August 6, 2005 Mexican Riviera..Who's In?

[Itinkso]

Another T.O.P!!! I'm on a roll!!

Cathy - Thanks for the positive comments for Brynee! The show was great and she had an exciting time!

Grad Nite was fun ! My student who is autistic had such a wonderful time. It was so much fun watching her excitement! I at first thought I would be very tired but the excitement and great behavior of all of the students was energizing!! No pins were for sale anywhere in the park. That was the only major change along with pop-rock blaring from all of DL's speaker system.

Cruise-wise my only booked excursion is the PV Dolphin Encounter/Observer. I still have the non-Disney horseback ride on Mazatlan booked and will just wing it on Cabo. Booked Palo for Brunch on Friday @ 11:00 and High Tea on Monday...hopefully Barb will be able to join me for tea. Both of my Palo ressies are for 2 people as I guess that is the standard. If anyone would like to have brunch with me on Friday just let me know!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Holiday weekend !

 

[jilljill]

Jenny I'm very happy to be able to have High Tea with you since they are already booked for the week. I haven't been able to get ressies before, my mom was able to go 1 year and loved it.
Also, congrats on the T.O.P.

Well DD and my dad's b'day party last night was a success. We had a BBQ for them with a few family and friends. Fortunately the weather held out for us and it was a beautiful evening, the perfect temperature to be able to have the doors and windows open.

Have a great rest of the holiday weekend and stay safe.

 

[Calliegirl]

Hi all,

Just found this site and we are going on the 8/6 Magic Cruise. We being DH, and DD who will be 9 at the time of the cruise and of course myself! Anyway, first cruise period for us, so we are all very excited - or at least DD and myself. (She is fit to be tied!)

I'm just getting my feet wet, reading up on all things 'Disney' to prepare. I do all the planning, etc. and DH basically comes along with the ride. He doesn't mind and I like to plan, so we're a perfect fit!

Anyway, looks like much fun. I was a little disappointed that the dolphin encounter was already sold out on the 75th day, but figured it was God's way of saying I was spending too much $$ on shore excursions. So, we are doing the rainforest hike instead.

All in all, I'm looking forward to relaxing, eating and seeing new sights. Not necessarily in that order!

 

[SchultzFamily]

Welcome Calliegirl! My family is Me, DH, DS 16, DD 11. Its our second Disney cruise (2nd cruise period!). We haven't booked any excursions yet, just haven't decided what we want to do yet.
If you have any questions about cruising ask, there's lots of experience on these boards!
Vickie

 

[jilljill]

Welcome Calliegirl!!! Cruising will be myself, DH and DD age 11. This is our 5th Disney cruise and we can't wait to go. We are also going to D'land for a few days after the cruise. We haven't booked any excursions either, no clue if we will do any or just explore the ports on our own like usual. DD says she's not getting off the ship at any of the ports, we say she has to get off at 1 port at least.
Any questions just ask and hopefully we will have the answers for you.
Barb

 

[Calliegirl]

Hi all!

Thanks for the offer! I bet I will have lots of questions as time gets closer. One thing I did was make a Palo reservation for dinner on the 5th night since I definitely wanted to see the Animators Palate show - as I guess they only do it on the first rotation. In talking with the DCL rep on the phone, she said they would definitely do the Pirate's night on this cruise. So, I guess my only angst is that we reserved a night at Palos that could either be a formal night (I told DH that I wanted to see him in a tuxedo - first time ever - and he's game) or pirates night. Any ideas on when formal/sem-formal nights are? I understand you get your rotation when you check in.

Also, I booked a cat 12 on line a year ago and now see where they are - under the bars! I put in to be on the wait list for cat. 11, and the DCL rep said to keep checking back for openings. I saw on a post somewhere that at 60 days out the TA's release their rooms - so maybe that would be a good time to check? That's what I get for blindly reserving without doing my research!

Anyway, regardless of what happens, I'm sure it will turn out alright. Thanks ladies for the nice welcome!!

