9/19/09 Western Magic

[LoriS]

We live in Orlando, so we are driving over the morning we sail too.

 

[gwtinkerbell427]

I like the June 1st date or even earlier would be fine with me. I am chomping at the bit to put my FE gifts together.

I am excited about the kids

What kind of FE things do people do? Ive never done them before, not sure what to make or get ?
gretchen please help

 

[mamajojo]

You will all love the Magic Yes, I have always lived in London.





Kathe

I am sure we will. My kids keep asking when we can go back to Disney. They watched the video of the ship and keep asking to go on that as well.

Maybe we have met at some point in London....wouldn't that be funny!

 

[JackaroosMom]

I'm good with the June 1st cut-off for the FE....I'm a rookie so I need as much time as I can get!

 

[Sinderelly]

I am also new to the FE. I can't tell you what I'm planning or it would spoil the surprise. There is a thread under the FAQ section that explains the FE process. IMHO the kids are easy. I am trying to come up with something clever for the adults.

 

[katypop]

I am sure we will. My kids keep asking when we can go back to Disney. They watched the video of the ship and keep asking to go on that as well.

Maybe we have met at some point in London....wouldn't that be funny!

That would be funny! I have a very good friend that I met some years ago when she moved from Toronto to London. I also have a friend in Oshawa that I've known since we were 8 yrs old! Of course, given the size of Toronto and area, I would never have asked my new London friend if she knew her Well...long story short, my new friend that moved to London and I were talking one day and I mentioned my other friend by name (she has an unusual one) and they actually knew each other! Turns out they went to school together years ago in Ajax and she was best friends with my friend's younger sister So, you never know!

Kathe

 

[cakesnjammom]

We are main dining too...I hope! That is what we requested...we eat dinner early!

June 1st sounds good to me for FE cut-off!
I have something in mind for FE's too but so not want to ruin the surprise!

Ok anybody want to tell us about their excursions they are planning....we are not planning much as far as excursions go....but I would love to hear what you guys are thinking?
Anyone been to shoretrips.com? I can say if you are planning a dolphin encounter it is worth looking into...if you have kids going along they are only a small extra fee with a paying adult! Mine would be $8 additional each with a paying adult...that seems like a deal!?

 

[Sinderelly]

I agree. I would love to hear some plans/ideas for excursions.

We are planning on renting scooters or an electric car and doing some exploring on our own in Key West. We want that key lime pie on a stick!

We haven't decided for Grand Cayman. I would like to try/buy Tortuga Rum Cakes and DH would like to snorkel.

We were thinking about renting a jeep on Cozumel and touring the island at our own pace. We are a little leary now with the new travel warnings. Not scared just a little more cautious. We may trade that adventure for a DCL excursion. I would like to swim with dolphins. DH would like to see the ruins. We can't do it all.

 

[disneyfan551]

cakesnjammom...Where are you looking at doing the dolphin encounter at?

Regarding the FE cutoff...I'm ok with a later date as well. I just really hope that everyone notes how many kids are in their cabin.... We had 2 different families in one cabin last December, and it was NOT fun when there was only 1 FE treat bag for them to fight over! So...I will NOT do that to other families! Every kid deserves their own surprise!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Ok anybody want to tell us about their excursions they are planning....we are not planning much as far as excursions go....but I would love to hear what you guys are thinking?
Anyone been to shoretrips.com? I can say if you are planning a dolphin encounter it is worth looking into...if you have kids going along they are only a small extra fee with a paying adult! Mine would be $8 additional each with a paying adult...that seems like a deal!?

We are thinking of doing the trolley tour in Key West but booking it ourself on the website so that we can hop on/hop off. In Cozumel, we plan on one of the Dolphin tours. Grand Cayman, I have absolutely no idea. I thought about the pirate encounter but I'm really not sure what we will do here. I wanted to do the stingray feeding at CC but it says ages 5 and up and Samantha doesn't turn 5 until 10days after the cruise.

 

[katypop]

We are thinking of doing the trolley tour in Key West but booking it ourself on the website so that we can hop on/hop off. In Cozumel, we plan on one of the Dolphin tours. Grand Cayman, I have absolutely no idea. I thought about the pirate encounter but I'm really not sure what we will do here. I wanted to do the stingray feeding at CC but it says ages 5 and up and Samantha doesn't turn 5 until 10days after the cruise.

We are planning on the trolley ride in Key West too. Do you have to book in advance, or can we just buy tickets when we get there? I think we may do one of the dolphin encounters in Cozumel, too! In Grand Cayman my daughter wants to snorkel with the stingrays We may go to the turtle farm as well, just haven't decided for sure yet.

Kathe

 

[mamajojo]

That would be funny! I have a very good friend that I met some years ago when she moved from Toronto to London. I also have a friend in Oshawa that I've known since we were 8 yrs old! Of course, given the size of Toronto and area, I would never have asked my new London friend if she knew her Well...long story short, my new friend that moved to London and I were talking one day and I mentioned my other friend by name (she has an unusual one) and they actually knew each other! Turns out they went to school together years ago in Ajax and she was best friends with my friend's younger sister So, you never know!

Kathe

We had that happen to us as well. My Dh works in T.O. He was talking to his boss after being there a couple of weeks into the job and they were talking about where DH grew up in Strathroy and that I grew up in Mt Brydges. It turns out that the boss is good friends with my BIL's father who lives a block away from my Mother. Very small world!

 

[mamajojo]

We are looking at booking the Dolphin encounter at Chankanaab National Park. The offer is really good if you book on your own but I am a little nervous about not booking it with DCL . This is what is said on their site:

Adults: US$ 77.8
Children: US$ 64.5 (8-11 years)
* Kids from 1 to 7 years old are free of charge and must swim with a paying adult (per kid). This promotion applies only under request by email or telephone.

 

[cakesnjammom]

cakesnjammom...Where are you looking at doing the dolphin encounter at?

Regarding the FE cutoff...I'm ok with a later date as well. I just really hope that everyone notes how many kids are in their cabin.... We had 2 different families in one cabin last December, and it was NOT fun when there was only 1 FE treat bag for them to fight over! So...I will NOT do that to other families! Every kid deserves their own surprise!

my TA sent my a link to shoretrips.com b/c I inquired about cheaper rates on excursions....go to the Carribbean...then to Cozmel....nevermind here is the link!

http://shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=CAR&lcode=CZM&tcode=029635
doesn't this seem like a good deal??? I am going to surf around about people's experiences with this company...but I have a very cust. service oriented TA so I am sure it is on the up and up but the $188 for 2 adults/ 2 kids (have to add taxes and transfers) WOW! Also it says the fee to Chankanaab Marine Park is inlcuded??????

Also explain the problem you had with the FE gifts....pm me if you want to!

 

[cakesnjammom]

We are looking at booking the Dolphin encounter at Chankanaab National Park. The offer is really good if you book on your own but I am a little nervous about not booking it with DCL . This is what is said on their site:

Adults: US$ 77.8
Children: US$ 64.5 (8-11 years)
* Kids from 1 to 7 years old are free of charge and must swim with a paying adult (per kid). This promotion applies only under request by email or telephone.

we must have been posting at the same time.... I think your offer is better BUT do you lose your money if our cruise changes course for any reason? I will ask my TA about shoretrips.com...I read a review on there ST.com that said they were delayed and they took care of them??

ALSO mamajojo did you see the great point rates on AKV? WOW $8 per point...that could SAVE you a BUNCH of money if you move to a DVC reservation...pm me if you want details on how to rent points from a DVC member (I have done this several times and save a TON of accom)for a GREAT deal at AKV....DVC member accomdations at AKL!!! Some with same views!

 

[katypop]

We are looking at booking the Dolphin encounter at Chankanaab National Park. The offer is really good if you book on your own but I am a little nervous about not booking it with DCL . This is what is said on their site:

Adults: US$ 77.8
Children: US$ 64.5 (8-11 years)
* Kids from 1 to 7 years old are free of charge and must swim with a paying adult (per kid). This promotion applies only under request by email or telephone.

we must have been posting at the same time.... I think your offer is better BUT do you lose your money if our cruise changes course for any reason? I will ask my TA about shoretrips.com...I read a review on there ST.com that said they were delayed and they took care of them??

ALSO mamajojo did you see the great point rates on AKV? WOW $8 per point...that could SAVE you a BUNCH of money if you move to a DVC reservation...pm me if you want details on how to rent points from a DVC member (I have done this several times and save a TON of accom)for a GREAT deal at AKV....DVC member accomdations at AKL!!! Some with same views!

I have been told that the Royal Swim is the best (thanks Jackie )...but...on their website it says that if you don't dock for any reason then they will give you a credit that is good for one year. Problem is, and I know it isn't really very likely that we won't dock but it could happen, we don't plan on being back within a year. I don't think I want to risk the cost of both of us to do this

Kathe

 

[cakesnjammom]

I have been told that the Royal Swim is the best (thanks Jackie )...but...on their website it says that if you don't dock for any reason then they will give you a credit that is good for one year. Problem is, and I know it isn't really very likely that we won't dock but it could happen, we don't plan on being back within a year. I don't think I want to risk the cost of both of us to do this

Kathe

I agree that is a big risk...we will NOT be back w/in the year either...wonder if you could sell it on ebay...it would have to be transferrable? Oh well we really are moving closer and closer to doing NO excursions and just doing stuff on the ship while it is not so crowded. We may get off at ports and see what there is right around the ship and be done with it. DH and I decided to let the kids decide...the HP or an excursion....my dd already said HP but ds was asleep before we asked the question...so we shall see. I was reading the NAVS and read something about so form you have to read if using a vehicle while traveling regarding insurance...I was thinking of renting a jeep and touring around on our own but not sure of that either! WEll off for the night I guess! to my room...all is quiet here

 

[gwtinkerbell427]

6 months from today we will be on the Disney Magic
yeah!!!!!

 

[cakesnjammom]

I agree that is a big risk...we will NOT be back w/in the year either...wonder if you could sell it on ebay...it would have to be transferrable? Oh well we really are moving closer and closer to doing NO excursions and just doing stuff on the ship while it is not so crowded. We may get off at ports and see what there is right around the ship and be done with it. DH and I decided to let the kids decide...the HP or an excursion....my dd already said HP but ds was asleep before we asked the question...so we shall see. I was reading the NAVS and read something about so form you have to read if using a vehicle while traveling regarding insurance...I was thinking of renting a jeep and touring around on our own but not sure of that either! WEll off for the night I guess! to my room...all is quiet here

just an update for the ones that have been following the shoretrips.com discussion....here is a PP I found regarding their cancellation policy:

You do get charged when you book it- however the issue on refund if your ship doesn't make it to port or is too late is addressed on the website. They say they refund you if you are unable to make it due to those reasons (but if your ship makes it to port and you just can't go because you changed your mind or you're sick or something- I don't think you get a refund)

And this is from their website:
Never Fear - our policy allows cancellation without penalty up to 11 days before your tour and always refunds in full for ship itinerary changes and weather-related safety considerations.

 

[Sinderelly]

Paige would you mind sharing more re: where you found the info on insurance/renting a vehicle? We were considering a jeep rental for Cozumel. I pretty sure we wouldn't do it if there are any liability issues. DH to be is an attorney and I'm a legal assistant.

Yeah only six more months to go!