October 14, 2007 - 10/14/2007 Wonder

[lbcrosby]

Our DS and I would be interested in being interviewed. My DH on the other hand is not much for being the center of attention but he might not mind sitting along side. If you need a child's perspective our DS is 8 and is not shy at all. This is our first Disney cruise but we have been on Princess and Carnival to give a comparison perspective.

Two months from now I will be getting ready to take our Speciality Cruise watching the fireworks at Epcot.:banana:

[wendym]

We cannot wait either. I would have no objections to being interviewed either!
Wendy

[iankh]

Things have been pretty quiet around here lately. I thought I'd post to see if I could get some action going.

I realized yesterday that it is less than 2 months to the cruise!

WHERE has the time goine?

Things have been pretty hectic for me at work, plus, on top of everything, I am trying to get Mouse Manager ready for public release. I'm trying to narrow down my release to either 9/15 or 9/22.

Then, if I wasn't busy enough, I started working on the podcast this past weekend. I've sent PMs to those of you who said you would be interviewed for the cruise.

I have done virtually no planning for our trip. I'm now thinking of changing some of our ADRs for our 8-night stay after the trip.

We've decided to just do the Earl of Sandwich on the night we do Cirque. It is just not that convienent to formally dine with 7 year old. We'd either be sitting down to dinner too early or way too late.

So, that means we have another table service credit. I'm thinking of shuffling our reservations so that we can try Citricos. It looked really interesting when I visited to photograph it for Mouse Manager (I've photographed EVERY restaurant in WDW for Mouse Manager). The menu also looked really good (I've input EVERY restaurant menu so that it appears in Mouse Manager).

So, where are all of you in your planning process?

[TLANE30]

I'm just getting more and more anxious! I seriously cannot believe it is less that 2 months away now. I ordered my son a basket from The Perfect Gift yesterday. I am doing a spreadsheet of what we need as far as clothes and shoes so that we don't overpack. Hmmm...let's see.....I'm driving my husband bananas:banana: because all I do is talk about the cruise and what I see on this board. And, finally I'm trying to get some weight off before the cruise (which is NOT going too good):rolleyes1

[Kborn]

We have jumped ship...but we will be on the high seas with you, we changed to the 7 day for the same week. We think the 4 day is just too rushed, we did a 4 day on the very first disney cruise and it was over before you seem to get unpacked, not to say it was not fun, but we have been on (5) 7 day cruises and (1) 11 day cruise and they seem to go to fast...

With us renewing our vows on Castaway Cay, it was even more rushed...

Hope everyone has a great time and we will be thinking of you from the Magic.:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :woohoo:

[KAPTink]

May we join in?? This is our first Disney cruise, and we're soooo excited! Actually, I am the excited one, everyone else is just along for the ride. It will be me, DH, DS (age 8) and DD (age 6). DH is so tired of me thinking and reading and planning...and now counting down!

[matsterrocks]

Welcome aboard:)

This is our first Disney cruise aswell!! Really looking forward to it:pirate:
Are you going to the parks aswell?

[KAPTink]

Sadly, no, we're in for the cruise, and then to MNSSHP on the 18th, then back home. I would love to add on days for the parks. We're breaking our personal rule to not pull the kids out of school for the trip, so we felt quite guilty adding additional days! As it is, they will miss 2 1/2 days of school. Our teachers aren't pleased. Oh well...you do only live once! We'll have to make another trip to fully enjoy the parks! My dh and I have cruised on RCCL before, but not DCL. This will be the first time for our kids to cruise and the first DCL trip for all of us.

[iankh]

May we join in?? This is our first Disney cruise, and we're soooo excited! Actually, I am the excited one, everyone else is just along for the ride. It will be me, DH, DS (age 8) and DD (age 6). DH is so tired of me thinking and reading and planning...and now counting down!


Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! To our humble thread.

