Panama Canal Eastbound Sept. 14, 2013--it'll be WONDER-ful

[twokats]

Hi count me into the group. .. I have made it through the first few pages! Well this will be our second cruise and can't be more excited! I'm still working in booking and all the logistics...

Glad you are joining us.

 

[twokats]

We are staying in Houston for 2-3 nights with friends and then flying back to LA before we fly home to Australia

You do have a bit of a trip home. I see why you want to make the most of the trip.

 

[twokats]

We had a feeling we would be in trouble if we waited so we got on the phone as soon as they opened. I am not sure how many are staying DVC but several have said they would be there a few days before. Really sorry you weren't able to get all your nights. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I booked at my 7 month mark and even then the studios were all booked with the exception of 1 night. But I knew I wanted a 1 bedroom and it was available so I grabbed it.

 

[pahrumpgirl]

I booked at my 7 month mark and even then the studios were all booked with the exception of 1 night. But I knew I wanted a 1 bedroom and it was available so I grabbed it.

We definitely had to be quick.

 

[WAMUMOF4]

We had a feeling we would be in trouble if we waited so we got on the phone as soon as they opened. I am not sure how many are staying DVC but several have said they would be there a few days before. Really sorry you weren't able to get all your nights. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Thanks but I am actually Quite happy to stay at the DLH if need be I know the kids will love to we have only stayed offsite at DL this is our first time using our DVC so happy to be on site anywhere at DL

You do have a bit of a trip home. I see why you want to make the most of the trip.

Yeah we do although unless we buy APs I think we will only do the Halloween party's and do other things those few days when we come back we have not been and seen the stars or the sign yet so I need to book a day tour.

 

[CrusinLattas]

They are having the limited time magic Friday the 13 th party and it's suppose to be the first weekend of Halloween overlay so because of that I am super nervous, I was under the impression there are limited rooms able to be booked on points I need to use points for this to be a budget trip It's the first time we have wait listed but I really don't like our chances especially if a few of us from the cruise are wait listed.

Well, that may make things more crowded, but it also sounds really fun and I'm glad we will be there for it!!!

 

[CrusinLattas]

We definitely had to be quick.

I was not quick enough - I am still waiting to hear what my school will want us to do. I don't think they have very many DVC options compared to other properties - I hear they book up fast! I'm ok staying on points at the hotel - I was just really wanting the kitchen and washer and dryer for a week long stay. It sounds like many DVC stayers will be on our cruise. I bet we see a price decrease before we sail - we booked an 11 night holiday cruise with points when we first joined DVC because they gave us a huge amount of points for signing up and we only had a year to use them -it worked out great because they refunded points back when the ship was not filling up and then we had another year to use them.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

I would be soooo happy, happy, happy if they gave me some points back!

 

[pahrumpgirl]

I would be soooo happy, happy, happy if they gave me some points back!

Me TOO!

 

[CrusinLattas]

I rented our car today for the LA time - AVIS had a great deal - $358.60 for a week in an SUV - it was a little over $400 with all the fees and tax, but still half of what others were charging. They don't have the shuttles from the rental places to the port in LA like they do in Orlando, so we will have to take a taxi to the port (or at least one of us will) but it will be great to have a car for a week and enjoy site seeing! My kids really want to go to Hollywood and I want them to see the redwood trees. I'm still holding out on the wait list for DVC villa - but if it looks like the hotel is filling up I will go ahead and book the room.

I still have not booked anything to get back from Galveston - I am hoping we get more people from our area going so we can charter a bus back to DFW - fingers crossed for rate to drop more!

We did get our airline tickets this past week - Southwest had a good online deal plus you get the free baggage (which will come in handy on a three week trip!)

If anyone wants to get together at DL sometime before we leave we will be up for that!

 

[CrusinLattas]

Also, I haven't thought about shore trips. Is anyone doing anything really fun on any of our stops? I usually like to do things I find on Cruise Critic etc. vs. doing the planned ship things unless they have a really cool offering - we like to keep it low budget. We went to Cabo and did whale watching when my daughter was an infant and that was neat. I think at we went to Walmart in PV if I remember correctly...lol. I have never been to Columbia. We have been to Cozumel quite a few times - our last time we did a tour of a chocolate factory that was fun, but I doubt we would do it again, although the owner said they would be adding hard candy so maybe...smile. Anyway, maybe with two weeks on the ship I will want to get off and explore. I would love to hear what you are planning!

 

[pahrumpgirl]

I rented our car today for the LA time - AVIS had a great deal - $358.60 for a week in an SUV - it was a little over $400 with all the fees and tax, but still half of what others were charging. They don't have the shuttles from the rental places to the port in LA like they do in Orlando, so we will have to take a taxi to the port (or at least one of us will) but it will be great to have a car for a week and enjoy site seeing! My kids really want to go to Hollywood and I want them to see the redwood trees. I'm still holding out on the wait list for DVC villa - but if it looks like the hotel is filling up I will go ahead and book the room.

I still have not booked anything to get back from Galveston - I am hoping we get more people from our area going so we can charter a bus back to DFW - fingers crossed for rate to drop more!

We did get our airline tickets this past week - Southwest had a good online deal plus you get the free baggage (which will come in handy on a three week trip!)

If anyone wants to get together at DL sometime before we leave we will be up for that!

Mommaluvsdis and we will be there from Wednesday to Saturday. Would love to meet up and maybe get to know some of fellow cruisers beforehand.

 

[pahrumpgirl]

Also, I haven't thought about shore trips. Is anyone doing anything really fun on any of our stops? I usually like to do things I find on Cruise Critic etc. vs. doing the planned ship things unless they have a really cool offering - we like to keep it low budget. We went to Cabo and did whale watching when my daughter was an infant and that was neat. I think at we went to Walmart in PV if I remember correctly...lol. I have never been to Columbia. We have been to Cozumel quite a few times - our last time we did a tour of a chocolate factory that was fun, but I doubt we would do it again, although the owner said they would be adding hard candy so maybe...smile. Anyway, maybe with two weeks on the ship I will want to get off and explore. I would love to hear what you are planning!

We are waiting for the ship tours to come out. We are talking about maybe doing the chocolate factory in Cozumel and maybe the buggy tour in Columbia. Nothing definite until the tours come out.

 

[MPS516]

I rented our car today for the LA time .. . . . . . My kids really want to go to Hollywood and I want them to see the redwood trees. . . . . . . ..

The Redwoods are about a 10 hour drive north of LA, might want to plan stops in Monterey, Old Sacramento, the Jelly Belly Factory, The Nut Factory and Big Sur. Probably a couple days if you take in the sights.

 

[CrusinLattas]

The Redwoods are about a 10 hour drive north of LA, might want to plan stops in Monterey, Old Sacramento, the Jelly Belly Factory, The Nut Factory and Big Sur. Probably a couple days if you take in the sights.

I thought they were closer - maybe we can see them when we fly in.....

 

[CrusinLattas]

Would anyone with children ages 8 and up be interested in getting a group together for Disney's Youth Education Series? There are two I am very interested in but we would need 9 more kids! The great thing is we can get very discounted Disneyland tickets if your child participates and it is a great learning activity.

Energy and Waves Physics Lab 101 | Disney Youth Education Series

Experience Disneyland® Park through the eyes of a physicist! Explore how the energies of light and sound come together to create unforgettable attraction experiences.

Students in grades 3-5 discover light and sound as forms of energy and how to use them in practical application. In this 2.5-hour academic adventure students see first-hand how these elements are a vital part of creating world class attractions and how Disney uses these physical properties to entertain and amaze guests from all over the world.

or

Exploring the Golden State | Disney Youth Education Series

Delve into the rich history of California's people, places and events at Disney California Adventure® Park, from the Gold Rush to the redwood forests and beyond.

Program Overview

Students in grades 3-5 act as early settlers as they travel through the park to explore the four regions of California Native Americans, the Gold Rush and California Missions. During this 2.5-hour program students will learn about the state's rich history including the influential events and people that shaped the Golden State including Chuck Yeager, Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, John Muir and Walt Disney. They will also be inspired as they learn of the obstacles early Californians overcame to fulfill their dreams.

My daughter would love both of these!
PRICING OPTIONS

2013 Pricing
Disney Youth Education Series Experience Only Ticket

1-Day $37.00* (If you have a season's pass)

1-Day Ticket to Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park
$72.00*

1-Day Value Price $64.00* (This would include the week before we leave except Friday - Sunday.)

Park Hopper® Ticket Packages
1-Day
$91.00*
1-Day Value Price
$82.00*

2-Day
$138.00*
3-Day
$155.00*
4-Day
$190.00*
5-Day
$199.00*

We could do both programs for just $20 more.

* Price includes tax. Value pricing available on specific dates only. Check Value Pricing Calendar. Ticket expires 13 days after first use, and each day the ticket is used constitutes one full day. One complimentary chaperone ticket will be issued for every 10 paid students. One complimentary teacher ticket will be issued for every 30 paid students. Tickets for additional guests include park admission only. Additional guests will not be permitted to accompany the group on the Disney Youth Education Series program.


At least one adult would need to go with the group. That adult would get a free ticket! Children under 8 cannot go - so that means I have one that could go and one that can't - if others are in the same situation we can figure out something. The whole family can get these discount tickets if they have a child that participates.

Let me know if you would be interested - it is a huge savings plus a great program for school aged children!

 

[twokats]

If anyone wants to get together at DL sometime before we leave we will be up for that!

Mommaluvsdis and we will be there from Wednesday to Saturday. Would love to meet up and maybe get to know some of fellow cruisers beforehand.

We are getting there on Tuesday. We will be in the parks all but one day in which I am planning to take one of the ABD tours.

We are waiting for the ship tours to come out. We are talking about maybe doing the chocolate factory in Cozumel and maybe the buggy tour in Columbia. Nothing definite until the tours come out.

We have not made up our minds either. We usually do something that Disney has just because it gives us a feeling of safety. We will have to come up with something different for Cozumel since the last two times we have been there we have done the same excursion. Time for something different.

 

[MPS516]

Guessing there are deals to be found on Carnival this week I can think of many worse places to be stranded, St Maarten is one of my favorites

 

[WAMUMOF4]

Would anyone with children ages 8 and up be interested in getting a group together for Disney's Youth Education Series? There are two I am very interested in but we would need 9 more kids! The great thing is we can get very discounted Disneyland tickets if your child participates and it is a great learning activity.

Energy and Waves Physics Lab 101 | Disney Youth Education Series

Experience Disneyland® Park through the eyes of a physicist! Explore how the energies of light and sound come together to create unforgettable attraction experiences.

Students in grades 3-5 discover light and sound as forms of energy and how to use them in practical application. In this 2.5-hour academic adventure students see first-hand how these elements are a vital part of creating world class attractions and how Disney uses these physical properties to entertain and amaze guests from all over the world.

or

Exploring the Golden State | Disney Youth Education Series

Delve into the rich history of California's people, places and events at Disney California Adventure® Park, from the Gold Rush to the redwood forests and beyond.

Program Overview

Students in grades 3-5 act as early settlers as they travel through the park to explore the four regions of California Native Americans, the Gold Rush and California Missions. During this 2.5-hour program students will learn about the state's rich history including the influential events and people that shaped the Golden State including Chuck Yeager, Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, John Muir and Walt Disney. They will also be inspired as they learn of the obstacles early Californians overcame to fulfill their dreams.

My daughter would love both of these!
PRICING OPTIONS

2013 Pricing
Disney Youth Education Series Experience Only Ticket

1-Day $37.00* (If you have a season's pass)

1-Day Ticket to Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park
$72.00*

1-Day Value Price $64.00* (This would include the week before we leave except Friday - Sunday.)

Park Hopper® Ticket Packages
1-Day
$91.00*
1-Day Value Price
$82.00*

2-Day
$138.00*
3-Day
$155.00*
4-Day
$190.00*
5-Day
$199.00*

We could do both programs for just $20 more.

* Price includes tax. Value pricing available on specific dates only. Check Value Pricing Calendar. Ticket expires 13 days after first use, and each day the ticket is used constitutes one full day. One complimentary chaperone ticket will be issued for every 10 paid students. One complimentary teacher ticket will be issued for every 30 paid students. Tickets for additional guests include park admission only. Additional guests will not be permitted to accompany the group on the Disney Youth Education Series program.


At least one adult would need to go with the group. That adult would get a free ticket! Children under 8 cannot go - so that means I have one that could go and one that can't - if others are in the same situation we can figure out something. The whole family can get these discount tickets if they have a child that participates.

Let me know if you would be interested - it is a huge savings plus a great program for school aged children!

I am of the understanding that they changed the rules and if you are not a group that can provide proof of your group, school group etc you can't book these anymore you have to book the YES individual enrollment classes instead. unless the rules are different at DL
We have done those at WDW and the kids loved them.

 

[CrusinLattas]

I am of the understanding that they changed the rules and if you are not a group that can provide proof of your group, school group etc you can't book these anymore you have to book the YES individual enrollment classes instead. unless the rules are different at DL
We have done those at WDW and the kids loved them.

Rules must be different at DL - I have talked to them several times - as long as we have a group together wanting to do the same class on the same day we can do the program. It sounds like a lot of fun!

I talked with my daughter today and the one she really wants to do I didn't even put up - the animation class. Hope we can get enough children!

I put the PDF flyers about the program up on our Facebook page.