October 16, 2008 3 night

[brucechase]

New to the boards here, and a first time cruiser. Booked the 3 night cruise for October 16, 2008 a few weeks ago. Couldn't find anything on it anywhere in here, but it is kind of hard to find things. Trying to figure out exactly what to do and how to do it all. Going with my wife and 2 daughters (9 and 11). Any pointers on where to start looking for information would be greatly appreciated.


Cast of Characters
brucechase
Me(43) DW(41) MIL(XX) DD(11) DD(9)

friend
DH(xx) DW(XX) DS(9)

Nelsongaidola
DH(xx) DW(xx) DD(7) DS(5)
Sister Husband child1 child2
Friend Wife DD(x) DD(x)

butterx3
Me(38) DS (13) DD(9) DS(6)

zulaya
me(xx) DH(xx) DD(11) DS(12)

rosieposie
me(xx) DH (XX) DS(4)

Crazy4Disney06
Me(28) DH(29) DS(6)

Smiley22
Me(xx) DH(xx) - 22nd anniversary

ndepaola
DW(XX) DH(XX)

Kyneburg
Me(XX) DN(13)

Farscape
DH(52) DW(47)

livinthedisneydream
DH(XX) DW(39) - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

952LisaR
DW(XX) DH(XX) DD(7) DD(6)

gillenfamily
DH(47) DW(46) DS(13) DS(11)

2Princes2Princesses
DW Steph (35) DH John (36) Mom Lil (72) Sister Avis (42) DD(15) DS(13) DD(5) DS(3)

gatorcruiser
me (38) DD(12)

eeyoresmountainpals
DW (XX) DS(14)

[brucechase]

I guess I'm the only one here going?!?!? I figured I would have lots of company based on other threads:confused: . Or maybe someone is telling me something.

What's that saying - I'd be paranoid if everyone wasn't really out to get me!

[brucechase]

Sorry for the double post, hit submit twice and both showed up and I don't know how to delete a post.

That's 6!

[brucechase]

OK, does this mean that we'll have the whole ship to ourselves or did I make a big mistake and book some kind of wierd cruise????

No replies and other posts. I'm feeling a little lonely over here.


7!!!!!

[Nelsongaidola]

Hi bruce, we're also going on that cruise with our two kids.My daughter is turning 7 on the ship and my son is turning 5 on the 14th so this is a surprise birthday present but I think I'm as excited as they will be.

[brucechase]

I'm glad we won't be alone. I've actually changed our plans a little when I found out the MIL wants to go. We now have Me, Wife, DD9, DD11, and MIL(xx) - don't want to get in trouble. I changed our reservation to 2 Cat 12 rooms from 1 Cat 11. I am hoping for an upgrade since they are GTY and all sold out on the Cat 12 but I will be happy no matter what. I really don't plan on spending much time in the room anyway.

With that I finally hit 10 posts and I can officially ask for this to be included on the main page.:banana:

[Butterx3]

Hi there, I will also be sailing on this cruise. I was glad to see there is finally a cruise meet. There wasn't one last time I looked.

Our group includes, Myself (38), DS (13), DD(9) and DS(6). I have not told my kids about the cruise yet, as I want to suprise them. Any suggestions would be great on how to surprise them. I will wait until September to let them know I think. My husband and I seperated last year and are going though a divorce, so this is a well deserved cruise for my great kids who have had a lot of adjusting to deal with. Nice to meet all of you!

[brucechase]

Well at least there are 3 of us now. As for your surprise, I let my kids in on it rather quickly because I actually got everyone passports. I know that you don't have to have a passport, but several things made me get one just in case. Since this will be during a hurricane season, any unexpected stops "MIGHT" require one if you have to get off the ship. In addition, if there was any kind of emergency, I thought it would help out. I looked at this as "insurance".

As for surprising, I would suggest a couple of things. Go to the disney website and order the dvd (it's free), then get a small model of a cruise ship. Print out a picture of everyone and put mouse ears on all. Then put this all on the table one Saturday morning. When they get up, let them figure it out. Or better yet, put all this in a favorite cereal box and let them find it when they try to pour out the cereal. You could also pack similar stuff (like towels, sunglasses, disposable cameras, etc) up in a box and address it to each of your children. Have it waiting for them one day (don't even have to mail it) and let them open the surprise.

Anyone else have similar suggestions? Try to post a topic on the main site and see what everyone else suggests. I'm sure you will get quite a few answers.

As for HSM3, all we can do is hope that they have a sneak preview on the ship.

[Butterx3]

Those are great ideas. I was thinking of a scavenger hunt with clues and little items at each spot. I did that one Christmas when my oldest child got a dirtbike and there was no way to wrap it, and I didn't just want it sitting by the tree when they woke up. So we hid the (main, favorite, asked for gift) for each child and put the clue at the bottom of each one's stocking, and sent them on a wild goose chase. It was great.

We went on a Disney cruise in 2006 and the family we met there was from Augusta Georgia. Seems like a nice city. I would love to live in Georgia. We almost moved to Kennesaw when my ex husband had a job offer there. But for some reason we stayed in the frigid state of Minnesota! We have neighbors who moved to Minnesota from Augusta too, and I love how the children call me "Miss Jaycie". So sweet and proper.

Hopefully more people will find this meet now that it exists!

[SeaSickPsycho]

We just booked this cruise and we're really excited. I need a rest.

:thumbsup2

[SeaSickPsycho]

We booked two cat 12 rooms last December and ended up in cat 7 rooms!

All would have been great except for the tropical depression we sailed through, thirty foot plus waves. :worried:

We have booked cat 12 rooms for this trip as well. We have four in our cabin and think there are no cat 12 rooms which sleep 4 so an automatic upgrade! Do you know when room assignments will be released, I can't remember but we did know about the upgrade before we left.

I'm glad we won't be alone. I've actually changed our plans a little when I found out the MIL wants to go. We now have Me, Wife, DD9, DD11, and MIL(xx) - don't want to get in trouble. I changed our reservation to 2 Cat 12 rooms from 1 Cat 11. I am hoping for an upgrade since they are GTY and all sold out on the Cat 12 but I will be happy no matter what. I really don't plan on spending much time in the room anyway.

With that I finally hit 10 posts and I can officially ask for this to be included on the main page.:banana:

[Nelsongaidola]

I'm starting to think we're not the only ones going on this cruise.The more the merrier. My sister and brother in law are coming with their two kids as well as one of my friends & wife with their two girls so we're looking to have a great time.That makes 12 all together. I see that butterx3 went on a disney cruise before. Do you have any suggestions as far as activities or just making things run smooth?

[brucechase]

We booked two cat 12 rooms last December and ended up in cat 7 rooms!

We have booked cat 12 rooms for this trip as well. We have four in our cabin and think there are no cat 12 rooms which sleep 4 so an automatic upgrade! Do you know when room assignments will be released, I can't remember but we did know about the upgrade before we left.


I'm way too new at this. I have no idea when room assignments are to be released. I would love to be upgraded since this is our first cruise. I've heard so many people talk about upgrading, but what I don't know is if these are return cruisers that Disney takes care of or if these are the first time cruisers that Disney is trying to impress (hoping for the latter).

[Butterx3]

I tried to book an GTY12 but they were out at the time, so I ended up with a 10 I think, and I got my room number when I booked. The last time we cruised we were a family of 5 so we had a Catagory 4 with Verandah, so having a 10 should be interesting. We didn't spend much time in the room though, had I known about the DIS back then, I would have probably done 2 connecting rooms. I don't know how they decide to give upgrades. It seems to be random. I would love one, but am not counting on it. I have cruised with Disney before, however, I feel like a new cruiser. Back in 2006, I planned what we did each day of the trip and what hotel and such we were going to stay at, but then I just sat back secure in the fact that my husband would get us to where we needed to be. So it was the same on the cruise, he and my older son seemed to know the ship well, so I just followed them everywhere not needing to know where anything was. So I can only tell ya that the pools are on deck 9! HAHA. I discovered the DIS once we came home and I was going through withdrawl, I wish I would have known about it before hand, as we would have done PALO last time. I don't think I will be doing it this time either since it is just the kids and I.

[SeaSickPsycho]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are no longer sailing with you. :worried: What this means is that I let my cat 12 room go yesterday so it might be available for you. You can always keep checking and rebook your room to a lower category. If you have four guests and book a cat 12 you will automatically get a cat 11 or better. There are no cat 12 rooms which sleep four.

As for upgrades, it really is random. From my cruise in December 2007, those booked in cat 12 were most likely to get upgraded. Also, there were people who had cruised many times before and did not get an upgrade and some who did. Really random.

Good luck with the upgrades and have a very nice cruise.

I tried to book an GTY12 but they were out at the time, so I ended up with a 10 I think, and I got my room number when I booked. The last time we cruised we were a family of 5 so we had a Catagory 4 with Verandah, so having a 10 should be interesting. We didn't spend much time in the room though, had I known about the DIS back then, I would have probably done 2 connecting rooms. I don't know how they decide to give upgrades. It seems to be random. I would love one, but am not counting on it. I have cruised with Disney before, however, I feel like a new cruiser. Back in 2006, I planned what we did each day of the trip and what hotel and such we were going to stay at, but then I just sat back secure in the fact that my husband would get us to where we needed to be. So it was the same on the cruise, he and my older son seemed to know the ship well, so I just followed them everywhere not needing to know where anything was. So I can only tell ya that the pools are on deck 9! HAHA. I discovered the DIS once we came home and I was going through withdrawl, I wish I would have known about it before hand, as we would have done PALO last time. I don't think I will be doing it this time either since it is just the kids and I.

[Butterx3]

I am sorry to hear you are not going on this cruise. I hope you could re~schedule for another date.

[zulaya]

Hi all---

So glad this thread finally got stuck on the meets board!

I tried to get one posted twice before and gave up.

This is our first Disney cruise and it's me, DH, and DD11 and DS12. We're DVC members and hitting the parks after the cruise.

Butterx3 - where in the Twin Cities are you? We're in the northern suburbs and are flying out on Oct 15!

[brucechase]

:banana:

Wow, this is great! Even though one family had to cancel, more are joining in. Now I wonder what it will take to get to the thousands of posts I see on some of the other cruises. It looks like we all have children around the same ages. If anyone is interested, since I did the original post, I could put us all on the front page as a cast of characters or something.

Also is anyone intersted in looking into this fish extender thingy? Our first cruise so this is all new to me. I willing to do or try anything. I want this to be the best thing our family has ever done! I just have to get the wife and kids as excited as I am about this. Still trying to decide what to do in Nassau and CC. Any suggestions from the shipmates??

[SeaSickPsycho]

:banana:

Wow, this is great! Even though one family had to cancel, more are joining in. Now I wonder what it will take to get to the thousands of posts I see on some of the other cruises. It looks like we all have children around the same ages. If anyone is interested, since I did the original post, I could put us all on the front page as a cast of characters or something.

Also is anyone intersted in looking into this fish extender thingy? Our first cruise so this is all new to me. I willing to do or try anything. I want this to be the best thing our family has ever done! I just have to get the wife and kids as excited as I am about this. Still trying to decide what to do in Nassau and CC. Any suggestions from the shipmates??

I am sorry that I am not traveling with this group because you are posting a lot more than the Oct 30th cruise we are taking. I was able to rebook get two cat 12 cabins, trick-or-treating on the ship, and HSM3. Just a better deal for my family. I think the cruise must be way underbooked because it still has cat 12 cabins.

One fun thing you can do is have a door decorating contest. The doors are metal and anything magnetic will work. There is a thread here with lots of ideas to get you started.

We did secret santa last December and used stockings/fish extenders. We had about 30 cabins participating.

As for the Bahamas, I'm not sure what we'll do this year. I have heard you can rent a room somewhere??? for the day and get free admission to Atlantis. I heard this is cheaper than just paying for the day and you have a room to change in, etc.

At CC, we always snorkle (bring our own gear bought at Sam's), do the treasure hunt, ride bikes, and mail some post cards home to the kids. The stamps sold at CC have the Disney ship on them and the postmark is cool. Also, it's fun for the kids to get mail a few weeks after we get back.

Also, it is really fun to get on the ship as early as possible on Thursday. Eat the buffet and let the kids swim while your room is getting ready.

One more thing, if you love the cruise and want to do it again. Plan on booking while you are on board. You will get a 20% discount and an onboard credit. You can always move the dates later if you like.

Have fun and let me know if you would like any more ideas since no one is posting on my cruise's thread.

Also, go ahead and start planning your pirate costumes. Lots and lots of cruisers dress up for pirate night.


Last

[brucechase]

One fun thing you can do is have a door decorating contest. The doors are metal and anything magnetic will work. There is a thread here with lots of ideas to get you started.

Great idea. I've seen the magnet thread and haven't looked at how expensive these magnet sheets are for home printing. I think I'll do it just so the kids can find the room easier.


We did secret santa last December and used stockings/fish extenders. We had about 30 cabins participating.

As for the Bahamas, I'm not sure what we'll do this year. I have heard you can rent a room somewhere??? for the day and get free admission to Atlantis. I heard this is cheaper than just paying for the day and you have a room to change in, etc.

Have you been to Atlantis? I've been debating on this or just walking around Nassau and spending most of the time at the ship. Especially since the next day is CC and everyone will be in the water until they look like prunes.


At CC, we always snorkle (bring our own gear bought at Sam's), do the treasure hunt, ride bikes, and mail some post cards home to the kids. The stamps sold at CC have the Disney ship on them and the postmark is cool. Also, it's fun for the kids to get mail a few weeks after we get back.

Bring your own snorkle gear???? Didn't know that was OK. Now I gotta go looking at equipment. Do you know the prices for renting at CC? It might not be worth getting gear since we don't normally use it.


Also, it is really fun to get on the ship as early as possible on Thursday. Eat the buffet and let the kids swim while your room is getting ready.

We are going down the night before. The kids get out of school on the 15th at noon and have off until the 20th. I figured a decent hotel (with pool) and maybe a place to park the car at for the cruise. I see there are other threads about this just haven't spent much time reading them. The Radisson looks like it has a great pool, but my wife love Country Inn and Suites.


One more thing, if you love the cruise and want to do it again. Plan on booking while you are on board. You will get a 20% discount and an onboard credit. You can always move the dates later if you like.

Is this really a good way to go? When I first booked a Cat11 room, it was around $1200 and DCL was at $1800. 20% doesn't quite equal out. Don't know if I found a great deal or if this is the norm. I will probably cruise again if this is successful (especially from what I've read on other trip reports). I'm sure the family will push me real hard.


Have fun and let me know if you would like any more ideas since no one is posting on my cruise's thread.

Also, go ahead and start planning your pirate costumes. Lots and lots of cruisers dress up for pirate night.


My 11YO was a pirate for Halloween last year. We'll have to get the stuff out and see if it still fits her. She's growing so fast that they need to make stretchable length clothes for her.

Thanks for the input. Either check back if your bored or I'll post questions for you in the Oct cruise thread.

[rosieposie]

Glad to see someone finally posted! Kept looking for this thread and never found one. Seemed like every other date in 2008 was out there except 10/16! This is our first cruise. We're celebrating our 10yr. anniv so we're going all out! We're doing a 4 day at the Polynesian Resort then the 3 day cruise. Can't wait! It will be myself, DH and our 4 yr old son.

[Crazy4Disney06]

Whoo finally at thread for our cruise! My family (dh, me and our ds) will be sailing on the Disney Wonder October 16th to 19th~!:cool1: We are doing a land/sea package with 4 nights at CBR prior to the cruise! This is our first cruise as well and we are really excited!! Gald to finally see others are going on this cruise as well!!:hyper:

[SeaSickPsycho]

Great idea. I've seen the magnet thread and haven't looked at how expensive these magnet sheets are for home printing. I think I'll do it just so the kids can find the room easier.

I did not buy the sheets. Just printed on card stock and bought a roll of magnetic tape at Walmart. Much less expensive.



Have you been to Atlantis? I've been debating on this or just walking around Nassau and spending most of the time at the ship. Especially since the next day is CC and everyone will be in the water until they look like prunes.

