August 28, 2004 "LOST AT SEA" Cruise

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Mary Anne
We BOOKED today for the 8/28/2004 cruise using DVC points.

You can officially add me, my DH and two boys 16 and 13 to the countdown list.

This is our 2nd Disney Cruise - 4th cruise overall for both boys
7th cruise for DH and 9th for me.

Looking forward to spending some time on the cruise board and this thread in the coming months!

Congrats on the second cruise Mary Anne! We look forward to sailing with you!

Check out the August 28th Disney Magic Cruise List site at <a href="http://**********************">*****************</a>.

Jason

[Mjasp]

WELCOME MARY ANNE!!!! Glad you will be cruising with us.

Jason, I will e mail you my info tomorrow.


For those who haven't seen Three circles web site for the 8/28 cruise check it out, Check out the 5/1 cruise so you can see it with info added.

[ThreeCircles]

Hello all!

The August 28th Site has just been updated and we've already added another cruiser! The site is still being worked on so please pardon the dust. I'm in the process of finding all of the non-working links, etc.

If anyone has any suggestions for additions to the site, please don't hesitate to <a href="mailto:jason@*****************">e-mail me</a>.

<a href="http://**********************">*****************</a>

Talk to you all soon!

[ThreeCircles]

Added TWO new cruisers to the site!


<a href="http://**********************">*****************</a>

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mary Anne
First off, I want to thank everyone for answering my questions yesterday. I know I posted a few of them while I was in a gathering information mode.

We BOOKED today for the 8/28/2004 cruise using DVC points.

You can officially add me, my DH and two boys 16 and 13 to the countdown list.

This is our 2nd Disney Cruise - 4th cruise overall for both boys
7th cruise for DH and 9th for me.

Looking forward to spending some time on the cruise board and this thread in the coming months!

Congrats on booking!!! I'm so glad that you and your family will be sailing with us! :sunny: :boat:

[ThreeCircles]

Hey all!

This info is from RellingTwin's cruise report from the 10/11 Western Magic sailing.

Key West, we had so much fun here, thanks to the efforts of DIS’er Tina (Hopkins). She organized a scavenger hunt with a company called “The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt”. We all met to be briefed and to get our list of clues, then we were off! About 50 of us running in every direction. We chose to rent an electric car for the duration of the hunt, and STILL came in last place AND were late getting back! The object of the hunt was to solve the clues, write the answers on the form provided, and meet in a “mystery location” by 4pm. The clues took us all over Key West and were an absolute riot! Papa, and GoofyNuts team were the winners, and Dan and Scott found “Pinky” the flamingo coconut! Key West was HOT! We walked around a little after the hunt, but I headed back to the ship for a shower while DH went in search of cigars. We watched the sunset from our veranda.

[sandygirl]

:smooth: Cool.

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone:

41 weeks to go :sunny: Hope you all had a good week. Have a great weekend!!! :wave2:

[ThreeCircles]

Good news to hear! Only 41 more weeks and we'll all be sipping tropical drinks and soaking up the Caribbean sun!

[Mary Anne]

:wave:

I'll have one of those drinks please.

::yes::

[ThreeCircles]

Mary Anne--

Have you guys started talking about what (if any) excursions you might be planning? Do you think you might be interested in the Southernmost Scavenger Hunt on Key West Day?

I'm not 100% sure as to what Travis and I will end up doing at the other ports of call but I know we do want to try the scavenger hunt thing. We have visited Key West twice now and wanted to try something new.

[Mary Anne]

To be honest, I doubt we'll do any excursions. Hard as this might be to understand, we love to cruise but don't care for the beach, water, sand, or seeing many of the sights on these islands. We really enjoy being the the ship while in port and everyone else is off the ship.

Since we've never been to any of these places we'll probably get off for about an hour or so just to say we were there but have no desire to really do anything in these places.

I have been on cruises that I never once set foot off the ship while in port.

[SeaSpray]

Mary Anne:

One of my brothers who talked us into trying a cruise this past summer always says that he wouldn't care if the ship just circled the islands and never stopped. He really enjoys being on the ship, too, and wouldn't mind just staying onboard the entire time.

My DH doesn't have a huge interest in exploring the islands. He's not a beach person, so I think my one beach day will be the day we spend at Castaway Cay. He does want to get off the ship at each port, and he likes to snorkel, but he can do that at Castaway Cay too, so I don't think we'll be doing any snorkel or beach excursions.

I have a few excursions for each port that appeal to me, just not sure which ones we'll do. We do plan on the Tulum ruins though. (I think I've mentioned that before, haven't?? lol)

[Mary Anne]

We do plan on the Tulum ruins though. (I think I've mentioned that before, haven't?? lol)

LOL Yes you have. Could you tell me what it is? Now you've got me interested.

[xABearx]

Here's a description of the excursion, including prices and length of tour, from the DCL site......Andy


Tulum Ruins and Beach Tour (6.5 - 7.5 hours)

The remnants of a proud and fascinating civilization are yours to explore. After a boat ride to Playa del Carmen, you'll travel via air-conditioned bus to the Tulum Ruins. A knowledgeable guide will escort you through this sacred city and reveal its complex history. While at the Ruins, enjoy use of the nearby beach (approximately 2 hours). Beverages and sandwich lunch provided. An additional fee will be charged for those wishing to bring a video camera. There are areas of rough terrain and strollers are not allowed. Not recommended for children under 8.

Adult Price: $90 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $70 (ages 5-9)
Departure Time: 9:40 am

[Mary Anne]

While that sounds interesting, I guess we'll pass on that too. We enjoy our time on the ship while it's in port too much to give it up for 7 hours or so.

[Mjasp]

41 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait till get under 40.


Excursions...I have no clue, still way too early for me. The scavenger hunt does sound like fun, but with 2 small kids complaining of the heat. Hmmm...Doesn't sound like much fun anymore If I wasn't with kids I would definitely do this.

I would like to go to hell, a quick excursion in Grand Cayman

Cozumel... Mr. Sancho's looks good.

Key West...In Key West I want to check out that sandal shop, after that who knows.

CC...Sitting with my chair in the foot of the water

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for the description, Andy!

Mary Anne: Yes, it's a VERY long excursion, and I can understand where it might not be everyone's cup of tea, as far as excursions go, especially if someone had younger kids.

I've done a lot of research on it, including reading extensive trip reports by people who've done it and they all highly recommend it. We'll be docked in Cozumel for almost the entire day, so this will still give us time to explore just a bit afterwards. I've looked into the ruins excursions that are actually on the island of Cozumel but they are not impressive at all; at least not in comparison to the ruins at Tulum.

Four hours of traveling time is a LOT, and it's the one point that made me hesitate planning it, but we feel it would be worth it. Both of our DSs have studied the Mayans, so we feel this will be an interesting excursion for all 4 of us.

[Karel]

I'm thinking about excursions, though nobody else wants to hear about them, lol.

Key West - my husband's brother lives down there so we want to hook up with him for an adult's tour of Key West. The kids haven't been there since they were 3, 5 and 6, so we'll walk around a bit and then they may go to the lab/teen club so we can spend adult time together.

Grand Cayman - wanted to go to the turtle farm till I read a very depressing post about how they live there for their whole life and they are raised for turtle products. Maybe we'll just shop a bit and have a look around.

Cozmel - I'd love to go to Tulum but I think it would be too much for the kids. Might go to the smaller ruins and then Chankabaub (sp?) I've always wanted to go to Xceret too so we might do that.

[ThreeCircles]

Everyone sounds well on their way to planning for land excursions or Magic excursions!

Mary Anne-- I can totally understand where you're coming from! Time spent on the Magic is about as good as you can get!

I think Travis and I may consider the Tulum ruins as well. The excursion is long but the site looks awesome and steeped in history! I bet the feel of the place is just remarkable!

[SeaSpray]

Jason:

In case you haven't seen them yet, scroll through the pictures on this person's web site. He got some great shots of the ruins and beach at Tulum. After comparing this to the ruins on Cozumel itself, we've decided it's worth it to take the day and go to Tulum. (Not intending to knock anyone who does the Cozumel ruins, but for us, we know we'd prefer Tulum!)

http://externe.net/photos/ll2-mexico-tulum-mayan-ruins/aligned_with_the_stars

[ThreeCircles]

SeaSpray--

Wow! Thanks for providing the link to that site. The pictures are the best that I've seen of Tulum and they really do make the other ruins seem minor compared to these.

I have a feeling that Travis and I will definitely be checking Tulum out!

[ThreeCircles]

Well, as much as I hate to see the weekend end, at least it's one more behind us now and puts us one more weekend closer to the Magic!

:)

[markºoº]

WOW, has this list grown since I posted in June. Looks like there will be a lot of DIS members on the cruise.

Although it is early, I've been thinking about excursions. On our first cruise in 2002 (4 day) we did not do any since we had a 3 year old. This time he will be 5 and we have more choices. My other DS will be 12.

Key West - no idea yet. Probably explore a little on our own, do the trolley. I'm sure it will be HOT! Sorry, but I doubt we would do a big scavenger hunt. I don't think DW or younger DS would be interested.

Grand Cayman - I'm sure we will do stringray city. I'm also interested in the Atlantis Deep Explorer. It cost a small fortune but I think it would be so cool. Our older son would love this.

Cozumel - We might do something at Chankanaab. The cavern exploration looks like fun but DS will not be 6. I would consider the Atlantis sub if we don't do the deep explorer in Grand Cayman.

Anybody have thoughts about these excursions or other ideas from someone with a 5 year old?

[Mjasp]

Mark...Good to hear from you, I was wondering where you were. Thought you jumped ship LOL

Sorry, Can't help you with those excursions.

[ThreeCircles]

Hello Mark!

Sorry to hear that you won't be joining us for the scavenger hunt. I can understand that you guys want to do something together and that everyone will enjoy though! Vacations are family time!

Stingray City at Grand Cayman is a excellent experience! We booked through Captain Marvin's in August and will definitely try it again. We did the short excursion, about two hours or so, and want to try a longer one.

We've also visited Chankanaab. We got there late on our last visit and may go back next time. From the little we saw of the park, it looks like a nice place to visit. Bring extra cash though, as everything within the grounds is extra.


Make sure you check out the August 28th Cruise List site at <a href="http://**********************">*****************</a> . Talk to you soon!

Jason

[Caren90]

WOW, lot's of new people since I last checked in.

MJASP- I noticed on your cruise list I never gave the ages of my family, if you would like to add them:
Me
DH
DD-12
DS-9

BIL
SIL
DNephew-8
DNiece-5

Thanks, it cannot come soon enough!!
Caren

[Mjasp]

Caren...Consider it done, I see you also have a DD 12 cruising, so will I, along with DD 8. Guess our 12 yr olds will be in the same age group in the lab.

