Oct. 12, 2013 - WONDERful cruise from Galveston

[coloradomama]

Welcome all new families! If you want to be in the Facebook group pm me your email address. So excited!

I want to be added to the Facebook group, but can't send PM's. .

 

[Ayers]

DIS Name: ayers
Traveling with: DH and DD4 and DS1
Part of the FB Group: Want to be
Participating in FE: Maybe
Where are you from: Ohio

 

[pumpkinkate]

I want to be added to the Facebook group, but can't send PM's. .

If you would like to friend me on Facebook I will add you, Kate Mickley is my name, Minnie & Mickey in their formal outfits is my profile pic. =)

 

[pumpkinkate]

I am trying to repost here any important info from Facebook, so sorry it's been a while... Not too much in the way of important but here goes! Sorry if I miss anything!!

1. I sent an email to my congressman last week to see if I could get FREE tickets to Space center Houston. This is how they responded:
Thank you for contacting Congressman Amodei’s office for assistance with your visit to Space Center Houston. I received word from the NASA liaison that the center can provide up to four complimentary tickets for your family. While this policy cannot cover the whole group as you described it, I hope this option may help. When you arrive at the facility, the four tickets will be available at the will call area.
The information required to receive the four complimentary tickets is as follows:
-Date of visit;
-Total number of visitors (seven, correct?);
-How many of the group are under thirteen years of age vs. how many are adults.
Once I have this information, I would be happy to send it on to the NASA liaison to confirm the complimentary tickets.


2. I was just wondering if anyone was planning on flying in to Houston a couple days early and seeing what it has to offer? Or maybe getting in a couple days early and heading to Galveston to check it out? Is it worth it? I'm not sure if I should just get there the day of the sail or try and get there early. THX!!!
-Galveston can be pretty fun. The boardwalk is fun but IMO overpriced. I wouldn't plan to spend days there, but if you come in a little early (day before) it is easy to fill the time. It's a decent beach for Texas.
-Get there a day early, stay near or at Moody Gardens. There are many things to do there, including aquarium, and rainforest, and water park. Schlitterbahn is fun as well.
-There is all kinds of stuff to do in Galveston and Houston. If you specify how old your kids are and what you guys like to do I'm sure I could come up with some things.
-I think we'd be interested in just seeing the sites/city. The kids are 1 & 5. But we don't really need to focus on them. They've seen the beach, done the aquarium & zoo thing, we're not really into amusement parks (except Disney of course). For this part of the trip, I would be more interested in getting immersed in the culture of Texas. We've never been to Texas before and don't see us going back anytime soon. Of course, kid friendly places are always welcomed! In other words, I would want to see something that I can't see anywhere else.
-Go see the water wall in the Galleria area. Shop at the galleria as well! Get some BBQ!
- The Houston Natural Science Museum just opened a new ancient Egypt exhibit. It's fantastic. There is also the Cockrell Butterfly Center there. It's a huge, greenhouse with thousands of butterflies. There are several art museums in the museum district as well. You can purchase a Houston City Pass & it will give you admission to 5 attractions. Don't forget Space Center Houston at NASA, if you're interested in that. There is a ton to do in Houston.
-Those are exactly the kind of places I'm interested in. I think my husband and I decided on Space Center Houston. I hope the kids will enjoy it too. I understand they have an Angry Birds exhibit now. That sounds so fun!!

