May 30, 2009 - Western Cruise Magic

[brucechase]

We also have brunch on Thursday at 11:30. It looks like the disboards might take over the brunch dining room that day. The dress for brunch is cruise casual, all it said was no shorts. We debated about the Palo diner. The most dressy stuff I will bring is a shirt and tie so I figured that we might as well do Palo. I will have to go and take some pictures of everyone eating just to see if there are so many dressed up like other people say (there wasn't on our last cruise). It really seems that this formal night stuff really stress alot of people out since Palo was gone for that day first.

For Key West, we are doing the trolley thing so we are up for going over together.

I booked the Mexican cooking thing for DW and a day trip to the same beach for me and the kids. I think we have to go separately but we should be able to meet up there. I am a little worried about Mexico. The company I work for has some very strict rules about us being in Mexico (for the company). At times we have had armed escorts for our employees. I have never been there for my company, but was close to going on an emergency trip. I had to go through all kinds of briefing about what to do and not to do. We have actually had some people kidnapped right outside Mexico City.

On Cayman, I haven't done anything yet. I will have to look at some of the sites you guys suggest to book. I can always cancel the Cozumel stuff and rebook on our own if I have to.

One question, did everyone get insurance? If you book an excursion on your own and something happens, what is the recourse? The one insurance company I was looking at will reimburse up to $250 per person if you can't do an excursion that you booked on your own. It is $110 for the 4 of us and I was tinking of getting it. The other option is a $94 policy but it doesn't cover excursions. Am I being over analyzing of this? I do worry about storms or something happening that would change our stops.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

After discussing it with dh we decided we didn't want to worry with the formal attire, too much trouble. I don't think brunch is dressier than a normal dinner though, the pix looked so yummy!

I thought it all went very well, I was worried about it and I am super glad it is done.

We will have to talk about Key West, see what times work. And my dd is only a bit older than yours (1 year I think) so that might be nice! Actually she falls right b/t mine, ds will be 8 in October. I am really toying with the idea of trying to move hime up to the Lab. He loved the Club until it got time for evening activities, even at 7. Dunno if they will let me or not though as he will be 4 months from 8????

Kayla

I know but brunch is dressier than I want to dress during the day! LOL We don't generally go about during the day on sea days in clothes we'd dress for dinner and my hair is a PITA (do you know what that stands for? LOL) when on the ship. I think it's the humidity or something. At home I can wash/dry and quickly with the flat iron and it's good to go. NOT on the ship... it's flat iron, flat iron again, flat iron again, and still 5min later it's all frizzy again. LOL
I've seen pictures of brunch- no one is there with swimming and/or frizzy hair or such. LOL!!!!!!!!! I dunno. I just don't think we need to bother getting fixed up (and for us it would be having to get fixed up) to try more food. I'm hoping not to gain too much on this cruise because I'm hoping to reach my goal weight by the time of the cruise (and WDW before hand is going to mess that up- even with cooking most meals at our TT) and I can really put on the pounds back FAST if I all the sudden start eating more carbs gain (and the good tasting food usually is high in carbs so I'm sure I'll be eating more carbs on the cruise) and probably not drinking as much water either. LOL

How old is your DD again? I'm sorry I forgot. Rita will be 8 on the cruise but turning 9 in june (16th)

Just ask once you get onboard.. generally they are pretty flexible on moving up if they aren't already really crowded in that age group. IOW if the lab isn't jam packed they'll probably let you move him up.

Oh and we've never went super formal for formal night... DH just in shirt/tie (no jacket , no tux) and same with DS and us in dresses (and not formals really- just dresses or shirt/skirts)
*shrugs* LOL

We also have brunch on Thursday at 11:30. It looks like the disboards might take over the brunch dining room that day. The dress for brunch is cruise casual, all it said was no shorts. We debated about the Palo diner. The most dressy stuff I will bring is a shirt and tie so I figured that we might as well do Palo. I will have to go and take some pictures of everyone eating just to see if there are so many dressed up like other people say (there wasn't on our last cruise). It really seems that this formal night stuff really stress alot of people out since Palo was gone for that day first.

For Key West, we are doing the trolley thing so we are up for going over together.

