November 7, 2009 ~~~~ AHOY ST.CROIX ~~~~

[AverysMommy]

I can't believe it but it seems like this may be the first Cruise Meets for the November 7th, 2009 Cruise.

I am so excited about it - We were on the Western Cruise in October 2007 and had a great time. We talked to so many people on the DIS boards before we went, tt was almost like a family reunion when we got on the ship even though we had never formally met before.

There are 4 of us travelling - the 2 of us plus 2 kids. Our son, Spencer, will be 10, and our daughter, Avery, will be 7.

Can't wait to talk to other people who have booked.

Talk to everyone soon - Jessalynn

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:


************************************************** ****
FOR UPDATED LIST OF CRUISERS CLICK HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31345493&postcount=404)

[AverysMommy]

We decided not to tell the kids yet about the cruise. Its still 23 months away and I dont think they can understand that its still a long wait.

This year we booked the cruise in May 2007 for a cruise in October....and that seemed to take forever!

We just asked our neighbour to think about coming with us. They have 2 boys and we all get along really well. The Dad doesnt like the idea of being on sea - I sure hope he changes his mind.

If you are booked on this cruise -post a reply so we can start to get to know each other!

Jessalynn

[AverysMommy]

I have been looking into St Croix to see what there is to do there - some interesting things:

Sites to Look For:

Estate St. George Botanical Garden
Consisting of lush woods and rich land, the Garden covers 16 acres and contains ruins of a 19th-century sugarcane village and rum factory including workers' homes, manager's house, a bake oven, stone dam, a blacksmith's shop and foundations of a watermill. A small admission fee is charged.

Buck Island Reef
Here is the only United States National Monument (we call it a "National Park") that is underwater. The Park itself covers over 850 acres including the island proper, with a sandy beach, picnic tables and barbecue pits. The reef has two major underwater trails -- Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail.

Rain Forest
As you head towards Frederiksted, you'll come upon Creque Dam Road and the 15 acres of the Rain Forest. The dam itself is 150 feet high. You will also go along Mahogany Road, which is lined with beautiful mahogany trees, yellow cedar, and Tibet trees (also called "mother's tongue" because of the pods that rustle in the wind). The air is filled with the scent of many of our island fruits, and also the call of mountain doves.
The Forest is private property; the owners have graciously consented to let visitors tour.

St. Croix Leap
Also in the Rain Forest, you will find a group of talented woodcarvers. You can order wood sculptures and chairs and tables all made from local mahogany and have them shipped to your home.

Salt River
Here's where Columbus first arrived in the Virgin Islands in November 1493 on his second voyage to the New World, with 17 ships and 1500 men. He called this island Santa Cruz.

Whim Greathouse
A restoration of one of the finest greathouses from the late 1700s. There's the main house, windmill, watch house and bathhouse, cookhouse and apothecary; also a museum and gift shop. This is one of St. Croix's showplaces. Small admission fee

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hi Jessalynn, I've been searching for a thread on our cruise, and I'm glad I finally found it! It will only be DH and I for this cruise since we don't have any kids yet and no other family's planning on traveling with us for this one. I have to admit I picked this cruise because I liked the idea of getting relaxed for the holidays and Kenny Chesney sings about the Virgin Islands and ST. Croix!! ;) This will be our first 7 night cruise so we're definately looking forward to a longer Disney cruise. WDW is one of our favorite vacation destinations and we went on our first Disney cruise last January. We fell in love with DCL and decided that we had to be back. On our last trip to WDW in Sept. DH and I talked about how much we missed the cruise so we decided to book one for '09. We're leaving for Hawaii at the end of the month so that's going to be our big trip this year. After finding out where DCL was heading to in '09, we decided on one of the special cruises and St. Croix! Well, I better go. I can't wait to meet you and your family and hear from other cruisers scheduled to sail out Nov. 7th!!!:)
Bridget

[AverysMommy]

Hi Bridget - Welcome Aboard

Glad that other November 7th cruisers are starting to find the thread. My last cruise's DIS meet team was huge - there was probably 30+ families that were constantly talking to each other.

Trip to Hawaii - that sounds great - I dont think I have ever met anyone who didnt have a great time there. You will have to let me know all about it.

2008 is going to be a small vacation for us - probably down to the East Coast. Maybe to Nova Scotia and PEI (we live in Ontario). Where abouts do you guys live?

What was your favourite part of the cruise? Mine was all the little fun things the cruise team had you doing on the stage by the family pool. My kids and I had so much fun learnign dance moves, playing hot potatoe, etc.

Talk to you soon - Jessalynn

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hi Jessalyn and Bridget!

I was originally going to book the 11/14 special western... but SPH room 5520 came open on this one... so I took it! :banana: I saw it as a sign ;)

At cruise time we will be me (39... yikes that looks old!), DH 39, DD 12 and DS9. This will be our first 7 day as a family. My husband and I just did a 7 day on Princess last month for our 15 year anniversary. We loved it! Next November (08) we're doing a land/sea with 3 more WDW days for a total of 10 days of Disney! That will be our first DCL cruise as a 4 night Wonder.

I'm wondering too about keeping this a secret from my kids... unfortunately, DD has already heard us discussing it, and has been asking me if a secret porthole room has opened up for the 7 day. It would be nice to let them know next year, either on our cruise or at Christmas. I could keep it a secret for a few months, but for a year?? I don't know! I will say we booked our 08 trip in September, and 14 months seemed like forever. Now we're down to less than 11 months, so it is going by faster. I just don't know if I can keep it a secret that long. I'm no good at secrets!

Can't wait to get to get to know everyone! My previous cruise meet was fun too.

Christine

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hi Christine! I'm glad you joined us. :) Maybe our little group will grow by the day.

Yeah, we're really excited about Hawaii. It will be our first trip there and the whole family's going. We're counting the days down. My family owns a turf grass farm in Tennessee and Alabama so we usually take the majority of our vacations in the winter months because it's our slowest time. Sometimes we're able to sneak off during the summer, but that's rare! :)

I've finally sat down and realized how long it will be before we actually cruise. I might have to sneak a 3 or 4 day in there somewhere ;). I know DH will be fine with that. I've turned him into a Disney nut!!

Jessalyn- you asked where we lived. We live in Tennessee (2 hours from Nashville, 3 hours from Memphis, and 6 hours from the Smokey Mountains) and love it. I love to travel and see other places but it's always good to be back in the South. We've traveled to Canada twice. The first time we stayed in Toronto and the second time we went fishing at Minnaniska (sp?). We were out in the middle of nowhere, but we caught a lot of fish ;)!!

I don't know if I could say what I loved about the cruise the most. I loved all of it. It was truly one of the best Disney experiences. I guess the one thing we talk and laugh the most about was the adult karaoke. That was one of the funniest nights of our life. I've grown up going to WDW, and I love it. I still try to make it a point to visit WDW at least once a year, but I was just so surprised at how great the cruise was. DH and I thought we would give it a try and ended up loving it. I can't wait to get back on the ship. Since we've only sailed on the Wonder, I'm really excited about giving the Magic a try.

I better get off here and get some work done.
I'll talk to ya'll soon.
Bridget

[Silly Little Pixie]

Bridget -
Where in Tennessee do you live? My inlaws live outside Paris, on Kentucky Lake. It's beautiful. We spent 2 weeks in Tennessee this summer, a week at the lake house (my inlaws just retired there) and another week doing Chattanooga and then the Smoky Mountains with my other inlaws (DH's dad and stepmom) and his brother and wife. My BIL went to UK and to Auburn for vet school. Chattanooga was a great city, we stayed on Lake Chicamauga. Smoky Mountains were pretty but oh so touristy and crowded. We did go in July though. This summer I think we'll do a week at the lake and a week around Nashville, maybe drive up to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.

And where are you going in Hawaii? We LOVE Hawaii. In fact, the sad thing about booking 08 and 09 on DCL means no Hawaii for us:sad2: We've been to both Oahu and the Big Island. We totally fell in love with the Big Island!! It's a quick flight for us here on the West Coast, too. It'll take me longer to get to FL, than to go to HI. You wil love it. Hawaiians are as laid back as you think, and everything is on island time, brah! Family is most important to them and material possessions are not. If you're fortunate enough to get to know some Hawaiians you'll see it's really a different culture.

I still can't decide if I can manage to keep this a secret for a year! Jessalyn, how do you think you'll do it? Did you keep it from them awhile for the last cruise?
[/I]

[AverysMommy]

Good Morning Bridget and Christine - wow, we are up to 3 families now!!

Last time we booked a cruise, the kids knew about it from Day 1 as it was only a few months away and it became part of our conversation every day. This time is different. The kids know we are going again as we re-booked while on the cruise but they dont know when or where. Its too hard for them to comprehend as its so far out. We probably wont tell them this time until we are about 2 months out.


We were able to re-book as we WON JACKPOT BINGO!. It was very excited on the Thursday night of the cruise. The kids were in the Kids Club getting ready to go on stage at 5pm for their little show and we decided to try the BINGO. My better half was very UNinterested but I did some arm-twisting and off we went. We got to the final draw and the prize was $5,800 - very exciting - and wouldnt you know it - our number gets called and we tied wtih 1 other person - so we each got $2,900. WOO HOO.

We saw it as a sign and we re-booked.


Back to work as I am leaving early today to get my haircut as we are going to a concert tonight - Andre Rieu.

talk to you soon
Jessalynn

[Silly Little Pixie]

Jessalyn-
WOW what a deal!! I've never done bingo before (except in school lol) and now I just might play! Holy cow. What a good sign! I would've booked with it too, hee hee! I'm going to Vegas (annual family post-Christmas trip) at the end of the month, maybe I'll try a little bingo!

So did you get the same cat as you had on the Western? We'll be in SPH room #5520. I think I have seen that Bridget got 5020! We have 5020 for our Wonder cruise next year. If we end up not liking that room, I figure we can either upgrade or downgrade on ship for the 09 cruise. But I think I will really like deck 5 because of the proximity to the clubs.


So your kids are now 8 and 5? My daughter Rachel is 10 and my son Kyle is 7 (almost 8). They are in 5th grade and 2nd grade. They'll be 12 and 9 at cruise time. Our boys are close in age!

Have fun at your concert!

Christine

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hey Guys! Yep Christine you're right, I've got 5020 booked. Thanks to the grace of a great TA we have a SPH!!

That's pretty awesome about winning the Jackpot Bingo. We didn't even go play :(. I didn't realize there was that kind of money involved. Wow! I think if we won, I would be planning my next trip!! ;) We'll definitely have to give it a try on our next cruise.

Isn't it funny how small the world is? My husband is at Land Between the Lakes on a hunting trip right now. It's about 15 minutes from Paris, TN. I've never been up there, but he says it's beautiful. We live in Lutts, TN. It's about 30 minutes from the Alabama state line. Tell your BIL War Eagle for me! I definitely agree with you about the Smokies. I've always said all Gatlinburg is one big t-shirt shop. We go to East TN because we have family up there and of course for our football games!! The mountains are pretty but don't compare to the Grand Tetons! Now those are pretty mountains.

Yes, we're getting really excited about Hawaii. We leave in 16 days. We'll fly into Oahu and spend 3 nights there. Then we're off to Maui. We do plan to do a day trip to the Big Island and see Hilo and Volcano National Park. I've heard about the Hawaiian lifestyle and how everything is really mellow on the islands. So, I'm excited to experience it first hand.

One of the places I have always wanted to go is Las Vegas. DH and I keep planning to go for a couple of days and go to a UFC fight. Do you know what Ultimate Fighting- (mixed martial arts) is? Call me crazy but I love it. And then on to Disneyland for a couple of days. We've just never got our timing right yet. I would have loved to have been at the fight Dec. 29 but we already had Hawaii planned. Vegas sounds great. Let me know how much fun you have.
Jessalyn have fun at your concert. Let us know how it went.
Bridget

[Silly Little Pixie]

Bridget, that's funny that your husband was up at Land Between the Lakes! That's really close to my inlaws. We cruised all around there on their boat this summer.

I've been listening to Kenny Chesney too and am so ready for the islands! LOL. When you go to Volcano National Park, be sure to ask if there is lava flowing that you can view. Be ready for a hike down to see it (tennis shoes!). I missed out on seeing it when we went because my friend's son who we were vacationing with was so whiny about wanting to go snorkeling. Boy was I ticked! Also down at that far end of the island is the Black Sand Beach... Punalu'u I think. Incredible!! We saw turtles resting on the rocks and the sand is so soft.

So far we are keeping the secret about the 09 cruise.... gosh I hope DD doesn't figure it out, she's so smart. I'm sure not to put that one in my signature incase she sees it!!

I hope everyone is getting ready for a wonderful and relaxing holiday!

Christine

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Nick and I would like to wish our fellow cruisers a very Merry Christmas. We hope you and your families are blessed this holiday season!

[DenverVal]

Just checking in here - we have booked this cruise as well. We will be a family of four, me, DH, DD17 and DD14 at cruise time. I just added the countdown to my signature ... it's such a long time away! There's a lot of life to live between now and then, and we have a vacation in Hawaii planned in the meantime. Since DCL doesn't cruise in Hawaii, we're going to give NCL a try.

When you go to Volcano National Park, be sure to ask if there is lava flowing that you can view. Be ready for a hike down to see it (tennis shoes!).
You can track what is happening with the volcano on their website: Kilauea Update (http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php) Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. If the lava is flowing, it is worth the hike.

[AverysMommy]

Hey everyone - Sorry I havent been on lately. So busy with family visiting and getting ready for Christmas - not enough hours in the day.

4 Families now - welcome to DenverVal. At first I was afraid that I would be all alone for the first 6 months but people are signing up.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. We got Guitar Hero for Spencer but I think it might be a bit for me as well. Great toy that everyone can play. My arm is sore today and I think its from holding the guitar (too funny!). Of course that wont stop me from playing tonight!.

I have never been to Hawaii but I hear its one of the most beautiful places in the world. Try and post pictures when you get back.

Is anyone going to WDW before the cruise? We are hoping to go for 5-6 days before hand. We loved the cruise but really felt we missed something by not going on the rides. We will probably fly down on Sunday morning, visit the parks Sunday-Thursday. Relax by the pool and do laundry Friday morning. Then go over to the Port area and stay over night on Friday. We will want to be at the Terminal early on Saturday morning.

Jessalynn

[AverysMommy]

Jessalyn-
WOW what a deal!! I've never done bingo before (except in school lol) and now I just might play! Holy cow. What a good sign! I would've booked with it too, hee hee! I'm going to Vegas (annual family post-Christmas trip) at the end of the month, maybe I'll try a little bingo!

So did you get the same cat as you had on the Western? We'll be in SPH room #5520. I think I have seen that Bridget got 5020! We have 5020 for our Wonder cruise next year. If we end up not liking that room, I figure we can either upgrade or downgrade on ship for the 09 cruise. But I think I will really like deck 5 because of the proximity to the clubs.


So your kids are now 8 and 5? My daughter Rachel is 10 and my son Kyle is 7 (almost 8). They are in 5th grade and 2nd grade. They'll be 12 and 9 at cruise time. Our boys are close in age!

Have fun at your concert!

Christine

We had a Category 4 last time as my neice who lives with us went as well. But she will be in Grade 11 for this vacation and i cant afford to take her out of school that long. Her grandparents will stay with her. So we downgraded all the way to a Category 9. We realized that we dont really care what room we are in as we hardly ever were in it. We might change our mind afterwards (LOL)

[AverysMommy]

:dance3: WOO HOO - we made it to Page 2

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Welcome DenverVal:flower3:! I agree with you. There is a lot of life to live between now and our sail date. Hopefully, we'll be able to get a few more WDW trips in between then and now, maybe even a short cruise ;). Even though we have been to Disney during the holidays, it is always after Christmas so we miss MVMCP. I'd really like to try that party. We loved MNSSHP and the P&PP. I just know we would like MVMCP! DH and I always try to make it to WDW at least once a year. I truly believe it is one of the happiest places on earth.

I love Guitar Hero! Isn't funny how your suppose to outgrow video games yet Nintendo, Playstation, and XBox come along and make everything even better then when we were young! Seriously, how am I suppose to turn down a guitar that lets me play November Rain??? :upsidedow

The countdown :hourglass has begun for us. Nick got a lot of Tommy Bahama for Christmas! I'm determined to pack only a few t-shirts for him and the rest hawaiian wear. That way, I know he'll look tropical in our pictures!!! Hopefully, all our flights will go smoothly and the weather will be pleasant. I'll post pics when we get back. Talk to you soon.

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome DenverVal! Glad you will be joining us. :hippie:

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! We did, the kids got Wii... so we've been playing A LOT! Wii is really fun, even my inlaws have been playing. I already had Guitar Hero 2 on my playstation, I asked for it for Mother's Day! LOL. I can only play on Easy but it's still really fun. The kids got Guitar Hero 3 for xmas, you know I was the first one to hit that on Christmas night after dinner!!

