April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Wonder to Hawaii- who is with me?

[gydell]

When did they ever have good food? I personally am not a fan a chain Mexican places. This is L.A. The mom and Pop ones are 10x better.

What do you suggest that is within walking distance to the Doubletree?

 

[aan1701]

What do you suggest that is within walking distance to the Doubletree?

I have no clue. I just like hole in the wall Mexican places. It is San Pedro, there must be plenty. Or you can go to Ports of Call.

 

[Pixiegran]

Jason and I will almost certainly be doing a World of Color dinner package on Saturday (hopefully at Ariel's Grotto)...but if there was another meet of some sort, count us in!

Did you have to make reservations directly with DL?

 

[birkner]

Little sister did tell DBIL about booking this cruise for his birthday next year. Not only is he happy (I wasn't sure he would be) he wants a verandah! So, note made with her travel agent...wish them luck on one opening up (and a small windfall to cover the $ jump from a Cat 11)!

.

I would love a veranda but none available I have heard as well!!

My closest friend Nancy is going to be my roomie on this cruise and I can't be more excited!! We don't care if we are in the bowels of this ship as haven't been to Hawaii together since Xmas of 1980!!

 

[Pixiegran]

I stayed there before in 08. It was nice and easy ride to port. I might do that again for this cruise. I just can't decide.

I have finished my door decorations. I only have one thing left for my fe gifts, the hard part is done. I also just finished my Wonder Dec. cruise scrapbook. I feel like I am ahead.........for the moment.

How many pages did your scrapbook take? I have been working on ours and have done 38 pages and haven't made a dent in the pictures I still need to do Figure I will end up with two albums...we took some great scenery pictures that we want to keep.

 

[MrsMork]

When did they ever have good food? I personally am not a fan a chain Mexican places. This is L.A. The mom and Pop ones are 10x better.

Perhaps skip the food and go right to the drink then.

 

[Pixiegran]

Perhaps skip the food and go right to the drink then.

I think we should go the a restaurant and then we can eat or just drink - whatever we want

 

[MrsMork]

I think we should go the a restaurant and then we can eat or just drink - whatever we want

and visit

 

[birkner]

Here is the unofficial list of activities I have read board members are taking responsibility for organizing. I have added your name to the pre-cruise meets and room tour. I have read a number of ideas and offers for pre-cruise meets so maybe you could keep us on track for those meetings being planned in Southern California in the days just prior to the cruise, where, when, who etc. Thanks.

-------------------------HAVEN'T POSTED AN UPDATE IN A WHILE SOOOO----------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a list of the DISboard activities and their organizers. If I have missed any, or have any of the information incorrect, please advise.

I have also listed past activities that we may wish to include. If you would like to be an organizer for one of these let me know. If you don't want to be assigned as organizer but REALLY hope someone else takes it on, let us know that too.

Group Lanyards tig82174, eeyorelvr10

Roll call BibbidyBobbidyBoo, Brooklyn

Champagne Girls EllaEnchanted, UKANGEL

Facebook link Brooklyn, KrissannB

Scavenger Hunt dolphingirl47

Secret Mickey MJGirl dolphingirl47

Graphics Brooklyn

FE threebritts

vow renewal valbob89, goofprincess, threebritts, Happy Goofy

book exchange valbob89

Private Tours birkner

Pre-cruise stay mickeymom923

Group Palo Brunch newbydisney, dee47

Link Late Night Res dee47

Private Shuttle to Port
from DL dee47, tig82174, eeyorelvr10

DISboard Navigator dee47


Update White Board KrissannB

bracelet KrissannB

Jewelry Making
Workshop Dolphingirl47

Geezer Meet Mrs. Mork

Candy Swap paulasillars

Cruise Website birkner

Door Decorations
Contest jessrose18

Hawaii Scrapbooking seaulater


Pre-Cruise Meeting Kugalbelle

Room Tour Kugalbelle


On other cruises there have been the following activities. If anyone would like to organize any of them, please let us know. Also, if you have other events you would like see added to the list.


T-Shirts
group logo
mickey mouse club

Lanyard Pins

Private Tastings

PJ Breakfast

Postcard Exchange

Group Photo Share Account

Ladies Afternoon Tea

Recipe Exchange

Welcome Aboard Meet & Greet

I think I volunteered for lanyard pins.

