Sept. 7, 2012 - Magic NYC - Canada

[jilljill]

I was planning on asking our DD (20) - can you stay home, take care of your younger sister for 6 days and oh by the way, we need a ride to the train station at 5:00am the day we leave

Now that's funny. What time train were you looking at taking? We would most likely take the 8am train, that way we could leave home a little after 7am. If we drove up to Metropark we would probably leave home around 6am.
Our 18yo will be living in FL going to college so she misses out on this trip.

 

[nlm74]

Domestic air passengers aren't allowed to make purchases in the Duty Free shops in the airports. Not sure that JFK has any liquor stores for domestic air passengers to make purchases.

DARN!

hank you for the info - right now we are leaning towards Amtrak. It would cost us more to drive and park at the terminal than the cost of Amtrak. The Metropark option would be cheaper, but DH is preferring not to have to drive.

Not sure where you're coming from but we priced Amtrack and believe it or not, flying was cheaper. We booked this cruise in the first place because we thought it would be a cheaper option since we're coming from MA and were just going to drive. WELL, priced out driving, parking and hotel overnight and it was WAY more than a flight. Jet Blue is costing us $358 total for the 3 of us. Kinda a pain to have to deal with airports but then again, 1hr flight and carry-ons might be better deal than a 3+hr car ride with a 3yr old and 10 mos old.

 

[jilljill]

DARN!



Not sure where you're coming from but we priced Amtrack and believe it or not, flying was cheaper. We booked this cruise in the first place because we thought it would be a cheaper option since we're coming from MA and were just going to drive. WELL, priced out driving, parking and hotel overnight and it was WAY more than a flight. Jet Blue is costing us $358 total for the 3 of us. Kinda a pain to have to deal with airports but then again, 1hr flight and carry-ons might be better deal than a 3+hr car ride with a 3yr old and 10 mos old.

We would be coming from DE, and Amtrak is $164 or $168 r/t for 2 of us, plus the 2 cab rides in NYC. I would hate to price out plane tickets and then add on the cost of transfers both ways. Not to mention, the time involved with driving to the airport, being at the airport 1½-2 hours before flight time and then the 1 hour flight and then the transfers on the other end it makes more sense (time-wise) to take the train or drive up the morning of the cruise. Even if we drove we would just come up the morning of the cruise, it's only a 3 hour drive.

 

[nlm74]

We would be coming from DE, and Amtrak is $164 or $168 r/t for 2 of us, plus the 2 cab rides in NYC. I would hate to price out plane tickets and then add on the cost of transfers both ways. Not to mention, the time involved with driving to the airport, being at the airport 1½-2 hours before flight time and then the 1 hour flight and then the transfers on the other end it makes more sense (time-wise) to take the train or drive up the morning of the cruise. Even if we drove we would just come up the morning of the cruise, it's only a 3 hour drive.

I hear ya. If It was just my husband we'd prob do it differently, but with 2 young ones, so not thrilled to drive or catch a train super early in the am. I figure yes there's a lot of waiting time with flying but at least they'll be able to be up and about vs being strapped in to their car seats the whole time. Would have been $50 less (than plane) to take the train (which is a 4hr ride) and would have cost us $624 to do the acela which is 3hr ride!

 

[dthogue]

Now that's funny. What time train were you looking at taking? We would most likely take the 8am train, that way we could leave home a little after 7am. If we drove up to Metropark we would probably leave home around 6am.
Our 18yo will be living in FL going to college so she misses out on this trip.

I think we will take the 5:17 train that arrives at 8:28am. There is a 6:30 train as well, but I would prefer to get to NYC as early as possible. We are also considering going the day before if I can find a hotel at a decent price. What time does your train arrive if you leave at 8:00am?

Oh its so hard on the college kids that have to stay home I have 2 in college and they are never happy when we travel without them, but what can we do Is this your DD's first year?

 

[dthogue]

DARN!



Not sure where you're coming from but we priced Amtrack and believe it or not, flying was cheaper. We booked this cruise in the first place because we thought it would be a cheaper option since we're coming from MA and were just going to drive. WELL, priced out driving, parking and hotel overnight and it was WAY more than a flight. Jet Blue is costing us $358 total for the 3 of us. Kinda a pain to have to deal with airports but then again, 1hr flight and carry-ons might be better deal than a 3+hr car ride with a 3yr old and 10 mos old.

We are coming from Central PA - Amtrak will cost us $183 rt for two, plus taxi rides of $20.00 each way. Parking at the terminal will cost $175.00 plus the cost of tolls and gas. I am actually looking forward to not flying - we have never been on the train. I'm hoping its a relaxing start to our trip.

 

[jilljill]

I think we will take the 5:17 train that arrives at 8:28am. There is a 6:30 train as well, but I would prefer to get to NYC as early as possible. We are also considering going the day before if I can find a hotel at a decent price. What time does your train arrive if you leave at 8:00am?

Oh its so hard on the college kids that have to stay home I have 2 in college and they are never happy when we travel without them, but what can we do Is this your DD's first year?

