Any Magic Halloween Cruisers 2003 out there?

[buzz&woody'smom]

Zitofamily-

I am a TYPE A all of the way I will find out everything I can about the ports and post what I find out. I almost have it narrowed down for me but am trying to help my Dad find things for my Mom and him to do that will be ok for her.

The boys and I and probably my MIL and Sister and her partner

Key West-trolley or train and shipwreck historeaum (I think my Mom can do this one if we can fold up her wheelchair and take it with us, I am trying so hard to find out)

Grand Cayman-Either 7 Mile beach and some shopping or Nativeway Watersports, I will get eaten again by the Rays and my MIL and 2 year can watch and 5 year can freak out. Probably the 7 mile beach is the best.

Ginger suggested renting a car for my Mom and Dad so my Dad can drive my Mom around the island and the wheelchair can go with. Great idea Ginger and thank you! Now I just have to come up with things for them to drive by

Cozumel-Been to Playa Sol so I really think Chakanab is the way to go this time. Taxi right from the pier to the park, $10 per adult, dolphins to see and a sea lion show and children are fee. I have snorkeled from a boat off of the park many time and it is awesome but with the boys they are 2 and 5 and change their minds like the moon.........

Not sure about Mom but maybe they can rent another Jeep and drive around or just go with us to Chakanab and take a taxi back when my Mom tires.

Anyhoo the 7 day Carnival I went on last month was like a bloody "amazing race" show. Everyday my DH and I had something hard and involving water planned. I came back and was more tired than when I went

Night to all-
Tiff

 

[rae519]

Tiff - The cavern tour is the one that goes over to the Mexico - mainland - it's in the Disney Cruise Brochure.

The mini golf course is challenging but worth it - hey, if an 8 year old kid can get a hole in one and beat his parents at this....well, it's still a great time.

I put trip reports on the Cruise Line Trip Report thread - starting with Embarkation and ending with "Heck No I Won't Go". Check them out for more information - they are probably archived by now.

The horses would be fine for your family - just send Nicki a note and ask her. She will match the rider's ability to the horse very well. Her horses are beautiful, healthy and gentle - and she's wonderful!

I'm back on Red and Michael is back on Jynx now - been so very hot. Heat index yesterday here was 106. Glad we left at 1PM.
Michael is doing great with the new homeschool program we are using this year (Seton Catholic Home School) - it's challenging and rewarding for him and easy for me to work with. A win-win situation.
He is also vastly improving by leaps and bounds with his piano studies. Thanks to Fidelio's encouragement and example. I am sure going to miss Dueling Pianos when we get there in October.

Eight weeks to go. That's 56 days - approximately1344 hours, 80640 minutes.

Rae

 

[KEH]

Wow, Rae! I'm impressed with your countdown. I thought I had it bad (when I got back last year I kept asking everyone at work if they knew it was only 52 weeks till I would be cruising again but even I hadn't got it down to minutes! Not long now though; we are all so excited that I don't knwo if we can wait even one more minute but I suppose we'll have to.

Can you tell me more about the horse riding please, Rae. We are thinking of hiring a car at Grand Cayman and going to Rum Point Beach but I know Emma would love to ride and I wondered what time it happened, where it was, how long it lasted etc. The only problem is that I would be having to go with her and though I ahve ridden in the past, I am actually scared of horses. Not sure that that makes me the ideal choice for this excursion, somehow.

Karen

 

[mdvasquez]

Good morning everyone!

Yesterday I had my first whole day and night without feeling nausa!!YEA I hope it lasts!!!!!

POOHBUSH: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

TIFF: Got a laught out of your amazing race comment! That's how I felt on last years cruise. That is why we only booked one excursion.

RAE: Great countdown! Any my DH thinks I am a fanatic?! Thats great that you are homeschooling Michael. I wanted to do that with my daughter, but I would never hear the end of it from my son and with him being ADHD there is NO WAY I would be able to home school him!!

Have a great day everyone!
Dena

 

[rocadonismom]

Karen,

I'll be waiting to hear more about the horseback riiding with Nikki as well. I had planned on doing the Disney excursion but, if Rae says that Nikki is good - I'll take her word for it. If you don't want to go, I would be glad to take Emma with me. I believe my younger sister is coming as well (so it would be me; Carolyn (27) and my sister Kristen (19) ). I'm going to look around for info today.