I booked the Mexican cooking thing for DW and a day trip to the same beach for me and the kids. I think we have to go separately but we should be able to meet up there. I am a little worried about Mexico. The company I work for has some very strict rules about us being in Mexico (for the company). At times we have had armed escorts for our employees. I have never been there for my company, but was close to going on an emergency trip. I had to go through all kinds of briefing about what to do and not to do. We have actually had some people kidnapped right outside Mexico City.

On Cayman, I haven't done anything yet. I will have to look at some of the sites you guys suggest to book. I can always cancel the Cozumel stuff and rebook on our own if I have to.

One question, did everyone get insurance? If you book an excursion on your own and something happens, what is the recourse? The one insurance company I was looking at will reimburse up to $250 per person if you can't do an excursion that you booked on your own. It is $110 for the 4 of us and I was tinking of getting it. The other option is a $94 policy but it doesn't cover excursions. Am I being over analyzing of this? I do worry about storms or something happening that would change our stops.

I think most people just figure if they are going to dress up- they'd rather not do it more nights than they have to- so plan Palo for one of those nights. That's what we did on our first two cruises. LOL

I'm not really worried about cozumel. Our first cruise DH went scuba diving by himself (on excursion not thru DCL) and I alone took the kids on DCL submarine excursion and then when he was back to take the kids I went shopping at the port BY MYSELF. But that's as far as I went-just up and down that port shopping area. This time we're going on snuba DCL excursion and it's a short one... and probably will shop there again at the port quickly. I just wouldn't venture far off alone.

The places we booked scuba diving (keywest) and on our own (shoretrips in Grand CAyman) insurance isn't necessary- if we don't make that port and/or are late to port and causes us to miss the excursions they will give a refund.

In the past we ALWAYS had insurance but this time we're doing budget so I decided not to get it- plus this time we're not flying- we're driving. If worst came to worst we'd have a WEEK to figure out how to get ourselves there for the cruise. Now the only thing that worries me is if something catastrophic happens while on the cruise or at some port (medical emergency) but I'm crossing my fingers and praying to God that doesn't happen. I just didn't want to add close to $500 to our trip for the insurance..... I hope it wasn't a bad idea! But it has no effect whatsoever on our excursions anyway. If something bad happens the least of my worries is losing the money on the excursions. We aren't spending a ton on excursions anyway and they are refunded if the ship just can't make it to the port or on time.

Who would you be booking with that wouldn't refund you if the ship didn't make it to port- making it necessary for insurance on that?

 

[klcason]

I know but brunch is dressier than I want to dress during the day! LOL We don't generally go about during the day on sea days in clothes we'd dress for dinner and my hair is a PITA (do you know what that stands for? LOL) when on the ship. I think it's the humidity or something. At home I can wash/dry and quickly with the flat iron and it's good to go. NOT on the ship... it's flat iron, flat iron again, flat iron again, and still 5min later it's all frizzy again. LOL
I've seen pictures of brunch- no one is there with swimming and/or frizzy hair or such. LOL!!!!!!!!! I dunno. I just don't think we need to bother getting fixed up (and for us it would be having to get fixed up) to try more food. I'm hoping not to gain too much on this cruise because I'm hoping to reach my goal weight by the time of the cruise (and WDW before hand is going to mess that up- even with cooking most meals at our TT) and I can really put on the pounds back FAST if I all the sudden start eating more carbs gain (and the good tasting food usually is high in carbs so I'm sure I'll be eating more carbs on the cruise) and probably not drinking as much water either. LOL

How old is your DD again? I'm sorry I forgot. Rita will be 8 on the cruise but turning 9 in june (16th)

Just ask once you get onboard.. generally they are pretty flexible on moving up if they aren't already really crowded in that age group. IOW if the lab isn't jam packed they'll probably let you move him up.

Oh and we've never went super formal for formal night... DH just in shirt/tie (no jacket , no tux) and same with DS and us in dresses (and not formals really- just dresses or shirt/skirts)
*shrugs* LOL




I think most people just figure if they are going to dress up- they'd rather not do it more nights than they have to- so plan Palo for one of those nights. That's what we did on our first two cruises. LOL

I'm not really worried about cozumel. Our first cruise DH went scuba diving by himself (on excursion not thru DCL) and I alone took the kids on DCL submarine excursion and then when he was back to take the kids I went shopping at the port BY MYSELF. But that's as far as I went-just up and down that port shopping area. This time we're going on snuba DCL excursion and it's a short one... and probably will shop there again at the port quickly. I just wouldn't venture far off alone.

