20041009 - 10/9/04 - Western

[JenKatt]

 

[S.S.WILSON]

We are also on the Oct. 9, 04 sailing. We have 2 girls ages 5 and 7. We are sooo excited! We will be on deck 5, cat 8. Hopefully good location as this is our 1st Disney cruise, and we have no idea about the ship. Have heard great things about this cruise. I have so many questions! Hopefully we can all meet. I know we had to get the late dinner seating cause the early was full. Does anyone know how old you have to be for the dolphin swim? Which port is it offered? Also are ya all doing Palos? When and where do ya sign up? Thanks for the help! Looks like we have a great bunch.

 

[thegales]

Our girls were the same ages as yours when we went on our first cruise. They are in the same age group for Oceaneer's Club, which helped a lot. You all will have a great time.

It's been said that any room on board the ship is a good location. I would have to agree with that. Deck 5 is close to everything, lets you avoid the elevators if you want.

In Cozumel, there is a Dolphin Discovery. This is for ages 3 and up, but it clearly says, it is NOT a Dolphin Swim. There may be a Dolphin Swim you can do on your own (or it could be I just missed it in the Excursion book).

Palo signups are happening just after you board. Ask where when you check in.

 

[thegales]

We will be boarding in 200 days!

How is everyone doing at their planning? Excursions picked out, anticipated night for Palo, how much time are the kids going to spend in the club ...

We have yet to book where we will stay the night before. Last year we stayed at the Radisson, and had a Dis meet Friday night by the pool. It was great to meet others before getting to the terminal. When we arrived at the terminal, we saw lots of familiar faces, and even waited in line with some of the other families.

What are others doing the night before?

David

 

[JenKatt]

We haven't figured much out yet. We're meeting with Silentshot in Germany in less than 2 weeks, we'll figure some out then. No clue about the night before, since we're such a hodgepodge of people going.

 

[Surfergirl]

Hi ,Our plans are: staying at the Radisson Friday night
:doing our own thing in Key West
:Sting Ray city with Captain Marvins (all booked)
: Royal swim with the Dolphins in Cozumel( all booked)
Generally having a good time and relaxing!

 

[JenKatt]

You'll hjave so much fun on the Royal Swim, we did that last year. Make sure to buy the video from the swim. While expensive,. it's well done and worth it.

 

[il-gander]

Getting past that 200 day milestone is pretty exciting! We're looking at the following excursions, but haven't finalized our plans:

Key West - trolley tour, possible jet ski for DH
Cozumel - Tulum Ruins
Grand Cayman - Island Tour & Snorkeling w/ Stingrays (DCL)
Castaway Cay - maybe bottom fishing for DH

Our DDs are getting excited about the clubs and have met a few girls their age through the boards (hi all!). I imagine they will go to selected activities.

Is anyone else considering doing MNSSHP the night before the cruise (assuming they have it then)? We're really hoping that works out... we're flying in on Friday anyway and it would be *perfect* timing to just head to WDW, go to MNSSHP (our first time) and then head out for a magical cruise the next morning. If that doesn't work out, we'll probably book at the Radisson.

Carla

 

[JenKatt]

We did MNSSHP last year the night before and it was a lot of fun, but made for a VERY long night...

 

[S.S.WILSON]

I think we are also staying at the Radisson, Have no clue on what to do as this is our 1st Disney cruise! Any suggestions? Should I be worrying about this already?

 

[JenKatt]

You should probably be thinking about it. Most shore excursions will still have space available when you board, but it's better, and less stressful to at least have an idea before you board, if not have already booked.

 

[KyBuckeye]

Hi Gang, What exactly is MNSSHP? I'm confused!?? And do any of you have suggestions for excursions with kids age 5 & 6? I'm not sure the stingray triip would be worth it as dd is very reluctant about such things. Is the Dolphin trip suited for kids this age? I could sure use the advice! Thanks!

 

[wayneg]

Hi KyBuckeye
It stands for Mickeys not so scary halloween party. If you havn't been with your 5&6 year olds, don't miss it. We have been for last 3 years and thinking about it again this year (more for us than our 10 year old).
Wayne

 

[JenKatt]

There are different dolphin encounters. There are ones suited better for kids, I think the one affiliated with Disney would be the best since you stay on a platform instead of swimming in the water with the dolphins.
MNSSHP is not to be missed, it truly is wonderful!

 

[S.S.WILSON]

Where is the Halloween party?

 

[wayneg]

At The Magic Kingdom. Park closes around 6pm they get everyone out then reopen for MNSSHP around 7pm. They do this for about 12 nights in October.
Wayne

 

[JenKatt]

It takes place at the Magic Kingdom. It's a hard ticket event meaning it happens after normal park hours and requires seperate admission.
Here's Deb's link to it:Mickey's Not So Scary

 

[S.S.WILSON]

I dont see the dates that we would be there on the website, looks like its the 10th. We will be there on the 8th. Looks like fun . So back to the question, All you pro cruisers, what exursions are not to be missed?? I dont want to miss out!!

 

[scubarn]

We are staying at the Ron Jon Resort on Friday night
I really want to do the stingrays in Grand Caymen, almost booked with Capt Marvins, but DH thinks DD3 and DS5 will be scared.
We are looking foward to Palo's Brunch

 

[S.S.WILSON]

Is Ron Jons a cool place? It seems everyone talks about it! Should we stay there? I also would like to do some kind of dolphin encounter, but my daughters are 5&7, not sure if there is an age requirement. Also where is the best stop to snorkle? Can kids snorkle? also wouldnt mind doing a boat ride, island party thing , hopefully that made sense!