That Fantasy can't steal our Magic! March 30, 2012

[kikids]

Shoot, your APLPALPALAPLAP's are much different than mine! I suppose once the Magic returns to the Caribbean and restarts the 7 night Western sails we will get more info. Can't wait to read the trip reports and see some navigators next month.

 

[JWBmom]

This is information that my TA gave me:

Night Port Menu Dress code

sat Port Canaveral Rotation Casual
sun Key West Rotation Casual
mon Day at Sea Prince and Princess Formal
tue Grand Cayman Rotation Casual
wed Cozumel Pirates of the Carribbean Pirate
thu Day at Sea Captain's Gala Semi-Formal
fri Castaway Cay Til We Meet Again Casual




The rotations are usually as follows:

LAPPLAP
APLLAPL
PLAAPLA
L being Lumieres, A being Animator’s Palette and P being Parrot Cay.


She did say that they may change when the Magic returns from the Med but that is what is currently showing for the Western itinerary.

 

[nvcruiser]

Hello All!

I just paid the first chunk of $ towards this party! I am so excited! This will be my 4th cruise (2nd time on the Western!) and I'm bringing my mom along- this will be her 1st! I've been on the Mexican Riviera as well as the Mediterranean and all on the Magic. I love this ship!

I definitely want to be in on the FE!
I just requested to join the FB group as well as am waiting for confirmation on the website! LOVE technology!
Can't wait to meet you all!

Jenny

 

[karajeboo]

Hello All!

I just paid the first chunk of $ towards this party! I am so excited! This will be my 4th cruise (2nd time on the Western!) and I'm bringing my mom along- this will be her 1st! I've been on the Mexican Riviera as well as the Mediterranean and all on the Magic. I love this ship!

I definitely want to be in on the FE!
I just requested to join the FB group as well as am waiting for confirmation on the website! LOVE technology!
Can't wait to meet you all!

Jenny

Hey Jenny!!!! I love the Magic too, even though it's the ONLY ship I've ever been on!

I'm doing a DISmoms trip on the Dream in May next year and not nearly as excited......

I've approved the website request - let me go check fb now and I'll add you to the FE!!!!

 

[JWBmom]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!! We are less than 200 days out

 

[kgoldenh]

yea! less than 200 days. I cannot wait. I am getting so excited.

we were evac'd frm the beach due to Irene and the only reason I did not throw a tantrum was thinking about all the beaches on the cruise.....


Addie and Stephen cannot wait to meet the kids on the cruise.

Kate

 

[karajeboo]

I'm getting read to book our excursion in Grand Cayman with Fat Fish Adventures. I researched them on Trip Advisor and really like what I see.

Is anyone interested in joing us? Right now it is our family and froglady..... If we add 3 more, the price per person drops by about $25 each.

Here's the info.... just let me know!

Our Private Boat Charter begins at 8:00am. You will enjoy your tour on our 30ft. Concept Luxury Speed Boat. The cost is $550US for 5 people (or less) for a 4 hour tour, $600US for 6 people and $700 US for up to 8 people. This is a private tour only for your group.
The tour includes a stop at Stingray Sandbar where you will feed, pet, play and kiss the Southern Stingrays. The next stop will be snorkeling along the Reef where you will see a variety of marine wildlife. Your third stop will be at Starfish Beach which is called that because of the starfish that hang out there. And your last stop will be at a beach bar/restaurant, where you can relax and purchase food and some very delicious island cocktails! - if you choose to.

All prices include transportation to and from the George Town Harbour. We pick up our guests at the entrance to the Hard Rock Café. This meeting spot is very easy to see and is a 2 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.

To confirm a reservation a 20% deposit of the total tour is required. We accept Visa and MasterCard. Credit card details are taken over the phone our local number is 345-327-4973/US number is 301-637-6116 or if you prefer we can call you if you send us a contact number. It is free for us to call overseas.

Once we have confirmed a reservation a confirmation sheet will be sent to you by e-mail with the details of the tour, transportation information and our cancellation policy.
If you cannot do the tour for any reason beyond your control, illness, weather, ship schedule, etc...., then your deposit of 20% is fully refunded. If your tour is cancelled due to weather, someone will meet you at your pickup spot at the Hard Rock Cafe to inform you that your tour has been cancelled.

 

[kikids]

Kara, that sounds so fun! We have 4 or we'd join you! I think we'll check out the turtle farm that day but we love to snorkel and I hear Grand Cayman has wonderful sites, so hopefully, we'll be able to do that too.

Regarding your 8 am start time. I heard that the ship doesn't dock in Grand Cayman, it tenders and if you are not on a Disney arranged excursion you might not get to land until 11ish. Has anyone else heard this? I was worried about planning any non-dis excursions prior to noon just to be safe.

