Nobody EXPECTS the Spanish Reposition!!! Taking the Magic Back to the Med 4/10/10 [Archive] - Page 9 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 01:03 AM

Count us in as participants for the lanyards.

One carrier I am considering (for use of air miles) has a direct flight to JFK ... but the flight leaves at 9:00AM. Not too early for me ... depending on how far away the airport is ... and how I'd have to get there - assuming I could not use DCL transfers. I saw someone else tentatively with a 10:00AM flight?

- Stephanie: Palo's Dinner - I think we are in for Palo's Dinner - must have missed the date/time (prefer earlier, rather than later - but am flexible).

- MINI-NAVIGATOR: I think it's a great idea. Would love to participate. I would consider hosting / organize PUB night / Wii games in the Pub (Diversions). BOOK EXCHANGE sounds like a great idea - regardless of whether we have a Mini-Navigator. I lend lend a hand with the latter.

- Themed Meets / Photo-Ops - I am receptive to the Hawaiian Short, and Cruise Casual ... but I am not sure about the PJ breakfast ... as I don;t wear 'em! :scared1:

- ROOM TOUR: We have CAT 9B, deck 2, midship, large porthole - we would be willing to open up the room. We used to opt for CAT 6 or 5, then opted for CAT 9, after comparing the rooms (when we absolutely did NOT neet a verandah).

- STATEROOM TAG: Sounds like a winner to me!

-- EXCURSION LISTS? Would anyone have interest if I were to compile a list of who is participating on which excursions (other than Castaway Cay)? If so, LMK, as I would be willing to organize the information.

--Steven Long

I would love to have an excursion list. It was very useful to see who else was going to go on the same excursions as we were!

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 01:06 AM

Updated FE list!

Michelle2 -- 1A/1C
MegaMouseHouse -- 2A
IngridRalph -- 2A/2C
Craftymouse -- ?
crystald -- ?
ariella46 -- 1A
belle1627 -- 2A/2C
Disney Family Five -- 2A/ 3C
Justthe8ofus -- 2A/ 6C (probably in 2 staterooms)
Mdvasquez -- 4A/1C
emma'smom -- 2A/2C
StaciJo -- 2A/1C
In-laws of Staci Jo -- 2A
Emmah -- ?
Happy Goofy -- 2A
Brooklyn -- 3A/2C (in 2 staterooms)
Ginamarie -- 2A/2C
Ginamarie -- 2A
Ginamarie -- 2A/2C
grlzmom -- 1A/3C
PrincessMonkey -- 2A
linac -- 2A/2C
dee47 -- 1A
sdlong329 -- 2A
realfam -- 2A/2C
goofprincess -- 2A
Dishy24 -- 3A/1C
KrisannB -- 2A/2C
cupcake -- 3A (in 2 staterooms)
bound2travel --1A
FirstTime Cruiser -- 2A/2C
parents of FirstTimeCruiser -- 2A

Please pm me if you would like to be added!

sdlong329

12-28-2009, 01:46 AM

dee47

12-28-2009, 01:59 AM

Michelle, I am 1A.

Lynn, looking at the web site, can I be added to the Palo Dinner list? Also, if you are 2nd sitting, would you and Karen like to join the fun table? If so PM me.

PrincessMonkey and Dr. Dave (Mr. PrincessMonkey) should be added to the Palo Brunch list.

The following people are confirmed for Palo Brunch:

John - Happy Goofy
Charlotte - Happy Goofy
Kathe - katypop
Linda - stlouiskeeler
Kristi - bound2travel
Dee - dee47
Lynne - auntlynne
Krisann - KrisannB
Ashley - KrisannB
PrincessMonkey & Dr. Dave

We can take 3 more unless I missed someone who should already be on this list. Speak now (well, this week) or forever hold your peace.

Just FYI, last time DCL didn't cancel my individual resie so I actually had 2 Palo brunches :) I'm hoping for the same luck this time. Hey, the boat isn't full yet!

Lynn, I worship the ground you walk on and the Mac you play with. You are an amazing organizer! :worship::worship::worship::worship:

dee47

12-28-2009, 02:03 AM

I would love to do that Palo brunch if its not filled up by now. My problem is that I don't know if I will be 1 or 2 adults yet.....hopefully soon!
And Sasha is still there, we had him a few weeks ago in November, and loved him!!
Yay for Sasha!!!!! Here's hoping he'll be there in April! I adore him!!!!!\

"I don't know if I will be 1 or 2 adults yet" OK now you're scaring me...are you planning on developing multiple personalities? :lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

Obviously, time for me to get some sleep...popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

PrincessMonkey

12-28-2009, 02:17 AM

Laughing at the chit-chat some of you had over the holidays... I would have logged in much more had I known all of this planning was taking place!

I wrote to Dee47 to add Dr. Dave & I to the Palo brunch if there are seats.

"This is if no one is doing it already..."
Theme of the cruise? LOL, it rings true. I read all of the EB TA pages before I was booking, and all of us are being so considerate about the OPs.

We should be less fearful to step on MIA toes because we are nearly down to 100 days until we cruise. (We approached this number for our Disney wedding according to our plastic countdown clock!) A reliable source, my friend.

We are in Madeira on Sunday, April 18 10:30 am - 7:15 pm
The Flower Festival 17th and 18th April 2010 – Children’s Parade and Main Parade is one of the most colorful traditional events organised in Madeira... The following day (Sunday) is the great main parade. Many different groups line up and dance on the streets of Funchal, dressed in their beautifully colourful Madeira embroidery costumes, ‘floats’ are decorated and filled with a wide variety of flowers from Madeira.This is EXCITING! We're fans of PBS travel shows like Rick Steves, Globetrekker, et. all, and there's nothing better about visiting a country and experiencing a local festival, along with its customs and traditions... We EB TA'ers lucked out with our cruise timing in Madeira! :yay:

ROOM TOUR
If you have any of the larger rooms - family, suites, etc / rooms with verandahs / rooms with Navigator verandahs / rooms with secret portholes or verandahs Would you consider holding an open house so we could get an idea of what's available on the ship?

LOVE this idea. If we are upgraded from our GTY into one of these rooms, my future husband and I would be willing to hold a (scheduled) open house... :littleangel: Why not? We have all of those At Sea days! Cruise newbie question: When do we learn about our stateroom numbers for GTYs?

Brooklyn, love how you surprised your girls with grandma walking in at lunch.

We do not want ANY family members to follow us onto the cruise after the wedding. :rotfl2: Their Disney time should end after our wedding in WDW, or at the very least another cruise ship. We wouldn't mind seeing them like Brooklyn's family did on future DCL cruises... but just not this one.

I cancelled the extra treats that they bring by--we never ate them and I was giving them to the teenagers hanging around at night.

I will take extra treats off your hands ANY TIME.
I'm not trying to be mysterious... Dh and I are just careful about giving out our information especially... while out of the country for that long.
Sorry to quote you so much, mommyto3princesses. I respect your privacy. :teacher: As I told auntlynne and dee47, this statement is ditto for us. We really can't tell who's reading this online, so it's better to be careful until we're back from our honeymoon. Thanks for understanding!! :hug:

- PrincessMonkey

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 03:08 AM

Is no one sleeping tonight? You know, waiting up for the big guy was 3 nights ago.

I've been doing some research on Madeira - it actually started as looking for internet cafes at some of our ports - hoping to find a place with a good rate.

I only got as far as Madeira - first landfall after days at sea. Didn't find any good info on the cafe, but did on the island itself. So, built a page on the website (two, actually).

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 03:15 AM

Mini-Navigator

...I do have one that was from the 2008 EBPC cruise that I think was alot shorter and better font that I can probably scan in for anyone to use as an idea. ...Just ideas for the person doing it, of course!

Ah, so no volunteering to run the ship on this one. ... That's okay; I think there are several of us willing to work on this, right, Stephanie and Steven?

- Themed Meets / Photo-Ops - ... but I am not sure about the PJ breakfast ... as I don;t wear 'em! :scared1:
--Steven Long

Steven is SO NOT participating in this !

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 03:30 AM

This is EXCITING! We're fans of PBS travel shows like Rick Steves, Globetrekker, et. all, and there's nothing better about visiting a country and experiencing a local festival, along with its customs and traditions... We EB TA'ers lucked out with our cruise timing in Madeira! :yay:-

According to the Port of Madeira, the only cruise ship scheduled for that day is the line "Blandy" - when I looked them up, they are a service to cruise ships; I think that is probably for us - so less tourists to get in our way of seeing the locals.

...LOVE this idea. If we are upgraded from our GTY into one of these rooms, my future husband and I would be willing to hold a (scheduled) open house... :littleangel: Why not? We have all of those At Sea days! Cruise newbie question: When do we learn about our stateroom numbers for GTYs?- PrincessMonkey

You don't want drop-in company on your honeymoon?

...It may be 30 days before the cruise before you know. Or you may find out sooner.

Lynne

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 03:33 AM

I like the addition of AND BEYOND (to Bound for Barcelona)!

Some of us are going beyond... after Barcelona. What have we gotten ourselves into? 25 days of vacation. :confused:

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 03:52 AM

Lynn, looking at the web site, can I be added to the Palo Dinner list?

PrincessMonkey and Dr. Dave (Mr. PrincessMonkey) should be added to the Palo Brunch list.

The following people are confirmed for Palo Brunch:

John - Happy Goofy
Charlotte - Happy Goofy
Kathe - katypop
Linda - stlouiskeeler
Kristi - bound2travel
Dee - dee47
Lynne - auntlynne
Krisann - KrisannB
Ashley - KrisannB
PrincessMonkey
Dr. Dave

We can take 3 more unless I missed someone who should already be on this list. Speak now (well, this week) or forever hold your peace.

Brunch Bunch - adding Michelle (Michelle2) & the possibility of a partner for her brings it up to 12 (possibly 13).

John - Happy Goofy
Charlotte - Happy Goofy
Kathe - katypop
Linda - stlouiskeeler
Kristi - bound2travel
Dee - dee47
Lynne - auntlynne
Krisann - KrisannB
Ashley - KrisannB
PrincessMonkey - PrincessMonkey
Dr. Dave - PrincessMonkey
Michelle - Michelle2
Michelle's partner - Michelle2

...I put you on the Dinner List on the website.

Stephanie: note those who have expressed interest in Palo Pals Dinner:

1. Stephanie (Brooklyn)
2. Craig (Brooklyn)
3. Linda (Brooklyn)
4. Linda (stlkeeler)
5. Lynne (auntlynne)
6. Steven (sdlong329)
7. Donna (sdlong329)
8. Dee (Dee47)

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 04:00 AM

Newbie info: At check-in, previous cruisers (members of the Castaway Club) are given a lanyard [with plastic holder for your KTTW card (room key, also known as "Key to The World")].

DISboarders traditionally have their own group lanyards - official color of the board is lime green, but lanyard colors are often customized to match the design logo selected for the cruise. On my Halloween cruise, we had orange lanyards with black lettering... "Halloween on the High Seas Disney Magic October 25 - November 1, 2008." Once we pick a theme and logo, we can move right on with this.

You will not be out of place with a lanyard; people do wear them. When you go to the pool, the gym, dinner, anywhere you might not have a pocket, you've got your room key.

...And, most importantly, other members of the group can recognize you - makes introductions easier.

Happy Goofy

12-28-2009, 08:52 AM

Twenty five days is a long,long time.Hopefully all the friends that we made on this site and all the wonderful activities that will be happening will make this really a trip to remember. We are on deck 2 cat.9 with a large porthole and wouldn't mind giving a tour of our abode for 25 days.

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 08:52 AM

That Aer Lingus flt has a better depart time for my liking. Were you able to find a Delta flight back to SEA late enough that evening or are you returning on Sun?

Would be happy to cross the bridge and have coffee. After the new year when school's back in session, I'll PM you. :)

Not sure if it matters but with Aer Lingus you pay $50 for 2nd bag and above. :scared1: It may not matter because you may not pack as heavy as us. I am known though for lots of suitcases and lots of dresses and outfits for my girls! There dresses alone take up half our stuff! We had 14 suitcases on the last TA. That was before the airlines starting charging for bags and included our carry - ons. That was for five of us. This time we will use at least the 8 allotted to the 4 of us and may have a carry on or two. DH's uniform also takes up alomst a whole suitcase. Everytime I debate not bringing it but it is worth it!

- Stephanie: Palo's Dinner - I think we are in for Palo's Dinner - must have missed the date/time (prefer earlier, rather than later - but am flexible).

- Themed Meets / Photo-Ops - I am receptive to the Hawaiian Short, and Cruise Casual ... but I am not sure about the PJ breakfast ... as I don;t wear 'em! :scared1:

--Steven Long

Yes we were going to request the earliest time possible.

:scared1: Not sure DCL will allow that in the dining rooms! LOL

Yay for Sasha!!!!! Here's hoping he'll be there in April! I adore him!!!!!\

momtomari just got off the Magic on Saturday. She informed me that my 2 favorite servers will both be leaving on vacation that day. :sad1: I am thinking that since the ship will be empty they are letting more of the servers take vacation at that time. On the last TA we had main seating. There was no late seating after ours bc the ship was so empty. It is probably not worth having all those servers on board if they will not have people who will be tipping. That was half their normal money not coming in for 2 weeks. Both the servers I am sad about were on ours on the TA and they probably don't want to get stuck with that again.

...I put you on the Dinner List on the website.

Stephanie: note those who have expressed interest in Palo Pals Dinner:

1. Stephanie (Brooklyn)
2. Craig (Brooklyn)
3. Linda (Brooklyn)
4. Linda (stlkeeler)
5. Lynne (auntlynne)
6. Steven (sdlong329)
7. Donna (sdlong329)
8. Dee (Dee47)

THANKS LYNNE!

official color of the board is lime green

Can I put my vote in right now to not have lime green :flower3:

rbcheek

12-28-2009, 09:23 AM

...I can't remember who it is that plays farkle. But do you think you might teach some of us that game, too? I've never even heard of that game. You mentioned you will be bringing enough dice for that game, right? Or do people think there will be enough stuff to do on the ship without planning so many games?

That was me, and yes, I would be happy to teach Farkle. It is easier to learn by doing than by me trying to explain. My dice set will allow 6 people to play or have up to 6 teams of six.
By the way, is there a copier on board, or do we need to bring alot of scorecards from home?

KrisannB

12-28-2009, 10:00 AM

Playing games:

My family loves to play games on the ship and we will be bringing all our disney games with us (some people bring alcohol - I bring games :) )

Anyway - we kinda set up camp in Diversions at different times and just play - we would be glad for others to join us at anytime we are playing. So on the Mini Navigator you can put my name and room number and that we will be playing games in diversions throughout the cruise - I will put a message on our door about when we are there or our next time we plan on being there. We will have the following Disney games:

Disney Monopoly
Disney Pixar Monopoly
Disney Uno
Disney Apples to Apples
Disney Wheel of Fortune
Disney Pictionary
Disney Trivia 2
Pirates of Carribean Dice Game

And possibly more

Yes I know they have games on board we can play but no Disney versions!

I will have a final list when we start packing as some may be left behind if suitcase room becomes an issue but will have most of them in some form!

Krisann

dee47

12-28-2009, 11:09 AM

I did volunteer to do the mini-nav, btw...

Krisann, I would definitely go for Monopoly and Apples to Apples!

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 11:12 AM

I did volunteer to do the mini-nav, btw...

Krisann, I would definitely go for Monopoly and Apples to Apples!

Glad I am not losing my mind, I thought I read that somewhere. :thumbsup2 Thanks for offering to do this!!!

mommyto3princesses

12-28-2009, 11:29 AM

Just saw this online ... Virgin America ... JFK to Seattle, one way, as little as $109. I don't think the flight leaves late enough ... but, if you are spending a night in the JFK area ... they have similar prices on 4/25 as well!

www.virginamerica.com

Thanks Stephen! Will check it out. Like Dee, we'll stay the night near JFK and fly home on Sun.

- ROOM TOUR: We have CAT 9B, deck 2, midship, large porthole - we would be willing to open up the room. We used to opt for CAT 6 or 5, then opted for CAT 9, after comparing the rooms (when we absolutely did NOT neet a verandah).

--Steven Long

Thanks for offering this because I'm very interested in seeing a CAT 9. I know that a lot of families of 5+ book 2 CAT 9's. I'd especially like to see adjoining if anyone has that or any of the "special" staterooms--cheaper but good placement. When the girls are a bit older and if we do a shorter cruise that may be a good option for us.

I've been doing some research on Madeira - it actually started as looking for internet cafes at some of our ports - hoping to find a place with a good rate.

Dh preferred to use the free WiFi whenever we were near a port on our verandah since the ship's connection was so slow. Not sure if you are bringing a laptop... :surfweb:

Thanks for all the work on the website!

Not sure if it matters but with Aer Lingus you pay $50 for 2nd bag and above. :scared1: It may not matter because you may not pack as heavy as us. I am known though for lots of suitcases and lots of dresses and outfits for my girls! There dresses alone take up half our stuff! We had 14 suitcases on the last TA. That was before the airlines starting charging for bags and included our carry - ons. That was for five of us. This time we will use at least the 8 allotted to the 4 of us and may have a carry on or two. DH's uniform also takes up alomst a whole suitcase. Everytime I debate not bringing it but it is worth it!

