Disney Wonder - Galveston to San Jaun - January 20, 2017

[pixiehallow]

Thanks , Pixie for prodding us to take a moment to thank about all we are thankful for...as a single mom of five, I often am too busy to truly stop and take it all in. This year has been a big one for us. I have a high school senior who is finishing up his final bits of high school, graduating a semester early and joining the Marine Corps right after the cruise. I also have a junior and freshman in high school and know all too well how quickly these days pass and am trying to remember to be thankful for all the little moments with them (and one in Jr high and one grown if you're keeping count ). We bought our first family home this year which has been quite a treat as their dad is an army officer, and I am an army brat as well, so we have lived the nomad life for most of our lives. I am thankful for a career that allows me to pursue my professional goals and still be an available mom to support our crazy household and all the busy-ness that goes along with it...and I am most thankful for my kids who keep us all laughing through the insanity of it all. Speaking of insanity, Pixie I'm thankful for all your efforts to organize the activities for the cruise and feeding us information! It has been so very helpful as I navigate through the massive planning of this vacation! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!

What an awesome and exciting year! Thanks for sharing.
As for my efforts, thanks for the kind words. This is all a labor of love!!!

~Tink~

 

[pixiehallow]

~BUMP~​

We are still looking for 1 more participants (which will bring the count to 20) to guarantee a reservation in advance for mixology . We can have up to 40 people in the group. So if we reach 20 and you are still interested, there will still be room for more.
I am going to try to post this at the top of each page (going forward ) so new members won't have to search to find out what we are planning.

~Planned activities ~
(Meets, cabin crawls, mixology, etc )

Mixology
(will need a minimum of 20 - must be 21 or older)
Currently interested:
Pixiehallow (2)
SunI17 (2 )
StefunnyD (1)
MNnice (2)
Sian (2)
Bbrown (2)
ColoradoMrs (2)
Angel and Bear (2)
jenncardenas (2)
Wanderbuff(2)
Ange176 (1)
Clayton5party (2)​

Pre Cruise Meet for Harbor House
Pixiehallow
MNnice
StefunnyD
Zoijmvs
BBrown
crystalsnowseekins
Mngirl80
westonkamom
asperle
alaskanabbott
MNMommyof2
Grumpy's Group
Angel Rae
Ange176​

____________________________________________________

Cabin Crawl
(with or without poker)
Currently interested:
Pixiehallow
alaskanabbott
MNnice
Angel Rae
westonkamom​

 

[Mntparish]

Any recommendations for a good beach excursion in Cozumel for our family including a 3 and 6 year old?

 

[pixiehallow]

I keep hearing great things about Paradise Beach. I have never been, but it is supposed to be all inclusive. Some of our group members are going. They were telling me that they think my teenage son would have a blast. I am not sure about little ones though. I can't remember who I was talking with about it. If you have been before, could you please share your experience (again...if you don't mind)?
Also, does anyone else have any other great beach excursion suggestions?
While you wait for other input, check out this video, Paradise Beach.
Here is their web site: http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/

 

[mareed]

I keep hearing great things about Paradise Beach. I have never been, but it is supposed to be all inclusive. Some of our group members are going. They were telling me that they think my teenage son would have a blast. I am not sure about little ones though. I can't remember who I was talking with about it. If you have been before, could you please share your experience (again...if you don't mind)?
Also, does anyone else have any other great beach excursion suggestions?
While you wait for other input, check out this video, Paradise Beach.
Here is their web site: http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/

I've probably been to Paradise Beach in Cozumel at least 1/3 of the cruises listed in my signature so obviously I like it! It is definitely not all inclusive though - you'll pay for drinks and food. I don't get my money's worth from all-inclusives so this works best for me! My teenagers have loved it because they love the inflatables. My Mom loves it for the lovely pool. I love it for the super-clean bathrooms and beautiful landscaping that almost make me feel that I'm still in my Disney bubble. The only "con" for me is no snorkeling - or only minimal snorkeling in best case with fish around the pier. And I've had bad luck with their "cheap" alcohol and ended up with an all night headache when I drank 3 of their "drink specials". Now I know my limit! If I want snorkeling and don't have people wanting to lounge on the beach/pool or the inflatables, then I go to Money Bar. Good (not great) snorkeling and good food and drinks with clean bathrooms and showers. I have many pictures and experiences over the last 3 years and have seen some of the "extras" change, but it remains clean, well-maintained, and a good value.