The places we booked scuba diving (keywest) and on our own (shoretrips in Grand CAyman) insurance isn't necessary- if we don't make that port and/or are late to port and causes us to miss the excursions they will give a refund.

In the past we ALWAYS had insurance but this time we're doing budget so I decided not to get it- plus this time we're not flying- we're driving. If worst came to worst we'd have a WEEK to figure out how to get ourselves there for the cruise. Now the only thing that worries me is if something catastrophic happens while on the cruise or at some port (medical emergency) but I'm crossing my fingers and praying to God that doesn't happen. I just didn't want to add close to $500 to our trip for the insurance..... I hope it wasn't a bad idea! But it has no effect whatsoever on our excursions anyway. If something bad happens the least of my worries is losing the money on the excursions. We aren't spending a ton on excursions anyway and they are refunded if the ship just can't make it to the port or on time.

Who would you be booking with that wouldn't refund you if the ship didn't make it to port- making it necessary for insurance on that?

Well we can have the super frizz hair together then, the humidity does way bad things to the mop on my head. I will probably wear mine up most of the time anyway for that very reason. I am really not into dressing up either, but I figure I can swing it for a few hours, lol, that's why I did the tea and brunch on the same day, 2 birds with one stone.

I would love to lose some weight before vacation, just can't seem to get the will power and motivation! Oh well.....tomorrow is another day!

Cassidy will be 10 on June 11th, and Cameron will be 8 on October 17th. I have talked with Cassidy to be sure it wouldn't bug her too bad if he was in there with her and she says it's ok with her. I really think we will try it, I think the activities will be much better suited to him in the Lab.

I just really don't want to have to pack a bunch of extra clothes, especially nice ones. Since y'all are like us, with a 2 week vacation, that really means alot to pack, and wash!!!

Kayla

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Well we can have the super frizz hair together then, the humidity does way bad things to the mop on my head. I will probably wear mine up most of the time anyway for that very reason. I am really not into dressing up either, but I figure I can swing it for a few hours, lol, that's why I did the tea and brunch on the same day, 2 birds with one stone.

I would love to lose some weight before vacation, just can't seem to get the will power and motivation! Oh well.....tomorrow is another day!

Cassidy will be 10 on June 11th, and Cameron will be 8 on October 17th. I have talked with Cassidy to be sure it wouldn't bug her too bad if he was in there with her and she says it's ok with her. I really think we will try it, I think the activities will be much better suited to him in the Lab.

I just really don't want to have to pack a bunch of extra clothes, especially nice ones. Since y'all are like us, with a 2 week vacation, that really means alot to pack, and wash!!!

Kayla

Nah. I've actually found that longer trips- with washing clothes in the middle- I can pack a lot lot less. LOL I found that out on our long WDW trip and then our long Panama Canal trip. I don't mind washing once midway thru.. I plan on most of our clothes for WDW being the same day clothes/excursion clothes we wear on the cruise. We'll pack just a few more things to wear to dinner at night is all. Those won't be worn in WDW so they won't need to be washed before the cruise- but the rest will. So we'll pack half the regular clothes needed and I'll wash at FW before the cruise- no problem.
(that's gotta be better than trying to wash clothes on the ship- which I did on the last cruise LOL)

I've lost 29lbs since I started focusing on losing (Jan 5th) and I am HOPING to be down even more before the cruise. I lost 80lbs in 2003 right before what was supposed to be our first cruise. Bought a bunch of really nice "cruise casual" and dressier clothes- most of which still have their tags on since I was waiting to wear them on that cruise. Then our first cruise got postponed (due to change in kids' school schedule back then- that first cruise was supposed to be during break in Feb they had) so then it was postponed until end of may/june 2006... by that time I'd quit smoking (for 6mo) and then had surgery... and totally went off plan and started gaining. Over the past 5+ years slowly put the weight back on. I think that's why I let it get out of hand because I gained it so slowly it snuck up on me and I was able to be in denial. Yanno? I gained all 80lbs back (exactly! It seems that's the weight my body wants to get to and then stays there no matter how badly I eat...) At that point I couldn't deny it anymore and I made it my mission to NOT be so overweight and miserable during the next cruise. 2 cruises like that is enough. I still haven't even touched foot in the pools on the ship or the hot tub- I want to be able to get in the hot tub this time which means I have to feel atleast "okay" in a swimsuit. LOL I got in my swimsuit for CC and other excursions (covered in clothes until we got there) but there is something about being so up close and small area on the ship that I avoided getting into a swimsuit for that. LOL NOT THIS TIME THOUGH. I'm determined!!!!!!!!!