[matsterrocks]

Sadly, no, we're in for the cruise, and then to MNSSHP on the 18th, then back home. I would love to add on days for the parks. We're breaking our personal rule to not pull the kids out of school for the trip, so we felt quite guilty adding additional days! As it is, they will miss 2 1/2 days of school. Our teachers aren't pleased. Oh well...you do only live once! We'll have to make another trip to fully enjoy the parks! My dh and I have cruised on RCCL before, but not DCL. This will be the first time for our kids to cruise and the first DCL trip for all of us.

Our son is missing 8 days of school:scared1: Oh well life goes on:) He's doing some summer learning and we will try to get an idea of what he will miss during that time and work with him on it.

[lbcrosby]

Sorry to see you go Kborn but I agree with you that seven days on a ship is definitely a lot better than four. This will be our fourth cruise (on different ships) and I have to admit the seven days is definitely a lot more fun because you have more time to relax. The only reason we are doing the four days is we combined it with WDW as we promised to take our DS there. The parks are for him the cruise is for us. If my DH likes this we may book a 7 day when we are on board.

Welcome, KAPTink our DS who is also 8 will be excited that your DS will be along as well.

We would have had our son out of school for 8 days as well but we picked this specific week as his school has Thursday and Friday before the cruise off for teacher conferences and then the Monday during the cruise for I think Colombus Day but it isn't called that. So, only five days he will be off. We convinced ourselves that it saved us a lot of money to go in October versus during a break and they are only kids once. Also, how many people remember what they learned in third grade when they are adults but they will always remember Walt Disney World!!:teacher:

In answer to where we are with planning . . . I have booked everything and I am now into second guessing mode. We have reserved all the ADRs at WDW for the character meals, bought the tickets for Cirque and MNSSHP, set up the Sea World package for after the trip, rental car, hotel in Nassau, excursions for everywhere and bought the material to make a fish extender. Wow, there is sure a lot of things to do. This board was sure a lifesaver. The sad part is as soon as we get there it will be over in no time. I guess I will have to book another cruise when this is over and look forward to that one.:rotfl2:

[wendym]

Kborn sorry we won't get to meet but we hope you have a "Magical" cruise. KAPTink - welcome!
Back to school already - cannot believe how quickly our vacation went. Never mind we have this to look forward to!

[iankh]

Where has everyone been? The cruise is creeping nearer and nearer.

Well, life as been exciting. I finally got out my passport this week and had a major shock. It expires in October. Suddenly a panic decended. What to do, what to do? Could I find my birth certificate? No.

So, I ordered a birth cirtificate. Then, after things settled down a bit, I looked at my passport again. It expires October 23rd. How's THAT for squeeking in under the wire.

On another note - I am still looking for a couple of people who would be interested in participating in an interview for the podcast I'm working on that is launching at the end of September. It is a Disney and Disney travel focused magazine style show.

I would like to have a couple of shows that feature cruising. The shows will "air" either in December or January.

What I'd like to do is interview a couple of people via phone before the cruise, talk about preparations, and expectations.

Then meet up during the cruise for about 15 minutes to talk about the actual cruise, what has been some highlights and if it's lived up to expectations. Please PM me if you're interested.

[wendym]

Hi all
So sorry not been on much. Being back at school means thoughts of vacation are pushed way down the list unfortunately. However the thought of it all certainly keeps me going. Yesterday I booked to spend the day at Discovery Cove in the week after the cruises. We have never done it and we are really looking forward to it.
Thats scary about the passport - we have to have ones with at least 6 months left on them for travelling to the States.
Ian - will send you a PM.
Have a good week all.
Wendy

[TLANE30]

I AM SO EXCITED! I can't believe it's the month before the cruise! We booked our cruise during our son's fall break from school - so he doesnt have to miss any days. All our passports are in, new clothes bought....we're ready to go!!:cheer2:

[Stephieann]

Hello everyone, had to peak in and say hi. how is the trip planning going. Looks like dh would have been home in time for this cruise but it would have been a rush. Anyway, could some one message me when you guys get back and let me know what movies are playing at the movies, on the areal tron, and on tv. Thanks and have fun!!!

[iankh]

This cruise is getting mighty close, isn't it? I can't believe that I started this thread back last December. It seemed so far away. Which of course it was at the time.

I have been so busy lately that time is flying by.

