Magic - January 12, 2008

[jhannah]

Our family of 10 will be on this Western Caribbean sailing. Anyone else out there have this cruise booked?

[cmacf1]

Yes! Our family (DH, DD3, DD5 and me) as well as my mom and MIL are going on that cruise. In addition, at least 4 other families we know will be cruising then too, all of us on Level 6. Just over 300 days to go!

I put up a thread back in November on the Cruise Meet board, but it wasn't very active. Hopefully others will join us!

[my 3 ducks]

Hey all! My family is going on this cruise!! I have an (at cruise time) 8, 6 and 4 yrs old. This is our first cruise and we can't wait!!

[Eeyore77]

My DH and I will be joining you as well. We will be celebrating our 1 year Anniversary on the cruise. This will be our 5th DCL cruise. I am really looking forward to getting back onboard again. :cool1:

[Eeyore77]

Hey there everyone just thought I would bump this up!!! Where is everyone!!! :rotfl: The cruise is still monthes away but I am so excited. I am ready to go on another cruise tomorrow... :laughing:

[abbs25]

My sister (20) and I (29) will be on this cruise. We have done the 3 day, but are thrilled to be doing the Western. I have been reading cruise reports over and over!:cool1: I don't know if I will be able to wait until January!

[Eeyore77]

My sister (20) and I (29) will be on this cruise. We have done the 3 day, but are thrilled to be doing the Western. I have been reading cruise reports over and over!:cool1: I don't know if I will be able to wait until January!


I am so glad that you and your sister will be joining us on the ship. I am getting antsy. I went on our last cruise this past January and I am soooo ready to get on the ship again. I am always so sad when I get off the ship and I am ready to book our next cruise and hop right back on again.... :rotfl:

[MarissaMouse]

I am so excited to be going on the cruise! I will be 17 years old myself at the time of sailing, and my mother (50+) and father (50+) and two younger brothers (15 and 2 and a half) will also be going. Are there any other teenagers out there? I'd love to correspond with someone before the cruise starts... I'm a bit of a wallflower :flower: and it would be nice to know someone on board ahead of time!

This is something like my 6th cruise... I did the Big Red boat at 2 years old when it was still Disney and then at 4 years old after it went to Looney Tunes. Then I went on a DCL 4 day when I was 10. We did two weeklong trips in the next two years and another four day in 2004, but we haven't had a chance to go since.

I am really anticipating this cruise! This will be my first and only chance to take part in the teen activities, so I am glad I'll get to experience that. Plus this will be my first western cruise! Maybe I'll actually be able to use that spanish I spent four years learning! :rotfl:

Anyway, yes, I'm babbling... but I'm just so excited! I can't believe its over 6 months away... I'm ready to go on it NOW! Anyway, I'd love to talk to anyone who's 13-23 years old... though I doubt anyone over 18 really wants to talk to me, lol... but I really want to know someone before I go on the cruise! If any of you who mentioned family and friends going know someone in that age group, I'd really appreciate it if you could introduce us online! :chat:

Okay, babbling again... anyway, I look forward to seeing all of you guys in 6 months!!!! I'm so excited!!! I keep looking at all the pics and stuff from my last cruise, lol...

~Marissa :earsboy:

[Eeyore77]

Where is everybody? We have just over 6 months till we cruise so I wanna know who else is on there with us....:cool1:

[abbs25]

I am not going to be going on the Disney Magic in January now. My other sister is working in Florida right now and so I am going to go visit her in December and I just couldn't swing both trips. The only consolation I have is that I am going to be able to try out another Deluxe!

[Eeyore77]

I am soooo sorry you won't be joining us anymore....:sad1: Well I hope that you will enjoy whichever Deluxe you choose. Do you know which one you wanna stay at?

[cmacf1]

Our little group of families has now grown to 7 or 8 families with 32-35 people in our group! I'm the only one of the group who is on disboard.com (as much as I've told everybody in our group how wonderful this board is!!) so nobody else from our group has answered this roll call. Our group includes 16 kids who will be between the ages of 1 and 7, most between 3 and 6. My nearly 3 year old is not potty trained yet and shows no interest, even though I keep reminding her that she won't be able to go with ALL the other 3+ year old kids to the fun clubs. I'm starting to freak out about that. We've still got 6 months so there is hope.

I'm totally excited however that we've bought our plane tickets, made reservations to stay in Orlando the night before and we have a limo reserved to take us to the Magic on Saturday morning!!!! :banana:

[Eeyore77]

Our little group of families has now grown to 7 or 8 families with 32-35 people in our group! I'm the only one of the group who is on disboard.com (as much as I've told everybody in our group how wonderful this board is!!) so nobody else from our group has answered this roll call. Our group includes 16 kids who will be between the ages of 1 and 7, most between 3 and 6. My nearly 3 year old is not potty trained yet and shows no interest, even though I keep reminding her that she won't be able to go with ALL the other 3+ year old kids to the fun clubs. I'm starting to freak out about that. We've still got 6 months so there is hope.

I'm totally excited however that we've bought our plane tickets, made reservations to stay in Orlando the night before and we have a limo reserved to take us to the Magic on Saturday morning!!!! :banana:


WOW!!!! It sounds like you have everything all ready to go. For us it is a matter of getting in the car and making the 2 hour drive to the port. It makes life very easy. I have one last payment to make to DCL ad that will be done tomorrow and then we are all ready to cruise. Well except for that one small issue of the cruise being 6 months away and all. I just need to get in touch with the Grand Floridian Bakery and see about getting the top layer of our Wedding Cake remade and brought on the ship for our anniversary. Our real top layer was damaged on the trip home from WDW after the wedding at the Wedding Pavilion. Gotta have that for our 1st anniversary!!!

I can't wait to see everyone on board. I wish that we were going there tomorrow!!!! Yeah Mickey Boat here we come.....LOL

[MarissaMouse]

I'm still here! And still waiting for news that another teenager will be on board, lol...

[Eeyore77]

I'm still here! And still waiting for news that another teenager will be on board, lol...


I am sure that there will be others. Hopefully they will see this thread and you can make a ew friends before you get on the ship. I am sure you will meet a few really nice people if you go to the teens only area onboard. They always seem to be having a great time when I use the elevator near there. :thumbsup2

[MarissaMouse]

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm sure I'll meet plenty of teens in the club... but I'm still hoping one will find this thread! :)

[jhannah]

We're still around, and anxious to set sail. Our team will include:
Granddaughter age 8
Granddaughters (2) age 6
Grandson age 4 1/2

[laura_hattaway]

Hi! My dad is the original poster, and my family of three (husband, 6-year-old daughter) is among the 10 he mentioned. (Dad, you need to change your profile! You're not in Vegas anymore. ;))

We're pretty much ready and just twiddling our thumbs here now... My parents paid for the cruise itself (THANKS!) as well as our tips, my sister and her husband got us a FREE (rewards stuff) night pre-cruise stay at a beachfront hotel on Cape Canaveral (THANKS!), we are waiting the arrival of our Passports, and I've already reserved and paid for a car rental via Hotwire.

Oh, and the clothes... We've been planning this trip forever now, so I started picking up stuff on sale at the Disney Store, on eBay, and at DisneyOutlet.com. The other day while my husband and daughter were on an outing, I finally laid everything out, removed tags, and organized it. HOLY COW. I needed the reality check. NO MORE STUFF.

My daughter doesn't know about the trip, and we plan to wake her up one morning for a "surprise field trip," which is a tradition in our homeschooling family. We are SO excited! Well, my daughter doesn't know about it. But she'd be excited to the point of insufferability if she DID know. Hence the secrecy. Two years ago, my parents took all 10 of us to Disney World, another trip we planned for a year. We didn't tell my daughter until three weeks before we left, and she cried for three days because she wanted to leave NOW! We learned our lesson that time! :idea: She enjoys surprises, and we enjoy no whining.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

[Diznut84]

Checking in! My wife and I will be cruising with our DD13 and DD10. Two other families might be joining us as well!

[Eeyore77]

I am so happy to see some more people checking in. I finally got our cruise all paid off a few weeks ago and I am ready to get on there and relax. I need a break from work....:thumbsup2 We will now be heading over to WDW after the cruise for 2 days to stay at the Animal Kingdom Villas Concierge for one night and then rounding off the Anniversary trip with one night at the Polynesian in Concierge as well. I am going to be sooooo spoiled after those 10 days off of work and I am never going to want to go back to work...:rotfl:

I can't wait to see everyone onboard. I am counting the days until I can book excursions online. I just wanna be doing something to get ready. I guess I will just have to wait. :eek:

[cmacf1]

A month ago I wrote that my 3 year old was showing no interest in potty training and I was worried that it wouldn't happen before the cruise. One month later, she's totally trained!!!!!!!!!! One day two weeks ago, her dad took her older sister swimming and we told her she couldn't go because she wasn't potty trained. Within 3 days, she was no longer wearing diapers and has had only 2 accidents since then :banana: :banana: :banana:

So, looks like my husband and I may actually have some alone time finally! YAY!!!!!!!!! Only 5 months, 11 days to go!!

[laura_hattaway]

One month later, she's totally trained!!!!!!!!!!

Sweet!! That's SUCH a relief. And, think of all the $$$ you'll save on diapering products!

We went to Hawaii several years agi, and my daughter WAS potty-trained, but that was in Las Vegas, where there's no humidity of which to speak. Once we were in HI, I guess she didn't sweat as much or something, but she kept drinking on par with usual... and she couldn't keep it in!!

[MarissaMouse]

Sigh... we were expecting my brother to have a day off from school this week, therefore allowing us to come without him missing a full week of school. Turns out he doesn't get that day off... so the cruise has been cancelled, or at least postponed... I'm fully disappointed...

I guess I won't be seeing you then! lol Oh, well! Have fun! :)

[jhannah]

So sorry it's not working out for now. Just let "for now" be the key. I'm sure you'll find another sailing that will work for you.

[hsmom]

We're still around, and anxious to set sail. Our team will include:
Granddaughter age 8
Granddaughters (2) age 6
Grandson age 4 1/2

You can tell he's a grandpa (called "Pappy" around these parts). He forgot to mention that his wife, two daugthers and sons-in-law will also be tagging along. Guess it's all about the grands now, though. :love:

cmacf1, it looks like we have kids around the same ages. At the time of sailing, mine will be dd 8, dd 6, ds almost 5.

Thanks again, Pappy (and Nana) for our first cruise! :woohoo:

[jhannah]

Guess it's all about the grands now, though. :love: Well ... that's really who the cruise is for! :grouphug:

[jhannah]

Hurricane Dean is forecast to be around a category four when it runs head-on into Cozumel early next week. Let's hope it doesn't cause the damage like was done previously. That would almost certainly make that port call a no-go. Say, maybe they'd substitute Turks-Caicos. :thumbsup2

[jhannah]

Things turned out fairly well for these ports, so I'm sure we'll be just fine in January. (As long as another hurricane doesn't form and mess things up!) :rolleyes1

[Eeyore77]

Luckily things turned out good with Dean and both Cozumel and the Grand Caymans were spared. We went on this same cruise back in 2005 and it was just after the horrible hurricane season had torn Cozumel to bits. Because of that they had sent us to Costa Maya instead and was OK but I was not that impressed overall. The beaches were beautiful, but the actual area was very dirty and poor. They had only had electricity for a few years is what we were told. I really want to go to Cozumel. Let's all keep our fingers crossed for a smooth Hurricane season so we can go there. I hope it is nice there.

[laura_hattaway]

Let's all keep our fingers crossed for a smooth Hurricane season so we can go there.

Urm... and then there's the little issue of, you know, people who actually live there. :rolleyes1 :flower3: :flower3:

[Eeyore77]

Urm... and then there's the little issue of, you know, people who actually live there. :rolleyes1 :flower3: :flower3:


Oh no I didn't forget that part. You see I live in South Florida just north of West Palm Beach. We on edge here all Hurricane season long after that bad season 2 years ago where we were hit by large storms 3 times. So although I don't live in the areas Dean hit I live in an area that can be a common Hot spot for storms. Hope I didn't seem Heartless as that was not what I meant to do. :sad1: I just really want to get to go to Cozumel this time around and I know that they are still digging out from what happened to them 2 years ago. My Cousin went there on his Honeymoon last July and he said that they still have so much to do there to get things back to the way they were. So I know that another storm hitting there would be tragic. I promise you that I am not Heartless and I do worry for the safety of those people during stroms as I know people here whose homes were without roofs etc.... after the last bad season.... So please don't think badly of me as that is not the case. I was just responding about my wishes for the cruise as were others.

[laura_hattaway]

Yes, I think you're terrible and I don't even want to be on the same ship as you!

I was just teasing. My dad's the one who started it, anyway. He IS heartless. Except for the whole "buying us a cruise" thing. That part is okay. :thumbsup2

My friends and I have often lamented that there's not a specific "sarcasm" icon for electronic communications. It'd make things a lot less confusing.

Seriously, I'm glad we'll get to visit Cozumel, but it wouldn't really matter because I've never been outside of the US, so it's all an adventure to me. And I look forward to meeting you onboard the ship! Thanks for keeping our cruise meet thread active! :dance3:

[Eeyore77]

Yes, I think you're terrible and I don't even want to be on the same ship as you!

I was just teasing. My dad's the one who started it, anyway. He IS heartless. Except for the whole "buying us a cruise" thing. That part is okay. :thumbsup2

My friends and I have often lamented that there's not a specific "sarcasm" icon for electronic communications. It'd make things a lot less confusing.

Seriously, I'm glad we'll get to visit Cozumel, but it wouldn't really matter because I've never been outside of the US, so it's all an adventure to me. And I look forward to meeting you onboard the ship! Thanks for keeping our cruise meet thread active! :dance3:

Your are so right about not being able to tell if people are upset at you or not on these threads. I always feel so bad when I feel like I have upset soemone and it was completely not what I meant to do. Well I am glad that I didn't offend you. I try so hard not to do that on these things. I am so ready to go on this trip. Work has been a bear as of late and I need to get out into the ocean where I can't be reached. AHHHH what a great thought.

So this is your first time out of the US ever? Wow you will have so much fun. We went on our first DCL cruise in April 2004 and have been hooked ever since. Disney does such a great job on these cruises. Beware though, the food is always available and you will always seem to be hungry. :lmao: I seem to gain weight eveytime we go. You know what though What the Heck I am on Vacay I am going to enjoy.....

Are you guys going to try Palo? It is really good. I think that we are going to try to go there on our anniversary and probably one day for afternoon brunch. Both are fabulous!!! You really should go if you have the chance.:thumbsup2

[laura_hattaway]

So this is your first time out of the US ever?
We went to Montreal on our honeymoon, but this is the first time I'll be somewhere not attached to the US by land (the 'rents took us to Hawaii 3.5 years ago, which is farther away than the Caribbean, but still technically our country).


Are you guys going to try Palo?
Yes! As soon as we're able to do online ressies, I plan to try to get brunch for the Key West day, assuming they have it available that day. They have in the past, but I know it's no guarantee.

Work has been a bear as of late...
My husband is in the same boat. Fortunately, very soon he literally will be on the same boat! Maybe you can commiserate... or obliviate... or whatever. :)

[Eeyore77]

Trust me it will be time to RELAX and do nothing.... Ah just the thought!!!:cloud9: I don't know how I will make it to that point. I guess I will do it with my trip to WDW for 3 days this coming weekend and then a 3 day trip in Dec with my husband and Grandmother. We live so close I try to get my fix as much as possible. :love: I am a hopeless Disney Freak what can I say.

[Eeyore77]

Sigh... we were expecting my brother to have a day off from school this week, therefore allowing us to come without him missing a full week of school. Turns out he doesn't get that day off... so the cruise has been cancelled, or at least postponed... I'm fully disappointed...

I guess I won't be seeing you then! lol Oh, well! Have fun! :)

Sorry that I jsut noticed this one. I am soooooo sorry that you will not be able to join us with your family on the cruise. I hope that your parents will be able to find a better time to go so that you can get to have the DCL experience that you were so looking forward to. Here's to wishing you a great cruise in the future!!!!pirate:

[laura_hattaway]

I don't know how I will make it to that point.

Yep. My daughter is BEGGING us to go on vacation somewhere (of course, her sights aren't set too high; she just wants to drive to Arkansas and hang out at her favorite hotel with an indoor pool), and is very frustrated that we're not being cooperative! She has no idea about the cruise and is going to be SO excited when she figures out what's going on!

[Eeyore77]

Yep. My daughter is BEGGING us to go on vacation somewhere (of course, her sights aren't set too high; she just wants to drive to Arkansas and hang out at her favorite hotel with an indoor pool), and is very frustrated that we're not being cooperative! She has no idea about the cruise and is going to be SO excited when she figures out what's going on!


She will be soooo excited!!!! That is a great surprise. :cool1: So where is eveyone. It seems that you and I have been left all alone on here. :sad1: I think the 2 of us need more people to join in and discuss their hopes for the trip. What you wanna do etc... If there are an first time DCL cruisers I will be glad to help out since this one will be my 5th one!!!:cool1:

[jhannah]

You are not alone! (That sounds quite Twilight-Zonish, doesn't it?) We're all just hangin' waiting for the day.

I posted on another thread that one pre-cruise packet has already arrived for one family in our 3-family group. Seems a bit early ... but it's nice to have confirmed in a tangible way that we're "in the system." Hopefully the other two sets will arrive soon.

What shore excursions are you planning? Frankly, I haven't seen any that interest me. Having been to Cozumel and Grand Cayman and taken excursions, it will be nice to just stroll and go with the flow.

I do want to take the trolley/train in Key West to go around to the southernmost point of the U.S. We've been to the eastern-most point of North America (where Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic radio transmission.) So this will be a neat geographic point to visit. Also want to see the Hemmingway House and whatever else we can manage to do. Oh, and I will not ... I repeat ... WILL NOT leave KW without a piece of chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick! :cool1: :banana: :laughing:

[laura_hattaway]

And I'm the other "talkie," but I'll bite...

Even though our party of 10 will be on the cruise together, we're all doing airline separately so if one of our planes goes down, the rest can still enjoy the cruise (I kid... the other two families didn't know for sure from where they'd be flying out until recently).

SO... the morning before the cruise, we're going to get up and be ready to go by 5:00 AM. :coffee: If all goes as planned, our then-6-year-old will not know about the cruise or even that we're going anywhere until we pull her sleepy li'l head out of bed and quietly invite her on a "surprise field trip" (we homeschool and do this about quarterly). She usually likes to be surprised by our destination, but if she asks, we're just going to tell her "the beach." We will have stashed our dog the night before and have set up a friend to come check on the cat and hamster without her knowledge. The luggage will already be in the van and ready to go.

Her first clue will be when we pull into the airport remote parking lot. :teleport: At some point before we get off of the plane, we will have to tell her, "Yes, we're going to the same airport as the Disney World airport, but we are NOT going to Disney World this time around. It just happens that the beach is in the same state, so..." (We've already told her we'll return to WDW when she's 10 and can ride everything.) This shouldn't be too disappointing, as she's expressed a desire to go to the beach a few times lately.

Once we arrive at the airport, we'll pick up our rental car and (hopefully) luggage, then drive over to the beach-front hotel my sister and her husband so gracefully booked for us -- for free because of reward points -- where we will do the very thing my daughter finds synonymous with vacation: SWIM. :cutie:

We plan to have dinner at Grills that night. My sister's family is staying in the same hotel we are, and my parents are at the next one over. We might hang with them at the beach or pool, but are planning dinner on our own as we'll spend every night of the next week together on board!

The next morning, we'll head to the port... I can't WAIT to see Daphne's reaction when she realizes what's going on! Yea! Our plan is to board early and head straight to the Mickey pool. If we're hungry, we'll nosh around deck. My sister and I have talked about having a few adults watch the kids and relax while the alternate adults explore the ship a bit, then take turns doing that.

As long as we get everything we'd planned to do online done, we should be able to hang out until pretty near time for the lifeboat drill. I do plan to run to the room to unpack at some point before that. I've been picking up clothes here and there for the better part of a year, so Daphne has an entire cruise "wardrobe." (If you knew what a skinflint I am, the fact that she has all new -- to her -- outfits for the trip would make you laugh. But it's vacation, so we're all splurging a bit! :cheer2: )

Ooh, and I just read that you can pick up the Navigator for the next day at customer service when you board, so that'll be some great poolside reading. :love:

After the drill and sail-away party (memo to me: bubbles!), we should have early dinner seating, so will make our way there. We plan to check out the kids' club after supper. I am so glad they have an official "open house" (though I know parents are always welcome) because my daughter would be pretty mortified if I poked around too long as the only parent in the joint!

We don't have any excursions planned, but know that on Key West day, my husband, Ken, and I are going to try to get Palo brunch reservations if they have the brunch that day. On Key West, we want to do the Blonde Giraffe thing for sure (as jhannah, better known to Daphne as "Pappy," mentioned). We also want to visit the lighthouse, the Pirate Soul museum, and Hemingway House. Daphne doesn't know Hemingway from Steinway, but if her interest in the six-toed cats is anywhere as strong as her interest in finding the grave of Rudy the Alamo Cat in San Antonio, there will be plenty to keep her happy on that campus. :cat: We also plan to walk a bit and take in the architecture, etc.

Our only "must see" on Grand Cayman is Margaritaville, because the pool view looks amazing. We want to get off of the boat and immerse ourselves in a bit of the culture both there and on Cozumel, but don't have any huge itineraries.

Onboard, as a family, I hope we can do a dance party, the Mickey 200 (or whatever the veggie car race is called ), kite-building, maybe a game show, some ping pong, and lots of exploring. My daughter loves shopping, which she must have gotten from her Nana (my mom) or grandma (Ken's mom) because neither of her parents are into it at all. But we'll probably spend some time on board in the stores. In fact, our last day at Disney World two years ago, Daphne and her two girl cousins spent about two hours in the gift shop at Old Port Royale at the Caribbean Beach Resort! It was pouring down rain, but even if they could have been outside, they had SO much fun pretending to talk to each other on the Princess candy cell phones and picking up the stones from the "pirate treasure chest." *sigh* Girls. :crazy:

As for the grown-ups, Ken will love the beer tasting, and I will love the dessert demonstration. Sadly, this tells you much about our individual vices. :worship: :cake: :drinking: Anyhoo, we're also planning one spa treatment, and I might spring for a Rainforest pass when (if) they go on sale later in the week. I just want to try the scented showers. :thumbsup2 Also looking forward to just hanging out reading or sitting on the verandah once little D goes to sleep. I think we'd both like the galley tour and meeting the captain. :sail: Also looking forward to a game of Scrabble, and just visiting with my sister a bit (we talk on the phone often, but she has three kids and I have one, so the reception isn't always static-free, if you know what I'm sayin').

Then there's a wonderful sit-down dinner every night -- that I don't have to make, and that after which I do not have to clean up -- with my parents, brother-in-law, sister, neices, nephew, daughter and husband. How much better does it get than that?

We plan to catch the live shows at matinee any time they're offered. And at least one night, I'd love for us to sit on deck in the dark and watch something on the DumboTron. We're scheduling a nap on Pirate Night day so Daphne can enjoy (not just stay awake for, but actually ENJOY) the festivities. pirate:

This is probably WAY more information than anyone wanted, so :thanks: for bearing with me! As you can tell, I have thought about this a WHOLE LOT and am looking forward to it very much. :beach:

I cannot thank my mom and dad enough for the cruise! Even waiting isn't so bad... :hourglass

[Eeyore77]

Wow you really have put a lot of thought into this trip. Since we have been on a few we will probably do our best to relax and just do nothing. I know that we will try to go to Palo for both Dinner and Brunch. We will try to catch a few movies. Really this will probably be a fly by the seat of our pants kind of trip. ;) I have tried to look at the excursions but the website won't let me look. I am not sure why as I could last time. I am not trying to book yet as I can't until the Castaway Club Members can, but I would like to see if there are any new offerings.

[laura_hattaway]

Wow you really have put a lot of thought into this trip.

Oooh... Also, I have very serious plans to etch a path down the corridor on Deck 6 from our stateroom to the aft staircase, up three flights, over to the drink station, and back to the room. When you factor in the soda I consume weekly in general and subtract the cost of that from our cruise, I think it's only netting us (er, Dad) about $30 a day for me. :laughing:

[Eeyore77]

I got our cruise info packet about excursions, etc last week and I was soooooo excited!!!:cool1: Bad part is that they sent the wrong excursion guideto us. We got the one for the eastern and not for the western. Oh well I guess I will have to wait until I can get into the system and book stuff on the 14th of Oct. YEAH!!!! :banana: I am soooooo ready!!! Everytime we go I plan to Parasail, but then I never do it. Part of the reason for that is the water at Castaway Cay has been Very Chilly when we have gone in January. We have gone that month 2 times and the water was definately not like a Bathtub.:scared1: It is still beautiful though!!! Clear blue water and beautiful beaches. Not to mention the on the island lunch at Cookies BBQ! All great stuff. I just enjoy laying by the water. That is what we do here in West Palm Beach sometimes and we never even touch the water.

Are we all going to plan to get together when we get on the Boat so we can met or do we all just hope to meet in passing?

[laura_hattaway]

They did the same with us, sending us the Easterns stuff... I just called the customer service # on back of one of the brochure thingies and asked for the correct one. Although she said, "You realize all of this is online?" we had the corrected packet within a week. :) I was thinking, "Don't you know how ANAL most of us are about this kind of thing?!" Hee...

And I'm all for meeting up, just not the first day. Maybe on one of the "at sea" days?

*sigh* October 14. Well, since it's our first, we'll be behind you by a couple of weeks. Still, it's getting close enough to start getting REALLY excited!

[Eeyore77]

I have tried to look at the stuff online several times and it does not seem to want to let me..... Oh Well I kinda remember what's there, but I wanted to see what had been added that was new.

Meeting on the sea days would be fine with me. The first sea day is me and my DH 1st anniversary so I will have to see what we have planned for the big anniversary. But I will let you know when we get closer!!!:banana:

Where did everyone else go? Have we been left all alone? LOL. J/K

[laura_hattaway]

Actually, I was thinking... We HOPE to get everything done online beforehand, so after we get on board, we can just hang at the pool with the kids. SO, we might be holding court at the pool in case anyone wants to stop by. :) I've just seen people's pictures from the Promenade Lounge their first day on board, and I know we (maybe moreso than the kids) will be way too excited to sit inside for very long! I want to explore the ship!

Probably, knowing our four kids and their love of the water, we'll end up taking shifts watching kids (a.k.a. lounging in a chair) and checking stuff out. Can't wait!!

[laura_hattaway]

Where did everyone else go? Have we been left all alone? LOL. J/K

OH, and my dad just sent us the final payment confirmation, so he might be busy lining up part time jobs to re-fund his retirement. That might explain why he's not posting. :rotfl:

And HAPPY 1st anniversary! (Early)

The day we disembark will be the 10th anniversary of the day my husband and I met. (And we married 28 days later!)

[cmacf1]

I'm still here! Haven't posted recently because my mom (who is supposed to accompany us on this cruise) has been quite ill. She'll be having a tumor (probably malignant) removed from her kidney, but they believe it is very small and that the cancer is nowhere but in that one small tumor (i.e. it has not metastacized). In any case, I sort of put the cruise on the back burner (until I got the Travel Kit last week, that is!) We're not sure if my mom is going to go on the cruise, but we all want her to go. She'll be totally recovered by then, but she can't even think about it right now.

When I've had a few moments not in doctor's offices or with my mom someplace, I've been surfing online :surfweb: reading everything I can find about all of our ports of call and reading about signs to create for our stateroom doors and actually creating some signs from some of the great artwork I've seen on disboards.

We'll be at the pool on the first day. My nearly 5 year old is so excited about the Mickey pool. I know she'll want to go there first thing. We're getting to the port around 10:45 so we'll be on board quite early. On our last cruise, we didnt' make it onto the ship (Crown Princess) until 6:30 PM. The ship left at 11PM, but I felt so rushed and stressed. This time we're going the night before so mommy (me) doesn't feel stressed like that again:confused3 .

I've enjoyed catching up with everybody by reading all the posts. I'm glad to see that other people are as psyched as me!

Cathy

PS I've been busy also looking at the Halloween stuff in Target, etc for pirate stuff for pirate night. This is the best time to find it pirate: pirate: pirate:

[Eeyore77]

I'm still here! Haven't posted recently because my mom (who is supposed to accompany us on this cruise) has been quite ill. She'll be having a tumor (probably malignant) removed from her kidney, but they believe it is very small and that the cancer is nowhere but in that one small tumor (i.e. it has not metastacized). In any case, I sort of put the cruise on the back burner (until I got the Travel Kit last week, that is!) We're not sure if my mom is going to go on the cruise, but we all want her to go. She'll be totally recovered by then, but she can't even think about it right now.



I am sooooo sorry to hear about your mother. That is never a fun thing to have to deal with. My grandmother who I am very close to had to have to 2 different procedures done to her over the last 2 weeks to have to large and very deep skin cancers removed from her face. Each Surgery took 3 hours and she has 2 large scars from it. She stays on me all the time now about being sure to wear sunscreen since I am fair skinned and now she is really after me. I will keep you and your mother in my thoughts. I do hope that her procedure goes smoothly.


On the other hand at least the cruise papers coming in gave you something else to think about. I know that it is always nice to have something to take your mind off your worries for a bit.

I finally was able to look at the excursions last night online and that was a lot of fun. In Key West I think that we will just wonder around on our own since we did a tour last time. In the Grand Caymans I think that we might take the Bus tour that takes you to "Hell" and to the Turtle farms. It also takes you on a tour of the city. In Cozumel I think that we will just kinda see what we can get into. At Castaway Cay I think that we are going to do the Banana Boat ride and then do either the Parasailing or the personal motorcraft tour. The double one.

I plan to take full advantage of the spa this time and either do the couples or the single well being message. I do love a good Message since I am a TV News photographer and my poor back takes a beating. When I get on the ship I plan to see if they are offering the Lady's Morning Package deal that I did last time as it was a lot of fun. A facial, a half body message, and a foot rub, plus champaign and dessert treats afterward (Sorry I am worlds worst Speller)

The last 2 things I plan to book are both dinner and Brunch at Palo. We have done both on seperate cruises and they are both sooooooo good. We have to do them both again this trip. Chris hates dressing up, but he sure did love the food.

Well that are my plans for now, but there is still a moth before I can book so I am sure that there will be changes!!!!:cool2:

[laura_hattaway]

Hey, Cathy. Glad you're still around! I hope your mom feels up to coming; I'm sure it'll be such a blessing for her if she can make it.

So... we'll look for your two little girls around the Mickey pool first day. :) We intend to be on as early as they'll let us, AND intend to have everything reserved and squared away as much as possible so we can lounge, too.

[Corndog819]

myself (18) and two other friends (19 & 18) are going to be on this cruise parent free. We are all broke college students (on a cruise ship, go figure) so we have a cat. 12 room with no assigned cabin just "guaranteed or better", but man, Am i excited.

Anyways, my 7th cruise overall (RCCL, Celebrity, Costa, Blue Lagoon) but first on DCL. We shall see how that goes.

[Eeyore77]

myself (18) and two other friends (19 & 18) are going to be on this cruise parent free. We are all broke college students (on a cruise ship, go figure) so we have a cat. 12 room with no assigned cabin just "guaranteed or better", but man, Am i excited.

Anyways, my 7th cruise overall (RCCL, Celebrity, Costa, Blue Lagoon) but first on DCL. We shall see how that goes.


You will love it. Well I guess you will if you are a Disney Fan or at least a bit of a kid at heart. I sure am. I seem to have the Peter Pan problem where I refuse to grow up. Oh well I guess there are worse problems to have... LOL!!:rotfl:

I think that the three of you will have a great time. I was never worried about DCL, but that was because I know that anything Disney is a great thing for me. I can't go wrong. But truthfully the ships are awesome and the food and activities are really great too. Glad you joined us here on the thread.:goodvibes

[jhannah]

Hmmm. We got the wrong shorex books in our packets, too. Maybe this is an omen. You realize that Castaway Cay is in the Bermuda Triangle. Let's just hope there are no mix-ups with the cruise docs. ;)

What time is brunch in Palo?

[Corndog819]

I got my packet yesterday, with the right forms. wooo

[Eeyore77]

[QUOTE
What time is brunch in Palo?[/QUOTE]

If I remember correctly I thought that we had our brunch sometime around 2. I will be able to tell you the times after I can get into the reservation system on the 14th! Sorry I'm not more help on this one. I can tell you that I think that all the times were pretty typical for brunch times. Something like 11 to 3 pm. those aren't exact of course but that is kinda what I remember. Like I said I will repot back once I can get on the reservation system. I will be at WDW the night I am supposed to be able to book and I have no laptop computer. I hope there will be stuff left when I get back from Orlando that night.

[Tynk13x]

...I'll be on this Cruise too. Well, Myself, DH, DD7 and DS5. This will be our second DCL cruise in 6 months. We loved the first so much, we decided to do it again. Thankfully, most of the stuff we bought for the last cruise, we can use again for this one. I can't wait to start booking excursions. I want to try to do at least one at each port.
Changing subjects, I am all for a meet and greet. Let me know when and where, and I'll be there with my LGMH's.

[laura_hattaway]

...I'll be on this Cruise too. Well, Myself, DH, DD7 and DS5. This will be our second DCL cruise in 6 months. We loved the first so much, we decided to do it again. Thankfully, most of the stuff we bought for the last cruise, we can use again for this one. I can't wait to start booking excursions. I want to try to do at least one at each port.
Changing subjects, I am all for a meet and greet. Let me know when and where, and I'll be there with my LGMH's.

Awesome! So both of your kids will be together in the Oceaneer Club, right? (Assuming they both liked it last time.) My daughter and neice will be in there, too.

Six months, huh?... Nice.

[Tynk13x]

Hi Laura.
Yep, both kids get to be together this trip. My DS will be turning 5 in 2 weeks. He had so much fun lasttime. If you ask him what his favorite part of the cruise was...the clubs. It worked for us, DH and I got some alone time. This time, we are going to try dinner at Palo. Whoo hoo, fancy.

[Eeyore77]

Hi Tynk13x,

Welcome to our thread!!! I am so happy that more people are showing up on here now! I was starting to think that the ship was going to be completely empty! LOL!!! OK so not really, but it really is great to hear from you. I did to DCL cruises within 4 monthes last year and that was the best. We did the DVC Members cruise in October and the 3 day for our Honeymoon in January. It has felt like forever since I was last on a Mickey Ship. :sad1: OK it will be a year when I get on but that seems forever! :rotfl:

So about that meet what does everyone think. I agree that the first day is a bit too hectic to meet up. We will all be to excited to want to have to worry about meeting up. Laura you said something about a sea day. Maybe up by the family pool our something. Tell me what you think!!!

[Tynk13x]

Our first "sea" day would be fine with me. I plan to be up early to see the sunrise, so anyone who wants to join me on 10 is more than welcome. Or, for you late sleepers, anytime. I'm flexible. Unlike when at WDW, I have no intention of going "commando".

[Eeyore77]

Our first "sea" day would be fine with me. I plan to be up early to see the sunrise, so anyone who wants to join me on 10 is more than welcome. Or, for you late sleepers, anytime. I'm flexible. Unlike when at WDW, I have no intention of going "commando".


I won't be up that early... LOL!!! I am bit of a late sleeper. :cloud9: Sometime during the day would be fine with me. I am hoping to go to Palo at some point that day for our anniversary, but we have all day!!!

[Tynk13x]

I was just curious, will anyone be using fish extenders on our up coming cruise. I was palnning on making one for our group of 4, and found some cute little trinkets to leave in any we see. Just wondering if anyone else will be doing this?:confused3

[Eeyore77]

I was just curious, will anyone be using fish extenders on our up coming cruise. I was palnning on making one for our group of 4, and found some cute little trinkets to leave in any we see. Just wondering if anyone else will be doing this?:confused3


I have never used them, but I have seen a lot of people who do! What are you thinking about doing with yours?

[Tynk13x]

Mine is kind of simplistic. I made a small pocket for each fam member, with a character. I'm more interested in putting goodies in other extenders. I found some great buys at oriental trading.

[laura_hattaway]

That sounds cool! We're not planning to do the fish extenders, but do have some decorations for the door (nothing too fancy, just a bit of personalization). My "goody" plan is that my daughter has all new clothes for the trip. Although, she's experiencing a growth spurt right now, and I'm a little nervous! She'll be six next month, but is already finding size 6s getting snug. Dang. Maybe I'll get her to smoke or something else to stunt her growth temporarily for the next three months...

[Eeyore77]

One hint of advice on the door stuff is don't put anything out there that you don't want messed up. On our Honeymoon cruise we had a picture of the two of us on the door with a magnet frame that said Just Married at WDW and someone took the liberty to put facial hair on me. Wasn't that soooooo nice of them. I was a tad miffed. This time I will be sure that there is no pen on the door so they won't be tempted to do that again. I need to get some type of Anniversary Magnet for the door, but I am not sure if I will be able to find one. I guess I could make one, but I am not all the handy with that type thing. Sad HUH? :sad1: LOL J/K!!!!

I am just really excited that I can start making my reservations this Sunday !!!! Yeah I can't believe it is just over 3 monthes. I can hardly bare the wait. The good thing is that I have a 4 day Disney trip in December coming up with my Grandmother. It will be the first time that she will have ever been there during the Holidays and I cannot wait for her to see it all. :love: We are going to the Candle light Processional, MVMCP, and to look at all the resorts. Plus that trip we will be staying Club level at AKL and we will be going on the Sunrise Safari... I can't wait for her to see it all. So I guess I do have a little distraction between now and then which is good.... Sorry I know this is the cruise board, but I am really excited about both of these trips.... :rolleyes1

I am soooo in need of a vacation.... LOL!!!!! Please get here soon January 12!

[Tynk13x]

Got my must have ressies. Palo dinner on day 3, and Palo brunch on day 6. Go me! Also, I booked a few excursions to keep things fun. Now, I have to wait just shy of 3 months to get on the darn boat. I am in need of a time machine, I don't want to wait. Oh well, the Dis will keep me sane, I hope...

[laura_hattaway]

Very exciting! I still have to wait another couple of weeks to book. Hoping to get Palo brunch the Key West day, and then a tea later in the week. I don't think we're booking any excursions, though. It's our first cruise, so we're looking forward to enjoying the boat. :) Congrats on getting your stuff lined up! Yea! Makes it seem more "real," huh?

[Eeyore77]

Got my must have ressies. Palo dinner on day 3, and Palo brunch on day 6. Go me! Also, I booked a few excursions to keep things fun. Now, I have to wait just shy of 3 months to get on the darn boat. I am in need of a time machine, I don't want to wait. Oh well, the Dis will keep me sane, I hope...

I got all my ressies too. I am so sad. I was at WDW world that night and I had to ask to use their computer so that I could get what I wanted. I am obsessed. LOL. I got Palo for the same days as you. I got dinner at Palo at 7:30 PM on day 3 (Our 1 year Anniversary dinner) and I got brunch at 11 am on day 6. What times did you book?

I also booked the 11:30 am bus tour of the island of grand cayman and the banana boats on Castaway Cay at 1 pm. I am gonna freeze in that water in January... LOL...:rotfl:

[Eeyore77]

Very exciting! I still have to wait another couple of weeks to book. Hoping to get Palo brunch the Key West day, and then a tea later in the week. I don't think we're booking any excursions, though. It's our first cruise, so we're looking forward to enjoying the boat. :) Congrats on getting your stuff lined up! Yea! Makes it seem more "real," huh?

I hope that you have good luck with your ressies too. If you don't get Palo the the day you want online, don't worry it is usually pretty easy to get what you want onboard. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

[Tynk13x]

I got all my ressies too. I am so sad. I was at WDW world that night and I had to ask to use their computer so that I could get what I wanted. I am obsessed. LOL. I got Palo for the same days as you. I got dinner at Palo at 7:30 PM on day 3 (Our 1 year Anniversary dinner) and I got brunch at 11 am on day 6. What times did you book?

I also booked the 11:30 am bus tour of the island of grand cayman and the banana boats on Castaway Cay at 1 pm. I am gonna freeze in that water in January... LOL...:rotfl:

We will be joining you for dinner. 7:30 for us also. As for the excursions, we are doing the Pirate encounter at GC, and the 3 in 1 getaway at CC. I think the plan is to Taxi over to Paradise beach at Cozy.

Good luck with the Ressies Laura. My toes will also be crossed for you.

[Eeyore77]

Tynk13x,

Well we will see you at dinner that night for sure.... :goodvibes Also I wanted to tell you that your puppy in your signature is so cute. What kinda of dog is it.

[Tynk13x]

Tynk13x,

Well we will see you at dinner that night for sure.... :goodvibes Also I wanted to tell you that your puppy in your signature is so cute. What kinda of dog is it.

She is a Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff. Just think Turner and Hooch. She (Char, french for Tank) is only 12 weeks and 20 pounds in that picture. Now, she is 12 months and 100 pounds.

[Eeyore77]

She is a Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff. Just think Turner and Hooch. She (Char, french for Tank) is only 12 weeks and 20 pounds in that picture. Now, she is 12 months and 100 pounds.


Wow how they grow up fast... LOL... My little girl weighs all of 7 pounds she is a toy rat terrier. This a picture of my girl.... I am a proud mommy too.. :goodvibes


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/Jbeckner77/snowpup.jpg

[Tricializ]

We will be joining all of you on the January 12th cruise. :) I can't wait. I will be onboard with my mom and 2 of my 4 kids. (2 boys, ages 5 and almost 8). We will be on deck 7 and I haven't booked any excursions etc. yet. Just booked the trip last week and discovered that the kids' passports had expired :confused3 so was more worried about getting those taken care of.
The hardest part of all of this is that the kids don't know and I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut! :)
Tricia

[laura_hattaway]

Yea! Welcome aboard, Tricia. We'll look forward to seeing you all! My sister had to renew her passport and it took no time at all. I think it's the newbies (like ours were) that are taking so long.

And as long as we're posting pictures of dogs, we have a greyhound. She's 10 years old; we've had her since she was 18 months. We adopted her after she was "retired" from a racetrack in Mexico.

http://lh4.google.com/greytgrey/Rxadu8tug9I/AAAAAAAABJE/LCb6cdfgUEc/s288/100_1586.jpg

A couple of months ago, a stray cat wandered into our yard and has taken up semi-permanent residence in the garage now. Kaley desperately wants to be friends with kitty, but kitty is having not part in it.

http://lh6.google.com/greytgrey/RxaeActuhAI/AAAAAAAABJg/Kty6fYFEvsg/s288/100_1589.jpg

And again, she play bows like she would to a puppy. It's so obvious she's speaking an entirely non-feline language, 'cause the cat thinks Kaley's going in for the attack. :)

http://lh6.google.com/greytgrey/RxaeLctuhCI/AAAAAAAABJw/McXqbT2ivpA/s288/100_1599.jpg

[Tynk13x]

Welcome aboard Tricia.

[Eeyore77]

Tricia,

Welcome to the group. You and your sons are going to have an awesome time. I wish that DCL would have been around when I was a kid just so that I could have tried the kids activities and such. They say they are amazing. Is this your first DCL cruise or are you a castaway club member as well? I am soooooo excited about the trip and hope that I will get to meet you on the cruise.

[cmacf1]

Welcome Tricia! We have a 5 year old also (a girl) and a 3 year old and we are ALL so excited!!! This wasn't a surprise for our girls because there's no way I could keep it secret. We can't book any excursions or Palo yet -- not until the 29th :sad1: Hopefully we'll get what we want.

I have been learning how to create magnetic door signs and we plan to have some on our door, knowing that they could be swiped or defaced:mad: . We'll be putting our room number on them to try to discourage thievery. If you haven't been to the Creative DISigns section of disboards, go! You'll find all kinds of incredible signs. Here's the sign I'm going to put on our door on the last night of the cruise (the DISigner named Pat created this for me):

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/malificent-ship1.jpg

Since others are adding photos of their sweet dogs (we also had a greyhound, rescued at age 2 from a track in CT -- she lived until she was 11 and we LOVED her,) here are photos of my two canine offspring with my two human offspring:

First is Elena (the 5 year old human) with Zoe, our 6 year old Belgian Shepherd:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/IMG_5252.jpg

And here's Nina (our 3 year old human) with Griffin, our 6 year old very overweight Welsh Corgi:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/IMG_4522.jpg

When I find a good picture of my sweet cat Tula, I'll post that as well.

Cathy

[cmacf1]

PS I just noticed Nina, my 3 year old, is cross-eyed in that photo. We continue to work on her amblyopia/lazy eye. I didn't realize she was cross-eyed in that photo.

[laura_hattaway]

Wow, Cathy, your girls have grown up a lot since the picture in your profile box! :) Can't wait to see you onboard!

Where is everyone staying? We're on Deck 6, midship. We plan to decorate our door, too, but nothing too elaborate. And ours are extremely custom in that there are pictures of US in them, so if someone wants to steal them they're probably more of the stalker variety than the Disneyphile theft type. :-D

[cmacf1]

Yes, the girls have really grown. The photo in my avatar was taken on the Crown Princess last Christmas. It's amazing how much they can change in 10 months, particularly Nina, my younger one.

We're also Deck 6, midship just aft of the midship elevators. We're on the starboard side. I'm really happy with our location. All of the other families traveling with our group are also on Deck 6, midship, starboard side.

Cathy

[Fawn]

Hi Everyone

We're new to this cruise. We're myself, my DH, and our two DD's, who will be turning 17 and 18 on the cruise. Anyone with teens??

[laura_hattaway]

We're also Deck 6, midship just aft of the midship elevators. We're on the starboard side.

Groovy! We'll be neighbors. We're on port side, though (I think I have my naval terms correct.). But same thing, just aft of the midship elevators. My dad picked it, as he's a seasoned cruiser (we're first-timers) and figured it to be prime real estate. :)

Okay, so the 29th is when we can sign up for online ressies. Does the computer system open up at midnight locally, or is it not available until "business" hours? And if that's the case, what ARE business hours?

[laura_hattaway]

Hi Everyone

We're new to this cruise. We're myself, my DH, and our two DD's, who will be turning 17 and 18 on the cruise. Anyone with teens??

Hi there! We had a teen earlier, but she's not going on the cruise now! Maybe as it's getting closer, more will log on here.

Your ticker says 2 months, 4 days. Are you going on an earlier cruise, too??

[Eeyore77]

Cathy your dogs and your kids are all so cute. My Fur babies are the only babies that I have. I am an animal nut!!!

As for where Chris and I will be located on the ship we are on Deck 7 center ship. We have a room with a deck, but I can't remember which side of the ship we are on. Oh well as long as I am on the ship I am happy....:laughing:

I am so glad to see that so many people have joined the board over the last few weeks. I was gone for a few days to cover the Shuttle Launch of Discovery for work and it seems that we made some new friends.
:cool1: By the way if you have never seen a shuttle launch in person it is something you really should try to do before they stop the space program in 2010. It is an amazing sight. This was my first trip to the Cape for a launch and I was blown away...

Anyone on here going to WDW after you get off the ship for a few day as well? We will be going to spend two nights there afterwards, Wondering who will be there with us....

[Eeyore77]

Okay, so the 29th is when we can sign up for online ressies. Does the computer system open up at midnight locally, or is it not available until "business" hours? And if that's the case, what ARE business hours?

I was able to start right after midnight on the first night of reservations. You should be able to do it at the stroke of midnight. No need to wait for business hours. I did mine at 1:30 am... I couldn't stand to wait... :rotfl: also I am pretty sure that it is at 12 am Eastern time, so no matter where you live you can do it at 12 eastern...

[Tynk13x]

Hi all. It is a very sad day in my house. We had to cancel out trip.:( Hopefully, we will be able to reschedule another in the future, but right now...I will miss you all. Say hi to Barry for me at CC.

[laura_hattaway]

I was able to start right after midnight on the first night of reservations. You should be able to do it at the stroke of midnight. No need to wait for business hours. I did mine at 1:30 am... I couldn't stand to wait... :rotfl: also I am pretty sure that it is at 12 am Eastern time, so no matter where you live you can do it at 12 eastern...

Sweet! I already warned my husband (who's an "early to bed" kinda guy and seems to enjoy my company) that I might be making a night of it Sunday. Woo hoo! :banana:

[laura_hattaway]

Hi all. It is a very sad day in my house. We had to cancel out trip.:( Hopefully, we will be able to reschedule another in the future, but right now...I will miss you all. Say hi to Barry for me at CC.

:sad2: I'm so sorry to hear that.

[Eeyore77]

Hi all. It is a very sad day in my house. We had to cancel out trip.:( Hopefully, we will be able to reschedule another in the future, but right now...I will miss you all. Say hi to Barry for me at CC.


Oh No I hope that nothing bad has happened. You will certainly be missed and I wish that you were still going to be on the trip with us. Hopefully you will be able to reschedule in the future. Feel free to keep chatting with us anytime....:sad2:

[laura_hattaway]

Well, there are no longer any Palo brunch or high tea reservations available online. Bummer. But I will try the first day to get brunch ressies at least.

I did get the spa treatment my husband and I are going to do within 20 minutes of when I thought it would be "ideal" to do it. So, yea! :)

[Corndog819]

Hi Everyone

We're new to this cruise. We're myself, my DH, and our two DD's, who will be turning 17 and 18 on the cruise. Anyone with teens??

Hi,

Myself (18 in 9 days) and my two friends one will also be 18 and one 19 by the time she sails.

I posted a few pages ago but didnt draw too much response.

Cris

[Eeyore77]

Well, there are no longer any Palo brunch or high tea reservations available online. Bummer. But I will try the first day to get brunch ressies at least.

I did get the spa treatment my husband and I are going to do within 20 minutes of when I thought it would be "ideal" to do it. So, yea! :)

There should be some times left when you get on the ship. I know that we were able to change a reservation onboard with no issues at all... I think I am going to wait until I get on the ship to book any spa stuff so I can see if they are running any specials.

[laura_hattaway]

Very cool.

Yeah, with the spa thing, my husband and I are trying the exotic rasul, which isn't too terribly (in vacation dollars) expensive, anyway, so I went for it when I wanted to do it, just to make sure we could. :) I AM looking forward to the Rainforest special I've heard about where, near the middle of the cruise, they offer admission at a significantly-discounted rate. Have you done the scented showers? They sound magnificent.

[Eeyore77]

Very cool.

Yeah, with the spa thing, my husband and I are trying the exotic rasul, which isn't too terribly (in vacation dollars) expensive, anyway, so I went for it when I wanted to do it, just to make sure we could. :) I AM looking forward to the Rainforest special I've heard about where, near the middle of the cruise, they offer admission at a significantly-discounted rate. Have you done the scented showers? They sound magnificent.

On the last day of our Honeymoon I used the Rainforest room, but I was starting to feel bad so I was not in there long so i never got to try the scented showers. :scared1: I have heard that they are great though.

[Paigee10]

Hi Everyone

We're new to this cruise. We're myself, my DH, and our two DD's, who will be turning 17 and 18 on the cruise. Anyone with teens??
hey fawn! we will be joining your cruise AGIAN! hahah and for marissa me and my sister are 16 and 17 and this will be our 3 cruise!

[Eeyore77]

hey fawn! we will be joining your cruise AGIAN! hahah and for marissa me and my sister are 16 and 17 and this will be our 3 cruise!

Welcome to the group.... Always glad to hear from new people.

[tmli]

Well it looks like we will be joining you all on this sailing!

Dh and I just cruises the Wonder in August for the first time on our honeymoon....we decided to go again with ds (11).

[Eeyore77]

Well it looks like we will be joining you all on this sailing!

Dh and I just cruises the Wonder in August for the first time on our honeymoon....we decided to go again with ds (11).

Hi there and welcome aboard.... We are so glad that you will be joining us. So you had a WDW wedding too. Mine was in January at the Wedding Pavilion. We also did a cruise for our honeymoon. Great minds think alike HUH? :rotfl: Well tell us what your cruise plans are we would love to hear them.

[tmli]

We were married at the WP as well! So far we don't have any definite plans. It was kind of a last minute decision. DH wants to do the jungle hike in Cozumel. Ds and I like to hang out on the ship on port days.

We will also leave ds in kids club so we can enjoy the Palo lunch. We did that on the last one and it was a highlight for us.

I am so looking forward to another cruise -- I am glad dh changed his mind!!!

[maceysmomma]

Our little group of families has now grown to 7 or 8 families with 32-35 people in our group! I'm the only one of the group who is on disboard.com (as much as I've told everybody in our group how wonderful this board is!!) so nobody else from our group has answered this roll call. Our group includes 16 kids who will be between the ages of 1 and 7, most between 3 and 6. My nearly 3 year old is not potty trained yet and shows no interest, even though I keep reminding her that she won't be able to go with ALL the other 3+ year old kids to the fun clubs. I'm starting to freak out about that. We've still got 6 months so there is hope.

I'm totally excited however that we've bought our plane tickets, made reservations to stay in Orlando the night before and we have a limo reserved to take us to the Magic on Saturday morning!!!! :banana:

6 months is a long time to get your 3yo mostly self sufficient on the potty...if it is at all possible let her stay naked from the wait-down while at home...little ones are not likely to have more than a few accidents on themselves when they are naked. They wil feel sensation to "go" more quickly and not have the "backup" og a pull-up or diaper...it's worth a try...it worked for us...:thumbsup2

[laura_hattaway]

6little ones are not likely to have more than a few accidents on themselves when they are naked.

When our now-six-year-old was just turning two, I tried this. That stubborn little girl would hold it for six hours, then the second the phone rang and I looked away from her for an instant, she'd pee in the floor! My patience with that ran out after about twice. *sigh* I'm so glad to be out of that stage!!

And welcome, Tracey! Is your son excited?

[tmli]

Yes he is very excited!!! He and I cruised with Carnival a couple years ago and he loved it. He wasn't too happy when we cruised without him for our honeymoon!!!

[cmacf1]

6 months is a long time to get your 3yo mostly self sufficient on the potty...if it is at all possible let her stay naked from the wait-down while at home...little ones are not likely to have more than a few accidents on themselves when they are naked. They wil feel sensation to "go" more quickly and not have the "backup" og a pull-up or diaper...it's worth a try...it worked for us...:thumbsup2

I'm happy to report that Nina is TOTALLY potty trained (well, not at night, but I'm not worried about that!!!) It happened in July when we told her she could no longer go to the pool in her swim diaper (a little fib.) Within a week, she decided she was not going to need diapers anymore and she only had one accident in the first week of August. Since then, she's been a perfect potty-trained girl :banana: :banana: :banana: My extreme worry was not necessary.

Thanks for the advice!!

[laura_hattaway]

Yea! :) No more diapers! What are you going to do with all of that extra money?!

Woo hoo! The ticker says 2 months.

[Fawn]

Cris, just curious...what made u three pick a Disney cruise for ur vacation?

Paige...can't believe ur on our cruise again...do Sam and Ash know? They have another old friend on this one, also!

Laura...I changed my ticker...we were originally scheduled for the New Year's cruise but changed our plans.

I'm not online often anymore, so sorry if I don't get back quickly to anyone.

[Corndog819]

Well... There are VERY few lines that let 18 year olds sleep in a room without someone over 21 (some 25) yet alone BOOK a cruise.

Anyways, I thought I found a reliable resource in an article someone published from frommers I believe. It clearly stated cruise line by cruise line polices including the ages. Well It pretty much stated that Disney was the only way to go. So we booked, the dates were doable for us as we have a 6 week winter vacation from Santa Barbara City College.

However, it was then I learned that despite what it said in the article, Princess also would have let us come aboard. But we're happy and not complaining.

Personally it is my 7th cruise, both of my friends first. Ive heard ramblings in my family that we are probably headed to Alaska on princess coming summer. So it is a chance to try something new for sure.

Counting the days,

Cris

[tmli]

My very first cruise was almost 19 years ago when I was 16. A friend and I sailed alone. There was one small cruiseline that would allow us. Now my mom still shakes her head trying to figure out how she ever let me go!! At the time it didn't even occur to me how unsafe that may be--I was very mature for my age, so it didn't occur to my folks either. But it was a trip of a lifetime and one of the best experiences of my life!

[Paigee10]

Cris, just curious...what made u three pick a Disney cruise for ur vacation?

Paige...can't believe ur on our cruise again...do Sam and Ash know? They have another old friend on this one, also!

Laura...I changed my ticker...we were originally scheduled for the New Year's cruise but changed our plans.

I'm not online often anymore, so sorry if I don't get back quickly to anyone.

i think sam knows, and yeah i think matt is going and another set of friends we met last time too! its like a reunion :grouphug: hahah!

[Eeyore77]

My first cruise was with my Grandmother when I was 14 years old and I did not get to go on another one until I went on DCL in April of 2005... Now I am addicted to DCL and can't go on any other cruise line... LOL

[Eeyore77]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope that you all had a great meal and a happy holiday with your families!!!! I am counting the days till we go. It is getting sooooo close now!!!

[rivercote]

My hubby, 4 yr old daughter, & I have just booked our sailing on The Magic 1-12-08. Celebrating my daughter's 5th birthday that week. Still attempting to soak in all the information as this is our first Disney Cruise and also our first time taking our little one on a cruise as well. We're planning to fly down from Michigan on the 11th and are researching transportation options to the port. Sounds like a rental car is the most inexpensive way to go but it would be nice to have a limo and not worry about which way to go.

Sounds like many of you have children the same age - so I'm sure our paths will cross!

Mary, Doug, and Victoria

[laura_hattaway]

Thanks, Jennifer! We had a GREAT Thanksgiving.

Welcome, Mary! I know Daphne (mine) and Mackenzie (neice) will have a great time hanging out with Victoria (assuming she's in the 5-7 group; otherwise, she'll be in with my nephew TJ in the 3-4 bunch).

You might as well splurge on the limo if you can swing it. It's not like you do this every day, right?

[rivercote]

I suspect Victoria will be in the with the 3-4 year olds as her birthday isn't until the 17th. As much as I'm looking forward to sneeking off for some alone time with my hubby, I suspect my little fish is gonna wanna spend alot of time in the pools. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she makes some friends and is motivated to go to the club. And if not... I'll be easy to spot (the terribly pruned up Mom ;)

I was reading about how you plan to surprise your daughter... I have considered homeschooling and your "fieldtrip" idea is so awesome. It is wonderful that you have the flexibility to travel several times a year with her like that.

[Eeyore77]

We live close enough to drive to the port now, but we always used the bus transportation that you can get through WDW. I know it is kinda pricey, but you know that you are going to get where you wanna be. It was just the easiest way for us. If you have the extra to get the limo though I say go for it. I wish we could. Instead we will making the 2 and a half hour hike up 95 to join ya. LOL.....

If you have any questions or need any planning help there are lots of us on here who have done this several times and are ready to lend a hand in planning.....

So have we decided on a day, time, and location yet for a meet on the ship?

[tmli]

We will be renting a car again to get us from Orlando. In August we paid to park it at the port since it was after the wedding and we had way too much stuff to take on the ship.

This time we are renting from Budget and will return it at the port location and grab their shuttle over. Has anyone rented from this location? Directions/distance from ship?

[Fawn]

OK, Thanksgiving is over, the house is decorated and I'm busy wrapping Christmas gifts. I am SOOOOO ready for this cruise!!!!!

Anyone else???

[laura_hattaway]

Of course I'm ready!! :)

We had a great Thanksgiving, and I think I already have all of my Christmas shopping finished. Just hangin' out and waiting now...

[Eeyore77]

I am soooooo ready for the cruise.... I need a nice long break from work and the real world....

As for the Christmas shopping. I am really behind on that. I never seem to be able to fine the time. I've started but I am long from finished. At least I can say that I did get all of the Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving. My grandmother is coming tomorrow night to stay for 11 days so I wanted to have that all done before she got here. We are off to WDW for the Holidays next Thursday night.

[Kanata_Wish_Family]

Our family will be on this Cruise as well. My husband and my two daugthers (one will turn 8 while on the cruise and the other is 4 1/2).

This is our first Disney Cruise.

Paula

:cheer2:

[laura_hattaway]

Welcome, Paula! It's our first cruise, too. Your older daughter will be in the same age group as my neice, and your younger with my nephew. Can't wait to meet you! And thanks for the reminder that it's only 40 days out. Woo hoo!

[Corndog819]

Cruises are awesome... both of you will have a great time.

[Eeyore77]

Wow only 40 days.... I am sooooooo ready to go. Can we leave tomorrow?

[laura_hattaway]

Okay, so... Here's a question for those of you who've cruised with Disney before. Is there anything (a spot on the ship, an activity, an amenity, etc.) that you came upon by accident and now can't imagine a cruise without it? Just curious. I want to know what to look for on board! :)

[jhannah]

Today (Sunday, December 9th) NASA announced it has scrubbed the attempted shuttle launch until NEXT MONTH! Wouldn't it be a super-duper thing if it were launched while we're in port? Well, it could happen!

[Corndog819]

I was just thinking that... some guy on CNN said "January 2 at the earliest"
That would be awesome

Youtube actually has a video of this, I cant post links otherwise I would.
Go to youtube and type in Space Shuttle Night Launch (STS-116)

[Eeyore77]

Okay, so... Here's a question for those of you who've cruised with Disney before. Is there anything (a spot on the ship, an activity, an amenity, etc.) that you came upon by accident and now can't imagine a cruise without it? Just curious. I want to know what to look for on board! :)


Truth is I haven't stumbled upon anything on the ships, but I can say that once I traveled on DCL I can't go back to any other cruise line. DCL has service that goes above and beyond and I can never imagine cruising with anyone else.

[jsheridan]

Hello, 1/12/08 cruisers :wave2: -

There is a thread going right now

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1627762

for people wanting to pass on items such as over the door hangers, pails & shovels, unopened snacks/water, etc... to people on the following cruises.

We currently have someone on the cruise prior to yours looking for someone to leave items to. If you are interested, please respond on that thread. I will add the first person who responds...

You guys are getting close!!! pixiedust:

Julie

[Eeyore77]

Today (Sunday, December 9th) NASA announced it has scrubbed the attempted shuttle launch until NEXT MONTH! Wouldn't it be a super-duper thing if it were launched while we're in port? Well, it could happen!


I work at a TV station in West Palm and today we reported that the shuttle date has been set for January the 10th at the earliest. There is a chance that it could go off the 12th, but if it is scheduled for the 10th and it doesn't go off then they will try again on the 11th after that they are supposed to wait 48 hours before they try again to give the crew a break. Sorry if I sound like a dork the only reason I know this stuff is because I covered the shuttle launch in October for my station. It was an amazing site to get to see that in person. We can only hope that it goes in our favor and we get to see it. I would love to be on the Magic sipping on a fruity beverage and watching the shuttle take off. That would be awesome.....:banana:

[tmli]

Has anyone who has booked a guarantee gotten their cabin assignment yet?

Last cruise we had it by now!

[laura_hattaway]

Has anyone who has booked a guarantee gotten their cabin assignment yet?

Last cruise we had it by now!

:confused3 Sorry. We booked specific rooms. I'll bet the suspense is killing you!

[tmli]

It is! We only booked a 12 gty....and honestly would not be unhappy if we ended up with a 12. It's fun to gamble and see where/what we end up with. Last time it was a Cat 9!!

I am glad we just booked this past month I hate waiting!!! I am really looking forward to taking DS on this one!

[laura_hattaway]

I suspect my little fish is gonna wanna spend alot of time in the pools.

Yes, mine, too! Fortunately, she's also an early riser, so I'm hoping that by 10 o'clock when the entire ship is at the pools, she'll be finished for the day. Maybe they (the kids) can hang out at the pool and get to know each other, and that will make Victoria more confident about hitting the Oceaneer Club.

We plan to chill by the pool from boarding until we have to head in for the safety drill, so if you guys make it that way, we'll look for you. I was about to describe myself, but just realized it might be neat for us to all post pictures or links to pictures of ourselves so we'll know each other. :thumbsup2 I'll do that next post...

[laura_hattaway]

(Or "robot roll-call," for you MST3k fans)

Anyone up for posting pictures so we'll kind of have a somewhat familiar face to go with the screen name when we run into each other onboard?

Here's the picture from our Christmas card this year:

http://lh5.google.com/greytgrey/R2g444UBx0I/AAAAAAAAByM/0l7cHBUxxLw/s400/100_1677.jpg

Obviously, Kitty and Kaley the greyhound won't be joining us, but the humans in the photo are Ken, Daphne, and me. Miraculously, the child still doesn't know about the trip at all!

Who's next?

[Corndog819]

Has anyone who has booked a guarantee gotten their cabin assignment yet?

Last cruise we had it by now!

We're in the same boat (sorry for the awful pun, hehehe). We have a Cat. 12 and have yet to get our cabin either.

Getting so close!

Cris

[Eeyore77]

OK I will go next. I have a very small picture on here but I will add this one so that you can actually see us.... LOL... I think that this picture is very fitting for this board... You can't really see that my hair is red in this picture, but it is...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/Jbeckner77/LifeVestPicture.jpg

[Corndog819]

I just got my cabin assisgnment. 2547. I think thats an upgrade from 12 to 10?

Cris

[laura_hattaway]

Yup! Woo hoo! You can see it on these deckplans (http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-deckplans.htm#). Awesome! Congrats! I know you and your friends are going to have a blast!

[tmli]

Congrats!!! We got ours as well....2511 a .......Cat 12!! Yay us....we got exactly what we paid for!!

LOL....last time we got a 9....we rolled the dice again but no luck. I have often sailed in an inside cabin so I am not worried about that. My main concern is the club right above us and noise, has anyone stayed in this area before?

[Corndog819]

According to WDWinfo "stateroom reports"

Notes: The room was very clean except for a stain on the bathroom floor. There was plenty of storage for clothes. It was noisy at after 10 p.m. We could hear the music from the dance club which was directly above us. I'm glad I brought a white noise machine. Very convenient to elevators and stairs.

Sounds wonderful.... lol. I will have to report back on the stain.

Come say Hi!

[Corndog819]

According to the WDWinfo "stateroom reports" again...

Your exact cabin wasnt there, but 2021 was....

Notes: The room was conveniently located one deck above the departure door when going off the boat. There was a lot of noise behind the wall, until about midnight, sounded like a door constantly opening and closing. The room and batrooms are smaller than the other categories. Had a plumbing issue, but it was quickly resolved.


Notes: This is a cat. 12 room so the price cheaper. It is located next to service elevators and service closets. Noise was happening all night. Was hard to get to sleep.You get what you pay for. But we were bringing the Magic home from the Med.

Notes: Room itself was fine. The noise level is awful. Doors slamming all night. Would not recommend to any light sleepers. The location was great near the stairs & elevator Missed the second bathroom..

[Eeyore77]

Anybody else gonna post some pics so we can see what ya look like?

[laura_hattaway]

You can't really see that my hair is red in this picture, but it is...

I wish mine were! It'd save me a few bucks a month. :rolleyes1

[tmli]

Those aren't very nice reports!! We knew the chance when we booked it and we understand you get what you pay for!

We will ask about an upgrade at the port but I think the sailing is sold out. No worries!! Either way we will have a great time!

[laura_hattaway]

Those aren't very nice reports!!

I've learned that, whether it's Disney (and lots of Disney guests are VERY picky) stuff, eBay feedback, or epinions, etc. that you have to take reviews with a grain of salt. We used to live next door to people who reportedly enjoyed absolutely no vacation they ever took.

I've done the same things and eaten at many of the most panned restaurants at Disney world and enjoyed them all thoroughly. I think a lot of your enjoyment depends on your attitude. And I don't mean "make the best of it," either. I mean, just don't have the, "I paid thousands of bucks and if I so much as get the hiccups, I'm going to demand a full refund AND a free cruise" mentality.

You have to figure that the only people who post opinions probably either really hated something or really loved it. What I saw in that report was that if you're a light sleeper, it'd be a good idea to take a white noise machine. Otherwise, you're fine.

At least there's no stain in your room. :laughing: (Little joke there, Corndog.)

[Corndog819]

At least there's no stain in your room. :laughing: (Little joke there, Corndog.)

Low Blow.... :guilty:

http://profile.ak.facebook.com/profile5/1384/54/n513055028_6670.jpg

There is me looking "happy" in Rhodes, Greece.
I guess a Costa cruise can do that to you. (note to self: dont take a costa cruise again!)

[Jackk]

Hi All,
I am so looking Forward to going with My life partner and My Daughter (18). We are absolute Disney Lovers(DVC SSR )!
I was just wondering if there is something we should do besides pack before we leave!(any insiders tips?).

Michael

P.S. Also wondering if there are any other Gay couples going?

[laura_hattaway]

Hey, Michael! Welcome aboard. :) So, by Disney's definition, your daughter is an "adult." Is she planning to hang out with you guys the whole trip, or does she have stuff she's wanting to do on her own? It's my first cruise, period, so I can't help you on the insider's stuff, but I'm so Type A, we've sort of had everything ready for months, so... we're just hanging out 'till it's time to go.

Corndog, thanks for the picture. Try not to grin onboard, or we won't recognize you! :-P

[Jackk]

She is an Adult so I will not presume to speak for her. We have stuff planed , but I am sure she will want her space.
It is her first cruise as well.

Cheers,
Michael

[Corndog819]

Very cool... Myself (18) and two of my friends (18) & (19) are going to be onboard.

Crusies are great. You're going to have a blast.

Corndog, thanks for the picture. Try not to grin onboard, or we won't recognize you! :-P

Ill keep that in mind... hehehe

[tmli]

Hi All,
I am so looking Forward to going with My life partner and My Daughter (18). We are absolute Disney Lovers(DVC SSR )!
I was just wondering if there is something we should do besides pack before we leave!(any insiders tips?).

Michael

P.S. Also wondering if there are any other Gay couples going?

Welcome, fellow Canadian!!! I don't know of any other gay couples on this sailing but when we cruised in August for our honeymoon there were several.

As far as things to do before you sail, hmm....

-Transportation from airport to port and back

-Normally I would say book Palo and Spa if you wanted but if you haven't already done it, it would be too late. You can do this when you board as well.

-Book shore excursions

-Do all of the online forms

-you may want to investigate sea sick remedies if anyone is prone to motion sickness

-mostly just hang out here on the dis and learn more than you ever wanted to know about DCL!!!

[KevinNYC]

Hello everyone: We are Kevin (55) and Ginny (54) joining you all on this cruise. We can''t wait. We are original DVC people (1991) and this is our 9th Disney cruise. We can't get enough !!! Last January we did back to back Eastern and Western cruises and it was a fantastic vacation. Now, we are looking forward to this Western trip. Frankly, as long as its a Disney ship -- we don't care where its going , so long as we are on it. No one does it better than Disney!!!!.

We already got our Palo dinner & brunch reservations and we hope to meet all of you on the ship!!! I have done a fair amount of scuba diving off Grand Cayman , so, if anyone has any questions about diving or snorkeling trips then feel free to ask me.

Anyone else staying at the Hyatt the night before we depart???

[Jackk]

Corndog819 I will let my daughter know that she will not be the only teen aboard!!(lol)

tmli thank you for all your tips and we so cant wait to go.

We will be staying at animal kingdom lodge before departure
just to get into the Disney mood (as if I needed the help)..lol :tinker: :dancer:

Cheers,
Michael

[laura_hattaway]

Anyone else staying at the Hyatt the night before we depart???

I'm sure someone is, just not us. :) We're heading on over to Cocoa Beach, but we should be getting into Orlando around noon. That'd make for a long day at the airport! Are you doing a Disney ground transfer? That's one thing I'll miss, 'cause I know it'd be fun, but we got a *free* (thanks to my brother-in-law's Hilton points) ocean-view room right off the beach, so I am not even complaining! :cloud9:

This will be my parents' 14th (or so) cruise, but their first Disney one.

Michael, I LOVED the Animal Kingdom Lodge when we visited two years ago. We didn't stay there, but hung out all of one afternoon and had such a great time! It's practically a theme park in and of itself. I guess most of the resorts are, though...

[Corndog819]

Corndog819 I will let my daughter know that she will not be the only teen aboard!!(lol)

Cheers,
Michael

That was definitely my original concern before I found this fourm, but I soon realized despite it being mid January there are going to be a fair share of older teens. If you read back in the last few pages you can see that.

----

My friends and I are at the Orlando Airport Marriott with a free room thanks to my dads 2343638767398768736 Marriott Points and are using disney's transfers to the ship.

----

We're also doing these Shore Excursions...
Key West: White Knuckle Thrill Ride
Grand Cayman: Pirate Encounter
Cozumel: Cozumel Ruins & Beach Tour
Castaway Cay: Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage

[laura_hattaway]

We're also doing these Shore Excursions...
Key West: White Knuckle Thrill Ride

Oooh... you'll have to tell me what you think about this one. It's one I considered strongly, but we ended up not booking any excursions as it's our first cruise and we decided to leave our time free to enjoy the boat. But if we ever do get back to Key West, it looks like this would be a blast. Can't wait to hear your opinion!

[cmacf1]

Hi Everybody --

I haven't posted in awhile (my mom's cancer surgery -- she's totally fine now!, getting ready for xmas, etc,) but we are SOOOO excited about leaving in 18 days!!!!! We're going down the day before and staying at Pop Century then getting a van to take us to the port on Saturday morning.

Our excursions are as follows:
Key West: nothing formal, just walk around town
Grand Cayman: Pirate pirate: encounter (all of us including DD5 and DD3)
Cozumel: Tulum ruins (just DH and me)
Castaway: DH and I are doing the kayak nature walk/tour

We've booked Palo one night and I've booked a hot stone massage, however, I think DH is giving me a new digital Nikon SLR and if he does, I will forgo the massage. I want the camera WAY more than the massage:yay:

Below is a photo taken tonight (I have one VERY girly DD and one very tomboyish one -- can you tell who is who??)

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/IMG_6562.jpg

and here we are last summer at Chincoteague Island, Virginia:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/IMG_5077.jpg

[cmacf1]

I forgot to add: Merry Christmas!!!:santa:

[Corndog819]

Oooh... you'll have to tell me what you think about this one. It's one I considered strongly, but we ended up not booking any excursions as it's our first cruise and we decided to leave our time free to enjoy the boat. But if we ever do get back to Key West, it looks like this would be a blast. Can't wait to hear your opinion!

When my family went to Fiji and New Zealand a couple years back (during their winter mind you) we did it in Fiji and had the time of our life. Fiji of course is still pretty warm no matter what time of year, so it was perfect. Well, when we went to New Zealand we realized that we could do it there too. Well, unlike Fiji. New Zealand in the winter is cold, and cold and water = frezing. However, we loved it so much. We ended up doing it, and had a better time than Fiji!

So it was natural to talk my friends into doing it again. Especially, since they claim to be the only company in the United States that does it.
http://www.whiteknucklethrillboatride.com/Resources/july202006023.jpeg
http://www.whiteknucklethrillboatride.com/Resources/tylererin3010.jpeg

As I said earlier, this is my 7th cruise overall (First Disney). And normally we wouldn't do many shore excursions if any at all. However, traveling alone with friends is a little different. So we decided for safety reasons, just to do excursions rather than our own exploration. In August I was aboard the Celebrity Galaxy doing the best of the Mediterranean doing mostly Greek Isles. Well my dad was born in Athens and still speaks Greek, So while we were in Greek ports he usually just says something nice to a Taxi Driver and we got a great rate for a day tour. hehehe.

Little interesting fact: The day I was getting off the ship in Civitavecchia (For Rome) the Disney Magic was there also. It was kinda this cool symbolic thing done with one cruise and get ready for another.

[tmli]

We are also doing the pirate encounter!!! I am sure all of us dis'ers can overtake the pirates!!!

[KevinNYC]

Merry Christmas to all...:santa:

See you on the ship


Here is a picture of us. I hope I can upload it correctly.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o33/kevinnyc/IMG_1172.jpg

[Jackk]

I hope everyone is having a fun day...reminder 16 days 10 hours to go!!!!!!

Happy Holidayspirate:

[Fawn]

She is an Adult so I will not presume to speak for her. We have stuff planed , but I am sure she will want her space.
It is her first cruise as well.

Cheers,
Michael

Michael...my one daughter will be turning 18 the week after the cruise. She is not sure she will be as "into" the teen club anymore, and is looking forward to the fact that there seem to be a few girls in the 18/19 range!

[Jackk]

Michael...my one daughter will be turning 18 the week after the cruise. She is not sure she will be as "into" the teen club anymore, and is looking forward to the fact that there seem to be a few girls in the 18/19 range!

That is, good news. I think my daughter is now lurking on this site. Which only means one thing. I will probably be banned from this site(lol).
I hope you had a nice Christmas

pirate:

Michael

[Eeyore77]

Hi Everybody --

I haven't posted in awhile (my mom's cancer surgery -- she's totally fine now!, getting ready for xmas, etc,) but we are SOOOO excited about leaving in 18 days!!!!! We're going down the day before and staying at Pop Century then getting a van to take us to the port on Saturday morning.

Our excursions are as follows:
Key West: nothing formal, just walk around town
Grand Cayman: Pirate pirate: encounter (all of us including DD5 and DD3)
Cozumel: Tulum ruins (just DH and me)
Castaway: DH and I are doing the kayak nature walk/tour

We've booked Palo one night and I've booked a hot stone massage, however, I think DH is giving me a new digital Nikon SLR and if he does, I will forgo the massage. I want the camera WAY more than the massage:yay:

Below is a photo taken tonight (I have one VERY girly DD and one very tomboyish one -- can you tell who is who??)

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/IMG_6562.jpg

and here we are last summer at Chincoteague Island, Virginia:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/IMG_5077.jpg


Sounds like you have a lot of great plans... One thing I do have to say after looking at your pictures is Go Heels!!! I must say that if you are Tar Heel fans as the shirt implies we will get along wonderfully. Are you from NC?

[Eeyore77]

Well I know I am a bit late, but I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I was in NC visiting my family so that is why I have been gone. Now I am back and counting the minutes until we leave. I went to Ross Dress for Less and got me two new dresses to where for Formal and Semi Formal nights. They are too cute and were so inexpensive.. LOL... I still have a few things that I need to buy to get ready like an adapter for my hairdryer so that I can use it on the ship. Funny thing is. I am not even on the ship yet and I am already trying to decide when we should go again....

[leeleelew]

Hi everyone. DH and I will be on the 1/12 cruise and we cannot wait. This is our second Disney cruise and we LOVED the first one (a DVC member cruise). We are traveling alone, leaving the children and grandkids home this time, and are in our early 60's.

We have ressies at Palo on Mon. at 8. Anyone else going at that time? We are going swimming with the dolphins in Cozumel and to Stingray City on Grand Cayman. We are also going to Pat Croce's Pirate Soul Museum in Key West.

We are on deck 7 aft. My DH announces every day how many days we have until we sail! He is soooo excited. We are also staying at Old Key West the day before and day after the cruise.

Hope we can meet up with some of you.

Lisa

[Fawn]

That is, good news. I think my daughter is now lurking on this site. Which only means one thing. I will probably be banned from this site(lol).
I hope you had a nice Christmas

pirate:

Michael

Michael...I know that feeling! lol Tell your daughter to say Hi...don't be shy. My "almost 18" is Samantha, and she's a friendly type.

[caroline555]

Michael...I know that feeling! lol Tell your daughter to say Hi...don't be shy. My "almost 18" is Samantha, and she's a friendly type.

hi my name is caroline and im 18 looking forward to meeting your daughter as well as other 18-22 year olds!

[Corndog819]

For the middle of January... there are alot of older teens. That is a nice surprize.

As stated a few times earlier: Im Cris (18), and traveling with two friends. Matt (18) and Steven (19 Tomorrow). Room 2547! Come visit.

--------------

By the way... have we set a group meeting time for everyone if we are going to do that?

And if the older teens want do meet the day the cruise starts, I am up for that too.

[Fawn]

Hi Caroline, Cris, Matt and Steven! I'm Samantha...Sam or Sammy...I'll be 18 right after the cruise! lol We have a couple of rooms on the 7th Deck...I'll have to find out the cabin numbers.

Where are you all from? Is anyone going down to the Port early? We get in on Thursday morning, and we're staying at the Radisson.

Facebook or Myspace? :surfweb:

[Corndog819]

Hi Samantha...Sam or Sammy!

Enjoy your last week of 17... I know I rubbed it in as much as possible. Mostly stuff like "Oh no, I cant do that. Im not 18 yet." Heh....

All 3 of us are from Goleta, CA which is right next to Santa Barbara. (I hate saying I am from Santa Barbara, but If I say Goleta no one knows where the hell that is.)

We're all Freshman at Santa Barbara City College and are on a 6 week winter break so we decided to make the most of it and go on a cruise.

We're flying out on the 11th and staying at the Marriott next to the airport.

Facebook (http://sbcc.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513055028)
AIM is the same as my User name.

[Fawn]

Hi Samantha...Sam or Sammy!

Enjoy your last week of 17... I know I rubbed it in as much as possible. Mostly stuff like "Oh no, I cant do that. Im not 18 yet." Heh....

All 3 of us are from Goleta, CA which is right next to Santa Barbara. (I hate saying I am from Santa Barbara, but If I say Goleta no one knows where the hell that is.)

We're all Freshman at Santa Barbara City College and are on a 6 week winter break so we decided to make the most of it and go on a cruise.

We're flying out on the 11th and staying at the Marriott next to the airport.

Facebook (http://sbcc.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513055028)
AIM is the same as my User name.

Hi Cris!

6 weeks is a nice break!! I'm homeschooled, so we travel whenever! :yay: I sent you a friend request on facebook...so if you're wondering who that strange girl is, it's just me! princess:

I can't wait for this cruise!! It's a great time of year to take a break and get some sun!

Caroline...have you ever been on a cruise before? It's so much fun...I'm always exhausted when I get home! :disrocks:

My AIM is amkorblackbelt if anyone wants to chat before the cruise!!

Sammy

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1463670178

[caroline555]

hey Cris and Samantha!
Im from Montreal, I go to Dawson College!
Its my first cruise and Im really excited!I was really nervous that there wouldnt be too many people my age!But luckily thanks for this discussion board I now know some people around my age will be on board! I am currently also on a 6 week winter break!Im really excited for cruising and to meet you both!(and your friends Cris!)
I just added you both on facebook!hope to speak to you soon!

[Fawn]

Michael...sounds like our girls are making some fun plans!! We'll have to get together for a drink and compare notes! :drinking1

Sam has been looking forward to the cruise she turned 18 and could go to Carlos and Charlies in Cozumel. I promised to take her this time (even though she's a week shy of 18)...better with me (the overprotective Mommy), I figure! Maybe you guys can join us...what's your partner's name, btw?

I swear, I'm already having trouble sleeping at night. You'd think after 10 Magical cruises, I'd be a little less like a kid by now. But no...not me! :Pinkbounc

[Jackk]

[QUOTE=Fawn"Michael...sounds like our girls are making some fun plans!! We'll have to get together for a drink and compare notes! :drinking1

Maybe you guys can join us...what's your partner's name, btw?


We would love to join you for drinks!
BTW Ron thinks I am nuts with this board.( aka Disney Slut) lol

I cant get enough Disney!!

::MinnieMo :tinker: :donald: :dumbo: :tigger: :tink: :smickey: :mickeyjum :earsboy:


Michael

P.S. What is your DH name?

[Fawn]

[QUOTE=Fawn"

We would love to join you for drinks!
BTW Ron thinks I am nuts with this board.( aka Disney Slut) lol

I cant get enough Disney!!

::MinnieMo :tinker: :donald: :dumbo: :tigger: :tink: :smickey: :mickeyjum :earsboy:


Michael

P.S. What is your DH name?


My DH has always known I was a Disney slut...he deals with it! lol We got married the night before a cruise 5 years ago, and took our youngest 5 on the honeymoon with us!

His name is Ernie...and I think he will be in the theater most of vacation! His favorite all time movie is National Treasure...and number 2 is playing that week! I'll probably get him out for the beer tasting, though!

Our girls have been talking online all day, I think!

Joanna (aka Fawn)

[laura_hattaway]

I'm homeschooled, so we travel whenever! :yay:

Fun! You'll have to say, "Hi" to my daughter and my sister's kids. They're all younger, and they LOVE to see grown-up homeschoolers.

Looking forward to meeting everyone! And thanks to everyone who's posted pictures. It's starting to feel like I know you.

Not too long now! :woohoo:

[Jackk]

[QUOTE=Jackk;22292199]


My DH has always known I was a Disney slut...he deals with it! lol We got married the night before a cruise 5 years ago, and took our youngest 5 on the honeymoon with us!

His name is Ernie...and I think he will be in the theater most of vacation! His favorite all time movie is National Treasure...and number 2 is playing that week! I'll probably get him out for the beer tasting, though!

Our girls have been talking online all day, I think!

Joanna (aka Fawn)

That sounds great. looking forward to it!

Michael

[Fawn]

Fun! You'll have to say, "Hi" to my daughter and my sister's kids. They're all younger, and they LOVE to see grown-up homeschoolers.

Looking forward to meeting everyone! And thanks to everyone who's posted pictures. It's starting to feel like I know you.

Not too long now! :woohoo:

My two youngest have been homeschooled their whole lives, and would love to talk to the littler ones! The threat of punishment in our house is " I'll send you to school!" lol

[Corndog819]

Double Post

[Corndog819]

For anyone who has done the Cozumel Ruins and Beach Tour...

Do you remember if the tour lasted closer to 4 or 6 hours?

on the website it says 4-4.5, yet on the cruise calendar thing inside "my reservation" it says 12-6.

[Jackk]

Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to get a reservation for palo on board ship.

Michael

[Corndog819]

At least online, it shows that it is booked for all Brunch, High Tea and Dinner.

I would for sure check the first day you get on board.

[laura_hattaway]

Yes, you can get a Palo ressie on board. We'll have to. We logged on AT MIDNIGHT the second we could reserve, and all of the brunches were already taken. They allot so many spaces for online reservations, but leave many for "live" resevations.

Rockin' Bar D is just to the right of the gangplank once you board, and that's where you go to make Palo reservations. So just take a quick left and hit it the second you get on the ship! That's what we're going to to. :)

[Eeyore77]

Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to get a reservation for palo on board ship.

Michael

We had to change a reservation when we got on board last January and when asked if they had room to move us to another one they had no problem moving us to another night. There are always spaces for palo when you board but just try to get to the port early and get an early boarding # so that you can be one of the first ones on the ship. The ressies do fill up.

[hsmom]

Hey guys! I posted MONTHS ago, and am just now getting caught up here on the board.

I'm the daughter of jhannah (op) and sister to laura_hattaway.

Our family includes dh, dd 8, dd 6, ds 4.5, and me! We're traveling with my parents, who funded this great excursion, my sister, her hubby and their dd 6.

I can't wait!!:woohoo:

Also looking forward to a game of Scrabble, and just visiting with my sister a bit (we talk on the phone often, but she has three kids and I have one, so the reception isn't always static-free, if you know what I'm sayin').


I don't know what you're talking about. My kids are always perfectly quiet and well-behaved when I'm on the phone. Remember, they are homeschooled. Homeschooled kids are perfect, right? :laughing:

Wow you really have put a lot of thought into this trip.

You don't even KNOW. She and my dad have had their wardrobes planned since July. :sad2: :laundy:

I will be onboard with my mom and 2 of my 4 kids. (2 boys, ages 5 and almost 8).
Tricia
Cool! Our kids will certainly cross paths!

My hubby, 4 yr old daughter, & I have just booked our sailing on The Magic 1-12-08. Celebrating my daughter's 5th birthday that week.
Mary, Doug, and Victoria
We have a 4yo boy. He'll be 5 in April. Sounds like they'll be in the Oceaneer Club together.

Our family will be on this Cruise as well. My husband and my two daugthers (one will turn 8 while on the cruise and the other is 4 1/2).

This is our first Disney Cruise.

Paula

:cheer2:

Our first, too! I have a dd who just turned 8. I'll post pictures in a few minutes. That way, they can look for familiar faces. :)

[hsmom]

I posted a few pictures of our family. :) You can see us here. And since you guys had pics of your dogs a few posts back, I HAD to include our beagle, Captain Jack Sparrow. That was actually already his name when we got him last June!
picasaweb.google.com/thebrownfamily.us/ForDIS

For now, you'll have to type that in. I don't have enough posts to add a link. :)

--Sarah

[Corndog819]

Anyone get their documents yet?

[Fawn]

[QUOTE=hsmom;22315178]Hey guys! I posted MONTHS ago, and am just now getting caught up here on the board.

I'm the daughter of jhannah (op) and sister to laura_hattaway.

Our family includes dh, dd 8, dd 6, ds 4.5, and me! We're traveling with my parents, who funded this great excursion, my sister, her hubby and their dd 6

I don't know what you're talking about. My kids are always perfectly quiet and well-behaved when I'm on the phone. Remember, they are homeschooled. Homeschooled kids are perfect, right? :laughing:



QUOTE]


Sarah

Homeschooled kids are perfect? I must have missed that fact in the HS book! lol Was it right after the "unsocialized youth of tomorrow" chapter???

Seriously, homeschooling rocks! lol My girls are in 11th and 12th grade, and they have been homeschooled from first grade on. They love it. I love the freedom it gives us to travel whenever, and for them to pursue their other goals in life.

Cris, I didn't get our docs yet...anyone else??

[Fawn]

Anyone get their documents yet?

Just checked with Tammy at DreamsUnlimited...God bless her, she got back to me within a half hour on a holiday weekend!!!

My docs were mailed yesterday...should be here by Thursday! So everyone start keeping your eyes open for a Magical Package!!!

Jo

[Fawn]

Anyone get their documents yet?

Just checked with Tammy at DreamsUnlimited...God bless her, she got back to me within a half hour on a holiday weekend!!!

My docs were mailed yesterday...should be here by Thursday! So everyone start keeping your eyes open for a Magical Package!!!

Jo

[pixie08]

Hi everyone!

My Dh and I are so excited to be on this cruise. We got married in WDWlast June and really had our hearts set on taking a DCL cruise for our honeymoon but the Magic was in the med:sad2:

We did have a wonderful wedding and vacation afterwards but this is like our second "honeymoon" and our real one in our hearts;)

We are leaving from NYC on 1/11 and staying at the Hyatt the night before!

Here we are...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/marymerges/MD01806-22-07.jpg

[Corndog819]

Just checked with Tammy at DreamsUnlimited...God bless her, she got back to me within a half hour on a holiday weekend!!!

My docs were mailed yesterday...should be here by Thursday! So everyone start keeping your eyes open for a Magical Package!!!

Jo



Wow, now that is service.

I booked mine through American Express travel, they are good. But not that good.

Cris

[laura_hattaway]

Anyone get their documents yet?

That is so funny! Asking that question was the expressed reason I got online tonight.

I'd taken my daughter and a friend out this afternoon and when I got home, I excitedly asked my husband if he'd checked the mail. He had. Nothing. I felt like the kid who's ordered a cheap plastic watch from a cereal box and is waiting, waiting, waiting for the US Postal Service to bring me something wonderful! (Also, I have to preempt my daughter from getting it, what with her reading now and all. It's such a pesky development in the secret-keeping arena.)

[Corndog819]

I think today being 14 days out... we all kinda shifted from "cool, we have a cruise coming up" to "OH MAN, we have a cruise in two weeks!"

[laura_hattaway]

I think today being 14 days out... we all kinda shifted from "cool, we have a cruise coming up" to "OH MAN, we have a cruise in two weeks!"

Yeah. My husband said the same thing yesterday. I've been planning for a year: reading, researching, budgeting, getting stuff together. But he said NOW it seems real to him.

I gave blood a bit ago, and they gave me this nifty new refrigerator magnet. It's in the shape of a drop of blood (not as gross as it sounds; it's like a read teardrop) and has a 60-day digital countdown on it. I realized a few weeks ago that apparently I gave blood exactly sixty days before the cruise! So we have our cruise countdown on the fridge, and my daughter doesn't know that's what it's counting down in my heart. :love:

[Corndog819]

Yeah. My husband said the same thing yesterday. I've been planning for a year: reading, researching, budgeting, getting stuff together. But he said NOW it seems real to him.

I gave blood a bit ago, and they gave me this nifty new refrigerator magnet. It's in the shape of a drop of blood (not as gross as it sounds; it's like a read teardrop) and has a 60-day digital countdown on it. I realized a few weeks ago that apparently I gave blood exactly sixty days before the cruise! So we have our cruise countdown on the fridge, and my daughter doesn't know that's what it's counting down in my heart. :love:

Haha... so when exactly are you "breaking the news" to her?

[Fawn]

I think today being 14 days out... we all kinda shifted from "cool, we have a cruise coming up" to "OH MAN, we have a cruise in two weeks!"


OK, I admit it...I started into my "going on a cruise" dance the day after Christmas!!! lol

[laura_hattaway]

Haha... so when exactly are you "breaking the news" to her?

On New Year's Day, we're going to start giving her clues, but she won't know about the cruise until the day before we leave. The only reason I'm telling her that instead of just springing it on her is that she's had a growth spurt recently, and I really need for her to try on all of the "cruise clothes" I've bought over the past 9 months!

Let's ALL do the "going on a cruise dance" for a moment...
:dance3::dance3::dance3::dance3:

[KevinNYC]

:dance3: Anyone receive their mailed cruise document packages???? We are still awaiting our.!!!.......Looking forward to our cruise.......pirate: :dance3: :yay:

[Corndog819]

That is a good way to do it.

Is it the 12th yet?

[Jackk]

We just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year!!

Michael

P.S. UPS Just Delivered our Package

[Corndog819]

Sweet.... Now I want mine. :guilty:

[cmacf1]

I also started doing the cruise dance the day after Christmas!!! My magnetic door signs are being laminated at Staples tomorrow, I've started the clothing piles and tried on dresses (I had to buy a new one in a larger size:confused3 ,) bought milk with the expiration date when we're ON the cruise, bought t-shirts to put iron-on disney designs on, and made an appointment for my MIL and me to get pedicures before the cruise!!!! We dont' have our docs yet, but hopefully they'll be waiting for us on Wednesday. Soon I'll start checking the long-range weather forecasts and invariably freak out at any mention of snow anywhere east of the Missisippi on any day prior to our departure on the 11th (we're staying at Pop Century.)

Eeyore -- no, we're not from the Carolina's (the shirt was a hand me down.) We needed a light blue shirt for DH to wear ot match the rest of us and that fit the bill perfectly. DH is a professor at U of Maryland so it's the Terps for us!

Have I posted a photo of my beloved corgi (I think I may have, but this is a new photo)? Here he is:
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/cmacf1/GriffinSnow.jpg

He and his fellow dog (a belgian shepherd) will be going to doggy camp.

Anybody know how to make 11 days fly by??

Cathy

[Corndog819]

Anybody know how to make 11 days fly by??

Cathy

I was looking on ebay for a couple time machines, but nothing was going to ship and get here by the time we left. :sad1:

;)

[laura_hattaway]

He and his fellow dog (a belgian shepherd) will be going to doggy camp.


Fun! Ours is getting a house-sitter since we also have two garage cats and a hamster. Plus, the dog is nearly 11 and it's harder for her to jump up into our van, transition to someone else's place, etc. And we found a college kid who's both responsible and excited to stay somewhere other than his apartment, so he's cheap! ;)

We're all set, I think! Our Staples closed last year, so I printed my signs on brochure paper and am going to use magnets to affix them to the door. I've tried on my clothes periodically to assure they still fit (ya know, I'm betting this is a girl thing; guys probably don't worry/care... I had to bribe my husband last week to try on the suit and tux I bought him months ago!).

So, yeah, now it's just a waiting game. My dad pointed out that, at this point, we can say we're going "next week." :woohoo:

PS Cathy, I'm SO glad your mother-in-law is doing well and is coming! That's awesome.

[cmacf1]

PS Cathy, I'm SO glad your mother-in-law is doing well and is coming! That's awesome.[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately it was my mom who was sick and she still isn't going:sad1: . Happily, though, she had her surgery in late November and has been declared cancer free. Being 79, however, recovery from the major surgery has been slow. She's doing great, but just yesterday said she's glad she's not going because she's still so tired. We're sad she's not going, but VERY happy that the renal cell cancer is gone. My MIL is taking a friend of hers instead who is ultra excited to be going on a Disney cruise.

With my clothes, I made the mistake of buying a bunch of clothes right after I'd lost a bunch of weight due to illness. Of course when I recovered, my appetite returned with a vengence. Oh well. My kids say my lap is softer to sit in again :love:

And your dad is right that we can say the cruise is next week!!!!!

Cathy

PS Corndog, I guess we'll just have to wait out the time since that time machine won't get here! I did get pirate clothes on ebay in time though:banana:

[Corndog819]

NASA Sets No New Date For Delayed Shuttle

Orlando (dbTechno) - NASA officials have come out and stated that they will not set a date for th launch of the Atlantis space shuttle which has been delayed due to problems with the fuel gauges.

The malfunction of several fuel gauges has caused some severe headaches for NASA as they stated that they will not make the proposed January 10th launch date which was rescheduled from early in December originally.

http://www.dbtechno.com/space/2007/12/31/nasa-sets-no-new-date-for-delayed-shuttle/

Doesnt sound like we're in a position to see it go up...

[cmacf1]

NASA Sets No New Date For Delayed Shuttle

Orlando (dbTechno) - NASA officials have come out and stated that they will not set a date for th launch of the Atlantis space shuttle which has been delayed due to problems with the fuel gauges.

The malfunction of several fuel gauges has caused some severe headaches for NASA as they stated that they will not make the proposed January 10th launch date which was rescheduled from early in December originally.

http://www.dbtechno.com/space/2007/12/31/nasa-sets-no-new-date-for-delayed-shuttle/

Doesnt sound like we're in a position to see it go up...

The good news is that we won't be caught up in traffic on the way to the port (due to a launch.) I was looking forward to the possibility of seeing a launch, though. It might have been just too much excitement, though, seeing the Magic AND seeing a launch all on the same day:lmao:

[MagicalTrip]

Hi Everyone, Happy New Year

I guess I'm a little bit slow to find this site but my family will be joining all of you on the 12th as well. We are totally excited! We have two kids age 9 (boy) and 5 (girl).

Today we're having a huge snow storm, we live in Ontario Canada and going south sounds pretty good right now. After the cruise we are going to go to Disney for a week so it's crazy exciting for my kids. And yup we're feeling a bit poor right now. lol We've never been to disney before so we are looking forward to it ALOT!

YEAH, it's finally January, bring on the fun.:cool1:

[laura_hattaway]

Hi, Bonnie! Look forward to meeting you NEXT WEEK. :)

Cathy, sorry I misunderstood but glad your mom's prognosis is good.

I'd been thinking about a pedicure, too, because I have creepy dragon feet. I think I've decided to realocate those funds, though, to do something fun our last day in Florida. Our flight out doesn't leave until 7:00 PM, and I think we might do an airboat tour in Christmas.

[hsmom]

Sarah

Homeschooled kids are perfect? I must have missed that fact in the HS book! lol Was it right after the "unsocialized youth of tomorrow" chapter???

Seriously, homeschooling rocks! lol My girls are in 11th and 12th grade, and they have been homeschooled from first grade on. They love it. I love the freedom it gives us to travel whenever, and for them to pursue their other goals in life.

Cris, I didn't get our docs yet...anyone else??

Yea! It's always good to meet people who have homeschooled and still live to tell about it. :)

Only 10 more days!!!

[hsmom]

I think today being 14 days out... we all kinda shifted from "cool, we have a cruise coming up" to "OH MAN, we have a cruise in two weeks!"

Me, too!! I finally have my kids' wardrobes planned out and almost everything is washed and "in waiting". I even got some of my hubby's clothes ready. As for me, I have some shopping to do!!

OK, I admit it...I started into my "going on a cruise" dance the day after Christmas!!! lol

Is it just me, or is it hard not to tell people, "I'm going on a cruise next week!"?

I saw a great picture online the other day. Someone had taken a pic of their daughter on the ship with a beautiful beach scene in the background. She held a sign that read "I'm here and you're not." :) What a fun picture to email home to your family and friends. (They may not like you much after that, though.);)

[hsmom]

Doesnt sound like we're in a position to see it go up...

That's a bummer! When we were kids, our dad (jhannah) postponed a WDW trip a few times in hopes that we would catch a shuttle launch. We never got to see it, though. (We DID go to WDW.) :)

It would be beyond amazing to be able to see it take off.

I'm sure the cruise will suffice. :yay:

[Eeyore77]

Hi everyone!

My Dh and I are so excited to be on this cruise. We got married in WDWlast June and really had our hearts set on taking a DCL cruise for our honeymoon but the Magic was in the med:sad2:

We did have a wonderful wedding and vacation afterwards but this is like our second "honeymoon" and our real one in our hearts;)

We are leaving from NYC on 1/11 and staying at the Hyatt the night before!

Here we are...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/marymerges/MD01806-22-07.jpg

Hi there Mary.... Glad that you are going to get to finally have the Honeymoon that you really wanted. This will be our 1 year anniversary trip. Question aren't we on another board together? :goodvibes

[Corndog819]

Is it just me, or is it hard not to tell people, "I'm going on a cruise next week!"?


Very. It's a problem I can live with though :laughing:

[hsmom]

The UPS guy just dropped off our travel docs!!

:woohoo: :yay: :cheer2: :dance3:

I called Dad and his were under his door mat!

[Fawn]

The UPS guy just dropped off our travel docs!!

:woohoo: :yay: :cheer2: :dance3:

I called Dad and his were under his door mat!


I'm so jealous!!!! Nothing here yet...anyone else???

[WonderCruiserLP]

Hi. I hope all of you had a great Holiday Season and New Years. We're going to be joining you on the 1/12 Disney Cruise. We're waiting for our documents as well. My wife, 2 daughters (12 and 9) and I are going on our 3rd Disney Cruise. (4 day and Eastern were great.) This was a Christmas gift for the girls (kinda of a last hurrah before we start getting into the "boys" and "cars" years....) They instantly started a countdown chart. My youngest is on pins and needles... and so is my 12 year old if you can cut through the "coolness"...


Hoping for great weather, lots of fun, and that all of you have a great time.

Was wondering if anyone knows if we can request the same server as last time? (Hadn't tried it before so just wondering.)

Also, one piece of advise: There's usually a talent show that happens on Friday. If anyone's doing that, make sure you bring your own music (if you need it.) DCL won't provide it for you. :dance3:

[jhannah]

Yep, we got 'em! All appears to be in order.

One thing was a bit strange. The transportation coupon reads that we should turn it in at the airport upon arrival. However, our only transportation is for the return ... ship to airport. I called DCL and they do have the correct trip in their system. They said there's just one version of the coupon.

[hsmom]

Hi. I hope all of you had a great Holiday Season and New Years. We're going to be joining you on the 1/12 Disney Cruise. We're waiting for our documents as well. My wife, 2 daughters (12 and 9) and I are going on our 3rd Disney Cruise. (4 day and Eastern were great.) This was a Christmas gift for the girls (kinda of a last hurrah before we start getting into the "boys" and "cars" years....) They instantly started a countdown chart. My youngest is on pins and needles... and so is my 12 year old if you can cut through the "coolness"...


Hoping for great weather, lots of fun, and that all of you have a great time.

Was wondering if anyone knows if we can request the same server as last time? (Hadn't tried it before so just wondering.)

Also, one piece of advise: There's usually a talent show that happens on Friday. If anyone's doing that, make sure you bring your own music (if you need it.) DCL won't provide it for you. :dance3:

Hi WonderCruiser!
Thanks for the information about the talent show. I would LOVE for my kids to do it. They just have to work up the nerve. Here at home, they pretend they have a rock band and they "perform" for the other neighborhood kids. :rockband:

We'll be seeing you in just 10 (almost 9) days!

[Jackk]

Hi,
For everyone who has not joined our cruise facebook. I have attached a link to our cruise. Please come take a look, see all the interesting and fun links. As well for you novice and frequent Disney cruisers there is a place to add your input. Do not hesitate to upload pictures. This will be a great place to post after the cruise for lasting memories.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7197351972

Cheers ,
Michael

[Corndog819]

Ok UPS guy... time to give me my stuff.

[Jackk]

Ok UPS guy... time to give me my stuff.


does that mean it has arrived?

[laura_hattaway]

Woo hoo! Yup, we got our paperwork today, too.

*sigh* Sister, IF you'd read all of the Navigators... ;) There is a talent show, and there is a rehearsal for it on, I believe, Thursday. So, anyway, you gotta figure if the kids will do the rehearsal, they'll do the show. We'd love to see them!

[laura_hattaway]

our cruise facebook

Michael, you are so cute! :) And it's a great idea, too... I see people on the DIS boards complaining when cruise meet threads three years old keep popping up on top of the "active" lists.

Now you're going to have to help me; I have a Facebook profile, but don't actually use it often. So how do I join the cruise "event"?

[WonderCruiserLP]

Hi All, We got our paperwork today. Hope you all do too. I talked to the DCL rep and they said due to holidays, they were sent on 12/31.

hsmom, the talent show has a lot of different acts of varying talent; all are cute and worth at least seeing. It may be tough to get your kids up in front of a crowd on a Disney Cruise, but we didn't find it to be too bad. My girls are competitive jump ropers (Oldest was 2nd in the country last year for Double Dutch) and they normally get up in front of a bunch of judges/crowds so they did that for their talent.

[Jackk]

Michael, you are so cute! :) And it's a great idea, too... I see people on the DIS boards complaining when cruise meet threads three years old keep popping up on top of the "active" lists.

Now you're going to have to help me; I have a Facebook profile, but don't actually use it often. So how do I join the cruise "event"?

click on the link then click join group/event if you have any trouble pm your email and I or Ron will Invite you to join.
This is an open Invite as well for all our fellow cruisers

here is that link again:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7197351972

[Corndog819]

does that mean it has arrived?
Nope

[Jackk]

Michael, you are so cute! :) And it's a great idea, too... I see people on the DIS boards complaining when cruise meet threads three years old keep popping up on top of the "active" lists.

Now you're going to have to help me; I have a Facebook profile, but don't actually use it often. So how do I join the cruise "event"?

Welcome to our cruise facebook
we are now 9 cruisers and counting

come on gang Join the fun. here is our link

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7197351972

Private message me if you need Help !!.

Michael

[Corndog819]

Apparently the Walt Disney World Marathon is the weekend of the 11th-13th and both the full and half marathons are sold out. So if you're staying downtown, make sure you factor that in to your traffic times because im sure there are going to be an insane amount of people.

[Eeyore77]

Yeah my documents arrived yesterday as well. I was on :cloud9: ! YEAH!!!! The next week and a half cannot go by fast enough. I haven't started packing yet, but I did have to take my suitcase in to be fixed since Delta airlines broke my wheel... :mad: They treat baggage with such TLC. It will be ready next wed I hope and then let the packing fun begin. This weekend is final prep weekend... I cannot believe that it is so close. YEAH!!! I am so like a child right now... LOL!!! :yay: Rest and Relaxation. I soooooooo need it.

So did anyone ever decide if there was going to be an actual scheduled meet on the ship?

[Jackk]

Quote:
Originally Posted by laura_hattaway View Post
Michael, you are so cute! And it's a great idea, too... I see people on the DIS boards complaining when cruise meet threads three years old keep popping up on top of the "active" lists.

Now you're going to have to help me; I have a Facebook profile, but don't actually use it often. So how do I join the cruise "event"?
Welcome to our cruise facebook
we are now 12 cruisers and counting

come on gang Join the fun. here is our link

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7197351972

Private message me if you need Help !!.

Michael

[Fawn]

I got my Docs!!!! :cheer2:


Scary story, though. My UPS guy, for some unknown reason, decided to lay them on the ground by my garage door instead of put them on the front porch as always. I emailed my agent this morning, found out they were delivered yesterday and panicked. Went out and looked, and sure enough...tucked behind a garbage can just laying on the ground were the envelopes!! We have had horrible wind the past two days...lucky they didn't blow away!


It's official....we're going!!! Everyone do the "happy document dance" with me now!! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[Corndog819]

So I am walking into the kitchen, and through the window I see the UPS truck down in my driveway. I have a long drive way btw. So I am like sweet. I walk to the front door. And there is NOTHING there. I was like what the hell. I walked around and I couldnt find anything.

[Fawn]

So I am walking into the kitchen, and through the window I see the UPS truck down in my driveway. I have a long drive way btw. So I am like sweet. I walk to the front door. And there is NOTHING there. I was like what the hell. I walked around and I couldnt find anything.

Double post...sorry

[Fawn]

So I am walking into the kitchen, and through the window I see the UPS truck down in my driveway. I have a long drive way btw. So I am like sweet. I walk to the front door. And there is NOTHING there. I was like what the hell. I walked around and I couldnt find anything.

Cris, I would definitely call your travel agent at this point. Tammy was able to give me a tracking number from UPS for my package! Good luck!!!

[jhannah]

... I see the UPS truck down in my driveway ... I walk to the front door ... I walked around and I couldnt find anything. Maybe your check bounced! :scared1: Maybe the bank went into default and never forwarded the cash to DCL! :eek: Maybe your TA took your funds and went to Cabo for the winter! :sad2:

It could come yet today or tomorrow. But if not, just bring your signed forms that you printed from the DCL website and you should be just fine!

[Corndog819]

I did contact my dad's American Express Platnum Travel Agent...

Cris,
I called Disney and they were having some issues with their documents. They
said they were signed for here at 930am. I called our distribution department
and I will have them in my hands tomorrow.
Just to verify your address I'll send overnight
1150 ___________
goleta CA 93117

She sent me another email...

Since I started calling that department - they rushed them thru our system.
Going out today - will have them tomorrow.

Have a great time!

That works.

[Corndog819]

Maybe your check bounced! :scared1: Maybe the bank went into default and never forwarded the cash to DCL! :eek: Maybe your TA took your funds and went to Cabo for the winter! :sad2:

It could come yet today or tomorrow. But if not, just bring your signed forms that you printed from the DCL website and you should be just fine!


Talk about the bearer of bad news. ;)

I had done that already, but I still needed my vouchers for transportation.

Cris

[hsmom]

I got my Docs!!!! :cheer2:


Scary story, though. My UPS guy, for some unknown reason, decided to lay them on the ground by my garage door instead of put them on the front porch as always. I emailed my agent this morning, found out they were delivered yesterday and panicked. Went out and looked, and sure enough...tucked behind a garbage can just laying on the ground were the envelopes!! We have had horrible wind the past two days...lucky they didn't blow away!


It's official....we're going!!! Everyone do the "happy document dance" with me now!! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

Whew! Now you have a fun story to tell about your cruise docs, though! Glad you have 'em in your hands!

Maybe your check bounced! Maybe the bank went into default and never forwarded the cash to DCL! Maybe your TA took your funds and went to Cabo for the winter!
Talk about the bearer of bad news. ;)

I had done that already, but I still needed my vouchers for transportation.

Cris
Isn't he (jhannah/Dad) sweet? :rolleyes:

[hsmom]

The kids and I got out at 10:30 this morning. We hit about 4 or 5 different stores, getting last-minute items. They all needed dress shoes and were happy to get them. The girls now have "snappy" shoes. (So called because of the sound they make when walking.)

We also got some ribbons to decorate the door, some travel-sized items and other recommended stuff. Funny, the one thing I see recommended over and over is duct tape. Okaaaay..?... Well, we have duct tape now. If you need any while on the cruise, come find me. :magnify:

[laura_hattaway]

So did anyone ever decide if there was going to be an actual scheduled meet on the ship?

I don't think we have. But several of us have swim fans, so if everyone's planning to board early enough, I know a crowd of us will be either at the Mickey pool or the Goofy pool, or both. :)

Anyone else have any ideas?

[Eeyore77]

I don't think we have. But several of us have swim fans, so if everyone's planning to board early enough, I know a crowd of us will be either at the Mickey pool or the Goofy pool, or both. :)

Anyone else have any ideas?

I'm no the best at planning things, but if someone has any ideas please feel free to speak up. I know that when we did the members cruise last year we all met on the top deck during the sail away party. Chris and I will be on the ship early, but he enjoys running straight to the buffet for lunch.... LOL

[Corndog819]

So I realized when Im travelling next friday through Denver, I am going to miss seeing my dad at the airport by 20 minutes. He is travelling back to California from Philly.

[hsmom]

I'm no the best at planning things, but if someone has any ideas please feel free to speak up. I know that when we did the members cruise last year we all met on the top deck during the sail away party. Chris and I will be on the ship early, but he enjoys running straight to the buffet for lunch.... LOL

Well, we will be at the deck party for sure. Our plan is to board early, get the kids to the pool, do some exploring, then be around for the deck party.

We may see you early-arrivers in the terminal. :)

[Jackk]

So I realized when Im travelling next friday through Denver, I am going to miss seeing my dad at the airport by 20 minutes. He is travelling back to California from Philly.

With all the snow(keeps coming down) here in the east good chance he will be delayed and you will probably get to see him (I hope that is a good thing!)...lol

Did you get your envelope yet?

cheers,
Michael

[Fawn]

So I realized when Im travelling next friday through Denver, I am going to miss seeing my dad at the airport by 20 minutes. He is travelling back to California from Philly.

He's gonna be out with us next week?? No snow in Philly...just lots of wind lately!! Maybe Denver will have some snow delays...