July 9th 2005 - West Coast Cruise.

[jel0511]

DH and I have passports, but the kids do not. I also haven't received this letter..... Interesting...

 

[jel0511]

We've been hearing rumors about the passports too...but we haven't received anything from DCL yet. It's so expensive for the four of us...but I guess it's the safest way to go!

Thanks for all of the good wishes for Hunter everyone. He's on a course of antibiotics and is doing MUCH better than he was Sunday night and Monday!

For those of you booked with Randi's Happy Horses...I'm having a few worries about my son, who will be 4 on the cruise. I'm nervous about him doing OK on the ride. Randi says she has knowledgeable guides and he'll be fine. What do you think? Also...worried about no helmets for the kids. Any horseback riders out there who can give me a reason why you WOULDN'T put helmets on kids?

Kim

Kim - I talked with Randi extensively about this when we were deciding to ride with her. She assured me that there would be a guide with Brandon the entire time to lead his horse. He wouldn't be left alone for a second and would be "watched like a hawk", her words not mine. As for helmets, I have to tell you, I didn't even think about them. DH and I have ridden before, with a similiar tour in Hawaii, and the horses really don't go very fast. You're not going any faster than walking, so it is really hard to fall off. I can't bring mine, since we're flying in, I'll aready have enough stuff.

 

[GrumpyMom1]

The letter doesn't say we must have passports, but it says "If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently hold a valid U.S. passport, we strongly encourage you to obtain one prior to your scheduled sail date". They even included an application in the envelope.

 

[AnnaS]

Sorry guys for jumping in here. We are on the July 2nd cruise. Just wondering/curious what you guys are doing/discussing, etc. I can't believe based on the last page or two, they are almost identical We are also discussing just receiving letters from DCL regarding passports (actually so far only my oldest son received letter with application) and the rain in CA and if anyone has decided on excursions. Horsebariding with Randi is one of them.

Will check again soon. Enjoy!

 

[GrumpyMom1]

Sorry guys for jumping in here. We are on the July 2nd cruise. Just wondering/curious what you guys are doing/discussing, etc. I can't believe based on the last page or two, they are almost identical We are also discussing just receiving letters from DCL regarding passports (actually so far only my oldest son received letter with application) and the rain in CA and if anyone has decided on excursions. Horsebariding with Randi is one of them.

Will check again soon. Enjoy!

That's ok Anna, I read your thread too! I check in on most of the West Coast cruise threads to see if anyone knows anything exciting, what people are doing for excursion, etc. What will I do with all my time when this cruise is over?

Stop by anytime!

 

[LiserAnn]

Too funny...I've been reading all the west coast threads too looking for more information. I'm on the July 30th west coast cruise...and it's interesting in reading all the west coast threads, seems like some people have gotten passport letters and some have not. As far as I know, no one on our cruise has.

By the way...you July 9thers crack me up! You have a LOT of California people going on your cruise!

Tootles!
Lisa

 

[Amous]

Lisa & Anna -- Welcome to July 9! Don't know if you're aware of our 90-Page Free Drinks at the SailAway Party Telethon. We'd love your 'pledges' to our tote board (aka: discussion page). Please feel free to help us meet our goal. Be aware though, the closer we get to 90-pages the more giddy & anxious we may become.

Hope I didn't let the cat out of the bag?

Amy

 

[FOJMO]

Another mention about the passport letter -- we received ours from All Season's Travel, who we booked our cruise with ($200 onboard credit -- WOOHOO!!!)

We didn't receive a letter from Disney, though. I think it's safer to have them, just in case.

Val

 

[mommykeg]

Hey guys...I got the official passport letter from DCL in the mail today...I had already downloaded and filled out the forms and will be going ahead with pictures and submitting applications when I'm off-track (year-round teacher speak for on vacation) in March.

Lori--I feel better if Randi will have a guide with the 4 year olds.

Karen--what type of helmets are normally used for horseback riding? My kids have never been riding before.

 

[hayesktrm]

Kim,

The stables the kids go to provide "riding" helmets, but a regular bike helmet will due just as well.

Passports Question: Did everyone get the letter from Disney or their TA? We moved a few months back after we made our reservation so I hope it gets here. FYI, will they not accept birth certificates at all or would they just "prefer" passports. My DH has one, but we would have to get them for the rest of us. Does anyone know how much passports cost?

Karen

 

[soccerdad-Chris]

We got passports for the kids prior to our first cruise--not because they were required, but because we thought the kids would think it was really cool and "mature" to have a passport. And they did. We told them that Colin Powell (Sec. of State at the time) and the people that work for him issued the passport, and they thought that was really cool. We used this as an opportunity to explain to the kids the concepts of citizenship, how countries handle visitors, etc.

I dont' remember what the cost was, but I would suggest, if it's possible, that you get passports for everyone. That way, you have no surprises on the cruise, and your kids might find it fun to have them.

