November 11, 2006 - MAGIC - Special Western "Double Dip" Cruise 11/11/06

[miatamel]

Jackie, that was so sweet of you! I didn't think of doing that! But I couldn't do it if I wanted to since I'm on this sloooow dialup. Next time I'm on my dad's office computer, I might give that a whirl. I DID email my TA to see if she could check for me but I haven't heard back from her.
I don't want it to sound like I'm trying to get rid of my kids, but it's different for me, a bit. I'm home with them 24/7, even homeschooling my kindergartener, my in-laws live in another country so I don't have any automatic "need a break" sitters, not alot of discretionary income for paid sitters (do you know what the going rate for THAT is??!!) and DH works ALOT (been working all day today--Sunday. Gets up at 3:40 am, works until 8: pm lots of days), so I really need for her to be able to get in that club so I can at least get some "me" time and couples time. There is no way she will stay in Flounders this year but she would adore Oceaneers with sister. I have 8 days to back out of the cruise if I find out different, I guess.

 

[RayRing]

I wanted to post our plan for the cuise (at least so far), and get everyones opinions on our choices, and our days and times.

My DW and I will be travelling with our DS6 and DD5.

If you have any thoughts, modification or additions, please let me know.

I wanted to strike a balance between scheduling a few things, but also leaving lots of unscheduled time for the pools and show, and whatever.

==================================

Activity
Day 1 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, November 11, 2006
No Activities are reserved.

Day 2 - Castaway Cay - Sunday, November 12, 2006
Two-Day Float/Tube Rentals Kids
Snorkeling (On our own)

Day 3 - At Sea - Monday, November 13, 2006
Spa 10:30AM DW

Palo Dinner 6:00PM to 8:00PM

Day 4 - Costa Maya - Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Chaccohoben Mayan Ruins (Disney) * All
8:15AM to 1:15PM

Day 5 - Cozumel - Wednesday, November 15, 2006
All Inclusive Resort (Non Disney) ** All

Day 6 - At Sea - Thursday, November 16, 2006
Palo Brunch 11:30AM to 1:30PM

Spa 9:45AM DW

Day 7 - Castaway Cay - Friday, November 17, 2006
Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure ***
11:00AM to 12:00PM DH and Kids
Snorkeling (On our own)

Day 8 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, November 18, 2006
No Activities are reserved.

NOTES -
* We Picked the "Chaccohoben Mayan Ruins" through Disney (the David and Ivan is currently full).
However, this may be too much for our DS6 and DD5. We will decide later on.
The other option for Costa Maya was going to the town beach for a couple of hours, and then heading back to the ship.

** We reserved the day at the "All Inclusive Resort" (the Reef Club) on Cozumel.
I have been reading reviews that range from great to terrible. We are still making up our mind on this.
The other option for Cozumel is to take a taxi to Paradise Beach for several hours, and then head back to the ship (while DW does some shopping of course).
Paridise Beach would probably be a little cheaper, but a little more crowded.

*** We reserved the "Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure" for our second day at CC.
DW doesn't want to do this.
I also don't know if it is too much for our DS6 and DD5, or if they would enjoy it.
I think we will see how they do snorkeling our first day at CC, and I can check this out on that day, and then decide.

 

[faireygod mother]

Some of are dressing up for pirates night.

 

[faireygod mother]

I just tried the "search" link to get the different web cams and it has changed. Actually itis awful or I am a computer illiterate. So does anyone have the links? If so could you post them. I have two palm and local 6, but I cannot find the others. I must have deleted them when I cleaned out my Disney folder and reorganized it.

 

[clynne]

Sigh. Why is there always something to worry about??!!

I can sure relate to that! We haven't really considered getting Palo reservations at all, because I'm not convinced both kids will like the clubs enough to stay during dinner time. We homeschool DS8, so I understand wanting to get a little vacation time in on your vacation! Haven't cruised before, but it just makes sense that you'll be able to utilize the clubs, especially once your DD turns 3. I vote for not stressing on this one...I can't imagine it not working out once you board. (And, yes, they were getting a little crabby on that other thread...couldn't figure out where that hostility was coming from...)

As for pirate night, I think the kids will dress up. DH says he will, if I find him something to wear. But, I just haven't found the right ensemble for me!

