any November 15th eastern 7 ngt cruisers out there?

[Cathy-Jesse]

Just checking to see if anyone on the list is cruising november 15th on the Magic. It'sour first 7 night, we went on the 3 and 4 nighters last year.

Cathy-Jesse


WDW 1972
Beach club 93
CS 97
WL 98
POFQ 99
Disneyland 2001
CB/4 night cruise 2002
BW/3 night cuise 2002
7 night Magic November 2003

[TinkHappy]

:bounce: :bounce: US, US, US!!! :bounce: :bounce:
DH, DFanatic (me :jester: ), 2DD 7&9 (at time of cruise):D
I can't wait!!!
We are flying in from CT the night before and staying at the Airport Hyatt and taking DCL transfers in the morning this time. (We took a town car last time and we just weren't comfortable)

[Kabuli1]

Yup! We're coming too! DH and I! Did the Western this past November and had to book another!

Karyn

[alexturner74]

We'll be there. Went last November (Western) for our Honeymoon. Loved it so much we booked on the ship for this November (Eastern) for our 1 year anniversary.

:earsboy:

[Cathy-Jesse]

This is great! The more the merrier!

Hy hubby and I are doing the same thing, flying in on the 14th and staying at the airport Hyatt. Just in case we get a freak mid November blizzard, which has happened in the past. There is no way I would miss a Disney cruise!
We're staying on deck 7. We got spoiled with a verrandah and had the book the same for this trip. That's where the overtime is going, straight to the mouse. As usual.

Cathy-Jesse

[Tonydana]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc
we are !!!!! woo hoo.. i'm new here, as you all can probably tell.. we just booked our cruise for 11/15.. leaving on the 14th though and staying at the hyatt!! me, hubby and my son will be 15 mos old then.. this will be our second cruise.. we went in 1999, did disney then the cruise, it was wonderful, except hurricane floyd..

can't wait to go.. counting the days!!! need to start packing, buy new clothes!!! (and maybe lose a few pounds :) )

Dana

[Kabuli1]

So, I guess there will only be 13 of us on board - that ought to be fun! :smooth:

Karyn

[Cathy-Jesse]

All right, who mentioned loosing weight? Evil DIS board member, evil!
(agreeing with you totally , eating my slimfast breakfast)

From what I understand , there is a formal night on board .
Anyone know which night it might be?



:Pinkbounc Only 283 days to go :bounce:

Cathy

[mkauffman]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc

We'll be there (all 28 of us)!!! In my immediate family there's me, DH, and two DS (9 and 15 at cruise time). This is a huge family vacation and we are all so excited. This is my first 7 day Disney Cruise. We did a land/sea vacation last February. It's been too long (but I had to give myself enough time to pay for another one!). Can't wait to meet you all! November can't come soon enough.

:bounce: :Pinkbounc

[Tonydana]

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

ok, it was me who mentioned the losing weight.. bad, bad i am, i know.. it was a nice thought though.. as i sit here dreaming of my hot fudge sundae.. :)

i cannot wait for this cruise.. we last went in 1999, did 4 days disney and 4 day cruise and was in hurricane floyd!!!! this will be our first 7 day cruise.. need to start planning.. something to do.. getting bored cleaning the house and laundry... i cannot wait for the new passporter to come out.. !!!

so, has anyone counted the days til the cruise.. how many are there??

dana :)

[mkauffman]

281 days!!! My SIL sent me a cruise countdown that she created and every day when I open it, it adjusts itself to the correct amount of days. It's very cute! Let me know if you'd like me to send it to you.:)

[Cathy-Jesse]

I noticed that other groups that are staying at the Airport Hyatt are getting together the night before they cruise. We don't get in till late (9:20pm) but would anyone be interested in meeting for breakfast the morning of the 15th?

Post replies if interested.

Cathy

:smooth:

[sherry]

My husband and I will also be there. Flying in on the 13th and spending 2 nights at All-star movies. Having fun in the Magic Kingdom on the 14th. Can't wait!!!

[ohanakat]

Hey,
Great to see there are a bunch of us out there! This is our first Disney Cruise, and first cruise at all for my DH, and DS's 4 & 8, DS8 is hoping to find a few other kid's who might be at the Oceaneer's Lab with him before the cruise. The kid's can't wait (not to mention me!!). We found a map of the West Indies in the latest National Geographic and had it spread out last night mapping out the Eastern route!!

Katie

[alexturner74]

Cathy...

We haven't made our flight reservatins yet, but are currently planning on flying in Saturday morning, so we'll have to decline meeting for breakfast. However, if we change our minds and end up flying in on Friday, I'll let you know.

Looking forward to the cruise! Maybe we can all meet up sometime & somewhere on the ship...

Alex

[lbgraves]

DH, DS, DD, & I are all excited about the cruise. DS will turn 5 11/14 and when I mentioned this to the travel agent she made arrangements for him at dinner to be sung to our first night out. :) I hope he doesn't crawl under the table! :) This is our first cruise and reading this board is really helping answer alot of questions for me. This summer I will be busy PTing DD so she can go to the kids club with DS.

[ohanakat]

-lbgraves
My DS will turn 5 on November 10th! He was looking at pictures of the Mickey pool on the internet with me, and ran to tell his Dad that he gets the Mickey water slide for his birthday! I would have loved to surprise my 2 boy's but didn't want to keep this one a secret! We're having fun planning it already!!
Hope to meet you at the Oceaneer's Club!

Katie

[lbgraves]

This cruise was actually my Christmas gift so the kids have seen the big book about it all. :) DS is actually a little hesitant about going since he didn't even want to get near Santa this year. I keep playing the video they sent & talking about it so that he will feel more comfortable in November. I figure that this would be better for him than trying to get him to see the characters at WDW with so many more people around.

[diz4me]

We will also beon the 11/15 this year. We absolutely can't wait! Like everyone else, we are flying in pm on the 14 and staying at the Hyatt. Our DDs 2 and 3 can't handle all that travel in one day!

Glad to know you will all be there, too. Looking forward to a great trip, our first cruise in more than 5 years! First time ever on DCL!

Keep us "posted"!

Thanks!

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by diz4me
First time ever on DCL!

You're going to love this cruise! We'll be there with you! I feel like I'm wishing the summer away (and I really can't wait for summer after this winter we've had!!), but November 15 can't get here soon enough. We booked our trip about a year and a half in advance so we could afford to pay it off. It seems like forever but it's so worth the wait to be able to cruise with Mickey again!

Michelle

[Kabuli1]

We had 6" of snow last night! I know what you mean Michelle, I wish I were on the Magic right now! But I do love spring and fall (notice, I left out summer) and I do get to go to Disneyland in a couple weeks.... but oh, sigh, the Magic. . . . I keep checking the DIS boards - all day long! What else can you do on a snowy day?

Karyn

Mom of Tinkerbell (17) who is very angry that we aren't taking her in November!

[Cathy-Jesse]

Only 258 more days everyone!!

Thanks for posting the count down, Michelle. I check it and get my sanity back every couple of days. Then I give the hubby the good news that we are so many days closer. I could not imagine waiting a year and half for the cruise. I thought waiting a year was bad. But I call the cruise line every month and put money on it with my favorite piece of plastic. Yeah Visa!

diz4me, there might be a group of us meeting for breakfast at the Hyatt on the 15th, before we leave for the cuise. If anyone is interested, let me know.

Cathy

WDW 1972
BC 93
CS 87
WL 88
POFQ 99
Disneyland 2001
CS/4 night cruise 2002
BW/3 night cruise 2002
7 night cruise 2003

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by Cathy-Jesse
I call the cruise line every month and put money on it with my favorite piece of plastic. Yeah Visa!

We both have the same favorite piece of plastic!!

We're flying in the morning of, so we won't be able to meet at the Hyatt, but I'd love to meet you all on the cruise! We should plan something! One of my other favorite things is meeting new people.

Oh, and look below at the countdown......YEAH....it's getting closer and closer!

Michelle:cool:

[lbgraves]

I always feel more comfortable when we go somewhere and know a few people already. DH is really quiet so that helps me improve his comfort level too. From everything I have been reading here though, all of us are going to be at ease.

[mkauffman]

I wouldn't call my DH quiet, but I'm definitely the outgoing-can-make-friends-with-the-mailman one in our family! There are so many great people out there yet to meet!! I can't be near done making friends yet!!:D :Pinkbounc :D :bounce:

[Cathy-Jesse]

I'm the same way, we've met people in Disney hotels and by the end of the week we are going to the parks together. But it will be nice on the cruise to know a few people already, and hang out. Especialy if your table mates are loosers. And we've had that happen before. Like the kid that would only eat cream cheese packets at every meal, and the parents weren't joining AA anytime soon. lets just say that we were glad to eat at Palo's for one night of the 3 night cruise.

Any other tablemate horror stories out there?

Cathy

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by Cathy-Jesse
Especialy if your table mates are loosers. And we've had that happen before. Like the kid that would only eat cream cheese packets at every meal, and the parents weren't joining AA anytime soon. lets just say that we were glad to eat at Palo's for one night of the 3 night cruise.

Oh my goodness.....I'm so glad that we were with family on our last cruise! At least we know what to expect out of each other at the dinner table!!:p

In all seriousness, I would be game for getting together at some point during the cruise. It would be fun!

Michelle

[alexturner74]

No tablemate problems on our first cruise. We liked them a lot and had a great time. Looking forward to seeing who we're matched with in November!

I suggest we all get together either Saturday night, or if people are too tired from travelling, then sometime on Sunday while we're out at sea.

Think about it, discuss amongst yourselves...we've got some time.

Later... :cool:

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by alexturner74
I suggest we all get together either Saturday night, or if people are too tired from travelling, then sometime on Sunday while we're out at sea.

Too tired Saturday night???? Alex, we're on vacation...not allowed to be too tired!:p

Sunday while at sea would probably be a good chance to do it. Thoughts, anyone? Where should we meet?

Michelle

[Kabuli1]

Hi all!
We've got lots of time to figure it out. I do have a suggestion - last Nov we met in the ESPN Club right before the sail away party (4 pm) I think - that was nice 'cause that put us right where we wanted to be when the ship sailed - but, the won't work cause it sounds like there won't be an ESPN Club after drydock, and anywhere else up top is too crowded and confusing! SO - I would suggest the Promenade Lounge - maybe shortly after the Safety Drill - there's seldom anybody there and it's a small enough place to find all of us! Eight more months of talking to each other - we are all going to be pretty excited about putting faces to names! :Pinkbounc :smooth: :bounce:

Karyn

No, Tink, I'm not taking you out of school for this cruise!:p :tongue:

[lbgraves]

driving down the morning of the 15th. 9 hours in one day will be enough for the kids in the car...thank goodness for the vcr! LOL! The kids just looked over the ship magazine again. :) DS keeps telling DD about the kids club. He will turn 5 on the 14th but we want to keep him with DD so she will stay in the club too. He will be in the 4 year preschool class next year. Right now DD wont go anywhere without DH or me if DS isn't there and he is "usually" a sweet big brother in that situation. This will be the first vacation we have taken since DS was born where we have the chance to do something without the kids. :eek: :)

[Cathy-Jesse]

:p


What is this about closing the ESPN club after dry dock? I didn't hear this, give us the info!! If it's true, too bad. We watched one of the Patriots games in there and had a blast. Alcohol and football, what more could anyone want. Oh, yeah.. and to be on a Disney cruise. 20 lashes for almost forgeting that.

The Promenade lounge after the drill sounds good. We have to return the vests anyway, and we could stop afterwards. Then to the deck party! I can hear the horn blasting "When you Wish" right now........
And I won't be tired saturday night. I plan on sleeping like a rock at the Hyatt on the 14th, and waking refreshed and ready to go. Plus I'll be so excited that we finally made it.

Cathy

PS: The new cruise video came in the mail today. Much better than the old one.

[Kabuli1]

Cathy, the buzz is that they will be turning the ESPN Club area into a teen dance area - I'm not sure if they'll be replacing Common Grounds or if this is in addition to it. This, is one of the changes that is supposed to be taking place during drydock this year - at least that's what's being said in the forums - of course it might all be a rumor - so we can wait till October - we still have time to change our meeting place.

Karyn

Tinkerbell is especially mad that she won't get to see the new teen area - she's offering to pay her own way if I'll just get her out of a week of her last semester of high school - in your dreams, Tink!
:teeth:

[Cathy-Jesse]

Kayrn,
Thanks for the information. I can see that rumor coming true. There are alot of teens on board, and Common Grounds seemed a little small to hold them all. Maybe they will convert the old Common area into an adult coffee bar. I'm always getting my fix at the outside station, along with a cookie ( when they put them out- the chocolate chip ones are soooo good!). Well, we have 248 days to find out. :p

Cathy

:earsgirl: I think Tinkerbell will win in the end, and be on the cruise! It's only at the begining of the year, and she can do homework on the ship. (I'm trying Tink!)

