Aug 03 2008 Magic (West Coast)

[Belle is my Fav]

Thanks for your info on the Dolphin Excursions but I need some clarification. We booked our excursions thru Disney Cruise Line for the Dolphin Kids and Dolphin Swim. Was the number that was provided the same location for the one that the Disney Cruise Line Books? I just called it and the lady on the line (Maggie) seemed to be a little confused. We are paying about $40-$50 more going thru the cruise line than what they are offering and before I cancel thru the cruise line, I want to make sure they are the same especially since we have two other families that are linked with us and I would hate to make a mistake, but would love the savings.

Signed,
First timer needing help!

 

[sylnbry]

Thanks for your info on the Dolphin Excursions but I need some clarification. We booked our excursions thru Disney Cruise Line for the Dolphin Kids and Dolphin Swim. Was the number that was provided the same location for the one that the Disney Cruise Line Books? I just called it and the lady on the line (Maggie) seemed to be a little confused. We are paying about $40-$50 more going thru the cruise line than what they are offering and before I cancel thru the cruise line, I want to make sure they are the same especially since we have two other families that are linked with us and I would hate to make a mistake, but would love the savings.

Signed,
First timer needing help!

Hi Belle is my Fav. The Dolphin Excursion you booked through Disney Cruise Line is not the one we are talking about on this thread that is undergoing maintenance. The Dolphin/Sea Lion swim that we got the email from is the Sea Life Park in PV (We booked this on our own through their website as it was much cheaper than the DCL one and included admission to their water park.). If you are on the DCL dolphin excursion then there are not any issues as it is held at another facility.

 

[sylnbry]

Yay! 41 pages.
Just an update: I emailed the Sea Life Park this morning and got a reply very quickly. They confirmed the info that was posted eariler that the pool and lazy river were open but the slides were not done with maintenance yet. Ya never know, maybe they might be done by the time we get there next Thursday.

Only 3 days left 'til we're on the Magic.

 

[Belle is my Fav]

That's why these disboards are so awesome especially for us newbee'Z

 

[HeelMD]

Home from last day of work. Fly out to LAX tomorrow. It's really starting to feel real now. I think we are going to stick with the Sea Lion Encounter even with the waterpark issues.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Well, we are going to try and cancel...I mean it cost $256 and that price was supposed to include the water park. I emailed them last night and haven't heard back yet. Their charge is on my cc bill, but I haven't paid yet, so if they don't respond, I may go ahead and dispute now.

As for other options, not sure what we are going to do yet...some have said Krystal resort is great, so maybe. Others have said Las Caletas was great. Also contemplating Marietas. Problem is both LC and M are 7 hour excursions, and we don't really want to be gone that long. We know we'll need a late afternoon nap for the kids to stay up for pirate night. I've also emailed a dolphins in the wild place to see if they've had any cancellations as we really originally wanted to do that. Also, although fully booked now, I wonder if they saved some spots on Pirate Sail? Maybe....I just know my dh ended up saying no way on the dolphin encounter as the water park was really the main attraction for us. We almost only booked water park tickets w/no excursion. LOL. I can't imagine them refusing to refund us, but you never know. Hopefully, I hear back today. I'll let you know.

We did Las Caletas in 2005 and had a wonderful time. For an extra fee, you may schedule a massage or interaction with a sea lion. Good luck! I hope it works out for you.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Glad to hear about the weather. Don't worry too much about the storms, myself, since the captain mostly sails around them. In port, it would be sad, but not sadder than missing the port completely, IMHO. Even thought my son told me last night he liked sea days best and would be just as happy if we sailed and didn't dock.



I haven't heard back from them either. It took them a full week after they closed to even inform us of the change. It was 2 days after I reserved with them that they closed. Nothing was mentioned about it closing. I am wondering if it is suspect even for the excursion. I had posted back and forth with someone who went earlier this summer regarding reviews that the water park appeared run down, and she said it was fine as far as she could see.

My son really wants to see the sea lions. His dolphin excursion last year was one of the highlights of the trip. He was really looking forward to the sea lions. There is another outfit that does the sea lions that we decided against because of the water park at this other place. Hoping we hear today because changing to the other will need to be done soon, if they even have openings.

