8 Night Magic out of Galveston Cruisers

[noriega]

Hello to all those who requested the navigators photos via email, I hope you got them all.

If you know how to post those photos please share them with everyone else or paste to your FB. I took them with high resolution so they should look okay.

If you want me to email you photos send me your email to:

paul.noriega @ live.com

If you need any tips let me know.

[NikkiFB]

Originally Posted by IFlossU

In regard to breakfast on the WDW day, was Topsiders or room service available earlier for people leaving on the 7:15 buses? Your post made me realize there may not be many food options that early in the morning.

Yes, Goofy's Galley opened at 5:30, Topsiders at 5:45, Parrot Cay at 6, and Lumiere's at 7. You could also pre-order room service (put out your order the night before; the menu/doorhanger is in the desk drawer). It's a fairly limited/continental menu though. We just weren't really *hungry* so early, but we got a little something to tide us over til our b'fast at the park. We didn't feel rushed to make the 7:15 bus... and in fact I think our bus filled up and left the port a bit early.

[NikkiFB]

Originally Posted by MAD4EEYORE

Thanks for the information on Key West. I was wondering if the ship tour allowed to hop on\ off. Do you remember what time the trolley started running?

The first trolley left its Stop 1 (Mallory Square, where the ticket office is and where the shuttle from the ship drops you off) at 9. We left the ship some time after 8 (I don't remember exactly when, probably about 8:20 or so) and by the time we got to Mallory Square it was probably 8:40-ish. The ticket booth was already open so we bought trolley tickets right away and got on that first one that left at 9.

It looked like there's plenty to do/see right in and around Mallory Square since the time in Key West is so short (lots of souvenir shopping, several different museums, snack shops, a yummy seafood food truck, and I even ended up at a knitting store!! LOL). But we were glad we did the tour and saw a bit of the island.

[MousseauMob]

Originally Posted by NikkiFB

Ferries running between DHS and Epcot. I think it stopped at the Swan, Boardwalk, and Beach Club resorts en route. If you're exiting DHS, the ferry dock is to the left outside the main gate; it takes about 20 minutes or so to make it to Epcot, and docks near the "back entrance" of Epcot, the International Gateway, between the UK and France. We wanted to go straight to the World Showcase anyway, so it worked great for us.

I'd read that it's possible to walk from DHS to Epcot in about as long as it takes the ferry... but with two little kids, an early morning, and a long day ahead, we were happy to ride and relax for a bit!!

Thanks, this is really helpful!

[MAD4EEYORE]

Originally Posted by NikkiFB

The first trolley left its Stop 1 (Mallory Square, where the ticket office is and where the shuttle from the ship drops you off) at 9. We left the ship some time after 8 (I don't remember exactly when, probably about 8:20 or so) and by the time we got to Mallory Square it was probably 8:40-ish. The ticket booth was already open so we bought trolley tickets right away and got on that first one that left at 9.

It looked like there's plenty to do/see right in and around Mallory Square since the time in Key West is so short (lots of souvenir shopping, several different museums, snack shops, a yummy seafood food truck, and I even ended up at a knitting store!! LOL). But we were glad we did the tour and saw a bit of the island.

Thank you so much. Sounds good. Hard to decide what to do in such a short time. I want to see the southern most point, maybe the Hemingway museum, and definitely some key lime pie.

[IFlossU]

Originally Posted by NikkiFB

Yes, Goofy's Galley opened at 5:30, Topsiders at 5:45, Parrot Cay at 6, and Lumiere's at 7. You could also pre-order room service (put out your order the night before; the menu/doorhanger is in the desk drawer). It's a fairly limited/continental menu though. We just weren't really *hungry* so early, but we got a little something to tide us over til our b'fast at the park. We didn't feel rushed to make the 7:15 bus... and in fact I think our bus filled up and left the port a bit early.

Fantastic! Thank you so much for your reply. What time/where did you have to meet for the 7:15 bus? Just curious how early we need to be up & ready to go.

[samily]

Originally Posted by NikkiFB

The first trolley left its Stop 1 (Mallory Square, where the ticket office is and where the shuttle from the ship drops you off) at 9. We left the ship some time after 8 (I don't remember exactly when, probably about 8:20 or so) and by the time we got to Mallory Square it was probably 8:40-ish. The ticket booth was already open so we bought trolley tickets right away and got on that first one that left at 9.

It looked like there's plenty to do/see right in and around Mallory Square since the time in Key West is so short (lots of souvenir shopping, several different museums, snack shops, a yummy seafood food truck, and I even ended up at a knitting store!! LOL). But we were glad we did the tour and saw a bit of the island.

So the ship did not dock at Mallory Square where she usually does? Did you dock at the Navy pier? Was another ship in port that day with you?

[SnipsNSnails]

We are considering the Cityview Trolley Tours and buying the tickets in advance. They are hop on hop off and only $19.95 for adults online and 12 & under is free. I want to see the Southernmost point and do some shopping is all.

Did anyone see these trolleys (I believe they are silver) or use them?

Were the shops in Key West open early? I was hoping we could do a little shopping and then hop on the trolley about 9:30 and then it says a one hour tour and we'll get off at the southernmost point so 1/2 hour there should put us back into town around 11.

[Sparrow78]

Originally Posted by samily

So the ship did not dock at Mallory Square where she usually does? Did you dock at the Navy pier? Was another ship in port that day with you?