[Kabuli1]

Cathy,
I'd go for a coffee lounge, too! I just booked the Beach Club Villas for the two nights before the cruise - so we won't be around for a breakfast meet at the Hyatt. Well, I suppose we could....but probably not. So excited, we just booked a visit to WDW for DH's birthday in April - we're meeting our tablemates from our Nov 02 cruise to do a couple parks and cerlebrate the BIG one together! We just love that family - met here on the DIS arranged to sit together on the Magic and can't wait to get together with them again. Yes, Tink gets to go with us - I am taking her out of school for that - but only because we're doing college visits while in FL. How can I make a college visit out of a cruise? University of St Thomas????

Karyn

No Tink! Not this time . . . . . . but you are graduating soon and Mom knows how much you love the Magic! :cool:

[Cathy-Jesse]

Karyn,

I wish we were going in April!To get away from all this $#%@ snow would be a wonderful thing. And yes, it's snowing out there right now. Two nights at the Beach club would be be heaven.

I wish that on our first 2 cruises we had posted our going on the DIS sites and met some fellow Disney insaniacs. We met people but no one real well. Plus it's hard when your only on the ship for 3 or 4 nights to make lasting friendships. I think this one is going to be a blast. I'm already having dreams about going.

The University of St. Thomas?! Well it is a US territory...and you could have a nice sunny warm visits. Take the eastern cuise a couple of times during the winter and stop and say hi. Sounds like a plan to me. Where do I sign up?:p

cathy

[Kabuli1]

Cathy,

Actually we're staying at the Boardwalk Villas in April . . . . Hey, maybe we could meet in May - We're going to my son's graduation from Cornell over Memorial Day weekend (staying in Syracuse)! Did I mention we're doing college visits in So Cal and visiting DL beginning of April - then WDW 4/14-15! I'm happy AND it's warming up a bit here! Maybe we're done with the snow. Tink is a lucky girl - she can live w/o the 11/15 Magic!

Karyn

:Pinkbounc actually we're planning some surprise "magic" for 1/04 :Pinkbounc After final exams! :bounce: :bounce:

[alexturner74]

bump...

242 days to go...

[mkauffman]

Now that the weather is a little warmer here in PA, it doesn't make the wait seem so bad. Don't get me wrong, I'm still excited about Nov 15, but I'm not quite as "over-the-edge" as I have been the last 3 months! Thank goodness for the end of winter!

Michelle

[Cathy-Jesse]

Michelle, I agree. This warm weather has made me slightly less nutty, but still looking forward to November. 241 days to go! I love that countdown.

Karyn, we could meet at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse. I got my new Disney rewards Visa (yes, they suckered me in, can I resist anything Disney?) in the mail and it needs breaking in, but I'll probibly use it before then. I can hear in calling me now..."go earn Disney rewards now, Cathy....". The information says you can use the rewards dollars with the Cruise line. I hope that you can use them twords your shipboard bill. It doesn't say anywhere that you can't. Anyone out there know for sure?

Cathy

[Kabuli1]

:sunny: Michelle and Cathy!

What a difference a week makes - last Monday: 1F; yesterday: 81F!!! you're right, with spring and summer to look forward to it's easier to wait.

Cathy, I'll hold you to that and we can make arrangements later - I never did get around to shopping at the Carousel Mall - and now my DS is graduating (and interviewing in CA)! Better late than never!

Karyn

(sorry Big Red, you never had a chance)

Go Cats!

[mkauffman]

I'm so afraid we're just being teased, but for now, I'll take it!:Pinkbounc

I just picked up my Passporter from Waldenbooks the other day. I spent all weekend leafing through it. It not only brings back great memories, it's packed with stuff that I didn't know! There's so many of us going on this trip that I'm afraid I'm going to miss something I need to know or pass along to the others. Anyway....for those who haven't gotten the Passporter.....RUN...go get it!

What did you all think about meeting Saturday night or Sunday?

Michelle

[Cathy-Jesse]

:wave:


Michelle,
What's the Passporter? Is it about the Disney Cruise line or is it on WDW travel? Inquiring minds need to know. I had to buy a whole travel book on the Caribbean just to read about St. Maartan and St. Thomas.

Karyn,
It's a deal. But the Disney Visa has been abused already. Groceries.

How about all of us meeting Sunday afternoon after the drill in the Promanade Lounge? Then we can hit the Bon Voyage deck party. But I'm open to alternatives.

Yea!!! ( Sorry, I'm in a good mood, how many days left?)

Cathy

[kendo9114]

glad to see a lot of you are going with us. this will be cruise number three for us with disney. once you go disney there really is no other cruise line. I would go even if I did not have a daughter. will be staying on deck 6 in a verandah. interested in the breakfast meet let me know

[mkauffman]

Cathy,

The Passporter book is called The Passporter Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line. It's all about DCL and it's ports of call! Great book, very thorough! There's no need to buy another book....this one has it all! I've even learned stuff that I didn't know from our last Disney cruise! I particularly liked the information on excursions. I had to have Waldenbook's order it in for me because they didn't stock it, but it was well worth it. My SIL just ordered her copy from Amazon.com.

I'll be game for whatever the majority wants to do. We can either meet after the drill on Saturday or meet sometime on Sunday. Like someone said earlier, we have some time to decide what works for everyone. In the meantime, let's keep bumping this thread up!

Michelle:p

[Cathy-Jesse]

Michelle,

thanks for the info. I have never heard of it. I'm soooo ashamed!
I'm a poor excuse for a Disney addict. Well, now that I know I'll check out my local bookstores this week and pick it up. how much did it cost? Just nosey.

Cathy :earsgirl:



Welcome to the group kendo9114. Glad to have more repeat cruisers on this thread. What's your name and how many people are traveling with you? And I agree, once you go DCL you never leave. :teeth:

[mkauffman]

Cathy......it was about $15 at Waldenbook's. You can get it at amazon.com for about $12 + shipping. However, if you spend $25 or more, shipping is free. That's what my SIL did. She combined her order with another person's order (someone was ordering Cruising for Dummies:p....didn't even know there was such a book!). Anywho, that Passporter book was the best purchase I've made (since the cruise itself!). Good luck!

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Forgot to say that walmart.com also has the book for a very good price (I think it was $9+). I looked at my local Wal-Mart and they didn't have it in stock.

Michelle

[kendo9114]

my name is ken and i will be traveling with my wife tammy and daughter kelsie. lets do the meet

[mkauffman]

Welcome to the club, Ken! It's nice to meet you. How old is your daughter? I have two boys (15 & 9) and a husband (Tony). My group of family and friends have 11 cabins booked for this trip. Should be interesting!

My vote for meeting would be Sunday after breakfast. After thinking about it, I think Saturday after boarding will be quite hectic with everyone settling in. Anyone else for Sunday?

Michelle

[lbgraves]

It sounds like we are going to be busy that first day getting use to the ship & getting signed up for everything. :) The kids are going to be a handful too. :)

[Kabuli1]

We've been a busy topic today, haven't we?

I'm still voting for Saturday - it worked so well last time - we got to hang out at the sail away party - got us off to such a great start knowing who to look for. Most of us, Michelle, don't have a huge family to settle before we go looking for the Disers - but, we really don't need to settle this yet! How many day is that on your count down clock?

Cathy, looking forward to seeing you in May! Get the Passporter - it's great!

How many of us are sailing w/o kidz?

Looking forward to DL/DCA in just over a week and WDW 10 days later!

Go Cats!
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :jester: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[Cathy-Jesse]

Thanks for the info Michelle. I went and checked out the Passporter, and I'm going to ask for it for my Birthday. It will be something different for my husband to get , instead of me saying " anything in the Disney store"or " why don't we go to WDW?"


How about this, some can meet on Saturday if they choose to, and then we can have the big meet and greet on Sunday with everyone else. :earsboy: It's just the hubby and I so check in is easy, and it's cruise #3 so we know the routine. I couldn't imagine traveling with a whole group! Michelle, you are a saint.

Welcome to the insanity Ken. Did you put your name on the big list? It's at the top of the cruise boards.

Cathy

[Kabuli1]

Cathy, I like the idea of more than one meet - once we find each other, we'll want to do it again and again - on our last cruise we kept meeting up and arranging little meets the whole time - we even shared tables w/ our DIS friends! I've gotten the impression from reading other threads that the later in the cruise the DIS meet was the less people showed up. And I want to meet everybody.

To those of you who are first timers - the first day stuff is not as confusing and challenging as it sounds! And for most of us - we're going to be ready for a drink and a friendly new faces by the time the drill is over.

Michelle, I agree with Cathy, YOU ARE A SAINT! I can't even imagine organizing that many people - you're going to need a vacation after your cruise!

It's raining and my crocuses are blooming, it must be spring!

Karyn

:wave: :bounce: :Pinkbounc GO CATS! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :wave:
:earseek: :earseek: :earseek:

[mkauffman]

You guys are so nice! The truth is that I really enjoy traveling and arranging these trips so it doesn't feel like "work" for me. I must have been a TA in another life.

I don't have to work around everyone in my group for the DIS meet (thank goodness!). I was just thinking that Saturday might be a little hectic, but I'd be game to schedule two meets. We could arrange a Saturday meet and a Sunday meet and for those that can make both, great! If you can't make Saturday, at least there'll be another! I love to party with the mouse!

I feel like I know you guys already!

Michelle:p

[alexturner74]

I've been lurking for a while and now I'm back on the thread!

Meeting on Saturday and Sunday sounds great...

So I've had a little time on my hands lately and have made a little web site dedicated to our cruise. Check it out...

11/15/03 Cruise (http://cruise.alexandjessica.com)

If you would like to be added to the list of cruisers, please email (alexturner74@hotmail.com) the following information to me (as much as you're willing to tell), and I'll send you the password to access the list.

Names
Ages
Relation (DW, DS, etc...)
City, State
Last Disney Cruise
Special Occasion?
Deck or Stateroom #
Dinner Seating
Email
DIS User ID
Picture

[mkauffman]

Alex...you're just full of great ideas! Here's my information:

Michelle
Tony (DH/33)
Josh (DS/15)
Garrett (DS/9)
Thompsontown, PA
Last Disney Cruise: 2/02
Stateroom # ? (I'll get back to you if that's ok)
Early dinner
mkauffman@pa.net
DIS User ID: mkauffman

Thanks, Alex!

Michelle

[lbgraves]

The site looks great IMO! Makes this more exciting. :) DH has suggested that we spend a day or 2 in WDW now before the cruise. Must get busy finding out about that too now since we haven't been there either. :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[alexturner74]

After our cruise last year we spent two nights at the Wilderness Lodge and went to WDW one day. Spent half the day at Animal Kingdom and the rest of it over at Epcot. Had a good time and we weren't quite as sad as everyone else getting off the ship because we knew that we had another couple of days before going home.

Great meeting all of you so far!

[lbgraves]

So you weren't worn out by the cruise? The kids are little & I am hoping that they will stick to their naps so they wont be grouchy. It would actually work out better for us to go after so they don't miss any more preschool & we were going to stay with my SIL & BIL after for a couple days. Thanksgiving is that week too. Hmmm. Now I am just hoping to be able to find a room this late. We were told that is a busy month there.

[Kabuli1]

Alex, the site is great! Now we need to get everybody on it!

We stayed until Sunday night after the cruise and spent two days in the parks. Really liked it to ease our return to reality. We didn't have small children (14 & 16) so we weren't dealing with little ones.

We are planning 2 days before the cruise to go to the Food and Wine festival at Epcot, it ends on the 15th or 16th, last year we caught it after the cruise. It gets better and better every year. It's not really something for kids - they get bored - even my DD Tink (16) was fed up with us cause we wanted to try everything! I think we'll stay again until Sunday night this time as well, but we haven't booked anything yet.

I'm so excited about visiting the West Coast Mickey next week! YEAH:jester: :earseek: :earseek:

Karyn

:wave: :bounce: :Pinkbounc GO CATS!!! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :wave:

[mkauffman]

Alex, you've done a fantastic job! I just logged in to see who has registered so far and I must say KUDOS to you! You just got me even more excited about this cruise (didn't know that was possible)!

For those who haven't registered with Alex, get your information in! I feel so special having a website dedicated just to us!

Michelle

[alexturner74]

Thank you...thank you...for all of your kind words.

Lisa...no we weren't too tired after the cruise. In fact, it was the most relaxing vacation we've ever taken and were very well rested. However, we did not have two little children to look after, so I can't really say that you'll be as relaxed and rested as we were.

Yes, for all of you lurkers out there on the 11-15-03 cruise, send me your information (see page 4 for details) to be included on the cruisers list. Meet everyone before you ever get on the ship!

Alex

[lbgraves]

OK, I just checked the All Star Movie Resort for the Sunday & Monday night after we return...not available. Before checking elsewhere, I tried for just Sunday night...and got it!!! Made the reservations & will tell DH in the am. :earsgirl: :earsboy: I agree that it makes more sense to go after the cruise, especially since we were going to be staying in FL most of the following week anyway with family. :) We had considered that Resort when we were debating about doing a land/sea trip. Now I am getting the best of both worlds!!!

