Oct 30 2010 7 Night Western

[adnil530]

The "ruins" tour takes about 20 minutes- we did it before we had our swim. I suppose it could have been longer if we did not have to go- all the kids in our group were fine with it, it was interesting and not really long enough for them to get bored. The taxi ride from the post was I guess around 1/2 an hour or less, so not far at all. There's a pool and snorkeling if you don't do Dolphins. Good luck with your decision! We still can't decide what we're doing at any of the ports.

I've been checking out the excursions for Cozumel and I am leaning towards Chankanaab. Unfortunetly my kids aren't thrilled with exploring the ruins (which I think are fascinating!), and I don't want to spend hours traveling to and from an excursion either. Has anyone been to Chankanaab and not do the dolphin swim? It sounds like there is something for everyone there.

We are just starting to look at the excursions and haven't come to a decision on anything yet. I think Captain Marvins might be a bit too water adventurous for our Laura. She's terrified of sting rays. We can get her to snorkel but only if she is hanging on to the both of us. Mike would like to see the ruins and so would Michelle, I'd like the zip line but I don't think I can book it through DCL due to Laura's age. We really enjoyed kayaking in St. Thomas, so maybe something in that direction? Decisions, decisons. Still have time decide I guess.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

We are just starting to look at the excursions and haven't come to a decision on anything yet. I think Captain Marvins might be a bit too water adventurous for our Laura. She's terrified of sting rays. We can get her to snorkel but only if she is hanging on to the both of us. Mike would like to see the ruins and so would Michelle, I'd like the zip line but I don't think I can book it through DCL due to Laura's age. We really enjoyed kayaking in St. Thomas, so maybe something in that direction? Decisions, decisons. Still have time decide I guess.

I did the zip lines in Cozumel 2 years ago and loved it!! I am not sure about the age restrictions though.

 

[Fastpaks]

Congrats to both Nenner1 and Dis-cruiser for the pay off!

We have the $$ for ours as well, but we are waiting on one last litt... or its big hurdle and should know next week. For those that have a seniority style vacation bidding will understand, its very nerve racking until the process is through. I find out next week if I have the week off. (crossesfingers)

I have been sorta wondering if people were doing Exursions on the cheap. I know for us we were sorta planning to not have a plan so to speak. Beaches and shopping for us. I will say the All-inclusive is definitely tempting?! I go back to lurking.. esta la later

 

[tjbaggott]

Congrats to both Nenner1 and Dis-cruiser for the pay off!

We have the $$ for ours as well, but we are waiting on one last litt... or its big hurdle and should know next week. For those that have a seniority style vacation bidding will understand, its very nerve racking until the process is through. I find out next week if I have the week off. (crossesfingers)

I have been sorta wondering if people were doing Exursions on the cheap. I know for us we were sorta planning to not have a plan so to speak. Beaches and shopping for us. I will say the All-inclusive is definitely tempting?! I go back to lurking.. esta la later

My DH is on that type of Senority Vacation Requesting at work. Thankfully, he's in the top 10 list of those with the most Senority, and thankfully, not very many people ask for time off in the fall! My full time job, I'm self employed, so I can take time off whenever I want, but I must first decide if I can afford to go without income for that length. That means I generally only take 2 weeks a year. My partime job however, does have a Senority listing to which I'm now at the bottom of (I worked there 8 years ago, but quit. Started back 1 year ago, and start all over with the Senority thing). Don't know if I'll get my vacation time off (still getting a hassle about my wanting to go to my cousins wedding next month), but again the good thing is, in the fall, vitually no one requests time off.
I'll throw some Pixie Dust your way, in hopes you win your vacation Bidding!

 

[lexandme]

Haven't posted for a while but I have been reading!

We did Dolphinaris last year and I loved it. The facilities were clean and you had a lot of time to interact with the dolphins. The groups were small as well. The photos and video are not cheap. I think we paid around 125.00 for the 10 minute video and a disk with 8 photos on it.

