March 17, 2007 7 Day Eastern

[DW4US]

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY!!!!

No presents for me --- I'm getting a cruise, works for me!!! Too bad that can't work every year!

Stacie, sorry to hear about Andy. We had some trouble with formula too (seems like eons ago), I finally just tried some on my own and all of our troubles went away!!! We ended up using Carnation Good Start and it worked like a charm. I'm hoping everything works out for you and Andy, poor little guy.

I can't believe this cruise is getting so close!!! I'm the only one in our family that seems to be taking the short time frame seriously, guess that's because all the real packing is up to me and they just expect to "magically" have everything they need. They all have no idea what all goes into getting a family of 4 ready! I've started pulling stuff together as I think of it and putting it all in our "packing" room, aka the spare bedroom. They think I'm nuts!!!

Keep warm everyone!!!! They used our last snow day yesterday, so I guess they may have to make up a day for today. Don't know when that will happen.

[SB's Mom]

Happy Valentine Day!

The weather here is so crazy! It was 70 + degrees yesterday and it's in the 30s and windy today. We spent some time in the hall during the tornado watches! But all was safe!

Stacie. . .I hope you find so answers for Andy! It is so hard when our kids are sick but a baby is more nerve racking since they can't tell you what's wrong!
I hope the pediatrician can help! I know lots of people used the Carnation Good Start and it was good for their children.

The cruise will be here before long. . .there are lots of spring/summer consignment sales this weekend, so I'll be looking for Stacy some clothes. . .she has grown a lot during the winter.

I'm going to look through things this weekend and start a list of what we need!

Have a great "hump" day!

Charlene

[dutch_girl_scout]

Hi all!

The pediatrician we took Andy to was great. She took a lot of time with him and was very detailed. She switched his medicaiton and ordered an upper GI to see if he has GERD. She didn't think he had a formula allergy so we'll give it another go.

On the news the other night they were talking about how daylight savings time starts earlier this year. We change the clocks on March 11. That means that when we leave at 5:00am for the airport we'll actually be leaving at 4:00am. :scared1: I always have a hard time adjusting after a time change.

[jenbrem1]

Bumping us back up....29 more days everyone until we get out of the winter cold! Our 7 day forecast actually shows some temps next week in the 40's. I feel the need to celebrate!! :yay:

[disneypoor]

I'm right there with ya JenBrem1! I think it is supposed to get to about 30 here today, and I'm so excited!:lmao: After a cold, yucky winter like we've had, the cruise will be so wonderful! 29 days and counting!:cool1:

[DW4US]

I'm sitting here watching it snow waiting for the big warm-up today --- supposed to be up to 35, I don't think it's going to make 25 and no telling what the wind chill is! Good news is by next week it will be in the 50's :banana: :banana: I'm hoping for a nice sunny, warm day Monday since it's our last holiday for a loooong time ---- of course the cruise will fix that!!! Can't wait for sunny days on beautiful beaches!!!

I hope everyone has a good weekend --- not too many before we're all cruisin':cool1: :cool1:

29 days from today we'll be strolling the Boardwalk at WDW!!!!

[disneypoor]

Patty--I'm also sitting here watching the snow!:sad2: I wish it would warm up! I'm really ready for this trip! We have dinner theater tickets for tonight, so I hope the roads don't get too bad.

[SB's Mom]

Not watching any snow here in Alabama! Just sunny and cold! I hope all of you midwesterners are staying warm and realizing that those WARM TROPICAL BREEZES ARE GETTING NEARER!

Have a great weekend!
Charlene

[MN Dis Fans]

Weather here in central Algeria, 80 degrees and sunshine! :lmao: Hope my DW doesn't read this, or she'll think I'm sluffing off again.

I'm already at the beach:cool2: , but where is the water? :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[IrishCowboy]

4 weeks from now we should be finishing up our first dinner of the cruise!

[disneypoor]

4 weeks from now we should be finishing up our first dinner of the cruise!

That sounds so good!:cool1: :cool1:

[jenbrem1]

It feels like our deep freeze is over. Hopefully, for good. I don't think the temp dropped below freezing here last night. It's already in the low 40's. I was going to give this cold thing until the end of February and then it was going to have to be over...:rotfl:

Happy Monday everyone. Here's to a big warm up this week!

[dutch_girl_scout]

Goodbye snow!! :wave2: Hello spring!!

DD figured out how many days to go last night and figured out it was 26 days. She was giddy with excitement. I have to admit I was excited too until the panic of everything I needed to do hit me.

Andy had his upper GI on Friday and it confirmed that he has reflux. Now I guess we have to figure out the right combination of medication and formula.

[disneypoor]

Stacie--glad you figured out what was causing Andy's problem.

I can't believe we only have 26 days to go!:cool1: :rotfl: :thumbsup2 :banana: My husband (who NEVER shops) actually wanted to go shopping yesterday to find a new suit. I about fell over backwards!:lmao: We shopped ALL day and got him everything he needed and tried to finish up for DS. There aren't that many shorts out right now, so I'm hoping to find some more before we cruise. The problem is that my DS is a skinny little thing and needs slims. Well, he's worn the same size in shorts for the last several years and now has absolutely no shorts that fit him. We bought the pair that old navy had and a pair that gap had. Now, I just hope to find some more before the cruise!

My daughter and I are good to go. I've hung all of our "cruise" attire in our spare closet and am going to start figuring out what we'll all be wearing to dinner's etc. soon. I know--I think I've already told you all that I have issues!;) But they're good issues!:goodvibes

[gismo1554]

Hi folks,

I am using my daughter, Sarahs log in.

My husband (John) and myself (Gail) will be joining you on the 17 March cruise.
We have cruised 5 times, the last being the 11 day Wonder cruise last September.
Sailed on the magic, Western, last February.

Gail

[disneypoor]

Welcome John and Gail!:cheer2: Are you as excited about this cruise as the rest of us are? I keep watching the dcl website hoping that we can upgrade when we get to the port. It sure seems like there are a lot of rooms still available. Is that normal? It would be nice if us Disers were the only ones on board.:goodvibes

[nana_b]

Hi Disneypoor,
Spare closets??? I have never seen one of those!:rotfl:
The girls have their formal wear all picked out and their pirate costumes ready. Now they are just deciding what to wear when boarding!!!
Now, I need to go shopping :banana:

[disneypoor]

Nana b--I told you that I had issues!:lmao: Actually, it's just a coat closet that has been overtaken by "cruise" clothes. I do think I'm done shopping for this trip though other than finding a few more pairs of shorts for DS. We are just wearing green shirts to the port since it will be St. Patrick's Day. We all got the cheap Old Navy ones. I was going to have some made on disneyshopping.com until I realized how much they would be.:scared1: We settled for the $5 ones from Old Navy! Take care and have a great day! Only 25 more to go!:banana:

[gismo1554]

Welcome John and Gail!:cheer2: Are you as excited about this cruise as the rest of us are? I keep watching the dcl website hoping that we can upgrade when we get to the port. It sure seems like there are a lot of rooms still available. Is that normal? It would be nice if us Disers were the only ones on board.:goodvibes

Thanks! Very excited. Still haven't told John about the Romance Package I booked on to the cruise so that should be a nice surprise (so glad he never comes on here!)

[SB's Mom]

Hello Everyone!

We've been shopping and getting ready for the cruise! It will be here before we know it!

1 of the 3 of Stacy major projects was turned in today. 2 to go before the cruise! I need a break from all this school work!

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Charlene

[DW4US]

Hi Everyone,

Stacie --- I'm happy to hear that you finally know what's bothering little Andy and can start working on making him feel better.

Also, glad to see that many of you are well on the road to getting ready for our cruise. I wish I could make my family understand how close this is really is. We have a lot of stuff coming up, but that's no reason why they couldn't at least start getting some of their stuff together!!! I have a lot of my stuff ready since I seperated out "cruise wear" when I was switching out my closet for winter. I do need to try some stuff on to see if I even need to bother packing it though. It's been soooo cold I haven't been able to stand the thought of putting on shorts or a swim suit:scared1:

We are going to St. Louis this weekend, so that will pretty much take up all this weekend. Of course, great weather all week until Friday and Saturday when heavy storms are predicted for our drive across state. At least it's not snow (I hope).

Have a great week!!!!!

[jenbrem1]

Good morning everyone! Is everyone sick at your house? Everyone has major colds at our house. I'm the lucky one who has bronchitis now. I've been on the antibiotics for 3 days and can finally feel some relief in my lungs. I hope we are getting it out of the way now so in 3 short weeks, everyone is healthy and ready to go.

I'm doing the dreaded swimsuit hunt for myself this weekend. I already have one but I wanted to get a second because I hate that feeling of putting on a wet swimsuit. Yuck. Will plan on going to Old Navy and see what they have in the way of kids clothes for spring/summer too.

Have a good weekend!

[disneypoor]

My kids have been taking turns being sick. My DD is home for the second day with a really bad cold and fever. She is hardly ever sick, but this one has her down. I just hope it runs its course and gets out of here in plenty of time for the cruise! My DS was sick a couple of weeks ago with a high fever and headache. They've had two completely different things, so whatever is going on, I just hope that if we're going to catch it, we catch is soon and get it over with. (I never thought I would hope to catch an illness!:lmao: )

[MN Dis Fans]

Our youngest DS was also home sick yesterday. He has an ear infection this time. :sick: It's been one illness after another. Haven't spoken with DW yet this morning to see if he's back at school today or not. Perhaps all the activities he's in, gets him run down? Eldest DS on the other hand, has been very healthy all winter.

I pray that come cruising time, all fellow pixiedust: cruisers are healthy. After all the months of planning, I would be devasted to be told you can't go due to an illness! :scared1:

I have also been reading all the comments about "shopping" recently :rolleyes1 . I'm beginning to think (and have told DW as much) that the cruise is going to turn out to be the cheapest portion of the trip! :rolleyes: Mind you, my DW has been trying to get Grandma out shopping for the past 2 weeks to find a nice dress for formal night. It seems Grandma's not very interested! :rotfl2:

Anyone still monitoring the NASA website? :surfweb: I still check it almost daily, in the hopes that the shuttle launch is delayed 2 days, so we can catch it from the back deck of the Magic!

Come on March 16! :hourglass

[gismo1554]

Hi everyone,

Stacie, I tried e-mailing you my details last week to the link from one of the earlier pages, but don't know if you've received it.
I have been trying to find out who's cruising with us, and if any meets etc are planned.

Had our room allocated today as it was a cat 6 GTY originally - we are in 6574

Is anyone booked on any trips? I can't decide what to do - we did the St John island tour last September, so want to do something on St Thomas this time around.
Have booked Palos for Monday night (suprise for my husband), but just can't decide what else.

The cruise is getting close, and we still haven't decided on what day to fly (we are from the UK), nor have I booked a Disney hotel for before and after the cruise, there just never seems to be enough time when I get home from work, and as for buying stuff and :cool1: :cheer2: packing, I'm trying not to panic about that.

Gail

[pop5]

:cool1: I cant believe we are so close!!! Are we going to meet the first day? What are you ladies taking for formal night???