I do not worry too much about the hurricanes. What I worry about is the rough seas. I lived through rough seas due to a hurricane once before, and I hope I do not have to relive that experience again. Waves crashes against stateroom windows were a bit much. I am very thankful that we have smooth sailing ahead of us.

In 2005, the La Caletas excursion gave people the option to participate in a interactive session with a sea lion for an additional fee. My DD and my husband did it, and they had a great experience.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Home from last day of work. Fly out to LAX tomorrow. It's really starting to feel real now. I think we are going to stick with the Sea Lion Encounter even with the waterpark issues.

I wish you and your family a safe and uneventful travel day. Enjoy Legoland and have a great visit with your family. See you soon.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

9 pages left, and a little more than 72 hours to reach the goal of 50 pages.



Yes, the toast is finished. Thanks to my DH. He wrote a beautiful toast while I was at work today. My parents will love it.



My DD decided that she wants to write a speech too...So now Rae and Amanda are working on a toast.



I am very anxious for the party. I am so focused on the details that I cannot really see past Saturday, but I am so excited for Sunday.

What time is everybody planning on getting to the port? Our plan is to get there early (10:00 ish).

I just finished setting our DVR to record all those must see television shows next week. The Jonas Brothers are going to be on Good Morning America,and we cannot miss it!



I hope all your preparations are going well.

 

[dleyel]

Wow, only 3 days left. Seems like I still have so much to do. Just started going through DD6's closet. Unlike the boys, she definitely must have 2 outfits for each day. Can't wear the same thing twice when her closet is overflowing! We're only a 45 minute drive away, so no worry about luggage restrictions. I think we'll try to leave home about 10am. I just don't see me being ready before that, but we'll leave sooner if we are.

To all those heading out early, have a great time in CA. Those of you going to Legoland will have a lot of fun. We've had annual passes since 2000 and go at least 4 times a year. My boys are Lego lovers and I'm always stepping on them, but my DD loves it there too.

 

[vossjemi]

Well, I'm a little disappointed in the turn of events. Their original email to me said nothing about the lazy river/pool being open and it just being the slides that were closed. Since I booked this whole thing online and had emailed them several times w/questions before I booked, I assumed that was how I had to cancel. I cancelled last night. I had to be out of office (road trip) today and so am just now getting to reading your responses and yes, I too had an email from Sea Life Park. They cancelled and refunded me as I requested, but still said nothing about portions of the park being open. I didn't know that until I read your postings here. They should have mentioned that. Ugh.

Oh well, what's done is done. I haven't signed up for anything else yet. I read about the Krystal, may go there. I may also see if I can get on waitlist for Pirate Sail when on ship. If not, may just book Las Caletas and do sea lion interaction. Or, my dh said, we could just stay on the ship and let the kids enjoy the pools there! haha. Last dis cruise (4 day) they never got to get in the pools, always too crowded and we were out on port days. Maybe if we stay in, they can swim and I can get 1/2 price on a spa pkg of some sort, hmm?

I hate that its all up in the air now. But, I also went ahead and contacted the dolphins in the wild people again in the hopes something has opened up there as that is really what we wanted to do originally. Cross your fingers for us.

 

[HeelMD]

Hitting the bed....early flight tomorrow. The next time I sign on, we will be at our hotel in Anaheim. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

[DisneyMom92]

Well, I'm a little disappointed in the turn of events. Their original email to me said nothing about the lazy river/pool being open and it just being the slides that were closed. Since I booked this whole thing online and had emailed them several times w/questions before I booked, I assumed that was how I had to cancel. I cancelled last night. I had to be out of office (road trip) today and so am just now getting to reading your responses and yes, I too had an email from Sea Life Park. They cancelled and refunded me as I requested, but still said nothing about portions of the park being open. I didn't know that until I read your postings here. They should have mentioned that. Ugh.

Oh well, what's done is done. I haven't signed up for anything else yet. I read about the Krystal, may go there. I may also see if I can get on waitlist for Pirate Sail when on ship. If not, may just book Las Caletas and do sea lion interaction. Or, my dh said, we could just stay on the ship and let the kids enjoy the pools there! haha. Last dis cruise (4 day) they never got to get in the pools, always too crowded and we were out on port days. Maybe if we stay in, they can swim and I can get 1/2 price on a spa pkg of some sort, hmm?