DH went to Atlantis last time and bough DS an $8 hot dog which he didn't eat. We are either going to rent a room (if we figure out the deal) or stay on the boat.


Bring your own snorkle gear???? Didn't know that was OK. Now I gotta go looking at equipment. Do you know the prices for renting at CC? It might not be worth getting gear since we don't normally use it.

We started bringing our own because it was not much more ($10 or so) to buy a set at Sam's Club. The gear is much better than what you can rent and is sized to pack (short fins). We are now using our gear for the third year and it is great. The kids use it in the pool at home.



We are going down the night before. The kids get out of school on the 15th at noon and have off until the 20th. I figured a decent hotel (with pool) and maybe a place to park the car at for the cruise. I see there are other threads about this just haven't spent much time reading them. The Radisson looks like it has a great pool, but my wife love Country Inn and Suites.

We drive down (coming from GA) and stay at Disney. I am not familiar with local hotels.



Is this really a good way to go? When I first booked a Cat11 room, it was around $1200 and DCL was at $1800. 20% doesn't quite equal out. Don't know if I found a great deal or if this is the norm. I will probably cruise again if this is successful (especially from what I've read on other trip reports). I'm sure the family will push me real hard.

Wow. Where did you book your trip? Also, the prices and categories change often. I check often and was able to save $1000 last year on a 7 day by catching a discount after we booked. I book with DCL directly.


My 11YO was a pirate for Halloween last year. We'll have to get the stuff out and see if it still fits her. She's growing so fast that they need to make stretchable length clothes for her.

Thanks for the input. Either check back if your bored or I'll post questions for you in the Oct cruise thread.

One more thing I forgot to mention is that the Space Shuttle might be launching while you are in the area. Check out NASA's site, I think it will be STS125.

[brucechase]

The space shuttle launch has been moved to a different date. The previous mission (STS124) launches Oct 8 and is scheduled to land on Oct 19. Maybe we'll see something.

For some reason, this just didn't work out. I was kinda looking forward to this since I worked at Kennedy Space Center (85-87) and also for Disney (80-83) and this would have jsut tied everything together. I guess its more nostalgia than anything else. Oh well, just gives me more time to do things on the ship instead of watching the skys.


By the way, I added everyone's names on the front page. If you don't like it or want it off, let me know and I'll take care of it immediately. I just thought it would be a good reference to see other children's ages. Maybe they can start talking so they will have someone close to their age on the ship that they know to hang out with.

[Butterx3]

It's so exciting to see new names added to the threads.

Zulaya, I live in the St. Michael/Albertville area. How about you?

SeaSickPsycho~ I seriously thought of doing your cruise also, as we would for sure get to see HSM3 and the Halloween part was a perk also. Much more pleasant to trick or treat in the Carribean than in Minnesota! But my kids would miss more school if we went then. This way they only miss 3 days, and having a middle schooler, that is about my limit.

I think when we go into Nassau we are going to do the Pirate Museum. My boys are into pirates. When we went in 2006 our kids stayed on the ship and my DH and I explored the island. We got beeped by our daughter after about 2 hours, so we didn't see much. However we experienced the taxi ride offers, hair braiding offers and were asked quite a bit if we wanted to buy drugs. I hope the drug offers won't be there when it's just my kids and I.

How do you make magnets and Fish extenders? Can you buy them on E~bay? I am pretty technologically illeterate, so if it is something you do with a computer I am out of the loop. HAHA.

We stayed at the Radisson last time we cruised. It was nice, the pool was nice and they provided a shuttle to the port. Very convenient. I hope to do that again. We went on January 19th 2006 and it was so cool we saw a space shuttle launch from our verandah. We took pictures, I guess that made it worth the extra cost of the verandah. It was something they sent to Pluto that will be back in 2009. I can't remember the name, but my kids probably would.

[zulaya]

Butterx3, I'm in southeast corner of Blaine that's right next to Circle Pines and Lino Lakes. Are you flying out on Oct 15 or will you be at WDW before the cruise?

I have a ressie at the Radisson already. I like CI&S, but the kids liked the look of the pool at the Radisson.

I'm so bummed that the shuttle launch got moved. That would have been sweet to see that from the ship. It was supposed to be an 8pm launch originally.

Now with it scheduled for Oct 8...they'd have to have a pretty long string of bad weather for us to have a chance to see it...bummers.

[Butterx3]

I know where that is. I have cousins who lived in Lino Lakes. Boy Blaine sure has had a growth spurt!

So did everyone catch Camp Rock this weekend? We did 3 times to be exact!

[zulaya]

I'm right off 35W and Lexington. Just south and east a bit from there. Blaine sure has grown! I like that there is SO much shopping close by. I remember when there was nothing up here and having to drive to Rosedale if you wanted to shop for anything.

My only wish now is that we would get a Barnes & Noble or a Borders up here. Then I pretty much have everything I need to shop for locally within a couple of miles. Sure saves on the gas.

We don't have cable so we didn't catch Camp Rock. Was it good?

[Butterx3]

We had cousins when we were little that lived in Blaine and it was country. I can't believe there are no bookstores. They must all be in Coon Rapids. They have tons of shopping too. When we built our first house in Albertville it was this cute little hick town, and now with the outlet mall it is nuts. I miss that small town feel.

Camp Rock was okay. I don't think it is of the HSM caliber. But that just may me. You could have caught it on CBS on Saturday night. We were suprised, they played it on Disney Channel Friday night, then CBS Saturday and then the Family Channel on Cable Sunday again. I am one of those geek moms that gets into all of the Disney Musical movies.

My Ex DH took my boys to Iowa Speedway this weekend for Indy Races, so that left my DD and I on our own, so we started our girls weekend off with Camp Rock, then hit Valley fair (Kinda like a Six Flags) Saturday. We have decided we are not thrill ride girls. We are Disney World people. We won't be going back to Valley Fair again. My oldest DS stated, "Mom the Indy was just as great as the Disney Cruise we went on, I guess it ranked right up there". So I can't wait to suprise them with the upcoming cruise. I will wait unitl September though, as that will be my incentive for them to keep their grades up!

[brucechase]

We are also going down on Wed and staying at either CIS or the Rad. I haven't made the reservations yet because I'm not sure which one to stay at. The pool looks great at the Rad, but we probably won't get there until around 8:00pm. Might be too cool for the pool. I'm so glad both have a shuttle.

I am considering a suggestion from another thread. They said to drop everyone off at the port at 10:30 in the am (with my passport) and then for one person (me?) to go back to the hotel and jump on the shuttle. That makes it much eaiser than family of 5 with luggage fighting for room to get on the shuttle.

Also, I am not sure about Nassau. In the main forum there is talk from people who rent a hotel across from Atlantis that gives you full access to their stuff. This is something my DD11 would love to do, but my DD9 is not a "thrill" ride person either and I don't think she would like some of their water slides. Has anyone here done the Atlantis thing by renting the room? Or should we just save up for CC?????

Time is moving quickly, will be looking for packing lists soon.

[zulaya]

I have ZERO interest in getting off the ship in Nassau.

The whole bargaining with people, them coming up to you wanting to sell you stuff...I had that on one trip to Mexico and I couldn't hack it. I may get off the ship to say I've had my feet on the Bahamas, but that's it.

As far as Atlantis...my kids would love it, but I do not want to pay what Atlantis is charging for the privilege nor get myself to wherever the Comfort Inn is to make it happen.

I'm planning for us to just enjoy the near empty ship and we'll hit the beach at CC.

As far as the drop off...I've heard that, too...drop people off, go back and then take the shuttle yourself. Not really happening for us. I always drive the rental car. Now I could drop DH and the kids off, but really DH is the kind to mess things up even though he doesn't try to. As far as him driving...he gets lost easily if he hasn't been somewhere first. This is our first cruise, so he won't know where he's going. I don't want to be checked in and wondering where the heck he is if he's driving. So for us, we're just taking the shuttle all together. I've already reserved our place on the first shuttle at the Rad.

[Butterx3]

I didn't know CI&S had a shuttle too. We have already done the Raddison, maybe we will try the other. I haven't decided on that yet. I am hoping to fly down on 10/13 and spend a few days at Disney or Universal. This is really odd for me, as I tend to have things planned better by now. But just booking the cruise was a whim, dance season for my DD just ended, so once baseball is done, I will start to plan better.

Since I have no other parent with me, we will all take the shuttle together. We went on a pretty empty shuttle last time, I think it was the 10:30 one. But we also sailed in January, so maybe there aren't as many cruise passengers then. Plus we had no idea what we were doing and maybe had just gotten lucky. Who knows.

I think of Nassau as kind of dirty too. But since my kids didn't get off the ship last time I know my DS 13 wants to for sure this time. Maybe the other two will want to stay in the clubs. Last time my kids weren't huge club fans, but I think we checked them in too late. They had missed the evening when you just check the clubs out and meet the other kids. My daugther met a little girl on the cruise and she was fine in the clubs if the other little girl went too. My kids are homebodies at home though too, so maybe they just aren't clun kids. I think my DS 13 wants to do the bike/canoe/whatever thing on CC this time though.

[zulaya]

As for shuttles...just be aware that while Radisson is free, other hotels charge for it on a per person basis.

[SeaSickPsycho]

We are also going down on Wed and staying at either CIS or the Rad. I haven't made the reservations yet because I'm not sure which one to stay at. The pool looks great at the Rad, but we probably won't get there until around 8:00pm. Might be too cool for the pool. I'm so glad both have a shuttle.

I am considering a suggestion from another thread. They said to drop everyone off at the port at 10:30 in the am (with my passport) and then for one person (me?) to go back to the hotel and jump on the shuttle. That makes it much eaiser than family of 5 with luggage fighting for room to get on the shuttle.

Also, I am not sure about Nassau. In the main forum there is talk from people who rent a hotel across from Atlantis that gives you full access to their stuff. This is something my DD11 would love to do, but my DD9 is not a "thrill" ride person either and I don't think she would like some of their water slides. Has anyone here done the Atlantis thing by renting the room? Or should we just save up for CC?????

Time is moving quickly, will be looking for packing lists soon.

My cruise thread is dead. I wonder if it has something to do with Halloween?

Can you give me more info about renting the room? Which hotel? Where is it on the boards? A friend told me about this and it sounds too good to be true.

I am sure you can find a great packing list. My list starts with Lysol and Duct tape. I sanitize our cabin at least twice a day (door handles). Also, if the seas are bad you may need to tape the closet doors shut. When I first read this I thought it was a joke. It is not, those doors are really loud when the ship is rocking. You would think they could put latches on them.

[brucechase]

Hate to hear about the dead thread. Maybe it will pick up soon.

As for booking a room, it is at the Comfort Suites right across the street. I understand that there are some long lines to check in though. The only bad thing that I noticed is now our time (and I assume everyone's time) in Nassau has been cut a little short. The ship leaves at 5:00 instead of 7:00. Look at these 2 threads for details and pictures.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1479022&page=2

or this one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=25841552#post25841552&highlight=


Never read the tip about duct tape. Sounds strange to me until you explained it. As for disinfecting, have you had a bad experience on a cruise? I never really gave it much thought. I've heard about people getting sick every once in a while, but I figured that there are probably 5,000 to 6,000 people cruising per week out of Port Canaveral and I rarely hear about problems. I hope that I just haven't missed the right places to look for that info.

Thanks for the info and tips.

[SeaSickPsycho]

Thank you for the info on the hotel. I hate standing in line.

We did have a sick Disney cruise and we got sick. DD (5) ended up in the hospital with an IV. The only plus is that it happened the last night of the cruise and DH had to pack our luggage.

You will know you are on a sick boat when a crew member starts serving drinks and icecream at the self help stands on the ship. There are other clues about knowing you are on a sick Disney ship but I don't remember them.

I did overhear a women telling someone not to take the sick child to the medical facility because they will quarentine everyone in the cabin on our last cruise.

There were lots of kids throwing up on the last cruise but I think it was due to the 30 foot waves.

I was fanatical about cleaning our cabin and got all the cleaning tips from the thread for the last cruise. I am not sure it worked but my mom had a very nasty cold and no one in my cabin got sick.

I cleaned the bathroom and Lysoled everything we touched.

We haven't been scared away and will return for the Halloween cruise with Lysol in hand. I took spray and wipes. No more hospital bills.

[Smiley22]

Hello everyone! Finally a site with some posts on it. I too am new to the discussion boards. I have tried to find others on the cruise with us on " another" site. My first mistake. Now I guess I am where I need to be. My husband and I are going on our first Disney cruise after going to WDW 25+ as a family. This time no children. Just us for our 22nd anniversary. I think my husband is trying to save me from going crazy as my baby goes to college this fall. What a better way to cheer me up then to spend time with the mouse. Any suggestions would be helpful. Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

[brucechase]

Well, there has been a person I worked with who has heard me talk up this trip so much (I still pretty excited) that he just signed up for it. It will be him, his wife and DS(8). He's been before, but doesn't remember much about it (it was right before his tour in Iraq 3 years ago).

I've told him about these boards so he can get up to speed.

[Smiley22]

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I am having so much fun and information overload with all of the different posts. I wish I had looked at these before. I am a bit of a planner as I want to get the most "magic" as possible. I am still trying to decide if we want to go into Nassau or just stay on the ship. I love to shop in the local markets so I am sure we will get off if even for a short time. We will fly down early morning on the 15th and plan on staying at the Cornado Springs for three days after the cruise. We have always stayed at either Carribean Beach or Port Orleans before. Want to try something new. Has anyone stayed there before? I have been looking at the door decorations etc. It is just a way to keep the excitement up until the cruise. I have to say I am kind of crafty but not on the computer so we will see how that goes.

Is anyone else as excited as me???? I cant stand it. :yay:

[Smiley22]

See what I mean about not good with computer extras. I thought I had the cruise clock thing right but guess not. I was looking forward to the countdown too

Any Idea what I did wrong. :confused3

[ndepaola]

Hi there everyone.

We'll be joining you so thought I'd pop in and say hello. This will be our second Disney cruise, but our first time on the Wonder.

We have a fish extender (which I FORGOT to pack for our 7 day cruise in April!!!), so I'm up for doing Fish gifts if anyone is interested. We can pull that together when we get a bit closer to sailing...I'm also happy to pass along the info for the woman who custom made our Fish Extender, if anyone is either un-crafty or time-impaired like me!

We did the REAS package last time, and ate at Palo (dinner, brunch and afternoon tea) and went to the Rainforest Room, and the Margarita tasting, and the galley tour, so I'm happy to answer questions, if you have any. No kids, so I can't help you out with those questions. :rolleyes1

:wave2:

[Smiley22]

Try and Try again Yeah I finally figured how to fix the countdown clock. Guess i was using the wrong format.

Welcome ndepaola!! Thought we were the only ones going on the cruise without kids. We are just big kids at heart though.

What is are your thoughts on the REAS?? I am thinking I may add that to our trip today. Anniversary and all thought it may be fun and one way to make the trip a little more special. We are also thinking about the Wine tasting etc. Any tips would be helpful.

[Crazy4Disney06]

Hi there everyone.

We'll be joining you so thought I'd pop in and say hello. This will be our second Disney cruise, but our first time on the Wonder.

We have a fish extender (which I FORGOT to pack for our 7 day cruise in April!!!), so I'm up for doing Fish gifts if anyone is interested. We can pull that together when we get a bit closer to sailing...I'm also happy to pass along the info for the woman who custom made our Fish Extender, if anyone is either un-crafty or time-impaired like me!



:wave2:

I hope I don't sound too dumb.....however I have no idea what a fish extender is. This is going to be our first cruise so I'm still learning all the in's and out's of crusing.:confused3
:rotfl:

[brucechase]

No such thing as too dumb for a question. I've spent way too much time here on the disboards, that's the only reason I know about these things. Basically it is a small bag that you hang from the fish that is right outside your door. People on the cruise meet boards get together and leave little (inexpensive) prizes in the pockets (usually for the children - but not always). The prizes are sometime Disney themed, or local area related, but only limited by your imagination. It makes for a great surprise sometimes. It's just another thing to make the cruise a special occasion for all involved.

