2/01/03 Western

[DVCBob]

Our family of four will be taking our second Disney cruise on February the 1st of 2003. Has anyone else made reservations for this date?

[bcburgner]

We're with you Bob. My family of five (DS - 11, DD's 10 & 4, DW and myself) will be taking our second cruise also. Only 10 months to go!!! We just did the 4 day Wonder cruise in February.

[DVCBob]

Hi bc:

Glad to hear you will be joining us (or maybe we are joining you). Our group consists of my wife Debbie, DS Josh 9 and DD Kate 7. We look forward to talking with you again as our trip approaches.

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Count us in!!! Our family of 3 will be joining you all and we can not wait!!!! So excited!! Our DD is 4 years old and will probably be playing with your daughter (bcburger). This is our first cruise!!
We are flying down on Jan 30 and staying at WL two nights before we head to the pier. We want to do MK atleast one day. Last year our DD was too short for SM and was upset so we figure by next Jan she could ride it. Weather should be pretty pleasant!!! We have been to Cozumel twice in Jan and it was wonderful. I know it is 10 months away,but it will go so fast. Although I don't want to rush my summer cause I am sick of winter!!!!! It is still all I think about and each chance I get I am on these boards. We will have to keep in touch. I will add you guys to my buddy list!!!
Planning is half the fun...................:cool: :cool:

[bcburgner]

BabyJosie98,

Awesome!!! WL is a great choice. We may be joining you there also. I haven't decided yet, but if we do decide to go down a couple days early, that is where we will stay. We are DVC members and that is our home resort. We love it there.

- Brian (aka - BCBURGNER)

[BABYJOSIE98]

We have never stayed at WL. This past year we stayed at the CRB and loved it. Since we are only going to stay 2 nights before the cruise I thought we would try a Deluxe and something close to MK since that is the only park we will visit. Do you think we can get a decent rate since Jan is still the off season?? I saw that this past Jan they offered some rooms for $139 a night?
Not sure when to start calling for Jan?? I have been watching the travel section of our paper also. I think it is a little early for deals right now. Was weather at Castaway Cay nice this past Feb when you all went on your cruise? I have heard that it can get cool somedays??? Thanks for any info you can give...:D

[bcburgner]

If you really want to stay at the WL, I would book now at the lowest rate, then keep checking to see if you can get a better deal. If you do, simply cancel your current reservation and rebook with the new lower rate. This way you will be gaurenteed a room no matter what. You may not get $135 though, that is a pretty cheap rate. But hey, you never know.

As far as the weather in early Feb. on Castaway Cay, in the morning when we got off the boat, the breeze was a bit chilly. The water was also a little chilly. However, by 11am, it warmed up nicely and the water was refreshing. There is so much to do and see that we had no trouble spending time outside of the water until it warmed up. We rented bikes, played by the water and played some beach soccer. Later on in the day we did the banana boat ride. I highly recommend this. It is a great value. Riding by the Wonder was awesome. I think next time we are also going to try the parasailing (at least my wife and son are, my daughter and I are chickens).

[micKIM mouse]

Count us in! My husband and I will be traveling with our 1 1/2 year old son. We are also bringing along another 9 people with us, mainly adults & teenagers! We are trying to decide if we are going to stay before or after the cruise, but I do know that we are going to try to stay at DVC's Beach Club!

[kshabare]

Count us in, DW Kim 35, myself Norm 36, our son Joshua he will be 8 at the time we cruise, we just came back in February, We went with 11 people, and had a ball, we also did the Magic in 2/2000 just the 4 of us, we are counting the days 307.. we also did not book our air with Disney this time and save about $250-$300 on the flights from this past February to next February... See you all real soon..

Norm and Kim Shabarekh

[BABYJOSIE98]

;) Since most of you are past cruisers......................How long does it take to get from WDW to the Pier? We are planning on staying 2 nights at the WL before heading out on Sat morning.
I think I will call and reserve a room now and look for discounts later. This way atleast I have a room held.

[bcburgner]

It takes about 1.25 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and how fast you drive. We left the Animal Kingdom Lodge at 10am and arrived at the port around 11:20am. Check-in was a breeze and we were on the boat shortly after noon.

[MNrob]

We are a family of 4, DS12 & DD4. We did the 7 day Magic in Jan 2001 & had such a great tim ewe want to try the Western this time. Only 10 short months to go.

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Great!!! We will be first time cruisers and are also excited. We also have a DD that will be 4 when we go. Looks like she will have lots of playmates. How was your weather in January??? Was the ship full and do you see lots of Tux's on the formal nights or are suits ok? Not sure I can get my DH into a Tux??? You know how time flys!!! 10 months will go by quick,but am ready to enjoy my Summer!! Sick of Winter.......:cool: :cool:

[micKIM mouse]

We did the 7 day Magic in Feb 2001 and the weather was GREAT! I can't think of a better time of the year to be in 80 degree & sunny weather! The ship was full, but not too packed. My husband wore his tux, but it was not necessary to be in a tux. He just likes the way his fits! Hope that helps! See you in Feb 2003!

[Gina]

I'm so glad you started this thread, DVCBob! :D We also just got back from the Magic in February, and are booked for the 2/1 Western sailing. My wonderful DU agent even got us back in "our" stateroom that I loved so much!! :D It'll be me (then 36) and DS (then almost-7.)

That week on the Magic was the best week of my life, and I can't wait to be back on that big, beautiful ship. We've been back almost 2 months now, and I still dream about it at least a few times a week. Only 303 more days!! :D

-gina-

[Gina]

Just bumping this back up to see if there's anyone new who is sailing with us... It was so much fun meeting other DISers this past cruise, I can't wait to meet some more! Only 267 more days now!! :D

-gina-

[Gina]

Okay, I had to go dig waaaay back to find this thread! We're down to only 7 months -- and as fast as the past few have gone, we'll be there in no time!!

I'm also bumping this back up because a wonderful DIS-er who was supposed to be on our 2/2/02 cruise, but had to cancel, just told me that by Divine Intervention, she and her family were planning on booking the 2/1/03 cruise -- and she didn't even know I was booked on that cruise! I was soooooo disappointed when she had to cancel -- now I'm so excited that we'll finally get to meet on that gorgeous ship! She's Terrye from Alaska -- c'mon out, Terrye!! :)

DS and I are planning on doing things a bit differently this time, if I can afford it. Plans are to fly into MCO that Thursday, rent a car from Avis, stay at one of the All-Stars, and go to Epcot that afternoon/night. Having Epcot wirhdrawals -- especially since we had to cancel our annual December trip this year. The next day, we'll drive down to Cocoa Beach, visit Ron Jon's, and stay at the Radisson (finally!! I've felt so left out LOL.) Relax there with all the other DIS-ers I know will be there, and sail the next morning. :) Is anyone else planning on being at the Radisson the night before?

All the summer stuff will be going on clearance soon... has everyone got their credit cards ready?? LOL

Okay, where are all you 2/1 sailors?? Come out, come out wherever you are! :D

-gina-

[kshabare]

DH35, me34, DS8, DD17, FIL & MIL sailing 2/1/03. This will be our 3rd cruise. So looking forward to the Western. We're in a secret porthole room, IN-LAWS are on Deck 6. Don't know if we'll do any excursions yet but they all sound great. Debating whether or not to purchase our own snorkeling equip.

Kim ºOº

by the way... 209 days left!

[PiperG]

leave the ship all nice and tidy for you:jester:

You guys seemed to be having some much fun on this thread I just had to join in. I will be thinking of you all as we disembark.

[micKIM mouse]

We just finalized our reservations through DVC. We are staying at OKW on Friday night and then after the cruise we are staying at Beach Club for two nights! I think the morning of the cruise, we are going to make a quick stop at the Character Outlet Stores! Only 7 months to go!!

[cruisinpenguin]

HI All....count us in too!! This will be our 4th Disney Magic cruise and we all can't wait!! :) We are staying the week before the cruise at WLV. Coming from Massachusetts (near Cape Cod) can be brutal in the winter and having past experiences of flights being canceled in the past we always allow extra days to fly!! So, we'll see you all on 2/1!! Can't wait!! our family of 6 (all adults) plus 4 friends will be joining us!! Only 206 days left!! :) Let's keep this thread going!!
Laurie ;)

[Gina]

Yay, more people!! :) We have the makings of a real DIS meet in the works!

So what excursions is everyone contemplating? There are so many more choices than on the Eastern itinerary! And they all sound so neat!! So which ones are y'all leaning towards?

-gina-

[micKIM mouse]

We have a big group going, so I think we are going to create our own excursions. We did that last year on the Eastern Cruise & it worked out really well. It was much cheaper and it allowed us to stay at the beach for more than 4 hours. I don't like the beach excursions that only last from 8a-12pm. That does not give me enough time to lounge around and snorkel!

[BABYJOSIE98]

:p 2-1-03 cruiser!!! Still trying to decide if we should do one night at WL before the cruise or two. From reading the other threads it may be better and cheaper to fly in on Thursday and do WL one night and then head to the pier and stay Friday night at the Raddison?? We only plan to do MK on Friday and I am sure on Jan 30 it will not be open very late?? We could leave from MK and head to the pier???

We are for sure booking a Stingray City tour on our own through Capt Marvs. DD to young for DCL excursion. Not to sure I will book any others. May just go on our own to a beach or do the tour of Key west. Don't want to feel rushed.

I know I am going to book some Spa treatments. Facial and maybe a massage at Castaway Cay.

Still working on my Aunt & Uncle to join us with their DS same age as our DD (4). Time if flying by and we are so excited. I need to start making some payments........EEK!!!;)

[mog]

We just booked for 2/1/03, too. I was surprised to see this thread - I hadn't seen our date mentioned before!
We were on the Magic eastern in December 2001 and didn't think we'd be able to swing it again so soon - so we're excited.

Does anyone have any ideas of what to do on our own in the Western Caribbean? We don't want to do ship excursions because most of the boat/snorkeling/beach ones don't allow our 4 year old daughter. (or at least we found that to be true on the Eastern). We've been to all the ports before, but never did anything on our own because we were without kids on those visits and just did ship excursions. I'm hoping to have plans in place to go out on our own and these boards helped so much with that on the Eastern one last year!

February is too far away!!

[BABYJOSIE98]

OK,Call me impulsive!!!!! I did it! I called the Raddison at Cape Canaveral and reserved a room for Jan 31. They had a package called "GO FAMILY" and it includes an upgrade to the best room available at check in,basket of goodies and full breakfast in the morning. One more thing....... Free shuttle service to the dock in the morning. It was $129 per night. Is that a good deal??? They also said that Avis car rental was on site so we can just leave our rental car there that evening we check in. I think this will be much easier than getting up and driving from WDW in the am.

MOG,

I know that in the Grand Caymans there are several excursions company's that will take 4 year olds. We are doing Capt Marv's with our 4 year old DD.:bounce: :bounce:

[Gina]

The $129 package sounds really nice, but I'm wondering about the shuttle to the terminal -- I thought that that was just a perk of the hotel?? If I just reserve a $99 room, do I not get to take the shuttle? Just want to make sure before I book!

I still haven't checked out the website for the Captain Marvin's I keep hearing so much about... I need to do that! DS (6) and I aren't big on all-day excursions... we like a little sightseeing, and a little beach time, and a little back-on-the-empty-ship time. :) We absolutely want to swim with the stingrays. And a little snorkeling would be fun -- DS just learned how to do that this weekend, and he's ready to see something other than the bottom of a swimming pool. :) We'd also possibly like to do one of the semi-subs, and I'm thinking of going to Playa Sol in Cozumel. Key West, I figured we could just walk around, until DS saw pictures of the train and trolley. So much for walking. ;)

This is our second cruise, and I am somehow even more excited this time, which I didn't think was possible. Maybe because now I *know* how amazing of a time we're going to have??

I do remember that this time last year, I was moaning and groaning that February was sooooo far away... then I blinked, and it was here. :) We'll be sipping those special sail-away drinks on Deck 9 in no time! :D

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Gina,

I am ready for one of those drinks now!!!!

I do think that the lady said that the shuttle service was free to everyone at the hotel. So you could take the $99 rate. She did offer us that rate too,but I thought that breakfast in the am would be good and the snacks won't hurt anything either. Maybe we will get lucky and be upgraded to a "whirlpool room"!!!

Does anyone know if you can request a room with a view of the cruise ships at the docks?????? Looks like you can see them from the hotel when I look at the website.

I think the Capt Marv's Stingray tour is about 2 hours and someone on these boards told me they will drop you off at the beach at the Holiday Inn if you request them too for the rest of the day. Sounds good to me!!!;)

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
I do think that the lady said that the shuttle service was free to everyone at the hotel. So you could take the $99 rate. She did offer us that rate too,but I thought that breakfast in the am would be good and the snacks won't hurt anything either. Maybe we will get lucky and be upgraded to a "whirlpool room"!!!

Okay, good. I'd rather do the package that you're doing, but I'm not sure I'll be able to afford it. I think I'm just going to try and make a ressie now at the $99 rate, then upgrade later if I think that I can afford it.


I think the Capt Marv's Stingray tour is about 2 hours and someone on these boards told me they will drop you off at the beach at the Holiday Inn if you request them too for the rest of the day. Sounds good to me!!!;)

Okay, I finally made it the Captain Marvin's webpage -- way cheaper than Disney! And I like the different options as far as excursion length goes. But when it says that the package includes trans. from the Waterfront Centre, is that where the cruise ships dock??

-gina-

[micKIM mouse]

Have you heard any good places to snorkel on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman? We just want to hang out at the beach and snorkel throughout the day. My son will be 21 months, so most of the snorkel excursions are not an option for us.

[akterrye]

I'm also bumping this back up because a wonderful DIS-er who was supposed to be on our 2/2/02 cruise, but had to cancel, just told me that by Divine Intervention, she and her family were planning on booking the 2/1/03 cruise -- and she didn't even know I was booked on that cruise! I was soooooo disappointed when she had to cancel -- now I'm so excited that we'll finally get to meet on that gorgeous ship! She's Terrye from Alaska -- c'mon out, Terrye!!

Ok, I just found the thread....COUNT US IN!!! Thanks, Gina! :) I can't wait to meet you and your adorable son!

I like the idea of our 2/1/03 group creating our own excursion for a better price...after all, there is safety in numbers, right? And if something goes wrong and we miss the boat, at least we won't be stranded alone. :)

Oh, our alaska group -

Me (34)
SO (32)
DS (11)
DF - Dear/Disney friend (31)
her DH (43)
her DD (12) and (3)

[mog]

What is this "Capt. Marvs" I keep seeing? Is that something I should check into for doing excursions on our own? If it is cheaper than DCL and will allow 4 year olds - sounds good already!

[akterrye]

here, mog, check this out....

http://www.captainmarvins.com/

[Gina]

I said:
I'm so excited that we'll finally get to meet on that gorgeous ship! She's Terrye from Alaska -- c'mon out, Terrye!!

Terrye, I just realized that I sounded like I was introducing you on Star Search or something... LOL I'm so glad you're here, and so glad you're coming!!


Originally posted by akterrye

I like the idea of our 2/1/03 group creating our own excursion for a better price...after all, there is safety in numbers, right? And if something goes wrong and we miss the boat, at least we won't be stranded alone. :)


Hey, that's a great idea! It sounds like a lot of us might be going to Stingray City via Captain Marvin's -- we can all pet the stingrays together. :) Is anyone else going to Playa Sol on their own?

In case anyone is interested, here are the known stats so far for the DIS contingent on the 2/1 cruise:

31 adults
8 boys, ages: 1.5, 6, 8 (2), 9, 11 (2), and 12
8 girls, ages: 3, 4 (3), 7, 10, 12, and 17

Plus, there were various adults and teenagers names but not listed, and a few people haven't given any info. But we have a pretty big, fun group so far!

Tyler Dean (DS) loved meeting other "DIS kids" last time... he'll be thrilled to find out that DVCBob's DD will be in his same age group. Hey, he grew up on DIS -- he thinks he's somehow related to Dan Murphy, since we always seem to run into him at WDW. :D Hey, maybe I can make an "I'm a DIS kid" t-shirt for him for the cruise! Yay, a craft project! :)

-gina-

[ZebraStripes]

I decided to make this my first post after lurking here for almost a year an a half! We (me, DH and DD 7) are also on the 2/1/03 western. Can't wait to sit out on my verandah and watch the sea go by! This will be our second cruise on Disney. We had such a great time on our 4 night Wonder cruise in March, 2001 I just had to go again. These boards are great. I've learned so much valuable insight and information.

[BABYJOSIE98]

zebrastripes,

Welcome to the boards and our thread. Glad to hear you will be joining us on the 2-1-03 cruise. This will be our family's first and we are very excited!!! These boards are so fun and very addictive. I spend my lunch hour at work and then some.........:p


I saw the link above and checked out Capt.Marvs. You can book this far out and they will hold the ressie on your credit card,but will not charge it till the day of the excursion or you can pay cash. I don't know that I would want to do the real early ones in case it is cool in the morning. I know there is an 11:15 trip that would be nice and it takes about 2 hours. We would still have time to hang at the beach a couple hours afterwards. This would be fun if we could all reserve a spot for all who wants to go from this thread.:cool: :cool: :cool: I am ready to book anytime. Will it be Tuesday Feb 4th that we will be in the Caymans????

[mog]

Thanks for the Capt. Marvin link - we'll definitely check that out!

[Gina]

Welcome, Zebrastripes!! Wow, there are going to be a lot of 8 year old DIS-ers on this cruise! :)

BabyJosie -- The 11:15 excursion was the one I was thinking about, too. 2 hours would be just right for DS and I. Oh, and I caved to peer pressure and went ahead and booked the package at the Radisson. LOL! I just decided that having breakfast taken care of and having a nicer room would be worth the difference in price. I just got paranoid that if I waited a long time to make up my mind, all the rooms would be gone! I know that place books up pretty full before a cruise. It was $124, discount for booking online. Now if Avis would come out with some sane rates for a 2-day rental, I'd be happy!

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Gina,

Ditto here!!! I am going to rent from Avis also so that I can turn the car in at the hotel. We are flying in on Thursday morning. I am watching for discount codes for Jan so I can book us one night at WDW. I would like WL or POLY if I could get a good rate??? We will see. I was the same as you and figured the goodies and a full breakfast would be worth it. I hope to get an upgrade also. It is nice that they just hold the room on your card and don't charge it till you check in.

I am thinking of reserving the spot at Capt Marv's also. 11:15 would work great for us. Should not be bad getting off the ship and we can have breakfast before we go. Sounds like it is a popular excursion and I don't want to miss out.

All this planning is kinda fun!! I have even been buying summer clothes and sandals on clearance and setting them aside for our vacations. There are some good deals at the malls now. Ordered DD a cute swimsuit from Disney for 75%. Come Feb in St.louis I won't find any summer stuff or even October??? I already see winter stuff out.:;)

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
Gina,

Ditto here!!! I am going to rent from Avis also so that I can turn the car in at the hotel. We are flying in on Thursday morning. I am watching for discount codes for Jan so I can book us one night at WDW. I would like WL or POLY if I could get a good rate??? We will see.


That's what we're doing -- flying in Thursday. I'm still up in the air as to where we'll stay that night, though. As much as I'd love to stay at on of the All-Stars, even the DC rate if available will still be at least $60... and I can't justify that since I'm already splurging for the night at the Radisson. I'd just as soon stay offsite that one night at whatever place is closest to Epcot. I have no clue what that might be, however. :) I guess I need to post that to the offsite hotel board.


I am thinking of reserving the spot at Capt Marv's also. 11:15 would work great for us. Should not be bad getting off the ship and we can have breakfast before we go. Sounds like it is a popular excursion and I don't want to miss out.


I didn't want to miss out either, and I think that time slot is probably *very* popular. Not too early, and not too late. I just got DS and I all reserved for the 11:15-1:15 excursion. Yay!! :D


All this planning is kinda fun!! I have even been buying summer clothes and sandals on clearance and setting them aside for our vacations. There are some good deals at the malls now. Ordered DD a cute swimsuit from Disney for 75%. Come Feb in St.louis I won't find any summer stuff or even October??? I already see winter stuff out.:;)

*Kinda* fun?!? LOL Planning is half the fun for me. :) And yeah, I'm going to start getting some stuff at the sales pretty soon, too. 75% off a Disney swimsuit?? That's awesome!! Man, and I was just at the Disney Store... unfortunately, I have tunnel vision when I'm there -- make a beeline straight for the pins. LOL!

Hey, speaking of, who else is bringing their pins??

shutting up now,
-gina-

[akterrye]

PINS?!?! Now we gotta bring pins? Oh man.... :) hehehehe

I was torn between the really early half day with Capt. M's or the 11:15, guess I'll have to talk it over with the troops...now I just gotta find an underwater camera that I like....hm....they still offer on board film developing at shutters, don't they? If we're all on the 11:15 together, it would be a hoot to share the pictures over a nice drink on deck 10! :bounce:

Gina, I for one appreciate and enjoy your lively commentary on this link! And I'm with you, planning is half (or more) of the fun! :cool:

Looks like I'll have to hit the malls and walmart this weekend to find good deals on summer wear...but I have no idea what size I'll wear by Feb.! :) Guess I'll just have to buy several sizes. OOOOOOO...shopping!

