From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 3

[WeLuvDCL]

One question... do you know how long the shuttle ride is from the ship to the zip line area? I couldn't find that on the site. And, do you know how long (hours total) the tour is from when we leave the ship until when we get back on?
Kathy

Shuttle ride is approx. 45 minutes.

From the website - "The tour takes approximately four and a half hours, from the time we pick you up at the Canopy Tour Office (located on the south side of Vallarta) to the time we drop you off. After your adventure, you are welcome to stay and swim in the river, enjoy cocktails at the tequila bar, visit the animals in our zoo or have lunch at our riverside restaurant."
I would add an hour to this just to be safe as the shuttle ride time above is from close to the port (not Canopy Tour Office).

You do not need to let me know right away. I'm just calling to set up the group. Then everyone that is interested will need to call (do not go on-line!) and book it. I'm assuming they will give us at least a few weeks to reach the 25 person minimum, after that people can join up until the cruise and get the 25% off. I'll find out all the details when I call.

 

[LindaBabe]

I can't afford to do many excursions either. I have a couple short listed but will have to choose, if I want to have some spa or internet or an excursion. Fortunately, my roommates will be buying their own!

Originally Posted by LindaBabe Blue Comments by TracyVP

The cruise website will have a column for FE participants. There will NOT be a seperate FE list So am I supposed to PM Jeff and add to my current info that we want to participate in the FE? I'm not 100% sure what this statement is trying to convey.

Tinksmom is organizing a "bracelet" group - especially useful for those who don't want to lug FE gifts but would still like to participate! From this do I assume that you only get a bracelet if you participate in the FE, or is this group doing bracelets for everyone?
Glindamood is organizing the whiteboard FE group. If you would like to participate in the whiteboard group pm Gail - another idea especially useful for those who don't want to lug FE gifts but would still like to participate! Same question as above.

Tracy, I'm not ignoring your questions but hope Tinksmom & Glindamood will clarify at some point. I believe Jeff said after the PIF date he would request the FE info but I forget what form he said or even if he did say.

 

[JenKatt]

Wanted to add one more thing to the ports list I did earlier. There are two ports in Costa Rica at Puertoarenas, the one in the town proper and another 20 minutes south called Puerto Caldera. From what I was able to determine, we are at the main port in town.

 

[LovesToRun]

Shuttle ride is approx. 45 minutes.

From the website - "The tour takes approximately four and a half hours, from the time we pick you up at the Canopy Tour Office (located on the south side of Vallarta) to the time we drop you off. After your adventure, you are welcome to stay and swim in the river, enjoy cocktails at the tequila bar, visit the animals in our zoo or have lunch at our riverside restaurant."
I would add an hour to this just to be safe as the shuttle ride time above is from close to the port (not Canopy Tour Office).

You do not need to let me know right away. I'm just calling to set up the group. Then everyone that is interested will need to call (do not go on-line!) and book it. I'm assuming they will give us at least a few weeks to reach the 25 person minimum, after that people can join up until the cruise and get the 25% off. I'll find out all the details when I call.

Oh, ok.... thanks for the info. I missed all that info when I looked on the website.

Well, I'll let you know by Friday evening!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

"I know, I hope they extend that soon! I'm very happy that I saved with the big room only discounts released this week for WDW hotels- I am baffled now that my moderate resort ressie for WDW is only a tad more for 3 nights than the price for just 1 night at the PPH in DLR! Hoping that a big discount comes out for DLR rooms soon- I'm still staying there regardless, as I really dont care for the area around DLR at all, but it would be nice for a price break."

can you explain this? i cant see where i copied it from, but i'm wondering about the big discounts and whats PPH and DLR?

Sherri

Sure- the discount was the room only which ranged from I think 25% to 40% depending on which level (value, mod, deluxe) WDW resort you are staying at. We are staying at a mod so I think ours was 30 or 35%, cant remember of the top of my head. so it brought my 3 nights at Caribbean Beach Resort down to only $360, whereas we are booked at PPH (Paradise Pier Hotel) at DLR (Disneyland Resort in CA)- PPH is one of only 3 onsite Disney owned hotels at DLR, so they are more expensive than WDW- but we are paying about $300/night for PPH for 3 nights. Thats why I was saying how I really hope DLR gets discounts out since it seems so crazy that for just $63 more, I'm getting 3 nights at WDW for the price of 1 in DLR, but like I said, I'm doing it either way, just love discounts to make it even more magical

Hi Kathy,
I'm not sure how adventurous your children are but I'm organizing a group zip line excursion in Puerta Vallarta. Here is the website http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/ They allow children 6 and up to zipline and one of the guides will zip with them if they are too scared to go on their own. Also, if one (or both) of them change their mind at the last minute, a guide will take them down to the water and animal area. We have over 30 people that wanted to book this excursion and about 6-8 others (myself included) that are just going to the water and animal area. They offer a full refund if our ship is unable to dock in PV for any reason.

Here are the prices:
Adults (over 12) in Tour (shuttle included) $79.00 (25% off if our group is over 25 people)
Children (6-12) in Tour (shuttle included) $58.00 (25% off if our group is over 25 people)
Adults (5 and over) with Shuttle (tour not included) $ 20.00
Children (under 5) with Shuttle (tour not included) $ 0.00


It seems like a lot of people have had time to review the DCL excursions and are not impressed so I will be contacting the zip line company either tomorrow or this weekend to get the group started. I'll post the info once it's finalized and also PM LindaBabe and TigFanJeff to have it put in post #1 of this thread and the website.

Thanks again Jen for telling me about this!

Thanks for arranging this! I see that on the DCL excursion, DCL is using Vallarta Adventures, whereas the one you are organizing is Canopy Tour. I was just curious if you had done any research to compare Canopy vs. Vallarta Adventures or any others, and decided this one is the best? One thing that attracted me about the Canopy one that you found is that they allow you to bring your own camera along to take pics- Vallarta Adventures does not allow this. Both companies have professionals taking pics of you for purchase, which I also want, but I like how Canopy lets you bring your own too. I am just curious if there are any other big reasons why you are choosing Canopy over the others?

 

[aan1701]

Another payment down. Just$2000.00 more to go.

 

[LovesToRun]

Sure- the discount was the room only which ranged from I think 25% to 40% depending on which level (value, mod, deluxe) WDW resort you are staying at. We are staying at a mod so I think ours was 30 or 35%, cant remember of the top of my head. so it brought my 3 nights at Caribbean Beach Resort down to only $360, whereas we are booked at PPH (Paradise Pier Hotel) at DLR (Disneyland Resort in CA)- PPH is one of only 3 onsite Disney owned hotels at DLR, so they are more expensive than WDW- but we are paying about $300/night for PPH for 3 nights. Thats why I was saying how I really hope DLR gets discounts out since it seems so crazy that for just $63 more, I'm getting 3 nights at WDW for the price of 1 in DLR, but like I said, I'm doing it either way, just love discounts to make it even more magical

So for us, before all the good deals at WDW came out just this week, we originally had booked Jan 2 - 6 at the Polynesian with a 3-day park hopper pass along with the dining plan. When the free dining plan and room discount deals came out this week, our TA priced it out, and we moved our dates from Jan 1 - 6 with a 5-day park pass, free dining, and got the room discount deal, too, and the total overall cost ended up coming out to $100 CHEAPER for the Jan 1- 6, 5-day park pass, free dining, and room discount, than Jan 2 - 6 with a 3-day park pass and dining plan that we were going to pay for. Go figure!

Amazing! So, now we're spending MORE days at WDW for cheaper than we originally had planned.... can't be that.

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi Kathy,
I'm not sure how adventurous your children are but I'm organizing a group zip line excursion in Puerta Vallarta. Here is the website http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/ They allow children 6 and up to zipline and one of the guides will zip with them if they are too scared to go on their own. Also, if one (or both) of them change their mind at the last minute, a guide will take them down to the water and animal area. We have over 30 people that wanted to book this excursion and about 6-8 others (myself included) that are just going to the water and animal area. They offer a full refund if our ship is unable to dock in PV for any reason.

Here are the prices:
Adults (over 12) in Tour (shuttle included) $79.00 (25% off if our group is over 25 people)
Children (6-12) in Tour (shuttle included) $58.00 (25% off if our group is over 25 people)
Adults (5 and over) with Shuttle (tour not included) $ 20.00
Children (under 5) with Shuttle (tour not included) $ 0.00


It seems like a lot of people have had time to review the DCL excursions and are not impressed so I will be contacting the zip line company either tomorrow or this weekend to get the group started. I'll post the info once it's finalized and also PM LindaBabe and TigFanJeff to have it put in post #1 of this thread and the website.

Thanks again Jen for telling me about this!

For anyone interested in the Canopy Tour that is being organized in PV, I found a ton of reviews on Trip Advisor (see link below) on this particular zipline tour. Looks like it has great reviews... anyway, you can read through these to find out about people's experiences. Once I talk to my kids about it, if they are interested, we're definitely doing this!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...os-Puerto_Vallarta_Pacific_Coast.html#REVIEWS

 

[danfromca]

Thanks for arranging this! I see that on the DCL excursion, DCL is using Vallarta Adventures, whereas the one you are organizing is Canopy Tour. I was just curious if you had done any research to compare Canopy vs. Vallarta Adventures or any others, and decided this one is the best? One thing that attracted me about the Canopy one that you found is that they allow you to bring your own camera along to take pics- Vallarta Adventures does not allow this. Both companies have professionals taking pics of you for purchase, which I also want, but I like how Canopy lets you bring your own too. I am just curious if there are any other big reasons why you are choosing Canopy over the others?

How do you know they are using Vallarta adventures?

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Gosh, everyone must have been busy last night - usually we cover at least a couple pages before morning.

Yesterday, I did a wardrobe assessment, and it looks as though, if I don't shrink substantially, I probably have sufficient clothing for the trip. Woo hoo! Maybe I can squeeze a new camera out of the budget ?

 

[WeLuvDCL]

I am just curious if there are any other big reasons why you are choosing Canopy over the others?

Mainly because there are things for us "non-zippers" to do. When Jen told me about this I was so excited because my DH has always wanted to try zip line. I on the other hand, I think Jeff put it best "*bock* *bock bock bock* *bock* *BWWWWOOOOOCCCCCKKKKKKK*" Plus, we will have our almost 3yo DD. This excursion has a river with slide, little zoo, restaurant and bar area.

I really like the idea of being able to go with him instead of just staying on the ship. Normally, I wouldn't care but this cruise has a lot of sea days so I'd rather explore. I'm hoping I can get some pics from the ground too.

Another reason I found while researching is that almost all cruise lines use Vallarta Adventures and I believe Jen said there will be 3 ships (including us) in port that day. I think it would be hard to setup a group excursion and I have the feeling you would be "herded like cattle".

I've also read a lot of reviews where people said the staff was very fun and friendly and when kids got scared and changed their mind about going, the staff would offer to zip with them or escort them down to the water and zoo area.

Just to let you know, I did not choose this excursion based on scenery. So, if you are looking for great scenery while zip-lining, you may want to do more research. Also, I believe some zip-line excursion have areas where you actually rappel, this one does not.

I will not be offended in the least if anyone wants to setup another zip-line group with a different company or at a different port.

 

[Tinkerbel129]

There's a little dot in the sky...that's a person....this was so much fun!!

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

We would definitely be interested and would need 2 jeeps. We really enjoyed this last cruise PC and hope to spend more time touring this time,

Great, with DH and I, that is 3 jeeps!

If anyone else is interested in a jeep rental in Aruba, let me know and I can look into a group rate.

For those that have done this cruise before (or a MR), did anybody go deep sea fishing? DH really wants to do this, but the two companies I have contacted so far have not gotten back to me. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Tinkerbel129]

There's a little dot in the sky...that's a person....this was so much fun!!

Warning.....don't put anything in pockets....you'll loose it (especially if you opt to go upside down)......careful with glasses (get a sport strap just incase)......small cameras work best, larger ones make it difficult to hold unto, plus possible bumps & bangs.

This was one of the highlights of cruise!

 

[carmie3377]

Great, with DH and I, that is 3 jeeps!

If anyone else is interested in a jeep rental in Aruba, let me know and I can look into a group rate.

For those that have done this cruise before (or a MR), did anybody go deep sea fishing? DH really wants to do this, but the two companies I have contacted so far have not gotten back to me. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!

We're interested in a jeep!!

 

[carmie3377]

Before I became completely overwhelmed I saw something about a photo sharing group, but I don't really see how to sign up to be a part of that. Can you participate even if you aren't a prolific photographer? I never remember to take pix and when I do they're not very good!

Sure, you can participate and I'll get you added to the list! I think there were a couple other people that commented that they don't take a bunch of pics. I do take a lot, but I know that some people don't. I'm not for sure how many we have in the group right now, but it's quite a few (I'll look as soon as I post this!). Cost is going to be divided among all people who wish to participate.

 

[carmie3377]

Just looked, we're now up to 21 with the addition of tracyvp. We haven't decided if we'll go with the standard or power but either way, it won't be much per person - less than $3/person if everyone stays in. Anyone else, feel free to let me know if you're interested and I'll get you added! Link of the info is in my signature.

 

[granmaz]

There's a little dot in the sky...that's a person....this was so much fun!!

But, I would sort to have liked to have done that. But then again

 

[CruznLexi]

If you could get the jeep cheaper than $83 I am all for it.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

How do you know they are using Vallarta adventures?

I just assumed it because in the picture on the DCL port adventure page for this excursion, Vallarta Adventures is the name on the helmet of the girl in the pic. Nevertheless, its definitely not Canopy Adventures because they dont allow cameras, dont have a swimming/bar/restaurant area, etc.

Mainly because there are things for us "non-zippers" to do. When Jen told me about this I was so excited because my DH has always wanted to try zip line. I on the other hand, I think Jeff put it best "*bock* *bock bock bock* *bock* *BWWWWOOOOOCCCCCKKKKKKK*" Plus, we will have our almost 3yo DD. This excursion has a river with slide, little zoo, restaurant and bar area.

I really like the idea of being able to go with him instead of just staying on the ship. Normally, I wouldn't care but this cruise has a lot of sea days so I'd rather explore. I'm hoping I can get some pics from the ground too.

Another reason I found while researching is that almost all cruise lines use Vallarta Adventures and I believe Jen said there will be 3 ships (including us) in port that day. I think it would be hard to setup a group excursion and I have the feeling you would be "hearded like cattle".

I've also read a lot of reviews where people said the staff was very fun and friendly and when kids got scared and changed their mind about going, the staff would offer to zip with them or escort them down to the water and zoo area.

Just to let you know, I did NOT choose this excursion based on scenery. So, if you are looking for great scenery while zip-lining, you may want to do more research. Also, I believe some zip-line excursion have areas where you actually rappel, this one does not.

I will not be offended in the least if anyone wants to setup another zip-line group with a different company or at a different port.

Thanks for the explanation. I think that this company you and Jen found is the best choice. Like you said, it has options for nonzippers, and even though I am zipping, I am interested also in the bar, restaurant, swimming and zoo. And I also like that it might not be as crowded/cattle herded as the other one with the cruise lines. Plus, I also read the trip advisor reviews that someone posted, and they were all great. I really on Trip Advisor extensively when I travel, and I have rarely been mislead. Cant wait to sign up!