05/09/2009 May 9, 2009 7-Night Eastern St Maarten... Watch Out!

[scottie]

We have chosen to do the beach excursion at Orient Bay. Then we will do some shopping. St. Thomas is where we are having our problem. We have no clue what to do????

We spent a lot of time deciding what we were going to do on St Thomas day and decided on a family beach day at Magens Bay. We just wanted to have a relaxing day and not do much sightseeing. Its an easy taxi ride over and a small admission to the beach. They seem to have decent ammenties there like a bathroom and food. I know there are so many great beaches in St Thomas/St John to pick from but we figured what the heck this one was rated in the top 10 in the world at some point so must be pretty good!
I think we may do a little shopping after or take the sky tram on up to the top of the hill.

 

[scottie]

excursion called The French Connection. We will spend the morning shopping in Marigot (my Frenchie in-laws love to shop) and then get on a private boat in the afternoon for a three island tour, snorkeling, gormet food, etc. The best part is that the kids can be with us (a lot of more exciting Disney excursions have age limits) and the boat has a cabin underneath with bathrooms, etc, so that my SIL's baby and our youngest two, twins, can nap.

We were in St. Maarten last August and I would have to say that the two sides are so different it's hard to say which is better for shopping. I would have to say the French side. It had a lot of different things that you don't see in the states, where as the Dutch side almost felt like anytown usa. For example, there were a lot of Payless Shoes and McDonalds. Not very exotic. We enjoyed the French side because the food was better, shopping was more fun, it felt more like we went some where different!

Hey, we also did the Lotterie FArm Zipline I highly recommend it. It was so fun!

Valerie

Sounds like you guys will have a ton of fun!

 

[scottie]

I can hardly handle how excited I am I'm almost done with my FE gift. I was up until 1:30 last night and hoping to finish this weekend! I can't decide if I'm going to mail them or pack them My DH only lets us bring ONE bad per person, That's why we don't dress up for formal night. Does anyone know if it's really expensive to ship? I think I've only shipped once and it had a prepaid label.

I am open to meeting up for a quick meet, just let me know. so how does it work if someone changes rooms at port ( in regards to FE )

How I wish I could push the one bag per person rule. Actually, I think we may be close to that this year, but two of the bags are big.

We are getting out of formal night dress up by going to Palo, though that will require still dressing up some.

I would think Fedex Ground wouldnt been a whole lot compared to the high cost of Express service! You may be able to do an estimate on the Fedex Site?

I just keep reading the board and today have made it through the exhaustion by working my through listening to all three mainstage shows on my iPod. Well, I am not quite done yet...already did Golden Mickeys, Twice Charmed and now I am just finishing the Prince Ali section of Dreams.

Would some call that obsession?

Obsession, no! Disney Love, yes!

 

[1stime74]

We have chosen to do the beach excursion at Orient Bay. Then we will do some shopping. St. Thomas is where we are having our problem. We have no clue what to do????

Josie and I will be at Coki Beach while on St. Thomas. We go every time,(this will be our 6th trip) a nice beach to snorkel, hang out, and feed dog biscuit to the fish.

Yes, I said dog biscuit. Coral World is at Coki Beach, so if you decide to do that, walk over to the beach and hang out for a while. Josie will have a large bag of biscuits, if you see her, have your kids ask for a biscuit and have fun feeding the fish.

We take a cab from the pier; I think it was $8.00 per person each way, which takes you over the island. Some breathe taking views in an open cab. They will drop you off at the entrance to Coral World/beach. When you are ready to return, just walk out to the drop off area and cabs are waiting.

 

[YenSid1222]

Last time we were in St. Thomas we did the Sunny Liston tour and it was GREAT. I had so much fun...the man is a little bit crazy...but FUN.

 

[lyn9856]

St Maarten, we plan to get a taxi to Orient Beach
St Thomas we plan to do the Skyride to Paradise Point for a Baileys Bushwacker and photo ops, then taxi to Sapphire Beach

Shopping we will fit in wherever we can!



Today am in state of panic as so much to do before we leave!

 

[dollysmom]

I am taking my first trip ever to the spa tomorrow morning. Hubby got me a massage and body treatment for christmas and was waiting to use it close to the cruise. I also didn't want to use it because then it would be gone!!! Hoping that it is going to be great and will book one on the cruise if possible. I'll let everyone know how it was.

Got the kids about half packed. It is certainly taking alot longer than I hoped. It is tough trying to get them to try things on. I keep telling them that time is running out.

Anyone ever just use gravol on board for seasickness for thr kiddies and0or adults?

 

[MouseNDaHouse]

Hi guys,
Here are some random responses:
Cruise Meet - I'm all for it. It makes sense to do it before the drill. I've never been on the cruise before, though. I'm just thinking my kids will want to be in the pool at 2:00. Anyone else have some perspective?

St. Maarten - Doing the 12 Metre Regatta w/Scottie and then renting a car and taking the family to the Butterfly Farm. I'm not sure if my wife will shop near the port or not while I'm on the excursion.

St. Thomas - Renting a car and doing Coral World and Coki Beach with the family. Just easier (and safer) to rent a car for all the car seats!

We FINALLY started packing today. Feels good to be getting something done!
19 DAYS!!!

 

[Royfam]

I am taking my first trip ever to the spa tomorrow morning. Hubby got me a massage and body treatment for christmas and was waiting to use it close to the cruise. I also didn't want to use it because then it would be gone!!! Hoping that it is going to be great and will book one on the cruise if possible. I'll let everyone know how it was.

Got the kids about half packed. It is certainly taking alot longer than I hoped. It is tough trying to get them to try things on. I keep telling them that time is running out.

