The MAGIC is Back!!! - 6th Sept 2014 WBTA - Come & join the fun! - PART 2

[SucalT]

Well, our airline has elected to eliminate Comfort Class from their fleet of 777's. Thus we are not going to be flying in Comfort Class for our 12.5 hour flight. :-(

However, as a result, we have been given a complimentary upgrade to lie flat Business Class seats!

 

[EKBP]

I just remembered there was talk on the DIS about signing up with each other for linked dining. Are a lot of you doing this? Do we get matched up just based on dining time & party type (adults only, etc), or do we have any discussion about likes/dislikes and common interests? I'm considering linking but I would like to know more about my dining companions. I've had some AMAZING tables in the past where we all talked about anything and everything every night and had so much fun laughing, and still keep in touch. But, I've also had bad tables where companions were nearly silent, or bragged about everything they have, or complained extensively. I feel like it is such a luck of the draw. And its a shame because we always meet wonderful people the 1st few days on board by the pool, etc. and wish we had gotten to be seated with them instead. Anyone else feel this way? I would love to chat with others who may be interested in linking as late dining, adults only. It is me (28) and my dad and we would get along with any ages, we have fun and love to meet people from all over and share good conversation. During the day we are found by the adult pool having vacation cocktails and enjoying the sun, or doing active excursions on port days. We like the piano bar for a pre-dinner drink and the adult comedy shows after. These are just a few things that describe us but I'd be happy to share more and get to know others. Any other adults interested in getting to know each other better here or by email, and maybe linking up? If so let me know!

I've been considering the same thing. We've been paired with families that don't speak to anyone at the table at all, and our last cruise we had a really fun family that we really enjoyed getting to know! My husband and I are cruising without any children and have the late seating. We are both former CM's and currently live in Wisconsin. We too, spend our days by the adult pool, in the spa or in one of the mixology/mojito/tequila fun tastings. (I feel like I'm writing a singles ad )..... With being on the cruise for 14 days, I feel like I really want to get paired with a family or group that is fun, wants to chat during dinner and perhaps meet for cocktails before or after dinner occasionally..... So many people come off the boat and have made lifelong friends that they keep in touch with once the cruise is over.....hopefully I have that experience this time!

 

[mdwoodman]

How long will the meet last? I was thinking maybe 1900 start would be a little better, to allow for those who will be touring the city all day, maybe have a little break after a long day to freshen up before heading over to Hard Rock? What does everyone think?

We will come at whatever time the group decides and make it work, just thought I'd throw out a little later time to see what people think. Looking forward to meeting everyone and wearing our logo shirts!

In the past it has lasted 4-5 hours, with people rolling in and out as it suits their schedules. In 2010, we actually started at 1700 to accommodate families with small children that wanted to join us for a little while before bed time. We only have a couple of children this year, so to allow for those people who will be on day tours, I thought we'd start an hour later.

It's not a hard start time; everyone is welcome to join in whenever it's most convenient for them. Personally, we'll be there for 3-4 hours; we want to catch the Magic Fountain that was rained out when we were there in 2010! (Musical displays: 9pm, 9:30pm, 10pm, 10:30pm and 11pm)

 

[Dvcm1997]

Add us in. Thanks for all the effort with planning! John and Milton 7A gty.

 

[Con5421]

I was looking to sign-up for the Postcard and Recipe Exchange but have been unable to locate the activity. If it has not already been organized, is there any interest? I really enjoyed receiving the postcards from the different locations fellow cruisers are from. Also appreciated receiving the recipes, regional or just favorites. It didn't take a lot of room in our case and was a nice reminder of our cruise and the friends we had made.

If there is interest, and no one else has offered, I would be happy to organize the activity.

Val

Hello Val,

I don't want to do postcards but if the people that want a postcard from The Netherlands let me now i will take some whit me.

Connie

 

[LindaBabe]

I've been considering the same thing. We've been paired with families that don't speak to anyone at the table at all, and our last cruise we had a really fun family that we really enjoyed getting to know! My husband and I are cruising without any children and have the late seating. We are both former CM's and currently live in Wisconsin. We too, spend our days by the adult pool, in the spa or in one of the mixology/mojito/tequila fun tastings. (I feel like I'm writing a singles ad )..... With being on the cruise for 14 days, I feel like I really want to get paired with a family or group that is fun, wants to chat during dinner and perhaps meet for cocktails before or after dinner occasionally..... So many people come off the boat and have made lifelong friends that they keep in touch with once the cruise is over.....hopefully I have that experience this time!

