Wonder's EBPC 9/12/14 Who's Going With Us!

[davidls]

My wife Donna and I, David, booked this 2/13/2013. We are GOLD now on this cruise!!! Who all is going to join us on this cruise? We are in a cat 5B stateroom on deck 6. We have wanted to do a Panama Canal crossing cruise for a few years now. FINALLY, we are going to get to do one!!!
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Welcome All Fellow September 2014 East Bound Panama Canal Cruisers!!!
Below are some links for our cruise you might be interested in. CHECK THEM OUT!!!
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Here is our itinerary for the September 2104 East Bound Panama Canal Cruise.



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http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47589243&postcount=55

Above is the link to the info about the FE for our group.
A confirmation email will be sent to each new signee within a week of you signing up for the FE Exchange.

"A FE is a fish extender. There is a little fish outside your stateroom door where stewards can put stuff like invitations, papers, etc. A fish extender is something you hang from that fish with one pocket for each person in your cabin. Then, everyone signed up for the fish extender exchange makes or buys small gifts for the other people on the FE group. Throughout the cruise, you deliver little presents to other guests and they deliver things to you. When you decide to start delivering your FE gifts is all up to you. It is a fun little thing to do and you will get some really special cruise souvenirs that other people have made. There are sometimes get togethers with the FE people and it can be a great way to make friends and meet these DIS personalities in person. Also, wandering the ship to see all the decorated doors and unique fish extenders is a great way to spend some spare time. Some people make really magnificent displays. Something we have never seen on other cruise lines and really enjoy."

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http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47963730&postcount=290

And, above is the info for the signup sheet for a group Palo Brunch.
A confirmation email will be sent to each new signee within a week of you signing up for the Palo Brunch.

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BZzCszuvFAzk-cIDAYTVLACce_077h7RlxuaXOp7iW0/edit

Above is a link for a signup sheet for car pooling to the port from one of the Disneyland hotels & from one of the Disneyland area hotels the day of the cruise. It is for anyone staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels or a hotel nearby before the cruise and you need a ride the morning of the cruise to the port in San Diego.

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Anyone joining us on this cruise who would like to join our private Facebook Group please PM Cayla, (Padalyn), this is by invitation only. Include your email address that is associated with you facebook account. Cayla will then send you an invitation so you may join the group.

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A few of us on this cruise are in the "Golden Years" that you hear about. We're young at heart, though, and love Disney. While we were accompanied by our children and grandchildren on our first Disney cruises, we're flying solo this time around. I wonder how many more are in the same category as us. We'd love to be able to arrange to sit at a table with other "Golden Agers" when we set sail on the EBPC cruise. If you are interested just send a PM, (Private Messaage), to Karen, (kayaker35), and she will add you to the list, and before the cruise will make arrangements with DCL to seat all together. The list is also open to families, Karen will keep the list and pair you up with others sailing with families.

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Below are some free graphics for everyone to use for magnets for your stateroom door, or for however you want to use them. (How about an iron-on for a T-shirt for the cruise???) Whatever you can think of. Be creative. Have some fun. Just right click on the design you like and select copy. Then paste it into a folder on your computer for your very own copy of the graphic. Select 1 or all 4, they are free for you to use however you want for the cruise.



East Bound Panama Canal Cruise 2014 - Graphic #1
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East Bound Panama Canal Cruise 2014 - Graphic #2
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East Bound Panama Canal Cruise 2014 - Graphic #3
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East Bound Panama Canal Cruise 2014 - Graphic #4

 

[dsnydaddy]

Hi, I'm Steve. My wife (Laura) and I are booked on this cruise. It'll be our 8th DCL jaunt. And our first where we will be leaving the kids at home. we have been wanting to do a PC cruise for a long time as well. But they always come when kids are in school. Well, they're old enough that grandma can care for them for a couple of weeks so we're off! We are staying in a sideways 11b (5513) and as a result got an excellent deal on this cruise. Looking forward to planning this one with the DIS'ers.

 

[davidls]

Hi, I'm Steve. My wife (Laura) and I are booked on this cruise. It'll be our 8th DCL jaunt. And our first where we will be leaving the kids at home. we have been wanting to do a PC cruise for a long time as well. But they always come when kids are in school. Well, they're old enough that grandma can care for them for a couple of weeks so we're off! We are staying in a sideways 11b (5513) and as a result got an excellent deal on this cruise. Looking forward to planning this one with the DIS'ers.

