August 25, 2012 Magic in NYC!!!!

[mommy2tati]

I have a DD going into 5th grade too!!!! we don't start school until Sept. 4th...so we won't miss anything!!
if you decide to book this one, let me know your email and the girls can contact each other...there are a bunch of 10 year old girls on this one..

There sure are! I have 2 10 year old girls traveling with me although my DD10 will be entering the 6th grade on sept 6th so she won't miss any school either.

 

[smeecanada]

I don't think you need to worry about bus availabilty for going to WDW. Looks like they are seeing what the demand is and putting the number of buses on to meet it. So, you are just registering for a time slot. Hope you decide to come - it'll be a fun cruise.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Hello, All

Just had to move our JUL20 8 NIGHT, that's been booked since opening day to this one. Thankfully, I managed to get all our same excursion and PALO times.

We are coming from Canada and travelling with me is DH, DS 17 and DD 16 and it's our 6th DCL cruise. Looking forward to catching up on the thread news and also participating in the Fish Extender if names are still being taken.

Now, that things are settled I need to book our hotel and airfare. Looks like we might be flying in/out of Newark Airport. Can anyone give me the lowdown on how to get to/from Manhatten from Newark Airport? We will be flying in a few days before and flying home the day we disembark.

Hey, welcome aboard! You were on the EBPC with us, our DD's hung out. DD will be happy to have a familiar face onboard!

 

[JoiseyMom]

To those that booked a cat 10A, there is a SPH cabin available, 5524.

 

[hbg4]

Hello, All


We are coming from Canada and travelling with me is DH, DS 17 and DD 16 and it's our 6th DCL cruise.

Hiya
hopefully our DDs can meet up in Vibes.

Brenda

 

[Coconuts]

I'm sooooo frustrated. I have been battling with the online booking and can't book anything at Nassau or Castaway Cay. When I click on the port adventures icon, the page just cycles to infinity! I did get a Palo brunch though and a Palo dinner just for DH and I.

I am confused about the kids clubs though. My DS is 11 and I know he has a choice on which club to go to, right? Or can he go to both? Either way, does he need to be registered? I was able to register the girls but the option wouldn't pop up for him.

Thanks for the input.

Starting to get excited...and starting to obsess and not think about anything but the cruise!

 

[mommy2tati]

I'm sooooo frustrated. I have been battling with the online booking and can't book anything at Nassau or Castaway Cay. When I click on the port adventures icon, the page just cycles to infinity! I did get a Palo brunch though and a Palo dinner just for DH and I.

I am confused about the kids clubs though. My DS is 11 and I know he has a choice on which club to go to, right? Or can he go to both? Either way, does he need to be registered? I was able to register the girls but the option wouldn't pop up for him.

Thanks for the input.


Starting to get excited...and starting to obsess and not think about anything but the cruise!

Sorry about the issues you're having with the website

Your DS does have a choice but he can't switch back and forth. It he chooses to go to EDGE then he has to remain there for the entire cruise. He can start at the LAB and switch to EDGE but cannot go back. They will cut the Mickey band off if he decides to go to EDGE. You do still have to register him online.

My DD10 discovered EDGE on the Dream this past February and that's all she ever wanted to do. I was very surprised since I thought she would be too young to attend but the CM said all I had to do was sign a waiver and return the Mickey band. On this cruise we'll visit the open house 1st before committing to either club since EDGE on the Magic is so different from the Dream.

 

[mindelmouse]

Sorry about the issues you're having with the website

Your DS does have a choice but he can't switch back and forth. It he chooses to go to EDGE then he has to remain there for the entire cruise. He can start at the LAB and switch to EDGE but cannot go back. They will cut the Mickey band off if he decides to go to EDGE. You do still have to register him online.

