Cruisin': Just me and my boy!

[JennandJaryd]

It's over 9 months until my son Jaryd (10) and I (28) sail on our 1st cruise ever, leave the country for the 1st time, and vacation on my birthday for the 1st time!

I can't wait (and I need to get my posts up to PM etc) so I am starting a trip report now.

The drama has begun: Passport troubles....to be continued...

:scared1: :headache: :eek: :mad: :hourglass

[JennandJaryd]

I thought we were all set. I had accessed the state department online. Filled out all the necessary paperwork, gathered our birth certificates, social security cards, and IDs.

I called the post office on Nov 21st to see if I needed an appointment. They said no, I said great.

We headed over.

I sat down, we had pictures taken (ugh), paid our fees, and submitted our paperwork.

"Mam, do you have the consent form?" the post office guy asked.

"No," I said " but here are my custody papers." You see, I am a single mom and I got full legal and physical custody of my son in 1997. His dad does not even have visitation rights (and has never paid a penny of his court ordered support).

The not so nice post office man proceeds to tell me that my custody papers are not valid.

However, I gave him exactly what the court gave me and they have worked to move cross country and enroll at 4 different schools so far.

He proceeded to accuse me of lying, said the papers were photocopied, and not acceptable.

OH MY GOD!

Now not only am I pissed that his deadbeat father does not pay child support or see his son but I now cannot take his little boy on a Disney cruise! :headache:

I said file the papers and let the US Govt tell me that they are not valid. Then I can fight with Philadelphia family court to get a "valid" copy.

He said "Mam, we will not refund your money."

No kidding, it is my money to waste and I am willing to try it.

Ughhhhhh
:scared: :sad2: :mad:

[JennandJaryd]

I forgot...the "nice" man at the post office also questioned my papers which have no father listed.

Well, if I had a father that I knew of, he would be listed.

I said "Check my birth certificate, there's no father listed!"

He said, "oh, ok"

No I'm sorry, no apology, no nothing.

What if I had burst into tears right then and there.

:scared: :sad:

On a positive note, my fish extender came.... :grouphug:

[JennandJaryd]

I ordered a fish extender on ebay from a lovely Disney seller.

It was brand new with tags and all from the Disney store.

The Disney store sells them as beanie baby holders.

It is sooo cute with Mickey hands holding a yellow scroll with red pockets on it.

I also bid on one from a seller in Hong Kong, we'll see how that works out.:lmao: The HK one is a Stitch letter holder. That's for my son. I guess we'll switch them out.

I also picked up some Disney Proncess and Disney Cars items from Target for the little ones of other families. :cloud9: :cheer2:

[JennandJaryd]

The cruise we booked is the 5 night Disney Magic sailing, leaving Sept 1st, 2008, with two stops at Castaway Cay.

princess:

We plan to do the following activities:

Atlantis Aquaventure shore excursion in Nassau
Banana Boat ride on CC
Pictures at Flying Dutchman on CC

[CarrianneB]

Good luck on the passport woes - I'm sure it will get worked out in the end.

That cruise should be fun - two days on castaway cay is never bad!!

[mommasita]

I am going to move this point over the main cruise forum for you...:)

[JennandJaryd]

Good luck on the passport woes - I'm sure it will get worked out in the end.

That cruise should be fun - two days on castaway cay is never bad!!

Thanks, I'm keeping my hopes up and calling family court in the morning

:grouphug: !

[Hygiene99]

My trip report link:[/url???]

Jenn If you copy & paste the code above you will get the link above to your trip report...

looks like this.... [url=http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21921381&posted=1#post21921381]My trip report link: (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21921381&posted=1#post21921381)

YOU Must remove the ??? at the end, so it will look like this [/url ]
for it to work...

[JennandJaryd]

My trip report link:[/url???]

Jenn If you copy & paste the code above you will get the link above to your trip report...

looks like this.... [url=http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21921381&posted=1#post21921381]My trip report link: (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21921381&posted=1#post21921381)

YOU Must remove the ??? at the end, so it will look like this [/url ]
for it to work...

Thanks for the tip! I think it worked!

I'm learning...

:surfweb:
:cool1: :grouphug:

[JennandJaryd]

Just 1.5 weeks and my passport arrived from Seattle. Unfortunately my son's passport did not arrive. I am guessing that is not a good sign. I have pored over the State Department's website looking for the alleged raised seal requirement for custody papers.

I see a raised seal requirement for birth certificates but not for custody papers. The only requirement that I see is the judge's signature, which is clearly on my custody papers.

This is crazy!!!!!

:confused: :mad: :scared1:

[Gina]

I am so sorry for all the trouble you have been having with this... It's so unfair that just to do something incredible and memorable with our children, we have to jump through so many hoops. It took me a whole year to get my useless ex to take 5 minutes out of his day and get that stupid consent form notarized. Thank the heavens, by the time my son's passport expires in 5 years, he'll be past the age where both parents have to sign for it.

I really really am rooting for you... please keep us all posted!

-gina-

[JennandJaryd]

I am so sorry for all the trouble you have been having with this... It's so unfair that just to do something incredible and memorable with our children, we have to jump through so many hoops. It took me a whole year to get my useless ex to take 5 minutes out of his day and get that stupid consent form notarized. Thank the heavens, by the time my son's passport expires in 5 years, he'll be past the age where both parents have to sign for it.

I really really am rooting for you... please keep us all posted!

-gina-

Thank you for the well wishes! That is a great way to look at it. This is a one-time ordeal and my son will be fifteen when it expires as well.

:woohoo: :cool1: :goodvibes

[JennandJaryd]

Well I got the dreaded letter. It broke my heart to see my son soo excited to get a letter from the passport office in Seattle. What he didn't know was teh envelope contained a letter stating that we have 90 days to produce his father's signature or custody papers, which were already submitted with the original application! Thank God I have a copy of the custody papers because they certainly didn't send them back to me.

This is awful. It took me three years from the date I filed to get custody awarded in PA. Now I have 90 days to figure out how to make the passport office happy. The passport office in CO will only take appointments for travelers leaving the country in 7 days. This is crazy!

[Billinaz]

FYI


Copies of legal documents are not valid. If you even add or delete a staple, then the validity of the documents are lost.


Simply get a new original copy (actually ask for 2) from the court that granted custody and send them in.

[JennandJaryd]

FYI


Copies of legal documents are not valid. If you even add or delete a staple, then the validity of the documents are lost.


Simply get a new original copy (actually ask for 2) from the court that granted custody and send them in.

I sent the original to them and kept the copy but perhaps they rejected it because the cover sheet was not with it. It looks like a copy though because the court prints it off a computer.

I am trying to get a new original but getting through to family court in Philadelphia is a nightmare especially working full time with a two hour time difference.

[JennandJaryd]

I signed up for email updates on the State Dept website yesterday and today I received an email stating the passport for Jaryd was processed and is in the mail!!!! I even have a tracking number.

I am so excited. Last week I sent them more court documents showing that his father has never shown up for court, never paid child support ($15,000 in arears), and has not been located.

Looks like the world is at our fingertips!

This will be the best Christmas present I can give my son!!!

:love: :yay: :cool1: pirate: :cheer2: :cloud9:

[Gina]

Jenn, I am THRILLED for you!! I know you'll still be holding your breath until you have his passport in hand... I know I was that way with my son's and all the hassle I had with my ex. But for it to actually say "processed," it sounds like you're home free. :yay:

Please post once you get it!!

-gina-

[dizzi]

WOW....sorry for all that trouble. i had to go through a lot to get paper work for my DS as well and it SUCKS! REALLY SUCKS that the whole time you are getting the paper work you are PEED OFF becasue you dont deserve to have to be doing this, when you have done all you can for your son and the missing father has done nothing.

I know girlfriend...........IT SUCKS!

GOOD LUCK..........

AND INFO.....Take all your paper work with you to DCL also, they did not ask me for it.........but i heard i should be prepared and i was!

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Wow, what an ordeal. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Im_A_Princess]

I am so happy for you!!!! :woohoo:

Things worked out in the end but I am so sorry you had those problems.

[MBELSANTI]

pixiedust:
Jenn,
Here is some pixie dust for you! We will miss running into you by a week. DS (11) and I are double dipping the last week of August. This is not our first cruise, but the first that we are going on alone just the 2 of us. We have done other trips just the 2 of us and have always had lots of fun! Make memories with your DS to last a lifetime. :goodvibes

[JennandJaryd]

I am sooo excited! This is the best Christmas present ever.

My son sat with his passport for like an hour and wouldn't put it down. Finally he gave it to me for safe-keeping with our cruise paperwork.

