December 12 - 19, 2009 Western Magic

[Shelebeen]

Who's packing??? I have company until Wednesday....THEN I'm going to pack and spread my suitcases etc all over my guest room!

Let's see we leave Calgary on Dec 10th - we will most likely pack on the night of the 9th . no earlier then that for me.

I am heading to a big conference next week in Washington DC, so that packing will happen on the weekend..

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Let's see we leave Calgary on Dec 10th - we will most likely pack on the night of the 9th . no earlier then that for me.

I am heading to a big conference next week in Washington DC, so that packing will happen on the weekend..

Soooo jealous! I love DC!

 

[pxlbarrel]

hehe..packing...already? We too leave for Orlando (from Toronto) on the 10th...so I'll be packing on the 9th...maybe the 8th. Hahaha ... well...maybe the 7th

 

[Scooby3x1y]

hehe..packing...already? We too leave for Orlando (from Toronto) on the 10th...so I'll be packing on the 9th...maybe the 8th. Hahaha ... well...maybe the 7th

Hey PXL,

You went to Disney Paris and Tokyo? How was it? What were the differences? I've always been a fence sitter on if I'd like to go or not.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Hey PXL,

You went to Disney Paris and Tokyo? How was it? What were the differences? I've always been a fence sitter on if I'd like to go or not.

Well, one advice...if you're going to go to Tokyo Disneyland is don't go on the weekend. I hadn't planned on going on a Saturday but the day I had planned was the day a typhoon was scheduled to hit Tokyo...and DL is right on the coast so we decided to stay close to the hotel instead. So we ended up going on a Saturday...a nice, bright sunny day...with the entire population of Tokyo!! Holy crapola, was it every crowded. haha We managed to go on one ride (Pirates) but we did try to concentrate on stuff that wasn't in the other parks so we went to some shows. The Japanese have their non-American habits which we found rather fascinating. While waiting for the shows, in the very hot sun, they all pulled out these thin little mats (most of them with Mickey Mouse) and sat on them...and then they pulled out their umbrellas (again...Mickey!) to shade them from the sun. Alas, my umbrella went missing during the entrance security check. <sigh> So I baked.

Disney Sea, the other park in Tokyo is AMAZING. If you get to Japan and can only go to one park, go to Disney Sea...it is unlike any of the ther parks...except for the Indiana Jones ride. I loved it there.

As for Disneyland Paris... well... it was quite interesting to see the difference in the rides. The Haunted Mansion was the Phantom Manor and they had a Boot Hill/cowboy theme to the end graveyard. And the outside of Pirates is rather amazing. The castle is in nice pastel colours. But, overall, I don't think I'd go there again. LOL My brother went to the Louvre and I went to Disneyland. I'll opt for the historical culture if I ever go to Paris again.

One thing about non-American Disneylands (with the exception of Hong Kong) was that queuing up for the character photographs was non-existent. It was a free for all. In Japan, it was mob city and they were practically abusing the poor people inside the suits. At least in Hong Kong, they had photo areas set up and designed so you had to line up. Got some great pics there.

This Dec cruise will have accomplished my goal of going to every Disney Park in the world and a cruise within a 2 year time frame (well, I miss the 2 years by 2 months....but close enough.)

 

[Shelebeen]

Well, one advice...if you're going to go to Tokyo Disneyland is don't go on the weekend. I hadn't planned on going on a Saturday but the day I had planned was the day a typhoon was scheduled to hit Tokyo...and DL is right on the coast so we decided to stay close to the hotel instead. So we ended up going on a Saturday...a nice, bright sunny day...with the entire population of Tokyo!! Holy crapola, was it every crowded. haha We managed to go on one ride (Pirates) but we did try to concentrate on stuff that wasn't in the other parks so we went to some shows. The Japanese have their non-American habits which we found rather fascinating. While waiting for the shows, in the very hot sun, they all pulled out these thin little mats (most of them with Mickey Mouse) and sat on them...and then they pulled out their umbrellas (again...Mickey!) to shade them from the sun. Alas, my umbrella went missing during the entrance security check. <sigh> So I baked.

