Christmas/Holiday 2011 on the Wonder: 8 night Mexican Riviera 12/18/2011

[Double Trouble]

Hi Everyone!

It seems like the thread is getting a little quiet lately...everyone must be immersed in packing...I know we are.

Someone earlier had concerns about check-in times, but from what we've seen in LA in the past, it doesn't seem to be that big a deal...people just seem to show up whenever.

BROOKLYN/OTHERS, is this what you've seen before, particularly on your cruise a few months ago?

Don't forget the meetups! (see post 665)
-Terminal before boarding
-Promenade Lounge @ 3:00
-Outlook Cafe on Monday @ 2:00
-Tastings TBD

 

[Dchachos]

Hi Everyone!

It seems like the thread is getting a little quiet lately...everyone must be immersed in packing...I know we are.

Someone earlier had concerns about check-in times, but from what we've seen in LA in the past, it doesn't seem to be that big a deal...people just seem to show up whenever.

BROOKLYN/OTHERS, is this what you've seen before, particularly on your cruise a few months ago?

Don't forget the meetups! (see post 665)
-Terminal before boarding
-Promenade Lounge @ 3:00
-Outlook Cafe on Monday @ 2:00
-Tastings TBD

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGG how do I get everything I own into 2 suitcases. It's impossible. I have the feeling I am going to end up with 3 large suitcases (checked) along with 3 carry ons. I guess some lucky porters are going to get a nice tip lol. I have been packing and reducing and packing and reducing.

I think without the extra birthday and Christmas stuff this would not be such a problem, and I tend to overreact (who me) then it usually is fine I just need to repack and adjust.

Just a few more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SanDeeKath]

Busy finishing up the last minute holiday things, last 2 days of work, and all the packing! I already have 3 huge suitcases and I haven't even started packing our clothes yet!!!! UGH.

On top of it all, my brand new iPhone just decided to completely quit on me. SIGH. Probably gonna have to do a hard reset on the phone, which means I lose everything. FUDGE. Katherine

 

[LovesToRun]

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGG how do I get everything I own into 2 suitcases. It's impossible. I have the feeling I am going to end up with 3 large suitcases (checked) along with 3 carry ons. I guess some lucky porters are going to get a nice tip lol. I have been packing and reducing and packing and reducing.

I think without the extra birthday and Christmas stuff this would not be such a problem, and I tend to overreact (who me) then it usually is fine I just need to repack and adjust.

Just a few more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know, packing is always difficult, especially when you are flying (with all the baggage fees, etc). I don't know if this will help you or not, but since we always have to fly when we go on a cruise, we only pack for 3 or 4 days worth of clothes, and then we do laundry on the ship for sure once, or maybe twice if we need to. I've figured out it's way cheaper to do a couple or a few loads of laundry on the ship than it is to check an extra bag both ways (it's $20 one way per bag on Alaska Airlines), and one load of laundry is I think $4.00 ($2.00 to wash, $2.00 to dry). I know... it's "domestic work" on your vacation, which many of us look forward to completey getting away from, but I'm willing to do laundry on the ship in order to save $40 of round trip baggage fees by not having to check an extra bag.

When we went on our Panama Canal cruise in January, i only had to pack 2 suitcases for the 4 of us for 15 nights/16 days.... I only packed 4 days worth of clothes for all of us, plus our formal gear, and pirate outfits, and I just did laundry a few times. Worked great! I still remember on the last night of the cruise when put all your luggage outside your door, our stateroom host kept asking if that is ALL we have.... Most cabins had 4-5 bags, and we only had 2 suitcases.

But, this cruise, I do agree, is a lot harder because it's Christmas, so you have Christmas gifts to pack, and then the FE stuff... I think for us this time, we'll be checking 2 bags, and carrying on 2 roller bags. But, we'll still be packing just 3-4 days worth of clothes and doing laundry on the ship.

Good luck!!! Regardless of how much you pack, or how little you pack.... we'll all be going on the cruise SOOOO very soon!! wow, can't believe it's SO soon!!!!!



Kathy

 

[Tinkerbellll]

We are almost ready to go! We have an 11:00 check-in time, so we will be looking for all of you. My daughter is going to have a Stitch santa hat on, and my youngest will be wearing a Mickey santa hat.

