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

[kndyglr]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the ticker info--let's see if it works...



Liz

 

[lwilliam]

someone new in 'our group'????

 

[kndyglr]

Hi there, nice to meet you. I am part of Lisa's group and am now checking out the boards. I can't wait til the cruise--maybe by then I'll have the ticker thing figured out!

Liz

 

[LiserAnn]

No, our friends won't be sailing with us this summer. DH will be deployed from the end of May through August and DW doesn't wan't to travel alone with 3 DSs. It was going to cost her over $17K to take her parents along to help with the children. Her youngest will only be 2 and he wouldn't be able to go to the kids' club so it wouldn't be much of a break for her. They have rebooked to join us on the 24 June 2006 cruise with 2 stops at Castaway Cay. It will work out so much better for them as this will be their first Disney Cruise and they will get not one but 2 days at Castaway Cay. Their youngest will be 3 on 30 June 2006. Since he will be under 3 on the day of embarkation he cruises for free. They just have to pay port charges for him and since he is within one month of his 3rd birthday he can go to the kids' club assuming he will be potty trained. I took advantage of that magical month when we cruised last summer just ahead of my DD's 3rd birthday. They are going to join us at WDW in October for MNSSHP and F&W.

First, what does MNSSHP and F&W stand for? I've seen this around and have been meaning to ask.

That's too bad they won't be cruising with you. I'll take this moment to thank your DH And her DH for their service to our country and for your sacrifice when they're deployed! I'm so jealous you're all going on the double scoop CC cruise....lucky you! MY DH's family is planning a family reunion for 2006 which will pretty likely be a cruise. DCL is too expensive for some (there are 54 people involved) so we're looking at a week on Royal Caribbean to either the Caribbean, Alaska or Mexico.

I'm hoping DH will enjoy our DCL family cruise so much that we can use the rebooking savings onboard and book again in 2007 or 2008 depending on the best deal and what rates are available. Wonder when the 2007 rates come out?! We did WDW last year and we kinda decided we're ready to do at least one big vacation per year. That has not the norm for us - previously, we would do a lot of weekend trips but my DH travels SO much for work that weekends aren't as available as they used to be.

 

[LiserAnn]

I feel sorry for Lisa, we depend on her alot, since she is from CA. I don't want to rush the time until the cruise (at 51, you try not to rush TIME ) but I'm more excited about meeting all of you, spending time with the DISers, running into all of you on the ship, I've kind of ignored making
any plans for excursions.

Hey Lucy, I really like helping! And now Liz has joined me so you guys can pick her brain too!!! She lives in Orange County (I'm in Riverside County, a bit more inland) and OC is the same county Anahiem is in, so she might have some different insight.

 

[LiserAnn]

I can't wait til the cruise--maybe by then I'll have the ticker thing figured out!

Liz, did the ticker not work for you? I went and looked at it so I could give you exact directions...Once you set it up in tickerfactory you want to copy the one that says "bbCode". Copy the entire code that's in there. Then go back to disboards.com. At the top under where it says "THE DIS DISCUSSION FORUMS", click on USER CP. Once in there click "edit signature" and paste the code you copied from tickerfactory. Then click "save signature" and you're good to go. It *should* take all of five minutes....

 

[lwilliam]

Keep in touch with this group - every single person in this group is
terrific and I enjoy "chatting" with everyone (in fact, I enjoy
chatting with ANYONE - my husband would agree ).
Any recent discussion on a tsunami or earthquake around July?
(just joking).
Where is BILL??????!

 

[kndyglr]

Hey Lisa,

Okay, somehow this time the ticker worked out for me--maybe my brain wasn't functioning properly earlier this morning. I am finding out all kinds of info on this board -- got my question about digital memory and downloading answered already So that is a relief! Apparently you can download them to a CD at Shutters for $14.95.

Thanks again Lisa!

Looking forward to talking to all of you...

