Sept 25, 2011 Wonder - Mexican Riviera

[lostinyonkers]

So I didn't want to bug you guys because I know there's only a handful of people in our thread who have been to Cabo before, so I posted this question over in the main board:

For those of you who have been to Cabo...
Is it possible to take a water taxi over to Medano Beach and just hang out on the beach for a couple hours without buying food and drinks at one of the restaurants? I keep reading about places like The Office and such, where they let you use their beach chairs as long as you are ordering food and drinks.... but what if we don't want to order food and drinks? We're fine with just laying our towels on the sand and relaxing for an hour or two with no umbrellas or chairs or whatever. Possible? Is Medano Beach even the type of beach where we'd WANT to just chill? Thanks for any info!!

And here is the extremely helpful response I got (yes I only got one response):
Yes, it's possible.



SOOOO..... anyone here have an answer that might have a little more depth? lol Any opinions on going to Medano beach on the short Cabo day without buying food and drinks?

 

[lostinyonkers]

Second hint is travel with a mini pharmacy.....all of the below items are available onboard the ship but at a much higher cost.....
Thermometer
Tylenol
Motrin
Benadryl
Cough Medicine - You dont plan on them being sick but as a parent you know it just happens so have this to try and stop it before it effects the vacation.
Bug Spray
Anti - Itch Cream
Ear Drops for swimmer ear ----- If you dont have a pool at home kids will be in the pool more this vacation then EVER!!! You dont want a little thing like an ear ache slow your little ones fun down.
Bandaids - WATERPROOF are best
Nail Clippers
OH YEAH....SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, and MORE SUNSCREEN.....

Oh and I couldn't agree more about bringing a mini pharmacy. Trust me you will need at least one of those things (and probably more) during the cruise. I promise!

The only thing I add to our little pharmacy that I didn't see on that list is nasal spray.

Another thing I'll be doing is a daily regimen of Airborne for at least a few days before the cruise, and I'll be bringing enough to have a couple doses every day during the cruise, too. Out of the dozen cruises I've been on, I've gotten sick on probably about 8 of them. Only one was major sickness, but the other 6 or 7 were cold-like symptoms. I swear it's because of the air vents and just the amount of people in such a close, enclosed environment. SO... although I'm not a 100% believer in Airborne, I figure what can it hurt?

 

[Super*Mum]

Imodium!!!!!! It's Mexico! Most, if not all, US tummies can't cope with the water. While you may not drink the water... you may be eating food prepared in the water. Bring lots.

 

[swx72]

Oh and I couldn't agree more about bringing a mini pharmacy. Trust me you will need at least one of those things (and probably more) during the cruise. I promise!

The only thing I add to our little pharmacy that I didn't see on that list is nasal spray.

Another thing I'll be doing is a daily regimen of Airborne for at least a few days before the cruise, and I'll be bringing enough to have a couple doses every day during the cruise, too. Out of the dozen cruises I've been on, I've gotten sick on probably about 8 of them. Only one was major sickness, but the other 6 or 7 were cold-like symptoms. I swear it's because of the air vents and just the amount of people in such a close, enclosed environment. SO... although I'm not a 100% believer in Airborne, I figure what can it hurt?

Thanks for the tip on Airborne. It sounds like you treat it like an airplane. Being an expat from the UK it is a 10-11hr flight back to visit our family (no it isn't done too regularly) but I normally start taking 1000mg a day of Vitamin C about a week before we fly and that has always (well almost) saved me from getting sick. I always carry the mini pharmacy as my husband has a habit of getting sick day 2 of any vacation just because he lets his body relax.

 

[lostinyonkers]

Imodium!!!!!! It's Mexico! Most, if not all, US tummies can't cope with the water. While you may not drink the water... you may be eating food prepared in the water. Bring lots.

So true! How could I forget??!

 

[mamacrumbcake]

We are excited to be going on our first Disney Cruise!

(me,dh, dd(3)

Welcome AutumnsMom08!

Tonight's the big night for first-timers to start booking excursions and making Palo ressies. Well theoretically tomorrow, but DCL starts taking reservations around midnight east coast time. Not sure what the exact start time is--someone who knows, chime in. (My TA told me 9:30 PM Pacific time but that seems strange.) Also, I was told that if you're logged into DCL before the window opens, you will have to log out and log back in.

Good luck to everyone who is making ressies tonight/tomorrow. I hope you get everything you wish for.

 

[swx72]

Yay I'm so happy to report, I just got an email from my TA (Tracey at Dreams Unlimited .... she rocks!!) and she worked her magic and got us main seating!!

Ok can someone please speed up time now?? I swear my little countdown clock isn't moving!!

Ugh. I know I can't book anything till tomorrow, but I thought I'd go and check my reservation. I'd changed our dining seating back on June 1st from second to first which I was thrilled with and I've just gone online and it shows I'm second seating. I've just called Disney Cruise and they've told me they have no record of me ever being first seating and now I have to go on a wait list.

I'm mad by the way!

 

[HBmomof2]

WE have a secret port hole too booked. I worried that we may not get upgraded from here. We are taking me DH DS (almost 12) DD (almost 4) both will have B-day on board.

Hey we are in HB too! Can't wait for cruise!

 

[HBmomof2]

Sorry. Another thought. Before I found Disboards I had been searching on the Passporters forum and had PMd someone they gave me the following suggestions:

"- Get little suction cup hangers. Put them on the inside of the door to hang your lanyard with keycard as soon as you walk in the room. Saves lot's of time searching.

- If you are traveling by plane and need more room in your bags for souvenirs on the return trip - pack some old clothes for some of your outfits and throw them out after you wear them.

- If you see something in the shops that you want to buy, get it right away. They don't restock the shop during the cruise and they mights sell out or run out of your size. If you decide you don't wan't it, you can always return it with no problem.

- Get a photo package and buy your pictures each day as you see them or want them. Don't worry about "saving credits" for pictures later in the cruise, because if you run out you can exchange pictures you've purchased for better ones that come along. Definitely try to purchase photos before noon of the last day of your cruise. The lines are crazy on the last day vs. practically no lines on the other days.

- Underdress a swimsuit on the first afternoon. If you arrive early you can hang out at the pool while you're waiting for the rooms to be ready. Outside of your room, there isn't a good place to change. The bathrooms are small.

- If your 4 year old likes disney characters and songs, then he/she will probably enjoy the stage shows Disney Dream and the Golden Mickeys. Unless he/she is a huge toy story fan I'd skip taking a child to Toy Story: The musical.

- Go with your child to the kids club on the first night and the next morning and help him/her make friends. Then they'll be more comfortable about spending time there alone.

- Search your room or ask your steward to find the room service continental breakfast door hanger order form (Sometimes it's hard to find). You can have cereal, donuts, bagels and coffee sent to your room at a certain time. This can be your alarm and also give your kid something to tide them over while you get ready.

- Bring a book or some magazines, there isn't a good selection on board.

- You don't need to bring bottled water or buy any on board. Bring a sports bottle and fill it from your sink or the beverage station. The water from the tap is purified and as good as any bottled water I've tasted. Also in the past the only bottled water they sold is Evion, which I don't particularly care for.

- If you like movie theatre candy, then bring some with you.

- I don't know where you're from but please wear sunscreen even when it is overcast! It's so sad to see people not used to the california get burned lobster red on the first day of the cruise. "

If anyone on this forum agrees/disagrees with these thoughts or has any more of their own please let me know. I had also heard about bringing one of those hanging shoe organisers to use in the bathroom to create some extra storage space; together with an extension cord to provide you with additional electrical outlets; and a nightlight for your kids or the other suggestion was to turn on the light in the bathroom and shut the bathroom door to provide them with light. I'm going to take all these ideas on board and have already started putting things to the side in the guest room that will need packing. I know there is still a ways to go but I can't wait!

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for allt his info. So glad my husband told me about this board & he only found out about it b/c we just bought DVC & they told him.

 

[HBmomof2]

Greetings HBmomof2! We're in south county, somewhere near the bottom of Saddleback.

Not being seasoned world travelers ourselves, (and hopelessly disorganized to boot) we found the Disney Passporter Cruise Clues E-book to be very practical on our first cruise. The tips in the book, especially for packing and what to expect on board, made for smoother, easier, more pleasant days. I never would have thought to bring an over-the-door shoe organizer or clothes pins or travel mugs for coffee, but we used them every day...The e-book is less than $5 at the Passporter website.

Happy Planning!

Forgot to mention my daughter is 4 so would love to meet your 5 year old. She has no idea about the trip though. My husband and I decided it was safer that way and would save our sanity!

oh my gosh, absolutely. How do we do that? Isn't it crazy on there?

 

[lostinyonkers]

Ugh. I know I can't book anything till tomorrow, but I thought I'd go and check my reservation. I'd changed our dining seating back on June 1st from second to first which I was thrilled with and I've just gone online and it shows I'm second seating. I've just called Disney Cruise and they've told me they have no record of me ever being first seating and now I have to go on a wait list.
I'm mad by the way!

Oh no!!!! I'd be mad too!!!!!!
Well, hopefully you can get it changed on board. Did they put you on a waiting list?

 

[LimoFam5]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for allt his info. So glad my husband told me about this board & he only found out about it b/c we just bought DVC & they told him.

Welcome fellow DVC member!!! From what it sounds like it you just bought into DVC.......let me tell you right now you will LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!!
It is the best thing we ever purchased, such a great group to be part of If you booked your cruise with cash and not through DVC be sure to call Disney Cruise line and let them know you are DVC, this way you can still get your DVC welcome aboard gifts and be invited to all the members events

 

[swx72]

Oh no!!!! I'd be mad too!!!!!!
Well, hopefully you can get it changed on board. Did they put you on a waiting list?

Yes we have so keep your fingers crossed. We are one of those families who find it difficult to eat after 6pm in the evening so 2nd seating would make it hard.

 

[HBmomof2]

Welcome fellow DVC member!!! From what it sounds like it you just bought into DVC.......let me tell you right now you will LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!!
It is the best thing we ever purchased, such a great group to be part of If you booked your cruise with cash and not through DVC be sure to call Disney Cruise line and let them know you are DVC, this way you can still get your DVC welcome aboard gifts and be invited to all the members events

Thanks. As a matter of fact we did JUST buy 2 weeks ago so we haven't closed yet! But we are very excited about it & were pretty much assured it'll go through fine. We did buy resale though, can you still get those perks on cruises since it wasn't through disney? We did pay cash for cruise.

 

[HBmomof2]

Welcome fellow DVC member!!! From what it sounds like it you just bought into DVC.......let me tell you right now you will LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!!
It is the best thing we ever purchased, such a great group to be part of If you booked your cruise with cash and not through DVC be sure to call Disney Cruise line and let them know you are DVC, this way you can still get your DVC welcome aboard gifts and be invited to all the members events

We are excited to be going on our first Disney Cruise!

(me,dh, dd(3)

Us too!!! Me, DH, DD (5) & DD (23 mos @ cruise time) We can't wait!

 

[M4travels]

Thanks. As a matter of fact we did JUST buy 2 weeks ago so we haven't closed yet! But we are very excited about it & were pretty much assured it'll go through fine. We did buy resale though, can you still get those perks on cruises since it wasn't through disney? We did pay cash for cruise.

As long as you've closed before the cruise (shouldn't be an issue if ROFR goes along smoothly) you should get every perk that any DVC member on board that sailing will get. What you will not be able to do is book a cruise with your DVC points (if you purchased resale after 3/20, and it appears you did). IF it comes close to time just head up to Deck 4 and the DVC kiosk and let them know you're members; you should be taken care of just fine!

(LOVE our DVC and love our DCL times!!!!)

Michael

 

[HBmomof2]

Hi if you are interested in being on the FE let me know and I will add you to the list. Just to let you know although I am compiling the list I am also a newbie to cruises and Disney cruise and so am learning as I go along. We are closing the list August 27 so that people will have up to 4 weeks to organize their gifts. I just got my FE last week. You have a couple of options: make one yourself; or buy. To purchase you then have a couple of options. I bought mine on etsy.com. There is a link to mine a few pages back on this feed. I think I paid $35 and the lady helped me decide colours, design etc. I like crafts but have a 4 year old and realized that I couldn't make anything for that price plus I have too many other projects on the go. I think there are 2 sellers on etsy, and I think there are also a couple of options on eBay. Now I am trying to think on gifts and keep browsing the Boards and the Internet for ideas. You don't need to make a decision right away. As I said we are closing the list August 27th.

Even my husband is starting to get excited knowing we can book our trips from Tuesday!

Ok, sort of get it. What are examples of "gifts". When do you do it? I tried to search these boards for FE but couldn't find specific info. Will google too. Thanks.

 

[HBmomof2]

As long as you've closed before the cruise (shouldn't be an issue if ROFR goes along smoothly) you should get every perk that any DVC member on board that sailing will get. What you will not be able to do is book a cruise with your DVC points (if you purchased resale after 3/20, and it appears you did). IF it comes close to time just head up to Deck 4 and the DVC kiosk and let them know you're members; you should be taken care of just fine!

(LOVE our DVC and love our DCL times!!!!)

Michael

Awesome! Thank you. Yes we knew the things we couldn't use points for.

 

[HBmomof2]

WOW you are super close to us then....so exciting!!! My daughters are 6 & 7 so Im sure our girls will cross paths on the cruise at some time. Maybe they will become on board friends.....it happens every cruise....

So if you search the cruise board thread for FE you will find some very helpful info. Long explanation short. Next to your door their will be a little fishy, people make hangable mail box type things to go on the little fishy, they have pockets and if you sign up for the FE you will randomly throughout the cruise get little gifts left for you.
If you sign up for our FE you will be added to a list. You can either buy a gift for everyone on the list or just buy one gift for that stateroom. Some cruises choose to purchase gifts for just the kids and some do for everyone and some do it for the stateroom as a whole.....it is 100% up to you.
I think doing a thread search is the best thing to do. You find photos of the fish extender it self and also photos of the gifts people give and get.......

Omg, our girls should totally meet up. Mine is 5 1/2 going on 10!! She hangs out with her 11 year old cousins all the time. She loves the "big kids"!!

 

[HBmomof2]

Hi all!!! I've been MIA from this board for a while. Three of my kids are recovering from probable whooping cough (yes, they've been vaccinated!). My life has been all about them lately and I couldn't even think about the cruise!

BUT!!! They're recovering. Still coughing, but recovering. At least it's not scary anymore.

I spent the morning booking our excursions! In Cabo on our second day (the 30th?), my older boys and dh are going on the Canopy Adventure from 7:45 − 1:15. I think my 13 yo will chicken out when he gets there, but he's insisting he won't! Anyone else doing this one?

My two other kids and I are on the Dolphin Swim at 10:45 − 12:45. I had wanted to book on our own, but it just seemed too risky. So, we booked with Disney. Anyone else?

In Puerto Vallarta, we're doing something on our own. Either the Crown Paradise Club Hotel or Las Animes Adventure Park. Anyone done either of these things? I'm nervous about Las Animes because it's a 6 hour excursion! At the Crown Paradise, we can leave when we want and get back to the ship in plenty of time. I'm torn because my 10 wants the zip-lines!

I think our second day in Cabo will be walking around and shopping.

I'll go back and catch up on everything I've missed!!!!

When I'm allowed to book excursions (tonight!!!) I'm taking my 5 year old to do the dolphin swim too.