Check out Jasons cruise list at *****************

[Caren90]

Great Thanks
I'll check out the website of anyone with a Howard Dean link in thier signature!
MJASP are you also in one of the secret porthole rooms-we have three-on the 5020 side?

Caren

[Caren90]

Great Thanks
I'll check out the website of anyone with a Howard Dean link in thier signature!
MJASP are you also in one of the secret porthole rooms-we have three-on the 5020 side?

Caren

[ThreeCircles]

It's gotten very quiet in here! Where did everyone go?! :)

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************
It's gotten very quiet in here! Where did everyone go?! :)

I'm here! :wave2:

40 weeks from today we'll be flying down to Florida!

I haven't been online as much lately because we're just finishing up some home remodeling work. We recently finished off our basement and turned it into a family room complete with recessed lights, new wall to wall carpet, and DH's home office. After that, we decided to paint the livingroom and buy new furniture for that room since we moved our other sofa and love seat into the familyroom. While we were at it, we put in a new bathroom floor and toilet. SO..... I'm glad to have that almost all done now. Our new livingroom furniture is being delivered on Monday :sunny:

I can't believe how excited I still am about this cruise and it's still 40 weeks away. LOL

Regarding excursions: It's funny because I keep going back and forth... One day a particular excursion sounds like fun, the next day I think I want to do something different. The only one that I'm sure about is the Tulum ruins. We haven't changed our minds about that one at all. SO far, no one in our party wants to go to Stingray City with me. lol I may still go anyway though. This is going to be a lot different from the cruise that DH and I went on this past summer because we cruised to Bermuda and didn't have only one day there like we'll have at the ports on this cruise. On Grand Cayman I still like the idea of doing the Nautilus semi-sub excursion. On Castaway Cay we'll have our own snorkel gear so we'll snorkel there.

I hope everyone is doing well!!! :boat:

[sandygirl]

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc
I am so ready for this cruise. I could leave today. But then what would I do when the 40 weeks rolls around and I have no cruise?!? :( Wish I had the option of going now AND then. :scratchin Guess not!:rolleyes:

Home sick with the princess: DD6. I'll check in later. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

40 more weeks...40 more weeks...40 more weeks...

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by sandygirl
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc
I am so ready for this cruise. I could leave today. But then what would I do when the 40 weeks rolls around and I have no cruise?!? :( Wish I had the option of going now AND then. :scratchin Guess not!:rolleyes:

Home sick with the princess: DD6. I'll check in later. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

40 more weeks...40 more weeks...40 more weeks...

Sandy, I hope your DD is feeling better soon!!! princess:

[ThreeCircles]

SeaSpray--

Wow! After all of that work that you guys have done to your house you most certainly deserve this cruise!!! :)

Travis and I will probably visit Stingray City again so you can count us in on the trip! We enjoyed it so much last time that we want to take a longer excursion this time around. We'll probably go through Captain Marvin's again as they are very professional. Plus, they give you free rum cake at the end! :)

[sandygirl]

Sandy, I hope your DD is feeling better soon!!!

The doc is not sure what is wrong with her :confused: . That is a little frustrating. She wasn't too crazy:crazy: about 2 of the procedures today. She's just a little thing. Prayers would be appreciated.

************

Travis and I will probably visit Stingray City again so you can count us in on the trip!

DDprincess: said "no way" to the stingrays. I'm bummed, they sounded cool to me!
We will definately take the tour to Tulum. Not sure what else we will do, besides RELAX.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by sandygirl
DDprincess: said "no way" to the stingrays. I'm bummed, they sounded cool to me!
We will definately take the tour to Tulum. Not sure what else we will do, besides RELAX.

She wouldn't be the first Sandygirl! In August we went to Stingray City and quite a few people didn't even want to get off of the boat and into the water. :)

The stingrays are way cool though. Actually, very gentle and elegant. Can't wait to see 'em again!

We'll probably see you at Tulum!

[Mary Anne]

I've been very busy too! Just too much going on this time of the year.

I'm looking forward to after the holiday period and really getting into planning full force!

[Mjasp]

Hi Everyone...40 weeks and counting :Pinkbounc

[ThreeCircles]

Hello all!

Just thought this might prove interesting to some of you if you've never been to the Keys before.

<a href="http://www.conchrepublic.com/history.htm">The Conch Republic</a>.

[ThreeCircles]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Travis and I have Priority Seating at the Brown Derby tomorrow. They're one of many Disney restaurants that will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal and since we spent last Thanksgiving on the Magic, we felt we should keep the tradition and spend the day with Disney and crew. :D

Hope you all have a great holiday!!!!

[Mjasp]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!



Tell Mickey we all say Hello.

[sandygirl]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

Wherever you are, whom ever you are with, whatever you are doing, we wish you blessings and remembrances of all those things you have to be thankful for.

[lynr]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hope everyone has many things to be thankful for this year.

