March 15, 2015 MAGIC Cruise!! :)

[Madzac]

Hello~ We are booked on this cruise for our spring break 2015 and most excited! This will be our second cruise, our first was on the Dream in 2013.

Hoping to meet some wonderful fellow DISers cruising with us and hopefully have some fish extender fun!

Anyone else?

 

[mirandaperez10]

Hello~ We are booked on this cruise for our spring break 2015 and most excited! This will be our second cruise, our first was on the Dream in 2013. Hoping to meet some wonderful fellow DISers cruising with us and hopefully have some fish extender fun! Anyone else?

My family is going then too were looking for a fish Extender group!!

 

[Madzac]

Welcome Miranda! Hopefully more will join in when we get closer! It still seems SOOOOO far away!!!

 

[3Goofy's]

Count us in too! This will be our 4th Disney cruise. We've sailed all the ships, except the Dream, and our last cruise was March 2013 in the Fantasy. We've never been on a western itinerary and are really excited about it!
DS will be almost 13 when we cruise and will be looking for some buddies. We are having the most brutal winter in recent memory and this cruise just seems too far away!! Looking forward to getting to know you.

 

[Madzac]

Hi 3 Goofys, welcome! Im with you, I am so over winter and I wish our cruise was THIS year and not next! What other itineraries have you sailed? We had originally planned to do an Eastern on the Fantasy and I did lots of research for those ports, but my kids have their hearts set on the Magic, so western it is! Starting to look at options for things to do!

My oldest will turn 13 two days before the cruise leaves and is hoping to meet some friends too. She didnt really meet anyone last time, but she enjoyed Edge when she went.

Countdown on my phone says 407 days and 19 hours til sail away!!!

 

[IrishCowboy]

I have added your thread to the cruise meet list
Have a great cruise!

 

[papertraveller]

Hooray! A meet thread!

This will be our sixth cruise with DCL -- gonna be gold, baby! It will be the fourth on the Magic in the same room, our second western.

I am happy to volunteer to organize the FE group. If you'd like to participate, please send me a PM with your stateroom number, names of grown-ups, as well as names and ages of kids.

I will maintain the list of staterooms and DISboard names in this post.

MEET AND GREET
DEPARTURE DAY - Sunday, March 15, 2015
3 p.m., Promenade Lounge, Deck 3 - just off the Lobby Atrium
Please come to meet your fellow DISers!
We will have a chance to say hello before heading off for the Muster Drill and then to the SailAway Party!
Also feel free to join us that night for a drink in whichever lounge (Fathoms?) is holding the Scavenger Hunt game!


BOTH FE LISTS ARE NOW CLOSED

FE participants:

2002 - ForeverLosh - DH, DW, DD (10), DS (7 - birthday March 18)
2101 - Mattson8 - DH, DW; DS (8); DD (6)
2129 - disneywells - DH, DW, DD (13), DS (9)
2560 - papertraveller - DH, DW; DD (15)
2608 - WylieGrin - DH, DW, DD (8)
2622, 2624 - oklamomof4boys - DH, DW, DS (22), DS (19), DS (18), DS (16)
2641 - NoodlesMom - DH, DW, DD (14), DS (10)
6087 - lltthatsme - Mom; DD (13); DD (12) (No red dye in any products please)
6132 - kjp - DH, DW, DD (12)
6524, 6526 - Madzac - DH, DW; DD (13 - birthday March 13); DS (10); DS (7); DD (3)
6647 - Chrisey - Mom, DGM; DS (7); DS (6)
7123 - 3Goofy's - DH, DW; DS (12)
7507 - kconnor - DH, DW, DS (15)
7578 - kuhltiffany - DH, DW; DD (10); DS (9, peanut allergy) *Please note: DD is not into princesses, etc. -- more outdoors and activity-oriented.
7619 - CraftyEmily - DH, DW; DD (7)
8538 - Nike 4000 - DH, DW; DD (15); DS (11)

Latecomers FE Group

1037 - Dcheftimmins - Mom (birthday March 17), DD (6)
2560 - papertraveller - DH, DW, DD (15)
2538 - Stahappy - DH, DW, DD (8), DD (4 - birthday March 15)
5122 - SJV206 - DH, DW, DS (5)
6087 - lltthatsme - Mom; DD (13); DD (12) (No red dye in any products please)
6646 - kmcford - DH, DW, DD (17), DD (12), DD (8)
7616 - msidescooter - 2 adults
7627 - brandi - Dmom, DSis, DD (4)
6039 - ank - DH, DW, DS (9), DS (8)
6041 - cates - DH, DW, DD (12), DD(8)

And Pixie Dust list (hoping for some surprises to arrive during the cruise)

7030 - Disneefan001 - DMom, DMiL, DS (10), DS (8)
6136 - kumi - DH, DW, DD (6)
8542 - SoccerMOTB - DH, DW, DS (11), DS (9), DS (7)
5506 - Nicis - DH, DW, DD (9)

 

[Madzac]

Yeah welcome papertraveler! Im so excited that finally we have a couple of people here! Im also excited you have done the Magic before as well as a western so you can be our go to person, lol!

We are definitely in for FE!! I am hoping it will be on the smaller side as with 6 of us we have a lot of luggage already!

 

[papertraveller]

Hey Tracy, loved your trip report! What a beautiful family you have -- gotta love Tessa's smile!
You will find that Castaway Cay waters are cooler than you found in June -- but maybe you'll find Adam's wedding ring!
One bonus of visiting the island from the Magic is that there are fewer people than the dream, which makes the place seem half-empty.
You will also notice the smaller layout of the ship, but it's still very intimate. We never felt crowded or run over by kids, except at the Goofy pool.
One other thing you'll notice is the glory of the sea day. This is one of my favourite parts, the chance to just do anything you want onboard, because there's nowhere to go. It's so relaxing!
Oh -- and where did you get those fabulous t-shirts from?

 

[Madzac]

Thanks so much for the compliments! I had fun writing it... I usually write up a "trip report" after our vacations but this is the first time I actually shared it. We got our Tshirts on Etsy. I am thinking we may do similar shirts this trip but have them be pirate themed so we will be set for pirate night.

How was the weather on your last March western, do you remember? I am hoping it will be plenty warm to do water activities in Grand Cayman at least! I have heard CC waters will be cooler than June, but I would guess the kids will be in anyway. Cold water doesnt seem to get them like their more sensitive mother! I am looking forward to less people on CC, I have heard that is a huge perk!

I know we are still WAY far in advance but I have already been looking at excursions...anything you did you enjoyed? For me, planning is half the fun of disney trips!

 

[papertraveller]

The weather was really nice that trip. We had been at Vero Beach for a week beforehand (we are DVC members) and I recall we spent a lot of time at the pool.

In Key West, we took the trolley tour -- we booked it on our own online. We took a short stroll from the pier, and got off on Duval Street for a fun lunch with another family we met on the Dis. We went to Margaritaville and had conch fritters.

Then we walked down Duval to the Southernmost point. The girls put their feet in the water, and we waited (a long time) for the trolley to take us back.

We wandered around the marina area a bit, and stopped into Kermit's for some frozen key lime pie on a stick. Our daughter is still talking about it!

In Grand Cayman you are tendered to shore. This took awhile, and we strolled the pier area a bit. We caught a cab to Seven Mile Beach, which was fun but super crowded. The shore is steep and the sand is deep. We bought some beers at a food stand and planted ourselves on the shore. The only issue here is that we didn't want to leave anything untended on the beach, so we ended up trading places in the water. Too bad, because it was beautifully warm.

This trip I'm thinking we might take the stingray excursion. We'll have a nine-year-old along, and that might be right up her alley.

In Cozumel we took the Fury Catamaran snorkel-beach tour. This was amazing and highly recommended. The excursion leaves just a few hundred yards from down the pier where the cruise ships dock.

The snorkelling area is not very far away -- it was a bit odd that we were doing this seemingly right beside a Carnival ship. But the fish were plentiful, and the crew did an amazing job of photographing all the families above and below the water. These photos were well worth the price (I'm thinking maybe $20?)

Afterwards we sailed under power to a beach where there was a host of tethered inflatable structures offshore. I swear our daughter set foot on the sand only once and flew right back in the water. She was out there the entire time and had a blast. We sat back on lounge chairs to watch. The water was great, but in hindsight I'm not sure why we didn't venture in too.

We had an afternoon excursion. I think they do two a day. In the morning we just wandered the streets of Cozumel a bit. I didn't expect to like it, but it was more enjoyable than I anticipated.

This time I think I'll defer to my brother and his family. I think it would be nice to find a place we could go and just play on the beach, but we will see!

Stay warm! I see there's another storm coming (and perhaps you're already in the thick of it in Iowa).

 

[Madzac]

Yep we get about 4 in of snow, so not much, but back to the cold cold cold... though probably not too bad for what you are used to!

It sounds like your last western was great! We are currently thinking of just wandering around in Key West.. maybe southernmost point, and hitting Kermits for key lime pie of course! Grand Cayman I think we are going to go with a private company for stingray city. Our youngest will be three so she cant do the one through disney. She might be a little timid but I know the other three kids would just love it! Then in cozumel, the fury sounds awesome! But again, our littlest will be too young, so thinking maybe a dolphin enounter at Chakanaab park? Not sure yet. Im so excited!

So curious your thoughts and comparisons, I see you have done the Magic and Fantasy. We debated between the two but the kids chose the Magic for the marvel academy and aquadunk. I think the smaller size will be nice.

Is your daughter excited? Will this be her first cruise in Vibe? My oldest is bummed she isnt two years younger, lol!

Its sure going to be a LONG wait to get to next March!!!

 

[kuhltiffany]

Wow, I'm madly planning for my cruise next month and am happily surprised to see this thread going for next year already!

It will be our 4th cruise, first time on the Magic. It's our "March Break" in Ontario, Canada, we'll need a reprieve from the snow by then

It will be me, my DH, and the kids will be DD 10 and DS 9 then!

I booked opening day, but will be re-shopping it on our March 2014 cruise to get the OBC if it still hasn't changed...so we'll see what happens to our current room #. (Will sign up for FE after that).

 

[3Goofy's]

I love that this cruise meet thread has activity already! It sure makes the time go faster and helps me to cement our decision to stick with this cruise.

We are planning some pretty big excursions. I think in Key West we will do that kyaking in the mangroves and snorkeling at a reef one. In Cozumel, we will likely choose one of the nature/adventure parks, but not sure which one. In Grand Caymen, I think we will be looking for a sailing and snorkeling trip.

Play hard on shore and relax onboard! That's the cruise life for us! Yup, getting excited!!

 

[3Goofy's]

Welcome kuhltiffany! Would love to hear about your other cruises. Have you done a western before?

This is our 4th cruise too and have sailed all the other DCL ships except the Dream. The Fantasy is my favourite, but dh prefers the Magic. We have only done eastern iteneraries, so it's high time for a western.

 

[Madzac]

Welcome kulhtiffany... do you have any room in your suitcase to take 3goofys and I with you on your upcoming March cruise! How fun! Cant wait to hear all about it! It was -19 WITHOUT the wind chill this morning here. I am so dreaming off warmer weather!

I had a hard time deciding between Magic and Fantasy. We loved the Dream. But my boys were really interested in the Marvel academy and the aquadunk. I think the smaller size will be nice too.

3Goofys it sounds like your excursions will be really awesome! Cant wait to hear what you finally decide on!

So happy to see you all here to chat with! My last cruise's meet thread never really took off so hopefully we will have a good crew!

 

[papertraveller]

Hi kuhltiffany,

Let me join the others in welcoming you to our small but enthusiastic crew.

We were on that same Fantasy cruise last year with 3Goofy's, so we're just green with envy. It's such a beautiful ship! And heaven knows after this Ontario winter weather, we can all use a little bit of sand and sun and relaxation. Minus 17 (Celsius, for you Madzac!) here now as I check the thermometer this morning.

Stay warm all!

 

[Madzac]

So -21 air temp here today.... dreaming of much warmer weather!!!

So since a number of you have done a 7 night before, fill me with warm thoughts! What's formal night like? Do a lot of people dress up? Do you? I wonder what menus we will have... I know the three rotational ones and the pirate, do you know what the other three will be?

Dreaming helps pass the time! My phone says 397 days and 6 hours to sail away!

 

[Meredith71]

We are on this cruise too This will be our 4th Disney cruise. We have been on the Fantasy and Magic doing Eastern and Wonder for Mexican Riviera. I have been hoping to get the kids on a Western so this is perfect. My daughter will be 17 on this cruise and she REALLY wanted to do DCL again before she turned 18 because she loved the Vibe on the Fantasy. I also have DS that will be 13 by sail date.

We were also on the same cruise as 3Goofys in 2013 on the Fantasy I believe. I remember the name. I usually read more then responding so I may not seem as interested but I am here .

We like to dress up in my family. My son has always worn coat and tie for formal night and nice shirt and khakis for dress casual. My daughter loves formal night. I am usually in a standard black cocktail dress for formal but also in some kind of nice sundress or nice pants/capris or cruise casual. My husband wears a nice suit for formal (no tux, did that on another cruise line but not Disney). There is a huge mix of outfits including tuxes on formal night. I have noticed things seem to have gotten more casual over the years and feel like we are more dressed then others on cruise casual nights.

We have never done the Fish Extenders. Each cruise I always want to try but then life gets in the way. I am hoping to do it this time.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone over the next year!

Meredith

 

[3Goofy's]

Welcome Meridith! Glad to have you join us on the Magic! My DS will be 2 weeks short of 13, so he would be happy to meet your ds. On our last cruise my ds texted with a boy from Texas and the 2 hit it off. We were busy on the cruise, and they didn't hang out a whole lot, but it was fun for them to call each other and then run up on deck for the Aquaduck or a bit of basketball. Let me know if he is interested.

Papertraveller, that excursion with the beach and inflatable toys sounds right up ds' alley! You enjoyed it too? Is your brother a planner too, or will he leave that to you?

Madzak, we dress up for formal night too, although I'm not sure about this time. I wore a dress, dh wore a suit and ds had a blazer and tie. It was fun for pictures. For semi-formal night both dh and ds just wore dress shirts and dh wore his suit jacket. Again, I wore a dress. But many cruisers don't dress up much. Lots of men and boys wear polo shirts or dress shirts, with or without ties. I'm undecided about this cruise. It is a pain to pack dress shoes etc... just to wear once, maybe twice, and then we want to change after the show to swim or just be more comfortable.

Oh, lots to decide before we sail!