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

[Jareds_mommy]

Find out if the Shereton offers a shuttle from LAX to the hotel. Will you be going into the parks before cruising?

We have a 3 day park hopper,
Our kids are so excited they are geting to go to disney;and and disney world in the same year, we are going to disney world in Sept for free dinning

 

[Susiesark]

We have a 3 day park hopper,
Our kids are so excited they are geting to go to disney;and and disney world in the same year, we are going to disney world in Sept for free dinning

Maybe we can meet you there one afternoon before the cruise. We are still in school, our Spring Break doesn't start until 4/23.

 

[Popovich]

Which ports will have the best swimming experience? There seem to be mixed reviews on the water temps and visability. Any thoughts?

So far we booked the sea lion encounter in PV and the dolphin swim in Cabo on Monday - as someone pointed out earlier, observers are free instead of $35 in PV.

We’d like to add a beach/snorkel excursion or two.

Thanks for any ideas!

Gailyn

 

[True Romance]

Thanks for the welcome! Regarding the character breakfast on the ship, it's actually a lot of fun even if you're not totally into it (unless you find the thought of Chip and Dale hovering over your ham and eggs somewhat disturbing). Typically 6 to 8 characters that roam table to table and you can take your own pictures in addition to the ones the DCL photographers take, or you can just wave "Hi" and keep eating. It was always in Parrot Cay on our 3 Magic cruises (different day for each seating rotation group). And best of all (as opposed to DL or WDW...we've done those breakfasts too), it's free (or at least "included"...you've already paid for the cruise). Plus, you're generally going to eat breakfast anyway, so why not? Anyway, up to you but just wanted to provide some info for those who haven't done it yet.

We love the Character breakfast. The waiters make it so fun with the silly hats. Definitely don't want to miss it.

Thanks for the heads up on the Doubletree rate Kristi. I went ahead and booked a room even though the port is an easy drive for us. I don't want to bother friends to drop us off and pick us up, and I certainly don't want to pay for 10 days parking at the port, so I guess we'll just start the vacation a little early.

Glad the DT works out for you guys.

Kristi, Thanks for the info on the Catalina package. We're tentatively booked at the Doubletree as well (where else would "Double Trouble" stay?). I also called and got the same response regarding parking (and put it in my comments) so that's reassuring. If we're there, we'd be happy to join in the "mini-meet". I know the girls would love to meet Isabelle and all the other kids in our group as soon as possible. We'll confirm with you when we get closer.

Definitely will circle back before the cruise for those at the DoubleTree.

I don't know how I missed this post yesterday!! We're booked at the CP and paying $265 (includes taxes). I just booked at the DT...they only have King beds left with the Catalina deal but that's OK. We'll bring a sleeping bag for our oldest and our youngest can share the king with us. I prefer the savings ($80!!!!) so we can deal with the sleeping situation for one night. Thanks for sharing your find with all of us!

Lisa glad it works for you guys. We are actually sneaking in our 3rd child, sshhh don't tell For one night we can make it work. If it is warm enough, my kids will be in the pool in the evening. Get the vacation started.

Hi all -- Just to add to the shore excursions info for consideration: A day or two ago, USA Today had an article on cruising that included some tips on saving money:

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/...rgains-make-waves-in-the-Caribbean/44148510/1

I checked out the sites, and most of the tours are for the Caribbean, but there are some for the Mexican Riviera.

Thanks for the link. We always do the excursions on our own. For a family of 5 it gets really expensive. Also, the ship usually has different age requirements then the independent operators.

Last time we cruised out of Florida we took one look at the line for the rental car shuttle, and DH grabbed a buddy and they took a cab over to pick up the cars while wives and kids hung out and chatted. By splitting the fare it only cost a few dollars each, and they were back to pick us up before the first shuttle ever showed up. Might be worth thinking about since several of us are staying at the Doubletree.

Good idea Sheila, my husband would be up for it. I am actually making him drive me to the port earlier in the morning on the 17th and dropping me off. I have read the DT does not start their shuttles until 10:30. If anyone wants a ride earlier with us, let me know. My DH and boys will then go back to the DT and grab their shuttle later. This way I can check in the luggage and get an early boarder number.

