Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[jkrislc]

I definitely will bring back some insights when I return. We also have a tour booked, so I'll let everyone know if it's worth it. In January, we plan inn staying on the ship to enjoy it when everyone is in Cabo.

Kris

 

[Kidlette]

I definitely will bring back some insights when I return. We also have a tour booked, so I'll let everyone know if it's worth it. In January, we plan inn staying on the ship to enjoy it when everyone is in Cabo.

Kris

Ryan and I are ALSO staying on the ship in Cabo! We decided a few weeks ago that we'll get off the ship (he's never done a tender, so that will be fun). Anyway, we'll get off the ship and get some photos of the Wonder from shore, then we'll get right back on for a fun day of ship, ship, ship!

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

 

[airtime247]

Hello from Texas! We have done some fun things this week but are ready to be back in California. We've got no cell service and no drinkable water but we've got high-speed internet!

About the fuss and worry about ports, I think it's just the planners in all of us that want to know what to expect as far out as possible. I have already been emailing one tour vendor so I can understand people wanting to lock in excursions like Frank's as far in advance to make sure no one else steals him. I agree that there is nothing we can do about it and just have to wait until Disney officially releases the info and hope they stick with it.

To play devil's advocate, we may have turned off some people with our barrage of posts worrying about logos, FEs, and meeting times/places this far in advance. As it gets closer, things will iron themselves out. I know I don't want to commit to anything until Disney releases more info so I know when we should book our Palo times and even which rotation to request because of themed nights. It's rough having the first west coast cruise this year as we won't have Navigators from the recent weeks to go by.

We've been to all the ports before but are still excited about getting off the ship. We've only done excursion in Western Mexico so we want to try different things. I doubt we will stay out very late though so hopefully we get to take advantage of the quieter ship before the masses get back onboard. The fishing sounds fun but we will have to wait until Emma is a bit older. I'm actually not sure my stomach can handle the little boats anyway!

Kris - Thanks for the tip about the laminating machine at Michael's. I'll have to check that out. Our magnets from previous crises weren't very professional-looking and for that price, we would love to get one.

Sue - About the one thing we have to do onboard, I'd have to say go to Palo for dinner, brunch, and high tea and actually be able to complete our meals. I would also really like to lay out by the adult pool for a while. These are all things we couldn't do on our last Disney cruise. Oh, yeah, another thing is to listen to any talks with Imagineers they may have. I LOVED doing that before.

Jessica - Any word back about Sacramento?

-steve

 

[SueTGGR]

Steve-sounds like you went to the middle of nowhere in CA to further out in TX!! So sorry, I would go nuts. I hope you get to go home soon.
Jessica-after reading through that same thread, it reinforced in me the fact that we all have our ideas and that is what makes us unique. Which is why I take it all with a grain of salt. Personally, I can't understand why a person would pay $$$$ to go on a cruise and never get off the ship. But once again, that is me. And that is what makes me me! And a visit to Cabo Wabo will make me happy, along with horseback riding on the beach & maybe a zipline ride. Can't do any of that on board.

I see a few of us are subscribed to Mazatlan Franks thread. I have checked out his website, too. More information to chew on until DCL gets around to blessing us with their excursions.
Honestly, I don't remember where I saw it and maybe it was there but I read a review of a snorkeling trip someone took through DCL the last time and the wife had a chance to talk to the captain of the boat. He said that Disney inspected every inch of his boat and business before deciding to let them be one of their excursions. That alone makes me remember why I like DCL. They have a certain reputation to preserve. I feel if they felt it wouldn't be safe for their guests, they wouldn't sail there. Also noted was that the water was 65 degrees and they were there early June. Still not sure we will snorkel but we may just bite the bullet. We went snorkeling on the Eastern Caribbean cruise in January and didn't worry, so why should we worry now.
Thank you to those that responded to my post. I just like hearing different ideas.
The one thing we will be doing this cruise that we didn't do before is see at least one of the shows. I know it sounds blasphemous but we didn't get around to see any of them! OH! And to meet face to face some of these great people I am getting to know online. Less than 6 months everyone!!!!!

OK, off to finish online traffic school CHP & their radar guns. I was only going 80 on a Sunday morning WITH the flow of traffic "We only hit one car at a time, Ma'am"

Later,
Sue

 

[disneydad123]

Mark
I just saw your question to Mazatlan Frank about fishing in Mazatlan. Dave and I plan on booking a fishing trip with Frank when we go. We would be up for getting a group together to save money. Fishing for 6 people would be around $300.00 so if we could get 6 people it would be a cheap trip. Let me know if you guys want to go in with us. If not it's cool.

Cathy,

This sounds like a great idea!! It will be my DH(Mark), my Brother-in-law(Clint), my Dad(Drew) and his girlfriend (Bev), you and Dave, that makes 6!! We have little girls celebrating birthdays on this cruise so my sister and I are going shopping with them instead .

Frank's prices are hard to beat, I looked up shore excursions the other cruise lines offer and the cheapest fishing trip we could find was $100 pp and we both know that DCL will charge more than that, LOL.

Looking forward to hearing from you so we can work out the details and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

--Emily

 

[googles111]

I have a question for everyone:
What is the one thing you HAVE to do on board this January? Not an excursion but something on the ship.
Have you read about something? Do you have a link that tells us more?
Did you do something when you were on the Wonder before? Tell us about it!
Did someone you know experience something when they were on the Wonder? Share!
What is that ONE thing you HAVE TO DO????
I am reading all I can, I am disappointed that Pass Porters will not be getting out a new book with info in it. I am getting antsy about wanting to know what there is on the Wonder, as I have only been on one Disney cruise & that was on the Magic.
OH! and if your kids have something they HAVE TO DO, let me know that too!
I don't care if you answer today tomorrow or a month from now, tell me, tell me! I'll be waiting

I can't pick out one specific thing, but I know I will be doing all the tastings they had.. Beer, wine, martini, tequilla. That was a lot of fun! maybe it was because we went with a couple other people. If you drink I would do that. All the shows too. I am not a "show" type person. I wasn't sure if I would like it. I LOVED the shows. They were so neat!!

On the Magic they had a comedy show for adults and that was funny!! The family shows were good too. Sorry, I guess I am no help. I can't pick just one.

Oh and when you get on the ship they say welcome so and so. Does anybody have a funny name they are going to use? Just wondering. They had some cute ones last time.

I see a few of us are subscribed to Mazatlan Franks thread. I have checked out his website, too.

What is Mazatlan Franks thread? I feel left out

 

[Tigger1313]

We went to a dinner theater tonight(Hairspray) and our waiter/cast member was in twiced charmed on the Magic durning the MR cruise in 2005. He was so surprised when I asked him if he was on the Magic or the Wonder. Ir was so funny. We spent a few minutes talking about Disney Cruises before the show.

 

[Kidlette]

Hi Everyone,

I knew I shouldn't have said anything - being a computer it doesn't portray a true "tone". I wasn't trying to be grouchy, but I know it came out that way. I was only trying to say that (just like Steve said with everything else), it's probably far too early to be trying to figure things out. I understand wanting to plan and everything, what I don't understand is the stress it seems that some people are having over it.

Anywho - I'll shut up about this topic. I hope no one was offended; again, I did not mean for it to come out that way.

Steve: I will email you tomorrow and catch you up.

Good night everyone.

 

[SueTGGR]

Here is the thread with Mazatlan Frank and others http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2418722 he seems to be pretty straight forward. As with everything, take it with a grain of salt as he is doing business. He doesn't give his website but Google Mazatlan Frank and you will find it. He has some nice looking tours but I am keeping my options open until DCL releases their list.

Jessica No, I didn't think you were grouchy at all. I know how excited you are and the more we get and the closer we get the excitement will just over take us! You are amazing with all that you have done so far. Ryan too. You two haven't answered my question to the board, though....I'm waiting

The martini tasting....YES! I am not into straight alcohol so I may or may not do the tequila tasting. Beer...yuck never got a taste for it. Maybe wine but I am spoiled. Lived in Sonoma County for about 10 years and a few trips over to Napa. But we will be bringing a few of our own bottles to have with dinner like we did last time.

OK, back to giving Alec his lunch. Have a great what is left of the weekend.
Later,
Sue

 

[Kidlette]

Here is the thread with Mazatlan Frank and others http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2418722 he seems to be pretty straight forward. As with everything, take it with a grain of salt as he is doing business. He doesn't give his website but Google Mazatlan Frank and you will find it. He has some nice looking tours but I am keeping my options open until DCL releases their list.

Jessica No, I didn't think you were grouchy at all. I know how excited you are and the more we get and the closer we get the excitement will just over take us! You are amazing with all that you have done so far. Ryan too. You two haven't answered my question to the board, though....I'm waiting

The martini tasting....YES! I am not into straight alcohol so I may or may not do the tequila tasting. Beer...yuck never got a taste for it. Maybe wine but I am spoiled. Lived in Sonoma County for about 10 years and a few trips over to Napa. But we will be bringing a few of our own bottles to have with dinner like we did last time.

OK, back to giving Alec his lunch. Have a great what is left of the weekend.
Later,
Sue

LOL - I promise I will answer the question, I'm still thinking about it! I don't know what I want to say yet, but I will - promise!

 

[airtime247]

Hey y'all (I can only say that for a few more hours)

We are leaving in about an hour to go to the airport for our flight back to CA. We are definitely ready to get back to cooler temperatures! I'm also ready to get back to normal home-cooked meals as my clothes are fitting like they do after a cruise right now!

Sue - we'll be doing the wine tasting and martini tasting if possible. We should see if we can get into the same ones. I'll pass on the beer too as I don't really like the taste much either. We did the tequila tasting before and will probably pass this time. It was informative but I just can't drink that stuff straight. I really couldn't differentiate the different flavors of fire I was pouring into my mouth!

One thing you might get a kick out of...where my FIL lives in Texas is a dry county. He talked about a local tradition I had to take part in. We drove across the nearby border into Louisiana where they have drive-thru dacquiri (sp?) stands. We pulled in and ordered from the huge menu. Amy got a Strawberry Colada and I got a frozen White Russian. To get around "no open container", they put a small piece of scotch tape across the hole where you put your straw.

I waited until we got home and had mine. It was huge and only cost $4. It was about twice the size (and strength) of what you get on a cruise ship for $7.

-steve

 

[SueTGGR]

Sue - we'll be doing the wine tasting and martini tasting if possible. We should see if we can get into the same ones. I'll pass on the beer too as I don't really like the taste much either. We did the tequila tasting before and will probably pass this time. It was informative but I just can't drink that stuff straight. I really couldn't differentiate the different flavors of fire I was pouring into my mouth!

One thing you might get a kick out of...where my FIL lives in Texas is a dry county. He talked about a local tradition I had to take part in. We drove across the nearby border into Louisiana where they have drive-thru dacquiri (sp?) stands. We pulled in and ordered from the huge menu. Amy got a Strawberry Colada and I got a frozen White Russian. To get around "no open container", they put a small piece of scotch tape across the hole where you put your straw.

We will definitely look into joining you 2 for the wine & martini tastings!
I am laughing so hard about the "drive through" I will have to keep my eyes open if I am ever in Louisiana. We always get frustrated when we go to FL trying to figure out where to buy liquor. We always drive around and give up. Got to love the Bible belt states.

Off to work! Less than 6 months everyone!!!!
Sue

 

[SueTGGR]

I guess everyone crashed & burned out talking on here.
I keep checking & checking for excursions or more info. I think next time I won't take a cruise that is the first one like this one. Between this and not much info about Mickey's Halloween Party, I am not a happy camper. Getting info and planning are my thing to keep me busy leading up to the day.

Please Disney release information soon!!!!!​

Later everyone,
Sue

 

[Kidlette]

Sue, this is just for you! Ryan and I made the list of things we have to do. Our list is actually 3 lists, what he wants, what I want, and what we both want. I will list them here in that same way!

Ryan:
High Noon Tea
Shuffle board
Mickey ice cream contest
Ice sculpture demonstration
Think you know your music contest

Jessica:
Play ping-pong with captain hook
Browse the art auction merchandise
Go to the spa (for what, I don't know yet)
Play 1 game of BINGO
Get a free upgrade!
Art of entertaining - cake and plate decorating
Art of entertaining - napkin folding
Make origami flowers
Make origami animals
Piano and vocal artistry sessions

Both of us:
Palo Brunch
Palo Dinner
Character Breakfast
Ship Tour
Watch the Lion King!
Do the night-time movie on deck on the jumbotron!
Pin trading
See the Golden Mickey's
Mickey Mania Trivia Contest
Sand Castle building contest
Play a board game on deck at the adult pool
Have souffle's
Pirates in the Caribbean (Pacific) party
See movies in the Buena Vista Theater
------------below this line are things from past MX Navigator that look fun; might not be available on the Wonder-----------------------------------
Make your own churro
Tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter
Guess the price game (art gallery)
Match your mate game (adult only in bar)
Magic Quest (10pm adult only team scavanger hunt)
cooking demonstrations
Mr. Toad's wild race!
Cruisin for Trivia game
Wii bowling challenge!!!
The Feud game show!
Open House - kids area opened up to whole family! (video games, computer games, etc)
Minnie's Fiesta Grande deck party
Pirate trivia

 

[Kidlette]

Hi Everyone,

Just a head's up. You'll notice that our total cruisers number has gone down. Unfortunately, Leland and his family are no longer joining us. They have been removed from the Characters of Wonder page and both FE participation lists. I just want to say that I wish them the best, and I hope they are able to take a different sailing in the near future!

 

[SueTGGR]

Thanks Jes & Ryan!
Ryan, Alec discovered shuffle board near the end of our cruise. I hadn't thought about it until you posted. I'm sure he would challenge you to a game or two!
Jessica, the cake and plate decorating sound like I might join you for that. I wonder if they will let us do the Scavenger Hunt as a team? That would be fun, too! And I will make sure Jeff packs all the pins. We can spend a few minutes (hours) going through all those!

