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

[newfamilyman]

A little bit off-topic again....

I was reading about the Blue Bayou restaurant at DL. Comments? Worth the price? When to make PS reservations? We are BIG fans of Victoria and Albert's - have been 3 times and loved it every time. We are fine with paying for good food/good service. Even though we'll have great food/service on the cruise, I am very very tempted to book a PS for BB even though I told DH that DL would be minimally scheduled. I did warn him, though, that I wanted to try RideMax.

BB may have great ambience, but the food is pretty lousy. The best restaurant in a Disney park (at least out here) is at the Vineyard Room at DCA. It's actually my favorite restaurant in the SoCal area. The veal osso bucco is to die for; they even give you a little fork to eat the marrow out of the bone. It's a bit creepy at first but really delicious.

And thanks for the reports so far, Stacey. I really enjoy reading trip reports, so I hope you keep them coming.

 

[Kidoctr]

Stacey - Hope your back is feeling better.... DH just pulled a muscle in his back earlier this week and you'd think someone was ripping his eyeballs out every time he bent over....lol. Thanks for the trip report so far! Your report is SO detailed! I can't wait to see the pictures.

This is the link to the tagrel Navs: http://tagrel.com/dcl/dclwcnav0.shtml

OK - here are my questions:

You're not allowed to take any photos at all in the terminal? That's weird. I'm so in awe.....you got to stay in the Roy suite? Wow. I wish I could've seen it just so I could say that I was actually in it. I'm not sure we'd ever splurge for that. Is the LE pin cart for trading or purchase?

 

[Kidoctr]

Congrats on a T.O.P. Carl ~

We have a PS for lunch at BB on the Friday before we board at 11:30 am. The TA just made the PS for us today. I asked DH if he was interested and he actually remembered this restaurant and told me to try and get a table by the water. I was surprised he knew about it much less that there were tables by the water. I hope we're not too disappointed with the food. We're going to try and get the Fantasmic Dessert buffet that evening too. I think we can get preferred viewing for the parade at DL (a Disney Visa benefit) then head over to for the dessert buffet to see Fantasmic and the fireworks. Does that sound right? I think I read somewhere that the timing was just right.

 

[SchultzFamily]

Stacey - I would like to see a Cat. 6 too!! We are in a Secret Porthole Room - and would be interested in seeing the variety of cabins!!

Jenny, we're in a cat 6, you're welcome to come see our room. We also have a cat 11 directly across the hall. The plan is the kids in the cat 11, hopefully it works out that way, I sure don't want the girls in one room and the boys in the other. I would really like to be in a room with DH. No matter what I will be in the cat 6!!

 

[justmestace]

Blue Bayou is such a great place, just for the ambience. I know my DD (the oldest) loves their stuffed portobello mushrooms. I usually eat something a little more "tame". But we have always enjoyed it. We go for lunch.

The worst part about the parade and the dessert buffet, is getting through the crowds after the parade ends, and getting to the gallery for your seating. The sooner you get to the gallery and get your name on the list (there's a CM with a clipboard taking your names) the better chance you have at front-row seats.
But the view is great no matter what, since the seating is limited. And you MUST stay up there for the fireworks!!

Nope, no pics or video in the terminal. "Security" reasons, is what I was told.

The LE pin cart is for purchases. I didn't see any pin trading at all. Like I said, there must not have been a lot of pin collectors onboard. I know whenever they asked the audience (in the shows) who were "new" cruisers and who were "repeats"....there were a LOT more cheers from the new cruisers.

 

[justmestace]

Day Two...Sunday, Sea Day

We slept in and enjoyed coffee and rolls on the balcony. It's still chilly, but we enjoyed it anyway.
One thing I didn't ask about, but found confusing, was that on the front page of the Navigator, it says we will pass San Diego at 9:00 P.M. tonight. Where had we been all night last night? Sailing in circles??
That's one for you guys to ask about!

After I got dressed, I went down the the Internet Cafe and checked my mail, and then headed to the spa to get my fingernail repaired. I had broken the tip of one unpacking. Funny thing, I called the spa right away on Saturday and they said they were totally booked until the first port day! They had one gal (Tracey) doing nails...I met her at Christmas...and said she was booked. The way I figure that is approx 8-10 clients in a day, half day Saturday, Sunday and Monday...that had to be at least 28 women getting their nails done! I can't imagine waiting to do it on the ship, and paying double. ( I can be a tightwad about some things!) So, for the first time, I decided to try to play my "Concierge Card". I called them, and they got me an appt for Sunday.

While I was checking my mail, there was a group in the Promenade Lounge playing a trivia game. It was won by a group of four adults....what appeared to be a grandma and grandpa, with an adult son/daughter & their spouse.
They were given medallions as a prize. Lots of disappointed kids who would have loved the prizes.

Jordan and I went to the 2:15 matinee of the Golden Mickeys...no one else wanted to see it again. I had slept through it the first time.....Sept of '03.
It's a really neat show.

We shopped and wandered around until it was time to get dressed for formal night, and the Capt's reception before dinner in the lobby. We had a portrait done with the Capt.

I had planned our dinner rotation so that we would be in Lumiere's for formal night. Since the dress is more formal there on a normal night, I like to be there for the actual "formal" night. We had the PLA rotation. This ended up putting us in Parrot Cay for the combined Tropical/Pirate night, and in Animator's for semi-formal night.
Again, the menus are still in the other room, so I'll list those all together at the end.

One thing that I think will be somewhat different for your cruise...it will still be a little chilly at night, but not nearly as cold as it was in early June. And of course, the rooms onboard do not have heat...only air conditioning. We turned them completely off those first couple of days, and even once we reached the ports, we had them on during the day, but turned them off at night.

After dinner we crashed. Too much partying the night before, and we had Palo Brunch schedule for the next day...needed to be wide awake for that!

Again, we had to turn our clocks and watches forward one hour. I think this ended up putting us in the same time zone as the East coast.

 

[justmestace]

Tid Bits:

Character appearances and photos on sea days began at 11:30 a.m. and broke for lunch between 3:20 and 5:30, then resumed through 9:50 pm.

They did formal and "lifestyle" (think Sears) portraits from 11:15 am to noon...and then started up again at 5:30 till 10:30, with a few break times in between.

Movies showing:
Around the World in 80 Days
Ice Princess
Racing Stripes
The Incredibles
National Treasure
Pooh's Heffalump Movie
A Lot Like Love
Pirates of the Caribbean
Taxi
Princess Diaries 2
Finding Nemo
The Pacifier
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

 

[justmestace]

Day 3....Day at Sea...Monday

Had coffee on the verandah, dressed for Palo Brunch at 10:30.
I ordered an omelet, cheese and mushroom....although the omelet of the day would have included steak, they let me opt out of that.
One of my favorites was the stollen bread with strawberries and whipped cream.
There were cheeses, meats, breads, fruits, desserts, shrimp, cinnamon rolls, pizza.....way too much food. I was a true "tourist" and took pics of the watermelon carving at the center table. But I waited until the servers were done giving their "tours"...I had noticed that one CM seemed irritated that someone was taking a picture while he was trying to show his guests what was available.

I had to leave brunch sooner than I would have liked to (but that's a good thing) as I had a appointment for a facial at 11:45. I had not booked this online ahead of time, and almost didn't get to have one. Again, Concierge to the rescue. So: pre-book your spa ressies!
After all that food, I slept through the whole facial. And even though I had written "No Sales Please" on my health/info form, the gal still tried to sell me a couple of things. I said no, politely. Then she saw my note and apoligized.

Ran down after the facial to meet Mom and Dad for the trivia game in the Promenade Lounge. They were asking the exact same questions they had asked yesterday morning...and guess what.....the same four people were there playing and won again. I'd had to be blatant and call them cheaters...but they admitted that they already had medallions and opted for the pin prize instead. We got too many wrong answers to be close, but the family with 3 young kids behind us only missed one. I should have had some guts and complained to the CM, but I didn't.
Mom and Jordan and I headed to Rockin Bar D to try our luck at Bingo after that. We lost.
Then it was time for the Castaway Club party in Beat Street. Shrimp, egg rolls, won ton, fruit, cheese and other hors d' oeuvres. The Capt spoke for a little bit, and took a poll on where we wanted to see DCL go in the next few years. Hawaii won, Alaska and the Mediterranian....
Tonight was casual night for us in Animator's...I love the first night in Animator's. And they did something a little different than they have done in the past....fun, fun....won't spoil the surprise, but have your cameras ready toward the end of your meal! Hint: I wish I'd brought the video camera down from the room, but I didn't.
Tonight's show was Gary DeLena, so we skipped that.
They had a teen pool party (brrrr) at 10 pm, and it was disco and 60's night...we went for a bit and then called it a night.
We were way too excited about being in Puerto Vallarta in the morning, and knew we had to get up early. We had DCL's excursion to Las Caletas Hideaway........

 

[jilljill]

Stace, thanks for the detailed reports. I knew we could count on you to be 'talkative' . Must remember to take the video camera to AP for reg. rotation meal.

 

[jilljill]

Jenny, we have a cat. 9 and you can see that one too. It may be similiar to your's tho. We will have to arrange a mini tour thru the cabins, that sounds like fun. We've only stayed in a cat. 4 or 9 (deck 1 and 2).
I think these are the cats. we have covered: 6 (deck 5), 9 (deck 2), 10 (SPH deck 5), 10 (deck 1), 11 (deck 5). Anyone else have a different cat?

 

[Kidoctr]

Anyone else have a different cat?

We're in a cat 10 - anyone want to see?

 

[Kidoctr]

Stacey - thanks for the reminder about the sales at the spa. I booked a foot treatment/pedicure online and will be sure to ask for no sales as well. What type of trivia game was it? Like trivial pursuit or was it Disney trivia?

 

[justmestace]

This particular trivia game was general knowledge...or in my case, lack thereof.

They also had a "Pirate" trivia on Pirate day. Same group won the game I happened to be watching. The ship usually had a morning game session and an afternoon session. I think after this group of adults won every afternoon game, DCL might think about changing the questions they have in the afternoons.

 

[Catnip0113]

Stacey - I would like to see a Cat. 6 too!! We are in a Secret Porthole Room - and would be interested in seeing the variety of cabins! Sounds like Jordan did a great dance!! Brynee will wait and see how she feels about signing up for the talent show. She just found out she is a "napkin" in Beauty and the Beast !

I'd be up to see a secret porthole room! If anyone wants to see a Cat. 5 verandah room we are on Deck 7 (sleeps 3).

Jessica received a call to come and get measured for costume(s) by her stage director (sounds so professional) for the summer theater camp show. She doesn't know yet, she is out at the movies with a friend.

Cathy

 

[Itinkso]

We will have to arrange a mini tour thru the cabins, that sounds like fun. We've only stayed in a cat. 4 or 9 (deck 1 and 2).
I think these are the cats. we have covered: 6 (deck 5), 9 (deck 2), 10 (SPH deck 5), 10 (deck 1), 11 (deck 5). Anyone else have a different cat?

I think the mini-tour will be fun ! The SPH is supposedly a Cat. 8 or 9 - sleeps four. With Cathy's Cat. 5, we will have 6 cabins to view! Did we ever decide on a wine-tasting ?

 

[jilljill]

I think the mini-tour will be fun ! The SPH is supposedly a Cat. 8 or 9 - sleeps four. With Cathy's Cat. 5, we will have 6 cabins to view! Did we ever decide on a wine-tasting ?

Jenny, you are right the SPH rooms are supposed to be cat. 8's, but were reclassified as 10's due to the obstructed view.
I had forgotten all about wine tasting, not like me to forget a thing like that . Maybe we could incorporate that into our cabin tour. Wouldn't we be a sight, trudging thru the halls with bottles and glasses looking at cabins ?!?


OK Stace, we are waiting for day 4.

 

[Catnip0113]

This is sounding better and better! How are we going to fit these things in between all the stuff we have planned?

I found my DIS boards button. The countdowns are below 50 now!

Cathy

 

[Itinkso]

This is sounding better and better! How are we going to fit these things in between all the stuff we have planned?

I found my DIS boards button. The countdowns are below 50 now!

Cathy

If we had to choose, I would vote for the "cabin tour." We are planning for Alaska next year and I would really like to see a balcony/veranda cabin so I can decide what to book (on Princess or RCCL). Plus, I am, unfortunately, allergic to wine - the sulfites- but I wanted to bring a bottle of "Fresno State" wine...my alma mater and the only college that has a "wine" major!

Maybe our "leader" Barb can help us decide what to do??

Stacey - Thanks for the great reporting...did you hear anything regarding Randi's horses and Victor's on Stone Island?

I hope everyone has a great weekend and Father's Day ! It rained here today...may set a record for the coldest June 17 ever (70 ish degrees)...it's usually in the high 90's or low 100's! DH has decided "we" should have a major "project" this weekend : draining the pool, scrubbing the tile, chlorine wash and refilling My only thoughts as I hang over the edge of the pool scrubbing away are: Don't sane people hire out for this? and Why did we put in such a large pool?? Wish me luck!!!

 

[jilljill]

If we had to choose, I would vote for the "cabin tour." We are planning for Alaska next year and I would really like to see a balcony/veranda cabin so I can decide what to book (on Princess or RCCL). Plus, I am, unfortunately, allergic to wine - the sulfites- but I wanted to bring a bottle of "Fresno State" wine...my alma mater and the only college that has a "wine" major!

Maybe our "leader" Barb can help us decide what to do??

Your unofficial 'leader' has decided to make a decision. I think a cabin tour is in order and if each cabin would like to have a beverage or snack waiting that will be up to them. I think this will give us the best of both worlds. Now to decide on a day and time, I think we need to see if DCL is doing any other changes in the Navigator's from what has been posted.
Room service can be ordered to have snacks in the room. They have the fruit and cheese plate, cookies, sandwiches and a few other cold items that would be good to have.
I hope everyone likes this idea.

 

[justmestace]

Before I start on Puerto Vallarta, I'll answer Jenny. We didn't end up going to Stone Island, we grabbed a van and went sightseeing instead. But I did ask our driver about Randi and her horses. He didn't get my joke at first (no one ever does, I should give up)....I asked him if Randi's horses really were happy. And he said "I just think that's a name she came up with" LOL
Anyway, he said he knew Randi, and knew that she cares for the horses, and though they aren't the big tall stallions we may have here in the U.S., he said it was a good excursion to do. And he was very honest with us. He also said NOT to buy any silver from any street vendor, it isn't real silver. Only buy from the stores in town. BUT...he said "If you are looking, hold up an item and say "Jesus, is this REAL silver", I will say "Si, it is." because I have to see these guys everyday!" He was funny. And a great host.