January 26 2008 - Western

[dduffin]

We had quite a bit of trouble booking the other night. I also stayed up til after midnight and kept getting error messages. It took me quite a while to get things fixed. We also seemed to have complications because we are hooked to 2 other rooms (group of 11 going). Glad to see there are at least a few others my kids ages, I have a DD 19, DD14 and DD11.
We did get Palo reservations but could not get our whole party in. Some are doing dinner and others brunch.

We are doing the shipwreck snorkel in Grand Cayman and some of us are doing the Dolphin in Cozumel while the rest are doing the Fury Catamaran. Key West I think we'll just explore on our own.

I saw someone's comment above about the parasailing being booked, I think I read on another thread that they are looking for a new vendor and that is why there is none available. Parents are CC members and there were none when they booked at 90 days out. Hopefully they have something in place by the time we go for those who want to do it (not me !!)

Look forward to meeting everyone. The excitement is definetely building with our gant and we can't wait.

 

[GuardMusic]

Hey dduffin! Welcome aboard. We are doing the Shipwreck Snorkel on Grand Cayman too. Which time did you choose?

 

[dduffin]

We chose the 2nd time (10:45 I believe) as 9 out of the 11 of us are doing this trip and chances are we wouldn't all be ready for the early one (not mentioning any names to protect the innocent )

 

[Ima Princess]

Hi all,

We are CC members and I was able to book parasailing for DH. The weird thing was at 90 days out, it was greyed out and I figured it was all booked since I didn't stay up until midnight. However, a few days later when I went back to book the semi-sub in Grand Cayman, parasailing was available. I booked DH but couldn't book our friend to join since they're not CC members. In hindsight, I should've booked myself (along with DH) and then just transferred the res to friend since it's now sold out. Ah, hindsight....

The good news for all of you is the next time you cruise, you'll be able to book 90 days out!! Last time we cruised, we were forced to do the onboard ressie rush for Palo and Spa since you couldn't book any of that online.

So here are the plans:
Key West -- on own
Grand Cayman -- Nautilus semi-sub for 7; 2-tank dive for 1
Cozumel -- Fury Cat for 4; Dolphins on own for 4 (DH & DD will do the swim, while DD & I will do the encounter)
We've also got some massages booked

The Fury Catamaran says it doesn't get back until 5:55 or something and we have early seating AND it's Pirate night, so our friends were initially concerned, but from what I've read here (love these boards!) they'll probably get back a little early. Thank goodness it's Pirate Night and not formal night -- pirates are supposed to be grungy!

Jen, I'm so glad you were able to make ressies! The DCL site can be so frustrating!

--CC

 

[dduffin]

Thanks for clarifying. That's good news for those who want to parasail. I'll tell my SIL who wants to do it to keep checking back or try once we get onboard.

 

[Tesanrick]

The beauty of being on the West Coast is that I was able to access the site at 9pm (well actually 9:30 because we didn't get home until then).

I got an 8pm at Palo on Grand Cayman day. And, I booked the Wild Side on Castaway Cay for DS 15 and a couples massage for DH & me in the open air cabanas - sounds heavenly.

In Cozumel, we decided to take a taxi to Paradise Beach. At Key West, I think we'll stay onboard and enjoy the ship when it's a little less crowded. Grand Cayman is the only one we still have to figure out.

DDuffin - I'm glad to see you have teens coming. There seem to be lots of kids the same age as my DD, 8 - but I hadn't seen any teens listed yet for my DS to hang out with.

We still need to book a room for the night before (my TA suggested the Nick Hotel) and find a good agency to rent a car from. Does anyone know which of the car rental companies have an office at the airport and near the pier and perhaps provide shuttle service?

Just a little over 2 months - this is getting exciting.

 

[GuardMusic]

My family and I are also going.

Me - 39 (but will be the big 4-0 the week before)
DW - 37
DS - 7
DS - 5

I am a true newbie:
- Never cruised
- Only been to WDW once, twenty years ago
- Never really involved with bulletin boards (I said to my wife, "They've got all this DW, DH, stuff... what's that? DIS-Husband, DIS-Wife?" She straightened me out.)

I was really just looking for a fun vacation for our boys that could also be relaxing for my wife and I. Multiple people suggested DCL, so here we are. We actually only booked last week, which I naively thought was plenty of time! Usually my wife arranges trips (she's the ultimate organizer) but she just went back to work (at a start-up @#$!), so I volunteered. Then I found this website and, of course, I have now become obsessed. Is there some kind of 12-Step Program you can refer me to? I can't believe I'm about to insert a smiley face... Wow, I think I'm possessed.

Welcome to the obsessed! I hate to break it to you, but the obsession will only continue to grow in the coming years. As you see in my signature, I've been to WDW MANY times. I just joined DISboards in 2005 and throught I knew a lot then, but this board... WOW.

Happy to answer any questions you might still have - even after trolling the boards!
Gayle

 

[GuardMusic]

We chose the 2nd time (10:45 I believe) as 9 out of the 11 of us are doing this trip and chances are we wouldn't all be ready for the early one (not mentioning any names to protect the innocent )

We booked this time too! Hope we don't get run over by your big group!
Gayle

 

[jenkh]

We booked this time too! Hope we don't get run over by your big group!
Gayle

Awesome half the excursion will just be us here from the meet lol

 

[bryiank]

How many DS aged 10-11 are going to be aboard the Jan. 26th cruise? My son is looking for some buddies to hang with. B

 

[dduffin]

Looking forward to meeting you guys on the Shipwreck snorkel. I'll try to keep our gang under control but there's no guarantees

 

[purplepeg]

I had read that giving the kids club staff phone cards is a great idea. I've been looking at them in Canada to buy international cards. A few of the cards said they charged extra if they were used at a pay phone. Do you know if the staff can use the phones on board when they are docked at Port Canaveral? Any info on this or other gift suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[dzorn]

I thought I read that phone cards are not really suggested anymore because so many have cell phones. Not sure what a good alternative would be.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Denise in MI

 

[Ima Princess]

We sail 2 months from today!!!

Let the countdowns begin (or continue, in my case)!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving!

CC

 

[dzorn]

I think I've been counting since we booked. Cannot wait.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

I made some door decorations today. I think DH thinks I'm going over board. I told him it would make our room easier to spot. He claims that's what the number on the door is for.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

Well I just found out we will not qualify for the Onboard Airline check in and luggage transfer. We are not using DCL transfers since our plane does not leave until 5:40pm. Oh well I guess I could have flown SW instead of NW at least I found out now so I can book an appropriate rental.

Denise in MI

 

[dduffin]

Only 8 1/2 more weeks. We are really getting excited. Dzorn - great job on getting the door magnets started. I have been collecting photos and clips to use but have not put any together yet.

 

[dzorn]

I had to make name tags for Brownies so I figured while I had that laminator out I would do a few. Don't think I'll tell Mom & Sis and let them be surprised.

Denise in MI