View Full Version : March 15-22, 2008 Eastern - Way-Way Early Check In
sk8ingmom
11-02-2006, 03:34 PM
I know there are more of you out there. Someone got all the SPHs!!
We are taking DCL #3 pirate:
Diznyfan68
12-11-2006, 10:44 PM
Just booked this cruise last week while on the Wonder last week! Can't wait to go.
becca_n_wa
01-01-2007, 04:02 PM
Someone got all the SPHs!!
ALREADY? Wow you guys work FAST!
Anyway, we are hoping to be on this cruise also. We are pcs'ing to Hunter Army Airfeild (Savannah GA) in March. From the research that I have done, this is the week that my kids will have Spring break. Make a long story short, if it is my kid's spring break, we will on this cruise! :thumbsup2
Diznyfan68
02-03-2007, 11:37 PM
Just wanted to post that we won't be taking this cruise after all - instead we booked onto the EB PC Repo cruise in Aug. 2008. Hope everyone who does do this cruise has a great time!
sk8ingmom
02-04-2007, 02:17 AM
Ditto pirate:
Ub_Iwerks
02-24-2007, 09:49 AM
I have one SPH room on this cruise. It is our first cruise ever, and we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary with the kids.
We got a SPH room too! Just booked this cruise yesterday and was shocked to see there were any SPH rooms left.
This will be our second cruise - DH, DD10, DD5 and me.
Partial list of cruisers
I will keep updating the list - please pm for additions or corrections
nlm - Nancy, DH (Don), DD10, DD5
swilphil - Sherri, DS7, DS5
carolmp - Carol, DH (Scott), DD14 (Kelly), DD10 (Lauren)
happymommy - Amy, DH, DD8, DS10
limati - Lisa, Mike, Dylan (13), Katie (thisclose to 10),
Tamie, Steve, Turner (15), Emma (10),
Betty (nana)
pop5 - Paige, dh, 4 ds's(14,10,7,6) and my 2 step sons(23 and 24) and my parents
Worktoplay - Marie, DS13 (Jeff)
Pammy jo - me, dh, 3 ds (11,9,6)
tecdavidt - Dave, Kathy, Stephanie (15), David Jr. (23), Jessica (26 David's girlfriend), Zach (7 Jessica's son)
julie t. - Julie, DH, DD(12), DD(10/11) and DD(will be 9)
staceys0513 - me, DH, DS(11), DD(9), DS(18months), Grandpa, Grandma
ohiocindy - me, DH, DS(8)
DisneyDaysLV - Bryan, DW-Kristen, DS11-Tyler and DD10
lizg123 - Liz, DH, DS13
DiszyGram - Gail, DD, DGS(8)
wrightz05 - Marvin (me), DW Karen, DS Peyton(10), DD Meredith(8)
Father and Mother in-law
KerrGirl - Heather, DH Josh, DD(2) and DS (1)
LisaBi - Lisa, DS17
cozit - Liz, DH, DS11, DD9
Wendy151950 - Wendy, DD12 (Sarah)
Txesquire - DW, DH, DS6, DS4
thejudge - me, DH, DS11 & neighbors (DW, DH, DS15, DD11)
disneycrazy2004 - me, DH, 10, 7
kalaha - me, DH, DS(3), DS(7), parents, brother, and his family (wife and daughters ages 8 & 10)
PixyDusted - me, BF
Gretel - Lisa (43), Mark (47), Caitlin (19), Emilee (17)
Meets:
Friday night - 7:30 @ the Radisson's pool (for those at the Radisson and anyone who wants to join in)
Saturday - 11:00 kids meet in the terminal at the port (DD10 will have lots of green Mardi Gras bead on to make the meet easy to find)
Saturday - 3pm @ Goofy's Galley/Scoops (In case of rain - 3pm @ Promenade Lounge)
Monday - St. Patricks's Day - Diversions @ 10pm
DIStag
cozit - forward on the 7th deck - "Castaway Cay" coloring pages (Mickey sunning in one and riding a wave on a tube in the other)
carolmp - Deck 5 - likes the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings
Lizg123 - Deck 2, midship. We will be having Tink, Tigger and Capt Jack on our door.
limati - deck 6 forward Mickey n' Minnie forever
nlm - Deck 5 - A1(villains) & A2(princesses)
julie t - Deck 6, 2 rooms next to each other. Figment, Tink, and a snorkling Minnie. Also Minnie ears and Sorcerer ears.
PixyDusted - forward elevators in the "7s". We have a cute markerboard with fun foam on it and Mickey ears that will have circles inside saying what day of the cruise it is!
becca_n_wa
04-13-2007, 10:37 PM
We are keeping our fingers crossed. Looks like DH will leave for Iraq again around August. Since this is the kid's spring break week, maybe he can get home for R&R during that time frame.....Its the Army who knows...just hope and wish and ask for some:tink: pixie dust!
We are keeping our fingers crossed. Looks like DH will leave for Iraq again around August. Since this is the kid's spring break week, maybe he can get home for R&R during that time frame.....Its the Army who knows...just hope and wish and ask for some:tink: pixie dust!
I'm so sorry to hear your husband is heading back to Iraq. I'll keep my fingers crossed that he stays safe and is able to get some R&R leave during the spring break cruise.
I just read your trip report and really enjoyed it. You have a beautiful family. Here's wishing your husband's stay in Iraq will be short and your family will reunited quickly. :wizard:
janets
04-26-2007, 01:25 PM
This is my kids' spring break too and I'd love to cruise, but was shocked when I looked at the prices for that week. And then to add in airfare from the NE I'm thinking it's just too much for us to handle.
This is my kids' spring break too and I'd love to cruise, but was shocked when I looked at the prices for that week. And then to add in airfare from the NE I'm thinking it's just too much for us to handle.
I know what you mean - this cruise is almost double what our November 2006 cruise cost!
We don't have much choice though, because we don't want to pull our kids out of school. We took DD9 out of school for three days in November 2006 for our first cruise and it was like pulling teeth to get her to do her school work on the ship. Who wants to go through that while on vacation? On top of that, her grades dropped when she returned to school. She developed quite a "cruise-a-tude"! As a result, we decided that we couldn't take her out of school for vacations again and need to vacation during school breaks only. :sad1:
janets
04-27-2007, 02:09 PM
We also have off in November...we live in NJ so we have Teachers Convention Week. My boys are out of school on Thurs/Fri November 8/9 and we have 1/2 days the earlier part of the week so we always go away. However, my husband has a new job and they discourage vacations during Nov/Dec. So if we're going to take a family vacation that doesn't include pulling out of school, that leaves the spring break or 1 of the last 2 weeks of August.
Maybe I should look to August for the cruise and try something less expensive for March.
We're cruising on Liberty of the Seas for Teachers Convention this year.
We are on this one too. It is also our spring break. I have 5 boys 15,13,9,6 and 5. We just did the eastern a few weeks ago and loved it!!:cool1: We had great people on this past cruise and I am looking foward to getting to know all of you. Having others to obsess with is half the fun.
We are on this one too. It is also our spring break. I have 5 boys 15,13,9,6 and 5. We just did the eastern a few weeks ago and loved it!!:cool1: We had great people on this past cruise and I am looking foward to getting to know all of you. Having others to obsess with is half the fun.
Welcome pop5! It's so nice to see our group growing. I was afraid most DIS'ers were going to be doing the repo's or t-giving double dip. :laughing:
Five boys - wow! I've only got two girls - ages 10 & 5 when we cruise. We went on our first cruise during Jersey week 2006 - it was a western - and we're really looking forward to this spring break cruise.
I'm glad to hear you liked the eastern. Since you did it so recently, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it. What were the temps like? How about the water at Castaway Cay? What about excursions? LOL - looks like I'll be picking your brains!
Hi nlm, we love the eastern we did. we had so much fun. the water at castaway was good enough for the kids. i did not get in, however, tons of people did. we enjoyed all the sea days especially. :)
I have a question.....some of you had said you were suprised that there was any single porthole rooms left. I didnt realize-do they go that fast? We had the two portholes but we booked late last time. For this cruise, we do have the single porthole on deck two. I would think you would like the single better since you can sit and still see the view. With the two you have to stand and look out.
becca_n_wa
05-03-2007, 07:45 PM
I have a question.....some of you had said you were suprised that there was any single porthole rooms left. I didnt realize-do they go that fast? We had the two portholes but we booked late last time. For this cruise, we do have the single porthole on deck two. I would think you would like the single better since you can sit and still see the view. With the two you have to stand and look out.
SPH meaning secret port hole not single port hole. The secret port holes go so fast since they are not so secret anymore. ;) Since you are getting these obstructed views at a cat 10 price, these are booked right away.
We now know DH leaves for Iraq July 10th. :sad2: So, now we just have to wait and see if he gets R&R.
You guys are scaring me - talking about these prices. :eek: If we can go, I am hoping for a good military rate. Why do you think the rates are so high? Is this Spring Break for lots? I thought most spring breaks are end of March into April? We just moved here to Savannah but this will be our earliest spring break my kids have ever had.
becca_n_wa
05-03-2007, 07:48 PM
Hi nlm, we love the eastern we did. we had so much fun. the water at castaway was good enough for the kids. i did not get in, however, tons of people did. we enjoyed all the sea days especially. :)
Did you write a TR? I would love to hear what you did on the Eastern
Thanks for responding about the spr's. I guess I need to study the abbreviation info.:) No, I did not do a report. My typical response would be "I dont have time because of 5 kids" , however, as much time as I spend on these boards I could have written a trip novel!!:rotfl2: We had the time of our lives on the cruise though. My husband and myself are doing the 4 night wonder this coming July(without kids) to celebrate my 40th bday.:banana:
One more thing....becca n wa - I just realized that I had read your ta . I enjoyed reading and seeing all your pictures. By the way, We are in Alabama.:)
becca_n_wa
05-04-2007, 08:10 AM
One more thing....becca n wa - I just realized that I had read your ta . I enjoyed reading and seeing all your pictures. By the way, We are in Alabama.:)
Thanks!
YOu have got to tell us somethings you did on the Eastern! I understand about the TR. We all have busy lives. When I get a few minutes of free time (usually during eating breakfast or lunch;) alone) this is where I go. The DIS boards. Oh how does it get so addicting?:confused3 I guess its my drug of choice, well DIS and food. Funny how I do them together. Ok, now maybe I need some therpy. :lmao:
Where are you in AL? So I assume all the spring breaks that are during this week are far southern states?
Hope you enjoy your July cruise for your b-day.:cool1: Without kids...oh my. You will be lost without them. DH and I took a 3 night cruise (first time EVER going anywhere alone) back in 2005. We didnt know what to do by ourselves. :rolleyes1
Hi beccanwa, what did we do on the eastern.....One sea day we did the palo brunch and really enjoyed it. On another, we did the couples massage. We did get off the ship in St thomas and walked around and shopped for a bit. At St Marteen, we got a cab and took a 2 hour tour. I would not exactly do it again. It just seemed a little long for me. I am not an excursion person. I like to get of the ship and just do our own thing. We did enjoy getting back onboard early and not having all the crowds. We did see most of the shows and loved them all. My favorite thing to do was go into the rainforest room and get some hot tea while sitting in the heated loungers.:) That was so relaxing just sitting there looking at the fountain. We had early dinner and that worked well with the kids. We stayed on deck 1 with 2 portholes. These boards made the whole trip so much better for my whole family. I couldnt imagine going without all the knowledge I gained here. We are in Bham.:thumbsup2
You guys are scaring me - talking about these prices. :eek: If we can go, I am hoping for a good military rate. Why do you think the rates are so high? Is this Spring Break for lots? I thought most spring breaks are end of March into April? We just moved here to Savannah but this will be our earliest spring break my kids have ever had.
My kid's have spring break the week before Easter. In 2007, their break started March 30th, in 2008 it will start on March 17th, and in 2008 it will probably start April 6th. My cousin's kids in PA and FL both have spring break the week after Easter. Heck, I work at a University and our spring break is closer to the beginning of March! I think they consider spring break anywhere from the end of Feb through the end of April! ;)
Since so many teachers in Northern Virginia can't afford to live in the county they teach in, several counties are trying to standardize spring break to the first full week in April. That way, if the teacher's kids attend school in one district and they teach in another, they both can have the same week off. Also, I understand a lot of people are unhappy with scheduling spring break around a religious holiday. We'll see if they can come to some consensus....
As for price, our first cruise in November 2006 was 2k less than the spring break 2008 cruise - the reason I think it is expensive. :eek:
Thanks for responding about the spr's. I guess I need to study the abbreviation info.:) No, I did not do a report. My typical response would be "I dont have time because of 5 kids" , however, as much time as I spend on these boards I could have written a trip novel!!:rotfl2: We had the time of our lives on the cruise though. My husband and myself are doing the 4 night wonder this coming July(without kids) to celebrate my 40th bday.:banana:
Wow - early congratulations! Our nov06 cruise was to celebrate my 40th, but the kids came with us - although they spent so much time in the kids club that it was like cruising by ourselves! :rotfl:
I hope you have a great time in July! You'll have to let me know how it goes on the 4 nighter - we're considering booking one in summer 2008 to take advantage of the double dips.
becca_n_wa
05-07-2007, 01:57 PM
[QUOTE=nlm;18543544]My kid's have spring break the week before Easter. I think they consider spring break anywhere from the end of Feb through the end of April! ;)
QUOTE]
My kids had been going to the military schools on post back at Ft campbell. They always had spring break the week after Easter. Which was sad, they would have gotten Good Friday off anyway. Bad thing was we couldnt plan to be anywhere for Easter Sunday (family lived 7 hours away). We would have to have the kids back at school on Monday. So, spring break week coming after Easter Sunday would sound good to us!
Anyway, we are now here at Savannah in public schools (LOL boy is that a change). There are some major changes going on here. They are giving the kids over 3 months off for summer:eek: instead of the 2. They will be out for a week in May, all of June , July, August and do not go back until Sept 4th. WOW thats a longggg summer! Dont know what the big change is about...but sure would like to know!
nlm...i will let you know about the 4 night.:) I hope we get alot more on this date. It is so far away-I bet we will get alot more.
swilphil
05-10-2007, 04:30 AM
This is our first cruise ever. We have 2 boys who will be 5 and 7 when we go. We ALWAYS have our spring break the third week in March and so does a large chunk of the Midwest. I know some of the private schools get the week before and the week after Easter.
Pop5--Did you leave your kids in the Kids Club when you got off the ship. I read the pager can still work, but I how far can you go?
Hi Sherri, we did leave our youngst(5) on the ship while we did a St Marteen tour. He would have complained the whole time and I was also scared he would sneak off. I just felt safer with him on the ship. We were not gone for long and the pagers do not work too far away. I felt like the pros for leaving him on the ship out weighed the odds that they would need us. We did hurry back though. Glad you are joining us.:banana:
Just chiming in about leaving the kids in the clubs. On the Western, we did the Tulum Ruins tour and the kids stayed in the clubs (9 & 4) all day. We left the ship around 8ish or so and returned around 5:00.
My biggest concern was that something would happen during the tour and the boat might leave without us! But, since we booked it through Disney, I felt a little more comfortable that they wouldn't leave. My kids are normally in all day programs - school/preschool and aftercare - so they don't have a problem separating from me for the day.
We didn't have any issues at all - excepted getting back at 5 all stinky and sweaty and having to get the kids, shower, dress for pirate night, and get to the dining room by 5:30. :rolleyes:
Oh, and welcome Sherri! I'm happy you're joining us. :welcome:
Just got our new Castaway Club cards in the mail - it was nice to get something from DCL while we count the days to the next cruise.