Cannot wait...I want these next few days to fly by, and then once we are on the ship, I want it all to slow down! Our camera is charged, extra batteries packed, ready to capture some memories.

Really looking forward to meeting all of you. Safe travels everyone!!!!!

 

[NarrabeenSteph]

Pheeww...I just managed to read through all those posts. We just returned from our 1 month road trip through south-east Australia and I wasn´t able to check this thread in a while!

Thanks for organizing the meetups. We will fly into LAX on Sunday around 6:30am. Not sure when we will be able to catch the Disney shuttle service, but I guess we´ll be at the port quite early. We´ll try to wear something red.

Looking forward to the 3pm meetup as well. We won´t be able to do the Monday meetup, as we´ll have our 20 month old with us. He isn´t booked into nursery, as he is very clingy at the moment (moving house and farewelling all our friends in Australia takes its toll).

Anyway, we are still onboard and looking forward to meet you guys


Steph

 

[Brooklyn]

Hi Everyone!

It seems like the thread is getting a little quiet lately...everyone must be immersed in packing...I know we are.

Someone earlier had concerns about check-in times, but from what we've seen in LA in the past, it doesn't seem to be that big a deal...people just seem to show up whenever.

BROOKLYN/OTHERS, is this what you've seen before, particularly on your cruise a few months ago?

Don't forget the meetups! (see post 665)
-Terminal before boarding
-Promenade Lounge @ 3:00
-Outlook Cafe on Monday @ 2:00
-Tastings TBD

Boarding times did not seem to make a bit of difference in LA.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGG how do I get everything I own into 2 suitcases. It's impossible. I have the feeling I am going to end up with 3 large suitcases (checked) along with 3 carry ons. I guess some lucky porters are going to get a nice tip lol. I have been packing and reducing and packing and reducing.

I think without the extra birthday and Christmas stuff this would not be such a problem, and I tend to overreact (who me) then it usually is fine I just need to repack and adjust.

Just a few more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hummmm, we are up to 10 suitcases and I am not quite finished. Not sure if the number will go up but that is about par for the course for us! When flying however we do have to limit things.

When we went on our Panama Canal cruise in January, i only had to pack 2 suitcases for the 4 of us for 15 nights/16 days.... I only packed 4 days worth of clothes for all of us, plus our formal gear, and pirate outfits, and I just did laundry a few times. Worked great! I still remember on the last night of the cruise when put all your luggage outside your door, our stateroom host kept asking if that is ALL we have.... Most cabins had 4-5 bags, and we only had 2 suitcases.

Ok so this just made me laugh....earlier I was taking off old DCL luggage tags from the PC cruise....the bag tag was 1 of 17!!! I have NO IDEA how you pulled off 2 suitcases. My husband would be thrilled if I could come close to that number!!! It will never happen though. The girls dresses alone take up a whole big suitcase not including their shoes. I am sure the Hawaii cruise will be just as bad though. I still am not sure how we made it to 17 but somehow we did. Atleast that was for 5 people.

 

[LovesToRun]

Ok so this just made me laugh....earlier I was taking off old DCL luggage tags from the PC cruise....the bag tag was 1 of 17!!! I have NO IDEA how you pulled off 2 suitcases. My husband would be thrilled if I could come close to that number!!! It will never happen though. The girls dresses alone take up a whole big suitcase not including their shoes. I am sure the Hawaii cruise will be just as bad though. I still am not sure how we made it to 17 but somehow we did. Atleast that was for 5 people.

that is funny! I think the answer of how we were able to travel with only two suitcases on the Panama Canal cruise is in your post.... I'm the only girl in our family. My boys are SO easy when it comes to clothes... clothes, shoes, fashion, etc, is the last thing from their minds. So, they pretty much just live in shorts and t-shirts during the day, and then at night at dinner, they have khaki pants and short sleeve polo shirts, or button up shirts. Then, they both have suits for formal night, so the suites take up a lot of space, but in one of our suitcases, there is a built in garmet bag that can hold suits and dresses, so we put our formal gear in there.

As for me, due to a very bad ankle injury I had 1 1/2 years ago (took 11 months to rehab and be able to walk normal again), I am now unable to wear high heels, so I just bring sandals and flats, which hardly takes up any space. And, my formal dresses are all not big fancy dresses... they are little cocktail/party type dresses, so they hardly take up any room.