We'll be at WDW next November. We're doing a 3 day land/4night cruise, then adding on 3 more days afterward. I'm hoping to get to MVMCP, but not sure if it will start before we leave. Crossing fingers! It will have been 5 years since we have been to WDW at that point. I can't believe it. So we may end up adding on a day or two before the Eastern, ssshhhh don't tell DH. LOL. We do live about an hour from DL so we go there a lot, as we have annual passes. I'm trying to figure out a day we can go before school gets back in the 7th. I'm hoping Small World Holiday won't be down already. :sad2:

DenverVal, have you cruised often on DCL? My inlaws love NCL. Seems people either love it or hate it. They did the Hawaii cruise on NCL last year and had a great time. I hope you do too! It's one of our very favorite places. The worst day in Hawaii is better than any day on the mainland. Okay, except maybe a day at Disney...:cool2:

[DenverVal]

DenverVal, have you cruised often on DCL? My inlaws love NCL. Seems people either love it or hate it. They did the Hawaii cruise on NCL last year and had a great time. I hope you do too! It's one of our very favorite places. The worst day in Hawaii is better than any day on the mainland. Okay, except maybe a day at Disney...:cool2:I dream about cruising a lot. ;) We've been on two, both with Disney, a Western and the PC repo. I've been to Hawaii a bunch of times, but this will be the first trip there for my younger DD, and our first NCL cruise.

We just returned from a vacation at WDW over Thanksgiving. It's become a tradition these last few years - I'm not sure I remember how to cook a turkey! :lmao: FWIW, I don't think MVMCP will be starting until after the cruise, so you may be able to attend during your post-cruise days.

[Silly Little Pixie]

I dream about cruising a lot. ;) We've been on two, both with Disney, a Western and the PC repo. I've been to Hawaii a bunch of times, but this will be the first trip there for my younger DD, and our first NCL cruise.

We just returned from a vacation at WDW over Thanksgiving. It's become a tradition these last few years - I'm not sure I remember how to cook a turkey! :lmao: FWIW, I don't think MVMCP will be starting until after the cruise, so you may be able to attend during your post-cruise days.

Wow! WDW at Thanksgiving, how fun is that?! :banana: How long do you stay, and where? Is it really busy? A couple years ago we decided as an extended family to have Thanksgiving at California Adventure. We had it at the Grand Californian, which was fantastic eating but so crowded. After dinner we decided to hop across to DL... OMG the lines just to get in was so long!! Holy cow. I think all of So Cal decided about 5 pm after eating their dinner to come on over!! Is it really crowded at WDW too? I guess we thought we were the only family who thought spending the day there was a great way to spend Thanksgiving...LOL!!!!

[DenverVal]

We love to be there at that time of year. In the past we have arrived on Thanksgiving or just after and it is insanely crowded, but most people go home the Saturday and Sunday afterwards. The following week is great.

This year we took Veteran's Day through Thanksgiving Day because they fell close enough together that my kids still only missed a week of school. Veteran's Day was busy, but the rest of the week was wonderful. People started arriving for the holiday starting on Saturday, and by Monday things were really hopping and lines were long. We actually got a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear with a return time of 1:15 am! lol, we used it too.

We ditched the parks the day before the holiday and went to Blizzard Beach instead - it was the best day of the week. Everybody must have been getting their park fix, because the crowds at the water park were no problem.

[Silly Little Pixie]

This year we took Veteran's Day through Thanksgiving Day because they fell close enough together that my kids still only missed a week of school. Veteran's Day was busy, but the rest of the week was wonderful. People started arriving for the holiday starting on Saturday, and by Monday things were really hopping and lines were long. We actually got a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear with a return time of 1:15 am! lol, we used it too.



We went the week of Veteran's Day 4 years ago on our last WDW trip, and it was awesome. This year we're going again on the weekend before (then having a 4 night Wonder cruise during Veteran's Day) then staying again through the weekend after. We loved November there so much! DH really wanted to do Thanksgiving week, but balked once he saw the prices for the land/sea that week! LOL. Maybe in the future.

That's crazy about a 1:15 am fastpass!!! Now that we have Buzz Lightyear out here, it'll be fun to go on it again and see what's different about the two rides. At DL I know all the secret places you can hit a hidden "zurg" and get like 100,000 points :cool1:

Getting excited about our Wonder cruise this year!! I tried to start a cruise meets thread, but nobody has posted on it:sad: We definitely decided to keep the 09 cruise a secret until next Christmas!! I think I'll have so much fun planning how to tell them, what little present hints I can give...

[DenverVal]

That's crazy about a 1:15 am fastpass!!! Now that we have Buzz Lightyear out here, it'll be fun to go on it again and see what's different about the two rides. At DL I know all the secret places you can hit a hidden "zurg" and get like 100,000 points :cool1: MK was open regular hours to 1am that night and it was an extra magic hours night on top of that! We only lasted until almost 2am, but they were open until 3!

The two rides do have different "bonus" spots. DH has a talent for finding them and maxed out his score last time at WDW. DD should NEVER have told him we found one he didn't! He rode it until he found it. I really like emailing your score home though, and you can't do that at WDW. We solved the problem by taking our own photos of our scores!

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hi everyone! Well, we made it back. Only a few minor glitches with United but other than that, it was a wonderful trip. Wow! Hawaii was amazing. By far one of my favorite places we have ever visited. Now I just can't wait to go back! Just like Disney, it's addicting. ;) We're still a little tired right now. After I catch up on some rest, I'll be back on the DIS boards. I just wanted to say hi and see what's bee going on since we were gone. Talk to ya'll soon. Bridget

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome back! I knew you would love Hawaii!:love: I'm glad you had a great time. I bet you are tired after those flights back! How long did it take you?

Christine

[DenverVal]

Wow! Hawaii was amazing. By far one of my favorite places we have ever visited. Now I just can't wait to go back! Just like Disney, it's addicting. ;) Yes, it's easy to fall in love with Hawaii. :lovestruc I'm glad you had a wonderful time, and I'd love to hear about it! Welcome back!

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Welcome back! I knew you would love Hawaii!:love: I'm glad you had a great time. I bet you are tired after those flights back! How long did it take you?

Christine
It took us 13 hours :scared: to get there but it was well worth the flight time. Now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Disney does a cruise there in 2010 to open up the new resort they're building. :rotfl: :rotfl:
I was actually surprised that I liked Oahu like I did. I had been told be family members that we wouldn't really like it but we loved our hotel (Moana Surfrider) which was on Waikiki beach and we loved the North Shore. We went back to the North Shore twice just for Matsamoto (sp?) shave ice. It was sooo good. I was amazed by the Pipeline and how big the waves got out there.

We watched the New Years Eve fireworks on the beach in front of our hotel, hiked up Diamond Head, and of course we did Pearl Harbor. Since Pearl Harbor was closed on New Years Day, and we were supposed to fly out to Maui the next day, I had to call and push our flight back to 6:30 that night. My grandfather is a WWII vet and there is no way I could ever tell him that we "didn't make the time" for Pearl Harbor.:sad2: Plus, I've always wanted to see Pearl Harbor. It was one of the most defining moments in American history. We all agreed that it was worth losing a day in Maui just to visit the USS Arizona and tour Pearl Harbor. I can't believe the oil still comes up all these years later. They told us it is often called the Tears of the Arizona.

We stayed at the Grand Wailea in Maui and let me just say WOW! They don't call it the Grand for nothing. The place was HUGE. It was beautiful and big and had a beach and pools to die for. Plus, it wasn't stuffy. the best thing about it....we got upgraded to Ocean front rooms.

Maui was great. We saw whales, took a helicopter ride around the island, layed on th beach, watched the sunset at Kimo's, and just hung out. I'm sure we did more but right now I just can't remember.

My mother and I took a day trip to the big island. The other three wanted to sleep in and hang out in Maui. I still can't believe they missed that day.:confused3 We took a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaii again and flew over the volcanoe. That was really neat. Then we drove to Volcanoe National Park and saw it from another perspective. We also went to BJ Penn's (UFC fighter) training camp. I got to stand in the Octogon! OMGoodness! Anyways, it was one of my favorite days in Hawaii.

Hawaii, like everyone said, was amazing. It was unlike any place we had ever been. Most places we go with the exception of Disney, I feel like I have seen enough and usually don't care about going back. But Hawaii was different. I just couldn't get enough. I'm ready to go back! I really do hope Disney takes one of the ships there eventually. I would be totally up for that trip!!!!

[Silly Little Pixie]

Your trip sounds awesome!! How cool that you got to go to 3 islands. I've just been to Oahu and the Big Island. Maui, someday!! The helicopter tours sound awesome. WOW! I'd love to go back - but it looks like my "big vacations" this year and next are on DCL! LOL.

Disney I would think will move the Magic to the West Coast permanently when the new ships arrive. They could do Alaska in the summer, Mexico in the winter, and besides Hawaii they could also do some land/sea packages with DL. :wizard: I am not sure if the new ships will be able to traverse the Panama Canal until the Canal expansion is finished, they might be too big. Hawaii would be a great destination for DCL- except that they would only be able to leave from the West Coast and will have to either stop in Mexico or Fanning Island, as US law requires foreign flagged ships to have a foreign port of call between US ports. NCL made a separate company, NCL America, and got a federal waiver to allow them their inter island cruises. They also have to have an all American crew - which means US labor laws. From what I hear NCLA is a money losing company, primarily due to the wages. My inlaws went on that cruise and LOVED it. But Disney isn't about to enter into having to pay US wages to its crew. I would think they might do a few "special itinerary" runs between LA and HI, but can't make it a regular thing. Besides, those limited itinerary runs seem to be very profitable for them! :rotfl:

[grumpymakesmehappy]

I'm all for Hawaii being a "special itinerary" cruise. That would make it even greater. We met a nice couple who was on the NCL cruise and they were having a fantastic time. DH and I talked about maybe doing that, but we would really like to do one with Disney. So we'll see but I can definitely see us going back in the next few years. I just wish we were closer.

The plane rides just about got us. On the way back we got rerouted to Dulles because our flight crew did not show up in San Francisco. Our bags went to Denver. It was 2 days before we got them back, but thankfully they all arrived back in Huntsville safe and sound. Like I said, a few glitches on United's part but they made it up to us. After calling the Mileage Plus number and speaking to a Customer Service rep, we each were awarded 500 a piece in ticket vouchers. Since there were 5 of us, that equaled out to a total of 2500 we could use for tickets in the next year. So now, I have to plan a trip somewhere, right??? :)

I'm glad to be back and glad everyone is doing well. Now that the calender says 2008, I feel like the Disney cruise is even closer!

[Silly Little Pixie]

[QUOTE=grumpymakesmehappy;22554134]
The plane rides just about got us. On the way back we got rerouted to Dulles because our flight crew did not show up in San Francisco. Our bags went to Denver. It was 2 days before we got them back, but thankfully they all arrived back in Huntsville safe and sound. Like I said, a few glitches on United's part but they made it up to us. After calling the Mileage Plus number and speaking to a Customer Service rep, we each were awarded 500 a piece in ticket vouchers. Since there were 5 of us, that equaled out to a total of 2500 we could use for tickets in the next year. So now, I have to plan a trip somewhere, right??? :)
QUOTE]

NICE!! 500 apiece? Good deal. I'm glad they made it right. Too bad you had such a hassle getting back. Lucky you got the bags back! My parents' bags got lost on Southwest last summer. They got them back - but missing the digtal camera and the portable printer for the camera that were in there. NICE stealing, airline employees... sigh. The only plus was that my dad had the memory stick in his laptop, so they didn't lose the pictures of their trip! Since then I carry the camera with me and the memory stick in my purse.

Christine

[minniemouse71]

Hi, just found this thread. We will be on this cruise also. :banana: It will be my DH, my daughter, DGD who will turn 12 the day after we get off the cruise, my DGS who will turn 11 two months later, and myself. We booked this cruise the day it came out, while on the Western Dec. 1-8 cruise. My daughter was able to get SPR 5520 and I was able to get SNV 7120.
My Dh and I are going to Hawaii the end of Feb. We just got our flights last night. We will be staying in our time share on the Big Island, and can't wait to go!! Any advice on what to do or not to miss would be greatly appreciated. I have always wanted to go to HI and can't believe I am finally going. Anyway, glad that I found this thread, maybe we could plan a meet while on this cruise.
Vickie

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome Vickie!! Did you enjoy your Western cruise? How fun!! Glad you joined- my DD will be 11 (almost 12) at cruise time so she'll be just about the same age as your DGD. When it gets closer to cruise time maybe they can exchange emails so they have a friend when they board. I must say I got scared when you said your DD got 5520- since that's what I booked! We're friendly sorts, but it would definitely be a bit crowded in there and my dh snores! :rotfl: So I checked my ressie on DCL and my booking receipt, and yep I've got 5520- so your DD must be next door in 5522! Have her check and make sure they haven't somehow double booked it. Can that happen?

Do you have any other cruise or WDW plans in the future before our cruise?

Christine

[minniemouse71]

Christine,
I did the same thing when I read your post I went and checked our reservations and yes Tanya is in 5522. Then when I posted I typed your room number anyway. :confused3 I think it would be great if the kids could email each other. They did that on another cruise a couple of years ago and they loved it. They felt like they had friends onboard before they went. Sorry about the number mix up. I work with numbers all day long you would think I know the differnce between a 0 and a 2. :laughing:
Take care,
Vickie

[Silly Little Pixie]

Christine,
I did the same thing when I read your post I went and checked our reservations and yes Tanya is in 5522. Then when I posted I typed your room number anyway. :confused3 I think it would be great if the kids could email each other. They did that on another cruise a couple of years ago and they loved it. They felt like they had friends onboard before they went. Sorry about the number mix up. I work with numbers all day long you would think I know the differnce between a 0 and a 2. :laughing:
Take care,
Vickie

LOL!! No worries... my first thought was, "they gave away my room! Oh no!:scared1: " Then I thought, "Or, I have really screwed up and imagined that I got a SPH but really it's some cat 11...":lmao:

It feels fun to already know who'll be next door!

[minniemouse71]

Christine,
Well, hopefully the kids won't forget that grammy is not next door on this trip and keep trying to get into your room. :lmao: They have never cruised without us having adjoining rooms, until this last cruise, when we were right next door to each other. Anyway, since you will be neighbors, allow me introduce them. There is my DD Tanya, my DGD Sara who will turn 12 the day after we get off the ship, and my DGS Ian who will be just 8 weeks shy of 11.

Vickie

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hi Vickie! :) Glad you joined us. I bet your excited about your upcoming trip to Hawaii. We only spent one day on the Big Island so I really can't help you out too much. That one day was fabulous though. When we go back, I want to spend at least 4 or 5 days on the Big Island. One thing I would suggest if at all possible. Go for a helicopter ride over the volcanoe. Then drive and visit the park. You will be able to see lava and get a whole different perspective of the volcanoe from the helicopter. We used Blue Hawaiian helicopter. They have an excellent safety record and are highly regarded. If you book online you get a discount. Check them out. There are some OP's on here that have been to Hawaii a couple of times so I'm sure they will be able to help you out. Like I said, welcome to our thread. I can't wait to get to know you and your family better!
Bridget

[DenverVal]

We found out that a one of our cruisemates from the PC crossing is cruising on the 10/10 eastern, and as we haven't gotten together since then, we've switched our reservation to then. DD is happy because we'll be celebrating her birthday onboard - a new experience! The same itinerary, same category cabin is $350 less for the October date. I hope you all have a great cruise :hug:

[Silly Little Pixie]

We found out that a one of our cruisemates from the PC crossing is cruising on the 10/10 eastern, and as we haven't gotten together since then, we've switched our reservation to then. DD is happy because we'll be celebrating her birthday onboard - a new experience! The same itinerary, same category cabin is $350 less for the October date. I hope you all have a great cruise :hug:

Good deal! Have fun on the new cruise date, and since you'll cruise first, let us know any great tips when you get back!

Christine

[DenverVal]

'k!

[Silly Little Pixie]

So how is everyone doing? Anyone else feeling like me, I should never have booked this far out?? The wait is going to kill me! And I'm hoping I haven't jumped the gun, booking this second DCL before taking our first one. The kids are so excited about our first one, they are dying! They don't know about this one yet...

In other Disney news, we spent 2 days at DLR last week for my birthday and DD's. We brought a friend who is going to college in CA right now and had never been to DLR... how fun to bring a first timer! She's also a first timer to Walt's Park and is the one who got me hooked on the Dis. :) We're going to Club 33 and I am beyond excited. It's been a lifelong dream for me!! We'll be staying at the DLH as well. Ditching the DH and the kids and it'll be just us girls at the hotel and doing the 2 day touring plan. :dance3:

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Yep, it is a long time. Who knows, they may announce DCL is going somewhere really cool in 2010, and we may end up pushing our cruise back till then. DH and I found out that there's a conference on the Big Island in Feb. 2010 so we're seriously thinkning of pushing our cruise back to a late 2010 date and go back to Hawaii in Feb. We did fall in love with the island, and I just can't help but think that Disney is going to annouce something really awesome for '10. Until Disney does announce something for '10, we're going to keep our '09 date.

So tell me about DL. We've got a trip planned for late May. We're finally going to Vegas May 22-25 and from DL May 25-28. We've never been to DL so I'm pretty excited. We're trying to decide if we want to stay at the DL hotel, Grand Californian, or off property like the Candyland. Like I said, we know nothing about DL so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have read about Club 33. How exciting! How are you getting in? I can't wait to hear all about it. Let me know.

[DenverVal]

So tell me about DL. We've got a trip planned for late May. We're finally going to Vegas May 22-25 and from DL May 25-28. We've never been to DL so I'm pretty excited. We're trying to decide if we want to stay at the DL hotel, Grand Californian, or off property like the Candyland. Like I said, we know nothing about DL so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
We've stayed at both the Candy Cane Inn and the DL hotel and were happy with both. The CC inn was very clean, pleasant, inexpensive and close, and they have a AAA discount. They have a shuttle, but we generally only used it in the evening when our feet were tired. We stayed at the DL hotel on DVC points - it's beautifully themed, and we loved it. It was nice to take the few steps over to the monorail, exit in Tomorrowland and have breakfast at Buzz's while everyone else was lining up at the main entrance. DL is much smaller than MK, but has its own charm. Be sure to ride the Matterhorn! (alas, no fastpass) Also, California Screamin' over at Ca Adventure is a lot of fun, as is the Aladdin stage show. You'll be staying long enough to take things pretty easy, and school is still in session in southern calif. then, so crowds should be reasonable. I don't think grad nights will be an issue, but you might want to check the website to be sure. Have a great time!

And yes, I've bailed on this sailing, but didn't unsubscribe to the thread...!

[grumpymakesmehappy]

I can not believe that I said Candyland and not Candy Cane..... Where was my mind??? :) Thanks for the info DenverVal.

[Silly Little Pixie]

DL is smaller than MK, space wise, but has more rides. :) Read on the DL boards Hydroguy's Guide to DL for WDW Vets. He pretty much says it all! I also have Ridemax... I just got it 2 weeks ago, and it was great. If it works out well for me again next weekend, then I'll let you know! I am very much a DL vet (probably 100 visits or more in the last 10 years) and it had me doing things in a pattern that I am not used to- but we got a lot done on a very crowded day!

Will you be there midweek or on a weekend?

Christine

[grumpymakesmehappy]

We will be flying in at 10:30 on Sunday and will be leaving on Wednesday. So I'm hoping it won't be too busy.

[jblb1020]

Hello Everyone! I just put a deposit down on this cruise today. We will be first going this Nov 1st on the Disney Magic for a 7 night Western cruise and it will be so nice when we leave that we will be returning the following year. It will be me Jeanette, my husband Brian, my son Logan (will be 9 when we cruise) and my daughter Kelsey (will be 6 when we cruise). Just wanted to drop by and say hello!:wave2: :wave2:

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hello Everyone! I just put a deposit down on this cruise today. We will be first going this Nov 1st on the Disney Magic for a 7 night Western cruise and it will be so nice when we leave that we will be returning the following year. It will be me Jeanette, my husband Brian, my son Logan (will be 9 when we cruise) and my daughter Kelsey (will be 6 when we cruise). Just wanted to drop by and say hello!:wave2: :wave2:

Welcome Jeanette!!!:cheer2:

My son will be 9 when we cruise as well. We have a 4 night on the Wonder this November too. It will be nice, once we complete that one we can start our 12 month countdown for this one too! How exciting. Where are you from?

Christine

[jblb1020]

Welcome Jeanette!!!:cheer2:

My son will be 9 when we cruise as well. We have a 4 night on the Wonder this November too. It will be nice, once we complete that one we can start our 12 month countdown for this one too! How exciting. Where are you from?

Christine

Hello! I am from New Jersey. We are 5 minutes from Long Beach Island and about 40 minutes from Atlantic City!

[TiggerzFan]

:yay: Hello from Central Florida. Just got off The Wonder last week - our first 3-nighter - with a group of 12 family members. Much, much too short and rebooked onboard for this MAGICal cruise. Not 100% sure this date will stick but gotta start somewhere... plus we were lucky enough to snag a SPH stateroom.:thumbsup2 Definitely planning on sneaking in a FL resident rate cruise before this one....18 months in between cruises is too long for my sanity!

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome Donna!! Glad you had a great time on the Wonder. From your signature I see you have many DCL cruises under your belt!

I can't tell you how much we are looking forward to this Eastern. We haven't even gone on the Wonder yet- but already can't wait for a 7 day!

Do you get to WDW a lot? I see you are AP'ers. We have APs here in California. I'm hoping that DCL moves one of the ships out here permanently one day. The airfare costs are killing us!

Christine

[itutorfortravel]

Hi Jessalynn, I've been searching for a thread on our cruise, and I'm glad I finally found it! It will only be DH and I for this cruise since we don't have any kids yet and no other family's planning on traveling with us for this one. I have to admit I picked this cruise because I liked the idea of getting relaxed for the holidays and Kenny Chesney sings about the Virgin Islands and ST. Croix!! ;) This will be our first 7 night cruise so we're definately looking forward to a longer Disney cruise. WDW is one of our favorite vacation destinations and we went on our first Disney cruise last January. We fell in love with DCL and decided that we had to be back. On our last trip to WDW in Sept. DH and I talked about how much we missed the cruise so we decided to book one for '09. We're leaving for Hawaii at the end of the month so that's going to be our big trip this year. After finding out where DCL was heading to in '09, we decided on one of the special cruises and St. Croix! Well, I better go. I can't wait to meet you and your family and hear from other cruisers scheduled to sail out Nov. 7th!!!:)
Bridget


Hi Bridget, my family is currently booked on a May '09 Magic cruise but I have been thinking of moving the date due to my stepdaughter's graduation next year and the amount of days my dd would have to miss school to travel to the cruise + graduation...anyhow, we were looking at switching to either this cruise (absences in the next school year) or January '09 when dd has 2 days off school. I was curious as to how you liked cruising in January (Eastern Caribbean). We were concerned about rough seas and being too cold to swim...can you give us any advice? Thanks!

[mvlimmex]

Hi everyone:wave2:

We are scheduled for the Dec 5th St. Croix cruise, but are probably are going to be switching over to this cruise. I just e-mailed my TA about switching.

It will be myself- Vicki, my husband Marty and our 4 kids ---DD Adriane 11, DS Zach 7, DD Stephanie 5 and DS Isaac 2.

We have cruised on 3 and 4 nite cruises before and are cruising this Dec. on a 4 nite, but have never been on a 7 night cruise before. We are looking forward to getting to know everyone on this cruise. :cheer2:

Talk to everyone soon! :goodvibes

Vicki

[mvlimmex]

Well it doesn't look like this cruise is going to work out for us like we hoped it would. (bummer) We were hoping to switch to this date from Dec. , but the price has gonne up quite a bit even with the 10% discount from booking onboard.

Oh well if something changes--I will let you know....but otherwise have a great cruise in Nov. 09" :goodvibes .

Vicki

[lanand3]

Hi everyone! I just booked for Nov.2009 Eastern to St Croix:cool1: :cool1:
It seems so far away but hoping to get to "know"some people before then! I am sailing w/my DH and 3 kids who will be 6ds 6dd and 11dd.The kids do not know yet as we are going to wdw in may09 for 8 nights so I will wait until after that trip to tell them,but honestly I am more excited about the cruise than WDW!!!

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hi everyone! I just booked for Nov.2009 Eastern to St Croix:cool1: :cool1:
It seems so far away but hoping to get to "know"some people before then! I am sailing w/my DH and 3 kids who will be 6ds 6dd and 11dd.The kids do not know yet as we are going to wdw in may09 for 8 nights so I will wait until after that trip to tell them,but honestly I am more excited about the cruise than WDW!!!

Welcome!!! I am keeping it a secret from my kiddos too... but only until Christmas... I don't know how you'll hold out till May! :yay: Still so exciting. My dd will be 12 on this cruise, hopefully as it gets closer in time we can get a kids chat going so they can know some "friends" beforehand.

We're doing a land/sea this November and I think we're all more excited for the cruise part!! HAHA!! Not that we're not looking forward to the World of course. Just something new!

Have you been to WDW or on DCL before?

[Silly Little Pixie]

Well it doesn't look like this cruise is going to work out for us like we hoped it would. (bummer) We were hoping to switch to this date from Dec. , but the price has gonne up quite a bit even with the 10% discount from booking onboard.

Oh well if something changes--I will let you know....but otherwise have a great cruise in Nov. 09" :goodvibes .

Vicki

Sorry it didn't work out for this date, Vicki. At least you've still got a date booked... hey anytime we can cruise it's all good, right?;)

[lanand3]

Welcome!!! I am keeping it a secret from my kiddos too... but only until Christmas... I don't know how you'll hold out till May! :yay: Still so exciting. My dd will be 12 on this cruise, hopefully as it gets closer in time we can get a kids chat going so they can know some "friends" beforehand. I agree:thumbsup2

We're doing a land/sea this November and I think we're all more excited for the cruise part!! HAHA!! Not that we're not looking forward to the World of course. Just something new!

Have you been to WDW or on DCL before?

We went to wdw for the 1st time this past May and and just instantly loved it.The best trip EVER! We have never been on DCL before.

[jblb1020]

Hey Everyone just wanted to let you know we ended up cancelling this cruise... we are going this Nov.1, 2008 on the Disney Magic for the Western and decided to skip this cruise in 2009 and just stay at our Disney Timeshare and spend a week at the parks. Our kids will be out of school the week before this cruise leaves and I really don't want them missing a whole week of school. Hope everyone has a great time.:grouphug:

[Higgie]

:yay: Hello from Central Florida. Just got off The Wonder last week - our first 3-nighter - with a group of 12 family members. Much, much too short and rebooked onboard for this MAGICal cruise. Not 100% sure this date will stick but gotta start somewhere... plus we were lucky enough to snag a SPH stateroom.:thumbsup2 Definitely planning on sneaking in a FL resident rate cruise before this one....18 months in between cruises is too long for my sanity!
Attention, The Higgins' are ready to come back to the Disney Cruise for thier pancakes at Palo!

[Silly Little Pixie]

Attention, The Higgins' are ready to come back to the Disney Cruise for thier pancakes at Palo!

Welcome Higgins family!!! :cheer2:

Christine

[TiggerzFan]

Hey all -

Just checking in from Central Florida, again, to say Hello. Had a bit of Magic this weekend as we spent Saturday evening at Hollywood Studios and Sunday at Magic Kingdom with some dear friends/former neighbors who visited us from PA. Now I love at day at the parks as much as the next DISer, and we go often, but man it's a bit hot and crowded this time of year! :crazy: We may have to lay low til September!

Attention, The Higgins' are ready to come back to the Disney Cruise for thier pancakes at Palo!

And a warm welcome aboard to my NJ friends, and former shipmates, on this cruise. I had sent them a few emails with "oh so subtle hints" about cruising with us again and so it seems we didn't entirely embarrass them on the first voyage - with the obsessive planning, matching outfits, door signs, etc. (Shhh, I haven't even told them about the addition of Fish Extenders since then).;)

And I'll let them fill you in on the joke about pancakes in Palo! Hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. School starts here on Monday so ours is just about over.

[TiggerzFan]

Welcome Donna!! ...
Do you get to WDW a lot? I see you are AP'ers. We have APs here in California. I'm hoping that DCL moves one of the ships out here permanently one day. The airfare costs are killing us!

Christine

Hi Christine. Sorry I haven't replied sooner... haven't checked in for awhile. Yes, we try to make frequent use of those APs and we've had a whole bunch of visitors this summer (who haven't yet figured out that's the wrong time to come to FL) so they've come in handy. We'll definitely renew the passes. It's so nice to be able to go for half a day or even for an evening.

And, from what I hear it's looking quite likely that y'all will get your own ship(s) out west! The two new ones are contracted to be right here at Port Canaveral, :banana: , so no doubt they'll put one out there.

[Higgie]

Just let us know what shirts to wear! (How about some Philadelphia Eagles Shirts!)

I especially remember last time sneaking out with the DH of Tiggerz Fan so that we could catch the debut of Terrell Owens and watching the Eagles beat the New York Giants in the ESPN Club rather than particiapte in the opening ceremonies of the cruise!

The pancake story is overrated, but I'll share another time.

[Silly Little Pixie]

Just let us know what shirts to wear! (How about some Philadelphia Eagles Shirts!)

I especially remember last time sneaking out with the DH of Tiggerz Fan so that we could catch the debut of Terrell Owens and watching the Eagles beat the New York Giants in the ESPN Club rather than particiapte in the opening ceremonies of the cruise!

The pancake story is overrated, but I'll share another time.

Okay, to be clear: there will be no Eagles t-shirts on this cruise. We are Cowboys fans here. TO is now okay by us. :rotfl: Football on the cruise is one of the things my DH had as a "must". No games were shown on our 7 day Princess cruise last November and I thought it was going to kill him. That was one of the selling points for DCL!! He'd be right there with ya skipping the ceremony to watch a great game.

We'll pass on the Giants too, but we did very much enjoy watching them beat the Pats!! :banana:

Just kidding of course... one of my dear friends and fellow teachers has the misfortune to be a lifelong Eagles fan. So my kids and DH bribed the custodian to let them into her classroom this year early in the morning, and they totally decorated the room in blue and silver! Balloons, pictures, Got Five? cards for each student, a personal message from Roy Williams...plus a cake! It was a riot. She of course got "revenge" some months later.

Can you tell I am getting excited for football season? Only a week till my fantasy draft!

Christine

[Higgie]

OOOOHH!!! A DALLAS FAN ON MY CRUISE????? Donna, I have to rethink this now.....

We can deifinitely find common ground against the Giants and against the Patriots for cheating in the Super Bowl. I have a feeling our cruise will have a Monday Night Football Eagles/Dallas game on!! MaryLou still has her T.O. Eagles Jersey.

Of course I'll wait till the end of this season to talk some real smack, because I don't have a lot of faith in my team this year yet. We'll see!

[Silly Little Pixie]

OOOOHH!!! A DALLAS FAN ON MY CRUISE????? Donna, I have to rethink this now.....

We can deifinitely find common ground against the Giants and against the Patriots for cheating in the Super Bowl. I have a feeling our cruise will have a Monday Night Football Eagles/Dallas game on!! MaryLou still has her T.O. Eagles Jersey.

Of course I'll wait till the end of this season to talk some real smack, because I don't have a lot of faith in my team this year yet. We'll see!


In all seriousness, this should be lots of fun!! I love a good football rivalry! Eagles fans are as passionate as they come and I love that. I'll admit I was not a fan of TO coming to Dallas at first... I didn't think he was fair at all to McNabb... but he seems to have really settled down and gotten back to playing football. We went to Dallas last season to see a game, and had great seats really low...omg the man is so fast, it's unbelievable. The tv doesn't do him justice.

Here's hoping for a great Monday Night matchup on the cruise!! Let's hope it's not something lame like the Vikings or the Rams.

Christine

[TiggerzFan]

Cowboys and Eagles fans?? OH MY!

I'm a New Englander. Once a Patriots fan (and Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins) always a Patriots fan.

[lanand3]

With the cruise so far away, I feel the need to bring this sailing back to the front page and pass some time.:) Boy,how am I possibly going to wait another 15 months:surfweb: Patience is not one of my strong points:lmao:

[A10560]

Hi Everyone,

We just returned from the 3 night Bahama's cruise this past weekend and are ready to head back out! It will be four of us my husband and I and our boys who will be almost 4 and almost 2 years old. We are coming from Cincinnati so it will be a much needed break from the cold.

[Silly Little Pixie]

Welcome!! :cheer2:

I know, the wait seems like forever...! But I keep telling myself, I booked our land/sea last August when it was 15 months out, and now I am at less than 2 months!!

I am glad to see more people joining this cruise! Has anyone else done the Eastern before?

Christine

[TiggerzFan]

:banana: Woo Hoo!
We just booked a 4-night Wonder cruise for Nov 9th to try to help ease the pain of waiting so long til next year's cruise. We can celebrate our 11th anniversary onboard!:cloud9: DH and I decided that the 11th year symbolic gift is water; water= cruise! That's our story and we're sticking to it!

[Silly Little Pixie]

:banana: Woo Hoo!
We just booked a 4-night Wonder cruise for Nov 9th to try to help ease the pain of waiting so long til next year's cruise. We can celebrate our 11th anniversary onboard!:cloud9: DH and I decided that the 11th year symbolic gift is water; water= cruise! That's our story and we're sticking to it!

Yea Donna!!! We're on the November 9th cruise too!! I can't WAIT!! After that it's just a 12 month countdown ...:thumbsup2

Christine

[TiggerzFan]

Yea Donna!!! We're on the November 9th cruise too!! I can't WAIT!! After that it's just a 12 month countdown ...:thumbsup2

Christine

Christine -

What a small world!! And now, looking back at posts on the other thread, I'm finally connecting the dots! :rolleyes:

And let's not talk football for awhile... we Patriots fans are feeling PAIN!:rolleyes1

[Higgie]

I'm very angry at your Patriots because I picked them last week in my suicide pool, but they lost to the Miami Dolphins??? One quarterback goes down and the whole team falls apart?????

For those of us who are not cruising every 3-4 months, football and baseball is all we have!

The Phillies are on their way to the World Series!

[AverysMommy]

Hello Everyone

I started this Board and then after a few months we started thinking that we might not be able to go ......... but the good news is that we are back on for the November 7th Cruise.

More details to follow...........I have to go back to read the notes but I am so excited.

