Disney Magic - Dec 10, 2011 - Western Caribbean Cruise - Sun, Fun and Beaches!

[CitaPita]

As my husband says its great to be from Wisconsin right now, Packers, Brewers and the Badgers are all having a great year so far!!

I think that pretty much sums it up!

 

[mareeld86]

We booked GTY too, but we were assigned our room about a month ago or so. Unfortunately, we remained in a 11A (which is fine, at least we're on the ship!) but a little frustrating seeing as the VGT category is only about $150 more than we paid for our inside stateroom.

Oh, well...We might try and see if there are rooms available for upgrade at port.

I think i am going to ask the same thing!!!

 

[Sinderelly]

I think i am going to ask the same thing!!!

We might also try to upgrade at the port.

 

[sesame_123]

If anyone is interested to see the navigators from a western sailing I found this thread today http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2814906

I know they could change but the general schedule should stay the same.

Tracy

 

[CitaPita]

I am THRILLED that someone posted the Navigators. That was definitely something I was waiting to see! I'm betting it's a small chance they'll change the shows they are doing before our cruise? Kind of sad to miss Golden Mickey's (heard good things), but happy we get to see Disney Dreams.

FYI, everyone, my TA let me know today that there have been port charge changes on our cruise. We get a $48 refund. Woot!

 

[CitaPita]

Also...just noticed that my ticker has us on the ship in less than two months now. This thrills me, as well.

 

[HannahNoahMommy]

That's awesome! There's not a change in the ports though, is there? Just in the charges?

Thanks!
Renee

 

[mareeld86]

Nice the $48 will pay for my Palo dinner!!

I cant wait I have 23 days until I leave for the start of my Holiday!!

 

[Sinderelly]

I am THRILLED that someone posted the Navigators. That was definitely something I was waiting to see! I'm betting it's a small chance they'll change the shows they are doing before our cruise? Kind of sad to miss Golden Mickey's (heard good things), but happy we get to see Disney Dreams.

FYI, everyone, my TA let me know today that there have been port charge changes on our cruise. We get a $48 refund. Woot!

Yippee! Thank you for letting us know,

 

[peg2001]

With October almost halfway gone, it really feels like the cruise is getting close. Even DH is starting to perk up and ask a question here and there.

I've been pondering the level of freedom to give my teen and pre-teen on the ship. I finally settled on a list of rules that we will at least start with and see how it goes. I've posted them in my pre-trip report if anyone is interested in seeing them. I'd welcome any feedback if you think I'm missing something important. I'd link to it but I'm not sure how to do that.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for everyone who'll be asking for an upgrade. I think we will stick with what we have. It's an inside cabin but I like the location - Deck 6, midship.

Can anyone confirm whether these activities in the Edge and Vibe cost extra: smoothie hour, coffee break, raid the arcade. I may not have the titles of the activities just right but I think that's close.

Peg

 

[GraciesMommy]

I've been pondering the level of freedom to give my teen and pre-teen on the ship. I finally settled on a list of rules that we will at least start with and see how it goes. I've posted them in my pre-trip report if anyone is interested in seeing them. I'd welcome any feedback if you think I'm missing something important. I'd link to it but I'm not sure how to do that.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for everyone who'll be asking for an upgrade. I think we will stick with what we have. It's an inside cabin but I like the location - Deck 6, midship.

Can anyone confirm whether these activities in the Edge and Vibe cost extra: smoothie hour, coffee break, raid the arcade. I may not have the titles of the activities just right but I think that's close.

Peg

I can't confirm the teen/tween activities, but I saw your rules in your PTR and thought they were great. I think many of them are "common sense", but will serve your girls for many years in high school and college.

I can't believe we are under two months. So little time, but so much to do!

 

[Goaliemom30]

Peg- I read your rules and they are great. They are almost identical to mine. I have worked in law enforcement and currently work with abused children. It absolutely curled my toes when I read the people on the big boards talking about letting their 8 year olds roam the ship on their own.

As for the smoothies,arcade, and coffee... I read on another board that smoothies and the arcade were extra. I'll bet the specialty coffee drinks are too.

