August 12, 2006-DIS DREAMS DO COME TRUE-Magical Western Cruise

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Bridge Tour:

I just found this posted on the other forum

There will be no more bridge tours on the Wonder after the 10/06 dry dock. They stopped on the Magic in 10/05.

 

[indimini]

Wow! it's so cool that another family from Boyds will be on the cruise. Are you in the older area or newer? That makes three Maryland families already for the cruise.

What's the issue with BWI by the way? I refuse to fly out of Dulles if I can possibly help it. I am a very nervous flyer, and that place just does not help my comfort levels!! We're looking at Southwest out of BWI, or National.

The only issue is that it takes so long to get out to the airport with all the construction on the Baltimore beltway. I liked it better when it was a smaller airport. I prefer jumping on the ferry into VA and heading down 28. Mind you, I like flying Southwest, but Ted had $79 one way and they at least offer XM radio on the flights which helps keep our son occupied. (It's not as good as JetBlue which has DirecTV and XM however.)

 

[mgbagley]

Name
Michelle 49
DH-Chuck 46
DD-Jessica 20 (21 on Sept. 2)
DD-Christina 13 (14 on Aug. 13)
Live in Ellicott City, Maryland (between Baltimore and DC)
Stateroom 7505
Late seating, hopefully 8pm
Arriving 3 days before to stay at Pop Century for another Disney visit.
We went on the 4 day trip on the Disney Wonder in 2003 and stayed at Port Orleans and loved it. We would go back,but we really need two rooms and Pop Century was a better deal.
It will be Christina's 14 birthday on August 13 and Jessica will be 21 (on 9/2, but we figured it is close enough)
We did the surrial(sp?) bath in the spa last time and that was fun. It was some alone time for DH and me since we are sharing a room with the girls.
We have booked the Dolphin Royal Swim so we have to go to Cozumel!
Would love to meet up at Palo's!
We love to do all the fun games and even karaoke!The best thing about that is we embarass our children. Isn't that what parents are supposed to do?

 

[firstmickey]

Good Morning! here are my answers:


1) DIS Name(s)
firstmickey
2) First Names/Ages/Relationship (ages for adults optional)
Me - Donna (cruising right after my 40th birthday...this is my present to me!)
DH -Dan
DD - Kaitlin (12 )
DS - Kevin (9)
3) Hometown (State or Country)
Cranberry Township PA...suburb north of Pittsburgh
4) Stateroom #
6th floor verandah room...I have to go look the room number up
5) Dinning Time (late/main)
Main - requested the 6pm one
6) Will you be visiting WDW before/after your cruise?
Yes. We are staying at the Swan for 3 days
What Resorts have you stayed @ and which is your favorite?
We have stayed at POR, POFQ, POP, AKL, Beach Club, and the Dolphin with Beach Club hands down favorite so far!
7) Will you be staying @ Port Canaveral the night before our cruise? Nope...Swan
(a) Arrival Date/Hotel or Motel - arriving Aug 9th at Swan
8) Any special events that you and family will be celebrating? My 40th birthday!
9) Any special activities that are a must while onboard? Palo Diner, Brunch, High Tea, Character Breakfast, Spa Treatments? Probably most of those
10) Any special excursion that you or your family must do? I wanted to do a Dolphin swim but I dont have much planned yet.
11) If you are a Castaway Club member: How many, when, what type cruises have you taken?
Never disney cruised before. I took one 3 day Carnival cruise with a friend several years ago

I would like to do a DIS meet but probably not as a dinner or an excursion.
My Palo dinner is going to be alone time with my DH.

neither of my kids have AIM but my DD has email or she could read a PM sent to me.

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

WOW, Beckie !!!
To me it looks like all of us have done our homework !!!!

NOW ...you , poor thing , will have tons of data to correlate !!!!
This trip of ours looks more fun every day !!!!

Ciao !!!! Thank you for doing this "work" for our happy group !!!

Laura
Do you need some help ??

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

We love to do all the fun games and even karaoke!The best thing about that is we embarass our children. Isn't that what parents are supposed to do?

Love your humour !!!
Laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

I'm working on the information now, I'm sure once we get a little closer we can firm somethings up.

