Sept 16 2012 - WONDERing who's on the Calif Coastal with me?!

[GatorMomInNC]

I did mean SD and yes this helps a lot. I'm thinking we can do the zoo and the Seaport Village, then see if we still have time for anything else. Thanks!

Do you mean SD (San Diego)? The Zoo is great. It's HUGE! The panda at the Zoo just had another baby a few weeks ago so I'm not sure if the baby or the mom will be out for public viewing. But the dad will most likely be out. You can see the baby on the panda cam on the website (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php). Expect a full day if you go. You can take the bus there and save $$ from the excursion.

To the north of where the cruise ship docks, is the Maritime Museum (http://www.sdmaritime.org). You can see sailing ships (Star of India, HMS Surprise replica), steam powered boat (Berkeley) and submarines (Soviet and US subs). The HMS Surprise was used in the movie Master and Commander.

Just south of where the cruise ship docks is the Midway Museum (the retired Naval Air Craft Carrier). http://midway.org/ You can learn about Naval aviation and history. Many of the docents have been stationed aboard the Midway so it's great to hear first hand experiences. Lots of stairs (some very steep - especially on the Island/Bridge).

Further south is Seaport Village (http://www.seaportvillage.com) where you can go shopping, watch street entertainers and enjoy the beautiful views of the Harbor.

Downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter (http://www.gaslamp.org/) and Horton Plaza (http://www.westfield.com/hortonplaza/) are also walking distance but have a good pair of walking shoes! Mostly shops and restaurants.

Map and coupon for Midway and Maritime Museum here: http://www.seaportvillage.com/admin/aMediaBackend/original?slug=embarcaderowalkingmap&format=pdf

Hope this helps!

 

[caladbolg]

So tell US - what should we do in SF (with 2 kids)? I'm thinking the zoo, if for nothing else but to see the Pandas. But the one DCL excursion that looked good was the Seal Tour (which at first I thought meant you would see seals, but apparenlty it is an amphibious vehicle tour).

If you want to see the Harbor Seals and California Sea Lion (without having to pay for Sea World), they are usually hanging out at the Children's Pool in La Jolla. But you'll need a car get down there or take the bus.

 

[sunshine1259]

That list is prolly wrong....since timothy green comes out in two days August 15th.

So I would not bank on anything right now....since not sure how they will mix in other movies with all the pixar movies.

You know, I thought Timothy Green was opening before that. And now that I think of it, she said that it would open on our SHIP on WEDNESDAY. I just assumed that ship met our CRUISE and it would be that Wednesday.

But, yes, this will most likely change to add the Pixar movies. I just hope they still have the Muppets and Brave as I was waiting to see these on the ship.

 

[ludari]

I called Disney as well and I was told that although subject to change, this what the probable schedule will look like for our sailing:

Timothy Green will premeire on our cruise on Wednesday, September 19th.
Pirates of the Caribbean whatever
Cars 2 in 2/3D
The Help
The Mupppets in 2/3D
People Like Us
War Horse
John Carter in 2/3D
Chimpanzee
The Advengers
Brave in 2/3D.

I like the list so far.

I also plan on bringing my hardcover book "To Infinity and Beyond!: The Story of Pixar Animation Studios" to possibly get some autographs of the artist that I hope are on board the ship.

 

[sunshine1259]

Do you mean SD (San Diego)? The Zoo is great. It's HUGE! The panda at the Zoo just had another baby a few weeks ago so I'm not sure if the baby or the mom will be out for public viewing. But the dad will most likely be out. You can see the baby on the panda cam on the website (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php). Expect a full day if you go. You can take the bus there and save $$ from the excursion.

To the north of where the cruise ship docks, is the Maritime Museum (http://www.sdmaritime.org). You can see sailing ships (Star of India, HMS Surprise replica), steam powered boat (Berkeley) and submarines (Soviet and US subs). The HMS Surprise was used in the movie Master and Commander.

Just south of where the cruise ship docks is the Midway Museum (the retired Naval Air Craft Carrier). http://midway.org/ You can learn about Naval aviation and history. Many of the docents have been stationed aboard the Midway so it's great to hear first hand experiences. Lots of stairs (some very steep - especially on the Island/Bridge).

Further south is Seaport Village (http://www.seaportvillage.com) where you can go shopping, watch street entertainers and enjoy the beautiful views of the Harbor.

Downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter (http://www.gaslamp.org/) and Horton Plaza (http://www.westfield.com/hortonplaza/) are also walking distance but have a good pair of walking shoes! Mostly shops and restaurants.

Map and coupon for Midway and Maritime Museum here: http://www.seaportvillage.com/admin/aMediaBackend/original?slug=embarcaderowalkingmap&format=pdf

Hope this helps!

I have been to both the museum and the Midway. They were both nice to see, however, since I am not that particularly interested in ships, (except Disney, of course) they were both things I could very easily have done in one day. NOT MY HUSBAND. If the ship that we were on when we went to the museum hadn't been about to sail, he'd probably still be there at the museum. I bought him "Commander in Chief"? with Russel Crowe there for his birthday. LOVED IT!

I haven't been to the zoo, but I agree, take the bus and buy your tickets there or if you have contact with any DOD folks have them pick up some tickets for you. You will saved quite a few $$$!

 

[sunshine1259]

I like the list so far.

I also plan on bringing my hardcover book "To Infinity and Beyond!: The Story of Pixar Animation Studios" to possibly get some autographs of the artist that I hope are on board the ship.

That's a great idea.

 

[ludari]

Here's a nice map of SF for those of you considering exploring on your own.

http://www.baycityguide.com/images/maps_pdf/San_Francisco_Map.pdf

 

[jlwhitney]

We are flying Southwest in on the 15th and got the Westin Long Beach via Priceline. Still figuring out how we want to do our transfers from point to point... probably shuttles and cabs. We have a 2 year old and did not plan any excursions through DCL. Already been to San Diego many times and not too interested in Ensenada.

For San Francisco, here is our tentative plan:

Day 1:
Rent a car from Enterprise
Golden Gate Park and Bridge
Muir Woods
Visiting friends for dinner

Day 2:
Use public transportation
Alcatraz tour
Exploratorium
Ghirardelli Square
Fisherman's Wharf

After we disembark on the 23rd, we're heading to DL for 3 days and staying at BWPPI.

Where are you renting a car from?

 

[DominFam4]

My husband and I will be doing a Sonoma excursion in SF that we are booking ourself. After a bit of research I think we are going to book with Green Dream Tours. They will pick up right at the dock so no extra $ for cab or walking to ferry building, the tasting fees are included (usually about $25-$35 per person for 3 stops) and lunch is included. Per person fee $109 (through disney $179 only 2 stops and lunch is not included). Most likely will be booking for Tuesday. Anyone else interested?

Also, not sure if anyone is thinking about going to Safari Park in SD. It is a bit of a distance from the port but a unique experience. Anyhow, if you are, check out today's livingsocial deal (can't post the link because I don't have enough posts but you can find it under LA city on their website) at $21 it's a great deal (if you can find the transportation to get there).

 

[sunshine1259]

My husband and I will be doing a Sonoma excursion in SF that we are booking ourself. After a bit of research I think we are going to book with Green Dream Tours. They will pick up right at the dock so no extra $ for cab or walking to ferry building, the tasting fees are included (usually about $25-$35 per person for 3 stops) and lunch is included. Per person fee $109 (through disney $179 only 2 stops and lunch is not included). Most likely will be booking for Tuesday. Anyone else interested?

Also, not sure if anyone is thinking about going to Safari Park in SD. It is a bit of a distance from the port but a unique experience. Anyhow, if you are, check out today's livingsocial deal (can't post the link because I don't have enough posts but you can find it under LA city on their website) at $21 it's a great deal (if you can find the transportation to get there).

Do you have more information about the Sonoma excursion? This was something that I would be interested in, especially if it included lunch and transportation. What is the pick up and drop off times and such?

 

[anc876]

Where are you renting a car from?

Enterprise - Fisherman's Wharf location on Beach St. Total for standard size vehicle is only $36 with entertainment book discount. I have to check to see if that office has pick up, otherwise we will catch a taxi there.

 

[jlwhitney]

If you want to see the Harbor Seals and California Sea Lion (without having to pay for Sea World), they are usually hanging out at the Children's Pool in La Jolla. But you'll need a car get down there or take the bus.

Do you know of any car rental places that are walking distance to the cruise ship terminal?

 

[caladbolg]

Do you know of any car rental places that are walking distance to the cruise ship terminal?

Sorry I don't know which rental companies are near the terminal. Although the Airport is just north of the cruise ships so there's a plenty of rental car companies but not within walking distance. I'm sure they offer pickup and drop off service.

I did find this though: http://cruisesfromsandiego.us/Resources/CarRental.aspx

 

[DominFam4]

Do you have more information about the Sonoma excursion? This was something that I would be interested in, especially if it included lunch and transportation. What is the pick up and drop off times and such?

Hi Sunshine,
There is alot of info on their website (which I can not link because I am new). But the name of the company is Green Dream Tours. I called and they said they would could pick up at the port around 8:45. On the first day in SF we are to be onshore by 8:30a. I called Disney and asked if it was realistic to be off the boat at 8:30 on the first day in port and they said absolutely. Just to get down early to make sure we were one of the first ones off the boat. Drop off is between 4:30-5:30 which won't be a problem either day. We will most likely be booking for Tuesday because of our plans for Wednesday. The reviews on TripAdvisor were all excellent. Their mini-bus seats only 14 so it's a pretty small tour and the price is pretty good. I think that's who we are going to go with but let me know if you find anything that might be better.

 

[sunshine1259]

Hi Sunshine,
There is alot of info on their website (which I can not link because I am new). But the name of the company is Green Dream Tours. I called and they said they would could pick up at the port around 8:45. On the first day in SF we are to be onshore by 8:30a. I called Disney and asked if it was realistic to be off the boat at 8:30 on the first day in port and they said absolutely. Just to get down early to make sure we were one of the first ones off the boat. Drop off is between 4:30-5:30 which won't be a problem either day. We will most likely be booking for Tuesday because of our plans for Wednesday. The reviews on TripAdvisor were all excellent. Their mini-bus seats only 14 so it's a pretty small tour and the price is pretty good. I think that's who we are going to go with but let me know if you find anything that might be better.

Yes, I checked out the tour. It sounds great. I wanted to do a Giants' game that night. I could probably do both, but I'd be awfully tired the next day. I need to put this to my husband.

 

[Jaydl]

Welcome DominFam4! I see Ava is 3! my little girl turns 3 on the cruise- will Ava be going to the camp on the ship? Can't wait to meet you all and we're going to have SO much fun!

 

[DominFam4]

Welcome DominFam4! I see Ava is 3! my little girl turns 3 on the cruise- will Ava be going to the camp on the ship? Can't wait to meet you all and we're going to have SO much fun!

Hello! I am glad there will be some other preschool age kids for her to play with. Yes, I am planning on taking her to camp & see how she does. I think she will be OK as she does go to preschool so she is used to that type of enviroment. Will you be going to the meet up at 3?

 

[trudduck]

Hi there!!!!
32 days till we are on board the ship.. YEAH.

My name is Taryn and we are frist time cruisers. We are from Australia and I will be travelling with my husband and our 2 children, DS (3) and DD (turning 1 on the 20th september).

We are in room 5508. (not really sure we should tell strangers where are staying he he he).

For those who are doing alcatraz not on the tour but privately, what is the best way to get to where ever we need to be?

so looking forward to this holiday and meeting new people especially those who also have little kids..

ALSO DOES ANYONE KNOW A CAKE MAKER IN SAN FRAN?????? i want to get DD's 1st brithday cake made but i cant find anyone.

thanks Taryn

 

[CruiseTink]

Welcome!
What an exciting time for your family!

You can order cakes from the Disney Cruise Line website which might make planning a bit easier.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/p...-amenities/#Los Angeles Celebrations Packages

We have ordered some of these special treats with cruises from Port Canaveral before and they have always done a great job with the orders.

At least it's an option!
Susan

Hi there!!!!
32 days till we are on board the ship.. YEAH.

My name is Taryn and we are frist time cruisers. We are from Australia and I will be travelling with my husband and our 2 children, DS (3) and DD (turning 1 on the 20th september).

We are in room 5508. (not really sure we should tell strangers where are staying he he he).

For those who are doing alcatraz not on the tour but privately, what is the best way to get to where ever we need to be?

so looking forward to this holiday and meeting new people especially those who also have little kids..

ALSO DOES ANYONE KNOW A CAKE MAKER IN SAN FRAN?????? i want to get DD's 1st brithday cake made but i cant find anyone.

thanks Taryn

 

[ludari]

Anyone started packing yet?