Ack! $50 for a second bag. :scared1: The other day I told dh that I did not intend to pack as much for this sailing. He said he'd believe it when he sees it. ;) I am a heavy and organized packer. :) I had matching outfits in large Ziplock bags for every day. princess:princess:princess: I told myself that I do not need to pack like this this time since the weather will be unpredictable. I am going to plan to do :laundy: this trip. Well, that's my plan today... ;)

Oh and I forgot to tell you that we also like to celebrate birthdays while sailing. We celebrated my birthday, my mom's birthday, Mother's Day and my 2 youngest birthdays on our PC. B-day celebrations on board are the best!

Can I put my vote in right now to not have lime green :flower3:
Ditto! :flower3:

Me too! Even though it was a little rough, we loved the sea days and the whole cruise. One of my favorite cruises ever.

Happy to read this. I am praying for a smooth sailing and for sunshine. The PC was so fabulous in all regards. We had such a great time and I'm sure this will be equally fun, but I'm much happier when my vacations are filled with sunshine. I moved to Seattle from Southern California, so I am always chasing the sun. ;)

I know a few mentioned "beach days" instead of excursions. The only excursion that I was considering was Splashtacular in Madeira. Dh thinks it's overpriced but the whole dang trip is, so why get particular now. ;) But with Lynne's research, I think it would be neat to see the parade. Has anyone heard of a beach hotel in Madeira that offers day rates?

I know we're going to Europe and we should be seeing the architecture and culture, but we have little ones and they love to splash and play. Dh and I are happy when they are happy and even happier to be in a foreign location taking in the sights and beauty of a different land. We'll definitely see the sights in Barcelona but may do beach days at the other ports.

I'd also love more info on the Barbary Apes. I think they might freak out (at least 2 of) my girls. Although I don't think there's any way around them if I want to see the Rock. :confused3 Would love any feedback from those who have been there. TIA

Taking 2 princesses to ballet camp, will return and start my air search..again! :surfweb:

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 11:34 AM

I'd also love more info on the Barbary Apes. I think they might freak out (at least 2 of) my girls. Although I don't think there's any way around them if I want to see the Rock. :confused3 Would love any feedback from those who have been there. TIA

Taking 2 princesses to ballet camp, will return and start my air search..again! :surfweb:

DD 2 loved the Apes, DD 6 did not! She stayed in the van the whole time. If we even mentioned her getting out she freaked. She went in al lthe caves and stuff where the Apes were outside but wanted NOTHING to do with them!

She told me and my DH the other day that we are free to get off the ship in Gibraltar but she will be staying onboard! LOL She said she will be laying on the bed, hands crossed behind her head and watching movies! LOL She will almost be 9 but sometimes thinks she is 19!!!!

mommyto3princesses

12-28-2009, 11:35 AM

DH's uniform also takes up alomst a whole suitcase. Everytime I debate not bringing it but it is worth it!

I forgot to comment...my first read through I was thinking a pirate costume and then I remembered that he was in the military, right? That's neat to bring it along.

Dh brought a tux for formal night last time but I took it off the packing list this time because there is no need to haul a tux home from Europe. There weren't too many men wearing tux's on our PC. Although I do love our family formal pic.

IngridRalph

12-28-2009, 11:38 AM

sdlong329

12-28-2009, 11:40 AM

I've been doing some research on Madeira ...

I had been researching PORTO SANTO ... really wanted to go ... but it's a 2+ hour ferry commute (each way) (@ $75 USD each way). Since DCL does not offer this excursion, I was concerned about returning to the ship on time.

There are various 15 minutes puddle jumper flights available ... can range from $150 pp. Then again, a chopper can be chartered (holds 5), at $1500 Euro's ... which is about $2,000 (ouch). I will suggest FB to DCL to offer excursion to Porto Santo ... or overnight.

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 11:56 AM

I forgot to comment...my first read through I was thinking a pirate costume and then I remembered that he was in the military, right? That's neat to bring it along.

Dh brought a tux for formal night last time but I took it off the packing list this time because there is no need to haul a tux home from Europe. There weren't too many men wearing tux's on our PC. Although I do love our family formal pic.

Yes he is in the military. There is a small chance that he will be promoted before we leave. He is selected for Lieutenant Colonel but unsure when he will actually get to pin it on. There is a small chance for April but looks more like May. It would be wonderful if he got promoted before he leave and the first time he wear his Dress Blues as a LtCol be on board the Magic but only time will tell. Last TA he brought both his Dress Blues and Mess Dress. That is not happening this time around! I need more room for the girls dresses, LOL JK

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 11:56 AM

Mini-Navigator

Ah, so no volunteering to run the ship on this one. ... That's okay; I think there are several of us willing to work on this, right, Stephanie and Steven?

I don't want to hog up all the fun! LOL
I did see that dee had already volunteered, thanks!

Brunch Bunch - adding Michelle (Michelle2) & the possibility of a partner for her brings it up to 12 (possibly 13).

John - Happy Goofy
Charlotte - Happy Goofy
Kathe - katypop
Linda - stlouiskeeler
Kristi - bound2travel
Dee - dee47
Lynne - auntlynne
Krisann - KrisannB
Ashley - KrisannB
PrincessMonkey - PrincessMonkey
Dr. Dave - PrincessMonkey
Michelle - Michelle2
Michelle's partner - Michelle2

...I put you on the Dinner List on the website.

Stephanie: note those who have expressed interest in Palo Pals Dinner:

1. Stephanie (Brooklyn)
2. Craig (Brooklyn)
3. Linda (Brooklyn)
4. Linda (stlkeeler)
5. Lynne (auntlynne)
6. Steven (sdlong329)
7. Donna (sdlong329)
8. Dee (Dee47)

Thanks!

Playing games:

My family loves to play games on the ship and we will be bringing all our disney games with us (some people bring alcohol - I bring games :) )

Anyway - we kinda set up camp in Diversions at different times and just play - we would be glad for others to join us at anytime we are playing. So on the Mini Navigator you can put my name and room number and that we will be playing games in diversions throughout the cruise - I will put a message on our door about when we are there or our next time we plan on being there. We will have the following Disney games:

Disney Monopoly
Disney Pixar Monopoly
Disney Uno
Disney Apples to Apples
Disney Wheel of Fortune
Disney Pictionary
Disney Trivia 2
Pirates of Carribean Dice Game

And possibly more

Yes I know they have games on board we can play but no Disney versions!

I will have a final list when we start packing as some may be left behind if suitcase room becomes an issue but will have most of them in some form!

Krisann

Yay games! I will so be there!

mommyto3princesses

12-28-2009, 12:45 PM

We are flying aer lingus from Barcelona to Boston. The flight gets in at 4:05 and there is a 6:15 flight from Boston to Seattle on Alaska Air. We haven't decided if we are going to catch that second flight or spend the night in Boston and fly out to seattle in the morning.

~Ingrid

Thanks Ingrid!! Will also look into this route. Clearing customs might be tight--especially with the new restrictions...

sdlong329

12-28-2009, 01:15 PM

Yes he is in the military. There is a small chance that he will be promoted before we leave.

Long family history in the military. My son, brother, father, two uncles, and an aunt are USMC. My son sailed with us on the 2008 EB Panama Canal, about one year after graduating boot camp. Before we boarded the Magic, I told my son to expect EYES to be on him, when in uniform. He was surprised at the compliments he received - for serving in the military, and was dumbfounded when strangers would walk up and pay for a drink or two. I told him it was a compliment, and one simple and easy way for civilians to thank those whose bravely serve our country. Accordingly, I would be happy to reciprocate!
:thumbsup2

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 01:56 PM

... We are on deck 2 cat.9 with a large porthole and wouldn't mind giving a tour of our abode for 25 days.

You're on the list, now, on the website.

... On the last TA we had main seating. There was no late seating after ours bc the ship was so empty ...

... Can I put my vote in right now to not have lime green flower3:

Did that mean one show per night, also?

I like color coordination, so as long as the logo doesn't lead itself to a lime green lanyard....:thumbsup2 I predict some sort of red or blue, the way our logos have been going.

Playing games: ... we will be playing games in diversions throughout the cruise - I will put a message on our door about when we are there or our next time we plan on being there.

My niece, Karen, would so much rather play board games than go to Aloft / the Stack, whatever it's called on this ship. At nearly 17, she is better with younger kids than those her own age. She's not into the games (psychological) teenagers play - she has a much simpler, happier, way of approaching life.

I did volunteer to do the mini-nav, btw...

Always, Always, remind me of stuff I miss when reading and then fail to act on it. Definitely not an intentional slight on my part. :hippie: I am fairly fast in approaching 50, isn't that a good excuse?

...Dh preferred to use the free WiFi whenever we were near a port on our verandah since the ship's connection was so slow. Not sure if you are bringing a laptop... :surfweb:

...Oh and I forgot to tell you that we also like to celebrate birthdays while sailing. We celebrated my birthday, my mom's birthday, Mother's Day and my 2 youngest birthdays on our PC. B-day celebrations on board are the best!

...I know we're going to Europe and we should be seeing the architecture and culture, but we have little ones and they love to splash and play.

I took my PC laptop on vacation this month and wanted to chunk it, it was so slow - or rather it would freeze. I'd have to disconnect the power and pop the battery then start again. So spoiled with a desk-top Mac; it's not portable, but I will take my iPod touch for Wi-Fi, especially if it's free. Thanks for the buzz in the ear - now I've got something to look for :surfweb:

...Do you have any celebrations this cruise?

Does anybody have any birthdays or anniversaries during the cruise? I've got a couple listed on the EB Special Days page on the website.

...I believe the English go to the Mediterranean just for the sun and the beach. Just pretend you live in a damp, dreary, part of the world and are looking for a little sunshine....Oh, wait, you do...so go for it. Old architecture will look pretty much the same when the girls get bigger :rotfl:

And, if they are like me, they won't actually remember most of the trip without pictures and stories to remind them; but they will remember if they had a fun time.

Last year we visited England - my nieces were 18, 16, and 13 - and we went to Legoland. We had been to the California one 6 years and 2 years previously and they still enjoyed it. Saw some historical stuff while we there, also.

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 02:30 PM

Long family history in the military. My son, brother, father, two uncles, and an aunt are USMC. My son sailed with us on the 2008 EB Panama Canal, about one year after graduating boot camp. Before we boarded the Magic, I told my son to expect EYES to be on him, when in uniform. He was surprised at the compliments he received - for serving in the military, and was dumbfounded when strangers would walk up and pay for a drink or two. I told him it was a compliment, and one simple and easy way for civilians to thank those whose bravely serve our country. Accordingly, I would be happy to reciprocate!
:thumbsup2

:thumbsup2 Funny thing is when DH wore his mess dress uniform on the TA last time they thought he worked on the ship! LOL People kept asking him for directions and questions. Funny thing is it was only like night 3 of the cruise and it was our first cruise so he did not have a clue! LOL

Did that mean one show per night, also?

No they still had to have 2 seperate shows each night based on your dining time but instead of 6 actual seatings there were only 5. 3 for main and 2 for late. As much as I did not like main (due to our day ending way too early) it was nice not having anyone follow us in the dining room. It made for a much more relaxing atmosphere. There was never a rush for us to leave after dinner.

rbcheek

12-28-2009, 02:32 PM

...Do you have any celebrations this cruise?

Although our wedding anniversary is not until June, this cruise will be our 25th wedding anniversary gift to each other, and Barbara will be celebrating her Birthday on April 21st.

sdlong329

12-28-2009, 02:41 PM

Funny thing is when DH wore his mess dress uniform on the TA last time they thought he worked on the ship! LOL People kept asking him for directions and questions.

--I've seen a few dress or ceremonial military uniforms that I do not recornize, expecially if they are officers (which sometimes use a bow tie). USMC Dress Blues are very distinctive, so no similar issues. Did anyone call your DH "Captain"?

On our past DCL cruise (Tortola / December 09), I was wearing my tuxedo, taking pictures of the line outside of Lumiere's on Chocolate night. A few guests asked me what I was doing - then asked if I was a cast member. I wound up talking to one guest for 2.5 hours, as it was his first Disney Cruise, and he had a bad experience on St. Thomas. I basically held his hand through the process to make sure his information got to proper channels, and also, to make sure he explains this was his first cruise (since so many people have different expectations. Heck, I'm used to questions.

No they still had to have 2 seperate shows each night based on your dining time but instead of 6 actual seatings there were only 5. 3 for main and 2 for late.

--DCL recently went back to ONE early seating (5:45), and ONE late seating (8:15). Apparently, some guests had been complaining they were not getting to the shows on time, or not able to get good seats. I liked the idea of six seatings ... cuts down on the amount of traffic flowing through elevators and hallways. No matter - all was well. Cruise Director made a point of reminding guests (numerous times) there was NO REASON to arrive early, or wait in line at the restaurants ... just show up at the scheduled time.

Heck, if I wanted LINES, I'd go to WDW! :rotfl2:

linac

12-28-2009, 02:41 PM

We are in Madeira on Sunday, April 18 10:30 am - 7:15 pm

The Flower Festival 17th and 18th April 2010 – Children’s Parade and Main Parade is one of the most colorful traditional events organised in Madeira and takes place every spring. Many activities and celebrations take place around Funchal starting with the making of a pavement flower carpet, concerts and folklore groups dancing the open air. There are also many superb flower displays and the exciting children’s parade where a procession of children, each holding a flower file into the Municipal Square ‘Praça do Município’ where the flower is placed on a vertical surface called the ‘Wall of Hope’. The following day (Sunday) is the great main parade. Many different groups line up and dance on the streets of Funchal, dressed in their beautifully colourful Madeira embroidery costumes, ‘floats’ are decorated and filled with a wide variety of flowers from Madeira.

Hi Lynne:

Thanks for posting this information. We are thinking about spending the day in Funchal and Monte and this looks like a great!

-Martin

woody73

12-28-2009, 02:41 PM

I can do the mini-navigator but I may BEG for help distributing it if we have more than, say, 20 staterooms...I just don't won't to walk all over the ship alone for hours
On our last cruises, the Mini-Navigator was distributed at the onboard DISmeet on enbarkation day. That way any last minute cabin changes could be added by pen.

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 02:50 PM

I'd be interested in a room tour, also.
On prior cruises, we selected a date for the room tour (a sea day) well in advance.

That way people wouldn't book Palo brunch, tea or the spa at the same time as the tour.

Woody

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 02:51 PM

--I've seen a few dress or ceremonial military uniforms that I do not recornize, expecially if they are officers (which sometimes use a bow tie). USMC Dress Blues are very distinctive, so no similar issues. Did anyone call your DH "Captain"?

On our past DCL cruise (Tortola / December 09), I was wearing my tuxedo, taking pictures of the line outside of Lumiere's on Chocolate night. A few guests asked me what I was doing - then asked if I was a cast member. I wound up talking to one guest for 2.5 hours, as it was his first Disney Cruise, and he had a bad experience on St. Thomas. I basically held his hand through the process to make sure his information got to proper channels, and also, to make sure he explains this was his first cruise (since so many people have different expectations. Heck, I'm used to questions.

--DCL recently went back to ONE early seating (5:45), and ONE late seating (8:15). Apparently, some guests had been complaining they were not getting to the shows on time, or not able to get good seats. I liked the idea of six seatings ... cuts down on the amount of traffic flowing through elevators and hallways. No matter - all was well. Cruise Director made a point of reminding guests (numerous times) there was NO REASON to arrive early, or wait in line at the restaurants ... just show up at the scheduled time.

Heck, if I wanted LINES, I'd go to WDW! :rotfl2:

I like the idea of 6 times too. It did help with the flow of everything. I can see where people would get upset about the seating at the shows though. Some people get nuts about this!!!

On our last cruises, the Mini-Navigator was distributed at the onboard DISmeet on enbarkation day. That way any last minute cabin changes could be added by pen.

Woody

Yes, it would be nice to do all the changes at that point. Then we don't have to worry about forgeting it when we come to the meet.

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

Looks like our dining companions are canceling the cruise. Lynne, can you add us to the personals section.

We are
Me
DH
Grandma
DD - 8
DD -4

woody73

12-28-2009, 02:56 PM

I wanted to mention that I'm not trying to be mysterious and anonymous. Dh and I are just careful about giving out our information especially when discussing leaving our home unattended (but with an alarm) while out of the country for that long.
Good to be cautious, especially on public boards.

I've even met people onboard who have received creepy messages on their stateroom phone. Nobody needs that.

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 03:03 PM

...We had our Meet and Greet at 3:00 in the Promenade Lounge - just long enough to get the ball rolling before the Muster Drill. Indoors and not too loud or hot.
On our last few Disney cruises, the DISmeet was at 3:00 in the Promenade Lounge.

Woody

linac

12-28-2009, 03:04 PM

A question for the DCL Castaway Club members. I was wondering what kind of member special events/activities have been offered on Disney cruises and what can be expected on this cruise? TIA.

-Martin

woody73

12-28-2009, 03:16 PM

On my Halloween cruise, we had orange lanyards with black lettering... "Halloween on the High Seas Disney Magic October 25 - November 1, 2008."
I have one too.

