January 14th 2006 Magic Western.............

[DisneyDDS]

We were wondering what night would be ok to eat at Palo's. We dont want to miss the first three rotations or the pirate night. This will be our third cruise(an expensive addiction!) and on both previous cruises there was a night that wasn't as good as the others. I think it was the best-of night, but I am not sure.

I am so looking forward to pirate night--last year was wonderful. Be sure to order the walk the plank chocolate cake. I have never had a better dessert anywhere!!!

 

[whome?]

Traditionally....the nights are as follows....but when DCL is asked they go with the "it's up to the Captain" comment. I'm interested to see how this week's Western cruise went and also will be anxious to hear about the first one when the Magic comes out of dry dock.

Sat (Port C) Casual
Sun (Key West0 Casual
Mon (Sea) Formal
Tue (Grand C) Casual
Wed (Cozumel) Pirate
Thu (Sea) Semi Formal
Fri (C-Cay) Casual

I know I've read trip reports where this has varied.....or maybe the poster had too many glasses of the drink of the day

Edited to add: Since we won't know our dining rotation in advance, you won't know which restaurant you'd be missing....but that's the great thing about a 7 day....you get two shots at each of them.

 

[Ariel&Flounder'sMom]

Great info Whome? Thanks!! I was looking for that info.

One other tip, don't forget the only time they do the light show at Animator's Palate is the first time for all cruisers. So, depending on your dining rotation, you may get AP on one of the first 3 nights.

That's why the Palo decision is a tough one. I'm trying to figure that one out myself. We did a 4 night Wonder trip in March of '05, and we didn't have as many options.

Does anyone know if brunch is hard to book? It's only on the "sea" days, right?

 

[whome?]

I think the brunch is offered 3 times, but I don't know what the 3rd day is. I've posted that question on someone's Palo thread. I know it's the two sea days, but don't know the 3rd. I'm actually looking at a Palo brunch and not a dinner, as I may be cruising alone....don't know for sure till October. I guess to avoid missing out on AP show, you could choose Thu (sem-formal) night for a Palo reservation...or Tuesday as that is night 4. Seems 'wrong' to do Palo on Pirate night somehow. I'm also trying to find out the menu 'themes' each night. I know they serve lobster semi-formal night. I'm hoping to see a trip report from the people who just got of the 9/10 Western.

 

[whome?]

OOps, forgot to come back and tell that the 3rd day for Palo brunch is Sun/Key West day. Also dinner theme's are: first three nights, restaurant specific; night four (casual) is called"Master Chef; night 5 is pirate night, night 6 (sem-formal) is called "Captain Gala"...lobster night and final night (casual) is "Till We Meet Again". Now to search for some menus to see what it all means!

I've been reading posts about upgrades (which tend to happen more in Sept/Oct and Jan/Feb). I have a Cat 11 on deck 6 and don't think I'd want an upgrade to Cat 9 on deck 2, but sure wouldn't mind a Cat 8 on deck 5, 6 or 7! I guess I'm more interested in being in the mid-level. OK, I've never cruised before, so why do I have a deck 2 prejudice??? Well, deck 2 aft might not be so bad.....looks pretty convenient for dining and shows. I think the forward cabins, under the nightclubs might be noisy.

So here I sit, rambling on about upgrades on a cruise that's not even a 100% sure thing, yet. I must admit, it's more fun than doing housework

 

[CPM]

So here I sit, rambling on about upgrades on a cruise that's not even a 100% sure thing, yet. I must admit, it's more fun than doing housework

My SIL has been calling to maybe book this cruise. There aren't very many cabins to chose from. And, the rates are high. I guess because of the Holiday week. I'm so surprised for January.

 

[Ariel&Flounder'sMom]

Isn't that funny? I didn't realize we were booking the holiday week - I looked at my kindergartener's school schedule and realized, "wow - we picked the best week in January." DD's school is out for MLK day and that Friday for conferences. Not bad as a fluke!

Whome? - we're not 100% on this cruise either. I'm really hoping for the best - in fact, I think I'll be crushed if we don't go - 2007 is too far away!!

It's hard when the $$ is due so far in advance - in many vacations, you don't pay until after you go, and then the big bill comes in! I know in cruises it's different, but we've had a tough summer - two trees fell on our house in two separate storms! What luck!

Good luck to all as our reservation dates creep close!

 

[whome?]

Omalley, I was just remembering that you were looking for someone to share a stateroom with your mom and was wondering how that is going? Have you had any luck?

A&F'smom, OMG! Watch out for those trees!

CPM, is your SIL traveling alone? See note to Omalley above.

 

[whome?]

Was just on the DCL site this morning.....looks like staterooms have opened up for our cruise. All catagories have availabilities again. The last time I checked (didn't think to look at it this morning) the 1/28 Western is much more full. This bodes well for the possibility of upgrades....either the suprise kind, or being able to purchase one on cruise day for a nominal fee!

 

[CPM]

Was just on the DCL site this morning.....looks like staterooms have opened up for our cruise. All catagories have availabilities again. The last time I checked (didn't think to look at it this morning) the 1/28 Western is much more full. This bodes well for the possibility of upgrades....either the suprise kind, or being able to purchase one on cruise day for a nominal fee!

That's good news. The rates are very high, so hopefully no one will buy those cabins <G>.
I guess someone was holding a big block of rooms.

 

[whome?]

ooohhhhhhhh, things are looking good for January.....will know more in another week. (we need a crossed fingers smilie)

 

[CPM]

ooohhhhhhhh, things are looking good for January.....will know more in another week. (we need a crossed fingers smilie)

Crossing fingers for you and smiling too!!
a little pixie dust wouldn't hurt either!

 

[Ariel&Flounder'sMom]

We've officially moved our reservation to March. Have a fun time in January - I'll be jealous when it's your time to go!

Have a wonderful time, and thanks for all your advice for the last month or so!!

 

[CPM]

We've officially moved our reservation to March. Have a fun time in January - I'll be jealous when it's your time to go!

Have a wonderful time, and thanks for all your advice for the last month or so!!

Well, at least you have a cruise booked, taht's the important part!!
NOW, where is everyone on this trip???

 

[whome?]

Well, I'm here, but maybe not for much longer. Tomorrow is my meeting that will impact this cruise, and now it's not looking so good.

HOWEVER, I devised a fall back plan yesterday and had my travel agent put a hold on a stateroom for the NOV 6th Wonder!! Yes, THIS NOV! I had planned on being at WDW Thu-Sun that week to meet DIS pals for the F&WF. It just sunk in that I could preceede that with a 4 day Wonder cruise. I'll be on the ship for my birthday! There was even a Cat 11 deck 7 stateroom available (my prefered location). This is just about the best 2nd choice thing I could think of. I'll be happy whichever way it goes EXCEPT for the fact that I'll miss out on meeting you guys.

..............to be continued...............

 

[whome?]

......well, the Jan cruise is off Can't go then. Sorry I'm not going to get to meet you guys....but don't feel to sad for me, becasue instead of cruising the Magic in January, I get to cruise the Wonder in FOUR WEEKS!!!! Yep, was able to book the Wonder for my birthday! So, the Magic will just have to be my second cruise

 

[CPM]

Dropping like flies here

Have fun in November!

 

[Joyful!]

Hi Guys,
My family (4 adults - me, my parents and my brother) will be on this cruise too!
This will be our FIRST ever cruise (except for my mom who's been on a cruise some 20 years ago).

3 more months to go I can't wait!!!

 

[goofymama]

Hi ladies!

I haven't been here in a while, but we're almost to that 90-day mark and I'm getting so excited!

So,is it true that you have to be paid in full before you make online ressies? I'm a CC member, so if I want to book this weekend, do I have to pay first even tho my final payment isn't actually due until the 29th? Does anyone know for sure?

Anyway, I hope to be here more now that the countdown is on. And if anyone gets an upgrade, please share! We were upgraded from a Cat 8 to a Cat 6 last time. I'm fine if we have to stick with our Cat 11 this time, but some friends are cruising with us that have never been before, and I'm really hoping that they get an upgrade.

93 days and counting!

 

[CPM]

Yes, you have to pay before you book Palos. My TA called today about it.

This ship is almost full, so not sure about upgrades.