Jan. 18-25 Western Report

[ILUVALASKA]

First time poster here, long time reader. Just returned to warm and sunny southern California from our seven day western cruise. This was our 4th Disney cruise and the first time we cruised in January. Took it in the winter because I hate that humidity we experience in August! There is obviously a big risk to cruising the Caribbean in january- it can be cold! And the worst thing I have to report is that we WERE NOT ABLE TO GO TO CASTAWAY CAY! I was very sad, but since we have been there 3 times before, I could live with the news. However, I felt awful for all of the first time cruisers who could not go. Lots of crying and sad kids. I sailed with 10 year old son and 65 year old mother. Dad had to work.


Rather than give a full report, I'll just list the best and the worst of the cruise and some general observations.

Weather- Very cool in Key West! Needed jackets. Warm in Cayman and Cozumel and half of our Thursday sea day. Then boom, we hit a major storm which caused rain, high winds, and huge swells. Thursday and Friday nights the ship was really swaying. Our room was creaking so much I thought it would fall apart! Very cold on Friday as we had an unplanned sea day. No one outside all day due to the high winds. The high seas made the stingray city trip very difficult as well- big swells knocking you around while you are trying not to step on a stingray. The normally waist high water was up to my neck- I am five foot nine inches tall.

Didn't hear about any virus attacks and the staff served all food most of the cruise. The drink station on deck 9 was roped off to guests and only accessed by a server who served all beverages.

Movies on board this week included Greek Wedding, Signs, Sweet Home Alabama, Treasure Planet, Spy Kids, and Lilo and Stitch.

The Best-

Staying at the Hyatt at the airport was awesome! We flew in the night before from LAX and had time for dinner at the hotel (very good) , a swim in the jacuzzi style pool, and no hassle with getting a ride somewhere after flying all day. The other plus was leaving the hotel at 9:30 am for the terminal on Sat. and being close to the front of the line to board. We were on the ship by 12:30 pm and the room was ready. Got Palos reservations with no problems.

Food- Huge improvement in both the quality and the taste of the meals in the dining room. Our previous three cruises we did not find the food to be as good as other cruise lines.

Kids- The kids on board this week were great! We were on deck 6 with a navigator's veranda and did not hear any noise from kids running down the halls.

Kids Club- My son loved the Oceaneer's lab and went there every night until midnight! He made some great new friends and cried when we left the ship this morning. The counselors were great. 800 kids on board this cruise, which was full.

Cozumel- We tried a new excursion to Chankanaab. Did Tulum in August. There is no need to pay Disney's prices for this excursion. It was $10 per taxi to the park, $10 per person to get in, and $5 for the sea lion show. Total was $18 for each of us. The snorkeling lagoon and swimming lagoons were fabulous and the park restaurant had very good food. Very clean restrooms. Note- the taxi drivers drive VERY fast in Cozumel.

Key West- Rented a golf cart from Key West cruisers for 2 hours and zipped all around. Better than the conch train because you can get on and off of your golf cart at your leisure. Cart staff was very helpful and friendly and they will shuttle you from the ship to their rental lot-about 10 blocks away.

Entertainment- Enjoyeds all the shows, sad to see our favorite performers were gone as a new dance cast arrived in December. We love the three comedians and the duck puppet! The navigators still have the same basic activities and game shows as always. Would like to see a new show added. Also, love the cruise staff. They are so upbeat and fun.

Antenna Balls- Buy them the first night of the cruise! The mickey sailor balls are cute and they were gone by the second night. I bought three and am glad I did.

Palos- What can I say? Both the brunch and dinner were fabulous. Server both times was Dalibor. He is a scream. Loved the chocolate suffle and filet mignon and the pizzas. We had a party of two for dinner and left a $20 tip.


The Things We Didn't Like-

Won't name any names, but our server was inattentive and not interested in our table. Never asked how the food was and only made recommendations the first dinner. Loved our asst. server, Lek from Thailand. We were at a table with all senior citizens and my son was NOT happy. Doesn't the staff organize tables so that they are better matched? We tried to make a switch, but to no avail. Kids meal was always served cold and we sent it back every night for a hot meal. Never got a dinner table photo as the photographer missed us twice.