Talk to everyone soon

Jessalynn

[AverysMommy]

Hi, just found this thread. We will be on this cruise also. :banana: It will be my DH, my daughter, DGD who will turn 12 the day after we get off the cruise, my DGS who will turn 11 two months later, and myself. We booked this cruise the day it came out, while on the Western Dec. 1-8 cruise. My daughter was able to get SPR 5520 and I was able to get SNV 7120.
My Dh and I are going to Hawaii the end of Feb. We just got our flights last night. We will be staying in our time share on the Big Island, and can't wait to go!! Any advice on what to do or not to miss would be greatly appreciated. I have always wanted to go to HI and can't believe I am finally going. Anyway, glad that I found this thread, maybe we could plan a meet while on this cruise.
Vickie

Hey there - your grandson will be the same age as my son - the big TEN! Hopefully as we get closer to the date, they will be able to communicate. My Son's name is Spencer!

[AverysMommy]

Hello Everyone! I just put a deposit down on this cruise today. We will be first going this Nov 1st on the Disney Magic for a 7 night Western cruise and it will be so nice when we leave that we will be returning the following year. It will be me Jeanette, my husband Brian, my son Logan (will be 9 when we cruise) and my daughter Kelsey (will be 6 when we cruise). Just wanted to drop by and say hello!:wave2: :wave2:

PERFECT FIT for my kids

My son Spencer will be 10 like Logan and my daughter Avery will be 6 like Kelsey.

We cruised in 2007 and the kids really liked the fact that they knew the names of some kids before they even got on the ship.

I have to see if I can remember how to post pictures, I used to do it all the time - does anyone remember?

[AverysMommy]

Hi everyone! I just booked for Nov.2009 Eastern to St Croix:cool1: :cool1:
It seems so far away but hoping to get to "know"some people before then! I am sailing w/my DH and 3 kids who will be 6ds 6dd and 11dd.The kids do not know yet as we are going to wdw in may09 for 8 nights so I will wait until after that trip to tell them,but honestly I am more excited about the cruise than WDW!!!

WOW - 6 year old twins -so cool! I had wanted twins but wasnt lucky enough.

Hopefully our kids can get connected.

[AverysMommy]

PERFECT FIT for my kids

My son Spencer will be 10 like Logan and my daughter Avery will be 6 like Kelsey.

We cruised in 2007 and the kids really liked the fact that they knew the names of some kids before they even got on the ship.

I have to see if I can remember how to post pictures, I used to do it all the time - does anyone remember?

Getting caught up - I see now that this family has cancelled - thats too bad!!

More families to come soon!!!!!!!!!

[AverysMommy]

I see that they are announcing the 2010 cruises on Monday October 6th - I wonder if any will look good enough that it will make me switch cruises?

Or can I afford to cruise 2 years in a row?

[AverysMommy]

Some wonderful trips in 2010 to Europe but I think I will still stay with this Eastern Cruise.....too much money for me.

Plus if I am going to go to Europe - i want to really visit it - not just stop for a few hours at each country

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hello Everyone

I started this Board and then after a few months we started thinking that we might not be able to go ......... but the good news is that we are back on for the November 7th Cruise.

More details to follow...........I have to go back to read the notes but I am so excited.

Talk to everyone soon

Jessalynn

I was wondering where you went! Glad to see you're back!

It's 13 months from tomorrow!!!:yay:

Christine

[lanand3]

WOW - 6 year old twins -so cool! I had wanted twins but wasnt lucky enough.

Hopefully our kids can get connected.

I would love for my kids to connect w/others before the trip:)
I tell ya,the waiting is killing me!!!:surfweb:

[AverysMommy]

I was wondering where you went! Glad to see you're back!

It's 13 months from tomorrow!!!:yay:

Christine

Hey Christine - I love your quote from the Princess Bride, that was always one of my favourite movies and now my kids like it....

13 months wow - we will have to have a little party at the 1 year mark.

Did you take a look at the 2010 crusie line up that came out yesterday? looked really good but just too pricey for us. and I am not sure you really get to see much on the cruise stops. Its just enough to really do something and then go to the beach.

When we were at Cayman Islands last year, we did the Pirate Ship and then went to the beach - it was great but I cant say I really got to see the island.

I cant remember - have you cruised before?

[AverysMommy]

I would love for my kids to connect w/others before the trip:)
I tell ya,the waiting is killing me!!!:surfweb:

do your 6 year old use the computer much?

Avery (my 6 year old) is into the WebKinz and playing on my Black Berry but thats it - not a realy computer person yet.

Spencer (my 9 year old) loves the computer and would be on it all the time if we let him. I am sure Spencer and Avery could work together to send notes to your 2.

[lanand3]

do your 6 year old use the computer much?

Avery (my 6 year old) is into the WebKinz and playing on my Black Berry but thats it - not a realy computer person yet.

Spencer (my 9 year old) loves the computer and would be on it all the time if we let him. I am sure Spencer and Avery could work together to send notes to your 2.

My soon to be 6yo's(Ethan and Macy) play webkinz,etc but my 10yo(Haley) loves the computer.

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hey Christine - I love your quote from the Princess Bride, that was always one of my favourite movies and now my kids like it....

13 months wow - we will have to have a little party at the 1 year mark.

Did you take a look at the 2010 crusie line up that came out yesterday? looked really good but just too pricey for us. and I am not sure you really get to see much on the cruise stops. Its just enough to really do something and then go to the beach.

When we were at Cayman Islands last year, we did the Pirate Ship and then went to the beach - it was great but I cant say I really got to see the island.

I cant remember - have you cruised before?

Oooh, I looked at the itineraries and prices for 2010- nope, can't afford it, no way no how. :confused3 I would love to give the kids a "taste" of Europe that way, but it's just not in the cards for us. Teacher salary, what can I say?;) A trip to London and then to Paris for DLP would cost less...

I LOVE the Princess Bride!! I got DD 11 hooked too. Right after I put that in, I got my tag!

Hey, my DS is now 8 and will be 9 at cruise time and in 4th grade. He'd love to "meet" some other boys before the trip! My kids won't know till after Christmas, though. Hee hee!

DH and I cruised on Princess last year. NEXT MONTH we are on the Wonder, the first cruise for the kiddos. They are more excited about the cruise than even 7 days at WDW I think!! DS is literally counting down the days till Castaway Cay. :woohoo:

Christine

[AverysMommy]

My soon to be 6yo's(Ethan and Macy) play webkinz,etc but my 10yo(Haley) loves the computer.

Ethan, Macy and Haley - what great names...

What grades are they in?

Avery is in Grade 1 this year and Spencer is in Grade 4. They both love school and do well. They went to a Montessori school when they were 3, 4 and 5 years old. This gave them some advantage once they started goign to school full time.

[AverysMommy]

Oooh, I looked at the itineraries and prices for 2010- nope, can't afford it, no way no how. :confused3 I would love to give the kids a "taste" of Europe that way, but it's just not in the cards for us. Teacher salary, what can I say?;) A trip to London and then to Paris for DLP would cost less...

I LOVE the Princess Bride!! I got DD 11 hooked too. Right after I put that in, I got my tag!

Hey, my DS is now 8 and will be 9 at cruise time and in 4th grade. He'd love to "meet" some other boys before the trip! My kids won't know till after Christmas, though. Hee hee!

DH and I cruised on Princess last year. NEXT MONTH we are on the Wonder, the first cruise for the kiddos. They are more excited about the cruise than even 7 days at WDW I think!! DS is literally counting down the days till Castaway Cay. :woohoo:

Christine

Your first time on a Disney Cruise! cool....what an exciting time.

Let me know if you have any questions - we arent experts but we were on the Magic for the Western Cruise in October 2007 (so not too long ago). Castaway Cay was great - wonderful to just relax on the beach.

[lanand3]

Ethan, Macy and Haley - what great names...

What grades are they in?

Avery is in Grade 1 this year and Spencer is in Grade 4. They both love school and do well. They went to a Montessori school when they were 3, 4 and 5 years old. This gave them some advantage once they started goign to school full time.

Ethan and Macy are in kindergarden this year and Haley is a 5th grader.They are all very social so I am hoping they will love the kids clubs:)

[AverysMommy]

Ethan and Macy are in kindergarden this year and Haley is a 5th grader.They are all very social so I am hoping they will love the kids clubs:)

My kids are very social as well - and I thought they would have beenaddicted to the Kids Clubs but they werent. They had no problem when i dropped them off a few times (like when we went to Palos) but they actually preferred the family events that were with us. Loved going up on the stages and doing the dancing games or just playing pingpong or playing in the pool. The days are so busy - the time would just fly by.

My son still talks about the thrill of just going over the to the ice cream bar anytime he wanted and get himself an ice cream. Funny how the little unplanned things can be the best thing of all!!!

[AverysMommy]

Well Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to everyone. This weekend is our holiday so i am going up to see my parents and brother and sister on Sunday. Should be fun as long as my brother doesnt cause trouble - it amazes he that even thought we are both in our 40s how he still likes to stir up trouble.

:drive: :grouphug:

[AverysMommy]

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z213/AverysMommy2002/1AverySpence07-2007.jpg

Yeah it worked

Ok - so this picture is a bit dated - but that is Avery and Spencer in Summer 2007

[lanand3]

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z213/AverysMommy2002/1AverySpence07-2007.jpg

Yeah it worked

Ok - so this picture is a bit dated - but that is Avery and Spencer in Summer 2007

That is such a sweet pic:)

[Silly Little Pixie]

Too cute! They do look like siblings. My kids are very excited about the clubs on our upcoming cruise, I hope they enjoy them. I do think it will be pretty busy though.

Christine

[AverysMommy]

That is such a sweet pic:)

Thanks - they are good kids - get along most of the time.

They got their Halloween costumes last night - i will post a picture in the next few days

[AverysMommy]

Too cute! They do look like siblings. My kids are very excited about the clubs on our upcoming cruise, I hope they enjoy them. I do think it will be pretty busy though.

Christine

It amazed me how the time flew by - there were nights when the kids were going to bed at midnight and I was totally surprised it was that late....they just kept on going

they were exhausted for 3 days after the cruise

[AverysMommy]

we almost have 100 posts....woo hoo

One year and 22 days away

[AverysMommy]

Here it is...............POST 100.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[lanand3]

One year and 22 days away

Until then:surfweb:
I have never been a patient person:)

[stampinshauna]

We're tentatively booked on this cruise. I haven't even thought about finding the meets thread for it because I've been too busy planning our cruise that leaves on Nov 1st. I'm sure I'll be more active once I return from this trip.

[AverysMommy]

We're tentatively booked on this cruise. I haven't even thought about finding the meets thread for it because I've been too busy planning our cruise that leaves on Nov 1st. I'm sure I'll be more active once I return from this trip.

Well when you get back we will want to hear all about it

where are you going on Nov 1st?

[lanand3]

We're tentatively booked on this cruise. I haven't even thought about finding the meets thread for it because I've been too busy planning our cruise that leaves on Nov 1st. I'm sure I'll be more active once I return from this trip.

Have a great time:thumbsup2

[Silly Little Pixie]

We're tentatively booked on this cruise. I haven't even thought about finding the meets thread for it because I've been too busy planning our cruise that leaves on Nov 1st. I'm sure I'll be more active once I return from this trip.

Welcome!! :cheer2: How many will be in your group?

How exciting you have a cruise coming up so soon. We'll be on the Wonder on November 9th. :banana:

Christine

[AverysMommy]

I am so jealous that you guys are going on a cruise 2 years in a row.....so awesome.

[stampinshauna]

We're doing the Western Caribbean next Saturday. We booked it 640+ days in advance so we've been waiting a long time. It will be me, DH, and DD who will be 2 next year.

[Cbettencourt]

post 5

[Cbettencourt]

post 6

[Cbettencourt]

post 7

[Cbettencourt]

post 8

[AverysMommy]

post 5

Practicing your Typing??

:rotfl2:

[AverysMommy]

I thought I would provide a listing of who I believe is online with us so far.....let me know if I am missing anyone or if I captured any info incorrectly:

1. AverysMommy (Jessalynn) - DS10 - Spencer, DD7 - Avery. Markham Ontario (just north of Toronto)

2. Grumpymakesmehappy (Bridget) - Tennesee

3. SillylittlePixie (Christine) - DD12, DS9, California

4. MinnieMouse71 (Vicky) - DGD12, DGS10, Indiana

5. TiggerzFan (Donna) - DD7, DD3, Florida

6. lanand3 - DS6 - Ethan, DD6 - Macy, DD11 - Haley, Massachussets

7. Higgie - DD7 - Meghan, DD2 - Jennifer

8. A10560 - DS4, DS2

9. Stampinshauna

[lanand3]

I thought I would provide a listing of who I believe is online with us so far.....let me know if I am missing anyone or if I captured any info incorrectly:

1. AverysMommy (Jessalynn) - DS10 - Spencer, DD7 - Avery. Markham Ontario (just north of Toronto)

2. Grumpymakesmehappy (Bridget) - Tennesee

3. SillylittlePixie (Christine) - DD12, DS9, California

4. MinnieMouse71 (Vicky) - DGD12, DGS10, Indiana

5. TiggerzFan (Donna) - DD7, DD3, Florida

6. lanand3 - DS6 - Ethan, DD6 - Macy, DD11 - Haley, Massachussets

7. Higgie - DD7 - Meghan, DD2 - Jennifer

8. A10560 - DS4, DS2

9. Stampinshauna

Looks great:thumbsup2

[Silly Little Pixie]

That's great, Jessalyn! My DD12 is Rachel, and DS 9 is Kyle. We are on the Wonder in less than 2 weeks.:cool1:

[AverysMommy]

Guest List so far

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

I thought I would provide a listing of who I believe is online with us so far.....let me know if I am missing anyone or if I captured any info incorrectly:

1. AverysMommy (Jessalynn) - DS10 - Spencer, DD7 - Avery. Markham Ontario (just north of Toronto)

2. Grumpymakesmehappy (Bridget) - Tennesee

3. SillylittlePixie (Christine) - DD12 - Rachel, DS9 - Kyle. California

4. MinnieMouse71 (Vicky) - DGD12, DGS10. Indiana

5. TiggerzFan (Donna) - DD7, DD3, Florida

6. lanand3 - DS6 - Ethan, DD6 - Macy, DD11 - Haley. Massachussets

7. Higgie - DD7 - Meghan, DD2 - Jennifer

8. A10560 - DS4, DS2

9. Stampinshauna

[AverysMommy]

Is anyone going to WDW before the Cruise?

[AverysMommy]

Happy Hallowe'en to everyone!!!:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

[lanand3]

Is anyone going to WDW before the Cruise?

We are going to WDW in May for 8 nights:cool1: Only 186 days away:)

[iamdaisyduck]

Hi Everyone!!

I just got home from the 10/25-11/1 double dip cruise and we booked 11/7/09while we were on the ship for next year so we will be joining you!!!

Is there a fish extender group yet for this cruise? If there is I am totally 100% in!! It was so much fun to come back to our room and find all sorts of little goodies everyday.

Sailing will be Me (Eileen), my DH (Tony) and our DS (Michael...7 years old).

Glad to be aboard!!!

[iamdaisyduck]

BTW...We also had the option of a Secret Porthole Room and we declined it (a decision I am now starting to rethink since some of you will be up there). I was in 7622 at the Aft of the ship and I loved that location. We decided to go back to deck 2 to save some $ but it's Aft (although the SPR would have been $200 cheaper).

Now that I see that some of you are up on deck 5 and it would be really convenient to drop off/pick up at the kids club I kind of regret not booking that other room. Hmmm. I may have to contact my travel agent and see if its still available....To be continued...

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hi Everyone!!

I just got home from the 10/25-11/1 double dip cruise and we booked 11/7/09while we were on the ship for next year so we will be joining you!!!

Is there a fish extender group yet for this cruise? If there is I am totally 100% in!! It was so much fun to come back to our room and find all sorts of little goodies everyday.

Sailing will be Me (Eileen), my DH (Tony) and our DS (Michael...7 years old).

Glad to be aboard!!!

Welcome!!! We are so in for a fish extender exchange! I just bought a gorgeous FE from a fellow Dis-er for my Wonder cruise one week from today!!! I can't wait to use it again.

We have SPH room 5520- will rebook onboard because I think that will save us about $100, plus the OBC. So if you are having your TA rebook for you, be sure not to pick 5520!! I think DCL has to "throw it out there" during the cancel/rebook option for at least a few minutes. That makes me nervous!! We are in SPH 5020 on our Wonder cruise, and will keep the SPH as long as we like it. I think we will, and we definitely like saving money!!

Especially since I think we will be doing a vow renewal on this cruise!! I don't really care if none of my family comes... hey, it'll be me, DH, and our 2 kiddos in the Caribbean and on Disney... kinda the honeymoon I wanted but couldn't afford, because I was young and broke, hahaha. DH and I both love Disney... we went to DL for our first anniversary, LOL. Been APers since 94. I hope I can talk my family into going on this cruise, but I am not sure everyone will want to or is able to afford it.

Christine

[iamdaisyduck]

Welcome!!! We are so in for a fish extender exchange! I just bought a gorgeous FE from a fellow Dis-er for my Wonder cruise one week from today!!! I can't wait to use it again.

We have SPH room 5520- will rebook onboard because I think that will save us about $100, plus the OBC. So if you are having your TA rebook for you, be sure not to pick 5520!! I think DCL has to "throw it out there" during the cancel/rebook option for at least a few minutes. That makes me nervous!! We are in SPH 5020 on our Wonder cruise, and will keep the SPH as long as we like it. I think we will, and we definitely like saving money!!

Especially since I think we will be doing a vow renewal on this cruise!! I don't really care if none of my family comes... hey, it'll be me, DH, and our 2 kiddos in the Caribbean and on Disney... kinda the honeymoon I wanted but couldn't afford, because I was young and broke, hahaha. DH and I both love Disney... we went to DL for our first anniversary, LOL. Been APers since 94. I hope I can talk my family into going on this cruise, but I am not sure everyone will want to or is able to afford it.

Christine

I doubt the cabin is still available for us anyway (not yours). I don't really mind too much, it's not a verandah and a window is just a window really. The only difference is the deck location. The cabin we have booked right now is 2618 which is right by the Aft elevators. I am definately going to contact my TA about changing the room to be a little closer towards mid ship, but still aft (know what I mean).

When I rebooked on this cruise I got a certificate to receive an additional $200 on board credit if I had a friend or family member book within 30 days of me. I doubt I will be able to use it but hopefully I can convince someone to book.

I think this week may not be a full week on board, hopefully we will get some upgrades :) that would be nice!!

Fish Extenders were great!! I got a lot of neat stuff from our group. (We had about 40 familys participate in FE's on this cruise and we put them 10 to a group). With such a small group of people so far it will be kind of nice to get to know everyone.

[AverysMommy]

The gift exchange was nice - we did it last time as well but boy would I do it differently this time. Mine was too bulky and was a bit of pain when it came to packing. I also made the mistake of pre-packaging them instead of just pulling it altogether while on the ship.

The kids sure loved having gifts waiting for them when they got to their room.

I am going to have to go and look at the cabin - I did it so long ago that I cant remember what we booked. Mid ship is good. We were about 8 rooms down from an elevator last time which was VERY convenient.

[AverysMommy]

Guest List so far

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

I thought I would provide a listing of who I believe is online with us so far.....let me know if I am missing anyone or if I captured any info incorrectly:

1. AverysMommy (Jessalynn) - DS10 - Spencer, DD7 - Avery. Markham Ontario (just north of Toronto)

2. Grumpymakesmehappy (Bridget) - Tennesee

3. SillylittlePixie (Christine) - DD12 - Rachel, DS9 - Kyle. California

4. MinnieMouse71 (Vicky) - DGD12, DGS10. Indiana

5. TiggerzFan (Donna) - DD7, DD3, Florida

6. lanand3 - DS6 - Ethan, DD6 - Macy, DD11 - Haley. Massachussets

7. Higgie - DD7 - Meghan, DD2 - Jennifer

8. A10560 - DS4, DS2

9. Stampinshauna

10. iamdaisyduck (Eileen), DH - Tony, DS7 Michael

[AverysMommy]

Well one year from now I will be at Walt Disney World - WOO HOO.

I guess its time to start my favourite game - Try and lose weight before I go! My goal is to lose 50 pounds. I am always looking for support so if any of you want to join the Lose for Disney Challenge then I am all for it.

I will celebrate every 5 pounds as I need to celebrate or I lose interest!!!

Here is to drinking lots of water and walking every night!


:wishfifty

[iamdaisyduck]

Well one year from now I will be at Walt Disney World - WOO HOO.

I guess its time to start my favourite game - Try and lose weight before I go! My goal is to lose 50 pounds. I am always looking for support so if any of you want to join the Lose for Disney Challenge then I am all for it.

I will celebrate every 5 pounds as I need to celebrate or I lose interest!!!

Here is to drinking lots of water and walking every night!


:wishfifty


Sure I'll play!! I'd like to lose 50 (or more :))

[glindamood]

I just booked this cruise for DH and myself - no children sailing with us. We are 50 somethings with grown children. And the most exciting is that this is a back to back for us as we will stay on and do the western too. Late seating. Vickie and I, along with out DH's did the Southern on the Wonder back in 2006, and had a great time.

[AverysMommy]

Guest List so far

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

I thought I would provide a listing of who I believe is online with us so far.....let me know if I am missing anyone or if I captured any info incorrectly:

1. AverysMommy (Jessalynn) - DS10 - Spencer, DD7 - Avery. Markham Ontario (just north of Toronto)

2. Grumpymakesmehappy (Bridget) - Tennesee

3. SillylittlePixie (Christine) - DD12 - Rachel, DS9 - Kyle. California

4. MinnieMouse71 (Vicky) - DGD12, DGS10. Indiana

5. TiggerzFan (Donna) - DD7, DD3, Florida

6. lanand3 - DS6 - Ethan, DD6 - Macy, DD11 - Haley. Massachussets

7. Higgie - DD7 - Meghan, DD2 - Jennifer

8. A10560 - DS4, DS2

9. Stampinshauna

10. iamdaisyduck (Eileen), DH - Tony, DS7 Michael

11. glindamood (Gail), DH, Michigan

[AverysMommy]

I just booked this cruise for DH and myself - no children sailing with us. We are 50 somethings with grown children. And the most exciting is that this is a back to back for us as we will stay on and do the western too. Late seating. Vickie and I, along with out DH's did the Southern on the Wonder back in 2006, and had a great time.

WELCOME ABOARD

Glad to see lots of people joining now....what are you most looking forward to on the cruise?

[AverysMommy]

Sure I'll play!! I'd like to lose 50 (or more :))

We will have to keep ourselves motivated - its really hard for me to lose - I lose 10 pounds and then I gain 12 back

[glindamood]

WELCOME ABOARD

Glad to see lots of people joining now....what are you most looking forward to on the cruise?

Well, other than I don't have to get off Saturday other than to check in for the following cruise (I really don't mean to rub that in but it is an awesome feeling) I think St. Croix. That is a new port for us and I love to explore.

DH and I did our first cruise in 2000 on the Magic, and have sailed at least once each year (just did the Oct 4 on the Magic) except for last year. DH had to have a spinal fusion and we had to cancel our family reunion cruise on the Wonder over Thanksgiving. Everyone else went and had a great time - and missed us some I imagine too. I hate making Thanksgiving dinner for 2.

I need to go back and look through the previous posts. Are we doing Fish Extender gifts, Secret Mickey's or anything else special planned? Gee, you would think we were sailing next week!

[glindamood]

Sure I'll play!! I'd like to lose 50 (or more :))

You just got off the Magic I see. You sailed with slindamood - my DSIL. Hope you had a great time. Odd that you ended up at Key West, but sort of neat too since it was not on your itinerary.

[iamdaisyduck]

Gail, staying on board will be great!! We had dinner with people who did that last year and they did a quick reboard with them but never made them get off the ship so they had the ship to themselves for 3 or 4 hours before anyone else got on the ship!!!

We had a great time on the cruise, even with Key West. The main problem with Key West is that it is a more of an adult port, a lot of bars and stuff like that. We walked around a little but didn't do much more than that!! My DH lost his job in May and is still looking for a job so he was able to go to an internet cafe and do some job searching so that was a plus. We are pretty much banking on the fact that he will get a job soon (I hope), otherwise we will not be going on the November 7th cruise at all!! So keep your fingers crossed.

I didn't get to meet too many Disboard folks on the Halloween cruise, I had fully planned on being more involved in the boards but got so involved with work and my son's school that it just never happened. This group is alot smaller (which I kind of like) so hopefully we will all get to know each other before next year.

Did your SIL enjoy the cruise?

[glindamood]

Gail, staying on board will be great!! We had dinner with people who did that last year and they did a quick reboard with them but never made them get off the ship so they had the ship to themselves for 3 or 4 hours before anyone else got on the ship!!!

We had a great time on the cruise, even with Key West. The main problem with Key West is that it is a more of an adult port, a lot of bars and stuff like that. We walked around a little but didn't do much more than that!! My DH lost his job in May and is still looking for a job so he was able to go to an internet cafe and do some job searching so that was a plus. We are pretty much banking on the fact that he will get a job soon (I hope), otherwise we will not be going on the November 7th cruise at all!! So keep your fingers crossed.

I didn't get to meet too many Disboard folks on the Halloween cruise, I had fully planned on being more involved in the boards but got so involved with work and my son's school that it just never happened. This group is alot smaller (which I kind of like) so hopefully we will all get to know each other before next year.

Did your SIL enjoy the cruise?

We have never done the BTB so it will be interesting to see how it works out. I am thrilled that there won't be any competition in the laundry room as I will be doing my laundry during the turn around I hope.

DSIL was very happy to be able to get to Key West. It isn't one of my favorite stops but that is because both times I was there it was really hot (read really, REALLY HOT!!) and humid. We took the trolley tour the last time and I enjoyed that but the first time we walked all the way to the southern most point and that is a pretty far hike. But, we bar stopped/hopped on the way back and that was very interesting. Remember, my children are all older so that was possible.

My DH lost his job over a year ago and along with his health issues, it has been a challenge but we own DVC so I what can I do??? Yep - a BTB sounds good to me.

[iamdaisyduck]

We have never done the BTB so it will be interesting to see how it works out. I am thrilled that there won't be any competition in the laundry room as I will be doing my laundry during the turn around I hope.

DSIL was very happy to be able to get to Key West. It isn't one of my favorite stops but that is because both times I was there it was really hot (read really, REALLY HOT!!) and humid. We took the trolley tour the last time and I enjoyed that but the first time we walked all the way to the southern most point and that is a pretty far hike. But, we bar stopped/hopped on the way back and that was very interesting. Remember, my children are all older so that was possible.

My DH lost his job over a year ago and along with his health issues, it has been a challenge but we own DVC so I what can I do??? Yep - a BTB sounds good to me.


We own DVC as well :) We also went to Key West when we did our first Disney Cruise in May 2007 and it was really REALLY HOT as well! Not a fun experience at all. The weather was definately better this time around so that's a plus.

[glindamood]

Link to enter our info found and it has been completed. I didn't go forward far from post 401 and there it was. Geez, it appears we are the oldsters - but not by much. Don't care - I am going on a cruise! I am wearing a smile that won't come off anytime soon. Just love having something to plan. Not only am I a compulsive planner - I am a charter memeber of overpackers anonymous and I DO ship a box to the port too.

[minniemouse71]

My daughter and my grandchildren had to cancel this cruise. Just wasn't going to work out for them this time.:sad: I am really gonna miss them. The good news is that I just found out that glindamood is on this cruise too. We sailed with them on the 11 day cruise a couple oof years ago and had a great time. Only a year to go!! :cheer2: :cheer2:
Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Vickie

P.S. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of the 11 day cruise icon at the bottom of my posts?

[Silly Little Pixie]

My daughter and my grandchildren had to cancel this cruise. Just wasn't going to work out for them this time.:sad: I am really gonna miss them. The good news is that I just found out that glindamood is on this cruise too. We sailed with them on the 11 day cruise a couple oof years ago and had a great time. Only a year to go!! :cheer2: :cheer2:
Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Vickie

P.S. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of the 11 day cruise icon at the bottom of my posts?

I'm sorry that didn't work out!! :sad2: Glad you'll still be there, though. Cool that you know someone already from before!

I have convinced my inlaws to join us on this cruise, and will book for them when I am on the Wonder starting Sunday!! It will be their first cruise ever.

Christine

[AverysMommy]

My daughter and my grandchildren had to cancel this cruise. Just wasn't going to work out for them this time.:sad: I am really gonna miss them. The good news is that I just found out that glindamood is on this cruise too. We sailed with them on the 11 day cruise a couple oof years ago and had a great time. Only a year to go!! :cheer2: :cheer2:
Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Vickie

P.S. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of the 11 day cruise icon at the bottom of my posts?

that is too bad about your kids......now you can go wild (LOL)!

Isnt it great how the people get to know each other from cruise to cruise.

[AverysMommy]

Well, other than I don't have to get off Saturday other than to check in for the following cruise (I really don't mean to rub that in but it is an awesome feeling) I think St. Croix. That is a new port for us and I love to explore.

DH and I did our first cruise in 2000 on the Magic, and have sailed at least once each year (just did the Oct 4 on the Magic) except for last year. DH had to have a spinal fusion and we had to cancel our family reunion cruise on the Wonder over Thanksgiving. Everyone else went and had a great time - and missed us some I imagine too. I hate making Thanksgiving dinner for 2.

I need to go back and look through the previous posts. Are we doing Fish Extender gifts, Secret Mickey's or anything else special planned? Gee, you would think we were sailing next week!

Have you done much research into St Croix yet - any excursion that sounds good?

I have been to St Thomas - not that exciting of a place as I am not really into shopping but hopefully we can do something on the water

[AverysMommy]

We have never done the BTB so it will be interesting to see how it works out. I am thrilled that there won't be any competition in the laundry room as I will be doing my laundry during the turn around I hope.

DSIL was very happy to be able to get to Key West. It isn't one of my favorite stops but that is because both times I was there it was really hot (read really, REALLY HOT!!) and humid. We took the trolley tour the last time and I enjoyed that but the first time we walked all the way to the southern most point and that is a pretty far hike. But, we bar stopped/hopped on the way back and that was very interesting. Remember, my children are all older so that was possible.

My DH lost his job over a year ago and along with his health issues, it has been a challenge but we own DVC so I what can I do??? Yep - a BTB sounds good to me.

We went to Key West in October 2007 and it was brutally hot! I had hoped that we could walk but we wound up taking the trolly down to Southern Point - and it was kind of disappointing. I had got excited abotu Key Lime pie on a stick but didnt like - the kids did though. So I just had the old fashioned Key Lime Pie - and that was delicious!

What does your husband do for a living? Any good prospects for work? That must be really difficult for your family.

[iamdaisyduck]

I found a link on Trip Advisor about St. Croix, what I like about trip advisor is that it's written by actual travelers and not people trying to promote something.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147401-Activities-St_Croix_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

[Silly Little Pixie]

Oooh and YEA, I booked our vow renewal today for this cruise on Castaway Cay!!!! Woohoooo!!! Unfortunately, Kathy from Disney called back while I was at my hair appointment. I had told the kids not to answer the phone. When I initially called DFTW, I specified that they weren't to say they were from Disney Weddings since my kids don't even know about this cruise yet. Just say Kathy from Disney.

Guess who didn't get that part of the message???!!!!!!!!!!!:scared1:

So yep, she left a long old voicemail on our answering machine about our cruise date, vow renewal, blah blah blah. Oh &%$#! Hopefully, my kids didn't really pay attention to it as she left it...:headache: But DD did tell me that someone had called and left a message. This is the kids Christmas gift so I really didn't want them to know yet! Arrggg. Well, if they ask I'll just play it off that I was checking into the dates but that it was too much money...

Christine

[glindamood]

I found a link on Trip Advisor about St. Croix, what I like about trip advisor is that it's written by actual travelers and not people trying to promote something.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147401-Activities-St_Croix_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

Thanks for the link! Cruise critic is a good source as well - I have used it multiple times and always found it a good source.

[AverysMommy]

I found a link on Trip Advisor about St. Croix, what I like about trip advisor is that it's written by actual travelers and not people trying to promote something.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147401-Activities-St_Croix_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

I have used that web site before and always found it pretty reliable.

Some pretty cool activities that I will have to read more as we get closer to the date

[AverysMommy]

Oooh and YEA, I booked our vow renewal today for this cruise on Castaway Cay!!!! Woohoooo!!! Unfortunately, Kathy from Disney called back while I was at my hair appointment. I had told the kids not to answer the phone. When I initially called DFTW, I specified that they weren't to say they were from Disney Weddings since my kids don't even know about this cruise yet. Just say Kathy from Disney.

Guess who didn't get that part of the message???!!!!!!!!!!!:scared1:

So yep, she left a long old voicemail on our answering machine about our cruise date, vow renewal, blah blah blah. Oh &%$#! Hopefully, my kids didn't really pay attention to it as she left it...:headache: But DD did tell me that someone had called and left a message. This is the kids Christmas gift so I really didn't want them to know yet! Arrggg. Well, if they ask I'll just play it off that I was checking into the dates but that it was too much money...

Christine

I hope so for your sake - I dont know how you can keep it from your kids - you have stronger resolve then I as I just love talking about the cruise.

[AverysMommy]

I can probably ask this on the main board but I thought I would see if you guys know the answers first:

1. we were on the cruise in October 2007 - will teh kids activities have changed much by November 2009?

2. as a returning person I get to book my Palo and excursions early - does anyone know the date we can book?

3. Can I book Palo everynight if I wanted to or can I only choose 1 night?

[glindamood]

I can probably ask this on the main board but I thought I would see if you guys know the answers first:

1. we were on the cruise in October 2007 - will teh kids activities have changed much by November 2009?

2. as a returning person I get to book my Palo and excursions early - does anyone know the date we can book?

3. Can I book Palo everynight if I wanted to or can I only choose 1 night?

1 - I have no feedback for you on that as I have no children that use the clubs.

2. - 90 days out we can book. The way I tell is to pull my reservation up and look at the online booking "stuff". The date in that is 90 days.

3. - You may book one brunch and one dinner in Palo - they ask for all names now. You can't book for anyone whose ressie is not tied to yours.

[AverysMommy]

Happy 1 year Anniversary until the Cruise

YEAH

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[AverysMommy]

365 days to get all the planning done - Can I do it? Yes I can!!:yay: :banana: :cheer2: :cool1: :thumbsup2

[glindamood]

My! My! My! Page THREE :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

Everyone must all be very busy. Hope you are all well and getting ready. A year from today we will have enjoyed our first relaxing day at sea. BRING IT ON!!!

[iamdaisyduck]

I can't wait!!