On our last cruise Macy refused to take a nap at all and by the end of the week was sick. I think from being overtired and her immune system was down so we spent the last night in the cabin. Hoping for naps this time around!

Yes, I am pretty worried that Brennan will not nap. I don't want him sick and so overtired he is miserable. I think if I lay down with him and get him to fall asleep he will be okay. Crossing my fingers. We also have connecting rooms, so that will work out if I do get him to sleep I can go relax in the other room. I think my DH and I will take turn getting him to sleep.

 

[padalyn]

This may sound a bit silly...but since I am going to Alaska as the third cruise it works out for me...consider taking a wetsuit if you want to snorkle..makes all the difference in comfort.

I pack mine for the carribean in Jan usually. As I said, since I will be headed north - it is already in the to be packed pile.

The other option (this one will sound very weird) pack long johns - not the cotton ones (I never understood why they even make them out of cotton - they don't keep you warm!) Take silk, synthetic, woool, lycra, or some other material that is artificial and wear it while swimming if the water is cold. Long Johns are designed to keep you warm - even when they are wet. Cotton on the other hand...well a t-shirt keeps you cool in the summer, right? there is no pixie dust that changes the fabrics' properties in the winter...cotton is a very "cold" material...thus the other choices I listed.

And - I have my silks on that same pile!! lol

 

[Susiesark]

Kristi, Thanks for the info on the Catalina package. We're tentatively booked at the Doubletree as well (where else would "Double Trouble" stay?). I also called and got the same response regarding parking (and put it in my comments) so that's reassuring. If we're there, we'd be happy to join in the "mini-meet". I know the girls would love to meet Isabelle and all the other kids in our group as soon as possible. We'll confirm with you when we get closer.

I also called DT this morning to get rate information, thinking it would be pretty convenient to stay the night before. I asked about the Catalina rate, the Government rate, the Union Member rate and AAA rate. WELL...it's almost full for that date already (what, it's only February!) and the rooms that are left start at around $220 for the night. Fuggetaboudit, I'll drive on over and see y'all in the morning.

 

[szubieta]

I didn't realize there was a choice. (Never mind. I see it now. Looks like fun.) Did you book through DCL? We are on the 8:45, on day 4 (PV) Who else is on this one?

We're going on it too! JoJo and I are also doing the Dolphin Swim in Cabo, Danny will watch.

Last time we cruised out of Florida we took one look at the line for the rental car shuttle, and DH grabbed a buddy and they took a cab over to pick up the cars while wives and kids hung out and chatted. By splitting the fare it only cost a few dollars each, and they were back to pick us up before the first shuttle ever showed up. Might be worth thinking about since several of us are staying at the Doubletree.

That's a really good idea.

 

[Az Pirates]

Good idea Sheila, my husband would be up for it. I am actually making him drive me to the port earlier in the morning on the 17th and dropping me off. I have read the DT does not start their shuttles until 10:30. If anyone wants a ride earlier with us, let me know. My DH and boys will then go back to the DT and grab their shuttle later. This way I can check in the luggage and get an early boarder number.

We have the same plan, so we'll definitely have to coordinate.

This may sound a bit silly...but since I am going to Alaska as the third cruise it works out for me...consider taking a wetsuit if you want to snorkle..makes all the difference in comfort.

I pack mine for the carribean in Jan usually. As I said, since I will be headed north - it is already in the to be packed pile.

The other option (this one will sound very weird) pack long johns - not the cotton ones (I never understood why they even make them out of cotton - they don't keep you warm!) Take silk, synthetic, woool, lycra, or some other material that is artificial and wear it while swimming if the water is cold. Long Johns are designed to keep you warm - even when they are wet. Cotton on the other hand...well a t-shirt keeps you cool in the summer, right? there is no pixie dust that changes the fabrics' properties in the winter...cotton is a very "cold" material...thus the other choices I listed.

And - I have my silks on that same pile!! lol

I hadn't even thought about bringing the kids' surfing shorties, not a bad idea.

I guess it will depend on packing space though, especially since we're not planning many water activities this cruise. I'm afraid the temps might still be a bit cold, at least for DH and me, and since the kids are stuck with us... well, I guess they'll just have to go along with zip lining, off roading, horseback riding and the like. Tough life, yes?

