July 2, 2005 - WE ARE THERE!!!

[jgiants21]

Our weather this past weekend has been great! In the 80's with a slight wind blowing.

I hope it keeps up for the week. Cleaning the atic today, so had to dust off the suitcases. Must bring them down soon. Once they are down, I know we will be sailing soon.

Anybody have any ideas as to what to do for PIRATE NIGHT.

Have a great week!

Jim

 

[mokehil]

Went to the fair this weekend and found some COOL shirts. They colorize in the and have some glow in the dark on them. I hope to all wear them to dinner and the party and get a picture with Captain Hook.

My DH and DS were pirates last Halloween so I was going to sneak in their red and white striped pants into the luggage. DD14 said she would not go to dinner with us if they were wearing them!!! You can check out the shirts here if you like: www(dot)tentacleworks(dot)com. We all have #121 pirate flames. #121Y for youth sizes. Kind of pricey, but I was able to bargin him down.

Who thinks our docs will come next week??
Fear sets in.... Oh no.... is slipping away and my list of things to do still feels way too long! Ok relax, I already have three duffle bags packed. I am closer than I think. No, I'm NOT!! Me to DD14: "You can't wear jeans, they will be too hot!! Find some shorts" No, I hate shorts! "Get some capris." No,I hate capris! "Wear a skirt." Not during the day. "FINE, wear your jeans, but you may not complain to me about your chioce when you are roasting!" Will hit the mall one more time! It's over an hour away so she had better be ready to make some concesions to her wardrobe.

Have a good week. We are out of here on Wedneday for camping trip. Just have to pack, buy the food, get the gear together and pack the car..... ah, I'm not stressed about the cruise, I'm stressed about the camping trip in three days................. too bad there is no spa or Palos there! I'll just have to relax with a beer or two or even three!! Reminder to self: Do not forget the BEER and ICE!

 

[Azptcruiser]

Well, it has been a while since I last posted. 39 days and counting down until I can blow the diet (Palo's Chocolate Souffle everynight for dinner) and kick back and relax.

As jgiants21 (Jim) is compiling the bio information of people that have found this board, thought that I should provide my gang...

Ben, Vickie, Ashley (Daughter: 21), Aubrey (Daughter: 18)
2nd Dinner Seating
3rd Disney Cruise (Most recent last July...took In-Laws)

 

[AnnaS]

Welcome back azptcruiser - Glad to see some more adults in the 18+ age group.

Have you guys booked/planned on any excursions?

We are not far from Minniemart - so our weather is really more or less like hers in Jersey. Way too cool right now - still need a jacket. We can't seem to reach the 70 mark (just mid 60s). Not complaining though - wishing it could be like this all year round. I keep reading that in can also be cool in the eves. in Mexico and CA during the summer months - how cool is it really? Does anyone know?

 

[Azptcruiser]

No excursions planned at this time. Have had very little time to look at what is available. 18 year old daughter is graduating from high school so that is keeping us busy. With that there are many other things. Maybe we can find time this next week or two to see what is available...I know, running out of time!

We (Phoenix Metro, Arizona) can't seem to get down to 70° anymore. Was 109° yesterday and is to be 107° today.

 

[jgiants21]

Azptcruiser, That is HOT-HOT-HOT, Hey someone put out the fire down there... It is another glorious day in the Napa Valley area. Approximately 80 degrees with a slight breeze blowing. Birds are singing and summer is just around the corner. Thanks, for your information, I have added it to the list. Next update to come out next weekend.

Congrats to your DD on her High School Graduation. I have two more years before my first gradulates from her HS.

Jim

 

[wdw1014]

Jim,
Just a little more information about us,
Angie age 48, DH Greg age 48, DS 22 Brock, DS 17 Brody, Friend 17 Brian.
Late Dinner Seating,
Excursions- PV- Sierra Madre Off-Road Expedition for Greg and Angie, Canopy Adventure for the boys.
Cabo- /coastal highlights tour for Greg and Angie, Los Arcos Sea Kayak & Snorkel for the boys, Mazatlan no excursions
Palo's Brunch on July 4th at 11:00
Thank's for all the work that you are doing, it is great...
Angie

 

[Azptcruiser]

Well, I am sorry that many of you are having suffer through the cool weather. We in Arizona have had 100° or better for the past 5 days with the outlook being even more. At least we will be acclimated to the heat that may be experienced on the cruise.

This will be the first cruise that my youngest (now 18) will not be able to participate in the teen activities. She is a bit "bummed" by that. But is looking forward to the new experience of the "adult"/above "teen" age group.

We are beginning to "think" about the things that we are wanting to take. It is not very much longer. And then VACATION time!!!

