Disney Magic - Nov 10, 2012 - Western Caribbean from Galveston - Sun, Fun & Beaches!

[CruisinMama]

Thanks for the heads up on the ships change for next year, though at this point we don't really care about which ship we are on, as long as it floats! =) I am just excited to set sail again, and have some fun. With the rebooking credits and discounts, does that apply only to that same ship, or will it apply to the Wonder as well?

 

[feenie]

Hi everyone.
for anyone flying in to Houston Hobby, DCL is not offering direct transfers from there to the port. They are providing a free shuttle to George Bush airport, where you can then catch the DCL transportation.
To me, this seems like a HUGE pain in the butt, especially since GB is 30+ miles NORTH of Houston Hobby.
I think we are going to look into a towncar service instead of taking the DCL transfers.
Anyone have any reccomendations on good reputable companies?
Thanks!

 

[Golden Rose]

Hi everyone.
for anyone flying in to Houston Hobby, DCL is not offering direct transfers from there to the port. They are providing a free shuttle to George Bush airport, where you can then catch the DCL transportation.
To me, this seems like a HUGE pain in the butt, especially since GB is 30+ miles NORTH of Houston Hobby.
I think we are going to look into a towncar service instead of taking the DCL transfers.
Anyone have any reccomendations on good reputable companies?
Thanks!

Wow, don't go from Hobby to IAH. That will add a huge amount of time to your trip. Hobby is on the way to Galveston. IAH is almost 45 minutes (sometimes more in traffic, and when isn't there traffic in Houston ) in the opposite direction. What a stupid idea on DCL's part. They could just about have a shuttle from IAH stop at Hobby on the way...

We have used Ralph's Town Car and Limo Service for many, many years. They are very nice people, and super reliable. Their phone numbers are 713-644-LIMO (5466) and 1-800-829-7617. (We tried Super Shuttle once since they were cheaper and we were a big enough group that we would need 2 town cars to get to the airport. The guy from super shuttle was late, unfriendly, played loud music, and went a strange long route at rush hour that actually added about 30 minutes to our drive to the airport. It was such a stressful experience that we called from England to cancel our Super Shuttle return pickup and book the 2 towncars from Ralph's.)

Gosh, I still can't believe they're trying to send people from Hobby to Galveston by way of IAH. Clearly planned by people who've never been to Houston!

 

[Tower]

Gosh, I still can't believe they're trying to send people from Hobby to Galveston by way of IAH. Clearly planned by people who've never been to Houston!

When I told DW of this, she couldn't believe it either. It saves a whole lot of hassle and time just to book your own transport to/from the port.
Thanks for the limo recommendation!

 

[Golden Rose]

I'm all focused on the cruise again since we have to pay in full next week if we want to book certain reservations at the four month mark. I want to get Palo booked, and reserve nursery hours for the hours we want to be in Palo. My mom also wants me to book some nursery hours for Costa Maya, since we're not eager to take our almost two year old to the ruins for the day. (We've taken her to ruins in Belize, and we managed, but she's unpredictable on drives of any length.) I'm trying to convince my mom and step father to try Palo with us, but if its anything like the last cruise we did, my mom's going to want to order room service for almost every meal and eat on the balcony.

Oh, and is someone coordinating a Fish Extender Exchange for our group? Please add us to it. 4 adults, 1 child, 1 toddler. I'm happy to PM whomever is coordinating it our more detailed info, I'm just not completely comfortable posting it on a public board that anyone can read.

 

[Teachermouse]

Thank you for coordinating the roll call. We need to add DF (Disney Friend) age 10 to our list. My son wanted to bring his best friend along. What is Fish Extenders?

 

[CruisinMama]

I am so very excited, because we finally booked our rooms today! And, thanks to generous tips from all of the past cruisers on this site, we knew about the secret verandah rooms, and made sure to request them... I was so surprised to see that they were still available! Anyhow, can't wait to set sail! COME ON NOVEMBER!!!

 

[CruisinMama]

OK, now I get to show my newbie side for all to see. What is the fish extender, and what is the deal with decorating your stateroom door?

Signed,

Clueless.

 

[caniac27]

Hi there. My name is Michelle, traveling with DH Derek and good friends John and Laurie-Ann. This will be Disney Cruise 8 for DH and I, and first time in a Suite

For you newbies: Fish Extenders are the hanging holders that you hang from the "fish" hook outside your stateroom. It is a hook, shaped like a fish. You can look up pictures online My fish extender has a pocket for each of myself, DH and DD. We will not be participating this time as we are traveling sans children

As for decorating the stateroom door, more and more you see "disers" putting a personal touch on their room door. The door is metal, so magnets stick beautifully. For us, it just makes it easier to find our room Usually we put magnets from prior cruises, like Margaritaville, Alaska, etc. as well as who we are, and where we are from. You get lots of smiles and comments when you're coming and going from your room, and can use it as a conversation starter.

Hope that helps!

Michelle

 

[Tower]

I've updated the Roll Call on the top of page 5. Welcome to Michelle, Derek and friends!
Also added DF10 so I think I have it straight.
Sorry for the delay.

 

[CruisinMama]

I've updated the Roll Call on the top of page 5. Welcome to Michelle, Derek and friends!
Also added DF10 so I think I have it straight.
Sorry for the delay.

Thanks for doing a roll call! We are officially booked now, and would like to be included in your list. Our group will consist of Me - Erica, my hubby Mike, (in our mid to late thirties) and our 6 year old daughter Auri, along with my in-laws, in another room.

Thanks!

 

[Tower]

Thanks for doing a roll call! We are officially booked now, and would like to be included in your list. Our group will consist of Me - Erica, my hubby Mike, (in our mid to late thirties) and our 6 year old daughter Auri, along with my in-laws, in another room.

Welcome Erica! I've updated the Roll Call again at the top of page 5. We're gettin' to be a bigger lot now!

 

[CruisinMama]

(First, thanks for updating roll call, Tower!)

Now, I have a question for the experienced Western Caribbean cruisers...

I am looking at the shore excursion options and trying to keep my in-laws and 6 year old in mind. Within these ports, are there beach and other low activity options within SHORT walking distance of the port without having to pay for a full on excursion? Even a short taxi ride is okay. We would like to prioritize the shore excursions for the ports that have little or nothing else to do outside of shore excursion activities. We are not big shoppers, so strolling through the shops is not thrilling to us. Please also feel free to elaborate on your favorite port in our itinerary and why, if you have one! I love insider tips.

Also, I know from the other cruise I have taken that there are companies (other than the ones Disney endorses) that offer excursions... but the reputation of these can be questionable. Are there any that anyone has tried that are worth it, or should I absolutely stick with Disney endorsed only?

 

[Tower]

I am looking at the shore excursion options and trying to keep my in-laws and 6 year old in mind. Within these ports, are there beach and other low activity options within SHORT walking distance of the port without having to pay for a full on excursion? Even a short taxi ride is okay. We would like to prioritize the shore excursions for the ports that have little or nothing else to do outside of shore excursion activities. We are not big shoppers, so strolling through the shops is not thrilling to us. Please also feel free to elaborate on your favorite port in our itinerary and why, if you have one! I love insider tips.

We've never been to Grand Cayman before, but I heard that all beaches are a pretty easy walk or short taxi ride from the port. We're treating GC as our beach day.
As for excursions elsewhere, I found this discussion on the main cruise board with some information.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2913972

 

[Golden Rose]

We've been to Grand Cayman several times, and it's a port we've done both on our own and with ship's shore excursions. It's a port we've always felt pretty safe at, and there is a fair amount to do near the cruise port. We'll have our 7 year old and almost 2 year old with us, so we're going to go to the turtle farm for the day again and let the kids play with turtles. (I really want to do the stingrays too, but I just don't want to try it with the baby yet.)

My mom is probably just going to go to a nearby beach and snorkel on her own. Some of the snorkeling within walking distance of the port is sometimes good. The wreck of the cali and cheeseburger reef are walkable, although I'm not sure they are child friendly snorkeling, but there is access to Seven Mile Beach just north (left from the cruise terminal) as well.

 

[vmedisneymom]

hope all is well for all of you!!!

 

[Tower]

hope all is well for all of you!!!

Just got back from DW's family's cabin in the woods. No power, poor cell phone/internet coverage, we were pretty away from it all. Had a great time in the river fishing on a river with no fish, swimming in the river, canoeing and having a 'few' drinks.
Really lookng forward to a more luxurious 'getting away from it all' in only a few months time!

 

[surberd]

We've been to Grand Cayman several times, and it's a port we've done both on our own and with ship's shore excursions. It's a port we've always felt pretty safe at, and there is a fair amount to do near the cruise port. We'll have our 7 year old and almost 2 year old with us, so we're going to go to the turtle farm for the day again and let the kids play with turtles. (I really want to do the stingrays too, but I just don't want to try it with the baby yet.)

My mom is probably just going to go to a nearby beach and snorkel on her own. Some of the snorkeling within walking distance of the port is sometimes good. The wreck of the cali and cheeseburger reef are walkable, although I'm not sure they are child friendly snorkeling, but there is access to Seven Mile Beach just north (left from the cruise terminal) as well.

I am new to this board but I'm curious about a turtle farm? I haven't seen any info.

 

[surberd]

Ok, trying to post this for our Roll Call. (Now I'm asking for it! I'll have to update it everytime we get someone new! Just created more work for myself didn't I?)

If you have any updates or modifications, just let me know and I'll make the appropriate changes.

Not sure on this app how to start a new comment to a thread, but we will be sailing the Magic Nov 10 2012! We are super excited, our 1st cruise. I'm 44, DH 48 DD 14

 

[Tower]

Not sure on this app how to start a new comment to a thread, but we will be sailing the Magic Nov 10 2012! We are super excited, our 1st cruise. I'm 44, DH 48 DD 14

Welcome surberd! It's going to be an awesome cruise! We're looking forward to meeting you! To comment on a thread without quoting, just follow the link at the bottom of all the comments, the button that just says 'Reply'.
The Roll Call at the top of page 5 has been updated.