December 03, 2005 Western Magic?

[cjsmom97]

Hey everyone. It's been a long time since I've been able to log in and post anything. We're trying to plan what excursions we're interested in, and wanted to see if anyone had any experience cruising with a toddler (he'll be almost 2 when we cruise) and had any recommendations for excursions or activities that were good or not so good.

Also, any recommendations on when to use Flounders during the week? When, for how long, etc.

Also, Jeanna - I heard you've got great recommendations on planning the week. Any advice you want to pass along, I'm all ears

We're all paid up with Kim, so we're anxious to get going with the planning!!!

Cathleen

Welcome back Cathleen!!

Sorry but I don't have any recommendations for the little guy. The first time we cruised my youngest was 4 so we didn't have anything to do with Flounder's.

The one thing I would suggest you do and be ready for is day 75. Know what excursions you want and have an idea of what time you want to do them. When they release spots on day 75, there will be a flood of reservations and it is all first come first served. So, if you see something you think you want, book it. You can cancel it but once it is gone, good luck trying to get it again. I would strongly urge you and your hubby to try to sneak away for a private dinner in Palo one night. I have that as a must on my list. As for Key West, I have never been there before but my husband has. He was going to be happy with not even getting off the ship. Said it would be nice to be on quiet ship. Perhaps you could drop off your son at Flounder's for a little while in each port?? I don't know what the policy is for that with the nursery. The clubs said it was fine to leave the ship with the kids in the programs but I don't know if they require you to be closer for the little guys. Does anyone know how much Flounder's is per hour anyway? I heard it is something like $6. Is that right?? As for CC, just hang out on the beach. That is what we did most of the time. It was nice just sitting there doing nothing. You don't always have to have something planned. Just doing nothing is my plan.

Let me know if you need anything!

Jeanna

 

[GrayFal]

We are interested in the Disney Door signs. Please reply so we can have one made for us. Stateroom # 2147 THanks

Hello and welcome...we had a cruiser that had offered to make signs for people but unfortunately he had to cancel....but I hope he plans on waving us off at the dock....maybe someone else can help you?

 

[CJLKIM]

Okay guys....I'm having a brainfade and I'm too lazy to go back and read the whole thread....

Jeff and I will be at WDW on Friday 12/2 staying at CBR and hanging out in the MK. Will be attending the MVMCP that night. (Side note....I never really thought about just how many abbreviations we use) Anyways....

Who all is going to be down there and where will you be? I know that John and Susan will be down there but I was turned down on meeting up at some point to say howdy since they aren't going with us now.

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Kitty - I know what you mean about being excited even though it isn’t our first cruise. I think each one is more exciting!! We can’t wait. Oh, and yes, I do scrapbooking … I’m only about 5 years behind - boxes and boxed of pictures. Guess its good I switched to digital. Someday …..

We’ll be arriving at WDW on November 30th and staying at the All Star Movies (hopefully in the Toy Story section - its Matt’s favorite spot in all of WDW). We’ll be staying at the Hampton Inn in Cocoa Beach the night before the cruise. Last year we added the information about before and after stays to the first page, but we need Lizardman to do that.

Disney Fanatics - they have Swim with the Dolphins at Chankanaab Park. I don’t know if you have to book through Disney and I don’t know if they have it at any other ports.

Cathleen - I can't help with Flounders either. We also started cruising when Matt was 4. But I think the excursions you would want to do would be beach days (if your little one likes the sun and water). You don't have to book those through Disney. Do it on your own and it's a lot less expensive.

Diane

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Matt's 6th Birthday Party - we decided to have it in a park and hire Mad Science to entertain. Do you guys have Mad Science in your area? We see them at Six Flags (Great Adventure) every fall but I haven't seen them at a birthday party. Hope it works out. AND ... since it is outside I hope it is nice next Saturday!!!

Gailyn - how is Nicole doing?

Diane

 

[cjsmom97]

Matt's 6th Birthday Party - we decided to have it in a park and hire Mad Science to entertain. Do you guys have Mad Science in your area? We see them at Six Flags (Great Adventure) every fall but I haven't seen them at a birthday party. Hope it works out. AND ... since it is outside I hope it is nice next Saturday!!!

Gailyn - how is Nicole doing?

Diane

Let me know how that goes and if you don't mind, the price. Colton LOVES Mad Science and I was looking into having one for him next year.

Jeanna

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Jeanna - I'll give you the price for Mad Science so I don't forget. And then I'll let you know how it goes after next week. Prices are probably different around the country, but in New Jersey it is

$175 for up to 14 kids or $199 for up to 20 (45 minute show)

Extras (each 15 minutes)
Dry Ice ($35) - we are doing this one
Rocket Launch ($35) - not doing this one
They also do goodie bags but I didn't get the price

The kids will eat lunch and cake and spend a little bit of time on the playground that is right next to the pavilion. Then with the show I don't have to do any other entertainment It's worth it just for that!!

Diane

 

[cjsmom97]

Jeanna - I'll give you the price for Mad Science so I don't forget. And then I'll let you know how it goes after next week. Prices are probably different around the country, but in New Jersey it is

$175 for up to 14 kids or $199 for up to 20 (45 minute show)

Extras (each 15 minutes)
Dry Ice ($35) - we are doing this one
Rocket Launch ($35) - not doing this one
They also do goodie bags but I didn't get the price

The kids will eat lunch and cake and spend a little bit of time on the playground that is right next to the pavilion. Then with the show I don't have to do any other entertainment It's worth it just for that!!

Diane

Will they do the partys anywhere... such as at home? And, just to be sure I am clear, this is for the show only, they are not supplying the cake or anything right?

 

[chichihoney]

we came back from our next door birthday party for someone eles birthday

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Yes - Mad Science will do the show at your house. But I'm not the type of person who could handle 15-20 kids in my house. They just need a table. In fact, we are getting just about the last outdoor show they do. At this time of year they only like to do inside shows. I think they are a franchise operation. But No ... it doesn't include any food or cake.

Diane

 

[CJLKIM]

Alrighty then.....it is officially Day 75 and as of 3:25 a.m. I have my excursions. I thought that I was nuts to set the alarm clock but now I'm glad I did because by the time I finished there were only a few items left and they were only for CC.

Here are our plans......
Key West - Trolley or Train Tour 12:15p-2:05p
Cayman - Stingray City Observ & Island Tour 7:45a-11:30a
Cozumel - Beach Break 10:30a-4:30p
CC - Getaway Package (not that we'll need it but got for convenience)

So Jeanna and Vicki....I got them while the gettin' was good and we're GOOD TO GO! Now that that's done.....what's next? Besides going back to bed.......

 

[house_of_princesses]

Kris....so happy it all worked out!! Hope you got some sleep after your phone call. I was up at 5 gathering some stuff into the house once it started storming. Love those early morning forrays into the storm while wearing my t-shirt.

Now I'll get to see you next November!!

 

[moochinkassarole]

CJLKIM-I'm unsure of the abbreviations you used. Could you spell them out for me.

Whew!! We dodged a bullet! My DH was on the brink of being called up to active duty to go to New Orleans. There was a chance of missing the cruise too. Lucky for us, they only needed 35 guys. The weird thing, the military said specifically to NOT send the infectious disease specialists down there. Tell me THAT isn't weird?! You'd think they'd want as many as possible.

BTW....today is National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Arrrr!! Ye be walkin' the plank if thy don't comply ya skallywag!
Captain Kitty of Walden

 

[CJLKIM]

CJLKIM-I'm unsure of the abbreviations you used. Could you spell them out for me.

Whew!! We dodged a bullet! My DH was on the brink of being called up to active duty to go to New Orleans. There was a chance of missing the cruise too. Lucky for us, they only needed 35 guys. The weird thing, the military said specifically to NOT send the infectious disease specialists down there. Tell me THAT isn't weird?! You'd think they'd want as many as possible.

BTW....today is National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Arrrr!! Ye be walkin' the plank if thy don't comply ya skallywag!
Captain Kitty of Walden

Sorry about that....Jeff and I will be at Walt Disney World on Friday 12/2. We're staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort and will be spending the day in Magic Kingdom. We also have tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party so we'll be attending that in the Magic Kingdom on Friday night. We're using the Disney transfers so we'll just hop on and head to the port on Saturday a.m. for departure.

Glad to hear about your DH...and yes...it's strange to not want the specialist there...at least to me it is!

 

[CJLKIM]

OOOOHHHHH, what a week 3-1/2 pounds lost this past week!!!

So, total for the 9 weeks......14 pounds and 15-3/8 inches!

 

[HallsofVA]

We're getting excited!! Got up early Monday and got things booked for the cruise. Wasn't able to book a brunch reservation, though. How likely is it that we'll be able to book a brunch once on board?

Cathleen

 

[macphrsn]

Yeah, I finally paid the final payment yesterday!!!!!

Now what do I do. I booked with dreamsunlimitedtravel, how do I book reservations for excursions, spa, etc.? Do I use the Disney site?

 

[Disneyrus]

I've finally decided to post! I've been lurking for a few months and hopefully you will be kind to a newbie! My family(DD-12; DD-8; DD-6) will be on the December 3rd Western and we are first time cruisers. We are counting down the days! What forum is the best to ask all my questions to?

 

[Hannosmom]

Cathleen, sorry you didn't get the on-line brunch booking, but I'm sure they hold some slots back for on board booking. Just do that booking first, as soon as you board.


Macphrsn, you can use the on-line booking for the spa, excursions, and Palo. You can also call for the excursion bookings. Not sure of the number, maybe just call DCL and ask. If some things have already filled, you can try booking on board. Same advice as for Cathleen, do it as soon as you board.

We've signed up for a tour in Grand Cayman. We did Captain Marvins stingray city tour last time (2003) and loved it, but DD wasn't too fond of the water stuff, so we'll stay on dry land this time . In Key West, we're just going to bum around, and in Cozumel we will be doing the Cavern tour. It's an all day tour and DD is concerned about the ship leaving us, LOL! I reassured her it was a Disney excursion, so I don't think they will be leaving without us.

 

[Hannosmom]

Hi Disneyrus, welcome to the boards! You can post questions here, and if we can't answer them, you can post them to the cruise line forum. We have quite a few DCL veterans here who can answer most questions. On good days, even I can answer a few questions, but I am old and my brain cells have been leaking lately, so not every day is a good day.