Re: Playa Sol - can I get a little more information, please? Is it on Grand Caymen? And, do they serve drinks? :crazy:

[kshabare]

akterrye,

We just purchased an underwater camera @ Target for $16.88 on sale. It has a flash and a cartridge of film inside. Can't wait to use it. Figured it'd be worth it.

My son is 8 this month. Hopefully some of the kids will be able to hook up beforehand via email? Use PM to start with.

Kim ºOº

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
PINS?!?! Now we gotta bring pins? Oh man.... :) hehehehe


Well, YEAH!! And I've been stocking up on the Texas Mickey pins to trade. :)



Re: Playa Sol - can I get a little more information, please? Is it on Grand Caymen? And, do they serve drinks? :crazy:

There was a recent thread about it here. (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=227928) It's at Cozumel. It seems like a great place for families. I'd like Mr. Sancho's, too, but that seems more for an older or childless crowd.

They definitelyserve drinks! Limitless drinks, even, if you go with that package. :D And I'll have you know that I was forced to drink twice as much on the last cruise, strictly in your honor since you couldn't come. ;)

-gina-

[akterrye]

I'll have to check out our Disney Store and see if they have any Alaska Mickeys and if they do, I'll trade you an Alaska for a Texas. ;) DIS Kid t-shirts....better start working on a design...hmm, I can see the Magic in the background with a lime green ribbon somewhere, and....

Thanks for the link, Gina, Playa Sol looks really cool! I dunno if I can drink $25 worth of alcohol tho. :jester: Wanna try? lol! I'm sorry to hear you had to have my drinks on the last cruise, I'll make it up to you somehow...

kshabare, that's a heck of a price for an underwater camera! Now I wish we had a Target! :) Maybe I'll check them out online and see if they have them discounted there. Our local camera store has a professional underwater for $99, which I thought was a great deal. It would be worth it in the long run since we plan to vacation somewhere tropical every year until I drop dead. :)

Now for a really important question...are we gonna do the lime green ribbons? :)

BABYJOSIE98, yes, it will indeed be Feb. 4th (Tues) that we'll all be in Grand Cayman. :) I'm with you, I almost booked the snorkel tour last night while I was checking out the website, but thought I'd better check with the rest of the family before I subject them to my random impulses! I'm not even sure I told my son we're going yet! HA! Won't he be suprised. lol

Oh yeah, I have a 10 page research paper due tomorrow (only have 3.5 pages written) and I can't get away from these boards! It's all Gina's fault! Everyone's excitement is infectious! And it's more fun than writing about dark matter, neutrinos, WIMPs and MACHOs! :smooth:

Someone ban me from the boards! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[Gina]

Oh, suuuuurre, blame it on me!! LOL!! So did you get your paper done? :)

And yes, I'll definitely trade you a Texas for an Alaska! With the temps outside right now, I'd be happy to trade Texas for Alaska, period. :rolleyes:

I always have lime green ribbon tied to all my bags, even the beach tote that was constantly with me on the cruise last time. If you see a sky-blue polka-dotted beach tote with lime green ribbon on the handle, that'll be me. :cool:

Playa Sol -- I don't think I'll be drinking $25 worth of drinks. ;) Not in the hot sun, at least! I'd rather just do the $6 basic package and drink water at Playa Sol, and save the $25 worth of drinks for Rockin' Bar D every night. :D

Captain Marvin's -- No more than 10 minutes after I made the reservation online, I got en email from a very nice lady named Joan. She thanked me for the reservations, and gave directions on where to meet. I emailed her back with a question on the time, and she wrote back in like 3 minutes with a very friendly answer. On customer service alone, I'm already sold.

Underwater cameras -- I hate the Targets near us, so I took to the web and trusty MySimon to see what I could find. This is so cool! At $19.99, it's a few bucks more than the Target one, but it's so adorable! :) It's at Ritzcamera.com, and you can see it

here. (http://www.ritzcamera.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/ritzcamera/home.d2w/report?Krypto=UPYGi6c3fm0d6FJ%2Brr%2ByJufu%2FtoSEh LrEXzYNBbJBbA3tMTC%2BIQHwZb%2FdKFaFGUuphaP09OXUHYA zqzyBBZquFOXcVDoHWqW%2BoJR67vJyiaJx0Ew%2BmbmpWZJUK BkFgIua0a37pDLEAph4DJK4P7Lqi%2FcpZDolIYP26sSxA8Nzo XL3WaKhIQ%2BxU3vfhyDDJltSa416%2FbQko4gJ5QW%2BcnG6f 2SiQ6Cwf6oITZoMOW88WSEgX8zCNeSHKGyNCR5y%2B2vQUUBH5 xlL8E7ORSe%2F7JjN5JOx%2BdfamPaJcRfJmJ20qonJd%2Fh7D OzrAbpgiLM%2B8P6TQInHGqDaUNSDZFhx5ZxT7A95hqtLabQ%2 B7YOHjm7TjiIl1HwawaiDQ4jZ1tuv%2FQEe1Wx4IlXZVLlR2yb 6D2VpRBh18E19fbP) If that link doesn't work, just go to www.ritzcamera.com and click on "underwater" on the left-hand side. You should see it in the list on the next page. It is submergible to 70ft., has a built-in flash, auto film loading, power rewind, and if you like you can remove it from its cute blue-and-yellow waterproof casing and it becomes a regular 35mm camera. I love my regular 35mm, but we didn't do any snorkeling or anything last time... I think I might order one of these!

Interesting side-note... checked the DCL site, and it looks like the cat. 12's are already sold out for our cruise. Guess they go fast! I'll stick with my Navigator's Veranda. :)

Back to work for me... hope everyone is having a great week!

-gina-

[akterrye]

Gina, Yep, got the paper done, now just need to do a few touch ups and I'm done with that class! WHOOHOO!

I'll trade you Alaska (current temp. is a comfortable 70 degrees with all sunshine and no clouds) for Texas, an olympic swimming pool filled with ice cubes and an all you can eat ice cream buffet! :)

I've added lime green ribbon to my "must buy before the cruise" shopping list! I made a quick stop at our local Fred Meyer's (like a target) and they had a heck of a sale on all summer stuff - thanks to all of you for the tips about checking out end of season sales - I wouldn't have thought about that! I didn't get to really shop because I was picking up graph paper and 3X5 cards for my algebra class and had to scoot home to study for a test tomorrow. *bleck* I also checked for underwater cameras...they didn't have any...so the search continues! I'll check out that link for ritzcamera. Eric wants me to get an underwater digital video camera...yeah, RIGHT! :) LOL

Did you reserve the 11:15 spot with Capt. Marvins? I talked it over with the guys and they were like, "YOU DIDN'T BOOK IT YET?!?!" heheeh, so, I'll be doing that asap! I also told them about Playa Sol and they were "hip to that jive." LOL

Who all has reserved the 11:15 Capt. Marvins? :Pinkbounc

Oh yeah, I had forgotten to tell my son we were going on the 2/1/03 Western cruise - LOL - and he got REALLY excited. He has one request from our fellow cruisers, tho. He would like to hear from any other boys around his age (11) that will be on the cruise. You can email me at pstmf1@matsu.alaska.edu and I'll forward the email to him. THANKS!

Here's wishing beautiful days and cooler temps for all my fellow DISers!

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
I'll trade you Alaska (current temp. is a comfortable 70 degrees with all sunshine and no clouds) for Texas, an olympic swimming pool filled with ice cubes and an all you can eat ice cream buffet! :)



You got it! I can trade you lots and lots of sunshine, 95 very humid degrees, and the beach about 25 minutes away in traffic. :)


I've added lime green ribbon to my "must buy before the cruise" shopping list! I made a quick stop at our local Fred Meyer's (like a target) and they had a heck of a sale on all summer stuff - thanks to all of you for the tips about checking out end of season sales - I wouldn't have thought about that!


Yeah, I didn't think about that last year, but I'm definitely thinking about it this year! Kohl's was having a big sale so we stopped in last night and found two really great tropical shirts for Tyler Dean for $5 apiece. I'm just hoping he doesn't grow terribly much between now and February, so that he can still wear his suit!



I also told them about Playa Sol and they were "hip to that jive." LOL

Who all has reserved the 11:15 Capt. Marvins?


With the age your son is, it'll be a miracle if you can get him off that big "iceberg" in the water before the ship sails and leaves y'all behind. LOL Even my 6 year old DS said, "WOW!!!" when he saw it. ;) And yep, we're all booked for the 11:15 with Capt. Marvin's.


babyjosie --
I went to the transportation board and found the Avis code J945605 which lowered my 2-day rental from $98 to $77. So now I'm all booked for that, too. :) All I don't have booked is airfare (waiting on Delta to send me replacement vouchers -- long story) and the hotel for the first night. I posted to the offsite hotel board, but I'm not quite getting the answers I was hoping for. I know which of the offsite hotels are better than others, but I'd like to know which ones would make it easiest for me to drive from there to Epcot.

Do you guys do anything to count down to your trips? We have a wav. file of the ship's signature whistle on our desktop, and we play that every Saturday at the time the Magic is set to sail. When we blow our whistle tomorrow, we'll have just 29 Saturday's left. That sounds a lot better than 202 days. :D

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

;) Gina & Anyone else interested,

I went ahead and secured an 11:15 spot on the Capt Marvs Stingray City Excursion. Sounds like a poplular time. I am excited!!! So Gina how old is your DS???? Our DD is 4 and will be almost 5 when we go on the cruise.
Maybe you could get a good rate on a room in Downtown Disney area hotel. That would be Cool. I think we are leaning toward WL. Really I should not,but I am going to try and squeeze it in. I guess Avis is taking ressies for Feb? I saw the Discount code on this thread. I may call and see what we can get. I ordered a Lilo dress for my DD last week to take on the vacation with us. It is so cute and I can not get her to take it off. I may have to get one more to put up for our trip. Have a good day everyone!!!

[Gina]

I'm so glad you got the stingray ressie all squared away! It's going to be a ball with so many of us on the same excursion. I think it is going to be a popular time slot, and I bet it fills up way before February.

My DS will be a few weeks away from being 7 when we sail. Will your DD be within a month of turning 5 when we sail? If so, and if you feel she would like it better, she can be in the 5-7 group. It just depends on your little girl. My son would have been horrified to have to be with "babies" at that point, but that's just the way he is. ;) You might want to pull up the kids' Navigators for both age groups, and see what your DD might like best, since you know her best. :) I saw that Lilo dress you're talking about at the Disney Store -- she is going to be so adorable!!

I got the hotel room problem solved -- just went back to trusty ole' Priceline. :) Got the Ramada Inn Eastgate for $20, and figured it had to be livable for just one night. $20 makes me feel not so terribly guilty about spending $124 the next night at the Radisson. ;)

I was thinking about something yesterday... people tease me all the time about planning so far ahead, and getting excited so far ahead, but it dawned on me that DS and I stepped onto the Magic nearly 6 months ago. How on earth has it been that long?!? I swear, we were just there last week... that's how fast time seems to be flying by these days, for me at least. I know the next 6 months will fly by just as quickly -- more so, once school starts and the holidays start rolling around. I remember before the last cruise, the period between like the end of September and the cruise went by before I could even blink, it seemed. Plus, the planning is so much fun to me... every time I work on it, it's like reliving a little bit of the cruise along with anticipating the next one. Or possibly, I'm just really strange. LOL ;)

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

:) Jo Jo will be within a month and a half of 5 when we go. She is very grown up and would probably perfer to be with the 5-7 year olds. Guess I will check things out and see what happens when we get there. I heard that another "ElNino" is happening this year and that winter will be warmer than normal. I hope that is true in Feb and that we have nice warm weather for our whole trip.

Gina you are not crazy!! I love planning also and I guess my family thinks I am goofy sometimes too. You are so right about time flying by. I figured the same thing after fall hits with Halloween,Thanksgiving and so on we will be so busy that it will be time to go before we know it.

That is a great rate you got for the night before WDW. Lots cheaper than a Disney resort. I should do that,but well your from Texas and I am sure you are around horse people and ropers!!! I am married to a Team roper and he has been doing so well lately and I am trying to get him to hand over some of that money for our vacation!!! He could pay our night at WL out of some of his money he has won lately. It is hard to get him to part with that cause he thinks he needs it to keep paying entry's for the next Rodeo. It never ends. I just have to figure out a way to get him out of those wranglers for the dinners on the cruise. I want my Cowboy to wear a Tux for the formal nights. I guess we will see.

So how many pairs of shoes do you bring??? Do you bring any beach towels or just use the ships???:confused:

Thanks for all your help.

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
I am married to a Team roper and he has been doing so well lately and I am trying to get him to hand over some of that money for our vacation!!! He could pay our night at WL out of some of his money he has won lately. It is hard to get him to part with that cause he thinks he needs it to keep paying entry's for the next Rodeo. It never ends. I just have to figure out a way to get him out of those wranglers for the dinners on the cruise. I want my Cowboy to wear a Tux for the formal nights. I guess we will see.


Oh my gosh, that is just the coolest thing... yes, I love horse people and cowboys in general -- DS was named for Ty Murray. :D
I wouldn't worry about getting DH out of the Wranglers... what we call a "Texas Tuxedo" is black Wranglers with a white tuxedo shirt and black Tuxedo jacket, black ropers, a black felt, and a black bolo. Soooooo sexy. ;) Then you'd both be happy, right?? :)


So how many pairs of shoes do you bring??? Do you bring any beach towels or just use the ships???:confused:


I don't bring any other towels... as for shoes, I brought (thinking...) 4 pair. Casuals, sandals, formals, and kinda-dressy ones. Hope that made more sense than it sounded like. ;)

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

A Texas Tuxedo!!!!Perfect and it is funny you say that....... That is what Gary and the guys wore for our wedding and they looked awsome!! Had those Wranglers starched perfect with crease and everything. That is a thought that I had but was not sure. I know hubby will have his black ropers with him for sure. He would be much more happy in that. ;) ;) Ty Murray is very cool! My Nephew is a big Lane Frost fan. Love the movie!! Thanks again...

[Gina]

Howdy, fellow cruisers! :)

Ugh, it has been busy around our house lately, with swim lessons and school and soccer starting in a few weeks and all... I needed a time-to-dream-about-the-cruise break!! :D Lots of summer stuff starting to go on sale... anyone found anything good yet to bring? As soon as I get all the school supplies out of the way, then I'm going to start laying away summer stuff on sale.

Also, there is someone from the Disney Dollarless list I'm on who is hopefully going to join us here in our happy group -- she's sailing 2/1 also. (Felicia?? Did you make it yet?? :) )

Hope everyone is well and happy! Only 192 more days!! :D

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

:) Hey Gina,

I have been hitting the malls once per week. Lots of clearance stuff. I went to Disney store last Thursday and got DD some Christmas presents that pertain to the cruise. She loves to take pictures and so I got her the LILO Camera pack with a 35 ml camera made for small hands and it comes with a Lilo case and Markers,postcards and little photo album. I thought it would be great for our vacation since it will be only a month after Christmas is over. They also had 50% off summer stuff. So I also got a LILO swimsuit and beach towl. See I can justify it if I tell DH I am shoping for Christmas!! Hee Hee...... I have gotten us some cute stuff to wear and have set that aside also. My Aunt and Uncle and their DS just booked the 11-3-02 4 day cruise. She wanted to go with us,but the price has really gone up. So now she is going before me!!! I am going to her house on Friday and we are going to have Pina Coladas and compare notes. They are staying at ASMU the night before and I am trying to talk them into dinner at Ohana's. We love that place and will probably eat there the night we stay at WDW. It is fun and you get a great view of the castle.

Bye,Michelle:cool:

[sitchu2]

Hello All,

Thanks for the invite Gina! I am Felicia and I will be sailing on 2/1/03 with Husband Bob , 2 sons 16 and 13 and daughter who will have just turned 7, and my mom and dad. We had all sailed on the 4 day Wonder last March 8th I think it was and had the best time, we can only begin to imagine how wonderful the western 7 day will be.
I have not yet begun trip planning for this trip, I am going to disney for labor day week and I figured I would come back from that trip and fight the post disney blues with planning this one.
It was recommended to me to swim with the sting rays by a friend at work, Is this what you are all doing? On which Island is this excursion from? It sounds terrific.
Since so many of you in here are past cruisers I was just wondering if anyone else had our servers, we thought they were the best "L" and Atilla. Miguel was our stateroom host. These folks will be really hard to beat they were the greatest last march.
Will look forward to meeting everyone when February finally arrives, I was not sure if I should fly in the am of the first or stay at the raddison. Well, Ill have lots to do in the fall;0)

Felicia

[robertsb19]

Can't wait.
This will be our 3rd disney cruise. we were originally booked for the 12/21/02 cruise but DH has a new boss at work and changed his vacation.
Does anyone know what documents we would need, if we decide to bring my neice (16) to keep our DD15 happy?

[BABYJOSIE98]

;) Wow,we are adding to our list of cruisers!! How fun this is going to be.

Felicia,

I think that a few have already booked the Capt.Marv's shore excursion to Stingray City for 11:15 when we stop at Grand Cayman. Disney offers an excursion,but our DD is not old enough cause they limit the age to 6 and above. So we booked Capt Marv's so our DD can go with us. I have read lots of good things about Capt Marv's. We are very excited!!!! Hope you guys join us........ We are flying down 2 days early and are staying the night before at the Raddison. The first night we are staying at WDW. I want WL if I can get a good rate. We have to do MK on Friday so DD can finally ride SM!!!! She should be tall enough by then.

Michelle

[akterrye]

:Pinkbounc A hearty WELCOME and a big wave to all our new cruisers!! :Pinkbounc

Does anyone know what documents we would need, if we decide to bring my neice (16) to keep our DD15 happy?

robertsb19, I would think at least a power of attorney. I would call DCL and ask for sure.

I hate to say, but we decided not to book the 11:15 stingray but opted for the earlier one so we could hit all the "MUST DO" sites on our list. (Turtle Farm, Hell, Hard Rock, and if there's time, Seven Mile Beach).

We've hit a couple of post summer sails...oops...sales... and I've gotten some really cute tropical print tops and capri pants to blind you all with! :cool: I'm just waiting for the stores to put tanning lotion/sunscreen on clearance...that'll be easier than looking for it in Feb. You should see the looks I got the last time I ask for it! Could have something to do with the 3+ feet of snow we had just gotten. heheheh

This may sound nuts, but I was wondering if anyone else puts together a binder with divider tabs to help with all the planning? So far, I have the following sections in my "book:"

Cruise Bible
Air travel info
Pre-cruise hotel
Pre-cruise excursions
Cruise reservation info
Ressies Scramble
Key West (for all the excursion info)
Grand Cayman (excursion info)
Cozumel (excursion info)

Maybe I'm just a compulsive planner/organizer. :crazy:

[BABYJOSIE98]

;) Akterrye,

You are not alone!!!!! I also have a folder started with all my information. I write notes down from these boards like the little shop someone gave the name of in Key west that makes cute sandals!!! I keep everything organized and I think we get more out of our vacation. Plus I have a blast planning all this stuff. This our first cruise and so I have been checking out everything. My Aunt & Uncle just booked a 4 day on the Wonder Nov 3. I told her about my folder of info and she was like "I better get one too"
I am going to her house on Friday and we are making Pina Colodas and going over all our notes!!!!! Our family can not even stand the two of us anymore. We are so excited!!!

I am going to hit the stores again soon to find more good sale stuff to set aside!!!:)

Michelle

[akterrye]

WHEW!!! :) Thanks, Michelle! I was a little worried I had gone overboard (no pun intended). I know what you mean about the rest of the family...when I start in on "OH, and guess what else I found out..." they run away from me as fast as possible! I'm glad you have someone to plan with. Thank goodness for these boards, without them, I'd be bouncing around in a rubber room!! :bounce:

Check this out:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=237091

[micKIM mouse]

You are definitely not alone with the notebook. My notebook gets more elaborate with each trip. My notebook is more organized than my desk at work!!! :p

[akterrye]

This is a good thing, then! :) I'm not feeling so weird. A plus to being overly organized with binder in hand is it's helping me convince a couple of friends to go on the cruise with us...can you believe it?! Having to CONVINCE someone to go on a Disney Cruise?!?!?!?!

[Gina]

How are all my fellow cruisers?? Things have just been so hectic lately, I haven't had a chance to post!! (Okay, hectic = been playing EverQuest way too much ;) )

Felicia --
Glad you made it over here! Can't wait to meet another DDL-er finally! :)

Terrye --
I have a whole file cabinet drawer of cataloged info, and my packing lists are color-coordinated with highlighters depending on which suitcase the item goes in. I have part of the info (including said packing lists) narrowed down to the info I need within my grasp 24hrs a day, and that is in a special folder I keep with me at all times. The rest stays in the file cabinet, but is referenced often. We have last trip's Navigators posted on the fridge. I already have a "pack box" of things I am acquiring out in my bedroom. There, feel better? ;)

I'm so happy to see more and more people posting to this thread!

Gotta run -- I'll post more soon.

-gina-

[akterrye]

OK, Gina wins the prize for "Most Fanatical Planner!" :jester:

The color coded packing list really got me! LOL!! And, like you, I have a "pack box" started in my bedroom! :) I've also started a shopping list of "Things for the Cruise." I just love planning!!! *doing the happy planning dance*

[sitchu2]

Hi,

I was wondering what the lime green ribbon was in reference to and I have a feeling it is how members of the dis boards identify eachother. This is a great idea. Is this correct??

Felicia

[akterrye]

Felicia, you nailed it right on the head! I'm planning on packing some, how about you? :)

[sitchu2]

Well, I will have to add that to my shopping list . I am also having fun buying small things I will be needing, it kind of helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Felicia

[Gina]

I totally agree, Felicia. That's why I have my "pack box" sitting there in my bedroom -- because I like to see it slowly fill up with all the little things I amass for the trip. Stupid little things, like the travel-size bottle of saline solution I just tossed in there the other day. (Those things are hard to find!) It's like a box of reality, telling me "Yes, you're really going back!" every time I look at it. :)

-gina-

[akterrye]

That "packing" box reminds me of a treasure chest. :) Hmmm...I have an unused footlocker in the closet....that would make a wonderful treasure chest/packing box! :) I love making lists of things I have to buy for the cruise and gleefully check them off as I pick the items up while I'm out doing mundane errands. It's like a little incentive to get out there and do my "chores."

Guess what I got in the mail the other day.....a brochure from the Grand Cayman Dept. of Tourism all about snorkeling on the island...I LOVE the beautiful pictures!!! The last two pages are a mini-poster of all the marine life you can find on the reefs. That got hole-punched and stuck in my binder under the "Grand Cayman" divider. :) It's getting a little dog-earred. I can't wait!!!

[Gina]

That sounds so neat, Terrye!! C'mon, tell us how you ordered that?? :)

-gina-

[akterrye]

NOPE, not gonna do it! Can't make me!!! *OW* OKOKOKOKOK, Sheesh, Gina!!! Here's the LINK (http://www.caymanislands.ky/tour_guide/request.asp) already!!!

hehehehehehe

[Gina]

Silly me... I have that planner already! :D See, that's why I'm a compulsive planner... it's not because I'm anal retentive, it's because I'm a *ditz*!! LOL

On other fronts... Ticket prices between HOU and MCO finally dropped below $290, and DS and I have $275 vouchers on Delta, so I have a 24 hold on two seats. I'll have to go tonight to trade in my vouchers for actual tickets, thus ending a 7-month ordeal over these stupid vouchers and stupid Delta. Note: DELTA really does stand for Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive. :rolleyes:

But hey, free tickets are free tickets, and this is the last thing I don't have reserved and definite! But after all the hassle I have gone through with these vouchers, I won't feel better until the actual tickets are in my hot little hands.

Well, back to work for me... hope everyone has a great weekend!

-gina-

[akterrye]

Silly me... I have that planner already! See, that's why I'm a compulsive planner... it's not because I'm anal retentive, it's because I'm a *ditz*!! LOL

Ahhhh...a sister *ditz*. Now I know I'll be in good company! I keep finding all this really cool info to print out and after I get it printed and hole-punched, I flip to that section in my "cruise guide" and find that I've already printed it out. Eric took my printer cartridge away from me! LOL

I can't believe you have everything reserved already! I'm waiting for plane tickets to come down to earth! Disney wants to charge us $733/pp (*choke*). Travelocity has them for about $550 for Feb. I want them to come down to where they are if we were traveling next month - $400! :) Last time, I didn't play the waiting game and could have saved several hundred dollars. I guess I'll start really shopping for air fare around Nov. Wish me luck!

A lot of our planning is up in the air because we're waiting to see if a friend's husband can take the time off from work. He works up on the North Slope (with a work rotation of 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off.) Because we're going when we are, he'd have to take vacation and find someone to cover his rotation for him. Both of his bosses have been on vacation, so that hasn't helped matters much. I hate not having everything nailed down and tickets in hand. (yes, I'm going insane!) Maybe I'll just go ahead and make all of our plans and they can catch up when they get things worked out, that way, at least we won't miss out on the things we want to do....does that make sense? :) Or, am I being a bad friend?

Thanks for the heat wave, Gina! For the last few days, we've been in the low 80s! Alaskans everywhere are turning into puddles! And we don't have air conditioners!!!! One weather forcaster even threatened us with the possibility of a low 90 or two in the next few days! Who needs to go to the Caribbean with weather like this?! :)

Hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend!!

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye

I can't believe you have everything reserved already! I'm waiting for plane tickets to come down to earth! Disney wants to charge us $733/pp (*choke*). Travelocity has them for about $550 for Feb. I want them to come down to where they are if we were traveling next month - $400! :)


**choke** $733 per person?!? That is absolutely insane. I know Alaska is far, but it's not on another planet! Sheesh!! I hope they come down a lot for ya.

As for the holding-plans-to-wait-on-the-friend thing, my advice would be to just move along with your own plans and let the friend catch up later. No, I don't think you're being a bad friend -- I'm sure they will understand that you need to go ahead and make your plans, and even if something happens that they can't get the same excursion time as you or something down the road, tell me you're not going to have 8 zillion other activity possibilities together on the ship. ;)


Thanks for the heat wave, Gina! For the last few days, we've been in the low 80s! Alaskans everywhere are turning into puddles! And we don't have air conditioners!!!! One weather forcaster even threatened us with the possibility of a low 90 or two in the next few days! Who needs to go to the Caribbean with weather like this?! :)


ROFL!!! Sheesh, it would take a mighty strong polar cold front to get our temps here down to the low 80's... the heat index here was 108 yesterday. Bleh. I'm headed to the beach in about an hour.

Hey, I got my plane tickets!! Woo hoo! I feel soooo much better now. I just *knew* that after all the hassle I have gone through to get these vouchers, Delta would try and come up with yet another problem with them. But we went to the airport last night, and got the tickets, and now the worse thing that can happen now is a flight time change or something. I can deal with that. :)

Well, off to go cool off... talk to you cruisers later!

-gina-


Hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend!! [/B][/QUOTE]

[goin2dzny]

That will be three families... 15 of us in all....

3 DH's, 3 DW's, DS's - 17, 16, 14, DD's - 16, 15, 12, 11, 7 & 7...


Can't wait!!!!:Pinkbounc

[Gina]

Yay, two more DIS kids that will be in the same group in the Oceaneer Club! My son will be thrilled!! :)

-gina-

[akterrye]

WELCOME goin2dzny!! Another 11 year old! WHOOHOO!!!

I've updated the 2/1/02 rollcall :)

Gina, how was the beach?!?!?! You are absolutely right, I'll go ahead and make my plans and hopefully they'll be able to catch up. And, like you said, there are TONS of other things onboard we could do together. Congrats on getting the plane tickets! WHOOHOO!

How are the rest of our cruisers doing? Anything exciting to report?! :Pinkbounc

[sitchu2]

Hello,

I just got a tip off of DDL that delta is having an airfare sale so I am going to check prices for Feb as well. I thought anything over $200 was expensive, I guess I have it cheap here . We are talking economy class right?

Its saturday , Gina did you sound the horn today? how many more to go? I think that is a great thing to do , I may start doing it too!!

My kids are looking so forward to this cruise , they had a blast last march on the wonder.

Take care all Felicia

[Gina]

Originally posted by sitchu2
Its saturday , Gina did you sound the horn today? how many more to go? I think that is a great thing to do , I may start doing it too!!


I sure did. :) 26 more Saturdays to go!! :D :D


Terrye -- Didn't make it to the beach... some big storms popped up and had to stay home. But on the plus side, the storms cooled things off a few degrees, at least. ;) Since TD is staying withmy dad tonight, I'm going to try and go again in the morning. Just me, and my cd player, and the waves, and peace and quiet... ahhhhhhh.... :)


And now, I'm going to have a Zeigenbock or three, and play EverQuest until my eyes fall out. ;)


-gina-

[akterrye]

sitchu2: yup, econmony class :( I wish it was first class, but I'd have to take a second mortgage to afford that! :)

26 MORE SATURDAYS?!?!?!?!?!? I better start packing! We're running out of time! :)

Gina: Sorry you didn't make it to the beach, but I'm glad to hear it's cooled off a bit. Still *hot* here. LOL Good luck with the weather for tomorrow, I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

What is this Everquest? :)

[goin2dzny]

We are so excited... just trying to iron out all the specifics... This is going to be great!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[kshabare]

Gina,

Where is the rollcall? On your computer?

26 more Saturdays!? 180 days for us. I cannot believe it. Once school starts for the kids, the countdown will go even faster.

By the way, CT is having record breaking 90º days!

[akterrye]

kshabare: the rollcall, for now, is at this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=2162271), but I think you already found it. :)

As soon as I get a few more email addresses, and we get closer to our sail date, I'll start sending out info emails about our DIS meet (the where and what time).

CT is have 90 degree weather?! *whew* I better buy stock in ice tea! :)

goin2dzny: I am SO in agreement with you! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: LOL!

Well, the rivers are full of salmon and they are calling my name!!! Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!!

[akterrye]

If anyone is interested, I found a downloadable brochure for the Key West Trolley Tour (http://www.historictours.com/brochures/keywest_ott3.pdf). It has a good map of downtown Key West, too.

[micKIM mouse]

Who should we send the email address to? I would love to get info about a DIS meet!

[akterrye]

micKIM mouse: please email me at Terrye (pstmf1@matsu.alaska.edu) so I can put you on my cruise distribution list. :)

[BABYJOSIE98]

;) Hi ya folks,

Still planning here!! Made a payment on Friday and I am getting it paid down pretty good!! Woo hoo!! You know it is true as soon as Fall gets here and we have Halloween,Thanksgiving & all that Holiday stuff time will fly by and we will be ready to go. Got DD and I matching Mickey surf dresses from Disney Outlet. Too cute!!


Just wish Southwest would open up sched past Jan 10!! Maybe by the end of the month. Aunt & Uncle got 3 round trip to MCO for their cruise in Nov $379 total for all 3!!!! Can't beat that!!

I am getting me a cruise box for my closet too. right now everything is smashed in a big giant Disney shopping bag,but it is starting to overflow.
;)

[goin2dzny]

I wonder how many of us are waiting for South West??? We could be clogging up the reservation system!!!:crazy:

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Atleast we are coming from different cities. I have been checking ever week. It seems like mid month they open it up through the 10th of the next month. So anytime.........

I would just like to get that part out of the way. Were coming in on Thursday so we can do MK on Friday and stay one night in WDW and you never know about weather in St.louis in Feb. I will feel better coming in early.;)

[cruisinpenguin]

Hi.....add me to the SouthWest waiting list!! LOL!! It should be the end of August their air rates will come out. My friend is a travel agent and told me it's usually 6 months before.....so it should be 3 - 4 weeks from now!! I can't wait to get that part done...it just makes it easier knowing your travel plans are complete!! We are going the week before and staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas...we are so looking forward to getting away to some nice warm weather!! Well, can't wait to meet you all.... :)
Enjoy, Laurie

[cruisinpenguin]

Hi.....add me to the SouthWest waiting list!! LOL!! It should be the end of August their air rates will come out. My friend is a travel agent and told me it's usually 6 months before.....so it should be 3 - 4 weeks from now!! I can't wait to get that part done...it just makes it easier knowing your travel plans are complete!! We are going the week before and staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas...we are so looking forward to getting away to some nice warm weather!! Well, can't wait to meet you all.... :)
Enjoy, Laurie

[Gina]

Hello, happy cruisers!! :)

Changed my Radisson ressie today... had that $124 "go package" with full breakfast for 2 and some little gift pack... then found the $79 rate for the same room type without the extras. I decided that DS and I could not possibly eat $45 worth of breakfast, and we'd be eating our way from bow to stern on the Magic in a few hours after that, anyway. ;) Every dollar counts for me!! It sure makes it a lot easier for me to justify staying there to myself. :D

I'm so mad right now... my ex has flaked on child support again, and unfortunately since I bought the house I count very heavily on it, so now I'm struggling to buy school supplies and essentials. Meanwhile, all the summer stuff is starting to go on sale, and I can't afford to get anything right now!! GRRrrrrrrr....
The cruise itself is paid for, and the airline tickets are taken care of, and I have a $300 shipboard credit for drinks and trinkets and stuff, but now it looks like I'll end up having to charge a lot of other things that I normally would have the money set aside for ahead of time. Oh well... as long as we're going!! It's the only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning. I'm sure not sitting here at work because I love it here so darn much. ;)

Anyone else have any more of their plans nailed down? Anyone else joining the rest of us for the 11:15 Capt. Marvin's excursion?

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

OK, Gina

It makes sense not spending the extra $45!!!! I have the Go family package also,but since we are spending Friday at MK we probably won't even get to the Radisson till 8:00 or so. Now you got me thinking that I don't need all that extra!!! So how did you get the $79 rate so that I can call and change mine????

Every penny counts!!! I still owe $1300 on our cruise. I have been putting $100 month in my credit union Christmas club. So I will have $1200 in Nov. I hope to have the cruise payed off before then so that I can put some of that money aside for spending money. I am also trying to get the Visa paid down as much as possible so I can use that if needed. Still waiting for Airfare though.

Maybe Ex-hubby will come around and do the right thing......

We are on the 11:15 with you and DS for Capt Marv's. We were on a float trip yesterday and met some people that had been on 6 cruises and the first thing they said was "SWIM WITH THE STINGRAYS"!!! I told them that we already had that booked. I think that time will be perfect. I read on the boards that people with DCL excursions get taken off the boat first and so this will give us some extra time in the Morning. PLus I want it nice and warm by the time we get in the water.:)

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
It makes sense not spending the extra $45!!!! I have the Go family package also,but since we are spending Friday at MK we probably won't even get to the Radisson till 8:00 or so. Now you got me thinking that I don't need all that extra!!! So how did you get the $79 rate so that I can call and change mine????



It was sooo easy!! I just went to the Radisson site, clicked on "change a reservation," chose which component of the reservation I wished to change (the package type), and confirmed the change! That was it!! Just make sure you click "view all" to see all the different packages and rates. Then the $79 rate should show up. Better hurry before they're gone, though! :)

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

:) I did it!!!!!! I had called to get change my ressie and so I just talked to them and said I would like to switch from the Go Family package to the $79 rate. The girl on the phone was so nice and took care of changing everything and so we are set!! I know we won't eat $45 worth of breakfast either and I can pick up my own snacks.We will probably be stuffed from the day at MK anyway....

Thanks for putting things in perspective for me!!!:cool: :cool:

For anyone interested: They called it the "VISIT FLORIDA RATE" (FOR $79.00. RADISSON )I case any of our other 2-1-03 cruisers decide to stay also...

[robertsb19]

:Pinkbounc
2/1/03
Me my husband and my daughter (15), our niece (16), and my brother and sister in law are going on the cruise in February and can not wait. But my daughter and niece haven't seen to many teens that are going on the cruise. If any one out there has any teenagers that might feel the same way and feel to old. Please reply:p

Thanks alot

[goin2dzny]

Three families... Boys - 17, 16, 14 Girls - 16, 15 (one month from 16) that will be there too!!!

[sitchu2]

Hi,

I was considering coming down to Fla. the night before and staying at the Raddison as well. I was not going to plan the details until Sept. but I am feeling compelled to book a room. Do they require a deposit? I have to let my oldest son finish the school day on Fri 1/31 because I am going to have him out for 10 schooldays thereafter. I guess ill need a night flight and will arrive 10 or 11 pm. We are staying at the BCV for 7 nights after the cruise. I was going to fly down 2/1 early am and land 9am but for my trip labor day I was just bumped to another flight on the way home and it made me think of that beautiful ship sailing without me!!! I had better fly at night.

Gina it sounds like you are doing better then me. I was going to charge this trip and just pay it off with my tax return, historically this is how we have vacationed but this year we are taking the vacation before the return. What a gamble!!!

[sitchu2]

We have 3 children going 2 sons 16 and13 and a 7 yo daughter. No way are the kids too old. Last year we cruised on the wonder and My 15 yo had a blast with the common grounds group. They did some kind of party boat night out in the bahamas and the wild side on castaway cay. I didnt see them the whole trip, I had to beg for them to meet us for dinner. They still chat online with the friends they made on that trip, who are from all over the country.

[akterrye]

According to the roll call (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=237091), we'll have the following:

Teen boys: 13, 14, 16 (2), and 17
Teen girls: 15 (2), 16 (2), and 17

UPDATED:
school aged boys: 7, 8, 9, 11 (2), 12
school aged girls: 7 (5), 8, 10(2), 11, 12

pre-school boys: 0
pre-school girls: 4 (4)

toddlers: 1 ½ (boy)

cruisers waiting for good prices at SouthWest: 3 (couldn't resist)

Gina: I'm so sorry to hear about your (@#(*$)(*ex. :( *a smack upside the head for the ex* I just went and put Dan's school clothes on layaway. I have to wait til we register him at middle school to get his supplies (I have no idea what middleschoolers use these days!) I'm still waiting for the university to get all the books in for my classes (I'm SO not looking forward to buying my texts - I'm figuring approximately $500 and another $175 for mine and Dan's supplies - that REALLY cuts into my cruise budget!!! HA!). And, I can't even count on my ex to help out with any of Dan's stuff - he can barely remember his birthday or Christmas...but we won't go there. :) I guess what I'm trying to say is, I sympathize with you, sister!

How did you create a $300 ship board credit? Prepay? And, if so, how do I go about doing that? I'd love to secretly create an onboard credit for misc. stuff - less cash/traveler's checks to carry. :)

I did just get our reservations for the airport Hyatt for the night before. *ouch* I'm making ressies for Capt. Marvin's 8:30am sometime this week, and I'll be making our cruise reservations on the 26th. Yes, you read that right, I haven't made the reservations for the cruise yet! And, the cat. 7s are sold out, so I'm going for a cat. guarantee - I love to gamble - NOT! :smooth:

Is anyone planning any other excursions for after (or before) Capt. Marvins? This is what we are planning:

8:30 - 10:30: Capt. Marvin's
11:00 - 1:00: Turtle Farm and Hell
1:00 - 3:30: shopping and Hard Rock
back to ship, shower and relax. :)

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
How did you create a $300 ship board credit? Prepay? And, if so, how do I go about doing that? I'd love to secretly create an onboard credit for misc. stuff - less cash/traveler's checks to carry. :)


I bet you can do it that way, sending in payments ahead of time; I've done that with WDW resort stays before. But mine is luckily not my money. :) $100 of it was a Dreams Unlimited promotion, and $200 is the DCL returning cruiser credit. When I sailed in February and made my next ressie a few days after returning, I managed to get in just under the wire before they did away with those credits. I'm sooooo glad to have it!!

-gina-

[micKIM mouse]

We have several teens in our group! There is a 13 year old boy and two girls-15 and 17. :p

[akterrye]

:Pinkbounc :bounce: Gina = lucky dog :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
Gina = lucky dog

No, just fiscally opportunistic. ;) Or maybe luck... whatever it is, I'm very grateful!! I can't imagine how I'd have $$ for drinks and bingo and whatnot without the credits.

Michelle --
I just read a post about the Radisson that should make you feel even better for switching your package -- they said that they had the full breakfast package but that it was a waste, because they were way too excited to eat!! I hadn't even thought of that, but I know I'll be the same way. Also, if anyone is interested, they are showing a rate of $99 for the 1-bdrm whirlpool suite. That is a great price!! With that room, you also get a mini-fridge and microwave, so you could do breakfast yourself.

This is very cool!! Here, you can go on "virtual tours" of the resort grounds, as well as inside the different room types:

http://www.photowebusa.com/cape/

-gina-

[sitchu2]

I just did it. I booked my night at the raddison . I got a 2 king and sofa bed whirlpool suite at the $99 visit fla rate. Thank you for the info, I would not have known otherwise.

I am also watching the airline rates. I do not have southwest out of newark or atlantic city which are my 2 airports. I will have to watch continental or deltas rates I guess. Spirit does not have late flights out to orlando and we have to finish the work/schoolday on the 31st.

Does anyone know what time the magic sails into port? That would be nice to have a meet in the am at the raddison and all watch the boat sail in if its not too early. Are there rooms with an ocean view where you can see the ship sail in??

I cant believe how excited I am getting only 25 saturdays to go now!!!!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[akterrye]

Congrats on the Radisson, sitchu2! When I was looking at the port cam at 7:30 - 8:00 am (FL time) this morning, the Magic was already in port. I'll bet anything that Dave would be able to tell ya if he doesn't already have it posted on his site somewhere.

I got some bad news, Gina. :( Our Disney store sold out of the Alaska Mickey pins in an HOUR! And, they won't be getting any more....ever. :( The CM I talked to said they were amazed! She also told us she didn't like us because we were buying Disney Dollars to use on the Magic. :) LOL!

My friends, Tiffany and Tracy, and I are getting together on the 24th for a "planning" party. We're going to make all of our reservations and stuff together over margaritas and potluck. :) I brought over my cruise notebook last night and the two of them were trading it back and forth like high school girls with a yearbook. I was dying!

Well, off to watch "Twister" and then try to sleep...

A seasonal insomniac *sigh*

[BABYJOSIE98]

akterrye,

That is a good idea to buy Disney dollars for the cruise. I did not think about that??? Heck we waste $20 bucks a week on junk and so if I started buying $20 per week of Disney dollars I would have a pretty good stash by the time we leave. I also have a Birthday next month!!! I could use my Birthday money!! Woo hoo.

I did read on one of the cruise information sites that you can buy on ship credits ahead of time. I guess you would call DCL or your Travel agent.

Anyone else wanting to know about Radisson??? They do not require a deposit. They just hold it on you credit card till you check in. I was happy about that.

This is so fun!! DD and I are heading to Branson Mo this Sat to visit a friend and so I am hitting the Disney outlet to see what deals I can find. They always have some great clearance stuff.

;) ;) ;) SO LADIES?????? WOULD ANYONE BE UP FOR "HIGH TEA" TOGETHER ONE DAY ON THE MAGIC???? I don't think that I could get my hubby to do that??? So I thought us girls could get together and figure out a day to meet for tea????

We got the new cruise video and have watched 10 times or more.

[akterrye]

You can count me IN for High Tea! I loved it! *yummy* My SO absolutely LOVED High Tea.

We haven't decided if we're coming down a few days ahead of time (I'm hoping) or just flying down the day before. I hope they have rooms left at the Radisson if we decide to come down early! :) Getting up early to watch the ship sail into port sounds like fun. I wonder how many will be up already cuz they were too excited to sleep the night before...

We have a new cruiser to add to our ever growing list: KandK and his family! I've updated our rollcall thread and our email distribution list. :)

That is exactly why we bought the Disney Dollars, cuz I would find other things to buy. :) I plan on making the Disney store a monthy stop. My son has also asked his relatives to send him Disney dollars for Christmas. He even went out and bought a wallet this weekend to hold them in when he gets them. :teeth:

I wonder if I could get away with flying down to the lower 48 just to visit a Disney outlet store. LOL...probably not. :)

[Gina]

Good Monday morning, happy cruisers!!

I don't know if y'all have Kohl's there or not, but I swear it's my new favorite store. They have all their summer stuff at 80% off, and yesterday I got Tyler Dean 2 new bathing suits for $3 apiece, and 2 really nice tank tops for -- are you ready for this? -- 75 cents apiece!! I would have gotten more if they had more in his size. I mean, 75 cents?? That's not a department store, that's a garage sale!! And these were Sonoma, regularly like $10. I'm a very happy camper. :)

Re: Disney Dollars -- I don't know what I would do without them!! If I have DD, I simply cannot spend them on anything else, and that really helps. :) I do a lot of surveys for cash, and I cash those checks and get DD with them. It's not a lot of money, but it helps! I'm saving up the DD to buy our one-day tickets to Epcot for that Thursday when we arrive. I wish there was some sort of discount on one-day tickets, but there isn't. I wish we still had our AP's! LOL!

KandK --
Welcome!! We're a chatty bunch, so jump right in. :D

Terrye --
No biggie about the Alaska pin! I'll live. :) Hey, we finally made it to the beach yesterday.. it was sooooo nice! And now my tan is renewed. :) Oh, and can I come to your planning party?? It sounds like just too much fun!! Hey, I make the best Malibu Coladas this side of St. Thomas... I'll bring my blender and my color-coded packing list with me. :D :D

A few other things...
Count me in for high tea, too!! What fun that would be. I went to brunch at Palo with a DIS'er and her DH last time, and that was SO delicious. I'd love to do the high tea this time.

With as many of us as are shaping up to be at the Radisson that night, you *know* we gotta plan a pool-side pre-cruise DIS meet. :D :D How fun would that be?? Then by the time we are on the ship, we'll already know who we all are and stuff. Any takers??

Well, I need more coffee... hope everyone has a great week, full of freshly-sharpened pencils and shiny new lunchboxes! :)

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Gina,

Great!!! We will have plenty of time to figure out a "High Tea" time. I bet they serve great desserts.

I am up for a meet at the pool the night before the cruise. We wil be at MK that day and if there is no evening parade then we will probably leave after the afternoon parade and head to the Radisson. It will be Jan 30 and so MK will close probably close at 6:00. I am guessing it will atleast take us an hour to get to the coast since we do not know where we are going.

If anyone can figure out what time the Magic sails in to port I would be willing to meet up with you guys to watch. I won't be able to sleep anyway.:cool: :cool:

I may have to go to Kohl's!! Sounds like you got some great deals.

I can not believe how big our 2-1-03 thread is!!! We are a chatty bunch.

:p :p

[akterrye]

Gina: we don't have a kohl's nearby, but I did look on their website and they are having the 80% sale on there too...WHOOHOO!!! :) Anyone and EVERYONE is invited to our planning party! Just bring your favorite dish...LOL!

Hey, I make the best Malibu Coladas this side of St. Thomas... I'll bring my blender and my color-coded packing list with me.
Sounds good to me!!! I told the "girls" bout your color-coded packing list...they were awe struck...they had no idea they should actually PLAN to go on a cruise. I couldn't believe they DON'T plan when going on vacation...how are they gonna know what to do when they get there?!?!?!

BABYJOSIE98: You are SO right...the little eclairs are wonderful, and I usually HATE eclairs. Everything was wonderful. I could have done it every day. :)

Are you going to be at the Radisson on Jan. 30 (Thursday) or Jan. 31 (Friday) or both? I'm a little confused.

With as many of us as are shaping up to be at the Radisson that night, you *know* we gotta plan a pool-side pre-cruise DIS meet. How fun would that be?? Then by the time we are on the ship, we'll already know who we all are and stuff. Any takers??
I would love that!

[BABYJOSIE98]

I Believe Gina and I are both staying only Friday night. We will be at WDW on Thursday night and I think Gina is too. She said they are going to Epcot.:cool:

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
I Believe Gina and I are both staying only Friday night. We will be at WDW on Thursday night and I think Gina is too. She said they are going to Epcot.:cool:

You got it! :) We're staying at the Ramada Eastgate on Thursday and satisfying my Epcot fix that day/evening. Friday morning, we drive to Cape Canaveral, check in at the Radisson, go explore for a while, then hang out and relaaaaaaaax poolside. :D

So is the High Tea only offered on certain days?

And Terrye, I'm with you -- how could they NOT plan?!? I have a coworker like that... she just went to WDW in June with little more than the printed park hours I had given her. Just thinking about her trip gave me heartburn. LOL And of course, they had a minimally okay time, because they got to see so little, because she just didn't understand that you *have* to plan.

Anyways, we all know better! ;)

So Kohl's has the clearance stuff on their website too?? Aaaagghhh... my Kohl's card is going to self-combust. LOL!!

-gina-

[akterrye]

If I can an get early enough flights into Orlando, we'll hire a car service and book a room at the Radisson...can't let you guys have ALL the fun! :)

If we get to come down a couple of days early, I'm planning to take Dan to the hospital where he was born and the apartment we lived in the first year of his life. :) Then, if there is time, I would love to take him to Epcot....last time, he was less than 6 months old. And, I've heard a lot has changed in the last 10 1/2 years.

I believe High Tea is only offered on sea days...

After I showed T&T my notebook, they realized that they would be missing out on a LOT without sitting down and making a game plan....that's when they decided on the "planning party." There was even a mention of me doing a power point presentation so they would know what to expect and what their choices will be. It's tempting. LOL I'm trying to figure out a check list of preferences to give them to make the whole thing smoother, so I don't have to keep repeating myself.

Has anyone gotten their cute little underwater cameras yet? I was wondering if you had run a roll of film through them to see how well the prints come out. I went and looked at a reefmaster and was really disappointed in the quality...for $100.00, I was expecting something more than a disposable looking camera. I like the minolta weathermatic zoom, but it uses APS film - which makes it unacceptable. So, my search for the perfect underwater camera continues...and I'm thinking it's going to turn into a Holy Grail! :teeth:

[BABYJOSIE98]

I went on that Barb's site and looked at the Navigator for the western cruise and it looks like "High Tea" at Palo's is on that Thursday that we are at sea.

I wonder if that is something we have to set up a time for when we board the ship. If so maybe by the time we go we will have a set number of all those who would like to join us. Then we can leave it up to one person to make the ressie. We will have to decide on a time. Won't this be fun!!!:)

I AM SO EXCITED!!! I am in a wedding next Sat and we finally got our dresses and they are so unbelievable. I just love them and it will work perfect for the Formal night on the cruise. It is a Champagne color and very simple and elegant. I am just happy that I will get two uses out of it. I just have to figure out a good way to tranport it to the cruise.:confused:

Happy thoughts fellow cruisers!!!!!

[akterrye]

High tea is only offered on ONE sea day??!?!?! Oh no! :(

I wonder if that is something we have to set up a time for when we board the ship. If so maybe by the time we go we will have a set number of all those who would like to join us. Then we can leave it up to one person to make the ressie. We will have to decide on a time. Won't this be fun!!!

Yup, you have to make ressies just like for brunch or dinner at Palo's. I'll send out an info email about High Tea and see how many are interested.

I haven't even thought about what to wear to the formal/semi-formal night...wonder if there is enough curtain in the cabin to make a dress.... :teeth:

[Gina]

One more thing we need to consider with the High Tea... in looking at the Navigator for that one day it is offered, it is only listed at 3:30pm -- a mere 30 minutes before the Castaway Club reception, and I don't want to miss that! Any other thoughts on that? Do we maybe want to think about brunch at Palo one day instead? The High Tea sounded so neat, though... :(

-gina-

[cruisinpenguin]

ahhh shucks!! figures there would be a conflict with tea time!! Maybe times will be different for our Castaway Party?! but we should have another plan just in case.....
;)
Laurie

[akterrye]

I sent out an email about the High Tea....it's offered on all sea days....which we have two...so, we can just plan it for the other day...it's also offered from 3:30 - 5:00PM typically. With ressies being spaced about 30 min. apart.

How long does the Castaway Party run for?

[BABYJOSIE98]

Ok, you past cruisers!!! We don't want to interfere with your party. We can just plan it for the other sea day. I have never been and so I really don't know what to expect at all. You all just let me know and I will fit it into my schedule. I hope to be a past cruiser someday too!!! I know we are going to want to go again. I would like to try a 4 day on the Wonder next.

So AKterrye,
Are you going to be like "Scarlett Ohara" and make your own gown out of the curtains on the ship!! I only know what I am wearing cause I have this wedding next week. Might as well get as much use out of it as I can. It really is pretty.

I told my DH if things don't work out and we can not all set a meet for "High tea" that my 4 year old DD and I would do it. She loves tea and dessert. Although I think I would really enjoy it if I could meet up with other "Adults"!! You all know what I mean. It is nice to have some time to yourselves.

:D :D

[allears]

Hey, first posting on the boards. My family of five, maybe four if dd's grades aren't up to snuff, are booked on the 2/1/03 cruise. This will be our third disney cruise, second 7 day and we can't wait!!!!!

[Gina]

Welcome to the DIS boards, and welcome to our 2/1 party!!! :D :D :D So glad to have more join the fun... we're a chatty bunch -- because nothing makes the waiting time fly by like anticipating our cruise!! -- so jump right on in!! :) How old are your kids? We already have quite a number of DIS-kids that are going to be in the Club/Lab together. What are your plans before the cruise? A number of us will be at the Radisson the night before, and we're planning on having a pool-side mini-DIS-meet. Also, several of us are taking the 11:15 excursion to Stingray City via Captain Marvin's. I can't wait for that!!

Glad you're here!!

-gina-

[akterrye]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc Welcome, allears! Great to have you join us!! :Pinkbounc :bounce:

In addition to this thread, we have a rollcall (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=237091) and an email distribution list for all kinds of stuff as we get closer. Drop me an email (pstmf1@matsu.alaska.edu) if you want to be included.

I think Gina covered most of the good questions. :)

[akterrye]

HEY!!! We're under 170 days!!!! WHOOOHOOO!!!

[goin2dzny]

This just might be a RECORD for the DIS boards.... we have quite a few of us going on this cruise together...

Maybe we should all have T-Shirts printed with something about DIS so we can recognize each other... HHHHMMMM Lime green t-shirts sure would be easy to see!!!

I am so excited!!! Can't wait!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[allears]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. My kids are DD 15, DS 12 and DS 6. We'll be flying in early that morning and heading straight to the ship via DCL transfers. This was our mo on the last cruise and worked out well.

[sitchu2]

Allears:

I too am from south jersey at the shore and I was in the process of shopping for flights. I was considering flying spirit the morning of the cruise but I was afraid if there was a delay the boat does not wait. I just had an experience with spirit canceling my flight home this sept and placed my family on another flight without even notifying us. If I had not decided to check myself the status I would have been up the creek. I had to book an extra night and everything with short notice. I decided to try to fly down the night before so if the flight had a delay at least I would have 18 hours or so to find another flight.

Our kids are close in age I have a son15 a son13 and a daughter 6. At the time we sail they will be 16,13, and 7 though.

If you dont mind can you tell me who you are flying with , and if you got a good price on airfare. I was considering purchaseing continental air out of newark the night before at $211 round trip.

Thanks Felicia (Brick NJ)

[allears]

Hey there sitchu2,
We are flying US Air, and we got a pretty good rate, $186.00 round trip. We have a 6:30 am flight. I always try to get the earliest flight, that gives me several subsequent flights in the event of trouble. We thought about Spirit, but then I would defenitely have gone down the night before. We live about 15 mins from the Philadelphia airport, and US Air has a desk at the DCL terminal, so the last time I touch our luggage is when I check in at Philly. I love this. This is the same flight we had this past Feburary and it worked out great. The only other thing to worry about is weather, again an early flight can help there, but if all else fails and we look like we'll get snowed in, I'll leave Friday morning and drive.

Hope this helps. Good luck with flights.

[sitchu2]

Thanks for the great info allears!! I think ill be safer booking the night before out of newark. Ill just keep my eyes open for rates under $200 .
That is great to get your luggage transported from the airport. Last year when I sailed I saw others with this deal, and I was envious!! Sounds like a good move.

Does anyone know all of the airlines that have a desk at the dcl terminal for baggage convienance?

[allears]

You're most welcome. We do love using DCL transfer option. With our last cruise we hit a good price with US Air as well, and we had purchased the DCL transfers. It was soooo cool to tag our luggage with their yellow tags, check them in at the air port and not see them again unitl they arrived at our stateroom. I'm not sure how they know that they have all of your bags, but they did. We just took our carry ons and boarded the bus for the port.

On debarkation, we got a porter to take our bags out of the terminal around to the US Air desk. Got checked in (received our boarding passes) and got back on the bus. It is really a neat serivce.

So if ariline prices are close, I choose one that has a desk at the terminal.

Good luck with your flight search!

[akterrye]

Hey, everyone....I was just curious as to who all is booked with Capt. Marvin's and for what time?

Gina, you got us addicted to watching the Magic sail off on Saturdays, now! Dan and I have been doing it for three weekends, but today Eric came in and asked what we were up to. Dan said, "We're watching the Magic!!" and Eric responded, "REALLY?! How cool!" We told him we've been doing it every weekend and he now he wants to watch with us. :) I think he's finally getting as excited as Dan and I are. LOL.

Tiffany called her parents yesterday and TOLD them the cruise was paid for and they were going whether they liked it or not and now Tiff's parents are excited too! So, our group just got a WHOLE lot bigger. I'll update the rollcall after this post.

goin2dzny: I think we might be getting really close to having a HUGE group going. :) I'll have to do a little reseach and find out exactly if we'll be the biggest group of DISers going so far. :)

Maybe we should all have T-Shirts printed with something about DIS so we can recognize each other... HHHHMMMM Lime green t-shirts sure would be easy to see!!!
I like the idea of something setting us apart so we can easily recognize each other....lime green t-shirts might blind our fellow passengers tho. LOL :)

allears and sitchu2: HOW COOL that you guys are both from the same neck of the woods!!!

Does anyone know all of the airlines that have a desk at the dcl terminal for baggage convienance?
The airlines that have baggage check-in at the port are:

Delta
US Airways
American
Continental
Northwest

Wow, this getting to be a really long post, so I'll close for now. :) Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[disneygal58]

Hello All,
We booked our first 7 night before disembarking the DVC 4 night special is April. Our cabin will consist of myself (hardworking CMT single mom) and my two wonderful daughters - Meagan age 19 and Erin age 17.
We recently (10 days to be exact) moved to Clearwater, Florida and this will be our first trip driving instead of dealing with flying/transfer debates and praying that a snowstorm doesn't delay our vacation.
I am feeling absolutely decadent and spoiled these days living 15 minutes from white sand beaches and 90 minutes from Disney World.
Looking forward to sharing the countdown and getting info on good deals at close to Port hotels for the night before departure.
Dawn Hope

[Gina]

Hi Dawn! Yay, another single mom! Woo hoo!! :D

Welcome aboard... if you've already read through the whole thread, then you know what we're planning on doing and staying when, so feel free to add any suggestions or join our growing little excursion and meet groups. Glad to have you along! And the rest of the teens in our midst will be very happy to hear that there will be two more now. :)

-gina-

[akterrye]

I updated the rollcall...HOLY smokes! We have a huge group going! :) This is gonna be SO cool!

Pre-cruise Dis meet: At the Radisson by the pool (or Gina's room! HA!). Any suggestions as to what time would work for everyone?

Sail-away Dis meet: So far, the suggestions are Deck 10 above Goofy's pool or Deck 7 *secret* veranda. How big is the veranda, anyway? Since we have approximately 18 families going, will there be enough room? :) Also, what time would work for everyone? We sail at 5pm and early dinner is when?

High Tea: Looks like it'll have to be the first sea day, since the very important Castaway Club Party is on the other one! :) Don't wanna miss that!!! I think 3:30 (or the earliest possible reservation) would be the best so that those with early dinner seating won't be full from tea.

If we fill up the 11:15 Capt. Marvin's will they pick us up at the dock where we tender in? :teeth:

[Cyberkashi]

Hi all,

I just got back from Disney park and 7-day Eastern (still one case unpacked) and we just had to do it again. So we too are booked on the 2/1/03 Western. Made the reservation this morining.

We will probable stay at VWL for the week prior to the cruise--broke it up last time (3 days before, 5 days after) and it was a lot of moving around.

I missed hooking up with the group at our last cruise because they too selected the Goofy pool for a meet site. BIG MISTAKE. That is where the sail-away party takes place. It is a mad house. If you want to meet and plan a "private sail" away, try a less crowded spot. May the sport deck at the fore of the ship? Should offer great unobstructed views and less people and noise.

We are three people cruising:
Myself, DH, & DD 5. From Northern NJ.

We are on deck 8 / Cabin 8082. Late Seating.

I hope someone will compile a list.

I would love to meet for high tea. We had a reservation last time but my husband & I split to make our bookings and the tea interferred with a spa treatment and we had to let the tea go. I heard it was really great. I also heard reports that the Brunch is not to be missed.

Thanks for the lead on Captin Marvin's (whoever provided the link). I did not see an 11:15 tour listed but I will keep looking.

Before I found this thread, I had already booked the Raddison, but only had the option for the standard room at $99. I will have to call them about that. I will also try the Avis discount code given in an earlier message.

Happy to answer any questions about my recent experience on the Magic--although it looks like there are a lot of Veteran cruisers out there. Glad to be aboard.

-- Cyberkashi :Pinkbounc

[akterrye]

Welcome to Cyberkashi and family!

Have you had a chance to read the whole 2/1/03 thread? There is a lot of information that we've been sharing, and it's been quite entertaining! :cool:
I hope someone will compile a list.
We have another thread called ROLLCALL (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=2104288#post2104288) where I have a list of everyone that has raised their hand and stated they are going on the cruise. I've also been gathering email addresses for a cruise distribution list. If you would like to join that, drop me an email (pstmf1@matsu.alaska.edu) and I'll add you.

:( Sorry to hear you missed the High Tea...it really is wonderful. I'm looking forward to finally getting to the brunch! :Pinkbounc

re: Capt. Marvin's - Here (http://www.captainmarvins.com/snorkel.htm) is the link to the snorkel trips...it's about half way down the page under "2-Hour Excursion." ;)

allears and sitchu2 are also from the New Jersey area, looks like you'll have something else in common besides just a cruise! :)

[akterrye]

Teen boys: 13, 14, 16 (2), and 17
Teen girls: 15 (3), 16 (2), 17 (2), and 19
Total teens: 13

school aged boys: 6,7, 8, 9, 11 (2), and 12 (2)
school aged girls: 7 (5), 8, 10(2), 11, and 12 (2)
Total school aged: 19

pre-school boys: 0
pre-school girls: 3, 4 (4), and 5
Total pre-school: 6

toddlers: 1 ½ (boy)

All I can say is WOW!

[sitchu2]

I have recently been informed that my first cousin who I have not seen since my childhood has booked this cruise with her husband. I will try to contact her by email and give her the link to the boards. My mom is excited because she was very close to her niece when she was a small child.

DCL was even able to link us all together at the late dinner seating.

I also just got my local school calender and found out that school is closed for a professional day in my area on Jan 31 HORRAY!!
Now I can fly down earlier and enjoy that raddison. My parents tried to book the room that I got for $99 but the special was gone(visit florida special) so they were only able to get a standard room as well.

I am on a quest for flights under $200 Last week continental was $211 and now the same flights are $735 ouch! I guess ill expect to wait until October but if I can find something sooner Ill grab it.

Also is there a way to rent a car at the airport and turn it in at the port or the raddison? Does anyone know about the raddisons shuttle? cost? ect.

I swore I was going to try not to think about this trip until after Labor day but I think once you get under that six month mark its impossible not to. How many more saturdays is it now?
Do you all watch the magic sail in on a web cam?

Happy planning all (I will deffinately plan excrusions after my Labor Day trip!!) Felicia

[BABYJOSIE98]

SITCHU2,

You can rent a car from Avis at the Airport and there is an Avis rental on site at the Raddison. That is what we are doing and then you can just turn the car in right at the hotel. In the morning they will take us to the port by shuttle and it is complimentary. Glad to have more DIS'ers joining our thread. I think that we have the biggest group chatting on the board.

This is our first cruise and it is all I think about!!!! I can not wait for it to get here. I figure once all the holiday's hit time will fly!!!

I am also looking for Air still. Southwest schedule is still not open yet for my dates. No good rates right now. I sure hope they drop soon!!!;)

Been doing more shopping. Got DD two really pretty dresses on clearance at Dillards Friday!!! Also hit the Outlets in Branson this weekend. I am set!!! I need to stop shopping!!!!!

Can't wait to meet all of you!!!!:cool:

[Gina]

Originally posted by sitchu2
I swore I was going to try not to think about this trip until after Labor day but I think once you get under that six month mark its impossible not to. How many more saturdays is it now?
Do you all watch the magic sail in on a web cam?



Ugh, how can you NOT think about the trip?? That's half the joy!! :D 24 more Saturdays left!!! :bounce: :bounce:

-gina-

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
Pre-cruise Dis meet: At the Radisson by the pool (or Gina's room! HA!).


ROFL!!! Yep, the conga line starts at my room... :D :D





Sail-away Dis meet: So far, the suggestions are Deck 10 above Goofy's pool or Deck 7 *secret* veranda. How big is the veranda, anyway? Since we have approximately 18 families going, will there be enough room? :) Also, what time would work for everyone? We sail at 5pm and early dinner is when?


I have no idea what time early dinner is -- I barely make it to late on time. LOL! As far as the sailaway party goes, I don't think any of us want to miss the action... my vote is for deck 10, right over the party but out of the crowd. Better to blow bubbles from there, too. :) The deck 7 veranda isn't huge, but I don't think there will be 18 families at any given meet... I bet it would work out just fine for a mid-cruise get-together to just relax and chat.



If we fill up the 11:15 Capt. Marvin's will they pick us up at the dock where we tender in? :teeth:


Hey, how cool would that be?? ;)

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Gina,

We have the early dinner and our documents from the TA it says 6:00. I have heard they may have changed it to 5:30 but don't know that for sure. I hope not. 6:00 would be ok cause DH and I don't like to eat a bunch late and I know they will feed us good!!

If they do move the first seating to earlier than 6:00 I may just consider changing to Late seating. So many decisions to make!!

I will probably be the only one from my group to meet with you all.
DH won't get into all that and the kiddo will be in the clubs or with Daddy!!! It will be my time to meet with all of you and like you said........Relax and chat!!!! Just let me know when and where??????:cool:

I do hope that Capt Marv's picks us up at the dock! I bet we will fill that 11:15 time. Wonder how many they take out???

[BABYJOSIE98]

Hey ya'll

Called my TA and she said DCL had moved dining times up anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. That would mean that we may have to be ready for dinner by 5:15:( :( That is just too much pressure!! She told me the late dinner was 7:45-8:00. That sounded much better to me and so I asked her to change us to the late seating. She took care of it and we are changed!!! I feel much better now. TA said DCL does not have a problem changing me to late. Seem's like the first seating fills up so fast??????

So past cruisers:confused: Do you guys think this was a smart move??? I thought maybe some nights I could put DD in the clubs for dinner and DH and I could have a couple nights for dinner alone.:confused:

[disneygal58]

That's much better! And better for those of us who held late seating, but did not necessarily want to eat at 8:30 - 9:00p.m.
Of course, a benefit to late seating is that you enjoy the second breakfast on the day of disembarkation (I know NO ONE wants to think about that day, yet.....)

Counting, counting to Castaway Cay
Dawn Hope

[Cyberkashi]

We were on the 7/27/02 Eastern and had late seating. It was good, but you do miss some one-time events in the family nightclub that start at 7:15. Late seating began at 7:45.

When I booked the 2/1/03 cruise yesterday, I also selected late seating but was told that DCL has not decided whether to keep the new seating times--which are still in an experimental stage.

I was told that "officially" the late seating for our cruise is 8:30.

Late is better in any case because there are lots of options for treats/snacking in the afternoon (high tea, ice cream, pizza, Topsiders buffet) but not so much as the evening wears on. If you are dancing at 11PM and get the munchies, your only option is room service. DCL serves a light pizza snack in the night club areas between 10:30-11:00 but they do not have the "midnight buffet" that so many cruise ships are famous for. I do believe they had a midnight dessert buffet one night of the cruise but we didn't go.

[Cyberkashi]

We had some challenges with our dining assignments last cruise (wrong seating--had to be changed, dining companions who didn't speak English). It was worked out in the end, but I am wondering if there are one or two other small families (3-4) with kids (preferably girls) aged 4-8 who would like to share a table at late seating.

Our family is three. My DD will be 6 when we sail. She is well mannered and a night owl. We picked her up in the Oceaneer's club every night at closing time. But we ate our meals as a family.

Anyone want to join our table? I would be happy to put in a seating request. We could request that all the DIS tables be be nearby if there is any interest. That would make for really great dinner interaction.

Email me at JBorman@Comcast.net if you are interested or have any questions.

[akterrye]

Posted by mmouse37 on another thread...
According to my 8/3 Western cruise Navigators, the Castaway Club Reception was held on Monday (sea day) from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm.
Well, there goes having high tea on monday! Sheesh! :) BACK to thursday, I guess.

BABYJOSIE98: My family LOVES late seating...if we had early seating, it would be more like lunch with the time change. There were a couple of times my son wanted to eat with the clubs, so we let him. I later found out that when they took them to dinner, all he would fill his plate with was fruit. LOL That was ok by me! :) I guess it has something to do with the quality of fruits we get way up here. I'll bet you and hubby will get at least one night of kid free dining...ah, luxury! :)

I'm thinking deck 10 would be a good place for our DIS meet...something about blowing bubbles just wins me over! :) Plus, it would be closer to the drinks and the music! :) But, far enough away from the hectic action where we could actually communicate.

I was wondering if we've lost some of our other cruisers, like DVCBob, bcburgner, and some of the other early posters? Anyone hear from them? *feeling quilty - did I hijack their thread?!*

[Gina]

Originally posted by Cyberkashi
Our family is three. My DD will be 6 when we sail. She is well mannered and a night owl. We picked her up in the Oceaneer's club every night at closing time. But we ate our meals as a family.

Anyone want to join our table? I would be happy to put in a seating request. We could request that all the DIS tables be be nearby if there is any interest. That would make for really great dinner interaction.



I would love that!! My DS is 6, it's just he and I, and we're both nightowls too. Every time I'd pick him from the OC at closing time, all the other kids would be sacked out and he'd still be going strong. Then we'd go have chocolate milk and cookies on our veranda and watch the stars. :) Oh MAN I can't wait to be back!!!!

Oh, sorry, we were talking about dinner, weren't we? :D We'd love to join you at a dinner table!

-gina-

[Cyberkashi]

Gina,

We'd be pleased to have you and your son join us. I presume that you have late seating? Please email me with your full name and cabin number and I will contact DCL.

Anyone else want to join us?

JBorman@Comcast.net

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D So my TA did not change anything yet?? So you guys sound like you think the late seating is better anyway??? Chances are if it works out they will move the times up. 7:45 would be great for dinner. I am supposed to call her back today and let her know if I want to change seating times.

Cyberkashi,

It sure would be fun to be at your table. It would be like we were with people we knew after talking on these boards. Our DD will be almost 5 when we go on the cruise!!! That would be perfect. Ya know what?????? Just count us in and I will call and change to late seating.:cool::cool:

Sounds like early interfere's with your day. Our little one is like the energizer bunny. She just keeps going and going.......... So she won't have a problem with late seating.:p

Do you feel really stuffed after dinner???? If we have late seating then do we go to the shows before dinner???
I am a newbie at this cruise stuff.

By the way;) I am still up for High tea for whatever day we set it up.

[Cyberkashi]

There are two showings of each major production. If you want to see the show, you go before dinner--uaually around 6PM.

You can feel very full after dinner. There are only three courses: appetizer, main, and dessert. They don't have the soup/salad and cheese course of other cruises, but you can order more than one of an item.

I usually order two appetizers or an appetizer and a salad. Even if the salad is not on the menu they can usually provide one. I didn't see anyone order two entrees but I guess you could do that. Two desserts is very common. Sometimes it is hard to choose. The portions are not enourmous so like most restaurants, depending on your appeptite and what you order you can leave the table full or wanting a little more.

I don't eat red meat/pork so I usually order fish or vegetarian. Those tend to be less filling so I suppliment with an extra appetizer--which are often better than the entrees. As an aside, the universal comment I heard was that the beef/steaks were over-cooked and not that good.

We found that yes, early seating does interfer with your day--if like us you are night owls. We did not get up at 6am to go snorkeling. We stayed up late and started our day leisurely. If you have an afternoon snack or go to Palos tea (haven't been but am dying to try) you are going to have a hard time enjoying a 5:30 or 6:30 dinner.

Also, we found others leaving the islands early to rush back to the ship to get ready for dinner while we had more time to relax, shop, etc.

I got your email BABYJOSIE98 and one from GINA and will contact DCL today to request a table together.

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Sounds good!! We are not ones to stay up really late,but I think that we can handle eating at 8:30. We will have to wait and see if they change dinner to an earlier time.

I just won't let myself get too stuffed during dinner. I really want to enjoy my days on and off the ship. This would give us some extra time.

Cyberkashi,

Did you see that we are trying to get a group together for "High Tea" at Palo's???;) That will be fun. I did notice the times were 3:30 to 5:30 and I was thinking that was cuting it close for an early dinner seating.

Does your 5 year old like the clubs. How much time did she spend there on your cruise. I have a feeling our DD will love them. She is very interactive and loves to play!!

:)

[Cyberkashi]

I would love the join the high tea. We should get the 3:30 if possible so it doesn't interfer with dinner. We each need to make our reservations for that separateley when we get on the ship so some of us may get and some may not. They don't take advance reservations at Palo or the Spa.

My DD LOVED the club. She calls it the "Kid's Night Club". She would have stayed in there the whole trip if we let her. We tried to have a family night one evening and she kept complaining she wanted to go back to the club. Dancing and singing on deck weren't "fun" enough.

[Cyberkashi]

BABYJOSIE98, I got your reservation linked with ours, but they still show you as early seating. DCL says to call your travel agent and have them switch you to late seating.

I requested what I think is the best rotation LAPLAPL (explained below) and they put that on the reservation. It is not guaranteed, but they usually do honor those requests. In case you didn't know, there are three main restaurants (plus the buffet where you can go anytime). Each night you are in a different restaurant--then the rotation repeats. I think that Lumiere's (L) has the best food and nicest surroundings so I chose the LAPLAPL rotation so that we would be in that restaurant 3x.

GINA...you are all set. Your reservation is also linked with ours and have requested that you be seated at our table. This should be fun!

[BABYJOSIE98]

Gina,Cyberkashi,

TA took care of changing my dining times to late! So we are set.
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

I talked to some girls at work and they all said they had the late seating on their cruises and loved it. I think it was a good move.

My TA says the time we have will probably stick cause people will think 5:30 is too early to get ready and make it to dinner???

I our family is the only first time cruisers on this thread!! Glad you are all so helpful!!;)

Thanks again......

[Cyberkashi]

Okay, I arrived late and skimmed the thread the first time. I reread it and have a few comments (big surprise as the newest blabbermouth on the board).

TERRYE: Are you still booked on the 8:30 Capt Marv or did you switch to 11:15? I was also thinking about the longer trip, but the ship often didn't clear customs each port until 8:30-9:00. You would have to get off the ship by 7:45 to make an 8:30 reservation and might not be permitted to do so. (I am talking myself into the 11:15). I think that we should talk to him about picking us up at the ship if there are so many of us going. We also want to be sure we are on the same boat (does he have more than one?) Maybe you could get a roll call on that. I would be happy to email him and ask.

SAIL-AWAY PARTY: The deck above the Goofy pool is possible for a "private party" but is still really loud and crowded. We blew bubbles from the sports deck (deck 10) on our cruise. It is in the front of the ship, the view is perfect (open sea ahead), and it is less crowded and less noisy than midship. It is also a little easier to get a railing view. We could order a box of bubble necklaces (we use them for party favors all the time) from Oriental Trading ($5/dozen) and hand them out to our group.
http://www.oriental.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=239501&prmenbr=991&merchant_rn=991&PREFIX=IN&CURRENCY=USD&KIT=I&GROUP=N&CASE=0

BABYJOSIE98: You mentioned about taking Josie to tea with you if you are unable to hook up with the rest of the group. The tea is in Palos's which is Adult's Only all the time. Sorry.

HIGH TEA: It seems from the posts that they are moving the Castaway reception around depending on the week. Maybe someone (TERRYE any volunteers?) can contact DCL a couple of weeks before and try and get the advance schedule. BTW...I read on other message strings that many people sign up for tea and then don't go. It may be possible to go to tea even if you can't get a reservation just by showing up. No guarantees though.

T-SHIRTS: I did some quick checking and think that we could get some great custom designed T-Shirts with 2-3 color design for under $20 (less for less colors). I would be willing to put together a design and coordinate if there is any interest. T-Shirts are available (depending on the site) in youth XS-adult 3X. We would need about 24 orders for that price range. More might make it less--less might make it more. I don't think I would select lime green as a shirt color though--something we would not be embarrassed to wear after the cruise!

GINA: I love the color-coded packing. My DH thought I was anal because I listed the contents of each suitcase (all 6 of them). It came in REALLY handy. But color-coding would be even better.

PRE-PAYNG EXPENSES: Disney Dollars are okay, but you can't use them on the islands in non-disney locations. For cash, I have a little zipper pouch where I try to stash $20/week--sometime a few dollars here and there after breaking a larger bill. I also "over-payed" my American Express bill before we left. I hate coming back from vacation with credit card dept, but the credit card gives you the best protection on purchases should something go wrong. So I pre-pay the bill as much as I can. If I don't spend it on the trip (yeah..right) it will get used up the next month during our normal spending.

...I think I am now caught up with the earlier posts. Whew...

[cruisinpenguin]

Hi Everyone!! My company does imprinted promotional products and wearables....such as T-shirts, Caps, etc. I'll check on prices on doing T-shirts if you like our minimum order is 12 pieces. Get back to you on prices.
Laurie

[Gina]

My parents tried to book the room that I got for $99 but the special was gone(visit florida special) so they were only able to get a standard room as well.



Hey Felicia --

Don't know if your parents are still interested in the suite, but the $99 special is showing up again for that night at the Radisson website! You might want to go check it out right quick!

-gina-

[sitchu2]

Thanks Gina,

Dad is at the Raddison site now looking!!

[Cyberkashi]

Thanks Gina!!!! I read your post and upgraded our $99/night Raddison "Holiday Inn" room to a 2-king Bed suite. Sweet. :bounce:


Laurie...Do they have the nice heavier weight T's? That's the one I got the quote on. Do they have the full range of sizes? I don't think it would be hard to put an order together for 12. We'd buy at least three. What about custom designs and number of colors? I have some ideas I could put together in Photoshop and put up on the board for feedback.

[akterrye]

Cyberkashi: Yes, still planning on the 8:30am snorkling trip. Customs?! I thought we didn't have to deal with customs until we got back to Cape Canaveral. I know on the Eastern we had to clear customs in St. Thomas because it was part of the US, but I didn't think (and thought I read one of Dave's posts) that there wasn't any customs at Grand Cayman or Coz. I'll have to check further. Not to worry about getting off the ship, I've read several trip reports where ppl had the early trip and had plenty of time.


BABYJOSIE98: There is a wonderful Tea with Wendy that you and your daughter would enjoy. I wanted to go, but Eric and my son both said, "That's for GIRLS!" so I didn't get to go! :)

We're only using Disney Dollars for onboard expenses - last time we spent roughly $600.00 and another $1200.00 off ship. So, once I have the DD taken care of, I'll put aside the off ship fun money in traveler's checks. :) If I hadn't exchanged real $$ for DD$$, I would have spent it this last week...too many good sales going on!!! *arg* At least Eric gets paid tomorrow and I can go fulfil my shopping need.

cruisinpenguin: That is SO cool! I know I would order 3 T-shirts for my group...now all we have to do is come up with a design. Eric volunteered (he has all the graphics software at work - does a lot of graphic design work for the college - who knew that fell under the job description for 'network administrator?') LOL

[Cyberkashi]

Terrye... That is good to know about the early snorkel trip. I haven't booked yet and that leaves my options open.

It is great that there is more than one person who can put together a design. We should post them on the board or send out a copy throught the email list and vote on one or two styles. This is so Cool. :cool:

[akterrye]

I did a little digging and the early morning customs/imigrations thing was discussed here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=249084&highlight=customs). It only applies to the Eastern (thank goodness!), so we're good to go for early snorkling at Grand Cayman! WHOOHOO!!!

[Cyberkashi]

I was just reading on another thread that Palos has a private room with a large table that will seat 10 or more people. Someone needs to be near the front of the boarding line and go directly to Palos to request it. I expect that a representative from each cabin needs to be present to authorize the charge but I am unclear on this. Maybe someone can volunteer to investigate.

[akterrye]

There isn't a charge for High Tea, so only one person would need to make the reservations for however many ppl would be going. They won't need a rep. from each party for charges. It would be different if we were doing brunch or dinner since those incur a charge.

That will make tea reservations a lot easier.

[cruisinpenguin]

Laurie...Do they have the nice heavier weight T's? That's the one I got the quote on. Do they have the full range of sizes? I don't think it would be hard to put an order together for 12. We'd buy at least three. What about custom designs and number of colors? I have some ideas I could put together in Photoshop and put up on the board for feedback.

Hi Cyberkashi.....yes the T-shirts are 100% cotton heavyweight 5.6 ounces. I got prices on doing up to 3 colors for imprint. Sizes run from Youth small, med. and large to Adult small, med. large, XL, XXL and XXXL. Prices are on doing 12 pieces (if we do more than 12 pieces prices drop): 1-color imprint $7.96, 2-color imprint $10.73 and 3-color imprint $13.49. Shipping and Handling which is a flat fee of $6.95 will also be added to your order. This price handles mailing via UPS ground and boxing. If anyone is interested in ordering please send me an email at rdflaf@aol.com and we can get a count of how many tee's we're looking at and we can update pricing once I get the final count!! A custom design would be great and if you'd like to work something up that'd be awesome!! My company also does designs but would love to see ideas from all!! Please post your ideas. We will need at least 3 weeks to get the T-shirts done and another week for me to ship them out to everyone so plan on a month which I'd like to get the T-shirts to everyone by mid January so the earlier we start this the better it is for everyone!! :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

cruisinpenguin: That is SO cool! I know I would order 3 T-shirts for my group...now all we have to do is come up with a design. Eric volunteered (he has all the graphics software at work - does a lot of graphic design work for the college - who knew that fell under the job description for 'network administrator?') LOL


HI akterrye: Yes please send designs that would be awesome for Eric to work up a design!! Thank you for volunteering him!! Anyone else out there on ideas for our T-shirt?? please feel free to create and post!! Then we all can decide!! :) Like I mentioned above......the faster we decide on something the better it is all around!! If we do go with making up T-shirts I would love to have a design by the end of September and then we would have the month of October to get them made and shipped and everyone could have their tee's by November. That would work out super!! Please send those designs!! Thanks, Laurie!! :)

[Cyberkashi]

Here is a link to a couple of T-Shirt designs I put together. Email me or post your comments. Gina had suggested to me that we might want to add the word "Kid" on the children's Ts. I could change the text to "Disney Cruising (or Cruisin') Kid" for the kids Ts.

http://www.geocities.com/cyberkashi/Disney_T-Shirt/Graphics/DesignSamples.html

[Cyberkashi]

I just read a post on another thread and it said that all reversations at Palo for over 6 people is handled by the manager. So whoever is going to coordinate the tea/brunch should be able to make reservations for all of us in one swoop.

[Cyberkashi]

I have received your emails about the the T-shirt designs. Thank you for your positive feedback. I have also recieved a few questions about the legality of using Disney logos on the shirt. I have responded to each of you who posed this question to me but thought it would be useful to post it here. :o

First, let me say that I am not a lawyer, but have studied some Business Law, and have experience designing promotional materials, websites, and the NASDAQ marketsite, using licensed materials, logos, and intellectual property. Sometimes you need to pay a license fee and sometimes you do not. I feel fairly confident that we do not need to do in this case. Here's why...

We should only have a problem using the logo if either of these statements is true:

1. We are creating these shirts for profitable large-scale distribution.

2. We are representing ourselves as being affiliated with the Walt Disney company.

Neither of these are true in our case. These shirts are for our own private use as members of a non-profit club. The shirt clearly states that we are cruisers--not staff. So we are not presenting ourselves as representatives of Disney.

