~~~ May 16, 2009 ~~~ Western Magic ~~~

[austin77]

anyone PIF yet? I plan on doing that before monday I think.

We haven't yet, but i think we will the middle of Feb!!!

 

[Disgirl83]

We've PIF but haven't decided on our excursions yet. KW will definately just be walking the island on our own and of course the FKLP. For Grand Caymen we were thinking the island tour also of the turtles and hell. I'm a sucker for turtles. Once upon a time I had 2 red ears slider. But they started getting too big so we found a turtle adoption in Florida to send them to. So we packed Myrtle and Erytle up and overnighted them. We say they retired to Florida! We even have picture from when they arrived and their first swim in their lake!

For Cozumel we have no idea. We can't decided whether to see some of the historic site or do something more adventurous. For CC I'm thinking about the combo with the bikes, snorkle equipment, and floats. That should keep us covered!

Have we finalized a name for our group? Maybe we need to get all our ideas together and take a vote?

I finished buying everything I need to but together our FE today, now it's just getting motivated to make it! What do you think would be a good estimate of how many gifts to plan on? I've been looking at a few things I would have to order and have no clue how many to plan on right now.

 

[shasess]

sounds good!! between me and my mom we have two rooms so I guess we would need 8 more. Keep in mind they have breakfast and free parking if you are driving over!

Lillygator,
DH and I have a room booked at the Radisson for Friday night at the AAA rate of $107 (before tax). It did not have to be paid in advance when we booked it so I can CX it up to 48 hours before we check in. It does not include the free breakfast but it does include the shuttle to the port and parking for the week. Does the group rate have to be paid in advance? Does it include the breakfast?

 

[shasess]

​

 

[starlawyermom]

I'm a bit late posting a response - we have connecting rooms (with my borther in-law and his kids) on deck 7, category 10.

 

[tigger2002]

I purchased this snorkel and mask from Amazon ($29).

http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Divers-Cozumel-Seabreeze-9-5-11-5/dp/B000EM0LWG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1232889894&sr=8-1

It is pretty good for the price. I have been using it in the YMCA for practice. I figured it would be cheaper than renting at each place, for example at Castaway Cay it is $25 for the Snorkel Lagoon Equipment Rental. We will probably leave the fins at home since they are so big, and just take the mask and snorkel. I would rather us my own equipment anyway.

And it is eligible for free shipping on most sizes.

 

[adedward]

My husband and I will be on board. Category 12 deal got us on for our first cruise.

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

My husband and I will be on board. Category 12 deal got us on for our first cruise.

to our group! I'm glad you decided to join us! I'll add you to post #1!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

It does not include the free breakfast but it does include the shuttle to the port and parking for the week. Does the group rate have to be paid in advance? Does it include the breakfast?

I saw that Country Inns & Suites does offer free breakfast , but their shuttle doesn't start until 10:30. I was thinking of maybe switching from Radisson to CI&S, but I'm not sure what to do yet. I don't have either one booked yet, but I know I need to decide soon. I saw the Radisson shuttle needs reservations at least 2 wks in advance. V, do you know what time they start the shuttle? We're wanting to be at the terminal at 10:00 (anyone else?!?!?! ), so that may be the deciding factor of where we stay. If the AAA and/or group rate includes breakfast and earlier shuttle at Radisson, there's my deciding factor!

I purchased this snorkel and mask from Amazon ($29).

http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Divers-Cozumel-Seabreeze-9-5-11-5/dp/B000EM0LWG/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1232889894&sr=8-1

It is pretty good for the price. I have been using it in the YMCA for practice. I figured it would be cheaper than renting at each place, for example at Castaway Cay it is $25 for the Snorkel Lagoon Equipment Rental. We will probably leave the fins at home since they are so big, and just take the mask and snorkel. I would rather us my own equipment anyway.

And it is eligible for free shipping on most sizes.

WTG on scoring a deal, Tim! Yes, snorkel rental is $25 on CC, so I like your idea of buying your own for $4 more! Then you can reuse it when you go back and also won't have to use the ones that millions of other people have already used! Ick! We rented one set last time, and I got the heebie-jeebies from it. We didn't know it was so expensive to rent them until we got there, and then we decided to just share one set. Snorkeling at SB wasn't that great because the water is so shallow, but on the family beach it was cool. (Not as cool as Hawaii, though--not much to see besides the Mickey statue. I think I only saw one fish the whole time, but it was still fun to do!) FYI, you'll still need to borrow one of the floaty vests on CC because they won't let you in the snorkel area w/o it.


shases--thanks for the weekly reminders!!!! They're gonna start going FAST!!!

 

[lillygator]

I hate to ask, but what are people getting for FE gifts? I was going to order pirate things//

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Sorry its taken me so long to get back to everyone. My Dad went into the hosptial this week so we've been visiting each night.

Ashley & I would love to be added to the list!! Let me know what info you need!!

I've added you to the list!

Welcome to adedward! If you are intrested in joining our FE group let me know and I'll add you to the list.

In regards to excursions, we haven't finalized anything yet, but at this time the only thing that is pretty much guaranteed is doing the FKLP tour (maybe renting an electric car to get around the town - cause it sounds SO cool! And doing the pirate lunch if that comes to pass.

The cooking tour in Cozumel looked interesting, but right now the thought of just relaxing on the boat (without having to rush off anywhere) is SO appealing. Maybe booking some spa treatments.

At CC I read a couple of trip reports about the bike trail and depending on how hot it is we might want to try that out to see more of the island.

I was so excited last weekend when I re-check on our car rentals and I was able to reduce the cost on two rentals and saved $114. Then I went to Macy's and was able to find a pair of dressy pants and top for the formal night for $30 total!!! In two days I saved $143. That's a lot of KLP!!!

I don't remember who was asking about airfares, but I'd suggest checking out YPTA.com (I think that's what its called). They talked about it on a podcast last year. The website will track your selected flights and let you know if the fares drop. Also, there was a question about booking parents tickets as well. You can purchase as many tickets as you need in one transaction, but they will all be charged to one credit card. I've never purchased from travel sites like Hotwire, etc. Usually I buy directly through the airlines. I did use American Express once and I was able to use my membership rewards points to reduce the cost of my tickets.

Got to run now, I have to pack for a business trip. I probably won't be checking in till this weekend, but if anyone else would like to join the FE group PM me how many rooms you have, you cabin number if you have it, and how many people in each room. As of right now we have 18 rooms on the FE list, but we have 38 rooms in the entire group, so it's possible more could be joining.

Have a good week everyone!

Jane

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

anyone PIF yet? I plan on doing that before monday I think.

I forgot to ask, what is PIF?

 

[austin77]

I forgot to ask, what is PIF?

Paid In Full

Thanks for adding us!!! i cant wait till this cruise, its going to be the best!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

I forgot to ask, what is PIF?

Paid in full!

Sorry its taken me so long to get back to everyone. My Dad went into the hosptial this week so we've been visiting each night.

Oh no! I hope everything is okay.

In two days I saved $143. That's a lot of KLP!!!

WTG!!!!

I don't remember who was asking about airfares, but I'd suggest checking out YPTA.com (I think that's what its called). They talked about it on a podcast last year. The website will track your selected flights and let you know if the fares drop. Also, there was a question about booking parents tickets as well. You can purchase as many tickets as you need in one transaction, but they will all be charged to one credit card. I've never purchased from travel sites like Hotwire, etc. Usually I buy directly through the airlines. I did use American Express once and I was able to use my membership rewards points to reduce the cost of my tickets.

That was me, but we finally got our flights booked at a price I was happy with! I checked kayak.com, which led me to booking directly through Continental cheaper than Orbitz, Travelocity, etc. One less thing to worry about!

 

[lucyddr]

I hate to ask, but what are people getting for FE gifts? I was going to order pirate things//

Wouldn't that ruin the surprise???

I also noticed on the boards about folks snorkelling off the shore at GC. Since we don't want to spend too much money, I'm thinking we may snorkel the Calli shipwreck off of the beach. (We did Eden Rock last time and the Stingray/Hell/Turtle Farm on our first trip.) It would give us a "beach" day AND a "snorkel" excursion for very little $$$! (If we strike it rich before then, we'll do the jet skis. Otherwise, we'll save some dough that day.)

 

[texfinn]

HELP!!!!! This is our first Disney Cruise and I am overwhelmed!

This will be our first Disney Cruise. I have one DD who will be 7 and one DS who will be 4 on the trip.

I can see I have a lot to read and a lot to learn. Have no idea what the acronyms mean but hoping that is posted out there?

Would love any advice anyone may have.

To be honest, my DH and I have been on one cruise before this (RCI 2004) and it was a total disaster. I found out I was pregnant 6 weeks before we left and I was sick and tired during the trip. We swore we would never cruise again BUT I got it in my head that we HAD to do a Disney Cruise so here we go.

Not sure on stateroom -- have to go look that up but know it has a balcony? Is that safe with the kids?

Any advice would be great. I tried to read the past postings but only made it to page 11 before I gave up. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

 

[lucyddr]

Welcome to the boards! Relax... Most people who cruise don't even know the name of their ship, so you are way ahead! Those of us on the Disboards tend to be the OCD cruisers who overplan everything (which can be good and bad)! Just plan to get on the ship and enjoy yourself. The only things you really need to plan are high-demand excursions. (ie If your entire focus of the cruise is to do ________, then make sure you schedule _______ in advance.) Otherwise, just play things by ear and you'll have a great time!

The balcony will be safe with kids as long as they are told not to climb on chairs, etc. (Just use common sense...) I've never heard of a child going over, just drunk/deranged adults!

Again, welcome! You are in for a real treat!

 

[texfinn]

Ok -- I guess I can be a bit OCD. I just went back read all 34 pages! Of course I should be working but hey, we all have priorities.

WE would love to participate in the FE exchange. Not sure how to make one but will look up that post here tonight. I have had nightmares of the kids going over the balcony so thanks for the reassurance. Me and DH love to chill outside with a glass of wine (or two) and look at the sunset. We are hoping the kids will love the Kids Club and we can really enjoy some quiet together time during sea days.

I think for excursions we want to do the turtle thing, touch/feel the stingrays and hopefully the dolphin. I don't know what we will book via Disney though. I used a different TA who has thier own excursions and the prices seem good. My husband wants to go scuba diving in GC or Cozumel -- anyone have experience on which is better?

How soon do we have to book the spa? At the 75 day mark? Also, how do you guys know when different theme nights are occurring?

Ok -- need to FOCUS and get some work done. Now I am so excited I can't see straight!!! Thanks for the tip on the shuttle, we are trying to rearrange our flights just in case...

We will probably stay at the Raddison too but haven't booked yet....

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

texfinn!!! I'll add you to the list on post #1. If you have any other info you want added, just let me know!

Of course I should be working but hey, we all have priorities.

I like your style! (I should be working, too!)

My husband wants to go scuba diving in GC or Cozumel -- anyone have experience on which is better?

No personal experience from me, but a family on our other cruise 2 years ago split up on GC day so the dad & son could go scuba diving and the mom & daughter came with us on our Cap'n Marvin's Stingray City excursion. I assume you have diving certificates? I know this other family was scurring on the ship to get their certificates faxed onboard so they wouldn't lose their $ for the excursion. They didn't know (or else forgot) that they needed them in order to do the excursion, so it cost them extra charges (for faxing to the ship) and extra worrying about if it would make it there in time. Just a heads up on that!

How soon do we have to book the spa? At the 75 day mark? Also, how do you guys know when different theme nights are occurring?

Since you're first-time cruisers, it's the 75-day mark, which is probably sometime around early March (does anyone else remember the exact date? I only have Feb 15th on my mind for 90 days out!). I know I posted it a couple pages ago, too, so I can go back and look for sure.

ETA: Found it!! Clear back on pg 23! Wow, we've come a long way in just a couple weeks!
105 days = Jan 31 (concierge rooms & Romantic Escape reservations)
90 days = Feb 15 (Castaway Club members--previous cruisers)
75 days = Mar 2 (new cruisers)

 

[tigger2002]

This is our first cruise also so I have gone through the same things you are doing. We have been to Disney World several times but not a Disney Cruise.
Below are a few links that I thought were very good.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigators for the seven day Magic cruise. These show what you do each day (actually from Nov. 2008 so it may change just a little bit).

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/DCL-Navigators/11-01-08-dm/index.htm

I also like just looking at photos
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-photos.htm

and of course the Dis Boards.

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