October 31, 2009

[Jaime]

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's in our group

Welcome Laurie and Family!

That's great Michelle that your daughter and her friend are joining you...

This cruise is going to be so much fun

Have a great weekend!

 

[Jaime]

Hi everyone!

I just logged on to DU to make payment on our cruise when I noticed we only have 500 days left...this is a long time a way but it's exciting to know we will get to sail on the Magic again!

 

[bdette1971]

For this cruise, how many of you are flying in the night before? We are still torn on what to do. I know you can board earlier than most ships but I was wondering if there is a down side to flying in the day of the cruise. I would hate to have the kids miss out on their Halloween parties at school. Thanks for any imput.
Bdette

 

[Jaime]

The earliest flight we can get to Orlando arrive at 12:00 noon...it lands too late for my liking but has short connections which is nice...we have actually decided to go two days prior this trip to give ours girls a break after travelling...we feel it was too hard on our dd's last time as we had long connections and we feel it may have helped cause my youngest dd's seasickness...

 

[LaurieWDW05]

For this cruise, how many of you are flying in the night before? We are still torn on what to do. I know you can board earlier than most ships but I was wondering if there is a down side to flying in the day of the cruise. I would hate to have the kids miss out on their Halloween parties at school. Thanks for any imput.
Bdette

We usually go down the day before also - we'll probably grab a flight out the night before, take the magic express (if it is still free) over to a DVC resort, then rent a van or something to head over to the ship. We are possibly cruising w/some friends, so it is WAY more cost effective to rent a van then pay for DCL transport.

The earliest flight we can get to Orlando arrive at 12:00 noon...it lands too late for my liking but has short connections which is nice...we have actually decided to go two days prior this trip to give ours girls a break after travelling...we feel it was too hard on our dd's last time as we had long connections and we feel it may have helped cause my youngest dd's seasickness...

WOW - you can book already for next year? I won't be able to pull up any dates till a year before... UGHHHHHHHH - I hope the prices aren't TOTALLY out of control then!!

I hope everyone has a good weekend!
Laurie

 

[Jaime]

WOW - you can book already for next year? I won't be able to pull up any dates till a year before... UGHHHHHHHH - I hope the prices aren't TOTALLY out of control then!!

I hope everyone has a good weekend!
Laurie

Sorry...I can not book until October either but we only have two airlines that have connections to Orlando from here and their flights are always arrive around the same time daily...there has hardly been any change in the times over the years we have been going to WDW

The price of airfare is already out of control here! It is scary I just priced airfare for October/ November 2008 just to give me an idea how much it would cost...it would cost $4577.36 for the 4 of us!

Last time we actually bought our airfare was in Sept/Oct 2005...4 of us(dd was free) went to WDW it cost around $1600.

Good thing we plan on using airmiles(aeroplan points) for our trip!!! We figure our free flight for the 4 of us will still cost us $1280 in surcharges or more.

Have a great weekend!

 

[LaurieWDW05]

Sorry...I can not book until October either but we only have two airlines that have connections to Orlando from here and their flights are always arrive around the same time daily...there has hardly been any change in the times over the years we have been going to WDW

The price of airfare is already out of control here! It is scary I just priced airfare for October/ November 2008 just to give me an idea how much it would cost...it would cost $4577.36 for the 4 of us!

Last time we actually bought our airfare was in Sept/Oct 2005...4 of us(dd was free) went to WDW it cost around $1600.

Good thing we plan on using airmiles(aeroplan points) for our trip!!! We figure our free flight for the 4 of us will still cost us $1280 in surcharges or more.

Have a great weekend!

OMG - almost $5000 for airfare - WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH - That's crazy! Usually from here we can get around $600/$700 - but, this trip in August we paid around $800 - which is more than I like to spend, but, HAD to do it!!!

We are heading down to DLR this November (our first trip) and we used our air miles rewards - and all four tix from PA to CA was a big $40!! We could've used the miles for FL, but it was the same amount to CA as FL and figured, tix to FL are less than $1000 for 4 people, the tix to CA were over $2000 - so, we said the heck w/it and we are going to Disneyland!!

