Counting down the days...Making 40th B-day MAGIC! 9/19/09 Western.

[cakesnjammom]

Ok I am finally ready to start a pre-trip report.
ME - 37
DH - 39
ds - 7
dd - 5
DH and I started talking about how he would like to celebrate his 40th b-day???..he mentioned a few "guy" type places he would like to go and I mentioned "what about a cruise?". He said "oh yeah I like that idea" so I started looking into cruises for us ALONE. We have cruised once (RCCL- our honeymoon) and it was so great, we came off the boat wanting to plan to go again and then 11+ years later here we are PLUS 2 kiddos now that we wanted to leave at home so we could get in some Mom and Dad time. My mom had volunteered to watch the kids and we were sure dh's mom would help out too, maybe a rotation of sorts! The "grandma's" live in the same town but not where we live SO...we also have 2 dogs (beagles),Daisy and Lily, that would need care while we are away so it was all adding up to be a BIG undertaking trying to plan how we would get away and not have to "worry" about kids and grandmothers and dogs and how we would get everyone settled and on the road and be in "NO communication mode" for 4-7 days. It was not working out....my brain was discombobulated to say the least. I had been looking at Carnival cruises and then decided we MAY be to OLD for the Carnival party boats....topless decks??? WHAT? No, way too old! So I started looking into RCCL and I was really impressed with their "Freedom Class" ships...I thought it had enough sporty things to keep dh entertained and all the stuff I like too (shows and food)! So things were really heading that way but the thought of not being able to speak to our kids and kowing we would be wondering how things were with them while trying to relax and enjoy our time just did not seem to mix. So I started thinking Disney...we are Disney fans...we have been blessed to go to WDW several times over the last few years and all our trips have left us with such great memories, magical memories! With only one downfall...NO alone time for mom and dad, not to mention the run, run, run schedule....now a light bulb goes off....DCL....so I watch the cruise video online...I get so excited but did not know how dh would feel...so I call him and tell him when he gets back home I want him to watch something online...OK! When he comes in I explain to him what I had been thinking and that DCL has KIDS CLUBS so we could really do a lil' alone time too...I said I thought it was a win-win situation. So I left the video up for him to watch when he had time! AND....I was hoping the pixie dust would get him!

 

[cakesnjammom]

Cont....
I have NEVER had a problem convincing dh to take a Disney vacation....once he started the video it was not long before he was saying "I am SOLD, when do we leave?" But the guilt hits us and we realize we cannot do a DISNEY cruise without our kids! The Oceaneer Club would provide us some adult time so kid problem WAS solved....they will go too. So NOW I needed to figure out the cost and what we could afford now that we were adding the kids to the sailing! SO the next morning I contacted Marisa - TA with Cruising Co/MouseEar Vacations and got some quotes for a 4-night Bahama's cruise. We decided that since Sept. had lower fares we would cruise then and take our chances during hurricane season. We paid the deposit and were all ready to start my favorite part.....planning: knowing what all is offered...you know the phase - that is why you are here, right! I kept reading the boards, asking tons of questions, bombarding Marisa with questions....starting the planning to get our passports....talking to friends who had done DCL and getting more excited by the day! THEN that "always want the biggest and best BUG bit me", you know the one, the BUG that says is 4 days enough on the ship...what are you missing out on by going on the 4-night vs. the 7-night? And I start reading 4 & 7-night trip reports, recalling my past cruise and how quickly the week FLEW by and soon enough I was nagging at dh (which lets face it, dh was thinking the same thing b/c some of our dear friends told us that the 4-night was just enough time to make them MAD when they had to get off the boat and that they were grumpy when they got home because they hated to leave the ship ). I just kept thinking as soon as we get on that boat we are gonna want to book that 7-night and then I started calculating (I never present a trip to dh unless I have a way for us to pay for it in mind). So add the 4-night to the 7-night cost and WHOA who knows when we will be able to go: kids in school: yada, yada, yada or should we just figure in the $1200 additional it would cost to upgrade to the 7-nighter now instead (yes - we lost our split bath and secret port hole) but we did it and booked a CAT 11! Our TA was able to offer us a group rate on the 7-night Western and since deposits had dropped we only had to pay $100 more in deposits - hey it was a NO BRAINER for me. So we decided we would do very few excursions and enjoy the boat...we have been to Key West so we knew what we wanted to do there and we knew we could get around on our own....the other places I am looking into excursions for us and we are so excited about Castaway Cay...that place will be a whole excursion on its own - very little if any additional costs. I was also happy to find CHEAPER trip insurance that covers our needs thru Access America...thanks Belle for that tip.