Woody

sdlong329

12-28-2009, 03:19 PM

A question for the DCL Castaway Club members. I was wondering what kind of member special events/activities have been offered on Disney cruises and what can be expected on this cruise.

I am GOLD Castaway Club - just got off the Magic in December '09. The gift on the bed (upon arrival) was an upgrade compared to previous program. Gold members also received a $25 credit on any purchase of $100 or more at Mickeys Mates or Treasure Ketch (you could combine receipts, if you made smaller purchases). There was a GOLD/PLATINUM mixer / presentation in Studio Sea (recipents received a plastic champagne flut when leaving) a little bit more upscale than I remembered. I believe most people at the event were made to feel important. LOTS OF WHITES (officers in dress uniform) were present. This event is supposed to be undergoing changes on a regular basis, to keep things fresh.

I believe Platinum would have had more options available to them - including activities. I don't remember any special activities for Gold, other than the aforementioned greeting at Studio Sea.

I do not believe there were any events, benefits or activities for Silver. Not sure if they received a return gift on their bed upon arrival. Can anyone else comment on Silver & Platinum?

One thing I noticed rather quickly ... in the true Disney style ... when making a purchase at Mickeys Mates or Treasure Ketch ... the cast members almost ALWAYS commented on GOLD Castaway Club (KTTW) ... like a sign of respect. Walking down the hallways with lanyards ... cast members commented on the amount of gold, or that "gold looks great". Bartenders, and Cove Cafe paid attention to KTTW as well.

My sister-in-law joined us this past cruise (12/09). She had never been on DCL before. She wanted to wear one of the gold lanyards. She was ecstatic with the attention and comments. Then again, she had only sailed on RCCL previously.

woody73

12-28-2009, 03:26 PM

Disney Monopoly
Disney Pixar Monopoly
Disney Uno
Disney Apples to Apples
Disney Wheel of Fortune
Disney Pictionary
Disney Trivia 2
Pirates of Carribean Dice Game

And possibly more
We love playing Mexican Train Game dominoes. Anyone else?

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 03:47 PM

. . . Clearing customs might be tight--especially with the new restrictions...
I agree. I would leave additional time before flights and between connections.

Yesterday's newspaper reported, "Following the Northwest Airlines incident, passengers may encounter new security measures . . . "

* "Pat-down searches and additional screening."

* "Longer lines and recommended earlier arrival times for flights."

* "Limits for carry-on items.

* "During a flight's final hour, no leaving seat, using electronic devices or having personal items on laps."

Woody

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 04:35 PM

I am GOLD Castaway Club - just got off the Magic in December '09. The gift on the bed (upon arrival) was an upgrade compared to previous program. Gold members also received a $25 credit on any purchase of $100 or more at Mickeys Mates or Treasure Ketch (you could combine receipts, if you made smaller purchases). There was a GOLD/PLATINUM mixer / presentation in Studio Sea (recipents received a plastic champagne flut when leaving) a little bit more upscale than I remembered. I believe most people at the event were made to feel important. LOTS OF WHITES (officers in dress uniform) were present. This event is supposed to be undergoing changes on a regular basis, to keep things fresh.

I believe Platinum would have had more options available to them - including activities. I don't remember any special activities for Gold, other than the aforementioned greeting at Studio Sea.

I do not believe there were any events, benefits or activities for Silver. Not sure if they received a return gift on their bed upon arrival. Can anyone else comment on Silver & Platinum?

One thing I noticed rather quickly ... in the true Disney style ... when making a purchase at Mickeys Mates or Treasure Ketch ... the cast members almost ALWAYS commented on GOLD Castaway Club (KTTW) ... like a sign of respect. Walking down the hallways with lanyards ... cast members commented on the amount of gold, or that "gold looks great". Bartenders, and Cove Cafe paid attention to KTTW as well.

My sister-in-law joined us this past cruise (12/09). She had never been on DCL before. She wanted to wear one of the gold lanyards. She was ecstatic with the attention and comments. Then again, she had only sailed on RCCL previously.

All levels receive the same gift in the stateroom upon arrival (as of now). Silver does not get any special events/mixers. Platinum gets the truffles, etc along with the free Palo meal and special tour of choice.

I agree. I would leave additional time before flights and between connections.

Yesterday's newspaper reported, "Following the Northwest Airlines incident, passengers may encounter new security measures . . . "

* "Pat-down searches and additional screening."

* "Longer lines and recommended earlier arrival times for flights."

* "Limits for carry-on items.

* "During a flight's final hour, no leaving seat, using electronic devices or having personal items on laps."

Woody

A tip for those flying into JFK...pay for a porter when going through customs. It makes a WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE. It saved us a ton of time because they go through another line and do not stand behind the masses waiting in a WDW style line. DH is the cheapest person in the world and swares he can do everything himself. He still comments on how paying that guy to get our 14 suitcases through customs as fast as he did was worth every penny!!!! You still go through all the same channels but you don't wait on the VERY long line...you wait on a much shorter one.

Dishy24

12-28-2009, 05:14 PM

FYI- For anyone planning on booking the 10:45 Aer Lingus flight from Barcelona to Dublin on 4/24, it is currently at it's lowest price in months. I booked last week for 3 Adults & 1 Child & it is now almost $10 per person cheaper. (We are then continuing to JFK) However, last week when I spoke to an Aer Lingus rep, she told me that it was "filling up quickly" so I pulled the trigger. Besides this flight the other flights are like $1,200 to get me to JFK! Don't know how accurate her information was, but I didn't want to take a chance!

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 05:15 PM

I have one too.

Woody

and yet we never met.

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 05:17 PM

Looks like our dining companions are canceling the cruise. Lynne, can you add us to the personals section.

We are
Me
DH
Grandma
DD - 8
DD -4

Do you know what you are looking for? Loud, Quiet, another family?...

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 05:21 PM

* "During a flight's final hour, no leaving seat, using electronic devices or having personal items on laps."

Woody

Do we need to wear diapers for that last hour?

dee47

12-28-2009, 05:29 PM

Flying to Seattle, another option from BCN:

SWISS Flight 1953 Departs: 9:45a Barcelona (BCN) Arrives: 11:40a
Zurich Intl (ZRH) Coach | Airbus A321-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet)
Layover in Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) for 1h 15m
SWISS Flight 8 Departs: 12:55p Zurich Intl (ZRH) Arrives: 3:35p O'Hare Inter*national (ORD) Coach | Airbus A330-300 (Wide-body Jet)
Layover in Chicago, IL (ORD) for 1h 50m
United Flight 371 Departs: 5:25p O'Hare Inter*national (ORD) Arrives: 7:57p
Seattle/ Tacoma Intl (SEA) Coach | Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet)

Currently $743, which is a REALLY good price. And you can get from SEA to Orlando on the 9th for ~$200.

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 05:32 PM

Do you know what you are looking for? Loud, Quiet, another family?...

Just not obnoxious and children who do not shave crayons on the table with their butter knife!!! :scared1: Oh memories of our 1st TA! LOL

We just like good company!

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 05:37 PM

More information on the Madeira Flower Festival:

This is the 2008 Sunday schedule (we are visiting on Sunday):

 Animation in the City Center

 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Folklore Group from Curral das Freiras People’s House and the Folklore Group from the Campanário People’s House

 4 p.m. – Grand Flower Float Parade, with the participation of several groups and more than one thousand participants.

 Itinerary: Leaving from Praça da Autonomia, then proceeding along Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses (Southern stretch), Rua Dias Leite, Rotunda do Infante, Avenida Arriaga, Avenida Zarco, Rua Câmara Pestana and Praça do Município

bound2travel

12-28-2009, 05:40 PM

Dinner was WONDERFUL! We did it twice on our last 7 day! I could have eaten there every night!!! The steaks are to die for and the risotto is just amazing!!! Oh and yes the chocolate souffle!!! YUM!

Ok so I will officially start a list for Palo Group Dinner.
1. Stephanie (Brooklyn)
2. Craig (Brooklyn)
3. Linda (Brooklyn)
4. Linda (stlkeeler)

Add me for the dinner too please.

Kristi (bound2travel)

bound2travel

12-28-2009, 05:43 PM

Instead of coming fixing the happiest cruise logo, I made these:

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/0003sW.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/00024I.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/th_0001cI.jpg (http://s424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/?action=view&current=0001cI.jpg) http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/th_0001cI_2.jpg (http://s424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/?action=view&current=0001cI_2.jpg)

I really like this one. It's so cute.

Kristi

bound2travel

12-28-2009, 05:47 PM

Here is a magnet for the pirate fans out there...

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/PiratePicture.png

If you would like it personalized just PM me.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/PersonalizedPirateSign.png

This is a cool one too. I wouldn't mind one with my name, but I'm going solo so putting "family" on it seems a little weird to me.

Kristi

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 05:49 PM

--
DCL recently went back to ONE early seating (5:45), and ONE late seating (8:15). Apparently, some guests had been complaining they were not getting to the shows on time, or not able to get good seats. I liked the idea of six seatings ... cuts down on the amount of traffic flowing through elevators and hallways. No matter - all was well. Cruise Director made a point of reminding guests (numerous times) there was NO REASON to arrive early, or wait in line at the restaurants ... just show up at the scheduled time.

Heck, if I wanted LINES, I'd go to WDW! :rotfl2:

The problem we had, was we went at our regularly scheduled time (did not go early), and there was still a MASSIVE huge line to get in, becuase they weren't opening the restaraunts on time. It was really stupid.

So unfortunately with the dining, there are still huge lines.....:(

We love playing Mexican Train Game dominoes. Anyone else?

Woody
I love mexican train!!

A tip for those flying into JFK...pay for a porter when going through customs. It makes a WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE. It saved us a ton of time because they go through another line and do not stand behind the masses waiting in a WDW style line. DH is the cheapest person in the world and swares he can do everything himself. He still comments on how paying that guy to get our 14 suitcases through customs as fast as he did was worth every penny!!!! You still go through all the same channels but you don't wait on the VERY long line...you wait on a much shorter one.

Good tip!! I have travelled through JFK before (last TA) and I don't remember this....either we hit it at a good time, or just didn't notice.....:confused3
I will remember for next time though!!

Just not obnoxious and children who do not shave crayons on the table with their butter knife!!! :scared1: Oh memories of our 1st TA! LOL

We just like good company!

Are you early or late dining?
Also, should I send my picture to you through email, or private message for my signature? I am so excited!

bound2travel

12-28-2009, 05:56 PM

I am and I fully expect to stay there as I'm sailing solo. But at least I'm on the ship!

Don't be so sure. Both cruises I have taken were booked cat 12 gty as a solo. Both times I was bumped up to a cat 9. So us solo people get pixie dust as well - sometimes.

Kristi

momtomari

12-28-2009, 06:08 PM

stlkeeler

12-28-2009, 06:08 PM

Don't be so sure. Both cruises I have taken were booked cat 12 gty as a solo. Both times I was bumped up to a cat 9. So us solo people get pixie dust as well - sometimes.

Kristi

Well, if I get some pixie dust, I guess I will try to live with it... :thumbsup2

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 06:25 PM

sad to say :sad1::sad1::sad1:that my family and I will no longer be joining you guys on this transatlantic. I am in my last semester for my Bachelors in Accounting, Accounting & Finance, and Business Administration. After contemplation and speaking with teachers I cannot miss school for the capstone classes I will have this coming semester and if I do my grade automatically goes down a letter.

So sorry to hear this. I will be sure to take you off of the FE list.
But you will have your BA, and that is more important. DCL will be going back next year!

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 06:34 PM

Are you early or late dining?
Also, should I send my picture to you through email, or private message for my signature? I am so excited!

We are late.

You can send it through a PM.

sad to say :sad1::sad1::sad1:that my family and I will no longer be joining you guys on this transatlantic. I am in my last semester for my Bachelors in Accounting, Accounting & Finance, and Business Administration. After contemplation and speaking with teachers I cannot miss school for the capstone classes I will have this coming semester and if I do my grade automatically goes down a letter.

We will miss you! Hey I saw on the TA in 2011 people from our June 09 cruise.

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 06:38 PM

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/Kristi.png

Ginamarie

12-28-2009, 06:52 PM

sad to say :sad1::sad1::sad1:that my family and I will no longer be joining you guys on this transatlantic. I am in my last semester for my Bachelors in Accounting, Accounting & Finance, and Business Administration. After contemplation and speaking with teachers I cannot miss school for the capstone classes I will have this coming semester and if I do my grade automatically goes down a letter.

What a bummer! I graduated with a BBA in accounting, and I remember all of those classes. My sister is studying engineering now, and she also couldn't afford to take the time off, so she'll be missing the vacation.

Hopefully this will free up some $$ for you so that you can make up for it with something else!

woody73

12-28-2009, 07:04 PM

and yet we never met.
Were you active on the DISboard thread?

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 07:06 PM

Do we need to wear diapers for that last hour?
Depends.

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 07:12 PM

sad to say that my family and I will no longer be joining you guys
We will miss you.

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 07:15 PM

DH is the cheapest person in the world
This deserves a door magnet. Perhaps Scrooge McDuck?

Woody

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 07:24 PM

This deserves a door magnet. Perhaps Scrooge McDuck?

Woody

Oh I love it!!!! I need one like that!

mommyto3princesses

12-28-2009, 07:50 PM

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 07:52 PM

Were you active on the DISboard thread?

Woody

Not so active that you remember my pithy posts.

I didn't jump aboard until about August.

Onboard, I was down the hall from StaciJo and her in-laws, suziemva (and family), TotallyAngelic (Sarah & Tony from UK) and jenn&nelsonrego - the 6th deck.

thossink

12-28-2009, 07:54 PM

We booked our air through DU with Disney.
pirate:

We Booked our Air through DU with Disney as well, But we have not heard our arrangments yet. When did you make your final payment?

FirstTimeCruiser

12-28-2009, 08:06 PM

Hi all,
Is it too late to join the group here? We are looking forward to 14 nights on the Magic! We are Suzy (37), my husband Matt (turning 34 on April 9!), our son Mason (6), and my parents (64 and 66). In addition to celebrating my husbands birthday, we are also celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary! :lovestruc

We booked air directly through DCL and when I called to ask about it today, they said that we wouldn't find out until 45 days before the cruise. :confused3 Doesn't sound quite right.... Is it listed on your reservation on the DCL website somewhere? Ours just shows our departing airport, but that's it.

Suzy

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 08:09 PM

...FE list...

MegaMouseHouse -- 2A

Craftymouse -- ?

crystald -- ?

Justthe8ofus -- 2A/ 6C (probably in 2 staterooms)

Emmah -- ?

Have you heard from any of the above about FEs or even about being on the cruise? I haven't heard from them or seen them post.

I think I've gotten emails from the following (I'll double check) - I put their info on the website page for FEs, so I think I probably heard from them:

ariella46 (Carol) is belle1627's mom - 1A
belle1627 2A / 2C
Mdvasquez -- 2A + 20yo +19yo + 1C

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 08:13 PM

That's about right...it's listed somewhere in the fine print.
:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
WELCOME :thumbsup2

You're just right on timing. We are picking a theme / logo at the end of the week.

I maintain an external website (see http: address in my signature below).

Can you give us cabin # (s) / GTY & MAIN or LATE dining

woody73

12-28-2009, 08:34 PM

Not so active that you remember my pithy posts.

I didn't jump aboard until about August.

Onboard, I was down the hall from StaciJo and her in-laws, suziemva (and family), TotallyAngelic (Sarah & Tony from UK) and jenn&nelsonrego - the 6th deck.
Oh, I remember them.

Plus, Sarah & Tony are on the 2010 WB TA.

Woody

KrisannB

12-28-2009, 08:35 PM

...Do you have any celebrations this cruise?

Does anybody have any birthdays or anniversaries during the cruise? I've got a couple listed on the EB Special Days page on the website.

My hubby will celebrate his birthday the day before (april 9th) and we will still be celebrating it the day we get on the ship!

Now Aaron will actually turn 13 on April 21st! I am still trying to figure out what to do for him :)

On our last few Disney cruises, the DISmeet was at 3:00 in the Promenade Lounge.

Woody

Yes I like them inside instead of outside - and there are places to sit unlike meeting on deck 10 as I have done on some meets.

We love playing Mexican Train Game dominoes. Anyone else?

Woody

Oh yeah I have Disney Dominoes that I am bringing too!!!!

woody73

12-28-2009, 08:37 PM

Is it too late to join the group here? We are looking forward to 14 nights on the Magic!
Welcome.

Woody

woody73

12-28-2009, 08:44 PM

Oh yeah I have Disney Dominoes that I am bringing too!!!!
Cool!

Woody

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 08:45 PM

Have you heard from any of the above about FEs or even about being on the cruise? I haven't heard from them or seen them post.

