2/01/03 Western

[disneygal58]

I am a recent transplant to Clearwater, Florida - this is my first autumn without threat of snow and hope for Indian Summer. With the incredibly mild weather here, I forget what is happening in the rest of the world. My Colorado (in her freshman year) daughter offers up daily reminders of snow and icy roads, but it all seems a bit surreal. I sincerely hope that you are all doing well, keeping safe, warm and dry.
As for planning for February, we are still undecided about excursions. This trip consists of myself and 17 year old daughter, Erin. We're toying with walking among the ruins in Cozumel and the Stingray encounter in Grand Cayman.
I am going to pass on any spa treatments - I work as a massage therapist within a beautiful spa and am spoiled with access to treatments on a regular basis. I am looking forward to an entire seven days aboard the Magic (we've done 2-3 days and 1- 4 day cruise in the past).
Keep me posted with pre-cruise festivities at the Radisson - we plan to arrive around 5pm.
We also go to the "World" every 6 weeks or so, if I can help anyone out with goodies for planning, let me know. We visited last weekend and won't make it back until 12/14, but I'd be happy to pick up, send out postcards etc....
Just think, in 13 weeks we will be sipping margaritas in Jimmy Buffet land.....

Dawn Hope

 

[aquaman]

My wife Sharon and our DS Bryce(age 7) will be on the Western leaving Feb . We all are very excited as none of us have been on a cruise before. We have been to WDW 3 times.

I have been spending a lot of time on the computer learning all I can.

I sure could use some help on the excursions. Any advise.

Randy

 

[Gina]

Hi Randy! Welcome to the party! My little boy (will be a few weeks from 7 on the cruise) was so excited to hear of another DIS-kid his age on the cruise with us -- especially since his best friend's name is Bryce!

I don't really have any advice for you on excursions since we did the Eastern last time, but I know if you go back through our posts here you can find websites to all the excursion-hosting places. There are a good number of us from here doing the 11:15 Stingray City excursion via Captain Marvin's, and you're more than welcome to join us on that! It's just a two-hour jaunt, which is just right for our kids' age.

If you have any questions on the cruise or the Magic in general, just fire away! Oh man, you're in for the time of your life.

-gina-

 

[sitchu2]

Wanted to bump this thread up and see how you all felt about the recent illness occurences?

Has anyone had second thoughts? The only thing I am worried about is making last minute plans in the event the virus shows up again at our cruisetime.

What do you all think?

Felicia 61 Days 8 Hrs 7 Mins 15 Secs

 

[Gina]

So glad you found our thread! I've been to time-crunched to look it up.

I'm not worried at all... they have two months to wipe all the germies from the ship, and viral outbreaks like this don't usually go on for months once the chain of infection is broken. I feel so horrible for all the people who have gotten sick recently, but I think we'll be fine. Heck, I'm way more worried about all the people rescheduling to our cruise and maxing out the capacity! What the whole thing has done has made me remember to be more vigilant when it come to washing hands more frequently and that sort of thing... I know that when I'm on vacation, I tend to forget that kind of stuff. Not this next time!

Remember all that blabbering I did before about time moving so quickly? It just dawned on me that DS and I leave exactly 2 months from today. Wow!!! I swear, it was 6 months, yesterday. I'm slowly collecting little travel size things, and we got inflatable rafts the other day on clearance for .25 to bring and leave, and my mom is replacing the zipper in my cocktail dress for me. The only big things I need to do (aside from final payment!!) is get new dress shoes for DS and figure out if his suit is still going to fit him. It's going to be close. I've been going over the Navigators with a highlighter, because there was a lot of stuff we wanted to do last time but just didn't get to, that we definitely want to do this time.

As excited as I already am, in another month I might be sitting at the airport, just waiting to go. LOL At least I have Christmas as a diversion right now!

How is everyone else doing??

-gina-

 

[micKIM mouse]

Things are going well here in Virginia! Just counting the days down!

Gina, you mentioned something about the ship being full. We had two more people decide to go with us last month & when they called to book, the ship was almost full. They were able to get a room, but it was slim pickings! We are now up to a party of 17. Does anyone know what the largest size table they will seat at dinner? We are hoping they will just push a bunch of tables together for us.

 

[sitchu2]

WOW party of 17, I thought our party of 9 was big!!

I think Disney will accomadate your entire party, even if its not pushed toghther Im sure they will sit you at tables next to eachother.

Gina, it is your previous posts about time going quickly that I keep thinking about, and I keep thinking to myself "she was so right"
Halloween has melted into Thanksgiving, and suddenly the Christmas season is upon us.

I dont know how Im gonna get thru Janruary with the butterflies that will be in my stomach. Im glad to hear you guys didnt get frightned off , Im gonna be very handwash concious this time too.