My dh needed to go ahead and get his passport for work so we started working on our passport forms and we headed to AAA for our passport photos (free to premium members). While we were at AAA I also checked into the trip insurance they offer and was pleased to realize they go thru Access America too...I also,for kicks, got a quote on our cruise at AAA and I had gotten a WAY better deal using Marisa....AAA wanted almost TWICE as much!

I started looking into hotels near the port...I knew I had to use Marriott because dh has reward points with them and that would make our stay FREE ! So after reading up I decided on Residence Inn near the port and they have FREE parking for the length of the cruise and FREE breakfast the morning we sail out. DH will just have to drop us at the port and take the car back and either get a taxi or shuttle to the port....that saves us $105 in parking....hmmmm still trying to decide on whether to park free or park at the port...so if you have tips please pass them along...a lil' worried about my car's safety at the hotel 7 days?

A friend has offered for dd to borrow TONS of princess gowns and crowns to take on our trip and my MIL can sew so I headed out last weekend to get fabric for somethings for MIL to sew and for a Fish Extender - FE (the thing that hangs on the fish outside your cabin and you sign up to give and receive gifts/surprises there...) so dh and I made the FE last weekend and I am still working at the finishing touches! Will post pic when I get it all fancy ! Other than that now I am just scouring the boards and waiting on my Passporter DCL 2009 (gotta love Jennifer and Dave and staff, passporter books and e-books ROCK)!

So if you have any advice for me...please post! Still pondering the tux issue for ds and dh on Formal Night...ds would love to "sport" a tux like Dad and I even cut out a pattern to make "Mickey" fabric bow ties for them...have not found the perfect fabric yet! Oh and forgot to mention...dh has made all the magnets for our door....he is the graphic designer here!

 

[cakesnjammom]

Thinking of adding the MNSSHP for Friday night and arriving earlier than planned on the 18th...but prices and dates are not being confirmed/released by Disney yet! Just wondering if we will be too tuckered out after the party to be up and out early the next morning having to get up, drive and head to the ship? My kids are night owls, especially when excited. Thoughts?

If I add the party it will mean NO free parking at the Cocoa Beach hotel because I will change to a hotel near WDW so there goes the $105 savings...but since I have NOT completely made up my mind to leave my car....hmmmm... and I am just thinking the Halloween party is a great way to see MK too for a 'lil bit and add to the MAGIC of the cruise! Thoughts and opinions...please! Kids could just wear pirate stuff/princess stuff that we are taking for the cruise anyway...THAT IS A PLUS! I wish I knew the ticket prices that would help but I am thinking $200 for 2 adult/2 child tickets?

 

[cakesnjammom]

WOW! Been looking into excursions and I think I mentioned we are not doing many, if any, because of the cost. I think I can get away with staying on the boat in either Cozumel or Grand Caymen. So which one is the better spot for us to venture out on our own? Any suggestions?



My kiddos would really love to swim with the dolphins (I think...you know until they see that massive creature swimming towards them) and I found a place that they can participate for $8/each with a paying adult (dh and I would have to pay $86 each and then $16 dollars for them) so for $188 we could swim with dolphins in Cozumel (plus tax and transfers)...should we do this or the Halloween Party??? Anyone done both that can tell me their opinion? I just think the kids will get more out of the HP but I have been wrong before and will be wrong many more times I am sure .



Well chime in please! Let me know your thoughts? Man I just get more excited by the day!

 

[disney minnie]

I found quite a few places on ebay where you can purchase a tux for your son for around $30. This price beats the rental price any day and then you can sell it on ebay after the trip if it won't be used again. or keep it for the memory of his first tux.

 

[cakesnjammom]

YAY! I have looked into them too...my MIL can sew so I was going to get an eight and let her hem the pants so maybe he could wear it again!!!! Thanks for reading!!

 

[disney minnie]

Ok you're going to get me into trouble. I was planning on our family going to Downtown Disney on the 4th and going to Disney Quest, eat a little dinner, and then head to Cape Canaveral for the night. Now I I'm thinking it might be fun to do the Halloween party and then spend the night at Disney. Right now we have free parking at our hotel and we already have tickes to Disney Quest, but we are surprising our children with this trip and that would definately throw them off; especially the 9 year old.

 

[cakesnjammom]

Ok you're going to get me into trouble. I was planning on our family going to Downtown Disney on the 4th and going to Disney Quest, eat a little dinner, and then head to Cape Canaveral for the night. Now I I'm thinking it might be fun to do the Halloween party and then spend the night at Disney. Right now we have free parking at our hotel and we already have tickes to Disney Quest, but we are surprising our children with this trip and that would definately throw them off; especially the 9 year old.

I know what you mean...it really snowballs! we decided to ask our kids IF they had a choice what would they rather do...the HP, dolphins or stingrays? Both said HP...dd said HP with any hesitation but ds, well it takes him a bit to make up his mind...he weighs all the options (to make sure he isn't missing anything) and usually trys to negotiate his way into MORE than is offered...wonder where he got that?
SO if we really plan for the HP we will lose any option of FREE parking...since we are Marriott Reward Members I will ASK if we can park and ride but I am sure the answer will be NO...we will have to stay at The Marriott World Center next to WDW after the HP???? NO now dh says we will just drive to Cocoa Beach afterwards!! YAY
How bad is the drive from WDW to PC? Do you think we will feel like doing it after the HP?

 

[cakesnjammom]

OHHHH DH says he will want to drive to PC hotel!!! YAY free parking is BACK on!

 

[kileybeth]

YEAH! a pretrippie! Hiya cakesnjammom! We are cruising together and it is fun to see a pretrippie starting!

I love your family pics! You all look so stinkin happy! You and your MIL and DH too all sound so creative. I can't wait to see all of your planning and pics. Post a FE pic!

I sooooo want to do the MNSSHP, but with 6 of us it is not cheap and we would definitely drive to the Port that night as well to secure our free cruise parking and free breakfast before baording the next morning! Lots is resting on my childrens resales this spring to see what extra monies I can come up with. We are also night owls though so not worried about Friday night so much as Saturday morning and how Port day and and first day at sea will go with such a late night leading into it kwim? I am fairly certain the drive to the Port is only a little over an hour away and late at night, traffic should be lighter.

DH works for a bank, probably enough said, but it has not been a fun year financially speaking but I am so takin' this cruise! I am on a mission! The extras? All flexible I guess for now.

My DH has been to Grand Cayman (on buisness) a number of times and is looking forward to showing us what he has come home raving about (mostly snorkling, he is so not a shopper! ha! ) So with that said, I am still fluctuating between renting our family a car for the day (he's rented/driven in Caymen before (left side of the road and normally right hand drivers seat in car but not always) and lettting him show us around (it's small not to far to go really but would be nice to drive to a beach instead of taxi-ing or walking and hauling everything) OR just shopping with my youngest DD4 (definitely walkable) in her maclaren stroller and letting DH take the other three on a Captain Marvins snorkling, stingray adventure, the 3hour tour. . .) Cost for both of those options is under $200 for our family of 6 not including the shopping I may or may not do?!

In Cozumel (a first for my family in Mexico at all) as of now we will rent a car (actually already reserved through Hertz or Avis, can't remember off hand) and do the driving tour. From what I understand, it is mostly a big loop and pretty easy to get around. The car rental thing gives us great flexibility for a large family. Stop at a beach or not, stop at a market or two, or not, stop to taste some authentic cuisine or not, kwim? and the infamous shopping my DH is hoping to curtail in every port! Ha!

I have come across a few really helpful websites just googling for both Caymen and Cozumel. I'll try to post them if you are interested or at least tell you what they are called/or what to google ( I am sooo techno challenged!)

and a shoutout to DisneyMinnie! Are you taking care of the 9/5/2009 cruise meet thread? I still miss all you guys over there. And yes, still lurking from time to time!

About formal wear? I can not imagine being able to talk my DH into a tux for it and my DS17? um, not happening. The DS6 would eat it up (he was a wedding ring bearer this past summer and he so loved every minute in that monkey suit!) So I am thinking we are going with dark suit for DH and will be happy mom to get DS17 into decent khakis and a dress oxford. Let not talk about the three of us girls I have to dress yet. I am starting to twitch already.

So did not mean to ramble forever. Hope you are not offended or think I was trying to take over the thread! oiy! Looking forward to reading along though!

 

[cakesnjammom]

"kileybeth" I am SO glad to read your post and that you responded ...offended NO WAY ! I am so glad someone is reading!

