Mike & Missy's Grand Adventure! A DCL & WDW Pre-TR w/ pics! Updated-09/18

[Jennifer48]

Hmmm thats a tricky one. Myself, I'd pay the $50 more for the closer resort only because I hate driving. How far is CI to Cocoa Beach and Ron Jon? Are you still going to try to go there no matter which hotel you stay at?

 

[UGAFan0829]

Hmmm thats a tricky one. Myself, I'd pay the $50 more for the closer resort only because I hate driving. How far is CI to Cocoa Beach and Ron Jon? Are you still going to try to go there no matter which hotel you stay at?

It's only 5 minutes from the CI to Ron Jon's and 10 to Cocoa Beach.
Yeah, we had planned on going there no matter where we stay!

As of right now, I'm definitely leaning towards the CI!

 

[Jennifer48]

It's only 5 minutes from the CI to Ron Jon's and 10 to Cocoa Beach.
Yeah, we had planned on going there no matter where we stay!

As of right now, I'm definitely leaning towards the CI!

Then I'd say, stay at CI! Between saving time and gas driving back and forth, it would probably be worth it and might even be a wash in the end money wise. I just wish I knew someone that has stayed there before to give you an opinion of the hotel itself. Maybe if you post something on the DCL forum, someone must have stayed there before.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Then I'd say, stay at CI! Between saving time and gas driving back and forth, it would probably be worth it and might even be a wash in the end money wise. I just wish I knew someone that has stayed there before to give you an opinion of the hotel itself. Maybe if you post something on the DCL forum, someone must have stayed there before.

Thanks so much for your input, Jennifer! I appreciate it, and it makes me feel a lot better about my decision. I think I'm gonna go with the CI...Just gonna let the DH look at it and see what he thinks when I get home tonight. I'm sure that he will like it, but I always like to have his input and make him part of the decision!
I actually read all of the reviews on Trip Advisor, and they were all great, with the exception of one or two, but that's to be expected. I also posted something on the main DCL board, and a few people responded--all with good things to stay about the hotel!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Just wanted to post a quick update...
We are officially booked for our night before the cruise at the Country Inn & Suites at the port! Yahoo I'm excited about staying there, especially since we're going to be so close to the ships! I reserved a room with 2 queens, so hopefully there will be enough room for the 4 of us.

I think we'll all be so excited that it really won't matter anyway! I read that this is one of the hotels that will allow you to leave your car there and take their shuttle to the port, but I think we're just gonna park in the DCL lot. I know it's extra $, but I feel more secure leaving it in a gated lot that has 24-hour security!
Well, sorry this is so short for now, hopefully I'll have more to update on later.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[aussieinvasion]

Hi, Mel! Thanks so much for joining me! You're probably going to be soooo tired of hearing from me by the time that we cruise! At least you're having fun reading!!
Yep, the picture was from Stone Mountain. We live about 45 minutes from the park, but hardly ever go on our own. Mike's company has held their Christmas party there for the past 2 years, so that's when the picture was taken. It's very neat that you've been there!!

As if I would get tired of hearing from you We had a great time when we went to Stone Mountain, that was with my mum and dad and I think I must have been in my late teens. We spent some time in Atlanta and we went driving around for the day, and thats where we ended up. It was Christmas time and they had the prettiest lights up. We went on the steam train and on the wildlife trails, and up on the skylift to the top of the mountain of course. Wow, I just realised that was 1994! I even kept an old postcard and admission ticket to the skylift in my travel diary.

Anyway, I love the room you've booked. It will be so exciting to be right there at the port!! Are you guys thinking of getting to the port early or are you going to take your time? Ive heard people have different opinions about this. We are aiming to get there early and get the kiddies registered for the Oceaneer Club. I know I can do this in advance online but its saying that Amelia is eligible for Flounders and not Oceaneers as she turns 3 on the ship and I want to get that straightened out. Plus we want to be on there as soon as humanly possible

 

[UGAFan0829]

As if I would get tired of hearing from you We had a great time when we went to Stone Mountain, that was with my mum and dad and I think I must have been in my late teens. We spent some time in Atlanta and we went driving around for the day, and thats where we ended up. It was Christmas time and they had the prettiest lights up. We went on the steam train and on the wildlife trails, and up on the skylift to the top of the mountain of course. Wow, I just realised that was 1994! I even kept an old postcard and admission ticket to the skylift in my travel diary.