 

[jilljill]

Calliegirl did you check your ressie online at DCL to see if you have been assigned a stateroom? I was on the site this morning and they are still taking ressies for cat. 4-11. I have known a lot of people who book cat. 12's and then get upgraded to an 11 or 10, so there is hope for you. Also, if there are still opening whne you check in at the port you can upgrade for less money than if you originially booked a different category. We may try to upgrade at the port if possible, we have a cat. 9 now which we like.
Which dinner seating do you have? I think most of us have 2nd seating.

 

[Itinkso]

My DD16 and I are on the cruise! It's our first Disney Cruise and our 2nd cruise overall. Last year, we (4 of us) cruised RCCL to Ensenada so we've had a tiny taste of Mexico. We are planning to do as much on the ship as possible for the full Disney effect! Looking forward to meeting your family!!

 

[Calliegirl]

Hi Barb and Itinkso!

Yes, it would be fun to meet! We are on the early seating - mainly because Mommy cannot wait that long to eat! Although, I don't think hunger will be one of my problems on the cruise!

I did look at my ressie just now and didn't see anything other than we were still assigned to Cat. 12. Yes, I think I'll call to see and also try at check in - hey I always figure - nothing ventured, nothing gained? What's the worst they can say? No?

Okay, another question - formal night - do many women wear long gowns? I think it would be fun - but don't want to be the only there! Otherwise I'll wear a short dress.

And what about sea sickness? I am most worried about DH. I was thinking about getting one of those sea sickness wrist bands - along with the usual meds.

Anyway, thanks for all your help! You are dears!

Oh, BTW, my name is Lauren! Forgot to post on last reply!

 

[jilljill]

Lauren, I don't wear a long dress because I don't own one. I usually wear a short or tea length dress or skirt. DH will wear his dark suit, as usual. There is such a mixture of clothing that you won't feel out of place in a long dress or a short one. Since we have to travel across the country this time, I'm trying to limit my clothes and you will see me in the same clothes - mix and match is the way to go this time.

I have to wear the sea bands and think they work great. In fact, on one of our cruises I had to buy DD a pair to wear and they worked for her as well. They do sell them on the ship if needed.

I don't think you will have a problem with finding food on the cruise. If you go hungry it's your own fault . This time I think we will use room service more for snacks in the afternoon and evening when getting ready and for cookies and milk at bedtime. We usually order breakfast in the room at least once during the week.

Any more questions just ask.

 

[SchultzFamily]

Lauren, I was very worried about getting sea sick when we cruised last August. So I did lots of research and brought everything in the world with me! I brought the bands, scopalamine patches, meclizine, and ginger capsules! None of us needed any of it! The first night was fairly rough but we were all fine. I do believe in going prepared! I will do the same this time and hopefully we won't need it again!
Vickie

 

[Calliegirl]

Hi Barb and Vickie,

Thanks for the info. We have a little more leeway on luggage since we will be traveling by car down to So. Cal, although I am beginning to wonder if we will overload the van! We plan to spend the two days before the cruise at Disneyland - plus visiting in-laws on the way down and up - we live an hour North of San Francisco.

Thanks Vickie, I will definitely get the bands and all the rest. I believe in being prepared too! (Never was a Girl Scout - but now I lead a troop!)

Don't know if I will get a long dress or not - if I can find one cheap - I might as I have company functions that I could possibly wear it to. But if not, I have enough short cocktail dresses to get me through.

Thanks again!

Lauren

 

[Catnip0113]

Hi Lauren, Glad you found the site before we sail. I am Cathy and it will be myself, my DH and our DD13 on the cruise. We will also be at DL on Thursday and Friday before the cruise, we are flying over from Connecticut so it will be a long day. This is our 2nd Disney cruise, we went during last April's school vacation and I found this site a few months before like you did. There were so many helpful hints and it is fun to read the trip reports of the cruises before. I can't wait to read them from the first West coast ones. I hope Stacey will do one for us after her June 4th cruise if she has time. She was supposed to be on our cruise but now she can be our informer.

Last time I had too many clothes because I wanted to have choices, but they fit in the suitcases because I used those bags where you squeeze out the air (they worked great!). On the way home I was packing laundry in them (LOL).
Cathy

 

[Calliegirl]

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for the welcome! Yes, I am looking forward to the first reports too! I will be looking forward to the cruise to relax after 450 mile car trip, visit to Mother-in-law and then 2 days of Disneyland! I have already started my souvenir shopping! I had business in Anaheim, so swung by Downtown Disney to pick up a few items. I figure, it will save time when we are at the park! (at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

I am going to try and not pack too much , but it's tempting when you don't have to fly.