6 of you..that's awesome and your plans sound great....ok please give me the rental car info., we might look into it!! Since my kids are opting for the HP I am not so sure we will do much that is not included. But we could afford to rent a car or something I am sure...my kids are so looking forward to the club events/kids happenings too! I was reading the NAVS that Jan (on our cruise meet threads - thanks Jan) sent me from the January Western Cruise! Too cool! Too much stuff to keep us busy and I really do not mind swimming while everyone else is off in port - more room in the Goofy pool ! Gotta have key lime pie in Key West though...I cannot miss it! And dh really wants cuban cigars to smoke late night on the ship (in approved areas of course)...he will probably get some in different ports...read a TR about cigars in Grand Caymen upstairs from the Rum Cake place...$25 for 3 cigars...oh no there went the car rental !!

I am so addicted to the boards! It makes me so excited to read the posts and see the pics! And gives me great ideas! Keep me posted on your plans and start your pre-trip report too !

 

[tonysmom6093]

I have been thinking of eating in room the formal night, don't know what to pack for myself or my ds who will be 10 for the trip. Can't really afford a tux for him and he has a crazy pant size. not quite 10 but 8 too short. Do people do this(eat in room) or is that just a crazy thought. I am sewing all our pirate outfits myself, sister and ds. Will probably sew FE too, but have to find the right fabric.
.

 

[CurlyBlueEyes]

DON'T EAT IN YOUR ROOM!! That seems so sad to me. Sorry to hijack your thread, but you just need to dress as nice as you want and you'll be fine.

I am on your cruise too but mostly have been lurking. I haven't been on a DCL since Jan 1999 and that was only a 3 day trip (well before they started the 7 day ones). So I am catching up with what's offered and what's new. I'm sure I'll post more as things get closer

The only excurstion we are committed to are Myan ruins in Cozumel (DH is a history/ancient civilization buff), everything else will have to wait to see what $$$ are available. Can't wait for the new passporter to come out.

 

[cakesnjammom]

I have been thinking of eating in room the formal night, don't know what to pack for myself or my ds who will be 10 for the trip. Can't really afford a tux for him and he has a crazy pant size. not quite 10 but 8 too short. Do people do this(eat in room) or is that just a crazy thought. I am sewing all our pirate outfits myself, sister and ds. Will probably sew FE too, but have to find the right fabric.
.

do not eat in your room just for that reason (dh and I had room service one night when we cruised for our honeymoon and it was nice not to have to "doll up ")...slacks and a button down and tie will be fine OR just a nice golf shirt and khakis would be fine (if you have a Goodwill or Salvation Army GREAT finds on this stuff there too ....complete tuxes on ebay are $30 and under if you want to do that although I know $30 is steep for a one time deal....saw one for $22 for ds! but if you are uncomfortable eat at one of the other restaurants on board!!! enjoy the "magic" and thanks for reading!!!

 

[cakesnjammom]

DON'T EAT IN YOUR ROOM!! That seems so sad to me. Sorry to hijack your thread, but you just need to dress as nice as you want and you'll be fine.

I am on your cruise too but mostly have been lurking. I haven't been on a DCL since Jan 1999 and that was only a 3 day trip (well before they started the 7 day ones). So I am catching up with what's offered and what's new. I'm sure I'll post more as things get closer

The only excurstion we are committed to are Myan ruins in Cozumel (DH is a history/ancient civilization buff), everything else will have to wait to see what $$$ are available. Can't wait for the new passporter to come out.

oh my I am so w/ you on that passporter! I cannot wait...sometime in April!!! Welcome back and thanks for reading...cannot wait to hear more of your plans...check out the cruise meets thread for our cruise if you haven't already!! Come on September...not that I am wishing the days away!

 

[kileybeth]

Just poppin' in to see what's up!

Sometimes I think that when you read meet threads, trip reports, and even just generally the DIS, you get the feeling that everyone is wearing tuxes, doing an excursion in every port and renting this or renting that all 7 days of a week long cruise. Oh and eating at Palo, ordering every drink of the day, and paying for candy before each movie.

Guess what? I don't believe it! I think it is a collective mentality. Well, so and so said this so it must be the thing to do and so and so went here so everyone must go. . .

My family is booked in 2 cat12-GTY cabins because that is all we can possibly afford. I'll happily be the "poor relation" just to get to go!

We have a really tight budget for extras so probably not many extras for us either. oh well.

Would I like to do all those things? You betcha! But tux rental for my 3 men and formal dresses for me and my girls? That is crazy $$$ for us.

And while dolphin swims and stingray petting and pirate cruises all have there appeal; just being in Cozumel and Caymen sounds pretty cool to me!

I will order room service at least once just because I can! HA! but I wouldn't skip a fancy dinner just for lack of perfect clothes. nah! Go for the atmoshere and enjoy yourself!

Paige, I rented through Avis/Hertz right online. I have to get a vehicle for 6 so my rates are high only b/c of that. Lots of 4 person vehicles for a lot less. I think I have an Ford Expidition booked on Caymen thru Avis(if I don't cancel! (because they don't have vans?)for about $150 all inclusive. And my car with Hertz on Cozumel (minivan) for about $85. Renting on Caymen is pretty standard. Mexico I did a lot of looking and decided to stick with a "big name" for my own peace of mind.

Passporter! I am hemming and hauling about ordering a new one! I have an older deluxe version one that I have had checked out of my public library for going on 9 weeks now! I just keep renewing it if no one else reserves or wants it. Once my trip is locked in (read that past full refund date!) and I read on here about how everyone loves their new one? I may end up getting a new one.


184days!!!

 

[cakesnjammom]

I hear ya "kiley beth" right on...feel the same here Our trip will be exciting no matter what we do because we get to GO!!! Whoo-hoo!

We will not be doing much extras either...thrilled.

Today I am going to try to squeeze some "craft time" in to work on my FE! I need to finish it...but we shall see if I get to it because we have a very busy day...t-ball and church...already got my walking and laundry done today but hmmmm I hope I get to it!
Well better go "surf" thru here while I can!
Loving all the posts! Thanks for reading and keep 'em coming!!

 

[tonysmom6093]

Thanks you all for your advice, I went on a Disney cruise when Premier still had the cruises, Big Red Boat, Uh oh showing my age, this was way before my ds was born, took my mom on a land and sea vacation, this seem way different, having trouble waiting until Sept. See you all on THE cruise

 

[JanDave]

Hey - I found you guys on this pre-trip report! Hi!

This cruise will be #12 for me. I can tell you my opinion about formal night, but it's just an opinion. You will see more men not in tuxes. You will see men in suits, sportcoats, shirts/ties, shirts, casual, etc. You will see women dressed up in finer attire and all aspects of attire, as well. Me - I don't dress up. I will wear a dress or slacks and a dressy blouse. DH usually brings a sport coat and tie. The sport coat stays in the room if he's not in the mood to wear it. The little girls are mostly in princess attire. What I'm saying is that no matter what you wear, it will be appropriate.

As for Palo, if you decide to go, go to at least one meal, whether it is brunch or dinner. It is a treat. Again, for dress, I wear slacks and a nice top. Nothing too dressy. Brunch is casual, dinner tends to get dressier, but not all guests are formally attired.

Wear what you will feel comfortable in. Remember, also, that if you're flying to Orlando, airlines are strict about overweight luggage. I'm hoping to remember to pack lighter than usual.

Excursions:

Key West - is one of my favorite ports. We may opt out of the trolley car ride. I've done that twice now. It's interesting. I want to get to Kenos Sandals on that Sunday but they close at 2pm so if you plan to buy or browse, get there before 2pm.

I have no plans for GC. I think my DH and DD and DSIL will go on a stingray tour. I have no desire to do that and as I have been to GC twice within the past year, I plan to stay on the ship. We will be tendering at GC.

Coz - on my last cruise with my DD's m-i-l on the Magic in January 2009, we booked an excursion on our own. Nachi Cocum. We rented a taxi, paid about $45 per person for the day which included beach chairs, ocean, pool, all food and drinks. The day was not a nice one as it had been raining before we got there and it was overcast. We had a nice, relaxing time despite the weather.

CC - head to Serenity Bay I usually spend several hours at CC, but end up back on the ship by 1 or 2pm and take advantage of an empty ship.

Can't wait to meet all of you!

I'm getting in the DCL mode of "I wanna be on that ship". I just talked to my DDIL this afternoon about our November 2010 Wonder cruise. She had a lot of questions.

Jan

 

[cakesnjammom]

hi Jan, so glad to see ya here! Thanks for the great advice from a pro! Sept cannot come soon enough for me! I have enjoyed the NAVS!