If he wakes you guys up in the middle of the night, I will put some extra treats in your FE
This is going to be the smallest room the group of us have ever been in, usually we space to spread out. So being such a light sleeper, I've been considering bringing earplugs so I can actually sleep. Anyway, when I read your post to Jennifer - I thought "Now that's a useful FE gift - earplugs."
No hurry on the FE decision, I totally get it. We are going to visit our FE list in January and decide when to cut it off and maybe break it up into smaller groups. We don't want to stress anyone out, it is supposed to be a vacation. We will have a cut-off date, and if we have late comers they can have their own group.
I know what you mean about stressed out, I am thinking day and night what I want to do for our FE. I know we have 9 months, but I want to get it done ASAP. I would like to get the bulk of my FE's done before Christmas.
Knowing there is a cutoff date helps alot.
So cool you have been on the other Disney MR cruises. Would love to get your advice on activities for kids in the ports. I have heard great things about Randi's Happy Horses, but my youngest is going to be almost 3 and I think he is too young. Lucky1 is riding with Randi too. Maybe you guys will be on the same ride.
We're very excited for the horse back riding, this is the first time the kids are old enough.
In
2005 we did the following excursions. Our favorite was the Cabo Resort Pool Getaway, the beach was beautiful, but no swimming watching the waves crash was frightening! What made this place was how wonderful the people and service was. They did a piñata for the kids, they painted a ceramic and the kids had a great time. Followed second by the Puerto Vallarta Paradise Beach where we played in the surf and had a great time.
Puerto Vallarta Paradise Beach Adventure (4 hours)
Paradise found! A ride of approximately 20 minutes takes you to the beautiful Paradise Village Beach Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, where you'll be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail. Then you're free to simply relax on the beach or explore and enjoy the resort's many offerings, including a swimming pool with two waterslides, underwater caves and Mayan- style pyramids to explore. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and ocean kayaks are included, and children and families can enjoy beach volleyball and other activities, or visit the resort's resident spider monkeys, lions and tigers. Snacks and lunch items are available for an additional charge. It's a half-day of fun before the approximate 20-minute ride back to the ship.
Mazatlán Beach Escape (4 - 5.5 hours)
An all-around good time! Bring your swimsuit and beach gear for an excursion that takes you to the Mazatlan waterfront for fun in the sun and a memorable meal. It all starts with a scenic ride of approximately 20 minutes to Los Sabalos Resort, where a friendly escort will introduce you to the hotel's amenities, provide you with towels and a place to change for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, including a delicious Mexican lunch. After 2.5 - 4 hours at the resort, you may choose from two departure times for the approximate 20-minute ride back to the ship.
Cabo Resort Pool Getaway (4.5 - 5 hours)
An approximate 10-minute ride takes you to the Finisterra Resort, one of Cabo San Lucas' premier beachfront resorts. Here, you'll have approximately 3.5 hours to swim in the resort's pools, stroll along the beach, and savor a hearty buffet lunch and two complimentary beverages. While swimming in the ocean is not permitted, you'll be able to enjoy the resort's sparkling pools or catch some rays on the beach. Children will also enjoy craft time, when they'll have a chance to paint traditional ceramic figurines to take home as souvenirs of their day of fun under the sun. Beach games, including volleyball and soccer, are also available, so get ready to have a ball! The ride back to the ship takes approximately 10 minutes.
For the safety of our guests, swimming in the ocean is not permitted due to varying tidal conditions. If you prefer a beach swim experience, you may choose the Cabo Beach Break excursion (CL-01).
In
2008 the ports were in reverse order and we did the following, sorry I didnt keep the official descriptions. Our favorite was Cabo Nikki Beach, it was beautiful, lunch was fabulous and we had a great time. The Magic was docked just off the beach. The Dolphin Encounter wasnt as good as some of the others weve done, but it was still fun. The water was SO cold, most of the family refused to get all the way in.
Cabo Nikki Beach Escape - Beautiful beach, resort and buffet lunch.
Cabo Dolphin Encounter
Mazatlán Best of Mazatlán - Cliff divers, Cathedral, and a buffet lunch and show.
In Puerto Vallarta, we had Las Calientas(sp?), but DD had a high fever so we stayed in the cabin and missed it, so I can't tell you waht it was like.
We too know all about being laid off. Danny is in construction and the past 2 yrs have been 5 to 6 month off work each year...really sucks!
Hang in there and think positive, something good will come your way. I always like to think that everything happens for a reason. 
Spend more time with my family, which is the best part. 
Anyway, we are discussing strategies so we can participate but minimize the stress, and I'll let you know as soon we decide. 
I heard it's right off the ship in Cabo too.
We are finally back home and (almost) unpacked. We had a great time on our Alaska cruise. Saw lots of wildlife and some gorgeous scenery. It was pretty cold and overcast most of the time, but we reminded ourselves we'd have plenty of heat once we got home - and we do! 
