May 2, 2009~~~Magical MAYniacs!~~~ 7 day Western....Updated, April 3,2009!!

[Ashlotte]

Okay cruisemates. I need help! I'll try not to be too long winded, but DH and I really want to renew our vows during this trip.
First we looked into doing in on Key West because it was inexpensive and there wasn't much else terribly interesting to do there. Then I read some reviews about the beaches being smelly or not having pretty sand, which is what I had imagined.
Then I looked into doing it on Grand Cayman or Cozumel and came up with a few websites. It sounds like the cost would astronomical and it's hard to justify the cost when we are already married and there are no papers to file or anything. I don't need a licensed professional or anything. (Not to mention how much this trip is already costing!)
So... my proposition is this - I know there are a lot of other couples on board that are celebrating anniversaries. Would anyone like to renew their vows and then swap with us? (Hopefully at Grand Cayman or Castaway Key? Or even on the ship?). We could perform a ceremony for someone and take pictures and then swap positions? My husband has actually performed six weddings for our friends, so it's like getting a free ordained officiant! (Plus, we don't need anything official, right?). We could each write our own ceremony and vows and then pass them off. I am sure the whole thing for both couples would take under an hour, giving us plenty of beach time.
Just an idea.... I thought I'd check before plunking down a bunch of money.

 

[Ashlotte]

Here is the updated list, if there are any changes please let me know.


Dis ID – Location – Names & Ages – Stateroom - Other

Laura001 – Niagara Ontario – Scott50, Laura46 - cabin #2578 - Celebrating 25th Anniversary; First DCL Cruise
Ashlotte – Pacific NW – DH, DW, DS4.5, DD2.5 - cabin #7012 - Celebrating 10th Anniversary; First DCL Cruise

Zero G – Florida – Randy49, Steph35, DS9, DD6 - cabin #2608 - Celebrating 10th Anniversary
- - MIL and FIL - Arkansas - Cabin TBD - First cruise ever
Colleenlg - San Diego - Phil41, Colleen35, Karissa4, Leo1
- - Colleen's friends - Mat41, April39, Isabella2
- - More friends - Kathy34, Kevin54, Katie4 & Kyle1
DisneyDreamer8 - Oregon - DH33, DW32, DS(14 Months) - cabin #2126 - Celebrating 10th Anniversary
- - Sister's family: DSis36, DH37, DD14, DS11, DD1, and my mother - cabins #2124 & 2122
- - In-Laws

Linds79 - Portland, OR - DW, DH, DS10, DD3, Dbaby1.5 + lots o' family - Getting Married!
Mjlewis23 - Michigan - Michelle32, Dave34, Amanda9 - First Cruise
Pirate at Heart - Smuggler's Cove - Serena, Coutney12, Christina10 - cabin #6598
Tazgirl1981 - Miami - Shauna, Mike, Christopher2 - Cabin #7126 - Celebrating 10th Anniversary
- - Choco_latae & charley53 - Cocoa, FL - Chuck53 (my dad), Julie (my mom), Jenny (my sis) & Sally (MIL/cabin #7124)
- - - Cabin #7125 - Chuck & Julie celebrating 34th Anniversary
Northwenald - Massachusetts - Janine43 and Kevin43, cabin #7058, Celebrating 20th Anniversary
Pink Elephants - D(mom), DD13, and DBF - Celebrating DD's Bat Mitzvah
jewelmicky - Detroit - Jewel(39), Kellie (39). Kylie(6)
Lisa-RN: Colorado: Lisa (mom), Bob (dad), Michael (9), Andrew (7), Thomas (4): Stateroom- 2585/ 2583: First DCL cruise
Myth-USA & Bahama Mama-Orange Park, Florida- Jeff, Jennifer 10th Anniversary & Jennifer's Birthday!

Hi Laura,
Could you add an additional year to my kids' ages? I've had this cruise booked for so long, they've aged. Thanks!

 

[jewelmicky]

The green bracelets sound great to me! I will definitely pitch in for the cost and "help" organize....I can't commit to the responsibility for the whole thing, I have too much going on here at home and work. But, would love to help. I have ordered my FE and am trying to find something kewl to gift.

 

[jewelmicky]

This will be our 1st visit to Key West, Cozumel, or Grand Caymen....what do we do? What is the best beach, best dolphin encounter, and best shopping? So far I think we will do the Pirate Encounter for DD....thinking about the GPS walking tour at Key West....

And, of course white sandy beaches!

Any other ideas?

I would like a good mix of beach and sun....and sights.

CC will be one beach day, but not too impressed with the snorkelling there, was a big current last time.

 

[laura001]

I think that we will be purchasing tickets to the Trolley in Key West, on our own so that we can get on and off at our leasure. My DH is very excited about going to Key West, he has always wanted to go so I will probably just give him a bunch of info and then let him have fun with it.

For Cozumel, I think we are going to do a Mexican Cooking Class, below is an email from someone I know that has done it:

Just a quick little email regarding the Mexican Cuisine Workshop shore excursion in Cozumel.
This is by far, the best shore excursion we have ever taken on any of our Disney Cruises!
After docking in Cozumel, you are met by a guide from Playa Mia, who splits your group up and walks you to the taxi stand at the end of the dock. You and your companions are loaded into taxis, paid for by them, and you are on your way through the countryside for a 20-25 min, ride to Playa Mia.
On arrival, you are directed to a nice new building where your class begins by donning aprons and chefs hats. There is an open bar available-beer, wine, water, soda, margaritas, pina coladas-they never stop bringing the beverages. Each workstation accommodated 4 people.
The Chef, Luis, and his assistants were funny, personable and very professional when it came to the actual menu preparation. We completed an appetizer, main course with sides (grouper or chicken with a mango sauce) and a lovely dessert. We were encouraged to be artistic with our presentations. Chef and his assistants were always available, helpful and very patient.
After the meal was completed we were escorted upstairs to the dining room where our creations were served to us. I don't think there was one participant who did not enjoy the entire experience.
We were then free to wander the grounds, lay on the beach, use any non-motorized equipment or shop in their little stores (watch out for the hard sell!). If you plan to buy any souvenirs in their shops take your credit card or some cash and be prepared to bargain.
They had a buffet meal available (as though we hadn't had enough to eat) and open bar for the rest of the afternoon.
At the designated time, we were taken back to the taxi stand and returned to the dock area where we could go back to the ship or shop for a couple of hours.
Do not hesitate to recommend this excursion to anyone who may inquire! The only thing I would be leery about is the minimum age requirement.
Disney has 14 listed (we had one young man on our excursion) and in my opinion I think this is really a little too young for this type of thing (-considering the open bar and some of the adult humor that made the trip so much fun). Carnival Cruise Line was hooked up with our DCL group (I think there was a total of about 40 of us from both lines). Their minimum age is stated as 18. A word of advice is to book early because they can only accommodate about 40 maximum.
By far the best $69 per person (plus tip to the Chef and assistants) we have spent on an excursion in any port of call. We would do it again in a heartbeat.
Also this:
We had about two hours or so for beach time-you can use all of their facilities, loungers, water equipment etc. They have really nice bathrooms and changing facilities. A huge covered area with a buffet and tables and the bar as well. It was a DCL excursion. My only concern was DCL minimum age is 14 but this is geared towards over 21's.

As for Grand Cayman, I would think we will do something in the water, I have seen that other people have paid a private boat to do a tour of beaches and Stingray City. I haven't actually looked up the cost yet, and should get going on it, once I do, I will post it here, perhaps someone here might be interested in sharing with us? I just thought that the private boat would not be as crowded and we would get more of a one on one with it. I have to go back and read some trip reports from people that have done it, which means some digging

Castaway Cay for us is a total beach day!!! On the adult beach!!!! I would really like to the parasailing, DH would never do it though, but I may sign up for that! Other than than, sun and drinks on the beach!!!

 

[laura001]

The green bracelets sound great to me! I will definitely pitch in for the cost and "help" organize....I can't commit to the responsibility for the whole thing, I have too much going on here at home and work. But, would love to help. I have ordered my FE and am trying to find something kewl to gift.

Hey! That would be great if you could organize a list. Does everyone here think that it would be nice to have the bracelets ahead of time? If no one else helps you out, I will, but like you, my time is limited also (I always have way too many irons going in the fire)

Where did you order your FE from? I am toying with the idea of ordering one, rather than making it, not sure yet.

 

[laura001]

Okay cruisemates. I need help! I'll try not to be too long winded, but DH and I really want to renew our vows during this trip.
First we looked into doing in on Key West because it was inexpensive and there wasn't much else terribly interesting to do there. Then I read some reviews about the beaches being smelly or not having pretty sand, which is what I had imagined.
Then I looked into doing it on Grand Cayman or Cozumel and came up with a few websites. It sounds like the cost would astronomical and it's hard to justify the cost when we are already married and there are no papers to file or anything. I don't need a licensed professional or anything. (Not to mention how much this trip is already costing!)
So... my proposition is this - I know there are a lot of other couples on board that are celebrating anniversaries. Would anyone like to renew their vows and then swap with us? (Hopefully at Grand Cayman or Castaway Key? Or even on the ship?). We could perform a ceremony for someone and take pictures and then swap positions? My husband has actually performed six weddings for our friends, so it's like getting a free ordained officiant! (Plus, we don't need anything official, right?). We could each write our own ceremony and vows and then pass them off. I am sure the whole thing for both couples would take under an hour, giving us plenty of beach time.
Just an idea.... I thought I'd check before plunking down a bunch of money.

I wish I could help you out, we are celebrating 25 years. I spoke with DH last night about it and we decided that if we were going to do that we would want our kids there and they will not be with us, so...........we aren't going to do the vow renewal. It would be a shame for you to have to pay so much money. Could you do the vow renewal at home, say....the night before you leave? That way you could have friends and family there and it would be like going on another honeymoon?

Our friends and family are having a big shin-dig for us the weekend before we leave, so that will be a lot of fun and be a great beginning to our vacation!

 

[Bahama Momma]

I cannot wait until it is time to board the ship. We will be celebrating our
10th anniversary and my birthday. Our anniversary isn't until September too, but we decided that we couldn't wait that long. My parents are going to watch the boys for us (7 and 3). I work from home, so I don't get a break from the boys unless the oldest is at school. He is on Christmas vacation until 01/06/2009. Mamma needs a break!!

I have to admit that I was quite surprised to learn that there were a lot of other couples celebrating anniversaries. I do have a couple of questions. I have not been able to find a straight answer. We were planning to get a massage or something and I could not figure out whether the Rainforest room is included in the spa treatments or is that extra. I also could not find out that much about the Rainforest room. What is it exactly, etc. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Ashlotte]

I wish I could help you out, we are celebrating 25 years. I spoke with DH last night about it and we decided that if we were going to do that we would want our kids there and they will not be with us, so...........we aren't going to do the vow renewal. It would be a shame for you to have to pay so much money. Could you do the vow renewal at home, say....the night before you leave? That way you could have friends and family there and it would be like going on another honeymoon?

Our friends and family are having a big shin-dig for us the weekend before we leave, so that will be a lot of fun and be a great beginning to our vacation!

Thanks for considering it I totally understand that you would want your kids there. We don't really want to do it at home because we think the locations we will be going to will be way more romantic. Hopefully someone else might be interested?

 

[laura001]

I cannot wait until it is time to board the ship. We will be celebrating our
10th anniversary and my birthday. Our anniversary isn't until September too, but we decided that we couldn't wait that long. My parents are going to watch the boys for us (7 and 3). I work from home, so I don't get a break from the boys unless the oldest is at school. He is on Christmas vacation until 01/06/2009. Mamma needs a break!!

I have to admit that I was quite surprised to learn that there were a lot of other couples celebrating anniversaries. I do have a couple of questions. I have not been able to find a straight answer. We were planning to get a massage or something and I could not figure out whether the Rainforest room is included in the spa treatments or is that extra. I also could not find out that much about the Rainforest room. What is it exactly, etc. Any info would be appreciated.

You may find some of your answers here

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1554974&page=0&highlight=rainforest+room

 

[Myth-USA]

I think that we will be purchasing tickets to the Trolley in Key West, on our own so that we can get on and off at our leasure. My DH is very excited about going to Key West, he has always wanted to go so I will probably just give him a bunch of info and then let him have fun with it.

We are also excited about Key West. In fact we chose this cruise over the Eastern (Tortola) because of KW. We have always wanted to go, but knew we would probably never make the drive to there from North Florida!

We have been on a Western cruise with Carnival that included Grand Cayman and Cozumel and have enjoyed both places, although I don't like having to tender in in GC.

 

[jewelmicky]

Anyone else want to weigh in on the Green Bracelet for DIS identifiers?
I found a website that custom makes them for about $1.25 per...including inscription. I liked the "Phat" ones.....may make them a bit different and less confusing with the standard ones. Would the DIS color be green or neon green?

http://www.reminderband.com

check it out and get back with me....I would like input from ANYONE interested, so I can get an idea of how many to order and what to have them say.

 

[laura001]

Anyone else want to weigh in on the Green Bracelet for DIS identifiers?
I found a website that custom makes them for about $1.25 per...including inscription. I liked the "Phat" ones.....may make them a bit different and less confusing with the standard ones. Would the DIS color be green or neon green?

http://www.reminderband.com

check it out and get back with me....I would like input from ANYONE interested, so I can get an idea of how many to order and what to have them say.

I was looking at the "Phat" one, it may be a little big IMHO. The "debossed" one is kind of cool because you can have the letters filled in also.....so "Magical MAYniacs" would stand out and not just fade into the bracelet. Just a thought.

Whatever is decided is fine with me and my order will be for 3 bracelets. I will get you the sizes.

 

[Myth-USA]

I agree with Laura.

Whichever green we go with, definately BLACK letter fill (to stand out).
IMHO.

 

[mjlewis23]

Happy new year everyone!!!!

Finally I can say we sail *this year* I am a CPA, so I'm going into the roughest 3 months of the year. But, the cruise is my light at the end of the tunnel! I can't believe we are down to 4 months away. Hope everyone is well!

Michelle

 

[Myth-USA]

Happy new year everyone!!!!

Finally I can say we sail *this year*
Michelle

LOL Funny you posted that. I had thought about posting the same thing. Our cruise is no longer "next year"; it's now "this year"!

Great minds.....

 

[laura001]

Happy new year everyone!!!!

Finally I can say we sail *this year* I am a CPA, so I'm going into the roughest 3 months of the year. But, the cruise is my light at the end of the tunnel! I can't believe we are down to 4 months away. Hope everyone is well!

Michelle

Hey MJ!!

Have you signed up for Fish Extender's and Bracelets?

 

[Ashlotte]

Anyone else want to weigh in on the Green Bracelet for DIS identifiers?
I found a website that custom makes them for about $1.25 per...including inscription. I liked the "Phat" ones.....may make them a bit different and less confusing with the standard ones. Would the DIS color be green or neon green?

http://www.reminderband.com

check it out and get back with me....I would like input from ANYONE interested, so I can get an idea of how many to order and what to have them say.

I definitely like the embossed look (with our without black lettering. I don't mind having a bracelet that looks mysterious from a distance- I think that's kind of cool). I couldn't find the names of the colors, but there were two bright greens in the custom color section and the slightly darker (not regular green) looked more like lime green to me. When you are ready to order, we'll take five (we're bound to lose one at some point). Thanks!

 

[laura001]

I definitely like the embossed look (with our without black lettering. I don't mind having a bracelet that looks mysterious from a distance- I think that's kind of cool). I couldn't find the names of the colors, but there were two bright greens in the custom color section and the slightly darker (not regular green) looked more like lime green to me. When you are ready to order, we'll take five (we're bound to lose one at some point). Thanks!

lol!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was why I wanted 3...

 

[jewelmicky]

Last one for a bit...

PM if you want a bracelet.....make sure to specify how many and sizes!

Band Size Specifications

Large
(fits most adults) 8 3/8"

Medium
(fits most kids and teenagers) 7 3/8"

Child
(for children 4-6 years old) 5 7/8


If you haven't PM'd me you are not on the list yet!

Green options are Green, Tree frog green (a bit darker), or neon green..........????