 

[woodnymph]

Finally back on here to do roll call! Just finished reading through the thread.

After being so excited about FE when we booked in the spring, the general family consensus is now disinterest. They've decided they'd rather get some extra pins and pin trade. So, we're going to skip it this cruise.

We're all getting very excited here, though! I have the luggage spread out in the basement and have been throwing things in all week. Still deciding on excursions. Kids seem less than interested in those, as well. All they want is boat and beach. Might just do a snorkel in Cozumel without them...

I'm going to paste in the roll call list and add ours to the bottom...


Kiki (DW), Paul (DH)
DISboard ID: KikiMouse
Homestate: : DC area
This will be our 6th DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***

Carmen (DW), Joshua (DH), Hazel (DD3), Evie (DD2)
DISboard ID: CitaPita
Homestate: Wisconsin
Our First Disney cruise
Pre-cruise: Country Inn & Suites
***Interested in FE exchange***

Kathy (DW), Jim (DH)
DISboard ID: Sinderelly
Homestate: Indiana
This will be our 4th DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***

Tracy (DW), Addie (DD4 and 11/12) Jameson (DS 2)
DISboard ID: Sesame_123
Homestate: Wisconsin (Southeastern)
This will be our 2nd DCL cruise
***Interested in FE exchange***

Lauren (DG) and Ricky (DB)
DISBoard ID: Mareeld86
Homestate: Brighton Tasmania Australia
Pre-cruise stay:Walt Disney World
This is our First Cruise
***We are doing FE***

W, DH, DD(14),DS(9)
DISBoardID: Goaliemom30
Homestate: NY
2nd Disney Cruise
***We are doing the FE***

Renee (DW), Pat (DH), Hannah (DD11), and Noah (DS8)
DISBoardID: HannahNoahMommy
Homestate: Michigan
2nd Disney Cruise
Pre-Cruise stay: not sure yet. Either inlaw's house in Poinciana (Kissimee area) or a hotel TBD
2nd Disney Cruise
***We are doing the FE****
*Note from Renee regarding FE exchange- Noah is allergic to tree nuts; also, we don't celebrate Christmas-

Mike (DH) Rose (DW) and DD Taylor (6)
DISBoard ID: WDW Enabler
Home State: Florida
***We are doing the FE***

Sonja(DW) Tony(DH) and DS Noah (4)
DISBoard ID: SEVP
Homestate: Nova Scotia, Canada
Pre-cruise stay: Animal Kingdom Lodge 2 nights
This is our 1ST DCL Cruise
***Doing the FE Exchange***

(DW),(DH), DS (8), DS(7), DD(4), DD(3)
DISboard ID: MandyO
This is our first DCL Cruise
***Doing the FE Exchange***

Peggy (DW), Jeff (DH), DD15, DD11
DISboard ID: peg2001
Homestate: Tennessee
Pre-cruise stay: Country Inn & Suites
This will be our 2nd DCL cruise
***Not participating in FE exchange***

Tori (DS) Tricia (DS) (sisters to Tracy aka sesame_123)
DISboard Id: Grumpy333
Homestate:Wisconsin
Pre-cruise stay: Disney World with MVMCP on December 9th
This is our 2nd DCL Cruise
***Not Doing the FE exchange***

Kaye (DW) Denny(DH)
DISBoard ID: Princess Kaye
Homestate: North Carolina
Pre-cruise stay: Country Inn & Suites
This is our 7th DCL Cruise
***Not Doing the FE Exchange***

Kara (me), Grace (DD4), Mimi (My mother), Poppy (My father)
DISBoard ID: GraciesMommy
Homestate: Texas
Pre-cruise stay: Haven't decided yet...either MCO Hyatt or Disney
This is our 2nd DCL Cruise, but my parent's first
***Not Doing the FE Exchange***

Ayme (DW) Ben (DH)
DISBoard ID: aymekae
Homestate: California
Pre-cruise stay: Still exploring our options!
This is our 1ST DCL Cruise
***Not Doing the FE Exchange***