We have started to shop and get ready for the cruise. We're travelling with a 7-year old. DDIL and grandson are coming over from the UK. This is their first time on a DCL cruise and will be their very first time in WDW. They're quite happy for me to plan everything, but I am determined that they should have some insight into what there is to do in WDW. I went to Amazon UK and am sending them the Birnbaum book. I figure that's a good easy introduction.

Next we had the whole discussion over the child booster seat. We have one for grandson here in Chicago and wondered what to do with the rental cars in Florida (the one we rent to get to the port, and the one we pick up after the cruise to go to WDW).

The prices the rental companies charge for a booster is incredilble. Last night we went to Target and bought a cheap booster seat that we'll check in in luggage. The plan is to use it in Florida and then dispose of it. It still comes out far cheaper than even 1 day's worth of what the rental car company would charge.

As we are now going into Fall, and this is Chicago, this was our last opportunity to shop for some resort wear too.

My passport problem as I reported was solved. My passport is valid until the end of October, but at the time of the panic, I ordered a copy of my birth certificate as I could not find one at home. It arrived on Friday. Much to my surprise, and something I had completely forgotten, the officials misspelled my father's last name, whichi is of course the same as mine. I forgot that we have different last names on my birth certificate.

If getting ready for the trip was not enough, I am also getting ready for the public release of Mouse Manager version 1.0. I started working on this project in May 2006, so after 15 months it will be released to the world. I have been busy completing entering all the menus for all the restauarants (counter-service, kiosk and table service) in WDW, on the Mouse Manager site and for access from within the tool. I have also integrated an Amazon style rating and review system so Mouse Manager users can rate restaurants and share reviews. That should add value when planning ADRs, to be able to read how others rate the restaurants, how the rating compares and also read reviews.

Mouse Manager version 1.0 will be available for free download on September 22nd.

Lastly, to add to all of the insanity, preparations are in progress for my podcast, The Sophisticated Mouse, to launch at the end of September.

We are planning to do a special DCL show, which is why I was callling for folks to interview.

We are now getting so excited about this cruise and trip to WDW, and some well earned rest.

[iankh]

So, what is the latest status of any meetups on the ship?

[iankh]

One month from today folks!

Any plans afoot for any onboard meetups?

[skiingwife]

I can't believe our cruise is almost here! My husband, son and I are flying in on Saturday 10/13 and weren't sure what we're going to do. I think we've decided that we're going to pick up our rental car and drive to the Contemporary Resort to the Sammy Duvall Waterski place. DH is a big skier and would love to meet Sammy Duvall. They said he might not be around but they could arrange that we at least get an autographed picture of him. DH will think that is great. We'll probably just do 1/2 hour, which is $80, less 10% for annual passholders. Maybe we'll ride over to Polynesian and eat lunch at Kona Cafe or Captain Cooks. Polynesian and Yacht Club are where we have always stayed and I love those 2 restaurants. Then we'll drive to the Radisson, swim, and then go to dinner at Grills.

Those are our plans. What's everyone else doing on the day before?

This is our first cruise so I don't know where would be a good meeting place, so hopefully someone will decide where to have a Dismeet on board. Any ideas?

Melissa

[iankh]

We too fly in on 10/13. We're picking up the car and driving to the port. We're staying at the Country Inn & Suites.

This is our second cruise.

My first cruise, a lot of people met up in the cruise terminal.

[matsterrocks]

We will already be on the ship:) We might have to disembark between cruises but hopefully not. Don't know if we would have time between the sailaway party and dinner for our greet and meet (might be to rushed???)

[skiingwife]

Matster -

I did not realize you are doing back to back cruises. So you're on the 3 day Wonder on October 11 also? That will be awesome.

[matsterrocks]

Matster -

I did not realize you are doing back to back cruises. So you're on the 3 day Wonder on October 11 also? That will be awesome.

Yes we are doing a sea/land package to start with and then following it up with the 4 day cruise and a few more days at the parks. It now looks like we will have to get off the ship between the cruises :( (new policy) however we don't have to get up at 6am for customs :) (new policy) as we are Canadians so thats GREAT:)

[iankh]

OK folks, we need some serious planning here about a possible meet-up :banana:

It might be a bit of madness the first few hours on the ship, there will also be the lifeboat drill.

Perhaps the first evening?

My last cruise, a bunch of us met up in the terminal, towards the back, near the snack area.

I myself will be wearing the Mouse Manager t-shirt (nothing like a little shameless self advertising), so I'll be pretty easy to spot.

[skiingwife]

Less than 3 weeks to go! Has anyone received their cruise documents yet?

[lbcrosby]

No. I am getting excited and panicked at the same time. I talked to the lady at AAA as to when to expect the cruise documents. She said that they mail them out 10 to 14 days prior to sailing. That made me very nervous as we are doing the land and sea and we are departing from our house four days before sailing. That cuts it pretty darn close. Anyone that has done this before . . . should I be concerned or will we be okay?

I think I have figured everything out. Except whether or not I want to do the couple's massage. I am also nervous about the Comfort Suites in Nassua. Who else was doing that? How are you coordinating transportation and timing. Usually I go through the ship but the cost difference was amazing.

[matsterrocks]

No. I am getting excited and panicked at the same time. I talked to the lady at AAA as to when to expect the cruise documents. She said that they mail them out 10 to 14 days prior to sailing. That made me very nervous as we are doing the land and sea and we are departing from our house four days before sailing. That cuts it pretty darn close. Anyone that has done this before . . . should I be concerned or will we be okay?

I think I have figured everything out. Except whether or not I want to do the couple's massage. I am also nervous about the Comfort Suites in Nassua. Who else was doing that? How are you coordinating transportation and timing. Usually I go through the ship but the cost difference was amazing.

I don't think it will really matter if you get your docs in time I'm sure the people at the resort can help you as you actualy check in at the resort anyways?

Don't be nervous about Comfort Suites you can just get one of the many cabs waiting at the port Just as to be taken to the Comfort Suites hotel on Paradise Island. When you ready to leave there will be cabs waiting for you at Atlantis. Just leave yourself enough time:)

[iankh]

Yes, just 3 weeks! I am getting a bit nervous. It suddenly hit me how much I need to get organized for work before I leave.

We're going for 2 weeks (the cruise followed by 8-nights in WDW), and I am so busy at work!

I think the reality of the cruise nearing hit me this weekend when we decided to buy suntan lotion before while it was still on the shelves here in Chicago.


Sooooooooooooooooooooooo? Any thoughts about on board meet-up?

[matsterrocks]

Yes, just 3 weeks! I am getting a bit nervous. It suddenly hit me how much I need to get organized for work before I leave.

We're going for 2 weeks (the cruise followed by 8-nights in WDW), and I am so busy at work!

I think the reality of the cruise nearing hit me this weekend when we decided to buy suntan lotion before while it was still on the shelves here in Chicago.


Sooooooooooooooooooooooo? Any thoughts about on board meet-up?

What time is the life boat drill? Maybe we could meet before that? After the drill I think things will be pretty busy until sailaway from Castaway Cay:)

[iankh]

What time is the life boat drill? Maybe we could meet before that? After the drill I think things will be pretty busy until sailaway from Castaway Cay:)

I think the lifeboat drill is at 4:00 pm

[matsterrocks]

I think the lifeboat drill is at 4:00 pm

If everyone is onboard early we could meet around 2:30 or 3:00 ????

[iankh]

If everyone is onboard early we could meet around 2:30 or 3:00 ????


That's a good idea and time. It would also be after making meal adjustments. I know that once I see our dining rotation, I'm going to want to adjust either our rotation or our Palo reservation.

So, 2:30 to 3:00 would be good.

[skiingwife]

We're getting to the port early so we can be one of the first to board. So 3:00 should be fine with us for a meet. Now the question is where?

[iankh]

We're getting to the port early so we can be one of the first to board. So 3:00 should be fine with us for a meet. Now the question is where?

I was thinking of the lounge area outside the Walt Disney Theatre.

[matsterrocks]

I was thinking of the lounge area outside the Walt Disney Theatre.

What is that area called? Are kids alowed in that area (not sure if they will come or be in the pool) I'm 6'3" 33 and already balding:(

[iankh]

What is that area called? Are kids alowed in that area (not sure if they will come or be in the pool) I'm 6'3" 33 and already balding:(

That lounge area is called Preludes. I seem to remember that it's pretty quiet at that time.

I'll be easy to spot. I'll be the guy in the Mouse Manager t-shirt.

[skiingwife]

For those of you here with kids, will they be dressing up for pirate night? My son has a Jack Sparrow costume but I don't know if he'll wear it, unless I tell him that other kids will be dressed up too. I bought him a Pirate t-shirt today at the Disney store (cheap $5.99) just in case.

[TLANE30]

My 5yr old son had gotten an eye patch, plastic sword, and pirate hat at a birthday party he attended a few weeks ago - PERFECT for pirate night! He'll be sporting that. My husband and I won't be dressing up.

[iankh]

We bought the grandkid a pirate costume. I suppose we're spoiling him.

He and his mom (DDIL) are flying over from the U.K. It is their first cruise and first trip to WDW. He doesn't know anything about the trip. She's not even telling him where he's going. They're coming here and then we're all flying down to MCO. She doesn't want him to know until he sees the ship. It's a big surprise.

So yes, we bought a Jack Sparrow costume, sword, eye patch etc.

[TLANE30]

That is so sweet! No - I don't think you're spoiling him at all. Isn't that what Grandparents are for?? :love:
My 5 yr old is so excited. We are driving from North GA. I dread the 10 hour drive with him - "are we there yet" "are we there yet":yay: :yay:
I can't wait to see the boat. I'm gonna cry - I just know it. My husband doesn't understand why I would cry. He just doesn't understand a mother's emotions!!
It's almost here - FINALLY!!

[matsterrocks]

My son 9 will be Jack Sparrow and my daughter will be Elizabeth Swan. My wife threw together a costume today for herself I will probably kust wear my Pirates of the Caribbean t-shirt???

What is the latest on the meet up? -Preludes at 3pm on the 14th?

[iankh]

My son 9 will be Jack Sparrow and my daughter will be Elizabeth Swan. My wife threw together a costume today for herself I will probably kust wear my Pirates of the Caribbean t-shirt???

What is the latest on the meet up? -Preludes at 3pm on the 14th?
It's soundling a lot like it's going to be Preludes at 3:00 PM

[matsterrocks]

Got our Oct 14th cruise tickets today:) Must be getting close:cool1:

[matsterrocks]

If any of you are spending a few days at the parks after the cruise there is a room only rate that starts on October 21st. We switched our last two nights from the ASMo to the AKL might switch from AKL to the Poly still but got to check with the wife as it's twice the price of AKL:cool2:

[iankh]

Got our Oct 14th cruise tickets today:) Must be getting close:cool1:

No documents yet. I assume they were first sent to the travel agent who will probably check them over and then send them on to us.

[matsterrocks]

No documents yet. I assume they were first sent to the travel agent who will probably check them over and then send them on to us.

Ours were sent dirctly to us from Disney. We used Costco as our TA

[wendym]

Hi all
We got our documents for the first cruise yesterday - sure we will get the other ones on Monday! We will certainly be wearing the bandanas they give out on Pirate Night. Ian - that isn't spoiling but just what grandparents do.
Meet sounds perfect - 2 weeks 1 day to go!
Wendy

[iankh]

Still no documents, but I'm sure they'll arrive this week.

2 weeks from today we'll be on board the ship! :cool1:

[matsterrocks]

Hi all
We got our documents for the first cruise yesterday - sure we will get the other ones on Monday! We will certainly be wearing the bandanas they give out on Pirate Night. Ian - that isn't spoiling but just what grandparents do.
Meet sounds perfect - 2 weeks 1 day to go!
Wendy

Didn't realize you were doing back to back cruises. Which is your first the 14th? Our fist is the 11th.

[iankh]

Still no cruise documents :confused3

Getting real nervous at work. There's so much I have to do to prepare. Also, projects have slipped in their deadlines by months and are now all converging to start the week I leave.

[wendym]

Yes, we are lucky enough to be doing back to back cruises - the first on the 14th.

[lbcrosby]

We got our documents today. Nothing spectacular. I guess I am getting excited so I expected "ta - da here they are". Instead it was a small little booklet. But I am still excited. One week from tomorrow we are heading to Florida.:banana:

[lbcrosby]

Ok, re-read some of these posts and realized I am a little bit behind. So, Preludes at 3:00 we can do. I have a costume for our DS who is 8 for the pirates event in the evening. Do people wear costumes to dinner as well? Adults? Kids? I have ordered me a costume and ordered a fancy pirate shirt which I am hoping to convince my husband to wear. Hopefully all will arrive before we leave.

On the fish extenders how many people are considering participating. What are your thoughts on how many things to bring to pass out. I figured whatever I didn't use for this I can use for passing out at Halloween.

Can you mail items to the ship? It might be easier to mail the package of items I am going to pass out.

Just a few last minute items.

Thanks

[lbcrosby]

Okay, in case anyone is interested I called Disney today to find out what movies will be showing on board. They added the typical disclaimer but said this was as of September 27th. Here is the list (I apologize for any misspellings).

Game Plan
Under Dog
Wild Hogs
Meet the Robinsons
Bridge to Teribithia
Invincible
Pirates of the Caribbean
Ratatouille

[matsterrocks]

On the fish extenders how many people are considering participating. What are your thoughts on how many things to bring to pass out. I figured whatever I didn't use for this I can use for passing out at Halloween.


I have no idea what are fish extenders????



Did anyone get a free upgrade??????

[iankh]

I have no idea what are fish extenders????



Did anyone get a free upgrade??????

We finally received our cruise documents today. No free upgrade, but on the plus side, we do have secret porthole cabins.

Fish extenders ... sound goofy, eh? Next to each cabin door there is the fish-type note clip. The fish extender, I believe is an extension note clip.

Lori - yes, adults do dress up for pirate night.

What are people handing out?

Also, did anyone make magnetic door signs?

[matsterrocks]

We finally received our cruise documents today. No free upgrade, but on the plus side, we do have secret porthole cabins.

Fish extenders ... sound goofy, eh? Next to each cabin door there is the fish-type note clip. The fish extender, I believe is an extension note clip.

Lori - yes, adults do dress up for pirate night.

What are people handing out?

Also, did anyone make magnetic door signs?

We made a couple of door signs. We leave for the airport in about 12hours:cool1: I was snowing today so good timing:cool1:
See you all in just over a week:)

[iankh]

We made a couple of door signs. We leave for the airport in about 12hours:cool1: I was snowing today so good timing:cool1:
See you all in just over a week:)

I think I'm going to have to get busy with door signs this weekend.

This coming weekend is targeted for packing. The DDIL and grandson arrive in Chicago on Thursday, Oct 11th so I don't think we'll be able to do our usual pack the night before the trip routine.

Are people handing things out? To whom? What sort of things?

[lbcrosby]

Ok, if we get it pulled together we will be passing something out on the ship. I want to get it pulled together and then mail it tomorrow so that we don't have to carry it to the ship. We had fun shopping at Oriental Trading Company. We got these cute little containers with glow in the dark lizards and balls (my son's choosing) and then a little piece of candy made from Hammonds here in Denver. I think that is it. If you want to be sure we make it by your room and you are willing to share your stateroom number let me know.

I have the materials to make a fish extender it is whether we can pull it all together.

Oh my gosh . . . we leave in five days . . . breathe, breathe . . . everything will get done.

I can't wait until I can relax.

[iankh]

I am currently going crazy at work. There is a major project that was supposed to be finished two months ago and was delayed. My team gets hit with their end of it while I'm away. I have gone into hyper planning mode in trying to get people ready carry on while I'm gone.

[matsterrocks]

Well it was nice to have met up with you all on the ship hope you all had a wonderful cruise. We just got home late last night and the whole trip went really well:cool1: