9/19/09 Western Magic

[hannahguad]

Hmmm, glad I don't plan on going to a beach at Cozumel (or any beach, wouldn't want people to think they just saw a beached whale!!), but with that being said, that is just creepy!! I am going to be worried just getting off the ship there now! I had planned on taking Hannah and my mom shopping near the port while my husband goes to look at his rock excursion (Tulum Ruins).. I am not one to get nervous in new places, I usually am very aware of my surroundings, but knowing that this is going on, I may think twice about venturing too far without my husband (he's a big teddy bear, but he can look menacingto people when he wants!!)!

 

[Yonkrs_Girl]

Ashalooooooooooooo. I suppose you think getting married this week excuses ya!!! Ya gotta be marrying someone....what's his name?


And somehow I missed getting goofprincess names for the two adults? Anyone know?

and Yonkrsgirl's daughter's name.

Karen
still nagging......

ps - my kitchen is a disaster. I have plastic bags, bits and pieces, excell spreadsheets and boxes everywhere...and it is time to start PACKING!!!!

Hi, My DD's name is Gabrielle.

 

[Sinderelly]

Paige-Thank you posting the warning. I will be very careful now in Cozumel as my DH is going on an excursion by himself (Tulum Ruins) to look at the dusty old rocks. I am doing the dolphin swim through Disney. I should be ok with transportation to the park since it's a Disney excursion? Is anyone else doing the dolphin swim at Chakanaab? Maybe we could use the buddy system. I was considering wandering around a little on my own but maybe that's not such a great idea.

Happy and safe travels to everyone leaving already!


Kathy( who is staring at her cell phone..hoping for a 407 area code)

 

[LoriS]

Hmmm, glad I don't plan on going to a beach at Cozumel (or any beach, wouldn't want people to think they just saw a beached whale!!), but with that being said, that is just creepy!! I am going to be worried just getting off the ship there now! I had planned on taking Hannah and my mom shopping near the port while my husband goes to look at his rock excursion (Tulum Ruins).. I am not one to get nervous in new places, I usually am very aware of my surroundings, but knowing that this is going on, I may think twice about venturing too far without my husband (he's a big teddy bear, but he can look menacingto people when he wants!!)!

There is a shopping area right outside Punta Langosta and it is very nice. We look forward to going there each time in Cozumel. Last year while we were there we even got to hold a squirrel monkey. There was a small booth set up at the back of the lower level and they had several animals you can hold for a fee of course. But I think it was $5 for each of us, so a total of $20 and I took about 200 pictures with the monkey.

 

[kileybeth]

hhhmm, about Mexico. It helps to know a wee bit at least of Spanish, they do respect the tourist more if you try to speak with them in their own language. My guess is there are always these kinds of cabbies set up and the racket is nothing new just renewed so to speak after the downturn in tourism earlier this year. I don't usually let stories like that freak me out just makes me use more caution I guess.

We are renting a car (AVIS) and are aware of all the rental schemes and gas station filling ones too. Plan to stay together and explore away from touristy areas. The local population is not the group you find "hawking" in the touristy areas.

I found a few locals who have been very helpful and created a website to help touist avoid just this type of situation. Have to look it up, sorry I can't think it up just now.

We also have friends (family of 6) who live in Pueblo and they have talked to us some about the culture and mindset of the Mexican people. Overall a really lovely people group who just want you to enjoy your time in their country.

Don't let one story like that scare you. We have a few Americans in some of our large cities and I'd bet small towns as well who will happily take you for a ride if you don't use some street smarts!


All said, I do feel soooo bad for those folks though, not a vacation experience you want to repeat for sure! Hope the kiddos aren't tramaized at all. Sounds like everyone kept their heads on and did what they could.

 

[jonesing]

I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO GO AND READ THROUGH ALL YOUR WONDERFUL POSTS. HOWEVER, JUST GOT WORD, WE HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO CATEGORY 4, ROOM 8562...PLEASE UPDATE ANY AND ALL FE INFORMATION PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!

Also, if someone could be kind enough to print an extra copy of the FE map and room list for me and bring it to the port i would so appreciate it because i will be out of contact pretty much until the cruise...can't wait to meet you all!!!!

Holly

Well howdy neighbor! Welcome to the neighborhood!

 

[Lizzy'sMom]

i got the map for teh staterooms for the first FE list.. it does not have a room for ChrisLei - does anyone have that?

thanks so much!

Lizzy'sMom

 

[cakesnjammom]

i got the map for teh staterooms for the first FE list.. it does not have a room for ChrisLei - does anyone have that?

thanks so much!

Lizzy'sMom

you are welcome! and NO!

