Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[jkrislc]

Jessica: Congrats on the job and good luck with school starting. I was at a convention, so I only had a chance to peak in occasionally from my phone without time to post or reply.

Regarding Randi's Happy Horses, I really doubt the one offered by Disney is through her. Randi is pretty small operation and unless she's grown enormously over the years, there's no way she could handle accepting bookings for an entire cruise ship. Further, if she were contracted with Disney, she wouldn't be able to book us privately. Once the DCL is up again, I'll double-check the description. However, according to my previous Passporter book for the MR cruises, the description didn't match Randi's.

Kris

 

[SueTGGR]

Here is the description:
On this tour you will:

* Travel through the city of Mazatlan for approximately 30 minutes by air-conditioned bus or van to a private beach.
* Meet the horses that are ready to take you on a delightful adventure and receive riding and safety instructions from your professional, bilingual guides.
* Saddle-up and ride your horse along the scenic coastline for approximately 1 hour as part of a small group.
* Finish your ride and board your van for a quick transfer to a beachfront restaurant where you'll have approximately 1 hour to relax on the beach.
* Have time to order your own lunch (at your own expense) before traveling by van back to the pier.

and it is $79. Here is the direct link to the page, if it works, I am on it this morning
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/c...azatlan-mexico/tropical-beach-horseback-ride/

 

[jkrislc]

I'm pretty sure it's not Randi's. While it's been since 2001, the ride wasn't that far by taxi, and then over to Stone Island by water taxi. Further, you ride the horses to the restaurant with Randi, and then they're picked up by her staff and walked back. And while Randi does end with a ride on the beach, it begins in a private mango grove and then proceeds to the beach.

Kris

 

[SueTGGR]

So I ask the question to all of you who are going horseback riding in Mazatlan...are we sticking together and using Randi's? I think I would like to as Randi sounds like it would be a great outing but I also want to go with the rest of you, too.
Also, I think we are going to see about eating at Tony's on the beach, instead of the place Randi's ends up at. I need to research to see if I am fooling myself. But I am thinking it will be my trade-off with Jeff. He goes horseback riding with us & I will find him an amazing lunch. Anyone else game? Anyone know if I am crazy trying to do this? Ideas? Suggestions?
It is too quiet today here at home with Alec back to school. I hate to go to work today.
Later,
Sue

 

[ryanmcin]

The excursions in Cabo are posted now too (I didn't see them earlier this week).

 

[Kidlette]

Hey Everyone,

I'm swamped, so just a quick couple of notes.

I realize everyone will be reading all of the excursion info, but something caught my eye so I wanted to make sure no one missed it. FOR THOSE OF YOU SNORKELING OR DOING WATER ACTIVITIES: "During summer months when ocean waters are warm, jellyfish may be present at swimming and snorkeling locations along the western coastline of Mexico"

Kris: Thanks, Kris! As an update for everyone, I LOVE my job, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the company! It's wonderful! School is going well too. So far, my classes are wonderful! My Critical Thinking course is intriguing! There are 2 classes I still haven't done anything for (they are the classes I will be doing the work for over the weekends) - but hopefully they'll be just as good!

Kris & Sue: I was thinking the same thing when I read the description. Randi's starts on private property, as Kris said, through a mango grove. What's posted can't be Randi's. Sue: I know that Ryan and I are only doing Randi's. Researching her, it looks like her horses are the healthiest and best cared for. I can't say for sure, but I'm pretty sure that Kris and his family will say the same thing. We'd love to have you guys join us, but we're not switching. Besides, Randi's is $49 vs Disney's $79. As far as lunch, I can't say for sure right now. Everything we've read says Randi's restaurant is great! Kris: have you eaten there? Is it as good as they say? Are you going to eat there this time? Sue:. . . I don't know about finding a different lunch spot, I will have to think about that. My first reaction is that the Randi's place is good for us. Let me know what you find though and I will chew on it.

 

[jkrislc]

Jessica, I'm thinking you're starting to know me too well as you predicted my response. While I'm not opposed to Disney's excursion, I think Randi offers an exceptional product based on past experience and will likely have fewer people. As for lunch, Victor's was good, but only memorable because our friend's chair broke and she fell to the ground without spilling her beer. I'd be up to trying something else if the group wanted to, although I did like Victor's location and sitting with Randi and chatting.

The other excursion that peaked my interest in PV was the Mexican cuisine workshop. We did something similar in Cozumel and really enjoyed it. Plus, Brady might enjoy learning to make tortillas.

Regarding water activities, you won't have any issues with jellyfish in January; that's a summer thing. However, keep in mind that the water will be very cold in January, which might be uncomfortable for many. Castaway Cay was too cold for me in January and right now the ocean temp in San Diego is still in the 60s.
P.S. I'll be at DLR on October 8, 9, & 10 if anyone else is going to be there. Planning Goofy's Kitchen for Saturday.

Kris

 

[Kidlette]

Jessica, I'm thinking you're starting to know me too well as you predicted my response. While I'm not opposed to Disney's excursion, I think Randi offers an exceptional product based on past experience and will likely have fewer people. As for lunch, Victor's was good, but only memorable because our friend's chair broke and she fell to the ground without spilling her beer. I'd be up to trying something else if the group wanted to, although I did like Victor's location and sitting with Randi and chatting.

The other excursion that peaked my interest in PV was the Mexican cuisine workshop. We did something similar in Cozumel and really enjoyed it. Plus, Brady might enjoy learning to make tortillas.

Regarding water activities, you won't have any issues with jellyfish in January; that's a summer thing. However, keep in mind that the water will be very cold in January, which might be uncomfortable for many. Castaway Cay was too cold for me in January and right now the ocean temp in San Diego is still in the 60s.
P.S. I'll be at DLR on October 8, 9, & 10 if anyone else is going to be there. Planning Goofy's Kitchen for Saturday.

Kris

Good Morning. I'm glad to know I didn't misrepresent you!
That's too funny about your friend and her beer! If you think that the Randi's meal wasn't memorable, then we'd be willing to go with Sue to lunch!

Good point about the jelly-fish; it's only now that I realize it sand "warm" water I should have caught that! Sorry everyone LOL

We were considering the Mexican cuisine one too, but we decided against it because we didn't like the food. Ryan would eat peppers, but I absoloutely will not. Since that's what you make AND what you eat, it's not worth spending the money for us.

Question: Is anyone still doing a canopy tour, and if so - where? I won't do it but Ryan is considering it. If anyone is doing it in cabo then I can go with (?Sue?) and whoever to Cabowabo or with someone on a tour while Ryan does the canopy. I don't know, just thinking out loud.

 

[jkrislc]

Jessica, don't get me wrong about Victor's. It wasn't bad and probably good; there were just meals that stood out more for us (e.g., The Shrimp Factory in Cabo).

Sheri isn't a big pepper person either, but figures she can find something else there and/or just eat the filling.

You're welcome to join us in Cabo if Ryan does the canopy tour there. We're likely just going to cruise the marina area, shop, and maybe have lunch. Cabi Wabo is right in that area. We might also do the chocolate fondue at Hagendaz to celebrate Brady's birthday( too.

 

[ryanmcin]

Just a heads up to all of the DVC members who used points to book a cruise:

I have seen a few reports today that there is a new policy in place that is active though September 2011. Apparently there are no more cabins available to DVC (through 9/2011) so no new cruise bookings on points and you can not change dates for an existing cruise (you can cancel and get the reservation points back).

 

[SueTGGR]

Just a heads up to all of the DVC members who used points to book a cruise:
I have seen a few reports today that there is a new policy in place that is active though September 2011. Apparently there are no more cabins available to DVC (through 9/2011) so no new cruise bookings on points and you can not change dates for an existing cruise (you can cancel and get the reservation points back).

Ryan, If you get anything with more clarification let me know. What I am reading is that we will not be able to use DVC points for cruises???? After Sept 2011???? Or is it just until Sept 2011?
Let me know!

 

[SueTGGR]

Hey Everyone,
Sue:. . . I don't know about finding a different lunch spot, I will have to think about that. My first reaction is that the Randi's place is good for us. Let me know what you find though and I will chew on it.

I don't know how you feel about shrimp and lobster but I will find a picture of the meal they serve at this place. I have read many reviews, from different sources about the food at this place. When I showed Jeff the picture, he said we had to go. And getting him up on a horse, I figured he would deserve it.

 

[SueTGGR]

I found this about Randi as I was looking for the place we want to eat at.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=830790
I have absolutely no problem staying with Randi. I just wanted to make sure the rest of you wanting to go horseback riding felt the same way. I just get to get back on a horse. And on the beach, something I have not done before. And get Alec (my 10 yr old son) on a full size horse, something that he seems excited to do. And Alec doesn't do many new things without prodding or bribery.

I am continuing my search for the picture of the food @ Tony's!

 

[SueTGGR]

This is not the same picture I saw before but go here:
http://www.mazatlan-frank.com/BEACH.html
and scroll half-way down the page for the Imperial Platter!
OK, now I can go to bed.
Later,
Sue

 

[jkrislc]

Is there something that concerned you with the posts that you linked to?

I've gone with Randi before, so I have no concerns riding with her again.

 

[Kidlette]

Hey Sue. I think that you can no longer book a cruise through DVC until September 2011. It's BS considering I don't recall ever being told that they cap it. I'm pretty pissed off about this.

Neither Ryan or I eat ANYTHING seafood - we HATE seafood! Sorry, no offense, but we just can't stand it. It's not that we've never had it, we've tried lots and lots and lots of things. Seafood is just not for us. We probably won't go anywhere that doesn't have chicken. I will eat other meats, shredded beef, pork, etc, but Ryan will only eat chicken. I don't eat red meats often though, so chicken would probably be better for me too. Do you know if that place have anything non-seafood? I'm also confused - are you saying you want to do that beach tour, or you want to do Randi's horse ride and then find our way to that Tony's restaurant?

Good night all

 

[SueTGGR]

Sorry for the confusions.
I was posting the thread on Randi's in case someone was unsure about Randi's business. The majority has rave reviews. The one descending opinion I think was a little too particular and I pretty much put that one aside in my head.

Also, I am reading the reviews from Tony's on the Beach and they also have several other Mexican dishes with chicken. I am not telling you have to go, Jeff and I are all about letting others know what we are doing and if you want to join us great. We are not offended if you want to choose your own way. Too many family reunion type trips have ended with us waiting for everyone to make up their minds to find that we don't want to do whatever they wanted to do. Spent most of a trip wasted away in Hawaii that way. My side of the family is infamous for this kind of thing.
So I will let you all know what we are doing and if you want to join us let me know! If you have an alternate, let me know too. You might be doing something that sounds better! Also if you have had an experience that you can warn me of the error in my ways, please don't hesitate to throw that out their either!
That said, I am off to explore more of the excursions, even though I think one port we will be just exploring a little on our own just to save a little money. Cabo may be it but I read their dolphin center is newer. and we were going to try and jet ski but I read a thread that warned us about the scams taking place with that.
Later & hope everyone is having a great weekend!

 

[denversees4me]

OK first off I must start by saying I SUCK !!! I TOTALLY SUCK !!! I have not kept up with this board at ALL ... so sad im lame but HOW ON EARTH do I get notifications thru my e mail when people post ? It would be so much easier if i didnt have to come to the boards every day and check although thats kinda fun but there MUST be a way whe someone posts to find out thru reg e mail .
Second Im still interested in horseback riding with Randis who do I call is it too late ? We are crusing with 8 so its hard to know whos going and whos not but I need to book igf i wanna ride with you cool people !!!!
Ryan can zip with me and Wendi and Ash and Aaron if they go .... Where is the best place to zip vs ride horses ? oh I need help LOL im so confused are we riding in PV and is it ACTUALLY ON THE BEACH or just costal ? I better do some calling around
has anyone zipped before and if so what ports and what were your experiences?
I would love to meet whpever at d land in oct - and what about a get together BBQ or something ? didnt we talk about that ....hmmm maybe if i read more I would KNOW !!!!
ok want to catch up I do I really do maybe tonight

 

[DangerMouse]

Hi all! My family got in on the kids sail free deal and we reserved a few weeks ago, but I honestly thought we were going to cancel so I've never introduced myself. Well, the more we talk about it, the more it looks like it really is going to happen, so here we are!

I am Callie and my dh is Dan, and we have 3 kids ages 13 (girl), 10 (boy), and 8 (girl). The cruise is a Christmas present to the kids, so they have no clue yet. We have been to DLR too many times to count, but have never done anything else Disney related. I always thought a Disney Cruise was out of our financial reach, but this deal pushed us into a Cat 4 cabin and I'm super excited to introduce my kids to cruising!

My dh and I have done the Mexican Riviera before on RCL, but never made it to Puerto Vallarta because of bad weather. Hoping the Wonder gets us there. We're booking excursions soon. Randi's in Mazatlan and a canopy tour in PV. Will probably just rent jet skis in Cabo or stay on the ship.

I'm new to the DCL board (mostly have hung out on the DLR side of the Dis), so I have some reading to do about fish extenders? door magnets? Lots to learn!

 

[Tigger1313]

Hi all! My family got in on the kids sail free deal and we reserved a few weeks ago, but I honestly thought we were going to cancel so I've never introduced myself. Well, the more we talk about it, the more it looks like it really is going to happen, so here we are!

I am Callie and my dh is Dan, and we have 3 kids ages 13 (girl), 10 (boy), and 8 (girl). The cruise is a Christmas present to the kids, so they have no clue yet. We have been to DLR too many times to count, but have never done anything else Disney related. I always thought a Disney Cruise was out of our financial reach, but this deal pushed us into a Cat 4 cabin and I'm super excited to introduce my kids to cruising!

My dh and I have done the Mexican Riviera before on RCL, but never made it to Puerto Vallarta because of bad weather. Hoping the Wonder gets us there. We're booking excursions soon. Randi's in Mazatlan and a canopy tour in PV. Will probably just rent jet skis in Cabo or stay on the ship.

I'm new to the DCL board (mostly have hung out on the DLR side of the Dis), so I have some reading to do about fish extenders? door magnets? Lots to learn!

Welcome aboard