Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[SueTGGR]

Welcome DangerMouse, Callie & family!
More boys, yea! My son, Alec will be almost 11 when we sail. When the board first opened up I thought he was going to in the minority but we should have a good number of both boys and girls.
So what time of the year did you go to Mexico? We are on the fence about snorkeling in January.
Well off to get ready for work. Hope everyone had a great weekend
Later,
Sue

 

[airtime247]

Callie & fam - Welcome to our group! What a great Christmas present for the kids. It looks like we may be joining you for the canopy tour in PV. We still have no idea what to do in Cabo and Mazatlan. I haven't had much time lately to browse. I did look through Disney's excursions but my DD is too young to do most of the ones that interest us. I see I can do them on my own and the ages are a lot lower.

We've been so busy with work and trip planning for our upcoming Disneyland trip. I can't believe we leave in less than two weeks. We will mostly be in the parks during the week so I don't know if anyone is available for a quick meet or not. We are running the Disneyland Half Marathon on Sunday the 5th and should be done by 9am. Emma is staying with her grandma that morning so we want to sneak into Disneyland for a couple of hours to get some grown-up rides in.

After that, we will be at the parks from the 7th through the 10th and staying on-site.

I hope to get into full cruise planning mode after we get back from Disneyland.

-steve

 

[jkrislc]

Sue: You might want to contact Randi and see who she knows on the island for jet ski/waverunner rentals. She's been in business for a long time, so I'm sure she can recommend someone to you. When we did the MR cruise previously with RCI, we wish we had made this our beach day rather than PV. The rentals were also much cheaper in front of Victor's than in the other ports. Is Tony's located nearby?

I completely understand being up front and not wanting to get into one of those family reunion type things. I was truly simply confused and not concerned, annoyed, irritated, or anything of the like. We may simply stay at Victor's out of convenience, but that shouldn't stop you from doing your own thing. More than likely, we'll just split a meal and wait to get back on the ship to eat. We're saving our splurge on dining for Cabo, where they have many great restaurants.

Cabo is probably the easiest port to arrange your own thing in since everything is located in or accessible from the marina where the tenders dock. However, if you're planning on the dolphin experience, my guess is that you'll only be able to book that through the ship. Probably the most popular tour, which takes about an hour and can be booked at the marina, is the Los Archos/Land's End tour. You'll see the famous arch, Lovers and Divorce Beaches, Window to the Pacific, etc. You can even opt to be dropped off at one of the beaches and the water taxi will come back to pick you up later. Since we just did this, we're simply going to explore Cabo on our own (mostly downtown area with shopping and eating).

In PV, which we've been to three times, we're going to just shop for an hour or two near the dock and then get back on the ship so Brady can enjoy the pools while they're mostly empty.

Cari: If you're interested in horseback riding with the group, email Randi to see if she has any availability. You can reach her at randi@randishappyhorses.com and mention that your with the Wonder group riding on 1/27/11. The ride begins in some coconut and mango groves and then ends on the beach unless they've changed the route. It's not all on the beach, but some of the ride is on the beach. And just to clarify, this ride is in Mazatlan, not PV.

As for zip lining, I'd think PV would be my choice and I've had friends who have done it there and raved about it. It's a true canopy tour through the trees. Can't imagine there'd be much to see in Cabo or Mazatlan, although I could be wrong.

Callie: Welcome to the group. As for snorkeling, just remember that the water is going to be cold. In addition, I haven't found the snorkeling to be all that great in any of the ports. The water is usually cloudy because of the tidal actions and the experience is nothing like that in Hawaii or the Caribbean. Whale watching would be a good alternative, however, given the time of year.

Kris

 

[googles111]

Callie & fam - Welcome to our group! What a great Christmas present for the kids. It looks like we may be joining you for the canopy tour in PV. We still have no idea what to do in Cabo and Mazatlan. I haven't had much time lately to browse. I did look through Disney's excursions but my DD is too young to do most of the ones that interest us. I see I can do them on my own and the ages are a lot lower.


-steve

What is the canopy tour? Is that the one with ziplines? I feel so behind now. I have no idea what we are going to do. Guess I need to start reading some sites.

 

[airtime247]

Hi Tonya, yes it's the ziplines. I was looking at going directly through the company - http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/

It looks like a lot of fun!

-steve

 

[ryanmcin]

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!

At the moment there isn't much information out there that is "official". But what is being reported (from discussion with member services) is that there are a limited number of cabins allocated for DVC bookings and that those cabins have all been filled though next September.

I personally think that is nonsense. I suspect that the problem is the cost of the cruise vs the value of the points for cash bookings. Since the exchanges (cruise, hotels, etc) are paid for by DVC (with cash) in exchange for our points they need to be able to book rooms with those points. Since rooms at WDW have been so heavily discounted lately I would imagine that they just can't fill those rooms for anywhere near the price that is necessary to cover the cost of the cruise. I have seen quite a few reports lately that value and moderate rooms are getting free upgrades to Old Key West and Saratoga Springs studio rooms. These free upgrades are almost certainly a result of being unable to fill these rooms at their normal rates. The rack/cash rate for DVC rooms is outrageously high so I can't say that I am surprised.