************************************​

I check this board almost everyday - not too much going on for now,
I am guessing as the cruise gets closer the boards will be a bit busier - I started logging on w/the girls on our August cruise at the beginning of this year - it was a bit slower, but now it is hopping!!

What is everyone doing this year for vacation?????

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!
Laurie

 

[Jaime]

Laurie...I wouldn't use my airmiles either if I could get airfare under $1000 for the 4 of us. It seems as though as our Canadian dollar get stronger the surcharges at Canadain airports get higher...in 2003 we paid less than $100 for aeroplan seats in surcharges...now it is crazy! Airfare is about the only thing I can not get around...I have become really good at saving money elsewhere to cover the crazy airfare cost! Airfare is the reason we only booked a cat 12 on the cruise...we would love to have a balcony but since it cost so much and takes a while to get to Orlando we would rather extend our vacation by a few days at WDW.

You should have alot of fun on your upcoming cruise...it is quiet here now but I am sure your right as we get closer it will get busier.

Are you spending much time in DL. We thought it was alot of fun there...we really enjoyed Califorina... wish we had a bit of extra time there.

Have a great day!

 

[wdwfan]

Hi! My family and I are also from New Jersey (south Jersey) and we'll be joining you on this cruise! It will be myself, my dh, my ds, 14 at the time of the cruise, and dd who will be 12 at the time of the cruise. We have late seating for dinner, and I have us booked for a catagory 12 gty. (so far, that may change) Woohoo! Can't wait! I have read through this thread so far and everyone seems so friendly! It'll be fun to check in on this thread as the date gets closer. We sailed the Wonder last December and had a blast. My husband and I have taken a few cruises on our own without the kids, so this will be our second cruise with the kids.

Someone asked about vacations plans for this summer. We are vacationing in Myrtle Beach this August. I am really trying not to go to WDW for the entire 2008. It's really hard though. Who knows, I could end up there this November. We're also plannng on a quick 4 day cruise during Presidents' Week in February, but we'll be sailing on the Carnival Fascination along with some family members of ours. So that'll be fun with family. After that it's probably WDW or Myrtle Beach in the summer of 09 before our Oct. 31, 2009 sailing!

Have a Disney day!

 

[LaurieWDW05]

You should have alot of fun on your upcoming cruise...it is quiet here now but I am sure your right as we get closer it will get busier.

Are you spending much time in DL. We thought it was alot of fun there...we really enjoyed Califorina... wish we had a bit of extra time there.

Have a great day!

I am really looking forward to this upcoming cruise!! The families that we've "met" on the boards seem great! I actually met one of the families a few months back (they live in NY we are in NJ), and we are meeting another family prior to the cruise as well - so, it will be really nice. And, my sister (she lives in FL) will be cruising w/her DH too - so, it will be great to see her!

We are spending a week in DL - staying at Disney's Paradise Pier hotel. We are hoping to do 3 or 4 days in DLR and maybe hit something on the outside of the resort. What do you recommend?? How long did you stay there??

Hope you had a good weekend!
Laurie

 

[LaurieWDW05]

Hi! My family and I are also from New Jersey (south Jersey) and we'll be joining you on this cruise! It will be myself, my dh, my ds, 14 at the time of the cruise, and dd who will be 12 at the time of the cruise. We have late seating for dinner, and I have us booked for a catagory 12 gty. (so far, that may change) Woohoo! Can't wait! I have read through this thread so far and everyone seems so friendly! It'll be fun to check in on this thread as the date gets closer. We sailed the Wonder last December and had a blast. My husband and I have taken a few cruises on our own without the kids, so this will be our second cruise with the kids.

Someone asked about vacations plans for this summer. We are vacationing in Myrtle Beach this August. I am really trying not to go to WDW for the entire 2008. It's really hard though. Who knows, I could end up there this November. We're also plannng on a quick 4 day cruise during Presidents' Week in February, but we'll be sailing on the Carnival Fascination along with some family members of ours. So that'll be fun with family. After that it's probably WDW or Myrtle Beach in the summer of 09 before our Oct. 31, 2009 sailing!

Have a Disney day!

Hi! We are from Marlton, NJ - not far from you at all!!! I am Laurie - I will be cruising w/my husband Carmine, and two sons - Dominic will be 13 at cruise time, and Anthony will be 10! This will be our 4th DCL cruise. We are also late seating, and Category 12 - I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO hoping they bump us to something GREAT! LOL (I can dream, right?)

We just went to Myrtle Beach for Easter break, my Dad just moved there, so, we went to visit him. We are hoping to go back there this summer if we can grab some cheap airfare. I don't want to do that drive again this year.

You sound like me - we were supposed to take a year off from WDW this year - DH says we need a break, so we did Myrtle Beach in the spring, we are going to Vero for 5 days before our DCL cruise this August and I managed to squeak ONE day at WDW before we head back to NJ!

When you sail on Carnival are you leaving out of FL??

Enough of my rambling this morning...
Laurie

Next year - we are planning to do Spring training in the spring (prob pres. week), and probably hit Myrtle Beach in the summer, and the cruise in the fall - and I have to tell you - my WHOLE family doesn't know I booked this one - not even DH!! LOL I booked last week when you had to put half the deposit down, so I figured why not - I am sure he'll go - and I'll surprise them all w/it for like Christmas or something!!

 

[wdwfan]

Hi! We are from Marlton, NJ - not far from you at all!!! I am Laurie - I will be cruising w/my husband Carmine, and two sons - Dominic will be 13 at cruise time, and Anthony will be 10! This will be our 4th DCL cruise. We are also late seating, and Category 12 - I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO hoping they bump us to something GREAT! LOL (I can dream, right?)

We just went to Myrtle Beach for Easter break, my Dad just moved there, so, we went to visit him. We are hoping to go back there this summer if we can grab some cheap airfare. I don't want to do that drive again this year.

You sound like me - we were supposed to take a year off from WDW this year - DH says we need a break, so we did Myrtle Beach in the spring, we are going to Vero for 5 days before our DCL cruise this August and I managed to squeak ONE day at WDW before we head back to NJ!




When you sail on Carnival are you leaving out of FL??

Enough of my rambling this morning...
Laurie

Next year - we are planning to do Spring training in the spring (prob pres. week), and probably hit Myrtle Beach in the summer, and the cruise in the fall - and I have to tell you - my WHOLE family doesn't know I booked this one - not even DH!! LOL I booked last week when you had to put half the deposit down, so I figured why not - I am sure he'll go - and I'll surprise them all w/it for like Christmas or something!!

Hi Laurie! It's nice to meet you! My name is Charlene and my family and I actually live in Washington Twp. (Gloucester County) which is not far from you at all! I love to plan vacations. As soon as one is done, I'm looking to the next one. I too, booked this cruise during the save 50% off the deposit promo. I just couldn't pass that up! I thought "taking a DCL cruise is just meant to be." I didn't tell dh about it right away, I had to ease him into the idea first. He gets overwhelmed with the idea of too many vacation bucks being spent at one time , so I introduce the idea just a bit at a time.

Since you're going to spring training in Florida, are you big baseball fans? We are! My son has been playing competive ball for years, so we live it. My parents used to live outside of Myrtle Beach, in Surfside Beach, when they first retired, so that got us hooked on vacationing in that area. We'll actually be in Surfside this August and my son's baseball team will be playing in a Myrtle Beach tournament the same week as we vacation. We're looking forward to it.

When we sail on the Carnival Fascination this February, it'll be out of Jacksonville, Fla., so that'll be something new to research. I wish I was able to keep the DCL secret to myself, but after I carefully broke the news to my husband, although I don't think he has entirely gotten his mind around the idea since it is another 14-15 months ahead of us, I just had to tell my children because they love to vacation as much as I do!

Charlene

 

[LaurieWDW05]

Hi Laurie! It's nice to meet you! My name is Charlene and my family and I actually live in Washington Twp. (Gloucester County) which is not far from you at all! I love to plan vacations. As soon as one is done, I'm looking to the next one. I too, booked this cruise during the save 50% off the deposit promo. I just couldn't pass that up! I thought "taking a DCL cruise is just meant to be." I didn't tell dh about it right away, I had to ease him into the idea first. He gets overwhelmed with the idea of too many vacation bucks being spent at one time , so I introduce the idea just a bit at a time.

Since you're going to spring training in Florida, are you big baseball fans? We are! My son has been playing competive ball for years, so we live it. My parents used to live outside of Myrtle Beach, in Surfside Beach, when they first retired, so that got us hooked on vacationing in that area. We'll actually be in Surfside this August and my son's baseball team will be playing in a Myrtle Beach tournament the same week as we vacation. We're looking forward to it.

When we sail on the Carnival Fascination this February, it'll be out of Jacksonville, Fla., so that'll be something new to research. I wish I was able to keep the DCL secret to myself, but after I carefully broke the news to my husband, although I don't think he has entirely gotten his mind around the idea since it is another 14-15 months ahead of us, I just had to tell my children because they love to vacation as much as I do!

Charlene

Charlene -

Do you fly out of Philly or AC? Or do you drive down to FL?

It is so funny that we have so much in common.. How old are your kids now? What grades are they going into in the fall?

My friend's son's tournament bball team is going to Myrtle Beach this summer, wonder if you will be playing them???

I haven't told my husband at all - like your's I would have to carefully break it to him - and I am not sure how he will be with the news! LOL After the cruise in August, I am sure he'll be into it - but, now is too soon for him!

What do you usually do in SC? We went to that "Broadway by the Beach" and did mini-golf, went to the Hard Rock, aquarium, stuff like that - it was TOO cold for the beach though. And we did tour the new Hard Rock park - that seems like it is going to be pretty cool!

TTYL!
Laurie

 

[Jaime]

Good evening everyone

Hi Charlene...my name is Jaime...I am cruising with my dh Glen and my two dd's 5 & 7. We have a cat 12 booked too...last time we got upgrade to a cat 10...hoping for the same luck or better again this time

Hi Laurie...we were only in DL for 3 days...we went over to Hollywood and drove up through Malibu hills...it is a really nice drive...we liked DL but like WDW alot more...

I'll be happy once I can book my airfare I am concerned I will not get my airmile seats...if not we will try to get seats so we cruise the last week in November again. My DIS group from our November 2007 cruise sail every year the same week...they were a lot of fun and help make the cruise extra special. We really enjoyed the cruise and it was really neat seeing it decorated for Christmas. I wonder what kind of things they will do for the Halloween cruise...I have seen the activities from previous years but am curious to see if they do something special the first evening. We really enjoyed going to the pool when we boarded last time so I would like to wait until the sailaway party to dress up in costumes.

It is funny our dh's sound alike! I have been slowing dropping hints to my dh since right before our last cruise to rebook and he finally agreed when he heard the fuel surcharges were coming into effect. He has trouble with my early planning

Have a great night!

 

[NJMomma]

Hi everyone

I haven't posted in a little while, thought I'd drop by and say hi and give our thread a bump (is it rude of me to drop by without calling first?).

I see many of my New Jersey fellow cruisers are from Southern NJ. I am totally northern, but please don't hold it against me

 

[LaurieWDW05]

Good evening everyone
Hi Laurie...we were only in DL for 3 days...we went over to Hollywood and drove up through Malibu hills...it is a really nice drive...we liked DL but like WDW alot more...

I'll be happy once I can book my airfare I am concerned I will not get my airmile seats...if not we will try to get seats so we cruise the last week in November again. My DIS group from our November 2007 cruise sail every year the same week...they were a lot of fun and help make the cruise extra special. We really enjoyed the cruise and it was really neat seeing it decorated for Christmas. I wonder what kind of things they will do for the Halloween cruise...I have seen the activities from previous years but am curious to see if they do something special the first evening. We really enjoyed going to the pool when we boarded last time so I would like to wait until the sailaway party to dress up in costumes.

It is funny our dh's sound alike! I have been slowing dropping hints to my dh since right before our last cruise to rebook and he finally agreed when he heard the fuel surcharges were coming into effect. He has trouble with my early planning

Have a great night!

Hey Jamie!

I am excited about the trip!! Any park tips you have would be great! We are figuring this is a one time trip for us - only because we took advantage of the skymiles - I'd rather go to WDW - everyone I talk to says "you aren't going to like DL -it's not WDW" - But, I know that it's not the same, but it's still Disney!!!

Sounds like you had a great time on your last trip - I did check your TR and the pics are gorgeous! I wish they had the holiday decorations up when we are aboard, but I am excited about Halloween!!! Not sure what we are going to do for that yet... the boys might not want to dress up, but, we'll see!!!

It always feels soooooo much more "real" when the airfare is booked!

I am w/you though - I plan WAY ahead - but, sometimes the spur of the moment trip isn't out of the question!!!!!

Hi everyone

I haven't posted in a little while, thought I'd drop by and say hi and give our thread a bump (is it rude of me to drop by without calling first?).

I see many of my New Jersey fellow cruisers are from Southern NJ. I am totally northern, but please don't hold it against me

Where in northern NJ are you? We used to be in Central NJ - but, moved down to Marlton a a little over 2 years ago.

Have a good day all!
Laurie

 

[wdwfan]

Good morning everyone!! I have my morning coffee and I just have to check in with my new discruise friends.

Laurie, when we're in Myrtle Beach we also do Broadway at the Beach at least once or twice. Last year, my daughter and I were there for the day by ourselves and she just had to do that Magiquest. It looks inviting and fun, but you have to purchase some items even before your child gets started. She enjoyed it and I know she'll want to do Magiquest again. I thought it was ok, but I'm spoiled by everything Disney (nothing compares!) We also have seen the movies in the Imax theater which is enjoyable. Last year we saw their Safari film. We enjoy the min-golf too. I've tried a few of the restaurants there. I can't remember the exact names, one was seafood restaurant and the other was Margaritaville which is always fun. We go shopping at the outlets. Of course I can't remember the name of the outlet center, I would know it if I heard it, but I'm drawing a blank right now. It had a lot of big name brands and was rather large. ?? We also visited the site of the new Hardrock park which was still being built last August. It will be lots of fun visiting it this year. Since my son is in a Myrtle Beach tournament that was costly, one perk he gets is a "fun pass" that allows him free or reduced entry cost into the local amusement and water parks. We also have done the Nascar Speedway. I did the 2 seater go cart with my daughter, but I did not go that fast. (Always a safety girl ) But that too was enjoyable. What we really like the best is just laying out on the beach because it is so beautiful with the palmetto trees and the warm ocean. We absolutely love it. So I am really looking forward to our August trip. Oh, almost forgot, we fly out of Philly and we drive down to Myrtle


Jamie, it is nice to meet you! I also read through your trip report and thought your children were just beautiful! You must have had a wonderful time on your cruise. Did you take advantage of onboard rebooking? I would absolutely love to do that when we sail, but I'll have to plan for it first. I just wish that we didn't have to put up so much money for the entire family up front at first. Oh well, it all gets paid in the end. I hope to rebook another cruise while onboard and take the Mexican Riviera cruise? Or maybe an Eastern Caribbean? Both would be great!

Hi NJMomma! It's nice to meet you! We're real friendly down here in South Jersey!

I know it's early, but has anyone been thinking about excursions? I started to research the XCaret in Cozomel and that looks fun, although I think it might be a rushed excursion. What have all of you been thinking so far? Do you like to do excursions, or just relax on the ship?

Charlene

 

[Jaime]

Hi Everyone! Just taking a afternoon break and thought I check to see if anyone post today!

Jamie, it is nice to meet you! I also read through your trip report and thought your children were just beautiful! You must have had a wonderful time on your cruise. Did you take advantage of onboard rebooking? I would absolutely love to do that when we sail, but I'll have to plan for it first. I just wish that we didn't have to put up so much money for the entire family up front at first. Oh well, it all gets paid in the end. I hope to rebook another cruise while onboard and take the Mexican Riviera cruise? Or maybe an Eastern Caribbean? Both would be great!

Hi Charlene,

We had a great time overall...I loved the Magic! We never rebooked onboard...really wish we had now! I know others in our group rebooked onboard and only booked the adults...they added there children later to save a bit of the deposit. I wish I thought about doing that! That way you would still get your discount and your room credit. If something happen that you could not add your children later you could always change your date. We really enjoyed the Eastern cruise...it was alot of fun especially having 3 days at sea.

I know it's early, but has anyone been thinking about excursions? I started to research the XCaret in Cozomel and that looks fun, although I think it might be a rushed excursion. What have all of you been thinking so far? Do you like to do excursions, or just relax on the ship?

Sure it's early but we have a good idea what we will be doing in Cozumel and KeyWest already We are pretty sure we will explore each port on our own. In Cozumel we want would like to do the Dolphin Discovery Cozumel in Chankanaab National Park. We plan on booking it next May sometime. In KeyWest we would like to do the Trolley and butterfly park...my girls love butterflies and it is about 1/2 way through the trolley ride...it will make for a nice break

Hey Jamie!
I am excited about the trip!! Any park tips you have would be great! We are figuring this is a one time trip for us - only because we took advantage of the skymiles - I'd rather go to WDW - everyone I talk to says "you aren't going to like DL -it's not WDW" - But, I know that it's not the same, but it's still Disney!!!

Sounds like you had a great time on your last trip - I did check your TR and the pics are gorgeous! I wish they had the holiday decorations up when we are aboard, but I am excited about Halloween!!! Not sure what we are going to do for that yet... the boys might not want to dress up, but, we'll see!!!

It always feels soooooo much more "real" when the airfare is booked!

I am w/you though - I plan WAY ahead - but, sometimes the spur of the moment trip isn't out of the question!!!!!
Laurie

Hi Laurie,

We loved DL it just different than WDW...you will really enjoy it! They are different parks and they really can't be compared...they are much smaller and make it easy to go between the parks. One thing we loved is the restaurants are much easier to get ressies for...we called the same day and had a choice of dining times for lunch with the princesses. If you can we really enjoyed seeing Hollywood...we drove and it took about 35 minutes to get there but on the way back it took 3 hours...so if driving watch for rush hour...it is like it is in the movies...bumper to bumper. Still fun though. We do enjoy Florida more but are really glad we went to Calaforina and plan on going again when the girls are older and driving up the coast. You'll have so much fun!

I am really excited about Halloween too...I never really enjoyed Halloween as it is usually cold here by then...but we loved the Halloween party at the MK...it is the best Disney activity we have done...and it was nice to let the girls wear "normal" Halloween costumes without winter jackets!



I have to go glow golfing now...have a great night everyone!

 

[Jaime]

Hi everyone

I haven't posted in a little while, thought I'd drop by and say hi and give our thread a bump (is it rude of me to drop by without calling first?).

I see many of my New Jersey fellow cruisers are from Southern NJ. I am totally northern, but please don't hold it against me

I missed your post when I read them first. HI!

 

[NJMomma]

I know it's early, but has anyone been thinking about excursions? I started to research the XCaret in Cozomel and that looks fun, although I think it might be a rushed excursion. What have all of you been thinking so far? Do you like to do excursions, or just relax on the ship?

Charlene

Hi Charlene,

We rhyme, I'm Darlene We did the Xcaret excursion in April. It was lots of fun, but it is rushed. The park is beautiful and if you do the underground river for it's whole length, you don't get much time to do much else. I would do it again and do recommend it, but my DD got sea sick on the ferry to the mainland so I think next time we'll find an excursion on Cozumel. We got off the boat everywhere and did an excursion at all stops. Most were short enough to give us time to do other stuff. In Key West we did the Pirate Scavenger Hunt in the Pirate Museum, in Grand Cayman we did the Island Tour and Butterfly Farm. That was not great. The turtle farm stop was neat, but rest of it, blah. DD& I fed the stingrays at Castaway Cay, while DS & DH went parasailing.

Hi Laurie,

I am from Pompton Plains/Pequannock. I am guessing you never heard of it, not that many have! It's pretty far north - do you know where Willowbrook Mall is? or Wayne? Near there. About 15-20 miles from NYC. My parents live in Lakewood and my sister's in Freehold. To us, that's So. Jersey

Hi Jaime!

Didn't want to leave you out