strasfamily
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2003
- Messages
- 545
11/01/03 Eastern Cruisers, I know you're out there!!!
- Thread starter jel0511
- Start date
strasfamily
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2003
- Messages
- 545
Masonpips:
Would love to do a Halloween get together at the Radisson. I'm not sure when we are going to get there though. Our plane lands in Orlando at 4:00 p.m. I think hubby wants to look around Orlando before driving to the Radisson. I guess I will know more as it gets closer, but please keep me posted of your plans. What time are you guys going to be there? Even if we don't make trick-or-treating, I am hoping we can still meet everyone later.
Tracey
Would love to do a Halloween get together at the Radisson. I'm not sure when we are going to get there though. Our plane lands in Orlando at 4:00 p.m. I think hubby wants to look around Orlando before driving to the Radisson. I guess I will know more as it gets closer, but please keep me posted of your plans. What time are you guys going to be there? Even if we don't make trick-or-treating, I am hoping we can still meet everyone later.
Tracey
DH and I are still toying with the idea of the Dolphin swim too. I hate to go on a tour for 7 1/2 hours (I know that they pack alot into those 7 1/2 hours though!) especially with DH, DD4 1/2 (who swims like a fish and has been asked to do swim team at our local YMCA!! OMG!), DD3 and DS ~2 in tow. I wish I could find a local tour that did the dolphin swim with less time involved and both my DS6 and DD4 1/2 .
DH thinks the yacht idea is great, but we would need our own boat for just the 6 of us.
Deb, keep me posted on the plans, ya never know
I can't wait to meet you all!! Deck 7 sounds great!!
Debbie
DH thinks the yacht idea is great, but we would need our own boat for just the 6 of us.
Deb, keep me posted on the plans, ya never know
I can't wait to meet you all!! Deck 7 sounds great!!
Debbie
The dreaded "exercise" question 
. I walk 40 miles/week and most likely will NOT come even close to that on vacation, BUT was curious if anyone else is a fairly devote walker/jogger that might be interested in a regular walk on the trip. I know, I am crazy but I thought I would ask while I still have willpower..hehe.
Debbie
. I walk 40 miles/week and most likely will NOT come even close to that on vacation, BUT was curious if anyone else is a fairly devote walker/jogger that might be interested in a regular walk on the trip. I know, I am crazy but I thought I would ask while I still have willpower..hehe.Debbie
Debbie on our previous cruises I have walked about 3 miles a day on deck 4.Although since mt son was born I have been a little lazier
.If I work back up to it I'd be happy to walk with you in the mornings or after dinner.Let me know. My dh would be thrilled because I wouldn't be forcing him to exercise with me then.I find if I talk to someone it goes much quicker.
Not sure I'd make 40 miles LOL but I could try.
.If I work back up to it I'd be happy to walk with you in the mornings or after dinner.Let me know. My dh would be thrilled because I wouldn't be forcing him to exercise with me then.I find if I talk to someone it goes much quicker.Not sure I'd make 40 miles LOL but I could try.
I'm set to go . DH will be thrilled too, since I won't crab all week that I am eating and gaining..blah blah blah..
40 is NOT an ear mark! Whatever we walk is what we walk . WOOHOO!!
Debbie (who loves to talk and walk too! AND whose kids will be thrilled not to be chained to a jogger stroller for 12 mi at a time-)
. DH will be thrilled too, since I won't crab all week that I am eating and gaining..blah blah blah.. 40 is NOT an ear mark! Whatever we walk is what we walk
. WOOHOO!!Debbie (who loves to talk and walk too! AND whose kids will be thrilled not to be chained to a jogger stroller for 12 mi at a time-)
twhipple
<font color=green>Prefers the Eastern way<br><font
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2002
- Messages
- 389
I too walk daily but found it hard to keep the routine up onboard. DH and I have an agreement. If it's 2 floors or less, use the stairs up. Always use the stairs down. If it's more than 2, users choice. We stay on Deck 7 and go up for coffee, tea and juice frequently. I also like to participate in too many events to schedule walking time, though we do walk around deck 4 often.