You can see all kinds of stuff in this thread, but it is a long read.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

[ndepaola]

REAS: I booked this last time for a couple of reasons - You get to book not only Palo, but also everything else at 105 days out from sailing. We were first time cruisers, so this was a huge difference over the usual 75 days out. This time, as repeat cruisers, the window opens at 90 days, so we'll be ok. I really wanted to enjoy my first day on the boat (fyi - "It's a ship, not a boat. Its not a boat, its a ship..." ;) ) so even without the added things it was worth the money to be able to book everything we wanted in advance and avoid the scramble for reservations at embarkation.

You also get dinner at Palo with a bottle of wine (we got champagne), passes to the Rainforest room, a free photo (which we never even used - bad bad cruisers), 2 waffle bathrobes (nice but I didn't use them on the cruise since I wanted to wash them before wearing), and a travel ice bucket. One morning you can get champagne breakfast delivered to your stateroom and one night they do a romantic turndown service - rose petals everywhere.

Overall - I thought it was a great way to celebrate our first ever cruise and I recommend it.

2. FEs - exactly right - pockets that you hang on the decorative fish outside your stateroom door. Everyone who wants to participate gives out their stateroom number and we all exchange small gifts. Some people gave out pirate gear. One person made CDs. I gave out Cayman Islands ornaments/souveneers. It was a lot of fun - even though I had left my FE at home. :sad2:

[brucechase]

Only a couple more weeks to make the final payment. Does anyone else wait to the last minute like me or am I the only one?

[zulaya]

Well, we used DVC points so we had to "pay up" at time of booking...

[Smiley22]

We are all paid up, Palo reservations made and thinking about when we can squeeze in Vista Spa services. We are going to WDW world for a couple of days after the cruise and we havent made reservations for that yet. Still trying to decide which hotel to try this time. Has anyone stayed at Coronado Springs??

[ndepaola]

I wasn't awake at midnight, so I logged on at 7:30 this morning and saw that Palo was...


WIDE OPEN?!?


Guess there aren't a lot of repeat cruisers coming along? :confused3 Well, works for me. Booked Palo and the Catamaran/snorkeling excursion on Nassau. :thumbsup2

[brucechase]

Great, maybe I can get book some things since I am a first time cruiser. Should I get up at midnight to do the booking?


One last thing, it looks like they changed the depart time for Nassau again. It started out at 7:30pm then went to 5:00pm and now it's back to 7:00pm. This might change some of my plans:confused3 .

[Kyneburg]

I'm on the October 16th trip, also. Myself and the 13yearold niece. First time on a Disney cruise. Hi, y'all.

[brucechase]

Just the 2 of you?!?!?

I see that you are right outside Savannah. I lived there for a couple of years but I'm currently in Augusta. We plan on going down the day before since our children are out of school for a fall break. Are you going down the day of?

[ndepaola]

Welcome to the DIS Boards!

I'm sure you'll learn a lot just floating around the threads. If you have any questions, we're here.

So, do you automatically win best relative ever, taking your 13 year old niece on a cruise!?! :thumbsup2

[brucechase]

Is anyone thinking of going to Atalntis by way of the Comfort Suites? I am seriously considering this but there are 5 of us and that would mean 2 rooms. If someone with 3 or more than 4 are doing this I would consider splitting the cost for the 2nd room. Is anyone else thinking of doing this for our cruise?????

[zulaya]

I'm thinking about it, but I'm leaning towards not even getting off the boat and having it all to myself. All the reports I've read make it sound like more hassle than I want to deal with to be at Atlantis - whether directly through DCL or the Comfort Suites.

[Kyneburg]

Just the 2 of you?!?!?

I see that you are right outside Savannah. I lived there for a couple of years but I'm currently in Augusta. We plan on going down the day before since our children are out of school for a fall break. Are you going down the day of?

We are driving down the morning of. We only have a long weekend for fall break, so we just have the four days we need for the cruise.
The niece has never been on a cruise, so I decided "Why not?!" I need a break and she's a good kid! :cool1: So,...

[Kyneburg]

Welcome to the DIS Boards!

I'm sure you'll learn a lot just floating around the threads. If you have any questions, we're here.

So, do you automatically win best relative ever, taking your 13 year old niece on a cruise!?! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the welcome!
I've already picked up some really useful information.

"Best relative ever"--in some eyes, maybe--However, I've also gotten a few "What are you Thinking!?!" :confused3 Seriously, she's a great kid and my only niece (no nephews, either). So, yeah, I spoil her--That's my job in this family tree and I'm pretty good at it!!

[farscape]

The family just returned Sunday from a fantastic cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the Magic.

There we be only two of us 1st time cruising on the Wonder in October - Diane (47) and me (52).

We are really looking forward to Castaway Cay, Toy Story and Palo (didn't have a chance on the Magic).

Still trying to decide what to do in the Bahamas. I have been there once but Diane has not. We would just like to walk around Atlantis to view the casino and the grounds. I believe this is possible without any admission fee?

We had a great group of DISboard members on the Magic and although it is a shorter trip, hope for the same on the Wonder.

Cheers!!!

farscape aka Roy - Southern California

[brucechase]

Roy and Diane, welcome to our little discussion. Glad to see that there are more people going. Was your previous cruise a 7 day out or Cal.? I don't know if I could do a 7 day then a 3 day, it would almost seem like a letdown (even though you can't have a bad time on a Disney cruise). There really isn't a lot to do in Nassau (from what I read), I do think that you can walk around Atlantis a little but you won't see it all without paying. I'm still thinking of doing the full Atlantis bit or just staying on the ship. I'm torn between the 2 options.

Have a good trip traveling across the country for this cruise. Are you doing the parks before or after or just flying in for the cruise? Others will be able to give better advice since this is my first cruise.

[farscape]

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the welcome.

We had actually booked the 3 Day Wonder trip first, thinking that would be our first DCL cruise.

However, Disney Magic only comes to the West Coast like every 3 to 5 years although there are rumors that it may be stationed permanently on the West Coast in the future. So we could not pass up the opportunity to take the kids on a DCL cruise without flying across the country to do it.

Since we spent a great deal of the 7 days keeping track of the kids and taking them on shore excursions, the 3 day Wonder trip will allow us to do what we want so we are looking forward to it.

Yes, we own at OKW & BCV and will be extending our trip for another few days after the cruise.

Cheers!!!

[Smiley22]

How lucky to be going on another cruise so soon. My DH and I are also going on the cruise w/o children( soon to be empty nesters) and then staying at CSR after the cruise. I bet you have a list of things to do for just the two of you after just returning from the long cruise.

I dont think we are going to do any excursions on Nassau. I would like to go into Nassau as we have never been, but only for a quick trip to the Straw Market( I love that kind of stuff....really intimidates my husband though) and walk around Atlantis just to say we've seen it. Then back to the ship to enjoy and relax.

I look forward to hearing more from everyone as the time is getting close. I have such a long list of things to get done before the trip. That just keeps the excitement level up:yay:

[farscape]

Hi Smiley22,

Congratulations on your upcoming 22nd Anniversary! It sounds like you have a very romantic time arranged for the two of you.

We may follow your example in the Bahamas. Diane likes to shop/bargain and we would like to at least view Atlantis.

I am in the process of deciding what day to schedule Palo.

The first day would probably be great but we want to meet our Servers and the other guests assigned to our table.

I need to check the Navigator but I believe that the second night is formal night so we may not want to miss that.

The last night will be right after spending the whole day at Castaway Cay. We may be too tired to really enjoy the dining experience.

What night do you have reservations to Palo?

Funny, we just experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that lasted about 20 to 30 seconds. I am in a tall building and the rolling swaying motion felt like I was still on the Disney Magic.:goodvibes

I better call and check in on everyone.

TTFN

[Smiley22]

We are going to Palo on Oct 18 as that is our actual Anniversary. I didnt want to miss Animators or Parrot Cay (as they have more seafood) I also think that the Pirate night is Friday?? I didnt want to miss that if for nothing more than the fireworks at sea. We booked thru Disney and they have been so very helpful in suggesting which nights to schedule things so as to not miss our choices. We had wanted to do Spa treatments also but just couldnt find the time so we decided to wait until CSR. We are on the cruise for such a short time I really want to enjoy the ship and activities. From some of the things I have read on the Dis boards they try to group together guests w/o children and ages together. So who knows we may be at the same table.

Hope everything is OK with the quake. Any damage??

[farscape]

Luckily, there was relatively little damage or injuries sustained from the earthquake.

Anyway we decided to book Palo for October 17th since we just participated in the Pirate night on the Magic and we should be back on board early from Nassau.

Is there a Formal night on the 3 day cruise? If so, is it on Saturday night?

Cheers!

[Crazy4Disney06]

Luckily, there was relatively little damage or injuries sustained from the earthquake.

Anyway we decided to book Palo for October 17th since we just participated in the Pirate night on the Magic and we should be back on board early from Nassau.

Is there a Formal night on the 3 day cruise? If so, is it on Saturday night?

Cheers!

I could be wrong as this is our first cruise, however I'm pretty sure I read on DisneyCruise.com that the formal nights are only on longer cruises. Does anyone know for sure?
Our family is pretty laid back and I would rather not have a formal night. ;) Don't get me wrong we enjoy dressing up just not in gowns and a tux.

[zulaya]

I could be wrong as this is our first cruise, however I'm pretty sure I read on DisneyCruise.com that the formal nights are only on longer cruises. Does anyone know for sure?
Our family is pretty laid back and I would rather not have a formal night. ;) Don't get me wrong we enjoy dressing up just not in gowns and a tux.

Ditto. I'm very sure of this. It's been confirmed by a number of people who were on ship and didn't have a formal night and I remember someone talking about asking DCL directly about it.

Maybe I'm not fancy enough for cruising, but when I'm on vacation, I want to be on vacation.

[Smiley22]

I think I am getting this right???? On the longer cruises there is a special "pirate menu" at the restaurants and then a pirate party on the deck but on the 3 day cruise there is only a party on deck with a dessert buffet?? Not sure if we will "dress up" for the party full force but maybe a little something AARRGGY (like that word??? It comes from my own private dictionary :laughing:

[SeaSickPsycho]

I think I am getting this right???? On the longer cruises there is a special "pirate menu" at the restaurants and then a pirate party on the deck but on the 3 day cruise there is only a party on deck with a dessert buffet?? Not sure if we will "dress up" for the party full force but maybe a little something AARRGGY (like that word??? It comes from my own private dictionary :laughing:

When we did the three day cruise a few years ago there was a pirate menu and we got our bandanas at dinner.

[livinthedisneydream]

DH and I are also doing our first cruise ever on the 16th. We're celebrating my 40th birthday which is the 15th. We had originally booked the 7 night with the kids but DH has a meeting earlier in the week so we decided to go on a shorter one---3 night is better than no night, right?!

We also found sitters for the kids (10,6, and 3) They going to be upset that we're going without them but we figure we can "check everything out for them" and rebook a family cruise onboard.

We have booked Palo on the first night and are going to book the CS for Atlantis. I know we won't save a whole lot of money but we like the freedom---especially with the lunch. If anyone wants to go in on the room--party of two---we may be interested in splitting that as well.

We spent the last 4 nights of our honeymoon after Disney at Atlantis 11 years ago and it seemed huge then. It will be fun to go back and "check it out" for the kids for next time.

Looking forward to hearing about everyone's plans!:thumbsup2

[zulaya]

Well, I buckled down and made one of those Fish Extenders yesterday while I was watching the Olympics. I had gotten the materials before when we were originally planning on a different cruise.

I don't know if the group is planning on anything, but I couldn't let the materials go to waste.

I'm so not a sewing person; my fingers are a little tender from the hot glue gun burns.

If we decide to do the Fish Extender thing as a group, great. If not...well, you'll all know where we are. I'm going to see if I can take a picture and upload it later.

[952LisaR]

We are so excited.

It will be me (Lisa) and my DH (Keith) and our 2 DD (ages 6 and 7).

This is our second Disney Cruise, we were on the Magic in 2006.

We too, will be flying in and driving to Cape Canaveral on 10/15. Still trying to decide on hotel and rental car - any suggestions for the best deals?

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[zulaya]

952LisaR - have you got your flights yet? We're flying down on Oct 15 as well from MN so maybe we'll be on the same one!

[brucechase]

Just book the Comfort Suites for the Atlantis excursion. The rate was $157.00 on the Comfort Suites site, so it was a tremendous savings over the DCL rate (even if only 2 of you are going - about $150 savings and about $400 for us). At one time I saw Expedia had $120 but it didn't work for me tonight. I could always cancel if it comes back.

My wife will be trying to do the fish extender thing soon so any pictures and measurements will help. I think she might try the hem tape instead of sewing or the glue gun. I'll let everyone know how it turns out (or if it gets thrown away!)

[zulaya]

Have her read the Fish Extender thread. The first 2 pages give you the meat of the info. I'll try and post a picture of my attempt later.

[brucechase]

Finally added all the names on the front page. It looks like we have quite a crew going.

It seems like time is flying by faster and faster. The kids started school yesterday and in no time we will be cruising. I need to pack!!!:scared1:

We signed up for Atlantis and the stingray/snorkling at CC. Does anyone have any experience with these?

[Smiley22]

Being new to these boards I have been soaking up lots of new information....some not what I want to hear. We have usually drove in the past and the flights we did take were usually on time. Due to work schedules we can not leave before the morning of the cruise.:eek: My Air Tran flight was due to leave Flint, MI at 6:30 am. It has changed twice with the flight now leaving at 8:00 am. Still leaves time but after reading all the problems others have had with flights being cancelled at the last minute,I am really starting to worry. Everyone say a prayer and cross your fingers there is no more changes. (of couse if the plane flight is cancelled on the way home.........what could I do):goodvibes

[zulaya]

Yeah, the airlines are in a world of hurt. Airtran has the reputation for messing with schedules ALL the time. Not what you want to hear, I know. We don't sail until what, 4pm or 5pm? You have a couple of hours cushion.

Is there any way you can look at a flight coming in late the night before? I know Airtran from MSP usually has a connecting flight that gets in around 11pm. Sure, connecting sucks rocks, but then maybe you could leave work, go straight to the airport, fly in to MCO and just crash at the airport Hyatt for the night.

I see a lot of people reporting being able to get the Hyatt for less than $100 for the night via Hotwire and Priceline.

Might be worth looking into.

[Smiley22]

Tried to get late flight on the 15 but we live in such a rural area the closest airport is 2 hours away and we wouldnt make their late flight. The closet airport with a really late flight is 4 hours away. I guess I just have to pray. Hope to see everyone on the ship. If we dont make it I am sure everyone will hear me crying from Michigan. So far Airtran has only changed my flight by a couple of hours. Anyone know if they cancel nonstop or connecting more often??

[zulaya]

Well, I can't speak for Flint, only what's happened here in MSP.

Sometimes, you are fine. Sometimes, you aren't.

Two cases in point:
1. My friend was going to WDW in October, flying out on a Tuesday, on a non-stop. Closer to departure...I can't remember exactly how close it was, but it was more than 1 month, but less than 3 months...Airtran cancelled the single non-stop for that day. My friend could have taken an itinerary with a stop, switching planes in ATL, or moved her trip to a different date that had a non-stop. She chose to back her trip up to Monday because Monday still had the non-stop.

2. Another family friend booked the non-stop not only because they wanted a non-stop, but it was a 9am departure and it was good for her family. The non-stop time then moved several times, getting backed up later into the day, until the departure time was sometime after 2pm. She stuck with the non stop, but it kind of messed up her day in that she didn't land until 6pm and they had to give up their first night's ADR.

I don't know if you've been over to the Transportation Board, but there was a post that said as of September 3, I believe, 169 Airtran pilots were being laid off.

So I guess you need to keep on top of the situation. You seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place with Airtran's fickle business operations and your having to work on Weds. I think if I were you, I'd scope out what other airlines could get you to MCO, specifically airlines that are not flirting with the problems Airtran seems to be having. Know what flight numbers to watch. Then if Airtran pulls a change on you that doesn't work for you, take your refund and book with another airline. It may not be as cheap, but then you know you can get there.

[zulaya]

Did some poking around...I think you are significantly hampered in going out of Flint. A lot of the airlines are starting to fly MCO direct only "seasonally".

