Roll call for the 10/23/2004 Western Magic. Who's with us?

[RonnieJo66]

I'M EXCITED!!!! I'M EXCITED!!!!


I'm just waiting until I can do the "happy dance" when I get my docs!!!


Let's Cruise!

Smiles,

RonnieJo

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I have done some research for Costa Maya. It doesn't sound too bad and doesn't look like it is very commercialized with big resorts yet. I am getting more excited.

I was reading on cruise critic and some of the people who sailed the ports of Cozumel, Belize, Grand Cayman, and Costa Maya said that Costa Maya was the least exciting port and they wouldn't want to go back. Hopefully we will think different.

As I read, it seems like this port is more for the interest of water play babies than the land lovers. I can't wait to see what other DISers say about this port.

 

[tchrmom]

Thanks for all the "congrats" for Kelly!!!!

We are proud of both our kids.....(DS 12, can no longer go to mom and dad for math homework help).......this past weekend, it was just Kelly's turn to "shine".


RonnieJo
I'm not in charge of the "picture" thing. That is XLT800's job. Yell at him!!

Have a great night!
Fran

 

[Mom2Princesses]

First, let me extend my congrats to Kelly! WTG on second place statewide! That is amazing, and requires a great deal of hardwork on your part, Kelly! Excellent job!

Next, I saw a place called Monkey Farm at Costa Maya. It looks amazing! It is off of Pamela's websites. Here is the quick link:

http://www.mayanbeachgarden.com/Monkey_farm.html

You actually get to pet monkeys there!

It reminds me of David Letterman's assistant who used to ask all the Survivor losers if they got to "see or touch any monkeys?" That cracks me up!

Lastly, children (and adults) we want to know your favorite EVER Disney character. The kids on the other thread are answering that question over there. Sign your name and pick ONLY one! It is just fun!

Bye for now, 5 days left till my college goes back -- then I will be sooo busy in the day! 2 More days till we leave for Halloween Camping...
28 more days till we leave for WDW/CBR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[skylynx]

Hi, Everyone

Well, I followed the link on the Cruise Critic's site to
www.costamayacruiseexcursions.com and booked a 1.5 hour beach horseback ride for 12 noon. It was only $35/pp and you get to ride in the water on the beach and through the fishing village. Since we own our own horses, we usually don't do the trail rides on trips (unless the location is spectacular like the Vegas desert or Pebble Beach) but this looked exceptionally nice. Let me tell you, the procedure for booking this excursion was impressive. You click on a link to reserve the excursion, then are sent an email confirming the availability of the date/time you chose. With that email comes a link to a secure site to pay a 20% deposit via credit card (only $14 for the two of us, and completely refundable if the ship cannot dock due to inclement weather/conditions, etc.).

Since I wasn't sure what time we'd be in port, I was a little reluctant to book this, but this tour company has a live online chat feature, so I asked that very question. I "spoke" to a very nice lady named Sarah who assured me that if I'd booked a time we wouldn't be in port, we could change the time of the ride at no fee upon arrival or get a refund of our (pretty small) deposit! I paid the deposit and this morning got a confirmation email to print out along with an unbelievably detailed photo map of the Costa Maya arrival area and exactly where to walk to meet our tour rep for the ride! The tour company is based out of Grand Cayman and also does excursions there. If the horseback ride is anywhere near as high quality as the reservation process, we are bound to be pleased. We're riding at 12...anyone want to join us?

Even if you don't, the technology is worth a visit on its own!

We leave Chicago for Orlando one month from today!!!!!

 

[skylynx]

Oh...forgot one important thing I learned from the Cruise Critic's site about Costa Maya...someone who'd been there several times on another cruise line said if you plan on using the beach right by the cruise ship pier, bring water shoes. She said the area is extremely rocky and painful to traverse if barefoot. When I looked at the overhead picture of the pier area I got from the excursion company, I could see that was true. There's a significant amount of ouchy looking terrain to negotiate before you can get in the water, and I'm guessing it will be too hot to just sit on the beach for very long without going in to cool off...saltwater swimming pool notwithstanding. I'm thinking already about five thousand cruise ship passengers (Magic's and anyone else's in port that day) all trying to get in that pool. So, those of tender feet...ye be warned!

 

[Mom2Princesses]

I emailed the Costa Maya cruise excursion about their age requirements etc for kids and received a very nice email back, which follows:

Good morning,

You are correct, Grand Cayman will not be visited by the Magic, Costa Maya has been confirmed as the alternate Port on the 26th of October.

We do not have a minimum age for snorkeling, the snorkeling area is 10 to 15ft deep and water comfort is required. If your children are comfortable in the water they will surely have a great time.

The horseback is much the same, if kids are comfortable around the horses at time of excursion they will be able to ride their own horse (5 yrs and up) or can choose to ride with parents (5yrs to 9yrs old)

Both excursions are approximately 1.5hrs in length and both are great for kids. We also offer a beach break which has been very popular with parents and children alike for other visiting Ships, additional information can be found on our website for all above excursions.

We currently show availability for both excursions on the 10:00am slots, please do reserve early as only 14 passengers can take part in the snorkeling at one time and only 8 horses are ridden at one time.

Please let us know your interest in order to send you additional information as well as our secure reservation page.

Thank you,

Matt



I never mentioned my DDs ages because I was worried I would get the "they are the perfect age" routine. Needless to say, I cannot take them on either the horseback (DD6 could) nor the snorkel (again, DD 6 could).
I am thinking that the monkey farm and the beach will probably be where we end up. I have never ridden a horse in my life (total city girl, here!)!!! Can I just hop on one having never been on before, or would it be too painful? That horseback ride on the beach looks soooooooooo nice!

 

[jenmack]

Nancy,

I did the live chat yesterday as Denise was talking about. I spoke w/ a very nice woman by the name of Tracy. She said that we could bring our DS-3.5yrs on the snorkling excursion & as like Capt. Marvin's he would be free. The only thing is that we would have to bring a Life vest/jacket as they don't have one small enough for my DS. So, we might be doing the snorkling excursion. ??? Still in the deciding process.

Also, on cruise critic several people talked about Mahahual Beach. It looks beautiful, no rocks, easy to get to. Worth investigating @ least.

 

[Mom2Princesses]

Jen --

That is good to know! Chloe will no way go for it, I don't think, anyway. She is not real comfortable in the water, especially lake water...couple that with SALT water and she is REALLY out of her comfort zone!

I could chance it, but I really don't want to be stuck doing everything in sessions, ie first my DH and DD , then me and DD, etc. I want to be able to do it together, know what I mean?

How wrong is it to leave the 4 year old on the ship???????

It breaks my heart to think about doing that! I just don't think I can -- poor Chloe ALWAYS gets left out for parties, shopping, Girl Scouts, etc...I cannot keep doing it to her -- or she's going to get a complex!

Anyway, bye for now....

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Denise - I would love to go horseback riding with you. I asked other cruisers and only got one response. So I am in for sure and I will talk to Bonnie to see if she is in for sure, Bonnie is a part of the Dudettes. Do you know if you are allowed to run with the horses? I love horses but don't really like trail rides. I will go either way, but I would like to be able to take more control than a regular trail ride. I am so excited to go horseback riding because I have always wanted to ride on the beach. Is the exursion close to the fishing town? (Mahahual - don't know how to spell it!!)

Have you seen any reviews regarding the horseback rides? I read one review that stated she was told that they could run with the horses, but when she got there it wasn't allowed and they didn't get anywhere near the ocean like they were told.

Nancy - I am sure they will assign horses based on skill and experience. You would have a great time. You can easily get on the horse. Trail horses usually just follow each other, best way for a first timer. I say go for it!!

 

[jenmack]

Nancy,

I here what your saying about Chloe. It's kind of the same thing for My DS 3, Joey. He loves the water, say's he want's to go, but I think when it comes down to it...He'll probably get scared. We are leaning towards Mahahual Beach, & especially if it's sand & not rock's. We weren't going to do anything on Castaway Cay, but now I think we will just get our snorkling experience there & let my DS Adam go parasailing. (he's been begging to go).

Anyway, have to go. Dentist Appt. -Jen

 

[skylynx]

Hi, Everybody

Heidi...see if you can join the 12 pm ride...seemed like a "safe" time to assume we'd be in port! Would be neat to know others on the ride (great for having others take pictures of this definite Kodak Moment!)

I didn't see any particular reviews about the Costa Maya horseback ride, but I'm guessing like most public trail rides it is a walk-only event. That's to safely accommodate anyone who is not used to riding (you don't want a novice rider who is happy to just walk have to try and keep his/her herd-bound horse under control while the others romp off!). Our society's penchance for lawsuits ended most trail rides at anything but a head to tail walk.

Though I'd love to go for a gallop along the beach, I get plenty of thrills out of my own (ex-racehorse) Thoroughbred and will be happy just to sit on a horse plodding along the sand in what looks like a gorgeous environment. Not to mention the potential photo ops! The description does say the ride goes through Mahahaul (sp?) but that could mean it skirts the periphery for about two minutes! Still, it looks like a lovely ride and I'm encouraged by all these positive reports about this excursion outfit's reliability and good communication skills! It is also nice not to have to "pony up" (pun intended) the whole amount up front. I did notice the balance needs to be paid in cash or traveler's checks. I wonder how fast the Costa Maya ATM is going to run out of pesos? Guess I'll bring some traveler's checks.

 

[jenmack]

I'm so excited!
I received my DOC's today. They came via priority mail directly from my TA(all seas travel). I can't believe it! Does this mean that I won the race? Well, you know what I will be doing this evening...Filling out my doc's. Well, just had to share my excitement w/ people who would understand were I'm coming from. So, keep your eye's open everyone. They are coming your way. -Jen

 

[Mom2Princesses]

Jen --

I am soooo happy for you and soooo jealous!

YOU WON


My TA (Dreams) said mine are coming directly from DCL.....should be soon, now.

I can barely contain my excitement!

 

[RonnieJo66]

WOO-HOO Jen!

you got your docs......now where are mine!!!!
GIMME GIMME GIMME

Started going down my list and checking it twice........I've been nice, so please send mine right away!

I wanna join the "happy doc dance"


Awaiting mine ever so calmly.....NOT!

Soon hopefully!!

Smiles,

RonnieJo

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Congrats Jen! I am so jealous that you already have your docs! (PoohFriend) Heidi's twin leaves two weeks before us and she doesn't even have hers yet.

That makes me not want to leave the front window. I am anxiously awaiting MNSSHP tickets, park hopper tickets, docs. So much excitement!!

Sad about Grand Cayman but we will try and make the most out of Costa Maya. After reading on the cruise critic board, it looks wonderful to me. Think that we will hit majahaul beach.

I am happy that Heidi found someone to ride horses with. She has always wanted to do this.

 

[tchrmom]

They are here!!!!
Who will have to buy our sailaway drinks?

Fran

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Fran and Jen CONGRATULATIONS!!! Yea the docs are coming, the docs are coming!!! Congratulations on the docs, now where are mine? I was shocked when my mom told me that Jen received her docs today and to see that Fran received them as well...Gimme Gimme Gimme my docs NOW!!! That means we are close, the cruise is almost here. YEA!!!

 

[faithmagicmickey]

all, it's so nice to hear that we are starting to get the docs I thought it would never get here. I will probably be the last one to get my docs because I called DCL last week and they told me that the docs will not be sent out until the 14 day mark and they will come via UPS. I went directly through DCL. So I guess I will have to buy the sailaway drinks
I'm a little sad about Grand Cayman I wanted to "GO TO HELL"
Oh well I've already been there so I guess I'll be OK.
I called DCL yesterday about shore excursions they told me they will let us know when we get on the ship, as of right now you cannot pre book. Hey thank you guys for all your research on Costa Maya it's a great help. I don't care where we go anyway I just want to get on the ship and have some fun
Anyway, the docs race is on I will let you know when I get mine.



Have a great one!
Faith

 

[pdarrah]

WoW! I want my doc's too!!!

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep watching for them...

I have added a little more to the website for Costa Maya.

Did anyone else have any thoughts on adding info on "meets" to the website? (see post back a page or two) If there isn't any opposition, I'll add the 2 meets that Denise posted the details on and then add anything later at the group's suggestion.

I think we are going to visit the ruins at Costa Maya. The Chaccoban tour seems to be about 4.5 hours long and I think DS5 could handle it. I saw Chizen Itza back in 1982 before there was must tourism and it sounds like this ruin is small but somewhat similar (still being excavated, in the jungle, etc.) Depending on the arrival/embarkation times, we might also visit Majahaul beach or the town. I saw over on the cruise critic board that some people have been bringing school supplies to the children there and that one of the schools is a Kindergarden. Hopefully, we will know more info from Disney soon, but if there would be enough time at that port I am thinking of takiing Darrah to the Kindergarten with some supplies. Maybe I can even get his Kindergarten class to make or donate something we could take.

Congratulation on the docs to those who have them already! I guess I need to get serious about packing now

Pamela