 

[Poohbush]

Hi, Thanks everyone for your good thoughts! My MIL has her 1st consultations next week, so hopefully she can found out answers to her many questions.

Tiff, We're going to do the Trolley w/ Shipwreck Museum too. We're going to do the Trolley instead of Train, as you can get off if you need too. I figured with the baby, we might want that option!

Dena, Hooray for your 1st day with no naseau. Was it bad? I have a girlfriend who was so ill sometimes she couldn't go to work. Then there's me, I really only felt a tad bit queasy one day. That was it! (I probably just jinxed myself for the next one!)

Tina

 

[rae519]

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=420466

Here's my report on Grand Cayman - I did one for everyday, so if you look in the archives for trip reports, you will find the others.

Like I said, Michael wants to do the caverns, so we won't be riding this time. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it - be sure to let Nicki know your experience and she will match you accordingly. Michael and I were able to trot and canter along the beach, but other riders may not be at that experience or comfort level.

Dena - I think I have your nausea - and no, I definitely am not pregnant! That's okay with me - you have enough to handle right now!!!

Tina - for 2/3 pregnancies that I had, I felt AWFUL - so sick I could hardly get up off the floor (the bed was even intolerable to me!). The only pregnancy I was able to maintain was also my last - it started with NO nausea at all and ended with a premature birth (Christopher was 38 weeks in gestation and 2 lbs 13 1/2 ounces, 15 inches long) - now at 23, he is normal sized, intelligent (Deans List at IUPUI) and has never had any effects from prematurity.

For years I have fought against medication for ADD for Michael. I wish now that I hadn't. As he explained to our doctor, he felt awful inside and went on to explain exactly how he felt - Dr. prescribed concerta. The difference in Michael is amazing AND he says he feels so much better. His attention, concentration and irritability level is more in line with non ADD children - and it's made a world of difference in his entire attitude and ability.
This may not be your answer, but don't be as stupid and inflexible as I was in not considering it.

Karen - you should see the countdowns I have made up!!! Honestly, you do not need to worry IF your concern is about Nicki - she's really okay!!! But if it's something else, then I understand. Nicki offered to let my non-riding husband come with us and wait at the beach - a short distance from her stable. He would have been able to sunbathe, walk, swim or snorkel. I am pretty sure she would make the same consideration to you AND possibly drop you and Emma off at Rum Point to join your sons and husband. Nicki does pick up and drop off at Hard Rock Cafe.

Riding on the beach was ALWAYS a dream of mine - I had a great horse "Buster" and Michael enjoyed his horse "Sergeant".

Give it some thought and do book early with her.

Rae

 

[KaitlinsMom]

hey Rae -

how do you book with Nicki? I would love to go and it sounds wonderful -

Karen - I would take the girls if you wanted me too - I love horses and would love to do this

Any info on how much this is to do, how long, and where to book would be great!

Thanks!

Karen

 

[rae519]

For Nicki -
use your credit card to book
(she's safe - I know because last year our cruise was diverted due to the hurricane and it wasn't charged)
- you e-mail her (look at the website I provided in the past reply I posted) through her website and she will reply.

It's $60.00 and very well worth it - the beach is beautiful and the time spent there is approximately an hour and a half.
She made a stop at a gas station where I was able to purchase reasonably priced water - a convenience store. She also made a side trip for us to visit her friend Marlin. She will drop you off where you want (just ask ahead of time) and you will thoroughly enjoy her!

Rae

 

[rae519]

By the way, it was Buckaroo's Dad who went there and wrote a great report on her. He and Little Buck had a wonderful time. Knowing BD, if it wasn't - he would have definitely said so but with a glowing report, I knew it would be terrific!

So that comes from two of us!!

I did see the other stables and their horses. As a horse owner, I do not claim to be an expert but again, in MY opinion, seeing their stables and horses only reinforces my recommendation about using Nicki.

Rae

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Thanks Rae -

 

[sistert]

Originally posted by rae519
...Thanks to Fidelio's encouragement and example. I am sure going to miss Dueling Pianos when we get there in October.

Rae

What do you mean "going to miss Dueling Pianos"? Is the show going away, no Fidelio... NO!!!!! I've never seen it yet. We got so busy on the first cruise we never got to see the show?

Please don't tell me it's being replaced....


T

 

[Zitofamily]

Rae:

No Fidelio on our Oct cruise?????? Say it isn't so! You have gotten me so interested in seeing him with all your posts about how wonderful he is. I had his show on our "must do" list.


Tina and Tiff:

Where do you catch the trolley in Key West and how much does it cost. Sounds like a fun way to get around, especially if you can get on and off.

Dena: I can relate to the nausea. Had it bad with both my babies. I was so happy when it finally stopped.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

 

[dzneprincess]

Wow ! You all have been busy bees today!

Rae, I am glad that Michael is feeling better on concerta! Don't make yourself feel too bad about it. You were only doing what you felt right at the time. There is a great quote out there by Maya Angelou that basically says the same thing! But I would just mess it up trying to paraphrase it!

Zito, I do believe that Fidelio will not be on our Oct cruise, but I am sure Rae can verify that for sure, her being an official fan club memeber and all


Karen, dont feel too bad I am also terrified of horses! I have been on one 3 times in my 28 years, and all 3 times I have been "bucked" off....(shiver)......

Well I booked our StingRay City excursion through Captain Bryans, and closed my eyes and sent my credit card number to Dolphin Discovery for the Swim! LOL Did you know that they offer the encounter for like $73, but on Weds, when we are in port, we have to go through our cruise line to participate and then the price rises to $105??? I think that is cheating! LOL Has anyone ever done the swim before? How was your experience?

Thats is all we have planned for GC and Cozumel. I am not real sure what to do in Key West. Can someone explain the trolley or train to me?

Getting excited!
Amanda

 

[rae519]

Yes, Amanda - you can teach an "old dog" some "new tricks"!!! Even a 48 year old RN is a trainable monkey!!!!! ; )


Sorry to say that as far as we (the Official Fidelio Fan Club), have not heard anything to dispute the Disney decision to either keep Dueling Pianos or put Fidelio elsewhere on either ship.

There were a lot of "suits" on our cruise and believe me, I made my opinion, as representative of the Fan Club, known to everyone I could corner.

Whereever Fidelio goes, he will always be an inspiration to young musicians AND entertainment to all who are in his audience. Can you tell Michael and I are missing him already?! For that matter, so is my Mom and my dear husband!!!!!!
ALL LOYAL FIDELIO FANS!


So, who is going to be in the Talent Show?
That is, IF Disney hasn't cancelled that - the Dueling Pianists were the ones who did all the rehearsal and show work for it - with them gone, who knows what will happen.

Anyway, I am encouraging my little Beethovan to play something again and Emma and I already had dialogue about either an individual or group song.

Let's hear the interest level out there! Since it's not a contest, just a talent show.....it is a lot of fun and there is plenty of encouragement and appreciation from the audience - so don't be shy - get in on it!!!

Okay, now who's interested?

Rae

 

[oldebekn]

I never got much of a response from my last post, how was the weather during this week last year? Any rain? Temp on dech while at sea? In port? Just curious. Thanks. Have a great holiday...

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Great question - I would like to know about the weather as well!

 

[rae519]

Regardless of the weather - I'll be on the Magic and you know, it don't matter a gnat to me!!!!

Many people are concerned about the effect hurricanes will have on their cruise. Speaking from experience here (September 25 - Hurricane Lili) - we were diverted from our Western itinerary to have two days at CC, one day in San Juan and one day in St. Thomas. Seas smooth as glass and skies as blue as the water we were sailing on!!!

Lots of fun and memories made with that group of cruisers!!!
So if we do get a "Magic-al Mystery Cruise" due to the weather - we could end up having the best time ever!!!

Rae

 

[KEH]

Thanks Carolyn and Karen for offering to take Emma riding. I know she would like to go so especially if Marissa is also riding so we'll see what we can arrange. Is it likely that you guys will all end up riding together? Let me know if you are booking and I can book her in as well. The only thing is that she may then end up being with you for some of the rest of the day. Would that be okay?

Rae, a magical mystery cruise sounds fine to me. As long as I m on the cruise, I'll be happy wherever I am.

Karen

 

[rocadonismom]

Karen, I'd be alright with her hanging out with us. I'm planning on calling Nikki on Tuesday. Just have to get through this last holiday weekend, then things should calm down around here.