March 29, 2003 Magic...

[BriarfoxinWA]

Just checking to see if anyone is going with us!!!

Myself, DH, DS (12) & DS (6). This will be our first cruise ever & we are all really excited!!!

[indymom1]

This will be our second Disney Cruise. It will be my DH, DS(6), DS(11 mths) and me.

We will also be cruising with my parents, two sisters, their husbands and my niece and nephew.

We are very excited too. Especially since last time we did Eastern and this time we are doing western. Can't wait for March to come:)

[BriarfoxinWA]

I'm ready to go NOW!!! March can't get here quick enough. Everyone at work is giving me a bad time because we just got back from WDW and I made my cruise ressie's like the next day!:)

[BriarfoxinWA]

Just bumping this up to see if there is anyone else!

[plutojudy]

Muggs and Plutojudy will be on that cruise! It will be our fourth DCL cruise.

[kpgclark]

We'll be on there too! We'll have our 8yo boy and 6yo girl. This will be our first Disney cruise and we can't wait! Anyone extending the stay to go to WDW or Universal?

[BriarfoxinWA]

We're actually going to stay at the Dolphin for 3 days prior to the cruise....My kids have 1/2 days of school the week before spring break - so we're going to take them out early - they never do anything those days anyway.

[Trekker]

The whole trekker gang will be there - Myself, DW, DS 15 YO, DD 13 YO.

We are staying 3 nights after we return at WDW - not sure which resort yet.

Come on March - get here!

BTW this is our first cruise...........

[kpgclark]

We're planning on pulling the kids out of school for a couple of days following the cruise so we can go to Universal. We've never been there and kinda feel like Disney traders!

[leoyellow]

We will be on the March 29, 2003 Cruise too! Myself, my DH, and my DD (6). This will be our third Disney Cruise and our first Western cruise! We can't wait!!!:p

[kpgclark]

What category cabin did everyone get? We are very excited. I haven't told the children yet.

leoyellow, did you see that I also have a DD 6?

[leoyellow]

Hello kpgclark,

Yes, I did see your post stating that you have a DD who is 6 also. Maybe we can try and set something up to introduce our daughters. My DD loves the kids' club. She can't wait to go again.

We have a Category 4 cabin. The past two cruises we have had this category and we love it. :Pinkbounc

[Trekker]

The Trekker Clan also have a category 4 cabin......

Hoping this is as good as it looks on the website.

[plutojudy]

Cat. 6 for the fourth time. Just husband and me. Our kids are adults.

[Trekker]

Shameless bump to the top:bounce:

[plutojudy]

I know it is early, but is anyone interested in a meet? If so, we could start setting up things in January or February. Any interest?

[kpgclark]

It depends on where everyone is from and where we could meet.

[leoyellow]

plutojudy,
Did you mean a meet on the ship during our cruise? If so, count me in!!!!:wave:

[plutojudy]

Leoyellow, Yes, I meant a meet on the ship. We did a dis meet last cruise and really enjoyed meeting everyone. When it gets closer we can decide day, time and place. Cannot wait to cruise again. It is habit forming! :cool:

[Trekker]

I would be up for a DIS meet onboard!

[kpgclark]

Count us in too! That will be fun.

[BriarfoxinWA]

That would be great! Count on us too!

[shmoogrrrl]

We will also be joining that cruise! We just booked last week.

It will be me, DH and out freshly minted little baby girl (Well, she is freshly minted now at two months, but she'll be turning 10 months during the cruise. ) It will be the fourth cruise for DH and myself.

We will be traveling with our good friends who have a daughter that will be 15 months on the cruise. It is their second cruise. We all went last September of 2002 together before the kiddies came along.

We may be pretty experienced cruisers, and have the whole PALO, Spa, Excersion thing down, but it seems like it is like cruising for the first time now that we have a little one to plan for!

Glad there are other people to obsess with for the next 8 months!

Kathy :bounce:

[indymom1]

We will also be on the March 29, 2003 cruise as well. We went June 2002 with our 4 yo DS and this time we will be cruising with a little one as well. Our little guy will be 11 1/2 months old on the boat. We are excited about cruising again and going on the Western side but like you a little nervous of having such a little one with us. I know others have done it and it has been fine. I think the smartest thing we did was to get a CAT 6 with a verandah so that when he needs to take his naps one of us can sit out there and still feel like we are on vacation.

[shmoogrrrl]

indymom1,

Yeah, we always get a Catagory 7. We know the balcony is partially inclosed, but we love the way it is set up.

You know what is really funny? It was fate for us to go on this cruise. The room we were assigned to was the exact same room that my husband and I had on our FIRST Disney Cruise, which was a three-day in April of 2000 for our honeymoon. How ironic that we should be assigned that same room for the first time we are bringing our little one.

Sounds like there are gonna be some other little kiddies! Should be fun! Since this is our first, I'm not sure of what kids are like at ten-months. I assume she won't be walking, but hopefully she'll be old enough to at least be fascinated (or scared witless!) by the characters and that sort of thing!

Kathy

[BriarfoxinWA]

Just bumping to see if there is anyone else!

[kpgclark]

bump

[plutojudy]

Bump again.

[nurseb]

Myself, DH, DD(12), DS(9), DD(5), DS(3) will also be on the Magic March 29th. This is our first cruise too!!! Can't wait. We also have not told the kids....they know something is up for spring break. They are having a blast trying to guess. I am more excited than they are !!:Pinkbounc

[kpgclark]

Oh, perhaps our little ones can play together. My son will be almost 9 and my daughter will be 6.5 when we cruise.

[nurseb]

that would be great... We are very excited to meet everyone!! I can relate to that earlier thread from the person who feels like they are hooked on these boards...I love reading them.
Only 7 more months...:D

[nurseb]

bump...for all the new families that will be sailing....

[gduvall]

Add us to the March 29, 2003 Western cruise. We were on the Eastern cruise this March, so were very excited to be going on the Western this time. We have a Catagory 6 room. This is the first time for catagory 6, very excited.

[indymom1]

we are also on that cruise with you. It will also be our second cruise. First was eastern and now we are doing western. We booked a cat 6 last time and also got one again this time. You will really love it. The verandah is wonderful:) I also noticed that you live in Indiana...we just moved to Illinois about eight months ago from Indpls. We can't wait to go and meet everyone!!

[aalan]

my wife and i (both 42) cruised last march, and decided we had to try the western this march. now, we just have to get thru fall, and most of winter! oh well, for you lst time cruisers, it WILL be worth the wait!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[shmoogrrrl]

aalan,

Ohhh..Someone from Denver, CO! My hubby will be happy. He is from there and all he talks about is moving back!

Winters are MUCH different here in Northern VA than they are there. :)

We can't wait to cruise!

Kathy

[Trekker]

Who else is going?

[plutojudy]

Is it March yet? We can't wait. We are doing our homework and getting ready.

[shmoogrrrl]

No, unfortunatly it isn't March, but I am ohhhhhh so hopeful that Winter will fly by (interesting too since I LOVE Winter!)

Kathy

[nurseb]

Today is the first day of school....which means spring break is that much closer !!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[plutojudy]

bump

[Trekker]

Really looking forward to spring break this school year! I wonder why?


I have a 15 YO DS and a 13 YO DD going on this cruise -

How about a roll call of the kids going and thier ages!

[gduvall]

I have a 13 YO DD and a 11 YO DD.

[nurseb]

We have 4 young ones......
DD 12, DS 9, DD 5, DS 3...............

[kpgclark]

At the time of the cruise I'll have a 6yo DD and 8yo DS.

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by Trekker
How about a roll call of the kids going and thier ages!

We have a Daughter who will be 10 months on the cruise and our friends have a daughter who will be 15 months

Kathy

[BriarfoxinWA]

We have two - DS 12 & DS 6

[indymom1]

Count us in also...we have two younger children. Our DS will be 6 yo and our other DS will be 11.5 months old when we cruise

[BriarfoxinWA]

Has anyone on our cruise got an upgrade? I keep seeing posts for other cruises after ours - just curious!