Anyone else get their new cards yet?
carolmp
06-10-2007, 11:06 PM
We're going too! It's me, Carol, my DH Scott and two DDs, 14 and 10 by cruise time. DH and I were on the "Big Red Boat" long ago, but none of us have been on a Disney cruise. We were supposed to cruise this Spring Break, but DH picked up an infection in his foot and we had to cancel. So we rescheduled for next year.
I'm starting to look into excursions for the family. I was only planning on doing one. The other port we were just going to hang out at the beach. Does anyone have any suggestions?
We're going too! It's me, Carol, my DH Scott and two DDs, 14 and 10 by cruise time. DH and I were on the "Big Red Boat" long ago, but none of us have been on a Disney cruise. We were supposed to cruise this Spring Break, but DH picked up an infection in his foot and we had to cancel. So we rescheduled for next year.
I'm starting to look into excursions for the family. I was only planning on doing one. The other port we were just going to hang out at the beach. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Welcome Carol - I'm glad you're joining us! :welcome:
Our travelers for this cruise includes me, Nancy, DH Don, and two DD's (10 & 5 at cruise time).
This is our second disney cruise - the first being a western - so I'm in the same "boat" you are with excursions. :laughing: We're also thinking about just one excursion and we'll probably just wing it on the other island and do beach time at CC.
BTW, my dd (10) is looking for an e-pal - do you think your dd (10) would be interested? She emailed with several other girls before our last cruise and would love to do it again.
carolmp
06-21-2007, 03:50 PM
Nancy, I just sent you a PM.
Carol,
My daughter just emailed your daughter - finally. Sorry she took so long - things have been crazy around here ever since school ended.
Nancy
Unless someone objects, I'd like to volunteer to keep a list of cruisers on page one. I see it on other meet threads and it seems like a good way to keep track of who is cruising.
I'll start it out with our information. If you'd like to be listed, just shoot me a PM and I'll add you and whatever family information you'd like to include.
Regards,
Nancy
limati
07-13-2007, 03:57 PM
We'll be joining you on the 3/15 sailing. We are all so excited. This will also be the first airplane trip for 5 out of the nine of us (including my mom!). I have quickly become addicted to this board.
Lisa
carolmp
07-13-2007, 04:19 PM
Welcome Lisa! It's good to have more people here.
I understand about being addicted to the board. I'm pretty much on here every day. I hope the cruise lives up to its hype!
Carol
limati
07-15-2007, 06:00 PM
Okay I am officially addicted to "dis" board now. My dd (10) and I watched the Disney cruise video again! My ds (13) groans and says, "But it's so far away." Gotta love the teen attitude. We applied for the kid's passports this past Friday. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes.
Lisa:) :)
Okay I am officially addicted to "dis" board now. My dd (10) and I watched the Disney cruise video again! My ds (13) groans and says, "But it's so far away." Gotta love the teen attitude. We applied for the kid's passports this past Friday. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes.
Hi Lisa - and welcome! I'm glad you'll be on the cruise with us.
Yikes - passports! I forgot all about them! Guess I'll be downloading the apps and applying for them ASAP!
Nancy
limati
07-17-2007, 10:52 PM
Hi back at ya Nancy! I just hope we filled everything out okay We had our pictures taken at Walgreens. It was 7.99 for two pics. At the post office where we applied for our passports, the pictures were $15.00.
I really enjoy reading the trip reports. There are some talented and funny writers around here
I just hope we filled everything out okay We had our pictures taken at Walgreens. It was 7.99 for two pics. At the post office where we applied for our passports, the pictures were $15.00.
Okay - so I filled out our applications online and printed them out. Now all we need are the pictures, and the $400 or so in fees :eek: , and I'll be ready to mail them out.
Thanks for the Walgreens hint. I've also heard that Costco is a pretty good place to get the pictures done. I think I'll check them out first, but I'll definitely keep Walgreens as a backup - just in case!
carolmp
07-18-2007, 11:57 AM
Yeah, there's that "hidden" cost to the cruise!
We just got our pictures taken at the post office. I had heard some horror stories about wrong picture size and such. I didn't want to deal with it. Then we only had one stop to make at the post office instead of the stop at Walgreens and the stop at the post office.
Now that I have my passport, I'm thinking I'm going to need more stamps in it than just those from the cruise..... I'm going to need some from Europe too! I need to get full use out of it!
limati
07-24-2007, 04:54 PM
Where are you March 15 - 22 cruisers? I was wondering if those of you with kids are on spring break at that time or not. We're going to need to take ours out for a few days. Also, are you flying in the day before or arriving on cruise day. We were originally booking flight and transfers from Disney, but I'm thinking it would be good to arrive a day early in order to be ready to sail on Saturday a bit less rushed. I think I would like to have more control over flight times.
Lisa
carolmp
07-24-2007, 10:27 PM
Hi Lisa,
There doesn't seem to be too many of us yet. I think most of the posts at the beginning of the thread either cancelled or never actually booked!
Yes, we are going during our Spring Break time. We are taking the kids out a day early, so we are flying in on Friday. Our only other cruise (the Big Red Boat - 4 day sea/3 day land) we missed the boat. We had plane problems in Cleveland (not my favorite city anymore) and we just flat out missed it. So we aren't taking any chances of flying in the same day. We have a room at the Best Western in Cocoa Beach for Friday night. We should get into Orlando around 1:00 in the afternoon and are renting a car and driving to the port. Initially we were going to take the transfers, but with the early arrival time, I didn't want to hang out at the airport all day. I figured we may as well get out of there and be on our way. :cheer2:
If you are going to book your own air, I would do it as soon as possible. I booked mine about 6 weeks ago, and the cost has already gone up $150 a ticket. I also know that a friend of mine was trying to go somewhere for Spring Break last year and she couldn't find any flights at all. They were all sold out. I had initially booked through Disney, but I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't get a direct flight. This way I booked my own air with a direct flight, so it will be a little easier than travelling all day. Also, because I booked early enough, I saved $150 a ticket on the Disney price.
So your school isn't on Spring Break that week?
On a completely different topic, where in Kentucky are you from? We are driving down to Smokey Mountain NP and Mammoth Cave NP in mid August. Do you have any tips for us?
Carol
limati
07-24-2007, 10:44 PM
We live in Northern Ky. - across the river from Cincinnati.
We were in the Smokies last month. I absolutely love the mountains. Stop in at the Sugarland visitor's center. There's loads of information there and the rangers are very helpful. There are many hiking trails (beginner to advanced). I got some wonderful pictures. Cade's Cove is beautiful and you can drive/park,walk many areas.
Mammoth cave is great too. It's been a while since I've been there.
My kids have a weird spring break this year. It runs from a Thursday to a Thursday. They would have missed school no matter what week we picked. My sister's kids are off the week of the 15th.
Lisa
happymommy
07-27-2007, 05:30 PM
Hi! Just chiming in from Maryland. After countless trips to WDW (and DH is so sick of theme parks, bless him, I frequently take kids without him even), we were looking for something different this spring break. My kids are in private school here in Maryland. They always have spring break mid-March. I looked into all-inclusives, but after taking family to (a not all inclusive but 5 star resort in) Mexico in 2004, it was difficult as DS has food allergies. I thought, a cruise is like an all-inclusive - kids activities - yeah! I trust Disney with his allergies. So I booked us 2 cat 10's connecting (weird thing is, it was the same price as if we all shared one cat 10 by a few dollars!). I don't care about a window - would have loved a veranda but that would be $3000 more AND we'd share a room! No way.
We'll come in the day before (waiting for Southwest, as we're close to BWI). So much planning! Where to stay night before (I'll have to pull them out of school, as I'm not flying in the evening, but maybe I'll send them to school and fly after 5pm). Plus they don't go back to school till the Tuesday after Easter, so gotta maybe stay in Orlando a couple nights after cruise, right? We'll see, DH won't go for it! But who knows?
Happy to be here!
carolmp
07-27-2007, 05:49 PM
Welcome, HappyMommy! It's nice to get more people signed up.
We too are taking the kids out of school a day early and flying in the night before. I didn't want to take the chance. Lucky you to have the extra days off. Our kids start back up right away on Monday. We spent Thanksgiving at WDW one year. It was kind of strange not spending the time with family, so we decided that we wanted to be home for Easter.
If you're like me, you will quickly become addicted to this board!
limati
07-27-2007, 07:29 PM
Our kids will miss the Friday before and the Mon., Tues., and Weds. of cruise week. They are off Thurs of cruise week to the following Thursday. They will have time to make up any missed work before they go back. We usually follow the public school system's days off, but it's different this year.
We are flying in the night before. We found a pretty good rate for a flight out of Dayton, OH (about half the cost of the Cincinnati airport. I want to be able to get to port early.
Happymommy, never hurts to ask! Maybe he'll still be feeling the "Magic"
Lisa
Where are you March 15 - 22 cruisers? I was wondering if those of you with kids are on spring break at that time or not. We're going to need to take ours out for a few days. Also, are you flying in the day before or arriving on cruise day. We were originally booking flight and transfers from Disney, but I'm thinking it would be good to arrive a day early in order to be ready to sail on Saturday a bit less rushed. I think I would like to have more control over flight times.
Lisa
Hi Lisa!
I haven't been around much - been in North Carolina and Florida over the last few weeks. Things should quiet down now - until another Florida trip over Labor Day weekend.
My kids are on spring break that week. I'm going to take DD10 out on the Friday before because we're driving down (12 hours). We're planning to leave around 4 or 5am so we can get there around dinner time. Last time we cruised, we pulled our older daughter out of school at lunch time (11:30), didn't get on the road until 12:30 and pulled into our hotel (Radisson) at 1am. We were wiped on Saturday - the whole day was a bit of a blur. This time, we're just keeping her out of school and taking off as early as possible.
It's not a bad idea to come in the day before - I've heard horror stories of delayed planes and people missing or just making the boat.
BTW - I'm trying to compile a list of cruisers on page 1. Do you want me to add you and your family?
Nancy
Hi all! We are still on for this spring break cruise. We just got back from a 4 night Wonder last week. It was just not long enough. We talk about the cruise all the time around my house.:)
limati
08-02-2007, 05:36 PM
Nancy,
That would be great if you could add our names. There are nine of us sailing together (though none of them are quite as ocd about researching and planning as I am!).
Our group is: Lisa, Mike, Dylan (13), Katie (thisclose to 10)
Tamie, Steve, Turner (15), Emma (10)
Betty (nana)
My husband has rheumatoid arthritis - he couldn't take that long of a drive. After this, my kids probably won't want to travel any other way!
Lisa
limati
08-02-2007, 05:46 PM
Hello pop5
I'm jealous! I have been addicted to the dis board for a few weeks now. Did you just love your cruise? I'm am trying not to overload the kids with details to keep the experiences they'll have full of surprises (it is hard sometimes). I even got dh, dd, ds, and me matching shirts for the boys and dresses for the girls. I found some great deals on a Disney shopping site.
Lisa
Hey Lisa, you and your kids are going to love this cruise. We did this same one this past march and had such a great time. I am looking foward to a great dis group. Nancy, my group consist of myself, dh, 4 ds's(14,10,7,6) and my 2 step sons(23 and 24) and my parents. I have been on 2 dcl cruises so far and I am finding as soon as I get back from a cruise I get right back on these boards. :) I really cant help it but I spend way too much time here.:rotfl: Paige(from Alabama)
limati
08-02-2007, 08:40 PM
My sister saw someone yesterday that had on a DCL t-shirt. She asked her about it and the lady said they had a great time!
I went on a couple of Carnival cruises before I got married. I loved those cruises, but I can't wait to see my family enjoying themselves (especially my mom).
Pop5 I have one teenage son (a.k.a. Eating Machine). How do you feed all those boys? LOL I bet there's never a dull moment. Do your kids like the kid's clubs?
Lisa
I added Lisa and Paige to the list of cruisers on page 1. Please PM me for corrections/additions.
Paige - I'd love to hear some more details about your recent 4 day cruise.
Nancy
Thanks Nancy. How do we get to this page?? We really had a good time. It was very hot. It really makes you appreciate the longer cruise though. You feel like you are trying to fit everything in. The food was good and we saw Hercules and enjoyed that. My favorite time was spent in the rainforest room! Love it!! Paige
Worktoplay
08-03-2007, 05:49 PM
Hi All, We too will be joining you on this cruise! It will be myself, Marie and my DS Jeff who will be 13 on this cruise. We've sailed with Disney 3X so far. We went on the Med Cruise on June 16th and I booked this while on board. Any savings helps especially during spring break.
I can't wait to meet everyone.:goodvibes
Marie
Thanks Nancy. How do we get to this page?? We really had a good time. It was very hot. It really makes you appreciate the longer cruise though. You feel like you are trying to fit everything in. The food was good and we saw Hercules and enjoyed that. My favorite time was spent in the rainforest room! Love it!! Paige
Paige,
The list is on page 1, post #8. Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18086505&postcount=8.
Rainforest room, huh? Did you get a day pass or a week pass? I was thinking about doing that last cruise, but never got around to it. Since we will have more ship time on this cruise, I've been giving it a thought. Did you do anything else in the spa?
Nancy
Hi All, We too will be joining you on this cruise! It will be myself, Marie and my DS Jeff who will be 13 on this cruise. We've sailed with Disney 3X so far. We went on the Med Cruise on June 16th and I booked this while on board. Any savings helps especially during spring break.
I can't wait to meet everyone.:goodvibes
Marie
Hi Marie!
:welcome:
I'll add you and Jeff to our list of cruisers on page 1. Our small group is really starting to grow fast!
How did you enjoy the Med Cruise? Did you do a trip report?
Nancy
Hey Nancy. I did get the weekly rainforest pass. I really enjoyed that. I did have a couples massage and the cellulite reduction thing. That was a BIG RIP-OFF!!! Dont forget to write "no sales pitch" on your form or you wont even be able to enjoy your treatments. They will try and sell you the sheets.:lmao: Paige
carolmp
08-07-2007, 09:47 AM
Paige,
What is the weekly Rainforest pass? What do you get?
Carol
Hey Nancy. I did get the weekly rainforest pass. I really enjoyed that. I did have a couples massage and the cellulite reduction thing. That was a BIG RIP-OFF!!! Dont forget to write "no sales pitch" on your form or you wont even be able to enjoy your treatments. They will try and sell you the sheets.:lmao: Paige
Thanks for the "no sales pitch" tip. I didn't get a chance to enjoy any spa treatments on our first cruise, and am looking forward to trying some this time, so I'll make sure to write that on the form.
Pammy jo
08-07-2007, 05:38 PM
Count me in with the cruise! This is our 2nd DCL trip. We took a 4 day prior and it just wasn't long enough. Booked another 4 day until last week when I realized that it was only $470 more for the whole family of 5 to do the 7 day . . .so here we are! It's me, by dh, 3 ds (11,9,6).
We'll be driving down the Friday before. Leaving when the boys are out at noon. It'll be long, but we're used to it. Driving is worth the savings of 5 plane tickets.
Count me in with the cruise! This is our 2nd DCL trip. We took a 4 day prior and it just wasn't long enough. Booked another 4 day until last week when I realized that it was only $470 more for the whole family of 5 to do the 7 day . . .so here we are! It's me, by dh, 3 ds (11,9,6).
We'll be driving down the Friday before. Leaving when the boys are out at noon. It'll be long, but we're used to it. Driving is worth the savings of 5 plane tickets.
Hi Pammy jo! :wave2: Glad you made the change and joined us! :welcome: I'll add you to our list of cruisers on page 1 (post #8).
We're from Northern VA and will be driving down as well. It takes us about 12 - 12 1/2 hours to get to Cape Canaveral from Fairfax. How about you? Where do you live in Northern VA? Did you drive down when you went on your 4 day cruise? If yes, how long did it take you?
DD10's school doesn't get out until 2:20. Last time we pulled her out at noon, got on the road at 12:30, and didn't roll into the Radisson until 1am. This time, we're pulling her out the whole day and leaving around 4 - 5 am. Hopefully we'll get to the hotel by dinnertime and we can all unwind before bedtime.
Nancy
Pammy jo
08-08-2007, 11:38 AM
You must drive pretty fast! It takes us closer to 18 hrs to make the trek. We usually stop for breakfast at a Cracker Barrell and then at a McD's to let the boys play for awhile at lunch. We always leave at 4am, but this year we won't be leaving until noon. We're coming from Leesburg which might add about an hour to our drive from you. We plan on going straight to the port.
After the cruise we'll probably stay 2 days - haven't figured out which resort yet. My boys goes to private school so we don't have to be back until that Tuesday.
You must drive pretty fast! It takes us closer to 18 hrs to make the trek. We usually stop for breakfast at a Cracker Barrell and then at a McD's to let the boys play for awhile at lunch. We always leave at 4am, but this year we won't be leaving until noon. We're coming from Leesburg which might add about an hour to our drive from you. We plan on going straight to the port.
DH's driving? Let's just say, speed of light? faster than a speeding bullet? :lmao: He's very focused. Our stops are mimimized as much as possible. When we do stop, we grab gas, food-to-go, and use the restroom all at the same time.
carolmp
08-08-2007, 12:32 PM
Wow, that's a big time difference between you too. I wonder what each of you will look like on Saturday! :goodvibes
Nancy and I have already determined that we are getting up and leaving at about the same time. But I get to hop on a plane!
Pammy Jo, do you stop at a hotel along the way, or will you drive straight through?
Worktoplay
08-08-2007, 02:30 PM
Hi Marie!
:welcome:
I'll add you and Jeff to our list of cruisers on page 1. Our small group is really starting to grow fast!
How did you enjoy the Med Cruise? Did you do a trip report?
Nancy
Thanks Nancy,
We loved the Med Cruise thanks to all the wonderful Disboarders that we met! It was beyond fabulous! I did not do a trip report, but we were on the June 16th cruise and many others did. If Disney goes back - don't miss it!
Marie
Wow, that's a big time difference between you too. I wonder what each of you will look like on Saturday! :goodvibes
Last cruise, Saturday was a bit of a blur - especially since we needed to run around and get some stuff done as soon as we got on the boat. The boat was a-movin' that night (very choppy seas), the little girl at the table behind us at dinner got motion sickness, and we all collapsed in bed at 8pm. (we were exhausted!) If you had asked me that night, I would have told you I'd never cruise again!!!! :laughing:
This cruise, we plan on leaving around 4am and hope to get there before dinner. Hopefully we'll be able to relax and get organized so that we can enjoy the first day on the boat.
Nancy
Pammy jo
08-09-2007, 11:32 AM
Well, truth be known, I sleep most of the way! We occasionally stop somewhere but not usually. My dh is pretty good on little sleep. I usually drive a few of the hours. Me? Well I'd probably have to make the trip in 3 days if I were to go at it alone!!!!
Trying to figure out excursions now. What are ya'll going to do? I'm one of those people who would like to do everything, but I really want to relax and just enjoy some down time on this cruise . . .something I don't usually do.
carolmp
08-09-2007, 11:46 AM
I'm not sure what excursions we are going on. Right now I'm leaning towards just going to a beach and shopping on our own in St. Martin, and then doing the Doubloon Snorkel on St. Thomas. But Coral World sounds pretty good too, and I don't want to do both. So I'm not sure yet. Has anyone been to Coral World? Is it worth it for a 14 and 10 year old? We have Underwater Adventures here at the Mall of America. That has a giant tank with sharks and turtles and stuff that you walk through, similar to the Living Seas at DW. Is Coral World like that? If so, I think we can skip it.
limati
08-09-2007, 12:23 PM
I think we're going to stay close to the ship, probably do a little (or a lot of)
shopping. I've heard that a good time to be on the ship is when it's docked. I would like to get some snorkeling in and have my family try it. I think we'll take our own snorkel gear. Do any of you have any teens who have done the teen excursion on Castaway Cay? This sounds like fun. From the looks of it it looks like we have quite a few 10 year olds sailing. If any kids are interested in e-mailing my 10 yo daughter, let me know.
Lisa
I think we're going to stay close to the ship, probably do a little (or a lot of)
shopping. I've heard that a good time to be on the ship is when it's docked. I would like to get some snorkeling in and have my family try it. I think we'll take our own snorkel gear. Do any of you have any teens who have done the teen excursion on Castaway Cay? This sounds like fun. From the looks of it it looks like we have quite a few 10 year olds sailing. If any kids are interested in e-mailing my 10 yo daughter, let me know.
Lisa
No teens yet, sorry. DD10 did do a scavenger hunt on CC - and she loved it!
I'll send you a PM with DD's info - she'd love another to virtually meet another 10 year old girl!
Nancy
I think we're going to stay close to the ship, probably do a little (or a lot of)
shopping. I've heard that a good time to be on the ship is when it's docked. I would like to get some snorkeling in and have my family try it. I think we'll take our own snorkel gear. Do any of you have any teens who have done the teen excursion on Castaway Cay? This sounds like fun. From the looks of it it looks like we have quite a few 10 year olds sailing. If any kids are interested in e-mailing my 10 yo daughter, let me know.
Lisa
Hi Lisa! :wave:
DD10 sent your DD10 and your DN (dear niece??)10 an email last night. She went on, and on, and on in the email. :laughing:
Nancy
limati
08-15-2007, 09:57 AM
Thanks for the heads up Nancy. She had been checking for a few days but she had a busy day yesterday. We're getting ready for school to start tomorrow.
Lisa
Hi everyone!
Well, we finally got our passport applications submitted two weekends ago. From taking the pictures at Wegman's (a supermarket - $7.99) to waiting in line at the post office on a Saturday afternoon to handing in the applications and money, it took about 4 hours total. Not bad in the DC area! :lmao:
Where are you all staying the night before the cruise? I know one family is staying at the Best Western, but what about everyone else? We'll be driving down on Friday and leaving our van at the hotel, so we would like to stay at a hotel with free parking and shuttle. Last time we stayed at the Radisson. It was okay, but nothing great. We signed up for the first shuttle to port and it seemed like they let everyone sign up for the first shuttle. It was like the whole hotel emptied to the front of the hotel and were all jockeying for position at 10am! You had to find the guy with the clipboard and get your name on a list. He then filled the shuttles from the list - not from the reservation you made in advance. It wasn't horrible, but it was crazy! Large groups traveling together with LOTS of luggage. Humorous, really. Anyway, we were on the third shuttle and got to port by 10:30 or so, so no harm done. I'd do it again if we can't find anything better, but I'll be prepared for the am chaos! :laughing:
So, where will you be staying the night before the cruise???
Nancy
Pammy jo
08-15-2007, 11:14 AM
We went to get our passports yesterday. The woman at the P.O. said 6-8 weeks. Should be plenty of time. The only thing I didn't like was that they kept all my kids original birth certficates. Guess they do that, but what if I should need them for something? Sure glad we aren't going to a new school or anything where they require them to bring them in. Anyway, I'll feel better that they are in my hands once they get returned. And then I'll have passports to boot! Yay! The trip is starting to seem for real . . .even if it's a ways off yet.
We went to get our passports yesterday. The woman at the P.O. said 6-8 weeks. Should be plenty of time. The only thing I didn't like was that they kept all my kids original birth certficates. Guess they do that, but what if I should need them for something? Sure glad we aren't going to a new school or anything where they require them to bring them in. Anyway, I'll feel better that they are in my hands once they get returned. And then I'll have passports to boot! Yay! The trip is starting to seem for real . . .even if it's a ways off yet.
I know what you mean about the birth certificates. While we were waiting at the post office, a woman was at the copier and shared her passport horror story with us. It seemed that she applied in January and they mailed it to her, along with her original birth certificate, in March. Unfortuantely, she never received it! :scared1: Talk about the identity theft possibilities - geez! Anyway, now it's August and she's working with her congressman's office to expedite another passport.
carolmp
08-15-2007, 11:31 AM
Hi,
Yes, it is a strange feeling sending those birth certificates away. They do come back!
Nancy, I was looking at the web site for the Best Western, and they do offer a shuttle. I just thought I'd throw that out there. I didn't see it the first time I looked at the web site.
Talk to you later!
Carol
carolmp
08-15-2007, 11:38 AM
Hey, I just realized by looking at Lisa's ticker that we sail 7 months from today. Woo hoo!
So should I be shopping or something? I feel like I should be picking up bargains, but they are all gone. Not much summer merchandise left in the stores up here. Each girl got a new swimsuit on clearance, but they will probably still need another one by next Spring. What all are you gals picking up?
Hi,
Yes, it is a strange feeling sending those birth certificates away. They do come back!
Nancy, I was looking at the web site for the Best Western, and they do offer a shuttle. I just thought I'd throw that out there. I didn't see it the first time I looked at the web site.
Talk to you later!
Carol
Hi Carol!
I thought you'd be in the mountains this week. When are you guys heading out?
DH and the girls went to Luray Cavern this weekend and then went into Shenandoah National Park afterwards. When he brought it up, I thought about your guys, since I know you like to go to the mountains/camping. Have you ever made it to the Shenandoah Mountains?
Thanks for the tip about the Best Western. I'll take a look.
Nancy
carolmp
08-15-2007, 12:03 PM
We leave Saturday. DD14 is at camp this week, so we are picking her up at 10:00 and leaving right from there. Our goal is to get as close to Indianapolis as we can that night. We should be home next Sunday.
Yes, I'm starting to do some packing and some fine tuning of the activities for the week. I scheduled our tour of the Indy 500 track for Sunday. (Not into racing, but figure if we're in the area, we might as well stop and take a look.) I'm looking at Mammoth Cave tour schedules to see what might fit in the best. I am pleasantly surprised to see that we are using the "off-peak summer" schedule for tours. So hopefully the crowds will be down a little. I have a friend from Kentucky who children started school in mid-August. But that was several years ago, so I'm not sure if that is still the case. So I'm hoping that school is back in session and that it is too early for field trips yet.
limati
08-15-2007, 03:42 PM
Hello All,
7 months? Can't wait. I found some pretty good deals on disneyshopping.com. I got dd some pajamas for 3.99 and 4.99 a set. I also found my dd and I matching print dresses and shirts for the guys in the same print for a pretty good price. There is an outlet section that is pretty good. I also found matching t-shirts for 4.99 each. I love bargain shopping! I even got 15% off and 5.00 shipping on that particular day.
We want to stay close to the port. I really want us to be able to take our time and enjoy everything as much as possible. You know some hotels show up as not available already. Can you believe that?
We are going on 6 weeks since we applied for our passports. I know they have received our app's. so we'll see.
Lisa
We leave Saturday. DD14 is at camp this week, so we are picking her up at 10:00 and leaving right from there. Our goal is to get as close to Indianapolis as we can that night. We should be home next Sunday.
Yes, I'm starting to do some packing and some fine tuning of the activities for the week. I scheduled our tour of the Indy 500 track for Sunday. (Not into racing, but figure if we're in the area, we might as well stop and take a look.) I'm looking at Mammoth Cave tour schedules to see what might fit in the best. I am pleasantly surprised to see that we are using the "off-peak summer" schedule for tours. So hopefully the crowds will be down a little. I have a friend from Kentucky who children started school in mid-August. But that was several years ago, so I'm not sure if that is still the case. So I'm hoping that school is back in session and that it is too early for field trips yet.
Hope you guys have a great time!
We've always had luck traveling towards the end of August - except for the one time DH and DD10 went to Disney and got caught in hurricane evacuations. It was right around labor day weekend, and I was unable to get them on a plane home before school started because of the evacuations, so I wound up renting a car for them and they drove home. Whew!
Fortunately, you shouldn't encounter anything like that during your trip. Dean and Erin aren't forecasted to be anywhere near you, so you should be fine. Please let us know how the trip goes...
Take care and hope you have a great trip!
Nancy
carolmp
08-17-2007, 02:50 PM
Fortunately, you shouldn't encounter anything like that during your trip. Dean and Erin aren't forecasted to be anywhere near you, so you should be fine. Please let us know how the trip goes...
Take care and hope you have a great trip!
Nancy
You know, living in Minnesota, I don't pay attention to hurricane forecasts.... I wouldn't have even considered that.
We should have a good time. I'm pretty much packed. Just have to get some last minute food and stuff. I like to pre-cook as many meals as I can and then heat them up when we need them. Mostly tacos and stuff like that. Then we aren't spending a lot of time on vacation cooking.
Getting ready to watch High School Musical 2 tonight! (See, I've got most of my packing done!) I think Lauren would refuse to go on vacation if she were to miss it! The promos look pretty good. I hope it is as good as the first one. Have a good week!
7 months? Can't wait. I found some pretty good deals on disneyshopping.com. I got dd some pajamas for 3.99 and 4.99 a set. I also found my dd and I matching print dresses and shirts for the guys in the same print for a pretty good price. There is an outlet section that is pretty good. I also found matching t-shirts for 4.99 each. I love bargain shopping! I even got 15% off and 5.00 shipping on that particular day.
I haven't done any major shopping for the cruise yet. We don't have any matching outfits, although I will try to color coordinate us for dinners and the boarding photo. Since we're driving down, we'll probably stop at the disney outlet in St. Augustine on the way down and the way back too! ;)
We want to stay close to the port. I really want us to be able to take our time and enjoy everything as much as possible. You know some hotels show up as not available already. Can you believe that?
Hmmm, I really have to get my research going and figure out where to stay. :moped: What hotel are you looking at?
We are going on 6 weeks since we applied for our passports. I know they have received our app's. so we'll see.
We just got the "we received your application" letter from the state department, and I just registered for electronic updates, so things are moving on our passport front. Pammy jo said the post office told her 6 - 8 weeks total - wouldn't that be nice! I'll keep my fingers crossed for all of us who are waiting!
Getting ready to watch High School Musical 2 tonight! (See, I've got most of my packing done!) I think Lauren would refuse to go on vacation if she were to miss it! The promos look pretty good. I hope it is as good as the first one. Have a good week!
So - did anyone else watch HSM2? What did you think?
I watched on Friday AND Saturday w/DD10 and DD4 - they were mesmerized! Me - not so much. I really enjoyed the first one, but thought the second one was a little choppy. Also, did the music sound kind of tinny/canned to anyone else? (technical term, don't you know! :rotfl: ) Overall, I liked it, but not as much as the first. What did you all think?
limati
08-21-2007, 12:59 PM
I received an e-mail about our children's passports. It said we should have them on or around August 22nd. I haven't heard about when mine will be on it's way (and I was just getting it renewed). We'll see.
We have stayed at Comfort Inn and Suites close to Ron Jon's. I was hoping to stay there or maybe the Best Western that I believe is in Cocoa Beach. Our flight gets in fairly early on Friday so we would like to get to the beach if we can.
As for the matching clothes I doubt the boys will go along. My son will probably roll his 13 year old eyes at that. We'll see. I've already threatened to dress him up in a full pirate costume for Pirate night! "Yeah, right Mom".
Hope everyone is doing well!
Lisa
I received an e-mail about our children's passports. It said we should have them on or around August 22nd. I haven't heard about when mine will be on it's way (and I was just getting it renewed). We'll see.
I only registered my application so far - I'll register the kids tonight so I can get that notice about their passport as well.
We have stayed at Comfort Inn and Suites close to Ron Jon's. I was hoping to stay there or maybe the Best Western that I believe is in Cocoa Beach. Our flight gets in fairly early on Friday so we would like to get to the beach if we can.