 

[pixiehallow]

I've probably been to Paradise Beach in Cozumel at least 1/3 of the cruises listed in my signature so obviously I like it! It is definitely not all inclusive though - you'll pay for drinks and food. I don't get my money's worth from all-inclusives so this works best for me! My teenagers have loved it because they love the inflatables. My Mom loves it for the lovely pool. I love it for the super-clean bathrooms and beautiful landscaping that almost make me feel that I'm still in my Disney bubble. The only "con" for me is no snorkeling - or only minimal snorkeling in best case with fish around the pier. And I've had bad luck with their "cheap" alcohol and ended up with an all night headache when I drank 3 of their "drink specials". Now I know my limit! If I want snorkeling and don't have people wanting to lounge on the beach/pool or the inflatables, then I go to Money Bar. Good (not great) snorkeling and good food and drinks with clean bathrooms and showers. I have many pictures and experiences over the last 3 years and have seen some of the "extras" change, but it remains clean, well-maintained, and a good value.

 

[pixiehallow]

Information for parents of toddlers and those wanting to plan a toddler play date.

Internet Cafe/Internet Services
The only thing to say here is, “What Internet Cafe?” The enclosed area next to the Promenade Lounge on deck 3 no longer houses computer terminals. Instead, the perimeter of the space is now lined with comfortable, high-backed bench seating, surrounding an area of open carpeting for toddler-watching. The only entry into this comfy corral is controlled by a sliding, wooden gate, to ensure that the little ones don’t toddle out onto the dance floor. If you must surf the web, either plan to bring your own laptop or mobile device, or borrow one from the Internet Services or Guest Services desks. The Internet Services representative is still stationed in his/her familiar spot in the Promenade Lounge, for those who need assistance connecting or choosing a data plan. I can also report that internet connection speeds are far better than they used to be, making it all too easy to burn through your data plan.



Where has the Internet Cafe gone? It’s now dedicated to Toddler Time!


Toddler Time
Watch the ship’s activity schedule for “Toddler Time,” now a feature on both the Magic and Wonder in the space adjacent to the Promenade Lounge formerly occupied by the Internet Cafe. During Toddler Time counselors from “it’s a small world” set up soft play structures for the kids to explore. Though counselors are on hand to supervise and play with the children, parents must be present, too, whether they play or just watch

 

[pixiehallow]

Second to last planning party weekend.
WOO HOO !
We wore last years cruise shirts for this month's party.
This month's theme is let's pack!
And yes, aside from a few essentials we need out, we are packed!
I have a list of what still needs to get packed, and will double check everything once more. For the most part though, I am ready for our vacation to start tomorrow!
Yes, I know it is early, but 54 days will fly right by, especially with close to half of that time being holidays!

~Tink ~

 

[pixiehallow]

Monday Forget Me Not's.....

Happy Monday everyone, we are in the home stretch. After today, I will only have 7 more Monday posts!

Today, I wanted to remind you to bring your Ears! I know you all already have a set attached to your head, and those are not the ones I am referring to. I am talking about your favorite Mickey / Disney Ears. I don't know about you, but I would not make a trip to any of the Disney parks without my ears. Well, the cruise is no different. Characters and cast members alike love to see guests immersing themselves in the magic. And one way to do that is to show off your favorite pair of Mickey Ears.
If you are planning on get pictures with characters, Mickey Ears always make a nice addition to your wardrobe, plus, it is fun to see the characters reaction to your choice.
You will see me sporting my Minnie Ears on my Disney Cruise sailor hat on day 1. Beyond that, who knows when the Mouse spirit will strike.
If this is your first time sailing with Disney, but you have visited the parks before, plan to show your excitement the same as you would at the parks. After all, we are actually going to be on a floating Disney park!
And if you find you don't have enough luggage space for your ears, just wear them when your boarding!
One extra bonus of having your ears with you, is they work great to decorate your cabin with. For those of you who are taking part in the cabin crawl, you will see how I liven up our cabin with not only our ears, but my Tink wings as well.
Don't be afraid to let the kid in you out.

~Tink~

 

[zoiejmvs]

Has anyone heard of z limousine service in Houston? I was looking into it for shuttle service to Galveston.

 

[zoiejmvs]

Monday Forget Me Not's.....

Happy Monday everyone, we are in the home stretch. After today, I will only have 7 more Monday posts!

Today, I wanted to remind you to bring your Ears! I know you all already have a set attached to your head, and those are not the ones I am referring to. I am talking about your favorite Mickey / Disney Ears. I don't know about you, but I would not make a trip to any of the Disney parks without my ears. Well, the cruise is no different. Characters and cast members alike love to see guests immersing themselves in the magic. And one way to do that is to show off your favorite pair of Mickey Ears.
If you are planning on get pictures with characters, Mickey Ears always make a nice addition to your wardrobe, plus, it is fun to see the characters reaction to your choice.
You will see me sporting my Minnie Ears on my Disney Cruise sailor hat on day 1. Beyond that, who knows when the Mouse spirit will strike.
If this is your first time sailing with Disney, but you have visited the parks before, plan to show your excitement the same as you would at the parks. After all, we are actually going to be on a floating Disney park!
And if you find you don't have enough luggage space for your ears, just wear them when your boarding!
One extra bonus of having your ears with you, is they work great to decorate your cabin with. For those of you who are taking part in the cabin crawl, you will see how I liven up our cabin with not only our ears, but my Tink wings as well.
Don't be afraid to let the kid in you out.

~Tink~

I'll be bringing mine from Disneyland

 

[pixiehallow]

Has anyone heard of z limousine service in Houston? I was looking into it for shuttle service to Galveston.

What kind of prices are you finding for them ? And are you looking from Hobby or Bush Intercontinental ?

 

[zoiejmvs]

What kind of prices are you finding for them ? And are you looking from Hobby or Bush Intercontinental ?

$105 for a town car and $120 for a SUV and a free car seat

 

[pixiehallow]

$105 for a town car and $120 for a SUV and a free car seat

That sounds good for groups over 3 and those that need car seats.

 

[pixiehallow]

 

[pixiehallow]

OH! That post reminds me, if you have not already done so, you will want to download the Navigator app to your device before leaving home. If you wait until you are at port, you will be facing very slow download speeds because the port servers become overloaded. This app is useful for on board messaging, deck maps, menus, and schedules of daily on board activities. The count down clock function is pretty much all that is accessible before boarding. All other functions will be available once on board. There is no charge to use the app, and it works with the ships intranet (not internet), so **with your device in airplane mode**, you will not be charged for any data usage. (Remember to put your devices into airplane mode once you board. roaming in international waters can become very pricey).
Here is Disney's FAQ post about the app (it has links for both Apple and Android users; it also has a link for more info):
Q.
How can I add the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to my mobile device?

A.
You can download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to your smartphone or tablet from the Apple iTunes App Store℠ for iOS devices or Google Play™ for Android devices store at home or before boarding the ship. (Unfortunately, this app is currently unavailable for download in Japan.)

The app will be operational once you connect to your ship's onboard Wi‑Fi (which is complimentary when used for this app only).

Find out more about the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

 

[pixiehallow]

Disney Wonder is in port today and she is the only one there so you can get a good view. Here is the web site for the web cam: http://www.galvestoncruises.com/webcams/cruisevideocam

This is the current view.

 

[czmom]

Hey everyone! We are back and forth on renting a car in San Juan vs. uber or taxi. What is everyone's plans for transportation post cruise (if you are staying)? We have rented a condo for 2 nights in Isla Verde.

 

[pixiehallow]

Hey everyone! We are back and forth on renting a car in San Juan vs. uber or taxi. What is everyone's plans for transportation post cruise (if you are staying)? We have rented a condo for 2 nights in Isla Verde.

We are back and forth between a post cruise excursion (which will pick us up at the port and drop us off at our hotel) and a taxi.

 

[czmom]

What are the possible excursions?