[plutojudy]

Are we the only couple on this cruise without children? Ours are adults and no longer travel with us.

[shmoogrrrl]

Because I feel the need to show off my cruise countdown, and the fact that it is under 200 days until we sail away, I thought I'd bump this post up and ask a few additional questions!

1. What category is everyone staying in? I suppose we aren't lucky enough to have someone in a category 1 or 2 that would like to give us all a tour, do we? *laugh*

2. Are you planning a stay at Disney World before the cruise or after? If so, what resort?

3. Staying at the Radisson the night before, or somewhere else?


Our answers:

1. Category 7. We've stayed in a Category 7 on all of our cruises because we adore the navigator's Balcony. Oddly enough, we are staying in the same room that we stayed in when we sailed in April of 2000 on our honeymoon. Kind of ironic that we got the same room when taking our new little wee one on her first DCL experience!

2. We are thinking about a stay for a few days before. We are traveling with some good friends and their wee one and they've never been to any of the Disney Parks. Don't know where we will stay yet though. We might commute to Disney from the Radisson, but we also might stay on-site to make it easier to give the wee ones naps.

3. We probably will stay at the Radisson the night before.

[kpgclark]

We are staying on-site at Universal for the few nights before. We've never been there before and wanted to give it a try. Afterward we are just going home so the kids can be fresh before school.

[plutojudy]

shmoogrrrl, Thanks for the news...less than 200 days! To answer your questions:
1. cat 6 (for the fourth time)
2. no parks this time
3. home (we are flying in the morning of the cruise)
I am looking forward to meeting you.
plutojudy

[BriarfoxinWA]

1. Cat. 6
2. Going to WDW and Universal after - staying at Vistana Resort
3. We're flying in late the night before so we opted to stay at the Airport Hyatt.

[plutojudy]

Anyone else?

[Trekker]

I'm sorry to report that we have cancelled our reservation for this cruise.

DW and I came to an agreement that this was going to cost just to much - We rebooked for the same time frame with another cruise line.

Hope you all have a great time!

[plutojudy]

Enjoy your other cruise and tell us all about it when you return. Have fun!

[Trekker]

Well, we are a little like a yoyo - back on for the DCL cruise - just in a different category - so we will see you all there!

Yaahoo!

[aalan]

shmoogirl and others:
1. we are cat 7, navigator's veranda

2. staying at animal kingdom lodge for three days before cruise. lst time there or at any other deluxe.

3. will take the dis bus over, but we have to take it from boardwalk as they do not pick up at akl. o.k. by me. just want it to be march!
:bounce: :bounce:

[plutojudy]

bump

[BriarfoxinWA]

bump:D

[ppiew]

Looks like we will have a bunch of midwestern folks!! Good time to leave the frozen north! ( We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan ) PLUTOJUDY - we have grown children also and are taking our third Disney cruise. This time our son, daughter in law and two granddaughters ages 6yrs. and 14 months will also be going. However, DH and I do not plan to spend all of our time with them. Anxious to see everyone. We have a Cat 5 and Cat 8 staterooms. If we get a free upgrade to the WD Suite (yuk yuk) we will host an 'open house' for all disboarders. Oh, well - wishful thinking!

[plutojudy]

ppiew, did you have snow yesterday? Saw it on the news, we know some people in Escanaba. The UP is beautiful. Can't wait to cruise again. Look forward to meeting you.
plutojudy

[ppiew]

Don't rub it in!! Yes it is snowing today (a lot) The only ones happy about that are the deer hunters!! Me - I'm ready to head south - the sooner the better! I live near Houghton (360 mi north of Chicago and about 160 miles northwest of Escanaba). The leaves are truly beautiful this year. No high winds to blow them off the trees, so they have 'hung' on. Absolutely gorgeous! Glad to know we aren't the only adults that like the DCL cruises. We have been on 4 other cruises and my husband HATED them all. He must like Disney though, we have done the 3 and 4 day and now coming up the 7 day.

[plutojudy]

ppiew, this will be our fourth Disney cruise. We did the four day twice and the Eastern, Western is nexst. It cannot come soon enough for me. We love the Disney cruises we are Disney nuts. I cannot wait to meet you.
plutojudy

[indymom1]

We are also on the same cruise with you all! We live in suburban Chicago also and my husband has family in the UP of Michigan in the Escanaba area. It sure is beautiful but sure is cold!! I guess the saying is true...."It's a small world after all"

Kathy

[ppiew]

We are from the Copper Country, about 165 miles NW of Escanaba. Yes it is beautiful, especially now with all the colored leaves. It is also COLD. As I write this it is SNOWING! My granddaughter just made a small snowman on the deck. Florida here I come!!!!!

[MickeyB426]

...in the Roy Disney suite...we're SO psyched!!!

It'll be myself, DW, and our by then 9-year-old triplets (two boys and a princess). We're pulling the kids out of school for 6 school days.

We'll fly down Thursday night the 27th and stay at the Radisson, and relax on Friday, probably the only time we'll be able to enjoy ourselves at a pool (I hate the DCL pool - WAY too crowded for my tastes).

I'm still trying to get my sister-in-law's family to join us, but they're on a VERY strict budget, and since I usually pee away my money when it comes to vacationing, it's been a new experience for me trying to find the best price for them. :confused:

Any suggestions?

[bhurley]

My wife and I will be joining you

[kpgclark]

We'll have a boy who will be almost 9 (and a DD who is younger). Maybe they'll get to know each other! We are going to Universal before and staying on site there. I can't wait. I just confirmed our airline tickets.

Regarding your family, are they considering the cruise? I imagine prices must be highish right now since we are less than 6 months from cruising. Perhaps they could check into the lower categories. I think they have more room than many standard cruise ships anyhow. Also, you don't usually spend a lot of time in your cabin (unless you're in the Roy Disney Suite!)

Hope to see you there!

[MickeyB426]

In talking to my sister-in-law, I'm finding out she has a $3500 budget, including airfare, from NYC.

Assuming I can get them on Jet Blue for $189 each, that leaves about $2800 for the cruise.

I see on DCL that the lowest rate available right now is about $5200 for that week. (Cat 10). She'd be travelling with a DD 10, and twins aged 7.

Is it possible to book a cruise for a mother with three kids for that amount on that date?



(I may make this question part of its own thread, so pardon the duplication if you see it)

[kpgclark]

I doubt you can get her on the cruise for that amount. Also, don't forget about tips and incidentals. That can add up. How about if you check with Dreams Unlimited and get a price. Maybe family members could contribute to the cause for X-Mas, birthdays etc.

[MickeyB426]

Thanks, kpgclark, I forgot to mention that I'd surprise her and take care of the incidentals myself.

I don't think she'd be able to pull it off either. But I guess it's worth looking into!

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by indymom1
We are also on the same cruise with you all!
Kathy

Kathy,

You have a little one, right? I can't remember how old, I just remember the Mickey Pool stuff. I'm thinking that those of us with little ones who can't do the Mickey Pool should get together for about an hour during one of the sea days and have a little baby race in the lobby. We can set up little things for them to get over, etc...Heheheheh....Just kidding. My poor Daughter will only be 10 months and maybe not even crawling yet. :) Although I have to admit, the thought of hosting "Baby Olympics" does sound awfully entertaining. :)

The OTHER Kathy

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by MickeyB426


(I may make this question part of its own thread, so pardon the duplication if you see it)

I don't know if this would work because I don't know enough about what other rooms sleep (We have always gotten a Catagory 7 because we are so in love with the Navigator's balcony!) You have 5 people in your party, right? If the Cat. 1 sleeps 6, is it possible to add one of her kids to your group, then go for a room that sleeps three? I have NO idea if that would help at all, but it is about the only thing that I can think of!

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

Hi Shmooo,

I've thought about that, must I don't see where the Category 12's are available to accomodate three, they might all be taken. I'd also have to find out how much it would cost to add one child to my party.