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

I think I'm going to brave a trip to Dl tomorrow with just the kids (half day for 6 & 8 yo at school). Anyone need any info or anything let me know Anyone who isn't going to DL before the cruise want some golden mickey ears??. I think they're about $10 each and you can get names put on them.
Darn, I guess I won't be able to take my DS on Tower of Terror because I don't have anyone to watch the babies!1 And I was soooo looking forward to it. It's my favorite ride in the WHOLE place. LOL (Went on it once and never again.)

 

[AnnaS]

Amy - I am with you. I went on TOT once and never again. I finally rode Rock " Roll Coaster this April for the first time. I have tried before and always chickened out. I also rode mission space again this April - I wanted to try it once more and follow the rules this time to see if I would feel the same as the first time. Definitely not as bad.

Enjoy your day at DL.

Azptcruiser - try to stay cool you guys. I have seen the temperatures out there on the news - extremely, dangerously hot.

 

[MinnieMart]

hi everyone, now its getting colder!! here in nj. we thought the teen age limit was 18? because the 19 to 20 yr olds are in the middle no real place for them. dd alison is 20 but still looking forward to the cruise alot. dh name is dana didn't know if i ever said his name. laura is 17 and has been counting down the days. tororrw will be 35 till we leave for DL !! we need the sunshine here to get us in the swing here!! lisa

 

[Vanvmom]

We're booked for this cruise as well (and traveling with fellow Disney addicts - we even put one of our sons in their room to cut costs). This is the first cruise for our family, and the first Disney cruise for our entire group. Details for our family: Wendy (still 39), Tim (40), Jake (11), Conner (9), & Riley (will be 5 right after the cruise ends).

We are in room 2622 and have early dinner seating. Palo on our last night.

I tried to book shore excursions today online (most of the ones we wanted were all booked up). Guess that's what happens when you procrastinate.

We're doing Marietas Island in PV, Stone Island in Mazatlan, and Los Arcos in Cabo. REALLY wanted to do the zip lines in PV... but I'm sure we'll have a blast anyway! I was a little nervous about the whole flying through the air thing, so maybe just as well.

A few question for anyone who might be in the know:
We live in Elk Grove, CA so we'll be driving down the day before (the day after school gets out for us). Suggestions on where to stay that might offer parking during the cruise?

Also, anyone know what night theme night is (I'm guessing it is pirate)?

One more from the boys... will there be fireworks on July 4th?

 

[DareTooDream]

Hi Wendy, Tim and family!

There has been talk about where to stay. You could "search" the thread but it would take awhile I've read some info on this thread as well as others. I'll try to recap a little of what I recall and what I found out......A couple of families are staying at Best Western Sunrise in Redondo Beach. I think it's 30 miles (or minutes?) from San Pedro but a nicer area. I think the AAA price was around $143.00 I'm presuming there's no "park and cruise" option there but you never know There is also a Best Western Sunrise Ports O Call in San Pedro (don't know a price or about parking). The Sheraton San Pedro seems to be a popular choice. They do offer a parking option but when I called last week they were sold out for July 1st. I suppose that can always change. I did not get a price from them. The Holiday Inn San Pedro LA Harbor also has a "park and cruise" option. I think it was $149.00 including continental breakfast and a bottle of champagne. They have a parking garage, no security guard, but they do have cameras. Lastly, there's the Marina Hotel San Pedro Port. Of course I can't find my notes on this one - I believe it is $149.00 with breakfast for 2 and champagne too. The parking is supposedly patroled by security - don't know how often or anything. This is where we've decided to stay. I looked it up on trip advisor. Of course not all the responses were particularly positive, some you have to take with a grain of salt. They seemed quite nice on the phone. I requested a "nice" room and a "view". We're up for an adventure so we'll see how it goes! That's probably much more than you wanted to know

As for the excursions, quite a few of this group booked the canopy tour on their own directly through http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/ (I believe that's right). I'm sure others will chime in here too. Did you only try to book through DCL?

What I read somewhere is that Pirate night will likely be Tuesday.

I'm wondering about fireworks for the 4th as well. I think they usually have them on Pirate night - would they do them twice? On the May 28th thread I posted asking if someone would ask for us if they think about it. I made Palo reservations for that evening but I'm thinking perhaps I should have made them earlier. I don't know how to check for an earlier time. It only gives the option to cancel and then it says "are you sure you want to cancel" and I'm afraid to go any further and lose what I have. If someone doesn't already have dinner ressies for Palo would you mind putting in the 4th and see what times are available for 2 people? I would appreciate it!

Sending warm thoughts to you north easterners! A couple of days ago our pool was up to 84 degrees. It's probably warmer now.

Anna I love Rock N Roller Coaster!!!!

Amy have fun at DL. I don't know if you'll read this in the morning before you go but if you have the opportunity would you ask about soft openings for Space Mountain? It's probably too much to hope for but I'll be there with a couple friends and our sons on June 22nd.

Hey Azptcruiser, are you drivin' over in a PT Cruiser? How much luggage space is there in one of those We're in Peoria - how 'bout you?

I guess I shouldn't have that caffeinated soda at the movie tonight!!!! I'd better stop typing or ya'll might ban me!
Sherry

 

[AnnaS]

Vanvmom - welcome to the disboards, this thread and July 2nd cruise. My family is traveling with Wendy (AOPI57 - and her parents). We are DVC members, disney fanitics and this will be our third DCL cruise together (we are practically neighbors too at home ).

We are flying in the day before and staying at the Best Western Sunrise Redondo Beach. We are in the process of choosing Supershuttle or Golden Express (I think that's the name) for our ground transportation. Anyone recommend one over the other? We will be staying at the Fairfield Inn for three nights (Wendy 4 nights) in DL right after our cruise. Can't wait - first time for DL.

I can't believe it's 35 days. I can't think about it when we still have school - til June 24th and getting worried about finals and regents - I guess it will make it go faster.

 

[Vanvmom]

Anna- At Dl I would highly recommend the Candy Cane Inn (candycaneinn.net) over the Fairfield Inn. We've stayed in both. Fairfield Inn is a good place, but Candy Cane is closer (same side of the street as DL entrance right on the boarder of the park), rooms are WAY nicer, AAA discounts, nice pool, free shuttle provided by the hotel (even though it si very close), free parking, free fridge in room, etc...
If you try to book the hotel through DL website, they say rooms are restricted to 4, but we've stayed there many times. I recommend calling them directly. The room price is based on 2 adults (and any number of kids). The deluxe room has plenty of room for 5 (we have one child sleep on the floor using the extra bedding provided). The breakfast provided has something for everyone. We were AP holders, but haven't renewed them yet this year (had to save up for the cruise first).

Thanks for all the local hotel info. I guess we should book it soon!

Yes, we only tried to book the canopy excursion through DCL. I'd heard from cruisers on other cruise lines to only book excursions through the cruise. Anyone had any experiences contrary to what was recommended to me?

 

[wdw1014]

Welcome, Wendy and family , we are a family of four Myself, Dh, Ds22,and Ds17, we also have a family friend traveling with us. This is our 3rd DC, but will be our first trip to Dl. I can't wait...

Sherry,
Are you from Peoria, AZ? We live about 5 minutes away from Peoria, IL. I have never had the courage to ride Rock N Rollercoaster or TOT. My family tells me I should try both, but I think I'd rather have a root canal...I do ride Space Mountain and was also wondering about soft openings. We will be in Dl 4 days after the cruise..and from everything I have read the scheduled opening is a few days after we leave...Please keep those warm thoughts coming it was 40 degrees here last night..

Amy,
Hope you had a good day at DL today, I can't imagine what it would be like to live close enough to a Disney park to just pack up and go for an afternoon. Some people are so lucky!

O.K. you guys who live in the area of DL. Will we need a light jacket at night at the parks? I have been to WDW many times in the summer and a jacket or sweatshirt isn't necessary, but after reading another post I wonder if it might be necessary to pack something a little heavier than short sleeves.

Only 6 more school days, which means only 6 more days of work for me as I do daycare for all teachers...Have a great day everyone. Angie

 

[mokehil]

Welcome Wendy,
Our family lives in Mokelumne Hill (near Jackson) just one hour from you!

We are doing the zip lines on our own, the link above is correct. We all booked the 10:30 time. From what I have read this one is awesome. Age limit is 6 instead of DCL one that is 10. More of your children can join. I have an tall 5 1/2 year old that I hope will be big enough to go, otherwise DH and I are spliting up and and one watch him while others zip.

Darcy

 

[Vanvmom]

If you do the zip lines on your own, do they provide the transportation? Is the cost similar?

 

[AnnaS]

Vanvom - thank you so much for the hotel info. regarding Candy Cane and Fairfield. We did some research a while ago before booking and besides the fact that we could not decide, we were also worried about the 5 in a room (also for Wendy - AOPI57). Too bad you had not found us sooner. We are all set and we have redeemed our Visa reward miles so I now have two $100 Marriott/Fairfield cheques which should cover two nights out of the three. I think Wendy has something similar to mine also. Since it is a short stay, I just hope it is clean, convenient to DL and did I say clean? lol.

Okay guys - I am officially depressed. I had no choice but I had to put on the heat this am in my car, more depressing, I had to turn the heat back on in my house. It is, cold, rainning and nasty. 48 this am - and about 54 most of the day.

 

[Azptcruiser]

DareTooDream, we live in Scottsdale. We will be flying over on Southwest the morning of the cruise and then taking a shuttle to the ship. We had some time constraints and conflicts that were not conducive to driving over until late Friday night or veru early Saturday morning...daughter at University of Arizona doing an internship program that was a bit difficult for her to get away from Tucson any earlier than late Friday afternoon. Also, I did some quick calcs and figured that it was cheaper, less stressful, and more relaxing to fly over and back...approximately $100 per person to fly...than to drive, pay for motel, and have eats.