Liz

 

[littleowensmommy]

Hi All,

I just wanted to post an e-mail reply I received from the Dolphin excursion in Puerto Vallarta. How can you reserve space through Vallartaonline.com if they say all of their spaces are full? I did book the Marigalante Pirate Sail through Vallartaonline.com after reviewing Lisa's research but I just don't get what is going on here. Lisa, MNSSHP stands for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and F&W stands for Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.


Dear Kathy,

Thank you for your e-mail. We are already fully booked for Tuesday August. These spaces are hled by the Disney Magic and so if you are coming to Vallarta with that cruise ship you will need to make your reservations direct with Disney.

Kind Regards

Paul Fitzpatrick

free phone: 1866 2562739
local tel: 01322 2971212 ext 25

www.vallarta-adventures.com
www.dolphin-adventure.com


-----Mensaje original-----
De: Ted
Enviado el: Jueves, 28 de Abril de 2005 06:38 p.m.
Para: info@dolphin-adventure.com
Asunto: Dolphin Encounter/Dolphin Swim Tuesday 2 August


Do you have availability for either the Dolphin Encounter or the Dolphin Swim on Tuesday 2 August? We will be in port the day aboard the Disney Magic. Other passengers have booked reservations through Vallartaonline.com for this day but when I called you regarding reservations for this date in January I was told that all spaces were held by Disney Cruise Line and that we would have to book through them. Can we book directly through you or Vallartaonline.com? Please advise ASAP. Thanks.

Kathy

 

[jfis1020]

O.k. guys I am really wavering here...........

I want to desperately do the dolphin encounter. I can book through vallartaonline. The problem is...is it worth me (alone with my DS11, DS8 and DD6) to hail a cab, get there and hail it back? I have calculated that I would save $162 booking it alone and taxi fare included. But, there's that old saying "with Disney it doesn't usually go wrong. They take very good care of you." But, me alone??? DH doesn't want to go at all and I don't want to "waste" money if he has absolutely no interest in this. What do you think guys???

Bill has been quiet. Maybe he is out looking for his lime green thong (swimsuit, not shoes!!!)!

Welcome Liz and Kathy!!! We have discussed on the board here a little "game" for our meeting on board. You are welcome to join us, but feel no obligation PLEASE! Each family can bring a bag with item(s) representing your area of the world. Spend no more than $10. We will somehow "exchange" bags so each family goes home with a bag from another part of the world. It's a kinda "get to know you thing"! Again, feel free to join us whether you choose to "play" or not. We will love having you!!!

Let me know what you think guys! I need some "Dis assistance"!!!

 

[kndyglr]

Hi All,

I just wanted to post an e-mail reply I received from the Dolphin excursion in Puerto Vallarta. How can you reserve space through Vallartaonline.com if they say all of their spaces are full? I did book the Marigalante Pirate Sail through Vallartaonline.com after reviewing Lisa's research but I just don't get what is going on here.

Hi Kathy,

It lets you book/buy spaces as though they exist--I was awaiting a confirmation of my reservation for the Dolphin Encounter, but received an e-mail from Vallarta Online stating that they don't have any space available until 5pm on August 2. So I guess if I want to try and do it, it's gonna have to be through Disney anyway.

Liz

 

[kndyglr]

Hi Jenny,

Count me in on the game sounds like fun!!

Liz

 

[LiserAnn]

Count me in on the game sounds like fun!!

I already know what I'm bringing from California...so I'll PM you so you don't bring the same thing. The only problem is, I might want it for myself. Just kidding!!!!!!

Sorry to hear about the dolphin excursion. From what I read on cruise critic, they do get a select few spots for excursions but once they're sold out, they're gone. However, I might point out that someone posted a thread from the May 28th cruise that the port departure times had changed in the official DCL documents - PV now departs at 9:45pm....not sure if you'd want to go to the dolphin encounter that late (5pm) but you could if you wanted to. Here's a copy of the thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=803095.

 

[LiserAnn]

Here are the info I found in cruisecritic.com about vallartaonline. Might help clarify how they work.....