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

We are staying at the Doubletree also! We stayed there before the LA-Vancouver repo. Nice place (but crazy room numbering system!).

There is a seafood place that is a short walk from the hotel that we went to while there.

Have not looked at the return part of the trip. Depends on what flights are out of LAX into CLE.

I looked at the roster today and noticed that there are actually several cruisers from Northeast Ohio! Maybe we can meet up!

But the real reason I was looking at the roster is to look for anyone that may live near Witchita Kansas. Actually, Augusta KS. Need a favor if anyone lives there.

Trying to keep up with the thread, but lots of things going on.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Debbie

 

[granmaz]

I would love a veranda but none available I have heard as well!!

My closest friend Nancy is going to be my roomie on this cruise and I can't be more excited!! We don't care if we are in the bowels of this ship as haven't been to Hawaii together since Xmas of 1980!!

Fab news Noel. I think you will have a whole lot of fun!!!!

I only have one friend who I would share a room with and she is a very old friend. We trained together and lived together for a while, and also went away on vacations together. We would just so easily slip back into that again given the chance. It is strange as we only see each other once a year now and only for a short time. I really don't think i could share with anyone else.

 

[Scott H]

When did they ever have good food? I personally am not a fan a chain Mexican places. This is L.A. The mom and Pop ones are 10x better.

I agree 100%, couple of nice ladies sell some great burritos at Parker Center.

 

[gdaneowner]

We are staying at the Doubletree also! We stayed there before the LA-Vancouver repo. Nice place (but crazy room numbering system!).

There is a seafood place that is a short walk from the hotel that we went to while there.

Have not looked at the return part of the trip. Depends on what flights are out of LAX into CLE.

I looked at the roster today and noticed that there are actually several cruisers from Northeast Ohio! Maybe we can meet up!

But the real reason I was looking at the roster is to look for anyone that may live near Witchita Kansas. Actually, Augusta KS. Need a favor if anyone lives there.

Trying to keep up with the thread, but lots of things going on.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Debbie

I am in Merriam, Ks, about 3hrs north of Witchita.. Don't seem to be many Kansasans, around this thread!

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

I am in Merriam, Ks, about 3hrs north of Witchita.. Don't seem to be many Kansasans, around this thread!

It is usally that way with Ohioans!

I did a search on DIS and did find someone that does actually live in Augusta. Hopefully she will check her PM's!

Debbie

 

[EllaEnchanted]

What do you suggest that is within walking distance to the Doubletree?

May I suggest the Marina Bar and Grill....."The full, fresh flavors of Southern California await you at Marina Bar & Grill. Overlooking the beautiful Cabrillo Marina, our on-site San Pedro restaurant features an eclectic menu combining the highest-quality local seafood, fruits and vegetables with a decidedly Italian twist. Sit out on our chic patio for an al fresco dining experience to highlight any evening." It works well for those of us that have difficulty walking since it's right inside the hotel and sitting outside on the patio overlooking the marina sounds very nice.

I'll go with whatever the majority want to do. I can always take a cab even if the restaurant is closeby. It's just one suggestion.

 

[aan1701]

I agree 100%, couple of nice ladies sell some great burritos at Parker Center.

There is a great Taco/Mexican food truck near our freight house at LAX. Way better than anything from Acapolco.

 

[gydell]

May I suggest the Marina Bar and Grill....."The full, fresh flavors of Southern California await you at Marina Bar & Grill. Overlooking the beautiful Cabrillo Marina, our on-site San Pedro restaurant features an eclectic menu combining the highest-quality local seafood, fruits and vegetables with a decidedly Italian twist. Sit out on our chic patio for an al fresco dining experience to highlight any evening." It works well for those of us that have difficulty walking since it's right inside the hotel and sitting outside on the patio overlooking the marina sounds very nice.

I'll go with whatever the majority want to do. I can always take a cab even if the restaurant is closeby. It's just one suggestion.

Sounds good to me. I know Bill would like it better than Mexican food.

 

[3CStuart]

My wife and I will be sailing. Cat 5C/6036.

Staying at Crowne Plaza San Pedro prior to cruise, and just booked flights this morning. Hoping a 1:15pm departure out of LAX on 5/14/12 will work.

-Stuart

 

[MousseauMob]

Wow - I blinked and there were 5 additional pages of posts - you guys were busy. Reminded me of those weeping angels in the Doctor Who episode "Blink"! Sorry, DS just told me he's going to be the 10th Doctor for Halloween, so I have Doctor Who on the brain.

FE Question: On our previous 2 DCL crusises, when I put together the FEs I just put them together and delivered them, I didn't add a card or note stating our DisName. But we received a fair amount where people had designated who the FE was from, so I was wondering - what do most of you do on your FEs. Gee, maybe this should be a poll - anyway. Do you label your FEs with your DisName so the receiver knows who it is from, or do you just leave it anonymous?

We are going to DL in September/ October, but are planning to spend 2 or 3 days there after the cruise as well.

So far the only thing that I have heard is that they will enclose what is now outside seating behind Beach Blanket Buffet. We will be on the third cruise after dry dock and I can report back then what has been done.

Corinna

I think we're going to do a similar thing, go in September, but then also do at least a day (maybe more) after the cruise.

We have never been to DL, we are frequent WDW visitors, and are going there this October. I am taking my Mom on this Cruise, and she has never been to WDW or DL, so thinking we might need to take her. There is something about walking into the park and seeing the castle... . Does anyone know the price differences in a good neighbor DL package, and the DL resort packages?

I've been pricing them, and the variations are quite extreme, but then again, the price from GC to the other DL resort hotels, is pretty substantial also. We were going to stay at the DLH this time, because we've never stayed there, but I think the construction has scared me off. Looks like we'll "forced" to stay at the GC like we usually do. I know twist my arms, poor poor us huh!!

I fancy the Queen Mary for the night before the cruise, but we will probably have 2 nights pre cruise. would the Queen Mary be a sensible place for 2 nights?

We will go to DL afterwards!!! Still trying to work out what to do around that 20/21 days as we want to be over for 6-8 weeks again to make the cost of the flights worth while. Might go to Orlando for a week or so first and fly over to LA. Ah, what a lot of decisions.

I think if you're okay with the Queen Mary's accomodations then 2 nights there is fine. There's quite a few things nearby.

Suggestions for your extra days: Have you done San Diego, and Las Vegas? Even if you weren't interested in the strip, Lake Las Vegas in Henderson is lovely. You could go to Lake Havasu in Arizona and visit the London Bridge, or even do the Grand Canyon. All of these are relatively close. You could go north, up the coast and do Hearst Castle in San Simeon, then up through Carmel and Monterey. IMO driving from LA up the coast is the direction to go - same beautiful scenery without being cliff side.

Guess we need to maybe set up a meet at the port for those of us going straight there!

I seem to recall someone volunteering to organize a meet for those staying in Long Beach (Hyatt or Queen Mary) also, but I can't recall who or any details now. There is a Bubba Gumps within walking distance from the Hyatt, I'm not quite sure how far the Queen Mary is. Did someone say they were going to do this or was I just confused? I haven't booked yet, because I'm still working out my details/number of days, but I am pretty sure it will be at the Hyatt.

**MUST SEE ADVICE NEEDED**

I can see from this thread that there are a few people who have already visited Hawaii and this being my first time (and maybe my only time to visit), I was wondering, what are the must sees in each port. I am trying to research each port and I would like to have an idea of what I want to do when DCL releases the excursions for our cruise.

Thanks in advance

We've only been once, so we may not be the best judge, but when I went I also thought it would be our only visit, and now look at us going again. Anyway here goes:

Hilo - Volcano National Park and walking through Thurston Lava Tube were the highlight.
Maui - Iao Needle was amazing, we also did the Maui Ocean Center, but I wouldn't consider that a must see. Our port times won't allow it, but The Old Lahaina Luau was a beautiful experience, and if possible I would have put it on a must do.
Honolulu - Pearl Harbor, the Palace was lovely and closed unfortunately, but the banyan trees on the grounds are amazing.
Kaui - sorry, we haven't been there, this will be a first for us also.

 

[valbob89]

I think I volunteered for lanyard pins.

Thanks Noel, I've updated the posting.