January 13, 2007 - 7 Night Magic Western

[cepmom]

I ended up in the hospital for a few days last week so I'm behind in getting ready for our trip. But the doctor said that cruise will be good for me so I'm going for medicinal purposes.

Happy packing, everyone! See you very soon!

Sharon

Sharon ~
I hope you are feeling better

Jennifer

 

[Bytor01]

what is the web site address for this service?

Tim

 

[sopandbass]

what is the web site address for this service?

Tim

theperfectgift dot cc

 

[Patio_29]

We'll be sailing on the January 13th Magic too! We're so excited. I've been lurking and reading all your posts and decided to finally create an account. I'm so jealous of those who have begun packing....I'm soooooo behind. My goal was to have it done by this week. My DS just turned 5 last week and is very excited about this trip. We've been on the Wonder and he LOVED the kids club.

We've book the private room at Palo's (we're sailing with my a large family group). Has anyone been in that room? How is it? We're celebrating the in-laws 25th anniversary (it's a suprise).

I called DCL to confirm a couple things and they are sold out for this cruise. The good news is we may be able to book the 2008 cruises that have yet to be released while we're on the Magic. They said "sometimes" they let the cruise passengers book before they open to the public and it could be our trip.

Does anyone know what's in Shirley's new Pirate Basket? I saw it mentioned on her website, but didn't see a description.

Thanks in advance!!! Can't wait for the cruise!!!

 

[Patio_29]

I forgot to ask...are there any 19-22 year olds on this cruise that we know of? I have 3 in my group and they were wondering if there would be anyone else around their age. I think they're a little worried about it being all kids and nothing for them to do.

I guess I forgot to introduce ourselves too. My immediate family consists of myself, DH (33) & DS (5). We're travelling with about 16 others ranging from 1 yr to 70s. We're coming from DC-Northern VA, NC, Guatemala & Peru. Any tips on excursions or any advice at all on the Western would be appreciated. DH, DS & I have been on the Wonder, but this is a first for everyone else.

 

[Ginny]

Patricia -

Welcome, Patricia.

We did a DIS Meet in the Private Room in Palo's in 12/2003 on the Monday Morning (at Sea Day) and had a great time...............lots of fun!! The room is not huge and holds about 16 people comfortably.

It did became a bit warm as our brunch wore on. So, I would suggest dressing in layers with a cool top underneath so that you are comfortable.
They did bring a fan in to help with air circulation which was a big help!

I think you will enjoy it very much. We did a brunch meet at Palo's on our 2002 cruise and had it out in the general space and we felt that the experience in the private room was much better. As you are all family, I think you will be very happy in the the private room.

I'm not familiar with Shirley's new Pirate Basket but would suggest asking that on the "main" board or calling Shirley and asking her. She is delightful as is her staff.

Take care -

Ginny

 

[sopandbass]

...that in order for Tinkerbell to work her magic, she might need your stateroom number. Just a thought. pdarrah has been kind enough to list said info on the cruise website for those who have given her said info.

Happy Packing!

 

[Colorado Mom]

Hey Everyone!!
just a quick question. Our plans have changed and we no longer have to stay near the airport Friday night. I am thinking the Raddison at port might be something different but wondering if you all have and opinions or tips. is it worth changing now? Are there other options I should consider???

 

[blacksmithcrm]

Here's an odd one:

If we park the car at the airport, it'll cost $19 per day ($133 for the week).
If we take a cab to the airport on Saturday and when we come back, it'll cost $60 each way (round trip -$120)

However, If we do the MCO Marriott "Park and Fly" package, they'll park the car for the week, take us to the gate on Saturday, pick us up on the 20th. and it'll cost us $118.

So, in order to save a little money, we'll have to
- spend part of Friday by the Marriott's pool and in their sauna,
- Sleep a little later on Saturday
- Have someone pick us up from the airport and take us to our car the following Saturday.

um,,,, yeah ,, that's what we'll do. Thanks Bill!

8 days and counting!!!

 

[Bytor01]

Just loking at the Bahama document that came. Can someone help me out with the part 2 section. Do we need to fill that in? We are obviouosly not going there so why would they need to know our flight info what hotel or ship we are coming there in and where we are staying? What should I put in there? Thanks.

Tim

 

[Ginny]

Good Morning, All,

blacksmithcrm - So, in order to come to your find conclusion about transportation, did you do like a spreadsheet with the different options? I would probably ponder a really long time on that one.................


Colorado Mom - We have stayed at the Radisson before and enjoyed it but it was a few years ago. Of late, the main board mentions Ron Jons and a couple of other spots. Now, we stay in WDW and take a car service (Southern Elegance) to the Port.

Well, after a "rousing" first week back in the office after the holidays, DH and I were having similar thoughts yesterday as we were both "seeing double and feeling single" with all the new "stuff" we have to get done before we leave!! I'm almost afraid to answer my phone or open my e-mail today!! Perhaps, we should have departed this past Wednesday and sailed tomorrow!! Everyone else is refreshed and working at warp speed and I'm hearing steel band music and thinking "Bahama Mama's" and Animator's Palate!