Since we probably won't get in until dinner on Friday, we're planning to stay closer to port. Things are crazy around here, and I haven't had the time to do much research yet. Once the kids are back in school (after labor day) I should have a little more free time to plan.
As for the matching clothes I doubt the boys will go along. My son will probably roll his 13 year old eyes at that. We'll see. I've already threatened to dress him up in a full pirate costume for Pirate night! "Yeah, right Mom".
LOL! I got the same reaction from DH when I try to color coordinate for pictures! Although he was the one who was hot to dress up for pirate night. :laughing:
happymommy
08-22-2007, 04:36 PM
Hi all! I feel like I'm interrupting a conversation, but I'm from Maryland and see that some of you are from Northern Virginia.
I decided to send kids to school day before, then fly directly from BWI (that is closest to my home and I like Southwest Airlines) that evening about 6pm - don't know as their schedule isn't out that far! I think we'll stay at the Hyatt at the airport, get some dinner and just rest!
They have spring break March 15 till the Tuesday after Easter.
Of course, these things change!
I just was looking at a thread about the fish hangars, is anyone bringing one? It would be a cute idea. I may either get or (more probably) make one.
My DD will have her 9th birthday on March 17 on the cruise!
limati
08-22-2007, 05:25 PM
Hello Happymommy!
How great is that going to be for your daughter! Our dd will turn 10 soon after we get back. I just love being able to go on trips with our kids. We didn't take family vacations when I was younger.
What are the fish extenders used for? I want to put a few decorations on the door, but I haven't decided what to put up yet.
Look at the ticker below my signature - LESS THAN 7 MONTHS TO GO!
Lisa
tecdavidt
08-22-2007, 07:22 PM
Add us to the group -- if the "kids" get their darn passports! See main cruise forum on that issue.
Dave (Dad)
Kathy (Mom)
Stephanie age 15
David Jr. 23
Jessica 26 David's girlfriend
Zach age 7 Jessica's son
We have been cruising on the Magic since '99. David Jr. hasn't been on the ship since he graduated from high school back in '02. He is looking forward to showing the cruise and WDW to his new family. This trip is a graduation celebration since both will be out of college.
We love cruising the Eastern the best. Feel free to ask questions about the cruise. This will be our 9th Magic cruise. We love the days at sea and the port of calls. It is hard to believe our daughter was 7 on her first Magic cruise and now she is 15 almost 16 when we go on this cruise. I have not read all the posts yet but we too have left her on the ship when we did excursions and all went well.
Temperature can vary a bit but still expect hot hot hot weather. Castaway should be hot hot hot also. Our favorite thing to do in St. Maartin (I can never spell that island's name) is to hang out on the beach over looking the pier. My husband likes to rent the wave runners. The jewelry shopping in that port is wonderful--great prices if you are into that (OK, I am guilty--I have even left the ship by myself and gone into the shopping district all by myself!). You can also buy CHEAP tropical clothing.
St. Thomas is also great for shopping. We love to walk over to Paradise Pt. Tram and spend a couple of hours up there enjoying the view and having cocktails. They also have food and a few shops. Downtown Charlotte Amalia is crowded and since we have done it so many times we now avoid it. Havensight has fantastic shops and pretty much the same as downtown. We have also stayed a week at the Marriott so we may take a taxi for lunch and enjoy walking on the beach. We have never been to Meghan's Bay (again I can't spell the name!) but we have been to St. John's. It is wonderful, and worth the trip. We also went to Coral World once. We enjoyed it. It isn't huge but we still had a great time.
I really am looking forward to this cruise. We missed being on the Magic last Spring Break due to our daughter's high school band trip to Ireland. I like to call the Magic Home Sweet Magic. We also lucked out and we have a midship cat. 3. That is my favorite location on the ship!
Just a few short months and we will be there! Kathy
happymommy
08-23-2007, 07:55 AM
The "fish extenders" are something to hang from a fish shaped thing next to your door. I just found out about this. Some folks hang what looks like a little letter organizer from it - so others can drop notes or little gifts or something I guess. It would be a good way to drop notes for those who meet up before the cruise and want to get together on the ship I guess.
I am wanting to make door magnets, but don't quite get the photoshop - maybe I'll learn over the fall when the kids get back in school. Is there anyone who makes them for others?
Hi! Someone had asked about the teen excursion on cc....my two teens did it and loved it. I would reccomend it for sure. Are you all late of early dinner??
Add us to the group -- if the "kids" get their darn passports! See main cruise forum on that issue.
Hi Kathy! I've added you on post #8 - my first post. :welcome:
Sorry to hear about the passport problems - what's the latest?
Oh, and thanks for all the great information. I'm sure I'll be asking questions as we start to get a little closer to the cruise...
Nancy
Hi! Someone had asked about the teen excursion on cc....my two teens did it and loved it. I would reccomend it for sure. Are you all late of early dinner??
Hi Paige! :wave2:
We've got early dinner. My kids are used to eating around 6pm, so this works well for us.
We ate by ourselves last cruise, but it seemed like a lot of people either had big groups or were seated at tables with other people. Have you always eaten by yourself (just your group) or were you seated with others?
Nancy
limati
08-27-2007, 09:36 AM
We have the late dining time, but we are waitlisted for the first. I'm sure it will work out fine.
Thanks for the tips Kathy. It'll be great for your travel party to be with people who know their way around.
Did anyone check the show on DCL on the Travel channel? I think we are almost at 200 days away. My dd says she likes to count down in weeks because it sounds too far away in days.
Take care,
Lisa
carolmp
08-27-2007, 01:14 PM
Hi y'all!
Oh wait, I'm not down South anymore. We got back yesterday from our trip to the Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave. We had a great time, though the weather was hot, hot, hot! 102 degrees at 7:00 at night is not pleasant. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Seiverville was unbelieveable. I had expected tourist trap, but nothing like that. We left them a large chunk of our disposable income. But we had a good time. That's what counts.
Tecdavidt, will the weather be that hot on our cruise is March?
On the dining front, we also have early dining.
Carol
tecdavidt
08-27-2007, 03:01 PM
Hi all, great news, the "kids" have their applications all in for passports glad that is down.
carolmp the weather, It won't be as nasty hot as what you just experienced. We also had nasty hot weather here and that is not normal. The humidity was a killer. 90 plus temps with 92% humidity. Not fun then tons of rain at night. On the cruise we might get some rain but I never have had it rain all day. Just a shower or two then it goes away. It should be in the 80's and could reach 90's in St. Maartin and St. Thomas but the water temps are nice and warm but not hot.It will be humid. At least that has been my experience in the past.
Castaway Cay, I have felt the ocean cool and warm in March. It is a lot hotter in August when we cruised that month but March isn't bad. It seems like we always get an afternoon rain shower in March and then the sun comes out. The son is strong so bring a lot of your favorite sun screen.
Kathy
Pammy jo
08-27-2007, 07:29 PM
Carol - glad you had fun in Gait./PF. My in-laws live about an hour away. We've rented a cabin before in PF and enjoyed the area. It's great to have the natural parks and the amusement parks all in one spot! I love Dollywood and Splash Country. I always tell people how wonderful those parks are - the closest to DW that I have found.
limati
08-27-2007, 09:36 PM
A question for Kathy (or anyone who has been on more than one cruise) - Are there any advantages to having a late dining time? We are waitlisted for the early seating. I figure the cruise will be full so I probably won't be able to change it. We have older kids, so I'm thinking it will work out fine. I'm sure there will be something to snack on so we don't get too hungry!
Lisa
Hey Nancy, we have early dinner too. We had the early on this cruise last March and had late this past July on the wonder. They both have pros and cons. We have always been seated with just us. Last March we had my 5 boys and my parents , so we had a big table anyway. In july, we had only my dh and my youngest 2 boys and again we were seated alone. I was looking foward to having tablemates that time and we just had a table for 4. You never know.:confused3 Paige
happymommy
08-28-2007, 01:00 PM
Hi Lisa! I had the late dinner time, but just called today and got the early. The guy was so nice, he even asked which exact time we wanted, so I chose 5:45 for the PLA rotation (he said we'd probably get that, they can't guarantee it, but it was nice he asked). We just got back from WDW, and we ate early most every night. We're too tired to eat dinner at 8pm. We may not even make every show or party, who knows?
Now I'm debating switching from connecting cat 11's to 7's with the navigators veranda. It's still only about $100 more to share two rooms rather than all of us in one room. But... it's $3000 more to get the verandas. Got the REAS added today also - so we'll book Palo on December 1st I guess. I wish we could get a veranda for us but inside for the kids - they're too young to not be connecting, maybe when they're teens. They don't need the veranda, but DH likes the fresh air. For now I'm keeping inside cabins, so maybe the veranda ones will not be available later anyway.
limati
08-28-2007, 01:20 PM
Happymommy,
Did you book on the DCL site or did you go through a travel agency?
I'm guessing I would have to go through the agency that I booked with. I'm not sure.
Lisa
happymommy
08-28-2007, 02:08 PM
Lisa,
I booked directly through Disney by phone. Since I wanted connecting cabins it was too difficult to use the website.
I may switch the reservation to a travel agent as it gets closer. It seems that some get you onboard credits. Did you get one? Are you happy with whom you used? Yes, maybe you have to call them to try to change the dinner seating.
Amy
limati
08-28-2007, 03:57 PM
HappyMommy,
I booked through Dreams Unlimited and received a 75.00 per stateroom credit. I booked a couple of months ago. So far everything has been fine. They only do business online, but our travel agent has returned the e-mail replies to questions and concerns promptly. I thought 75.00 was pretty good for cat. 11 reservations. We have 3 cabins next to each other. LESS THAN 200 DAYS NOW:banana:
Lisa
carolmp
08-28-2007, 04:41 PM
I also booked through Dreams and have had very good service. This is actually the third cruise I've booked, but I haven't been on one yet. I was going to go last Spring but had to cancel, so booked a date for March 2008. After I got the school Spring Break schedule, I had to change the date again. I have gone from having Disney handle it all (including air, insurance, transfers and hotel) to having me take care of it all. DU has been very helpful. They got back to me promptly and gave me the same information that I had heard on this board. So I'm sure they are giving me the right information.
happymommy
08-29-2007, 05:19 PM
I booked directly through disney. I called vacations to go, and they have a $50 per person cabin credit. Anyone got better? I'd rather get a cabin credit than the costco card. I figure that would pay for our wine or something!
Lisa, did you get the early dinner time?
Sorry but I can't scroll down now, but my kids will be 11 (DS) and turning 9 (DD) on the cruise. They may like to make friends before hand.
I think I requested a table for 4 for dinner. I think it seems odd to dine with another family for a week. Any other thoughts on that? We've never cruised before, but travel a lot ( esp disneyworld ).
Did anyone find the math weird for this cruise? Children are actually very expensive. It was $100 more to get two cabins than to share one. But the veranda ones were so pricey. We decided for the time being to keep the inside ones as long as they connect. I can't wait till the kids are older - if we do this again they could be across the hall or something!
Amy
limati
08-29-2007, 09:32 PM
Amy,
I think I'm going to go with the later time. I've read pros/cons for early vs. late dining. I think we'll be fine either way. I went on a couple of cruises when I was single and had tablemates on those cruises. We were very lucky. We had great tablemates. We met a few great people. We have 9 in our group so I'm thinking we will be at our own table.
If your daughter or son would like to e-mail my daughter, send me a private message. My daughter has sent e-mails to a couple of other girls around her age and thinks it's fun to "know" kids before the cruise.
It is nice to receive on board credit isn't it? With the price of this particular cruise everything helps!
Lisa
swilphil
09-01-2007, 08:37 AM
Lisa,
I booked directly through Disney by phone. Since I wanted connecting cabins it was too difficult to use the website.
I may switch the reservation to a travel agent as it gets closer. It seems that some get you onboard credits. Did you get one? Are you happy with whom you used? Yes, maybe you have to call them to try to change the dinner seating.
Amy
I have a great TA. We got a $100 onboard credit for 1 Cat. 10 stateroom. She's also been helpful in many other ways. If you want the name or website, send me a pm with your e-mail address. I can't post it on the DIS.
happymommy
09-01-2007, 10:33 AM
Hi Lisa! I agree with you - either dining time will probably be good. I was originally leaning toward the later, but decided we'd do better early. DH and I can choose Palo late one evening. I will let you know if my daughter seems eager to email yours - but I think mine will be with the 8-9 year olds and yours with the 10-11? I am glad at least both my kids will be in the lab together - my daughter likes her brother around to show her the ropes!
I'm gonna hold off on transferring my ressie for a month or so - maybe someone will come up with a better credit, otherwise I'll go with one of the ones I've heard mentioned here.
Amy
Pammy jo
09-01-2007, 10:56 AM
I used Costco and got (don't quote me on this) I believe almost $400 card. Definately worth a call to them.To me it doesn't matter if it's a onboard credit - it's all money just the same and my Costco bills could REALLY use some help!!!
We're doing early seating this time. Last time we had late and the boys never ate with us. They just had dinner in the kid's club except at AP. This time I was sure to book early so we could all eat together. They are older now too though so it probably wouldn't make as much as a difference, except that we always eat early at home so I guess it's better for us.
limati
09-01-2007, 11:52 AM
Amy,
I think they will be in different groups. She can e-mail her if she still wants to. It's kind of neat to make some cruise friends, plus my dd loves to talk Webkinz with other Webkinz "fanatics" if your daughter is into that.
I figure that we won't necessarily go to the main dining rooms every night, so we'll see how it goes with dining with the whole family. We hope to get Palo reservations and hopefully luck will be with us.
That Costco deal sounds good. We don't have one of those close to us.
Have a great Labor Day weekend. My dh's birthday is today so we're having the family over and tomorrow is a family picnic. No plans for Monday and that's okay with me!
Take care,
Lisa
happymommy
09-03-2007, 11:17 AM
That Costco deal does sound good - I'll check into it.
My daughter loves webkinz! She's got a bear. I may set up email for her - she's only allowed on the weekend.
No plans here either - school starts tomorrow - yeah!!!!!
Happy belated birthday to DH, Lisa.
Amy
limati
09-03-2007, 12:01 PM
Thanks for the b'day wishes Amy. Our kids started school in the middle of August. Since then it has been in the mid 90's temp. wise and even a couple of 100 degree days! They don't have a.c. in the school.
If your daughter would like to contact mine she would love talking webkinz. She has been into webkinz charms lately.
Have a great day and good luck with the new school year.
Lisa
happymommy
09-04-2007, 09:58 AM
Thanks Lisa. I'll get back with you over the weekend I hope. Hope cool weather gets there soon!
tecdavidt
09-04-2007, 10:29 PM
We book through our friend who works for Cruise Holidays. When we compared Dreams the prices were the same. If she decides to retire we will convert to Dreams.
We also always have early dining. I have had late on other lines but on Disney always early. We just prefer eating around 6:00 pm and enjoying the ship after dinner. We are not late night people. One thing nice with Disney, if you have late dining you have the early show. Other lines have late dining then late shows. We just have dinner then off to the show.
Kathy
Hi everyone! :wave2:
I've got good news - we got our passports! WOOHOO! About 1 month from application to receipt! I'll keep my fingers crossed that those who are waiting for them get them soon.
Also, I'm looking to transfer our reservations from Disney to someone else as well. swilphil - I'm going to PM you about your agent. It sounds like it might be the best onboard credit offer out there!
Nancy
limati
09-05-2007, 01:53 PM
Great news Nancy! That was pretty fast. I'm still waiting for mine, but my kids have received theirs.
Hope everyone is well. Talk to you later.
Lisa
carolmp
09-05-2007, 03:05 PM
Nancy, that's pretty amazing. It is good to hear that they aren't taking as long anymore.
Have a good day!