THANK YOU so much for all the support!!!

:cool1: :goodvibes :banana: :love:

:yay: :grouphug: :cheer2:

[JennandJaryd]

WOW....sorry for all that trouble. i had to go through a lot to get paper work for my DS as well and it SUCKS! REALLY SUCKS that the whole time you are getting the paper work you are PEED OFF becasue you dont deserve to have to be doing this, when you have done all you can for your son and the missing father has done nothing.

I know girlfriend...........IT SUCKS!

GOOD LUCK..........

AND INFO.....Take all your paper work with you to DCL also, they did not ask me for it.........but i heard i should be prepared and i was!


DIZZI, good point, I will bring all the paperwork with me as well. That way no hearburn over potential troubles.

I'm going to request a duplicate of his birth certificate too so I can have one safe and sound at home and one with me on the cruise.

Thank you for the tip!!!

:cheer2: :grouphug:

[Gina]

Yay Jenn!! :yay:

Quick suggestion: Go to some copy place and have a couple of color copies made of the passport(s) (the main page with the picture and all the pertinent info.) If the passports are ever lost, it makes it much easier and faster to replace them. Also, leave/email one of the copies with someone you know back home. That way, if you did have a problem someplace far away, they could send you (or a consulate) the copy.

I'm so happy for you!! :banana:

-gina-

[JennandJaryd]

pixiedust:
Jenn,
Here is some pixie dust for you! We will miss running into you by a week. DS (11) and I are double dipping the last week of August. This is not our first cruise, but the first that we are going on alone just the 2 of us. We have done other trips just the 2 of us and have always had lots of fun! Make memories with your DS to last a lifetime. :goodvibes

Thanks for the pixie dust, MBELSANTI! It worked.

I am bummed that we will miss you by a week. That would have been a lot of fun to let the boys play and have grown up time.

I am hoping he finds some DISBoards DSs or DDs to hang out with and I find some adult company as well.

Have a great time! I think planning the trip is almost as much fun as going!

:cloud9:

[dizzi]

Oh i am sure he will find frineds.......As soon as he gets to his clubs.
My DD had frineds the first day..they were even calling hte room when she wasnt in the club.

You will find some too.make sure to go to the meet section and look up your cruise........I am sure it is already over there..I have joined up with mine and there will be plenty of people to chat with and your group will most likly do a breakfast or lunch or something together.

CONGRATS on the passports they came super fast!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dizzi]

I home today off work sick so i had some extra time............i found the link for your cruise meet.

Or i think this is the one you are going on............

If you have not already joined in....you definitley should!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1343812

[JennandJaryd]

I home today off work sick so i had some extra time............i found the link for your cruise meet.

Or i think this is the one you are going on............

If you have not already joined in....you definitley should!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1343812

Thanks, we joined our cruise meet. It is a good bunch of people. Long time Disney Cruisers.

I hope you feel better soon!!

:sick: :yay: :grouphug:

[JennandJaryd]

I went on the Disney Online shopping page and found the cutest shirt for my son. As a tween, I was sure he wasn't wearing a costume so I ordered a t-shirt for him.

They are customizable with the kids' names on them! More Disney magic...

:banana: :surfweb:

[dizzi]

i dont know about that Jenn..........
Even as a TEEN AGER My Ds had a great time dressing up as did my TWEEN DD.

There were alot of older kids dressed up on the ship.

but there were also alot of kids in Pirate Tshirts.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/dizzi4disney/100_3281.jpg
MYSELF ......... DD age 11 ........DH!

Our teenager was in the stack when we took this picture!!!!!

[JennandJaryd]

i dont know about that Jenn..........
Even as a TEEN AGER My Ds had a great time dressing up as did my TWEEN DD.

There were alot of older kids dressed up on the ship.

but there were also alot of kids in Pirate Tshirts.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/dizzi4disney/100_3281.jpg
MYSELF ......... DD age 11 ........DH!

Our teenager was in the stack when we took this picture!!!!!

I love that picture! I hope my son changes his mind before the cruise!

[LCTsMom]

I love that picture! I hope my son changes his mind before the cruise!

Tell him he won't be alone. My boys both dressed up on our cruise in 2006 (they were 13 & 15) and now will be doing so on our cruise in September (they'll be 15 & 17), along with their 8 year old sister! My older son had his pirate coat custom made from a seller on eBay. It's gorgeous! pirate:

[dizzi]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/dizzi4disney/100_3292.jpg this is my son.....showing up at dinner just for a minute, to grab some real grub before heading back to THE STACK!!!!

[JennandJaryd]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u218/dizzi4disney/100_3292.jpg this is my son.....showing up at dinner just for a minute, to grab some real grub before heading back to THE STACK!!!!

Oh my gosh, that is an awesome picture! I will definitely show that to my son. That doesn't seem uncool or cumbersome to wear at all...Great idea for a costume!

:banana:

[dizzi]

Yeah ...........
it was just a white shirt made like the one his dad was wearing in our family portrait. A large vest and a LARGE belt bought at dollar tree , black pants rolled up to his knees and flip flops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH YEAh he also carried a small swrod at his side!

[Hygiene99]

Hi

Just passing bye!!
Wont be long now!
LOL

Peter

[JennandJaryd]

Hi

Just passing bye!!
Wont be long now!
LOL

Peter

Peter reminded me that I haven't updated our report in awhile...

So fish extender gifts are ready and boxed (not sure if the box is too big due to new restrictions) but oh well.

We have two fish extenders. I'll post pics as soon as I figure out how.

Door magnets are ready and packed.

DS Jaryd has stept throat right now so I'm chilling out on the couch until he is no longer contagious, about 5 hours left. Back to the grind tomorrow. At least it will be only a 3 day week!

My company started this new BRAVO program for performing above and beyond your job. The awards can be redeemed for Disney dollars. I have cashed in for $250.00 Disney dollars so far!!!:banana:

Dresses, new bathing suit, new flip flops, new PJs etc are all packed.
I love having new stuff for vacation so I'll save it until then.

I purchased a cute personalized t-shirt for Jaryd for Pirate night on the Disney shopping site.

I want to book our next trip but I guess I'll wait to make sure we enjoy this one.

I'm running out of stuff to plan. We're doing Disney August 30th - September 11th now.

:upsidedow

[JennandJaryd]

I'm anxiously waiting :surfweb: on the following:

Southwest Airfare
Shore Excursion booking (finally a benefit to being on MST - 10PM booking)
DR appts for seasickness patches (just in case):rolleyes1

:surfweb:

[JennandJaryd]

We just made ADR reservations for:
Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater restaurant
Hoop-de-doo
1900 Park Fare
Cape May Café
Liberty Tree Tavern
and Cirque du Soleil.

This is getting pricey but I am ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

Aug 30th-31st Pop Century
Sep 1st-6th DCL Magic
Sept 6th-11th Pop Century

Sep 9th - MNSSHP!!! Tickets are not yet on sale

I think I am going to use some retirement money to fund this trip and go all out... I have about 50 years before retirement anyway...:wizard:

[JennandJaryd]

I feel like so much pressure has been lifted off my shoulders.

We paid off our cruise yesterday.

Cirque du Soleil and Hoop de doo are paid for as well.

If only it were time to sign up for Excursions!

:cool1:

[JennandJaryd]

Okay, so we booked free dining today. We had to extend our stay by one night to get free dining on both sides of the cruise, but no complaints here.

We'll fly in 8/29/08 but won't get in until like 10:30PM.

We also got a Tier 1 Hoop de doo Free dining reservation for the 9:30PM show. That was an interesting tip from the cast member as the website mentions only tier 2 and 3 for free.

I called all morning and finally had to put my cell phone on speaker phone while I got in the shower.:lmao:

They answered while I was getting dressed.:rotfl:

I told the CM that I had to get ready while on the phone and he said no problem. Then I proceeded to finish dressing, and do my hair and makeup on the phone. I warned him before I started blow-drying my hair:rotfl2:

Then he heard me tell my son to warm up the car and then....he went to my son's school with me and finally all the way to work...

By the time all my reservations were confirmed and old ones cancelled, the CM said he felt like a part of the family...:rolleyes1

We were on the phone from 7:00AM to 8:30AM. Crazy!

I even lost him driving near the mountains and he called back on my cell phone.

Awesome service once again! :yay:

[minnieandmickey]

Jen,
Great start. Wow it's been a ride getting everything planned! I am so glad that you were able to get the free dining. Looking forward to meeting you!

