going on the June 18th cruise too. I'm not sure if they're DISers too & I didn't have a chance to reply to them yet cause I forgot my username/password combo. LOL.

[CruisingCA2005]

DH's cousin & her family who were originally scheduled to go on the 6 day July 17th cruise were able to change their booking. They're now coming on the cruise with us!

I posted this in the main DCL forum but I wanted to be sure that everyone here has this info:

I've started to make a list of various stores, etc. that you may find useful.

Shopping Malls:
Del Amo Fashion Center - a VERY big mall that is near to the 405 and 110 freeways in Torrance, CA (about 20 minutes from the pier). Near the corner of Hawthorne Blvd and Sepulveda Blvd.
http://delamofashioncenter.com
There is a Target and a Ralphs Grocery store right next to the Del Amo Mall.

South Bay Galleria (do not confuse with South Bay Pavillion). Near the corner of Hawthorne & Artesia Blvd off the 405 freeway.
http://www.southbaygalleria.com
There is a Ralphs grocery store right next to the South Bay Galleria.

Stores:
Target - 651 W. Sepulveda Blvd (right off of the 110 freeway) less than 10 minutes from the pier. There's another Target on 3433 Sepulveda Blvd (near the Del Amo Mall)

Super Kmart - 500 Carson Town Center (right off the 110 freeway and Torrance Blvd) about 10-15 minutes from pier.

Sam's Club
1399 Artesia Blvd (near the 110 freeway)

Trader Joe's
28901 South Western Avenue

Supermarket chains: Ralphs, Albertson's, Vons, Food4Less, Stater Brothers

[vacationbug]

Hi Gang,

I have a 13-er and I was wondering whether there are any other "young" teens traveling on our cruise. I have read some conflicting information in regard to the "Stack" but noticed on some newer navigators that there are now some group activities that are age-bracketed.

The little one (9 yrs) will be happy in the OL but I am worried about the teen. Last time we cruised DCL (2002) he was in OL and had a blast. I am worried that he'll be disapointed if there are no others his age (15-17 are on a different "level" of interests than 13-14s).

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[vacationbug]

I know that now that the excusions are posted on the DCL website, I am very excited! I am sad we are leaving Cabos so early! But!!! to go at all is so exciting!

Has anyone decided on any of the DCL excursions or doing their own? Just curious!

I am hoping that they do the Pirates celebration nite- sounds like a hoot! Plus then there's the evening pirate buffet. Now I'll have to take pirate-dancing lessons. Yoho Yoho....

My DD is going to be 9 & 3/4 years old at the time of the cruise. I noted that all horse-back riding has an age limit of 10. Is that a height-related type thing? She's in 4th grade and very tall for her age. She really wants to go Horseback riding, so I was wondering how strictly they'll stick to the age thing. I guess I'll have to call and find out....

Bump, bump...

[vacationbug]

Hey Gang! I have bumped this up, as Holly has now joined our cruise!
Welcome!

I'm in a party of 6 (2 cabins) myself, DH, DS (13) and DD (9) and MIL and SIL. We're really getting excited and starting to look at the excursions!
CruisinCA has given us lots of information and that is much appreciated from those of us on the East side of the nation!

:teeth:

[vacationbug]

How are you with the roads now? We've had clear weather the past few days -even sunshine now for 3 days!!! What a treasure to see the sun!
Your last message indicated that the mudslides blocked the road to your work...I hope that is all cleared up now for you!

All of Pittsburgh was :guilty: (sad) about the Steelers. Oh well, they're all looking forward to the baseball season. It sure don't look good for the Ice Hockey team - Penguins! Oh well.

Hope everyone on the board is doing well and getting excited about the cruise. I know I am! :Pinkbounc

[CruisingCA2005]

The twin girls who will be joining us will be 13 the month after the cruise so I'm not sure if they'll want to be in the 10-12 kids club or with the teens.

It's pretty warm here in Southern California today with the highs in the upper 70s.

If you have any questions about this area, please feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer your questions.

[vacationbug]

Okay, are you making fun of my delight in finally getting some temperature above 32 degrees (whoopie :rolleyes: - it's in the 40's today! Heat wave!) and some of that rare liquid gold? :sunny:

Sure, just rub it in...I will only appreciate it more when I am cruising! :goodvibes

Yeah, from what I have read on these boards, the teen club is sort of a "gamble" as to whether the teens like it or not. My DS loved the Lab in 2002 but he's clearly a teen this year. At least your "tweens" may have a choice...hopefully there will be a good number of younger teens.

Still waiting to see what happens to US-scare as far as transportation to CA, but it is looking worser and worser! And I hate connecting flights!

[DBinMV]

A co-worker pointed this board out to me - cool to see folks are identifying when they'll be on the ship. My co-worker is doing the Florida->California repositioning cruise, the lucky skunk.

I got sucked into this with a party of 11, including my 4 year-old and 2 year-old. We'll be the loud ones by the kids' pool. :)

If anyone has questions about stuff to do in OC if you're going to be here awhile before the cruise, I'll do my best to help out.

Vactaionbug and Hockey Heather - if you want to skate while you're staying at GC, Disney Ice on Katella (about 5-10 minutes from Disneyland) has a pretty nice facility.

Best wishes to all,

DBinMV
Cruisin 6/18, early seating

[Hollyster2]

ok, I would like to thank the kind guide who led me to this thread! :goodvibes
We are a big group. My family of 8 includes my MIL. I have twin daughters who are 18, DD 15, DS 10, and DD 6. Other kids traveling in our group are a DS 19, DS 18, DD 15, DS 10, DS 8, DD 6, DD 4, DD 3, DD 2. There are more, but you get the idea.
I am really interested in if any 18-20 yr olds are on board. Also, our 15 yr olds plan to attend the Stack on the first night.

We are horseback riding with Randi's Happy Horses, and that is as far as we have gotten.

I am getting really excited! :cheer2:

[tink1963]

:cool1: Hello fellow cruisers. :wave2:
It's great to see that the group is getting larger. I have just returned from a weekend trip to las vegas and am pleasently suprised to find more DISer's on this cruise.

Vacationbug...Our roads are pretty much cleared up. We are still experincing long traffic delays now for the clean up. Thanks for asking. We only missed one week of work, but I'm still playing catch up.

We haven't yet decided on any excursions. I'm interested in shopping. We may do a tequila factory tour since we collect tequila.

My main focus is to start working on the packing aspect. Never had to pack for a cruise before. :confused: :scratchin and I'm not sure where to start. Suggestions welcomed. :wave2:

Venetia

[CruisingCA2005]

Yay! More DISers on the cruise!

Holly - I'm glad you joined us on this thread. Wow! You're cruising with a large a group.

Venetia - Are you thinking about the tequila tour in Puerto Vallarta? I've read that one of the tours (I'm not sure if it's the same one offered by DCL) has a delicious mandarin orange tequila. I've started searching the net about places to buy a good reposado or anejo tequila in our ports. I'll let you know if I find anything.

I always have a tendency to overpack for our vacations. On our last DCL land/sea cruise I had to pack a little bit of everything because the temperatures ranged a good 35+ degrees on our vacation. When we went to Disney World it was cold during the days but by the end of the week it was in the 80s.

I'd pack at least one light weight jacket or sweater because it can get a little chilly in the evenings (at least here in Los Angeles). Don't forget that L.A. is known for it's "June Gloom"; it's usually overcast and the sun may not appear until the afternoon. It would probably be best to check out weather.com before you start packing.

[tink1963]

:wave2: CruisingCA2005....It's nice to find someone who knows their tequila. Please keep me posted on what you find out. Where did you hear about the mandarin orange tequila? Sound good. I will be looking for a really good anejo. In the little bit of research I've done the PV tour sound the best, but have not made any firm plans.

One question I do have is... does anyone know how much liquor can be brought back?

[Hollyster2]

Anyone riding with Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan? They take riders from age 3-80 she wrote me. :o)

[CruisingCA2005]

Holly: We're riding with Randi! It'll be me, DH, aunt, twin girls, DS (8), and DD (3)...I asked DH's cousin if they'd want to go also but she didn't get back to me so I haven't added them.

Tink: The tequila is from Mama Lucia's - one of the stops on the princess cruiseline tequila tour in Puerto Vallarta. Perhaps DCL's tequila tour will follow the same itinerary. I am not sure if we can bring back 1 or 2 bottles back duty free. I've read that if you bring more back & the duty is under $10 they usually waive the fee. Posters on cruisecritic were saying that it's a good idea to look at stores in your own area (including Costco), then compare that to the duty free shop onboard, then you'll have an idea of whether the liquor is truly a good deal or not.

[cantwait]

:cool1:

We're going on this cruise too and I really can't wait!! We have NEVER been on a cruise before. It is for our 10yr anniversary and our 9yr old daughter will be with us.

I would love to hear other people's experiences with Dis Cruises. We have the later seating time.

Looking forward to talking to some people.

Jen :earsgirl:

[vacationbug]

Welcome to the boards Cantwait! Neither can we!

Our girls are both 9 year olds! Happy (advance) anniversary! Ours is on the 19th, so we're celebrating too. There is a Romance at Sea package that sounds nice, so we're doing that!

There's several large family groups and everyone has been kind to offer all sorts of information - from horseback riding to tequilla. I'm certainly a novice on both, but the Mandarin orange tequilla sure sounds interesting!

It's exciting seeing more people come "on board"!

Is anyone doing the dolphin encounters/swims at any of the ports? Any experiences with either? Recommendations? Both our kids 13 and 9 are interested in the dolphin-thing. Looking forward to your thoughts/opinions,

Bev

[CruisingCA2005]

Jen: Welcome aboard!

Bev: My son (8) wants to try the dolphin encounter for kids. What really looks cool are the Sea Lion Encounters through Vallarta Adventures. I've been trying to find out more info - (i.e. taxi to Nuevo Vallarta, cruiser's experiences, etc) about this excursion.

Would anyone mind if I start making a web page for our June 18th cruise? I've seen several pages that DISers have made for their cruises & thought it was a cool idea. I'll be sure to post personal info (first names, ages, stateroom numbers, and personal photos) in a password protected area or we can leave that area off. I also wanted to post our helpful tips & links. I've been planning our cruise since last May and I've got quite a few things that I'd like to share.

Once basketball season is over, I'll take a trip over to San Pedro to take pics so everyone else can see things in this area.

Yes I'm obsessed!!

[vacationbug]

Rae Ann, that would be so cool! Yes, please do! I would use it!

:umbrella: It's raining here in the arm-"Pit" of America- ~so what were you saying about June-gloom? I can't imagine anything would be as dreary as this place (except maybe Seattle or a rain-forest!) Ha!

Besides how can any of us be gloomy when we're on the count down! We're soon gonna be at double-digits! Woohoo!

[CruisingCA2005]

Okay...I'll get started on it. :D

It's not too bad here in June. It can be overcast in the morning until the sun starts peeking out around noon. Low's are usually around 60 in June with highs around 75. It'll probably be 85 degrees when you get here LOL..you just never know how the weather will be.

I'm not sure how many of you are planning on going to the Long Beach aquarium when you're here but I highly recommend it. We're annual passholders and the kids really enjoy going to the aquarium to feed the lorikeets and touch the sting rays & sharks. Here are a few photos (http://www.mrspoppypuff.com/Poppy/aquarium.htm). Uhhh...my son's pretending to be a hermit crab in the last photo. You can get discounted tickets from Costco or you can get a discount at the ticket counter with a AAA card.

[Hollyster2]

We have a group of 11-17 riders in our group with Randi. See you there! :sunny: I have twin daughters, but they are 18 and don't like horses. I am bringing my 6 yr old DD, 10 yr old DS and 15 yr old DD. The 15 yr old is having her dream come true getting to ride on the beach in Mexico! I can't wait! I wish I knew more about the other excursions. Randi's is really the only one I know anything about.

[Hollyster2]

The web page idea sounds great! :wizard:

[tink1963]

Hi All...

Welcome to Hollyster2 and cantwait :wave2:

CruisingCA2005...the web page sound great. I must tell you that I have marveled at the information and tips you have found. I have even looked at other threads for the west coast cruises just to find your tips. :angel: Thanks so much. Your hard work is appriciated here :goodvibes

We are also planning a trip to san pedro to check out the terminal area in the coming weeks. Sure would be nice to get an idea of the layout.

[CruisingCA2005]

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=7560574&postcount=8

Link to Shirley's "west coast counterpart"

[cantwait]

I'm so glad to meet someone with kids and girls my daughter's age. She will be very pleased too!!

I think the web site idea is a GREAT one, it will give us a chance to "get to know" each other a little before we set sail :ssst:

Let us know when you get it up and running!

[CruisingCA2005]

Okay I've got the site started....there's not much working on their right now (except for the ports & Puerto Vallarta page) but I'll start populating it with the info that I have. Please feel free to email or PM me with things you think should be included on the site and also info for the June 18th cruise page.

Info that I'd like:
Names & ages of the cruisers
Hometown
Stateroom #
Early/Late dining
Any fun facts
A picture!!

The info & pics of the June 18th cruisers will be a password protected area. I will only give the url & password to those cruisers that have given me info to post about their families.

You can check out verandahman.com or ***************** for more ideas of cruising web pages.

http://cruisingdcl.mrspoppypuff.com/index.html

The site is NOT finished but it'll give you an idea on how it'll be laid out. I promise to help make this site one of the "bestest" cruise sites out there with a little help from you. :cool1:

[CruisingCA2005]

Hi everyone. It's been a wet day here in SoCal so that means traffic is worse than usual.

I've put up more information on the site but still haven't gotten around to doing OUR portion of it (the June 18th page). I have gotten info from Bev & Jen. I'm going to try to scan in some pics from our 2001 cruise (my pre-digital days) to post.

If the weather clears up I wanted to go down to the port & take pictures of the new cruise terminal/waterfront. They had their grand opening in Dec 2004. There are a few links on my Los Angeles > San Pedro page.

I received the Puerto Vallarta guide that PVPam (from cruisecritic.com & other boards) put together. She's like a Mazatlan Frank of Puerto Vallarta, posting useful information for cruisers. One of the interesting things that she says is that cruisers cannot book shore excursions directly through Vallarta Adventures (probably because of existing agreements through the cruise lines and Vallarta Adventures). She does help people book excursions through other companies and DH & I are going to do the Los Veranos canopy adventure (which is supposedly better than the one offered through Vallarta Adventures/DCL) since my mom said she'd watch the kids for the day. If you'd like a copy of Pam's guide PM or email me. You can also email her at pmt15@hotmail.com

For everyone who will be bringing your own "refreshments" aboard, you do not have to have a membership at Sam's Club to buy alcohol (one California law that I like :rotfl: ). :sunny: I just wanted to know how much things cost here so I won't get ripped off in Mexico. No, I'm not a lush :laughing:

Prices of tequila at Sams:
Cabo Wabo reposado $35.46
Milagro Reposado $49.54
Patron Reposado $38.96
Milagro Anejo $63.27 (1.75 L)
Corralejo Reposado $23.96
Herradura Reposado $29.97
Sauza Tres Generaciones Anejo $32.68

If there's anything else you want me to check out at Sam's let me know, I go there fairly often. I also have a Costco membership if you want me to check out something there.

That's it for now.... I'll post again if I discover something new.

Adding: For those of you who will be in the Orange County area and would like to bring some refreshments, check out http://www.hitimewine.com - their store is in Costa Mesa & sometimes their prices are better than the Sams/Costco. Once again...I am not a lush. LOL

[vacationbug]

Thanks everyone for bringing a smile everyday!

Hey CruisingCA here's your unforgettable tag: "Once again...I am not a lush." :rotfl:
You make me laugh! Of course we don't think you're a lush (or do we?)

It's a sunshiney day here in the "burgh" (take note; doesn't happen often)
and after a very soggy Monday it's a real treat! AND...it is way above freezing- yes, folks it is in the mid-fortys at 8:34 in the AM (East coast time).

We got the last 4 horses with Randi, so that (non-DCL) excursion is booked! Thanks for your help and hints everyone! My DD is so very excited about riding!

I don't know how often I'll be able to check in this week and next, as I am "on call" for federal jury duty. Thankfully I was "eliminated" yesterday and have a "free" day (to catch up on my "real" job) but I can be called back at any time the next couple of weeks. Catchcha when I can, take care! :wave2:
Bev

[Hollyster2]

Hey, Vacationbug...did you just get the last four horses at Randi's? We have several reserved and she said we took her last bunch. There are supposed to be 26 horses on this particular ride. We are a group of 17, but I just had a cancellation in our group so I need to contact Randi and release those spots. Because our group is so big, I am afraid of "overbooking". When did you get your reservation? Have you ridden with Randi before? I never have, just heard wonderful reviews. :teeth:

[Hollyster2]

Well My MIL decided to bunk with her nephew so we are down a cabin mate. That will be ok...we will use the money towards excursions. Still deciding on which snorkeling one to take in Cabo. Where is Cabo Wabo? I am not sure we will want to walk in there looking like drowned rats after our snorkel trip, but then again...I suspect it would not matter. :earboy2:

[vacationbug]

Randi wrote me an email Feb 12, and it states that she reserved the last 4 horses for us. I was worried a bit there, as I knew you had a very large group (17) and I believe Rae Ann does too (7 or 8). Lucky us! :wizard: If it was your call that helped us, thanks for that! But maybe she got an extra couple of horses than the 26?

Randi did say in a previous email to me that several dates in June were already "booked solid", so I knew that if I didn't act fast, I would loose out! I was holding my breath!

[Hollyster2]

Did she tell you what time your ride was? She mentioned that she had 12 riders going, and 17 horses left. If I wanted to wait until that ride got back, I could go with the next group. I am totally confused. June 22nd right?

[Hollyster2]

I looked at the date on the response when I reserved. It was Feb. 1st. I am calling all my group this morning so I can free up as many horses as I can. Right now my group is down to 11 again. Might not get past 12 total. I had 17 for sure riders in the beginning, but my MIL said she might want to skip the horse part, and meet us at Victor's. A few other's are talking about joining her. I told her these are really gentle horses. I am right, aren't I?

[CruisingCA2005]

Do any of you have yahoo IM or AIM? I thought it would be nice to chat or conference occasionally to get to know each other and/or plan things out.

No ones mentioned one yet but do any of you want to plan a DIS meet? Looks like Holly, Bev, and I will be going horseback riding together but it would be great to meet everyone else too.

[Hollyster2]

Do any of you have yahoo IM or AIM? I thought it would be nice to chat or conference occasionally to get to know each other and/or plan things out.

No ones mentioned one yet but do any of you want to plan a DIS meet? Looks like Holly, Bev, and I will be going horseback riding together but it would be great to meet everyone else too.


I am on AOL. Also, it would be very hard for me to plan a DIS meet because we are with such a large group and there are so many other things planned. I am glad that I will meet some of you at horseback riding!

[Hollyster2]

My TA just called Disney and as of today the departure times are
Lax 5p
PVR 5P
MZT 5p
Cabo 3:30pm

These times are different from the DCL site. What do you all think? :confused3
I think the time frames are especially short.

[Hollyster2]

What is the day we can book our excursions at 90 days out? Is it March 19th? I haven't heard back from Randi so I will have to e-mail her again.

[vacationbug]

Alright, I have made it through another week! Busy for sure! I hope everyone's doin' okay!

Holly: Yes, the current date for Maz is Wed. June 22nd. I understood that Randi and crew picks up riders all at one time (8:30AM) at the end of the tram ride from the pier. When all the riders are together, then the excursion begins. Whether there are different "ride" times or not, I am so far unaware.

Rae Ann: I did have aol IM before, but I am not sure if I can get it working again. Let me check it out and get back to you on that. For now, when I am "green lighted" (that little signal at the bottom left of the posts) I am pretty much available by email and will respond fairly quickly (depending upon what I am doing at the time work-wise). Feel free to contact me that way should you (or anyone else) want to.
I did find the disc with some (fairly recent) photos on it, however, I have not gotten to remembering to bring it with me to get the photos sent to you for the cruise website.

I read on the boards that they might not do the pirates nite thingy. Darn...I was kinda looking forward to that - sounded like fun. Well that is the "kid" in me I guess! Arrrrrrr! pirate:

My thought on the dining rotation is that they probably won't do something totally different because that would cause more difficulty. The current "West" dining rotation is most similar to the itinery for the Mexican Riviera ports, with the exception of Cabo being reversed with a "Sea day". I think that we'll see a similar dining schedule based on that itinery--- remembering that Cabo is a very short (~sigh :guilty: ) port and the Semi-formal nite could easily be squeezed in there.
Cheerio! :wave2:
Bev

[Hollyster2]

I am guessing that the Dining rotation will be the same too. On the Western Carribean cruise 2 years ago, we had a Mexicalifragilistic night instead of a Pirate night. I wonder if that will be what we do this time too.

[vacationbug]

I read that there was to be a "birthday surprise" type themed dinner for DL's 50th, but that is what I read. It may be in writing but may not be factual.
I'm just hanging out waiting to hear the "real" scoop.
::MickeyMo

[Hollyster2]

[QUOTE=vacationbug]Alright, I have made it through another week! Busy for sure! I hope everyone's doin' okay!

Holly: Yes, the current date for Maz is Wed. June 22nd. I understood that Randi and crew picks up riders all at one time (8:30AM) at the end of the tram ride from the pier. When all the riders are together, then the excursion begins. Whether there are different "ride" times or not, I am so far unaware.

I think this is the time frame we are on. She had written that we had the option to wait at Victor's for the first riders to be finished and then take the ride. She said not to worry and that the horses would not be too tired or overworked. Of course she said we would arrange that ahead of time, but we are scheduled to ride with the very first ride of the day. I guess we will be off the ship as early as possible.
I did reduce my reservation from 17 to a confirmed 12 riders. I am sure she will have no trouble filling those up. Sounds like she already has :sunny:
In our group will be my 15 yr. old daugher and her best friend who will be actually celebrating her 15th birthday that day! I would LOVE it if people on the ride knew ahead that it was Melissa's birthday and could wish her a Happy Birthday. She would be so surprised! LOL Probably embarrassed too..but love it. :blush:

[vacationbug]

Melissa a "happy 15th"! After all, we all are 15 only once in our lives (well, chronologically at least :goodvibes ) But please don't ask me to sing!!!

[CruisingCA2005]

It's raining here..... :umbrella: We got a new capuccino maker at work so I'm a happy camper.

I was looking forward to the pirate night celebration also. I know our kids would have enjoyed it. I guess the closest thing we'll do is riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at DL and I just don't think the two are in the same league. LOL.

[vacationbug]

If I want a Capuccino, I have to go out and get it! We're lucky to have Polar water! With the low state appropriation for funds this year, I'll be lucky indeed to see a raise in my paycheck :confused3

Here in the Pit it was snowing earlier this morning, but I see sunshine now- but Brrrrrrrrrr it is cold! :cold: 16 degrees as I ran to catch the bus this morning!

It's Friday though, so I am wearing jeans (and long-johns underneath) and a turtleneck.

I counted on my calendar that 90 days out is March 21st. Is that the day we can make our shore excursions -- as long as the trip is all paid off? Are my calculations correct?

[Hollyster2]

I counted on my calendar that 90 days out is March 21st. Is that the day we can make our shore excursions -- as long as the trip is all paid off? Are my calculations correct?[/QUOTE]
<<<<<
That is what I want to know? When is the very first day 90 days out that we can make our excursion reservations???? :cheer2:

[Hollyster2]

I wrote the DCL excursion desk. The earliest we can reserve excursions is March 20th.

[Hollyster2]

What time do the kids clubs open up on port days?

[dlander]

How exciting! I am new to the boards. We are also traveling June 18. My mom, DH, DD 12 and I. How do you know so much about the onshore excursions? We are early seating.

Jenn ::MickeyMo

[CruisingCA2005]

Welcome aboard Jenn!

Holly - I'm not sure when the clubs open. I've looked at different navigators and it varies (7:30, 9:00).

[vacationbug]

On the news is such sad and scarey information about S.Cal! :sad2: I sincerely hope that none of our California friends are badly affected (or is it effected; drat! I always get the two confused! Argh!) by the mudslides and flooding. I know that flooding can do some pretty bad stuff, as there are people in our region still trying to recover from our flooded rivers in September.

Hang in there gang, be safe, and know that you and your families are in thoughts and prayers! Maybe soon this crazy weather will break and things will return to "normal" (whatever that means). Take care all!

[Hollyster2]

I saw on the news where a backyard swimming pool slid down a hill. Awful! I can't believe how much it is raining. I am keeping those residents in my thoughts and prayers.

[Hollyster2]

Ok, so thanks for checking out the kids club times. I did that too, and I am glad to see they will adjust the times with the days we are in port. I thought they did that, but read on another board the standard time every day was 9 a.m. Too late for port days! I am still trying to get information on the snorkeling in Cabo. I want to know what the main differences in the 3 snorkel excursions are. I wrote the DCL excursion desk, so maybe they will shed some light on the subject.

[vacationbug]

Hollyster: We're interested in one of the snorkling adventures in Cabo as well. I looked at the Chileno Bay (Tropicat) cruise and snorkle on-line and it looks pretty nice. It appears that Chileno Bay is nice for snorkling, scuba and swimming (there is a beach) but I don't know how far from the beach the catamaran will "anchor" and the time is short.

I worry about the mouth gear? Has anyone ever "rented" equipment and how gross is that? Since I work with science-based stuff, I worry about such things as viruses! Maybe I should invest in our own snorkels and wear the other "rented" gear? Anyone have any thoughts to that approach? Since it's only an hour of snorkling time it may not be worth the expense, but then again, the "yuk" factor may balance that out- ???

Thinking :sunny: for Californians!

[CruisingCA2005]

The rain seems to be stopping here. We live on flat land so we don't have to worry about mudslides, etc. We missed the first large storm that came through S. California at the end of December because we were on vacation but it's certainly been very wet since then. Fortunately I don't have to deal with driving on the freeway in the rain 'cause I work very close to home.

I should be going to work soon but DH discovered a flat tire on my new car! It only has 1200 miles on it & we've already got a flat! LOL. He's out getting it fixed now.

[Hollyster2]

I have rented snorkel equipment once, and am seriously thinking of buying our own this time. I had read on a board that if you rent, bring alcohol wipes with you, but I would like to just buy the snorkel piece. If I buy the snorkel, is it best to buy the mask too? Do they even sell them seperately? :sad2: I have to make up my mind on this.

[CruisingCA2005]

It may be a good idea because some people spit in their masks to prevent it from fogging up. Sounds nasty... I first took lessons when I was around 10 years old and I really gave the instructor a hard time. I refused to spit in my mask so he'd have to dive down to pick some seaweed so I could rub that in my mask instead. Then there was the time I refused to jump off a wall into the water 10 feet below so we could snorkle in that area. :rotfl: Oh yeah....how can I forget the time he took us to the "toilet bowl" at Hanauma Bay in Honolulu. I tried it once but got freaked out & ended up climbing on his shoulders so I could climb out of the "toilet bowl". Poor instructor....luckily my sister was more easy going than I was.

[vacationbug]

Oh just great - now I'm really gonna be grossed out! Spit and toilet bowls?? Yipes! Okay- I confess, I did snorkle at Hanauma Bay, (more than 10 years ago) but I didn't think I was in a toilet bowl?!! I remember watching the other snorkelers give the fish frozen peas!

We did snorkle with our own masks and snorkles at Castaway Cay in 2002, but the conditions were nowheres as wonderful as what I remembered at Hanauma Bay; fish weren't even colorful at CC. But DS and DD didn't "get" the snorkel part as easily and I thought perhaps with a so-called "dry snorkle" they'd enjoy it more (not tasting as much seawater accidently).

