November 1, 2008 "Election Day Castaways!"

[podsnel]

Question: What's the Master Chef Night all about????

I am also trying to decide what days would be the best to do brunch and dinner at Palo.

My family and the Miller Family are getting a van to take us from our Disney Resorts to the port and plan on getting there early.... not sure how early but earlier than the Disney buses got us there the last three cruises. Getting a van is saving us over $100.00 than using Disney Transfers.

As for the cruise shopping I think I am almost done as far as the kids go except for some nice shirts/suit for my son and husband. I just had my appendix out 2 and 1/2 weeks ago and am out of work for 6 weeks (go back on Aug 4th unless I get the Dr. to give me an extra two weeks) I will be working on that at my next appoinment. When I went shopping on Monday they aleady have the back to school stuff out! The summer stuff is on clearance already so it's time to stock up.....

Here's a link to the Golden Mickey's Menu (Master Chef):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1790419

I am trying to find the Captain's Gala menu, but the search engine is not cooperating. I just know that's the lobster night.

We're getting a limo to the port, too, because it IS so much less than the DCL transfer- and we can stop for wine/water on the way. And, if I paid the extra $$$ to ride on the pretty DCL bus, with the get-psyched-you're-goin-on-a-cruise video, and the MEARS bus showed up I would NOT be a happy camper! Was it really bad getting there late on the DCL bus? Some people have said they just walked on the ship that way- I'm just curious, because I still haven't picked a time.

Sorry about your appendix! Here's some towards your extended recovery! Hope you're feeling better, though- can you at least recuperate on the beach?

 

[feenie]

I have always used the Disney transfers..... so what does that mean for our luggage? I know we will have to bring it into the port renting a van but they will take it to our stateroom for us right? The Disney Bus is very convenient but it saves me money renting a van... and I have not booked our airfare yet and I am getting very nervous... I was planning on flying Spirit but the return home is $294.00! That is crazy! I am hoping that they drop some what but I doubt it. I am even willing to fly out of PHL or Newark but still no good deals. Did everyone pretty much book their airfare yet?

The van will drop you off and the porters will take your luggage from there (be prepared to tip them...) and then you go through and check in.

We have our flights booked for the way down, but we are hoping that the return flight will go down a bit before we book it. I am not going to wait too much longer, because at least with Southwest you can re-book and use the difference towards a future flight, but right now they are double the rate of our TO Florida flight.

 

[LBIGirl67]

When looking at airfares, keep an eye out on Spirit. I was just able to book 2 round trip tickets for my inlaws to come visit from West Palm for a whopping total of ...drum roll please ...... $148 Yes folks, that's right for both.
I agree I had to pay between $5-20 each way for seats and if they took a second bag it would have been $25 each, but either way it was super cheap. They have the $9 fare club and you do get deals, but you have to snatch them IMMEDIATELY.
We were lucky and had enough Rewards Points for 4 tix on Southwest. We try to save all year to at least get that free. We may have some extra for the van rental since we are staying down an extra week after to recuperate.

 

[podsnel]

Is anyone planning on swimming with the dolphins in Cozumel? We're thinking about it....

 

[podsnel]

I just saw on this other thread I posted that Golden Mickeys isn't necessarily Tuesday- that the rotations are all different from what's in the passporter, regular rotations could be days 1, 2 & 4 or 1, 3 & 4. Meaning Golden Mickeys could either be day 2 or day 3, and it's the formal night.

Does anyone else's head hurt?!!!???

 

[feenie]

I just saw on this other thread I posted that Golden Mickeys isn't necessarily Tuesday- that the rotations are all different from what's in the passporter, regular rotations could be days 1, 2 & 4 or 1, 3 & 4. Meaning Golden Mickeys could either be day 2 or day 3, and it's the formal night.

Does anyone else's head hurt?!!!???

Golden mickeys menu or Golden Mickeys show??

 

[podsnel]

Menu and show- Master chef was renamed Golden Mickeys.

 

[podsnel]

On the last western in May, the navigators are posted:
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/bobbi565/May 3-10 Navigators/?start=0

The first night was "Let the Magic Begin"
2 & 3 were reg rotation
4 (Tues) was Pirates
5 reg rot
6 master chef
7 til we meet again

And Golden Mickeys show was NOT on the same night as Master Chef menu.

I think it's easier and less stressful to book nothing and just sit on deck in a lounge chair all week....

 

[jblb1020]

When looking at airfares, keep an eye out on Spirit. I was just able to book 2 round trip tickets for my inlaws to come visit from West Palm for a whopping total of ...drum roll please ...... $148 Yes folks, that's right for both.
I agree I had to pay between $5-20 each way for seats and if they took a second bag it would have been $25 each, but either way it was super cheap. They have the $9 fare club and you do get deals, but you have to snatch them IMMEDIATELY.
We were lucky and had enough Rewards Points for 4 tix on Southwest. We try to save all year to at least get that free. We may have some extra for the van rental since we are staying down an extra week after to recuperate.

We are hoping to book Spirit since the airport is only 30 minutes away.... I check everyday and I also have 1 free roundtrip ticket thanks to using my spirit mastercard. Like you said Spirit is also charging for seats and luggage so I have to add those fees in too. I am still keeping my fingers crossed they will go down a bit.

 

[jblb1020]

Here's a link to the Golden Mickey's Menu (Master Chef):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1790419

I am trying to find the Captain's Gala menu, but the search engine is not cooperating. I just know that's the lobster night.

We're getting a limo to the port, too, because it IS so much less than the DCL transfer- and we can stop for wine/water on the way. And, if I paid the extra $$$ to ride on the pretty DCL bus, with the get-psyched-you're-goin-on-a-cruise video, and the MEARS bus showed up I would NOT be a happy camper! Was it really bad getting there late on the DCL bus? Some people have said they just walked on the ship that way- I'm just curious, because I still haven't picked a time.

Sorry about your appendix! Here's some towards your extended recovery! Hope you're feeling better, though- can you at least recuperate on the beach?

It really was not bad getting there by the DCL bus I just felt rushed when we did board the ship with grabbing a bite to eat at the buffet,the kids wanted to go swimming but we did not have enough time because we wanted to check out our room and unpack a bit so we would be ready for our early dinner seating after the muster drill and sail away party. The bus did not pick us up at the WL until after 11:30am and then we had to stop at other resorts and pick up more people then we where on our way. Ususally we did not get on the ship until after 2pm.
Thanks for the well wishes!! I am feeling much better! Then Wed. my son got the stomach virus and today is finally feeling better! I love being home and am enjoying our pool and will hopefully get to the beach next week!

 

[bfosbenner]

The Beach looks great today here in Ocean City, NJ
I work 3 blocks from it. At Perry Egan Chevrolet.

 

[LBIGirl67]

from playing all week, tummy bug going around, at thought of not enjoying today, so none of this more of this for me today.

 

[podsnel]

Is anyone planning on doing this excursion through Dolphin Discovery? It's at Chankanaab. If we combine our excursions, we'll get a 5 to 10% discount-

 

[Boys Papa]

Is anyone planning on doing this excursion through Dolphin Discovery? It's at Chankanaab. If we combine our excursions, we'll get a 5 to 10% discount-

We (4) are but don't see the Royal Swim on the excursions list. You planning on booking outside of DCL?

 

[LBIGirl67]

We've done Dolphin things in the Keys so both DS's don't want to do it again. Does anyone have a heads up on what would be great to do with DS7 in Cozumel? Most excursions seem to be for ages 10+. I am trying to avoid all beachy things being as he is redhead and will FRY !! Key West Day we are just puttering around to our usual watering holes and the aquarium...thought great day to visit the ship. Grand Cayman is the Turtle Farm. Cozumel has us stumped. Need help from you regulars.

 

[podsnel]

We (4) are but don't see the Royal Swim on the excursions list. You planning on booking outside of DCL?

Yes, it's not a dcl excursion, because for some reason they don't offer the dolphin swim at Chankanaab- only the encounter. For $110 you can pet, hug & kiss the dolphins with Disney- for $149 (or less, if you have a group) you can do that and get a foot push and a dorsal swim with the dolphins, but it's without Disney. Disney DID just add another excursion which IS a dolphin swim- I think it includes a belly ride and snorkeling, but it's not at Chankanaab, and I think Chankanaab might have more to offer and the Disney Dolphin swim is also $160- I'm still checking it out! I guess I just think my kids would be more excited about the swim at Chankanaab, and they have some more things to do there besides just the dolphins- there's a restaurant, mayan ruins, a pool-

I have to say, i really want my kids to do the foot push- it's amazing (and I'm looking forward to it myself!! ). DH & I swam with the dolphins a few years back, and THAT was the highlight of the whole amazing experience for us-

They (Dolphin Discoveries) also guarantee a full refund if your ship doesn't make it into port. Very reassuring for us.

 

[wuv tigger]

I just had my appendix out 2 and 1/2 weeks ago and am out of work for 6 weeks (go back on Aug 4th unless I get the Dr. to give me an extra two weeks) I will be working on that at my next appoinment. When I went shopping on Monday they aleady have the back to school stuff out! The summer stuff is on clearance already so it's time to stock up.....

I hope they were able to do the lapro appendectomy.

Mine wasn't & the recovery was long.

Hugs to you as you heal!!!

 

[Boys Papa]

Yes, it's not a dcl excursion, because for some reason they don't offer the dolphin swim at Chankanaab- only the encounter. For $110 you can pet, hug & kiss the dolphins with Disney- for $149 (or less, if you have a group) you can do that and get a foot push and a dorsal swim with the dolphins, but it's without Disney. Disney DID just add another excursion which IS a dolphin swim- I think it includes a belly ride and snorkeling, but it's not at Chankanaab, and I think Chankanaab might have more to offer and the Disney Dolphin swim is also $160- I'm still checking it out! I guess I just think my kids would be more excited about the swim at Chankanaab, and they have some more things to do there besides just the dolphins- there's a restaurant, mayan ruins, a pool-

I have to say, i really want my kids to do the foot push- it's amazing (and I'm looking forward to it myself!! ). DH & I swam with the dolphins a few years back, and THAT was the highlight of the whole amazing experience for us-

They (Dolphin Discoveries) also guarantee a full refund if your ship doesn't make it into port. Very reassuring for us.

Thanks, we are interested. Please let us know as we'll work out the logistics.

 

[podsnel]

Thanks, we are interested. Please let us know as we'll work out the logistics.

That's great!! I'm so happy we'll be doing this together! I will contact the company in the next couple of days and ask them how we would link our reservations together. With the 8 of us, it will be $141.50 (approx)pp, if 2 more Castaways(or more) join us, it will be $134pp.

What time would you like? I was thinking 11 am or 12 pm, do you have a preference?

 

[Boys Papa]

That's great!! I'm so happy we'll be doing this together! I will contact the company in the next couple of days and ask them how we would link our reservations together. With the 8 of us, it will be $141.50 (approx)pp, if 2 more Castaways(or more) join us, it will be $134pp.

What time would you like? I was thinking 11 am or 12 pm, do you have a preference?

Sounds good. I think Noon is better since according to the itinerary, we arrive at 0930. We may want some buffer. How about sending us a private message with your email address? Then I'll send you ours so we can discuss any issues. Thanks!