6/13/2009 Western on Magic

[nikkistevej]

Hi, everyone. I'm done with my 3 nights and checking in! Sounds like plans are coming along. I'm still hoping there will be availability at 75 days.

I think there will be plenty of availability. Everyone seems to be in planning mode!

 

[nikkistevej]

For those doing the trolley in Key West, I found this post on the cruise critic board (Someone else's opinions, not mine, but at least some ideas):

Originally Posted by canadarocks
I went ahead and booked the trolley tour online ($26.10 each, which is great!)
now I just need some advice on which stops we should get off at? We've never been to Key West and our ship is only docked for the afternoon (11:30am-6:00pm), but we'd like to see and do as much as possible (and feasible, for
time and economically!)

Which trolley stops are worth disembarking at?

The La Concha, Bahama Village, and Casa marina would be good. Stops are...

Mac's Sea Garden - you will probably start here. Mac's has souviners, shells, etc
La Concha - Crowne Plaza - This is on Duval at approximately Petronia. Margeritaville is near here and Sloppy Joe's is a little farther north on the other side of the street. OK stop for shopping, sight-seeing
Angela and Duval Streets - the stop here is probably so that you can wander around the Key West Cemetary at Passover Lane
Bahama Village Market Place - at Whitehead and Petronia. You can shop at the village and Besame Mucho 1/2 block along Petronia, then have lunch at Blue Heaven at Thomas.
Key West Welcome Center - Wheelchair Accessible - this is over by the airport and unless you want to walk along the ocean, nothing to see.
Casa Marina - you can walk along Higgs Beach, out onto the White Street Pier, and look at the West Martello Botanical Garden
Southernmost Trolley Stop - for photos at the Southernmost Point
Duval and Truman Avenue - nothng really special here unless you walk to the Southernmost Beach Cafe and the Southernmost House
Mallory Square - Wheelchair Accessible - where you will return.

Thanks- that is some good info- the only stop I know about so far we are stopping at is Southermost Point, so I will use the info from Cruise Critic to help me plan our stops.

 

[sinnika]

Thanks- that is some good info- the only stop I know about so far we are stopping at is Southermost Point, so I will use the info from Cruise Critic to help me plan our stops.

Cruise critic has tons of stuff that you can read about Key West and some of the places to go. Depends on what you would like to see and interests of your kids. I would like to take advantage of some of the educational things but disguising it with some fun! Here's one place that I think we'll go to : Its inexpensive, and great for military/ history buffs and has a place to snorkel! Its not on the trolley route but would be a nice walk from the pier. http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/home.html I also read on cruise critic that you can hire a taxi minivan for about $35 for 1 hour and do your own tour. I couldn't find any place to do this ahead of time - guess when you get there. Its good if you know exactly where you want to go, like make a stop for your obligatory photo at the Southernmost point, then drop you off at your destination where you want to spend the most time. Also, parasiling is offered leaving right near where the ship docks for about $40 pp. I like being stateside for this and close to a major US hospital in case the unforseen happens (that's the ER/trauma nurse in me speaking!)
We went to the library yesterday to check out a few travel books on Florida and the Keys as well as some Hemmingway books. OK, OK, I'm such a mean mom but I want my kids to be familiar with the author and his writings if we go visit his home. We are big cat lovers (have 3 at home) and of course their fascination is to see the cats with 6?? toes!!!

 

[nikkistevej]

Has anyone given any more though for a DisMeet?

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

Has anyone given any more though for a DisMeet?

I think something that first afternoon before we take off maybe in the Promerade would be good. Whatever is decided, I would be happy to add to page 1 for reference.

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

Cruise critic has tons of stuff that you can read about Key West and some of the places to go. Depends on what you would like to see and interests of your kids. I would like to take advantage of some of the educational things but disguising it with some fun! Here's one place that I think we'll go to : Its inexpensive, and great for military/ history buffs and has a place to snorkel! Its not on the trolley route but would be a nice walk from the pier. http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/home.html I also read on cruise critic that you can hire a taxi minivan for about $35 for 1 hour and do your own tour. I couldn't find any place to do this ahead of time - guess when you get there. Its good if you know exactly where you want to go, like make a stop for your obligatory photo at the Southernmost point, then drop you off at your destination where you want to spend the most time. Also, parasiling is offered leaving right near where the ship docks for about $40 pp. I like being stateside for this and close to a major US hospital in case the unforseen happens (that's the ER/trauma nurse in me speaking!)
We went to the library yesterday to check out a few travel books on Florida and the Keys as well as some Hemmingway books. OK, OK, I'm such a mean mom but I want my kids to be familiar with the author and his writings if we go visit his home. We are big cat lovers (have 3 at home) and of course their fascination is to see the cats with 6?? toes!!!

Thanks for the info. My Bil and his wife will have a vehicle, although I am not sure if all 5 of us would fit or not. After looking at the couple of links provided, I know I want to go to Southernmost point and around the pier but I am not sure what else yet. I know we want to be able to visit with them some. We have not seen them in over a year and my DS just loves them and will be joined at the hip during this time.

 

[nikkistevej]

Thanks for the info. My Bil and his wife will have a vehicle, although I am not sure if all 5 of us would fit or not. After looking at the couple of links provided, I know I want to go to Southernmost point and around the pier but I am not sure what else yet. I know we want to be able to visit with them some. We have not seen them in over a year and my DS just loves them and will be joined at the hip during this time.

That will be nice to spend some time with your family while on the cruise.

 

[sinnika]

OK, I'm still doing lots of reaserching for Key West. Sunset is at 8:17pm and Mallory Square starts up their sunset activities about 2 hours prior to sunset. If you've never been, its alot of fun and very unusual entertaining street performers and vendors, food etc. http://www.keystv.com/dynamic/?location=Key West I also noticed on their calendar, that this is Pride Fest week, the 14th is the last day. Looks like the big street parade and much of the other activites will be over before the 14th but I'm thinking there will be lots of extra alternate liefestyle visitors at the Keys because of this. Just an FYI for everyone to know.

 

[Diane71969]

OK, I'm still doing lots of reaserching for Key West. Sunset is at 8:17pm and Mallory Square starts up their sunset activities about 2 hours prior to sunset. If you've never been, its alot of fun and very unusual entertaining street performers and vendors, food etc. http://www.keystv.com/dynamic/?location=Key West I also noticed on their calendar, that this is Pride Fest week, the 14th is the last day. Looks like the big street parade and much of the other activites will be over before the 14th but I'm thinking there will be lots of extra alternate liefestyle visitors at the Keys because of this. Just an FYI for everyone to know.

Thanks for the 411. I have never been to Key West do you know if you can see all the festivities from the ship or do you need to actually be on Mallory Square to see it... I'm just not wanting to miss our dinner time @ 6:00 on the ship. Thanks!!!

 

[Live4FW]

Hey Everyone,

The economy finally bit where it hurts. I received a nice little pay-cut at work and DW's job is still looking pretty tenouous.

We made the decision last night to cancel the cruise. We are really heartbroken and devastated as we were so looking forward to this. One conciliation is that we will still head down to Fort Wilderness as that will only be a fraction of the cruise cost. We probably won't do any Disney Parks except Typhoon Lagoon. But it will still be vacationing with the mouse.

Have fun without us and it was great meeting all of you!

 

[Texas Disney Fan]

Hey Everyone,

The economy finally bit where it hurts. I received a nice little pay-cut at work and DW's job is still looking pretty tenouous.

We made the decision last night to cancel the cruise. We are really heartbroken and devastated as we were so looking forward to this. One concellation is that we will still head down to Fort Wilderness as that will only be a fraction fo the cruise cost. We probably won't do any Disney Parks except Typhoon Lagoon. But it will still be vacationing with the mouse.

Have fun without us and it was great meeting all of you!

Soo sorry to hear. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Take care.

 

[Live4FW]

Soo sorry to hear. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Take care.

