Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[SueTGGR]

okay, bought tickets (I thought Wednesdays at midnight was the cheapest time to buy tickets....)...so, will be at park on Friday - Monday (12/10-13). I am sure Tabi would love to ride the roller coasters with whoever does (I don't, Noah can't).

Karen

Typically we kind of just go with what the crowds allow us to do. We will drive down Friday evening (12/10) and then get up early for Magic Mornings to wait for Candy Canes. I have no idea what time we will be done with it or if we will have time in between. We can maybe meet around lunch time or so? I think Jessica & Ryan are joining us as well. Any others braving the Holiday crowds?
BTW, Alec will NOT do scary rides, so we typically will do the usual Buzz Lightyear, Mickey's Fun Wheel (the non-moving one), Soarin', maybe Small World, go through Toon Town, Holiday Haunted Mansion... But we were talking about depositing him into Pinocchio's Workshop after dinner for a few hours so we can do Space Mtn, Tower of Terror and such. We hadn't come to a decision about WOC, though. And we wanted to see Electronica, if it works out for this trip.
Karen, I will PM you my cell# and we can keep in touch that way once that weekend comes. Sound like a general plan?
Sue

 

[Kidlette]

Cathy, Andrea, and Pam: Sorry about that. I have updated the lists accordingly. My studies have gotten away with me and I haven't been keeping up the info as I should. It should all be good now (I will enter the totals back in tonight). I also removed one column from the "semi-printable" list so that it prints easier. Everyone on that page should be "FE - YES."

If everyone would please check that your info is correct and that you are appropriately on this page as yes - participating in FE's, that would help me a lot! https://sites.google.com/site/wonderjan23/home/characters_of_wonder_printable Thanks a bundle! Also, I will post tonight about the bracelet situation and actual costs!

Sue: Ryan and I are absolutely joining you on the 11th! Send me an email, text, or call me and we'll figure out when we want to get together. Does anyone want to do a big group lunch or something - or just "wing it?"

Karen: I am SO glad you're coming for the 11th, we can't wait to meet you!

By the way - I know I'm a little late, but HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!

 

[SueTGGR]

Our clan is good on the FE list!

 

[jkrislc]

Only one more holiday left before the cruise is here.

We hung the DCL ornament for the first time today that we bought on the Magic last January. Hope they have them when we're on the Wonder (and on sale, too!) I just regret, now, not having the captain sign it. DW doesn't understand my regret, but I think it would be cool to have his signature now.

Oh, well. Still a great reminder of a great cruise.

Kris



DCL_Ornament by jkrislc, on Flickr

 

[so_oregon]

Cathy, Andrea, and Pam: Sorry about that. I have updated the lists accordingly. My studies have gotten away with me and I haven't been keeping up the info as I should. It should all be good now (I will enter the totals back in tonight). I also removed one column from the "semi-printable" list so that it prints easier. Everyone on that page should be "FE - YES."

If everyone would please check that your info is correct and that you are appropriately on this page as yes - participating in FE's, that would help me a lot! https://sites.google.com/site/wonderjan23/home/characters_of_wonder_printable Thanks a bundle! Also, I will post tonight about the bracelet situation and actual costs!

my group's info is right!

 

[denversees4me]

Hi all
We are TRYING to keep up LOL but havent been too good at it ! We are soooooooo excited to cruise !!! Only 1 more holiday then WOO HOO We can start the cruise count down reminds me of that song " The final countdown "
I am a dork and missed the post about the braclets - did we ever figure out what was decided there or who I need to pay ? Also Jessica our info along with Rick and Ambers is all correct Amber and I are going to start working on our gifts this coming week when I am up in LA
Well we would love to see everyone on the 11th bummer is we wont be able to join you - We have a speaking engagement at the guide dog school that day - Anyone going on the 12th ? the 13th is also OUT for us BOO !!! Anyone else going before the cruise ? We want to say hi to as many as we can before we sail !!!! OH MY GOSH ITS SO CLOSE !!!!! cruise fever FOR SURE !
hugs to all

 

[jkrislc]

I am a dork and missed the post about the braclets - did we ever figure out what was decided there or who I need to pay ?

I'm guessing you're down by me from your post since you're referring to LA as up. I work in South Orange and live in Northern San Diego counties.

As for the bracelets, Jessica should be posting something soon. She said she was planning on doing so a day or two ago, but I'm sure she's caught up with school; further, they only take a couple of days to receive once ordered, so there's no time pressure as to when to order.

Kris

 

[googles111]

Did anybody book the Canopy Adventure? I was just wondering if it would be better to book it from the actual website and not the Disney Cruise site. I wanted to go in the park with my son, but my Mike and my other son Jaren wanted to do the zipline. Looks like if you book on the cruise site we would have to pay for the whole thing even though we aren't doing the zipline.

Also, somebody said something about one of the "beach" tours. Not sure what it's called. The one where you are by the water and pool and have drinks. Anybody been on that one? Still trying to decide what else to do.
Tonya

 

[SueTGGR]

Did anybody book the Canopy Adventure? I was just wondering if it would be better to book it from the actual website and not the Disney Cruise site. I wanted to go in the park with my son, but my Mike and my other son Jaren wanted to do the zipline. Looks like if you book on the cruise site we would have to pay for the whole thing even though we aren't doing the zipline.

Also, somebody said something about one of the "beach" tours. Not sure what it's called. The one where you are by the water and pool and have drinks. Anybody been on that one? Still trying to decide what else to do.
Tonya

We were thinking about the Zip line but I think we will have to skip it this time. The Los Veranos tour is the one we had been talking about trying out on this thread. I am afraid Alec will want to go until he sees what it is really all about and then chicken out. We have tentatively booked through DCL the "Cabo Resort Beach Getaway" & I'm not sure it is worth it but we thought we had better take a safe route as neither one of us is Mexico savy! The only other thing outside of Randi's in Mazatlan is the Whale Photo Safari in PV & that is through DCL, too.
Off to bed for one less night away from our cruise!
Later,
Sue

 

[airtime247]

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone. We just got back in town late Sunday night and are still trying to get caught up!

Jessica - Our FE info is correct. Thanks again for all you do!

Tonya - We are still thinking about the canopy tour in PV. If we do it, we would be booking directly through Los Veranos for the reason you mentioned. Emma would be going to the park but not riding so we wouldn't want to pay full price to have her go. I also don't think Disney would even let us book it for her since she's not old enough. I contacted LV directly and they said it's not a problem to have her go and pay a reduced price to get in and do everything else. We are still not fully committed yet though.

I like the idea of whale watching in Cabo but I haven't done enough research yet. I would like to do a beach or resort day somewhere but have a hard time paying what DCL is asking. I've read about a few on Cruise Critic and we can do them on our own for a fraction of the price. So we may end up doing our own beach getaway day. I think we'll call it Castaway Que?

-steve

 

[SueTGGR]

I like the idea of whale watching in Cabo but I haven't done enough research yet. I would like to do a beach or resort day somewhere but have a hard time paying what DCL is asking. I've read about a few on Cruise Critic and we can do them on our own for a fraction of the price. So we may end up doing our own beach getaway day. I think we'll call it Castaway Que?

-steve

I have been looking at Ecotours de Mexico as an alternate but with DCL messing with departure times, I was unsure. But I guess they haven't changed PV, yet. And if you do the zip line, you will want to go during another stop, too.
Here is their basic info:
Itinerary (2 Outings Daily)

Morning Departure

• 8:00 am - Marina Vallarta Proa Loc. 20 Marina del Rey

• 12:00 pm - Return to Marina Vallarta

Afternoon Departure (Great for cruise ship passengers)

• 1:00 pm - Marina Vallarta Proa Loc. 20 Marina del Rey

• 5:00 pm - Return to Marina Vallarta

PRICE PER PERSON

Adults $80 USD Kids $65 USD (4 to 11 years old)

If you do decide to do something on your own with the beach in Cabo let me know, please. I was thinking the same thing but I'm sure you know more than I as to where to go. I will have to check out cruise critic for that info too. I know we want to find Cabo Wabo but that will be later in the day. Maybe for lunch before getting back on the ship?

 

[jkrislc]

For what it is worth, the water is going to be coldest in Cabo than in either Mazatlan or PV. Further, with the limited time in port and the need to tender, this makes Cabo the least desirable for a beach day, especially if you want to add other activities (e.g., a visit to Cabo Wabo). In Cabo, your best choices are to do the harbor area, where Cabo Wabo is, shopping, and a water taxi to the Arch, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, the seals, etc. The water taxi can be arranged at the harbor directly, just make sure that they have life vests onboard, and I'd personally recommend wearing one to be on the safe side.

From my last MR cruise, I thought that Mazatlan offered the best beach day, especially if you go over to Stone Island. PV was second, especially if you go to one of the resort hotels as many will let you use their facilities for free as long as you consume food/drink there. All-inclusive day passes are another option in PV, but can be pricey and usually aren't worth it unless you're a bigger eater and drinker.

The only thing we have formally planned is horseback riding in Mazatlan. I had considered the family cooking class in PV or a day pass at one of the resorts, but we probably will just explore and then head back to the ship for a quite day onboard so that DS can enjoy the slide without a long line. In Cabo, we're celebrating DS's birthday and will be shopping; we don't have much planned in Cabo as we were just there in August.

Kris

 

[jkrislc]

For those who are interested, I did a search of ships that will be in port with us.

Sunday, 1/23 (Los Angeles): Mariner of the Seas (RCI)

Wednesday, 1/26 (Puerto Vallarta): Radiance of the Seas (RCI)

Thursday, 1/27 (Mazatlan): Carnival Splendor

Friday, 1/28 (Cabo San Lucas): Carnival Splendor

Sunday, 1/30 (Los Angeles): Mariner of the Seas (RCI) & Queen Victoria

Kris

 

[denversees4me]

we booked the outdoor adventure in PV i believe it is .... zipline repeling mule ride 4x4 ride and speedboat ride FUN ....disney is priced a bit higher but I would rather have disney be responsible for me getting to and from the ship on time than ME just my style sometimes
Hope all is well WERE GETTING CLOSER

 

[googles111]

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone. We just got back in town late Sunday night and are still trying to get caught up!

Jessica - Our FE info is correct. Thanks again for all you do!

Tonya - We are still thinking about the canopy tour in PV. If we do it, we would be booking directly through Los Veranos for the reason you mentioned. Emma would be going to the park but not riding so we wouldn't want to pay full price to have her go. I also don't think Disney would even let us book it for her since she's not old enough. I contacted LV directly and they said it's not a problem to have her go and pay a reduced price to get in and do everything else. We are still not fully committed yet though.

I like the idea of whale watching in Cabo but I haven't done enough research yet. I would like to do a beach or resort day somewhere but have a hard time paying what DCL is asking. I've read about a few on Cruise Critic and we can do them on our own for a fraction of the price. So we may end up doing our own beach getaway day. I think we'll call it Castaway Que?

-steve

I don't know why, but I am always afraid that we will be late if we don't book with the cruise. I guess I can book an early time just to make sure. I think Disney needs to give the option of riding the bus too and not doing the zipline. Looks like we will have to book through the actual website and have them pick us up so all of us can go. If we don't 2 will be on the cruise bus and 2 will be picked up by somebody that works for the place I guess.

Hmmmm... I don't know if I want to do anything with a boat too. I am afraid I will get sick if we do the whale watching. Sounds neat though!

Oh and Jessica, our FE info. is correct too. Forgot to tell you that. Thanks!!

 

[disneydad123]

Hi Everyone!

I am wondering if anyone has received their GTY room assignments yet? I am checking everyday, are you?

Now that is finally December, time seems to be really flying.

Emily

 

[CruzDirectorKaren]

Just stopping in to say Hello!

 

[airtime247]

Sue - I'll definitely let you know what we decide. I really need to set aside more time to do my homework on the ports.

Kris - That's a good point about Cabo. The limited time will make it harder to do much. Have you been to Stone Island? I'm curious to hear your thoughts. The reviews I read were so mixed.

Tonya - I've always been very cautious about getting back to the ship on time. When I emailed Los Veranos, they said they have several different shuttle times back and forth so that made us feel more at ease. Sometimes the extra money is worth the piece of mind though. I've done excursions both through the cruise lines and on my own and had great times both ways. I've never had any problems getting back on time but I usually plan to get back to the ship by 3 or 4 to make sure we're ready for dinner so I generally have a few hours before the ship leaves. Us leaving Cabo so early will make an independent excursion a little scary.

-steve

 

[jkrislc]

Sue - Kris - That's a good point about Cabo. The limited time will make it harder to do much. Have you been to Stone Island? I'm curious to hear your thoughts. The reviews I read were so mixed.

-steve

Cabo is the one port that is easiest to do on your own as everything is right there in the Marina area. The shops, restaurants, Cabo Wabo, etc. are all within walking distance. In Mazatlan and PV, you need to take a taxi into town, unless you're content with the mall and Walmart/Sam's Club near the port in PV or the "terminal shops" in Mazatlan.

As for Stone Island, when we last did an MV cruise in 2001/2002, it was the one place I wish we had made our "beach day" after riding the horses. It just seemed better than PV. Restaurants were more affordable, banana boat rides were more affordable, the beach was less crowded, the bars/restaurants were more accessible, etc. On that cruise, a lot of the crew members went there for their time off. It also is one of the closer beaches from the ship as I believe the taxi into Mazatlan is a bit of a drive.

As for excursions in general, I've done many through the ships I've been on, and some simply on my own. When port time was short, I always opted for the cruise ship's option. However, there is actually no guarantee that the ship will wait for you even if you are on one of their tours. It is more likely, but not guaranteed. In Cabo, if you get to the port on one of the early tenders, you'd have plenty of time to take a water taxi or glass bottom boat tour as they're only 45 minutes, which would leave enough time for shopping and/or exploration.

Kris

 

[denversees4me]

SHHHHhhhhhhhh can you hear it ? Its our cruise LOL its getting closer !!! WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO Less than 8 weeks away folks !
Ohhhh now Im interested in the stone beach thingey in cabo - DUDE WAL MART So cool !!!! I had no idea LOL
Amber and Rick got their gty on deck 2 I can get the number and give it to you Jessica when I get the chance in the next couple of days .... Time please fly !!! WE WANT TO CRUISE NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW !