October 25, 2008 Western DD

[woody73]

. . . And these are the questions/points I so far need to go back to Ivan and clarify . . .

1. How long a walk is it to the shuttle from the ship? How far is Majahaul from the ship - would we need to get a taxi back (at what cost/how hard to get) or can we walk? If we can walk - how long/safe?

In November 2006, the Magic docked at the pier, which was probably the length of two or three cruise ships. We walked along the pier to the port complex, which is like an outdoor mall. Once we entered the mall area, its was a short walk to the tour bus -- it took less than five minutes. It will take longer if you stop for photos or shopping.

As the bus traveled to and from the ruins, we saw some roadside check points. There were uniformed guards with machine guns.

After our tour, they dropped us off right where we boarded the bus, inside the security area.

5. How can we pay individually, yet be booked on the same tour/as a group?

David & Ivan had three full size tour buses that day. Some in our group met onboard in the atrium, and walked together to the buses so they could all ride together.

This was in 2006, so YMMV.

Woody

 

[suziemva]

This was in 2006, so YMMV.

Woody

Okay, I feel like an idiot asking but what does YMMV mean? The only things I've found is Your Mileage May Vary or Yes Mom More Vanilla....hey, that's all that google came up with. Neither makes sense to me.

 

[NewfieMom]

Thanks for asking the YMMV question, Suzie - I was wondering the same thing!

Also, thanks for the info Woody - you have been a great source of info about this tour group! Just wondering, did you feel safe doing this excursion with these guys? You mentioned the guards and machine guns, and I know some cruisers are reluctant to book outside of DCL because of fear of something happening and getting left behind. I know I'd be much more reluctant if the time of the excursion was later in the day and closer to port leaving time. Both times I cruised, I made sure we were back in the port area well before leaving time.

Valerie

 

[Shoshie]

Here is the question I offered to ask everyone~~
since our group is so large and it is hard to keep every straight (short of a cheat sheet right Valerie and Sue?) I am offering to make name tags for everyone to wear at the dis meet. Is this something that the group is interested in?

We would be -- when and where is our meet? (sorry if this was already answered)

 

[woody73]

. . . what does YMMV mean?

. . . I was wondering the same thing!

Your Mileage May Vary. In other words, your experience might be better or worse than mine in 2006.

Woody

 

[mommy2777]

sounds good to me!

 

[woody73]

Also, thanks for the info Woody - you have been a great source of info about this tour group! Just wondering, did you feel safe doing this excursion with these guys?

I felt safe during the bus rides, despite the sight of armed guards.

The only time I did not feel safe was when we were climbing the steep steps of the last ruins. There were some kids on our tour (pre-school age?) who were just too young to be on it. When the kids reached the top of the steps, they started tossing rocks at the people climbing up. The parents did nothing to discipline the kids. That family was also on the Magic.

You mentioned the guards and machine guns, and I know some cruisers are reluctant to book outside of DCL because of fear of something happening and getting left behind.

That's always a potential problem when booking an independent excursion.

At St. Thomas, we once saw people run up to the dock long after the last tender left. The Magic had already lifted its anchor and was backing out of the bay.

On our cruise last month, our friends told us that while on a Disney Mediterranean cruise, they were on an excursion in Italy (booked through Disney) and the tour bus left them behind at a stop. When they saw the next Disney group come through, they spoke to the DCL cast member, who called her supervisor and was able to arrange for our friends to re-join their original group.

Woody

 

[LovableGluttons]

I spoke with my in laws yesterday and we're still trying to figure out which excursions we want to do together.

When do you want final numbers by?


Thanks!

 

[michellebriana]

I did get into chat tonight. We had a great time chatting!

Here is the question I offered to ask everyone~~
since our group is so large and it is hard to keep every straight (short of a cheat sheet right Valerie and Sue?) I am offering to make name tags for everyone to wear at the dis meet. Is this something that the group is interested in?

Dana

Sounds like a great idea! Thanks for taking this on!

 

[michellebriana]

Val - How much is the tour you are looking into?

Michelle

 

[suziemva]

Name tags sound great!!

 

[mommy2777]

isn't it wonderful!?

 

[suziemva]

That's very cute, Amy!!!

 

[disney4dana]

I looked into supplies at work. I found a box of unused name badge laminate pouches plenty for the whole group. And enough clips to attach to lanyards for 100-150. FREE

I posted on Buckeye gal's thread for info on lanyards. They are doing them for their group. Any one interested in that idea? I'll post what that might cost when I get a reply. A little research on the web resulted in costs for personized laynards for 1.50 each.

I will mess around with the program at work this week and come up with an example of a name tag. I'll post a pic then for everyone to get a visual.

Lastly anyone interested will have to send me a PM with names/Dis name preference. or post on the thread if you don't care about posting actual names.

Dana

 

[disney4dana]

So far interested parties are

mommy2777
Disney4dana
Jns
Michellebriana
NewfieMom
Suziemva
woody73

(name tags only at this point)

Dana

 

[mommy2777]

WHAT?! lol my name is Amy but my dis name is Mommy2777 silly.

 

[jns]

My DS 9 has just told me I'm going to the Spa on the Magic
he was trying to book it this evening as a surprize for my Birthday today
isn't he sweet , I'm going to have a facial so he says

Amy love your FE did you make it yourself

 

[NewfieMom]

LovableGluttons - I'm guessing we can take numbers up until we reach maximum they can accomodate - which is 60, I believe. Right now, I'm trying to get expressions of interest so I can have an idea of numbers, and then be able to go back to Ivan with some more questions - ie: "if we have x number of people, how much would you charge to pick us up at the port?".

Michelle - the 4 hour tour (everytime I say/type that, the theme song for Gilligan's Island starts running thorugh my mind I know, I know, not a good image when we're talking about a cruise!) that seems to be getting the most interest here is the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour (http://www.thenativechoice.com/chacchoben_ruins.php) and the posted price is &50 for adults and $45 for children under 12.

Amy - great FE - and you're right, it is much nicer than whatever I will come up with on my little sewing machine! If I attempt it and completely fool it up, I might have to break down and order one - but I'll get it sent to your address so I can avoid the hefty delivery fee to Canada! That would work, since I might still be staying with you for 5 months to avoid those horrible airline prices I'm still seeing Can you say PRAYING for a seat sale!!

Dana - just wondering if we want to put name tags on the children? Don't know if I want to have their name easily read by strangers - other than our dis friends of course! (Sorry, this is my old Child Protection hat coming out!) Just thinking how it never used to be recommended to put their names visibly on their clothes/backpacks that could be used by someone to pretend they know them. Just thought of that as I started to post their names here to add to your list - even though I've posted their names on here before, and even a pic. What do others think? BUt agian - thanks for all the work you're putting into this.

How come all my posts lately seem to be so long - right - forgot - I can be chatty!!

Valerie

 

[disney4dana]

I have received replies from Buckeye Gal. I now am waiting to hear from the person who organized the lanyards. What their group has organized is really amazing. Anyone who is curious should take a look at their first page.

Valerie, I would have to agree. I have always felt a little weird even hanging the FE or magnets with their names on them but I have. What if it just had our cruise logo on it? The adults had their name on it?

Maybe the other Dis group can help?

Dana

 

[woody73]

. . . I found a box of unused name badge laminate pouches plenty for the whole group. And enough clips to attach to lanyards for 100-150. FREE

Dana, terrific find!

Woody