The 8:03 train gets in at 9:59. That would still get us to the port just before 11am. We could also do the 7:01 train that would get us there at 8:42. Either train still lets me go to Tim Horton's in the station for a taste of Canada before heading north.
My cousin and his wife will be coming up from Wash DC that morning on Amtrak, not sure what time the train is that they will take.

Yes, this will be her first year in college. She's looking forward to it, and not dealing with the winter weather. But, she's very jealous of us taking this cruise since she will miss her favorite CM on board.

 

[jilljill]

We are coming from Central PA - Amtrak will cost us $183 rt for two, plus taxi rides of $20.00 each way. Parking at the terminal will cost $175.00 plus the cost of tolls and gas. I am actually looking forward to not flying - we have never been on the train. I'm hoping its a relaxing start to our trip.

DD & I just did the Autotrain to FL last week. I was surprised how much I liked the trip. I'm thinking of taking it back in Nov. if I can talk DH into doing it.

Actually parking at the port will probably cost $210, 6 days x $35. I think they also charge by the calendar day and not number of nights of your cruise. I'll have to double check with my brother on that tho, he's driven up there the last couple of years to cruise.

 

[dthogue]

DD & I just did the Autotrain to FL last week. I was surprised how much I liked the trip. I'm thinking of taking it back in Nov. if I can talk DH into doing it.

Actually parking at the port will probably cost $210, 6 days x $35. I think they also charge by the calendar day and not number of nights of your cruise. I'll have to double check with my brother on that tho, he's driven up there the last couple of years to cruise.

Good luck to your DD - what an exciting time for her - will she be close to WDW? My DH has talked for many years about moving to Florida - he doesn't like the winter cold here.

I do believe you are correct on the parking amount - it's insane to imagine paying $210.00 just to park makes taking the train that much better.

We did the autotrain many years ago and enjoyed it as well. My girls were little and they had lots of playmates on the train. I remember them making tents in the seats with blankets. It was nice to have our car with us and not having to transfer the luggage.

 

[DL1957]

Sounds like a few of us are hitting the rails. DH BFF and I are taking the train the day before from Williamsburg VA. Fare was $124 roundtrip. We are staying at the Lowels Regency on DVC points. Only reasonable hotel room for us. We are meeting up with other friends who are driving from CA. They are retired and thought they would take a road trip. Staying at a hotel at the airport that has free parking. It is their first time on DCL but the wife is a big Disney fan. If hubby enjoys they may join us for the med in 2013!

 

[dthogue]

Ok - were is everyone This thread is way too quiet

2 and 1/2 months to go - we need to generate some excitment. I just paid my deposit this morning and the balance is due Friday. I'm using Disney gift cards to pay for the cruise, but I can only apply 10 gift cards per day for the next 3 days

Keeping my fingers crossed to get a Palo reservation - if not we'll try once we get onboard.

What is everyone planning on doing while in Port?

Anyone requesting a specific dining rotation or serving team?

 

[jilljill]

Good luck to your DD - what an exciting time for her - will she be close to WDW? My DH has talked for many years about moving to Florida - he doesn't like the winter cold here.

I do believe you are correct on the parking amount - it's insane to imagine paying $210.00 just to park makes taking the train that much better.

We did the autotrain many years ago and enjoyed it as well. My girls were little and they had lots of playmates on the train. I remember them making tents in the seats with blankets. It was nice to have our car with us and not having to transfer the luggage.

We have a house down here and we are right behind MK, we watch the fireworks from the house. I clocked it one day, we are 2.2 miles from the Contemporary parking lot. I said if I was going to have a house in FL that I had to be very close to WDW and we can't get much closer than we are - except for living in Golden Oaks which we definately can't afford.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

We have a house down here and we are right behind MK, we watch the fireworks from the house. I clocked it one day, we are 2.2 miles from the Contemporary parking lot. I said if I was going to have a house in FL that I had to be very close to WDW and we can't get much closer than we are - except for living in Golden Oaks which we definately can't afford.

We're moving down in 8 months when my DH John retires. He wants to work part time for the mouse and wants to live as close as possible also. We definitely can't afford Golden Oaks either, unless we hit the lottery in the next eight months....hahaha. Do you mind telling me what town you live in. I'm looking everywhere and don't know the right neighborhoods to look in. I have a friend that lives in Davenport, but that's 20 minutes away. I would love to be closer. Behind MK watching the fireworks everynight would be ideal.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Ok - were is everyone This thread is way too quiet

2 and 1/2 months to go - we need to generate some excitment. I just paid my deposit this morning and the balance is due Friday. I'm using Disney gift cards to pay for the cruise, but I can only apply 10 gift cards per day for the next 3 days

Keeping my fingers crossed to get a Palo reservation - if not we'll try once we get onboard.

What is everyone planning on doing while in Port?

Anyone requesting a specific dining rotation or serving team?

I'm paying in full tomorrow so I hope there are some Palo brunches or dinners still available too.

We're planning a winery tour and a train ride for our excursions.

No specific dining rotation or serving team requested.

