Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[TNShellBelle]

Michelle - I will take you up on that offer! Ours will be 4 and 2, so I think they would have lots of fun together and maybe, just maybe let us enjoy a meal. My sister and family were supposed to go with us, but they are thinking of cancelling since they aren't big Disney fans. Yes, I know, awful

Sorry to hear that your sister is canceling...but yes, let's plan on dining together! We can hook our reservations as we get closer to sailing. We are early seating, are you? I'm guessing you would be since you have the little ones. My kids would love to have friends to hang out with. Maybe it will help both mine and yours if they know others in the kids clubs too.

 

[TNShellBelle]

Hi there,

LAX would be a little closer to San Pedro (not counting traffic!!). I live about 5 minutes from the OC airport/John Wayne and it takes about 40 minutes for me to get to Long Beach. OC airport seems to be a bit pricier though. I usually use LAX because the fares tend to be cheaper and less layovers.

That's what I was thinking, thanks.

 

[MousseauMob]

The last two times we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, but I'm not sure what we're doing this go around yet. Sense we disembark on a Wednesday, I'm considering spending a few days at DL after the cruise. Is anyone else closing out the week at DL after the cruise?

 

[michellert]

Sorry to hear that your sister is canceling...but yes, let's plan on dining together! We can hook our reservations as we get closer to sailing. We are early seating, are you? I'm guessing you would be since you have the little ones. My kids would love to have friends to hang out with. Maybe it will help both mine and yours if they know others in the kids clubs too.

Yes we are early seating. Here at home, my kiddos are in bed by 8:00 pm, so not sure how happy they would be so late in the day, seated at a table. Good thing we got the option!

I know that it would definitely help my soon-to-be 4 year old if she knew someone in the club. Once she has a friend or two, it is see ya later for mom & dad!

 

[Susiesark]

The last two times we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, but I'm not sure what we're doing this go around yet. Sense we disembark on a Wednesday, I'm considering spending a few days at DL after the cruise. Is anyone else closing out the week at DL after the cruise?

We're always ready for Disneyland. We're meeting up with Brooklyn and family tomorrow. I think there were a few members considering DL after the cruise.

 

[Susiesark]

I found this at www.wdwinfo.com

Puerto Vallarta
*Note - These excursions are only a representation of what you can expect for this port of call. These excursions have not been made official.


Pirate Sail & Snorkel Adventure (6.5 hours)
Meeting Time: 8:00am
YO HO! It's the pirate life aboard the Marigalante. You'll be welcomed aboard this "pirate ship" by the congenial captain and crew. You'll be served breakfast, watch the sails be hoisted, and cheer for your favorite contestant in the pirate contest. There's lots of fun in store as you set sail for the two hour voyage to Majahuitas Beach. You'll drop anchor at this secluded spot and have 2 hours to swim, surf and sun. There's a sand sculpturing contest, beach volleyball and other games for you to enjoy. You'll head back onboard the Marigalante for a delicous barbecue lunch. During your two hour cruise back to the port, the captain and crew will put on a pirate show with fun contests for you to take part in.
Price: $62.00 (ages 10 and up), $52.00 (ages 3 - 9)

It looks like it would be lots of fun
Of couse Lea will just have turned 10 by then and she'll be considered an Adult on all disney's excursions

Laura, I couldn't find any more info. about this Pirate Sail. Is this a Disney excursion? Have they been posted yet? Sounds like fun. Would DS19 enjoy it?

 

[MousseauMob]

Laura, I couldn't find any more info. about this Pirate Sail. Is this a Disney excursion? Have they been posted yet? Sounds like fun. Would DS19 enjoy it?

It was a Disney excursion the last time, we didn't go on it, but heard good things about it and we saw the ship and it really did look awesome.

We're always ready for Disneyland. We're meeting up with Brooklyn and family tomorrow. I think there were a few members considering DL after the cruise.

That will be fun!

Since the GC was built we've always stayed there, which I love for the close proximity to the parks. There's nothing better than knowing if you do get drenched on Grizzly River Rapids a quick hop back to the hotel can be done with little loss of time. But, I'm seriously considering the DLH, 1 - because I'm much more budget careful these days and 2 - because I've never stayed there, and it looks like fun. Can anyone tell me about the access to the parks from DLH? I know the monorail is fairly close to DLH, but what if it's not running - is there a shuttle and where does that drop you off? Also how about CA - how do you access that park from DLH? Any assistance is really appreciated.

One of the things we really liked about staying at the Hyatt Long Beach was it's close proximity to the Aquarium - which is fun. We've never made it to the Queen Mary, either for dinner or a tour. I think I'd like to look into it, details, opinions, comments anyone?

Is it odd that I spend more time excited about this trip and on this discussion board with the cruise 8 months away than I am for the one 5 weeks away. It's must be a mouse thing!

 

[Susiesark]

It was a Disney excursion the last time, we didn't go on it, but heard good things about it and we saw the ship and it really did look awesome.

That will be fun!

Since the GC was built we've always stayed there, which I love for the close proximity to the parks. There's nothing better than knowing if you do get drenched on Grizzly River Rapids a quick hop back to the hotel can be done with little loss of time. But, I'm seriously considering the DLH, 1 - because I'm much more budget careful these days and 2 - because I've never stayed there, and it looks like fun. Can anyone tell me about the access to the parks from DLH? I know the monorail is fairly close to DLH, but what if it's not running - is there a shuttle and where does that drop you off? Also how about CA - how do you access that park from DLH? Any assistance is really appreciated.

One of the things we really liked about staying at the Hyatt Long Beach was it's close proximity to the Aquarium - which is fun. We've never made it to the Queen Mary, either for dinner or a tour. I think I'd like to look into it, details, opinions, comments anyone?

Is it odd that I spend more time excited about this trip and on this discussion board with the cruise 8 months away than I am for the one 5 weeks away. It's must be a mouse thing!

Love the GC and especially love Storytellers. We've done buffet breakfast and dinner many times, and it's always fabulous. DLH is just a matter of walking the length of Downtown Disney, only 5 minutes from hotel to the front entrance, you don't even cross a street. The monorail will save you a few minutes of walking, and it does drop you off inside the park. Otherwise you go through the main entrance. And it's a 1 minute walk from DL to DCA, just across the promenade. You may be disappointed in the DLH after staying in the Grand, but they are redoing the whole pool there so maybe it will be nicer when completed. Check with Brooklyn about other hotel options.

The aquarium is fun, and you can get through it in a few hours. I have to go there on field trips every year. Hundreds of kids there-not fun Haven't done Queen Mary in years. It's fun to see for the history of it. You may even experience a ghost

 

[Susiesark]

Thanks, I could use all the prayers I can get. We're hoping to be able to get socal select passes. We've always had Deluxe, so it's a step down but it's better than nothing. It all depends on how many subbing jobs I can get. If all goes well, we'll try to get some end of Sept/Oct. Maybe we can meet at DL then?
Yes, we booked a future cruise on board and that gets you 10% off the going prices on whatever cruise you book and an onboard credit. However, we had to drop it to get the kids free. Saved about a grand, definitely worth it
I would love to know about the toy testing, please pm/email me, how do I sign up?
Thanks!

Jennifer, I'm sending a PM regarding APs. Hope things are looking up for you.

 

[szubieta]

It was a Disney excursion the last time, we didn't go on it, but heard good things about it and we saw the ship and it really did look awesome.
That will be fun!

Since the GC was built we've always stayed there, which I love for the close proximity to the parks. There's nothing better than knowing if you do get drenched on Grizzly River Rapids a quick hop back to the hotel can be done with little loss of time. But, I'm seriously considering the DLH, 1 - because I'm much more budget careful these days and 2 - because I've never stayed there, and it looks like fun. Can anyone tell me about the access to the parks from DLH? I know the monorail is fairly close to DLH, but what if it's not running - is there a shuttle and where does that drop you off? Also how about CA - how do you access that park from DLH? Any assistance is really appreciated.

One of the things we really liked about staying at the Hyatt Long Beach was it's close proximity to the Aquarium - which is fun. We've never made it to the Queen Mary, either for dinner or a tour. I think I'd like to look into it, details, opinions, comments anyone?

Is it odd that I spend more time excited about this trip and on this discussion board with the cruise 8 months away than I am for the one 5 weeks away. It's must be a mouse thing!

This is what I found for the pirate ship in PV. I think it will be a blast! http://www.piratesofthebaypv.com/

GC is our favorite too. But we stay more at the DLH to save the extra too. If you are staying at the DLH and the PPH you can still use the GC enterance. You just show them your KTTW card and you in. There isn't a "tram" or anything else from the DLH or PPH at this time. I can't wait to see the new pool area. It was Neverland and beautiful at night to swim. There is the Croc's Bits n Bites (burgers/ice cream bar) is just South of the pool and a full bar (if your interested) too. Oh I so hope we get to go for Christmas!!

