A rabbi, a priest, and a pastor board the Wonder: we're back!

[Pinkocto]

I have no idea.


Palo! I cannot wait.​

I'm having trouble with my Disney visa, I was hoping to be able to book Palo yesterday hopefully today. We definitely don't want you to miss Pirate night in the main dining room, the servers all dress up and it's great fun. Also there's a late night dessert party after the fireworks that has turkey legs and nachos. We certainly wouldn't have room for that if we did Palo that night. So I'm thinking maybe Palo dinner the second night, and Palo brunch the second sea day?

That's what I have read. I love the water and am so glad it's be a more agreeable temp. Do they rent boogie boards on CC.​

No boogie boards that I've ever seen. There's no waves that you'd need them for. They have some water crafts though, paddle boats and that kind of thing. Thats in a separated area so you're no where near swimmers. As I'm thinking about I it's coming to mind that there is also a teen beach that only teens can go to with the CMs. Not sure if that will impact things.

Did you make a final decision on our Cozumel day?

no. I'm going to look at everything again.

D'uh, of course they have more than one bus. Hahaha!​

That would be great if we happened to get the same bus though!

My main goal is to have Joshua meet the club CMs and the other kids. I'd love to do the DVC meeting too and the spa one too and maybe win something. They give discounts for services booked that first afternoon?

There is SO much to do! ​

Usually they give specials on spa treatments that first day. Last cruise I saved $40 on a bamboo massage, that was absolutely heavenly! The massage and the savings.

There is so much to do, it's fabulous. And if you don't want to do anything you can do that too. I think you'll be able to convince M to cruise after you're able to tell him how awesome it is.

Agreed and we've only got:


85 days!!! ​

​

And your Mexico trip is so close!!!!!

 

[rentayenta]

Jon swears he will not go on a cruise but I do think I could get him on one to Alaska. I would love to go on a cruise.

I'm thinking that may be the way to get Michael to cruise. He's sort of hating the cold as much as I am so we'd need to go in summer. Wishing us both luck. ​

I'm having trouble with my Disney visa, I was hoping to be able to book Palo yesterday hopefully today. We definitely don't want you to miss Pirate night in the main dining room, the servers all dress up and it's great fun. Also there's a late night dessert party after the fireworks that has turkey legs and nachos. We certainly wouldn't have room for that if we did Palo that night. So I'm thinking maybe Palo dinner the second night, and Palo brunch the second sea day?

Do you need your Visa to book? I have mine if we can use that? What night is Pirate night? I think that sounds great.​

No boogie boards that I've ever seen. There's no waves that you'd need them for. They have some water crafts though, paddle boats and that kind of thing. Thats in a separated area so you're no where near swimmers. As I'm thinking about I it's coming to mind that there is also a teen beach that only teens can go to with the CMs. Not sure if that will impact things.

I wasn't sure so thanks for the info. . Joshua is a mature 12 y/o but he's so little. Emotionally he could totally hang with the teens. I think his sisters have prepared him well. ​

no. I'm going to look at everything again.

You are always welcome to do Nachi with us if you want a beach day.​

Usually they give specials on spa treatments that first day. Last cruise I saved $40 on a bamboo massage, that was absolutely heavenly! The massage and the savings.

I'm all about any discounts. What other spa services have you had? Are you getting a Rainforest Room pass? I asked a question on the CM/Kids club thread and it seems they do a lot that Joshua will enjoy. I'm stoked for him. He loves trivia and scavenger hunts and the like.​

There is so much to do, it's fabulous. And if you don't want to do anything you can do that too. I think you'll be able to convince M to cruise after you're able to tell him how awesome it is.

From your fingers to Michael's brain.

And your Mexico trip is so close!!!!!