Hi Steve & Laura, so glad you are joining us on the cruise. We live in Florida, but we are going to fly out a few days early and see Disneyland before the cruise. We have never seen Disneyland. This will give us an excellent opportunity to see Disneyland. Then sail back on the Wonder thru the Panama Canal back to Florida. We are really looking forward to this cruise and making new friends while on the DIS board and on the cruise.

We too got a pretty good deal on this cruise. We had a dummy date cruise set up and when this came out we switched it over to this one. So we got the 10% discount on a nice verandah stateroom on deck 6 - 6576 I think. Now all we have to is wait for about a year and a half for the cruise.

 

[dsnydaddy]

You're gonna love Disneyland. If you are really familiar with WDW the be prepared for a shock! But since we are old hats at DL I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have (we frequently buy AP's and thus have lost count of the times we've been there. Also check out our travel blog. Laura frequently writes about our DL trips. The year and a half will be quite a wait but I've got plenty to keep us occupied until then so I'm expecting it'll be here very soon for me. (Heading out to Alaska shortly then WDW in December and Hawaii in February culminating in the Panama cruise in Sept!).

 

[davidls]

You're gonna love Disneyland. If you are really familiar with WDW the be prepared for a shock! But since we are old hats at DL I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have (we frequently buy AP's and thus have lost count of the times we've been there. Also check out our travel blog. Laura frequently writes about our DL trips. The year and a half will be quite a wait but I've got plenty to keep us occupied until then so I'm expecting it'll be here very soon for me. (Heading out to Alaska shortly then WDW in December and Hawaii in February culminating in the Panama cruise in Sept!).

Wow Steve, you guys sure are going to be busy with all of those trips. Like you said it will help to pass the time until this cruise.

Yes, we are old hats at WDW. Been there so many times...............lost count years ago. We are pass holders to WDW and do go as often as we can. I do have a question, or two, I'm sure you can help us with. How many days do you think it will take us to see all of Disneyland? Where would you suggest we stay? We thought if Donna can get off of work long enough maybe spending a week before the cruise to see Disneyland and maybe take in another site or two before the cruise. How would you suggest we get from Disneyland to San Diego for the cruise? (As you can tell we have never been out your way, so we are really your basic tourist!!!)

 

[dsnydaddy]

I think that 3 days is about right for Disneyland. You could make it a more leisurely 4 days but you really won't need much more. Unlike WDW Disneyland is small. A brisk 5 min walk will take you from one end of the park to the other. The entrance to California Adventure is literally feet from the entrance of Disneyland. DCA is pretty big but more spread out like you're used to. A couple of days for DL and one for DCA. Remember park hopping us crazy easy for these parks so get park hopper tickets. There's a lot to see in the area so you can keep pretty busy. I suggest purchasing the CityPass. It's inexpensive for what you get. Last I looked at it there was a three day park hopper for DL. One day in Universal and one day at Sea World (San Diego).

As far as traveling from Anaheim to San Diego, it's about a hour and a half drive with light traffic. Mass transit bites in CA so I'm guessing best thing to do would be a rental car. That'll get you to the various points of interest as well.

I have some other ideas that ill share when I have more time. (At work)

 

[davidls]

I think that 3 days is about right for Disneyland. You could make it a more leisurely 4 days but you really won't need much more. Unlike WDW Disneyland is small. A brisk 5 min walk will take you from one end of the park to the other. The entrance to California Adventure is literally feet from the entrance of Disneyland. DCA is pretty big but more spread out like you're used to. A couple of days for DL and one for DCA. Remember park hopping us crazy easy for these parks so get park hopper tickets. There's a lot to see in the area so you can keep pretty busy. I suggest purchasing the CityPass. It's inexpensive for what you get. Last I looked at it there was a three day park hopper for DL. One day in Universal and one day at Sea World (San Diego).

As far as traveling from Anaheim to San Diego, it's about a hour and a half drive with light traffic. Mass transit bites in CA so I'm guessing best thing to do would be a rental car. That'll get you to the various points of interest as well.

