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

[lillygator]

3am on Saturday....I am trying to plan what night and day to do Palo!! We usually like going on formal night.

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Here's all I've dug up
Sun: key West
Mon: Sea day Formal night/Captains Gala/Golden Mickeys
Tues: Grand Cayman
Wed: Cozumel Pirate night
Thurs: Sea Day Semi-formal night/Kids show (old graduation)
Friday: Castaway Cay

Is this wrong? It just doesn't seem to follow my western cruise last year. And the dining rotation really throws it off! What are the shows each night? What is the best night for Palo? It used to be Tuesday but that is a gamble with the dining rotation.

This is how it was for us 2 years ago, except the formal night menu was the third in the rotational menus (not Captain's Gala, which was Thurs). Now I think they're doing the Golden Mickeys menu in all restaurants on Monday for formal night and doing the third rotational menu on Tuesday--hence the change to APLLAPL/PLAAPLA/LAPPLAP rotations instead of APLAPLA/PLAPLAP/LAPLAPL like it was in '07.

There's a slight difference between the Navigators that Tim has from the 01/10/09 sailing and the Navigators that are on the disneycruiser website from the 01/24/09 sailing. One of those sailings switched the live show on Sun and the movie on Wed. Otherwise, I think they were similar with the new dining rotation:
Sat (PC): Show dinner menu in AP, Island dinner menu in PC, French dinner menu in Lumiere's (1st rotational); cruise casual; "Let the Magic Begin!" show in the theater with a magician/illusionist and a comedian/ventriloquist on 01/10/09 BUT comedy/science and musical comedy on 01/24/09 (different performers from the previous Western sailing, but it's still called "Let the Magic Begin!")
Sun (KW): Show, Island, or French dinner menu (2nd rotational); cruise casual; Bedtime Stories movie in the theater at 5:30, 8:15, & 10:30 on 01/11/09 BUT magician/illusionist on 01/25/09
Mon (sea): Golden Mickeys menu; Formal night; "The Golden Mickeys" in the theater
Tues (GC): Show, Island, or French dinner menu (3rd rotational); cruise casual; "Twice Charmed" in the theater
Wed (Coz): Pirate menu; pirate or cruise casual; comedian/hypnotist in the theater on 01/14/09 BUT Bedtime Stories movie in the theater at 5:30 & 8:15 on 01/28/09; Pirates IN the Caribbean Party @ 9:45 PM on decks 9 & 10
Thurs (sea): Captain's Gala menu (lobster); semi-formal; "Disney Dreams" in the theater (Friendship Rocks! kids graduation at 5-5:30 in the theater)
Fri (CC): 'Til We Meet Again menu; cruise casual; "Remember the Magic!" in the theater ('Til We Meet Again show in the atrium @ 10:15 PM)

Does that make sense? I don't know why the slight change from one Western sailing to the next, but it may make a difference for someone trying to schedule Palo reservations, etc. Who knows which routine we'll end up with!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Does that open up for y'all tonight at 3am or tomorrow at 3am?

It's Sunday morning (or Saturday night if you're still up celebrating Valentine's Day! ) Feb 15th at 3 AM EST, 2 AM CST, 1 AM MST, 12 AM PST.

 

[Tink113]

Updating info...

Tink113
1) Me (Amanda)
2) My new hubby (Jason)
3) My Mom (Carole Ann)
4) My dad (Bob) *
5) My younger Bro (22) (Kevin)
6) MY younger bro's GF (Melissa) *
7) My Big Bro (Rob) *
8) My Sister-in-law (Alison *
9) Nephew #1 (8) (Bobby or Robert) *
10) Nephew #2 (6) (Adam) *
Falls Church, VA
* = 1st time cruisers
Dinner - late seating
Friday: Driving from VA
Palo: Dinner - Thurs, Brunch ??? not sure yet
Key West - Walking around a bit, possibly back to the ship early (This was my least fav stop last cruise)
GC - jewelry shopping (Got my best deals here) Maybe catch a cab to hell
Coz - Either paradise Beach or chankanaab park

Is that everything????

 

[texfinn]

Anyone want me to check availability on anything before tomorrow night?

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

It's Sunday morning (or Saturday night if you're still up celebrating Valentine's Day! ) Feb 15th at 3 AM EST, 2 AM CST, 1 AM MST, 12 AM PST.

Or 8am UK time! The one and only time Disney-wise that I benefit from living in the UK!!!

 

[lucyddr]

Texfinn, I certainly don't mind kids! In our cruising experiences, we have always enjoyed being around kids at dinner time. Disney makes such a fuss over them that they won't have the time or interest in being difficult.

I guess we should confirm everyone then get our reservation numbers together. I don't mind making the call, but I do think we should wait until final payments are made in March 1 just to be sure we get a complete list.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

 

[texfinn]

Texfinn, I certainly don't mind kids! In our cruising experiences, we have always enjoyed being around kids at dinner time. Disney makes such a fuss over them that they won't have the time or interest in being difficult.

I guess we should confirm everyone then get our reservation numbers together. I don't mind making the call, but I do think we should wait until final payments are made in March 1 just to be sure we get a complete list.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Woo Hoo -- sounds like fun!!! Ok, let's wait until March 1 and then anyone with late dining -- doesn't mind 2 young kids at times, doesn't mind people drinking wine/frozen concoctions/etc (keep in mind my DH is from Finland), and doesn't mind lingering over dinner -- let us know and we can all link up! It's a party!!!!

On another note -- changed up our excursion plans based on a post to the main board. My DH will now go diving in GC and me and kids (yes, me solo) will go swim with the stingrays with mobydick tours http://www.mobydicktours.com/ . We are going to Nachi Cocum in Cozumel as a family and DH can go diving from there again if he wants -- http://cozumelcruiseexcursions.com/CozumelBeachBreak.htm .

We aren't booking anything in CC or KW -- just hanging out!!!!

Ok -- so only thing I am second guessing -- should we do brunch on KW day or is that a big mistake? It has to be either KW or one of the sea days right? That would only leave sea day 1 since we go there for dinner sea day 2. If you have any experience on this would appreciate it! I did book tea on sea day 1 but can change it. I also read tea was not so nice so even considering just cancelling it.....

Happy Valentine's Day Eve Everyone!!!!!!

 

[lillygator]

keep in mind - if you are not paid in full and you can book stuff this weekend, DCL won't let you.

 

[shasess]

13 Weeks
Until We Take The West
​

 

[lucyddr]

Woo Hoo -- sounds like fun!!! Ok, let's wait until March 1 and then anyone with late dining -- doesn't mind 2 young kids at times, doesn't mind people drinking wine/frozen concoctions/etc (keep in mind my DH is from Finland), and doesn't mind lingering over dinner -- let us know and we can all link up! It's a party!!!!


Ok -- so only thing I am second guessing -- should we do brunch on KW day or is that a big mistake? It has to be either KW or one of the sea days right? That would only leave sea day 1 since we go there for dinner sea day 2. If you have any experience on this would appreciate it! I did book tea on sea day 1 but can change it. I also read tea was not so nice so even considering just cancelling it.....

Happy Valentine's Day Eve Everyone!!!!!!

First: Sounds good to me! I need some drinks ASAP, but I'm holding out for the cruise! We won't ever be wasted, probably not even "buzzed." Since I haven't had any alcohol since October (and that was 2 small mixed drinks at a wedding), I'm probably going to be a lightweight...

Second: We did Palo on our first cruise on Key West morning. We loved the brunch, but I'd prefer to do it on a different day. We ate so much that the idea of KLP was NOT a good one. We didn't even want to taste it! I would prefer to go on a sea day, but we'll see what's available.

 

[Disgirl83]

I just checked our reservations and notice that our seating has already changed to the main seating. I forgot I had asked to be wait listed when we first made our reservations. Sooo if there is anyone out there who would be interested for the first seating please let me know! I really like the idea of being able to sit with, or at least near, fellow disers!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

How important is it to stay up late/wake up early to book the tours and Palo on the 90 day mark? Should I be calling in or is everyone doing it online? We're PIF because we are using our DVC points but I'm still not sure about what spa treatments to do or not do. How easy is it to change/cancel tours and appointments? I'm confident about the excursions, I'm just not sure about the spa should just book something so I have an appointment on the books?

I'm beginning to freak out that I should book a ton of stuff because I can. We hadn't planned on doing dinner at Palo, but now that the time has come I'm second guessing myself. Maybe I should book it. The tea sounds interesting, but Jim would rather poke his eyes out than spend time getting dressed up to drink tea and eating little tea cakes.

Aghhhh!!

Guess I'll spend tonight and tomorrow reading trip reports to see if it helps me make up my mind.

Tim - can you send me the Navigators as well? Maybe that will help me as well. jane.e.wood@comcast.net

Thanks!

J

 

[lucyddr]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

How important is it to stay up late/wake up early to book the tours and Palo on the 90 day mark? Should I be calling in or is everyone doing it online?

I'm beginning to freak out that I should book a ton of stuff because I can. We hadn't planned on doing dinner at Palo, but now that the time has come I'm second guessing myself. Maybe I should book it. The tea sounds interesting, but Jim would rather poke his eyes out than spend time getting dressed up to drink tea and eating little tea cakes.

J

I'm kind of feeling your pain also! I've had a long week and really want to rest this weekend, so I'm just not sure that I want to stay up or get up at 3:00am to book things. I guess I'll see how I feel tomorrow...

Adam would definitely want to kill himself if I made him go to a tea. He would say it's "gay," which means "too girly" to him! So...I probably won't make the tea unless it's a Dis event. He WILL go willingly to the brunch and dinner though, since he loved them last time!

 

[Faith&Hope]

This is how it was for us 2 years ago, except the formal night menu was the third in the rotational menus (not Captain's Gala, which was Thurs). Now I think they're doing the Golden Mickeys menu in all restaurants on Monday for formal night and doing the third rotational menu on Tuesday--hence the change to APLLAPL/PLAAPLA/LAPPLAP rotations instead of APLAPLA/PLAPLAP/LAPLAPL like it was in '97.

There's a slight difference between the Navigators that Tim has from the 01/10/09 sailing and the Navigators that are on the disneycruiser website from the 01/24/09 sailing. One of those sailings switched the live show on Sun and the movie on Wed. Otherwise, I think they were similar with the new dining rotation:
Sat (PC): Show dinner menu in AP, Island dinner menu in PC, French dinner menu in Lumiere's (1st rotational); cruise casual; "Let the Magic Begin" show in the theater with a magician/illusionist and a comedian/ventriloquist on 01/10/09 BUT comedy/science and musical comedy on 01/24/09 (different performers from the previous Western sailing, but it's still called "Let the Magic Begin!")
Sun (KW): Show, Island, or French dinner menu (2nd rotational); cruise casual; Bedtime Stories movie in the theater at 5:30, 8:15, & 10:30 on 01/11/09 BUT magician/illusionist on 01/25/09
Mon (sea): Golden Mickeys menu; Formal night; "The Golden Mickeys" in the theater
Tues (GC): Show, Island, or French dinner menu (3rd rotational); cruise casual; "Twice Charmed" in the theater
Wed (Coz): Pirate menu; pirate or cruise casual; comedian/hypnotist in the theater on 01/14/09 BUT Bedtime Stories movie in the theater at 5:30 & 8:15 on 01/28/09; Pirates IN the Caribbean Party @ 9:45 PM on decks 9 & 10
Thurs (sea): Captain's Gala menu (lobster); semi-formal; "Disney Dreams" in the theater (Friendship Rocks! kids graduation at 5-5:30 in the theater)
Fri (CC): 'Til We Meet Again menu; cruise casual; "Remember the Magic!" in the theater ('Til We Meet Again show in the atrium @ 10:15 PM)

Does that make sense? I don't know why the slight change from one Western sailing to the next, but it may make a difference for someone trying to schedule Palo reservations, etc. Who knows which routine we'll end up with!

Thanks Val for posting the schedule! It confirms that either it has changed since last year or I have just forgotten! I know last year was different than the western 3 years ago! Thanks again!

Anyone know what the Bedtime Stories Movie is that shows in the theater (either Sun or Wed)? I don't ever remember a movie showing in the theater. Does this take the place of a live show? The main board said it didn't a few weeks back.

I am hoping to write some details down about everyone & print out the list on page 1! I haven't been able to write anything down so I am having information overload!

Anyone interested in doing Dolphin Discovery together in Cozumel? My girls are 6.5 and almost 4. I know there's a couple of you with the same age girls so I thought that might be fun!

We are waitlisted for early dinner...there's no way we can do the late dining so I'm out of the loop for linking reservations unless there's early diners that would like to link! This is our 4th cruise and we've always just sat by ourselves! I would love to sit with someone else (especially someone with kids to keep mine busy )! I might be able to get a conversation in that way!!
Kym

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I just updated the list to include names from everyone's PM or from Page 1 (thanks Val). If you would like to have names (in case anyone gets ambitious and wants to make personalized FE gifts) just PM me or reply to this message.

I'll wait till next week and then re-send the list to everyone that asked for it again to give you the updated version.

Back to the trip reports....

 

[texfinn]

2_Eagle_Mom -- you are so wonderful for organizing this!

Lucyddr -- sounds like dinner will be good. I drink but doubt (and seriously hope) I don't get drunk. I have 2 little kids on the boat with me and I HATE to waste a morning (I am a morning person). I may catch a slight buzz because I am a lightweight but that is it. I am thinking we will buy a wine package and probably split a bottle with dinner although enjoying a glass on the balcony before dinner sounds almost like a better plan!

I would love to book tea with some of y'all. My DH will go with me to make me happy BUT is not really that keen on going. If some of you are interested, let's make it a group gathering!

I am also convinced now about brunch. I am changing that from Key West day to Sea Day 1. I guess the good thing there is we can book it later and sleep in. I am a morning person but the kids and DH love to sleep.

Ok -- another topic -- anyone plan on working out on the ship? I will be in the middle of triathalon training (not as impressive as it sounds) and can't afford a week+ off BUT I know me and without an accountability partner to meet at the gym, the odds of me getting there are pretty slim. If anyone wants to meet up even 2-3 times in the week, that would be great. I am NOT athletic, am overweight and slow BUT I do my best.

 

[texfinn]

Anyone know what the Bedtime Stories Movie is that shows in the theater (either Sun or Wed)? I don't ever remember a movie showing in the theater. Does this take the place of a live show? The main board said it didn't a few weeks back.

........

Anyone interested in doing Dolphin Discovery together in Cozumel? My girls are 6.5 and almost 4. I know there's a couple of you with the same age girls so I thought that might be fun!

We are waitlisted for early dinner...there's no way we can do the late dining so I'm out of the loop for linking reservations unless there's early diners that would like to link! This is our 4th cruise and we've always just sat by ourselves! I would love to sit with someone else (especially someone with kids to keep mine busy )! I might be able to get a conversation in that way!!
Kym

Kym -- Bedtime Stories is a cute Adam Sandler movie. I saw it over the holidays and it was cuter than the reviews gave it credit for.

I thought about the Dolphin Discovery too and decided to wait. The kids can't do that much with the dolphins until they are older (mine are 7 and 4) and figured I would wait to spend the money. We are going to a nice quiet beach instead. If you go, we'll have to meet after so I can hear all about it!!!

I am starting to doubt the whole late dinner thing! My kids are troopers and although we normally eat dinner @6pm during the week, they can wait until later if they are distracted (we at at 8:30 tonight) I am counting on the fact that they will be ok with an 8:00 dinner time. I really am hoping for that instead of 8:30. Is there a way to request it? I am worried that 6:30 will just feel too early and rushed for us.

 

[dznyacct]

texfinn ~ Funny you should mention working out on the ship. Just tonight I broke in my new Octane elliptical . I had a Nordic Track that I have twice worn out some parts on (my DH is really tired of working on it). It started going out a few months ago while I was in the middle of a job change. After 22 years with the same company, the Accounting department was consolidated with the new corporate owners 60 miles away . They offered me a position there, but adding two hours to my day commuting was not something I was interested, Anyway, I found another job 3 months ago, but continue to help my old boss out (almost done, thank goodness). With that extra time and the stress of a new job, I got lazy and put working out on the back, back burner. Anyway, I decided with the cruise only 13 weeks away I really needed to shed a few holiday/job stress pounds. I do plan on trying to work out every day on the ship. I did it when we did the western ~ 5 years ago and it was great. The view can't be beat . The last time it worked best for me to exercise before dinner (we had late seating then and do now too). Hope to see you there !

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I would love to book tea with some of y'all. My DH will go with me to make me happy BUT is not really that keen on going. If some of you are interested, let's make it a group gathering!

Ok -- another topic -- anyone plan on working out on the ship? I will be in the middle of triathalon training (not as impressive as it sounds) and can't afford a week+ off BUT I know me and without an accountability partner to meet at the gym, the odds of me getting there are pretty slim. If anyone wants to meet up even 2-3 times in the week, that would be great. I am NOT athletic, am overweight and slow BUT I do my best.

I'm up for a tea gathering - I vote for Monday, but that's just because I'm trying for Brunch on Thursday.

I've also been thinking about hitting the gym while on the cruise. I've been doing WW for a couple of years and have lost 62 lbs (guess I better update the signature) and still have quite a bit to lose. I haven't been able to make it to the Y since the beginning of December but I'm getting ready to ramp it up to prep for the cruise. It would be great to have some accountability while on vacation. If I wake up early I might decide to go up and get it over with, but that will be a last minute decision.

texfinn ~ Funny you should mention working out on the ship. Just tonight I broke in my new Octane elliptical . I had a Nordic Track that I have twice worn out some parts on (my DH is really tired of working on it). It started going out a few months ago while I was in the middle of a job change. After 22 years with the same company, the Accounting department was consolidated with the new corporate owners 60 miles away . They offered me a position there, but adding two hours to my day commuting was not something I was interested, Anyway, I found another job 3 months ago, but continue to help my old boss out (almost done, thank goodness). With that extra time and the stress of a new job, I got lazy and put working out on the back, back burner. Anyway, I decided with the cruise only 13 weeks away I really needed to shed a few holiday/job stress pounds. I do plan on trying to work out every day on the ship. I did it when we did the western ~ 5 years ago and it was great. The view can't be beat . The last time it worked best for me to exercise before dinner (we had late seating then and do now too). Hope to see you there !