Feb 5th - 12th 2012 Mexican Riviera on the Disney Wonder

[msttfn]

Is anyone going to visit the Disneyland Resort before and/or after their cruise? If so, when and for how long? Any other area parks (Universal/Knotts/Sea World)

No, figured the excitement of the cruise was enough, and I need to keep some of my vacation time for other commitments this year. I am SO ready for this vacation!

 

[shanie17]

Yes!! After the cruise, we are taking a shuttle to DLR for our first visit ever!

We are staying at GCV (or is that VGC? I'm such a DLR noob!) until our afternoon flight on Wednesday, and we have 4 days worth of passes. I'm really excited about finally visiting DLR! Hopefully I can collect some pointers from some of you DLR experts while we're on the cruise!

Hey Brent!
I wanted to tell you that you should get all fast passes and that there is a place (although very recently renovated so it may have changed) at the end of main street (ill look up the name) where your kids can make choc chip cookies(for free).Lots of people dont know about this.They give them chefs hast etc...FUN!

Also,they re did Star Tours and everytime you ride it can be a different ride!!Its AMAZING!!

 

[hawky7]

@hawky7 you know jake ryan designs and handmakes furniture in pennsylvania now

Ohhhhh, I'll need to go see him.

Hawky7 - .... I'm sure she has shopped at Ann Taylor Loft. Haven't spoken with her is a few days. Played telephone tag. I'll text her and let you know. My friend, Leslie, knows your friends at the store in Spokane. Start humming..... it's a small world after all....! I haven't been to Ann Taylor in Bend and we don't look alike, so that's kind of funny. Bend is pretty small. I bet you know her somehow. Delusso Coffee, Bebop Biscotti? Her name is Lisa, as well.

Bebop Biscotti sounds familiar. Hmmm, it's really gonna drive me crazy.

Yes!! After the cruise, we are taking a shuttle to DLR for our first visit ever!

We are staying at GCV (or is that VGC? I'm such a DLR noob!) until our afternoon flight on Wednesday, and we have 4 days worth of passes. I'm really excited about finally visiting DLR! Hopefully I can collect some pointers from some of you DLR experts while we're on the cruise!

Ohhh yes, we can have a DL q&a party, which is basically one of my most favorite things to do ever!!! I almost always get invited to go with family or friends to be their official tour guide, and I haven't had an upset client yet. I'd be more than happy to help answer any questions you have!

We arrive on Thursday, February 2 ~ staying at Park Vue Inn in Anaheim (first time staying there) but we're not renting a car this time. We have one day hopper passes for DLR so planning to be there on Friday. Booked dinner @ Ariel's Grotto to get preferred viewing for World of Color that night. (Anyone done this before? Are the preferred passes worth it?) We have friends from earlier cruises in the area so will be spending Saturday catching up before taking a car/shuttle to the port on Sunday morning.

Arlene

Yes we have done that for the preferred viewing. I think it was totally worth it, you don't have to fight the crowds of lines, we literally walked right up after dinner handed them our pass and went in and stood where we wanted and got great spots, I think it is def worth it!

OK folks! I FINALLY got a response from DCL about the sailing away party!! Here's what I wrote:

I just wanted to ask what is the protocol for the Sail Away Party, when
it is Super Bowl Sunday? I will be traveling on February 5th on the 7
night, Mexican Riviera cruise, on the Wonder. I have heard various
rumors, board postings and recounts of other travelers that on Super
Bowl Sunday, the Sail Away party is cancelled, due to the game. I have
heard the Sail Away party, as well as the safety drill is postponed
until the following morning.
Here are my concerns:

1. I understand the ship will be in international waters and there
might be challenges receiving a signal. Considering the game starts at
3:00 PST and the ship doesn't depart until 5:00, losing the signal to
international waters will likely not happen until after the game is
over.

2. I understand the Super Bowl will be played in all sports bars, like
Diversions, as it should be. My concern is, will the game be played on
the large screen on the deck where the Sail Away party usually takes
place? If so, will the game be turned off to accommodate the Sail Away
party?

3. I understand that the Personal Navigator and all Cast Members will
provide me with any and all information regarding this issue, but
considering DCL has departed on Super Bowl Sunday MANY times before, I'm
assuming there is a protocol and plan on what the schedule is, I would
just like a heads up, so not to get my kids excited about the Sail Away
party if it's not going to happen.

Thanks so much for your help and information. We're SO looking forward
to this sailing and hope we have the Sail Away party to look forward
to!! It was one of the highlights of our last cruise with Disney!

I went off of the other replies y'all got, didn't give them much room for a canned answer. Here's their reply:

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to assist you.

In order to provide an accurate response to your email message regarding
Super Bowl Sunday on the ship, we need to conduct additional research.


We appreciate your patience while we process your request and look
forward to contacting you shortly.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

Wilma

Poor Wilma! Didn't know what she was getting into when she opened MY e-mail!! Looking forward to getting an answer!! I'll keep you posted!!

LOL!!! I LOVE your email to them!!!!

Hey Brent!
I wanted to tell you that you should get all fast passes and that there is a place (although very recently renovated so it may have changed) at the end of main street (ill look up the name) where your kids can make choc chip cookies(for free).Lots of people dont know about this.They give them chefs hast etc...FUN!

Also,they re did Star Tours and everytime you ride it can be a different ride!!Its AMAZING!!

YES!!! Start Tours is soooo awesome now!!!! Alot of people don't realize it's different every time, so make sure you go on it more than once! (if time permits, since it's the longest wait in in the park.) Speaking of that, when we were at WDW in September, it was 5 mins to get on Star Tours, I went up and asked the cast member, ummmm is the ride broken? No, you can go ahead. Oh I see, you guys didn't re-do it like DL? Yes, it's new, have you been on it? Yes, yes, yes, it's great, But I'm really confused why the wait is only 5 minutes, at DL it's never, EVER shorter than at LEAST 60 minutes. They just stared at me, like crazy lady...go on the ride.

 

[hawky7]

Guess who is off today!!!

 

[brentm3]

Hey Brent!
I wanted to tell you that you should get all fast passes and that there is a place (although very recently renovated so it may have changed) at the end of main street (ill look up the name) where your kids can make choc chip cookies(for free).Lots of people dont know about this.They give them chefs hast etc...FUN!

Thank you! I have read that Roger Rabbit isn't part of the FP network so I can run two FPs concurrently. I want to find out from everyone if it is realistic to fire up a FP in DL (or 2, including RR), then cross to DCA and start another, rinse, repeat. Then again, with 2.5 weekdays in early Feb, maybe there is enough time to do the whole thing at a relaxed pace?

I had no idea about the chocolate chip cookie thing at DL! That's awesome! Nestle used to sponsor that in The Land at Epcot, but it was removed a few years ago. The kids would get a kick out of doing that again.

I have heard something about a picnic for WOC - don't know if any special WOC prep is necessary in early Feb, and if so, is the picnic a good (read "cheap") way to do it?

I'm really excited about the DLR portion of this vaca!

 

[PrincessSophiesMom]

OK folks! I FINALLY got a response from DCL about the sailing away party!! Here's what I wrote:

I just wanted to ask what is the protocol for the Sail Away Party, when
it is Super Bowl Sunday? I will be traveling on February 5th on the 7
night, Mexican Riviera cruise, on the Wonder. I have heard various
rumors, board postings and recounts of other travelers that on Super
Bowl Sunday, the Sail Away party is cancelled, due to the game. I have
heard the Sail Away party, as well as the safety drill is postponed
until the following morning.
Here are my concerns:

1. I understand the ship will be in international waters and there
might be challenges receiving a signal. Considering the game starts at
3:00 PST and the ship doesn't depart until 5:00, losing the signal to
international waters will likely not happen until after the game is
over.

2. I understand the Super Bowl will be played in all sports bars, like
Diversions, as it should be. My concern is, will the game be played on
the large screen on the deck where the Sail Away party usually takes
place? If so, will the game be turned off to accommodate the Sail Away
party?

3. I understand that the Personal Navigator and all Cast Members will
provide me with any and all information regarding this issue, but
considering DCL has departed on Super Bowl Sunday MANY times before, I'm
assuming there is a protocol and plan on what the schedule is, I would
just like a heads up, so not to get my kids excited about the Sail Away
party if it's not going to happen.

Thanks so much for your help and information. We're SO looking forward
to this sailing and hope we have the Sail Away party to look forward
to!! It was one of the highlights of our last cruise with Disney!

I went off of the other replies y'all got, didn't give them much room for a canned answer. Here's their reply:

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to assist you.

In order to provide an accurate response to your email message regarding
Super Bowl Sunday on the ship, we need to conduct additional research.


We appreciate your patience while we process your request and look
forward to contacting you shortly.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

Wilma

Poor Wilma! Didn't know what she was getting into when she opened MY e-mail!! Looking forward to getting an answer!! I'll keep you posted!!

Krilper, you are AWESOME! I replied to the canned response and told them it was not sufficient. Wilma responded to me too! Looks like there's hope! I'm so glad they're actually going to look into it. Crossing my fingers.

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to further assist you.

In order to provide an accurate response to your email message regarding
Super Bowl Sunday on the ship, we need to conduct additional research.


We appreciate your patience while we process your request and look
forward to contacting you shortly.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

Wilma
Email Guest Services

 

[hawky7]

Thank you! I have read that Roger Rabbit isn't part of the FP network so I can run two FPs concurrently. I want to find out from everyone if it is realistic to fire up a FP in DL (or 2, including RR), then cross to DCA and start another, rinse, repeat. Then again, with 2.5 weekdays in early Feb, maybe there is enough time to do the whole thing at a relaxed pace?

I had no idea about the chocolate chip cookie thing at DL! That's awesome! Nestle used to sponsor that in The Land at Epcot, but it was removed a few years ago. The kids would get a kick out of doing that again.

I have heard something about a picnic for WOC - don't know if any special WOC prep is necessary in early Feb, and if so, is the picnic a good (read "cheap") way to do it?

I'm really excited about the DLR portion of this vaca!

I dont think you can get a fast pass at dl and dca at the same time either... unless something has changed. or maybe ive just never tried. anyways, im not sure id suggest trying to get both from both parks if you can. youll be exhausted, thats way too much running around if you ask me. plus on the weekdays you guys are there, its not going to be that busy at all. Even just running around from one side of the park to the other is alot, enjoy one park then the other. Thats my vote.

 

[shanie17]

I dont think you can get a fast pass at dl and dca at the same time either... unless something has changed. or maybe ive just never tried. anyways, im not sure id suggest trying to get both from both parks if you can. youll be exhausted, thats way too much running around if you ask me. plus on the weekdays you guys are there, its not going to be that busy at all. Even just running around from one side of the park to the other is alot, enjoy one park then the other. Thats my vote.

I agree with Rebekah! Its not going to be busy on a weekday at all.Maybe 15-20 min waits.We go all the time during the week and its nice!Only crowded on holidays.

 

[PrincessSophiesMom]

Thank you! I have read that Roger Rabbit isn't part of the FP network so I can run two FPs concurrently. I want to find out from everyone if it is realistic to fire up a FP in DL (or 2, including RR), then cross to DCA and start another, rinse, repeat. Then again, with 2.5 weekdays in early Feb, maybe there is enough time to do the whole thing at a relaxed pace?

I had no idea about the chocolate chip cookie thing at DL! That's awesome! Nestle used to sponsor that in The Land at Epcot, but it was removed a few years ago. The kids would get a kick out of doing that again.

I have heard something about a picnic for WOC - don't know if any special WOC prep is necessary in early Feb, and if so, is the picnic a good (read "cheap") way to do it?

I'm really excited about the DLR portion of this vaca!

I think it is at the Plaza Inn where it has always been, not the new Jolly Holiday Cafe (though it is adorable too). Ariel's Grotto ressies are totally worth it! We did it and arrived with less than the recommended time to spare, we were still standing with an unobstructed view. We were center on a tier up with a planter in front of us. There wasn't anyone for another 3 yards. The picnic seating is different and the line much longer, but better than nothing. If you want to get the fastpasses yourself, it is across from the Grand Californian, next to the rapids ride.

Apologies to the first time visitors, but California Adventure is a MESS right now. Don't hop too much. Getting in and out is a wee bit of a nightmare, you feel like salmon swimming upstream. Give yourself plenty of time if you're trying to catch a show. This is especially true for Aladdin. You can't enter the gates and go straight there. You're going to be forced over to Soaring over California and then you'll have to walk the length of the park in the opposite direction. As for Disneyland, several of the shops on the left side (Candy Palace, Nickel Arcade, Carnation Cafe, Blue Ribbon Bakery, Coke Corner, Gibson Girl) are all down for renovations, possibly till the summer. They're getting ride of Blue Ribbon and giving Carnation back their indoor seating. Gibson Girl is getting more seating too. Candy Palace will have additional space for viewing candy making.

Definitely check out Carnation Plaza Inn (especially during Friday/Saturday night swing dance parties). There are photos of Walt dancing there back in the day. Sadly, they intend on tearing up this charming part of the park to turn it into a Princess monstrosity that they'll regret in 10 years and tear out again (I would compare this mistake to the one of tearing out people mover and Mary Blair murals). They claim it is for progress right now, but take a look at the diagrams and you'd cringe. It is so sadly cheese-ey! And this is coming from a princess lover with a two year old daughter!

On happier notes, get yourself first time visitor buttons, makes your visit extra special. Or a button fairy just might try to snag them for you and deliver them in your fish extender. There's a secret spot to view Fantasmic from behind a large lighting structure that will move upwards immediately prior to the show (thus giving you quite the view). Personally, I would recommend you find a spot on the bridge. It is far away, but I find the slightly aerial view more enjoyable. Added plus, you don't get wet! Just get a spot near a railing and you're unobstructed. Watch out for trees though. Also, check the Calendar. Fantasmic is going down for maintenance but I can't remember when. If you want to go to Blue Bayou, make the reservation now or go at lunch on a weekday. Cafe Orleans is very good and cheaper. Napa Rose is the best, order a glass of Magicale. It is so good, it can sell out. Personally, I discourage people from eating in Tomorrowland (I find most of their food over priced and very theme park quality). There is legitimately good food in the park.

 

[brentm3]

This is great info...thank you one and all!

PSM - Is the bridge you reference over by PoTC?

I have about 2 hours on Disneyland Adventures Kinect trying to get the lay of the land, but the kids keep kicking me off!

I was sad to see the Matterhorn Bobsleds listed on the renovation schedule for Feb..boo.

I'm happy to hear that I won't have to be a complete FP maniac...does anyone have a feel for what the crowds will be like on V-Day? I know if I lived near a park, anything...ANYTHING...would be an excuse to go.. cat's birthday..anniversary of replacing tires..I would find reasons...

 

[TheLanes]

Crowd index for the week before and after. This is from touring plans, I paid and joined last year. Really cool, and pretty spot on. Higher the number, the more crowded. 12th, 13th and 14th will be great days to go! The 15th and 16th are the best days all year, without a doubt, there would be hardly any waits... Oh man, I may get a pass and come back!!!


Date Resort Disneyland DCA AP Blockouts Notes
Mon, January 30, 2012 4 out of 10 2.9 5.0
Tue, January 31, 2012 3 out of 10 1.7 4.0
Wed, February 1, 2012 3 out of 10 2.5 4.6
Thu, February 2, 2012 3 out of 10 2.5 4.0
Fri, February 3, 2012 8 out of 10 8.2 7.6
Sat, February 4, 2012 7 out of 10 6.7 7.3 SL SC

Sun, February 12, 2012 4 out of 10 3.4 4.2 SL
Mon, February 13, 2012 3 out of 10 3.2 1.1
Tue, February 14, 2012 3 out of 10 2.3 5.0 Valentine's Day
Wed, February 15, 2012 1 out of 10 1.1 1.8
Thu, February 16, 2012 1 out of 10 1.1 1.9
Fri, February 17, 2012 6 out of 10 6.4 4.7

 

[brentm3]

Mon, February 13, 2012 3 out of 10 3.2 1.1
Tue, February 14, 2012 3 out of 10 2.3 5.0 Valentine's Day
Wed, February 15, 2012 1 out of 10 1.1 1.8

Thank you! Now don't tell anybody! I want only people from the forum in the parks on those days!

 

[vljohnston]

I agree with Rebekah! Its not going to be busy on a weekday at all.Maybe 15-20 min waits.We go all the time during the week and its nice!Only crowded on holidays.

Ooooo, even for Star Tours on a weekday?

I asked my DS(7) which character he wanted to see most at Disneyland. He responded "Darth Vader or Storm Troopers". I had shown him the YouTube videos they had advertising Star Tours opening with Vader and Storm Troopers. He thinks that he might see them wandering around . He is soooo excited to hear they have a Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland and can't wait. He says he will be a "youngling" after attending the Academy. When we were there just over 2 years ago he had not been introduced to the world of Star Wars. He still likes Woody/Buzz and McQueen/Mater but is now an official Star Wars geek!

I even 'fessed up to him that last time when he and daddy were elsewhere I went and rode the old Star Tours a couple times.

Valerie

 

[TheLanes]

Ooooo, even for Star Tours on a weekday?

I asked my DS(7) which character he wanted to see most at Disneyland. He responded "Darth Vader or Storm Troopers". I had shown him the YouTube videos they had advertising Star Tours opening with Vader and Storm Troopers. He thinks that he might see them wandering around . He is soooo excited to hear they have a Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland and can't wait. He says he will be a "youngling" after attending the Academy. When we were there just over 2 years ago he had not been introduced to the world of Star Wars. He still likes Woody/Buzz and McQueen/Mater but is now an official Star Wars geek!

I even 'fessed up to him that last time when he and daddy were elsewhere I went and rode the old Star Tours a couple times.

Valerie

Star Tours will be more like a half hour, but that will be the most for all rides!


Star Tours is great! i took my oldest daughter (5 1/2), and she loved it!

The only place you will see Vadar and the Storm Troopers is during the Academy. I recommend making sure your son jumps up and acts crazy to guarantee getting picked to be in the show.

 

[kimlar3]

Hi All - I can't begin to tell you how excited we are for this trip! I have to admit though, I'm a bit nervous with it being our first cruise but more so, first cruise with young kids! I'm hoping some of you veteran Disney cruisers can ease my anxiety a bit with how wonderful (and safe) you found the kids clubs, general safety etc.

 

[Krilper]

Best movie ever!!! ohhh Jake Ryan, I know, you're not into him, seeings how you are a guy, but I know all the girls will agree, Jake Ryan is just dreamy.

Jake Ryan is my boyfriend, back off.

Guess who is off today!!!

And you're not excited about that or anything are you?

PS: Went into our pathetic, little Sephora yesterday, they don't carry the Dior lip stuff I was looking for

 

[Krilper]

Krilper, you are AWESOME! I replied to the canned response and told them it was not sufficient. Wilma responded to me too! Looks like there's hope! I'm so glad they're actually going to look into it. Crossing my fingers.

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to further assist you.

In order to provide an accurate response to your email message regarding
Super Bowl Sunday on the ship, we need to conduct additional research.


We appreciate your patience while we process your request and look
forward to contacting you shortly.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

Wilma
Email Guest Services

Wilma hates WonderMRFeb5-12 and the damned Super Bowl

 

[Krilper]

Hi All - I can't begin to tell you how excited we are for this trip! I have to admit though, I'm a bit nervous with it being our first cruise but more so, first cruise with young kids! I'm hoping some of you veteran Disney cruisers can ease my anxiety a bit with how wonderful (and safe) you found the kids clubs, general safety etc.

Hi!! And to our crazy part of the boards! LOVE that we have another DCL newbie! Don't worry, we'll teach you the ropes!
How old are your kids? Where are you coming from?
What kinds of questions can we answer?
We're a pretty shy, quiet group, so you might not get any responses

 

[PrincessSophiesMom]

Ooooo, even for Star Tours on a weekday?

I asked my DS(7) which character he wanted to see most at Disneyland. He responded "Darth Vader or Storm Troopers". I had shown him the YouTube videos they had advertising Star Tours opening with Vader and Storm Troopers. He thinks that he might see them wandering around . He is soooo excited to hear they have a Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland and can't wait. He says he will be a "youngling" after attending the Academy. When we were there just over 2 years ago he had not been introduced to the world of Star Wars. He still likes Woody/Buzz and McQueen/Mater but is now an official Star Wars geek!

I even 'fessed up to him that last time when he and daddy were elsewhere I went and rode the old Star Tours a couple times.

Valerie

Ever since they revamped Star Tours, the wait has been insane, even middle of the week during midday. The only time you'll find Star Tours (without a Fast Pass) with a 30 minute or under wait would be very near closing or right as it opens.

 

[PrincessSophiesMom]

Hi All - I can't begin to tell you how excited we are for this trip! I have to admit though, I'm a bit nervous with it being our first cruise but more so, first cruise with young kids! I'm hoping some of you veteran Disney cruisers can ease my anxiety a bit with how wonderful (and safe) you found the kids clubs, general safety etc.

We're first time cruisers with a 2 year old and everyone has been very helpful. I'm not worried at all. All of my concerns have been put to rest. Disney seems to have thought of most things. Please bring up any concerns you may have, I'm sure we can help put your mind at ease.