August 16, 2011, Disney Dream - Part 2

[gfolchick]

Good morning to all!

very wet and dreary day here in CT

just have to get through today and an overnight shift tomorrow before my vacation starts. We are flying out of here Friday afternoon and staying at Hyatt MCO before heading to PC on Saturday.

totally gonna wing Key West, no firm plans

have this 'pirate encounter' thing on Grand Cayman until noon or so, then maybe Margaritaville for lunch? wondering about taking a taxi to beach ?? suggestions??

for cozumel we are doing the dolphinaris thing which runs 10-1. Then what should we do, have time for?? a beach??

Key West you could do the trolley tour. I read that Blonde Giraffe went out of business (frozen key lime pie on a stick). We also did the butterfly museum, small but a cute diversion.

We did the pirate adventure last year when our Tortola cruise got diverted to a Western. The kids had a blast jumping off the ship (so did hubby). Afterwards went to Margaritaville. They had a water slide and we sat and had a cocktail while the kids played on the slide.

Cozumel we've done Mr. Sanchos beach twice and had a great time. Last cruise was after the hurricane rebuilding and they have a cool infinity pool, hammocks, clean bathrooms and reasonably priced food and drink. I don't know if it's still around, but there used to be someone on Cruise Critic who owned a miniature golf place. Never did make it there.

Have a great cruise! It's cold and damp in CT today and staying that way the next few days. Good thing you're escaping! My son is complaining about having to go to soccer practice today with the fields all wet.

 

[kritter]

Hi all,

Well I've got a hard day at work tomorrow- I'm being observed and my teaching is being critiqed However when I came in today I had a lovely surprise - a box from the Usa . When I opened it was a gift from a diser who I cruised with back in 2006 ! It really cheered me

Good Luck, I know you'll do GREAT!! Thinking of you!!

 

[kritter]

When will we get an idea of our FE list of participants? I know we are aiming it at keeping it at 25 families or less. But I was hoping at getting an idea of the number of kids participating. Katerina is very excited about it and we've been working on some ideas for the kids but are hoping to get an idea of how many kids we will be gettting.

I think we said we would stop taking FE Participants on May 26th...Then that day I will divide everyone into groups!! How does that sound??

 

[kritter]

Good morning to all!

very wet and dreary day here in CT

just have to get through today and an overnight shift tomorrow before my vacation starts. We are flying out of here Friday afternoon and staying at Hyatt MCO before heading to PC on Saturday.

totally gonna wing Key West, no firm plans

have this 'pirate encounter' thing on Grand Cayman until noon or so, then maybe Margaritaville for lunch? wondering about taking a taxi to beach ?? suggestions??

for cozumel we are doing the dolphinaris thing which runs 10-1. Then what should we do, have time for?? a beach??

We went to the beach in Grand Cayman and it was GREAT!! I will check with Bruce and find out the name for you.......Safe Travels...


Can't wait to get down to Florida!!

 

[acomasdiaz]

I think we said we would stop taking FE Participants on May 26th...Then that day I will divide everyone into groups!! How does that sound??

Works for me, Kristin...What do others think?

 

[Woobie]

I'm so conflicted. I really want to stay on-site before the cruise, but I'm CHEAP. Right now, I've got 3 off-site hotels booked and am deciding between them. For those staying pre-cruise (~8/11-8/16), where are you staying? If on-site, do you mind sharing approximate rates (PM if you prefer)? I'm looking for jo-schmo rates (not DVC, resident, military, etc). Do I pay out the nose for on-site convenience (we're a family of 5), rent a condo & pay for a rental car/WDW parking, or stay off-site & rely on shuttles that are iffy? This is the first time I'm just not into the planning. Last time, I had a binder filled with info, and divided by transportation, lodging, dining, etc. TIA

 

[disfaninca]

Please post some photos when you get home !! It will be a wonderful cruise !!!! We have never been to Bermuda , so I'm SO CURIOUS about what you'll do / see overthere !!!!!


Oh , I so hope that I can ... re-start to walk SOOOOOON !!
Staying in bed with the huge foot up ... is kind of driving me mad !!
THIS is WHY I'm writing now ...


WOW !!! A bridal shower !!! I've read about it ONLY in magazines which I usually buy at the airport ... to help me through our usually long wait . What does the bride do exactly ? We do not have this "thing" in Italy ...

Laura, I hope you can start walking on your leg soon!! I hope it heals quickly!