Carol
happymommy
09-05-2007, 05:15 PM
I called Costco travel agency yesterday. I was told we'd get a $275 Costco gift card per cabin (we have 2 cat 10's) so it would be $550 total for the cruise. I shop Costco all the time for groceries and such, so I'd use that! I am waiting but if a cabin credit can't come close, I'll switch it to Costco. Just wanted to let anyone know if they are interested!
limati
09-08-2007, 02:12 PM
I just wanted to bump us a bit. I guess everyone is getting into the back to school activities.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Lisa
I called Costco travel agency yesterday. I was told we'd get a $275 Costco gift card per cabin (we have 2 cat 10's) so it would be $550 total for the cruise. I shop Costco all the time for groceries and such, so I'd use that! I am waiting but if a cabin credit can't come close, I'll switch it to Costco. Just wanted to let anyone know if they are interested!
Amy,
That sound like a great offer! Unfortunately, I'm in a teeny tiny townhouse with very little storage, so we don't shop at Costco very often - no storage. :sad: I've never heard of a cabin credit coming close to that - it might be your best offer.
Sherri sent me the info for her travel agent - Thanks Sherri! Since we haven't paid off the cruise yet, we still have time to decide about switching for credit.
Nancy
julie t
09-08-2007, 09:36 PM
Count us in too!! This wil be our 2nd DCL trip, last one in March 2005.I am more excited this time than I was for our first trip. My group includes myself, DH, DD(12), DD(10/11) and DD(will be 9).
Happpymommy-I also have a child celebrating a birthday while on the cruise.
She will turn 11 on the 19th. Would like to plan something special for her on the 19th-any ideas anyone?
limati
09-08-2007, 09:44 PM
Welcome aboard Julie! My family and I will be onboard and we are looking forward to it.
My daughter will be almost 10 (birthday on April 8) and my niece will be 10.
I hope they like the kid's activities. They sound fun to me.
We are almost at 6 months to go!
Lisa
Count us in too!! This wil be our 2nd DCL trip, last one in March 2005.I am more excited this time than I was for our first trip. My group includes myself, DH, DD(12), DD(10/11) and DD(will be 9).
Happpymommy-I also have a child celebrating a birthday while on the cruise.
She will turn 11 on the 19th. Would like to plan something special for her on the 19th-any ideas anyone?
Hi Julie!
I'm glad you are joining us. I added you to the list of cruiser located on page 1 - post #8 I think.
Which cruise did you take last March? Was it a 7 day, 4 day or 3 day? Did everyone in your family go with you?
Looks like we'll have a big crowd of 9/10 year old girls. My dd10 has emailed with a few, but perhaps we should start a yahoo group or something like that so they can all get to know each other. Anyone have any thoughts about that?
Nancy
julie t
09-09-2007, 11:09 AM
Nancy
Thanks for adding us to the cruiser list. Our last cruise was March 5 2005, 7 day Eastern (again). All five of us went and were also joined by my parents. We had a great time though my 2 oldest DDs did not enjoy the kid clubs. Setting up an email for the girls sounds fun. It adds another level of excitement of trip planning when you can discuss it with others.
I personally love checking out cruising tips!
Julie
carolmp
09-09-2007, 01:58 PM
I think a group sounds good. That would include all of them on the discussions. Can we just start another thread on the cruise meets? Like a "For Kids Only" thread? I've seen a couple like that there.
limati
09-09-2007, 02:21 PM
I think a "kid cruiser" thread would be good. My daughter doesn't check her e-mails as often as I do, so I could let her know while I'm reading the cruise thread if one of her cruise friends is on.
Our list is growing. I may ask more questions to the repeat cruisers the closer we get. I hope you don't mind.
We are using our cruise to celebrate a few milestones. My sister and bil will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in April. My mom will turn 70 in May. My son will graduate 8th grade in May. It's a big year for our family.
It would be such fun for a child to celebrate their birthday while on board. I'm not sure what they do to celebrate birthdays, but I have to believe there will be a few options.
Nancy
Thanks for adding us to the cruiser list. Our last cruise was March 5 2005, 7 day Eastern (again). All five of us went and were also joined by my parents. We had a great time though my 2 oldest DDs did not enjoy the kid clubs. Setting up an email for the girls sounds fun. It adds another level of excitement of trip planning when you can discuss it with others.
I personally love checking out cruising tips!
Julie
Julie,
I'd love to hear some more details about your eastern cruise in 2005. Did you do any excursions? What did your two older daughters do on sea days if they didn't like the clubs?
Nancy
limati
09-13-2007, 12:57 PM
Julie,
I'm also curious about the excursions. I'm wondering about time issues. I'm not so concerned with Castaway Cay. I've been to St. Thomas and St. Marteen before (years ago). I think it would be nice to have a general tour of the islands, but I know how my kids get with tours.
How were the evening activities for the kids? I would definitely enjoy some time in the evening for time with the grownups in our group.
Any info. is appreciated!
Thanks,
Lisa
I just made a reservation at the Residence Inn for the night before the cruise. They had a great rate and offered free parking and a hot breakfast buffet. The shuttle to port is $6 per person.
Last cruise we stayed at the Radisson, with a free shuttle, but the prices was much higher this year and they don't include breakfast.
Since we're driving to Florida, we will need to leave our van at the hotel during the cruise. My thought was perhaps DH could drop us off, w/luggage, at the terminal and then go back and park and catch their shuttle for $6.
What's everyone else doing the night before the cruise?
Nancy
carolmp
09-13-2007, 01:22 PM
We're flying in and should get in around 1:00. Staying at the Best Western. We would be interested in getting together for dinner or something if everyone else wants too. We've never been to Cocoa Beach before, so I was planning on seeing what is there and going to Ron Jons Surf Shop.
limati
09-13-2007, 01:35 PM
Hello all!
Ron Jon's is a really neat place. We went on a vacation to Cocoa Beach a few years back and stayed at a hotel next to Ron Jons.
We are flying in and our flight gets in around 11:00. We are hoping to hit the beach and Ron Jon's too. My sister and her family are driving so I'm not sure what time they'll be in. If possible I would love to meet Fri. night. I think it would be great for the kids to meet each other also.
I haven't made hotel reservations yet. We have a rental car and our plan is for my husband to drop us off, turn the car in, and shuttle back. It's my understanding that I can go ahead and check us all in and all he needs to have when he returns is his driver's license.
Okay! Our first pre-cruise meet seems like it has been proposed! :goodvibes
Count us in for dinner - if you do a little bit later, like 7pm'ish. We're driving down to Florida from VA and will probably get there around 6pm or so.
julie t
09-14-2007, 04:16 PM
Hey Nancy and Lisa,
On our 2005 cruise, we did not do an organized excursion on St Marteen. We just walked around the town and enjoyed the beach which was right near the area where the ferry's dropped us off. My youngest had her hair braided in town which I do not recommend. The beach is not as nice as the ones on the French side but my kids enjoyed it. It was a relaxing day.
Our excursion on St Thomas was the Doubloon Pirate cruise which included snorkling. The girls loved the ride out and back but was not crazy about how the snorkling was handled. You had to jump off the boat in the middle of the ocean which was quite intimidating for them at their age. My husband and I loved it--snorkled near a reef and it was beautiful.
Regarding kids activities in the evenings, the kids can pick and choose what activities are offered at the clubs. My kids found a few they liked but preferred to go to dinner and the shows with us. Alot of the kids enjoyed the clubs, mine not so much.
carolmp
09-14-2007, 04:44 PM
Julie,
That's exactly what I was planning on doing this time. Just wander around St. Marten and go to the beach and the Doubloon Snorkel trip. If I have it figured right, your girls were 9/7/6 on your cruise when they didn't care for the snorkeling. I will have 14/10 year olds. Do you think they will be OK? I think the 14 year old will be fine. It's the 10 year old I'm worried about. They haven't been to the ocean before.
Thanks,
Carol
limati
09-14-2007, 05:47 PM
Thanks Julie! I'm hoping that the kids can do some snorkeling on Castaway Cay.
I just want to have a relaxing time. Back here on land everything seems to be planned out (sports, music, etc...). I'm going to try and realize that if we choose to do things we will truly enjoy instead of "getting everything in" a better time will be had by all.
We're up for a meet and greet the night before.
What time are you going to get to port? I'm thinking that getting there a little later may work out better because a lot of people arrive on the early side. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Lisa
staceys0513
09-14-2007, 09:19 PM
Hi there! Add us to the group! DH, DS(11), DD(9), DS(18months), Grandpa, Grandma, and me are all flying in from KC Friday night. This is our first cruise and we can't wait! We are staying at the Hyatt and the taking the Disney transportation to PC on Saturday.
limati
09-14-2007, 09:24 PM
Welcome aboard Stacie and family. This will be my family's first cruise.
6 months from tomorrow:yay:
Lisa
carolmp
09-14-2007, 10:08 PM
Welcome!! It's fun to get more and more people added to our list!
julie t
09-14-2007, 10:52 PM
Carol,
I think your 10 y/o and 14 y/o will be fine. My kids would have preferrred the security of a beach near by. I have always walked into the water from a beach to snorkel so I found it a little strange at first also. We did not get a chance to snorkel at CC due to chilly weather but hope to this time.
We will be flying in on Friday but not sure when or where we will be staying.
Last time we arrived at port around 1pm. The crowd was very manageable at the time so we are planning on doing it the same way.
Julie
Hi everyone!! We have been busy with sports and school but I did want to say hello to all. :)
carolmp
09-15-2007, 10:12 PM
Julie,
Thanks for the info about snorkeling. I think I'll stick with that plan for now. It's nice to hear from someone who has already done the Doubloon tour.
Carol
carolmp
09-16-2007, 05:06 PM
OK, so I'm at my local grocery store this afternoon picking up groceries. As I am wandering aimlessly through the meat department looking for something that looks good, I spy a bright, colorful box. Checking closer I see that it is a box of frozen hamburger patties. But not just any hamburger patties - MICKEY shaped hamburger patties. At first I thought they were ice cream bars. I thought it was strange that they were there, because there were in the middle of the meat department. I've never SEEN ice cream in the middle of the meat department, but they are changing things around there. So maybe it is something new. But no, it was a box of hamburger patties. I couldn't believe it. They had the Mickey head with the ears.
So what is the purpose of these? As soon as I put the bun on, no one will know that they are Mickey shaped hamburger patties. I just laughed and walked away, but now I'm thinking maybe I should go back and pick up a box. We could have them for dinner the night before the cruise. Or after, if we want to extend the magic a little bit longer.... Maybe I should buy a lot of boxes? I think they may be one of those things that don't stick around too long.... ;)
Has anyone else seen them?
limati
09-16-2007, 06:41 PM
That mouse is everywhere! In our local stores I have seen packaged fruit and other food with the Disney brand on it. My sister got a bag of the grapes - they were very good. I haven't seen the burgers. If Mickey on the package can get some more kids to eat their fruits and veggies - GO MICKEY.
Look at my countdown ticker - less than 6 months to go!
You know I still haven't received my passport. The rest of my group has theirs and mine was just a renewal. I'm glad we started the process early.
What time are you going to get to port? I'm thinking that getting there a little later may work out better because a lot of people arrive on the early side. Any thoughts?
Lisa,
We're planning on getting there early. The earlier you get there, the lower boarding number you get and the sooner you get called for boarding.
It's important to us to get on board early so the kids can use the mickey pool before it gets too crowded. They really liked the slide at the mickey pool, but we found that it got crazy busy around 2pm. If we can get on early, and the kids wear their bathing suits, they can get an hour or two of swimming in before the crowds arrive.
I thought the pools were really crowded after that. I remember one day at sea at the family pool. The seas were pretty rough, and the rectangular shaped family pool was packed! I mean PACKED! All you saw were heads bobbing around. As the boat rocked, the water in the pool sloshed back and forth - and the people in the pool sloshed back and forth too! A little scary - I could just imagine someone going under and no one would notice. :eek: Fortunately, it started drizzling at that point and a lot of people left.
Anyway, that's why I want to get to port early and get on the boat early - so we can enjoy the uncrowded pools. (also so DH can change any reservations that we need to change or make reservations that we were unable to make!)
Nancy
Hi there! Add us to the group! DH, DS(11), DD(9), DS(18months), Grandpa, Grandma, and me are all flying in from KC Friday night. This is our first cruise and we can't wait! We are staying at the Hyatt and the taking the Disney transportation to PC on Saturday.
:welcome: staceys0513!
I added you to the list of cruisers on page 1 (post #8 I think) Please let me know if you want any changes.
Nancy
happymommy
09-17-2007, 08:21 AM
Hi Everyone!
I want to try to get to port early also. I feel like I'll be less stressed if we are there, get the boarding number, and I have it all done. I don't quite know how it works, but I get the idea I guess. I am hoping that we can grab a cup of coffee or something if we have to wait in port.
I am still thinking of coming down the day before and staying at the Hyatt, but southwest airlines doesn't have fares out for our dates yet.
Is anyone going to WDW afterwards? I was thinking about it, but maybe we'll just go home, it may be too much. We have until Tuesday to get back to school.
Just wanted to say hi!
Amy
Pammy jo
09-17-2007, 07:09 PM
I came home today and there was my passport. I think that was maybe 5 weeks at the most. However, my boys didn't come yet, and we applied for them all at the same time. You'd think they would want to save on some postage and get them all out together?
We are going to WDW for 1 day after the cruise. I already warned the boys though that if it was too crowded we were only staying until noon. We need to get back but I couldn't pass up at least one day at MK.
staceys0513
09-17-2007, 08:03 PM
Thank you for adding us! Luckily, we got our passports in about 6 weeks. My husband's was a renewal and his came even quicker. Now that we have our passports, I feel like it's time to go!!
happymommy
09-19-2007, 01:58 PM
Hi Staceys0153! My DH grew up in KC and we lived there for a year when we first got married! Lucky you travelling with grandparents - smart with a baby! We're planning on the Hyatt also, but debating the Disney busses vs. a private towncar. I am wanting to get up and out early!!!!!
Question: Anyone booked into a suite? I am thinking that heck, if we go for the verandah rooms, we may as well look into a suite. I called and got waitlisted for one (cat 3), although am realistic that it won't come available. Otherwise, we don't plan on spending much time actually in the room.
I am afraid that if we take the Disney transportation, we won't get into port very early.
So, is there a meet at Port Canaveral scheduled? I am still new to this (it's our first cruise ever) and don't know what folks do at "meets"!
limati
09-19-2007, 05:29 PM
Amy,
A suite would be great! We have an Ireland trip coming up in June, so if there was any chance of going on both trips we needed to economize as much as possible. Even cat. 11's are pricy on this particular sailing.
If the other trip weren't on the table we would have gotten a higher category.
I'm sure it will be all good.
My family and I are up for a get together either in Cocoa Beach or the port.
This is new for us, too. I do think it would be nice to put names with faces.
Lisa
I am afraid that if we take the Disney transportation, we won't get into port very early.
So, is there a meet at Port Canaveral scheduled? I am still new to this (it's our first cruise ever) and don't know what folks do at "meets"!
I think there is only a night-before-the-cruise dinner talked about so far. Right now, Carol's family, Lisa's family, and my family might try to get together for dinner on Friday night (all are welcomed!). Other than that, I don't think anyone has started planning anything.
Since it appears that some people are planning to arrive to the terminal later, maybe it might be better to plan a meet on board before the lifeboat drills? Anyone have any ideas?
Nancy
happymommy
09-20-2007, 02:34 PM
Meeting onboard may be fun - I'd like to try. I can't be sure though, as my DH likes to chill out with just us on vacation (he deals with people all day and it gets exhausting for him), but I on the other hand, love to meet folks as I am at home a lot!