 

[Susiesark]

We're going on it too! JoJo and I are also doing the Dolphin Swim in Cabo, Danny will watch.

Oooh, I knew you were on this one Honey (didn't we book this together on the phone? HA!) Can't wait to see you guys. Feeling better?

 

[szubieta]

Oooh, I knew you were on this one Honey (didn't we book this together on the phone? HA!) Can't wait to see you guys. Feeling better?

Yes we did! Didn't want you to think we bailed.

I'm very hopeful that I'll feel better tomorrow...just so drained today and am praying the Depo shot and 2 new meds I got on Friday kick in sometime today.

 

[Susiesark]

Yes we did! Didn't want you to think we bailed.

I'm very hopeful that I'll feel better tomorrow...just so drained today and am praying the Depo shot and 2 new meds I got on Friday kick in sometime today.

Hard to keep track of what has been cancelled, what will be full... COLD here today, probably colder inside my house, so we're heading to DL!

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Good idea Sheila, my husband would be up for it. I am actually making him drive me to the port earlier in the morning on the 17th and dropping me off. I have read the DT does not start their shuttles until 10:30. If anyone wants a ride earlier with us, let me know. My DH and boys will then go back to the DT and grab their shuttle later. This way I can check in the luggage and get an early boarder number.

We have the same plan, so we'll definitely have to coordinate.

We like to be one of the first at the port too and were thinking of taking a cab from the DT. If I have DH drop me off instead while he drives the car back and takes the shuttle, can I check everyone in without them being there? At PC last year everyone had to have their picture taken. And would I need to bring all the luggage with me or could DH and DD bring it later? Might be easiest to just all take a cab over together, but if we could save a few dollars......

 

[Double Trouble]

Hello everyone,

Our cutoff date of March 1st, to be added to the FE list, is fast approaching. Please take a look at the list and let me know if you wanted to be added or removed from the list. Currently we have 31 cabins participating. I have said all along that I would split the list in half to make it more manageable for those that wanted a smaller group. You can decide to be in one or both groups. I will start splitting the groups after March 1st. I will also start a group for late comers. Once I get the groups together, I will email participants a spreadsheet of who is in your group so we can start planning.

I need information from you. Please PM me or respond to this post with:

Do you want to be in 1 or both groups?
Do you want an exact assigned day to deliver gifts or a few day range (beginning, middle, end of cruise-majority rules)?
Your cabin number and names of people in your party.

I am totally open to suggestions or tips. If you think of a way I can do this better, please let me know. This is my first FE I want everyone to have a fun experience and it not be stressful.

True Romance (Kristi) or anyone else who can enlighten us,

As FE newbies, we're still trying to get our arms around it . Can anyone give us some kind of rough idea of budget/$ for the FE gifts ? My DW has lots of great ideas for gifts, but we have no idea if we're even in the ballpark . I know there don't seem to be any real definitive guidelines, but if maybe a few people in this group that have done it before could narrow it down even just a little bit for us (like maybe a range of things they've seen?), we would sincerely appreciate it.

Regarding the frequency and scheduling, I will defer to the experts on this one, although I tend to agree with an earlier post that it would be nice if the kids got something each day rather than risk the disappointment of going to bed (or waking up to) an empty FE .

Kristi, I'll PM you with our details.

Thanks!

"Sleepin' L8" of Double Trouble

 

[Double Trouble]

We like to be one of the first at the port too and were thinking of taking a cab from the DT. If I have DH drop me off instead while he drives the car back and takes the shuttle, can I check everyone in without them being there? At PC last year everyone had to have their picture taken. And would I need to bring all the luggage with me or could DH and DD bring it later? Might be easiest to just all take a cab over together, but if we could save a few dollars......

We have the same plan, so we'll definitely have to coordinate.

Good idea Sheila, my husband would be up for it. I am actually making him drive me to the port earlier in the morning on the 17th and dropping me off. I have read the DT does not start their shuttles until 10:30. If anyone wants a ride earlier with us, let me know. My DH and boys will then go back to the DT and grab their shuttle later. This way I can check in the luggage and get an early boarder number.

If we're going to keep up with you guys, pretty soon I'm going to find myself camping out at the port the night before to be first in line! It's going to look like a "Black Friday" sale. I guess the good side is I won't need to pay for a hotel anymore!