Thanks!

[kpgclark]

Interesting. I am also a Kathy! Maybe this is the Kathy Cruise and nobody told me!

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by kpgclark
Interesting. I am also a Kathy! Maybe this is the Kathy Cruise and nobody told me!

I like it! From now on I shall refer to it as "The Kathy Cruise." Too funny! We'll have to remind the people with us not to yell our names to get our attention in pubic areas because they might get mobbed by Kathys!

Now, are you a Kathy or a Katherine, Kathlen, etc? I'm a Kathy Jo.

Kathy
(The Tigger obsessed one)

[shmoogrrrl]

Thought I would bump this up to see if we have any newbies to join us!

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

One good bump deserves another.

Shmooo I remember you taking the cruise either the week before me or the week after me last time ( I went 2/15/01), because we had posted a lot back then and the Tigger deal stood out (he's my favorite Disney character as well, besides MM).

As a postscript to the "Adding on another family" deal with my sister-in-law, we scrapped the whole thing. The cheapest rate I could find was $1500 more than they wnated to spend.

Oh well, can't please everyone.

I was also pleased, as a reality show junkie, so see Chakkannab Park featured on "The Amazing Race 3" a few weeks ago. It looks gorgeous!

[MickeyB426]

One good bump deserves another.

Shmooo I remember you taking the cruise either the week before me or the week after me last time ( I went 2/15/01), because we had posted a lot back then and the Tigger deal stood out (he's my favorite Disney character as well, besides MM).

As a postscript to the "Adding on another family" deal with my sister-in-law, we scrapped the whole thing. The cheapest rate I could find was $1500 more than they wnated to spend.

Oh well, can't please everyone.

I was also pleased, as a reality show junkie, so see Chakkannab Park featured on "The Amazing Race 3" a few weeks ago. It looks gorgeous!

[nurseb]

shmoogrrrl girl....Katie's Halloween picture is adorable...love the dress!:D :) :) :)

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by MickeyB426

Shmooo I remember you taking the cruise either the week before me or the week after me last time ( I went 2/15/01), because we had posted a lot back then and the Tigger deal stood out (he's my favorite Disney character as well, besides MM).

Oh yeah! Still no Tigger, I hear! Bummer! At least we are going to be going to Disney World on this trip for a few days after the cruise, so I'll get to see Tigger then. :)

We sailed Feb 11 - 17 in 2001! I guess you were on the Wonder?
Sorry about your Sister's family! Maybe they could put the trip off another year and save the extra $$? Could be an excuse for you and your family to plan another trip. :) That is what we did. Jeff and I sailed on a three-day (on the Magic before seven-days existed) as part of our honeymoon and we loved it so much we convinced my parents they needed to do it, so we all did the seven-day in Feb of 2001. We had such a blast that we convinved our best friends that they needed to do the cruise too, so we just HAD to go back for another seven-day in September of 2002. Since then, we've had a baby and so have our best friends so we HAVE to do it again to take the wee ones! :) *laugh*

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by nurseb
shmoogrrrl girl....Katie's Halloween picture is adorable...love the dress!:D :) :) :)

Thanks! I picked it up at a local craft show. I think that I need to learn to sew! Poor child is 5 months old and already a clothes horse. :)

Kathy

[nurseb]

bump.....:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[kpgclark]

Three months from today everyone!! We can't wait for our first Disney cruise!

[BriarfoxinWA]

I bought our airfare on Friday! I'm ready to go!!!!

[MickeyB426]

Kathy, I had to laugh this morning...

For the first time I noticed that you and I both used DCL countdown timers in our signatures.

Since we're going to the same place on the same day, why am I planning on being there four hours before you are?

Or am I just looking forward to it more:jester: ?

[plutojudy]

DH and I are ready. Cannot wait. We also have our air, we are arriving the night before and leaving for home :( on April 7. Has a meet time and place been arranged yet?

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by MickeyB426
Kathy, I had to laugh this morning...

Since we're going to the same place on the same day, why am I planning on being there four hours before you are?



Hmmm...I THINK I set mine for 5:00 PM. Is that when yours is set for?

I wonder if the Time zone makes a difference? Oh wait...It shouldn't be off since we are both EST. :)

Kinda strange!

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

Yeah, that's where we must differ...I set mine for the time we board the ship (1PM).

That's nuthin...on my PC countdwon timer I got it for two days beforehand, which is the day I fly down to the Radisson at the Port!

(BTW...I resolved the issue about my sister-in-law wanting to go and me trying to find a cheaper room for her...we're taking her and her kids with us, as well as my in-laws...so now we're a nice, manageable party of 11!) :rolleyes:

[plutojudy]

bump

[DVCBob]

Our family of four will be joining the group. Myself, D Wife, DD7 (Will be 8 on cruise), DS 9. This will be our second Disney cruise, first time on the Western.

[Trekker]

Who is doing what in Cozumel?

We are having trouble deciding on shore excursions...

[kpgclark]

We are going to do the Fury Catamaran (sail, snorkel, beach party). A lot of people have said good things about it.

[plutojudy]

Beach break :cool:
Has a Dis meet time and place been set up yet?

[shmoogrrrl]

Anyone staying at the Radisson? What sort of rates were you given?

We are getting pretty excited! Two months seems so far away!

Kathy

[DVCBob]

We will be at OKW on Thursday and at the port Radisson on Friday. As for Cozumel the only firm plans are for mini golf.

[BriarfoxinWA]

We're going to do the Tulum ruins - my DS(12) has his heart set on it...

[MickeyB426]

I'm flying into Orlando Thursday afternoon, I'll be at the Radisson around 6PM.

We'll spend Friday around the pool, and at around 4PM I'll head back to Orlando to pick up my sister-in-law and her kids.

As far as Cozumel, we'll finalize it this week, but we're thinking Chakanaab, at minimum the sea lions and dolphins. I'm trying to find an excursion that gets all of it in one shot.

If time allows and we're not pooped, we'll hit the Minigolf.

[kpgclark]

Let me be the first to say, WE ALL LEAVE TWO MONTHS FROM TODAY!!!!!

[nurseb]

Yeah!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
We can't wait! We've made reservations at the MCO Hyatt for Friday night...still deciding how to get to the port.

My DD12 wants to know if there are any other "pre" teens out there?
Can't wait :bounce: :bounce:

[BriarfoxinWA]

My DS is 12...

I booked all of our excursions yesterday!

Got a great deal for the Airport Renaisance Mariott on 3/28, $38 through Priceline!

I'm driving my co-workers crazy - I have the count down on my day planner at work!

[nurseb]

Which excursions did you book?

[plutojudy]

nurseb.......we are staying at the airport Hyatt Friday night, too. We also booked our excursions yesterday. So exciting, just two more months. We are so ready for warmer weather and no winter coats, gloves, scarves or boots!

[nurseb]

plutojudy...
how are you getting to the port? Are you taking the Disney shuttle, or did you make other arrangements?

Still trying to decide if we want to make that "beverage" stop on the way to the ship.;)

Betsy

[ppiew]

Cozumel will be pretty much our own thing. 5 adults a 6 yr old and a 1 yr old somewhat limits us. Current plans are to go to Chankanaab to swim/snorkel/sealion show, etc. Then maybe minigolf in the PM and some shopping. I doubt we will do the Carlos and Charlie bit with the kids, but I am sure our son will 'sneak' off to check out the action there! It is -10 degrees here today, so sun and sand sounds like heaven to me!

[plutojudy]

nurseb, we booked the Disney transportation. It is just so easy that way.
On our return (we will have to be dragged off the ship) we will take Disney transportation back to the airport, pick up rental car and head over to WDW for a few days.
In the past we have packed a few cans of Pepsi and caffeine-free Pepsi in ziplock bags in our checked luggage, but this year we are going to pick up some in Key West the next day.

[kpgclark]

Plutojudy you just gave me an idea! I wonder if it would be easy to find a wine shop near port to pick up a few bottles?

