July 15-22 2006 Western Anyone?

[BTSEN5]

I have a couple of questions yet again. I just got on the disney reservation site and looked up the Dolphin Encounter. It looks like it is available. Earlier it was not. I was wondering about this. It is pretty much an all day thing (9-5:30). What do you all know about it? Is it worth the money it costs? Will I have chance of getting it booked while on the ship?

The other question is about the tour of the Grand Cayman Island. My DH would like to visit Hell. I see that is available. I was planning on getting a Taxi or something and just doing this ourselves, but after looking at Google Earth, I see nothing in Grand Cayman, and may wish I set up the excursion. What are your thoughts on this. Is this something that I may be able to set up on the ship? They offer 2 different excursions, so I am thinking that maybe they will not be booked right off the bat.

One of the big problems I have is that our 18 year old is wishy washy about the excursions, so I don't want to set up things that are not going to be enjoyed. Another thing that makes this whole thing more difficult is that we have 2 separate reservations, due to the fact that we have 2 staterooms. This makes it a little scary setting up excursions, because I have to do 2 separate transactions.

I am sorry, I think I have started rambling. Thanks for all your help everyone. I appreciate it so very much.

 

[sillykidsmom]

I have a couple of questions yet again. I just got on the disney reservation site and looked up the Dolphin Encounter. It looks like it is available. Earlier it was not. I was wondering about this. It is pretty much an all day thing (9-5:30). What do you all know about it? Is it worth the money it costs? Will I have chance of getting it booked while on the ship?

The other question is about the tour of the Grand Cayman Island. My DH would like to visit Hell. I see that is available. I was planning on getting a Taxi or something and just doing this ourselves, but after looking at Google Earth, I see nothing in Grand Cayman, and may wish I set up the excursion. What are your thoughts on this. Is this something that I may be able to set up on the ship? They offer 2 different excursions, so I am thinking that maybe they will not be booked right off the bat.

One of the big problems I have is that our 18 year old is wishy washy about the excursions, so I don't want to set up things that are not going to be enjoyed. Another thing that makes this whole thing more difficult is that we have 2 separate reservations, due to the fact that we have 2 staterooms. This makes it a little scary setting up excursions, because I have to do 2 separate transactions.

I am sorry, I think I have started rambling. Thanks for all your help everyone. I appreciate it so very much.

If you really want to do the Dolphin Encounter I would book it while you can. I would not wait until you got on the ship. To have it come back open is rare. I'm assuming your booking this in Cozumel? It has become an all day excusion since the Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel is no longer there due to hurricane Wilma and you actually have to go to the mainland of Mexico. My husband and I did this excusion in September (before Wilma) and it was only a 4 hour excusion since it was right there in Cozumel. To me it was well worth the money. We actually paid the extra to swim with Dolphins. (not sure if that's part of your excusion) We were just in Cozumel in May and it was sad to see the destruction. Things we did the last time we were there were just gone. As for this time we opted for the Cozumel Beach Break since we have the kids with us this time.

Grand Cayman. I personally love Grand Cayman. It's such a beautiful island. You can shop in peace with out anyone begging you to come into their shops unlike Cozumel. We are going to do the Island Tour and Butterfly Farm. This makes stops at the Turtle Farm, "Hell", the Butterfly Farm and then to the Rum factory. My husband and I have been to the Turtle Farm and Hell but the kids have not. We thought the would enjoy it like we did.

Because Savannah is only 3 we are very limited in what we can do.

Not sure if I helped or not because I rambled on and on. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

 

[buzz2]

Hi all, On the free drinks, besides the the Castoway party, I believe there are free drinks for a short period of time at the Captains Galla.I think that is were we had them on our last 2 cruises.
We have done the Dolphin Encounter twice, and enjoyed it very much each time. This time we are to the Stingrays in Grand Caymens.
We are staying at the Motel 6 the night before this time, not the Radison, we won't be in until about 9pm, and I could not pass up the $59 room rate.
We will try to make the 3 pm meet, but have family arriving about that time and I will have had my 100th shrimp by then, and will need to run up those stairs for exercise.

 

[thegales]

Hi all, On the free drinks, besides the the Castoway party, I believe there are free drinks for a short period of time at the Captains Galla.I think that is were we had them on our last 2 cruises
...
We will try to make the 3 pm meet, but have family arriving about that time and I will have had my 100th shrimp by then, and will need to run up those stairs for exercise.

Makes note to attend Captains Gala

buzz2 - we will probably be in the vicinity of the Mickey Pool all afternoon. Look for two crazy girls in the pool, and you will probably see two crazy parents near by. If we miss you then, I usually am on deck 10 for the sail away party. The rest of the family is down on the dance floor, but I like taping the activities, and waving to the CM's at the terminal with my Mickey hand. (I used to have two Mickey hands, but have lost one somewhere along the way).

 

[noahsmom]

Tell me more about the Captains Gala - this doesn't sound familiar to me.

Less than a month away!!!!!!!!!

 

[thegales]

It took some digging, but I found it! On Monday, which is Formal night, there is the Captain's Welcome Reception. In our October 2004 Navigator, it has the description "Enjoy a coctail with the officers of the Disney Magic as our formal evening begins in the Lobby Atrium, Decks 3 & 4. We also extend an invitation for an exclusive photo opportunity to meet Captain Tom Forberg on Deck 3, midship." The recent Navigators only have "You're invited to meet Captain Tom Forberg as you mingle with the officers of the Disney Magic".

One would think this would be the same night as the Captain's Gala menu, but that is on Thursday, semi-formal night. It does not appear that there are any other activities on Thursday to make it a gala. Very odd.

 

[thegales]

I have one quick question, my 12 year old son is not too excited about being with the little kids, but he is too young for the teen room - is there anything in between?

jonida3, the kids groups are broken down by ages. Ages 3-4 and 5-7 are generally in the Oceaneer Club. Ages 8-9 and 10-12 are generally in the Oceaneer Lab. So, you would have one son in the 8-9, and two in the 10-12. Even though the two groups are in the same room, they each have their own activites.

Have your DS12 look at the Navigator for that age group to see if there are activities he would like. Remember, he can pick and choose which activities he wants to participate.

If there is nothing there of interest, and he is an almost 13, he may be able to be moved up. Talk to the councelors to see what you might be able to do.

 

[noahsmom]

I was just reading the "what do you think is a waste of money" thread and I had no idea that there was an arcade on the ship. This will be our 3rd cruise and I didn't know that. Does anyone know where it is and how they charge for it? I would like to keep DS away from it, he is easily addicted to them.

 

[suziq14]

Hi Everybody! Don't sail without us! We'll be on Magic 7/15 also. I just found DIS. I usually check in over at Cruise Critic and that's how I found all of you. I was trying to remain calm until the kids were out of school and it was closer but 31 days and counting and we're getting excited!
It's me, my DH, and 2 DS, ages 11 and 8. I saw many of you have kids around the same ages.
I love all the tips and hints I've been picking up but just one question.... What is the magnetic board for the door for? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I've only read about half of all the posts here and I'm sure it's explained somewhere but...oh well!
Just wanted to say "hi" and can't wait!

 

[BTSEN5]

Hi Everybody! Don't sail without us! We'll be on Magic 7/15 also. I just found DIS. I usually check in over at Cruise Critic and that's how I found all of you. I was trying to remain calm until the kids were out of school and it was closer but 31 days and counting and we're getting excited!
It's me, my DH, and 2 DS, ages 11 and 8. I saw many of you have kids around the same ages.
I love all the tips and hints I've been picking up but just one question.... What is the magnetic board for the door for? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I've only read about half of all the posts here and I'm sure it's explained somewhere but...oh well!
Just wanted to say "hi" and can't wait!

Hi Suziq14,

Welcome to the boards. I too am getting extremely excited. My 14 year old just made a paper chain to count the days to the cruise. I wish I could rip them all off and it would be here.

I am a new Dis er too. I have gotten many ideas and tips also. One thing was the magnetic boards. They are to put on your door...to personalize it. Office Max, Walmart and such have the magnetic sheets. They are pretty expensive,but I really did not care. I have 4 sheets. One says something to the effect of "Celebrating on the Magic," the other has the little mickey ears with names etc. I have one for my middle son for his birthday, and the last one is one to celebrate my oldest son's graduation from high school. Now I still have to make one for my 10 year old son. I am just trying to figure out what I should do.

I read that the sheets are for ink jet printers only, so I ended up glueing everything to the sheet. I did not want to mess up my laser printer. They still look great.

Anyway, welcome. We are getting so close!!!

 

[sillykidsmom]

Hi Suziq14,

Welcome to the boards. I too am getting extremely excited. My 14 year old just made a paper chain to count the days to the cruise. I wish I could rip them all off and it would be here.

I am a new Dis er too. I have gotten many ideas and tips also. One thing was the magnetic boards. They are to put on your door...to personalize it. Office Max, Walmart and such have the magnetic sheets. They are pretty expensive,but I really did not care. I have 4 sheets. One says something to the effect of "Celebrating on the Magic," the other has the little mickey ears with names etc. I have one for my middle son for his birthday, and the last one is one to celebrate my oldest son's graduation from high school. Now I still have to make one for my 10 year old son. I am just trying to figure out what I should do.

I read that the sheets are for ink jet printers only, so I ended up glueing everything to the sheet. I did not want to mess up my laser printer. They still look great.

Anyway, welcome. We are getting so close!!!

Quick question on the magnetic boards, (sorry to sound dumb), but are they like poster board on top of a magnetic board? Can you draw on it or do you glue things on it? I would love to get creative and do something special for the kids. Thanks for your help.

 

[thegales]

Quick question on the magnetic boards, (sorry to sound dumb), but are they like poster board on top of a magnetic board? Can you draw on it or do you glue things on it? I would love to get creative and do something special for the kids. Thanks for your help.

Think of the magnets you put on the back of your car for school or sport teams or support xxxxx. That is the thickness, and they do bend. One side is white for you to print in your ink jet printer, the other side is black (the magnet). The doors on the ship are metal, so the magnet sticks to them.

If you can't put through the printer and are going to draw, I would suggest a Sharpie. Otherwise, do what BTSEN5 is doing, and glue paper to the magnet.

 

[BTSEN5]

Think of the magnets you put on the back of your car for school or sport teams or support xxxxx. That is the thickness, and they do bend. One side is white for you to print in your ink jet printer, the other side is black (the magnet). The doors on the ship are metal, so the magnet sticks to them.

If you can't put through the printer and are going to draw, I would suggest a Sharpie. Otherwise, do what BTSEN5 is doing, and glue paper to the magnet.

In the main disney cruise forum, there is a thread about these magnets. There are many pictures and ideas there. You can download Disney pictures from the internet, etc. I did mine on the Word program, because I do not have something like printshop. You can do it simple or get pretty elaborate, as you can see from some of the pictures.

 

[ansky922]

For all those keeping track i will be on my way to Carribean Beach 1 Month from today as the first part of my trip begins












I am a little excited
Just needed to share

 

[BTSEN5]

For all those keeping track i will be on my way to Carribean Beach 1 Month from today as the first part of my trip begins












I am a little excited
Just needed to share

Now you can start counting days!!!!

 

[noahsmom]

More people! Yay!!! Welcome suziq! I just purchased my magnetic paper, I had gotten post-it photo paper but for some reason my printer doesn't like it. I haven't decided yet what to put on our door signs, last cruise was so easy, dh's birthday was the day we got on the ship! I made lots and lots of 40's for the door

My ds Noah is 8 and has been sending messages to thegales daughter, for those of you who have kids around this age, he would love to "chat" with them as well. Just click on Noahsmom over on the left to send a private message!

 

[noahsmom]

ansky - we only have 25 days left until we are at AKL! We actually leave our house in 24 days because our flight is so early out of Milwaukee we go there the day before. This time we have the Presidential suite (got a great price)! I feel so important.

 

[suziq14]

Hi Noahsmom and everyone.
Thanks, I will tell my almost 8 year old (b-day is 6/30) that he can "chat" with Noah. He's a little shy. I'm not sure if he'll want to but then again he may be thrilled to already make a friend.
It is exactly 30 days for us today until we leave. I think I'm starting to drive my kids a little crazy. Right now, they are more interested in the last day of school on Friday but I"m sure after that, it's really going to kick in for them. I just ordered pirate costumes for them; I couldn't resist.
My biggest worry is that there isn't going to be enough time to do everything and the week will just fly. Can't wait!

 

[ansky922]

Hi Everybody! Don't sail without us! We'll be on Magic 7/15 also. I just found DIS. I usually check in over at Cruise Critic and that's how I found all of you. I was trying to remain calm until the kids were out of school and it was closer but 31 days and counting and we're getting excited!
It's me, my DH, and 2 DS, ages 11 and 8. I saw many of you have kids around the same ages.
I love all the tips and hints I've been picking up but just one question.... What is the magnetic board for the door for? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I've only read about half of all the posts here and I'm sure it's explained somewhere but...oh well!
Just wanted to say "hi" and can't wait!

Sorry I was to busy being excited to welcome you here

So welcome and I just want to say if I hadn't found this site I would have been lost so many helpful tips and very helpful people
My DS is 6 so he misses out on the 8 yr olds so hopefully he meet some kids his age.
I found a magnetic board for 1$ and I made a few door magnets so I am all set still trying to get my room decorated but DCL is still out of the Bon Voyage decorations .
Also ordered a basket from shirley and actually got to speak to her. I told her she was like the DIS idol

 

[suziq14]

Hi Ansky,
I'm trying very hard to keep up with all the tips, etc. Who's Shirley, what am I missing?! I read in some thread, someone asked if all the tips and hints took away somewhat from the excitement and surprise. I don't think so at all! In fact, I would feel completely lost without all the things I've been reading here and at cruise critic. I feel that I am better prepared to give my kids the best vacation they can possibly have. Plus, they think that I'm amazing knowing all this stuff about something we've never done before! And they don't know the half of it!
I'm working really hard on having a magnetic board/decorations for our door. I'm not very computer savy nor very creative, but I'm going to see what I can come up with. Did I mention this is our first Disney cruise? Did I mention, I can't wait!?