 

[Susiesark]

This is what I found for the pirate ship in PV. I think it will be a blast! http://www.piratesofthebaypv.com/

GC is our favorite too. But we stay more at the DLH to save the extra too. If you are staying at the DLH and the PPH you can still use the GC enterance. You just show them your KTTW card and you in. There isn't a "tram" or anything else from the DLH or PPH at this time. I can't wait to see the new pool area. It was Neverland and beautiful at night to swim. There is the Croc's Bits n Bites (burgers/ice cream bar) is just South of the pool and a full bar (if your interested) too. Oh I so hope we get to go for Christmas!!

Hooks Point is upstairs, next to the bar. Really yummy. Good price for a steak dinner. Of all the Character Breakfasts, Storytellers has the best food. Goofy's Kitchen-mediocre. Same with Ariel's Grotto.
There's always Mimi's (my personal favorite) across the street on Harbor.
Candy Cane Inn and Howard Johnson's are also good choices for hotel.

 

[Susiesark]

This is what I found for the pirate ship in PV. I think it will be a blast! http://www.piratesofthebaypv.com/

Very cool! Is this one offered through DCL as a shore excursion or do you book directly with them? Maybe if we all book together, we can get a group discount.

 

[szubieta]

Hooks Point is upstairs, next to the bar. Really yummy. Good price for a steak dinner. Of all the Character Breakfasts, Storytellers has the best food. Goofy's Kitchen-mediocre. Same with Ariel's Grotto.
There's always Mimi's (my personal favorite) across the street on Harbor.
Candy Cane Inn and Howard Johnson's are also good choices for hotel.

I feel the same about the breakfasts Storytellers has more grown-up food and GK has both...we like the character's at GK. The characters kinda lack at Storytellers. We save GK for our departure day being just downstairs. That way we get a taste of Disney before we hit the road. If we go early we squeeze in DTD too. Love to get photos at the front desk with Pluto...those are some of our best photos.

Other good places to eat are Rainforest Cafe and Tortilla Jo's in DTD.
Still want to try the House of Blues Gospel Brunch one Sunday.

Very cool! Is this one offered through DCL as a shore excursion or do you book directly with them? Maybe if we all book together, we can get a group discount.

I don't know if they will offer it...wish they would post the port adventures. I would love to get a group booking through them directly. But I do want to wait til PV and the other port show back up in our ressies so we know the port dates is still the same.

 

[lucky1]

I feel the same about the breakfasts Storytellers has more grown-up food and GK has both...we like the character's at GK. The characters kinda lack at Storytellers. We save GK for our departure day being just downstairs. That way we get a taste of Disney before we hit the road. If we go early we squeeze in DTD too. Love to get photos at the front desk with Pluto...those are some of our best photos.

We use to love Lilo and Stitch breakfast in PPH as our getaway breakfast on our mornings we were driving out. Hardly any one is there and you get lots of character interaction. Last time we went in February, they have changed it to Mickey's surf breakfast. It is still good, but I miss the pineapple coconut scones they had with the Island breakfast, but still good adult choices along with kid choices. Generally, we saw Daisy, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie and Stitch. Not as many characters as GK, but we found Goofys to be very rushed and sometimes we would not see characters for a long period of time and We were there for almost 2 hours and only saw 3 or for characters in our section.

 

[szubieta]

We use to love Lilo and Stitch breakfast in PPH as our getaway breakfast on our mornings we were driving out. Hardly any one is there and you get lots of character interaction. Last time we went in February, they have changed it to Mickey's surf breakfast. It is still good, but I miss the pineapple coconut scones they had with the Island breakfast, but still good adult choices along with kid choices. Generally, we saw Daisy, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie and Stitch. Not as many characters as GK, but we found Goofys to be very rushed and sometimes we would not see characters for a long period of time and We were there for almost 2 hours and only saw 3 or for characters in our section.

That's happened to us on a weekend. We usually leave on Tues or Wed and we go about 8:30a. Last time I asked to be all the way in the back where the characters come in and we had no one else near us and had a lot of time with them. Would like to try Mickey's Surf sometime. The Plaza wasn't bad either but I haven't been there in a very long time.

If anyone has never eaten at the Blue Bayou...you've got to go for at least the experience. Get late ressies and only order dessert. They have really cool desserts like a chocolate chip cookie ship with a white mast, creme brulee with cookies in a treasure chest and dubloons (not on the menu). They are a little pricey like the rest of the menu. Did I mention it's the coolest place to eat. I will try and get on the other computer later and download some pics. I think I have enough posts?.?.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

How exciting to read all this talk about Disneyland today - I just made reservations for DD and I to spend some time there in November! We're going to take advantage of her 4 day break for Veterans' Day and go Nov 10-14. I know it'll be crowded with the holiday and the start of Holiday Time, but that's okay, I really need a DL fix and that's the only time we can work it in. We've never stayed on property (although one of these days I'm definitely going to try the GC) - we always stay at the Candy Cane Inn and love it there.

Sorry to hear the food at Ariel's Grotto isn't so great; I'm thinking about trying their WOC dining package. Will probably do it anyway just so we don't have to fight for good fastpasses. And Sandy, we love Blue Bayou too! The food is expensive and really not that awesome (except for the Monte Cristo sandwich and the desserts ) but the atmosphere is amazing. We try to fit in a lunch there every trip.

Anyone ever done the DL Holiday Tour? The reviews sound great but I'd love to hear if any of you have personal experience with it.

 

[szubieta]

Monte Cristo They have it at Cafe Orleans too.

 

[Brooklyn]

Sorry to hear the food at Ariel's Grotto isn't so great; I'm thinking about trying their WOC dining package. Will probably do it anyway just so we don't have to fight for good fastpasses. And Sandy, we love Blue Bayou too! The food is expensive and really not that awesome (except for the Monte Cristo sandwich and the desserts ) but the atmosphere is amazing. We try to fit in a lunch there every trip.

The Ariel's Grotto WOC dinner does not include characters so it is different then the reg Ariel's Grotto dinner. We were going to do it if it included the characters but since it didn't have the princesses we decided against it.

We saw WOC last night. We did the picnic meals. I have to say they were well worth it. The tote bags you get for ordering online are adorable! The braclets the kids got are really cute. It saved the stress of needing to get a fastpass. For AP's it was only $12.99 a person and $14.99 for others.

 

[szubieta]

The Ariel's Grotto WOC dinner does not include characters so it is different then the reg Ariel's Grotto dinner. We were going to do it if it included the characters but since it didn't have the princesses we decided against it.

We saw WOC last night. We did the picnic meals. I have to say they were well worth it. The tote bags you get for ordering online are adorable! The braclets the kids got are really cute. It saved the stress of needing to get a fastpass. For AP's it was only $12.99 a person and $14.99 for others.

This does sound like the way to go. What is in the meal?

Sorry guys...I am stuck on the couch for a few days. Had knee surgery yesterday and Danny hardly let me up even though it feel good to walk. I am already going batty.

 

[Brooklyn]

Here are the options...

World of Color Picnics with Reserved Viewing

All American includes:
•Cold-honey stung fried chicken
•Green and red cabbage cole slaw with apple cider dressing
•Old fashioned potato salad with sweet onions and dill relish
•Apple pie
•Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water


European Antipasto includes:
•Cured meats, regional cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke heart and sun-dried tomatoes
•Carr's® water crackers, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
•Caprese salad skewers, fresh mozzarella and baby heirloom tomatoes
•Chocolate-dipped tiramisu
•Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water


Taste of Asia includes:
•Chilled miso-glazed salmon, Asian greens, soy-rice wine dressing
•Vegetable spring roll with Thai mango sauce
•Soba noodle salad and julienne vegetables with sesame dressing
•Mandarin orange cake
•Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water


Mediterranean Vegetarian includes:
•Marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus
•Raw zucchini and squash spaghettini with first-press lemon-infused olive oil
•Vegetable couscous with toasted coriander vinaigrette
•Lemon layer cake
•Choice of bottled Coca-Cola® product or Dasani® water



Junior All-American Box includes:
•Souvenir World of Color light-up bracelet
•Chicken leg
•Goldfish crackers
•Apple wedges
•World of Color confetti vanilla cupcake
•Choice of small low-fat milk, 100% Minute Maid® juice box or small Dasani® water

Little Squirt's Box includes:
•Souvenir World of Color light-up bracelet
•Sliced apples
•String cheese
•Low-fat yogurt
•Goldfish crackers
•World of Color confetti vanilla cupcake
•Choice of small low-fat milk, 100% Minute Maid® juice box or small Dasani® water

Lunchbox Classic includes:
•Souvenir World of Color light-up bracelet
•Peanut butter and Smucker's® jelly sandwich
•Apple wedges
•World of Color confetti vanilla cupcake
•Choice of small low-fat milk, 100% Minute Maid® juice box or small Dasani® water