01/02/10- Mickey's New Decade Brigade!

[mmackeymouse]

Sara and Melissa- thanks for your interest in volunteering to do something with a magnet for the cruise! Sounds like fun. Have either of you done this on a prior cruise or heard about people doing this before? We only did the Fish Extender exchange on my last cruise so I don't know much about it...is this something where we pass around a big magnet board room to room and sign things on it (i've heard about something like that on the DIS before) or are we thinking more like someone designing and "official" logo for our cruise meet and printing out magnets for everyone to put on our doors? What do you guys think?

Sara- I also love the t-shirt idea. If we uploaded a design, is that something like we could all log on to the website and then purchase our own shirts with the main design and our own names on it? That would be so cool!

I kinda thought it would be more like the second idea where we could create some sort of logo, and then each DIS member could have a magnet. I had not even thought of the other option you mentioned. Or we could do both! I am easy to pleasy, so it's really up to you guys.

 

[KC-Disney]

Back from holidays. Had a great summer so far. To bad I had to go back to work. We were in South Dakota Black hills and Minnesota. Weather was great. Now I can re-focus on the cruise

I am good with whatever theme is/was chosen. I did a magnet exchange last cruise. it is a great reminder now that we are home of the great people we exchanged with. If I new how to post a picture, I would show the magnet that someone our group made for everyone with the cruise theme.

Welcome to new members since my last post. I am hoping to book flight in next day or two. If taking the disney transport, what time do you usually get back to the airport??

Take care everyone.

Karen

 

[MightyMike]

If taking the disney transport, what time do you usually get back to the airport??

Probably in the 9:00 to 10:30 range. If you have an early flight, they want you off the boat as soon as possible, which I hear is in the 7:30 to 8:00 range. By 9:00 or so they want everyone off the boat so they can get ready for the next cruise.

Disney recommends return flights no earlier than 12:30. We are on an 11:30 flight after our next cruise, which is the earliest we would ever plan.

 

[KC-Disney]

Thanks, I think I will definitely go with a later time.

Has anyone been thinking about excursions lately? I still am not sure what I want to do yet?

 

[itssarayay]

Sara- I also love the t-shirt idea. If we uploaded a design, is that something like we could all log on to the website and then purchase our own shirts with the main design and our own names on it? That would be so cool!

A place like cafe press would allow us to purchase the t-shirts ourselves and I could easily put each family or username name on them by editing the image file on the shirt. Each person could find their name on the shop page and then buy!

We'll just need a logo, which shouldn't be hard at all.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Thanks, I think I will definitely go with a later time.

Has anyone been thinking about excursions lately? I still am not sure what I want to do yet?

Hi Karen- I've been driving myself crazy over excursions lately! Actually at least I know what I'm doing for St. Maarten- I booked a private personalized tour with Joyce Prince who comes highly recommended on the DIS. She caters tours to your desires for the length of time and places you want to go, so I've arranged a 6 hour tour with her around both the Dutch and French sides of the island, including photo stops, guavaberry factory tasting, shopping, lunch, stopping at Maho beach to see the huge planes fly right over head, and finally ending at Orient Beach in the afternoon for us to relax. I'm really excited about my day there. But as far as St. Thomas, I'm at a loss. I am trying to decide between Sapphire Beach or Megan's bay (sp?) I asked for recommendations for both on here and did a lot of google searching and it really isn't helping because some people rave about one and say they hated the other, and vice versa! I really just want a beach with beautiful clear water of course, and chairs to rent and nearby a full service bar and restaurant, not a snack bar type thing. Hopefully I'll be able to keep researching and figure something out. Either way, I'm not booking with Disney because I refuse to be dictated by their schedule and rip off prices...not to mention their excursions give you hardly any beach time. I want to make the most use of my time and money so I'll definitely be doing my own thing, taking a taxi to whatever beach I decide.

Sara- I love the tshirt idea! Do you think we should have the same logo as the one for the magnets we're going to do? That might be a good idea for consistency and they definitely should both include our title, Mickey's New Decade Brigade and the sail date. You said you have a friend in graphic design? Maybe she could get some ideas together and then you could upload them here for us to see?

 

[familyfun5]

I am glad you all brought up the weather concern. We are in Colorado and were looking at flying out Friday morning and arriving in MCO at 1:44. This does not leave much time for error. I think I will look into leaving Thursday.

I was even looking into changing our trip to October of this year. I was thinking the weather would be better and the water warmer. And after two babies in one year, DH and I really need some time away to enjoy each other and the babies. However, I think that midterms are that week and missing a week of school is probably not an academically smart idea. So it looks like we are still in January. It is only five months away. It should fly by right? Colorado's cold January weather will make us appreciate the east even if slightly cooler.