Oh by the way, you'll be able to see me a mile off, as I am really and truely going to be one of those dreaded "pasty-legged" "Central Staters".

I checked out the tanning salon by our house, but they're pushing the tanning beds, and since I've already have 2 separate scars on my upper back, I really don't want to look like a road map! (well, at least any more than I do already, I guess! :rolleyes: ) I'll just resort to experimenting with the self-tanners (of course I do slather on my sunscreen/blockers everyday despite the fact that we have mostly cloudy days!) and hopefully I'll still resemble a human bean! :bitelip:

[CruisingCA2005]

There's an area of Hanauma Bay called the toilet bowl because it is a large pool-like area where the water rushes in & "flushes" out. I think the area may be blocked off now because it can be dangerous. You'd have to walk towards the left side of the bay to get to the toilet bowl. Here's a link if you want to check it out: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/sites_to_see/toilet_bowl.htm

I'm thinking about going to a tanning salon too. I want to try the Mystic tan (the spray on stuff) before the cruise. I can get a pretty nice tan when I'm out in the sun but I'm not one to lay out at the beach. Even when I was living in Hawaii people would comment on how white I was. :cool1:

[tink1963]

Hello All, :wave:
I just received in todays mail a letter from DCL on information and an application for passports. I was planning on using birth cert. and driver licences as ID's. We are not world travelers by any means and have never had the need for them. What are some of your thoughts on this subject. I would rather not spend the extra $ to get something we may only use once.

[Hollyster2]

[QUOTE=tink1963]Hello All, :wave:
I just received in todays mail a letter from DCL on information and an application for passports.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

What exactly is DCL advising? What did the paperwork say?

[vacationbug]

The letter advises you to get a passport. Included were one passport application and instruction form.

My DH and I do have our passports but we opted to get the kids their own (DS13 and DD9) as a matter of ease. For our first cruise to the Bahamas, we all had our Birth Certificates, but I worried the entire time about them (getting overly crinkled [-the raised seal issues], getting wet [it rained a lot on our cruise], getting lost, etc.) So this time we're using the passports. It could also be a helpful thing with the kids regarding the presence of threats of kidnapping over our nation.

Adult passports are good for 10 years, so really it is not too bad an investment for ease of use and security. Passports are more easily replaced than birth certificates.

There is a thread on the main cruise board about the passport issues; Note that the cost will increase come March!
This thread is located at:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=748389&goto=newpost

SNowing....School delay 2 hours! :cold: Of course it is not sunshining here today, but hopefully in California the sun will be visiting! :sunny:

[Hollyster2]

<<<It appears that Chileno Bay is nice for snorkling, scuba and swimming (there is a beach) >>>>>

How did you find out there was a beach, vacation bug?

[CruisingCA2005]

We've been planning to get passports but haven't gotten around to it yet. We'll definitely get our pictures done & have them processed before they add the additional security fee on March 12th. We've always used our birth certificates when travelling but this will make things go smoother through customs and this will be our 4th time out of the US in 4 years. I've read that it may still be possible to use birth certificates on the west coast cruises but it will probably cause delays going through customs in Los Angeles.

The weather has been nice here the past 2 days but I believe it's supposed to rain again tonight.

[vacationbug]

Hollyster: I used a "search engine" to "investigate" Chileno Bay. Apparently it is a popular scuba dive site as well. I don't snorkel too often, much let alone know how to scuba dive, but I did read about the bay area. Sounded nice. If you want more information, I'll go back through to see what I found.

CruisingCA: Yea! :cloud9: for you guys having a break from the rain! We wound up with 5+ inches of the white stuff (of course they were only forecasting for 1-2 inches!) but today we've had a glorious bit of sunshine ourselves. Darned cold (in the teens wind chill wise this morning) but at least there's sunshine! :sunny:

We're gonna check out our current snorkel gear this weekend...tee hee!

[TallMidgetGirl]

Hey, I'm 15 and I was wondering if any other 15-year-olds are going to be on this cruise. :wave2:

[Hollyster2]

Tall Midget Girl is my daughter. princess:
It will be her best friend turning 15 the day we ride with Randi's Horses!

[Hollyster2]

Have you checked out some of the other cruise meets threads? Some of them are really jumping. Who is ready to jump with me? :Pinkbounc

[DBinMV]

Sorry I just got back into this....

Great suggestions on Sam's Club and Costco.

Other options include Beverages and More: http://www.bevmo.com They carry a very nice selection of wines and spirits and good prices. There's one in Orange, not too far away from Disneyland.

There's another place with a good selection called the Wine Exchange in Orange, about 15 minutes from Disneyland: http://www.winex.com

And here is the Hi Times Wine Cellar web site: https://www.hitimewine.net/
They have a HUGE selection of just about everything, but prices are varied, in my experience. They are a bit farther away in Costa Mesa.

And no, I'm not a lush either. pirate:

On another note:
Anyone got any good ideas on how to explain to a 4-year-old that we're not going on the Cruise for 3.5 more months? He watched the Travel Channel's feature of the Disney Cruise line with me, and is WAYYY too excited... he keeps asking if we're going on the cruise today. <sigh>

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

LOL. My 3 year old keeps telling everyone about the Disney Cruise. At least once a week she asks if we're going on an adventure. I think another trip to Disneyland will quiet her down for a little while.

I've read that some people make a "cruise chain" for their kids. Everyday they get to take off a link (a paper clip, etc) to see how many days are left until their cruise.

DH & the kids got their passport pictures done yesterday. We're planning on turning in our documents on Saturday (the LAX airport post office is open on weekends).

[Hollyster2]

We did a cruise count down, and will probably do that again. My youngest was then 4, and as long as she saw something happening with the count down, she seemed to be more patient. She is used to the Christmas count down calendars and chains the other kids have done around here.

[Hollyster2]

I guess we are going to get passports. I have one, but we will have to buy 6 for the rest of the family. OUCH! Anyway, does anyone know how long they take to arrive? :hourglass

[Hollyster2]

Started getting our passport pictures yesterday. With everyone's busy schedules it will take a few days. Did you all take both parents with you to get the passports for your under 14 yr old children, or use the signature form?

Remember, if you belong to AAA, passport photos are free!
:sunny:

[vacationbug]

Hi everyone. No "big" snow here, but it sure did wreak the "normal" schedules in our lives. It started as a nice rain and did snow, but the media "build-up" was way more than the actual snow amount. The roads are clear and wet and although it is still flurrying, it isn't expected to amount to anything. DD was dissapointed because she wanted to build a "snow fort". We did manage to build one a few years ago when we actually "got" snow for winter. Haven't seen much sun lately!

We sent our passport applications in on Valentines Day, and so it's been about 2 weeks. They give you a time frame of 4-6 weeks, so it's good to get them done before May I imagine! I promise to tell you guys when our kids' have arrived so you'll have a better idea of the time frame :)

[Hollyster2]

This passport thing has me all frazzled. We live in CA, and my friends are saying "Why in the world would you need passports to go to Mexico?" Has anyone heard any really good reasons? We have cruised 3 times, once to Ensenada, and twice to the Western Carribean. We showed our birth certificates when we boarded the ship, and when we got off of it. Very simple procedure. I have started having the photo's taken, but really am cringing at the total it will cost to have this done. Anyone have anymore information or opinions on the subject to help me make up my mind? :confused3

[dlander]

Are there any 12 year old girls going on this cruise? I would love my daughter to have a head start on a friend to meet.

I am also not too excited about getting a passport. My dh has one and thinks it is the way to go. I am just so excited! Has anyone heard if the new Passporter is coming out soon. I am dying for some more info on this cruise!

Jenn ::MinnieMo

[DBinMV]

I think you can still use the birth certificates - no problem, it'll just mean a longer wait.

I think Disney is recommending the passports because they are expecting the West Coast cruises to be very crowded - if they can alleviate a line (and get the folks off the ship in a more timely manner), that's better for everyone.

Personally, my 2 year-old HATES having his picture taken - we haven't gotten a good one yet for the passport application.

DBinMV

[Hollyster2]

We go back and forth about the passports. One day I am getting them, the next day I am not. ::sigh::: Anyway, I do NEED to know if there is a theme night. I want to be prepared if there is a pirate night! That would be so cool! I just hope they have some kind of theme night. If you all hear of anything, POST IT PUHLEEEZE! :3dglasses
I am still trying to figure out what snorkeling excursion to take in Cabo. I love that I keep reading more and more great reviews on Randi's Happy Horses!

[Hollyster2]

Anyone know what kind of time changes we will experience? I read that Puerto Vallarta has a 2 hour time difference. It said that getting the kids up at 7a.m. will feel like 5 a.m. Anyone? :hourglass

[CruisingCA2005]

PV follows Central Standard Time (CST) is 2 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. They also observe daylight savings time so it will still be 2 hours ahead of PST when we travel. Mazatlan & Cabo are both Mountain Standard Time (MST) (1 hour ahead of PST).

It's a sunny day here in Southern California! :sunny:

We were able to get the paperwork for our passports turned in this weekend. We were the 2nd in line but by the time we left, there were approximately 15 people in line waiting to get their passports.

I've also started shopping "for the cruise". LOL. I'll use any excuse to go shopping.

[Hollyster2]

So do you think we will observe a time change the 1st or second day at sea? Then be two hours ahead on our first port day, then only an hour ahead the next two port days? Is that right?

[vacationbug]

Hey Gang! We're almost at DOUBLE DIGITS!! :Pinkbounc

The kids' passports arrived in the mail on Saturday the 5th! So that was just 15 working days (figuring the gov'mt doesn't work on Sat & Sun; at least the passport makers). Not too bad!

Kiddos were excited to see them.

Hey we're above freezing today! Started out the day with some sunshine, but now it's "the usual" grey and cloudy. I understand the temps will drop sharply tonight and we'll have a chance of more of that white stuff with tomorrow morning's run for the bus! Hey it's March! :rolleyes:

I've been busy trying to find an airfare that is reasonable with reasonable times of departure and arrival. I think it is impossible to get all three, so will have to do some settling...

Rae Ann - whatcha shopping for? Sounds like fun!

[Hollyster2]

How many days is it actually? I HATE that we don't have our timers anymore.

[dlander]

Ooh Rae Ann a girl after my own heart! I have been trying to hold back the urge to shop for the cruise. It feels so far away. I heard there was not going to be a pirate night. I hope that is wrong. I am so glad there will be several sailings before ours so we can find out info!

[Hollyster2]

No Pirate night? I wonder if they will do a mexicalifragilistic night. I would like to know if they are doing any theme nights at all.

[CruisingCA2005]

100 days out!!

We have a dinner/dance to go to on Saturday so I picked up an outfit that I'll also wear on formal or semi-formal night. I also got a few things for DS to wear for Easter & "for the cruise". DH doesn't want to take more than 1 suit (good more room for my clothes & DD's clothes) so he'll be just taking a different colored shirt & tie & wearing the same suit for semi-formal night. I've thought about renting tuxes for the guys but it seems like formal & semi formal night are getting less and less formal on the Magic. Shhhhhhhh....I'm not telling DH that he can wear jeans on casual nights. :teeth:

[DBinMV]

Cool!!! Being a California casual kind of guy, I was sweating having to _always_ be dressed up for dinner. (For me, "dressed up" means collared shirt and anything besides shorts/jeans)

As for formal night, a suit is required, yes? Does anyone know how many "formal nights" there will be? I'd like to avoid having to do laundry on the cruise, but I may have to buy another shirt or tie (or 2).

Ha! Now I don't have to go the mall with DW this weekend!

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

Good news for you DB!!

From the DIS Cruise News page:
Jeans are now acceptable attire under the revised "Cruise Casual" dress policy. It is still requested that guests do not wear shorts, swimwear or tank tops to the dining rooms.
The attire is determined by the day, not the restaurant with the exception of Palo. The seven night cruise has a formal night, semi-formal night, pirate/tropical night and four "Cruise Casual" nights.

Here's the dress code for Palo:
During dinner, gentlemen will be required to wear a dress shirt. Gentlemen wearing polo shirts, t-shirts, Tommy Bahama style shirts, etc will not be allowed admittance. Jackets and/or ties are still recommended but not required. Notices will be in the Personal Navigator, on the Palo reservation card and a sign outside the elevators on deck 10 will contain this dress advisory. The Resort Casual dress code for both the brunch and high tea remains unchanged.

[vacationbug]

HA! :teeth: Today is my Friday this week, as we have our "President's Day" off tomorrow. Weird, but I guess it all has to do with scheduling Monday classes so that too many are not missed.

Hey DBinMV and CruisingCA: I've seen on these boards that men have worn either suits or a jacket with dress pants for the formal/semi nights; I am leaning towards no tux for the hubbie. Aren't tuxes wool anyways (warm or hot to wear?) having never been in a tux, I don't know but for the cost, if we don't need to rent or buy a tux, then one of his suits will be "just fine". Besides, I can't see trying to convince my DS13 to wear a tux! It will be difficult enought to get him to wear something "dressy".

I heard on the news this morning that Pittsburgh is a depressing city (only 309 days of drear a year) so you'll know why I'm not kidding when I am looking forward to some sunshine! :sunny:

How are you Californians doin? Drying out now- I hope?!!!

We've made our flight plans and pre-stay plans, so now it's on to the double-digits...remember I'm ahead of you guys by a few hours!

Since we booked the cruise before the DCL change from 60 to-90 days payment due, our final cruise payment isn't officially due until April, but apparently one can't book any excursions until that final payment has been made, so I guess I'm going to be coughing it up sooner than my "official" due date. Anyone else in that "boat" with me?

Have a nice weekend everybody. Dream happy dreams and when I "see" you again, we'll all be doin' the "double-digit dance". :wave2:
:jumping1:

[DBinMV]

Thanks for the info, Rae Ann. I think I can swing a formal night. It's nice that I won't have to wear a tie at Palo, just a dress shirt.