The last departure time I could find was a 7pm. I gather that you are unable to get to FNT by 5:30pm from work?

If you are still thinking leaving on Oct 16, I'd consider Delta or Northwest. Both are connecting, but to be honest, connecting is not as bad as some people lead you to believe.

For example, so many people think that connecting in ATL is the kiss of death...that it's too big and too many problems, yadda, yadda yadda. I've gone from MSP-MCO on Delta, connecting through ATL, with a 4 and 5 year old in tow and all the requisite crap that you hall along for those ages. We had a 1 hour layover. We went literally, from the E terminal to the A Terminal (which essentially is from one end of the airport to the other) and we still had gobs of time. The underground tram system is fabulous and fast!

Anyway, I digress a bit.

Delta would be my first choice for you as a backup option should Airtran seriously mess with the flights. Delta leaves at 5:45am. I know, it's early, but are you really going to be able to sleep anyway? Anyhow, you connect in ATL and there are 3 flights to connect to and get you there in time, but the first one will give you around an hour layover (enough to stretch your legs and get a snack) and gets you to MCO at 10:12am. Plenty of time!

NWA would be my second choice for you. NWA takes you up to Detroit. You have a 50 minute layover, but don't sweat it. NWA has their own terminal at DTW with its own high speed tram. The last time I connected there, I got off the plane, went up the escalator to the tram, had to go literally to the other end of the terminal for my flight and was there within 6 minutes of getting off my first plane. NWA leaves FNT at 7am and then gets you to MCO at 11:29am - still leaving you plenty of time to get where you need to be. They did have another option, but it didn't land until I think 1:45ish and I didn't know if you'd like to cut it that short.

By the way, Delta I think was priced at $160 ROUNDTRIP. I don't know what you paid for to get on Airtran, but anything sub-200 nowadays I think is a steal. I think NWA was a bit more, but I don't remember exactly.

Hope this helps.

[brucechase]

Wow, I'm glad I don't have to fly. I was shocked at seeing the sub$200 price for a plane ticket. When I fly (for my work -which is rarely), the tickets are usually $800-$1200. I always connect in ATL so don't worry too much. I've had connecting flights of less then 40 minutes and still made it across the concourses. If you do this and it is close, make sure the attendants on your plane know this and they will let you off first. And always allow for the missing luggage this with a couple of items in the carryon. I'd rather wear shorts and tshirts to dinner than miss a Disney cruise.

For reference, just the drive from GA to the port (and back) will cost me around $250 in gas.

I hope all works out with your flight, especially since this is your anniversary. Keep us informed.

[Smiley22]

I dont mind layovers and the earlier to leave the better. I just have never run into any problems before with airlines except Northwest.They cancelled a flight with no advance warning. I guess I will spend the rest of the day investigating flights. I have nonstop flights right now and that sounds like the ones that will be cancelled first. What to do What to do. :confused3
If anyone has any more advise please let me know.

[zulaya]

Before you totally not consider NWA, I think you may need to consider the reason for the cancelled flight. If there was a mechanical issue, did you really want them to continue with the flight? Or if there were only 10 people on the flight, would it really be profitable for them to fly it?

The reality is if they did that all the time, they wouldn't be flying at all at any airport.

I still think that Delta would be your best backup plan.

Please be clear; I'm not saying that Airtran WILL mess up your plans. But if you do have to make alternate plans, here's one itinerary that I saw from Delta:

October 16
FNT-ATL Delta 4829
(49 min. layover)
ATL-MCO Delta 959
545am-1012am

(I made an assumption that you were going home after the cruise; I know that may not be the case, so this return flight may not be what you are looking for.)

October 19
MCO-ATL Delta 964
(2hr 2 min layover)
ATL-FNT Delta 4601
1115am-440pm

[Smiley22]

We are staying 3 days after the cruise at WDW. I have looked at different airlines and have a couple back up plans if something starts to go wrong. I just hope that I have enough warning. Positive thinking:wizard:

[zulaya]

Glad you have a back up.

Here's my worry...and I know it may not come to fruition...I've been reading Weather Underground and it seems that the tropics are definitely heating up where hurricanes and tropical storms are concerned.

Right now the long range model is suggesting that we may have 4 named storms this time next week in the Atlantic.

I'm not worried about being on ship...I know the captain will steer around and away from anything dangerous.

I'm not really even concerned about getting aboard. I figure if the ship can't dock and I can't get to Port Everglades or Fort Lauderdale or whatever, then, okay.

My concern is with docking at the end of the cruise.

Playing "let's suppose" for a minute...Suppose we have to dock in Port Everglades or Fort Lauderdale?

My plan is 3 day cruise, then 4 days at WDW at BCV. Right now, I have a great rental car code from National that let's me rent for the week for $94 (and that includes taxes.) Right now, that's the best rate I could find, including looking at 2 one-way rentals.

I need a car; It's a control thing for me.

Anyway, my plan was to just rent the car, leave it at the Radisson, get off the boat, go back to the Radisson, get the car, head to WDW.

Well if we dock somewhere else, then that smurfs my whole plan. It would be a heck of a lot easier if, for example, we dock at Port Everglades, for me to just rent a car there and drive directly to WDW than ride a bus to Port Canaveral, then ride in the car some more to get to WDW.

So I'm thinking I need to to look at one way rentals, but then my total out of pocket will be higher. I know; I'm cheap. I also like my National Executive membership...something about picking out your own car just does it for me. That and not having to hit the counter.

So, I'm sure you all think I'm paranoid, but now I'm thinking I need to at least look at what my options are out of both those terminals.

I suppose I deserve that for traveling during hurricane season.

[brucechase]

We have booked Palo on the first night and are going to book the CS for Atlantis.

Did you book the CS for Atlantis? I did and was wondering about the rate you got. The cost was $158 for me but I think I am going to rebook under the little league or LPGA rate and save another $10-$15. If you (or others) are going, we should meet and all get in one cab. I understand that they take 10-12 people and they will wait until the cab is full before they head out.

[livinthedisneydream]

Did you book the CS for Atlantis? I did and was wondering about the rate you got. The cost was $158 for me but I think I am going to rebook under the little league or LPGA rate and save another $10-$15. If you (or others) are going, we should meet and all get in one cab. I understand that they take 10-12 people and they will wait until the cab is full before they head out.

Yes, I went ahead and booked the CS. We figured we'd be ok on our own since we did Atlantis for a few days after our Disneymoon 11 years ago. Of course, Atlantis has about doubled since we were last there, but I still think we'll be better off on our own.

Sure, we'd love to share a cab. It'd be nice to "know" the people we're sharing with and maybe we'll get there a little quicker!

I must say though that I need to get on here a little more so I'm better prepared. Our main thing has been making sure the babysitting of the kids is covered while we're away. I do have Saratoga booked the day before on our DVC points and then we had a bounceback offer at BWI after the cruise for a couple nights.

Now I just need a ding fare from Southwest for the flights!

Oh, and I did get the rental car taken care of so I guess I'm not sooooo bad. And since we won't have the kids, this is more of a "make sure we enjoy cruising" kind of cruise. We told them we are "checking it out" for them! :rotfl:

Lisa

[Crazy4Disney06]

Did you book the CS for Atlantis? I did and was wondering about the rate you got. The cost was $158 for me but I think I am going to rebook under the little league or LPGA rate and save another $10-$15. If you (or others) are going, we should meet and all get in one cab. I understand that they take 10-12 people and they will wait until the cab is full before they head out.

Hi guys,

My family is on the October 16th cruise as well. We really want to book CS for Atlantis, the best rate I have come across is $175.00 which is still much better than Disney. Can you guys tell me who you booked your room through? I'd love to save every little bit I can, as this trips costs are adding up to a small fortune for us:rotfl:

[livinthedisneydream]

I went thru the comfort suites website. Our rate including fees is $176.40. Haven't found a way to get it any cheaper. Good luck!

[brucechase]

I'll post a link to the thread that talks about using an LPGA discount. It brings it way down and the nice thing is if you want to join the LPGA to use it (although it is not necessary) it is free to join. They don't expect you to carry your card on the ship and to the hotel.

I'll post soon, just rebook and then cancel your original res.

[livinthedisneydream]

I just googled the code and it came up with the page. It will take $10 off the room on our night. Thanks!:thumbsup2

[brucechase]

Glad to help. But when I did it, the rate was $148 which should have be about $30 off. Is that the rate you got? I should check again, it might have gone up.

[Crazy4Disney06]

I found the discount code, but the CS site was down. I'll try it in a bit........hoping to save some $$$ ;)

[livinthedisneydream]

My original rate was $158 w/o tax. I think it was AAA maybe. Anyway, I'm always happy to get a bigger discount! Thanks!

[Crazy4Disney06]

The code saves me just over $30.00 thank you so much for the info!:thumbsup2 I need to wait a week to book the room, hopefully I will be able to get the same rate then!:surfweb:

[brucechase]

The code saves me just over $30.00 thank you so much for the info!:thumbsup2 I need to wait a week to book the room, hopefully I will be able to get the same rate then!:surfweb:

Don't wait too long. I've read that a 2 night minimum comes and goes at that place. Also rates change all the time (but usually go down). I check every week or so jsut to make sure. I can always use an extra few dollars.

By the way, from what I understand on other parts of the board the taxis usually wait until they are full before they leave. If we all get together, we'll have close to a full car - no waiting. If you are interested, let us know and we'll develop a meet time for getting off the ship. We will probably be pretty early just because the kids will be excited (and maybe me too).

Anyone else interesting in doing the fish extender thing? My wife if getting ready to make one and I see there is 2 others (ndepaola & zulaya) who are daring enough to try.

[zulaya]

Anyone else interesting in doing the fish extender thing? My wife if getting ready to make one and I see there is 2 others (ndepaola & zulaya) who are daring enough to try.

Mine is done. I did a no-sew version. Hot glue gun! I hope more people participate because it could be great fun leaving goodies and not getting caught!

I'll see if I can upload the pic.

[zulaya]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee61/maryalbright/FishExtender.jpg

[Butterx3]

Hi there,
I haven't been on in awhile. The summer just flew by didn't it.

Anyways Atlantis sounds fun but my oldest son will want to do the Pirate Museum for sure. I still haven't told my kids about the trip, I will be surprising them the second week of Septemeber.

Does anyone have directions on how to make the Fish Extenders without being able to sew? Or does someone sell them on Ebay? That may be essier for an uncrafty person like myself.

I have an issue. I booked a flight for Oct 14th, but we will be arriving in Orlando @11:00pm. I know bad flight time, but I didn't want my oldest to miss anymore school than he has to, especially his Algebra class, so I booked a later flight. But does anyone have any suggestions as to where we should stay, I am thinking by the time we get our luggage and bearings it will be almost midnight. Should I just stay at the Hilton Airport?

I don't remember who said it either, but whoever got the car rental for a week for $94, how did you score that? I keep looking on Expedia, and the lowest I find is @ $150.00 for a week. Which drives me nuts since the cruise days the car will sit idle. But I like having a car and being able to go where ever, whenever.

Anyways, my kids start school next week, I was going to tell them about the trip next week, but my parents are on vacation, and I am sending my kids on a little scavenger hunt with clues, and my parents have the perfect garden and back yard to do the hunt, (and then they can also be there for it), but I have to wait until they get home from Vagas now. We went out to dinner with the neighbor and she asked me "So when do you leave for your cruise"... Luckily we were at Space Aliens, a very loud restaurant with all the video games and stuff and the kids were so preoccupied with one another and their surroundings that they missed it. So my surprise was almost foiled!

[zulaya]

I have $94 for the week with a code from National that's questionable. The code has been pulled for new reservations, but apparently people who kept the reservations have had them honored.

I have a back up ressie at National with the EA contract ID and a $35 coupon that's on the National site (I'd have to look up the number), that's for $134. Which I think is pretty good! I have it from Oct 15-Oct 22.

If you look on the main Cruise Line Forum, there is a giant thread about Fish Extenders. On page 1 or 2, there is someone who described how they made their Fish Extenders sans sewing.

I used a hot glue gun for ALL of it.

So if you just get dimensions for the fabric, you should be fine.

Some people just used bags, as well, but I thought it would be more fun to make one. I sat on that fabric for months before I finally just did it. Took me an hour or so...I didn't time it, but I did it on the floor while I was watching a movie.

[zulaya]

Here's the link to the Fish Extender thread...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

[Crazy4Disney06]

Hi there,
I haven't been on in awhile. The summer just flew by didn't it.

Anyways Atlantis sounds fun but my oldest son will want to do the Pirate Museum for sure. I still haven't told my kids about the trip, I will be surprising them the second week of Septemeber.

Does anyone have directions on how to make the Fish Extenders without being able to sew? Or does someone sell them on Ebay? That may be essier for an uncrafty person like myself.

I have an issue. I booked a flight for Oct 14th, but we will be arriving in Orlando @11:00pm. I know bad flight time, but I didn't want my oldest to miss anymore school than he has to, especially his Algebra class, so I booked a later flight. But does anyone have any suggestions as to where we should stay, I am thinking by the time we get our luggage and bearings it will be almost midnight. Should I just stay at the Hilton Airport?

I don't remember who said it either, but whoever got the car rental for a week for $94, how did you score that? I keep looking on Expedia, and the lowest I find is @ $150.00 for a week. Which drives me nuts since the cruise days the car will sit idle. But I like having a car and being able to go where ever, whenever.

Anyways, my kids start school next week, I was going to tell them about the trip next week, but my parents are on vacation, and I am sending my kids on a little scavenger hunt with clues, and my parents have the perfect garden and back yard to do the hunt, (and then they can also be there for it), but I have to wait until they get home from Vagas now. We went out to dinner with the neighbor and she asked me "So when do you leave for your cruise"... Luckily we were at Space Aliens, a very loud restaurant with all the video games and stuff and the kids were so preoccupied with one another and their surroundings that they missed it. So my surprise was almost foiled!

We got a room at the Hyatt in side MCO airport for our arrival with a government rate of $111.00.

[brucechase]

The wife just got done with the fish extender. She used heat tape and several kinds of material. It looks great, but I have to figure out how to post pictures. As soon as I do, I will let you see.

Also, I just got done making a couple of magnets for the door. Actually went to Home Depot and picked up a couple of Mickey Ear samples and cut off everything but the Mickey head. I then put a piece of magnetic tape on the back. I'll try to post a picture of that also.

[zulaya]

brucechase--

Easiest way is to get yourself a Photobucket account. It's free at photobucket.com

Then you can upload pics and have links to them.

[brucechase]

Thanks, I'll sign up now.


http://http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/6DCLPlateblank.jpg

Still don't know what I'm doing so I might have to read the instructions.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/6DCLPlateblank.jpg

OK, instructions are good. Only 15 minutes and I'm able to post a pic. Now the possibilities are truly endless.

[Smiley22]

Count me in on the fish extender. Not sure what to do but I think I can figure it out. I also have to make costumes for my DH and myself as we are going to the MNSSHP at MK on the 19th. I had costumes all set until I read a little more on the boards and was reminded how hot it still is in October. I had planned on Bride and Groom (since we are celebrating our Anniversery thought it was perfect) DH would not have been happy in Black Tux with tails in 85+ weather. So if anyone needs a Tux jacket let me know:rotfl: It was a steal on Ebay. Now I dont have a clue what to do. He is willing to dress up so I want to make the most of it. If I think of something I will pass it by everyone to make sure I don't go a little too dorky. Who am I kidding I never feel dorky its just having fun. Who cares if people think we are nuts. I am also thinking of getting T-shirts made for pirate night with something clever. I do sew and am pretty crafty so these things are the easy part.....now the door magnet. I am so lost. I have put requests on one of the boards but feel so quilty about it. It seems some people are so demanding I didnt even want to request one. I guess I will have to tackle that at some point. Time is really starting to tick down. :yay: I'm too excited to sleep.

[zulaya]

Why don't you just get some Bride and Groom Mickey Ears? That way you can still get in on your anniversary theme without it being so hot.