[Cathy-Jesse]

Hey everyone!

Alex, great site!!! I just emailed you my info. I forgot our stateroom number so here it is:7568.

All these plans for going to WDW before or after the cruise! I'm feeling so jealous. We decieded that because we were already going for a week we wouldn't tag on a couple of days at WDW like we did before. My husbands vacation time is limited. The first cruise we tacked on 3 nights at CB and did the 4 night. The second cruise we did 4 nights at the BW and then the 3 night cruise.Each time we had the cruise planed first. How these cruises happened is an interesting story but I won't bore you here.

Karyn, I love the food and wine fest at Epcot. I plan my trips to WDW around it. Epcot is our favorite park, so having the fest is an added bonus. Hubby, sister in law, brother and I started drinking in Germany and were VERY happy by the time we got to dinner at the Rose and Crown. Thank god for the bus service.

Cathy

[lbgraves]

Don't be too jealous, Cathy. :) This is our first trip to anything Disney EVER. I am hoping that DH will get hooked like I already feel and we will be able to say "on our next cruise" next year. :)

[Cathy-Jesse]

Karyn, you sound like you've been there before! And don't worry, the DH will be planning your next trip to WDW/cruise while your on this one. My DH was the same way. Before our first trip he was whinning "why are we going to WDW ,it's for kids, this is stupid". Two days into it he was already asking when we were coming back. Now he's on trip # 7. He's hooked, and there is no cure.

Cathy

[Kabuli1]

Hi howz everybody????

We had a wonderful time in CA at DL and DCA! And this time next week we'll be at Epcot! I'm so excited - really helps with the misery of having 3" of snow outside right now.

After visiting 4 colleges in 3 days, Tink is no closer to knowing what she wants . . . sigh!

Well, anyway, I just wanted to check in and say hi and all that.

Karyn

[mkauffman]

Welcome back, Karyn! It's nice to have this thread active again. Glad you had a great time in CA. After this weather, I wanted to go there myself! Let's hope the sun shines soon!

Michelle

[lbgraves]

I called up our TA after a week of checking to see if there was an opening at the AS Movie for a second night and she was able to find one!!!!!!!!!! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc Now we are going to be able to spend an entire day at the MK the day after we get back to FL!!!!!! We are looking into going to the space center that Saturday afternoon...which I think will be amazing and DS was really interested in the pictures of the space craft. Sea World may be our last morning before packing up & heading up to a week with family in JAX.

This is turning into such an incredible vacation & this board keeps giving me so much information. My Passporter shipped out today too! :) Can't wait to start reading that one.

[Kabuli1]

Lisa,

That is so cool! You are going to have such a blast! Maybe we'll bump into you at the MK after the cruise. Last time we spent the Statuday after with the family that we shared a table with - the really exciting thing about our trip to WDW next week (wow, in 3 days!) is that were meeting up with that family for DH's birthday. We love them so much.

We loved spending a couple days at the park afterward - it helped soften our return to reality. It's just so great that you got those reservations.

Karyn

[lbgraves]

Karyn, The thing is this vacation is taking so much time to plan everything just right that I can see it turning into a repeat. :) I really hope it all goes smoothly so that I can convince DH that we need to go again...and again...and again. :)

Lisa

[Kabuli1]

:smooth: You are absolutely right, Lisa! Once you've got it all figured out, there's no need to do something new! Worked for us, we're going back. You get all the kinks worked out now, and it's a wonderful time - DH will think it's the best vacation he's ever had. There is a method to all this.

Hey, I just bought big ziplock bags for packing, some for this weekend most for the cruise! I think it's the first thing I've bought specifically with the cruise in mind. Getting started early, actually I never unpacked some of the stuff - I keep a bag with the snorkle equipment and other cruise specific stuff ready to go.

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
I'm soooo excited about WDW next week and all the surprises for my DH's 50th! I'm all packed and ready to go and we're not leaving till Sunday!

Yes, Tink, you get to go with us this time!:tongue: :tongue:

:wave: Karyn

[Cathy-Jesse]

Have a good time everyone on all your vacations!
Come back and give us all the news, especialy on how Mission Space is.

For all those with cable..just a reminder that tuesday night the 15th is the show on the DCL. It's at 8pm eastern time, repeated at 11pm eastern. I'm going to tape it so if anyone doesn't have cable and wants to see it I can mail them the tape. :earsboy:
That should get us in the mood, if we weren't there , already.

Cathy

[Cathy-Jesse]

I forgot to say what channel the special on the DCL is.
It's on the Travel channel, cable # 40.

Time to take my medication.....

cathy

[alexturner74]

bump...

less than 7 months to go! I taped the Travel Channel show, but have yet to watch it.

If any other November 15th cruisers are out there and want to be put on "the list", send me an email. See previous posts for list of information to include.

Must go wash the car now. Beautiful weather here in Atlanta.

[mkauffman]

Alex........it was a great special on the Travel Channel. You have to watch it soon!

Are you rubbing in the great weather in Atlanta?? We had perfect 80 degree days the last two days here in PA, but today is about 45, rainy and cold. Yuck is the best word to describe it.

Thanks for bumping this up!

Michelle

[Kabuli1]

Hi Everybody!

We're back from a short but fantastic trip to WDW! We stayed in a 1br villa at the Boardwalk - really nice, but our villa was a really really long walk from the front desk about 2/10 mile!!!

Celebrated DH's 50 there. I arranged for balloons and stuff to appear in the room while we went out one morning - that was really nice and the Boardwalk added some surprises as well - it was very thoughtful and surprised me as well!

Tink is convinced that she wants to go to college in FL after this trip. I guess it's closer than CA.

We spent most of our time w/a family we met right here on the DCL DIS board who were our table companions on board last Nov. I'm hoping some of us late diners can get together as table mates - we can link our names/reservations to sit together.

Now that this second trip is done - no more Disney till Nov - that makes me very sad.

We ate too much, drank too much and walked too much - all in all a great time!


Karyn

[Cathy-Jesse]

Welcome back , Karyn!

Isn't the Boardwalk great? I loved that hotel. But we didn't have the walk like you did at the villas. When we were there in November they were rehabing the section overlooking the clown pool. Ahh..the memories.

If anyone wants the tape of the DCL from the travel channel let me know. It's labled and ready to go. And I agree, It was a good show. I loved seeing Captain Anderson from the Wonder. We spent some time talking to him on our last cruise. Nice guy.

Cathy

[lbgraves]

Alex ~ I just checked the website and I can't get to it. Have you changed the link? TIA!

Lisa

[alexturner74]

Works for me...anyone else having trouble with it?

cruise.alexandjessica.com (http://cruise.alexandjessica.com/)

Alex

[lbgraves]

I swear it came up with some domain registery yesterday though. It must have been the stressed vibes going thru my keyboard though. :) I was checking to see if anyone else with young kids signed up. YEAH!!! There are more. :)

[mkauffman]

Lisa....just a little note to let you know that you're not crazy. I checked yesterday, too, and got the same domain name page.:p

Alex...are you sure you're not trying to make us think we're nuts??

Next week we'll be under the 200 mark, folks!! Can't wait!

Michelle

[lbgraves]

I wouldn't even question the fact that it was completely something that I did. Yesterday was soooo bad. Wish I had my feet up on one of those lounge chairs on the deck with the kids in the club right now!! :earsgirl:

[alexturner74]

Sorry about that kids... Let me know if you have any problems again. You can email me directly - alexturner74@hotmail.com

[nedleycan]

I am so happy to see this thread. I have been off the boards for a while, and there was no thread last time I was here. We too will be on the 11/15 cruise. We are me (37), DH (41), DD (6.5), DS (almost 5). I am very honored to be part of your group!
We were on the December 1st 4-day Wonder last year. We were actually one of the canceled November 30th cruisers (Norwalk), but had a great time anyway. So now, WE ARE CRUISING FOR 1/2 PRICE! So, we are really, really happy!
Alex, I tried your site and couldn't get it. Is it working? I will send you my info anyway.
Thanks everyone!

[alexturner74]

Welcome nedleycan...

The site always seems to be working for me. Just tried it with no problems. I'll get your info up shortly...

[Kabuli1]

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc
Yippee!!!!
Hurray!!!!

[Kabuli1]

:Pinkbounc


199 Days!!!



:bounce:

[mkauffman]

Thanks for posting that! I remember being over 300! Yippee, skippee!

Welcome to our group Nedleycan! Alex has a great site going, check it out!

Michelle

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Hooray! We broke the 200 days mark!

My DD (4) is fixated on the fact that she can call and have chocolate chip cookies delivered to her whenever she wants. We probably shouldn't have mentioned that part especially to our little Diva in training!

For all those having trouble accessing Alex's site it's probably that you're entering www. before the cruise.alexandjessica.com. If you type in the www you'll get that domain page. If you just enter the cruise.alexandjessica.com directly after the http:// it will work.

My TA just called to let us know that Delta has consolidated flights out of Orlando on the 22nd resulting in our 2:30pm non-stop flight being cut. Delta originally put us on the 11:00 but our TA said that DCL recommended changing it because they didn't think we could make it in time. The result: we are still on a non-stop flight (we booked our own air so that we could guarantee this) but it's at 4:30pm. Can anyone give me an idea as to how late we can disembark. Not looking forward to spending hours on end at the airport with the kids. Hopefully all this airline consolidation won't result in more schedule changes.

Thanks.

[lbgraves]

From everythng that I have been told, everyone has to be off the ship by 9 am. That is good news for us because we want to spend the day at the Kennedy Space Center before heading to WDW & didn't want to be rushed being able to see everything there. I have read here that there are hotels that offer day rates & you can use the pool if you are going to have that long of a wait. I'm sure someone who has actually been down there could give more options about what could keep the kids busy & you sane. :)

I just told DS that there will be other kids on the ship with him in the clubs & he got so excited. LOL!

[mcampbell_22]

Thanks for the quick response Lisa. We've purchased the DCL transfer so going too far from airport doesn't seem likely. The hotel idea bears looking into. Thanks.

My DS is also very excited. He says he can't wait to meet his new friends. He certainly is a people person. Will your DS be attending the Oceaneers Club. We plan on signing our two up and it would be great for their "friends" to be there too.

Mary

[nedleycan]

This is so frustrating. I have tried both Explorer and Netscape and neither is working. And I am entering it correctly too. I am get a message that says "connection problem". I will try on my husband's PC (I am on a MAC). I would love to see this wonderful site!
Thanks to all of you who sent me messages. I can't wait to get to know all of you over the next 199 days!
Mary, from our previous Disney cruise, I believe you did have to be off the ship by 9:00 ish. And everything is closed on the ship anyway, so there really isn't anything to do in the morning. The hotel is probably your best bet. Are you set on keeping the transfers? Last time we rented a car for the trip to and from the port, and it worked out great. It was cheaper than the transfers, and allowed us to visit places along the way. That is something to consider.
So, I see that there are a few boys around my son's age, but are there any 6 or 7 year old girls in our group? My daughter loves making new friends on vacation.

[lbgraves]

Oh yes!!! William (turns 5 11/14) will definantly be in the Club. :) He is really looking forward to it. I have read that you can take the kids to the Lab as guests as long as you stay with them. I'm sure that I will have to take him there since he is amazed by the Buzz Lightyear computers. LOL! My project for this summer is to PT Kaitlyn (turns 3 9/4). William wouldn't train until he was 4 1/2 but was dry from then on even at night. :) :) :) She wants to sit on the potty on her new Blue's Clues seat but nothing has happened yet. :( If she doesn't get trained, then we wont have any alone time. I know that she would do great with William but wont even waste time trying to put her in flounders. Besides, why do the added expense when we really don't have to. One of the reasons for waiting until November was to give her as much time as possible.

[lbgraves]

Here's the link I have saved.

http://cruise.alexandjessica.com/

That link didn't work for me last week but it came up as a registration site for a couple of us then. HTH!

[nedleycan]

I tried on my husband's PC too and it didn't work. When he gets home I will see if he has any ideas.

Lisa, I have heard that if the child is discreetly in Pull-Ups and doesn't do "number two" in her Pull-Ups, then she can go in the club. Is she a very scheduled person? I know that some kids go "number two" every morning or every night, so you would know when to have her with you, and when she can go in the club. Just a thought...

We are going to request that our son (2 months shy of 5 when we cruise) be allowed to go into the 5-7 group. He was 2 months shy of 4 when we last cruised, and we found that even then he would have been better in the lab then in the club. I found the club activities too babyish for him. He has gone to Montessori school since he was 2.5, so he is used to being with older kids and used to being taught during the day. The club was more play, and the lab had some educational sessions (which he prefers). Hopefully they will allow him in the lab. Others have told me that it should not be a problem, and that he will be put in there on a "per day" basis, and as long as he can keep up with the others and doesn't cause problems, they will let him stay. We are crossing our fingers!

[kendo9114]

I SEE WE WILL HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE CRUISE THIS NOV THAT IS GREAT. MY DAUGHTER WILL BE 7 SO SHE WILL LOOK FORWARD TO PLAYING WITH THE OTHER CHILDREN IN THE KIDS AREA HOPE TIME FLIES CAN NOT WAIT:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by nedleycan
I tried on my husband's PC too and it didn't work. When he gets home I will see if he has any ideas.


Try just typing this in your address bar:

cruise.alexandjessica.com

[lbgraves]

nedleycan, William probably would like the lab, however, without him our chance of Kaitlyn staying in the club & being more comfortable would probably be gone. We have never been to anything Disney so this will be a great experience for them to share. I've checked out the navigators & they look like things that both kids will enjoy together...I hope. Now, if Kailtyn is no where near being able to stay in the club :( I will just sign him up in the lab. With his bday being right after the 10/18 cut off here, he is the oldest kid in his class...will be in the 4 year old class next year. He is pretty advanced & just keeps trying to learn more. He also LOVES to be around BIG kids. :)

[mkauffman]

I'm so excited for you........your family's first Disney experience! Wow...what a grand way to introduce them to the MAGIC and WONDER of Disney.:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Michelle

[lbgraves]

Michelle ~ We are pretty excited too...well me more than the others really. The kids love watching the travel video that Verandaman sent. I am hoping they enjoy the characters when they see them since they are going to be so much bigger. :) We are going to Kennedy the day we get off the ship, then off to the MK for a day, and maybe Seaworld. We will be staying at the ASMovies since that looked like the one the kids would enjoy the most. I am just starting to look into the MK...very overwhelming. :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

I have tried everything. I have typed it in myself, I have used your links, etc, etc. Oh well, I will find out what the problem is and hopefully get on eventually.
Thanks guys for trying to help!

[nedleycan]

Lisa,
When we went on our first cruise last November, our kids didn't know anything Disney. We are not big Disney people (don't dislike Disney, just have never really gotten into the videos), our kids had never seen any of the videos, and had never been to Disney World. My daughter knew Cinderella and my son loved Buzz, but that was it. I even had to ask my DIS friends who Belle was (I have still never seen Beauty and the Beast, Lion King or any of the others). But, my kids loved it! Snow White is now my daughter's favourite, and she now knows Belle, Cinderella, Goofy, Pluto, Mickey, Minnie and more! They had so much fun! Your kids are going to love it!

[lbgraves]

nedleycan

That sounds great to me! :) We do have tons of videos & the kids love Toy Story, 101 Dalmations, Monsters Inc, but I haven't let them watch Snow White or Cinderella yet. DS also doesn't like Beauty & the Beast...too scarey for him with the Beast. I was wondering how I was going to expose them to the characters so that they would know what they are. :)

[nedleycan]

I had these big plans 6 months before our cruise that I was going to rent all the classics and show them to the kids... never got around to it. It really didn't matter at all. They loved the characters, even though they didn't know the movies.

[Kabuli1]

It's nice to see activity again on our thread! Welcome Linda! We're having some big financial problems right now and the cruise is really ify right now - I'm trying to find a job - any job....sigh. I've decided that I will just continue to operate as if we're going to go - gotta have something to look forward to. Pixie dust and prayers would be appreciated. We had wanted to take Tink on a surprise cruise for her HS graduation in January - so if we're going to go at all we may just have to do one and use points for it. SIGH! Oh well - we're happy and healthy and have three wonderful almost grown kids! Oldest DS graduates from Cornell this month!

Lisa, speaking of Tink, I used a very unusual but effective method of PTing her - if you want to know PM me, K? The DS's were impossible - it's hard to even remember those days my kidz are 22, 20 and 17. oh, and if you ever meet Tink, don't tell her I told you this!

:bounce: Happy thought, everybody! I did lose 3# this week!:bounce:


:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc Karyn:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

First of all, Karyn...congrats on the weight loss. 3# is terrific for one week. It has already taken me 3 weeks to get to 3 pounds! Also, I'm sending a boat load of pixie dust your way. I understand financial problems and they can seem overwhelming sometimes. The good news is (God willing) you wake up tomorrow and it's another day. Good luck with your job searching. Sometimes we have to thank God for the small miracles that we get every day, like the sun shining.

Lisa, you're going to love AS Movies. We stayed there with the kids in 2000 and it's such an awesome hotel! The magic will continue for you even after you get off the ship.

Michelle:wave:

[nedleycan]

Thought I better bump us up to the top again. I was able to get onto Alex's web site from work, but not from home. I use a laptop, so it is the same computer, but different service provider. I was so happy to finally get into the site! Yeah! Can't wait to spend the next 6 months chatting with you guys and then finally cruising!

[Jo-Anne]

Hope you don't mind some more company! I just put my deposit down today for 11/15 Eastern...am so excited! My name is Jo-Anne (I know my signature is not too original!!) and I'll be with my DH Dave, DD Katie who will be 7 and DS Michael who will be 4 by Nov. We'll be travelling with my best friend and husband their 3 kids ranging in ages 6-12. I have been to WDW around 7 times and never dreamed I'd get to do the cruise. Can't wait...am madly scanning all the posts on this board to get as many hints and tips in advance. I haven't read all the posts in this string yet, but give me a day or two! "Talk" to you later! Jo P.S. I've tried various computers and still haven't been able to acess alex and jessica's site!

[Kabuli1]

:Pinkbounc Yeah Jo Anne! Glad you joined us! We're going to have a great time!!!:Pinkbounc

Karyn

[alexturner74]

Man, all this bad publicity about not being able to get to my site. Looks like the Canadian service providers are giving Jo-Anne and nedleycan a hard time...

http://cruise.alexandjessica.com/

Jo-Anne...send me an email (alexturner74@hotmail.com) sometime, let me know what errors you are getting. Also, I'll add you to our email list.

Later...

[Jo-Anne]

I just tried again from work using the URL in your email and it worked! Nice to have our own little site!...thanks for setting that up! I couldn't open the list of cruisers due to the password...my email is part of my profile if you want to pass that along to me! We're not sure of our plans for the Friday yet..we're flying in that day, but not sure if we'll stay in Orlando or go to Port. Look forward to chatting with everyone over next few months. Jo

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne,
I am so happy to see another Canadian on our cruise. And not only that, but someone from Toronto. I live in Mississauga, but grew up in Toronto. I am also happy to see a 7 yo girl. My daughter will be 6.5 by the time of the cruise and loves to know about other girls her age on the ship. Our son will be almost 5 by the time of the cruise, so our children are very close in age.
Talk to you soon!

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by alexturner74
Man, all this bad publicity about not being able to get to my site.

Alex.....who could ever give YOU bad publicity???

:bounce: Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

Seems it is us Canadians who have a problem getting onto Alex's site from our home service provider. Jo-Anne: are you using Sympatico? I am. But, at work, I had no problem.
Anyway Alex... no worries! We are with you now!

[Jo-Anne]

Yes, from home I have sympatico which doesn't allow me to get to Alex's site. However, from work, it's no problem...so I'll just continue to sneek in from here!

[Kabuli1]

:Pinkbounc Bumping this up again! We were on page 4.:Pinkbounc

Ok, how's everybody? Anybody new joining us?

Last night was scary - we were heading to bed at 11pm when the city tornado sirens went off, so we grabbed our two parrots (somehow I forgot all about the 'tiels - oh well) and headed down to the basement. We were worried 'cause Tink was still out. Of course, the minute we got downstairs, she called asking what to do. Then Randy's curiosity overcame sensibility and he turned on the tv to see what was happening and didn't get downstairs again! In all the years I've lived here this is only the second time the sirens have sounded - other than the test every first Tuesday at 10am. Oh, well, all was well and the worst of it passed north of us.

Anyway that wasn't as bad as the police showing up at out door a couple weeks ago at 4:30am wondering where Tink was cause she hadn't shown up at an after prom activity (and our phone was off the hook) Talk about every parent's nightmare!!!! Of course, she was sound asleep in her own bed - just didn't tell us, or anyone else that she'd come home instead of going to the sleep over - huge sigh of relief!

So, there you go, this is what being a mom is all about! so on that note:

:Pinkbounc Happy Mother's Day!!! :Pinkbounc


:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc


I would love a little Magic spa therapy today!

Karyn

[lbgraves]

Glad to hear that all is well there, Karyn. We had a few tornados that stopped about 40 minutes north/west of here this week. Thankfully the most NC has gotten is the heavy rain & large hail. I hope this system moves out quickly for the central states.

[mkauffman]

We just haven't had good weather this spring at all, have we? All this rain is really making me wish November would get here already! I could be lounging on a chair in beautiful Castaway Cay!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[Kabuli1]

Yeah, I'd like a little Casyaway Cay therapy right now, myself! But, it's sunny tho pretty cold, so I gues I'd better try to get a little gardening one!

Hope everybody had a great wekkend!

Karyn:wave:

[nedleycan]

Karyn,
Your experience sounds horrible! I can't even imagine what that would be like.
One thing I can't wait to do again is the Surreal Bath... hubba hubba... that was fun! You will recognize me as the first person in line for Palo and the Spa (I am a fast runner, so hope to get to both, while hubby handles the kids). hehe

[alexturner74]

Less than 6 months to go!

Anybody else out there on the 11/15/03 cruise?

[mcampbell_22]

I'm taking Alex's advice and responding to the early dinner/kids email from Lisa here so that we can keep this link current and active.

Lisa, the hook up for early diners with kids sounds like a great idea. I'm sure the kids would love to be able to eat with the kids they'll be playing with at the Club/Lab. It's always more fun for them (and us) to eat with friends we know than with just family, or go forbid a couple at our table who is not "kid friendly." Are these types even allowed on DCL? My kids will be (just) 7 and 5 at the time of the cruise and are very well behaved, but we all know that kids will be kids (and husbands sometimes too!).

Again, this sounds like a great idea and we should try to coordinate this are time draws near.

On another note, I've had to totally rearrange my flight schedule as Delta has removed all its early morning non-stops out of Boston and they also did away with our flight home. Both flights they moved us to made it impossible for us to get to the ship before it sailed and to the airport from the ship before the flight left!

Spent the morning with my TA to go over possibilities (connection flights, other carriers, flights day before...). Finally settled on staying with Delta (if they bring the original flights back we can go back to them) because we got such a great price, all other carriers flights would cost us more. We took a 6:20 am flight out of Boston with a plane change in Atlanta. Arrives at MCO at 11:30. Yes we'll be able to get to the ship and make ressies!

Our return flight is a 4:25pm. We think we'll do the day rate at the Hyatt. Not the perfect arrangements I had booked but with all Delta's changes, not bad. My stress level has been lowered considerably!

Off to run errands.
Have a good day all.

[mkauffman]

Mary, we're also on Delta from Harrisburg, PA - Atlanta - Orlando. Our flight from Atlanta to Orlando is scheduled to arrive at 11:36 a.m. Is this the same flight you're on?

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[alexturner74]

Should be the same flight. The only ATL-MCO flight that gets in around 11:30 is 1451, which actually arrives at 11:36.

We flew in on Saturday last year, but I'm thinking about coming on Friday evening and spending the night at the Hyatt.

[mkauffman]

That's the one we're on - 1451.

Delta has changed our flights many times so far and I've said from the beginning that if it gets too much closer to noon or after, I'm going to look into switching flights to Friday. That's getting a little bit too close for comfort. I don't know how much of a hassle I'll have trying to switch to Friday, but I'm willing to try to fight for it if I'm uncomfortable with the arrival time. We booked these flights a long time ago to be able to get the best available times and now it seems to not make much of a difference anyway.

The funny thing is......I'm usually very laid back about everything and I just deal with things as they're handed to me......but don't mess with my Disney cruise!:p

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[alexturner74]

Yeah, Delta (as well as all of the airlines) have had to adjust their schedules a few times over the last several months. Keep an eye on them as they may change again, but hopefully not.

You shouldn't have any hassle if you want to change your flight. Especially if they've changed them several times already. From what I've heard, they have been pretty accommodating.

Remember, if an airline changes your flight, you have the right to call them and change it to something that you might like better without penalty. However, once you confirm the changes, you give up your bargaining power and they have the right to charge you if you change your mind.

[mkauffman]

Thanks, Alex! That's great information to have. I guess I always thought that airlines gave you a tremendous amount of hassle if you wanted to change your tix, even if it's due to their time changes. I'm just going to keep watching my itinerary and hope for the best. I booked through Orbitz so they typically send me an email when something changes.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mcampbell_22]

Just checked the mail and our new itinerary from Delta arrived. Yes Michelle, we are on flight 1451 out of Atlanta. We've been assigned seats 13C,D,E & F.

Part of our decision not to change the flight to the Friday before was the expense of a hotel room that we'd only be in for a few short waking hours. We wanted to save the funds to spend on the cruise!

[lbgraves]

I am definantly glad that we wont have to rely on an airline to get there. 9 hours in a car isn't exactly my favorite activity...but I'll just focus on our destination. :) We will be staying with my BIL & SIL & their 2 kids Friday night in Jacksonville, then continuing on the next morning. I am going to be very pestery about getting out of town ASAP in the am...7:30 to latest. Somehow I have a hard time believing that it only takes 2 hours to get from Orange Park FL to Cape Canaveral. I am going to post for confirmation on that. I want to be one of the first aboard to enjoy every second of our trip.

I also just changed our first day back from going to Kennedy to simply enjoying the AS Movie & Downtown Disney. It will be much more relaxing & less expensive as well. :)

Is anyone else not planning on doing excursions? We may go out in St Thomas & St Marteen for an hour or two, but then plan to return to the ship to enjoy the pool & a more relaxed atmosphere...afternoon naps for the kids & maybe some time in the Rain Forest room?

[Cathy-Jesse]

My husband and I are planning to take a shore excursion on St Thomas. I heard that one of the beaches they take you is great. I was also thinking of takeing a tour of St. Maartan. I'm not much for shopping in the town, and I would like to see the island, especialy the french side. We chose the eastern just to have a couple of days at sea just to sit and relax.

All these flight issues! I'm so glad we are flying out the night before and staying at the Hyatt. Alex, maybe we'll see you there.It would be great to ride the transportation over to the port with you.

Anyone want to join together for the late seating? I gusess we would call the cruise line and ask to be seated together. We are planning at least one night at Palos, anyone else interested?



cathy

[Jo-Anne]

We're in the late seating, but wait listed for early...don't think the kids would last to the late seating...wonder how many of those on the wait list get their seatings changed?? I think by the ages of the kids in my family and our friends family (4-12), we will probably get the PLAPLAP rotation. I've also looked over the Palo menu, and it just doesn't excite me...I love Italian, but this just isn't doing it for me, but with all the rave reviews from this site, we'll probably end up joining the reservation line first thing upon boarding! We are most likely going to fly in on Friday night and I think rent a car for a day and drive down to Coco Beach area for the night. Am still trying to figure out which hotel we might be able to get on reward points. We have friend that are in St. Maarten right now for a week vacation so I asked them to make sure they scout out a nice beach for us to visit during that stop..don't think we'll be taking any of the pre-scheduled tours this time. My DH thinks I'm absolutely nuts for checking these boards so often to make sure I know every preparation detail in advance, but I love it! I ordered my Passporter the other day and can't wait until it arrives, but maybe I'll know everything from these boards anyways! Have a good night everyone...I'm putting my aching bones to bed now..we had a fantastic Victoria Day long weekend here in Toronto, and I got a lot of gardening done...found the back and leg muscles that hadn't been used since last Fall!!

[Kabuli1]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/multi.gif http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/mirror.gif http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/multi.gif
Alex, thanks for moving the discussion back to the boards - I tried to do that a couple weeks ago!

Cathy, count on sitting with Randy and I at dinner - K? Alex, and other late diners - want to join us? And, Cathy, I hope we can get a chance to meet this weekend in Syracuse.

Who was it that mentioned PLAPLAP rotation? We had that last year and I really enjoyed it - but I would like LAPLAPL this time. I will schedule my Palo night on an Animator's Palate night.

Jo-Anne, I wasn't impressed reading the menus for Palo either, and I didn't think is was a best meal ever - but.... it was rather magical and we had a wonderful time - so relaxing, such great servers! We like to get to know everybody, by the end of the evening we were the only people left in the restaurant and our table was surrounded by servers all telling us their stories! We LOVED it. If dinner doesn't excite you - I MUST say that the brunch was amazing and you shouldn't miss that.

Flight arrangements ..... haven't started thinking about that, but we will be flying out early on Thursday (maybe Wedneday night) and staying at the Beach Club Villas (DVC members) - doing the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot- anyone want to wine and dine around the world with us on Thursday or Friday? http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/beerchug.gif Anyway, out of Chicago there's never a problem getting flights either on Southwest or ATA - and the lowest rates don't come out till closer to the date of travel.

And for those of you who already have made your flight arrangements - (in an earlier life I was a travel agent) - Almost certainly your flights will change again. Besides the uncertainty of the travel industry, airlines make seasonal shifts in flights...so keep an eye on things.

I haven't given alot of thought to excursions yet. http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/baby21.gif I would like to get over to Anguilla from St Martin. and we will definitley go over to St John from St Thomas. I wish we had the time in St Thomas for one of the tours of the BVIs from there. I've thought alot more about what spa reservations I want! And DH plans to spend the entire trip in the Rainforest!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/ffflower2.gifhttp://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/ffflower2.gifCheers everybody!http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/ffflower2.gifhttp://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/ffflower2.gif

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/jump1.gifKarynhttp://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/jump1.gif

[mcampbell_22]

Jo-anne I got my Passporter (from Buy.com) about a month ago and read in cover to cover almost immediately. What a great resource to have (in addition to this board, or course)! It has a prominent spot right next to my 3-ring planning binder. My husband also thinks I'm crazy (obsessed?) with organizing and researching every detail but boy doesn't he appreciate it when we on the vacation and everything is pretty well planned and anticipated. All the work now makes for a much less stressful and relaxing vaca.

Now if it only was November...

Off to pick up DD at Preschool. Have a good day all.

[mkauffman]

:bounce: Bumping up!:Pinkbounc

Gotta take a look at that countdown!

Michelle

[nedleycan]

Thanks Michelle. I have been meaning to bump it for a few days. So, is anyone in our group staying in a category 1, 2 or 3?

[mkauffman]

That's a great new question. I'm in a category 11, same I was in last time. We spent so little time in our room that we wanted to spend the money on other things. The kids are literally ONLY in the room to shower and sleep, and that's only because we make them!

Michelle:wave:

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by nedleycan
So, is anyone in our group staying in a category 1, 2 or 3?

It just occurred to me...maybe you're asking so we can crash their room!:p

Michelle

[nedleycan]

Good idea! That isn't the reason I asked, but it would be a good idea! I would just love to see one of these rooms. I would never book one, mainly because it is so much more expensive, and I can't imagine that we would use all the perks, then I would be stressed out that I didn't use them enough!

[alexturner74]

We're in a Category 5, same as last time. Last cruise we spent a significant amount of time in our room...of course it was our honeymoon! ;)

We did really enjoy sitting out on our verandah quite a bit. The privacy was nice.

[lbgraves]

We are in an 11. One bathroom means one less door for Kaitlyn to get into. :rolleyes: She is definantly being quite the escape artists now. I am going to get a door alarm that we can take with us. Last week I found out that she could undo my SIL's deadbolt when I saw the front door open...then her standing at the edge of the driveway watching a car go by. :( I figure that the alarm should scare her long enough for me to stop her escape.

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by alexturner74
Last cruise we spent a significant amount of time in our room...of course it was our honeymoon! ;)

Alex, for the life of me I can't figure out what you're talking about! :o

Last week I found out that she could undo my SIL's deadbolt when I saw the front door open...then her standing at the edge of the driveway watching a car go by.


:eek: Thank goodness there are no moving vehicles on the ship!:eek:

[lbgraves]

:eek: Thank goodness there are no moving vehicles on the ship!:eek: [/B]

Well, if DS finds a cart with wheels....watch out! LOL! He found out how to lay down on a scooter/skateboard thing at a party last month & loved it.

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by lbgraves
Well, if DS finds a cart with wheels....watch out! LOL! He found out how to lay down on a scooter/skateboard thing at a party last month & loved it.

Oh no! I can picture him now stealing one of the server's carts in the dining room! How funny!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

Thanks Alex for adding our photos to your sight. Great job! Just looking at the photos reminds me of last year's cruise. The photo of Brian and I was 1 hour after boarding the ship (Meghan took the picture! Not bad for 4.5 at the time!) The kid's photo was taken while we were down there, with Cam's hero - Buzz Lightyear!

[mkauffman]

I think maybe you have a future photographer on your hands. And what better hero to have than Buzz!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

But, Cam is now very much into Spider-Man, so Buzz will have to be extra charming come November! I made a mistake on Meghan's age. She was also 5.5 years old when we cruise last December... boy, it seems like years ago, not just 7 months! Anyway, her photography is one reason why we like our digital camera so much... "go ahead, take as many pictures as you want!"
Hope all you Americans are having a great long weekend! Back to work for me tomorrow! Oh well...

[alexturner74]

I was wondering why the picture of you and Brian looked like it was taken not too far off the floor! Sorry I couldn't fit Buzz in the picture on the site, but the kids would have been pretty tiny.

[nedleycan]

No problem Alex! I wanted to send a Disney photo, and I thought that was a cute one. We all know what Buzz looks like, it is the kids that are important.

[mkauffman]

Yep, the arm gives it away....we all knew it was Buzz! Spider Man was everywhere at Universal when we went in December.

We might just have to break down and purchase a digital camera.

Since it's Memorial Day here in America, does that mean I don't have to do laundry today??? Wishful thinking.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[alexturner74]

No laundry for me...but still had to work. I'll get to take my "holiday" some other time.

[Jo-Anne]

bumping up so Diz4me can join the string....saw on another thread that she was on our cruise and invited her to join in on the "discussion"! Everyone have a great day....it's wonderful up here in Toronto today...finally hitting the 20 degree mark (70 degrees for those in farenheit!)

[mkauffman]

Good morning, Jo-Anne and welcome Diz4Me. The sun is FINALLY shining in Central PA! It's a beautiful morning. I really wanted a "sick" day today, but talked myself out of it. Instead, I'm sitting at work checking the DIS. Shame on me.

Take a look at today's countdown!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by alexturner74
No laundry for me...but still had to work. I'll get to take my "holiday" some other time.

I guess we tend to forget that it's not always a day off for everyone....so sorry Alex. Let us know when you finally get your holiday and we'll all be envious.

Michelle:)

[Kabuli1]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/pinkie.gif http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/pinkie.gif

Hi all! Howz everybody?

Michelle, don't get too used to the good weather - we just sent some lousy stuff your way! We had a very rainy weekend out in central NY for DS's graduation. Will the summer ever come?

Welcome to Diz4Me! Jump on in, we're looking forward to getting to know you!

Karyn

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/pinkie.gif http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/pinkie.gif

[diz4me]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcomes. I will spend a few hours going back over all the old posts and catching up. Like many of you, I am enjoying the first sunny day in ages here in NJ, and its making me yearn for the cruise to be closer! It is the first time we are taking DDs (3 and 18mos) on a cruise....Can't wait!

Thanks and "keep me posted!"

Peg

[nedleycan]

Welcome Diz4me! This is a great group of people. I only joined into the group within the past month, and they welcomed me with open arms. Can't wait to meet everyone!
Yes, it is beautiful today in Toronto... but, this weekend is going to really suck! It is supposed to rain Saturday and Sunday, and temperatures of 14 and 16 degrees (around 55 - 60 degrees F). Yuck!

[mkauffman]

Karyn.....how nice of you to send us rain, we've been needing it! Just kidding! I try to keep upbeat about it and think about the good stuff, but WOW is it hard sometimes to think about anything when it's rainy, cold and cloudy every darn day. I would almost think I'm being punished for something but honest, I've been a good girl!

Linda, we're supposed to have the same kind of weekend here in PA. I guess we better suck it up while we can. I feel myself having a headache tomorrow!

Peg, your little ones are going to LOVE this cruise. I have two nieces that are going, one will be 4 in August and the other will be 1 in August (I have two boys but they're both older). Your DDs will be in great company with my nieces! Did you send Alex your information so that he can add you to his site?

Signed, Sunny in PA!

:sunny: Michelle :sunny:

[lbgraves]

Welcome, Peg. There are quite a few kids in this group. DD will be 3 in September and DS will turn 5 the day before we sail. I "plan" to have DD PTd so that she can join big brother in the club, otherwise she will just stay with us and we can take her for some play stuff. Have you read that they are allowing non PTd kids in one of the Mickey ears on the Magic now? :bounce: That will defiantly be more fun for your 18 mo DD.

We managed to stay dry yesterday so I took the kids to the playground this morning. It felt like we were being cooked with the humidity by 10:30. :( We got 7-8 inches of rain in a week thru Tuesday so I've been keeping an eye out for passing boats on our street. ;)

Being a SAHM, I never get a holiday, so don't feel badly Alex. :)

[alexturner74]

I'm off today!!! Oh, wait, I'm supposed to be off today.

I'll be taking my holiday plus some in June. Going to Melbourne, FL (Beach!) and New York City (Party!) for two weekend trips.

We actually have had a few nice days here recently. Had so much rain this month it's been crazy.

[nedleycan]

Alex,
What do you do for a living (if you don't mind me asking)? It seems that you work when you shouldn't... you must rest for the big cruise... I am worried about you... haha

[alexturner74]

Don't worry about me. I'm off every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and I try to take off as many Sundays as possible during the year. Three day work weeks rule!

I'll be well rested for the cruise. I'm looking forward to this year even more than last year because I won't be exhausted from the wedding.

[mkauffman]

Ok, Alex......we're officially done worrying about you now! Three day work weeks, beaching it in Melbourne, partying it up in NYC, newleywed...........you're a lucky guy!

The sun is shining again....two whole days in a row. I don't know how to act.

:sunny: Michelle :sunny:

[Kabuli1]

Hi everybody!

We're off again, driving down to Lexington, KY (again) and back again tomorrow!

Just an FYI for all of you good folks east of here (Chicago area) we had an amazing night of tornado warnings and thunder storms- the weirdest skies I've ever seen, and oh, did I mention rain? For three days straight. Just thought I'd warn all of you!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/baby11.gif
I'm kinda sick of rain!

With all the rain, MOSQUITOS! I've never seen so many mosquitos and West Nile is a huge problem here (we had more cases in IL than any other state last year.) Oh, and MONSTER WEEDS! The weeds are sooooo happy!


Well, Have a great weekend! And, since I'm already to blame for the Norwalk last year on the Magic (NOY!), you can blame the weather on me too - after all, we sent it on to you!

Wishing you all sunny skies and no mosquitos!

Karyn

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/hairwind.gif

[lbgraves]

Hope you have clear skies for the road. We have had clear skies all day yesterday but are due for more rain today. This is crazy!!! If it keeps up, the Magic can just sail up here & pick us up on the corner. LOL! We hve had the zebra mosquitoes since Bertha & Fran clobered us back in 96 I think it was. They are out at all hours of the day so there is no relief. :( The main drainage ditch for the neighborhood runs behind our house so of course it is overflowing with over 10 inches of rain in 2 weeks.

Looks like I have nurse duty today. DH just took DS out to the pier to fish. He has a Mickey pole & loves to just stand there next to DH & cast it out. He can do pretty good now. :) I can't send it out there as far as he does with that little pole sometimes. They have fun and can guytalk. :) Kaitlyn woke me up getting sick around 4:30 am. Only one more time this morning & no fever so hopefully it's nothing major. She's up & playing so that is a good sign. She was more upset about messing up her sheets this morning than anything else.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!!!

[lbgraves]

We ended up going to the 6:45 show tonight & really enjoyed it, except for the crying/screaming kid behind us. :( DS kept turning around & telling him to shush & watch the movie. LOL! They showed the preview for the next Pixtar movie...Mr. Incredible I think. Not sure that this one looks like it will hit the same audience. Seemed to be for the older kids. Thing is it premiers on November 9th I think it was...so it will be on the Magic when we are sailing. :)

[mkauffman]

Thanks for the update on Nemo, Lisa. I want to see it with the kids but with our sports schedules, we rarely make it to the movies. It usually ends up coming out on video before we ever see it! It does look like a really cute movie.

Weather update: it's really, really windy here in Central PA today. They were calling for sometimes "damaging" winds and I don't think it's THAT windy, but it is quite breezy. We were supposed to have 4 games this weekend between my two boys and we ended up having one. This weather has put us over a month behind......will we have them all made up by November??? School is also pushed two weeks back this year. The kids are going stir crazy because they should be out now.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[Jo-Anne]

MIchelle - do you mean that your kids get out of school usually in mid May! WOW, here in Toronto, and I think the rest of Canada, schools don't let out until pretty much last day in June and we go back day after labour day. Too bad about the weather and all the havoc it's creating...we can also relate...it's taking a long time to get into decent and consistent weather this year. My DD and I saw the Lion King production today and WOW it was great...the costumes and scenery are amazing. DH took DS to see Nemo. DH said DS (3 1/3) was a little put off by some of the loud and scary scenes, but that it was overall a very good movie.

[lbgraves]

Jo-Anne, here in NC our schools let out mid May and resume mid August, more like a college schedule. Now there are also year round schools in the same districts, so it can get a bit confusing.

[mkauffman]

Jo-Anne, we normally get out end of May, so last week should have been the last. The snow caused an incredible amount of snow make up days and we didn't go back until after Labor Day last year and that's abnormal, too. This year the kids are going to have a very short summer because we're in school until June 13th and we go back at the end of August. The weather has just been so unsettled since winter and we're not used to that (some say we've been spoiled). I guess it just seems that it's been forever since we've had anything good for an extended period of time, one day here and there isn't good enough for me!;)

I was with family yesterday at a birthday party and we talked about this cruise the entire time. We're all so excited for it. It's about 5 1/2 months away now....can you believe it?? We've been planning for so long! I really can't wait to meet all of you!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[Kabuli1]

Michelle,

That's the normal year around here! School is always in session for the last week or so of August then it runs till mid June. And we don't have the winter break that the Eastern schools do. It's a straight thru grind w/ the occasional in-service day or bizarre IL holiday like Casimir Pulaski Day! Usually less than 2 weeks at Christmas and one week of spring break.

It was smooth sailing to KY and back. I must admit, I'm pretty sick of car travel after the last two weekends.

I'm trying to figure out my priorities and goals for the next several months - how much weight to lose by Nov 15 etc etc. One thing for sure, I've got to find a job NOW! I could use prayers and pixie dust about that!

Speaking of dust - I've been away two weekends! I have got to tackle the house this morning!

Have a great week, all!

Karyn

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/yesears.gif

[mkauffman]

Ughhhh....weight loss. What a nasty little phrase, Karyn. I've been doing WW since January and I just started Curves about 2 weeks ago. I have to say that I love Curves and working out is not one of my favorite things to do! It's actually fun and who uses workout and fun in the same sentence? I'm down about 25 pounds but I have at least that much more to lose. I try to look at it in little increments because 25 pounds seems like a mountain when you love food as much as I do. Anyway, I'm glad the trip went well and I'll be sending pixie dust your way. Keep your chin up...sometimes things happen when we least expect them.:sunny:

Michelle:D

[Jo-Anne]

Michelle - congrats on the weight loss - I've done WW before and have dropped 20, but I"m sure it's crept back on. I've heard good things about Curves and I think there is one pretty close to me..I just find it so hard to find the time to do something like that...taking care of me vs the rest of the world seems like such a far off, crazy notion! However, I've very worried about being around a ton of food 24/7 on the cruise! Anyone have experience on what the average weight gain is on a 7 day cruise (do I really want to know!). My mind screams "diet and exercise", but my body just isn't listening...hopefully soon, the two will connect! Karyn - sending PD on the job hunt...something is sure to pop up when you least expect it! Jo

[mkauffman]

Jo, that's exactly how I am with doing regular exercise. My normal exercise routine consists of running after the boys! We eat on the go all the time because there isn't time for anything else (thank God for my mom who makes sure we get a decent meal!). I finally decided that it was time to commit to something and Curves was the only thing I could manage and believe me, some days it's a struggle. First of all, it's all women and that's good for me because I can't do the workout with men thing. Secondly, it's about 30 minutes, I'm in and out and the complete routine is done. It's great. I go over lunch or right after work before I get home to my demanding life. The time at Curves goes so fast because it's fun. I can't say enough about it. I have to say that this cruise is my current motivation. I keep pushing myself to do this because I want to look and feel better for November. I feel like such a slouch when I gain weight and it's not good for the morale.

To be honest, I'm not really concerned about the food on the 7 day. I plan to get up in the morning and walk and everything else I'll work off when I get back. I don't want to constantly worry about food during this vacation. You shouldn't either. We've waited long enough for this thing, huh? Let's go and eat our dessert first, I say!!:p

Michelle

[Kabuli1]

Thanks for the PD guys, I'm going to need a bunch of it if we're even to join you on the cruise.

The diet thing - I've been hanging out on the WISH boards - they are wonderful and supportive. I've got about 35# that I want to lose b4 the cruise. You can keep track on my WISH clippie as to how I'm doing - tho I'm stalled right now even I'm following my plan I checked out a program similar to Curves (a couple blocks from my house - tried their machines and found that I have some sort of injury to my shoulder I didn't know about! ARGH! I don't want to join if I can't do half of the machines. Oh well, can't do that until I get a job, either!

I know, these are horrible topics aren't they - but it's all about that Nov 15 date, right?

Love you all!

Karyn

[Kabuli1]

Michelle, I really wanted to join this Curves kind of place - really really really! I guess we'll see what happens about the shoulder - w/o a job I don't have insurance - so I'm kinda leary about seeing an MD - don't want any pre-existing conditions, you know....

Jo-Anne. as far as food on the cruise, last year I gained about 5, Randy about 8 - but it is mostly water weight from the change of food/diet. It falls off pretty easily if you go back to proper eating when you get back home. One thing I learned long ago - when my kids were little - it is very important to carve out a little time for yourself! Try to find some way to do that!

Karyn

[nedleycan]

I find that when we are on a cruise, we don't gain any weight. That is mainly because we are so active on the cruise. I think that as long as you don't eat 3 desserts every night, and you do lots of walking at the ports, and try to do something (like walk) during the sea days, you will be fine. I am planning on running every morning when at sea. It will be so nice to run while the ship is moving!

[mkauffman]

I plan to be active somewhat;) . I'm dreaming about spending lazy days on the beach and around the pool. We'll see if that really happens!

Karyn, I totally understand your MD dilemma. I'm not sure I'd take the chance right now, either. It's better that you concentrate on keeping yourself healthy and employable, right;) ? There's something out there for you, I just feel it. I also agree with carving out time for yourself. Sometimes it's so easy to forget that we do deserve it! As busy moms we have to literally find time for us, but it's so very important. We are more than just moms and wives, after all. Sometimes the hubby can be just as needy as the kids:eek: !

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by nedleycan
as long as you don't eat 3 desserts every night

Oh no! Did you see me eating on the last cruise??:eek:

Just kidding.

Michelle

[nedleycan]

Was that you? haha

[mkauffman]

I never had three desserts, but my hubby did have two complete meals one night at dinner. He couldn't decide between the two and our wonderful server offered to bring him both. Low and behold, he ate every bite of both.....and then dessert! I think that alone talked him into the 7 day!

Have I said that my family LOVES food??:p

Michelle

[mkauffman]

Hey guys....how about this Child Tax Credit advance that we'll be getting in July/August (except for our friends in Canada)??? Just in time for vacation!

You can tell it's sunny today and I'm in a good mood!

Michelle:sunny:

[nedleycan]

Hey, that's not fair! You got me so excited, then you said it isn't for Canadians! Anyway, even if it was in Canada, you would have to make less than minimum wage to get any tax credits, so we wouldn't qualify! That is what we get for living in a Socialist society!

[Kabuli1]

Yeah, well, we won't get it either - Randy's self-employed, so we pay quarterly! Never had a tax credit that did us any good! Sigh - so it's not just our Cnadian friends!

Yes, it's sunny here, too - I was just out pulling a few weeds!

Karyn
:sunny: :sunny:

[mkauffman]

Sorry, you know I'd be sending some your way if I could. We love you all to the north! We're getting $400 for each child at the end of July/beginning of August. It was definitely a break that I didn't expect.

Michelle

[mkauffman]

You're right, Karyn. There aren't many tax breaks for the self-employed. I feel for you guys. I'm still gathering all the PD to send your way, though! The IRS might not love ya, but I sure do!

Michelle:D

[mkauffman]

We were on page 4!!!!:eek: Can't let that happen!

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

I saw a sign in front of a business on my way to work this morning. It said "Think Summer....It Might Work" :). So, for today, I promise to THINK summer! Maybe if we all get together and think summer at the same time, it might actually happen. It's actually sunny in Central PA today (there where all my sunshines are coming from). We haven't had more than two days in a row since last fall (that's not official, but that's sure what it feels like), and don't you know, it's supposed to rain on Saturday. Oh well, for today, I'm a happy girl.

Michelle:sunny:

[nedleycan]

It is a beautiful day in Toronto today! It will be close to 80 degrees and sunny, with low 70s and sunny all weekend! Finally!
And, today my kid's school is having a family picnic day, so I get to spend the day outside, not working! Yeah!
Thanks for bumping us up Michelle! Hope you all have a great weekend. We get to leave for the cottage early today, since we aren't working anyway.
See ya!

[mkauffman]

Have a great time with the kids today and a fantastic weekend at the cottage! It's sunny again here today, but it's supposed to rain tomorrow. I think Sunday is supposed to be really nice, though. We need that streak of several nice days before it really feels like it might stick around.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Glad to hear that you are getting some nice weather up north! It was sunny but very humid yesterday & it is just a little cloudy today. DS finished up his soccer camp this morning & was glad that they got to be outside. It is suppose to start raining here in the morning & go straight thru until Tuesday. :( Sounds like a good weekend to get some videos!

[nedleycan]

Where is everyone? It has been an entire week since anyone has posted here.
Any of you doing the St. Marteen Sailing Excursion? I have heard that it is fantastic! When we did our Windstar cruise 3 years ago, this was the most raved about excursion. It is a tough day of sailing an America's Cup sail boat, but it is supposed to be exciting and rewarding. I think my husband will be going on it, but it starts so early, that I think I will pass.
How is everyone's weather now? It has rained here for the past two days, but the weekend and next week are supposed to be beautiful! Yeah, summer is here!

[mkauffman]

We're not really doing much excursion-wise this time around. The last cruise we were so busy doing everything imaginable that we felt like we didn't have time to really enjoy and relax. We may do the parasailing on Castaway Cay and maybe Coral World.

The weather here in PA has gotten better...only a few days of rain this week instead of seven!:rolleyes: We are supposed to have a decent weekend so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks for getting us rolling again! I haven't seen my countdown clock lately.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[sherry]

Hi all, we are possibly doing excursions that tour the islands we are visiting. We never seem to enjoy the islands that we visit (except Castaway Cay of course!) and thought a tour might be just the thing to do and then enjoy the ship. We don't snorkel and my husband doesn't like to be on the beach for any length of time.

[Kabuli1]

Hi all!

I haven't done much thinking about excursions yet. We're still pretty iffy about whether we can afford to go. BUT, if we do, I want to go over to Anguilla from St Maarten and St John from St Thomas. I wish we were at St Thamas long enough to go on an excurion to the BVI's.

It's gloomy here, again, but no rain and is a great day to be working in the garden.

Karyn

[Kabuli1]

Hey, where is everybody????

I'm bumping this up from page 4. I'm thinking you are all so busy outside enjoying the finally summer weather you just haven't been checking in here!

Come back my friends, we gotta keep this where the rest of the world can find it!

Karyn

[Jo-Anne]

I'm here - just crazy busy with work right now...have a big project cutting over July 1...hope I remain sane until then! Received my Passporter about 2 weeks ago and have read it from front to back and have passed it onto my friends who are coming with us so they can start to get excited! I'm still trying to decide what to do on the port days...the excursions are mostly too expensive and not right for the ages of our kids, so will probably scope out which beach is best and spend some time there. Great weather here in Toronto...about time! Jo

[nedleycan]

Yes Jo-Anne, it is beautiful today! And the weekend is supposed to be 28 degrees (85 degrees - for you Americans)! Finally!

[lbgraves]

Not too much sunny weather here. We have been dividing our time between bailing out the yard & building that ark they recommended last week. ;) There have been terrible downpours for the past 3 days. We got caught on the way home in one yesterday. The kids & I had to change after racing from the car to the house. We couldn't see out the windows at all. I'm glad that our yard is elevated because both properties on either side of us have water up to their house.

I got the WDW passporter last week but haven't had time to read it yet. I figure that there is time. The kids have been keeping me busy too. Soccer camp one week, last week was vacation bible school, and swimming started this week. For the next 3 1/2 weeks we will be at the pool at 9 am. DS is loving it though & is so happy that he will be able to enjoy the Mickey pool more. :)

[mkauffman]

Hey guys!!! I've missed you. I've been having trouble accessing the board all week. I kept getting page domain errors. We had a nice weekend and Monday, but the rest of the week has been bad. Just when you think maybe we'll get out of the rain pattern.........:(

I got my Passporter months ago and read through it immediately. As much as I've learned from my previous cruise and from this board, I loved that book. It was a good purchase. I have a friend that's on the 4 day land/3 day cruise this week and I let her borrow the book. I have to make sure I get it back next week!

I'm still not decided on the excursions either. We keep going back and forth on doing some excursions, or just being lazy on the beaches during the day. I opt for the lazy part, but I'm not sure the kids agree. Maybe I should just leave them at home.......:p just kidding!

Are we under 150 yet??

Michelle:tongue:

[nedleycan]

Glad you got back on Michelle. I don't have the Passporter, but the item that I read a lot was the lonnnngggg document that you can get from one of the Disney Cruise sites (can't remember which one) that tells you everything about cruising with Disney. I read that complete through so many times last year. I need to print it out again for this year. You can never plan too much, I say!

Hope you all have a nice weekend and that the rain stops for everyone!

[mkauffman]

If you have a chance to get a link to that document, would you mind passing it on? Thanks a bunch!

Michelle:sunny:

[Jo-Anne]

I think the guide that's being referred to is: http://wdwig.com/cruise/cruise.shtml. If you look on the left hand side of that page, there is a cruise manual in two different formats. Think it's about 75 pages to print out, but the table of contents helps direct you to areas of interest!!!

[mkauffman]

Thanks Jo!

Michelle:D

[alexturner74]

That link is on our cruise site...along with the two others that are often mentioned in the DIS forums.

cruise.alexandjessica.com (http://cruise.alexandjessica.com)

[mkauffman]

Originally posted by nedleycan
You can never plan too much, I say!

I just re-read what you wrote, Linda. That's my life's motto....you can never plan too much! Thank goodness someone obsesses as much as I do!

Alex, I swear as many times as I've looked at your site, I never bothered to click on those links. Dah! Thanks for pointing them out.

Michelle:D

[kimszath]

My hubby, son, and Mom are cruising on the Magic with you guys this Fall!!! Or is it Winter? In any event, WE CAN'T WAIT!!! Seems 15 November is SOOOOO far away, but I'm sure it'll be here before I finish getting in shape... I saw all the postings on the PassPorter's Guide--have it and LOVE it. This will be our first real cruise (day out and backs don't really count, right?) and our first vacation since our honeymoon 9 years ago. My son is 4, and is pretty excited about the whole thing. We were originally scheduled to cruise on the Magic back in early Oct 2001, but had to cancel due to Sep 11th events (I'm military--really busy since then). Can't wait to meet you all! We arrive on 12 Nov and will be staying at the Contemporary Resort for 3 nights while enjoying WDW and getting psyched up! Anybody organizing anything at WDW ahead of time?
Ciao!
:rolleyes:

[kimszath]

I just reread my post... I'm going, too, with hubby, son and Mom. Didn't make sense not to try and cram 4 people in a 4-person room! Wouldn't miss it for the world. And how's this for a good son-in-law? It was my husband's idea to invite my Mom to go along with us. She's absolutely thrilled!
More later. :o Bedtime for me!

[mkauffman]

Welcome Kim! It's great to have you in our little world. Make sure you send Alex your information and he'll update his wonderful website. He's created a website just for us 11-15 cruisers. Alex, I'm sorry if you've already contacted Kim.

Your 1st vacation in 9 years??? Oh my goodness, this one was a long time in the making, huh? You picked a good one to start with! I have a niece going who will be 4 in August and I know there are a few others that age in our group. Your son will be in good company!

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

Welcome Kim!!! Great to hear there is another little one along. :) DD will be 3 & DS turns 5 the day before we sail. He can't wait to meet all his new friends in the club. :)

[Jo-Anne]

Welcome Kim! Great to have another little boy along (and the adults, of course!)...My DS will be 4 in September and hopefully they'll have a blast in the clubs! I also have a DD who will be 7. Happy planning! Jo

[Kabuli1]

Yeah, Kim!!! Glad to have you aboard!!! AND so glad you found us.

We are going to have a blast! Don't worry about the ESPN Club, sadly they are supposed to be taking out the bar where the dueling pianos are and turning it into a sports bar. So there should be some ESPN type thing there when we cruise. Sad tho, cause the dueling pianos was one of the best acts on board!

Hey, everybody! Look at my sig - I've got an update on my WISH clippie! I tell you these 5 have been hard fought! If anyone wants to know about the Atkin's Fat Fast and just how miserable it is - feel free to ask! But in 4 days I dropped 6.5 and jump-started my metabolism! (Actual loss to date: 13 lbs, look for a 15# clippie in the very near future!)

Karyn

[mkauffman]

Congrats Karyn! You're talking to someone who knows exactly what you're going through. I've been doing WW since January and I just joined Curves and it's still a battle! If only I didn't love food so much! Any news on the job front?

Michelle:bounce:

[Kabuli1]

Thanks Michelle! You ought to join us on the WISH boards! It is the most wonderful group of supportive people - and tho we represent all kinds of diet plans - seems like for the most part people are either doing WW or Atkins. And everybody is into Curves these days!

And NO news on the job front. Maybe I'll be stuck waiting for the college kids to go back to school in another month or so. SIGH. Thanks for asking - it is really tough!

Karyn

[mkauffman]

Karyn the one thing I've learned about my weight loss journey is that it really is a journey and it never ends. Even when you reach your goal, it's a life-long journey to keep it off. The one thing we all need is support along the way. I'm here for you, girl! I'll check out the board (what else am I going to do at work, right??).

Do you mind me asking what kind of work your're looking for (or is it ANY work at this point?)?

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[mkauffman]

Hey guys....I was just looking at a website ( http://www.sunseekersvi.com/ ) and I have a question. If no one here knows, maybe I'll post this on another thread (but I just love you guys so much!). I'm interested in the St. Thomas and Coki Beach tour, however the times are listed as 8:30 and 1:30. It seems that 8:30 would be hard to make it to and the 1:30 will get us back too late. Does anyone know if either one of these times is do-able?

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

So glad that you joined us. We are: me, DH, DD (6.5 at cruise time), DS (almost 5 at cruise time). Looks like there are lots of little ones in the group!

I commend you guys on the weight lose. I really only want to firm up and lose 5 pounds, and that is taking so much will power. I love food so much, and if I wasn't blessed with high metabolism from my parents, I would be overweight for sure.

I started working out in the morning a month ago, and have kept it up at least 3 times per week. But, on the weekends at the cottage we love to cook gourmet food and drink lots of wine. Friends of ours on the lake always bring delicious dips and appetizers up every weekend, and that is a killer.

My goal is to be more fit by the time we cruise!

Anyway, off to the cottage now. We usually get away early on Friday's, but hubby had to work right until 5:00, so now we get to battle the traffic...

Have a great weekend everyone!

[kimszath]

Hi Michelle & Lisa! Thanks for the warm welcome. Yes, we are THRILLED to be going on this cruise. And yes, it has been 9 years since we had a real vacation. I'm on active duty and basically have been on a tight schedule most of time because I'm a flyer. Now that I'm a flight instructor at the "schoolhouse," I actually have most weekends and holidays OFF! For the FIRST time in my career, I have a LIFE!!!!!! Hey, I hear the best time to book your next cruise is while you're on a cruise... is that right? I understand they offer pretty decent discounts if you book on the ship. We got a great deal on this cruise with the military promotion they were offering, so I doubt it'll be much better than that... of course, maybe it'll be SO outstanding that I'll splurge and book a suite! I'll stay on the voards... will be really nice to know somebody when we all show up at the terminal! I need to do some more reading... you guys going early for any WDW visiting?
Ciao!:p

[lbgraves]

We are staying at the AS Movies for 2 nights after the cruise with a day at MK on Sunday, then Sea World Monday. I am just starting to investigate WDW so hopefully I will feel as prepared for that as I think I am for the cruise. My BIL & SIL live in Jax, FL so we will be staying with them the night before & a few days after our vacation since it will be Thanksgiving week.

[Kabuli1]

Bumping this up!!!

Ok, guys, here's the dilemma. We don't see how we can possibly pay for this cruise. We've been hanging on to the booking cause we have $200 shipboard credit and all that. We could do it on points but it would "cost" a whole lot more and we'd lose our credit.

The other factor is that DU is holding two rooms for us on the holiday 2004 cruise. We need to put a deposit down by Friday. It's very very expensive compared to the price on this one, but there's 17 months to put aside the $$. Now, we could take the deposit on the 11/15 cruise (and maybe the shipboard credit) and apply it to 12/04 - but that would mean we wouldn't go with you and that would be horrible!

I dunno, what do you guys think?

I have a miserable rotten sinus infection and I need to go back to bed! I'll check in later!

Karyn

[nedleycan]

Karyn,
First of all, I am sorry about your sinus infection. I have had a few in my life, and they are horrible. Get some medicine.

Only you can decide what to do re: cruise. If you can't afford to go now, then you just can't afford it. But, is one more year (for a more expensive cruise) going to make that much of a difference? Of course we want you there with us! What a difficult decision to make. If it were me, I would make this decision based on logic... can you actually afford to go right now? Don't worry about us, as these Disboards are full of lots of wonderful people, and you would end up meeting a great group for the Holiday 2004 cruise, I am sure! But, the biggest shame would be if you cancel this cruise, then save for the next year, and then realize that the more expensive Holiday cruise is too expensive and you have to cancel that too.

Tough decision to make, especially since you are sick. Good luck!

[Jo-Anne]

Ah Karyn, what a difficult decision, especially when you're under a time deadline and not feeling well! I'm sure you'll make the decision that is right for you, and deep down inside, you probably already know what it is. If you can't make the trip in November, we'll miss you....but just think, an extra year obsessing about the holiday 04 cruise on the DIS boards! Take it easy! Jo

[lbgraves]

Personally, I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself at all if it was that difficult to come up with the extra money for the cruise now. Someone we know went on another cruiseline & was stressed out beforehand coming up with the money and ended up charging some of the balance then of course spent way too much on the trip. The first day back she was obsessing with how she was going to get the money to pay for everything. Of course she booked another cruise for next year so the cycle is going to probably continue. From what I have seen, the Holiday 2004 cruise is VERY much out of our budget. We could take 2-3 7 days for the same price. I would much rather get more bang for my buck. :)

Of course we would all enjoy meeting you & your DH on the cruise in November. Only you know what you can & can't manage right now. The holidays are right around the corner after we get back too. My shopping has been done since February so I have a stress free holiday, but I know not everyone does that & older kids make that more difficult.

Take care of yourself & try to make the choice that is best for you & your family.

[nedleycan]

Wow! You have everyone done by February! Incredible!

[lbgraves]

I have been doing this for a couple years so it has gotten easier to get everything done now. I live in Target the month after Christmas for their toy markdown dates and now have friends I have met over the past couple years who help me. They know that I will be there after I take one or both of the kids to preschool, so they will grab a couple things that they think I may want. I also have made friends on a deals message board who look for deals for me up & down the east coast at Target if I can't find them here. Coupons & deals is my job to me. Friends tell me I am one of "those ladies that go on Oprah." LOL! I keep a spreadsheet so that I can keep track of what I got for who when...birthdays & holidays for all their friends too. I am collecting the Harry Potter Lego sets for the kids...but they wont get them for a few years at least since they are just 2 1/2 & 4 1/2 now. ;) They are both HP nuts with the movies already and at 75% I am getting them now as they clearance them off. I did just pick up the Hogwarts Express at 50% after they were marked down this morning though because I am afraid of the 3 that are left being gone within 2 weeks. DH keeps threatening that he is going to have a yard sale & get rid of it all but he knows that I am saving us alot of money. That's how I am going to be able to pay off this trip before we go & have some play money without taking anything extra out of the household money. :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: It's also the only way that I have been able to be a SAHM.

[Jo-Anne]

Oh Lisa, we'll get along famously! I LOVE shopping at Target and I love sniffing out deals, coupons and sales! We don't have Target in Canada, but I go to Cincinnati about 4 times a year and I always take an early flight so I can go to Target and Kohls prior to hitting the meetings (don't tell my boss)!! Sometimes my sister and I take a quick trip across the border to Buffalo just to go to Target and outlet malls! My DH thinks I'm nuts too by doing all this extensive research, but he sure does appreciate the $$ I save us!
I'm just rereading some posts and I see you are staying at AS after the cruise...I was toying with the idea of staying one extra day at a hotel in Orlando and flying back on Sunday. I do wonder though, if at the end of 7 days at sea, if I'll just want to get back home and unwind before going back to work, or if we should take the extra day to relax and unwind at a pool (that won't be so crowded as the one on the ship!)...anyone have any thoughts on this? Jo

[lbgraves]

Jo-Anne, We weren't going to stay on for WDW and left it just the cruise for 2 months, then one day DH said to look into getting a room. LOL! I couldn't believe how inexpensive the AS was but it is off peak. We were going to try to do the KSC but decided that a day by the pool & possibly Downtown Disney was just what we needed. If nothing else, it will give me a little time to get some laundry done if I didn't do anything on the cruise.

Do you have any grocery stores that double or triple coupons? That's when I have the most fun.
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
Harris Teeter doubles to .50 every day but has doubled or even tripled to $1 before. LOTS OF FREE FOOD!!! :) Last March we drove down to Wilmington with their 5 stores & I dropped DH & the kids at Chucky Cheese (nothing even like that here in town) for 3 hours while I filled up the coolers in the car. I just about filled our extra freezer that I had bought that week for under $10. There is a store in FL that allows you to stack coupons. Too bad you are flying out, you could stock up the car with some major deals. ;)

[alexturner74]

Jo-Anne,

We stayed an extra two nights at WL after our cruise last Thanksgiving. It was great at the end of the cruise knowing that we didn't have to go home yet.

Everyone on the ship who knew that we were staying in Orlando were jealous because they were all flying home right after the cruise and didn't want to go!

I would definitely recommend staying and hanging out. All we did on that Saturday was hang out at the hotel, took a nap, played in the pool (perfectly warm during day), rented some bikes, and walked. Very relaxing. It was cool at night though.

We actually went to Animal Kingdom and Epcot on Sunday and had a great time. Flew back home Monday morning and went to work on Tuesday. No problems there.

Alex

[Jo-Anne]

WOW Lisa, you are coupon saver extrodinaire! We don't have the concept of doubling coupons here in Canada although I see it everytime I'm in US. The few coupons I see in US magazines (like People), that I like, I just clip and put in my Travel folder so they are there when I make my busines strips to the US!
Alex - thanks for your perspective...I'm really thinking about tacking on the extra day to relax....looks like SouthWest didn't come out with their Nov flights yet, so at least another few days to think about it!

[Kabuli1]

Jo-Anne,

I'm with Alex! We stayed till Sunday night, did MK w/our DISer-tablemates-friends on Saturday (it poured all day!you shoul see our pictures - lots of yellow ponchos) and on Sunday we enjoyed the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot before flying home. It will be over by the time this cruise is done). It was really nice not to rush home. I'd choose it that way every time!

Karyn

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - just tried twice to send you email, and got an undeliverable message: User mailbox exceeds allowed size: support@ncfreedom.net. any ideas of what I'm doing wrong?

[lbgraves]

JoAnne, That is really weird. The inbox is nearly empty. It's graves@ncfreedom.net. I have received some email since I last closed out. I'll check it out.

[mkauffman]

Just bumping us up again.

Karyn...how are things going for you?

I just love all you super-bargain-shoppers! I take great pride in never paying full price for anything. If it's not on a sale rack, I don't look at it. I'm convinced that there's nothing in this world that you have to pay full price for (if you just know how to find it!).:p

Tomorrow we'll finally be in the 120s!

It's been really hot and muggy here in Central PA, but I'm loving every minute of it. Can't wait 'til November.

Michelle

[nedleycan]

Michelle,
I was just online looking for this thread, to bump it up again, and then I receive an e-mail that you did the same thing! See, it will be a great cruise!!!!

I am so happy that summer is finally here. We go on vacation next week and I can't wait. We will spend the week at our cottage relaxing, boating, drinking wine... sounds just like a Disney cruise! Okay... the boat is only 19 feet long, but it is almost the same. I might have to get DH to put on some Mickey ears so that we can pretend.

[mkauffman]

Linda, I always just go to Alex's site to get our cruise thread because it beats searching through all those other threads! You're never going to guess this.........I'm on vacation next week, too!! Great minds really do think alike! The beginning of the week I'm doing some things with the boys (hubby is working, he doesn't get nearly as much vacation as I do) and Thursday I'm leaving for a Rehoboth beach weekend with my girlfriends. I feel like I just can't get enough sunshine this year......do you all feel the same way?? It's been a long time in the making!

Oh, and Linda, make sure someone else is driving that boat while you're sipping the wine! :p I'll hopefully be sipping something myself next week! At least when we go on the big ship in November we don't have to worry about "drinking and driving", right? ;) Promise us that if you get DH in those Mickey ears, you'll take a picture to share!

Michelle

[nedleycan]

First of all, if I ever got conservative DH in Mickey ears, I would eat my hat! Second, he would have to drink a lot of wine before he would let me take a photo of it! haha

Hope you have a great week off. I will be spending that last Saturday night (the 19th) at a girl's weekend too! Someone on our lake is having 10 woman up to her place and we are going to get a massage therapist in to pamper us. Can't wait.

Good idea re: going to Alex's site. That would speed thing up. Sometimes I will keep an old DIS e-mail, so that at least I can find the thread, then I simple skip to the last entry... didn't save the last one, so that is why the search started.

[mkauffman]

A massage therapist..........that sounds like heaven! Have a great time (like I need to tell you that!).

Michelle

[lbgraves]

OK. I know that I am not the only bargain hunter in this group! Go to their website for a fantastic sale up to 75% off!!! I just got 25 items for 160 shipped! Use code SUMMER2003 for 10% off so that covers your shipping cost. The kids are going to be decked out in Disney PJs & DD will have swim suits for the trip. I also picked up the Navy Disney logo Tees for all 4 of us to wear the day we board. I think that it will make a nice picture for us boarding the ship. DH will hit the roof if he is home when the box gets here but I also got MIL a personalized Gramma shirt for Christmas.

[mkauffman]

Lisa, I just got that same Disneystore.com email. I haven't had a minute to look up the website yet, though. I'll have to do that today. You got a deal.......25 items for 160. You'll be the best looking family boarding the ship! Thanks for the tip.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

The stuff is going fast & the site is pretty slow. Good luck getting all that you want!!! :)

Lisa

[lbgraves]

It seems to be taking forever, yet the months are passing quicker than I expected. I am getting so excited. My Disney.com order shipped yesterday & I am going to be putting the Tees away to give to everyone the morning we leave for the ship. :) I just got one of the DCL stuffed ships from the Hasbro game rebate. It is so cute!!!! I only ended up spenind $11 for the $40 worth of games for each one so I am truely happy with this. I had another one shipped to SIL where we will be staying the night before we leave for the ship so I can stuff both of them in the suitcase...will need alot of room...and them leave a note asking the room steward to take them out of the closet when they turn down the beds that first night as a surprise for the kids. OK...now it seems like it will be forever before we get to cruise again! :(

[mkauffman]

I had to laugh at the comment about "until we cruise again". We still have 4 months until this cruise!:p I only laugh because that's how I am with vacations.......planning the next one before the current one is finished! It's too depressing to not have something to look forward to.

Have I told you guys that I can't wait to meet you all?? The closer we get, the more excited I get.:)

Can you believe it, 4 months!! The time has really gone by so quickly. I don't wish winter upon us, but I really need November to happen! I was just at Kohl's over lunch and I found my two boys khaki's for dinner on the clearance racks. Gotta love that. Of course, Josh, being 15, will be the test. I'll probably end up taking his back. Garrett's only 8 and he couldn't care less. I can buy him anything. It would be nice if one of the two would stay little forever!:(

Michelle

[lbgraves]

LOL! I meant that I was back to the mindset that it is going to be so long until we cruise again. :) Sometimes it seems like the time has gone so fast since we signed up for this after Christmas, then other days it seems like the time is dragging on.

You know, I read a thread about there being a room in Palo's for groups of 14 or so. Maybe we can get that for brunch one day on our cruise???

[mkauffman]

That would be great, Lisa. We should try to do that. I'd be game.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[nedleycan]

For sure! Let's do it! What a great time that would be. I love that idea so much. I am planning on getting in line early for Palo (I love that place!) so I could book it for us. Although, I would need a guarantee from everyone, as it will cost me money to book... money that I could be spending on Margaritas! haha

I too can't wait to meet you all. You all seem like really nice people. There are some "strange" people on this board (sorry to all the strange people), but there doesn't seem to be any on our cruise! Yeah!

[mkauffman]

Linda, you're a doll for offering to do it. Count Tony and I in. If you're keeping a list you'll need to know our names and room numbers. We are Anthony & Michelle Kauffman, room 7537. We're available for brunch on any at-sea day.

Oh, and I wouldn't count on us not being strange....you haven't met us in person yet. :p Just kidding......we promise not to burp out loud at brunch.

Michelle:Pinkbounc

[lbgraves]

We would love to join in, but need to wait until DD is PTd to commit. :rolleyes: I know that DS will be fine in the club.

[nedleycan]

Don't worry, I am very strange, but in a normal way (does that make sense?) I hope our group is a little strange... and what's wrong with burping?

[JulieGS]

Hello everyone!

Though we haven't finalized plans yet, I think my DH and two DS, (ages 4 and 1 by cruise time) will be joining you. This will be our first cruise and first time to anything Disney for the children, arrived at as a compromise for me (who wanted Disney) my DH (who wanted relaxing) and the kids (who want what we tell them...at least for now). Your discussions have gotten me so excited about the cruise! Hopefully after this weekend I can post and tell you what our stateroom number will be!

Anyway, I had a few questions, if you have time to reply... has anyone done a vow renewal on board or known someone who has? It's our tenth anniversary this year, and I was thinking of surprising DH. He won't care too much about the ceremony, but he loves being pampered and getting extra attention, which I think he'll get with a vow package. I'm just not sure how corny the whole thing might be... any thoughts?

Also, should we go for the most stateroom we can afford, or save money for other things? Any opinions would be appreciated, especially from those of you with young children. Would more space help with the youngins?

And my second DH would turn 1 on the cruise... should we plan on a little party (is that possible?) or should we keep it low key because the characters will scare the bejeezus out of him?

Sorry for the newbie questions... thanks for your help!

Julie

:confused: but :bounce:

[lbgraves]

DS will turn 5 the day before we sail. I mentioned it when they asked if there was any special occasion while making the reservation & they noted it on our reservation. They will sing happy birthday to him at dinner the first night. They give a cake with a white chocolate ship on it and a pin. I believe it is the cast members that sing, not the characters, so if you hold DS, maybe he will be ok? It really depends on the child & their personality at the time...which is always changing while they are young. :rolleyes:

We are in a cat 11 room. I figure that we will have that much more to put towards our next cruise by doing that. ;) DH doesn't know this is my plan yet. LOL! We can always hope for an upgrade but we don't plan on spending alot of time in the cabin aside from naps & sleep.