November 5th 2011 Eastern on the Magic

[clj1410]

This weekend is also when Cocoa Beach has their Air Show so it will be a little busier than the average weekend at area hotels, so I wouldn't wait too long.


Well we are leaving on three different days... Josh and I are driving down on Saturday 29th for a conference. DW Aimee and DD Toree are flying down Tuesday evening for three days of WDW, and Kellie; Josh's DW is flying down Thursday evening. We are diversifying travel...

I am hoping the storm goes west and then north west and out to sea... By Wednesday. I am hoping it will suck the energy out of the water and is calm by Saturday the 5th...

I knew the air show was that weekend, that's why I can't decided where to stay. It is cheaper to stay in Orlando, but then I am wondering what the traffic will be like to get in to the Cape Canaveral area on Saturday morning, so maybe we should drive to the port Friday night We were there last year when the air show was going on and Cocoa Beach was busy, but we got there on the Friday!

 

[clj1410]

Happy Wednesday everyone

9 Days to go

So I have the question of the day

What are the excursions that everyone is doing, are they through Disney or private companies? And for the people who have been to St Maarten and St Thomas, what are the must see places in your opinion??

 

[flygrl]

Happy Wednesday!
Yesterday's question of the day... We are staying at the Radisson's Friday night our port time too is 11:30a like many of you. If you see me and Darcie well we look a like as we are twins... Like Kathy's son with the red hair we all stand out...LOL

Today's question of the day: St. Marrteen I think we are doing something in the sub and looking at the fish... St. Thomas we are doing trunk bay.

I was working on my FE's yesterday Meghan was sick also, better be sick now then next week, got my house cleaned except the bedrooms, and Darcie is flying in as I type. I will see her on Friday at my house!

Tanya

 

[Daniellenbella]

Thanks for asking about the time change, I was wondering about that myself! I guess we should schedule a wake up call for our St. Maarten excursion so that we don't have to worry about waking up at the correct time.

For excursions we are doing Capt'n Alan's Snorkeling in St. Maarten in the morning (not through DCL). Then hoping to do some shopping in the afternoon.

In St. Thomas we are just doing the Screamin Eagle Jet Boat in the afternoon (through DCL).

Nothing scheduled for CC.

We are leaving on Nov 4, taking the 8pm flight from Baltimore to Orlando getting in at 10:30 and staying at the Country Inn & Suites near the airport that has free shuttle pick up. We are having a car service pick us up Sat at 10:00am, but I'm going to ask them what they think about the traffic that day and if we should get picked up earlier. They do a half hour grocery stop so we don't have any traffic time worked into it. Our port check in time is 11:30.

 

[GreensboroKG]

Danielle,

Those sound like good excursions. One word of warning on that screaming eagle boat--I have not gone on the one in St. Thomas, but did a similar boat in NC once; if it is the same, you will get potentially very wet with salt water. Dress accordingly, take a towel and do not take any electronic equipment that isn't well protected. I ruined a cell-phone on my trip, which was in my pocket. This might be different, but better safe than sorry!

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Happy Wednesday everyone,

2 more days and we leave here and head out for vacation
Tomorrow will be my busiest day I think.

Ok QOTD.

St. Maartin we will just go to the shopping area on the water taxi and browse around for the day. We have been so many times before that we decided to just shop this time. At. St. Thomas we are doing a DCL excursion to St Johns for the island tour.
We have done it before but our son has never been to St. Johns so we decided to go with him on this tour. It has some fantastic views.
A great place to use the new cam corder.
Castaway Cay we awlays play by ear.

If its warm enough and we feel like it Greg and Peter will snorkel a bit. We always rent the bikes and ride both bike paths, climb up the observation tower for a great view of the island.
I also like to go to the Grouper Game room and mess around in there for a bit. Plus we walk down the path to the Bahamian shops to browse at their hand made items. I have never bought any thing there but most of their items are so unique i like to go and look anyway.

By late afternoon many have returned to the ship so thats the best time to sit on the beach and enjoy the water. The crowds are really gone by then.

Recommending places is hard because its different if you have kids and the ages of the kids will make a big difference too.
with kids, young kids both islands have a butterfly farm which little ones love.