[Smiley22]

I do have those already as that was part of my costume. I think I may have come up with something. Mr & Mrs potato head....with changable features. DH said he would do it. :laughing: I was thinking I can have pirate eye patch, different noses and mouth etc. I think I can work with this. Just in the planning stage but it will work. What to you guys think??

[brucechase]

Count me in on the fish extender.

Great, we will have to figure out exactly how we want to do this and what kind of gifts to exchange. I am open for any suggestion.

.....now the door magnet. I am so lost. I have put requests on one of the boards but feel so quilty about it. It seems some people are so demanding I didnt even want to request one. I guess I will have to tackle that at some point. Time is really starting to tick down. :yay: I'm too excited to sleep.

About the magnets, I have been playing around with a few things and I think I can do most of what everyone sees here (if I can find the blalnk picture). I am not sure why some people don't want to post the blank and instead do all the work for everyone. My first picture post (on the previous page) was a blank liscense plate that I "created" (took others work and erased everything I didnt want). I also took the name tag and created a blank and made my own. I also hate asking everyone to do this for me since I am capable of doing it myself. I will be more than happy to post any blanks or even fill in names and sayings for anyone on our cruise that wants me to do it. I just laminate the stuff and put small magnets on the back. Works great and is a lot less expensive than $2 per magnetic sheet to print on. I'll try to post some of what I've done over the next couple of days.

[brucechase]

OK, here are a couple:

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/PirateMinnie.png

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/PirateMickey.png

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/MinnieMouseWallpaper001M.jpg

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/bank.jpg

[Smiley22]

I have quite a few blank designs that I like. What program are you using to personalize them?

[brucechase]

I have a Photoshop knockoff called PStudio, but I've found that putting them in either Word or better yet, PowerPoint does wonders. If you want me to do anything, I'll PM you my email and you can send me the blanks and I'll personalize any way you want. It takes only a couple of minutes for me to do each one (lots of practice). Let me know if you want me to help you out, I really don't mind.

[gillenfamily]

Hi Everyone,
Just discovered the list. We will be on the October 16, 3 night cruise. 4 Days at Disney before that staying at the Beach Club. Me (47) and my lovely bride (46) and our two boys 11 and 13. Looking for other families with similar aged kids so they will have instant friends to hang out with.

Regards,
Greg Gillen:cool1:

[zulaya]

Hey Greg! I'll have DD11 and DS12 on board! I'm sure they'd love to have some kids their age to hang with as well!

[Butterx3]

Hey Greg,
I have a 13 year old son also. He will be glad to know there is another boy his age on the cruise. Isn't there some kind of open house in the evening just to check out the clubs. Are you signing your boys up for the bike/kayac thing on Castaway Cay?

[2Princes2Princesses]

Hey everyone!!!

I am Steph. I will be on the 10/16 cruise too. Our party is: Me(35), DH John (36), Mom Lil (72), Sister Avis (42), and the kids: DD 15, DS 13, DD 5, and DS 3. We are in 2 cat 10s on deck 7.

This is the 2nd cruise for me, I did a 4 night in 2007, but the first for everyone else.

I do the signs with the lamination and magnets. I buy a roll of the sticky back magnet tape at the craft store and cut a few pieces off.

I did shirts last year for MNSSHP too. I use Paint.NET to personalize. It is free, can be downloaded from the website and they have forums where people share tips on using it.

We are flying down the night before and staying at the BWV and our ME tags showed up today. I can't wait!!! 39 days!!!!

:banana: :banana:

[gatorcruiser]

Hi everyone,

This will be our very first cruise! It will just be me (38) and our DD (12). My DH had to sit this trip out.

I'd love to participate in the fish extenders.

Is anyone thinking of going to Atalntis by way of the Comfort Suites? I am seriously considering this but there are 5 of us and that would mean 2 rooms. If someone with 3 or more than 4 are doing this I would consider splitting the cost for the 2nd room. Is anyone else thinking of doing this for our cruise?????

We are planning on getting ressies to Comfort Inn & Suites. Since there are only 2 of us we would definitly be willing to share ressies. So Bruce if you had to get 2 rooms let me know if I can split the cost of that 2nd room.

Debby

[brucechase]

Welcome aboard Debby (Gatorcruiser), For the comfort suites, I only booked 1 room since the MIL didn't care too much for water slides. BUT, livinthedisneydream also booked the CS and they are only 2 in the room. Get with them and split the room. She will have to cancel the Res and rebook for 4 people, but that will save you both a significant amount of money. And lets all meet at a spot to get a cab together to go over there. They usually wait until it is full before they leave and with all that we have, we are close to the 12 person limit of the cab. We can get there much easier than sitting in a cab waiting on the person trying to get others to ride with us.

By the way, I see you are in FL, did you get a FL resident rate for this cruise? Where at in FL? I grew up in Kissimmee and went to college in Melbourne.

Since we have several kids around that age, we all need to get them together so they have some "friends" before hand. My 11 YO DD is not as shy as my 9YO DD. But it would be great if we can get all of us together to get them to cyber-meet.

As for the FE, I will probably have to PM everyone to see how we want to do this and what we want to do. My first thought is maybe small gifts from your home area, but I'm not sure what I could get from Augusta GA that would be worth a hoot.:rotfl2:

[zulaya]

brucechase - Have you updated the first post lately? I think we need to get an updated count on how many people we have on our cruise. Then we can tackle the whole FE thing.

[952LisaR]

952Lisar and family will also participate in the fish extenders. Are there any other special Dis actibvities/events/meet-ups planned?

[ndepaola]

Hi all -

I'm getting into busy season here (I work in tax), so I'll be on and off the boards.

My suggestions for FE and Cruise Meets are as follows:

FE: The best part of doing the FE exchange is not knowing what you're going to get on any given day. Some give one gift per stateroom, others give one to each occupant. We'll only really have Thurs night, Friday and Saturday to leave gifts, so I really don't think we need any formal schedule. All we really need is a good list of who is participating and what staterooms the participants occupy.

This should be pretty low key. I think when you start setting rules for what to give, when to give, how much to give, etc. you instantly limit the number of people willing to participate. I think it boils down to the fact that this is supposed to be a fun add-on to a relaxing vacation. When it gets too formal and structured, I, for one, am out. ;)

Cruise Meets: A lot of groups try to meet on the first day, right after everyone has boarded. The problem, of course, is that not everyone gets on the boat at the same time. And then some need to go running around lining up kids and meals and excursions and all that.

How do we feel about an adults only meet in one of the bars one night to see one of the shows? I for one, have more fun at a bar with a group. :thumbsup2

[ndepaola]

Meant to ask - is anyone else in a guarantee room?

When we cruised this last spring everything was planned far in advance and we got a balcony room, since it was a 7 day cruise. This time it was a last minute add on to a work trip, so we went cheap and got a cat 12 guaranteed room.

Is anyone else is in a guarantee? Let us know when you start hearing about room assignments. :thumbsup2

[zulaya]

I think it may be hard for all of us MN people to come up with something different for the FE, if we are doing stuff from our locations. I'll have to think about what kind of fun stuff to bring.

I don't think we have any meets set up. But maybe we should have something casual so we can all put names to faces on that first day. Thoughts on that?

I'm planning on arriving early to board as soon as possible. Shall we try and meet somewhere before sail-away?

[zulaya]

Well I can volunteer to keep track of names and cabin numbers for the FE exchange and then dole that out as we get closer to the time.

I have a room number already, but for those who have guarantee rooms...don't you think they've assigned your room already? This is my first cruise so maybe they don't. Have you logged in online to see if you have a cabin number?

I'm agree with a PP about FE goodies...no need to be formal, but we do need to know how many are participating.

[ndepaola]

I checked online yesterday and I still don't have a room number. I've heard that most of the time you'll get it with your cruise docs, so it could be a last minute thing. I was just curious if anyone else had been assigned yet. :)

Thanks for volunteering to manage the FE list. :cheer2:

[zulaya]

I went through the thread to see who exhibited interest in Fish Extenders and here's who I have:

zulaya
brucechase
ndepaola
butterx3
952LisaR
Smiley22
gatorcruiser

If you see your name on this list and you DO NOT want to be on the FE activities, just let me know.

If you don't see your name on this list and you want to participate, please post on the thread, PM or email me.

I so should be working, but this is way more interesting than making host packets right now.

[Crazy4Disney06]

Meant to ask - is anyone else in a guarantee room?

When we cruised this last spring everything was planned far in advance and we got a balcony room, since it was a 7 day cruise. This time it was a last minute add on to a work trip, so we went cheap and got a cat 12 guaranteed room.

Is anyone else is in a guarantee? Let us know when you start hearing about room assignments. :thumbsup2

We booked our land/sea package back in February through Dreams Unlimited. We got our cabin assignment at that time. We are booked in Category 11 with a specific room number. However......I am still hoping we will get some pixie dust our way and get an upgrade ;)

[2Princes2Princesses]

I went through the thread to see who exhibited interest in Fish Extenders and here's who I have:

zulaya
brucechase
ndepaola
butterx3
952LisaR
Smiley22
gatorcruiser

If you see your name on this list and you DO NOT want to be on the FE activities, just let me know.

If you don't see your name on this list and you want to participate, please post on the thread, PM or email me.

I so should be working, but this is way more interesting than making host packets right now.

We would love to do the FE!

For ours, we went to AC Moore and bought some small canvas bags, I am going to decorate them, string them together with ribbon, and use those (I am too lazy and too busy, working 2 jobs, to sew!). We have 2 staterooms, so I have to do 2.

I have been getting our door magnets started....I am making 2 T-shirts for the MNSSHP for my older kids....and now the fish extenders. Nothing like waiting til the last minute. :rolleyes: I hopefully can finish it all by October. :)

[zulaya]

Steph - I made a note on the list and have you listed as 2 staterooms.

Anyone else? Can I get all the participants to email me at some point? I think it will be infinitely easier for me to email the list, once complete, rather than try and PM all of you individually. It just would take a lot less time.

Here's the updated list as of 9/11/0 at 11:47am central time:
zulaya
brucechase
Smiley22
ndepaola
952LisaR
Butterx3
gatorcruiser
2princes2princesses

Off to print magnets...

[brucechase]

Front page is now updated.

zulaya, I have a list of all the names and ages in excel if you would like that to help you out. I am really looking forward to this. Since it is easy in excel, I did sort by everyone's ages and I can post that (or email it) so the kids can get together by age group. I also have 2 staterooms since there are 5 of us and I'm too cheap to get a big room.

As for the room, Nope, no number yet. The usual time, according to this board, is 30 days out. We should get it next Tuesday. I will send you a PM with my email so if you want the excel, I can get it to you. You can use that email to send me the list and anything else you want to communicate with. Also, I can send you any magnets that I have if you want. Just let me know. Thanks for volunteering for the FE.

Also, there is a sort for everyone going to Atlantis so we can share a cab if everyone wants. This is who I have going to Atlantis:

brucechase (4)
livinthedisneydream (2)
gatorgirl (2) - maybe
crazyfordisney (3) - maybe

[brucechase]

Quick sort of children and ages. If anyone wants off, I will edit. If more sail with us, I will add them.


2Princes2Princesses DS 3
rosieposie DS 4
2Princes2Princesses DD 5
Nelsongaidola DS 5
952LisaR DD 6
butterx3 DS 6
Crazy4Disney06 DS 6
952LisaR DD 7
Nelsongaidola DD 7
brucechase DD 9
butterx3 DD 9
Michael DS 9
brucechase DD 11
zulaya DD 11
gillenfamily DS 11
gatorcruiser DD 12
zulaya DS 12
Kyneburg DD 13
2Princes2Princesses DS 13
butterx3 DS 13
gillenfamily DS 13
2Princes2Princesses DD 15

[zulaya]

bruce - Thanks for the list of kids. If you can email me your Excel sheet, that's cool. I started an Excel sheet for the FE, but if I can use yours and just add FE stuff to it, then that's fine.

[Crazy4Disney06]

Quick sort of children and ages. If anyone wants off, I will edit. If more sail with us, I will add them.


2Princes2Princesses DS 3
rosieposie DS 4
2Princes2Princesses DD 5
Nelsongaidola DS 5
952LisaR DD 6
butterx3 DS 6
Crazy4Disney06 DS 6
952LisaR DD 7
Nelsongaidola DD 7
brucechase DD 9
butterx3 DD 9
Michael DS 9
brucechase DD 11
zulaya DD 11
gillenfamily DS 11
gatorcruiser DD 12
zulaya DS 12
Kyneburg DD 13
2Princes2Princesses DS 13
butterx3 DS 13
gillenfamily DS 13
2Princes2Princesses DD 15


Hi can you add my son to this list. He would love someone to play with while on the cruise. DS will be 7.

Edited to add: I see we are already on the list! Thanks for doing this! :)

[brucechase]

First wave of door magnets. I hope this isn't the last - time is getting short.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/IMG_1058-1.jpg

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/IMG_1059.jpg

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr87/bgchase1/IMG_1061.jpg

[Smiley22]

I have started on my magnets. I found some really cute ones and was even able to personalize them. Sorry cant post them as I dont have a photo account. I have hit panic mode a little today. 5 WEEKS from today and I have so much to do. I am the wild card of the bunch with us coming in that day. (Still crossing our fingers it goes OK)

I have some ideas for FE exchange just have to finish them. Not sure what I could bring from Michigan.....snow, a car ( oh wait they dont make them here anymore)

I still have to finish my magnets, make my fish extender, and make our MNSSHP costumes. Do you think I can get time off from work to prepare for my vacation??:rotfl: Oh yeah and pack.

[Smiley22]

We are gty rooms but dont have an assignment yet. I have checked every day to see if posted yet. Nothing yet.

[ndepaola]

Deep breaths and repeat after me...


oooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

:hippie:

Not sure how many of you are first timers, but if you read all those advice posts, the ONE suggestion you will see over and over again is to RELAX.

You got a fish extender? Great! You forgot it at home or never had time to make it? No worries - I'll leave your gift at your door anyways!

You got your Passporter and read every page? Great! Now put it away and grab a paperback novel, because you're going to want to camp out on one of those lounge chairs and take a nice little nap.

You saw 28 magnets that you absolutely have to have? Great! You only got to make 4, or 1, or NONE! :scared1: I'm sure you'll still be able to find your room and odds are a few would have gone missing during the cruise anyhow. ;)

You, your kids, your dog, your towel animals - everyone is going to have a great time with or without magnets, t-shirts, FEs, over the door shoe holders, sharpies, duct tape, extension cords, tuxedos, 8 bathing suits, highlighters, and 3 Passporters.

Say it again.....

ooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Now get back to planning. ;)

[Butterx3]

WOW, lots of you guys are really organized. I will be ordering my FE off Ebay, and will probably not do magnets at all. Sorry, I'll use I'm a single mother of 3 excuse. But I wanted to jump on and tell everyone; THE CRUISE IS OUT OF THE BAG! My children got the big surprise yesterday, I sent them on a scavenger hunt with clues and words to uncramble that spelled out "We are going on a Disney Cruise", it was wonderful. I had made a poster board with pictures I had cut out of the brochure, and then the words had sticky stuff on the back, so when they made out the message they hung them on the board, and now we have poster hanging in our house to look at everyday until we leave. Maybe I will do a pre trip report and be more specific about the hunt, I videotaped and took pictures, but I am computer illiterate, so don't know how to post that kind of stuff. Would the pre trip surprise report be interesting without pictures? Anyways, my DD 9 is running for student council, they find out today who got picked, but she told me this morning, "Even if I don't win mom, how can I not be happy! We are going on a Disney Cruise"!

[brucechase]

You, your kids, your dog, your towel animals - everyone is going to have a great time with or without magnets, t-shirts, FEs, over the door shoe holders, sharpies, duct tape, extension cords, tuxedos, 8 bathing suits, highlighters, and 3 Passporters.

Oh man, now I got to go buy more stuff!!! I'm really stressed now! I only have 2 bathing suits and thankfully there is no formal night so no tux is needed.

Oh wait, half the fun (for me) is being stress out and overplanning. That's the engineer (or cheap-skate) in me coming out.

Not to worry though, this is just a practice run for me (I hope), as I would love to do a 5 or a 7 day cruise (if I can afford one). I am definately much more excited than my kids - and I worked at Disney for 4 years!



