Aug 03 2008 Magic (West Coast)

[DL_DCA_fans]

I am having trouble finding out information on transfers since we are coming in the day before from the East Coast and staying at a hotel near the airport. Disney said to show up at LAX and get our transfer to the ship on Sunday morning, but I can not find out any information about what time -- where to meet the Disney representatives, etc. Does any one have a clue on this one?

Marj

Inside your Travel Booklet, there is a Ground Transfer Info page. It states/implies that you should go to the Baggage Claim area and a DCL rep will be able to assist between the hours of 9:00am to 1:45pm. At most LAX terminals, the Baggage Claim area are near the exit doors. I am not sure that once you leave the Baggage Claim area if you can get back in. Your post doesn't mention if you are doing a DCL package and staying at the LA Airport Marriott. They have a different method of checking in.

 

[Sailingpartyof10]

My DU travel agent worked a miracle and got my cousin's husband and little girl moved to a cabin right across the hall from my cousin and the rest of her kids! I'm so relieved!!!

 

[sylnbry]

Sailing Party of 10: Great news. Thanks for sharing. Looks like everything is coming into place for a great cruise.

 

[sylnbry]

DL DCA Fans: Count us in for the DISmeet. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you that have been posting on this board.

On a side note: I've been trying to work on my door magnets this week, but I haven't been too focused on our cruise prep. My 6 year old son is flying out this weekend to Orlando (from California) to go to camp at WDW with my nephew who lives in Orlando. (He will be accompanied by my Mom.) So I have been packing his things this week but I am a little sad that he will be away for a whole week. (Funny, I've had to travel for business on longer stretches away from the family, but it seems a little harder now that he is the one getting on the airplane.)

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

My DU travel agent worked a miracle and got my cousin's husband and little girl moved to a cabin right across the hall from my cousin and the rest of her kids! I'm so relieved!!!

That is awesome news! Anything is possible with a little bit of pixie dust. Everything is falling into place.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Soon we will all be cruising!
I just checked the weather report off the coast of Baja.
What did I see? One tropical storm (Fausto) and one hurricane (Eldia). Both are no threat to the land because they are drifting out to sea. BUT there are high sea reports due to the storms. I know the storms will be long gone by the time we sail, but it reminded me that it is hurricane season. So I am going to purchase extra Dramamine and Bonine.

 

[FirstTimer]

Yes DB and DD's docs arrived finally after playing tag with UPS. Now, finals are over and I can officially turn my mind to all things Disney. I'm soo looking forward to this trip. Only worry is that DD has never been on a plane for so long, hope she makes it.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Yes DB and DD's docs arrived finally after playing tag with UPS. Now, finals are over and I can officially turn my mind to all things Disney. I'm soo looking forward to this trip. Only worry is that DD has never been on a plane for so long, hope she makes it.

I am glad that you received your docs, and that finals are over. I remember that feeling. It is like a ton of bricks have been lifted off your shoulders. What are you going to school for?


On long flights I give my DD Benadryl, and she takes a nice long nap! And when she wakes up, she watches a movie on her DVD player.

I too am looking forward to this trip. See you soon.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

This week I shopped for all the final items on the "Cruise to Purchase List."



Suitcases are out and 1/2 full. I made a promise to myself NOT to overpack. I learned my lesson last year. Lugging two suitcases (each 50+ pounds) around Europe was not fun.

Packing will be completed this week because next weekend starts party preparation. Yesterday, my sister and I mapped out the tables/chairs arrangement in my parents' backyard. We wanted to make sure that we had enough room for the band, bar, and dance floor. We also spent half the day running around trying to get our hands on 5 easy-ups. As of this morning we met our quota.



I am going to start putting the Fish Extender gifts together today. I am still waiting on one more item, but I cannot delay this any longer. I will just add the item when and if it arrives.

I hope to hear from all of you as our cruise gets closer. I enjoy reading about your preparations and experiences.

Let's bump up this and try to hit a 50 page thread over the next 14 DAYS!

 

[amanuensis]

We three are also just starting to pack and I too have learned my lesson about overpacking, especially for the ultra-casual Mexican Riviera itinerary.

I haven't been able to get ready until now because I had a publication deadline to meet and was working non-stop. But it (our magazine) is off to the the printers and I can finally turn my attention to The Cruise.

Tomorrow we decided to drive up to San Pedro to wave goodbye to the Disney Magic. That will give us a chance to see the cruise terminal since we've only been to the Long Beach cruise terminal where the Queen Mary is. My son in particular is SO EXCITED. And my husband and I are looking forward to a relaxing cruise with no deadlines to meet and no cooking.

I have to figure out what door decorations to put up (do they allow them?)

I hope to hear from all of you as our cruise gets closer. I enjoy reading about your preparations and experiences.

Let's bump up this and try to hit a 50 page thread over the next 14 DAYS!

 

[FirstTimer]

I am glad that you received your docs, and that finals are over. I remember that feeling. It is like a ton of bricks have been lifted off your shoulders. What are you going to school for?


On long flights I give my DD Benadryl, and she takes a nice long nap! And when she wakes up, she watches a movie on her DVD player.

I too am looking forward to this trip. See you soon.

I'm in law school. I'm soo happy I get this break . I'm not packed yet but I usually don't start til the week before, (ok day before but I'm getting better). I need to buy (or make) my FE and decide whether we're gonna do something piratey. After reading a review I booked Las Caletas but really the family has no set itinerary. Supposed to sit down with DB one of these days and go over what each wants to do so we'll see.

