Melodrama in Mexico in The middle of March...

[lmhall2000]

Well, its done..punctuation will be sorely lacking this first entry..on an iPad and refuse to take time to switch screens...we are paid in full. I am going commando and refusing the trip insurance..so we are headed to the most violent country on this planet for our family vacation. As the little piggy in the geico commercial squeals...wheeeeee..wheeeeee....wheeeee!

 

[Mindyjoy]

woohoo, congrats!! I am on the April 10th cruise. There's really no need to worry about violence. The problems are closer to the border and not in tourist areas. I had a co-worker who spent a week in PV earlier this year and had no problems. And he was visiting a friend who lives there in a condo near the port and the friend has had no problems with violence there, either.

 

[belle'ssister]

Have a great time on your cruise I was there in August and in Nov. of '09. No problems at all, felt very safe.

I'm on the March 20th cruise, is that the one you're going on?

 

[lmhall2000]

You guys are the best! I am usually not so paranoid about safety issues..however, this trip we're taking our two nieces with us..both are graduating this spring...one from college (she's finishing Boston U. in 2 years!!) and the other from high school..I just feel that much more alarmed taking other people's children with me!

I just can't ignore the facts! On the US Department warnings page it clearly reiterates again and again to be vigilante and careful...Mazatlan has had more murders in the first quarter of 2010 than it had the whole year of 2009..unfortunately some of these 'drug lords' have beach homes as well...2 were found beheaded outside an Acapulco resort yesterday...50 were kidnapped off a train last week and Mexico denied it, now they're having to confirm it b/c ransom calls have already been made to family members living in California..it's just not encouraging...but even if we stay on the ship for 7 days, Disney can make it a vacation worth taking..not to mention the discount with kids sail free!

So here we goooooooo...highly informed and bravely marching on that Wonder boarding plank...whether we disembark in Mexico will be determined on the morning of docking

This landlubber crew:

Dad: 43...highly sarcastic, deeply pessimistic and luckily a fan of Disney
Mom: 43 (me) highly positive, deeply encouraging and also a fan of Disney and I need to add some flaw here..hmm...the fact that I've sat here for a couple of minutes trying to think of a unique one (being overweight is just too common) must point to the fact I have a Mary Poppins complex...OUCH!!
Goofy: 15 teen son, most of his responses are gutteral and full of mumbles
Tink: 13..will have only been a teen for 10 days before the trip...very quiet and a bit awkward but in a funny way.
Bug: 11..just 13 months younger than Tink, but likes to rule the roost...oh and is known to gain 8 pounds just on the cups of self serve ice cream...sightings of her there will be frequent.
Brainia: Niece 1: 20 on the trip....still just amazed she could blow through a 4 year program in 2 years without going summers...this child is dedicated! And needs a GREAT cruise to blow off some pre-graduation steam!
Singa: Niece 2: This child can Siiiiiinnnnng...for those of you on the March 13th sailing...make sure to hit karaoke one night...she'll be that angelic voice hitting notes that make you smile! The only drawback is she is boy crazyyyyy..neither have ever been on a cruise...that in itself can make for some interesting moments...
Ghost child: age ??? We really feel badly that our 15 year old son will be with all these girls, so we're hoping one of his friends will tag along..but it's a bad week for many b/c that's when their families take trips...so we've booked an eighth..just have no clue who it will be yet!

Our second cruise..we've managed to afford it by cutting our food budget back to $500 a month (including all household needs, tp/trash bags etc.) and by taking advantage of the kids sail free..years of banked skymiles and amazing airfare for the rest ($150 RT to LA from Nashville)....the kids love the cruises so much they're willing to keep this barebones food budget so we can book the Dream in August 2012...our 20th anniversary...with this food budget I should be at my goal weight by then! HA!

We're ready to see the Wonder for the first time...and hit Disneyland on the return trip...our flights (most) leave at 11:35 PM!! EEK! So, we're going to spend the day at the Land...one niece does have a 10:55AM flight on return..we're going to be racing to get her there, pick up a one day rental...load our luggage in it and head to Disney,....

Our hotel is the Avita Suites in Torrance, free full breakfast caught my eye, with 4-5 teens, I need it!

Off to fill in all those required forms and see if my 11B ressie has been assigned a room number yet! It's such a full ship due to it being a spring break week, but I'm still hopeful those little tinker dust fairies are out there..some claim it's all done by computer, but I think that computer must have some help sometime!

Hope to see other 3/13 sailers!!!

Mom T

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

Wow! All I can say is Good Luck and have tons of fun!!

 

[lmhall2000]

Wow! All I can say is Good Luck and have tons of fun!!

Much appreciated!!! I am open for suggestions on how families with teens make this a ton of fun experience!!

Melodrama case #1....son who had to literally be pulled up the stairs to the Stack..he signed in and did not return for 7 days!! He spent the last 3 days of the cruise really enjoying himself there...hoping that alone will prevent the dragging again.

Melodrama case #2...13 year old daughter is in the height of hormonal turmoil...easily offended...but undeniably the sweetest child otherwise...hoping Mickey/Goofy are able to bring some light into the world of a hypersensitive teen!

Melodrama case #3...both of my oldest are teenagers, hmmm....and they love to aggravate each other....let's just say hoping they can contain their urge for food fights!

Melodrama case #4...two nieces (adorable and gifted) but they love their bathroom time...they spend probably more time getting ready than our entire family of five..I guess b/c my son could go weeks without a shower...we haven't hit that must shower for an hour each day mode...will I be able to talk them into leaving the stateroom without makeup/hair done/outfit complete?? I'm sure Minnie has her days, oh wait, she's perfectly coiffed and matching everytime I see her..so she's not a good example.

Melodrama case #5....I'm the patient one, my husband will pop his top at the least offense....but I will pop my top at his lack of patience...so can two middle aged parents handle 4-5 teenagers and a teen wannabe (our youngest who is almost 12)...

Any tips on teens...share them! I'm not one to let them wander willy nilly, but think they'd like that independence...is asking for dinner together each night too much to ask?

Thanks for you teen veterans!

Mom T

 

[lmhall2000]

Yippee!!!

As a mom, we seek any tools we can muster to create an atmosphere of comraderie, tranquility and joy....contention and ******* just don't make a comfy nest! Thrilled I am to see us officially adding our 8th passenger to our fiesta on the Wonder! My son's friend is able to go , it will be his first time in an airplane (I think?) and definitely his first time on a cruise ship..it will make the trip sooo much more enjoyable for my son who gave unintelligible grunts of excitement when learning he'd be the only boy in our crew (besides Dad, of course)....Wow, now that I think of it, we'll be getting a taste of how families with 6 children manage on these ships!

Melodrama #2 has been averted...with a buddy along, my son will be too busy to want to aggravate sister, but then again, we may have created another melodrama...everyone wants to buddy with the new guy, showing him all the cool things, poor friend will probably be pulled everywhere!

I am slowly distancing myself from my safety fears in Mexico, it helped reading that Mexico says the largest cartel has been dissimilated...hmmmm...instead of one large Darth Vader, there are just merely storm troopers scattered throughout the country....not sure that truly means 'dissimilated'....but it was enough hope to get me to look at some excursion options in Cabo...I am actually considering doing the Kayak/snorkel adventure through a local outfitter...my dh was/is adamant NO Kayak...he had a bad experience with a canoe a few years back (really wasn't scary, but he's not very confident in small watercraft and likes to exit quickly, his foot landed between a pile of rocks in freezing water and his foot got stuck, he twisted his ankle and cursed the stew out of canoeing)...oh wait, there was a scary moment, he went with my son on a white water rafting event with scouts, but instead of rafts they each had their own inflatable thingie...son's inflatable took tumble and went upside down flipping my son out and he was wedged under it trying to stay with his 'boat'...the waters were too fast and drug our son about 100 yards across rocks before anyone could paddle to him...he had a safety vest on, but it terrified my husband to be helpless....and again he cursed small watercraft....

Can I convince him that he needs to give it another try?? I feel it's safer than ATV's, Banana Boats, and who won't need the exercise after eating all that food!

Let the melodramas continue....

Oh! And the joy of planning as well!! We were able to get the 8th seat on the airplane as a ff ticket!! Excellent!!

Mom T

 

[lmhall2000]

This is only our second cruise, but it's pictures like these that make you want to try it at least once!! Our goal is to sail each ship once and move on to exploring our country and others...just heard that Ryan Air may enter the market for flights from US-Europe!! Man, can you imagine the deals?? $40 Round trip to Paris?? "Hey Kids! Let's go to Salzburg for the weekend!" Or "Hey Kids! Let's go to Disneyland Paris AND Tokyo next week!" I bet their expression will be something like this...

 

[lmhall2000]

Some good news! The La Familia Cartel agreed to a cease fire for the whole month of January! Great news for those sailing in January, but as I read more deeply, they're only doing the cease fire to prove to the media that all the murders are not due to their activity....they're tired of getting all the blame from Mexico...I don't know if that's good or bad? All I do know is that more and more companies are pulling out of Mexico because they can't afford the bodyguard and security needed for their executives' families....but I am a nonpartisan traveler...I will pull for the good people of Mexico and try to support their economy...

Mom T

 

[lmhall2000]

In the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, police reported Monday that two boys ages 14 and 17 were shot to death in the remote mountain town of Alcozahuca, near the Oaxaca state line.

The assailants fled after killing the boys with assault rifles late Sunday. While there was no immediate evidence the killings were drug-related, Mexican cartels have been recruiting youths as young as 14.

Also in Guerrero, police in the resort of Acapulco reported Monday they had found the bound bodies of four young men dumped on a main boulevard.

The men had been killed with guns and knives and were found blindfolded and their hands or feet tied. Handwritten messages of the kind frequently left by drug cartels were found near the bodies, but Guerrero state police, in keeping with policy, did not release the contents of those messages.

Oh my goodness!! Is not ANYONE crying out for these children? Is it just that I'm beginning to see the juxtaposition of our family seeking bonding/together/celebration time together against the backdrop of such tragedy? Acapulco is not a border city, folks. It's on the Pacific Coast...Mexico is in trouble...all I can do right now is pray for those poor boys.

Mom T

 

[lmhall2000]

Melodrama: an extravagant comedy in which action is more salient than characterization

Yep, that pretty much describes our vacation. Traveling with 6 youths (liking Joe Pesci's pronunciation in "My Cousin Vinny") will pretty much be a comedy. Extravagance comes from the magical Wonder itself, what happens (the action) will be much more important (salient, yes, I had to look it up to confirm) than any characterization of the players involved.

Just a few pieces of the puzzle to tie up, need transportation to/from hotel...to/from port..and an auto rental to/from LAX/Disneyland on our last day....hotel is booked, all air travel complete, just need to save up for tips/excursion....did decide to go with Cabo Outfitters, they responded sooo nicely (Sofie, I believe) and it's only costing about $40 per person (they give a discount if you pay in cash) for 4 hours of boogie board, snorkel, kayak and beach chairs/umbrellas oh and snacks/water! We don't have to be picked up until 11:30..so that will make for a lazy day and back on the ship before 4:00...my kind of excursion!

I have not read any new headlines for Mexico...so maybe that La Familia boycott on violence is helping!!

Since we're talking action in our melodrama..I have committed to walking 4 miles everyday for 75 days (the number of days we had till the cruise) I've made it 10 days now and it's giving me hope that one day this 43 year old body will rid itself of years of post pregnancy indulgences and turning to food for comfort when things go south...I am actually excited about working out on the ship hopefully most mornings, I thought I would on the Med with the Magic...but I actually only did it one day!! EEK! I'm also excited about the tip that someone gave about awesome showers we can use off the spa area...with 6 yutes traveling with us, I can free up some shower time by walking my 2 miles in the morning and showering before breakfast in the 'bigger' shower.

And lastly, most reports from February Mexican sailings are that not many are getting upgrades sad1 I think I've read of one family being upgraded from a 5C to a 5a or 5b....I sooo want to pay for an upgraded room but my first commitment is to get rooms together and if I upgrade just one room, it's only a GTY status and Disney keeps telling me to wait and see what I do get...I need a little less conversation and a little more action! Props to Elvis!

Let the adventure continue!
Mom T

 

[lmhall2000]

I know, I know, I just read the headlines today. Can I just ignore it? Can we just imagine this never happened? Can I simply send out my prayers for the families of the 16 men found in Acapulco today? These actions are the type that I would like to remove from this melodramatic trip report.

I'll try to temper it with some travel tips. I cancelled Avita Suites (they were soo nice and tried so hard to help..but transportation for 8 to/from LAX to/from hotel/port..was making it a poor choice) and booked Crowne Plaza on Priceline for $65 a night, they were charging $170 on their website so I felt like it was a good deal..they do offer free shuttle..it will be a crazy free shuttle with 100's of other travelers taking it, but we're patient kind of people (for the most part)....

I also found this amazing lady through one of the limo services and she's trying to find coupons/deal that she can stack to get our transfers cheaper...just for those who do not know here are some stats...

South Bay Yellow Cab Taxi 800-924-TAXI
They have 6 passenger vans that will charge $60 from LAX to port same price for a 4 passenger car..you can call at anytime and ask for one...

The lady I'm working with quotes $92 (before discounts) for each way...and they hold 9 passengers (we have 8)....so we're still coming out ahead over getting a taxi or supershuttle which is $16 pp....

Hope this helps someone! Guessing La Familia was correct and it's not their organization that is calling all the violence, that is unless of course they did not stick to their no violence in January ban.

MomT

 

[lmhall2000]

Some of you may be wondering, if Mexico is questionable, why go?

Purely and simply, Disney.

Disney is that one place (set of places, WDW, Disneyland, Magic) where our family finds their way back to lightheartedness...I don't know what it is but generally our lives have had their share of change. When the kids were young, we had to move quite a bit for our careers...dh was a stay at home Dad and I was the money maker..to support a family on one income, when promotions came along, we couldn't afford to say no. So, it became a pattern of promising the kids a trip to Disney everytime we had a move..we are now fortunate to be in one place for a long time...so the kids thought the Disney trips would end....but then we ended up with 2 mortgages for 31 months...after that, yep, you guessed it, Disney...now it's essentially us pulling ourselves up and out of that financial stressor and dh working overtime to make it happen...with careful planning and kids sail free, we can give Daddy a much needed break....Disney never fails to give our family much needed family time and joy...some people just don't get the 'Disney' mania...and I won't say we're maniacal about Disney, just thankful they're there.

This week two of the largest ships out of the San Pedro port said they were leaving for good....they took almost half the passengers out of LA the last year..this is a huge loss for California and is being blamed on the Mexican violence fears and economy...but I can see the brighter picture...fewer travelers, less packed ports, local actually happy to see you and more discounts for future sailers...

You take the good, you take the bad and then you find you finally have the Facts of Life, yep, the facts of life....

We're staying festive and working on our fish extender gifts, we are NOT crafty, but thought we'd make an attempt..the girls are having a blast making them and that's half the fun...

Still waiting on room assignments, I check almost daily, there are still category 4 verandah and category 11....we're 11B GTY...I sooo wish I could just put the money down on an upgrade to a verandah...I just can't rationalize it in my head...one day, one day, maybe...

Hasta la vista Dis'ers!

 

[Mindyjoy]

Very well said. I am very much looking forward to my MR cruise and it would have to take something very drastic to deter me from my trip. Heck, I'm more worried about the ship breaking down a la Carnival more than I'm worried about violence in Mexico.

I'm sure you will have a fantastic cruise! Please keep posting updates!!!

 

[Kailua's Belle]

Thanks for sharing your research! We're a group of 9, so your transportation info is helpful!

How did you get the Crown Plaza for that amazing price? Is that bidding on Priceline or just regular booking? If it's bidding, would you mind sharing how you do it. I've never done that before.

Looking forward to more updates! We sail the week after you. Roll Tide

 

[lmhall2000]

WAR EAGLE!!! (okay, now that's just way too huge!! I've tried to resize it 3x, hoping the next time is the charm!)

Auburn never fails for some melodrama, waiting until the last 30 seconds to seal a win...but they did and it's National Champs baby!! Oh yeah! Rocking it with the class of '90 and all those other great years!

I'll just have to help my little Roll Tide fan!! Yes!! It was Priceline..there is a WONDERFUL website that will tell you the most recent "winning" bids...www.biddingfortravel.com I found CP for anywhere from $55-$75 a night, but be warned you do need to call CP and request non-smoking, they have a rule that says all Priceline people get only King bed/smoking..however I think so many of us have used them this go round I doubt they can stick to that rule! It's hard when you have a family of five and NEED two rooms although you really wish you could put one on a cot!

Also more news!!

Cabo Cabo!! No Mazatlan ...but be careful when booking these Feb-April cruises...at least for our cruise our excursion day is only from 11:15-5:00...and I think we're tendered? So there's not much time for long excursions, the second day is 7:15am-1:30pm..so again, not much? Why so short?

The No Mazatlan really helps put us at ease a bit more...but my heart goes out to those people whose livelihood depends on the tourist economy, hopefully it will spark some intensive strategies to combat the cartel. The last straw was perhaps the Vancouver tourist who defended and LOVED traveling to Mexico yearly...but at 1:30 in the afternoon at a shopping mall very near his resort...he was caught in crossfire trying to protect his wife..we wish him quick healing and safe return home. I don't doubt he'll travel again to Mazatlan, but maybe a tinge more guarded. From a liability standpoint there were just too many warning flags sounding off for that region, I doubt Disney had a choice.

We've got our room assignments!! We booked 11B and got 11B's!! The great news is they're RIGHT next to each other and both sideways, so that will be interesting, but bad news is we have about 6 teens (one 11 almost 12 year old) going with us!! With non-split bathrooms, my husband and I will be seeing many of you in the public ones....pretty sure all my showers will take place at the spa, but that's okay, I need to keep with my 4 mile a day fitness goal....I've made it 28 days of walking 4 miles a day!!! Feel soo much better and it is great listening to my playlist,....Buster Poindexter "Fiesta!" it's really keeping me on that treadmill! Oh, and a little Kenny Chesney "Sand in the toes" singing

Still calling every other day to check for availability on grabbing an 8A across the hall..no rooms for 4 open yet...but I have some Tinkerdust hopes!

The Wonder is now officially in LA!!! Let the fellow trip reports begin so I can get really excited!

MomT

 

[Kailua's Belle]

Lol! I figured I had a 50/50 chance on getting your allegiance right. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the color scheme of your tag on the bottom. We're from Hawaii, but my daughter is headed to Bama next year on a full scholarship, so I'm still relatively new to this rivalry thing. Glad you're still willing to help me out

Being a group of 9 is a bit of pain. I really don't want to have to get 3 rooms for one night. We don't even arrive at LAX till 10:30 p.m. I guess if we can get it at the price you did, it won't be so bad. I'm going to check that out. Thanks so much!

War Eagle

 

[belle'ssister]

Thanks for sharing your research! We're a group of 9, so your transportation info is helpful!

How did you get the Crown Plaza for that amazing price? Is that bidding on Priceline or just regular booking? If it's bidding, would you mind sharing how you do it. I've never done that before.

Looking forward to more updates! We sail the week after you. Roll Tide

I've read alot of posts on here about Priceline bidding for Crowne Plaza and Doubletree. I was going to do it, but you can't specify number of beds, and there is no gaurantee that if you have 3 or 4 in the room that you would get anymore than one bed.

We're on the same cruise as you and are taking our 9 yr old grandson. I didn't bid on Priceline because of the above reason. I did get a good deal though. We fly into Long Beach. We make arrangements ahead of time for the Long Beach Holiday Inn to pick us up from the airport. We get breakfast in the morning and their shuttle will take us to San Pedro to the terminal. The price is $104, couldn't pass that up.

 

[Kailua's Belle]

Hi Belle'ssister! That's a good deal too. If I can get a good deal on Priceline, I'll just spring for 3 rooms. Oh, btw, my son is 9 too. Are you on the kids FB page? Seems like there's a few boys that age! They should have fun!!

And to my War Eagle friend, check out this horseback riding tour for Cabo. I think you'll like the picture

http://www.loscaboshorses.com/tr.html

oh, and I realize that's a hawk in the picture, but it still reminds me of the beginning of AU games. I have to admit that eagle flying into your stadium is really cool!!

 

[lmhall2000]

LOVE IT!!!!

I think it looks more like an eagle than a hawk! The eagle's house used to be right on my way to classes each day, it was amazing to see him even though it was his unnatural habitat they are ausome creatures!!

Belle's Sister! What a LUCKY grandson!!!! You got a great deal to boot!! Y'all will have a blast!!!
Priceline is tricky, but we've done it for London/Barcelona and now LA...as long as you call the hotel directly and make your request you'll most likely come out okay. It also helps that the Millenium and other ships have pulled out of the port so those hotels will be hurting to sell their rooms and most likely will not be full. With 8 of us traveling, we just have to be frugal and hope for the best! When I called they were reluctant but changed our ressie to non-smoking doubles..we'll see...

Kailua Belle!!! Congratulations on the scholarship to Bama...is it gymnastics? I know a lot of people come from far away b/c they have a great gymnastics program...they have a GREAT business school as well, can you believe I've never been to Tuscaloosa?? My Dad went to Auburn, most my cousins all my siblings and I went there..so we just never had to seek out other schools Hope y'all can visit her down here..we have great weather Spring/Fall! You'd be amazed by the AU/Bama game..it's a hoot! Have a great trip, it's not easy planning for that number!!

MomT