Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[Kidlette]

Hi...If you go to the cruise meets section on this board and find your wonder cruise for 1/23/11 I think there are already people posting on there for the FE's

Hi DietCokeFan - I'm a diet coke fan too! Well, caffeine free diet coke!

This post is in the meets section! Thanks though

 

[jilljill]

Hi DietCokeFan - I'm a diet coke fan too! Well, caffeine free diet coke!

This post is in the meets section! Thanks though

The thread discussing FE's for this sailing was on the main cruise forums and dietcokefan was telling the OP there was a meets thread set up for this sailing, I then merged the 2 threads together in the meets section.

 

[Kidlette]

The thread discussing FE's for this sailing was on the main cruise forums and dietcokefan was telling the OP there was a meets thread set up for this sailing, I then merged the 2 threads together in the meets section.

I know, I messed up and posted it in both sections myself. I guess I'm confused at what you mean about merging the threads - I had already posted the same thing in both places. Does that mean the thread not in the meets section is gone now? Either way, it's no biggie. It's out there, and that's what counts. Thanks!

 

[jilljill]

I know, I messed up and posted it in both sections myself. I guess I'm confused at what you mean about merging the threads - I had already posted the same thing in both places. Does that mean the thread not in the meets section is gone now? Either way, it's no biggie. It's out there, and that's what counts. Thanks!

I've sent you a PM.

 

[ryanmcin]

We will have our 10 year old son with us. I have 2 older boys (20 & 22) but they are too old and would need to pay their own way!
It would have been cool if they were going to Catalina. I haven't been since the 80's and I hear that cruise ships have been going there. I can't imagine it though. The island is so small to begin with. I was trying to talk my hubby into adding that on but we already have a night booked in a DVC studio at the Grand CA & I would hate to not stay there. Plus, we can't take our son our of too much school, either.
With the fish extenders, it would be nice to get a big group but so far we don't have much of a crowd of people posting on this thread.
I am so excited for this cruise. We were looking at not going on one as airfare is so outrageous and driving is not really an option to get to Florida. Hopefully more will sign on & sign up!

The DVC studio rooms at the Grand Californian are great! We have stayed at the Grand Californian 4 times in the past couple of years, and we stayed in a Studio Villa back in November. It is such a great hotel and the access to the parks is unbelievable! Keep an eye out the magic mornings, that is definitely worth doing if it is available when you are there. In my opinion it is the second best of the Disney Hotels, right behind Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Kidlette]

The DVC studio rooms at the Grand Californian are great! We have stayed at the Grand Californian 4 times in the past couple of years, and we stayed in a Studio Villa back in November. It is such a great hotel and the access to the parks is unbelievable! Keep an eye out the magic mornings, that is definitely worth doing if it is available when you are there. In my opinion it is the second best of the Disney Hotels, right behind Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I have to agree - I LOVE the Grand Californian! But - I love Animal Kingdom Villas even more because it's our home...and because giraffe's and zebra's fight!

 

[SueTGGR]

I love both and we have both as our "homes" ;>) If we could afford airfare, we would go more often.
We have stayed in the Grand CA many times but only once in the DVC units. I am so disappointed that if we can't get into the DVC units we can't stay in the hotel anymore. We just have to plan further in advance I guess or settle with the Disneyland Hotel or PP.
Do you know if the studios are all on the lower floors or are they all over? When we stayed we were on the ground floor and with all the construction there was very little to see of the park. ;>( not a big deal for one night but thought I would ask.
Back to the discussion about FE's...I am thinking we will join in on the fun but I want to buy (or make...I am not a "crafty" person) an actual FE before I commit.
I am so excited about the cruise. I found some Lonely Planet books recommended by a friend to start researching what we want to see. Any of you find things that are not to miss?

 

[Kidlette]

I love both and we have both as our "homes" ;>) If we could afford airfare, we would go more often.
We have stayed in the Grand CA many times but only once in the DVC units. I am so disappointed that if we can't get into the DVC units we can't stay in the hotel anymore. We just have to plan further in advance I guess or settle with the Disneyland Hotel or PP.
Do you know if the studios are all on the lower floors or are they all over? When we stayed we were on the ground floor and with all the construction there was very little to see of the park. ;>( not a big deal for one night but thought I would ask.
Back to the discussion about FE's...I am thinking we will join in on the fun but I want to buy (or make...I am not a "crafty" person) an actual FE before I commit.
I am so excited about the cruise. I found some Lonely Planet books recommended by a friend to start researching what we want to see. Any of you find things that are not to miss?

Good morning It's understandable about the FE's. I'm a little worried no one is going to join in. I know we have 8 months, but so far we're the only one on this board. It's strange to because the 2 night cruise right before this sailing has 60+ pages on its message board! I'm worried that we already started making/buying FE gifts but no one will join, then we will have wasted all that money!

The reason we are going on this cruise and not "home" to AKV in January is specifically because of money. With AKV we would have to afford airfare, food, and tickets; however, with the cruise we only have to pay the $95 transfer fee and gratuities (plus shore excursions if we decide to do any). We are a bit sad to not be going home, but I love Disney cruises so it should be fun.

As far as anything to do - Disney hasn't released their shore excursion lists for these destinations yet. Without knowing what they're offering, it's kind of difficult to say what could be good. My mother-in-law took a Mexican Riviera cruise (on a different cruise line) and she loved the horseback riding on the beach and the Zip-line in the jungle. Personally, zip line's are a bit over my head (scared of heights, etc)...I would NEVER do a zip line! However, the horseback riding on the beach sounds fun! (lol, not that my husband would do that). I am REALLY stumped on this cruise because what we love most about DCL in Castaway Cay...but this cruise can't go there. Without Castaway Cay, I have no idea! (Snorkeling is usually fun though!) I will do some research on these destinations and get back to you though!

 

[Tigger1313]

Good morning It's understandable about the FE's. I'm a little worried no one is going to join in. I know we have 8 months, but so far we're the only one on this board. It's strange to because the 2 night cruise right before this sailing has 60+ pages on its message board! I'm worried that we already started making/buying FE gifts but no one will join, then we will have wasted all that money!

The reason we are going on this cruise and not "home" to AKV in January is specifically because of money. With AKV we would have to afford airfare, food, and tickets; however, with the cruise we only have to pay the $95 transfer fee and gratuities (plus shore excursions if we decide to do any). We are a bit sad to not be going home, but I love Disney cruises so it should be fun.

As far as anything to do - Disney hasn't released their shore excursion lists for these destinations yet. Without knowing what they're offering, it's kind of difficult to say what could be good. My mother-in-law took a Mexican Riviera cruise (on a different cruise line) and she loved the horseback riding on the beach and the Zip-line in the jungle. Personally, zip line's are a bit over my head (scared of heights, etc)...I would NEVER do a zip line! However, the horseback riding on the beach sounds fun! (lol, not that my husband would do that). I am REALLY stumped on this cruise because what we love most about DCL in Castaway Cay...but this cruise can't go there. Without Castaway Cay, I have no idea! (Snorkeling is usually fun though!) I will do some research on these destinations and get back to you though!

Jessica
Don't worry about the FEs I think we will still have fun even if just a few of us join. I agree with you about the shore excursions, I wish they would come out. I want to plan. I did horseback riding on the beach in Cabo once, it was amazing. I really want to do whale watching ( we are going at the perfect time) If Disney does not offer it I might go with a outside company.

 

[Kidlette]

Jessica
Don't worry about the FEs I think we will still have fun even if just a few of us join. I agree with you about the shore excursions, I wish they would come out. I want to plan. I did horseback riding on the beach in Cabo once, it was amazing. I really want to do whale watching ( we are going at the perfect time) If Disney does not offer it I might go with a outside company.

That's a great idea! If they don't offer it, maybe we could all go together with an outside company (safer that way!) I went to Mexico via cruise before (Western Caribb) and my excursion experiences were AWFUL! Admittedly, we're not ecstatic about going to Mexico (we'd rather be doing the Alaska!), but hopefully we will be surprised and this experience in that country will be better than the last!

 

[SueTGGR]

I am not happy about the excursions not being up yet either. My hubby talked to a friend that goes to Mexico yearly and told us the Lonely Planet books were the best. At least I will be a little knowledgeable when they do come out or be ready to decipher where to go on our own.
I thought about the Alaska cruise but I am so tired of being cold, I am not going to vacation in it this year. I am a warm beach girl through and through.
I am hoping to whale watch, too. Maybe even from our room? or the decks?
Maybe the other DISers are all going to Alaska instead of Mexico as they might have all gone the last time DCL was on the West Coast? Just a theory.
Later!

 

[SueTGGR]

I occasionally look over on PassPorters boards (not nearly as lively as these) but check out the thread for the cruise there. Some inside info from people who did DCL in 2008!

http://www.passporterboards.com/for...erings/208543-01-23-2011-mexican-riviera.html

 

[Kidlette]

SueTTGR: don't I wish we could whale watch from our cabin; unfortunately, we have an inside cabin. We're hoping Disney will upgrade us like they did last time (we're castaway cay and DVC members), so our fingers are crosses!

About excursions:
Before the economy went to hell I was a travel agent for 8 years (haven't worked in a year and a half). Anyway, I know from my previous occupation that the cruise line's generally use the same tour company's, and as a result generally offer the same excursions. Infrequently do they have an excursion or tour company "all to themselves". Manned with this knowledge I decided to research multiple cruise lines who stop in our ports and compare their excursions, giving me (us) and idea of the types of activities offered in each port. Below are my findings

REMEMBER: This is not to say that all or any of these excursions will actually be available; this is simply to give us an idea of what types of activities may be offered in each location). If you have any questions let me know, I am a bit familiar with these things!

Designations: PVR (puerto vallarta), SJD (Cabo), MZT (Mazatlan)

Zip-line (PVR; SJD)
Diving / Scuba (PVR; SJD)
Snorkeling (PVR; SJD)
City tour (PVR; MZT)
Shopping (PVR; SJD; MZT)
Dolphin encounter/swim (PVR; SJD)
Golf at Resort/country club (PVR; MZT)
Jeep safari (PVR; SJD)
ATV (SJD; MZT)
Whale Watching (PVR; SJD)
Sport Fishing (SJD; MZT)

PVR:
San Sebastian
Countryside tour
Countryside horseback
Sunset sail
Bicycle
Hiking
Sea Life Park Vallarta
Sea Lion Encounter
Tequila Factory
Jungle tour
Food excursion
4x4

SJD:
Desert Safari
Sailing race
BEACH horseback
Parasailing
Todos Santos (nature, history, arts)
Whale watching by zodiac

MZT:
Colonial Villages of Sierra Madre (MZT)
Deer Island Nature Preserve & Kayak
Jet Boat
Las Moras Ranch (with horseback riding)
Pacific Brewery
Stone Island
Tequila tour

Now - I know what I want to do - it's just a matter of getting Ryan to agree! (LOL).

 

[Kidlette]

I occasionally look over on PassPorters boards (not nearly as lively as these) but check out the thread for the cruise there. Some inside info from people who did DCL in 2008!

http://www.passporterboards.com/for...erings/208543-01-23-2011-mexican-riviera.html

I didn't even think of that! We used PassPorters a few years back, but we've kind of grown out of them. That's a great idea though, I'll take a look!

 

[SueTGGR]

Kidlette - You are amazing! Now I can narrow my focus. DH & I want to see about Cabo Wabo but that is about all the direction he gave me.
THANK YOU!

 

[Kidlette]

Kidlette - You are amazing! Now I can narrow my focus. DH & I want to see about Cabo Wabo but that is about all the direction he gave me.
THANK YOU!

Aww , it was my pleasure. I used to do that kind of thing on a daily basis - it was no big deal. Plus, Ryan was asleep and I was bored! (haha)

Do you mean the "Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo Cantina", or something like that? I don't know how far it is from the pier, but reviews I've read (people on Princess and Holland America) said that they walked there from the pier. If it's within walking distance I don't think there will be any problem getting there. Even if the cruise line doesn't have an excursion, you could probably go on your own. Besides, it's Mexico and a lot of people are all about the Tequila! That means there will probably be at least 30 other cruisers walking right along with you! Ryan and I don't drink (I know, then why are we going to the Tequila capital of the word - right?), but, since we don't drink I don't know as much about that as I do other things. Sorry that I don't know more!

 

[Tigger1313]

Aww , it was my pleasure. I used to do that kind of thing on a daily basis - it was no big deal. Plus, Ryan was asleep and I was bored! (haha)

Do you mean the "Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo Cantina", or something like that? I don't know how far it is from the pier, but reviews I've read (people on Princess and Holland America) said that they walked there from the pier. If it's within walking distance I don't think there will be any problem getting there. Even if the cruise line doesn't have an excursion, you could probably go on your own. Besides, it's Mexico and a lot of people are all about the Tequila! That means there will probably be at least 30 other cruisers walking right along with you! Ryan and I don't drink (I know, then why are we going to the Tequila capital of the word - right?), but, since we don't drink I don't know as much about that as I do other things. Sorry that I don't know more!

Cabo Wabo is a wild bar right down town in Cobo, I'm not sure where the boat will let us off but most of the fun bars are right downtown. Everything is with walking distance of each other. Cobo is a very fun city with great shops and bars
.

 

[Kidlette]

Cabo Wabo is a wild bar right down town in Cobo, I'm not sure where the boat will let us off but most of the fun bars are right downtown. Everything is with walking distance of each other. Cobo is a very fun city with great shops and bars
.

Yeah, I think we're talking about the same thing! The Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo is some famous and wild bar! I believe in Cabo all ships have to tender passengers in, so I imagine there is a small dock right there at the edge of town. I could be wrong, but I'm 90% sure it's a tender.

Have you been to Cabo before? I remember 10 years ago when I was new to the travel industry someone wanted to go to Cabo San Lucas and I sent them to Los Cabos. Boy were they ticked off! They even took a cab EVERY DAY from the beach they were at to the beach they wanted to be at (also to restaurants, etc) instead of calling us to correct the hotel and then demanded that we pay them back for the cab rides and portions of their dinner! Oh my goodness I was in SO MUCH TROUBLE! LOL, looking back, it's really funny!

 

[Tigger1313]

Yeah, I think we're talking about the same thing! The Sammy Hagar Cabo Wabo is some famous and wild bar! I believe in Cabo all ships have to tender passengers in, so I imagine there is a small dock right there at the edge of town. I could be wrong, but I'm 90% sure it's a tender.

Have you been to Cabo before? I remember 10 years ago when I was new to the travel industry someone wanted to go to Cabo San Lucas and I sent them to Los Cabos. Boy were they ticked off! They even took a cab EVERY DAY from the beach they were at to the beach they wanted to be at (also to restaurants, etc) instead of calling us to correct the hotel and then demanded that we pay them back for the cab rides and portions of their dinner! Oh my goodness I was in SO MUCH TROUBLE! LOL, looking back, it's really funny!

We went to Cabo about 7 years ago, Los Cabos is about an 30 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas very different town, but I can see where you would get confused I think you are correct about the tender. We saw cruise ships out in the bay when we were there, but did not see where they were dropped off

 

[SueTGGR]

Funny story, Kidlette!! I don't know how much to blame you were. If you were new someone should have seen it. I know I would have gone over my ressies, new or not.

Yes, Sammy Hagar's place is the one. Problem is that we leave Cabo @ 3:30 PM, not sure what we will be able to squeeze in that day. Maybe next trip.

OK, so I already have DS excited about going horsebackriding, DH is NOT into horses at all. Then there is a zip line but I have a feeling DS will be brave up until the time to climb on and go. Maybe I will look through utube and see if I can find a good video for him to watch of it. Other than that lots of snorkeling, whales and beach time. Maybe the colonial houses you mentioned or something like that in Mazatlan or PV since we have more time there.
Why can't we skip over Fall? I need Summer but then skip Sept-Nov would be OK.