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

[davidls]

Hi Everyone,
This is a really active board for a cruise that is almost 1-1/2 years away. We are Betty and Armando. This will be our 7th cruise with Disney. In the past we cruised with our kids and grandkids, but we did cruise without kids on the WBTA in 2010 and really enjoyed the experience. We are retired and now have the time to visit all the places we never had time to visit. Sorry to all of you who have to get up for work every morning.

We live in Los Angeles and have gone to Disneyland numerous times from the time it opened (as kids, we are ancient, but not that ancient). We will be taking Amtrak from LA to San Diego and most likely staying over night at one of the hotels near the port. It seems a more convenient option than driving to San Diego and parking for 2 weeks, flying back from MCO and making the 2 hour drive back from San Diego.

I've lived in LA all my life, so I may be able to answer any questions about navigating the city or sight seeing that you might have.

I would like to Betty & Armando to the cruise. So glad ya'll are joining us on the cruise!!! We are a crazy bunch on here, (Psssssstt.............some on here are REAL crazy.................not naming any names!!!! Got to protect the innocent..........and the guilty!!) I am semi - retired, working just 3 days a week, 6 hours those three days. Not a bad gig if you can get it!!! Helps pay for our Disney Cruises!!!! DW and I are also enjoying going to all of those places we have always wanted to go and see. Sure is fun!!! We have plans for one of the Disney Transatlantic cruises and a Disney Alaska cruise in the future.
Again welcome aboard Betty and Armando!!!

 

[dsnydaddy]

Hi Everyone,
This is a really active board for a cruise that is almost 1-1/2 years away. We are Betty and Armando. This will be our 7th cruise with Disney. In the past we cruised with our kids and grandkids, but we did cruise without kids on the WBTA in 2010 and really enjoyed the experience. We are retired and now have the time to visit all the places we never had time to visit. Sorry to all of you who have to get up for work every morning.

We live in Los Angeles and have gone to Disneyland numerous times from the time it opened (as kids, we are ancient, but not that ancient). We will be taking Amtrak from LA to San Diego and most likely staying over night at one of the hotels near the port. It seems a more convenient option than driving to San Diego and parking for 2 weeks, flying back from MCO and making the 2 hour drive back from San Diego.

I've lived in LA all my life, so I may be able to answer any questions about navigating the city or sight seeing that you might have.

Welcome aboard! That's a great travel plan you have. I actually wish that I could do something similar. Problem is AMTRAK service from the Central Valley to San Diego bites. You have to get off the thing at Bakersfield then board a bus to LA. Then back on the train to San Diego and all the while it costs as much as a flight. Besides there's no major airports near where I live so getting home after the flight back would be a challenge.

Good news for me is that I priced similar flights from SFO to San Diego and MCO to SFO and came up with only $275 pp. that's a steal! I hope it's that low when I go buy next year.

 

[grmmybtty]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

David - if you decide to do a transatlantic, take the westbound. Much better to gain a day every few days than to lose it

Dsneydaddy - you may have a bad train connection to San Diego, but you also don't have our bad traffic. Best part of retirement is not having to do a 1+ hour commute just to go 17 miles.

 

[davidls]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

David - if you decide to do a transatlantic, take the westbound. Much better to gain a day every few days than to lose it

That's the one we were thinking of doing. Thought we might even do like the last Med cruise offered before the trip back here to the states.

 

[grmmybtty]

Now that would be a great trip.

 

[davidls]

Now that would be a great trip.

Still just a pipe dream at this stage. But we have been talking about doing that, just have to wait and see. Somewhere in 2015 or 2016. WOW now that is a long time out!!!!

 

[kdeans1010]

Hi Everyone,
This is a really active board for a cruise that is almost 1-1/2 years away. We are Betty and Armando. This will be our 7th cruise with Disney. In the past we cruised with our kids and grandkids, but we did cruise without kids on the WBTA in 2010 and really enjoyed the experience. We are retired and now have the time to visit all the places we never had time to visit. Sorry to all of you who have to get up for work every morning.

We live in Los Angeles and have gone to Disneyland numerous times from the time it opened (as kids, we are ancient, but not that ancient). We will be taking Amtrak from LA to San Diego and most likely staying over night at one of the hotels near the port. It seems a more convenient option than driving to San Diego and parking for 2 weeks, flying back from MCO and making the 2 hour drive back from San Diego.

I've lived in LA all my life, so I may be able to answer any questions about navigating the city or sight seeing that you might have.

Welcome! Where in L.A. you? I grew up in Cucamonga. That's why our travel plans involved the IE. I need to remember where I am from (I love WA so much that I forget....), plus I want to see my grandparents.

Today Leannda and I had lunch together and we were like "we're going to Panama!!!!!!" It was a 30 something geek fest. I had to explain the Fish Extender thing. We got nerdy.

 

[grmmybtty]

I grew up in the Hollywood Hills when it was more like "Happy Days." Now we live in the hills of West LA, not far from the Getty.

DH has always wanted to go through the Panama Canal, he loves all things mechanical. We had booked a dummy reservation when we were on the Wonder last year and just changed it to the Panama Canal a few weeks ago. Too bad it is in September, hurricane/tropical storm season on both coasts. Lets all hope for a quiet hurricane season in 2014

 

[pops711]

dsnydaddy where do you live to be flying out of SFO???? that is where we will probably in and/or out of.

 

[davidls]

DH has always wanted to go through the Panama Canal, he loves all things mechanical. We had booked a dummy reservation when we were on the Wonder last year and just changed it to the Panama Canal a few weeks ago. Too bad it is in September, hurricane/tropical storm season on both coasts. Lets all hope for a quiet hurricane season in 2014

I too have always wanted to go thru the Panama Canal. DW and I have always cruised from Florida in the hurricane season, and we have had no problems with any of our cruises. But, I am with you Betty, in hoping for a quiet season in 2014!!!

 

[dsnydaddy]

dsnydaddy where do you live to be flying out of SFO???? that is where we will probably in and/or out of.

We live in Ceres. Just outside of Modesto.

 

[dsnydaddy]

I too have always wanted to go thru the Panama Canal. DW and I have always cruised from Florida in the hurricane season, and we have had no problems with any of our cruises. But, I am with you Betty, in hoping for a quiet season in 2014!!!

The canal has been big on our list for some time. I, too usually cruise during Hurricane season. I've never had major problems. I'm hoping for the same here. Although, as I've said before if a hurricane diverts us toward Castaway Cay I won't complain.

 

[padalyn]

I have been to soooooooooooooo many specialists..............and sooooooooo many tests have been done................and no one.............NO ONE.......................ever told me that.
HEY IT WORKS!!!! Thanks padalyn!!!!

LOL, glad I could help! (I think that was a punch line of some joke....)

Hi Everyone,
This is a really active board for a cruise that is almost 1-1/2 years away. We are Betty and Armando. This will be our 7th cruise with Disney. In the past we cruised with our kids and grandkids, but we did cruise without kids on the WBTA in 2010 and really enjoyed the experience. We are retired and now have the time to visit all the places we never had time to visit. Sorry to all of you who have to get up for work every morning.

We live in Los Angeles and have gone to Disneyland numerous times from the time it opened (as kids, we are ancient, but not that ancient). We will be taking Amtrak from LA to San Diego and most likely staying over night at one of the hotels near the port. It seems a more convenient option than driving to San Diego and parking for 2 weeks, flying back from MCO and making the 2 hour drive back from San Diego.

I've lived in LA all my life, so I may be able to answer any questions about navigating the city or sight seeing that you might have.

Welcome aboard! There is a FaceBook page as well - if you PM me the email address you are using for FB I will add you to the group. I am keeping it a private group because of some crashers that showed up on another DCL FB page a few months back.


HMMMM - we have to pick your brain a little...we have a Kingdom to Kingdom trip planned. We are thinking of flying into Long Beach, staying at Disney for a few days (my soon to be wife has never been!) Then we wanted to rent a car to drive down to San Diego. Maybe the train would be easier...so, for the brain picking part (please - don't think Hannibal Lecter here!)

- are one way rental cars a big problem? They are out here...had to search for a month to find one and that worries me a little

- cost of rental cars - high or low (I usually rely on friends to shift me around while visiting, but that seems a bit excessive to ask someone to drive 4 hours)

- cost of the train? Any ideas how much it will be?

- how long is the train ride?

- how does one get from the train to the hotel then hotel to port? Rental car/service/taxi? Cost of that transfer?

I am sure I will be asking a LOT more questions.

Once we get to Florida, we are renting a car (one way to return at MCO) for the second Kingdom portion. Is anyone else planning a K2K trip?

Cayla

 

[padalyn]

just a thought here....I am on the EBTA cruise that leaves in one week (WOOHOO!)

The organizer of the Dis pages did a really neat thing when we rolled onto the second thread - she asked for folks who were organizing different events to be the first to post to the new thread and the first post has been used as a "clearing house" for all the events planned.

I do not really wish to be the organizer, however, I am willing to keep the internet stuff organized. I prefer to be in the background mostly.

how do folks feel about this?

Cayla

Here is a link to her page 1 of thread 2:

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47314722&postcount=1

She has put in an amazing amount of work...I do not think I would be able to top this - but I could keep things sorted out here if you want.

Cayla

 

[davidls]

just a thought here....I am on the EBTA cruise that leaves in one week (WOOHOO!)

The organizer of the Dis pages did a really neat thing when we rolled onto the second thread - she asked for folks who were organizing different events to be the first to post to the new thread and the first post has been used as a "clearing house" for all the events planned.

I do not really wish to be the organizer, however, I am willing to keep the internet stuff organized. I prefer to be in the background mostly.

how do folks feel about this?

Cayla

Here is a link to her page 1 of thread 2:

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=47314722&postcount=1

She has put in an amazing amount of work...I do not think I would be able to top this - but I could keep things sorted out here if you want.

Cayla

I think that would be a GREAT idea Cayla!!! My DW and I both vote for Cayla to be in charge of keeping things sorted for us!!! And thanks Cayla for volunteering!!!

 

[davidls]

The canal has been big on our list for some time. I, too usually cruise during Hurricane season. I've never had major problems. I'm hoping for the same here. Although, as I've said before if a hurricane diverts us toward Castaway Cay I won't complain.

I'm with you Steve - if we get diverted to Castaway Cay for whatever reason, DW and I will be happy campers!!!

 

[davidls]

Is anyone else planning a K2K trip?

Cayla

Not planning on a K2K trip, but we are flying out a few days early to visit Disneyland. Neither my DW or I have been there before - it's on both of our bucket lists!!! Probably staying 4 or 5 days before the cruise at the Disneyland Hotel, then going to the port the morning of the cruise.

 

[kdeans1010]

I'm not doing any kingdom to kingdom tours. Last time I went to Disneyland I had a panic attack (moving up to the Pac Northwest has meant less people. So when I was surrounded by the spring break crowd and then my uncle being... well my uncle, I had a hard time breathing and dealing. So unless it's Feb. in the rain, I'm cool with not going to DLR.). Plus I want to see my brother and SIL (who live in the hipster part of LA), my grandparents (near Palm Springs), my best friend (Cucamonga), and I want to get a tattoo done by my favorite tattoo artist (I think she'll be moving to San Diego by the time we cruise.). Yep, getting tattooed right before I go on a boat. I'm smart.

 

[grmmybtty]

LOL, glad I could help! (I think that was a punch line of some joke....)




Welcome aboard! There is a FaceBook page as well - if you PM me the email address you are using for FB I will add you to the group. I am keeping it a private group because of some crashers that showed up on another DCL FB page a few months back.


HMMMM - we have to pick your brain a little...we have a Kingdom to Kingdom trip planned. We are thinking of flying into Long Beach, staying at Disney for a few days (my soon to be wife has never been!) Then we wanted to rent a car to drive down to San Diego. Maybe the train would be easier...so, for the brain picking part (please - don't think Hannibal Lecter here!)

- are one way rental cars a big problem? They are out here...had to search for a month to find one and that worries me a little

- cost of rental cars - high or low (I usually rely on friends to shift me around while visiting, but that seems a bit excessive to ask someone to drive 4 hours)

- cost of the train? Any ideas how much it will be?

- how long is the train ride?

- how does one get from the train to the hotel then hotel to port? Rental car/service/taxi? Cost of that transfer?

I am sure I will be asking a LOT more questions.

Once we get to Florida, we are renting a car (one way to return at MCO) for the second Kingdom portion. Is anyone else planning a K2K trip?

Cayla

Thank you for the warm welcome Cayla, I'll pm you with my FB address.

As far as car rentals, one way car rentals are easy to find in SoCal. You can pick the car up at Long Beach airport, drive it to Disney, then to San Diego. Rentals are about the same price as in Orlando. I don't know which companies have port shuttles in San Diego, but perhaps you can google Port of San Diego for ground transportation options. You will need a car while you are at Disney unless you plan to never leave the resort. Like Orlando, things are far apart and public transportation is poor. It is only a little over an hour drive from Anaheim to San Diego, so driving is a good option.

If you only want transportation from airport to Disney and then from Disney to San Diego, the the train may be a good option. It's $28 from Anaheim to San Diego. Check amtrak.com for the schedule. I suggest that you fly into John Wayne airport which is closer to Disney and take a taxi to your hotel. You can then taxi to the train station. The train takes about the same time as driving, but then you will still need to taxi to the port. I google mapped it and it doesn't look like its too far from the station to port.

We're taking the train because we didn't want to drive and park our car for 2 weeks in San Diego and then have to fly back there to pick up the car, and then making the 2 hour drive home.

 

[davidls]

Ok, ok, ok, ok, as ya'll might have guessed, I am the planner of our vacations for DW and I. (I have more time on my hands................so it makes sense. Plus and enjoy doing the planning.) So....................all or most of ya'll know DW and I are going to fly out to sunny California a few days before the cruise to visit Disneyland. And, our first visit to Disneyland. My question is, what are your suggestions for restaurants at Disneyland we should not miss? Both hotel and park restaurants? Thanks all for your help. As you can also tell, I like to get things all lined up early in the stage of our vacation. (This is a flaw in my personality I am working on!!!)