Vacationbug, re: tuxedo rental - most guys hate the idea of wearing a tux, especially rentals. They never fit quite right, and yes, the good ones are wool. (The cheap ones are a polyester blend - ech!) I have to believe that guys wearing a tux will be in the minority.

Yes, California has returned to it's normal self - mid seventies today.

I just put down final payment yesterday. A heads up for you Disney Visa holders - if you pay with your Disney Visa card, you will get a $50 ship-board credit. It's not much, but it's something. I think you have to pay the whole thing with your Disney Visa, so if you put the deposit on another card (like I did), they can refund the deposit to the original card and put the full charge on your Disney Visa. I believe Disney Visa is also offering 6 mos/no interest on Disney vacations, if that helps anyone.

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

LOL. Don't forget those ugly plastic looking shoes that you often get with rentals.

I'm planning on paying off our cruise next week. My mom & the others who are travelling with us have already paid off their cruise. We'll also be having our teleconference soon to discuss shore excursions. I have to remind them of the time difference between the ports & L.A. It's bad enough that we'll have a 2 hour difference between L.A. & Puerto Vallarta but they'll be dealing with additional 3 hour time difference because they're visiting from Hawaii.

[Hollyster2]

I am paying off our cruise next week also! :banana:

[Hollyster2]

Wow Rae Ann, with the time changes it is a good thing your family will be able to relax on the ship the first two days out!

[CruisingCA2005]

:cool1: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :jumping1: :dancer: :rockband:

Doing the double digit dance!!!!!!!! I'm a day late and we're 98 days out but I'm doing the double digit dance.

[tink1963]

:cool1: Dancing along with you. Double digits. The final count down has begun. :dancer:
If DH does not go fishing tomorrow we may take a drive :moped: to San Pedro and check out the port.

[tink1963]

:wave2: I was reading some of the navigators that are posted from previous cruises. On one I notices that there was a Prem-EAR of a new disney movie. I then looked into what movie might be coming out during the cruise and found that Herbie Fully Loaded opens in theaters on June 24. Do you thing they might prem-EAR this for our cruise? :scratchin ;) ;)

[CruisingCA2005]

Did you take a drive down to the port? It's not as pretty as Port Canaveral since it's one of the largest industrial ports in the world but as long as the Magic's going to be there, I'm not complaining.

:cool1: Paid off our cruise today. Woohoo! That's the one good thing that has happened on "Moody Monday" at our house. Both kids woke up in terrible moods this morning so it's been an ordeal trying to get them ready for school. Funny, you can wake them up at 5:30 in the morning to go to somewhere fun but they won't wake up at 7 to go to school.

[tink1963]

:sad: :sad2: No we were unable to go. DH went fishing so I did some cruise shopping. :) :teeth: :)

[CruisingCA2005]

Cruise shopping...that sounds like fun.

I got a promotional package for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary celebration in the mail last night (for annual passholders). I haven't really had a chance to look at everything but it looks like they're planning a lot of fun things. They also printed a calendar for March, April, and May showing all the special events planned. I'll post details about June/July if they send anything for those months. There are a lot of commemorative items for sale (of course!); pins, tshirts, etc. I have an extra coupon for $20 off 2 day park hopper tickets (good for up to 8 people). I think the passes have to be purchased between May 5th-June 17th and used by June 30th or 10 days after the first use. PM or email me if you're interested.

[tink1963]

:cool1: Cant wait to get mine. We just got are passport renewals in todays mail. We got the tinkerbell anniversary card.

[CruisingCA2005]

Ooohhh.... Tinkerbell. We still have the old Goofy cards. I don't think we're going to be renewing next year 'cause we really don't go as often as we'd like and we'd also have to buy a ticket for DD. Ours don't expire until October so we still have 7 months left to get our Disney fix.

[DBinMV]

I, along with a few of my in-laws, are going to try to book the Canopy Tour in Puerto Vallarta. Anyone else going to be booking that?

Re Disneyland: A co-worker got on Buzz's Astro Blasters last weekend - he said it was pretty cool. Sounds like the Tiki Room will also be better than ever.

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

My mom said she'd watch the kids so that DH & I can go on the canopy tour. I'm supposed to have a conference call with the other people we're cruising with to find out what they want to do. Since Puerto Vallarta is 2 hours ahead of PST, I'm not sure what time we'd like to do our excursion.

I can't wait to try Buzz Lightyear at Disneyland. We had so much fun at the WDW attraction.

[CruisingCA2005]

Okay I'm confused about Puerto Vallarta time. Most websites say that "Puerto Vallarta is in the Central Time Zone (the same as Texas), which is two hours ahead of California and one hour behind New York" but I've also seen that Puerto Vallarta is 1 hour ahead of ship time (on Cruisecritic). I've also seen a handful of sites that say PV time is Mountain Standard Time.

Uggh..It's so confusing.

[tink1963]

:wave2: I just phoned my inlaws, who have traveled to Puerto Vallarta many many times. They are members of the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta sister city. He said that Puerto Vallarta is two hours ahead. :hourglass

[vacationbug]

So basically what you are saying is that there are 4 different time zones for some of us and 3 for others?
1) East coast 2 West coast
2) PV
3) Maz
4) Cabo

Aw gee, my bio-clock will really be messed up! I get "off schedule" by the Spring-Fall hour switch (why does it still exist?) My wrist watch is on the Fall time still, as I refused to change it this year (my stubborn-streak showing :blush: plus I couldn't figure out how...). I think they ought just to add 30 minutes to the current time and call it quits with the changing time thing! Besides "loosing" that hour of sleep in the spring-ahead is awful. Jet lag and for not even going anyplace but to bed! :confused3

5 more weeks in the semester! I am sooooo looking forward to vacation!

Has anyone seen some of the other "meets" boards? They're going crazy with things like scrap-book "classes" and wine tasting parties. They've got arrangements for door signs/magnets and all such stuff. It's really something!

Wow! We're supposed to hit the 50's tomorrow and Saturday! That is a nice break. This morning it was 31 degrees! The warmest morning in quite some time!

Hey - I don't think I'm Irish (unless it's in my 50% Mutt) but "Happy St. Patrick's Day" to any of our cruise group who celebrate their heritage today!
:bounce: :shamrock:

Bev

[vacationbug]

DBinMV: What are they "doing" to Tiki?- for us who have never been to DL?

[CruisingCA2005]

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Cabo and Mazatlan are both Mountain Standard Time (1 hour behind PV & 1 hour ahead of LA time).

I have seen some of those other cruise threads. They have so many activities planned and so many "gifts" and commemorative items specially made for their cruise. Our family has matching t-shirts that we bought from the disney store online. I should have made a custom design & had them printed at cafepress or another print shop that does small orders. I'm still trying to design stateroom signs for the 3 cabins. I was thinking about doing a "Small World" theme but now I'm not too sure. LOL. My family's going to think I'm a nut!!

[DBinMV]

DBinMV: What are they "doing" to Tiki?- for us who have never been to DL?

Well, they've been completely refurbishing it.....to make it look exactly like it did when it first opened. LOL.

It recently reopened - you can see some pictures here:
http://miceage.com/allutz/al031505b.htm

Seriously, the Tiki Room is one of those things you need to do if you're a Disney _fanatic_ :earboy2: but it's really kind of, ummmmm...goofy. It is nicely air conditioned, though, so it makes a nice resting place if you're in the park during the summer.

YMMV.

Happy St. Patty's everyone. Let me know if you're not having a Guiness today - I'll drink one for ya'!

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

91 days to go. We can start making shore excursion reservations tomorrow!!

[DBinMV]

I just got the 10:15AM Canopy Adventure booked....Anyone want to go zipping through the trees?

DBinMV

[Hollyster2]

I booked the Paradise Beach Adventure in PV
Randi's Horses in Mazatlan
and the Santa Maria sail and snorkel in Cabo

I am glad to have that all done. Now the rep said to wait until I receive confirmation in the mail and to look for any mistakes. ( worrier by nature here).
Also the rep said that there was to be a NEW theme night and deck party on board, but it hasn't been released yet. Oh well, we wait some more. One formal night, one semi formal as usual on the 7 day cruise, but no exact schedule for that given.
Anyone else wake up early get their excursion booked? I read on the boards that someone tried to book the Paradise Beach Excursion 83 days out and the time they wanted was sold out already. We are in a large group and wanted to do everything together so I needed to see what I could get as soon as possible. Here's hoping there were no glitches in the process! It took me 38 minutes to book all the excursions for 6 cabins. :crazy:

[CruisingCA2005]

I just booked the Dolphin Encounter for kids for DS (my mom will be taking him) and the 10:15 canopy adventure for DH & I. We may be cancelling it later if we can get reservations for the Los Veranos Canopy Tour (a different Canopy tour than Disney's). I've heard there's a lot of walking uphill in the one that the cruise ships take. DB - if you hear someone singing "George, george, george of the jungle...." it's probably my DH.

We also have Randi's in Mazatlan booked.

In Cabo, we were probably just going to take a water taxi to Malecon beach and go to the Sol Melia.

[Hollyster2]

I read that the water taxi's in Mazatlan are row boats. Anyone hear or read this too?

[Hollyster2]

90 days! 90 days! 90 days! 90 days! 90 days! :bounce:

[Hollyster2]

Does anyone else check this board as often as I do???? I check it a few times a day. I am getting excited, but you could all probably tell the by the number of posts I have. LOL :rotfl2:

[tink1963]

I made final payment a couple days ago. :jumping1: So I can now book excursions? :confused: I thought you had to wait until the final payment due date even if you paid off early. Please tell me I can book them now ::yes:: :hyper:

[CruisingCA2005]

Tink - you can book them now!! They recently changed the shore excursion policy so that you can book excursions at 90 days if you've paid off your cruise.

Holly - I check the boards several times a day too. You never know when more info about the West Coast cruises will come out. LOL. Look how many posts I have in the past year. If I could have remembered my old DIS name (I found this board before our 2001 cruise) I would have over a 1000 posts.

I was able to make ressies for my mom's cabin today also. 2 people for the dolphin swim at 11, 1 for the dolphin observer, and 1 for the 10:15 canopy adventure.

[tink1963]

:jumping1: Now it's just a matter of getting DH to make a decision on which to do. We had not made a choice because I thought I could'nt book till next month. So much for procrastination. We will probably book through DCL, but the descriptions that are given are so vague and DH has so many ???? :confused: Since this is our first time to mexico...I'm just so :confused: Most of the one we are considering include some type of ride, that the main question is what are the buses like?


Has anyone done any research on what the weather is like during June?

[DBinMV]

Rae Ann,

Do you have a place where I can get more information about the canopy adventure at Los Veranos vs. the one through Disney?

Yes, I was on the phone at 6:03 this morning, trying to make sure I got the excursion booked. My wife says I have Cruise-itis.

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

Cruise-itis is contagious. :sick: 99% of the people on these boards have it. It's easily transferred from one cruiser to the other, just like the cooties.

DB: This is the tour company that Disney uses (http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/english/canopy_tour.html).

This is the Los Veranos Canopy Tour (http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/).

I've read several reviews on Cruise Critic about the canopy tours. It's a little more planning on our part, we have to make reservations 30 days in advance, take a cab from the Marina to the Los Veranos tour office, go on the tour, then arrange for transportation from the tour office back to the pier. All the reviews that I've read said that it's worth it!

Here are a few of the reviews on Cruise Critic: Review 1 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=108419&page=1&pp=25), Review 2 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=57009&highlight=canopy+adventure), Review 3 - great overall trip report for PV, Cabo, Mazatlan & Canopy Tour (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=44789&highlight=canopy+adventure)

[Hollyster2]

I want to know more about the weather in June also. We are swimming early in PV. Anyone know? I guess I could e-mail Randi and ask her. :sunny:

[pppiglet]

Weather site I checked said 76 low - 89 high average in June for PV and Matz.
Sorry, not on your cruise but like to read all your posts!

[Hollyster2]

Thank you for finding out the weather! Glad you stopped in to help out! :flower:

[Hollyster2]

pppiglet _ Looks like you are a week ahead of us! I won't get to read your trip report until I get back from my trip! Anyone on your thread going to post live reports from the ship??? pirate:

[pppiglet]

I'd like to try and post live, but since it's our first cruise I am afraid we might be off exploring everything and not have time to get to the computer so I won't make any promises. My DS on the other hand is on the internet all the time, so maybe I can get him to update everyone!

Debbie

[Hollyster2]

I know I would not be able to post while on board. Too busy and too many kids to keep track of. I do love reading the posts that are from the ship. I will REALLY be on here scouring the posts once the Repo takes place and probably for the rest of the summer! :goodvibes

[CruisingCA2005]

I'm not sure if I'll be posting much onboard either. I don't want to pay $90 for unlimited internet access. I may check my email occasionally but don't think I'll be surfing the net or checking the DISboards much at 75 cents a minute.

[tink1963]

:wave2: I don't think I will post from the ship. I don't think that I will have time to make the $90.00 worth it. Just might check email once or twice. Just in case family needs to get a hold of us.

[CruisingCA2005]

Tink did you get your shore excursions reserved yet?

[Hollyster2]

I guess there are plenty of shore excursions left, but I wouldn't wait too long! I think the dolphin excursions sell out the fastest. Our group is so large, that I couldn't take a chance. Our excursion with Randi (not a ship excursion) is 14 riders, and 3 non riders. I heard they have so many spots they can reserve by phone, and then they save some for the ship. Has anyone else heard this? :listen:

[Hollyster2]

So how many Randi Riders do we have again? I have 14. I remember there was a group of 7 or 8, and then a group of 4. I want to count again. LOL

[vacationbug]

Count us in! We're just a small group of 4 riders, but just as excited! :wave2:

[CruisingCA2005]

We're a group of 7. 3 adults and 4 kids (3, 8, 12, 12).

[vacationbug]

But I sure hope Randi's got 25 horses! It's a big group (14+7+4)! :teeth:

[CruisingCA2005]

I think she's probably going to take us out in 2 groups.

[vacationbug]

Rae Ann: so obviously one group will be "Holly's gang" of 14 and the other group would be of us 11 (so far)? How will that be done? Two separate times? Sorry, I must be a little dense today... :confused3

[Hollyster2]

Most of the large groups I read about are at about 12-14. Randi said that we would all be going together, and that we would be spread out so we wouldn't feel crowded. Maybe we should double check? :confused3
She is great about answering questions. :)

[Hollyster2]

But I sure hope Randi's got 25 horses! It's a big group (14+7+4)! :teeth:
<<<<<<<<<<<
Do you think there are even more Disney riders or those from other ships coming along too? I know that she does more than one ride a day, I believe. She mentioned that some riders wait at Victor's first. We really wanted to be on the first ride of the day. Here's hoping! :wizard:

[vacationbug]

Hey Holly,

From what I understand, the Magic is the only ship in all three ports on the days that we cruise. I read it somewhere on-line so take that as it is...(not everything we read is true on-line)

There was a link to some database that sorts by port and cruise ship, so depending on how "current" that data was, that is what I discovered.

Bev

PS! Holly: see a few posts below to find the place to get the info!

[tink1963]

Tink did you get your shore excursions reserved yet?

:wave2: We have decided on the Historic Towns and Tequila Making in PV. We chose this one over the Mazatlan on because PV is in the state of Jalisco. Which as I understand is the only state where true Tequila production is approved by the government. I think that true tequila must be given a "seal of approval".

We will most likely stay on the ship in Cabo.

Still in deciding on Mazatlan.

[Hollyster2]

Hey Bev, that would be really great if the Magic is the only ship in port the days we are there! I read that if more than one ship is in port in PV, then the late birds have to tender in. Wow, I have only checked the boards twice today. That is restraint for me. hahaha :goodvibes

[vacationbug]

Hi Tink! What you said about Jalisco sounds right to me. I'm not a tequila person, but I have seen that on the "Fine Living" "Thirsty Traveler" show.

Hey Holly, I will try to search and find that site for you, but I give no promises. It's been hairy at work lately and so I haven't been able to do much but pop in and out to see what's new (thank goodness for the notification thingy! :) )

[DBinMV]

Looks like the DW will be going shopping in Los Cabos while I stay on board with the kids. I've heard good things about the Aquarium in Mazatlan - might be a good place to take the kids, but I'm a bit nervous about putting my 2.5 year-old in a taxi w/ no car seat. I know my parents drove _me_ around like that, but my only experience with Taxis in Mexico is Tiajuana, and those guys are borderline reckless.

Not sure how the taxis in Mazatlan are. May end up that the kids never leave the boat. :confused3

DBinMV

[vacationbug]

Hey gang! ::MickeyMo
Here is the link to that website that shows what ships are where: http://www.cruisecal.com/dnn/
What you have to do is put in the dates and click the search. The ports are arranged alpha so it may take some scrolling, but in all three, it appears that no other ship will be docked at the ports we are visiting. (Of course; this is information on the web and can be erroneous)

Adios amigos! :sunny: (making some of my own sunshine; we don't have any today!)
Bev

[CruisingCA2005]

Bumping us up from page 2.

We got our passports today. It took 19 days to get our passports....

DB - In Mazatlan Frank's thread he said that a taxi the aquarium should cost around $10 US. I haven't read anything about crazy taxi drivers in Mazatlan but I'll post if I see anything new.

[vacationbug]

Rae Ann et al: You'll be glad of those passports!
When I paid the balance on the cruise, I got a real nice CM who told me that those without pp will probably wait up to an hour to get off the ship, whereas those of us with pps will have a wait of about 10 minutes. That's a big difference. Plus, she ("Peggy Sue"- the CM) mentioned that they will split families. In other words- she explained that for a family that some have pps and others don't, "they" (I imagine the "they" are the immigration officials type persons) will split the family into the different waiting lines!! As a parent myself, I would NOT be happy with the idea that my kids were waiting in a separate (longer) line because they didn't have pps! :earseek:

More :umbrella: today - at least it is not snow! BUT! It's still cold for this time of the year! :cold:

Looking forward to some sunshine and ::MickeyMo

Bev

[tink1963]

Rae Ann et al: You'll be glad of those passports!
When I paid the balance on the cruise, I got a real nice CM who told me that those without pp will probably wait up to an hour to get off the ship, whereas those of us with pps will have a wait of about 10 minutes. That's a big difference. Plus, she ("Peggy Sue"- the CM) mentioned that they will split families. In other words- she explained that for a family that some have pps and others don't, "they" (I imagine the "they" are the immigration officials type persons) will split the family into the different waiting lines!! As a parent myself, I would NOT be happy with the idea that my kids were waiting in a separate (longer) line because they didn't have pps! :earseek:



Bev


:banana: :cool1: :cheer2:
Bev...I am so glad to hear this about the passports. I really debated on getting them or not. So glad we did.

Rae Ann...Only 19 days. thats what I call fast. Ours should be coming soon to I hope.

I am going out to do some cruise shopping today. I have been on vacation all this week. :cheer2: :cheer2:

[CACruisin']

This is my first post (after lurking for way too long!) Our family will also be on this cruise. It will be me, DH, DD(11), DD(9), DD(2). June 18 will be the last DD's 2nd birthday! :bday: :bday:
This is our first cruise and we are really excited! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
I haven't really figured out the whole message board thing yet (hence the long lurkng status!) so be understanding, if I make a lot of mistakes! :blush:
I still haven't figured out how to do pictures or signatures or tickers ... :badpc: but it is nice the little picture thingies are right here! :banana:
Nice to meet you all. From reading the thread, you all seem like a very nice group of people. :cheer2:

[Hollyster2]

Hey that link to see what ships are in port is cool! Ports can be so crowded when there are 3 ships there at once. We had that on our Western Cruise. Anyway, WELCOME to the board, fellow Cruisers! ANY MORE INFO on the West Coast Cruises YET??? I am guessing April will tell us more. Rainy here this week. :umbrella: I have to go out of town for Easter, so I have tons of packing and Easter stuff to gather together. As soon as Easter is over, maybe I will get to shop a little bit for the cruise. I have bought a swimsuit and two cover ups for my 6 yr. old DD, and that is it. So much left to do!!

[vacationbug]

Tink! We'll want a report on the "goodies" you found on your cruise shopping trip! :teeth:

CACrusin': Welcome to the boards! I mostly lurk too, but this is one of the boards where I actually post. So far no one has kicked me off! :rolleyes: We have DD's in the same age range...mine will be 9.5 at time of sailing. She's in 4th grade (late year birthday) - so she's wanting to be 10 soon (like the rest of her class) unlike me, who's wanting to be younger :rotfl: :rotfl: !!!

Holly: I'm glad to be a help! I'm also looking forward to getting more information as we get ever closer to our "grand adventure"! :flower:

Bev

[tink1963]

:grouphug: Welcome aboard. :boat: My small group is just DH and Myself. Our only child is our spoiled gato, squat.

Just wanted to let you guys know that I tried to get some more info out of the very nice CM that helped with my excursion ressie but he was very tight lipped. Wouldn't or Couldn't even let me know what night formal night is. He said that they have not been told :rotfl2: and that disney does not want to say because if for some reason it were to change then people would be upset. So I guess they want to keep us guessing instead. :confused:

[TallMidgetGirl]

Yeah, I am not buying that they have not been told. (CM'S) I just am hoping that they have some pretty cool things planned after making us all wait. The CM I talked to said the information should be released in April. I hope they are keeping us guessing because they want to surprise us with really really special events, and NOT because they have no plan. I am so excited! Some of the earlier sailing threads are talking about bringing back navigators and maybe scanning them. Remember...if you run across such a treasure please share!!!

Holly
I did it again Ashleigh!
Love Mom

[tink1963]

I agree with you TallMidgetGirl. I got the impression that the CM I spoke to knows things, but would not share. I hope, along with everybody, that since this is for the 50th there better be something GREAT planned. Besides what would a birthday party be without some suprises.

[CACruisin']

Thanks all for the welcome!
Yes, I also check the boards on a daily basis. I keep hoping that more West Coast info will be released. I am a compulsive planner and the unknown is hard :Pinkbounc Patience is not one of my stronger virtues.

Vacationbug: My DD9 is also a Fall baby and will have just finished the 4th grade (literally! The last day of school is June 17th.) :cheer2:
I will let her know that there will be someone else her own age. Her sister will have just turned 11, so I am thinking that we may bump the nearly 10 into the 10-12 group in the Oceaneers' Lab so they can be together? They are both pretty shy. I guess we'll just play it by ear. :confused3


More info about us:
we have early seating.
We already have passports so that is not a problem. (DH had a business trip to Italy last spring, so we ALL went with him :love1: )
Disney excursions are pretty much out for us with DD2, so we are doing things on our own:
PV: Los Veranos Canopy Tour for either DH or myself (I really want to go!) and the two older girls. DD2 and the other parent will go along and hang out by the river. Sylvie (at Los Veranos) is wonderful and been very helpful about what to do : :goodvibes
Mazatlan: We are more riders with Randi! DH and the two older girls will ride while DD2 and I go straight to Victors and hang out on the beach. :sunny:
Cabo: probably just go to a beach ... maybe do a boat tour out to Los Arcos.

That's all I can think of for now. It just started raining again :umbrella: rain, rain, go away ....

[vacationbug]

Our schools let out here first week of June; DD is in dance, so her annual recital is June 4th. She's outgoing and manages to make friends easily (unlike her brother 13-14ish; who is very shy) and would be delighted to have someone to "hang out" with. Perhaps we can get them (all the DDs in that age range) emailing each other like pen-pals? Let me know what you think....if nothing more it could be good typing and writing skills (while having fun) for them!

If you've been out there lurking, then you've probably seen my posts about thinking of moving DD up to the 10-11s. That would be neat if they all were together.

We're (the four of us) doin' Randi's Horses too. My last count was 25 riders: Hollyster's Group of 14, CrusingCA's group of 7 and VB's (that's me :blush: ) group of 4. Quite a crowd! Sure sounds like fun!

Sorry to hear about your rain. Seems like you all have had your fair share and enuff already, huh?! :umbrella: We got our standard weather of rain here in the Pitt (But what else is new???) so it's not anything unusual.

hastalavista! :wave:

[CACruisin']

Vacationbug: sounds like a good idea to have the girls email each other. It should be fun for them to get to "know" one another and they can always use the typing practice :rolleyes1
How do we set it up? (like I said, this is all very new to me.) :)

Add 3 more riders (+ 2 non-riders) to the Randi list. Anyone figure out how many horses she actually has?

We are definitely all tired of the rain :umbrella: Our girls are on a swim team. Practice in the rain is not a big deal (they are already wet!) but the day long meets in the rain have been a real drag! Hopefully, the rain will stop soon!

[CruisingCA2005]

Welcome to the group CACruisin'.....

It sounds like we're going to have a lot of fun!

[Hollyster2]

Wow, we are a group of 28 riding with Randi? That is a huge group! I have 3 non riders going with us, my MIL 62, and my twin DD's 18. They are looking forward to the beach! :sunny:

[Hollyster2]

:sunny: It is finally sunny here! We are headed out to Clear Lake, for Easter. I will try to check the boards one more time before I leave this moring, but then that is it for me until Sunday night. Have a good weekend, and :wave: Happy Easter!

[tink1963]

:wave: Happy Easter to everyone. :flower: :sunny: :flower:

[Hollyster2]

On our way up to Clear Lake for Easter, we saw many people on horseback. It made my kids even more excited about riding with Randi! Yahooooooooooo!
How many days left??? :goodvibes

[CruisingCA2005]

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! The weather was nice on Easter Sunday and then it started raining last night.

We were able to talk to DH's cousin who will be cruising with us. They'll be doing the dolphin swim in PV, the Mexican Family Ranch party in Mazatlan, and snorkeling in Cabo (I'm not sure which excursion). We'll be watching their youngest son in Cabo - I just hope he'll start talking to us by then. LOL.

We are now thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise next summer!! There's sooooo much to read up on before we make a decision though.

[Hollyster2]

How exciting to be planning another cruise!!!!!!!! I hear the ones to Alaska are amazing!!!!

[tink1963]

:wave2: Did everyone have a nice easter?

I found my passport in todays mail. :cheer2: :bounce: :Pinkbounc We are still waiting for DH's to show up but we applied for them a few days apart.

Oh how I would love to plan a cruise to alaska. I need to wait and see if DH has a great time on this first cruise. If he likes crusing then I can plan a second trip.

[Hollyster2]

I got my excursion confirmations. It lists the arrival and departure times as;

PV- 8:00 am- 7:30 pm

MZ-8:00 am- 8:00 pm

CSL-7:30 am- 3:30 pm

I don't know if that is what they will be, but I just received this in the mail today. :wave2:

[tink1963]

I got mine yesterday also, and showed those times as well. :wave:

[CruisingCA2005]

I hijacked this from another thread....

Hey Westbounders!

Just thought I would post this here also for you to enjoy!

Disney Cruise Line is proud to announce a brand new original musical that will open on the westbound Trans-Canal voyage of the Disney Magic on May 25, 2005. The show is called "Twice Charmed - An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story," and it is based on the classic Disney film, "Cinderella."

The show begins at the end of the famous story as Cinderella and her Prince are wed. However, Cinderella's evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her obnoxious stepsisters believe that if it weren't for the glass slippers, Cinderella would never have won the heart of the prince. They call upon Lady Tremaine's evil Fairy Godfather for help, and trouble ensues.

The show features six original songs and two classic songs from the film. Disney Cruise Line guests are sure to experience the story of Cinderella in a whole new way with this production.