Coral World on St. Thomas is a good family place for about all ages. Teens might be bored. Its actualy a small area so little ones can walk it easily, plenty of fish to see and if you do the semi sub that is fun too. How many fish you see will depend how clear the waters are.
If its been choppy seas it wont be a clear view but they have a scuba diver who will draw fish close with food and he will often find some species and hold it up to each and every window so you will see some reguardless of how cloudy the waters might be.
If you do the semi sub be sure and take a photo of each other while in the sub. When you look at it later everyone will look greenish. Your teeth really look gross, so smile big for that photo.

For more adventurious people the Screaming Eagle jet boat is an rush for about 30 minutes of zipping around. Wear shoes that can get wet because you WILL get wet.

Our daughter and her family loved the Regatta sailing ships. I think that was St. Maartin. They teach you how to sail this ship and everyone has their own job to do. Then you race another sailing ship
. The ship my daughter was on had actually raced in the Americas cup. You will be racing and turning all around the bay. It is hard work but they loved this excursion, not for young kids though. Because you will be working the entire time.

If you just want a general view of the islands all the riding islands tours have great views. Now the drivers and curvy steep narrow roads are a thrill in themselves.
Anyone who has done tours where you ride up the mountian knows what I am talking about. Believe me kids will need to be on the inside of the row in the open air vehicles.

St. Thomas skytram you can do on your own has great views and a bird who at the top of the mountain.

I think all the excursions are great on both islands you just need to find what will work for your family.

I'm sure everyone will have a great time no matter what you do.

Kathy

 

[LovesToRun]

Good morning, All!

Wow, it's getting closer!!

Well, I checked one thing off my "what to do before we leave" list, and had my friend who is staying at our house while we're gone come over to our house last night, gave her a key to our house, showed her a few things, that made it seem even more real!

Today it is COLD outside!! Makes me even MORE excited about being in warmth so very soon! We looked at the weather in Orlando and St. Maarten and St. Thomas last night, and as of right now, it's all looking good! Warm temps!!! Let's hope it stays that way! And, regardless of what Hurricane Rena does, it looks like IF it turns toward Florida (doubt it will, but if it does), it looks like it should be done and over with by Sunday, so if it does turn to toward Florida, it won't affect our cruise. But, it really looks like they are predicting it to go toward the Gulf of Mexico. Fingers Crossed!! I think we all should be just fine!

There are so many of you spending friday night at the Hyatt, you should have a mini meet by the pool maybe 30 minutes after the last person is due to arrive.


Kathy

This is a great idea!! I don't know, though, what time would be a meeting time, though, just because I think there are people arriving after 10 PM, and that seems a bit late. I think we'll probably be in our room for the evening for sure by 9 PM because we will need to get into our suitcases and lay out all our clothes for Saturday, and also get our day bag ready for Saturday since we won't see our luggage until Saturday afternoon sometime. So, I'm not sure we'll be out up in the pool area past 9 PM.

But, our flight arrives at 5:30 PM, so we should be in our room by 6 PM, if our flight is on time. We'll grab a bite to eat for sure, and so if we go to the pool, I'm guessing it'll be 7:30ish or something... it's hard to say.

If anyone does want to try to meet at the pool before 8:30 PM, let me know, and we can try to make a meeting time, but in case flights are late, or unexpected things come up, or your family is just tired from traveling and wants to just stay in your room and rest, it should probably be more of a "tentative" meeting.... that is kind of my feeling.

Quick question: For non-formal nights can I wear a Polo Shirt? I have a suit and tie for Palo/Formal night but is a Polo/Khakis good for the other nights?

Yes, for sure a Polo and Khakis are good for the other nights (which are called Cruise Casual). For sure that is just right. You can even wear nice jeans and a nice casual shirt for cruise casual nights (ie, short sleeve button up shirt, polo shirt...).

Another question: November 6 is when we change our clocks. How do they do that on the ship? Do the other countries we go to "celebrate" daylight savings?