As for excursions, I was thinking of taking a taxi to coral world on our own. Maybe adding the Sea Lion encounter. I hear the beach is also fairly nice, close, kid friendly and has good snorkeling. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[itssarayay]

Sara- I love the tshirt idea! Do you think we should have the same logo as the one for the magnets we're going to do? That might be a good idea for consistency and they definitely should both include our title, Mickey's New Decade Brigade and the sail date. You said you have a friend in graphic design? Maybe she could get some ideas together and then you could upload them here for us to see?

I'll give her a call either later today or tomorrow and tell her the info she'll need. It may take her a week or two to put some ideas together because she's got school assignments as well, but she's AMAZING at graphic art and design(and at the top of her class.. I'm so proud!!) so I'm sure we won't be disappointed.

Also, about excursions... Do you know of any other great private guides in St. Maarten? I'm so overwhelmed with all the different things to do and I really want to make our visit a great one. I was looking at the Mountain Top Downhill Rainforest Trek, but that's around 4 hours and I'm not sure if it would be worth it because I'd like to be able to see more of the island... We were considering renting a car and doing our own thing, but I'm so scared about not getting back to the ship on time.

 

[KC-Disney]

I was also looking into doing Coral World on our own with the Sea lion encounter. For some reason, the website isn't letting me get a price on this, does anyone know what the price is. I understand there is a beach close by you can walk to?? The only other thing is I also want to do some shopping. If we do stuff on our own, I know I will be worrying all day, that we won't make it back on time.

Another question, how does the t-shirt thing work. I would love to get t-shirts. Once the logo is done, do we print it off to get put on t-shirts. or do we order t-shirts? Also are are we splitting the cost of getting them designed if there is a cost, as I am definitely willing to toss in.

Sorry, i missed the boat on the magnets. Are we doing a magnet exchange as well? If so, I am in.

Karen

 

[KC-Disney]

One more thing, we are staying at the Courtyard Orlando lake Buena Vista hotel prior and renting a car. We were planning on dropping our car back off at the airport, and then getting transport to the port. Or would anyone recommend the Florida Transport company?? any advice

 

[WDW Princess 71]

One more thing, we are staying at the Courtyard Orlando lake Buena Vista hotel prior and renting a car. We were planning on dropping our car back off at the airport, and then getting transport to the port. Or would anyone recommend the Florida Transport company?? any advice

Karen- my recommendation to you would definitely be to NOT return the car back to the airport, but rather drive it to Cape Canaveral and drop it off at the rental location there. I'm not sure what rental company you are using but many big ones have offices right by the port, and then a free shuttle to the port from there. We used Hertz in January- picked up at the airport, returned it to Hertz in Cape Canaveral the day of embarkation and hopped on the shuttle 5 min ride to the ship, so easy! It does not cost any more money to return the car to a different location than the one you picked it up at- of course you need to reserve it this way in advance (ie- you can have a "round trip" rental saying p/u and drop off in Orlando and then you decide to drop it off at Cape Canaveral- it doesnt work that way- you simply need to make your reservation to say p/u in Orlando airport, drop off at the cape canaveral location, very easy). It just doesnt make sense to pay for the car, then pay more money to take disney transport or a town car company to get you to the port. The car is the cheapest, easiest way plus you can stop at the liquor store and grocery store on the way to pick up goodies for the trip! If you want any more advice about this, let me know...I did it in January and I'll be doing it again for this trip.

Karen and Sara- regarding doing excursions on your own and/or renting a car, I say go for it. I wouldnt worry about making it back on time if you plan well and pay attention to the time. This is my third Disney cruise and I have never done a DCL sponsored excursion. The costs and time constraints are just too annoying for me. I always have way more fun doing things on my own, as long as I plan ahead of time and use common sense, like if I take a taxi somewhere in the morning, I'll pay close attention to how long the ride is, and ask the driver what afternoon traffic is like, and even arrange him to pick us up at a specific time later on to ensure we will be back on time. If you plan like that, you'll be fine!

 

[KC-Disney]

Thanks for the advice. I did it, our rental car is reserved through Hertz. I am glad I did, as they are starting to book up, as well as some of the other rental companies. We will drive to the port. Yes definitely much cheaper. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am starting to get more excited each day that I plan something. K

 

[itssarayay]

Another question, how does the t-shirt thing work. I would love to get t-shirts. Once the logo is done, do we print it off to get put on t-shirts. or do we order t-shirts? Also are are we splitting the cost of getting them designed if there is a cost, as I am definitely willing to toss in.

Once the logo is done, I'll be able to upload it to it's own store in cafepress(including all the different names) and you'll be able to purchase t-shirts from there. The only thing you'll have to pay for is the cost of your tshirts (it should be around 15 dollars)--it won't cost me anything to get them designed.

Now, if we decide to not put usernames/family names I could probably find a better (and possibly cheaper?) printing source...