I'm just thinking about what clothes I have to pack and whether we'll be driving into the city or not. We're coming from eastern PA....in the Poconos just over the NJ border on Route 80. It should take us an hour and a half to get to the port.

I have a cousin that lives in the neighborhood of the port. If he is out of town the night before, then we'll stay overnight in his apartment. If not, then we'll drive in the morning of the cruise. I won't know until about 2 weeks before we cruise. My cousin won't know his schedule before that.

 

[jilljill]

We're moving down in 8 months when my DH John retires. He wants to work part time for the mouse and wants to live as close as possible also. We definitely can't afford Golden Oaks either, unless we hit the lottery in the next eight months....hahaha. Do you mind telling me what town you live in. I'm looking everywhere and don't know the right neighborhoods to look in. I have a friend that lives in Davenport, but that's 20 minutes away. I would love to be closer. Behind MK watching the fireworks everynight would be ideal.

Our address is actually Windermere, but we are literally right outside the back cast entrance to MK. Our neighborhood is off of Reams Rd. I have a friend that lives in Davenport as well, and I don't like the traffic from that way to here.
Let me know if you want more info or the name of a realtor. They are just starting to build a new section in our neighborhood and there's still lots of empty places that are either for rent or sale. We are in a townhouse and really like it, and it's quiet.
There's a couple of new neighborhoods popping up in the area that would probably have fireworks views if you get the right lot.

 

[DL1957]

We hav Palo's brunch on the 1st sea day and dinner the last. Hopefully we can get our 1st cruises on with us. Right now we are a table of 3 but will need 5 or a table for 2 next to us. Sure liked it better when we could book Palo for everyone in our group. DH and I cannot split up on reservation with our friends because we are using DVC points and they are not.
We are doing the wine tour in Halifax and a tour in St John that is 3.5 hours and includes the market forget the name.
We have requested Nenad from Croatia as our server. We had him as an assistant on the Baltic one of his first cruises on DCL and he was great. They told us we will get him if he is on the ship and not on vacation.
September cannot come soon enought for me.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Our address is actually Windermere, but we are literally right outside the back cast entrance to MK. Our neighborhood is off of Reams Rd. I have a friend that lives in Davenport as well, and I don't like the traffic from that way to here.
Let me know if you want more info or the name of a realtor. They are just starting to build a new section in our neighborhood and there's still lots of empty places that are either for rent or sale. We are in a townhouse and really like it, and it's quiet.
There's a couple of new neighborhoods popping up in the area that would probably have fireworks views if you get the right lot.

Thanks so much, that's very helpful. I will check out Windermere. We're keeping our house in the Poconos, DS "the kid" will be living here....he lives next door now in an apartment over the detached garage. He's an adult. So we only want to rent a house with a pool when we get to Florida. But we want to rent long term.

I have already been in touch with a realtor, but it's still early. I have been checking houses for rent on craigslist and other realtor sites on the internet. We're planning a week in December to go to WDW and to do some serious house hunting. John retires 2/1/13. That should be the right timing and I'm hoping it will only take one week to lock something in.

Thanks again for all your info. It really helps a lot. I didn't know about the traffic in Davenport. We definitely won't like that. We want to be closer to WDW.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Ok - were is everyone This thread is way too quiet

2 and 1/2 months to go - we need to generate some excitment. I just paid my deposit this morning and the balance is due Friday. I'm using Disney gift cards to pay for the cruise, but I can only apply 10 gift cards per day for the next 3 days

Keeping my fingers crossed to get a Palo reservation - if not we'll try once we get onboard.

What is everyone planning on doing while in Port?

Anyone requesting a specific dining rotation or serving team?

We hope to pay off our cruise tonight. We have been purchasing the Disney GC from our local Stop and Shop with the special they have going on right now. I am concerned about what you posted about applying only 10 cards per day. Not sure what you mean by that.

Linda

 

[dthogue]

We hope to pay off our cruise tonight. We have been purchasing the Disney GC from our local Stop and Shop with the special they have going on right now. I am concerned about what you posted about applying only 10 cards per day. Not sure what you mean by that.

Linda

I booked my cruise through Dreams Unlimited and they can only process 10 gift cards per day - not sure if that is their system (or policy) or DCL's - the agent didn't really clarify, just told me it was 10 per day. I bought my gift cards through the same special. My store ran out of the $50.00 gc, so I had to buy quite a few $25 ones. Luckily it all worked out, but I do have to make the payments with the gift cards everyday to pay the balance off by Friday.

 

[dthogue]

I'm just thinking about what clothes I have to pack and whether we'll be driving into the city or not. We're coming from eastern PA....in the Poconos just over the NJ border on Route 80. It should take us an hour and a half to get to the port.

Please let us know how you make out with the Palo reservations - I won't be able to book til Friday at the earliest.

I too was wondering about what clothes to pack - I have read that it was very chilly on the first cruise - I'm hoping we have warmer weather, but I guess we need to park for cold as well.

My daughter spent 2 years at East Stroudsburg University - she just transfered to a college closer to home at the end of this last semester.