September 15 Wonder Roll Call [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Katesdad

06-10-2002, 08:10 PM

You know Gillian, the more I read these boards, the more I am encouraged that our cruise may be less crowded than others. This will give our wait staff more time to personally attend to our needs, less crowds in the spa, rainforest and Palos, more room on the beach at CC, and more space to find those quiet places for the DW and I to enjoy the "Wonder" of the seas. I guess everyone is either concerned about the potential for bad weather or want to cruise for more than four days. I'm ready for it. BRING IT ON and don't offer those low discounts to residents of Florida! They have better things to do.

Katesdad

motherhen17404

06-10-2002, 08:47 PM

Katesdad-

I'm with you. Hope the ship is not so crowded. It would be nice to have some elbow room.

Lowe6

06-11-2002, 01:19 PM

Well it's about time some people decided to go that same day !!!!We will be there too & WDW from 9-19 to 9-25. There are 7 of us in 2 rooms. 2 adults 2 12 y boys 2 10 yr girls & 1 6 yr girl. We are all very excited & the children are looking forward to making new friends. Has anyone decided what they are doing in Nas ?

vllygrrl

06-11-2002, 02:55 PM

Well, we just finished paying off our cruise....by some unlikely stroke of luck, my hubby and I each got 5 of a kind on poker machines in Atlantic City over the weekend....$1000 each!!!! Side by side machines within 5 minutes of each other... the casino employees said they'd never seen two machines hit that close together, and the fact that we were a couple made it even rarer. We came home, deposited the money, and now we're cruising on the casino's dime! :D

Gillian

06-11-2002, 09:02 PM

Congratulations Vllygrrl!! I have $300 from our last AC trip sitting under a flower pot in my kitchen (don't rob my house, please!). I should send it off to Disney, as we still owe them some money.

I'm sure Disney will do what it can to fill our ship, but I don't care. Either way, we are going to have a great time! Our WDW dates, 9/6-15, should be uncrowded, and that will be nice. I just hope they have some fireworks while we're there. An e-night would be fun too!

So what is everyone planning to do in Nassau?

motherhen17404

06-12-2002, 05:52 AM

Vllygrrl- Congrats on your winnings!

We are going to try to book the Dolphin swim. We have to book this on our own. DS wants to swim with the Dolphins not just touch them. After that I think we will just walk around and do some shopping.

Katesdad

06-12-2002, 06:29 AM

On our first cruise in 2000, we stayed on board at Nassau and did the Spa thing (by the way, our experience was very similar to HiddenHearth's, I was ROFLMAO at his report #12 and #13). This time the DW wants to wander in to do some shopping, but I'm resisting this due to other reports I've read on this board. I'd just as soon relax at the pool and soak in the beverages (or is that the sun?).

Vllygrrl - Congratulations! What a way to earn your vacation. Now you have all those extra funds to spend on pampering yourself.

Lowe6 - Glad you're on board! Look forward to meeting you and your family. As the time gets closer, we'll plan a DIS meeting somewhere on board on Sunday.

Gillian - the DW and I are jealous about all the time you get to spend at WDW before the cruise. We've spent a lot of time there over the years, but never so many days at one time. That's got to be the best way to do it. Definately can take your time and do what you want when you want it. Hope there's more than one e-night for you and your family.

vllygrrl

06-12-2002, 07:18 AM

Thanks all!

We haven't decided yet what we're going to do in Nassau, but I have a sneaking suspicion that DH is going to want to visit that casino at Atlantis......;)

Gillian

06-13-2002, 08:25 AM

Please don't tell (my) DH that there is a casino! He is excited about the trip, but disappointed that there is no casino.

Katesdad, this trip is a bit longer to make up for the one we cancelled last september. we were supposed to go the last week & it was just too soon for me to get on a plane. Looking back, it was a good decision, because DS will enjoy a lot more at 2 than he would have a 1. With a little one, it helps to take things slowly. And he loves the pool, so that cuts back on park time :)

Lowe6

06-14-2002, 10:54 PM

Hi everyone..... Starting to get a little excited about the big trip !!!
So exactly how many kids does everyone have going?
Also any good tips from maybe a past disney cruiser? What is everyone doing for Nassua !!!

vllygrrl

06-15-2002, 09:16 AM

No kids for us...yet. We're trying to travel as much as possible this year before we take that leap. Fortunately, DH is agreeably supporting my Disney obsession anyway!

Katesdad

06-15-2002, 01:14 PM

We're getting a list together. Here's what I'm showing so far:

Katesdad + DW (aka Keith & Sharon) from Cincinnati OH, 2nd seating
VllyGrrl + DH (aka Pam & Tom) from Middletown NJ , 2nd seating
MotherHen17404 + DH + DS11, York PA
Lowe6 + DH + 2 12yr B + 2 10yr G + 1 6yr G
Gillian + DH +DS2, NJ, 1st seating
IDontKnow + DH, NE Indiana, 2nd seating (hopefully other DISers have persuaded them to stay with us and not stay landlocked)
Toad + ?, Toronto Ontario

I'm sorry to hear about your surgery IDontKnow and your DH and your puppy's. Boy when it rains, it can really pour. Hope you find you way to stay on board.

Any changes or additions?:confused:

Lowe6

06-15-2002, 04:35 PM

We are presently on early seating. Anyone else?? I hope !!!

Lowe6

06-15-2002, 04:38 PM

Do you think we have any chance for an upgrade? I was hoping we would see a price drop at the 60 days level but so far none.....

Gillian

06-18-2002, 10:29 AM

Is it 60 days already? Was I supposed to make a final payment? I hope not!

Anyway, bumping us back to page 1 :D

Lowe6

06-23-2002, 11:50 PM

Ok folks..... Are we forgetting to talk just a tad here..... I had to go 6 pages to find us....... Let's chat :)

I'm starting school on Tues & will be done on Sept 9 just in time for our cruise. My hubby says if I make straight A's I get my cabana message. I didn't tell him that it was already budgeted in :) too funny huh:bounce: :Pinkbounc ;)

Toad

06-24-2002, 09:30 AM

Hi Katesdad....

My group also includes 3 cousins from California. No kids. And we have early seating. We had second seating the last time we cruised and thought we would try this for a change. :)

Katesdad

06-24-2002, 11:49 AM

Now that we're within the three month window, it's getting harder to keep off these boards. DW & I have booked a night at FWL for the night back before heading home to reality. Now I have a whole other set of boards to read and keep up on. It was time consuming enough just to look at the cruise boards!

Got to wonder how full the ship is going to be in September with all the competition of other cruise lines, the fact that it's during the week and school is back in session, and that it's only four days. Anyone else out there not signed in yet?

Lowe6 - Sounds like it's going to be a long summer for you. Good luck with the night classes, been there, done that, don't want to do it again (ROFL).

Toad - will you be getting in the day before? DW & I will be staying at the Airport Hilton using some points I've accumulated over the years.

Toad

06-24-2002, 12:00 PM

We will be at the Grand Floridian from Sept 12-15 for the first leg. Actually I am flying in on Sept 11 to get a head start (don't want to lose that first full day at WDW) but have some mixed feelings about flying that day. Air canada has already changed my flight time. I was supposed to leave Toronto at 8:30am, but they have cancelled that flight and changed the departure to 10am EST. My cousins are also flying in on Sept 11 from Los Angeles. Not sure if they have had any flight changes, but are due to arrive around 2pm. We booked the extra night (sept11) at the GF well after we booked the Land/Sea cruise package and had no trouble getting the extra night.

vllygrrl

06-24-2002, 04:37 PM

Boy, I'm certainly getting excited now! Regrettably, we're doing the land/cruise thing "backwards" because it was easier on our vacation time to go Sunday through Sunday. Booking seperately was also easier on our wallets, because we have annual passes. So...we'll do the cruise first and then spend the 19-22 at the Boardwalk. Not as relaxing, but still wonderful!

motherhen17404

06-24-2002, 08:09 PM

We are mixing things up a little. We are doing the land part first, staying at the Beach Club, then the cruise, then we are going back to WDW for a few days and staying at the Polynesian. I really can't remember why we did it this way... I hope it works out for us.

Katesdad

06-29-2002, 05:11 AM

It's getting closer and we still only have seven DIS families and one guest family from California signed in.

IDontKnow - You still with us?

Any lurkers who haven't signed in yet?

Gillian

06-29-2002, 05:35 AM

All the Disers are trying the 7 day western cruises. I'm sure they'll be other people on our ship, we just won't know them! :( :D

Katesdad

06-29-2002, 05:38 AM

Gillian, I'm jealous that your trip timer has fewer days on it than mine!

Gillian

06-29-2002, 07:39 AM

My wallet is jealous that yours has more! :D We're splurging a little bit this year. I can't wait!

Lowe6

07-01-2002, 08:00 AM

Yea I was wondering about that clock thing myself. We are also doing the cruise first & then WDW for 6 nites. We have friends that are driving down with us to do Disney only. They cruised 2 yrs ago at Christmas time & said it was incredible except that they missed CC. I'm hoping that this doesn't happen to us & that all those hurricanes stay away this yr. :) It's hard getting too excited yet since school is already a complete drag. 1 of my profs assigned us a 90 page reading assignment & 8 pages of written crap on our first nite & it's on the topic of communication. What a waste of time. 15 yrs in Retail Management, hiring & firing, I think I know how to communicate pretty well. O well it helps to know that at the end of this semester there will be Disney waiting for me :) :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Gillian

07-01-2002, 08:29 AM

I keep trying to go back to school, but after 1 class I always say forget it! I've go 4 classes total, 6 years after graduation :) I really don't need an advanced degree to be a stay at home mom, which it what I'll be for at least a few years anyway.

