May 28, 2005 Mexican Riviera

[Moley]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=San+Pedro,+CA&ll=33.747103,-118.278272&spn=0.010192,0.015192&t=k&hl=en


This is a satellite photo of pier 93, where we will board the Magic. That's the Vincent Thomas bridge to the top...

Thank you, CSnyder! That is a very cool image.

 

[challada]

Hey guys...anyone gotten room upgrades of our group(s)? We have not, but I've noticed there are still openings on our boat and I really doubt there will be last minute folks paying $8K to sail w/us.

What time are folks getting to the port? I was figuring if we leave DL at 9 am we are OK but now I wonder if we need to be there to be "first" in line.

I'm getting so excited and paranoid at the same time...I think I'm having a meltdown!

 

[suesings]

Hey guys...anyone gotten room upgrades of our group(s)? We have not, but I've noticed there are still openings on our boat and I really doubt there will be last minute folks paying $8K to sail w/us.

What time are folks getting to the port? I was figuring if we leave DL at 9 am we are OK but now I wonder if we need to be there to be "first" in line.

I'm getting so excited and paranoid at the same time...I think I'm having a meltdown!

Hi Chris - we paid for a Cat. 10 GTY and got a Secret Porthole Room (which is actually a 9) so I guess we were slightly upgraded.

I was originally going to go to the Port at 10 (when I think it opens) because I thought we needed to be inline to get Palos, Flounder's Reef, etc. but now that we have already booked those things, I was thinking we don't need to get there until 11 or so? What time does boarding start? Wasn't it around 12 or so?

 

[528 Cruiser]

No upgrade here. As long as we're on the ship, it doesn't matter to me what room they put us in.

We're the type that likes to be there once it opens. We'll probably get there about 10:00 a.m. If it had opened at 8:00, we'd be there at 8:00. We're just way too excited beyond belief.

If we all get there at around the same time, people will think we're probably having some sort of a family reunion or something since most of us will be wearing our lime greens.

 

[lwilliam]

in your group - but I've been enjoying your posts - am very
anxious for all of you to take that first cruise and all the information
you will sending our way - e.g., the ports, the menus, the staff,
but most of all, since I like to be at the terminal (in Florida) VERY
early, I am interested in knowing what time those doors of the
terminal opened so my family can be one of the first (we are sailing
on the 7/30/05 cruise).
Everyone - enjoy yourself - it must be so exciting!!!!!
Thanks for allowing me to 'butt' in!!!!
Lucy

 

[challada]

Hi Chris - we paid for a Cat. 10 GTY and got a Secret Porthole Room (which is actually a 9) so I guess we were slightly upgraded.

I was originally going to go to the Port at 10 (when I think it opens) because I thought we needed to be inline to get Palos, Flounder's Reef, etc. but now that we have already booked those things, I was thinking we don't need to get there until 11 or so? What time does boarding start? Wasn't it around 12 or so?

Sue...I'm so excited you guys got a secret porthole room! Woo hoo!
I agree that boarding will probably start noonish.

Thanks all for the reassurance...I thought everyone would be at the gate at 6 am and we would end up being last in line (and there would be no mickey bars left for us! ).

 

[rccllap]

We are having the shuttle pick us up around 11 for a hoped-for arrival at the port at/around 1:00. My grandmother needs a walker now to get around so we're hoping for an orderly and swiftly moving boarding line.

Is anyone thinking of bringing their laptop computer along? I just got mine today--brand new!!-- and it might be useful for like downloading the digital camera each day, that sort of thing, but I don't know if it's at all a good idea. I can play DVD's on it for Sam to make the flights tolerable but don't know if maybe I'm just coming up with excuses to bring it and in all honesty I should probably just leave it here where it will be safe.

So the literature says that we might not be able to get into our staterooms until after 4:00--does this generally hold true? It would be very helpful for my grandmother to be able to settle in for some quiet time. I might try calling Disney to see if arrangements can be made.