Butterx3 - I will be ordering my FE off Ebay

Let me ask my wife if she will do one for you. She has some material left over and it really only took 30 minutes for her to make it. PM me if you want me to ask her.

As for your 9YO, my 9YO DD is already in student council because she was in it last year and hardly anyone wanted to be in it this year. Sounds like they might have some stuff in common.

[brucechase]

ndepaola, on your name it says you are from B'more. Is that Baltimore MD?

[ndepaola]

Yup, that would be Baltimore. Though I have been told it's really Balmer and I'm saying it wrong. ;)

Took me a while to get used to the kid at the pet store calling me sweetie, and the woman at the coffee shop calling me hon.

We're just not that friendly where I'm from in Boston. :lmao:

[brucechase]

Yup, that would be Baltimore. Though I have been told it's really Balmer and I'm saying it wrong.

I was born there and have plenty of relatives still in that area. I haven't been back there in 12 years so I'm not sure what it is like. My mom grew up smack in the middle of downtown in the row houses. Never could get used to that.

As for friendly, I'm not sure I remember that place as all that friendly. I guess living in the south has jaded me a little. One thing about down here is I still can't get used to having all my iced tea already sweetened. When I ask for unsweet tea, I usually get "you're from up north". Actually, I grew up in Florida, but it's too hard to explain.

[brucechase]

Based on what I saw on a thread on the main board, I got thinking about what my children will wear for dinner. I am probably one of the more laid back type of people about this and was just assuming that my kids (and maybe me) will probably wear shorts to eat. Seeing some of the responses, I actually want to get into a big argument, but I am holding back (way back).

For all those with kids, are you planning on any kind of "nice" clothes for the dining room? Am I being overly worried - sorry ndepaola, I trying to say OOHHMM. Is anyone thinking like me that this is a vacation and really just want to relax and enjoy it? Since this is my first cruise, just had to ask.

[ndepaola]

OK, obviously no kids here, but I will tell you what I saw on my cruise.

I don't remember seeing anyone in shorts at any dinner - with the exception of pirate night. pirate: On that night a lot of us were in capris or cargo shorts with white shirts and pirate gear. Sort of a - "I don't have a cutlass but here is my best attempt and toss me that bandana" kind of thing. :thumbsup2

Now, I have heard that the Wonder is less formal - but I assumed that was because there is no formal night. I don't think that means there is no dress code at all. And we still have a semi-formal night right? If you wear jeans or shorts that night you will definitely be underdressed. Of course - its YOUR cruise. If you want to wear shorts to dinner, knock yourself out. If it's semi-formal night and I'm in a dress and you're in shorts then its YOU who will look silly, not ME. :rotfl: So what do I care?

All that said - if you wear shorts to the main dining rooms, you WILL freeze your behind off. :cold: You have been warned.

[zulaya]

There is not even a semi-formal night on the Wonder any more. I think it's officially called a "dress-up" night.

I know it's more of a cruise thing to dress up, but I'm with brucechase. When I'm on vacation, I really want to relax and not worry about all the do-dads of getting dressed up. I guess I'm the anti-cruiser, then.

I'm also a hot body...as in, even when you feel cold, I'm probably dying of heat stroke. There are many times that this 34 year old body feels like I'm having constant hot flashes...sorry if that's TMI. So I'm not worried about being cold. DH and DS are like me...so they probably will be wearing nicer shorts to dinner. I do have a lightweight Mickey Mouse dress for myself and DD. Something that's easy to pack and that I won't sweat in. If you see me all 3 nights in the same dress, well, too bad. I'm not overpacking for a 3 day cruise when I'm hitting WDW right after.

No offense, ndepaola. I know there will be people who will be more dressed up than I. If you won't care, I won't care.

[brucechase]

OK, obviously no kids here, but I will tell you what I saw on my cruise.

I don't remember seeing anyone in shorts at any dinner - with the exception of pirate night.

Now, I have heard that the Wonder is less formal - ... If you wear jeans or shorts that night you will definitely be underdressed. Of course - its YOUR cruise. If you want to wear shorts to dinner, knock yourself out. If it's semi-formal night and I'm in a dress and you're in shorts then its YOU who will look silly, not ME. :rotfl: So what do I care?

I've never been one to care about looking silly, but I would care if someone came up to my kids and said some of the stuff in the other thread.

All that said - if you wear shorts to the main dining rooms, you WILL freeze your behind off. :cold: You have been warned

But this, this hits close to home. I wear a jacket from Oct to April because I hate the cold. I would much rather be in 105 degree weather than in 20 degree weather.

Looks like me and zulaya are complete opposites! zulay - I do notice in most of your signature tags that your trips to FL are in the winter. I think you are from MN if I remember correctly. If I lived there, I doubt I would even own a pair of shorts

[zulaya]

brucechase--

I'm from MN. I can't hack it when it gets above 85, especially if it's humid.

[ndepaola]

Sunday night, the 19th, we head right to training over by Downtown Disney and have to dress biz for the next three days.

So I'd be packing dressy even if we were on a nudist cruise.

(Now, THAT'S tmi! :lmao: )

[Butterx3]

I'll chime in. When we went on the 3 day wonder over 2 years ago they only had a dress up night, not even a semi formal. My DS 13 who celebrated his 11th birthday on board, had packed his own bag and didn't pack any pants that weren't jeans. So he had no choice but to wear shorts and jeans, I think the rule at that time was no, shorts, jeans, tanks, swimsuits and flip flops. But Disney didn't enforce anything, and there were quite a few people in shorts. This time I will pack slacks for the boys with polo's or button downs and my DD can wear some of her various sun dresses. But I am glad you pointed it out Zulaya that is was chilly, you are right, I was cold at the dinners. I am also from MN and tend to chill easy, I have a space heater by me at work everyday, no matter what the season, but I think that is because they crank the AC at work. I feel like I need to defend MN as people get this idea that it is this frigid cold state, (alright, alright , January pretty much sucks) but it is a beautiful place to behold. It makes me laugh, as the last time we went on the cruise we road tripped it, and we stopped in Kennesaw GA to stay the night and fill our gas tank. Some locals at the gas station must have seen our liscense plates as they yelled across the parking lot "Hey MN, I bet this feels like July to you"! We had to laugh as we yelled back, "the temperature is warmer back home than it is here". GA happened to be having a cold spell. it was 33 degrees in MN and only 29 in Kennasaw. It was so discouraging watching the digital temp thing in our vehicle go down the further south we drove. But by the next day when we got to FL it was 78 and sunny.

Brucechase, if your wife wouldn't mind that would be great, I can pay her for the supplies, otherwise I totally understand if she doesn't want to also. I was telling one of my coworkers about the FE and magnets, (she thinks its the most insane thing she has ever heard of by the way), but she suggested I use the poster I made from the scavenger hunt as my door magnet and to just stick magnets on the back. That isn't a half bad idea, so maybe I will do that. That is if it doesn't weigh alot, I wouldn't want to go over my 50lb baggage allotment for my flight out. HAHA.

[ndepaola]

So - is anyone up for having an evening grown-ups cruise meet one night? Some of the adult comedy/variety shows are great and they usually follow with dancing. But I'm not really one to dance if I don't know anyone else there...:sad1:

I would also be down for a quick meet the first afternoon, so we can peg names with faces (as another poster has said).

[Butterx3]

I would be up for an adult meet and cocktails. Since I am the only adult in my party, it would be nice to meet other adults. Both meets are a good idea.

Thanks

[gatorcruiser]

Meeting up for cocktails sounds great! I am sure my DD (12) will be having a great time with so many kids around her age going. I am also up for sharing a cab to Comfort Inn. You guys are doing a fantastic job of keeping the thread organized. Thanks!

[brucechase]

So - is anyone up for having an evening grown-ups cruise meet one night? Some of the adult comedy/variety shows are great and they usually follow with dancing. But I'm not really one to dance if I don't know anyone else there...:sad1:

I would also be down for a quick meet the first afternoon, so we can peg names with faces (as another poster has said).


:banana: Sorry, I can't dance. There was some kind of genetic problem that gave me 2 left feet and NO rhythm (wow that's a hard word to spell). We are up for anything. I'm pretty sure that you will be able to find me, I'll be the thirsty guy in teal shorts and a bedazzled tube top:rotfl2: !!!!!

[brucechase]

Meeting up for cocktails sounds great! I am sure my DD (12) will be having a great time with so many kids around her age going. I am also up for sharing a cab to Comfort Inn. You guys are doing a fantastic job of keeping the thread organized. Thanks!

OK, that makes 8 in a cab. If crazy4disney06 goes, we'll have a full cab. When we get closer I'll try to get everyone together so we can meet at a good location. As for you daughter, my older DD is 11 (will be 12 in 2 months). If they have similar interests, we should get them chatting so they will know someone before they get on. She is mostly into sports and animals, not the dress up princess kind (that's my 9YO).

[zulaya]

brucechase - My DD11 is turning 12 in November! She's so not a princess. And pink? Don't even think about it. She's a big animal fan, big into reading, and also big into dragons and such.

[gatorcruiser]

That would be great. My DD loves animals but is more into reading than sports.

[Crazy4Disney06]

OK, that makes 8 in a cab. If crazy4disney06 goes, we'll have a full cab. When we get closer I'll try to get everyone together so we can meet at a good location. As for you daughter, my older DD is 11 (will be 12 in 2 months). If they have similar interests, we should get them chatting so they will know someone before they get on. She is mostly into sports and animals, not the dress up princess kind (that's my 9YO).

I'm still up for the cab ride to comfort suites, however I will have to let you know for sure next week. I was going to book our room last Friday and then some unexpected car repairs came up. I will need to wait until next payday (Friday) too book, so cross your fingers there is still a room open for us!!!

[brucechase]

brucechase - My DD11 is turning 12 in November! She's so not a princess. And pink? Don't even think about it. She's a big animal fan, big into reading, and also big into dragons and such.

WOW, it sounds like you are describing my daughter! We have way too many dragon books around here.

[2Princes2Princesses]

I've never been one to care about looking silly, but I would care if someone came up to my kids and said some of the stuff in the other thread.



But this, this hits close to home. I wear a jacket from Oct to April because I hate the cold. I would much rather be in 105 degree weather than in 20 degree weather.

Looks like me and zulaya are complete opposites! zulay - I do notice in most of your signature tags that your trips to FL are in the winter. I think you are from MN if I remember correctly. If I lived there, I doubt I would even own a pair of shorts

I did a 4-night Wonder in Jan of 2007. On pirate night, which was "dress-up OR pirate" I wore capris. There were people in full out pirate gear with parrots and everything. There were people in shorts. There were people in evening wear. There were people in clothing I wouldn't wear out to get the mail. lol

For DS 13/DS 3, we are going with polo shirts and knee length khaki shorts for dinner. That was pretty standard on the cruise I was on.

My cousin wore nice jeans, a black and gold pirate shirt, and all her jewelry. Neither of us felt out of place.

I would avoid: Cut offs, flip flops, ripped shorts/shirts, tank tops, swim suits...you know....that kind of wear. I would say business casual, with nicer shorts okay too. THere were some guys in the long jean shorts with nice T shirts on, as well, and they looked just fine. Of course....jeweled tube tops are acceptable for any occasion! :thumbsup2

I really only noticed what people were wearing as we entered and at the couple of tables near us. We were having so much fun at our table (we sat with a mom, dad and GREAT 8-year-old girl from GA) that we hardly noticed anyone else in the dining room.

I wholeheartedly agree though.....bring a sweater! DCL must blow their entire air conditioning budget during dinner. It is COLD. And I live near Buffalo, NY, so that is saying something!

[952LisaR]

Count us in - DH (keith) and me (Lisa) another family from MN would like to joing the adult get together.

Where are all the MN families from - we are from St. Louis Park.

[Smiley22]

Thanks for the tip on the cold dining. I too have a heater at work as my co-workers like to freeze me out. If it never went below 75 I would be happy. I know I know your thinking why does she live in Michigan. Well because I met my husband right before I planned to move back there and the rest is history. (but I am working on him....I at least get him there a couple times a year)

I love hearing about everyones children. I really miss mine. I still see them most weekends but it is not the same anymore. They grow up so very fast. I am so thankful for all the times we spent at Disney as a family. I am excited about the FE I have some really good ideas. ( I think so at least)

I think you can count us in for the adult meet. Just let me know the details.

Brucechase......we think alike!! I love to be stressed before a trip. I am all about getting every ounce of magic out of my trips. Keeps the excitement up!!

Butterx3....I think I have done quiet well with my magnetic signs. If you PM me your email I can send you a couple. I dont think they are in the same league as some I have seen on the threads but still nice.

[zulaya]

Lisa-- We're in Circle Pines, northern suburbs, near Blaine and Lino Lakes.

I was telling my DD about brucechase's DD being the same age...mentioned she's probably have a new best friend to play with on the cruise.

My DH goes..."Are there any 36 year old guys for me to pal around with?"

What can you do...I'm not bringing 2 kids, I'm bringing 3 with my big kid DH!

[2Princes2Princesses]

My DH goes..."Are there any 36 year old guys for me to pal around with?"

What can you do...I'm not bringing 2 kids, I'm bringing 3 with my big kid DH!

:rotfl:

Come to think of it, my kids make new friends pretty easily. DH is far more reserved.

Maybe we should let the spouses chat beforehand instead of the kids! ;)

[brucechase]

Come to think of it, my kids make new friends pretty easily. DH is far more reserved.

My DH goes..."Are there any 36 year old guys for me to pal around with?"

OK, believe it or not, I am very reserved around people. I don't tend to make friends very easily.

I don't hunt or fish (but I will eat deer, turkey, quail or anything else), I am not that into sports (kids excuse), drinking is not a big thing for me (I still have part of a 6 pack left over from new years but I do like a beer every now and then), and I am grumpy sometimes (according to my wife). If your husbands can overlook that, I will probably be the quiet one in the back of the crowd.

By the way, I'm 43, but my wife says I act like a teenager sometimes (????:confused3 ????)

[zulaya]

I'm not afraid of getting into a new crowd and meeting people. DH is just a bit more reserved. He'd usually wait for someone to introduce themselves to him rather than doing it first himself. He likes to watch sports, but plays soccer in the summer. He's not a huge drinker, but enjoys a beer every so often, too.

Bruce, you and Bryan (my DH) probably would get along just great.

[Butterx3]

952Lisa, I am from Albertville MN. Best known I guess for the Outlet Mall. I love st Louis Park, you are 20 minutes from basically everywhere. Plus I love the homes in St louis Park. They have so much charm, you don't see that in Albertville, one builder buys a plot of land and basically builds the same 8 houses over and over!

[2Princes2Princesses]

I am a little bit shy, but do okay. :)

My DH likes hockey and racing...played soccer in high school. He likes a beer now and then, but we don't drink very often. He is a disabled vet and a SAHD!!! :)

It sounds like we will have a pretty easygoing, good natured group. :goodvibes

[brucechase]

My DH likes hockey and racing...played soccer in high school. He likes a beer now and then, but we don't drink very often. He is a disabled vet and a SAHD!!!

Don't know all the acronyms so I can't figure this one (SAHD) out.

I do gotta ask, what kind of racing. I immediately thought of NASCAR only because I'm in the south but then I thought:

Drag racing
Indy
Indy lite
Champ
Horse
Dirt track
Motorcycle
Rally
Sand drags
Mud bogs ( a personal favorite)
Monster truck (another favorite)
and finally Track (or human)

Is one of them right?

As for hockey-the ice keeps melting down here so there isn't much available. No matter, he should fit in with us (or us with him)

Oh and by the way, since you said he's a vet, tell him Thanks.

[zulaya]

SAHD - Stay At Home Dad

[brucechase]

SAHD - Stay At Home Dad

OK, I feel stupid now!

Still no room assignments. I guess it will be on the 16th. The suspence is killinlg me.

[2Princes2Princesses]

Bruce-

Nascar. :)

I don't know what mud bog racing is, but I am dying to find out!

And yes, he is a stay at home dad. He cooks, he cleans. I only make him wear the maid outfit on Fridays, though. ;)

[brucechase]

Bruce-

I don't know what mud bog racing is, but I am dying to find out!