Lyn

[SeaSpray]

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL day! :wave:

Jason & Travis: Have a great time at the Brown Derby... I wish I was at WDW too! ::MickeyMo

Fortunately my DH enjoys roasting a turkey, so that job is all his today, and we're at home this year instead of traveling out of state. My sister, BIL, and father are driving up from NJ :sunny:

[tonia]

okay where is everybody

it is now after Thanksgiving and we have not been doing our weekly count down.

i hope all is well with everyone and that you all have had a safe and joyous holiday

and for my fellow shoppers out there I hope everyone enjoyed being out yesterday. my body is still confused from being up at 3:00 am yesterday.


have a great day and I will talk to everyone next week

[Mary Anne]

I was away for the holiday but am home now.

Hope everyone had a nice safe holiday.

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone!

I have relatives visiting for the weekend, but wanted to sign on to give the week's countdown.

39 weeks to go!! :sunny:

[Mjasp]

We are in the 30's weeks now. :Pinkbounc

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

[sandygirl]

39 Weeks!! :sunny:

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Anyone else still eating leftovers?

[ThreeCircles]

Leftovers?

Travis and I spent Thanksgiving with Mickey and the gang at Disney-MGM. We ended up eating at the Brown Derby and didn't have a single leftover!

Food and atmosphere were great! Hope everyone is well!

Jason

[Mjasp]

ok 6 INCHES OF THE WHITE STUFF ALREADY!!!

Expecting another 10-12 inches by the morning. And to think I was soooo close to moving to Florida last April. My DH's idea and then he got cold feet. Now he really has them as he is starting the snow blower. LOL

Joanna

[SeaSpray]

It's JUST starting to snow here on the south shore of Massachusetts!! Daydreaming of the cruise really helps.... :sunny:

[Mary Anne]

We've got 5 inches already; another 15 expected tomorrow

How many days till we're in the Sun and cruising the ocean?

[tonia]

I am a little late getting back to everyone. I hope everyone is fine. I have had the week from you know where. on Tuesday we had unexpected ice and driving in NJ ended up being murder. they shut down several highways and most people had at least a 2 to 3 hour commute. and now this morning I woke up to snow and this is not a pleasure. went to work anyway and we closed our office at 2:00 today. so my normal 30 minute ride ended up being 1 1/2 hours. now I am very comfortable at home. everyone be safe and be very careful. talk to you next weekprincess:

[sandygirl]

SNOW! I'm sitting here freezing my little fingers off at the computer, but I had to say "hello" and welcome to week 38.
:wave:

I am now going to make a hot cup of tea and sit in front of the Christmas tree and watch the lights. And dream of 80 degrees, crystal blue water, and bahama mamas.
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Everyone in the snowy Northeast, be safe. Wherever you are, have a great week.

[Mjasp]

OK Have the 10 o'clock news on now and they are now calling for blizzard conditions tomorrow. HELP!!!!!


I am suppose to work tomorrow, but if this snow continues we will be closing. I still have to wake up early to see the weather.


Ah the warmth of Mexico, remember how we all say how HOT it is in Key West. Hmmm, sounds good about now.

Keep safe and warm everyone.

Joanna

[SeaSpray]

DH and I just ran out to get our gas containers filled so we don't run out for the snowblower all weekend. He was thrilled to be able to put his new Ford F-150 4X4 into 4 wheel mode, too :teeth:

We've already got about 4" on the ground and it's coming down fast, hard, and steady! We're due for 15-30" all together, by Sunday. Brrrrr!!

We'll all have to remember this....(all this snow this winter...) NEXT summer while we're cruising in the caribbean!! :sunny:


Stay safe and warm everyone!!! :wave2:

[Mary Anne]

Still snowing in the NYcity.

Stay warm and safe all.

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone :wave2:

We were way back on page 2! I guess this is a very busy time of year for most people.

I hope you all are doing well. We still have snow on the ground from the 2 feet we got last weekend, and now we're supposed to be getting more snow tomorrow and Monday. YUCK!

I love daydreaming of the cruise at times like this! :sunny: :boat: :sunny:

Bye for now!! :wave2:

[Mary Anne]

:wave: All our snow is gone but we're expecting more tomorrow.

I feel like the cruise is a little closer since this week I booked the Radisson for the night before :bounce:


Have a nice week all! Don't forget Santa is watching :D

[Mjasp]

Ohhhh...Is the cruise really still 37 weeks away???

Did I see the "S" word mentioned again. Can you believe it, it is only December 13th and they are calling for MORE SSSSnow. That word is very hard to say.

Just finished addressing the Christmas cards. Will mail them on Monday ( the most busiest post office day).

Talk to you all soon

Joanna

[Mary Anne]

They are talking 3 to 5 inches of the "S" word in NYC tomorrow :earseek:

[Mjasp]

Yep thats what they are calling for on the island also. We are going to Radio City to see the Christmas Spectacular show next Friday evening. Did you see it yet this year? If so, is it 3D? Went 3 or 4 years ago and it wasn't 3D, one of the nurses I work with, was telling me, that last year it was 3D when Santa came out.

Getting excited, was going to go to Carmines also, thats where we always go to eat when in NYC, but DD hurt her foot and is on crutches, so the walk is out, so its the show then home. Will be driving in, save me a parking spot LOL

[lynr]

Mjasp:

My son is going to Radio City on Tuesday on a class trip so I'll let you know if it is 3D.

It is snowing here in Jersey, again. I can't wait for August.

Lyn:sunny:

[Mary Anne]

Haven't seen the show in about 8 years. I know it wasn't 3D then.

It is snowing here again. :(

[Mjasp]

We are just turning over to rain now...about 3 inches on the ground.

