February 25, 2006 Western Magic Cruisers!!

[rjh8115]

To all you veteran cruisers, is there anything that you absolutely could not imagine not doing on this cruise? I would like to book an excursion or activity of some kind in one of the ports, but not sure what would be great and what to steer clear of? Is there something that you didn't do on your first cruise that you thought you just had to do this the next time? Anything we could take both kids to? I would love to hear any and all suggestions!!

Thanks, everyone, and looking forward to meeting you all!

Moira

Hi again Moira!

IMHO, I would book an excursion in Grand Cayman that includes Stingray City. My DW and I did this a couple of years ago and it was one of our highlights of the trip. Some of us DISers are going on the Captain Marvin's excursion that leaves at 11:15am. The water depth is about waist deep, and the stingrays are the most amazing creatures.

My other piece of advice is to make sure you don't over-plan your days on board. The best thing about a cruise is it gives you an opportunity to relax. Taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon is a wonderful guilty pleasure!!

See you in a month!!

Rick

 

[rjh8115]

Hi Kelli,
My boys are having a blast emailing your kids. They really look forward to getting a note in the inbox. Please, if there are other folks out there with boys near 6 or 8, come and join the party. You can get our address from the list or PM me.

Thanks again Kelli, you guys rock!

Rick

 

[rjh8115]

When are people dining on the high seas? We have early dinner booked, although I hope this is the last time. DW and I like the late seating better.

What about everyone else?

Rick

 

[beaner720]

Hi Rick:

We have late seating booked for our group of 6. I put a request in for 8:00, the earliest of the late rotation, but it's showing up as 8:30 on our reservation. I still don't understand exactly how those staggered dining times work . Oh well ... what it is, it is.

 

[hjensen]

Hi Rick! We have the 8:30 seating but are hoping to get it switched to the earlier time slot!! I think having 8:30 with the 3 yo would not be good! He is not the most well-behaved child when he gets tired!! Its kind of a tough decision to make tough!! Do we want a well behaved child during dinner or the shows?? We're hoping he'd be too interested in the shows to be naughty or whiny! But we'll see....maybe he will be an angel for the whole cruise!!!

 

[kellimomo3]

Rick,
My boys love it too!! Jason is so funny, he keeps talking about his friend, Zack!! They sit at the computer with me every day to check the email. If it's okay with you, I think I'll give your email to two of the families traveling with us that have six year old boys, that way Zack will have a couple more "friends". The countdown is on!!

Kelli

 

[kj375]

We have dinner @ 8:30 too. I am fine with that!

Kathy

 

[dreamakermom]

Hi Everyone!! Well, I have been doing DD's hair for the cruise... getting it colored right. Sat I will do the other DD's hair. I have been working for the past 2 weeks burning CD's so I can transfer them onto an iPod or MP3 player.
First, Rick... we have eary seating. Last time my sister and I went on the Carnival cruise we had later seating and thought this would be better. So... we will "sea". (Hahaha)
Next... Rick... you just crack me up you get so excited and I am just loving it!!! Keep it up. Not many more days left!! I just cannot imagine what this thread will be like 5 days before we go. Either we will all be crazy!!! or we will all be MIA
My newest question is...do you think there will be any openings for Palo when we board? Next, how do they do the money thing? What if 2 people in the same room want to do separate credit cards? Another thing... when do we get our restaurant arrangement? Are they playing movies outside "under the stars"? on a big screen? One more.... I have heard a few times we can bring our own alcohol on board... has anyone else heard this? Mine is ready!!! OK.. that is enough questions for now. Happy day to you all and when you get this we will be one more day closer!!! Karen

 

[rjh8115]

Rick,
My boys love it too!! Jason is so funny, he keeps talking about his friend, Zack!! They sit at the computer with me every day to check the email. If it's okay with you, I think I'll give your email to two of the families traveling with us that have six year old boys, that way Zack will have a couple more "friends". The countdown is on!!

Kelli

Kelli,
That would be great!

 

[hjensen]

Hi Karen! Even though I have never cruised b4 I think I can answer some of your questions. I've spent alot of time on the boards and I had asked some of the questions you just asked.

I was kind of reassured that when it came to Palo you should not have too much trouble booking it when you board. My understanding is is that they leave plenty of spaces open for those who dont or cant book it on line. But I would try to book it as soon as you board!

Yes they show movies on the big screen under the stars!! Cant wait to watch Johnny Depp on that big screen on Pirate night!!

Almost everyone I talked to said you can bring your own alcohol on board. We bought a nice Disney soft sided cooler on ebay. We will use it as a carry on and either buy our alcohol in Port Canaveral when we get there the day before or buy some in Key West. Might cost alittle bit more but then I dont have to lug all those bottles!!

And sorry...dont know the answer to your question about the credit card.

My kids are going crazy right now with their ipods before we go. Not me...I'm sure I will have to sit with our 3 yo on the flight and have to watch the Polar Express for about the 3000th time! And I am NOT exaggerating!!

Well I hope everyone has an awesome weekend!! I know I will! Got Bon Jovi tomorrow nite!! hope I dont forget my drool rag! Ha ha!!

 

[rjh8115]

Hi Everyone!! Well, I have been doing DD's hair for the cruise... getting it colored right. Sat I will do the other DD's hair. I have been working for the past 2 weeks burning CD's so I can transfer them onto an iPod or MP3 player.
First, Rick... we have eary seating. Last time my sister and I went on the Carnival cruise we had later seating and thought this would be better. So... we will "sea". (Hahaha)
Next... Rick... you just crack me up you get so excited and I am just loving it!!! Keep it up. Not many more days left!! I just cannot imagine what this thread will be like 5 days before we go. Either we will all be crazy!!! or we will all be MIA
My newest question is...do you think there will be any openings for Palo when we board? Next, how do they do the money thing? What if 2 people in the same room want to do separate credit cards? Another thing... when do we get our restaurant arrangement? Are they playing movies outside "under the stars"? on a big screen? One more.... I have heard a few times we can bring our own alcohol on board... has anyone else heard this? Mine is ready!!! OK.. that is enough questions for now. Happy day to you all and when you get this we will be one more day closer!!! Karen

Hi Karen,

I think they'll have to pry me off the DIS as we get closer. I should pack at some point .

On to your questions . . .

1. Palo ressies - Yes, you should be able to get ressies once you get on board. DCL only opens part of the time blocks for on-line bookings.

2. Money - Yes, you can put different people in the same cabin on different credit cards, etc. In fact, we are thinking about putting a small amount of cash on the kids' KTTW cards for use so they can budget their money. Otherwise, we'll just turn off charging on their cards.

3. Dinner rotation - You will find out when you check-in at the port. It will be listed on your KTTW card (PLA, APL, etc.). Also, you will have dining tickets waiting for you in your cabin. If you bring them to the resturaunt on the first night, it helps the dining team seat you quickly.

4. Movies outside - Yes, they are playing movies on the new DumboTron. I'm not sure what and when . . .

5. Booze - Yep, you bet you can bring your own drinks on board. Many people use a soft-sided cooler (no ice) on wheels and carry it right on. DCL is one of the few (if not the only) cruise line that specifically allows you to BYOB.

I hope this helps . . .

Rick

 

[MoiraRD]

My other piece of advice is to make sure you don't over-plan your days on board. The best thing about a cruise is it gives you an opportunity to relax. Taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon is a wonderful guilty pleasure!!

Hi Rick!

Thanks for the excursion info! I love the idea of a mid day nap! I will definitely make sure to plan one or two of those in!!

See you next month!!

Moira

 

[hjensen]

Rick you are too funny!! I feel like I already have to be pried off the DIS!! They'll find me some morning fast asleep at the computer with the DIS screen up!

I have another question for you. We already have Palo booked so that is not a problem. But we were thinking of booking the Palo brunch. Have you ever done this and if so..did you like it?? Also does the brunch cost the same as the dinner?

Also I wanted to say thank you for helping all of us out with all of our questions!!

 

[rjh8115]

Rick you are too funny!! I feel like I already have to be pried off the DIS!! They'll find me some morning fast asleep at the computer with the DIS screen up!

I have another question for you. We already have Palo booked so that is not a problem. But we were thinking of booking the Palo brunch. Have you ever done this and if so..did you like it?? Also does the brunch cost the same as the dinner?

Also I wanted to say thank you for helping all of us out with all of our questions!!

I don't know too much about the brunch . I belive the price is the same ($10/person). We've booked dinner for Grand Cayman night and High Tea on the Thursday Sea Day.

Guess what everyone, FOUR WEEKS UNTIL WE LEAVE FOR ORLANDO !

Sorry, couldn't resist . . . .

Happy Friday all . . . .

Rick

 

[goiu]

Rick you are too funny!! I feel like I already have to be pried off the DIS!! They'll find me some morning fast asleep at the computer with the DIS screen up!

I have another question for you. We already have Palo booked so that is not a problem. But we were thinking of booking the Palo brunch. Have you ever done this and if so..did you like it?? Also does the brunch cost the same as the dinner?

Also I wanted to say thank you for helping all of us out with all of our questions!!

We did book the brunch for this trip. It is the same price as the dinner!! Counting down the days!!!

 

[dreamakermom]

Hi guys!!
First, thanks for the info. I REALLY want to book Palo Brunch ressies. I was thinking of doing a High Tea with all the girls until I found out they had to be 18.... 2 aren't so that shoots that idea.
I am trying to figure out stuff to do with DH alone and will incorporate it into my Valentines gift for him... brunch alone was going to be one of them.
Holli!!! You lucky duck!! Bon JOvi comes here soon but I am disciplining myself money wise. Everyone I know that is going is going because they want to look at him!!
My DS was keeping in touch with a few new friends his age from this site, but I JUST found out he has a TERRIBLE grade in math. SO... he is grounded... however... I think after I talk to his teacher today I MAY lighten up a bit and let him use the computer ONLY to respond to disfriends! My bad!?!
I am totally excited about the movies under the stars as I can do that with my grandaughter also.I DID get a list of movies that are playing and have them written somewhere.
Did I tell you guys for EVERYONE in my party... well, we are having a Christmas in Feb after my sisters family gets in.. the next morning I will make Mickey waffles.(I also have Mickey ice cubes too!). I have all kinds of Mickey purses and pj's and tee shirts for everyone. I have tink makeup bags and Mickey beach bags for all (girls). I will have a Mickey flag hanging out on the pole to get everyone in the spirit of things!! I also made candies in the shap of ships and Mickeys!! I put themall in boxes with Disney stickers on them!!! I just CANNOT wait!!!
OK guys!!! Have a great day!! Karen

 

[rjh8115]

I've been listening to Radio Disney on my sat radio at work to get into the mood. Just heard the Cha Cha Slide. I hope no one saw me practicing . . . .

Rick

 

[Louise-Montreal]

Does anyone know what movies will be playing on the cruise?

Thanks,
Louise

 

[dreamakermom]

Rick!!!! You kill me!!! You make me laugh!!
Yes!! I have a list... wait.. let me look here... PLEASE God!!! Don't make me have to go by memory!!!
Oh!! Here they are!!! OK, Incredibles, Ice Princess, Chicken Little, Nemo, Herbie, Sky High, Valiant, Flight Plan, The Chronicles of Narnia, and one or two more that I have never heard of and I cannot understand my writing b/c I was writing as fast as she was reading them off to me. So... we have a good bunch to pick from.. it looks like I was trying to write, The Greatest.... something or Surf or Shop Girl or something like that...do any of those sound like anything? Just bought DGD The Alice in Wonderland tape and will watch it in the morning!!! DH and DS are watching Pirates of the Caribbean now!!! Maybe they really ARE getting excited!!! Karen

 

[rjh8115]

Wow, those sound like great movies. DW has already staked a claim to watch Narnia. In the words of Mr. Burns, "excellent!"

I just looked up at the screen and found the pictures from our 2004 Wonder cruise cycling by. Nice way to mark the 4 week mark!

Still no snow here in Detroit. The Super Bowl organizers are trucking in and making snow for the Mowtown Winter Blast (sledding, and other winter sports). Who would have thought that we would be at the end of January and have not one flake of snow on the ground!!! Last year we had at least 1/2 a meter . . .

Talked with DM yesterday afternoon. She and DA were eating lunch in Ocala on the way down to Port Charlotte. She said the sun was out and it was warm and there were palm trees. Nice!!!

Happy Saturday all . . . .