January 4, 2003!!!!

[Fawn]

It's been a couple of weeks, so thought I'd try another roll call...see if we got any new cruisers for our week! :)

We will be traveling with DH and myself, and 5 children...21, 19, 16, 12 and 11.


If anyone is thinking about that date, rumor has it that the famous BARB will be on our cruise! ;) Not that I'd want to sway your decision or anything!

:earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[Michelle]

Not on your cruise, Fawn (and Barb & Tony!) ;) but I'll give this a bump for you! :D

[Cheryl N. WI]

We'll be cruising with you! It will be myself, DH and DD8. We are meeting friends that we made on our last Magic cruise in Nov. 2000 and we are very excited!

Are any other DISers joining us???

Cheryl:sunny:

[inkkognito]

I can hardly wait...I'm already watching the airfares and checking Hotwire rooms. Hubby still has to post the DIS photo from the 5/25 Western, and we can take one on 1/4 and post that next to it :)
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[Fawn]

Alright...we're slowly picking up here!! :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Barb...we're staying at the Radisson, and I have my eye on airfares too. With 7 of us going, it will be an expensive proposition no matter what, I'm afraid! I love the idea of a pic!

Cheryl...glad you're joining us. What ages are your friends kids? Are they on this board yet?? :)

I wanna CRUISE!! :cool:

[Lisa F]

Myself and DH will be on the cruise too. No kids yet. We already have our airfare booked though because we are flying in on December 28 for a week at WDW before the cruise. Flying between christmas and new year's I have found that the flight prices only go up as you get closer to the date so I booked months ago when I found something that worked for a reasonable price at the time we wanted. I am soooooooooo excited.

Lisa

[Fawn]

OK, now we're rolling! :) We're gonna have a DIS cruise yet!

I have to admit, I find it amazing that anyone would pay this amount of money for a cruise and not research it enough to find these boards! And no, I am not addicted! Uh huh...not me...nope! :rolleyes:

Anyone else???

[Lisa F]

On our last cruise (same time last year) I read the boards like crazy but it didn't really prepare me much for my cruise. I knew to get in line for Palo right away but I was SO stressed in the months leading up to the cruise I just couldn't wrap my head around the wonderful information here. I read the navigators but it was like greek to me. We still had a completely wonderful time so I think cruises are one area where you can go on board fairly ignorant and still have a great time. We did double schedule a few things because I hadn't planned out when the best time for Palo's brunch and tea would be, but now we are experts so I think the scheduling should run a little smoother!

We are thinking we want to do Palo brunch on the morning of Key West at around 11am and I don't think we will miss anything else (if I schedule it at the same time as another behind the scenes thing, my husband will kill me! I think he STILL doesn't forgive me for missing the last session with the imagineer guy for brunch!). I had the day for tea picked out but I forgot now (i have a note somewhere). I think we have decided to either miss the Parrot Cay dinner or the it's a small world dinner (or both!) for Palo's dinner. We missed the master chef series but in retrospect we really did not enjoy the food at the small world dinner.

Want to talk about obsessive!!

Lisa

[Fawn]

I think we may all be a little OCD when it comes to these boards, Lisa! ;)

I'm going thru the same things in my mind about when to book Palo's. We want to do one dinner, brunch and high tea.

I think we will do dinner either Key West night around sundown ( I heard it's beautiful from there) or do it early one evening when there is a show we don't care for. That way we can still sit down at our late seating dinner with the kids and catch up before they run off again!

I know, I know...:crazy: And I haven't even discussed the booking of spa appointments yet! LOL

[Lisa F]

I am not really that into the spa, but I think you will have to fight Barb for the good spa times! Last year i had a foot massage done after a walking tour in St. Thomas and it was okay but not great. I did get a fabulous haircut and have not yet had another one... It has grown out beautifully so I might just get my next haircut on board again!

Lisa

[Cheryl N. WI]

Fawn, our freinds won't be bringing their kids - both their kids are grown and married. I'm not sure if they really know about these boards, I think in one of our emails I did mention it to them and I emailed them with the excursion info when it was first posted here. I'm sure we will be talking alot about the cruise when we see them in July when they are in the area for a wedding.

We already have our plane tickets. I had some vouchers for Midwest Express that were going to expire and I was able to get us a decent fare with them for a direct flight so we bought those back in March.
We are flying in on the 3rd and will probably stay in the Disney area that night and spend some time at Downtown Disney and maybe even do Disney Quest. So far I have gotten us a good rate for that night at the Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista, but I'm still hoping maybe to get a good rate at one of the Disney hotels when the Disny Club or AAA rates come out .

I too have been trying to figure out what would be the best night to do Palo and the best day for brunch. I can't convince DH to try the tea, but I'm still trying LOL. I did see a post about sunset times in Key West and it said sunset in January will be around 6:00. We really want to try and take in the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, it sounds like something DD might enjoy, so we were thinking maybe we would do Plao that evening but a little later. I wish they let you know your dining rotation when they sent your documents, that would make try to figure some of these things out a little easier. Oh well we'll have plenty of time to make our final decisions on Palo days after we get our Keys to the World and we're waiting in line to board the ship LOL. I'm also watching all the posts about the different excursions everyones been doing and trying to figure out what we should do on each island. So far we're thinking of doing a jet ski tour on Key West that someone posted about and really enjoyed. On Grand Cayman were seriously considering the "Island Tour and Snorkelin with Stingrays" through DCL, especially after reading the great reports on this by Barb and Psiklops! In Cozumel we would love to do the Jeep tour but DD is not old enough (she's only 8 and it says for 10 & older), so we were thinking of either going to Chankanaab on our own or some other beach area and doing some shopping. I'll keep watching all the posts from returning cruisers and we still have lots of time to make up our minds.

Cheryl:sunny:

[Fawn]

Lisa...Barb and I will be there duking it out the first day! ;) I didn't consider myself a spa nut either until my first cruise. I made one appt to start...ending up being there almost everyday! :earseek: You would not have wanted to see that bill! This time around I'm on my honeymoon, and consider the Suriel Spa to be a MUST DO! :smooth:

Cheryl...haven't told my sweetie about the high tea...he can find out when we get there! :p Sunset at 6 would be lovely for Palo's...then we can hit the regular dinner for a bit to catch up with kids. Do you know if there is a show that night that we would miss? I still haven't quite got the whole schedule down yet as to what is what night. :confused:


We're planning the Stingray excursion, too, altho I'll probably book it outside of Disney....better price and we can get a smaller group. Kids are dying to do the dolphin swim, but it's a lot of money and I haven't heard any feedback yet on this particular location. Lots of time yet, like you said!
:D


I also am big on hanging on the ship on shore days. The pools are always great, no crowds and easy appts for spa!
:Pinkbounc

[Fawn]

Bump

[Kajo]

Hi guys,

We too are planning to cruise in january 2003.

Which price did you get for which category ?

Did you book through DCL or through a TA ?


Thanks !!!



Kajo

[Fawn]

Hey Kajo! Glad to hear about a fellow cruiser!

I'm off to a bar-b-que, but I'll post tomorrow about our prices.

Welcome Aboard

[Fawn]

So anyone else new joined us recently??

Kajo...we have two Cat. 10's and one Cat. 3, and I'm not actually sure of the prices! I'll have to ask my DH-2-b.

I booked thru Disney for our first cruise, but this time I booked thru Dreams. I think Dreams is the TOPS!

Who all is in your party, Kajo?

[prymsu]

I am thinking of staying at the Radisson the night before. That would be my only opportunity to meet some of you that would be staying there on 1/3/02. My son and I are trying to convince my husband that we should go on DCL, but we haven't won him over yet.

[tiggere]

Hi Disney Magic passengers!

January 4th Western was my FIRST choice for my next cruise. We've done the 4day Bahamas and 7day Eastern on the Magic already and loved loved loved everything about both cruises. I wanted badly to go on the Western on Magic but I didn't find a good enough price. Plus, the airfare from my city is the worst in the country right now (Charlotte). SO, instead, we're taking the Celebrity Galaxy 10-day western out of Charleston (this is actually less $ even for 10days-thanks DU) and we can drive to the port.

Anyway, on our Cozumel day, the Magic will be there too. This will be bittersweet for me. I'll hear the Magic's horn and all that nostalgia will be lost on my fellow Celebrity Cruisers! Ya'll have a great cruise, I know we all will. I'll be waving to ya in Cozumel.

:cool: :cool: :cool:

[Fawn]

Sue...we are staying at the Radisson also. We're coming in Thursday night.

We'd love to do a get-together at the Radisson, but it will have to be late on Friday. We'll be a little busy getting married that evening! :) Shirley is going to be marrying us...not sure where yet, we're still working that out!

When are you coming in? We're looking for wedding guests!
;)

Tigger...we'll wave our Mickey ears in Cozumel! :( I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[prymsu]

Fawn, not our Shirley, from the Perfect Gift!!! This is something for sure. Our flight arrives in MCO on Friday, the 3rd at 1:21 p.m.

I anticipate that it will take us an hour and a half to get our luggage, the rental car, and be on the road. I will definetly have to make sure we stay at the Radison for the night before!!!

[Fawn]

Originally posted by prymsu
Fawn, not our Shirley, from the Perfect Gift!!! This is something for sure. Our flight arrives in MCO on Friday, the 3rd at 1:21 p.m.

I anticipate that it will take us an hour and a half to get our luggage, the rental car, and be on the road. I will definetly have to make sure we stay at the Radison for the night before!!!

Sue...yup, our Shirley! Isn't that great?? You can't imagine what an Angel she has been with helping us plan, too. There's a girl in her shop that's going to do a cake for us, her son takes pics, it's amazing!! It's people like Shirley that make the world go round, imho! :D

We'd originally planned on getting married Saturday am....so we wouldn't have to spend our wedding night in a hotel room with 5 kids! LOL But we decided that would just be much too hectic.

I think we'll be tying the knot around 6 pm on Friday...I'll let everyone know when we finalize our plans. We'll need rice throwers and cake eaters, after all!

[prymsu]

Fawn, I think that is fabulous. I am also thrilled that I might have a chance at meeting Shirley too. I told my husband about you getting married last night, and he goes how do you find out all this stuff? I told him that if I couldn't sway him to go on the Disney Cruise for that date, that at least we could stay were some of the DIS members are staying and get to met them. He told me I better figure out what to give for a wedding gift...so now all i have to do is make my arrangements at the Radisson. Did you have any code you used, or did you get the 59 dollar special? Let me know.

[Fawn]

Hi Sue! No wedding gifts, please! Prayers and good wishes will fill our coffers for years! We'd love it if you guys came!! And then you will get to meet Shirley and Norm, which will be so great! We'll have to have a little mini-reception with cake and champagne out by the pool at the hotel that evening! :)

There was no special rate for after December 31. :( We're paying $119 for a suite, I believe. I booked online at the Radisson site. I'm hoping something will turn up that I can get before we go...I'll let you know if it does.

No chance of talking hubby into the cruise??? Use yer feminine mystique, girlfriend! ;)

[prymsu]

Fawn, definetly count us in to help you celebrate. Too bad you couldn't get a deal on your room. I am probably going to book over the weekend, and get that taken care of. If i find out in the future that there is a special code or deal to lower the price, I will let you know. If you find out something, please let me know.

Dakota and I are still working on trying to get Smoe to change his mind, so don't count us out totally yet. We are doing our best!

I am also thrilled to death to be able to have the opportunity to help you celebrate, and meet your family. Then meeting Shirley and Norm will also be exciting. I was all pumped up for getting ready for October, but now I will really be counting down until January!

Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!

[prymsu]

bumping this post up so it doesn't get lost...

[Fawn]

Thought I'd give a bump this month to see if there's any newcomers! Maybe we can get a good list going, also? I'll put our stats down, and someone can copy and add their stats, and so on and so on and so on...:cool:

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
DS's - 21 and 16
DD's - 19, 13 and 12

We're down to 21 weeks!! I've got so much to do between Christmas, the cruise and the wedding. Like...maybe find a dress??? :rolleyes:

Anyone else counting down??

[Lisa F]

Oh my gosh, 21 weeks! When you say it that way, it sounds so close!

I'll add us to the list:

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
DS's - 21 and 16
DD's - 19, 13 and 12

Lisa and Allen



Lisa

[Fawn]

Sue? Kajo? Barb?? Come on...don't be shy! Mickey??? :smooth:

[Fawn]

bumping...:bounce: :Pinkbounc

[prymsu]

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
DS's - 21 and 16
DD's - 19, 13 and 12

Lisa and Allen

Sue, Smoe and Dakota (10)

[Cheryl N. WI]

I'll add us to the list and give this a bump!

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
DS's - 21 and 16
DD's - 19, 13, and 12

Lisa and Allen

Sue, Smoe and Dakota (10)

Cheryl, Al and Rachel (8)

[prymsu]

I suppose I should clarify that we will not be on the DCL cruise, but plan on meeting the DIS folks who are staying at the Radisson the night before. Still haven't been able to get hubby to change his mind about going on DCL...

[Fawn]

Sue...you can be on our list regardless! And maybe seeing your name up there will change hubby's mind?? ;)

Our list is still tiny! Anyone else? Barb...where are you??

[prymsu]

thanx Fawn. i am looking forward to meeting you at the Radisson. I think we won't get there until around 6 pm. the other info i was going by is for an October trip. I sure want to meet Shirley too.

[Lisa F]

We won't be at the radisson the night before as we are spending the week before in a 1br villa at BWV (including new year's eve! woohoo!). I hope someone takes pictures of the festivities!

Lisa

[Cheryl N. WI]

We aren't staying at the Radisson the night before either. We are flying into MCO on Friday and renting a car from Avis and staying at the YC for the night before the cruise and then dropping the car of at the Radisson on Sat. morning around 10:30. DD and I have always dreamed of staying at yhe YC and we finally convinced DH this was the time to splure and do it seeing how it is only 1 night and we won't be at the parks at all so we'll have the time to take advantage of that wonderful looking pool!!!
Fawn our thoughts will be with you that Friday night as you get married!!!

Cheryl
:bounce:

[prymsu]

bumping this post up so we don't look track of it...

[BuzznBelle'smom]

It's official, we've changed our sailing date and now we're going with you guys! Originally, it was 10 of us on 2/15, but last week I found out I was pregnant (yikes! Thrilled, but still recovering form the shock!). So now, the four of us will be going on 1/4 so I'll be safely under the 24 week mark. It will be me, DH, Belle is 7 and Buzz is 5. It's our first trip, and I'm in a tizzy because it got pulled up, and just try finding maternity shorts in women's sizes in the Adirondacks in Sept.! Anyway, I'm in hyper-mode, collecting information, getting passports, that sort of thing. Plus we have a guaranteed room, so I won't know where we are until the last minute (any chance for a free upgrade to Cat. 1? I'll be holding my breath...). But hey, at least we're still going! Now I just have to figure out how to add a new counter to my signature...

[Fawn]

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
DS's - 21 and 16
DD's - 19, 13, and 12

Lisa and Allen

Sue, Smoe and Dakota (10)

Cheryl, Al and Rachel (8)

Mom, Dad, Buzz (5) and Belle (7)

OK, we're moving right along here! Anyone else??

For those interested, Shirley has found us the perfect spot to be married. It is Cherie Down Park. There is a boardwalk/gazebo (?) situation, and she was going to check out someone else's wedding there to see how it went. It sounds so beautiful tho, and right on the beach!

We're shooting for sunset Friday night...the more the merrier!

[prymsu]

Fawn, do you know what time that will be? I made a mistake on telling you that we get there early afternoon. We won't be in until around 4:30 p.m. but will do our best to get straight over there and join you for the festivities.

[Fawn]

Hi Sue

Not sure what time it is yet, but I'm thinking 6ish. I'll let you know more exact time when I find out. The Park is close by Shirley said, so shouldn't be much of a drive.

I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone...and getting married, of course! ;)

[cottoncandy]

Hi Fawn

Congratulations ahead of time. My family of 6 will be with you on the cruise in January. We are from Reading, not too far from you. Can't think of a better month to get away from the cold and snow to go cruising. This is our second Disney cruise and the time is just not passing fast enough.

We are leaving out of Philly the night before, but are staying at the Holiday Inn at the airport. On this trip it will be myself, Candy, DH Scott, DS Brian(19), DS Brandon(17), DD Amanda (14), and DS JUstin(10).

Our staterooms are 7002 and 7003 forward. We plan on never being in the rooms though. It's hard trying to plan our excursions. There are way too many choices.

Where exactly is Trappe. The name rings a bell but can't picture it. My husband is a pharmacist for CVS and started out in philly and surrounding areas, but that was years ago. Are you close to IKEA? I know where that is (My favorite store) I go at least once a month. It would be cool to get to know somebody that you're cruising with ahead of time.

It would also be nice to find teens going on this cruise to chat with my kids before we go.

Disney Rocks,
Candy

[Fawn]

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
Disney Kids - Fred (21), Matt (16), Becca (19), Samantha (13), and Ashleigh (12)

Lisa and Allen

Sue, Smoe and Dakota (10)

Cheryl, Al and Rachel (8)

Mom, Dad, Buzz (5) and Belle (7)

Candy and Scott, Brian (19), Brandon (17), Amanda (14), Justin (10)

Hi Candy...and thanks so much! You are very close to us. Trappe is right between Pottstown and King of Prussia. ...if you have heard of Ursinus College, we're about a mile up the road! If you're talking about the IKEA in Plymouth Meeting, we're about 25 minutes closer to you than that.

We're going down Thursday night...wish you were staying at the Radisson with us! We seem to have some of the same ages...or almost. Maybe some of our kids can e-mail before the cruise if they're interested?

Anyone else joining us? We'll have to eventually plan a meet on board as we get closer!

[cottoncandy]

Hi Fawn

NOw I know where you are. Is it the Trappe exit that takes yo to Pottstown hospital? I had back surgery there last year. And yes the IKEA I'm talking about is in Plymouth Meeting. My sister lives near there and that's usually where we meet for lunch and to shop of course. Scott works in the CVS's down there sometimes. He's in charge of scheduling for all the northeast pharmacies beside managing his own. It usuallytakes me about an hour 15 minutes to get there. What a small world.

I keep on trying to get Scott to renew our vows onthe ship,but he just never comes around with an answer. We were married at a district justice. It was my second marraige, and the first I was a teenager and spent so much on my wedding. WE've been marrie d 13 years in November and I want to wear a wedding dress on the beach. I was thinking about just showing up in one
anyway. We always joke about how Monica and Phoebe on Friends bought wedding dresses just to wear and dance around.

My kids would probably like to email yours. They live on the computer. What is Becca going to do onboard? Brian is torn between being an adult that can't drink and hanging with his brother in commom grounds. They were never around last time. I think he liked the planned parties. They also played basketball alot. Brian's drink tab was close to $80 because he had to have non alcoholic margaritas the whole time. I am so glad that he has a job this time.

Brandon is quiet. He's into drawing (animation) and skatboarding,and music like system of the down and slipknot.
Amanda will talk your ear off. She spends all of her spare time on the phone gossipping, very outgoing and friendly. Justin is into hockey, riding his new bike that he won at the XGAMES and just hanging with all the neighborhood kids. He doesn't get on the computer much. But likes to IM people when he does. If they would like to write they can use my email address; BBAJMOM@aaol.com. They have their own but they are forever changing. I can't keep up.

[Fawn]

Hey Candy

Yup, we're 10 minutes from the Pottstown Hospital. Tell Scott we live right up the block from the new CVS in Collegeville! This IS a small world!

Still not sure what I'm doing for a wedding dress. Our girls all have theirs, but Mom is likely to show up in her birthday suit at this rate! :rolleyes:

Let's see. Becca is probably going to choose the adult mode and hang a lot with her new big brother, Freddie! They don't get to see each other much since he's off in the Navy and she's at college. Becca is also looking forward to having a "legal" drink with the adults at Carlos and Charlies! ;) She's a really fun kid...a sweetie all around!

I imagine Matt may spend quite a bit of time hanging with his sibs since he is fairly quiet and shy...Brandon and he may just get along! We will shoo him off to the club on the first night, but it may not take....we'll see. It may really help if he knows someone else first!

Freddie obviously will be in the adult mode at 21. He's a real active sort (versus the party animal type), and I'm sure he's going to be looking for guys to toss a ball around with. He's also a SUPER big brother, and I know he'll be dragging his little shadows (sisters) around from time to time.

Samantha will be just 13 and going on 30 at the time of the cruise. :) She is also friendly and can talk up a storm...she is majorly into Karate! Ashleigh will be just turning 12 and she is the baby of the bunch. She just likes to hang out, swim, listen to music, be silly and eat...she grows about an inch a month these days! I know the girls are looking forward to the club...they loved it on our first cruise!

None of my kids are puter kids...can you imagine?? :eek: I think with our new and improved large family...9 kids and one grandson altogether...they just have too darn much to do all the time!
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:
However, having said that, I think they may just like to know someone before the cruise. I'll pass on the addy, and we'll see what we can get cooking! :cool:


I can't wait!!!! :smooth:

[Cheryl N. WI]

I think this needs a bump! Only 71 days to go and time seems to be flying! We're getting really excited, pretty soon we can book our excursions!!!!!:bounce:

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I'm definitely getting really psyched for this, especially after that 2 inches of snow we got the other day! Our balance has been paid (awaiting those documents...), I have my doctor's okay, but we won't be getting our room assignment until the last minute (according to our TA). But I can live with that--it must mean we'll be moving into the Walt suite (and they'lll have to pry my cold, dead hands off of it to get me out at the end of the week!). My only worry is that we have late dinner seating--if it doesn't change, we'll deal with it, but I'm a little concerned. Other than that, I could pack tomorrow!

[mmouse37]

BuzznBelle'smom....where upstate NY do you live....we are "downstate" right on the NJ border but my DD18 goes to SUNY Oneonta and my DS17 is looking at Buffalo State for college.

Hopefully we will be joining the 1/4/03 group but not definite as of yet!!!

MJ

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We're in Saratoga County, in a more cows than people little town, but we love it. We'll be flying out of Albany the afternoon before the cruise, just to give us some leeway in case of weather. Hope you can join us on the cruise!

[Lisa F]

Oh my god, I cannot BELIEVE that we are SO CLOSE! It's kind of making me nervous because I have to present my thesis before I can go away on vacation and the days are ticking away!

In GREAT news, one of the secret porthole rooms came available and Cathy at dreams unlimited, my favorite person in the entire world right now, snagged it for us! It is right next door to where we were on our 3 day cruise in september so we know we like that location!

I absolutely cannot wait!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Bumping up again because it is only 8 weeks away and I am proud to say that I will be joining all you 1/4 cruisers!!!! I just made my final payment so it's official. It was iffy there for awhile. I will be travelling with my oldest DD and her two cousins as well with another couple.

Can't wait!!!! This will be DCL cruise #7 and the excitement is still high!!!!

MJ

[Cheryl N. WI]

Hi MJ welcome aboard, glad to see another DISer joining us!
We are really excited too, today is the 60 day mark!!!!! It's so hard to believe that it's getting so close. Pretty soon we'll all be watching for our Doc's to arrive and when they come I'll be even more excited, if that's at all possible LOL! I made our reservation for our 1 shore excursion that we're booking through DCL this morning. Now I'll have to start studying all the menus and diferent dining rotations to try and figure out what night will be best for Palo.
MJ I have a question for you seeing how you've cruised 7 times; do you remember if you had the same dinig rotation every time? If I knew what rotation we would have it would make it so much easier to figure out what night to do Palo. I don't know if I should somewhat be thinking we'll have the same rotation as we did the other time we cruised.

Cheryl

[inkkognito]

Just noticed that this thread is bumped up again...we're getting so excited! We love the Western itinerary, and it will be especially fun with lots of other DISers aboard.
We hope to see everyone around, and we'll be easy to find as we'll be in good ol' 5650. Just two more months!!! It's gonna be an awesome cruise :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[mmouse37]

Cheryl.....we have had different rotations each time because we have been on the three, four and seven day cruises. On our last two 7 day ones I requested a specific rotation each time a few weeks before we sailed. The CM I spoke with was not familior with the different dining rotations so I enlightened him about the different ones, PLAP, APLA, LAPL.

He was very grateful and said he would note it on our ressie and e-mail the dining department. On both cruises I was told by the CM on the phone that it could not be guaranteed and did not even know if it could be done, but both times I received the requested rotation.

I actually called DCL to make the final payment today and asked the CM for the APLA rotation because that would put us in Lumiere's for both formal nights and Parrot Cay for Tropical night which is what we like. The CM today told me that no dining rotations could be requested at all, but then she said she would check with a supervisor and came back and told me she noted it on our ressie and e-mailed the dining dept. Who knows if we will get it or not.

We are late seating and staying at the Radisson the night before.

Here is a link to my dining charts if you want to take a look.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/52061656/52882589TwpLan

http://community.webshots.com/photo/52061656/52882617bsKkFP

Can't wait to meet all the fellow DIS'ers on this cruise!!!!

MJ

[Lisa F]

Is anyone booked on DU? Barb, it seems like you guys always use DU yet when I last checked my reservation it told me that only one family (total) is booked on the cruise. Does that mean it's only us or us + one other family?

There are so many disers on the cruise, I was just wonder if we'd get the gift or something for 8 or more cabins!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

We booked directly with DCL.

MJ

[Cheryl N. WI]

MJ Thanks for the info about how your dining rotaions have worked in the past and about requesting a certain rotation! I actually printed a copy of your wonderful dining rotation chart about a week ago and was studying it and the menus and the kids Navigators last night. I just didn't realize when I posted my questions last night that you were the one that had made that wonderful chart - Thank you so much - it has been very helpful but I think I'm driving DH and DD crazy with trying to get input from them LOL. They'll just have to live with my decisions.
I have one more question for you if you don't mind? Is the "light show" in AP the first night we would dine in that restaurant (the night with the regular AP menu)? I don't want to book our Palo reservation for that night and miss it.


Lisa We booked directly with DCL.

[mmouse37]

That one I am not sure of. I think Dave has info at his site at www.dcltribute.com

I always get confused with the AP light show. I am trying to think when we had it on our 8/3 cruise. I do believe it is the first night you are in AP. Check Dave's site just in case.

MJ

[inkkognito]

We are definitely booked through DU...just made the final payment recently. :D
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[disneygal58]

HELLO!!!!
Add us to the list - we just changed our 2/1 ressie to 1/4. We are : Dawn single mom to Meagan - 19 and Erin -17. We changed dates to accomodate Meg's school schedule. Our 86 day countdown immediately shifted to the current 58 (thanks DU and Donna).
Now I have to get serious about excursions. We have travelled with 2 - 3 days and 1 - 4 day in the past, this is our first 7 nighter. We will definitely stay at the Radisson Friday evening as we will be driving in from Clearwater area.
We're thinking about walking among the ruins in Cozumel and hanging with the stingrays in Grand Cayman. Key West will be laid back.
I am going to try to stay clear of the spa - I work as a Massage Therapist at a large, beautiful spa here in Tampa Bay and have access to services on a regular basis.
My daughters will be thrilled to hear that there are other older teens aboard.
I look forward to meeting all of you.
Dawn Hope

[sandygirl]

We will be cruising on 1/04 Western. I can't wait! Just wondered if there were any other little girls traveling. Our DD turned 5 in Aug. :Pinkbounc

[mmouse37]

disneygal58....I just recently booked for this trip as well. My DD will be 19 (Keri) and her cousins are 20 (Karen) and 21 (Ann). This will be Karen and Ann's first cruise ever!!! They are very excited!!! It looks like there might be a more than a few in that age group!!! We are also staying at the Radisson Friday night.

On our cruise in Feb of last year my DD was just about the only 18 year old female onboard. She still had fun in the night clubs and participated in everything.

If anyone wants to see our pictures from our DCL Western cruise this past 8/3/02 here is a link. It has pics of Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman stingrays, some theme nights, late night dessert buffet, etc.

They have been posted on the Trip Reports Board since August, but in case anyone didn't see them and would like to, here are the links.

http://community.webshots.com/album/47984596ZcaNXp

http://community.webshots.com/album/48196942XWkiMx


MJ

[disneygal58]

Initially, DD Erin was disappointed at the prospect of changing dates - we had communicated with a group of other DISers that would be meeting at the Radisson prior and she looked forward to the pre-cruise celebration. When I told her that not only will her sister now be able to join us, but also about the group beginning to form at the Radisson (as well as the "famous" Barb and Tony on ship) - she is very excited again.
I, of course am ready for Disney in any way shape or form at any time (hence one of the many reasons that we choose to relocate to Florida a few months ago).
Counting Down to Margaritaville,
Dawn Hope
By the way - I believe that I read about a pregnant DISer amongst our group - that's my massage specialty. If you experience a sciatic flareup, I'll gladly and quickly ease your discomfort so that you go on to limbo with Goofy.......

[Lisa F]

We are a young couple with no kids and as such we have gotten the lap/tap dining rotations on our two cruises. I wonder if it might be nice to have lumiere's a little bit later on in the cruise since it's my favorite rotation dining meal and it's over on the first night. Now I'm considering requesting it since it WOULD be nice to have the themes in the more appropriate restaurants. The only thing that throws a wrench into is the fact taht we wanted to do palo's brunch on key west day but that would be the day of our character breakfast (which we missed on the last 7 day that we took). Decisions, decisions!

I have a TON of anxiety in my life right now (I am trying to finish up my master's thesis so I can graduate in december and it's up in the air as to whether I will graduate on time) and last night I had my first "cruise" nightmare, realizing I had to be at the port in an hour, trying to fill out the documents, realizing my thesis committee was going to KILL me for disappearing for a week (somehow in my dream my cruise got moved up to NOW instead of january!) Oh no! Dawn, I know you said you specialize in pregnant women but how about neurotic women? Can you do anything for us???

Lisa

[disneygal58]

Lisa,
Stressed out neurotic women keep me in business!!!!! Take a deep breath, drop your shoulders and rest assured that everything will be done on time and work out just the way that it is supposed to.....
Dawn

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I'm the pregnant one--I may take you up on the massage offer! So far, so good, but it's still early yet, and I did have problems with my sciatic nerve last 2 times around. However, this time, I'm not either (a) working 2 jobs or (b) chasing a toddler, which helps, but I'm also no spring chicken!

Sandygirl, I can help a little...Buzz is 5 and Belle is 7. ON the down side, Buzz is "all boy", but he does enjoy girls also, and Belle has done a good job getting him in touch with his feminine side (although I do wonder about his fascination with running around naked in her "Ariel" wig, but that's another matter...). At any rate, they would all be in the same age group at the clubs.

[cottoncandy]

:Pinkbounc

Hi Fawn

We are joining in on the celebration at the Radisson. Scott had me change our ressies, because of transportation issues. Mostly, I think it is so he doesn't miss out on anything.LOL. Our plane doesn't arrive until 9:40 though.

Your picture is hanging on our refridgerator along with a Magic picture and Goofy looking out over the ocean, with caption "It's never to soon to start dreaming". They keep me on my toes. I even started packing shorts and such. The time is just flying by.
Did you get your dress yet?

I can't wait to tell the boys how many new teens we have going. They'll be happy. They finally agreed to let us take measurements for tuxes. I think the closer it gets the more excited they get.

Can't stand the excitement much longer
Candy

[sandygirl]

Thanks for responding to my post. My daughter is used to playing with boys, she has cousins and neighbors that she plays with. She can climb and run with the best of them. I'm sure she would love to meet Buzz and Belle. Do they like the pool? Will they spend much time at the club. Sandy loved it our first trip but didn't spend as much time the second trip. I'm hoping she meets some pals this time. Maybe we could find a way to introduce them.

Thanks. :earsgirl:

[BuzznBelle'smom]

My kids will probably split up. Buzz is a HUGE swimmer, will likely be in the pools all day if we let him. Belle, on the other hand, has been studying the kid's Navigators to pick activities--she's likely to be upset the days we go on shore excursions. So, either way, you're likely to have one of our kids around. We'll have to meet up early so they can get acquainted. We're staying in the Hyatt the night before (we'll be at the pool after dinner, if you're staying there).

[mureste]

I just made our final payment this week and it just cleared the bank so I guess we are going. My wife, Myself and Son 9, Son 8, Daughter 7, Daughter 7 and Son 3. We are flying into Orlando from San Antonio on Friday and staying at the Hyatt. It was the most convenient place. We have been talking about this for about 3 years. My wife did not want to go to DisneyWorld and I wanted to do a Disney Vacation with the kids, so Disney Cruise. We had never cruised before but we went on Carnival (pretty bad) and then on the Explorer of the Seas (awesome). After we got off the Explorer we decided it was time to take the kids.

We can't wait. The Kids have been saving money and they have over $500 in the cruise bucket. I am trying to figure out how to give it to them to spend on the cruise without letting them charge on their card. Any suggestions would be appreciated. What are disney dollars?

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[sandygirl]

Welcome to the cruise! This is our third and I know you will enjoy it. Glad to hear there are girls in your party.

Your kids have been saving money!! How great! I don't know anywhere on board where they will be able to use cash or Disney Dollars (which you can use to pay your bill at the end). All the purchases I made were required to be on the card. Maybe they can use the money onshore.

Hope to see you onboard.

[mmouse37]

Hey cruisers.....did anyone decide if we are having any kind of DIS meet either Friday at the Radisson and/or onboard? I was wondering what the weather might be like in Jan, if it will be too cold to hold the sailaway party outside.

On our last two cruises in Feb and Aug, both days were pouring so the sailaway was held in the various clubs inside. IMO is was not as much fun because everyone was scattered through the different night clubs. You can't hear the horn when departing because you are inside. I am hoping it will be held outside, much more energy and fun!!!!

We have not quite decided if we are staying by the pool during the day at the Radisson or spending the day at Disney and then driving to the Radisson in the evening. The girls said it all depends on the weather....warm and sunny = tanning by the pool, cool and/or rainy = doing Disney!!!!

Anyone else?

MJ

[disneygal58]

We're definitely up for a meet at the Radisson. I plan to have our bags packed and loaded into the car, then leave right from work at 2, hope to check in around 5.
Whoever is the planning guru on this list, just tell me when and where.
Just think, 8 weeks from this day we will be hanging with Jimmy Buffet in Margaritaville......

Dawn Hope

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We're staying at the Hyatt, but if others want to meet at the Radisson, it's fine with us. We typically travel to WDW this same week in Jan., and the weather can be really iffy there--they've had frost, and I have a bunch of pictures of my kids in fleece sweatshirts and jeans. We've also hit the pools the same week, so it can go either way. Isn't Fawn's wedding the night before the cruise? I know she's inviting people (we're passing), but that could be a meet (Fawn, sorry if I misunderstood and just invited everyone to your wedding!). Or we could choose a place on board. I think my kids will be on deck even if it's freezing rain--heck, we're from the Adirondacks, anything over 15 degrees feels like summer!

[Lisa F]

I thought it was time for an updated list since we've had so many people join us but the list got left back a few pages ago. I tried to glean the info from the posts but if I got anything wrong or left anyone out, please correct me! Looks like we are shaping up to be quite a crowd! Does anyone trade pins? Maybe we could have a pin meet on board! We are staying at the Radisson the night before but since it is a friday night, it's very likely that we will be partying at pleasure island with friends the night before until the wee hours. We recently dropped our last day at BWV and saved the 43 points for the friday night and are staying at the radisson instead, figuring it will be easier to return the car by 10am if we don't have an hour drive ahead of us (I will just send DH down to return it!). I absolutely cannot wait as the past few months have been hell and I need a vacation!

Jo and Ernie - Disney Honeymooners!
DS's - 21 and 16
DD's - 19, 13, and 12

Lisa and Allen

Sue, Smoe and Dakota (10)

Cheryl, Al and Rachel (8)

Barb and Tony

Mom, Dad, Buzz (5) and Belle (7)

Candy and Scott
DS Brian(19), DS Brandon(17), DD Amanda(14), and DS Justin(10)

MJ, DD Keri (19), Neices Karen (20) and Ann (21) (anyone else?)

Dawn, Meagan (19) and Erin (17)

Sandygirl, DD5 Sandy? (anyone else?)

Mureste, DW, DS9, DS8, DD7, DD7, DS3



Lisa

[prymsu]

I am not sure if my family is going to be able to make the trip now at this time. My mother is ill, and I cannot leave unless something changes between now and the time we are scheduled to go.

If we don't go, I will be thinking about all you terrific folks, and wishing you lots of fun!

[sandygirl]

It is interesting to know who else will be onboard with us. I have gotten many good ideas from the boards. We will not be flying in until Sat AM, so I hope to see some of you onboard. Maybe next time we will head out Fri night. Praying the weather is kind and we don't get delayed.

BTW, I am Sandra's mom, Darlene. My DH Stan will be sailing with us. It's truly the best family vacation time we have ever had. Getting DH "out of Dodge" is the best thing I ever did.

See ya! :wave:

[Cheryl N. WI]

We are flying into MCO on Friday and decided to splurge and stay Friday night at the YC - we have always wanted to be able to swim at Stormalong Bay so we thought this is our chance. We will enjoy the pool (praying for warm enough weather) in the afternoon and then either walk around the Boardwalk or go to Downtown Disney for the evening. We rented a car from Avis and I plan on dropping it off at the Radisson by around 10:30 or 11:00 and then shuttling to the Port! Unless it's pooring we'll either be on Deck 9 or 10 for the Sailaway Celebration! I can't wait! If anyone plans a meet on the ship we'd love to try and make it. DD 8 would love to meet some of the other kids sailing, it looks like there are quite a few kids (and teenagers) from the DIS sailing.

Cheryl

[mmouse37]

Cheryl.....I just got back from the Yacht Club last week. We stayed for a short two night trip with my elderly aunt.

The resort is magnificient and the the pool area is to die for. It was not very crowded at all. I have been to both the YC and BC in the summer and you could never even get a chair unless you were out them first thing in am.

This time most of the chairs were empty. You will love the decor. It will really get you in the cruise mood with all the nautical motif!!!! We had breakfast one morning in the Yachtsman Galley rest. It was a very nice buffet. You could also order ala carte from the menu.


Have a great time. If you like ice cream, check out Beaches and Cream inbetween YC and BC. Great ice cream, burgers, etc. Look out for the "kitchen sink". If you go, you'll know what I mean!!!!

MJ

[Lisa F]

Sue,

I'm sorry to hear about your family issues. I hope everything resolves quickly and happily for you.

Cheryl,

Even if it's kind of chilly out, I'm almost positive SAB is heated because I've seen very cooooooold looking kids dashing for their towel in weather in the 20's... so even if it's a little cool out, you should still be able to try it out (though I'm not sure I would in the 20's!)

I'm sorry to say that over the past two years we have spent NYE at WDW and over both, our arrival has coincided with a cold snap and record lows. I think our friends who live there are starting to blame it on us! If the weather is freezing, I apologize in advance, but I sure would love it if it was nice and warm (in the 70's would be fine!)

Lisa

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Well, now I'm getting really excited--we just got confirmation in the mail for our excursions booked through Disney, and we finally have our room assignment! We were Cat. 6 guarenteed--I know that, the later they assign it, the better chance of an upgrade, but I was really just hoping to get our room assignmnent! So, we'll be in 6034 (please, someone let me know if this room is a "problem" room!). I'm just so excited! I'm probably going to hurt myself when my documents actually come!

[Cheryl N. WI]

MJ we saw the Travel Channels episode on the YC/BC and DD would really like to try the "kitchen sink" but DH would like to have dinner at the Cape May Buffet, it's one of our favorites so we'll have to see who wins out. We are really excited about staying at the YC and all the great reviews I keep seeing about it make me even more excited!

Lisa my DD will be one of those kids you see dashing for their towel in cold weather. She says she is swimming in Stormalong Bay no matter how cold it is!

I can't believe it's just over 7 weeks untill we go!:bounce: :bounce:

Cheryl

[disneygal58]

Fifty Days Until We Check In At The Radisson!!!!!
With the holidays to "distract" us, the time will fly by.
Soon we will be blowing bubbles and getting teary eyed as the Magic's version of "When You Wish Upon A Star" fills the air...

Dawn Hope

[Lisa F]

B&B's mom, 6034 looks like a great location! I really wanted to try a verandah this time but DH was unconvinced that we needed one (we've cruised twice already with a porthole, why do we need a verandah???). The $1000 it would've cost us to upgrade will more than take care of our excursions and on board expenses soooooooooo I can kind of see his point (and on our past two cruises we spent almost no time in the room anyway). Plus we managed to score a secret porthole room at the 60 day mark so I think there just went my hopes for trying to upgrade at the port! I guess we may try anyway but he will be harder to convince. I'd better practice giving him "the eyes" if I really want one but to tell you the truth I am torn myself!

Cheryl, brrrrrrrrr! That's all I can say! Let's all hope for nice warm weather. I'm tired of freezing in January (though this will be our last January trip, going to switch to the fall and food and wine festival for our yearly trip after this year). The one nice thing is that while it was cold in central florida, it was gorgeous everywhere we went on the cruise (including castaway cay, I was really afraid it would be cold there but it wasn't! it was beautiful!)

Lisa

[mmouse37]

We cruised on the Eastern Itinerary of the Magic last year in mid-February and St. Thomas and St. Maarten were very hot. CC was about 78 with a breeze and NO HUMIDITY!!!! The water at CC was a bit cool, but you only felt chilly when you first stepped out of it.

At night onboard it was just beautiful!!! Breezy but not too chilly!!!

Can't wait......I just sent my nieces the DCL brochures so that they can get even more excited. They have heard us talk about the cruise enough, but never saw the brochure yet!!!!! They will have some nice tropical pictures to look at while they're freezing at their upstate NY colleges!!!!

MJ

[mureste]

Is it just me or does ther seem to be less people on this cruise? I have been monitoring the other groups and dates on a couple of boards and there seemed to be more people talking about those dates than the Jan 4, 2003 cruise.

Hey that would be fine to me, more of the ship for us.

I cruised this same exact week this year on RCCL and the weather was fantastic. The price was awsome. The ship was about 2/3rds full. I am thinking that this trip will be about the same. I may be wrong.

Me and my kids are so fired up that my wife won't talk to us about it anymore. She thinks we are obsessing. She's right.

Also how do you get the countdown clock?



:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[disneygal58]

mureste - I checked availablity through Travelocity and there appears to be quite a few cabins still offered in many categories, so maybe we will be sailing at less than capacity. That's okay with me too - less ressie scramble for Palos's etc....
We are bouncing off walls here, also. I look at our peel away the day Disney calendar and think in 7 weeks at this time, we'll be driving to the Radisson, hanging out on Castaway Cay, wandering Key West.
Perhaps once the holidays wind down, people will be anxious to come out and play.

Dawn Hope

[mmouse37]

I also noticed less DIS people on this cruise. This is really the only time my DD and my nieces could go. They are still on their break from school. My other DD14 and DS17 are bugging out because they cannot come this time. Their school starts on the 6th. Though I took them out for a week last Feb, this year my son is going to be at WDW in FEB for a week with school and I didn't want him missing anymore time.

Maybe there are less people because it is so close to the holidays. People are still recovering from the holidays and would want to cruise a bit later. I for one cannot wait. I plan on taking down all my Christmas decorations before we leave so I do not have to do that when we get home. It is depressing enough to come back after a DCL cruise, and to start taking down Christmas decorations on top of it would be just TOO MUCH!!!

