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

[Myth-USA]

Hi all. We signed up for the cruise on Monday. We did it using DVC points. It is myself Dave(54) and DW Beth(57). We live in Sterling, VA just west of DC. This is our second cruise. The first was a DVC members cruise with DCL in 2007. We are excited and ready to go. My count down says 98 days today. We are trying to decide what excursions to take. Hope to get to know you all some.

A big from the Sunshine State to Old Dominion

P.S. - My Mom was from Lynchburg, VA.....

 

[pink elephants]

I/we are going over our options for an excursion in Grand Cayman. Ages ago I read a trip report of a bunch of ladies that did an excursion out of Crand Cayman privately and it sounded like a lot of fun and not a whole boat load of people, so have spent ages trying to find it and I did.

Here is a link to the report and there are some pics if you scroll down. I also have included the link to the website for the tours, many different ones to choose from. We are wondering if someone else may be interested in one of these tours, and sharing in the cost with us? Have a look and let me know, we are trying to decide something within this week.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1821222&page=2

the tour company

http://www.grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/CaymanOutrageEcoTour.htm

I'll ask Dorie and see what she's interested in. It sounds like a great tour.

 

[zerog]

------

To celebrate our DD's birthday, we went to WDW Friday nite and Saturday. For those who have a little bit of time, here is my short post TR.

Friday nite:
We checked into our hotel room at Port Orleans French Quarter. I tried to get a room at one of the value resorts (Pop Century or All Star) but they were sold out. Still our Florida Resident rate was $105, incl. tax. Despite reading some bad reviews on Tripadvisor, our room was nice and clean. After getting our luggage to the room, we headed off to Disney Hollywood Studios. The highlight of the evening was riding the new Toy Story ride. I really like how they set up all the games; I could have ridden that 5 more times (that wasn't going to happen with a 40 minute wait time). We were shocked to hear that DHS was only offering Fantasmic twice a week. It's probably a seasonal thing. I highly recommend that show.

When DHS closed, we headed over to Epcot for a few hours. Nothing exciting to report except DW was happy to get her favorite coffee (Viking Coffee) at Norway in the World Showcase. DD started to fall asleep during the firework show so we headed back to the resort. Besides, we had to be up early for DDs big surprise - a princess makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Saturday:
After breakfast, we drove over to Downtown Disney for DDs princess make-over. I posted some before/after photo's above. DDs friend also dressed up, so they were princesses for the day. We spent all day Saturday at the Magic Kingdom. DD and her friend felt very special. Everywhere we went, and I mean everywhere, people were pointing. We had lunch at the Crystal Palace Restaurant, where Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eyeore make their rounds. Today's highlight was Space Mountain. Three kids rode it for the first time, after only a little bit of coaxing (my DS's 9 year old friend, DD6, and DD's friend). DS has ridden Space Mountain many times and helped convince the others. They all loved it. I was worried that DD would come off the ride crying, but instead she came off screaming "woohooooo, that was awesome." After the firework show, DD hit the proverbial brick wall and became very fussy. Now people were staring not because she looked so pretty but because she was so fussy and crying. I drove home while everyone slept in the car, and I was out like a light by 11pm.

Ok, I promised to keep it short, so I'll end it right here.

 

[pink elephants]

Sounds like a wonderful birthday for your DD and one she'll always remember. When we were in DL last summer, we took a tour and a sweet 16 birthday party was with us. Oh, the fun things you can do when you live near Disney! Thanks for posting the pics, too.

We were shocked to hear that DHS was only offering Fantasmic twice a week. It's probably a seasonal thing. I highly recommend that show.

It's a new thing, since the economy went south. Fantasmic got cut to only a few times a week in the off-season.

 

[laura001]

Awww Zerog! She really looks like a princess! What a great celebration! Oh, how I wish they had that boutique when my girls were little! Thanks so much for sharing and the pics, glad to hear that POFQ worked out for you, it is one of my favourite resorts!

Pink- that would be awesome, just let me know if you are interested.

 

[DaveH]

Which cruise did you do last and what excursions did you do then? I know what you mean about picking the excursions.....having a tough time here too figuring it out!! Welcome !

The 2007 DVC Members cruise was a 4 day. We went to CC and then a day at sea and then CC again. I took none. DW did one of the snorkel excursion on CC.

I think I will buy tickets for a tour and a couple of the museums at Key West. It is cheaper at full price and a discount if you buy online. I do not know what DW is doing yet. I will probably use Disney's at the other ports.

 

[DaveH]

zerog- sounds like a good trip. Your DD looks great. We always try to tell the little princesses they look great.

 

[jewelmicky]

ooohhh...also, I have some news! Yesterday I finally broke down and bought an underwater camera! That way we can use it in the water of course but I can also have it on the beach and not have to worry about the sand etc.!!! I am so excited for it to hurry up and get here!

2nd bit of news! I was really lazy and also ordered a Fish Extender off of Ebay!!!! With so many other things going on I just decided it was worth saving the time etc. on having it made for us. The seller on there only has 3 or 4 pockets but I contacted her and she is making us a two pocket one I'll post a pic when I get it!!

LOL!!!
You sound just like me!!!

I ordered my FE From Tiffany....it looks GREAT!

I just ordered an Olympus 1030sw.....and can't wait to play with it!

It's actually starting to feel like this thing is really gonna happen LLOOOLOL

 

[laura001]

LOL!!!
You sound just like me!!!

I ordered my FE From Tiffany....it looks GREAT!

I just ordered an Olympus 1030sw.....and can't wait to play with it!

It's actually starting to feel like this thing is really gonna happen LLOOOLOL

Ahhhh, the Olympus 1030 SW is a great camera! If we didn't already have such a good camera we would have spent the money on the 1030, just can't justify spending that for a 2nd camera, waterproof or not. Let me know what you think of it when you get it, would be very interested in hearing about it.

LOL about ordering the FE. I hope I am happy with it when I see it, although it sounds like she makes quite a few so shouldn't be disappointed.

 

[zerog]

zerog- sounds like a good trip. Your DD looks great. We always try to tell the little princesses they look great.

First off, welcome to Magical Mayniac roll call.

There were a lot of friendly people (aside from CMs) who talked to the girls and made them feel special. DD can be a bit shy but you could tell she enjoyed all the attention. I actually thought she would get tired of the dress after a couple of hours but that never happened.

 

[zerog]

A few months ago, some folks sent some minor changes. I think I got them all but feel free to send me any updates.

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, DS5.5, DD3.5 - cabin #7012 - Celebrating 10th Anniversary; First DCL Cruise
Zero G – Florida – Randy49, Steph35, DS9, DD6 - cabin #2608 - Celebrating 10th Anniversary
- - MIL & 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
Northwenald - Massachusetts - Janine43 and Kevin43, cabin #7058, Celebrating 20th Anniversary
Pink Elephants - D(mom), DD13, and DBF - cabin #6634, 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, FL - Jeff, Jennifer 10th Anniversary & Jennifer's Birthday!
MickeyD - Washington State – Lisa, Doug – Celebrating Anniversary
LauraFoster – Hertfordshire, England – me(24), DH (23), My Mum, My Dad, and My grandparents
DaveH - Sterling, VA - Dave(54) and DW Beth(57) - cabin 2100 - Second DCL Cruise.

 

[zerog]

No Pressure:


Attention Castaway Club Members
Palo/Excursion Reservations Open up in 7 days!



​

 

[laura001]

A few months ago, some folks sent some minor changes. I think I got them all but feel free to send me any updates.

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 & 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
Northwenald - Massachusetts - Janine43 and Kevin43, cabin #7058, Celebrating 20th Anniversary
Pink Elephants - D(mom), DD13, and DBF - cabin #6634, 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, FL - Jeff, Jennifer 10th Anniversary & Jennifer's Birthday!
MickeyD - Washington State – Lisa, Doug – Celebrating Anniversary
LauraFoster – Hertfordshire, England – me(24), DH (23), My Mum, My Dad, and My grandparents
DaveH - Sterling, VA - Dave(54) and DW Beth(57) - Second DCL Cruise.

Zerog- I believe that I have the list correct on the first page other than the newbies, can you let me know if it is wrong. I have also heard from DisneyDreamer and although they will be on the cruise and she does read our thread from time to time, they will not be partaking in anything just because of sheer volume of people. She just thought that it was way too much of an undertaking, but is hoping to at least bump into some of us. So, keep a look out!

 

[laura001]

No Pressure:


Attention Castaway Club Members
Palo/Excursion Reservations Open up in 7 days!



​

ooooh, I want to be a Castaway Club member!!!! Is everyone making Palo reservations?

 

[Myth-USA]

ooooh, I want to be a Castaway Club member!!!! Is everyone making Palo reservations?

There is still time to book the REAS......

It will certainly relieve the "pressure".....

 

[laura001]

There is still time to book the REAS......

It will certainly relieve the "pressure".....

You have no idea how many times I have almost picked up the phone and done just that!!!! The only thing I decided was that the money saved would pay for our Cirque tickets and also Keys to the Kingdom tour when we are at WDW the week after the cruise. If we don't get a Palo reservation I will have to live vicariously through one of you!

 

[Ashlotte]

How are everyone's plans coming along? I am finally getting down to business this week with make decisions about our excursions and whatnot.
In Cozumel I booked the dolphin encounter through Chankanaab directly. They let kids under 7 accompany their parents in the dolphin encounter FREE by just paying $5.50 to get into the park! Huge savings over DCL, although we will have to figure out our own lunch and transportation. I am okay with that. We had been debating on doing Nachi Cocum in Cozumel, but went with the dolphins this time. Maybe someday!
In Grand Cayman we booked the Nautilus semi-submarine and reef snorkel (again, through them directly). This was cheaper, plus when booking through DCL no one under 5 is allowed, but through them directly, my 3 yo dd can come as well. I thought I'd have to give up the snorkeling dream this trip because of my dd's age, so I am delighted!
Anyone else venturing away from the DCL tours or making reservations yet?

 

[laura001]

How are everyone's plans coming along? I am finally getting down to business this week with make decisions about our excursions and whatnot.
In Cozumel I booked the dolphin encounter through Chankanaab directly. They let kids under 7 accompany their parents in the dolphin encounter FREE by just paying $5.50 to get into the park! Huge savings over DCL, although we will have to figure out our own lunch and transportation. I am okay with that. We had been debating on doing Nachi Cocum in Cozumel, but went with the dolphins this time. Maybe someday!
In Grand Cayman we booked the Nautilus semi-submarine and reef snorkel (again, through them directly). This was cheaper, plus when booking through DCL no one under 5 is allowed, but through them directly, my 3 yo dd can come as well. I thought I'd have to give up the snorkeling dream this trip because of my dd's age, so I am delighted!
Anyone else venturing away from the DCL tours or making reservations yet?

Wow! You have had a busy week!

We are thinking about using a private tour if we can find someone else that wants to share with us. I posted it a few days ago, it is in Grand Cayman, includes Stingray city, snorkeling, mangroves, etc. etc.

Other than that we will use DCL for Cozumel and do our own thing in Key West.


Another side note, my new camera came today!!! I want to try it in the bathtub but and scared......will probably try it this weekend.

 

[zerog]

How are everyone's plans coming along?
In Cozumel I booked the dolphin encounter through Chankanaab directly. They let kids under 7 accompany their parents in the dolphin encounter FREE by just paying $5.50 to get into the park!

Anyone else venturing away from the DCL tours or making reservations yet?

Hi Ashlotte
We are going to book the Chankanaab Dolphin Swim (I need to get on this); DCL doesn't offer the royal swim. Our plans are still open for GC and KW. From previous posts, you can see where we booked a Palo brunch and dinner.

On our last 2 cruises, we did all the bookings ourselves (i.e., we didn't reserve via DCL).

Good luck with your reservations tomorrow. Let us know what you got.

 

[zerog]

In Cozumel I booked the dolphin encounter through Chankanaab directly.

Anyone else venturing away from the DCL tours or making reservations yet?

DECISIONS DECISIONS DECISIONS

--- Dolphin Discover: What DCL calls it.
--- Dolphin Encounter : What Chankanaab calls the same thing.

Is basically a dolphin hug/kiss.

--- Push, Pull, and Swim: DCL
--- Royal Swim: Chankanaab

Is the hug/kiss, plus a swim.

DCL charges $119 (Adults) + $99 (Children) for Dolphin Discover.
Chankanaab is free for children with a paying adult. As Ashlotte said, there may be a $5.50 park fee for the child.

Neither DCL nor Chankanaab will allow a child to do the Discover/Encounter without an accompanying paying adult. The Royal Swim, although more expensive, does not count.

So, we've run into another snag: How can 4 adults and 1 child do the Royal Swim, while the DD6 stands by herself on the platform (there is a charge for platform viewing of $5)? Apparently, they take 10 people into the pool at the same time. So, one adult is going to have to forgo the swim.

Unless the main board has a better idea, this is what we may have to do:

Royal Swim: 3 adults and 1 (DS9)
- plus $10 for 1 adult and DS6 for observation platform

Encounter: 1 adult and 1 free DD6.
- plus $5.50 for park admittance.

Other things to consider:
- If there are any problems, DCL will probably offer a full refund. Chankanaab will only refund 95%.
- Cost of the taxi is included in the DCL excursion.
- Chankanaab is offering a 5% discount for early booking (~$30).
- Right now, Chankanaab offers the Royal Swim at 11am, noon, 2pm, and 3:30pm. The Encounter is only offered at 1pm and 3:30pm.

DECISIONS DECISIONS DECISIONS