I think I've gotten emails from the following (I'll double check) - I put their info on the website page for FEs, so I think I probably heard from them:

ariella46 (Carol) is belle1627's mom - 1A
belle1627 2A / 2C
Mdvasquez -- 2A + 20yo +19yo + 1C

I have not heard from them. When I inherited the FE list from someone that wasn't going to be on the cruise anymore, they were already on the list, but I have not seen anything from them either....
Thanks for the info update! I will check your website list to make sure they "gel" together.

dee47

12-28-2009, 08:46 PM

depends.

woody

groan.

goofprincess

12-28-2009, 08:50 PM

KrisannB

12-28-2009, 08:58 PM

My niece, Karen, would so much rather play board games than go to Aloft / the Stack, whatever it's called on this ship. At nearly 17, she is better with younger kids than those her own age. She's not into the games (psychological) teenagers play - she has a much simpler, happier, way of approaching life. .

Oh my daughter is the same way - she still has dolls in her room and enjoys things differently. We home school so she doesn't have as many influences as other kids her age. My theory is she will grow up soon enough and have to deal with adult life so no need for me to rush it - she has the rest of her life. That said she does love to play the games but she likes to go to the stack also - but she has only been on one cruise that she got to go and her favorite things there were the arts and crafts and smoothie time :) so she is not the type you are talking about.

The one thing we are going to do is go shopping for her a "prom dress" for formal night. Since she is homeschooled we are treating this as our chance to shop for a prom dress (or make one - as she sews)

maybe they can swap email addresses and get to know each other before the cruise? Ashlyn is also on Facebook

Krisann

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 09:02 PM

Updated FE list!

Michelle2 -- 1A/1C
MegaMouseHouse -- 2A
IngridRalph -- 2A/2C
Craftymouse -- ?
crystald -- ?
ariella46 -- 1A
belle1627 -- 2A/2C
Disney Family Five -- 2A/ 3C
Justthe8ofus -- 2A/ 6C (probably in 2 staterooms)
Mdvasquez -- 4A/1C
emma'smom -- 2A/2C
StaciJo -- 2A/1C
In-laws of Staci Jo -- 2A
Emmah -- ?
Happy Goofy -- 2A
Brooklyn -- 3A/2C (in 2 staterooms)
Ginamarie -- 2A/2C
Ginamarie -- 2A
Ginamarie -- 2A/2C
grlzmom -- 1A/3C
PrincessMonkey -- 2A
linac -- 2A/2C
dee47 -- 1A
sdlong329 -- 2A
realfam -- 2A/2C
goofprincess -- 2A
Dishy24 -- 3A/1C
KrisannB -- 2A/2C
cupcake -- 3A (in 2 staterooms)
FirstTimeCruiser -- 2A/1C
parents of FirstTimeCruiser --2A
bound2travel -- 1A

momtomari

12-28-2009, 09:06 PM

What a bummer! I graduated with a BBA in accounting, and I remember all of those classes. My sister is studying engineering now, and she also couldn't afford to take the time off, so she'll be missing the vacation.

Hopefully this will free up some $$ for you so that you can make up for it with something else!

i have decided to take my daughter and godson to wdw after they get out of school think i got a decent rate 1800 for 7 nights 1 adult 2 kids with dining and 6 day park ticket. and i was just able to book our flight nonstop for 56 dollars each way.

FirstTimeCruiser

12-28-2009, 09:16 PM

Michelle2,
Would you be able to add our two staterooms to the FE list as well?

FirstTimeCruiser -- 2A/1C
Parents of FirstTimeCruiser -- 2A

Please let me know if you need any more info...

Thanks!

dee47

12-28-2009, 09:21 PM

I don't want to be a downer, but this afternoon the Puget Sound area lost its 6th police officer in the line of duty in 2 months. If you could keep the families and all other officers in your prayers tonight...This really hurts...

grlzmom

12-28-2009, 09:30 PM

Yes he is in the military. There is a small chance that he will be promoted before we leave. He is selected for Lieutenant Colonel but unsure when he will actually get to pin it on. There is a small chance for April but looks more like May. It would be wonderful if he got promoted before he leave and the first time he wear his Dress Blues as a LtCol be on board the Magic but only time will tell. Last TA he brought both his Dress Blues and Mess Dress. That is not happening this time around! I need more room for the girls dresses, LOL JK

I hope your dh gets to pin on his Lt. Colonel before the cruise, what a way to celebrate! Really wishing they would release a military rate for the TA to drop prices even further.

Been on the road, need to catch up on this chatty thread. Welcome to everyone new and wow the group is growing!

Hope everyone is having an awesome week and gearing up for a Great New Year!

Love all the graphics, magnets, etc. and all the plans everyone is making. A creative bunch of DIS people for sure.

My teens would love to play games, they don't do the Stack at all so will be looking for stuff to do on sea days. My plans are to lay around, read some books and do NOTHING :) Have heard about mexican dominoes would love to play but no clue how. Still totally excited to be in for playing Bunco.

Inlaws are thinking to join us on the cruises. Would be great for me to have adults to travel with me and the kids. Won't know for a couple of weeks but guessing at this point there would still be plenty of room left on the ship.

Totally graphic challenged here but would be so appreciative if someone could personalize me something for my door when it gets closer to cruise time.

Happy thoughts to everyone.

grlzmom

12-28-2009, 09:31 PM

stlkeeler

12-28-2009, 10:16 PM

This deserves a door magnet. Perhaps Scrooge McDuck?

Woody

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

We Booked our Air through DU with Disney as well, But we have not heard our arrangments yet. When did you make your final payment?

I read this weekend about others getting their info from DCL already. I emailed my TA Sunday night and she emailed me back this morning what the arrangements are. So, they know already.

Hi all,
Is it too late to join the group here? We are looking forward to 14 nights on the Magic! We are Suzy (37), my husband Matt (turning 34 on April 9!), our son Mason (6), and my parents (64 and 66). In addition to celebrating my husbands birthday, we are also celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary! :lovestruc

We booked air directly through DCL and when I called to ask about it today, they said that we wouldn't find out until 45 days before the cruise. :confused3 Doesn't sound quite right.... Is it listed on your reservation on the DCL website somewhere? Ours just shows our departing airport, but that's it.

Suzy

Welcome.

That is so sad. We will keep the families in our thoughts and prayers.

Me, too. So sorry.

sdlong329

12-28-2009, 10:20 PM

<<Group Meet>> When I sailed a 10 day Caribbean from NYC on Holland America, the group was organized through CruiseCritic.com. Prior to sailing (in advance), the head of the CruiseCritic group asked the cruise line if they could make a room available for a gathering (there was 75+ active people in the thread). The cruise line was also asked if it would be possible for a few officers to stop by - to mingle. The cruise line scheduled a private room, provided hors d'oeuvres and drinks (forget exactly what drinks). There were at least four or five officers present for the entire 1 hour get together (more like a social mixer), and the captain stopped by ... made a point to work the room - introduce himself to everyone. The officers were very excited to meet and talk to passengers who were so active to go through so much effort - in advance of the cruise. They wanted to know what made the cruise "tick" for the CruiseCritic group.

I'm thinking DCL has the ability to provide a meeting room for a mini-social gathering (early into the cruise)? Thoughts? Interest?

During a flight's final hour, no leaving seat, using electronic devices or having personal items on laps.

--Hmmm, ADA repercussions? I'm on disability, and I can't sit for 60 minutes without getting up and moving around (as attested to by 15 medical specialists, and approved by a Federal Judge).

Diabetics will likely have issues if their blood sugar drops, and cannot access food stuffs (in the overhead bin, or on their lap).

My brother would have a law suit on hand if he develops another blood clot in his leg. What about women who need to use the restroom ... or older men?

TSA (or whomever) seems to be over-reacting. News programs are already saying airlines have already, or will relax these mandates / guidelines. Oy! :headache:

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 10:33 PM

We home school so she doesn't have as many influences as other kids her age.

Karen is homeschooled, too. A Southern thing, one might wonder? It's getting more popular here in Alabama. My sister and I went to public school 1st-college, but she has (is) homeschooled all 4 of her daughters. The oldest is a senior at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa (and looking for law schools), the next is in the first year of a nursing program at the local community college, Karen is a junior and expects to major in computer engineering at Auburn, and the youngest is just turned 14. My brother-in-law died unexpectedly 4 years (age 41), but my sister was able to continue their schooling without having to work outside the home (or inside it, actually :rotfl:).

This week Karen is at advanced Space Camp; I will pass on the information about your kids when she comes home.

Lynne

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 10:36 PM

i have decided to take my daughter and godson to wdw after they get out of school think i got a decent rate 1800 for 7 nights 1 adult 2 kids with dining and 6 day park ticket. and i was just able to book our flight nonstop for 56 dollars each way.

So you don't lose the Disney magic :wizard:, just the Disney Magic :boat:

Good luck with your final semester :lmao: of school - is this a 5-year accountancy degree or will you still need your Masters?

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 10:56 PM

Michelle2,
Would you be able to add our two staterooms to the FE list as well?

FirstTimeCruiser -- 2A/1C
Parents of FirstTimeCruiser -- 2A

Please let me know if you need any more info...

Thanks!

I think in the future we will need people's stateroom numbers, but since so many are in GTY status, we will just be filling them in as room assignments are made. We have plenty of time.

Gotcha covered!

Dishy24

12-28-2009, 10:57 PM

Oh I love it!!!! I need one like that!

HA! I need that one, too... Why do you think my DH isn't going???

Brooklyn

12-28-2009, 11:09 PM

Michelle2

12-28-2009, 11:13 PM

HA! I need that one, too... Why do you think my DH isn't going???

I might be in the same boat (no pun intended) as you are. I will find out soon I hope!

auntlynne

12-28-2009, 11:28 PM

My local COSTCO has Hyatt Gift card packs - two $50 cards for $80.

adedward

12-29-2009, 05:43 AM

We were lucky enough to squeeze in a 4 day practice cruise on the Wonder over Christmas. Our 12 gty was upgraded to a 9 on deck 1, with the two small portholes. For those who are wondering about that floor and type room, we found it to be wonderful, and did love the light from the portholes and the ability to look out at the waves. For anyone concerned that you must use only the mid ship elevators if you are on deck 1, there is an unmarked door in the bow on deck 1 that leads to a second door out to the forward stairs and elevators. One of the ships officers showed it to us when we first went down to find our stateroom. Nice, quiet, peaceful cruise, and now we are all prepped for April.

grlzmom

12-29-2009, 07:21 AM

Our 12 gty was upgraded to a 9 on deck 1, with the two small portholes. For those who are wondering about that floor and type room, we found it to be wonderful, and did love the light from the portholes and the ability to look out at the waves.

Nice upgrade! Thanks for posting this. Always wondered and been hesitant about deck 1. Great to hear a nice review.

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 07:26 AM

I cried like a baby when we got assigned Deck 1 last time. Almost everyone on our cruise got assignmed CAT 9's on Deck 1. We however got 2 CAT 10's on Deck 1. It was the luck of the draw I guess.

Well we LOVED it down there! We had staterooms with awful noises but other then that LOVED LOVED LOVED it!

Now that is not saying I would not be thrilled to be assigned a CAT 9 on Deck 2 though! ;)

grlzmom

12-29-2009, 07:35 AM

Now that is not saying I would not be thrilled to be assigned a CAT 9 on Deck 2 though! ;)

Me too haha!

barney 1314

12-29-2009, 07:46 AM

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 07:51 AM

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 08:20 AM

barney 1314

12-29-2009, 08:29 AM

Thanx Brooklyn. Is it free to surf the net at the ports or is it just a cheaper rate?

stlkeeler

12-29-2009, 09:01 AM

Hi all was wondering if anyone can give advice on wether to bring a laptop or not. My oldest daughter 16 spent a few bob (dollars) on our 4 day cruise in january using the computer room on the ship.:surfweb: I dont want to sound tight but at the rate she used it the last time i will have to remortgage or sell the wife to cover the cost.:)........Im convinced i saw someone onboard using a laptop with free wi-fi but i did have a few bahama mamas.

Thanx Brooklyn. Is it free to surf the net at the ports or is it just a cheaper rate?

Even if you bring your own laptop you still have to pay to use their wi fi but you can use it in your room. I think some ports have cheaper wi fi, but don't quote me. I know there have been threads about this for the Western Caribbean and some ports there are much cheaper. Haven't read too much about Europe. Just remember, we have all those sea days first - nowhere near land...

I guess this would not be so much a DIS Meet but it would be so fun to all sit together for the first nights events in Rockin Bar D.

The adult scavenger hunt and match your mate are just sooooooo fun to watch and/or particpate. Our goal should be to get Princess Monkey chosen for match your mate and working together on the scavenger hunt would be great too! For those that have not done the scavenger hunt don't worry, you it is not running around the whole ship. It is just tons of fun!!! Also Pub Night on the last night is lots of fun too! :thumbsup2

I'll vote for this. Sounds like fun! I've always wanted to see match your mate but either forgot or have been too tired. Since I have late dinner this time, maybe that'll help keep me awake. Maybe I should lay off those pretty drinks? :goodvibes

Happy Goofy

12-29-2009, 09:03 AM

My husband and I like to play the Mexican Train if you are getting a group together

thossink

12-29-2009, 09:20 AM

Our Air Arrangements came in last night. We are flying out of Barcelona @ 10am.

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:21 AM

Thanx Brooklyn. Is it free to surf the net at the ports or is it just a cheaper rate?

I always seem to find free places along the way. This is usually where you find lots of CM's also doing the same thing when they get some time off on port days.

Lynne posted a bunch of places on her website for wi fi hot spots along the way.

Even if you bring your own laptop you still have to pay to use their wi fi but you can use it in your room. I think some ports have cheaper wi fi, but don't quote me. I know there have been threads about this for the Western Caribbean and some ports there are much cheaper. Haven't read too much about Europe. Just remember, we have all those sea days first - nowhere near land...

I'll vote for this. Sounds like fun! I've always wanted to see match your mate but either forgot or have been too tired. Since I have late dinner this time, maybe that'll help keep me awake. Maybe I should lay off those pretty drinks? :goodvibes

Late Dining def makes for the ability to stay up later. We missed just about everything on the last TA due to the time change and the main dining. By the time we got to the shows the girls were falling asleep. They LOVE the shows too but could not keep their eyes open. Yet just another reason why we love late over main dining. My kids enjoy the shows more then dinner (not dessert though, ;)) Well besides the new villians show, DD's are not excited about the fact that Golden Mickeys is leaving for that show!

Happy Goofy

12-29-2009, 09:29 AM

I noticed that our picture is not on the BTB -is there a reason for that? It is on the other two.

woody73

12-29-2009, 11:49 AM

Oh yeah I have Disney Dominoes that I am bringing too!!!!

I love mexican train!!

My husband and I like to play the Mexican Train if you are getting a group together
We have signed up for Mexican Train Dominoes:

Krisann (KrisannB)
Woody & Mrs. Woody (woody73)
Michelle (Michelle2)
Charlotte & John (Happy Goofy)

Krisann - Will Ashley, Ashlyn & Arron be playing too?

Woody

Dishy24

12-29-2009, 11:59 AM

Two hours without any new posts? What's going on here?

Anyway, speaking of Costco...

If anyone is staying at the Hyatt Orlando International Airport on April 9th, if you use the promotional code: costco, a King bed room is only $119!

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 12:15 PM

Two hours without any new posts? What's going on here?

My thoughts exactly!

sdlong329

12-29-2009, 01:14 PM

If anyone is staying at the Hyatt Orlando International Airport on April 9th, if you use the promotional code: costco, a King bed room is only $119!

Sounds like a good rate. We usually stay at Crowne Plaza-Airport at $87. Many pilots and stewardess'ess'ess (as in the Orbitz commercial for the Hernandezes'es) stay there. I'm sure it's not as nice as the Hyatt, but we like the location, as we can walk to various local restaurants, and stop by facilities to pick up cases of water, beer, wine, etc.

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 01:20 PM

I've only made it to page 137 in catching up, but I wanted to post a couple of things now. If I already missed out on something, oh well.

1. I'd like to be added to a Palo group dinner
2. add me to FE (I'm a masochist I guess)
3. add me to secret mickey
4. I like the idea of getting a list together of who is going on what excursions so we can "go together" so to speak
5. I am willing to help with the navigators or the lanyards - which ever needs help
6. If someone can explain the book exchange a bit more, I might be willing to help. I was planning on bringing some magazines and a couple of books and leaving them on the ship (Cove Cafe?) after we get to Barcelona. Swapping some around with others is cool with me.

I think that is all I wanted to get out for now.

Thanks,
Kristi

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 01:26 PM

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/kristi.png

thank you

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 01:29 PM

Depends.

Woody

"Depends" :lmao:

Woody, you are funny

Michelle2

12-29-2009, 01:33 PM

I guess this would not be so much a DIS Meet but it would be so fun to all sit together for the first nights events in Rockin Bar D.

The adult scavenger hunt and match your mate are just sooooooo fun to watch and/or particpate. Our goal should be to get Princess Monkey chosen for match your mate and working together on the scavenger hunt would be great too! For those that have not done the scavenger hunt don't worry, you it is not running around the whole ship. It is just tons of fun!!! Also Pub Night on the last night is lots of fun too! :thumbsup2

If I go by myself with just my son, I would LOVE to do this, even if DH comes too, its always more fun as a group. I would love to do this!!

Late Dining def makes for the ability to stay up later. We missed just about everything on the last TA due to the time change and the main dining. By the time we got to the shows the girls were falling asleep. They LOVE the shows too but could not keep their eyes open. Yet just another reason why we love late over main dining. My kids enjoy the shows more then dinner (not dessert though, ;)) Well besides the new villians show, DD's are not excited about the fact that Golden Mickeys is leaving for that show!
Golden Mickeys were my favorite, so I am not happy that its being replaced.... I will still see the new show though.

Two hours without any new posts? What's going on here?

Anyway, speaking of Costco...

If anyone is staying at the Hyatt Orlando International Airport on April 9th, if you use the promotional code: costco, a King bed room is only $119!

oooh, that is a good rate....I will keep that in mind. Thanks for sharing!

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 01:36 PM

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 01:41 PM

sdlong329

12-29-2009, 03:03 PM

I previously volunteered to compile a list of who is participating in the different excursions. Platinum & Gold CC should have, or should be in the process of making reservations. Silver CC and non-Castaway Club should be making reservations shortly. ONCE MADE, please PM me with your reservations.

PLEASE SPECIFY:
PORT OF CALL
EXACT NAME OF (DCL) EXCURSION (include 4-digit excursion code, if known)
SCHEDULED TIME OF EXCURSION
FIRST NAME(s) & NUMBER OF ADULTS IN EXCURSION
FIRST NAME(s) & NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN EXCURSION
YOUR DISboards userID

Sample:
GIBRALTAR:
Explore the Rock on Your Own, GB-05
9:15AM – 11:45AM
STEVEN & DONNA (2A)
sdlong329

If you will be doing the following the THOUGHTS ON CADIZ notes (posted under Lynne's signature), simply note the excursion as THOUGHTS ON CADIZ, and indicate an approximate time frame.

If you will be doing the MAGIC FOUNTAIN show in BARCELONA (posted by Lynne in various threads), simply note the excursion as MAGIC FOUNTAIN. I am sure the group (as a whole) will want to come up with a specific meeting location and time frame estimate.

If you will be on any other non-DCL excursions, be brief (ie: BEACH DAY, BARCELONA .... DAY PASS at "X" resort, GIBRALTAR).

I will assemble the information as / when received, and post periodically. LMK if you have any suggestions for changes in the process.

--Steven Long

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 03:21 PM

I noticed that our picture is not on the BTB -is there a reason for that? It is on the other two.

Could be because I forgot I even had a page for that.

Website is at 38 pages now - doesn't take long to load for me, is it working ok for the rest of you? I noticed the Disney font doesn't show up on my PC laptop (all the page headers are in Disney script).

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 03:31 PM

I put a page on the website "EB Excursion Participants" with the following information:

...

PLEASE SPECIFY:
PORT OF CALL
EXACT NAME OF (DCL) EXCURSION (include 4-digit excursion code, if known)
SCHEDULED TIME OF EXCURSION
FIRST NAME(s) & NUMBER OF ADULTS IN EXCURSION
FIRST NAME(s) & NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN EXCURSION
YOUR DISboards userID

Sample:
GIBRALTAR:
Explore the Rock on Your Own, GB-05
9:15AM – 11:45AM
STEVEN & DONNA (2A)
sdlong329

If you will be doing the following the THOUGHTS ON CADIZ notes (posted under Lynne's signature), simply note the excursion as THOUGHTS ON CADIZ, and indicate an approximate time frame.

If you will be doing the MAGIC FOUNTAIN show in BARCELONA (posted by Lynne in various threads), simply note the excursion as MAGIC FOUNTAIN. I am sure the group (as a whole) will want to come up with a specific meeting location and time frame estimate.

If you will be on any other non-DCL excursions, be brief (ie: BEACH DAY, BARCELONA .... DAY PASS at "X" resort, GIBRALTAR).

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 03:36 PM

Two hours without any new posts? What's going on here?

I'm a night owl. If it's morning, then I haven't gone to bed yet.

My local COSTCO has Hyatt Gift card packs - two $50 cards for $80.

...Anyway, speaking of Costco...

If anyone is staying at the Hyatt Orlando International Airport on April 9th, if you use the promotional code: costco, a King bed room is only $119!

$119 rate - $100 in gift cars = $19 + the $80 you paid for the gift cards = $99 room (+tax) out of pocket. Online, they're booking for over $200. :thumbsup2

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 03:49 PM

I guess this would not be so much a DIS Meet but it would be so fun to all sit together for the first nights events in Rockin Bar D.

The adult scavenger hunt and match your mate are just sooooooo fun to watch and/or particpate. Our goal should be to get Princess Monkey chosen for match your mate and working together on the scavenger hunt would be great too! For those that have not done the scavenger hunt don't worry, you it is not running around the whole ship. It is just tons of fun!!! Also Pub Night on the last night is lots of fun too! :thumbsup2

I didn't do any late night activities on my first two cruises - 3 & 4 nighters with my nieces.

Then I found the DISboards before the 7-night cruise. What a difference.

I am an extrovert, though scared of rejection or feeling alone in a crowd.

My hallway had several of us near each other with our magnets and FEs; that made for a good initial introduction. I cautiously went to the Meet & Greet and did a little mingling. The people who had done most of the chatting or knew each other were talking, but I managed to strike up conversations (mainly with the DW or DH who looked like a deer caught in the headlight--what had their SO gotten them into?). Thank goodness this is just a 30-minute gathering. Say hi and go. Whew!

Then the magic :wizard: happened. I walked into a room - either Promenade Lounge for a game activity or Rockin' Bar D for nighttime adult fun. And somebody called me over to sit with them (I think it was Shoshie-who now works for Disney and is an asset to the company, I am quite sure). The fun was set for the week. The group grew - add goofprincess and husband and their friends - and we were off playing BINGO and laughing at the comedians at night and beating the kids in Trivia.

And it's not always who you think it will be that you play with on board.

...So I think you could guess that I'm all for gathering the crowd in Rockin' Bar D.

sdlong329

12-29-2009, 03:54 PM

I put a page on the website "EB Excursion Participants" with the following information...

You 'da MOUSE! Thanks much!

BTW - Am *I* the STEVEN listed as hosting PUB NIGHT?

<<SATS / Shots Around the Ship>>
---Is this related to photography, or alcohol. Short explanation, please?

<<Beer/Wine/Tequila/Martini Tastings (as a group)>>
---I've planned to do this several times, but I've not gone, as I like beer, and would do the Martini Tastings ... but DH would not attend. I can go solo, but going with a group is much better.

Speaking of WINE ... has anyone ever tried the Philip Stein WINE WAND? I have the travel wand, which aerates a glass of wine within 2-3 minutes.

http://www.philipstein.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?&CCode=5202^Wine&cICode=941

I am not a wine drinker ... but will bring it along, if there is anyone who would like to see this thing in action (requires you to have a red wind to aerate).

I like the rate and convenience of the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport. Already made reservations at Crowne Plaza ... we usually pick up a case of water or case of soda (I prefer 16 oz resealable bottles of Pepsi). Doesn't look like that would be possible if I stayed at the Hyatt. If anyone else is staying at a hotel (off airport), consider picking up a case of water or spirits for yourself.

--Steven Long

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 03:55 PM

Got a question for veteran cruisers and travelers. I'm getting into Orlando airport about 4pm. I will still have a 3 hour drive to get home. I'm wondering if I should get a room at a hotel near the airport and drive home the next day, or leave for home directly after arriving.
Just to give more information, I'm leaving London at about 10am, so 4pm EST will feel like 9pm.

Kristi

Exhausted driving is as (or more) dangerous than drunk driving.

I say get some rest. We're staying up late in Barcelona and you're getting up early.

And now you won't be going to the bathroom or sleeping on the plane with a snuggly blanket for the last hour of the flight.:rolleyes1

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 04:04 PM

...BTW - Am *I* the STEVEN listed as hosting PUB NIGHT?

<<SATS / Shots Around the Ship>>
---Is this related to photography, or alcohol. Short explanation, please?

Steven Long

I think you are the only Steven in this group, so by default, that would be you. And I think you suggested/hinted/mentioned hosting something along these lines. I have failed to assign specific tasks to those who have expressly stated they would do something, so I did not want to follow that pattern of oversight. Anything else you would like to be volunteered for?

Shots Around the Ship: ?? that's from the ideas of previous cruises (I just borrowed - plagiarized - their activity list) You could make it whatever you like.

There does seem to be a bit of teetotaling in this bunch (I might have a drink during the cruise - but usually my libations come from Deck 9, aft, a nice caramel on ice), so don't know how much drinking activity can be garnered. Except your rum, of course.

sdlong329

12-29-2009, 04:20 PM

I am not a heavy drinker ... I only weigh 125 pounds! :rotfl2: (my other foot weighs about the same)

PUB NIGHT? NOW I REMEMBER. I was saying something like organizing a gaming event to be held in the Pub at Diversions. I will link up with those who indicated they will be bringing board games. Maybe BUNCO and Mexican Train Dominoes could be played in Diversions as well.

*** As a side note, when I saw the words PUB NIGHT, I mistakenly thought of the little skit put on by the crew ... usually late evening on the last night (usually a sea night) of the cruise. It's been performed in Diversions, as well as Rockin Bar 'D. Do whatever is necessary to make sure you find this event on your DCL Navigator ... AND ATTEND! It's one of the funniest skits ever!

MINI-NAVIGATOR: Can someone make a note in the MINI NAVIGATOR ... to check the DCL NAVIGATOR for PUB NIGHT? From past experience, it is held the last night of the cruise ... which is usually a sea night. Therefore, I am not sure if it will be held on Thursday, 4/22, Sea Day, or Friday, 4/23, 1st night in Barcelona.

Okay, so how are we handling messaging between DIS'sers once we are on the ship (in case people want to sit together during a show)?

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 04:36 PM

...So I think you could guess that I'm all for gathering the crowd in Rockin' Bar D.

:thumbsup2

I am not a heavy drinker ... I only weigh 125 pounds! :rotfl2: (my other foot weighs about the same)

PUB NIGHT? NOW I REMEMBER. I was saying something like organizing a gaming event to be held in the Pub at Diversions. I will link up with those who indicated they will be bringing board games. Maybe BUNCO and Mexican Train Dominoes could be played in Diversions as well.

*** As a side note, when I saw the words PUB NIGHT, I mistakenly thought of the little skit put on by the crew ... usually late evening on the last night (usually a sea night) of the cruise. It's been performed in Diversions, as well as Rockin Bar 'D. Do whatever is necessary to make sure you find this event on your DCL Navigator ... AND ATTEND! It's one of the funniest skits ever!

MINI-NAVIGATOR: Can someone make a note in the MINI NAVIGATOR ... to check the DCL NAVIGATOR for PUB NIGHT? From past experience, it is held the last night of the cruise ... which is usually a sea night. Therefore, I am not sure if it will be held on Thursday, 4/22, Sea Day, or Friday, 4/23, 1st night in Barcelona.

Okay, so how are we handling messaging between DIS'sers once we are on the ship (in case people want to sit together during a show)?

Oh I LOVE Pub Night. It is a great skit!

Dry Erase Boards just for the DIS would be great. I am willing to put one on one of our stateroom doors but bnot sure where I will be on the ship yet. I may be back on Deck 1 and no one wants to venture down there, LOL!

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 04:42 PM

Okay, so how are we handling messaging between DIS'sers once we are on the ship (in case people want to sit together during a show)?

For adult/late night shows, someone waving at me usually works. Hopefully, they will have on our lanyard and nametag.

mommyto3princesses

12-29-2009, 04:51 PM

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 04:51 PM

Auntlynne,

please add me to the "people looking for dining partners" (I'm on Main dining) and the "seeking llimited mobility" group.

Thanks
Kristi

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 04:56 PM

I never stepped foot in Rockin Bar D or Diversions because of my little one but hope to see it this time with the girls' in the Clubs. We had friends on the ship last time so dh and his buddy would go to the fun stuff while I stayed in the room.

Dh did the wine and tequila tastings by himself last time. He enjoyed it but would probably rather do it in a group.

Match your mate sounds fun. Where do they do that?

Anyone else excited about the new pins for this sailing? I'm not a huge collector but I do like to buy them.

Stephen, do you mean the Talent Show night with the crew? Or is this a separate skit?

Match Your Mate is Rockin Bar D

No the skit is different form the talent show. The skit is only for adults. It is done on the last night of the cruise (or maybe last sea day). It can be easily overlooked in the navigator but it is great! Lots and Lots of laughs!!!!

Michelle2

12-29-2009, 04:58 PM

Ok, here is the list that I have for the Secret Mickeys. I have a feeling that this list will need alot of tweaking!! This is a list I inherited from someone else, so I have no idea how accurate it is. Let me know if there are any additions or subractions.

MegaMouseHouse (did they cancel?)
IngridRalph -- for DD12
chirurgeon (cancelled?)
EyeDisneyCruise (cancelled?)
Craftymouse (?)
Emmasmom
StaciJo
Emmah
HappyGoofy
Brooklyn
bound2travel

I know others have said they wanted to do it, but that has been awhile ago. If you don't see your name on the list, let me know and I will add you.

Those that do want to participate, I need the names of those wanting to do it (whether a child or adult), and if they are children, their ages. We will get a more specific questionnaire with likes, dislikes soon.

mommyto3princesses

12-29-2009, 05:02 PM

So I decided to call a travel agent referred by a friend this morning because I'm tired of searching for air and she called me back with this plan.

BCN - London on BA -- $109
LHR - SEA on Iceland Air -- $491
:cool1:

BA has luggage agreement with Iceland Air. She was most concerned with that when I was mentioning the different airlines I was considering booking. She said it's best to book luggage all the way through so that it will get to the U.S. even if lost.

The first time she spoke she mentioned a service fee, but when she called back with this itinerary she said that she spoke with Disney and if she took over our DCL reservation that she'd waive the fee. Wonder how much commission they make by taking over ressie? At this point, I can book online and thru Concierge so I don't mind her taking over the ressie.

We'll book Alaska Air direct to MCO with miles and coupons, so all in all, a huge savings compared to DCL's air quote. :banana:

She's sailing on NCL in and out of Barcelona in Feb and one of her stops is in Madeira. She said she'll report back anything special that she hears/sees there.

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 05:03 PM

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 05:11 PM

So I decided to call a travel agent referred by a friend this morning because I'm tired of searching for air and she called me back with this plan.

BCN - London on BA -- $109
LHR - SEA on Iceland Air -- $491
:cool1:.

That looks great. Not too many plane changes (or last flight hours with no bathroom :headache: - can you tell this is my concern? I am so hopeful and certain that they will have to drop that plan.)

Michelle2

12-29-2009, 05:11 PM

This is the Secret Mickey form that we filled out in the past. If anyone has anything to add to it, feel free.

I think I will just have these emailed to me so that personal information won't be on these public boards, especially involving children, and for those that want it more private.

DIS NAME:
REAL NAME:
Child or adult:
AGE of child (if applicable):
CITY/STATE YOU LIVE IN:
E-MAIL ADDRESS: (will be kept secret from public)
CABIN:
FAVORITE DISNEY CHARACTER/S:
LIKES/HOBBIES:

DISLIKES:

ALLERGIES:
WHICH DISNEY CRUISE IS THIS:
ANY CELEBRATIONS ON THIS CRUISE AND DATE:
ANY SPECIAL NOTES:

What does everyone think? Lynne, maybe a standard Secret Mickey form can be listed on the website so that they don't have to hunt it down on this fast moving thread. Thanks!

woody73

12-29-2009, 05:15 PM

BCN - London on BA -- $109
LHR - SEA on Iceland Air -- $491

BA has luggage agreement with Iceland Air. She was most concerned with that when I was mentioning the different airlines I was considering booking. She said it's best to book luggage all the way through so that it will get to the U.S. even if lost.
It's a big plus if you can check your luggage all the way through to your destination. But I would verify it in advance.

Woody

Michelle2

12-29-2009, 05:18 PM

So I decided to call a travel agent referred by a friend this morning because I'm tired of searching for air and she called me back with this plan.

BCN - London on BA -- $109
LHR - SEA on Iceland Air -- $491
:cool1:

BA has luggage agreement with Iceland Air. She was most concerned with that when I was mentioning the different airlines I was considering booking. She said it's best to book luggage all the way through so that it will get to the U.S. even if lost.

The first time she spoke she mentioned a service fee, but when she called back with this itinerary she said that she spoke with Disney and if she took over our DCL reservation that she'd waive the fee. Wonder how much commission they make by taking over ressie? At this point, I can book online and thru Concierge so I don't mind her taking over the ressie.

Have you paid in full yet? If not, then you can transfer the ressie to her, but if its paid in full, then it can't be. I am sure she and DCL already knew that though. Hasn't the paid in full date already come and gone? Maybe I am just confused....

I had to LOL when I saw that she would waive the service fee once she saw the reservation.

mommyto3princesses

12-29-2009, 05:20 PM

I know that my girls would LOVE to have a Secret Mickey. If there are kids that would like to be involved we def would be. Brooklyn 8 Maddy 4

Can someone tell me more about what Secret Mickey is about? Maybe that would easier than FE...

mommyto3princesses

12-29-2009, 05:24 PM

Have you paid in full yet? If not, then you can transfer the ressie to her, but if its paid in full, then it can't be. I am sure she and DCL already knew that though. Hasn't the paid in full date already come and gone? Maybe I am just confused....