Dress Code- Or the code that is largely ignored. I hope I don't get flamed for making this comment, but I was very disappointed in many of the outfits worn by my fellow cruisers to dinner. Baseball caps and t-shirts and jeans in Lumieres? Wife beater t-shirts? Please, take off your hat in a dining room! Formal night ranged from tuxes and floor length gowns to t-shirts and jeans and worse. The woman waiting to go in to dinner in front of us was not even wearing shoes! I spoke to a cast member about the deplorable clothing, and he said that Disney doesn't pressure people to change and does not want to offend. Palos supposedly enforces a dress code, bout on our dinner night, most men were tie and jacketless, simply wearing polo shirts and khakis.

Smoking- Sorry, I'm a non-smoker and hated all the smoke in the bars during family activities like Bingo and family shows. Seems an odd disconnect for Disney to allow smoking indoors.

Weather- Wished it had been warmer, and really wished we could have gone to Castaway Cay! The rough seas caused us to not get much sleep on Thursday and Friday, and I am still swaying as I type this report!

Rumors- Staff photographer thinks a third ship will be finished in 2 years? Who knows.

Killing time at the airport- We had 8 hours to wait for our flight today, so we rented a car from AVIS (on site at the airport) and went to Disney marketplace for lunch, shopping, and to see Disney Quest building. Left the airport at 10:15 am and were back by 3:15 pm for a 5:30 pm flight. We have also made it to Gatorland for a half day trip and had a ball. ONly $35 for the rental. The Hyatt didn;t have day rooms ready until 1 pm, so it wasn't worth it to book a room.

We were asked about booking another cruise on board, but we have decided to wait until Disney comes up with a new itinerary as we have done both eastern and western twice now. We love DCL for their dedication to planning fun family activities and children's programming, but we plan to try RCCL this summer back to Alaska. Our dream is for Disney to put a ship on the west coast!

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[disgal1]

I plan on the Chankanaab park by taxi also,
are there rental lockers? what did you do with your belongings while you snorkled.?
Thanks

 

[Jeanny]

Thanks for your report. We're going on the 7 day Western next January 3, 2004. Right now, we're planning on the ruins excursion at Cozumel. and hoping next year's weather will be a little bit more co-operative for Castaway Cay.

And I totally agree with you regarding the smoking and dress code.

I'm highly allergic to smoke, I can't breathe when some one is smoking near me. I'm a little amazed that Disney doesn't do something more about smoking, (not just for me), but for all the children and non=smokers.

I know I have about another year to go, but I've kind of figured out, from reading the Disboards, what we're bringing for clothes. I would no sooner go to dinner in my shorts, than I would in a bathing suit. Rules are rules.... if someone shows up in shorts or jeans, then they should be asked to go change, it's not like they didn't know... oh, maybe they didn't read their brochures and information/dress code suggestions.

I'm sorry, please no flames ~~my opinion only. Why make the rules, if you're not going to at least TRY to enforce them... Don't worry about hurting their feelings when they have total disregard for the dress code. I personally think it's great to get "dressed up" for semi-formal dinners... You don't have to wear your tiara, but at least no shorts/jeans!!! again, just my opinion~~ This is an age-old debate and will never be settled...... but I'll be on vacation and enjoying myself (and the rules)....
Thanks again for your great report.
Jeanny

 

[ILUVALASKA]

Dear Disgal 1:

At Chakanab they do have lockers, however, there is a sign on them that says "lockers for Dolphin Discovery Guests Only". We left our things under the watchful eye of our non-snorkeling mother. There might be other lockers, but we did not see them.

Enjoy!

 

[robin5]

Same Cruise Same thoughts!
We were also on the cruise. I was totally disappointed with the Thurs/Fri Weather, but what can you do.
I agree with the smoking, did not encounter it to much,just with the Hard Core Smokers I think. I think they lite up when they were outside, thinking that it was O.K.. I do have a bit of info that you should be aware of. If you are in room 8534 there was a problem with the floor. The noise was so awaful that it woke me up Thurs night, The worst Fri Night in bad weather. I don't like to be woke up when we have rough sea's. I just want to get through it. Anyway the rivits came loose in the floor next to us and it sounded like someone had a sledge hammer and was banging it on the floor. We called the security and the way they solved it was putting a 50lb weight on the part of the floor that was lifting up on every wave. Once that was in place the noise stopped. A little scary. I hope this week for room 8534 is calm seas. We did not do book any excursions. We just winged it. When we went to Cozumel we heard the Reef club was the place to go. We have 3 children 10,7,6. It was $29 an Adult and $14 a child for the day. All you can eat and drink. Towels, snorkling, and kayaking included. Bathrooms were clean and the kids saw bif fish. I thought if was pretty good. Town is just like any other town. So we thought for our kids it was the best thing around. Would I do It again. Yes. But I would like a very calm sea next time.