It is so close. I thought I'd share a little about our plans and why we love Zihua so much. Zihuatanejo, made famous, not really , by the movie Shawshank Redemption, is a sleepy little fishing village about 7 miles from Ixtapa, more of an all inclusive party town. Zihua is far from your typical Mexico party place. Our first visit was in 2007 and we've wanted to go back ever since. Life happens and we couldn't make it happen until now. We both love Mexico and did Cabo in 2010 for a week, using DVC points, and it was amazing. In 2007 we went with another couple and stayed at the www.catalinabeachresort.com We loved the Catalina; the service and location cannot be beat. The rooms are your typical hard bed, lack amenities, but on the beach hotel room. Their Sunset Bar and dos por uno, or Happy Hour to us gringos, is the best ever. Their restaurants aren't great by any means. There is way better and much cheaper food along the beach and in town. Last year we decided that this year we'd need to get out of the mucky air and freezing cold Utah winter and started to toss around dates. Gabby's birthday is late February and obviously we couldn't be away then. There was a possibility that Joshua was going to have a soccer tournament in late January so that was out and our original cruise was mid January. March while gorgeous in Mexico defeats a little of the purpose of escaping the Utah winter as generally the weather has warmed a little by then and I don't want to self-harm. Early February looked like the best for us. I grabbed DH's fire calendar and and chose a week where he'd only have to cover two shift to get 10 days off. Our trip is 7 nights but he likes a day or two after to recoup. I'm totally on board with that. Feb 4-11 work perfectly. . Michael mentioned that he'd like our friends, a different set, to come along. I'm always game for friends. The more the merrier. We gave them the date and location and they were on board. Now where to stay? I showed them some options, hotel v condo and after much research and price comparison they decided they'd like to share a condo. The condo is a less expensive option and a much nicer option but its not on the beach, it's on the hillside, straight up, and a hell of a walk. None of have mobility issues but I warned them that the walk will seem killer after a day on the beach and a night on the town. I showed them the photo below and they were all about it. We save at least $1,000 each by staying condo v hotel. That's significant.

The white hotel is where we stayed last time, the building on the hillside is our condo complex. I warned them. Here is another pic of our complex: La Casa Que Ve El Mar. Or the house with a view of the sea. Our specific condo is Casa Contenta.

Okay, running to my inlaws to celebrate my FIL's 85th birthday. Love that old bird. Be back later with more Mexico details.​

 

[rentayenta]

So where was I? Oh yeah, Mexico!! I cannot even explain to you all how elated I am to get out of the snow.

Back to the condo. Here are a few more pics. The view looks a little obstructed by a rooftop but nothing I can't live with. When our friends decided they wanted to stay in a condo I agreed on one condition; we get the master bedroom. I need some privacy. It's a good compromise and our friends said they could care less. I'm weird about stuff like that on a couple's trip.


The living room and view:

View from the master:

Entry way:

The master bedroom. Both bedroom have king beds.

Our bathroom

The kitchen and a glimpse of the washer behind the door:

View from the balcony:

One of the complex' infinity pools:

The condo also comes with a housekeeper. I'm not sure what exactly that means.

Now for the plan. We fly out of SLC on 2/4 to LAX. I'm sure no one is shocked that there isn't a nonstop from SLC to ZIH.

For this leg we fly:

I love me some SW airlines. We used points for this leg which always makes me happy.

We change planes and airlines in Vegas with a 3 hour layover. I'm actually okay with long layovers. It allows me to relax, grab a drink, and not stress if the plane is late taking off. I'm weird like that.

I'm actually not sure if we'll go through customs in SLC or LAX but either way we've got plenty of time. Michael and I both have Global Traveler which eliminates the long customs' lines as well as gives us the pre-screen go ahead through security.

From LAX we'll fly Alaska Air to Zihuatanejo:

I searched high and low for any way to not stop in Chicago or Mexico City. Both airports are nightmares. I finally found our flight and at a great price.

On the way home we'll fly Alaska from ZIH to LAX. Our original last leg was through United but surprise surprise they bumped our flight TO THE NEXT DAY! Seriously, United sucks. I hate that that's who we've got the majority of our points through but they've always got the best fares for Michael's trips to Africa.

Now they didn't just bump our flight but they bumped it to the next morning at 6 am. Call me a party pooper but the thought of landing at 7 pm only to be back the next morning at 4:30 am sounds terrible. I called United, got my points refunded, and was on the search for a flight to come home on 2/11. Guess what kids? There's no such thing. No really. I could not find a flight that allowed enough time, even with Global Entry, to get through customs and on another flight home.

Sooooo........we're now coming home the next day at 11 am on Delta. Sorry no pic.

Michael had a credit for a flight from a canceled Moho job so we used his credit for his flight and paid the $99 for mine. Not too shabby. I like Delta.

We'll stay the night at The Hilton right by LAX. I'm currently researching restaurants in the neighboring area but have no frame of reference. Although I grew up 40 minutes from Los Angeles, I spent very little time there. Was never into the whole LA scene.

Here's the Hilton. Looks nice enough and was able to use my friend's discount.

Planning a trip to a sleepy village in Mexico is much harder than planning a trip to WDW. Other than trip advisor and another site, there isn't much chatter as far as planning goes. The language barrier is another issue though I am practicing my Español mucho. Funny, both my Spanish and dancing are better after a few cocktails.

Our itinerary thus far:

Tuesday 2/4: fly to Zihua. We arrive about 4 pm. We'll stop at the ATM at the airport, grab Pesos as the exchange to the dollar is amazing right now. It's just over 13 Pesos the the dollar. If you pay with American money, you get 10 Pesos to the dollar. I'm all about the 25% difference. We'll avoid the timeshare sharks, grab a taxi, and head to the condo.

After checking into the condo, the plan is to taxi to Comercial Mexicana. It's got a great bakery and huge wine selection, Chilean is their specialty. We'll also grab beer, limes, cases of water, diet Coke for our friends, and hit the bakery. I love Mexican pastries. They aren't as sweet to me and lighter. So good. We'll also grab munchies like good cheese and meats, crackers, fruit, and also go to their deli selection. They've got a killer deli. We aren't planning on any real cooking like on our WDW trips. There are just too many options for me to cook. Authentic Mexican food is my favorite food of all time.

Another reason I wanted to stay at the Catalina was because of the awesome beach loungers and palapas. I did find out that for a measly $4 we can rent two chairs and a palapa without staying at the Catalina. Of course the promise of ordering food and drink doesn't hurt. My plan is to hand the bartender $50 at the start of the week to make sure we get what we want. The bartender rules all at the Catalina.

Wed 2/5: no clue

Thurs 2/6: ditto

Fri 2/7: boys are fishing with some dude named Ed. Here's his sight: http://fishreportsixtapa.blogspot.com/

The girls are getting massages with Deisy. She's only got a FB page that I can find.

Sat 2/8: no idea nada

Sun 2/9: no clue during the day but at night we'll go to Zocalo. The local basketball court area turns into a festival of sorts with local music, food, and dancing. I love me a good Mexican food cart. I'm not even sure they qualify as carts but OMG, the best food ever. Culture! I'm starved for it.

Mon 2/10: no clue

Tues 2/11: fly home

We've hooked up with a local who is going to teach us to paddle board one morning. I've got a list of restaurants I'd love to visit. We may also take a day trip to Troncones so the boys can surf but we'll see.

There is a bar in Ixtapa called Bogarts which is supposed to be a replica of Rick's Cafe in Casablanca. That's the one touristy thing I'd like to check out.

I'm a fan of Mexican pottery and love BIG plates. I've got a few in my kitchen. We'll also do some shopping. I like to barter on the beach for trinkets too. I found my most favorite beach bag ever on our last trip to Zihua.

I'd also love to take a morning yoga class on the beach will have to figure that out when we're there.

That's our trip in a nutshell. I'll post more as things develop. for sharing in my excitement and letting me tag Mexico along to this report.


​

 

[jedijill]

Between your Mexico plans and my mom texting me pics from key west I'm going crazy! I'm ready for spring and we have at least 3 more months to go!

Jill in CO

 

[Pinkocto]

Your Mexico plans sound wonderful

Does Joshua need a passport? Or just his birth certificate?

The problem with my Visa is that my payment wasn't going through. As of 5:00 this morning the cruise is paid for and I just booked Palo. I technically couldn't book you since your window hasn't opened yet, but I still booked a time and will add you once the 14th comes. There are tons of slots open, for dinner: 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30. I booked 8:00, or would you rather another time? And for brunch I booked 10:00 am. That was the earliest, other times are 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, and 12:30.


ETA: I forgot to comment about the spa. The bamboo is the only specialty one I've done. I haven't done many massages in my life but it was so relaxing! I'll probably just do a swedish massage unless the discounts are fabulous. The only one I'm seeing online is 50 minutes and I'd like a longer one if possible. I'm still not sure about getting a Rainforest pass. Since the weather should be beautiful I might just lounge out by the pool. I did love that dry sauna room though!

Thank you about the welcome to Nachi, I really appreciate it I'm leaning towards staying onboard but I need to seriously sit down and look at all the options.

 

[rentayenta]

Between your Mexico plans and my mom texting me pics from key west I'm going crazy! I'm ready for spring and we have at least 3 more months to go!

Jill in CO

I know girl, it's so cold this year. I'll send you warm vibes from Mexico. I keep forgetting that DH has a conference this weekend in St. George, Utah. It's about 5 hours south of us and 30* warmer. Im tagging along. I'm hoping to hike some red rock, I'll post pics. We leave Thursday after the kids to to school, we'll be home Sunday afternoon. The hotel was booked by the FD and while not great, it's FREE plus he gets a small per diem.

This winter is going to a looooong one for sure.​

Your Mexico plans sound wonderful

I'm crazy excited.​

Does Joshua need a passport? Or just his birth certificate?

The kids all have passports. We got them this summer. A good friend is a refugee from Bosnia and at her urging we got them all passports. She said to get them before we need them. So we did. Now of course, it just makes me want to take them all somewhere so they can use them.​

The problem with my Visa is that my payment wasn't going through. As of 5:00 this morning the cruise is paid for and I just booked Palo. I technically couldn't book you since your window hasn't opened yet, but I still booked a time and will add you once the 14th comes. There are tons of slots open, for dinner: 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30. I booked 8:00, or would you rather another time? And for brunch I booked 10:00 am. That was the earliest, other times are 10:30, 11, 11:30, 12, and 12:30.

I'm glad you are PIF. Thanks for booking it. 8:00 sounds perfect. I've got a some great answers from the CM on the kids' club thread. I'm thinking Joshua will really like it, lots of active activities.

10:00 sounds great too. I'm so excited to try both.​

ETA: I forgot to comment about the spa. The bamboo is the only specialty one I've done. I haven't done many massages in my life but it was so relaxing! I'll probably just do a swedish massage unless the discounts are fabulous. The only one I'm seeing online is 50 minutes and I'd like a longer one if possible. I'm still not sure about getting a Rainforest pass. Since the weather should be beautiful I might just lounge out by the pool. I did love that dry sauna room though!

I don't know if I'll buy a Rainforest pass but I'd like to try it once. Does it get pretty crowded?​

Thank you about the welcome to Nachi, I really appreciate it I'm leaning towards staying onboard but I need to seriously sit down and look at all the options.

You're welcome. Staying on board might be nice with 8 ships in port! ​

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm crazy excited.​

Hopefully time flies by and you're enjoying the sun in no time!

The kids all have passports. We got them this summer. A good friend is a refugee from Bosnia and at her urging we got them all passports. She said to get them before we need them. So we did. Now of course, it just makes me want to take them all somewhere so they can use them.​

Sounds like a good plan!

I'm glad you are PIF. Thanks for booking it. 8:00 sounds perfect. I've got a some great answers from the CM on the kids' club thread. I'm thinking Joshua will really like it, lots of active activities.

10:00 sounds great too. I'm so excited to try both.​

And we can always change if he ends up not clicking with the other kids.

I don't know if I'll buy a Rainforest pass but I'd like to try it once. Does it get pretty crowded?​

They only sell a certain amount of passes so it doesn't get crowded.

You're welcome. Staying on board might be nice with 8 ships in port! ​

Thats in the back of my mind too! Thats a lot of people!!!

 

[rentayenta]

Hopefully time flies by and you're enjoying the sun in no time!

Sounds like a good plan!

And we can always change if he ends up not clicking with the other kids.

They only sell a certain amount of passes so it doesn't get crowded.

Thats in the back of my mind too! Thats a lot of people!!!

I think 8 ships is a lot too. Something like 23,000 people if they all disembark. At least the times are somewhat staggered.

I'm glad they limit the passes. I was envisioning all of us moms who ditch our kids and heading right for the rain forest room.
​

 

[jedijill]

I think 8 ships is a lot too. Something like 23,000 people if they all disembark. At least the times are somewhat staggered.

I'm glad they limit the passes. I was envisioning all of us moms who ditch our kids and heading right for the rain forest room.
​

You can buy a single day pass ahead of time for $16 which is quite a bit cheaper than on the ship. It doesn't give you the scrubs that you get with the more expensive pass on board.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

You can buy a single day pass ahead of time for $16 which is quite a bit cheaper than on the ship. It doesn't give you the scrubs that you get with the more expensive pass on board.

