June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[pillow]

Jodie,

That's for your post. Your pictures are wonderful, I can't believe it snowed.
My plans changed and instead of going to GC in July, we're going in May. How was Kachina? I had El Tovar in July but it wasn't available in May so we got rooms at Kachina. Were you satisfied with the location?

My college son really wants to go to Antelope Canyon, he's a picture buff, but we only have 2 days. I am leaning to just doing GC? Would you agree that driving from Scottsdale to Antelope Canyon then driving to GC spending the night and leaving to go back to Scottsdale the next afternoon would be too much driving?

Also, my stepdaughter is joining us and she's be about 20 weeks pregnant. Is there any trails that she she can do at the GC that would be acceptable for a pregnant person or should we stick to the shuttle bus?

Do you need to make a reservation for dinner at the Grand Canyon?

Thanks for all your help.

Marie

Kachina is right next to El Tovar, and some rooms have partial canyon views. The location was great, but theres nothing special about the rooms - just your average hotel room. See if you can request a room on the 2nd floor; the canyon view will be better.

I think you will need a reservation if you dine at El Tovar (think you can make it 30 days out). We ate at the Grand Hotel in Tuscayan. They have entertainment, and the food was pretty decent, although nothing super special (this was a budget trip for us).

The Rim Trail would be easy for your stepdaughter. Head East (if facing the rim to your right) from the hotel along the rim. The trail is paved and there are fabulous overlooks along the way. You can walk to Yavapai point which is about a 1.5-2 mile walk. The shuttle bus stops there, so you could catch it back to the hotel if you don't want to walk back.

As far as driving goes, Scottsdale to Page would be the tough part - over 4 hours, but honestly, I would be tempted!! Antelope Canyon was incredible (although I don't have a good enough camera - was disappointed with my pictures). Heres the problem with Page though - You just can't go without doing the Rainbow Bridge tour. I think the half day trips start in May (we had to do the full day due to water levels); it really was the highlight of our trip. You would want to do the 10:30 Antelope Canyon tour to get the best pictures with the sunbeams. You could possibly do that first, and then do the half day Rainbow Bridge tour in the afternoon. OR, you could drive to Page in time for the afternoon half day Rainbow Bridge and then do the 10:30 Antelope Canyon tour the next day. That would end around noon, and you could leave for the GC afterwards. One advantage of driving from Page to the GC is that you would enter the GC from the East. The road parallels the GC and there are some great overlooks. Page to the GC village is about 2.5 hours.

Good luck planning. Let me know if I can help further.

Jodie

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi Jodie,

How are you? I've never been to the GC, & loved your photos. They are simply magnificent. Your children are really growing up quickly. They are beautiful as well.

Looks like you guys really have wonderful memories on this trip. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Happy Spring

 

[pillow]

Hi Jodie,

How are you? I've never been to the GC, & loved your photos. They are simply magnificent. Your children are really growing up quickly. They are beautiful as well.

Looks like you guys really have wonderful memories on this trip. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Happy Spring

Hi Patricia,

Yes, we had a wonderful time! How are you feeling? Do you feel like your old self yet? How is your sis?

Jodie

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi Patricia,

Yes, we had a wonderful time! How are you feeling? Do you feel like your old self yet? How is your sis?

Jodie

Hi Jodie,

I am feeling great thank you. Not tired anymore. I am back to "my old self" just need to shed a few pounds that I put on.

DS Joann is doing great also. You would never know, that either of us were sick. She is going back to teaching weight watchers next week.

I really enjoyed your album. Your children are beautiful.

Where is your next trip planned?

 

[pillow]

Where is your next trip planned?

The kids are going to camp this summer near St. Louis, and Mike and I are planning to bike the Katy trail for a few days - should be interesting since neither of us are in the best shape right now!! Then we have the Thanksgiving Disney cruise to look forward to - that one is a bit iffy. Am hoping DH's company gets more business soon (consulting), otherwise, there is a chance of more layoffs. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Jodie

 

[PURTYPAT1]

The kids are going to camp this summer near St. Louis, and Mike and I are planning to bike the Katy trail for a few days - should be interesting since neither of us are in the best shape right now!! Then we have the Thanksgiving Disney cruise to look forward to - that one is a bit iffy. Am hoping DH's company gets more business soon (consulting), otherwise, there is a chance of more layoffs. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Jodie

Great sounds like fun Jodie. You sure are living life to the fullest!!

I had such a great time on Magic (President's week) that I rebooked for next year. It was very mellow, we were winded dined & phampered.

I have my fingers crossed for you guys. It's very scary with the layoffs.

Happy Spring

 

[pillow]

Anyone booking Alaska?

Jodie

 

[carolmb]

Anyone booking Alaska?

Jodie

I think we are going to book.

 

[pillow]

Steph (taysmom) and I (and possibly Patricia - purtypat1) are thinking about July 5. Would be fun to have a little reunion.

Jodie

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Hey Jodie,

Susan and I just might. We haven't cruised Alaska since out 10th anniversary (1993) and we don't need much of an excuse to do a Disney cruise.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Just emailed Marie Worktoplay I'm hoping she can come

 

[pillow]

Hey Jodie,

Susan and I just might. We haven't cruised Alaska since out 10th anniversary (1993) and we don't need much of an excuse to do a Disney cruise.

The more the merrier! I just hope pricing isn't wacko!

J

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

I would love to go, but I can't seem to get anyone else excited about it! I'm a winter person. I love snow and cold weather. Alaska sounds great. I don't think it will work with my teacher salary though.

Is anyone considering going back to the Med. or Northern Europe?

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Did you guys see this on the Disney website regarding price





The first-ever Disney cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3 with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30. Rates for the seven-night Alaskan itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Café will be added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Café is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Café is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Café with the existing Cove Café one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes.

Book-ending the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Wonder 2011 - Alaska and Mexican Riviera

Seven-Night Alaska

5/3 to 9/6
Seven-Night Mexican Riviera

1/23 to 4/17 and 9/25 to 12/18

Vancouver
Los Angeles

At Sea
At Sea

Tracy Arm
At Sea

Skagway
Puerto Vallarta

Juneau
Mazatlán

Ketchikan
Cabo San Lucas

At Sea
At Sea

Vancouver
Los Angeles

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska in 2011
Prior to repositioning to Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail a special 10-night Mexican Riviera voyage, including a stop at Manzanillo.

 

[pillow]

Hey Patricia - Here is another discussion thread on the new trips -

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2281368&page=62

 

[pillow]

And here is a link to the Vancouver thread -

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2283011&page=3

J

 

[pillow]

I would love to go, but I can't seem to get anyone else excited about it! I'm a winter person. I love snow and cold weather. Alaska sounds great. I don't think it will work with my teacher salary though.

Is anyone considering going back to the Med. or Northern Europe?

No on Europe for us - just too expensive!

Why don't you find 3 friends to share the Alaska cruise with. Then you could split it 4 ways!!

Jodie

 

[vtiffany]

Anyone booking Alaska?

Jodie

Hi Everyone!
Tom and I are going to book but we're thinking about late July or August. Anyone know if there is a difference in scenery between the summer months in Alaska? Really looking forward to this trip, but, again, so much time to wait

 

[PURTYPAT1]

We're going!!!!


Alaskan Cruise 7/5/11
cat 11c 2 adults with insurance $2,827.26
cat 11c adults without insurance $2,609.26

We booked today!!!

 

[pillow]

That pricing looks pretty reasonable. How long did it take you to get through on the phones?

Jodie