8/10/2008 - Mexican Party Cruise - Who's Here??

[andriade]

I have also NEVER seen the refillable mugs.

 

[CAmom2boys]

That sounds like a really good alternative. We might do that instead, and maybe explore some of Mazatlan on our own rather than on a tour, too. DH and I used to do a lot of "non-tour" traveling, and loved exploring new places, but we are a little leery of doing that with young children! Are you getting to Stone Island by bus or taxi and then water taxi, or are you doing one of the non-DCL packages?

I'm also debating what to do in Mazatlan. Some people have indicated that they liked the "Best of..." excursion though the most recent reviews have been only so so. Our alternative is probably Stone Island but I'm a little leary. I liked the resort visit with the "Best of..." tour because it has the option of the beach and a pool. We are not huge beach people, but we love to swim. I'm afraid of going to a beach only to find jellyfish and feel confined to the sand. Does Stone Island get the jellyfish too? I've thought about staying on the ship, but our pediatrician LOVES Mazatlan. I feel like I should give it a chance. Oh, what to do?

D'Anne

 

[mom2pirateNpooh]

After researching it, we have decided to do it on our own. Even if we booked a tour, it would have been under $100 for all 4 of us. We are going to take a water taxi on our own. I hear that it is pretty simple to do. I have gone back and forth for about a week before deciding to go on our own. There are lots of tours you could take as well. If that makes you more comfortable, you could look into that. They all seemed to be about the same price. WE didn't need all of the extras that were offered. We just want to eat some shrimp, drink some beers and let the kids play on the beach. Most of the reviews I have seen are very positive. Join us if you wish. We are going with ten other people. You might be more comfortable if you know you are going all alone.

Thanks, Andria, we might just join you. I read a lot of mixed reviews online about organized excursions to Stone Island, and many positive comments about Stone Island itself. From reading those, it seems like going on one's own is certainly a viable alternative. I'll talk to DH and see what he feels like doing (though I've never known him to turn down a beach day!). Looks like we'll definitely be canceling our Best of Mazatlan tour, though.

 

[mom2pirateNpooh]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping that you can help me out with some Disneyland questions. Do they have refillable mugs here like at WDW? Also, what do you usually do for breakfast if you are staying on property? Everything seems so expensive - at one place it was over $6 just for cereal and fruit . We usually just eat breakfast in our room at WDW. We are DVC and have all of the right equipment for that when we are there. What does everyone else do? Thanks!

I've never seen refillable mugs at Disneyland. It's really a different beast than WDW - more urban and not as much of a destination, and therefore not geared toward the same dining and use patterns (hope that makes sense - it's the land use planner in me talking). We usually stay offsite at Embassy Suites since they provide breakfast and it's easier with the kids. However, wherever we stay, we stock the fridge with food and drinks from Albertsons (Has this one changed to SaveMart? The ones near us have.) or Target, both of which are nearby. And, of course, Albertsons delivers. Hope this helps.

 

[mom2pirateNpooh]

I booked the Best of Maztlan before I read the reviews. I tried to take it off but it doesn't look like they let me. I am not sure what I will do now - try at the port, on the ship or just go!

They won't let you cancel??? Oh, no! DH was going to do that tonight; I'll have to see if he succeeded.

 

[Dizney73]

I have been reading some of the trip reports and the Best of Mazatlan is not getting very good reviews....Has anyone booked this? Are you thinking of changing it?? Now I dont know what to do?

I have been reading them too!!! I am a bit afraid. I relooked at the excursions and couldn't find anything else to do.... Maybe I better check out that Mazatlan Frank thread some more. I heard about going just to the El Cid or Krystal hotel but I would really like to see some of the Mazatlan... even if their "best" is not so good.

 

[Dizney73]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping that you can help me out with some Disneyland questions. Do they have refillable mugs here like at WDW? Also, what do you usually do for breakfast if you are staying on property? Everything seems so expensive - at one place it was over $6 just for cereal and fruit . We usually just eat breakfast in our room at WDW. We are DVC and have all of the right equipment for that when we are there. What does everyone else do? Thanks!

From what I have read Everything is expensive! We are doing Minnie's one morning. I heard on the Dis podacst that Le Brea Bakery was good (but expensive... $33 for 2 peoiple). He also said Storyteller's was best for lunch or breakfast but very expensive. And we are planning a visit to Riverbelle Terrace for Mickey Pancakes on morning!!!

I just claimed $300 from my rewards card so we could spend it on meals!!!

 

[m&p'smom]

I have been looking at the Stone Island and that looks nice....Not sure about booking on my own though since it is just me and my daugter....How is everyone getting there that has booked this? I really dont want to stay on the boat all day, I would like to do something while we are there....Thanks for any help you can give....

 

[andriade]

From what I have read Everything is expensive! We are doing Minnie's one morning. I heard on the Dis podacst that Le Brea Bakery was good (but expensive... $33 for 2 peoiple). He also said Storyteller's was best for lunch or breakfast but very expensive. And we are planning a visit to Riverbelle Terrace for Mickey Pancakes on morning!!!

I just claimed $300 from my rewards card so we could spend it on meals!!!

FYI-Use your AAA card at Minnie's Breakfast. It will save you! Yes, Disneyland is very expensive. I think I spend $27 for 3 breakfasts at Tomorrowland Terrace. That's with my AP though.

Storytellers is my favorite restaurant!! I ate there on my birthday. It's pricey for dinner too but soooooo worth it!

 

[andriade]

I have been looking at the Stone Island and that looks nice....Not sure about booking on my own though since it is just me and my daugter....How is everyone getting there that has booked this? I really dont want to stay on the boat all day, I would like to do something while we are there....Thanks for any help you can give....

They have tours you can book online through outside companies. You and your daughter could book a tour for under $50 everything included! They will pick you up at the ship and get you to Stone Island. I am going with a big group of people who all speak Spanish so I am not too worried.

 

[mom2pirateNpooh]

Just cancelled our Best of Mazatlan excursion. It was a long, drawn-out process, but seems to have worked. I feel so free! Hey, that's $240 we can spend on something else. I bet we could eat a lot of shrimp for $240.

Now if only I could decide how to structure that day, besides the shrimp-eating part....

 

[CAmom2boys]

I have been reading them too!!! I am a bit afraid. I relooked at the excursions and couldn't find anything else to do.... Maybe I better check out that Mazatlan Frank thread some more. I heard about going just to the El Cid or Krystal hotel but I would really like to see some of the Mazatlan... even if their "best" is not so good.

I thought the Krystal Resort was in PV? Do they have one in Mazatlan too?

I am more confused than ever. DS4's "girlfriend" just got back from a land trip to Mexico and I ran into her dad this morning at drop off. They went to Mazatlan so I asked him how it was. He didn't feel it was very kid friendly unless they stayed at their hotel (their DD4 is their only child). They did a tour to Stone Island and he wasn't very impressed, said it was just sitting at a table on the beach, not a lot to do. I'm sure experiences are heavily influenced by expectations, but they travel to Mexico often. He did say that they're not beach people though. I was leaning toward doing that on our own, but now I'm just not sure.

D'Anne

 

[jd99]

I thought the Krystal Resort was in PV? Do they have one in Mazatlan too?

I am more confused than ever. DS4's "girlfriend" just got back from a land trip to Mexico and I ran into her dad this morning at drop off. They went to Mazatlan so I asked him how it was. He didn't feel it was very kid friendly unless they stayed at their hotel (their DD4 is their only child). They did a tour to Stone Island and he wasn't very impressed, said it was just sitting at a table on the beach, not a lot to do. I'm sure experiences are heavily influenced by expectations, but they travel to Mexico often. He did say that they're not beach people though. I was leaning toward doing that on our own, but now I'm just not sure.

D'Anne

We are also back at square one. I'm really wanting to do the zipline but my wife isn't sure if she and girls want to stay onboard. I did see on a trip report thread something about a princess makeover that they do on port days (you have to ask when you board, I believe) that we thought might be a good way for them to pass part of the day if they stay on board. I printed the navigators last night so we can look to see what is going on in the clubs that day. My wife could actually get some Alone time. she really wouldn't know what to do with herself.

 

[andriade]

We are also back at square one. I'm really wanting to do the zipline but my wife isn't sure if she and girls want to stay onboard. I did see on a trip report thread something about a princess makeover that they do on port days (you have to ask when you board, I believe) that we thought might be a good way for them to pass part of the day if they stay on board. I printed the navigators last night so we can look to see what is going on in the clubs that day. My wife could actually get some Alone time. she really wouldn't know what to do with herself.

Can you please explain what ALONE time is?

 

[jd99]

Can you please explain what ALONE time is?

That's what I meant. My wife wouldn't know either....and she'd look forward to it for days....and then within a half hour, she'd be missing the girls!

 

[jd99]

Karen - We're missing you here. I hope you are okay!

 

[andriade]

I am not sure if any of you are interested but I placed an order for a gift basket to be delivered to our cabin. I ordered from MouseShoppe. I just wanted to have a little surprise for my kids when we get to the cabin.(Not like they won't already be sooooo excited ) I just wanted to put it out there so you would have enough time to order.

I looked into the stuff offered onboard and this was much more detailed to what I want. I ordered a large basket with healthy snacks, water and 2 autograph books and pens. They can also add mickey or minnie ears(personalized) if you want.

 

[andriade]

Karen - We're missing you here. I hope you are okay!

Karen- I hope you are on the mend!!!!!!!!!!

 

[michpoit]

We are also back at square one. I'm really wanting to do the zipline but my wife isn't sure if she and girls want to stay onboard. I did see on a trip report thread something about a princess makeover that they do on port days (you have to ask when you board, I believe) that we thought might be a good way for them to pass part of the day if they stay on board. I printed the navigators last night so we can look to see what is going on in the clubs that day. My wife could actually get some Alone time. she really wouldn't know what to do with herself.

I know some one who would be interested in the make over! Did you see anything about it on the navigators? I hadn't noticed this before.

 

[jd99]

I know some one who would be interested in the make over! Did you see anything about it on the navigators? I hadn't noticed this before.

From what I read on the trip report, they don't advertise it. They only do it on port days and you have to ask. I plan to go to Rockin Bar D (or the spa - not sure which) to ask about getting it booked for Mazatlan day as it looks like the girls are going to stay on the ship for sure.