This gal had some of the same questions Kathy has asked and this is how she shared it with those on cruise critic who also had the same questions:
It picks up at 9:00 a.m. and gets you back by 4:00 p.m. The pick up and drop off are at the cruise dock. I booked our tour with Vallartaonline.com which is a travel agency in Puerto Vallarta. Here is their letter I received today before booking the tour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hola again Tracy,it is true that most of the tour operators here in Vallarta give more attention to cruise ships agencies, but they also "hold" few spaces for local agencies. I have called to confirm for availability for this tour for November 9th and they still have availability, so, if you would like me to make your reservations for this tour, I need to know right away to call and hold your spaces... other wise I won't be able confirm later because this is a very well booked tour, and more in the cruise ship days (once you confirm by email, please send your reservation form directly from our page for this tour).

It doesn't matter who you book with, the tour operator or the one providing this tour will be Vallarta Adventures and they make no differences with people booking with the cruise ship or travel agencies, all will be "handled" by them; so, when you disembark you will go to the same place all people is going, first to the "Vallarta adventures booth" for your boarding passes (the confirmation form we'll send with the Vallarta adventures confirmation number, you will exchange it for this passes), this booth is located right in front from the exit/entrance of the cruise ship, and then you'll go to the Vallarta Adventures boat to take you to Caletas...

Let me know if you have further questions or if you need more information.

Regards.
German A. Gonzalez
concierge
http://www.vallartaonline.com/>>>>>>>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are bringing our daughters November 9th (ages 5 and 13) from a cruise ship. This tour came very highly recommended for families. Hope this helps!
Tracy

This same gal from above:
We just got back today from the Mexican Riviera cruise on the Diamond Princess. We did the Las Caletas and it was GREAT!! We had a great crew, good snorkeling, great group kayaking, lovely beach, hammocks, pottery class, cooking lesson and the food was delicious. After snorkeling, the bar opens up to beer, mixed drinks, sodas and bottled water. It was well organized and fun! The excursion was on Vallarta Adventures, but I booked with vallartaonline.com with German a local travel agent in PV. We were on the same boat as the cruise passengers for a LOT less money. The only difference was that we had to walk over to the Vallarta Adventures booth at the pier and pick up our boarding tickets, which they had at "will call" reserved in our name. I just had to give them my printed reservation receipt number e-mailed to me by German. If you book with German, please tell him Tracy said hello.

Here's another gal who worked for vallartaonline at one time:
Vallarta Online is very reputable. They are authorized to sell Vallarta Adventures as well as everything else they sell, including reservations for a majority of the hotels. They are located in Vallarta across from the Sheraton Hotel and have the biggest and best Cyber Cafe/Internet Cafe on the Bay.
I worked there for a year and a half as the Editor, so I can attest to their professionalism and their being 100% legit.
It is also an excellent website for information about the area. Check out the articles in the SPOTLIGHT section, there is a first timers guide, and info on going around on your own.
And the entire thread is of interest: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=90888&highlight=vallarta+online

Hopefully that should help clarify how they work!!!

 

[LiserAnn]

Lisa, MNSSHP stands for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and F&W stands for Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.

Thanks, I've been wondering forever what those two codes stand for!

Oh, and I also wanted to mention I read in cruise critic if you directly tell the tour operator who has a contract with the cruise ship you're on that you are on that ship, then they are by contract obligated to not sell you tickets. I guess that's the cruise ships way of forcing you to get the tickets through them. Now if you get tickets through a tour broker (such as vallartaonline) who also has dealings or a contract with the same tour operator as the cruise ship, it's all fair game. However, it was suggested you avoid telling the tour broker that you're from a cruise ship, if at all possible. In the case of vallartaonline when they asked for a hotel or phone number I just put no phone available (which is true) and I left the fact that we were on a cruise ship out since they did not directly ask. I know it's symantecs...but it's not a fib....

 

[littleowensmommy]

Hi Jenny,

I'd love to participate in the meeting gift exchange. I know just what I'll bring to represent Suffolk, VA.

