Cruising The Canal May 1, 2015 (Roll Call in Post 1)

[Hijkfamily]

We are definitely interested in a hotel for the night before the cruise. We are flying in from California and are hoping to fly in a day early to make sure we are there in time.

 

[ravensilverlight]

I have heard back from Comfort Suites and Residence Inn.

Comfort Suites says they're unavailable but offered us a "deal" at another property farther away without the shuttle services, but only if I responded RIGHT AWAY. Needless to say, I declined - I'm not making the call on my own without the group input to stay at a hotel nobody has heard of that doesn't even offer what we need!

Residence Inn has a regular rate of $239 per night and will offer us $164/night for double occupancy.

I am going to contact Holiday Inn as was suggested! More updates to come.

 

[carl850]

A good site for information on Ft. Lauderdale area motels.

http://www.parkingstay.com/p/ft-lauderdale.html

Hotels #19, #24, #25, #26, & #28 on this map offer packages which include shuttle to & from the FLL airport & one way to the MIA airport

 

[carl850]

This site shows Miami Airport motels with cruise packages.

http://www.parkingstay.com/p/miami.html

 

[Brixton]

We have taken SAS from Ft. lauderdale and stayed at the Doubletree Grand Biscayne the last two cruises. We highly recommend that hotel and the location!

Last year, there was a DIS group rate at that hotel. This February, we paid $159 for a two bedroom condo with great views of the Wonder.

We like it because Publix is a short walk, for grown-up drinks and water, and it's a cheap cab ride to the port. The pool is great and there are little shops in the hotel.

RavenSilverLight - I am not on Facebook but wanted to suggest this as another option. Using my rate code, they are quoting $154/night. PM me if you want more info. Thanks!

 

[mimmi]

We have taken SAS from Ft. lauderdale and stayed at the Doubletree Grand Biscayne the last two cruises. We highly recommend that hotel and the location!

Last year, there was a DIS group rate at that hotel. This February, we paid $159 for a two bedroom condo with great views of the Wonder.

We like it because Publix is a short walk, for grown-up drinks and water, and it's a cheap cab ride to the port. The pool is great and there are little shops in the hotel.

RavenSilverLight - I am not on Facebook but wanted to suggest this as another option. Using my rate code, they are quoting $154/night. PM me if you want more info. Thanks!

This sounds great, I love seeing the ship from the hotel. I decided that we will most definitely arrive at least one day earlier and go wherever the group is.

 

[Brixton]

I know the three secret portholes on the other side are in this DIS group, but I'm wondering if we also have a neighbours in 5020 or 5022?

372 days 'til Miami

 

[Kirbo]

We're interested in hotels that others are staying at! Keep us in the loop.

 

[Explore]

I know the three secret portholes on the other side are in this DIS group, but I'm wondering if we also have a neighbours in 5020 or 5022?

372 days 'til Miami

I am pretty sure 5020 is in the group. I don't know about 5022. We've never had a SPH room before; looking forward to it.

 

[ravensilverlight]

Okay, FE and pre cruise stay folks...I will be out of touch until Monday, so expect delays if you message me! I promise I'll get back to you ASAP. Happy weekend everyone!

 

[xCDOGx]

I am about to book this cruise on Monday. For me (38M), the wife (36F), and the Daughter (8F). It will be the wife and I's 3rd cruise and the daughter's first.

Does anyone know if you will get a better credit from Small World Travels or just by using Costco? Prices are basically the same everywhere as far as I can tell.

And, can we fly in to Miami (From No. Cal) the day of pretty safely?

Already looking forward to this trip.

 

[jdlong37]

I am about to book this cruise on Monday. For me (38M), the wife (36F), and the Daughter (8F). It will be the wife and I's 3rd cruise and the daughter's first. Does anyone know if you will get a better credit from Small World Travels or just by using Costco? Prices are basically the same everywhere as far as I can tell. And, can we fly in to Miami (From No. Cal) the day of pretty safely? Already looking forward to this trip.

Welcome!!! We have a great group here so far and are looking forward to meet you all!!! We are flying from Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale. We are flying in at least a day early just to be on the safe side. My friend is flying in from Sacramento a few days early as well. I'd hate for a delayed flight or canceled flight the day of departure so we are leaving early just in case!!! There's a FB group as well you can join too!!

 

[GooniesAndy]

You'd have to have a ridiculously early flight, I'd think, to get in early enough! We are coming from San Diego, and we will fly in the day before (the earliest flights get in around 5:45PM from here - no way to do that the day of!) There seem to be plenty of inexpensive hotels with shuttle service, though.

 

[aan1701]

All I am saying is I would never fly in the day of a cruise. To many things that can go wrong.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using DISBoards

 

[shelbell77]

Another one who will achieve Platinum on this cruise I was reading a trip report last night and see that this cruise is fairly popular with gold/platinum cruisers. Lovely that you are going with your Mum

She's my general Disney travel buddy. We have a group of friends we met on the magic in 2008 that we travel with often too. But this time its just the two of us!

 

[shelbell77]

We are booked

Our principal was great! He just asked that the kids speak to their teachers beforehand and get all of their assignments. He also felt the educational experience of the trip would far exceed any time lost in the classroom.

So excited!

That is great! seems like lately I hear more about schools being uncooperative. My mom used to pull us out of school all the time for family trips. Family time is important. And we always got our assignments in advance and spent at least 2 hours a day doing homework.

This will be a great experience for your kids!

 

[shelbell77]

Some shore excursion ideas:

DH and I did a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Wonder a couple of years ago. We did the shore excursion in Puerto Vallarta that goes to Las Caletas. It was fantastic!! The water was so clear and almost a turquoise color, the lunch buffet was outstanding and I paid $25 for a back massage. In addition, kayaking and drinks (including alcohol) were included. This was the highlight of our trip. The employees were hospitable and Las Caletas had a fun tropical feel to it (tropical birds, lizards, trees, huts, etc.).

My brother and sister in law got married at Las Celetas. Beautiful indeed! Breathtakingly so. But if anyone has any mobility issues they should be aware it is not the easiest place to maneuver. We had 3 people in wheel chairs and it was a nightmare. Also a lot of steps to maneuver.

 

[shelbell77]

Roll Call:

Shelley (36) from Connecticut
Jo (60) from Chicago
Cabin 2556
Main Dining

 

[shelbell77]

Just realized we will be cruising on Mother's Day. Does Disney do anything on Mother's Day? Doesn't matter either way! I'll have to come up with something special for my mom.

Ooh that had not occurred to me yet! Since I'm traveling with mom will need to make sure I do something special for her too!

 

[shelbell77]

We will hopefully have Palo brunch and dinner on this cruise, I finally want to know if the soufflé is really that good.

It is!!!!!!!