Right now I'm try to find out if we can book/reserve the private dinning room @ Palo for a DIS Meet later in the week and if we can do this in addition to our regular Palo request or in place of it...We will need to decide either Dinner or Brunch. I'm thinking maybe Brunch on August 17, 2006 Thursday Day-6
Day-at-Sea or an early Dinner August 18, Friday Day-7 so we would have time to pack and still attend Till we Meet Again.

The decision will be majoraty rule, so everyone will have a say. So far this is the information I have found:

Will need to fax following information to:
Inventory Control, Attn Hassle-Free Specialist/Palo

Reservation #
Reason for request
Sail Date
# of guest
Contact Name and telephone #
E-mail or Fax #
Each guest will be responsible for the $10.00 Brunch or Dinner Fee.

So far at lest three groups are interested in the Dolphin Excursion with Michelle already booked if we dock at Cozumel. So we have to wait and see.

Stingray City is another excursion for Grand Cayman

Sure you can help this was your idea, I'll PM you if there is anything we need done.

Love
Beckie

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

WOW !!!! just got Beckie's PM with all our data !!! SOOOOOOOO many onboard activities plus a Dis meet and Palo WAITING for us !!!!

Thank you Beckie !!!

so ... what are we going to plan now ???
Me too ... I would love to do most of their "Disney's art of entertaining" activities !!!
Laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

Your general file has been updated, (added)
Ship Board activities: Palo & Spa, Disney’s Art of Entertaining: Pastry Chef.

With Terry working 11:00am-8:00pm I have a little extra time. So compiling the information was easy, there is still more to do.

It will be fun sharing with so many, The Dolphin Excursion is one way that when (IF) we ever find out which Port we will be visiting and which company DCL/Private everyone wants to use, with 12-14 people booking there may be a possibility of a discount.

Same with Stingray City I read that Captain Marvin's and Native Way Watersports offer better prices with fewer people on each boat then the larger excursions through Disney. Guest say you recieve more one-on-one time with the smaller excursions. I have also read the Native Way makes sure everyone has a good time. Say that Louise, Tim and DS Birthday Boy Ben wanted to visit, when we arrived BBB decided "NO WAY." I have read reports where the guides work with the less adventurers to bring the Rays over close to the boat so the guest can still participate in the excursion while remaining dry. (hint-hint Laura)

That's all for now, I'll see everyone soon.
Beckie

 

[firstmickey]

thanks for all the hard work compiling the info, Beckie!

I just wanted to correct.....
My husband's name is DAN (unless Don is cuter.. .... )
and my DD's name is Kaitlin (which has a million spellings)


Thanks for taking the time! Can you make time go faster too?

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I just wanted to correct.....
My husband's name is DAN (unless Don is cuter.. .... )
and my DD's name is Kaitlin (which has a million spellings)
Can you make time go faster too?

Donna

I'm so sorry for that mistake, I remember thinking Donna & Don how sweet. I guess I was seeing one name thinking another. I have corrected Dan and Kaitlin's names thanks for letting me know.

I also corrected your Romanic Dinner with Dan, hope he didn't read that part and say "Who's Don?"

Firstmickey (1st DCL cruise)
Donna (Birthday 1st anniversary of her 39th)
Dan
DD Kaitlin (12)
DS Kevin (9)
Cranberry Township, Pa.
Dinning: Main (req 6:00pm) (link with DIS member?)
Cat 6 Verandah
DIS Meet: Yes
Ship board activities: Romanic Dinner with Dan @ Palo & Spa
WDW: Swan
Excursions:
Dolphin Excursion

I wish time would go faster @ times, I have two trips scheduled @ WDW before our cruise (March & June) then one afterwards in October for Food & Wine. Yet the only trip I am focused on is the Cruise.
I better check on my trip in 15 days...WOW I didn't realize it was that soon.


Attention Everyone:
I just realized I'll be at WDW in two weeks as you know we will be having Pirates in The Caribbean Night on
August 16, 2006 Wednesday Day-5. As we have a few members in our group that will not be visiting WDW before our cruise I was wondering if anyone would like for me to check prices ect. on Disney's Pirate Merchandise while I'm there visiting. I can also purchase any items you might want. I will try and take photo's of any new items that are available, then post them when I return. So if anyone not going to WDW can see whats available, then when I return in June I can shop for you then.

Beckie

 

[ReggieB]

Attention Everyone:
I just realized I'll be at WDW in two weeks as you know we will be having Pirates in The Caribbean Night on
August 16, 2006 Wednesday Day-5. As we have a few members in our group that will not be visiting WDW before our cruise I was wondering if anyone would like for me to check prices ect. on Disney's Pirate Merchandise while I'm there visiting. I can also purchase any items you might want. I will try and take photo's of any new items that are available, then post them when I return. So if anyone not going to WDW can see whats available, then when I return in June I can shop for you then.

Beckie[/FONT]

Now that might be so very helpful!! I seem to remember them having Mickey pirate ears, am I right? Those would be perfect for Ben. He would wear something with Mickey or the gang on, I'm not sure about fully costumed. Do you think they have a short sleeve shirt (something smarter, rather than a t-shirt) that might fit the bill? Please don't feel that you have to spend your trip shopping on my behalf, but if you get a chance to look I would be grateful. We aren't going to WDW until October, way after the cruise.

I wanted also to say that DH and I would be interested in a Palo brunch meet. I don't think I had put that down on my list.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Louise

I don't mind checking while I'm there at all. I will check out the merchandise, take a few photo's of anything that has potential then you can decide. I'll keep an eye out for a nicer polo shirt. When my nephews went to MNSSHP last October they didn't want to wear costumes so my sister picked them up T-shirts that were cute. I'll check for a photo...

Updated you for the Brunch if we can book it.

I think with the size group we have the Brunch would be better for the DIS Meet on August 17, 2006 Thursday Day-6 our Day-at-Sea if we can schedule it.

What does everyone else think?

Beckie

Two of my DN's and my DSis.

 

[mgbagley]

Beckie -Thanks for offering. You are so awesome to keep us all on track about the trip. I also forgot to put in that we would love to join anyone at any of the events, brunch,etc.
As for the pirate stuff, what do most people do? If everyone does something than I should probably look into getting something for the girls, a shirt, etc. Do the adults dress up too?
Donna and Bob - I am going to have Christina send a PM (now that Laura has taught me how to do this!) this weekend to Kaitlin and Rachel. Hopefully they will have something in common.
Michelle

 

[firstmickey]

Michelle, I will have Kaitlin send one too. She also has email so I will send her email address tomorrow.


I thought maybe we could put pictures of us up too......


here is one of Kaitlin and Kevin at Epcot last August.

and one of Dan and me:

I have very few pics of all 4 of us because I take most of the pictures! LOL! but here is one:

 

[ReggieB]

I have very few pics of all 4 of us because I take most of the pictures! LOL!

Well you know, now that we all know that...we will be kidnapping your camera for lots of family shots!!!

I'm exactly the same. our last trip to WDW was a shambles, one day Tim was ill, then another the poor thing was sat in the Contempory (brain freeze, can't spell it!!) lobby using their high speed internet connection because of major drama at work. So that trip there are lots of pictures of Ben, but little evidence of parents.

By the way if you think that work can't contact you onboard the ship, think again....Tim had a call about 8pm pm the 3rd day of our 4 night Wonder cruise. It took me about 2 mins to twig who was calling when I answered...I thought it was guest services!!!!!

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

I wanted also to say that DH and I would be interested in a Palo brunch meet.

Marco and I too would love a Palo brunch Dis meet !!!!!
As Beckie did suggest Thursday 8/17 could be a good choice !!! It is a day at sea ... no excursions no need to rush ... it sounds we all will have lot of time ... to spend the way we like best!!!
What do others think of this BRUNCH MEET ????

DONNA : I loved your family's pics !!! A great idea !!! It's nice to put a face on the name of a new friend !!!
I'll try and post a pic of ours... so I can also answer to Michelle : usually NOT every adult is dressed up for Pirates night ... but maybe a nice piratical touch will be fun !!!!

CIAO !!! Laura

 

[DGH]

I'm not sure about fully costumed.

You can have an idea how people is dressed clicking herebelow ...and wait a few seconds

http://www.webalice.it/mdinaro/mickeys_dreamers_000006.htm

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Same with Stingray City I read that Captain Marvin's and Native Way Watersports offer better prices with fewer people on each boat then the larger excursions through Disney. Guest say you recieve more one-on-one time with the smaller excursions. I have also read the Native Way makes sure everyone has a good time. Say that Louise, Tim and DS Birthday Boy Ben wanted to visit, when we arrived BBB decided "NO WAY." I have read reports where the guides work with the less adventurers to bring the Rays over close to the boat so the guest can still participate in the excursion while remaining dry.

Where did you find this, Beckie ????

I was ALSO thinking about a Bday present to myself :Atlantis Deep Explorer !!!! IF Marco and I can do this one and a Stingray & island tour as well !!!
I have to try and do some searches ...

Laura

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Laura

Is this the excursion:
Atlantis Deep Explorer: (G-01)
Batten the hatches and dive! Take a unique voyage aboard a real 2-person submarine! This amazing aquatic adventure takes you under the sea to the Cayman wall — reaching depths of up to 800 feet!

WOW, that sounds wonderful, a little too pricey for me but it isn't my Birthday.
Can only two people go at a time? You and Marco can do this while Terry and I are swimming with the Fishes.

Disney Cruise Line:
Stingray City Snorkel Tour: (G-08)
Snorkel among the stingrays at world-famous Stingray City. Countless rays reside in 4 to 8 feet (based on tidal changes) of water on a natural sandbar fringed by a colorful reef.
Activity Level: ModerateFor Ages: 5 And Up
Adult Price: $47 (ages 10 and up)

Captin Marvins
Short Excursion (approx. 2.5 hours):
Times: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM,
11:15 AM to 1:15 PM, or
1:45 to 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday (Check in by 8:00 AM, 10:45 AM or 1:15 PM)
· Stingray City sandbar, where you may feed and swim with the 'rays
· Snorkel at the incredible Barrier Reef or the Coral Gardens!
· Price: US$35/ages 12 and over; US$27.50/ages 4-11; under age 4, free!
· Price includes round-trip transportation from the Waterfront Centre, or from your condo or hotel on Seven Mile Beach, PLUS snorkel gear, life vest (optional), food for the stingrays, and icewater and fruit punch on board the boat.

Half-day Excursion: 10 AM to 1 PM, or 2 PM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday (Check in by 9:15 AM or by 1:15 PM) 9 AM to 12 noon, or 1 PM to 4 PM on Sundays (Check in by 8:15 AM or by 12:15 PM)
· Stingray City sandbar, where you may feed and swim with the 'rays
· Snorkel at the beautiful Coral Gardens
· Snorkel at the incredible Barrier Reef!
· Price: US$39.99/ages 12 and over; US$27.50/ages 4-11; under age 4, free!
· Price includes round-trip transportation from the Waterfront Centre, or from your condo or hotel on Seven Mile Beach, PLUS snorkel gear, life vest (optional), food for the stingrays, and icewater and fruit punch on board the boat.

Native Way Watersports
’Rays, Reef, and Rum Point

Stingray Sandbar, Barrier Reef & Rum Point Beach

Leave the crowds behind …and enjoy a full day of island fun and adventure on our ’Rays, Reef, and Rum Point excursion.

Swim under, over, and among dozens of friendly ‘rays at Stingray Sandbar. Snorkel amidst the amazing underwater life of Barrier Reef. Enjoy the turquoise waters and quiet, unspoiled beaches of Rum Point. All in one day … done the Native Way.

We guarantee small groups – never more than 25 people – on this popular excursion, which is a favorite with adventurers of all ages. It’s led by experienced, lively local guides and includes a generous picnic lunch (for you, plus a special meal for the stingrays!) and plenty of beverages.

Stingray Sandbar: The Stingray City Sandbar, located inside the Barrier Reef, is teeming with 30 to 40 Southern Atlantic stingrays, some of the friendliest sea creatures in the world. The only place in the world where you can do so, enjoy the thrill of swimming with and feeding the ‘rays. Native Way instructors will show you how to pet, hand-feed and snorkel alongside these velvety-smooth creatures with whip-like tails.

Barrier Reef: This spectacular snorkelers’ heaven, and haven, is home to more than 100 species of coral and an amazing myriad of colorful fish and sea creatures.

Rum Point Beach: At picturesque Rum Point kick back and take a snooze in a beach hammock or get off the beach and enjoy the water sports. Away from the crowds, this tranquil spot with its shade trees, picnic tables and pearly white beaches is an ideal spot for swimming, sunning, or snoozing. The shallow clear waters of a huge lagoon are perfect for children and novice swimmers.

5 Hours. Departs pier at 9:00 AM Eastern Time;
returns at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Adults: $60 USD Children: $45 USD (10 and under)

I like the reviews from Native way Watersports.
Beckie