Thanks Lyn. Am curious, as I was told the Santa/sleigh part is now 3D and it wasn't a few years ago.

Keep warm everyone.

Joanna

[winnyis]

Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the very beginning. I took my kids to see it a few weeks ago and that was my sons favorite part. My daughter LOVED the rockettes... she couldnt believe how perfect they were.

Enjoy - its a great show.

Ginny

[Mjasp]

Thanks Ginny...But there is now a glitch in our plans. Our tickets are now up for sale (they were buy 1 get one free) so hopefully someone will want them. My DD hurt her leg and is in a cast and on crutches. If no one buys them then we will go, but it will be difficult.

[lynr]

Joanna:

So sorry to hear about you daughter, I hope she ok and feels better real soon.

Lyn

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mjasp
Our tickets are now up for sale (they were buy 1 get one free) so hopefully someone will want them. My DD hurt her leg and is in a cast and on crutches.

Joanne: Sorry your daughter is in a cast. I hope she's not in too much pain :(

[Mjasp]

Thanks for all the good wishes. She is doing OK, but tires very easily on the crutches.

4 more days of school, I can't wait, then the kids get 2 weeks off.

[gdulaney]

Joanne - I hope your daughter is feeling better!!!

Ginny


ps---does anybody else wish that grown-ups got two or three weeks off for the holidays? :)

[Mjasp]

Thanks Ginny for your good wishes


...YES, I WISH I had that time off, ahh to think not having to set the alarm.

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone :wave2:

I hope all of you and your families are well, especially those who've had sick and injured children recently. There really are a lot of illnesses going around these days. :( So far, we've been able to avoid it, and I hope it stays that way! We're leaving on Tuesday for our annual trip to NJ and VA. We'll be back the following weekend some time.

36 more weeks until we get to Florida...we'd be at the Radisson at the Port right now, hopefully getting ready for bed and the cruise the next morning :sunny:

Especially for those of us traveling, stay safe in the next couple of weeks everyone; there will be a lot of office parties and drinking going on.

Till next week.... Keep dreaming of our cruise!! :sunny: :boat: :sunny:

[Mary Anne]

:earsboy: :earsgirl: I agree, hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. I won't be around much the next two weeks but looking forwad to relaxing on the cruise board after the first of the year and thinking about out trip.

Hope Santa brings everyone what they want.

[Mjasp]

Ahhh 36 more weeks.

Everyone stay safe and have a great Holiday and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!!

Joanna

[ThreeCircles]

Hello everyone!

I hope all are enjoying their holiday! Isn't it great that in just 5 short days we'll all be able to say that we're going to be sailing on the Disney Magic THIS year!!! ::yes::

[Mjasp]

Now what a great thought that is.

I think its 35 weeks, but not sure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL


Joanna

[ThreeCircles]

Anyone give (or get) any cool cruise-related gifts this year?

[xABearx]

Didn't get anything cruise related....I did however get XM Radio so I won't miss out on the NASCAR race while sailing on the night we leave port.....to me, that would be a cruise must have item.....Andy :teeth:

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************
Anyone give (or get) any cool cruise-related gifts this year?

Hi everyone!!!

I'm online from my niece's house right now. Just got a wireless card for my laptop :)
DH gave SIL and BIL some Disney Dollars to put towards a spa treatment or anything they want, on our cruise! We also gave them matching Mickey Mouse t-shirts to wear on the cruise, so those gifts are sort of cruise-related :)

Hope everyone is having a good week. One more week down till our cruise. 35 weeks now I think!! :sunny:

[ThreeCircles]

Hi SeaSpray--

Originally posted by SeaSpray in the Disney Cruise Line Forum
Since we'll be staying at the Radisson the night before the cruise, we should be at the port pretty early on Saturday :sunny: I think that will be my priority, to get onboard and get on line to make Palo tea reservations as soon as they open up for reservations. :teeth: I think we'll also try and get brunch and dinner reservations as well. On the western itinerary, which dining rotation do you prefer? I'm leaning towards and hoping for APL since it puts you in Lumiere's on semi-formal and formal nights, and Parrot Cay on Mexicali night. Ultimately I'm sure it doesn't matter, but it'd be fun to match the theme of the night with the theme of the restaurants :)

I just thought I would answer your question over here and maybe energize our thread!

As two adults with no children, Travis and I have always been placed in the LAPLAPL dining rotation. It seems that this is the rotation that most adults without children get.

Personally, I love Lumiere's and, as such, can't get enough of the LAPLAPL rotation since you get to enjoy that restaurant three times. :D

Any idea on when you and John might eat diner at Palo? We usually choose to either go on formal night or semi-formal night.

Talk to you soon!

[SeaSpray]

HI again Jason :wave2:

We'll be a party of 4 adults and 2 teens, so I'm curious as to which rotation we end up with.

I haven't given much thought to which night(s) we'd like to do Palo. I bet my DSs would love it if we went on a formal night so that'd be one less night that THEY would have to dress up for :p They really don't mind it too much though because they wear a suit 3 times a week, every week, anyway, so they are used to it. LOL But I think going to Palo on a formal night sounds like a good idea. I really wish we could know in advance of checking in at the port which rotation we were on. (That's the planner in me, I guess. I love knowing the details beforehand!)

[ThreeCircles]

I don't think that you're the only one that would like to know their dining rotation in advance! I've heard that comment made time and time again on the Dis board. I'm so used to receiving LAPLAPL that I just usually plan on it! If I ever do get something different, I'll really be thrown off. :eek:

If you get a chance, check out the cool cruise matrix that I designed for the May 1st cruise. Just go to <a href="http://**********************">*****************</a>, click on the May 1st cruise link, and check out the page. We've used the matrix for each of our past two cruises. It helps us plan for when we want to do Champagne brunch, High Tea, spa treatments, etc. I'm working on one for the August cruise but just haven't finished it yet. (The planner in you might like it if I ever get it finished!)

Wow. Suits three times a week? I don't know if I could handle it!!! ;) I thought I was hard-put to wear a dress shirt and tie to work everyday. :teeth:

[gdulaney]

I just noticed...Three Circles...you guys are going in May too.... Have fun!!!!

Ginny

[ThreeCircles]

Thanks Ginny! That's my "present" to myself for finishing school. And boy do I need it! :)

[sandygirl]

Hi everyone.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Any big plans for New Years Eve?

No, I did not get any cruise related gift items. But it is way too far away for my DH to be thinking about the cruise. The night before is soon enough for him. He did give me diamond earrings that I thought I was not getting until the cruise. So, maybe that is slightly related. LOL

SEASPRAY - I don't think I am going to book anything for Palo's this time around. Although we did really enjoy the Champagne Brunch. If I book anything it will be that. We are looking forward to a very laid back cruise with very little scheduling. The planner in me is going through withdrawl.
:crazy:

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!:wave2:

[SeaSpray]

I can understand that, Sandy!! I think overplanning can sometimes take away from a trip, but we've never cruised DCL and have read so much about Palo that we definitely want to do the Tea, and then brunch and/or dinner. :)

[sandygirl]

SEASPRAY
You won't be sorry that you tried Palo's. Maybe we will see you at Brunch!

[ThreeCircles]

Hmmm... XM Radio, Disney Dollars, Mickey t-shirts, diamond earrings... Sounds like everyone's going to be decked out for the cruise! :D

I don't think I got anything I could even remotely tie to the cruise. I guess I got a sweater that I could wear...but that might prove to be a bit warm for the tropics in August! :p

[Mjasp]

I really LOVED Palo's dinner and would like to try to do brunch this time around along with the dinner.

We were a party of 13 with 5 kids ranging in age from 5-10 on our last cruise and we got the LAPLAPL rotation and I have to agree with Jason, I can't get enough of Lumiere's. That was my favorite of the 3 with Parrot Cay second and Animators last.

After tomorrow night we will be saying we are cruising THIS year.

Wishing everyone a safe, Happy and HEALTHY NEw Year.

Joanna

[SeaSpray]

DS15 has 4 friends sleeping over here tonight! Plus my 2 DSs makes 6 teens all together. I'm glad we have a big family room because this is where they'll be having the "party" and sleeping. I told DS15 to tell all his friends to bring their own pillows, blankets and/or sleeping bags. I have some extras but not 4 extra sets. This afternoon I'll go out and buy snacks, pizza, and sodas for the kids. So those are my plans for NYE. LOL

I'll be bringing the laptop upstairs, probably in my bedroom, so I can be online and watch tv at the same time. DH fortunately has his own office here at home, so I'm sure he'll be in there for most of the night, or maybe he and I will watch a movie together upstairs. At midnight we'll all watch the ball drop together, then go back to doing whatever we were doing before midnight. lol I always think that NYE is somewhat anti-climatic. LOL

Anyway, I hope you all have a good night tonight and most importantly, if you go out, STAY SAFE!!! ::yes::

[ThreeCircles]

Sounds like you're going to have your hands full Terry! I remember the days of sleep-overs. Ah, to be a kid again! Now it's all work, work, work. :p

I'll have to agree with you about NYE for sure. Last year I don't even think I stayed up for the big event but rather fell asleep around 10 or so! (Guess I really am an adult now! ;) )

[ThreeCircles]

Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe it's 2004 already?!?!

It seems like it was just 2003!!! :p

But, more importantly, welcome to the year that we cruise on the Magic! :hyper:

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************
Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe it's 2004 already?!?!

It seems like it was just 2003!!! :p

But, more importantly, welcome to the year that we cruise on the Magic! :hyper:

I can't believe it's 2004 either!! LOL And yes...WE CRUISE THIS YEAR!! WOO HOO!!! :hyper: :sunny: :boat:

It's almost 1pm and DS15 and his friends are STILL sleeping! They're sleeping here in the family room where my desk is, and even with all the noise from my typing, they're not waking up. LOL DS12 woke up a couple of hours ago, now he's playing a video game without the sound on. I should tell him to put the sound UP to try and wake the other kids up. Hehehe :p

Hope everyone is having a great day!! :sunny:

[ThreeCircles]

Well, I have to admit, I didn't drag myself out of bed until 10:00 or so this morning.

I ended up watching Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers until 3:00 last night! Not too sure why as I just saw it last week! :D It is a good movie though!

[lynr]

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope your holidays were fabulous.

I got sort of a cruise present for Christmas, my bonus gave us a Christmas bonus large enough to pay for half of the cruise.

Jason, I didn't have a chance to email you since I sent you the tickets, did you get to go to MVMCP? If so I know you had a great time.

I am off to Disney the end of the month. My friends mother has recovered enough from her heart attack to travel now. We can't wait.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by lynr
Jason, I didn't have a chance to email you since I sent you the tickets, did you get to go to MVMCP? If so I know you had a great time.

