Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[ryanmcin]

Monster's Inc...I have been on that ride sooooooo many times. Alec loves it. That along with Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania are all must do's when we go. We are going for our annual Father's Day vacation and I am wondering if it will be worth the battle to see World of Color. We may just wait for January. But then I want to go in October to do the Trick or Treat Party, too. We shall see if we have enough DVC points.

Monster's Inc doesn't get the credit it deserves, especially considering that it was clearly done on the cheap. The ride is basically Superstar Limo with some new wall paper. Seriously, look at the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKZ-nf_R8Os
Or this side by side comparison video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEiFnKeXwmo&feature=related

I read something recently regarding the Halloween Party this year. Supposedly the party may be moved to Disneyland due to the construction in DCA. That sounds great. We did the Halloween party at WDW 2 years ago and it was amazing, but it was really hard to get excited about a party at DCA.

 

[ryanmcin]

As long as we are talking about Monster's Inc, if you haven't seen the Tokyo Disneyland version you should take a look. Everything about it is amazing!

Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhHxy83XIdw

 

[Kidlette]

Hey everyone - I've gotten so far behind (sorry). These 2 weeks are finals in all 5 of my classes, plus I've taken a full-time minimum wage job on top of it - so things are crazy! So, I'm not going to quote everyone. Instead, I'm just going to respond in a more general sense - hope that's OK! After next week when finals end it will be easier

First: , that's OK Steve, I don't mind! If anyone knows anything about logarithmic functions, exponential functions, or conic sections...HELP! I also have a 100 page review packet for next week's math final (which I started over the weekend); I'm around question 50 and I've only been able to complete about 10! (I can't remember how to do them from the beginning of the course!)

Dining: I'm am 100% "in" with arranging ourselves to sit with eachother! Being an ex-travel agent I've had experience with it, so I'd be happy to arrange it. I've never done it as a normal traveler before, but it should be just as easy! I would need your confirmation (booking) number to get this done. If you're interested, shoot me an email with your reservation number and I will get working on it! mrsjeccamcintosh@yahoo.com As far as getting everyone at the same actual table, they can put large groups at tables next to each other but they can't accommodate them at the same table. Someone said earlier large is 8 or 10, and that is accurate But I'm sure we'd be close enough that we could all still talk! Besides, it's just us, if we want to switch around so we rotate chat, that would work too.
Wine: Ryan and I do not drink, at all. Mostly it's personal choice, but even if (I) wanted to I couldn't (diabetic and other illnesses which I take medicines for that cannot mix with alcohol). In the almost 8 years we've been married I've only EVER seen Ryan drink 3 times; only ever 1 drink, and only white Russians! We used to live (and just recently moved from) the Temecula area (southern cali wine country). I'm sure we could pick up a bottle of wine for everyone else to try, but since we don't drink we wouldn't have the slightest clue as to what to buy!

Horseback riding: I would LOVE to do the horseback riding (and thank everyone for getting that info together). I haven't had a chance to look at those links, but I'll try to do it in the next couple of days. BUT, I will still have to talk to Ryan and see what he thinks. Someone mentioned guys going fishing, but I can tell you now that Ryan would hate that. (no offense, it's just not for him). Is there anything else anyone would want to do instead (so I can go horseback riding!)??

Other Excursions: I think Ryan and I need to look a little further into the options, and talk about how much money we do or don't want to spend on excursions. Given our situation, that will probably play a big factor in what we do or don't do. I will get back to everyone on this sometime next week!

Hmmm...I know there is more to respond to, but I can't think of what else was said! I will post this and then re-read stuff tomorrow. I'll catch up tomorrow on what I missed tonight!

Again, sorry for the delays everyone - hopefully my posting time will get quicker after finals are over! Wish me luck!

Toodles

 

[Kidlette]

This is an active group for this cruise as I've read through this thread. I've been considering a Mexican Riveria cruise (was looking at June 30th one or early Feb one). I see this one is active already and hoping since I'm trying to decide if doing this cruise in winter is a good thing for us.

This would be our 2nd Disney cruise if we do this, just did the Med cruise in April for 11 nights. We did book a Caribbean cruise in spring 2011 but wondering about this one even you are all on given how active the group here is already.

Is Jan/Feb a good time to go? I've read some mixed reviews on the weather temps and even temp of water. I want it to be warm enough that we can wear shorts and our kids could use the pools on deck 9. Anyone know if this might be a concern? What about seas - are the waters sailing in pacific and along coast by these Mexican ports pretty smooth in Jan/Feb timeframe?

Hi,

For these 3 ports the average January temperature is 69 - 79 degrees (F). But, there's no knowing what the whether will actually be! It also depends on personal choice and preference. My husband and I always and only travel in January - but we are not summer people! If you are a sit in the sun and soak up the heat type of person, then winter travel might not be for you. With that said, it also has to do with the travel and money aspect of it. It's always much cheaper to travel in January than in the warmer months (and when school is out). Ultimately, the choice is yours! I think we will all tell you yes - it's great to travel in January. But...remember you're asking a group of winter travelers, so your response is not going to be diverse.

I hope that helps!

 

[SueTGGR]

I read something recently regarding the Halloween Party this year. Supposedly the party may be moved to Disneyland due to the construction in DCA. That sounds great. We did the Halloween party at WDW 2 years ago and it was amazing, but it was really hard to get excited about a party at DCA.

We did the Mickey Trick or Treat Party a couple of years ago & it was great! I will be disappointing if they move it. It gave you an almost private feel to DCA. I think they would let too many people buy tickets and it would be way too long waiting in line for the candy. We shall see.

Off to bed! I will try and respond to the rest later tomorrow!
Sue

 

[airtime247]

This is an active group for this cruise as I've read through this thread. I've been considering a Mexican Riveria cruise (was looking at June 30th one or early Feb one). I see this one is active already and hoping since I'm trying to decide if doing this cruise in winter is a good thing for us.

This would be our 2nd Disney cruise if we do this, just did the Med cruise in April for 11 nights. We did book a Caribbean cruise in spring 2011 but wondering about this one even you are all on given how active the group here is already.

Is Jan/Feb a good time to go? I've read some mixed reviews on the weather temps and even temp of water. I want it to be warm enough that we can wear shorts and our kids could use the pools on deck 9. Anyone know if this might be a concern? What about seas - are the waters sailing in pacific and along coast by these Mexican ports pretty smooth in Jan/Feb timeframe?

We did a Mexican Riviera cruise with Princess (don't tell Mickey) in 2003. I'd say it was in the low 70's although it did rain a little on our day in Puerta Vallarta. Yes, there were plenty of people enjoying the pools and lounging on deck in shorts and bathing suits.

I liked it for all the reasons Jessica said, it was cheap and not too hot as I can't function above 90 degrees!

We never went in the ocean on that trip but I did go on a snorkeling excursion in Cabo San Lucas in May '05 and it was freezing.

Both times we were down there the seas were very calm. I get motion sickness very easily so I'm always cautious.

I hope you had a great time in the Med. I really want to do one of those cruises.

-steve

 

[SueTGGR]

Not sure if any of you have seen this yet:
"Calling all Toy Story Mania and Walt Disney Imagineering fans….Just after Disney’s California Adventure park closes to the public on May 27, parts of the Park will re-open for a meet-up of 150 fans.

Kevin Rafferty, Walt Disney Imagineer, Senior Concept Writer, will meet with the group to give an insider’s look at the new changes in Toy Story Mania. Kevin will even share original concept sketches and sketches of the ideas that didn’t make it into the attraction. Fans will have a chance to ask Kevin questions about the making-of the attraction and what it’s like to work on this project.

There will also be a few surprises you might not want to miss. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, and check-in will close at 5:45 p.m.

To attend, please RSVP to meetups@disney.go.com. This event is subject to capacity of 150 people, so we recommend that you RSVP quickly.

Here are a few things you should know:

* Valid RSVPs must include your name and the name of your guest if you are bringing one. RSVPs that include the names of more than two people or are missing information (e.g. incomplete names) will not be accepted.
* Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
* All guests must be 18 years or older.
* The event is subject to change or cancellation."
I know it isn't related to our cruise but if you are driving distance to attend, it sounds like fun!
Off to work!
Sue

 

[airtime247]

Thanks for posting that Sue. That's right up my alley. If I was any closer than a 12-hour car ride one-way, I'd leap at the chance. I love reading about Imagineering and ride and show design.

I got an email back from Los Veranos about the canopy tour. They said there is plenty of time for one of us to take the tour while the other waits with Emma and then we can switch off and just take a later bus. That's great news! I think we will have me go first while Amy takes Emma to feed the monkeys and look around (and swim if it's warm enough). When I get back, I'll take Emma back to the ship if she is getting antsy and then Amy can take the tour and meet us back on ship a couple of hours later. If Emma is still having fun, we can just play there until Amy is done with the tour.

They also told me that if anyone wants to go on the excursion but not do the zip lines, they can pay $20 for transportation and then they could have full access to looking at the animals, feeding the monkeys, swimming, the restaurant and bar, basically, everything but the zip lines. This is good news if there are any couples out there where one person wants to do it and the other doesn't but wants to come along.

Good night gang!

-steve

 

[Kidlette]

Thanks for posting that Sue. That's right up my alley. If I was any closer than a 12-hour car ride one-way, I'd leap at the chance. I love reading about Imagineering and ride and show design.

I got an email back from Los Veranos about the canopy tour. They said there is plenty of time for one of us to take the tour while the other waits with Emma and then we can switch off and just take a later bus. That's great news! I think we will have me go first while Amy takes Emma to feed the monkeys and look around (and swim if it's warm enough). When I get back, I'll take Emma back to the ship if she is getting antsy and then Amy can take the tour and meet us back on ship a couple of hours later. If Emma is still having fun, we can just play there until Amy is done with the tour.

They also told me that if anyone wants to go on the excursion but not do the zip lines, they can pay $20 for transportation and then they could have full access to looking at the animals, feeding the monkeys, swimming, the restaurant and bar, basically, everything but the zip lines. This is good news if there are any couples out there where one person wants to do it and the other doesn't but wants to come along.

Good night gang!

-steve

Hmm...that's something to consider!

Can someone remind me which port this Los Veranos is for? (I don't feel like re-reading the posts right now) Thanks!

Sue - that was great about the Toy Story thing you posted! If Ryan and I had known about it sooner we probably would have RSVP'd, but it's got to be full by now (at least, I can only imagine it is!) Thanks for posting though, it's cool to know about! Ryan and I have done all of the 50 and fabulous screenings on the Disney studios lot, and that's been AWESOME! The next one is Swiss Family Robinson on Saturday July 10th. I would say we should all go together (those who could get there), but it's been sold out for a while

 

[ymchavez]

HELLO EVERYONE! Just wanted to involve myself in the conversation.

Congrats on the job Jessica! GOOD LUCK!

Here is some background on us: my husband (Sergio) and I CANNOT contain our excitement for this cruise. And, of course, we look forward to meeting all of you. We've lived in Southern California all our lives and have been to DL and DCA a gazillion times. However, we do not consider ourselves experts; we love it when we visit the parks and discover things we never knew existed. We never got to see Superstar Limo at DCA, but I loved the Monsters, Inc. ride and was very sad when it was taken away. Aladdin is my FAVORITE Disney movie and the DCA show makes my cry EVERY time. I absolutely LOVE Fantasmic (DL's is by far way better than WDW's) and THAT makes me cry too. I'm not ashamed to say it...I'm a crier...but now that I say that out loud, I think I should be ashamed. What can I say!? I just get consumed with all the Disney Magic and then the waterworks begin. My husband, on the other hand, looks at me like I'm crazy.

We never knew Disney had cruises on the west coast, so as soon as we heard there would be a Mexican Riviera cruise in 2011, we HAD to sign up. This will be our very first cruise EVER. We want to get the full experience, so we've already signed up for the FE exchange and would love to have dinner with all of you, even prior to sailing. I am proud to announce that I already have FE sample gifts made. That's bad, huh? Well, it's only a sample because I don't know how many I need of each yet, but...yeah, THAT'S how excited I am.

As far as excursions, we are undecided about what to do, but we definitely want to snorkel (no matter how cold it is ). We know we don't want to do a dolphin experience (because we did that in Hawaii 3 years ago), and we don't want to do the horseback riding. We do want to sit and do nothing but relax at one of the ports, but I guess we can determine which one whenever the excursion list is posted.

 

[SueTGGR]

Jessica-Los Veranos is in Puerto Vallarta (sp?)
Yanira-Jump in any time! I am hoping that Disney will keep a ship on the West Coast once the new ones are up & running. Then we can cruise all the time! I am also hoping for a Hawaiian Cruise once Aulani is open.
Off to figure out dinner,
Later!
Sue

 

[ymchavez]

A Hawaiian Disney cruise would be AMAZING!!!

 

[Kidlette]

Jessica-Los Veranos is in Puerto Vallarta (sp?)
Yanira-Jump in any time! I am hoping that Disney will keep a ship on the West Coast once the new ones are up & running. Then we can cruise all the time! I am also hoping for a Hawaiian Cruise once Aulani is open.
Off to figure out dinner,
Later!
Sue

Hi Sue -
Yup, that's the correct spelling. Thanks!

Disney will be keeping it's ships on the west coast for a minimum of 3 years (their contract with Los Angeles) and in that time they will be doing Mexico and Alaska. The plan for the new ships was solely for the west coast and Europe expansions, so I don't think they're going anywhere. The only change I would foresee is the port itself (to San Diego or another west coast port).

With regards to Hawaii - keep dreaming! I'm sad to be the one to tell you this, but legally a cruise ship (other than Norwegian) cannot do a Hawaii only sailing (originating in Hawaii and ending in Hawaii). The only way cruise lines (other than Norwegian) can sail Hawaii is to start from a port on the mainland or Mexico and go to the Hawaiian Islands from there(They could also start in Hawaii and on our coast). I also believe that if they start on the mainland (San Diego or seattle for example), they still have to end in a foreign port (Mexico, Tahiti, where-ever). That's why very few cruise line's don't do Hawaii, and when they do they are really long sailings. When doing those sailings they are usually an average of 14 day cruises (because of the time it takes to get from our coast to the Hawaiian islands). Due to the length not very many cruise line's partake in that destination. (An example itinerary for a non-Norwegian cruise line sailing would be Holland America's).

Sorry to burst that bubble. At least you have an ex-travel agent to help you out with these things!

 

[Kidlette]

I am proud to announce that I already have FE sample gifts made. That's bad, huh? Well, it's only a sample because I don't know how many I need of each yet, but...yeah, THAT'S how excited I am.

As far as excursions, we are undecided about what to do, but we definitely want to snorkel (no matter how cold it is ). We know we don't want to do a dolphin experience (because we did that in Hawaii 3 years ago), and we don't want to do the horseback riding. We do want to sit and do nothing but relax at one of the ports, but I guess we can determine which one whenever the excursion list is posted.

Hi Yanira,

Definitely speak up! We'd love to hear what you're thinking!

Ryan and I started trying to make FE gifts like 2 months ago! So no, I don't think it's crazy that you're starting so early! Unfortunately, we are not very crafty and what we started is down the tubes. So, that was a little money lost and a realization that we should probably just buy stuff! We'll see what happens.

You probably are Disney experts, you're just being modest Ryan is 100% an expert! Hey - we should get together sometime and maybe go to Disneyland! Ryan and I don't really have any couples that we hang out with because everyone our age is either wild and crazy (drinking, smoking, etc) or they have kids. Having a couple our age to hang out with who also has no kids and who loves Disney would be AWESOME! Are you and Sergio D23 members? By chance are you going to the Swiss Family Robinson screening?

OK, I HAVE to ask! What have you started making for FE's?? More importantly - can you give me any ideas?!?!

Personally, I think you're crazy to snorkel in Mexico - and in Winter! But, to each his own! How was the dolphin thing in Hawaii? Would you recommend the experience, or is it not really worth the money?

Everyone - if I'm being completely honest, most of the reason we have 0 idea of excursions is because Ryan and I differ 100% on the subject. Seriously. And, this is no laughing matter. We don't know what to do! If Ryan had it his way we wouldn't do any excursions! He said that a couple of days ago and I asked, "But how would you know, you've never been on a shore excursion - EVER?" He didn't have a response, just that he doesn't care and he especially doesn't care about Mexico. Maybe someone will adopt me and take me with them and Ryan can sit by himself Sorry Ryan, I love you , but you're sucking the fun out of it! I know you want an excursion where we make our own tortillas by hand, but that doesn't exist.

 

[Kirbo]

Hello! This is my first post ever here

My husband and I will be on this cruise (our first cruise evah!) along with our twin girls (who will be 6 at that time). We've never done Disney or Disney World with them (and very well may never : ), but we are pretty darn about doing this cruise.

I don't think we'll be doing the FE with you all . But I look forward to keeping up with you all here!

Kirsten

 

[ryanmcin]

Hello! This is my first post ever here

My husband and I will be on this cruise (our first cruise evah!) along with our twin girls (who will be 6 at that time). We've never done Disney or Disney World with them (and very well may never : ), but we are pretty darn about doing this cruise.

I don't think we'll be doing the FE with you all . But I look forward to keeping up with you all here!

Kirsten

Welcome to the group!

 

[Kidlette]

Hello! This is my first post ever here

My husband and I will be on this cruise (our first cruise evah!) along with our twin girls (who will be 6 at that time). We've never done Disney or Disney World with them (and very well may never : ), but we are pretty darn about doing this cruise.

I don't think we'll be doing the FE with you all . But I look forward to keeping up with you all here!

Kirsten

We're happy to have you, whether you're doing fish extenders or not!

If you didn't see it yet, take a look at the little site our group has cooked up. If you want to participate scroll through the pages and shoot me an email with the info you want me to add! (names, ages, hometown, dining, pictures - whatever!) http://sites.google.com/site/wonderjan23/

 

[Tigger1313]

Hello! This is my first post ever here

My husband and I will be on this cruise (our first cruise evah!) along with our twin girls (who will be 6 at that time). We've never done Disney or Disney World with them (and very well may never : ), but we are pretty darn about doing this cruise.

I don't think we'll be doing the FE with you all . But I look forward to keeping up with you all here!

Kirsten

Welcome aboard Kristen and family
I understand not wanting to the FE but if you give your room number to Jessica you just might find something on your fish anyway.

 

[ryanmcin]

A little bored so here's a random picture

 

[airtime247]

Yanira - Hi, nice to finally "meet" you! I hope we get to chat a lot more. You sound like a fun couple. We are going to be in L.A. September 3-12. We'd love to meet up with any fellow cruisers while there. Be sure to check out the forums on CruiseCritic.com for snorkeling advice. The folks there should be able to recommend the best spots.

Jessica - Correct me if I'm wrong but don't ships just have to visit a foreign port? I see a lot of 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle that just make a stop at Vancouver Island before continuing on to the Inside Passage. I've also checked out one-way cruises from San Diego to Hawaii and they stop off in Ensenada for like two hours or something ridiculous. Wishful thinking here but I'd love to see Disney eventually set something up like a package of a few days at Disneyland (at the Grand Californian since money is no object in my dreams), a cruise from San Pedro/San Diego to Hawaii including island hopping before stopping and ending the trip with a stay at the new DVC resort. They could reverse it coming back. I know, it will never happen but then I thought Disney would never sail the Mediterranean or Alaska either!

Ryan and I don't really have any couples that we hang out with because everyone our age is either wild and crazy (drinking, smoking, etc) or they have kids.

Everyone I know drinks, smokes and is crazy BECAUSE they have kids! I'm sure all the parents on here can relate but before we had Emma, we only hung out with other people like us without kids but since we had her, now we rarely see those friends again as how we spend our time has changed so much. Now we call our new friends and say, "Hey want to take the kids to the park? Or how about the bounce house? Let's wear them out so they will take a nap. Hey, did you hear there are some great sales this weekend at the Children's Place at the mall." I've literally struck up conversations with complete strangers because I thought they had a cool stroller. No joke.

Everyone - if I'm being completely honest, most of the reason we have 0 idea of excursions is because Ryan and I differ 100% on the subject.

That's the beauty of cruises, you can both do whatever you want. We've never taken separate excursions but while on the ship, we go our own separate ways quite a bit. Amy loves to watch shows or cooking demonstrations or play bingo. I just want to lounge on deck 4 and relax with a foofy umbrella drink and pretend to be awake after I catch myself snoring.

There really is no reason you couldn't do an excursion if he wanted to stay on the ship. I'm sure we would all be happy to have you join us. We have had some our most fun times on excursions with fellow DISers. Emma kept talking about our time in St. Thomas when we went to the beach with another couple from the boards. The wife gave Emma a bunch of dog biscuits to feed to the fish and it made her day (weeks actually as she kept talking about "her nice friend").

The only way Ryan would know for sure if he likes something is to try but I can understand not wanting to if nothing on the list appeals to him. Our first time in Mexico, all we did was wander around town at each port. I didn't know what to expect but I ended up really loving just taking in the culture (what culture I could get from a foreign but very touristy port where the locals spoke gooder English than I did). I loved walking into all the shops and chatting with the wonderful shop owners and honing my haggling skills.

Me: "How much do you want for this?"
Owner: "Fifty dollars"
Me: "I'll give you five"
Owner: "Twenty"
Me: "How about ten?"
Owner: "Deal!"

Amy: "What the &#*$# are you going to do with an iguana?"
Me: "I dunno"

Seriously, I didn't know how I would feel about Mexico the first time but I really liked it there. The people are wonderful as is the culture. Do you think Ryan would be interested in something like riding ATVs or dune buggies? How about taking a cab to a fancy resort and just lounging by the pool? What about a ride in a glass bottom boat? Maybe a city tour where he can learn historical or cultural things about the city? You mentioned he is an architect. It's also a lot of fun to explore on foot and look at all the buildings, houses and churches. This is something I really enjoy.

We have never stayed on the ship on a port day but we have come back very early. It was great being able to have the pools and other public areas virtually to ourselves so I can see the appeal of staying onboard all day.

Kirsten - Welcome to our chatty group! We look forward to getting to know you better. Do you live in California?

Congratulations on your first cruise. I know you'll love it as will your girls. No worries about the FE. You are welcome to change your mind at any time. Having twin girls almost forces us to spread a little pixie dust though so let us know your cabin number before the cruise and your girls might find a few surprises when they come back to their room!

Take care and happy planning!

As for me (if I haven't already said enough), we are heading out tomorrow morning to go camping this weekend. I hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Weekend!

-steve