Go here http://www.bithlomudracing.com/ and click on photos. I hung out here once a month while I lived in florida.

[zulaya]

Well, I was thinking about those of you who don't have a room assignment yet. So I went online to see what categories were "bookable" for our cruise.

On disneycruiseline.com, they have Category 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 available to book online.

So if the 11s and 12s are sold out, maybe they might bump some people upwards a bit.

I'm in a 6...psst...Disney...I'll take one of those 4s if you are doling them out...;) :upsidedow :goodvibes

[Butterx3]

We are a Gty12 this time. Last time we were a 5 with Balcony, and my DS 13 stated he can't wait to just sit on the balcony and watch to ocean at night like last time. I had to break the news to him, there will be no verandah this time, we'll be lucky to get upgraded to a room with a window.

We broke the news to thier father too. He seemed happy for the kids about the trip, it went smoother than I thought, but I still felt kind of bad for him. Oh well.

[ndepaola]

We're also in a GTY 12 - I think I mentioned before that this little trip is an add on to a work training, so we were just happy to be able to hop onboard.

Where did you see we were sold out? I checked online and everything from Cat 12 through Cat 4 is still available. :confused3 Would be nice to see the 11 and 12 Cats sell out, so we would have a better shot at a little pixie dust...:goodvibes

[zulaya]

I looked yesterday on Expedia and DisneyCruiseLine.com and they only had Categories 4,5,8,9,and 10 showing as options for our sail date.

I just checked now (12pm central) and you are right...there are 11s and 12s showing as bookable.

I wouldn't have said anything if I hadn't seen it. Maybe ~ crossing fingers ~ they are slowly upgrading people and that's leaving availability for last minute travelers in the 11s and 12s/

I don't know. But that is what I saw yesterday. Hopefully tomorrow, you'll all know what you have!

[Smiley22]

I have checked the Disney site at least a couple times a week and I have seen cat. 11 & 12 not listed quite a few times and then a day or so later they were listed again.Trying not to get my hopes up. Good luck everyone for some pixie dust. I am happy to be on the cruise no matter what room it is.

[brucechase]

I am pretty sure that my TA at one time told me the 12's were sold out (after final payment date). Just on this board I think we've taken up 4 or 5 of them. Since they want to book more, then the only thing DCL can do is open the 12 and bump some people. I hope for a bump, but I'm happy with going.

Just checked and still no room.

[Butterx3]

Okay, I checked first thing this morning and I have no room assignment yet, it still says GTY 12...... I wish they would get a move on. Maybe I won't find out until I check in at the port.

[brucechase]

AT 10:30 am, checked and got 2


CATEGORY 9(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zulaya]

Bruce - that is fabulous!

[Crazy4Disney06]

AT 10:30 am, checked and got 2


CATEGORY 9(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is awesome! Congrats! No upgrade for us (yet anyhow), but I'm just very excited to be going!!!:cool1:

[Smiley22]

:yay: We are upgraded too .....from Cat 12 to Cat 9. My reservation still shows cat 12 but you have to look at the deck plans to see where your room is. The person at Disney also said that they can still upgrade you more depending on how full the ship is. Not that I am not thrilled with what I received. Good luck to everyone pixiedust:

[Butterx3]

I just checked back and my GTY12 has changed to a room. We are a catagory 9 also. That is great. Now can we start watching for hurricanes this far out?!

[zulaya]

Fish Extender participants, please send me your cabin number(s) as well as who's in which cabin (if you have multiples) so I can update the list.

I'm glad you all are getting upgraded to Cat 9s! At least now you have a window.

I'm in a 6, so I'm guessing the chances of my getting upgraded are slim, but I'd love it if they bumped me to a Cat 4!

[brucechase]

Called them back and told them how happy I was and I asked for another "favor" from DCL. I was originally in side by side Cat 9 but 1 room was connecting to aonther room (not the 1 I had). I asked if they would swap so I could have connecting rooms and they said "no problem". Of course it helped that I knew the person just by shear dumb luck.

So now I have connecting Cat 9. Everyone is happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Room numbers 2538 and 2540.

[Smiley22]

Brucechase...

Guess that makes us neighbors. We are in 2530.

[ndepaola]

And we'll be right down the hall too in our Cat 9 :cool1:

brucechase - I have the opposite issue from you. we are now in a connecting room, and have no wish to connect. i've heard it can make for sad times if you end up with noisy connecting room neighbors.

wonder if they would switch us to a non-connecting room?

[Smiley22]

I have the same thoughts about the connected rooms. We are in connecting rooms also but I didnt want to say anything. Guess I will just have to live with it. The other room may be the one that wants to move...my husband snores :rotfl2:

[gatorcruiser]

We got our stateroom assignment, sadly no upgrade for me. I am still in a Cat. 12. A window would be very nice, but I am happy we will be in the middle of the ship. This way I figure it will be quicker to get to where we want to go! Congrats everyone on your upgrade!

[gatorcruiser]

oops...I was wrong!! Yaaaay! I did get a Cat. 9!! We get a window and mid ship Deck 1. Happy dance!

[zulaya]

gatorcruiser - I need your cabin number and the first names of the people in your cabin for the Fish Extender exchange.

If I mistakenly have you on the FE list, let me know and I'll remove you. Otherwise, please email me at pampchef@qwest.net or PM me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you!

[gatorcruiser]

Zulaya,

I just sent you an e-mail. I tried to send you a pm earlier but it seems I am restricted from sending pm's until I have 10 posts. :confused3

[zulaya]

Got your email gatorcruiser! Thanks!

[Butterx3]

You guys are so lucky that are by one another. I am in room 1046 which is an upgrade to a 9, but when I look at the deck plan, it doesn't seem like an upgrade really, I don't think it has a window, but It must have the split bath which makes it an upgrade. Who knows. I am just glad to be cruising, and this time I will have to wake up early and catch the sunrises on the upper decks.

[Crazy4Disney06]

You guys are so lucky that are by one another. I am in room 1046 which is an upgrade to a 9, but when I look at the deck plan, it doesn't seem like an upgrade really, I don't think it has a window, but It must have the split bath which makes it an upgrade. Who knows. I am just glad to be cruising, and this time I will have to wake up early and catch the sunrises on the upper decks.

At least you got an upgrade.;) No such luck for us.

[Butterx3]

I looked again and we do have an outside room, so we will have a window. I must be dyslexic, we are in room 1046 and I kept looking at the location of 1049. So I thought we had a standard inside room. There is still time for you to get an upgrade. Some people even get them at the port.

[2Princes2Princesses]

wonder if they would switch us to a non-connecting room?

We booked connecting 10s with 2 of the kids, sis, and mom in the other stateroom. Am I a bad person for hoping we get upgraded to a non-connecting room? LoL

I have to get some printer ink for the 3000 door signs I made. I did some for the cruise and some for our door at Saratoga after the cruise. Then I can post some pictures!!!

I cannot believe we are only 28 days out. Don't we get cruise docs or something in the next week or so? (last time I cruised, my cousin was the main person, so she did all that stuff)

[zulaya]

Steph - you should be able to login to disneycruiseline.com with your reservation number and see if you were upgraded. It will probably still say Cat 10, but you need to look at the cabin numbers to see where you are.

You can actually print off a bunch of your documents right from the website.

When you login to check, send me your cabin numbers for the Fish Extender thing so I can update the list. My email is pampchef@qwest.net

Thanks!

[2Princes2Princesses]

I did my online docs. I just thought we were mailed something else like 3 weeks before the cruise. The last thing we rec'd was our letter to make our excursion reservations and stuff.

Alas, no upgrades for us, but that is fine. I am on deck 7, where I want to be. :) I did PM my cabin numbers to you. If you would rather have an email, let me know!

And I am so excited for everyone who got upgraded to 9s!!! Woohooo!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[zulaya]

Got your info Steph! Thanks!

I'm just waiting on 952LisaR for her cabin number and then I'll get the list of Fish Extender info to all the participants.

If you need some basics, we have 29 people spread through 10 cabins.

[2Princes2Princesses]

Mary-

I just want to say thanks for doing all the organization stuff for the FEs.

You rock! :thumbsup2

[952LisaR]

Mary,
Let me know if you didn't get the email, I just sent you our room number. We are so excited!!!!!
Lisa

[gatorcruiser]

Mary,

Thanks for the head count for the FE's! Now I can go shopping. I'll buy extra stuff in case more people want to be added to the list. I read on other posts that the kids really enjoy seeing what surprises are waiting for them in the FE's.

[gatorcruiser]

I just received my cruise documents and luggage tags in the mail. It really feels official now! The Nassau ashore times are from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. Hooray! I wanted plenty of time to explore Atlantis.

[brucechase]

I just received my cruise documents and luggage tags in the mail. It really feels official now! The Nassau ashore times are from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. Hooray! I wanted plenty of time to explore Atlantis.

Still haven't gotten anything. After the great upgrade, it wouldn't bother me to not get anything at all.

Crazy4Disney06 - are you still planning on doing the Atlantis thing? Did you get a room yet? It is still the same price with the LPGA discount ($148).

Also, just checked and Cat12 rooms are now available.

[Crazy4Disney06]

Still haven't gotten anything. After the great upgrade, it wouldn't bother me to not get anything at all.

Crazy4Disney06 - are you still planning on doing the Atlantis thing? Did you get a room yet? It is still the same price with the LPGA discount ($148).

Also, just checked and Cat12 rooms are now available.

I got all my documents in the mail today also!!:banana: It's getting so close!

I am still planning on going to Atlantis, however I have to wait until tomorrow when I get paid to book my room. I hope there will still be a room available for me!!!

[Crazy4Disney06]

Just checked the Comfort Suites site and I can still get a room (as of today) with the LPGA discount. Hopefully it will be there tomorrow.

:wizard:

[gatorcruiser]

Has anyone heard about Disney doing anything for Halloween on this cruise?

The reason I ask is because there is a brochure with the cruise documents for Halloween Gift Packages available for 10/16 through 11/2 sailings only.

I love Halloween, but I don't want to pack a costume if it won't be used. My packing list is very very long anyway.

[zulaya]

I have all the cabin numbers and pertinent information for the Fish Extender info. For those of you who have given me your email address, I'll be emailing the Excel file to you shortly.

The rest of you will have to wait for me to get to PMs as that takes a lot more time to get those sent out. But look for it soon.

[zulaya]

UPDATE!

We have another DISer who's jumped onboard the Fish Extender deal. Look for another PM or email with an update!

[eeyoresmountainpals]

After a few weeks of lurking on this thread I can finally say I'm am now one of the crowd!!! Made our reservations this morning!!

It will be myself and our DS (14) cruising.

Last year I won a Carnival Cruise. My DH has no interest in going on a cruise so I had to decide between our three boys who would go. The decision was made - with the promise that each of the others would get to go on a cruise alone with me, one this year and one next year. (Believe it or not - the decision process went pretty easy and none of the boys had hurt feelings. I figured it was going to be a hard process to choose just one but it worked out great.)

The Carnival cruise was nice - but not much of a teen atmoshpere, much more geared towards adults. So this time we want to try a Disney Cruise! I can't wait and DS and I are both so excited about it!

So much to do in such a little amount of time!

I would like to be included in the FE exchange so I'll be sending a PM about that! Sorry to be a late entry - hope I can still be included!!

CRUISING ON THE WONDER ON 10/16!
:cool1: WOOHOO!!!:cool1:

[zulaya]

I think we can add one more, since we just added one yesterday.

Can you email me at pampchef@qwest.net for the list? It would be infinitely easier for me to just email you the Excel file I have for the FE exchange. Otherwise, I have to type everything in the PM because when I copy and paste, the formatting is all messed up.

If you can do that it would just be a huge timesaver for me.

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I think we can add one more, since we just added one yesterday.

Can you email me at pampchef@qwest.net for the list? It would be infinitely easier for me to just email you the Excel file I have for the FE exchange. Otherwise, I have to type everything in the PM because when I copy and paste, the formatting is all messed up.

If you can do that it would just be a huge timesaver for me.

Just took care of emailing the info. Thanks for volunteering to organize all this info!

[brucechase]

Added 2 more families to the front page!

Mary - Thanks for everything, what you are doing is wonderful!!!!!

[zulaya]

According to my countdown timer in Firefox, at this moment, it's 21 days 20 hours until I leave on vacation! (I'm coming in the night before the cruise)

Are we all getting excited!!!!!!!!!

[brucechase]

:cool1: I started packing!!!!!:cool1:

[brucechase]

This is the list I have of who is on our meet that is going to the Comfort Suites. There are a total of 15 people if everyone goes. Crazy4Disney06 still hasn't committed so that might make the group 12. From what I've read, the cabs hold about 12 people.

brucechase 4
gatorcruiser 2
gillenfamily 4
livinthedisneydream 2
Crazy4Disney06 3 - ???

Is everyone still up for getting a cab and sharing the ride over? Did I miss anyone?
If all 15 go, we might have to get 2 cabs, but we can cross that bridge when we get to it. We will probably get out early and try to get to the resort as soon as we can. Is anyone on a leisurely pace or are you as excited as I am?

[Crazy4Disney06]

This is the list I have of who is on our meet that is going to the Comfort Suites. There are a total of 15 people if everyone goes. Crazy4Disney06 still hasn't committed so that might make the group 12. From what I've read, the cabs hold about 12 people.

brucechase 4
gatorcruiser 2
gillenfamily 4
livinthedisneydream 2
Crazy4Disney06 3 - ???

Is everyone still up for getting a cab and sharing the ride over? Did I miss anyone?
If all 15 go, we might have to get 2 cabs, but we can cross that bridge when we get to it. We will probably get out early and try to get to the resort as soon as we can. Is anyone on a leisurely pace or are you as excited as I am?

We will be heading out early as well.

[gatorcruiser]

I am all for an early start as well. There is so much to see and do at Atlantis.

I started packing too!! My daughter and I can't seem to stop dancing around the house singing "We are going to Disney...We are going to Disney." My husband just shakes his head. He just doesn't seem to catch the Mickey Mouse Fever. :dance3:

[Crazy4Disney06]

I am all for an early start as well. There is so much to see and do at Atlantis.

I started packing too!! My daughter and I can't seem to stop dancing around the house singing "We are going to Disney...We are going to Disney." My husband just shakes his head. He just doesn't seem to catch the Mickey Mouse Fever. :dance3:

My husband enjoys our Disney vacations, but does not get anywhere as into it as I do.:rotfl: My son asks me everyday at least 3 or 4 times how many days until his birthday (October 6th), then how many days until WDW (October 11th) and finally how many until the cruise. I'm just glad I'm not the only one in the house too excited to sleep! ;)

[Butterx3]

Is it really only 3 weeks until we leave? I have not started packing at all. I better start putting things into piles at least.

I am extremely nervous, I am in the middle of a child support fight (meaning I'd like to see some one of these days), and I just looked online and a hearing has been assigned for my ex and I. They generally have the hearings the 3rd Thursday of each month, which means ours will probably fall on 10/16/08! Surprise!!!!!! I went after him in February and am just getting a hearing now. It just figures. I assume I will get something in the mail today or tommorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me everyone, that the date somehow falls before the cruise or after.

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Is it really only 3 weeks until we leave? I have not started packing at all. I better start putting things into piles at least.

I am extremely nervous, I am in the middle of a child support fight (meaning I'd like to see some one of these days), and I just looked online and a hearing has been assigned for my ex and I. They generally have the hearings the 3rd Thursday of each month, which means ours will probably fall on 10/16/08! Surprise!!!!!! I went after him in February and am just getting a hearing now. It just figures. I assume I will get something in the mail today or tommorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me everyone, that the date somehow falls before the cruise or after.

:wizard:

[Crazy4Disney06]

Is it really only 3 weeks until we leave? I have not started packing at all. I better start putting things into piles at least.

I am extremely nervous, I am in the middle of a child support fight (meaning I'd like to see some one of these days), and I just looked online and a hearing has been assigned for my ex and I. They generally have the hearings the 3rd Thursday of each month, which means ours will probably fall on 10/16/08! Surprise!!!!!! I went after him in February and am just getting a hearing now. It just figures. I assume I will get something in the mail today or tommorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me everyone, that the date somehow falls before the cruise or after.