Disney has an almost magical way of seating people with similar groupings - my guess is - you will likely be seated with other cast members.

In the past it has lasted 4-5 hours, with people rolling in and out as it suits their schedules. In 2010, we actually started at 1700 to accommodate families with small children that wanted to join us for a little while before bed time. We only have a couple of children this year, so to allow for those people who will be on day tours, I thought we'd start an hour later.

It's not a hard start time; everyone is welcome to join in whenever it's most convenient for them. Personally, we'll be there for 3-4 hours; we want to catch the Magic Fountain that was rained out when we were there in 2010! (Musical displays: 9pm, 9:30pm, 10pm, 10:30pm and 11pm)

I like the earlier start. 1800 hrs works for us! Some of us like to eat supper there and it's helpful if we are already in the private room. Upstairs is really crowded.

 

[liesbeth1012]

Hello Val,

I don't want to do postcards but if the people that want a postcard from The Netherlands let me now i will take some whit me.

Connie

I will do the postcard and recipe exchange. So there will be from the Netherlands.

 

[SucalT]

Are there any first responders (active or retired) on-board that would like to exchange challenge coins?

I collect challenge coins and am ALWAYS looking for new and unique coins.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I've been considering the same thing. We've been paired with families that don't speak to anyone at the table at all, and our last cruise we had a really fun family that we really enjoyed getting to know! My husband and I are cruising without any children and have the late seating. We are both former CM's and currently live in Wisconsin. We too, spend our days by the adult pool, in the spa or in one of the mixology/mojito/tequila fun tastings. (I feel like I'm writing a singles ad )..... With being on the cruise for 14 days, I feel like I really want to get paired with a family or group that is fun, wants to chat during dinner and perhaps meet for cocktails before or after dinner occasionally..... So many people come off the boat and have made lifelong friends that they keep in touch with once the cruise is over.....hopefully I have that experience this time!

You guys sound fun and I think my dad and I would hit it off with you. I completely agree that for a 14 night cruise, I don't just want to "get through" dinner, I want to look forward to it each night. My favorite cruise was the Panama Canal 15-night, where even with all the fun ports and adventures we did, dinner was equally as much of a highlight of our cruise as all of that was, because our tablemates were so much fun. I hope to have that again! Our last long cruise last summer, it was really dreadful. My dad and I were paired with 2 mother/daughter pairs. The one pair were nice but SOOOO quiet, it was literally hard to hear them talk and they were just so reserved. Nothing wrong with that, but the whole point of my dad and I not wanting to be seated alone, was to have fun conversation with other people. Then the other mother/daughter pair, they drove us nuts. They were super snobby and bragging type, everything was always about them "one-upping" you, whether it was comparing an excursion or life back at home. The only thing that salvaged this dinner table for us was that we were also seated with 2 contractors who were on board for the electrical/engineering team doing many of the 're-imagining' stuff for the new Magic at the upcoming drydock, so that was AMAZING to talk to them and hear all of their inside scoop. If it weren't for them, our dinners would have been intolerable. Still, for this cruise my dad and I would really like to be paired with several other adult couples or groups who are social, fun and like to have an engaging dinner conversation every night, and maybe even hang out outside of meals if interests overlap. Fingers crossed!

In the past it has lasted 4-5 hours, with people rolling in and out as it suits their schedules. In 2010, we actually started at 1700 to accommodate families with small children that wanted to join us for a little while before bed time. We only have a couple of children this year, so to allow for those people who will be on day tours, I thought we'd start an hour later.

It's not a hard start time; everyone is welcome to join in whenever it's most convenient for them. Personally, we'll be there for 3-4 hours; we want to catch the Magic Fountain that was rained out when we were there in 2010! (Musical displays: 9pm, 9:30pm, 10pm, 10:30pm and 11pm)

Glad to hear it lasts several hours! In that case, if 1800 is what is decided, that would be fine. I was worried that it was only going to be an hour or 2 and we'd miss everything if we weren't there right on time, but it sounds like it will be a longer lasting drop-in event, which is perfect!

 

[liesbeth1012]

I've been considering the same thing. We've been paired with families that don't speak to anyone at the table at all, and our last cruise we had a really fun family that we really enjoyed getting to know! My husband and I are cruising without any children and have the late seating. We are both former CM's and currently live in Wisconsin. We too, spend our days by the adult pool, in the spa or in one of the mixology/mojito/tequila fun tastings. (I feel like I'm writing a singles ad )..... With being on the cruise for 14 days, I feel like I really want to get paired with a family or group that is fun, wants to chat during dinner and perhaps meet for cocktails before or after dinner occasionally..... So many people come off the boat and have made lifelong friends that they keep in touch with once the cruise is over.....hopefully I have that experience this time!

You guys sound fun and I think my dad and I would hit it off with you. I completely agree that for a 14 night cruise, I don't just want to "get through" dinner, I want to look forward to it each night. My favorite cruise was the Panama Canal 15-night, where even with all the fun ports and adventures we did, dinner was equally as much of a highlight of our cruise as all of that was, because our tablemates were so much fun. I hope to have that again! Our last long cruise last summer, it was really dreadful. My dad and I were paired with 2 mother/daughter pairs. The one pair were nice but SOOOO quiet, it was literally hard to hear them talk and they were just so reserved. Nothing wrong with that, but the whole point of my dad and I not wanting to be seated alone, was to have fun conversation with other people. Then the other mother/daughter pair, they drove us nuts. They were super snobby and bragging type, everything was always about them "one-upping" you, whether it was comparing an excursion or life back at home. The only thing that salvaged this dinner table for us was that we were also seated with 2 contractors who were on board for the electrical/engineering team doing many of the 're-imagining' stuff for the new Magic at the upcoming drydock, so that was AMAZING to talk to them and hear all of their inside scoop. If it weren't for them, our dinners would have been intolerable. Still, for this cruise my dad and I would really like to be paired with several other adult couples or groups who are social, fun and like to have an engaging dinner conversation every night, and maybe even hang out outside of meals if interests overlap. Fingers crossed!



Glad to hear it lasts several hours! In that case, if 1800 is what is decided, that would be fine. I was worried that it was only going to be an hour or 2 and we'd miss everything if we weren't there right on time, but it sounds like it will be a longer lasting drop-in event, which is perfect!

On our first cruise ever (WBTA2011) we (my son and me) had linked dining on the DiS and had a great table. We saw some of our tablemates in London after the cruise. And hope to see others on the EBTA again (we would cruise on this one together, but they couldn't make it).
On our second the october Hawaii Cruise we had a large table also linked on the DiS and that was also a great group. We met a couple in WDW last year again and see them on this cruise again. We are linking with some of the Hawaii cruise (they were not on our table, but we met trough DIS).
On our third cruise last year 4 night Dream we didn't linked on DIS and unfortently we ended alone on a table of 6. We asked for company and the next evening we were sat by a couple who also had a table of 6 for them alone and wanted also company. I don't understand why the did this, I am pleased I asked right away about it.
We love to link with people we met on Facebook or DIS, or after 2 cruises with people we know. And love to see the rest on the tastings and other activities.
I also love to do a drink before diner, see the show and after diner go to adult area. And I think we have a great group here and on FB so I am not worried about that.
And it will all start at Barcelona at Hard Rock Cafe. I loved it in 2011 to see the people in real after chatting with them on FB and DIS and we made then friends we see the whole cruise. And now it will be a great time too I believe.

So EKPB and WDW Princess 71 I love to see you on the cruise and chat with you and perhaps do some trivia with a group. I think we gonna have a lot of fun.

 

[valbob89]

Hello Val,

I don't want to do postcards but if the people that want a postcard from The Netherlands let me now i will take some whit me.

Connie

Connie - that is very nice of you. Val

 

[Gilland18]

Does anyone know anything about St. Kitt's? I was looking at their tourism web-site and it looks like we will be there on Independence Day. Wonder if things will be closed for the holiday?

 

[relbigguy]

Hi, can anyone help me, we've just booked to go on the Transatlantic on the magic in September 2014 and we were looking to understand a little more about the Fish shapes outside the room and also if there are any welcome groups?

We are travelling with 6 month old twins so we'd like to make it special if we can, but clearly limited on the social side!!

Thanks

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Hi, can anyone help me, we've just booked to go on the Transatlantic on the magic in September 2014 and we were looking to understand a little more about the Fish shapes outside the room and also if there are any welcome groups?

We are travelling with 6 month old twins so we'd like to make it special if we can, but clearly limited on the social side!!

Thanks

Welcome aboard - sounds like you have your hands full!

On Disney cruises often times groups like ours organize "fish extender" exchanges. I think there is a sticky on the main board, but basically you bring something to hang from the fish (a "fish extender"} as well as gifts for others in your FE group. Then you go around and leave gifts during the cruise, and others leave gifts for you!

I'm not sure where you are traveling from, but participating in the FE can require a lot of additional packing (depending on how big of a FE gift you bring). I'm guessing you will be pretty loaded down with baby stuff, so something to consider!

If you are interested, go to the first page of this thread and look for more info.

 

[diznefamily]

I have just talked to Disney about excursion release date, and was told that they are still working out with vendors but should be able to go online after May 1 to create a wish list.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Shercara]

Does anyone know anything about St. Kitt's? I was looking at their tourism web-site and it looks like we will be there on Independence Day. Wonder if things will be closed for the holiday?

I just went on the St Kitts' Tourism Website - www dot stkittstourism dot kn
they have a really cool live chat feature -and I had a nice chat with Del -
You can even email the chat to yourself for future reference - here is our "conversation:"

Sherri -
Hi - where do cruise ships dock in St Kitts?
Del -
They dock at Port Zante in Basseterre the Capital
Sherri -
Thank you - We are arriving on Sept 19th - on The Disney Magic - I see that is your Independence Day Holiday - will there be things to do on that day?
Del -
Early in the morning, there will be the Independence Day parade at the Warner Park Stadium, a short 7 min walk from the dock.
Later in the day, there may be a few organized events, (calendar pending) but as it is a public holiday, the grand bulk of shops will be closed.
Sherri -
Oh - okay thank you - we dock at 7am and all aboard is 4:45 - we are 3 adults ( husband, 25yr old son and I) Can you recommend anything that we MUST Do or See? What is the closest beach to the port? and what beach would you recommend?
Del -
Well, definitely going to the Parade, as soon as you dock. It usually starts as early as 7:30am
Then for a bit of adventure, try the Sky Safari Zipline, (complete with rainforest tour) and top it off with a visit to the Brimstone Hill Fortress ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
For beaches, the closest is Frigate Bay, (5 mins), then Friars Bay (10 mins) and finally, Cockleshell Bay (20 mins)
Sherri-
THANK YOU for all this great info! Can you recommend a tour company?
or are their cabs readily available to take us to and from each location?
Del-
Well, since you will be on a cruise ship, you will be going with Kantours (via the Tour Desk) for the Zipline.
Sherri-
and will cabs be working on that holiday?
Del-
Cabs are readily available at Port Zante for the length of the ships stay in port.

I hope the info above helps you in your St Kitts planning - the website is very informative. Not sure what we will do yet - I doubt I will get hubby to Zipline! - but we will see!

 

[Shazzie B]

I have just talked to Disney about excursion release date, and was told that they are still working out with vendors but should be able to go online after May 1 to create a wish list.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I just went on the St Kitts' Tourism Website - www dot stkittstourism dot kn
they have a really cool live chat feature -and I had a nice chat with Del -
You can even email the chat to yourself for future reference - here is our "conversation:"

Sherri -
Hi - where do cruise ships dock in St Kitts?
Del -
They dock at Port Zante in Basseterre the Capital
Sherri -
Thank you - We are arriving on Sept 19th - on The Disney Magic - I see that is your Independence Day Holiday - will there be things to do on that day?
Del -
Early in the morning, there will be the Independence Day parade at the Warner Park Stadium, a short 7 min walk from the dock.
Later in the day, there may be a few organized events, (calendar pending) but as it is a public holiday, the grand bulk of shops will be closed.
Sherri -
Oh - okay thank you - we dock at 7am and all aboard is 4:45 - we are 3 adults ( husband, 25yr old son and I) Can you recommend anything that we MUST Do or See? What is the closest beach to the port? and what beach would you recommend?
Del -
Well, definitely going to the Parade, as soon as you dock. It usually starts as early as 7:30am
Then for a bit of adventure, try the Sky Safari Zipline, (complete with rainforest tour) and top it off with a visit to the Brimstone Hill Fortress ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
For beaches, the closest is Frigate Bay, (5 mins), then Friars Bay (10 mins) and finally, Cockleshell Bay (20 mins)
Sherri-
THANK YOU for all this great info! Can you recommend a tour company?
or are their cabs readily available to take us to and from each location?
Del-
Well, since you will be on a cruise ship, you will be going with Kantours (via the Tour Desk) for the Zipline.
Sherri-
and will cabs be working on that holiday?
Del-
Cabs are readily available at Port Zante for the length of the ships stay in port.