[plutojudy]

I bet there will be. Key West is not that big. I am sure Shirley or Barb could answer that question for you.

[nurseb]

That is a super idea!.... I thought if you purchased wine in port, it was held for you until the end of the cruise. Am I incorrect? or possibly only for ports outside the USA?
If we could buy a few bottles of wine in Key West that would mean Disney transport here we come.:) ( I have visions of DH and me relaxing on the veranda, sipping a class of wine, while the 4 young ones are passing the time in the clubs. (think it might be possible;) )

[kpgclark]

I'll post the question and see what response I get.

[BriarfoxinWA]

We're doing the Western Union Day Sail in Key West, Stingray City & Discover Cayman tour in Grand Caymen, and the Tulum Ruins in Cozemel....

[shmoogrrrl]

We are doing the Trolly at Key West, the Rum Point Beach trip at Grand Cayman and the guys are doing the Xcaret Eco Archeological Park while the babies and the girls hang around on the ship and maybe do a little touring.

My hubby and I also signed up for parasailing at Castaway Cay. Not sure if I am gonna chicken out, but we will see. :)

We will be staying at the Radisson the night before, so we'll have to fight you all for the transport. *laugh*

Kathy

[Covman]

The whole Cov clan DW DS11 DD7, Nana and Pop-Pop and SIL and her DS5 will all be cruising. The countdown is now less than 60 days to go. It'll be our second Disney cruise with the immediate family but the first 7-day. For the extended Family its the first.

Can't wait:D :D

[MickeyB426]

At some point, is it desirable to get a meeting place and time going?

And does anyone want to coordinate this?

(Since I'm the only Grown Male / Big Daddy/ Favorite Uncle /Trip Coordinator in my party of 9 which includes 6 kids under 11, I'll be happy to meet but will be too frazzled to set it up.:confused: )

Any thoughts?

[DVCBob]

Glad to see that you will joining the group. Noticed you are in Naperville, we are from Sugar Grove.

Welcome!

[kpgclark]

I have never done a Disney cruise before so I don't think I'd be good at planning when and where to meet. My initial thought would be to meet after the boat drill somewhere. Is the party right after the drill? I have no idea. Any cruise veterans want to take a stab at this? Really we just need a time and place.

[shmoogrrrl]

On my past cruises, we have held the DIS meet on Deck 9 behind Topsiders after the drill. It is a good place to meet because it is away from the crowd of the Sailaway party and you can actually hear someone else talking! *laugh* Usually it doesn't last too long, simply because everyone wants to get to the party. (Of course, my family usually stays back there to watch the ship sail simply because it is quieter. :) That could be an idea. We'd just have to come up with something to identify ourselves.

To be honest, one of the best ways to meet DIS folks that I have found is in line! We were surrounded by them on our last Cruise. :) Maybe we should come up with something like the Lime Green Ribbons to wear so that we can identify ourselves. (Although, I have to be honest. I have had a hard time finding lime green ribbon in the past!)

Any other ideas?

Kathy

[kpgclark]

I like the idea of wearing something. I agree with the lime green thing. How about if the ladies all wear brand new diamond necklaces?? Tee hee hee.

[MickeyB426]

Meeting on line makes sense to me, especially since we're all meeting here "online".

It also makes sense because it doesn't take away from any of the activity on the boat.

I might be easy to spot since I booked a concerige room and I've heard the line is shorter. So if we wanted to meet near there, or anywhere else in the port, is fine with me.

[plutojudy]

Last cruise we all met the second morning. (We met indoors because of extremely windy conditions.) We each brought picture post cards of our home area with names, screen names, and cabin numbers written on them. It helped to remember names and faces.
I like the idea of meeting on deck 9 after the life boat drill.

[kpgclark]

I'm a little worried (paranoid?) about this whole intestinal virus thing. Are you guys worried about it at all? Are you going to take any precautions like not putting the kids in the clubs or anything? I keep reading about how families on the board have gotten sick. The percentage of cruisers who read this board can't be that big. Seems like quite a few have become ill on recent cruises. What do you think? Help me put my mind at ease!

[nurseb]

I've had the same feelings of concern. However, I also feel that we all have the same likelyhood of getting sick at home. My husband is a physician and he says he has never seen so much "intestinal flu". We've all been really healthy this winter (knock wood)...I almost wish we'd get it now and get it over with:D Just wash your hands alot and remember that at least someone else is washing the dirty towels:D

Betsy

[plutojudy]

No, I try not to worry about things I have no control over.

[BriarfoxinWA]

I'm a little concerned about the illness going around too. But my feeling is that we are just as likely to pick something up at home or in the airport as on the Cruise. So I'm just planning to be more careful about handwashing & etc. Certainly not going to cancel our trip because we "might" get sick...

I've had Norwalk once - don't ever want to get that again! Actually think I picked here at home, probably at a local restaurant. But didn't get really sick until I was on vacation 2 days later. I totally understand how it can spoil a good time!

[shmoogrrrl]

We aren't too worried about getting sick. If it is going to happen, it is going to happen. We will be much more alert to keeping things clean and washing hands more often, just to be safe. I have a friend who makes wonderful anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, so I'll remember to bring a few of those. :)

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

Wanted to bump this up a bit since we're now only 7 weeks away!!!

We booked our excursions and got the confirms. Nothing too outrageous.

At Key West we'll do either the train or trolley tour, walk around a bit, and then probably go back to the boat, unless we find the aquarium worth looking into.

At Grand Cayman we're going to the Turtle Farm on our own in the morning, then go to the pier and catch the 12:45 Stingray City snorkel excursion.

At Cozumel we'll probably spend all day at Chankanaab Park, but made sure we booked the Dolphin excursion at noon. We also want to go to the Sea Lion show and see the birds. if time allows, we'll hit Sally's Minigolf.

[leoyellow]

We booked the Glassbottom Boat Tour Excursion for Key West. We booked the Rum Point Beach Adventure Excursion for Grand Cayman. And last but not least, we booked the Cozumel Beach Break Excursion for Cozumel.

After all the snow that we just got in NJ, I can't wait to hit the warm sunny beaches. And wow, only seven weeks to go!!!!!

:Pinkbounc

[kpgclark]

I went cruise shopping today and got some nice tops for my husband and me. I also found some other items, but no formal wear yet. There isn't really anything in the stores yet. I can't wait to go. I got my excursion confirmation today but haven't received the regular cruise documents yet. I look every day!

Anyone know what the weather is like on the ship? I know what the temp. should be but does the movement of the ship have a bearing on what to wear? Will we need long sleeves at all?

[BriarfoxinWA]

I'd like to know that too! I'm "cold blooded" so I usually pack a sweat shirt even if it's supposed to be 90.

[MickeyB426]

I have found that the "breeze" generated by the boat's speed really doesn't have an impact on the outside temperature.

I went in mid-February last time, the weather was great, low-mid 70's, so it wasn't really an issue. I'm thinking that the March/April weather will be even better than that.

What I can tell you, however, is that several people on this board (and my wife) say the AC is run a tad high in the restaurants (and sometimes the Walt Disney Theater), and that a light coverall of some sort is suggested.

[SINK]

DW and I will be on the 3/29 Western!!! We will be celebrating our five year wedding anniversary. Can't Wait (currently on a diet in order to fit in my old tux).

[shmoogrrrl]

I would bring a light sweater or jacket because it can get chilly! I think it really depends on if you get cold easily, but speaking for me, I found I wanted a light sweater during dinner sometimes, shows all the time, and even once or twice during nighttime strolls around the outside deck.

We booked our shore excursions too.

