20040131 ~ Cruising Jan 31 2004 Western Who's with us?

[The4OfUs]

Sounds like so much fun, I'm assuming you'll have plenty of Bernie Botts All Flavor Beans...I want to see the mens faces when they try "Booger" flavor, or "Black Pepper", "Vomit", "Sardines"...or "GRASS"...

...

No, NOT that kind of grass! *shakes finger in very mommy like way*

:tongue:

And we can throw in a quick game of Wizard's Chess or Quidditch, but don't let Cap play because he already broke one pair of glasses and wont have time for another trip to the eye dr. before he leaves!

And hide and seek, but no cheating with the Maurauder's Map, people!!

Speaking of Cap, did you get your docs yet? Are you the only one in our group still missing them? :(

[The4OfUs]

Hey Jami - how are you feeling??? :(

[Kabuli1]

Hi everybody - we packed till we ran out of newspaper! Then we went shopping! Well, not really, we went to a wine store to get boxes for my stemware and then a cheese shop to get lunch!

The party's already at my house on Saturday night! I called it first.

That's right that the "child" rotation is APL and it doesn't make any sense at all w/ the formal night at Lumieres. The PLA - mixed ages puts you in AP for Formal and semi, while the adult rotation LAP puts you in the most kiddie firendly for Formal night - go figure! I want LAP, tho!

How fun to have everything worked out before anyone else!

Where's the party tonight?

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Kabuli1
That's right that the "child" rotation is APL and it doesn't make any sense at all w/ the formal night at Lumieres. The PLA - mixed ages puts you in AP for Formal and semi, while the adult rotation LAP puts you in the most kiddie firendly for Formal night - go figure! I want LAP, tho!


Any reason why you want LAP, Karyn?? Just curious.

I was just thinking - maybe they do that so that the kids have the best chance of being dressed up on formal/semi-formal nights - after all, not ONLY is it formal night, but it's also the fanciest of the restaurants, so maybe it's in hopes that parents will pay more attention to the dress suggestions that way...you know, a double whammy? Otherwise, it almost doesn't seem fair, does it!

I know I know...want some cheese with that WHINE, Nikki? :crazy:

I guess I don't really care, LAP or PLA would be neat because then I know we have AP two nights. I am going to take the "it's out of my control" attitude with this one or I'll nitpick it to death!

:scratchin

[auntrenae]

Hi everyone,
I hope our disco reunion night hasn't been sent into history oblivion, but:confused: when we went in Oct. they skipped it:confused: and went straight from 60's to 80's. They didn't even have 50's night that time:mad: That made me even more unhappy. I can do the swing with the best of 'em, and I don't look too bad in capris/pedal pushers either. Alas, my disco dresses are long gone... I danced them right into the rag bag long ago.:rolleyes: Let's keep our hopes up that they will bring it back! Anyone up for a rousing rendition of the Hustle or the bump???
see ya,
The disco inferno lady,
Renae

[The4OfUs]

GREAT. Now I have "The Hustle" stuck in my head....

DO THE HUSTLE! Do do do do...dododododo...

*ahem*

:rolleyes:

Speaking of that, are there places the kids can join us? DD and DS are ALWAYS on the dance floor at weddings, and can Electric Slide with the best of 'em...and dont' even get me started on the Macarana!

[dheller97]

Hey, Cap - Whatcha think about all these young "kids" here? 60's - 70's, 80's? Why, back in our day....... we had snow up to the roof-tops, had to walk 5 miles to school in a blizzard, and danced to the REAL music. Oh, yeah, I remember it well.... http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/music/1.gif

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by dheller97
Hey, Cap - Whatcha think about all these young "kids" here? 60's - 70's, 80's? Why, back in our day....... we had snow up to the roof-tops, had to walk 5 miles to school in a blizzard, and danced to the REAL music. Oh, yeah, I remember it well.... http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/music/1.gif

*snicker* You forgot my father's favorite description... "walk to school in the snow...FIVE MILES...UPHILL...BOTH WAYS!!"

:tongue:

Listen to you, Dean, you'd think you were old enough to be my father...NOT!

"Ah yes...I remember it well..."

Great. Now I have the music from Gigi stuck in my head...will you people STOP that!!

You know, I just realized that I've babbled like ALL day today...sorry bout that...I'm going home now, so I'll shut up...

[Kabuli1]

Why do I want LAP? Well, it's the adult rotation and we're all adults at our table (well, maybe not Dean!) And I like Lumiers and it puts me there 3 nights and I don't like AP and I was wanting to go to Palo on Sunday night (Key West night) which would be AP night, but since that's superbowl night I probably wont go that night . . . so then I would want to go Mexicalli night - which is also Animator's Palate on the LAP rotation. I think I would enjoy PC for formal night than AP.

Yes, you were rather animated yourself today, Nikki, but I guess you're really excited.

Karyn

[Cyberkashi]

I'm feeling a little better but no where near myself--thanks for asking.

As far as it goes for two parties on the same night, I don't see a problem. Just party hop. :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[dheller97]

Well, it's the adult rotation and we're all adults at our table (well, maybe not Dean!)

And, what do you mean by that, youg lady? http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/fam/fam11.gif

[Bonkinthesota]

Good news! The Minnesotans got their docs. We're on are way now. Doing the happy dance!

:wave:

[dheller97]

Congratulations! Isn't that a great feeling to have them in hand? I never realized how everything seems so real once you get those things.

Dean

[Juli]

Hope everyone has warmed up after last nights romp on the ice and snow. If you left anything here, well, our house tends to eat things. They disappear like so many dog collars. We'll start a lost and found box and bring it all to Karyn's and Jami's on Saturday.

Juli

[Juli]

Congrats to Minnesota in getting documents. I was out of town when ours came and made my son open them up and tell me what was there. And this is from someone who's been on the Magic before. :crazy:

Juli

[dheller97]

Gary,
The magnets I did were with the Xyron where one piece of magnet material is joined with a laminate material. We made them business card sized. But, I have seen the sheets, just haven't tried them. Here's the designs I used: http://mattman787.topcities.com/newest_magnet1.jpg andhttp://mattman787.topcities.com/newest_magnet2.jpg

Still got some left if anyone wants - just send me your address and I'll get them on the way.

Dean

[Juli]

Darn it! I had this long post about dining rotations, fruity drinks for Nikki, Palo ressies, and I deleted it. Someone trying to tell me to stop rambling?

Juli
:mad:

[goofyaboutmickey7]

Where is the next party,, annie and i have recuperated we are ready for another one, any offers? or suggestions for location ? theme? any volunteers? pirate: :wave: :wave2: :goodvibes :boat: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: Arrrggghhh Eh! Randy

[auntrenae]

Let's dance them into the floor people!!!
Now, it seems to me that we have a lot of people in our little group who can REALLY dance, how 'bout a show one night to let people know that disco never really died? We can party downnnnnn:smooth: oh yeah:smooth: we are so cool:smooth:
Man, I can almost hear myself talk, that's scary!:goodvibes
As far as the electric slide, I've seen it on deck during the sail away party and the macarena at the Mexicali... night, so we are all set! Don't forget the limbo:cool1: on Mexi:cool1: night too!!
I love to dance on board and my DH who is usually not a dancin' man, is up for it usually too.:teeth: so... here I go again, let's
par-tee doWN! do do do do do dodedodo... do the hustle....

[auntrenae]

Ok people,
You really know how to party, as evidenced by the frozen speedos in front of Juli's fireplace, what say we wow the whole shipload of people in the line to board... are you game?:Pinkbounc How about doing a rousing demo of the Hustle (insert music here... do do do do) in the lobby of the cruise terminal??:Pinkbounc Maybe we will either make people think this is the best cruise in history, or:earseek: they will freak out and leave the whole ship to us:earseek: Either way, we win:tongue:
Then when the cruise is over:( we can say, 'Oh yes, we remember it well:smooth: (insert french accent):smooth:
hmmmmmm...
He He He
Renae

[Annie12345]

Hi everyone - We're up for some party hopping on Saturday night... it will get us all ready for the Duval crawl in Key West... I'm still blushing from all the speedos that were left behind :blush: I have to admit that I'm not really up on the disco era but I did watch Saturday Night Fever so I think I'll be able to catch on... I do love to dance to 50's music though...
'night all...
p.s. that romance package sounds fantastic!!! Doesn't it sound wonderful GoofyAboutMickey7????? ...:teeth: :lovestruc :lovestruc :hug:

[Cap]

I've been busy today and away from the boards.

My stepfather had the best of the travel to school stories. Not only was it uphill both ways through the snow, it was also has to saddle the horse, ride eight miles to a relatives, put the horse in the barn, then walk to school two miles, and repeat it all after school was over.

I suppose I could tell stories and make them seem bad also. I did often hitch a ride home six miles in the dark in Winter after basketball practice was over. I wouldn't want my kids doing that today.

[OKWMEMBER]

I, the kid himself, am ready to get down with my bad self!!! I've got the boogie fever, I've got to boogie down!!! I heard somebody say burn, baby, burn! Disco Inferno!!!
:cool1:
Of course, I can rock and roll to the 50's and 60's, too.

And of course, IT'S ELECTRIC!!!

And HEYYYYYYYY MACARENA!!!!! HAARROOOO!!!!

Do ya wanna get funky with me? Do ya wanna???

HADN!!!:wave: :wave2:

[kmc33]

Good night all -- unless you are all ready for the all-nighter party! I see a lot of check marks still lit up so I know you are out there.

The more I hear about the romance package, the more I want to book it. I don't know if DH would go for it. Does anyone know what the Romantic gift amenity is? And how about the price for the Couple massage if you were to book it on your one. I am thinking it would be so nice to get this stuff booked. And then I get down to the Romance turndown service and champagne breakfast in bed and realize that with an unpredictable 4 year old in our cabin, there's no guarantee of having him out of the cabin :rolleyes:

My theory is the same as yours Nikki for the young kids in APL. I figured the cruisers without small kids might be more likely to dress up for the formal nights AND for their nights in Lumieres.

And how about that 70's night. Just as I was realizing Disco Duck was stuck in my head I read Nikki had the Hustle in hers. I hope I don't hear them in my sleep!!! :listen: :crazy2:

Good night Johnboy :wave2:

[kmc33]

Oh no :eek: Now, Disco Inferno too!!!

[OKWMEMBER]

Kim, I refer to myself as Gar-Bob in Walton-ese.

Good night, all!!! Have Disney Dreams!!!

[Juli]

Ya know, I think I was in a different place in the 70's. A far, far prettier place where everyone loved one another and Pink Floyd played on the stero and it was far out man! But then came the late 70's "and we were dancin, yeah!"

"I can't dance, don't ask me"

Juli

[Juli]

Passing Nikki a nerve soothing fruity drink......

To finally answer Nikki's questions about our Romantic Escape. (sigh!)

Here are our ressies:
Sunday Day 2 - KW - Brunch @ Palo - 10:30 (I think)
Monday Day 3 - At Sea - Couples Massage - 9:15
Wednesday Day 5 - CZ - Dinner @ Palo - 7:30! Same night Nikki!
Thursday Day 6 - At Sea - Tea @ Palo - 3:30

When Debbie asked me what night I wanted to make Dinner for, I said, "We won't know our rotation in order to pick a specific night will we?" and she said "I can do that for you, what would you like?" We discussed the rotations for all of 1/2 a minute and I said I'd like to go with APL. It put us in L on both the formal and semi-formal nights, and got us out of PC/Mexicalli on our Palo night. I wasn't even thinking about having to dress up on those nights as well as other nights if we got a different rotation. Wouldn't change what I'm wearing at all. DH would have gone along with whatever we did. He cleans up well. :smooth: My kids are funny. Peter likes to dress up; asked me to get him a tux like his Dad. John will tolerate it if that is what everyone else is doing and he's supposed to, but can't wait to get that tie off. I would have been ok with PAL rotation as well. I think this is where families with kids between 7-10 supposedly end up most of the time according to the PassPorter. I don't see why your TA/MIL couldn't call Debbie and ask about the rotation now. She said to call with any questions or changes if I thought of any.

Oh, one other thing. Debbie said she'd seat us at a table for 4 in case our kids don't join us each night. Then we can have a nice dinner for 2. She's trying hard to make this romantic. I appreciate that, but I like meeting new people and the kids do too. If we leave it this way, I'll be talking to all the tables around us. I can't help it. Me and my big mouth just can't help it.

