June 22 2008 Magical Mexican Riviera Cruise

[tksbaskets]

Thanks Mary! I hope other DIS cruisers can find us now

 

[rebcam]

I've been following the live threads and blogs for the transatlantic and mediterranean cruises...oh, how I wish I could be there! One year from now, we'll be bouncing around with excitement.

We did the Mexican cruise the first time around, so feel free to ask questions. I might not know the answers, but I can try. We did a Pirate Ship excursion in Puerta Vallarta, a village and tequila factory tour in Mazatlan, and a short harbor tour in Cabo. I'm not sure what we'll do this time; I wonder what new excursions will be added.

Rebecca

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Rebecca,
I've been watching the "live" threads too and wish we had the time and $$ for the Med. cruise.

I'm excited to talk to someone with experience going on our cruise. We are going with our sons who will be 17 on the cruise. Would they enjoy the excursions you took last time?

We are planning to go to DL before the cruise. Do you know if there is transportation from DL to the port?

Thanks!
Teresa

 

[rebcam]

Hi, Teresa.

I don't think the excursions we did would be the best for older teens. The pirate ship was fun, but horrible if you get seasick. (Sadly, we learned on this excursion that BOTH of our kids do!) It was a lot of fun, but I think a bit young for older teens. I remember hearing rave reviews of a treetop excursion in Puerta Vallarta that would be great for older kids.

I'm pretty sure that there was transportation from DL to the port, but I don't know much about it. We live in CA and drove to the port, so I didn't pay attention to the transfer stuff.

Rebecca

 

[tksbaskets]

Rebecca,
How old are your children? Being a CA resident, do you have any California Adventure tips for us?
Teresa

 

[rebcam]

I have a son who is turning twelve next week, and a daughter who is eight.

We did a Disneyland/CA Adventure trip this last January, and had a ball. My daughter liked DL much better, as there is more for her age/speed there, but my son had a ball. California Screaming is great; we were there at opening one morning, immediately got in line and got a fastpass for the next round. My DH and I used the switch rider tickets since my daughter had no interest in riding it! CA adventure is great for avoiding crowds, too. While DL was packed, we were able to really slow down and relax during lunch time; it was a nice break. We all love Soarin' Over California, and Tower of Terror is a lot of fun, too. What types of tips are you looking for? I'm better with answering specific questions!

Rebecca

 

[ahibird]

Yay !!! We have a title -- Thanks Teresa (and Mary) for making this thread easier to find !!!

 

[tksbaskets]

Let's hope more people find us

 

[BethA]

just pushing us up a few pages---just a little more than 1 year to go.

 

[funaviator]

sorry all.. I thought you were on the wonder

 

[tksbaskets]

Welcome Cindy! We are excited to be going to different ports with Disney next summer We are in a category 6 (actually 2 connecting) and will be our first time with any verranda.

Can't wait!

Teresa & crew

 

[BethA]

Anyone staying at Disneyland before the cruise? I have to start planning our precruise stay--not sure if we should come out there 2 or 3 days early to adjust to the time change and see DL.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Beth,
We are going to go to DL before the cruise. Probably fly in on Wednesday. This will give us three full days at DL and CA. I'm trying to find out if there will be transportation from DL to the port.
Teresa

 

[BethA]

Hi Teresa,

I thought there might be info on precruise stays at DL and the transportation, but haven't heard anything, so let me know. We usually get our own transportation from WDW to Port Cnaveral, but since we aren't familiar with anything in CA are hoping Disney will offer something. We could get rooms using DVC points--I haven't really checked that out yet-or the price of DL tickets.

wonder why there is so little activity on the thread for our week.

I hope there will be someone my older son's age--he'll be 19 then, not as much for him to do on DCL as on RC.

 

[tksbaskets]

Hi Beth,
Sounds like our two families will have fun on the cruise!

Our sons will be 17 1/2 on the cruise. Pretty close to your son but unable to go to the adult clubs. We are in the DVC too and plan to stay at the Grand Californian when the point charts come out. Member services said that I just need to keep checking with them. Do you have any other children?
Teresa

 

[BethA]

Last year when my sone was one month shy of 18, he went into the adult areas with us and noone said anything. He was with a friend who was 19 at the time, so we had been worried they would not allow him in, but it worked out fine.

My other son will be 12 when we cruise in June. I am hoping my parents will join us--they aren't crazy about flying to CA. If my brother and his family decide not to go, then Blake will take a friend with him.

Let me know if you hear when points are out.

 

[tksbaskets]

Good to hear! I will keep calling Member Services and will let you know when the points are out. Where are you planning on staying? How about this, our own personal thread!

T

 

[BethA]

The Grand Californian looks the best, but it depends on the points and finances.

Anyone else?? If not I guess we'll have to keep the thread going for everyone.

We just got off the Mariner and my older son really preferred it. Considered changing, but since we have a suite and got a great deal, certainly don't want to lose our deposit. I prefer the DCL service and atmosphere, but the larger ships are impressive and RC had some better features.

 

[tksbaskets]

What did you like better about the RC ship??

 

[BethA]

The pools were larger and had large shelf like areas to sit right in the water. There were quite a few hot tubs, and those at the adult pool were huge.

Of course being larger they had the mini golf and rock climbing.

They had a better room service menu, but the service was VERY slow. There was also food available 24 hrs at the Cafe Promenade.

They had more things like trivia and name that tune several times each day. Dance lessons, and more adult oriented deck parties. The karaoke was every night, kids had a separate time.

Better seating available at their version of Topsiders. A lot of lunch choices, but they did not change at all.

Better shops, but of course nothing Disney.

The turn around time at dinner was much faster than anything we have experienced before. They now have your photos on computer through a face recognition program, making it easier than hunting for them. There is a cruise in review video with highlights of your cruise for sale at the end.

The service was not the same as with DCL. Few crew members acted as if they really cared, and I doubt they'd ever remember you, as the DCL CMs do.