August 5th 2012, Magic- NY to Canada

[tiggerificgirl1969]

New to disboards. Sailing Aug 5 on the Magic , me, hubby, son 7, daughter 4
Can't wait. great that its sailing from NY already live here
son needs a gluten-free diet anyone know how disney handles special diets

I will be on Aug 5th NY sailing as well on 5 sailing with my husband, brother, sister law and 2 nieces 10 &12. This will bw their 1st cruise ever and my 2nd Disney.

 

[tiggerificgirl1969]

Can someone please reassure me that we will have a good time on this cruise just because it's Disney and it's fun and if we knew nothing about the DIS, fish extenders, shore excursions, dining rotations, etc.etc.etc. and just showed up, it would still be wonderful? I am feeling so overwhelmed by everything related to this cruise, I'm beginning to regret ever booking it. Not quite sure why it's getting to me so much, but I feel like I've done a terrible job preparing and it's so late in the game at this point I don't even know where to begin. Sorry to whine; I just need some reassurance

You will be fine and you will have a blast my first Disney cruise was last year. I just found out about dis yesterday when I did an app search. When you get on board you get your dining rotation and tickets for the excursions and at night they place a schedule that lists activities and times. One of our excursions ran late after our seating and they fit us into the following one. We even swapped excursions on the ship the day before. don't regret booking it.they make it easy.

 

[Bilif]

What is everyone doing in Halifax and St. John's?
The WTC Memorial is very emotional. I drive past it all the time. A cab from the pier downtown is probably better. Trying to find the car you hired might be hard to find in the crowd of people getting off the ship.

 

[Happy Goofy]

We leave tomorrow to board the Magic for Nassui- We will be waiting to meet you at 3 on the 5th. Safe travels to all. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

 

[dustermom02]

Did anyone else get the email last night that said to pack wool or fleece sweater....coat, gloves and hat??? I know it rains a lot but is it that cold in port? I thought it would be upper 70's. I'm going to have to rethink my packing if it's that chilly. And it didn't even list a bathing suit. I was picturing at least one day in a lounge chair. I've been tied up and haven't read trip reports has anyone else heard about how cold it's been?

We're doing the HOHO Pink bus in both ports. I've been reading guides on my own and know some things I'd like to do and places I'd like to eat. In St. John we're doing the train over the falls and the zip line course in addition. I was trying to make it relaxing but everything sounded like so much fun.

The cab for the WTC memorial is a good idea. I did that with ds12 last December. It was a trip neither of us will forget.

 

[Goofy559]

Did anyone else get the email last night that said to pack wool or fleece sweater....coat, gloves and hat??? I know it rains a lot but is it that cold in port? I thought it would be upper 70's. I'm going to have to rethink my packing if it's that chilly. And it didn't even list a bathing suit. I was picturing at least one day in a lounge chair. I've been tied up and haven't read trip reports has anyone else heard about how cold it's been?
.

They seem to have only two lists - hot and Alaska. They sent Alaska. Bring layers. It has been in the 70's, could rain.....

 

[lynj808]

I can't believe we are down to a week!!!
We are really looking forward to our cruise now! It's been a long few days as we've been cleaning up from a tornado that came right through our neighborhood last Thursday! We finally have power this morning! Looking forward to rest, relaxation and putting this week behind us!!!!

 

[joycsk]

We did Alaska last year and spent a few days in Vancouver prior to departure. Vancouver was cool - 60s during the day - and it seems to be on a similar latitude St. John. Personally, I'm expecting to wear jeans when in port. Layers will be key. We are traveling north and it will be cold at night. Even when it's 75 during the day in Vermont, it can still be 30 at night. I'd recommend shorts And pants. T shirts And a jacket as well as a wrap/sweater for evenings.

They seem to have only two lists - hot and Alaska. They sent Alaska. Bring layers. It has been in the 70's, could rain.....

 

[Mouseheads]

I can't believe we are down to a week!!!
We are really looking forward to our cruise now! It's been a long few days as we've been cleaning up from a tornado that came right through our neighborhood last Thursday! We finally have power this morning! Looking forward to rest, relaxation and putting this week behind us!!!!

Lynj808. Hope you came through your weather OK. We live in Hudson Valley north of Kingston. I heard about a few tornadoes Thursday in the Elmira area and Sullivan County. We were spared and only got heavy rain and a little wind.

 

[tiggerificgirl1969]

Did anyone else get the email last night that said to pack wool or fleece sweater....coat, gloves and hat??? I know it rains a lot but is it that cold in port? I thought it would be upper 70's. I'm going to have to rethink my packing if it's that chilly. And it didn't even list a bathing suit. I was picturing at least one day in a lounge chair. I've been tied up and haven't read trip reports has anyone else heard about how cold it's been?

We're doing the HOHO Pink bus in both ports. I've been reading guides on my own and know some things I'd like to do and places I'd like to eat. In St. John we're doing the train over the falls and the zip line course in addition. I was trying to make it relaxing but everything sounded like so much fun.

