Sept. 26, 2009 Magic

[FatCat]

Just curious though; have you ever had a glas of water? A milk when you were born? Or were you spoiled from day one?

Lactose Intolerant

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Lactose Intolerant

Can imagine you did some serious tequila doesn't have lactose in it.

 

[spectrum-turbo]

Lactose Intolerant

Good thing you are not Agave Intolerant. Boy, I crack myself up!!

I looked at the ATV thing and it looks pretty cool. But, I need to figure out if I can accomplish the other two things that I...er, my traveling party wants to do on St Martin: Maho Beach to see some planes land and a quick trip to Grand Case for a photo-op as my younger son's name is Case. So I need to figure out if we can do all of that and still make our Palo ressies at 7:00.

I am off to do more research.

 

[Disney Sweetie]

Lunch time...time to DIS

Had put off getting my fish extender for this cruise, but just put in my request. I have a whole wall full of them....a different one for each cruise I have been on. When I decorate them I use a different theme depending on the cruise itself....11 nt southern, tranastlantic, etc... Now I have got my daughter doing it!! Isnt it fun to be a Disney Addict!!!!!

Still need to decide on the FE gifts. Need to put that on my To Do List. Gosh...I think my To Do Lists are growing instead of shrinking. I have had over a year to get ready for this wedding and cruise....where did the time go???

The ATV shore excursion site says it needs a credit card deposit. Does anyone know how much that is? I have sent them a message but have not heard back yet.



Just got email from ATV excursion people.....I guess I would have found my info had I read a little more...oh well...deposit is 30% and is nonrefundable unless ship does not stop in port or the company cancels the excursion. Balance is due in full at time of excursion. Hope this helps anyone considering it....now to go book it for myself!

 

[NutzaboutDisney]

Yes we are trying for the 9am ride. And a big dis ride would be AWESOME

Cool! It should be lots of fun!

Wedding plans are moving right along.....I think we are down to about 66 days!! I keep saying we need to cut back on things, and then turn around and add more!! Oh well, she is my little girl!

That sounds great. I am going to get in touch with them today and see if I can get us signed up. The family said they wanted to do it....I am not thrilled with what scenery I might see at the beach, but maybe it wont be so bad!!
I talked to DCL yesterday and sent them a fax for the PJ Breakfast request. They said someone would be in touch with me by the end of the week....so everyone keep your fingers crossed that it all works out. I requested Friday October 2 in Lumieres immediatley after they open that morning. That should give everyone time to eat and get to any early shore excursions at Castaway Cay.

Glad to hear the wedding plans are moving along.
I, for one, will most likely at my first sights of the beach, but I'm sure not planning on joining them or you all will !
Looking forward to the PJ breakfast myself -- me and my thumper pj's that is.

This sounds fabulous!! I'm going to talk with DH and see if he would be up for it. Do you have an email address to contact them to sign up, or how does that work?

I have emailed them through my regular email as it says on the page that sometimes things go to spam. I've asked a few questions, so we'll see what I find out. I'll share when I hear back! It would be awesome if you and DH could join us!

I looked at the ATV thing and it looks pretty cool. But, I need to figure out if I can accomplish the other two things that I...er, my traveling party wants to do on St Martin: Maho Beach to see some planes land and a quick trip to Grand Case for a photo-op as my younger son's name is Case. So I need to figure out if we can do all of that and still make our Palo ressies at 7:00.

I am off to do more research.

The ATV excursion is 9am-11:30 I believe, and have that as one of my question in my email. You'd have the afternoon to get the other stuff in, if that will be enough time!

Lunch time...time to DIS

Had put off getting my fish extender for this cruise, but just put in my request. I have a whole wall full of them....a different one for each cruise I have been on. When I decorate them I use a different theme depending on the cruise itself....11 nt southern, tranastlantic, etc... Now I have got my daughter doing it!! Isnt it fun to be a Disney Addict!!!!!

Still need to decide on the FE gifts. Need to put that on my To Do List. Gosh...I think my To Do Lists are growing instead of shrinking. I have had over a year to get ready for this wedding and cruise....where did the time go???

The ATV shore excursion site says it needs a credit card deposit. Does anyone know how much that is? I have sent them a message but have not heard back yet.

Wow! A different FE for every cruise? Pretty cool! I haven't even begun to think about mine. I have the kiddos FE stuff bought, but need to work on the item I'm making for the ladies. Hmm, perhaps I need to get started on that sometime soon???

I've emailed the Excursion place myself through AOL to see if I get a quicker response. Hopefully so, and I'll let everyone know when I do. This looks like a lot of fun, and it would be awesome to do it as a DIS group!

 

[NutzaboutDisney]

Ehm, let's see; brunch at 11.30 on first sea day. Nothing on sea day 2 yet, last sea day; high tea at 3 pm.



I ran into the perfect gift for my secret mickey-part. Had an idea it would be difficult to find something right, but this was a breeze. Can't wait to see the reaction.


Oh, and I've been ruined by the chocolate thing on here. Now when I go to the grocery store, I end up finding myself at the chocolate isle thinking 'hmm, they probably wont have that in the US', 'nop, those neither, nor those or them'. Good for my figure though, keeps me from thinking 'want that one, oh that one, or that'.

We'll see you at PALO Sunday morning. Although we will be plates full and mouths full by the time you get there!

Isn't it awesome when it works out like that with your secret mickey?? I'm enjoying the shopping part, too, and trying to come up with ideas!

Sounds to me like you are doing well with the chocolate. I would be saying "don't have that in the US--need to try some to make sure it's good before I take it to my DIS friends"

 

[Disney Sweetie]

-

 

[NutzaboutDisney]

Fellow DISers,
For those of you interested in the ATV/Orient Beach Excursion I received a very prompt reply regarding questions I had about the excursion. I have attached portions of the email below, omitting email addys which are in violation of DIS, but if you would like a copy of the complete email with all addy's please pm me with your personal email address and I will be happy to forward you the entire email.

In a nutshell:

1 1/2 hours of riding with 1 hour beach break.
Pick up is at 8:40am at port, drop off 11:40am at port
Tour is in groups of 10(ten) ATV's.
30% downpayment due at sign up and remainder due in cash or travelor's checks at time of excursion.

Let me know if you are interested so we can get one or two groups together!!!!

Greetings from St. Maarten,

We show current availability on the ATV Island Tour & Orient Beach tour on your arrival date. We take groups of ten riders.

The ATV Island Tour & Orient Beach Tour provides an exciting guided tour via ATV sports quadbikes around the French Side of St Maarten.

Its an absolutely unique way to "sightsee" and tour the island in the fresh air and outside the confines of buses and vans. The 2.5hr tour travels by public road for around 50% of the trip and on "Offroad" dirt tracks and beach for the other 50% of the excursion.

After being picked up at the cruise terminal, you will head to Point Blanch, for your safety briefing and departure. There is adequate storage under the seat for any bags or valuables.

The Quadbikes are all new, well maintained, and are "automatic", with no gears to worry about, so they are easy and safe for beginners. Helmets (provided free of charge) are compulsory. You will ride along palm lined public roads, off road dirt tracks, and sections of the beach.

There are a couple of stops for photo opportunities, and a highlight of this tour is the stunning panoramas of Orient Bay and Pinel Island on the French side of the Island. You will also enjoy great views of St. Barths, and the deserted Tintemare Island, which all provide great photo opportunities. The tour then heads down from the hills and onto Orient Beach, where you will spend an hour or so, at our Orient Beach club. There are bar, restaurant, shower, and toilet facilities. Swimming at Orient Bay is great, and a wonderful way to freshen up after your "dirtbiking". (Please note that free sunloungers are no longer available at this location but are available for rent on the beach). Then, its back onboard, for the return ride to Philipsburg.

Finally you will climb a steep mountain road way above the cruise terminal, where you can get great photos looking down on your cruise ship from high above the bay of Philipsburg.

Pickup Time at the cruise Ship Terminal is 8:40am / 11.40am (transfer time is under 10 mins).

The excursion is $69usd single riders, $55usd double riders, $33usd under 12yrs.

Riders must be 18yrs or older and we do not recommend the tour for under 7yrs.


Tour Specifications:

*
Transport is included in the cost of the excursion.
*
There is a combined 350lb weight limit per bike. Single and Double rider options are available.
*
The day consists of 2.5hrs Quadbiking and Beach Break.
*
Sunloungers, Drinks and Food are not provided on this excursion, but are available at extra cost at the Beach Club
*
You may opt to bring along your own snacks & drinks.
*
If you have additional questions not covered in this e-mail or not covered in our Website please contact our Live Help Dept. by visiting our Website Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm.

A 30% Deposit is required in order to secure your reservation (fully refunded in case of inclement weather cancellations or Ships not calling Port, please refer to our Terms of Reservation by visiting our website
The balance is due at time of excursion in cash or travelers check only.

Please remember that prices quoted on reservation requests or as show on our website at time of reservation request are not guaranteed until a reservation deposit is submitted for the excursion. To make sure you receive the quoted price please reserve the excursion within 24hrs of reservation request.

Please feel free to e-mail us or to contact our Live Help Dept. by visiting our Website. You may contact one of our live Operators for reservations as well as answers to any further questions before your confirmed reservation.

A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you with directions as well as additional relevant reservation instructions following your reservation submittal.

Please ensure to prebook your ATV adventure in order to avoid disappointment due to un-availability. This tour does sell out well in advance.

Thank you,

Monique

 

[NutzaboutDisney]

Here is teh response I received about the ATV excursion...hope it helps...


PLEASE NOTE: This is not a confirmation, it is an availability reply.

Greetings from St. Maarten,

We show current availability on the ATV Island Tour & Orient Beach tour on your arrival date.

The ATV Island Tour & Orient Beach Tour provides an exciting guided tour via ATV sports quadbikes around the French Side of St Maarten.

Its an absolutely unique way to "sightsee" and tour the island in the fresh air and outside the confines of buses and vans. The 2.5hr tour travels by public road for around 50% of the trip and on "Offroad" dirt tracks and beach for the other 50% of the excursion.

After being picked up at the cruise terminal, you will head to Point Blanch, for your safety briefing and departure. There is adequate storage under the seat for any bags or valuables.

The Quadbikes are all new, well maintained, and are "automatic", with no gears to worry about, so they are easy and safe for beginners. Helmets (provided free of charge) are compulsory. You will ride along palm lined public roads, off road dirt tracks, and sections of the beach.

There are a couple of stops for photo opportunities, and a highlight of this tour is the stunning panoramas of Orient Bay and Pinel Island on the French side of the Island. You will also enjoy great views of St. Barths, and the deserted Tintemare Island, which all provide great photo opportunities. The tour then heads down from the hills and onto Orient Beach, where you will spend an hour or so, at our Orient Beach club. There are bar, restaurant, shower, and toilet facilities. Swimming at Orient Bay is great, and a wonderful way to freshen up after your "dirtbiking". (Please note that free sunloungers are no longer available at this location but are available for rent on the beach). Then, its back onboard, for the return ride to Philipsburg.

Finally you will climb a steep mountain road way above the cruise terminal, where you can get great photos looking down on your cruise ship from high above the bay of Philipsburg.

Pickup Time at the cruise Ship Terminal is 8:40am / 11.40am (transfer time is under 10 mins).

The excursion is $69usd single riders, $55usd double riders, $33usd under 12yrs.

Riders must be 18yrs or older and we do not recommend the tour for under 7yrs.

To confirm your reservation please follow the link below to our SSL secure/encrypted reservation page

https://www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/ATVSecure.htm

Due to the excursion's popularity please ensure to reserve the excursion ASAP in order to avoid disappointment due to unavailability.

Tour Specifications:
Transport is included in the cost of the excursion.
There is a combined 350lb weight limit per bike. Single and Double rider options are available.
The day consists of 2.5hrs Quadbiking and Beach Break.
For information on the ATV Bikes as well pictures please visit the excursion webpage by clicking on this link: http://www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/ATVStMaarten.htm
Sunloungers, Drinks and Food are not provided on this excursion, but are available at extra cost at the Beach Club
You may opt to bring along your own snacks & drinks.
If you have additional questions not covered in this e-mail or not covered in our Website please contact our Live Help Dept. by visiting our Website Mon-Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm.
To confirm your reservation please follow the link below to our SSL secure/encrypted reservation page.

A 30% Deposit is required in order to secure your reservation (fully refunded in case of inclement weather cancellations or Ships not calling Port, please refer to our Terms of Reservation by visiting our website http://www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/Terms.htm
The balance is due at time of excursion in cash or travelers check only.

Please remember that prices quoted on reservation requests or as show on our website at time of reservation request are not guaranteed until a reservation deposit is submitted for the excursion. To make sure you receive the quoted price please reserve the excursion within 24hrs of reservation request.

https://www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/ATVSecure.htm

Please feel free to e-mail us or to contact our Live Help Dept. by visiting our Website. You may contact one of our live Operators for reservations as well as answers to any further questions before your confirmed reservation.

A confirmation e-mail will be sent to you with directions as well as additional relevant reservation instructions following your reservation submittal.

Please ensure to prebook your ATV adventure in order to avoid disappointment due to un-availability. This tour does sell out well in advance.

LOL Pam, you beat me to it!!!! Are you still up for it????

 

[Crystal_27]

I spoke with DH and he is totally onboard with the tour. However, our only hesitation is that our DD will not be going on it with us, and *what if* she needed something while we were on the tour? What does DCL do? I'm really worried about that aspect... What do you guys think?

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

We'll see you at PALO Sunday morning. Although we will be plates full and mouths full by the time you get there!

Good! Than you can give us the tour on what is good and what to skip. Saves our tummies for the important stuff.

Isn't it awesome when it works out like that with your secret mickey?? I'm enjoying the shopping part, too, and trying to come up with ideas!

Good luck!

Sounds to me like you are doing well with the chocolate. I would be saying "don't have that in the US--need to try some to make sure it's good before I take it to my DIS friends"

Hmm, that would be hard to keep up. I've tried just about anything in the tastes I do by now.

I spoke with DH and he is totally onboard with the tour. However, our only hesitation is that our DD will not be going on it with us, and *what if* she needed something while we were on the tour? What does DCL do? I'm really worried about that aspect... What do you guys think?

I would reckon you could leave contact info with the kids clubs? Which would mean; check if one of your mobile phones can be used abroad, give them that number and hopefully it wont ring.

 

[NutzaboutDisney]

I spoke with DH and he is totally onboard with the tour. However, our only hesitation is that our DD will not be going on it with us, and *what if* she needed something while we were on the tour? What does DCL do? I'm really worried about that aspect... What do you guys think?

Hey Crystal,

We, too, were worried about that with our boys when we cruised in 2007. Our youngest is on the Autism Spectrum, so we really were concerned about being "out of touch" with him.

The CM's were wonderful!!! They told us that everything would be fine and noted when we would be gone and out of reach. Everything went fine, and we would not hesitate to do it again! This is most likely the only excursion we will do other than CC, and I know we'll be back at the ship by noon to check in if need be.

 

[Disney Sweetie]

I received an email from Disney about the breakfast. He basically said NO but was nice about it. He said that Lumieres is only open for a short time and they could not make it "private" as other guest would want to dine there. He offered us a lounge with a continental breakfast that we would have to pay for.

I replied and said NO. I told him that unless this was a new policy, it had been done before on both the Magic and the Wonder. I told him that in the past we had an area to the side for our group and other guests came and ate as usual.....it didnt seem to bother anyone. Heck we even had Shutters come take a group PJ photo in the Atrium on the steps. So I asked him to please check again and see what he could do. He replied back saying that he would check and let me know.

Soooo....I will keep you informed!

 

[Fire14]

I received an email from Disney about the breakfast. He basically said NO but was nice about it. He said that Lumieres is only open for a short time and they could not make it "private" as other guest would want to dine there. He offered us a lounge with a continental breakfast that we would have to pay for.

I replied and said NO. I told him that unless this was a new policy, it had been done before on both the Magic and the Wonder. I told him that in the past we had an area to the side for our group and other guests came and ate as usual.....it didnt seem to bother anyone. Heck we even had Shutters come take a group PJ photo in the Atrium on the steps. So I asked him to please check again and see what he could do. He replied back saying that he would check and let me know.

Soooo....I will keep you informed!

Well maybe/hopefully ther tune will change since we don't want them to close the place except to us, just rope off an area.

 

[spectrum-turbo]

For those still looking:
I just checked on Brunch availability and currently there is at least one 4 top available for Sunday at 11:00

 

[spectrum-turbo]

Does anyone have a list of what everyone is doing on our sea days.....Sunday, Monday and Thursday?? Or can someone make me a list? I am at work and do not have time to go back thru the posts.

I am trying to figure out what day would be best for the cabin tours. I dont want to plan them when everyone is busy. Soooo..... if someone would be nice enough to gather this information for me.... I would so greatly appreciate it.

I did a very quick look through the posts from the last few days and it looks like a lot of folks have Sunday brunch, last one being at 11:30 and there is some talk of High Tea but I can't figure out if it is one group thing on maybe Monday or a few separate ressies on both Monday and Thursday. Can someone help me out on that?

Then I looked at the Navigators from 2/28 and took into consideration in the various 'tastings' happening and my best guess is that there are two windows in which we could accomplish the tour (btw, I am discounting Thursday, no telling what state our rooms may be in):

• Sunday between 2:00 and 4:00 The only 'adult' conflict that I see are an Art Seminar at 2:00 and Margaritaville with DJ Dan in Cove Cafe 1:45-2:30
• Monday between 12:00 and 2:00 The conflicts at that time are: lunch and the first wine tasting (there is a second wine tasting on Thursday)

Of course everything that I have based this on could be out the window, if they do a revamp to the Sea Days schedules.

 

[Fire14]

Our pig sty aka room won't be on tour but our sea day plans are:
Spa, Brunch (Mon), art of entertaining, and pool watching. So we are pretty flexable.

 

[Disney Sweetie]

I did a very quick look through the posts from the last few days and it looks like a lot of folks have Sunday brunch, last one being at 11:30 and there is some talk of High Tea but I can't figure out if it is one group thing on maybe Monday or a few separate ressies on both Monday and Thursday. Can someone help me out on that?

Then I looked at the Navigators from 2/28 and took into consideration in the various 'tastings' happening and my best guess is that there are two windows in which we could accomplish the tour (btw, I am discounting Thursday, no telling what state our rooms may be in):

• Sunday between 2:00 and 4:00 The only 'adult' conflict that I see are an Art Seminar at 2:00 and Margaritaville with DJ Dan in Cove Cafe 1:45-2:30
• Monday between 12:00 and 2:00 The conflicts at that time are: lunch and the first wine tasting (there is a second wine tasting on Thursday)

Of course everything that I have based this on could be out the window, if they do a revamp to the Sea Days schedules.

Okie Dokie...how about Cabin Tours on Sunday September 27 at 3:00pm?? We will start on the lowest deck and work our way up to the Roy Suite. If this schedule works for everyone involved, I will look at the cabin locations and get a route worked out. Maybe they will not change the sea day schedules much...if at all.

Let me know and we will go from there.....Thanks!!!

 

[Disney Sweetie]

Oh yeah...got my confirmation for the ATV tour in St. Maarten. We are in the 9am ride. See you there!!!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Oh yeah...got my confirmation for the ATV tour in St. Maarten. We are in the 9am ride. See you there!!!

Congrats!

Okie Dokie...how about Cabin Tours on Sunday September 27 at 3:00pm?? We will start on the lowest deck and work our way up to the Roy Suite. If this schedule works for everyone involved, I will look at the cabin locations and get a route worked out. Maybe they will not change the sea day schedules much...if at all.

Let me know and we will go from there.....Thanks!!!

Sounds like a good plan to me.


Oh and good for you for not taking the "no" about the PJ-breakfast!