I started collecting small things, but havnt put the clothes together yet. I may use the tux rental service for my DH.

We will probably book our excrusions soon, we wish we could find a beach quieter on cozamul, than playa sol, where do you find info about Mr. Sanchos? How do you get there? I did not see that on the Dis. excursion list.

Hope you all had a wonderful Turkey Day. Happy Planning.

Felicia 60 Days 18 Hrs 14 Mins 7 Secs

 

[Gina]

Felicia -

Just go to http://www.mrsanchos.com for all the info on it. If we go there, we'll just take a taxi, I guess, but I'm not sure how much it costs to get there from the ship. Can't be terribly much, I figure. DS wants to go to Playa Sol, though... there's just more for kiddos to do, and I can lie in the sand while he plays on the playground or splashes in the water.

Wow, why would this sailing already be almost full?? This sailing is usually cheaper than the ones around it, because it usually is less than full... wonder why the difference this year? Oh well.. the ship swallows up people so well, you can't even tell it's full.

I can't believe Thanksgiving has already whizzed by, and Christmas is almost upon us... yikes!! For some reason, I feel like I had more stuff done and ready for the cruise by now. Time to look at the packing list again and see what I need to start working on!

-gina-

 

[Cyberkashi]

I have been a little concerned about the virus--particularly since it has shown up on other cruise lines besides Disney--so it seems to be more broad based.

DH is of the opinion that he wants to go no matter what. I am a little more cautious but have no intentions of changing our plans unless they haven't taken care of it by the time we are set to leave.

I am usually a stickler about germs and handwashing. I travel with a large bottle of Purel and several little refillables. I throw them in the camera case, backpacks, etc. That way if we are somewhere and want to grab a snack without the benefit of soap and water, at least we are knocking off a few germs.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

WOW!!! I can not believe that you guys are less than 60 days out!!!!! I must tell you that things here have not changed much. DH is still gone.

I did get to go on the Nov 3 Cruise on the Disney Wonder with my Aunt and Uncle. DD and I had a great time!!!!! The ship was WONDERful and beautiful. Disney sure knows how to make you forget all your problems.

Gina,

You are so right about being able to go with you and your child and have a great time. DD and I did whatever we wanted when we wanted and we had a ball!!!!

I did the Spa and had the aroma spa ocean wrap with Facial and foot and scalp massage. It was great. I was there for two hours and did not even realize it. It was $115 and I did not think that was too bad.

Palo's was also the best!! Loved the food. We also really loved Castaway Cay. I could have stayed there two days!! I took lots for great pictures and bought a few from the ship. It was so much fun but not long enough. I really am sad about not getting to go on the 7 day with all of you,but atleast I got to go. I really would like to book another when my life is not so turned upside down. The excitement was not there like it should have been. DH took that away when he walked out on DD and I. I know time will help and things will get better.

Ok,just wanted to check in and tell you all happy planning and have a good time.
One more thing>>>>>> I get to go to WDW in April. I am meeting my friend I met on the boards and she lives in Florida. I met her last year when DD and I were in WDW. So she invited Josie to join her and her 4 year old DD for a few days. Can't wait!
Also am booking another 4 day Wonder cruise for the week after Thanksgiving next year. My Cousin and her family are going and they talked me into booking. I am hoping my Mom and Dad will join us!!!
Take care everyone!

 

[Gina]

Michelle!! I'm so glad you checked in, and I'm soooo glad you and Josie had such a WONDERful time!! You deserved it. I'm so sorry things are still so crazy, but I promise you they will calm down... go bowling and picture his fat head on each of the pins. I bowled the best game of my life that way. LOL

Please stay in touch... even if you can't sail with us, I still feel like you're "part" of us!!

*hugs*
-gina-

 

[Cyberkashi]

Michelle,

It is so great to see you on the board again. I am sorry things have not turned out the way you hoped. My heart goes out to you and I think of you from time to time.

I am so glad you enjoyed your cruise and are now a veteran sailor. We were really looking forward to meeting you and will miss you at our table. I hope that life has good things for you in the future. Take care,

-- Jami

 

[sitchu2]

Michelle,

Isn,t the Wonder just magnificant? The crew was awsome as well, that is the reason we decided to take a 7 day this time. I hope the Magic is just as WONDERful!!

It was so nice to hear from you, you just hang in there, I have to admire you for your strength, and courage.

Gina,
Mr. Sanchos didnt seem much different than Playa sol, I think we are going to take the reef snorkel from playa corona, and find a beach from there, we may wind up on playa sol, or if its enough beach time on playa corona relax under the Coz. sun on the ship.