I hate that its all up in the air now. But, I also went ahead and contacted the dolphins in the wild people again in the hopes something has opened up there as that is really what we wanted to do originally. Cross your fingers for us.

I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Maybe your perfect excursion will open for you or maybe your perfect day is no excursion? Here's hoping that it turns out for the best or that you can at least make the best of whatever turns out

Hitting the bed....early flight tomorrow. The next time I sign on, we will be at our hotel in Anaheim. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

Happy and safe travels to you and everyone else as they leave. We leave late Friday afternoon, arriving in the evening on Friday for the DoubleTree. Still have some loose ends to tie up here. Then we are ready. Packing now that laundry is all done.

 

[BabyFavorite]

Debbie,
I think we're getting to the port around 10:00, too. That's our goal, at least! We're staying at the Doubletree the night before, so it all depends on how soon the shuttle can get us there.

See you soon!!

 

[DisneyMom92]

Debbie,
I think we're getting to the port around 10:00, too. That's our goal, at least! We're staying at the Doubletree the night before, so it all depends on how soon the shuttle can get us there.

See you soon!!

Hey, we are at the Doubletree too! Maybe we will run into to each other. I don't have a pic of me, might have one of the kids, I will look but we are hard to miss. My sis and I are "Pooh" sized and there are 2 kids, DS12 and DD16. Both are kind of loud, very outgoing and will probably be pretty boistrous since they are pretty excited. Chances are DD will be on the phone with boyfriend or texting with friends.

I will be on the lookout for you

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

I am very excited for all of you who are starting their vacation today.



Today is my last day of work, and I am only working a half day (mandatory meeting in the afternoon).


This morning I am going to the gym and to get a pedicure and manicure with my DD.
And after the meeting it is off to Costco to purchase food and drinks for the party.


DisneyMom92: I know these teenagers and their cell phones. I am traveling with THREE of them. But the rule is no cell phones. Let's see if they survive the week without them.


Dleyel: We live about the same distance from the port. I know how you feel. I look forward to a short drive and no airport delays or lost luggage.


Vossjemi: I am sorry about your disappointment with the dolphin excursion. I vote for the Las Caletas excursion. We loved it! Also, in PV we plan to stay on the ship and relax & enjoy the ship's amenities.


HeelMD: Are you staying at the DL Resort? My favorite hotel is the Grand CA.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Page 42! 8 pages to go!







4 more days and the Magic starts.

 

[SoCalDCLfan]

This morning I am going to the gym and to get a pedicure and manicure with my DD.

we're doing pedicures today too!! DDs are very excited.

 

[M&C]

we're doing pedicures today too!! DDs are very excited.

The pedicure places in SoCal will be hopping today! That's our plan too. My girls are pretty excited as well. DD5(6) is counting the days.

We won't be staying overnight in San Pedro, so we plan to get up very early, eat breakfast on the road, and get to the port around 10:00 am as well. At least, that is the plan. Based on our record, we never make it to Disneyland before noon. So, this is very ambitious for us! Pixie dust please. We'll need it.

M&C

 

[vossjemi]

I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Maybe your perfect excursion will open for you or maybe your perfect day is no excursion? Here's hoping that it turns out for the best or that you can at least make the best of whatever turns out

I think you are right! We had actually decided against caletas/marietas (too long...7 hours). So it was either walk to Krystal and let the children play in pools/water stuff while dh & I took turns getting massages, get on waitlist for Pirate Ship, or possibly a wild dolphin excursion if we could find one.

Well, guess what? Open Air Expeditions, the company I was originally trying to do wild dolphins with found me another group of biologists who have an open tour. Yeah!!! Its $65pp, but $ goes to research and preservation. They have a little class in the beginning in a classroom to teach the kids all about the dolphins. Then, off we go to search Banderas Bay. I realize there is no guarantee we'll find them, but I'm told that there are several pods who live in the Bay so its not normally a problem (but then my dh is 1 out of 3 on deep sea fishing trips too!). Anyway, I'm so excited now that we found what we really wanted to do in the first place. You are right! Things happen for a reason. Now, I just have to convince my kids its going to be ok and no sharks will be out to get them. They caught a little of Shark Week last night and now are swearing they won't get in the water! LOL