The LONG wait is going to KILL ME! Anyone else waiting many months before they go?

[hydster]

We are leaving on the 14th of NOVEMBER and it is already starting to get to me that we booked it so late in the year but since hubby and I just got home from a cruise the 22nd of January we cant "budget" it any earlier! Anyone else like me and having to wait an eternity before they get to go?
This will be our first cruise with the kids, the first time at Disneyworld (although we have been to Disneyland several times a year) and our first cruise with Disney! We are soaking up as much information as possible but still have 9 months to go! Maybe when it gets warmer and my kids can play outside it wont be so hard to wait but right now it is KILLING ME!
Anyone else in the same "boat" so to speak?
Heidi

[TartanFan]

I've not got quite so long to wait but I know the feeling! On our first DCL cruise, we booked Christmas Eve to cruise in Feb, then on our second, we booked June to go Aug. This year, we booked Jan to cruise Aug and I don't think I'll be able to stand the wait! I want my docs NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

[Parrotheader]

Well our cruise isn't THAT far off (May 30) but I am excited about it. It'll be our first cruise ever so we decided the best way to find out if we'll like cruises would be to take a short 3 day one (we got the 4 day land, 3 day sea package.) Right now I'm actually more excited about going to DisneyWorld than the cruise since I KNOW how much fun we'll have at DisneyWorld. It's been about 5 years since I was last there and there's SO much I want to do.

After reading this board and other sites I'm hoping we now have enough upfront info to help us get the most out of the cruise portion of our vacation. Even though I'm very excited I can handle the suspense . . . mostly because I realize how much everything's going to cost. ;)

[regi]

I am right there with you. We have 242 days until we go on our first Disney cruise. I am dying! I'm ready to go now. Nice to know I am not alone though.

[candleonwater]

I have 327 days until I leave... does that qualify as a LONG wait?:D

It's driving me crazy too! I want to leave now! I'm so desperate for a vacation, that I'm considering an interim one to carry me through!

Sad though, when I look at the official cruise list - I'm the only one on my cruise :(

[4nana]

We're talking eternity here....try waiting 810 days :(

Yes, we booked our first family reunion cruise on Magic 26 mos in advance! It has been very hard to wait but these boards have been a source of invaluable information and a true sense of inspiration until December. Down to 10 mos and counting! :D

[luv2cruize]

Booked our first Disney vacation with the kids last month....For 2003
now thats a loooooong way off!!!! Doing the land/sea vacation, first time to Disney World for any of us, kids will be 6 and 8, they can't wait!! Trying to soak up all the info I can on Disney World with never having been there, I think I need a guide book, any good suggestions??? Want to make the most of our 4 days at the parks.
Cruising....This will be our 4th cruise, can't wait, nothing at all beats the cruise. I would have loved the 7 day Disney, but kids really want to see Disney World, so we opted for the land/sea vacation.

[Towncrier]

It's nearly 8 months until my wife cruises again (with her mom and aunt), and over 9 months until my wife and I take our 3-night "adults only" cruise. I am now in the habit of booking at least one or two Disney vacations in advance, so I've gotten used to the wait. It doesn't make it any easier, but I take some comfort in looking at the toolbar at the bottom of my screen and knowing that my return to WDW (or DCL) is only a matter of time.

[disneyholic family]

yes it's killing me.....even though i'm used to it....
we spend 3 weeks at WDW every summer......
i make the reservations in the fall, shortly after we get back...
people think i'm totally nuts and i guess they're right...
although we've been to WDW over 25 times, as well as to Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Tokyo, this is our first cruise so we're all psyched about it and can't wait...
the only problem is getting into that metal tube that flies 5 miles up in the air.....but we have to cross the atlantic somehow.....i'm a strong swimmer but not that srong...
of course, if we enjoy the cruise, perhaps we'll switch to crossing the atlantic by ship.....

[CamColt]

Dont worry! The time will fly!!!!
We booked last February(2001), for July 2002. It seemed like forever away and that it would never come. Now we are down to 21 weeks and coutning. That does still sound like a lot, but when we started at 70 something it feels like its right around the corner now. And as time goes by you will get more and more excited!!!!!
Happy planning!

[BeckyB.]

I can relate to the long wait... We are doing 3/land 4/sea next Feb. 26th 388 days to go. All my siblings/hubbies/and our parents and 7 kids are going.. What gets me is knowing what a great time we will all have and seeing Disney through the eyes of my kids. That's what I can't wait for. I swear I'll have the video of Disney wore out by the time we go. My daughter 4 has never been to Disney my son 12 was when he was little. When I know that they are having so much fun I get a little emotional I guess that's why they call it "Wonderful memories". Seeing things through their eyes... It won't be here soon enough.. I try not to think about it 24/7. It's our first cruise too.:pinkbounc

[Samsma]

We booked in January for a June 2003 cruise. I love to look forward to my vacations and plan every little detail. That is the best part for me. We went to DW in June 2001, and for the first time in 1998. Believe me, you need to plan every detail to get the most out of the World. Did practically no planning in 1998, and didn't have near as much fun. It is awesome!

[BeckyB.]

Dear Samsma, this is our 1st cruise what type of details should I worry about now? I know when we board we will be making ressies for spa/Palo we've made our resort ressies too. Staying at Poly Help me I've never done this before. I have a ton of questions. Were in cat. 6 Deluxe rooms with varandahs. Were planning on having kids do there programs when they want too. We probubly won't see our son alot. My main question is how much extra $$ should we need for the cruise? We might do a excursion probubly surial bath hubby & me. Have son do a excursion were not big drinkers maybe a drink or 2 every day. Why not were on vacation. Probubly a t-shirt or something for each of us. Plus the tips so do you have any ideas how much $$ we will need to bring?? Thanks so much for any input. I'm one that is anal about details and planning , BeckyB.

[MickeyCanada]

I can certainly relate to that. I booked our cruise on Dec 8/01 for Dec 7/02 Western cruise. As of today I only have 305 days left! What is really hard is I have nobody to share my anticipation with, as it is a surprise for my DH, DD, and DS. I'm bursting at the seams!

[hydster]

I cant imagine not being able to tell anyone in your family and yet I wish I hadnt told my kids but me being a kid in a LARGE body I had to tell them..couldnt hold it any longer! LOL
I feel for all of us waiting to go! When we booked our Carnival Spirit cruise we booked it 15 months out because it was a new ship due to come out and head to Alaska and we wanted warmth and Carribean so we had to wait it out and it was definitely harder to wait it out when it was cold than in the Summer for us!LOL
Anyway glad to know I am NOT alone!!


As for ALL of us FIRST TIMERS to both WDW and DCL we are going to have a great time!
All of you EXPERIENCED ONES PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Start sending out must do's and dont's so we can start preparing!! I am starting ALREADY (how compulsive am I?) to keep a list of things to do and not do according to this and another board so please send me ideas and thoughts ANYTIME! You can email me or send them to me here!
THanks!
Heidihttp://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=32CD32&cdt=2002;11;13;22;00;00&timezone=MST-0500

[moocow35]

Only 12 days till our 2002 :D :D :D

377 till our 2003!! :bounce:

Had to book the 2003 as well, that gives us something to look forward to so the "end of the cruise" letdown is not as bad.:smooth:

Robin

[deannalew]

We're in the process of booking our 7 day cruise for June 2003! This will be our first cruise EVER!

We are already addicted to finding out as much info on St. Thomas and St. Maarten as we can! :rolleyes:

[Girls Scout Leader]

We are14 people in Michigan that are waiting 28 months!!!1 And we think we are gonna die!!! :)

[Minnie's Guy]

Our "Magical" cruise is not until Aug. 17th. I talk about it everyday to
DH! I read these boards, EVERY DAY! I read the trip reports, over
and over. We will make a trip to Disney in June, but I'm still
dreaming about the cruise. These boards definitely help while you
are awaiting a wonderful vacation.

[Credit Man]

We booked last Sept. to cruise this Aug. We ar more than ready to go.

[nuts4sn00py]

I started looking into the DCL in May/2001. I finally booked
it Aug/2001 for this Aug/2002. We will be doing the 4 night
Wonder, followed by 10 days @WDW. It will be the longest
vacation we have ever took & our 1st time on DCL. DH & I
are going to DL this March & I'm not nearly as excited about
that trip as I am about the August trip. It will be the 1st time
our kids cruise, & they too can't wait. That's why I love these
boards. I get to live vicariously through those who have
already been there & done that! After all, half the fun is the
planning & anticipating! :bounce: Will be here & gone before
I know it! :( Kathy ;)

[lUVTOGO]

We booked in January to sail in November! The kids have 2 days off the week of November 2nd to the 9th, so that is why we chose that week. Every day i come home from work and read the boards, so much that my family:p is complaining that theres no laundry, or when is dinner! I keep telling the i am gathering a lot of information to make their lives (and vacation) happy:) . Who cares about the laundry!!

[glindamood]

We booked the 12/14/02 sailing of the Magic while onboard our Magical Christmas Cruise last year. I read the boards daily and once and awhile try to put it out of my mind - but it never goes very far away. There are milestones in the wait, like booking airline tickets, hotel reservations and airport to port transportation. I am also perfecting my packing (or better overpacking) list.

Is it time to GO yet?????????

[Samsma]

Dear BeckyB, This will be our first Disney cruise, so I'm not exactly sure how things work. You will need about 150 for tips I think. Maybe a little more or less. We are also going cat 6 with verandah. When and where are you going? I just know from my trips to Disney World, that they give you so many choices, you can spend a lot of your time arguing and trying to decide if you don't have a plan. The shore excursions for the eastern trip are available to look somewhere on this board, but I think we might just do a taxi ride to a nice beach, with maybe a tour from the driver. This usually works out pretty good from what I understand.

[Samsma]

Dear Deannalew,
Which sailing are you on for June, 2003. We're on the 29th of June (eastern) I'm trying to find kids for my 10 year old boy, and my 4 year old girl to play with! We're actually thinking of switching to western caribbean instead of eastern. What have you found out about St. Thomas and St. Martin? I'm thinking the 4 ports instead of 3 might be better in case the kids are seasick? We've been to Grand Cayman on another cruise, and I know my girl would enjoy the turtle farms.

[deannalew]

Samsma,
We're going around June 15th Eastern. Although by that time our children will be 5 and 10, we are going to be taking this cruise just my hubby and I. We are going to be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary! :bounce: This is our first cruise ever and we are soooo excited! I know it is like a year and a half away.....but we are having so much fun planning for it!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

For St Thomas we are looking into doing either "Snuba" diving (like scuba, but simpler and no experience necessary) with a visit to Coral World and Coki Beach (on our own, not thru DCL) or doing an intro to Scuba with the Coki Beach Dive Club (again, no experience necessary....'cause we have NO EXPERIENCE even with snorkeling!:p )

If we do the scuba diving, we may still visit Coral World. Who knows?

The Snuba includes admission to Coral World, but the Scuba with Coki Beach Club is a bit less expensive and includes transportation from the dock.


In St. Maarten, we are investigating doing the Butterfly farm on our own. I am still investigating taxi prices to see if we should just do this with DCL.

FUN FUN FUN!!!!:jester:

[BeckyB.]

To Samsma, We are doing 3 day disney/ 4 night cruise our vacation starts next Feb. 27th our son turns 13 the 28th of Feb. when were on vac. What a celebration huh? At Disney we are sparing no expense and staying at the Polyansian I've heard it's very very nice. I think we will have alot of choices there also. It's 6 minutes via monarail from Magic Kingdom. When and where are you going?? I'm on weight watchers cause I'm preparing for our trip and I turn 40 in April I don't have that much to go for my goal weight. I'm a little concerned however with our vacation with all the food choices. I've read on the boards how you avoid gaining 10 lbs. or more. I am WOMEN I can do this!!! nice to hear from you. Where do you live? Have you recieved any Disney vacation/cruise videos?? Big help lots of Imfo. BeckyB.

[Toad]

I just booked a September cruise. Only 216 days to go!!

[Samsma]

Dear BeckyB
I'm in Southern IL. Weather here is great today. Anyway, how in the world did you get away with not taking your kids. You must have promised something even better than Disney? Let me know about the Poly. I too have heard that its nice, and we will probably stay at Disney for one or two nights before our 7 day cruise. It would be so nice not to have those long bus rides, just the monorail. I did get the Cruise Video, it looks very nice, but have you read the trip report at www.yourweatherman.com/disney.html (I think?) Very good report, and lots about the day to day activities. I'll look for sure on that website, just saw it yesterday. My girl loves butterflys so let me know about the butterfly farm also.

Samsma

[Samsma]

BeckyB,

Sorry, got you confused with Deannalew. You've got the Birthday boy. I'm kinda new to this. We are going on the June 28, 2003 cruise (eastern) I can't wait. My husband it already sick of talking about it. He only has a year and a 1/2 left to put up with my planning and worrying over detail!!!

Samsma

[LisaFB]

My fiance and I also have to wait until November, 2002 for our first Disney cruise. It's going to be our honeymoon and we can't wait! After spending a week at Port Orleans, we'll be going on the 11/16 cruise. Thinking about how long we have to wait is killing us, especialy since we're getting married in August!

[Dodie]

I only have a couple of months to wait and I am already GOING CRAZY! We have done WDW so many times - it's always exciting - but you know what to expect. This will be totally new.

I can't wait.:bounce:

[disneyholic family]

this is also the first cruise for us...
we've been to WDW every year since 1974....
some years more than once so i long ago ran out of fingers and toes to keep track....
but we still get excited each time we go....so you can imagine how we're jumping out of our skin in anticipation of the cruise...

[Mickey4Me]

The countdown clock on MyCorkboard screensaver says we've got 140 days to go until our June 29th cruise! The waiting is hard but I have an Orlando business trip planned in a couple of weeks and plan to stay a couple of extra days just to get my Disney fix... Come on June!:D

[kinlaw6450]

9 months? I wish! We have 19 months....

I travel for work ALOT and due to my upcoming travel schedule it was the only time we could book...and have an anniversary at the same time...

Yikes!

[disneychic]

7 MONTHS TO GO!! Just booked our 4 Day Wonder Cruise today for September 8th, 2002. I was beginning to think I booked too far in advance but now that I see alot of people are booked well into 2003, I don't feel too bad. Don't worry the time will fly.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[disneyholic family]

to tide me over during our wait i just received a shipment of about a gazillion books on WDW as well as one on cruises, from amazon UK......it should take me until we leave to read them all.....