HTH

Jill in CO

Great tip Jill, thanks! Do I have to wait until my 75 day mark? I'm not seeing a place to buy it when I log in. I'm going to grab one. I'm thinking I'll at least try it out. Watch, I'll make all these plans and Joshua won't leave my side. ​

 

[jedijill]

It's listed under the gift section. I just called DCL and ordered it. I had a card in the room with it listed when I got to my cabin.

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

It's listed under the gift section. I just called DCL and ordered it. I had a card in the room with it listed when I got to my cabin.

Jill in CO

Then I'm calling. Can't wait. It's feeling more real everyday.

I think I'm going to rebook Alaska on board. I think now the cruise has to be taken within 18 months of booking. Bummer it got changed but 18 months is till a decent amount of time. I guess because I haven't experienced any different, I don't know any better.





My ticker always seems a day or two off but I think I figured it out.



27 days until Zihua!!!


82 days until our cruise!!! ​

 

[Pinkocto]

Double dancing!!!






Well, I went through all the excursions, looked at Nachi again, and ended up booking the 3 Reef Snorkle. Within minutes I canceled it I'm just going to sleep in and enjoy the ship. Might do another massage. Whew! That took me a good while to figure out...

 

[rentayenta]

Double dancing!!!






Well, I went through all the excursions, looked at Nachi again, and ended up booking the 3 Reef Snorkle. Within minutes I canceled it I'm just going to sleep in and enjoy the ship. Might do another massage. Whew! That took me a good while to figure out...

So funny. I need to look at the 3 Reef Snorkel. Or do I? I need to stick with my decisions as well. ​

 

[rentayenta]

Pam, I called and bought my one day Rainforest Pass. It was $18.88 including tax. I had a whopping $3.65 on my Rewards Card so needless to say I was laughing when she said I will owed $15. I confirmed Joshua's gifts to this cruise as when I ordered them, we were booked on the January cruise. I also confirmed my OBC but she couldn't tell me how much. She said she thinks its $50. She also reminded me to book anything on January 14 and to check in and get our boarding time. I'm freaking out!​

 

[franandaj]

Your Mexico trip sounds like great fun! I hope you have fun in the Sun and get out of that cold!

 

[rentayenta]

Your Mexico trip sounds like great fun! I hope you have fun in the Sun and get out of that cold!

Thanks friend. I'm super excited. It just snowing again. Did you see our condo on the side of that hill? The hotel last time, was steep enough. I told Michael he's going to have to sling me over his shoulder and carry me up especially after dos por uno.


It feels good to have some loose ends with the cruise wrapped up. ​

 

[Pinkocto]

So funny. I need to look at the 3 Reef Snorkel. Or do I? I need to stick with my decisions as well. ​

I know, I've been such a wimbler with decisions on this trip It looks really great, 3.5 - 4 hours, 30 minutes at each reef, snorkle equipment included. I absolutely love anything and everything to do with water. I was really excited and glad I had decided and booked something, and then thought I wouldn't be able to sleep in.... Its from 9:45-1:45. So in order to get ready, have breakfast, and be to the meeting place on time I would have to wake up at 7:30. While a perfectly plausible idea I cherish my sleeping in on vacation. I'll just thoroughly enjoy the water on CC day.

 

[Pinkocto]

Pam, I called and bought my one day Rainforest Pass. It was $18.88 including tax. I had a whopping $3.65 on my Rewards Card so needless to say I was laughing when she said I will owed $15. I confirmed Joshua's gifts to this cruise as when I ordered them, we were booked on the January cruise. I also confirmed my OBC but she couldn't tell me how much. She said she thinks its $50. She also reminded me to book anything on January 14 and to check in and get our boarding time. I'm freaking out!​

You are going to love the Rainforest room!!! It is truly heavenly

I'm starting to get in the 'it feels real' phase

Bonus on the OBC!

 

[jedijill]

Pam, I called and bought my one day Rainforest Pass. It was $18.88 including tax. I had a whopping $3.65 on my Rewards Card so needless to say I was laughing when she said I will owed $15. I confirmed Joshua's gifts to this cruise as when I ordered them, we were booked on the January cruise. I also confirmed my OBC but she couldn't tell me how much. She said she thinks its $50. She also reminded me to book anything on January 14 and to check in and get our boarding time. I'm freaking out!​

You'll love the Rainforest Room!

Jill in CO