The cab for the WTC memorial is a good idea. I did that with ds12 last December. It was a trip neither of us will forget.

Yes I did. I habs been folloaing the weather the last few weeks Halifax haa been in 70's but St Johns have been in the high 60's low 70's and it haze rained allot.

 

[joycsk]

Dear dustermom,

I missed this the first time. _EVERYTHING_ I have read about the train has been horrible. If you can, DO some reading of trip reports. Disney has been refunding people's $, they have been so unhappy. Susie posted on FB that she is going to cancel. I don't have personal experience to give you, but I'd hate for you to spend $100+ on something that is being universally panned.

Did anyone else get the email last night that said to pack wool or fleece sweater....coat, gloves and hat??? I know it rains a lot but is it that cold in port? I thought it would be upper 70's. I'm going to have to rethink my packing if it's that chilly. And it didn't even list a bathing suit. I was picturing at least one day in a lounge chair. I've been tied up and haven't read trip reports has anyone else heard about how cold it's been?

We're doing the HOHO Pink bus in both ports. I've been reading guides on my own and know some things I'd like to do and places I'd like to eat. In St. John we're doing the train over the falls and the zip line course in addition. I was trying to make it relaxing but everything sounded like so much fun.

The cab for the WTC memorial is a good idea. I did that with ds12 last December. It was a trip neither of us will forget.

 

[joycsk]

Has anyone else gotten the recorded message from DCL today regarding the shore excursion on the St. John Railway? Seems they've been getting some pretty poor feedback and have rewritten the description of this excursion. Trying to decide whether to drop it and just walk around town on our own in the afternoon. We've booked the sightseeing trolley for the a.m.
Like · · Follow Post · July 24 at 4:53pm

Dawn Bracken Scott We read that the railway was not good and not scenic, most of it was near and behind a smelly paper mill. I also read that the Bay of Fundy was somewhat underwhelming, not as magnificent as lead to believe. I haven't experienced it myself but based on some reviews, we decided to do Peggy Lighthouse and Titanic excursion.
July 24 at 4:58pm · Like · 1
Susie Pidsosny Thanks for your input Dawn. I think I'm going to cancel that excursion and if I can't find another one I think we'll just spend the afternoon wandering around town.
July 24 at 5:09pm via mobile · Like
Dawn Bracken Scott I heard both ports have great shops and very worth spending some time in. We booked 1 excursion in each port so we would have the other half of the day to spend looking/shopping around.
July 24 at 5:11pm · Like · 1
Melanie Hand We cancelled the scenic railway and booked a highlights tour instead. We will spend the afternoon exploring by ourselves
July 24 at 5:21pm via mobile · Like · 1
Susie Pidsosny I just cancelled it. So at least I'll have an extra $110 to spend in the shops. Lol
July 24 at 5:37pm via mobile · Like
Lisa Heaton Based on the comments I've read unless thdy have changed the excursion, I would cancel. How they describe of isn't the problem.....what they do is.
July 24 at 5:59pm via · Like
Mary Karlo I also cancelled a few weeks ago after my travel agent advised all his clients that it was terrible. We are going to wing it. Good decision!

 

[cmclaura]

Hmmm, I thought there were some helpful suggestion on how to put your real name and DISboard name so we'd be able to identify one another at the 3pm Meet but I'm unable to find it.

Can anyone clue me in? I'm feeling creative right now.....

 

[lllpath]

wow...I didn't receive that email but I guess I will pack more fleece than originally planned.

When are folks planning to arrive at the Port on Sunday? We don't have an embarkation time...when I did the online checkin it said we can board at any time because we are platinum (this is our first cruise as platinum) but that doesn't give me any idea of when to actually arrive at the Port.

 

[Mr&MrsMouse]

Has anyone else gotten the recorded message from DCL today regarding the shore excursion on the St. John Railway? Seems they've been getting some pretty poor feedback and have rewritten the description of this excursion. Trying to decide whether to drop it and just walk around town on our own in the afternoon. We've booked the sightseeing trolley for the a.m.
Like · · Follow Post · July 24 at 4:53pm

Dawn Bracken Scott We read that the railway was not good and not scenic, most of it was near and behind a smelly paper mill. I also read that the Bay of Fundy was somewhat underwhelming, not as magnificent as lead to believe. I haven't experienced it myself but based on some reviews, we decided to do Peggy Lighthouse and Titanic excursion.
July 24 at 4:58pm · Like · 1
Susie Pidsosny Thanks for your input Dawn. I think I'm going to cancel that excursion and if I can't find another one I think we'll just spend the afternoon wandering around town.
July 24 at 5:09pm via mobile · Like
Dawn Bracken Scott I heard both ports have great shops and very worth spending some time in. We booked 1 excursion in each port so we would have the other half of the day to spend looking/shopping around.
July 24 at 5:11pm · Like · 1
Melanie Hand We cancelled the scenic railway and booked a highlights tour instead. We will spend the afternoon exploring by ourselves
July 24 at 5:21pm via mobile · Like · 1
Susie Pidsosny I just cancelled it. So at least I'll have an extra $110 to spend in the shops. Lol
July 24 at 5:37pm via mobile · Like
Lisa Heaton Based on the comments I've read unless thdy have changed the excursion, I would cancel. How they describe of isn't the problem.....what they do is.
July 24 at 5:59pm via · Like
Mary Karlo I also cancelled a few weeks ago after my travel agent advised all his clients that it was terrible. We are going to wing it. Good decision!

Hi everyone just cancelled this based on all the feedback. Hope to meet onboard! Michelle

 

[joycsk]

I do rather hate being the bearer of bad news, but I hate wasting money more!

Hi everyone just cancelled this based on all the feedback. Hope to meet onboard! Michelle

 

[joycsk]

On your status! As for embarkation, I got the following info from our TA yesterday - she took the cruise 2 weeks ago.

She was fine in ports in t shirts and shorts - but IF you are someone who is always cold, you might be cold. She says deck is COLD at night. She was wearing short sleeves and pants at Pirate party and needed to go back for sweat shirt.

She arrived at port at 9:15 - no trouble parking. You drive up ramp, leave bags, drive out of garage and back onto street. Drive up ramp a second time and them take the exit for parking. (You pass the parking ramp when you are on way to drop off bags.)

Security opens at 10, but port waiting area is open at 9. Boarding is around the standard 12, depending on our overall luck. If you have cruised recently and they have your photo on file, it seems as though they don't need to re-photograph you for your KTTW. TA said that the port wasn't quite Canavaral, but was better than Vancouver port. There is an NCL ship on the other side of our terminal, but that wasn't a big deal.

Also, the Magic is docked right near where the plane was landed on the Hudson. She and her husband spent time trying to figure that out.

Also, we have early dinner, so we may be at dinner when we pass Liberty Island. Our servers will just have to wait for 5 minutes, 'cause we Are going to see that!

Lastly, water is not terribly bumpy, but not smooth like caribbean. There was a lot of fog as she headed north and they had to use the horn a LOT.

HTH!

wow...I didn't receive that email but I guess I will pack more fleece than originally planned.

When are folks planning to arrive at the Port on Sunday? We don't have an embarkation time...when I did the online checkin it said we can board at any time because we are platinum (this is our first cruise as platinum) but that doesn't give me any idea of when to actually arrive at the Port.

 

[Bilif]

Yes seeing the Statue of Liberty is very cool. If the ship sails on time it should take about 30 minutes to go down the Hudson River, past the Statue and out to sea. If you stay on the left side of the ship you can see lower Manhattan and then Brooklyn. The best part is when the ship goes under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge which connects Brooklyn on your left to Staten Island on the right. You feel like the ship will hit the bridge. Everyone gets very excited. After you clear the bridge you can see Coney Island in the distant left. If you want to watch ships sail from your computer at home you should try nyharborwebcam.com

 

[joycsk]

One idea that was floated was to make a card to put in the lanyard pocket with your KTTW. You could make some sort of business card - style thing. If that's what you feel like. . .

Hmmm, I thought there were some helpful suggestion on how to put your real name and DISboard name so we'd be able to identify one another at the 3pm Meet but I'm unable to find it.

Can anyone clue me in? I'm feeling creative right now.....

 

[tiggerific418]

Hello all! I know I am super late to the party but I will be on this cruise with my sister, her husband, my niece (14) and nephew (12). We're cramming ourselves into a Deluxe Family room w/ verandah. They have cruised DCL a bunch of times but this is my first DCL. I am taking a break from 22 straight years of WDW and DLR trips. My only previous cruise experience was on a RCL cruise last August that departed as Hurricane Irene hit. Then we hit another hurricane on the way to Bermuda. I am looking forward to a cruise sans-hurricanes and less than 40 foot waves.

We are booked for Palo the first night (not our first choice at all but apparently reservations for 3 people are hard to come by) and then we've got spa stuff scheduled on day 2. In Halifax we are doing the Learn the Ropes/Maritime Museum/Pink bus HOHO excursion. Hopefully the Learn the Ropes activity will keep the kids entertained so us adults can actually enjoy the museum. In St. John we are doing the doomed Railway tour/Pink bus HOHO. I discussed cancelling the not-so-scenic Railway thing with my sister but we couldn't come up with anything better to book. I really wanted to take the speedboat tour but my nephew isn't 13 yet. Oh well. At least we are prepared to be underwhelmed and we can just focus our attention on the HOHO bus portion of our afternoon.

I'm sorry that I missed out on the FE exchange but I am still decorating our door. I've spent the last two nights crafting door decor so if you happen to find yourself on Deck 8 look for the super glittery door proclaiming us the Magic Maniacs. My sister had suggested calling us "5 Idiots Sharing 300 sq ft" but I figured it was a good idea to go with something more upbeat.