 

[dleyel]

Still too early for me to start packing. I'm more of a wait to the last minute type of packer. I don't know how ultra-casual the cruise will be, but DD6 will still have 2 outfits per day ~ she has a ton of clothes and needs to wear them! We're only a 30 minute drive or so away, so I don't have to worry about airline luggage restrictions. Although we may have suitcases on our laps for the drive as there will be 7 of us in our Grand Caravan! We have 2 staterooms for the 5 of us, so I don't think space will be an issue either. I found DS9 and DS12 suits at JCPenney last weekend on clearance for $15, originally $75! I still need to buy white dress shirts for them and shoes for DS9. The last of our pirate costumes arrived yesterday. Still need to finish shopping for the FE exchange. Can't believe we'll be getting ready to board in exactly 2 weeks!

 

[sylnbry]

Let's bump up this and try to hit a 50 page thread over the next 14 DAYS!

Sounds great. Let's hear from everyone. Let me start this off by sending out some questions out to everyone.

What are you most looking forward to on the cruise? Who is celebrating any special events on the cruise (birthdays, anniversaries)?

I am most looking forward to the look on my kids faces when they see all the shows and the Disney characters. I am also looking forward to a week of R&R. As for birthdays, we are celbrating my DS and DH birthdays.

 

[dleyel]

I'm most looking forward to just being on the Magic and experiencing as much as we can while still relaxing some! We will be celebrating my son's 12th birthday and my father-in-law's birthday, both on August 6th. DH and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary pre-cruise on July 31st. Looking forward to hearing everyone else's replies.

 

[M&C]

Add a third person to August 6 birthdays! DD will be celebrating her 6th birthday on August 6. We had a birthday party for her this weekend since she will basking in the sun on her birthday. So, poor thing insists she is now 6 and says she will be 7 on August 6. Her goal, after all, is to catch up to her sister who will turn 13 on August 22.

M&C

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

We three are also just starting to pack and I too have learned my lesson about overpacking, especially for the ultra-casual Mexican Riviera itinerary.

I haven't been able to get ready until now because I had a publication deadline to meet and was working non-stop. But it (our magazine) is off to the the printers and I can finally turn my attention to The Cruise.

Tomorrow we decided to drive up to San Pedro to wave goodbye to the Disney Magic. That will give us a chance to see the cruise terminal since we've only been to the Long Beach cruise terminal where the Queen Mary is. My son in particular is SO EXCITED. And my husband and I are looking forward to a relaxing cruise with no deadlines to meet and no cooking.

I have to figure out what door decorations to put up (do they allow them?)

DCL allows magnets on doors. I believe no tape.

What is the name of your magazine?

I too cannot wait to relax. I second your son's excitement.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

I'm in law school. I'm soo happy I get this break . I'm not packed yet but I usually don't start til the week before, (ok day before but I'm getting better). I need to buy (or make) my FE and decide whether we're gonna do something piratey. After reading a review I booked Las Caletas but really the family has no set itinerary. Supposed to sit down with DB one of these days and go over what each wants to do so we'll see.

Kodos to you and your advanced degree efforts. You really deserve this vacation. I admire you! I know it is not easy going to school with a family. My DD is 13, and I was in school half her life, but I finished.

Pirate theme FE gifts are a great idea. I went with the Mexican Riviera theme myself. I am glad my FE gifts are done.

In 05, we went on the Las Caletas excursion. We had a wonderful time. The beach wasn't crowded, and the water was beautiful and warm. The food was very good. If you like, you can schedule a massage. I didn't, but the people that did appeared to enjoy themselves.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Sounds great. Let's hear from everyone. Let me start this off by sending out some questions out to everyone.

What are you most looking forward to on the cruise? Who is celebrating any special events on the cruise (birthdays, anniversaries)?

I am most looking forward to the look on my kids faces when they see all the shows and the Disney characters. I am also looking forward to a week of R&R. As for birthdays, we are celbrating my DS and DH birthdays.

I look forward to my parents renewing their wedding vows. We are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

I also cannot wait for brunch at Palo and swimming with the dolphins in Cabo. Oops, let me not forget the Dis get together on Monday.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

On thread page 31...19 more to go to hit 50!

We are celebrating a lot of birthdays. What is a better place to celebrate your b-day than on the Disney Magic.

Since we are all in prep mode, What is the oddest item that you plan to pack?

Who is traveling the farthest distance to board the Magic?

What is the first thing that you want to do once you board the Magic?

The oddest items: Airborne, wipes, and sanitizer (I have a thing about germs) Oh, hangers

First Thing: I will have to go to Rockin Bar D to straighten out our Palo reservations. Then off to the buffet.

Farthest Distance: SoCal resident...too close to be the farthest.

 

[dleyel]

How could I forget ~ I am especially looking forward to our dolphin swim in PV! Can't think of anything odd that I'm planning to pack. I suppose they would be odd to non-DISers, but don't forget to bring zip ties so the fish extenders don't swim away! Are we allowed to bring scissors or do we have to ask our stateroom attendant to cut them off? My FE gift may be too big for some of the FEs, so I may need to zip tie them so they don't wander.

First thing on board: I think we'll check out the Mickey pool. We have late dinner, so we don't have to eat right away. I'd initially wanted Palo brunch, but think now I'd rather have more time to enjoy sea days with the kids. We have dinner at Palo on Friday.

Definitely not coming from very far as we live in Orange County.