[disneypoor]

I have bought a couple of really nice dresses to wear for formal and semi-formal night. One of them is just a simple but nice black dress and the other is a little more formal. They were both really cheap--like under $20 cheap--so that is why I bought them. My DH got a new suit this weekend. He isn't one for dressing up, but he's going to give it a go this time.

My DD has a couple of email buddies, and I think they are planning to meet by the spa doors at 3:00. It would be fun to have a way to identify one another at the port though. Anyone have any ideas?

[dutch_girl_scout]

Everyone is healthy here. Andy gained a 1/2 pound this week!! :banana:

Susan--DD had fun talking to you. Hope your DD is better soon.

We have no school tomorrow because of conferences. We had our conferences tonight. We found out that DS is a "class clown" and his high school teachers next year might not appreciate it. I don't know where he would get an attitude from. :confused3

[pop5]

Disneypoor, I think some way to recognize everyone is a great idea. Just to know who else has all this same information and expectations will be fun to know. What a great deal you got on your dresses!! That makes wearing them even better. I had wanted to loose weight before the cruise and found just the opposite to happen. Actually, its these boards fault because ever since I have found them all I do is sit at the computer and EAT!! :coffee:

[MN Dis Fans]

I was told by the DW the other day, that we're all wearing green shirts (mine will have buttons and a pocket on it) on embarkation day. With it also being St. Patty's day. I guess we'll be seeing a lot of that!

How about a meet between the Mickey & Goofy pool (Deck 9) on the Starboard side of the ship? (over in the general area of Pluto's DogHouse) sort of 2:30PM - 3:00PM ish? :idea: I know our 2x DS's will want to be in the water, and I would suspect most of yours will be wanting to do much the same? :beach: Other suggestions certainly welcome!

Stacie - Really glad to hear that Andy is doing better! :wave2:

3 weeks today, we're all headed south!
:cool1:

And only 16 days until I leave North Africa! :cool1: :cool1:

Paul

[DW4US]

Hi everyone!

I am wearing the "prom" dress for formal night --- I got it for around $20-$30 a couple of years ago for our Christmas cruise, gotta love Dillards! I also have the standard black cocktail dress for semi-formal.

I just read on the regular cruise board that they have been cancelling parasailing on CC due to some problems with the vendor. I sure hope they get it all fixed before we go. I know my DD will be heartbroken if her parasailing gets cancelled again!:guilty: I know several have booked parasailing for CC so I hope it all works out for us.

Have a great weekend!!!!

[IrishCowboy]

We're leaving in just 3 weeks....and 4 weeks from now I will be sprinting for a hammock on Castaway Cay:rotfl2:

[jenbrem1]

I need to go through my clothes this weekend to figure out my wardrobe for the trip. The men in our group are still grumbling about bringing and wearing a suit. It may be a women and children only formal night for us.

[MN Dis Fans]

I need to go through my clothes this weekend to figure out my wardrobe for the trip. The men in our group are still grumbling about bringing and wearing a suit. It may be a women and children only formal night for us.

Hi Jen,
Not trying to wind anyone up, but I just ordered tuxes's for me DH, DS'x2, and grandpa!:thumbsup2

I don't care about anything else. Actually, Granpda is impressed, as he no longer has to pack a suit! :thumbsup2, and neither am I. It sure makes packing, that much easier for me.

Jen, Just tell Brady that Johnny is wearing a tux, and the rest will fall into place.

[jenbrem1]

My son won't be the problem! It's the grown men that would rather skip dinner than have to dress up on their vacation. It's probably not worth the battle because I'm determined to take the attitude that it's everyone's vacation. If the kids want to spend most of their time in the clubs, that's fine. It's their vacation too. It will be my mantra...

[disneypoor]

I've been thinking a lot about packing and worrying rather or not we have enough luggage, and I'm beginning to think that those of you that ordered tuxes are the smart ones! How in the world do you all fit all of that "dress stuff" in your suitcases?;)

[gismo1554]

Hi,

Thanks Stacie for the website details - good to see some names and faces.

Its cold and raining here tonight, can't wait for some sunshine.

Is anyone taking door signs and fish extenders this cruise? I still have mine from my last cruise, so no extra work there.

Sorted out a few books for reading on the cruise, but need to start looking at what to wear.
Does anyone know if it will be cold in Orlando ? I can't decide whether to pack a jumper.

Have started looking at excursions. but still not sure what to do - would like to see both sides of St Maarten, but also would like to chill on the beach. I hate making decisions (do enough of that at work).

See you all in 3 weeks

Gail

[DW4US]

Susan -- I just pack our formal stuff in a hanging bag. I put each item in it's own plastic bag (dry cleaning bag) and so far everything has traveled really well. Don't know what DH is wearing for formal --- he mentioned getting a new suit but I haven't seen him out shopping yet, he may just be in a shirt and tie.

Gail -- It could go either way in Orlando. Last year we were comfortable in shorts or capris during the day, but needed to add a sweatshirt once the sun went down.

[gismo1554]

Thanks! Think I'll pack a bit of everything just incase.

Susan -- I just pack our formal stuff in a hanging bag. I put each item in it's own plastic bag (dry cleaning bag) and so far everything has traveled really well. Don't know what DH is wearing for formal --- he mentioned getting a new suit but I haven't seen him out shopping yet, he may just be in a shirt and tie.

Gail -- It could go either way in Orlando. Last year we were comfortable in shorts or capris during the day, but needed to add a sweatshirt once the sun went down.

[disneypoor]

I'm going to try the hanging bag too. I hadn't even thought about it being chilly, so I'm glad one of you said something about needing a sweatshirt at night. I've been so sick of the cold weather that I was only planning on it being nice, warm, and sunny on this trip!;) And, if I'm going to have to add sweatshirts to our luggage, I am DEFINITELY going to need a new suitcase or two. (Maybe even a new spare closet.:rotfl2: )

[nana_b]

Yeah! :banana:

[dutch_girl_scout]

Where did spring go???? We had 1" of rain today then it dropped below freezing. Now on top of the ice we're getting snow that's supposed to continue until 6:00 tomorrow night. There are a lot of trees down and power outages. Our lights keep flickering but so far we're good. Come on March!!!!

[pop5]

We , too, are having bad weather in Birmingham. We might have possible tornadoes tonight. Good thing I am getting in my dis reading before the power goes out!! Have a great weekend.:surfweb:

[gismo1554]

Just heard from my husband at work, looks like we are travelling to Orlando on Friday 16th now as Virgin Atlantics Thursday flights are nearly full (we fly standbye).

Thanks for the info on weather, will pack a jumper or two, (it'll be nice if I don't get to wear them though).

Went through my cupboard today and sorted out what tioletries I need to buy next week.
Want to try to keep to 2 suitcases, but knowing us we'll need at least 3 for "just in case" stuff. Despite having cruised before I just know I'll overpack. Not thought about foral night, haven't the time to go looking for a dress, so will have to make do.
Will have to pack my husbands stuff next weekend as it will be the only time we are home together before the cruise.

have been looking at past navigators - does nayone else find them hard to read? Much preffered the old type.

Only 20 days to go, so little time and so much to do. :laundy:

[dutch_girl_scout]

Pop5--Hope you're safe and have power.

Our power was off for a couple hours in the night. My Internet just came back on. There are thousands still without power. My kids are hoping for no school tomorrow, I'm hoping they go.

I really need to start sorting through clothes and figure out what we have andwhat we need.

[disneypoor]

Stacie--so glad you have power today. Here in Kansas we just got a lot of thunder and rain yesterday and now today it's extremely cold. The wind gusts are what is really bad. We haven't had any snow though. I know I'm ready for this cruise!!!:thumbsup2

[SB's Mom]

Lots of rain and wind here early this a.m. I'm so glad those storms have moved on!

Our count down is 19 since we leave on Friday to drive to the port! Looking forward to this break!

Have a great week.
Charlene

[jenbrem1]

Happy Monday! I'm not someone who enjoys Mondays but every day we get another day closer to getting out of here.
Yuck! We had freezing rain all day Saturday and then another 4 inches of snow during the night. Winter has got to be about over!!!

We are in the 18 day countdown as we leave on the 16th. I bought my son the only shorts Old Navy had over the weekend. All baby and kids stuff was 25% off there.

Have a great week!

[disneypoor]

Hi, everyone! I'm getting so excited I can hardly stand it! I can't believe it's almost here! The weather here in Kansas is finally starting to warm up a little again. I hope everyone else is having better weather too! I'm looking forward to seeing you all real soon!

Susan

[dutch_girl_scout]

Hey all! We are soooo close. We leave on the 14th so 2 weeks from tomorrow!!! I have to get busy. I'm supposed to have my shopping list to WeGoShop by next Wednesday, have to get Andy's medical form signed and faxed tomorrow, have to figure out how I'm going to fit everything in less than 10 pieces of luggage. Andy does get his own luggage though because we bought him a seat. Now if he could just carry his own luggage. :)

DH's passport still hasn't come. He applied on Feb 5th and paid for it to be expidited (supposed to be 2 weeks), after being on the phone for more than 30 minutes they told me if we don't have it by the 7th to call back and they would declare it a travel emergency and get it out. Evidently regular passport processing is taking in excess of 3 months and expidited is taking around a month now that the laws changed.

[disneypoor]

Stacie--I saw on the news last night about how many people are without power in Iowa. I was hoping your power was on! What is WeGoShop? I've never heard of it. I'm also beginning to get a little stressed (but in a good way;) ) about packing and all of that stuff. We are leaving on the 16th. But, I have to work all day that day, so I have to be packed and ready to go when I leave for work on that Friday morning. I'm a little worried about that! We'll have to head for the airport the second I get home!

[DW4US]

Are you all getting "packing" stress? I thought I had everything under control, now with the painting I had to box everything up (whole house), so that messed up my "plan". Also, now I have to work on Saturday, hopefully only for a couple of hours if everything goes well, cross your fingers for me!

Guess I'm going to have to tie up the family so they will get their stuff together --- they just don't get it! Maybe I can withhold food from them until they get out their stuff --- that should work!:rotfl2:

I'm hoping to see some cruise docs soon, maybe even as early as this week!

Stacie --- Hope the passport comes soon! If it doesn't and you have another copy of his birth certificate I think you can still just use that as long as you aren't flying in or out of the US.

How's Andy doing? I know it's a big relief to know what's going on with him.

[disneypoor]

I was also wondering if anyone had received their cruise documents yet. DCL told me to expect them by the end of this week.:banana: It will seem very real once I get those things in my hands!

[jenbrem1]

What's included in the actual cruise documents? I wondered if we would get any since we booked with Costco. If you fill out all of the online check in stuff do we need to be worried about not getting documents?

[SB's Mom]

Your cruise documents will include your luggage tags, boarding info and other things (I just can't remember what they are!)

We are so busy before the trip. DH is in Atlanta on business for 2 days, yard work this weekend, science fair project to finish with DD, and somewhere look for DD new swimsuits and coverups and then pack!!!!

I'm so ready for this trip!