Yes a suite would be nice. DH thinks it's too much extra money, on the slim-to-none chance that one would become available. Just built a new home last year, and we're sinking every last penny into it right now. A few thousand bucks could do a lot with furniture and paint. So we're probably gonna enjoy the inside cabins.
We're doing early dining, so I guess I'll make sure we're ready for dinner before the sail away festivities (nice capris or a skirt for me, nothing fancy that first night anyway). That way, we may have time to meet folks for a beverage before dinner!
Gotta go get the kids from school.
julie t
09-20-2007, 09:31 PM
I love the idea of meeting on board since I have no idea what time we will be arriving Friday--could be late.
Julie
carolmp
09-21-2007, 01:08 PM
Regarding a Friday night meet, if dinner doesn't work, maybe ice cream would? There must be an ice cream shop somewhere that we could all meet at. That would help out those that are traveling. Then they can eat dinner whenever and swing by for dessert. It wouldn't take as much time out of everyone's evening either.
Regarding getting to port, I think we are going to try to get there early. Does anyone know what is the worst time to arrive? It seems that if you get there early to get an early boarding number that is good. And if you get there later you just walk on. But what time is the "oh my, I stood in line forever and got boarding #15" time?
limati
09-21-2007, 03:41 PM
Hello All,
We're pretty much up for anything. We get in fairly early on Friday and will have a rental car. Do you think that around 8:00 for dessert would be okay?
It's been a few years since we've been in that area. If anyone knows of a good place let us know.
The more I think about the more I think we may get to port on the early side. We need to get the rental back by mid morning. It may be neat to watch the goings on at port. Decisions, Decisions!
Lisa
happymommy
09-22-2007, 08:33 AM
I agree with watching the goings on at port, plus I'll be excited to board!
We have some friends from Arizona that may come also, :cool1: so we'll switch to late dinner. They won't want to eat dinner at 2pm their time! And we can rest up and do dinner at 8.
We will still probably stay at the Hyatt. Does anyone know how early you can do the transfer from there, or if we want to get to the port early (especially if there is 8 of us) maybe a towncar or a limo if it's that many people!? I thought the Disney busses don't go too early. But the idea of leaving the luggage out for them, and not dealing with it again until we get to the room is super nice.
OK, so I'm at my local grocery store this afternoon picking up groceries. As I am wandering aimlessly through the meat department looking for something that looks good, I spy a bright, colorful box. Checking closer I see that it is a box of frozen hamburger patties. But not just any hamburger patties - MICKEY shaped hamburger patties. At first I thought they were ice cream bars. I thought it was strange that they were there, because there were in the middle of the meat department. I've never SEEN ice cream in the middle of the meat department, but they are changing things around there. So maybe it is something new. But no, it was a box of hamburger patties. I couldn't believe it. They had the Mickey head with the ears.
So what is the purpose of these? As soon as I put the bun on, no one will know that they are Mickey shaped hamburger patties. I just laughed and walked away, but now I'm thinking maybe I should go back and pick up a box. We could have them for dinner the night before the cruise. Or after, if we want to extend the magic a little bit longer.... Maybe I should buy a lot of boxes? I think they may be one of those things that don't stick around too long.... ;)
Has anyone else seen them?
Nope, I've never seen mickey burgers. But then with our schedules, it's easier for me to make a list and send DH to shop after the kids go to bed. He's only lost the list once in the last year! :cool2:
My mickey story involves the dollar store. I was out and about today looking for baby shower decorations and stuff for gift bags for my 4 soon to be 5 year old's b-day party, and I came across the famed fish extenders! For those who haven't heard of them, some DIS'ers hang them outside their cabins on the fish and use them to exchange notes and gifts. I know we're not planning on doing anything like that, but I couldn't resist buying one when I found a hot pink one with Mickey Mouse on it! I mean, come on - it was a fish extender with Mickey on it for goodness sake!
So now what do I do with it? :confused: Well, I'm sure I'll find some use for it. I'm such a sucker for anything with the mouse on it....
Nancy
Regarding a Friday night meet, if dinner doesn't work, maybe ice cream would? There must be an ice cream shop somewhere that we could all meet at. That would help out those that are traveling. Then they can eat dinner whenever and swing by for dessert. It wouldn't take as much time out of everyone's evening either.
Regarding getting to port, I think we are going to try to get there early. Does anyone know what is the worst time to arrive? It seems that if you get there early to get an early boarding number that is good. And if you get there later you just walk on. But what time is the "oh my, I stood in line forever and got boarding #15" time?
Mmmm, ice cream! You must be reading my mind! I was just browsing the meet idea thread and they were suggesting organizing a meet at goofy's for ice cream @ 3pm. But, I could do ice cream two days in a row! (or three) Thank goodness I signed up for an exercise boot camp to try to get into some kind of shape before the cruise! (and it's kicking my bottom!)
As far as getting to port - I can't help you with that. All I know is we got there around 10:30 and wound up with #4. Boarding goes really fast and we were on within 10 minutes of them starting the boarding process. Even #15 was probably on within 45 minutes or so.
Nancy
carolmp
09-22-2007, 11:02 PM
Maybe I should go to the dollar store. I feel like I should be shopping for the cruise, but I don't know for what. At least I wouldn't spend too much!
limati
09-22-2007, 11:06 PM
Nancy,
That's good to know about boarding. I'll bet Disney has this down to a science. I'm definitely not going to stress over it.
In our local supermarket (Kroger) there was a half page ad for a Disney line of food. I didn't see any Mickey bars, however!
From reading other meet threads it seems that some of them get together before the mandatory drill. This is my first time on DCL and i don't know if there would be time for us to do that. I know some wear a lime green shirt or a lime green lei to help find each other. Whatever's easiest is fine with us.
We are definitely up for ice cream the night before. As a matter of fact, ice cream would be good right now. We are still in a heat wave here in Northern KY. In this area we are 12.5 inches behind in rainfall. I'm so ready for fall weather.
limati
09-22-2007, 11:15 PM
Carol,
I have a plasic rubbermaid tote that I am going to put things in as I buy them. I have found some cute Mickey temporary tattoos for the girls. I also have found a couple of shirts on clearance as well as a cute dress for my daughter. I like to scrapbook and I have found a few things for that.
You never know what the dollar stores may have. Sometimes they have some cute stuff for a dollar at Target.
From reading other meet threads it seems that some of them get together before the mandatory drill. This is my first time on DCL and i don't know if there would be time for us to do that. I know some wear a lime green shirt or a lime green lei to help find each other. Whatever's easiest is fine with us.
Before the drill seems like the best time. Afterwards, there is the lifeboat drill, sail-away party, and then early dinner starts.
Our first cruise, the meet was at 3pm at the goofy family pool. The band was playing and it was so loud we couldn't hear each other. Not everyone showed up because they were busy unpacking, and we were the only ones to bring their kids. We all got lime green mickey paint chips from home depot, and wore them so we could identify each other - but they were very flimsy and looked bad pretty quick.
How does a 3pm meet at Scoops sound good? It's near the mickey (kids only) pool and should be a little quieter than the goofy (family) pool that has the band. I believe there are ping pong tables, if the kids want to do that instead of swimming. Another option for a meet is the Promenade Lounge on deck 3. But it looks like the only activity there for kids is the TV! :eek:
limati
09-25-2007, 12:03 PM
Nancy,
Meeting at Scoops sounds good.
I got some of those paint chip Mickey heads to use for some door magnets.
I also found some dry erase boards that we will be using to keep up with each other.
If anyone still wants to meet up the night before, we're up for it.
In case you don't already have one, I saw that you can get the 3rd edition (2005) of the PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line and Its Ports of Call for $1 through the PassPorter website (http://www.passporterstore.com/store/)
FYI - The 5th edition is the latest version, and it was printed in January 2007.
Nancy
I think the meet at scoops sounds great! Paige:)
redmomof4
10-01-2007, 04:00 PM
I am reading through your thread in my compulsive planning in quest for our next Disney cruise. While on board the Wonder we booked the NYE cruise 2008 into 2009. However I'd actually like to switch to spring break once the rates come out for 2009. Can anyone on this thread give me an idea 1) when your rates came out and 2) if you booked right away about how much was it? I'm open on all input but we currently have connecting cat 10's booked so am really interested in how much anyone paid for a cat 10. I am trying to decide if it will be much less than the NYE cruise when the rates first come out and if so will it be worth my while to switch, if not, i'll keep our NYE rooms (but boy are they pricey) We also learned this year that we will probably not be taking the kids out of school again for vacations. :confused3
I am reading through your thread in my compulsive planning in quest for our next Disney cruise. While on board the Wonder we booked the NYE cruise 2008 into 2009. However I'd actually like to switch to spring break once the rates come out for 2009. Can anyone on this thread give me an idea 1) when your rates came out and 2) if you booked right away about how much was it? I'm open on all input but we currently have connecting cat 10's booked so am really interested in how much anyone paid for a cat 10. I am trying to decide if it will be much less than the NYE cruise when the rates first come out and if so will it be worth my while to switch, if not, i'll keep our NYE rooms (but boy are they pricey) We also learned this year that we will probably not be taking the kids out of school again for vacations. :confused3
Hi redmomof4!
1st half of 2008 came out on November 1, 2006. The rest of 2008 came out the end of January, 2007. Rumor is that 2009 will be released at the end of December - at least that is what people fresh off of cruises are reporting.
Sorry I can't help you with prices - I re-booked on board for the first week of April, and then changed to this cruise in February. I can tell you that this cruise is about $1500 more than my November 2006 cruise! :eek:
I understand about not taking the kids out of school - we're in the same "boat"!
Good luck with your decision!
redmomof4
10-03-2007, 02:31 PM
Hi redmomof4!
Sorry I can't help you with prices - I re-booked on board for the first week of April, and then changed to this cruise in February. I can tell you that this cruise is about $1500 more than my November 2006 cruise! :eek:
Thanks for your response. I believe the price tag because my NYE 2008 cruise is about 1500 more than the Thanksgiving 2008 cruise right now. I imagine the spring break cruise will be similar in price. I have one good thing going for me in regards to price in 2009 our spring break will be no where near Easter, so that might help a little. in 2008 it is right by Easter because Easter is so early next year.
Anyone else care to share prices they paid?:confused3
Pammy jo
10-03-2007, 08:02 PM
As long as we're unpacked and settled in, the 3pm at scoops sounds good to me.
carolmp
10-03-2007, 11:33 PM
Thanks for your response. I believe the price tag because my NYE 2008 cruise is about 1500 more than the Thanksgiving 2008 cruise right now. I imagine the spring break cruise will be similar in price. I have one good thing going for me in regards to price in 2009 our spring break will be no where near Easter, so that might help a little. in 2008 it is right by Easter because Easter is so early next year.
Anyone else care to share prices they paid?:confused3
In Dec 2006 I booked a March 8th, 2008 Western cruise CAT 10. In April 2007 I had to change it to the March 15th, 2008 Eastern cruise CAT 10 to get the right Spring Break week (so one week later than the original cruise). The Eastern cruise is costing us $1000 more. I think it was because the Eastern cruise week fell during Easter week, but maybe it was just the cost of booking it later. I suppose you could go out and see the cost difference between the two different cruises now and see how they compare. Also, I don't know how the two different itineraries compare. Is one typically more expensive than the other?
I think the meet at scoops sounds great! Paige:)
Okay - it's a plan! I'll put the scoops meet on post#8.
So, while walking DD4 home from preschool, we stopped by a mom and pop convenience store for ice cream. There, by the cash register, sat a dusty bowl full of those rubber bracelets separated by color in zip lock bags. Right on top was a bag of lime green bracelets! Of course, the cruise came up in my mind and so I grabbed four of them. Sweet!
So...how's everyone else doing?
carolmp
10-04-2007, 10:42 AM
Nancy,
The Scoops meet sounds good. I didn't realize you were posting that information on your post. Thanks for doing that.
We're doing OK here. Same old, same old. This weekend I am going away for a scrapbooking weekend! My Creative Memories consultant puts on two of these a year - one in the Spring and Fall. It's nothing fancy, we actually just go to a YMCA camp, but it's nice to get away and get a chance to work on my albums. The Spring camp is the weekend after we get back from the cruise. I'm going to be working hard to get all of my pictures ready in time to bring them for that weekend!
I am actually scrapbooking some previous WDW trips this weekend. I was disappointed in the CM Disney products. So I'm going shopping tonight to see what else I can find. Does anyone else scrapbook?
Carol
The Scoops meet sounds good. I didn't realize you were posting that information on your post. Thanks for doing that.
Hi Carol!
I thought that it might be good to list everything on one post. That way, people can print out a list of proposed meets along with the names of DIS people on our cruise.
Nancy
limati
10-05-2007, 09:23 PM
Hello All,
I know you're probably not around right now Carol but the scrapping weekend sounds fun. I like scrapbooking, but am a bit behind with mine.
We're still in the midst of a heat wave here. We're close to 90 degrees with little relief in sight.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Lisa
tecdavidt
10-07-2007, 10:37 AM
Hi all, I have been busy with a daughter in the high school marching band. The trip is less than 6 months away, that means I need to get our ADR's for the WWD or we won't get what we want since there will be 6 of us.
We are in a cat. 3 and the "kids" are in a a deluxe ocean view room on deck 7.They don't have the verandah but ours is three across so I know they will pop in a lot. We use the verandah a lot to get away from the crowds.
The "kids" passports came, it took 6 weeks and that was expidited! They responded that, see, you should not have worried. Hmm, when I had to get our daughter's passport well over a year ago (and got mine renewed) I did not expidite and it took 6 weeks. Yes, we needed to expidite.
The DIS group meeting is at Scoops at 3:00 embarkation day. I will try to be there. We usually are unpacking at that time but we might be done. Maybe I well just go up and meet all of you. My husband really isn't into all of the meet and greet but I since I don't work I enjoy it.
Now embarkation day we always arrive as soon as we can at the port. The concierge guests get to board right after the guests with handicaps and we found out the son and girlfirend can board with us at this time.
I always wear a lime green top and I will have a DCL visor on my head as always. I probably will also be wearing my tropical skirt that is pink flowers and lime green top. Our daughter might get into the DIS by also wearing lime green. Husband just wears a Tommy Bahama shirt and khaki shorts.
This cruise will be here before we know it! Kathy
carolmp
10-07-2007, 08:59 PM
I'm back. We also hit a record 87 degrees here in St. Paul. And we were in a non-airconditioned bunk house at a YMCA camp. It got a little warm....
For our honeymoon some 19 years ago we went on the Big Red Boat. That's what I finally got around to scrapbooking. That ship isn't very big. So I'm really looking forward to seeing the Magic.
limati
10-07-2007, 09:52 PM
We broke a record for heat - 91 degrees today. Hopefully we'll finally get our fall temps. later this week. Maybe in the sixties.
I cruised on Carnival several years ago. The look of the cruise ship at that time was very Vegas-like (not that there's anything wrong with Las Vegas!).
Disney ships seem to have a more classic look to them. I can't wait to see it.
Have a great week everyone.
I'm back. We also hit a record 87 degrees here in St. Paul. And we were in a non-airconditioned bunk house at a YMCA camp. It got a little warm....
Ackkk! That's a little hot! Hope you at least had a fan.
It's been hot here too. Sunday was 91 and yesterday was 92. Today should be our last hot day and we should finally get some rain tonight. Yeay!! We're about 15 inches below normal for rainfall - so we can really use it.
So - how was the scrapbooking? Did you get a lot accomplished?
carolmp
10-09-2007, 10:35 AM
Scrapbooking was good. I got caught up in all of the albums that I needed to. I don't take that many pictures. So it's pretty easy for me to keep up. I have a book for each girl where I only do 4 pages a year. Kelly has been dancing for 11 years so I have an album of just dance. (Lauren's dancing too, just not as long, so I haven't started an album for her yet.) I have sports albums for each girl and then my own family albums. I got all of the albums caught up to current and was able to go back to our "life before kids" pictures. Those are mostly just vacations we took. There are very few everyday type of pictures. I'm debating getting the Creative Memories software to do online albums. I have my parent's heritage pictures that I would like to get into an album for the girls. Then I realized that if I do them online I can just print two copies of the pages and give them to each girl. That sounds better to me than trying to manually create two albums.
Well, our weather turned. High of 56 today. We had the air conditioning on over the weekend and now I'm trying to hold off on turning on the furnace! It's pretty windy too, so I'm thinking most of the leaves will blow off. That's always sad. It's snowing in the northern part of the state. I don't want to see that yet!
Pammy jo
10-09-2007, 06:31 PM
Carol, I do alot of scrapping. Do you post over on the scrapbook board here? I used to all the time, but rarely do anymore. I love doing Disney albums best! Have you tried mousememories.com for supplies? I also get alot of my stuff from Michael's and AM Moore.
Scrapbooking was good. I got caught up in all of the albums that I needed to. I don't take that many pictures. So it's pretty easy for me to keep up. I have a book for each girl where I only do 4 pages a year. Kelly has been dancing for 11 years so I have an album of just dance. (Lauren's dancing too, just not as long, so I haven't started an album for her yet.) I have sports albums for each girl and then my own family albums. I got all of the albums caught up to current and was able to go back to our "life before kids" pictures. Those are mostly just vacations we took. There are very few everyday type of pictures. I'm debating getting the Creative Memories software to do online albums. I have my parent's heritage pictures that I would like to get into an album for the girls. Then I realized that if I do them online I can just print two copies of the pages and give them to each girl. That sounds better to me than trying to manually create two albums.
You've got a really great system set up for pictures. My older pictures are all shoved in picture boxes under the bed. It will take a long, long time to organize them. If I ever get around to it, I might just copy your idea of 1 sport book & 1 misc book for each girl.
Well, our weather turned. High of 56 today. We had the air conditioning on over the weekend and now I'm trying to hold off on turning on the furnace! It's pretty windy too, so I'm thinking most of the leaves will blow off. That's always sad. It's snowing in the northern part of the state. I don't want to see that yet!
Okay, this weather is starting to prove my theory of only two seasons - Summer & Winter! :laughing:
We're still hot - yesterday it was 94 at Dulles airport :eek: , today it is suppose to be 83, and tomorrow is only forecasted to be 68. The day after that, everyone will be sick!
carolmp
10-10-2007, 11:06 AM
Carol, I do alot of scrapping. Do you post over on the scrapbook board here? I used to all the time, but rarely do anymore. I love doing Disney albums best! Have you tried mousememories.com for supplies? I also get alot of my stuff from Michael's and AM Moore.
No, I haven't posted or even looked over there. To be honest, I didn't know that existed. I'll have to check it out. I buy most of my stuff through Creative Memories. But I was really disappointed with the Disney stuff they have. Otherwise I usually go to Archivers. I don't think we have AM Moore's around here, though we do have Michaels. Archivers pulled through for me with some really cute stuff. I'm planning on picking up some things on the cruise. My consultant also gave us a freebie pack of paper/stickers that was beach themed, so I'm saving that for our cruise. It was very timely!
Okay, this weather is starting to prove my theory of only two seasons - Summer & Winter! :laughing:
We're still hot - yesterday it was 94 at Dulles airport :eek: , today it is suppose to be 83, and tomorrow is only forecasted to be 68. The day after that, everyone will be sick!
Yep. Wore my lightweight winter coat to work today. Wore shorts and sandals on Saturday and Sunday. AAARRRGGGHHH! I do like your comment about being sick. Isn't that true?
Nancy, my photo system only works as long as you don't take a lot of pictures. If I did, I'd be in big trouble!
Talk (or whatever this is) to you later.....
Yep. Wore my lightweight winter coat to work today. Wore shorts and sandals on Saturday and Sunday. AAARRRGGGHHH! I do like your comment about being sick. Isn't that true?
Nancy, my photo system only works as long as you don't take a lot of pictures. If I did, I'd be in big trouble!
Okay - you've caught me. I'm a believe in quantity and maybe they'll be a few quality shots! :laughing: Thank goodness for digital cameras....
carolmp
10-10-2007, 11:17 AM
Yep. Love that digital camera.
I'm starting to look at pictures really differently. Since I got the job to go through my parents' pictures (shoes boxes full), I am going solely for quality now. After looking through all of their pictures I probably assembled about 100 that I thought were keepers (great-grandparents, family functions, our family life in general). I scanned those and am planning on putting them in an album for the girls. Otherwise I probably have 1000+ pictures that I will probably just through away. Either they are bad (which I throw away my own bad ones, so I don't feel guilty), or they aren't anything special. You only need so many pictures of an event. They are all in boxes now, divied up between my siblings. I'm sure they will get thrown at some point or another.
carolmp
10-13-2007, 11:43 PM
My local Hallmark store had kid's Disney Crocs in it. They even had a sign on the door stating they had them. They didn't have any adult sizes or I might have bought myself a pair. Don't know if they had them or not.
My local Hallmark store had kid's Disney Crocs in it. They even had a sign on the door stating they had them. They didn't have any adult sizes or I might have bought myself a pair. Don't know if they had them or not.
I just caved at Labor Day and bought my kids crocs. They had the option of Disney crocs, but went with the plain ones. Our Hallmark has those things you put in the holes of the crocs - like shoe jewelry - that are Disney themed. (PotC, Belle, Ariel, Donald & Daisy, Mickey & Minnie, etc.) Once again I caved and bought a few for the kids. Fortunately, they hate shopping and so they are never in a store to ask for more! :laughing:
Pammy jo
10-15-2007, 08:23 PM
I bought some pink disney crocs and I love to weatr them around the house. Very comfortable. Just don't see myself wearing them out in public though. So big! My boys have them and they are cute. (not pink of course) Little ones are very cute.
Well, we now have reservations at the Residence Inn AND the Radisson!
Last cruise, we stayed at the Radisson. It was okay - but then we checked in at 1:30am and checked out at 9am, so what do I know? :laughing: They offered the room, a free shuttle, and parking, but no breakfast.
This cruise, I decided we would try someplace new. I heard good things about the Residence Inn, so I checked it out. I got a great rate, parking and breakfast - but we'd have to pay for the shuttle. I then came up with an elaborate plan where DH would drop us off at the port w/luggage, drive back to hotel, pay for 1 person on the shuttle, and meet us at the port. Same thing reversed on the way back.
Then, thought I'd check out the Radisson again. Their rates dropped! For $15 more than the Residence Inn, we can get the room, bfast for 2, parking, & shuttle. We could all go on the shuttle and save the hassle - hmmmm......
Looks like we're changing to the Radisson and canceling the Residence Inn! :cool2:
Wow - page 3. Where is everyone?
Well, I'll tell you where I just came back from ..... High School Musical on Ice! I'll just say that it was quite a production! :rolleyes1
DD10 & DD5 both enjoyed it - and that was what was important. The hardest part was getting out of the center after the performance! The concession stands were everywhere and people were spending money hand over fist. One of the more popular items was the hat that the actress that played Kelsi wore in the movies. They had them in every color!
What's everyone else up to?
carolmp
10-21-2007, 10:55 PM
Hi Nancy,
We also have tickets to HSM on Ice, but it won't be here until Dec. I think my tickets are for Dec 15th. We have always enjoyed the Disney ice shows. We've been to quite a few. Is this one any good? I have 4 tickets, I was planning on the whole family going. Should I leave my husband and DD14 at home and take two 9-year-old friends?
We actually had state-wide teacher meetings on Thursday and Friday, so the kids were off of school. We went with another family to a resort about 3 hours north of the cities. It was really nice to get away for a while. A nice mini-vacation. We didn't do much. Just spent most of the time either wandering around the resort or hanging out in the room playing video games. Does anyone have the Wii system? Our friends have it. It was really fun. We golfed, bowled and played tennis. I didn't realize I was so athletic! You should have seen my diving saves on the tennis court! They were incredible! :laughing:
Later,
Carol
carolmp
10-21-2007, 11:15 PM
I'm thinking I may need to buy some new luggage for this trip and wanted to see what everyone else likes. We have a camping trailer that we typically use for vacation so we don't have much need for luggage. About 8 years ago when we first took the girls to DW we bought a large duffel on wheels. We had a 5 and 2 year old and DH was solely in charge of the luggage. I was in charge of the 2YO. He only wanted to have to deal with one piece of luggage. The salesperson told us that the rolling duffel would hold the most. In fact, it holds so much that that was the only piece of luggage we brought that trip. We each had a carry on, but that duffel held all of our clothes and shoes for a week. It was pretty amazing. The duffel bag has a telescoping handle, so it is very each to handle. It does weigh a ton when fully packed! (I know I need to keep it under airline limits).
Fast forward to 9 years later when the girls clothes are much larger than they were. I won't fit all of our clothes into that duffel anymore. I am contemplating purchasing another one or wondering if I should purchase a larger (24" - 26") standard suitcase. The standard suitcases I have are really old and I know that the new ones have better wheels and handle better than what I have.
What does everyone else have? What do you like/dislike about them? I know I want something on wheels.
Thanks for your help!
We also have tickets to HSM on Ice, but it won't be here until Dec. I think my tickets are for Dec 15th. We have always enjoyed the Disney ice shows. We've been to quite a few. Is this one any good? I have 4 tickets, I was planning on the whole family going. Should I leave my husband and DD14 at home and take two 9-year-old friends?
Hi Carol!
The show was good, but I left DH at home and took DD10, DD5 and DD10's friend. I'm glad I left him home - the pre-teen scream/squeals ever time the skater playing Troy did something would have sent him over the edge. :lmao:
To tell you the truth, I enjoyed Nemo & The Incredibles so much more. This was good, but the skaters were better in other shows that I've seen. Of course, it was their third performance of the day - so I shouldn't be so hard on them. Besides, I can't skate at all - so I have no room to talk! :laughing:
We actually had state-wide teacher meetings on Thursday and Friday, so the kids were off of school. We went with another family to a resort about 3 hours north of the cities. It was really nice to get away for a while. A nice mini-vacation. We didn't do much. Just spent most of the time either wandering around the resort or hanging out in the room playing video games. Does anyone have the Wii system? Our friends have it. It was really fun. We golfed, bowled and played tennis. I didn't realize I was so athletic! You should have seen my diving saves on the tennis court! They were incredible! :laughing:
Nope, no Wii here (although it is on Santa's list) Are you planning on getting it?
limati
10-22-2007, 12:24 PM
We have a Wii and my kids love it. My dd is a boxing star. I like the bowling and we have fun when we play. There is a new game called Carnival that has skeeball (sp?), darts, and balloon pop game that sounds like fun.
As for luggage, I'd like to get our clothes into 2 large suitcases with each of us having a carryon. I'm a notoriously bad packer. We'll see how it goes!
I'm thinking I may need to buy some new luggage for this trip and wanted to see what everyone else likes.
What does everyone else have? What do you like/dislike about them? I know I want something on wheels.
We're in the market for some new luggage as well. I'm sick of being "overweight" at the airport and shuffling our stuff from one bag to another while kneeling on the airport floor! :rotfl2:
We currently have a set from Atlantic. It's nice, and it's held up very well, but its HEAVY! Next set, I'm going for the light weight stuff. I thought about that spinner luggage, but read too many reports of the wheels breaking off from the "delicate handling" of the baggage people.
I've heard good things about TravelPro. Anyone have any light weight luggage they can recommend?
Okay - I got my Disney fix today. First, I saw the Mickey hamburger patties at the grocery store that Carol talked about earlier. Then, I got home to find mail from the Disney Cruise Line. It was basically a "Welcome back aboard" letter w/travel kit. :banana:
One interesting thing it listed was planning dates. Our booking date for excursions, spa, and Palo reservations is December 16th. Hmmm - I'm not ready to book yet! I've got a lot more research to do yet. Better get a move on...
Anyone else get this?
P.S. - Whoo hoo - we made it to 200 posts!
carolmp
10-24-2007, 10:35 PM
Nope, we haven't gotten that mailing yet, though I have been waiting for it. I wonder if I will get it two weeks later than you since I can't book until 2 weeks after you?
Thanks for the tip about the luggage. I was looking at that luggage the other day and thought it looked pretty good. Maybe I'll check around a little bit.
It looks like our cruise may be filling up (at least the CAT 10s). I've been going out periodically to check for rooms (I'm hoping an SPH will open up if someone cancels.) Today there was only one CAT 10 on Deck 2 and the rest were on Deck 1. I wonder if it will ever fill completely?
I've also been watching airfare just to see when it sells out. I booked mine back in May with a local carrier who only has one flight a day to Orlando. They are now sold out for the dates I want. If I want to fly a different carrier on the same days (Northwest), the price is up to $700 ticket! Glad I booked my air back in May!
Did you buy the hamburger patties? Are they any good?
Pammy jo
10-25-2007, 03:42 PM
I got my stuff today. Well my booking date for spa, etc dates said Dec 31st. That isn't right is it? I'm a castaway key member. Should that make a difference and it wasn't on the form or is the date just off? I don't want to blow it and get my reservations for excursions in late.
carolmp
10-25-2007, 04:33 PM
Pammy Jo,
When I plugged my information into that date calculator that's out there, it said that my date for reservations is 12/31, and I am NOT a Castaway Club member. So I think your date is wrong. I haven't gotten my information yet. I wonder what mine will say.
Carol
carolmp
10-25-2007, 09:23 PM
When I got home today my information was there. My booking date is 12/31 and I'm not a Castaway Club member. Now I have to start actually making decisions!
Yes, that is wrong. You should be the 17th.:)
Pammy jo
10-26-2007, 04:29 PM
I'll have to call Costco I guess and tell them to make sure my ressie says I'm a Castaway key member.
happymommy
10-26-2007, 08:16 PM
Hello all! Sorry I've been gone a while.
I got my mail this week also - fun!
I booked the REAS so our date to start booking is Dec. 1st.
Yikes. Got to decide. I think we'll do a lot of "Let's look around and then head back to the Magic" type stuff. Maybe an island tour at St. Thomas (quick, not all day!) and I don't know about the Castaway Cay.
So, are we meeting at scoops at 3? Sounds fun to me! Our friends from Arizona ARE coming! They have two DD's; one 8, one 6. He's my DH's friend from all the way back to grade school. So it will be cool. I haven't seen them since their wedding in Phoenix and that was 11 years ago. Wow.
Hillary is going to turn 9 on the ship! Christian (DS) will be 11. I need to set up email for them!
Okay, it's getting late, and I just went from SAHM to working part time (after not working for over 13 years) so I'm adjusting (as Lilo would say).
Getting excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy
Well, I'm not sure what we are going to do on St. Maarten, but I'm leaning towards going to Marigot. On St. Thomas/St. John, I'm thinking about doing the skyride to Paradise Point on our own. Depending on the weather, we'll probably just rent a float and bikes on Castaway Cay.
Lots to think about....
So, are we meeting at scoops at 3? Sounds fun to me! Our friends from Arizona ARE coming! They have two DD's; one 8, one 6. He's my DH's friend from all the way back to grade school. So it will be cool. I haven't seen them since their wedding in Phoenix and that was 11 years ago. Wow.
I'm so happy for you! I'm sure it'll be great to see them and even better to experience this cruise with them. I hope we get a chance to meet them, and of course you, at the meet. Their DD6 will be in the club with our DD5 (I think it's split 3&4 and 5&6)
Okay, it's getting late, and I just went from SAHM to working part time (after not working for over 13 years) so I'm adjusting (as Lilo would say).
Wow - I bet that's a tough transition. Hope you have a reasonable commute. I know how bad the Washington/Baltimore traffic can be at rush hours.
Nancy
ohiocindy
10-27-2007, 08:00 PM
I am traveling on the 3/15 cruise with my DH and DS who will be 8. We took the same cruise last year for Spring break and loved it so much that we rebooked while on the ship. Looking forward to booking Palo and the spa in Dec!
ohiocindy-which march 2007 cruise were you on?? we were on the eastern march spring break. :)
:welcome: ohiocindy!
I'll add you to the list of cruisers on page one post #8.
DisneyDaysLV
10-31-2007, 06:49 PM
On board from Nevada, me (Football and Beer), DW-Kristen (Beach and sun), DS11-Tyler (Baseball, skateboarding and video games) and DD10 (Anything that only girls do)...
carolmp
11-01-2007, 10:59 AM
Welcome DisneyDaysLV! That DD10 group is getting pretty big! I'm guessing there are about 10 DD10s in this group? Mine included! Let me know if you want to set up some email with my DD10. She's not a very reliable writer, but she has fun doing it!
DisneyDaysLV
11-01-2007, 01:50 PM
Thanks. DD Lexi is 9 but will turn 10 on 3/11 right before the cruise and wants to have another party on board...she would be interested emailing other DD10s. Other cruisers should note that they have announced the Pirate & Princess Party dates for the Magic Kingdom and the last one is 3/14. WE went last Feb and the park was empty with every ride a walk on. In fact, me and my kids did Splash Mountain 4 times in a row and we didnt see anybody else. The special ticket event is from 7 pm to 12 (but inside tip--they will let you in at 4pm). We plan on going Fri night and driving to the port Sat morning. It is worth looking into...
ohiocindy
11-07-2007, 01:06 PM
we were on a spring break cruise last year- we left on St Patrick's Day!
:welcome: DisneyDaysLV! I added you to the list of cruisers on page 1 - post #8.
On another topic - I got curious and decided to research how many ships will be in the ports with us. At this point, it looks like we'll have 2 other ships in St. Maarten and 3 other ships with us in St. Thomas. Since I've heard upwards of 7 ships in port at a time, I think we got lucky!
Nancy
Ohiocindy-we were on the same cruise then. Which deck were you on? Paige:)
swilphil
11-10-2007, 08:54 AM
:welcome: DisneyDaysLV! I added you to the list of cruisers on page 1 - post #8.
On another topic - I got curious and decided to research how many ships will be in the ports with us. At this point, it looks like we'll have 2 other ships in St. Maarten and 3 other ships with us in St. Thomas. Since I've heard upwards of 7 ships in port at a time, I think we got lucky!
Nancy
Does anyone know if this mean we will have to tender in?
ohiocindy
11-10-2007, 01:26 PM
Ohiocindy-we were on the same cruise then. Which deck were you on? Paige:)
We were on deck 6 mid ship - loved the location. Did you think the seas were rough on our cruise last year? We did and are hoping for calmer waters this year.
limati
11-10-2007, 09:03 PM
Welcome to all! We are staying midship on deck 6. It looked like a good location. I can't believe how close it is to Thanksgiving.
If any more of the 10 year olds want to e-mail with my dd, send me a pm.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Lisa
swilphil
11-11-2007, 08:13 PM
We were on deck 6 mid ship - loved the location. Did you think the seas were rough on our cruise last year? We did and are hoping for calmer waters this year.
I didn't think the seas were supposed to be that rough in March. Were you on an Eastern or Western last year?
We're staying deck 5, but toward the front (in a SPH). Do we need more than the bonine since our family is prone to motion sickness and this is our first cruise?
carolmp
11-11-2007, 10:22 PM
Sherri,
Which SPH are you in? I just got one last week - #5522. And I found out Nancy is right next to me. So do you think all of the SPHs are taken by DIS people, or do you think some people got them just by luck, or they could be DISers that aren't obsessed with this board.
I was on Deck 2 towards the aft. When I saw the SPH come available last week I wasn't quite sure I wanted to make the switch (I also couldn't believe my eyes!). I'm the one in the family more prone to motion sickness. But then I figured I might as well go for it. I'll just plan on taking something for it and hopefully I'll be OK.
If Ub_Iwerks, who posted on page 1, is still going, DIS'ers now have 4 out of 6 SPH rooms.:cool1:
As far as motion, I did a Western last November (which I know is not anything like a March Eastern) in a SPH room, and only felt the rocking and rolling of the ship on the first night. We brought a small amount of non-drowsy bonine, which we quickly used up, but we were able to get regular Dramamine from the medical center. This time, we're definitely going to pack a lot more non-drowsy bonine - I got too sleepy with the regular Dramamine.
Oh, and Sherri - I just transferred my reservation. Thanks for the referral!
Nancy
ohiocindy
11-12-2007, 07:54 PM
I didn't think the seas were supposed to be that rough in March. Were you on an Eastern or Western last year?
We're staying deck 5, but toward the front (in a SPH). Do we need more than the bonine since our family is prone to motion sickness and this is our first cruise?
We were on an Eastern - there were a couple of at sea days that were pretty rough. We used the Bonine and did not get physically ill - but definitely felt the effects. The worst was being in the Walt Disney theater and seeing the curtains sway - that almost did me in! I would love a smoother sailing this year.
limati
11-12-2007, 08:05 PM
What part of Ohio are you in Cindy? We are right across the river from Cincinnati. We are flying out of the airport in Dayton. It was much cheaper. My husband told me today that instead of a direct flight into Orlando, we have a stop at the Greater Cincinnati airport. I am so glad we are flying down on Friday!
When taking the Bonine do you start taking it before you get on the ship or just wait? Dramamine wipes me out. Is there a junior version of Bonine?
Lisa
ohiocindy
11-14-2007, 06:43 PM
We are in Mason - not too far from you.
We started the Bonine Sat am. There is a junior strength, but it seems to be hard to find so don't wait until the last minute! I think I got mine at Meijer
ohiocindy-I did think that a couple of days were pretty rough. I just used the armband and was fine. We had such a great time. Paige
lizg123
11-15-2007, 10:27 AM
This is my first posting but I was excited to see the thread for our cruise. We booked it 5 months ago and I am starting to get very excited!!! My husband and myself and our 13 yr. old son will be coming. We have never been on a cruise but I have dreamed of a Disney cruise for years. I will enjoy talking to all of you and sharing ideas, etc. Thanks for having this thread!
Liz
limati
11-15-2007, 04:29 PM
Welcome Liz! I also have a 13 year old son going along. It's getting closer and closer isn't it?
I can't believe that Thanksgiving is in one week. We only have one place to go this year and I'm glad. We are going to my sister's (who lives next door).
Lisa
lizg123
11-16-2007, 09:16 AM
I hope someone can answer this!! Will we be able to get off the boat at 7:30 and get to the airport in Orlando using the shuttle in time for a 12:15 flight?
That was the only flight out that we could book on Saturday. If the shuttle won't get us there in time we will look at alternative arrangements. Please help!!
Liz
carolmp
11-16-2007, 09:32 AM
Liz,
Welcome to our group!
They say that it shouldn't be a problem to make a flight starting at noon, so you should be OK. My guess is that it wouldn't be a problem if you are taking the shuttle.
Carol
carolmp
11-19-2007, 11:03 PM
So I didn't have anything better to do tonight and decided to see what rooms are still available for our cruise. I went to the disneycruise.com website and put in our date. It came up with rooms in Cats 5 - 11, no 4s or 12s anymore. Then for each Cat other than Cat 9, they showed less than 8 rooms per Cat. Cat 5 has one room left, and the others don't have many more. Cat 9 still gave me 8 rooms to pick from, so I'm not sure how many rooms are left in that Category. So I'd guess 30 - 50 rooms still left. I wonder what will happen as we get closer to final payment time? I'm guessing more will open up.
How's everyone doing? No big Thanksgiving plans here. We are hosting DH's parents and nephew and his wife. So an easy dinner for 8. Usually we have a larger crowd than that. Went to the grocery store tonight for all of my stuff, so other than the bakery for fresh dinner rolls, I'm all set. The grocery store wasn't even that crowded. I was pretty surprised.
Happy Thanksgiving!
limati
11-20-2007, 06:24 AM
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Do any of you get up early on Friday to shop? I used to, but now enjoy sleeping in. My kids have tomorrow off as well as Thurs. and Friday.
We go to my sister's house so no major cooking for me. I just have to bring the mashed potatoes.
Sounds like we'll have plenty of company on the cruise Carol. It's getting closer and closer!
Lisa
Wow - 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days from today, we'll all be cruising!:banana: :banana: :banana:
Happy early Thanksgiving! We're heading to DH's aunt's house on Thursday (local)- so no cooking for us. We're in charge of rolls and wine. Hmmm...what do you think that says about our cooking? :laughing:
It's starting to get to crunch time for planning excursions, etc. Anyone decided what they are going to do on their excursions yet? I've been reading trip reports, trying to get some ideas, but haven't made any firm decisions.
Nancy
DiszyGram
11-21-2007, 07:35 PM
Hi Everyone! I'm jumping in at the end of this thread and will then go back and read it all. My daughter, 8 year old grandson, and I just booked this cruise about an hour ago.:cool1:
We have all been on the Disney Magic and Wonder cruises before, and always love them.:love:
Getting flights booked was a little tricky. Most flights were full already because of Easter vacations.
I'm Gail. Hope to get to know you all before the cruise. I've met other people from here before and loved them all. :grouphug:
Gail
carolmp
11-21-2007, 10:04 PM
Welcome Gail! It's good to have you here.
I think airfare is going to get a lot trickier. I'm flying with a local carrier that usually only has one flight to Orlando a day. I know my flights were sold out over a month ago. I checked it today and it looks like they added another flight later in the afternoon. But the cost is almost double what I paid!
Were you on the Eastern or Western trip the last time you cruised? If you were on the Eastern, do you have any excursion suggestions? I think several of us are still undecided as to what to book.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carol
DiszyGram
11-21-2007, 10:25 PM
Thank you, Carol, for the welcome. I just returned from a Holland America Cruise on Nov. 10 and it visited beautiful St. Thomas. The cruise was almost all adults. Everyone should love St. Thomas. My sister and I took a van tour up into the mountains and did some shopping later.
I have never been to St. Maaten before. This time whatever shore excursions my daughter and I choose will depend on what my grandson will enjoy. We haven't looked at them yet. If there is a dolphin encounter excursion, we may choose that one.
My daughter just decided today to go on this cruise. Aaaaack! I need to recover from the expense of the last one. :scared1:
That's ok. I love Disney cruises. I won't need to stand by the side of the road with a will work for food sign, yet.:)
Welcome lizg123 & DiszyGram! I added you to our list of cruisers on page 1 post #8. Is DGS right for grandson? :confused3 Please let me know if I need to make any changes.
Hope everyone had a good turkey day - and good shopping for those of you who headed out today (Black Friday).
Nancy
DiszyGram
11-23-2007, 09:29 PM
Hi Nancy, DGS sounds good for grandson. :) He is thrilled he will be going on another Disney cruise.
Our turkey day was very fullfilling in more than one way. Need to do some major dieting before the cruise. :guilty: I just gained some on my last cruise.
We got the last available catagory 9 on the cruise and will be on deck 2. I'm going to page one now and check the list.
DD is Valerie and is 39, DGS is Joey and is 8. I am not shy about telling my age. I am a young 63.
Gail
Hi everyone!! Hope you all had a great holiday. I agree with whoever said now they have to loose weight before the cruise.;) We booked our flights and it is starting to seem closer. Welcome to all newcomers. Paige
DiszyGram
11-26-2007, 01:33 PM
There's another new person going on this cruise. Wright205. Hope he finds this thread. I gave him the link to get here.
wrightz05
11-26-2007, 02:11 PM
I found it!! I found it!!!! :yay:
NLM tried to Pm you but getting error post count too low??? Please add me to the list
Marvin (me)
DW Karen
DS Peyton(10)
DD Meredith(8) March 15th is her birthday What a present right :)
Father and Mother in-law
Sis and Brother in-law and their DD(3) and DS (1)
10 people total!
II cannot wait!!! Come on March!
wrightz05
11-26-2007, 02:58 PM
Sherri,
Which SPH are you in? I just got one last week - #5522. And I found out Nancy is right next to me. So do you think all of the SPHs are taken by DIS people, or do you think some people got them just by luck, or they could be DISers that aren't obsessed with this board.
I was on Deck 2 towards the aft. When I saw the SPH come available last week I wasn't quite sure I wanted to make the switch (I also couldn't believe my eyes!). I'm the one in the family more prone to motion sickness. But then I figured I might as well go for it. I'll just plan on taking something for it and hopefully I'll be OK.
Which cabins are considered the SPH? Tell me they are 5500-5522. If this is the case my three parties are in 5508-5510-5512. And this is our first disney cruise but they looked like good cabins to have :)
carolmp
11-26-2007, 03:07 PM
Marvin,
Welcome to our group!
The SPH (Secret Port Hole) cabins are cabins with portholes where the view is partially blocked. Therefore Disney charges the inside cabin rate (CAT 10) instead of the porthole cabin rate (CAT 8 and 9). There are only 6 of them on the entire ship. Cabin #s: 5020, 5022, 5024, 5520, 5522, 5524. They usually go right away. I got lucky and got one about a month ago when someone cancelled. It looks like you didn't get one of the SPHs, but you are just down the hall from us (and with an unblocked view!)
Is this your first Disney Cruise? It is ours. I've been looking forward to it for a long time!
Carol
wrightz05
11-26-2007, 03:17 PM
I just did a google search and read about them. Was hoping I was getting something "extra" :)
So it seems I will be right by a couple of us here on the board huh? I am actually in 5510 my inlaws are in the two around me. We chose this area because of the proximity to the kids clubs for me and the nursery for my sis-in-law.
This is my first disney cruise. I have taken a RC cruise and several with The USN (United States Navy) :)
I found it!! I found it!!!! :yay:
NLM tried to Pm you but getting error post count too low??? Please add me to the list
Marvin (me)
DW Karen
DS Peyton(10)
DD Meredith(8) March 15th is her birthday What a present right :)
Father and Mother in-law
Sis and Brother in-law and their DD(3) and DS (1)
10 people total!
II cannot wait!!! Come on March!
:welcome: I added your group to post #8.
Nancy
KerrGirl
11-27-2007, 02:00 PM
I'm Marvin's (wrightz05) sister-in-law and thought I'd join in on the thread to chat about our upcoming cruise that I am SO excited about! My husband (Josh) and our 2 year old daughter and 1 year old son are so ready. My daughter mentions the "Mickey Boat" almost every day! Counting down until our PARTAY......
heather :tinker:
wrightz05
11-27-2007, 02:56 PM
Where is a good place to stay the night before leaving? I need to book this asap.
What time can we arrive at the port to check in? I would like to get the best number possible.
I cannot book reservations for Palo orr excursions until 75 days prior. I have read that these tend to fill up. Will I have to opportunity to do this prior to departure day? How many can be booked online for CC members etc.
What is the best dinner rotation everyone talks about? Pirate night is Thursday right? What night is formal?
I have read everything I can find online and continue to search. Alot of my questions have been answered but I am sure I will have lots more.
Can you tell I am excited and ready to go!!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
limati
11-27-2007, 04:55 PM
Welcome Marvin and Heather and the rest of the bunch. This website has been a tremendous help in finding out info. about the cruise.
Do you have early or late seating? We have late. At first I thought I wanted to change but now I think we're okay with it.
We are cruising for the first time as a family. I cruised Carnival a few years back and had a blast.
We haven't decided on excursions yet. Decisions, Decisions!
We are so excited to be going. Hope to see all of you at the get together the first day of the cruise.
Lisa
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.