Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[ryanmcin]

Ryan I didn't see the post about you getting the passporter until it was after the fact. I actually pre-ordered the latest cruise one. I ended up canceling it. It was suggested to me to just get the older version they published for the last Mexican cruise. I bought the lonely planet books instead for Mexico to quell my thirst for reading more about our stops. Hopefully there is some new information for you in the book. I guess you can always sell it on half.com (or e-bay or one of those sites) if not! BTW, Thank you for posting the photobucket link, I added it to my signature.

It is still nice to have a Passporter around, even if it doesn't have much information that is specific to our destination, there is still a lot of good information on the ships and shows and tips and so forth.

If anyone is interested I found a used copy of the 2009 edition on ebay for $13.78 (buy it now price, including shipping). http://cgi.ebay.com/PassPorter-Disn...852?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item588962971c

I also found a 2007 edition for $3.00 (buy it now price, plus shipping) http://cgi.ebay.com/PassPorters-Fie...707?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item2c56fc0023

We had the 2008 edition before and for our purposes it is basically the same as the new 2010 edition so you should be fine if you buy the used 2009 edition. I don't know about the 2007 edition but it's hard to go wrong for $3.00.

 

[SueTGGR]

It is still nice to have a Passporter around, even if it doesn't have much information that is specific to our destination, there is still a lot of good information on the ships and shows and tips and so forth.

Do they all have Mexico information? I thought there was only one with it. I can't remember which one...2007? If it is Mexico info you want make sure to look at the table of contents first! From what they told me at Passporter's they only put info for that year's cruising itinerary. I could be wrong.

 

[ryanmcin]

Do they all have Mexico information? I thought there was only one with it. I can't remember which one...2007? If it is Mexico info you want make sure to look at the table of contents first! From what they told me at Passporter's they only put info for that year's cruising itinerary. I could be wrong.

The new Passporter absolutely does not have information on Mexico (or Alaska) in it. Apparently there will be an "e-book" available later this year with information on Mexican Rivera cruises.

It looks like the 3rd edition guide (2005) has information on the Mexican Rivera cruises from that year. I found two copies on ebay for $.99 each (plus shipping, buy it now).
http://cgi.ebay.com/PassPorters-Fie...842?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item20adffb8da
http://cgi.ebay.com/PassPorters-Fie...581?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item20adffbfa5
Here is a link to the 3rd edition guide on amazon which has new and used copies available.
http://www.amazon.com/PassPorters-F...=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283395110&sr=8-4


I would assume that the 2008 guide will have information as well, but I have had a hard time finding one for a reasonable price and I have lost mine so I can't look at it and confirm.

I'm not sure if the information on the older Mexican Rivera cruises will be all that helpful. Those were 3 (and 6) years ago on a different ship and were pretty limited. The information Passporter gives about the different itineraries tends to be focused on the tours with some information about the ports. The tour information may have changed substaintally and there wasn't alot of data to pull from to begin with since Disney only did about 2 dozen of the Riviera cruises in total.

Honestly I don't remember using the Passporter much for the port "adventures" on our last cruise. The book is great to have to get familiar with the ship, the restaurants, the on-board events, and some secrets, but there are just too many different in-port options for the book to cover in depth. For $10 or less buying an older copy just "for fun" is probably money well spent.

 

[jkrislc]

The 2008 DCL Passporter has good MR info in it and I actually liked the tour info as they had customer ratings and comments as well as alternative tours you could arrange on your own.

Try abebooks.com as that's where I got mine. It's a consortium of used bookstores. Prices are very good, but look at the comments regarding the condition of the book and check each listing for the price including shipping. The first listing isn't always the cheapest.

For you DLR experts out there, any thoughts on the dinner packages that include priority viewing for World of Color? I'm thinking 2nd seating, but haven't figured out the time of the show associated with that seating.

Kris

 

[Kidlette]

The 2008 DCL Passporter has good MR info in it and I actually liked the tour info as they had customer ratings and comments as well as alternative tours you could arrange on your own.

Try abebooks.com as that's where I got mine. It's a consortium of used bookstores. Prices are very good, but look at the comments regarding the condition of the book and check each listing for the price including shipping. The first listing isn't always the cheapest.

For you DLR experts out there, any thoughts on the dinner packages that include priority viewing for World of Color? I'm thinking 2nd seating, but haven't figured out the time of the show associated with that seating.

Kris

Just a warning, there is a fun pre-show show that's done for the first WOC showing, so if you go to the 2nd or 3rd you will miss it. I HIGHLY recommend trying for the first showing so you get the FULL experience! Sorry, no tips on food. We used to like Trattoria but they changed their menu (and raised their prices) and we weren't impressed. We've heard Ariel's is good, but you have a son and not a daughter - how does Brady like princesses?!?

 

[ryanmcin]

For you DLR experts out there, any thoughts on the dinner packages that include priority viewing for World of Color? I'm thinking 2nd seating, but haven't figured out the time of the show associated with that seating.

The dining packages are Ariels Grotto, Wine Country Trattoria and picnic/box lunches. All of the packages have reserved standing (fastpass). The restaurant packages have a viewing area right around the center of the viewing area, the picnic packages are in the adjacent sections but still good areas.

The restaurant packages are fixed menu/price and will run around $40 per adult plus tax and tip. The picnic/box lunches are around $15 each.

The restaurant show times (either 1st or 2nd show) are based upon your dining time (I don't know the cut off time is). The box lunch show time is based upon how you purchase it, if you reserve it on-line you will get the first show, if you get it from the walk up window without the on-line reservation you will get the 2nd show.

We haven't done any of the packages, but I have looked into them. The Ariel's Grotto package is basically the same as their standard dinner (same menu, similar/same price). The Wine Country Trattoria package is substantially more expensive then what you would generally be paying if you order off the regular menu unless you actually want everything that is included in fixed price menu which is unlikely. The box lunches didn't look especially appetizing to me, but they seem like a fair price.

A sizable portion of DCA closes down for World of Color so if you decide to do the 2nd show you will need to kill some time in the Hollywood area or on Soarin since there isn't much left open.

It looks like they will be reducing to two shows on the weekend and one on weeknights after Labor Day. I'm not sure how this will affect the packages when there is only a single show. It looks like those shows will be at 8:15 so that means the cut off time for dinner seating will be around 6:30.

 

[jkrislc]

We've heard Ariel's is good, but you have a son and not a daughter - how does Brady like princesses?!?

There aren't any princesses at dinner, so I don't think that's a problem. Further, he thinks all the blonde princesses are Hannah Montana anyways because of his cousins. It was somewhat embarrassing (but really funny) on the Magic when he yelled "it's Hannah Montana" when the princesses were all lined up in the atrium. He also thought that the picture of the fat pirate on deck 5 was a picture of me, so that shows you what he knows

Any hint on what the preshow entails? The main reason I was thinking of the later show is to ensure that we have time for the Pixar parade before dinner.

Kris

 

[SueTGGR]

Kris, are you on facebook? Here is a link to my pictures from June of the pre-show. http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=448076&id=562005416 The pictures start about 3-4 rows down.

I LOVED the pre-show. The puppets (if you can call them that) were amazing. And as the dusk got darker the lights on them were beautiful.

If you aren't on facebook, I will get some of my pictures over to photobucket tomorrow or maybe today later. So let me know.

As far as Ariel's Grotto. It was OK, that is what we did in June. The appetizers are kind of family style as they set a bunch of different things out for your group to share. It is good for us because Jeff eats anything, I eat some things and Alec is the pickiest of eaters. Everything else is separate after that except dessert. We all were fine after dinner but I know Jeff was still hungry. I think we ate around 6 and then walked around a bit but people were starting to line up at the barrier by 6:30? I think? Yanira was there too! They started letting people in around 7:30. Be prepared to amuse yourselves while waiting. They let Alec sit on the ground for a little while but then they asked everyone to stand to fit everyone in.
If I have a vote, I say see the pre-show! I didn't realize that they only have it for the first showing I will have to remember that if we get another chance to go.
Later,
Sue

 

[jkrislc]

I am on Fb; I'll just have to wait until tomorrow when I'm in front of the computer to view the photos as I can only access the mobile site from my phone.

When we go next month, there are only two shows (9ish and 10ish). Yet the Pixar parade is at 5:15, so the earlier seating would be tough. Maybe we will just do the picnic box since we are doing Goofy's kitchen the following day for my birthday anyways.


Thanks for the info,

Kris

 

[SueTGGR]

Maybe we will just do the picnic box since we are doing Goofy's kitchen the following day for my birthday anyways.

Make sure you want what is in the boxes. The selection looked limited to me, that is why we chose Ariel's. It is OK, nothing spectacular. But then with Disney dining, it is typically about the atmosphere.
BTW, Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast is probably my fav!
Night all!
Sue

 

[jkrislc]

Kris, are you on facebook? Here is a link to my pictures from June of the pre-show. http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=448076&id=562005416 The pictures start about 3-4 rows down.

I just sent you a friend request on Fb as the album is blocked; however, please note I won't be offended if you deny the request.

I did book Ariel's Grotto today for a Friday night. Since DL closes at 7 because of the Halloween thing, I figure we'll move over to DCA in the late afternoon, catch the Playhouse Disney show and Pixar Parade before the 6:20 dinner. Then, depending on how long dinner takes, hit a ride or two and then line up for the show before heading to the hotel. We'll be there three days, so I'm not too worried if we don't get many rides in that night. I'm just sad that Toy Story Mania will be closed as my son would have loved it.

Kris

 

[SueTGGR]

I just sent you a friend request on Fb as the album is blocked; however, please note I won't be offended if you deny the request.

I just didn't know who it was, that's all! I made the mistake of getting into Farmville. I get some requests that I have to make sure if Alec is looking over my shoulder, I won't want him to see what they have posted. I'm semi-addicted now. I promise not to send requests to you.

I'm just sad that Toy Story Mania will be closed as my son would have loved it.

Kris

I am trying to figure out why they are closing it. They just switched some of the games around before Summer & added characters from Toy Story 3. I looks to be closed quite some time.

Off to CostCo!
Sue

 

[jkrislc]

Costco on a Saturday? You're brave, Sue.

Thanks for the access. I saw the pictures and the puppet things definitely look like something Brady would like. I hope it's not just a summer thing.

Kris

 

[Kidlette]

Kris: I haven't looked at DISboards in a few days, sorry I didn't see your post sooner. I didn't look at Sue's pictures, but I imagine they were great since the pre-show is fun! I don't know if I posted pics of the pre-show on our site under WOC or not, I'd have to look at it again.

As I said in my review of world of color, I personally don't think that the dinner is worth it. You can have more flexibility, a cheaper/better dinner, and the same seats if you just take the time to get there 1st thing in the morning and get a fast pass. Ryan and I have gone 3 times now, and never have we gotten anything other than the first showing. But, that's my take on the "VIP meal packages" It may be different because you have a kid, but even then I don't see the need. I say to each his own on that one!

In the end it will all work out for you No matter what you do or where you eat, it should be fine.

Regarding the toy story ride, Ryan said it's maintenance. When it was down recently it was only down for a week or week and a half in order to add the new toy story characters. This recent shut down is the actual maintenance for up-keep of the ride. Sadly, we were there this weekend and it's already shut down

 

[jkrislc]

Thanks, Jessica. We may just hit DCA first thing, see what tickets we get, and then cancel our reservation if we can get a decent location. I'm still debating on the picnic items as well, but wanted to snag a reservation just in case. While the dinner would be a true treat for us, I know they provide too much food and the cost is a bit high. I'm also not sure if going on a Friday night is a blessing or a curse in terms of crowds. I'm hoping people will be drawn to the Halloween party at DL instead, but I don't if that will happen.

Decisions, decisions!

 

[LuvIt]

We won't be sailing on a DCL Mex Riviera cruise until October 2011 (first cruise! so excited!). Looking forward to hearing from some of you who are "leading the way" by taking a January cruise!
Could someone please post pages from your Navigator (the onboard daily ship "newspaper") that lists activities, etc. Or if you picked up extras mail them to me (I'll send you the stamps LOL). I would love to see what the actual daily activities, etc. are. Thanks!

 

[Kidlette]

We won't be sailing on a DCL Mex Riviera cruise until October 2011 (first cruise! so excited!). Looking forward to hearing from some of you who are "leading the way" by taking a January cruise!
Could someone please post pages from your Navigator (the onboard daily ship "newspaper") that lists activities, etc. Or if you picked up extras mail them to me (I'll send you the stamps LOL). I would love to see what the actual daily activities, etc. are. Thanks!

I'm sure 1/2 of us already planned to post that info once we receive it! Just as an FYI, there are Navigator's posted online from the 2005 and 2008 Mexican Riviera sailings Disney did. I believe links to them are somewhere within our string, but I have them PDF'd. If you want to send me a private message with your email address I will email you those PDF's so you don't have to wait so long to get an idea! (We will, of course, upload the new one's after the cruise too!)

 

[Kidlette]

Everyone + Amy and Steve:

I have been so busy, exhausted and stressed for time that I keep forgetting to post this. I just wanted to say that Ryan and I met with Steve and Amy last weekend after the Disney 1/2 Marathon - CONGRATS to both of them for doing it - you guys rock! Anyhow, I want to thank you guys for meeting with us; we know you didn't have very long to spend at the parks, but Ryan and I really enjoyed ourselves! You guys are wonderful and we can't wait to hang out with you on the cruise! And heck, hopefully we can keep in touch afterward, visit, and maybe even take another cruise or go to Disney World together in the future! I also wanted to apologize - I kept meaning to call or text you to see how your trip was going, but I kept forgetting (tests and things this week). But, Ryan and I were thinking of you, especially the day it rained!

OK - that's it. Ryan and I have met 2 amazing families so far, Sue's (Sue - you, Jeff, and Alec are AWESOME also!) and Steve's. In 2 weeks or so we are spending the entire day at Disneyland doing the D23 scavenger hunt and we are SO excited that Yanira and Sergio are going to be joining us!! This might be a bold statement, but I think all of these awesome people mean's that our cruise somehow became loaded with the coolest people in the world! By the time we cruise, we're already going to be friends with everybody!

Oh crap . . . what to get for fish extenders?!?! I haven't thought about it in months! But the date for splitting up the FE list is almost here! EEK!

 

[SueTGGR]

Ryan and I have met 2 amazing families so far, Sue's (Sue - you, Jeff, and Alec are AWESOME also!) and Steve's. In 2 weeks or so we are spending the entire day at Disneyland doing the D23 scavenger hunt and we are SO excited that Yanira and Sergio are going to be joining us!! This might be a bold statement, but I think all of these awesome people mean's that our cruise somehow became loaded with the coolest people in the world! By the time we cruise, we're already going to be friends with everybody!

Oh crap . . . what to get for fish extenders?!?! I haven't thought about it in months! But the date for splitting up the FE list is almost here! EEK!

Aww shucks, thanks. We had fun in June and are so looking forward to spending time with all our cruising buddies.
I hope the nice weather holds out for your scavenger hunt
FE's!!!! I have just little things I collected but I had a great idea for other things but I will have to work on them after I find out how many I have to create.
I have been going crazy around here. Trying to get info together for our Oct 15th trip down. I am getting excited to see what they do that will be new. With the Trick or Treat party moving to DL, it will be interesting. Also we typically don't hang around for the fireworks (we like to hit the rides with smaller lines) but being that the Halloween ones are ONLY being shown to the people @ the Trick or Treat party, I feel like it should be a part of our plans this time. Plus with Jeff's Mom with us I'm sure she will want to see them, too.
Oh, and keep your fingers crossed for Alec. He has made the big step and wants to play flag football. We were going to try Pop Warner but he gets so distracted so easily we didn't think it would be safe for him. Jeff & I played all kinds of sports in our youth and are so hoping he finds something. I just want him to experience a team sport.
OK, off to catch up on things. I get to be the Mommy taxi most of the afternoon. Take it easy everyone and have a good weekend.
Later,
Sue

 

[SueTGGR]

FYI, if anyone was still thinking about getting this PassPorter book:
Save 33% off PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line 2010 for this weekend only! Use coupon code welove2cruise (all lowercase) in the PassPorter Store during checkout to get 33% off the list price of any 2010 edition of PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line. Offer ends Monday, September 13, 2010 at 11:59 pm ET