OK, anyone else discover something they HAVE to DO???

I am still holding out for horseback riding on the beach. I think Jeff still wants to do it and Alec just loves riding. Well the ones he has ridden have been tethered and go walking in circles but I know he will be fine.

I just found some little things on e-bay yesterday for FE's. My first purchase for that!

Later and have a great week!
Sue

 

[airtime247]

Hey gang, sorry I haven't been very active on here lately. I've only been back since Thursday and have been swamped with work and with trying to get caught up with chores.

I really like your list Jessica. I'd love to do most of those too. I saw most of the things on your list that appeared on the MX Navigator on our last Eastern Magic cruise so they should hopefully still be on there. The make your own churro and Minnie's Fiesta party obviously weren't there.

We did the Tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter. It was cute but just apple juice served in tea cups along with cookies. Alice and the Mad Hatter put on a little show at a table at the front of Studio Sea while we sat at tables and watched. At the end, we could line up for pictures with them but no autographs.

We have done some of the Art of Entertaining before and would like to do them again if time permits. On this last cruise we ended up taking turns with Emma while the other person did activities they wanted. This was especially true of the late night adults-only shows.

I also have a copy of "Hidden Mickeys Go To Sea", a book that lets you do a scavenger hunt to find all the hidden Mickeys on the ship. I think I'll take a morning at sea or late night after Emma goes to bed to try to find and photograph these.

We also love playing shuffleboard. It's very addicting!

-steve

 

[Kidlette]

Hey gang, sorry I haven't been very active on here lately. I've only been back since Thursday and have been swamped with work and with trying to get caught up with chores.

I really like your list Jessica. I'd love to do most of those too. I saw most of the things on your list that appeared on the MX Navigator on our last Eastern Magic cruise so they should hopefully still be on there. The make your own churro and Minnie's Fiesta party obviously weren't there.

We did the Tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter. It was cute but just apple juice served in tea cups along with cookies. Alice and the Mad Hatter put on a little show at a table at the front of Studio Sea while we sat at tables and watched. At the end, we could line up for pictures with them but no autographs.

We have done some of the Art of Entertaining before and would like to do them again if time permits. On this last cruise we ended up taking turns with Emma while the other person did activities they wanted. This was especially true of the late night adults-only shows.

I also have a copy of "Hidden Mickeys Go To Sea", a book that lets you do a scavenger hunt to find all the hidden Mickeys on the ship. I think I'll take a morning at sea or late night after Emma goes to bed to try to find and photograph these.

We also love playing shuffleboard. It's very addicting!

-steve

Steve:
Welcome back!

Apple Juice sounds good since I don't like tea - at ALL! Also, your hidden mickey's scavenger hunt sounds fun! I think you should definitely bring that!

Nothing much going on here - I'm just trying to find a job and Ryan is working hard (as always). Other than that, school starts on the 16th, so I'm waiting in anticipation for what this semester is going to bring!

Kris: I can't remember - which school do you work at? I'm considering applying to CalState San Bernardino AND San Marcos...I've heard applying to more than 1 might be good with so many programs impacted in Cali. Do you work at CalState San Marcos? If so, I have a kind of stupid question for you!

I hope everyone is well.

 

[jkrislc]

I am still holding out for horseback riding on the beach. I think Jeff still wants to do it and Alec just loves riding. Well the ones he has ridden have been tethered and go walking in circles but I know he will be fine.
Sue

I'd strongly recommend Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan. I've already contacted her for our cruise and am planning to ride with her again. We did it in 2001 and truly enjoyed the experience. You begin in a Mango grove and then finish on an excellent beach. Probably one of the best beaches to play on of the three ports, although the water will likely be cold in January.

Kris

 

[jkrislc]

Kris: I can't remember - which school do you work at? I'm considering applying to CalState San Bernardino AND San Marcos...I've heard applying to more than 1 might be good with so many programs impacted in Cali. Do you work at CalState San Marcos? If so, I have a kind of stupid question for you!

I hope everyone is well.

Saddleback in Orange County (Mission Viejo). I live near CSUSM and actually was in the second graduating class for my BA there, and first graduate class for my MA. While I don't work there, I'm sure I can answer any questions that you have about the school as I'm still in contact with the faculty there (and am within long walking distance of the university).

I just returned from the Los Cabos area last night. I'll post my thoughts later today when I have time. The place has really changed since our 2001 MR cruise. We were planning to stay on the ship when it visits Cabo, but now we're planning on going ashore as we didn't have enough time in Cabo San Lucas itself as we were only there half a day as we stayed in San Jose del Cabo during our trip.

Kris