Pictures Added!!! 7/31/04 "Adventure" Trip Report for Western Cruise!

[jlawall]

All I can say is that this cruise preceded all the hurricanes and tropical storms BY ONLY ONE WEEK! It seems hard to believe that our sweet and beautiful cruise could have turned out so differently. Let's get back to cruising without the crazy weather!!!

 

[jlawall]

If we ever get back to regular schedule....any ??

 

[jlawall]

Keeping this thread alive!!! Maybe one day soon....the original Western itinerary will occur!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lwilliam]

Your girls are gorgeous! - can't wait to meet everyone in
California! - Lucy (gotta show my 18 yr. old DS their
pictures!)

 

[lsmac]

Joann,
I sure hope it wasn't me that led you to believe the Jeep trip was wonderful and then it was a bust for you all? I know our first time out I simply raved about it. Of course we went in December the first time and it wasn't so HOT! The second time we went my dh and ds insisted that we do the Jeep trip again, and honestly, I did not enjoy it as much the second time. This time I am insisting that we do something different.

Glad your fourth trip was just as magical, we are getting ready for our fifth and hoping for the magic again.

Lisa

 

[jlawall]

Thx Lucy!

Hey Lisa,

I'm sorry if I was too negative. The heat was oppressive but then again, we were in Mexico in July! I've been there in February when it was really hot. To be honest...my DH LOVED THE JEEP TOUR! He was driving and he thought it was great. I think that my problem is that I go to the shore a lot on a "car" beach and I drive on the sand almost every weekend. So maybe for me it's not such a novelty. I'm sure that if you have teenage boys (or even younger boys and girls), you would love this tour.


However, this trip is NOT for the "faint hearted." I'm up for banana boating and jet skiing, etc. and this one was tough for me.

If the tour company would make the distance to the beach alittle shorter and maybe cut out the ruins part, I would recommend it then.

Let's all just hope the cruise has smooth sailing for the rest of the year!!!

 

[ifotobonz]

I have a question about the jet ski adventure around Key West.
What company did you use? My son will be 7, will he be able to ride with an adult? This will be our 2nd Western Cruise. thanks

 

[jlawall]

The jet ski experience was truly a highlight of our cruise this summer. I went on a website for Key West and found the company there. They were the first kiosk that you encounter when you disembark from the ship. It is better to reserve ahead of time.

I think your 7 year old is allowed to join in as long as he is with an adult.

Just be careful with your reservations. When we arrived, they did not have ours but it all worked out anyway.

This is an hour and a half experience. You move very quickly around the island. It is terrific but a very ambitious tour. Let us know how it is for you!

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

In Cozumel, we did the "Dune Buggy Tour", similar to the Jeep Safari (same beach, etc.) but we got to go in Dune Buggies and there were just the 2 of us. We LOVED the dune buggy. We saw the jeep tours and were not in the least bit envious of them. Our Buggies were doing cookies and riding "off-road" or "off-path" and for some reason we were given the right-of-way when the groups met on the paths. We loved the buggies.....AND we had a completly full cooler built right into the back for easy access to all the beer, soda and ice water that we wanted. When we saw the groups with the Jeeps, they just seemd a little......hot and bored. Sort of sounds like your experience.

Just a note to the people, if you are looking for something a little more adventerous.......make sure and do the "Dune Buggy Tour" as opposed to the "Jeep Safari Tour". Same basic thing......just a lot more fun. More stops, more beverages, more driving action, and less money.

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[jlawall]

The dune buggy tour sounds like a good idea. Having cold drinks onboard would have made a big difference. Having right of way would have also helped. I think that also, the day was overbooked by tours which really bottle-necked the traffic.

I really should say that the beach there was one of the most BEAUTIFUL, UNTOUCHED, EXOTIC, WILD beaches I've been to. Really special. Even though I was hot, bounced to pieces, etc. I am still happy that I saw that side of the island.

 

[jlawall]

Any recent cruisers try the above mentioned excursions? How did it go?

 

[jlawall]

ahhhhhhhh, the memories!!!!!!!!!

 

[jlawall]

Happy Thxgiving!

 

[disneyoc4]

This will be our family's first time on the DCL...we're taking the Western Trip and really enjoyed your recap!

We have two boys ages 7 and 5 and was wondering about the whole child security deal, eating arrangements (we understand they can eat separately from us), etc.

Do you have recommendations on excursions for little guys?

Is it better to get to Orlando the day before? Is it good to use Disney's ground transfers or handle on your own?

Did you eat at Palo?

What all do we need to know? We're not going until next December but are trying to figure some of it out to maximize the trip....

Thanks!

 

[spsneman]

Thanks for the trip report Joann. Was particularly interested as after doing our first 4 day cruise on Nov 4th, we rebooked again, this time for the 7 day Western for 2006. It was nice to hear some feedback on the excursions at the various ports so a persons can kind of plan. Thanks again.
Michelle

 

[spsneman]

Hi Joann,
Forgot to ask you what the cost of the jet ski excursion was at Key West, double rider if you happened to know? We had this excursion booked on our Nov 4th cruise, however the only day of our vacation where it decided to rain and our parasailing and jet ski eco tour were cancelled. Any comments on where would be the better location to take the jet ski tour would be appreciated from anyone..tks
Michelle

 

[jlawall]

Thx for your questions on the Western.....

The KW Jet Ski Excursion is fairly vigorous, so if you want to do it with your sons be prepared for a highly energetic ride where they hang on for their lives!!

They also have shorter rentals where you can rent for an hour or so and ride at your own pace....I believe that the tour that we booked was about a $100 per person which was pricey! Renting by the hour might be a better idea for your family!



Other excursions which I recommend for the Western......

In GC, see Stingray City if you can, it's a once in a lifetime experience...your kids may be frightened but WOW, what a cool experience......I guess it depends on their quota for scary yet exciting threshold quota!!!

In Cozumel, we did the Fury Catamaran one year, then the Jeep Tour the following year, again, it's up to you what your family would enjoy most!

In CC, the family beach is wonderful, snorkeling is extra, also the floats.

There is a lot of fun activities right there and probably that's all you need to rent to have a great day.

Best wishes for a wonderful cruise!!!

 

[jlawall]

Bottom line......don't sail without a digital camera!!

 

[jlawall]

I have to keep this thread alive until the California cruises start!!

 

[jlawall]

Just keeping our summer memories alive..........