Barely Live from March 25-April 1 Magic! NEW TRIP REPORT ADDED

[BuzzBoyMom]

Gosh, and I thought we've just had a bad bunch of cookies. I agree - I'll pass on the cookies and save up for the chocolate souffle.

Thanks for the report. Can't wait to see the new navs.

 

[gimpeaux]

dlf246 - Great report! I admire you for taking the time to start the report while onboard. Give me a few days (darn this work!) and I will post our impressions of the week, many of which (like the cookies) mirror yours. Overall, the cruise was incredibly fantastic!

 

[Pinky3]

Dear dlf246:

Could you elaborate on your air/land/night before? We are still trying to decide on transportation to/from port and staying night before sailing.

 

[dlf246]

Dear dlf246:

Could you elaborate on your air/land/night before? We are still trying to decide on transportation to/from port and staying night before sailing.

We booked in fall '05; and at that time the airfares were terrible between arkansas and Florida. Unless we took 3 planes each way, or traveled at midnight, we actually saved money using Disney package. The amazing thing was when we got the actual flights (about 3-4 weeks ahead you can call). We got the only nonstop flight there, which was the most expensive; and the return was an easy stop in Memphis... we were home by 4PM!
Hotel was at airport Hyatt. It literally is part of the airport terminal. Very nice.

But I think the next to best part was showing up at 9am in Hyatt lobby on embarkation day. (Our luggage was picked up at 8:30AM outside our room.), we got on one of the FIRST bus to the port. Saw a video about the cruise during the 50 minute ride, with lots of other excited families.

The BEST part was at disembarkation: we walked out the terminal and went 20 yards to the airline counter. Gave them our luggage. Got on the bus moments later. We did not see our luggage again until home airport. I really like that....

Any other questions?

 

[dlf246]

They are totally new and different. Some of the staff were having a hard time figuring them out. They have all the activities on one two sided page. I think i brought some home... I can send along when I finish unpacking.

Whew!! I have never posted scanned items and was dreading doing that. I will leave the Navigators to Iflynn, if ok with you, lbgraves.

 

[dlf246]

Did you do any excursions in Costa Maya with your DD5? We are going on the double dip in July. I'm looking for a good excursion. Our DD & DS are 4.

DW, DD16, DS14, and I did the Native Choice (David and Ivan) chacchoben ruin tour. It was great. We had our DD5 a spot to come with us, but we did the right thing by letting her stay in Oceaneer Club. The Costa Maya board has plenty of posts saying their 5 and 6 year old kids enjoyed it.... I find that hard to believe.... too long and verbal.... Just IMHO.
I'm sure you know about Dolphin Encounter. It is booked up fast, so you must reserve as soon as you are allowed. Keep in mind that it has much less interaction with the dolphin compared to the royal swim at dolphin discovery in Cozumel. (must be booked independently if you want to do royal swim).

 

[roysbrew]

originally posted by dlf246
I'm sure you know about Dolphin Encounter. It is booked up fast, so you must reserve as soon as you are allowed. Keep in mind that it has much less interaction with the dolphin compared to the royal swim at dolphin discovery in Cozumel. (must be booked independently if you want to do royal swim).

I hadn't paid alot of attention to the dophin encounters. we thought about doing one if we go to Xcaret. We I looked on the DCL website the cozumel dolphin encounter was age 3 and up. The costa maya one said 5 and up. Is this right? What is the royal swim? Thanks so much for your help.

 

[geffric]

Whew!! I have never posted scanned items and was dreading doing that. I will leave the Navigators to Iflynn, if ok with you, lbgraves.

Hi.. I am going to email the Navigators to her tomorrow from work unless it is easier for lflynn to do...

we did the DCL chacchoben ruin tour. It was too long for little kids...

 

[dlf246]

I hadn't paid alot of attention to the dophin encounters. we thought about doing one if we go to Xcaret. We I looked on the DCL website the cozumel dolphin encounter was age 3 and up. The costa maya one said 5 and up. Is this right? What is the royal swim? Thanks so much for your help.

The royal swim is available in Cozumel & Puerta Aventura. I don't think I can give website link on this post, so it is www dolphindiscovery com (add the periods). That will show you the activities.

Cozumel, I hear reopens 6/30, and will be much safer (timing wise) than the long trip to PA.

Don't forget that the DCL dolphin excursions at Costa Maya are 2 kinds, one with only a patting of the dolphin, one in which you are in water.

 

[roysbrew]

Dlf246,

Thanks for your advice and good info.

 

[tulsamomof2]

Can anyone comment on the 5-7 or 8-9 Kids Clubs??? I just saw some of the new navigators posted online and I'm not happy. It looks like hardly any scheduled activities as they advertise -- just "Free Time" listed. I guess I thought I was paying for some science activities and specific things than just "free time". It looks like ALOT less programs being offered than previously.

 

[lbgraves]

I just went thru the navigators that were sent to me by the same person & compared them to the kid's club navigators that are posted on the DIS. There are many activities that are the same. I compared the 5-7 group. What was called "storming the lab" is now listed as free time. It was free time before but just had a different name.

 

[camom3]

Hi,

I was just on the 3/25 Magic with my DD12, DD10 & DD6.

My 6yo enjoyed free time the most. When something was scheduled, the slide was closed and she loved the slide the most.

Jen

 

[tulsamomof2]

Thanks for calming me. I had my kids all hyped up for doing goo and glow jam and the other things listed in the "old" navigators... I'll pray that they are still listed! Thanks lbgraves!

Lynn

 

[JeannieH]

Thanks for the great report. Nice to hear that you had such a great time. Just wondered if the Stateroom host was a little concerned that his rules from the management may be compromised by changing the child's bed some evenings? Due to fire regulations, Disney need to know WHERE each guest is sleeping, just in case of emergencies, and each stateroom guest originally logged on the computer is accounted for. Just a thought.