Thanks again!

Lauren

 

[Itinkso]

I found the following info on a DISers website...she is on the first West Coast Cruise and is posting on another thread...

Day/Port of Call
Activities
Evening Entertainment

Saturday -
Depart 5 p.m. Sail Away Party
All Aboard - Let the Magic Begin
(Ventriloquist, Juggler)
Sunday -
At Sea

Character Breakfast
Formal Night
Captain's Gala Golden Mickeys
Monday -
At Sea Character Breakfast
Casual Attire Twice Charmed
Tuesday -
Puerto Vallarta Pirate Attire
Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party
Wednesday -
Mazatlan Casual Attire Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer
Thursday -
Cabo San Lucas Semi-Formal Night Disney Dreams
Friday -
At Sea Character Breakfast
Casual Attire Remember the Magic - A Final Farewell

Hope this helps for ressies etc.

Lauren - I too am hoping not to overpack. We usually do OK for our Hawaii trips and we always have room for our souvenirs. With 2 girls we always seem to shop, shop, shop!!!

 

[SchultzFamily]

I learned that it works great to pack a couple of empty duffle bags in my luggage, they pack flat and come in very handy for bringing home souvenirs or even stuffing the dirty laundry in them. I do NOT do laundry on vacation!!!
Lauren, at first we planned on driving and I was happy not to have to worry about how much luggage we take but DH really wanted to fly (and since he does all of the driving on vacation I guess its his choise). We live about 35 minutes south east of San Francisco so we're not that far from you!
Vickie

 

[jilljill]

Vickie and Lauren we will be heading up to your neck of the woods after the cruise. We are going to D'land until Tuesday and then driving up to Oakdale Tuesday and then head into San Francisco for the day on Friday and flying out of Oakland airport Sat. morning. We wanted the redeye out Fri. night but no seats were available since we are using FF mile tickets.
Do I even want to know how much gas is now? I am sure I will ask you once we get closer to leaving. I'm also sure it is a lot more than here.


On the site that Jenny got the dining and show rotation is the current moving listing too. She's also giving daily updates. I hope the link to the site works: http://www.allearsnet.com/cruise/dcl_west.shtml

 

[Itinkso]

Thanks Barb for posting the link! I didn't even have time to try that as DH and Brynee wanted to start watching a DVD. DebWills sure is posting great details of the cruise! Will you be going on the Hershey tour while in Oakdale? A former college roommate lives in Turlock and we have gone to the Hershey plant...it really is interesting and you get some free candy.
When you rent your car just make sure it's one that doesn't need premium gas. My car uses premium and I hate to see the total everytime I fill it. Fortunately it does get great gas mileage!

 

[jilljill]

Jenny we are going on the Hershey tour. I told my friend that we have to do that while we are there which is very funny. You have to remember we only live 1½ hours from Hershey, PA and haven't taken DD there. I have been there several times. It will seem very odd to be going to the Hershey plant/visitor's center and not being able to go to the amusement park.

Thanks for the premium gas reminder. Must remember...no car that takes premium gas. I had a loaner the other week and it only took premium , sticker shock when I filled it up before returning it.

 

[Calliegirl]

Oh boy, that DOES help! I may actually have timed it right - amazing! And you crack me up about the packing! True story - I asked my daughter the other day - just for conversation's sake - what would be her perfect day. She said she would wake up in the morning in the middle of Disneyland and it would be pouring rain! I replied quizzically "Pouring rain????" To which she replied "So we could go shopping at Disneyland all day!!" I give up - she is a shopaholic! Not that mama is! In fact when we were there last year I finally had to say "Look, we need to go on some rides!! She was just having a blast shopping"

Only reason we are driving is to see Mother in law on the way there, and my folks on the way back. I don't relish the drive, but I only have one FF ticket so far this year and between getting two air tickets and renting a car it's probably actually more expensive even with the gas prices. $2.39 here in Santa Rosa and that's cheaper than a few weeks ago! Ugh.

Thanks for the info!