(but with previous experience I know that I lose some quickly at first and then it slows way down. So I really don't know how much more I'll be able to lose by the time we leave for this trip)

anywho- I don't intend on packing more clothes even with Palo on another night. I can wear the same thing to Palo one night that I wear to formal or semi-formal in the dining rooms another night. LOL

Oh and if was just changing clothes for brunch- I might do it. But it's also having to fix my hair- which I dread on the cruise. If only it would act like it does at home it would be so much easier and less time consuming! LOL But also I'm just not wanting to totally pig out on the cruise- I mean I don't want to go too overboard on carbs.... i'm already going to be overdoing it on the cruise as it is- no sense adding another time where I'd feel compelled to try all the extra deliciousness (hehe) at the brunch. And knowing us it would conflict with something and/or we'd forget again! LOL

Oh and about the hair... if I could figure out a way to fix it "up" and look nice- I'd do that. Maybe I need some hints from you? LOL When I put it up- it basically consists of a ponytail and it's not what I'd call "pretty" that way- functional yes.. pretty no. LOL

 

[liliagm]

So we did it! DH said to pay on Monday and book then but I went ahead and paid today and I'm so happy I did it! it seems they do have people working on sundays at DU so they processed my payment and as soon as I got the email confirmation I went to the DCL website to make our reservations!!

We got Palo brunch on sunday (Key West) at 10:30 and they only had that time and 11:30 thursday left, we couldn'l get high tea -all gone- and for Palo we went for Tuesday (Grand cayman) at 630pm (will try to catch the sunset there...). the only thing I'm worried about is that Flounder's is not showing availability for the brunch on sunday, they start at 1200 on that day so I'm going to ask on the forum see if anybody knows what's up with that (it's not that they are full, rather it looks like they open at noon), if it's not open we will join all of you on thursday!

About safety in Cozumel, DON'T WORRY!!! the bad stuff is mainly going on in the towns that border with the U.S. and in Mexico City, the touristy places like Cozumel, Cancun, etc, the people there, they don't want to ruin their main source of income-the tourists- of course you should take the usual precautions but you should be ok otherwise....

We are doing formal night but not dressing up in tux/gowns, DH will have a suit (that will be used for Palo as well) and I'll have to look for a couple of nice dresses....and add me to the "losing weight for the cruise" list!! I gained a lot when i got pregnant with DD (now 2 1/1) and couldn't lose any of it so I went on the Low carb (Atkins) diet on June last year, managed to lose like 40 pounds in 6 months went to a 3 day cruise on the Wonder for christmas gained 6 back... so starting 2009 I changed to the South beach (much more relaxed then Atkins) diet and I'm down 10 and want to lose another 20 for the cruise.....we'll see....

 

[klcason]

Nah. I've actually found that longer trips- with washing clothes in the middle- I can pack a lot lot less. LOL I found that out on our long WDW trip and then our long Panama Canal trip. I don't mind washing once midway thru.. I plan on most of our clothes for WDW being the same day clothes/excursion clothes we wear on the cruise. We'll pack just a few more things to wear to dinner at night is all. Those won't be worn in WDW so they won't need to be washed before the cruise- but the rest will. So we'll pack half the regular clothes needed and I'll wash at FW before the cruise- no problem.
(that's gotta be better than trying to wash clothes on the ship- which I did on the last cruise LOL)

I've lost 29lbs since I started focusing on losing (Jan 5th) and I am HOPING to be down even more before the cruise. I lost 80lbs in 2003 right before what was supposed to be our first cruise. Bought a bunch of really nice "cruise casual" and dressier clothes- most of which still have their tags on since I was waiting to wear them on that cruise. Then our first cruise got postponed (due to change in kids' school schedule back then- that first cruise was supposed to be during break in Feb they had) so then it was postponed until end of may/june 2006... by that time I'd quit smoking (for 6mo) and then had surgery... and totally went off plan and started gaining. Over the past 5+ years slowly put the weight back on. I think that's why I let it get out of hand because I gained it so slowly it snuck up on me and I was able to be in denial. Yanno? I gained all 80lbs back (exactly! It seems that's the weight my body wants to get to and then stays there no matter how badly I eat...) At that point I couldn't deny it anymore and I made it my mission to NOT be so overweight and miserable during the next cruise. 2 cruises like that is enough. I still haven't even touched foot in the pools on the ship or the hot tub- I want to be able to get in the hot tub this time which means I have to feel atleast "okay" in a swimsuit. LOL I got in my swimsuit for CC and other excursions (covered in clothes until we got there) but there is something about being so up close and small area on the ship that I avoided getting into a swimsuit for that. LOL NOT THIS TIME THOUGH. I'm determined!!!!!!!!!

(but with previous experience I know that I lose some quickly at first and then it slows way down. So I really don't know how much more I'll be able to lose by the time we leave for this trip)

anywho- I don't intend on packing more clothes even with Palo on another night. I can wear the same thing to Palo one night that I wear to formal or semi-formal in the dining rooms another night. LOL

Oh and if was just changing clothes for brunch- I might do it. But it's also having to fix my hair- which I dread on the cruise. If only it would act like it does at home it would be so much easier and less time consuming! LOL But also I'm just not wanting to totally pig out on the cruise- I mean I don't want to go too overboard on carbs.... i'm already going to be overdoing it on the cruise as it is- no sense adding another time where I'd feel compelled to try all the extra deliciousness (hehe) at the brunch. And knowing us it would conflict with something and/or we'd forget again! LOL

Oh and about the hair... if I could figure out a way to fix it "up" and look nice- I'd do that. Maybe I need some hints from you? LOL When I put it up- it basically consists of a ponytail and it's not what I'd call "pretty" that way- functional yes.. pretty no. LOL

I have these great clips, they are flat, I will try to remember the name. Its the only clip I can use to get my hair to do right, makes a huge difference. I was a pony tail girl for years, worked in the operating room so I had to put up my hair daily in a cap!

I actually think my hair looks nicer and probably more dressed up when it is up.

One reason why we get the house is for the full washer and dryer! I just meant more b/c we will have to have dinner clothes as well as daytime clothes. Hoping to not worry about that laundry during the cruise, guess we will see.

You stick to that diet girl!! That is super!!

Kayla

 

[klcason]

So we did it! DH said to pay on Monday and book then but I went ahead and paid today and I'm so happy I did it! it seems they do have people working on sundays at DU so they processed my payment and as soon as I got the email confirmation I went to the DCL website to make our reservations!!

We got Palo brunch on sunday (Key West) at 10:30 and they only had that time and 11:30 thursday left, we couldn'l get high tea -all gone- and for Palo we went for Tuesday (Grand cayman) at 630pm (will try to catch the sunset there...). the only thing I'm worried about is that Flounder's is not showing availability for the brunch on sunday, they start at 1200 on that day so I'm going to ask on the forum see if anybody knows what's up with that (it's not that they are full, rather it looks like they open at noon), if it's not open we will join all of you on thursday!

About safety in Cozumel, DON'T WORRY!!! the bad stuff is mainly going on in the towns that border with the U.S. and in Mexico City, the touristy places like Cozumel, Cancun, etc, the people there, they don't want to ruin their main source of income-the tourists- of course you should take the usual precautions but you should be ok otherwise....

We are doing formal night but not dressing up in tux/gowns, DH will have a suit (that will be used for Palo as well) and I'll have to look for a couple of nice dresses....and add me to the "losing weight for the cruise" list!! I gained a lot when i got pregnant with DD (now 2 1/1) and couldn't lose any of it so I went on the Low carb (Atkins) diet on June last year, managed to lose like 40 pounds in 6 months went to a 3 day cruise on the Wonder for christmas gained 6 back... so starting 2009 I changed to the South beach (much more relaxed then Atkins) diet and I'm down 10 and want to lose another 20 for the cruise.....we'll see....

Wow that's great that they could get it done on a Sunday! I bet you can get Flounder's later, I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya!

I was thinking about that Mexico stuff today, that is pretty scary!

Kayla

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Another one here who has uncontrollable hair in the humidity. I just stick it in a pony tail the entire time of the cruise because that is all I can do.

We didn't book Palo this time around since we want to eat with the girls, but we have been several times so we aren't too sad! We did book parasailing on CC, but that is about it.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay but I have really thick hair... so I'm a scrunchie gal. Yes I know it's SO NOT COOL- but that's all I have found that will fit all my hair in it and keep it up! (ie: not halfway falling out constantly)
So do tell about this thing you use in your hair because a scrunchie pony tail NEVER looks "dressed up"- never ever never. LOL

 

[klcason]

Okay but I have really thick hair... so I'm a scrunchie gal. Yes I know it's SO NOT COOL- but that's all I have found that will fit all my hair in it and keep it up! (ie: not halfway falling out constantly)
So do tell about this thing you use in your hair because a scrunchie pony tail NEVER looks "dressed up"- never ever never. LOL

The clip is a Goody "Updo" Clip. I get mine at Target but I think I have seen them at WalMart as well. That is the only clip I can use with my hair!! All of the others don't hold it tight enough and pieces slip out.

Kayla

 

[homespun]

So we did it! DH said to pay on Monday and book then but I went ahead and paid today and I'm so happy I did it! it seems they do have people working on sundays at DU so they processed my payment and as soon as I got the email confirmation I went to the DCL website to make our reservations!!

We got Palo brunch on sunday (Key West) at 10:30 and they only had that time and 11:30 thursday left, we couldn'l get high tea -all gone- and for Palo we went for Tuesday (Grand cayman) at 630pm (will try to catch the sunset there...). the only thing I'm worried about is that Flounder's is not showing availability for the brunch on sunday, they start at 1200 on that day so I'm going to ask on the forum see if anybody knows what's up with that (it's not that they are full, rather it looks like they open at noon), if it's not open we will join all of you on thursday!

About safety in Cozumel, DON'T WORRY!!! the bad stuff is mainly going on in the towns that border with the U.S. and in Mexico City, the touristy places like Cozumel, Cancun, etc, the people there, they don't want to ruin their main source of income-the tourists- of course you should take the usual precautions but you should be ok otherwise....

We are doing formal night but not dressing up in tux/gowns, DH will have a suit (that will be used for Palo as well) and I'll have to look for a couple of nice dresses....and add me to the "losing weight for the cruise" list!! I gained a lot when i got pregnant with DD (now 2 1/1) and couldn't lose any of it so I went on the Low carb (Atkins) diet on June last year, managed to lose like 40 pounds in 6 months went to a 3 day cruise on the Wonder for christmas gained 6 back... so starting 2009 I changed to the South beach (much more relaxed then Atkins) diet and I'm down 10 and want to lose another 20 for the cruise.....we'll see....

Looks like we'll be having Dinner at Palo's at 6:30 on Monday. We opted for that rather than doing the whole formal thing and DS wants to order room service, so that works for us. I called Disney and they gave us our probable dining rotation and is APPLAPL at 5:45 since we have older children in our group (12-14). That would be our 2nd night at Parrot Cay (we have 3 there) so we figured that would be a good night to skip. DH has a tux, but to bring that and get all dressed up is not our idea of vacationing. We do that at home at least once a year for Lions functions, and we want to relax on vacation.

We're doing Palo brunch on Day 6 Sea Day 10 10:30 A.M.

We also booked the Nautilus Undersea Tour & Reef Snorkel -- Anyone Else?

I was concerned about Mexico too, but it seems from the news reports that the problems with drug lords are basically happening around border towns so hopefully we're far enough away. I hope so, because we booked the Dolphin Swim and I don't want to miss it since we paid in advance. I think it's about 10 minutes from the port by cab, so hopefully all will be well. We'll be keeping tabs on the problems there.

It's getting closer each day and we're so looking forward to meeting everyone.

Karen

 

[klcason]

Looks like we'll be having Dinner at Palo's at 6:30 on Tuesday too. We opted for that rather than the formal dining night. I called Disney and they gave us our probable dining rotation and is APPLAPL at 5:45 since we have older children in our group (12-14). That would be our 2nd night at Parrot Cay (we have 3 there) so we figured that would be a good night to skip. DH has a tux, but to bring that and get all dressed up is not my idea of vacationing. We do that at home at least once a year for Lions functions, and we want to relax on vacation.

We're doing Palo brunch on Day 6 Sea Day 10 10:30 A.M.

We also booked the Nautilus Undersea Tour & Reef Snorkel -- Anyone Else?

I was concerned about Mexico too, but it seems from the news reports that the problems with drug wars are basically happening around border towns so hopefully we're far enough away. I hope so, because we booked the Dolphin Swim and I don't want to miss it since we paid in advance. I think it's about 10 minutes from the port by cab, so hopefully all will be well. We'll be keeping tabs on the problems there.

It's getting closer each day and we're so looking forward to meeting everyone.

Karen

Karen,

I thought Formal night should be on Monday? Did DCL tell you something different?

Kayla

 

[cruisefanz]

Looks like everyone was quick on the draw for Palo's reservations! There was only one choice left for brunch (any day) and all the tea times gone. Is there any chance for additional time slots to open up? We did book dinner and know it will be great! DH already knows what he is going to order.

 

[homespun]

We also have brunch on Thursday at 11:30. It looks like the disboards might take over the brunch dining room that day. The dress for brunch is cruise casual, all it said was no shorts. We debated about the Palo diner. The most dressy stuff I will bring is a shirt and tie so I figured that we might as well do Palo. I will have to go and take some pictures of everyone eating just to see if there are so many dressed up like other people say (there wasn't on our last cruise). It really seems that this formal night stuff really stress alot of people out since Palo was gone for that day first.

For Key West, we are doing the trolley thing so we are up for going over together.

I booked the Mexican cooking thing for DW and a day trip to the same beach for me and the kids. I think we have to go separately but we should be able to meet up there. I am a little worried about Mexico. The company I work for has some very strict rules about us being in Mexico (for the company). At times we have had armed escorts for our employees. I have never been there for my company, but was close to going on an emergency trip. I had to go through all kinds of briefing about what to do and not to do. We have actually had some people kidnapped right outside Mexico City.

On Cayman, I haven't done anything yet. I will have to look at some of the sites you guys suggest to book. I can always cancel the Cozumel stuff and rebook on our own if I have to.

One question, did everyone get insurance? If you book an excursion on your own and something happens, what is the recourse? The one insurance company I was looking at will reimburse up to $250 per person if you can't do an excursion that you booked on your own. It is $110 for the 4 of us and I was tinking of getting it. The other option is a $94 policy but it doesn't cover excursions. Am I being over analyzing of this? I do worry about storms or something happening that would change our stops.

We're doing Thursday Palo Brunch at 10:30 A.M., so I think you're right. I'm sure we'll see you and many others there.

We did take Berkley Insurance through Sam's Club.

In my past experience I will always get cruise insurance for the following reasons. A week after paying for our 1st cruise 2003, DH ended up in the emergency room with kidney stones (no family or personal history of this) and we found out he had kidney cancer for which he needed surgery. Needless to say, the trip was canceled and fully refunded only because of the insurance, otherwise we would have been out thousands of dollars. DH is doing great today but it just goes to show that anything can come up at anytime even in young healthy people.

On our second trip (which ended up being our 1st cruise) we filed a claim for medical charges (which paid for the insurance). As soon as we landed in Orlando for the land part of our land/sea vacation, DS got a fever and we ended up with a Drs. House call at the Polynesian Resort (the other option was the emergency room which we avoided since DS had such bad memories of DHs previous experience with the emergency room). DS had a 103 fever and Strep and needed med delivered, etc. He ended up being on meds for 3 days before our cruise so he was able to go on the cruise, but it could have been worse and we could have missed the cruise. We hung on mostly in our room for the remainder of our land trip, but Disney did change our park tickets to nonexpireable for us (this was suggested by the insurance company which saved us hundreds of dollars). The insurance also picked up all the medical costs too.

In my opinion if you can afford to lose the entire cruise payment and airfare, etc., and miss your trip--then save the couple of hundred dollars. I personally think its worth the couple of extra hundred dollars for peace of mind as it has certainly paid off for me.

For the insurance on the excursions, I guess it depends on the individual insurance. When I booked the Dolphin excursion in Cozumel, they said that if we couldn't dock, we just needed a letter from the cruiseline and then they would refund the cost less a small bookkeeping fee. I think they are all a little different on what and how much they cover. We're flying to Orlando 2 days early because that was the only flight we could get from Rockford and the insurance said if we missed the ship, we wouldn't be refunded (that is of course, not if there is an illness) the cruise amount since we were traveling early. Check the fine print because things like this can change everything.

FYI: We used TravelGuard for the first trip we canceled and Berkley for the one that we filed medical claims on.

Karen

 

[homespun]

Looks like everyone was quick on the draw for Palo's reservations! There was only one choice left for brunch (any day) and all the tea times gone. Is there any chance for additional time slots to open up? We did book dinner and know it will be great! DH already knows what he is going to order.

They do hold some spots open for those without computer access or last minute bookings. I'd check right away upon boarding to see what you can get.

 

[homespun]

Karen,

I thought Formal night should be on Monday? Did DCL tell you something different?

Kayla

You're right - formal night is on Monday, I typed it wrong.

They told me formal night is Night 3 and Pirate Night is Night 5. Sorry, didn't mean to alarm you. I edited my post, but it didn't change where it was "quoted."

Karen

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Looks like we'll be having Dinner at Palo's at 6:30 on Monday. We opted for that rather than doing the whole formal thing and DS wants to order room service, so that works for us. I called Disney and they gave us our probable dining rotation and is APPLAPL at 5:45 since we have older children in our group (12-14). That would be our 2nd night at Parrot Cay (we have 3 there) so we figured that would be a good night to skip. DH has a tux, but to bring that and get all dressed up is not our idea of vacationing. We do that at home at least once a year for Lions functions, and we want to relax on vacation.

We're doing Palo brunch on Day 6 Sea Day 10 10:30 A.M.

We also booked the Nautilus Undersea Tour & Reef Snorkel -- Anyone Else?

I was concerned about Mexico too, but it seems from the news reports that the problems with drug lords are basically happening around border towns so hopefully we're far enough away. I hope so, because we booked the Dolphin Swim and I don't want to miss it since we paid in advance. I think it's about 10 minutes from the port by cab, so hopefully all will be well. We'll be keeping tabs on the problems there.

It's getting closer each day and we're so looking forward to meeting everyone.

Karen

That rotation doesn't match what I've read on this board (posted by a moderator of this forum). they gave 3 different ones and I wrote down the one I HOPE we get (which is APLLAPL)- which you can see either yours or mine is wrong because we'd end up in the same night at Lumiere's! So now I'm really confused. They stated those 3 rotations like it was fact..... hmmm

Looks like everyone was quick on the draw for Palo's reservations! There was only one choice left for brunch (any day) and all the tea times gone. Is there any chance for additional time slots to open up? We did book dinner and know it will be great! DH already knows what he is going to order.

Yes if you don't get it online go directly to book this once you're on board. Rockin' Bar D I think is still the place to go to do this. they do hold some back because not everyone can book online and if they didn't hold some back a whole lot of people would be upset that they get on board and ALL the spots are already taken!

As for insurance- I need to look into other insurance I guess. I usually go thru my TA with travelguard I think it is- and it usually runs us almost $400 for all 5 of us in 2 rooms. I'm not sure if it's based on cost or what. But that's just too much to pay for "what if"- like I said the only thing that worries me (this is the first time we haven't got insurance) is if something happened where we had to be taken home immediately for some medical reason. If I could get it much cheaper I'd do it... but anyway, I was just commenting on the excursions- the ones we book always say they'll refund if we don't make it there/etc.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay I found it in the DCL faq thread
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

The rotation you showed for that time doesn't match up to what's said there..

 

[homespun]

Okay I found it in the DCL faq thread
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

The rotation you showed for that time doesn't match up to what's said there..

We'll I don't know if he was right or not, but he did look it up. I told him I was trying to book Palo ressies and wanted to know what my dining rotating would be. He said it would likely be as follows unless I requested otherwise:

LAAPLAP - 5:30 - for those with younger children
APPLAPL - 5:45 - for those with older children
PLLAPLA - 6:00 - for mostly adults

Again he said that most "likely" our dining time would be 5:45 and that our "likely" rotation would be APPLAPL unless I requested otherwise. I know this is different than shown in the Passporter too, so I don't know if they are making a change. It makes sense though when I look at the rotations since adults are more likely to appreciate Lumiere's and young children and more likely the appreciate Animator's Palate. I guess we won't know until we get our KTTW cards.

I'm curious if anyone else has called and if they've gotten the same information.

Karen

 

[klcason]

You're right - formal night is on Monday, I typed it wrong.

They told me formal night is Night 3 and Pirate Night is Night 5. Sorry, didn't mean to alarm you. I edited my post, but it didn't change where it was "quoted."

Karen

Oh! Phew! No problem, just wanted to be sure I didn't need to revamp my plans!!

Kayla