Wonderful Panama Canal Sept 2014

[DisneyMouseHouse]

All Panama Canal Cruisers - Sept 2014!​

I will do my best to keep this post updated with all current information. If you know of an event you'd like to do, please let me know via PM, or e-mail to DisneyMouseHouse@disboards.net and I will add both the info and a link to your post (so that you can keep that post updated) about the event. I've listed the events in alphabetical order, hopefully that will help you to locate what you're looking for......this first post is getting rather long - hehehe!

The old thread, in case you'd like to read the posts, is located here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3065230

And now, on with the info (and I've copied a bit of this from David's original first page)
Itinerary:
Date Port
9-12 San Diego, California All Aboard by 4:00 pm
9-13 At Sea
9-14 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 11:15 am - 4:30 pm
9-15 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 10:30 am - 3:45 pm
9-16 At Sea
9-17 At Sea
9-18 At Sea
9-19 At Sea
9-20 Panama Canal (cruising canal) 6:00am - 6:00pm
9-21 Cartagena, Colombia 9:30am - 5:45pm
9-22 At Sea
9-23 At Sea
9-24 Cozumel, Mexico 8:00am - 5:45pm
9-25 At Sea
9-26 Port Canaveral, Florida 7:30am


Car Pool
Signup sheet for car pooling to the port from one of the Disneyland hotels & from one of the Disneyland area hotels the day of the cruise. It is for anyone staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels or a hotel nearby before the cruise that would like a ride the morning of the cruise to the port in San Diego. For any questions, please PM mm


Cruise Meet N Greet
TENTATIVE INFO: Organizer: kdeans1010 - Date: Sep 13th (first sea day) Time: TBD Place: Promenade Lounge (???) - keep in mind that all this info is tentative - will post changes when this info is finalized!

Facebook Group (Secret Group)
Padalyn's post with info here: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49059083&postcount=14
Please PM Padalyn with your FB e-mail address so that she can add you to the group. This group is closed to all except those participating in this cruise, so it will be determined that you "belong" before adding you! Thanks!

All of you who are participating should have access to the FE list at this point. If you still do not, please send me a PM here or on FB and I will send you the link to the list.
RULES:
1) HAVE FUN
2) No further rules, when in doubt see rule #1 - hahaha!
We do ask you give to everyone on your list. If you would like to be included in BOTH lists, PLEASE send me an e-mail or PM me here. It's totally up to you whether you give a cabin gift, an individual gift, or a combo of both. It's also up to you when you make your delivery. I do encourage you to do so before the last day of the cruise as I do know how difficult it can be to fit in "just one more thing" when you are trying to pack your bags on that last day.

"A FE is a fish extender. There is a little fish outside your stateroom door where stewards can put stuff like invitations, papers, etc. A fish extender is something you hang from that fish with one pocket for each person in your cabin. Then, everyone signed up for the fish extender exchange makes or buys small gifts for the other people on the FE group. Throughout the cruise, you deliver little presents to other guests and they deliver things to you. When you decide to start delivering your FE gifts is all up to you. It is a fun little thing to do and you will get some really special cruise souvenirs that other people have made. There are sometimes get togethers with the FE people and it can be a great way to make friends and meet these DIS personalities in person. Also, wandering the ship to see all the decorated doors and unique fish extenders is a great way to spend some spare time. Some people make really magnificent displays."[/COLOR][/B]

Linked Dining
A few of us on this cruise are in the "Golden Years" that you hear about. We're young at heart, though, and love Disney. While we were accompanied by our children and grandchildren on our first Disney cruises, we're flying solo this time around. I wonder how many more are in the same category as us. We'd love to be able to arrange to sit at a table with other "Golden Agers" when we set sail on the EBPC cruise. If you are interested just send a PM, (Private Messaage), to Karen, (kayaker35), and she will add you to the list, and before the cruise will make arrangements with DCL to seat all together. The list is also open to families, Karen will keep the list and pair you up with others sailing with families.

Palo Group Brunch
We will not know dates for sure until about a month out or maybe a bit less, so please be patient. Right now we are at almost at full capacity for three brunches and I am currently contacting you via e-mail to have you indicate to me if there is someone you MUST go to brunch with! I have now CLOSED the signup as we ARE at three FULL groups. If someone should cancel, and you would still like to be included, please send me an e-mail to DisneyMouseHouse@DISBoards.net and I will do my best to accomodate you! Here is a list of the people that have signed up so far.
DisneyMouseHouse/EjeG - confirmed
OMD13 - confirmed
davidls - confirmed
MMBL - confirmed
Thnlk - confirmed
KyCruisinSusan - confirmed
missjudit - confirmed
Bellecruiser - confirmed
JimmyL47 - confirmed
kerstfan1 - confirmed
susie2
lynandandy - confirmed
bbkeough - confirmed
Robin "D" & Angel - confirmed
Baysurf - confirmed
maryanned - confirmed
MAfireman89 - confirmed
Chrystinap - confirmed
cola - confirmed
(last update 7/16/2014)

Photo Walk
A great way to exchange ideas and tips and tricks for getting that "special shot" - led by EjeG (my DH) - for more info, read the post here: (it will be updated with info as we get closer to our cruise!)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49040774&postcount=3

Post Card Exchange
Disneynanny has volunteered to host a postcard exchange. Info is being collected on the Facebook page (see info above) but if you don't have a FB account, you can send her a PM and she will add you to the list.

Private Mixology
We have had a volunteer to set up the private Mixology class for our cruise. He is on the FB page, and as soon as I manage to get thru all these threads to figure out who he is on the DIS I will list his contact info here! Sorry 'bout that!

Yoga Group
If you're interested in joining us for yoga at 7:30 a.m. on selected sea days, then please sign up. This is not a commitment to show up every day; it's just an indication so I can try to make sure we have a space that's large enough for everyone who's interested. I'm suggesting yoga mornings would be days 2, 5, 7, 11, and 14. It's every single sea day, and every other sea day when there's more than one at a time. Please contact "Futurist" to sign up, or sign up on the FB page, it's under Docs there!

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Here are some cruise graphics done by David for our personal use as we would like (magnets, t-shirts, the possibilities are endless!)

 

[EjeG]

For those that are interested in attending one or more photowalks, it would be great if you signed up using the following web address

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mKORjZhrLIw0KFSvO_ddhegzwLlfW229MJ1-D4fqkU4/viewform

There is no obligation to attend once you have signed up and it's free to attend, anyone is welcome, no matter what camera equipment or photography skill levels. Need help to improve your photography I be more than happy to give pointers and suggestions.

I will plan on doing at least 2 walks, one being a sunrise walk and the other being a sunset walk. I will try to work around scheduled ship activities, to make sure say the sunset walk isn't on pirate night. If there are interests I could also lead a during the day indoor walk to photograph the ships interiors.

For the sunset/sunrise walk I highly recommend having some form of tripod, it's not required but sure makes life nicer and easier

/ Eje

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

I wonder how well my monopod would travel in my luggage It shouldn't be to long, should it?

 

[mmbl]

Great job with that first post Beverly! I was working on FE gifts today and spouse couldn't believe it, reminding me we still have 14 months to wait, and several trips before that. Party pooper! Thanks again for taking this on!

 

[kdeans1010]

We have ideas for our FE gifts. I don't know...

Who is doing yoga on the boat? I'd be down to do that.

 

[dsnydaddy]

Thanks for restarting the thread. This has been one active group!

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Just an FYI for all you curious - looks like we'll be on for Palo Brunch as here is the info I received from my direct contact at DCL (copied and pasted directly from her e-mail). I had also asked about any alcohol tastings just in case anyone would be interested in maybe getting a private tasting going for any of these:

And, I quote:
In regards to your question regarding Private Group Brunches, on the Disney Magic & Wonder, we still offer them, but not on Disney Dream & Fantasy. You can fax your request to:
Embarkation & Travel Services
Cruise Activities Specialist
Fax: 407-566-6910
Or I can be able to assist you as well. They will process your request 30 days prior to sail date.

Palo Private Room - Max Capacity: 14 Seats
Minimum 12 Guests/Maximum 14 Guests

Tastings:
Champagne Tasting - $30.00
Martini Tasting - $18.00
Beer Tasting - $15.00
Mixology Tasting - $15.00
Tequila & Margarita Tasting - $15.00
Cognac Tasting - $20.00
Whiskey Tasting - $20.00
Wine Tasting: $15.00
“New” Chocolate Tasting - $30.00
Minimum on the tastings is 25 ppl, max of 40 people.......

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Thanks for restarting the thread. This has been one active group!

Great job with that first post Beverly! I was working on FE gifts today and spouse couldn't believe it, reminding me we still have 14 months to wait, and several trips before that. Party pooper! Thanks again for taking this on!

Thanks guys - yes, we've been EXTREMELY active and since we're only allowed 250 pages, I probably see yet another thread somewhere in our future.

Just waiting on IrishCowboy to close the old thread and link the stickys here, but he also may be waiting for David to confirm, as I know that there are times that it's caused hard feelings if the ppl involved don't agree - but this is NOT the case here...........we've got a GREAT group!

Beverly

 

[OMD13]

Just an FYI for all you curious - looks like we'll be on for Palo Brunch as here is the info I received from my direct contact at DCL (copied and pasted directly from her e-mail). I had also asked about any alcohol tastings just in case anyone would be interested in maybe getting a private tasting going for any of these:

And, I quote:
In regards to your question regarding Private Group Brunches, on the Disney Magic & Wonder, we still offer them, but not on Disney Dream & Fantasy. You can fax your request to:
Embarkation & Travel Services
Cruise Activities Specialist
Fax: 407-566-6910
Or I can be able to assist you as well. They will process your request 30 days prior to sail date.

Palo Private Room - Max Capacity: 14 Seats
Minimum 12 Guests/Maximum 14 Guests

Tastings:
Champagne Tasting - $30.00
Martini Tasting - $18.00
Beer Tasting - $15.00
Mixology Tasting - $15.00
Tequila & Margarita Tasting - $15.00
Cognac Tasting - $20.00
Whiskey Tasting - $20.00
Wine Tasting: $15.00
“New” Chocolate Tasting - $30.00
Minimum on the tastings is 25 ppl, max of 40 people.......

I think the chocolate tasting would be awesome!

 

[dsnydaddy]

One of the things that I love to do when anticipating a cruise is watching the cabin availability and analyze the likelihood of upgrades. Since my Alaska Cruise is over, I've moved onto the PC cruise. Here's what I found today.

First: We booked a Cat 11b (sideways on deck 5) and near as I can tell the price has not budged from the original booking price. I guessing that most of the categories have not changed much either. Historically, PC cruises do not fill up very well. Two weeks during the school year is a tough amount of time off to take.

Second: If you've booked anything between a Cat 10c and Cat 7a you should evaluate if you have actually gotten the best room for your money. Currently the Cat 10c's are running for $4075 (party of two) and the 10a's inexplicably are running $4523. That's between $800 and $1300 more for an inside stateroom and the only thing your getting is a bit more room in the bathroom. But look at the Cat 9B's. Large Portholes and split baths with a pricetag of $4215. In other words, the oceanview will only cost you $200 (or $7 per person/per day) But here's the real deal. Currently there are two Cat 7a cabins available. Price for two: $4495. So, if you booked one of those coveted "secret porthole" rooms then you're paying $28 more for an obstructed view than you would for a verandah. There's the sweet spot. If you miss one of those, you can find a Cat 6a for $4635 which is only $112 more than the obstructed porthole room. (or $8 per person/per day) There's plenty of the 6a's currently available.

Third: Most of the cabin categories are still available. So the cruise is still wide open. I'm betting we won't see any jumps in price for quite some time.

Lastly: Do you have money to burn? There's still plenty of Cat T's for the ripe old price of $13,875 for two, or do you really need a lot of elbow room? How about a Cat S for two at $19,195! Nearly a thousand square feet. Almost as large as my first house. (come to think of it... almost as expensive)

I'm sticking with my Sideways 11B. For the two of us, it'll be just fine. Don't get me wrong... I'll not turn down an upgrade, but it'll have to be a good one. I don't want to be upgraded to a 9C on Deck 1 with two small portholes!

 

[DisneyMouseHouse]

I think the chocolate tasting would be awesome!

Maybe I should set up a poll and we could do the top two since we've got enough sea days to schedule two private tastings (at least)

 

[padalyn]

We did the chocolate tasting on our last cruise. We were both very disappointed.

The MC was woefully weak in his chocolate information. He mentioned Hershey as being the creator of commercialized chocolate - completely missed the fact that Milton Hershey developed milk chocolate! The MC was very hard to understand and seemed more interested in telling us about the wines instead of the chocolate. Cathy and I both realized very quickly that either of us knew more then the MC. We felt it was a waste of our time and money. They did a pairing, but only used three types of chocolate (milk, dark and white) they didn't discuss the process, the percentages, the types of white chocolate (not really chocolate at all!) and the contents of chocolate. The varieties (from different areas of the world) or the terrior of chocolate. We would have preferred that the MC discuss chocolate instead of wine.

We are not experts by any means. But, we are aware of how chocolate is processed - the MC didn't discuss nibs or the uses for them. He didn't give any history of chocolate as a form of money or trade etc etc etc....you get my drift.

Unless they are bringing a chocolatier on board - no chocolate tastings for us.

Chocolate, like wine has it's experts....it would be like asking a masseur to discuss computers!

 

[kerstfan1]

im thinking of going on this cruise i only did the dream last year but it will depend on how much this years vacation will be costing me

 

[kerstfan1]

also if someone nows of a trip report of a panama canal cruising i would love to reed it

 

[davidls]

Just an FYI for all you curious - looks like we'll be on for Palo Brunch as here is the info I received from my direct contact at DCL (copied and pasted directly from her e-mail). I had also asked about any alcohol tastings just in case anyone would be interested in maybe getting a private tasting going for any of these:

And, I quote:
In regards to your question regarding Private Group Brunches, on the Disney Magic & Wonder, we still offer them, but not on Disney Dream & Fantasy. You can fax your request to:
Embarkation & Travel Services
Cruise Activities Specialist
Fax: 407-566-6910
Or I can be able to assist you as well. They will process your request 30 days prior to sail date.

Palo Private Room - Max Capacity: 14 Seats
Minimum 12 Guests/Maximum 14 Guests

Tastings:
Champagne Tasting - $30.00
Martini Tasting - $18.00
Beer Tasting - $15.00
Mixology Tasting - $15.00
Tequila & Margarita Tasting - $15.00
Cognac Tasting - $20.00
Whiskey Tasting - $20.00
Wine Tasting: $15.00
“New” Chocolate Tasting - $30.00
Minimum on the tastings is 25 ppl, max of 40 people.......

Just wanted to quickly pop in to say hi to everyone. and get established on the new thread. Our son is doing pretty good. He's rebounding well - (oh to be young again!!!) Thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful thoughts, we do appreciate them all.

As I look around, I like what you have done to the new digs Beverly!!! GREAT JOB!!! Thanks Beverly for taking over our thread in such a short notice. I can't thank you enough. And thank you for finding out about the Palo Brunch. The Cognac and Whiskey tasting looks like good ones for DW and I. If we lean against one another, I'm sure we'll be able to walk outa there in a fairly straight line!!! The poll sounds like a good idea to me. I'll be sure to check back soon to check that out.

Tell your DH that I will be signing up for the photo walking tour. Might not be today, but I will get my name on the sign up list.

Steve, thanks for that info on the pricing of the staterooms. I had heard that these repo cruises don't always fill completely up. (Maybe a stateroom up-grade is in all of our futures!!!)

Also, I would like to kerstfan 1 and family to the cruise. So glad ya'll are joining us!!!

Well, I'm late in leaving to go over to my son's home. Guess I'll just have to drive faster!!! Look out - get outta the way - coming thru!!!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

im thinking of going on this cruise i only did the dream last year but it will depend on how much this years vacation will be costing me

I think there are a few PC trip reports out there. I went on the EBPC in 2008 and had a fantastic time!!!!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Just wanted to quickly pop in to say hi to everyone. and get established on the new thread. Our son is doing pretty good. He's rebounding well - (oh to be young again!!!) Thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful thoughts, we do appreciate them all.

As I look around, I like what you have done to the new digs Beverly!!! GREAT JOB!!! Thanks Beverly for taking over our thread in such a short notice. I can't thank you enough. And thank you for finding out about the Palo Brunch. The Cognac and Whiskey tasting looks like good ones for DW and I. If we lean against one another, I'm sure we'll be able to walk outa there in a fairly straight line!!! The poll sounds like a good idea to me. I'll be sure to check back soon to check that out.

Tell your DH that I will be signing up for the photo walking tour. Might not be today, but I will get my name on the sign up list.

Steve, thanks for that info on the pricing of the staterooms. I had heard that these repo cruises don't always fill completely up. (Maybe a stateroom up-grade is in all of our futures!!!)

Also, I would like to kerstfan 1 and family to the cruise. So glad ya'll are joining us!!!

Well, I'm late in leaving to go over to my son's home. Guess I'll just have to drive faster!!! Look out - get outta the way - coming thru!!!

Glad your son is doing better!!

 

[kdeans1010]

Just wanted to quickly pop in to say hi to everyone. and get established on the new thread. Our son is doing pretty good. He's rebounding well - (oh to be young again!!!) Thank you to everyone for all of your wonderful thoughts, we do appreciate them all.

Well, I'm late in leaving to go over to my son's home. Guess I'll just have to drive faster!!! Look out - get outta the way - coming thru!!!

If you don't mind me asking (and if we are going vacationing together you will learn I'm incredibly nosey. Bad trait.) what happened to your son? Is he okay?

On to tastings:

I'd be into the tequila (my friend and I did one at DCA when they first started doing the food and wine fest at DCA.... soooo good! And my friend was more interested in the history and process of tequila than the actual sipping.... So I got ), beer, or mixology. I know Em would be interested in those too. I just need to be good with booze and this trip. I can't drink so much I fall asleep in the sun and bake (first Disney cruise) or not drink water all day, then have 2 martinis, fall, and end up with a "severely sprained ankle" (last Disney cruise). My friend Leannda, who is coming with us, said I'm only allowed to drink water around her....

 

[Va-NanaTink]

I can't drink so much I fall asleep in the sun and bake (first Disney cruise) or not drink water all day, then have 2 martinis, fall, and end up with a "severely sprained ankle" (last Disney cruise). My friend Leannda, who is coming with us, said I'm only allowed to drink water around her....

OH MY!!!!!

I love the thought of the Chocolate one, but I drink neither wine or Whiskey so I guess it wouldn't be as good to me as one might think! Of course, I can always make Sulley do the drinking part and I will take care of the chocolate... Yeah that's it!