We are doing the Trolly on Key West and the Rum Point Beach trip on Grand Cayman. The guys are doing the XCart (SP) trip on Cozumel, but the girls (and baby girls!) are gonna hang around the ship and maybe do a little shopping in town. On Castaway Cay, my hubby and I are going to go parasailing! I've been before, but never in the ocean (only a lake) and I am a bit terrified of the water and the sharks! *Yikes!*

Our biggest bummer is that we haven't gotten moved to early seating yet, and I guess we won't at this point. How
15 month and 10 month olds will handle a seating that occurs after their bedtime is beyond me! Anyone have a table for 6 that is for early seating that wants to switch to late? *laugh* Kidding :)

We finally got our airfare. We are going down the day before and staying at the Radisson, then spending two days at Disney World afterward, so that should be fun!

Kathy
Who hopes the days pass quickly!

[kpgclark]

You know, you might be in for a real treat. Perhaps the kids will sleep through dinner! Wouldn't that be nice? Or you could get babysitting.

[indymom1]

Don't give up hope that you will get moved to early seating. We were supposed to be on this cruise with you....I am the one with the 11 month old and 6 year old but we had a group conflict and had to cancell. We were travelling with a group of 15 people and all of us had been assigned to early seating. We have all cancelled and recieved our deposits back in the last three weeks or so. Just thought I would pass this along so that maybe you could check and see if any of our spots are still open on early seating. I hope you enjoy your cruise.

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

Shmoo...I guess I'll see you at the Radisson!

I'm checking in Thursday night and have to go BACK to Orlando to pick up my SIL and her family Friday afternoon.

We were able to get moved up to main dining, so it's a definite possibility! Don't lose hope!

If you haven't been moved by the time you board, ask at the check-in who you need to see on the ship to get it done - you may just have to resort to "greasing the palms" :smooth:

[Trekker]

Hey everybody - just a quick note to let you all know our current plans...

We will check into the Radisson sometime on Friday 3/28.

Shore Excursions:

Key West - Glassbottom Boat Tour on The Pride of Key West

Grand Cayman - Stingray City Snorkeling & Discover Cayman Tour

Cozumel - Tulum Ruins and Beach Tour

Castaway Cay - The Wild Side (DS/15 YO & DD/13 YO)

See you all there!

[Trekker]

Questions?

Does anyone know our dining rotation on this cruise?
Does anyone understand the dining rotations?
If we know our rotation, what is the best night to plan Palo's?

Help me please?

[MickeyB426]

Originally posted by Trekker
Does anyone know our dining rotation on this cruise?
Does anyone understand the dining rotations?
If we know our rotation, what is the best night to plan Palo's?


The rotations will come out "in code" as follows:

LAPLAPL
APLAPLA
PLAPLAP

...with "A" being Animator's Palate, "P" for Parrot Cay, and "L" for Lumieres. The first letter on the code would be for Saturday night, the second for Sunday night, and so forth...you will get one restaurant three times, the others two times.

Monday (Night #3) is formal night.
Thursday (Night #6) is the Captain's Gala (semi-formal).

I had APLAPLA my last time around and loved it for a number of reasons:

- I get to have Formal Night in Lumiere's

- We got Animator's Palate the first night, which makes a GREAT first impression on the kids

- Last time, this rotation also gave us the Sunday character breakfast at Parrot Cay, which was the first morning...again, a great first impression.

- we get Animator's Palate twice.

I put in a request with DCL for APLAPLA.

I will probably book Palo's on Wednesday night, which is Mexicali night at Parrot Cay, my least favorite restaurant and theme. However, some book it for Friday night so they have two nights at each restaurant plus Palo's.

As usual, Dave has it nailed on his site:

http://www.dcltribute.com/menus/western.htm

There's another colorful chart out there which is fantastic (at another tribute site), but I can't find the link, so if anyone out there has it...

Trekker, hope all this helps...

[BriarfoxinWA]

Hey Trekker - looks like we will be on the same excursions in Grand Caymen and Cozumel! See ya there!

[kpgclark]

This has to be the best year ever to have a cruise to look forward to. I'm here in the blizzard-ridden northeast. I just keep saying that it won't be much longer untill we are out of here to the sunny Caribbean (and first to Universal!) My DD6 keeps saying "Can't we go today? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!" I wish I could say yes. Today was supposed to be a make-up day at school for one of our other snow days, but we are stuck in the house for another day. You can't even go outside to play today because of the fast wind. Now it is sleeting on top of the 2 feet or so of snow.

I've purchased some of our clothes for the trip. I still have to find a nice shirt, jacket, and tie for my DS8. I need some casual clothes for my DD6. I still have to get a coverup for myself but they seem to be hard to come by right now.

Hopefully you guys will respond to this so I have something to read today. It's getting old being held up inside the house.

[ppiew]

WEll, it isn't snowing today in the beautiful midwest, but the current temp. is -6 degrees and headed for -30!!!!!!!!!! So as beautiful as the bright sun shining on the white snow is - outside stuff doesn't sound too good. I have had a horrible sinus infection, double ear infection and bronchitis for the past week. Instead of Konch Koolers I am gobbling antibiotics, decongestants and that good stuff. We leave next week for Florida and it isn't soon enough for me! After nearly 15 yrs in Fla. daughter moved back to Michigan! Can you believe it!! She decided to come on the cruise with us too, so we will be 5 adults, and granddaughters ages 6 and 1. I think Cozumel will be pretty much on our own with Chankanaab Park, mini-golf etc. GC will see my husband headed for the submarine, daughter going scuba diving, and the rest of us headed to Capt. Marvin's. CC will be the banana boats and parasailing for the adventurous - I will settle for snorkeling. Key West will be on our own, as we used to live there (40 yrs ago) so we want to check out some of our old 'haunts.' Frankly I can hardly wait. Haven't done any shopping yet, too depressing as I have gained a Lot of weight. Really am needing a vacation!!! See you in about a month!

[plutojudy]

anybody have their docs yet?

[MickeyB426]

We didn't get our docs yet. I imagine with all this snow I'm not getting it today either.

[DVCBob]

Every week or so I go out and check our rental car reservation rate to see if there is a better rate available. Last week I was able to have it reduced by $15.00. Just called this morning and had it dropped by another $65.00. If you are renting a car in March/April this might be a good time to check back and see if there is a better rate available. My original reservation was made with a code from Mousesavers.com the new rate is with no code.

[shmoogrrrl]

We are loving the snow, but can't wait until we are on the boat! Less than 40 days! Woo Hoo!

I was thinking about all the poor souls that were supposed to sail on other cruiselines in the past two days that are still sitting in Reagan National Airport thinking of their ship sailing away without them. How sad! I hope there are no freak snow storms in March!!! Yikes :)


Kathy

[BriarfoxinWA]

Hey I got our DOCS today!!!! I'm so EXCITED!!!! Can't wait for 3/29 to get here!

Anybody else get their's today???

[shmoogrrrl]

No Docs here, but we are still buried in snow. Did you book through Dreams Unlimited, or someone else?

I started a packing list for us. I have been on THREE other Disney Cruises, but I am overwelmed at the task of packing for this one. Silly me thought that I would have lots of room since we get two extra suitcases with Katie, but I am overwelmed at the amout of baby stuff we are gonna need! Wow! She may need one of my alotted two suitcases! *laugh*

This baby thing is HARD!

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

Nope, haven't gotten them yet, but I suspect the docs will be here shortly since they've assigned the room # to my sister-in'law's room. They hadn't done that before.

Now all I need to do is see if I can get her room reassigned next to mine since there is a Cat. 4 next to the Roy Disney Suite (8030).

Her stateroom # is 8502, starboard side, the second room off the bridge, all the way up front. Not bad, I guess, but the all the kids would love if their rooms (and verandahs) are next to each other so Big Daddy/Uncle Mike will try and ask DCL to take care of it.

I DID get my DCL Passporter today...VERY nice!

We're almost a month away...

[BriarfoxinWA]

I originally booked through DCL and then switched over to DU. I think there is no way to predict how quick you'll get them. I was stunned when I got home last night and the box was sitting on the counter. Didn't even know what it was until I opened it up! Of course my 12 yr. old DS had to go and rifle through everthing to find "his" documents!