Anyway, I love the room you've booked. It will be so exciting to be right there at the port!! Are you guys thinking of getting to the port early or are you going to take your time? Ive heard people have different opinions about this. We are aiming to get there early and get the kiddies registered for the Oceaneer Club. I know I can do this in advance online but its saying that Amelia is eligible for Flounders and not Oceaneers as she turns 3 on the ship and I want to get that straightened out. Plus we want to be on there as soon as humanly possible

Awwww, thanks, Mel. That makes me feel no so quite crazy for being such an obsessive planner!

It's too neat that you remember your trip to Stone Mountain. It really is a cool place, and they have added a lot to it. When we were there for the Christmas Party we got to see Polar Express in 4-D...Now that was neat! They even had snow tubing this year, which is a huge thing here in Georgia!

I'm VERY excited to be so close to port! I think we are gonna try and get to the port early. That's what we've done the other 2 times that we've cruised, and it worked out well for us. I think we got a #2 boarding pass last time. I don't blame you for wanting to get the Flounders/Oceaneers thing straightened out in person, and as soon as possible!

You guys are going to WDW before the cruise right? We had booked for after the cruise, but ended up cancelling. I just didn't think that we could swing both the cruise AND Disney. I'm still a little sad about it, but it will be okay...I know the cruise is going to be awesome. And we've been talking to the DSIL and DN about heading over to DTD after we get off the ship. I want them to see the World of Disney store, and I can't wait to get back in there myself!

 

[Jennifer48]

Great news!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Just wanted to post another quick update...
We received our Passports yesterday! Mike got home early and called me at work to tell me that we had gotten them! They got here a lot faster than I thought they would. The lady at the Post Office told us about 2 weeks, but it wasn't even that long! So now we are official!
I do have a quck question about them though...On the page where our picture and info is, there is a signature line there...Are we supposed to sign them now? Just wanted to ask just in case we were suppose to sign them in front of someone!
Hopefully I'll be back later with more updates! I hope everyone is having a great week!!

 

[Jennifer48]

Wow that was super fast! That's great! One less thing to worry about.

 

[Mickey's Goofy Gal]

It seems everything is falling into place for ya'll!!!!!!!! I think you are making great choices and remember everyday is one day closer!!!!!!!! I am so excited for ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Wow that was super fast! That's great! One less thing to worry about.

I know...I couldn't believe that it was so fast! It's nice to be able to check something else off the list!!

It seems everything is falling into place for ya'll!!!!!!!! I think you are making great choices and remember everyday is one day closer!!!!!!!! I am so excited for ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!

Awww, thanks, Kim! I'm excited too. I just hope that one day I can be reading and posting on one of your trip reports!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

It's been a little while since I've updated, and I started noticing that the days are really ticking down. Only 205 to go!! I'm sure that sounds like a lot to most, but considering the fact that we've been waiting for this trip for well over 400 days, then I'm happy!!!
So, with that being said, I thought it was time to really think about the shore excursions that we want to take part in. I figured for the sake of updates, that I would break it out into each port.
First up is Key West!!! In looking at the shore excursions that DCL offers, there are really only a couple that seem interesting to us. First is the GPS Walking Tour. Here's the description that Disney gives:

Just a 200-yard walk from the ship; arrive at the start point for your walking tour, guided by your very own GPS. Receive instructions on how to navigate and use your GPS before setting off on the approximately 1-mile walk. See some of Key West's most famous landmarks, as well as some hidden treasures you perhaps didn't know about.

As you arrive at each featured destination, a video will appear on your GPS screen giving you more information and fun facts. You can follow the designated path or choose to linger and explore some of the stops along the way. If you choose to "roam alone", your GPS map will always indicate where you are. Setting your own pace means the GPS walking tour is great for first-time visitors and for Guests on a return visit who want to discover more about this island paradise.

At the end of your tour, return your GPS unit and make your way to Pat Croce's Rum Barrel to cool off with a complimentary beverage.

I really like the idea of having a GPS to be able to see more about the sights, especially since Mike, Brandi and I have never been there before.

The one other excursion that caught my eye is the Explore Key West by Electric Car. It sounds a lot like the walking tour, except we'd obviously have a car with this one. The only thing that I'm a little worried about with having a car is parking. I'm just not sure how easy it will be to find a place to park at each spot we want to check out. Honestly, I think I would rather do the walking tour, but I think the DSIL and DN are leaning towards a car. We're actually going over to the DSIL's house on Sunday to watch the Daytona 500 (Go #88 and #29!!), so I guess we'll make a final decision then. We've already talked about all the places that we want to visit, so we know where we want to go, now it's just a matter of figuring out how we want to get there.
And just for the sake of adding some excitement with some pics, here are a couple of the places that we definitely want to check out:
The Southernmost Point:

The Hemingway House:

Sloppy Joe's:

Margaritaville:

Hard Rock Cafe:

I'm sure that we probably won't make it to all of these places, but I'm putting them all on the list anyway! And who knows where else we may end up!

 

[Mickey's Goofy Gal]

These sound like exciting places to visit. I know that it is going to be soooo much fun. It will be fun with the GPS too. That is so cool - what are they going to come up with next!!!!!

 

[Jennifer48]

That GPS walking tour sounds like a blast. I like how you can pace yourself and stop to look around and you aren't completely tied to the tour. Of course, the car sounds good too but I'm with you on the parking. I don't know the area but I'd assume too you might have to pay for parking in some spots just because of the touristy area. Good luck with your decision!

 

[UGAFan0829]

These sound like exciting places to visit. I know that it is going to be soooo much fun. It will be fun with the GPS too. That is so cool - what are they going to come up with next!!!!!

I was thinking the same thing!! I think it would be really cool to have them along...especially since I have no sense of direction! Lord knows I could get lost in the mall!!

That GPS walking tour sounds like a blast. I like how you can pace yourself and stop to look around and you aren't completely tied to the tour. Of course, the car sounds good too but I'm with you on the parking. I don't know the area but I'd assume too you might have to pay for parking in some spots just because of the touristy area. Good luck with your decision!

That's exactly what I was thinking...being able to see things at our own pace would be better, I think.
Ooooh, paying for parking didn't even cross my mind either. Thanks for bringing that up...I will definitely mention that to the DSIL and DN on Sunday!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

I think Grand Cayman will probably be one of the most difficult ports to pick an excursion for. I've looked at the ones that DCL offers a hundred times, and each time I think I've found one I like, and then I'll end up changing my mind. So there are a few different possibilities for this one. At the very beginning, I really wanted to do Stingray City, but the DSIL mentioned that she didn't really care for that, so that may be out of the question. So here's what we're considering for our day in GC:
Grand Cayman Island Tour:

Discover the sights and sounds of the Caribbean on this two-hour bus excursion through the streets of Georgetown, the capital of Grand Cayman, before arriving at the unique black rock formations known as "Hell." Afterward, visit the world-renowned turtle nursery, the Cayman Turtle Farm, and spend some time with these fascinating creatures

I really like the fact that this one somewhat "tours" the island. I've often thought about visiting "Hell" and the Turtle Farm. The only drawback for this one is that it doesn't have any beach time.

Rum Point Beach Adventure and Stingray City Snorket:

Hit the beach at Rum Point! Kick back, relax and soak up the sun on white-sand beaches before boarding a glass-bottom boat where you can catch a glimpse of the multitude of marine life in their natural habitat. Journey to Stingray City and make a splash with real-live stingrays as you snorkel alongside these captivating creatures. Afterward, enjoy a light lunch and take in the sights of this Caribbean paradise.

Of course I like this one because of Stingray City. But another plus is the glass bottom boat...I think Mike would really like this part of it. AND lunch is included so that's another plus. But of course DSIL may not want to do this one, as I mentioned earlier.

Island Tour and Snorkeling with Stingrays:

Discover paradise on an island tour of Grand Cayman with stops at the Cayman Turtle Farm and the fascinating prehistoric rock formation known as "Hell." Then, enjoy a relaxing 45-minute boat ride to the Stingray City sandbar for a chance to interact and feed these magnificent sea creatures at a water depth of 4-6 feet.

I think this one is my pick out of all of them, mostly because it includes both the island tour AND snorkeling with the stingrays AND the Turtle Farm. But it doesn't include lunch, which really isn't a big deal, but it's still something to consider.

Unlike Key West, I really don't have a list of things that I want to see in Grand Cayman. I have some ideas of things that might be neat, but I don't know a whole lot about the island, so that has a lot to do with it. I would like to experience at least one of the beaches, as all of the pics I've seen of the different ones are gorgeous!!

If anyone has any input/advice/suggestions on GC, please let me know...I'm always open for new stuff! Sorry about not having any pics for this installment!!

 

[Disneychica2009]

Hi there, don't mean to barge in our you thread but I just thought I'd let you know my sister and I and our 5 boys are going on the Magic 7 day cruise on 4/4/09. We decided to get passports for the entire family for piece of mind. We have been on 2 cruises where people had to leave the ship for medical emergencies which meant they would have to fly back to the US, on 2 other occaisions people had to leave the ship to fly home because of deaths in the family and a very ill family member back home. In all of these cases if the person leaving the ship hadn't had a passport (book) they would not have been able to get back to the US. Even though it's a zillion to one odds of anything happening I'm sure, because of the incidents mentioned above we just don't want to take the chance.

As for Key West. Most of those pictures of Hard Rock, Sloppy Joes etc. are all on Duval St very near the cruise port and even the Southern Most Point is only about 1 mile from the ship. Parking is very difficult to find and expensive if you were going to rent a vehicle. I have always walked to everything even when we've stayed there for long weekends etc.

My sister has been to GC before and she and her kids still rave about sting ray city, so we are doing that but not through DCL, I've hooked up with a private tour and they will take us out on our own boat and with a wave runner for the kids to ride as well (adults too). I read many tripadvisor reviews on the tour company and all were very positive, so I'm pretty comfortable with it.

I am still researching what to do in Cozumel, can't decide. So I will continue to research the next week or so but don't want to wait too long.

Sorry I rambled on. Enjoy your planning. That's half of the fun.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Hi there, don't mean to barge in our you thread but I just thought I'd let you know my sister and I and our 5 boys are going on the Magic 7 day cruise on 4/4/09. We decided to get passports for the entire family for piece of mind. We have been on 2 cruises where people had to leave the ship for medical emergencies which meant they would have to fly back to the US, on 2 other occaisions people had to leave the ship to fly home because of deaths in the family and a very ill family member back home. In all of these cases if the person leaving the ship hadn't had a passport (book) they would not have been able to get back to the US. Even though it's a zillion to one odds of anything happening I'm sure, because of the incidents mentioned above we just don't want to take the chance.

As for Key West. Most of those pictures of Hard Rock, Sloppy Joes etc. are all on Duval St very near the cruise port and even the Southern Most Point is only about 1 mile from the ship. Parking is very difficult to find and expensive if you were going to rent a vehicle. I have always walked to everything even when we've stayed there for long weekends etc.

My sister has been to GC before and she and her kids still rave about sting ray city, so we are doing that but not through DCL, I've hooked up with a private tour and they will take us out on our own boat and with a wave runner for the kids to ride as well (adults too). I read many tripadvisor reviews on the tour company and all were very positive, so I'm pretty comfortable with it.

I am still researching what to do in Cozumel, can't decide. So I will continue to research the next week or so but don't want to wait too long.

Sorry I rambled on. Enjoy your planning. That's half of the fun.

Hi, Disneychica 2009! You're not barging in at all. I truly appreciate your post!! I'm glad that we decided to go with the Passports. The thought of something happening like you mentioned is exactly what made us go ahead and get ours.

Thanks for confirming that about the parking in Key West. That is good to know, and I will make sure to mention that to the DSIL and DN. It sounds as though the places that we want to see are definitely do-able by walking.

The excursion that you have booked for GC sounds really cool. Especially with the wave runner. I guess I've just not been brave enough to use anyone besides the DCL excursions. Though I would love to hear more about the one you've booked, if you don't mind sharing.

And I would love to hear what you decide on for Cozumel. We were thinking about the Jeep Tour, but that's not a definite yet.

Again, I really appreciate all your input! I agree that the planning is definitely half the fun! Please come back and post more!!

 

[ibela]

Island Tour and Snorkeling with Stingrays:

Discover paradise on an island tour of Grand Cayman with stops at the Cayman Turtle Farm and the fascinating prehistoric rock formation known as "Hell." Then, enjoy a relaxing 45-minute boat ride to the Stingray City sandbar for a chance to interact and feed these magnificent sea creatures at a water depth of 4-6 feet.

I think this one is my pick out of all of them, mostly because it includes both the island tour AND snorkeling with the stingrays AND the Turtle Farm. But it doesn't include lunch, which really isn't a big deal, but it's still something to consider.

Duh, I can't believe I didn't realize you had started a pre-trip report!

I figured I'd throw my $.02 in. If that's the tour you want to do above, then you should definitely go with it. How long is it anyway? It's probably only 3 hrs long or so, just eat some bkfst before and you'll probably be back on the ship for lunch. Or do what we're doing, bringing some snacks with us - maybe a bagel or some muffins or something to tide us over. I don't know what's good there and don't want to waste too much time eating anyway, I'd rather be exploring. And it'll help cut costs down to apply towards the spa stuff!


Definitely good decision about the passports and as far as parking at the CI & S, I've read plenty of people on the dis have done it and haven't had any problems. We're going to return the car and then probably just get another one when we get back if we don't do the DCL transfers.