My DD10 discovered EDGE on the Dream this past February and that's all she ever wanted to do. I was very surprised since I thought she would be too young to attend but the CM said all I had to do was sign a waiver and return the Mickey band. On this cruise we'll visit the open house 1st before committing to either club since EDGE on the Magic is so different from the Dream.

you must have had a lax CM...We were on the Wonder last year when my DD and DS were both 10 and they were not allowed in the Edge...it was 11 and up...so I don't understand how your 10 year old was allowed in. As for registering an 11 year old, from what I was told you don't have to register them for the Edge. They can just go. If they want to go into the club or lab they don't need a bracelet. It's not an either or type situation. On our last cruise, my kids had bracelet, my friend's daughter was 12 and came in and out with them when ever she wanted.

 

[mommy2tati]

you must have had a lax CM...We were on the Wonder last year when my DD and DS were both 10 and they were not allowed in the Edge...it was 11 and up...so I don't understand how your 10 year old was allowed in. As for registering an 11 year old, from what I was told you don't have to register them for the Edge. They can just go. If they want to go into the club or lab they don't need a bracelet. It's not an either or type situation. On our last cruise, my kids had bracelet, my friend's daughter was 12 and came in and out with them when ever she wanted.

See this is when the rules need to be more cut & dried. The CM that was in EDGE specifically told me that once my DD decided to go to EDGE she couldn't go back to the Lab. I had to return the Mickey band before I signed the waiver. Like you said I knew EDGE was 11+ so I was very very surprised when my DD came to me and said the CM said she could attend. Of course I checked for myself and she was right. Maybe it's different on the Dream/Fantasy. I will definitely inquire when we board the Magic.

 

[spoohs]

Just wanted to take a poll to find out how everyone is getting to the Port. We are debating between train and driving. We live in South Eastern Mass. There are pro's and cons to both so not sure what to do.

Also for those who have cruised recently (in the past 1 or two years), do the ships still have the vanilla creme Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast at Topsiders (or equivilant)? Love these and we don't have Krispy Kremes in MA.

 

[mommy2tati]

Just wanted to take a poll to find out how everyone is getting to the Port. We are debating between train and driving. We live in South Eastern Mass. There are pro's and cons to both so not sure what to do.

Also for those who have cruised recently (in the past 1 or two years), do the ships still have the vanilla creme Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast at Topsiders (or equivilant)? Love these and we don't have Krispy Kremes in MA.

I live in Manhattan so the 1st part doesn't apply, sorry.

I don't remember seeing the donuts but I only attended breakfast on debarkation day & it was on the Dream this past February.

 

[Aurora's Mommy]

Starting to get excited...and starting to obsess and not think about anything but the cruise!

Is it still a secret? I would think that would be so hard, being so excited and having to hide it.

Your DS does have a choice but he can't switch back and forth. It he chooses to go to EDGE then he has to remain there for the entire cruise. He can start at the LAB and switch to EDGE but cannot go back. They will cut the Mickey band off if he decides to go to EDGE. You do still have to register him online.

My DD10 discovered EDGE on the Dream this past February and that's all she ever wanted to do. I was very surprised since I thought she would be too young to attend but the CM said all I had to do was sign a waiver and return the Mickey band. On this cruise we'll visit the open house 1st before committing to either club since EDGE on the Magic is so different from the Dream.

Yep, I'm joining the confused . I do note that some of the Out & About activities occur in the Edge, so there will be younger kids there from time to time. All I know that if DS's 10 year old sister is in the Edge, he may not be to happy.

Just wanted to take a poll to find out how everyone is getting to the Port. We are debating between train and driving. We live in South Eastern Mass. There are pro's and cons to both so not sure what to do.

Looks like we are taking the train into Penn Station, and then taxi-ing over to the port. Which reminds me, for those of you who live in NYC, I've read on line that a cab from Penn Station to the port should cost me about $10 including tip, does that sound right?

The pro's for us is that it is the cheapest option and NJ Transit runs pretty regularly (and we avoid the NYC traffic, although coming and going on a weekend should alleviate some of that, maybe?). The biggest con is dragging the luggage through the process, but then it will hopefully keep me from packing too much, and what's the point of having a big, healthy teenage son if not to use him to carry heavy luggage?

 

[spoohs]

The pro's for us is that it is the cheapest option and NJ Transit runs pretty regularly (and we avoid the NYC traffic, although coming and going on a weekend should alleviate some of that, maybe?). The biggest con is dragging the luggage through the process, but then it will hopefully keep me from packing too much, and what's the point of having a big, healthy teenage son if not to use him to carry heavy luggage?[/QUOTE]



The luggage issue on the train is our biggest con also. Gee can we meet up at Penn station and have your son help us also I just have a small, healthy teenage daughter.

 

[Aurora's Mommy]

The luggage issue on the train is our biggest con also. Gee can we meet up at Penn station and have your son help us also I just have a small, healthy teenage daughter.

We have a 11:30 boarding time, so I'm thinking that we will take the train that gets us to Penn Station shortly before 11, but he's going to be carrying MY stuff . Of course, we could load him up, but being the classic rock fan that he is, he might start singing "Beast of Burden."

Most everything is a rolling suitcase of some sort, and then various pieces of carry-on. The only thing that gives me pause is the suit bag, cause it is kinda bulky, but it has a strap, so I figure I can just throw that on DS's shoulder (that he has built up at all those swim meets that I have had to drive him to and sit through. Payback!).

And, NYCers, sorry to be a bother, but if we have 4 people and all our luggage, will we have to plan to take 2 cabs?

 

[mommy2tati]

We have a 11:30 boarding time, so I'm thinking that we will take the train that gets us to Penn Station shortly before 11, but he's going to be carrying MY stuff . Of course, we could load him up, but being the classic rock fan that he is, he might start singing "Beast of Burden."

Most everything is a rolling suitcase of some sort, and then various pieces of carry-on. The only thing that gives me pause is the suit bag, cause it is kinda bulky, but it has a strap, so I figure I can just throw that on DS's shoulder (that he has built up at all those swim meets that I have had to drive him to and sit through. Payback!).

And, NYCers, sorry to be a bother, but if we have 4 people and all our luggage, will we have to plan to take 2 cabs?

You should be fine with cab. The trunks are pretty deep so your luggage should fit. 3 people can sit in back & 1 in front with the driver. If you want to take 2 cabs to be more comfortable that is up to you.

 

[mommy2tati]

I see they came out with IGT, OGT & VGT rates for our sailing. It's a good deal for last minute cruisers. I priced it out & if I cancel my current booking and rebook with VGT I would only save $50 after losing the deposit.

 

[mindelmouse]

We're going to take a car service there and back...it's actually cheaper than leaving the car

 

[mindelmouse]

See this is when the rules need to be more cut & dried. The CM that was in EDGE specifically told me that once my DD decided to go to EDGE she couldn't go back to the Lab. I had to return the Mickey band before I signed the waiver. Like you said I knew EDGE was 11+ so I was very very surprised when my DD came to me and said the CM said she could attend. Of course I checked for myself and she was right. Maybe it's different on the Dream/Fantasy. I will definitely inquire when we board the Magic.

The fact that they made you return the band makes sense though If he had the band, he would quickly be identified as too young to be there...without it, who would know. They don't even let you register the kids 11 and older the lab and club, thus no bands...

 

[Aurora's Mommy]

You should be fine with cab. The trunks are pretty deep so your luggage should fit. 3 people can sit in back & 1 in front with the driver. If you want to take 2 cabs to be more comfortable that is up to you.

Thanks, I budgeted for 2, but as it doesn't look like much of a distance, maybe we could squeeze into one.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Just wanted to take a poll to find out how everyone is getting to the Port. We are debating between train and driving. We live in South Eastern Mass. There are pro's and cons to both so not sure what to do.

Also for those who have cruised recently (in the past 1 or two years), do the ships still have the vanilla creme Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast at Topsiders (or equivilant)? Love these and we don't have Krispy Kremes in MA.

Not sure about this..since there is only one KK in NYC, it is at Penn Station, so I am leaning towards no.