 

[virdis]

If we're going to keep up with you guys, pretty soon I'm going to find myself camping out at the port the night before to be first in line! It's going to look like a "Black Friday" sale. I guess the good side is I won't need to pay for a hotel anymore!

Too funny I was thinking the EXACT same thing.

On our last cruise, we got there an hour and a half before the ship was to sail. The check in staff was literally playing cards. We walked onboard without waiting in a line.

 

[HoppingMad]

Hey Penny,

Being local I haven't checked into this myself, but I did remember seeing a post about rental cars on one of the threads with general information about the port, so I dug it up for you.

It doesn't look like the news is good, at least if you want to use Enterprise, and I think they may be one of the few agencies with locations both at LAX and near the port.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39595852&postcount=82


I can't find the post now, but I know I also read about someone renting a car at LAX, returning it to LGB, and arranging transportation to the port from there for a whole lot less than if they paid the ridiculous drop off fee Enterprise is charging. So that might be another option to look into.

Sorry the news isn't better, but I hope the information helps with planning.

Penny - I am not sure if this will help or not...i am using super shuttle from Long Beach Airport to DLR, then Prime Time Shuttle from DLR to the port. Not sure if that helps or not...the cost for the Prime Time Shuttle was about 10.00 more than DCL transport, BUT I get to pick the time I arrive at the port...DCL is set up for 11am pickup at the earliest! So I would not arrive until after 1pm (due to mutliple hotel pickups...sigh)

Thanks Shelia and Cayla

I will look into the cost of shuttles/limos etc. With there being 5 of us, I had assumed that a rental car would be the most cost effective way of getting us there, but it seems I may be wrong

I appreciate your help

Penny

 

[JillsterZ]

Hello,

I am a newbie! I have read through some of this thread but 127 pages is hard to get through.

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.

We would like to join in the fun!

How much $$ do you think it will be to join the FE? Since money is tight I need to plan on this.

We would like 2 adult and 1 child wristbands. That sounds like fun!! Can I paypal you??

We live 15 minutes from Disneyland. My SIL works at Club 33 my Step-Dad is a Train Engineer at Disneyland, and my DH used to work at Disneyland in his 20's, so we are big Disney fans.

 

[HoppingMad]

Hello,

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.


We live 15 minutes from Disneyland.

Hi Jill

I am so envious! We're travelling from the other side of the world - our logistics are as opposed as they can possibly be!

Welcome - I'm new to all the FE's so I will let the experts answer that for you .

Penny

 

[Amwill]

Hello,

I am a newbie! I have read through some of this thread but 127 pages is hard to get through.

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.

We would like to join in the fun!

How much $$ do you think it will be to join the FE? Since money is tight I need to plan on this.

We would like 2 adult and 1 child wristbands. That sounds like fun!! Can I paypal you??

We live 15 minutes from Disneyland. My SIL works at Club 33 my Step-Dad is a Train Engineer at Disneyland, and my DH used to work at Disneyland in his 20's, so we are big Disney fans.

Welcome to the party. This is a great place to pre-meet cruisers and get info about the trip.

 

[Susiesark]

Hello,

I am a newbie! I have read through some of this thread but 127 pages is hard to get through.

I am Jill (41) my DH is Phil (45) and our DD Rachel is 8. This is our third Disney Cruise. We live in Southern California so we are excited that we don't have to pay for flights, parking or even a hotel! My parents are dropping us off at the port. We are Disney Vacation Club Members and so far it has only cost us $95.00 for the cruise.

We would like to join in the fun!

How much $$ do you think it will be to join the FE? Since money is tight I need to plan on this.

We would like 2 adult and 1 child wristbands. That sounds like fun!! Can I paypal you??

We live 15 minutes from Disneyland. My SIL works at Club 33 my Step-Dad is a Train Engineer at Disneyland, and my DH used to work at Disneyland in his 20's, so we are big Disney fans.

Welcome Jill & Phil! Well, you've come to the right place with an 8 y.o. DD! Where do you live? And since you have family that works at Club 33, you're my new Best Friend. (We just walked in the door from DL) OMG, such a deal on your cruise!