November 24, 2012 ~ Western Fantasy ~ Pachyderms of the Caribbean

[Katesdad]

New Question of the week:

What do you [your family] plan to wear for Pirate Night?​

Got to say that with the need to pack light and the fact that the DW and I do not really get "into" the theme parties, we'll be wearing our cruise dining casual wear and just enjoy looking at those that are more ambitious and adventurous than us.

 

[BrutusBru]

Those of you on our FB page already know........BALANCE IS PAID! I was going to do it on August 16th but thought - Oh just do it now! I am sooo excited. Airfare and hotel on the 23rd was booked in June so besides taking Matthew to LegoLand (free child entrance coupon with paid adult) - I know - know - LegoLand is not a Disney park - I just have to book our shore excursions & Palo & we are done! Woo Hoo!!

 

[jenbessey]

Does anyone know what excursion of swim with dolphins is the best? Really that is the only thing that my kids would love to do and I want to make sure they have a blast. Also, it says that an adult must be with them if they are 12 or younger. How true is that. Both of my kids are swimmers on swim teams so the swimming aspect of it is not the problem. I just wanted to see if I could save a few dollars to go on some other excursion.

 

[jjbescher]

Does anyone know what excursion of swim with dolphins is the best? Really that is the only thing that my kids would love to do and I want to make sure they have a blast. Also, it says that an adult must be with them if they are 12 or younger. How true is that. Both of my kids are swimmers on swim teams so the swimming aspect of it is not the problem. I just wanted to see if I could save a few dollars to go on some other excursion.

Jen, I do not think they care that your children our swimmers. It is a liability issue. As a swim coach, there are many swimmers on our team that I would not trust swimming with dolphins without an adult. I trust that your children can do it themselves, but yourself in the company's shoes and what if something freaky happens.

As far as which one is best. It looks to be the same company on Grand Cayman and Costa Maya. We are most likely going to do the Encounter with Dolphins and Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman since my DD is not old enough to do the swim. Also, my wife wants to go to the Turtle Farm and this works out to be the best way for us to do it. Costa Maya there are other things that we want to do.

jon

 

[rjwsmom]

My family will be cruising on the 11/24/12 Fantasy. We are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and my DD's 8th upcoming bday.

We are in room 8508, booked last fall, and have been counting the days.

I have read all the posts, and think this is an awesome group.

We would love to meet up with everyone. I am hoping to find some friends for my DS (13) and DD (8).

Can't wait to go!!!!!

Tami

 

[jenbessey]

Jen, I do not think they care that your children our swimmers. It is a liability issue. As a swim coach, there are many swimmers on our team that I would not trust swimming with dolphins without an adult. I trust that your children can do it themselves, but yourself in the company's shoes and what if something freaky happens.

As far as which one is best. It looks to be the same company on Grand Cayman and Costa Maya. We are most likely going to do the Encounter with Dolphins and Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman since my DD is not old enough to do the swim. Also, my wife wants to go to the Turtle Farm and this works out to be the best way for us to do it. Costa Maya there are other things that we want to do.

jon

Thanks Jon for your input. Every little bit helps in making my decision.

 

[wtraveler]

Does anyone know what excursion of swim with dolphins is the best? Really that is the only thing that my kids would love to do and I want to make sure they have a blast. Also, it says that an adult must be with them if they are 12 or younger. How true is that. Both of my kids are swimmers on swim teams so the swimming aspect of it is not the problem. I just wanted to see if I could save a few dollars to go on some other excursion.

We have done the turtle farm and dolphin encounter on Grand Cayman several times. The last time was this past March and my wife and daughter (3 at the time) did a group thing with a dolphin where around 15-20 people get in a small pool and watch a dolphin (Kappy) do tricks, jump in the air, etc and then everyone takes a turn with hand signals, kissing the dolphin and putting a ball on his nose.

There is also a larger pool where they do the dolphin swim...hang on to a fin and ride and it's more personal and interactive with the dolphin.

Btw, the turtle farm and dolphin sanctuary are literally right across the street from each other. You can get in and out of both places with plenty of time to spare...assuming tons of ships are not in port that day.

The age thing is probably for safety/liability reasons as opposed to swimming capabilities.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

 

[Katesdad]

Just wondering if anyone in the group will be joining me and my DW to watch the sun rise in the morning from the bow of the ship. On my cruises on the Magic and Wonder in 2000 and 2002 I remember this as one of the highlights of my trip. Personally, I am into watching the sun rise more than I am watching it set which is probably why we like the second dinner seating.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Just wondering if anyone in the group will be joining me and my DW to watch the sun rise in the morning from the bow of the ship. On my cruises on the Magic and Wonder in 2000 and 2002 I remember this as one of the highlights of my trip. Personally, I am into watching the sun rise more than I am watching it set which is probably why we like the second dinner seating.

I might . . . I'm usually up early taking pictures all around the ship . . .

 

[dizney-cruiser]

My family will be cruising on the 11/24/12 Fantasy.

Welcome Aboard!!

 

[jjbescher]

Just wondering if anyone in the group will be joining me and my DW to watch the sun rise in the morning from the bow of the ship. On my cruises on the Magic and Wonder in 2000 and 2002 I remember this as one of the highlights of my trip. Personally, I am into watching the sun rise more than I am watching it set which is probably why we like the second dinner seating.

I may, it just depends how late I am up at night. The Aqua duck is open till Midnight, so you may find me there instead of up early enough for sunrise.

jon

 

[jjbescher]

My family will be cruising on the 11/24/12 Fantasy. We are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and my DD's 8th upcoming bday.

We are in room 8508, booked last fall, and have been counting the days.

I have read all the posts, and think this is an awesome group.

We would love to meet up with everyone. I am hoping to find some friends for my DS (13) and DD (8).

Can't wait to go!!!!!

Tami

Welcome Aboard

 

[Dmtaylor3]

Does anybody feel like upgrading? It looks like this room is still available . . . but I don't know for how long . . .

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
Category 00T
Sleeps: 5
Size: 614 sq. ft. including verandah
Deck: 11 & 12
View: Private Verandah

Guest 1 Cruise Fare $4,004.00
Guest 2 Cruise Fare $4,004.00
Government Taxes & Fees (Cruise) $152.54
Total Price $8,160.54

I don't know if I should tell you this... It was only $2K extra for this room during last year's cruise, same week, Western Itinerary (but old ship) when I was considering an upgrade at the port. And that was upgrading from the bottom of the boat, inside room. I will be going to port early again to see about upgrading!!

 

[Dmtaylor3]

New Question of the week:

What do you [your family] plan to wear for Pirate Night? ​

**** **** **** **** **** ****

I am going to try to make an appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Botique/Pirate League to have DS made up in pirate make-up and costume for $99.

I could kick myself for buying $68 pirate costume at MK Pirates of the Carribean ride for him 3 months ago becuase he has already grown out of it! I will check the size to see if any of you guys can use it.

 

[foohpah]

I think we are still going on the cruise but we are going to drop out of the FE exchange for this cruise. Just too many other things going on.

 

[kihart]

I have seen mention of this group having a FB page. Can someone post the page to search for?

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

Here you go:

November 24th Cruise Group

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Did anybody do any booking this weekend? I was able to get Palo Brunch, Palo Dinner and a cabana on serenity bay!!

 

[kathi]

Did anybody do any booking this weekend? I was able to get Palo Brunch, Palo Dinner and a cabana on serenity bay!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We were able to book at 120 days and also got Palo dinner, brunch and Cabana No. 9. I don't think we are going to do any excursions through Disney. May do Nachi Cocum on Cozumel or a beach break on Costa Maya (but I don't like to waste so much time tendering.)

 

[kathi]

What is the cut-off date to join the FE? I have never done it before because my job is so crazy busy that I'm usually running flat out till vacation, but this year maybe things will be different and I know our daughter (8) would love to go around dropping off stuff and would enjoy putting something together for each cabin. (Getting it onto the ship is another story)

What kinds of things do people include for FE? How many cabins do we have signed up?