western questions

[joycepa]

My family and I will be on the 1/15/05 Magic sailing. I am trying to decide what we will do in each port and have a few questions.
In Key West, does the trolley or conch train stop at the southern most point? I was thinking that we could take the tour one way and maybe walk and shop our way back to the ship. Any ideas??
Also, in Grand Cayman, has any one every done Captain Bryan's stingray excursion with small children? My dd will be 3 1/2 when we go. I was looking at the 9:30 tour. I thought the 8:30 tour with Captain Marvin might be too early because of tendering.
I would appreciate any input. Although we have cruised before, this will be our first Disney cruise. We are sooo happy to be under 100 days to go.

Joyce

 

[webray]

The conch train does stop/go by southern most point, however it is a long walk back to the ship. If you would like to explore key west on your own..I would suggest renting a golf cart. Works great, and would be so easy with your 3 1/2 year old.

We like to have lunch at Bo's fish market...the sandwiches and conch fritters are fresh and excellent. The place just needs to be seen to believe it. Turtle krawl has a turtle museum near it...quite interesting.

 

[TooPure4u]

I thought a while back someone said something about Ripleys believe it or not museum or something like that in Key West....am I right???

 

[Masonpips]

My DD was 3 yrs 8 month when we did our first Western and although we used Captain Marvin's (we did the 10-1 tour) and not Captain Bryan's, I wanted to let you know she ADORED the sting rays. DS (5 at the time) got a litte scratch on his leg from a tail as it swam by and he freaked. He then got in the boat to watch the rest of us and was fine. We literally had to drag DD back to the boat - she didn't want to leave the rays.

 

[joycepa]

webray, where do you rent rent golf carts?? That sounds like fun.
Masonpips, I didn't see a 10 o'clock tour on the Captain Marvin's website. All I saw was 8:30, 11:15 and 1: 45. We thought the 8:30 would be too early with tendering, but wanted to make sure we had time afterward to do some shopping.

 

[tkd lisa]

We did the 8:30 Captain Marvins. Our kids were a little older then, but some other people from our DIS group were there with their 3 and 5 year old. Their 3 year old didn't get into the water, but then again, my then 8 year old didn't get in either, so there's no way to predict whether kids will enjoy something or not.

I will tell you that the 8:30 was really not too hard to make. We got one of the first tenders, and had enough time to get a snack in town before walking to Captain Marvins. We didn't feel rushed at all.

I think the 10 oclock is a little shorter excursion (maybe 2 stops instead of 3), but it might be a better deal with younger kids.

The Key West train/trolley are a good way to get your bearings, and if you take the trolley, you can get on and off at a number of the stops. The train only stops in 2 or 3 places, and you are supposed to re-board the train you were on. They do have a website which can get you more information. Just search on Key West Trolley and it should come up.

 

[Masonpips]

Actually the 10 o'clock is the 3 hour tour (lol). We stopped at 2 spots, then did Stingray City. The kids snorkeled at the first one and did surprisingly well given their ages. The waves there were a bit much for them and they got water in their snorkels and got out. When we were at Stingray City the water was about chest high (depends on the tide) so we carried the kids on our hips.

 

[Griggle]

webray, where do you rent rent golf carts?? That sounds like fun.

Yes! It does!! Would love to hear more about this!

 

[webray]

We rented our golf court on the corner of duval street...one duval street by the large resort there. Very close to the port, great to work with. They gave us a map, phone number to call if we had any problems and we were off. I think most of those little corner companies are connected so it probably doesn't matter which one you stop at. If they don't have a cart there that fits your family, they will give you a ride to the next closest one that does.

We had taken a 4 hour rental..finished in two hours. They had no problem just crossing out the 4 hours, charging us for two when we finished early. We were impressed by this. Although, I don't think they have any trouble renting the carts either..great way to get around key west. We would definately do this again. Parking is very easy also..no problems there at all.