[cntkg1]

Hi Jenn :wave:

Subscribing here to keep up with your adventures this fall. I'm also glad you decided to join the B.O.B cruise thread too. Can't wait to meet up with you in 09!! :thumbsup2

[dizzi]

THat is sooooo awesome you guys are going to have SOOOOO much fun!

I wish i could talk our family in to coming down for the free dining .......

they are coming in NOVEMBER!

[dizneycrazy4]

Great start to your report, wish our cruise in '09 was a double dip. Can't wait to meet you in '09

[Disney owl]

looking forward to reading about your trip

[JennandJaryd]

Hi Jenn :wave:

Subscribing here to keep up with your adventures this fall. I'm also glad you decided to join the B.O.B cruise thread too. Can't wait to meet up with you in 09!! :thumbsup2

THat is sooooo awesome you guys are going to have SOOOOO much fun!

I wish i could talk our family in to coming down for the free dining .......

they are coming in NOVEMBER!

We'll have sooo much fun if my son lives to see September. 11 now, 7 more years to go...

Great start to your report, wish our cruise in '09 was a double dip. Can't wait to meet you in '09

looking forward to reading about your trip

Thanks for stopping by!:surfweb:

[RLccweems]

I signed up for email updates on the State Dept website yesterday and today I received an email stating the passport for Jaryd was processed and is in the mail!!!! I even have a tracking number.

I am so excited. Last week I sent them more court documents showing that his father has never shown up for court, never paid child support ($15,000 in arears), and has not been located.

Looks like the world is at our fingertips!

This will be the best Christmas present I can give my son!!!

:love: :yay: :cool1: pirate: :cheer2: :cloud9:

I'm so glad this worked out....you had me on pins and needles!

[naner]

Wow this sounds like it's going to be a great trip! Looking forward to reading more.

[JennandJaryd]

I'm so glad this worked out....you had me on pins and needles!

Wow this sounds like it's going to be a great trip! Looking forward to reading more.

Thanks for the support!

:surfweb:

[BobWerner]

Just stopping by to say "hi." I love reading these reports. Makes me want to do a Disney cruise even more. If they just weren't so expensive for one person.

[Sorcerer Mom]

Hi Jenn:wave2: Have passed by your thread a bunch and the title always makes me stop and smile "Crusin just me and my boy" I call my DS, 12, "my boy" all the time. After reading through the pages, I'm so excited to read about all your plans and am so happy for you that your passport issues had a happy ending! :banana: You will both have the trip of a lifetime, I'm sure, and I'm looking forward to hearing more updates! :surfweb: Good luck with the rest of your planning, sounds like you've got it well under control...can't wait to see your pics!

[cyndid]

i dont know about that Jenn..........
Even as a TEEN AGER My Ds had a great time dressing up as did my TWEEN DD.

There were alot of older kids dressed up on the ship.

but there were also alot of kids in Pirate Tshirts.


Our teenager was in the stack when we took this picture!!!!!

Where'd you get the cute pirate shirts???

[JennandJaryd]

Where'd you get the cute pirate shirts???

www.disneyshopping.com

personalized t-shirts

[JennandJaryd]

We just made ADR reservations for:
Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater restaurant
Hoop-de-doo (2TS)
1900 Park Fare (1TS)
Cape May Café(1TS)
Liberty Tree Tavern(1TS)
and Cirque du Soleil.

This is getting pricey but I am ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

Aug 30th-31st Pop Century
Sep 1st-6th DCL Magic
Sept 6th-11th Pop Century

Sep 9th - MNSSHP!!! Tickets are not yet on sale

I think I am going to use some retirement money to fund this trip and go all out... I have about 50 years before retirement anyway...:wizard:

Ok, so with the news of free dining, I just had to extend my pre-cuise stay by one night ($82.00 at Pop) and get another day at Disney and free food for 3 nights! Awesome, I love this free dining stuff.

I just can't believe how much I have missed out on in previous trips to WDW. :disrocks: :worship:

I booked MNSSHP on May 1st for the September 9th event.:thumbsup2

:sail:
Our ADRs now include in addition to the above:

Whispering Canyon(1TS)
Chef Mickey's character breakfast (1TS)
Tony's Town restaurant(1TS)
Ohana's character breakfast
Tusker House character breakfast

I'll have to pay for a few out of pocket but I'm not complaining.

We booked Frontier airlines for Aug 29th DEN to MCO - arriving at 2:20PM. ($190.00 each one way - crazy! SWA wanted $210.00)

We booked Southwest for Sep 11th MCO to DEN - departing at 4PM. ($115.00 each one way)

I also wisened up and got a Disney VISA. I paid off my pre and post cruise stays with it and now use it to pay for EVERYTHING!

Let's see how much I can save in Rewards Dollars pre-cruise. Maybe $50.00?

And, we're renting a car from Budget for our travels at WDW.

:surfweb:

Side note: DS was hit in the face with a soccer ball in gym class yesterday. His vision is blurred. I am hoping it gets better...Eye DR says it is due to the swelling of the eyelid. They had to hold it open to check it out. He is walking around in very dark sunglasses.

[JennandJaryd]

Ok, so with the news of free dining, I just had to extend my pre-cuise stay by one night ($82.00 at Pop) and get another day at Disney and free food for 3 nights! Awesome, I love this free dining stuff.

I just can't believe how much I have missed out on in previous trips to WDW. :disrocks: :worship:

I booked MNSSHP on May 1st for the September 9th event.:thumbsup2

:sail:
Our ADRs now include in addition to the above:

Whispering Canyon(1TS)
Chef Mickey's character breakfast (1TS)
Tony's Town restaurant(1TS)
Ohana's character breakfast
Tusker House character breakfast

I'll have to pay for a few out of pocket but I'm not complaining.

We booked Frontier airlines for Aug 29th DEN to MCO - arriving at 2:20PM. ($190.00 each one way - crazy! SWA wanted $210.00)

We booked Southwest for Sep 11th MCO to DEN - departing at 4PM. ($115.00 each one way)

I also wisened up and got a Disney VISA. I paid off my pre and post cruise stays with it and now use it to pay for EVERYTHING!

Let's see how much I can save in Rewards Dollars pre-cruise. Maybe $50.00?

And, we're renting a car from Budget for our travels at WDW.

:surfweb:

Side note: DS was hit in the face with a soccer ball in gym class yesterday. His vision is blurred. I am hoping it gets better...Eye DR says it is due to the swelling of the eyelid. They had to hold it open to check it out. He is walking around in very dark sunglasses.

Oh yeah, and the charge for the comprehensive exam at the eye DR, you guesssed it...charged to the Disney VISA! My insurance company will reimburse 90% and I get my rewards!

[JennandJaryd]

Based on maps posted by DIS members, I requested 50's building 1 at Pop, close to food and parking lot, and pool! and free, not preferred...

This one you may think I am certifiably insane for...

I called DCL and requested a Deck 5 room (we are booked Cat 11 GTY) and no upgrade! :scared1:

It's just that being on the 5th deck is much more important to me than an upgrade. I am very hesitant to allow my son free roam of the ship but if I am in the room, he can be in the club and check out alone without me being nervous (since it should be just a few 100 feet away)...

What are your thoughts on this? I do appreciate feedback.

[JennandJaryd]

Maybe I was in a bad mood, point taken jetanlori!

[jetanlori]

This woman stopped me on my way in to attempt to sell me a "Kid safety" package of some sort. I am pretty sure you can do this for free at the police station but whatever. She said "do you have a child?" I said "yes."
She said "how old?" I said "11." She steps back and says "Wow, you don't look old enough to have an 11 year old."

Look lady, maybe I am 80 and have just had more plastic surgery than Joan Rivers, ok. Man, why do people say stupid stuff like this...???

I was wearing denim trousers and a black trench coat, not overalls and pigtails....

Wow I say this "stupid stuff" all the time to people that look too young to have a child a certain age. I mean it as a compliment. How ANYONE could find this offensive or find fault with it is beyond me!

[JennandJaryd]

:cool1: We received our cruise planning packet. I love reading this stuff.

I was worried about how I was going to get my 150+ fish extender gifts to the ship but I think we'll just ship it to Pop and keep in in the rental car.

Then I'll drop off DS and bags, boxes, etc and return the car.

We are sooo excited. It sounds like there will be lots of kids in the 10-12 age range.

DS Jaryd just finished 5th grade on FRiday. I am so proud of him for making straight A's and getting moved up from Accelerated Math to Advanced Math (algebra 1 in 7th and geometry in 8th).