I had to LOL when I saw that she would waive the service fee once she saw the reservation.

You are correct. She just emailed me that DCL wouldn't transfer since it's PIF. Yeah, dh also LOL when I told him that the fee would be waived. Wonder if she was talking to the same gal who gave me the wrong info the other day. ;)

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 05:25 PM

Secret Mickeys

I know these cancelled:

chirurgeon (cancelled?)
EyeDisneyCruise (cancelled?)

I suggest we assume these are not cruising; they all were sent PMs to verify and have not responded:

Craftymouse (?)
MegaMouseHouse (did they cancel?)
Emmah

These are Yeahs! for cruising:

IngridRalph -- for DD1
Emmasmom
StaciJo
HappyGoofy
Brooklyn
bound2travel

Lynne

mommyto3princesses

12-29-2009, 05:26 PM

That looks great. Not too many plane changes (or last flight hours with no bathroom :headache: - can you tell this is my concern? I am so hopeful and certain that they will have to drop that plan.)

We will stop in REYKJAVIK...prefer Paris, but gotta do what you gotta do... ;)

Last hour with no bathroom with 3 little ones will be interesting... :dance3:

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 05:37 PM

Can someone tell me more about what Secret Mickey is about? Maybe that would easier than FE...

Like a secret santa. You leave gifts throughout the cruise (little ones, I think a spending limit will be set) then there will be some kind of meet at the end to reveal your Secret Mickey.

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 05:38 PM

Can someone tell me more about what Secret Mickey is about? Maybe that would easier than FE...

...and you aren't trying to cover so many people, just your designated recipient(s).

dee47

12-29-2009, 05:46 PM

mommyto3princesses

12-29-2009, 05:51 PM

Mommieto3Princess: As a TA I can tell you right now there is no fee she should charge you for transferring reservations. DCL doesn't charge to transfer. She may charge you to book air (there's no commission on air tix), but she shouldn't be charging you to transfer a resie. And Brooklyn, you can transfer a Paid in Full resie. You just need to fill up a form. :thumbsup2

Hi Dee--she wasn't going to charge for transferring a ressie. She was going to charge a service fee for just booking air but then said she'd waive it for getting our DCL ressie. I'm sure she'd get her commission that way if they'd let her do it, but I doubt they'll give her commission if it's PIF. We were sorta just thinking it would be best to have someone else be alerted if the flt is canceled, delayed, etc. so they could manage the connecting or rescheduling, etc.

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 05:53 PM

And Brooklyn, you can transfer a Paid in Full resie. You just need to fill up a form. :thumbsup2

:confused3:confused3:confused3 HUH?

Thanks for the info but I did not ask the question.

stlkeeler

12-29-2009, 06:21 PM

Auntlynne,

please add me to the "people looking for dining partners" (I'm on Main dining) and the "seeking llimited mobility" group.

Thanks
Kristi

Kristi, I am trying to get a group together for the "walking impaired." I am traveling solo, so I'd like others to go with in each port. Let me know what you think and where you'd like to go. There are maybe 5 of us already. Six would be a good number... email me.

Linda

dee47

12-29-2009, 06:25 PM

:confused3:confused3:confused3 HUH?

Thanks for the info but I did not ask the question.

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao: Sorry, you and Michelle now have the same graphic at the bottom of your posts, I saw the graphic and thought it was you...

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 06:28 PM

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao: Sorry, you and Michelle now have the same graphic at the bottom of your posts, I saw the graphic and thought it was you...

Funny I did not even think of that! LOL I was just thinking that I lost my mind and asked that question.

goofprincess

12-29-2009, 06:33 PM

My oh my, seems like I have been reading for hours. I love all the chatting and the excitement is building for this TA.

Lynne--I am going to be wearing my green Magic lanyard pouch so you can identify me and Tony. :rotfl:Someone gave us these as FE's on our last cruise; wonderful. We wore DIS green bracelets last year which were good for recognizing those in our group, but my problem was remembering names. We became good friends with a young honeymooning couple at WDW prior to the cruise and ended up hanging out the entire cruise and eating dinner together. We keep in touch to this day and are planning to see the on the PC cruise in 2011.

Stephanie--We luv the scavenger hunt and a definite yes for our honeymooning couple to be in the show!!

I've already been FE shopping and planning. I picked up a couple of dry erase boards too. So many of us are GTY that we won't know where we'll call home until the cruise gets closer and closer.

Can someone explained the Mexican train/dominoes game.

Happy Goofy

12-29-2009, 07:24 PM

For the secret Mickeys it is just my husband and myself. So far we are in room 2584. How are you going to work the Secret Mickeys?

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 07:25 PM

Lime green looks like a color Ariel would wear. :goodvibes

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 07:26 PM

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 08:28 PM

I'm trying to find a way to incorporate lime green into the logo; I think Stephanie was asking for this choice. All the primary colors she uses is is most likely for her kids. :lmao: :rotfl:

Amberbunny

12-29-2009, 08:36 PM

Folks,
I SO stink at making forum posts successful. I get lost in all the peripherals! Love the magnets, would like to get some for my Daughter Amber, age 11. Would love to do Secret Mickey and fish gift thing? This is cruise 2 for me (single dad) and daughter. Had a blast last time, but would really like to dive in with this experienced group (you guys!) My mom and Aunt join us as well and are up for anything. Please PM me with whatever I need do or try Kunich ATSYMBOL juno DOT com. I am a caveman when it comes to making these work . . .keeps telling me I must have 10 posts before I can PM anyone . . .help! Okay I guess I broke another rule and had an e-mail address in there.

Steve

Amberbunny

12-29-2009, 08:40 PM

Finally, I made it work. I think. Since this is Cruise 2, will they send me the Castaway Cay stuff in the mail or will it all be in the room waiting?

You all are major veterans to this life . . .I barely understand the lingo in the posts . . . anywho please give me any and all advice . . .I want to take extreme advantage of all your knowledge . . .

Amberbunny

12-29-2009, 08:44 PM

Wow, up to post 7 now, soon I can PM folks . . .

Is there a source for info concerning sold out status of ship? Are upgrades available for rooms? How does this work? Will Disney sail with them empty or offer them to us at a discount or free upgrade? Just curious, no clue how to do all that.

Steve

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 08:50 PM

Post 5 more times (they can be one question / thought) per post and you can receive/send PMs (private messages through the DISboard).

Lynne

FirstTimeCruiser

12-29-2009, 08:51 PM

spyles

12-29-2009, 08:53 PM

So I decided to call a travel agent referred by a friend this morning because I'm tired of searching for air and she called me back with this plan.

BCN - London on BA -- $109
LHR - SEA on Iceland Air -- $491
:cool1:

BA has luggage agreement with Iceland Air. She was most concerned with that when I was mentioning the different airlines I was considering booking. She said it's best to book luggage all the way through so that it will get to the U.S. even if lost.

Just be careful...I've had mixed experience with BA and non-OneWorld airlines, and travel agents that book separately versus as a single itinerary. If the travel agent books it as two separate bookings/tickets, BA might not accept it, and you may have to re-check your bags in London - which can be a nightmare. I had to do this for a work trip that some "spectacular" travel agent my company used flew me from DFW-LGW on BA and LGW-FRA on Lufthansa on two separate tickets (and itineraries), and I had to claim my bags and go through security/customs to check in again. Had it been one single ticket/PNR, they would have checked my bags all the way to Germany...

There shouldn't be a problem if it's under one ticket number/itinerary, since they're interline partners for tickets and baggage.

-Steve

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 08:54 PM

I'm trying to find a way to incorporate lime green into the logo; I think Stephanie was asking for this choice. All the primary colors she uses is is most likely for her kids. :lmao: :rotfl:

I am NOT a fan of lime green! I am very traditional. I def don't do primary colors for my DD's. If it was up to them everything would be PINK! PINK PINK PINK!!!

:rotfl:

Finally, I made it work. I think. Since this is Cruise 2, will they send me the Castaway Cay stuff in the mail or will it all be in the room waiting?

You all are major veterans to this life . . .I barely understand the lingo in the posts . . . anywho please give me any and all advice . . .I want to take extreme advantage of all your knowledge . . .

Your gift will be in your stateroom and you will receive your lanyards at check in.

Wow, up to post 7 now, soon I can PM folks . . .

Is there a source for info concerning sold out status of ship? Are upgrades available for rooms? How does this work? Will Disney sail with them empty or offer them to us at a discount or free upgrade? Just curious, no clue how to do all that.

Steve

Last TA the ship was EMPTY but DCL was charging a FORTUNE for upgrades. The upgrades were FULL RACK rate. THe upgrades were more then we paid for the whole cruise. I would not plan on being able to buy a cheap upgrade.

If you are booked in a GTY room then you have a chance of being upgraded.

What room CAT are you booked in?

I love your enthusiasm. I am so happy this thread is picking up!!!!

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 08:56 PM

Finally, I made it work. I think. Since this is Cruise 2, will they send me the Castaway Cay stuff in the mail or will it all be in the room waiting? ...

Yes, they send Castaway Club (CC) info in the mail. And it seemed a long time coming for mine. I would hope they have yours coming soon.

The most important aspect of CC for you is to know you are a peon Silver member - it will get you in the return cruiser check-in (which is not always the shortest queue); you should have one gift bag waiting in your cabin (no matter how many people in the cabin have sailed DCL before). They should give you a silver lanyard upon check-in. That's about it for CC for now.

Wow, up to post 7 now, soon I can PM folks . . .

Is there a source for info concerning sold out status of ship? Are upgrades available for rooms? How does this work? Will Disney sail with them empty or offer them to us at a discount or free upgrade? Just curious, no clue how to do all that.

Steve

You are actually on post 5.

Disney will sail empty. Before that, they may offer military discounts, FL resident discounts, Travel Agent discounts or sale prices to the general public (although we booked for $799 pp, so I don't see that happening).

PS: to get the @ sign in your email address, use SHIFT + 2.

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 08:57 PM

Michelle2 -- Thanks for adding us to the FE list on the website! I see our family listed, but DS Mason (6) isn't on the kids list.
Thanks for organizing this for us!

AuntLynne -- Great website! Thanks for taking the time to do this!

Suzy

On a side note, where in socal are you from? We are in SD. I saw on your signature that you were DL Annual Passholders. Us too! We usually try to go at least once a month and sometimes more. We will be there Sunday! :thumbsup2

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 08:59 PM

I took 6 minutes to post a response and we're almost through with the next page.

I am so looking forward to that lime green; we'll wear it proudly in honor of Stephanie. :lmao:

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 08:59 PM

Disney will sail empty. Before that, they may offer military discounts, FL resident discounts, Travel Agent discounts or sale prices to the general public (although we booked for $799 pp, so I don't see that happening).

Last TA the rates went down to $899 for 1 and 2 and $99 for 3 and 4. The military rates were $599 for 1 and 2 and $99 for 3 and 4. We can always hope it goes lower! :thumbsup2

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:01 PM

i took 6 minutes to post a response and we're almost through with the next page.

I am so looking forward to that lime green; we'll wear it proudly in honor of stephanie. :lmao:

*sigh*

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 09:05 PM

Brooklyn,

Do you want to work on something for the other cruise's logo?

I've got a "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, Lend Me Your Ears" theme with a Mickey Mouse hat, Genie/Aladdin concept, and Huey, Dewey & Louie so far. I am getting ready to post polls for both cruises and wanted any more input from you (or others) we might consider.

Lynne

woody73

12-29-2009, 09:07 PM

Disney will sail empty. Before that, they may offer military discounts, FL resident discounts, Travel Agent discounts or sale prices to the general public . . .
Kids sail free, free pre-paid gratuities, additional shipboard credit, book a cruise get another cruise free . . .

Woody

KrisannB

12-29-2009, 09:09 PM

My husband and I like to play the Mexican Train if you are getting a group together

We have signed up for Mexican Train Dominoes:

Krisann (KrisannB)
Woody & Mrs. Woody (woody73)
Michelle (Michelle2)
Charlotte & John (Happy Goofy)

Krisann - Will Ashley, Ashlyn & Arron be playing too?

Woody

my husband will be playing also - the only thing is my disney dominoes are only double 6's - I will bring the travel Mexican Train set I just ordered :) It will play 8 at a time - at church we do teams if we have more peope - so right now we have 7 - but we can play teams or multiple rounds if we have more to play. The one thing different about the travel set I have is instead of dots - they have numbers (makes it easier for kids too)

:thumbsup2

Oh I LOVE Pub Night. It is a great skit!

Dry Erase Boards just for the DIS would be great. I am willing to put one on one of our stateroom doors but bnot sure where I will be on the ship yet. I may be back on Deck 1 and no one wants to venture down there, LOL!

On the PC WB I think we had one contact room door for any updates per deck. that seemed to work really well - I will be glad to be the contact door for Deck 7 if we do that.

Ok, here is the list that I have for the Secret Mickeys. I have a feeling that this list will need alot of tweaking!! This is a list I inherited from someone else, so I have no idea how accurate it is. Let me know if there are any additions or subractions.

MegaMouseHouse (did they cancel?)
IngridRalph -- for DD12
chirurgeon (cancelled?)
EyeDisneyCruise (cancelled?)
Craftymouse (?)
Emmasmom
StaciJo
Emmah
HappyGoofy
Brooklyn
bound2travel

I know others have said they wanted to do it, but that has been awhile ago. If you don't see your name on the list, let me know and I will add you.

Those that do want to participate, I need the names of those wanting to do it (whether a child or adult), and if they are children, their ages. We will get a more specific questionnaire with likes, dislikes soon.

we are doing it!

Krisann (A)
Ashley (Adult (Ashley is a HE btw)
Ashlyn (15)
Aaron (12 - turning 13 on cruise on 4/21)

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:10 PM

I just set up this Facebook group for our cruise. If anyone wants to join feel free. I LOVE facebook so it might be fun for others who also use facebook. Just another way to get to know each other and keep in touch.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=229142920100

woody73

12-29-2009, 09:19 PM

I will bring the travel Mexican Train set I just ordered. It will play 8 at a time . . .

The one thing different about the travel set I have is instead of dots - they have numbers

Krisann - numbered tiles will work just fine. Is it a double 12 set?

We have signed up for Mexican Train Dominoes:

Krisann & Ashley (KrisannB)
Woody & Mrs. Woody (woody73)
Michelle (Michelle2)
Charlotte & John (Happy Goofy)

Woody

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 09:23 PM

I always seem to find free places along the way. This is usually where you find lots of CM's also doing the same thing when they get some time off on port days.

Lynne posted a bunch of places on her website for wi fi hot spots along the way....

I like the idea of finding out from Cast Members (CM) where hotspots are (as the first cruise back to the Med, it may be a little more difficult).

The Wi-Fi idea came from someone else's website, too. I am definitely into taking other people's ideas if they seem helpful.

Supposedly, McD's in Europe have free Wi-Fi.

...and McD's in the US will have free Wi-Fi in all locations starting in mid- January in their attempt to lure Starbucks' customers.

sdlong329

12-29-2009, 09:23 PM

I never stepped foot in Rockin Bar D or Diversions ...

Match your mate sounds fun. Where do they do that?

Anyone else excited about the new pins for this sailing?

Stephen, do you mean the Talent Show night with the crew? Or is this a separate skit?

--Rockin Bar 'D / Diversions: During the day time, these rooms are open to all ages. At night, they are restricted to adults.

--Pins: In addition to pins in Mickeys Mates and Treasue Ketch, The Pin Station sets up on Deck 3 Mid Ship several times throughout a 7-day cruise. During special itinerary cruises, special pins may also available. DVC stopped production of, and subsequently, giving out special pins for DVC resorts, and special itinerary cruises. I am not sure if this is temporary.

--Talent Show / Pub Night: I do not recall a CAST Talent Show during 7 day cruises, but attended one during the 15 day Panama Canal crossing. Actually, I was referring to a small THANK YOU show (often referred to as PUB NIGHT), put on by the crew members (mostly Adult Activities Staff, Child Activities Staff, and a few bartenders (etc)) on 7+ day cruises. Made up of a few short skits, they close the show with one SPECIAL skit - hilarious! Bring the cameras and video cameras! On the 7-day cruises, it is usually held after dinner, on the last night of the cruise ... which is typically when we are sailing back from Castaway Cay. Since we will be in Barcelona on the last night, I am not sure if this skit will be put on during our last evening at sea, or the overnight evening we are in Barcelona.

Not too many plane changes (or last flight hours with no bathroom. I am so hopeful and certain that they will have to drop that plan.

--Do you remember my reply to PJ Breakfast? I seriously doubt I will have ANY issues on the plane. Who's goin to stop me?
:scared1:

-Steven

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 09:25 PM

...Made up of a few short skits, they close the show with one SPECIAL skit - hilarious! ...

Does this involve a tennis racket, a bikini, and a trench coat?

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:27 PM

does this involve a tennis racket, a bikini, and a trench coat?

yup

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:29 PM

--Talent Show / Pub Night: I do not recall a CAST Talent Show during 7 day cruises, but attended one during the 15 day Panama Canal crossing. Actually, I was referring to a small THANK YOU show (often referred to as PUB NIGHT), put on by the crew members (mostly Adult Activities Staff, Child Activities Staff, and a few bartenders (etc)) on 7+ day cruises. Made up of a few short skits, they close the show with one SPECIAL skit - hilarious! Bring the cameras and video cameras! On the 7-day cruises, it is usually held after dinner, on the last night of the cruise ... which is typically when we are sailing back from Castaway Cay. Since we will be in Barcelona on the last night, I am not sure if this skit will be put on during our last evening at sea, or the overnight evening we are in Barcelona.

-Steven

On the last EB TA Pub Night was the final night of the cruise at 10:30

KrisannB

12-29-2009, 09:32 PM

Krisann - numbered tiles will work just fine. Is it a double 12 set?

We have signed up for Mexican Train Dominoes:

Krisann & Ashley (KrisannB)
Woody & Mrs. Woody (woody73)
Michelle (Michelle2)
Charlotte & John (Happy Goofy)

Woody

Yep they are double 12's and have 8 trains with it.

I just set up this Facebook group for our cruise. If anyone wants to join feel free. I LOVE facebook so it might be fun for others who also use facebook. Just another way to get to know each other and keep in touch.

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?v=info&gid=229142920100

when I went to this I did not find it - could you please invite me? My FB name is: Krisann Duncan Blair - thanks!

Krisann

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 09:32 PM

If I quit kidding you about a certain color, will you think of something for the Med cruise's logo?

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 09:34 PM

...
when I went to this I did not find it - could you please invite me? ...

Krisann
I first had to sign in and then I clicked on her link, took me right there. Clicked on "Wall" and it added my picture from my FB page.

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 09:36 PM

On the last EB TA Pub Night was the final night of the cruise at 10:30

Sunset is at 8:40 pm, skit is at 10:30; We want to see the Magic Fountains of Montjuic in between these times.

Dishy24

12-29-2009, 09:39 PM

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:40 PM

Sunset is at 8:40 pm, skit is at 10:30; We want to see the Magic Fountains of Montjuic in between these times.

Oh that is too stressful for me! LOL I will just save you guys seats! :rotfl:

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:43 PM

If I quit kidding you about a certain color, will you think of something for the Med cruise's logo?

You can kid all you want. I am the most SARCASTIC person in the world. I dish it out so I guess I have to take it! LOL

Yes, I will try to turn on my creative juices...;)

FirstTimeCruiser

12-29-2009, 09:44 PM

On a side note, where in socal are you from? We are in SD. I saw on your signature that you were DL Annual Passholders. Us too! We usually try to go at least once a month and sometimes more. We will be there Sunday! :thumbsup2

We're from the East San Gabriel Valley area (LA). We also try to go to DL at least once a month also, used to go more before our son started school! Now we try and go on a Sunday or when he's got a minimum day from school. :goodvibes

KrisannB

12-29-2009, 09:45 PM

I first had to sign in and then I clicked on her link, took me right there. Clicked on "Wall" and it added my picture from my FB page.

Thanks! I got in ok now - now the problem is connecting the real names with DIS names :)

Krisann

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:47 PM

Now we try and go on a Sunday or when he's got a minimum day from school. :goodvibes

Us too! Now we are taking DD out of school for 4 weeks for this vacation! :lmao: So much for missing a day to go to Disneyland! LOL

KrisannB

12-29-2009, 09:48 PM

ok all this talk is making me want to go start packing for the cruise :) I wish it was January 10th instead of April :)

KrisannB

12-29-2009, 09:52 PM

Oh for anyone who needs them Avon has 3 packing cubes (one each size) set for 9.99 in the current book - I ordered 3 sets and may go back and order another - I love to use them to pack with!

Krisann

FirstTimeCruiser

12-29-2009, 09:52 PM

Us too! Now we are taking DD out of school for 4 weeks for this vacation! :lmao: So much for missing a day to go to Disneyland! LOL

I know! We've got Spring Break, followed by 2 weeks of cruise, my DS will either be really excited or really bummed to go back to school!!

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 09:57 PM

I know! We've got Spring Break, followed by 2 weeks of cruise, my DS will either be really excited or really bummed to go back to school!!

DD will start spring break on March 26th and she will not be going back till May 17th! :scared1:

IngridRalph

12-29-2009, 10:02 PM

I know! We've got Spring Break, followed by 2 weeks of cruise, my DS will either be really excited or really bummed to go back to school!!

My kids have the same schedule. Three weeks of no school!

~Ingrid

bound2travel

12-29-2009, 10:05 PM

Kristi, I am trying to get a group together for the "walking impaired." I am traveling solo, so I'd like others to go with in each port. Let me know what you think and where you'd like to go. There are maybe 5 of us already. Six would be a good number... email me.

Linda

I sent you a pm with my possible list of excursions. It's still pretty long (except Cadiz). I can't book until January 10th (Silver CC)

Kristi

sdlong329

12-29-2009, 10:06 PM

You can kid all you want. I am the most SARCASTIC person in the world. I dish it out so I guess I have to take it! LOL

-My DW tells me that there will be TROUBLE if I am in the same room as you. There will likely be competition as to who can be the most scarcastic! Sounds like FUN to me!
:cool1:

Oh for anyone who needs them Avon has 3 packing cubes (one each size) set for 9.99 in the current book.

-Please explain what these are, and/or how they are used.

--Steven

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 10:21 PM

-My DH tells me that there will be TROUBLE if I am in the same room as you. There will likely be competition as to who can be the most scarcastic! Sounds like FUN to me!
:cool1:

-Please explain what these are, and/or how they are used.

--Steven

Donna, do you start the post and Steven finishes it? How long have you been married?

I kept wondering why he would refer to his DH

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 10:24 PM

-My DH tells me that there will be TROUBLE if I am in the same room as you. There will likely be competition as to who can be the most scarcastic! Sounds like FUN to me!
:cool1:

-Please explain what these are, and/or how they are used.

--Steven

Oh I LOVE it!!!!! The more sarcastic the better I get along with people!!!

Here comes T R O U B L E

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 10:24 PM

...PS: to get the @ sign in your email address, use SHIFT + 2.

sdlong329 had to set me straight about this - that Amberbunny wasn't slow, just careful not to set off any viruses. :rolleyes1

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 10:25 PM

Oh I LOVE it!!!!! The more sarcastic the better I get along with people!!!

Here comes T R O U B L E

I need to hear the sarcasm in your voice. And possibly see your body language (since words are only 7% of communication). :goodvibes

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 10:27 PM

I need to hear the sarcasm in your voice. And possibly see your body language (since words are only 7% of communication). :goodvibes

That is the problem though...my voice always gets me in trouble!

At least here I can type, then erase, then type, then erase....trying to be on my best behavior. In person it just comes out and there is no turning back, LOL :rotfl:

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 10:27 PM

We started the day on page 140. Now 147. You people must have done some serious Christmas preparation, decoration, whatever, that kept you off the boards before now.

Brooklyn

12-29-2009, 10:30 PM

We started the day on page 140. Now 147. You people must have done some serious Christmas preparation, decoration, whatever, that kept you off the boards before now.

:thumbsup2

KrisannB

12-29-2009, 10:57 PM

-My DH tells me that there will be TROUBLE if I am in the same room as you. There will likely be competition as to who can be the most scarcastic! Sounds like FUN to me!
:cool1:

-Please explain what these are, and/or how they are used.

--Steven

The packing cubes are described as:

Nylon zippered cubes with mesh panels. Set of three includes: 7 1/2" L x 5 1/2" H bag in Fuchsia, 11" L x 7" H bag in Turquoise and 14" L x 10" H bag in Lime. Each expands to 2 3/4" deep.

I use the small one for undies and pj's
the middle one for shirts
the large one for pants/dresses

I have ordered everyone their own set plus one for our combined suitcase.

I first used them went we went to europe and ordered them from Rick Steve's web site. We only took one set but for this trip we will each have our own set :)

I know they also sell them on ebags, amazon, etc. but this is the best deal I have found on them - they are half price and I ordered 4 sets for 5.95 shipping - so that made it about $12 per set including shipping - a great deal to me.

I know there have been other discussions on this topic on the boards so you can do a search for it and see why others like them :)

Krisann

janell.carrasco

12-29-2009, 10:59 PM

We may be interested. I was looking at WDW resorts but this might be a fun option. We are a family of 5. How large is your party?

There are 4 of us...possibly six if a friend comes along. There is an option for a strech excursion that would seat 14.

janell.carrasco

12-29-2009, 11:03 PM

Status:

FE: Sign-up stage. List of those participating on the external website (see web address below. That's as far as we've gotten in decision-making.

We'll need to pick a cut-off date so we can determine if we need to break into smaller groups or not.

You leave FE (fish extender gifts) in the hanging bag (w/multiple pockets) that the cruiser has attached to the metal fish outside the cabin door.

Lanyards: Traditionally, the DISboard participants have matching lanyards and attached nametags - allows for easier spotting of someone you have talked with online (or not). Makes for ease of introduction.

We are discussing our theme. I suggested voting the first week of January - we are taking suggestions. Then we'll pick a theme. Got some floating around. If you see nametag designs in our posts, it's because we are experimenting with ideas. Recommendation is that we use group logo on nametag for ease of spotting.

Castaway Cay members get lanyards, but a lot of DISers will wear the group's lanyard instead.

T-shirts: make them yourself with your choice of t-shirt, utilizing iron-on transfer paper with design printed off your computer. Easiest way to avoid printers from denying use of design due to copyright infringement (if we want any Disney character in our logo). No hassle with collecting size info and money and trying to get large box on boat for distribution.

Secret Santa: less planning than FE. Haven't begun a list yet.

...Bottom line: you haven't really missed any of the planning.

Lynne

I'll add you to the external website.

Thank you!:cool1:

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 11:07 PM

Janell, what day is your daughter's birthday?

janell.carrasco

12-29-2009, 11:10 PM

If that does not work out, consider the Crowne Plaza Hotel ( 5minutes from the airport). Many airline personnel stay there. We often stay there overnight when cruising in NOV / DEC (under $100 per night). Nice, upscale place - nothing over the top - but still nice. Pricing changes throughout the seasons (check pricing for this place on Travelocity, etc). Free shuttle is offered - every 15-30 minutes.

Thank you for the suggestion. We were looking at the Crowne Plaza...especially for the first night in Orlando since we will probably be getting in late and it would not be worth spending so much at Nichelodeon.

janell.carrasco

12-29-2009, 11:11 PM

Janell, what day is your daughter's birthday?

Jasmin's 13th birthday will be April 15th! She's my tax baby=)
My husband almost had a heart attack when one of her first words was "money"!

janell.carrasco

12-29-2009, 11:14 PM

Do some people have access to the excursions yet? I'm excited to know what our options are. I'm sorry if someone has already posted them. It's hard to scroll through all the posts.
:rolleyes:

auntlynne

12-29-2009, 11:25 PM

Jasmin's 13th birthday will be April 15th! She's my tax baby=)
My husband almost had a heart attack when one of her first words was "money"! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Do some people have access to the excursions yet? I'm excited to know what our options are. I'm sorry if someone has already posted them. It's hard to scroll through all the posts.
:rolleyes:

They are on the DCL website. On the home page, hover your mouse over "Cruises & Destinations" it will open a drop-down menu. In the right-hand column, click on "Port Adventures." On the bottom left side of the white section is a drop-down menu for "Port Adventures for You." Pick a port and GO.

stlkeeler

12-29-2009, 11:43 PM

Sunset is at 8:40 pm, skit is at 10:30; We want to see the Magic Fountains of Montjuic in between these times.
Lynne, someplace on one of the Barcelona sites I read that the times are 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 for the magic fountain. We could be back in time...

Donna, do you start the post and Steven finishes it? How long have you been married?

I kept wondering why he would refer to his DH

I've wondered this, too! :goodvibes

janell.carrasco

12-29-2009, 11:48 PM

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

They are on the DCL website. On the home page, hover your mouse over "Cruises & Destinations" it will open a drop-down menu. In the right-hand column, click on "Port Adventures." On the bottom left side of the white section is a drop-down menu for "Port Adventures for You." Pick a port and GO.

Found it! Thank you!

dee47

12-30-2009, 12:01 AM

OK all you confirmed people -- please PM me with your real names and reservation #s, DCL wants a complete list. They didn't 3 years ago, which was the last time I organized a Palo group...:confused3

You are confirmed if you are on this list:

John - Happy Goofy
Charlotte - Happy Goofy
Kathe - katypop
Linda - stlouiskeeler
Kristi - bound2travel
Dee - dee47
Lynne - auntlynne
Krisann - KrisannB
Ashley - KrisannB
Michelle - Michelle2
Michelle’s partner - Michelle2 (tentative)
PrincessMonkey - PrincessMonkey
Dr Dave - PrincessMonkey

Yeah that goes for the dinner crowd to, but I don't handle that one. Brooklyn, if you need the info on how to submit the request and to whom, let me know. I'll PM you my info soon.

Off to clean my PM box...

dee47

12-30-2009, 12:22 AM

Linda wins -- fastest response I ever got to a posting :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

PrincessMonkey

12-30-2009, 02:47 AM

It would be so fun to all sit together for the first nights events in Rockin Bar D.

The adult scavenger hunt and match your mate are just sooooooo fun to watch and/or particpate. Our goal should be to get Princess Monkey chosen for match your mate and working together on the scavenger hunt would be great too! :thumbsup2

YES!!! :rotfl: at the idea of "get Princess Monkey chosen"! I volunteer us too! - Dr. Dave & I love to play those board games among our friends (anything personal or general trivia related where you have to read each other's minds), and I'd love to try to match his answers to PROVE how much we think alike! We will bring our Flip Cam to that one.

What day/time is that game? With the honeymooning and all, we will need prep time. :lmao:

Count us in for the group adult scavenger hunt too. I can be resourceful, and Dr. Dave digs detective shows like Castle/Columbo/Monk. Plus, we would have an advantage as a group, because our DIS teammates would already know each other!

We will need a date/time reminder as we get closer... it's too easy to forget 100 days out. Can we post reminders for BOTH of these group games in our mini-Navigator?

Dee, I sent you a PM on the Palo Brunch.

Princessmonkey

PrincessMonkey

12-30-2009, 03:10 AM

I agree - PrincessMonkey and hubby for match your mate!!!! I think if there are enough of us, then we can make sure they are chosen.

:thumbsup2 By all means, DO it!!

Late Dining def makes for the ability to stay up later. We missed just about everything on the last TA due to the time change and the main dining.
I like the idea of having more time to talk at a late dinner. I read that most DCL guests head to their staterooms around 1 or 2AM -- is that true? It's not bad, it's just that I usually don't go to sleep that early! :lmao:

I'm a night owl. If it's morning, then I haven't gone to bed yet.
LOL, okay...You win, Lynne!! I only see the sunrise a couple of days a month, and then I catch some zzz's. ;)

I didn't do any late night activities on my first two cruises - 3 & 4 nighters with my nieces.

Then I found the DISboards before the 7-night cruise. What a difference.

I am an extrovert, though scared of rejection or feeling alone in a crowd...

...The magic :wizard: happened. I walked into a room - either Promenade Lounge for a game activity or Rockin' Bar D for nighttime adult fun. And somebody called me over to sit with them... The fun was set for the week. The group grew... and we were off playing BINGO and laughing at the comedians at night and beating the kids in Trivia. And it's not always who you think it will be that you play with on board.
...So I think you could guess that I'm all for gathering the crowd in Rockin' Bar D.
...For adult/late night shows, someone waving at me usually works. Hopefully, they will have on our lanyard and nametag.

That was one of the best posts I have read on our thread. :hug:
:sad1: I think everyone has had that feeling of being alone in a new environment... We're taking steps to remove those walls here on the DIS. I fully expect our eccentric, Disney-lovin' group to have FUN together on this cruise!

PrincessMonkey

auntlynne

12-30-2009, 03:14 AM

Again with the early morning posts? Or is it late night for you?

auntlynne

12-30-2009, 03:18 AM

...
I like the idea of having more time to talk at a late dinner. I read that most DCL guests head to their staterooms around 1 or 2AM -- is that true? It's not bad, it's just that I usually don't go to sleep that early! :lmao: ...PrincessMonkey

Seriously? It's a ghost ship by midnight. Maybe some people are in the bars, but you can walk around the upper decks, deck 4 and find no one. Same thing early mornings - a few die-hard crack-of-dawners. The workers are out scrubbing the pool areas, painting, whatever. I even had to wait at the door for the gym because the CM was late getting there to open up.

Lynne

PrincessMonkey

12-30-2009, 03:30 AM

You again?! :laughing: Late night, for me. I'm making up for tomorrow night/tonight! I am driving to a close friend's Bachelorette party in approx. 15 hours (she's getting married to a charming British guy this weekend), so I'm not sure when I will be reading the boards next!

(Which reminds me... mental + DIS note that I have to buy her a stylish "Bachelorette" tiara from a party store at lunch. Thanks!)

About our group's lanyards, any color we decide is fine by me. Some notes: Wearing Lime Green is so... festive. In a bad way. Also, I love Pink as much as the next gal, but do we want someone's DS (or DH :lmao:) who is in the "girls-have-cooties" phase to have to wear one? ;)

On the other hand, Red, Blue and Gold sound great, and what about something neutral, like Off-White or Beige? It all depends on our theme. :wizard:

PrincessMonkey

PrincessMonkey

12-30-2009, 03:40 AM

Seriously? It's a ghost ship by midnight. Maybe some people are in the bars, but you can walk around the upper decks, deck 4 and find no one.

* Groan *
Really? :confused3 That's how it is at the Disney Resorts too. Thanks for doling out the truth!

I think an eager DISer was trying to encourage night-owl readers that DCL was no different than other cruise lines. In fact, I also spoke with a DCL rep who exclaimed that there are all-night buffets available on the ship. :rolleyes1 Was that an overstatement? 14-days is a long time... At the very least, we could get some sodas and set-up some late-night board games on select nights for our group.

A lot of us don't post at night, but it's different when we don't have to work the next day.

PrincessMonkey

grlzmom

12-30-2009, 05:11 AM

Sunset is at 8:40 pm, skit is at 10:30; We want to see the Magic Fountains of Montjuic in between these times.

Same here :)

Yvet

12-30-2009, 07:59 AM

Pfff i'm on page 125 try to keep up with you all but that's difficult.....

Okay i have seen the updated site and i love it!!
It's getting better and better.

Here are some things for the website.
** Special Days: Anniversary April 17, 14 years together.
** Eastbound Personals: We want to sit with Dissers during dinner, we have late dinner. We would like to sit with adults or young adults (age 16 and above).
** Secret Mickey: We would like to participate, i have to send an email to Michelle/michelle2 about this, (please can somebody pm me her email adress).
** Bunco: we would like to be participating in this also.
** Palo: can anybody again explain to me how this works (group wise, not Palo itself).
** Stateroom Tag: looks like a lot of fun so we are in!!
** Cabin tours: As of this point we have an cat 12 and are happy to show our humble palace....

And then i have made a facebook event page for the EB Transatlantic.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=384110365612
For all of the people that have Facebook, just join in, the more the happier.
Not only for all the info but mostly because i would like to get to know people a bit better....

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 08:04 AM

Jasmin's 13th birthday will be April 15th! She's my tax baby=)
My husband almost had a heart attack when one of her first words was "money"!

:lmao:

YES!!! :rotfl: at the idea of "get Princess Monkey chosen"! I volunteer us too! - Dr. Dave & I love to play those board games among our friends (anything personal or general trivia related where you have to read each other's minds), and I'd love to try to match his answers to PROVE how much we think alike! We will bring our Flip Cam to that one.

What day/time is that game? With the honeymooning and all, we will need prep time. :lmao:

Count us in for the group adult scavenger hunt too. I can be resourceful, and Dr. Dave digs detective shows like Castle/Columbo/Monk. Plus, we would have an advantage as a group, because our DIS teammates would already know each other!

We will need a date/time reminder as we get closer... it's too easy to forget 100 days out. Can we post reminders for BOTH of these group games in our mini-Navigator?

Dee, I sent you a PM on the Palo Brunch.

Princessmonkey

Oh yeah! We will be sure to video you on the flip cam! It is such a fun game! Both the savenger hunt are on the 1st night. They usually start around 9:30 or 10:00.

Ok so I love the show Castle too! :lovestruc I think it is adorable and I love his "wit" but I am also very bias because DD was on that show in the 1st season.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/Castle/Castle010.jpg
Oh I just loved him! One of the nicest guys ever!!! He treated Brooklyn like a little princess. Everytime Brooklyn sees a Castle commercial she says "I love that guy!" :rotfl:

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/Castle/Castle009.jpg
Being Goofy...which they liked to do!

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/Castle/Castle004-1.jpg
This was her "tv" family and "crazy" nanny. She played a crazy nanny but was seriously one of the nicest people in the world too!!!

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/Castle/Castle003.jpg
Her trailer door when on location to film the park scene. The park was outside FIDM. Still not sure why there is such a nice park outside FIDM? :confused3

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa206/schwetje/Castle/Castle007-1.jpg
Brooklyn and her pretend mom. These family shots covered a whole wall in their NYC apartment. It was so cute!!!

Ok, ok...enough of being a proud mom!

On the other hand, Red, Blue and Gold sound great, and what about something neutral, like Off-White or Beige? It all depends on our theme. :wizard:

PrincessMonkey

I second those colors!

Oh and yes DCL is a ghost ship after hours. One of my cruises though there was a great group of young adults who partied the night away as long as possible....we could form our own group?!?!?!? :rotfl:

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 08:07 AM

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 08:08 AM

And then i have made a facebook event page for the EB Transatlantic.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=384110365612
For all of the people that have Facebook, just join in, the more the happier.
Not only for all the info but mostly because i would like to get to know people a bit better....

We must think a like....I made one yesterday...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=384110365612#/group.php?gid=229142920100

woody73

12-30-2009, 08:25 AM

Yep they are double 12's and have 8 trains with it.
That's perfect!

Woody

woody73

12-30-2009, 08:42 AM

YES!!! at the idea of "get Princess Monkey chosen"!
Wow, a volunteer!

Woody

rbcheek

12-30-2009, 08:46 AM

On a side note, where in socal are you from? We are in SD. I saw on your signature that you were DL Annual Passholders. Us too! We usually try to go at least once a month and sometimes more. We will be there Sunday! :thumbsup2

Wow, I can't keep up with all of you. We might be there too, although I hear it might be extremely crowded.

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 08:55 AM

Wow, I can't keep up with all of you. We might be there too, although I hear it might be extremely crowded.

Oh cool. Let me know if you go. It is going to be VERY crowed! It is the first day deluxe annual passports can be used again and a lot of SoCal schools go back to school on Monday. I am bracing for the crowds already! We will probably spend most of the day watching the Aladdin show...we just love it! :love:

woody73

12-30-2009, 08:58 AM

I saw on your signature that you were DL Annual Passholders. Us too! We usually try to go at least once a month and sometimes more. We will be there Sunday!

We might be there too, although I hear it might be extremely crowded.
For our WB PC cruise, we had a pre-cruise DISmeet outside DL at a Downtown Disney restaurant. (Not everyone had APs)

It was a nice way to meet people before the cruise.

Woody

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 09:00 AM

For our WB PC cruise, we had a pre-cruise DISmeet outside DL at a Downtown Disney restaurant. (Not everyone had APs)

It was a nice way to meet people before the cruise.

Woody

Sounds like fun! :thumbsup2 There are at least 4 groups of us from SoCal...that seems like enough for a meet to me. :)

Happy Goofy

12-30-2009, 09:08 AM

I am going to look into the cubes. I understand that you are getting to the port early to hand out items. We live about 5 minutes from the port and plan on being there early. IF you would like some help please let us know we will be glad to help out.

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 09:10 AM

rbcheek

12-30-2009, 09:10 AM

sounds good to me also.

woody73

12-30-2009, 09:13 AM

We live about 5 minutes from the port and plan on being there early. IF you would like some help please let us know we will be glad to help out.
Another volunteer! Love it!

Woody

stlkeeler

12-30-2009, 09:31 AM

Linda wins -- fastest response I ever got to a posting :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

What did I win, Dee? :woohoo:

Lynne, you got a new picture! Cool! But you're so tiny! Can't see you...

Stephanie, those pics of your DD with Castle are so cute!! I love that show, too. I wish I had "known" you during the first season so I could have watched for her. How were his mom and daughter? As nice as he is? I love the relationship he has with them, expecially his DD. I'm glad to know he's nice - it makes me like the show so much more. I keep trying to get my DD to watch it with me but she doesn't want to get started on another series. She watches enough already...

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 09:54 AM

What did I win, Dee? :woohoo:

Lynne, you got a new picture! Cool! But you're so tiny! Can't see you...

Stephanie, those pics of your DD with Castle are so cute!! I love that show, too. I wish I had "known" you during the first season so I could have watched for her. How were his mom and daughter? As nice as he is? I love the relationship he has with them, expecially his DD. I'm glad to know he's nice - it makes me like the show so much more. I keep trying to get my DD to watch it with me but she doesn't want to get started on another series. She watches enough already...

She never worked on set with either one of them. The days Brooklyn worked she was the only kid on set besides the last day when they filmed the park scene. From what I heard though, the daughter is just as great as she seems on tv. When Brooklyn filmed it the show had not even started airing so I did not know what to expect. We did see the mom one day in the hair and make up trailer. She was coming as we were leaving for the day. One of the other two male detectives was also soooooo nice. "Castle" seriously was wonderful. From the second he met Brooklyn till the minute we left on the last day...just amazing! The episode aired right after we booked the WB TA last year. All the people on that thread knew and some still watch it after watching B's episode. :thumbsup2

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 10:33 AM

Ok so DD and I were just listening to a CD put together by one of the DISers on a previous cruise. It reminded us to practice all of our dances for the cruise. :thumbsup2 With lots of deck parties we all need to be front and center dancing!

CUPID SHUFFLE
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=384110365612#/group.php?gid=229142920100

FOLLOW THE LEADER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYJu13zYO_s&feature=related

REACH FOR THE STARS (My Favorite :love:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQGDTyGf8UA

HEY BABY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML-4dGvjnuA

CHA CHA SLIDE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r0JgWDzbec

Ok so that should be enough to practice for now! ;) Can you tell I like to be prepared for all situations! LOL :rotfl:

sdlong329

12-30-2009, 11:13 AM

Lynne - What do you think about a Mini-Navigator page with a scratch pad, so we can post notes about tentative dates, etc? I'm thinking we can note the date/time of Scavenger Hunt, Diversions board games, Palo Brunch ... so we don't schedule other events on top of ech other. As of now, I'm thinking Board Games in Diversions at 1PM during sea days.

Donna, do you start the post and Steven finishes it? How long have you been married? I kept wondering why he would refer to his DH
---MEA CULPA! I (Steven) do most of the postings. Looks like I errantly typed DH, instead of DW, when referring to Donna. We've been married 23 years. *** We were almost selected for COUPLE #2 / MATCH YOUR MATE, on the December 5th Tortola Cruise. Okay, so if we're rooting for Princess Monkey for Couple #1, how about rooting for sdlong329 (Steven & Donna) for couple #2?

We were looking at the Crowne Plaza...especially for the first night in Orlando since we will probably be getting in late ...
---Not to confuse you, but Lynne posted grrrreat rates for Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport ... but staying at Crowne Plaza is only a few minutes by shuttle, and gives you access to local restaurants at non-airport pricing. We also hope to pick up a case of water and Pepsi at local retailers near Crowne Plaza ... can't do that at the Hyatt.

PALO: $15 pp. The servers just take each KTTWC and charge according to your party ...
---Not related to Brunch, but I was wondering what everyone else does with regard to a gratuity at Palo's. When we go to Palo's, we normally pre-request a server we had on a previous cruise (servers from the main dining rooms often, eventually, move up to Palo's). In the past, we've slipped the Palo's server $20 cash ... mostly because they go out of their way ... almost to a fault! It's odd paying $15 for dinner (pp), and tipping $20, but if we had to pay retail for dinner at a Palo-like restaurant here at home, I know we'd have to tip AT LEAST $20. Any thoughts???

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 11:19 AM

---MEA CULPA! I (Steven) do most of the postings. Looks like I errantly typed DH, instead of DW, when referring to Donna. We've been married 23 years. *** We were almost selected for COUPLE #2 / MATCH YOUR MATE, on the December 5th Tortola Cruise. Okay, so if we're rooting for Princess Monkey for Couple #1, how about rooting for sdlong329 (Steven & Donna) for couple #2?

---Not related to Brunch, but I was wondering what everyone else does with regard to a gratuity at Palo's. When we go to Palo's, we normally pre-request a server we had on a previous cruise (servers from the main dining rooms often, eventually, move up to Palo's). In the past, we've slipped the Palo's server $20 cash ... mostly because they go out of their way ... almost to a fault! It's odd paying $15 for dinner (pp), and tipping $20, but if we had to pay retail for dinner at a Palo-like restaurant here at home, I know we'd have to tip AT LEAST $20. Any thoughts???

We will absolutly be rooting for you as couple #2. Ok so who wants to be couple #3!!! We need to get an all DIS Match Your Mate!!!

We always give more. We talked to one of the servers along with another who works at Palo...you would be SHOCKED to hear exactly what of the $15 actually goes to the server. :scared1: Depending on who you are at Palo anywhere from .50 cents to a few dollars, that is it! :scared1: We were telling them that on the DIS Boards people state that the servers get a higher amount of that money. They were quickly to say "no". It was not in a bad way either. They did not seem like they were expecting or hinting that they wanted more but they do not get much at all from the actual $15.

bound2travel

12-30-2009, 11:24 AM

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 11:27 AM

Is anyone staying near the port the night before the cruise? I'm hoping too (still have to make a ressie). If there are enough interested, maybe those of us near the port could have a short meet and greet at one of the hotel pools or something.

I don't know what hotel to look at for booking as I've never stayed in that area before. Any suggestions?

Kristi

We have reservations at the Radisson. They have a free shuttle but no free breakfast. We also have a reservation at the Residence Inn. They charge for the shuttle - $3 pp but have a free hot breakfast bar. The residence inn is cheaper but the Radisson's grounds seem to be a bit nicer. The rooms at the residence inn have a full kitchen.

We would be up for meet the night before. We are though going to go to Epcot for a day with the free tickets we are going to get for volunteering for a day. We figure we might as well take advantage of the offer and help out others in the process.

auntlynne

12-30-2009, 12:10 PM

...We are in SD. I saw on your signature that you were DL Annual Passholders. Us too! We usually try to go at least once a month and sometimes more. We will be there Sunday! :thumbsup2

...We might be there too, although I hear it might be extremely crowded.

...Wearing Lime Green is so... festive....PrincessMonkey

You know, if you all had on something, I don't know, a certain color, you could spot each other more easily in the park.

sdlong329

12-30-2009, 12:12 PM

Is anyone staying near the port the night before the cruise? I'm hoping too (still have to make a ressie). If there are enough interested, maybe those of us near the port could have a short meet and greet at one of the hotel pools or something.Kristi

Hmmm, perhaps mini-meets at each of the local hotels. Should we create another page listing who is staying at which hotel in Orlando? If so ... put me and (DW) Donna down as staying at Crowne Plaza Orlando Airport.

Crowne Plaza - Free & frequent shuttle, no free breakfast
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport - No shuttle needed, but likely much more $ for breakfast, unless you eat in the airport.

rbcheek

12-30-2009, 12:17 PM

I saw mention of tips a few posts back, and I was wondering what the standard tips are like for the entire cruise?

auntlynne

12-30-2009, 12:18 PM

...In fact, I also spoke with a DCL rep who exclaimed that there are all-night buffets available on the ship. :rolleyes1 Was that an overstatement? 14-days is a long time... At the very least, we could get some sodas and set-up some late-night board games on select nights for our group.

A lot of us don't post at night, but it's different when we don't have to work the next day.

PrincessMonkey

No all-night buffets, no midnight buffets. I think the latest I've seen are the Pirates IN the Caribbean - served on deck near the Goofy pool starting around 9:45 and the Dessert - served in Luminiere's at about the same time. In either case, late dinners really need to chose dinner or buffet, because there's no need for more food so soon.

You can get room service round the clock; so food, yes, (if you can any more). The drink station on Deck 9, Aft, is always open.

Now I know who to look for late at night. Games under the stars? :thumbsup2

Brooklyn

12-30-2009, 12:21 PM

You know, if you all had on something, I don't know, a certain color, you could spot each other more easily in the park.

Not a chance! LOL

Hmmm, perhaps mini-meets at each of the local hotels. Should we create another page listing who is staying at which hotel in Orlando? If so ... put me and (DW) Donna down as staying at Crowne Plaza Orlando Airport.

Crowne Plaza - Free & frequent shuttle, no free breakfast
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport - No shuttle needed, but likely much more $ for breakfast, unless you eat in the airport.

The hotels I was mentioning were at the port...and the shuttles from the Radisson are free to the ship and the Residence Inn is $3 pp to the ship.

auntlynne

12-30-2009, 12:27 PM

Hmmm, perhaps mini-meets at each of the local hotels. Should we create another page listing who is staying at which hotel in Orlando?

Didn't add a page - just put it on the EB Group Activities page; if it gets too long, I'll add another.

Lynne

auntlynne

12-30-2009, 12:30 PM

...Lynne, you got a new picture! Cool! But you're so tiny! Can't see you...

Those are the nicest words; but I still need to lose weight. :rotfl:

sdlong329

12-30-2009, 12:45 PM

I saw mention of tips a few posts back, and I was wondering what the standard tips are like for the entire cruise?

I forget the exact breakdown, per cast member, per day ... but it came to $84 per guest for a 7 day cruise. I would double that to $168 for a 14 day cruise. Towards the end of the cruise, you are provided with a gratuity sheet. Simply fill it out, and return it to guest services - who will add the charges to your room charge, unless you wish to handle it via other means. Gratuities are NOT charged to your room, without your written authorization (via the completed form).

FWIW, the suggested tip is for each passenger ... including children. Of course, you can amend the tip - higher or lower. I often give our server and assitant server a little extra (when appropriate), via cash in a hand shake during our last dinner.

--Steven Long