Lyn--

Yes, and thank you SOOOOOO much for the tickets. Travis and I ended up taking his mom, Gloria, and we were able to get a room at Caribbean Beach Resort for Friday night.

The party and parade were exceptional. I was actually quite surprised at how busy the event was. I really had no idea that they issued so many tickets for each night!

A funny thing happened to us that night too. As Annual Passholders we're entitled to free parking on Disney Property so we never worry about having cash on hand for the parking lot attendants. Well, because MVMCP is a special event, our passes were not good for parking that night. Between the three of us we only had $4.00 in cash and the lots don't take any type of cards for payment. There we were, in a mass of cars without money to pay for parking! :eek: Thankfully the attendant just asked us to purchase something for at least $7.00 once we got into the park and then waved us through.

Anyway, thanks again for the tickets. It was very kind of you and the three of us appreciate it a lot.

I'm so glad to see that you'll be able to visit Disney later this month and that your friend's mother is doing better. Are you going to be staying on property?

Talk to you soon!

[Mjasp]

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2004 already, I agree with Jason, it feels like it was just 2003 yesterday.

[lynr]

Jason:

You are so welcome. I am glad that you got to use the tickets. My friends were at the party that night and had a great time also.

Yes we are staying on property, unfortunately we had a great rate for Polynesian Concierge for the trip we had to cancel and now we had to switch to a gardenview room because the rates had gone up so much. But we are excited to be going finally.

Lyn

[Mary Anne]

Happy New Years all! We've been away for the holiday's spending Christmas night through New Years at WDWorld. I can tell you one thing, it was my fouth and last NYE at the Magic Kindgom. Very, very crowded, the most crowds in years they said.

Weather was beautiful though.

I have VOWED to start packing for the cruise, very very soon. I will not leave everthing for the last minute and forget stuff. I'll be counting on all you you to remind me of that at least once a week :lol

[SeaSpray]

HI everyone :wave2:

34 weeks to go :sunny:

[SeaSpray]

Wow...no one has posted to this thread since I posted last week's countdown!!! Anyone out there?? :magnify: LOL

I hope you all are well. We're in the middle of a DEEP FREEZE here in New England. It's about 4 degrees, but it feels like MINUS 22 degrees with the wind chill factor! Brr! I've been dreaming of our cruise, and that keeps me warm :sunny:

[sandygirl]

HELLO

I'm here, Seaspray. We are freezing down here in Jersey, too. Now that the holidays are over I am looking full-steam ahead towards the cruise. Did I say "steam"? That's a nice war-r-r-rm word.

Looking for the next countdown! Everyone have a great weekend.

[Mjasp]

I'm here also...33 weeks till we are at the Radisson.:Pinkbounc

[ThreeCircles]

We're here as well! We've had some winter weather too as it reached into the upper 40's a night ago! :eek:

We'll, that's freezing for us!

[Mjasp]

It is 14 degrees here right now. Am going to take out my cruise pictures and warm up a little.

This weather is really getting to me.

[gdulaney]

It's pretty chilly in GA...but luckily no snow! :) Andy is busy chopping wood, so we can build a fire...but unfortunately, no s'mores. :(


~ Ginny

[Mary Anne]

A balmy 9º here! Brr

I've started checking airfare this week. I'm kinda on the fence with this. I want to come down the week before and stay Sun to
Thurs at OKW, but I have to borrow points to do that. Don't want to borrow the points till I have my air booked as I need to know the exact nights I need.

JetBlue's prices are too high for me right now.
Spirt has great prices but I won't fly into LAG plus the times are the pits
I'm holding out now for SouthEast that owes me vouchers for last weeks disaster in the Orlando airport that they left us sitting there for over 10 hours. I'm hoping for decent vouchers and then I'll plan accordingly.

Does anyone else have their air yet?

[Mjasp]

Too early for me to get airfare yet. Is Southeast a new airline and which NY airport do they fly out of?

What happened to you last week?

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mary Anne
A balmy 9º here! Brr

I've started checking airfare this week. I'm kinda on the fence with this. I want to come down the week before and stay Sun to
Thurs at OKW, but I have to borrow points to do that. Don't want to borrow the points till I have my air booked as I need to know the exact nights I need.

JetBlue's prices are too high for me right now.
Spirt has great prices but I won't fly into LAG plus the times are the pits
I'm holding out now for SouthEast that owes me vouchers for last weeks disaster in the Orlando airport that they left us sitting there for over 10 hours. I'm hoping for decent vouchers and then I'll plan accordingly.

Does anyone else have their air yet?

Don't laugh but I bought our airfare a couple of months ago :p I do keep checking the rates though because if the price goes down, they'll give us vouchers for the difference.

I have us booked on Song because it's the ONLY airline that flies NON-STOP from Boston to Orlando, and it had great times. Also the rates were decent, so I grabbed them. Another thing is that we're flying back on Labor Day weekend so I wanted to get certain seats and I didn't want to wait too long for the "holiday" rates to hit. It's nice to have the airfare already paid for too. In fact, just today I made another payment towards the cruise. I've never been so happy to see money leaving checking account before, as I am each month when I make that cruise payment. :teeth:

[Mary Anne]

Southeast is a charter airline that flyies out of Allentown, Pa into Sanford, Orlando. We joined their club last year and could fly as many times as we wanted to Orlando for $59 each way, including holiday times. For us it worked out great and well worth small fee we paid to join the club. My in-laws live near Allentown and it worked out very good for us to drive up; leave out car there; a family member drive us to the airport and then drive us back to get our car.

