Magic ~ October 22, 2016 ~ 7 nights NYC/Bahamas/WDW/NYC

[amystevekai&bump]

Welcome aboard, Amy and family!!

I've seen your posts over the years and always wondered who the "bump" was!! Now he's 9 years old. Time sure flies! My sons were about your sons ages on our first Disney cruise.

There is no problem at all about not joining the FE list. I would like to drop a few things for your sons into your fish extender though, if you'd like to send me an email or private message with your cabin number.

I am going to start a list of cruisers in Post #1, with a separate list for the FE list. That's how we did it, back in the day. Everyone's included here, no matter what you want or don't want to participate in.

Thank you ever so much for your lovely welcome Terry


Yes, time sure does fly by! I joined the Dis whilst pregnant and I believe my first question was about booking a disney cruise for a child that was yet to be born!! Lucas went on his first disney cruise at 9 months old and we've never looked back!!

Thank you so much for the kind offer of dropping gifts to my boys - that's so thoughtful of you, bless you

I'm very much looking forward to chatting to everyone over the coming weeks and months - I'm getting very excited already!! Steve and I last visited NYC for our honeymoon back in 1998, so a lot has changed and this will be our first trip with children, so it will be very different. We are also all really excited at the idea of attempting all four parks in one day - actually five, as we want to start and finish in the Magic Kingdom!! Thank goodness for the two sea days afterwards!!

 

[SeaSpray]

As a Silver Castaway Club member I was able to book Palo reservations and complete online check-in last night. I was able to get the Palo brunch and Palo dinner times that I wanted, as well as the bus to the MK on Port Canaveral day.

Did anyone else book last night? What about you Platinum and Gold CC members? What did you book? Since there aren't really any ports other than CC and PC there aren't many excursions to think about.

 

[NeverSayNever]

I too signed in last night and completed reservations, got our PAT time, our bus time to MK among other things. Still debating about our bus time.. But t really 30 minutes one way or another isn't going to matter much.

I wish that you could book the drink tastings or at least know what is offered when. We have enjoyed them, done several,but no interest in mixology.

I was surprised to discover that you can not book the chill spa online for teens. Has anyone ever had a problem doing this on board? It will be my daughters first time going to the chill spa.

Best,

Never say Never

 

[amystevekai&bump]

As a Silver Castaway Club member I was able to book Palo reservations and complete online check-in last night. I was able to get the Palo brunch and Palo dinner times that I wanted, as well as the bus to the MK on Port Canaveral day.

Did anyone else book last night? What about you Platinum and Gold CC members? What did you book? Since there aren't really any ports other than CC and PC there aren't many excursions to think about.

Glad you were able to book everything you wanted

We are Gold CC members, so were able to book everything we wanted on 7/9/16, although we aren't going to Palo as we aren't really brunch people, plus I couldn't eat a large lunchtime meal and still enjoy the meals in the evening - all of which we want to do as family time with our boys

However we did manage to get an 11.00am PAT, 7.30am transfers to MK and a Frozen meet n greet time. But most importantly, I managed to get the last family cabana on Castaway Cay, which I'm very excited about!

 

[SeaSpray]

I too signed in last night and completed reservations, got our PAT time, our bus time to MK among other things. Still debating about our bus time.. But t really 30 minutes one way or another isn't going to matter much.

I wish that you could book the drink tastings or at least know what is offered when. We have enjoyed them, done several,but no interest in mixology.

I was surprised to discover that you can not book the chill spa online for teens. Has anyone ever had a problem doing this on board? It will be my daughters first time going to the chill spa.

Best,

Never say Never

NeverSayNever!

I agree about the drink tastings, I wish they were listed online to book in advance, or like you said, even just the info on what days they will be held. We've never done them before on our previous cruises so I think we're going to give at least one tasting a try.

Since you couldn't book the Chill Spa online be sure to head to the spa soon after you board and book it there. I noticed that some of the adult spa services weren't available to be booked online, so we'll be heading there on the first day too.

I don't think that a half hour difference for the bus to WDW will make too much of a difference. We have a late breakfast reservation at the Kona Café, so I got an earlier bus than I would've normally, just to give us that buffer time to get to the MK and then hop the resort monorail to the Polynesian.

 

[SeaSpray]

Glad you were able to book everything you wanted

We are Gold CC members, so were able to book everything we wanted on 7/9/16, although we aren't going to Palo as we aren't really brunch people, plus I couldn't eat a large lunchtime meal and still enjoy the meals in the evening - all of which we want to do as family time with our boys

However we did manage to get an 11.30am PAT, 7.30am transfers to MK and a Frozen meet n greet time. But most importantly, I managed to get the last family cabana on Castaway Cay, which I'm very excited about!

Nice score on the cabana!!!

Our PAT is 11:30am also, but we'll be taking DCL transfers from our hotel in Manhattan, so who knows when they'll pick us up. Our bus to the MK is 8:30am, to get us there in time for our 10:30am breakfast reservation at the Kona Café.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Thank you SeaSpray. I actually have been around following but more in the background, and have seen the whole "saga" including what can no longer be seen... So we will leave that at that. Vacations are for fun and to look forward.. No more grieve and aggravation needed in this world.

Anyways, where are you stay in NYC? I only ask as it may be more cost effective to just take a taxi then Dcl transfers to the port, the city is not really that big and taxis are efficient. I do agree though when disembarking Dcl is the best way to an airport - more guarantees that way. Taxis are still effective, though. We did the taxi to and dcl transfers when we left from Miami and it worked well. From Orlando we have always used Dcl even when staying at WDW. We have an 11:00pat

We have done several of e tastings and enjoyed them all... My favorite is probably the Champagne, but I love bubbly... If you have any questions let me know.

Ahhh cabanas! I noticed today that there was one open again on Serenity... I keep looking just in case a family one opens up....but it will still be a battle with myself since it's not in the budget!

Last year we stayed at the Poly... We enjoyed the Poly.. Which says a lot as I am a Grand Floridian fan. I'd love to do a breakfast at one of the resorts, but the kids wouldn't hear of it... Wasting time over the parks.

Where does everyone plan to eat on their park day and have you made a reservation yet?

 

[SeaSpray]

Thank you SeaSpray. I actually have been around following but more in the background, and have seen the whole "saga" including what can no longer be seen... So we will leave that at that. Vacations are for fun and to look forward.. No more grieve and aggravation needed in this world.

Anyways, where are you stay in NYC? I only ask as it may be more cost effective to just take a taxi then Dcl transfers to the port, the city is not really that big and taxis are efficient. I do agree though when disembarking Dcl is the best way to an airport - more guarantees that way. Taxis are still effective, though. We did the taxi to and dcl transfers when we left from Miami and it worked well. From Orlando we have always used Dcl even when staying at WDW. We have an 11:00pat

We have done several of e tastings and enjoyed them all... My favorite is probably the Champagne, but I love bubbly... If you have any questions let me know.

Ahhh cabanas! I noticed today that there was one open again on Serenity... I keep looking just in case a family one opens up....but it will still be a battle with myself since it's not in the budget!

Last year we stayed at the Poly... We enjoyed the Poly.. Which says a lot as I am a Grand Floridian fan. I'd love to do a breakfast at one of the resorts, but the kids wouldn't hear of it... Wasting time over the parks.

Where does everyone plan to eat on their park day and have you made a reservation yet?

Amen to your comment that I bolded in pink! We are staying at the Marriott Marquis Times Square the night before, and the night after, the cruise. I've been considering dropping the DCL transfers TO the ship because I'd prefer to have more control over what time we arrive at the port. We have an 11:30am PAT, and after the fiasco we had using DCL transfers from Newark airport to the ship in 2012, I think we'd rather just hail a cab for the few blocks to the port.

I'm glad to hear that the Champagne tasting is good! That is my first choice for alcohol tastings. (I don't like beer, or tequila, or most others, except I do love rum. LOL And Champagne).

I grabbed the Serenity Bay cabana that is probably the same one that you saw earlier. Now to sell my husband on the idea! I think he'll be fine with it because he has said to book whatever I think will make this cruise special.

The Polynesian is our home at WDW, but we've stayed at the Grand Floridian, and loved it, but we just can't seem to pull ourselves away from the Polynesian.

Having said that, and to answer your next question, we're having a late breakfast at the Kona Café at the Polynesian. Maybe a late lunch at Be Our Guest (My husband and I would share one of their huge roast beef sandwiches), and then a later dinner at Teppen Edo. I have already made ADRs for Kona Café and for Teppen Edo, and will probably make one for Be Our Guest soon.

P.S. I'm going to add you to the List of Cruisers in post #1.

 

[NeverSayNever]

Yes, it is really only a hop skip and jump from your hotel, I would do the cab, but that is me (I am also from NY and worked in NYC many many years), ultimately you need to do what works best for both of you. Dare I ask what happened in 2012 with transfers? Out of curiosity did they have the typical Disney buses here in NY, or did they just have regular coach buses? We did the 5-day to Canada in 2012, it was the last cruise from NY at the time. I was thrilled last year when I saw they were headed back to NY for 2016 (we booked immediately)... and now again in 2017. For us its perfect, no airlines to deal with!

Ohhhh..... you grabbed the Cabana - that's cool! I keep looking but no family cabana has opened up, no big deal either way. I have not looked into this, and probably knew at some point, but what happens if it is a stormy day on Castaway - do they canx your cabana or still expect you to use and hence incur the charge? Believe it or not, the past two years our stops at Castaway didn't work out; 2 years ago, although we stopped there was a tropical storm, my son and I stayed on board while my daughter and her dad get off only to get drenched - she wanted something from the gift store - a cabana would have been a waste in my opinion! And last year, we missed the port completely due to a hurricane that we had to skirt around.

As for our WDW this year, we have booked lunch at Liberty Tree - it was closed for renovations when we where there last year, so we thought we'd give it a try. I do like that it seems to be a more quite restaurant and I like the small less crowded rooms. It's a nice break from the hustle of the park. I hope it hasn't changed too much!! I keep thinking about trying to squeeze an excursion in over the GF., would like to stop in Basin, but again, I think it will be viewed as a waste of time. Well, will just give me more reason to push for a trip in the not so distant future!

Sure - no problem with adding us to pg1 - it is 4 of us .

Still a small group of us here, I see... but nothing wrong with that!

Enjoy,
Never Say Never

 

[NeverSayNever]

85 DAYS!!!

But who is counting.....

 

[SeaSpray]

85 DAYS!!!

But who is counting.....

 

[SeaSpray]

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi all and Neversaynever!!

In answer to your question - we have booked a 10.30am breakfast at Crystal Palace and we have decided to do a 4 park challenge, (well technically 5 as we are starting and finishing at MK! )

We've seen someone else's trip report where they set themselves some 'rules' and it sounded fun, so we are going to try it too! Basically, we have to do one ride, one show, one character photo, eat something, drink something & trade one pin in each park.

Due to having 3 anytime FPs courtesy of the cruise, and also by hopefully being able to book 3 regular FPs using our annual pass, then I think if there is ever a day to give it a go, then this is it! We know we will be exhausted, but i guess we can always sleep on the cruise back to NYC!

 

[chipscinderelly]

Hi all! We (DH and me) are also on this cruise and it will be our 5th DCL cruise. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary on the 28th on the ship (married at WDW) and this will be our 1st child free trip longer than 2 nights in over 8 years. We cannot wait! The FE things stress me out too much so we won't be doing that but we did get our Palo brunch and are looking forward to tastings. I'll try to be on here every few weeks. I tend to spend more time on other social media these days.

Can't wait to say hello in just under 3 months!

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi all and Neversaynever!!

In answer to your question - we have booked a 10.30am breakfast at Crystal Palace and we have decided to do a 4 park challenge, (well technically 5 as we are starting and finishing at MK! )

We've seen someone else's trip report where they set themselves some 'rules' and it sounded fun, so we are going to try it too! Basically, we have to do one ride, one show, one character photo, eat something, drink something & trade one pin in each park.

Due to having 3 anytime FPs courtesy of the cruise, and also by hopefully being able to book 3 regular FPs using our annual pass, then I think if there is ever a day to give it a go, then this is it! We know we will be exhausted, but i guess we can always sleep on the cruise back to NYC!

Good luck with your 5 park challenge!!! In 2012 my adult son and his girlfriend made it to all 4 parks, and ended up meeting up with us at the Polynesian resort for a late 'Ohana ADR. My husband and I only did the MK and 2 meals at the Polynesian (Kona Café and 'Ohana). This trip we'll be starting at the MK, then late breakfast at KC at the Polynesian, then MK, then Epcot. Dinner at Teppen Edo, and then stay for Illuminations. We may do a late lunch at Be Our Guest.

I agree about having fun at WDW then being able to relax during the 2 sea days back to NYC.

We'll only have the 3 anytime FPs, but that's ok, we'll just pick our 3 favorite attractions. That's great about the AP FPs!!

Hi all! We (DH and me) are also on this cruise and it will be our 5th DCL cruise. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary on the 28th on the ship (married at WDW) and this will be our 1st child free trip longer than 2 nights in over 8 years. We cannot wait! The FE things stress me out too much so we won't be doing that but we did get our Palo brunch and are looking forward to tastings. I'll try to be on here every few weeks. I tend to spend more time on other social media these days.

Can't wait to say hello in just under 3 months!

Welcome aboard, chipscinderelly!! I love your user name. Congrats on celebrating your 10th anniversary while onboard. We've always had a lot of fun celebrating anniversaries with Disney over the years. Looking forward to saying hello in 3 months as well!

 

[CherylA]

Just booked yesterday! It's myself Cheryl, my husband Tony and our 2 girls Izzy 14 and Lily 11. We're from Seymour, Connecticut. So excited we're only 76 days away!

 

[SeaSpray]

Just booked yesterday! It's myself Cheryl, my husband Tony and our 2 girls Izzy 14 and Lily 11. We're from Seymour, Connecticut. So excited we're only 76 days away!

Welcome aboard Cheryl and family!!

Just under 11 weeks to go!

I'm in Massachusetts. How are you traveling down to NYC? We're taking Amtrak the day before and spending a little time in NYC. We considered driving, and back in the day I would have, but with my rheumatoid arthritis and other things, it's more comfortable to be on the train.

I will add your family to the List of Cruisers in Post #1

 

[Charm Maine]

********************************************************
Welcome Aboard the October 22, 2016 sailing of the Disney Magic!​

List of Cruisers!​

amystevekai&bump Amy, Steve (DH), and our two sons, Kai (aged 12) and Lucas (aged 9).

SeaSpray Terry, John (DH).

Mrsz08 dh, myself and dd 4 yrs old.

Mrsz08 (2nd cabin) 1 adult female.

Mrsz08 (3rd cabin) grandma and grandpa.

hostetterse Jeff, Stacey, Gavin (6), Blake (3).

Ebbi07 My husband and myself.

canisixpaku My husband, my soon to be 3 year old.​

FoxFMX22 3rd Disney cruise. First with our little girl will be 18 months at cruise time.

lajspeech and DH, and kids (3 and 5).

JillL

Mrs. M Myself, My Husband and daughters (will be 4&5).

nhgirl DH, DD (12) and I.

Rachieiom myself, my husband, and 5 Yr old boy.

i'm.all.ears myself, my husband, 3year old boy and 2year old girl.

Carol Buchanan myself, my Mom, my sister, my brother-in-law and my nephew.

NeverSayNever and DH, DS, DD.

chipscinderelly and DH.

CherylA and Tony (DH) and Izzy (DD14) and Lily (DD11).

********************************************************​

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Official DIS Boards Fish Extender (FE) exchange list
There are several forms of Social Media out there, so I want to emphasize that while there are a few other FE groups for this cruise on the internet, (and there is no reason why you can't participate in more than one), we will only plan and discuss the DIS BOARDS FE list here.
The DIS BOARDS is the original home and birth place of FEs!

Anyone who is interested in participating in a Fish Extender (FE) gift exchange please post with any of the following info; you can include more or less info, depending on what you wish to share:

*Your DIS Board user name
*Your first name
*Names and number of people in your cabin (and ages of any children if wish to include that)
*Favorite characters
*Favorite Colors
*Any food allergies.

For information about what an FE Group is and how it works, please see Post #15, below, that PrincessShmoo so kindly posted. ​

(1)SeaSpray Terry & John (2 adults, no kids). No food allergies. Favorite characters are Minnie & Mickey Mouse.

(2)Mrsz08 dh, myself and dd 4 yrs old. No allergies , daughters favorite character is Ariel. My daughter's 1st Disney cruise!!

(3)Mrsz08 (2nd cabin) 1 adult female. Minnie favorite character. No allergies.

(4)Mrsz08 (3rd cabin) grandma and grandpa. No allergies, no preference. 1st Disney cruise.

(5)Ebbi07 My husband and myself. We have no allergies, not big into alcohol gifts, and love all things Disney! We're in cabin 6639.

As a Silver Castaway Club member I was able to book Palo reservations and complete online check-in last night. I was able to get the Palo brunch and Palo dinner times that I wanted, as well as the bus to the MK on Port Canaveral day.

Did anyone else book last night? What about you Platinum and Gold CC members? What did you book? Since there aren't really any ports other than CC and PC there aren't many excursions to think about.

Hi I discovered this page by accident.. I'm from NYC and I booked the cruise last year August. I'm a family of 7.. I would love to do the FE exchange this is our first Disney cruise and the kids don't know and will not know until we show up at the port. So now as the days draw closer I am becoming more stressed because I am secretly packing for 5 kids..

 

[CherylA]

I am super excited for this cruise! We had one booked 4 nights out of Port Canaveral the same one we've done the past 2 years but then with school schedules and cheerleading and dance team this date looked like a better bet and I love that we are out of NYC. We cruised twice to Canada on DCL out of NYC when they were here a few years ago and the convenience is amazing. I am in southern CT so we are only have an hour and a half drive in. When we did our previous cruises out of NYC we took the train the first time then stayed overnight in the city the night before and took the train back. The second time we just drove in that morning and straight home when we got off the ship. Loved the convenience of leaving my house at 9 am and being at the port by 11 then parking right there, even though parking is a bit expensive. Staying overnight before was more complicated, had to get someone to drive us to the train station then get the luggage (a substantial amount) on the train then from Grand Central to our hotel then from the hotel to the ship, then on return from the ship back to the train (lots of walking or cab rides!) and then we had to have someone pick us up at the train station (also with 4 people and luggage plus someone driving to pick us up its hard to fit everything in the car on the ride to/from the train station!). Also since we are so close we take metro-north with is a commuter train so its a lot cheaper then Amtrak but a bit awkward with a lot of luggage! We get to spend a fair amount of time in NYC so for us no need to add on a day of NYC sightseeing but if you don't get there much it's definitely nice to do. (editing to add: I looked up parking at the pier and its $40/day so $280, There are other nearby parking options I'm going to look into because that's REALLY expensive!)

Cant imagine packing for 5 kids! yikes! Just remember they have washers and dryers, that always makes me feel better! As long as everyone packs a few of their favorite outfits we can always wash and rewear, no need to over pack; plus with it being in October I can just put aside those favorite summery outfits as our summer winds down and they are all set for the warm days of our cruise.

This is my 9th Disney cruise and we usually do the FE. Put in my FB request to join the page, waiting for approval.

 

[Mrsz08]

Is there only 5 cabins participating in FE?
I'm I looking in the wrong place? I am so excited to participate in our first FE and want to start getting the stuff together. Pinterest is my new best Friend