June 9, 2012 Fantasy

[HotMama]

Hello all. I am the one who set up the tween/teen fb group. There are 30 tweens/teens in the group now. I think I have added all the new tweens/teens that recently booked this cruise. If there is someone that wants in the group just send me a friend request on fb (I'm in our cruise group), then I can add to the group. I had set the group to secret, so it can't be found. I wanted to protects our tweens/teens from any online creepers.

There is also a fb group for younger girls who will be in the Lab & Club.

 

[poison ivy]

Fortunately I was able to start up a little chatter, and others joined in!

Lucky for us you did!

Been reading some reviews on the 7-mile beach excursion and not sure this is the best way to go. Has anyone here done Grand Cayman on their own? Would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Also we tentatively have reserved the Fury Catamaran in Cozumel and the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya. Does anyone have any insight on either?

thanks
christine

 

[helenb]

There is also a fb group for younger girls who will be in the Lab & Club.

I'm confused... how can there be a tween/younger girls FB group when kids aren't supposed to have a FB account until they are 13? Sorry, I guess not being on Facebook I don't understand the rules?

Poison Ivy, we've never been to Grand Cayman, but we're renting a boat for a half day. We'll be going to see the turtles and the stingray swim area, maybe a little snorkeling. So I guess that's my suggestion.

 

[MelissaE1]

Lucky for us you did!

Been reading some reviews on the 7-mile beach excursion and not sure this is the best way to go. Has anyone here done Grand Cayman on their own? Would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Also we tentatively have reserved the Fury Catamaran in Cozumel and the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya. Does anyone have any insight on either?

thanks
christine

We've done Grand Cayman on our own. My recommendation for that port is Stingray City. It's an amazing experience, I highly recommend trying it at least once. And it's a beautiful ride out and back. There are a ton of reputable tour providers there, Captain Marvins is very well known. Capt. Bryans (which we've done and loved) has catamarans and if the wind is right they'll do a little sailing on them and that's fun. The other thing is it's a relatively cheap excursion, around $37 each if I remember correctly.

We are also doing the ruins in Costa Maya, haven't been to this port but have heard great things about the ruins and the company that provides the tour.

A good place to get specific port info is on the Cruise Critic message boards since they have a special area of the board set up just for ports.

I grew up in CA near Disneyland. I miss CA.

I grew up in So. Cal, too. I used to live to go to DL. Now we are in FL (still a hike from the mouse) and we frequent WDW, which I love for different reasons, but DL will always be my "first love" for Disney.

BTW, I was born in Sacramento (Mercy Hospital) and lived in Citrus Heights area when I was little (my dad's family is all from there), so hello all you Sacramento people!

I'm confused... how can there be a tween/younger girls FB group when kids aren't supposed to have a FB account until they are 13? Sorry, I guess not being on Facebook I don't understand the rules?

Most of the little kids use their parents' accounts for this.

 

[SJCruiser]

Lucky for us you did!

Been reading some reviews on the 7-mile beach excursion and not sure this is the best way to go. Has anyone here done Grand Cayman on their own? Would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Also we tentatively have reserved the Fury Catamaran in Cozumel and the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya. Does anyone have any insight on either?

thanks
christine

We've done our own excursion twice in GC. Last trip w/ kids was the dolphin/turtle thing, which was nice, but been-there-done-that. Our first time in GC was w/o kids and we went somewhere along 7-mile beach. We are going to do that with the kids this time and just have a beautiful beach day (weather permitting!). We feel very safe just grabbing a taxi or "bus" (van) at this port.

We are doing the Chacchoben tour in Costa Maya. We are paying extra $$ to do it through DCL because of the time limit and for peace of mind!


BTW, anyone with kids near 8yo.... Our DS LOVES all things sports and usually wants to spend all his time on the Sports Deck playing basketball, or ping pong, or fussball, or the new mini-golf, or.... If you have a kid like this, maybe we can set up a meet on the Sports Deck for the kids on day 1?!

 

[SILLYANDI]

Lucky for us you did!

Been reading some reviews on the 7-mile beach excursion and not sure this is the best way to go. Has anyone here done Grand Cayman on their own? Would appreciate any and all suggestions.

Also we tentatively have reserved the Fury Catamaran in Cozumel and the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya. Does anyone have any insight on either?

thanks
christine

We've done the Fury and LOVED it. We have done Grand Cayman on our own to Boatswain's and with Capt Marvin's to Stingray City (which we are doing again this trip). Both were great. We booked directly with the vendors and they arranged transportation from the port to their activities.

 

[SILLYANDI]

For those of you who came "late to the party" and would like to participate in a fish extender exchange, there is a last minute 2nd group forming. There is an invite on FB for everyone, or if you are not on FB or prefer the DIS you can PM your info (names, ages, cabin number) to Andrea (SILLYANDI) by Monday, May 21st.

please include your email address also, so I can send the list to you on Tuesday.
Just for clarification (because people have asked):
ANYONE on the cruise can join, including those in the previous FE set up by Lisa. It will be free form- everyone who signs up will be responsible to deliver to the other cabins any day you wish during the cruise and you can choose to do individual gifts to each person in the cabin or one gift per cabin. The idea is to have FUN, get some little surprises and share the pixie dust with each other- not add another thing to cause stress!

 

[The Bees]

Hi Melissa - It's a small world! That's a great thing about the Disboards, you never know who will respond to a message and when they do, you find out those little interest things about everyone joining the cruise. Hi from Sacramento!

We've done Grand Cayman on our own. My recommendation for that port is Stingray City. It's an amazing experience, I highly recommend trying it at least once. And it's a beautiful ride out and back. There are a ton of reputable tour providers there, Captain Marvins is very well known. Capt. Bryans (which we've done and loved) has catamarans and if the wind is right they'll do a little sailing on them and that's fun. The other thing is it's a relatively cheap excursion, around $37 each if I remember correctly.

We are also doing the ruins in Costa Maya, haven't been to this port but have heard great things about the ruins and the company that provides the tour.

A good place to get specific port info is on the Cruise Critic message boards since they have a special area of the board set up just for ports.



I grew up in So. Cal, too. I used to live to go to DL. Now we are in FL (still a hike from the mouse) and we frequent WDW, which I love for different reasons, but DL will always be my "first love" for Disney.

BTW, I was born in Sacramento (Mercy Hospital) and lived in Citrus Heights area when I was little (my dad's family is all from there), so hello all you Sacramento people!



Most of the little kids use their parents' accounts for this.

 

[Jodijo]

I grew up in So. Cal, too. I used to live to go to DL. Now we are in FL (still a hike from the mouse) and we frequent WDW, which I love for different reasons, but DL will always be my "first love" for Disney.

BTW, I was born in Sacramento (Mercy Hospital) and lived in Citrus Heights area when I was little (my dad's family is all from there), so hello all you Sacramento people!

Hi! Very small world we live in. I too was born at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, CA and I work in Citrus Heights!

 

[phoenixphantom]

Is there a master list of all the families and their kids and ages??

For those who have or are booking excursions privately, can anyone offer any more info?? I have never done the Western and and looking for something to do probably on Coz. I think we are doing the dolphin/turtle park with my dd's 11 and 20, DH and DD16 are looking for adventure.

Will probably do the ruins on CM

I like water and adventure too, like jet skiing, I am the only one in the family that likes to snorkel.

Any families from the the PA or East Coast area??

I am so excited, but can't believe I am trying to do this in 3 weeks with everything else going on!!!

 

[MelissaE1]

Hi Melissa - It's a small world! That's a great thing about the Disboards, you never know who will respond to a message and when they do, you find out those little interest things about everyone joining the cruise. Hi from Sacramento!

It IS a small world, isn't it? Once on the boards I started chatting with a girl who wasn't even on my cruise (don't remember why) and come to find out we went to elementary school together in California and she now lives two towns over from me here on the FL Panhandle. We've had lunch a couple of times and are FB friends now.

Hi! Very small world we live in. I too was born at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, CA and I work in Citrus Heights!

Jodi, maybe we know some of the same nurses! If you Google "Edwards Oak Court" in Citrus Heights you will see where I spent all of my days until age 4 and most of my summer and spring breaks afterward - it used to be my Grandma's driveway (small subdivision now ). One of my grandpa's oak trees still stands at the intersection, thus the street name. (My maiden name is Edwards.)

 

[poison ivy]

We've done the Fury and LOVED it. We have done Grand Cayman on our own to Boatswain's and with Capt Marvin's to Stingray City (which we are doing again this trip). Both were great. We booked directly with the vendors and they arranged transportation from the port to their activities.

Thanks for the on the Fury. We're two adults and the catamaran sounds very nice from the description. Never snorkeled so we'll see how that goes!! the beach area also looks good. Looking forward to it.

We've done our own excursion twice in GC. Last trip w/ kids was the dolphin/turtle thing, which was nice, but been-there-done-that. Our first time in GC was w/o kids and we went somewhere along 7-mile beach. We are going to do that with the kids this time and just have a beautiful beach day (weather permitting!). We feel very safe just grabbing a taxi or "bus" (van) at this port.

We are doing the Chacchoben tour in Costa Maya. We are paying extra $$ to do it through DCL because of the time limit and for peace of mind!

We too are on the DCL Costa Maya Chacchoben tour. Felt much better with the time constraints booking thru Disney.

We've been considering the same bus/cab on our own option re: GC but not sure where to request to be dropped off. Been reading there are several free access pts - such as SeaGrape or Royal Palms with clean facilities.

Both appear similar with fees of at least $20/ea to rent chairs/umbrellas (not sure if this is Cayman or US currency quoted) and chairs at royal palms are chained together. Also the cab fare is 4/pp ea way. SeaGrape does have several small covered pavillions adjacent to a playground with benches and tables that are free.

I read Marriott is supposedly across the street from SeaGrape with cabs lined up to get back. Also read for their beach the fee is 20/chair + 5/umbrella if combined. Question is: can we the general public gain access? If so where?

So these options are still open.

More than willing to share a ride if any disers are planning a beach route on their own. (since these cabs apparently sit there until they fill up and also may try to steer you to a different point)

We've done Grand Cayman on our own. My recommendation for that port is Stingray City. It's an amazing experience, I highly recommend trying it at least once. And it's a beautiful ride out and back. There are a ton of reputable tour providers there, Captain Marvins is very well known. Capt. Bryans (which we've done and loved) has catamarans and if the wind is right they'll do a little sailing on them and that's fun. The other thing is it's a relatively cheap excursion, around $37 each if I remember correctly.

We are also doing the ruins in Costa Maya, haven't been to this port but have heard great things about the ruins and the company that provides the tour.

A good place to get specific port info is on the Cruise Critic message boards since they have a special area of the board set up just for ports.

thanks. been getting some great feedback from Cruise Critic. Are you using DCL for Costa Maya?

the stingrays look great for families but we're thinking of taking the GC port easy this trip.

Poison Ivy, we've never been to Grand Cayman, but we're renting a boat for a half day. We'll be going to see the turtles and the stingray swim area, maybe a little snorkeling. So I guess that's my suggestion.

Sounds like a really good time!!! Something to really consider if we ever visit again. Hopefully you'll check in and let us know your experience.

Is there a master list of all the families and their kids and ages??

For those who have or are booking excursions privately, can anyone offer any more info?? I have never done the Western and and looking for something to do probably on Coz. I think we are doing the dolphin/turtle park with my dd's 11 and 20, DH and DD16 are looking for adventure.

Will probably do the ruins on CM

I like water and adventure too, like jet skiing, I am the only one in the family that likes to snorkel.

Any families from the the PA or East Coast area??

I am so excited, but can't believe I am trying to do this in 3 weeks with everything else going on!!!

We're psyched too and it's been a whirlwind to try to catch up in so little time since booking with DVC. We're from S. Jersey. Welcome. We've also never been to the Caribbean so this is ALL NEW!!! Your DH and DD should look at the Fury Catamaran excursion in Cozumel (snorkeling is only a small part). That's our plan.

 

[helenb]

Poison Ivy, I'll be sure to let you know how our Cozumel boat rental went if you let me know how your on-your-own beach excursion went!

Maybe we can discuss it while on the DCL Costa Maya ruins excursion.

 

[HotMama]

Is there a master list of all the families and their kids and ages??

For those who have or are booking excursions privately, can anyone offer any more info?? I have never done the Western and and looking for something to do probably on Coz. I think we are doing the dolphin/turtle park with my dd's 11 and 20, DH and DD16 are looking for adventure.

Will probably do the ruins on CM

I like water and adventure too, like jet skiing, I am the only one in the family that likes to snorkel.

Any families from the the PA or East Coast area??

I am so excited, but can't believe I am trying to do this in 3 weeks with everything else going on!!!

There is a list floating around here somewhere.... I'll try to find it & quote it so it's at the end of this thread.

And we are a family from the East Coast area.... Northeast Ohio. Go Cleveland Browns!

 

[HotMama]

Since Lynette "jumped ships" our 1st post isn't accurate as far as who is and isn't going. I think it would be a great idea to get a new roll call list going and maybe show who is/isnt on FB and who all is cruising with us.

I've kinda been going off the FE list and it dawned on me that there are TONS of people cruising with us between the Dis Board and FB I'm having a tough time getting my mind straight on who is who.. I'd be willing to maintain the list here and I'll ask Lynette to put a note on the 1st post referring to THIS post..so here is the list that she had, let me know if there are additions or deletions and if you are on FB...Thanks!
Smith James Sherry Grayson (M-8)
Schroeder Ed Jennifer Peyton (F-12)
Albrecht Julie & Rachel (F17) FB
Egan Andrea Matt Madison (F-14) Morgan (F-12) Parker (M-11) Mikey (F-7) FBHoner Joi Evan (M-16) FB
Wilkie Paul Jackie Sam (M-8)
LeRoy Anne Jeff Patrick (M-7) FB
Allen Amanda Scott Spence (M-12) Gabi (F-10) FB
Farrell David Lisa Allison (F-8) Jacob (M-4) FB
King Jeff Trina Haley (F-10) Nathan (M-5)
McDonald Jodi John Raya (F-8) FB
Hancock Shannon Sam Lily (F-8) Morgan (M-10) FB
McLaughlin Diana Lydia Nick (M-16) FB
Pate Brandy Brice Brynna (F-8) Bronson (M-4) FB
Young Cynthia Neil John Wesley Colvin (M-12) Adrianna Colvin (F-8) FB
Higgins Jodi Mitch Mason (M-17) Mickayla (F-14) FB INSTIGATOR
Pauley Janice Stuart Jillian (F-9) FB
Gonzalez Jennifer Roger Jordan (M-17) Joanna (F-4) FB
Clements Robert Sody William (Adult) Robert (Adult) FB
Stenfort Dave Lisa Matthew (M-12) Samantha (F-14) FB
Beck Georgia FB
Nicely Melissa Darrin Andrew (M-18) Zandra (F-13)FB
Johnson Cindy Gary Denver (M-7) Logan (M-6) FB
Harwood Tiffany Doug Grady (M-12) Megan (F-9) FB
Stegmaier Karen Riley (M-11)
Reglat Christophe Valerie Max (M-8) Gabe (M-6) Sophia (F-6) FB
Reglat Laurent Sylvie Marie (F-10)
Bilodeau Bob Lori Alex (M-9)
Turney Larry Niona Iris (F-5)
Brubeck David Helen Amy (F-11) Andrew (M-9)

FE MAP will be LINKED HERE (once I get everyone's cabin assignments)

Info regarding the DIS meet (once Melissa plans it all, lol) will be posted HERE
Info regarding the Tween/Teen DIS Meet will be posted HERE

run/walk/hope to finish THE cc 5K? Info available HERE

Here's the list....

 

[MelissaE1]

thanks. been getting some great feedback from Cruise Critic. Are you using DCL for Costa Maya?

the stingrays look great for families but we're thinking of taking the GC port easy this trip.

We are still torn about who to use for the ruins. Obviously there's the time factor, but we've heard such great things about Native Choice and they've been very responsive to my emails and questions, so pretty sure they're not fly-by-night. People rave about them. Probably I better decide soon or all the other DCLers will take the spots, lol.

I've heard some good things about the beach trips, too, probably a good choice for taking it easy. We live at the beach, so we don't do too much of that on vacation. I hope you don't write the Stingray City thing off as a just a family excursion though... DH and I first went there on our honeymoon and loved it.

Really can't believe the trip is coming up so fast!

 

[skohrs]

Here's the list....

We are not doing FE, but our family includes:
Kohrs Sam, Donna, Brandon (M-18), Bethany (F-16), Benjamin (M-9), Brienne (F-9).

 

[poison ivy]

Poison Ivy, I'll be sure to let you know how our Cozumel boat rental went if you let me know how your on-your-own beach excursion went!

Maybe we can discuss it while on the DCL Costa Maya ruins excursion.

Deal!!! Still researching that GC day and quickly running out of time!!

Here's the list....

Wow - more than half have been lost to facebook! Hope they check in here too. Can you provide the actual page that post is on? (can't access the links otherwise)

We are still torn about who to use for the ruins. Obviously there's the time factor, but we've heard such great things about Native Choice and they've been very responsive to my emails and questions, so pretty sure they're not fly-by-night. People rave about them. Probably I better decide soon or all the other DCLers will take the spots, lol.

I've heard some good things about the beach trips, too, probably a good choice for taking it easy. We live at the beach, so we don't do too much of that on vacation. I hope you don't write the Stingray City thing off as a just a family excursion though... DH and I first went there on our honeymoon and loved it.

Really can't believe the trip is coming up so fast!

Read mostly positive with some negative reviews on Native choice. I think one negative was a particular group being short on transportation vehicles which did get resolved but resulted in some private run cabs called by the Co. to return guests to the ship. This made the poster uneasy eventhough they arrived ok

We live about 50 miles inland from the Jersey Shore and go a few times a year. The sun is not our friend so we may just take a short walk along the seven mile beach and check out Georgetown or some other sites. I'll look into Stingray City online. thanks

Does anyone know if you can still get your passport stamped in Grand Cayman?

 

[bblcz]

Just a quick reminder.....
You have to May 21st to join the "Fashionably Late FE" group. This is for anyone who missed out on the original FE group or for anyone from the original FE group who want to add a few more people.

 

[SILLYANDI]

We are not doing FE, but our family includes:
Kohrs Sam, Donna, Brandon (M-18), Bethany (F-16), Benjamin (M-9), Brienne (F-9).

I'll add your family and try to catch up with all of our new cruisers too!

Wow - more than half have been lost to facebook! Hope they check in here too. Can you provide the actual page that post is on? (can't access the links otherwise)

It's on page 24, post #355