Lisa, you are certainly thorough. I now think I get how the excursion thing works down there. The only thing Vallartaonline.com or Marigalante has not responded to is my request for the ship capacity. I probably just have too much time on my hands to worry about all of these details.

I can't believe our trip is only 3 months away. We'll fly into San Diego on 23 July. We switched our reservation from the Hotel Del to a 1-bdr condo at the Coronado Beach Resort. I really prefer a condo to a hotel room when traveling with the kids. We're going to the Padres vs. Cardinals game on 26 July. We're really looking forward to seeing the new ballpark. On 27 July we're going to take AMTRAK from San Diego to Anaheim. I think the kids will enjoy the train and DH and I will certainly enjoy not having to deal with the driving. We're going to be at the Grand Californian for 3 nights. We purchased Disney transfers from the resort to the ship on 30 July and then from the ship to LAX on 6 August. This summer is going to be hectic but fun. We have company in town the week before our trip and again the week after. We 're off again on 12 August to attend my cousin's wedding in the Hamptons. From there, I'll travel alone with the kids to Newport, RI to spend a week with my family. DH will return home to get back to work.

Kathy

 

[lwilliam]

Kathy is going to be at the GC also before the cruise
So, it is Kathy, JoAnn, Lucy, anyone else?
I hope I run into all of you - goodness knows, I fear it will be
so full in Disneyland I'll be happy if I run into my own family
Kathy, where is your hometown? We love Virginia and visit the
DC area, Williamsburg area quite often.
Isn't this terrific - two bags from Rodeo Drive?
Now that you guys are looking at that website, my DH said maybe
we should consider - and NOW the dolphin swim is full - you know,
I knew it would be - we are procrastinators at heart - I'm taking a look
at the pirate ship today....wouldn't that be fun?!
Seems like we have several baseball fans among us.....
Nasty weather, again!, in PA - rain, rain, rain. My DH works this weekend
so I'll be lurking a little more often on the boards this weekend - why not?!
it is either cleaning.....or DIS boards.....I'm not dumb!! Lucy

 

[jfis1020]

I hope I get Jo Lo's bag from Rodeo!!!

 

[Albill]

We have been busy here in rainy NJ... Shopping ,Fishing,fixin ' stuff...I don't know where the time goes... Welcome to the new folks ...!!
of course, the "pressure packed" CROSSING GUARD position also takes up my time...
I'm exhusted after reading of all your efforts booking the differant activities good job Lisa...your on top of these things!!
And may I ask, where is my darling daughter Joann.?? I get a short brief chat on the cel and "phoof" that's it ,she's off and running
Ok i'm outta here, plants to plant,fish to catch (there's a big Stripper run happening at this time) that would be "Stripper "the fish ,
not the musical version... Bump Bump ....Bump ...HO Ha....!!

 

[LiserAnn]

Sounds like our gift exchange is in full swing, should be FUN. Can't wait to see what area specialties everyone brings. Kathy, since you lived in CAL at one time, I think you'll enjoy what I'm bringing since it's basically only available in CAL...hmmm...wonder what it is? Liz already knows because I had to "clear" it with her to make sure we don't bring the same thing.

Now Jenny-ahhh, keep hoping for that JLo bag, but I think it's just hope that you're gonna get

Kathy-How funny! I'm the big researcher in our family. Everyone calls me when they're wanting to buy something or want information because I seem to ferret the info out...I think it's ME, not you with too much time on my hands...(not really I have little one's as do you, right? I just take it from my sleep). I'm with you, we prefer a condo style rooms when travelling with the kids. When are you guys moving back to Coronado? I'm jealous....

Liz and Kathy-please post your info (DH's name, kids names and ages, cabin number, where you're from and what you and DH's do ) and I'll repost the thread member's list. Liz I basically know all your info (my DH has known Liz's DH for too many years to count) but post anyway just so I don't get anything wrong. OK and if there's anyone lurking out there...now's your time to post so I can get you added to our thread list!!!!!!!