Charlene

[disneypoor]

JenBrem--we are booked through Expedia. I had called DCL a while back to find out what would happen if we didn't receive our documents because I had heard of people who had booked with Expedia having problems with receiving their cruise docs, and DCL said it really wouldn't be a big deal if we didn't have them as long as we filled out everything online. As for luggage tags, I guess we'd just get them at the port when we arrive since we aren't doing DCL transfers anyway. I'm just excited to get them because that is when the reality really hits me that I'M GOING ON VACATION!!!!:cool1:

[jenbrem1]

We just checked with DCL and since we booked with Costco, they mail to them. Costco does not have them yet. DCL said they can give us the tags when we check in. We don't have Disney transfers either.

[dutch_girl_scout]

My AAA TA told me the docs will come to her somewhere between a week and 10 days before and they send them to her.

WeGoShop is a shopping service that will deliver groceries to our hotel for a small fee. You provide a list and chose the store, they do the work. Since we won't have a rental car I'm having them get the formula, diapers, cereal, juice, etc, etc. I learned about them from the families board. Here's their link: http://www.wegoshop.com

[GreenTad]

:worship: Hey guys! Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. I have been so busy at work trying to get all caught up before our trip...plus we're relocating our offices so it's been a nightmare.:eek:

I have a really dumb question about the KTTW cards. Are they credit card size? Do the kids have to carry theirs all the time (even my 3 yr old)? And do they have a hold punched in them so you can wear them around your neck? And do they get scanned, which would prevent you from putting them in a plastic card holder attached to a lanyard? I'm just trying to come up with something for all of us to use to keep up with them and since we are first time cruisers I'm begging on you guys to help me and not make me feel like a total loser.

I realized last night how I'm running out of time to get organized and I'm stressing big time!:crazy2: Green shirts the day of the cruise, right?

Sima

[disneypoor]

Sima--the KTTW cards are credit card sized. We didn't have our kids have charging privileges last time, so they did not carry their own. The only time we needed their cards with us was when we got off of the ship. They do not have holes punched in them, but I've read where some people do that on their own.:confused3 I used a lanyard with a plastic protector and just carried mine in that but would definitely like other suggestions if someone has found something that works better.

IT'S ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!!!:cool1: :banana: :thumbsup2 :yay: :cheer2:

[MN Dis Fans]

We used the lanyards with the plastic protectors on them as well. :thumbsup2 They worked really well for us. Our 2x DS's carried theirs with them. I took them to guest services and had the charging privileges removed. If memory serves correctly, Guest Services punched a hole in them. I guess that's how the CM's know right away that they don't have charging privileges?

Having the KTTW card on the lanyard also made it much easier / quicker for charging things to our account, such as the Drink of the Day? :rotfl2:

We'll all be wearing Green Shirts, or at least that's what I've been told.

Has anyone given more thought for a time / place to Meet the Fellow Dis'ers? :disrocks:

Not Long Now! Come on March 16! party: (We're flying down late afternoon, early evening the day before) Really Looking forward to meeting you all!

Paul

[GreenTad]

Thanks for the replies! You are so sweet! I feel much better already. My DH came home with the plastic protectors on the lanyards last night and really was proud of himself for thinking ahead and then I got to wondering if that was a good idea. I guess we'll do that! :thanks:

We found some cute lime green shirts on zazzle.com that we're going to get for cruise day with Disney characters on them just for fun. My DH found one with Mike from Monsters Inc that says "Top Scorer" on it and he just had to have it. I know, it's kind of cheesy but funny, too! I found a Tinkerbell one for myself. :tinker:

I have no idea where or when to meet that day, but I know my kids will be all about the pool so I'm sure we'll be there till almost time for the safety drill. Yall just let us know!

Sima

[MN Dis Fans]

Our 2x DS's are going to want to be in / near the pool as well. On our last cruise, they spent a bit of time in both pool's on embarkation day.

I suggest a meet on Deck 9 sort of between the Mickey & Goofy Pool Starboard Side, so we can kind of keep an eye on each of the pools.

Anyone else with a better idea? :confused3

[jenbrem1]

I think that's a great idea. Maybe like 90 min prior to the safety drill?

[pop5]

I think the pools are a great place for the meet. The kids will enjoy meeting each other before the kids clubs and getting to swim together. To those fellow Birmingham cruisers- where did you get your shoe organizer for the door around here?

[SB's Mom]

Pop 5. . .I found one at Walmart and also at the dollar store. I'm considering taking 2 (one for each bathroom door). . .one for bathroom items. . .and the other for shoes!

Charlene

[disneypoor]

I think the pool sounds like a great place to meet too! I know that is where my kids will want to be.:) I never did use the over the door shoe holder last time. I just spread all of my "stuff" for getting ready out on the desk and dried my hair and everything there. I thought it worked out great. Of course, we only did a 3 night last time, so maybe for the 7 night I'd wish I had one.:confused3

[nana_b]

Meeting between the pools 90 minutes prior to the drill sounds good to me! - Morgan has been wondering how she was going to meet her new buddies (Stacy, Katie, and Emma). Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Trudy

[DW4US]

Just checked the dock schedule in St. Thomas and it looks like we will be tendering in. That will be a new "adventure" for us! We'll probably just stay on the boat after our excursion if it takes a long time to get back and forth to shore. No big deal, we'd already decided we really didn't need to do any shopping the St. Thomas anyway.

[disneypoor]

Wow! How do they decide if you're tendering or not? That will be a new experience for us too. Does anyone know if it's a big deal or not?:confused3 It's once again cold, windy, and just plain crummy here in Kansas. I'm telling you--we NEED this cruise!;)

[jenbrem1]

We are under a blizzard warning until 6pm tomorrow. Tomorrow!! This is unreal. School was let out at noon. When we are traveling on the 16th, this better all be done...

[DW4US]

Susan: Did you have any severe weather last night??? We just had lots of wind and rain.

Jen: Keep warm!!!!! Guess March really is coming in like a lion!!!

I don't know how they decide who docks and who tenders. I read a post on the main cruise board last week where they tendered and someone posted that it was about every 7th time a ship was in port, so I thought we would dock. I wonder how that will effect our morning excursion? An even earlier "report" time?

[pop5]

Thanks sbs mom for the info. Again, we are expecting bad weather in the next little bit. They say possible severe tornadoes. I spent all morning getting all five boys to school and then shortly after they got there I had to go round all five up!! We are home safely now. I will be glad when all this bad weather is gone.

[disneypoor]

We aren't having any bad weather today. It's just windy and cold. However, last night was a little scary! A tornado touched down about 15 miles from where we live. The sirens went off for over an hour! It also hailed off and on for much of the night, and it was large hail! My mom works about an hour from where I live, and she said it was snowing and blowing so hard that she could hardly see to get to work.:scared1: This weather is just crazy! It's no wonder we're all sick.;)

I feel for those of you who are in a blizzard watch! You will all need this trip more than I will. I complain about our weather, but I guess it could always be worse.

Well, I'm getting ready to head to the doctor. About three weeks ago I decided I would start exercising for the first time in about 15 years:rotfl: . Well, all was good until my knees starting aching horribly. I don't know if it's just that I'm getting old or the fact that they may be in total shock from going from 15 years of little or no physical activity to 3 miles a day.:lmao: Whatever it is, I hope the doctor can fix it!

Take care!

[SB's Mom]

WE GOT OUT CRUISE DOCUMENTS AT 4:05 TODAY!! :banana: :banana: :dance3: :dance3: :cool1: :cheer2:

Even in the terrible weather. . .the UPS man delivers!

Trying to stay safe in here in south Alabama.

One school south of here (about 2 hours south) was hit with a tornado today!

Charlene

[dutch_girl_scout]

Hope all of you in Alabama are safe!!! It looks nasty for you guys, I'll take the snow and ice any day over the tornadoes. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you! :grouphug:

[SB's Mom]

Pop5 and GreenTad. . . how are things in B'ham? We are under a flash flood watch tonight and the tornado warning/watch here in Montgomery. Did you see the school destrution in Enterprise. . . 8 deaths . . .it is so sad. . .they are without power and another storm is headed for them.

Stay safe!
Charlene

[pop5]

We are doing fine. It looks like the worst might be over and we just got some hard rain. Others got much worse. I just dont want to have bad cruise weather.

[disneypoor]

I hope everyone is safe tonight. I just heard about the death toll at the school in Alabama. My heart just aches! I'm a teacher, and I just can't imagine something like that happening while we are all in school. I know it can happen anytime, but it would have to be so devastating to have a tornado hit a school like that. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you who are experiencing bad weather right now. It makes our hail, wind, and cold seem minor. Hang in there everyone!:grouphug:

[MN Dis Fans]

There was no school for our DS's yesterday, and if I'm reading the local news website correctly, doesn't look like they'll be having school today either?

Hope the rest of the country's weather is clearing up!

What's with all the bad weather?:confused3 I sure hope the week leading up to our departure is all clear. Trying to travel during periods of bad weather really stresses me out!

Anybody else get Cruise Docs? I'll have to drop our AAA TA an e-mail asking if she's received them yet.

There's nothing in the world like doing the Document Dance! :banana: :banana:

Paul

[DW4US]

I hope everyone is safe and warm today. We've been really lucky with the weather, had our fair share of rain and snow but nothing severe.

I'll be looking for our cruise docs soon. Our TA instructed DCL to send them directly to us to speed up the process. Now the challenge for me will be not putting them away someplace safe and forgetting where they are. With the painting going on in our house we have a total disaster area!!!

Have a safe and warm weekend!!!!

[dutch_girl_scout]

No school here today because of snow/blowing snow. Glad all of you are safe.

Cruise docs arriving :cool1: it's really true, the cruise is coming, the cruise is coming, the cruise is coming!!!

Maybe today my kids will be motivated to help me sort through their clothes and get a jump on packing. DD wants to go dress shopping today, sorry kiddo, bad roads = no school = no shopping.

[disneypoor]

We do have school today, but I'm home because my sister is graduating from college this afternoon. I can't wait for our cruise docs to arrive! DCL said that they mailed them out on Wednesday, but ours have to go to Expedia first. Expedia said we should expect them by Monday.:cool1: Of course, it took expedia about 5 months to mail us our packet that highlighted the excursions, so I'm not getting my hopes up.;) No matter what, IT IS ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :cool1: :yay: :woohoo: :dance3:

[GreenTad]

Hey guys! We are okay up here in Bham. I couldn't believe all the destruction in Enterprise! Of course, I had taken a vacation day from work to get some cruise shopping done without the kids. Of course the schools closed at 11am and I had both kids all day and got nothing done! :headache:

Pop5: I did find a clear over-the-door shoe organizer at Lowe's this morning!

Hope to get our cruise documents today! :cool1:

Sima

[pop5]

Thanks Greentad- I still havent gotten out to get mine yet. Let me know when you get your docs. Cant wait!! pirate:

[dutch_girl_scout]

I did it!!!!!! I went through my closet and drawers and found some clothes for the cruise. I'm making my DS scoop a path out to the shop where I have all my pre-Andy summer clothes packed up. Instead of cabin fever I have cruise fever, good thing it's close!

Sima--Glad you guys are safe too. Hopefully you'll get to shop solo soon. DD wants to shop this weekend, that's fine but I need a day to shop WITHOUT her.

I'm debating wether or not to send our formal clothes and some of Andy's "stuff" down in a box to the IDS warehouse. It would sure save a lot of space in our luggage and we could send it back home the day we leave the cruise since we'll have a rental car and can stop by the FedEx store. Has anyone ever sent things down, I'm slighty worried that it wouldn't get there and then we'd be without.