Now if I can just lose this remaining 8 pounds....My trainer is putting me on an "accelerated" workout program from today until we leave on the cruise to "help" me lose the rest of my weight....I'm not sure I'm going to like that....:eek:

[leoyellow]

MickeyB426, my family and I have Cabin 8008 for this cruise. This is the second time we picked this cabin. It is in a great location. Very quiet hallway and not much noise from above. Your sister-in-law will love her cabin. It is on the Port side of the ship though.

We haven't received our docs yet either and we booked through AAA.

[kpgclark]

I received my cruise Passporter today! I am going to pour over it tonight. The kids were off school again today due to the snowstorm. So, we made a trip to the mall and got a whole lot of clothing for the trip. It was a lot of fun. I hope we'll get our cruise docs soon. I've purposely avoided looking at them on the castaway site so I can be a little surprised.

[MickeyB426]

Hi Leoyellow...yep, you're right...8002 IS on the port side.

But my sister-in-law IS on the starboard side...because I made a typo.:teeth:

She's in room 8502. Sorry for the confusion!

[shmoogrrrl]

*bounce* *bounce* Guess who else got their cruise documents today? :) *bounce* *bounce*
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[MickeyB426]

**bounce* *bounce* Guess who else got their cruise documents today? *bounce* *bounce*

Hmmmm...let's see...

Nope, not a clue. I have no earthly idea.

And I thought I studied for this quiz too.:confused:

[nurseb]

No documents here in snow/ice covered Central Ohio...I am, however, now getting excited everytime I see a Fedex truck :D

My dd(12) is hoping there are some other pre-teen gals out there that she might "get to know" before the cruise. Any takers? She is afraid she will be the only "older" child in the club...(seeing as how her father and I will not let her join the teen area...much to her dislike)... she was just 12 in December.

Anyone start packing yet?

Betsy:bounce: :Pinkbounc :D :D :D

[BriarfoxinWA]

nurseb - I have a 12 yr. old DS - I'm hoping that he can meet others his age too. I'm sure he won't be thrilled to be in with a big group of kids if they are all younger than him!

Packing? I have a growing pile of "cruise" stuff in my walkin closet. I think this weekend I need to pull out a suitcase and start putting some things in!!! I'm restraining myself at this point - other wise I'd be totally packed up more than a month early!:D

[plutojudy]

Went home for lunch and the UPS man came. OUR DOCS ARE HERE!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :smooth:

[kpgclark]

We got ours today too! No upgrade though...

[nurseb]

Ours arrived today also!!!

YIPEE!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[DVCBob]

Received ours today also!

[MickeyB426]

Got 'em too!

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by MickeyB426
*

Hmmmm...let's see...

Nope, not a clue. I have no earthly idea.

And I thought I studied for this quiz too.:confused: [/B]

Hehehe! VERY Funny! :)

I have, of course, read everything from cover to cover. I was relieved to see that my husband, daughter and I were assigned the same room. :) *laugh* Now we just have to decide if we want Katie to have charging privileges. You know how spend prone those 10 month olds can be! Hehehe. :)

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

My cruise docs (and my SIL's) made great potty reading today.

I do have to call DCL, though. one of the things it says on the tickets is "ALL TRANSERS DECLINED", but they're supposed to bus me back to the airport.

I guess I'm hoofing it.

[kpgclark]

I noticed on travelocity last week that there are quite a few rooms left on this cruise. It is spring break for us, is it for the rest of you?

[kpgclark]

Helloooooooooooooooo out there! Not too many more days!

[MickeyB426]

I'm taking the kids out of school for this one. They'll miss 7 days (Thurs, Fri and Magic week).

What will happen for us is they'll go back to school on Monday, April 7 (while I'm at the Yankees' home opener:bounce: ), and have a week of school, then they have Easter Recess the following week and the day after Easter. They go back Tuesday the 22nd.

They're not complaining.

[BriarfoxinWA]

My kids are going to miss 6 days. But of that time 3 are full days & 3 are half days. So they probably aren't really going to miss much. So far my 1st grade DS's teacher thinks it's great. My 7th grade DS doesn't have to notify his teachers until 3 days prior - I'm afraid they're not going to be happy!

[leoyellow]

We are taking my DD out of school for five days. Her spring break isn't until the week of April 20.

MickeyB426, my DH will also be at the Yankees Opening Day Game also.

[kpgclark]

We're taking the kids out of school for 2 1/2 days prior to the cruise to spend some time at Universal. We've never been there. I assumed more people would have spring break and WDW would be too crowded. If you stay on site at Universal you can have front-of-the-line access to rides. Then the week of the cruise is spring break for us.

[MickeyB426]

MickeyB426, my DH will also be at the Yankees Opening Day Game also

All-right! Another Yankee fan on board...I'm gonna have to meet up with him in the ESPN Skybox.

And if we don't meet on the boat, I'll wave to him at the Stadium.

:wave:

[nurseb]

It's spring break for us...so no missed school.

Probably a good thing...seiing as how everyone is home AGAIN for yet another SNOW DAY :(

I am so ready for March 29th to get here!!!.....

[kpgclark]

I know what you mean- I feel like we're going to be in school until the 4th of July. I have no idea why, but school was delayed two hours today. I'm assuming there may be some ice on the road because we had rain last night. This is without a doubt one of the worst winters. (I'm in PA)

[nurseb]

They are probably anticipating the 5 inches of snow we got this morning . We live in a suburb of Columbus Ohio....

[plutojudy]

Are we going to do a dismeet?

[leoyellow]

I was wondering the same thing regarding a meet. Now that I know there is another Yankee Fan on board, we have to meet up now!!!

I would be willing to help set one up. I have never been involved in one before, but I would be willing to now. If anyone has any ideas to help make this happen, let me know.

[plutojudy]

Just need to pick day, time and place. Earlier someone suggested we meet after the drill. Sounds good to me.

[kpgclark]

Another DISer wants her grandaughter to meet my daughter and suggested Deck 9 either by the adult pool or aft, near Scoops, after the life drill. Would this work for everyone? Let's pick a place.

[leoyellow]

Meeting at Scoops after the drill sounds good. Everyone will be able to find it easily. Do we still use the lime green ribbons to show that we are DISers or should we use something else?

[MickeyB426]

We can smudge chocolate ice cream on our shirts in the shape of a hidden Mickey. :crazy:

[BriarfoxinWA]

Mickey - that's a waste of good chocolate ice cream! After all this time dieting there is no way I'll waste good chocolate!!!!

Unless somebody has a better idea - I'm going to try to find some lime green ribbon to put on my backpack & etc....

[ppiew]

I think a 'gathering' at Scoops will be an indication of some type of happening! Besides, some ice cream would definitely keep the kids occupied. If I can dredge up a peel off name tag somewhere, I will put it on to identify myself. It's hard to believe that the first 4 cruises we were on I HATED - and then we took 2 DCL cruises and I am hooked! Now here I am as excited as a kid for this one! Must be the age. I love to meet new people and I hope my sometimes shy granddaughter makes many new friends.
See You the 29th!!!!!!!

[MickeyB426]

I don't recall from the last time...when is the lifeboat drill? Before the boat leaves the dock, or shortly thereafter (which, come to think of it, makes little sense)?

[ppiew]

I believe the lifeboat drill is at 4PM followed by the sailaway party on Deck 9. Ship leave port at 5PM.

[MickeyB426]

Thanks ppiew...that makes sense to me!

My biggest challenge this time around is getting my DW to get more involved with the activities on the boat. She's a very introverted, private person, and usually just likes to sit out on the verandah and read/knit/sleep, and when she's out of the room, it's only to watch the kids.

Normally that's not a problem, but then the kids subconsciously follow her lead sometimes and I want them to enjoy as much of the boat as possible.

Last time, we didn't play one game of bingo, didn't attend one specialty class, missed Palo's, I was the only one that had a massage and caught all the shows, we never steped foot into the nightclubs, and the kids spent parts of three days in the Oceaneer's Club. The rest of the time they were in the pool or gameroom.

Since they'll be with their cousins on this trip, I've already made a pact with my SIL (DW's sis who's more outgoing) that we're hitting the family nightclub and deck parties with all the kids as much as possible.

[ppiew]

MickeyB426
Introduce her to my husband! She can knit and he can read his Louis L'amor's!!! Same situation here only reversed - I have to plan, schedule, reserve, etc. THEN he goes along with it!!! (Most of the time) He HATES schedules for anything. Thinks that airplanes should perpetually reserve a seat for him at low fares just IN CASE he should decide to fly somewhere!! Dinner res? My, every restaurant should just have a table for him IF and WHEN he should decide to go! Just NOT a planning - schedule kind of guy at all. But, we have been married 41 years so something must work!

[shmoogrrrl]

Scoops will probably be MOBBED after the Drill as everyone makes their way up for the sail away party, but it could work if we have some means of identification. I will look for lime green ribbon for us, but I had a hard time finding that color last time. :)

We shouldn't be hard to find though. Four adults and two wee little ones in exact strollers, except one is red and gray and the other is black and gray. I have a tradition of wearing my Harry Potter Slytherin Tee-Shirt on the first day (It is kind of funny to watch the little kiddies steer clear of me, because I might be in Slytherin *laugh*) but I might be a geek and wear a DCL shirt from a different year.

What is more pathetic? The fact that I am considering "being that girl" and wearing the DCL shirt, or the fact that there is still a month until the trip and I am already planning what we are going to wear? :)

Hehehehehe!

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

What is more pathetic? The fact that I am considering "being that girl" and wearing the DCL shirt, or the fact that there is still a month until the trip and I am already planning what we are going to wear?

Heck, I'm just trying to find something that fits.

[plutojudy]

Guess I better start looking for lime green ribbon. Now I am even more excited......Scoops after the life boat drill.
Last cruise we all brought postcards from our hometown, put our disnames on them (and real names) (and for those with children aboard their names and ages) to give to everyone, made it easier to remember names. Any one interested in doing this at the meet? Need one postcard for each family.
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by MickeyB426
Heck, I'm just trying to find something that fits.

Make sure there is enough room for all the yummy food you'll eat ON the cruise!
Hehehehe!

Actually, I managed to lose weight on our last cruise, but that was totally a freak thing! :)

Kathy

[leoyellow]

plutojudy the postcard thing sounds good to me. I guess we are all set the for the meet right after the life boat drill. And we are all going to try and find lime green ribbons. Even a shade of green would work too, right? It would make it easier if we are all on the same page with the color.

[plutojudy]

If we do the postcards we will need the number of families who are planning to meet. Count us in, we are one family of two adults celebrating DH birthday on March 29.

[kpgclark]

shmoogrrrl, you must be an amazing freak of nature to lose weight on the cruise!

[ppiew]

Here is my tale of woe. Leaving today for Florida. Leaving ALONE. Husband came down with the flu and cannot travel - no way!! Tried to change his flight (or both of ours) to tomorrow - no dice. College term break starts tomorrow and every flight is filled until Monday! Bid on Priceline for a hotel for the weekend in Tampa - got it, not we won't be there! THe sewer line to one of our apt. bldgs froze and the city is backhoeing up the street - tenants angry UGH! So, I leave today ( now the plane is delayed and will miss my connection in Minneapolis, so have a 4 hr layover to next flight and don't arrive MCO until midnight!! Hubby is rebooked for Monday - another hundred bucks to change - I get to go to Tampa alone - how exciting. The cruise has GOT to be better than this!! Ok, I have vented and feel better now. I am sure I gave him the flu anyway because I was sick all weekend. Need a perscription for a Konk Kooler!!! (or two)

[plutojudy]

ppiew, the cruise will help you forget all those other nasties.

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by kpgclark
shmoogrrrl, you must be an amazing freak of nature to lose weight on the cruise!

Well, in fairness, I had just started a wonderful new Diabetes drug that for some odd reason helped me to lose weight as well. Very odd, but nice. :)

Then again, I reversed Pregnancy too. I actually lost weight while pregnant (Being fluffy already, that wasn't a concern) and gained some of it back after I had Katie, as opposed to normal people who gain weight while pregnant and lose it afterward.

Hopefully I'll be lucky again this time! I plan to do the Mile walk around Deck 4 at least once a day. We'll see :)

Kathy

[plutojudy]

shmoogrrrl, love your countdown timer now at 30 days. Gee,
11 1/2 months ago I thought it would never get close. We are ready.

[plutojudy]

bump

[shmoogrrrl]

I just thought that you all might like to see my timer again. :) *laugh*

Does anyone else find that the days are crawling by? Man, sooooooooooooo slow!

Kathy

[kpgclark]

At least we don't have to wait as long since we're doing Universal before. The kids are sooooo excited!

[plutojudy]

I have been very busy at work so time is flying for me. I am ready. I do enjoy seeing your count-down timer, thanks.

[plutojudy]

Has all the excitement worn off? Is everyone bored with our cruise? Or is everyone too busy packing?

[kpgclark]

I've been having fun shopping, shopping, shopping!

I read my passporter cover to cover. I wish we knew ahead what our dining rotation will be so that we can figure out when we want to do Palo. I've got all my documentation together now I just have to get an inventory and figure out what else we need to bring. I'm debating whether to pack light and do room service cleaning or pack for the cruise + Universal trip. Ah, the never ending pains of vacationing!

[BriarfoxinWA]

I've been scrambling around to find shorts for me and the boys for the cruise. My boys never seem to stop growing and I've lost 30 pounds since last year! So last years clothes are not an option!

I'm am still attempting to restrain myself from beginning to pack the suitcases - once I start it will be all done in a matter of minutes! I don't want to do it too early - then I'll be foraging through the suitcases every day!

So are we going to do postcards for the DIS meet? I'm game - just wondering how many I should bring with me!

[shmoogrrrl]

Arg! I have done a whole lot of shopping for the cruise. Unfortunatly, it is all for Katie. I need to get things for my hubby and myself as well, now. We should be easy to find. Look for the sloppily dressed parents and the snazzy dressed baby. *laugh*

So how does the Post Card thing work? On our last cruises, we had a sign on one, and the other we just said "Are you a Dis'er?" The first, we didn't know what the DIS was so there was no meeting for us. :)

I'm not TOO worried about the Reservation thing. I figure we will get Palo some night, I just have to hope we can get Flounders the same night. Since they have that big room at Palo, I think they should let us all make a group reservation for Brunch or High Tea. Wouldn't that be cool? One less thing to worry about. :) Sadly, I don't think it works that way. :)

Kathy

[BriarfoxinWA]

Kathy - someone mentioned earlier having a postcard from our home town with our DIS names, real names, email & etc. on the back of the postcard. We can exchange them with others from the DIS when we meet - then if you want to keep in touch you have an email & a real name!

Valli

[shmoogrrrl]

Ahhhhhhh! Gotcha! Good plan. :)

So close.....And yet......So far!

Kathy

[plutojudy]

How many families want to do the postcards? Count in hubby and myself. Can you believe it is just three weeks away? Wow!!!!
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[kpgclark]

Now when you say postcards, do you mean 3 X5 cards with the info or a real live postcard with a picture on the front? I'm all for it but I have to figure out where to get a real postcard from if needed.

[plutojudy]

We used picture postcards of hometown (or nearest big city). I bought mine at Walgreen's last time.

[MickeyB426]

I'm not sure Stamford CT is known for anything that is worthy of a post card, but I'm game to try.

How many would I need?

[Coz_Minigolf_Sally]

Hello, March 29th cruisers, posting from lovely Cozumel, Mexico. I don't have time to follow all the DIS threads, so I tend to read a whole thread pertaining to a particular cruise as it hits the less-than-one-month mark.

THAT'S YOU GUYS!

You can't imagine how pleased I am to read that so many of you are planning to stop by for a round of minigolf while in Cozumel. Even if you're not interested in the Caribbean's finest miniature golf, if you find yourselves wandering downtown, come take a seat in the shade, and enjoy a tropical breeze and a cool drink. Nothing refreshes and relaxes better than a half hour break under the trees.

I'll be following this thread through your cruise date, so any questions you might have about Cozumel, feel free to post here, or check the Cozumel thread usually found within the first three pages of this board.

Looking forward to seeing you here.... very soon!

Minigolf Sally
Cozumel Putting Course

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by MickeyB426
I'm not sure Stamford CT is known for anything that is worthy of a post card, but I'm game to try.

How many would I need?

Well, if it makes you feel any better, when I hear Stamford CT, I DO think of Something! Isn't the WWE (used to be the WWF) home offices there? :)

Not that you probably want to be known for that.......:)

Kathy

[MickeyB426]

Kathy, either this makes you adore me or look at me funny...

I've been a WWF (and WWE) follower since 1976. (Ironically, I just moved to Stamford 5 years ago and here was the WWE!)

I was 14 when I was hooked on it and my boys (9) love it now.

"Titan Tower" is located just off Exit 9 on I-95, I see it all the time. I used to pass it everr day on the way to pre-school a few years ago.

Think I can find a WWE postcard? :jester:

[shmoogrrrl]

Doesn't make me look at you funny at all. It *WAS* me that asked on the boards here if there was any chance I could catch Wrestlemania at the ESPN club on Sunday night of our trip. *laugh* I was also a big fan in the 1980s, then again in the mid to late 1990s. I still watch Wrestlemania every year if I can though! :)

I'm all for A WWE postcard! I guess I'll have to decide whether to represent DC or V with mine. :) Probably will go with VA as I try not to actually GO to DC too often, even though I live about 20 miles from it.

[MickeyB426]

Yeah, we're kind of bummed we're missing WM too.

I'll probably not even give it a second thought when I'm on the boat, though I'll probably find out in my e-mails what happenned.

[BriarfoxinWA]

We need to get a list of people that are going to do the postcards going.

How about if everyone who is going to bring postcard - pm me & I'll make a list to post.

Saves us from trying to go back through all the post to see who was going to do it!

[MickeyB426]

Briar Fox,

I'll gladly PM you and do it, but I have a thick head sometimes and I'm just not getting it.

Are we meeting somewhere, and at the meeting place we give out the postcards?

Just color me :confused: about this I guess.

[kpgclark]

We are meeting at Scoops (the ice cream place) right after the life boat drill. Bring your postcards (or 3 X 5 cards) with you. Then we can exchange cards then so we know who we all are. Try to wear a lime green ribbon.

Kathy

[BriarfoxinWA]

bump:Pinkbounc :bounce:

[nurseb]

So how mant post cards are we bringing?.......:confused:

[BriarfoxinWA]

At this point only the following have responded RE the postcards:

kpgclark
leoyellow
Shmoogrrrl
MickyB426
BriarfoxinWA

and
Nurseb
plutojudy

That will make 7

[plutojudy]

Any one having any luck finding lime green ribbon? I've checked two stores will do fabric store tomorrow.

[kpgclark]

My plan for the day is to round up all the sunscreen I have- an inventory check! I don't think I'm going to get any of that sea lice stuff. Are you guys going to bring it?

[kpgclark]

I have lime green yarn or kelly green ribbon....

[plutojudy]

This will be our fourth DCL and still haven't seen a need for sea lice stuff. All our other cruises were in April. Does anyone else think we need it?

[shmoogrrrl]

We've never taken any Sea Lice stuff on our other three DCL trips and haven't noticed any problems. We aren't bringing any this time either. We've sailed in April, February, September, and now March! :)

I am having no luck finding lime green ribbon at all. Maybe we could be the "Kelly Green" ribbon cruise? :) I see that kpgclark has that, and I am sure that I could find that color!

We are driving to Richmond tomorrow to get my Birth Certificate and Katie's. I realized this weekend that all I have for me is the little card sized birth certificate and as I don't think they are still accepting those, I'm gonna get a paper one. You'd think I would have looked into that before three weeks before the cruise, huh? :)

Kathy

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Hi guys. Wish I were going to be with you, but I wanted to let you know about a DISer CM that will be on your cruise! Remember DisneylandDarren and his posts from a back to back cruise a while ago? He liked the Magic so much, he got a job onboard! He's a riot. His first working cruise is that of this week so you all will be his 4th. He's starting out as a server, so if you see a tall, brown haired English chap with a big wide grin, that would be Darren. Tell him that Lori and his DIS family say HI!

[leoyellow]

On our two other cruises we never took sea lice stuff either.

The kelly green ribbon sounds like it would work. That color is out a lot right now and very easy to find due to it being St. Patrick's Day. I had no luck with the lime green color either.

[plutojudy]

I like the kelly green idea. I can find that. So are we offically kelly green this cruise?

[leoyellow]

Kelly green works for me!:bounce:

[BriarfoxinWA]

We're up to 8 postcard now - ppiew is joining in also.

Kelly green will probably be much easier to find!

[MickeyB426]

I agree with Briarfox...I think if I see some sort of shade of green ribbon on someone, I'll just assume it's for a DIS meet.


(sure, watch...the Shriners convention will be sporting dark green, spot mine, and then I'll be sitting on Whoopie cushions all week :bounce: )

[shmoogrrrl]

Sounds like Kelly Green is a winner. :)

Now, how are we supposed to wear them? Like the aids and breast cancer awareness ribbons?

Kathy

[plutojudy]

I thought I would just tie it on my camera bag. My camera is always with me. Another on my beach bag while at the pool.

[shmoogrrrl]

Ohhhh! Good Idea! I'll tie mine to my purse and around our stroller handle!

Did anyone notice that we are under 20 days? :) *bounce*

Kathy

[plutojudy]

Under 20 days.
:bounce:
:bounce:
:bounce:
:bounce:

[kpgclark]

We booked through Dreams Unlimited. Did any of you? Anyone want to venture a guess on what the stateroom gift will be?

We are leaving for Florida two weeks from today! I can't wait!

[BriarfoxinWA]

We transferred our bookings from DCL to DU....I am really ready for this vacation!

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by kpgclark
We booked through Dreams Unlimited. Did any of you? Anyone want to venture a guess on what the stateroom gift will be?



I'm going to guess food? :) Really, I don't have a clue! I did book through Dreams though. They are awesome. We've gotten great service from them on our last two cruises. I just wish I knew that they exisited (if they eved DID exist) when we went on our honeymoon!

Kathy

[plutojudy]

We booked with DU also.
Maybe our free gift will be another cruise.;)

[kpgclark]

Anyone starting to have dreams about the cruise? My standard dream is that I am either late for the plane or miss something important or forget something crucial. I had my first trip related dream last night. For some reason I missed one of the days we are spending at Universal before the cruise. In my dreams my DH and kids got to go though. They were kind enough to bring me back Mardi Gras beads too!

[plutojudy]

No dreams, but as cruise time gets closer I get nervous that something wll happen and we won't get to go on vacation. Once we are on the plane, everything is okay and then the excited feeling comes back.:cool:

[plutojudy]

TWO WEEKS!
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[leoyellow]

YIPEEEEE!!!!!!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc

[plutojudy]

Ia everyone ready? What do you still need to do?

[SINK]

Originally posted by kpgclark
We booked through Dreams Unlimited. Did any of you? Anyone want to venture a guess on what the stateroom gift will be?



On our last Wonder trip, DU ordered a bottle of non-alcoholic bubblies and a plate of sweets (4 chocolate covered strawberries, and other pastries).

[plutojudy]

yum

[ppiew]

Well, I have been in Florida for 3 wks now, and have been eating my way thru the state!! I am sure that NOTHING I bought for the cruise will fit!! But so what!!!! So I look like a sausage - I am just so happy to be going! The Iraq situation sure doesn't look good - hope it doesn't interfere with the cruise. Our son, his family and our daughter will be flying down next week. I am anxious to meet everyone. See you on the Magic!!