I will definitely post pictures from our cruise. I have never been to Bermuda either and I can't wait to see some of those pink sand beaches I keep reading about!!

A bridal shower is basically a little party (usually all women) where the bride gets showered with gifts (some of the gifts are lingerie that can be worn on the honeymoon). You play games, visit, eat, drink, and watch the bride open her gifts. Bridal showers can be very simple or very extravegent. We are more on the simple side! LOL

 

[disfaninca]

Hi all,

Well I've got a hard day at work tomorrow- I'm being observed and my teaching is being critiqed However when I came in today I had a lovely surprise - a box from the Usa . When I opened it was a gift from a diser who I cruised with back in 2006 ! It really cheered me

Good luck tomorrow!!! I'm sure you will do just fine!

 

[Mjasp]

Good morning to all!

very wet and dreary day here in CT

just have to get through today and an overnight shift tomorrow before my vacation starts. We are flying out of here Friday afternoon and staying at Hyatt MCO before heading to PC on Saturday.

totally gonna wing Key West, no firm plans

have this 'pirate encounter' thing on Grand Cayman until noon or so, then maybe Margaritaville for lunch? wondering about taking a taxi to beach ?? suggestions??

for cozumel we are doing the dolphinaris thing which runs 10-1. Then what should we do, have time for?? a beach??

I've been Western a few times, first may I ask you, hold old are your children?

Key West...Everything is pretty much in walking distance and it shouldn't be too hot either. I like Kino's sandal factory, then always have to stop at Margaritaville.

Cozumel...My daughter swam with the dolphins in Chankanaab Park, very nice park and they also have a small swimming pool.
We also went to Mr. Sanchos once, but I hear it got destroyed from the hurricane, so when we returned to Cozumel we went to Paradise Beach, We had a great time at PB, the kids got bracelets and were able to use the big float in the water and also rent kayaks and such were included. For an extra charge there was the bungee jumping trampoline, it was worth every penny the kids loved it!

Grand Cayman...We went to hell one time and the turtle farm but we just love taking a cab to seven mile beach, we just love it there. Pristine calm blue water. Just gorgeous. A cab ride from the pier to 7 mile beach was either $4 or $5 per person, the same goes for cab rides to the Cozumel beaches.

Enjoy yourself and don't feel one bit guilty about leaving us here in this yucky weather

 

[FJS961]

Thanks for the Western port advice ...

 

[jenanderson]

Jen- good luck with your ipad rollout! There is a city here in Maine that is rolling out ipads for kindergarteners next fall.

I have been reading about the iPads for the kindergarten students. I think it is a really interesting project and I will be following it closely. We have learned so many things in getting ready for sending them home with the students and I have enjoyed being on the cutting edge with all of this...it is just a really big responsibility.

Wow-- in only 6 days all you platinums get to book Palo, etc! I can't believe how close its getting!

I just have to stop obsessing over our Disney plans... trying to move our cabins around and desperately hoping to get off the waitlist at Vero Beach for a 1 or 2 bedroom! Wishing and hoping for some pixie dust there! We did put our deposit down for Alaska 2012--so something to plan for next!

Can't wait to hear who gets to go to Palo! I am thinking that we won't be able to get a reservation by the time we can book but I will hope to get on board ASAP and try for a brunch.

It is so easy to obsess over Disney plans! Seems like I am always obsessing over Disney plans! Hopefully your VB plans will come through.

just have to get through today and an overnight shift tomorrow before my vacation starts. We are flying out of here Friday afternoon and staying at Hyatt MCO before heading to PC on Saturday.

totally gonna wing Key West, no firm plans

have this 'pirate encounter' thing on Grand Cayman until noon or so, then maybe Margaritaville for lunch? wondering about taking a taxi to beach ?? suggestions??

for cozumel we are doing the dolphinaris thing which runs 10-1. Then what should we do, have time for?? a beach??

Can't wait to hear all about your cruise when you return! We ended up going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel on our last cruise (suppose to go East but bad weather sent us West). We found a taxi in Grand Cayman and did the beaches on our own. In Cozumel we did an excursion to Tulum - it was so beautiful but we felt our tour guide was not the best. Have fun!

We bypassed the DCL Grand Cayman excursions on our last trip and took a taxi to the beach - saved a few bucks and got to come and go on our schedule. Ask for the driver's card when he drops you off and/or arrange a schedule for him to pick you up - worked out great for us. The fares are pre-set as well so no haggling

We did the same. Loved the beach in Grand Cayman!

( To DGH his videocamera is something like the Ferrari for you !!).

Hi all,

Well I've got a hard day at work tomorrow- I'm being observed and my teaching is being critiqed However when I came in today I had a lovely surprise - a box from the Usa . When I opened it was a gift from a diser who I cruised with back in 2006 ! It really cheered me

Good Luck Tomorrow with your observation! I bet you will do great!!!! That is so sweet that you got a package from a DIS friend - bet it made your day!

I think we said we would stop taking FE Participants on May 26th...Then that day I will divide everyone into groups!! How does that sound??

May 26th sounds great! Thanks again Kristin for doing this!

 

[jenanderson]

I'm so conflicted. I really want to stay on-site before the cruise, but I'm CHEAP. Right now, I've got 3 off-site hotels booked and am deciding between them. For those staying pre-cruise (~8/11-8/16), where are you staying? If on-site, do you mind sharing approximate rates (PM if you prefer)? I'm looking for jo-schmo rates (not DVC, resident, military, etc). Do I pay out the nose for on-site convenience (we're a family of 5), rent a condo & pay for a rental car/WDW parking, or stay off-site & rely on shuttles that are iffy? This is the first time I'm just not into the planning. Last time, I had a binder filled with info, and divided by transportation, lodging, dining, etc. TIA

This is always the hardest part for me....the balance between budget and desires! If we were staying pre-cruise, we probably would have stayed on-siute for the convenience but stayed at the cheapest room my family would fit in. The hard part is that there are no savings for the pre-cruise dates and that makes it hard to justify staying on-site. Good luck deciding.

I will definitely post pictures from our cruise. I have never been to Bermuda either and I can't wait to see some of those pink sand beaches I keep reading about!!

Candy - Never knew about the pink sand beaches in Bermuda....sounds beautiful!

 

[FJS961]

I've been Western a few times, first may I ask you, hold old are your children?

Key West...Everything is pretty much in walking distance and it shouldn't be too hot either. I like Kino's sandal factory, then always have to stop at Margaritaville.

Cozumel...My daughter swam with the dolphins in Chankanaab Park, very nice park and they also have a small swimming pool.
We also went to Mr. Sanchos once, but I hear it got destroyed from the hurricane, so when we returned to Cozumel we went to Paradise Beach, We had a great time at PB, the kids got bracelets and were able to use the big float in the water and also rent kayaks and such were included. For an extra charge there was the bungee jumping trampoline, it was worth every penny the kids loved it!

Grand Cayman...We went to hell one time and the turtle farm but we just love taking a cab to seven mile beach, we just love it there. Pristine calm blue water. Just gorgeous. A cab ride from the pier to 7 mile beach was either $4 or $5 per person, the same goes for cab rides to the Cozumel beaches.

Enjoy yourself and don't feel one bit guilty about leaving us here in this yucky weather

The kids are 11,8 and 5

at both GC and Coz we have morning excursions that take us to 12-1pm ... all aboard is 4:30 and 6:30 respectively. Also a factor is we have the main (5:45) dinner seating ... I guess I'm looking to fill the afternoons and get back to ship in time for dinner.

For Castaway Cay, we have cabana #3 booked and 1045 parasailing for me and 11 year old - will be first time for that.

 

[Mjasp]

Woobie...Check out the family suites at All Star Music, they sleep 6 and you will have 2 bathrooms. Go on Disney's website and put in 5 people and select All Star Music, see if there are any more family suites available.

 

[eyes4mickey]

The kids are 11,8 and 5

at both GC and Coz we have morning excursions that take us to 12-1pm ... all aboard is 4:30 and 6:30 respectively. Also a factor is we have the main (5:45) dinner seating ... I guess I'm looking to fill the afternoons and get back to ship in time for dinner.

For Castaway Cay, we have cabana #3 booked and 1045 parasailing for me and 11 year old - will be first time for that.

We did Dolphinarus in Cozumel and had lunch at Pancho's Backyard. This was 11/2009, they had the special filtration system for their water. Loved the food and the place was very nice. The have their own website if you want to check it out.

Key West-- We were just there this November and went to Sloppy Joes for lunch and walked in and out of the shops on Duval Street. The frozen key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick is delicious!! I believe we went to Kermit's for that.

Grand Cayman-- We did the Beach day 2009 and we also did Captain Marvins Stingray adventure 2010. We loved the beach, the water was beautiful, 7 mile beach. My kids ended the day with a blizzard from Dairy Queen which is right across from the port. Too funny to find DQ in Grand Cayman.

My DH and DS went parasailing when we went to Castaway Cay and LOVED it!!

I'm sure you will have a WONDERFUL time with whatever you choose!!!!

 

[mrebuck]

How long have you been on the waitlist for Vero? Were you planning to do VB before or after the cruise?? We are headed there before the cruise!!

We'll be at Vero before the cruise - 8/11 to 8/16. See you there!

 

[uncw89]

I've been Western a few times, first may I ask you, hold old are your children?

Grand Cayman...We went to hell one time and the turtle farm but we just love taking a cab to seven mile beach, we just love it there. Pristine calm blue water. Just gorgeous. A cab ride from the pier to 7 mile beach was either $4 or $5 per person, the same goes for cab rides to the Cozumel beaches.

Ahh yes, we did this too! DS and DH weren't excited about it. I thought it was ok. the tour part was fine,but the trurle farm was kind of boring to us. We didn't go to the beach. after the tour, we just walked around and ate lunch at the Hard Rock (which was pricey, even more than in the US!)

Enjoy yourself and don't feel one bit guilty about leaving us here in this yucky weather

I have been reading about the iPads for the kindergarten students. I think it is a really interesting project and I will be following it closely. We have learned so many things in getting ready for sending them home with the students and I have enjoyed being on the cutting edge with all of this...it is just a really big responsibility.

I can't wait to hear about the Ipad rollout.

Can't wait to hear who gets to go to Palo! I am thinking that we won't be able to get a reservation by the time we can book but I will hope to get on board ASAP and try for a brunch.

I think I'm going to try for Palo's too. I don't get to book until the 18th, so I doubt I will be able to get any reesies though.

It is so easy to obsess over Disney plans! Seems like I am always obsessing over Disney plans! Hopefully your VB plans will come through.

It is easy to obsess over Disney plans!!!!

Can't wait to hear all about your cruise when you return! We ended up going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel on our last cruise (suppose to go East but bad weather sent us West). We found a taxi in Grand Cayman and did the beaches on our own. In Cozumel we did an excursion to Tulum - it was so beautiful but we felt our tour guide was not the best. Have fun!
Yep! but we did have great weather and got to double dip at CC!!!


Good Luck Tomorrow with your observation! I bet you will do great!!!! That is so sweet that you got a package from a DIS friend - bet it made your day!

Yes, good luck!!!

May 26th sounds great! Thanks again Kristin for doing this!

The kids are 11,8 and 5

at both GC and Coz we have morning excursions that take us to 12-1pm ... all aboard is 4:30 and 6:30 respectively. Also a factor is we have the main (5:45) dinner seating ... I guess I'm looking to fill the afternoons and get back to ship in time for dinner.

For Castaway Cay, we have cabana #3 booked and 1045 parasailing for me and 11 year old - will be first time for that.

Frank, my DS will be 10.5 on the cruise. He and I went parasailing in 2009 on our cruise. We had a great time. He got to go up twice, because there was a teenage girl that didn't have anyone to go up with her, so they asked him. We are planning on doing it again in Aug. I took a water camera up with me and took pictures!! It was so peaceful up there.
Have a great time!!!

Kristin, Have a great time at the World!!! Where are you staying?

 

[Mjasp]

Jen...Planning is half the fun of vacationing, especially when it's a Disney vacation.

 

[TiggerAllie]

How long have you been on the waitlist for Vero? Were you planning to do VB before or after the cruise?? We are headed there before the cruise!!

We are doing VB the wknd before the cruise too! We have 2 studios that I booked just a few days after the 7 mo window opened--been on the waitlist to upgrade one to a 1 bd or both to a 2bd ever since! Ugh--no luck yet. At least we have the studios, though it will be a bit crowded with 6-8 people and no full kitchen.

Have you been to VB before? We never have, and I need to scout out some info! How are you getting from VB to the port? I think we are going to rent a car that we pick up at MCO and drop off in PC.

 

[TiggerAllie]

Hey Woobie-- Port Orleans Riverside will sleep 5 in a room. I think it should be ~ $200/nt, but that's probably the best you can do price-wise for a family of 5 at WDW.