May 25, 2012 - Magical 8-night cruise - NYC to the Bahamas!

[SeaSpray]

Thanks - She's a good girl so far.

We adopted her.

We are a party of 4 for the leis and my Mom is 3 and Phyllis (PPAL) is 3.

Oops, I should've said "she" for Bailey! How great that you adopted her. She looked very happy in one of the pics, she looked like she was smiling. So cute!!

Thanks for count for the leis. I'll add you to the list.

 

[SeaSpray]

Here is the lime green lei list so far!

SeaSpray - 2
Ramen_Anime_Bass - 2
FunWithTheKids - 5
twinmomri - 5
LauraEadon - 5
jjb42974 - 4
ge0rgette2 - 7
PPAL - 3

 

[ekgee]

Hi disers,

I am in a little delimma and need your help. I have been trying to decide between the Disney Magic from New York (May 25th sailing with you) and the Disney Fantasy Western cruise from Florida. I live in PA so it would be a nice little 2 hour drive to New York to hop on the boat. I am wondering if any of you made a similar decision between trying the new ship and doing the Magic out of New York for convenience. I have made a pros and cons list but I have to PULL THE TRIGGER as as you know time is a getting really close and I don't know what to do . Please help. I know some fellow disers can shed some light as my husband is no help at all. He is just a whatever's easiest kind of guy. There isn't much difference in cost even with airfare believe it or not (about 700 more to go on the Fantasy in Florida). I admit that I do hate flying. I have to admit that reading your thread has gotten me super excited about hopping on this cruise.

Here is my pro and con list. Help me decide please oh please.

Pros to Magic
No Flying - Drive to New York
Day in Disney World - Great choice for a Port of Call!
8 nights
Smaller ship - maybe less crowded?

Pros to Fantasy
New Ship
Aqua Duck
Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique
Western - Cozumel, Grand Caymen Itinerary.

Help - I need you

 

[ekgee]

Hey Guys,

You know how Mickey usually greets guestss at the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal - Do you think he will do that for New York.

Technically Disney has their own terminal at Port Canaveral so I am wondering. I think it's all part of the experience.

 

[ge0rgette2]

I probably won't be any help at all. Living in NY it was a convenience thing for me. I, too, dislike flying but will take off just makes me anxious

I have been on Western itineraries before and didn't jump for joy over em. I liked Grand Cayman. That's about it.

In terms of ships I'm sure the Fantasy is amazing. But we've never been on DCL at all, so like I said my opinions probably mean nothing

Hi disers,

I am in a little delimma and need your help. I have been trying to decide between the Disney Magic from New York (May 25th sailing with you) and the Disney Fantasy Western cruise from Florida. I live in PA so it would be a nice little 2 hour drive to New York to hop on the boat. I am wondering if any of you made a similar decision between trying the new ship and doing the Magic out of New York for convenience. I have made a pros and cons list but I have to PULL THE TRIGGER as as you know time is a getting really close and I don't know what to do . Please help. I know some fellow disers can shed some light as my husband is no help at all. He is just a whatever's easiest kind of guy. There isn't much difference in cost even with airfare believe it or not (about 700 more to go on the Fantasy in Florida). I admit that I do hate flying. I have to admit that reading your thread has gotten me super excited about hopping on this cruise.

Here is my pro and con list. Help me decide please oh please.

Pros to Magic
No Flying - Drive to New York
Day in Disney World - Great choice for a Port of Call!
8 nights
Smaller ship - maybe less crowded?

Pros to Fantasy
New Ship
Aqua Duck
Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique
Western - Cozumel, Grand Caymen Itinerary.

Help - I need you

 

[twinmomri]

Hi disers,

I am in a little delimma and need your help. I have been trying to decide between the Disney Magic from New York (May 25th sailing with you) and the Disney Fantasy Western cruise from Florida. I live in PA so it would be a nice little 2 hour drive to New York to hop on the boat. I am wondering if any of you made a similar decision between trying the new ship and doing the Magic out of New York for convenience. I have made a pros and cons list but I have to PULL THE TRIGGER as as you know time is a getting really close and I don't know what to do . Please help. I know some fellow disers can shed some light as my husband is no help at all. He is just a whatever's easiest kind of guy. There isn't much difference in cost even with airfare believe it or not (about 700 more to go on the Fantasy in Florida). I admit that I do hate flying. I have to admit that reading your thread has gotten me super excited about hopping on this cruise.

Here is my pro and con list. Help me decide please oh please.

Pros to Magic
No Flying - Drive to New York
Day in Disney World - Great choice for a Port of Call!
8 nights
Smaller ship - maybe less crowded?

Pros to Fantasy
New Ship
Aqua Duck
Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique
Western - Cozumel, Grand Caymen Itinerary.

Help - I need you

We sailed the Dream last year and I am looking forward to a smaller ship. It was crazy crowd and I thought overwhelming. It was nice to have the bells and whistles like the Aquaduck and Detective Agency, but I am looking forward to the smaller ship and lots of sea days. With all the sea days, you get the character breakfast (which currently isn't on the fantasy), tea with alice, and lots more.

Also, in my case, we have 3 kids and I am happier not having to fly with them all, so driving to port is a bonus. NY departures aren't happening next year (at least i don't think so), but the Fantasy will definitely be there next year.

Plus we are a pretty great roll call!

Caryn

 

[ge0rgette2]

We sailed the Dream last year and I am looking forward to a smaller ship. It was crazy crowd and I thought overwhelming. It was nice to have the bells and whistles like the Aquaduck and Detective Agency, but I am looking forward to the smaller ship and lots of sea days. With all the sea days, you get the character breakfast (which currently isn't on the fantasy), tea with alice, and lots more.

Also, in my case, we have 3 kids and I am happier not having to fly with them all, so driving to port is a bonus. NY departures aren't happening next year (at least i don't think so), but the Fantasy will definitely be there next year.

Plus we are a pretty great roll call!

Caryn

at pretty great, we are AWESOME!


I read no NYC ports next year as well.

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi disers,

I am in a little delimma and need your help. I have been trying to decide between the Disney Magic from New York (May 25th sailing with you) and the Disney Fantasy Western cruise from Florida. I live in PA so it would be a nice little 2 hour drive to New York to hop on the boat. I am wondering if any of you made a similar decision between trying the new ship and doing the Magic out of New York for convenience. I have made a pros and cons list but I have to PULL THE TRIGGER as as you know time is a getting really close and I don't know what to do . Please help. I know some fellow disers can shed some light as my husband is no help at all. He is just a whatever's easiest kind of guy. There isn't much difference in cost even with airfare believe it or not (about 700 more to go on the Fantasy in Florida). I admit that I do hate flying. I have to admit that reading your thread has gotten me super excited about hopping on this cruise.

Here is my pro and con list. Help me decide please oh please.

Pros to Magic
No Flying - Drive to New York
Day in Disney World - Great choice for a Port of Call!
8 nights
Smaller ship - maybe less crowded?

Pros to Fantasy
New Ship
Aqua Duck
Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique
Western - Cozumel, Grand Caymen Itinerary.

Help - I need you

Hey Guys,

You know how Mickey usually greets guestss at the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal - Do you think he will do that for New York.

Technically Disney has their own terminal at Port Canaveral so I am wondering. I think it's all part of the experience.

at pretty great, we are AWESOME!


I read no NYC ports next year as well.

Hi there

I've been on the Magic twice and I've researched the Dream and Fantasy extensively. We are all adults here in my house now (DSs are 24 and 21), so many of the newer bells and whistles that they've added to the Dream class ships are not really a selling point for us, except for maybe the AquaDuck.

Only you can decide what's right for your family, taking in to account what you think you'd avail yourselves to on either ship.

We love the better (IMHO) Quiet Cove area on the Magic; we like the smaller size; we love the idea of an 8-night cruise with 4 sea days and a day ar WDW, etc. The ship and itinerary were on this cruise is just perfect for us.

And we do have an awesome group here!

Let us know what you decide!


P.S. There's no guarantee but I wouldn't be surprised to see Sailor Mickey at the port on embarkation day, especially since we're the first NYC sailing!

 

[ekgee]

We sailed the Dream last year and I am looking forward to a smaller ship. It was crazy crowd and I thought overwhelming. It was nice to have the bells and whistles like the Aquaduck and Detective Agency, but I am looking forward to the smaller ship and lots of sea days. With all the sea days, you get the character breakfast (which currently isn't on the fantasy), tea with alice, and lots more.

Also, in my case, we have 3 kids and I am happier not having to fly with them all, so driving to port is a bonus. NY departures aren't happening next year (at least i don't think so), but the Fantasy will definitely be there next year.

Plus we are a pretty great roll call!

Caryn

Oh my goodness!!! You make a point about it being a smaller ship. I didn't take into account the crowd on the ship. Also, I didn't know about the character breakfast or tea with alice on the Magic. I'm on cloud nine right now!!! I think after all of this anguish - you guys helped me make my decision!!!!

I also love that day at WDW

 

[ge0rgette2]

Oh my goodness!!! You make a point about it being a smaller ship. I didn't take into account the crowd on the ship. Also, I didn't know about the character breakfast or tea with alice on the Magic. I'm on cloud nine right now!!! I think after all of this anguish - you guys helped me make my decision!!!!

I also love that day at WDW

I learned something new and i've been booked over a year!

I didn't know about the character BREAKFAST.. figured they would be just walking around.
Where do you see that information Terry ....

 

[mmouse37]

We are driving from Montreal and staying overnight at the Garden Inn in RidgefieldPark NJ. We have an 11h30 arrival time scheduled at the Terminal. Would it be faster going over the George Washingon Bridge or under the Lincoln Tunnel?? Google shows about 20 miles either way.

Did you see all the responses to the thread on the main board. Most say the tunnel.

MJ

 

[HBEIC5A]

Did you see all the responses to the thread on the main board. Most say the tunnel.

MJ

Will probably hit the tunnel, although that play by play report you posted about GWB really impressed me.

 

[padalyn]

Thanks for the patience -

My computer is back, but has not been reassembled correctly or repaired...seems the motherboard has a bad chip - it doesn't recognize the AC charger - so it won't charge the battery. Anyone have any experience with this type of thing?

Cayla

We are driving from Montreal and staying overnight at the Garden Inn in RidgefieldPark NJ. We have an 11h30 arrival time scheduled at the Terminal. Would it be faster going over the George Washingon Bridge or under the Lincoln Tunnel?? Google shows about 20 miles either way.

OK - from a native NJite here...I would take the bridge...for these reasons:
1. more traffic lanes - less chance of being stuck in a long backup
2. easier route to the terminal - two turns versus having to navigate around the tunnel areas in Jersey City AND in NYC - you have to go north to above the terminal then turn around (again local streets) to go south...not a lot of fun and I am very comfortable driving in NYC. If you don't know the way - you will loose over an hour avoiding the one way streets I am sure!
3. there are two levels to the bridge (take the top - that will be the left side exit from route 95).
4. that 20 miles??? a lie...yea if you could fly over one way streets and all the traffic pile ups.
5. the access to Pier 89 is ONLY from southbound West Side Highway.
I think that should explain it...I live closer to the bridge but stay clear of the tunnel at all costs. There is a helix with 5 lanes dropping into 3 tubes (6 lanes) only 4 are inbound during rush hours - one little slow down and the helix locks up. Once on the helix - NO EXIT except for emergency vehicles before NYC...gets rather messy. 495 is the highway leading into the helix - 6 lanes drops to 5 and adds 4 more of local traffic. You get the picture. Mapquest and Google do not take into account traffic.

Hi disers,

I am in a little delimma and need your help. I have been trying to decide between the Disney Magic from New York (May 25th sailing with you) and the Disney Fantasy Western cruise from Florida. I live in PA so it would be a nice little 2 hour drive to New York to hop on the boat. I am wondering if any of you made a similar decision between trying the new ship and doing the Magic out of New York for convenience. I have made a pros and cons list but I have to PULL THE TRIGGER as as you know time is a getting really close and I don't know what to do . Please help. I know some fellow disers can shed some light as my husband is no help at all. He is just a whatever's easiest kind of guy. There isn't much difference in cost even with airfare believe it or not (about 700 more to go on the Fantasy in Florida). I admit that I do hate flying. I have to admit that reading your thread has gotten me super excited about hopping on this cruise.

Here is my pro and con list. Help me decide please oh please.

Pros to Magic
No Flying - Drive to New York
Day in Disney World - Great choice for a Port of Call!
8 nights
Smaller ship - maybe less crowded?

Pros to Fantasy
New Ship
Aqua Duck
Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique
Western - Cozumel, Grand Caymen Itinerary.

Help - I need you

All your pro and cons are correct...you should add to Pro - REMY for the Fantasy/Dream and Character B'fast for the Magic/Wonder....that being said - I would sail out of NYC on this cruise - it is an inaugural, so the crew is psyched as well. There will most likely be a Ducky print for each cabin (not on the repeat itineries such as the Western Carib you are looking at)...also - Grand Caymen is nice...Cozumel - not so much. We shopped for jewelry and got back on board. I would not do that route again. My opinion? Do NYC...
I have sailed on all four ships - my fav? the Magic...hands down.

I learned something new and i've been booked over a year!

I didn't know about the character BREAKFAST.. figured they would be just walking around.
Where do you see that information Terry ....

Character B'fast - is in Parrot Cay by rotation - you are told by your server the night before. It is fun! Many folks come to B'fast in their jammies. The characters come into the dining room and play with everyone. Photos are taken...NOT DONE ON THE FANTASY OR DREAM AS OF NOW!

 

[padalyn]

Here is the lime green lei list so far!

SeaSpray - 2
Ramen_Anime_Bass - 2
FunWithTheKids - 5
twinmomri - 5
LauraEadon - 5
jjb42974 - 4
ge0rgette2 - 7
PPAL - 3

yep - we are three! thanks!
Cayla

 

[ekgee]

Thanks for the patience -

All your pro and cons are correct...you should add to Pro - REMY for the Fantasy/Dream and Character B'fast for the Magic/Wonder....that being said - I would sail out of NYC on this cruise - it is an inaugural, so the crew is psyched as well. There will most likely be a Ducky print for each cabin (not on the repeat itineries such as the Western Carib you are looking at)...also - Grand Caymen is nice...Cozumel - not so much. We shopped for jewelry and got back on board. I would not do that route again. My opinion? Do NYC...
I have sailed on all four ships - my fav? the Magic...hands down.


Character B'fast - is in Parrot Cay by rotation - you are told by your server the night before. It is fun! Many folks come to B'fast in their jammies. The characters come into the dining room and play with everyone. Photos are taken...NOT DONE ON THE FANTASY OR DREAM AS OF NOW!

Okay I am booked and in. Can't wait to see everyone.

Has anyone figured out the show rotation? The only thing left for booking Palos is first night. I am thinking of taking it because the first night is hubby's b-day.

Excursions: I can't book the sea lion encounter for my twins but I can book the dolphin encounter. Anyone know why? Maybe if I book directly through Blue lagoon instead of Disney. They are 6 years old.

 

[jjb42974]

I can't believe we sail in 30 days! Starting to freak out a little. So excited but very nervous at the same time. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[SeaSpray]

yep - we are three! thanks!
Cayla

Gotcha!

Have a Wonderful cruise on the Wonder to Hawaii next week!! Woo hoo!!!!

Okay I am booked and in. Can't wait to see everyone.

Welcome aboard!!

Let me know how many lime green leis you might want for your family.

I can't believe we sail in 30 days! Starting to freak out a little. So excited but very nervous at the same time. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

I feel the same exact way! After planning for a year, the last month always feels as if I have no idea what I'm doing. rofl

 

[SeaSpray]

LIME GREEN LEI LIST!

Please post your name and number of people in your party if you'd like to receive a lei at the Meet & Greet in the Promenade Lounge on Embarkation day at 3pm!


SeaSpray - 2
Ramen_Anime_Bass - 2
FunWithTheKids - 5
twinmomri - 5
LauraEadon - 5
jjb42974 - 4
ge0rgette2 - 7
PPAL - 3
Padalyn - 3

 

[MermaidMama]

5 weeks from today we'll be onboard the Magic!!!!!

Georgette: Congrats on your new puppy.


Doesn't anyone want a lei???

Yes, we'll need 4 leis for our family. thanks so much!

 

[MermaidMama]

Okay I am booked and in. Can't wait to see everyone.

Has anyone figured out the show rotation? The only thing left for booking Palos is first night. I am thinking of taking it because the first night is hubby's b-day.

Excursions: I can't book the sea lion encounter for my twins but I can book the dolphin encounter. Anyone know why? Maybe if I book directly through Blue lagoon instead of Disney. They are 6 years old.

I can't help you on the excursions, but I'm pretty sure that Palo leaves tables open for booking on day of departure. Go to Rockin' D Bar for Palo reservations when you board the ship and you should be able to get a table. Also, you are only able to book one dinner online. If you desire a second night, you can get that at Rockin' D Bar on day of departure too! We go straight to Rockin D and book extra night at Palo when we board.

You should be OK with the first night, though, since it's a casual night you won't miss any of the special themes.

As for it being your husband's birthday . . . If he's a real "foodie" he'll like Palo. However, they don't really make a big deal of it in Palo. On my husband's birthday last cruise, the waiter wrote "Happy Birthday Sam" on a plate with chocolate syrup. No special to-do. Just the regular dessert. If you want the traditional birthday song and blowing out the candle, do the regular rotation and your servers will bend over backwards to make it special for him.

Also, my vote would've been for the Magic out of NYC. No one said this but there are more back-to-back, relaxing days at sea. No better way to unwind!

Cheers!
Susan