As for the trip on St. Thomas, we found that we didn't have much time on St. Thomas to do an excursion and anything else with the early depart time. Last year we did a Shoretrips excursion. Because we reserved the whole boat, they picked us up at the dock. This saved taxi fare and time. If we would have gotten out on time (some of our party could not locate their passports and we were delayed nearly an hour), we were scheduled to return by noon. We snorkeled in two locations and had a great time. It cost us around $50 per person. Water was provided but no food or alcohol. I'd like to have time to go on the tram, so we'd be out if it didn't leave enough time.
debralisa, I believe most of the dolphin swim excursions take 7 hours minimum because of the distance. Getting over the Marigot in the morning takes a while and the ferry takes about 30 minutes. Then taxi to the Dolphin swim. Everyone gets alone time with the dolphins so it does take a while. This is why I was leaning towards doing it on our own. Yes, we still have the transportation time, but we wouldn't have to wait for many more people in the group to be able to leave. The other possibility if you want to do the dolphin swim on your own but want to save a bit of money, we could all take a taxi together to Marigot, ferry together and take a taxi to Dolphin Fantaseas together and split the costs. If we leave at the same time, we could do the same on the return, or just go alone on the way back. Time would be totally up to you and yours! The biggest plus is that we have such a long day in St. Martin so 7 hours is really not that much.
As for the trip on St. Thomas, we found that we didn't have much time on St. Thomas to do an excursion and anything else with the early depart time. Last year we did a Shoretrips excursion. Because we reserved the whole boat, they picked us up at the dock. This saved taxi fare and time. If we would have gotten out on time (some of our party could not locate their passports and we were delayed nearly an hour), we were scheduled to return by noon. We snorkeled in two locations and had a great time. It cost us around $50 per person. Water was provided but no food or alcohol. I'd like to have time to go on the tram, so we'd be out if it didn't leave enough time.
debralisa, I believe most of the dolphin swim excursions take 7 hours minimum because of the distance. Getting over the Marigot in the morning takes a while and the ferry takes about 30 minutes. Then taxi to the Dolphin swim. Everyone gets alone time with the dolphins so it does take a while. This is why I was leaning towards doing it on our own. Yes, we still have the transportation time, but we wouldn't have to wait for many more people in the group to be able to leave. The other possibility if you want to do the dolphin swim on your own but want to save a bit of money, we could all take a taxi together to Marigot, ferry together and take a taxi to Dolphin Fantaseas together and split the costs. If we leave at the same time, we could do the same on the return, or just go alone on the way back. Time would be totally up to you and yours! The biggest plus is that we have such a long day in St. Martin so 7 hours is really not that much.
/
sounds like a great idea! I would be very happy to share rides/split costs..that would be terrific! I just need to call them and find out what the youngest age they would allow in to touch the dolphins are so I can prepare my daughters in the event that they will be spectators.
Debbie
Debbie
twhipple
<font color=green>Prefers the Eastern way<br><font
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2002
- Messages
- 389
Their website is www.dolphinfantaseas.com. I e-mailed them for more information but from the website, it says the youngest age is 5 for having an encounter. They charge $125.00 per person.
"The Dolphin Swim: The Dolphin Fantaseas interactive swim involves a half hour of up-close and personal playtime with dolphins. You'll begin your journey at the waters edge where our trainers will educate you about dolphins, how they live and their marine environment. Then you'll dip into deeper waters and learn how to feed them from your fingers, be able stroke their silky skin, watch them dive and swim around you, and listen to them use their unique echolocation. Swim, smile, and enjoy the Fantasea."
"The Stingray Adventure: The adventure begins with a Dolphin Fantaseas animal behaviorist giving a detailed briefing and guidance on how to feed and interact with the stingrays. You will have an opportunity to touch their satin-like wings as they glide effortlessly through the water. Enjoy the thrill of playing, observing and interacting with the rays. Feed them their favorite food and watch the unique way that they eat. During the entire program, a trainer will point out unique mannerisms and details of these magnificent creatures. This educational and entertaining tour is great fun for the whole family. "
Anyone else interested?
"The Dolphin Swim: The Dolphin Fantaseas interactive swim involves a half hour of up-close and personal playtime with dolphins. You'll begin your journey at the waters edge where our trainers will educate you about dolphins, how they live and their marine environment. Then you'll dip into deeper waters and learn how to feed them from your fingers, be able stroke their silky skin, watch them dive and swim around you, and listen to them use their unique echolocation. Swim, smile, and enjoy the Fantasea."
"The Stingray Adventure: The adventure begins with a Dolphin Fantaseas animal behaviorist giving a detailed briefing and guidance on how to feed and interact with the stingrays. You will have an opportunity to touch their satin-like wings as they glide effortlessly through the water. Enjoy the thrill of playing, observing and interacting with the rays. Feed them their favorite food and watch the unique way that they eat. During the entire program, a trainer will point out unique mannerisms and details of these magnificent creatures. This educational and entertaining tour is great fun for the whole family. "
Anyone else interested?
Last year I ran on deck 4 two or three times and I did the treadmill the other times (total of 5 workouts). We stayed on Deck 6 and used the stairs almost exclusively (think we took the elevator on formal night and when returning from Cayman on Deck 1 or 2).
I'll probably try to walk some too (not running right now) and I tended to go early in the day before it was too hot.
I'll probably try to walk some too (not running right now) and I tended to go early in the day before it was too hot.
Just booked our St. Thomas/St. John boat! WOOHOO!! We are using Jester Sailing Adventures (http://www.sailjester.com/). I really liked the one that Masonpips recommended (Winifred) but she is totally booked for that day and I didn't want to do a large tour...I really wanted something smaller to really enjoy the day with the kids, etc. So I looked around for other small day sail charters and found a few (they only take a max of 6...but they all say if you want they can try to schedule meeting up with other friends' boats at St. Johns if you want to).
Another good one that a friend recommended to me is: www.independence44.us
if anyone else is still interested in this type of small sail charter.
Debbie
Another good one that a friend recommended to me is: www.independence44.us
if anyone else is still interested in this type of small sail charter.
Debbie
Bronco Joe
When will Disney get a football team???
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2002
- Messages
- 83
We are on the 11/01/2003 cruise as well! We are driving from Michigan straight through on Friday, so we'll be trick or treating our way down I-75... We are expecting to get in a little late on Friday with a good night's sleep at the Radisson before the cruise the next day.
Included in our party is myself, my wife, 12 year old son, and 8 (almost 9) year old daughter.
We were interested in the Dolphin Encounter for the kids as well. Does anyone know if there is a charge for adults to observe? Any idea what the costs of taxis and ferries are?
Included in our party is myself, my wife, 12 year old son, and 8 (almost 9) year old daughter.
We were interested in the Dolphin Encounter for the kids as well. Does anyone know if there is a charge for adults to observe? Any idea what the costs of taxis and ferries are?
twhipple
<font color=green>Prefers the Eastern way<br><font
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2002
- Messages
- 389
Through Disney the difference is $125 to observe and $180 to swim with the dolphins. I haven't heard back from Dolphin Fantaseas yet but will post when I do. Taxi from Marigot to Phillipsburg last year was about $20 for two (includes tip). The ferry ride is $10 (plus $2 tax) each way. May be less for round-trip. Shoretrips offers the dolphin excursion, but not on Tuesdays
We currently offer one program called the Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter. Dolphin Fantaseas has created a mesmerizing environment, where upon your arrival you will be greeted by two enchanting Euclectus Parrots. As you wander though the grounds you will have the opportunity to visit our Red Footed Tortoises, Channel Billed Toucan, Hermit and Soldier Crabs and much more.
The Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter
The Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter is more than exciting, more than unique and more than amazing. You will not want to miss this thrilling excursion that combines feeding stingrays and swimming with dolphins.
About the Stingray Adventure (15 Minutes)
The adventure begins with a Dolphin Fantaseas animal behaviorist giving a detailed briefing and guidance on how to feed and interact with the stingrays. You will have an opportunity to touch their satin-like wings as they glide effortlessly through the water. Enjoy the thrill of playing, observing and interacting with the rays. Feed them their favorite food and watch the unique way that they eat. During the entire program, a trainer will point out unique mannerisms and details of these magnificent creatures. This educational and entertaining tour is great fun for the whole family.
About the Dolphin Swim (30 Minutes)
The Dolphin Fantaseas interactive swim involves a half hour of up-close and personal playtime with dolphins. You'll begin your journey at the waters edge where our trainers will educate you about dolphins, how they live and their marine environment. Then you'll dip into deeper waters and learn how to feed them from your fingers, be able stroke their silky skin, watch them dive and swim around you, and listen to them use their unique echolocation. Swim, smile, and enjoy the Fantasea.
Note: Guests are required to bring their own bathing suit and towel with them. Life jackets, booties and masks are provided. Guests participating in the dolphin swim program must be 5 years old and up.
Program Times: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Cost: $125.00 per person
Each program has a maximum of 10 people per program
To meet the dolphins the group of 10 is divided into two separate groups of 5
Exclusive programs are available
Because of the high demand, we highly recommend that you make reservations for the dolphin and stingray programs in advance You can do this through our web site at www.dolphinfantaseas.com.
ALSO - Once again thank you for your email and interest in Dolphin Fantaseas. We would love to have the whole family for a visit and there is no charge to observe the program. We look forward to your visit.
I hope that helps anyone else that is trying to decide to do their own trip to Dolphin Fantaseas or the cruise excursion.
The Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter
The Dolphin Fantaseas Encounter is more than exciting, more than unique and more than amazing. You will not want to miss this thrilling excursion that combines feeding stingrays and swimming with dolphins.
About the Stingray Adventure (15 Minutes)
The adventure begins with a Dolphin Fantaseas animal behaviorist giving a detailed briefing and guidance on how to feed and interact with the stingrays. You will have an opportunity to touch their satin-like wings as they glide effortlessly through the water. Enjoy the thrill of playing, observing and interacting with the rays. Feed them their favorite food and watch the unique way that they eat. During the entire program, a trainer will point out unique mannerisms and details of these magnificent creatures. This educational and entertaining tour is great fun for the whole family.
About the Dolphin Swim (30 Minutes)
The Dolphin Fantaseas interactive swim involves a half hour of up-close and personal playtime with dolphins. You'll begin your journey at the waters edge where our trainers will educate you about dolphins, how they live and their marine environment. Then you'll dip into deeper waters and learn how to feed them from your fingers, be able stroke their silky skin, watch them dive and swim around you, and listen to them use their unique echolocation. Swim, smile, and enjoy the Fantasea.
Note: Guests are required to bring their own bathing suit and towel with them. Life jackets, booties and masks are provided. Guests participating in the dolphin swim program must be 5 years old and up.
Program Times: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Cost: $125.00 per person
Each program has a maximum of 10 people per program
To meet the dolphins the group of 10 is divided into two separate groups of 5
Exclusive programs are available
Because of the high demand, we highly recommend that you make reservations for the dolphin and stingray programs in advance You can do this through our web site at www.dolphinfantaseas.com.
ALSO - Once again thank you for your email and interest in Dolphin Fantaseas. We would love to have the whole family for a visit and there is no charge to observe the program. We look forward to your visit.
I hope that helps anyone else that is trying to decide to do their own trip to Dolphin Fantaseas or the cruise excursion.
Thumpersmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2003
- Messages
- 666
Welcome to Bronco Joe & Family!! It is great to see people still joining us. I can not get anyone from my party to log in and say hi- I will keep trying.
Hope everyone back east has their power back on now. We survived the CA power crisis but we were never w/out power for more then 4 hours in the rolling blackouts. I can only imagine it being out for so long.
We enjoyed our trip to Disneyland but it was very HOT!! It was in the 90's everyday. We experienced the X-Games up close and personal. My DS was so excited to meet & get autographs from all of the Moto-X riders. We also did a lot of air conditioning things (Great moments w/Lincoln, Tiki Room, Pirates, Blue Bayou, Golden Dreams, Animation building, and more) and spent some time in the pool! Made me wish the cruise was closer.........
We booked a one night stay at Coronado Springs for after the cruise. Has anyone ever stayed here? We have stayed at the Grand Floridian, Beach Club and The Polynesian so it will be another resort to add to the list.
Have a great weekend!
Kristina
Hope everyone back east has their power back on now. We survived the CA power crisis but we were never w/out power for more then 4 hours in the rolling blackouts. I can only imagine it being out for so long.
We enjoyed our trip to Disneyland but it was very HOT!! It was in the 90's everyday. We experienced the X-Games up close and personal. My DS was so excited to meet & get autographs from all of the Moto-X riders. We also did a lot of air conditioning things (Great moments w/Lincoln, Tiki Room, Pirates, Blue Bayou, Golden Dreams, Animation building, and more) and spent some time in the pool! Made me wish the cruise was closer.........
We booked a one night stay at Coronado Springs for after the cruise. Has anyone ever stayed here? We have stayed at the Grand Floridian, Beach Club and The Polynesian so it will be another resort to add to the list.
Have a great weekend!
Kristina
lisa_from_nj
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2001
- Messages
- 71
Hi! My husband, 3 year-old daughter and I will be on the Nov. 1st Magic too. This will be our 2nd cruise on the Magic. We did a 4-day cruise on the Magic (Wonder was in drydock) in Sept. 2001. We are flying down to FL early in the week before the cruise and staying with my parents who live in the area. We are going on this cruise with a group of friends/neighbors, friends of friends and relatives of friends. I don't even know everyone.
We are flying from JFK (rate of $175 pp) because the rates out of EWR, ACY and PHL were insane. We've never used JFK before, we plan to drive there and park somewhere, does anyone know of a good long term parking lot there?
Also, we are going to MK on Halloween and going to MNSSHP.
We are so excited!
Lisa
We are flying from JFK (rate of $175 pp) because the rates out of EWR, ACY and PHL were insane. We've never used JFK before, we plan to drive there and park somewhere, does anyone know of a good long term parking lot there?
Also, we are going to MK on Halloween and going to MNSSHP.
We are so excited!
Lisa
MJwritestuff
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2003
- Messages
- 87
We're from South Jersey too - B/G twins age 8 (almost 9) and DD 7. We're still deciding between Eastern or Western (we book last minute because of travel agent rates that my MIL gets us) but it looks pretty sure to me that we'll be on this one.
This would be my choice because my son is on an all natural diet and Halloween is hard for him, this would work out perfectly as we'll fly down to the Radisson around noon on Friday. My daughter has an adopted manatee, so we're planning on seeing that at Merritt Park on Saturday morning.
Until reading this board, I hadn't realized another benefit is my kids missing less school. Anyone know how many vacation days the public schools in South Jersey are giving that week? Usually I think it's Thursday and Friday.
Can't wait!!!
-MJ
This would be my choice because my son is on an all natural diet and Halloween is hard for him, this would work out perfectly as we'll fly down to the Radisson around noon on Friday. My daughter has an adopted manatee, so we're planning on seeing that at Merritt Park on Saturday morning.
Until reading this board, I hadn't realized another benefit is my kids missing less school. Anyone know how many vacation days the public schools in South Jersey are giving that week? Usually I think it's Thursday and Friday.
Can't wait!!!
-MJ
MJ lots of NJ people will be on the ships. We did the Western last year the week after this and even though teacher's convention is 6and 7th many people were there the week after.
You dds will fit right in.I know we have lots of 8 year old girls. I have a dd 8 turning 9 in Jan and a dd 7 turning 8 and December.
Welcome aboard fi you decide to join us
Welcome Bronco Joe and Lisa also
Bronco Joe when will your daughter be 9.
You dds will fit right in.I know we have lots of 8 year old girls. I have a dd 8 turning 9 in Jan and a dd 7 turning 8 and December.
Welcome aboard fi you decide to join us
Welcome Bronco Joe and Lisa also
Bronco Joe when will your daughter be 9.
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