Anyone ever just use gravol on board for seasickness for thr kiddies and0or adults?

ENJOY your spa day I also got a package for christmas and have already scheduled for a few days before we leave.

Getting my kids to try stuff on I just take one at a time to their room and I sit there having them try on everything I need to see to pack, then on to the next kid.

As to the sea sickness... My kids and I get car sick fairly easily so each cruise we've gone on I buy the generic Albertsons brand of dramamine. I have us all start taking it about 3 days before we leave. We take it at night as were going to bed (even on the ship) my kids haven't yet (KNOCK ON WOOD!!!) gotten sick, and they don't seen to be tiered from it. They could and would stay up all night if I let them My pediatrician is the one who told me to start them a few days earlier.

 

[scottie]

St Maarten, we plan to get a taxi to Orient Beach
St Thomas we plan to do the Skyride to Paradise Point for a Baileys Bushwacker and photo ops, then taxi to Sapphire Beach

Shopping we will fit in wherever we can!



Today am in state of panic as so much to do before we leave!

I cant recall, how soon do you leave for Florida? It must be right around the corner?!

Got the kids about half packed. It is certainly taking alot longer than I hoped. It is tough trying to get them to try things on. I keep telling them that time is running out.

We had to force the girls to try on their stuff from last year today. Found out we are short on bathing suits so had to run around today getting them each another one.

Hi guys,
Here are some random responses:
Cruise Meet - I'm all for it. It makes sense to do it before the drill. I've never been on the cruise before, though. I'm just thinking my kids will want to be in the pool at 2:00. Anyone else have some perspective?

I have a feeling our kids will be in the mickey pool and goofy pool soon after we finish up lunch too! If only I could convince the lifeguard to let me down that yellow mickey slide...just once! Is that too much to ask?

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

If only I could convince the lifeguard to let me down that yellow mickey slide...just once! Is that too much to ask?

I agree Scott!

In the past we have been to a Dis meet before the drill at the Mickey pool. People let the kids play while the adults were social. Just a suggestion!

 

[Eeyore77]

I am up for anything as far as a meet, but it will also depend on what my DG is thinking. She may want to relax once we get on the ship and then go up and do the the drill. I will come by wherever you guys and gals are so I can't meet you all.

I finally ordered the final touches for my FE gifts today so I am finally getting somewhere.. LOL... YEAH!!! These next 3 weeks are going to drag aren't they? I will just have to try to bury myself in my work so that the weeks will fly by. OK so I doubt that will work, but I guess it is worth a try.

 

[enchantednana]

I agree Scott!

In the past we have been to a Dis meet before the drill at the Mickey pool. People let the kids play while the adults were social. Just a suggestion!

The Dis Meet sounds good to me ,
don't forget those GREEN BRACELETS. tho
Can't wait it's getting closer. I did start to get out my clothes today, which is a start. Oh my , what to bring Ha ha such decisions . Just get me there.
Eva

 

[j2bmickey]

Ahhh, the chirping birds, smell of flowers, and 92 degrees. And it is supposed to be even warmer later in the week. There goes the old electric bill.

 

[j2bmickey]

On St Martin we are renting a car and stopping at what looks interesting. Things like the butterfly farm, loterie farm, airport, etc. We will probably try to fit some shopping in if everyone holds out.

For St. Thomas, the guys are doing the doubloon sail, and the gals are going to Coral World and the sem-sub. Depending on how we feel afterwards, we would like to meet up at Coki beach.

 

[chubbyjen]

Wow, so many of you are packing already! That's awesome! I don't think I'm gonna start packing til a couple of days before we leave. Heehee. Yeah..I'm a procrastinator. I guess it's also because we're basically wearing spring/summer clothes right now, so if I do start packing, we wouldn't have anything left to wear!

I'm fine with meeting up prior to the drill. BTW..what time is the drill??? Just wondering....

 

[j2bmickey]

Hey Jeremy. I seem to recall that you said the butterfly farm sent you driving directions. Would you mind posting them?

 

[chubbyjen]

This is what we'll be doing-

St. Maarten- Sea and Sea Island Tour through DCL. Does anyone know if this is any good?? I asked for opinions on this excursion on the main board but didn't get any replies...

St. Thomas- I think we're just gonna head to Paradise Point. I heard it's walkable from the the port so that should be nice.

As you can see..I'm trying to avoid places where we would need to take a taxi. We'll be using the Magical Express and DCL transportation in Orlando, so we aren't planning to bring the kids' carseats (will use a CARES harness for the plane though).

 

[lyn9856]

I cant recall, how soon do you leave for Florida? It must be right around the corner?!
QUOTE]

Thanks Scottie for remembering!

Yes, only 4 days left to go!

Two more work days after today (Monday)...we take off Friday am and lose the 5 hrs back, to land in MCO still Friday 1420hrs Florida time
Am hoping to have internet access, but if not (or its too expensive) will make a couple of trips to a Macdonalds/Starbucks to catch up with how you are all doing

I dont mind re a meet either, happy to go with whatever the majority decide...and have the green bracelets ready. If not.we're the ones with no kids and funny accents

Most of the packing is organised, if not actually in the cases. Lists and more lists being checked and crossed. And what I forget to pack....well I'll find it in Walmart!

Still lots of stuff to do for work ... but a little midnight oil burning will be bearable with the thought of collapsing on to that plane and forgetting it all for 3 weeks plus .

Lyn

 

[scottie]

I cant recall, how soon do you leave for Florida? It must be right around the corner?!
QUOTE]

Thanks Scottie for remembering!

Yes, only 4 days left to go!

Lucky You... enjoy all those extra days we are not getting to take advantage of!