This new show will replace "Hercules - the Muse-ical" onboard the Disney Magic. The last performance of "Hercules - the Muse-ical" on the Disney Magic will take place during the April 9, 2005 voyage. In the meantime, Disney Magic voyages beginning April 16, 2005 through May 7, 2005 will feature a special evening of entertainment. The April 16th and 23rd voyages will feature the Bumblesquats, known for their amazingly hilarious and artful "cirque-like" entertainment. Magician Mike Super will be featured on the April 30th voyage and the juggling team of Wilde & Haines will be onboard the May 7th sailing.

"Twice Charmed - An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story" will only be performed on the Disney Magic. The Disney Wonder will continue to feature "Hercules - the Muse-ical."

Now I am back to the Eastbound Thread.
Dan

Here's another link that I found: Audio by the Bay: Twice Charmed (http://www.audiobythebay.com/feature_story/dcl_cinderella.html)

[CruisingCA2005]

I got my excursion confirmations. It lists the arrival and departure times as;

PV- 8:00 am- 7:30 pm

MZ-8:00 am- 8:00 pm

CSL-7:30 am- 3:30 pm

I don't know if that is what they will be, but I just received this in the mail today. :wave2:
Yep - those were the times listed on my excursion documents and also my latest confirmation (showing I've paid off my cruise).

[Hollyster2]

Very cool news on the new show! I would guess that will still be showing on our cruise in June! :goodvibes

[tink1963]

:cool1: :cool1: :cheer2: :jumping1: :cake: :bday:

Let's hope that the new show is just the beginning of many birthday surprises. :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[vacationbug]

Hey gang,

I need some help here...planning, planning!
Anyone ever eaten at the Carnation Cafe and if so, need your honest (yup even if bad) input.
Also, please provide any suggestions (or warnings) for other eatery places in DL and CA. I am planning for the 60-day PS list and wanted your input and experiences with any particular places.

Thanks in advance! :teeth:

[DBinMV]

OK, here's my rundown. Note that all of these places are your typical Disney Mega-bucks (cha-ching!)...

The good:
Blue Bayou (DL, sit-down) - pricey (even for Disney), but 4-Star food, in my opinion. Note that you can make reservations here (and I HIGHLY suggest reservations if you plan to eat there) up to 60 days in advance. Check the Disneyland web site for the number. This is the restaurant that looks out onto the beginning of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

New Orleans Square has a couple of restaurants, both good. Pastas, Sandwiches, good desserts, etc.

Blue Ribbon Bakery, Main St. Cone Shop - Great places for sweets. I like the Pecan rolls at the bakery. Coffee drinks are decent, too. In CA, the corresponding places are in the train right near the Golden Gate Bridge. Note: The bakery in CA roasts their own coffee.

San Andreas Shakes or Burrrrbank Ice Cream (CA) - I personally like the shakes, but the Ice Cream is good, too. I'm not a fan of the "add a flavored syrup" concoctions at Catch a Flave.

River Belle Terrace - a really nice place for breakfast in the morning. Sit outside. Not as enticing for other meals.

Goofy's Kitchen (DL Hotel) Character Brunch: Again, reservations help, but if you have young(ish) kids who like characters, you'll see a slew of 'em. There's a very good selection of food, even if it is serve-yourself, and the characters will take the time to stop and chat, pose for pics, etc. This worked out well, as we could see the characters while we ate, instead of waiting in line in the park at Mickey's house, or where ever the characters were.

Ariel's Grotto (CA) - Similar to Goofy's kitchen in terms of characters, but with wait staff - this a nice place to have a mid-day lunch and enjoy the characters, if you're into that sort of thing. Food was good.

CA Pier restaurants - These are good choice when everyone wants something different. Burritos, chicken strips, Pizza are all available.

The pretty-good:
El Zocalo - Given the wealth of awesome Mexican food in the surrounding area, this isn't bad, but it's not that great. I would recommend the place (name escapes me) in CA instead.

Plaza Inn - Standard Continental faire, but a Disneyland original.

Redd Rocket's Pizza Port - Pizza. Not bad. Not great.

Taste Pilot's Grill (CA) / Fantasyland - Burgers and Salads. This has some of the better selections of burgers and chicken sandwiches between the 2 parks, in my opinion.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (Downtown Disney) - New Orleans style food that's pretty good. If a full-blown meal is too much, you can get PoBoys and Beignets (best Beignets I've had outside of Cafe du Monde in New Orleans) in the small cafe just to left of the main restaurant entrance.


Mediocre:
Rairforest Cafe (Downtown Disney) - Crowded, no reservations available, mediocre food. Cool ambience, though.

Brea Bakery - Muffins, Coffee, sandwiches.

Avoid:
The Vineyard Room (CA) - Given the prices, my experience here was pretty poor.


Places I've been meaning to try:
Pacific Wharf Cafe (CA)
Lucky Fortune Cookery (CA)


Lastly, if you'd like a 5-Star dining experience with an incredible wine list (no, I'm not a lush - Hi, Rae Ann!) you should try the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. (Once again, make reservations!) Tell your waiter what kind of wine you like - he'll find something perfect for you. Creme brulee is very good, as are the steaks, seared Ahi, seafood, etc. Of course, given that you'll be on the cruise, going to Napa Rose may be sensory overload. :teeth:

I'm probably forgetting a few things, and my "good" choices will tend to be some of the more expensive places, vs. the fast-food style places that are abundant.

If you'd like me to try someplace specific, let me know - I'll probably be going in the next month or so, and I'll try to make a point to try it out and let you know how it turns out.....

Best wishes,

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

Lastly, if you'd like a 5-Star dining experience with an incredible wine list (no, I'm not a lush - Hi, Rae Ann!) you should try the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. I haven't tried Napa Rose yet (I'd like to experience it WITHOUT the kids) but I've heard rave reviews about that restaurant. And no I'm not a lush either...although it may seem that way right now 'cause I just had 2 martinis with lunch. LOL. :teeth:

[pppiglet]

We think the best burgers are at Hungry Bear restaurant at DL and Tastes Pilot Grill at CA. Otherwise DBinMV has everything correct! WE do like the Pacific Wharf. Good salads and soups in Yummy sourdough bowels. Excellent corn dog stand with deep fried cheese at CA also. Sorry for butting into your cruise thread, but every bit of info helps!

[tink1963]

:wave2: One place we like in downtown disney is Tortilla Joe's. They offer walk up window service(loved the carne asada burrito). Or you can get sit down service inside.(dh recommends the chili verde).

[vacationbug]

It's a mere 7:17 AM here on the "East side" (I ate my "usual" breakfast about an hour and a half ago now) and I am already hungry for lunch!!! :mickeybar

BB was definately on the "to-do" list but now with DBinMV's emphatic review, I guess I'll be checking the count down for the 60-day date! Great list--and of places that I had not yet considered. Thanks very much, Dave, for the response, it's appreciated! I was glad to see you enjoyed Ariel's as that is something that my youngest (DD-9) will probably enjoy. She's still young enough to enjoy the characters' magic, but getting (ever) closer to that "outgrowing" stage. Darn that goes fast! And too, thanks for the "heads up" on the Vineyard Room...

Rae Ann - You go girl! That's surely a "power lunch"! ;) And yes, the adults in my cruise party do enjoy the "libations" at dinner (well, we sure did on each nite of the Wonder cruise :goodvibes ) which is not something we do with every meal in our daily lives (although I could get used to it).

Pppiglet - Since I often "lurk" around your board (well, you guys leave just the week before us!) I am not feeling like you are "butting" in! I'll bet you all are pretty excited too!

Most everyone on this cruise is anxious to find out some details, but DCL is keeping everyone in suspense! Arrrrrr! pirate: I'm really a pirate at heart, and am wishing that they wouldn't do away with pirate nite, but rumors on other threads is not promising. I would hope that DCL would provide some information as to any "themes" so that if passengers wanted to "dress" appropriately, then they'd have a chance to prepare/pack beforehand.

Ok, so my teen is excited about our vacation - but he has managed to get me to agree to go with him on CA-screamin' (yah, that's what I WILL be doin') and I am such a roller-whimp! :earseek: Well, at least I do have one consolation - NO ToT! Been there (WDW) done THAT! Mission:space I will do again- ToT= NOT!! We live 10 minutes from Kennywood Park and I never rode the "Phantom" or it's successor. No, haven't been on R&R at MGM either!

Thanks one and all -- for your views and kindness towards this Pennsylvanian!

[pppiglet]

Vacationbug...you are going to LOVE CA Screamin! It is the best roller coaster I have ever been on! A little bit of everything in it.

[CruisingCA2005]

You're going to enjoy CA Screamin'! It's one of my favorite rides at CA Adventure.

[vacationbug]

...to say BTMR or SM? I've been on both of those and done fine. I don't consider either Splash or "dinosaur" to be a coaster. So I'll admit, I didn't ever go on a coaster until 1999 when I first went to WDW (at age 38!)!! :blush: I'm just a bit nervous.... :rolleyes1

:sunny: :sunny: Wow! We had very beautiful (albeit unseasonable!) weather Tuesday and yesterday (Wednesday). Yes, two whole days of sunshine AND temps in the 60's and 70's! What a treat! Of course you guys can guess what we got today -- yep you win! The clouds and of course our favorite - rain :umbrella:

"My Boys" will be doing a scout campout this weekend in the rain (and cold - temps are supposed to drop), while me and my girl will be watchin' Mulan II, and other such "girly" things (she's been wanting to see it for so long!)

[Hollyster2]

Big fan of CA Screamin' here! :teeth: My six year old now loves that ride, and hopes to conquer Splash Mountain this summer. Also, I will know I am on vacation when I am holding a fruity drink with an umbrella in it. Big joke around here on how darn fond I am of the colored paper umbrellas. :umbrella:
I have been known to pout when it is forgotten. ;)

[vacationbug]

You've all been rather re-assuring regarding my fear of Screamin'! :flower:

Okay, Holly-- I'll be looking for the fruity umbrella drink sipper to identify you! :goodvibes

[CruisingCA2005]

I haven't been on ToT because............my DH is a big chicken. LOL. I don't know what the big deal is, he went on Knott's Berry Farm's Supreme Scream several times and that's 30 stories high! If you're adventurous, Supreme Scream is a great way to see the views of Orange County.

When we were in WDW in 2001, we were right next to the ride, watching people scream as the doors opened. DH saw that & changed his mind about riding! When the CA Adventure TOT opened I asked if he'd go with me & he said no! As soon as I find someone to go with me, I'm there!

[vacationbug]

....of ToT! I guess I don't like the straight up and down jolting. Little Miss was brave and she remembers more about the ride than I do.

She remembers that her tears went UP! (Poor little thing she was shaking and trembling [me too] afterwards) I did look out over the park...that was cool, but it's just the sudden down-thing. At least in a coaster I can see what will happen next! Aieeeeeee!

I guess we were all a little "shook up" on that one...but I think DS did enjoy it! Not so the hubbie (and he is the one who wanted to try it)

The theming on ToT was great...thoroughly enjoyed that! ...And of course to "reward" our combined bravery, we all ate :mickeybar our favorite treat!

[DBinMV]

If you want to play a little joke on your son, tell him to look sideways at the horizon as you go through the loop, instead of straight ahead at the track. If you have a queasy stomach, DO NOT do this. :bounce:

I made this suggesstion to my wife (she's a coaster nut like I am) and she couldn't ride it for 3 hours afterward....Your son might not be so quick to ask you to do it again. :rotfl2: Watching the horizon flip is pretty cool, though.

I had forgotten about the Hungry Bear, probably because it's been closed the last few times I've been there. That's a good place, too.

DBinMV

[vacationbug]

Ha! Dave, you are a cruel man!!!! :rotfl:
May I suggest the same for Mission:Space? Don't turn to watch your kids' facial expressions! Hubbie had turned his head to watch our "little Miss" and felt like your poor wife the next few hours!

I was so excited I broke a nail pushing the buttons! :earseek: Little miss was a-whooping and havin' a blast. The older one - he's more low key, but he was thrilled. We did it twice time last year. Fun, fun. Lines were long tho -even with FP!

All the signs they have posted at M:S really un-nerved me, but the ride was fun. I know I will never be an astronaut, so this was a neat way to experience some of that.

[CruisingCA2005]

Good morning everyone! The weather has been nice in S. California. The high is supposed to be a little over 80 degrees today. :sunny: :sunny:

I've taken the day off of work but I won't be doing anything fun. :guilty: I'm having my last wisdom tooth taken out. Yikes. I hate having dental work done but I'll be fine - as DH says, I'm a "tough cookie".

It seems like some of the other cruisers are trying to see who's going to be the first to the port. On our last cruise we went to the port at 12 and just walked right on. We were on the land/sea vacation so we didn't have to check in at the port. What time are you planning to get to the port?

[vacationbug]

Hey Rae Ann- sorry to hear 'bout your wisdoms. I got all "three" of mine out at 24 (only had three = not so smart, huh? :teeth: ) Here's wishing for your speedy recovery. :wizard: Do the ice on/ice off thingy. It worked for me - no bruising!

To embark: We're doing the Disney transport, since we're without a car and somewhat reluctant to drive in CA. Since we're doing a "land/sea" through DCL, I'm hoping we will be able to walk onto the ship when the bus gets us there. Either way, I'll be on vacation, and I am promising to myself to be calm and relax in regards to whatever happens. :rolleyes:

We did do the REAS pkg (for our 20-something anniversary), so hopefully when we find out some details (grrrrrr.... :listen: ) about when is what, we can book Palo and other such things (spa, brunch) ahead.

I found some cool highlighters at the local dollar store - they are "scented". Fun for the trip, I thought. Next I have to find a small notebook for the cabin log.

When do you guys start packing? I've been gathering little items here and there. Still debating the snorkle issue (don't know if I want to lug them around).

Cheerio!