I fell on the ice and snow 3 weeks ago and broke both bones in my left wrist. I went down in our driveway and slid right under my husband's Honda CRV! I have a cast on for 7 more weeks! I did learn a valuable lesson however. Never wear Pumas when you should wear boots! I'm just grateful it happened now and not during the summer or heaven forbid before we sail.

TJBaggott - Rootin' for the Canadian Hockey team. Love Sidney Crosby and Marc Andre Flurey!

Judy

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I have been sorta wondering if people were doing Exursions on the cheap. I know for us we were sorta planning to not have a plan so to speak. Beaches and shopping for us. I will say the All-inclusive is definitely tempting?! I go back to lurking.. esta la later

I'm planning 1 excursion for my dad and 1 excursion for me. At Key West I figure we'll just get off the ship and see what we can without paying for anything (well, maybe a slice of key lime pie). At Nassau, I don't plan on getting off (because of the tender - I don't want to leave my mother alone on the ship). At Cozumel, I'm seriously thinking about Nachi Cocum (it seems like a nice day for me). At Castaway Cay I don't plan on an excursion, just enjoying the adult beach for a bit. I'm hoping that there is something close to the pier in both Key West and Cozumel (my dad plans to just take my mom off the boat in Cozumel and maybe visit some shops).

I fell on the ice and snow 3 weeks ago and broke both bones in my left wrist. I went down in our driveway and slid right under my husband's Honda CRV! I have a cast on for 7 more weeks! I did learn a valuable lesson however. Never wear Pumas when you should wear boots! I'm just grateful it happened now and not during the summer or heaven forbid before we sail.

Judy

Oh Dear!! I hope that you are doing well and that the arm heals nicely. I don't tend to wear boots but rely on my New Balance sneakers. They do have really great treads though. I'm going to be extra careful now with the recent snow and ice.

 

[tjbaggott]

TJBaggott - Rootin' for the Canadian Hockey team. Love Sidney Crosby and Marc Andre Flurey!

Judy

LOL, I'm rootin for them too! Tonight I'm watching the Women's teams.

 

[adnil530]

I did the zip lines in Cozumel 2 years ago and loved it!! I am not sure about the age restrictions though.

Good to hear that...I may have to book through someone other than DCL is this is what we want to do.

Congrats to both Nenner1 and Dis-cruiser for the pay off!

We have the $$ for ours as well, but we are waiting on one last litt... or its big hurdle and should know next week. For those that have a seniority style vacation bidding will understand, its very nerve racking until the process is through. I find out next week if I have the week off. (crossesfingers)

I have been sorta wondering if people were doing Exursions on the cheap. I know for us we were sorta planning to not have a plan so to speak. Beaches and shopping for us. I will say the All-inclusive is definitely tempting?! I go back to lurking.. esta la later

My DH is on that type of Senority Vacation Requesting at work. Thankfully, he's in the top 10 list of those with the most Senority, and thankfully, not very many people ask for time off in the fall! My full time job, I'm self employed, so I can take time off whenever I want, but I must first decide if I can afford to go without income for that length. That means I generally only take 2 weeks a year. My partime job however, does have a Senority listing to which I'm now at the bottom of (I worked there 8 years ago, but quit. Started back 1 year ago, and start all over with the Senority thing). Don't know if I'll get my vacation time off (still getting a hassle about my wanting to go to my cousins wedding next month), but again the good thing is, in the fall, vitually no one requests time off.
I'll throw some Pixie Dust your way, in hopes you win your vacation Bidding!

I booked this cruise before we cleared it through DH's employer. Thankfully, he can get it off, but what if not??? Hope all get the time off that they want.

Haven't posted for a while but I have been reading!

We did Dolphinaris last year and I loved it. The facilities were clean and you had a lot of time to interact with the dolphins. The groups were small as well. The photos and video are not cheap. I think we paid around 125.00 for the 10 minute video and a disk with 8 photos on it.

I fell on the ice and snow 3 weeks ago and broke both bones in my left wrist. I went down in our driveway and slid right under my husband's Honda CRV! I have a cast on for 7 more weeks! I did learn a valuable lesson however. Never wear Pumas when you should wear boots! I'm just grateful it happened now and not during the summer or heaven forbid before we sail.

TJBaggott - Rootin' for the Canadian Hockey team. Love Sidney Crosby and Marc Andre Flurey!

Judy

Oh my...hope you heal well and quickly.

Linda

 

[lsjones]

I think Captain Marvins might be a bit too water adventurous for our Laura. She's terrified of sting rays. We can get her to snorkel but only if she is hanging on to the both of us. Mike would like to see the ruins and so would Michelle, I'd like the zip line but I don't think I can book it through DCL due to Laura's age. We really enjoyed kayaking in St. Thomas, so maybe something in that direction? Decisions, decisons. Still have time decide I guess.

Hey Linda!!
My Mom isn't a swimmer but she's going to do the Captain Marvin's with us. She said she'd be happy relaxing in the boat while we're snorkeling. Kelsey and Scott want to do the zip line, but I didn't want to be separated at port while we do different excursions. I thought I read somewhere that there is a zip at Chankanaab?? Scott and I have been to Tulum and Chichen Itza before, I think it's beautiful, I would definitely see them again! My girls were not too interested though, Sarah doesn't like water taxis and I think that's what they take to the ruins.

I hope we can find something to do together at some point. Is Michelle interested in doing the Teen Wild Side at Castaway? What day is your anniversary?

 

[knewton64]

LOL, I'm rootin for them too! Tonight I'm watching the Women's teams.

...who makes it to the finals.

Good luck to all.


Anywho -

Wish me luck in about 30 days as I get to have fun making my ADR's.....for the 1st time. Q: What has been everyone's experience in making ADR via the phone?? A hassle?? yes /no?? What time of day and when during the week should I call??

Also - please - if some kind soul can please keep all of us up to date on when MNSSHP tickets go on sale - I would greatly appreciate it.



T.T.F.N.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Good to hear that...I may have to book through someone other than DCL is this is what we want to do.

What we do is re-book while onboard - we like that discount and the room credit. Then we switch it to our AAA travel Agent (Kim Bomba in Chicago - even though we are in NJ - if anyone would like her contact info please let me know)

The perks from AAA this year are: $45 room credit, 2 free floats at Castaway Cay, fruit basket when we arrive in our room & petit fours on our last night of the cruise - yummmmm

 

[threeiscrazy]

Wish me luck in about 30 days as I get to have fun making my ADR's.....for the 1st time. Q: What has been everyone's experience in making ADR via the phone?? A hassle?? yes /no?? What time of day and when during the week should I call??

I made my ADR's (for the park right?) online, it was very easy & I really appreciated not having to sit on the phone. Just sat there very early in the morning & knocked it all out.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

I made my ADR's (for the park right?) online, it was very easy & I really appreciated not having to sit on the phone. Just sat there very early in the morning & knocked it all out.

You were able to do it for Oct? I thought we had to wait until 4/1 - what did you book?

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You were able to do it for Oct? I thought we had to wait until 4/1 - what did you book?

My check in date is Oct 24th. According to the ADR calculator I can make my ADR's on April 27th (180 days in advance).

 

[threeiscrazy]

You were able to do it for Oct? I thought we had to wait until 4/1 - what did you book?

For my last trip, I haven't booked and ADR's for this one.

 

[adnil530]

Hey Linda!!
My Mom isn't a swimmer but she's going to do the Captain Marvin's with us. She said she'd be happy relaxing in the boat while we're snorkeling. Kelsey and Scott want to do the zip line, but I didn't want to be separated at port while we do different excursions. I thought I read somewhere that there is a zip at Chankanaab?? Scott and I have been to Tulum and Chichen Itza before, I think it's beautiful, I would definitely see them again! My girls were not too interested though, Sarah doesn't like water taxis and I think that's what they take to the ruins.

I hope we can find something to do together at some point. Is Michelle interested in doing the Teen Wild Side at Castaway? What day is your anniversary?

We'll find something to do together. I imagine Michelle will want to that excursion at Castaway Cay...isn't that what they all wait for...a little time away from the parent's to show some independence and that will be last full day that all the teens can hang out together after being together for a week. It will be a blast for them.

Mike and I need to sit down go through the excursions and narrow down our choices. Right now, it's finding the time to do that. School basketball is over, they start the tournament tonight so that will free up 4 of our week nights!

Talk soon,
Linda

 

[JKSWonder]

Another snow day here, another day of school cancelled. I have a tendency to bake when I am home alone with the kids. In fact, I just made brownies. At this rate, I am going to gain 25 pounds before the end of the winter!

We received our income tax refund, so I will shortly be PIF!

We are checking into AKL on 10/28. Since we are going to only be there for two nights, I am only going to make one ADR, probably for breakfast at BOMA our morning of departure. I wish we could stay longer, because its kind of killing me that we won't have time to do the Food and Wine festival and Epcot this year. I am trying to look on the bright side, since we originally were not going to visit WDW at all....something I did not think my kids could live with (me neither, honestly! )

I completed my volunteer day at the children's museum, and received my free ticket voucher...I am still hoping to find something for DH and DD to do together, that way we we only have to pay for MK for DS.

We are going to tell the kids before we leave, but we are waiting until about two months before....sometime in August. We have a Disney countdown calendar I plan to pull out when they are at school one day. Looking forward to seeing my daughter's face when she sess that the countdown calendar is back in play!

Anyone else already thinking about re-booking while on board, or am I the only lunatic? I was hoping we would know by then what the Dream or the Fantasy were going to be doing in 2012. 2012 is the year of my 40th birthday and I think an excellent reason to cruise again.

 

[Grandma4ever]

Another snow day here, another day of school cancelled. I have a tendency to bake when I am home alone with the kids. In fact, I just made brownies. At this rate, I am going to gain 25 pounds before the end of the winter!

We received our income tax refund, so I will shortly be PIF!

We are checking into AKL on 10/28. Since we are going to only be there for two nights, I am only going to make one ADR, probably for breakfast at BOMA our morning of departure. I wish we could stay longer, because its kind of killing me that we won't have time to do the Food and Wine festival and Epcot this year. I am trying to look on the bright side, since we originally were not going to visit WDW at all....something I did not think my kids could live with (me neither, honestly! )

I completed my volunteer day at the children's museum, and received my free ticket voucher...I am still hoping to find something for DH and DD to do together, that way we we only have to pay for MK for DS.

We are going to tell the kids before we leave, but we are waiting until about two months before....sometime in August. We have a Disney countdown calendar I plan to pull out when they are at school one day. Looking forward to seeing my daughter's face when she sess that the countdown calendar is back in play!

Anyone else already thinking about re-booking while on board, or am I the only lunatic? I was hoping we would know by then what the Dream or the Fantasy were going to be doing in 2012. 2012 is the year of my 40th birthday and I think an excellent reason to cruise again.

Another LUNATIC coming to the surface. We will most likely book another B2B so it may well be a dummy cruise ressie. I am toying with doing a month of Disney in 2013 for our 25th annivary. Two days drive out and 4 days at the parks, then 14 days on board with another week at the park after followed by a two day drive home. I am just not sure I can wait that long and will not have the funds if I don't. So there you have it. One big Lunatic in the bunch!!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Anyone else already thinking about re-booking while on board, or am I the only lunatic? I was hoping we would know by then what the Dream or the Fantasy were going to be doing in 2012. 2012 is the year of my 40th birthday and I think an excellent reason to cruise again.

We too plan to rebook while on-board! We want to do B2B in 2012. When we went on the Magic for Halloween in 2008, the cruise dates were released the week before - so hopefully that will happen again and we will know what we are actually booking for

 

[Grandma4ever]

We too plan to rebook while on-board! We want to do B2B in 2012. When we went on the Magic for Halloween in 2008, the cruise dates were released the week before - so hopefully that will happen again and we will know what we are actually booking for

Are yoiu looking to do two 7 day cruises or a 3 then 4 day cruise as your B2B?