Chris

 

[renknt]

I pulled this from the U.S State Dept travel page and here is the link passports

Returning to the United States – Caution!
Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some countries may allow you to enter with only a birth certificate, U.S. law requires that you document both your U.S. citizenship and identity when you re-enter the United States.
The best document to prove your U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents that establish U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. citizen. To prove your identity, either a valid driver's license or a government identification card with a photo is acceptable.
The following frequently-cited documents are NOT sufficient proof to enter the United States: US driver's license alone, Social Security Card, US military ID, a non-certified photocopy of a US birth certificate, a notarized Affidavit of Citizenship signed at the airport in the U.S., or even a voter's registration card. Travelers with only these documents may not be able to enter the U.S.
Without proof of both identity and citizenship, the traveler will not be allowed to board an airplane to the U.S. The airline faces a fine of $3,300 if a passenger that the airline boarded is not admitted to the U.S., and in addition the airline must bear the cost of flying the passenger back to the point of departure. Because of these penalties, most airlines will not board anyone – including probable U.S. citizens – without proof of citizenship and identity.

We are going to get a passport for our DD she will be 2 at the time better safe than sorry.

To find out the cost consult your local post office or search on line for places that will help you get ypur passport in a hurry

 

[GrumpyMom1]

Passports Question: Did everyone get the letter from Disney or their TA? We moved a few months back after we made our reservation so I hope it gets here. FYI, will they not accept birth certificates at all or would they just "prefer" passports. My DH has one, but we would have to get them for the rest of us. Does anyone know how much passports cost?

Karen

The letter strongly suggests passports but says that if you don't have one to bring your birth certificate and picture ID. There is another thread going on on the cruise board about the cost. I guess they are adding an additional $12 fee starting in March.

 

[Amous]

For those in SoCal, you may want to check with your County/City Clerk offices as option to get your passport. The City of Riverside even offers photos (for a small fee, of course!). Appointments usually aren't required. Cost is around $55 (and an additional $30 processing fee). Fees for children's passports are slightly lower. Does the Post Office still process passport requests and do they require appointments?

Amy

 

[Dylcal]

I haven't received a letter, but my travel agent strongly recommended that we have them. I got one for my son and I last year for the cruise since we were going to Cozumel and I wasn't sure if Mexico was different than the Bahamas. As it was, the only time they looked at it was when we got on the cruise. I remember on previous cruises they would always check prior to entering US territory, but not the last cruise.

I can't remember what I paid for them, but do know that I checked online, and was able to file at the Post Office. I had a letter from my Ex husband stating it was ok to issue one to me son as the web site recommended, but when I got to the post office, there was a form from him to fill out and sign. They wouldn't accept the letter. Fortunately he was working from home that day and I could swing by to get him to sign. Just a word of caution to single parents!

It is snowing here in Maryland -- they have closed the schools today and I suspect tomorrow. We are such Wimps around here that they even let the Federal Government workers go home early!! I can't wait for July!!!!!!!!! And Sunshine!!!!! And a Tan!!!

 

[Sarangel]

This must be one of those uncomfortable little silences in the conversation.... Where did everyone go? Here's a random thought - does anyone have (or are willing to admit they have) entree into Club 33? If anyone does, we could have a mini-meet before or after the cruise there!

Mike & I used to have a friend of a friend who had access, so we've eaten there 2 or 3 times, but the connection dried up & I miss being able to get into Club 33.

Sara

 

[Amous]

It's been too quiet! Bumping things up!

 

[Dylcal]

Since I started late -- I figured that I had better do my part to make it to 90!!! After all it has never been said that I haven't earned my way!!!!

 

[hayesktrm]

Okay, so I have another question about passports. When I lived in Washington State, I had a friend who lived in Canada and I would visit him a couple times a week. I never had to show even my license at the border--either way (because we were neighboring countries). When I worked in a daycare center I even took 7 kids across the border to the Vancouver Zoo and Aquarium no questions asked (bet I couldn't do that these days). So has policy changed (post 9/11). Maybe because I was in a car with WA plates they didn't question it. I didn't even have my birth certificate with me up at college. All I had was my driver's license. Also, on our honeymoon, my DH and walked across the border to TJ (so funny, DH thought they wouldn't let us back). They didn't even ask for a license either--the guy just waived us through. We didn't take our birth certificate with us then either--just a driver's license which they didn't check.


Sara--do you get the same food as the Blue Bayou? Same prices?

 

[Amous]

This must be one of those uncomfortable little silences in the conversation.... Where did everyone go? Here's a random thought - does anyone have (or are willing to admit they have) entree into Club 33? If anyone does, we could have a mini-meet before or after the cruise there!

Mike & I used to have a friend of a friend who had access, so we've eaten there 2 or 3 times, but the connection dried up & I miss being able to get into Club 33.

Sara

This sounds wonderful and very interesting! I'm willing to learn more! Thoughts anyone?