Thanks. It is really hard to accept after 3 months of planning. It was one of those things where "the right thing to do" started looming over what "we wanted to do"

 

[sinnika]

Thanks. It is really hard to accept after 3 months of planning. It was one of those things where "the right thing to do" started looming over what "we wanted to do"

Very sorry to hear too! Glad you'll be able to create some magic at Ft. Wilderness. And when the right time comes along again to cruise, you'll be prepared with all of your planning knowledge!

 

[sinnika]

Thanks for the 411. I have never been to Key West do you know if you can see all the festivities from the ship or do you need to actually be on Mallory Square to see it... I'm just not wanting to miss our dinner time @ 6:00 on the ship. Thanks!!!

The Disney Magic docks at Pier B which is close but not at Mallory square. Not sure if you'll be able to see anything from the ship. Found these details on the locations of the piers from the trolley website:

How to get to Old Town Trolley Tours:
There are 3 cruise ship piers in Key West:
• Mallory Square • The Westin ‘Pier B’ • The Navy Mole

To return to any of the piers, adults must have both ship’s card (which usually doubles as your room key) and a valid photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

Mallory Square
Mallory Square is the closest to Key West's downtown area. It is a short walk into town—just look for the ‘Welcome to Mallory Square’ archway, and walk though.

The Westin 'Pier B'
Pier B, located at the Westin Resort, is where most of the Royal Caribbean ships are docked. It is close to downtown, but is 200-250 yards from the pier to the tour locations. This distance is not affected by whether you take the 1hour excursion from the ship or if you walk downtown to take the regular tours.

The Navy Mole
The Navy Mole requires transportation to get into town. You will be met on the pier by trolleys and given shuttle service into town. There is no cost to this service. It is provided by the city of Key West. You will be transported to Mallory Square (in front of the Sponge Market). Walking is not an option, due to Homeland Security regulations. The Navy is still active on this pier.

 

[nikkistevej]

Hey Everyone,

The economy finally bit where it hurts. I received a nice little pay-cut at work and DW's job is still looking pretty tenouous.

We made the decision last night to cancel the cruise. We are really heartbroken and devastated as we were so looking forward to this. One conciliation is that we will still head down to Fort Wilderness as that will only be a fraction of the cruise cost. We probably won't do any Disney Parks except Typhoon Lagoon. But it will still be vacationing with the mouse.

Have fun without us and it was great meeting all of you!

Sorry you cannot go on the cruise, I definately understand the job issues. Good luck to you and your family.

 

[ruley3]

Hooray It is Wednesday and that means the week is half thru.......
however
I am sorry to hear about another member of our group canceling!

 

[ruley3]

Thanks for the 411. I have never been to Key West do you know if you can see all the festivities from the ship or do you need to actually be on Mallory Square to see it... I'm just not wanting to miss our dinner time @ 6:00 on the ship. Thanks!!!

You can sort of see some stuff but not much from ship ... We have been there 2x and the last time we hung around to see the individual performers for a few minutes. It was ok but not that exciting to me

 

[ruley3]

I think something that first afternoon before we take off maybe in the Promerade would be good. Whatever is decided, I would be happy to add to page 1 for reference.

Anytime is fine for me long as we have enough time to get back to our staterooms for the drill which is at 4 then the sail away cool1:
Promenade Lounge is a perfect SPOT!!!!!!!
What does everyone think of meeting at 3:00?

 

[ruley3]

this page 86 must be just for me and my thoughts

 

[pixiedustaholic]

Hello. My family is on this cruise in a category 12...I posted several pages back. Anyway, I just had a quick question about booking excursions. Do you have to pay at the time of the booking if you book thru DCL? Our cruise budget seems to be getting smaller and smaller. DD11 just got her braces which adds another payment, both vehicles need brakes and I had to get a crown put on one of my teeth that I had to make a down payment on and pay over the next 3 months. This was the $ I was using to get our passports with. Will anyone else be cruising with just the birth certificates and DL? Thanks for filling me in.