I have some other ideas that ill share when I have more time. (At work)

AT WORK!!??! It's Saturday man!!!! You should be kicking back and relaxing!!! Sorry I had to rub it in. I am semi retired. I only work 3 days a week and just 6 hours a day those 3 days. I work Wednesdays, Thrusdays and Fridays. I know, I know what your thinking, that sure is a hard schedule. But someone has to do it.

Steve, thanks for all of your suggestions. I look forward to your other suggestions when you have the time. Another question form my better half - Do you suggest staying at one of the Disneyland hotels? If so, which one do you like the best? I know we are going to have a ton of questions to ask as the time goes on. Donna and I appreciate your help and suggestions Steve.

 

[dsnydaddy]

Hotel-wise it is really up to your budget and preferences. Unlike WDW where Disney hotels are more convenient, DL has numerous nearby hotels that are a short walk to the park. Here's my list of favorites:

Of course any of the big name hotels are nice. They range in price but none of them are as expensive as the Disney hotels.

Howard Johnson's: this is a DIS board favorite. It's older but well kept up. You can get a park view room and get a view of the fireworks that rivals even the Disney hotels. It is an 8 minute walk from hotel to main gate. During the walk you pass both Mimi's (for a nice breakfast) or McDonald's for a cheap one. I love this place but make sure you don't get a room by the highway. Another bonus: they don't kill you with extra fees.

Homewood Suites: this is a decent place. For about the same price as an "across the street resort" you get a suite with a kitchenette. Free breakfast in the morning and sometimes a free dinner at night. Nearly all Anaheim resorts nickel and dime you to death with extra fees and this one is no different. There is a shuttle to DL (at a cost) and it is right across the street from Target for grocery shopping and a hop from Joe's Crab Shack (one of my favorite places to eat.). Biggest drawback. It's a long walk to the park. Better to drive or take the bus.

Disney Resorts:

Paradise Pier: not impressed this one. It's nice but nothing special. For a cheaper price you can stay at nicer hotels.

Disneyland Hotel: Always my favorite! It's expensive but it's an easy walk to the parks (actually there's a very nearby monorail station that'll take you directly into DL.). It was the hotel that countless MovieStars stayed at when they visited the park so there's some nostalgia attached to it for me. While the recent remodel has enhanced the property, it has removed some of those things that linked the Hotel to the past.

Grand Californian: very comparable to the Wilderness Lodge at WDW. Absolutely Beautiful! Also located inside DCA so you cannot get any more convenient. It is very expensive to stay at but you're bound to have a great time. If you stay here try to score a room with a good view if the World of Color (The Disneyland hotel has these too but it's a bit farther away and you won't see the detail that you can at GC.

There's a lot more that I've stayed at and if you're interested about a particular one just ask. I may have stayed there. Whatever you do stay away from the Jolly Roger. That was disgusting!

 

[davidls]

Hotel-wise it is really up to your budget and preferences. Unlike WDW where Disney hotels are more convenient, DL has numerous nearby hotels that are a short walk to the park. Here's my list of favorites:

Of course any of the big name hotels are nice. They range in price but none of them are as expensive as the Disney hotels.

Howard Johnson's: this is a DIS board favorite. It's older but well kept up. You can get a park view room and get a view of the fireworks that rivals even the Disney hotels. It is an 8 minute walk from hotel to main gate. During the walk you pass both Mimi's (for a nice breakfast) or McDonald's for a cheap one. I love this place but make sure you don't get a room by the highway. Another bonus: they don't kill you with extra fees.

Homewood Suites: this is a decent place. For about the same price as an "across the street resort" you get a suite with a kitchenette. Free breakfast in the morning and sometimes a free dinner at night. Nearly all Anaheim resorts nickel and dime you to death with extra fees and this one is no different. There is a shuttle to DL (at a cost) and it is right across the street from Target for grocery shopping and a hop from Joe's Crab Shack (one of my favorite places to eat.). Biggest drawback. It's a long walk to the park. Better to drive or take the bus.

Disney Resorts:

Paradise Pier: not impressed this one. It's nice but nothing special. For a cheaper price you can stay at nicer hotels.

Disneyland Hotel: Always my favorite! It's expensive but it's an easy walk to the parks (actually there's a very nearby monorail station that'll take you directly into DL.). It was the hotel that countless MovieStars stayed at when they visited the park so there's some nostalgia attached to it for me. While the recent remodel has enhanced the property, it has removed some of those things that linked the Hotel to the past.

Grand Californian: very comparable to the Wilderness Lodge at WDW. Absolutely Beautiful! Also located inside DCA so you cannot get any more convenient. It is very expensive to stay at but you're bound to have a great time. If you stay here try to score a room with a good view if the World of Color (The Disneyland hotel has these too but it's a bit farther away and you won't see the detail that you can at GC.

There's a lot more that I've stayed at and if you're interested about a particular one just ask. I may have stayed there. Whatever you do stay away from the Jolly Roger. That was disgusting!

Thanks Steve. Allot of hotel info much needed. We do appreciate your help. We originally were thinking about staying at one of the Disneyland hotels. Either Paradise Pier or the Disneyland Hotel. Out of the two we did like the Disneyland Hotel the best. We did not know about this hotel's past and the movie stars staying there. That does sound very interesting. This one moves up to number one on the list, with the Howard Johnson's in as number 2. We were going to look at some of the suggested nearby ones Disney lists on their website. Your info is a BIG help Steve.

Have you and your family gone to Hollywood and done the tour there? We were thinking of sneaking this in to our itinerary while we were out there. Is it worth it - a waste of time? I know we have plenty of time to plan this vacation but we want to get the main part of it planned out.

 

[dsnydaddy]

I haven't fooled around much in Hollywood since the kids came around. There used to be a lot of history at Universal Studios backlot but a fire wiped most of it out. They have much of what was there. They turned Lucille Ball's dressing room into a museum/gift shop. But other studios are less theme parky and more interesting. I recommend Paramount Studios and Warner Bros studios tours. Very cool. Check out Audiences Unlimited. (Google search). It's a company that supplies live audiences to television productions. They won't guarantee that you'll get into a particular show but if your willing to kill a half day in the attempt you could be awarded with seeing the filming a a favorite TV show. I've been in the audience of the Jay Leno show more than a couple of times, the Arsenio Hall show, Home Improvement, and a bunch of other sitcoms. the walk of fame ( Hollywood blvd with all the stars) is cool to do once and Mann's Chinese theater (used to be Graumann's). Is a definite stop. But be cautioned, that area is not really the best area. Lots of homeless about (they like to beg from the tourists) sleazy stores and the like. Don't get me wrong, it's worth doing once in a life but like so many things the fantasy is much better than the reality.

These, by the way, were the things I alluded to earlier. Hollywood is a fun stop in LA. Especially without children. Now all that said, if you plan a day or two in Hollywood remember that LA traffic is a nightmare. I honestly don't understand how anyone gets anywhere in that city. Allow a lot of travel time from Anaheim to the Burbank/Hollywood Area. If you have a GPS that utilizes traffic flow then use it. You'll need the guidance!

Other ideas that I have for SoCal, the Queen Mary tour is excellent! A day in Catalina is a bit expensive but very cool. I proposed to my wife on that island. If you go there then make sure you tour the Casino. The Ronald Reagan Library is also a great tour (regardless if what you politics may be it's very interesting!). Although that one is a bit of a drive.

That about expends most of my ideas. If you're thinking of a particular thing let me know. If I've done it, I'm glad to give insight.

 

[dsnydaddy]

Oh one more thing, allow time at Disneyland for "A walk in Walt's footsteps" tour. You won't be disappointed!

 

[IrishCowboy]

I have added your thread to the cruise meet list

Have a great cruise!

 

[davidls]

I haven't fooled around much in Hollywood since the kids came around. There used to be a lot of history at Universal Studios backlot but a fire wiped most of it out. They have much of what was there. They turned Lucille Ball's dressing room into a museum/gift shop. But other studios are less theme parky and more interesting. I recommend Paramount Studios and Warner Bros studios tours. Very cool. Check out Audiences Unlimited. (Google search). It's a company that supplies live audiences to television productions. They won't guarantee that you'll get into a particular show but if your willing to kill a half day in the attempt you could be awarded with seeing the filming a a favorite TV show. I've been in the audience of the Jay Leno show more than a couple of times, the Arsenio Hall show, Home Improvement, and a bunch of other sitcoms. the walk of fame ( Hollywood blvd with all the stars) is cool to do once and Mann's Chinese theater (used to be Graumann's). Is a definite stop. But be cautioned, that area is not really the best area. Lots of homeless about (they like to beg from the tourists) sleazy stores and the like. Don't get me wrong, it's worth doing once in a life but like so many things the fantasy is much better than the reality.

These, by the way, were the things I alluded to earlier. Hollywood is a fun stop in LA. Especially without children. Now all that said, if you plan a day or two in Hollywood remember that LA traffic is a nightmare. I honestly don't understand how anyone gets anywhere in that city. Allow a lot of travel time from Anaheim to the Burbank/Hollywood Area. If you have a GPS that utilizes traffic flow then use it. You'll need the guidance!

Other ideas that I have for SoCal, the Queen Mary tour is excellent! A day in Catalina is a bit expensive but very cool. I proposed to my wife on that island. If you go there then make sure you tour the Casino. The Ronald Reagan Library is also a great tour (regardless if what you politics may be it's very interesting!). Although that one is a bit of a drive.

That about expends most of my ideas. If you're thinking of a particular thing let me know. If I've done it, I'm glad to give insight.

Oh one more thing, allow time at Disneyland for "A walk in Walt's footsteps" tour. You won't be disappointed!

Ok thanks so much Steve, all of that is a big help. So much to think about and decide on just what we really want to do once we get out there. But also if Donna can get all of that time off. She gets a little over 4 weeks vacation time for the year. But she said she doesn't know if they will allow her to take 3 weeks time off together. This may be the first test to see if she can.

We did see something somewhere on here about the "A Walk In Walt's Footsteps" tour. That is a definite "Must Do" on our part. Both Donna and I used to watch Walt Disney on the Disney's Wonderful World of Color show on TV oh so many years ago. And we both have wanted to see Disneyland ever since we were just kids growing up. We are going to be just like two little kids in playland when we get there. Eyes big and wide and running around like crazy. (I just hope they don't throw us out of the park!!!)

I see that Irishcowboy put this thread on the cruise meet list. We should be getting others signing up now that everone can find it easily.

 

[sbennett]

Hi...We're going on the Eastbound Panama Canal cruise too...our dream vacation to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary (slightly early 10/07). Can't wait!!!!

 

[dsnydaddy]

Sweet! Glad to have you online. You have us beat by six years. We'll be close to our 19th anniversary on this cruise.

 

[missjudit]

I see that Irishcowboy put this thread on the cruise meet list. We should be getting others signing up now that everone can find it easily.

How right you are. Judi and David from outside of Annapolis, MD. This will be our 5th Disney cruise and we are super excited about doing a PC. We are in 7136 and this will be our second cruise on the Wonder.

 

[dsnydaddy]

How right you are. Judi and David from outside of Annapolis, MD. This will be our 5th Disney cruise and we are super excited about doing a PC. We are in 7136 and this will be our second cruise on the Wonder.

Awesome! I guess David and I have company now. Welcome aboard.

 

[davidls]

Hi...We're going on the Eastbound Panama Canal cruise too...our dream vacation to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary (slightly early 10/07). Can't wait!!!!

How right you are. Judi and David from outside of Annapolis, MD. This will be our 5th Disney cruise and we are super excited about doing a PC. We are in 7136 and this will be our second cruise on the Wonder.

I would also like to both sbennett & family, and also missjudit and husband to the cruise. So glad you all are joining us. Seems Donna and me have ya'll beat by a mile on the anniversary dates. We are celebrating our umummmmmteenth anniversary this year!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, you can stop clapping your hands now. (If I told ya our real length of time together, I'm afraid some of you out there might pass out!!! Don't want to be the cause for any injuries out there!!!)

Judi, this too will be our second time on the Wonder. We are looking forward to being back on her. It's been awhile since we have sailed on one of the classic ships. We just got off the Fantasy this past December. She is a very beautiful ship. A little chilly to do the Aqua Duck, but our granddaughter was with us so we did have to ride the Aqua Duck - several times. (I think I got frost bite one time!!!)

You are right Steve looks like we have some company now. So glad to see our group growing!!!

 

[davidls]

Hello everyone. Long time no talk to. Just trrying to keep our thread on page 1 so we don't get lost in the mix of things. Hope everyone has had a GREAT day today. I did, but this is one of my days off. Don't go back to work until Wednesday.

 

[dsnydaddy]

Geez David! Rub it in whydoncha. I'm back at work. Training today so not near as stressful.