Sept. 23, 2012 Pacific Coast - Wonder Cruise

[BigDisneyOE]

But if there are a lot of us planning to be at the port early, we would be up for doing an informal meet in the terminal too. It is just so fun to share in the excitement of boarding with other people. Since I won't have my kids to watch, I'll have to enjoy seeing everyone else's kids get excited to board the ship for the first time

You can have Alex if you want entertainment, he'll be the one asking all the questions in a loud voice like 'why doesn't it sink, it's heavier than the sea?', 'who is looking after the Wonder when the Captain is alseep?' and 'why can't we get on nooooooowwww?'

What was the earliest port time? We got 11AM.

 

[dennisbryce]

Did anyone have any magnets designed for this cruise on the disboards? Would anyone be willing to post them?

I am trying to find some designs for this cruise and I am not having any luck. I was looking through and didn't see anything for the California Coast.

Can't believe it is only 58 more days!!! I am getting so excited!!!
We booked the Alcatraz with Disney but from what I am reading it would be cheaper to do this on our own? Also we have booked Sea World through Disney. Is there a cheaper way to do this one also?

58 Days!!! Woot...woot...woot

 

[jetskigrl]

Did anyone have any magnets designed for this cruise on the disboards? Would anyone be willing to post them?

I am trying to find some designs for this cruise and I am not having any luck. I was looking through and didn't see anything for the California Coast.

Can't believe it is only 58 more days!!! I am getting so excited!!!
We booked the Alcatraz with Disney but from what I am reading it would be cheaper to do this on our own? Also we have booked Sea World through Disney. Is there a cheaper way to do this one also?

58 Days!!! Woot...woot...woot

If you want to PM me your email address, I can send you some of the graphics that I made as a sample. I have a few that are blank that I can customize for you.

 

[socababy]

If you want to PM me your email address, I can send you some of the graphics that I made as a sample. I have a few that are blank that I can customize for you.

Would you mind making one for dd and I as well? I'll PM you my email address just in case you don't still have it from our last cruise together!

BTW, I ended up booking a Fantasy cruise next year but ended up on the one before you, the 22nd. The kids were not supposed to get out of school until June 19 but because of furlough days being added, they get out on the 11th! They have never gotten out that early before. So we are heading to WDW earlier than planned and so I booked the Fantasy on the 22nd.

 

[jetskigrl]

Would you mind making one for dd and I as well? I'll PM you my email address just in case you don't still have it from our last cruise together!

BTW, I ended up booking a Fantasy cruise next year but ended up on the one before you, the 22nd. The kids were not supposed to get out of school until June 19 but because of furlough days being added, they get out on the 11th! They have never gotten out that early before. So we are heading to WDW earlier than planned and so I booked the Fantasy on the 22nd.

Too funny. I was just looking at my graphics and saw yours from last time. I just updated it. Do you want it to say "Pacific Coast" or "Pacific Coast Cruise"?

What I need to go search out is the life preserver. The one I have has Mickey and Minnie in their Mexican Riviera outfits, LOL.

Awww, we will just miss you on the Fantasy. We booked that one because we weren't sure about the school dates at the time either. I think we will have a week at home (after school gets out) before we have to leave.

 

[glindamood]

Happy Friday! Boy, eight weeks from today I will be scrambling. With luck, I will be all packed except that last minute stuff I can't do until morning (Wonder how many kids I would scare if I did this flight sans makeup - no, I would probably scare mayself!).

Who has been to Encenada? I was thinking someone said they had. On a whim, I booked the City and Shopping Tour DCL tour this morning. If the docks are in not such a nice place and walking looks to be out of the question, I will end up not seeing anything and for $22 each (plus a free margarita someplace) I opted to give it a shot. I may keep it - or not but it most certainly will not break the bank and at least I will be able to say I saw some highlights.

Well, everyone have a great day. We had another big rainstorm this morning. Too bad the summer showers have all come in the last 48 hours. Not helping the farm community at all.

 

[ImDMous]

We're from So CA too! This ship's gonna be full of locals - ha, ha! I'm putting together another FE list. You are welcome to join if you're so inclined.

We might be so inclined. Since we just thought about this cruise 2 days ago, I'm starting at a bit of a disadvantage planning wise. How big is the secondary group so far?

At least I already have an FE, last cruise we were definitely scrambling to get everything done on time and we booked it 14 months ahead. That just adds to the excitement, right?

 

[erbie]

Who has been to Encenada? I was thinking someone said they had. On a whim, I booked the City and Shopping Tour DCL tour this morning. If the docks are in not such a nice place and walking looks to be out of the question, I will end up not seeing anything and for $22 each (plus a free margarita someplace) I opted to give it a shot. I may keep it - or not but it most certainly will not break the bank and at least I will be able to say I saw some highlights.

I have, but not since I was a teenager. We used to go there a lot when I was a kid, but all I remember is a shopping district and Hussong's Cantina. Definitely go to Hussong's, as it's very famous.

There's also a place about 20 miles south called La Bufadora, which is an ocean blowhole. When the waves come into the rocks, there's a place where the water shoots way up into the air. When I was a kid it was just an open space where people would go hang out and watch, and there were people making churros and selling them near the parking. Last time I went, it was more built up and turned into a tourist attraction, but the blowhole is still really cool to see. There are apparently busses that will take you there from the port, but I don't know anything about them. It's definitely an amazing site, but it's so built up now that it's hard to see it. And there are lots of vendors selling lots of stuff.

 

[BlondeJungleBookFan]

Did anyone have any magnets designed for this cruise on the disboards? Would anyone be willing to post them?

I am trying to find some designs for this cruise and I am not having any luck. I was looking through and didn't see anything for the California Coast.

Can't believe it is only 58 more days!!! I am getting so excited!!!
We booked the Alcatraz with Disney but from what I am reading it would be cheaper to do this on our own? Also we have booked Sea World through Disney. Is there a cheaper way to do this one also?
58 Days!!! Woot...woot...woot

I had booked Seaworld through Disney also and cancelled.
I got Seaworld tickets through AAA, 10.00 off the regular price. Seaworld's website was also having the same sale, so either one would work. 63.00 for a single day ticket.

Then from some wonderful advice on here...I was told I could grab a cab at the port and go (at my leisure) for about 20.00.
Then when I was ready to go back to the ship, I'll just grab another cab.

I found this easier for me to go when I wanted, and it was also cheaper. 63.00 ticket, 20.00 over and 20.00 back
(and on my time schedule).
So for a family, you would only have 20.00 each way for a cab for all of you.

IF someone is reading this and doesn't agree about the 20.00 cab fee I was told about....PLEASE let me know

 

[MadHatterMom2]

We might be so inclined. Since we just thought about this cruise 2 days ago, I'm starting at a bit of a disadvantage planning wise. How big is the secondary group so far?

At least I already have an FE, last cruise we were definitely scrambling to get everything done on time and we booked it 14 months ahead. That just adds to the excitement, right?

Don't feel bad - we just booked this cruise 5 days ago. And - we also have a FE from previous cruises. To answer your question, we have a total of four cabins participating (not including yours), so it's not a very big list. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you. Just send me your details and I can add you if you decide to do it.

 

[MadHatterMom2]

For those of you considering a tour of Alcatraz, I think it would be really easy (and less money) to do it on your own. The dock that the Alcatraz tour boats leave from is walking distance from our ship. You can book tour tickets online for Alcatraz. Any other locals can chime in here if you disagree.

Regarding Ensenada, there's a Jeep Safari Tour on the DCL excursions. We did the Jeep Safari Tour on the DCL Med. cruise on the island of Malta and it was a blast. It was one of the highlights of our entire cruise. I have no idea if this one will be the same, just some feedback if anyone was considering this excursion.

 

[erbie]

For those of you considering a tour of Alcatraz, I think it would be really easy (and less money) to do it on your own. The dock that the Alcatraz tour boats leave from is walking distance from our ship. You can book tour tickets online for Alcatraz. Any other locals can chime in here if you disagree.

If you plan to do that, you should book your tickets now. They sell out several weeks in advance, from what I hear. And the boats leave from the next dock over.

 

[jetskigrl]

So you were more on the side of the ship, by the doors going inside?
We were at the very back, probably the second table Port side of center. OK, tonight when I get home, I'm going to check out all the pictures from the cruise to see what I took while we were out there. I don't remember a lot of seagulls around. I'll have to ask DH and the kids if they remember seeing that at all.

OK, responding to my own post here, LOL.
Erbie - I guess I didn't take any pictures while we were eating that day...darn. But I asked the kids and DD says that she remembers the seagulls, LOL.

You can have Alex if you want entertainment, he'll be the one asking all the questions in a loud voice like 'why doesn't it sink, it's heavier than the sea?', 'who is looking after the Wonder when the Captain is alseep?' and 'why can't we get on nooooooowwww?'

What was the earliest port time? We got 11AM.

LOL - I'll be glad to hang out with him!! I will feel right at home

 

[AussieMumma]

Did anyone have any magnets designed for this cruise on the disboards? Would anyone be willing to post them?

I am trying to find some designs for this cruise and I am not having any luck. I was looking through and didn't see anything for the California Coast.

Can't believe it is only 58 more days!!! I am getting so excited!!!
We booked the Alcatraz with Disney but from what I am reading it would be cheaper to do this on our own? Also we have booked Sea World through Disney. Is there a cheaper way to do this one also?

58 Days!!! Woot...woot...woot

We've booked Alcatraz directly with the company, it's at pier 33 and we dock at pier 35 so right next door. It was $28 for adults and $17 for kids. We've also booked the Fire Engine tour directly with the company, it was a huge price difference for that one, direct cost $50 for adults, $40 for teens 13-17 and $30 for kids 2-12, compared to Disneys $79 for ages 10 and up and $69 for ages 3-9. Saved us a bundle having four kids!


Gorgeous sunny winters day here today, shame it will be spent taxiing the kids to dancing, soccer and a birthday party! I'd much rather being sitting out in the sun with a book...or ipad reading disboards

 

[BigDisneyOE]

Gail -we are walking into town in Ensenada with the kids. I did a lot of research asking ex-pat Americans/Canadians who live there and So.Cal residents who holiday down there. I'm comfortable with walking our kids into the main shopping area, one of the DCL tours say something about the main shopping drag being a short easy walk back if people want to stay longer. I also know they have horse and traps at the dock to take people a ride around town on cruise port days, which aparently are fun. I've had a few tips on wine shops for DH and places to eat. I'm really looking forward to Ensenada!

Yay the Olympics have started. We made the kids watch the Opening Ceremony this morning, they were a bit hacked off as they wanted the Wacky Racers DVD (remember them?) I bought them for $3. One of our boys was given the second name Sebastian after Sebastian Coe, so we really wanted him to see Lord Coe at the ceremony. So happy to see so many of my 1980's heros at the ceremony. The Olympics and the Tour are the only time I watch sport on TV, so I'm very happy for the next fortnight. DH has worked out we are in Aussie for the Marathon, so we'll be up overnight to watch that at one point - I hope it's not the night of the wedding.

JSG - be careful, Alex will identify you as an 'Auntie' and start giving you kisses and cuddles! At the moment he's working on his future MIL, telling her 'shes the best' all the time.

AussieMumma - I think we two families just about booked out that Fire Engine tour on the first day in port in SF! They only do one trip a day normally and I think DCL has privately booked them for the rest of the two days. OT - what's the deal with carseats in Aussie? Can we used backless boosters on the nearly fives? I've got to work out whether we haul the backed boosters over the Tasman or just take the bottom half.

Darn, there was something I was going to ask about the Wonder and my mind has drawn a blank. That's going to drive me mad all day trying to recall what it was.

So.Cal residents question... how easy is it to purchase a California State flag? Full sized one for a flagpole. We have a collection of flags and I want to get the kids one. Do cities also have city flags and are they easy to obtain?

 

[Az Pirates]

Very cool!!! So now that is three groups of us that were on the Cruise to Nowhere. I loved that cruise because it was just what I needed to get DH to get hooked on DCL (he was anti-cruising but only agreed to that one because it was so short). Now he has been on two with two more booked

Welcome to the group Crittsmom!!

We couldn't resist a quick weekend getaway on DCL so we sailed to nowhere too. It appears we're up to 4 now.

I honestly haven't even thought about what we'll be doing on port days yet, and I normally research that way in advance. Better get on it soon I guess.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[glindamood]

Good morning! Sunny here, and is supposed to stay that way all day. I get a grandpup today - mine are already looking out the door for him. And, DH comes home from camp on Monday. Odd that I won't be alone anymore but the dogs will be so happy not to have to get in their crates each day before I head out to the office.

Not much else to report here - one day closer! Enjoy your weekend.

 

[peja]

Good Morning all...Its a beautiful Saturday here in Central Canada. It will be 31 Degrees Celcius...plus humidity.

56 days before we leave and 57 days until I get to meet you all!!!

 

[j2tyco]

Happy weekend cruise mates!

My family has been considering all of the options for our in port excursions etc. We have decided to do a Giants game at AT&T Park and luck would have it they are even playing our D-backs! SCORE

I have also been researching the ferry and water taxi options to get us over to Coronado Beach when in Port in San Diego so we can have 1 "beach" feeling day on this cruise.,,I say that in quotes since it will be late September --we enjoy Southern Cali beaches in March and they are chilly then- but I have heard that since the water has been warm all summer the early fall times are a bit warmer then the spring times are so we are looking forward to it.

AZ is blazing hot the last few days. Dreaming of that chilly SF September ;-)

 

[dennisbryce]

Hello everyone
It is beautiful and hot here in Montana today.

We are just starting our packing for Disney World
This is going to be my familys very first trip there and we are so excited

Is there anything anyone would like us to pick up for them???
We are leaving in (2) weeks and will be there for 8 days!!!

For those who have been there before: Are there any tips or suggestions you may have for us??? Anything you would recommend that we don't miss???