Feb 20, 2011 - Presidents' Week - Mexican Riviera

[betsy2010]

Hi Tad,
we are in rooms right across the hall from you (1037 & 1039) I have a DS 5.5 (Peter) who would LOVE to meet Aria knock anytime. We are also traveling with grandma (in 1039) and my DH & DS 9 (Greg). We didn't get on the list in time for the FE (we were to begin with but then were out of town when it was finalized, etc) so aren't doing it this year but are decorating the door with magnets, etc and will be at the 3pm meet on the first day. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

thanks,
betsy

 

[EricaG]

Hi Tad - when I saw your note (and your post count) I figured you were pretty new. A few people contacted me and wanted to know if you were joining us. I'm glad you posted so I know for sure. I know some people are bringing extras and were planning to have something for your daughter. I'll add you to the list. You probably won't get something from everyone but I'm sure your daughter will be happy with her surprises. I am going to PM you my email address. If you can email me I will send you the full FE list in Excel and PDF format. If you don't have a fancy fish extender you can use something like a small draw string laundry bag or anything with a pouch. Attach it to the metal "fish" next to your cabin door.

I hope you will join us at 3 pm the day we board. Looking forward to meeting you and your daughter.

Elaine

Thanks for all of your organization!

We have really hit the preparation this weekend as well. I have all of my kid FE gifts bought and still need to get them labeled. Still haven't done the grownups' gifts yet! Do folks just put the stateroom number and kid's age on each of them and then just hope they get in the correct FE pocket?

Started to make a packing list, too . . . It's getting really close now!

 

[DVC_Chris]

I started a little bit of packing today, and took my cruise kit out of the closet. These days it is just an extension cord and a tide stain erase pen. I used to bring an alarm clock (because Disney's propeller clock is hard to see at night), but now there is an app for that on my iPad. I also printed out a bunch of magnets for our doors, not telling the in laws about them though, I want to surprise them.

I have also been plotting my plan of attack for Disneyland, since I do not get there often, I think I am driving my DW nuts with the planning but

 

[preedymtnwest]

We'll try to be at the meet at 3:00, but my sister and I just completed our online check in and it gave us 3:00-3:30 as the only time available to arrive at the port!!!

So we'll see how that goes. Our plane arrives at Orange County at 11:08 am (from Seattle, non-stop, shouldn't be any problems), and it told us our flight time was too late to make the boat! HUH? We had figured we should be there by about 12:30, 1:00 at the latest. So not sure if that whole new "what time are you arriving" thing is based mostly for FL/PC cruisers and they're assuming a longer drive time from the airport.

Like I said before, though, if the weather starts "going south" next week, we may all pile into DSis's Sequoia and start the trek to LA!

Getting excited and starting to pack... see you real soon!

 

[gichicdoc]

Also, keep watching the weather, especially if you are going to spend days before or after in LA. It is now in the low 70s/high 60s and should drop to the mid 60s with rain predicted for next weekend. I realize this will be a nice break from those of you in the snow but it isn't exactly swimsuit and beach weather in LA.

High 60s/ Low 70s is swimsuit weather even in July in Michigan!

 

[XMom]

We'll try to be at the meet at 3:00, but my sister and I just completed our online check in and it gave us 3:00-3:30 as the only time available to arrive at the port!!!

So we'll see how that goes. Our plane arrives at Orange County at 11:08 am (from Seattle, non-stop, shouldn't be any problems), and it told us our flight time was too late to make the boat! HUH? We had figured we should be there by about 12:30, 1:00 at the latest. So not sure if that whole new "what time are you arriving" thing is based mostly for FL/PC cruisers and they're assuming a longer drive time from the airport.

Like I said before, though, if the weather starts "going south" next week, we may all pile into DSis's Sequoia and start the trek to LA!

Getting excited and starting to pack... see you real soon!

From what I have been reading on other threads, it doesn't matter what time you get to the port. Even though your time was 3:30, if you showed up at 11:00, they wouldn't refuse you. It seems to be an organization thing for FL cruises with the larger ship now. If you look at the main forum there are a couple of threads about the new port time thing and many people have called and spoke to DCL. I had already checked in and printed out my docs before the change took place, so I just get to play dumb and show up with my old documents. There is no time on them, so we will be getting there early...maybe 10ish depending on traffic. We live about 90 minutes from the port on an average day. Since it's a Sunday, hopefully we will make it there in an hour. I can't wait.....only 5 more shifts until vacation!!!! It is the only thing getting me through it right now.

 

[Dishy24]

Elaine,
This is our first Disney cruise and Only cam upon the fish extenders program recently. I would absolutely love to participate, I do know it's late, but I know Aria (my daughter) would love it.
We are in cabin 1040

I am planning on bringing several "extras" so if you make it on the spreadsheet, you will get a FE gift from us!

I had already checked in and printed out my docs before the change took place, so I just get to play dumb and show up with my old documents. .

That was my plan, too... I had already printed up my docs as well, but I went back & did the "new check-in docs" a few nights ago. I was given 11:00- 11:30 which seems about perfect as I have a car service picking us up at The Grand Californian at 10:00am. IF my time was way late, I was going to bring my old docs & play dumb, too!

 

[talie]

I started a little bit of packing today, and took my cruise kit out of the closet. These days it is just an extension cord and a tide stain erase pen. I used to bring an alarm clock (because Disney's propeller clock is hard to see at night), but now there is an app for that on my iPad. I also printed out a bunch of magnets for our doors, not telling the in laws about them though, I want to surprise them.

I have also been plotting my plan of attack for Disneyland, since I do not get there often, I think I am driving my DW nuts with the planning but

The DIS Disneyland forum has some great park plans outlined in the Fastpass thread. Follow them and you'll be golden.

 

[LKFan]

High 60s/ Low 70s is swimsuit weather even in July in Michigan!

I know it sounds nice compared to the weather you've had but reports from those who arrived back today are that the last day at sea and the arrival in LA were pretty chilly. Those who wrote reviews recommended bringing jeans and a sweatshirt.

Mexico will be warmer but, if you are going to spend some time in LA, make sure you check the weather reports first. This is the time of year when we can go from 80 degrees one week to 65 degrees the next and then back to 80 degrees again.

Today my son had baseball practice at a field near the beach. It was sunny but, the coastal breeze made it quite cold in the shade. The players wore short sleeved shirts but, those of us watching, had sweatshirts on. In the evenings, it is dropping into the mid 40s so you, if you are out and about, you would want to put a jacket on.

 

[preedymtnwest]

From what I have been reading on other threads, it doesn't matter what time you get to the port. Even though your time was 3:30, if you showed up at 11:00, they wouldn't refuse you. It seems to be an organization thing for FL cruises with the larger ship now. If you look at the main forum there are a couple of threads about the new port time thing and many people have called and spoke to DCL. I had already checked in and printed out my docs before the change took place, so I just get to play dumb and show up with my old documents. There is no time on them, so we will be getting there early...maybe 10ish depending on traffic. We live about 90 minutes from the port on an average day. Since it's a Sunday, hopefully we will make it there in an hour. I can't wait.....only 5 more shifts until vacation!!!! It is the only thing getting me through it right now.

Thanks, XMom - I'm hoping you're right! We'll get there when Super Shuttle gets us there, and we'll storm the place (there will be 8 of us).

Since others said they got earlier times, not that long ago, I'm wondering if the website doesn't distinguish between west coast and east coast, because it told me when we put in our airplane arrival time that we were arriving later than their suggested guideline and might not make it in time! I know there's some risk arriving the same day, but geez, we're only 900 miles away and it's not like we have to go over the Rockies or anything - that's one of the things we were looking forward to on the MR - a short, uneventful plane trip!

I have 10 more days of work, but who's counting?

 

[Jennifer_W]

Does anyone know what the Disney transfers cost per person? And do they charge for a 3 year old? I was thinking of adding them one way, since now I am freaked out about our return flight being at 12:10pm out of LAX. I thought it might be worth the extra $$$ to not have to worry about luggage. But then again, is a Disney bus going to be slower than a private van from Primetime Shuttle?

Just ordered our park hopper tickets last night! Excited!!! Now to check out the touring plans, as we will have one and only one day in the parks!

 

[Jennifer_W]

What's your "might not be obvious but must have thing to bring" on a cruise?

Ready, set, GO:

a different colored highlighter for each person to use on the daily Navigator (so you have SOME idea where your teenagers might be)

 

[Mich123]

I know it sounds nice compared to the weather you've had but reports from those who arrived back today are that the last day at sea and the arrival in LA were pretty chilly. Those who wrote reviews recommended bringing jeans and a sweatshirt.

Mexico will be warmer but, if you are going to spend some time in LA, make sure you check the weather reports first. This is the time of year when we can go from 80 degrees one week to 65 degrees the next and then back to 80 degrees again.

My parents did a Mexican Riviera cruise with Holland America last week and said it was chilly in Cabo, mid sixties. I'm really hoping that three weeks will make a significant difference. My mom recommended bringing a light jacket and long pants. She said it was great because the sun was shining, but that it was windy.

 

[Mich123]

Does anyone know what the Disney transfers cost per person? And do they charge for a 3 year old? I was thinking of adding them one way, since now I am freaked out about our return flight being at 12:10pm out of LAX. I thought it might be worth the extra $$$ to not have to worry about luggage. But then again, is a Disney bus going to be slower than a private van from Primetime Shuttle?

My travel agent quoted $25 per person for Disney transfers, but I don't know about the charges for a 3 year old. I think we're going with SuperShuttle which is about $59 for a family of four with a Visa discount (see retailmenot.com for the code).

 

[Bruins]

What's your "might not be obvious but must have thing to bring" on a cruise?

Ready, set, GO:

a different colored highlighter for each person to use on the daily Navigator (so you have SOME idea where your teenagers might be)

Being completely practical- an extra pair of glasses.
We are also trying a mini pop up hamper to see if it would work better than tossing all our dirty laundry in a corner of the room.

 

[DVC_Chris]

Does anyone know what the Disney transfers cost per person? And do they charge for a 3 year old? I was thinking of adding them one way, since now I am freaked out about our return flight being at 12:10pm out of LAX. I thought it might be worth the extra $$$ to not have to worry about luggage. But then again, is a Disney bus going to be slower than a private van from Primetime Shuttle?

Just ordered our park hopper tickets last night! Excited!!! Now to check out the touring plans, as we will have one and only one day in the parks!

Disney may not be able to accommodate you since they recommend a 12:30 or later flight time. A private van is better, at least IMHO, because you can arrange for them to be there a certain time, and do not have to wait for it to be filled up with other passengers.

 

[ll_california]

We'll try to be at the meet at 3:00, but my sister and I just completed our online check in and it gave us 3:00-3:30 as the only time available to arrive at the port!!!

So we'll see how that goes. Our plane arrives at Orange County at 11:08 am (from Seattle, non-stop, shouldn't be any problems), and it told us our flight time was too late to make the boat! HUH? We had figured we should be there by about 12:30, 1:00 at the latest. So not sure if that whole new "what time are you arriving" thing is based mostly for FL/PC cruisers and they're assuming a longer drive time from the airport.

Like I said before, though, if the weather starts "going south" next week, we may all pile into DSis's Sequoia and start the trek to LA!

Getting excited and starting to pack... see you real soon!

Hi, preedymtnwest,

I think the online checkin may automatically block the earlier check-in time based on your flight information. The same thing also happened to me initially; then I was able to choose one of the early check-in time, a day after removing the pre-cruise flight info.

 

[AuntAmy]

What's your "might not be obvious but must have thing to bring" on a cruise?

Ready, set, GO:

a different colored highlighter for each person to use on the daily Navigator (so you have SOME idea where your teenagers might be)

There was a cool thread about this on the main page. Some of the things I liked, and other stuff I always have.

• Outlet strip to plug everything in
• ziploc baggies (for shells, snacks, anything)
• nightlight for the bathroom
• alarm clock
• waterproof watch (since we all rely on our phones and won't have them if we don't get service)
• over the door shoe pocket organizer to keep track of little stuff and not clutter the desk
• Popup hamper
• Ziptie for FE and scissors to cut it down
• cups, since the ones at the beverage bar are small
• bug spray, not sure about in Feb. but mexico has lots of mosquitos.
• journal for kids to record everything they did and saw, or to draw pictures. These make great souvenirs in themselves.

And I always bring a collapsible duffle bag (bought mine at wal-mart for $10). It fits in the front pocket of my suitcase and I always have it in case my souvenirs don't fit in my suitcase on the way back. It has saved me on many occasions.

 

[minie_meese]

There was a cool thread about this on the main page. Some of the things I liked, and other stuff I always have.

• Outlet strip to plug everything in
• ziploc baggies (for shells, snacks, anything)
• nightlight for the bathroom
• alarm clock
• waterproof watch (since we all rely on our phones and won't have them if we don't get service)
• over the door shoe pocket organizer to keep track of little stuff and not clutter the desk
• Popup hamper
• Ziptie for FE and scissors to cut it down
• cups, since the ones at the beverage bar are small
• bug spray, not sure about in Feb. but mexico has lots of mosquitos.
• journal for kids to record everything they did and saw, or to draw pictures. These make great souvenirs in themselves.

And I always bring a collapsible duffle bag (bought mine at wal-mart for $10). It fits in the front pocket of my suitcase and I always have it in case my souvenirs don't fit in my suitcase on the way back. It has saved me on many occasions.

I usually bring plastic bags for dirty clothes but I love the idea of the pop up hamper. I'm sure I'll still have a problem with people putting dirty clothes on the floor but I am going to give it a try.

As for phones - you definitely want to leave your phone off or you could be shocked by charges you were not expecting - make sure your teenagers know this too - even if you don't use your phone - some applications on smart phones automatically push data to your phone and you may not realize it. You can turn off pushed data and fool around with other setting but I put my phone (iPhone) in airplane mode. I keep it in that setting and use the alarm and some of the local features. You can also turn on just the Wifi if you want to pay for wifi and use that without using the cell network.

This is from the AT&T website (other carriers have similar charges unless you have special international plans) International roaming and data usage is not covered under your existing data plan. International data roaming can get expensive quickly.
opening an email with a 5 megapixel picture in it, or downloading a 3-minute video on YouTube, each takes about 2 MB of data. The cost would be almost $40, based on pay-per-use international data rates of $0.0195/KB.

 

[DVC_Chris]

Especially with iPhones, make sure Airplane Mode is turned on.