August 29th, 2009--Eastern Magic...Let's Get it Started!

[Luckymommyx2]

It's never too early to check in and start our countdown! Please introduce yourself and your travel companions!!

At the time of the cruise...

DH-38
Me-38
DD-11
DS-10

This will be our third Disney Cruise. We've sailed on the four day Wonder back in 2003 and most recently sailed the Eastern Caribbean on the Magic in Aug/Sept 2006.

Our Magical Cast Includes...

From Toronto, Ontario
mrs potatohead-35
DH - 35
DD - 12
DS - 12
DS - 4

From Salem, Oregon
eeyoregon (Gina 38 at time of cruise single mom)
Son (Hayden 16 at time of cruise)
Son (Jensen 13 at time of cruise)

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
My4PhillyGirls (Joe) (42 at the time of cruise)
DW (41 at the time of cruise)
DD (17 at the time of cruise)
DD (13 at the time of cruise)
DD (9 at the time of cruise)
DMIL

From NYC, New York
SleepyatDVC 40
DH 40+
DD 10
DD 8

From South Florida
jodifla, 48
DH, 49
DS, 7 at the time of the cruise

[mrs_potatohead]

Hi there, I just booked our cruise yesterday so I thought I'd come by and introduce myself and my family...

At sailing, we'll be:

me - 35
DH - 35
DD - 12
DS - 12
DS - 4

DH and I have cruised once before but this will be our first family cruise so we're really excited!!

[Luckymommyx2]

Welcome aboard!! It looks like your oldest two will be in the same clubs as my two. My DD and DS love, love, love the clubs! They've already started researching what they'll be doing every day.

Hopefully more DIS'ers will be joining us as we progress in our countdown!

Speaking of DIS'ers...WELCOME to the DIS Boards!! Glad you found us!

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome: :welcome: :welcome:

[scrapperjill]

:yay: :yay: Hey....your right it's NEVER to early to start planning :goodvibes If I've got my dates correct...we'll be onboard at this time as well :banana: :banana: This will be our 4th Disney Cruise (all on the Magic)...So far we've booked the Western each time...but because of hurricanes:eek: we've been rerouted for each of them....except the last one this past fall. WE FINALLY made it to the Western ports :cool1: So...so far we've actually done one western, one Eastern and one Modifyed Eastern(going to Nassau, Purtro Rico and Castaway....something totally diffrent for a 7 nighter).

As of now it'll be myself (scrapperjill), DH, DD 11 and DD 16. We rebooked onboard our last cruise and booked our friends at the same time..so they'll be joining us as well. PLUS we're hoping to have a few other friends join us on the cruise. :woohoo: :woohoo:

Anywho...I know it's a ways away...but in my book...it's never to early to start thinking and planning :goodvibes

[eeyoregon]

Boy, this is a quiet cruise compared to the other August 2009 cruises. I guess it's up to us to get the party started! :banana:

90% sure we will be on this cruise with you.

Me (Gina 38 at time of cruise single mom)
Son (Hayden 16 at time of cruise)
Son (Jensen 13 at time of cruise)

This will be our 2nd Disney cruise. 2006 was our one and only and my boys are still talking about it and begging to go on another one so we have picked this one and have made it our family $goal$ to be on the ship!

I haven't booked yet...holding out for the stimulus check in May to make my deposit payment. :thumbsup2

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello everyone,

I thought no one was on this cruise. We actually booked this cruise the week the dates came out and I have been checking every now and then to see if a meet thread has been started.

Below please find our crew:

Me (Joe) (42 at the time of cruise)
DW (41 at the time of cruise)
DD (17 at the time of cruise)
DD (13 at the time of cruise)
DD (9 at the time of cruise)
DMIL (Not allowed to reveal age:rotfl:)

We have booked two connecting Cat 6's as we will be celebrating early High School and Middle School graduations.

On another note we just got our passports today:banana: :banana: :banana: We applied for them on March 1st and they arrived 12 days later.

My children with the exception of the youngest did not participate in dis meet, clubs or fish extenders on the last cruise. Maybe they will this time because of the nice people they met and the gifts that they received last time:confused3

[eeyoregon]

DH and I have cruised once before but this will be our first family cruise so we're really excited!!

And what an AWESOME family cruise it will be!!

[eeyoregon]

fish extenders

Can someone please explain this to me??

[My4PhillyGirls]

Outside each cabin their are brass fish which are used to hold mail i.e. messages or invitations to events from DCL. The DIS boards groups make or purchase hanging pouches which have been nick named "fish extenders" to collect small inexpensive gifts from families that participate in this exchange.

Some of the gifts were post cards from the city or state that you live in, key chains, small disney items purchased at Target that were under a dollar, one person made a CD with music related to Disney.

If you do a search you can find info regarding "fish extenders."

Last summer our DIS group also had one person of the group purchase lime green rubber bracelets so that we could identify each other when on the ship or while on excursions.

Joe

[eeyoregon]

Thank you Joe. Sounds like fun.

[Luckymommyx2]

Wow, I haven't been on the DIS boards in a few days and our little thread is already taking off. A big :welcome: to everyone!!

I think the DIS cruise meets are becoming more elaborate. The very first cruise we planned with everyone here but not many got together on board. The second one seemed to have a lot of people but we never met anyone because they met in someone's suite and the time just didn't work for us. I don't remember having any exchanges on either one of them. It's a really nice idea, especially for the kids.

Does anyone know off-hand where to buy the fish extenders? I know there was a large thread a while back that had pictures so if no one knows, I'll go searching.

Happy Planning....:cloud9:

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hi there, I just booked our cruise yesterday so I thought I'd come by and introduce myself and my family...

At sailing, we'll be:

me - 35
DH - 35
DD - 12
DS - 12
DS - 4

DH and I have cruised once before but this will be our first family cruise so we're really excited!!

I see that you have two children that are 12. Are they twins:confused3 Because I am a twin too.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

Just got back from a college tour that I sponsor twice a year for high school students. I took my three daughters while my wife went to Chicago on business.

I was surprise to see that there is no activity on this thread. I know that we are a ways out but we are very quiet to the other threads with dates close to ours.

This year I won't take a DCL cruise but I am looking forward to seeing the Magic when I go to mexico this summer.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

O'kay, I'm seriously thinking about booking this cruise. :cheer2:

I've been on about 7 cruises but never DCL. EVERYTIME I start to book it, I am lured to another cruise line by a better cabin and a much better price. :rolleyes1

But next August I turn 40 and I want to go on a cruise or an AI land vacation as my big gift. :goodvibes However, many of the cruiselines and AI's don't have their schedules out to book yet for the itineraries or locations that I am interested in. But I want to book something NOW!

Soooooo, I'm thinking of a Disney Cruise! :woohoo: I narrowed it down to this sailing because it seems to be the lowest cost. :laughing: :thumbsup2

Our family in 8/09 will be

DH 40+
Me 40
DD 10
DD 8


I'll let you all know if I book and officially become part of this RC.

[My4PhillyGirls]

I know what you mean about cost. I originally booked a November, 2009 Eastern but I called my girls schools and they frown upon letting them out for vacations during the school year.

So when I did a search and found out that their school year starts late in '09, I got a quote for this date. It was $1,000.00 cheaper than the November cruise:banana:

I hope that your family will be join us:)

Joe

[eeyoregon]

It was $1,000.00 cheaper than the November cruise:banana: Joe

Ditto. I was originally looking at the same cruise but a week earlier in August and it's $1,200 more to cruise the week before! Then I realized school doesn't start until September 9th and I was a happy camper!

I realize this is the "old" Eastern itinerary, which is why it's cheaper, but it's new to us!!

[eeyoregon]

Woo Hoo :cool1: we are on the 2nd page now!!! :lmao:

[My4PhillyGirls]

[QUOTE=

I realize this is the "old" Eastern itinerary, which is why it's cheaper, but it's new to us!![/QUOTE]

I agree because after two four night cruises, this will be our first 7 nighter. I loved the sea day on the four nighter so I am looking forward to a couple of sea days:thumbsup2

Joe

[eeyoregon]

We have only been on one DCL and it was the 7 night Western. I always enjoy sea days...better on the pocket book too as those shore excursions can really add up!

So, do most of you do the early dining seating? We will definitely be late as we are on Pacific time so eating dinner at 5:30 = 2:30pm on our body clocks! Plus we don't like feeling rushed to get back to the ship and get ready on port days. And my kids are older so I would hate to take an early slot that someone with little ones might need/want.

[My4PhillyGirls]

We will be early since we usually eat around that time. We have had 6:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. respectively on the Wonder. This will be the first time on the Magic and I understand that topsiders restaurant serves casual dinners on nights that you may not want to go your normal assigned dining room.

I am going to San Francisco in November and I might have to get use to eating dinner at what will feel like 10:00 p.m. to me:scared1:

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

Has anyone done Palo's and do you prefer brunch or dinner? I was thinking it would be easier to go to brunch while the girls are in the clubs or hanging out on the ship.

I like eating dinner as a family.

Joe

[jodifla]

' I just moved my booking to this date, and saved a bunch of money!

Hi everyone!

[My4PhillyGirls]

' I just moved my booking to this date, and saved a bunch of money!

Hi everyone!

We are glad to have you. How many are in your group?

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

O'kay, I'm seriously thinking about booking this cruise. :cheer2:

I've been on about 7 cruises but never DCL. EVERYTIME I start to book it, I am lured to another cruise line by a better cabin and a much better price. :rolleyes1

But next August I turn 40 and I want to go on a cruise or an AI land vacation as my big gift. :goodvibes However, many of the cruiselines and AI's don't have their schedules out to book yet for the itineraries or locations that I am interested in. But I want to book something NOW!

Soooooo, I'm thinking of a Disney Cruise! :woohoo: I narrowed it down to this sailing because it seems to be the lowest cost. :laughing: :thumbsup2

Our family in 8/09 will be

DH 40+
Me 40
DD 10
DD 8


I'll let you all know if I book and officially become part of this RC.


It's official!!!!!!!!!!!

I see my booking on-line!!!

I requested early seating but got second seating which is fine because our kids are a bit older now and don't have to be tucked in by 10pm. Lol.

Can't wait!!!

[My4PhillyGirls]

It's official!!!!!!!!!!!

I see my booking on-line!!!

I requested early seating but got second seating which is fine because our kids are a bit older now and don't have to be tucked in by 10pm. Lol.

Can't wait!!!

I'm surprise that you got second seating because the cruise doesn't look that full.

Welcome to the end of the summer cruise:thumbsup2

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

When we booked we got $200.00 from DU and $50.00 from DCL for each of our connecting cabins. That should cover tips or a lot of pictures:rotfl2:

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

I'm surprise that you got second seating because the cruise doesn't look that full.

Welcome to the end of the summer cruise:thumbsup2

Joe


Maybe I'll shoot an e-mail off tomorrow to ask the TA about the early seating. Maybe she overlooked my request.

No biggie - I was actually debating which way to go.

[eeyoregon]

Has anyone done Palo's and do you prefer brunch or dinner? I was thinking it would be easier to go to brunch while the girls are in the clubs or hanging out on the ship.

I like eating dinner as a family.

Joe

I have only done the brunch and LOVED it! Don't think I will go to Palo this time as I don't want to go alone...even though the cast members are very nice and accomodating to us singletons. I personally wouldn't do dinner because my boys enjoy dinner together so much and I don't want to miss that.

[My4PhillyGirls]

I have only done the brunch and LOVED it! Don't think I will go to Palo this time as I don't want to go alone...even though the cast members are very nice and accomodating to us singletons. I personally wouldn't do dinner because my boys enjoy dinner together so much and I don't want to miss that.

I completely understand. We are not a definite because I will try to get my DW and MIL to go with me. If they don't want to do brunch on one of the sea days, I am fine with it.

I'm glad to hear that you loved it. It looks like I would enjoy it better than dinner because we are pretty basic eaters.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

I'm surprise that you got second seating because the cruise doesn't look that full.

Welcome to the end of the summer cruise:thumbsup2

Joe

All changed to the main seating!! :goodvibes

When we booked we got $200.00 from DU and $50.00 from DCL for each of our connecting cabins. That should cover tips or a lot of pictures:rotfl2:

Joe

Does the OBC information show up on the Disney website?

[Luckymommyx2]

We're on the early seating too! We've done Palo on the past two trips and on the last trip we tried everything Palo: brunch, high tea and dinner. Loved them all!! This is our second Eastern on DCL but plan to do different excursions, except for maybe the St. John snorkling. It was breath-takingly beautiful.

[Luckymommyx2]

Wow, page 3...we're really moving now! ;)

[My4PhillyGirls]

All changed to the main seating!! :goodvibes



Does the OBC information show up on the Disney website?

The onboard credit doesn't show up the Disney website. From reading OP you will get a notice in your stateroom as to what your OBC is.

I guess that people can called their TA or Disney to get this info beforehand.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

The onboard credit doesn't show up the Disney website. From reading OP you will get a notice in your stateroom as to what your OBC is.

I guess that people can called their TA or Disney to get this info beforehand.

Joe

Thanks for the answer. That's fine. I just didn't want the OBC to NOT show up on the website when it was suppose to, kwim?

I haven't been THIS excited about a vacation in YEARS. Lol.

[SleepyatDVC]

Wow, page 3...we're really moving now! ;)

Is it too early to start an official rollcall of who's going?

Since Luckymommyx2 is the lucky one to start this rollcall, would you mind being the lucky one to update the first post with everyone's information? :confused:

Or if you all think I'm premature and just WAY to excited, ignore my post please!! ;) :rolleyes1

[My4PhillyGirls]

Wow, It looks like we are filling up Magic! I was worried that no one would be interested in the traditional Eastern cruise at the end of the summer.

Some of you that have done the Eastern before. What are some of the can't miss things to do?

Joe

[Luckymommyx2]

Is it too early to start an official rollcall of who's going?

Since Luckymommyx2 is the lucky one to start this rollcall, would you mind being the lucky one to update the first post with everyone's information? :confused:

Or if you all think I'm premature and just WAY to excited, ignore my post please!! ;) :rolleyes1

Yes, I will do my best to update the main page. It may not be done right away because my family and I are in last minute preparations for a fundraiser at her ballet school this weekend. Then in a few weeks we are traveling to NYC for her to compete in the finals at an international ballet competition. All of this between ice hockey clinics and try-outs for next season!! So if I miss anyone, just PM me the info. Thanks!!

[jodifla]

We are three....

DH, 49
Me, 48
DS, 7 at the time of the cruise

[SleepyatDVC]

Yes, I will do my best to update the main page. It may not be done right away because my family and I are in last minute preparations for a fundraiser at her ballet school this weekend. Then in a few weeks we are traveling to NYC for her to compete in the finals at an international ballet competition. All of this between ice hockey clinics and try-outs for next season!! So if I miss anyone, just PM me the info. Thanks!!

Thanks a lot!!

Wow, you sound real busy! Good luck to your daughter in NYC!!

[SleepyatDVC]

Wow, It looks like we are filling up Magic! I was worried that no one would be interested in the traditional Eastern cruise at the end of the summer.

Some of you that have done the Eastern before. What are some of the can't miss things to do?

Joe

This is my FIRST Disney Cruise. :cool1: But I've been to St.Thomas a few times before.

I really like Meaghan's (sp?) Bay - esp. for young children. We've done an island tour and Coral World and Sapphire Bay.

The one thing I haven't done and want to do this time is go over to St. John.

[Luckymommyx2]

Thanks a lot!!

Wow, you sound real busy! Good luck to your daughter in NYC!!

Thank you! We're really proud of her considering she's only 10 but she puts in about 15 hours a week of intense ballet. I'll let you know how she does in a few weeks.

If I missed anyone, please let me know. I should be caught up with everyone for now. I'm off for now...time to get ready for ice hockey practice!! :wave2: :car:

[mrs_potatohead]

Speaking of DIS'ers...WELCOME to the DIS Boards!! Glad you found us!

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome: :welcome: :welcome:

Thanks for the welcome! I've actually been lurking for quite a while but now that I'm officially booked on DCL, I thought I should come out into the open! :)

[mrs_potatohead]

I see that you have two children that are 12. Are they twins:confused3 Because I am a twin too.

Joe

Yes, they are twins! Are you a fraternal or identical twin?

[My4PhillyGirls]

Yes, they are twins! Are you a fraternal or identical twin?

I am a fraternal twin. We were 26 minutes apart:scared1:

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

This is my FIRST Disney Cruise. :cool1: But I've been to St.Thomas a few times before.

I really like Meaghan's (sp?) Bay - esp. for young children. We've done an island tour and Coral World and Sapphire Bay.

The one thing I haven't done and want to do this time is go over to St. John.

I hear the St. John's trip will take up 1/2 a day but I also understand that they have the better beaches.

I can't swim very well so the snorkling excursions are out for me.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

For those of you who have been on both ships, what are the differences???

Such as the climate, crew and food ect.

Joe

[mrsmoore]

We might be joining you, we will know by the end of the week. We are currently booked for December 6, 2008, however, FIL recently announced he wants to take family to Hawaii November 29, 2008 for 10 days. It is just adults invited, so DD would stay with my parents. FIL is paying airfare and renting a house, so hard to pass up such a cheap trip, we would just have to pay for our food.

So, we decided to look for a new cruise next summer, while DD is out of school, and her school does summer camp through first week of August, so decided to look in late August. I can't believe how cheap this cruise is. I would think with a late Labor Day it would be higher priced.

Has anyone cruised this time of year before and had hurricanes cancel a cruise?

This will be our first cruise, DD will be 4.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Both of our Wonder cruises have been in late August. Hurricanes were not a problem the last two years for DCL. The only day that you need to worry about is embarkation. After that the ship is faster than the hurricane. That being said, the seas might be rough if hurricanes are in the area and ports may have to change but it will still be a good trip because we are on the Magic:cool1:

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Thanks for the welcome! I've actually been lurking for quite a while but now that I'm officially booked on DCL, I thought I should come out into the open! :)

Welcome to the DIS!!! And looking forward to sailing with you and everyone else in less than 17 months!! :banana:

I hear the St. John's trip will take up 1/2 a day but I also understand that they have the better beaches.

I can't swim very well so the snorkling excursions are out for me.

Joe

Meaghan's Bay has bathtub still waters - good for children and non-swimmers - not so much for snorkelers - nothing to "see."

If you decide to give snorkeling a try, invest in a snorkeling vest. I'm not a strong swimmer. DH is a good swimmer but even he uses one. You inflate the vest a bit and it helps keep you floating on the surface of the water. You can use your hands to hold your under water camera etc. without having to wave your hands around to stay afloat.

We might be joining you, we will know by the end of the week. We are currently booked for December 6, 2008, however, FIL recently announced he wants to take family to Hawaii November 29, 2008 for 10 days. It is just adults invited, so DD would stay with my parents. FIL is paying airfare and renting a house, so hard to pass up such a cheap trip, we would just have to pay for our food.

So, we decided to look for a new cruise next summer, while DD is out of school, and her school does summer camp through first week of August, so decided to look in late August. I can't believe how cheap this cruise is. I would think with a late Labor Day it would be higher priced.

Has anyone cruised this time of year before and had hurricanes cancel a cruise?

This will be our first cruise, DD will be 4.

I wouldn't pass up a free trip to Hawaii either!!! AND you get to take a cruise later. Ahhhh... the best of both worlds... hope you get to join us. :goodvibes

[My4PhillyGirls]

This summer while on vacation I will give the vest a try and hopefully I will be ready for the summer of 2009:cool1:

On another note, I can't believe that I am more hyped for next summer than the upcoming one:confused3

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

This summer while on vacation I will give the vest a try and hopefully I will be ready for the summer of 2009:cool1:

On another note, I can't believe that I am more hyped for next summer than the upcoming one:confused3

Joe


What's going on THIS summer?

I LOVE :lovestruc my Disney trips but aside from the planning that goes into the room reservations, airfare, and meal ADRs, I don't get INTO all the trip planning anymore. BTDT - will go with the flow - if I miss something, it will be there next time.

But with the DCL, everything is new again and I get to do all the crazy research and planning that I use to do with my Disney trips! :goodvibes

[My4PhillyGirls]

We are going to Nuevo Vallarta which is not far from Puerta Vallarta. We are staying at the Grand Mayan. They have a huge pool and a beach. We will be there on the Magic's last trip to Puerta Vallarta before the the East bound Repo. We hope to see it in port.

Joe

[mrsmoore]

We are joining you! I hate pushing back the cruise, now instead of 7 months, I have 16 or so months. OH well, it will be worth it!

[My4PhillyGirls]

We are joining you! I hate pushing back the cruise, now instead of 7 months, I have 16 or so months. OH well, it will be worth it!

We are glad to have you. Looks like the bookings are increasing. Maybe we will have a full ship afterall.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

We are going to Nuevo Vallarta which is not far from Puerta Vallarta. We are staying at the Grand Mayan. They have a huge pool and a beach. We will be there on the Magic's last trip to Puerta Vallarta before the the East bound Repo. We hope to see it in port.

Joe

Sounds divine!!!

We are joining you! I hate pushing back the cruise, now instead of 7 months, I have 16 or so months. OH well, it will be worth it!

And you'll have a wonderful Hawaii trip to help pass the time.



Call me CRAZY but I told my DH that I was glad that the Disney Cruise was a whiles away so that I could savor the anticipation and planning!! :eek: ;)

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello sleepyatdvc,

I see that you have been to the Marriott Cypress Harbour back in '05 and are going back this year. We went there last year and had a wierd experience.

I traveled to Orlando with my parents and we all spent the night at Cypress Harbour. The next day, I took my family on a 4 night cruise leaving my parents to enjoy this beautiful resort. They stayed until Wednesday and went back home.

When I arrived on Thursday to finish out the week at the Cypress Harbour. I came into the room and all the lights were on and much of our food was missing. Sounds like the three little bears:rotfl:

Housekeeping knocked on the door and came in and looked surprised that we were there. I went to the front desk to complain because we had not asked for housekeeping and did not want to pay for something that I had not requested. They told me that I had checked out:confused3

I told them that I had paid for a week and that I wasn't leaving. A manager straightened out the problem and checked me back in but never apologized.

I really liked the resort but I didn't feel safe there after that experience.

Joe

[kimlam1]

Hi. We just got off a seven day and rebooked for a double dip for Aug 22nd & 29th. It's myself, DH, DD (10), DD(8) and DS(4) - at time of sailing. We love doing the fish extenders, magnets, meets, dressing up for pirate night etc. I still have green Mickey heads left over! We have main dining. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. I'm an infrequent poster as we have a hectic schedule and I work full time, but I'll pop in as often as I can. Kim

[SleepyatDVC]

Hello sleepyatdvc,

I see that you have been to the Marriott Cypress Harbour back in '05 and are going back this year. We went there last year and had a wierd experience.

I traveled to Orlando with my parents and we all spent the night at Cypress Harbour. The next day, I took my family on a 4 night cruise leaving my parents to enjoy this beautiful resort. They stayed until Wednesday and went back home.

When I arrived on Thursday to finish out the week at the Cypress Harbour. I came into the room and all the lights were on and much of our food was missing. Sounds like the three little bears:rotfl:

Housekeeping knocked on the door and came in and looked surprised that we were there. I went to the front desk to complain because we had not asked for housekeeping and did not want to pay for something that I had not requested. They told me that I had checked out:confused3

I told them that I had paid for a week and that I wasn't leaving. A manager straightened out the problem and checked me back in but never apologized.

I really liked the resort but I didn't feel safe there after that experience.

Joe

Joe,

:scared1: about housekeeping coming into your unit and making themselves at home during your stay! I would feel uncomfortable after that also.

I wonder if housekeeping had "observed" your parents leaving the day before and assumed you were all checking out? I think it happens a lot in timeshares where people don't use the whole week and check out early. Still :sad2: .

Thank goodness we have never experienced anything like this at MCH. It is still my favorite of the Marriotts in Orlando in terms of location and resort. I found MGV much too big.

We will be there the whole week and even though it is a timeshare with limited housekeeping, I expect that others will have access to the unit.

I have had DVC maintenance IN our unit when coming back to our room before. Of course, they were actually fixing something and not lounging around eating our food.

Thanks for letting me know your experience. It's always good to have a reminder not to get lack about security while on vacation.

[SleepyatDVC]

Hi. We just got off a seven day and rebooked for a double dip for Aug 22nd & 29th. It's myself, DH, DD (10), DD(8) and DS(4) - at time of sailing. We love doing the fish extenders, magnets, meets, dressing up for pirate night etc. I still have green Mickey heads left over! We have main dining. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. I'm an infrequent poster as we have a hectic schedule and I work full time, but I'll pop in as often as I can. Kim

LUCKY YOU!!! A 14 day cruise!!! I am GREEN with envy! :thumbsup2

My girls will be the same ages as your 2 girls next year. Can't wait!!! :woohoo:

[eeyoregon]

Hi. We just got off a seven day and rebooked for a double dip for Aug 22nd & 29th. It's myself, DH, DD (10), DD(8) and DS(4) - at time of sailing. We love doing the fish extenders, magnets, meets, dressing up for pirate night etc. I still have green Mickey heads left over! We have main dining. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. I'm an infrequent poster as we have a hectic schedule and I work full time, but I'll pop in as often as I can. Kim

Hi Washington neighbor!

[My4PhillyGirls]

Joe,

:scared1: about housekeeping coming into your unit and making themselves at home during your stay! I would feel uncomfortable after that also.

I wonder if housekeeping had "observed" your parents leaving the day before and assumed you were all checking out? I think it happens a lot in timeshares where people don't use the whole week and check out early. Still :sad2: .

Thank goodness we have never experienced anything like this at MCH. It is still my favorite of the Marriotts in Orlando in terms of location and resort. I found MGV much too big.

We will be there the whole week and even though it is a timeshare with limited housekeeping, I expect that others will have access to the unit.

I have had DVC maintenance IN our unit when coming back to our room before. Of course, they were actually fixing something and not lounging around eating our food.

Thanks for letting me know your experience. It's always good to have a reminder not to get lack about security while on vacation.

SleepyatDVC,

In the future I may go back but I will never do it around a cruise. The MCH 2 bedrooms have plenty of space for a family of five but the beds were hard. My mom and dad slept on the sofa bed and they said it was very comfortable.

I would have understood if housekeeping thought that we had all left because my mom cleaned the place as though she was leaving:laundy:

The thing that scared me was that I had left our DW park tickets, cash and two suitcases in the second bedroom. It would have all been gone if we had not come back on that day.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hi. We just got off a seven day and rebooked for a double dip for Aug 22nd & 29th. It's myself, DH, DD (10), DD(8) and DS(4) - at time of sailing. We love doing the fish extenders, magnets, meets, dressing up for pirate night etc. I still have green Mickey heads left over! We have main dining. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. I'm an infrequent poster as we have a hectic schedule and I work full time, but I'll pop in as often as I can. Kim

Were you able to get the same cabins for both cruises:confused3

If so, this will make it so convenient for your transition between cruises.

On our last cruise we had a family that did a 3 Night and then a 4 Night Wonder cruise. They were the only passengers on the ship and sat out on Deck 4 as everyone in the terminal was envious of them having the entire ship to themselves.

Joe

[kimlam1]

Hi Everyone! Yes, we were able to get the same cabins. Does anyone know how the double dip works? I'm told we have to get off the ship with everyone else, but that our luggage can stay onboard. It would be so great if we could stay onboard, or at least not get up quite so early. :-)

Kim

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hi Everyone! Yes, we were able to get the same cabins. Does anyone know how the double dip works? I'm told we have to get off the ship with everyone else, but that our luggage can stay onboard. It would be so great if we could stay onboard, or at least not get up quite so early. :-)

Kim

In reading the trip reports for the double dips since you are going to have the same room I think you only have to leave the ship briefly to go through customs and they check you in first about 10:00 a.m. before the terminal opens to the new arrivals. Then you can go back on the ship and relax until everyone else boards.

Once you leave your rooms I don't know if they will let you back until 1:30 p.m. once they start boarding around 11:45 a.m. since others will want to go to their rooms also.

Joe

[mrsmoore]

Hi. We just got off a seven day and rebooked for a double dip for Aug 22nd & 29th. It's myself, DH, DD (10), DD(8) and DS(4) - at time of sailing. We love doing the fish extenders, magnets, meets, dressing up for pirate night etc. I still have green Mickey heads left over! We have main dining. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you. I'm an infrequent poster as we have a hectic schedule and I work full time, but I'll pop in as often as I can. Kim

Welcome!! My DD will be 4 too! 14 days would be awesome! I am in WA too!

[kimlam1]

Hi mrsmoore. Where abouts in WA? We are in Sammamish near Issaquah.

Kim

[mrsmoore]

Hi mrsmoore. Where abouts in WA? We are in Sammamish near Issaquah.

Kim

We are in N. Lynnwood.

[kimlam1]

Wow - We should meet up at some point prior to the trip. Maybe this summer, or next! Our trip is sooooooooooo far away! It would be great for the kids to get to know each other some prior to the trip.

Kim

[scrapperjill]

kimlam1 & mrsmoore...I'm also from WA :goodvibe...a couple hours East of Seattle:) We actually lived in Seattle for a while but then decided to move right after we had our daughter to be closer to family. ;) But we frequently make day trips over for various things.

I have to say that I'm also green with envy with your double booking. I've wanted to book back to backs for a long time now. Someday it'll happen...just not in 2009 :thumbsup2

It's been quite awhile since I posted on this thread...and OH-BOY so much talking has been going on. I had to quickly read through everything to get caught up. When I read about how everyone picked this particular week because of cost and schools I had to LOL...That's EXACTLY what we did. In our previous cruises we've always pulled the girls out of school for a couple weeks to cruise (and do WDW)...but with them getting older and the grades they'll be going into we figured we needed to stop pulling them out and pick dates that were during school vacations... When I saw this date and realized school does start later this year we booked right away. Of course they'll still be missing the first couple days of school:rolleyes1 But we figured...the first 2-3 days would be ALOT better than a whole week.

Palo...We've done it each cruise and LOVE it. I mixed between which is better..brunch or dinner..they are both soo good. The brunch has a huge variety to select from....things from breakfast foods, pastries, crab legs and pizza...to name a few. I'm guessing we'll book both again.

I guess I'll need to make sure I check back more offten to see what's happening. Right now we've just been so busy with life that I haven't seemed to have much time for anything. Summer's right around the corrner and we still don't have any major plans:eek: which I just hate.


Oh...Welcome to everyone who's joined since I was last here :goodvibes

[kimlam1]

That's fabulous scrapperjill. Maybe we can do a family picnic or something this summer so we can all meet.

Kim

[mrsmoore]

That's fabulous scrapperjill. Maybe we can do a family picnic or something this summer so we can all meet.

Kim

That is a great idea! Maybe at Snoqualmie Falls or something. I have been wanting to take DD there!

[mrsmoore]

kimlam1 & mrsmoore...I'm also from WA :goodvibe...a couple hours East of Seattle:) We actually lived in Seattle for a while but then decided to move right after we had our daughter to be closer to family. ;) But we frequently make day trips over for various things.

I have to say that I'm also green with envy with your double booking. I've wanted to book back to backs for a long time now. Someday it'll happen...just not in 2009 :thumbsup2

It's been quite awhile since I posted on this thread...and OH-BOY so much talking has been going on. I had to quickly read through everything to get caught up. When I read about how everyone picked this particular week because of cost and schools I had to LOL...That's EXACTLY what we did. In our previous cruises we've always pulled the girls out of school for a couple weeks to cruise (and do WDW)...but with them getting older and the grades they'll be going into we figured we needed to stop pulling them out and pick dates that were during school vacations... When I saw this date and realized school does start later this year we booked right away. Of course they'll still be missing the first couple days of school:rolleyes1 But we figured...the first 2-3 days would be ALOT better than a whole week.

Palo...We've done it each cruise and LOVE it. I mixed between which is better..brunch or dinner..they are both soo good. The brunch has a huge variety to select from....things from breakfast foods, pastries, crab legs and pizza...to name a few. I'm guessing we'll book both again.

I guess I'll need to make sure I check back more offten to see what's happening. Right now we've just been so busy with life that I haven't seemed to have much time for anything. Summer's right around the corrner and we still don't have any major plans:eek: which I just hate.


Oh...Welcome to everyone who's joined since I was last here :goodvibes


Are you doing WDW after the cruise? We are adding it on before. We are leaning towards just one day at MK and part of day at Hollywood Studios. DD will be just barely 4, so don't want to push it.

[mrsmoore]

I am curious where people are staying of doing WDW before or after the cruise. I went to WDW in 1993 in HS, and we stayed in Kissimee. So, I know very little about the resorts. I just bought the Passporter, then read they will have a new one for 2009, oh well!

I am leaning towards Coronado Springs or Wilderness Lodge. I prefer WL, but not against Coronado Springs.

I am curious where you have stayed or are staying and any feedback. Thanks!

[My4PhillyGirls]

I am curious where people are staying of doing WDW before or after the cruise. I went to WDW in 1993 in HS, and we stayed in Kissimee. So, I know very little about the resorts. I just bought the Passporter, then read they will have a new one for 2009, oh well!

I am leaning towards Coronado Springs or Wilderness Lodge. I prefer WL, but not against Coronado Springs.

I am curious where you have stayed or are staying and any feedback. Thanks!

I own a timeshare in Kissimee and will probably go there after the cruise for a few days. We will probably fly in on Friday and stay at the Residence Inn in Port Canaveral. We stayed there in 2006 before our first cruise and really enjoyed it. Avis has an office right in front of the hotel so we might get a one way rental and turn it in after I drop the family off at the port.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello everyone,

Just saw on the boards that Disney will be adding a fuel charge on all passengers who do not book before May 28, 2008. So if anyone out there is sitting on the fence about booking this cruise it is now time to book.

I think the charge is $8.00 per day for the first two passengers and $4.00 per day for the rest of the passengers in your party.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

I have a calendar on my computer that notifies me each Saturday as to how many weeks we have until the next DCL cruise. My wife thinks I'm crazy because it seems so far away. But I reminded her that I book this cruise when it came out and time has gone quickly since then.

My girls join me in the count down dance each Saturday morning:banana:
We looked at the clock around 11:50 a.m. and said that we would be boarding right now if we had boarding pass #2.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

69 Weeks!!! :woohoo:

I'm actually in the midst of deciding on a NCL cruise to book either Spring Break 2009 or 2010. :eek: If I chose the 2010, my countdown will be OVER 23 months. :rotfl2:

[My4PhillyGirls]

69 Weeks!!! :woohoo:

I'm actually in the midst of deciding on a NCL cruise to book either Spring Break 2009 or 2010. :eek: If I chose the 2010, my countdown will be OVER 23 months. :rotfl2:

After this cruise we will probably not cruise again until after the new ships are built (2011 or 2012):confused3

My oldest will be in College starting in 2010 so I don't know if I will be able to afford it.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

After this cruise we will probably not cruise again until after the new ships are built (2011 or 2012):confused3

My oldest will be in College starting in 2010 so I don't know if I will be able to afford it.

Joe

Say it isn't so! :eek:

Actually, the only reason we are doing another NCL cruise is because we pre-purchased the $250 deposit on board on our cruise last year. :rolleyes1 Have to sail within 30 months of purchasing it.

DH wants to vacation elsewhere besides Disney OR cruising so it will be something else after 2009. So, our next cruise (after these 2) will probably BE one of the new DCL ships. ;)

[mrsmoore]

I have a calendar on my computer that notifies me each Saturday as to how many weeks we have until the next DCL cruise. My wife thinks I'm crazy because it seems so far away. But I reminded her that I book this cruise when it came out and time has gone quickly since then.

My girls join me in the count down dance each Saturday morning:banana:
We looked at the clock around 11:50 a.m. and said that we would be boarding right now if we had boarding pass #2.

Joe


69 Weeks sounds a lot shorter!! I like your countdown!

[My4PhillyGirls]

We have early seating and since we have gone on 4 night cruises, I would like to know what is the preferred dining rotation that would maximize Formal Night and Pirate in the Carribean Night?

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Sorry Joe that no one answered your question.

It's my first Disney cruise so I have NO idea. ;)

I'm not sure what you mean by "what is the preferred dining rotation that would maximize Formal Night and Pirate in the Carribean Night?"

Maximize in what way?

I'm thinking we are assigned a rotation? Are people able to put in requests? :confused3

[My4PhillyGirls]

Sorry Joe that no one answered your question.

It's my first Disney cruise so I have NO idea. ;)

I'm not sure what you mean by "what is the preferred dining rotation that would maximize Formal Night and Pirate in the Carribean Night?"

Maximize in what way?

I'm thinking we are assigned a rotation? Are people able to put in requests? :confused3

People sometimes put in a request but DCL may not honor it.

What I was trying to get at is that if you end up on a rotation that is in Lumiere's for formal night and Parrot Cay for Pirates in the Carribean night that might make the cruise more special.

Since there are three seatings for the main dining time. One of those times has to be have the best rotation to compliment the theme nights. Whether its 5:30; 5:45 or 6:00 p.m.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

People sometimes put in a request but DCL may not honor it.

What I was trying to get at is that if you end up on a rotation that is in Lumiere's for formal night and Parrot Cay for Pirates in the Carribean night that might make the cruise more special.
Since there are three seatings for the main dining time. One of those times has to be have the best rotation to compliment the theme nights. Whether its 5:30; 5:45 or 6:00 p.m.

Joe

Thanks for the explanation! Makes absolute sense. :thumbsup2

[My4PhillyGirls]

I went on the "My online checkin" page today and since we are repeat cruisers, we will be able to book our excursions and palo reservations on May 31, 2009.:cool1:

Of course we will have to have paid the cruise in full by then.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Trying to figure out if I want to go down to FL early before the cruise with the kids. I most likely will. ;)

But where to go and stay? If we stay at WDW, it will be a non-park stay - no tickets. My other option is Miami the week before and then drive up either the morning of the cruise or the day/night before and either stay at WDW or at a hotel near the port.

What is everyone else planning to do?

[My4PhillyGirls]

We will be coming down a few days early and may stay a couple of days after the cruise so that we won't be too depressed when its over.

My girls will probably start school the Wednesday after Labor Day so we may take a flight home on Labor Day.

We have unexpired park tickets that we can use but my MIL will have to purchase hers or stay at the condo:rotfl:

WDW is less than an hour from the port if traffic is moving. Last year we left a little after 8:30 a.m. and got to the port early so we went to the McDonalds accross from the Radisson and then went to the port and sat in the parking lot until 10:00 a.m.

Since this is a 7 nighter, I will drop off the family and return the rental. Then I will catch a shuttle back to the port. When I return, we will pick up another rental and enjoy our last few days before the vacation ends and school begins.

Joe

[mrsmoore]

We are flying the red eye Wednesday night from Seattle. We will then have Thursday and Friday to relax and hit MK and maybe HS. I am trying to decide if HS is worth it, or just focus on MK and relaxing. We plan to stay at Wilderness Lodge, so going back and fourth to MK is easy. And, since only two days that way I don't need a park hopper pass. DD will be 4, so this will be her first trip to Disney, and some nap will still be needed, so don't want to burn her out.

We have invited our families, but none want to cruise with us. They may join us before though.

I can't wait!!! Oh, and the Hawaii vacation that was a maybe is a go!! So, I have that to keep me busy, and makes it worth moving our December 08 cruise back so far! :banana:

[SleepyatDVC]

We will be coming down a few days early and may stay a couple of days after the cruise so that we won't be too depressed when its over.

My girls will probably start school the Wednesday after Labor Day so we may take a flight home on Labor Day.

We have unexpired park tickets that we can use but my MIL will have to purchase hers or stay at the condo:rotfl:

WDW is less than an hour from the port if traffic is moving. Last year we left a little after 8:30 a.m. and got to the port early so we went to the McDonalds accross from the Radisson and then went to the port and sat in the parking lot until 10:00 a.m.

Since this is a 7 nighter, I will drop off the family and return the rental. Then I will catch a shuttle back to the port. When I return, we will pick up another rental and enjoy our last few days before the vacation ends and school begins.

Joe

Joe is your MIL traveling with you on the cruise?

That's a good idea. WDW before and after. :thumbsup2

I think we will stick with just the before. I think my kids go back to school the day after Labor Day. We never like to go back to school or work the next day after flying home. Especially, my DH. He prefers at least one day at home to "decompress" before heading to the office. Also, I think that we can check in our luggage for our flight home directly on the ship? (Depending on the airline, of course.) Like what they have at the WDW resorts? If so, that would be super convenient.

Anyone know how much a day pass at the MCO Hyatt costs? In case we have a later flight.

Who knows, I may change my mind between now and then though. :laughing: A day hanging by the pool at WDW after the cruise sounds nice too.

[SleepyatDVC]

We are flying the red eye Wednesday night from Seattle. We will then have Thursday and Friday to relax and hit MK and maybe HS. I am trying to decide if HS is worth it, or just focus on MK and relaxing. We plan to stay at Wilderness Lodge, so going back and fourth to MK is easy. And, since only two days that way I don't need a park hopper pass. DD will be 4, so this will be her first trip to Disney, and some nap will still be needed, so don't want to burn her out.

We have invited our families, but none want to cruise with us. They may join us before though.

I can't wait!!! Oh, and the Hawaii vacation that was a maybe is a go!! So, I have that to keep me busy, and makes it worth moving our December 08 cruise back so far! :banana:

That Hawaii vacation is definitely worth postponing your Disney Cruise for!!! :woohoo:

I like HS but it is a leisurely one day park for us especially since my kids don't do any of the thrill rides. (ToT or RnR). I don't think your DD4 will be doing those either. ;)

We like the Animations drawing class. My girls will do 2-4 or more in a row if I let them. We usually do at least 2. We try see the Beauty and the Beast Show. Ride Star Tours and the Great Movie Ride if there are no lines. We may do Playhouse Disney and the Voyage of the Little Mermaid if the timing works out. (We did those 2 soooooo many times in the past when the girls were little that we are ok if we miss it - besides my girls are outgrowing Playhouse Disney). Then it's out of there and back to the hotel pool. We saw Fantasmic a few years ago and neither of my kids chose to stay and catch it over going swimming. :rolleyes1

In your case, I might stick with the MK for 2 days. There are lots to see for a 4 yo there and you will be soooo close staying at WL.

[scrapperjill]

:goodvibes

Doing a picnic near the falls would be cool. We'll have to plan it out to see when we all have some time open. :goodvibes

We'll be doing WDW before the crusie. We've done a couple days before our last two Disney cruises and actually planned a whole week before our first Disney cruise but that didn't end up working out. Anyways I'm looking forward to doing a whole week before this next time. We've actually tryed planning for extra days each cruise BUT we've ended up having a large group traveling with us for the past two cruises that we've always cut back to accomadate everyones schedules. This year we're going for it (at least I hope)...and anyone cruiseing with us that can't do the full time at WDW can just fly in and join us when they can ;)

We're sticking with doing WDW before the cruise because our kids will acutally be missing the FIRST few days of school while being on the ship. Our school start half way though the week before Labor day...so they'll be missing Wednesday-Friday of the first week. It could be hard...but we figure the first three days of school is better than nearly two weeks after school starts...I'm thinking the hardest thing will be for our younger daughter..she'll be moving up to ther middle school that year...so she'll be missing the first few days at the NEW school. :confused: I acutally JUST realized that. :sad2: I knew she'd be missing the first few days..but I just put the fact she'll be moving UP that year. Hmmmm

Well..it'll get worked out on way or another... We'll more than likely stay at Pop. We've stayed there for our trips in the past and have been happy with it. We like the busses and how Pop doesn't share with the other resorts and for as little as we're at the resort...it works well for us. Plus since we'll be having others traveling with us...it fits great in EVERYONES budget.

I really don't think there are any preffered rotations for dinning. I know the idea of having formal night in Luminers is ideal or to have Pirate night in Parrot Cay...But in all reality it doesn't matter. We've been on three Disney cruises so far and have had a formal night in Parrot Cay and Luminers...and honestly they were both enjoyable...the setting didn't make or break the night. On our first cruise I wanted SOOO badly to have everything perfect and have just the right dinning room for the nights theme...so I put in the request and got it :goodvibes BUT didn't plan on having a change in itenary making formal night move....anyways I was totally bumbed that now Formal night was going to be PC... Turns out I worried for NOTHING. It was great. The following year we lucked out and got the 'ideal' rotation again...and this time we actally ended up having formal night in Luminers..and you know what...it was the same as having it in PC...Turned out the setting didn't matter. Anyways I totally know what your saying about wanting to be in Luminers for formal night...but I can also tell you it REALLY won't matter once your on the ship. :goodvibes


IMO...deciding between two days at MK or one at HS and MK...with a 4yr....I'd pick the two days at MK. Like SleeyatDVC said there is sooo much to see at MK that you'll be busy for two days there no matter what. I'd actually think only one day at MK...you'd leave there feeling like you missed sooo much. Plus they have a good deal of things geared towards that age group...where HS may have some...I just don't think they have as much.


mrsmoore...I can't belive you have flights already. Makes me feel like I'm SOOOO far behind on the planning. :eek:

I'm off to look at flights and add the rest of our party to the booking (gotta get in before the May 28th thing)

[scrapperjill]

I just took a peek at the line up for the dinning rotation...and I can't see HOW right now it'd be possable to get the 'perfect' rotation.

They have for the Eastern...

Saturday= Casual (Rotation)
Sunday= Formal (Rotation)
Monday=Casual (Rotation)
Tuesday=Pirate (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Wednesday=Causal (Master Chefs)
Thruday=Semi Formal (Captains Gala)
Friday=Casual (Till we meet again)

The rotations are LAP APL or PLA

From the looks of it...the PLA rotation should get you in Luminers for Formal night and Parrot Cay for POC night...BUT in Animators for semi formal. I also think that rotation is normaly the second in the line up...for the staggared times.

[SleepyatDVC]

:goodvibes





mrsmoore...I can't belive you have flights already. Makes me feel like I'm SOOOO far behind on the planning. :eek:

I'm off to look at flights and add the rest of our party to the booking (gotta get in before the May 28th thing)

Hmmm... I don't think she will actually be able to have booked her air since it's more than a year out. I think that it's probably just what she plans to book. :goodvibes

[scrapperjill]

That's why I was asking...seems early to have flights already. :goodvibes We did the red eye out of Porland Oregon last fall and still have mixed feeling about it. We ended up arriving in Orlando just after 5am...which is super early IMO...Most of the day we were all in a daze from the lack of sleep and rest. Luckly we didn't plan alot to do for that first day...just breakfast at Boma followed by shopping at DTD and a trip to BBB :goodvibes Anywho...I liked the idea of getting in a FULL day the day we arrived in Orlando...BUT for us it didn't work to sleep on the plane like we'd planned. I think it was pure excitement that kept us all awake. Anywho...haven't decided if we'll be doing the red eye again or not.

[SleepyatDVC]

That's why I was asking...seems early to have flights already. :goodvibes We did the red eye out of Porland Oregon last fall and still have mixed feeling about it. We ended up arriving in Orlando just after 5am...which is super early IMO...Most of the day we were all in a daze from the lack of sleep and rest. Luckly we didn't plan alot to do for that first day...just breakfast at Boma followed by shopping at DTD and a trip to BBB :goodvibes Anywho...I liked the idea of getting in a FULL day the day we arrived in Orlando...BUT for us it didn't work to sleep on the plane like we'd planned. I think it was pure excitement that kept us all awake. Anywho...haven't decided if we'll be doing the red eye again or not.

I have a feeling that you will let the $$$ decide. Lol. Depends on what the cheapest flights you can get turn out to be - red eye or not. ;)

[mrsmoore]

Yes, it is what we plan on booking!! :goodvibes We are flying Alaska direct to Orlando, and basing our assumptions on the current schedule. FIL has miles and he has offered to upgrade us.

We debated Red Eye or not, and decided DD would likely sleep, and we wanted a direct, to avoid connection hassles with her. There are only 2 direct flights out of Seattle, and the red eye is cheaper, so worth it. We plan on a more relaxed first day, finger crossed we would get lucky enough to have our room ready early :goodvibes And relax at resort, then maybe head to park for dinner and enjoy evening, then enjoy entire next day, with an early to bed.

[mrsmoore]

That Hawaii vacation is definitely worth postponing your Disney Cruise for!!! :woohoo:

I like HS but it is a leisurely one day park for us especially since my kids don't do any of the thrill rides. (ToT or RnR). I don't think your DD4 will be doing those either. ;)

We like the Animations drawing class. My girls will do 2-4 or more in a row if I let them. We usually do at least 2. We try see the Beauty and the Beast Show. Ride Star Tours and the Great Movie Ride if there are no lines. We may do Playhouse Disney and the Voyage of the Little Mermaid if the timing works out. (We did those 2 soooooo many times in the past when the girls were little that we are ok if we miss it - besides my girls are outgrowing Playhouse Disney). Then it's out of there and back to the hotel pool. We saw Fantasmic a few years ago and neither of my kids chose to stay and catch it over going swimming. :rolleyes1

In your case, I might stick with the MK for 2 days. There are lots to see for a 4 yo there and you will be soooo close staying at WL.

My main reason for wanting to do HS with her is actually the PlayHouse Disney stuff, and the breakfast with the Playhouse Disney characters.

[scrapperjill]

Oh...I bet she'd LOVE the playhouse Disney stuff... You could more than liekly spend a good deal of the day with that alone.:goodvibes

Yep...I'm guessing the flight costs will play into it a bit. Although I was able to find flights for the same cost as the red eyes in the past...the down fall of those were they were all connecting flights and not direct. ;) Maybe I look to hard for the good points of doing both... BUT IMO the connecting flights are also good because with long flights (like from Washington to Flordia)..you get a chance to stretch your legs and walk around a bit some where during the 6hr flight....but on the other hand a direct is good especialy if your doing the red eye (that's a MUST for the red eye).

Who knows Mrsmoore...depending on when we head to Orlando...we may be on the SAME red eye :goodvibes Last year I priced both Portland and Seattle and found Portland cheeper (plus we had somewhere to leave our cars with out charge)...but we'll see what happens next year :goodvibes Who knows...

Well...I got right on finishing our booking :rolleyes1 today after I read about the fuel charge being added. When we rebooked on board we only booked DH and myself with plans to 'add' the kids later (just to cut back on the initial deposit due when booking)...Anywho I went ahead and added them today so other than having the cruise paid off...it's REALLY official..we are ALL booked. :banana: :banana: Not that there was a chance they wouldn't be booked at some point...this just got things moving and got to busy with finishing things up. Now to decide how I want to pay it off. I'm tempted to use my Disney Visa to pay off the balance to get points...then turn around and pay the visa off:rolleyes1 But I'd hate to have my plans backfire on me and somehow NOT get the visa paid. : :scared:

[SleepyatDVC]

Now to decide how I want to pay it off. I'm tempted to use my Disney Visa to pay off the balance to get points...then turn around and pay the visa off:rolleyes1 But I'd hate to have my plans backfire on me and somehow NOT get the visa paid. : :scared:

Can you pay like $1000 at a time with your Disney Visa or so and pay off your card before making another charge and will they give you 6 months interest free each time?

I know they gave me 6 months to pay off the deposit so I'm in no rush to pay it off completely. I'll pay a bit each month and let the balance sit in the bank. ;)

I don't use the card for anything else but Disney stuff.

Or maybe they will let you charge $500 each month and you can pay it off each month before charging more?

[scrapperjill]

I'm trying to figure out how to maximize the 6 month no intrest deal that the Disney Visa does... I knew if you booked or put a DISNEY vacation on it...you'd get 6month free intrest...but I didn't ever consider breaking it down to stretch it out over a year ;) My problem is...I have some stuff on the card already that's not intrest free :sad2: ...BUT I have the money to pay the cruise off in full... SO I was considering putting the money for the cruise (or part of it) towards the card balance...have the cruise added to it and get the free intrests. SO in a since exchaning the balacne that's getting intrest added with an intrest free balance (for 6 months)....PLUS getting the Disney points to use on vacation... :thumbsup2 I know I want to get the points...BUT I'm jsut not sure about the paying the card down and adding the crusie fair to it??

[SleepyatDVC]

I'm trying to figure out how to maximize the 6 month no intrest deal that the Disney Visa does... I knew if you booked or put a DISNEY vacation on it...you'd get 6month free intrest...but I didn't ever consider breaking it down to stretch it out over a year ;) My problem is...I have some stuff on the card already that's not intrest free :sad2: ...BUT I have the money to pay the cruise off in full... SO I was considering putting the money for the cruise (or part of it) towards the card balance...have the cruise added to it and get the free intrests. SO in a since exchaning the balacne that's getting intrest added with an intrest free balance (for 6 months)....PLUS getting the Disney points to use on vacation... :thumbsup2 I know I want to get the points...BUT I'm jsut not sure about the paying the card down and adding the crusie fair to it??

That's what I would do, if possible. :thumbsup2

[scrapperjill]

I think I just have to make sure I time the whole thing right...By making the Disney Visa payment first then putting the cruise money on the card. That way they won't take the balance from the cruise charge and pay it off with the large amount I pay on the card. :goodvibes

[SleepyatDVC]

I think I just have to make sure I time the whole thing right...By making the Disney Visa payment first then putting the cruise money on the card. That way they won't take the balance from the cruise charge and pay it off with the large amount I pay on the card. :goodvibes

I would make sure that the payment paying off the entire balance was in one billing cycle with the DCL charge on the NEXT one.

Basically, make sure the new statement comes with a 0 balance before charging the cruise. Better safe than sorry.

If the CC companies could charge you more interest and fees, they will try to work things to their advantage each time.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Joe is your MIL traveling with you on the cruise?

That's a good idea. WDW before and after. :thumbsup2

I think we will stick with just the before. I think my kids go back to school the day after Labor Day. We never like to go back to school or work the next day after flying home. Especially, my DH. He prefers at least one day at home to "decompress" before heading to the office. Also, I think that we can check in our luggage for our flight home directly on the ship? (Depending on the airline, of course.) Like what they have at the WDW resorts? If so, that would be super convenient.

Anyone know how much a day pass at the MCO Hyatt costs? In case we have a later flight.

Who knows, I may change my mind between now and then though. :laughing: A day hanging by the pool at WDW after the cruise sounds nice too.

Yes my MIL is going on the cruise:)

We have connecting cat 6's. The oldest two girls will be with her and my youngest will be with me and DW.

She is actually a lot of fun and the girls will enjoy her company.

We may come home on Sunday if the girls begin school on Tuesday so that they will have a full day to adjust. Labor day is wishful thinking on my part:thumbsup2

Joe

[scrapperjill]

I would make sure that the payment paying off the entire balance was in one billing cycle with the DCL charge on the NEXT one.

Basically, make sure the new statement comes with a 0 balance before charging the cruise. Better safe than sorry.

If the CC companies could charge you more interest and fees, they will try to work things to their advantage each time.

That is a GOOD idea :goodvibes

[SleepyatDVC]

I'm wondering about airfare next August. I'm currently checking on pricing for April 2009 (Easter/Passover break) to Miami and it is about $480/pp rd trip. If it doesn't go down, I always threathen to drive. Haven't had to drive since 2004, so crossing my fingers.

August airfare is usually cheaper. Crossing fingers AND toes that this proves true because I really DON'T want to drive to/from Florida TWICE in one year as a back up plan! :scared:

Although, if I had to pick a trip to HAVE TO drive, I would chose August to drive - more time to make the drive since the kids are out of school and Orlando is a bit closer than Miami to NYC.

[My4PhillyGirls]

I'm wondering about airfare next August. I'm currently checking on pricing for April 2009 (Easter/Passover break) to Miami and it is about $480/pp rd trip. If it doesn't go down, I always threathen to drive. Haven't had to drive since 2004, so crossing my fingers.

August airfare is usually cheaper. Crossing fingers AND toes that this proves true because I really DON'T want to drive to/from Florida TWICE in one year as a back up plan! :scared:

Although, if I had to pick a trip to HAVE TO drive, I would chose August to drive - more time to make the drive since the kids are out of school and Orlando is a bit closer than Miami to NYC.

Hello SleepyatDVC,

I'm in Chicago this week at a Conference.

I will probably use my US Airways companion certificates for this cruise. I buy one ticket at the regular price and get two at $99.00 a piece for the next two.

My wife gets a certificate too so that covers the entire party of six.

The only draw back to this is that I will have to wait until next May to book our flight. Because this year's certificate is only good until next May.

Joe

[CruisinEars]

Hi Everyone!

I haven't read all the pages yet, but thought I would check in anyway. I just a few minutes ago booked this cruise. We were on the May3 Western a couple of weeks ago and rebooked a dummy date. Well, our dummy just turned into a real date. :cool1: I am so excited to be cruising again so soon. Well, sooner than originally planned. We also chose this cruise because it is the cheapest summer cruise and our kids will hopefully only miss the first couple days of school.

We are (at time of sailing):

Jennifer-just turned 42
Bruce-42
Andy-11
Elisabeth-8

[CruisinEars]

We are in N. Lynnwood.

Marsha, we are almost neighbors! We live near Silverlake but I grew up in Picnic Point and work near there. Small world.:thumbsup2

[eeyoregon]

Hi all.

Q: Do you know if you can book the ressie for 2 people and then add 2 people to the ressie later (same cabin)??

[CruisinEars]

Hi,

Yes you can. However, the 2 new cruisers will pay the current rate and if the cruise is getting full, there could be no availability to add more passengers in those demographics. I hope that is somewhat clear.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hi all.

Q: Do you know if you can book the ressie for 2 people and then add 2 people to the ressie later (same cabin)??

Don't forget that the fuel surcharge starts tomorrow. It might be easier and cheaper to book them now and then cancel them before 75 days out at no charge if they can't go.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Hi Everyone!

I haven't read all the pages yet, but thought I would check in anyway. I just a few minutes ago booked this cruise. We were on the May3 Western a couple of weeks ago and rebooked a dummy date. Well, our dummy just turned into a real date. :cool1: I am so excited to be cruising again so soon. Well, sooner than originally planned. We also chose this cruise because it is the cheapest summer cruise and our kids will hopefully only miss the first couple days of school.

We are (at time of sailing):

Jennifer-just turned 42
Bruce-42
Andy-11
Elisabeth-8

Welcome Aboard!!!!

My youngest DD will be 8 at sailing also.

Marsha, we are almost neighbors! We live near Silverlake but I grew up in Picnic Point and work near there. Small world.:thumbsup2

We have lots of cruisers from WA!!!

[CruisinEars]

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to getting to know my fellow cruisers. Our first cruise (the one we just took) was just so amazing that I hope this one can live up to it in our minds anyway.

Yay about your dd8. My dd would love to meet someone. She found a couple of girls to hang with last time and I think it made things much more fun for her.

I noticed too that there are alot of us from WA. A mini dis meet may be in order.

I am interested in what excursions people are planning eventually. I really want to check out St. John, but my family doesn't snorkle and those seem to be the only excursions offered.

[SleepyatDVC]

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to getting to know my fellow cruisers. Our first cruise (the one we just took) was just so amazing that I hope this one can live up to it in our minds anyway.

Yay about your dd8. My dd would love to meet someone. She found a couple of girls to hang with last time and I think it made things much more fun for her.

I noticed too that there are alot of us from WA. A mini dis meet may be in order.

I am interested in what excursions people are planning eventually. I really want to check out St. John, but my family doesn't snorkle and those seem to be the only excursions offered.

I've been to St. Thomas quite a few times and have never managed to get over to St. John so I really want to go over. We do do a bit of snorkeling but I wouldn't mind just hanging at the beach. Trying to figure out if we want to take the ferry over and just beach it on our own or do some sort of catamaran or day sail excursion that includes seeing some of St.John from the water.

[mrsmoore]

Marsha, we are almost neighbors! We live near Silverlake but I grew up in Picnic Point and work near there. Small world.:thumbsup2

Hi Jennifer, welcome!! I actually work in S. Everett, over by Mariner HS. I can't believe how many of us from WA on here! I just signed up for an Alaska Air visa card, so plan to save miles and hopefully have a free ticket, a $50 companion pass, and pay for one ticket.

I thought about going to Tortola for the St Thomas day. DH is golfing, so I am looking for something maybe just in the AM for DD and I, then spend the PM on the boat relaxing. FIL and his wife may join us!

[Luckymommyx2]

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around but it looks like things are staying active here. I just wanted to let everyone know that I just cancelled this cruise. I'm extremely sad but we really felt we needed to. Luckily we have taken this cruise before so we have that experience to keep with us. Hopefully we will return to DCL in the future but for now we have to do what's best for our family. I wish everyone a BON VOYAGE!!

[SleepyatDVC]

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around but it looks like things are staying active here. I just wanted to let everyone know that I just cancelled this cruise. I'm extremely sad but we really felt we needed to. Luckily we have taken this cruise before so we have that experience to keep with us. Hopefully we will return to DCL in the future but for now we have to do what's best for our family. I wish everyone a BON VOYAGE!!

Awwwww shucks!! You have to do what you have to do though.

I've been meaning to ask how your DD did in the NYC competition though. Hope she did well! :thumbsup2

[CruisinEars]

Hi Jennifer, welcome!! I actually work in S. Everett, over by Mariner HS. I can't believe how many of us from WA on here! I just signed up for an Alaska Air visa card, so plan to save miles and hopefully have a free ticket, a $50 companion pass, and pay for one ticket.

I thought about going to Tortola for the St Thomas day. DH is golfing, so I am looking for something maybe just in the AM for DD and I, then spend the PM on the boat relaxing. FIL and his wife may join us!


OMG, that is too funny. We are doing the same thing with the visa. My dh just signed up for it on our last trip. We actually flew the SEA-MCO direct flight on Alaska and it was great, and we used miles for all of us. We are hoping to use miles for 1, companion for 1 and buy 2 tickets this trip.

I had no idea Tortola was so close. We really wanted to do the Tortola cruise but it was so much more expensive. How are you planning to get to Tortola?

[CruisinEars]

I am curious where people are staying of doing WDW before or after the cruise. I went to WDW in 1993 in HS, and we stayed in Kissimee. So, I know very little about the resorts. I just bought the Passporter, then read they will have a new one for 2009, oh well!

I am leaning towards Coronado Springs or Wilderness Lodge. I prefer WL, but not against Coronado Springs.

I am curious where you have stayed or are staying and any feedback. Thanks!

We are planning 3-4 days before the cruise. We just did 7 days after and we were exhausted when we got home. We decided before is the way to go. Plus, the kids will be starting school right after we get home. We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in LBV and it was very nice. My dh was looking this evening at hotels and we will probably stay at the RI near Seaworld. They have a better pool.

I have stayed at the Coronado Springs and it was okay. The Wilderness Lodge doesn't appeal to us, so we haven't wanted to stay there. When I go to Florida, I want to stay in a hotel that is tropical. WL is just too much like home. ;)

[mrsmoore]

OMG, that is too funny. We are doing the same thing with the visa. My dh just signed up for it on our last trip. We actually flew the SEA-MCO direct flight on Alaska and it was great, and we used miles for all of us. We are hoping to use miles for 1, companion for 1 and buy 2 tickets this trip.

I had no idea Tortola was so close. We really wanted to do the Tortola cruise but it was so much more expensive. How are you planning to get to Tortola?

We are planning on the direct too, probably the red eye. DD will be 4 and I would rather deal with one long flight, then messing with connections. And we are loyal Alaska Air customers! And FIL will maybe give us some upgrades.

DCL is showing a Tortola Dolphin experience on their St. Thomas port excursions. It is a boat that takes you. DD would be too young to swim with them, but just taking the boat and watching would be fun. I will likely end up taking her to Coral World in the Am though. Isn't that pirate night? So I want to make sure she gets a nap that night.

Funny thing is the WL appeals to me more because like home!! :)

[NJBILL]

We just booked..Looking forward to another great Disney Cruise.
DH-51
DW-40
DS-14
DS-12
DD-12

[My4PhillyGirls]

We just booked..Looking forward to another great Disney Cruise.
DH-51
DW-40
DS-14
DS-12
DD-12

Glad that you will be joining us. This should be a great end of the summer cruise.

I see that you have two children age twelve. If they are twins, please read the previous pages and I think there is another family that will be traveling with twins also.

Joe

[Luckymommyx2]

Awwwww shucks!! You have to do what you have to do though.

I've been meaning to ask how your DD did in the NYC competition though. Hope she did well! :thumbsup2


I know...I was looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great cruise. I'm still a little sad so I haven't been reading through the thread.

My daughter did really well in the competition. She loved NYC! We don't know exactly where she placed because they only gave out awards for the top three. It was a huge competition this year...96 entries in her level alone!! This past weekend she was invited to dance in a festival that usually only professionals dance in so she was on cloud 9. :cloud9: Next up is my son's international ice hockey tournament so things are never dull around here. At least it keeps me from dwelling on the cruise. Right now we're looking at possibly taking a short DVC trip sometime next year if we don't sell our points soon.

I'll stop by every once in awhile to see how the planning is coming along and maybe even answer a few questions since I've been on this cruise before. Just do me a favor and have a drink for me at the sailaway party! I'll be thinking of everyone and watching you on the webcam!!! :surfweb: :lovestruc :wave2:

[CruisinEars]

We just booked..Looking forward to another great Disney Cruise.
DH-51
DW-40
DS-14
DS-12
DD-12

Welcome to our little group. Glad to have you join us. Are your kids ages listed as of now or at time of cruise?

[NJBILL]

Welcome to our little group. Glad to have you join us. Are your kids ages listed as of now or at time of cruise?

Time of cruise

[My4PhillyGirls]

Today my mom and dad officially joined our cruise group. This brings our group size to eight.

They got one of the sph cabins:banana: :banana: :banana:

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

We just booked..Looking forward to another great Disney Cruise.
DH-51
DW-40
DS-14
DS-12
DD-12


Welcome aboard!!!!

[SleepyatDVC]

Today my mom and dad officially joined our cruise group. This brings our group size to eight.

They got one of the sph cabins:banana: :banana: :banana:

Joe

Great news for your family!

[tomatos5@shaw.ca]

Our family is going as well on the August 29 2009 cruise.

DH39, DW39, DD12,DS9,DD8(At the time of the cruise). It is our first cruise. Our youngest has Autism and she loves the water and Disney. Wait... we all love it. Will be nice to see everyone onboard.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Our family is going as well on the August 29 2009 cruise.

DH39, DW39, DD12,DS9,DD8(At the time of the cruise). It is our first cruise. Our youngest has Autism and she loves the water and Disney. Wait... we all love it. Will be nice to see everyone onboard.

Welcome,

Glad that your family is joining us.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Our family is going as well on the August 29 2009 cruise.

DH39, DW39, DD12,DS9,DD8(At the time of the cruise). It is our first cruise. Our youngest has Autism and she loves the water and Disney. Wait... we all love it. Will be nice to see everyone onboard.

Glad to have your family aboard!!!

[SleepyatDVC]

Hey Joe and everyone else -

Now that we have so many people joining this rollcall...

Since Luckymommyx2 is no longer on this cruise with us :sad1: and she was the one to start this thread, how do you think we should maintain the rollcall list now? Luckymommyx2 won't be able to edit her first post to keep the list updated anymore.

Options:

1) Someone else that posted on the FIRST page of the rollcall will take over the list and continue to update on the first page.

2) Start a new thread with a link to it from this thread.

3) Just post the roll call list periodically so that it comes up frequently - especially when new cruisers join/post.

4) ???


Personally, I'm thinking #3. Lots of other boards don't even have the edit function after the first 5-10 minutes so we are use to updating the rollcalls periodically throughout the thread.

What does anyone else think?

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hey Joe and everyone else -

Now that we have so many people joining this rollcall...

Since Luckymommyx2 is no longer on this cruise with us :sad1: and she was the one to start this thread, how do you think we should maintain the rollcall list now? Luckymommyx2 won't be able to edit her first post to keep the list updated anymore.

Options:

1) Someone else that posted on the FIRST page of the rollcall will take over the list and continue to update on the first page.

2) Start a new thread with a link to it from this thread.

3) Just post the roll call list periodically so that it comes up frequently - especially when new cruisers join/post.

4) ???


Personally, I'm thinking #3. Lots of other boards don't even have the edit function after the first 5-10 minutes so we are use to updating the rollcalls periodically throughout the thread.

What does anyone else think?


I vote for option #3. DCL is having that great 50% deposit promotion right now so we may get a lot of new cruisers in the next month.

Joe

[eeyoregon]

Hi all. I haven't checked-in for a while. I still have not booked (hello fuel surcharge :worried: ) but am frantically trying to come up with the 1/2 off deposit by the deadline.

DS15 was nominated by his principal (only 1 of 6 students from his 3000+ student high school...proud mommy moment) to go to a conference in Washington DC in the fall so my deposit money went towards securing his spot ($1,600 not including airfare :scared1: ), which is awesome and I am thrilled that I could do it on my single-mommy income but it sort of killed our DCL fund.

How many 5 cent pop cans does it take to get $375??????

Gina (37)
Hayden (15.5)
Jensen (12.5)

[CruisinEars]

I was wondering the same thing. I also vote for #3. We did that on our last cruise thread and I was the one keeping the list. I am happy to volunteer again.

[SleepyatDVC]

I vote for option #3. DCL is having that great 50% deposit promotion right now so we may get a lot of new cruisers in the next month.

Joe

I was wondering the same thing. I also vote for #3. We did that on our last cruise thread and I was the one keeping the list. I am happy to volunteer again.

Whoo hoo!!!! :woohoo:

A volunteer to do the work!!!! :banana:

[SleepyatDVC]

Hi all. I haven't checked-in for a while. I still have not booked (hello fuel surcharge :worried: ) but am frantically trying to come up with the 1/2 off deposit by the deadline.

DS15 was nominated by his principal (only 1 of 6 students from his 3000+ student high school...proud mommy moment) to go to a conference in Washington DC in the fall so my deposit money went towards securing his spot ($1,600 not including airfare :scared1: ), which is awesome and I am thrilled that I could do it on my single-mommy income but it sort of killed our DCL fund.

How many 5 cent pop cans does it take to get $375??????

Gina (37)
Hayden (15.5)
Jensen (12.5)

Well congratulations to your DS!!! That is quite an achievement!

Good thing the cruise is still a whiles away.

[eeyoregon]

Well congratulations to your DS!!! That is quite an achievement!

Thank you.

I can't believe that his freshman year is over in a week! But then I got to thinking that when we go on this cruise, it will be just days before he starts his JUNIOR year!!! Oh dear. Where have the years gone?? My little babies are no more :sad1:

[CruisinEars]

When I kept the previous list I had people pm, post or email me (thelisterlady at gmail dot com) their info.

The info would be names of people in your party and ages of kids, Dis id, where from, cabin number and fish extender participation (yes or no), then this list was also used by the people doing the fe gift exchange.

If this sounds acceptable, I will start collecting info and posting the list. Any other ideas, please feel free to chime in.

I would also like to propose that we come up with a fun name for our group, like all the others do. And a dis identifier. Our last group wore lime green silicone bracelets. Just some thoughts to ponder.

[CruisinEars]

Thank you.

I can't believe that his freshman year is over in a week! But then I got to thinking that when we go on this cruise, it will be just days before he starts his JUNIOR year!!! Oh dear. Where have the years gone?? My little babies are no more :sad1:

I can totally relate! My babies are finishing 1st and 4th grade and I was thinking that this cruise will be right before my oldest starts 6th grade which is his first year in middle school. Oh, my! Seems like just yesterday I was taking him to kindergarten.

Congrats to your ds by the way. That is quite the honor. I sure hope you can come up with the deposit soon so you can join us. Can you have a garage sale? Sell something on ebay or craigslist? :goodvibes

[SleepyatDVC]

When I kept the previous list I had people pm, post or email me (thelisterlady at gmail dot com) their info.

The info would be names of people in your party and ages of kids, Dis id, where from, cabin number and fish extender participation (yes or no), then this list was also used by the people doing the fe gift exchange.

If this sounds acceptable, I will start collecting info and posting the list. Any other ideas, please feel free to chime in.

I would also like to propose that we come up with a fun name for our group, like all the others do. And a dis identifier. Our last group wore lime green silicone bracelets. Just some thoughts to ponder.

Here's the previous roll call. It hasn't been updated in a while so, if you are missing, please post or PM CruisinEars to get added.



Our Magical Cast Includes...

From Toronto, Ontario
mrs potatohead-35
DH - 35
DD - 12
DS - 12
DS - 4

From Salem, Oregon
eeyoregon (Gina 38 at time of cruise single mom)
Son (Hayden 16 at time of cruise)
Son (Jensen 13 at time of cruise)

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
My4PhillyGirls (Joe) (42 at the time of cruise)
DW (41 at the time of cruise)
DD (17 at the time of cruise)
DD (13 at the time of cruise)
DD (9 at the time of cruise)
DMIL

From NYC, New York
SleepyatDVC 40 (Grace)
DH 40+
DD 10
DD 8

From South Florida
jodifla, 48
DH, 49
DS, 7 at the time of the cruise

[SleepyatDVC]

My weekend will be starting early. Leaving for an out of town wedding tomorrow.

So, hope everyone has a great weekend!!

[CruisinEars]

Thank you for the list Grace. Have a great time at the Wedding.

[NJBILL]

It appears we are switching our original plans on the Magic to RCL Freedom of the Seas..we received a family oceanview (for 5) room (had 2 insides on Magic)and many more activities than the Magic offers for the same price..

I was also concerned about the size of the Magic vs Freedom for the eastern route..We enjoyed the Explorer last year, and the Freedom has even more stuff..We really enjoyed our previous two Disney cruises to the Bahamas,but my kids will be a year older and they opted for the Freedom.

I Hope everyone has a great cruise, and I am looking forward to the new larger Disney ships in 2010/2011.::yes::

[My4PhillyGirls]

It appears we are switching our original plans on the Magic to RCL Freedom of the Seas..we received a family oceanview (for 5) room (had 2 insides on Magic)and many more activities than the Magic offers for the same price..

I was also concerned about the size of the Magic vs Freedom for the eastern route..We enjoyed the Explorer last year, and the Freedom has even more stuff..We really enjoyed our previous two Disney cruises to the Bahamas,but my kids will be a year older and they opted for the Freedom.

I Hope everyone has a great cruise, and I am looking forward to the new larger Disney ships in 2010/2011.::yes::

No worries NJBill,

Please don't shed a tear when looking down on our little ship while we are having a blast at the sail away party and then you hear our horn as we sail into the sunset:rotfl2:

I hope you and your family enjoy your cruise and we will probably be at the same VI ports at the same time.:)

On another note my MIL is traveling with us did the FOS Western Itinerary last year and now she is trying DCL for the first time. She can't believe that they make cruise ships without casinos:confused3

Joe

[eeyoregon]

Starting to think this cruise is not meant to be!

DS15 had to have emergency appendix surgery yesterday = I missed 2 days of work and am out of sick time so NO PAY for 2 days. The deposit $ is getting further and further out of reach. Sigh.

But I'm not giving up!!

[CruisinEars]

Starting to think this cruise is not meant to be!

DS15 had to have emergency appendix surgery yesterday = I missed 2 days of work and am out of sick time so NO PAY for 2 days. The deposit $ is getting further and further out of reach. Sigh.

But I'm not giving up!!

Oh NO! I hope he is doing okay. Take care, and if this cruise is meant to be, you will find the money for the deposit. :hug:

[My4PhillyGirls]

Starting to think this cruise is not meant to be!

DS15 had to have emergency appendix surgery yesterday = I missed 2 days of work and am out of sick time so NO PAY for 2 days. The deposit $ is getting further and further out of reach. Sigh.

But I'm not giving up!!

I pray that all is well. Remember that this cruise is filling up slowly. Just look at the fuel surcharge as one less excursion that you can take and the 50% deposit discount doesn't change the total amount that you still have to pay.

On the bright side, it is a good thing that this illness happened now instead of while on the cruise:thumbsup2

Joe

[kimlam1]

Sorry I've been off the boards for awhile. We need to be added to the roll call list:

kimlam1 - Kim, DH, DD(10), DD(8), DS(4)
from Sammamish, WA

We defineitly need to plan a WA get together! July or August? Any suggested locations? A park would be nice so the kids could play.

Kim

[CruisinEars]

Hi Everyone!

Here is the list I have so far. If you wish to be added to the list or add/change information about your family feel free to post, pm or email me at thelisterlady at gmail dot com. I will update and post this list on new pages as needed throughout the discussion. I will use the format I used on the last thread and you are welcome to provide as much or as little information as you are comfortable with. Also, to make things easier I will add fish extender participation (yes or no) so that when the time comes all the info is in one place. So, here goes:

(ages are "time of cruise")

1. cruisers: Jennifer 42 (celebrating my BD on the cruise), Bruce 42, Andy 11, Elisabeth 8
Dis id: cruisinears
from: Everett, WA
cabin: 2585
fe: yes

2. cruisers: DW 35, DH 35, DD 12, DS 12, DS 4
Dis id: Mrs. Potatohead
from: Toronto, Ont.
cabin: ?
fe: ?

3. cruisers: Gina 38, DS Hayden 16, DS Jensen 13
Dis id: Eeyoregon
from: Salem OR
cabin: 2576
fe: ?

4. cruisers: Joe 42, DW 41, DD 17, DD 13, DD9, DMIL
Dis id: My4PhillyGirls
from: Philadelphia PA
cabin: ?
fe: ?

5. cruisers: Grace 40, DH 40+, DD 10, DD 8
Dis id: SleepyatDVC
from: NYC NY
cabin: ?
fe: ?

6. cruisers: DW 48, DH 49, DS 7
Dis id: Jodifla
from: S. FL
cabin: ?
fe: ?

7. cruisers: Jill, DH, DD 11, DD 16
Dis id: ScrapperJill
from: WA
cabin: ?
fe: ?

8. cruisers: Marsha 32, DH Jason 34, DD Trinity 4
Dis id: Mrs. Moore
from: Lynnwood WA
cabin: 7066
fe: ?

9. cruisers: Kim, DH, DD 10, DD8, DS 4
Dis id: Kimlam1
from: Sammamish WA
cabin: ?
fe: yes

10. cruisers: DH 39, DW 39, DD 12, DS 9, DD 8
Dis id: tomatos5@shaw.ca
from: Edmonton Alberta
cabin: ?
fe: ?

11. cruisers: Michael 46, Cindy 39, Malcolm 15, Montana 12
Dis id: RunDanceSkate
from: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
cabin: 5522
fe: yes

[kimlam1]

I have to look up my cabin numbers, but we will definitely be doing Fish Extenders. :-)

Kim

[mrsmoore]

So, I am new to this cruising thing!! I have read bits and pieces about fish extenders and I am curious what exactly they are?? If I choose to participate, what do I have to do or bring? They sound cool, but kinda gotta convince DH too!!

Thanks!

[SleepyatDVC]

So, I am new to this cruising thing!! I have read bits and pieces about fish extenders and I am curious what exactly they are?? If I choose to participate, what do I have to do or bring? They sound cool, but kinda gotta convince DH too!!

Thanks!

Same here.

[My4PhillyGirls]

If you go to Page 1 of our thread and reply #9 you will get my brief explanation of FE's. Our family participated last year on the 4 Night Wonder and it was a lot of fun:thumbsup2

Joe

[RunDanceSkate]

We are going on a cruise. We're so excited. Originally we were going to Hong Kong and Tokyo summer 2009 but when I realized how late labor day was going to be and checked the price of the cruise, I talked the family into changing plans.

We are:
cruisers: Michael 46, Cindy 39, Malcolm 15, Montana 12
Dis id: RunDanceSkate
from: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
cabin: 5522
fe: yes

A little background. We are a true Disney family. We have been to WDW every year 2 or 3 times per year since my youngest was born (and once a year or so before that) Our last trip was August 2006, when we decided not to take a vacation until summer 2007 when we spent 6 weeks backpacking through Europe. During the trip we hit Disneyland Paris and decided that we needed to visit all the world's Disney's before going back to WDW. So the plan is:
August 2008 we will be in California for 2weeks.
August 2009 Cruise
June 2010 HK/Tokyo

Then we will feel as though we have traveled the world and returned to our home WDW LOL.

DS Malcolm is a competitive level ice dancer whose schedule pretty much dictates our vacation time. Malcolm and I will be running the 1/2 marathon at Disneyland this summer.

DD Montana is a competitive Irish Dancer. She plans to preform in the talent show and eat mickey bars. Did you know that they don't sell Mickey bars in Paris. She was crushed. So we had to check into the Mickey bar cruise ship status ahead of time.

DH is a workaholic who travels worldwide every other week. Even though he has shopped in downtown Disney's worldwide he will not set foot in a park until we have visited it as a family first.

I manage a pizza shop and can luckily schedule my time off when I want it.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Welcome to our group. We look forward to your contributions in preparing for this awsome cruise.

Joe

[tomatos5@shaw.ca]

It is good to see their are some Canadians on this cruise. It is our first cruise and very excited. Had to get two staterooms since there is five of us and the price is less expensive then getting a Cat 4 room. Planning on not being in the rooms much. We are going to be Orlando for two weeks prior so we are trying to pack light and buy things in Orlando for the cruise.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello Everyone,

Today I moved my mom and dad to a secret veranda cabin as a surprise. Therefore 5520 is now available! It is a great room with a porthole at an inside rate. Almost no obstruction.

Any takers before its gone:confused3

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

We are going on a cruise. We're so excited. Originally we were going to Hong Kong and Tokyo summer 2009 but when I realized how late labor day was going to be and checked the price of the cruise, I talked the family into changing plans.

We are:
cruisers: Michael 46, Cindy 39, Malcolm 15, Montana 12
Dis id: RunDanceSkate
from: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
cabin: 5522
fe: yes

A little background. We are a true Disney family. We have been to WDW every year 2 or 3 times per year since my youngest was born (and once a year or so before that) Our last trip was August 2006, when we decided not to take a vacation until summer 2007 when we spent 6 weeks backpacking through Europe. During the trip we hit Disneyland Paris and decided that we needed to visit all the world's Disney's before going back to WDW. So the plan is:
August 2008 we will be in California for 2weeks.
August 2009 Cruise
June 2010 HK/Tokyo

Then we will feel as though we have traveled the world and returned to our home WDW LOL.

DS Malcolm is a competitive level ice dancer whose schedule pretty much dictates our vacation time. Malcolm and I will be running the 1/2 marathon at Disneyland this summer.

DD Montana is a competitive Irish Dancer. She plans to preform in the talent show and eat mickey bars. Did you know that they don't sell Mickey bars in Paris. She was crushed. So we had to check into the Mickey bar cruise ship status ahead of time.

DH is a workaholic who travels worldwide every other week. Even though he has shopped in downtown Disney's worldwide he will not set foot in a park until we have visited it as a family first.

I manage a pizza shop and can luckily schedule my time off when I want it.

Welcome to the roll call.

[SleepyatDVC]

Still here but been real busy.

[CruisinEars]

Still here too. Nothing much going on. Wish I could be planning the trip, but it is just too soon to do anything. Oh well, guess I will work on our plans for Christmas. We are planning on flying to Tucson to see my parents. Still need to buy the plane tickets for that one.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello Everyone,

We are getting to the travel portion of our summer. We will be in Dallas, TX next week and a few weeks later we will be going to Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico:banana: :banana: :banana:

While in Mexico we hope to see the Magic while she is in Puerto Vallarta. We are trying to convince the family members that we are traveling with this summer to join us on this cruise. :confused3

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Well, my girls last day of school was last Thursday. So, this is their first week of summer.


Things here on the roll call will pick up after the summer. Can't even search for airfare for next August yet.


Probably everyone is busy with summer activities. Hope we all have a good summer!!! :woohoo:

Later folks!

[skiingwife]

Right now I have the 4 night Wonder booked on August 30. I really would like to switch to the 7 night. My family includes: me, DH, DS16, DS14, and DS11 (ages at the time of the cruise).

DH, youngest son, and I went on the 4 night Wonder last October. We had a wonderful time. I decided I needed to go again with the whole family this time. I just priced 2 connecting cat 6's and the price is $6457. Our 4 night price (for 2 cat 7's) is $4400, so it's a $2000 increase, but it is 3 more nights, right? I should have booked the 7 nighter back when the rates came out, but I went with the 4. I wonder how much the prices have increased already? I guess I'd feel better if they haven't gone up that much.

Anyway, I'll post back here again when I know for sure if we're going. If we go, I'm planning to do the Loterie Farm Zip Line adventure in St. Martin and then over to the beach that's right at the runway of the airport to watch the planes come in closeup. I think it is Sunset Beach. In St. Thomas, I think we will do a beach day at Magens Bay. Has anyone else been to St. Thomas before that can offer other ideas?

Melissa

[My4PhillyGirls]

Right now I have the 4 night Wonder booked on August 30. I really would like to switch to the 7 night. My family includes: me, DH, DS16, DS14, and DS11 (ages at the time of the cruise).

DH, youngest son, and I went on the 4 night Wonder last October. We had a wonderful time. I decided I needed to go again with the whole family this time. I just priced 2 connecting cat 6's and the price is $6457. Our 4 night price (for 2 cat 7's) is $4400, so it's a $2000 increase, but it is 3 more nights, right? I should have booked the 7 nighter back when the rates came out, but I went with the 4. I wonder how much the prices have increased already? I guess I'd feel better if they haven't gone up that much.

Anyway, I'll post back here again when I know for sure if we're going. If we go, I'm planning to do the Loterie Farm Zip Line adventure in St. Martin and then over to the beach that's right at the runway of the airport to watch the planes come in closeup. I think it is Sunset Beach. In St. Thomas, I think we will do a beach day at Magens Bay. Has anyone else been to St. Thomas before that can offer other ideas?

Melissa

We have two connecting cat 6's also and the prices haven't gone up since they were release (minus the fuel surcharge).

Another option that could save you money could be to book one cat 6 and a
cat 11 directly accross the hall. Your oldest two could sleep in the inside room and your youngest can sleep with the adults.

When booking make sure that you put 3 in the cat 11 and only two in the cat 6:thumbsup2 It will save you more money.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

Also when looking at Cat 6 rooms some only sleep 3 and others sleep 4. If you get a cat 6 that sleeps 4 then somone can enjoy the veranda while all four beds (one queen and the two twins) can be used for naps.

Just a thought:)

Joe

[skiingwife]

Thanks Philly, that's good to know that prices haven't gone up. I think I'll call and get the price of an inside room.

[eeyoregon]

Thanks Philly, that's good to know that prices haven't gone up. I think I'll call and get the price of an inside room.

My sons will be 13.5 and 16.5 when we cruise...hope you will be joining us!

[pattiteach]

My family just booked. This will be our second Disney cruise. At time of sailing will be... me-38,dh-42,ds-15,d2-12 and dd-9. They did not do the clubs last time, maybe this time??? Last time we surprised them and didn't tell them until the limo was outfront of our house to take us to the airport. We just might do the same. We are cruising to Bermuda this aug. on rc, disney in nov., and this, on a tight budget!!!!!!! I see someone else is from philly, so are we, fox chase.:cool1:

[My4PhillyGirls]

My family just booked. This will be our second Disney cruise. At time of sailing will be... me-38,dh-42,ds-15,d2-12 and dd-9. They did not do the clubs last time, maybe this time??? Last time we surprised them and didn't tell them until the limo was outfront of our house to take us to the airport. We just might do the same. We are cruising to Bermuda this aug. on rc, disney in nov., and this, on a tight budget!!!!!!! I see someone else is from philly, so are we, fox chase.:cool1:

Glad that you will be joining us. My youngest daughter (9) will be the same age as yours when we sail.

Joe

[eeyoregon]

Hello Everyone,

Today I moved my mom and dad to a secret veranda cabin as a surprise. Therefore 5520 is now available! It is a great room with a porthole at an inside rate. Almost no obstruction.

Any takers before its gone:confused3

Joe

SPH #5520 was available this evening so I booked that baby!!! :cool1:

:woohoo: WE ARE FINALLY OFFICIALLY ON THIS CRUISE!!! :banana:

[eeyoregon]

At time of sailing will be... me-38,dh-42,ds-15,d2-12 and dd-9.

Is your 12 year old a boy or girl? Looks like my boys will have lot's of kids their ages!

[SleepyatDVC]

My family just booked. This will be our second Disney cruise. At time of sailing will be... me-38,dh-42,ds-15,d2-12 and dd-9. They did not do the clubs last time, maybe this time??? Last time we surprised them and didn't tell them until the limo was outfront of our house to take us to the airport. We just might do the same. We are cruising to Bermuda this aug. on rc, disney in nov., and this, on a tight budget!!!!!!! I see someone else is from philly, so are we, fox chase.:cool1:

Welcome!!! My DDs will be 10 and 8 at sailing.

SPH #5520 was available this evening so I booked that baby!!! :cool1:

:woohoo: WE ARE FINALLY OFFICIALLY ON THIS CRUISE!!! :banana:

:woohoo:

[CruisinEars]

SPH #5520 was available this evening so I booked that baby!!! :cool1:

:woohoo: WE ARE FINALLY OFFICIALLY ON THIS CRUISE!!! :banana:

Yay!!:cool1: I am so glad it is official.

[eeyoregon]

So, has anyone stayed in SPH #5520 before? I am wondering if it has one of the steamer trunks that I sooo love?

Next step: buy the travel insurance. Run down of 2008 so far: DS15 had shoulder surgery in April. DS15 had emergency appendix surgery 2 weeks ago. DS12's face became one with the pavement yesterday while skate boarding = 4th of July spent in urgent care and some shiny new stitches below his eyebrow.

Gee I hope 2009 is better!

I got soooo excited when I saw the dolphin excursion in ST. Maarten until I saw the price :sad1: . I can't afford $189 per person!!

[pattiteach]

thank you for the welcomes, My 2 oldest are boys and youngest a girl. I have a question, because it has been a few years since my last dc, I wasn't sure if this changed. At the meet and greets, do we do any activity just for the kids so that they meet each other? Just a thought...

[My4PhillyGirls]

We haven't made a decision on a cruise meet yet. On my past cruises some of the interested youth exchanged emails to get familiar with each other. The parents made PM contacts and then gave out the email addresses if their children were interested.

My oldest dd's were anti social until we got on the cruise while my youngest sent emails under parent supervision of course:thumbsup2

Joe

[Magic Family]

HOW WE GOT HERE: I checked the Christmas cruise for 2009 because we LOVED our Christmas cruise in 2007...$10,800! :scared1: So, I started checking dates when my husband's schedule also worked with the kids' school schedule (not many dates and, of course, all the holidays are so much more $$). We landed at August 29, 2009 because it was by far the least expensive week in August, and the kids won't start school next year until September 8. Simply put, we could do TWO of these cruises for the price of the Christmas cruise! :banana:

WHO WE ARE: At the time of the cruise, it will be me ::MinnieMo (44), DH :surfweb: (47), DS :jester:(16), and DD :tink:(14). DD will be in the teen group with her brother this time...something he's not thrilled with (so he says :cool2:).

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Our Dec. 2007 cruise was absolutely the best vacation we've ever had. However, my husband did not join us; my mother went instead. He is actually on board this time, and I hope he enjoys it as much as we did! The kids made friends during the ship tour on the first day, and we saw them for excursions, evening shows (at my insistence), and dinner only after that. I'm looking forward to the additional day at sea on the Eastern. There were SO many things we didn't do on the ship last time. I can't wait to get back to the spa...simply delightful. The food...I gained almost 5 pounds...need I say more. :thumbsup2

[My4PhillyGirls]

HOW WE GOT HERE: I checked the Christmas cruise for 2009 because we LOVED our Christmas cruise in 2007...$10,800! :scared1: So, I started checking dates when my husband's schedule also worked with the kids' school schedule (not many dates and, of course, all the holidays are so much more $$). We landed at August 29, 2009 because it was by far the least expensive week in August, and the kids won't start school next year until September 8. Simply put, we could do TWO of these cruises for the price of the Christmas cruise! :banana:

WHO WE ARE: At the time of the cruise, it will be me ::MinnieMo (44), DH :surfweb: (47), DS :jester:(16), and DD :tink:(14). DD will be in the teen group with her brother this time...something he's not thrilled with (so he says :cool2:).

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Our Dec. 2007 cruise was absolutely the best vacation we've ever had. However, my husband did not join us; my mother went instead. He is actually on board this time, and I hope he enjoys it as much as we did! The kids made friends during the ship tour on the first day, and we saw them for excursions, evening shows (at my insistence), and dinner only after that. I'm looking forward to the additional day at sea on the Eastern. There were SO many things we didn't do on the ship last time. I can't wait to get back to the spa...simply delightful. The food...I gained almost 5 pounds...need I say more. :thumbsup2

We just got back from hot!!! Dallas, TX. Glad to see more are joining the dis group. It is my guess that more will book based on the price and when the August cruisers book on board.

We are less than 59 weeks and counting:cool1:

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

So, has anyone stayed in SPH #5520 before? I am wondering if it has one of the steamer trunks that I sooo love?



Yes, 5520 does have the steamer trunk. I think there are some photos of the room if you do a search on this board and on the internet.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

HOW WE GOT HERE: I checked the Christmas cruise for 2009 because we LOVED our Christmas cruise in 2007...$10,800! :scared1: So, I started checking dates when my husband's schedule also worked with the kids' school schedule (not many dates and, of course, all the holidays are so much more $$). We landed at August 29, 2009 because it was by far the least expensive week in August, and the kids won't start school next year until September 8. Simply put, we could do TWO of these cruises for the price of the Christmas cruise! :banana:

WHO WE ARE: At the time of the cruise, it will be me ::MinnieMo (44), DH :surfweb: (47), DS :jester:(16), and DD :tink:(14). DD will be in the teen group with her brother this time...something he's not thrilled with (so he says :cool2:).

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Our Dec. 2007 cruise was absolutely the best vacation we've ever had. However, my husband did not join us; my mother went instead. He is actually on board this time, and I hope he enjoys it as much as we did! The kids made friends during the ship tour on the first day, and we saw them for excursions, evening shows (at my insistence), and dinner only after that. I'm looking forward to the additional day at sea on the Eastern. There were SO many things we didn't do on the ship last time. I can't wait to get back to the spa...simply delightful. The food...I gained almost 5 pounds...need I say more. :thumbsup2

WELCOME!!!

School and work schedules and PRICING are exactly the same reasons we booked this particular cruise. :thumbsup2

[eeyoregon]

Yes, 5520 does have the steamer trunk.

Really? I posted on another board and someone, who stayed in it in January said it did not have a trunk? :confused3 Awe, who cares....I'll be a on a Disney Cruise!

UPDATE: No steamer trunk. I found a thread for cabin 5520 that confirmed it. No biggie.

[My4PhillyGirls]

Really? I posted on another board and someone, who stayed in it in January said it did not have a trunk? :confused3 Awe, who cares....I'll be a on a Disney Cruise!

UPDATE: No steamer trunk. I found a thread for cabin 5520 that confirmed it. No biggie.

You are right, I just checked the photos on the website that has great photos of this room and there is no steamer trunk.:confused3

Sorry about that. I must be thinking of my mom's new cabin.

Joe

[eeyoregon]

Well, SPH cabin #5520 is up for grabs, again!

I changed to a category 9 on deck 2 as we are very likely going to have friends cruising with us and want to be close to them. Just as long as I have a port-hole window, I am happy.

Gina

[justhat]

We just switched our sail date from 10/10/09 to this cruise because of the price difference too. We'll be saving $1K on our Cat 4! We just rebooked it a few days ago and I'm so glad cause I just checked today and the price has gone up today.

Anyway, our cast of characters includes me, my husband, our daughter who will be 5.5yo and our son who will be 3yo. We'll be sailing with some friends (who better come join this thread soon!) so we're really looking forward to it.

[SleepyatDVC]

We just switched our sail date from 10/10/09 to this cruise because of the price difference too. We'll be saving $1K on our Cat 4! We just rebooked it a few days ago and I'm so glad cause I just checked today and the price has gone up today.

Anyway, our cast of characters includes me, my husband, our daughter who will be 5.5yo and our son who will be 3yo. We'll be sailing with some friends (who better come join this thread soon!) so we're really looking forward to it.

Welcome to the rollcall and this sailing!!

Seems like this cruise is the deal of the summer. :thumbsup2 And we are all smart shoppers. ;)

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello Everyone,

Upon hearing of the latest price increase I decided to check to see how much I have saved with booking this cruise early. As of today, we have saved $506.00 booking two Cat. 6's:cool1:

We booked as soon as the dates came out. It seemed like it was way too early to book this cruise especially since there was no price change for close to six months.

If the gradual increase keeps going, we may have saved enough to buy our plane tickets to Orlando:banana: :banana: :banana:

Joe

[Va-bear]

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!:yay: :woohoo: :banana:

We are taking our first Disney cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :woohoo:
Sons first cruise ever - and only our 2nd (the first being 10 yrs ago for 3 days...I was sooooooooooo sick :sick: aqnd couldnt drink - as I found out I was pregnant the day before we left.) So...lets try again!!!!

We are : DH
ME!!!! (Virginia - I'm from there and am named that too...:) )
DS 10
DS 6

OK....now gotta go read the 13 pages here to get caught up and meet my new shipmates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes

[eeyoregon]

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!:yay: :woohoo: :banana:

We are taking our first Disney cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :woohoo:
Sons first cruise ever - and only our 2nd (the first being 10 yrs ago for 3 days...I was sooooooooooo sick :sick: aqnd couldnt drink - as I found out I was pregnant the day before we left.) So...lets try again!!!!

We are : DH
ME!!!! (Virginia - I'm from there and am named that too...:) )
DS 10
DS 6

OK....now gotta go read the 13 pages here to get caught up and meet my new shipmates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes

WELCOME!

[eeyoregon]

This post has been edited: Co-worker and family have booked this cruise.

[CruisinEars]

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!:yay: :woohoo: :banana:

We are taking our first Disney cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :woohoo:
Sons first cruise ever - and only our 2nd (the first being 10 yrs ago for 3 days...I was sooooooooooo sick :sick: aqnd couldnt drink - as I found out I was pregnant the day before we left.) So...lets try again!!!!

We are : DH
ME!!!! (Virginia - I'm from there and am named that too...:) )
DS 10
DS 6

OK....now gotta go read the 13 pages here to get caught up and meet my new shipmates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes

Welcome! Also, Yay!! another 10 year old boy. My ds is currently 10 and has been bummed that there weren't any other boys his age so far.

[CruisinEars]

I love DCL, but I have also been on the other cruise chat board and have been learning about all the other lines and I want to try them all. :laughing: I think each line has something to offer each passenger so why not check them out?

[Va-bear]

WELCOME!

Welcome! Also, Yay!! another 10 year old boy. My ds is currently 10 and has been bummed that there weren't any other boys his age so far.

Thank you both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :goodvibes

I too was VERY happy to see some other boys about my sons age!:thumbsup2

REALLY REALLY cant wait!:goodvibes

[Magic Family]

WooHoo!!! 1 year and 1 month until our cruise!!:cool1:

[Va-bear]

WooHoo!!! 1 year and 1 month until our cruise!!:cool1:

:thumbsup2 :cool1: :woohoo: :yay: :cloud9: :dance3: :cheer2: :banana:

:rotfl2: :grouphug:

[eeyoregon]

If you want to update my stats my cabin number is 2576.

gina

[CruisinEars]

Eeyoregon- I will update you and add the other newcomers as well asap.

You are going to be just down the hall from us. We are in 2585.

[Va-bear]

We are a catergory 12 so we wont know our room number until, I guess, right before our cruise, dang it! But, am happy for the savings!:thumbsup2 I'd be willing to guess, from the little I've read so far, that we will be on level one or two also.

SOoooo, how many of you have cruised on Disney before?! I need to learn a TON!!

Happy Thursday!!:)

[justhat]

Virginia, this will be our 7th Disney cruise so ask away!

[Va-bear]

Virginia, this will be our 7th Disney cruise so ask away!

Wow - 7th - that is so great!!!! Ok, I'm giong to put on my thinking cap and come up with all of those questions that keep flying through my head - always when Im not near a computer, it seems.

The first one is, and I've read a bita bout this, but am curious about your opinion - when do you usually arrive for the cruise - do you stay at a hotel locally the night before?

Thanks!

[justhat]

Our first cruise was our honeymoon in 2004 and we had a bad room location and didn't really want to sail with Disney again after that. Then February 2007 we were thinking about a cruise, and with 2 small kids, Disney won out and we had a great experience! We had a much better room location so that helped a lot, plus having the Reef to watch our kids for a solo meal sealed the deal. That was an Eastern btw. We rebooked on board that cruise for a 4 night last June and the 5 night 9/1 cruise that is coming up in just over a month (finally!). We also did a 10 night Med cruise with my mom last summer and a Western in April.

And now that you know more about my vacation history than you ever wanted to....

We do come in the night before. We're afraid that our flight might be delayed or cancelled and we'd miss the cruise so we do get in the night before. We've never stayed in a local hotel cause the way it's worked out for us so far is that we've come in 2 nights before, did a day in WDW, then went to the ship the next morning, so I don't know anything about the hotels near the port.

In April though, we couldn't fly in a day early cause the flights were just so expensive, and add in a night at a hotel and that kept us away. It was fine though, we just got an early flight and arrived at MCO at 10:30 or 11am and went straight to the ship.

The big perk, for me, about getting in the night before is getting to the terminal early, checking in, getting the kids registered for their clubs, then getting some photos with characters before boarding. Then you're on the ship nice and early, so you can grab lunch and get in the pool. Makes the vacation last that much longer!

BTW, we're not too far from you-we live in DC, near the National Zoo.

[Va-bear]

Thanks justthat!

Wow, what a cruise history - I am VERY jelous! We did a short 4 day, I think, before the kids were born (but not quite enough before - I was "morning sick" all day and night for it - and couldnt even have a drink!!)

I do hope they enjoy the clubs a lot - a meal alone w/ DH would be quite a unique treat. We dont any babysitters at all - so we average about once or twice a yr.

I think we will fly in the night before I tend to be a worrier - so anything to keep that down, I am waffling between staying at the Hyatte at MCO - have always wanted a ton of time to check out the airport and never seem to have it. Or the Radisson in PC. Well, at least I hae a year to decide! :lmao:

We were just up at the Smithsonians a few weekends ago. Did the zoo last summer - now the boys want to go back to both. I'd love to live so near. I do have a great old friend very very near the zoo also. (I lived in Greenbelt MD for 5 yrs - about 15 yrs ago. :love: DC but didnt love the traffic or the housing costs. For what we bought our 4 bedroom home in Richmond for we could have maybe gotten a 2 bedroom condo - maybe.) Ok - now Im just rambling - :laughing: - off to drive home.

Thanks for the advice - more :confused3 to come!

[justhat]

Virginia, our friends moved from DC to Richmond 3 years ago and their house is absolutely amazing. While here we stay, in a crappy townhouse/rowhouse thing with no yard. They even have a pool!

And we are no fans of the traffic either. My husband works at GW otherwise we'd move. He's done in 2 years so we're looking to either move outside the city then (even if he stays at GW), or out of state. We'll see what happens.

And yes, after all those cruises in a short amount of time, we will greatly miss it. We've got the one on 9/1, then this cruise next August then probably none for awhile. We're planning on a 3rd kid sometime after that cruise and having done a cruise while 7 weeks pregnant, well, like you said, I was sick the entire time. No need to repeat that. So not planning on any cruises while pregnant and don't want to sail with a super young baby, so it will be awhile. I've come to love the ship more than any other place we've been to so it will be missed.

And about the clubs, my daughter was just over 4yo on our last cruise and LOVED the Oceaneer Club! She was in that thing every waking moment that we allowed her to be in there. We had to pull her out at night, around 11pm, cause WE were tired and wanted to go to sleep! She really loved it, so I hope you have that luck too. We also don't have babysitters here, and our family doesn't live in this area, so the cruise is the only time we're kid-free. Probably why we love DCL so much!

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello all,

Just got off jury duty. I was hoping not to get picked but became juror number 3:sad2:

Now that it is over I can focus on my upcoming trip to Nuevo Vallarta. Since its close to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I hope to get a glimpse of the Magic while she is in port.

That should fill my fix until next year.

Joe

[Va-bear]

Virginia, our friends moved from DC to Richmond 3 years ago and their house is absolutely amazing. While here we stay, in a crappy townhouse/rowhouse thing with no yard. They even have a pool!

And we are no fans of the traffic either. My husband works at GW otherwise we'd move. He's done in 2 years so we're looking to either move outside the city then (even if he stays at GW), or out of state. We'll see what happens.

And yes, after all those cruises in a short amount of time, we will greatly miss it. We've got the one on 9/1, then this cruise next August then probably none for awhile. We're planning on a 3rd kid sometime after that cruise and having done a cruise while 7 weeks pregnant, well, like you said, I was sick the entire time. No need to repeat that. So not planning on any cruises while pregnant and don't want to sail with a super young baby, so it will be awhile. I've come to love the ship more than any other place we've been to so it will be missed.

And about the clubs, my daughter was just over 4yo on our last cruise and LOVED the Oceaneer Club! She was in that thing every waking moment that we allowed her to be in there. We had to pull her out at night, around 11pm, cause WE were tired and wanted to go to sleep! She really loved it, so I hope you have that luck too. We also don't have babysitters here, and our family doesn't live in this area, so the cruise is the only time we're kid-free. Probably why we love DCL so much!
I hope my kids love th clubs too - it would be so nice if we all can do some extra relaxing!:thumbsup2 I'm getting more and more excited - we have to wait a year for this?! At least you will get to go sooner.:thumbsup2
Hello all,

Just got off jury duty. I was hoping not to get picked but became juror number 3:sad2:

Now that it is over I can focus on my upcoming trip to Nuevo Vallarta. Since its close to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I hope to get a glimpse of the Magic while she is in port.

That should fill my fix until next year.

Joe Cool - hope you get to see it!!:thumbsup2 You did your civic duty - you deserve it! :) Have a great trip!!!

[My4PhillyGirls]

VA-bear and Justthat

I love D.C. and Richmond. I go to both cities a lot because I take high school students to both cities. As a matter of fact, we will be visiting Georgetown and the University of Richmond this fall.

Both schools have beautiful campuses and the food is great.

One year we were supposed to tour GW but we got stuck in traffic and only had time to take a drive by tour:thumbsup2

Joe

[Va-bear]

VA-bear and Justthat

I love D.C. and Richmond. I go to both cities a lot because I take high school students to both cities. As a matter of fact, we will be visiting Georgetown and the University of Richmond this fall.

Both schools have beautiful campuses and the food is great.

One year we were supposed to tour GW but we got stuck in traffic and only had time to take a drive by tour:thumbsup2

Joe U or R campus is really beautiful, isnt it? I like GW too - I used to have a friend who worked there. Love how nicely its incorperated into the city - unlike U of R, which is like a little island inthe middle of the city (ie, its not really much like Richmond overall.)

I've never been to Philly but want to soon. My older son is that age where the history would be really cool to him!:thumbsup2

[justhat]

VA-bear and Justthat

I love D.C. and Richmond. I go to both cities a lot because I take high school students to both cities. As a matter of fact, we will be visiting Georgetown and the University of Richmond this fall.

Both schools have beautiful campuses and the food is great.

One year we were supposed to tour GW but we got stuck in traffic and only had time to take a drive by tour:thumbsup2

Joe

That's funny because we love Philly and go there every year too. This year is the first time we won't really see it much because we're doing a weekend at Sesame Place instead. We usually combine Sesame Place/Philly, but only have Saturday and Sunday this year and we've promised my son a trip to see Elmo since he's potty trained (amazing what works!).

GW's a great school for drive by tours since it's right in the city. Works a lot better than trying that at Georgetown, or even AU for that matter.

[My4PhillyGirls]

That's funny because we love Philly and go there every year too. This year is the first time we won't really see it much because we're doing a weekend at Sesame Place instead. We usually combine Sesame Place/Philly, but only have Saturday and Sunday this year and we've promised my son a trip to see Elmo since he's potty trained (amazing what works!).

GW's a great school for drive by tours since it's right in the city. Works a lot better than trying that at Georgetown, or even AU for that matter.

We haven't been to Sesame Place in a couple of years. The last time that we went, we had a blast. This park has the right pace for my taste. And the funnel cake is not bad either.

Joe

[SleepyatDVC]

Glad to see our rollcall getting more active and seeing all these new cruisers joining us!!! :cool1:

I've been too busy to post lately. Busy getting ready for our Disney trip in 2 weeks!!!:woohoo:

Also, have a NCL cruise Easter 2009 week.

Once we get back from WDW and summer in over :sad1:, I'll have more time to post.

Everyone, enjoy the rest of your summer. It will be over TOO quickly!

[justhat]

We haven't been to Sesame Place in a couple of years. The last time that we went, we had a blast. This park has the right pace for my taste. And the funnel cake is not bad either.

Joe


We like it too. We've been going annually during our Philly trip since 2005. Of course, it does make us appreciate Disney since there's no fastpass and waiting in the sun forever gets old fast, but the kids don't seem to mind.

[justhat]

Glad to see our rollcall getting more active and seeing all these new cruisers joining us!!! :cool1:

I've been too busy to post lately. Busy getting ready for our Disney trip in 2 weeks!!!:woohoo:

Also, have a NCL cruise Easter 2009 week.

Once we get back from WDW and summer in over :sad1:, I'll have more time to post.

Everyone, enjoy the rest of your summer. It will be over TOO quickly!


Enjoy your Disney trip! We'll be there for a few days before our cruise on 9/1, so maybe we'll see you there!

[Va-bear]

Glad to see our rollcall getting more active and seeing all these new cruisers joining us!!! :cool1:

I've been too busy to post lately. Busy getting ready for our Disney trip in 2 weeks!!!:woohoo:

Also, have a NCL cruise Easter 2009 week.

Once we get back from WDW and summer in over :sad1:, I'll have more time to post.

Everyone, enjoy the rest of your summer. It will be over TOO quickly!
We go in about 2 weeks too - YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :yay: :woohoo: :dance3:

:dance3: After that, it will be full swing on the cruise. I need to know a LOT more! :)

[SleepyatDVC]

Enjoy your Disney trip! We'll be there for a few days before our cruise on 9/1, so maybe we'll see you there!

We'll be moving offsite on 8/23/08 and doing SeaWorld so probably won't run into you in the parks. :(

We go in about 2 weeks too - YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbsup2 :yay: :woohoo: :dance3:

:dance3: After that, it will be full swing on the cruise. I need to know a LOT more! :)

When will you be down in WDW and where will you be staying? We'll be at the BWV from 8/16/08 - 8/23/08. :goodvibes Can't wait.

[justhat]

Bummer. We arrive 8/27. Enjoy Sea World!

[My4PhillyGirls]

I hope you all got your tickets for the parks early because the newspapers reported last week a price increase at the parks.

We bought Park Hopper non-expiration tickets last year and didn't get a chance to use them after our DCL cruise. It rained a few days and we still had two days worth of passes to use up on old tickets.

Now they seem like a great bargain but at the time it appeared to be very expensive.

Joe

[eeyoregon]

I hope you all got your tickets for the parks early because the newspapers reported last week a price increase at the parks.
Joe

How much does a day in the parks run these days? We are mighty spoiled and haven't had to purchase park tickets in years. I bet I would be in for some major sticker shock!

gina

[My4PhillyGirls]

How much does a day in the parks run these days? We are mighty spoiled and haven't had to purchase park tickets in years. I bet I would be in for some major sticker shock!

gina


Gina,

MouseSavers says that DW tickets without a discount cost almost $80.00:scared1: for ages 10 and over and $67.10 for for 9 and under.

Joe

[eeyoregon]

Gina,

MouseSavers says that DW tickets without a discount cost almost $80.00:scared1: for ages 10 and over and $67.10 for for 9 and under.

Joe

Zoinks :scared1: I better send some flowers to my dear friend who gets us in for free!!

gina

[justhat]

Yeah, the 1 day prices are crazy! We have APs from last December so we'll be using them this month for our pre-cruise days and then again in December, right before they expire, for our family trip. After that we probably won't be back till next year for maybe a day before the cruise and we'll be using old MYWs for that so we escaped having to buy any at these new prices for awhile. Makes me want to buy them now to use in a few years cause they'll seem like a steal then!

[EyeDisneyCruise]

Please add us to the roll call!

We'll be doing a back to back with the September 5th cruise!

We can't wait! Sailing with us will be:

Trisha
Ben
Alexandra 4
Zachary 2

Anne
Glenn
Samantha 4
Phillip 2

We would love to get on the list for Fish Extenders!

[eeyoregon]

Please add us to the roll call!

We'll be doing a back to back with the September 5th cruise!

We can't wait! Sailing with us will be:

Trisha
Ben
Alexandra 4
Zachary 2

Anne
Glenn
Samantha 4
Phillip 2

We would love to get on the list for Fish Extenders!

Welcome! :goodvibes

[CruisinEars]

Hi Everyone!

Here is the list I have so far. If you wish to be added to the list or add/change information about your family feel free to post, pm or email me at thelisterlady at gmail dot com. I will update and post this list on new pages as needed throughout the discussion. You are welcome to provide as much or as little information as you are comfortable with. Also, to make things easier I will add fish extender participation (yes or no) so that when the time comes all the info is in one place. So, here goes:

(ages are "time of cruise")

1. cruisers: Jennifer 42 (celebrating my BD on the cruise), Bruce 42, Andy 11, Elisabeth 8
Dis id: cruisinears
from: Everett, WA
cabin: 2585
fe: yes

2. cruisers: DW 35, DH 35, DD 12, DS 12, DS 4
Dis id: Mrs. Potatohead
from: Toronto, Ont.
cabin: ?
fe: ?

3. cruisers: Gina 38, DS Hayden 16, DS Jensen 13
Dis id: Eeyoregon
from: Salem OR
cabin: 2576
fe: ?

4. cruisers: Joe 42, DW 41, DD 17, DD 13, DD9, DMIL
Dis id: My4PhillyGirls
from: Philadelphia PA
cabin: ?
fe: ?

5. cruisers: Grace 40, DH 40+, DD 10, DD 8
Dis id: SleepyatDVC
from: NYC NY
cabin: ?
fe: ?

6. cruisers: DW 48, DH 49, DS 7
Dis id: Jodifla
from: S. FL
cabin: ?
fe: ?

7. cruisers: Jill, DH, DD 11, DD 16
Dis id: ScrapperJill
from: WA
cabin: ?
fe: ?

8. cruisers: Kim, DH, DD 10, DD8, DS 4
Dis id: Kimlam1
from: Sammamish WA
cabin: ?
fe: yes

9. cruisers: DH 39, DW 39, DD 12, DS 9, DD 8
Dis id: tomatos5@shaw.ca
from: Edmonton Alberta
cabin: ?
fe: ?

10. cruisers: Michael 46, Cindy 39, Malcolm 15, Montana 12
Dis id: RunDanceSkate
from: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
cabin: 5522
fe: yes

11. cruisers: Trisha, Ben, Alexandra 4, Zachary 2 & friends Anne, Glenn, Samantha 4, Phillip 2
Dis id: EyeDisneyCruise
from:
cabin:
fe: yes

12. cruisers: dw 38, dh 42, ds 15, ds 12, dd 9
Dis id: Pattiteach
from: Philadelphia
cabin:
fe:

13. cruisers: dw 44, dh 47, ds 16, dd14
Dis id: Magic Family
from: MI
cabin:
fe:

14. cruisers: dw, dh, dd 5.5, ds 3 and friends
Dis id: justhat
from: NJ & DC
cabin:
fe:

15. cruisers: Virginia, dh, ds 10, ds 6
Dis id: Va-bear
from: Richmond, VA
cabin:
fe:

16. cruisers: Me (42 at Cruise Time),DW (41 at Cruise Time), DD1 (11 at Cruise Time)
DD2 (7 at Cruise Time)
Dis id: MN_Cruz'n
from:Inver Grove Heights, MN
cabin:
fe:

[justhat]

Thanks for making a list! You reminded me I should change my signature. We actually live in DC now. I am from NJ and at the time I registered here, we were just in DC for graduate school. That was 6 years ago though, and have since graduated and now live here permanently.

We're in cabin 8088. Oh, and my name is Justine, husband's is Joey, and the kids are Madison and Henry.

Our friends who have booked their cruise will be in 8084 and her screenname is Fabumouse. Her husband and 2 kids are sailing too. I don't know if she wants their names posted or anything, so I'll let her do that, if she ever comes to join the thread!! ;) I need to remind her about that.

[mrsmoore]

Please add us to the roll call!

We'll be doing a back to back with the September 5th cruise!

We can't wait! Sailing with us will be:

Trisha
Ben
Alexandra 4
Zachary 2

Anne
Glenn
Samantha 4
Phillip 2

We would love to get on the list for Fish Extenders!

Welcome!! Yeah, more young kids!! My DD will be 4 when we sail too! I hadn't noticed many other kids that age yet on the roll call~

[Va-bear]

We'll be moving offsite on 8/23/08 and doing SeaWorld so probably won't run into you in the parks. :(

When will you be down in WDW and where will you be staying? We'll be at the BWV from 8/16/08 - 8/23/08. :goodvibes Can't wait.
We get down there on the 19th - so we'll overlap a bit. We will be at the Animal Kingdom, where we've never stayed, so I am VERY excited!!!

We hope to do Seaworld, etc. on our next trip, so you'll have to tell us what you think! Where are you staying for that portion of your trip?

Well, I know we'll all have fun!!!!:thumbsup2 :cool1: :woohoo: :dance3:

[Va-bear]

Thanks for the update Justthat! Oh, Justine....that's gonna take some getting used to. :goodvibes

I really know so little about fish extenders..... I know what they are physically, after seeing pics on the DIS. But, I dont know the logistics of how it works if I join the group doing it. I think I know that we get something for each family or each person, depending on the item you choose. But how does the distribution work? Do you pick a day and then go find each cabin on the list of participants? Or do you just carry some around w/you and fill a FE everytime you happen to see one? Or....well, you can see I am a FE newbie....help me calgon!:lmao:

[justhat]

You know, we've never done FEs, but I'm thinking about it for this cruise. My only excuse in the past is that I am not at all talented so I can't make one! I think it would be fun though. We did participate in the FW gift exchange on our Med cruise though, and people just left stuff in our actual fish. I really don't remember now, but I don't think we picked days to do it on that cruise, sort of just when we had free time, but the excursions were crazy on that, some of them 12 hours! So picking a day would have bene tougher than a normal cruise.

[EyeDisneyCruise]

It would be fun to do the FE!

[mrsmoore]

I do not want to wait over a year for this vacation!! I have been doing a lot of planning lately. With the WDW rates coming out we have been trying to figure out lodging. We decided to not do a Disney Resort, going to stay at the DoubleTree Suites at DTD. Anyone stayed there before? I think we are going to do a rental car, Budget, then drop off in PC Saturday AM.

Okay, crazy part, we are going to try and do one full day at MK on Friday. WE arrive early Thurs AM and are plannig to relax and check out DTD. Are we crazy???!!! Anyone know of any 1 day itenerary ideas for MK? DD will be 4 and not tall enough for the height restrictions on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain or Thunder Mountain. We may just skip, DH and I have been on before and not worth wasting time in line or getting Fast Pass for just one of us.

AHH, I wish this trip was this August!

Okay, now that I vented!

[justhat]

We often do a day pre or post cruise and stick to MK only. Your daughter might be tall enough for Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain as their height requirements are 40 inches. Space is taller, 44 inches I think. My daughter, though she's fairly tall for her age, was able to ride Thunder (didn't want to do Splash) and 3.75yo.

My suggestion to you would be to get up early, spend the majority of your day in the parks, eat dinner wherever you plan to eat and get back to your room early enough for a semi-normal bedtime. That way your daughter is well rested and ready for the cruise, not tired and cranky when you're boarding the ship.

[mrsmoore]

We often do a day pre or post cruise and stick to MK only. Your daughter might be tall enough for Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain as their height requirements are 40 inches. Space is taller, 44 inches I think. My daughter, though she's fairly tall for her age, was able to ride Thunder (didn't want to do Splash) and 3.75yo.

My suggestion to you would be to get up early, spend the majority of your day in the parks, eat dinner wherever you plan to eat and get back to your room early enough for a semi-normal bedtime. That way your daughter is well rested and ready for the cruise, not tired and cranky when you're boarding the ship.

DD is VERY short!! We just had her 3 year check up and she was 35inches. So, yeah, a HUGE maybe she will make 40inches, but her ped is guessing she will be 42 at age 6!

That is totally what we plan. Get there for the opening, spend most of the day, then leave about 6ish to grab dinner near hotel and get to bed.

I can't wait!!

[justhat]

Well in that case! My son just turned 2yo on Monday and he's 35 inches too. Though he's not really that tall for his age, I think 60th percentile. My daughter has always been 75th though. She's 42.5 inches now. She's a big thrillrider so it worked out for her (though she has no desire for Space as its in the dark), though my son is not so I'm sure he wouldn't care if he ever grew!

[Va-bear]

Okay, crazy part, we are going to try and do one full day at MK on Friday. WE arrive early Thurs AM and are plannig to relax and check out DTD. Are we crazy???!!! Anyone know of any 1 day itenerary ideas for MK? DD will be 4 and not tall enough for the height restrictions on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain or Thunder Mountain. We may just skip, DH and I have been on before and not worth wasting time in line or getting Fast Pass for just one of us.


If your daughter wants to do Splash Mountian she'd prob enjoy it. As justthat pointed out she'd be tall enough. My sons both loved it and the "daredevil" of the two did it at 21/2 - yes, he's extremely tall (99.5th percentile :upsidedow ) and just made the cut-off. My other son waited until 4, but also loved it (he's only 95th...) But, even without that culd can easliy fill a fun day - Pooh, Peter Pan, Tom Sawyers Island, Its a Small, Buzz, Philharmagic, etc - the "Unofficial Guide" has a planning guide just for younger kids at MK - we used it the first year and it was GREAT!:thumbsup2 :goodvibes

Well.....dont go crazy!:goodvibes ps - Im right there though.....this excitement level over a cruise that's over a year away jsut can NOT be healthy! ;) :)

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello everyone,

We are in Mexico this week in Nuevo Vallarta. I will go down to Puerto Vallarta in the morning to see if I can take some pictures of the Magic while it is in port.

The weather is great and the tan is better:cool1:

I will report back about how it went later.

Adios for now.

Joe

[Va-bear]

Woo hoo Joe!!!!!

Glad to hear the trip is going well!! Cant wait to see Magic pics, if you can get some!:thumbsup2

Keep on having fun!:)

[SleepyatDVC]

Hello everyone,

We are in Mexico this week in Nuevo Vallarta. I will go down to Puerto Vallarta in the morning to see if I can take some pictures of the Magic while it is in port.

The weather is great and the tan is better:cool1:

I will report back about how it went later.

Adios for now.

Joe

Have a GREAT time!!!! :cheer2:

[SleepyatDVC]

We get down there on the 19th - so we'll overlap a bit. We will be at the Animal Kingdom, where we've never stayed, so I am VERY excited!!!

We hope to do Seaworld, etc. on our next trip, so you'll have to tell us what you think! Where are you staying for that portion of your trip?

Well, I know we'll all have fun!!!!:thumbsup2 :cool1: :woohoo: :dance3:

Stayed at AKV twice - LOVED it!!! Last time in April 2008. A very soothing resort.

We will be at the BWV until 8/23/08, then will move over to the Marriott Cypress Harbour which is just down the road from SeaWorld.

I know that Joe (My4PhillyGirls) had some major issues staying there last time during his 3 day Disney cruise. I hope that I don't run into any such problems but I don't think I will. We will be in the unit every night of our stay and I had stayed there problem free about 3 times prior.

The location can't be beat. It is my favorite Marriott timeshare in Orlando and I did stay at the Marriott Grande Vista also before. The only time we will wander back onto Disney property that week will be if we decide to go to DTD.

[SleepyatDVC]

Well folks, catch you all in a few weeks.

Off to WDW on Saturday for 2 weeks and busy at work until then.

I haven't even packed yet!!! :eek:

[mrsmoore]

I think we are going to cancel our cruise. I got very excited about our MK day and realized we would miss stuff at HS, and we are deciding to stay on the w. coast instead and do a fun trip to Disneyland with more days. I am bumbed, but budget wise this will save us more money too and honestly, MK at WDW was seeming somewhat boring to me compared to all there is at Disneyland we can do with more days.

I hope you all have fun! I hope DCL gets to Alaska, then I hope to hit them up at that time.

Marsha

[My4PhillyGirls]

Hello all from Mexico,

I got some pictures of the Magic after taking a short ride from Nuevo Vallarta. The Magic is so tall that I could see her from miles away at my resort whenever I caught the elevator.

It was right across from the Walmart like other reviews have stated so we took pictures from there. I will try to post when I get back.

Joe

[My4PhillyGirls]

As promised, here is a photo of the Magic from Puerto Vallarta,

Joe

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/my4phillygirls/PuertoVallarta08021.jpg

[My4PhillyGirls]

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/my4phillygirls/PuertoVallarta08020.jpg

[My4PhillyGirls]

Photo from the Walmart parking lot.

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/my4phillygirls/PuertoVallarta08024.jpg

[CruisinEars]

Nice pictures! Thanks for sharing. Hope you are having a great trip. :goodvibes

[justhat]

I'll have to look at your photos after I drop my daughter off at ballet camp, but that one you posted of the Magic has me soooo excited!

[My4PhillyGirls]

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/my4phillygirls/PuertoVallarta08025.jpg

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/my4phillygirls/PuertoVallarta08026.jpg

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff358/my4phillygirls/PuertoVallarta08027.jpg

[pattiteach]

that looks great! we just got back from a cruise on royal caribbean to bermuda. We are looking forward to next year:goodvibes

[My4PhillyGirls]

A year from now we will begin our wonderful cruise :banana: :banana: :banana:

Is anyone excited ???

Joe