I checked about the SPH room and there were no more available for us...oh well, you snooze you lose, I should have booked it when I had the chance. That's fine, I'll be happy on deck 2, at least we saved a decent amount of money from what we paid on the last trip.

[AverysMommy]

I can't wait!!

I checked about the SPH room and there were no more available for us...oh well, you snooze you lose, I should have booked it when I had the chance. That's fine, I'll be happy on deck 2, at least we saved a decent amount of money from what we paid on the last trip.

I think I am down on Deck 2 - its the party deck

WOO HOO

With all the $$$ we save, we can do some awesome excursions

That was one of my lessons from last time - do great excursions. We only really did one thing and that was the Pirate Ship in Grand Cayman. After which we went to a beach. In Cozumel we were supposed to do a Catamaran ride but it was really windy so it was cancelled. At Key West, we just did the Trolly Tour.

My youngest was only 5 last time and only a beginner swimmer. We are really working on improving her swimming so my little 7 year old will be able to do more this time.

[AverysMommy]

amazing how fast you fall down to the 2nd page

So I checked my room number finally and we are in 2606. We are happy - the kids will want to be in the AFT so they can run quickly up the stairs for ice cream.

It amazes me how fast they can run the stairs and still not take anyone out.

[glindamood]

Funny how one has priorities. We are forward on 6 - fast trip up to Quite Cove - pool, hot tub, bar and cafe!

I ran over a deer today on my way into work. YUK! The vehicle heading in the opposite direction hit it and the (I hope) carcus slide in front of me and I did not have enough time to do anything about it other then go over the top. I tried to straddle it but don't think I made a fetch of that. I hope I stop shaking soon.

Well, my day has no where to go but up so have a great Tuesday everyone.

[glindamood]

Bumping from page two.

Happy Wednesday!

[iamdaisyduck]

amazing how fast you fall down to the 2nd page

So I checked my room number finally and we are in 2606. We are happy - the kids will want to be in the AFT so they can run quickly up the stairs for ice cream.

It amazes me how fast they can run the stairs and still not take anyone out.


We are stateroom number 2618 so we will be neighbors :) It would be nice if we both got upgraded to a better floor for the same price :) This year the cruise that went election week was half full, I think this is election week next year as well (albeit it's not a presidential election, it still might have an impact).

[AverysMommy]

Funny how one has priorities. We are forward on 6 - fast trip up to Quite Cove - pool, hot tub, bar and cafe!

I ran over a deer today on my way into work. YUK! The vehicle heading in the opposite direction hit it and the (I hope) carcus slide in front of me and I did not have enough time to do anything about it other then go over the top. I tried to straddle it but don't think I made a fetch of that. I hope I stop shaking soon.

Well, my day has no where to go but up so have a great Tuesday everyone.


OH My Gosh - did you stop? what did you do? I have never hit an animal before

[AverysMommy]

We are stateroom number 2618 so we will be neighbors :) It would be nice if we both got upgraded to a better floor for the same price :) This year the cruise that went election week was half full, I think this is election week next year as well (albeit it's not a presidential election, it still might have an impact).


It probably really depends on the US Economy - the deals to go to WDW in early 2009 are amazing.

A friend just came back from being there a week and they said that they rarely waited to get on a ride. Just walked on some rides. Definately didnt need Fast Pass very often

[stampinshauna]

We are stateroom number 2618 so we will be neighbors :) It would be nice if we both got upgraded to a better floor for the same price :) This year the cruise that went election week was half full, I think this is election week next year as well (albeit it's not a presidential election, it still might have an impact).

I was on the Magic over election day this year and I'm pretty sure the ship was a lot more than half full. It was also Jersey week, so it seemed to be half full of folks from NJ. We were in a category 11 room--if the ship was only half full I'd think we would have been upgraded. Next year we have a 12 guaranty, so I'm crossing my fingers for some pixie dust from the upgrade fairy!

[glindamood]

OH My Gosh - did you stop? what did you do? I have never hit an animal before

No, I didn't stop, couldn't really as there would have been nothing to do. There were lots of cars behind me as well. I thought afterward (when I stopped shaking) that maybe I should have called 911 or something but they don't remove carcases here, don't know why. They are beautiful animals but they sure do cause a lot of havoc this time of year. Between the rut and hunting season about to open, it will only get worse.

[iamdaisyduck]

I was on the Magic over election day this year and I'm pretty sure the ship was a lot more than half full. It was also Jersey week, so it seemed to be half full of folks from NJ. We were in a category 11 room--if the ship was only half full I'd think we would have been upgraded. Next year we have a 12 guaranty, so I'm crossing my fingers for some pixie dust from the upgrade fairy!

I always hope for an upgrade but I am never the "lucky" one to get it. It doesn't much matter I suppose, I'll be happy just to be on the ship:)

I am going to have to move to a state that has off when the rest of the country doesn't!! We met a family who were from California on our cruise and they get 2 weeks off in October, I would love to be able to not take my son out of school to go on vacation but forget it, the airfares and cruisefares are outrageous during those times.

[AverysMommy]

I was on the Magic over election day this year and I'm pretty sure the ship was a lot more than half full. It was also Jersey week, so it seemed to be half full of folks from NJ. We were in a category 11 room--if the ship was only half full I'd think we would have been upgraded. Next year we have a 12 guaranty, so I'm crossing my fingers for some pixie dust from the upgrade fairy!

So tell us about your cruise?

Best Food?
Best Excursion?
Best Magical Moment?

any changes worth noting?

[AverysMommy]

We are stateroom number 2618 so we will be neighbors :) It would be nice if we both got upgraded to a better floor for the same price :) This year the cruise that went election week was half full, I think this is election week next year as well (albeit it's not a presidential election, it still might have an impact).

Nice to know people near by. We were in a Category 4 (so I think Level 8)before as we had 3 kids with us.....this will be a different experience being on Level 2....I would think a bit more stairs!

[AverysMommy]

I always hope for an upgrade but I am never the "lucky" one to get it. It doesn't much matter I suppose, I'll be happy just to be on the ship:)

I am going to have to move to a state that has off when the rest of the country doesn't!! We met a family who were from California on our cruise and they get 2 weeks off in October, I would love to be able to not take my son out of school to go on vacation but forget it, the airfares and cruisefares are outrageous during those times.

When are your holidays? Ours are for 1 week in March

The best part of where we live is that our school doesnt start until the Tuesday after Labour Day in September. Florida Schools seem to go back in mid August so we went the last week of August in 2006 to WDW and there was NO ONE there.

[AverysMommy]

No, I didn't stop, couldn't really as there would have been nothing to do. There were lots of cars behind me as well. I thought afterward (when I stopped shaking) that maybe I should have called 911 or something but they don't remove carcases here, don't know why. They are beautiful animals but they sure do cause a lot of havoc this time of year. Between the rut and hunting season about to open, it will only get worse.

What doest "Between the rut and hunting season" mean? I dont hunt so I dont know the phrase RUT.

[glindamood]

What doest "Between the rut and hunting season" mean? I dont hunt so I dont know the phrase RUT.

...mating season.

[iamdaisyduck]

When are your holidays? Ours are for 1 week in March

The best part of where we live is that our school doesnt start until the Tuesday after Labour Day in September. Florida Schools seem to go back in mid August so we went the last week of August in 2006 to WDW and there was NO ONE there.

We have off for presidents week in February and then again in April for a little more than a week. It seems like the whole country is on vacation at that time. I would love to have off in October for a week!! October is a fantastic time to travel!!!

[glindamood]

We have off for presidents week in February and then again in April for a little more than a week. It seems like the whole country is on vacation at that time. I would love to have off in October for a week!! October is a fantastic time to travel!!!

Based on my limited experience with October breaks - they tend to happen with schools systems that go back in early August. Michigan passed a law that public school can't start until the day after Labor Day so we lost the long weekend we used to get in October - never had a week off but used to get a 4 day weekend somehow or other.

[lanand3]

We have off for presidents week in February and then again in April for a little more than a week. It seems like the whole country is on vacation at that time. I would love to have off in October for a week!! October is a fantastic time to travel!!!

I agree!super busy and expensive!Which is why I will continue to take my kids out of school as long as they make up the work easily.:)

[glindamood]

Just a nudge to page 1. Have a great weekend!

[glindamood]

Bumping to Page One.

[AverysMommy]

We are going to WDW the week before and I am having so much fun on the WDW Boards getting all theses great hints on special things we can do while there - you know what I mean, stuff outside of just the rides.

I just learned about tours - one in teh Land Pavillion at Epcot and one that is a Family Tour at MK.

Anyone here have any special thing at WDW that is on the MUST DO list?

[glindamood]

You will be there during the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot - DH's favorite event at WDW.

Will you be there before the 31st? MNSSHP is a great deal of fun but can't say that I would want to go on Halloween itself due to crowds. My favorite thing is the light parade at the MK and then the fireworks. NOT to be missed in my opinion. I also enjoy Soarin'.

Ride the monorail through the resorts. Swim in your resort pool. Take a nap. Don't try to do everything as it can't be done. We always know we will be back.

[AverysMommy]

You will be there during the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot - DH's favorite event at WDW.

Will you be there before the 31st? MNSSHP is a great deal of fun but can't say that I would want to go on Halloween itself due to crowds. My favorite thing is the light parade at the MK and then the fireworks. NOT to be missed in my opinion. I also enjoy Soarin'.

Ride the monorail through the resorts. Swim in your resort pool. Take a nap. Don't try to do everything as it can't be done. We always know we will be back.

We will be there for the Food and Wine - that is cool but we are travellign with 2 kids. Is this a truly adult only activity (is the emphasis on the WINE)....or do you think Kids can enjoy it. They are good and trying different foods.

We were thinking that WDW woudl be empty on October 31st as all the kids would want to be trick or treating....am I wrong?

I wanted to fly down on Oct 31st in the mornign but the kids arent sure they want to miss trick or treating wtih their friends. They want to go down on the 1st.

[glindamood]

We will be there for the Food and Wine - that is cool but we are travellign with 2 kids. Is this a truly adult only activity (is the emphasis on the WINE)....or do you think Kids can enjoy it. They are good and trying different foods.

We were thinking that WDW woudl be empty on October 31st as all the kids would want to be trick or treating....am I wrong?

I wanted to fly down on Oct 31st in the mornign but the kids arent sure they want to miss trick or treating wtih their friends. They want to go down on the 1st.

I can be very opinionated about WDW so are you sure you want me to respond? And then, Florida residents, please don't take any offense. I don't typically do the parks on weekends as that seems to be when the locals are out, and can be in droves, along with the previous weeks guests that have not left yet and the following weeks guests that just arrived. Now, I would also think that the locals would have gone Saturday and to MNSSHP on the 31st so you might be safe on Sunday. We did the last week in September this year and never again will I go that early. Food and Wine had just started and Epcot (where we went Sunday) was crowded - or more crowded than I would have liked.

OK, that is my opinion and your mileage may vary. PLEASE don't plan your vacation around my opinion - I would feel horrible if you had second thoughts afterwards. You asked and I shared. Sorry to offend anyone if I did.

[AverysMommy]

I am happy to hear all opinions - and dont worry, i wont hold you responsible if I agree or not - in fact I wont remember who said what to me - i have a bad memory when it comes to names

I just like hearing different points of view and then I determine waht is best for my crew. I always start a Word Document and just copy and paste things from the Boards that I read that I think would be interesting

So go ahead - and shoot your thoughts at me

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[AverysMommy]

So we may be in trouble on this ship now.......

When we went on the cruise in 2007 - I was the one who felt the ship moving the most. It wasnt a problem as I took some anti-motion stuff each mornnig and I was fine....but I knew it if I forgot to take it.

Well, my Much Better Half seems to have developed Vertigo. Any motion at will cause a major problem with dizziness, nausea, etc. It has been coming on for the last week but really hit hard yesterday so off to the doctor we go.

Well now MBH is taking meds but is not allowed to drive for 2 weeks and has been told that this can take up to 6 months to resolve. WHOA! I cant imagine being on a ship with this problem.

I am hoping that is resolved in 2 weeks!!!

[glindamood]

pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: for a speedy recovery. That is an awful feeling. Hopefully whatever is causing the vertigo will go away and he will be right as rain shortly.

So we may be in trouble on this ship now.......

When we went on the cruise in 2007 - I was the one who felt the ship moving the most. It wasnt a problem as I took some anti-motion stuff each mornnig and I was fine....but I knew it if I forgot to take it.

Well, my Much Better Half seems to have developed Vertigo. Any motion at will cause a major problem with dizziness, nausea, etc. It has been coming on for the last week but really hit hard yesterday so off to the doctor we go.

Well now MBH is taking meds but is not allowed to drive for 2 weeks and has been told that this can take up to 6 months to resolve. WHOA! I cant imagine being on a ship with this problem.

I am hoping that is resolved in 2 weeks!!!

[AverysMommy]

pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: for a speedy recovery. That is an awful feeling. Hopefully whatever is causing the vertigo will go away and he will be right as rain shortly.

Thanks for the wishes

Its awful - its great to have time at home but when its forced on you - its a horrible feeling.

Like most people - we dont like being reliant on someone else.

But today is a good day - I get to sign off on my Team's Annual Bonuses....with the economy the way it is I thought there would be no $$$$$$$$s this year....but everyone is going to be down about 10-15% from last year but at least they get somethign for Christmas

[Silly Little Pixie]

Thanks for the wishes

Its awful - its great to have time at home but when its forced on you - its a horrible feeling.

Like most people - we dont like being reliant on someone else.

But today is a good day - I get to sign off on my Team's Annual Bonuses....with the economy the way it is I thought there would be no $$$$$$$$s this year....but everyone is going to be down about 10-15% from last year but at least they get somethign for Christmas

Very nice! Something is better than nothing, for sure. :goodvibes

Hope the medicine works for your DH! I can't imagine feeling that way all the time. Poor guy!

Christine

[glindamood]

Thanks for the wishes

Its awful - its great to have time at home but when its forced on you - its a horrible feeling.

Like most people - we dont like being reliant on someone else.

But today is a good day - I get to sign off on my Team's Annual Bonuses....with the economy the way it is I thought there would be no $$$$$$$$s this year....but everyone is going to be down about 10-15% from last year but at least they get somethign for Christmas

I got a call from DH yesterday - all dizzy and hot. He is better today but not fun, especially since he has to be home alone. He has motion sickness issues and takes Bonine, asked me for some last night as that seems to help him some. My gut is he has an ear infection that is causing his equalibrium problems.

[AverysMommy]

Very nice! Something is better than nothing, for sure. :goodvibes

Hope the medicine works for your DH! I can't imagine feeling that way all the time. Poor guy!

Christine

Hey Christine - thanks for the note....medicine seems to be working. Still getting dizzy when getting up and down but turning the head seems to better.

Went to our own Doctor today and he provided some exercises to do each day and has provided PERMISSION to drive again. so we are all very happy (I personally was getting tired of living with a grumpy monster).

YEAH:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[AverysMommy]

I got a call from DH yesterday - all dizzy and hot. He is better today but not fun, especially since he has to be home alone. He has motion sickness issues and takes Bonine, asked me for some last night as that seems to help him some. My gut is he has an ear infection that is causing his equalibrium problems.

the ear is an amazing thing - just a little problem and our whole system shuts down.

have you tried different meds and found Bonine the best??

[AverysMommy]

so do any of you guys play Poker? I love playing online and face to face.

I sometimes wish they had it on Disney cruises but I do understand why they dont - not the most family friendly activity. Even though I do believe that kids who play cards early in life are better in math - the practice of counting points in Rummy or somethign like that is good for them

[AverysMommy]

Early or Late dining - we had early last time as my kids were only 5 and 8 but this time they will be 7 and 10 and I am thinking that late is better - what has everyone else booked?

[AverysMommy]

You guys have to hear this new thing that our school is doing this year (sorry if any of you are teachers)....

Instead of having the Traditional Parent/Teacher conference twice a year - now we will have Student Led Conferences....what does that mean you ask?

Well my daughter Avery (6) will present for 30 minute the work that she has been doing at school this year. She will discuss how she is doing and what she is learning. Of course - thsi will all be the work that we discuss every night at dinner.

After she talks then we go home....no time with the teacher. Why you might ask? Well supposedly this will give the students and parents a better sense of accountability and responsibility for the student's learning. Now you might say what about the Teacher's accountability? Well I guess this means they dont need to be accountable anymore for their students' learning.

We go on Thursday night - it sounds like a great experience for Avery to present to us - that part I love. I just dont understand why we cant also talk to the teacher.

ANyone else have this at their schools?

[AverysMommy]

Last cruise I was on we had a contest to see who woudl get the most of the BIG posts - meaning the 100, 200, 300, 400 posts, etc

It was fun to keep track of who got the BIG posts as well as how much faster they came at us as we got closer to the cruise as more and more people started chatting -especially as we got closer to the time when you could start booking excursions.

So Post #1 was on December 4th, 2007

BIG POSTS
100 - Jessalynn - October 16th, 2008

Who will get #200??

[AverysMommy]

Hi Everyone!!

I just got home from the 10/25-11/1 double dip cruise and we booked 11/7/09while we were on the ship for next year so we will be joining you!!!

Is there a fish extender group yet for this cruise? If there is I am totally 100% in!! It was so much fun to come back to our room and find all sorts of little goodies everyday.

Sailing will be Me (Eileen), my DH (Tony) and our DS (Michael...7 years old).

Glad to be aboard!!!

We didnt even hear much about the cruise?

How was it?

Favourite activity on ship? Favourite Activity Off Ship?

Best Food? Best Show?

[marinecruiser]

If anyone interested, it's available now!
:yay:

[Silly Little Pixie]

Early or Late dining - we had early last time as my kids were only 5 and 8 but this time they will be 7 and 10 and I am thinking that late is better - what has everyone else booked?

We originally booked early, but when we rebooked onboard the Wonder only late was available. My parents have also booked for this cruise (Yay! their first cruise and they LOVE Disney!), they like late dinners so late is appealing to them. My inlaws are also joining us on this cruise now (also first time cruisers!) and prefer an early dinner. Sooooooo.... somebody's gonna be happy, and somebody ain't I guess. We enjoyed the early dinner on the Wonder, but that time is now set at 5:45. Wouldn't that be the latest of the early seatings on the Magic? Our kids will be 9 and 12 so eating late won't be a problem for them. DH really prefers early, but he might like seeing the shows early as well.

[Silly Little Pixie]

If anyone interested, it's available now!
:yay:

I know!! I'm in 5520. I've got some friends joining us also on this cruise, and if only 5524 were available as well- they need connecting rooms! So I'm keeping an eye out for them. I can't say enough about the SPH rooms. Loved it! And love saving the $$$$$$$...;)

[Silly Little Pixie]

We didnt even hear much about the cruise?

How was it?

Favourite activity on ship? Favourite Activity Off Ship?

Best Food? Best Show?

Well, I can say for our Wonder cruise 11/9-11/13...

It was wonderful! Favorite activity on ship... well, we enjoyed the deck parties, relaxing in the hot tubs, comfy loungers on Deck 4, and of course... fish extenders! 4 nights were not enough.

Off ship had to be enjoying Castaway Cay, for sure. Having Konk Kooler or two ;) while the kids played in the sand and I just sat in the water. It was HOT!

Best food- Animator's Palate, my filet mignon was great (and I can be very picky about the quality of my steaks), the seafood wrap for an appetizer that night was terrific. DH and DD also really liked the escargot at Triton's. DS and I liked it too, but not enough to keep raving about it even today...

We only saw 2 shows- Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams. Hard to say which I liked better- maybe Disney Dreams? We didn't have time to see Toy Story, although I would have liked to.

Christine

[AverysMommy]

If anyone interested, it's available now!
:yay:

I think that is a category 10 - we have a category 9.....trying to decide if its worth switching to save $300. I guess the good thing is to move up to the 5th level isntead of the 2nd level.

Maybe I will call disney this weekend and see if its still available

What do people think?

[AverysMommy]

We originally booked early, but when we rebooked onboard the Wonder only late was available. My parents have also booked for this cruise (Yay! their first cruise and they LOVE Disney!), they like late dinners so late is appealing to them. My inlaws are also joining us on this cruise now (also first time cruisers!) and prefer an early dinner. Sooooooo.... somebody's gonna be happy, and somebody ain't I guess. We enjoyed the early dinner on the Wonder, but that time is now set at 5:45. Wouldn't that be the latest of the early seatings on the Magic? Our kids will be 9 and 12 so eating late won't be a problem for them. DH really prefers early, but he might like seeing the shows early as well.

you should phone them and see if you can switch......last time I was told only late dinner when I booked - but I called back a few months later to see if I could get it moved and had no problem.

Based on Travelocity - there are lots of rooms available on our cruise so I am sure you can switch it.

Personally I like going for dinner and seeing the shows afterwards....

[AverysMommy]

Well, I can say for our Wonder cruise 11/9-11/13...

It was wonderful! Favorite activity on ship... well, we enjoyed the deck parties, relaxing in the hot tubs, comfy loungers on Deck 4, and of course... fish extenders! 4 nights were not enough.

Off ship had to be enjoying Castaway Cay, for sure. Having Konk Kooler or two ;) while the kids played in the sand and I just sat in the water. It was HOT!

Best food- Animator's Palate, my filet mignon was great (and I can be very picky about the quality of my steaks), the seafood wrap for an appetizer that night was terrific. DH and DD also really liked the escargot at Triton's. DS and I liked it too, but not enough to keep raving about it even today...

We only saw 2 shows- Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams. Hard to say which I liked better- maybe Disney Dreams? We didn't have time to see Toy Story, although I would have liked to.

Christine

Toy Story - is that new or just on the Wonder? I didnt see that one on the Magic

I loved Animators Palate for food - didnt like the seats very much but loved teh food.

The thing I was most surprised about enjoying was all the deck party games - they were the best - probably one of the highlights fo the trip for kids and adults...we all loved being up there learning dance moves and playing games. Great pics of Avery and I working out with Goofy - LOL

[AverysMommy]

We are so tempted to go down to WDW in the new year with the pay for 4 and get 3 free deals....fabulous deals.

Any one else going?

[AverysMommy]

well almost there.....I guess I will just have to do a couple of quick posts

:cool1: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :wizard: :banana: :dance3: :cheer2:

[AverysMommy]

Here is Post #200

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[AverysMommy]

Last cruise I was on we had a contest to see who woudl get the most of the BIG posts - meaning the 100, 200, 300, 400 posts, etc

It was fun to keep track of who got the BIG posts as well as how much faster they came at us as we got closer to the cruise as more and more people started chatting -especially as we got closer to the time when you could start booking excursions.

So Post #1 was on December 4th, 2007

BIG POSTS
#100 - Jessalynn - October 16th, 2008
#200 - Jessalynn - November 27th, 2008

Who will get #300??

[Silly Little Pixie]

We are so tempted to go down to WDW in the new year with the pay for 4 and get 3 free deals....fabulous deals.

Any one else going?

Nope... having just been! We spent 7 days at WDW in addition to our 4 night Wonder cruise. We had a wonderful time. The airfare is the expensive part for us, coming from the West Coast. Although, we now have probably most of our airfare for the Magic cruise. We got bumped off our flight leaving WDW, so Delta put us up overnight, gave us not enough money for food (ugh), but most importantly- $400 credit apiece! And it's not like free tickets where there are blackouts. Just $400 each! Wahoooooo.

The kids and I, at least, would like to go back to WDW in 2010. We have been 5 years between our previous trips, but we don't want to wait that long next time! DH had a great time too- once he figured out he could just go back to the room, and didn't have to stay out park hopping or touring in the evenings. He's an early-to-bed kinda guy.

The deals are great that are being offered, though. One of my dear friends is going in March, and previously had AKL booked for 4 of the nights (she always stays at POP). Now she could move it to AKL for 7 nights, same price, AND get the $200 Disney gift card to use towards food/souvenirs. NICE!!! I am so jealous, I really want to stay at AKL someday. Even DH wants to...

[Silly Little Pixie]

You guys have to hear this new thing that our school is doing this year (sorry if any of you are teachers)....

Instead of having the Traditional Parent/Teacher conference twice a year - now we will have Student Led Conferences....what does that mean you ask?

Well my daughter Avery (6) will present for 30 minute the work that she has been doing at school this year. She will discuss how she is doing and what she is learning. Of course - thsi will all be the work that we discuss every night at dinner.

After she talks then we go home....no time with the teacher. Why you might ask? Well supposedly this will give the students and parents a better sense of accountability and responsibility for the student's learning. Now you might say what about the Teacher's accountability? Well I guess this means they dont need to be accountable anymore for their students' learning.

We go on Thursday night - it sounds like a great experience for Avery to present to us - that part I love. I just dont understand why we cant also talk to the teacher.

ANyone else have this at their schools?

Nope- I teach 3rd grade. We just have the regular Parent/Teacher conferences, once a year in October. Most of my students come to the conference as well as their parents. Do you get weekly reports sent home with Avery? At my site, most teachers (including myself) send home a weekly report each Friday, detailing homework, behavior, test scores for the week, etc. Parents sign it over the weekend and it gets returned on Mondays. So they've been seeing grades all along, at conference time it's really no surprise.

DD went to middle school this year, which is a whole new ballgame. She did have student-led conferences. Her teacher was there, and she did chime in at the end on some things. She just couldn't help herself! It went pretty well. In middle school, though, I wasn't seeing the grades weekly any more. They send a progress report every 3 or 4 weeks though.

I think it's kind of odd to do student led conferences for primary grades, but....:confused3 I do see how it would be good for the kids. I'd think doing at at the end of the year would be better, and a traditional conference at the beginning. If it were me, I would make an appointment to meet with the teacher, if you have more questions after the conference. She should be able then to more clearly outline what Avery needs to learn this year, and how you can help... at least more clearly than a 6 year old can! You're in Canada, so you get to NOT have No Child Left Behind! That's got to be a good thing. Let us know how the conference went.

[glindamood]

:scared1: Page two?? No more.

My youngest is a freshman in college but I can say that PT conferences here in our school system has not changed much. Mine always wanted to go and the teachers didn't seem to care so they came along. Once they got into high school, unless I called and scheduled one, we never got to talk to anyone other than maybe their physical education teachers. I never really understood - the kids had two half days off from school to do them so wouldn't you think we could have at least been scheduled with one of the teachers in their core classes. No offence intended to any PE teachers either - I wish that someone could have taught me to enjoy that class as much as my boys did. I finally gave up Drew's senior year and never even had one. And now that he is in college, the only person I have had any communication with is his soccer coach! But, he is doing OK so I am not going to fret.

And, speaking of him, I have to fight the road crowd to take him back to school later. Hot dog!! Have a good Sunday everyone.

[glindamood]

Last cruise I was on we had a contest to see who woudl get the most of the BIG posts - meaning the 100, 200, 300, 400 posts, etc

It was fun to keep track of who got the BIG posts as well as how much faster they came at us as we got closer to the cruise as more and more people started chatting -especially as we got closer to the time when you could start booking excursions.

So Post #1 was on December 4th, 2007

BIG POSTS
#100 - Jessalynn - October 16th, 2008
#200 - Jessalynn - November 27th, 2008

Who will get #300??

I have also participated in threads where it was "special" to get the first post at the top of a page.

[TiggerzFan]

Hey all! I thought I'd peek in and check on our cruise meet thread. Boy, go away for a month or two and you miss over 10 pages! Welcome to everyone that has hopped onboard.

We, too, were on the Nov 9th Wonder and had a great time. That was cruise #6 for us and it was all still just as magical! By the way, for those of you contemplating Deck 2, this was our first time there and we LOVED it. We were aft which meant a short climb up to Animators, Parrot Cay or a quick elevator ride to Deck 9.
As for shows, Toy Story The Musical is quickly becoming our favorite. The sets and character costuming is awesome. It probably helps that it's a newer show as we've seen Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams many times. Oldies, but goodies.

I promise to get caught up on all the posts!

[Silly Little Pixie]

We missed Toy Story the Musical. We did see Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams, though. Toy Story wasn't a huge priority for me, since *supposedly* that is what is replacing Aladdin at California Adventure. Not only are they replacing the BEST Disney show -at the parks or on the cruiseline- but replacing it with something already on a ship?? Blasphemy. :lmao: This way, when I can't see Aladdin any more, at least I can't say I've already seen it on the cruise ship.

I'm okay with some of the other changes coming at DCA... but this one, noooooo! :headache: Sorry for my digression into park geekdom! :rotfl2:

Christine

[TiggerzFan]

Sorry for my digression into park geekdom! :rotfl2:

Christine

:lmao:

[AverysMommy]

Nope... having just been! We spent 7 days at WDW in addition to our 4 night Wonder cruise. We had a wonderful time. The airfare is the expensive part for us, coming from the West Coast. Although, we now have probably most of our airfare for the Magic cruise. We got bumped off our flight leaving WDW, so Delta put us up overnight, gave us not enough money for food (ugh), but most importantly- $400 credit apiece! And it's not like free tickets where there are blackouts. Just $400 each! Wahoooooo.

The kids and I, at least, would like to go back to WDW in 2010. We have been 5 years between our previous trips, but we don't want to wait that long next time! DH had a great time too- once he figured out he could just go back to the room, and didn't have to stay out park hopping or touring in the evenings. He's an early-to-bed kinda guy.

The deals are great that are being offered, though. One of my dear friends is going in March, and previously had AKL booked for 4 of the nights (she always stays at POP). Now she could move it to AKL for 7 nights, same price, AND get the $200 Disney gift card to use towards food/souvenirs. NICE!!! I am so jealous, I really want to stay at AKL someday. Even DH wants to...

we normally stay in Moderate - Caribean Beach, Port New Orleans.....but last time we stayed for one night at POP century and it was fine - the big difference I think is the pool....the modetates seem to have better swimming pools.

[AverysMommy]

Nope- I teach 3rd grade. We just have the regular Parent/Teacher conferences, once a year in October. Most of my students come to the conference as well as their parents. Do you get weekly reports sent home with Avery? At my site, most teachers (including myself) send home a weekly report each Friday, detailing homework, behavior, test scores for the week, etc. Parents sign it over the weekend and it gets returned on Mondays. So they've been seeing grades all along, at conference time it's really no surprise.

DD went to middle school this year, which is a whole new ballgame. She did have student-led conferences. Her teacher was there, and she did chime in at the end on some things. She just couldn't help herself! It went pretty well. In middle school, though, I wasn't seeing the grades weekly any more. They send a progress report every 3 or 4 weeks though.

I think it's kind of odd to do student led conferences for primary grades, but....:confused3 I do see how it would be good for the kids. I'd think doing at at the end of the year would be better, and a traditional conference at the beginning. If it were me, I would make an appointment to meet with the teacher, if you have more questions after the conference. She should be able then to more clearly outline what Avery needs to learn this year, and how you can help... at least more clearly than a 6 year old can! You're in Canada, so you get to NOT have No Child Left Behind! That's got to be a good thing. Let us know how the conference went.

Well I got to say - the Student Led Conference was actually very good. Avery was given a little clipboard with a list of things to show us and then took us aroudn the room doing all these little activities. She showed us some of her work books, then took us to the reading corner and read a book to us for a while, then over to the experiment area and directed us through an experiment. She felt very important and very proud of what she had been doing. Probably took about 30 minutes to walk us through it all.

However, I had insisted that we get a Parent/Teacher conference afterwards so the Teacher met with us for about 15 minutes too. We just went over some plans on how Avery will keep growing and learning.

What does "No Child Left Behind" mean? Does that mean you are not allowed to FAIL kids? In Canada, it can be done if the parents agree to it and it doesnt happen very often but it can happen. For example, my neice who is a Special Needs child was help back for 1 year in Grade 5.

It sounds like you guys get a lot of reporting from the school - we get 3 report cards a year - one at the end of November, one in mid March and then the end of June. Personally, I just try and touch base once a month informally to stay close on any issues.

I am quite lucky this year - Avery's Grade 1 Teacher and Spencer's Grade 4 teacher seem to be excellent......kids really respond well to them and they are excellent at returning calls to answer Mommy's questions.

I feel for teachers ..... I think they have tough jobs ..... as a Soccer coach I see that not all parents are supportive of their kids. I would think that is hard for teachers to see happen. When i hear about parents that cant even be bothered to read with their kids - I feel very sad

[AverysMommy]

[QUOTE=glindamood;28958614]:scared1: Page two?? No more.

My youngest is a freshman in college but I can say that PT conferences here in our school system has not changed much. Mine always wanted to go and the teachers didn't seem to care so they came along. Once they got into high school, unless I called and scheduled one, we never got to talk to anyone other than maybe their physical education teachers. I never really understood - the kids had two half days off from school to do them so wouldn't you think we could have at least been scheduled with one of the teachers in their core classes. No offence intended to any PE teachers either - I wish that someone could have taught me to enjoy that class as much as my boys did. I finally gave up Drew's senior year and never even had one. And now that he is in college, the only person I have had any communication with is his soccer coach! But, he is doing OK so I am not going to fret.

And, speaking of him, I have to fight the road crowd to take him back to school later. Hot dog!! Have a good Sunday everyone.[/QUOTE

Same thign for us at high school - my neice and nephews who have lived with me in the past never got much of a Feedback session - I think at that point they are supposed to be responsible to share with parents on their own.

How far away is your son's school? What is he studying?

[AverysMommy]

I have also participated in threads where it was "special" to get the first post at the top of a page.

I can pull that info together too!!

thanks for the idea

[AverysMommy]

Lets keep count on who gets the special Top Page Post.

Keeping track so far:

AverysMommy - 9
SillyLittlePixie - 2
iamdaisyduck - 2
Grumpymakesmehappy - 1
lanand3 - 1

[AverysMommy]

Hey all! I thought I'd peek in and check on our cruise meet thread. Boy, go away for a month or two and you miss over 10 pages! Welcome to everyone that has hopped onboard.

We, too, were on the Nov 9th Wonder and had a great time. That was cruise #6 for us and it was all still just as magical! By the way, for those of you contemplating Deck 2, this was our first time there and we LOVED it. We were aft which meant a short climb up to Animators, Parrot Cay or a quick elevator ride to Deck 9.
As for shows, Toy Story The Musical is quickly becoming our favorite. The sets and character costuming is awesome. It probably helps that it's a newer show as we've seen Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams many times. Oldies, but goodies.

I promise to get caught up on all the posts!

What is basic premise of the Toy Story musical?