I'm hoping for no hurricanes or tropical storms! We went on a windjammer cruise once in october, before baby, and we had 1 really rainy afternoon & evening, but the rest of the week was clear. It was a little hairy getting back on the boat during the storm. Windjammer ships (?) are pretty small and the boats they use to get you back & forth from the islands are tiny! Still, it was a great time & we'll go again when we get a chance.

Lowe6

07-09-2002, 04:44 PM

So does anyone know what are chances of upgrades are going to be. I keep chking the websites to see if the price has gone down & how full they are. From what I can tell they are not very full yet so I kinda expect a sell but I'm not seeing anything yet. i was hoping I could get into a handicapp room but there are none available.

Katesdad

07-10-2002, 04:08 AM

I've been doing the same thing and keep finding lots of cabin space available. I'm waiting for the Florida sales to start in order for them to fill up the ship. We will make our final payment next week. Any one received any docs yet? The only thing we recieved so far was a welcome from the WL where we will be staying on the 19th for one night. Can't come home too soon.

cmraman

07-10-2002, 07:30 AM

Motherhen17404 and I got our excursion paperwork yesterday. :)

vllygrrl

07-10-2002, 10:13 AM

We got our paperwork a couple days ago, too! Now it's starting to seem real....:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Katesdad

07-10-2002, 11:47 AM

I guess that's one advantage of paying off early, you get to get excited sooner.

Camraman, welcome. I haven't seen your name on this post before so I haven't had the opportunity to say HI!

cmraman

07-10-2002, 11:53 AM

Thanks for the welcome. I figured that I would create my own ID rather than using the DW's.

Katesdad

07-10-2002, 12:24 PM

Got to figure Florida is getting all the bad weather right now so that when we get there in September it will be SUNNY AND WARM! But, if the ship wants to divert to Aruba instead of Nassau, that will be fine with me, just don't make me miss my CC.

Group of DISers as I see it right now,

Katesdad & DW (Keith & Sharon) from Cincinnati OH, 2nd seating
VllyGrrl & DH (Pam & Tom) from Middletown NJ, 2nd seating
CamraMan & MotherHen17404 + DS11 (Bill & Dee + Alec) from York PA, 2nd seating
Lowe6 & DH + 2 12yr B + 2 10yr G + 1 6yr G
Gillian & DH + DS2 from NJ, 1st seating
IDontKnow & DH from NE Indiana, 2nd seating
Toad from Toronto Ontario + 3 cousins from CA, 1st seating

Let me know of any additions, deletions, changes. Any lurkers out there that want to join in?

Lowe6, hope the school work is getting easier now that you have a couple of classes out of the way.

VllyGrrl, any more big winnings in AC?

cmraman

07-10-2002, 12:32 PM

Additional information for your list:
cmraman=Bill
motherhen17404=Dee
DS=Alec
2nd seating

cmraman

07-10-2002, 12:41 PM

Additional information for your list:
cmraman=Bill
motherhen17404=Dee
DS=Alec
2nd seating

vllygrrl

07-10-2002, 01:02 PM

Giggle....not big winnings, but DH and I did come back $200 richer on the 4th of July. The way I see it, they keep paying us to have mini-vacations until it's time to visit The Mouse!

Katesdad

07-14-2002, 06:11 AM

Finally got our shore excursion document. Guess since AAA booked the trip they get the information and then send it on to us. I'm going to have to talk with the TA and let her know to call me when the docs arrive. I definately don't want to have to wait for her to mail them to us. Heck, I'll take an hour off of work to go over and pick them up.

VllyGrrl, you keep up the winnings and you'll have your next cruise paid off too!

Gillian, I was wondering about that grey area too on the ship layouts. We're in 6594 which I now find out is two rooms down from the laundry area. Guess we'll be having the traffic on our side of the ship.

Lowe6

07-14-2002, 07:03 AM

Wow I want my paperwork too.......... :)

Gillian

07-14-2002, 07:05 AM

Katesdad/Keith, it looks like you are across the ship from us. Now if there was a little window in the gray area, we could wave hello! If you are really worried about the laundry, I'm sure you could switch cabins. The ship didn't fill up with floridians yet, did it?

We decided not to do any shore excursions in Nassau. I just have to figure out if we should rent stuff on castaway cay ahead of time. The baby is too young for anything exciting, so it's probaby not a big deal.

:wave: Griffin says hiy34vvv233xa (& some other stuff) 3 333 xxx3332z333

Katesdad

07-14-2002, 07:06 AM

Lowe6, I thought you had enough paperwork already with that summer class. Guess you can always handle that little bit extra though, huh?

Gillian, I thought it was interesting to see that we are right across from each other with that grey mass in the middle. We're not too worried about the noise and heat from the washers and dryers. But, if I upgrade, it would be to something like a Cat 3 or above. Don't necessarily want to move up higher on the ship with out getting a nicer room. Looks to me like Cat 4, 5 & 6 are pretty much the same. Right now, the Disney reservation board doesn't show a Cat 3 available. Thought I'd wait until we check in. We're staying at the Hyatt the night before and I'm planning on being on the first bus over on Sunday.

Gillian

07-14-2002, 11:20 AM

We're driving over from WDW. I still want to get there early, but I guess it won't be as early as you!

I'm not worried about noise at all - I always travel with ear plugs! If anyone has a noisy cabin, just stop over to 6094 (I think) for a pair. I used to go to concerts a lot & bought a case of 500 pairs. I'm still using them :rolleyes:

Lowe6

07-14-2002, 04:19 PM

hey girl you should just sign up to be the cruise director with all that funniness your putting out for us to enjoy :0 )

From the paperwork girl :)

Lowe6

07-14-2002, 10:18 PM

Ok here's an interesting ???? If I order something from the perfect gift & e get upgraded does the stuff move tooooooo
or what exactly happens to it :rolleyes:

Katesdad

07-15-2002, 04:07 AM

Lowe6, that's a very good question. I would imagine that they have to drop the baskets off with a CM since they are no longer allowed on board and the CM would be the one responsible for "finding" the correct room to deliver the goods. I have read that when you upgrade you need to go to your old room to collect your bags from the hallway. However, with all the other items that could be delivered to your room (i.e., shore excursion tickets, gift items from the Disney store) I would think that whoever delivers the baskets must check first to find out where you are. Maybe this would be a good subject to post as a seperate thread so that Barb or Shirley could answer.

Lowe6

07-15-2002, 09:12 PM

Thanks alot Kate. Here's an update on my first 3 wks of college. So far I have perfect grades on everything which I think is awesome since I haven't gone to school in 15 yrs. but I have a feeling that may very well change w my classes tommorow :(
but for the moment it's A ok :)

Gillian

07-16-2002, 07:29 AM

Great job on those A's! We'll sure to quiz you when we get on the Wonder ;) Which cabins are noisy, what is the best room service item, etc.?

I had some minor surgery yesterday, for endometriosis. It wasn't exactly fun, but I feel ok. The anesthesia was the worst part. And the recovery room, where they yelled at me a lot. I was freezing & they just came over & told me I had 15 blankets already. Well, tell that to my chattering teeth! The nurse in the area after that was a doll & more than made up for the no more blankets for you person.

We'll all deserve a vacation in September!

Katesdad

07-16-2002, 10:32 AM

Gillian, should have concentrated on the warm sunshine and white sands of the beach you'll be on very soon. Those images always warm me up. Glad to hear nothing's going to hold you back from the cruise.

Lowe6, keep up the good work! Nothing more rewarding for the effort you put in than to see those A's come back.

Today (7/16) we finaly paid our trip off. Let the fun begin!

Lowe6

07-16-2002, 11:04 PM

Gillian I hope you feel beeter soon. Our prayers are with & God knows when a woman gets messed with it ain't :) no fun.

Katesdad

07-21-2002, 03:03 PM

Wow, it's amazing how far back this thread can get when no one is keeping it bumped up.

My TA (works for AAA) almost bumped us off the cruise. She forgot to make our final payment on the 60 day due date. Had to get someone else in her office to take care of it for her. That made us a little nervous. Guess if we show up and they don't let us on the ship we'll know why.

Can't wait for those docs to get here.

Gillian, hope you're feeling better and getting rested for the trip.

Gillian

07-21-2002, 07:50 PM

Hi! Here's a bump to keep us on the 1st page!

I am feeling much better, thank you. Now I just have to lose a little weight before we sail & I'll be all set! :)

Katesdad, I hope your TA sends you an apology note! It would have been horrible to lost your spot. I'm sure everything else will be fine.

Katesdad

07-22-2002, 03:59 AM

You know what's funny about that, I've given her ample opportunity to at least admit that she goofed, but she hasn't as of yet. We aren't holding out hope, but we are going to stay on top of things until we get the docs in our hands.

Any lurkers out there not signed in to our cruise yet?

Lowe6

07-22-2002, 05:40 AM

Hey Kate nice to know everything worked out ok for ya. The cruise in Jan I didn't get doc's till 1day before we drove out & they had to overnite them. This time if my doc's aren't here by Aug 31 I will be calling them. Only 2 more months.........:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Katesdad

07-22-2002, 07:28 AM

I don't think I'll be able to wait that long! If I don't have cruise docs by the second week of August, my TA will be hearing from me daily. Nothing better than having that paperwork in hand, knowing that the cruise date is coming just around the corner.

Gillian

07-22-2002, 08:04 AM

Katesdad, remind me not to use your travel agent!

Gillian

07-26-2002, 07:53 AM

Did anyone get a letter about a change in dining times? Just read that the sept 8th wonder will have the 5:30/7:45 dinner times.

Katesdad

07-26-2002, 09:31 AM

Gillian, I just got off the phone with my TA (yes, she is still my TA regardless of her shortcomings). She has not received a letter but will call DCL and ask for me. If and when I hear back from her I will post an update to this.

vllygrrl

07-26-2002, 09:37 AM

I was wondering about those dining times too. I'm kinda hoping that the change is for our cruise too - 7:45 for dinner seems about perfect.

Katesdad

07-26-2002, 10:03 AM

Per my TA who just got off the phone with DCL, the experiment for dining time changes will not take place on the 9/15 cruise. As I had second seating, I was sorry to hear that. For those with first seating, I'm sure you're relieved.

Docs haven't come in yet. Hope I get those soon. It's getting closer!

Gillian

07-26-2002, 10:08 AM

Should we believe her? ;)

I wonder why they're changing it on some sept cruises but not ours? It doesn't really matter. We're going to have a great time no matter what!

Katesdad

07-26-2002, 11:18 AM

Yeah, I'd have to say I trust that she called DCL and was told what she relayed to me. Now, do we trust DCL to be giving her the straight poop? After reading these boards, you have to wonder at times if the CMs really do know what's going on. Anyway, since we haven't gotten a letter yet, I'd say we are most likely going to be back at the standard 6:00 and 8:30.

Gillian

07-26-2002, 11:44 AM

I forgot to say thank you for calling & asking your TA about it. I think my TA is at WDW, lucky her!

Katesdad

07-27-2002, 05:21 AM

Lowe6, how goes the schooling?

VllyGrrl, hope you've kept up that winning streak in AC. Are you still planning on doing Atlantis casinos?

Can't say for certain, but I'm pretty certain I'll be treating the Nassau day as a day at sea. Just keep those storms away so we can enjoy CC.

vllygrrl

07-27-2002, 06:43 AM

Katesdad - I'm not sure if we'll bother much with the casinos at Atlantis. We'll probably stop in to look a little bit, but it seems silly to gamble much without comps when we at least get something back in AC. We went a week ago, and essentially broke even, which I suppose is better than losing. We'll probably get off the ship in Nassau to do a little shopping, maybe go to Atlantis for a little bit, and stay on the ship the rest of the day.

Gillian

07-27-2002, 06:48 AM

vllygrrl, we're going to AC on Auguest 10th. Can you please send some of your gambling luck our way? We'd like to win enough for a photo package from Shutters :D

vllygrrl

07-27-2002, 08:03 AM

Gillian - we'll just miss you! We're going 8/6-8/8. Play video poker!

Hey - I got a FedEx yesterday, and it seems I am the grand prize winner in the Outback Steakhouse/Good Morning America Summer concert contest. Too bad I live in Jersey and not California, because they would have flown me in. As it is, they're picking me and a guest (DH) up in a limo on 8/8, we get put up in a hotel for 3 nights in NYC, and get to go to the GMA concert on 8/9 (the Bangles are playing). So....I'm going to be on GMA (briefly, I'm sure) on August 9! I have to get some release forms notorized this weekend and send them back via Federal Express by Wednesday! I couldn't believe it when I opened the envelope, and they left me two phone messages yesterday!:earseek:

Katesdad

07-27-2002, 01:40 PM

VllyGrrl - what a summer you are having! Hope you and DH have a great time at the concert. More importantly, I hope your luck keeps rolling and brings us nothing but sunshine on the cruise!

Lowe6

07-27-2002, 09:26 PM

Hi everyone.... School is great in spite of 1 nasty hard class that I hate but I did ace my Mid terms so that was great !!!! Yeah

I made our reserv. for the Radison the night before our cruise....
I've heard it's a nice hotel & we will leave our van there for the 4 days. We got us a whirlpool room which I hope is nice & I think our kids will love that.

I wish I could get excited but for some reason it seems really hard. I took the time to notice that there are still lots of rooms available on the cruise & some in every catagory.

I think it was Gillian who is the return cruiser......I know probably none of you are doing the inside rooms thing but I was just wondering if the rooms inside are still nice enough & all ?????

Well catch you on the Happy Sailing:Pinkbounc :bounce:

Lowe6

07-28-2002, 01:52 PM

Bump :)

Lowe6

07-28-2002, 02:13 PM

Congrats to Valley girl

Also I had to see if the countdown clock worked :)

vllygrrl

07-28-2002, 07:23 PM

Thanks all - when I've decided on what to wear, I'll tell you all so you can look for me on TV!

Gillian

07-29-2002, 11:58 AM

Lowe6 - never cruised DCL, but we did have an inside cabin on RCCL. It was fine, except for the day we overslept because it was so dark in there! I'm sure it will be great or maybe you'll get upgraded!! :)

vllygrrl - congrats! Send some of your luck over to us! I'm brushing up on my video poker skills...

vllygrrl

07-29-2002, 12:07 PM

Okay Gillian, I'm blowing some luck your way....;)

Katesdad

07-29-2002, 04:46 PM

VllyGrrl - please let me know what time to set the VCR recorder for on August 9th. Won't be at home to watch it, but I sure can tape it!

Sorry I can't help you Lowe6, my only other cruise was on DCL and we had the connecting secret porthole rooms on Deck 5.

vllygrrl

07-29-2002, 07:53 PM

I'll know more when I get the documents in a few days. I did receive a phone call from them today though...we'll be picked up in a limo on 8/8 at 1pm and driven to the W Hotel in Times Square (I looked at the website and can't believe I'm getting to stay there!!!). Sunday they'll pick us up at noon to take us home. I think GMA generally shows the summer concert between 8-9am on Friday mornings, so look for me then....when I've decided what to wear I'll let you all know!

Gillian

07-30-2002, 05:34 AM

From what I hear, W hotels are fantastic! I hope you have a great time :)

Katesdad

07-30-2002, 06:18 AM

Took a look at that W Hotel at Times Square on the net. Boy what a place! 507 rooms spread out over 57 floors should pretty much guarantee a quiet room. And with the high-speed internet access, you should be able to keep us up to date on what's happening (ROFLMAO).

Hope you really enjoy the trip.

Katesdad

08-03-2002, 07:51 AM

Just wanted to see how everyone's doing.

Lowe6, how's the schoolwork coming? I guess you have to be getting into those final week crams when the prof figures out he's got eight weeks of material to cram into the next four weeks.

Gillian - hope you have a good time and good luck in AC next weekend.

VllyGrrl - Are you still doing AC before the trip to NYC? We'll be looking for you on GMA on the 9th.

MotherHen17404 and Camraman - How's the summer going? Haven't heard much from you lately.

IDontKnow - Are you still with us or are you going to stay on land?

Toad - hope the summer in Canada has been cooler than here in Ohio. This heat and humidity are rediculous. Might as well be in Florida!

Haven't heard any more about meal time changes so maybe DCL is ending the experiment with the 9/8 cruise. DW and I are saving the Lilo/Stich & Country Bears movies for the ship. Just saw Road to Perdition and boy that is not a movie for the weak at heart, pretty intense.

Look forward to meeting you all soon.

cmraman

08-03-2002, 10:37 AM

Katesdad: We're still here.
The summer has been spent anticipating the cruise. Every so often something has to be done in preparation and we get to thinking about the cruise and get a little more excited. We booked 18 months ago and spent the first year not thinking about it much. Then final payment, priority seatings, excursion bookings, airline confirmations, kennel confirmation, happy limo booking... The planning is almost as much fun as the vacation (Almost!!!)

Lowe6

08-04-2002, 10:30 PM

It sounds like you're all doing well :) I have not rec. any docs yet I'm hoping too soon. I start homeschooling Mon. am with my kids. What a job that will be in addition to my own schooling.

I too am saving all the good Disney movies for my kids on the Disney Cruise so they can see something they haven't seen before.

Is anyone doing anything fun while in Nas.? I think my kids talked about staying on the ship so they could actually swim.

If anyone has kids I have a suggestion....... I am taking my kids outfits & putting then in 1 gal Ziplock bags with their underware hairbows socks etc. Then when they pull it off they can stick it back in the bag & it won't stink up their other clothes. I am also not going to overpack this time. We will be in the parks afterwards for 6 days so I'm packing 2 Bathing suits & 10 outfits w 1 swt shirt just in case. When we have gone before it's been Dec. so we have had to pack hot & cold & used it all. It will be nice just to pack the summer stuff & forget it :)

Well that's it for now HAPPY SAILING :Pinkbounc

Gillian

08-05-2002, 02:38 PM

FexEx just delivered my cruise docs!! Woo hoo! :Pinkbounc

Well, my son doesn't wear hair bows :D but I do pack his stuff in ziplocs. It really helps! I don't know what I'll do this time, because we'll be at WDW for a week before the cruise. I think I'll have a separate bag just for cruise stuff. I'll just keep it packed until we need it.

vllygrrl

08-05-2002, 04:38 PM

Yippee - we just received our docs, too! Just about 40 days now until we set sail...I'm really looking forward to it!

Now, I must go pack for the two mini-trips I'm about to take. I'll be wearing a burgandy blouse with flowers on it on Friday morning, so look for me on the TV!

Katesdad

08-05-2002, 06:46 PM

Our docs aren't here yet, but I was wondering. Based on a post on another thread, do your docs mention the early dinner times?

Gillian

08-05-2002, 07:44 PM

I didn't look very closely, but I didn't see anything about dinner times. I'll check again & let you know!

Lowe6

08-05-2002, 07:48 PM

Hi exciting you already got your DOCs YEAH HIOOOOo for you.

I can't wait. When it's time to cruise that means that my summer classes will be coming to an end. :)

Is there anything in there we should know about????

Katesdad

08-06-2002, 04:07 AM

Looks like my TA was right and the experiment ends September 8. For us on second seating it would be nice if they would extend it, but I do feel for those with the first seating. That's way too early.

Katesdad

08-07-2002, 06:26 AM

Okay, so as we suspected DCL is now trying to fill up the ship with Florida residents. Just thought I'd bump our thread to see if any one new is coming on board.

Gillian

08-07-2002, 09:23 AM

I didn't think our sailing was included in the Fl resident discounts. I don't think it's good on the 4 nights or for September 2002.

Still, hello to anyone new :wave:

Katesdad

08-07-2002, 12:02 PM

Not that I have anything against those that put up with living in that heat and humidity for five months a year but I'm glad to hear they won't be filling up our cruise.

Gillian

08-07-2002, 12:51 PM

It looks like no one will be filling up our cruise, LOL!

I'm trying to plan our days. It's hard to figure out when we want to ask for Flounders spots and if we want to try Palos & when! I'm thinking maybe the third night, go to dinner with DS, put him in FR and then go to Palos later. I'm not sure how late they seat though.

I'm brushing up on my video poker for AC this weekend! :teeth:

Katesdad

08-07-2002, 01:26 PM

TA just called. Cruise docs are in. Not trusting the mail, we're on our way to pick them up.

Gillian, I remember reading elsewhere latest Palo ressies are 9:00. Putting DS into Flounders that late and he should be sleeping while you enjoy the dinner.

By the way, TA said that DCL informed her today that ship was approx 80% full. They couldn't be more specific but based on what we've seen, I would think this is reasonable. She said she had called to see if any discounts were available for us. Nothing as of yet, but she said she'd keep checking.

cmraman

08-08-2002, 03:56 PM

THE DOCS ARE HERE!!! THE DOCS ARE HERE!!!

Sorry I shouted but...

Katesdad

08-08-2002, 04:20 PM

You know, I had the same feeling when I was looking at mine last night. To make it even better, we found some park hopper passes from 1994 with a day left on them to use for our planned trip to Epcot on the 19th. Couldn't believe it! Given what we paid for those four day passes in 1994, they were just about as expensive as the one day is this year.

Gillian, leave the scissors in the checked bags. Can't believe that will be a problem as long as they are small. Now, if you are taking hedge trimmers with you, that's another story.

Gillian

08-08-2002, 04:30 PM

Thanks Katesdad :) I was planning on doing that anyway, but I called expecting them to say, "yes, small scissors in your checked bag will not be a problem." Instead, I got the guy who's manager said to carry them on :rolleyes:

I am seriously thinking of taking a sewing kit in my carry on, just to see what happens. I don't want to hold up the line though! I know how badly you all want to get on the ship.

It's been a bad week here. I was sick with a stomach thing friday-tuesday & now my DS has it. The poor guy :(

Katesdad

08-09-2002, 05:49 AM

Hope you all are feeling well soon and it doesn't ruin your trip to AC. Let us know how it goes.

By the way VllyGrrl, I didn't get the VCR to cooperate with me this morning so I missed your big show on GMA. How'd it go?

Lowe6

08-09-2002, 06:04 PM

Just had to tell ya I got my DOCs YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Katesdad

08-10-2002, 05:49 AM

Quick question for you, what type of camera equipment will you be taking with you? I am debating on carrying the tripod for the times I want a picture with me and the DW together as well as for use with the video camera. I'm probably just going to bring my video as well as a small instamatic that uses 35mm film and one disposable underwater. Don't think I want to bring the good camera and all the lenses this year. I will miss the wide angle though for some of those deck shots.

By the way, the DW got the lime green ribbon today. I plan on tying it on the camera bag which never leaves my side.

Lowe6

08-10-2002, 09:31 AM

We are just bringing the regualr camera. We had thought about bringing our camcorder but we decided that still pictures are just as good & why waste the money since vcr's are out anyways :)

BTW what is the lime green thing?

Gillian

08-10-2002, 10:52 AM

I think we're buying a new video camera. Kid's 1st to disney world and all :)

Leave the big camera stuff at home. You won't have time to use it! We'll have an older digital camera, an Olympus point & shoot & probably a Canon digital video camera. I'm still shopping. I guess it depends on how AC goes tonight!

Lowe6, the lime green ribbon is what DISers use to identify each other. You can tie it to your bag or pin it on your shirt. I've never seen anyone with it, and I've never worn it myself. I'm shy :)

Katesdad

08-10-2002, 12:24 PM

Got to bring the camcorder so the kids know what they missed. Last cruise had the good camera with some lenses and really got some great pictures with the wide angle. I'm really going to miss not having that, but I think the camcorder with that optional photo card may be okay. We just bought it last spring for the son's high school volleyball games and I haven't had a chance to really use it yet. Need to practice before sailing.

How's school going Lowe6? Almost finished for the summer. Do you continue this fall?

I'll have the lime green ribbon on my bag. But from what I've read on this and other boards, not too many DISers use it. Guess they want to remain incognito.

cmraman

08-10-2002, 06:13 PM

Katesdad:
I have access to a Nikon N90s with 35-70 2.8 and 80-200 2.8ED
I also have access to a Nikon D1 with the same lenses and a 24mm since the digital format requires a wider lens. Last cruise (10 years ago) I took the full rig and got some great pics. So what, you ask, am I taking this time?

A Canon Elph 330 (The size of a pack of cigarettes) and a Sharp mini-dv Viewcam (The size of a paperback book.) A couple of extra tapes, a 256MB compact flash card, and a couple of extra batteries. The whole setup fits in a medium fanny pack with plenty of room to spare. The SLR body and one lens wouldn't fit comfortably in this bag.

My reasoning is this: With the Elph at max resolution, I can get 407 pictures, printable with minimal loss up to 8x10 on the one card that stays in the camera. (No film to carry around, try to keep cool, keep from x-ray damage, get wet etc...) The only reason to bring the big stuff would be if I intended to make lots of 11x14 or larger prints. I can e-mail the pics from the Elph to Walmart and pick them up at my local store a few days later for 26 cents each. And since I will delete anything I don't like, I will only print the ones I want.
To see a pic from the Elph, go to www.geekteach.net/pics It's just a picture of the brick sidewalk and step I built on the front of my house, but you can get an idea of the picture quality. (Sorry if it takes a while to load. My upload speed is slower than my download)

The camcorder is capable of shooting stills in a pinch but doesn't have near the quality. You could make a 3x5 off of it but no bigger. I bought the Sharp because of the rear mount screen. I am blind in one eye (I know-getting photo advice from the blind guy :rolleyes: ) and of all of the camcorders with screens, the Sharp is the only one with the buttons in the right place to make the screen useful for recording. When I put a small eyepiece up to my eye, I can't see what's going on around me. With a 10 year old, I think the camcorder is a must. Pictures of him parasailing at Castaway Cay won't capture the joy/fear as well. I bought mini-dv format because the tape resolution is better, the tapes are smaller, the camcorder is smaller, and 1 hour per tape makes it easier to find what I'm looking for when I play them back.

Sorry I ran long. I hope it helps.

Katesdad

08-12-2002, 04:14 AM

CmraMan, sounds like you've got all the bases covered. My daughter is taking a photography class this year, her senior year, at HS. May be a good excuse for dad to go and get some new equipment too!

VllyGrrl, need a full report.

Gillian, did the trip to AC pay for the trip to DCL?

Pulled out the docs again just to look and make sure it's all real and we will be going in five weeks.

vllygrrl

08-12-2002, 07:24 AM

Katesdad -

I had a wonderful time...thanks for asking! They picked us up in a white stretch limo to take us to the city on Thursday. The hotel was absolutely amazing...almost too hip, with the absolute most comfortable bed I have ever slept on in my life! Friday morning, they picked us up in another stretch limo to take us to the show...we had the option of being on the side of the stage (where we would be on tv frequently) or front and center, which my hubby chose because he's such a fan of the band. I was directly in front of the lead singer, with no one between me and the stage! I took many pictures. From there we went to visit Ground Zero, where I shed a few tears....it's indescribable. DH took the train home, and I took a nap while waiting for my sister who took his place the rest of the weekend. Friday night we saw a Broadway show...The Full Monty....which made me laugh more than anything I've seen in years. Saturday we took a bus tour around the city, and visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, followed by a visit to a street fair, a visit to Madame Tussaud's wax museum, a visit to the Disney Store (where I added three more antenna toppers to my collection, as well as picked up an NYPD Mickey pin for DH) and we ended the day with a visit to a perfectly lovely Italian place on Restaurant Row. The fairy tale ended yesterday, when the limo arrived to pick us up. Ah, well, in less than five weeks we will all be on the Wonder, and I'm sure that the trip will be just as heavenly as this one was!

Lowe6

08-15-2002, 02:42 PM

Wow it sounds like you had a great time in New York :)
I'm really happy for ya.