:wizard: :wizard: Hopefully if it does fall during the cruise, you can request to move the hearing to another date. Hopefully they will understand that you would be out quite a bit of money my canceling the cruise.

[zulaya]

Butterx3 - what a stinky situation! Crossing my fingers that you get somewhere with your child support...AND that it doesn't fall during your cruise!

You'd hope that the court system would realize that hello? It's MEA! Everyone is on vacation!

[Butterx3]

I am hoping the county understands and grants me a continuance. I know my ex would understand, and he wouldn't take this away from his children, so if he agrees, I would hope the courts would understand. This trip was planned and paid for a long time ago. And it is MEA, that is why I planned the trip that week, so the kids wouldn't miss much school. What are the odds, though that something I persued in February would hit me the exact date of my trip, 8 months later.

[Butterx3]

Well, I got something from the State of MN court system in the mail yesterday, and all it said was I have a filing case # now. So I called the courthouse to find out what that means and the lady was not very forthcoming. Just that I have a case #! I asked her what would happen if our hearing falls on the date of our trip, and she was vague and just told me it is up to the judge at that time to decide if my plea for a continuance fits the policy criteria..... Gee, I wish I had a job like hers. She didn't give me a direct answer at all. It was like talking to a politician. Oh well, I have decided I am not going to let what "could" happen stress me out, I am going to start packing and planning and preparing for this trip. Thanks for all the pixie dust guys.

[zulaya]

Good grief. I wonder if she really didn't know...maybe one of those receptionists whose position solely is to answer and direct phone calls...stuff like that. Doesn't help you at all.

It's too bad you can't even find out when the date is!

[Nelsongaidola]

I looked again and we do have an outside room, so we will have a window. I must be dyslexic, we are in room 1046 and I kept looking at the location of 1049. So I thought we had a standard inside room. There is still time for you to get an upgrade. Some people even get them at the port.

HI BUTTERX3, WE BOOKED A GTY CAT 12 AND I JUST CHECKED AND WE'VE BEEN BUMPED UP TO JOINING CAT 9 WITH MY SISTERS FAMILY. WE'RE IN 1030 & 1032 SO THIS MAKES US NEIGHBORS FOR A WHILE. I ALSO SEE THAT YOUR SON CELEBRATED HIS BDAY ONBOARD LAST TIME. MY DD IS TURNING 7 ON THE 17TH. DID DISNEY DO ANYTHING SPECIAL FOR THEM? MY DS HAS HIS BDAY ON THE 14TH SO THIS IS HIS SURPRISE AS WELL.
WE ARE TELLING THEM THAT WE ARE GOING TO GRANDPA'S CONDO IN POMPANO BEACH SO THEY WILL ONLY FIND OUT WHEN WE DRIVE UP TO PORT AND THEY SEE THE SHIP. I THINK I WILL HAVE THE CAMCORDER ON TO SEE THEIR REACTION.HOPE EVERYTHING WORKS OUT WITH YOUR COURT DATES.
REGARDS,NELSON

[Butterx3]

Nelsogaidola, hi there. have fun with your surprise, there is nothing better. On our last cruise they just brought out a cake for the birthday people at dinner one of the nights. It was good cake, and then you can order a package to have your room decorated too.

Well, I got the letter from the court that my court date will be October 16, 2008. I knew that would happen. I talked to my Ex though and he didn't have a problem with pushing the date back. (why would he, in his mind that is just one less month he would have to pay anything). October is actually a really busy month for him at work too, so he prefers a continuance. So now I have to send a request to the judge and see if he will agree, our reasons are valid for wanting to change the date of the hearing. I hope he/she has a heart.

Is anybody else staying at the Radisson at the port pre cruise?

[zulaya]

Jaycie--

At least you got the letter this far in advance. I can't imagine why the judge wouldn't grant you a continuance, especially if you both agree. I hope it's painless getting things set up for you.

We are at the Radisson the night before! So we'll have at least our two families to bum around with. We're thinking about going to Grill's for dinner the night before as it's well recommended.

[Nelsongaidola]

Hi, We Are Also Staying At The Radisson But Our Flight Doesn't Get In Until 8:00pm So By The Time We Get There It Will Be Time For Bed. Our Flight Was Originally Scheduled To Land At 5:30 But They Changed It For Whatever Reason.

At Least Things Are Amicable Between You And Your Ex And He Won't Put Up A Stink About The Date Being Delayed.best Of Luck With The Rescheduling.

[Crazy4Disney06]

Ok for those of you doing Atlantis via Comfort Suites, I have finally booked my room and my family will be in for the car pool on the cab if there is still room. I'm mad at myself for waiting until the last minute to book, however we has some unexpected budget busters (water pump on truck replaced and car alignment) that had priority to Atlantis. I'm happy we got a room and still will save about $200 over what Disney charges, however I had to pay about $50.00 dollars more then the rate I saw a few weeks ago. :sick: ;)

[Pooh's Mom]

Hi all! Late to the party, but we're taking an extended family cruise, along with all of you.

My "characters":
Me, DH, DD(8), DS (5), Dad, Mom, Brother (30th b-day on the 18th!!), FIL, MIL.

We live near the port, so everyone is staying at my house the night before. Then we (ok, I) hope to get there bright and early Thursday morning.

Going back to read the thread now and get to know you all. Thanks for pointing me over here, brucechase!

[ndepaola]

Hi all - haven't posted in a while - got suspended from the boards for a week. I wont explain why as that will prbably get me booted again. :)

Had my first cruise dream last night. Interestingly, it was almost exacly the same as the only cruise dream I had before my first cruise. Suddenly I'm on the ship, no idea where my stateroom is since I didn't go through check in, and DH is awol. Oh, and the ship looks nothing like the actual ship. Which is strange because at least this time around I have some idea what it will look like!

Also bought our tickets to MNSSHP for the night we get back into port. We have a work event monday and Tuesday and are staying at the Buena Vista Palace over at Downtown Disney. Of course, since that's where we are staying Disney recently closed every single club on Pleasure Island for reimagining. I guess we'll have to stick to the non-themed bars? Anyhow - we've never done MNSSHP, but fiugured it would bne a great way to get into the park for an evening, complete with costumes and trick or treating. :thumbsup2


OK - back to work. I have an AWFUL two weeks ahead of me, so I may not check back until right before we go....

[brucechase]

OK Gang, we get a premiere (that doesn't look spelled right) movie on our cruise. For anyone interested, here is the website:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/morninglight/

It is a real life documentary about sailing. I was so hoping to hear that they would show HSM3 on our cruise since it is opening in the UK on the 17th, but no such luck.

ndepaola - Welcome back from DIS Jail!!!!

[Crazy4Disney06]

OK Gang, we get a premiere (that doesn't look spelled right) movie on our cruise. For anyone interested, here is the website:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/morninglight/

It is a real life documentary about sailing. I was so hoping to hear that they would show HSM3 on our cruise since it is opening in the UK on the 17th, but no such luck.

ndepaola - Welcome back from DIS Jail!!!!

It might be good! Does anyone know what other movies are playing during our cruise??

[2Princes2Princesses]

Hey everyone!

Well, DH and DS3's costumes for MNSSHP showed up today. The kids and I filled our gift bags for the FE today! :) I also found some decent tops at Fashion Bug ($10 off if you spent $25 today!!!) for DD15 (she normally dresses like she is going to sleep under a bridge ;) ).

Work is going to be a nightmare the next 2 weeks. I have to do 5 shifts at the hospital and it has been pretty busy, and then my full time job is really backed up and they are pushing for OT. I have been trying to avoid it, since I have to pack 4 kids for 10 days in Florida, but I think they are going to corner me soon. :rolleyes:

I am getting excited. In 2 weeks, we will be at the Boardwalk getting everything ready to get on the shuttle to the port!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

Now I just have to remember to pack underwear. For everyone. hehe

We were going to get some sand toys from here, but decided we will buy some on CC, I guess they have some cute Disney stuff. After reading the thread about other people taking them :scared1: , though, I am a little concerned about it. DH told me to bring a sharpie and just put our name on them as soon as we buy them. And DS3 is still at that age where if someone touches his stuff, he goes off like a car alarm. :laughing:

Butter-I have my fingers crossed you will get that continuance. If your ex is willing, hopefully the judge won't give you an issue. :goodvibes

ndepaola-hehehe Suspended? :eek: You were smoking behind the Community Board, weren't ya??? :laughing: Hope work isn't too bad the next 2 weeks for ya.

bruce-Nice to have a premiere. There was a blurb in the DVC magazine about that movie. I guess it was a baby of Roy's. Sounded pretty interesting. I have to admit, I am :sad1: that it isnt HSM3. Now I have to drag DH kicking and screaming to a local theater.

Now....we are all meeting on Thursday night at the adult clubs, right? I cannot wait to have a Bahama Mama in hand. I am not much of a drinker, but I do like the tropical beverages. :)

Is anyone else doing the stingray excursion on CC? DH and DS13 are doing it. My mom and the 2 older kids are also doing the Nassau and Ardastra Gardens tour. We didn't reserve Palo this time, but I AM getting one of them there Rainforest passes for the Spa when we board, I think.

Okay, I have rambled enough. For those of us going down on 10/15- 14 MORE DAYS!!!
For those arriving on the morning of the cruise: 15 MORE DAYS!!!
Either way:
:jumping1: party:

[gillenfamily]

Hello everyone. The Gillen family is getting very excited. Except I am way behind - I don't even have my FE yet :confused3 Don't worry, I always comes through.
I have to know what would cause someone to get kicked off the board - I'll be ready to hear that story!

We booked our room at the Comfort Suites and can't wait to do some water rides. Although I read several reports of people getting hurt!

We leave next Sunday to spend a few days in Disney. We'll figure out to catch up with everyone.

Does anyone know if Rachel will be the cruise director. My husband and I did this cruise in April (friends were getting married on the ship - we got to meet the captain:worship: ) My husband has a little crush on Rachel I think. It's all that british accent and she is quite pretty. We didn't take our kids on that cruise and felt really guilty about it so that's why we are doing the cruise again - with our kids! Look forward to meeting everyone.

[952LisaR]

I can't believe it is October and we will e cruising so soon!!!!!

Looking forward to meeting everyone. Do we have a definite place and time to meet up?

[brucechase]

It might be good! Does anyone know what other movies are playing during our cruise??

You can call 888-325-2500, but here is the list from another thread:
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Morning Light (premieres October 17)
Wall-E
Step Up to the Streets
POC at World's End
Miracle at St. Anna's
Swing Vote
College Roadtrip
Enchanted

We have a 10:00 stingray excursion on CC, hope the water isn't cold.

Now I have to drag DH kicking and screaming to a local theater.
I hope my wife will make this a girl's day out for them. I'll sit and home and write the trip report and put photos together - does that sound like a good excuse???

Looking forward to meeting everyone. Do we have a definite place and time to meet up?
Not sure what everyone has decided. Since I am not familiar with the ship or all that happens on the 1st night, can someone give suggestions?

[Butterx3]

Wow the boards are hopping. I am still waiting for a response from the judge about our court date. Thankfully my ex wouldn't wreck something great for his kids. Another type of person maybe have been like "Your wanted your child support, you can go to court or forget it". So I am very thankful he agreed.

2Princes2Princesses: I think we will do the stingray excursion. I haven't booked it yet though. My 13 DS may want to do the Wild Side thing instead, I need to see if they conflict. With my trip in the air, I am kind of holding off on scheduling anything else.

BruceChase, thanks for the movie update. I concur, it would make this trip really magical to have gotten to see HSM3 on board. But we haven't seen College Road trip yet, so maybe we will check that out.

I am up for an adult meet. Let me know the time and place!

[zulaya]

It's a beautiful day here in MN. But I can't wait get going here!

Only 12 days and 18 hours till we leave on Oct. 15.

Weather so far is looking very good according to the long range forecast...warm and dry!

[brucechase]

It's a beautiful day here in MN. But I can't wait get going here!


60's in the day and 40's at night?!?!?!
:cold:


I wore a jacket this morning when I left for work and it was 69 degrees.:cold:

I'm hoping for high 80's for our trip. Hope that isn't too hot for anyone.

[Smiley22]

Also bought our tickets to MNSSHP for the night we get back into port. We have a work event monday and Tuesday and are staying at the Buena Vista Palace over at Downtown Disney. Of course, since that's where we are staying Disney recently closed every single club on Pleasure Island for reimagining. I guess we'll have to stick to the non-themed bars? Anyhow - we've never done MNSSHP, but fiugured it would bne a great way to get into the park for an evening, complete with costumes and trick or treating.


We are going the day we get back to port also. What are your costumes like?? I just ordered the last part of ours so ..hope it gets here.

Weather in Michigan is not good. Cold rain and only low 50's.
I need mid to high 80's and lots of sun!!! I have the weather as my home page at work just to give me something to look forward to.

It is really starting to happen fast!!! I am so looking forward to this trip. The next two weeks are crazy here at work also and home business is too. Will really need a break by then.

As for meeting the first night...just let me know the details.

[brucechase]

Hey everyone, I am finishing up our little contribution to the FE and I would really like to personalize the gifts. I can't tell you what it is - don't want to ruin the surprise - but I want to make sure that everyone in our FE wants everyone's name on the gift. I would like to include the first name of everyone in the family. If you want last names, please send them to me. The only question is for 2princes2princesses - since there are 4 adults and 4 children, do you want all 8 names on the XXXXXXXX (that was close!) or would you like 2 adults with the children and 2 adults alone or any other combination. Since I will just print it off, it will be no trouble to do it any way you want. If anyone else doesn't want all the names together, let me know.

Hope this isn't confusing, if it is, then just PM me or email me.

12 days to go and I can't stand it!

[2Princes2Princesses]

Hi Bruce!

Our staterooms are broken up as follows:
7505 is Me, John, Tom, and Johnnie (I have to stay with the boys :eek: The upside is that I don't have to wait for 3 other women to shower and get ready!).
7507 will be Lil, Avis, Courtney and Morgaine.

Our FE's are divided the same way. Me and the three boys are on one and the chicks are on the other. :)

If you are doing one per fam, everyone on there would work too!

:banana: 11 more days til we leave!! :banana:

We are doing some packing today. We have ALOT of stuff. :sad2:

[gillenfamily]

I'm so proud of myself. :cheer2: I got my FE done today! I'm no Martha Stewart, but I think my FE came out pretty good. I used some left over painters drop cloth canvas and just sewed pockets on the fabric. Then I went to Joann fabrics and bought some cute 3D stickers that look like buttons. Tomorrow I'm going to finish putting our names on it. I also bought some cute little things to put in everyones FE. I'm super excited. Just one more week until we head to Orlando!

[gillenfamily]

Bruce - Just wanted to let you know that you have the Gillen family listed twice on the first thread (gillenfamily and ggillen are one and the same). It's just our little family of four - Greg, Shirley, Sean (13) and Kyle (11). Thanks

[brucechase]

Hi Bruce!

Our staterooms are broken up as follows:
7505 is Me, John, Tom, and Johnnie (I have to stay with the boys :eek: The upside is that I don't have to wait for 3 other women to shower and get ready!).
7507 will be Lil, Avis, Courtney and Morgaine.

Our FE's are divided the same way. Me and the three boys are on one and the chicks are on the other. :)

If you are doing one per fam, everyone on there would work too!

:banana: 11 more days til we leave!! :banana:

We are doing some packing today. We have ALOT of stuff. :sad2:

Actually, it was going to be more like one per person with everyone's name on each. I wasn't sure if it was your parents, or sister and sig other, or something like that was going and you might want theirs seperate. Since you were the only one listed with 4 adults I thought it might have been something different. I will put everyone's name on it if you don't say otherwise.

We are packing up this weekend. My wife is going into a slight panic mode wondering what if we forget something. She always does that, we take way too much on every trip we go on.

ButterX3 - my wife did finish you FE so you will definately have one there. We will put it on your door when we unpack.

gillenfamily - fixed the front page. Just thought you guys might want to cruise a second time so I was preparing you for another one.:goodvibes