Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[Tigger1313]

We are now doing the double digit dance

 

[seemefli]

Cdnsluvdisney: My mistake, Delta flys into Long Beach (I just looked into it) but I remember at the time I was looking to book our flights, it was more expensive than West Jet and by the looks of it Vancouver does have more choices than we do as far as flights to Long Beach (through Delta anyway). But given where you live, I would do what jasonpicken suggests b/c Seattle is only a two hr drive for you and it might be worth it to look into that route. Maybe you've already figured out your flight/driving options and I'm just babbling on about nothing! I just realized your original question was which was closer, LAX or Long Beach, NOT how do I get there!!

Jasonpicken: Thanks for the tip but unfortunately driving isn't an option since we live 9 1/2 hours from the U.S. border . That would be super to have that option to drive a small distance and catch a flight from within the U.S.. I've heard of lot's of people doing just that, and it cutting down on their costs.

Kris and Cari: Thanks so much for both of those options, it's always nice to hear first hand info! Cari do you have an e-mail address for Renee? If not I will just call. How far in advance should I book him if he's private? Thanks again!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Cdnsluvdisney: My mistake, Delta flys into Long Beach (I just looked into it) but I remember at the time I was looking to book our flights, it was more expensive than West Jet and by the looks of it Vancouver does have more choices than we do as far as flights to Long Beach (through Delta anyway). But given where you live, I would do what jasonpicken suggests b/c Seattle is only a two hr drive for you and it might be worth it to look into that route. Maybe you've already figured out your flight/driving options and I'm just babbling on about nothing! I just realized your original question was which was closer, LAX or Long Beach, NOT how do I get there!!

Jasonpicken: Thanks for the tip but unfortunately driving isn't an option since we live 9 1/2 hours from the U.S. border . That would be super to have that option to drive a small distance and catch a flight from within the U.S.. I've heard of lot's of people doing just that, and it cutting down on their costs.

Kris and Cari: Thanks so much for both of those options, it's always nice to hear first hand info! Cari do you have an e-mail address for Renee? If not I will just call. How far in advance should I book him if he's private? Thanks again!

What about changing planes once in the states? Many times it can be cheaper to take one carrier to the US, then change carriers once in the US to something that does fly into L.B.

 

[airtime247]

I just wanted to drop in to say hi to everyone. We're getting really excited that our 90-day booking date is coming up.

Ryan, let us know about ElecTRONica when you get a chance!

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

-steve

 

[ryanmcin]

Ryan, let us know about ElecTRONica when you get a chance!

We were there for around 2 hours last night. ElecTRONica is pretty fun, very loud, but fun. We missed the main show out in the Plaza, but from what I have read it was just like the GlowFest plaza show which was just a lot of strange dancers. I can't say that I care much for watching people dance (or dancing in general) so I don't think I missed too much.

The highlights were:
Tron Legacy Preview - 9 minutes of footing from the film (in 3D), the screening happened in the Muppet's theater and included some special lighting and wind effects. The footage was pretty neat, the movie looks really interesting and there wasn't any of typical 3D throwing stuff into your face type nonsense that annoys me about 3D movies in general.
Flynn's Arcade - This is supposed to be arcade run by the character from the original Tron film (also sets up the story for the new film as you will see in the preview). This was great fun, lots of arcade games from the 80's. All of games take one token (25 cents) and the tokens are specific to this event (Flynn's Arcade on the front, ElecTRONica on the back). Just like any arcade from the 80's the token machines refused to take my money at first, a few of the machines ate a token and there was a broken game. The only real disappointment was that there is only 1 Tron machine, I remember when the Tomorrowland arcade used to have 3 or 4 Tron machines so I don't know why they didn't dig up a few more machines. The arcade is hot and it is packed full of people. Some games had no lines, most had 2 or 4 people in line, Tron had a massive line which must have been at least 30 minutes long. I remember playing Tron at the Starcade and I could play for 7 or 8 minutes on a single token so the line was probably closer to an hour if the people in line were any good.
Laser Man - This is hard to explain but it was AMAZING! This guy "Laser Man" does a show with lasers (obviously), but the things he does are incredible. He bends them, spins them, stretches them, builds a cage out them and so forth. You really need to see it to understand what is going on. I had heard about the show and it only takes place a few times each night so we had to wait about 25 minutes to see it, but it was worth the wait.