 

[mmackeymouse]

Hi Karen- I've been driving myself crazy over excursions lately! Actually at least I know what I'm doing for St. Maarten- I booked a private personalized tour with Joyce Prince who comes highly recommended on the DIS. She caters tours to your desires for the length of time and places you want to go, so I've arranged a 6 hour tour with her around both the Dutch and French sides of the island, including photo stops, guavaberry factory tasting, shopping, lunch, stopping at Maho beach to see the huge planes fly right over head, and finally ending at Orient Beach in the afternoon for us to relax. I'm really excited about my day there. But as far as St. Thomas, I'm at a loss. I am trying to decide between Sapphire Beach or Megan's bay (sp?) I asked for recommendations for both on here and did a lot of google searching and it really isn't helping because some people rave about one and say they hated the other, and vice versa! I really just want a beach with beautiful clear water of course, and chairs to rent and nearby a full service bar and restaurant, not a snack bar type thing. Hopefully I'll be able to keep researching and figure something out. Either way, I'm not booking with Disney because I refuse to be dictated by their schedule and rip off prices...not to mention their excursions give you hardly any beach time. I want to make the most use of my time and money so I'll definitely be doing my own thing, taking a taxi to whatever beach I decide.

We are totally on the same wavelength! Hey, we may see you around in St. Maarten! I know Maho is definitely on our list of places to go. I'd also like to do some shopping in Marigot (and P-burg, of course). I think I am going to rent a car there. As far as St. Thomas is concerned, yeah, our family is just going to pick a beach and go. I know we'll want to do some shopping as well. You might check out Godfrey Tours. He has some great options that include sightseeing or just a shopping and beach option. To be forewarned, I have heard some odd things about Sapphire Beach lately; It seems that very recently, the restaurants and everything just up and shut down, and they are kind of "letting it go" so to speak. I don't know if it is a temporary thing, but Godfrey used to go to Sapphire, but now, he doesn't, due to "issues" there. I am a little disappointed, because that was the way we were leaning. But, if it has gone way downhill, I dunno.

I'll give her a call either later today or tomorrow and tell her the info she'll need. It may take her a week or two to put some ideas together because she's got school assignments as well, but she's AMAZING at graphic art and design(and at the top of her class.. I'm so proud!!) so I'm sure we won't be disappointed.

If something falls through, let us know. I had offered to do a magnet, but I will let her take care of it. I also have a background in graphic design, associated with my advertising major, so I guess if worse comes to worse, I can put something together.

If you guys can think of anything that we need done, please let me know. I am more than willing to take on any sort of project. Can you believe it? It will be here before we know it!

 

[itssarayay]

Guys, I made my St. Thomas excursion plans! I booked a 5 hour kayak/hiking/snorkling tour through Virgin Islands Ecotours... they were featured in this month's Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. Basically, you kayak through the Inner Mangrove Sanctuary and hike and snorkel at Cas Cay. Here's the link if anyone is interested in reading more about it: https://www.viecotours.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=60

For 5 hours, it's pretty inexpensive at 133 per person. They've got 3 hour tours as well. If anyone is looking for an active adventure on St. Thomas, check it out.

I'm nervous though... I'm going by myself and I'm not sure if they'll pick me up at the port or if I'll have to take a taxi. When I took a taxi in Nassau I was terrified(the driver was nice, but his driving wasn't!) and I don't really look forward to the experience again. Hahaha. Otherwise, I'm over the moon!

 

[KC-Disney]

One more step down, I booked our flights now. Was able to get a good seat sale, flying in on the 30th, and flying out the Sunday after the cruise. Now I just have to decide which hotel to stay at near the airport after the cruise. Still checking out excursions, nothing has grabbed me yet. Did email Godfrey tours, he emailed back promptly with the answer to my questions. We are going to do fishing at Castaway. Does anyone know if there is parasailing at St. Thomas or St. Maarten? Karen

 

[MightyMike]

I booked a 5 hour kayak/hiking/snorkling tour through Virgin Islands Ecotours... they were featured in this month's Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. Basically, you kayak through the Inner Mangrove Sanctuary and hike and snorkel at Cas Cay. Here's the link if anyone is interested in reading more about it: https://www.viecotours.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=60

It look interesting. We might check it out. Still a little expensive on our budget. For St. Thomas, we might just take the tram to Paradise Point and call it good.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Does anyone know how to rename our thread from "January 2, 2010- Eastern Carribean!" to our newly voted on title, "Mickey's New Decade Brigade"? Is this something a mod has to do, or Melissa, since you were the first poster on this thread, is that something you have access to do?

 

[MightyMike]

If someone does change it, remember to keep the date in the title so that new cruisers browsing the Cruise Meet forum can easily find us.

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Hi Everyone

Just booked this cruise as a Christmas present to my DD 18 (& to me too, I guess ). We are leaving the men (DH & DS 13) behind! This will be our 2nd DC on the Magic; our first was the Mex. Riv. Our family has been to Disney World just once, but that was the trip that got us hooked , DD got to go to WDW last year w/school, and we've been to Disneyland almost too many times to count since 2002. We are super excited and can't wait to plan, plan, plan