[disneypoor]

Well, we went to my sister's college graduation today and then headed for the mall.:scared: I'm just plain exhausted! I'm still having a hard time finding shorts for DS but have decided that we'll just have to make do with what we have. I did think of something else that I was wanting to get though--some sort of water shoes for myself.

[disneypoor]

Sorry! Did I mention that I'm exhausted?:rotfl2: I hit the wrong button! Anyway, I was wondering what kind, if any, water shoes some of you women wear. My kids and DH have actual water shoes, but I do not. I didn't find that I really needed them on our last cruise but am wondering if maybe I'd end up wishing I had them this time.:confused3 So, if you wear some sort of shoes in the water, can you let me know what kind they are? I looked at Teva's and Keen's at the mall today, but yikes!:eek: The price tag on both of those was pretty steep. However, if they last a long time, maybe they'd be worth it. Does anyone know?

[MN Dis Fans]

:cool1: :cool1: Two Weeks Today! :cool1: :cool1:

Anybody else getting really exited?:woohoo:

Got an E-mail from our AAA TA. She says she'll get our docs. Monday / Tuesday (5 / 6), and will get them out to us ASAP!

[dutch_girl_scout]

Two weeks!!! :banana:

Susan--Have you looked at the Land's End water shoes? They are comfy and dry really quick. They are also washable.

DD is wanting to go shopping today. DH is going to give us a road report. She's been looking at dresses online and has big expectations.

[disneypoor]

I haven't looked at the Land's End shoes. Are they priced more reasonably than the others? Good luck with the shopping. I sortof wish my DD wanted to go shopping.;) She hates to shop! Hope the weather is looking up for everyone. It's cold and blustery here today but I've heard that it's going to possibly be in the 70's next week.:banana: No documents for us yet. I'm hoping to get them the middle of next week. Take care!

[dutch_girl_scout]

Susan--We're in for the Nov 08 DD. I called my deposit in this morning. I was going to wait to rebook online but there was a mid-ship Cat 3 available and I don't think you get the onboard discount for the suites.

Land's End water shoes: http://www.landsend.com/pp/CasualSportShoes-72241_159115_253.html?sid=2735193042609116010&CM_MERCH=SRCH

[MN Dis Fans]

I finally broke out of my snow prison and went shopping. Hurray! I think I'm all finished and ready to cruise. Even got a new suitcase called a spinner to hold everything. But now I'm thinking I need some of those Lands End water shoes......

:confused3

[MN Dis Fans]

I finally broke out of my snow prison and went shopping. Hurray! I think I'm all finished and ready to cruise. Even got a new suitcase called a spinner to hold everything. But now I'm thinking I need some of those Lands End water shoes......

:confused3

Can't it snow heavily for the next week and a half? :lmao: I'm sure it would save me some money! :rotfl2:

Look's like DW has finally decided to rejoin the thread!

No doubt I'll be hearing all about it.

[disneypoor]

Stacie--I'm so glad you booked the Thanksgiving DD! I can't believe you're getting a Cat. 3! We might have to come and hang out in your room!:lmao: We booked a cat. 9 because the 6's are almost $3000 more!:eek:

I broke down and bought some Keen water shoes today. I really like them and hope they last. We're cruising to Hawaii next year, so I'm sure I'll put them to use!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Susan

[Daytonamom2]

We are going on the cruise with you. My DH, myself, my DS (14) and DD (10 will be 11 next month). I will fill out the info on the first page today so I can get on your web site. What a great idea. We are from Daytona Beach and did the 7 day last year for spring break. Looking forward to meeting all of you!!! Lynn:goodvibes

[disneypoor]

Welcome Julie and Family!:cheer2: Did you just now book? I keep seeing that there are some rooms available on the ship, and I just wondered if people book when it's this close. We're all looking forward to the cruise and can't wait to meet everyone either.:goodvibes

[Daytonamom2]

We booked sometime ago but I was hoping for Florida Res rates since the boat still has some rooms. We got the Fla rate last year. Lynn

[dutch_girl_scout]

Stacie--I'm so glad you booked the Thanksgiving DD! I can't believe you're getting a Cat. 3! We might have to come and hang out in your room!:lmao: We booked a cat. 9 because the 6's are almost $3000 more!:eek:

Susan--You can hang out with us any time, but remember that we'll have a "terrible two" with us. :scared1: He will have just turned two so hopefully he won't be too terrible. We have connecting Cat 6s for this cruise. The cheap Dutch side of me wanted a 6 with an 11 across the hall but it seemed scary to have the kids across the hall. With the 3 we can all fit in one room and I think with Andy we'll appreciate the space.

[disneypoor]

We booked sometime ago but I was hoping for Florida Res rates since the boat still has some rooms. We got the Fla rate last year. Lynn

I'm so sorry! I called you Julie instead of Lynn. Welcome Lynn and your family!:yay: I did see that there are still a few rooms left on the ship. I wonder if they will get those filled in the next week and a half? I figured Spring Break would be completely full.
Susan

[disneypoor]

Susan--You can hang out with us any time, but remember that we'll have a "terrible two" with us. :scared1: He will have just turned two so hopefully he won't be too terrible. We have connecting Cat 6s for this cruise. The cheap Dutch side of me wanted a 6 with an 11 across the hall but it seemed scary to have the kids across the hall. With the 3 we can all fit in one room and I think with Andy we'll appreciate the space.

We had a six last time, and we LOVED it! We are booked in a nine for the eastern because the "cheap" offer that was on Expedia was only for a cat. 9. Since expedia paid for $2000 of our cruise, I'm going to be happy with my window. I'm trying to be positive and not think about missing the verandah. We're booked in a 9 as well for the 08 DD because of the HUGE price difference. I've read a lot of positive comments about the cat. 9's, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that we'll like our stateroom. My DH keeps telling me that I can go out on deck to look overboard. Men!!!!!:rotfl:

[DW4US]

We received one set of our cruise docs Friday! So far me and DD16 are on the cruise:rotfl2: I hope the other set arrives today, I don't know why they didn't just send them together:confused3 Does anyone know if UPS will just leave them or if someone has to sign for them? Okay, now you all think I'm nuts since I just said we received one set, I would know whether I had to sign for them or not, right. The first set came when the painters were at our house --- we just found them on the counter.

I hope everyone is getting their shopping done --- I hope to get some done this weekend (I better, since it's my last chance!). My DD14 bought some flip flops (I know better than to call them thongs!:rotfl: ) at Old Navy last week, now she's decided she doesn't like them, so back to square one. You know that many outfits depend on the right color of flip flops.

Looks like the weather is going to start warming up!!! Maybe we won't have to wear our winter coats to the airport --- I can't believe we'll be leaving is less than two weeks! Only six more days of work for me:goodvibes

[DW4US]

Here's a link to a nice overall packing/reminder list I found over on the regular cruise board. I'll be spending my lunch highlighting the things I want to remember!!!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=935094

[SB's Mom]

We didn't have to sign for our documents. The UPS guy just left them by the door and rang the bell. He was driving off when I open the door!

Just a few more days!

I need to be a bragging mother. . .Stacy enter a writing contest at school and won 3rd place back in Nove/Dec. . .this weekend she and 2 guest were invited to a reception for the county PTA. . .she had won 2nd place in the county. . .dh and I are very proud of her!

Looking forward to next FRIDAY and SATURDAY!!!!!!!

Charlene

[DW4US]

Congratulations to Stacey. I know how those school projects can become a "family" thing. Jordan just completed an awesome exhibit for National History Day that she will not be able to present because it is the same day as a choir concert. She's not upset but her teacher is ---he knows that it's good. As long as she gets a good class grade for it she'll be happy!!!

[disneypoor]

Ooooooh! I hope my documents are on my doorstep when I get home today!:goodvibes You all have me very excited and I can't go home to check until I get off of work.:sad1:

[dutch_girl_scout]

We went shopping Sat night (despite bad roads) and checked a lot of stuff off our list. I'm going later this week by myself.

I took Andy to the Dr. today instead of waiting until Wed because he has a cold. Found out it's just a cold, thank goodness. They weighed him and he gained a pound since last Wed!!!! We've been putting cereal in his bottles to make them thicker so they stay down, now he's gaining weight too fast. What a balancing act.

I haven't heard from my TA that our docs are in. Hopefully they'll be there when I stop by the AAA office to get our two free luggage sets we got when we paid off our cruise. The kids are excited to have their own luggage, I'm excited too. They won't have to use our good ones.

Good job to the girls on their projects. DS had an autobiography due last week that had been assigned the first week of school. He finished the night before and he called it complete after adding one picture. I had been offering to help him on it for months but told him the week before I wouldn't help him with anything. Then my DH sat down to read the "finished" project and he had spelled my name wrong. :furious: What is the difference between girls and boys? I'm sure when my DD does the project in two years, she'll have a fancy book, complete with pictures of everything.

Sorry for the long post, I've been lacking in adult conversation today.

[disneypoor]

Okay! I just had to post! I got online to check my email and had an email to track my shipment of my documents from Expedia!:cool1: They are to be delivered tomorrow!:worship: Sand and sun--here I come!:beach:

[dutch_girl_scout]

Yeah Susan!! You can do the doc dance!! :cool1:

[disneypoor]

I'm so glad to hear that Andy is gaining weight!:) That is great news!
:)
I won't be doing the doc dance until I get those things in my hands for sure, but according to my email, I should be doing "the dance" tomorrow night!:rotfl:

[SB's Mom]

Stacie. . .great news about Andy's weight gain! (we mothers get so excited about these things!)

Stacy had an autobiography due last week. After reading the book on (who else) Walt Disney. . .we had to create a 2 liter drink bottle to look like him. . .Stacy has only one more project due before our cruise. . .her science fair project is due on Monday! All the work for it is done. . .we just have to put together the board!

I hope everyone's documents arrive soon! I always think something is missing because there is so little in the package! You would think it would be a big package for what we all pay for the cruise!:beach:

Have a great Tuesday!

Charlene

[jenbrem1]

We got all 3 sets of docs yesterday. Doc dance!! :cool1:
10 more days people!!

[dutch_girl_scout]

We got all 3 sets of docs yesterday. Doc dance!! :cool1:
10 more days people!!

YEAH!!!!! I'm need to go grocery shopping today but I'm only buying one gallon of chocolate milk and one of white. Usually I buy 3 and 2. We leave next Wednesday and I don't want to throw any away (my frugal Dutch side shining through). :)

[disneypoor]

That's funny that you say that about the milk. I usually go grocery shopping on the weekend for the following week. Well, I think I've decided that I'll skip grocery shopping this week and start vacation early!:rotfl: I wonder if we'll get sick of eating out?;)

[DW4US]

Doing the Doc Dance:cool1: :cool1:

Our final set of documents arrived yesterday!!! Now I just have to pick up a "few" things and start packing!!!! DH even got his "cruise" clothes out this morning. I just need to girls to quit wearing their "cruise" stuff so I can get it washed and ready to go and hem a dress DD16 made to wear. I wonder how much the alterations place would charge, we have to make a trip there anyway to get DD's swim suit fixed.

I'm getting excited now!!!! Thinking about blue skies and white sandy beaches! :beach:

[MN Dis Fans]

I'm so jealous of you folks that have already received your cruise docs! Although, saying that, I did get an e-mail from our AAA TA saying she had received them this morning, and had already sent them out DHL. So hopefully, we can join the rest of you lucky one's tomorrow? :dance3:

[disneypoor]

My documents arrived!:cool1: I can't wait to get home and see them. My DH said not to get too excited because there is nothing too great in there, but I still can't wait to get my hands on them!;)

[dutch_girl_scout]

My docs are at the AAA office in Des Moines!!!! :cool1:

I'm going to test my patience and not pick them up until Thursday. DS is in a knowledge bowl on Thursday (that just happens to be at a mall). The AAA office is really close to another mall and Babies R Us. I feel like things are all falling into place.

The weather while we are in FL looks awesome. Here is the 15-day forecast for St. Thomas http://wwwa.accuweather.com/world-forecast-15day.asp?partner=accuweather&locCode=CAC|VI|VI003|CHARLOTTE%20AMALIE&metric=0

[disneypoor]

That weather forecast looks wonderful, Stacie! Thanks for sharing! I called DH today at work just to tell him what the temps were going to be.;) I'm pretty sure I'm driving him crazy!:rotfl:

[dutch_girl_scout]

I did get the website updated today. I added info on Gismo and DayonaMom2.
Tomorrow it will be one short week before we leave!!

[pop5]

I have a question... do we fill out the cruise docs. and the online forms or are they the same things??? :confused3 :confused3 :confused3

[MN Dis Fans]

If memory serves me correctly, if you check in on line, you do not need to fill out any of the cruise forms you received in the mail. But your cruise docs do contain your luggage tags.

[pop5]

Thanks. Which ones do you fill out? Also. I signed the boys up online for the kids program. I dont remember giving a password for picking them up. Was that something they asked for online or do you give a password on the 17th?? Sorry, I am just a bunch of questions at this point.:hourglass

[SB's Mom]

Pop5. . .when you arrive at the port and after checking in. . .go to the kids check in . . .on the back right side of the terminal. . .you'll still have a short form to fill out and then give a password to the ladies and receive your beeper.

Have a great Wednesday!
Charlene

[disneypoor]

I think you still have to fill out the Bahamas Immigration Form. I called DCL to ask about it last night and because CC is in the Bahamas, they said you still had to fill it out.:confused3 I had the whole family sign passports, the DCL contract, and the Bahamas forms. Now, if only I was packed.......:faint:

[dutch_girl_scout]

One week from now, at this very moment our plane should be taking off for the sunshine state, leaving behind grey and dirty Iowa!! :cool1:

[dutch_girl_scout]

Now back to reality, I have to go sort 586 cases of Girl Scout cookies!

[MN Dis Fans]

I think you still have to fill out the Bahamas Immigration Form. I called DCL to ask about it last night and because CC is in the Bahamas, they said you still had to fill it out.:confused3 I had the whole family sign passports, the DCL contract, and the Bahamas forms. Now, if only I was packed.......:faint:

Wow! Glad you mentioned that. :thumbsup2 We still haven't received our cruise docs, but I suspect I would have just figured they had made a mistake by including those in with the rest of the information (since we're not going to Nassau), and not bothered to fill them out. I guess we will now!

We signed our 2x DS's into the kids club on line, and it did ask me for a password. I remember doing the same when we cruised last October, and when we checked them in at the Port to pick up our pager, we were asked what our password was. They said a lot of folks that do the online check in forget their passwords. Not sure how they fix it, but they must somehow.

[SB's Mom]

We signed Stacy in last June on line and when we arrived at the port, we had forgotten the password! They let us change it but we wouldn't tell us the one we had entered on line.

We remember the one for this year!!!

The tropical breeze is getting closer!:beach:

Charlene

[Daytonamom2]

We are so glad we are going with you all. My Son is looking forward to meeting Shaun. Where are we meeting and what time? Is anyone getting to the port early? We get there about the time they open. I read somewhere that we have to tender at St. Thomas. How does that work? Do they run them all day? One more question is anyone going to watch the planes land at the beach in St. Martin?
Thanks for adding us to the web site. :banana: I went to school at Auburn and I see alot of Alabama people going and someone also from Daytona. Counting down!!

[MN Dis Fans]

Got an e-mail from the DW last night. It's official, we're now doing the document dance :cool1: like most of the rest of you! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

Daytonamom2: Several pages ago in this thread I believe it was decided to meet about an hour and a half (2:30PM ish) before the life boat drill on Deck 9 starboard side of the boat in between the Mickey & Goofy pools. This way we can keep an eye on both of the pools.

Sand Storms in Central Algeria today. Hope the weather clears before Monday!

[jenbrem1]

OK - we have been doing some research on beaches this week. We are thinking Sapphire for St. Thomas and possibly Orient Beach in St. Maarten. Has anyone here that's done the Eastern itinerary done these before? I was wondering what facilities and water sports were at both places.

Thanks! 8 more days until we fly south!

Jen

[SB's Mom]

Daytonamom2. . .WAR EAGLE! My DH is an Auburn grad!

Have a great Thursday!

Charlene

[pop5]

First of all, Roll Tide!! :) I personally, would love to go to one of the beaches. However, with 5 boys , I am a little nervous about naked people. My kids would probally find it hillarious:rotfl2: but I dont want them to see anyone not suited up!! Are any beaches safe or should we just stick to shopping?

[SB's Mom]

Pop5. . .in June we did the dolphin encounter in Anguilla (boat ride was HORRIBLE!) when we were in St Maartin and did a city tour and shopped in St Thomas. We just seem to do beach time at Castaway Cay! I'm with you though about everyone being suited up! We were in Hawaii in 93 and walking on the beach and this ladies were just changing clothes right there! :rotfl2: I was shocked!

Charlene

[Daytonamom2]

Everybody else had their passports but mine:thumbsup2 had expired. I just sent it in last week. That was fast. I did pay the extra but I thought it would take longer. Lynn

[IrishCowboy]

Greentad/Sima,

Do you work at BCBSAL?

[DW4US]

Good Morning!!

This time next week we'll be making our way to sunny Florida:cool1: :cool1:

[GreenTad]

IrishCowboy --- It was so nice talking to you this morning on the phone! A real DIS board person's voice, and not just any DIS member...but the guru of cruisin'! :worship:
You were so helpful and nice and I'm sure I'll be bugging you next week emailing you questions! Can't wait to meet you in person!

Sima

[IrishCowboy]

Greentad,
Nice to talk to you too! I can't believe we have four BCBSAL families on this cruise....we almost qualify for group discount!

[jenbrem1]

My parents (going on the cruise) both work for BCBS of IA. Weird!

[pop5]

Hello everyone!! Just cant wait!!:banana: :banana: :banana: Are you all wearing a green shirt on Saturday?? I love looking at the pictures of your families on the website. It will be fun to see who we can recognize in person. I am not "computer smart" so I have no idea how to do that stuff. Although I am not quite sure you would need a picture to recognize the crazy lady with five boys. We seem to call attention to ourselves for some reason!:lmao: :lmao:

[disneypoor]

Hello everyone!! Just cant wait!!:banana: :banana: :banana: Are you all wearing a green shirt on Saturday?? I love looking at the pictures of your families on the website. It will be fun to see who we can recognize in person. I am not "computer smart" so I have no idea how to do that stuff. Although I am not quite sure you would need a picture to recognize the crazy lady with five boys. We seem to call attention to ourselves for some reason!:lmao: :lmao:

Too funny!:rotfl: I have two crazy boys myself--DH and DS. I'm sure we won't be too hard to spot either. DH and DS will probably be getting into trouble somewhere.;) They are pretty good at that! We will be wearing Old Navy St. Patrick's Day shirts. I wanted to get some Disney shirts made that were green and had info about the cruise on them, but the "tight (and smart)" side of me went with the $5 t-shirts.:)

[GreenTad]

Pop5---We all have bright lime green shirts with Disney characters on them. My DH decided to get with the program and since it will be St Pat's day and none of had anything green, it kills two birds with one stone. :thumbsup2

I'll be wearing Tinkerbell, DH has Mike from Monster's Inc, DS has Mickey and DS has Minnie. We'll be the blonde group looking confused in the terminal. Even though we've gleaned SO MUCH information from the board, being first-timers I'm sure we'll feel overwhelmed. :crazy2:

Sima

[DW4US]

I wish I could get my group to wear matching shirts. We've done that the last two cruises and it really makes a nice boarding picture. I just didn't feel like fighting them on it this time. I have a green Mickey shirt I might wear.

Have a great weekend!!! Shopping and organizing to get ready for PACKING for me!!!!

[jenbrem1]

My kids are wearing the Old Navy St. Patrick's Day green too. I may go over tomorrow and pick one up for myself too.
We plan on getting to the port around 10-10:30. My son has already decided to meet a new friend at the ship model around 11am. Otherwise, we'll look for you all at the pool meet.
One week from now we'll be on our way! Here's hoping for good flying weather!

[SB's Mom]

Stacy had to have a "spring" color shirt for her PTA program at school. . .so we bought lime green for the cruise! Been shopping for her a new swimsuit today.

One week from now we should be somewhere in Florida! (maybe Lake City by now!!)

Sima . . .how are you doing? It's been a while since we e-mailed. . . are you excited about this trip? What time do you plan to leave Bham on Friday?

Charlene

[GreenTad]

Hey, Charlene! It has been a while! I'm slammed at work trying to get caught up before our trip. My son had a non-fiction book to write and illustrate and that has taken up most nights. I'll be so GLAD to get on the road for Florida!!!:banana:

I think we're going to be able to leave around 9 Fri morning so we'll get to the Radisson at a decent time. We've reserved a space on the 10am shuttle to the Port. I think I'm getting somewhat organized. Our guest room looks like a clothing store exploded!

I'm really hoping the parasailing thing gets worked out before we leave. I will be terribly disappointed if my one and only excursion is cancelled. I did have two questions for you or whoever else reads this: (1) about how many clothes hangers do they provider in the staterooms? and (2) should you really trust the taxi drivers on the islands to come back and pick you up? That really worries me, but I keep reading it's the best way to get the least crowded beaches. Advice anyone?

See you soon!!!!!!:cool1:

Sima

[SB's Mom]

Sima. . .I think there was about a dozen hanger but I understand that you can get more from you cabin steward. On the beach thing. . .no idea. . .we are too "chicken" to book non cruise related things! We took a taxi on our 1st cruise on Cozmel years ago but just took a different back to the ship.

Hopefully be in at the Radisson by this time next week! We are check Stacy out at noon and then we're on the road to Florida. . .there is so much to do before Friday! I have arranged boarding for our pup. . .stopped the mail. . .super easy meals at our house this week. . .maybe we should all be fasting before the cruise!:rotfl2:

Have a great Saturday!
Charlene

[disneypoor]

Hi, everyone! We had sortof a "mini-crisis" at our house yesterday morning. My daughter asked me if she could wear capris to school, and when she went to put a pair on, they were way too small! Well, I haven't bought her any summer clothes because I bought her quite a bit before school started, and honestly, she appears to have gotten taller and slimmed down some to me, so I just assumed all of her stuff would still fit.

Well, she tried on every single pair of capris and shorts that she has, and guess what? Not a single thing fit her! I was in panic mode because I had planned to stay home and clean, pack, etc. this weekend.:scared: Of course, DD wanted to know why I waited until the last minute to have her try them on. I guess she forgot that she's a big pain in the you know what when it comes to shopping or trying on clothes.;)

We left to go shopping as soon as school was out and were gone most of the evening, and I think she's pretty much covered in the clothing department. The thing that scares me is that if she hadn't asked to wear capris, I would have just packed all of her clothes from the fall, and she would not have had anything that fit her besides her formal dress.:eek: I guess she would have fit in pretty well at St. Thomas on the beach though, huh?:rotfl:

[pop5]

Disneypoor-Im glad she tried on the clothes. She might have gotten tired of micket tshirts and pooh shorts! Mine seem to be constantly out growing too. We may have so many green shirts besides dissers because of St. Patricks. I spent fortune at walmart the other day on sunscree, etc. I think after I picked up the shoe organizer and other things I learned about from here that the cruise seemed sooooo HERE!! Have a great weekend everybody.:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

[disneypoor]

Holy cow!:scared1: I just got home from Wal-Mart, and after buying all of the stuff we need for the cruise, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to limit my drinks on the ship!:rotfl: I can't believe how much all of that "little" travel stuff costs!

Now, I'm going to start packing! I have a really busy week this week and have to work on Friday as well. We are leaving for the airport just as soon as I get home Friday, so I can't do my usual procrastinating.;) Hope everyone else is getting ready and excited too!:goodvibes

[SB's Mom]

I've got DD packed!! One down, two to go!
DH cleaned our cars today. . .I hope mine will stay clean for the drive to the port next Friday!!!
We've got a few things to pick up and then we're ready!
Disneypoor. . .it is odd how those "little" things add up to so much!

Morgan, Katie and Caity. . .Stacy is looking forward to meet you! She has been so busy with school. I hope all of you can become friends!

Confirmed our hotel reservation and our spots on the shuttle this a.m. Looks like we're ready to CRUISE!

Charlene

[nana_b]

We'll be leaving Tulsa Friday morning and staying at the Hyatt. :banana:
I know Morgan is looking forward to meeting the other girls. She will be over here tonight so expect some emails...
She wants to know if we can have the WD Suite next time :scared1:. I think we'll need to start saving today so she can have it for a HS graduation gift :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Ya'll have a safe trip and we'll see you Saturday.
Trudy

[dutch_girl_scout]

I hate computers sometimes!!! My Internet has been off and on since the blizzard/ice storm.

Andy and I went on a major shopping spree Wednesday in between watching DS in the knowledge bowl. We made another trip to Target tonight. Andy is packed and ready to go!!! DD says she's packed but I haven't inspected it yet. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get me and DS done. DH is on his own.

I guess it's bedtime since the time is changing. Four more sleeps for us!

[gismo1554]

Hi all,

:hourglass

Its been a while since I've been on here - thought last week I would have to cancel the trip as my mum was rushed into hospital - she is home now though, so fingers crossed we will still make the cruise.

Have started packing, but seem to need 3 suitcases - is anyone else like me and wants to take everything "just in case"?

Have booked Animal Kingdom Lodge for Friday night before the cruise, and the Polynesian for 2 nights after (no discount price for AKL for those 2 days).
Anyone else staying on in Orlando after the cruise?

Only 4 more days in work - can't wait for next weekend.

See you all soon.

Gail:banana: :

[gismo1554]

Forgot to say -

We have booked the bus transportation to and from the port - anyone else joining us on this?

Gail

[disneypoor]

Gail--I hope everything is okay with your mom. Glad you are still joining us.:)

I just finished packing DD and DS!:banana: I know I've overpacked, but I just can't figure out what to leave behind.:confused3 We'll be so glad to get to the port and turn our luggage over to the porters.;)

Can't wait to meet everyone. Only a few more days to go!:cool1:

[pop5]

Do you think we can figure out who we all are with all the green shirts we will see on st. patricks day?? There will be alot of people at the pool. I am not sugesting meeting elsewhere , just wondering.:confused3 :confused3 :confused3 I still have not packed, however, I have thought it through. Just think.... when this cruise going on right now is over it is all ours. :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[DW4US]

Glad to hear that I'm not the only "over-packer". I'm pretty sure I have more than enough, but I can't decide what to leave behind, so I'm just bringing it all. My DD16 must be bringing 10+ pairs of shoes -- she may need an extra bag just for shoes. My only worry is that we won't be able to get all of our bags in the rental car --- we had an incident like that before --- we were stuffed in the car with bags all around us:rotfl2: We can laugh about it now, but at the time it was pretty tense.

I also made the trip to Wal-mart ---- I've been picking things up along the way but I was still shocked at how much I spent!!! I only picked up one "water camera", I think I may need to get another. I also want to get a cheap waterproof watch to take to the beach.

Everyday we say this time next week we'll be at.... What are we going to do when we get home????

When and where are we meeting? I can't remember.

Only one more day of work for me!!!!!

[disneypoor]

Patty--we also keep saying, "next week at this time, we'll be at.....".:goodvibes My sister and mother keep asking me what I'm going to do with my time when this trip is over. Little do they know that I already have a double dipper planned!:lmao: I haven't told them because I really don't want to hear what they have to say about it.;) I always have to have some sort of trip brewing--planning trips is my hobby!:thumbsup2

See you real soon!

Susan

[DW4US]

Susan --- We must be very much alike --- planning trips is my hobby too!! Don't you just hate it when people comment about how many times you've been to WDW or a cruise? They just don't get it!!!

I can relate to your shopping pain. Thankfully, my DD could wear most of the stuff she tried on from last year, but she did have a few really nice things that don't fit her now --- probably only been worn once! It just kills me to see them grow out of stuff so fast.

Can't wait to meet everyone!!!

[dutch_girl_scout]

Three out of five of us are packed!! DH and DS will probably just empty their drawers in a suitcase and call it good.

I have my box packed and ready to ship later this afternoon.

All three pets have had their shots and are ready to go to the pet resort tomorrow.

I think we're close.....really close. I know I won't be able to sleep on Tuesday night, maybe not even tonight. It's so close!!!!

[DW4US]

Stacie --- I wish we were as close as you --- we have to wait until Friday. Thursday will be our crazy night!!! HAVE FUN!!!

[disneypoor]

Stacie--I forgot that you were leaving Wednesday. Be careful and we'll see you real soon! My DD wants to make sure that your DD remembers to meet her by the spa at 3:00. My DD CANNOT wait to meet her new friends!:)

I have DD and DS packed but can't seem to get in the packing mood tonight. I had planned to pack for DH (I know--it's sad--I don't trust him to pack himself;) ), but I just don't think I'm going to do anything tonight. Maybe I'll get a burst of energy later tonight.:confused3

Patty--it's nice to know that someone else is as obsessed with trip planning as I am.:rotfl: My DH is pretty sure that I am the only person in the world that has our travels for the next couple of years already planned. I keep telling him I could have much worse hobbies, but he's convinced that I couldn't possibly have a hobby that costs quite as much as this one.:rolleyes1
I can't wait to meet everyone!:cheer2:

Susan

[pop5]

Disneypoor- I am the same way about planning too. Although, I guess we all are and that is why we are obsessed with these boards.:rotfl2: I guess once the cruise is over we can obsess over the cruise for awhile and then plan the next one. Actually, we already have the next spring break western booked. It would be fun to see some of you guys on that one too. Paige:yay:

[SB's Mom]

I love planning trips also! I'm helping a friend that has a spring break trip to WDW. She called 3 times yesterday with questions! It is great to share our ideas with friends.

Well. . .I'M PACKED!!!!!!!!!!!! Now just waiting for FRIDAY!!!!! Ok, DH isn't packed but wouldn't that be his problem and not mine! :lmao: A few things to pick up and we will be ready for the tropical breeze!

Is everyone starting to feel the breeze???:cool1:

See you all soon!

Charlene

[DW4US]

Where are we meeting and what time again.... I forgot:confused3

Went shopping again last night, I know it wasn't for the last time!! DH had a sudden need for a new suit. I need a little jacket of some type, but I can't find what I'm looking for so I guess I'll just have to tough it out!!

I made a reservation for parasailing at St. Maarten just in case our CC one gets cancelled. The parasailing place is at Orient Beach and I'm afraid it might be on the "clothing optional" side. :scared1:

Stacie --- I know you're really excited, I hope you can sleep some tonight.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!!!

[GreenTad]

Hey friends! Is anyone renting a car in St. Maarten? We'd like to but don't know who to use and if we should reserve it now or just wait till we get there. Anybody with experience got any suggestions?

Can't wait to meet all you guys Saturday!!! Thanks! :goodvibes

Sima

[pop5]

I have a question?? Can anyone tell me if my older sons are going to miss alot of fun stuff in the stack due to the fact that we have late dinner? Or will I end up eating without them? I really want to eat with them.

[jenbrem1]

I think we decided to meet around 2:30pm or 90 min. prior to drill between the Mickey and Goofy pools?
Are you all bringing beach towels? Do we need them for St. Maarten or St. Thomas?

[DW4US]

You don't need beach towels --- they give them to you for the excursions or you can get them from the pool area. But they are the small towels, so we are bringing some of own, much easier to pick out too. I just bring the smallest beach towels we have and some I wouldn't mind if something happened to them.

See you all between the pools @ 2:30 --- starboard side? Which side is that?

[Johnna_Story]

Hey all - we got off the last Eastern cruise last Saturday - gotta tell you it was a BLAST!! Hope you all have a great great time. If you have any questions, I'm happy to help out. Just post them...

[SB's Mom]

WE JUST GOT AN UPGRADE!!!!!!!! MY TA CALLED AND SHE GOT USE AN CAT 7! (we were a cat 10)

See you Saturday!

Charlene

[disneypoor]

OMG, Charlene! Did you ask to be upgraded, or was it complimentary? I'd faint if we were upgraded!:goodvibes I am hoping to be able to pay for an upgrade at the port but am not counting on it.

See everyone on Saturday!:cool1:

[SB's Mom]

Did ask for it. . ."gift" from my TA for FREE!!!!!!!!
She had called someone at Disney about a problem. . .they took care of that issue. . . he asked her if he could every help again let me know. . . our TA said well I have this family sailing on Saturday. . .the are "great" (her words not mine) clients. . .any upgrades available they could have? He check and moved us!

We are so excited!

Charlene

[pop5]

Great news, Charlene!! Are you on deck 1 or 2 now?? Paige

[Daytonamom2]

I am still running around getting ready. The kids keep taking stuff out of my piles.

DisneyPoor What time are you getting to the terminal? We will be there about 10. My DD is looking forward to meeting the girls. She is also in 5th grade.

Just a heads up for anyone driving to the port that morning. We have had some bad fires mixed with fog for a couple of mornings. Most of it has been on the turnpike ( which should not effect anyone) but just keep an eye out for roads closing. A very bad axt today due to fog and smoke Turnpike shut down for most the day. I 95 was closed for days last year at this time.

Looks like rain on Friday but only 10% chance on Saturday.
Lynn

[disneypoor]

Charlene--how wonderful, or should I say "magic"al!:goodvibes Congratulations!

Lynn--we're planning to be at the port by 10:00 as well. We'll all have old navy st. patrick's day shirts on. DH and DS's are the white t-shirts, and DD's and mine are the green with the pink writing. I know that probably lots of people will have these, but maybe you'll recognize us.:confused3

Once again--I'm not in the packing mood. The kids have Logos at church tomorrow night, so I plan to pack, pack, pack while they are gone. Wish me luck! Nothing like waiting until the last minute.:rotfl:

[Daytonamom2]

Yea for your upgrade SB's Mom

Disneypoor the boat does not look sold out so you might get you upgrade also. But if not you will be down on two with us. I know I am wearing a lime green shirt and black shorts but for everyone else I don't know. DD has a St Patty shirt but we will see if she wears it.

We dod not have school on Friday so I hope everybody does not get in my way. I will be in high gear until my feet hit inside the boat. Then I am on vacation.
Lynn

[disneypoor]

Lynn --we will be totally happy on deck 2 but would just love a verandah if possible. We're kindof tight though;) , so it will have to be at a good price for us to pay for an upgrade. We'll see how it goes. I just can't wait to get on that ship!:goodvibes

[SB's Mom]

Earlier post should have read that I didn't ask for it! She just got it for us! How wonderful she is!!!!!!!!!!

We are now in 7128 on deck 7!

We are to be on the 1st shuttle from the Radisson on Saturday. . .DD will have a lime green shirt over her swimsuit and matching skirt. . .I'll have a pink "hawaiian" shirt with blue short . . . don't know about DH. . .he hasn't packed yet!

Charlene

[disneypoor]

We'll be at the Radisson too! Maybe we'll see you in the lobby on Saturday morning. I'll look for the Hawaiian shirt and you can look for the family of four with old navy st. patrick's day shirts. I hope we see one another!

[SB's Mom]

Susan. . .when do you travel to Orlando? We will arrive at the Radisson after 10 p.m. . .it is an eight hour drive for us and we plan to leave about 1 p.m. . .then you taken in dinner, traffic, and potty stops!. . . Like you, we are happy just to be on the ship. . .but the upgrade is a wonderful suprise!

Also. . . I see you are planning to cruise Hawaii. . .have you booked that yet? We did a 10 Hawaii trip for our 10 anniversary 2 years ago. . .it was so much fun. . .we didn't cruise but we did 2 island.

See you soon!
Charlene

[SB's Mom]

Johnna Story. . .were they offering parasailing on CC? Our family loves it and we understand that is has been stop!

Charlene

[disneypoor]

We are getting at the Radisson after 10:00 as well. We'll be pretty late. We have already booked our Hawaii cruise. We are going next spring break. We fly to Honolulu and then get on a ship for a 7 night cruise that goes to four different islands. My inlaws are there doing the exact same thing right now. My DH has always wanted to go to Hawaii, so we are pretty excited about it.:banana:

Can't wait to see everyone. I just hope I get packed....:scared:

[GreenTad]

Charlene --- Excellent news on the upgrade! :cool1: I'm so jealous! I'm keeping my fingers crossed we might can swing one in the terminal, but we'll be fine down on 2 if not.

Disneypoor---We're on the first shuttle at the Radisson, too. Look for us all in lime green shirts with Disney characters. My kids will probably be running around driving everyone nuts so we'll be hard to miss! :hyper:

See you all soon!

Sima

[pop5]

Sima, I couldnt remember if you are flying or driving. Wondering if we could be on the same flight???? Paige

[GreenTad]

Hey, Paige! We're driving, We're heading out about 9am and are going to try to drive straight through with lunch being drive-thru burgers. Ick! Hope you have a great flight! :goodvibes

Sima

[Johnna_Story]

Johnna Story. . .were they offering parasailing on CC? Our family loves it and we understand that is has been stop!

Charlene

I'm 99% sure there was parasailing. I can double check my navigator when I get home. Have a great trip!!

[jenbrem1]

All right - who's packed? I'm about halfway there. 2 days from now we'll be heading to the airport. Here's hoping for friendly skies for all of us. NO DELAYS!!

[Daytonamom2]

For all of you that are driving if you need anything when you come through Daytona Beach let me know. Just PM me and I can send you my phone number. We are not that far from 95.

You can locate us at the port very easy. I will be the lady with the wal mart and target bags if my husband does not get the suitcases out of the attic tonight. :lmao:

Can't wait to see everybody. Lynn

Last year when we went to St Thomas we docked but I read that we have to tender. Is that true.

[SB's Mom]

Jennifer. . .DD and I could walk out the door tonight for the cruise. . .most of our things are in the bags! DH hasn't started packing!

Charlene

[disneypoor]

Well, everyone is packed but me.:confused3 I can't seem to figure out what I want to take. Everything I try on looks yucky. I'm going to try forgetting it for tonight and then try again tomorrow to see if I think they look better on me.:lmao: I think I'm just having "one of those days". I probably won't sleep much tonight or tomorrow night. My school kids just finished their reading state assessments, and we are having an "Effort Party" at school tomorrow. It will be a long day!;)

Talk to everyone soon!

Susan

[pop5]

Susan, I know what you mean about the clothes. I hate trying on swimsuits. I keep thinking they will look better "tommorrow" too!! :rotfl2: We fly out tommorrow at 3. We are staying at the airport Hyatt. Are any of you staying there? Paige

[jenbrem1]

We're staying at the Holiday Inn Express near the airport. Our flight doesn't get in until 10:30 so it will be a late night. We are using Florida Tours transportation to the port. If any of you will be getting to the port around 10:30, my son is planning on meeting his new email pal by the model of the ship around then.

[MN Dis Fans]

Hi Everyone! :wave2:
We'll be staying at the Embassy Suites near the airport, and should arrive around 9:00PM tomorrow (Friday) night, although DW told me earlier this week that she was taking the day off work tomorrow. Had I known that several months ago, I would have booked earlier flights. Oh Well. We may try to fly stand by and catch an earlier connection, just have to see what sort of availability there is later today.
It's going to be very interesting to see how I manage to get our luggage (6x persons) into the mini-van we're renting, and hopefully no hernia hoisting them in. :rotfl2: We're just about all packed, just need to do a double check, and a bit of re-arranging.
I wish & pray for safe journey's to the port for everyone!pixiedust:
See you all on the boat Saturday!
Paul
:disrocks:

[DW4US]

Charlene --- Congratulations on the upgrade!!!

My DH talked about trying for one at the port, so we'll see. I'm happy on Deck 2! I'd rather save the money and maybe go to WDW next year on Spring Break --- we'll see.

We are almost all packed --- I had to add another suitcase and hanging bag-- I think we are up to 9 bags, sure hope Midwest isn't one of the airlines charging for more than one bag!!! I'm worried about our rental car --- we may be sitting on suitcases!!!

We're staying at Boardwalk tomorrow (can't believe it!) then driving to the port Saturday morning. Don't know when we'll get there, I know we want to be early -- but DH doesn't seem to think there is any reason to hurry. We'll be wearing Old Navy St. Pat's attire --- myself & DH in the grey and DD's in black tanks.

Looking forward to seeing all of you --- safe travels!!

[disneypoor]

Patty--when are you flying out? We are flying Midwest out of KC tomorrow night. I just thought maybe we'd end up being on the same flight.:confused3

[Daytonamom2]

I hope nobody has flight delays today. It was on the news this morning. Rain today but clearing tonight. Low tonight 55 and high tomorrow 68/70. See you at the port. Lynn

[MN Dis Fans]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
Have been watching flight status's all morning. So far, it looks like we're on time. (Fingers Crossed.)

See you on the boat tomorrow. :thumbsup2

Safe travels everyone!

Paul

[jphart]

Daytonamom2,

Hi Lynn, We cruised with you last year. I just wanted to see who was cruising and saw your name. Have a great time. We leave for our cruise April 7th.

Jennifer
DH Phil &Twin daughters(14)

[Daytonamom2]

Hi We had spring break early this year again so Magic her we come. We would love to have you guys with us. Hope you have a good cruise and tell the girls Hi. Lynn, Brad, Frank and Nikki

[jphart]

Daytonamom2,

Lynn,

We wish we were there, too! With the girls in school now, we have to go on vacation when the schools let out:teacher: Are you cruising with anyone else from last year? If you are, tell them we said hi. Have a wonderful time!!!!!!! I remember the excitement of the day before.....

Lauren and Megan were so excited that you are going.:banana: They said to have fun and to say hello.

Jennifer

[disneypoor]

Well, I can't believe our trip is over.:sad1: Is everyone home safe and sound? We ended up staying an extra night and did Magic Kingdom because our flight was overbooked. Let me tell you--we are TIRED! I'm heading to bed here in just a few minutes and am hoping I can stay awake for my third graders tomorrow! I hope everyone made it home okay. I'm sad that our thread won't exist anymore.:sad2: Stacie--we're really missing dinner with you and your family. You guys are wonderful people! We will look forward to the 08 double dip!:goodvibes

Susan

[pop5]

Hey everyone. The cruise was just great!! I was glad to meet disneypoor, dutchgirlscout and irishcowboy. It was so much fun seeing you in person. I had wanted to meet my fellow southerners but never did. I wondered if we came close but never knew who you were. It is sad being home and I cant wait to go again.

[disneypoor]

It was so much fun getting to meet everyone! My husband kept saying he couldn't believe how many people I knew--well, sortof.;) I was standing in line to check in and met Paul (MNDISfans), and then Paige (Pop5) noticed me by the pool on the first day. We sat with Stacie and her family (dutch girl scout), and we were on an excursion with Patty and her family. It was a fantastic trip! We can't wait to go again but have to wait until 2008.:sad2: As I got up for work this morning, I started thinking about what we were doing at this time last week. Ugh! Reality sure stinks sometimes.:goodvibes

[dutch_girl_scout]

Hey all!! We made it home yesterday around 1:00. We did Kennedy Space Center on Saturday and DS ran into some of his buddies from the Stack. Sunday we got up way early to catch our 7:00 flight. We had stayed at the Hyatt at the airport so it wasn't that bad.

It was great meeting everybody and "knowing" people on the ship. It made it way more fun. DH liked it when he was looking for me at the pirate party and a nice DISer said "Oh she's up on deck 10", he would have never found me. Which one of you talked to Christian and told him about the DIS boards?

Susan--I couldn't even finish breakfast on Saturday and was still crying while waiting for the rental car. We got the car and headed of for KSC with bad directions and we ended up driving past the ship like 4 or 5 more times and each time DD and I would look at each other and start crying. What a bonus for you guys to stay an extra night. Did you get free airfare for your Hawaii cruise? The flight from Atlanta to DSM was overbooked to and they were offering free airfare but they couldn't get us home until Tuesday. DH said no way, but the Dutch side of me was trying to rationalize it. We ate at McDonald's in the airport on Saturday night for supper and laughed about going from 5-star dining with great company to eating fast food in an airport.

Hope everyone is home safe and sound. I'll be downloading my pictures today. Does anyone have any pics they want to share?

[disneypoor]

Stacie--as we pulled away from the ship, I turned around and saw that you were still crying. I saw Kevin hug you, and I broke down too! We really did enjoy meeting you and look so forward to cruising with you again in the future.

As for our free airfare, it won't work for Hawaii. Midwest doesn't fly there, so I guess we'll just have to go to DL or WDW or something this summer. Darn it!:rotfl: I even thought about the December cruise that you're on, but that's just too close to our Hawaii trip.

Brianna really enjoyed spending time with Kaitlyn and Casey, and she was really sad yesterday about not seeing them again. I told her she would for sure see Kaitlyn and probably Casey too, but I think she thinks that is too far away.

We had a great time, and I'm still waiting on my pictures from wal-mart. I guess my pictures broke their machine, so I have to go back today to see if they got them all printed.

Susan

[dutch_girl_scout]

Here are 3 out of the 422 that we took (no, I'm not nuts, I seem to have lots of pictures on my camera of my kids' self-photos, photos into the mirror, unbelievable close-ups of who-knows-what and assorted others)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/dutch_girl_scout/100_2368.jpg
The picture doesn't do it justice, as we were leaving St. Thomas there was a double rainbow right out of our verandah.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/dutch_girl_scout/100_2200_00.jpg
Sunset on Sunday night, who says cruising shouldn't be covered by health insurance as a stress-reducer and anti-depressant?

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/dutch_girl_scout/100_2201.jpg
The baby duck that our stateroom host made for Andy. It survived the trip home and is on his dresser (yes, I asked before I took it).

[pop5]

Oh , I love those!! Please post more pictures!

[SB's Mom]

Hey All

We made it home on Saturday evening. . .reality hit yesterday as I started laundry! It seems to have doubled in the suitcases.

Susan and Stacie did another family sit with you?. . .The
1st night we were in Animators Palate, your kids were behind us. . .but there seemed to be extra kids. . .I'll pm you about the evening.

Great cruise. . .we rebooked for next March. We're hoping we choose the right week for Stacy's spring break.

So sorry about not meeting any of the Alabama folks! There was a family from Birmingham at the table next to us but not from this chat line.

Have a great week.

Charlene

[dutch_girl_scout]

Charlene--I always tell my kids I have eyes and ears everywhere. Here is another example of that. We had three families at our table. The first night we had AP all the adults went to Palo. I think at AP it was the 3 girls and 2 of the boys from our table (my DS went to the stack), and my DDs friend that she had invited. I heard that there was a "napkin fight" and that our assist. server was naughty. :confused3 I'm sure there is more to the story.

[disneypoor]

Charlene--I just emailed you about the evening. The naughty behavior involved my son and another boy from a family that lives in our hometown. I am truly embarassed by their behavior and wish you had said something to me on the cruise. I'm not one of those parents that thinks that their kids can do no wrong. I KNOW my kids misbehave at times, and I would have handled it right then and there if I had known how extreme their behavior was. I hope it didn't affect your cruise, and I will be addressing this and sharing your email with my son again. I agree with Stacie--we parents do have eyes and ears everywhere, and quite honestly, I think my DS is going to be shocked to know that someone actually emailed me about his behavior on the cruise!;) I do know one thing for sure, if we have Palo's reservations, the kids can just eat by the pool from now on!:mad:

[DW4US]

Glad to see everyone is home safe and sound. Susan --- congrats on the free air -- we tried with no luck...so close. We had a nice night at the Wilderness Lodge Villas, the girls and I went over to the Poly to watch the fireworks and rode the monorail through EPCOT to pretend we were in the park:rotfl2:

Hopefully, we are going to do WDW next year for Spring Break, but I think that week may coincide with Easter so I don't know about the crowds and we'll have to use more DVC points.

Still working on my laundry too :laundy: hopefully I can get ahead of it in a couple of days!!!

Jordan told me that she got hungry at school yesterday 'cause she is used to eating whenever she feels like it!:rotfl2:

Stacie -- I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you --- I think I saw you once up on deck then again in the lobby. I did get to meet Daytonamom and Susan.

[GreenTad]

Hey guys! Wish I had gotten to meet more of you!! I looked and looked. I did manage to meet Irish Cowboy and DutchGirlScout (Andy is so cute!). We booked the Double Dip for Thanksgiving 2008 and are taking my parents this time. We had the best vacation ever and I want to thank all of you for the wonderful help, tips, and advice. :thanks:

Sima

[dutch_girl_scout]

Sima--Glad you booked the double dip!!!! Susan and I are going on that cruise too!!! YEAH!!! Castaway Cay is the greatest place ever and I can't wait to go twice.

[disneypoor]

Sima--I saw your door signs but never did see you. I almost knocked to see if you were in your room but didn't want to bother anyone. Maybe we will meet up on the double dip.:goodvibes

[MN Dis Fans]

:sad1: Anybody else suffering? :sad:

After the almost 1 year of obsessive planning, the past week went far to quickly!

It was nice to have met disneypoor, SB's Mom, and Jenbrem1. :wave2:

Stacie - Saw you several times, but you were always going the opposite direction. Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet formally. (There's always a future cruise!)

Charlene - We also re-booked (I had already booked it on line about 1 month ago) for a 7-night (Western) cruise next March 22 - 29, 2008. Perhaps we booked the same one? It will also depend on spring break schedule for our eldest DS. He's getting to the age where we're no longer going to pull him from school for family holidays. Hopefully I have guessed correctly.

I don't get the re-booking though. I re-booked the same exact state rooms (5522 & 5524) for $700 / room less. :confused3
If that's not an incentive to think that we got a good deal, and now HAVE to go, I don't know what is! :rotfl2:

Jen - Had a great time meeting you, and the rest of your family! No doubt our youngest DS will be dropping yours an e-mail soon. He's been on about doing this since we got home. Has to get caught up with his school work 1st!

Paul

[dutch_girl_scout]

Paul--I saw your sons on screen before the Golden Mickeys and saw where you were sitting but didn't make it over to you afterwards.

Rebooking on board is definately worth it. We transferred two ressies (12/15/07 and 11/22/08) and thought we got a good price on both.

[dutch_girl_scout]

Our stateroom host left us a great towel animal in each room every night. I think out of all the chocolate used on board last week, we must have at least got half of it.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/dutch_girl_scout/100_2406.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7/dutch_girl_scout/100_2382.jpg

Did anyone buy the towl oragami book in the Treasure Ketch shop?

[pop5]

Ok, I need your help. Is it true that if I switch my next cruise which I booked onboard with Dreams Unlimited that I can keep that stateroom credit and get another one?????? Paige

[dutch_girl_scout]

Paige-If I understand your question right the answer is YES. I had booked my 11/22/08 cruise online before we left. While onboard I transferred the reservation so I got the 10% off and the sDCL stateroom credit. Now that I'm back home I transferred it to my AAA agent and got their stateroom credit too. So yes, you should get the DU credit and the DCL credit. Does that make any sense?

[pop5]

Thanks Stacie. Which do you think has the better credit-aaa or du??? how do you go about doing it? Thanks for your help, Paige

[SB's Mom]

Paul. . .we rebooked for March 8, 2008. . .I think Stacy's spring break will be later in the month. . .but DH thinks it will be earlier next year. Hopefully the school board will put out the schedule soon! When do you head back to Algeria? I know your family will be missing you! A member where we attend church is being sent to Algeria to work for a few "weeks". It seems for him weeks turn into years!

Sima. . .sorry we never met! I watched and watched for you! I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip!

Susan. . .thanks!

Stacie. . .hug Andy for me! He is such a cutie!

On a sad note. . .a friend we met on the June cruise passed away Saturday evening. He was 81 and learned that he had lung cancer last fall.

Charlene

[disneypoor]

Charlene--I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend! My DS (Brandon) wrote an apology on a Disney postcard to you after school today. I'll mail it tomorrow. The other little boy is also going to be writing one. Again, we are very sorry about the boys' behavior. We are pretty sure they get it from their fathers.:rotfl2: I'm safe--my DH never reads the DISboards!:lmao:

[MN Dis Fans]

Charlene - I'm also very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend!

I head back next Tuesday, the 3rd (Already!)
You'll have to let me know where your church member is headed if you can find out. I suspect they'll end up somewhere up north (don't get there to often myself), but you never know.

[SB's Mom]

Paul. . .my friend works for a major construction company here in Alabama that has been building in Africa on American compounds. I'll see what area he is head to from his mother and pm you about it.

Susan. . .again I understand about the dinner. I know your son was surprised by the e-mails today.

Have a great week (I'm almost finished with LAUNDRY!!):laundy:

Charlene

[IrishCowboy]

We also rebooked for 11/22/2008. I've used AAA and DU in the past, but I plan on transfering this reservation to Costco. I've read on this board about Costco rebates of $300-400.

Anyone used Costco for a cruise before?

[disneypoor]

I've also read great things about Costco and would be interested in knowing what their offer is. I had sortof planned to keep our DD 08 with DCL this time but would probably move it if I found a good offer. If anyone knows of something great, please let me know.:)

BTW--great to have you onboard with us "travelling turkeys" Irishcowboy!

[dutch_girl_scout]

I think I read that CostCo stopped giving onboard credit and/or rebates and instead they give store credit now. They used to just take a percantage off the top. Last time I called them (last year sometime) they gave me a quote even though I wasn't a member.

Paul-Glad we get another chance to meet. Next week will come too soon for you I'm sure.

Andy had his 4 month check up today. He's 14 lbs 10 oz!!!! I knew he grew a lot while we were gone but I didn't know he'd grown that much. He's up to around 40% on the growth charts!!!

Susan--Let your DD know that DH and I were talking about coming down to KC for a weekend sometime this spring and/or early summer with the kids. We'd love to meet you guys at our favorite steak place (I can't remember the name but it's by a Cracker Barrel/Wal-Mart/Kohl's/Waffle House). We'd probably stay at the Great Wolf, do you think they let guests of guests play at the water park?

[disneypoor]

Stacie--let us know when you're coming! We would love to meet up with you. As far as guests playing at Great Wolf Lodge, you get so many tickets per room, and then you can purchase (for $15) the same amount of tickets as you had with your room. I hope that makes sense. In other words, we could meet you if you decide to do that and we'd have to pay the $15 per ticket. My kids love Great Wolf Lodge. In fact, when we were on our way to the airport for the cruise, DH said we should just stay there (he was joking!) and DS screams out, "yea!!!!!" Kids these days! I guess he didn't realize how much $$$ we'd paid for the cruise.:confused3

Susan

[SB's Mom]

My first day off since the cruise. . .I'm cleaning house and FINALLY catching up on the laundry. I hope everyone is doing well! I know some of you midwesterns are having terrible storms! It is cooler here today. I wasn't prepared for the drop tempature and had to change clothes after I took Stacy to school.

We guessed Stacy spring break correctly for next year! We'll be in the Western Carribean on March 10!
The school board released the schedule yesterday!

Have a great weekend!
Charlene

[mwrogers]

We booked the March 17th cruise with Costco. Yesterday we got our $350 Costco cash card in the mail. That will last us about a month there! If you are a member, it's a pretty good deal.

[disneypoor]

That's wonderful! I've heard that Costco is pretty good to work with, and the gift card can always come in handy (especially after a vacation;) ).