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

[faireygod mother]

Tiggerspal//My fingers are crossed. Hope you get everything you want.

 

[ibouncetoo]

We need to find best option pick ups from airport to Swan, to Cruise ship and from cruise ship to airport on return... HELP - DIS'ers!!!

LOL! Isn't a 'newbies' excitement fun?

Don't worry, little sister, I'm pretty up to date on our transportation options (though do need to check various Town Car rates). Mostely it will be up to us to decide if we want a Town car to get us to the port when WE want to be there, or have a relaxing morning (sleep in on those Heavenly beds, breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery or at Fresh) and go over on the DCL bus. And MAYBE some of our cruise buddies who are at WDW before the cruise would want to go in on a STRECH LIMO to take us to the port!?!

NOW GO GET THAT JOB!

 

[clynne]

Jackie....so, what are the best options for transportation from WDW to the port? We're coming a few days early to check out WDW and the best I could come up with was to rent a car at the airport, let it sit in the hotel (we'll be at WL) parking for 3 days, then drive to the port and drop the car off there. We could get Magical Express from the airport to the hotel, but then how do we get to the port? Is there a rental car place close to WL? I guess I'm just assuming that arranging a town car would be more expensive than renting for three days...suppose I should go check that out, huh?

Any insight would be appreciated...feeling a little overwhelmed...

Thank you....Carolyn

 

[ibouncetoo]

Carolyn, first, we can't count on having Magical Express available for Nov '06. Rumors are that Disney will discontinue it when the DL50th birthaday celebration is over sometime in the fall. IF ME is still available, you can take that from MCO to WL (good choice, btw). As far as using DCL transfers from WL to Port, Port to MCO goes.....depends on how many of you there are. Generally a town car can be cheaper if there are three or more in your party. Because Florida usually has such great rental car rates, that can be the least expensive of all....even keeping the car for a few days. Definately compare car rental vs town car for your size group Oh, I used Southern Elegance once and they were great!

I'm liking the idea of showing up at the port in a strrrrrrrrrreeeeeeccccchhhh limo....maybe when it's closer to cruise time we'll see if any DIS pals who are staying at WDW want to consider that. Kind of sounds like FUN!

Well, I'm going to run errands and go see Nanny McP with the gal pals! Catch y'all later.......or, as we say in 'Southwestern'....adios y'all!

 

[clynne]

Thanks for the info, Jackie...didn't know we couldn't count on the Magical Express...hmmm....stretch limo sounds fun, too...well, at least the kids would never forget it! If you decide to look into it and need 4 more....let me know...Guess we still have a little time to decide, huh?

We're seeing Nanny McPhee this weekend, too...hope it's as good as the trailer makes it seem...

Have a good one....Carolyn

 

[IamAnniM]

HEY EVERYBODY - I'm BACK and I'm OLD!!!! Celebrated my 50th birthday this week. Would have been upset about it but figured it's just another thing I have in common with Disney, both of us 50!!!!
Had a great party and hope to use the DISNEY DOLLARS for the cruise. I'm sure getting out of Philly for a week with give me a great facelift!!! Atleast, will lift my frown upsidedown.
Question to all the repeat cruisers - what was your favorite treat for yourself on the cruise?

 

[Hannosmom]

Happy Birthday IamAnniM! I just turned.....um....29, last week.
Favorite treat? hmmm... I really like buying a latte at the Cove Cafe and sitting outside by the windows to enjoy it.

Jackie and Carolyn, let us know how Nanny McPhee is, I really want to see it. Love Emma Thompson, and as for "Mr Darcy"....well....yummmm!

Can't wait for Jeanna's review of Expedition Everest!

 

[house_of_princesses]

Happy Birthday IamAnniM! I just turned.....um....29, last week.
Favorite treat? hmmm... I really like buying a latte at the Cove Cafe and sitting outside by the windows to enjoy it.

Jackie and Carolyn, let us know how Nanny McPhee is, I really want to see it. Love Emma Thompson, and as for "Mr Darcy"....well....yummmm!

Can't wait for Jeanna's review of Expedition Everest!

Linda... I forgot we are the same age!!!

Happy Birthday IAm AnniM! Two of my friends are taking me out for my birthday tomorrow. This would be a time of celebration in our home if it were my birthday. My birthday, however, is in July. And I'd still be 29. 2

All my dd's and I are looking forward to seeing Nanny McPhee, too. Let us know what you think, ladies!!

Happy Weekend, All!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Nanny McPhee was absolutely delightful. It had a wonderful supporting cast...many familiar faces from A&E and BBC productions (the cook and Mrs. Quick for example) and a fabulous performance by Angela Lansbury. A delightful small role by Sir Derek Jacobi and the children were all great. Needless to say Emma and Colin were wonderful. Colin still makes my little heart beat faster, even though he's no longer as young as this:



Those eyes!

Hmmmmm, just bought "The Importance of Being Ernest" from the Disney DVD club....maybe I'll watch that tonight.....Colin & Rupert Everet too!

 

[TiggersPal]

Nanny McPhee was DELIGHTFUL!!! I was totally confused about the rental car explanation that my sis gave me the other night. Just confused me more. BUT HEY - I'm ALL ON BOARD FOR LIMO SHARING! I think it would be fun to watch Carolyn's kids get all excited, so if you two gals are going to think it over, I'm ok with it.

Colin was looking a little "tired" in some shots, and that's kinda sad, but then there are some days I wake up and think WHO THE HECK is that looking back at me? I turned 47. Anyway, my DH just popped in here and said "oh no, your turning into your sister" - you have 10 months till your cruise. I proudly corrected him LOUDLY - NO 9 Months, two weeks! Now he wants to know who I keep calling on the phone... that would be JACKIE!

 

[TiggersPal]

According to MOUSE SAVERS - Magical Express is scheduled to run through 12/31/06. Just thought I'd let y'al know.

 

[DIS NURSE]

Hi! According to my DD (8), Nanny McPhee was a great movie (saw it with friends while Mommy was pulling an extra shift to pay off the airline tickets for the the DISNEY CRUISE! ).

Worked an additional extra shift (12 hours, time and a half pay! ) again today to pay for those darned airline tickets.......
All the while DH and our kids skied in 15 inches of new powder on Mt. Bachelor! They were in group lessons today and were cruisin' all over the mountain I guess! They wear helmets at least!

........so cold and stormy! The Pacific Northwest is absolutley getting clobered with storms! We have lots of snow here in the mountains......the media focuses on the rainy parts of Oregon, not us. ......we are the fortunate bunch who either enjoys lots of sunshine here in the high desert, or snow and cold! ......no rain to speak of.

Have a great weekend, all!

 

[clynne]

Ok, Nanny McPhee was cute. My ever-suffering DH even said he'd see it again, which is high praise from the crash-em-up-bang-em-up kinda movie watcher that he is. I think Colin looked tired, because he had SEVEN kids!!!! Made me tired just to think about that! My kids liked the kids' antics in the movie, of course! Great....just what they need, more ideas...

Dis Nurse...I grew up in Oregon, on the coast, so I know RAIN. We never had snow and we never have it here...for all I know, I'm allergic Sorry you had to work while the kids were all playing...did you fit in a little cruise dreaming while you were slaving away?

Everyone have a great weekend...Carolyn

 

[ibouncetoo]

OK, it official, I moved our room on the ship. We have to go from Cat 11 7121 across the ship to cat 5 (FIVE!) 7612. Inside stateroom to a verandah in one fell swoop! Thanks TiggersPal for deciding to come along and 'bump us up'!

Jeanna I'll be making that phone call on Monday

Now we are thinking of staying at AKL the night before the cruise....critters for Peg and Boma for me! Peg, I e-mailed you the link to the Boma menu on allersnet.....please don't ask me what Pap and FuFu are. Actually, I have tasted pap...and that's just what it tasted like.....pap. My mouth is watering just thinking about the Chicken Salad with chili cilantro and the WONDERFUL Coconut curried chicken soup.
Carolyn where are you guys staying at WDW?

I did call Magical Express this morning and they are taking bookings for November, though the CM said there had not been a final decision yet.

 

[clynne]

Congratulations on the new room!!!! How fun!! (Of course, I really have no idea what the difference is beyond your description, but it's fun to get excited!!)

We have reservations at the Wilderness Lodge for the 3 nights before our cruise...don't know anyone who's been there, it just looked really neat online and we decided to indulge a little, since we're flying all the way to Florida...

Carolyn

 

[IamAnniM]

I stayed at the AKL using my DVC points and booked the concierge - it was fantastic. Every day as I looked out the balcony I was greeted by giraffes, zebras and a couple of animals I just named JACK, ha. If you can do the concierge check into the "concierge guest only" safari trip (for a slight fee) you are taken on a private tour of the AK and go on safari before the park opens and treated to a WONDERFUL breakfast at Tusker House!!! Ofcourse, then there's the all day snacks and treats. I never even booked a dinner the buffet was great - all samplings of foods from Boma and Jiko.
My last cruise I stayed at the Beach Club for the night prior to disembarking but this time chose the latter, will stay at the Wilderness after the cruise for 1 day so I don't have to rush back to the airport and back to Philly. I always seem to need 1 MORE DAY, ha.

 

[IamAnniM]

Clynne - I also usually stay at the Wilderness Lodge - I love taking the nature walks in the morning. I've actually seen a eagle along the path and the butterflys and hummingbirds are great. If you can, when you arrive check to see if you can raise the flag in the morning with Ranger Stan. I've never had the pleasure of being able to do it, but check with the front desk and they have a list of opening dates (can't book ahead). You actually get to go to the roof of the lodge and hoist the morning flag (around 6:30AM) and see everything from a bird's eye view. Must be fantastic.
I actually love the lodge when it rains too - find a comfy rocking chair on the porch and enjoy the music.

 

[quackattack]

to all those that recently celebrated.

The circus was great. All of the children had a good time. My DS said he wants to take his class to the circus for his birthday again next year. Fortunately, he goes to a church school so he has a small class.

I have read some of your plans for pre-cruise. Of course, we still have time to change our minds but we were thinking of an overnight drive & going directly to the port on cruise day. Since we live in Tennessee, the drive to Florida is not that bad but DS is not very good at the long drive right now. He does better if we drive overnight & he sleeps most of the time. He traveled better when he was younger.

Thanks for the ideas for next cruise.

Rochelle

 

[ibouncetoo]

Carolyn, you'll love the Wilderness lodge. I stayed there in Jan 05 when I was at WDW for the half marathon. Our room had a view of the castle and we watched WISHES from our balcony one night. Because some trees were down due to the hurricanes, there are a couple of rooms with an unobstructed view.

 

[faireygod mother]

Welcome back Pat.

Hope all are well. Belated Happy Birthday.

Hope everyone has a great week.