I definitely would not mind a less then full ship!!!!

disneygal..... My aunt lives in Clearwater, on Highland Avenue right across from the Three Coins rest. I was just down there visiting at the end of October!!!

MJ

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I think there's fewer people because of the time of year--just recovering from Christmas break (ka-ching!), and having to take most kids out of school. We were originally scheduled to go Feb. vacation, and had to book that WAY in advance, but we were forced to move up the trip due to our impending visit from the stork. Bummer! But I agree, less of the scramble for reservations, fewer people on the ship--you won't see me crying! We will try to take it easy during the Christmas break, and you're right, mmouse37, about getting down the tree and stuff ahead of time--that would just bum me out big time! (As if it wouldn't be bad enough, leaving the ship, and then flying to Albany, where there will probably be 3 feet of fresh snow covering the car...). I can't believe how excited I'm getting!

By the way, before I forget, our real names are Rob, Laura, Jocelyn, and Robert.

[mmouse37]

MJ stands for Mary Jane!!!

I was just checking on the website and it looks like a whole bunch of cabins still available. I checked for a party of 3 and this is what came up as of right now:

Cat 5 - 3 cabins available
Cat 6 - 8 cabins "
Cat 7 - 6 cabins "
Cat 8 - 7 cabins "
Cat 9 - 8 cabins "
Cat 10 - 8 cabins "
Cat 11 - 8 cabins "
Cat 12 - 2 cabins "

Anyone have any pics of themselves they would like to post so we know who our fellow DIS'ers are??

Here is my family in August on Formal Night. DD Keri (in pink) will be onboard with me and two of my nieces. We are also travelling with another couple, Laura and Bob.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48728383IIyrEs

MJ

[sandygirl]

A less crowded ship would be okay with me. Shorter lines to meet the characters. When I asked DD5 what she was looking forward to the most on this cruise, she said seeing the characters. So, look for us in line!

Honestly, I'm looking forward to the whole thing. I'd love to know how to get the countdown thing. I check the boards everyday and would love to see it counting down the days.

I'm also hoping they still have the Christmas decorations up on the ship. When we sailed this week in 2001 the decorations were up and it was so nice. Does anyone know when they take the decorations down this year?

mmouse37 - you have a beautiful family.

Darlene:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl: sailing
:earsgirl: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: all grown up and on their own!

[mmouse37]

Thanks for the nice comments about the family!!! Wish we all could go in January, but work/school will keep some home.

I actually did ask the question about the decorations and was told they will be taken down already....too bad, I have always wanted to see the ship decorated for the holidays.

MJ

[prymsu]

I was only the Jan 4th sailing of the Magic in 2002, and we did not see any hint of christmas decorations at all on the ship.

[disneygal58]

We, too, were originally scheduled for the Feb. 1st Western, then changed to Jan.4th, so that my oldest daughter, Meagan would not miss any college classes (this is her freshman year). It does feel a bit odd to head out on vacation days after the holidays - hardly have time to lament the pounds put on from festivites between Thanksgiving and New Year's before the Cruise fare stares at our eager faces and bellies.
I have always hated January/February - the cold, snow, lack of sunshine - I grew up in CT/moved to Colorado immediately after college, lived there for 21 years and then post 9/11 decided to live where we vacation - FLORIDA. It was important for me to have a vacation to countdown to during the bleak months of winter. This will be a whole new experience for me - now I will be sad putting my daughter on the plane to return to CO after the cruise, to continue her studies. So, I will be the hysterical woman sobbing dispropotionately, clinging to her daughter as we disembark the ship.
Seven Weeks Fom Today........
Dawn Hope

[mmouse37]

Dawn....I know how you feel when they leave to go back to college. My DD is also a freshman this year but she is going in Upstate NY so it is only 3 hour drive. She has been home a few times for various family functions already....but it is so hard to drive her back home (to school!!) It's sad when they start to call school home!!!

Keri has a few days at home after the cruise before she has to go back...it tough for us moms!!!

My hubby work for the Port Authority of NY& NJ at the GWB as a police officer and he has been on mandatory 12 hour shifts since 9/11. We have not had a dinner together since he works the 5 pm to 6 am shift. Sometimes I wish we could just move away from the area. It was really tough for him because the PA police lost 37 of their officers, and my husband knew most of them, one was from the bridge and worked with him regularly.

Our family cruise in August was very special because that was the first time he had off at all since 9/11. We travelled with two other Port Authority families and we all had a blast!!! It was great to see them finally relax and enjoy life after such tragedy.

MJ

[disneygal58]

MJ - There are very few places better in the world or life to reconnect/spend "quality" time (without the usual distractions) with our family than Disney. The minute we board the ship or stroll under the bridge onto Main Street, we are transported; the daily stresses dissipate and all that becomes important is what we will be doing with the people that we love most in the world during the next few days.
I'm sure that you could write testimonials about how time enters warp speed when you are watching your children grow and evolve into amazing young adults.
I look forward to bumping into you and your crew.

Dawn Hope

[mmouse37]

Dawn...you hit the nail on the head. Disney has that wonderful power to let you forget about the real world for awhile. I also look forward to meeting up with you and rest of the DIS onboard!!


MJ

[sandygirl]

Woo Hoo!!! Finally figured out how to add the countdown.

[beautyandbeast]

Hi we also will be sailing 01/04/03. There are four of us. DH, myself, two teens 14 and 15. This is our third Disney cruise, but the first time we've used the Dis to find other cruisers. Do you all get together and meet?

Lynda :earsboy:

[disneygal58]

Hello Lynda,
Welcome and we look forward to meeting you and your family. My daughters, Meagan (19) and Erin (17) will be on board for our 4th cruise (first 7 night). We are staying at the Radisson Friday evening and there has been some earlier discussion about a meet there and I am certain that we can arrange something on board if your plans do not include the Radisson.
So, whomever would like to assign themselves as our own private "Dis Cruise Director" - we invite you to come forth with suggestions about a meet!!!!!

Counting the days,
Dawn

[mmouse37]

Lynda....welcome to the 1/4 thread!!! Too bad as this cruise my DD14 is not joining us and boy is she upset about it!!!! This is our 6th DCL cruise and 3rd 7 day. She loves meeting up with other teens onboard and is still e-mailing all the friends she met on our previous cruises.

I am travelling with my DD19 and my nieces (20 & 21), along with another couple.

I would love to meet at the Radisson, as I said in an earlier post, if the weather is warm the girls will be by the pool. If on the cool side we will probably do WDW for the day. We plan on having dinner at Grill's Friday night, but would love to meet other DIS in the evening!!!

MJ

[beautyandbeast]

I don't know where we will be staying yet. Probably at one of the resorts. We arrive on the 2nd pretty late. We usually rent a car and drive to port canaveral. I think it would be great to meet all of you! I'm finally starting to get excited! I pray for great weather and a wonderful cruise!

Lynda:earsboy:

[mmouse37]

I think I might have talked my Sister and her family in joining us on the 1/4 cruise!!!! They have four kids ages 10, 9, 4, 2....they are seriously considering it....they are holding two cabins and have until Sunday to decide!!!!

My one niece (9) is a Diabetic....anyone travel with a diabetic before on a cruise??? Anything special we have to know??

MJ

[disneygal58]

Happy Six Week Countdown Everyone!
What are your thoughts on excursions? We are thinking of the trolley tour in Key West, Tulum Ruins in Cozumel and possibly Stingray City/Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman?
Is anyone venturing beyond the DCL offerings?
Anyone concerned about the shipboard illness and our cruise?

Forever Counting Down,
Dawn Hope

[mmouse37]

No excursion planned yet....we did the Conch Train Tour in August and beware that it HOT HOT HOT!!!! I am sure January weather will be more bearable. My teens were literally melting to the seats and the ones wearing shorts and opposed to capri's were very uncomfortable because they were sticking to the seats. It felt hotter in Key West than it did in GC or Coz.

We did the Capt Marvins tour with the stingrays in August. If anyone wants info or see some pics...just let me know. In Cozumel we did Mr. Sanchos beach and will probably try Playa de sol this time.

Iam not worried about the sickness...this happens in schools, in camps, conventions...anywhere large amounts of peope gather.

I HATE THE NEWS....I JUST CAME BACK IN FROM CATHING FOX NEWS AT PORT CANAVERAL AND ALL THE HOSTS BACK IN THE STUIDO ARE BASHING CRUISING!!!! THEY ARE SAYING HOW NONE OF THEM WILL EVER CRUISE AGAIN AND YOU ALWAYS GET SEA SICK, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...EVEN THE REPORTER SAID HE AND HIS FAMILY CRUISE AND GOT SICK AN HOUR AFTER THEY SAILED....THEY WOULD NEVER DO IT AGAIN. THEY ARE GIVING CRUISING A BAD NAME!!!! REPORT THE FACTS, AND LEAVE YOUR PERSONAL COMMENTS OUT OF IT. On the other hands....maybe this will drop the price of future cruises!!!! They showed live footage from the inside the Magic, in the dining rooms.

They did say president of DCL will be on at 9:00 for a press conference.

MJ

[Lisa F]

The media is a royal pain in the pretzel, that's all I have to say about them. It has become a tradition for us to go to WDW for NYE and a couple of weeks in early January. EVERY year like clockwork, I get sick at WDW. I think it's because of all of the stress I am under, my body finally just gives in and gets sick once it's lifted slightly. Anyway, last year we did our first cruise, the 7 day eastern magic, and 1 week at WDW. It was the FIRST time I didn't get sick!!!! I think it was the relaxation that did it. I didn't even know I was supposed to get sick on that evil evil cruise ship. Oh well!

As far as excursions, I don't think it will be melting hot in Key West in January! Looks like the average temp in Key West for the month of January is high 60's/low 70's. I think we will be doing the Conch Train (or trolley, haven't decided yet). I am a historic preservation person so I will be dragging my hubbie to every historic site there.

I think in Cozumel we are going to go to Chankanaab Park. We have our own snorkel gear so we'll probably just cab it over to there and spend the day (with a packed lunch from Room Service!)

We signed up for the captain marvin's half day snorkel starting at 10am. The rave reviews they got convinced us to go with them rather than Disney's excursion but I am still nervous about getting there on time with the whole tender thing!

I can't wait. Did anyone see that someone on the January wonder got their docs already?!???? That means we are going to get ours SOOON!!!!

Lisa

[Jack & Monica]

Hi Kajo! My wife and I are sailing on the January 11th Magic Cruise to the Eastern Car. It is just the two of us. We paid $2,368 for a cat 6 verandah. This included roundtrip transfers to and from Orlando Intenational Airport. It also includes a $100 military discount that Disney offers. I booked our airfare separately (online)-- $100 roundtrip per person from Philadelphia on US Airways!!! Hope this helps. Most of the Travel Agency (TAs) deals out there are pretty much the same. BUT it never hurts to compare and shop around. Jack

[Jack & Monica]

Sorry Jan 4th folks! LOL I just realized I replied to a post from July! Egad!

[mmouse37]

Lisa....I just saw the post about the 1/2 Wonder docs arriving...I bet it would be within the next 10 days to two weeks or so we should have ours.... I hope!!!

MJ

[GEM53]

MJ,
We are a group of 3 families and all received our docs yesterday.:) :bounce: :bounce:

[mmouse37]

Wow....GEM53....so we should be expecting sooner than I thought. May I ask if you booked directly with DCL or with a TA. We booked directly with DCL...

MJ

[GEM53]

We booked directly with DCL.

[Lisa F]

My heart jumped when I saw that. Sounds like documents are imminent. We booked through DCL but then transferred to DU to get the rebate.

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Hubby totally surprised me tonight by asking what the exact dates were for our cruise....he was not coming due to work constraints, but tonight wanted the dates because he is going to ask if he can switch vacations with someone!!! I thought he had no interest in coming this time, but apparently he does!!! If he comes, then our 14 DD will come also (I'll take her out of school). Wanted to check availability on the DCL website but it is closed for maintenance...have to wait until tomorrow unless I call.

Looking out for those docs!!!

MJ

[Cheryl N. WI]

Doing the happyy dance and DH thinks I'm crazy! I just got home from work and hanging on our front door was a Sorry We Missed you from Fed Ex. I was able to check on their web site with the tracking # and it's our documents!!!!! I'm too excited to wait for them to try again tomorrow so we're going to go pick them up tonight!!!!!!!
Just thought I'd let people know to keep an eye out because they're coming!!!!

Cheryl:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[mureste]

I am now legitimate and real. I can now take my place amongst humanity and demand respect and a seat at the table. No longer am I a wanabe. I have a document that announces to the world that I must be recognized. Legaly binding and excersizable.

Well maybe thats a bit extreme but it was cool.

I think this is the last time I use my TA. We used to have a lady that was very nice and thorough. She left and all we have is some kid that told me that none of the cruisers that she booked on the magic last week got sick. Well I came to find out that they didn't have and people booked on the Magic last week.

Don't snow me. I would rather be told the truth, even if it is hard to hear than some two bit story.

I am still waiting for someone to tell me how to get the countdown.

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[mmouse37]

Called DCL today about adding a ressie for my DH and DD14 and was told that our documents had been mailed out Friday!!! Still have not received them yet!!!

MJ

[disneygal58]

MJ -
Were you able to add additional family members to your party at this date?
The notice from FED - EX was hanging on our door yesterday afternoon, also. Can't wait to begin perusing tonight ( the homemade applesauce will after to wait for tomorrow...)

Dawn Hope

[Lisa F]

Waah, we are going to visit our parents for the holidays. I hope we don't miss the fedex man! If he comes with docs, I hope he comes next week sometime!

Lisa

[BuzznBelle'smom]

NO FAIR!!!!! Still waiting here in the Adirondacks....

[Lisa F]

Wow... under 40 days. Only 6 more cruises before us. Only 3 more WESTERN cruises before us. It's getting close!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Dawn...

I booked a separate cabin for my DD14 and my hubby. It didn't change our existing ressie...just added a new ressie with them. Obviously, once onboard I will put myDD14 with her sister and cousins (21) in the quad cabin and hubby and I will share the double cabin. I am so happy he is coming!!!

MJ

[cottoncandy]

HI MJ

My DD will be so thrilled to hear that there is another 14 year old girl to hang out with. So far there are Joanna'sgirls, but most of the others were older. Be forwarned, she will talk your ears off.

What have you done so far to get ready? (I mean with the holidays right smack dab in the middle and all). It is so stressful to try and do it all by yorself. I started packing for 2 out of the 6 of us, Have Christmas cards signed and ready to go out, 90% of shopping done, and 20% of wrapping done. The most stressful thing of all I think was shopping around for tuxes for my boys. My older boys are 6ft. 4 and 6ft. 2 and very thin and 10 year old is short and husky. I finally said let Disney deal with their sizes and am ordering them on board. That way that a lot less headaches I have packing them.