 

[JVSJr]

Also on the January 18-25 trip.

I think I saw the same barefoot person mentioned in Lumieres in Parrot Cay.

Dress code enforcement/encouragement VERY weak.

Having done several cruises it is time to see an itinerary change or at least some entertainment changes. Those who have never cruised will still see great shows and those who have gone before can see something different. I mean the same shows have been going on for quite a while.

Food is good but not as great as some of the other lines.

Kids had a GREAT time in the clubs as usual.

Spa is a bit expensive.

Service all around was fantastic.

Ship was beautiful as usual.

Palo was excellent and relaxing.

Characters galore.

Photos are too expensive (though good).

Drinks are a bit steep at 4.75 per.

Overall the Disney Cruise is great family fun.

 

[bhurley]

Thanks for posting your report

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

Hi ILUVALASKA-

THanks for the detailed report. I have been watching for any and everything for info for our 1st Magic Western cruise in October. We have done the Wonder but not the Magic so I have losts of questions and research.

Would you recommend Chankanab for a 2.5 and 5 year old or Playa del Sol? Probably little or no snorkeling just playing in the sand and shallow water? I have heard Playa del Sol is good for little ones but Chankaneb has the Sea Lion show. Also any ideas for my mother who uses a wheel chair?

I appreciate your comments about the dress code and agree, even at Burger King they make you wear shoes that is gross . I also agree with the smoking issue. On our Wonder cruise I did not notice the smoke but it was only 4 days and the weather was perfect so maybe they went outside. My 4 year old had awful asthma so smoking is a huge concern of mine, I can remember being at WDW when he was 2 and a typical summer thunderstorm broke out and trapped us under a canapy with a family from another country. They started smoking and my poor son had a asthma attack

I was also interested in your Key West excursion. I had thought with having little boys and Mom in a wheel chair we would do the trolley tour but a golf cart sounds interesting. How many do they seat? 2 in front and 2 in back? Any seat belts? Can you drive to the Pirates Museum or Aquarium? How did you reserve the cart?

Sorry to pester you with all the questions but appreciate all of your help.

Tiff

 

[ILUVALASKA]

Hi Tiff-

Chankanab is perfect for little ones of all ages if you skip the snorkel lagoon and have them play in the safe and smaller wading lagoon. The water was only up to my son's waist at the deepest pt. and he is about 5'2". It's very shallow near the shore and lots of babies were at the shoreline. The water was very warm and a pretty green. The park is perfect for wheel chairs as it has hard pathways all throughout unless you walk on the sandy beach. But the chilsren's swim area is bordered by a path so your mom won't be far away at all if you were on the beach. Maybe 20 ft.

In Key West, once you leave the dock, turn left on the main street and you are right at the Key West Museum. It's not very big and we were through it in 5 minutes. Right across the street is the Mel Fisher Treasure HUnt Museum which is lots more interesting for kids. Keep moving left down the street and you'll come to Old Town which has the aqaurium, the historeum, the shell and sponge shops, a mall, and lots of stands selling souvies. You do not need transportation of any kind to go to these spots. It took me 5 minutes to walk from the dock to the Old Town. Also, I recommend purchasing your trolley or conck train tickets independently from Disney as they are much cheaper. You can't miss the conch train, it is right in the area of Old Town.

There was a Key West Cruiser cart right at the dock exit and we simply hopped on and he drove us the 10 blocks to the rental lot. We paid $76 for a two hour rental for a 4 seater, which does have seatbelts. We drove through the residential streets and went to the Farthest Point Buoy for a photo, the lighthouse, and to a beautiful beach called Fort Mc Henry. Then we sped past Hemingway's House, found some frozen key lime pie on a stick (dipped in Chocolate), and still had 20 minutes left on our clock.
After returning the cart, they returned us the dock area. It was effortless and cheaper than purchasing shore excursions.

Have Fun-

Juli

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

Thanks for all of the great info. Would you recommend renting a cart and the trolley or just one?

 

[ILUVALASKA]

Key West is very small, you would only need to go with one or the other-cart or trolley. We love the trolley tour because you get lots of the background and history of the area. If it's cool outside, the trolley is a better choice.