PS... hey it didn't wind up raining yesterday (darn weatherpersons...only job I know where you're wrong 50-75% of the time and don't get fired) but was lovely enuff to allow a nice walk home through the park. Supposed to rain today, but not 'till after 6 PM. I'm starvin' Marvin...it's lunchtime and I'm running out. Have a great one everybody!

:wave2:

[DBinMV]

Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Rae Ann. Don't forget to hit Juice it Up or Jamba Juice for some cool refreshment. Too bad you have to be laid up on such a nice day!! (Here's a webcam link so all of you non SoCal folks can enjoy it virtually - http://www.hotellaguna.com/web_cam.html)

We'll probably get to the port around 11 or 12.

vacactionbug, if you hear anything about REAS, I'd appreciate it. We booked it, as well, but were told that Disney would be calling us to tell us how to book our Palo and Spa reservations online. But, when I called to book excursions, the rep said that our travel agent should be taking care of our Palo and Spa reservations for us. I figure I'll give them until mid-April to figure it out.

TGIF :banana: , and all that,

DBinMV

[TallMidgetGirl]

Feel better soon Rae Ann! :flower:

[Hollyster2]

How ya feeling Rae Ann?

[CruisingCA2005]

I'm doing great. LOL. Even the dentist commented on how "tough" I was.

Holly: I saw your thread on the main cruise board about leaving kids in the kids club while on a shore excursion. We're planning to leave DD (she'll be 3 1/2) in the kids club in Puerto Vallarta. DH & I have an excursion at 10:15 (unless I make ressies for the other canopy tour instead). My mom & DS have an excursion at 11 so they'll probably drop DD off at the kids club before their excursion. She already goes to preschool and she's pretty outgoing so I think she'll be fine. I know you're going in a large group - maybe someone who's not going on the excursion can pop in to remind them to go to the potty.

We've also booked the REAS but I'm still waiting to hear something about theme/formal nights before making any plans. I'd like to schedule everything and not have to worry about it anymore but I keep thinking - what if I schedule our massages on the morning we have our character breakfast.... What if I schedule Palo on pirate/mexicali/birthday celebration night.... You get the picture. :confused3

[swcruiser]

My DS and I love to eat at Taste Pilots Grill in Ca. Adventure. Its a fast foody kind of place but they have huge burgers and a condiments bar where you can get tomatoes, lettuce and the like.

I have not eaten at the Carnation Cafe so I can't speak to that. We do like eating at Goofy's Kitchen at the DL Hotel. Its a character buffet and since you will be on the ship later don't know if that would appeal to you. There is also the Blue Bayou at DL. Its inside of Pirates and you can watch the boats go by. You can't request to be by the water at the time you make your PS. You have to wait until that day to ask to sit by the water. Please note in the summer, that could mean a very long wait. There is also the french market cafe in the same area. Great clam chowder and salads. They have a mint julep (non alcoholic) that will just hit the spot in the heat of summer.

I do not like the food at the place by Buzz Lightyear's show/ride. Its not the pizza port but I can't remember the name. Tastes like cardboard.

I am an AP for Disneyland so if you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them. We go at least 10 times a year. Hope this helps!

[CruisingCA2005]

It's been a sunny day in S. California!

It took us a little over 20 minutes to get to Disneyland today - and we're a little less than 10 minutes away from the port.....so on a good day you can get from Disneyland to the port in 1/2 an hour. I'm not sure how long it would take if you're actually driving the speed limit. :teeth:

We rushed over to the Buzz Lightyear ride, got near to the front and the ride shut down!!!!!!!! I got fast passes before they shut down the fast pass machines too and we went the the Blue Ribbon Bakery for a early morning snack. DH & DS really enjoyed the cinnamon roll and DD & I shared the "so-so" chocolate croissant. We checked back at Buzz and the ride was still down so we went to Fantasyland and rode Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, the teacups and we headed to Small World. There was no waiting at any of the rides. After returning to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz (twice) and Autopia, we went to CA Adventure to look at (and not ride) Tower of Terror. :( We had an early lunch at Pacific Wharf around 11:00 - vegetarian chili, clam chowder, and shrimp louie salad. We took a ride on the carousel then headed home....

It's 6 oclock and I'm trying to decide what to have for dinner... I'll check back later!

[vacationbug]

Welcome to SWCruiser! How many in your party SW? Late or early dinner seating? We're a family of 4 with attached party of 2 (total of 6) (Me, DH, DS(13), DD(9) and MIL & SIL). We did the early dinner seating on the Wonder in 2002, but we're doing the late seating this trip.

Thanks for the info on the "eateries" - I'm by no means a conesieur (conne-sewer? That's phonetic --Oh help me with the spelling! :confused3 ) when it comes to food; I like most everything EXCEPT cardboard, so thanks for the warning...we'll keep it in mind!

DBinMV: I'm sure that there's a few of us with REAS (are we all hopeless romantics or just looking to get those spa/Palo ressies done?) so we can keep updates as we go. Last I heard, the woman named "Debbie" who does take care of the REAS packages is out of the office currently and then she's back for a few days, but takes off for vacation (what?!! They're allowed? :goodvibes ) so I'm gonna wait a bit more until trying to contact her-- PLUS I agree with Rae Ann - it's important to know some information before making those ressies. I know I have her phone number in my files -- (ugh...the folders are labeled and its a separate file drawer for WDW/DCL/and DL stuff; this is a badddd sign! :earseek: ) --but that's at home. I'll try to post it later. Rae Ann probably knows this information too. Either way, we'll definately keep 'ya posted.

Rae Ann: Glad to hear you're doing so well! Did you do any more cruise shoppin' in celebration of your dental success? What did you decide for dinner? I'll have the chocolate soufle, please!

Only two weeks left of classes! Yipee! Then May 10th is my last final and I can relax!
This weekend I (finally) got the fed&state taxes done. What a waste of an entire day of my weekend! :sad2: The sad thing is: we do get a return. I just hate the thought of spending so much time getting it done. At least the weather was appropriately dreary and gross- yes we had SNOW! :cold: but the good thing is that it is all gone (it snowed all day, but didn't stick, and that which did melted). Today it is supposed to warm up to the 60's (it was in the 30's this morning when I came to work) and :sunny: !!! Yes, gotta love those days with sunshine here in the arm"Pitt" of America. For you baseball fans:The baseball season opener begins with the Pirates playing today at 1 something. Other than that, nothing exciting to report from this little part of the world.

Have a good one everybody! We all need it! :)

[Hollyster2]

It's April! Where is our West Coast News? :confused3

[dlander]

Wow! I am so excited! Only 2 1/2 months to go. I haven't been on the boards in a while. I did buy a new bathing suit for the cruise and one for dd12. I absolutely must go take care of passports for myself and dd. DH has been nagging me for a month. I don't know why I am procrastinating so much.

I forget who was asking but we really like Carnation Cafe. The food is excellent (sandwiches, soups and a couple of heartier meals) and the servers are so nice! And they have banana splits! How can you go wrong? We are heading to Disneyland tomorrow. We were there twice in March and were able to hit Buzz Lightyear several times. I am so glad they brought that out here! It is one of our favorites at Disney World.

Well it is fun to be back with everyone. I really hope to meet with you all on board. We have early seating and also plan to be at the port at noon.

[Hollyster2]

I wonder if the May sailings have any info on their cruise yet? I will check that out. :goodvibes

[DBinMV]

A friend here at work is going on the repositioning cruise departing May 14th. He hasn't heard anything yet, either. But, I haven't talked to him today, yet. :confused3

DBinMV

[Hollyster2]

Waiting and waiting and waiting. :sad2:

[DBinMV]

Well, in the deafening silence....Happy Friday everyone. All my co-worker knows about his cruise is that there are 2 formal nights and 2 semi-formal nights, since his is a 14-day cruise. Other than that, he's in the dark, too.

It looks like I'm taking the boys to Disneyland on Sunday - so I'll try to make a point to get over to Carnation Plaza.

Best wishes,

DBinMV

[Hollyster2]

Oh our board is so quiet! No news... So who can give me some leads on some bathing suits for tall women? My 15 yr old is 5' 10". :flower:

[tink1963]

Oh our board is so quiet! No news... So who can give me some leads on some bathing suits for tall women? My 15 yr old is 5' 10". :flower:

:wave2: I don't know if this helps, but my co-worker's wife is very tall and she does a lot of her shopping at Nordstroms.

[dlander]

Hollyster, have you tried Land's End or Newport News? I am a shorty myself (5'2 1/2). Just got a suit delivered today that dd said revealed too much mommy! Guess that will have to go back. :flower: New catalogs came today and I can hardly wait to buy more cruise clothes. Of course, I'm not supposed to pack too much, right? :guilty: Well, have a happy weekend everyone.

[Hollyster2]

Thanks! I will definitely try Nordstroms because they have tall jeans and have hopefully have tall torso bathing suits. My daughter will not wear a bikini. I haven't received the new Land's End catalog so I think I will go look online. Thanks!!
By the way...it is practically the middle of April already. Anyone hear anything on the cruise yet? I think I mainly want to know if I need pirate stuff or not. pirate:

[Hollyster2]

Hey Vacation Bug! Did Randi get back to you about how she is going to work out all of us riding on June 22? I can hardly wait! :goodvibes

[CruisingCA2005]

Bumping us up from page 2.

Holly - did your daughter find her swim suit? I'm a shorty too (5'2") so I often have the opposite problem.

It looks like I won't have to do too much "cruise shopping" for myself after all. I've been cleaning out my closets & found some clothes with tags still on them hidden away. :blush: Shhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't tell DH. :teeth:

No West Coast news to report.

I reserved 2 rooms at the Disneyland hotel for June 28th-30th since our visitors from Hawaii want to hit the theme parks while they're here. We've stayed at the Grand Californian once (DH's cousin had his wedding reception there) but we've never stayed at Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier. I think I may change the reservations to a 1 night stay then make reservations for 2 nights in San Diego. Sigh.... sooo many choices to make.

[Hollyster2]

Rae Ann~ We are hitting the outlets next Saturday to look for a suit for my tall girl. She turned 15 today! :cool1: I need a suit too, but I am only 5'7". Hopefully I will find one for each of us this weekend!

[vacationbug]

Tall Midgit Girl: Happy be-lated birthday! 15!! :cheer2:

Holly: No I haven't tried to re-explain everything, so I still don't know how Randi will do the tour with so many riders. At this point I will be happy just to know that she will take us!

Count me in on the "shorties"! My DS grew (WOW! :earseek: ) last summer while visting with DMIL/DFIL, and came back taller than me (5'2.5" - sorry, I gotta add that last 1/2 inch while I still have it!) so it's his greatest pleasure and a pet-name to call me "Shortie". I'd love to be 5'7" (and thus flatten out some of the more pronounced curvy areas :blush: ) but I can't figure out where Alice's mushroom is to make me taller (and the catipillars I meet won't say :earboy2: ). Rae Ann, believe me, I understand the problems with finding things for petite sized people.

DS got some shopping done - we found a nice young-mens suit for $47+change at our local department store (soon to be Macy's?). He needed some spring clothes as obviously last years now don't fit! Found a couple nice things he's planning to take on the cruise. Since he's not a shopper (like me) it was a major achievement to get that done! Of course the DD was trying on clothes too and she found a cute Mickey top with a little black skort (on sale plus 20% discount) so of course she's planning to bring that along. She is much like her dad (my DH) and loves shopping.

Our weather has been so beautiful -it is one of those stretches of time where the days are so lovely; warm breezes, few puffy clouds in a bright blue sky, actual sunshine :sunny: ....it's really tough to be inside working! The young students are out in all their splendor showing off everything -- tatoos (how low can you go), rings (not just in noses), and more areas of skin than necessary for some! (yipes! Low riders and crop tops with ample hips! :earseek: I know I got my "roundness", but I ain't about to show it!! ) It's a rite of spring, I guess! LOL! :rotfl:

Well, that's my diatribe for the day! Have a great one! :flower:

[CACruisin']

Hello all. Sorry I have been offline for so long.

I can't believe our cruise is only +2months away!

I have been in Hawaii for the past two weeks staying with my brother's family. His wife is pregnant and on bedrest so the family has all been taking turns coming out and taking care of their five year old. (Can't beat being a "nanny" in Hawaii!) I had planned on doing some cruise shopping this week now that his spring break is over, but had a change of plans last week when I fell and broke my foot! :sad2: :crazy: :sad2:
So now I am in paradise and can't walk around and enjoy it. The Doc put me in a removable Fracture Boot so I can take it off for showers, etc. Thank goodness! :earseek: And on Sunday the swelling went down enough that I can put my running shoe on and drive (yes, it was my right foot, of course!), but walking any kind of distance is completely out! :sad2:

We left DD9 and DD10 at my parents for the trip since DH had several business trips, but DD1 and I will be flying home on Thursday - should be interesting! I might need some pixie dust and maybe one of those pain pills the Doc perscribed. :crazy:

Anna

[vacationbug]

Sorry to hear about your foot CACruisin' That's a real bummer! :guilty:
Hope you feel better soon!

[Hollyster2]

Hope your foot is all better soon! :flower: ::MickeyMo

[DBinMV]

OUCH!

Hope you heal quickly, CACruisin. Hopefully, they'll send you to physical therapy in time to go dancing on the cruise. :cool1:

DBinMV

[CACruisin']

Thanks all for the good wishes.
DBinMV: I am planning on being plenty mobile by cruise time -- hopefully long before cruise time! :crazy:

[CruisingCA2005]

I hope your foot heals soon 'cause I want to see ya :dancer: at the Sail Away Party!

We made our Los Veranos Canopy Tour reservations for 11 a.m. This should be interesting!

[CACruisin']

I am getting caught up everyone's earlier posts. (Sitting with my foot "elevated") :rolleyes1

Vacationbug: I agree with others posts on restaurants for Disneyland. Blue Bayou is a "must" for us every trip. We generally like to have a late lunch there. It is nice and calm and a great break in the middle of the day. It has been several years now, but in the past we have always liked the character breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen too. The Pizza place in Tomorrowland (can't remember the name now) is convenient. The food is not great, but there is a broad variety of things so everyone can find something they like. And I don't think we have ever managed to get out of Main Street without a stop at the Candy Palace! :rotfl2:

CruisingCA2005: We are also on the 11 am Los Veranos Canopy Tour. It sounds like such a blast. I can't wait! :Pinkbounc Have you emailed Sylvie? She has been so helpful for us.

[vacationbug]

:goodvibes
Still :sunny: in the "Arm-Pit" of America! I can't believe it! Wow! Not that I am out there getting a tan... :rotfl:

So I am nearing the 60-day mark for calling and making dining PSs for the "land" portion of the trip...and I wanted to say a big Thank YOU! for all the helpful hints on neat places to eat. The BB is a definate and so too I think Goof's. I understand the "churros" are better in CA than FL, so we'll be trying them too!

Hey DBinMV: did you get your boyz to DL over the weekend? Did you have a good trip? Anything fun to report? No broken feet, I hope :earseek: ! Poor CACrusin'! :guilty:

There's a "Welcome to DL" tour offered and I wanted to pose whether anyone has done or has heard anything about such tours? They're listed as going to both parks and lasts about 2.5 hours. I thought it might give a good "overview" on the first day. We'll probably arrive about mid-morning to check in (or check the bags, whichever the case may be) and go to the parks from there (pkg with PHP). Pros/cons ??? Anyone? :confused3

At least the DL dining PSs are "reservations" that I know I can make....still waiting like everyone else on the boards regarding the formal/semi, etc. for those Palo and Spa ressie times. Guess we'll be waiting yet another month until the first cruisers return to let us know? :hyper2:

Adios Amebeos! :wave2:

[CruisingCA2005]

The weather has been nice & :sunny: here. It's been in the low 80s...

CACruisin' - my mom just brought us some "Mele Macs" (toffee coated macadamia nuts covered in milk chocolate) from Hawaii. MMMmmmm soooo delicious! There's a store called Cinnamon Girl there that has the cutest floral dresses for girls & moms. If you're not able to shop there, they also have a website. I think we'll have a great time on the canopy adventure. We won't be taking the kids so it'll be 3 adults (me, DH, & our friend) zipping through the trees. Yes, Sylvie has been a great help with arranging the tour.

I'll be sure to share any pictures that we take. We're going to wear bright t-shirts (haven't decided which color yet) so we'll be easily spotted in the video/pics that they offer. I don't think I can get DH to wear DIS lime green but he'd wear bright orange or red....

V-Bug: Sorry I can't help more with the PS ressies. Most of the time we just have counter service at the parks. DS liked his meal at the ESPN zone though... I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more girls "in their splendor" in S. Cal....girls of all shapes & sizes showing off what God, and in some cases, the plastic surgeon have given them. BTW - don't be shocked when you see my tattoo. :earseek: :rotfl:

[CACruisin']

CruisingCA2005: Mele Mac's are the best! :love:
I think I have seen the Cinnamon Girl shop? Thanks for the suggestion. Rebecca is taking a nap and I have pretty much finished packing. If I keep my foot up, maybe I can make a quick trip out to shop a little this afternoon. :sunny: Or we might make go to the beach. I have been here 15 days and I only went to the beach once! :smooth:
Good idea on the bright T-shirts. I'll have to plan for that too. We will have everyone since I just can't seem to get comfortable leaving our youngest in Flounders while we are off the ship. I'm sure DH will have some plan worked out for taking pics "on the fly", he loves that kind of techno stuff. I don't care as long as it works when I want it too :badpc: We can definitely share pic's.

VacationBug: I'm glad the weather has been nice for you. :sunny: We haven't ever done any of the tours at Disneyland, so I can't really help there. You'll have fun no matter what you decide to do, I'm sure. And yes, CruisingCA2005 is right, SoCal is pretty much "anything goes". :smooth: I have been here for 15 years now and I am still amazed sometimes! :rotfl:

DBinMV: Hope you had a great time at DL. We have had several day trips to DL planned in the past few months, but they have all been rained out. :umbrella: Probably won't make it until September now (DH hates the summer crowds! :earseek: )

So do you think DCL is really going to make us wait until the first West Coast Cruise before we know about dining/show info? Yikes! :confused3 I finally broke down and made my Palo reservations for Wednesday night and Friday brunch, assuming that we will have formal night on Sunday, semiformal on Thursday, and "something special" on Tuesday. I hope I can change them if I guessed wrong! I can't make spa ressies until we board, so that will just have to wait! :hourglass

[Hollyster2]

So do you think DCL is really going to make us wait until the first West Coast Cruise before we know about dining/show info? Yikes!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
NO NO NO NO

Ok, somebody has to know something today. I waved my wand! :wizard:

[vacationbug]

:rotfl: You guys make me laugh!

RaeAnn: I work in a college town...unless you have a half-shaved head with the other half in blue/yellow/purple/you-name-the-color-here, tattoos over most of your visible body parts, and rings through your eyebrows, nose and large holes in your ears, :smooth: I promise not to be shocked!

I have my own "body modification" marks... yep, I'm stitched together like Frankenstein's monster...runs down the back of my neck to about my shoulder blades. My "formal" dress is my first attempt at something more "back-bearing" since the surgery, so I am being "brave". I'm sure it looks just "smashing" with a bathing suit! But I can't see it! I can't seem to find a suit to cover it nicely :crazy2:

YES! Another :sunny: -day in the 'burgh! I'm off on a "grand adventure" tomorrow (to Gettysburg with the Boy Scouts; families are invited so we're campin' and hikin' with "the boys") and the weekend forecast is for :sunny: !! If the forecasters are indeed correct (let's hope they are :rolleyes: ) then it will be the first camp-out for this past Scout year (September thru August) that they will have nice weather...they've camped in torrential rains, snow and freezing temperatures! I say it's because us girls are on the trip! :goodvibes

Holly: Did you wave the wand AND say the magic words? :teeth:

[Hollyster2]

I said bibbidee bobbittee boo, and "please", and I wished upon a star, and chanted I'm a little black rain cloud, and sang awwwwwwwww auhhhhhhhhh awwww!!!!!!!!!!!! like Ariel (very sad rendition) and everything I could think of. I guess I don't have the touch. I even tried whistling while I worked, but that may have been where I went wrong. Can't whistle to save my life.

[DBinMV]

Sorry I didn't post sooner...

DL w/ the boys (4, 2.5) was somewhat of an adventure, this being the first time I've attempted this by myself. We stayed in the Magic Kingdom, which was moderately crowded.

They LOVED Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. I drove, they fired. Got a fastpass for later in the afternoon, then hopped in the Standby line, which was only a 25 minute wait. Even my 2.5 year old managed to nail Zurg - I was quite surprised, as he could barely see over the edge of the (what ARE those things?) buggy, vehicle, bucket, whatever. Emailed a picture to DW after first ride, which didn't turn out nearly as good as I hoped. Cool feature, though.

My mistake was staying just a bit too long. :sad2: Both kids started melting down in the line for Peter Pan, which was going to be our last ride of the day. 2.5 y/o fell asleep in the stoller on the way out of the park - had to carry 4 y/o on my shoulders back to tram. Of course, I was parked at the far reaches of the parking garage - both kids fell asleep between the elevator and the car - one in the stroller, the other one on my shoulders, slumped on my head. I was wondering why the people in the cars that passed me were pointing to my older son.

Sorry to say, I didn't make it to Carnation Plaza. I will say that the castle looks the best I've ever seen it, and the remodeling of the Tiki Room is very good. They still have a lot of the exterior to Tomorrowland covered - but just about everything else looks really ready for a 50th Anniversary Party.

If it makes you feel any better, my co-worker still hasn't heard anything on his May 14th cruise, and he's now 1 month away. :hourglass

Best wishes,

DBinMV

[CruisingCA2005]

One of my friends forwarded an email to me that SHOCKED me....one of the newer piercing trends is to have corset piercings. The girls have these rings pierced through their back and thread ribbon through the rings to make it look like a permanent corset. OUCH! Don't worry, you won't have to worry about anything too shocking from me - unless I have a few drinks & get up to sing on karaoke night. :banana:

I wouldn't be surprised if DCL makes us wait to hear about formal nights & shows. I'm pretty sure the 10 day cruisers didn't find out their special nights until they cruised. If we don't hear anything I'll just schedule Palo for Tuesday or Wednesday night and our massages on a day at sea afternoon. Even though I'd like to have everything "perfect" - I'm pretty flexible.

[vacationbug]

...well maybe I should consider that corset piercing - afterall, I already got the "zipper" part! :rotfl: It would really be cool - doncha think? :rotfl2: Hummm...

Okay. done considering.

Holly's already practicing for the role of Ariel (see up there a few messages, she really is sernading us :rolleyes1 ) so Rae Ann could help her out by doing the karoke thing and it could be one of the evening shows! ::MickeyMo

Hey DBinMV: glad to hear from you and happy that you survived your first alone outing. I remember those melt-down times...but I also remember how sweet it was when they fell asleep on mom or dad....wow...hard to believe how fast kids grow! Ahhhh! :hourglass

Have a great weekend everyone! :wave2:

[Hollyster2]

someone sent me pictures of the corset peircing, and is looks so painful.

[CruisingCA2005]

Happy Friday everyone! :sunny: :sunny:

I took an unexpected day off from work because surprise surprise our bunkbeds that were supposed to take 3-5 weeks to arrive will be delivered TODAY!

I just got shore excursion & stateroom gift brochures in the mail from Disney. It's nice to see pictures of some of the excursions. I don't think we'll be ordering any stateroom gifts this time 'cause I'm sure we'll be spending enough $$ on souvenirs onboard.

[Hollyster2]

Really? Excursion pictures in a brochure? I had heard we wouldn't receive
anything like that! :sunny:

Yay on the bunkbeds too! :cheer2:

[tink1963]

someone sent me pictures of the corset peircing, and is looks so painful.

It looks very painful. My MIL emailed me pictures today. Let me know if you still want them sent.

I also got the shore excursion book as well today. I must tell you that when I pulled the envelope out of the mail box, I was so excited. :banana: Thought it might be some much waited for info. But alas no new news. But the guide is something I guess. :tilt:

[DBinMV]

OK, all this talk about Pirate Night has me wondering. (Just caught "Perfect Proposal" on TLC, thanks to Tivo keyword search). What's the deal? Is it just dress up and dance night, or is there something more to it? How much should we be doing with costumes? The kids have eyepatches, hats, and a Captain Hook outfit - should we be preparing for this?

-- waiting for excursion book in the mail --

DBinMV

[Hollyster2]

We don't know if there will be a Pirate themed night, or a Tropical Night. When I went on the Western cruise, we had a Mexicalifragilistic night. You could wear Mexican attire, or Tropical attire. They replaced that with the Pirate night on both boats?? The other them night was Tropicalifragilistic, and that was on the Wonder I believe, or maybe the Eastern route? I can't remember. They had a Mexican food buffet late one night. Maybe they will bring that back because we are going to Mexico. I hope they tell us soon! :rolleyes2

[Hollyster2]

I want an e-mail alert when anyone posts the big "Theme Night" news when it FINALLY GETS HERE! :lovestruc Please?

[Hollyster2]

HEYYYYYYYYYY I just noticed my cruise countdown switched from 2 months, to one month and 4 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!! :teeth: Made me smile! We are spending a few days in Disneyland before the cruise.

[Hollyster2]

I found a one piece blue speedo suit that fit my tall torso daughter at Kohl's! YAY! Also Capri's at the Gap. At least we have officially started our cruise shopping! :cloud9: Now I am searching all the Kohl's to find one more size 10 Tinker Bell nightgown. My girlfriend and I want to have them for our four little girls waiting for them when we arrive at the Disneyland Hotel. princess:

[Hollyster2]

Ok, somebody besides me has to post today. :blush:

[DBinMV]

Granted, I'm coming at this from a "guy" POV, but.....

what's the deal with "Cruise Shopping?" Isn't it just like "shopping for summer" - you need swim suits, shorts, etc. Do you really buy stuff that you wouldn't be normally buying just for the cruise? If so, I have this feeling I'm going to be awfully unfashionable. I understand for the kids - they grow, they need new stuff.

(Can you tell that DW and I recently "discussed" this? Can you tell that DW is buying stuff just for the cruise?)

...feeling like the kid wearing OP corduroy shorts when everyone else has moved on to pleated linen.... :crazy:

DBinMV

[Hollyster2]

The cruise shopping I get to do is just for the kids. You are right, it is actually normal summer shopping, but so much more fun to refer to it as "Cruise shoppin". My summer clothes take years to wear out. My husbands things are in great shape from last years cruise. The kids can hardly ever re-wear any of theirs a second year. My twins can now, since they have stopped growing and are gentler on things.(18 yrs. old) and they can shop for themselves. :cheer2:
If I didn't have 5 kids to shop for, and get together enough outfits for, I wouldn't stress over it. Finding just a few items for each one can take so much time! My son is the easiest. I bring him home things, if they fit he keeps them. Sometimes even if they DON'T fit, he will swear they do so he can avoid trying anything else on. :rotfl2: He hates to shop. Girls can be sooooo picky! I am glad I have learned to relax about the formal nights since our first cruise. I stressed over that for nothing. I basically just want to bring along enough things to avoid doing laundry.

[vacationbug]

Holly - I will keep you company today and post my greetings for the week!

Our trip to Gettysburg was fun. The weather was beautiful and continues to be so! In fact now there are complaints that we "need" rain! :flower: Everything is greening again and DD picked lots of dandylions along the way! We hiked 3 miles on Friday, 9 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Not too bad for an "old lady"! :goodvibes

DBinMV: I concur with Mizz Holly in that I read on these boards that there would be no pirate: nite on the Mexican cruises. I am bummed! :guilty: