Hey! July 30th, 2005 cruise to Mexico DISfriends!

[jlawall]

Hey Lucy, it's my dad who usually posts...I'll tell him that the "DISers" are looking for an update.

I heard on a previous post that the excursion info will be out in February, so that's not too much longer.

See you soon (I wish!)

JoAnn

 

[lwilliam]

...this long wait?
me? I'm starting to read the Disneyland boards more and more
JoAnn - I hope you are right about February - I just can't wait any
longer. And, tell your dad the 'boards' are missing him.
We are still debating staying at GC because of the price, but we really
want to stay there since we've never been to Disneyland and don't know
when we will get there again. AND, if we stay at one of the neighbor hotels,
will we be able to get transportation to the port. Since I just love to
eat and try new places (why do you think I'm on Weight Watchers!?) I've
also got the restaurants bookmarked - sounds like the New Orleans
area is the place to eat. What about either Goofy's Kitchen or
Storyteller's - has anyone been to both? My DH wants to try Napa Rose but
I don't really want to go there, since we will be going on the cruise and
eating at Palo, probably twice. What about the Fantasmic buffet - it is
really pricey - anyone try this one before?
Being on these boards and 'talking' with all of you helps me get thru.
Lucy

 

[jfis1020]

So, does anyone have a guess as to when they'll have info on shore excursions?!? It would be nice to know around NOW, so that we can plan $$, etc. Plus the first cruise is 6 months away, you'd think they'd have it available by now, at least for us to view. I guess I'm too much of an "advance" planner.

I read on the Passporter website that they are publishing a new DCL version that will include the West Coast ports of call. That will be interesting when it comes out (May, I think). They also are publishing a DL book this spring too. How convenient for us!!! Have you used the Passporter for WDW? I was amazed at how much I learned even though I had been to WDW MANY times!

 

[LiserAnn]

I read on the Passporter website that they are publishing a new DCL version that will include the West Coast ports of call. That will be interesting when it comes out (May, I think). They also are publishing a DL book this spring too. How convenient for us!!! Have you used the Passporter for WDW? I was amazed at how much I learned even though I had been to WDW MANY times!

I love the Passporter! I planned our whole June 2004 trip to WDW and we left feeling like we did what we wanted to do, etc. It was an awesome trip soley because of the info I got out of the Passporter and going on their discussion board. I have the current DCL Passporter and am very anxious to see the updated one that has the Mexican cruises in it. I just wish it would come out sooner. Like I said, I'm such the planner!

 

[jfis1020]

Obviously, we would really get along as I am sooooo Type A. I am already paniced about transportation. My DH (also a type A in different areas) has been laughing at me about all this! He just leaves it to me because he knows I will do all the detail work. He did the flights, cruise and hotel (secretly as our Christmas surprise!).

Have you gotten on RC or CCL websites to look at their excursions? I did, but somehow it just didn't "feel right"!!!

 

[LiserAnn]

I did go on their websites, but abandoned the idea because I felt the same way as you. And I figured, Disney may try to do something different, or special or whatever. We're paying as much or more as the Caribbean cruises but we don't have a Castaway Cay, so I'm thinking (hoping) they may do something special, which is why it's taking them so long to release the info?! (I know I'm stretching here... ) Also, I decided DCL's excursion prices may be different so I decided not to waste my time but I'm still left feeling anxious.

 

[LynnTarrant]

Lucy
We are staying in a good neighbour hotel the Candy Cane and we've been able to book the Disney transfer to thr port, but we have to get ourselves to the G C which is the nearest Disney resort to us, the cost of the transfer to and from the port is $25 per person each way.
I have booked this but I'm still looking into a Limo transfer.
I really like the sound of the Fantasmic Buffet.
I've booked a four day hopper through Disney because of the add ons in the package like Toon Town Madness and preferred seating for shows.
I have made some enquiries about excursions and have booked Randi's horses in Mazatlan because everyone gave such rave reviews on Cruise Critic, I also really like the idea of the Jungle Zip Lines in PV Cabo I'm not so sure about.
On our last cruise we didn't use Disney excursions so although I can't wait to see what they are offering I don't feel bad about booking non Disney activities either.

 

[jfis1020]

I contacted a transportation company and received the following quote:

To the port from the hotel the fare is $74.00 for an exclusive van.
The fare from the harbor to LAX is $72.00 for an exclusive van.

We are contemplating a rental car from LAX and return it in Anaheim on Sat. a.m. Then, we would take the van transportation hotel to port and port to LAX.

Anyone else have any good ideas? This is the one area that is "killing me". The cruises out of Port Canaveral are easy because we are so "seasoned" with Florida and WDW area!! This region of the country is "foreign" to me!

 

[LiserAnn]

Those sound like decent rates. What's the name of the shuttle company? We've used Super Shuttle in the past...but they're not exclusive, so there'll be other people than your party on the van, but their rates have proven to be competitive. I'm not familiar with shuttle companies other than Super Shuttle because we usually leave our car at the airport.

You might like having a rental car only because it does allow you to explore a bit. And the rental companies shouldn't charge you a fee to pick up at LAX and drop off at Anahiem, heck they may even have a drop off near San Pedro Terminal. The beaches aren't too far from Anahiem...there's Huntington Beach which probably is the closest, Newport Beach (just south of Huntington) and Laguna Beach (one of the further southern beachest in Orange County). Huntington is very flat...you can almost see from one pier to the next when you look down the beach. I prefer Newport Beach, specifically Crystal Cove, although you do have to hike down a small hill. The beaches in Newport are more interesting to me because the varied landscape (hills, coves, etc). Also, near Newport Beach is Balboa Island. They have a ferry that takes you from the Island to Balboa Pennisula where there's a fun zone (ferris wheel, etc.) Laguna Beach is more of a tourist trap...they have a downtown and it must be on a tourist map or something because it's usually a zoo down there in the summer (I used to live 5 minutes from Laguna and us locals hated summers because of the traffic). I think the Fox channel is the one that has the series called "The OC" (short for Orange County, which is the county where Anahiem, Newport, etc. all are). It's specifically based in Newport, which is where you find multi, multi million dollar homes, in excess. Anyway, you can get some "insight" of the area as they sometimes have scenes at the beach and other hot spots in Newport Beach. -L.

 

[jfis1020]

great info liserann! I sent you a PM!

 

[jlawall]

Wow, I don't go on for like two days and there's 10 great posts which I missed!

Ok, first of all what is a passporter? Is it a book? Where do you buy it?

Two, I joined WW this morning. We have broken 200 days finally in the countdown so it's time to get serious.....


I also will start reading DL posts. That's a good idea to get ready.

We are staying at the GC because I am using my DVC points. It's expensive either way, I did stay there before. It's a really nice experience and it's very convenient to the parks. Our plan is to enjoy the hotel, the first day; enjoy DL the second day and then maybe tour around the area the third day (either the beach or shop in Beverly Hills - I'm open for suggestions on this.) I realize one day in DL isn't that much so maybe we'll try to add a second day.

I haven't arranged transportation yet. I'm planning on taking a taxi or limo from the airport to GC. Then, I'm going to rent a car on Friday for the day. I don't know yet how I'm getting to the port on Saturday - we're planning on arriving as early as possible on Saturday.

Does anyone have a good website for me to check out about transportation options?

JoAnn

 

[jfis1020]

I contacted a transportation company and received the following quote:

To the port from the hotel the fare is $74.00 for an exclusive van.
The fare from the harbor to LAX is $72.00 for an exclusive van.

We are contemplating a rental car from LAX and return it in Anaheim on Sat. a.m. Then, we would take the van transportation hotel to port and port to LAX.

We are going to do a Reds/Dodgers baseball game in LA. The Reds are there Monday-Thursday. We plan on three days for DL and CA, but DH and kids have never been there and I was 25 years ago, so basically I haven't been!

Check out Passporter.com They are releasing new books in March and May for the updated cruise guide (to include the West Coast cruises) and a first ever DL book. I have two WDW copies that are 2002 and 2004 versions. I cannot tell you the wealth of information these book have. I am quite seasoned with WDW, but I learned A LOT!!!

Good luck with WW. IT's a great program. Before child #2 I lost 25 pounds on it! I always revert to their methods when I start feeling "chubby"!

 

[macbaby]

The Fantasmic Dessert Balcony is, in my opinion, definitely worth the cost (around $50 per person). The seating is extremely limited - only 20 - 25 seats per show. The desserts are mostly "store bought" style. If you can, get the first show of the night so you can stay for the fireworks. The Riverside seating is not worth the money as it is not centered on the show and has people standing in front of you.

The Blue Bayou, located in Pirates of the Caribbean, is my favorite lunch location. However, I don't think it is worth the cost for dinner.

My favorite dinner location is in California Adventure - the Wine Country Trattoria. Make reservations for around 8:00 and ask for a patio edge seat, that way you can see the Electrical Parade as you enjoy dessert!

Other good food locations:
California Adventure: Award Wieners (ask for only the hot dog if some one else in your group is ordering the full meal with french fries); Burr-bank ice-cream; Taste Pilot's Grill (the kid's meal is huge and the regular hamburgers will serve two); San Andreas Shakes (real ice cream/whip cream shakes); Pacific Wharf Cafe.

Disneyland:
Carnation Cafe (great place for breakfast, right on Main Street); Plaza Inn (split a meal with some one - great fried chicken); Rancho del Zocalo (go to the left, to the grill - great fresh food, huge portions); Golden Horseshoe (okay, not my first choice for food, but the show is great - and you can go across the way to Zocalo to bring in better food - just get there early to get a table).

Downtown Disney:
The only place I eat there on a regular basis is breakfast at the Jazz Cafe, for fresh beignets and coffee/hot chocolate - just like New Orleans. I have also taken sandwiches back to my hotel room from La Brea Bakery.

Disneyland Hotels:
Here is my weakest knowledge (but if you really insist, I will go try out some places ). The only place I have eaten at recently is PCH Grill at Minnie's (now Lilo and Stitch) Breakfast at the Paradise Pier Hotel.

As you can tell, I love to eat! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

 

[lwilliam]

for all your information.
macbaby: are you joining our cruise?.....and, my DH and I also LOVE to
eat at any Disney resort or park. That is the MAIN reason I have joined
WW - it is a slow process, this losing weight....i'm frustrated.
I will definitely order the new Passporter book.
The dessert buffet sounds awesome, expensive, but awesome.
As I've been reading the Disneyland boards, I know the Blue Bayou
is a definite for lunch too.
My DH wants to try Napa Rose, I don't since we will be eating at
Palo on the ship - we'll see.
I'm still scared about the GC - how much it costs, but we've never
done Disneyland, so I'm trying to convince myself we're doing the right
thing.
Please, everyone, keep in touch, I'm enjoying meeting all of you thru
these boards.

 

[jlawall]

Thx for the encouragement......I have some great clothes I want to wear this summer......so........here goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will definitely get the Passporter when it comes out, that sounds great!!

 

[lwilliam]

...don't allow this thread to move to page 2
there must be SOMETHING to talk about.
OK, just to let you know, I am NEVER at a loss for words - you
will find that out this summer. My favorite subjects are
Disney and food....you probably guess that by now.
OK, so I talked with a fellow employee who stayed at the GC
last February - she admitted, yes, it IS very pricey but being
the Disney nuts we are, we MUST do it. She also told me
I'd be really be disappointed in the DH - after staying at all the
WDW resorts - have I convinced myself yet - YES!
The family is headed for WDW, minus the 18 yr. old, Easter week.
Also spending a night in NYC next Saturday. Trying to get
thru this long winter is difficult. I love warm weather, so this
time of year is not my favorite. Plus, being on a diet does not
make me happy....i'm a little cranky. Told 'ya I can talk!
Lucy

 

[lwilliam]

yippee
I know, we just had off for the Christmas holiday, but this one is
so much fun because I don't need to cook, shop or clean.
Our weather in PA has been so weird. Yesterday, warm and
lots of fog, overnight heavy rain and strong winds, today we saw
snow flurries. My middle schooler has reached the half-way point
of school (on 1/19) - that's a great feeling.
Have a great weekend everyone. - Lucy

 

[jfis1020]

Hey Lucy and all!

I too am celebrating.....we are through 1/2 of the school year officially today!

I am having a tough year, unusual group of kidos, but looking forward to this cruise makes it easier.

We are off Monday as well for what my DD5 called "Arthur Luther Day". She had learned Thursday about MLK, but obviously missed part of it. She had the rest of the story down and his relevance in our history! That's the important part!

Look at our counters guys!! It's looking good! Keep the faith. Get yourself the Toby Keith CD "Unleashed". Listen to "Good to Go". If that doesn't lift your spirits and get you hyped, nothing will!!!

 

[jlawall]

I'm also a Disney freak! I wish I was going to WDW soon but we're holding out until next summer's visit to DL. I did stay at DH years ago before the California Adventure was built, etc. and it wasn't that great. However, I was hoping that it improved since then.

Well....talk about cranky........I'm weighing in officially tomorrow for WW....I've started running and I'm hoping that I'm on the right track.........I really want to enjoy our Mexican ports this summer............Let's encourage each other to get there!!!!!

Wish me luck!!

 

[jlawall]

ok! I lost 3 lbs. the first week. I've been running almost every day.....this better work!