I think that the result of all this will be substantially increased point costs for cruises and other cash type exchanges (non-DVC Disney resort hotels, Adventures by Disney, Concierge Collection) starting in 2011.

 

[ryanmcin]

As for zip lining, I'd think PV would be my choice and I've had friends who have done it there and raved about it. It's a true canopy tour through the trees. Can't imagine there'd be much to see in Cabo or Mazatlan, although I could be wrong.

You are right. The zip lining in PV looks much better than Cabo or Mazatlan. The Cabo one looks a little disappointing actually.

 

[DangerMouse]

Callie: Welcome to the group. As for snorkeling, just remember that the water is going to be cold. In addition, I haven't found the snorkeling to be all that great in any of the ports. The water is usually cloudy because of the tidal actions and the experience is nothing like that in Hawaii or the Caribbean. Whale watching would be a good alternative, however, given the time of year.

Kris

Thanks, Kris, but we weren't even planning on snorkeling. Maybe you got me mixed up with another poster? I did mention jet skiing in cabo, but our kids are used to cold water since we're in the PNW.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

 

[jkrislc]

Thanks, Kris, but we weren't even planning on snorkeling. Maybe you got me mixed up with another poster? I did mention jet skiing in cabo, but our kids are used to cold water since we're in the PNW.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

That's completely possible. Maybe Sue was thinking about snorkeling.

Kris

 

[denversees4me]

Kris- Wendi and I are booked with you guys Talked to Randi today we barley skated in on the spot - do you know the price with transport ? She didnt say

Steve we would love to say hi when your at disney let me know a good day weekday - also ok lets do that zipline tour !!! the company looks bomb !!!! And resonable too .... whos in ???? wendi and I for sure maybe her daughter and her boyfriend and maybe my other friends Amber and rick if we can figure out something for the kids or maybe just amber will go with us who knows ...... anyways it all look good
WELCOME to the newcomers !!!!! WE ARE GROWING IN SIZE I LOVE IT !

 

[jkrislc]

Cari, it's $45 is the current charge, cash only, per person. She last raised her prices in January 2010 after almost 10 years at $40.

Kris

P.S. Love your user name.

 

[jkrislc]

Ryan,

Do you have a link for the "neverland" graphic for the two night cruise? I'd love to make a t-shirt with it.

Kris

 

[denversees4me]

Thanks Kris !!!!
Hey what ever happened to our cruise graphic ? Did we decide on one or is there a link of a few of them I could DL them ???? I want to put one on my FE
finding out about the canopy tour Steve - also e mailed them they said that you get 15 percent off if you book with them online or call to book.... and she says for everyone to know LOL that the YELLOW taxis are cheaper than the WHITE taxis she says you can find a yellow taxi just outside the gate ?
maybe that makes sense to those who have been to this port but not me

 

[jkrislc]

That is true about the taxis. If you go out of the port, the taxis are not affiliated with the union and the rates are cheaper. However, you need to negotiate the price BEFORE you get in. Ask the tour provider what the rate should be so you know what a fair price is.

As for the graphic, there was a vote some time back. You might want to check the website. I also believe Ryan has the one that received the most votes in his signature.

Kris

 

[googles111]

Hi Tonya, yes it's the ziplines. I was looking at going directly through the company - http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/

It looks like a lot of fun!

-steve

Thanks.. I will have to check that out. The only problem is my 8 year old won't do that. Anybody else have that problem. Well I guess I can always use that as an excuse for me not to go with DH too.. Sorry, have to stay back with the kiddos. I'm a little scurred too! LOL

 

[airtime247]

Cari - I'll PM you to go over our schedule to see about finding a time to meet. Cool!

Tonya - You aren't getting out of the zipline that easily! We have the problem where Emma (4) is too young to do it. I emailed the company to ask and they said one of us can wait with Emma while the other does the canopy tour and then we switch off. There is plenty there to do for the parent and kid that aren't on the zipline. You can swim in the river (if it's warm enough), feed the monkeys, look at the animals, eat at the restaurant, and I forget what else. We also talked about having me go first and then take Emma back to the ship while Amy does the zipline if we run out of things to do.

They still charge admission but it is heavily discounted if someone doesn't want to do the zipline. They said as long as you get there early, there is plenty of time to do all this and still get a shuttle back. The shuttles leave regularly so it isn't like a rigidly-scheduled excursion.

If some of us plan to go at the same time that have to switch off, we can at least have some company to hang out with while we wait.

-steve

 

[ryanmcin]

Ryan,

Do you have a link for the "neverland" graphic for the two night cruise? I'd love to make a t-shirt with it.

Kris

I'll see if I can dig it up, but the image is way too small for a T-shirt. I looked into blowing it up for a postcard (3"x5") and even at that small size the image quality was very poor. The original image was just too small.

 

[ryanmcin]

If anyone wants to download the logos that have been created so far they are all uploaded here:
http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd315/mrsjeccamcintosh/Cruise Logos/

I uploaded a full size copy and a reduced (150 pixel tall) copy for signatures.