Thanks so much for your help. I would love to hear what everybody else has planned, maybe Ill get some better ideas.

so far my excursions will be 1. key west trolley tour
2. stingray city 930 am then find a beach on cayman.
3.playa corona reef snorkel -find a beach.
4.teen cozomul cruise for the teens

5. rent bikes on castaway cay

6. wild side on castaway cay for the teens.

 

[micKIM mouse]

I'm still looking for a place on Grand Cayman (preferably 7 Mile Beach) where we can hang out on the beach and snorkel. I don't like to do the snorkel excursions, I just like to walk right in from the beach and snorkel for a few minutes here and there! Any suggestions??

 

[sitchu2]

Kim,

playa corona on cuz. is a beach entry snorkel, If you find something similar but seems better, let us know.

I heard somewhere that there are taxis everywhere waiting for cruise ship passengers to take them to various resort beaches on 7 mile beach. I was going to try to find one after stingray city.

 

[sitchu2]

Well, I just did it. I was afraid, but I just booked Cap. Marvs. for the 1115 on Feb4.

I just kept reading only wonderful things about them, and then I read the website and realized you not only snorkel stingray city but visit the great barrier reef.

It said it includes transportation from the waterfront centre. How do you get there, take a taxi? or does that mean you get picked up from where the ship tenders you in.

I will be bringing along DH, 2DS 16 and 13 and DDjust turned7 in Jan.

I have been reading posts from this weeks magic, and so far no one sick. They did away with the refillable mugs and drink station, they have some sort of sticker program now (good move) Drinks served at topsiders round the clock from what I hear now.

51 Days 19 Hrs 38 Mins 49 Secs I cant wait Felicia

 

[Cyberkashi]

I keep looking at the calendar and realize that I have to make some time and book all our excursions.

I contacted Capt Marvs some time ago and was told that the waterfront center is just a 2 block walk from where the boat docks. Should be no problem getting there.

We would really like to join so many of you on the 11:15 but we really want the extra time snorkeling--so we are going to book the three-hour excursion instead.

Also, we seem to have an interesting development here at home. My 23-year old step-son (I'm too young for this) is going to be joining us on the cruise. Anyone else have others in their party around his age that he might connect with?

 

[Gina]

Hi everybody!! Aiiigghhh.. I can't believe it's almost Christmas!! Sheesh... time really *is* flying by, and I somehow feel way less prepared for all of it this year. But bit by bit, I'm working on it! I picked up a pretty dressy slacks/shirt/vest outfit for Tyler Dean yesterday, since I just don't think his suit is going to fit still for the cruise. It's really spiffy, with dark green slacks, a cream shirt with high collar, and green brocade (sorta, can't think of the right word) vest. He hated wearing the jacket last time anyway, so hopefully this will be a nice compromise. He just needs new dress shoes still. Payless, here we come. My mom is replacing the zipper in my cocktail dress for me that decided to fall apart 5 minutes before formal dinner last cruise -- hopefully I'll get to wear it this time.

We have both had colds for the last month that just will *not* go away completely... hopefully we're building up nice germ immunities right now. I just feel so behind on everything now, from laying around feeling yucky for the last few weeks. But stuff steadily keeps getting tossed into the "cruise box" so I guess that's good... and final payment is made, and docs will be here before we know it!!

Felicia ~
Glad you're joining us on the Capt. Marvin's tour! I'm so excited about that excursion -- I can't wait!!

Jami ~
That makes perfect sense about wanting more time to snorkel. I'd like more time too, but I just know that two hours is a good excursion length for Tyler Dean and I. We'll miss you, though! And as for the 23 year old, I'll probably get along with him fine. LOL I very rarely have friends my own age, because we just don't ever have the same interests... they sit around and talk about IRA's and lawn fertilization and Michael Bolton's new cd, and I just want to go play on the Gamecube and blow out my speakers with Nine Inch Nails. I might grow up someday, I guess, but I don't see that day coming any time soon. LOL!!

Well, back to work for me... talk to you all soon!

-gina-

 

[sitchu2]

You know that full day capt marvs sounded wonderful to me, marinated conch and a mahi bake on the beach, but I thought my DD would be scared enough with the 2 hr.

I cannot beleive next week is christmas! I really feel like the clock is ticking way too fast. Im getting nervous. I think Ill feel better after new years, then I can focus on vacation only and it will be less overwhelming.


My vacation countdown is in the fourtys now
45 Days 13 Hrs 53 Mins 5 Secs to be exact. I have always said, once that timer hits the 40's thats it your there. Sighhhhhh.

Have a wonderful holiday to all !!!!!!!!!!

Felicia

 

[OKWMEMBER]

We're on the 2/8/02 Eastern cruise and I noticed that the 1/25/02 Eastern cruisers have started to receive their cruise documents. Anybody here get theirs yet?