March 17, 2012 Disney Magic Western Carribean

[Wondermom1965]

Happy New Year everyone!We surprised DD at Christmas and we got big tears of joy. She says 3 and 4 day cruises are just not long enough. This is our 4th cruise and we have never gone on any excursions, so we are not sure what to do. I quess I better start checking on it.. Hoping it will be warmer, because the water was freezing in Bahamas a month ago. Question about the seas on this journey? Hoping it's not too bad. We both get motion sickness. Our last three day, DD felt too yuck to eat dinner 2 of the 3 nights on the Dream. Can't wait to meet you all!

 

[D-Dreamer]

Hello All,

We will be joining you on the cruise. We are all so excited. It will be me, my DH, my DD (12), and my DS (also 12 - twins). This is our fourth cruise but our first seven day trip!!!

We just started looking at booking excursions and dining yesterday. I was surprised that all the high teas were already booked for Palo. The first brunch was also sold out so I booked us for the second at sea day. We have not experienced Palo yet so I hope the brunch is worth the extra $. Could anyone out there tell me what you think about the Palo brunch?

We have booked the Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins Tour for Mexico. It looks like a nice variety to give us a feel for the area. Don't know what to do yet in Grand Cayman. Any suggestions?

This is also our first time on the Magic. Previously it has been the Wonder or the Dream. Any thoughts on the Magic compared to the other ships?

See you soon!!

 

[D-Dreamer]

Hello,
I think I would like Tulum, but I don't think my kids, 12 yo twins, or really even my husband, are up for a full day of it. Also, there is the 45 minute ferry ride to get there (and then again back) and my husband tends to get sea sick. We opted for the shorter Cozumel Highlights tour that contains a mix of different things, including some smaller Mayan ruins. It includes El Mirador which I have read is something worth seeing when in the area.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

Hello All,

We will be joining you on the cruise. We are all so excited. It will be me, my DH, my DD (12), and my DS (also 12 - twins). This is our fourth cruise but our first seven day trip!!!

We just started looking at booking excursions and dining yesterday. I was surprised that all the high teas were already booked for Palo. The first brunch was also sold out so I booked us for the second at sea day. We have not experienced Palo yet so I hope the brunch is worth the extra $. Could anyone out there tell me what you think about the Palo brunch?

We have booked the Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins Tour for Mexico. It looks like a nice variety to give us a feel for the area. Don't know what to do yet in Grand Cayman. Any suggestions?

This is also our first time on the Magic. Previously it has been the Wonder or the Dream. Any thoughts on the Magic compared to the other ships?

See you soon!!

Welcome Anne to our group! Glad to have you!

I LOVE Palo Brunch! I also LOVE sitting by the pool on sea days so for something to pull me away from the pool, it HAS to be good. So yes, Palo is that good. My DH doesn't like breakfast food and I do so the 10:30 Palo Brunch (I won't go at any other time) is perfect for us. Of course, this will be the first time I eat there since they raised the price. If it goes any higher, as much as I love it....I would probably skip it. Just my opinion. It's great good but it's not like you'll go hungry on the ship. I love the brunch because I get the opportunity to try food I normally wouldn't try and/or order at home and everything is delicious. I also like it that no kids are around and can enjoy some adult conversation with my DH.

I have been on the Magic and Wonder both and to me, they are almost the exact same. A few different names for restaurants/bars but the layout is the same.

In Cozumel, we are doing the dolphin thing.
In Grand Cayman, I think we are renting wave runners.
But I change my mind every other day on those two! I have been on 3 other cruises but this is our first 7 day as well. So many options on the excursions and I just want to make the right choice for our family.

BTW, I am the keeper of the FE list so if you decide to join, let me know.

 

[Wondermom1965]

Welcome Anne and family! This is also our 4th cruise and our first 7 day on the Magic. We also live in North Florida in Jacksonville. We have never done Palo because we are so happy with the dining room meals and the experience with our daughter. We have also never done excursions, so this will be new. Can't wait for Key West, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman this time around.

Hello All,

We will be joining you on the cruise. We are all so excited. It will be me, my DH, my DD (12), and my DS (also 12 - twins). This is our fourth cruise but our first seven day trip!!!

We just started looking at booking excursions and dining yesterday. I was surprised that all the high teas were already booked for Palo. The first brunch was also sold out so I booked us for the second at sea day. We have not experienced Palo yet so I hope the brunch is worth the extra $. Could anyone out there tell me what you think about the Palo brunch?

We have booked the Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins Tour for Mexico. It looks like a nice variety to give us a feel for the area. Don't know what to do yet in Grand Cayman. Any suggestions?

This is also our first time on the Magic. Previously it has been the Wonder or the Dream. Any thoughts on the Magic compared to the other ships?

See you soon!!

 

[Wondermom1965]

Hi Christina,

Is our FE group growing? Wondering how many families we are up to, thinking about what to do for FE gifts. Thank you for doing this for us. It is so much fun!

Welcome Anne to our group! Glad to have you!

I LOVE Palo Brunch! I also LOVE sitting by the pool on sea days so for something to pull me away from the pool, it HAS to be good. So yes, Palo is that good. My DH doesn't like breakfast food and I do so the 10:30 Palo Brunch (I won't go at any other time) is perfect for us. Of course, this will be the first time I eat there since they raised the price. If it goes any higher, as much as I love it....I would probably skip it. Just my opinion. It's great good but it's not like you'll go hungry on the ship. I love the brunch because I get the opportunity to try food I normally wouldn't try and/or order at home and everything is delicious. I also like it that no kids are around and can enjoy some adult conversation with my DH.

I have been on the Magic and Wonder both and to me, they are almost the exact same. A few different names for restaurants/bars but the layout is the same.

In Cozumel, we are doing the dolphin thing.
In Grand Cayman, I think we are renting wave runners.
But I change my mind every other day on those two! I have been on 3 other cruises but this is our first 7 day as well. So many options on the excursions and I just want to make the right choice for our family.

BTW, I am the keeper of the FE list so if you decide to join, let me know.

 

[D-Dreamer]

Hello Christina and Patricia,

I am so glad you responded! On our last cruise I started writing in too late and never heard from anyone. Participating in the FE sounds fun, but I am admittedly a little intimidated by the thought of making lots of little gifts for everyone. I am not very craft-oriented, but I think my daughter could help me out there. How many families are participating and how many nights is it done? I am trying to get a feel for how many gifts we would need to bring.

Our prior cruises have all been to Nassau (and Key West on one) and all we needed was our birth certificates/driver's licenses. Do you know if we need passports for this one? I think so, but my husband is not convinced. Also, I read that they may no longer accept dollars in Mexico. Do you know and do we need to try to get pesos in advance of our trip? If so, where do we do that?

I am so excited about this cruise and I cannot wait for spring break to get here. Just anticipating the adventure of it all makes me feel happy! I love the moment when we are driving toward the port and we get our first glimpse of the Disney ship in the distance!

See you soon!

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

Participating in the FE sounds fun, but I am admittedly a little intimidated by the thought of making lots of little gifts for everyone. I am not very craft-oriented, but I think my daughter could help me out there. How many families are participating and how many nights is it done? I am trying to get a feel for how many gifts we would need to bring.

Our prior cruises have all been to Nassau (and Key West on one) and all we needed was our birth certificates/driver's licenses. Do you know if we need passports for this one? I think so, but my husband is not convinced. Also, I read that they may no longer accept dollars in Mexico. Do you know and do we need to try to get pesos in advance of our trip? If so, where do we do that?

FE-- not sure on number count. My DH's grandmother passed away yesterday so I'm off work all week and that info is on my work computer.
BUT don't worry about being crafty. Dollar Stores have a great selection of things you can buy and give out. Even candy works too.

Passports-- I know there will be someone who disagrees with me but we do not use passports and they are not required-- only highly recommended to get. If I get an extra $700, maybe we'll get them. Until then, a BC and DL will do for us!

Pesos-- I haven't heard that. I heard most if not all vendors accept US dollars. I don't plan on getting pesos in advance but then again, I'm not doing alot of shopping.

 

[mommyofthreeboys]

FISH EXTENDER EXCHANGE UPDATE!!!

On our last cruise, we had people who signed up for the FE but either canceled the cruise or switched to a different one without telling us. So now that we are past the date to cancel without penalty....please PM me that you are still participating along with the info below.

If you want to join in the FE, PLEASE PM me with your information:
Be sure you put "Magic 3/17/12" in the subject, so I know you're on this trip and not on a different cruise.

Subject: Magic 3/17/12
Disname
Cabin number (or TBA if not yet assigned)
First name, fellow travelers' names and relationship (DH, DD, DS, friend, etc.)
Ages of children (ages of adults are optional)
Anything you are celebrating
Any allergies, esp. food allergies


DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS ?????!!! ***give me your input on deadline-- February 1st or 15th??? Or March 1st????

 

[Starseeker1221]

FISH EXTENDER EXCHANGE UPDATE!!!

On our last cruise, we had people who signed up for the FE but either canceled the cruise or switched to a different one without telling us. So now that we are past the date to cancel without penalty....please PM me that you are still participating along with the info below.

If you want to join in the FE, PLEASE PM me with your information:
Be sure you put "Magic 3/17/12" in the subject, so I know you're on this trip and not on a different cruise.

Subject: Magic 3/17/12
Disname
Cabin number (or TBA if not yet assigned)
First name, fellow travelers' names and relationship (DH, DD, DS, friend, etc.)
Ages of children (ages of adults are optional)
Anything you are celebrating
Any allergies, esp. food allergies


DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS ?????!!! ***give me your input on deadline-- February 1st or 15th??? Or March 1st????

I just sent you a PM, but wanted to say I'm very sorry for your family's loss

I'll chime in here and say that I think a deadline of 2/1 or 2/15 would be good so that we have an idea of how many to plan for.

 

[BCGTURTLE]

Apparently I haven't met my 10 post quota? Anywho...

I booked some excursions yesterday and a spa service. Getting together tonight with the rest of the "group" to discuss if we keep the excursions, scrap some and keep some, and possible substitutions we may book instead, as well as walk them through registering, etc.

I think we are more excited than the girls at this point, lol. It just hasn't sunk in yet I don't think.

 

[BCGTURTLE]

Has anyone ever booked a shore excursion using a non-Disney contracted vendor? I really wanted to book the Grand Cayman Dolphin Swim/Turtle Farm excursion and some people I work with suggested going online and finding my own, but I'm wary of the hassle it may present in any number of situations, lol.

Advice extremely welcome! Thank you!

 

[BCGTURTLE]

My Small World agent, Mary, has given me some GREAT suggestionsfor the cruise that I thought I would share, because I have seen there are several other first-time Disney Cruisers...

1) Take a travel mug for everyone to use at the self-service beverage station (apparently located on Deck 9).
2) Take filtered water bottles for everyone. Her family uses the "Bobble" bottles.
3) Take Dishwashing Wipes for your mugs/bottles. She couldn't remember if they were by Palmolive or Dawn...
4) You can get a passport CARD instead of a passport. It is a much more economical choice if you are only going to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, etc. If visiting Europe, I believe that a true passport is required.

Any of our wise, seasoned cruisers have any tips? I dare you to post them!

 

[Minnie116]

Hello All,

We will be joining you on the cruise. We are all so excited. It will be me, my DH, my DD (12), and my DS (also 12 - twins). This is our fourth cruise but our first seven day trip!!!

We just started looking at booking excursions and dining yesterday. I was surprised that all the high teas were already booked for Palo. The first brunch was also sold out so I booked us for the second at sea day. We have not experienced Palo yet so I hope the brunch is worth the extra $. Could anyone out there tell me what you think about the Palo brunch?

We have booked the Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins Tour for Mexico. It looks like a nice variety to give us a feel for the area. Don't know what to do yet in Grand Cayman. Any suggestions?

This is also our first time on the Magic. Previously it has been the Wonder or the Dream. Any thoughts on the Magic compared to the other ships?

See you soon!!

Hey D-Dreamer! Welcome Aboard!! Where are you located in N. Florida? We are in Tallahassee and are traveling with our DD12 and DS8.

 

[D-Dreamer]

Hey D-Dreamer! Welcome Aboard!! Where are you located in N. Florida? We are in Tallahassee and are traveling with our DD12 and DS8.

Hi There!
We are from Tallahassee too!

 

[D-Dreamer]

Has anyone ever booked a shore excursion using a non-Disney contracted vendor? I really wanted to book the Grand Cayman Dolphin Swim/Turtle Farm excursion and some people I work with suggested going online and finding my own, but I'm wary of the hassle it may present in any number of situations, lol.

Advice extremely welcome! Thank you!

Hello,
I have not, but I am interested in learning more about it. Apparently you can save a lot of money. While I am tempted by the money savings,
I am nervous about the possible complications. One good thing about the Disney-arranged excursions is that if you are on one, I have been told they won't leave you behind at the port.

 

[FLDisneyMom]

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been so quiet but life got in the way. Now that 2012 is here we're really starting to focus on this cruise. The end of last year was very busy for us. I think I'm more excited about this cruise than anyone else in the family. I'm a huge Disney fan (was at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot 3 times last year). DH is pretty much not a Disney fan but is going along with this for the kids (and me I guess). He stayed home on my multiple WDW trips this year. My DD(4) is starting to follow in my Disney loving footsteps so she's excited. I'm sure DS(8) will have a great time too.

We are veteran cruisers but this is our first Disney cruise. We have done excursions through the ship and on our own. One of our best excursions was on our own in 2002 with a group of cruisers we met on Cruise Critic. We were able to arrange everything before we left. Now that we have kids we tend to do excursions through the ship. Sometimes DH and DS do an excursion while DD and I stay behind. Now that we can finally book excursions I'm trying to pin DH down on what he wants to do. We've been to Grand Cayman multiple times since 2000 (I've seriously lost count). DH doesn't want to do Boatswain because we did it way back when it was the Turtle Farm and then we toured it again a few years back with the kids (but didn't swim). Not sure on the other ports yet. I need to go research more and then bring my ideas to DH.

I'm hoping to be more active on here in the next coming months before our cruise. I can't wait!

 

[jenthron]

I don't have enough posts to PM...

Disname: jenthron
Cabin number: 8580
First name, fellow travelers' names and relationship:
Jen, Phil (DH), Madeleine (DD) twin, Emma (DD) twin, Cora (DD)
Ages of children (ages of adults are optional): Maddy and Emma, 6; Cora, 3
Anything you are celebrating: spring break
Any allergies, esp. food allergies: none

Can't wait!
Let me know if you need anything else or if there is something else I need to do!
Thanks-
Jen

 

[jenthron]

This is our first cruise and first Disney cruise. We are so excited. We were able to book Palo dinner and brunch. Also, for Cozumel, we booked the secret river- me, DH, and 6 year old twins for that one. The younger daughter isn't old enough. For Grand Cayman, we booked a mini-submarine so we could all go. DH feels bad about leaving the 3 year old on the boat for Cozumel. I'm wondering if anyone here has done either of these excursions before? Thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[tidefan]

Hey D-Dreamer! Welcome Aboard!! Where are you located in N. Florida? We are in Tallahassee and are traveling with our DD12 and DS8.

Hi There!
We are from Tallahassee too!

Small world. I grew up in Killearn...

As an FYI, Here is a picture of our Fish Extender...