June 15 '08 Mexican Riv. Cruise

[AirTita]

Hi Everyone!
I was roaming the Cruise Critic Site for a roll call for this cruise, couldn't find it and then saw a link fo disboards and voila! Here you all are! For a minute I thought I was the only one going - haha!

So....just booked yesterday on a spur of the moment kind of thing!

It will be 4 adults (Mom, me, sister, bil, @ nieces 7 & 4 and my son, 6)
DH is staying home with the dog this time.
Mom & 1 niece coming in from Hawaii, Sister & Family from Northern Cal., and we live about 20 minutes or so from the pier!

Now...this looks like a pretty active board so....I got questions and I know someone out there must have answers!

This is our 1st Disney Cruise. We (immediate family) have done 5 cruises prior with the most recent 2 1/2 weeks ago with RCCL and this same itinerary.
For the others, this is their 2nd cruise and my Mom's 4th.

What time can we board the ship?
When will I get my documents?
Is this the San Pedro Port or the Long Beach Port?
What is a fish extender? Saw pictures but still...are the pockets zippered or shut in some way or just open?
How and with what do you decorate your doors?
What should we be sure NOT to miss?
Any secrets on the Magic anyone willing to share?

I'm sure I'll have more questions but it's a start

Thanks All!

 

[djdj456]

PLLAPLA I think is the best. That puts you in Lumiere's on Formal Night and Parrot Cay on Pirates Night. That is what we are hoping for.

We are late seating though. We did early last time. It was ok but I felt rushed to get to every show. We are trying something new this time.

The PLLAPLA seatings are at 6:30 and 8:30. That is the only drawback. I wish it was at 8:00 instead of 8:30.

Thanks Im going to see if we can get that seating but for early (I dont know if I could stay awake for the late seating ). Do they do different activities in the different rooms each night? Last time I was so tired from wedding planning I think I completely missed details like that!

 

[djdj456]

Hi Everyone!
I was roaming the Cruise Critic Site for a roll call for this cruise, couldn't find it and then saw a link fo disboards and voila! Here you all are! For a minute I thought I was the only one going - haha!

So....just booked yesterday on a spur of the moment kind of thing!

It will be 4 adults (Mom, me, sister, bil, @ nieces 7 & 4 and my son, 6)
DH is staying home with the dog this time.
Mom & 1 niece coming in from Hawaii, Sister & Family from Northern Cal., and we live about 20 minutes or so from the pier!

Now...this looks like a pretty active board so....I got questions and I know someone out there must have answers!

This is our 1st Disney Cruise. We (immediate family) have done 5 cruises prior with the most recent 2 1/2 weeks ago with RCCL and this same itinerary.
For the others, this is their 2nd cruise and my Mom's 4th.

What time can we board the ship?
When will I get my documents?
Is this the San Pedro Port or the Long Beach Port?
What is a fish extender? Saw pictures but still...are the pockets zippered or shut in some way or just open?
How and with what do you decorate your doors?
What should we be sure NOT to miss?
Any secrets on the Magic anyone willing to share?

I'm sure I'll have more questions but it's a start

Thanks All!

Welcome!! More people on the cruise is great!!! I just discovered the board yesterday so Im busy getting my questions answered too

What time can we board the ship? I have NO idea but thats a great question. I think we're aiming to be there around noon so my parents can see the ship (they've never been), my DMIL can get used to the boat (shes not a big fan) and I can secretly decorate their door

When will I get my documents? We have all received them already so Im sure since you just booked you should get them right away. You can also go online if you have your reservation number and book. Careful its trickly to book underage kids for excursions sometimes (we had lots of difficulty as the website stinks and the help desk can't book things for you, its all online or the day of the cruise) so if you have any trouble just let me know.

Is this the San Pedro Port or the Long Beach Port?
San Pedro I believe.

What is a fish extender? Saw pictures but still...are the pockets zippered or
shut in some way or just open?
I think they are open...thats how Im making mine at least.

How and with what do you decorate your doors?
Magnets (no tape allowed), you can buy them or make them. I'm taking a stab at making all of ours....could be interesting.