I hope the info above helps you in your St Kitts planning - the website is very informative. Not sure what we will do yet - I doubt I will get hubby to Zipline! - but we will see!

Thank you both for sharing this info, sounds like we'll be having an early morning

 

[Claire4dpins]

Thanks for sharing the info from the live chat Sherri.

It sounds like it may be a good idea to try and see the Independence Day event -- how incredible that it starts so early in the morning! Brimstone Hill Fortress is pretty high on my list of things to see -- so hopefully we might get to do that.

A public holiday on the day we are in St. Kitts and the day we are in Malaga -- it is probably a good thing shopping isn't too high on my list of things to do this vacation!

I just went on the St Kitts' Tourism Website - www dot stkittstourism dot kn
they have a really cool live chat feature -and I had a nice chat with Del -
You can even email the chat to yourself for future reference - here is our "conversation:"

Sherri -
Hi - where do cruise ships dock in St Kitts?
Del -
They dock at Port Zante in Basseterre the Capital
Sherri -
Thank you - We are arriving on Sept 19th - on The Disney Magic - I see that is your Independence Day Holiday - will there be things to do on that day?
Del -
Early in the morning, there will be the Independence Day parade at the Warner Park Stadium, a short 7 min walk from the dock.
Later in the day, there may be a few organized events, (calendar pending) but as it is a public holiday, the grand bulk of shops will be closed.
Sherri -
Oh - okay thank you - we dock at 7am and all aboard is 4:45 - we are 3 adults ( husband, 25yr old son and I) Can you recommend anything that we MUST Do or See? What is the closest beach to the port? and what beach would you recommend?
Del -
Well, definitely going to the Parade, as soon as you dock. It usually starts as early as 7:30am
Then for a bit of adventure, try the Sky Safari Zipline, (complete with rainforest tour) and top it off with a visit to the Brimstone Hill Fortress ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
For beaches, the closest is Frigate Bay, (5 mins), then Friars Bay (10 mins) and finally, Cockleshell Bay (20 mins)
Sherri-
THANK YOU for all this great info! Can you recommend a tour company?
or are their cabs readily available to take us to and from each location?
Del-
Well, since you will be on a cruise ship, you will be going with Kantours (via the Tour Desk) for the Zipline.
Sherri-
and will cabs be working on that holiday?
Del-
Cabs are readily available at Port Zante for the length of the ships stay in port.

I hope the info above helps you in your St Kitts planning - the website is very informative. Not sure what we will do yet - I doubt I will get hubby to Zipline! - but we will see!

 

[valbob89]

UPDATE: The original posting was taken down by the DISboard admins because I had included last names on the list. I apologize to those this may have given concern. Here is the updated list:

1. - Kim - cabin 2508
2. - Mandy - cabin 5005 - home location Dallas, TX USA
3. - Bob - cabin 5505 - home location Reston, VA USA
4. - Jennifer - cabin 5522 -home location Concord, CA USA (SF area)
6. - Caren - cabin 5640 - home location Garland, TX USA
7. - Kasper (binzerdk) & Christina (christinadk)
- cabin 6044 - home location Hillerød, Denmark
8. - Crystal - cabin 6504 - home location Deadwood SD USA
9. - Susan - cabin 6631 - home location Pallatine, IL USA
(nw suburbs of Chicago)
10. - Liesbeth -cabin 6642 - home location Arnhem, The
Netherlands
11. Valerie valbob89 - cabin 7594 - home location San Francisco CA USA
12. - Lisa - cabin 8516 - home location Houston TX USA
13. - Dani diznefamily - cabin GTY - home location Orlando FL USA
14. - Claire - cabin GTY - home location Hampshire, UK
15. - Erinn - cabin GTY - home location Waunakee, WI USA
(the only Waunakee
in the world)
16 - Jennifer - cabin GTY - home location Niagara Falls, ONT Canada
17. - Mary - cabin GTY 7A

 

[Claire4dpins]

Just seen this -- thanks for calling to ask and sharing the info. I hope the excursions are posted soon -- as we are first time cruisers we are thinking of doing some with Disney and some independently -- but I don't really want to decide which one where until I see what offerings and prices DCL have. Fingers crossed they will be up there by May 1st.

I have just talked to Disney about excursion release date, and was told that they are still working out with vendors but should be able to go online after May 1 to create a wish list.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards