May 18, 2013 MAGIC EBTA - Who is with us?

[NancyIL]

Originally Posted by woody73

I've been on two DCL Transatlantic cruises. IMHO, on those cruises DCL front-loaded the adult activities during the stretch of sea days. So at the beginning of the sea days, there were plenty of activities for adults. But toward the end, there were very few activities. I mentioned this on my comment cards.

Woody

By the time we sail - DCL will have had ~ 20 months since the fall 2011 TA to adjust their scheduling. Here's hoping they took your comments seriously, Woody.

[MandyGirl]

Originally Posted by NancyIL

As itineraries go, it certainly is a boring one! I will reserve judgement about the cruise as a whole until after it's over. I sure hope DCL has lots of activities scheduled, because I'm not a lounge by the pool/go to the spa kind of gal.

We are looking forward to the sea days, but we do steer clear of the sun in our family due to previous melanoma, etc. But trying to lure others, the first question is always "where does it go?". With two young kiddos, we usually hit most character interactions, but for enticing the adults to accompany without children, it's a little more challenging.

Originally Posted by woody73

I've been on two DCL Transatlantic cruises. IMHO, on those cruises DCL front-loaded the adult activities during the stretch of sea days. So at the beginning of the sea days, there were plenty of activities for adults. But toward the end, there were very few activities. I mentioned this on my comment cards.

Woody

Hoping they listened to you, Woody! I was just surprised by the email response because I was hoping to get just one special name back. We had Ed Alonzo on the Magic earlier this month, and I loved the guitar player who was onboard that week.

With a 15-month old on the WBTA and watching nursery times, we were limited in our "adult without children" time. She could be passed out asleep in her stroller, but we couldn't take the stroller into certain places since they were adult only (such as having a drink and listening to piano music). Promenade was our only late night option there, or deck 9 by the pool which provided many laughs with friends. Hoping since she will be a week shy of turning three we can utilize Kids Club with her more (and 6 year old sister)... plus we will have a grandmother with us this time... but from my cruise earlier this month, the 2-year-old would not let Mommy go anywhere alone and stay with the grandparents. We might have to all pretend we are going to bed, then have a sneak-a-roo so Mommy and Daddy can sneak out and let grandma slip in LOL.

[kaseyC]

I hope we have some special guests. On the 2007 WBTA, we had Susan Egan and Jim Brickman. Ducky Williams was on board too but he's on most of the special itineraries.

I enjoy sea days for lounging around and reading but I also look forward to some adult activities for me and family activities for me and the girls.

[MandyGirl]

Originally Posted by kaseyC

I hope we have some special guests. On the 2007 WBTA, we had Susan Egan and Jim Brickman. Ducky Williams was on board too but he's on most of the special itineraries.

I was wondering if Ducky was on any other recent special cruises. His website had said no Disney sailings in 2012. Hoping to have him on the EBTA since he was not on our WBTA 2011.

[padalyn]

Originally Posted by MandyGirl

I was wondering if Ducky was on any other recent special cruises. His website had said no Disney sailings in 2012. Hoping to have him on the EBTA since he was not on our WBTA 2011.

He was on the first Hawaii and the Fantasy Maiden...sailed as a guest for both. I am sure he was on other sailings as well.

[MandyGirl]

Originally Posted by padalyn

He was on the first Hawaii and the Fantasy Maiden...sailed as a guest for both. I am sure he was on other sailings as well.

I've read on the boards about him being on other sailings as well, but have not read much about him being on them recently. His website indicated none booked with Disney Cruises for 2012.

[kaseyC]

Originally Posted by MandyGirl

I've read on the boards about him being on other sailings as well, but have not read much about him being on them recently. His website indicated none booked with Disney Cruises for 2012.

Interesting, because both of the cruises padalyn mentioned were in 2012.

[MandyGirl]

Originally Posted by kaseyC

Interesting, because both of the cruises padalyn mentioned were in 2012.

Hmmm... so hopefully there IS hope! Odd his website had that posted about no DCL events in 2012. I didn't know if he traveled as a guest and people just saw him, or he was an 'official' entertainment doing events onboard. We had so hoped to have him on WBTA 2011, but didn't. Maybe there is hope

The DCL email reply I posted certainly didn't give any hints of having anyone at this time.

[Tink1987]

Originally Posted by MandyGirl

From Hobby to Galveston with Enterprise, one day (24 hour) car rental, we got $84 all in. When I found a rep who did not try to charge me the $100 drop fee, I snagged it. The previous time I called it came to about $225 for the same dates / times / vehicle because of a drop fee and something else.

Thank you, I just think a car is the best option now. Asked on Trip Advisor and somebody Sao Galveston doesn't have mass transit - so would have to get taxis everywhere!

[Tink1987]

Originally Posted by GoofyNewfie

The Dreams Unlimited TA recommended us Galveston Limo. On the http://galvestonlimousineservice.com/iah.html page, it's $55 per person from IAH. I'll probably have to pick up the 4pm trip. I guess it works for us because it's just us 2. A bigger family would not be cost effective over a car rental from the sounds of it.

Thank you very much, think we are going to go with the car now

[Grandma x3]

Originally Posted by Tink1987

Thank you, I just think a car is the best option now. Asked on Trip Advisor and somebody Sao Galveston doesn't have mass transit - so would have to get taxis everywhere!

I'm traveling alone and I hired a car & driver with the option to stop at a market to pick up wine !

[MandyGirl]

Originally Posted by Tink1987

Thank you, I just think a car is the best option now. Asked on Trip Advisor and somebody Sao Galveston doesn't have mass transit - so would have to get taxis everywhere!

Texas is horrible for mass transit, even in the larger cities when you compare to other places. Definitely correct information you were given about Galveston - would have to use taxis or hotel shuttle /car service. Some hotels have complimentary local shuttle so you don't have to mess with driving, parking, etc. at all once checked into the hotel.

[MandyGirl]

Originally Posted by Grandma x3

stop at a market to pick up wine !

Good plan!!

[Tink1987]

Originally Posted by Grandma x3

I'm traveling alone and I hired a car & driver with the option to stop at a market to pick up wine !

That is one of our plans as well to pick up wine etc

[Tink1987]

Originally Posted by MandyGirl

Texas is horrible for mass transit, even in the larger cities when you compare to other places. Definitely correct information you were given about Galveston - would have to use taxis or hotel shuttle /car service. Some hotels have complimentary local shuttle so you don't have to mess with driving, parking, etc. at all once checked into the hotel.

Hmmm we do need to book our Galveston hotel so will check local shuttle facility! Thanks