But if you can squeeze one more onto your tour, let me know!

Cindy

 

[karajeboo]

Kara, that sounds so fun! We have 4 or we'd join you! I think we'll check out the turtle farm that day but we love to snorkel and I hear Grand Cayman has wonderful sites, so hopefully, we'll be able to do that too.

Regarding your 8 am start time. I heard that the ship doesn't dock in Grand Cayman, it tenders and if you are not on a Disney arranged excursion you might not get to land until 11ish. Has anyone else heard this? I was worried about planning any non-dis excursions prior to noon just to be safe.

But if you can squeeze one more onto your tour, let me know!

Cindy

Cindy - I have emailed Fat Fish to see if they have experience with DCL and people getting to shore by 8. Also, I asked them about accommodations for 9 if you are truly interested. I know Ally has been emailing your girls, and Tori (froglady's daughter) is 9 so that would be a great foursome of girls!!!!

It shows ashore time at 7:15, but we have never tendered so I have no idea how long that takes to get everyone off.

 

[Dylcal]

Started thinking about flights! Boy airfares for March/April are more expensive then they were this July! I would chalk it up to being before the holiday, but we traveled around July 4 this year so that can't be it. Thinking about flying in the on Thursday night and either staying at the Airport or close to the port. Any advice from anyone who has done it before? We usually are either flying in that day or doing a pre-Disney World trip. Since it is in late March I am just worried about a late snow storm (never happens but with my luck!) so going out the night before gives us a cushion and makes the first day of the cruise so relaxed! I am leaning towards the Airport Hyatt as then I can use Disney transportation and they take your luggage from the hotel to the ship. I don't pack lighly and hate to schlepp luggage!

 

[kgoldenh]

So excited. in six months and 1 day from now we will be on the plane winging our way to Florida. WOOOHOO!. staying at CIS again. hoping the kids will rememebr their bathing suits this time so we can swim rather than shop.

Kate

 

[kgoldenh]

Started thinking about flights! Boy airfares for March/April are more expensive then they were this July! I would chalk it up to being before the holiday, but we traveled around July 4 this year so that can't be it. Thinking about flying in the on Thursday night and either staying at the Airport or close to the port. Any advice from anyone who has done it before? We usually are either flying in that day or doing a pre-Disney World trip. Since it is in late March I am just worried about a late snow storm (never happens but with my luck!) so going out the night before gives us a cushion and makes the first day of the cruise so relaxed! I am leaning towards the Airport Hyatt as then I can use Disney transportation and they take your luggage from the hotel to the ship. I don't pack lighly and hate to schlepp luggage!

go the day before - it is nice to be there already. BWI I am assuming? should be some decent airfares. when I booked earlier this month is was about $90 a person. As to where to stay - I believe it is totally personal preference.

I have heard great things about Hyatt at the airport and hear the DIsney transfers are wonderful. Most folks say it is a relaxing way to start the vaca. I like to be closer to port. We are going wed mid day so we have some time to see friends who live in canaverl. We rent a car one way. This lets us go get some snacks or water or adult bevs to take on. Also allows for sightseeing and of course the last minute shopping for things we realized we forgot to pack The car rental place has a shuttle that took us to the port.
kate

 

[Dylcal]

go the day before - it is nice to be there already. BWI I am assuming? should be some decent airfares. when I booked earlier this month is was about $90 a person. As to where to stay - I believe it is totally personal preference.

I have heard great things about Hyatt at the airport and hear the DIsney transfers are wonderful. Most folks say it is a relaxing way to start the vaca. I like to be closer to port. We are going wed mid day so we have some time to see friends who live in canaverl. We rent a car one way. This lets us go get some snacks or water or adult bevs to take on. Also allows for sightseeing and of course the last minute shopping for things we realized we forgot to pack The car rental place has a shuttle that took us to the port.
kate

Yes we are flying out of BWI -- which airline had the $90 fare? I have been looking at Southwest and for the two of us it is about $900. That is a big difference!

 

[UMTerp]

Started thinking about flights! Boy airfares for March/April are more expensive then they were this July! I would chalk it up to being before the holiday, but we traveled around July 4 this year so that can't be it. Thinking about flying in the on Thursday night and either staying at the Airport or close to the port. Any advice from anyone who has done it before? We usually are either flying in that day or doing a pre-Disney World trip. Since it is in late March I am just worried about a late snow storm (never happens but with my luck!) so going out the night before gives us a cushion and makes the first day of the cruise so relaxed! I am leaning towards the Airport Hyatt as then I can use Disney transportation and they take your luggage from the hotel to the ship. I don't pack lighly and hate to schlepp luggage!

Hey Dylcal,
Last time we went early we stayed at the Raddison by the port. They have a free shuttle to the port in the morning. We rented a car, drove there and then returned it after dinner (car rental agency was within easy walking distance to the hotel). This has been a number of years ago so I don't know if things have changed quality wise.
Good luck!
UMTerp

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Less than 6 months until we cruise! Ok, barely, but I'll take it.

Started thinking about flights! Boy airfares for March/April are more expensive then they were this July! I would chalk it up to being before the holiday, but we traveled around July 4 this year so that can't be it. Thinking about flying in the on Thursday night and either staying at the Airport or close to the port. Any advice from anyone who has done it before? We usually are either flying in that day or doing a pre-Disney World trip. Since it is in late March I am just worried about a late snow storm (never happens but with my luck!) so going out the night before gives us a cushion and makes the first day of the cruise so relaxed! I am leaning towards the Airport Hyatt as then I can use Disney transportation and they take your luggage from the hotel to the ship. I don't pack lighly and hate to schlepp luggage!

I feel your pain on the airline fares - I can't believe how high they are. I'm hoping for some sales as we get closer but I also don't want to gamble on flights (at reasonable times) getting sold out. Decisions, decisions.

I'm a firm believer in getting to port (or very close to port) the day before a cruise. Even when we cruise from LA, only a 4 hour drive, we drive down the day before because I have nightmares of being stuck in a traffic jam on the freeway as my ship sails away! And it's just a much more relaxing way to start off vacation.

Last year we stayed at the Orlando airport Hyatt and really enjoyed it - already booked it for this cruise as well. We can't get to Orlando until late afternoon and it's great just to walk over to the hotel. I read that for a small fee you can even have the Hyatt pick up your luggage from baggage claim and bring it to your room. Not sure we'll have that much luggage but I'm going to call them about the cost. The rooms were very nice, staff was friendly and there was plenty of food and shopping at the airport to keep us occupied for one night. Taking DCL transportation in the morning was a breeze and not having to mess with our luggage was a bonus!

 

[Dylcal]

Less than 6 months until we cruise! Ok, barely, but I'll take it.



I feel your pain on the airline fares - I can't believe how high they are. I'm hoping for some sales as we get closer but I also don't want to gamble on flights (at reasonable times) getting sold out. Decisions, decisions.

I'm a firm believer in getting to port (or very close to port) the day before a cruise. Even when we cruise from LA, only a 4 hour drive, we drive down the day before because I have nightmares of being stuck in a traffic jam on the freeway as my ship sails away! And it's just a much more relaxing way to start off vacation.

Last year we stayed at the Orlando airport Hyatt and really enjoyed it - already booked it for this cruise as well. We can't get to Orlando until late afternoon and it's great just to walk over to the hotel. I read that for a small fee you can even have the Hyatt pick up your luggage from baggage claim and bring it to your room. Not sure we'll have that much luggage but I'm going to call them about the cost. The rooms were very nice, staff was friendly and there was plenty of food and shopping at the airport to keep us occupied for one night. Taking DCL transportation in the morning was a breeze and not having to mess with our luggage was a bonus!

Thanks to all for the information. I think I will stay at the Hyatt and will look into them picking up the bags as well -- just so much more relaxing! Can't believe it is only 6 months - they will probably fly by -- I hope!

 

[nvcruiser]

We'll be staying at the Hyatt the night before as well. I stayed there the last time I went to the Caribbean solo. It was so nice to not have to worry about getting to the hotel (my flight came in REALLY late) or have to worry about getting my luggage to the port. It was well worth it!

 

[UMTerp]

We'll be staying at the Hyatt the night before as well. I stayed there the last time I went to the Caribbean solo. It was so nice to not have to worry about getting to the hotel (my flight came in REALLY late) or have to worry about getting my luggage to the port. It was well worth it!

I want to go to the Caribbean solo!!!

 

[nvcruiser]

It was amazing! Now I'm looking forward to showing my mom all the things I loved in our ports plus see things I didn't alone! So excited!

 

[Dylcal]

We'll be staying at the Hyatt the night before as well. I stayed there the last time I went to the Caribbean solo. It was so nice to not have to worry about getting to the hotel (my flight came in REALLY late) or have to worry about getting my luggage to the port. It was well worth it!

Thanks! We will be seeing you at the Hyatt! Lucky being able to go solo! Maybe I will get my chance soon when my son goes off to scollege -- as long as it is a state one and not the private one he was interested inOtherwise there goes my "cruise" money!!!