We just like to travel really light normally... so I have it down to a science as to how to pack light enough to bring the minimal amount of suitcases. Plus, we have all travel size toiletries, etc, and that helps, too.

I think if we had girls, it'd be a whole different story!!! My friends who have girls are never able to travel light.

I think if we didn't have to fly, I would definitely take more.... but I just hate having to pay all the baggage fees, plus, just lugging luggage in and out of the airport, etc, is a pain to me, so we just try to minimize all of that.

Kathy

 

[Brooklyn]

Oh I envy you! My husband would love to be so efficent!

I will keep blaming it my girls...

So Excited! Three days away!!!

that is funny! I think the answer of how we were able to travel with only two suitcases on the Panama Canal cruise is in your post.... I'm the only girl in our family. My boys are SO easy when it comes to clothes... clothes, shoes, fashion, etc, is the last thing from their minds. So, they pretty much just live in shorts and t-shirts during the day, and then at night at dinner, they have khaki pants and short sleeve polo shirts, or button up shirts. Then, they both have suits for formal night, so the suites take up a lot of space, but in one of our suitcases, there is a built in garmet bag that can hold suits and dresses, so we put our formal gear in there.

As for me, due to a very bad ankle injury I had 1 1/2 years ago (took 11 months to rehab and be able to walk normal again), I am now unable to wear high heels, so I just bring sandals and flats, which hardly takes up any space. And, my formal dresses are all not big fancy dresses... they are little cocktail/party type dresses, so they hardly take up any room.

We just like to travel really light normally... so I have it down to a science as to how to pack light enough to bring the minimal amount of suitcases. Plus, we have all travel size toiletries, etc, and that helps, too.

I think if we had girls, it'd be a whole different story!!! My friends who have girls are never able to travel light.

I think if we didn't have to fly, I would definitely take more.... but I just hate having to pay all the baggage fees, plus, just lugging luggage in and out of the airport, etc, is a pain to me, so we just try to minimize all of that.

Kathy

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi all,

I am not sure if the Cabo Dolphin Trainer Program has been sold out, but my inlaws have been booked for this excursion, and they just had to cancel it last night, so there are 2 spots open for that. So, if it has been sold out, and anyone here has wanted to book it, you can snag those spots, if they haven't already been taken.

I think today is the last day you can book excursions.

So, we are bummed, but my mother-in-law had to last minute cancel the cruise (she has trip insurance), but my father-in-law is still going (so they are still doing the FE for group 2). My DH's grandma is 98 years old and she's been failing this year. The doctors think she only has a few days until she dies, so my mother-in-law just does not feel right going on the cruise and possibly missing her mom's last moments, and DH and I totally understand this dilemma. But, it's really too bad she had to cancel because we've been looking forward to all being on this cruise together for so long now, and this means that my father-in-law and my mother-in-law will not be together on Christmas day. But, my mother-in-law really wants my father-in-law to still go on the cruise to be with us (we don't get to see them very often since they live in Oregon), but we did tell both of them we'd understand if both of them cancelled. But, this is how they want to do it.

So, since they were both booked on the Dophin Trainer Program, my father-in-law did not want to do that all by himself... he'd rather wait to do it with my mother-in-law a different time when they can do it together. My DH, kids and I are doing the zip lining that day in Cabo, and my FIL can't do zip lining because he has a bad back. So, he'll just be by himself that day, which he's ok with. The rest of our excursions, we all have booked together, so my FIL will be with us the rest of the time.

Anyway, bummer news.... Gonna really miss having DH's mom there, but we all knew this could be a possibility that grandma might die right before or during the cruise...

But, we'll make the best of everything.

See you all Sunday.

Take care,
Kathy

ps. We also cancelled one spot on the Las Caletas Hideaway in PV, and one spot on the Tesoro Resort Pool & Beach Bash in Manzanillo. So, in both of those, unless they've been snatched up, there is one spot open.

 

[Dchachos]

I have a question for all you experienced cruisers: Do I need to get pesos or do the majority of vendors take American cash?


Dianne

 

[Double Trouble]

Just finished work for the week...now it's serious packing time! Just a reminder about the meetups for everyone...

MEETUPS:

With only about a week to go, I wanted to finalize the meetup schedule, so barring any major objections here we go...

Come to as many as you want!

DLR/Hotel Pre-meets: TBD...See Post 664.

Cruise Terminal Prior to Boarding - All: Meet by the largest TV display where Disney movies/shows are playing (it's obvious once you're through security, just go straight ahead towards the far wall and look on your right). As a backup, in case they happen to have remodeled since I was there a few months ago (added new TVs, etc), go to the far back right corner of the terminal as you see it after passing through the xray security checkpoint. I'll try to post a DIS sign as well. Try to wear something RED, like a santa hat, ribbons, etc. I'll be wearing my Santa hat looking relaxed, but anxious to board, while my twin DDs orchestrate the kids "social" activities.

Onboard After Boarding - All: 3:00pm in the Promenade Lounge, Deck 3, Port Side. If you are in the FE or Secret Mickey groups and have any cabin changes, PLEASE make sure someone is there from your group so we can update the spreadsheets.

Monday (Sea Day) - Adults: 2:00pm in the Outlook Cafe, Deck 10 just aft of the adult pool area, off the midship elevators. It's above the Cove Cafe (Deck 9) so make sure you come upstairs to the right place. Bring your own beverage, or you can get one there as desired.

Tastings - Adults: As desired. I will bring a schedule of opportunities to the meetups so we can arrange some mini-groups as desired. The times/beverages are also posted in the daily Navigators. You sign up individually at Guest Services.

After that, it's all informal as you wish...you'll be running into your new DIS friends everywhere.

OK, it's back to packing! Everyone take care and please travel safely!

 

[Double Trouble]

With all the furious packing going on, just a last minute reminder for everyone to bring your passports/ID/travel documents (in your carry-on of course). I just reminded my MIL and she thanked me profusely after realizing she did not have hers.

If you've got those, you're good to go! Everything else you can buy or live without!

santa

 

[Double Trouble]

I have a question for all you experienced cruisers: Do I need to get pesos or do the majority of vendors take American cash?


Dianne

Dianne,

From our experience, everywhere we went they took dollars with no problem, although we did get some change back in pesos after buying some things at a grocery store in Manzanillo (same in PV at Walmart according to some friends of ours). Unless you really get off the beaten path, I think you'll be fine with dollars. You may not always get the absolute best exchange rate, but that's the only trade off we've seen. Remember to bargain!!

Current exchange rate is US $1 = about 13.8 Mexican Pesos (MXP), or in reverse, 1 MXP = a bit over 7 cents US (100 MXP = about US $7.25 is a good reference to remember).

 

[SanDeeKath]

Last 2h of work here!!!

 

[LovesToRun]

Yay, we fly to LA tomorrow (Long Beach Airport)! I can't believe it! I'm 3/4 of the way packed... and I'm so proud of myself because I was able to manage to pack our entire family in just 2 checked suitcases!! I was thinking this time we might need 3 checked bags because of Christmas presents and FE gifts, but I managed to make it in 2 bags and still have a little room left in case we buy things!! We'll just do laundry for sure once during the trip. We are carrying on 2 small roller carry-on bags (I'm carrying on all of our Christmas gifts, FE gifts, and the Christmas trees that will go in our room and my inlaws room). I wanted to carry on all of that stuff because I've heard horror stories about Christmas gifts getting stolen out of checked luggage. So, our checked luggage will only have our clothes/toiletries/shoes... so not much worth someone stealing.

Ok, so at port, I'll be wearing a white skirt and a red short sleeve shirt with a big heart on the front of it. I have short brown hair, and am on the smaller side (small framed person). If it's cold, I'll be wearing a little black jacket.... but cold is relative, right! It's been in the 30's here, so if it's warmer than the 30's (which I'm sure it will be) in San Pedro, I may not need a jacket.

I have 2 boys (my 9 year old is a red head (a true red head with freckles, fair skin... I always tell people to look for the red head and then you'll probably find me. ), and my oldest (11 year old) has light brown/dark blonde hair. And, my FIL will be with us and DH... anyway if I don't see/meet anyone at port, we'll for sure meet at 3 PM in the Prominade Lounge.

I'll try to find everyone in the port.

Take care everyone! And, happy travels (whether you are driving or flying).

Kathy

 

[Dchachos]

Yay, we fly to LA tomorrow (Long Beach Airport)! I can't believe it! I'm 3/4 of the way packed... and I'm so proud of myself because I was able to manage to pack our entire family in just 2 checked suitcases!! I was thinking this time we might need 3 checked bags because of Christmas presents and FE gifts, but I managed to make it in 2 bags and still have a little room left in case we buy things!! We'll just do laundry for sure once during the trip. We are carrying on 2 small roller carry-on bags (I'm carrying on all of our Christmas gifts, FE gifts, and the Christmas trees that will go in our room and my inlaws room). I wanted to carry on all of that stuff because I've heard horror stories about Christmas gifts getting stolen out of checked luggage. So, our checked luggage will only have our clothes/toiletries/shoes... so not much worth someone stealing.

Ok, so at port, I'll be wearing a white skirt and a red short sleeve shirt with a big heart on the front of it. I have short brown hair, and am on the smaller side (small framed person). If it's cold, I'll be wearing a little black jacket.... but cold is relative, right! It's been in the 30's here, so if it's warmer than the 30's (which I'm sure it will be) in San Pedro, I may not need a jacket.

I have 2 boys (my 9 year old is a red head (a true red head with freckles, fair skin... I always tell people to look for the red head and then you'll probably find me. ), and my oldest (11 year old) has light brown/dark blonde hair. And, my FIL will be with us and DH... anyway if I don't see/meet anyone at port, we'll for sure meet at 3 PM in the Prominade Lounge.

I'll try to find everyone in the port.

Take care everyone! And, happy travels (whether you are driving or flying).

Kathy

Kathy I am so jealous that you got everything into 2 bags. I managed to stuff mine into 3 checked and then 3 carry on. Our carry ons are pretty light and I could have put more in there but I don't want to worry about heavy carry ons.

This is the very first air plane ride for the boys. They are both ADHD and the oldest has a condition that is similar to autism so he can get over stimulated by lights sounds etc. McCarran airport is full of sensory overload so it should be fun. I have been spending lots of time with letting him know what he should be seeing or experiencing at the airport and on the plane.

We will all be wearing jeans and red lons sleeved shirts with white short sleeved shirts over them (the layered look). I will most likely be riding on a travel scooter. I hope to be walking but the legs are still a bit shaky from last weeks treatment. I have long brown hair. The boys have black hair. They will be the noisy ones with me saying shhh inside voices shhh.....

DT thank you I think I might go get a few pesos but not much I just don't want to pay to convert 2 times. I found a place that converts back for free but they have a $250.00 minimum amount and I doubt I need that much.

I didn't put swimsuits in the carry on. Did anyone else. I looked and the weather seems a bit cold to swim. 70 degrees with a chance of rain.

I think I am almost done getting ready, just have a few last minute things to pack, make-up and hair care things. The boys need to pick items to keep them entertained at the airport and the hotel. I am so so so super excited! I think more than the kids. Of course they still have school today so their mind is on the holiday party at the end of the day. I am sure tonight will be full of questions again.

Well time to go run errands. See you REAL soon.

Dianne

 

[SanDeeKath]

Bring your swimsuits! It's hot and humid down there. Especially when you head way down south toward Manzanillo! I just looked up Cabo for the week and it says 77-79 for the entire week with sun.

PV says 80-82 and sunny all week.

Manzanillo says 84-85 and sunny all week!

It's gonna be perfect.

Katherine

 

[Dchachos]

Bring your swimsuits! It's hot and humid down there. Especially when you head way down south toward Manzanillo! I just looked up Cabo for the week and it says 77-79 for the entire week with sun.

PV says 80-82 and sunny all week.

Manzanillo says 84-85 and sunny all week!

It's gonna be perfect.

Katherine

Katherine I meant in your carry-on. To swim the first day while we are waiting for our luggage to be delivered to our room.

Right now here in Vegas its cold and windy it will be a nice change from cold and windy.

 

[Double Trouble]

Finally got the bags packed and it's off to bed. Drive to the DoubleTree on Saturday and then we can relax...it's CRUISE TIME!

Everyone please travel safely and we'll see you on Sunday!