 

[Minnee]

ILUVALASKA
Thanks for your great report!
I like the golf cart idea in Key West !

robin5
- we'll be 8534 soon, anything else you can tell about this room? did you have noise from the elevator, or was it just the sledge hammer noise.

Thanks !

 

[jlawall]

Thx to all for the excellent tips in Cozumel and Key West.....one question.....In Key West....has anyone seen the Hyatt?.....would it be a nice place to stay?.....we are considering a short trip there in April.

 

[robin5]

ILUVALASKA,
The room noise was fine. I hope that sledge hammer noise does not come back in rough seas.

 

[Hopkins]

Really enjoyed reading your report and welcome to the DIS.

Tina

 

[mmouse37]

Hi Joanne....on our 1/4 Magic trip we did not see the Hyatt, but we booked a day room at the Sheraton Suites in Key West which is about 3 miles from the port. We spent the day at the pool since we already toured Key West on our August trip. The room and the pool area were very nice!! We have Sheraton (Starwood Points) and used them for the day!!!

MJ

 

[Chattyaholic]

to post your trip report! My DH and I were on the same cruise with you, in room 6578. We, too, heard noise each night. Usually around 3:30 - 4:00 a.m. the banging and clanging noises woke me up. Never did figure out what it was. We, too, had Dalibor as our server at Palo. He was very nice, and funny. We had a window table, but it was dark so didn't see much. My stomach was queasy that night (Sunday and Monday nights, but not the rest of the trip...even Thursday and Friday when we had really, really rough seas...go figure!) so I didn't overdo it with the food. Didn't even finish my chocolate souffle and I really, really wanted to!! You mentioned the normally waist high water at Stingray City was up to your neck, so I take it you've done that excursion before? We did the Island Tour and Snorkeling With the Stingrays, and the water was a bit scary to me. I'm barely 5' tall and did wear a life vest in the water, but was still a bit leary of it with the waves being so high and all. It was quite an experience to hold one of those awesome creatures though, and I was glad I did it, but wished the water would have been a little lower and not so many waves.

 

[flutter]

My brother and I were right down the hall from you in cabin 6583. We liked the door with the Pooh characters on it, helped to find our way. We also did the Stinray city Island tour, we were on the later one. Which one were you on? I was the first one off the boat but then I got real nervous because I really couldn't touch bottom and the stingrays freaked me out at first. I did get used to them and had a great time. We swam with the dolphins in Cozumel that was my favorite part of the cruise. Our cabin steward and servers were great too. Our servers were both from the Phillipines, Joseph and Roland. I had never been on a cruise before and was a bit disappointed that the weather wasn't better and we missed Castaway Cay but what are you going to do. I'll just have to plan another cruise after I finish school.
Tracy

 

[jlawall]

Can you give me details about the dolphin experience in Cozumel? Each time my family has done this it is always the highlight of our trip.

 

[flutter]

Well, we booked directly with Dolphin Discovery the cost for the swim was $119 per person, you have to be atleast 8 yrs old. Ther was only one child in our group. YOu are put into groups of 6 people. Let me back up a little we took a taxi to and from Chakannab park $10 each way and we paid $10 per person to get into the park. you have to check in a half hour before your scheduled time and they give you a life jacket and tell you where to go at your scheduled time. We got to the park hours before hours before our time so that we could check out the park, it is beautiful, we saw lots of iguanas. They have replicas of ruins and such also and a nice beach area. You can snorkel and there is a sea lion and bird show, we didn't go to this. Now the Dolphin swim, we started by watching a video about how to interact with the dolphins. The guide told us what position to be in for each experience, such as the push and dorsal fin pull. They also told us where not to touch they dolphins and such. We then went out to the dock and down to the swim area. We first got to get a kiss from the dolphin and kiss it's nose. Then we had the shaking of the pectural fins, all photo ops ofcourse. I first did the foot push, but some started with the dorsal fin pull, not sure what they call it but it is where you hold onto the 2 dolphins dorsal fins and they pull you . The foot push is where you make like a superman position and they come up behind you and push your feet with their noses, this was very cool but they startled me when they came up behind me. After everyone has had a chance to do all these thing then you go two at a time out into the water and hold the pole and the dolphin jumps over it a few times.After this we had free swim time, you all stand in a big circle with lots of room between people and the dolphins swim around and in between you. It was a lot of fun. After the swim is over you have a chance to see the video they make of the swim, it was a nice video but I didn't buy it, I did buy a couple of the photos they took. Would I do it again, YOU BET!!!!!
Tracy