Good to hear about Deck 2 - I am looking forward to staying on the PARTY DECK in 2009

[AverysMommy]

OK all caught up......Its been crazy at my job lately......last Wednesday I let my team (140 staff) know that they were being outsourced to another company.

Good news is that they keep their jobs and only about 15 people have to move locations (to about 10 minutes away). they are guaranteed that the new company will not lay them off for at least 1 year......but it was still a tough message to deliver. Some Tears, Some Anger, Some Shock......but we are arranging some Personal Change Management training to help people to cope.

It was such a long week with minimal sleep - I was exhausted by Saturday and Thank God, I got some needed sleep. I still feel sad but I know that they are going to a VERY good company that will treat them very well.

Jessalynn

[Silly Little Pixie]

It was such a long week with minimal sleep - I was exhausted by Saturday and Thank God, I got some needed sleep. I still feel sad but I know that they are going to a VERY good company that will treat them very well.

Jessalynn

Oh man, that sounds horrible. I can't imagine having to give those folks that news. At least they'll still be employed, but still... what a rough week, no kidding.

:hug:

What do you do at your job?

Christine

[glindamood]

How far away is your son's school? What is he studying?

By car he is about 90 minutes away, give or take, in good weather. His original plan had been to major in Chemistry (wanted to work in a lab for a drug company) but I think he is rethinking that as he didn't have a very good time in that class this quarter. I tried very hard to instill in all our children to pick a career doing something that you enjoy - he had a great time in Chemistry in high school, especially lab but not so much in college. But, he is also a freshman, it is his first class so we shall see how organic chemistry goes next semester. Alma is a liberal arts school so we shall see where that takes him. They do a mock UN which he is taking next semester so heaven only knows where the boy will land.

[glindamood]

Bump

Hope everyone is doing well and are preparing for the holiday. The tree is up here but the cookies I baked are almost gone so that is my project for this weekend - or until I run out of flour...

Have a good weekend!

[AverysMommy]

Oh man, that sounds horrible. I can't imagine having to give those folks that news. At least they'll still be employed, but still... what a rough week, no kidding.

:hug:

What do you do at your job?

Christine

Well it was a fun week.........overall the people seem to be taking it well. Lots of discussion pensions, vacation, etc but people seem to be accepting. To be honest - they dont get much of a choice as they dont get a severance if they dont go.

I am a Director at a Bank in Canada - responsible for Records Management.

[AverysMommy]

By car he is about 90 minutes away, give or take, in good weather. His original plan had been to major in Chemistry (wanted to work in a lab for a drug company) but I think he is rethinking that as he didn't have a very good time in that class this quarter. I tried very hard to instill in all our children to pick a career doing something that you enjoy - he had a great time in Chemistry in high school, especially lab but not so much in college. But, he is also a freshman, it is his first class so we shall see how organic chemistry goes next semester. Alma is a liberal arts school so we shall see where that takes him. They do a mock UN which he is taking next semester so heaven only knows where the boy will land.

People always start college with one idea and come out with another.....its all about learning.

They are seeing the next generation will truly be a flexible generation with very few people staying in one career for life as the world will be changing so quickly. That sounds exciting but also scary when you are a parent as you want to ensure they are prepared - but how do you get prepared when you dont know what the future holds

[AverysMommy]

Bump

Hope everyone is doing well and are preparing for the holiday. The tree is up here but the cookies I baked are almost gone so that is my project for this weekend - or until I run out of flour...

Have a good weekend!


Tree went up last Friday - Of course a real tree!! Are you guys real tree or artificial tree people?

We used to spend a forture on our trees but this year we went and got one for $25 and its beautiful. Very happy - kids really loved decorating it this year as they were old enough to get far more involved (I wasnt so worried that everythign would break)

My parents come in on Friday from Florida and I am hoping to convince my Mom to do some baking with the kids next week. MY son and and daughter both really love cooking.

What do you guys bake?

I am thinking of making Creme Brulee for Christmas Dessert this year? Any good recipes out there?

[AverysMommy]

I am looking for ideas for Christmas day.

I am very different then my family - I love playnig games with my kids and doing silly things....but my parents and brother and sister are both more "adult" than I am. They like to just sit around and talk.

So I am trying to find things to do on Christmas Day that will make everyone happy - any ideas?

We got Rock Band for Spencer so I am hoping people will play that.

[glindamood]

Tree went up last Friday - Of course a real tree!! Are you guys real tree or artificial tree people?

We used to spend a forture on our trees but this year we went and got one for $25 and its beautiful. Very happy - kids really loved decorating it this year as they were old enough to get far more involved (I wasnt so worried that everythign would break)

My parents come in on Friday from Florida and I am hoping to convince my Mom to do some baking with the kids next week. MY son and and daughter both really love cooking.

What do you guys bake?

I am thinking of making Creme Brulee for Christmas Dessert this year? Any good recipes out there?


Well, in my youth (when it was a popular TV show, I was thirty-something so, if you are math or memory challenged, that makes me fifty-something now) we always did real trees. I HATE DRIED OUT NEEDLES IN MY FEET IN APRIL - and I always found them the hard way so we invested in a good artificial tree and I love it. Don't have to water it, don't have to worry about leaving the lights on nor cleaning up after it comes down. I can get the smell from the smaller fresh items in the arragements around the house.

Cookies - I ran out of oil, darn it. But, the second wave is dwindling. I have done no bakes, choc chip, peanut butter, shortbread and choc. crinkles. I need to do more no bakes, more choc chip and some 7-layers too and then I will call it good. I used to do lots and lots and lots but, my hips don't need lots so I am cutting back. I want to take some to Ohio if I get to go so I need to do a couple batches each evening this week to get things where they should be. And then, hopefully, no snow storms.

[Silly Little Pixie]

Well, I always grew up with real trees, and I love them! DH grew up with an artificial tree and preferred that. For many years we had the real tree. Our house now has a vaulted ceiling in the living room, so we were spending a fortune on huge trees, and the cats were dragging the pine needles everywhere! And inevitably the tree would dry out, too. So a few years ago we got a big, beautiful fake tree. Not pre-lit, because I prefer LOTS of little colored lights on my tree. So we still have to string the lights. And frankly, putting it up and taking it down takes as much time as it did before. No nice smell either!! :sad1: But I couldn't afford to keep getting 9 1/2 foot trees, and we have so many ornaments!!! Many I have made with the kids, and we collect ornaments from all our trips as well. So we need a big ole tree!

Christine

[glindamood]

Bumping from page three. I hope all are well and you are not snowbound. We aren't but I sure am tired of it. We got dumped on Friday again - the drive to work was awful as it kept freezing on my windshield and I couldn't see. Had it been daylight it would not have been quite so bad but I had to stop three times to clean off my blades. YUCKOOO.

Tree is up, Santas are out but I have not wrapped anything so that is the plan for the day - bag and bake (yeah, they are gone again).

[Silly Little Pixie]

Merry Christmas everyone! Tomorrow my kids get their big reveal ... They find out about the cruise! I have a scavenger hunt all ready, and the kids will put together a puzzle with a picture of the ship at CC and text added that has our cruise dates on it.

I'm so excited!!!!
Christine

[glindamood]

Merry Christmas everyone! Tomorrow my kids get their big reveal ... They find out about the cruise! I have a scavenger hunt all ready, and the kids will put together a puzzle with a picture of the ship at CC and text added that has our cruise dates on it.

I'm so excited!!!!
Christine

I can't wait to hear all about it when you get a chance to share. What a great surprise.

Merry Christmas!!!

[minniemouse71]

Merry Christmas everyone!! With all of the grandkids here today, it will be a long, hectic, but very special day. :santa:

[glindamood]

I hope that you all had a very special holiday with your families and friends. Ours was nice as well, even though I didn't get home to Ohio to see my folks. Just lousy weather all the way around and I was not willing to risk not getting back - for the holiday or work. Drew has gone off to work at Boy Scout camp while the oldest and his fiancee are with her family and then will travel to Chicago for NYE. To be young again....

Is anyone thinking about MVMCP before our cruise? I got all excited and then looked at the dates again and I just don't think it would work out based on this year's dates. I was looking at the December dates and thinking I was looking at November - dang. But, I guess I can wait until they post the dates and see. We would have to add a day after the trip to go by the looks of it and I don't know if I am willing to wait that long to book my airfare since I would like to fly on FF miles. Traverse City doesn't get that many and that is my preferred airport since it is only about 50 minutes from the house. Guess we shall see.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

[minniemouse71]

Hope that everyone had a great Holiday. We did, until today, my husband called me at work and said that the police were on their way to our home, someone had scaled a six foot chain link fence, kicked our back door in and took our flat screen t.v. a jar with about $180.00 in change that we were saving for our vacation, a bottle of vicadin, my laptop, and emptied my jewelry boxes. :mad: :mad: :mad: We had to have someone come and board up our back door and now I am afraid that they will come back while we are sleeping tonight, :scared: so I will probably be up all night. :surfweb: All of this in broad daylight. Needless to say, we have now ordered a security system that will be installed before the end of the week. What a nightmare!!

[glindamood]

Hope that everyone had a great Holiday. We did, until today, my husband called me at work and said that the police were on their way to our home, someone had scaled a six foot chain link fence, kicked our back door in and took our flat screen t.v. a jar with about $180.00 in change that we were saving for our vacation, a bottle of vicadin, my laptop, and emptied my jewelry boxes. :mad: :mad: :mad: We had to have someone come and board up our back door and now I am afraid that they will come back while we are sleeping tonight, :scared: so I will probably be up all night. :surfweb: All of this in broad daylight. Needless to say, we have now ordered a security system that will be installed before the end of the week. What a nightmare!!

OMG!!! I am so sorry. What bad things it says about our society. Your insurance will most likely cover the material things but your peace of mind has been shaken and that is a super scary thing. :hug: to both of you.

[minniemouse71]

Gail,
Thanks, at least we are all ok and they didn't hurt my dog. I am almost afraid to leave my house today. Poor Dan, I made him sleep on the couch last night. I just felt safer. I have someone coming to put in a whole house security system before weeks end. They came and boarded up my back door last night. Now it is just a waiting game, on the insurance company.
Take Care,
Vickie

[Silly Little Pixie]

So sorry to hear about your break in. My gosh how scary. I'd be freaked out too. I hope you can rest easier once your security system is up and running. Sending you good thoughts!
Christine

[minniemouse71]

Thanks everyone, it is still a little freaky, I had to work a half day today, and got home about an hour before DH, I was kinda scared to go into my own home by myself. :sad2: I will feel much better once the security system is up and running. We are both off tomorrow, and they will be here on Friday to install the security system, so I am sure that will help. Thanks again for all of your kind words. :hug:

[minniemouse71]

Happy New Year everyone. Now we are going on a cruise THIS YEAR!! :banana: :banana: :banana:
Vickie

[glindamood]

Caught it - we were almost ready to slip to page 3 and that just won't do.

I hope that everyone had a nice holiday and you are all ready to get back in the swing of things. Nasty, icy here but the schools were open. I didn't think I would get the ice off my car this morning though. I think we will clean the garage this summer and find homes for some of the junk that is there so my car can be in there. I am so tired of scraping.

Have a great day all!

[TiggerzFan]

5. TiggerzFan (Donna) - DD7, DD3, Florida



Ok, so I'm a wee bit behind on posts:eek: ...

DD7 is Alyssa
DD3 is Maddie

Thanks! The holidays are over, I will get caught up soon!
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!!!

[TiggerzFan]

I know!! I'm in 5520. I've got some friends joining us also on this cruise, and if only 5524 were available as well- $...;)

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"]

HI Christine!

Sorry, but we're the ones in 5524, but wouldn't mind moving to another SPH... the 24s are the most obstructed as I recall. Friends that are traveling with us are 5020 ( I think).

[inukshuk]

Hi everyone,
I too booked this as a surprise for my family. I made homemade Christmas crackers and wrote inside that everyone had won a trip to St Thomas, (we live in St Thomas, On) they all moaned, then I told them about the cruise. Hi Christine and Donna, nice to see some familar names. My older daughter's are coming with us on this trip, so I am very excitied! I have booked two rooms. Can you request rooms with two beds?
DD and Dh got very sick when we were on the ship in November, hopefully this time everyone will stay healthy.
Take care
Jenn

[glindamood]

:welcome: Inukshuk

I could never do that as everyone within 100 miles of me knows when I book a cruise!

[minniemouse71]

:welcome: Inukshuk

I could never do that as everyone within 100 miles of me knows when I book a cruise!

Same Here!
I sometimes wonder if DH shouts it from the rooftop.:lmao:

[inukshuk]

It was so hard not to say anything, I normally can not keep anythihg from my family. The hardest part was the lack of gifts for everyone at Christmas. I know the older girls thought what the heck, I know times are tough but this is crazy. My plan was to wait and tell everyone at dinner, but I couldn't wait.

I have booked the older girls in a CAT 11 has anyone ever been upgraded? My only concern is I requested a room near us.

Hope everyone is well, we are getting another storm today, UGH!
Jenn

[TiggerzFan]

Hi everyone,
Hi Christine and Donna, nice to see some familar names. I have booked two rooms. Can you request rooms with two beds?

Jenn

Wow, Jenn! What a nice surprise! Welcome aboard. So glad you'll be joining us.
Yes, you can request that the bed be split into two twins. Just have DCL, or your TA, put that on your reservation.

[Silly Little Pixie]

hey Jen! Good to see you are joining us!! Yea! DH remembers you as "the cute Canadian". Have your older girls ever done DCL? I didn't know your family got sick on the last cruise. Seasick, food poisoning, noro? My DH got sick too. I think it was food poisoning. He ate ribs on CC and the rest of us didn't. DD and I got food poisoning from ribs on our WDW pre-stay, so our new joke is don't eat ribs in Florida...

Christine

[inukshuk]

Hi Christine,
Your DH was so sweet, I remember talking to him on CC, he told me that your family had booked another trip. I can not believe of all the DC's that there is three of us on the same one again. Are you renewing your vows on this trip?
My older DD's have not been on DCL before. I am a little nervous because of their age 20, and 18. DD who is 18 is trying to talk us into letting her boyfriend come with us, so we will see how this all goes down. If anyone has any suggetions, or has traveled with kids in that age group let me know.
I thought Emily got sick from eating something at CC as well. That is the night she started to be ill. She never left the room the day we were at sea. Unfortunately it continued for 9 days. We had a post pkg planned at WDW with the christmas party, dinner at CRT and BBB. She made BBB and that was about it. We tried everything, and when we landed back in Canada we took her to the hospital that night. I was sick for about three days, and DH never got it. I feel sorry for who ever got our room, I hope they didn't get sick.
Thank you again for the wonderful FE gifts, that was truly a highlight for our trip.
Well take care everyone, we have another snow storm hitting us today.
Jenn

[Silly Little Pixie]

UGh sorry you got sick too! Blech. I am sure it was the food, because DH was sick on the sea day, still felt a little queasy the next morning, and was fine by the second night. The rest of us were fine. He NEVER gets sick. We felt so badly that he missed Animator's!

YES we are renewing our vows!! Wooohoooo on Castaway Cay! We can't wait. My inlaws, parents, and friend with her DH and 4 kids are joining us on this cruise too. I can't wait to make lots of magnets for everyone and SHIRTS this time! I haven't started looking into any excursions yet.

How fun to take your older girls! Do they love WDW too? Will you be doing a pre or post stay this time? I think the kids and I alone are doing a post stay this time. Depends on the deals they're offering, but hey, we're out of school that next week too and the flight is already paid for so why not...did you do the Christmas party? Has anyone? Is it worth it? I'm a little skeptical of paying that much money. At DL the holiday parades, fireworks, etc are all free when you go during the holiday season. :confused3

Christine

[LarryDEbJesJen]

Finally managed to snag enough credit card points to pay of the reservation.
We booked two guaranteed inside cabins. My wife and older daughter in one cabin and my younger daughter and myself in the other (snoring allowed) cabin. Im hoping to rack up more credit card points so we can hit up some of the shore excursions.

Bit about us: Deb 44, Larry 42, Jen 18 Jess 15. We live in Green Bay, WI and right now its 8 degrees below zero. This is our first out of Wisconsin family vacation ever so it should be interesting. :)

[glindamood]

:welcome: LarryDebJesJen. Glad to have you aboard (yeah, pun intended) with us.

You are sort of just across the lake from us - I live in Cadillac MI. We are to have wind chill of 24 below tonight. We have had over 100" of snow so far this year as well. The cold makes me think the 20's and all that snow wasn't so bad after all.

[LarryDEbJesJen]

Right now its 0 out. wind chill -8. low of -12 tonight....This morning I crawled in the car and it read 8 degrees and i thought it this isnt too bad.

[glindamood]

Windchill is currently -15 with an actual temp of -4. I am SO glad that I have a warm cruise to think about and look forward to.

Has anyone been watching the trip reports and seen the comments on St. Croix? I certainly hope they get their act together before we get there. Some comments were OK and some not (like stay on the ship). I would like to get to Buck Island so may take the DCL excursion. I did look into another vendor but their refund policy isn't acceptable to me - if the ship doesn't get there, you loose and they charge anyway. None of the other islands do that to cruise passengers. I just have to keep remembering that cruise ships have not been there in a long time and maybe they will change their policies -or it is a DCL excursion for us.