We also just took the kids to get their passports last week. They told us 4 to6 weeks. They were in the mailbox 3 days later. I hope everything else from here on out goes that smoothly.



:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

I am getting so excited
Candy

[mmouse37]

Hi Candy....

well, I am lucky not be hosting Turkey Day!!!! We ususally have about 30 people to our house, but my sister offered to do it this year. I only have to bring a side dish.

I plan on taking down all the Christmas decorations out of the attic next week. I have hardly anything bought and nothing wrapped. My DD19 knows that this cruise is her main Christmas present and DD14 knows that as well. We just sailed this past august, but my DD19 wanted to sail one more time. The rates were good so we decided to sail again. They just want to get away and enjoy the sunshine. They both get very down during the winter months...what's that condition called, I know there is a name.

Still trying to get hubby on our same flights but not having luck. Him and DD can fly down on our same flight, but the return is booked. They probably will fly home earlier in the day and then come back to airport to pick the rest of us up.

No shore excursions planned, just taking it day by day. Docs came today!!!!

MJ

[disneygal58]

After a 10 hour day at work, I crawled into the house where the sight of that beautiful FED EX package immediately perked me up! We are all set for Category 9, cabin 2580!
Tomorrow I AM cooking, but for a much smaller crowd than usual.
The cruise is our major Christmas gift to one another - we will wrap up some token gifts (probably cruise related, sunscreen, extra bathing suits, books. Disney Dollars etc...) Decorations are still packed away and I do not have one one card addressed. Oh, well it all somehow gets done just when it is supposed to... this year we get a cruise at the end of it.....yeah!!!!
MJ - I'm so glad that you are able to bring along the rest of your family.
I wonder if many people are panicking and cancelling?
I think it is about time to watch the DCL promo video again.
Have a great day everyone,
Dawn Hope

[mmouse37]

Dawn......that's funny that you said we should watch the promo video again....THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I DID AT 7:30 AM THIS MORNING!!!

Got home from work at 11:30 pm last night and saw it on the table with the mail....had to get up and watch it!!!! Brings back such great memories.

I also have no cards addressed or filled out...have to get that done also....this month is going to fly by with the holidays and all!!!

The only member not sailing with us is our DS17. He is already taking a week off to go to WDW with his class for a project and can't afford to take more time off in January. He has been several times on DCL and it isn't bothering him too much that we will all be away.

MJ

[sandygirl]

I am so psyched!! No one was home at my house, so the Fed Ex guy delivered my docs to my office. I guess it does help to be employed by my local municipality. Just one of the little perks, even the Fed Ex guy knows where to find you.

See you all onboard!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[mmouse37]

I feel just awful about the Magic cancelling for next week. All those cruises who now need to scramble to make alternate plans. I hope DCL does alright by them.

I also think it is a good idea to cancel. I just don't know where they are going to keep the crew for a week!! I know a few crew members who just got back from vacation this week. I doubt they would send them back home to Europe a week after they flew them here. Also, one of the threads said that the Magic will be cleaned at a different port. New York would be nice. I would love to drive the 25 minutes to the port and take a good look at her!!! I hightly doubt it though...

MJ

[CindyAnn]

I also feel really rotten about the November 30th cruise. I guess Disney made the best choice from their perspective, but there must be so many disappointed families out there. Let's hope all of them are able to rearrange something with such short notice.

We'll be on the January 4th sailing, too. We're heading for WDW on December 27th (driving for the first time) and doing the cruise afterwards. It's a 15th anniversary trip for us, and WE CAN HARDLY WAIT! (No documents yet, but we have our cabin assignment). The "we" is myself, DH, DS (9) and DD (6). I expect that both of the children will want to spend lots of time in the clubs, but after an action packed week at WDW the adults plan on doing very little.

We'll be sending out Christmas cards in January this year, and that's when the kids will be getting their photos done, too. Our first celebration of the season is over, so that only leaves Hankuah, Christmas, a dance recital, a piano recital, a whole bunch of parties, the first year end for my husband's new company and about a bezillion other things before we head off in 29 days.

Now that I see "29 days" in black and white, I think I'll start in on my packing lists ASAP, or we'll be known as "that naked family on the January 4th cruise". :D

[disneygal58]

Cindy Ann - Welcome to our little group. I, too feel terrible for the folks that have put so much time and effort into planning, counting down etc... only to have to scramble at the last minute to make alternate arrangements. Still, I must hold onto my belief that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason is never revealed to us.
Will you be staying at Disney property the evening prior to the cruise or joining a group of us at the Radisson?
I have been toying with the idea (for years, actually) of sending out Valentines instead of Christmas cards to everyone on my list. This may be the year to follow through.
I hope everyone had a festive Thanksgiving,
Dawn Hope

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Fawn,
We have a wedding to get ready for young lady so when you can - drop me a note ok
Looking forward to meeting up with you and yours.
Hugssssssssss from a "cold" Florida Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Luv ya
Shirley

[CindyAnn]

Thanks for the welcome, Disneygal. I like the Valentine's day cards idea - or maybe Easter - or maybe the summer solstice - or maybe if I procrastinate long enough, I'll just send them all for next Christmas. We'll be heading straight over to the Magic from WDW on Saturday morning.

[mmouse37]

Just read on CNN.com that Disney is replacing mattresses and pillows on the ship!! I guess in 5 weeks we will be sleeping on new stuff!!!

Imagine....875 cabins X at least 2 beds in each cabin = 1750 mattresses plus the cabins that have three or four beds. If they replace all the mattessess that is some order!!!!

MJ

[sandygirl]

Personally I'm glad to hear DCL is replacing bedding and pillows. If they are going to cancel a cruise to clean house, they may as well do it right. Think of those passengers who were confined to their rooms while they were ill. I feel better knowing that they are willing to replace the bedding and pillows.

I feel so bad for the cruisers who were canceled. It sounds like some of them have been able to make other arrangements and are salvaging their vacation. I know there are some who will not be able to and I send them all my thoughts and prayers.

Jan 4th is coming and I can't wait.

[prymsu]

looks like my family is still planning on this cruise date. I am so fortunate to have a couple of good friends that will check on my folks every day. If my Mom holds her own and is doing as well as she is right now, we can go, but if something happens then i may have to cancel at the last minute.

how many folks are staying at the radisson the night before?

[mmouse37]

We are!!! We have a group of about 12 staying there on Friday night. Varying ages from 2 up to 45!!!!

I think we plan on doing Grills Restaurant for dinner that night.

MJ

[prymsu]

excellent! Will you all have your lime green ribbons on? That would really make it easy to pick one another out!

[disneygal58]

We'll be there, too - myself and two daughters, Erin (17) and Meagan (19). We're driving over from Clearwater and hope to check in by 6:00. If this weather continues we'll be in sweatshirts! Now, lime green isn't really my color, but I would be willing to don it for the sake of the group!

Dawn Hope

[prymsu]

well, we could always go with another color too. I am not too hip on lime green either!

Has it been cold in Florida? I am sure it will seem like a heat wave to my family...

We are flying in that day, so we should be getting there around six also. Was planning on going to Fawn's wedding, but i don't know if we will be able to make it there in time as i think the plan is for them to get married at sunset.

[Lisa F]

We will be at the Radisson the day before but not until LATE. It's a friday night and there is much partying at pleasure island to be done, hehe. But, the car has to go back at 10am the next day and we decided the drive to the port might be less painful if we did it the night before rather than having to get up and get packed at the crack of dawn (okay, so I exaggerate a little!)

I can't wait to go!

Lisa

[disneygal58]

It has been a bit chilly lately - this is my first Florida winter, so I was not expecting to turn the heat on in the morning to chase the chill away. Temps have been dipping into the 40s in the evening and then rising to high 60s/low 70s, so I really shouldn't complain - I spent many years digging out of the snow in Connecticut and Colorado.
Fawn - where are you? How are the wedding plans going?
Perhaps we can organize a meet down by the pool around 8 or so?
Less than 5 weeks to go,
Dawn Hope

[prymsu]

I think a meet at the pool would be a terrific idea. Hopefully the pool is heated so all the kids can enjoy a swim while the adults get a chance to meet and to visit.

[disneygal58]

If anyone is interested, I am spending the weekend of 12/ 14-16th at WDW (DD is flying into Orlando from Denver, thus providing an excuse to spend a few days within the Kingdom) - any requests for postcards, last minute gifts etc...? I'd be happy to try to accomodate.

Dawn Hope

[beautyandbeast]

Gosh I didn't think I'd ever find this place again!! Is there a way to mark the spot so that when I come to the DIS it brings me here? We (DH, myself, DD15, & DS14) are all getting very excited! The time is so short. We have not received our docs yet. We booked through DVC. I imagine they'll arrive any time now. Does anyone have any idea what the weather is like in GC or Coz this time of year? Is the ocean temp warm? We've never been out there during the winter months. I'm not sure what to pack. We are usually so hot there in Sept. that we don't need to pack much. Hope to meet you all on board. Anyone for the SW part of the US?

Lynda:earsgirl: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy:

[mmouse37]

Well, what started out as a mother daughter get-away has turned into quite a family event!!!!!

First, my DD and myself were to sail. Then we thought it would be nice to ask her two cousins who have been dying to try DCL.

Then I asked my friends to join us...Yeah!!! Other adults for me to hang out with!!!

Then a few weeks later my hubby decided he would like to join us....then my other DD says, well, I don't want to stay home with Brian...can't I come too!!! How could I say no!!!

Then my sister and her family thought if would be great to try DCL with the old pro (me) and decided to join us (6 of them).

Then yesterday my son (who did not want to go in the first place) says...well, if everyone is going I guess I would like to also (I think the thoughts of warm tropical breezes in light of the predictions of a long, cold, snowy winter got to him!). But of course, if he goes, he would like his friend to join us (will pay his own way, thankfully!!!). Well, I talked to the friends mom, got her OK, called DCL and was able to snag another cabin, and was able to get DH, DD, DS and friend on the same flights coming home!!!

What started out as 2 turned into 16!!! The more the merrier!!!! For our immediate party of 8 I rented two cars to get us from MCO to Radisson...still worked out cheaper than limo service!!!

Since this turned into a family event I told the kids this is their main Christmas present!!! Maybe a CD or two, but this is the big one!!

Maybe the dog will be asking to come along as well!!! LOL!!!!

Getting really pysched!!!

MJ

[Lisa F]

Wow, what a crew! You are going to have a fabulous time.

We still haven't gotten our docs yet, which is a little surprising considering how early we got our docs the last two times we cruised. Oh well, the anticipation is almost as much fun as the cruise! I can't wait!

Lisa

[beautyandbeast]

mmouse37
Is anyone in your group 15(dd) or 14(ds)? They usually make lots of friends on board but it would be nice for them to know others their age before hand.

Lynda

:wave:

[prymsu]

my son is ten years old...

[Dani's mom]

Hello,

I'm a newby, both to the site and cruising. My family is booked on the Magic for the Jan 4 cruise. We are going courtesy of Make-A-Wish of Iowa. My daughter, Dani was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2001. She finished 13 months of intense chemotherapy and radiation, and is on maintenance therapy for the next 18 months.

This was her wish, and I still can't believe we are going in less than a month! My husband and son Scottie, 19 will be going too. I was surfing the web to find out more info and the stuff the brochure doesn't tell you - never dreamed I'd find this!

Anyway - I do have one question that maybe you can help me with. I'm a little hesitant to let Dani go off by herself but I am sure she won't want me around 24/7. Since my son is 19, will he be allowed to accompany her to any of the teen activities? I'm really hoping that they will each find some new friends quickly and hubby and I can enjoy some quality time.

Thank you.
Laura

[disneygal58]

Laura,
WELCOME! My daughters are 17 and 19, never spent much time in Common Grounds, but are experienced Disney Cruisers and would love to meet up with your group and "show them the ropes". You didn't mention how old your daughter is?
Several of us are spending Friday night prior at the Radisson and plan to meet by the pool around 8. If you are staying elsewhere, I'm sure that we can find a time and place to introduce ourselves.

MJ,
That's incredible! What a wonderful family you must have - I may be putting myself up for adoption.....

To Everyone Else,
I'm so excited and trying to stay in the moment and enjoy the holidays, when what I really want is to fast forward to 1/4 - then of course have time sloooooow way down!!!!

Dawn Hope

[sandygirl]

I know your family will enjoy the cruise. I'm sure you all could use a break from the everyday. The DCL is the place to be for that.

Ask all your questions here! I am a 3 time cruiser and am still learning things from the people on the boards. Everyone has been awfully nice.

Can't help you with the teenage thing, my daughter is only 5, and my boys are all grown up and on their own. Hope to meet up with you though and get to say hello on board.

[beautyandbeast]

Laura

How old is your daughter? If she's 13 or under she will have a ton of activities at Oceaneer's Club. My son was in there the past two cruises. He made lots of friends and they did alot of organized activities. We were kind of nervous at first to let him stay out alone. (although he wasn't actually alone, but without us) but they give you a pager and they won't hesitate to page you if need be. We never got paged!! If she's in common grounds (the teen room) again she is with a bunch of people and there are also lots of organized activities. (no pagers though). After the first days of her be out by her self you will probably feel alot better. Especially after she tells you how much fun she's having!! Hope this helps.

Lynda

[Dani's mom]

Duh - tell you how old everyone is but Dani! Actually - her 15th birthday is Jan 7 so it's a very special celebration for us. It's just incredible how everything worked out.

Since Make-A-Wish is setting everything up, I'm sort of clueless about most things. We are leaving Iowa Dec 30 and driving to Valdosta GA to visit my brother, his wife and their baby boy, who we haven't met yet. We will be driving down to Port Canaveral Sat morning.

You know, I don't even know what questions to ask, but I have already learned a great deal from this bb. This is gonna be great!

Laura

[prymsu]

Hi Laura, from one Iowan to another...If there is anything I can do to help your family get ready for your trip, please let me know. I am not sure where in Iowa you are located, but I am very close to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. My family will be flying out of the Moline airport on 1/3, since the airfare is so much cheaper.

Make a Wish Foundation is very active in this area! What a wonderful wish that you daughter has chosen, and something that will be very memorable for her as well as your whole family.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you!

[Lisa F]

Laura:

One of the great things about a Disney cruise is that you don't really NEED to plan very much. We went on our first totally clueless and had such a wonderful time, we booked another. After experiencing my first I know what everyone is talking about around here now but honestly, it's the type of vacation where you can just show up and have a perfectly wonderful time (unlike going to Disney World which does require some planning).

To mmouse37:

We STILL have not received our docs, AND last night made the decision to downgrade from a cat 10 to a cat 11 because of the incredible prices (our price dropped $810, I could not justify even the secret porthole room for that much money... that will buy our annual passes for us!) I am beginning to think at this rate I will NEVER get my docs (because of the change I made).

I suppose there are worse things in the world though!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Lisa....give DCL a call, it is possible that the change is holding them up...how long ago did you change??? I would also drop to a Cat 11 for $810 savings!!! way to go!!!!

If you don't get them by mid-week, next week, give DCL a call and check to see if they were sent out. I would be jumping out of my skin....though it really is not that late when you think about it. A few cruises our docs literally came 2 weeks before...

Welcome to all the new additions to 1/4!!!! We should all have a great time.

MJ

[beautyandbeast]

Laura,

My daughter just turned 15 in October, so they will be in common grounds together! Thats great. If Dani wants too she can email Shaylee and they can get to know each other a bit before the cruise. She knows all the in's and out's of the ship. On our last cruise she and a couple of other kids got to sound the horn when we left St. Thomas! They rang it "5" times!!! Shay would love to hear from her! Our email address is lyndagonzales@msn.com.

Lynda

[Dani's mom]

Thanks everyone, for the warm welcome. If it's possible, I am even more excited than before!

I am a little unsure about the excursions. From what I've read, I think we can handle Key West on our own. I also don't know exactly what we're going to be up for, since Dani's endurance is not quite back to good yet. Is it going to be ok to decide what we want to do, and how to do it when we get onboard? I know hubby & son have their heart set on snorkeling somewhere. Any tips for me?

Thanks,
Laura

[prymsu]

you could go as a family to the seven mile beach in GC. Also, if your husband and son decide to go off on their own, a more active idea would be the stingrays in GC, or a dolphin encounter in Cozumel.

[bpitzer20]

Hello!
My dad, sister (21), and I (23) will all be on the January 4th cruise, and we can not wait! My sister and I went on a 3-day cruise a few years ago with our mom, but this will our dad's first Disney cruise- we are really excited! I hope you all have a really great time!
Thanks,
Becky

[sandygirl]

Hope you and your dad and sister have a great time. The 7 day is twice as much fun as the 3 day! See you on the 4th.

[Lisa F]

mmouse, as of last night I hadn't received my docs and I found out about the price cut so I made the change then. So now I don't know how long it's going to take to get our docs. part of me was wondering if maybe an upgrade was in the works and that's why it was taking so long and I BLEW it by downgrading, oh well. But the bargain hunter in me couldn't turn down the better price.

I still may give them a call next week (maybe more toward the end of the week). Though I did book through DU so maybe I need to go through them! I AM jumping out of my skin though!

Lisa

[bpitzer20]

Lisa,
We booked through Dreams Unlimited also, and we just received our docs yesterday so don't loose hope! I had talked to DU last week, asking when we could expect them and Dreams said that Disney mailed them directly to us through FedEx so it sounds like they don't really have anything to do with it, you would probably be better off talking to someone from DCL. I talked to an excursions representative at DCL and he told me when they had been mailed and that I should be recieving them yesterday or today, and sure enough they came yesterday.
Good Luck!
Becky

[mmouse37]

Lisa....I hope the docs were not mailed out before you changed the ressie. Don't think "what ifs" about any upgrade...they are rare on the Magic!!!

If your docs come in a day or two, carefully check them and see if the new cat is listed on them. If not, call DCL and see what they have to do...they may have to issue new ones.

Becky....welcome to you, sis and your dad. You guys will love the 7 day!!! Are you guys coming in the day before or day of. A bunch of us will be at the Radisson the night before.


MJ

[bpitzer20]

We will be arriving the day of, and we do not have a direct flight, which makes me nervous. However, we are all adults and hopefully capable of making the connecting flight on time :)
Hope to see you all on board!
Becky

[Lisa F]

Becky,

I'll be crossing my fingers that you will make your flights on time and without a worry! I hope your flights are at least early! If you are still concerned, is there a direct flight that you could go standby on by showing up early to the airport? Might be worth looking into! The first flights of the day are never as heavily booked (and even when they are, I think a lot of people miss their flights) as later.

mmouse,

Still no docs! Of course, its' a weekend and I don't think fedex even delivers on the weekends :) Plus with that change we made if we received our docs they probably would've been wrong anyway. Actually, I remember on our Magic cruise last year (same exact time as this one!) our docs did not arrive til 2 weeks before (and since we were spending 1 week in WDW before, that was tough on us!). If I don't have them by the end of next week I will give them a call and ask what's up. And you're right about second guessing myself! I remember thinking the same thing last year "hmm, maybe it's taking so long because there is an upgrade in the works" and there wasn't one (and we still had a completely amazing time).

In exciting news, yesterday I went with my hubby to buy a tux! I must say, he does look smashing. We have a black tie optional wedding to attend in the spring as well so it seemed worth it to just bite the bullet and buy him a tux. This one fits him SO well, too. I can't wait for the pictures!

Anyone else not yet receive their docs?

Lisa

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I also haven't received documents (Waaah!), but I'm trying not to panic. We bought through AAA, talked to them last week, I'm not sure where the documents will actually show up. I booked excursions through Disney a few weeks ago, and they asked for my home address, etc. (the original reservations were made by my MIL). So, we'll see. I've been printing the old Navigators, etc. off the web to have something for us to look at. I wonder if the documents are running late because they wanted to see how the illness stuff went? The sickness thing has me really paranoid that we'll be cancelled last minute--we have an alternate scenario in mind, just in case (going just to WDW for the week), but I'd kind of like to do the cruise. It's kind of a "last hurrah before the baby comes" for us, and I don't see us cruising again for years.

[Lisa F]

Obviously I'm on the boards and avoiding doing work! I've been thinking also about what it would be like if Disney cancelled our cruise. We would just spend another week at WDW and happily take our 50% off coupon and book for a later date. I think there are worse things in the world!

Hopefully we will receive our docs soon! I should go look at the navigators too and start to plan a little bit of what we are going to do. I sure hope the new menus are on the Magic by the time we get on, I am really dying to try the avocado soup!

Lisa

[beautyandbeast]

Lisa, We have also not received our docs. I called DCL on Friday and they said they send them out 2 to 3 weeks prior. We've never had to wait that long before!! But I made sure they had our correct address and all (they thought that was funny)! Anyway hopefully calling will make them hurry up a bit. Where do you find the navigators?

Lynda

[Lisa F]

Lynda, check out Barb & Tony's site (http://www.*****************) for any information you could want!

2-3 weeks? AACk. We are going to be in NY 2 weeks before and then in WDW for the week before. I hope it's closer to 3!

Lisa

[bpitzer20]

Lisa,
Thanks for your good thoughts! I asked DU if we could switch to a connecting flight, because we booked the air through them as well, or I guess it is actually through Disney, anyway they said "no" because it is less than 30 days before the cruise, wich I thought was odd, because we don't the get the docs any sooner than 30 days out, so how would you ever be able to make changes? Our flight leaves at 7:45 so I don't know how much earlier we would be able to go anyway. Our DU agent did give me a number to call if we had any problems and assured we they would do whatever it takes to get us on that cruise if any issues arise, so that was very helpful. But, hopefully, everything will go smoothly! Since you have been on this cruise before, how was the weather? Esp. in Key West?
I hope you all get your cruise docs ASAP!!
Becky

[Lisa F]

Oh, if you've booked air through Disney I would not worry for one second. They will get you there! And 7:45AM leaves you PLENTY of time!

I haven't done the western itinerary, only the eastern, but it was very warm even last january (and it had been very cold in florida). I looked on the web and it looks like Key West average high is in the mid 70's in January. The average low is the mid 60's. Sounds like perfect weather for touring, maybe a little cool for water stuff.

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Lisa....where in New York will you before the cruise???? Just curious because we are in New York, about 15 miles north of Manhattan.

MJ

[beautyandbeast]

Called the Radisson 800 number today and they have a "Visit Florida" rate of 79.00. Just thought those of you who might be staying there might want to know. Its cheaper than the internet rate. The number is 800-419-3333.

Lynda

[Lisa F]

Duh MJ, I never noticed where you were from! My husband and I are both originally from NY. I'm from the city (Brooklyn) and he is also from Rockland (Valley Cottage, near Nyack). We will be visiting both sets of parents for the holidays and then NYE at WDW! I will spare you my rendition of "it's a small world!"

Lynda, thanks for the tip. We already have the $79 rate from entering the promo code "FALL" (even though it will no longer be fall, it still gave me that rate)... I don't know if it still works, but if you prefer to use the internet you could give it a try.

Lisa

[Cheryl N. WI]

I just booked a room at the Radisson for Jan. 3 using the Visit Florida promo on the internet. We decided to go with the 1 bedroom suite for $99.00! I could have booked a standard room for the $79.00 rate with this promo also. It seems like there will be quite a few of us DISers at the Radisson that night! DD8 is hoping to do some swimming and we might check out Ron Jons shop. It's hard to believe it's less than 4 weeks to go now!!!!

Cheryl

:bounce:

[mmouse37]

Lisa...I just sent you a PM

Cheryl....we also have a one bedroom suite at the $99. rate. I need to book another room now that so many people are coming with us now!!!

MJ

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Ummm...

...has anybody heard from Fawn? She's been MIA from these boards for over a month. Considering the enthusiasm she'd initially shown, I'm kinda concerned.

[disneygal58]

I posed the same question a week ago in regard to Fawn's whereabouts and still no reply. Does anyone have any info? Is the Shirley from The Perfect Gift slated to perform the wedding ceremony?

Dawn Hope

[Lisa F]

Maybe Shirley would have actual contact info? I, too, have been wondering where Fawn went to. I hope she is just busy with the holidays and planning her wedding.

Lisa

[prymsu]

disneygal58, yes our Shirley from the Perfect Gift is the Shirley who will be performing the wedding. Has anyone tried emailing Fawn through the DIS board? Hope everything is ok...

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I talked to Shirley last week (to order a basket) and she mentioned the wedding. I'm thinking that with 6 kids, Christmas, and the upcoming nuptials and cruise, that perhaps Fawn doesn't have the time to DIS? Her loss, but I can sure understand!

[beautyandbeast]

Hi All,

We won't be staying at the Radisson after all. DH decided he wanted to stay at OKW the night before and drive out in the morning. So maybe we can set up a meet time on the ship so we can all get together. Any suggestions?

Lynda

[cottoncandy]

Hi everybody,

too am getting concerned about Joanna (FAWN). We met in person a couple months ago. I think that she just has so much to do with the holidays, cruise and wedding that she doesn't have time to DIS. I am going to give her a call right now ad find out if everything is ok.

Will let you all know
Candy

[szulu]

Has everyone else rec'd their docs. I don't remember them coming this late on previous cruises...should I be worried?

[Lisa F]

We haven't received our docs yet. I'm starting to go a little crazy!

Candy, please let us know if Fawn is ok!

Lisa

[cottoncandy]

I haven't recieved my docs yet either.We booked through DVC though. I did call Joanna's house but got the answeringmachine. I left a message for her to call me and let me know how things are going. Also told her that everyone is getting a little concerned about her whereabouts.

My family would love to meet everyone at the Radisson, but we won't be in until around 11:00 pm. Has anyone come up with a meeting place onboard, just in case you are sleeping when we arrive Friday?

Candy

[Lisa F]

What a mess! I emailed my TA (Donna at DU, who has been wonderful and extremely prompt in answering emails) and she called Disney. According to them, FedEx attempted delivery three times and then returned the docs to Disney. We haven't seen a single notice here of attempted delivery! Then I realized how long ago I booked this cruise, over 18 months! We moved just about a year ago to a new apartment. ACK! I bet they tried to deliver to my OLD address. I emailed my theory back to Donna and asked if they could resend the docs. She said as of now we would have to pick them up at the port (our names would be on the passenger list and then pick up the docs when we check in). I'm not crazy about showing up at the port with nothing but a printout from the DU site proving I'm supposed to be on this cruise! I hope Disney will resend them. I repeat, what a mess!

Wah.

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Lisa...don't worry too much. I once had to fill out docs at the port...it is not that bad. I am sure they will have your name on the list. I just don't see why they can't resend them...it is still a few weeks away??

MJ

[Lisa F]

Yeah, they are going to resend them. They did have the wrong address! Hopefully we will be here to receive them this time!:eek: When I get my docs I am sure everyone will know about it!

Lisa

[BuzznBelle'smom]

My TA called yesterday and said she had our documents in her hand--she's sending them to arrive Thursday! I'm excited already--I told her I'd be sure to be home, probably waiting under a blanket by the door for the Airborne Express guy!

[edith76]

under a blanket by the door...That is so funny. The first thing I did when it snowed last week was to shovel a path to the front door for the FedEx man. (Still waiting for him) We are in very bad need of some -not pixie dust- but some warm Florida sunshine.

[beautyandbeast]

No docs yet. I'm trying not to think about it too much. DVC said they don't usually ship until 2-3 weeks prior. We have never received them that late before. Hoping to meet you all soon.

Lynda

[sandygirl]

Br-r-r-r-r, it is nippy in New Jersey. edith76 - where are you from? Do you still have snow on the ground? I received my docs about a week and a half ago. They are all filled out and ready for 1/04. See you onboard!! I'm hoping for lots of sun so look for me lounging on a deck chair just eating up the warm rays.

[edith76]

I live in North Jersey but travel to Manchester quite a bit. We still have snow and I can't believe how cold it is for this time of year. The high yesterday was 22. Do you have snow? I went to Manchester on Sunday and could not believe how much snow there was. I can't wait to go to Florida. I hope the Western Carib. is warm. We did the Eastern the last 2 years and the weather was fine. The water temp at Castaway Cay was a little chilly but the beach was great. Counting the days....

[mmouse37]

edith76...we live just on the Rockland/Bergen line. How far north in Jersey are you...you can't be too far away from us!!!

I used to work in Ramsey/Mahwah, and my dad owns a shop in Ho-Ho-Kus.

MJ

[crusnprincesses]

I haven't posted in a looong time, but have been following the boards. We have just switched, as of 5 mins ago, to the Jan 4th cruise! We are going down about a bizillion categories, (originally we had a Cat. 5 balcony on March 1st) but honestly, I can think of about a million things I can buy with the 2500$ difference in price!!! What a deal! I am now going to check all these postings to see who is going...we are the three crusnprincesses, myself, dd 7, and nanna(not allowed to tell her age!)
Can't wait, this is all really spur of the moment.
..our Christmas plans have changed radically, we decided yesterday we are spending it at Disneyworld...My dd hopes there are lots of girls her age onboard.

[disneygal58]

Cruznprincesses,
How exciting and WELCOME! We, too (myself and daughters aged 17 & 19) switched ressies from 2/1 to 1/4 and will enjoy a significant savings.
This cruise is basically our Christmas gift to one another - we of course will have several cruise related items to unwrap under the tree.
An ever-growing group of us will be staying at the Radisson the night prior and plan to meet by the pool around 8 p.m. If that doesn't work for you, we can all arrange something either at the port or on the ship.
Counting Down,
Dawn Hope

[edith76]

nmouse37 My family is originally from Bergen but I've lived most of my life in Morris. Now I live near Morristown. (Right in the path of the expected ice storm) I'll be cruising with DH and DS age 20. We go to Florida for a week pre-cruise and I can't wait....at least, I think we are going - still no docs.

[BuzznBelle'smom]

crusinprincesses, my daughter is also 7, and she is SO EXCITED! We won't be at the Radisson, though, but perhaps we can meet up on board. Belle is likely to be spending a lot of time in the club.

[crusnprincesses]

We are still undecided about where we will be the night before. We are booked at the AKL until the 27th, but as silly as it seems, I think I will have to fly home for the week in between to take care of business. So, until we figure that out, looks like we will see everyone on the ship! We have WICKED colds right now, so I am glad we have some time to get better before we get onboard! I will have to scour the boards later today for info on the Western itinerary, I wasn't planning to do anything until about February....anyone have any tips on best shopping in ports?! ;)

[mmouse37]

Welcome crusnpricesses!!!! Our group is certainly growing!!!! I have listed two links to our Western cruise this past August. It shows lots of pics of some of the excursions we took including Stingray City in Grand Cayman and Mr. Sanchos beach in Cozumel. There are also pics of the ship, Palo brunch, interior shots, etc. Feel free to check them out!

http://community.webshots.com/album/47984596ZcaNXp

http://community.webshots.com/album/48196942XWkiMx


Edith...my sister and her family bought a house in Chester, about 9 months ago...we go through Morristown to get to her!!!

We are also lined up for the ice storm..I would like to go get my tree this morning and spend tonight decorating!!! Play the Harry Connick Christmas CD (love that CD!), pour some eggnog, watch the ice storm, and get frazzled untangling the lights!!!!

Keep warm everyone!!

MJ

[Lisa F]

Wow, I missed a ton of messages last night! Welcome crusnprincesses! Arent' the savings wonderful? (or maybe I should say magical!) We just downgraded from a cat 10 on the same cruise to a cat 11 and saved $800 on that alone! We never spend much time in our room anyway. My grandmother is 39 and no questions asked, perhaps nanna is the same age? :)

About shopping in the western ports, I'm not sure the shopping is as good there as it is on the eastern itinerary. Anyone know? I just haven't seen much about shopping, but I really don't know. I'm sure that there is some kind of "shopping in paradise" guide to those ports though! Last year in January we took the eastern and I got the most beautiful platinum engagement ring setting (I developed an allergy to the nickle in gold and could not wear my rings anymore!). It's really different than anything I've seen in the US and I still get compliments on it! Hubbie has said that's IT for shopping for me.

Does anyone know anything about Chankanaab in Cozumel? A friend just went on a Celebrity cruise that stopped in Cozumel and she said that it wasn't that great. She thought it was way more geared toward kids than adults. That HAD been what we were planning to do but now I feel like we should find something else to do. Eep! She does like disney and is not anti-kid... just found Chankanaab to not be too adult friendly.

Lisa

[prymsu]

shopping will not be as good IMHO as it is on the eastern. GC is very expensive...You can find a lot of good deals in Cozumel though, so that is where i would do my shopping.

[edith76]

All is well. The FedEx guy finally came. I was getting worried. What is the best beach/snorkeling option in Cozumel? We were planning on CNP, but is Mr. Sanchos a better option for adults? Is it easy to get to?

Getting exited now thanks to all of you.
MJ, we go to Chester a lot. The little town is a nice day. And its where our parrot spends his vacation.

[crusnprincesses]

mmmouse - Have you done the ice storm thing before? I don't envy any of you, and know exactly where you are. We experienced a devastating icestorm a few years ago...army was called out and everything!(You have to understand that that is unheard of in Canada....) We had no power for 17 days, my mum was in a shelter as we couldn't get to her, etc..etc. Really awful...stock up on batteries and get fuel for generator is my advice! Make sure you have a ski-doo ready to whisk you away to the nearest open airport, cruising is much more civilized!
That is a bummer about the shopping! We've done 2 eastern cruises so far, and although it wasn't spectacular, there were somethings even the lowly canadian dollar could justify buying. I'm just looking forward to escaping for a while, and putting some magic back in my little girl's heart! I will check out the links now, thanks guys!

[beautyandbeast]

Gosh, it sounds so cold over on the east coast. We've been hovering around 68 here is Arizona. It would be nice if it did snow here sometimes. Especially around Christmas. I guess I'm going to call DCL again and find out if they've sent our docs yet. I'm really anxious to receive them, as all the info for ordering dh tux is there! I'm trying to get ready for Christmas and do the usual baking etc. but I think I'm to preoccupied with cruising. I think I need to take a deep breath and calm down!

Lynda

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We received our documents today!!! I'm so psyched, I had planned to be home ALL DAY tomorrow, waiting, but then found out they were left on our tenant's doorstep!

Crusnprincesses, I didn't realize you were from Quebec--my DD would definitely love meeting your DD, as Belle is very "into" languages--she's fluent in German, and has been learning Spanish just for the cruise! I don't have the heart to tell her that, on our one day in Mexico, she probably won't even need to read a menu in Spanish!

We are also familiar with power outages up here, but usually they only last a few hours (plenty long enough), and most people have generators, woodstoves, etc. to get them through. Definitely looking forward to some time in the sun!

[Cheryl N. WI]

crusnprincesses welcome to the Jan. 4 Magic! My DD is 8 and I'm sure she'd love to meet your DD and Belle (our puppy's name is officially Princess Daisy Belle but we call her Belle LOL). We aren't completely sure of where we are staying Friday night yet (we have reservations at 4 different places right now. I better remember to cancel all the one's we don't want LOL.) but it will probably be at the Radisson.
We were having some bitter cold weather here in southern WI up until about 2 days ago but today we had low 40's, it felt like a heat wave! Hopefully this warmer weather will make it East to warm everyone up and melt the ice! Sending pixie dust!
Only 3 1/2 weeks to go!!

Cheryl:earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl:

[mmouse37]

Cheryl.....our yellow lab puppy (well she's really 6 but acts like a puppy) is also called Princess Daisy!!!! We usually just call her Daisy Girl!!!

I think we might have lucked out with the ice storm. Temps don't look like they will get low enough to freeze...thank goodness...but, it is raining cats and dogs!!!

Cozumel was 85 today!!! Can't wait....

MJ

[cottoncandy]

welcome- crusnprincesses
We are doing the ice storm thing here in PA today. No school and power just returned. But despite all of the rain and ice on my driveway, the FedEx man did deliver.
I still haven't heard from Joanna. I will try her again tomorrow. Don't want to seem like a pest.
:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Candy

[Lisa F]

Guess what, everybody!!!

Our docs are FINALLY here! Woooooo hoo! They reflect our old stateroom and fare, but DCL posted the difference in fare to our CC so I'm not worried about that. At least I have some pieces of paper in my hot little hands saying we are going CRUISING!!!!!!!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Congrats Lisa......I am glad your docs finally came!!! I keep checking my ressie online to see if we are assigned a stateroom # yet...we are still at GTY status....hope they assign it soon!!!

Anyway, I was just reading over on the LIVE 12/7 thread that a few people were reported sick this...hope it does not develop into many more... Let's keep our fingers crossed!!!!

MJ

[Lisa F]

MJ,

What cat are you in? I just checked to see how sold out the cruise is and it looks like all of the cat 11's (the one with the rock bottom prices) are now sold out. Wow, I feel lucky to have been able to make the change when I did! NOW the decision is whether to see if the $760 that we saved vs. a cat 10 will buy us an upgrade to a verandah at the port (oh, the games we play!) and whether we want to actually spend it on a verandah. I suspect hubbie will STILL vote a resounding "NO!"

I have been following the 12/7 thread. I will really miss the 24 hour drink station as we tend to drink a lot of water on board. I hope there is some other way to stay hydrated without having to lug aboard a week's worth of bottled water (or pay disney prices for bottled water!) I also hope no one else gets sick... for two reasons... one, I don't wish that on ANYONE on vacation and two, I don't want the problem to build up again so that the Magic has to go out of service our week! Even if sickness on board reaches the "epidemic" levels of before (tongue in cheek there) I think we will be okay by hand washing and following some basic precautions. I would think that if anyone is sick on this cruise that their stateroom would get a complete linens/mattress change and sanitization before the next passengers get on. Probably not necessary for the entire ship though. It does seem like the precautions that Disney is taking to prevent the spread of the virus once it is aboard are working but I guess we will really know on the next cruise if that is the case. If it is not, I'm sure the press will jump all over it.

Oh well, keeping fingers crossed. No matter what happens we are going to have a wonderful vacation (or should I say magical???) I just HOPE it's on board the ship!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Lisa....we are in a Cat 9 GTY. I sailed on this last Feb and I think we found out our stateroom number about two weeks before the cruise by checking our ressie online. I really don't mind if we are on Deck 1 or Deck 2.

MJ

[beautyandbeast]

Lisa, this must be docs day! We got ours this morning also!!! Whew. I was so excited the fed ex lady now wants to go on a cruise! Well, glad that all is finally starting to fall into place for all of us. Now all we need to do is relax and have a happy sailing!

Lynda

[crusnprincesses]

Glad to hear everyone is getting ready...I still haven't found anyone to horse/house/farm sit! We leave for WDW on the 23rd....no panic, right?
BuzzandBellesmom & Cheryl - I told my dd Ashley about your girls, and she was soooo happy! She was worried there wouldn't be any girls her age to play with. Don't ask me why, she has always found children her own age to play with before! Ash is in an immersion program at school, but absolutely cannot stand French days...she had one bad teacher in an earlier grade, and that was it...she can speak a little french though!
BeautyandBeast= I noticed you are getting dh tux for formal...is everyone bringing gowns?! I'm bringing my New Years gown people, so if you are offended by sparkles, bring a good pair of shades! :smooth: We loooove to dress up, advance warning!!!

[mmouse37]

I am bringing a long black dress for Formal night and plan on wearing the same dress with a jacket over it for semi-formal.

MJ

[Lisa F]

Hubbie has a tux (well, it's ready to be picked up today!) but I don't really have a "gown"... I have a sort of lower calf length chiffon a-line dress and a beaded jacket to go over it (black). For semi-formal I have a black knee length dress with some beads at the neck. For palo i have this red outfit. Trying to decide if hubbie can wear the tux to palo while I wear my red outfit (which is less dressy than the other two, but probably more dressy than his sport jacket is). We are planning palo on our last night. We have another black tie event to go to in the spring so he decided to buy a tux since he REALLY wanted to wear a tux on the cruise! I have to laugh at imgoingtodisney and her trouble getting her hubbie's measurements because I am married to a man who WANTS to dress up! (he used to be in the airforce and I'm kind of disappointed that the mess dress isn't appropriate anymore, nor does it fit, but then again on his salary in the AF we probably couldn't have afforded the disney cruise! Tradeoffs for everything!)

We also have matching mickey tropical shirt (for him) and skirt (for me) that was on clearance in the disney catalog months ago!

I think we are all set!

Lisa

[edith76]

We'll be wearing whatever we can fit into. I haven't had a chance to Christmas shop let alone anything else. Just once I would like to be be prepared for a trip.

[beautyandbeast]

crusnprincesses, I have a couple of formal gowns. But only one I know for sure fits. The other had a tough time zipping it up last time! I'll need to try it so I can send it off to be cleaned if it does fit. I am definately trying to pack lighter this time around. I usually take things I don't even end up wearing! Has anyone thought of where we all are going to meet up once on board. Maybe some evening?

Lynda

[sandygirl]

I'm not sure what I will be wearing formal night. Probably whatever fits, like some of you.

I do know that DD will be the most beautiful Princess at the ball because she is getting a Cinderella dress as a Christmas gift. Don't tell!!

DH has one choice - his suit. He'd be just as happy to forgo, but I look forward to dressing up and enjoying the evening. Even if it does mean pantyhose, a-a-a-h!

[mmouse37]

I can actually get away with black knee highs for my two outfits...yeah!!!! Would even go without those except I hate the feeling of my feet sticking to the shoes...would use powder except powder and a black dress = trouble!!!

MJ

[Dani's mom]

Hi again!

We haven't gotten our docs yet but I did manage to find out our stateroom number - 7564. Good room, yes? I can't believe how excited we all are - and I'd really love to meet up with you all if you decide to do that.

I want to order something special for Dani - her 15th birthday is Jan 7 and I have contacted Shirley at the Perfect Gift. But I think I need some ideas on what to order. Dani is a Pooh freak - what else do I need to tell Shirley to get a wonderful gift basket?

Thanks ahead of time for your help. Man, I love this!

Laura

[Cheryl N. WI]

A friend of mine from work is making me a long formal dress! She made a couple for some of our co-workers for our Christmas party and they were all so beautiful I asked her if she'd be able to make me one for our cruise and she started on it 2 nights ago! I have been looking through my closet trying to figure out which night to wear what other than formal night. My concern is trying to figure out which shoes to wear - I'd like to have to bring as few pairs of shoes as possible but some of my dresses are dark and will require black shoes while some are lighter and will need white or off white shoes or a dressier sandal. DH has been laughing at me as I try to get this all figured out. At least DD has plenty of dresses (we bought her a few on clearance at the end of summer and she got a very nice long dress for formal night when JC Penneys recently had a great sale). DH does not have a tux, just the suit he got for our other cruise 2 years ago.

Does anyone else have first seating for dinner?

I have been studying MJ's dining rotation charts trying to figure out what night to go to Palo for each different rotation so that we'll be prepared. Also debating if we should do the brunch (that means another nice outfit LOL). At first I didn't think we would because of trying to fit everything in but now I'm thinking we will, after reading Alex's report of how good it was on the 12/7 thread.

Candy have you heard from Joanna yet? I sure hope all is well with her!

MJ our Belle is a chocolate lab; she is 19 months old and still very full of that puppy energy but basically she is a very good dog! Labs make such great family dogs don't they. DD was just saying how she is going to miss her "sister" when we are on the cruise. We are very lucky we have friends that take her when we go on vacation and then we watch their dog for them when they go.

Cheryl

[crusnprincesses]

Cheryl,
go with a sandal for formal gown...you can never pack enough shoes!! HaHa
I actually mentioned the dress thing 'cuz I don't want people pointing and laughing at us!! Just a bunch of crazy canucks, that's all!! No idea what our rotation is, this is totally seat of the pants flying here...

Listen, I need some help....My best friend in the universe just got off the phone with me, and wants to come on the cruise!!! They moved to Bangkok in August, her daughter is my dd's best buddy too, so we've all been pining. Does anyone know how I could get a ressie now? I know DCL is closed, it is 2:00am here, and my TA is closed for weekend. Any number for asian side of the world to call?
If we can pull this off, it will definately be a "magical" moment...we won't tell the kids we are meeting up, just let them hear their respective names called out on embarking,,,come to think of it, that would make a great Disney commercial!

[disneygal58]

Cruiznprincess,
I highly recommend the amazing group of people at Dreams Unlimited. They are kind, enthusiastic and bend over backwards for their clients ( and accessible 7 days a week). Good luck.
We're off the a weekend at the World in a mere 8 hours and then we all meet up on the cruise THREE WEEKS from today!!!

Dawn Hope

[Lisa F]

I agree, email DU. They are not 24 hours a day but the response time is incredible! I transferred my reservation to them and both Donna and Cathy have been absolutely wonderful. Their prices are also a bit better than DCL's (for that cruise at least) AND they do give a rebate.

I just checked Disney's website (http://www.disneycruise.com) and they look like they have some cat 11's available at the great price (half the price of a cat 10). You can always book through the website as well, but the prices at DU are a little better.

Good luck!

Lisa

[cottoncandy]

Just a quick note bfore I head out to work.
We have early seating for dinner only because we eat around 4:30- 5:00 at home. The kids eat school lunch at 10:30. I'm hoping that this doesn't interfere with anything cool going on.
I have yet to hear from Joanna. I try calling her house every day. Maybe they are away on a mini vacation before the big one.
Well I must go for now. Have to get everybody smelling good for Christmas.(work is Bath andBody Works). I will pick up antibacterial gels for anyone to have with on the trip if you let me know.

;) ;)
Candy

[mmouse37]

Lisa...labs really are the best!!!! Our next door neighbor also has a yellow lab, and there is one that lives up the stree also.

Our next door neihbor and us always watch either other's labs. It works out great!!! Daisy's friend is called Bailey....

Putting more things in the "cruise box" as I think of them!!!!

MJ

[beautyandbeast]

Hey your room is right across the hall from us. We're 7565! We're right in the middle so you won't feel to much movement. Word of advice, if you've not been on a ship before you might want to bring some dramamine. They sell it at the gift shops but it's rather pricey as opposed to the drugstore. My daughter and I usually need it the first day, but usually thats it. We've learned to take it right when we sail so it's in effect by the time were cruisin'. On our first cruise we had Annimators Palate for dinner the first night and she missed it because she was to motion sick to stay in the dinning room. She (Shaylee) would still love to hear from Dani before the cruise if she gets a chance.

I know what you mean about the shoe thing, it seems that no matter how hard I try, I never end up with less than 4 pairs in my suitcase!!

Lynda

[mmouse37]

Speaking of shoes....I wish I still had the picture, but my two DD's shared a cabin with two of their friends on our recent August Magic cruise. So, four girls aged 18, 17, 15,14...can you guess how many shoes were in that cabin!!! They had them lined up on the window ledge, along the whole length on top of the couch, along the front of couch on the floor, in the closet...they literally had to be 30+ pairs of shoes between the four of them. It was a running joke with the room steward all week!!!

MJ

[BuzznBelle'smom]

crusnprincesses, don't sweat the French thing--I just know my daughter loves learning new languages, and will probably be the kid you see pestering the foreign counselors! That would be great if your friends can come along--what a fantastic surprise!

LOL mmouse37--all those girls, I'm surprised the bath and a half was enough for them! Maybe the steward needs to learn to make "shoe animals" to go with the "towel animals"...

Is anyone else having a tough time getting psyched for Christmas because they're too psyched for the cruise? I didn't put up half my decorations, just because it's just that much more I would have to take down before we leave. I'm sure the late Thanksgiving and being pregnant isn't helping at all, but I wondered if anyone else was having a tough time with the holiday spirit. So much packing, so little time...

We're not doing actual formal wear (although I will see if I still fit in my one gown, I haven't gained any weight). I'm also bringing at least one princess gown for my DD--I make them for Halloween, and she still fits in last year's (Belle) as well as this year's (Aurora). I'll have to throw in a couple bathing suits among the shoes and dresses!

[CindyAnn]

Hi January 4th cruisers. I'm glad to hear that some of you also sound a little crazed. We got our cruise docs about 10 days ago, and our cabin # is 6044. I think we're very close to someone else on this thread, but I won't take the time to read through all the previous pages right now. DD (6) is also planning to pack a "formal" Belle/Aurora/Ariel dress and I think will wear her Minnie Mouse dress for the character breakfast. I finally found a new outfit for myself for formal night (black with long gold jacket), and picked up DS (9) 's new suit yesterday, so we're all set. If DH can just manage to get his navy blazer for semi-formal nights to the dry cleaner, I can forget about the dressy stuff. I don't think I can get away with fewer than 5 pairs of shoes per person, though - water shoes, sandals, two pairs of runners, and dressy shoes. That sounds like a whole suitcase on its own, doesn't it? We need the 2 pairs of runners since we're heading to WDW for 6 days before the cruise, but maybe we can each leave a pair in the car along with our dirty laundry.

Strangely enough, my 6yo DD Mallory is in a French Immersion (all day every day) program and would love to yatter in French with all the other little girls.

I have about a hundred "to do" things in my mind, so I have to go off to my packing list and add everything else I can think of. Oh yeah - Christmas! I've done most of the shopping and decorating, so we're just down to baking and wrapping and last minute shopping for now. Since Christmas is huge in our family, that's still at least 10 things to buy, but I'm way down from my original count. I'm not sure that I'll ever plan a vacation again where we leave on December 27th. Last year we left on January 4th and it was very civilized, with more than a week to prepare after Christmas.

AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHH!

[crusnprincesses]

So...I called DCL at 9am, panicking that they were sold out! But alas, we got a cabin reserved for them, and will get it picked up by cruisemax on monday. I used dreams on our second cruise, but I am a slave to the telephone, and freak if I can't pick up a phone and talk to a real,live person! I will se if their rates are better though, just in case. Now all they have to do is find airfare from Bangkok, and back to Montreal. Unfortunately, no direct flights! Please send pixie dust our way everyone!

Not much Christmas spirit in the decorating department here either, we will be spending it and New Years at AKL with the magical concierge staff. I'm not even motivated to put up a tree...it would have to come down 2 days later, practically!

My dd will be thrilled to know how many other princesses will be on board!
CindyAnn- We show in T.O all the time, our home away from home every other weekend in summer, whereabouts in T.O are you?

[Cheryl N. WI]

I must admit I am looking more forward to the cruise than CHristmas. I have all the shopping done except for a few little things but nothing is wrapped yet. The house is decorated almost as much as usual only because we were supposed to have friends over tomorrow (or is it now today) but then they all cancelled because of other things coming up and one of the families has a stomach virus going through their house (and they weren't on the Magic) and we don't want their germs. If only I had known this would be cancelled I wouldn't have spent most of last Sunday decorating, I would have kept it bare bones this year Oh well. I probably won't actually bake many cookies until after Christmas because my brothers and sisters and families won't be getting together to celebrate our family Christmas until Dec. 28th and I usually make plates of cookies for my 7 adult nieces and nephews and I want the cookies to be fresh. Now that I know were not having any company I think I'll start pulling out the suitcases and slowly start throwing things in them as I think of them and unfortunately it will probably end up being about 4 pairs of shoes a piece for the 3 of us - all those shoes just take up so much room in the suitcase LOL.

Cheryl:bounce:

[crusnprincesses]

My BF and I ALWAYS have a "shoe bag", be it a duffle or full sized suitcase, which is exclusively for our shoes. Isn't that sick?! We are actually racking up long distance bills fretting about what to bring! If only I could be like those DISers I read about who bring a pair of shorts, tank top, and sweatshirt for a week long cruise. Alas, this is not to be, I will be the dishelved and distraught one dragging the 15 suitcases up the gangplank...forget the green ribbon, look for the pile of luggage! Tomorrow we find out if our friends get airfare arrangements made.....I really want to make this happen for our kids.
Crossing fingers, toes, and anything else that will help!

[mmouse37]

Just got in the door from work, but had to check the DIS!!!! It is very addictive!!!

Anyway, at our local Dollar store I saw shoe holders that hang like a hanger on the bar on the closet (not over the door kind). I think they held 6 or 8 pair of shoes and I was thinking of getting one for each of us since they are only a buck each.

Anything to keep the clutter down and I know the girls will need it their cabin!!!

I will also bring the regular over the door shoe holder for all the other misc. stuff we bring along!!!

I am excited about Christmas, but more excited about the cruise. We have the tree up and house decorated, still have to make my chocoate covered pretzels (much easier than cookies) and two dishes to bring to my moms for Christmass Eve. I get to host 25 people at our house for Christmas Day!!!!

MJ


MJ

[Lisa F]

I still have christmas, 1 night at universal studios and 5 nights at WDW to get through before we can cruise (ha, such problems!) I have to admit that the cruise is what I am looking forward to the most. Been preoccupied the past few days trying to dress my husband for the cruise (mostly looking for a good deal on tux shirts and found some, yeah!) I guess I should try to get my christmas shopping done too, huh? :)

Lisa

[sandygirl]

It's been fun reading about all the different DISer's plans for the holidays and the cruise. I fall into the "not fully decorating because I have to pack" category. My DD5 is a social and holiday butterfly, so I did more than I wanted to for her sake.

I'm mentally packing but won't put anything in the suitcase until the day before. Lists help, but if I start putting things in too soon I forget what I put in already. Last year I had all the sunscreen together in one spot so I wouldn't forget it and my DH moved it. Of course it got left behind and I had to buy more $$ on the ship. He's learning not to "help" me.

DD5 has grown so much since summer she has very little to pack. I'm thinking about buying her water shoes and an extra bathing suit in Key West. Can't find any here in the winter and did find some on-line but would rather have her try them on. Has anyone shopped in Key West? What do you think?
:confused:

[BuzznBelle'smom]

CindyAnn, we're right down the hall from you, in 6034. We have a DD7 and DS5, so we're sure to run into each other!

Getting the swim stuff in Key West sounds like a great idea to me--I didn't know what to do for sandals, so I ordered them as part of our "Welcome basket" form The Perfect Gift. My kids' swim shoes will still fit, but their sandals form last summer are in pretty rough shape. If Perfect Gift doesn't come through, I'll be with you, looking for the Key West Wal-Mart! I figure, it's not worth spending a ton of $$, they'll probably have outgrown them (again!) by the time the snow melts!

[beautyandbeast]

How do you contact the "Perfect Gift"? Do they have a website, or online catalog?

Lynda

[BuzznBelle'smom]

They're located at www.theperfectgift.cc . The web page shows lots of nice baskets, and has a phone number to call for personalized stuff. I got 1 basket for the four of us--mostly for the kids, but I threw in a book for myself and a 6-pack of beer for DH.

[mmouse37]

I have used Shirley at the Perfect Gift twice already...She really does a wonderful job. Don't hesitate in using her!!!

On shopping in Key West....I do not remember what store it was in but I was looking for a floor length, sleevless swim coverup. I found one in a store but it was $30. I then found it in another store and it was not marked..I asked the sales clerk how much and she told me $22....Ok, much better than $30!!! Well I try it on and then go up the register to pay and the woman behind the counter tells me $32 (including tax). I questioned her because the other sales clerk told me $22 plus tax....all of a sudden the sales clerk that was helping me says she never told me $22. My husband and I both heard her say it. I promptly turned around and was about to leave when they said ""ooohhh, wait... we will give it to you this time, blah, blah, blah. so just make sure you have them repeat a price just so you know how much you are going to pay. I have heard this happen to a few people on our trip. I really do think they were playing a scam.

MJ

[sandygirl]

BUZZNBELLE'SMOM - See you at Walmart!!

:p :p :p

I don't know about your kids but my DD5 is growing out of everything. You'd never guess she was only 4 lb. 5 oz. at birth.

Hoping to see you all onboard.

[beautyandbeast]

Okay my hubby now refers to me as the "addict". We just got home and I'm already on line checking the DIS! DD and myself just went to see Maid in Manhattan. It was pretty good. Anyone know what movies are showing on board? I know Sweet Home Alabama was showing. Hopefully it still is. Haven't seen that one yet. Also found a great deal on a floor length black dress with wrap at Dillards for just 73.00 on clearance! Was pretty excited about that! Yes it is very hard to focus on Christmas with the cruise on the horizon. Well better make dinner before DH cancels on line service!!!

Lynda

[mmouse37]

Hey fellow cruisers.....I happend to find that picture of all the shoes my girls and their friends took on our last cruise. Now, mind you this is only some of them....they still had some in the closet and they had them lined all along the top of the couch as well!!!! I counted 26 pair just in the photo, so my earlier estimate of 30 was much too low!!!!LOL

http://community.webshots.com/photo/50699182/57726760txYpVs

MJ

[Lisa F]

Wow, I feel like such the anti-girl! I generally bring a pair of basic black for formals, a pair of black loafers for other dinners and tevas for all else. Our problem with packing is that we are going to be at WDW for a week in January, which means the weather can vary from the 20's to the 80's and we have to be prepared for it all. Holy heavy suitcase, batman! I can't believe we are leaving in 12 days!

Lisa

[mmouse37]

Well, Lisa...do not feel like the anti-girl!!! Unlike my teen DD's I only bring one pair of dress shoes for formal, semi formal, a pair of beach sandals, sneakers and a pair of everyday sandals!! That's only four pair...not too bad!!!

MJ

[DCBlonde]

Hey there, soon-to-be-cruise neighbors!

We'll be joining y'all too--me, husband and my best friend! Best of all worlds--best friend there for all the fun girlie stuff, and hubby for all the cool romantic stuff! 2nd cruise for BF and myself; we did a 3-day last year and found it way too short. This year the 7-day is a must, as well as bringing my husband. No one here can understand why we're going on a Disney cruise if we don't have kids. These poor, poor people. They're missing out on so much!

It's been a lot of fun reading all your postings. We're signed up for the stingray snorkeling in Grand Cayman and the Jeep off-roading in Cozumel. We're also keeping our fingers crossed that Harry Potter will be showing in the theater!

TWO WEEKS FROM SATURDAY..... but who's counting! ha! :D