What should we be sure NOT to miss?
Most people recommend PALO but I don't know if kids are allowed. The shows are night are amazing! We made sure never to miss them. We enjoyed them so much we even did behind the scenes tours.

Any secrets on the Magic anyone willing to share?
???

 

[Brooklyn]

Hi Everyone!
I was roaming the Cruise Critic Site for a roll call for this cruise, couldn't find it and then saw a link fo disboards and voila! Here you all are! For a minute I thought I was the only one going - haha!

So....just booked yesterday on a spur of the moment kind of thing!

It will be 4 adults (Mom, me, sister, bil, @ nieces 7 & 4 and my son, 6)
DH is staying home with the dog this time.
Mom & 1 niece coming in from Hawaii, Sister & Family from Northern Cal., and we live about 20 minutes or so from the pier!

Now...this looks like a pretty active board so....I got questions and I know someone out there must have answers!

This is our 1st Disney Cruise. We (immediate family) have done 5 cruises prior with the most recent 2 1/2 weeks ago with RCCL and this same itinerary.
For the others, this is their 2nd cruise and my Mom's 4th.

What time can we board the ship?
When will I get my documents?
Is this the San Pedro Port or the Long Beach Port?
What is a fish extender? Saw pictures but still...are the pockets zippered or shut in some way or just open?
How and with what do you decorate your doors?
What should we be sure NOT to miss?
Any secrets on the Magic anyone willing to share?

I'm sure I'll have more questions but it's a start

Thanks All!

Welcome Aboard!!!!!!

We are so happy to have you joining us!

You will LOVE the Disney Cruise. It is awesome!!!

Boarding starts around 11:45. Check in begins around 10:00 or so. WHen you check in you are given a boarding card. That card has a number 1 through like 12. The eralier you check in the better number you get and the sooner you get onboard.

Long Beach

There is a Fish outside each stateroom. It is where DCL leaves notes and such. The DIS boards started a tradition where you have a "fish extender". The pockets are usually open. We use them to leave gifts/surprises in them.

If you would like to get involved in the gift exchange just let me know. We would love to have you. The gift exchange is SOOOOO much fun!!!

You can only decorate your doors using magnets. Anything you can attach a magnet to you can put on your door. I LOVE to decorate our doors. I am a little magnet crazy!!!

You def do not want to miss the sail away party, the pirate party & fireworks(late on pirate night), the midnight dessert buffet, and so much more!!!

Dining on Disney is different then other cruise lines. Instead of dining in one restaurant each night you rotate through 3 different ones. Each one has a special theme night. Those nights are so fun especially at Animators Palate where the restuarant turns from black and white to full color, awesome!!! The other night will be reserved for Formal, Semi-Formal, Pirate, and "Till We Meet Again" As earlier posted a good rotation to ask for is PLLAPLA. That puts you in Lumieres (the most formal) on Formal night and Parrat Cay on Pirate night.

Do you have early or late seating for dinner?

Thanks Im going to see if we can get that seating but for early (I dont know if I could stay awake for the late seating ). Do they do different activities in the different rooms each night? Last time I was so tired from wedding planning I think I completely missed details like that!

Yes there each restauant has a special theme night. It will only happen once though at each. The rest of the nights will be themed according to a specific night like pirates.

 

[djdj456]

Welcome!! More people on the cruise is great!!! I just discovered the board yesterday so Im busy getting my questions answered too

What time can we board the ship? I have NO idea but thats a great question. I think we're aiming to be there around noon so my parents can see the ship (they've never been), my DMIL can get used to the boat (shes not a big fan) and I can secretly decorate their door

When will I get my documents? We have all received them already so Im sure since you just booked you should get them right away. You can also go online if you have your reservation number and book. Careful its trickly to book underage kids for excursions sometimes (we had lots of difficulty as the website stinks and the help desk can't book things for you, its all online or the day of the cruise) so if you have any trouble just let me know.

Is this the San Pedro Port or the Long Beach Port?
San Pedro I believe.

What is a fish extender? Saw pictures but still...are the pockets zippered or
shut in some way or just open?
I think they are open...thats how Im making mine at least.

How and with what do you decorate your doors?
Magnets (no tape allowed), you can buy them or make them. I'm taking a stab at making all of ours....could be interesting.

What should we be sure NOT to miss?
Most people recommend PALO but I don't know if kids are allowed. The shows are night are amazing! We made sure never to miss them. We enjoyed them so much we even did behind the scenes tours.

Any secrets on the Magic anyone willing to share?
???

Here's the answer to when you can board (this is for FL but I would imagine its about the same in CA):
"The more time you can spend on the ship, the more value you get for your dollar. We wanted to get to the port as close to 10:30 am as possible. Now, why would we want to get there so early? The ship doesn't even leave until 5:00 pm!"

BTW you can fill out almost all your paperwork online now which will save you time on the ship, especially with little ones that really, REALLY want to get on the ship and start having fun. I just completed ours its almost here! (50 days!!)

 

[djdj456]

Welcome Aboard!!!!!!

We are so happy to have you joining us!

You will LOVE the Disney Cruise. It is awesome!!!

Boarding starts around 11:45. Check in begins around 10:00 or so. WHen you check in you are given a boarding card. That card has a number 1 through like 12. The eralier you check in the better number you get and the sooner you get onboard.

Long Beach

There is a Fish outside each stateroom. It is where DCL leaves notes and such. The DIS boards started a tradition where you have a "fish extender". The pockets are usually open. We use them to leave gifts/surprises in them.

If you would like to get involved in the gift exchange just let me know. We would love to have you. The gift exchange is SOOOOO much fun!!!

You can only decorate your doors using magnets. Anything you can attach a magnet to you can put on your door. I LOVE to decorate our doors. I am a little magnet crazy!!!

You def do not want to miss the sail away party, the pirate party & fireworks(late on pirate night), the midnight dessert buffet, and so much more!!!

Dining on Disney is different then other cruise lines. Instead of dining in one restaurant each night you rotate through 3 different ones. Each one has a special theme night. Those nights are so fun especially at Animators Palate where the restuarant turns from black and white to full color, awesome!!! The other night will be reserved for Formal, Semi-Formal, Pirate, and "Till We Meet Again" As earlier posted a good rotation to ask for is PLLAPLA. That puts you in Lumieres (the most formal) on Formal night and Parrat Cay on Pirate night.

Do you have early or late seating for dinner?



Yes there each restauant has a special theme night. It will only happen once though at each. The rest of the nights will be themed according to a specific night like pirates.

Oh boy is it really out of long beach?? I booked my rental car into the LA harbor and my in-laws booked their hotel near it too. Thanks for letting me know. Clearly I need to read closer. Looks like I'll be busy re-booking stuff next week!

 

[AirTita]

Okay - read about restaurant rotation and it sounds like fun! How do I go about requesting this dining room rotation? Do I call or can I email or how does it work?
Also, I may be interested in doing the Fish Extender ~ let me see what I can come up with first. Don't want to commit and then let people down. I would say there's a real GOOD chance I will join. Now...if I can just find the time to make one!

 

[Brooklyn]

Oh boy is it really out of long beach?? I booked my rental car into the LA harbor and my in-laws booked their hotel near it too. Thanks for letting me know. Clearly I need to read closer. Looks like I'll be busy re-booking stuff next week!

Stop the presses! I just called them and they said San Pedro. Another poster on another thread told me Long Beach. Good thing I checked or we would have drove to the wrong place!!!

Okay - read about restaurant rotation and it sounds like fun! How do I go about requesting this dining room rotation? Do I call or can I email or how does it work?
Also, I may be interested in doing the Fish Extender ~ let me see what I can come up with first. Don't want to commit and then let people down. I would say there's a real GOOD chance I will join. Now...if I can just find the time to make one!

Just call them. They will place it in your request. Do you have main or late dinning?

The gifts are easy....some people go all out and some just do something simple. Oriental trading is a great place to get "stuff" for it. Just let me know what you decide. I have an extra one if you need it. Someone gave me 2 on our last cruise bc I did not know how to make one. This cruise we only have 1 room so no need for 2 of them.

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Welcome AirTita!!! So glad that you've joined the cruise!!!

This will be our first DC as well. Everyone on these boards are so helpful with answering questions - you'll love it and we've got a great group going on our thread

I had read that the Magic will depart at 4pm instead of the normal 5pm so I wonder if we'll be able to board earlier??? I guess we may have to wait to the first Mex. Riv. cruise comes back to find out

Hey you guys, you said you received your cruise docs? Are they the docs with the luggage tags etc.? If so, I did not get mine yet...what's up with that? I know they'll come to my TA but she's pretty quick about sending me the stuff 'cause she knows I'm jumpin out of my skin with excitment about this cruise We don't have our cabin # yet, just a GTY, so maybe that's why we don't have anything?

Our fish extender has open pockets as well.

We'll be decorating our doors too and am going in search of Magnet Paper at Walmart this weekend, otherwise order on-line....Brooklyn, where do you get your paper from? I'm takin a stab at making some of ours but they will be no where near as nice as Brooklyn's...she truly is the master of door magnets There are some folks on the Forum threads that may be able to help make you some too...like I said, everyone on these boards are great

Ditto what Brooklyn said about Palo...we have dinner reservations but are looking to change to Brunch 'cause we want to experience all the dinner menus with our kiddos since it's our first DC. Palo is just for adults, 18 & older. You can also go to the Palo bar for a cocktail without having a reservation for dinner. The pics look so romantic in the evening so my DH and I are looking forward to a sunset cocktail or two I have also heard wonderful things about the shows on board and they are not to be missed, especially the Golden Mickeys.

We have requested late seating, 8:30p...we're not early eaters but I'm sure will need a nap to avoid falling asleep at the table

Have you thought about excursions yet?

Again,

 

[AirTita]

Oh boy is it really out of long beach?? I booked my rental car into the LA harbor and my in-laws booked their hotel near it too. Thanks for letting me know. Clearly I need to read closer. Looks like I'll be busy re-booking stuff next week!

See...this where I'm a little confused. There are 2 ports; the port of Long Beach and the port of Los Angeles. Long Beach Port is in Long Beach where the Queen Mary is and where Carnival departs. Los Angeles Port is in San Pedro where Royal Caribbean departs.
If you have your documents, does it have the exact name of the port or an address? The ports are about 20-25 minutes from each other; over a bridge. Makes a difference as we just came back from RCCL's Vision 2 weeks ago and initially went to the Long Beach pier instead of the Los Angeles pier so we got on board an hour later than I wanted to

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Here's he link to Pacific Cruise Ship Terminal...don't know if you're renting a car etc. but the site has info. on parking, directions etc.

http://www.pcsterminals.com/

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

See...this where I'm a little confused. There are 2 ports; the port of Long Beach and the port of Los Angeles. Long Beach Port is in Long Beach where the Queen Mary is and where Carnival departs. Los Angeles Port is in San Pedro where Royal Caribbean departs.
If you have your documents, does it have the exact name of the port or an address? The ports are about 20-25 minutes from each other; over a bridge. Makes a difference as we just came back from RCCL's Vision 2 weeks ago and initially went to the Long Beach pier instead of the Los Angeles pier so we got on board an hour later than I wanted to

It's Port of Los Angeles (see above post for the terminal link)....I know I was confused too until I checked about a gazillion times...that's all I have to do is have my DH drive to he wrong pier

 

[Brooklyn]

See...this where I'm a little confused. There are 2 ports; the port of Long Beach and the port of Los Angeles. Long Beach Port is in Long Beach where the Queen Mary is and where Carnival departs. Los Angeles Port is in San Pedro where Royal Caribbean departs.
If you have your documents, does it have the exact name of the port or an address? The ports are about 20-25 minutes from each other; over a bridge. Makes a difference as we just came back from RCCL's Vision 2 weeks ago and initially went to the Long Beach pier instead of the Los Angeles pier so we got on board an hour later than I wanted to

Sorry about the confusion...it is San Pedro. Next time I am checking!!!

Welcome AirTita!!! So glad that you've joined the cruise!!!

This will be our first DC as well. Everyone on these boards are so helpful with answering questions - you'll love it and we've got a great group going on our thread

I had read that the Magic will depart at 4pm instead of the normal 5pm so I wonder if we'll be able to board earlier??? I guess we may have to wait to the first Mex. Riv. cruise comes back to find out

Hey you guys, you said you received your cruise docs? Are they the docs with the luggage tags etc.? If so, I did not get mine yet...what's up with that? I know they'll come to my TA but she's pretty quick about sending me the stuff 'cause she knows I'm jumpin out of my skin with excitment about this cruise We don't have our cabin # yet, just a GTY, so maybe that's why we don't have anything?

Our fish extender has open pockets as well.

We'll be decorating our doors too and am going in search of Magnet Paper at Walmart this weekend, otherwise order on-line....Brooklyn, where do you get your paper from? I'm takin a stab at making some of ours but they will be no where near as nice as Brooklyn's...she truly is the master of door magnets There are some folks on the Forum threads that may be able to help make you some too...like I said, everyone on these boards are great

Ditto what Brooklyn said about Palo...we have dinner reservations but are looking to change to Brunch 'cause we want to experience all the dinner menus with our kiddos since it's our first DC. Palo is just for adults, 18 & older. You can also go to the Palo bar for a cocktail without having a reservation for dinner. The pics look so romantic in the evening so my DH and I are looking forward to a sunset cocktail or two I have also heard wonderful things about the shows on board and they are not to be missed, especially the Golden Mickeys.

We have requested late seating, 8:30p...we're not early eaters but I'm sure will need a nap to avoid falling asleep at the table

Have you thought about excursions yet?

Again,

We will be at the port very EARLY!!!! I might be watching the ship arrive, hehe!!!! I will be interorgating everyone getting off too!!!

I sue my xyron machine to make my magnets. It is used in scrapbooking. It laminates on one side and puts a magnet on the other.

We will be falling asleep at the table with you! We are not late eaters but I hated rushing to the shows last time. It was so annoying rushing there and trying to get seats. You are not supposed to save seats so if you are holding seats for your family people give you a hard time. SO ANNOYING!!!

I want a Palo brunch bad! I will be at Rockin Bar D as soon I get on that ship. I will be running back the greaters to get there!

 

[AirTita]

Stop the presses! I just called them and they said San Pedro. Another poster on another thread told me Long Beach. Good thing I checked or we would have drove to the wrong place!!!




Just call them. They will place it in your request. Do you have main or late dinning?

The gifts are easy....some people go all out and some just do something simple. Oriental trading is a great place to get "stuff" for it. Just let me know what you decide. I have an extra one if you need it. Someone gave me 2 on our last cruise bc I did not know how to make one. This cruise we only have 1 room so no need for 2 of them.

Great! Will give DCL a call and ask for this rotation. We have late seating but are on the waitlist for the early one. If we get it, great! If not, it's okay too. We've 7 in our party so it's a long shot I guess

We have 2 rooms so thank you so much for your offer but I think I will try to convince my sister to join the Fish Extender. She's pretty crafty so you never know! I may be able to get her to make 2!

So glad the ship is going out of San Pedro. In my opinion, easier to get to and not as crowded though one never knows. Earlier when we did the Vision and went to Long Beach first, it was a mad house with Carnival people. San Pedro, where we finally made it to, was calmer with only RCCL. Since they both depart on Sunday, it will be interesting to see the difference.
FYI - had a bad experience with one of the porters in SP. Since we drove to the pier, I "overpacked" thinking I didn't have to worry about airline weight, etc. DH went to park the car and I was going to take care of the baggage. A porter came up to me, saw my bumper sticker and said "Oh you must be locals" - I agreed. When he went to pick up my luggage, he dropped it and said "There's a 50 lb. limit you know" - I replied that this wasn't an airline and there was no limit. He insisted there was and said he was going to have to charge me extra if I wanted to get it on the ship. He was dead serious and I was shocked, told him no thanks, dragged the 4 bags (and my 6 yo son) myself to the check in and then found out, I was right and there is not a weight limit. Be wary of "land based sharks and pirates" ~ I didn't get his name or badge # or I would have turned him in!

 

[Brooklyn]

Great! Will give DCL a call and ask for this rotation. We have late seating but are on the waitlist for the early one. If we get it, great! If not, it's okay too. We've 7 in our party so it's a long shot I guess

We have 2 rooms so thank you so much for your offer but I think I will try to convince my sister to join the Fish Extender. She's pretty crafty so you never know! I may be able to get her to make 2!

So glad the ship is going out of San Pedro. In my opinion, easier to get to and not as crowded though one never knows. Earlier when we did the Vision and went to Long Beach first, it was a mad house with Carnival people. San Pedro, where we finally made it to, was calmer with only RCCL. Since they both depart on Sunday, it will be interesting to see the difference.
FYI - had a bad experience with one of the porters in SP. Since we drove to the pier, I "overpacked" thinking I didn't have to worry about airline weight, etc. DH went to park the car and I was going to take care of the baggage. A porter came up to me, saw my bumper sticker and said "Oh you must be locals" - I agreed. When he went to pick up my luggage, he dropped it and said "There's a 50 lb. limit you know" - I replied that this wasn't an airline and there was no limit. He insisted there was and said he was going to have to charge me extra if I wanted to get it on the ship. He was dead serious and I was shocked, told him no thanks, dragged the 4 bags (and my 6 yo son) myself to the check in and then found out, I was right and there is not a weight limit. Be wary of "land based sharks and pirates" ~ I didn't get his name or badge # or I would have turned him in!

That stinks about the porter! I ALWAYS overpack!

 

[Sorcerer Mom]

Sorry about the confusion...it is San Pedro. Next time I am checking!!!



We will be at the port very EARLY!!!! I might be watching the ship arrive, hehe!!!! I will be interorgating everyone getting off too!!!

I sue my xyron machine to make my magnets. It is used in scrapbooking. It laminates on one side and puts a magnet on the other.

We will be falling asleep at the table with you! We are not late eaters but I hated rushing to the shows last time. It was so annoying rushing there and trying to get seats. You are not supposed to save seats so if you are holding seats for your family people give you a hard time. SO ANNOYING!!!

I want a Palo brunch bad! I will be at Rockin Bar D as soon I get on that ship. I will be running back the greaters to get there!

SO FUNNY! Okay, it's gunna be you and me at the port at 5am..who's bring the Starbucks? ....my friend is making so much fun of me because of how early I want to be there...and I'll race ya to Rockin Bar D

See, I told ya your the Master of door magnets....let's just call you the Magnet Goddess

 

[djdj456]

Okay - read about restaurant rotation and it sounds like fun! How do I go about requesting this dining room rotation? Do I call or can I email or how does it work?
Also, I may be interested in doing the Fish Extender ~ let me see what I can come up with first. Don't want to commit and then let people down. I would say there's a real GOOD chance I will join. Now...if I can just find the time to make one!

If you dont have time to make one people just put a tote bag or paper bag over their fish. I have a lot of plain white paper ones if you want some and the kids want to bring markers/stickers they can decorate them. Let me know if youd like me to bring some for you.

 

[djdj456]

Stop the presses! I just called them and they said San Pedro. Another poster on another thread told me Long Beach. Good thing I checked or we would have drove to the wrong place!!!


Just call them. They will place it in your request. Do you have main or late dinning?

The gifts are easy....some people go all out and some just do something simple. Oriental trading is a great place to get "stuff" for it. Just let me know what you decide. I have an extra one if you need it. Someone gave me 2 on our last cruise bc I did not know how to make one. This cruise we only have 1 room so no need for 2 of them.

Oh good!! I was going to call them too. Last time I booked my flight for the wrong day (luckily a day afterwards so we got more time in FL!) so I am doubting myself on everything this go around. Thanks for checking!!

 

[Brooklyn]

SO FUNNY! Okay, it's gunna be you and me at the port at 5am..who's bring the Starbucks? ....my friend is making so much fun of me because of how early I want to be there...and I'll race ya to Rockin Bar D

See, I told ya your the Master of door magnets....let's just call you the Magnet Goddess

Don't go in the wrong direction!

At least I know I will not be alone out there!!!!!!!

 

[Brooklyn]

If you dont have time to make one people just put a tote bag or paper bag over their fish. I have a lot of plain white paper ones if you want some and the kids want to bring markers/stickers they can decorate them. Let me know if youd like me to bring some for you.

I love your enthusiasm about the fish extenders!!!!!

It is awesome!!!