 

[mamajojo]

Well, we will be leaving soon so this will be my last post! I just wanted to say that I can't wait to meet you all. I have had a great time here and am thankful that my family will be cruising with such a great group of people! Good luck to the couples that have weddings and safe travels to all. SEE YOU ON THE MAGIC

 

[LoriS]

Well, we will be leaving soon so this will be my last post! I just wanted to say that I can't wait to meet you all. I have had a great time here and am thankful that my family will be cruising with such a great group of people! Good luck to the couples that have weddings and safe travels to all. SEE YOU ON THE MAGIC

Have a safe trip and enjoy WDW. See you in 8 days. Tell Booklyn Courtney says hi!!!

 

[disneyfinatics]

Thanks for the info Paige. It definitely helps to be educated about such things. I think it's a good reminder that you need to be careful wherever you go. I can't wait to meet you guys.

 

[cakesnjammom]

Well, we will be leaving soon so this will be my last post! I just wanted to say that I can't wait to meet you all. I have had a great time here and am thankful that my family will be cruising with such a great group of people! Good luck to the couples that have weddings and safe travels to all. SEE YOU ON THE MAGIC

whoo hoo...have a smooth trip! be careful too!
tell bishop that ds cannot wait to meet him...he has not been emailing because of dentist appts and prep work he is doing for school...but he talks about him!


ALSO I did not mean to SCARE anyone! No need to be scared just be cautious and know what to be aware of!! I also read another report where someone was trying to over charge a cruiser for gas by "forgetting" to reset the gas meter (car gas - on a rental car fill)...just be aware of your surroundings...know you are "the tourist" keep your valuables in a protected place, do not flash money, keep single bills, know a little spanish...cero = zero!! and negoitate your travels and costs before you get in a taxi!! AND know where you wanna go...local maps are handy too! Take care and yes...see ya real soom!

 

[disneyfinatics]

I did some research to hopefully help everyone out with the taxi situation in Cozumel.
http://www.cozumelinsider.com/TAXICZM

 

[b521028]

Wow, so much going on. Hope that everyones travels are safe and relaxing, I myself really dread the long 12 hour drive from WV to Port Canaveral, we are leaving the 17th. For those visiting the parks in Orlando, hope you all have a wonderful time. And, heres to wonderful weather for us all.

I have had all kinds of problems with my computer and internet (stupid dial up) so I can't go back and read all, but can't wait to meet everyone.
See everyone soon. Again safe travels!
Tammy

 

[Yonkrs_Girl]

you are welcome! and NO!

Unfortunately, they did not reply to any of my posts or PM's so I am not sure if they are even still on our cruise so we may all have an extra goody to spread some pixie dust with

Safe travels everyone! SEE YOU REAL SOON!!!

 

[disneyfinatics]

I finally got my travel docs. I was disappointed. I thought the luggage tags would be the cute ones I'd seen pictured on the boards. Do they not use those anymore? Can you get them at the port? I was really looking forward to seeing the Pluto one. He's my hero.

 

[hannahguad]

From what I remember, I think we got those at the end of the cruise last time, when we had to put our luggage out the night before and then the luggage was in the holding area when we got off. I remember I went down the last night and got a couple extra with pictures of each character. But it was over a year ago and it is a blur off the top of my mind right now.

 

[Yonkrs_Girl]

I finally got my travel docs. I was disappointed. I thought the luggage tags would be the cute ones I'd seen pictured on the boards. Do they not use those anymore? Can you get them at the port? I was really looking forward to seeing the Pluto one. He's my hero.

The cute tage are actually the ones used for Disembarking so you will get those on the Final Night based on which Deck you are on. That is how they seperate the luggage in the Customs Area - by character. In the past, there has always been a big table of them near the Guest Services Desk so you can grab as many as you need. We have taken a couple of each character for photo albums, etc.

So, you will still get one with Pluto

 

[disneyfinatics]

Thanks. Can you tell I'm a new cruiser?

 

[mmouse37]

Hey everyone!!! Just popping in to say hi and that we just booked this cruise yesterday!!! This is the shortest time ever from booking to cruising so I have lots to do this week.

Sorry about barging onto your thread at such a late date but the stars aligned and we were able to book last minute.

We are just going to wing it this trip...no planning, no excursions, no nothing but a good time!!!

Sorry to hear about the Cozumel fiasco....we have been to Coz several times and were even at Mr. Sanchos and it was lovely...no pressure at all but were also told no coolers...this was back in 2003 but still had a good time!!!

Don't forget to check out Margaritaville in Grand Cayman....they have a built in pool on the second story of the building and it is free!!! Nice place to unwind in the afternoon with a nice margarita for some nachos...check out the pics from out last time there....

And from a beautiful sunset at Key West when we were on a land based vacation there...

This will be DCL #18 and we are celebrating our 30th anniversary!!!

Hope to see you guys around the ship!!!

MJ