There was other stuff (face painting, dancing, drinking) going on as well and it looked like everyone was having a good time. There were lots of children and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn't see anyone acting inappropriately and I didn't see anyone who was wasted. In the end there was plenty to see and do even if you aren't interested in the dance/club atmosphere. I would say that if you aren't interested in Tron that this might be less enjoyable, but Jessica isn't exactly a big Tron fan and she had a good time too.

Keep in mind that the event (including the arcade) only happens at night on the weekends (Friday - Sunday).

 

[ryanmcin]

Does anyone know when the booking window starts (what time) for the shore excursions and on-board activities? I know the date is the 25th, but is there a specific time? I thought someone had mentioned Midnight (Eastern) so does that mean that we can actually book at 9:00 PM next Sunday here on the west coast?

 

[denversees4me]

Next Sunday !!!! NOW THATS MUSIC TO MY EARS !!!!!! I can not wait to book stuff

I do not have an e mail for Renee I would just call him and ask him how far in advance to book and get a trip cost from him remember to mention Rick and Amber Boggs sent you ....

 

[airtime247]

Does anyone know when the booking window starts (what time) for the shore excursions and on-board activities? I know the date is the 25th, but is there a specific time? I thought someone had mentioned Midnight (Eastern) so does that mean that we can actually book at 9:00 PM next Sunday here on the west coast?

I show it's the 24th at 9pm Pacific. I've heard mixed things on whether people could actually book online at midnight though. Some could and others couldn't until 6am Eastern the next morning. I already have my Outlook reminder set and I'll keep trying until I get in.

-steve

 

[Kidlette]

I would say that if you aren't interested in Tron that this might be less enjoyable, but Jessica isn't exactly a big Tron fan and she had a good time too.

Keep in mind that the event (including the arcade) only happens at night on the weekends (Friday - Sunday).

Hey everyone - I just want to add to Ryan's post a little bit.

If anyone has ever been to the Disneyland food and wine festival, the Flynn's arcade is back around by Monster's Inc. in the building that usually holds the art and some food. It's a really small space which is why it was so crowded and so hot. Ryan and I played a few games and left thinking that we would go again the week after next during our anniversary trip when it would be less crowded. Unfortunately, we found out today that the arcade is only open when the Tron party is happening - and since it only happens Friday - Sun, we won't be able to go during our Tuesday anniversary trip. That was disappointing, but we go so frequently that we know we'll get to do it again. I asked the cast member at the door how long it would be there, and she said she heard about 8 months - so there is time. We took a picture through the glass doors today. Obviously you can't see the whole room or anything, but this is the middle of it. It gives you a good idea of the rooms size, and how AWESOME all of the old video games are! There are a LOT of old school games that you can't see in the picture, a good dozen of them that I had never heard of before!!

The laser man thing (as Ryan said) was AWESOME! Really, no explanation needed - if you are at Disneyland on a night that it is happening it is 100% worth the effort to see!

The movie preview was also AMAZING! I hate, hate, hate 3D movies - I know this is stupid, but, among other things, they make me motion sick. Usually I have to close my eyes completely or wink and close one eye to take away the 3D. I was actually able to watch the entire 9 minute preview and only close my eyes once. That one time though I knew it was going to happen, so I wasn't taken by surprise and it didn't make me sick. The movie looks AWESOME!

For the record, it's not that I don't like Tron, it's that the original movie is SO BLOODY CONFUSING!! 1/2 way through the darn thing you don't know what the heck is going on! This one looks a lot more clear and I am really excited to see it!

As far as excursions go, we're still wavering, but we've come to a decision about ziplining. Even if I wasn't scared out of my mind, I have medical conditions that they wouldn't allow - so I can't go no matter what. Ryan doesn't want to go without me (how sweet ), so we're going to come up with a new plan. The only thing we know for sure right now is Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan - the rest is up in the air! We are considering Historic Towns and Tequila-making in Puerto Vallarta and 4x4 mini jeep adventure in Cabo - but we're not positive. We know the town one will probably be just a lot of lame shopping and people begging, but we figure it will get us off the ship and doing something. We love to snorkel but we think it will be WAY too cold! Even if the day is nice and sunny, the waters in the Pacific that time of year are horrendously cold, we know, we grew up in San Diego! Anyway - that's all we know for now, but we reserve the right to change our minds!

December 11th: Before I forget, as far as the December 11th talk, Ryan spoke up on that before we had a chance to talk, and I don't think that will work. That just happens to be the weekend before finals, so I have a feeling it will be a bad weekend for me! Also, its a Saturday. Although I prefer Saturday's because all of the SoCal people are denied access - some of our cruise buddies can't get in on Saturday's so a Sunday would be better. Maybe the Sunday after the 11th? I'm not sure. Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

P.S. We are CLUELESS as to what we are doing for FE's! It's getting so close!

Here's a silly picture of Ryan and me with Sully today!
Good night all!
Toodles

 

[Tigger1313]

Steve - I asked a few weeks ago and I was told you could book at midnight est, so I would think that would be 9:00 PM west coast time. I just hope I will be able to stay up past Midnight on Sunday. That is closing weekend at the Maryland Renaissance Festival and I have to close up my booth. That means working from 7 AM until about 8 or 9 PM

Jessia - I love the picture of you and Ryan with Sully. Very cute.

 

[airtime247]

Great pictures Jessica!

Cathy - What kind of booth did you have at the festival? We just went to two local renaissance faires and had a great time. I hadn't been to one since high school but I look forward to going back again next year.

Also, I deactivated and recreated my Facebook account so no, I didn't snub anyone! I'll send new friend requests to any of you who accepted my previous friend requests.

-steve

 

[Tigger1313]

Great pictures Jessica!

Cathy - What kind of booth did you have at the festival? We just went to two local renaissance faires and had a great time. I hadn't been to one since high school but I look forward to going back again next year.

Also, I deactivated and recreated my Facebook account so no, I didn't snub anyone! I'll send new friend requests to any of you who accepted my previous friend requests.

-steve

I sell breakfast foods, bagels, coffee, etc. The MD festival is one of the largest in the US. 9 weeks. I love my booth because I go in at 7am and open up at 8 for the people that work there. I then get off at 1pm so I can go play if I want too. This weekend I need to stay until close 7 pm both days. It's getting chilly here so we are very busy. It's alot of fun, but after 9 weeks working every weekend I'm ready for a break.

 

[jkrislc]

I show it's the 24th at 9pm Pacific. I've heard mixed things on whether people could actually book online at midnight though. Some could and others couldn't until 6am Eastern the next morning. I already have my Outlook reminder set and I'll keep trying until I get in.

-steve

I've heard/read midnight eastern and 7 am eastern, so I'm not sure which one is correct. Either way, I have an alarm set to try at midnight eastern just in case.

As for the 11th of December, I can't commit for absolute sure. We have plans to go on the 11th, but that's the week before finals; thus, it is all dependent on how many student papers I have graded by then.

Kris

 

[seemefli]

I have a question about the excursions. Once you book them (I'm assuming you pay in advance as well at the time of booking? Is that right?) can you change them later on if something comes up, or get a refund? I guess what my main question is, is what is their policy on excursions? What kind of flexibility is there? I'm guessing not much since they have to call the tour operators and let them know how many people to expect etc..

 

[SueTGGR]

I have a question about the excursions. Once you book them (I'm assuming you pay in advance as well at the time of booking? Is that right?) can you change them later on if something comes up, or get a refund? I guess what my main question is, is what is their policy on excursions? What kind of flexibility is there? I'm guessing not much since they have to call the tour operators and let them know how many people to expect etc..

From what I remember and from what my PassPorter's book says, you are charged via your onboard account. PassPorter's says if you do it ahead of time, your tickets are in your stateroom when you board. OH & you have until 2 days before your excursion to cancel. It has been a few years since I went & I'm sure others will add to what I found.
It feels like we are so close. I won't be able to focus on Christmas....well much.

 

[F&A]

I am in charge of travel as my wife tells me. So here are the excursions I think I have it narrowed down to. Any thoughts:

Puerto Vallarta -- Whale Watching, Snorkeling and Kayaking at Marietas Islands -- Whale watching was basically the draw.

Cabo -- Los Arcos Sea Kayak & Snorkel -- I really want to get a post card type pic of us are Los Arcos.

Mazatlan -- Deer Island Catamaran Cruise and Beach -- Ashley wants a beach day since there is no Castaway Cay day.

 

[denversees4me]

Hi all
I am seriously getting antsy !!!! Do you realize we will be sailing in a few months ? I am SO EXCITED ...The only Disney cruises I have done were 3 nighters and I always felt like I was not getting enough of the ship time bec I was running from one place to another --- I am so glad we have 7 NIGHTS !!! WOO HOO !!!!!!
Ok so Amber and wendi and I are making most of our FE gifts - Ryan do you have an updated list yo could post here ? My screen reader wont work for the other site Jessica created and I need a list of cabins people ages etc. I would SOOOOooooo appreciate it Also what if some people want to jump in that book last min ? Since full pymt is due on the 9th Im thinking some people ( not our group ) will be deciding they cant do it and there will be openings again for this cruise which could lead to more people wanting to join .... are we sticking with no more people or are we just letting whoever do it and updating the list ? I will be making stuff so I want to make enough you know ?
Oh and lastly doe anyone who has ridden with Randi know how far a ride it is to her place from the ship how long we will be gone (total excursion time ) and how long we actually ride on the bach portion .... Thanks in advance

 

[Kidlette]

Hi all
I am seriously getting antsy !!!! Do you realize we will be sailing in a few months ? I am SO EXCITED ...The only Disney cruises I have done were 3 nighters and I always felt like I was not getting enough of the ship time bec I was running from one place to another --- I am so glad we have 7 NIGHTS !!! WOO HOO !!!!!!
Ok so Amber and wendi and I are making most of our FE gifts - Ryan do you have an updated list yo could post here ? My screen reader wont work for the other site Jessica created and I need a list of cabins people ages etc. I would SOOOOooooo appreciate it Also what if some people want to jump in that book last min ? Since full pymt is due on the 9th Im thinking some people ( not our group ) will be deciding they cant do it and there will be openings again for this cruise which could lead to more people wanting to join .... are we sticking with no more people or are we just letting whoever do it and updating the list ? I will be making stuff so I want to make enough you know ?
Oh and lastly doe anyone who has ridden with Randi know how far a ride it is to her place from the ship how long we will be gone (total excursion time ) and how long we actually ride on the bach portion .... Thanks in advance

Hi Cari!

I have some time tonight, so I will get the list together and post it here in the next hour or so.

About people joining the FE list, I'm glad you brought that up because what we had determined previously was based on being broken into groups. So, what I think would be good is this: Allow newcomers to join with the stipulation that they understand people have already begun to create/buy their FE gifts, so, they are welcome to give gifts but to expect that they might not get as many gifts from others depending on how many people are planning to have a few extras prepared for this situation. Ryan and I are good with having a few extras, I think Steve mentioned a couple of months ago that he and Amy are willing to have a few extras; so, at the very least they would get stuff from us. Now, for those who do not want to have extras made, that is 100% OK. You are not obligated to anyone joining late, it is their decision to join the group late willingly with the knowledge that some people may not be creating extras for them. Does this sound fair to everyone?

Anyhow - I will get that list of people posted for you this evening. One of our families with several cabins is up in the air as some may be canceling. I will update you as soon as I have that info.

 

[jkrislc]

I am in charge of travel as my wife tells me. So here are the excursions I think I have it narrowed down to. Any thoughts:

Puerto Vallarta -- Whale Watching, Snorkeling and Kayaking at Marietas Islands -- Whale watching was basically the draw.

Cabo -- Los Arcos Sea Kayak & Snorkel -- I really want to get a post card type pic of us are Los Arcos.

Mazatlan -- Deer Island Catamaran Cruise and Beach -- Ashley wants a beach day since there is no Castaway Cay day.

I did the kayaking tour in Cabo. It was fun, although a little bit scary with all the motor boat traffic. I never felt in danger of my life, however, so don't take it that way. Do it for the kayaking, not for the snorkeling, as there won't be much to see in terms of marine life, the water can be cloudy due to the tides and sediment, and because the water will likely be cold.

 

[jkrislc]

Oh and lastly doe anyone who has ridden with Randi know how far a ride it is to her place from the ship how long we will be gone (total excursion time ) and how long we actually ride on the bach portion .... Thanks in advance

It's been 10 years, so my memory might be off. However, I seem to remember the to/from the horses taking about 20 minutes, maybe a little longer if you had to wait for a cab/water taxi. The beach portion isn't long; the longest part is in the groves/plantation. The beach portion is at the end, maybe 30 minutes give or take. The ride was about two hours, another hour in transportation, and then the time spent at Victor's or the beach. She states you'll be back by 2:30, but you could probably be back by 1 p.m. if you really wanted/needed to.

Kris