There was another ship in port with us so we were at the Navy pier. Pirate night was the night before so we had a late night and DD didn't want to get up. We weren't off the boat till 9:45 and wished we had more time in Key West

[rkbk03]

Originally Posted by I❤MICKEY

We too are debating what to do for the Key West day. Anyone who stayed on the ship - were there any promotions? Maybe spa deals?

There was a spa deal and I was tempted... from memory it was a short back massage and scalp massage and a foot massage for $99. Personally, it was the perfect combo in my opinion.

[mamabug70]

We were on the 7:15 bus to DHS which did leave early once full. We arrived at the park early which was just fine by me. There were only 3 families ahead of us in line to get into the park. Once in, we were able to ride Toy Story as a walk on and got a fastpass for 9:50am return. We then went to Tower of Terror and waited about 10 minutes. We hit all 4 parks and left MK around 9pm. There was a long line, but we were on a bus within 10 minutes. Once back to the ship we were too tired to worry about dinner, but I think topsiders was open late. We did the Stingray excursion on CC and we all agreed it was a waste of money. We were pretty much chasing the stingrays around the lagoon to get a good look at them. My DD13 LOVED Edge and all the counselors and has already connected with some of her friends from the ship on Facebook.

I have to take minute to talk about the staff. They were truly exceptional. From the Edge counselors to the recreation team (we loved Lee the bingo master and DJ Justin. My dd13 and her friends fell in love with Jonathan and he handled her teen crush with charm and grace) to guest services to our dinner servers - all were simply outstanding.

I hate to end on a negative note, but we were in cabin 2520 on deck 2 and both our bathrooms flooded twice. Like an inch of water with black stuff floating around in it. I heard it happened to several other rooms around us as well- disgusting! When I complained to guest services, they gave us 2 rooms on the other side of the ship. Very nice since my sister and I and our 2 daughters were sharing a room. However, I had continuous problems with my KTTW card. I literally made 20 trips to and from guest services
Throughout the next day. Then my card was somehow inactivated for
charging privileges and I had a little trouble getting back on the ship in Key West. Very aggravating. Guest services did give me a $200 credit and a nice bottle of sparkling cider(without an opener haha) for my trouble. I felt that was quite generous and appreciated the gestures. The
second room was 2082. My advice would be to avoid the second deck if at all possible. Other than that, we had a fantastic time and are already planning our next cruise on the Dream in November! Sorry so long!

[Brooksmakingmemories]

Originally Posted by Irelandsmom

We just got off the ship. It was amazing and we had a great time. If you are on the 7:15 bus to HS, it's a real waste of time because we spent a half an hour standing in line waiting for the park to open- and they opened 15 minutes early that day! So you might wait up to 45 minutes. Also if you are taking disneys transportation to hotel Galvez - it really seemed to be put together at the last minute, even though we booked it months in advance. They basically grabbed a taxi for us off the street. The taxi bill came to $180 but we had paid $30 each in advance. We didn't owe him anything extra (Disney took care of it) but we did tip him.
Best excursion: parasailing!
Worst excursion: conch tour + museums in key west. The tour was not on a trolley but instead on a long passenger train with some seats in each car facing backwards and having zero legroom. Most uncomfortable tour ever. We couldn't see much because we were looking backwards the whole time, with our hair blowing backwards into our face. The shipwreck museum would have been interesting except there was no ventilation and smelled very musty and we had to leave because my MIL started to have an asthma attack. Would not recommend for anyone with asthma or breathing difficulties. Finally, the aquarium was interesting and we enjoyed it. We were able to get very close to sharks and there were some hands on exhibits where you could touch the sea life. If I could do it over, I would take the FREE trolley that leaves the ship and takes you into town and do some shopping and see the aquarium.

Can you tell me more about the Hotel Galvez transportation? Did you stay there the night before your cruise? I'm wondering about the $30 you mentioned, as it has not been mentioned by our TA yet. We were told it was part of the package.

[NikkiFB]

Originally Posted by mamabug70

I have to take minute to talk about the staff. They were truly exceptional. From the Edge counselors to the recreation team (we loved Lee the bingo master and DJ Justin. My dd13 and her friends fell in love with Jonathan and he handled her teen crush with charm and grace) to guest services to our dinner servers - all were simply outstanding.

Too funny about her crush!! Jonathan led the Phineas & Ferb bookmark making project in the Promenade Lounge on Friday--I stopped with my 8 year old to make some of the bookmarks--and saw Jonathan go and sit with about 4 tween girls, just being nice and friendly to them. It was soooo funny and cute to watch the girls trying to play it cool!!!

Totally agree about the staff, though. My kids are younger so most of our experience was with the kids' club counselors... and with our dining room servers who absolutely MADE the trip for my kids. If anyone ends up at Inyo & Pongphan's tables, be happy---they were fabulous to my kids (and us)!

[NikkiFB]

Originally Posted by SnipsNSnails

Were the shops in Key West open early? I was hoping we could do a little shopping and then hop on the trolley about 9:30 and then it says a one hour tour and we'll get off at the southernmost point so 1/2 hour there should put us back into town around 11.

We didn't try to spend any money before we got on the trolley at 9--so I can't say for sure--but it looked like some of the market stalls around Mallory Square were getting up and running when we arrived there around 8:30-40.

[HappyGrumpy]

What was the latest bus you could take back to the ship from the MK?

I want to take the day trip to the Dry Tourtugas (not a Disney excision) but the boat to the Dry Tourtugas leaves at 8AM. What time did the ship dock in KW on this trip?

I am worried there is just not enough time to get to the boat and since you have to book it in advance I am concerned we would just be pushing our luck with time.

Thanks for the info!