BUT now I am worried about him missing 2 weeks of school. Uh OH :scared1:

[JennandJaryd]

We also booked our 2nd cruise due to a great price from Dreams Unlimited.

7 night cruise 1200.00 in Cat 12 GTY for me and DS.

I am not sure we will get a better deal onboard in September so we just have to wait and see.

[JennandJaryd]

I was filling out my flight information on DCL's page since it is getting close to online booking time for excursions and a DISer recommended putting them on my wish list first to speed up the process.

Thanks, DISers...:worship:

I checked my online reservation for Frontier Airlines and low and behold, they changed our outgoing flight number and moved us from an 8:00AM flight to a 5:00PM flight!!!!!!

Wow, with a 2 hour time loss, that puts us in Orlando at Midnight.

We called and they graciously agreed to cancel the flights and refund our money since it was a greater than 4 hour flight change. We will get $400.00 back and then we booked with southwest for $285.00! Woohoo, doing the happy dance now...:banana: :cool1:

[jetanlori]

Maybe I was in a bad mood, point taken jetanlori!

Yeah you must have been because really I'm sure she meant no harm and you probably do like like a 20 something year old. Smile, be happy!

[Michelle2]

Congrats on the better price for flights, and getting to stay in WDW longer for free dining before and after the cruise.
I will be getting off of the ship the day you get on. I am hoping to pass some disers I know on your cruise on the way out. I will be staying at POP for free dining afterwards from September 1-8. Looks like I will be there for 2 nights at the same time. I am so excited! :hyper:

[JennandJaryd]

Congrats on the better price for flights, and getting to stay in WDW longer for free dining before and after the cruise.
I will be getting off of the ship the day you get on. I am hoping to pass some disers I know on your cruise on the way out. I will be staying at POP for free dining afterwards from September 1-8. Looks like I will be there for 2 nights at the same time. I am so excited! :hyper:

See you at the pool (in my Miracle Suit)!

I "stole" lots of lime green mickey heads from Home Depot that I am going to attach to our backpacks and luggage.

I'm pretty easy to spot though, I have pretty bright red hair with blonde highlights and my son has brown hair and eyes so we stand out.

I'll try to post some pics on here today.

I haven't tried to do that yet!

[GoofyTraci]

:offtopic: soooo not my business, but 150 fish extender gifts!! :scared1: Can you give me an idea of what kinds of gifts you are bringing and is it for 150 familes? Just wondering our group is just starting out with our list,as we have 9mths away we only have a couple, but couldnt imagine 150 families.popcorn::

[Michelle2]

:offtopic: soooo not my business, but 150 fish extender gifts!! :scared1: Can you give me an idea of what kinds of gifts you are bringing and is it for 150 familes? Just wondering our group is just starting out with our list,as we have 9mths away we only have a couple, but couldnt imagine 150 families.popcorn::

I would love to know this too, as our thread is almost up to 100. I have some ideas, but it will be a pain to transport them, so I am thinking of going smaller and lighter. I would love to hear ideas too.

[JennandJaryd]

Ok, so here's the deal on the fish extender thing.

There are 139 DISboards families on our cruise.

Our cruise meet thread has a lot of gifting and events planned by the more experienced Disney cruisers. They are even buying lanyards for everyone.

As a result, we have decided that all DISers will get a fish extender gift. There is no sign up list. We are using the list of people on the cruise.

Some may not have a fish extender so I guess we just put it in the fish.

I prepared 150 bags just in case more families join between now and Sep 1st.

Someone mentioned giving them to cruise staff if I have extra.

THE PLAN:

Ship box to Pop Century and put it in rental car. Drop off stuff at port and then return rental car.

WHAT'S THE GIFTS?
I made gift bags with a small beach ball, bouncy balls, and a chinese fan.
A few bags for the gift sponsors have waterproof money holders in tropical fare. Potentially narcissitic: I ordered pencils with our Disboard name on them to be used as "gift tags".

I also bought some Disney stuff from the dollar section at Target & Dollar Tree for the kids on the cruise.

[GoofyTraci]

wow that is so nice of you to gift to so many families.. hope your trip is a blast:banana:

[Hygiene99]

Ok, so here's the deal on the fish extender thing.

There are 139 DISboards families on our cruise.

Our cruise meet thread has a lot of gifting and events planned by the more experienced Disney cruisers. They are even buying lanyards for everyone.

As a result, we have decided that all DISers will get a fish extender gift. There is no sign up list. We are using the list of people on the cruise.

Some may not have a fish extender so I guess we just put it in the fish.

I prepared 150 bags just in case more families join between now and Sep 1st.

Someone mentioned giving them to cruise staff if I have extra.

THE PLAN:

Ship box to Pop Century and put it in rental car. Drop off stuff at port and then return rental car.

WHAT'S THE GIFTS?
I made gift bags with a small beach ball, bouncy balls, and a chinese fan.
A few bags for the gift sponsors have waterproof money holders in tropical fare. Potentially narcissitic: I ordered pencils with our Disboard name on them to be used as "gift tags".

I also bought some Disney stuff from the dollar section at Target & Dollar Tree for the kids on the cruise.

It will be our little secret!

Yeah we thought that keeping in the original spirit of the FE was best.

some may not be able to afford to take part and we wanted everyone to get something!
lot of first time cruisers!

maybe you cant afford to give to all 139 cabins...
That is ok also..


Do what you can! Maybe 2 cruisers can share in the cost!


:lmao:
Cant promise anything, but I am going to try! :rolleyes1

what time do you plan on being at the Port? :idea:


We also will be at the world, before the cruise for like 3 days - after only 1 - then home!

Peter

[JennandJaryd]

It will be our little secret!

Yeah we thought that keeping in the original spirit of the FE was best.

some may not be able to afford to take part and we wanted everyone to get something!
lot of first time cruisers!

maybe you cant afford to give to all 139 cabins...
That is ok also..


Do what you can! Maybe 2 cruisers can share in the cost!


:lmao:
Cant promise anything, but I am going to try! :rolleyes1

what time do you plan on being at the Port? :idea:


We also will be at the world, before the cruise for like 3 days - after only 1 - then home!

Peter

We have an 8:30AM Ohana's breakfast planned. We'll pack the car up the night before, so we should get to the port 10:30-11:00AM, I am guessing...

[JennandJaryd]

I am so excited for formal night. I just got my son's tux and my dress! SO beautiful, hope it fits...I'll check that later.

:dance3:

ALmost time to book my shore excursions! As a newbie, I'll be online on 6/17/08 at 10:00PM...

[BrettySpaghetti]

It's over 9 months until my son Jaryd (10) and I (28) sail on our 1st cruise ever, leave the country for the 1st time, and vacation on my birthday for the 1st time!

Photos please? :)

[JennandJaryd]

Photos please? :)

I will. I have to figure out the photobucket thing...

I just booked my shore excursions:

Atlantis Aquaventure
Snorkeling at CC

AND

a spa treatment:

Pedicure after that WDW trip, I'm gonna need it.

[JennandJaryd]

.

[JennandJaryd]

.

[JennandJaryd]

.

[GoofyTraci]

your son looks very handsome in his tux. Hope you guys have a blast.

[AttilaTheHun]

Tell him he won't be alone. My boys both dressed up on our cruise in 2006 (they were 13 & 15) and now will be doing so on our cruise in September (they'll be 15 & 17), along with their 8 year old sister! My older son had his pirate coat custom made from a seller on eBay. It's gorgeous! pirate:

Hi, I am going on the Magic Disney Mexican Cruise with my 11 year old son 20 July. I got him a nice pirate hat at the Pirate Festival in Northern CA last week, but could not find a nice coat to go with it. Would you still have that guys e-mail or web site. I might have one made for him if they are not to expensive.

[JennandJaryd]

your son looks very handsome in his tux. Hope you guys have a blast.

Thanks!

[JennandJaryd]

Stateroom numbers were finally assigned for our cruise!

We're in 7567, deck 7. Reports seem good.

I can't believe it's almost time.

We've booked Atlantis Aquaventure, a pedicure on the ship for me, and snorkeling.

We'll probably ride some bikes too.

Just 69 days till we leave...

[JennandJaryd]

Wow, it is getting so close. I can't believe it is almost time for our trip.

I desperately need a vacation at this point.

I just bought a 3rd bathing suit and a cover up dress as well as a hat.

I am SOOO excited. In a few weeks I'll ship our box of fish extenders to the pre-cruise hotel.

[JennandJaryd]

We received our luggage tags and resort vouchers for our pre-cruise free dining stay!

Disney mail is awesome!

Oh yeah, and I am picking up a new BMW 335xi today in Alpine white.

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