October 1st, 2011 Western Caribbean on the Magic!

[ammouse]

Tell me about the vacation club.

 

[JanDave]

Tell me about the vacation club.

DVC is Disney's version of a time share. Since we're so close to cruising, I suggest that you attend a DVC presentation on the ship. Times will be listed in the Navigator and the DVC desk is on deck 4 overlooking the atrium.
No pressure to buy DVC; just info given out. About an hour long presentation.

Jan

 

[JanDave]

We were viewing DC on line and a restricted verandah became available. But, we cannot get it without cancelling and redoing our reservation which they said would cost around $700. Does anyone know why Disney is just now showing those rooms? We felt it was unfair since we booked early and it was not there and now it is.

Whoever booked this stateroom may have booked early as well - if they are at the 5+ cruise level, they had the early booking window advantage. The stateroom might have been cancelled recently or those booked in this stateroom upgraded.

Carla, who is cruising with us, and I had to cancel our January 2010 Magic cruise about 70 days out because of health reasons. Fortunately, with cruise insurance we didn't lose too much $$$ and we rebooked for October 2010.

Jan

 

[Silverfox97]

Also, what excursions has everyone booked?

We are doing Key West on our own, have the Island tour booked at Grand Cayman, and the Eco Park in Cozumel. We also plan to hit up the waterside in Margaritaville & do some shopping.

We were viewing DC on line and a restricted verandah became available. But, we cannot get it without cancelling and redoing our reservation which they said would cost around $700. Does anyone know why Disney is just now showing those rooms? We felt it was unfair since we booked early and it was not there and now it is.

Those are deals DCL uses to fill the ship. Those aren't something that are meant to be for early bookings, which is why they are available in the penalty period.

 

[JanDave]

http://www.facebook.com/groups/296088364520/

Should lead you to group page
otherwise search October 1st 2011 western

Thanks, Fire14 and Jon "accepted" me on the link.

Fire14 - you'll recognize my DH Dave on the ship - he'll be wearing one of his many MSU caps.

Jan

 

[JanDave]

I'm so excited about this cruise, as I am for each DCL cruise we've been on - 15 for me. Excited because I know what's in store for us and looking forward to enjoying a relaxing 7 days on board the Magic. My "worst" day on the 7 day cruises is Friday - Castaway Cay day - because I have done most of the packing the night before, the stateroom is starting to look like it was when we first entered the stateroom 6 days earlier, and knowing that the next morning it'll be our last meal on the ship.

By the way - for previous DCL cruises on the 7 day or longer cruises - have you been to Pub Night on the last night? If you haven't and also for new cruisers to the 7+ day cruises, Pub Night is the event where the CMs entertain us adults for a few minutes on the last night. It usually takes place after 10 pm (Til We Meet Again is usually at 10pm in the atrium) and after luggage has to be in the halls by 10pm), often in Rockin Bar D, and it is worth the time to attend. Hint - "If I were not upon the sea........"

Jan

 

[JoyaDelMar]

Also, what excursions has everyone booked? I am not an adventurous "go out on my own" type. I'm a little afraid of that (despite working and traveling around NYC frequently). We have booked everything through DCL. The cost is worth it for peace of mind. We are doing President Truman's Key West, Pirate Adventure in Grand Cayman and Mayan Ruins and Discover Mexico Park. Anyone else?

DBF (despite being a born-and-raised New Yorker) isn't much a traveler... so to play it safe we booked excursions in Grand Cayman and Cozumel with Disney. In GC, we're doing the Dolphin and Turtle Farm excursion (swimming with dolphins has always been a life goal so I'm super excited!). And in Cozumel, we're doing the speedboat getaway. I'm a Floridian and grew up boating, but he's never been on a boat (just a few cruise ships) - so I was pretty surprised when he was so interesting in it.

I think we're doing Key West on our own (maybe booking something thru Fury) and leaving the day open at Castaway Cay. We originally thought about renting jetskis - but those were snapped up in a flash it seems!

 

[Sparky47]

I’m wondering if someone who has ability to book excursions on the Western Caribbean itinerary can do me a favor. We are sailing on 11/26 and would like the ability to do some advance planning for excursions but aren’t able to book until end of August. If you have booking rights already, could you look at the online excursions to tell me what time the following excursions begin? We are trying to see if it’s possible to book 2 excursions at a port (we’ve done it in the past but it all depends on the timing!) THANK YOU!

Key West
Key West Catamaran Sail and Snorkel
Champagne Sunset Cruise

Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman Island Tour
Shipwreck & Reef Snorkel
Stingray City Reef Sail & Snorkel
Pirate Encounter
Aqua Boat

Cozumel

Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins
Eco Park & Snorkel
Fury Catamaran
Cozumel Ruins & Beach Tour

Thanks again !

 

[Fire14]

Thanks, Fire14 and Jon "accepted" me on the link.

Fire14 - you'll recognize my DH Dave on the ship - he'll be wearing one of his many MSU caps.

Jan

I'm sure at some point I'll be wearing my MSU t shirt

 

[JanDave]

I'm sure at some point I'll be wearing my MSU t shirt

Go Green!!!!!

Jan

 

[Fire14]

I’m wondering if someone who has ability to book excursions on the Western Caribbean itinerary can do me a favor. We are sailing on 11/26 and would like the ability to do some advance planning for excursions but aren’t able to book until end of August. If you have booking rights already, could you look at the online excursions to tell me what time the following excursions begin? We are trying to see if it’s possible to book 2 excursions at a port (we’ve done it in the past but it all depends on the timing!) THANK YOU!

Key West
Key West Catamaran Sail and Snorkel
Champagne Sunset Cruise

Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman Island Tour
Shipwreck & Reef Snorkel
Stingray City Reef Sail & Snorkel
Pirate Encounter
Aqua Boat

Cozumel

Cozumel Highlights and Mayan Ruins
Eco Park & Snorkel
Fury Catamaran
Cozumel Ruins & Beach Tour

Thanks again !

I can look it up for you but am on way out at this sec. Will do later tonight.
JUli

 

[dapod423]

Dear Scott,
I don't know your DisName but I've been told you are the man to talk to about joining the FE gist exchange. Can I join????

 

[ssanders79]

Dear Scott,
I don't know your DisName but I've been told you are the man to talk to about joining the FE gist exchange. Can I join????

Not a problem. Just send me a PM with your info. You can take a look at the current FE List to get an idea on what information is shared.

 

[ssanders79]

The FE List has been updated.

There are 4 groups that were GTY. Please PM me your stateroom number as soon as you get it assigned if not already done.

Missing Staterooms for:

• snugglepeas/KilleriMac17
• Angiengary
• Lilo's Mom
• JoyaDelMar

 

[ammouse]

Is our ship filling up or the same

 

[JanDave]

Is our ship filling up or the same

It depends on the number of people for each stateroom, including ages of kids. Just went to the DCL website, entered our cruise date for 2 adults. Stateroom categories for inside and ocean view still availabe are: 11a, 10 a-c; 9 a-d. I entered same info for 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 6 and 9). Results: 11a; 10-a-b; 9a, c, d. The ship allows so many kids for each age (under 18). Also, staterooms for a certain lifeboat cannot hold more than X number of people (adults/kids). Military discount is in effect for our cruise. However, DCL has put a temporary hold on Florida discount rates, although an article stated that DCL might open up Florida rates for the Magic once it returns to Florida.

I'm sure DCL will or has opened up discounts to cast members. I've noticed on past cruises that the ship fills up fast closer to cruise date.

Jan

 

[ammouse]

Can we bring bottled water from home?

 

[ssanders79]

Can we bring bottled water from home?

Yes.

 

[ammouse]

Do we need to store it in anything special

 

[ssanders79]

Do we need to store it in anything special

You will need to carry it own as DCL does not allow you to check liquids as they can leak and ruin others luggage. Ive read that people who bring just a case of beer are asked to put it in a bag as to not sit in the terminal with a box in plain site.