Oh, I didn't realize daylight savings time will be happening on our cruise!! I had thought it was this coming weekend! See how little I know! Yah, I agree with Kathy... they will put little cards in your room on your bed the night before the time change and that card will tell you how to change your clocks. This will be the case for daylight savings time, as well as the time zone change we will hit when we are down by St. Maarten and St. Thomas. One thing I love about being on the ship is they do all the thinking for you! YOu don't have to even think about this kind of stuff... they just tell you what you need to do. A TRUE vacation!

Happy Wednesday everyone

9 Days to go

So I have the question of the day

What are the excursions that everyone is doing, are they through Disney or private companies? And for the people who have been to St Maarten and St Thomas, what are the must see places in your opinion??

For us, on St. Maarten, we are taking a cab to Maho Beach to watch the airplanes land and take off over our heads!! This is where we'll be most of the day. We have no plans to do anything else on St. Maarten.

For St. Thomas, we are doing the Maagens Bay Beach break (the Disney Excursions)

For Castaway Cay, DH and I are doing the CC 5K first thing, and then we'll probably hang out at the family beach a good share of the day. We plan to rent bicycles and bike around the whole island, too.

So, that is all we have planned.


Ok, everyone! Have a great day!! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you soon!!

Take care,
Kathy

 

[rob_jen]

We are scheduled to land in Orlando on Nov4th at 9:30 AM. Getting a rental car and heading to Ron Jons Cape Carib hotel for the day. Getting a light dinner somewhere in Cocoa Beach. Our port arrival time is 11:00. We will be there as close to that as the rental car shuttle will get us there.

St. Maarten - still up in the the air - we want to go to a beach to swim and play and to Maho beach in the afternoon and maybe some shopping.

St. Thomas - Toss up between a cab to Magens bay or to Coki beach for the day.

Castaway - family beach and snorkeling (Hopefully).

On the ship - adult pool hanging out during the day with stops at the family and kids pools with the kids when they are not in camp. Sunday afternoon in Diversions to watch some football (maybe). Then play everything else by ear. Whatever sounds good a the moment. Movies under the stars was fun last time.

 

[wtgilligan]

Hey everyone! I should be working but instead I find myself daydreaming about the cruise.

It looks like we are in the clear from Rina. Hoping for calm waters.

We started packing yesterday. Got the formalwear packed and the swimsuits. Started getting car travel stuff ready.

Can't wait!!

 

[mrp4352]

Hi all!

I'm in the Orlando airport, waiting for my flight back home. It's been a good trip, but the work part was tiring and I am really looking forward to my bed and my car!

Question: last night of cruise DH and I have palo. If we catch the 6:15 show can we make 7:30 palo? I really want to make the shows.

Yes, if you go dressed for Palo you shouldn't have any problem getting to your reservation as soon as the show lets out. You might slip out onto the promonade on deck 4 and go to the aft elevators, rather than getting caught up in the crush by the stairs and elevators right by the theater.

Another question: November 6 is when we change our clocks. How do they do that on the ship? Do the other countries we go to "celebrate" daylight savings?

The next day is a sea day so it should just be us that's affected. WooHoo! We get an hour longer cruise than everyone else!

On the Eastern cruise we go through a time change every time. So I guess they may announce the Nov 6th change too. But there will also be another time change. I don't remember whether is is forward or back. But your room host will leave a reminder card in your cabin the night before the change.

Kathy

It's backward - you spring forward, but fall backward. (I know it's silly, but it's the only way I can remember which way the clocks move each time change...)

Happy Wednesday everyone

9 Days to go

So I have the question of the day

What are the excursions that everyone is doing, are they through Disney or private companies? And for the people who have been to St Maarten and St Thomas, what are the must see places in your opinion??

We're doing the St. John island tour through Disney - along with a couple other families from the cruise. We decided to just walk over to the beach near the port on St. Maarten. We might rent floaties and snorkel gear on CC, and I'm still toying with the sting ray feeding (I loved it when I did that several years ago). But mostly that will be a day for just relaxing and enjoying the sun and water!!

And in answer to yesterday's question - we're flying in Friday afternoon or evening (whichever flight has more space available!) and spending the night at Wilderness Lodge. We have a 7:30 breakfast reservation at Whispering Canyon, then we'll head straight to the airport to return our car and catch the DCL bus out to the port!

Next week - the trip is next week!!!!
Michelle

 

[scottjm]

Another question: November 6 is when we change our clocks. How do they do that on the ship? Do the other countries we go to "celebrate" daylight savings?

Wow! I never thought about that! A BONUS hour on the Magic. What could be better?


2?

 

[Mulanrocks]

9 more days!!
Still playing around with excursions here, depending on what parents are doing and if we are hanging out.
Got my christmas present early: Disney Universe for the ps3 (yes my husband and i are nerdy gamers). Last year i got Epic Mickey (really awesome game). So much fun! Universe is a multiplayer game so DH and I spent 2 hours running around as "donald" and "jasmine" saving disney movie lands (pirates and lion king). DH is off to visit his parents today until friday and then this weekend is packing/cleaning bonanza, so my play time will probably have to wait until after vacation.
Kathy (gma) and Michelle: thanks for the info. we will go dressed and hang near the back! And thanks for the directions. (hopefully palo won't mind to much if we end up a few minutes late).

Yay and extra hour of cruise vacation!
Now off to cook my bosses dinner!

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Lots of posting here today.

I got all the chargers out today so I can charge everything up tomorrow then we can start our trip friday with all cameras, can corders, phones , portable DVD player (for plane ride) all charged and ready to go.

Kathy

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

Wow! I never thought about that! A BONUS hour on the Magic. What could be better?


2?

You already get a week more than the rest of us B to B 7 day cruises!!
Some jealously here!!!

Kathy

 

[SLM]

?

Where in PA are you located? Me and another guy are from the Pittsburgh area.

We are 20 miles south of York and about an hour north of Baltimore. My daughter graduated from Westminster College and got her Master's at the University of Pittsburgh. We loved the area.

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi everyone... Well, today the excitement REALLY set in!! Wow, I feel like a little kid feels just before Christmas!!

My husband just texted me saying he is even getting in vacation mode at work, and that says a lot because his job always keeps him super busy!!

I think we officially have the "We're going on vacation" bug!!!

Kathy

 

[Switzert]

Nothing scheduled for CC.

We are leaving on Nov 4, taking the 8pm flight from Baltimore to Orlando getting in at 10:30 and staying at the Country Inn & Suites near the airport that has free shuttle pick up. We are having a car service pick us up Sat at 10:00am, but I'm going to ask them what they think about the traffic that day and if we should get picked up earlier. They do a half hour grocery stop so we don't have any traffic time worked into it. Our port check in time is 11:30.

Are you using Sun State Transportation... I think that was their name? We have used them in the past if so. They were great but we were just going to disney.

I talked to the Park n Cruise Guy near the port and while he said it is busier that weekend. He said the main highway to the port shouldn't be backed up baring an accident. He said it is really congested when you get into Cocoa. The Air Show doesn't start still noon so hopefully by 10:45-11:00 will will only be the early birds.

 

[wtgilligan]

SLM, my Sister in Law lives outside of York. We just visited her and took the kids on the Strausburg Railroad with Thomas the Tank Engine.

 

[Daniellenbella]

Are you using Sun State Transportation... I think that was their name? We have used them in the past if so. They were great but we were just going to disney.

I talked to the Park n Cruise Guy near the port and while he said it is busier that weekend. He said the main highway to the port shouldn't be backed up baring an accident. He said it is really congested when you get into Cocoa. The Air Show doesn't start still noon so hopefully by 10:45-11:00 will will only be the early birds.

It's Florida Tours, recommended by Dreams Unlimited. Thanks for the info from Park N Cruise Guy!

The excitement is definately settling in here too! I cannot believe it's so close! I cannot concentrate on anything at work.

I'm sorry to hear some of the kiddos are sick I hope they make a speedy recovery and don't pass it on. Isabella is having allergy issues so I'm really hoping that it doesn't turn into anything.

Well, off to swim lessons, the last one before the cruise! Woohoo!

 

[wtgilligan]

So, I was just on the disney cruise official website and they have rerouted the 10/29 Western Carib. because of Hurricane Rina.

Hope that won't be us.

Hopefully we will all be healthy, arrive safely, and create tons of new memories!!