3. So excited only 105 days or 15 weeks until we cruise! What excursions have you settled on?
-Thank you for posting this.. I had forgotten last night to checkin and your post reminded me to do so. All the Cabanas are sold out. Not sure we would have done that due to the cost. Only thing we settled on was Bike tour of Key West. did book Palos Brunch and Dinner.
-how many Disney cruises have you been on?
-only 5
-We might do Palos this time...I'm since we have a 4 year old we will just be relaxing on a beach. We tried an excursion last year and she enjoyed being at the beach way more.
-I was online at 900p last night - got us checked in!! Still debating on booking as excursions or doing it ourselves... Did book a spa treatment though!
-I can't check in till July 29th, but hoping to book Palos and Blue Lagoon in Nassau. Key West we are doing the trolley you can hop on and off of, but not through Disney. I sure hope Palo isn't all sold out
-Waiting for July 14, but hoping for Palos and blue lagoon too! Probably butterfly garden too.
-On waiting for July 14th too That's why our TA helped us get the Atlantis stuff done ahead of time. I'm not sure what to do at Key West or Castaway Cay.
- What is blue lagoon in Nassau ??
-It is a Island off Nassau that is for those wanting a private beach experience (with all other cruise and holiday guests) that also includes Dolphins and Sea lion experiences. I have been, just been reading up on it.
-Would this be good for a 4 year old? My daughter just loves the beach so we didn't plan to do any excursions. I need to look up the best beaches at the ports
-I doubt we will do any official cruise excursions. We will wander through Key West, beach it up at CC, and maybe hit the beach at the Westin in Nassau.
-I've been doing some research on blue lagoon, particularly if you are NOT swimming with the dolphins or sea lions, and I'm just to sure about it. We just want to go to a nice beach for the day. It seems like you have to pay extra money once you get there to use the "water toys" at the lagoon, the food is lackluster, and it's crowded. Has anyone been there? can you tell me more about the beach at Westin?
-we might just follow you
- the Wyndham and Sheraton at Nassau sell day passes where you can use their pools and beaches/chairs for like $25pp (kids are less). Check out cruise critic and there is lots of info about it. I meant Wyndham, but wrote Westin earlier. Lol. You basically ride the little public van/bus from the straw market to the hotel and bask in the sun.

4. Anyone requesting a specific rotation for dinner? I know CC day is pirate night. Trying to figure out what night to do palo dinner and what day to do Palo brunch. Trying to figure out how they do the rotation for this cruise. I can book July 14 so I would like to be ready.
-Are you concerned about missing a specific Dining room or missing a themed meal. IN the past the rotations have been as such.. Night 1 - Dining room themed Night 2 - Formal Night - Night 3 - Dining room themed Night 4 - Pirates Night Night 5 - Dining room Themed Night 6 - Semi Formal Night 7 - Farewell dinner ( I forgot this name). We have never requested a rotation, but have been pretty happy with what we have got. We are 2nd dining this trip with wait list for 1st.

5. That is Atlantis in Nassau.
-oh ok i didnt realize that. how pretty!!! now i cant wait lol
- have u been?
-I have, we did their water park the last time... So much fun!!
-Did u book through Disney or do your own thing?
-The last time, I did book it on my own - Disney was really high... I think they have dropped the price since, it is now $169.00 including transportation and lunch... To do it on your own is $125 for adults and $80 for kids, the cab ride was about $10 - $12 each way.
-how did you book it on your own I was thinking about going but sense its just my mom and myself I was thinking maybe just the aquarium and then on to the casino I do water slides and lazy rivers but she dosent
- we just took a cab to the resort then onto Guest services... I know the water park you can't book in advance with them, not sure about the aquarium.
-sounds like your family enjoy the Atlantis excursion. What does it include?
-it included the Marine Habitat and the Water Adventures water park. If booked through Disney, it also includes transportation and lunch.
-Please keep in mind if you are considering booking on your own..
"Access to the Aquaventure Waterpark and marine habitats at Atlantis are FREE for guests staying at the resort. Passes may be purchased by day visitors, but availability is limited – and may be closed – during periods of high resort occupancy."
-We just booked a room at the Comfort Inn next to Atlantis which included 4 tickets to Atlantis. Our travel agent recommended we do it through them instead of Disney which saved us 50%.
-did you book to get the discount? I didn't realize that as an option! How does that work since you won't stay the night?
- my husband talked to our travel agent and she took care of the booking. You do not have to stay overnight. We just booked the room for the tickets.
-Awesome! I need to look into that!

 

[papamouse1]

We did not use their transportation but did stay at the same hotel the night before. I agree it didn't look as organized as Port Canaveral. The hotel is awesome, we got a city view and were able to see the ship from our window when we got up. We like to arrive early and get on ASAP so we stay close by. We just did the Magic out of Galveston March 1st. The terminal is not as nice and you have your cruise documents and ID's checked before you go through security.

I'm not sure the best options for transportation as there are not as many choices as in Florida. With 8 people would it be cheaper to rent a passenger van? That way you are in control of your own transportation. I have not looked at prices but it might be an option. There are several hotels that offer cruise parking and a shuttle, or you can park at many places near the port for approximate 12-15 dollars per day. Checking in at the port you can drop off everyone and the luggage,while one person goes to park the vehicle and take the shuttle back. This procedure took us about 15 minutes then we were all together and ready to head into the terminal.

Hey disneyfan...

We are looking into a Galveston cruise this fall before the ship leaves Texas and you like the person who can possibly answer my questions...

Have you taken the 7-Day Bahamas itinerary for Galveston, or do you happen to know what the dining rotations are... I've heard they rotate differetn than at Pt Canaveral cruises

What night is Fireworks/Pirate Night?

Where can I get a list of hotels you mentioned that offer Park & Sail options?

We may end up on this particular, kind of hoping so since you all sound like a great group!

 

[papamouse1]

Is anyone else planning on going to Atlantis for the day when at Nassau?

I have always wanted to go, but the prices are outrageous. Reading the boards, it seems like a way to save some $$ with just a little extra effort is booking a room at the Comfort Suites hotel. Per hotel room you get 4 wrist bands/admissions to most of Atlantis.

They have a great deal now for $159++, total of $232. This would allow me to get 2 adults and 2 kids into Atlantis. I believe the shore excursion via Disney is $160/adult and $110/child, so over a 50% savings. The only additional charge by doing it on your own is taxi fare of $4/pp.

Has anyone successfully done this before that is going on this cruise? Seems like plenty of others on the board have, so I thought I would share and get any tips/advise.

Thanks!

Hi beaglefan. My family did successfully do the Comfort Inn / Atlantis plan.
Here are some key pointers
1) Make sure when you calculate the total cost, you include the taxes and the per person charge. If you look at the bottom of the Choice Hotel page where you "Book Room", it says... * These rates do not include taxes of 20.00% or other charges of 20.95 PER PERSON PER DAY*
It is still a good deal but can get confusing

2) Do not take a boat taxi over to Atlantis. It is a LONG walk from the dock to the Comfort Suites AND it only runs at certain times making it hard to catch boat on your return. I would look up what they charge for the boat taxi, then negotiate that same rate with taxi drive who will take you straight to Comfort Suites.

3) When you get to Comfort Suites it is absolutely simple. You simply go to desk and say you are checking in and out right now. Get you receipt, your wristbands, and then it's a fairly short walk over to Atlantis

<<<EDIT>> Real Price breakdown for those considering the Comfort Suites method for Atlantis Tickets

When booking this Comfort Suite, there are certainrates that are not quoted into your reservation. IN fact, you will have to pay cash for them when you arrive, so even though you paid in advance, you still owe more. Here is how it works

$223.20 -- 1 BR King bed w/sleeper for 4 people
$86.54 -- estimated taxes
$83.80 -- $20.95 X 4 people for energy and houesekeeping
$80.00 -- 3rd & 4th person in room charge (you may not have to pay this since I believe "kids stay free")
$473.54 -- Grand Total for 2 adults & 2 kids

... The website says this Energy surcharge: 15.95 per person per night. Housekeeping gratuities: 5.00 per person per night These are additional charges not included in nightly estimated total and must be paid directly at the hotel. Persons 16 and older are charged as adults. 3rd/4th person charged 40.00 per night + tax and service charges.

so you also need to add on $20.95 per person and then another $40 per person for the 3rd & 4th person on your reservation


I am not sure what the rate is on Aquaventure now, but my understanding is they have gotten cheaper, so not sure how much you would save by doing Comfort Suites anymore... used to be a good deal, not so sure anymore


Now I have a question for you?
We are going to be driving to the port from New Mexico and spending the night. Do you have any recommendations on what hotel to stay at night before that would offer Park & Sail for our car?

Thanks!!

 

[pmjj]

Now I have a question for you?
We are going to be driving to the port from New Mexico and spending the night. Do you have any recommendations on what hotel to stay at night before that would offer Park & Sail for our car?

Thanks!![/QUOTE]

I know there are quite a few, but one I have personally stayed at is the Hotel Galvez. It's a nice hotel, right across from the beach if you have the time, the parking garage feels like a fortress, and they offer a shuttle to the port. We stayed there just for a beach vacation, so I don't have any further insight than that. Hope that gets you started.

 

[pumpkinkate]

Does anyone know if we can order Lobster tail, or if it will be on the menu during our seven nights. This would be a special treat for us. I hope we have the opportunity.

I know on Disney Cruise last year there was lobster on the semi formal night.

 

[imatex]

100 Days!!! Can't wait

Have a wonderful 4th of July.

Thank The Lord for the blessing of living in the United States and the freedoms we have been given by those willing to sacrifice their lives for us.

 

[Hart of Texas]

I have no idea if it is too late to participate in the FE but we would love to

Disname:Hart of Texas
First names of Adults: Henry & Katie
First names and ages of children: Addison (6) Trey (3)
Stateroom number: unknown

 

[BeHappyGin]

UOTE=pumpkinkate;48856203]I know on Disney Cruise last year there was lobster on the semi formal night.[/QUOTE]
Thanks pumpkinkate. I sure hope they have lobster. We are celebrating my son's homecoming from Afghanistan and also my husband's birthday.......but lobster is something to celebrate any time.

 

[pmjj]

UOTE=pumpkinkate;48856203]I know on Disney Cruise last year there was lobster on the semi formal night.

Thanks pumpkinkate. I sure hope they have lobster. We are celebrating my son's homecoming from Afghanistan and also my husband's birthday.......but lobster is something to celebrate any time.[/QUOTE]

Please thank your son for his service to our country! Freedom is never free. I love that you are celebrating his homecoming with a cruise!

 

[pmjj]

I have no idea if it is too late to participate in the FE but we would love to

Disname:Hart of Texas
First names of Adults: Henry & Katie
First names and ages of children: Addison (6) Trey (3)
Stateroom number: unknown

I think the FE is still open. Welcome fellow Texans! If you are interested, please look up our Wonderful cruise page on Facebook too! PumkinKate above can help you if you need assistance joining. We've been enjoying her pictures on FB lately with our cruise countdown! Hooray for 100 days today!

 

[Rm3idm]

Hi all!! Last year was our first time cruising with Disney on the Magic out of Galveston. We loved it so much that we decided to go for round 2 on the Disney Wonder. We are a group of 8 (5 adults and 3 children- ages 10, 11, and 12). We would love to participate in the FE exchange... pumpkinkate, I just requested you on FB. Can't to wait to countdown with you guys!!

 

[lucky1]

Hi all!! Last year was our first time cruising with Disney on the Magic out of Galveston. We loved it so much that we decided to go for round 2 on the Disney Wonder. We are a group of 8 (5 adults and 3 children- ages 10, 11, and 12). We would love to participate in the FE exchange... pumpkinkate, I just requested you on FB. Can't to wait to countdown with you guys!!

Welcome Rm3idm! Any of the 3 children girls. My DD11 will be at the edge and would love to have someone to hang with. I guess we would like her to have someone so we can go to Palos

 

[lucky1]

Any recommendations on Insurance? Want to do one that combines Airfare with the ship. In the past we have used DCL insurance, only had to use it once. DH got sick and went into the hospital 3 days before the trip. Given it is Hurricane season would rather get some protection.

 

[Rm3idm]

Welcome Rm3idm! Any of the 3 children girls. My DD11 will be at the edge and would love to have someone to hang with. I guess we would like her to have someone so we can go to Palos

Yes, all three are girls, actually. Perfect!

 

[beaglefan]

Now I have a question for you?
We are going to be driving to the port from New Mexico and spending the night. Do you have any recommendations on what hotel to stay at night before that would offer Park & Sail for our car?

Thanks!!

Two very nice options:

Hotel Galvez, a very nice hotel, one that Houston natives will go to for a "stay-cation"

Hotel Galvez
Promo Rate Plan: PKGPKG

The Park and Cruise Package at the Hotel Galvez & Spa - A Wyndham Grand Hotel includes overnight accommodations, roundtrip transportation to and from the cruise terminal, and complimentary valet parking for the duration of your trip.

Also Tremont House offers this package. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor for both.

Enjoy!

 

[grubbsjj]

When do we get the official FE list?

 

[disneyfan19712006]

Here is list one. This list was cut at 10 cabins due to request. List two will follow. on another post. If you are in group one and would also like to participate in group two please PM me.

GTY Disneyfan19712006
7120 kpkm23 #1
GTY kpkm23 #2
1060 pumpkinkate
Akrum #1
Akrum #2
Akrum#3
Akrum #4
Akrum#5
7636 patti226
7578 mrspaintedacres