I might be as packed as I can get before we leave. The only things left to add in are the things we use every day! But it's silly, three suitcases for two people...good thing I'm strong and my son likes to lug rolling suitcases around.

peace--
Rebecca

 

[wmjivey]

Hey does anyone know if the Magic has a topless deck, sometimes I just have the notion to whip off my top and let this big ole belly out to get some sun
The Man

 

[wccruiser]

Hi Everyone!


Boy, the excitement is building isn't it!!!!

Chris- We are hoping to leave the driveway by 10am and get to port by 11am, barring any gnarly traffic jams. It really is such a relief to have booked Palos, registered for the kids club ahead of time online. Be warned though,,,we are in Southern California and I am totally expecting a crowd even at 11am. Everything is crowded here, no matter when. But most especially on weekends.

WMJivey- I was also considering letting my belly see some sun, when I was trying on my one pieces and my bikinis. Needless to say, the bikinis are not making the trip and my belly will see no sun!

 

[challada]

Hey does anyone know if the Magic has a topless deck, sometimes I just have the notion to whip off my top and let this big ole belly out to get some sun
The Man

John- you and my dad will have so much fun playing together! He is really looking forward to meeting you...he might even whip that belly out for some sun too! (Mine will stay tucked into the dark swimsuit).

Thanks all...can't wait to see everyone!
Chris

 

[sandysplayhouse]

Today Brandy, DH Joe and I drove to San Pedro to check out the "gate" situation. The guard told us that the port/dock IS CLOSED until 7am.. and once they open, if you want to park there at that time to greet the Magic, you will pay parking... (forgot to ask how much) The guard told us that Ports O'Call was the place to go to "greet" the incoming ships as they pass right by there and parking is FREE.

Off we went to check it out and we found it was directly in front of our hotel (Best Western) We walked around there and found it to be quite nice... lots of shops, restaurants, kid rides, and game places... face painting, balloons sellers, things of that sort. We decided that the best place to stand to greet the ship as it comes in is directly to the left of the Ports O'Call Restaurant... there is a boardwalk, sidewalk of sorts behind all the restaurants and this area, which is just to the left of Ports O'Call restaurant gives the best view of the water where the ship will go by to the dock... you actually can't stand RIGHT on the dock ... bummer. BUT the bright side of everything is that we are ALLOWED to go there as early as we want. OH... but we can't throw confetti... you will be arrested/fined, or something to that effect.

We had the champagne brunch at the Ports O'Call restaurant, it was quite good in fact. Anyway, in the restaurant, there were LOTS of beautifully colored flyers of the Magic at sea with the DCL logo. These flyers said:

"Disney Cruise Line​

is coming to the Port of Los Angeles, ​

and you're inviteed to the celebration!​

Join the fun at Ports O'Call Village​

May 28 at 5pm*​

as the Disney Magic departs on her​

inaugural West Coast cruise!​

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line will offer cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the very first time this summer. It all begins May 28th, as Disney Cruise Line brings the harbor alive with an exciting event. Boats of all sizes, blaring horns, waving flags and a colorful flotilla will escort the majestic Disney Magic to sea!​

Bring your family and friends and join the celebration!​

*The ship sails at 5p.m. For traffic and parking purposes, it is recommended that viewers arrive at 4p.m."​

I grabbed several of these and didn't check to see if ALL the restaurants were giving these out but it stands to reason that they were. The servers we spoke to seemed very excited that the Magic was coming and were jealous that we were going out on the first cruise!.. They also said that all the incoming ships arrive between 5:30am and 6am.... we will be there... "Who's coming with me!" (Jerry Maguire)

 

[528 Cruiser]

This is so exciting. I feel like we're getting the red carpet treatment. I can't believe it's almost here.

Thanks for sharing. Now, back to packing!

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

Hot Tip #16 - When the weathers good, it’s breezy on deck. When the weathers less that perfect, it’s breezier. When the weather’s bad, it’s down right gusty. If you’ve got long hair and you intend to explore outside deck areas, bring a band or a clip to tie your hair back.

 

[Hollyster2]

Even if you don't have a scanner, maybe you could look upon the navigator when you have time after you get back and tell me the times to Wendy's Tea?
And maybe answer a zillion other questions? I am just kidding, I would appreciate any time you could give to answer a few questions. I am really really excited for all of you taking the very first cruise to Mexico on the Magic! I am only bummed, because I will be out of town until the 30th, and it is going to drive me bonkers waiting to get home to read the live reports ! Just have the best time!!!

 

[poconoboatniks]

I think that I'm ready to start panicing. Bob is traveling on business Tues and Wed. and then back to work on Thursday. Kate & Brett have activities for every night this week. Suitcases are sitting with stuff in them, but I feel like I'm forgetting a lot. OH NO I just keep telling myself to breath.

I picked up a plastic door cover at Party City. It has a lime green tropical shirt on it. Maybe we can use it when we're getting together.(shirt marks the spot).

Rebecca, there is no place in your room to lock up your laptop. I think you have to take it to guest services. I heard that the Magic is going to be wired for wireless internet connections during the next dry dock. This doesn't help with this trip. In the past, we have been allowed to go to our stateroom around 1 - 1:30. Just pack the stuff you need right away in your carry on. Bathing suits, sunscreen and medicines.

3 more days and we're on a plane to LA YAHOOOOOOOO

Pocono

 

[CSNYDER]

Hot Tip #16 - When the weathers good, it’s breezy on deck. When the weathers less that perfect, it’s breezier. When the weather’s bad, it’s down right gusty. If you’ve got long hair and you intend to explore outside deck areas, bring a band or a clip to tie your hair back.

I'll definitely keep that in mind!

For those who are looking for information on the parking, etc, at San Pedro, here's a link that has all of that (hours too!)

http://www.sanpedro.com/spcom/crusshp.htm

 

[Jedisan]

What time are folks getting to the port? I was figuring if we leave DL at 9 am we are OK but now I wonder if we need to be there to be "first" in line.

I'm getting so excited and paranoid at the same time...I think I'm having a meltdown!

We had initially planned on getting to the port really early. Since we were able to reserve Palo's and register the kids, we are now looking to get to the port between 11:30 and 12:00. I would think we could get into our rooms before 4:00, because we need to get our lifejackets for the lifeboat drill at 4:00.

This morning Katie asked me if it was time to pack. Every night we choose something different about the cruise for her to dream about. We are all losing our minds at our house. We're just trying to keep it together for Saturday!!!!

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

I picked up a plastic door cover at Party City. It has a lime green tropical shirt on it. Maybe we can use it when we're getting together.(shirt marks the spot). Pocono

We bought the paper plates that have the lime green tropical shirt on it. We are hooking those on our doors. They have out DIS name, real names and pictures on them. Were gonna stick them to the lime green table cloth that were hanging on the door. Are we tacky or what!?!?
And OH! I posted a link on the "Questions for the May Repo" page. I told them that if any of them are going to be awake at 5-6:30, to go stand port side and wave. Because a group of greenies will be waving with balloons, banners and airhorns. I asked if they could try and get Capt. Thord to honk at us! HA! Boy, the locals would be miffed. I'm sure it's loud as all heck.

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

And can I add...I did not get a WINK of sleep last night. It's starting! <---tossing and turning in bed.
Well, I did sleep from about 9:30-11...when my MOM called me to tell me what she was posting on the board......I swear.

 

[wccruiser]

I've got butterflies in my stomach! I'm paranoid about Grace catching something at school this week! I'm getting an anxiety attack about leaving my 2 dogs in the kennel! I've packed and repacked! I can't think about anything else except this cruise! I'm seeing lime green!