22 Sept 2012. First Sailing Out Of Galveston, TX

[sherilynn]

It took us 6 hrs to get from Gainesville (one hr north of Dallas) to Galveston. Stopped a couple of times for a few minutes. Don't recall any road work being done in June. I think that will work out fine unless the unthinkable (car trouble) should occur.

 

[TxMermaid1]

Anyone have a guesstimate on how long it will really take to drive down to the Port from Dallas?

Google is saying just a hair over 5 hours...the Internet is suggesting some construction between Houston and Galveston. I also tend to drive like a bat out of hell and rock a radar detector.

Currently thinking we'll pack up Friday night and head to bed decently early. Wake up around 0500 to get cleaned up and pack the car to be on the road by 0600. Figure one stop for breakfast and gas. Grab lunch around Houston and make it to Port for around a 1330 (that's 1:30PM for y'all that can't think in 24hr clock) arrival window.

Thoughts?

5 hours is pretty close. I am originally from the Houston area and now live in Fort Worth. There has ben construction on the Gulf freeway between Houston and Galveston since it first started in the 50s. It is actually in the Genus world book of records. It all depends on what they are doing at the time we go but being on a sat helps. The only thing about Sat is everyone is heading for the beach and that is the only way there from Houston. Your plan should be fine you are allowing some extra time before we actually leave port at 5PM.

 

[hamm1207]

Greeting the Magic as she comes into port.

It looks like there will be a group going to meet the Magic as she comes into port on the 22nd. They will also be seeing us off as we leave port that afternoon. I plan on being there for the greeting of her at 7AM. Here's where you can find some info on it if you are interested as well

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2964617&fb_source=message

Of course I will be there for the sail away party on the deck not on the dock

I'd love to be there to greet the Magic as she comes, but sadly we can't ask our friend (that we're staying with) to get up that early...

 

[TxMermaid1]

I'd love to be there to greet the Magic as she comes, but sadly we can't ask our friend (that we're staying with) to get up that early...

That's too bad Sarah. Fortunately I M staying with my cousin that is going on the cruise so she said she would get up early and go too. I think it is just because she is so excited about her first Disney cruise....

 

[tammybrownie]

Does anyone know which port we will be coming into in Costa Maya?

 

[ChloroFiend]

Does anyone know which port we will be coming into in Costa Maya?

I believe its Mahahual.

Based on some other reports of DCL Cruises, I think we'll be heading over to the Tropicante that day for some beers, beach time, and probably a massage.

 

[Duhey2]

Anyone have a guesstimate on how long it will really take to drive down to the Port from Dallas?

Do you have a smartphone with data service? If so, get familiar with this website and get the mobile link for your phone.

http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/layers/

I check the traffic every day going to and from work. Has saved me many times.

 

[RM1SW]

Anyone have a guesstimate on how long it will really take to drive down to the Port from Dallas?

Google is saying just a hair over 5 hours...the Internet is suggesting some construction between Houston and Galveston. I also tend to drive like a bat out of hell and rock a radar detector.

Currently thinking we'll pack up Friday night and head to bed decently early. Wake up around 0500 to get cleaned up and pack the car to be on the road by 0600. Figure one stop for breakfast and gas. Grab lunch around Houston and make it to Port for around a 1330 (that's 1:30PM for y'all that can't think in 24hr clock) arrival window.

Thoughts?

I drive to Dallas and it takes me 3/12 hours it is another 1 1/2 hrs to Galveston. I would drive down on Friday and stay at one of the local hotels. When you are driving down I45 and get to the Conroe/Woodland area I would put the brakes on and not drive to fast 70-75 is ok. The cops in that area are notorious for giving out tickets.

I plan on going to Galveston for the weekend anyway before my cruise and will let you know.

 

[RM1SW]

I set it up so that only i can edit the roll call. Just let me know the info and i will make the updates! Hopefully i will be able to update it tomorrow night after VBS (9:00ish pm AK time).

Come on vacation get here quicker!

Hi Sara,
Please add me to the roll call. Susan C. 8026, just me, Birthday celebration!

 

[dylan'smom]

Please add me too, Sarah!

First name Bev, GTY room so far... celebrating getting to see good friends I haven't seen for a year!! My favorite s



.

 

[RM1SW]

Is anyone celebrating something special onboard? I would love to see a list of every ones celebrations. Sarah, maybe you could add a column on your roll call for celebrations. You never know what surprises might come along

I will be celebrating my 55th birthday, out at sea. The way I have spent it many times before.

 

[RM1SW]

Howdy Y'all
We will be there waving Bon Voyage to the Magic as she sails out on the 22nd--have to keep the tradition that started at Port Canaveral going! There is also a Navy warship being commissioned so you will be sailing by her too. She will be on the right hand side of the ship as you are sailing out.

Now this cruise will be very special for me. I am retired Navy and a commissioning is a big deal!

 

[RM1SW]

When I first learned about Disney sailing from Galveston I was excited

However, cruises were out of my budget. When the special veranda offer came out I thought I could swing it but still just a tad out of my budget. Then on Monday I tried one more time and tried the military special and voila I am sailing.

This will be my first Disney cruise however, I have "cruised" before. Granted it was on an aircraft carrier and things are very different.

This is one of the things on my bucket list, to cruise on a ship other than an aircraft carrier. I am so excited to be doing this.

What time do we arrive in Costa Maya? The time looks to be very short and am cautious about doing shore excursions besides just walking around or sitting on the beach.

Susan

 

[hamm1207]

I have updated the roll call list. If I left anyone out, then I am truly sorry!

My relatives are back in PA and VA, so I can now buckle down and work on FE gifts!

 

[hamm1207]

This will be my first Disney cruise however, I have "cruised" before. Granted it was on an aircraft carrier and things are very different.

This is one of the things on my bucket list, to cruise on a ship other than an aircraft carrier. I am so excited to be doing this.

Susan

Thank you for your service!

It won't rock to you sleep quite as nicely as an aircraft carrier, but it's more like it will lull you to sleep.

My brother's father in law served on the USS Vinson for a while, and my brother is currently serving on USS Sterett. They both love being rocked to sleep by the ships, and I'm trying to convicnce them to cruise. It will give them a chance to be on a ship and relaxing instead of working 24/7.

 

[noratx]

How do i get family members added to roll call? The google doc is view only and I can not add them myself.

 

[hamm1207]

How do i get family members added to roll call? The google doc is view only and I can not add them myself.

I will add them-just let me know the info! I will try to make it so that anyone can edit the google page.

 

[TxMermaid1]

Please add me too, Sarah!

First name Bev, GTY room so far... celebrating getting to see good friends I haven't seen for a year!! My favorite s



.

Can't wait to see to see you Bev!!!!!! I can't believe it has been a year! Welcome to the cruise group....xoxo

 

[TxMermaid1]

Sarah could you please add Jana Kouba and Paula Boyett to the roll call? More family. GTY

 

[RM1SW]

Thank you for your service!

My brother's father in law served on the USS Vinson for a while, and my brother is currently serving on USS Sterett. They both love being rocked to sleep by the ships,

Sara,
It was a pleasure serving for you. I wouldn't say that the ships rocked me to sleep. However, the planes landing kept me awake many nights.

Susan