Jammin' to Jamaica - Aug 30 2014 ~ Fantasy ~ 7-Night Western

[Dis_Yoda]

Welcome Dis Yoda!!

My 11yo and I are doing concierge as well

Welcome! Is this your first time doing concierge or have you done it a few times before?

Dis_Yoda

This is going to be a great cruise ... hope your port upgrade is magic

I've added you to the first post! Any celebrations? Do you know if you want to join the FE?

I'm excited!

Our celebration will be: not working for a week We aren't sure about FE at this time.

 

[LiseG]

Cruise would be easy with all the countries we visit. Mayan Ruins (although I don't remember if this cruise goes there) I think I go there with Sam. History and culture of Jamaica. Lise has better headings, so I would have her name the papers.

If you are doing Disney, Nico wrote a report about Sum of All Thrills. Building your own roller coaster and riding it was awesome to the teachers that had never heard of it. Samantha's favorite ride

I'm sure there is a book report on Harry Potter ride for Universal.

Cosumel looks to be our opportunity for ruins. There are a couple Disney excursions with a visit to San Gervasio Mayan Ruins at Cosumel. Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins and Cozumel Ruins And Beach Tour

There's also Tulum Ruins a "Journey to the ancient 'walled city' of Tulum on mainland Mexico" which looks to be "better" ruins.

Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park looks pretty cool. Anyone been there?

 

[sweetlovin']

Welcome! Is this your first time doing concierge or have you done it a few times before?
Our celebration will be: not working for a week

Not working is always a good celebration.

I was suppose to be taking the Magic across the Atlantic to Barcelona in a 1 bedroom concierge. I am not sure Nico (my oldest) is going to go with me. If it's just the 3 girls, I don't see the point in having a 1 bdrm, so I will probably change it. For now, it will be the 2nd time. It might end up being the first time.

 

[sweetlovin']

Cosumel looks to be our opportunity for ruins. There are a couple Disney excursions with a visit to San Gervasio Mayan Ruins at Cosumel. Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins and Cozumel Ruins And Beach Tour

There's also Tulum Ruins a "Journey to the ancient 'walled city' of Tulum on mainland Mexico" which looks to be "better" ruins.

Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park looks pretty cool. Anyone been there?

This will be my first time in any of these places. Oh, well by the time the cruise comes around, I will have been there with Samantha on her mommy and me trip. I need to check out the rest of the excursions for her age group. She was really bummed that she is too young for horse back riding.

 

[LiseG]

Disney's Approach to Leadership and Teamwork | Individual Enrollment: Disney Youth Education Series.

Properties of Motion Physics Lab | Individual Enrollment: Disney Youth Education Series

I am taking him to Disneyland for these classes. There is a California class that I could sign Sam or Julie up for, but the school system here doesn't excuse life changing or other learning excursions. If they did, I would have taken them to China this past April instead of waiting until June.

Thank you...I didn't know know about these classes at WDW and DL. I just looked it up. Disney Youth Education Series

I'll have to include one for Sabrina on our next trip.

 

[sweetlovin']

Thank you...I didn't know know about these classes at WDW and DL. I just looked it up. Disney Youth Education Series

I'll have to include one for Sabrina on our next trip.

Nico loves them! Plus, tickets are less expensive for the parks when you do a class. Julie will take them once she starts homeschooling as well. You will want the individual enrollment, but if your class is cancelled, you still get the park tickets at a discount.

 

[maiyoli]

Welcome Dis Yoda!!

My 11yo and I are doing concierge as well

I Have always wondered is it worth it,what do you get? Concierge.

 

[sweetlovin']

I'm not really sure. I know you get a limited amount of free internet. Honestly, it was only $400 more through the United website, so I went with it.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I Have always wondered is it worth it,what do you get? Concierge.

We did a port upgrade last time & enjoyed the perks. Yeah you get 100 free minutes of internet (but its super slow) but being able to have others arrange what we need done, private sun deck, other special perks, all you can drink Evian, etc During our Sept cruise last year, we were able to get a 2nd meal at Palo.

 

[CarolyninCO]

I agree both other time I have been on Disney cruise it was in the first week if September the water is perfect and it's not to hot and muggy

This is exactly what I was just wondering! Thanks so much for reassuring me. My husband does not do heat well, so I've already been preparing him.

 

[CarolyninCO]

I picked the early seating time, but after reading the boards more I'm wondering if we should switch to late. Some people said they don't want to rush to get ready for dinner, and the pools are a little emptier right before early seating. I honestly think that we may not even feel like we need to go the MDR's every night. The only thing holding me back is my 4-year old. Anyone have experience with a 4-year old at late dining? She's not exactly an early sleeper anyway. But I'm wondering if after a day of activities I might be pushing it.

Also....anyone have experience upgrading at port from OOV to OOT? (Wishful thinking already!)

Thanks so much for any info!

 

[sweetlovin']

My 8yo fell asleep at the dining room with the late seating every night. But she is usually in bed no later than 10pm and is always the first to fall asleep at sleepovers. Plus, she doesn't really like eating. I have the late seating with Julie on this cruise because she is up late and really loves food. She really enjoys sitting at restaurants so for her, that is a huge part of the experience.

I would suggest to keep the main seating and if you don't make it, head to the later dinners. I know a few people that were waiting to get into the dining area when I had early dining last Nov (the cruise was not sold out at all) Valentine's Day, the cruise was completely sold out, but a lot of people did not show up for the later dining. So I would gather sneaking into MDR later is almost always an option for people.

 

[CarolyninCO]

My 8yo fell asleep at the dining room with the late seating every night. But she is usually in bed no later than 10pm and is always the first to fall asleep at sleepovers. Plus, she doesn't really like eating. I have the late seating with Julie on this cruise because she is up late and really loves food. She really enjoys sitting at restaurants so for her, that is a huge part of the experience.

I would suggest to keep the main seating and if you don't make it, head to the later dinners. I know a few people that were waiting to get into the dining area when I had early dining last Nov (the cruise was not sold out at all) Valentine's Day, the cruise was completely sold out, but a lot of people did not show up for the later dining. So I would gather sneaking into MDR later is almost always an option for people.[/QUOTE

That's a great idea....thanks!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I picked the early seating time, but after reading the boards more I'm wondering if we should switch to late. Some people said they don't want to rush to get ready for dinner, and the pools are a little emptier right before early seating. I honestly think that we may not even feel like we need to go the MDR's every night. The only thing holding me back is my 4-year old. Anyone have experience with a 4-year old at late dining? She's not exactly an early sleeper anyway. But I'm wondering if after a day of activities I might be pushing it.

Also....anyone have experience upgrading at port from OOV to OOT? (Wishful thinking already!)

Thanks so much for any info!

Upgrading at port is going to depend on how many are left at the booking date. When we did our port upgrade, I got to the port ~10:00AM & tried to be towards the front rush of people getting in when people were allowed into the check-in area. You have to check in fully then you go to the upgrade desk & hope the people in front of you don't want the room you want.

 

[CarolyninCO]

Upgrading at port is going to depend on how many are left at the booking date. When we did our port upgrade, I got to the port ~10:00AM & tried to be towards the front rush of people getting in when people were allowed into the check-in area. You have to check in fully then you go to the upgrade desk & hope the people in front of you don't want the room you want.

That's great info - thanks for sharing! I didn't realize there could be a big rush for upgrades, but that makes sense.

 

[LiseG]

I picked the early seating time, but after reading the boards more I'm wondering if we should switch to late. Some people said they don't want to rush to get ready for dinner, and the pools are a little emptier right before early seating. I honestly think that we may not even feel like we need to go the MDR's every night. The only thing holding me back is my 4-year old. Anyone have experience with a 4-year old at late dining? She's not exactly an early sleeper anyway. But I'm wondering if after a day of activities I might be pushing it.

Also....anyone have experience upgrading at port from OOV to OOT? (Wishful thinking already!)

Thanks so much for any info!

We've chosen late seating every cruise. A little more time to get back on board... then head to the shows. We've seen them all 4-5 times. Awesome!

We wouldn't miss our time in the MDR... except to escape to Palo. Sabrina loved the dining room even at nearly 4. Your serving team will get to know you quickly and make it a wonderful experience. I remember Sabrina wanting a steak when she was 4 or 5. Our waiter served then cut it for her with flare! On recent cruises, Oceaneers Club counselors arrive in the MDRs around dessert time to gather up the kids so you can relax and enjoy a second cup of coffee (and maybe head out for some music or comedy ).

I have found that rather than buying fancy dresses, Disney Princess costumes were the perfect choice when Sabrina was little. More fun, economical, you're ready for Halloween... and if they're dressed like a Princess at dinner, little girls are easily encouraged to act like a Princess at dinner.

 

[LiseG]

My 8yo fell asleep at the dining room with the late seating every night. But she is usually in bed no later than 10pm and is always the first to fall asleep at sleepovers. Plus, she doesn't really like eating. I have the late seating with Julie on this cruise because she is up late and really loves food. She really enjoys sitting at restaurants so for her, that is a huge part of the experience.

I would suggest to keep the main seating and if you don't make it, head to the later dinners. I know a few people that were waiting to get into the dining area when I had early dining last Nov (the cruise was not sold out at all) Valentine's Day, the cruise was completely sold out, but a lot of people did not show up for the later dining. So I would gather sneaking into MDR later is almost always an option for people.

I never considered going to the alternate seating time. With assigned seating, I wonder how they accomodate walk-in diners. I guess with a Disney smile

 

[sweetlovin']

I never considered going to the alternate seating time. With assigned seating, I wonder how they accomodate walk-in diners. I guess with a Disney smile

I never did either until one of the dads sitting with us was telling the story of how he went and changed his seating. He said his 10yo just couldn't wait that long to eat. Then, I ran into a Dad with an 8yo outside the restaurant the 2nd night. He said his son kept falling asleep at dinner so he was told to show up and they would try to seat him early. I saw him at the show later, so he must have been able to switch.

I did really notice a lot of the empty tables at the later dinner because when Sam fell asleep, I would look to see who was around me. Julie was so excited to be there, I would have never left. If it had ust been Sam and myself, I wouldn't have stayed.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

We are now officially booked in room 12010! Yay!

 

[maiyoli]

We are now officially booked in room 12010! Yay!

Congrats, it does feel good to know which room your going to be in.