Disney Sea, the other park in Tokyo is AMAZING. If you get to Japan and can only go to one park, go to Disney Sea...it is unlike any of the ther parks...except for the Indiana Jones ride. I loved it there.

As for Disneyland Paris... well... it was quite interesting to see the difference in the rides. The Haunted Mansion was the Phantom Manor and they had a Boot Hill/cowboy theme to the end graveyard. And the outside of Pirates is rather amazing. The castle is in nice pastel colours. But, overall, I don't think I'd go there again. LOL My brother went to the Louvre and I went to Disneyland. I'll opt for the historical culture if I ever go to Paris again.

One thing about non-American Disneylands (with the exception of Hong Kong) was that queuing up for the character photographs was non-existent. It was a free for all. In Japan, it was mob city and they were practically abusing the poor people inside the suits. At least in Hong Kong, they had photo areas set up and designed so you had to line up. Got some great pics there.

This Dec cruise will have accomplished my goal of going to every Disney Park in the world and a cruise within a 2 year time frame (well, I miss the 2 years by 2 months....but close enough.)

My husband is working on this as well... although not on the short time frame you are - he was in Japan for business so went to Tokyo DL and also to Paris when there for business... he only has HK left...

 

[kcashner]

Wow! Dd is a Japanese major (at least this week) and is hoping to work for Disney in Japan some day....that's before she works on the ship, you understand.

I just found out that I'm making another trip before the cruise...so cruise packing won't start till after that.

 

[Floridasunshine]

2 probably silly questions

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What if the gift doesn't fit into the fish extender pocket? Or is that not a problem?

Also, has anyone been to a wine, martini, beer, tequila... tastings on The Magic? I've never been to one on a ship and was wondering if they are fun. Are they expensive? Do they fill up quickly so you have to sign up right away?

I actually went to a wine tasting and my daughter went to the martini tasting - both were great and if I remember correctly were approximately $15.00 @ person. I also went to one of the cooking classes and they complimented the dish with a sample of wine - was wonderful. The cooking class filled up quickly.

 

[bevtoy]

If a gift doesn't fit in the Fish Extender you might hang it from the fish or give it to your/their cabin steward for delivery into their room.

Everyone should be sure to tell your own steward that you are expecting/accepting deliveries.

 

[bevtoy]

Anyone interested in the Disney Ships Horn as a ring tone PM me your cell phone number and I will try to send it to you.

 

[kcashner]

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What if the gift doesn't fit into the fish extender pocket? Or is that not a problem?

Also, has anyone been to a wine, martini, beer, tequila... tastings on The Magic? I've never been to one on a ship and was wondering if they are fun. Are they expensive? Do they fill up quickly so you have to sign up right away?

I actually went to a wine tasting and my daughter went to the martini tasting - both were great and if I remember correctly were approximately $15.00 @ person. I also went to one of the cooking classes and they complimented the dish with a sample of wine - was wonderful. The cooking class filled up quickly.

As above...if gift doesn't fit in FE, label it with stateroom number, preferably name, and give to either stateroom host or Guest Services. If doing this, give them a day or two to get them delivered. GS to room host to rooms won't be instantaneous.

The cooking demonstrations don't require reservations, there is no cost, and I've never seen them fill up. The best viewing areas fill quickly, but there's always room where you are watching on the TV screens. Maybe it's one of those things that varies with the different crowds on the ship.

As you said, the tastings are about $15 PP. I honestly don't know if they fill or not. If you want to go, reserve early just in case. If you're ambivalent, you can probably wait.

 

[Shelebeen]

How do the character breakfasts work?

 

[kcashner]

How do the character breakfasts work?

You will be assigned to a character breakfast day and time based on your dinner seating. Your dining server will remind you the night before. (Key West counts as a sea day since we don't dock till noon).

You are in Parrot Cay with your normal serving team. There is a special menu...the characters and a photographer were coming to the tables again on our last cruise. It's a quick photo/autograph op as they have a lot of tables to hit in a short time.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Well, one advice...if you're going to go to Tokyo Disneyland is don't go on the weekend. I hadn't planned on going on a Saturday but the day I had planned was the day a typhoon was scheduled to hit Tokyo...and DL is right on the coast so we decided to stay close to the hotel instead. So we ended up going on a Saturday...a nice, bright sunny day...with the entire population of Tokyo!! Holy crapola, was it every crowded. haha We managed to go on one ride (Pirates) but we did try to concentrate on stuff that wasn't in the other parks so we went to some shows. The Japanese have their non-American habits which we found rather fascinating. While waiting for the shows, in the very hot sun, they all pulled out these thin little mats (most of them with Mickey Mouse) and sat on them...and then they pulled out their umbrellas (again...Mickey!) to shade them from the sun. Alas, my umbrella went missing during the entrance security check. <sigh> So I baked.

Disney Sea, the other park in Tokyo is AMAZING. If you get to Japan and can only go to one park, go to Disney Sea...it is unlike any of the ther parks...except for the Indiana Jones ride. I loved it there.

As for Disneyland Paris... well... it was quite interesting to see the difference in the rides. The Haunted Mansion was the Phantom Manor and they had a Boot Hill/cowboy theme to the end graveyard. And the outside of Pirates is rather amazing. The castle is in nice pastel colours. But, overall, I don't think I'd go there again. LOL My brother went to the Louvre and I went to Disneyland. I'll opt for the historical culture if I ever go to Paris again.

One thing about non-American Disneylands (with the exception of Hong Kong) was that queuing up for the character photographs was non-existent. It was a free for all. In Japan, it was mob city and they were practically abusing the poor people inside the suits. At least in Hong Kong, they had photo areas set up and designed so you had to line up. Got some great pics there.

This Dec cruise will have accomplished my goal of going to every Disney Park in the world and a cruise within a 2 year time frame (well, I miss the 2 years by 2 months....but close enough.)

That is very cool! How many total parks then? I can imagine Tokyo would be busy on the weekends, I bet the majority work during the week? Probably a huge local crowd on the weekends.

 

[GoBison]

I went to Disney Tokyo on a Tuesday in February. It was crazy packed. There was a 2 hour wait for the Winne-the-pooh ride. I asked my sister if it was a holiday and she laughed. It was still an enjoyable and unique experience.

 

[GoBison]

THE TOP TEN SIGNS YOU HAVE AN UNHEALTHY DISNEY OBSESSION
10. You know how many hairs are on the leg of the drunken pirate sitting on the bridge.
9. You have more Disney movies than Blockbuster.
8. Your favorite song is "Zippity-Doo-Dah".
7. When you hear people talking about "the underprivileged", you assume they are referring to those who have to stay off-site.
6. You refer to Wal-Mart and McDonald's employees as "cast members".
5. You've added spires and turrets to the roof of your house.
4. You tried to pay your electric bill with Disney Dollars.
3. Your children's names are Ariel and Alladin.
2. You pray that nobody will ever discover your dirty little secret: That you sneak out of bed in the middle of the night, logon to the internet, and post on Disboards.
1. You're reading this.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

THE TOP TEN SIGNS YOU HAVE AN UNHEALTHY DISNEY OBSESSION
10. You know how many hairs are on the leg of the drunken pirate sitting on the bridge.
9. You have more Disney movies than Blockbuster.
8. Your favorite song is "Zippity-Doo-Dah".
7. When you hear people talking about "the underprivileged", you assume they are referring to those who have to stay off-site.
6. You refer to Wal-Mart and McDonald's employees as "cast members".
5. You've added spires and turrets to the roof of your house.
4. You tried to pay your electric bill with Disney Dollars.
3. Your children's names are Ariel and Alladin.
2. You pray that nobody will ever discover your dirty little secret: That you sneak out of bed in the middle of the night, logon to the internet, and post on Disboards.
1. You're reading this.

OH MY GOSH! That is sooooo funny! Sad to say #2 is me. I want to always know why people aren't posting, I come back to the same thread, no new posts.....I really do have a life!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

It's 11:40 MST....there's not activity on this thread! (I wasn't kidding - see pp)

 

[GoBison]

I'm more of a morning person. But school does that to me. So I'm on here at 6am.

 

[pamrob]

I came to check right after email. . . .


31 days!!!!!!