Mazatlan, Mexico

[Mazatlan Frank]

I would say it is half path and the last half stairs. It seems steep but believe me, it is a great view! Take your camera. I have been there many times and love it. I do recommend early though, specially if you are coming on the Magic in summer, it gets hot and humid!
But don´t be afraid, do it! You will like it. Have fun
Mazatlan Frank

 

[JennsBabySky]

RDS912
I am sure that you will be able to get a room at El Cid for the day. Why don´t you contact them direct? www.elcid.com
About the car seat, little problem, the taxis do not have one. What I can do is see if any of my taxi driver friends happen to have one and take it aboard the day you arrive. Let me know if you want this and I will try, can not guarantee but will try.
Mazatlan Frank

Ok, about the carseat. I'd prefer to use a carseat, but I'm trying to also be realistic. I have been to Mazatlan several times before (pre-kids) and I seem to remember that most of the taxis were open air and without seat belts. If I were to bring my carseat, would some of the taxis have seatbelts and how hard is it to find a taxi with seatbelts?

Thank you,
Jennifer

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

Most of the closed Taxis are newer models and have seat belts. The ones that do not have seatbelts are the open air taxis. Maybe one or two do have them, but most of the open air ones do not. I am sure that if you take your car seat, you will be able to use it.

Have fun in Mazatlan!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[padalyn]

Frank - I have been reading all the wonderful things you have to say about Mazatlan. I am wondering about the Deer Park Kayaking excursion listed by Disney. It sound wonderful, but I am a night bird...thus pale as white sheets. How much cover is there on the catamaran? I saw some posted pictures of a canopy across the beach at Deer Park, but am concerned about the cover on the trip over. (Yes, I own stock in sunscreen, but am always looking for shade - us vampires melt you know ). Can you shed some light (or should I say shade?) on this?

I have booked my little group of 4 on this trip, and we are hoping to bring along personal snorkle gear, is this worth while?

Do you have any other information about this trip? or insights?

Thanks -

Padalyn (as in Kayaking!!)

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I am sorry about the delay. I do not really know who Disney will work for the Deer Island tour. It is Island not park, sorry. The only one I do know about is one offered by a company that uses a Trimaran, and they do have a little shade. I know the Catamarans have 2 floors so if they use one of those, you may go downstairs. I would suggest that you contact Disney and ask who is the service provider and if they do have shade. I am quite sure they must.
I hope I answered your question.
Have a great weekend!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[challada]

Frank-

Are you already booked in the 1st Riviera cruise (departs 5/28) landing in Mazatlan? We've got five people including two kids and wondering about how well they would do on a "tour" so still unsure...definitely want to see the lighthouse, though!

THANKS
Chris

 

[dreamflight99]

Most of the closed Taxis are newer models and have seat belts. The ones that do not have seatbelts are the open air taxis. Maybe one or two do have them, but most of the open air ones do not. I am sure that if you take your car seat, you will be able to use it.

Have fun in Mazatlan!

Mazatlan Frank

Hi, Frank! I've enjoyed reading this thread, and all the generous information you've offered.

I recall a similar concern during our '02 Disney Cruise (Western Itinerary), the Taxi we used to travel to/from the Disney Dolphin excursion at a state park was VERY unsafe. There were no seatbelts, tires were bald (station wagon), cracked windshield, and the driver initially attempted to overload the car. He had to unload passengers after the Disney chaperone/excursion guide spoke with him in regards to the matter. Also, there was NO A/C!! It was BLAZING HOT and all the windows were down. My DD and I were in the back seat (FAR BACK) and another couple were in the middle. My DH was in the front seat with the driver. At one point, he looked back at all of us as we perspired and asked, "Would you like me to turn down the A/C?" (as he manually rolled up the window!)!! YEAH...RIGHT! We all burst into laughter, which lightened the mood, but failed to alleviate other stress. I remained anxious over the absence of proper restraints, and the manner in which the driver handled the vehicle (speeding, etc), and probably broke a speed record for exiting a vehicle when we arrived at our destination. I still shudder to think this was a DISNEY EXCURSION...booked through DCL. There should be a certain "standard" for their passengers/guests.

I too, would appreciate reassurance the cars have seat belts. A.C is an added bonus, but does nothing by the way of safety. We ran into a similar problem during the Cruise stop in Naussau, on our way to Atlantis. The Taxi had no belts, and the driver drove the cab like "it was on rails!" The best experience was in Grand Cayman. We were in a new mini van/bus, with fabulous A/C, comfortable individual seating, and a fab safe driver.

TIA for any assistance you may be able to offer.

DF99

 

[wmjivey]

Frank-

Are you already booked in the 1st Riviera cruise (departs 5/28) landing in Mazatlan? We've got five people including two kids and wondering about how well they would do on a "tour" so still unsure...definitely want to see the lighthouse, though!

THANKS
Chris

Chris:

We checked with Frank about a month ago and he was available. He said that he would charge, I believe, approximately $45 per person. We also want to see the lighthouse. We are two adults and two kids and I know Frank needed a minimum of 6 adults so maybe between the two of us we can work something out with Frank.

Let me know.

Gail

 

[challada]

Oh! So if we all went together, it would be 5 adults and 4 kids total for Frank...wonder if he would do that number? Our boys would have lots of fun doing a tour together since they'll be doing the club together!

Frank...can you let us know if that would work? Are kids same price? And what hilights would you do?
THANKS

Chris

 

[wmjivey]

Chris:

Have you made any decisions about PV or Cabo? We are set for the Pirate Sail & Snorkel in PV but thinking about just walking and touring on our own in Cabo.

I think we would make a great group for Frank. Hopefully we will hear from him soon with what all he can do for us.

Gail

 

[challada]

Gail-
I got a message from Frank, have forwarded it to grandparents going w/us to confirm.

In PV we are going to try to swim w/dolphins...just trying to figure out transport to/from the center as I can book direct w/them (and not worry about DCLs restrictions).

Undecided on Cabo still...I would like to kayak out to see the arch and both of my kids are kayakers (they have a big multisport thing in two weeks that they are both kayaking in their age division for their teams...but older one who is 9 is "ironmaning" it w/his best friend, younger who is 5 is only kayaking), but age requirement thru DCL leaves them out. Of course, I would like some beach time too.

 

[wmjivey]

What did Frank say? Did he have any suggestions other than the lighthouse? What about lunch?

In Cabo, we may just take a water taxi over to Lover's Beach and spend part of the day there. There are a lot of tour directors right after getting off the tender and last time we got a snorkel trip, including lunch, for approximately $40 for the four of us. Since we are snorkeling in PV, I am looking more at just looking around or beach time.

We booked our Pirate Sail & Snorkel on our own directly with the Marigalante and saved some money. Figured we would be safe if there is any problem getting back on time since we will be with other DCL cruisers.

 

[Monstro]

Chris:

Have you made any decisions about PV or Cabo? We are set for the Pirate Sail & Snorkel in PV but thinking about just walking and touring on our own in Cabo.

Gail

Gail,

How were you able to make shore excursions so early?

Jeff

 

[wmjivey]

As long as your cruise is paid in full, you can make your shore excursions at the 90 day mark.

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

It has been quiet these past days. Any other questions about Mazatlan?

Please feel free to ask!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[suesings]

Hi Frank,
We haven't decided what to do in Mazatlan yet. Any ideas for a family of 4 with a 5 year old and a 22 month old?

Thanks,

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

Perhaps a visit to the Aquarium. It has real nice interesting fish and also some real nice shows with sea lions and birds plus nice gardens. The cost now is $60 pesos and $30 pesos chldren. I do not know in summer, maybe a tiny bit more.
Another idea is to go horse ridingwith Randi and her happy horses.

Does this sound okmor you have more questions?

Mazatlan Frank

 

[dreamflight99]

Perhaps a visit to the Aquarium. It has real nice interesting fish and also some real nice shows with sea lions and birds plus nice gardens. The cost now is $60 pesos and $30 pesos chldren. I do not know in summer, maybe a tiny bit more.
Another idea is to go horse ridingwith Randi and her happy horses.

Does this sound okmor you have more questions?

Mazatlan Frank

What would this be in US dollars?
Thank you!

 

[rsjj]

Perhaps a visit to the Aquarium. It has real nice interesting fish and also some real nice shows with sea lions and birds plus nice gardens. The cost now is $60 pesos and $30 pesos chldren. I do not know in summer, maybe a tiny bit more.
Another idea is to go horse ridingwith Randi and her happy horses.

Does this sound okmor you have more questions?

Mazatlan Frank

Dear Frank,
you would recommend Randi's happy horses, with a 3 & will be 6 yos?

as for the aquarium...is it far from where the ship docks? how would we get there? walking distance?

thank you!

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

Yes, I have seen many young kids ride with randi. She is great!
The aquarium is not walking distance from the ship. You would have to take a Taxi which should be around $10us one way per taxi.

Mazatlan Frank