Ok I have a ??? We are trying to figure out how to pack for this trip. We are doing Disney first w/ a pre nite hotel stay & then 6 nites on site. I was thinking of trying to keep the lugguage down to maybe 3 @ the cruise & 3 for Disney but it gets complicated w the shoes & bathing suits. There are a total of 7 of us so if anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. :)

Lowe6

08-16-2002, 12:20 PM

Just a little bump It's almost sailing time :0 )

vllygrrl

08-16-2002, 01:00 PM

Just over 29 days till we set sail!!!:bounce:

motherhen17404

08-17-2002, 09:27 PM

Just checked my count down timer. We have 25 days until we leave. I have a feeling that the next 25 days are going to be the longest days of the year...

Lowe6

08-18-2002, 05:57 PM

I hear ya mother hen :) There's so much happening for me in the next 3 wks so that makes it even harder. Oh well relaxation city is on it's way.

I am treating myself to a Castaway Kay cabana message :)

Katesdad

08-20-2002, 10:22 AM

Gillian, your counter is getting down there! Started packing yet? By the way, how was the luck in AC?

VllyGrrl, glad you had a good time in NYC. Did you do AC before the trip?

It must be getting close. Even the DW has started to read these threads, and she normally is IT challenged. Haven't gotten her to sign on yet though. Can't do these things too quickly you know.

Gillian

08-20-2002, 12:02 PM

DH is a member, but he won't post! Everyone PM him a hello to beerguru....

Hi katesdad's DW :wave:

We had a great time in AC, but didn't win enough to pay for the trip. I did pretty well on video poker, but I couldn't remember all the discard rules! We found some nickle slots that were really fun (999 bottles of beer, Bewitched) and we kept MIL company while she played Reel Detectives.

Our packing so far consists of motion sickness meds & ear planes thrown in a suitcase. I bought trucks & a coloring book for DS for the plane ride. I got our ID & travel docs together & I'm working out a daily budget for food & souveniers. The clothing I'll do a day or 2 before. I think I'll hit the summer sales one more time to look for sundresses & shorts.

I am getting panicky!! I carry a notebook around so I can make lists. It helps keep me calm :)

Katesdad

08-21-2002, 04:22 AM

Hey BeerGuru, I'll see you at ESPN on Sunday for the football games. I plan on getting the ESPN glass and making good use of it. I'm not a picky beer drinker so I should be okay with their selections.

Like the idea of the notebook. Maybe I'll get that started this weekend.

I've seen IDontKnow posting out on other boards but haven't seem them here for a long while. Don't know if they are still with us or had to back out.

Any other lurkers out there that haven't signed in yet? Don't be afraid, we don't bite.

vllygrrl

08-21-2002, 11:44 AM

Hey Katesdad!

We did go to AC before NYC, but alas, not such a good trip this time....

We'll see you at ESPN...can't miss football!

I haven't even begun to think about packing...soon though. I just have to make sure to leave enough room in the suitcases to bring back all the extras we'll inevitably pick up along the way!

Katesdad

08-23-2002, 03:44 PM

Just read the post on the dining times and saw someone received confirmation from a CM that the early dining times have been extended on the Wonder through September. Trying to figure out what that means to watching Monday night football and the Sunday games. Guess it's a good thing the DW and I are on the late seating. The 7:45 start time for dinner will actually work out in our favor, I think!

It will be interesting to see what happens at the sail away party as those with the 5:30 seating rush off to dinner. Can't wait to see Tony and Barb's navigators from their upcoming 10 day excursion (3/4/3). They should give us a pretty good idea of what is going on. But for those who will already be at WDW, what are you going to do for planning?

IT'S GETTING CLOSER!!!!!!!!

Kathy Cores

08-25-2002, 11:23 AM

Hello!
I happened upon this board accidentally. What great information from the experienced cruisers.
We will be cruising Sept. 15th as well. Myself, husband Dave and our two kids Spencer 3 1/2 and Benjams 1 1/2.
I'm really excited after reading all the posts. Getting some packing ideas and making plans for things to see do.
Question-are the seating times something we take care of once we're there or should I call and take care of that now? Can we bring our own sodas and beer for our cabins or is it easier just to get it there?
Any other info we should have for first timers that wasn't already covered here.
Great site! Looking forward to meeting you all.

Katesdad

08-25-2002, 01:22 PM

Welcome Kathy, Dave, Benjamin and Spencer to the Sept. 15th cruise. You've got some great company going with you for the four days. Kathy, I am assuming by your post you haven't had time to take a swing through the DIS board. Hope you can get a look at some of the great ideas other cruisers have come up with to make your four days just fantastic.

You already indicated when you made your reservation whether you wanted early or late seating. When you check in, you will be notified of what your dinner rotation is. Are you doing the land portion first then coming over? If so, where will you be at WDW?

You can bring soda and beer on board. Lots of discussions on that particular subject on the cruise board. Suffice it to say, it's all personal preference. My DW and I will not be packing it on board, but we will be making full use of the mugs, especially the ESPN beer mugs (that's for me, the DW is a Pepsi fanatic).

Be sure to get out and look at Barb's (Inkognito) and Dave's (Dave from Marrietta) sites. I don't have the links here, but you'll find them all over the Cruise board threads. These are sources of invaluable information to help you plan your trip. By the way, when do you leave? Some time next week I'll try to pull a complete list together, as short as it is. We figure we are going to have an empty ship and lots of attentive CMs at our beck and call.

Gillian

08-25-2002, 01:29 PM

Hi Kathy! Welcome to the DIS!

We'll be on the sept 15th cruise (obviously!) - me, Lisa, my husband Kevin & our son Griffin who will be not quite 2. We have requested early seating, which was supposed to be at 6 PM but they have changed it to 5:30. At first I was upset about this, but now I think it will work well.

I'll see if I can dig up some links for you while DS is napping!

Barb's site:
http://www.*****************

Dave from Marietta's site:
http://www.dcltribute.com/

Deb Wills' site with a link to the magical cruise guide:
http://www.wdwig.com/cruise.htm

The main DIS information page:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/

abbreviations used here & elsewhere:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

That should be enough to get you started :teeth:

motherhen17404

08-26-2002, 11:21 AM

Bump

Just wanted to say Hi to Kathy. Glad to see some new people signing on (just not too many, we don't want a crowded ship!)

vllygrrl

08-26-2002, 11:31 AM

Welcome Kathy! You'll love this group!

Hey all....we will be on the second day of our voyage 3 weeks from today!

I know this has been discussed, but who here will be visiting WDW before the cruise? After? DH and I will be staying at BWI from the 19-22. I'm ready to mingle with the Mouse!

Katesdad

08-26-2002, 12:41 PM

We're going to Epcot for the day on Thursday, and then to downtown Disney on Friday before flying home late Friday night. Can't rush home without a few more relaxing days in "Wonder"ful Florida.

cmraman

08-26-2002, 04:50 PM

Motherhen17404 and I will be at the Beach Club before and concierge at the Polynesian for two extra nights after. We figured: "Why go home Thursday? It's not like we would go to work for one day on Friday anyway." We were originally going to stay three nights after at Port Orleans but when it closed last year without a definite re-opening date we swapped for two nights at the Polynesian for almost the same cost. We don't really need the concierge service but want to see how the other half lives for a couple of nights.

Kathy Cores

08-26-2002, 08:10 PM

Wow! Great welcoming party already! It seems the fun has already started. Thanks.
Our journey starts Sept. 12th at WDW. We're staying at the Grand Floridian. We're in Cat 3 on the ship and thanks to the board I called and asked for one of the 4 larger (wider? better?) cabins in that Category and got one. Is the ship that empty? I'm already liking that.
Thanks Lisa, for the links. I'll check them out tonight after I get the boys to bed. Maybe we can hook Griffin and Benjams up.
Our travel agent didn't ask us about dinner seating times. I guess she took it upon herself to handle that. I'm guessing the early seating has most of the children in it. That would probably be us.
ESPN beer mugs? I'm intrigued. Do tell more...
Are children allowed in the ESPN Club? Dave and I would love to do some football but I'm a little hesitant to drop the kids with the babysitter the minute we get on the boat. Also, should we make all our reservations for babysitting up front even if the boat is not full? It's hard to know for what we'll want adult time only right away. Suggestions?
Thanks again for the warm welcome, everyone!

Katesdad

08-27-2002, 05:16 AM

From what I've read, you get a 20oz mug and fill it for the price of a 16oz brew. That works out to having five for the price of four. Not much, but every little bit helps.

Didn't see any kids the last time we were there, but then the place was empty. I would think you could take the boys along with no trouble.

Jealous about the Cat 3. I'm hoping for an upgrade since the ship seems to be less crowded, but I'm not holding out hope for this.

Don't you get help for reservations from your concierge? Does this extend to Flounders? I would think you would want to set up front particular times then fill in later in the week as things pop up. However, I would think that this time of the year, the ship will have the much younger crowd and that times will fill up there quickly.

Nice of your TA to make the assumption regarding your seating times. You know, I read somewhere on this board that someone found out their dinner rotation before getting on board when making early ressies with the concierge which I believe you are allowed to do. You may want to check this out to confirm your dinner time.

Toad, I'm going to try to get a complete list out this week of those that have signed in so you all will have it before you all leave for your weeks stay at WDW. Lowe6, is school over? How'd ya do?

Gillian

08-27-2002, 07:31 AM

I've read here that they won't make flouder's reservations :(

katesdad, you're planning to get there early, right?

I have 2 cats that have to go to the vet today. I hope this craziness ends sometime before we leave!

Katesdad

08-27-2002, 12:25 PM

Right now I'm planning on trying to be on the first bus out of the Airport Hyatt which should put us at the docks around 10:30 - 11:00 if all goes well.

Lowe6

08-27-2002, 05:00 PM

School is going great I still have A's in both subjects. After Wed. I only have my finals left. Hopefully we can pull 2 A's for my return back to school in 15 yrs :)

Welcome to our newbie our little group here is great.

I am still hoping for an upgrade as I've noticed that this sailing is not very full. I can wish upon a star with a little luck maybe some pixie dust.

BTW are we planning on getting together somewhere on the ship or is everyone too shy :) ???

Kathy Cores

08-27-2002, 10:10 PM

We're too shy ;).
More questions from the novice:
My travel agent is fairly unhelpful and rather uninformed. I called WDW today where I spoke to a very crabby woman who wouldn't help me because I booked through a travel agent! Voila, you're my travel agents!
Has anyone done Cat 3 and stayed at the GF? There's too much conflicting info out there on what rooms to request. We apparently have a standard room. I was initially under the impression we had concierge service there too but am now thinking not. Can we request upgrades? Are they ever "magically" given? If not, is there a favorite part of the resort anyone can suggest? Not that it matters much but if they're giving, we're taking. I was reading talk of upgrades on the Wonder so it sparked my interest.
Can the boys (1 and 3) wear shorts to dinner or does the dress code hold for all?
Lowe- I went back to school after 15 years too. MA in Counseling. You?
Gillian- I have to crazy cats too
Katesdad- My husband is from Ohio. BIG Buckeye guy (I'm a Badger, myself).
Thanks again for any advice!

cmraman

08-27-2002, 11:26 PM

Shy?
Um... Yeah, right.
I don't think the shy ones post here.
We definitely need to get together onboard. I think the green ribbons may be too subtle. How about green hair? (Just kidding) Maybe if everyone's bringing family band radios we could pick a channel (And subchannel) and make contact once onboard. Passing out cabin numbers at this point would probably scare the paranoid and since I hope to finagle an upgrade to my cat5 (Not too hopeful but...) it's probably pointless. Picking a meeting time and place might work but past experience tells me that it has to be an out of the way place (Or everybody else will be meeting someone there) and it has to be a time when nothing else is scheduled or someone won't make it. And then everyone has to remember. And no little things can come up. It's weird but I have met more people I know at Disney by accident then by pre-planning. Any Ideas?

Katesdad

08-28-2002, 05:39 AM

However, it seems that the meeting never really happens due to the fact that we're on vacation and schedules must remain flexible. Having said that, after muster (say around 4:50) on deck 10, forward, starboard side before the basketball court. I'll try to be there with my camera bag which will have a lime green ribbon on it. Look for the beautiful petite gal (my DW) hanging around a fat guy with a Cleveland Browns hat on, that will be me.

Lowe6 - we're pulling for you. Keep it up and good luck with the finals. How many more years of this do you have to go through?

CmraMan - I, like you, am hoping to do the upgrade shuffle when checking in but only if I am truly getting a better room. Currently on deck six, midship slightly aft on the starboard side, directly across from Gillian on the port side, I don't want to go higher unless the room is a Cat 3 or better. Not likely to happen.

Toad - You still on board?

Gillian & Kathy - will the 4:50 time work given the fact that dinner may be at 5:30 for the first seaters? By the way, has anyone called to confirm that they really did switch the times? My docs show the old times for dinner.

Kathy - Can't help you with the GF. That is one of the few places we haven't stayed at yet at WDW. We plan on doing it some time before we get too old to enjoy it, but for now, we are going to the WL for a one night stay after the cruise to check that place out. Dinners on the 4-day seem to be more relaxed than on the 7-day. I would think there should be no problem for your boys and shorts.

Gillian

08-28-2002, 06:48 AM

Hey everyone!

I REALLY am shy! DH doesn't believe me, but it's true.

I think we could do 4:50. Where is the party?

We are the pale chubby couple (me dark hair, husband light brown) with the blonde 2 year old brat. Actually, he is shy as well & usually pretty good :) We have no sports clothing, I'm sorry to say.

Maybe we could exchange photos by email? I do have a lime green painters cap from a wedding that says "Rich & Annarose...FINALLY" but i was planning to leave it at home :teeth:

Kathy - Do you know where the resorts board is? Click on The DIS Discussion Forums just below the ad with the boat & look for Disney resorts. There are a lot of experts over there who can help with your room requests. There are different room themes at the GF. I think that when doing a land/sea package you are kind of limited. But it can never hurt to request a change or ask for an upgrade when you get there if you aren't happy. just don't let the bellman unload your stuff if you don't like your assigned room :)

About the shorts, the only thing the dress code requests is no shorts, so I was planning to bring some khakis along for DS. I really don't think it matters, though. On the night(s) we're doing Flounders I think I'll put him in shorts & a nice shirt. He doesn't really have any cute shorts stuff, just gap-type casual.

Ok, please shut me up now!

Lisa

cmraman

08-28-2002, 07:30 AM

Gillian: DW tells me she's shy too. I don't believe her either.

Katesdad: We are OK with 4:50. We will be the "Mutt & Jeff" looking couple with the 10 year old boy taller than his mother.
(Motherhen is 5' 2" and "Pooh-sized" I'm just big.) I'm not sure if I'll find a ribbon for the camera bag in time but I definitely won't be wearing my Ravens hat (Maybe an Orioles cap - Less rivalry there)

We're on deck 7 midship (C'mon elusive upgrade!!!)

Toad

08-28-2002, 10:08 AM

Hi Katesdad

Yes we are still here - so much to do to get ready for this trip that I haven't had much chance to get back to you all. I've spent most of the sumer making notes, lists, and so on to ensure I don't forget a thing. We are also on Deck 6, but I haven't a clue where specifically. We upgraded our land portion to the GF and I am going to try for an upgrade to our cabin. Still, don't plan on being in it much so if we don't get an upgrade, that is still ok.:D

Katesdad

08-29-2002, 04:31 PM

So I can find it

Gillian

08-29-2002, 04:37 PM

I am getting frantic! I don't know if I can pack for 3 people for 14 days in 3 different locations!

Currently I am agonizing over our meals & budget. I'm trying to lay out cash/traveller's checks for everything in WDW before the cruise. Do you know how expensive it is to eat at WDW??!! I should know, because I was just there in March, LOL!

Help, please!

Katesdad

08-29-2002, 07:16 PM

Sounds like you need a quick trip to AC for the cash, can't help you there!

Actually, I do know how expensive it is to eat at WDW. Try it with three teenagers.

cmraman

08-29-2002, 07:54 PM

Thank goodness food is included on the cruise. I could never afford to feed DS10 at WDW for 10 days. I simply don't make that kind of money... ;)

It's bad enough he eats as much as he does but his palate is way too sophisticated. He isn't happy if the escargot is served italian style (He prefers french style) and he knows the difference between "presentation" and "plate" I guess I may have to restrict his access to the Food Network.

Most kids find out their going to WDW and start thinking about the rides. Alec started his planning with the restaurants. ("What? Disney has rides too!?!"):)

Gillian

08-29-2002, 07:59 PM

Thank goodness 2 year olds eat free!

Lowe6

08-29-2002, 08:07 PM

Wow it looks like everyone went GABBY all at once :)

First off I'm an old returning adult student who has never finished because of lack of money. I was given an incredibly wonderful free ride opportunity. So I decided not to look the gift horse in the mouth.

My major is business with a minor in TRAVEL :). I'm 37 & I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up :)

I nailed my presentation last nite ( worth 25%) of my grade.
I received 205 points out of 200. YEAH ! I have enough points that I don't have to do the final exam to get an A. As for how many yrs well..... what's that saying about being a lifelong learner..well they wrote that for folks in life who bloom late :)

So I'm curious CMRaman I see your're on the 7th floor. So are we. We have 2 cabins.

If we are going to make an attempt to meet the times are great but I haven't seen a location or perhaps I'm missing something.

gillian I can understand your frustration we are packing for 7 people 2 A 5 Kids We are also trying to seperate it for 3 places but since were smart people we'll figure it out somhow :)

Gillian

08-29-2002, 08:18 PM

Yes, Lowe6, you are very smart! Congrats on the great score :)

I sure hope 37 isn't old! ;)

It looks like the current dining times are 5:45 & 8:00. I'm glad we didn't change. And it really doesn't matter, because who knows what kind of schedule we'll be on after a week at Disney. Today, DS woke up at 7, napped from 4 to 6 and is still up now (9:15). he usually naps from 11:30-1:30 & goes to bed at 8. I think he's getting ready for vacation ;) :p

anyone else chatty tonight?

Kathy Cores

08-29-2002, 09:36 PM

Chatty indeed!
I'm seriously starting to think about packing. You'd think we'd have everything we need to go away for 7 days, alas, no. Shopping.
Is it a hassle to do laundry? I always think I will when I'm on a trip but then I, of course, don't want to once there. I'd love to pack light if not.
The 4:50 meeting sounds good. Basketball court. Dave-tall, short white hair. Me-short, long dark hair. Two sassy blonde boys. Benjams (the little one) looks like girl with long curly locks. Sheesh, I never had to describe my family before. Scary.
I hate to meet and run to make dinner but at least we'll know who each other are...
What's this I've heard about bracelets for sea sickness? I just bought some Bonine just in case. I've heard stories of rough seas from friends on other cruises and that doesn't sound fun.
If we make Palo ressies when board, any suggestions as to which restaurant we should skip?
14 days!

cmraman

08-29-2002, 10:09 PM

Kathy Cores: Do Palo early and your regular rotation restaurant late (Or vice-versa) or do Palo on the day at sea and miss your repeat night. The bracelets are called Sea Bands. They are usually terry cloth with a plastic button on them. You measure 2 fingers width from your palm and that's where the button goes. Motherhen gets seasick if she's in the same time zone as the ocean and wore them on our only other cruise in 1991. She didn't notice them until she took them off to shower. Then she was immediately sick. She didn't take them off on that trip. They worked so well that she wore them to control morning sickness. Two sets were the first things we packed for this trip.

Katesdad

08-30-2002, 04:53 AM

Boy, that's what I get for going to bed at 9 so I can get up by 5. Sorry to miss out on the chat room last night.

Kathy, go to deck 10, starboard side, forward. If I remember correctly from two years ago, before you get to the basketball courts there are some lounge chairs and we'll be there on Sunday at 4:30. Just remember "GO BROWNS". I live in Cincinnati and my Browns will be playing the Bengals that Sunday (yes, I know the Browns are from the other side of the State). I'll miss the game but at least hope to catch the score in the ESPN box that afternoon after the shrimp and before the muster. Probably will wait until later Sunday after dinner to find out the final score.

DW and I will probably start packing on the 13th. We figure it won't be that hard to throw a swimsuit and an extra pair of shorts in a bag.

I'll work on the list of DISers for the cruise and see if I can get it posted before Monday. How much information does everyone want on everyone else? Kathy, looks like you and Toad may run into each other at the GF before coming over. Are you both using the Disney transport from WDW to the port?

Gillian

08-30-2002, 06:40 AM

Kathy, we are planning on a late dinner at Palos on the 3rd night, I think, LOL! It will be so nice to eat in peace! We will go to dinner with the kid, feed him, put him in FR, hope that he likes it & then go to Palo. I don't mind missing the show that night. I guess the only problem is eating too much :)

Gillian

08-30-2002, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by Katesdad
How much information does everyone want on everyone else? Maybe we can PM or email to everyone instead? Add us all to your buddy list & it's like having an address book where you can check off names. But it limits you to 5 people per message. Are we more than 5 disers? you might have to send it twice.

To send a PM, or to add a buddy you can click on the icon under a person's messages or go to USER CP and just type it in the to field of the PM.

There's no direct link to user cp from the cruise board, but the pull down menu at the bottom of the page lists it - User Control Panel.

vllygrrl

08-30-2002, 07:01 AM

My goodness! I take a short break from the boards, and the thread has exploded!

DH is now speaking of trying to get an upgrade at the port...we already have a Navigator's Verandah...is it worth it to change? Katesdad, I know you are going to attempt an upgrade too...best of luck! It looks like there are a ton of rooms still available.

Does anyone know where we might check out the weather forecast for the cruise, when it gets closer to the date? I know I can get the Florida information 15 days out at http://www.accuweather.com but I was wondering if any of the Disney sites out there had a good link.:confused:

Toad

08-30-2002, 07:46 AM

Yes, we'll be taking the Disney transport to the ship. You'll either find us first in line to get to the ship:p or last in line because we never want to leave GF and WDW!!:(

Katesdad

08-30-2002, 08:45 AM

VllyGrrl, try this for the government site:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

This is for a Miami weather site

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USLocalStd.asp?loc=kmia&seg=LocalWeather&prodgrp=CurrentWeather&product=TempChange&prodnav=none&pid=none

and this is what I use the most for the Port site

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Port+Canaveral%2C+Florida

Hope these help.

Lowe6

08-30-2002, 05:53 PM

I am so mad I took my 3 girls w me to do the hair thing today & my oldest told the hair girl she wanted it a little shorter. He hair was a little past her shoulder. She now has hair right below her earlobes. I am sooooo PISSED . I feel like all our family pictures are going to be ruined. She has never had hair this short in her life. Her hair is the type that is think & the longer it is the more curly it gets. Now she has hair at her earlobe & it sticks straight out & she looks like a boy. I think it's going to take a long time to get over this one. It takes alot to make me really mad but this time mad would be a polite word for what I am right now.

Katesdad

08-30-2002, 08:07 PM

Lowe6, can you do hair braids with it that short? If not, you may have just saved yourself a couple of bucks. Look at the bright side, it won't take that long to blow dry now. As my barber says, if you are unhappy about your cut, come back in three weeks and he'll do it again (and he usually does).

All my gals went to short hair a long time ago. Guess it's just the way we are getting today, we want it fast and convenient.

Smile and remember - you aced it without having to do the finals. That should get you over any hurdle.

Hey CmraMan, any special plans for the DW turning the big four-oh next month? The real question is, did you get there first so it's payback time or does she view this as a rehersal for the really big show? I'm sure MotherHen doesn't get mad. If she's anything like my DW, she just gets even!

Gillian

08-30-2002, 08:35 PM

I'm sorry about the hair! I got mine cut & it is all weird & wavy. gel & hairspray bother my contacts so I'm stuck with frizz until it grows.

No chat fest tonight! I have planning to do :)

motherhen17404

08-30-2002, 09:42 PM

Lowe6-
I am sorry to hear about your DD's hair. I just went from having hair past to the middle of my back to hair just below my ears. VERY BIG change for me. My hairdresser kept telling me that it was just hair and it would grow out. At first I hated it, but now I really like it. I had very wavy, curly hair, but I just had it straightened so no more frizz, curl or waves. Tell DD to live with it for a while and remember it will grow.

Katesdad-
No, DH did not beat me to 40. I have to put up with the old lady jokes from him for 3 months until he catches up with me. I am one of the lucky people, I have never felt or looked my age. I used to work in the school photo business and when ever I went to work in high schools, I was always asked to see my hall pass! Even well past my 30's. This cruise is what Cmraman is giving me for my 40th, and Christmas, and anniversary, and any other gift giving holiday for the next year or so.

Lowe6

08-30-2002, 10:10 PM

Thanks for the encouragement. You all are great. So did we decide where we are going to meet?

I'm trying to get excited this trip but 2 wks feels like forever right now :)

cmraman

08-30-2002, 10:12 PM

Katesdad-
Motherhen's 40th was more of a convenient excuse to give ourselves a cruise than any special significance. Neither of us give our age any real thought. (I had planned to use her and DS's birthdays to gain an advantage on the upgrade circuit though)

Katesdad

08-31-2002, 05:08 AM

MotherHen, wish I could say the same thing, but I had this grey hair before I reached 40 and it's just gotten worse since then. Now I have to worry about the next decade catching up with me.

Lowe6, I thought we would try to get together Sunday at 4:50 on Deck 10 starboard side forward. If I remember correctly, there are some stairs going up from deck 9 to deck 10 right outside the health club/spa area. There is a place that is one deck down where they might be piloting the ship out of the harbor (I don't know if they use the starboard or port side for this) but we should be able to watch if they are on our side. Also, we'll be close enough to the party to get the drinks but it shouldn't be too loud there. We'll also be able to hear the ship's horn blare away from there very nicely. Just look for the fat guy with a Cleveland Browns cap on.

Katesdad

09-01-2002, 05:55 AM

Lowe6, I just noticed on one of your earlier posts that you sailed in January. Is this the return trip they gave you for $99?

Katesdad

09-01-2002, 06:16 AM

As I have it now:

9/15/02 DISers:

VllyGrrl & DH 2nd seating
(Pam & Tom) Middletown, NJ
WDW-BWI 19th-22nd

CmraMan & MotherHen &DS11
(Bill, Dee & Alec) 2nd seating
York PA
Deck 7
WDW-BC 12th-15th
WDW-Poly 19th-21st

Lowe6 & DH & 2 12yr B, 2 10yr G, 1 6yr G
1st seating
Deck 7
WDW 19th – 27th

Katesdad & DW 2nd seating
(Keith & Sharon) Cincinnati, Ohio
Deck 6
WDW-WL 19th – 20th

Gillian & BeerGuru & DS2
(Lisa, Kevin & Griffin) 1st seating
New Jersey
Deck 6
WDW 7th – 15th

Toad & 3 Cousins 1st seating
Toronto, ON & California
Deck 6
WDW- GF 11th – 15th

Kathy & Dave & Spencer (3.5) & Benjamin (1.5)
1st seating
Dallas, Texas
WDW-GF 12th – 15th

vllygrrl

09-01-2002, 10:38 AM

Katesdad -

Just a big thank you for all the time and effort you've put into getting this group together, and keeping this thread going consistantly for the past several months! :D

Lowe6

09-01-2002, 04:05 PM

Hi all I hope I get to meet with you. It may be hard with all the kids signing up & Palos & spa sign ups but we are looking forward to it.

I wish this was a $99. cruise. Those were given out for 3 day cruises only.

Our Jan. cruise was just my husband & I. We went on the Grand Princess. It is a fabulous ship & perfect for rest & relaxation. There are no set dinner times so you basically show up to eat when your in the mood. It's like regular rest. seating. The pools are open 24 hours & they are filled with fresh water which is nice.
I really enjoyed that cruise much more than the 2 previous on Carnival.

Katesdad

09-02-2002, 06:13 AM

Didn't realize the $99 was for a three day only. Bummer. Four is short enough. I'd like to learn more about the Carnival line and compare it to DCL. I would like to try other lines, just not sure I haven't been spoiled by my one cruise two years ago on the Magic.

Hope to see you all on board at some time or other.

Kathy Cores

09-02-2002, 10:03 PM

Hi!
I second that motion Vllygrrl, thanks Katesdad, so nice to have friends already! We're getting excited to get going. WDW seems almost second hand now, if that's possible. We're definitely planning to meet at 4:50. I do believe we're in 8034 if for any reason we don't hook up, come on by.
Lowe6, do you have two sets of twins and then one or am I reading that wrong? Congratulations on on your academia! Sounds like you're doing great. Are you done now?
Cmraman- thanks for the pointers on ressies and the Sea Bands. Check. I got the three sets that my local Walgreens had, just in case. I guess DS1 will have to suffer (ha-ha). I imagine they sell them on the boat? We want to eat with our kids as much as possible AND use Flounders as much as possible. I guess we'll just eat a lot. Oh, the work....
Gillian, maybe we'll book a late dinner at Palos on the third night too and if Spence, Benjams and Griffin are buddies before you bring him to Flounders he'll be ok. Mine are always ok getting dropped off if they're together. No, I assure you (or me?) that 37 isn't old. I'm 36 (tomorrow) and WILL NOT believe that.
Toad, look for us on the bus from the GF. Was it you that wrote something about bringing a blender from Canada (I'm not looking at the the thread now)? We'll get along just fine!
By the way, are there seating times for breakfast and lunch too??
Really looking forward to it:D

Hey-Dave here (DH). See you on board. Nice we could meet beforehand. You can probably find me and the boys (and Mickey Mouse) at the ESPN club!

Katesdad

09-03-2002, 04:11 AM

Kathy, no seating times for breakfast or lunch except for the morning of departure. Then, you go back to the same dining room you were at the night before to have breakfast. Don't remember the times, but they will be posted in the Navigator.

Dave, see you in the Sky Box,

Katesdad

09-04-2002, 04:34 PM

Anyone get the upgrade call yet? Seems the three day cruises around us are busy moving people up a notch. I had the TA call DCL to find out what it would cost me to go to a Cat 3. She said all I needed was $2,336 more and I could have a Cat 3 room. FORGET IT! Let's wait and see what's available at the port. By the way, there are Cat 2, 3, 4, 5 and all other levels still available in case anyone is wondering.

Gillian, you are getting close, but then so is the tropical storm!

Lowe6

09-04-2002, 10:18 PM

Hi all I'm finally done w school & I'm actually getting a little excited now.

Scool went well I got an A 96% in 1 class & I'm preety sure I got an A in the other class.

I do not have 2 sets of twins only 1. My son 12 is taking his best friend w/ him 12 also. They are 1 week apart. :)

Happy Packing everyone :Pinkbounc

cmraman

09-04-2002, 10:27 PM

Am I the only one who feels like the last week has taken longer than the year and a half since I booked this cruise?:confused:

Katesdad

09-05-2002, 05:58 AM

Way to go Lowe6! Congratulations.

As HiddenHearth says, Time is not fair!

Gillian

09-05-2002, 07:15 AM

It's going way too fast for me! I only have 1 day left to finish everything! I still have a long list.

congrats lowe6!

Have a great week everyone! We'll be at the beach club villas & then the animal kingdom lodge this week. I hope to get to the port fairly early, but not as early as katesdad! We are having breakfast at Boma at 8 am and then leaving for the port.

:Pinkbounc

Toad

09-05-2002, 07:19 AM

Only two more days of work to go for me....I expect these to be among the two longest days.......

But a new question has arisen for me. I was up at 3am this morning with a sneezing fit. My ragweed allergy has been pretty much under control but now I wonder if there is a way I can check the pollen count in Orlando...anyone know? I looked at a few weather sites but could not find any info?

Katesdad

09-05-2002, 11:37 AM

Try this one. Look at the right towards the bottom of the page.

http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Orlando.html

Got the same problem. This summer has been relatively mild for me here in Ohio. Not as bad as prior years. May have something to do with the fact that we haven't had any significant rain since May.

Gillian, I will probably be getting to the port about the same time as you. See you there.

Lowe6

09-05-2002, 08:46 PM

GILLIAN Have a safe trip & HAPPY SAILING :)

I hope we hook up so we can meet. I will be the oversized huge 5 11 inch person w a short hubby who's going bald. :) chasing all those kids w my hand on my back keeping all those herniated disks pushed in :)

Hope fully we all can meet at 4:30 right ????? deck 10 starboard ???

Katesdad

09-06-2002, 04:18 AM

4:30 might be too soon after muster. I'll try to get to deck 10 forward, starboard side around the area above the quartermaster deck as soon as I can, but I think 4:50 would be the optimum time in order to be able to partake of the sail-away libations as well as be in position to see the ship leave port and hear that "Wonder"ful horn.

To all leaving this weekend, have a safe trip and a great time at WDW.

Gillian

09-06-2002, 06:31 AM

We're finally on our way, with a boadload of luggage! It looks like good travel weather today, and possibly a nice weekend. We're planning on buying ponchos first thing though!

Good bye! We'll see you on the 15th at the port or at 4:50 :)

vllygrrl

09-06-2002, 06:45 AM

Wow...have a good trip. We hope to see you on the ship!

Hey...am I the only person who's not leaving until the 15th? :(

Katesdad

09-06-2002, 06:52 AM

VllyGrrl - I think you might be the last out. We're out of here the 14th.

vllygrrl

09-06-2002, 07:31 AM

Yikes...nothing like cutting it close! Fortunately, our flight should land at MCO at 9:45am, and my last two flights to Orlando have landed 1/2 hour early. Not sure if anyone else needs motion sickness stuff, but I just ordered a ton of stuff from drugstore.com (sunblock, etc.) and now have a lifetime supply of Meclizine. It is the same active ingrediant as Bonine, but Bonine was 4.99 for 8, while this was 5.99 for 100! Soooo...if anyone needs some, let me know! I have to do a ton of laundry this week before we pack...

Gillian

09-06-2002, 09:36 AM

100 pills? Well, you only need 8 for 2 people for 4 days so you have enough extra all of us. What cabin are you, LOL!

I just packed the last of our carry on junk, and put clean sheets on the bed. Now we just have to shower & wait for the car to pick us up. I hope it has a big trunk!

Katesdad

09-06-2002, 11:59 AM

VllyGrrl - If the seas get rough, you can start a dispencery and pay for your next cruise. You know the old saying about supply and demand, them that has gets, them that don't pay!

Lowe6

09-06-2002, 08:42 PM

We'll be heading out for the nice long 23 hr drive all 7 in the van on Fri. afternoon. I'm gonna borrow some of that bonine so i can sleep all the way there. I hope it's some pretty strong stuff :) to get over the loud noise of 5 kids giggling all the way to fantasy land :)

Here's what r car will say

(sailboat) + ing 2 WDW

Honk if you (heart 4 love) God & WDW !!

& America Bless God...

let's hope the cops don't go ohhhhhh looook a bunch of stupid tourist they'll give us lots of their money so let's just stop emmmm

motherhen17404

09-06-2002, 09:52 PM

I don't know if my nerves could handle a 23 hour drive with 5 kids. Good luck Lowe6.
Why is it that the last week before a vacation seems the hardest. I am trying to clear things up at work before I go. Then yesterday my 33 year old brother has a heart attack. He will be fine, but now I will be worried about him the whole time I am away. Good thing there are so many bars on the ship, I am going to need them!!

Lowe6

09-07-2002, 11:24 PM

Sorry motherhen hope he gets well soon & we will say a prayer for him :)

Kathy Cores

09-08-2002, 04:50 PM

Motherhen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. What a shocker for a man so young. We'll be thinking of you and your family. How's he doing?

motherhen17404

09-08-2002, 05:31 PM

Thanks everyone for your concern.

My brother is doing well. The heart attack was a very mild one. This was just a big wake up call for him to stop smoking and start eating right. Heart problems run in my family. My mom died at age 56 from heart disease and problems related to smoking. So we knew that one of the kids in the family would have the same problem, I just thought it would be when we were a little older.

Katesdad

09-09-2002, 06:43 AM

It's into the final countdown, we have less than seven days to go and we are getting ready. Hope everyone has a safe and restfull week.

Lowe6

09-09-2002, 10:24 PM

I can't believe this my sons best friend called today to tell me he can't come because he kissed a girl yesturday & his parents are quite upset (he's 12). I let her know (mom) that kids will be kids & it's not like a catastrophic event. But I was frustrated in knowing that she was willing to punish my son for what occured plus they have a 3rd friend they are meeting at WDW. I'm very disappointed but what do you do ?

You all have safe travel & may the upgrade fairy pixie dust you all :)

Katesdad

09-10-2002, 03:56 AM

Lowe6 - not only is she punishing your son, but what about the reservation that goes unused? Ouch! That's really got to hurt. Hope you work things out with her this week.

Lowe6

09-10-2002, 08:46 AM

Did you ever find out the dining times?

Yes it's a waste of money. I was trying to see if I could get us upgraded to connecting cabins but DCL won't do it & the cost is quite high to this. So right now it's a wait & see thing. Whatever I guess ....

Katesdad

09-10-2002, 11:27 AM

From what I've read elsewhere, I am expecting dinner times to be 5:45 and 8:00 for our cruise. Right now this is what is being used on the Wonder while the Magic is at 5:30 and 7:45. Everything ends later this month unless DCL decides otherwise. I have to believe that the 5:45 and 8:00 times are the best compromise when it comes to second seating being too late at 8:30 and the first seating being too early at 5:30. The only other choice would be to go to open seating for dinner like they have on other cruise lines, and I would definately not be in favor of that.

Been toying with the idea of asking for an upgrade when checking in at port, but after reading the threads on the noise from deck 9, I may just go ahead and stay where I am on deck 6. I would hate to "upgrade" to a room and then find it not that comfortable.