We just returned from our recent Western swing and thought I'd offer some observations: (in no particular order or importance)
We are a family of four, 2 kids (I hate the DD, etc. stuff) a son 8 and a daughter 5. We were in FL for four nights prior to sailing and two nights after sailing. We rented from Avis both ways. OK, here is the highlights (and recommendations). We were in a category 4, 8018, which is aft.
1. Avis is 'fairly' convenient in terms of location but the bus was a joke. I dropped my wife and kids off at the terminal and it literally took over an hour for me to get the car dropped off and catch their shuttle back to the port. On the way back, I just skipped the very long line for the shuttle and jumped into a waiting Lincoln towncar (taxi) and $15 later (including tip) we were on our way to Orlando (Marriott World Center).
2. We had early rotation but our waiter (Marcos from Brazil by way of LA) was really terrible. His assistant (Roberto) was better but they did not work as a team very well at all. Marcos had a poor attitude and really didn't seem to be interested in being there. We had APLAPLA rotation which is probably my least favorite since I really could do without Animators. I mention the wait staff since on our last cruise (Wonder last year) our waiter, Ronald from India was AMAZING. He and his partner worked together like clock work, the difference was amazing.
3. Partly due to our waiters we chose to dine at Palo three nights, as well as the brunch one day. Palo was AWESOME. We had Salvatore from Italy all three nights (if you go request him and tell him that Kyle and Karen say hello!). Salvatore really made our dining experience wonderful. I went with his recommendations each night and was never disappointed. I gave him an extra $20 tip each night to keep his interest but honestly, he is a professional and would probably treat even modest tippers wonderfully. Obvously don't miss the soufle but the filet was also amazing.
4. Shore excursions: We were on our own in Key West and rented a little Jeep like vehicle and tooled around the island. That was fun. On Cayman we did the Stingray City and tour of the Island tour. I would highly recommend that excursion as if you don't choose a Disney trip they make you wait another hour or so to tender into George Town. Your time on GC is limited as it is so waiting another hour or more would take away from your day. The stingrays were great for our 8 year old, but our 5 year old would not get into the water as they were intimidating to her. Also, at least three or four adults would not get off of the boat either. However, in my view, those who didn't get off the boat really missed an amazing opportunity. The turtle farm tour was also really really cool. I would definitely do that tour again. Another recommendation is to SKIP the 7 mile beach "tour." It seems to be a rip off. You can do that by yourself for much less money (just tender in and take a cab). On Cozumel my kids and I did the submarine and my wife went to Tulum. She enjoyed the ruins but I would definitely PASS on the sub. It reminded me far too much of the old WDW 20,000 Leagues ride. Also the value was not really that great. If you are intent on going on a sub, I'd just bite the bullet and go on the 'real' sub that they offer that is just for two people and a pilot but goes down 300 or more feet. The Atlantis sub only goes down 100 feet and honestly was so much like the old Disney ride I was looking for the track. Also, the seas were VERY rough and many people were uncomfortable taking the boat out to the submarine. If I were going again, I'd rent a Jeep Wrangler from either Hertz or Avis and cruise around the Island. I understand that they have an amazing beach around the opposite side of the island from where you dock.. Finally, on CC my son and I went parasailing. I can not recommend this enough. It was a thrill of a lifetime (well for us the thrill of the morning--and afternoon) We were so impressed by parasailing on our morning run that we booked again for the afternoon. I slipped the driver an extra $50 and he kept us up for like 20 minutes on our afternoon flight (which was also not very crowded) It was unbelievable and I would do it again (probably another two times again in a heartbeat).
5. Other points. If you want to eat lobster again (and I was too stuffed to really want any more food) get out to the adult beach EARLY. By the time we got there after parasailing--around 1pm, they were all gone. People were really making fools of themselved by trying to eat like 5-8 tails. The incredible gorging of some fatties really was offensive. One night at Palo a really really rotund father and son from Indianapolis duo literally ordered 4 entrees, 4 appetizers and 5 desserts EACH. Poor Salvatore really tried to keep a straight face and accomodate them, they really embarrased themselves.
I'll post in the near future about kids club programs (all were good) and shows (we only went to a few but they were good as well), but just wanted to pass along a few remarks.
Kyle
We are a family of four, 2 kids (I hate the DD, etc. stuff) a son 8 and a daughter 5. We were in FL for four nights prior to sailing and two nights after sailing. We rented from Avis both ways. OK, here is the highlights (and recommendations). We were in a category 4, 8018, which is aft.
1. Avis is 'fairly' convenient in terms of location but the bus was a joke. I dropped my wife and kids off at the terminal and it literally took over an hour for me to get the car dropped off and catch their shuttle back to the port. On the way back, I just skipped the very long line for the shuttle and jumped into a waiting Lincoln towncar (taxi) and $15 later (including tip) we were on our way to Orlando (Marriott World Center).
2. We had early rotation but our waiter (Marcos from Brazil by way of LA) was really terrible. His assistant (Roberto) was better but they did not work as a team very well at all. Marcos had a poor attitude and really didn't seem to be interested in being there. We had APLAPLA rotation which is probably my least favorite since I really could do without Animators. I mention the wait staff since on our last cruise (Wonder last year) our waiter, Ronald from India was AMAZING. He and his partner worked together like clock work, the difference was amazing.
3. Partly due to our waiters we chose to dine at Palo three nights, as well as the brunch one day. Palo was AWESOME. We had Salvatore from Italy all three nights (if you go request him and tell him that Kyle and Karen say hello!). Salvatore really made our dining experience wonderful. I went with his recommendations each night and was never disappointed. I gave him an extra $20 tip each night to keep his interest but honestly, he is a professional and would probably treat even modest tippers wonderfully. Obvously don't miss the soufle but the filet was also amazing.
4. Shore excursions: We were on our own in Key West and rented a little Jeep like vehicle and tooled around the island. That was fun. On Cayman we did the Stingray City and tour of the Island tour. I would highly recommend that excursion as if you don't choose a Disney trip they make you wait another hour or so to tender into George Town. Your time on GC is limited as it is so waiting another hour or more would take away from your day. The stingrays were great for our 8 year old, but our 5 year old would not get into the water as they were intimidating to her. Also, at least three or four adults would not get off of the boat either. However, in my view, those who didn't get off the boat really missed an amazing opportunity. The turtle farm tour was also really really cool. I would definitely do that tour again. Another recommendation is to SKIP the 7 mile beach "tour." It seems to be a rip off. You can do that by yourself for much less money (just tender in and take a cab). On Cozumel my kids and I did the submarine and my wife went to Tulum. She enjoyed the ruins but I would definitely PASS on the sub. It reminded me far too much of the old WDW 20,000 Leagues ride. Also the value was not really that great. If you are intent on going on a sub, I'd just bite the bullet and go on the 'real' sub that they offer that is just for two people and a pilot but goes down 300 or more feet. The Atlantis sub only goes down 100 feet and honestly was so much like the old Disney ride I was looking for the track. Also, the seas were VERY rough and many people were uncomfortable taking the boat out to the submarine. If I were going again, I'd rent a Jeep Wrangler from either Hertz or Avis and cruise around the Island. I understand that they have an amazing beach around the opposite side of the island from where you dock.. Finally, on CC my son and I went parasailing. I can not recommend this enough. It was a thrill of a lifetime (well for us the thrill of the morning--and afternoon) We were so impressed by parasailing on our morning run that we booked again for the afternoon. I slipped the driver an extra $50 and he kept us up for like 20 minutes on our afternoon flight (which was also not very crowded) It was unbelievable and I would do it again (probably another two times again in a heartbeat).
5. Other points. If you want to eat lobster again (and I was too stuffed to really want any more food) get out to the adult beach EARLY. By the time we got there after parasailing--around 1pm, they were all gone. People were really making fools of themselved by trying to eat like 5-8 tails. The incredible gorging of some fatties really was offensive. One night at Palo a really really rotund father and son from Indianapolis duo literally ordered 4 entrees, 4 appetizers and 5 desserts EACH. Poor Salvatore really tried to keep a straight face and accomodate them, they really embarrased themselves.
I'll post in the near future about kids club programs (all were good) and shows (we only went to a few but they were good as well), but just wanted to pass along a few remarks.
Kyle
if he brorght our cups, then he forgot the coffee. He would forget to put the cutlery out, go back to get it, then forget what he'd gone back for. He wasn't at our last breakfast because he'd apparantly jumped ship early, even though his contract was finishing that day...somehow I don't think Disney will be renewing it!