Large companies typically sue for logo infringement for two main reasons:

1. A profit is being made from their efforts/ownership and they are not getting a piece of the action.

2. Someone is impersonating/misrepresenting the company or portraying it in a bad light.

Disney does not go after all the the message boards (including this one) that use/distribute Disney logos, songs, wall paper, lyrics, graphics, avitars, etc. This is good will and free promotion for Disney as it helps to promote Disney products.

No one is going to come after a group of cruisers who collectively have just given Disney over $250,000 for a 7 night cruise. That would be exceedingly bad press--I could see to that. :smooth:

Large group getogethers like this one are the type of thing that gets a news item/photo in the Disney magazines and the Disney Vacation Club newsletters. I think they would be happy to see us all in our shirts.
:jester:
How about this for a headline:

Magic in the Making...One hundred and ten total strangers chat online and meet at last. Their DIS Cruiser T-shirts helped them find each other on the ship and in port. See the group photo on page 10...

[Gina]

I'm sure you're right about Disney not caring -- it *would* be really stupid of them to make an issue out of it! Point is moot for me, I just hate t-shirts. :) But I'll always have my lime green ribbon on somewhere, as always.

Just a very slight reality check here... even if we have 100+ folks who are in this thread and sailing at the same time, if even 15 of them meet I would be surprised. It's just the nature of the whole thing. You get so busy onboard, meet times conflict with things you want to do, the rest of your family wants to do something different, etc. We had just as huge a group amassed for out 2/1 cruise earlier this year, and I think I met 5 of them when it came down to it. We had high hopes and plans for big meets and everything, but it just never worked out. However, you click with the people you click with, and you somehow keep running into those people all week and have little impromptu meets, so it's all good. :)

I think our best shot at a meet of any kind is going to be the night before at the Radisson! Relaxed, tropical setting, anticipatory, nowhere else to be. Perfect recipe. :)

-gina-

[akterrye]

Green ribbon for me too...no hassles and one size fits all. (And it's easy to take off if you wanna hide from someone - j/k!)

So, Gina, you ain't gonna be meeting us for tea?! :) *whimper*

I read some other cruise line reviews of Capt. Marvins - re: size of groups that go. The 8:30 groups tend to be smaller, so they go out on smaller boats. The 11:15 groups tend to run 15 - 20 people and they go out on one of the bigger boats. I think that someone from the 11:15 group should represent your interest in being picked up at the tender and do a roll call, if that is the concensous of that group. (Cybercashi - any volunteers?)

I agree with the reality check. I'm traveling with a group of 10 and I know we (as our own little group) have things planned that would probably conflict with a DIS meet. The one thing outside of our *group* that I plan on doing is meeting up with Gina in her favorite bar and buying her a drink to make up for cancelling last year! :)

OK, I got my Radisson reservations...but I could only get the $79.00/night rate. Oh well.... :) Count us in for the pre-cruise meet.

[BABYJOSIE98]

Hey guys,

Just catching up on the thread. This thing can get away from you.
I had forgot about Tea with Wendy!! That will work. I had not thought about Palo being Adult only even for tea. I still would not mind meeting up with some ladies if we decide to try and get a ressie for some time on our trip.

Gina,
You are right about all the plans to meet. It will be tough when it comes down to really doing it. The Radisson will probably be the easiest since we are just going to be chilling at the hotel.

I switched our dinner to late,but if we decide we can always put Josie in the kids club and they feed her?? Is that correct? I won't do that every night,but if they have something fun going on we may consider doing so.:)

So has Disney ever upgraded any of you on your past cruises?? Do you not know till you get on the ship? We are a Cat 9 outside on Deck 2 and I have heard if you book early that you may get upgraded to an upper deck to make room on the lower decks as the trip gets closer.

On Embarkment day:rolleyes: What deck do we board on?? Just wondering?
Maybe Tuesday Southwest will come out with fares through Feb!!
So far nothing too cheap and I don't want to spend over $200 per person??? They gotta have a special soon!!!;) ;)

[Gina]

So, Gina, you ain't gonna be meeting us for tea?! :) *whimper*


No, I still want to try and do tea, one or another!! High Tea, Tea With Wendy, whatever


The one thing outside of our *group* that I plan on doing is meeting up with Gina in her favorite bar and buying her a drink to make up for cancelling last year! :)


Hey, I'm so excited you're coming this time around (and we didn't even plan it that way!!) that I'll buy *you* a drink. :)

Michelle -- Glad you got your seating changed like you wanted! I think you'll be happy with that. Early seating is just so *early!* And yes, they will take the kids to eat dinner, but it gets tricky timing it right. Or maybe that was just me, with my sense-of-time total deficiency. LOL!

-gina-

[Cyberkashi]

We did the Wendy tea last time and were expecting that they actually have a "tea". What happens is that you go into Studio C (family nightclub) and the tables are set with with tablecloths and tea pots. It is kinda cute. I can't remember if there is ice tea or fruit punch in the tea pots, but there is a plate of three chocolate cookies on the center plate.

Wendy comes in after everyone is seated and then tells the group that each table should select a mom or dad to pour the tea while everyone puts a napkin on their lap. Then everyone should eat their cookies in small bites. Unfortunately the instructions are moot, because by the time she comes in, all the tea and cookies have already been consumed. No one comes to serve tea, cookies or replenish. I thought there might be some table service or a tea with little sandwiches or pastries but not so.

Then Wendy tells a cliff notes version of her adventure with Peter Pan (which is about 4-6 minutes long) and everyone lines up for a photo shoot. The tea lasts about 45-50 min., 90% of which is photo opp.

In the Navigator they print when during the week tickets will be available. DH, whom I sent to stand in line 15 minutes before they opened, said he was in line with mostly other DHs who had been sent on the same task. When they open the line, they run out of tickets almost immediately.

If you have never taken your daughter to an afternoon/high tea, she might enjoy this. --Or if she is a big Wendy fan. But if you/she have expectation of an classic/elegant tea, this is not it. BTW, I don't mean to exclude DS. There were a number of DS there, but the experience is more designed to suit DDs.

We will skip this event next cruise.

[sitchu2]

One more day and Ill be visiting the world for a week, so if I dont pipe in on any hot topics thats why.

When I come home I am going to be going full steam ahead in excursion planning and I am heavily considering the 11am capt. Marv. I have a 7 year old and I am worried she will be to scared to swim with stingrays. Anyway Ill look into that when this trip is over.

Its off to the beach club and poly, my first time using the dis vacation club, Im too excited!!

Be back in a week Felicia 1 Days 8 Hrs 1 Mins 39 Secs

[Gina]

Felicia, have a wonderful time!! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back! :)

-gina-

[Cyberkashi]

AKTERRYE...I read some other cruise line reviews of Capt. Marvins - re: size of groups that go. The 8:30 groups tend to be smaller, so they go out on smaller boats. The 11:15 groups tend to run 15 - 20 people and they go out on one of the bigger boats. I think that someone from the 11:15 group should represent your interest in being picked up at the tender and do a roll call, if that is the concensous of that group. (Cybercashi - any volunteers?)

Okay...I emailed Captain Marvins and their office is 1.5 blocks from where the ship docks. We can get a 3-hr. cruise for the same price as a 2-hr. (even on their website the charge is only $4/person more).

If we have 20 people, we can get a private 34-foot Crusader cabin cruiser for 3 hrs. for $31.50 / person. The boat charge is $550 + $4/person for ground transportation. No difference in price for adults or kids.

The price is less for the adults and greater for the kids than the standard price. We can coordinate a group but I don't think any of us want to guarantee the private rental fee. Depending on your adult/kid mix it may or may not save you money.

I don't mind coordinating a group/rollcall, but we have not yet decided if we are going to go for the 2-hour or the 3-hour tour. I am leaning toward the 3-hr. but the 11:15 is a 2-hour. Perhaps someone else would like to wear the cruise director cap.

[Gina]

I'm definitely keeping my Captain Marvin's ressie the way it is... 2 hours is just right. Even if it were to come out the same price, 3 hours is just too long for us. The 11:15 is over just in time for us to have a bit to eat and take a nap. ;)

-gina-

[Cyberkashi]

When I reread my post I think I may have made it sound as though the group had not decided on the 2 or 3 hour tour. When I wrote that "we have not decided yet", I just meant my family. I did not mean to imply that anyone else should change their plans. It is because my family may not be on the 11:15 that I was suggesting that someone else may want to volunteer to coordinate. Sorry for the confusion.

[akterrye]

I may be way out on a limb here, but I had a radical idea....how 'bout we each make our own Capt. Marvin's reservations for the time we wanna? And, worry about our own transportation to the dive shop. :smooth:

It's looking, at least for me, that trying to get a huge group of total strangers (and some of you are stranger than others ;) ) together for a meeting is not only difficult, but downright impossible. I think our best bet would be, to restate Gina, a pre-cruise meet at the Radisson and then play it by ear. Heck, some of us might even decide High Tea is too stuffy and head for the nearest bar for a tall, cool one! :) Which leads me to a REALLY important question:

Gina, ya like beer, right? How about ambers? :teeth:

Well, off to my first day of school (where I'll sit at big tables with other ppl instead of getting my OWN desk! :) lol TD is SO lucky!!! I'm jealous!) And, I don't even get to ride da BUS!!!

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
Heck, some of us might even decide High Tea is too stuffy and head for the nearest bar for a tall, cool one! :) Which leads me to a REALLY important question:

Gina, ya like beer, right? How about ambers? :teeth:

Well, off to my first day of school (where I'll sit at big tables with other ppl instead of getting my OWN desk! :) lol TD is SO lucky!!! I'm jealous!) And, I don't even get to ride da BUS!!!


I love bock beers and stout and that kind of thing, but in the winter. In the summer, I love Corona's and lime. On the ship, you'll find me with a frosty Malibu Colada in my hand. ;) I wish we were going back to St. Thomas -- the Malibu was so much cheaper there!! I've been trying to parcel it out. I got a new blender a few months ago, a special one just for frozen drinks, that makes THE best Malibu Coladas... YUMMMM... :D

I'm not ruling out any kind of meet -- I'd still love to do a mini-meet at the Cruise Staff pin-trading night. C'mon, I'm not the only one bringing pins, am I??? :) Some of the best DIS-related moments I had from the last cruise were totally last-minute, like meeting at bingo several times with the "other Gina" and her *hysterical* dad, or running into another DIS-er poolside and ending up spending a long time just laughing (and drinking LOL) and having a great time. I can't wait for more moments like that.

Good luck in school!! TD loves first grade so much, except that his "girlfriend" isn't in his class this year. My son has had the same girlfriend for a year!! And my grandfather has been seeing a "lady friend" at his senior-living apartment complex. So a 6 year old and an 85 year old have better love lifes than me. How sad is that???? ROFL!!

-gina-

[akterrye]

[Read the following tongue-in-cheek so I don't get flamed]

WHAT?! PINS?!?! Sheesh!
Terrye's *updated* Packing List:
Lime Green Ribbons
Cruising notebook w/ Gina inspired color coded packing list
A sampler of award winning Alaska Brewery Beers for Gina *shhhh - don't tell Gina*
Highlighters for Navigators
Over the door shoe holder for "stuff"
extention cord and hair dryer (cuz the ship one sucks)
another suitcase just for stuff I have to bring on the cruise
the kid's old clothes and new school supplies for the kids in cozumel
and now PINS!

I'm gonna have to book another stateroom just for all the STUFF I have to bring with us! {yes, I am a smart*bleep*} :D And, very few things I say should be taken seriously. ;)

---------------------------------------------
We now resume our regular programming:

I got a new blender a few months ago, a special one just for frozen drinks, that makes THE best Malibu Coladas... YUMMMM...
You might be a party girl IF: You have a seperate blender just for frozen drinks! :) I think that's all we use our blender for!!
TD loves first grade so much, except that his "girlfriend" isn't in his class this year. My son has had the same girlfriend for a year!! And my grandfather has been seeing a "lady friend" at his senior-living apartment complex. So a 6 year old and an 85 year old have better love lifes than me. How sad is that???? ROFL!!
A whole year?! Wow, that's a heck of a track record! I could never keep a boyfriend around for long unless he was mentally unbalanced and then I'd have to get a restraining order! :)

If you REALLY need a boyfriend THAT bad, you can borrow Eric until that feeling goes away! That should take all of 5 minutes! He told me tonight that he's pre-empting my 'honey-do' list for a camping/fishing trip this weekend. HA! That's what HE thinks!!! :)

I think it's great your grandpappy has a "lady friend!" It'll keep him feeling young! :) Maybe you're just hanging around in all the wrong places? Just a thought. :p

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D All this meeting stuff is getting carried away!!!! I am going to keep my own ressie for Capt Marv's. High tea is an option,but not a definite thing. I do want to meet at the Radisson the night before cause I think that will be the most simple. Once we are on the ship and you have a family to deal with it is hard to keep all your promises. Ecspecially for me and my family. This is our first cruise and I am sure that we will be overwhelmed:confused:

Mom asked me what I want for my Birthday next weekend and I told her "Disney Dollars" for my trip. I want to make sure I can have any tropical drink that I want. I also want a facial and massage at some point on the ship!! Woo Hoo!! I can not wait!!
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

I do enjoy talking with all of you and a I do hope to meet many of you at some point on our trip.

[cruisinpenguin]

I'm sure all of us will meet someplace or another on ship!! Can't wait!! See you soon!!
Laurie

[Cyberkashi]

It is true that once you get on board, your day fills up and goes by so fast that you wonder how you are going to fit it all in.

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
[Read the following tongue-in-cheek so I don't get flamed]

WHAT?! PINS?!?! Sheesh!
Terrye's *updated* Packing List:
Lime Green Ribbons
Cruising notebook w/ Gina inspired color coded packing list
A sampler of award winning Alaska Brewery Beers for Gina *shhhh - don't tell Gina*
Highlighters for Navigators
Over the door shoe holder for "stuff"
extention cord and hair dryer (cuz the ship one sucks)
another suitcase just for stuff I have to bring on the cruise
the kid's old clothes and new school supplies for the kids in cozumel
and now PINS!


Mmmmmm... Alaskan beer! I already have award-winning Texas Zeigenbock on my list for you. :D I totally second the hair dryer & ext. cord thing! I could have blown on my own hair and dried it faster than that thing could have. I'm so glad I brought my own.




You might be a party girl IF: You have a seperate blender just for frozen drinks! :)


ROFL!!!! Hey, maybe I'm using it to make health shakes or yogurt smoothies, or something!! ;)

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Just wondering how you figure out what clothes to pack. Do you plan on one outfit for day and then one to change into for evening. I figure DH could mix around pants and shirts through out the week. As long as he doesn't spill anything on them at dinner.;) Men are easy!! Us women have too many options for clothes and I know I will pack to much??

:confused: I have 3 swimsuits I am bringing? Is that plenty?

Shoes is another thing!! Ugh!! We will be on vacation for 9 days since we are staying two nights before the cruise. Washing clothes is a good option?:confused:

Thanks guys!!;)

[Cyberkashi]

Just wondering how you figure out what clothes to pack. The last cruise I too figured on two changes per day and found that I had overpacked for dressy and underpacked for casual.

I found that I had my "morning clothes" for breakfast, swimming or a tour. After an outdoor or wet activitity I felt the need to shower or freshen up. Putting on my morning clothes damp with persperation just didn't seem appealing. I also found that I wanted a fresh casual change after the fancy dinners. You don't "need" to change after formal/semi-formal dinner, but there are no special evening activities that require fancy duds and I, for one, really did want to walk around in stockings and heels all night. DH treasured the thought of being able to take off his jacket and tie and put on something comfy.

Last time I had packed a few fancy outfits. Different ones for tropical, semi-formal, formal, and Lumiere's depending on how the rotation fell (that the good thing about knowing your rotation in advance-you know how to pack). Many of my fancy outfit went unworn. Even in Lumiere's we did not get dressed up if we had spent all day at an island.

This trip you are going to find me with one long skirt (long enough to hide my semi-casual shoes) and a few blouses. That wardrobe will also eliminate at least two pairs of shoes needed to match all the fancy dresses. My DH will also only be taking one suit and one pair of dress slacks (down from 2 suits and 4 dress slacks).

So my advice is go heavy on the casual and light on the formal wear. If you run short of outfits, you can use the ship's dry cleaning service (prices are not out of line) or throw your casual things into the coin opp laundry. We spent too much time there last trip. Tip: Bring a roll of quarters.

Hope that's useful. :jester:

[Cyberkashi]

the kid's old clothes and new school supplies for the kids in cozumel

That is such a wonderful idea! Where do you distribute them? Do you just hand them out to kids on the street?

[akterrye]

Originally posted by Cyberkashi


That is such a wonderful idea! Where do you distribute them? Do you just hand them out to kids on the street?

Here (http://www.travelnotes.cc/cozumel/links/chrysalis.html) is the link for all the information for donating to the school kids in Cozumel.

I think we're just going to bring a little extra cash, stop at one of the recommended stores with their provided list and pick up the school supplies. Dan's hand-me-downs, on the other hand, I need to figure out...Customs can be such a bugger...

BABYJOSIE98: on the clothes front...pack everything you would want to take, then take out half. :) I WAY over packed last time...for everything. I did use the laundry facilities during off hours and it worked out great (buy either the little pre-packaged soap and dryer sheets, or measure some out in zip lock bags - the ship charges a lot if they don't run out, which they did on day 3 *eek*). 3 bathing suits is perfect. I noticed it took at least a day for them to dry. My son only took two and he hated putting on a damp pair while the other one was drip drying.

I took 3 pairs of shoes - walking shoes, sandals and dressy shoes. At the resort casual dining, I used my walking shoes, general around ship activities, I switched between sandals and walking shoes. The dressy shoes were *duh* for dressy times :) *giggle* Palo's high tea, dressy dinners, etc.

Personally, I'm not going to be following you around with a clipboard and marking you off for indescrepancies. Well, unless I'm bored. :)

GINA: Eric wanted me to ask you if you liked smoked salmon? It's looking like we're going to have to have a little beer social! :)

[Cyberkashi]

I think we're just going to bring a little extra cash, stop at one of the recommended stores with their provided list and pick up the school supplies. Dan's hand-me-downs, on the other hand, I need to figure out...Customs can be such a bugger...

Thanks for the link. Why would you have problems with customs coming into Cozumel?

[akterrye]

Customs also restricts what and how much you can bring INTO Coz. Here are a couple of links that discuss the ramifications and other stuff:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=231108&highlight=Chrysalis

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=234761&highlight=Chrysalis

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239226&highlight=Chrysalis

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=242289&highlight=Chrysalis

That should keep ya busy for awhile. :)

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Well, I finally got my room booked at WL for that Thursday night before the cruise. I saw DC rates came out this week and so I called and have a room on hold. Not as low of a rate as I would like,but hoping for more discount codes!!! We really want to stay there.;)

Ok, I know you all say not to pack to much,but I probably will!!!

Akterrye,

Guess you will have to follow me around with your clip board!!LOL

I do plan on washing things on ship. I always pack to much for me and not enough for the poor DH.:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I see alot of you bring your own stuff for drinks??? I may bring stuff for Bahama Mama's!! Those are not frozen and so all I would need is a shaker and ice. I love those!!:cool: :cool:

Wow, now that I have my room at WDW I am all set for my trip. Things are really coming together. I can not believe it!! Now I just have to figure out when I need to call for the Cinderella breakfast. Not till Dec sometime!! :confused: Have to check the PS calculator. Isn't this fun!!:)

OOPS!!:smooth: Forgot the most important thing still!!! AIRFARE!
Wish Southwest would open up the schedule soon!!!!:confused:

[akterrye]

*poke* *poke* Anyone out there?!

How are are my fellow happy cruisers?! We watched the Magic sail today. *sigh* Wish I was there....

I noticed a lot of stores are having up to 50% off on luggage - just a heads up if you need new ones. I have to replace my set since the nice ppl at United decided to search all my bags and instead of asking for the keys, broke off all the zippers and locks. :rolleyes:

I also noticed a lot of beach toys, sunscreen, and the sort on clearance at some of my favorite stores.

BABYJOSIE98, I can symp with you on the airfare...I'm waiting for a decent ticket price. They sure have been jumping around a lot, lately. I'm also a little picky on who I wanna fly with. I can't stand Continental...I feel like a cow on a cattle truck! And for a 12 hour flight, I refuse to chew on my knee caps because the person in front of me wants to take a nappy-poo. :)

Packing: I just plain over pack. :) Ya never know if you'll really need to change your undies 4 times a day until you get there!

We (ok, *I* decided) we're flying down on the 28th so we can spend a couple of days as WDW and surrounding areas. It might be a downgrade from a cat. 7 to a cat. 10, but the guys said, "Whatever, we're just happy we're going!" Now, if only they would cooperate like that on OTHER stuff! :) ("Not THAT for dinner, again! I HATE that!")

Hope everyone is safe and having a good weekend!

[sitchu2]

Hello,

Just back from the most wonderful week in WDW yet!! The BCV are georgous, and I also visited the Poly which was awsome! The more I read these boards the better my vacations get!!

Now its full steam ahead for us to finish planning the Feb trip. So far its jan 31 at the raddison. The best air flight I found is spirit at 199 R/T which is pretty fair but I did better last trip at 187.

I also did not finish planning the end of the trip. After the cruise we have 6 nights at BCV but that leaves us flying home on valentines day and that would be a bummer so I wanted to stay Fri and sat nights on cash somewhere else but have not yet decided where. (cruise and bcv is all in vacation club points for us)

I would like to have a stay at each of the resorts and still have not tried the GF, AKL,Contemp, (other moderates dont house 5)

I really favor akl but DH has always dreamed of staying at the Contemp since the early 70s when he first saw it as a kid.

The fun begins!!!
145 Days 3 Hrs 49 Mins 14 Secs Felicia

[Gina]

Welcome back, Felicia!! Glad you had such a wonderful time!

I am really amazed at how quickly time is flying... it really does seem like last week that we had 7 months to go. And it seems like yesterday that I was wondering if Labor Day would ever get here so I'd have a long weekend, it was still over a month away at that point, and now it has come and gone in the blink of an eye. Wow!! Halloween is going to be upon us before we know it.

Terrye, I am with you on packing. I'd rather have it all with me and have choices than to not have enough. I always crack up at the people who say to lay out everything you're packing, then put half of it back. I did that, and then added more to it! LOL But I can honestly say that I wore pretty much everything, and didn't have to wear the same thing twice, which I hate. To each his own. :)

I still can't decide between Playa Sol or Mr. Sancho's in Cozumel. The very few replies I got when I posted about it were so completely opposite, now I'm more confused than ever. What are you all doing in Cozumel?

Time for me to straighten up this messy house... talk to y'all later!

-gina-

[micKIM mouse]

I am also trying to decide between Mr Sancho's or Playa Sol. I am leaning towards Mr Sancho's, but I will continue to see what others say. We have 15 people going, so I want to make sure we can rent chairs, snorkel, eat, etc. Sounds like you can do all of them at each beach. We are not planning on doing any DCL excursions. Last time I planned all of our excursions on our own and it worked out great...and much cheaper!

Gina, Let me know what you decide about the Cozumel! :confused:

[akterrye]

In Cozumel, we're planning on going to Chankanaab National Park. Afterwards, we'll head back to the ship to shower and then head into town...gotta visit Carlos 'n' Charlie’s and the Hard Rock. :)

Here are a couple of other beach clubs:
Nachi Cocom (http://viva-cozumel.com/Ceiba/nachi_cocom.htm)
Picture (http://www.uwcstock.com/cgi-local/if/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Cozumel_-_Mexico&image=DSCN1232C.jpg&img=&tt=) of Paradise Beach
Great list of beaches (http://www.travelmex.com/beaches.html)
Map and reviews (http://www.travelnotes.cc/cozumel/links/beaches.html)
OK, I'll stop now... :)

Felicia: It sounds like you had a wonderful time! :) Lucky you!! I would let hubby stay at the Contemp so he can live out a childhood dream. :) Besides, ya never know what he'll do in return and it being Valentine's and all... :smooth:

Packing - if there's room in my suitcase (and sometimes even if there isn't, I'll stuff anything in there I think there's a remote change I'll need it.) Last time, I even packed a long sleeve Henley in case I got cold. I finally learned not to pack a lot for the guys because they pick up t-shirts as souvenirs and they wear them before we get home.

Kim: I'm with you on the non-DCL excursions...it's amazing some of the prices they charge for stuff! With just a little bit of research you can find the exact same thing for a LOT less. I guess most of the cruisers are just sheep and don't know any better. Thank goodness for the DIS, huh? :)

[BABYJOSIE98]

How are all my fellow cruisers??? It was my Birthday yesterday and I got a total of $175 Disney dollars for my trip!:bounce:

So excited!!! Never imagined at 34 years old that I would be asking for Disney dollars!!!

I have also been thinking about Cozumel. We have been there once and did a snorkel tour and lunch on the beach. It was fun,but we will have DD with us this time. So no snorkel trip.

I checked out MrSanchos website and you do get a coupon for a free "Margarita"!!! I know I do not want to do a DCL tour. I just want to find a nice beach for a few hours and maybe do an evening "Horse drawn carriage ride". It looked really nice on the DCL video.;)

I may check out some info on "Chankanaab park"?? So much to think about!!

QUESTION????? So what do you all wear on Embarkment day? Do you dress for comfort since the day is hectic and then change for dinner later???:confused:

Sorry I have so many questions? I am a "cruise virgin"!!! LOL

I glanced at the travel section of our St.Louis paper yesterday and it had a wonderful picture of an Island and a Cruise ship and I was like "Hey,that's Castaway Cay!" It was a feature called "Pick a Cruise". It told facts about all the different cruise lines and featured the DCL ship on the front and had great things to say about them. I was so excited!!! My family really thinks that I am nuts!!!;)

Friday night I went to dinner with Some Relatives and 3 of us our booked on Disney cruises!!! The rest of the table was sick of hearing about all our trip planning. I think it is fun!!!!:) :)

Ok,better get some work done!!

[Cyberkashi]

Embarkation Day the dress is Casual. You should take a carry-on with you since they don't always brings your suitcases until dinner. You might want to put a swimsuit and a change of clothes in the carry-on. As well you should take any meds, sunblock, and personal hygene items you will need.

Day one you may just find yourself running around the ship making reservations, signing Josie up for kinder camp and just exploring the ship. You can of course go to the pool and hang, but as first-time cruisers you may want to take the opportunity to look around.

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D I found a website that gave some good information on Beaches to visit in Cozumel.

Hope this helps a bit. I printed some information from this website for my folder.;)

For the actual beach page use:

www.lococozumel.com/research/beaches.html

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Gina]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Hope your day was magical. I would love to get $175 Disney Dollars for my birthday!!! :D

Here's to many more happy birthdays for you!!

hugs,
-gina-

[micKIM mouse]

When we did the Eastern Cruise in February 2001, it was cold on Embarkation Day. We had spent a few days at WDW and then went straight to the port. I am so glad I did have a sweatshirt b/c the first day was cold until we got off of the coast.

One more thing-if you are going to WDW for a few days, I would highly recommend the PassPorter. I just got the deluxe version for a late birthday gift (it has been backordered since June) and it is the best WDW planner I have used! I tend to buy a new one every year (my husband thinks I am crazy), but I really like the Passporter more than the Birnbaum books! I also read on the PassPorter website that they are coming out with a cruise version in January. Knowing me I will still buy it even though everything is already planned!! You can NEVER plan too much!! :cool:

[akterrye]

BABYJOSIE98: A belated Happy Birthday! Wow, your 34! Me too! How cool is that? :cool: Congrats on the major score on disney dollars! On embarktion day, dress comfy cuz you'll have the life boat drill at 4:00pm. It was HOT the last time we did it, and we were directly in the sun, not to mention all the other hot bodies sardined next to us. *ick* I would suggest shorts, t-shirt, and sunglasses. :) Then, you can always change for dinner.

micKIM mouse: Ok, explain a Passporter and can I pick it up at my local Walden's Books? :) "You can NEVER plan too much!!" Now why can't everyone think like that?!

Gina? Gina? Anyone seen Gina?

[micKIM mouse]

A PassPorter is a very comprehensive WDW planning guide. It has pockets for each day of your trip that you can record budget info, thoughts of the trip, reservation #s and then store your receipts. Check out http://www.passporter.com/wdw/.

They will do a much better job explaining it. I liked the park part and the dining part. They even have park maps in there. You can also check the rides/attractions that you want to do and carry that page in the pocket with you to the park. I wouldn't carry the whole book to the park with me, but I would take the essential pages. There are 2 versions--spiral and deluxe binder. I got the binder, so I could put my stuff in it. Let me know what you think!

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
BABYJOSIE98: A belated Happy Birthday! Wow, your 34! Me too! How cool is that?


Okay, y'all need to quit talking about being 34, because I turn 36 in less than a month, and I am less than happy about it!! LOL!



On embarktion day, dress comfy cuz you'll have the life boat drill at 4:00pm. It was HOT the last time we did it, and we were directly in the sun, not to mention all the other hot bodies sardined next to us. *ick*


Just another reason I love being on deck 5 aft... our muster station is sitting down in the nice cool Animator's Palate. :D



micKIM mouse: Ok, explain a Passporter and can I pick it up at my local Walden's Books? :) "You can NEVER plan too much!!" Now why can't everyone think like that?!


I don't know how *anyone* goes to WDW without a PassPorter!! LOL!!! For the organizationally challenged, such as myself, the PassPorter is a lifesaver. I've been using them since they first came out a few years ago, and they just make life so much easier. Plus, the resort descriptions and maps and restaurant info are the best in the guidebook biz. PLUS, it doubles as a journal... and makes remembering and trip-report writing a lot easier when you get back. And get this -- they're supposed to be coming out with a cruise version!! Don't know when, though... I think I'll email Jennifer and find out.


Gina? Gina? Anyone seen Gina?


*Waving* I'm here!! :) Just been way busy. I still can't decide on where to go in Cozumel... I'm still leaning towards Playa Sol, because there's just more to do. TD, at his age, is all about action. ;)

I've been trolling eBay for more cruise wear... I got a bunch of things that way last year, and was really happy with everything. I just hope TD doesn't grow any more between now and February! LOL!

Well, back to work for me... hope everyone is having a good week!

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

:D Akterrye & Gina,

Thanks for the Birthday wishes!! I am very happy about my Disney dollars!! They can pay for my massage and some drinks!!

Right now we are on Deck 2 outside room-midship. I am wishing for an up grade from Disney to an upper deck. I see that the cost of our cruise has really increased and so I was thinking that they may want to make some more room on the lower decks. I hear those go first.

Never thought about buying clothes on E-bay. Still been catching sales at the local stores.;)

Have a good day!:bounce:

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
Never thought about buying clothes on E-bay. Still been catching sales at the local stores.;)


I got a bunch of stuff for the last cruise that way! My dress for formal night was an eBay win -- Knee length, dark purple, fully beaded all over, and so pretty! And only $17. :) And I got silver flats to match the silvery beads from eBay for all of $8. I also got a couple of tropical-print short sets for $7 each, but my big win was a suit for Tyler Dean for formal night. Dark blue, 3 piece plus a white shirt, all for $15. :) He looked soooooo handsome! That was the only formal portrait I bought, he in his suit in front of Lumiere's.

I love eBay!! :D

-gina-

[micKIM mouse]

We are also on Deck 2 with an outside room. I actually chose that deck because we have stayed there two other times and loved it! It is so easy to get to the restaurants, shops, and shows. You don't have to wait for the slow elevators either! Hopefully you will enjoy Deck 2!

[akterrye]

Man...on my drive into school this afternoon, the clouds parted briefly and guess what I saw! Termination dust (the first snow of the year - terminating summer). It's about 1/3 of the way down the mountains...looks like we have about a month left until we have to deal with the icky white stuff. *sigh* I'm SO ready to board the ship NOW! I've been trying to figure out a way to plant palm trees in my house...I killed the last one. :( The only plant I haven't been able to kill has been the cactus...but that just doesn't inspire tropical daydreams the way swaying palms do. :) Ok, I'm nuts.

I loved deck two! It was so quiet and peaceful down there....most of the time. The only draw back I found was the muster station outside on deck 4...but what's a 45 minute inconvience? :)

Acting on the ebay tips, I have spent a good portion of this morning (instead of studying) bidding on cruise wear for the guys...Dan has been instructed not to grow, even an inch until we get back from the cruise. :) I already have a ton of cruise wear, but I'm afraid they won't fit by the time we leave, so I'm gonna have to buy more...what a bummer!!! :) whoohoo!!!

Somebody sit on me and make me do my homework or I'll never get to go on vacation! :)

Kim: thanks for the tip on the passporter...Gina, I haven't been to WDW since '91! :) I hope the cruise version comes out BEFORE our cruise. :)

BTW, have you noticed that each of our count down clocks are different?! LOL

[sitchu2]

Hi All,

BabyJosie98 A very happy belated birthday to you.

Looks like we are all in the same age group, I am 35 but will be 36 the day after Christmas.

I was on the 4 day cruise in March, and was uncomfortably hot at the lifeboat drill , I would deffinately rather wear light clothes on embarkation.

I had a passporter for the first time for my last trip and I read it from cover to cover. It was by far the most comprehensive guide I have read, but I liked it so much I didnt use the passpockets because I didnt want to mess it up, I just made a daily Itinerary in a composition book and tore out those pages daily. Ill probably break down and use it for this upcomming trip though.

I used the coupon in the book for my transfers with Tiffany towncar and the service was wonderful, I will be using them again when needed. They transfer to the port as well as wdw.

Terr, stay warm up there!!!!

Take care all Felicia 140 Days 16 Hrs 10 Mins 42 Secs

[micKIM mouse]

I did notice all of the countdown clocks were different, but I think it is because we all leave on different days. I set mine for January 31st because we will arrive at WDW that day...it counts in my book!! :) I can't believe you are already seeing snow, Terrye. That is soooooo hard to believe!!

[akterrye]

Kim, here is what the mountains look like:
___________________________________________










___________________________________________
:) I'm going to have to re-adjust my counter now that we're going down a couple days early :) Can't wait!

Thanks, Felicia....buy stock in hot chocolate...I'm gonna live on it for the next 6 months! :)

[Gina]

Terrye, you're killing me!!! Snow??? Last time I saw snow was on Main Street during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You can always tell the Southerners then -- we're the ones running around acting like idiots, going "Oh my God!! Snow!!" even though we know it's not real. It's still as close as we'll get. ;) It's 94 here today... wanna trade yet?? Oh, and I could send you some hot chocolate if you like... my dad worked for Nestle for a long time, and I still have soooooo much hot chocolate -- every flavor and type you can imagine. Since we only have about 3 days a year that warrant making the stuff, it doesn't get used up very fast. :)

Re: countdown clocks
I couldn't decide what to set mine to, so I ended up just setting it for the day we sail. But if everybody is going to change theirs to the day they're leaving, then I'll do that too! Peer pressure, peer pressure. :D

Felicia -- If you go to WDW even once every couple of years, spend the extra $$ and get the deluxe PassPorter. I *love* mine!! For each trip, I just order a new set of pockets, which runs about $6. And since they constantly update info and make the new pages available on their website, all you have to do is print them out, punch holes in them, and put them right into the PassPorter. Plus, I love the credit card slots, pen loop, and the snap closure -- I'm able to carry everything around with me by just tossing the whole thing in my backpack. To make it lighter, I take out everything but the pocket for that day, and any related pages. Can you tell I love the thing?? LOL!

I have been following the thread about what to bring... people have mentioned stuff I never thought of!! I love the idea of binoculars... we could see islands off in the distance as we passed, and it would have been neat to see them through binoculars. I think that when someone asks me what they can get Tyler Dean for Christmas this year, I'm going to suggest an inexpensive pair of binoculars. And I didn't know about Bath & Body Works having little concentrated bottles of air freshener! If they have some sort of coconut scent, I am buying a truckload. Going to the mall tonight, I think!! :D

Everyone have a great Friday!

-gina-

[cruisinpenguin]

Terrye.....I can believe you have snow all ready!! WOW!! I love snow....but this is a little early. Yesterday we had some strong wind here in Massachusetts (near Cape Cod) left overs fun the hurricane. They say Sunday we might encounter a hurricane? We'll see..... Well have a great weekend all!!
Laurie

Oh PS your picture of the mountains didn't post? Can you send it again :)

[akterrye]

Originally posted by cruisinpenguin
Oh PS your picture of the mountains didn't post? Can you send it again :)
Laurie, ya nut! :) A hurricane?! I'll keep my fingers and maybe some toes crossed for ya!

MMMmmmmm...hot chocolate...I usually make two mugs of it...one to drink and one to dip my toes in...OK, I don't really, but I've thought about it... :)

The snow is actually late this year (whoohoo!), it should have been on the mountains by the last week of August. Denver has been getting snow at the 11,000 foot elevation. They really need the snow, they were VERY dry this year...I'm planning on sending them half of our snow. :) The rest of it, I'm sending to Gina!

You can always tell the Southerners then -- we're the ones running around acting like idiots, going "Oh my God!! Snow!!" even though we know it's not real.
Gina: Re: countdown clocks - if you DO change your clock, you'll be popular! :) I know *I'LL* like you more! LOL

Binoculars are a great idea - I'll have to remember to snag the pair I keep in my glove box before jumping on the plane! Last time, we took a small, inexpensive telescope to star gaze...only problem - we were so tired by the time they turned off the lights on deck 10, we never made it up there to look at the stars! :)

[Cyberkashi]

we were so tired by the time they turned off the lights on deck 10, we never made it up there to look at the stars!
Do they still do that? We were on top deck during the wee hours just for star gazing and the ship lights were so bright we couldn't see a thing. That was Aug '02. Either we weren't there late enough (after 3am) or they changed their policy.

[akterrye]

Originally posted by Cyberkashi
Do they still do that? We were on top deck during the wee hours just for star gazing and the ship lights were so bright we couldn't see a thing. That was Aug '02. Either we weren't there late enough (after 3am) or they changed their policy.
You guys just got back?! "Aug '02" Wasn't that just last month?

Looking through past posts, it looks like they no longer turn off the lights on the top deck. We were taking DS for a late night swim one evening when they turned off the lights on us...he loved swimming in the dark and looking up at the stars. We were just too tired to run back to the cabin, grab the telescope and then go back up. That was the only evening I remember them turning off the lights...the rest of the time we had crashed by that time...I think it was around midnight or there abouts.

But, I did read a post from cruisedad that stated deck 7 secret verandah and in front of Palo's seems to be the best places. I'm planning on giving it a try...it'll be nice to star gaze without freezing to death!

[Cyberkashi]

You guys just got back?! "Aug '02" Wasn't that just last month?

Yes. We booked the Feb 03 cruise before we finished unpacking!

Thanks for the tip about deck seven. We were looking for a dark spot and couldn't find one.

[BABYJOSIE98]

;) I am looking forward to Fall and Halloween!!! Not SNOW Akterrye!! That would depress me this early in the season. I do like snow,but only at Christmas and then it can leave. Jan and Feb are always the longest ugliest months for us in the Midwest. I think this cruise will be at the perfect time to break up the Winter season.

I did hit the mall again this weekend and got some more great deals for the DH. I have enough stuff,but did get one more pair of cute sandals since they were on clearance. So I think that we are set!!;)

Time is going to quickly!!!! Once the Holidays hit.......Time flies!

Hubby got laid off from his Job two weeks ago!!eek:eek: :eek:

So we are praying he gets on another Job soon!!!! "Commercial Construction". Don't want to go into winter without something lined up. I told him that he better find something cause I am NOT
canceling this cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am staying positive and I think things will be ok. He has some good leads!!

Ok,better work!! Have a good day all!!

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
;) I am looking forward to Fall and Halloween!!! Not SNOW Akterrye!! That would depress me this early in the season. I do like snow,but only at Christmas and then it can leave. Jan and Feb are always the longest ugliest months for us in the Midwest. I think this cruise will be at the perfect time to break up the Winter season.



I was just talking about this with a co-worker, after Terrye was talking about snow... From yall's posts, I realized what a big switch and nice break it must be to go from snow and cold to the cruise!! I would like that drastic change.. I think it would make it even more "wow." Me, I just go from a tropical climate to a more scenic tropical climate. ;) But it does mean I don't have to dig far for the sandals and suntan lotion! LOL!

Michelle, sending some pixie dust your way, that hubby gets some more work lined up very soon!! You must be awful stressed out. Hang in there!!

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Originally posted by micKIM mouse
We are also on Deck 2 with an outside room. I actually chose that deck because we have stayed there two other times and loved it! It is so easy to get to the restaurants, shops, and shows. You don't have to wait for the slow elevators either! Hopefully you will enjoy Deck 2!

Our TA said it was convenient for getting off and on the ship. I think we will be happy with anything. I just new that I atleast wanted a window so we could have some sunlight in the mornings.

GINA,:D

Thanks for the Pixie dust!!! We can sure use it. Things will be ok.
I tend to freak out too quickly. DH doesn't seem worried and so I am staying calm.:(

So do you live close to the Gulf in Texas?

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
So do you live close to the Gulf in Texas?


Yes, it's about 25 miles from my front porch to standing on the seawall in Galveston. I hate the heat with a passion, but I love the ocean more... I can't imagine living someplace where seagulls weren't circling overhead. But the water here is greenish-brown, and not at all pretty, so that's why I love the Caribbean so much! :) The only really pretty thing about the ocean here is when there is a lot of phosphorous in the water, and the foam kinda glows in the dark when the waves break at night... I've always loved seeing that.

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Gina,

I did not realize how close you were to the beach. I have been to Glaveston and you are right about it not being very pretty. Hey, It is still the beach and you do have the "Seagulls"!!!! When we have Ice and snow I would take the brown waves!! ;)

:( Still waiting for Southwest!!!!:( I am impatient! I want that part taken care of.....

[akterrye]

Michelle: I'm sorry to hear about hubby's job. Here is some pixie dust for good luck - *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*
I told him that he better find something cause I am NOT canceling this cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am staying positive and I think things will be ok. He has some good leads!!
I like your attitude! :) I'm taking the same one this year...last year, we decided to cancel our cruise and boy did I regret it! Cruise anyway and you, me and Gina will go to the Rockin' Bar D and cry a tear in our beer. :teeth:

I totally agree about having to live near the ocean. I'm a few blocks away from a beautiful view of the ocean and the mountains. Maybe this weekend I'll take a picture and pass it along to you guys. :) We have seagulls and eagles overhead all the time. This year, we actually had a hawk move into the neighborhood...that was really cool! (No bears this year, thanks goodness!)

We actually had a hot enough summer where the beaches at the local lakes were packed! Now, if only global warming would speed up a little bit more and we'll be able to have swimming beaches at the ocean! :smooth:

This will probably be my last post for a least a couple of days...more likely a week. Got dumped on with homework and I'm swamped...and finals are mid-Oct. I promised myself good grades this semester and I'd hate to have to put myself on restriction cuz I didn't live up to my expectations. :p So, be safe and play nice with others while I'm buried in my books! Gina, you're in charge! LOL :crazy:

[sitchu2]

Hi All,

Michelle, I know the feeling all to well, My husband is also in construction which is seasonal here in NJ, He suppliments the slow season with his CDL, and drives. Thats why we take our major trips during the winter months. Best of luck that a great Job comes his way soon!

I live at the Jersey Shore centrally located. I am approx 5 miles from the atlantic coast. The color here ranges from dark to medium green depending on how sunny it is. (YUCK) I cannot wait to be in those crystal blue waters of the Caribean!!

I just booked the Contemp tower for Valentines weekend,(hubbys dreamed of staying there since childhood) Rates were awful, I hope I can change it to a good AP rate.

Now I just need airfare. So far spirit is the best at 199 but I was hoping to do at least as good as my last trip 187. I like to fly out of Atlantic city. After using AC, I never want to go back to Newark.

Have not had time to look into excursions yet but thats next to airfare on my list.
Take Care Have a great day/week
Felicia

[BABYJOSIE98]

Wow,

You are all on the coast!! Guess I am the only one in the middle here!!

Felcia,

I know what you mean about Airfare. I am waiting for Southwest to open up the Schedule past Jan 10. As of right now the rates are $160 roundtrip and that would be perfect!!! Just waiting for my dates.

I know some of us are booked on the 11:15 Capt Marv's Stingray city excursion in the Grand Caymans. You don't have to put any money down to hold a spot. You pay when you get there.

I booked WL on the DC rate for Jan 30 and it is really more than what I want to pay,but I am thinking some discount codes should be coming out soon!!! I just keep watching "mousesavers.com" for new codes.

akterrye,

You better hit the books!! Good luck with your studies and I will take you up on a night at Rockin Bar D and have a drink with you guys!! We deserve it!!!!;)

Have a good day......:cool:

[BABYJOSIE98]

:cool: Southwest opened up schedule through March.

I booked 3 flights for 8:20 on the 30th and 12:05 on Feb 8. The base fare was $160 per person!! Woo Hoo!! Glad that is taken care of. Guess we are set.....;)

[akterrye]

Nope, no airfare yet...waiting for the huge PFD sale that should start the beginning of October. :) I'd be happy with $400/pp/rt! :) Congrats on the GREAT rate, tho! I'm jealous! :p

So, where is everyone eating dinner the night before the cruise?! I was looking at Dave's site...looks like there are some yummy restaurants near by.

[sitchu2]

I am still waiting for an airfare sale too. I hope by Oct. so far the dates stretch to Jan 10th, for the sales, almost there.

We changed our valentine weekend stay to AKL concierge, I feel much happier with that choice. I think that will be more special than a non guarenteed view/ non concierge room at the Contemp.

I have not even thought about dinner, so far the flight I am looking at has me landing at about 530 pm which gets me to the Raddison about 630-730 I guess well just eat there.

Gina: how many more saturdays now??
:)

Take care all!! Felicia

[Gina]

Well, the first official day of fall has come and gone, and it's still almost 90 degrees here... I guess the up side of that is that Malibu coladas flow freely for about 10 months out of the year here! :D

Wow, I hadn't thought about dinner, either... in the interest of saving money though, and because we eat what we like, I just figured we'd go find a McDonald's or something. Has to be one somewhere. :)

Only 18 more Saturdays, Felicia, can you believe it?? I know I keep going on about how time is flying, but I really really can't believe that somehow September came and went that quickly. It's going to be Halloween so soon!!

I haven't really done anything else cruise-related... still need to get the zipper in my short formal replaced, still ticked off about the whole Mexicali thing, still gazing at the model of the ship on my coffee table and waving to myself in the tiny little porthole of my stateroom. :) Okay, possibly I need to get out more. LOL!! ;)

Terrye, how are classes going?? Well, I hope! Tyler Dean gets his first-ever "real" report card today... it's a big deal! I'm not sure what subjects they even grade in first grade, but I guess I'll find out. :)
And hey, where's that picture you promised us?? I'm dying to see what it looks like there... it seems like a foreign country to me.

Well, I'd better get back to work... take care, you guys!

-gina-

[akterrye]

Our average daily temps have been 50 - 55 here...night time temps have been anywhere from 29 (yes, it snowed but didn't stick) to tonight’s 45. *sigh* Winter is right around the corner and stepping on the gas. *bleck* The Malibu coladas are still flowing but as of Tuesday, will cost a heck of a lot more (they raised the alcohol tax a LOT). So, now I can't even drink myself silly to forget about winter! :teeth:

Dave's site has a map showing all kinds of restaurants around the Rad, but it's down at the moment...I'm pretty sure I say a McD's on there. I was thinking about checking out the one Dave recommends...but I can't remember the name of it...he states that local astronauts eat there at times...that would be cool!

Time is flying TOO fast!!! Mid-terms are mid-October and I'm not in any rush to get there. :)

still gazing at the model of the ship on my coffee table and waving to myself in the tiny little porthole of my stateroom. Okay, possibly I need to get out more. LOL!!
ROTFL!!! Now, THAT is addicted to DCL. Do we have to superglue a plaque on your cabin door - "The Gina & TD Suite?"

Speaking of TD - how were his grades? Dan brought me his grades the same day TD got his. Overall, not too bad for his first semester in middle school. He's learning that NOT turning in your homework REALLY hurts your GPA. Heck, even I know that! :)

My classes are going....I find myself looking for anything other than homework to do...I even scrubbed the bathroom (my least favorite chore) just to avoid homework. Now, I'm a week behind. I sat myself down and had a serious talk with myself. I promised myself that I would get good grades this semester so I would EARN a two week vacation in Florida. I don't believe myself, but I'm willing to give myself a break and see if I can earn my trust back, because in the past, I've promised myself and then let myself down. Ok, what do you expect for 3:30am?! :cool: It's either way too early, or I've studied cost behaviors WAY too much!

I had Eric bring home a digital camera, but it's done nothing but RAIN for the last 5 or 6 days (hm...maybe that's what's driving me nuts...), anyway, as soon as the sun comes back out and I can actually SEE the mountains again, I'll take a few pictures and have Eric convert them into a panoramic for yas. Here's what they look like right now:
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On the airfare front - Alaska Airlines came out with their idea of a *sale*! HA! For $500.00 rt/pp, they will fly us to Miami. We were actually considering this, since we LOVE AKA's service, and even the thought of renting a car to drive up to Orlando from Miami sounded like fun, but I forget why we decided against it...must have something to do with the return trip. We would have to add an additional day just to drive down and catch a flight. Just too much of a hassle....so, we're still waiting...hows that for a long, drawn out explanation? :)

How is everyone else doing?!?!? :Pinkbounc

[BABYJOSIE98]

:( :( :( :( I can not even believe that I am having to write this to you all,but here it goes.........

Last week (out of the blue) my husband told me that he did not want to be with me and our DD anymore.:confused: :confused:

No warning of any kind. I thought our life was wonderful and balanced? I don't know if he is having a mid life crisis our what.
He just says that he is tired of being married and everything that goes with it.:confused: He just wants to walk away from all his responsiblities. We have been married 10 years and together 15.
He is 9 years older that me so he already had the younger wife? Anyway he moved out Wednesday and in with some women 15 years older that me!!!! Go figure that one out!! I am so angry!!

So I regret to tell all of you that I had to cancel my cruise. I wanted it to be a family vacation and just can not imagine going alone. :( :( :( I am just so sad and messed up right now and I know that the next few months will be really bad.

The only good thing is that my Aunt and Uncle are booked on the 4 day Wonder cruise for Nov 2. Mom and Dad suggested that I try to go with them. So the TA took care of everything and was able to switch my ressies. What I had payed on our 2-1-03 cruise payed for this 4 day in full for Josie and I. Southwest switched my flights and gave me a credit for DH's to use later.

The way I look at it is atleast I get to still go on a Disney Cruise Plus I will be with Family that loves me and they have a DS the same age as DD. :D

I really hate this,but I had no choice at this point. I am very upset and angry right now.
My Aunt changed my counter and everything. They are very helpful and supportive.:D

It has really been fun talking with all of you and I know you guys will have a really great time..... I hate this so much. I had so much planned and set up for this trip.:(

My DH will soon see what a mistake that he has made,but by then it will be too late!!!:mad: :mad: :mad: I just want to get out of this mess as fast as I can and move on with my life.

Thanks for listening everyone. It has been fun dreaming about my trip. Now my dreams seem to be clouded with not so happy thoughts.:( :( I am looking forward to getting away for a week and leaving my trouble behind. I just hope that I can do that...

[akterrye]

OMG MICHELLE!!!! I'm SO sorry to hear that. *biggigantichugs* He just doesn't know what he has...if he's smart, he'll wake up, if not, his loss, you deserve better. Thank God you have a loving, supportive family! Please, drop us a line from time to time to let us know how you are doing. I'll think of you and will definately miss you on our cruise. :( What a major bummer. Make sure you have TWICE the fun on your 4 day to make up for the missed 7 day. If you ever need a shoulder or a hug, you know where to find us...we're just a message board, PM or email away.

All the best to you, Michelle! *yetanotherhugebearhug*

[Cyberkashi]

Michelle,

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. We were so looking forward to getting together with you and your family. That is such sad news.

I hope that you are able to quickly find a new positive direction in your life and that this unexpected change turns out to be a blessing to you in the long run. Take good care of yourself and Josie.

-- Jami :(



P.S. Enjoy your cruise. :)

[sitchu2]

Michelle,

I am so sorry to hear your terrible news. One of my neighbors is going thru the same thing, The husband has moved in with another neighbor. This just happens and its so sad for all involveed.

I wish you peace and strength to get thru this trying time in your life, The 4 day wonder cruise is awsome, I hope you have a ball !

Take care, Felicia

[BABYJOSIE98]

:( I am dealing a bit better,but still don't understand why this is happening???? I finally told DH that I cancelled the cruise,but did not tell him that I am still going with my Aunt and Uncle. I don't think that I will till the day before we leave.;) He chose to walk away and so it is none of his business what I do now??

One good thing I guess??? He does want to see our DD. Yesterday he came to the house and I could see how much he has missed her. The sad things is that it has only been a week and it is already so painful. I wish that he could just see what a mess that he has left us in. It is so complicated.:(

I am looking so forward to getting away for a week. Thank goodness I still get to go. 4 days are better than nothing. :D

Thanks everyone for listening and have a great trip. I will let you guys know how my Wonder trip goes when we get back.;)

Take care everyone.

Gina,

I hope that you are not getting blown away by the Hurricane!!
Looks pretty scary!
I hope all these storms are done by the time I leave next month.

[Gina]

Originally posted by BABYJOSIE98
Gina,

I hope that you are not getting blown away by the Hurricane!!
Looks pretty scary!
I hope all these storms are done by the time I leave next month.


We dodged another bullet here in Texas... and luckily for the people just to the east of us, Lili weakened alot overnight before going ashore this morning. But I was packed and ready to go! Thanks for thinking of me, even with all you're going through right now. :)

I know you don't understand why everything has happened that has happened... Five years, and I still don't understand. I finally gave up trying to, because I realized I never would and it was dragging me down. And I know you can't see the positives right now, but there are some! I can do what I want, when I want. When TD and I want to go to WDW or anywhere else, we go (finances willing of course.) But I don't have to compromise, and I don't have talk somebody else into doing something. Even on the cruise -- if I wanted to sleep late, I slept late. I went to whatever activities I wanted. At home, the remote is mine whenever I want. :) If I feel like Lucky Charms for dinner, then it's Lucky Charms for dinner.

Hang in there, hun... you're going to have an incredible time on the Wonder, and you know we'll all be back on the Magic next year -- you and Jo will just come with us then! :)

-gina-

[akterrye]

Eric came home last night and I asked him a question about the cruise and he said, "I don't want to go on the cruise, we should spend the money on something more beneficial to the family." Now, I'm thinking like renovating the kitchen, wood flooring for the upstairs, or something along those lines...but NO!!! "I want to get a new truck." How is that beneficial to the whole family when it's HIS new truck?! He already has a truck and a van!

I asked him to leave the room before I had a complete meltdown. So, tonight he comes home from work and I said, "I want to talk to you about the cruise." He said ok. I told him, that looking forward to this cruise is the ONLY thing that keeps me from getting a really bad case of cabin fever AND it's my graduation present to myself (since I'm paying for most of it ANYway!).

He said, Ok, I guess we'll go. My reply was, "Oh, we're going, alright, with or without you, no ifs, ands, or buts! And, DON'T STRESS ME OUT LIKE THAT AGAIN WHEN I HAVE FINALS NEXT WEEK!!!!!"

He pulled this on me last year and we ended up visiting his relatives in California (I spent most of the time in the hotel studying while he and his friends went to the theme parks - yeah, it was a GREAT vacation - NOT!).

So, it all boils down to, yes, we're going (at least for now). :teeth: I just had to vent...I feel much better now. :) Thanks for listening. *sigh*

[Gina]

Okay, you guys are making me feel not so bad that I'm single! LOL! Perfect timing... every year this time, I seem to go into my another-depressing-birthday-being-single funk. Bleh.

Terrye, you had better not cancel!!!! WAAAAHHHH!!!! Y'all can't all do this to me... :( :( Leave all the men home, who needs 'em?? *grin*

-gina-

[BABYJOSIE98]

Akterrye,

Don't worry!! You will go and have a great time. I think men just get moody from time to time. They want to say we do,but I think we have to deal more with their crap than they do ours.;)

My life is still a mess. I am looking forward to going away for a week. My Aunt and I have been going over all our plans and so that gives me something to be excited about. DD is not taking all this change very well. Misses her Daddy very much..... He saw her two times last week,but it is still not the same as having him around all the time. Makes me so angy!! Wish he would snap out of it!!

Gina,

You are right!! You don't have that aggrevation in your life. You are past all that. I do so much want to go on a 7 day cruise so you let me know if you and DS ever book another and we will try to go. By then I will be prepared to go alone with DD.

We are going to Disney on Ice Thursday night and so DD is excited about that. Trying to keep busy!! You guys have fun planning and thinking about your big trip coming up!! Wish I could have been along......:p :p :p

Bye all!!:cool:

[Lizardbeth61]

How exciting to be in contact with others who will be on the same sailing. We're going to FL on 1/20 for two nights at the Hard Rock to do Universal and get it out of the way before we head into the Disney mode. Once we're in Walt's World, we hate to leave! We have a 9 year old daughter and 6 year old son cruising with us. Sound like some of you have kids the same age. After, we're doing 4 nights at Disney . . . can't be so close and not go to the parks!!!

Anybody know what they're doing in Cozumel? We want to see the ruins, but I prefer no chance of my kids accidentally drinking the water. Hmmmm.

Anybody been to the Turtle Farm and Sting Ray City on Grand Cayman? Will our kids enjoy that?

Wow, can't wait to meet some of you. Do people from this board every schedule a meeting on board?

[Lizardbeth61]

Can't wait to see you all. Do people on this board every schedule a meeting to connect on the ship?

Anybody have suggestions for Cozumel. Call me an overprotective mother, but as much as I want to see the ruins, I'm concerned about my kids accidentally drinking some water and all the excursions seem so long it would be difficult to avoid.

Also, would they like the Turtle Farm and Sting Ray City on Grand Cayman? That's what we're thinking of doing.

Wow, wow, wow! See you soon!

[Gina]

Welcome!! I have a little boy who will be almost 7 by the time we sail. And yes, we're all hoping to at least set up an informal get-together or two onboard, but I think most of us will be having our main DIS meet at the Radisson the night before since so many of us are staying there.

As far as Cozumel goes, we're just going to Mr. Sancho's, I think. I'd like to see the ruins, but that's an all-day thing, and that just sounds too tiring to me. I just want to lie in a beach chair and watch my little boy play in the sand and the water. :) There are a bunch of us doing the 11:15 Stingray Snorkel excursion via Captain Marvin's -- we'd love to have you along! You might want to read back through our many, many posts for more info. :)

Only 111 more days until we leave on January 30th... can you guys believe we'll be in double-digits soon??? Woo hoo!! I asked for Disney Dollars for my birthday, like Michelle got. We'll see tomorrow if my family comes through for me. ;)

Terrye -- have you been able to pull Eric back from the Dark Side at all?? Hope his anti-cruise mood was just temporary. Hey, you'll love this, Terrye -- I took my color-coded packing list and split it out and coded it even further: Now blue="Have", green="Need To Buy", and orange="Need To Check On." Then once everything is colored blue, it all gets split back up into the yellow and pink suitcase coding. Wow, I think I might need professional help. LOL!!

Oh crap, I just looked at the clock and it's after midnight... I'm older :( *sob* Okay, I have to go to bed now, I'm depressed LOL

Take care, you guys :-)

-gina-

[akterrye]

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, GINA!!!!!!!!!!!
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Welcome, Lizardbeth61! (Ok, I admit, when I first read your name, I thought it said "Lizardbreath." I think I need new glasses) :) I'll write more to everyone when mid-terms are over. Hope everyone is well and safe.

[Gina]

Originally posted by akterrye
HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, GINA!!!!!!!!!!!



ROFL!! Thanks ;) Yeah, I'll take 21 ;)

I think I'm leaving work early today... maybe go home and have a Ziegenbock or three and play EQ in peace until I have to pick my son up. :)

-gina-

[sitchu2]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY GINA,

I have just worked a 4 day stretch and topped it off with a 6am to midnight double. Whew that was hard but I just got the bill for the airfare I charged and its paid!!!!!!!

Welcome Lizardbeth, I have a daugter that will have just turned 7 before the cruise. Sounds like you have a great trip planned. The Hard Rock is awsome, but 2 days is deffinately enough there. This is the first time Im cruising and going on the cruise first. Ill see how it works out.

I am now at the point where I am planning excursions and I have hit a dead end. On Cayman we deffinately want to go to stingray city but we also want to lay on the beach, I was wondering which beach was nicer, rum point or 7 mile. The cost for a family of 5 is outrageous too.

At cozamel I did not know what to do either , a beach sounds great , but I read the excursion choices and couldnt make up my mind,

I was pretty sure at key west we were just going to do the trolley/train tour and explore on our own being in the US and all.

Can someone re interate about Capt Marvs. The cost , time, how you get there ect??? and which beach/beach excursion on both Islands. Is there a beach without an excursion on cayman?

This is one of the final stages of my planning. after this its just making ressies for ps at DW.

Thanks,, Felicia

[Gina]

I have been trying to get here to post for the longest time!! But it's political season, and I work for a bulk mailer, and this is our craziest time of year. I'm sick of political rhetoric, that's for sure!! LOL!!

Okay, when we last left off, we were discussing excursions...

Can someone re interate about Capt Marvs. The cost , time, how you get there ect??? and which beach/beach excursion on both Islands. Is there a beach without an excursion on cayman?

The Capt. Marvin's excursion that many of us are doing is the one from 11:15-1:15. It costs $34 for adults and $20 for kids. We just meet them at Waterfront Centre, 1 1/2 blocks from where the ship docks. I do know that they also provide transportation to people staying at one of the hotels on Seven Mile Beach, so maybe they would drop you back off there after the excursion? Then you could just get a taxi back or something. Email Joan at captmvn@candw.ky and ask her -- she's really nice, and I'm sure she'd be happy to help.

As far as Cozumel, I am once again on the fence about Playa Sol vs. Mr. Sancho's. I had heard that Playa Sol could be very crowded, but then they sure seem to have a lot more to do there... and I was reading another post on this very topic, and they had kids my little boy's age, and they didn't like Mr. Sancho's at all. And from all the stuff I've seen, I know that Tyler Dean would *love* it there -- I just hate huge crowds. Oh well, hopefully I'll decide sometime between now and February! LOL!

Got my "cruise box" out now... it's where I toss little trial size things and other don't-need-until-the-cruise stuff. It makes me so excited as more stuff piles up in there. :)

Well, I'd better get back to work and get out all these politicians' precious mail... :rolleyes:

Take care, everybody!

-gina-

[disneygal58]

Yay!!!!!!!!We're down to double digits on the countdown. I finally made ressies for the Radisson Friday night prior to the cruise. I'm seriously considering ordering the "Zumba" workout tape..... Can't wait to put faces with all of these screen names.
See you soon,
Dawn Hope

[Cyberkashi]

Happy Belated Birthaday Gina:

I feel as though I have just disappeared off the board. My sister got married last week and the last month has been a whirlwind of activities and houseguests. My wishes, though late, are sincere. I hope you had a wonderful day.


Welcome Lizardbeth! We seem to have lost a little of our earlier momentum and your enthusiasm is helping to pick up the mood of the board.

Most of us have cruised DCL before, so if this is your first voyage feel free to ask any questions. I have a DD (age 6) so she, myself and DH are looking forward to our adventure.