Carolyn

 

[miatamel]

Carolyn, thank you for your kinds words....
Last year we all went simple for pirate's night. I took stuff NEVER DREAMING DH would actually do it with us. It's amazing what a little Magic will do!! I just took black pants with white t-shirts for us all, bought some cheap red fabric at Wal-Mart and cut it into cummerbunds for all four and pieces to wrap around our head, got some cheapie eye patches on clearance after halloween and right before our cruise and slapped a big ole gold earring in DH's once-pierced ear (ladies, he was to DIE for as a pirate--really--wish I knew how to post pics and I'd tack one on!!) and some wood swords DH cut out for the kids and we were set! Cheap yet fairly effective. It was so much fun to walk around the hallways saying "Aargh" to everyone dressed up and the girls thought it was great! One of our best memories...
Speaking of Wal-Mart, I was just there, looking in men's section for straw hat for DH to wear in this heat and there was a bunch of t-shirts-- a couple with pirates and skull and crossbones! I really liked, for myself or DH, this brown one with just a big ole skull/crossbones on it--great color, cheap price (by no boundaries). That might be an option for some of the hubbies or sons who aren't into dressing up or you don't want to put alot of money into. heck, I'm thinking of doing that one for myself, actually!
DDalmost3 has a mickey pirate dress, hoping DG in Germany is going to come thru and make DD5 something cute, and I kinda want to go glam/goth pirate this year. All the rhinestone pirate stuff is so good this year and it's something I'd actually wear again. I even saw a pretty rhinestone skull on a white shirt at Lane Bryant. I might go that route...

 

[miatamel]

Oh! Also at Wal-Mart I saw skull/crossbones scarves (near the hats/purses section in my wallyworld). There were $6.88, I think, and had black ones, red and maybe white with black skulls. Might be cute to use as belts or around the neck. I started to grab one, but we still have our bandanas from last year so it seemed like a waste of money for me. But I was tempted!!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Activity
Day 1 - Port Canaveral - Saturday, November 11, 2006
No Activities are reserved.

Ahem......DIS meet 3PM Promanade Lounge

Day 7 - Castaway Cay - Friday, November 17, 2006
Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure ***
11:00AM to 12:00PM DH and Kids
Snorkeling (On our own)

I really enjoyed Castaway Ray's and the little ones should be fine unless the rays swiming around their feet freak them out.....they are sort of like kitty cats brushing against your legs as they wait for their turn on the feeding table. You've booked the perfect time too, as there most likely will not be a group at noon (at least there wasn't when we did it last year) and you can stay a little longer if you like (and it gives time for the initial line at Cookies to settle down). The water doesn't really get deep in the enclosed area and as long as it calm, it's a great 'practice' area for beginning snorklers...certainly a smaller area than you will be snorkeling in the first stop.

I can't speak about your port excursions as I haven't been to either one yet. But it looks like you have a nice balance...not trying to do too much.

 

[ibouncetoo]

ISo does anyone have the links? If so could you post them. I have two palm and local 6, but I cannot find the others. I must have deleted them when I cleaned out my Disney folder and reorganized it.

Sorry, I just have Two Palms...oh and the Port Canaveral one....just a sec...

http://www.portcanaveral.org/funport/cruise.htm

The new search was down for a bit this morning, plus when I did use it earlier I didn't notice that you could refine your search in any way? Maybe they are still tweeking it.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Jackie, that was so sweet of you! I didn't think of doing that! But I couldn't do it if I wanted to since I'm on this sloooow dialup.

Well, I did get on the DCL site and they were 'allowing' me to book two staterooms that included FIVE children 3-5......so as of now there is probably room for at least five! Though I don't know if it isn't till after you hit the 'book' button that it would come back and say not available...but you wouldn't think so would you? Anyway, safest bet is to call, though that still won't guarantee what the situation wil be like in 11 weeks.




OK....more work here is done...think I'll go watch Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

[Vanvmom]

Look who's waiting for us on CC....he says "Welcome to the Caribbean luv, and don't forget the RUM!"

I thought he was asking who took his jar of sand?

 

[Vanvmom]

Dressing up on pirate night???

DS (almost 13) has a POC2 tshirt from DL
DS (10) has POC2 tshirt from Target
DS (6) has How to Be a Pirate Mickey shirt from DL (not sure if he'll want to wear it or his pirate costume-he REALLY likes the pirate costume).
DH has pirate tshirt from DL "Beatings will continue until morale improves"

Still not sure what I will wear- I have a peasant skirt that I may bring to wear, but not sure what shirt to wear with it

 

[nani]

Hi we will be sailing on November 11th with you !! Me, DH & DGS 6 I am so glad that everyone is returning from all the great events and trips of summer and are back to planning for the cruise. It is our second trip and I am WAY to excited already, in fact I am driving every one here crazy with all my planning and ideas. So I had to stop by and say THANK YOU for being here and giving me some one else to talk to that is as crazy as I am!!! All day (as it was pouring rain ) I just kept thinking Sunday at Castaway Cay ! I have enjoyed reading this board for a while and can't wait to get on the MAGIC !! I loved Mickey Mouse in those crocs!

 

[faireygod mother]

Welcome Nani and family. You have joined a great bunch of people who equally share your enthusiasim for MM and DCL. We chat on Tuesday's at 10 est on AM if you would like to join us. We are also planning someevents and meets on board if you would like to join in. The more the merrier.

 

[michelle9343]

Welcome Nani and family. I second what Fairygodmother said we are a bunch of Mouse lovers who love to cruise and have a little OCD .
Pirate night
My group is planning on all coordinating a little.Most likely we will all have something black on the bottom , white on top . My girlfriend is making us matching sashes and maybe vest. I bought her son the Capt jack sparrow costume as a gift (which he hasn't rec'd yet) so maybe he will wear it. Vito jr would like to Davy Jones costume but I would rather him wear the same as the rest of us. I really like some thing on this on a pirate costume sight I will have to look up the name. Some really nice shirts.
Miatamal
I totally get the always something to worry about. But my experience with Disney is that they really want all members in the family to have a wonderful cruise. I really think things will work out. I know that they really will not commit to telling you on the phone that it will be OK . I beleave that if DD almost 3 can be given a test run ,so to speak in the club with big sis. I hope it all works out.
Rayring
I think your plans look really good. I would say that I think your family would enjoy the sting rays. I was with Jackie last year when she went and my kids loved it. We will be doing it again this cruise.

 

[michelle9343]

Ok The pirate costumes www.funfolly.com They have high end and low end . I really like the swashbuckler for $39.98 DH says he would wear it.
Miatamel
I went and read the thread about almost 3yr old in oceanears all I can say is OUCH!!! People can really be so mean. Don't let it get you down. I totally disagree with exact age silliness. I also do not think the time of year we are cruising that they will be a limit in the clubs.

 

[pandamom]

dd6 and dd8 will probably wear pirate costumes. I have a tropical flower dress w/some pirate coing jewelry. DH has a tropical shirt and a skull & bones hat.


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[miatamel]

Jackie, Michelle, et al
this is what my TA just told me:

"
*********** I just spoke with an agent at DCL and they do leave some space at all of the kids programming to be booked
* onboard the ship so there will be space available at the Oceaneers but you must go as soon as you get on the ship to
* get her into the program.* There is no way to know how full the ship is but he did say that they do leave space available
* to book onboard the ship just as they do for reservations at Palo's so you should be fine.* The child must be potty-trained
* to be able to go to the Oceaneers Club and as long as they are within 30 days of their third birthday, there is no problem
* with being allowed into that child's program.* Hope this helps to ease your mind a bit.** If you have any other questions,
* please let me know.** Have a great afternoon!"

So, I think I'll cross this off my worry list!
Melanie

 

[michelle9343]

Good news melanie

 

[clynne]

Welcome, Nani and family!!!

And, yeah, Melanie!!! What's next on the worry list and maybe we can cross that one off, too?? (Speaking of worries, DS had a "daymare" yesterday, stressing about what if we didn't make it to the ship before it left. Had to get the address for the hotel and the port, plot it on MapQuest, confirm we had the 10am shuttle to the port and SHOW him how close we would be that morning...2.82 miles, if I remember correctly!)

Carolyn