Roxi (DM), Austin (DS), 21
DISBoardID: roxiw9234
Homestate: Colorado/Florida
Disney Cruises - Lucky #13
Pre-Cruise stay: not sure yet since Austin lives in Orlando may drive that morning or stay near the port the night before
***Not doing the FE****

Lauri(dm)Jordan(ds-17)Colton(ds-8, birthday 12/2, so a b-day cruise)
DISboardID-lab0115
Home State-Pennsylvania
Our First Disney Cruise and First Cruise Ever
Pre-Cruise Stay-getting in late on 12/9, staying near airport at Holiday Inn Express
***Not Doing FE***

Lisa
DISboardID- seaprincess
Home State-North Carolna
***not doing the FE***

(6 Adults)
DISboard ID: AK Disney Fan
Home State: Alaska
***Not doing the FE Exchange***

Martha (Me), Doug (DH), Jerry (DxH), Molly (DD14), Willow (DS12), Maia (DD6)
DISboard ID: Woodnymph
Homestate: Missouri
Our First Disney cruise
Pre-cruise: Country Inn & Suites
***Not doing the FE exchange***

 

[Sinderelly]

Has anyone started FE gifts early? Trying to decide if I want to go ahead and order something and trying to guestimate how many cabins we will end up with. Hurry up Nov 1st! Right now it seems we have 10 cabins? We have never participated in an FE exchange with a lower # of cabins and I'm very excited! We will be able to "personalize" the gifts a little more and make them more special.
The last time we participated in an FE exchange on the Magic we had 67 cabins. That was a huge amount of stuff but still alot of fun.
We are getting ready for the Dream in 8 days. Wondering how she'll compare to the Magic.

 

[CitaPita]

We are getting ready for the Dream in 8 days. Wondering how she'll compare to the Magic.

I'm so excited for you! We expect a full report when you return. My DH doesn't know this yet, but I'm already planning on booking on board for either the Dream, or the Fantasy. I sure hope he decides he loves cruising! Very interested to hear your take, Sinderelly, since you've been on the Magic before.

Thinking about starting my FE gifts is about as far as I've gotten. On the bright side, I already have a plan, which is half the battle for me. I am usually VERY indecisive!

 

[GraciesMommy]

Has anyone been to Grand Cayman before? I'm not really excited about any of the excursions and was wondering if there was much to see just walking around the port area?

 

[Goaliemom30]

I'm so excited for you! We expect a full report when you return. My DH doesn't know this yet, but I'm already planning on booking on board for either the Dream, or the Fantasy. I sure hope he decides he loves cruising! Very interested to hear your take, Sinderelly, since you've been on the Magic before.

Thinking about starting my FE gifts is about as far as I've gotten. On the bright side, I already have a plan, which is half the battle for me. I am usually VERY indecisive!

Started shopping today- I do not craft... I am almost done. Just have to find something for the smallest of boys. It was a lot of fun. Have a couple of spare gifts just in case.

 

[aymekae]

Got my Cat 11A room assignment! #6583... looks like we are also 6th deck, mid-ship! I can't believe we leave in less than 2 months. I have everything booked except for rental cars.

 

[Sinderelly]

Got my Cat 11A room assignment! #6583... looks like we are also 6th deck, mid-ship! I can't believe we leave in less than 2 months. I have everything booked except for rental cars.

When I read your post I couldn't wait to check for our cabin assignment.
We are still listed as GTY I hope we find out soon!

 

[CitaPita]

Has anyone been to Grand Cayman before? I'm not really excited about any of the excursions and was wondering if there was much to see just walking around the port area?

I know what you mean about the excursions. Seems like most of them evolve around snorkeling, which with little ones isn't an option.

I haven't been before, but from reading the DCL Passporter's guide it sounds like a lot of shopping is nearby, but all the public beaches are further down and require a cab ride. It's supposed to be a pretty nice port, though.

We finally opted to do the Nautilus tour, although the thought of the logistics of tendering with the little ones makes me think about canceling. I think I'm too lazy to tender!