So, while DD is finishing up her Science Fair stuff this weekend (that will be due the Tuesday after we return), both DH and I will be working on our "homework" so we can focus on the really important things like: Packing, tickets, excursions, and the sound of the beautiful Horn of the Magic as we "play" at the Sailaway Party.

 

[cepmom]

Just loking at the Bahama document that came. Can someone help me out with the part 2 section. Do we need to fill that in? We are obviouosly not going there so why would they need to know our flight info what hotel or ship we are coming there in and where we are staying? What should I put in there? Thanks.

Tim

Tim
You do need to fill out that section since Castaway Cay is part of the Bahamas. I fill out that we are arriving by ship, the date that we will be at CC (1/19/07) and Port Canaveral for the place where you boarded. HTH

 

[CTPinkPrincess]

Well, after a "rousing" first week back in the office after the holidays, DH and I were having similar thoughts yesterday as we were both "seeing double and feeling single" with all the new "stuff" we have to get done before we leave!! I'm almost afraid to answer my phone or open my e-mail today!! Perhaps, we should have departed this past Wednesday and sailed tomorrow!! Everyone else is refreshed and working at warp speed and I'm hearing steel band music and thinking "Bahama Mama's" and Animator's Palate!

And I thought I was the only one having a hard time at work this week! I have more than enough to do but can't really concentrate on it when I have to order a basket from Shirley, hold the mail, etc etc etc.!!

Hi all! I've been neglecting the boards while 'real life' took priority since late fall, but now we're down to one week!! One week from today we'll be flying into MCO and taking ME to the Poly!!

 

[DiaLady]

Our plans have changed and we no longer have to stay near the airport Friday night. I am thinking the Raddison at port might be something different but wondering if you all have and opinions or tips. is it worth changing now? Are there other options I should consider???

Well, you asked for opinions . . .LOL

We're staying at the Country Inn & Suites. It's a brand new hotel (newer than Marriots' Residence Inn from what I have read on these boards). The price is right at only $89 prepaid. I've seen a number of recent thumbs down for the Radisson. Oh did I mention you'll be able to see the Magic from the Country Inn & Suites? They also have a lovely breakfast (again this opinion is gathered from reading lots of trip reports and others on the board)

We'll be there the evening before right after having dinner with my DB & DSIL (who are going to WDW while we're cruising)

That's it for the opinion . . .

Theresa

 

[Bytor01]

Tim
You do need to fill out that section since Castaway Cay is part of the Bahamas. I fill out that we are arriving by ship, the date that we will be at CC (1/19/07) and Port Canaveral for the place where you boarded. HTH

Great thank you for the heads-up. I forgot that. I will put the info down now.

Tim

 

[Bytor01]

Another question from a first timer to all you vets, boy I have been killing you lately...Anyways, I have been reading on Allears and Passporter about tipping. Tipping the head and asst. waiter, room service, person who takes care of your stateroom are customary. What do you or have you tipped people in the past? What about the Kid's clubs? Has anyone tipped them and if so who and what?

 

[skylynx]

Hi, there...don't worry about being in a quandary over what's considered "standard" for tipping...it's printed on one of the pages of your cruise doc packet. And will also appear again in your stateroom towards the end of the cruise, along with envelopes. ;-)

Tipping isn't expected in the kid's clubs, but I think some people give telephone calling cards to counselors. I think overall their salaries are much less dependant on tips than the other service staff in the dining rooms and staterooms.

You'll be able to determine during in the cruise if you'll be tipping the recommended amount, more, or less. While it is pretty easy to feel guilt tripped about subsidizing the crew's income to make up for what is rumored they are paid in salary, you are in no way obligated to give the recommended amount if you feel it wasn't deserved. Chances are you won't feel that way, as the servers are usually superb.

 

[Patio_29]

I just got off the phone with Shirley. She's really great. I went with the new Pirates Basket which sounds nice for those with boys. Okay I'm off to pack. I can't believe we leave Thursday.

Has anyone used First Choice Limo service?

 

[DiaLady]

Hello All --

Just finished printing out our door magnet. First time using the magnetic paper. It is well worth the money. Had to change the date b/c I put 2006 . . LOL. Thanks to DS12 for noticing BEFORE we left

We're starting to pack things up . . .still realizing I didn't buy any new dress pants for the boys. They outgrow them quicker than I can purchase them . . .guess we're off to JC Penney's in the next day or two.

Is anyone else bringing first aid items? I'm packing a few bandaids, hydrocortize (sp??), and anti-biotic ointment (along with tylenol and allergy meds). Any other suggestions . . .

We're only 4 days from leaving home . . .

 

[DiaLady]

Oh, and did I mention the high here today is almost 80 degrees!! Hard to believe it might be COOLER in Florida when we get there .. .Thankfully it is still in the 80's south of the border!