If you have any other logos we can add them to that photo album.

I also uploaded the 2 night "Cruise to Neverland" logo for anyone who wants it.

 

[Kidlette]

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 Callie and family! I apologize for not responding sooner, I have been SWAMPED with work and school! I saw your post a couple of days ago but I am just now getting a chance to respond. I will update our little website and include you and your family! (I have to read the 3 pages of posts I missed first...for some reason I am not getting the email notices that people are posting ). Anyhow - WELCOME! We are so happy to have you joining us! Also, I see you're doing the Randi's excursion with us - that's awesome! Have you emailed her yet or do you need her info?

Everyone: will someone please remind me about the zipline. I thought some dozen pages back that someone mentioned a zipline tour which has an area with botanical gardens and a petting zoo for family/kids that don't do the tour. Was that accurate? Steve, was this you and Amy talking about this? I think Ryan wants to do the tour but keeps saying no because I will be bored. If this petting zoo is true then I could watch Emma at the petting zoo that way you and Amy could zipline together instead of in turns. Then afterward we can all go eat together or something. I don't know, what does everyone think? I would be happy to hang out with ALL of the kids and any uninterested parents at the petting zoo!

OK - I'm off to finish one of my English class homework assignments, then do my Anthropology, then finish my other English. After that, I will read the board and update the page! Oh yeah - I have to eat lunch in there somewhere!

P.S. Although it felt like taking dollar bills and setting them on fire, I bought Ryan the new Disney Cruise Line Passporter (he lost his old one). I thought it was SO STUPID because we have been on a Disney cruise AND he read the last passporter cover to cover - but still, he thinks there will be something new! I don't get it. After all, WE are on the first sailing, so it's not like there is any info regarding Mexico in it! Oh well - I guess I'm mentioning this because I will have him post anything he reads that just happens to be new. Then again...I doubt that will be anything! Sorry Dudley - I couldn't help myself. I love you

 

[Kidlette]

OK - I decided DISboards before homework! If I forget anything, I'm sorry!

First I'd like to thank Ryan for posting the images, you're the bestest husband! I have been so unimaginably busy that I completely forgot!

Tonya: Scurred, LOL, I love it! If Ryan does the canopy tour, I would be happy to hang out with the kids on location looking at the animals and stuff. That's an open offer to all the kiddos, Alec, Emma, yours, and any others! Depending on the number of kids I might need a non-participating parent to help me out, but I'm totally up for it. I would NEVER do the zipline, but this way I wouldn't be by myself on another tour, I could hang out there while Ryan does the zip with all of you. I don't know what everyone thinks about that. Thoughts everyone?!?

Cari: We are so glad you're horseback riding with us! I think it would be GREAT if we remember to have our tourguide person get a group picture with all of us and our horses! Then we can just email it around to everyone and we could all have that memory!

Sue: I can't remember the name of the restaurant you said you and Jeff were going to. Will you please remind me? I'd like to check them out. The more I think about it, Kris has a great idea about getting something small and eating on the ship - saving $$ for going somewhere awesome to eat in Cabo! Hey Kris: what kinds of places are in Cabo? Do you have any place in particular in mind? If it's ok with you and Sheri, maybe Ryan and I can join the 3 of you?!? Cabo is one place we can't figure out. We are getting off the ship (mostly because Ryan has never done a tender before). That way we can take some pics of the ship anchored, then we were just planning to walk around a little and get right back on the ship (no tours). If you guys are just shopping and eating, we'd love to join you! (If you want some family time, that's alright too - just be honest! Sue, I think we'll decide on where we eat when it gets closer. Who knows, we might even decide the day of based on seeing Victor's. Not sure yet

Steve: You're going to be here soon!! Ryan and I already renewed our passes, so we're good to go! I can't decide though how we should work this out, if we should wait to see what my homework load is that week - or if I should say screw it and just schedule something! Let me take a look at all of my syllabuses and see how it looks. Then, the only thing to decide is if we go on the day of the race (a weekend) because we could stay the whole day - OR - if we should just meet for dinner or something one night after he and I get out of work. Let me look at my class schedules and I will get back to you (in private email) today or tomorrow?!?!?

Hmmm - I know I'm forgetting something, but I can't think what it is. Kris, I think it was something to you . Oh well, if I think of it I'll get back to you! By the way, how are your classes so-far this semester? I hope you have some bright students! My classes are CRAZY, but I'm liking every one of them (so-far)! I thought literature would be more work than creative thinking and writing, but so-far it's opposite. Then again, the literature book is 1700 pages and we've only gotten 58 pages into it! Also, it started as a joke, but on a whim I'm going to apply to an ivy-league school. After all, you never know until you try - right?!? LOL, then again, considering I never even took my SAT's, I don't have much chance! But I'm thinking I will take the SAT's with a bunch of high school kids in October! The next step is figuring out which teachers to ask to write a letter on my behalf - I need two! Teachers don't laugh at you when you ask them for that, do they??? Like I said, it all started as a joke, but heck, it only costs me $75+$47 to try! (lol, in case you don't realize, I typed the money that way because I can't actually add in my head!)