I didn't ask about the "romantic gift". I would like a surprise as well, so I didn't ask. I would like to know if it is flowers, which I don't think it is, b/c I may order some seperately. I'm treating this all like an early Valentines Day since that is only a week after the cruise.

When we cruised before, we had two 5 yr olds. Very unpredictable. We were constantly getting beeped by the club. Not the clubs fault, Peter is a handful. Don't think I could have done this then.

So, we'll be at the Mickey Pool afer boarding and lunch Nikki. I remember something about Studio Sea, but don't remember if there was a time. I really want to get the kids to the pool if the weather is ok. We will be driving in from Punta Gorda, a 4 hour drive. We'll all need some movement and the daily drink special.


OK, I've exceeded my post limit and ramble limit for one night.

Good Night Everyone!
Juli
:wave2:

[kmc33]

Wake up, Dean! I think you overslept!! ;)

That must have been some party last night!!

[dheller97]

I'm up and at the office already! Coffee is on, http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink35.gif Diet Pepsi is chilled http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif and Cap's newspaper has been delivered. http://emoticons4u.informationalot.com/cool/1245.gif So, lets get this road show moving again! Last count we were only 32 posts away from being the leader.

[OKWMEMBER]

Dean, this early morning posting thing is OVER-RATED!!! I'll post more later!

HADM(Have A Disney Morning)!!!:wave: :wave2:

[dheller97]

OK, now that everyone has made a serious attempt at opening those weary eyes, some questions for today from the rookie:

1) when is everyone leaving for their vacation of a lifetime?
2) where is everyone staying for their vacation of a lifetime?
3) I know I should have a wallet full of credit cards for this vacation of a lifetime. But, how much good old hard, green cash is recommended to carry?

That should keep us busy for a while.

Dean

[Cap]

Dean, thanks for the newspaper. Looks like a good day to linger over my paper and breakfast, and then sit back and look at all those people out driving to / from work in the snow. Retirement is great!!!

Kim, sorry I didn't hear you post earlier. I was outside dragging trash cans to the curb. If I didn't, the trash crew would decide to come at 7:00 AM. Now that the trash is out, they'll wait until 4:00 PM. If you think last night's party was "some party", wait until the once on Sat, 1/31.

Gary, does your comment about "overrated" mean we won't be seeing you for the sunrise deck walks? Will Dean and I have to pound of your door to get you up?

Talk with you all later.

[Cap]

1 - Judi and I are leaving Friday, Jan 23, weather permitting. We're doing a leisurely drive over three days to Naples, FL, where we'll visit Judi's dad.

2a - We'll be staying at Boardwalk (on points) the three nights before the cruise. (Note to self - find the KTTW with the unused park admissions left on them).

2b - We'll drive to Disney's Hilton Head Resort and stay three nights after the cruise. Need some time to unwind after all the cruise activities and partying. Reservations are cash, instead of points, as we could get 2 Bdr units for $99 / night using the Disney Card special.

3a - I tend to not bring a lot of cash. Usually I'll have about $200 in 20's and Judi will have the same. I'll also start off with $100 in 1's to use for room service, etc.

3b - I haven't decided what we'll do for the "non-tipped" positions if we want to give something. I've seen lots of notes on these boards about giving phone cards. What do the experienced cruisers think / do, if anything?

[OKWMEMBER]

Cap, OH BOY do I like the morning deck walks!!! The DW won't be joining us but I can catch up on my sleep at home! I take a warm-up suit just for the morning deck walk, usually a few laps around the promenade.

HADM!!!:wave: :wave2:

[Cap]

Nikki, the boards are very fast this morning. :D

Karyn, did Jill's card arrive? Is she using the screen name of JillJill on the long thread? I'm not posting there, but saw that name as a last poster on Monday. Is she getting excited?

Gary, haven't heard much about A.J. and Rollo lately. What do you do with them for the cruise?

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by kmc33
The more I hear about the romance package, the more I want to book it. I don't know if DH would go for it. Does anyone know what the Romantic gift amenity is? And how about the price for the Couple massage if you were to book it on your one. I am thinking it would be so nice to get this stuff booked. And then I get down to the Romance turndown service and champagne breakfast in bed and realize that with an unpredictable 4 year old in our cabin, there's no guarantee of having him out of the cabin :rolleyes:

I think that when you get to the cabin there's tea roses and that basket with champagne and chocolates, and my MIL told me that there were also chocolate dipped strawberries and rose petals and such associated with the turndown...

the couples massage on it's own is like $178, right??

I feel 10x more relaxed on our first cruise knowing that I don't have to make all those ressies...hey Kim, maybe we can figure out a way to keep your little guy busy for a bit, Kelsey is a mother's helper/babysitter for my best friend and is great with kids his age, maybe she can "entertain" him for a few hours! ;)

Having a rough morning - it was -9 below before wind chill at my house today, and this isn't the worst day coming...and the kids are BEYOND whiney because it's "career day" at school -they are supposed to dress up like what they want to be. Kelsey is wearing my old horseback riding stuff as she wants to do that (and is starting lessons the week we get back) - but Tyler wants to be a video game designer, and what does one dress in for THAT other than what you wear all the time! They can't bring electronics to school, so ... *sigh* He's our sensitive one, and MAN is he sensitive today, I told him he can't just wear the Tom Brady jersey alone (nylon with holes in it, in NINE BELOW weather??) and he is NOT a mommy fan right now!!

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Juli

Here are our ressies:
Sunday Day 2 - KW - Brunch @ Palo - 10:30 (I think)
Monday Day 3 - At Sea - Couples Massage - 9:15
Wednesday Day 5 - CZ - Dinner @ Palo - 7:30! Same night Nikki!
Thursday Day 6 - At Sea - Tea @ Palo - 3:30

Too cool! We didn't do the Tea, you will have to tell me how it is! Is that the Tea with Wendy or is that something different?

DH would have gone along with whatever we did. He cleans up well. :smooth: My kids are funny. Peter likes to dress up; asked me to get him a tux like his Dad. John will tolerate it if that is what everyone else is doing and he's supposed to, but can't wait to get that tie off.

Ty HATES it, and we'll be lucky to get him all spiffed up, but I'll try. Glenn is pondering renting a tux, how many here ARE doing that?

I would have been ok with PAL rotation as well. I think this is where families with kids between 7-10 supposedly end up most of the time according to the PassPorter. I don't see why your TA/MIL couldn't call Debbie and ask about the rotation now. She said to call with any questions or changes if I thought of any.

I hinted at this but not too strongly as she is leaving today for her own FL trip and is fairly stressed about it. I figure we'll be ok with anything we get. :) I'm just the sort that likes everything worked out ahead of time - heck, both my kids were prearranged deliveries, none of this waiting for nature stuff! Type A Personality? Who ME??

Oh, one other thing. Debbie said she'd seat us at a table for 4 in case our kids don't join us each night. Then we can have a nice dinner for 2. She's trying hard to make this romantic. I appreciate that, but I like meeting new people and the kids do too. If we leave it this way, I'll be talking to all the tables around us. I can't help it. Me and my big mouth just can't help it.

LOL!! I am looking forward to sitting with others too, I wonder if they do that for alot of the RE folks, I hope not for the exact reason you say...I'm pretty gregarious and outgoing.

[The4OfUs]

Cap, I think Jill's "handle" is Princess Aurora? I was peeking on that threat too... *grin*

Dean, here's your questions:

1. 6:45am flight out of Boston on Friday, Jan 30th. *sigh* Checkin 2 hours before means...nevermind I don't want to think about it.

2. Hyatt MCO! :)

3. I have NO CLUE how much $$ to bring! We'll do the tips on the charge card, I'm sure, and we'll bring lots o'ones for Room Service as I know the kids love chocolate milk and cookies before bed...hey, can we charge the spa tip to our rooms too???

[Kabuli1]

Good Morning! Wow, what a bunch of early risers!

I remember those days in the 70's perhaps too well, Juli!

Just a thought, if Juli and those w/ younger kids want to hit the pool in the afternoon, what about meeting at Studio Sea after the drill and before the Sail Away party? That way we can all head up to the festivities together. It's what out group did last year (tho we met in ESPN Club which was perfect - we could walk right out into the party! This is just a suggestion. I want to meet before the drill, after the drill, during the sail away, during the super bowl . . . . well you get the picture!

Cap, jilljill is not my Jill - but she's a wonderful person, probably my best cyber pal (and her name isn't really jill!) My Jill posts as PrincessAuroraInBlue. Since there's jilljill and another Jill on the "long" thread, my Jill has asked everybody to address her as either "Your Highness" or "Princess"! LOL! And, just so you know. I have been severely limiting my posts on that thread so that I am not perceived here as having a conflict of interest! This fact has been noted on the other thread and someone suggested that I don't have my priorities straight!

Anyway, I think you will see her posting here by Saturday evening - y'all give her a good welcome, now, y'hear? Only 3 more days of school - finals today.

Nikki, sorry about the frigid weather. It's a tolerable 29 here right now. I wish we were having the Romance package! SIGH!!! I guess we'll have to figure out how to make romance all on our own!

Cap and Gary, can I join you for the early morning deck walks? I'm always up at the crack of doom wandering around.

Dean, I'll go to another post to answer your questions.

Karyn

[Kabuli1]

Nikki, I like being with other people as well, so last year when they seated us at a table for four aI went to the dining change dest and asked to be seated w/ another family. They put us w/ anothe DiS family at our request who are some of our best friends now! You can always find someone here you can share with. Oh, and why are you peaking at our thread? why not just plunk down the coins and join us? The 10-day is going to be phenominal! (But, the BEST people are here!)

Dean, your questions!
1. Don't know havn't gotten my plane ressies yet. But Jill and I will fly down on the 28th/29th for a little college/WDW time (got to get some more use on our annual passes). Randy will arrive on Friday about 4pm on the non-stop Alaska Air flight and will take mears over to the Boardwalk to meet us there - regardless of where we're staying.

2. Don't know, but probably somewhere at WDW. I'll work ono that today, I think I'll try to get the Boardwalk just cause of the Illuminations Cruise. CAP, you and Judi want to do Boma on Thursday night? Or maybe meet to watch WISHES or something? I don't have any points left to use for a room. Jill wants OKW cause she loves it there, but I want to have a little more convenient location.

3. Don't know, but probably any cash left over from my sale!

OK, ok, I get the point, I need to take care of a few minor details! TODAY!!!! Whadaya mean I need to get to Florida before I can take a cruise????

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by dheller97

Still got some left if anyone wants - just send me your address and I'll get them on the way.

Dean

Oooh! Cool, I'll PM you my addy right now!! :) Actually, will they get there in time??

[The4OfUs]

This one is killing my bank account, I can't imagine what the 10 day costs! But who knows, we might love it so much that we won't be able to fight the temptation, right? *grin*

Hmm...new car...10 day cruise...that'd be a tough one so I won't think about it for now..

[dheller97]

Nikki,

I'll drop a couple in the mail today and stick a few more in my bag, just in case.

Dean

[The4OfUs]

You ROCK, Dean-ster!! :bounce: Thank you....

[dheller97]

Cheri says I should answer my own questions:

1) Leave 10:30 AM on Friday and get to Orlando 6-6:30 PM;
2) Staying at Hyatt for a pre-cruise drink with Nikki;
3) Can't take too much cash - pockets on the speedos aren't very big.

Dean

[kmc33]

Nikki - thanks so much for the offer to help with my DS! That was so nice of you!!! I think he will enjoy going to the Club, but I was thinking it would be just my luck that he would have them page us during the couples massage. And getting him out first thing in the morning might be tough for breakfast in bed. But then I read SeaSpray joking about family breakfast in bed. I could live with that -- there are other opportunities for romance ;)

Speaking of that other thread about the Romance package. I did learn some things from it, but I am more confused about other things like whether the Palo dinner charge is included and if we would be able to book our spa reservation in advance. I am going to email DU and find out what they are saying. I need to gather ammunition to make it appealing to DH -- cost effective and no ressie rush would definitely be plusses for him. That's why I was trying to gather cost of the components to show him that if we might end up booking some of these things separately, it will add up anyway. The only thing is, when we were on the Wonder in April, DH had a massage and afterward, he had a pinched nerve in his shoulder that he said was from the massage. If it was, it was a fluke and possibly it was something else that happened coincidentally around the same time. He does like massages, so maybe I can convince him to give them another try.

1 - We are arriving MCO around 6:00 pm on Jan. 30th
2 - We are staying the night before the cruise at the Holiday Inn Select Airport.
3 - $$ this is a tough one. So much on the ship just goes on the onboard account. If you do a lot of excursions through DCL, these will go on that account to. We are not, so we will need cash for on the islands. And we are staying 2 nights post-cruise and I am sure we will need plenty of cold hard cash at the parks!

[Kabuli1]

"I'm just really impressed at how well we've kept this thread going. We're still ahead of the folks that are leaving the end of this month!"

This is a quote from the leading thread!!! They are competeing with us! So everybody lets get out posting fingers moving - post for any reason whatsoever, break long posts into lots of short posts! We can do it - and you need to know that they are trying to get to 2000 by 2/1 - so there's our challenge!

It's time to get posting!

Karyn

[Cyberkashi]

Although DH ususually does the grocery shopping, I do a lot of it for the parties so that I end up with EXactly what I want. As, I mentioned we have Chinese food, fruit, brownies, and unbrella drinks on the menu. Put in your requests now and I'll pick up your favorite munchies for Saturday night.

I'm not too crazy about Disco nor Rap, but anything else from the 40's thru rock & roll up to today's sounds are perfectly welcome on my dance floor. We have hard wood floors so I wouldn't recommend any head or tush spinning --if you know what I mean!

-- Jami :boat:

[kmc33]

I'm with you Karyn!

[kmc33]

By the way, Karyn, I put a post card in the mail. I hope it doesn't take too long. Sometimes they seem to take longer than envelopes.

[The4OfUs]

They're COMPETING with us? LOL! Well then, maybe my inability to shut up is GOOD!

Kim, it seems that Juli had the same experience with Disney Dining as my MIL did, and got to book all that we did, along with her rotation, so....I'd say that you should book it!

Let's figure it out with what we KNOW we get - the couples massage, which is (I think) 178. The welcome aboard romantic basket - that's at least $54 I guess, looking at the romance basket which looks like the photo I saw on Elijah's Grandpa's thread - so that's 232. My MIL said that the Palo ressies are included for dinner, so I'll "assume" that, and add in 20? 252. Champagne breakfast in bed (actually I dont' care if the kids are there or not that morning, it'll still be special!) we'll guess what...well a bottle of the cheapest champagne is $25, so that's 277. Then there's the tea roses at $39 according to the gift site, so we're up past the 299...and there's whatever accompanies the romantic turndown, right, so if it's chocolate covered strawberries let's just guestimate $25...close to $350. Now how much is it worth to get on board with no stress and standing in lines?

...

Why do I sound like a MasterCard commercial?

PRICELESS!! :smooth:

Plus I read somewhere that this package listed them as "VIP" in Palo's and that meant window seats for both the brunch and the dinner...that sounds cool!

And about Kelsey and your son - wait til you guys see her with the younger ones - she's an instant mommy. She was SO thrilled when we let her take the babysitting course to get certified in everything, now she tries to boss her brother around - and he's as big as her (I ALWAYS get asked if I'm the mother of the twins...umm no, he's 18 mos younger...) so that's a BAAAAD idea.

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Cyberkashi
Although DH ususually does the grocery shopping, I do a lot of it for the parties so that I end up with EXactly what I want. As, I mentioned we have Chinese food, fruit, brownies, and unbrella drinks on the menu. Put in your requests now and I'll pick up your favorite munchies for Saturday night.


Bernie Botts All Flavor Beans!!! ::yes:: They go good with all the boat drinks... *grin*

Oh, and how bout some of those Ritz Chips...original flavor please...far less fattening and I have a bikini to fit into!

mmmm....Ritz Chips...

..

Great. Now I'm hungry.

[The4OfUs]

DH went to get the kids' birth certificates yesterday, and I was looking at them, then put them in my passport with DH's birth certificate.

I looked at his. It says he was born in Malden, MA. Now why is this interesting you say? Well...because he has always thought he was born in Winchester Mass. And that's what I put on the kids' paperwork when they were born..."Father, born in Winchester MA". ANd that's what it says on the BCs.

Soooo....I'm going to have it fixed, but what problems do you think might arise from this when we check in? I'd rather not have to worry about it now, to be honest. Will they just check the BC's to see that the kids are citizens, or will they then compare their documentation to DH's and say "Hold ON a minute!!"??

I called his mom to confirm (who is also our TA) and she thought it was damn funny, but that this would not cause a problem...what do you guys think?

[Kabuli1]

Ok, this is the latest! Now, I do have feelings for both threads - but for the rest of the month we should be able to do something about this!

Very competitive group over there at the other thread. We know we're the best and we have a long time until we sail. Long after their cruise is just a memory we'll be gaining excitement! Post always get another big burst as they get close as those who have other plans finally start joining in. (Mary, I love you!)

Nikki, as the post police, I feel like I need to say that your last post could have been broken into three parts! Ahem, You're going to have to remember to press the send button more often!

Karyn

[kmc33]

Thanks Nikki!! You did the work for me! Now all I need to do is copy and paste your analysis into the email that I am about to send my DH. I think if he wants a massage, that he will go for it. Otherwise, it won't work. But a couples massage -- he might like to try that!

[dheller97]

Wow! Hard to get a word in edgewise. Obviously, Karyn, your other group does not realize what a talkative bunch this is. Well, they will soon see what a bunch of windy people we are!

Dean

[The4OfUs]

The relaxation quotient of this package is definitely increased in my mind by the fact that the ressies are all set ahead of time, wouldn't you agree? :)

Just bat those beautiful eyelashes of yours (virtually of course - like this - *bats eyelashes coyly*) and he'll be putty in your hands! *grin*

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by dheller97
Wow! Hard to get a word in edgewise. Obviously, Karyn, your other group does not realize what a talkative bunch this is. Well, they will soon see what a bunch of windy people we are!

Dean

Excuse me, it's like -9 here WITHOUT wind chill - so everyone keep their wind to themselves, please!

:tongue:

[dheller97]

Ha - telling an "older" adult to keep their wind to themselves - just kinda slips, ya' know, Vern?

[dheller97]

BTW, Congratulations Kim for getting number 1,300!

Dean

[Kabuli1]

It was a warm Caribbean breeze, not cold arctic wind! We might actually warm you up Nikki!

Karyn

[kmc33]

1/31 1310 --
10 day cruise 1307



:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[kmc33]

In two more weeks -- they will have 11 months to be king of the hill!

[kmc33]

With that last post -- on my first attempt, I got an error that you can only post every 49 seconds. So set you stop watches and get posting!

[The4OfUs]

And with Karyn's Carribean breeze, we're just gettin' warmed up!

Hey, isn't that a drink? If not it should be... ;) I'll take two please!

[Kabuli1]

I'm feeling pretty guilty here, not posting over there!

Ooh, that Romance package is sounding better and better!

Oh, and it looks like we will be at the Boardwalk Inn, Cap!

Karyn

[kmc33]

I don't know how far you guys want to tak this, but I must say, I am not spending my week on the Magic in the internet café to stay on top. :smooth:

[The4OfUs]

Speaking of the Internet Cafe, I spoke to my mgr. and explained how after Key West, I'll be accessable via ship to shore only, and that there IS internet access if they need me to check email, but I'd rather not pay the $90...and he said that if they feel they need to have me check in once a day, they'll pay for it!

Speaking of the ship to shore - if someone calls ME, do THEY pay the $$ or do I?

[Kabuli1]

Maybe you both pay with ship-to-shore like some cell phone plans!

Jill will need the Internet package - she likes to talk to all her friends back home while onboard. Her Highness is rather expensive!princess:

Kim, the competition w/ 12/18/04 ends as far as I'm concerned on 2/1. But their goal is 2000 by then so we have to make ours higher!

Are you guys going to kill me if I post there occasionally in the next couple weeks? I'm not sure if I should fear for my life!

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

*sob*

Karyn's a traitor!!

:crazy:

You're part of BOTH threads, so wouldn't bother me at all...you'll just have to share an extra glass of ice wine to make up for my broken heart...

*swoon*

*pokes everyone*

So what do you think about my birth certificate conundrum, back there a few pages?? Should i post a thread on the "normal" board?

[dheller97]

Karyn, as far as I'm concerned it is okay to post there too occassionally. I figure once "princess" finds out about us, we'll be untouchable! You see, I too have been lurking on that thread to see what they are up too. Once momma and daughter BOTH get here, no stopping us.

Dean

[The4OfUs]

When does Jill join our ranks, Karyn?

[Kabuli1]

This is so much fun!

Nikki, I don't want to go back a few pages - so remind us of the birth certificate problem. (besides, it will be another post.)

Thanks, Dean!

Do you think, if we try really heard we could get to pg 95 or 100 today? Come on everybody join the fun! Packing the house or upping the post count? HMMMM?????

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

So whaddaya guys think about this...
DH went to get the kids' birth certificates yesterday, and I was looking at them, then put them in my passport with DH's birth certificate.

I looked at his. It says he was born in Malden, MA. Now why is this interesting you say? Well...because he has always thought he was born in Winchester Mass. And that's what I put on the kids' paperwork when they were born..."Father, born in Winchester MA". ANd that's what it says on the BCs.

Soooo....I'm going to have it fixed, but what problems do you think might arise from this when we check in? I'd rather not have to worry about it now, to be honest. Will they just check the BC's to see that the kids are citizens, or will they then compare their documentation to DH's and say "Hold ON a minute!!"??

I called his mom to confirm (who is also our TA) and she thought it was damn funny, but that this would not cause a problem...what do you guys think?

[Cyberkashi]

Frankly, I don't think they are going to cross-check your husband's birthplace with what is recorded on the kid's certificates. They just want to make sure you all have ID so you don't have any problems getting back into the U.S.

They will probably check to make sure the last names are the same--so they can be reasonibly sure that you are taking your own kids--but they spent 6 seconds looking at DD birth certificate last time. I doubt there will be any issues.

-- Jami

[goofyaboutmickey7]

hey all you disco dancers and singers, we are ready to party down with all of you, we are a burnin' inferno gonna burn that motha down, thats' the dance floor of course. everybody have a disco day! Arrggghhhh Eh pirate: Randy

[The4OfUs]

That's EXACTLY what I needed to hear to set my mind at ease....thanks Jami! I figured that the kids look so much like DH that it shouldn't be a problem, and MY info is ok...and that it was more important that Glenn's stuff be all set than the kids.

*phew*

OK, I'll remind myself to fix this AFTER the cruise then!

[Kabuli1]

I agree with Jami, it's not going to be an issue. But that said, I would invest in passports for future travel. We are going to get to a point where we're all going to need them for any travel outside the country, so why not? Of course, since I've had a passport since 1960 (I was a small child then) I can't imagine not having one!

I was a travel agent in an earlier life!

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

My parents being European, I've had a passport since I was born...I just showed the kids all my old ones the other day. DH has never had one, and neither have my kids. Kelsey needs one to go to New Zealand/Australia this summer, so I figured we'd get them for everyone at the same time. Just didn't want to spend the $$ (and to be honest, didn't want to deal with the hassle) before we leave!

[Kabuli1]

I have to do my share of posting before Jill gets home from school!

I'm still not sure when I'm going to tell her about the cruise, either Friday night or at the party on Saturday. I'll let you know when I talk to my Randy about it. She is a very lucky princess! princess:

Karyn


The three of us: :umbrella: :crazy: princess:

[The4OfUs]

I'm being a bad doobie and packing our tiny travel iron...I know it said no irons in the cabins, but think about it, it's a TRAVEL iron, it probably gets as hot as my hair straightener and curling iron, and I'd only use it for touch ups...am I terrible??

I'm also packing some of that spray wrinkle remover...

[OKWMEMBER]

Honest to Walt, you people are possessed today!!! It took me 1/ 2 hour to catch up on the posts!!!

Cap, We have a cat sitter for A.J. (Almond Joy) and Rolo. She doubles as a house sitter by picking up our mail. I will post a picture of them soon.

Dean's questions answered in another post!

[Kabuli1]

Nikki, shame on you! But, I'm bringing a clothes steamer!

This make 56 posts today! We're doing good, boys and girls!

Karyn

:crazy: princess: :umbrella:

[kmc33]

Karyn, I think you ought to tell Jill tonight.... so she can start posting on this thread already! ;) Remember you can make one post every 50 seconds.

GET MOVING PEOPLE !!

[The4OfUs]

LOL! Well, Karyn, it's either that or trying to iron my clothes with my hair straightener if the lines are too long - come to think of it, that'd probably work! *grin*

Hey Gary, would your kitty/house sitter watch our hermit crabs for us? No one seems to want to do that except one of my friends, and her record with small marine animals is NOT good....

:eek:

:teeth:

[dheller97]

Okay, since we're "slowing down" a bit here, how 'bout the second part of the question of the day: what excursions are you doing?

Dean, Cheri and Matt are:
Key West: Trolley for tourist stuff, partake. Margarittaville cheeseburger, partake, sunset at Mallory Square, partake, Super Bowl commercials, partake.

Grand Caymon: Island Tour and snorkeling, shopping, partake, relax, partake

Cozumel: Beach Break, hoping to fry like an American Fry, partake.

CC: Family snorkel, relax, partake.

Dean

[kmc33]

I'm sorry. I guess Karyn's approach is more motivating.

Great job guys!! We have almost hit 60 posts already. Keep up the good work!

[The4OfUs]

Glenn, Nikki, Kelsey and Tyler are:
Key West: NO idea - plan on playing tourist, and would like to look into renting an electric "car" to tool around in! And then there's the superbowl...did I mention GO PATS!?!?!!!!

Grand Caymon: nothing planned...hopefully there's a beach nearby that we can walk to, and I was checking out some of the jewelry on the duty free shop...I'd love to do a little shopping... ;)

Cozumel: Fury Catamaran sail/snorkle/beach party. It's the only planned excursion we have

CC: Family snorkel, relax, partake. - I'm with you there, Dean!! It's my birthday, so I want to RELAX with yummy drinks and warm sun and sand between my toes.

[Kabuli1]

In response to Dean's new list of questions:

KW: joining the Trolley/pub crawl gang!
GC: 1/2 day Capt. Marvins stingray city/snorkel (but not yet signed up)
Coz: Jeep excursion w/ Gary and Gail (also not signed up need to find out what Jill wants to do that day she may join Dean, Matt and Cheri)
CC: Serenity Bay all day! (Unless Annie will parasail w/ me!)

Onboard activities I wouldn't miss will be another post. (after I pack the rest of my stemware)

Karyn

:crazy: princess: :umbrella:

:jumping1: :jumping1:

[OKWMEMBER]

We will be leaving Erie on the evening of Thursday, January 29th to stay overnight with relatives in Pittsburgh. Our flight leaves Pittsburgh at 7:55 A.M. Friday morning, arriving at Orlando at 10:17 A.M. Randy, Ann and JJ will pick us up at the Airport.

[Cap]

Everybody's chatty this morning. I go away for a few hours and now I have three more screens of posts to read. It's snowing nicely (perhaps and oxymoron) here this morning, so I think I'm in for the day now.

[Cap]

Karyn, I'd be honored to have you join the early morning walks. I might have to push up my pace from amble to walk. No jogging before breakfast, however.

[OKWMEMBER]

No fair!!! I haven't answered all the first questions yet!!!:mad:

[dheller97]

C'mon, Gary, what's the problem? Speedos too tight?

Dean

[OKWMEMBER]

2. Friday night we're staying near the Orlando Airport.

3. We're not taking a lot of cash. We put tips on the room charge and hand out phone cards to everyone else. We get the phone cards in bulk packs at Sam's Club.

I don't wear my speedo to work, Dean!!!

[The4OfUs]

Is there a fun bar in the Orlando airport we can meet in? Maybe by the pool so the kids are occupied? ::yes:: C'mon people, you know you wanna!! I already mind-melded with Dean to get him to stay at the same hotel - the rest of you apparently didn't get my mental message!! :rolleyes:

How much are the phone cards you guys give, are there any that are better than others? I'd like to pick up a few for the camp councellors....

[dheller97]

Who should get the phone cards? We saw it mentioned way back when and in the Passporter also. We picked some up from Sam's but never really understood who we should plan on passing them out to. Suggestions?

Gary, no speedos even on casual Friday? Must be a little more casual here in South Dakota.

Dean

[OKWMEMBER]

The phone cards at Sam's Club are AT&T cards and can be used for International calls, which is obviously important. We gave them to anyone outside the four traditional people you tip that we felt went above and beond the call of duty. The bulk ones are 30 minute cards.

[kmc33]

1/31 - 1349 --
10 day cruise - 1307

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[Cap]

Nikki, I don't see that the place of birth of father will cause any problems. They are just worried about two things - first that they are U.S. citizens, or if not, that they have the right passports, and - second, that they are with a parent or guardian, not being taken out of the country illegally.

There's starting to be a problem here. My PC is beeping and saying "Hello Cap,

OKWMEMBER has just replied to a thread you have subscribed to entitled - 20040131 ~ Cruising Jan 31 2004 Western Who's with us? - in the Cruise Meets forum of The DIS Discussion Forums." faster than I can read and reply to older posts.

Gary - take a break for a few minutes.

[Kabuli1]

Hey, I stayed away long enough to let the guys get a few posts in!

Cap, amble works for me! Especially w/ a cup of hot coffee! Wanna get together a bit at the world on Thusday or Friday?

Have we gotten to the onboard activities question yet, Dean? Or is Gary slowing things up!

I doubt that I'll get back over to the airport hotel the evening of the 30th unless we go over there to drop off our rental car - but then we'd need a ride back to the Boardwalk.

Karyn



:crazy: princess: :umbrella:

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by OKWMEMBER
The phone cards at Sam's Club are AT&T cards and can be used for International calls, which is obviously important. We gave them to anyone outside the four traditional people you tip. The bulk ones are 30 minute cards.

And how much are these? I don't have a Sam's Club membership anymore, we're back to Costco...but just to get a general idea?

I was thinking about maybe adding one in w/the tips for a little something extra to those that deserve it...do you think they really appreciate and use these or is this like buying a teacher a present - after a while they get so many they don't even really notice?

[goofyaboutmickey7]

I want to sail away,, annie is going to be surprised that we are doing the romance pkg. on the 2nd week on the eastern, i just booked it this morning after she informed me on how to go about it.she deserves it more than any one I know she is an absolute Angel, swetheart, best friend,Confidante,Partner,Partier, cruise planner,shes' my everything!!!!!!!!!!!!:angel: puckerup: :love2: :love2: Arrrggghhhhh ! Eh! Randy

[kmc33]

AAhhh!!! Randy, that was SO incredibly sweet!::yes:: ::yes::

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by goofyaboutmickey7
I want to sail away,, annie is going to be surprised that we are doing the romance pkg. on the 2nd week on the eastern, i just booked it this morning after she informed me on how to go about it.she deserves it more than any one I know she is an absolute Angel, swetheart, best friend,Confidante,Partner,Partier, cruise planner,shes' my everything!!!!!!!!!!!!:angel: puckerup: :love2: :love2: Arrrggghhhhh ! Eh! Randy

*melts*

Randy, that's just TOO sweet! *grin*

I was going to "hint" to you that Annie was "hinting" that it would be nice, I love that you did it, you're awesome!

So you guys are doing back to back cruises? How does that work, do you get to stay in the same stateroom??

[kmc33]

Key West: Not sure… maybe Trolley, maybe Aquarium, may wonder around a little. Maybe spend time in pools on ship that might be less crowded (well at least, less crowded than sea days).

Grand Cayman: Beach
Cozumel: Beach
Castaway Cay: Beach

Noticing a trend?! Actually with a 4 year old, that works best for us, especially since he really enjoys playing in the sand and water.

[Cap]

Originally posted by Kabuli1
Maybe you both pay with ship-to-shore like some cell phone plans!

Jill will need the Internet package - she likes to talk to all her friends back home while onboard. Her Highness is rather expensive!princess:

Kim, the competition w/ 12/18/04 ends as far as I'm concerned on 2/1. But their goal is 2000 by then so we have to make ours higher!

Are you guys going to kill me if I post there occasionally in the next couple weeks? I'm not sure if I should fear for my life!

Karyn

I believe those receiving the call on the ship get the biggest part of the bill.

I agree that competition with 12/18/04 ends on 2/1/04.

Doesn't Jill understand that at age 18 you get to pay for the things under $100 on your own? At 18, the bank of Mom and Dad is still functioning for things like college, car down payments, help with the down payment for the first house, etc, but not the minor stuff. This might be a great time to break it to her gently. She'll probably have some gift money stashed away. Maybe it's time for the "uphill both ways barefoot in the snow" story.

Finally, no we won't kill you if you post on the other thread occasionally. I'd say a ratio of 10 here to 1 there would be OK. :)

[Kabuli1]

Awwwwww Randy, what a guy! Now, it you'd just talk to MY Randy (I'll be happy to give you his email address) . . . . Anyway, for a pirate you sure are a sweetie(:lovestruc ) Oh, and um, how can it be a surprise when Annie posts here, too?:tilt:

Karyn
:crazy: princess: :umbrella:

[OKWMEMBER]

Let's See....

Key West: Trolley, Margaritaville, Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joes, Captain Tony's, partake with Dean, Superbowl, Partake with Dean

Grand Cayman: Partake with Dean

Cozumel: Jeep Safari Tour with Kabuli tribe, Partake with Dean

CC: Snorkel, Parasail, Relax, Partake with Dean

[Cap]

Nikki, If Karyn tells Jill tonight, it could well take more than 50 seconds to just turn a screen. I hope Pete gets the new servers up soon.

[The4OfUs]

I forgot about the Aquarium! We're definitely doing that, the kids seemed very up on that idea when I told them about it. Thanks for reminding me!!

LOL! Gary, methinks there is far too much partaking with Dean in that list...poor Gail!

Hey Karyn, we'll "hint" to your hubby for you, what's HIS email addy?? ;)

[kmc33]

I have to run an errand on my lunch. Leaving now... I will catch up on all the PAGES when I return!!!

[dheller97]

Randy, dude - you're making me look bad here. http://emoticons4u.informationalot.com/cool/609.gif The cruise alone was our romance package, until we decided to add Matt. Oh, well like I was told many pages back, D-E-A-D-B-O-L-T-S. http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/evil/105.gif

Dean

[Cap]

Nikki,

If Gary's House Sitter won't watch your crabs, I'm sure his cats would be glad to assume the job. If they won't, my two dachshunds would love to do it.

[The4OfUs]

:earseek:

Buddy already tried, despite us explaining that they are CRABS and not escargot....silly doggie!!

He actually got one in his mouth, I've never heard Kelsey scream quite so loud before... *sigh*

They're really easy to care for, just fresh water every day and a tiny bit of fruit or hot dog with their crabbie food...I might hire DD's best friend for the job! *grin*

Thanks for the offer tho....

*backs slowly away from Cap, crabs hidden behind back...*

[Cap]

OK. I've finally caught up on the posts. On wait, it just beeped again.

On the at sea days, does anyone know if they'll let us fly kites from the rear deck? I bet it would be lots of fun.

Also, is anyone planning to bring two way radios to keep in touch with kids / spouse?

[The4OfUs]

I can't imagine packing a kite, Cap! But that would be cool!! They should have special Mickey ones on board, they'd make a killing!!

We had 2 way radios for the last trip to Disney - gave one to my brother and his family and one to us, made it really easy to seperate and meet up. Then DD took one into the treehouse here at home...and left it there...and the rain did it in. so we have one. =/

We won't be taking it along...I plan on playing hide and seek from the kids anyhow! *wink*

[dheller97]

Cap - We're bring a couple of two-way. The kite idea sounds like fun. If no one cares, I'll email Disney and ask the question.

Dean

[Kabuli1]

I think the kite question has been asked on the DCL boards. I don't you'd be allowed to fly kites.

We brought two-ways last year - never used them. Our best form of communication was via post-it notes!

Quit blaming me, Dean, about the bringing Matt thing! You can still do the romance package and tell him when to get lost!

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

Ya know, Dean - Karyn's got ya there...isn't Matt like EIGHTEEN? I'm telling my 10 and 11 yr old to get lost, I'm sure Matt will find SOMETHING to do! And you probably won't get the "EEEWW are you going to KISS!!" that we get!! *snicker*

I think I'll bring our magnetic write on/wipe off for quick messages, I figured I'd put it on the back of the door and that way if the kids go somewhere they can tell us without worrying. :) Will that work on the inside?

[dheller97]

Aw, Karyn, you know I'm just picking on you because you were my first http://www.stupid-boy.com/smilies/contrib/AoErat/awink.gif.

Hopefully, he'll get lost on-board with princess. Whatcha think mom?

Dean

[Kabuli1]

How come, when I try to get work done around here yous guys stop posting? HUH?

I'm going out for lunch pretty soon and I'll need everybody to keep this going. Do you really need me as a cheerleader?

Dean, I'm so proud of you! When we first "met" you had under 10 posts - now look at you, with tags even! What a guy! You sure figured this thing out! :hug: :p

::yes:: ::yes:: :wave: ::yes:: ::yes::

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

http://psomom.homestead.com/files/cheerldr.gif

GO PATRIOTS!

:eek:

Wait...I mean...Look! It's me filling in for Karyn while she attends her luncheon...

GO CRUISE TEAM!!

:crazy:

[Cap]

Great job this morning team. We're in first place at 1373, with the second place threat (oops, thread) at 1307.

If the goal is 2000 by 2/1, we need to do about 40 / day.

See y'all after lunch.

[dheller97]

OK, need everybody's attention. Now, I need a drum roll: http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/music/musik35.gif

Ladies and Gentlemen; I would like you to join me in welcoming another new family to our group. I invited Barbara over from the cruisecritic boards and she said yes!! ::yes:: As soon as her registration is updated and confirmed she says she will join us. Karyn, I've "warned" her about you. She still wants to join our little fun-loving group anyway. http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/fam/fam27.gif

Dean

[The4OfUs]

Watch out, the Cruise Critic Cops will find you and shake their fingers at you!!

:tongue:

Welcome to our group, Barbara!!

[dheller97]

Nope, I was very legal and did not mention this place in the post. She had posted there and I invited her to email me which she did. Very nice lady to speak with. Will be her and boyfriend, along with her son, Connor (16) and daugher Bridget (13). I'll post her to our "official list" after she logs on.

Dean

[kmc33]

And, look at Dean now...
nearly 400 posts,
a tag,
and stealing guests from the CC board :earseek:

;)

[The4OfUs]

we need to find more people with boys Tyler, Peter and John's ages!! We already have our share of tween/teen girls, Kelsey is going to be in her element without a doubt...but she's already our social one, it's Tyler I hope to find more friends for.

See what you can do, ok Dean?

::yes::

[Cap]

OK, Barbera, if you'll post, then I'll welcome you. In the meantime, I'll just wave. :wave2:

Dean, can you invite Judi to join the thread? I'll PM you her email. I think she's beginning to be concerned about all the new friends (think Ann, Karyn, Nikki, Kim) in my life.

[Kabuli1]

By my estimate, this should put us on a new page! Can we make it to 100 pgs today? That should put us far out in front of the er competition!

I'm headed out for lunch w an old work /card playing buddy. Keep posting!

Yeah Dean, for finding a new DIS buddy!

Karyn

[dheller97]

OK, here's the offical scoop from DCL:
Thank you for your e-mail.

Due to safety concerns, guests can not bring kites on board or on the
island.
I'm sorry for any disappointment.
We look forward to the chance to sail with you.

Now, Cap, I'd be happy to email Judi if you would email Cheri. For some reason she has this fear of meeting crazys on line and being stalked. Don't know wht gives her that idea :crazy:
Dean

[Cap]

Dean, I'll be happy to invite Cheri. The more posters we have the easier it will be to gain a real lead on that "other" thread. It will also take some pressure off Karyn. Perhaps we can let her go to 2 out of 10 posts to the competitor.

PM or email me with Cheri's email. Is it ok to use the "Cap" name, or is she now gunshy since you've said so many bad things about me? Maybe you want to do the Jill thing that Karyn did -- ask Gary, Randy, Scott, etc. to all invite Cheri.

[OKWMEMBER]

Here's a couple of links to see the Magic at St. Thomas!!!

St. Thomas Web Cam 1 (http://www.caribline.com/islands/vi/forum/cam.shtml)

St. Thomas Web Cam 2 (http://www.usvi.net/usvi/stt.html)

I wanna be there!!!:(

HADD!!!:wave: :wave2:

[Cap]

Gary, from the webcams at St. Thomas, I assume they tender there. Do they tender at any of our stops? I know they dock at Castaway Cay. Judi is much less agreeable to small boats than I am.

[The4OfUs]

I'll see if I can get Glenn to post, he's never been on a discussion board before, but reads over my shoulder alot...I think he'd have fun!

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Cap
Gary, from the webcams at St. Thomas, I assume they tender there. Do they tender at any of our stops? I know they dock at Castaway Cay. Judi is much less agreeable to small boats than I am.

*raises hand*

Ooh! OOH! Mr. Kotta, Mr. Kotta!! I know this one!

We tender at Grand Cayman, right, guys?

:sunny:

[OKWMEMBER]

Cap, The Magic will dock at Key West, tender at Grand Cayman and I'm not sure about Cozumel, all though the Passporter said they have a dock there. At St. Thomas it depends on How many ships are there that day and the luck of the draw. When we were there last February we were docked.

Very good, Nikki!!! Gold Star for you!!!

By the way, Gail is a dedicated lurker! I can't get her to post for herself but she knows what's going on and, like Glenn, reads over my shoulder a lot.

[The4OfUs]

Wave hi to Glenn and Gail!!

:wave2: :wave2: :wave2: :wave2: :wave2:
:wave2: :wave2: :wave2: :wave2: :wave2:

[kmc33]

Wow -- things slowed down this afternoon. I guess everyone had to get some work done... I know I did :earseek:

[kmc33]

By the way -- primo dock in Cozumel. It's right in town (San Miguel).
:boat:

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[kmc33]

My DH, John, likes hearing stories from the boards. When I told him about the fashion thread, he brought it up that maybe he would come on and post. But, it hasn't happened yet. I'm still working on him. Maybe tonight will be the night.
:faint:

[Kabuli1]

Why is it that so many of our spouses are hesitant about joining? Randy has already had the fun of meeting many DISers and he knows what a great group they are, but he won't join DIS. I'll see what I can do!

We dock at Cozumel.

Oh, BTW, I'm back from lunch. Did you miss me?

Hi, Barbara!!:wave: :wave2: :wave:

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

DH isn't into online communication like I am - mine came through necessity, being a webmaster by trade, but he just has never done it. BUT, like Kim's hubby, he loves to hear the stories, and asks me to "keep him up to date" on "what's going on in the boards"...

I'll see if he'll stop by and say hi, especially as his job allows him to be home from time to time in the afternoons, and he could stop in and check it out!

[kmc33]

Wow, I am on a roll. I am taking Karyn's advice and not putting everything in one.

I emailed John my (ahem, I should give the credit to Nikki) Mastercard commercial about the Romantic Escape. That was about 1 hour and 15 minutes ago (not that I'm counting), but I haven't hear back. :( Although I think he's swamped at work -- trying to get ahead since he will be on a trip all of next week, gone a couple days the following week and then leave for the vactaion! So, it might not have been good timing.

[Kabuli1]

This thread: 1394 posts
That other thread: 1309 posts

We are so close to being 100 posts ahead! Come on everyone, we can do it!



:bounce: :Pinkbounc :wave: ::yes:: :yo-yo: :hyper: :wave2: :tongue: :boat: :boat: :moped::jumping1:
:jumping2: :jumping3: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Karyn

[The4OfUs]

I never thought about this, but what's the smoking set up on board? Is there smoking allowed in the cabins/restaurants/clubs, anyone remember/know?

I'm pigging out on Twizzlers....bad day at work, the stress is high and the sugar requirements are going up exponentially....

[Kabuli1]

Smoking is allowed in clubs, on verandahs and certain places out on deck. Not in cabins, enclosed areas or restaurants. That's as far as I know. There are no smoking areas in the clubs but the ventilation is not very good in them so it doesn't make much difference.

Karyn

[kmc33]

One more after this post for 1400!!! Way to go! Great day!

I am about to leave the office to pick up DS and take him to speech therapy.

I hope to check in later -- an maybe John will too :rolleyes:

[Kabuli1]

me me is it me??? Mine mine mine!

[OKWMEMBER]

The Magic's leaving St, Thomas! Everybody wave!!!

St. Thomas Web Cam (http://www.usvi.net/usvi/stt.html)

[Cap]

Karyn, you did it. Post #1400. Great!

[Cap]

It's hard to see with all the snow going on here today in Michigan.

OK, I cleared the window. USVI camera still shows the 4:30 PM USEST position, but the the ST. Thomas camera shows it heading out. I didn't even see the fourth ship before that was hidden behind the magic.

They moved out quickly, as the 4:30 picture still shows one tender alongside.

Let's see, do we have time for one more drink before dinner?

[goofyaboutmickey7]

what # am I now posted at ARRRGGGHHH eH rANDYpirate: pirate:

[Cap]

Randy, your post showed up as #1404.

[KofPShannon]

After reading most of this thread - I feel like I already know you all! Thanks for the welcome. It's funny but I just bought a lime green shirt this weekend and it's not my normal color at all. This is my children's and my first cruise. My kids are Conor (17 in May) and Bridget (13). This is the first vacation combining kids and non-Disney boyfriend of 6 years, Jim. He calls us Disney nazis (5 trips to WDW in 5 years - open to close every day) and was very hesitant about joining us.

I had been communicating with Dean Heller off line from another site. I was originally registered with cabins 6136 and 6138
(the only way boyfriend agreed to go was with 2 separate cabins). I received paperwork yesterday for 6638 instead of 6138. When I called the travel agent to see which set to use, he told me that I've been upgraded to 8594.

But only ONE of the cabins was upgraded (I know - whimper, whimper. ) I see dressing for dinner as logistically crazy. My son thinks he's my daughter's 3rd parent and drives her insane. The last 5 years we've gone to WDW during this same time period. It coincides with a cheerleading competition at MGM. My son has very mixed feelings about not following the cheerleaders around all day.

We live in a Philadelphia suburb, King of Prussia. My boyfriend and I have been to Key West on 2 other vacations and to the Caymans before. My kids have never seen anything but the drab, gray Jersey ocean.

We're so excited and looking forward to meeting everyone. We have late dining too.

[Juli]

Oh my! I couldn't get on the 'puter until this afternoon and looks what's happened. OK, somebody tag me and I'll start my daily quota of posting!:eek:

Juli

P.S. I have several pages to catch up on here, so I'll be back!

[Kabuli1]

Tag, you're IT, Juli!!!!

Welcome Barbara!

I'm off to see a movie I haven't seen in over a week!!!!! So I'm leaving it all up to all of you. . . . I expect to come back in about 4 hours to see that you've gotten to page 100!!!

Karyn

[Juli]

Must shovel snow, must not read DIS board posts! Must shovel snow, must not read DIS board posts! Ahhhhhhh!

Juli:faint:

[dheller97]

Sorry I missed the flurry of activity there for a little while. Can't understand it - I'm here at work trying to communicate with all of my new friends about our trip and someone brings me work that they can't figure out. Don't they know we have priorities?

BARBARA, you made it!! Welcome! I told you this was a good group of knuckleheads, er.... people. I'm sure you'll have as much fun as we are. I look forward to meeting you at the port. I'll probably be difficult to recognize since so many of us will have the lime green DIS shirts. I know, I'll try to do something distinctive so you'll find me. :teeth:

Great posting day!!!

[KofPShannon]

I saw the picture of your lime green shoes, Dean. I can't imagine there will be too many of those. You certainly will be easy to pick out! I can already see my daughter requesting another shopping trip for lime green. She's been pleading for a gown for the cruise. I was going to hit the after New Year's discount racks this weekend, but we're expecting a snow storm dump tonight and tomorrow.

[dheller97]

From the other side.....
That other thread has pulled way ahead. Guess they must not have much to do during the day. Me, I'm busy working so I can pay for our cruise.

Hmmm, me thinks mine is ALREADY paid for. How about yours?

Dean

[OKWMEMBER]

Well, now we know they're poor sports. ;)

It snowed like crazy here today. Gail and I cleaned out the driveway earlier and, right on cue, The snowploy went by about ten minutes ago!!! I'll be back in 30 minutes!

By the way, We're paid up, too!

[dheller97]

Excuse me, Gary, it was nice talking to you. But, first things first :
Hi, Gail! :wave2:

Glad your snowblower is working, and you aren't making Gail use it.

Dean

[WDWLVR]

Originally posted by dheller97
From the other side.....


Hmmm, me thinks mine is ALREADY paid for. How about yours?

Dean

Hi Dean- since I was the one you are quoting I hope you don't mind me reading and posting here. Only one thing wrong with your quote - you left off the smiley I put at the end. You put that when you are kidding. See :D

No my cruise isn't paid for yet but it is still 10 months until my payment is due. I'm glad yours is paid for and its nice that some people can afford both. We can't. Oh well.

Enjoy your cruise!

[Juli]

I am still reading page 86. I'll never catch up.:hyper:


Answers to Deans Q's:

1. We are flying out of Flint, MI for Tampa on 1/27 very early in the am. 5:50am flight. Insane!

2. We'll spend 4 nights with the in-laws in Punta Gorda which isn't too far from Fort Myers. Then we will rent a car in Port Charlotte and drive to the cruise terminal on 1/31 in the am. After the cruise we are heading straight to Ft. Lauderdale for a 2:35pm flight home. Goofy flights, but it's how it worked out the cheapest with a combo of $ and AirTran Rewards. $83/round trip including taxes and fees. We were going to drive until I put that one together! Phew!

3. I try to bring as little $ as possible. I am not a shopper, ecspecially in foreign lands. So everything goes on the ships charge when possible. I like Cap's $ plan for $1's for tips. I was looking at phone cards for tips as well. There were so many different CM's working with the kids last time, we couldn't possibly have tipped them all. When we asked them if they were allowed to accept tips, they said no, but said what really helps them is if you comment specifically about individuals you like on the comment form left in your room before debarkation.


Juli

[ArtistJudi]

I understand lots of you, including my husband Cap are having a lot of fun "talking" to each other about the cruise. We are really looking forward to getting out of MI and going south.:sunny:

[dheller97]

Hi, Mary-

Thanks for joining in. I apologize for omitting the smiley at the end and want to make sure everyone here sees the apology. It certainly wasn't intentional and I did not realize there was even a definition part. I also apologize if I upset you in any way. It certainly wasn't my, and I'm pretty sure anyone elses in this thread, intent to do so.

We're here to have a good time before our cruise. It just so happened that this group is a lively one and when one of us suggested we go for first place in the number of posts, everyone made a real effort to do so. It just so happened it occurred during a work day and we took time to post from our various jobs and still managed to get our jobs done.

Anyway, I apologize for the tone that may have come across. You are welcome to stop by anytime and share a Pepsi with us. http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif. I promise that next time I visit your thread, I will at least tell someone I'm there and hope the offer of a cold Pepsi will be there for me.

Have a nice evening, a great cruise, and please accept my apology

Dean

[dheller97]

WELCOME, ArtistJudi!! It is great to have you join us! After you get settled in you'll have to let us know what your artist specialty is. Today was a very busy posting day and one in which I may have let my mouth get in the way and upset some people. I promise to do better in the future.

Welcome, again!

Dean

[Cap]

Gail and Gary, I understand about the snowplow. I cleared the driveway, snowplow showed up and pushed it in. Cleared it again, snowplow came around again. Cleared it a third time, and stood at the end of the driveway. Snowplow came by, saw me, slowed down, and swung wide. Now our subdivision is cleared of snow, but the main roads are not. My daughter's 20 minute commute was 1 1/2 hours home.

Ok, got my wife Judi (ArtistJudi) to post to the thread. Thanks for the invitation Dean.

Nice of Mary to add one to our count.

This poll is interesting: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=492044

[Cap]

Gary and team,

After I just posted the thread about the snowplow, I look out and it's back, pushing snow into my drive. We live on the outside of a curve in the street and they make several pushes, otherwide people skid and drive their cars onto my neighbor's lawn.

Oh well, I needed some afterdinner exercise. I'd rather be at the show watching Disney Dreams.

KofPShannon - are you Barbara? In any case, welcome aboard. We used to live in Lansdale, many years ago.

Where are Ann and Randy tonight? Do they only come for the party nights?

[Juli]

Hey Cap,

My DS has an appointment here in the am so he came home from Michigan State to help me run the snowblower and shovel the walk. What a good boy!:D Our road is not plowed and I know there will be a big ridge across it before too long. Some excercise to look forward to.

Juli

[Juli]

Welcome to Barbara, Mary, Judi.....I'm sorry if I missed anyone. I'm pretty new myself, but glad I joined in. What a fun group.

Juli

[Juli]

I want so badly to join you on the 12/18 cruise. We are waiting for the DVC point schedule to come out before we decide. We may have to wait until 2005 if they don't offer it to DVC members. :(

If we get there, you know I'll be posting along with everyone else on the 12/18 thread. I am a Benedict Arnold and shouldn't be trusted! Just kidding. No way I'll know for some time if we'll be able to go. Maybe they'll offer some incentives on the 1/31 cruise!

Juli

[hellatime]

Hi group!! I'm a little late to the message boards, but I'd just like to say I'm looking forward to meeting you all on the cruise!!!!

[hellatime]

oh yeah... I'm Matt! Dheller97's son!

[The4OfUs]

I was just giggling after talking to my mom about our stateroom...and describing the bunks the kids would sleep in.

I think I mentioned before that my parents used to work on cruise ships...well, my mom, before she met my dad on board (she was in the kids nursery and the beauty salon, he was the cruise photographer), worked on a ship that would do the transatlantic run to Holland. She had a roommate, and she had the top bunk that went out of the ceiling like ours will. Apparently one night she "failed" the "party test" - what is the party test you ask? Well, back then, you would drink beer, and throw the can/bottle out the porthole - TINY portholes, not like we have now, and they opened....she claims that any ship with Dutch crewmembers would be easily tracked by the bottles floating behind the ships. She threw...she missed..they sent her to bed.

In the middle of the night, apparently (and this part is not funny) someone decided to commit suicide by jumping off the ship, directly into the propellers. They had to turn the ship around because the law back then was that you had to TRY to save someone who falls overboard, no matter what...so they did a hard turn.

Dishes/plates/people fell over. And what happened to my mom? Well, the turn was so severe that she got stuck between the bunk and the wall as it popped back up towards the ceiling! She said she was there for about 2 hours till someone came to undo the bunk and let her out!

Now if you could see my mom, you'd understand why that visual is so funny.... and the funnier part is my mom admitting that she got plowed and couldn't get herself out of this! *grin*

Remind me to tell you about the time my brother worked as a photographer on the RCCL, the Alaska run - and the storm hit and the porthole popped open, and the dry oatmeal fell on the floor......

EWWW

Anyhow...off to bed, snow tomorrow morning so I have to be up early to shovel, unless Gary comes to plow us out!

G'nite all!

[dheller97]

So, anyone pick up the connection? "hellatime"? Heller time? "Tiny town, SD"? Armour, SD? Slight resemblence, eh?

Please welcome the last of our 4 kids still in our household, our 18-yr old son, Matt. Once he starts college next year, dad can concentrate on enjoying the empty nest syndrome that has been so long in coming.

Mind your manners, Matt:wave:

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by hellatime
oh yeah... I'm Matt! Dheller97's son!

Hey Matt!!

I LOVED Kingdom Hearts - the new one is coming out soon, on the GB...then another for the PS2! Did you finish it? I did, but not with everything, so I didn't get to see the hidden ending... *sigh*

Oh yeah..I'm Nikki! Looking forward to meeting you!

[Juli]

Glad to have you here Matt. Has your Dad warned you about these people? Must have. I just wandered in off the street and they graciously let me in. They're ok. :scared:

Juli

P.S. My oldest is 21. Last time we cruised he was 18 and we left him home. What were we thinking?!

[cruisenut]

Hello Cruise Psychos!
Kim told me how nice all of you are. However her judgement is questionable as she married ME.

I have affectionately referred to her and you as the cruise psychos and inteneded to adopt that handle but decided that it might have been offensive to some. I succumbed to PC.

In any event I look forward to meeting you.

John

[Juli]

Hey, if you aren't buying the package, you are sick of hearing about this, but it ups the post # right?



Somehow I got the impression they discontinued the flowers and basket and just say "gift". It seemed intentional that they aren't committing to whatever it is. The old package had the Romance Basket and Tea Roses. I will call Debbie on this one b/c I am going to have flowers sent to our stateroom if DCL doesn't include it. DH didn't get it when I left the brochure open with the flowers circled! Well, I won't know if he got it until we board will I. Honestly, I love that pearl Mickey necklace. I haven't dropped any hints about that though.

Somehow I also got the impression that Palo wasn't included. The package just gives you the opportunity to book pre-embarkation. I will ask Debbie this as well.

I was given the option to pre-book a couples massage or a couples spa teaser. The massage is a couples version of the Well-Being Aromatherapy Massage. A full body massage with aromatic oils. "The smells are heavenly," according to CM Debbie. The spa teaser is a couples thing as well 25 minutes massage and 25 minutes facial. I choose the Well-Being massage. If DH does not want to join in, I will head to the spa the day before and try and book something for myself. This was per the CM's suggestion. From the tone of our conversation, I think she would have done that right then and there if I was really stressed about it.

VIP on ressie? I will see if they can do this when I call Debbie tomorrow. I also get the impression this is not the norm as well. The thread you saw this on was a couple celebrating an anniversary wasn't it. Maybe the CM was helping make it extra special.

Would it be in very bad taste for you to call DCL yourself with your Q's Nikki. Just to help MIL out since she's leaving and all. May have to tread carefully here, huh?

If I booked this on my own I would have saved a bit of cash. I wouldn't need the gift and would have booked a spa treatment for myself instead. Is it worth it? You bet! I figured I spent about $50 more than if I would have done it on my own but got Palo ressies for everything ahead of time, which was the clincher. I will be a relaxed wife when we board that ship instead of the commando that I was born to be. A relaxed wife is a good thing isn't it guys?

Kim, I called DCL a while back and they had no cancellation policy for the Romance thing, so said that I should just cancel a week or so ahead of time or before embarkation day. What I decided to do was book it, then see if everything fell into place the way I wanted it. If not, I would have just cancelled it. I was all prepared to shmooz and fall back on threat of cancellation if they didn't book all those ressies for us. As it turned out, I didn't have to shmooz at all. I booked it. Made one call back to tell them we'd be leaving 1/27 and wanted to check in as to how we book the Palo reservation. Got a call the next day with a great CM who took care of everything for us seamlessly.

OK, that's enough for now. Have a bunch more posts to get out. Phew! Have to pace myself.

Juli



:blush:

[Cap]

John and Matt, welcome aboard our thread. We're having lots of fun thinking about not shoveling snow, soaking up sunshine, not having to worry about drinking and driving, etc. Glad you're with us.

Matt, I'm long past the age where they check IDs, but what is the drinking age on the cruise ships? Is it 18, 21, varies by territorial waters, or nobody cares?

John, I don't know if we're psychos, but probably at least fanatics. Don't get between us and our cruise. Did Kim tell you about the agreed men's formal ware? If not, ask her. :) Hint: it begins with SP, ends in O, and is very fast.

[Butterfly2]

Thanks for the invitation, Karyn, Gary, & Gayle, and Cap.
We are all looking forward to the cruise and meeting all of you.
Dean has been having fun visiting with all of you and we are looking forward to the party Saturday night

:bounce:

Cheri

[Cap]

Juli, Juli, Juli,

You need to stop and take a deep breath. I know romance is wonderful, but we also need posts here. ;)

How about a couple of paragraphs, post, breath, and then do it again. :hyper:

[Cap]

Hey, Cheri, welcome aboard our thread. You must be the quiet one. Guess that's not hard with Dean around.

We can't wait to meet all our new cruise friends. Please tell us a little about yourself so we can get to know you. Will you be up before the sun, like Dean, or party with us late?

Glad to have you join us.

[Juli]

Somehow I think CruisePsycho would have been ok. PC? Somehow I don't think that applies. Respectful, kind, fun, even polite applies to this group, but PC.....I don't know.

My DH would definitely think we are psycho. He's sure I am. Loves me for it, right? When I've met online friends at WDW or DCL I don't even tell him until a short time before and then just say casually that I'm stopping by such-and-such to say Hi to so-and-so. Otherwise he'd think I was certifiable. Not that I'm not, just I'm not yet.

Juli

[hellatime]

Hey Matt!!

I LOVED Kingdom Hearts - the new one is coming out soon, on the GB...then another for the PS2! Did you finish it? I did, but not with everything, so I didn't get to see the hidden ending... *sigh*

Oh yeah..I'm Nikki! Looking forward to meeting you!


Thanks Nikki!! Yeah, Kingdom Hearts is one of my favorite games, and since it was Disney, I thought it'd fit on this board! You should try to get the secret ending, it's very cool... makes me look forward to the sequels!

Look forward to meeting ya!

-Matt

[dheller97]

WELCOME ABOARD, JOHN! Hope you enjoy this group as much as I do. Cap has already "briefed" you on the required attire.:teeth:

Thanks to everybody who invited the rest of my clan to join us. Now, I really do have to behave myself. In case Matt should ask anyone, the territorial drinking age is 35, okay?

Have a good evening everyone. I'll talk to you in the morning.

Dean

[kmc33]

Good evening everyone! And welcome to all our newbies - Juli, Judi, Barabara, Matt, Cheri... I hope I am not forgetting anyone. Oh, and of course, welcome John, I am glad you joined us.

No, I am not tired of hearing about the Romance package. In fact, I have been hearing myself talk about it all night ;)

I emailed DU earlier and received a response from Tammy that I think may clear up a few things:

"The $10 per person fee for dinner at Palo is included in the price of the package. I just spoke with the dining coordinator at DCL, as the reservationists at DCL were telling me differently, and she confirmed this. At this time, as a courtesy to guests booking this package, Disney is also making advance reservations for Palo brunch and high tea. However, the $10 per person service charge for brunch is NOT included in the package price.

The couples spa treatment is also scheduled in advance. They only have two treatments to choose from with this package. The first is a 50 minute couples Well-Being massage with aromatherapy oils and the other is a combination treatment with a 25 minute couples Spa Taster (back of legs, back, neck and shoulder massage) and a 25 minute facial booster.
The other components of the package include a gift in your stateroom, champagne breakfast in bed one morning and one romantic turndown service (done on the night you schedule dinner at Palo). "


:lovestruc

[Kabuli1]

Hey, this is great, I go to see ROTK for the 8th time, come back and there are all sorts of new faces! Welcome Judi, John, Matt - who did I miss? Wow, this is fun!

I guess the party is right here on the boards tonight.

Karyn

[Juli]

Thanks Kim,
I appreciate the clarification. I'm glad the $10/person Palo charge is included; makes me that much sure of my decision.

I really wrestled with booking this one, but am glad I did. Would have been fine if I didn't as well. It's tough not to have fun on a Disney Cruise.

Juli

[Juli]

Hi Karyn,

Do you need anymore postcards for Jill? I can send one from Michigan. Just tell me what you'd like me to say and where to send it. You can PM the address if you like.

Juli

[Juli]

Thanks for talking me down Cap. I gotta get some sleep. The snow will call to me in the am I'm sure.

Have a good night everyone!:moped: Off to bed.

Juli

P.S. I reserve the right to post again tonight. :hyper:

[hellatime]

Hey, this is great, I go to see ROTK for the 8th time, come back and there are all sorts of new faces! Welcome Judi, John, Matt - who did I miss? Wow, this is fun!

EIGHT TIMES!?!?
Wow! And my dad says seeing it once was too much :p

I'm proud to say I've seen it twice so far and it only got better!

[kmc33]

"You can book it, if you want", says John.

:jumping1:


Deciding factor:
Being able to board the ship without stress and waiting in lines for reservations...

PRICELESS


:smooth:

[OKWMEMBER]

It's family night on the thread!!! A big welcome to Matt, Cheri, Judi and John!!! Also, all the way from the Cruise Critic Board, let's give a big thread welcome to Barbara!!! (I should have been a game show host!)

Cap, the driveway and sidewalk are clear for the third time today!!! Gail made the first pass this morning, I got the blower out when I got home, and I went out again when Mr. Snowplow made his pass. What fun!!!!:teeth:

"Briefed"! I get it!!

[Annie12345]

Phew! I just got caught up on the last 11 pages that I missed from this morning!! So I probably forgot half the questions, but here I go...
1. This is our plan at the ports - Key West - trolley, and other than that will just hang out...
2. Grand Cayman - beach
3. Cozumel - Sally's mini-golf; shop back to the ship; have a bite to eat at the ship; then to spend a heavenly afternoon at Paradise Beach.
4. Castaway Key - Karyn, I might go parasailing...

Later...
Annie

[Annie12345]

Okay, I'm back....
2nd question about what we're doing the night before the cruise... we will be picking up Gary and Gail on Friday morning at the airport, then heading to Mission Space, then Magic Kingdom... in the evening we're doing the Illuminations Cruise... we're sharing a limo to the port on Saturday morning...

[Annie12345]

Also - a huge welcome to all of the new posters!!! Randy and I are really looking forward to meeting all of you - instead of just the virtual parties - which, by the way are great, but it will be nice to see you all in person...

[Annie12345]

I have to tell you that I have been feeling very delinquent in the lack of posts today but I have been working way too hard (yes, I'd like some cheese with my whine!) and just got home a little while ago... I have enjoyed getting caught up on all the news even if it did take me over an hour to read all the posts...

[Annie12345]

Just one more thing... thanks for all the hints you gave Randy about the romance package... I'm so excited!!!! I never would have thought about it if it wasn't for all of you talking about it and all the free advertising you gave DCL by making it sound so great!! Thanks, Randy!!!! You are such a sweetheartpuckerup: :lovestruc : :love2:

Someone asked a few pages back about being on back to back cruises... we are in the same stateroom for both weeks, and don't have to get off the ship in between if we don't want to... So, if anyone wants to stow away in our room, you can do that too... Cyberkashi's also doing back to back cruises...

[Annie12345]

One last thing... I forgot to say goodnight... hope you all have a good one, and a great day tomorrow!!! :wave: :wave:

HADN

p.s. I hope I've redeemed myself with my posts tonight...

[goofyaboutmickey7]

ho hum here we are where is everybody and where is the party we need to hook up with all our fun loving cruisers, speedo wearing beer, pepsi swilling wild disco dancers, we miss you guys to and by the way to all folks on this board we are going to have big fun because you are all soooooo coooool i can hardly wait to meet all of you. I think you are going to be a riot i can just tell from how outgoing and wild and smart and witty funloving bunch Arrrrgggghhhh Eh pirate: Randy

[goofyaboutmickey7]

for the record Karyn and everybody else that wants to witness this Fact annie is parasailing at cast away cay it was determined after last years cruise when annie came back to the beach to inform me " your up at 2:00 we decided that this year she is going up. Karyn annie is going up. ARGH! eh! pirate: Randy :bounce: :sunny: :yo-yo: :umbrella: :scared1:

[Cap]

Folks, you all did a really great job today. At 11:47 PM US EST, we are at 1454 threads, 138 ahead of the second place team.

We also had more posters - finally getting our families involved. And all this with no party, unless you count snow clearing.

Have a wonderful night, full of Disney dreams, and we'll look for a terrific day tomorrow.

Thanks all.

[goofyaboutmickey7]

good night: mary ellen, john boy, jim bob, gary, dean, karyn, cap, annie,kim,jami,monique,nikki,renae,juli,judi,mary, barbara, cheri, and all the rest sorry if i missed you it was not intentional sleep tight and dont let gary bite! :o :crazy: :earseek: :hyper: :teeth: :wave: ::yes:: pirate: AAAArrrrggghhhh Randy

[Juli]

So impressed that Randy has all those names down. I'm waiting for a final cruise list that I can print as a cheat sheet. I really need pictures next to the names to make it work, but I can't produce it, so won't ask for it.

Juli

[Juli]

Excursion Q:

KW- we are going it alone. Conch Train or Trolley, whichever strikes us at the time. Aquarium, Shipwreck Museum, Hemmingways house & hang outs (he got married in Michigan afterall don't cha know?). Goal: to maintain ourselves in front of our children knowing that we don't have to drive anywhere and have to be back to the ship by when????? They've only seen me fall down once and thought I actually tripped over something.

Check this out for you commando types:

http://shophta.com/acb/stores/15/index.asp?SID=15&

GC - Reef Sail and Stingray Snorkel tour. Have been showing the kids any pics I can find of this and coaching them on it. Definite chance that kids will freak out. I will have to pretend it doesn't bother me. Eek!

CZ - Tulum Ruins (This is our Palo and romantic turn down night - I'll have to sleep on the bus on the way home.)

CC- on our own. Kids looking forward to swimming out to the structure thing this time; too small last time. Hanging out at serenity beach if they go to the club. Bike riding. Kind of envious that Annie is parasailing. I'll be the one that says I'll do it next time. It was cold last time we were there and I froze in a massage on the beach. Not booking that this time!


Good Night Everybody!

Juli

[auntrenae]

Juli,
I'm so glad you said what you did about talking to other tables and loving meeting new people!:happy1: :chat: That's one of the best parts of cruising for me. I am a total motormouth and I love to talk. On our cruise in Oct. we just had us(3) at our table for 6 and it was kinda' lonely:( . We will probably end up with all 8 of our family reunion group at a big table this time, so I will have to talk to everyone else at other times. Oh well, this is a bunch of people we love and haven't seen in quite a while, so it's not bad at all:)
talk (a lot) to you in 2 weeks:wave2: :teeth: :wave2:
Renae

[auntrenae]

Hi,
just checking in... I think we can slaughter them, we all like to talk about stuff that we want to do even if we would never do it for real, so that's good for a LOT of posts, right? See, I can talk about nothing at all and still get going...
Renae

[auntrenae]

Hi Dancers,
I haven't heard back from anybody about the disco in the terminal, I know you guys can dance, and I know you aren't shy, so what is it? Too many people? OK, I'm chicken (that's funky chicken) too, but hey, when will we see these people again... What am I saying, my family will be there:earseek: scary, and they probably will all have video cameras:earseek: that's even more scary...
chicken boogie inferno lady,
Renae

[auntrenae]

OK, what does partake between every activity mean? I know it's late and I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but come on... give me the definition of partake before I come up with something really weird on my own!

[auntrenae]

Here are the excursions I know of for our group,
Key West, lazy day on board
Grand Cayman, half day Capt. Marvins with DSIL
Cozumel, DH, DBIL, and DFIL Tulum ruins jeep safari
CC, serenity bay here we come, and probably renting a little catamaran
That's it for us this time, we are taking it easy (on the pocketbook)
Happy Hales to you, until we meet again... whoever can remember the tune to that one, you are OLD, just like me!
Renae:rolleyes:

[Juli]

Hi Renae,

Glad to see another night owl out here. I have a hard time getting to sleep at night. Besides it's the only time I get to be alone. :)

Are you going on the DCL Tulum excursion or booking through another group or going on your own?

If we find each other it could be a talk fest!

Juli

[auntrenae]

We,
The Hale family will be leaving our home in Orlando at about noon to head to the port, such a long drive it's taxing to our sensitive souls:rolleyes: We will have a layover of about 10 minutes as we decide whether to put all of us in one car (yeah right):crowded: :crowded: then we wil leisurely head over to the terminal to BOOGIE DOWN

[Juli]

Originally posted by auntrenae
Hi Dancers,
I haven't heard back from anybody about the disco in the terminal, I know you guys can dance, and I know you aren't shy, so what is it?
Renae

Well Renae, I used to dance, never could dance really, just had a lot of fun trying. I'm a klutz, but love dancing. Bad combination, people get hurt.

If I see even one person in lime green doing the hustle or the electric slide in the terminal, I swear I'll join in.....that could be the end of any ideas of a "Romantic Escape at Sea" for me. My kids and DH will throw me in the water. I'll send them to the bathroom or cafe for something, that'll work.

This is where the sly middle-age bouncy shuffle thing will come in handy. I'll do my best.

Juli

[auntrenae]

Barbara,
Out of overwhelming kindness and concern for your mental health:teeth: I ask you to be aware that the group you are joining is NUTS! :hyper: :crazy: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :earseek: If you choose to accept this assignment:cool: you will be exposed to black speedos:earseek: umbrella drinks::yes:: crazy picture posing groups:grouphug: people who use strange words for normal activities:chat: and many jokes at our expense. If anything should go wrong, the world will disavow any involvement or knowledge of your existence UNLESS you post as many times as possible and keep us ahead:moped: of any competition. If you can do that, we will welcome you:hug: and love you forever:lovestruc
can you accept this challenge?:tongue: All Righty then...
Welcome!
Renae

[auntrenae]

Hi everyone,
I don't know if I have everyone's names right, but welcome to Matt, John, Judi and I think there is someone else but the name escapes me, it is the wee hours of the morning after all:rolleyes:
Please refer to my post about the 'dangers' of joining our little family:grouphug: Be afraid... be very afraid....! NOT!
enjoy, Renae

[auntrenae]

OK people, it looks like page 98 belongs mostly to me, with help from Juli, I hope you are all intimidated enough to try for a whole page for yourselves!
Juli, we will have to meet up so we can blow the whole ship away with all the talking:chat:
As for the hustle at the terminal, first, I won't be wearing lime green, it makes me look sick, and I don't want DCL thinking I am:faint: If I get up the guts to dance there, I hope you and everyone else on this board will join me before everyone there starts laughing:laughing: and throwing food!:duck: PLEASE help!!! night all, Renae

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Juli
Would it be in very bad taste for you to call DCL yourself with your Q's Nikki. Just to help MIL out since she's leaving and all. May have to tread carefully here, huh?:

MIL would be ok with it, but as she is a travel agent, DCL will tell me to call her w/the questions, because she's listed on our file as the one arranging it (and that's why our cruise is a couple of 100 less than it should be, she's not taking her "cut" - but that's a secret, don't tell anyone! :eek: )

Thanks for finding this all out - I don't really care if the flowers are tehre or not, and so on...I'm just curious. Anything extra is worth it, this is the first "relaxing" vacation we've taken in years, and it's been a tough few years, believe me...

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by hellatime
Thanks Nikki!! Yeah, Kingdom Hearts is one of my favorite games, and since it was Disney, I thought it'd fit on this board! You should try to get the secret ending, it's very cool... makes me look forward to the sequels!

Look forward to meeting ya!

-Matt

I would, but I'm working on Final Fantasy X-2 right now...and let me tell you, my friend...if you want a hard game this is it. I'm a pretty seasoned RPGamer, and this one is KILLING me. At first I was terribly offended by how "girlie" this is...it went along with my article here:

http://www.digitpress.com/archives/womanstouch_neutral.htm

But then I realized they may have girlie-fied it, but otherwise they made it 100 times harder than FFX!

Damn. I have to go to work, but now I want to play my video games instead! *pout* If only I could make that "write for a video game magazine" thing pay off... *sigh*

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by kmc33
"You can book it, if you want", says John.

:jumping1:


Deciding factor:
Being able to board the ship without stress and waiting in lines for reservations...

PRICELESS


:smooth:

WHOO HOO!

*high fives Kim*

Awesome, girlie, John, you're wonderful and you're gonna love it! Hey I asked Kelsey about how she'd feel if a 4 yr old on board needed some "play time" to make sure he was happy - you should have SEEN her - her face lit up and she was nodding and saying "COOOOOOL!" She loves to play with the little kids...(I think it's a power trip thing... *grin*)

[The4OfUs]

OK all caught up, time to shower and venture into the subzero temps to get on the subway in Boston and walk 2 blocks before I freeze solid...talk to you all soon!

[dheller97]

Wow, I leave for a couple of hours and I have to read pages and pages at this time of morning? Gary, did you see the challenge issued to us?

If I see even one person in lime green doing the hustle or the electric slide in the terminal, I swear I'll join in.....

So what do you think? Me and Cheri, you and Gail starting?

http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/music/1.gif http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/party/bellyemoticon.gif http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/music/1.gif http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/party/bellyemoticon.gif

[OKWMEMBER]

OK, I'm up! Who's with me for a brisk stroll around the Promenade??? Dean? Cap? Karyn? Come on, Let's go!!!
The warm oceans breezes await us!!!

Oh yeah, I think we'll be getting down in the terminal!!!
:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

HADM!!!:wave: :wave2:

[Kabuli1]

Gary, I'm up now!!! Ready for a stroll around the deck.

Wow, Renae! That was some streak - er, the posting kind of streak - but I'm sure the gues wouldn mind if you did it in the terminal, too. Ok, i'll join the dance - but I don't know how to dance very well. If the conga line starts up w/ a guy in lime green tennies at the front, I'll be there! You want to meet Jill and I somewhere around the world for a drink or something on the 29th or 30th? We'll be a the Boardwalk.

Yes, guys, you shamed me into it, I actually booked my hotel. Still don't have the plane ticket thing done!

Randy flies back tonight, I'll try to get him on the DIS - he'll probably post as "Gemshorn". Don't ask me, I guess it's an organ stop.

I won't be able to post alot today, busy busy busy then picking up the Ranj from the airport. I will do what I can!

Wow what a party, I was hoping for pg 100 yesterday and you got us all the way to 99, Renae, why'd you quit? How bout another 100 posts today?

Have a great one!

Karyn

[dheller97]

Hey, good morning, Gary. I'll catch up with you on the brisk stroll. Gotta drop Cap's paper off first.

[kmc33]

Wow!! That was some party last night. I was fast asleep dreaming about the Romantic Escape at Sea! :love2: I am so glad I read all the talk about it here or I wouldn't have given it much though either. Once John understood the details, he thought it looked good too. And besides all the things we will enjoy, how nice to not have to do the ressie rush!


And how about those 99 posts!! Great job everyone!! ::yes::

Nikki -- that's wild about Kelsey. I would have never thought she would have been excited! That's cool!

Annie - we are planning to go to Paradise beach too! It sounds so nice!

HADD!! :wave:

[dheller97]

If the conga line starts up w/ a guy in lime green tennies at the front, I'll be there!

Karyn, is this a challenge, or an invitation?

Dean

[kmc33]

I think it might be a challenge, Dean. Karyn saw what happened when she gave us a challenge yesterday!

Wow, we are about to go onto 100 pages!!!

Nikki - try to keep warm. On the radio this morning, they mentioned on the news just how cold it is in New England.

Gary - how's the snow? They were saying 3-5 inches here, but it stayed north. At my house there was only an inch. And at work, which is south of the city, there is not even that much -- barely a dusting. But schools were delayed in Cranberry and north of there.

Keep warm everyone. Well, everyone except Renae :)

[Cap]

Good morning all. I see that we have plenty of late night people who will be able to party. Guess everyone must plan to sleep on the beach in the afternoon, to be able to have the energy to be up early and late.

Beautiful sunrise here this morning - nice colours (where's Shingle) mixed with clouds. Driveway end remains clear - the snowplow guy didn't come back again.

We've not really decided on tours. Wanted to plan with our friends John and Jeannie and their daughter's family, who will be with us, but they had a death in the family last week, so it didn't happen. Jeannie, Courtney, and Ava left this week, driving to TN, GA, and then FL, so we won't see them until 1/30.

For KW, I know we want to do one of the Train / Trolley tours, and Partake. For the other ports, at least Partake.

[Cap]

ArtistJudi, Butterfly2, and the other new kids are going to be surprised when they see how many posts they have to read to catchup from their visit last night.

We're chatty - in fact I think I'd call it a talkfest.

[kmc33]

What a night last night for the other family members to introduce themselves! I have a funny story...

I had already mentioned here that John seemed interested in logging on. Well, last night I gave him Elijah's Grandpa's review of his 12/6 Western Caribbean cruise so that he could read more about the Romance package (which was mentioned in there). Well anyway, after John read the review, he commented that Elijah's Grandpa was writing about running into so and so, and so and so, listing their screen names from the DIS Boards. John commented that he was mentioning these people like he knew them. And I told him, he probably felt like he did. I feel like I already know the people (all of you!) on our cruise. :grouphug:
So, it was interesting hearing it from an outsiders perspective.

[Kabuli1]

I was thinking that if you're going to have any cold(ish) weather anytime in the next month, Renae, could you have it this week and next? Please!

Annie, so are we going to parasail together? I want to do it, but I don't want to go up alone.

Yesterday was amazing!

Can everybody email my Randy and encourage him to join us? You would have to put something about 1/31 cruise in the title line - you can find him at BPianos@aol.com

I've got to tidy up, the new owner's coming over this afternoon and I don't want her to have buyer's remorse when she sees the huge packing mess, tho I can't do much about all the boxes.

Salon day today for my cruise cut and color! yeah!

Remember, as they say in Chicago, post early and often! 1500 by noon!

Karyn

[Cap]

Dean, Gary, Nikki, Kim

This is the time to ask / answer questions on the boards. They are really fast this morning.

[Kabuli1]

Oh wow! I wasn't trying but I got the first post on page 100!!! how cool is that!

Karyn

[Cap]

Congratulations Karyn - you made our thread turn to 100 pages.

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by kmc33
John commented that he was mentioning these people like he knew them. And I told him, he probably felt like he did. I feel like I already know the people (all of you!) on our cruise. :grouphug:
So, it was interesting hearing it from an outsiders perspective.

"There is a side of friendship that develops better and stronger by correspondence than contact.... The absence of the flesh in writing perhaps brings souls nearer."
- Emily Carr

[Juli]

Well, we made 100! I kinda hoped Renae and I could do it all ourselves last night. :D


Gotta shovel the driveway and have to be gone all day. I seem to be a late night poster as opposed to morning. See you tonight!

Juli

[OKWMEMBER]

Kim, you want snow? WE GOT SNOW!!! We've had over a foot on snow in Edinboro (where I work when not on the boards)over the last few days and almost that much in Erie (Home). I had the blower out again last night. Gail cleared out my side of the driveway so I could get my car in the garage. Our street is on a hill and our driveway goes uphill so that was great!

[OKWMEMBER]

Way to go Gang!!! 100 pages!!!

And we've still got two weeks to go!!:bounce:

That verse says it all, Nikki.

[Cap]

Nikki, that was a great quote from Emily Carr. Thanks.

[Cap]

Dean, watch out what you let Butterfly2 read. Judi caught up on the threads this morning. Her first comment to me was "you didn't tell me there was a Romantic Package". Now I've got to try to book it.

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Cap
Nikki, that was a great quote from Emily Carr. Thanks.

:goodvibes

I'm a quote freak. I have a huge list of my favorites on our family site (which will be updated AFTER the cruise) - http://trulson4.tripod.com/quotes.html

That one fits so perfectly because like Kim said, I feel like I already KNOW you guys, so meeting you is going to be like getting to see old friends. I'm so looking forward to it, it just enhances the already wonderful cruise experience.

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Cap
Dean, watch out what you let Butterfly2 read. Judi caught up on the threads this morning. Her first comment to me was "you didn't tell me there was a Romantic Package". Now I've got to try to book it.

Yay Judi!!

That's right, Cap, it's just the two of you...how perfect for that package! And look at all the members of our little group who will be able to board stress free in terms of ressies, and instead start the party a little earlier!

Tyler told me that he wants to go to the pool the SECOND we get on board...and THEN go check into the clubs...that's his #1 goal.

Oh, and when I explained about the Superbowl and where it's showing, he got SO worried that we wouldn't watch it with him. I promised him we would, and now he's excited beyond belief.

[kmc33]

Nikki - that was a great quote. Thanks! I too am looking forward to getting together with my old friends -- in two weeks!!
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[kmc33]

Cap - I am impressed that Judi caught up on the thread!

After John posted last night, he went to page one, started reading and saw that those posts started in April. Luke was waiting for his bedtime story, so John gave up. I don't see him getting back to it!! He is flying to Italy on Sunday. I should print out the thread for good reading on his 8 hour flight!!! :tongue:

[dheller97]

WOW!! Sorry it took me so long to catch up this morning. But, some of us have to work at work rather than post.......

Karyn, I emailed Randy (and bc'd you) and invited him to join in this wacky group.

OK, pay attention...... QUESTION
Our grandkids want us to bring back sea-shells for them. If we see some on our beach break in Cozumel, can we bring them back home with us?

Congratulations to everyone who talked their spouse into the Romance packages. But, just wait til you see the two OLD lovebirds romancing without the package..... woooo-hooooo, right Cheri? Right? Yooo-hoooo. Right? Darn, she musta dozed off.

Keep posting - Dean