Anyway they now have black out periods for next year so I doubt we'll join the club again but if the fares are low enough we will use them if it works out.

Getting back to our disaster last week. We went to Disney, leaving late on December 25th; staying at the AKL for a $109 rate and got an upgrade to a savanna view. It was beautiful. I would stay here again if I got a good rate even without the upgrade.

Coming home we had a 10:45 am flight back to Allentown; we got the the airport way before the 2 hours before; gave up the car (which we could have kept till 9 pm that night at no extra charge I might add) and checked in. At that time they just said the flight was delayed; no mention of a problem. We're now checked in and getting into the boarding area and my cell phone goes off; It's the airline telling me, they flight is going to be delayed. I tell them I'm already checked in, so that tell me to check at the desk and they'll tell me what the story is. The deck has no information, so we wait, and wait, and wait, now it's after Noon and they tell us the plane is still in Allentown and it needs a new window; it'll be about 3 pm. What they didn't tell us was that at 3pm the flight would just be leaving ALLENTOWN to pick us up; getting in about 6 or so :confused: About 1 o'clock they did hand out food vouchers. It was when we turned in the food vouchers we discovered from the people behind the counter that they were told to expect the vouchers at 7 AM in the morning. They knew even before we checked in, we weren't going to be leaving on time and it would be till this evening till we could get out. Needless to say those of us stuck in the airport were livid.

Had they called earlier, I could have easily spent the day at Disney, we have annual passes that are still good.

When I spoke to the airline on Monday morning, they assured me we'd be getting vouchers for another flight. If so, I'll use them for August.

I know what you mean about the Labor Day week-end. We go every year at that time but generally fly back the Tues/Wed after Labor day so we avert flying that week-end. I really need to come home directly from the cruise though as I'm taking the week before the cruise off too.

Hey on the bright side the temps up here for 2º this morning to 14º now.

[sandygirl]

I've had our flights for some time now. Tried to wait for Southwest to announce flights from Philadelphia but booked Spirit out of Atlantic City when they had good times and fare. I guess I'm just too much of a "bird in the hand" kind of person. I feel better knowing that our flight is scheduled and paid for. We will fly in Fri night and fly home on Monday.

Usually the time we spend in the airport before boarding for home after the cruise is one of my favorite times! My sons live in the area and have always come and spent that time with us at the airport. But my son has gotten orders taking him from GA to NC, so that won't be possible in Aug. I'm so disappointed. I'll just want to get on the plane home as quick as possible. No delays, please! Hope you get your vouchers soon, Mary Anne.

[Mjasp]

Just realized that we are in the 220's days. In a month we will be in the 100 something days.

Getting desperate here for warm weather.

To think DH wanted to go to FL. for MLK weekend and I said no, because last year for that weekend we had to wear coats in FL.

Didn't realize we would be in single digits.

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mjasp
Just realized that we are in the 220's days. In a month we will be in the 100 something days.

Getting desperate here for warm weather.

To think DH wanted to go to FL. for MLK weekend and I said no, because last year for that weekend we had to wear coats in FL.

Didn't realize we would be in single digits.

Oh my gosh you're right!! Woo hoo...that'll be cool to see the countdown with 100-something days! We started in the 300's! :sunny:

Stay warm, everyone!!!

[winnyis]

Joanna - i agree with your DH.. I convinced mine to go to florida for MLK weekend.. I cant stand all this cold weather so we are going down to Sarasota from Thurs PM- Monday. Temps are supposed to be in the low 70's which while not beach weather sure beat the hell out of the cold up here.


If only UPS would transfer my DH....I would move to Florida in a heartbeat.

Gi

[turtlekrawl]

SeaSpray,
I just booked our flights on Song.... I'm not sure what you paid but we got $175 / person. We're flying out on the 27th and staying at the Hyatt MCO.

We were going to give JetBlue a try, but there prices were much higher, plus Song allows us to check our bags at the port.




Jim

[Mary Anne]

I checked DeltaSong out of JFK and it's $250 per person for the times I want; far too rich for my blood at this time.

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by turtlekrawl
SeaSpray,
I just booked our flights on Song.... I'm not sure what you paid but we got $175 / person. We're flying out on the 27th and staying at the Hyatt MCO.

We were going to give JetBlue a try, but there prices were much higher, plus Song allows us to check our bags at the port.

Jim

Thanks for the tip, Jim. I've been keeping my eye on the prices of airfare, and for the times and days that I've already booked, the fare has actually gone UP 20 cents. lol I paid $215.00 for our tickets and now the same exact flights are listed as $215.20.

We're flying in on the 27th, also, on Song's 11:25am flight, then flying home on Sunday, Sept. 5th (Can't get DH to stay till Monday) on their 4:25pm flight. I do see that if we took their earlier flight on Aug. 27th, at 8:45am, then it brings the price down by $20. but we don't want to have to rush on Friday morning, since we're only going to the Radisson once we get to Florida anyway. They also have other lower fares, but those flights are not non-stop. And to me, it's worth the extra money for a non-stop.

What are your flight times? What day are you flying back?? I've been trying to talk DH into staying one more night at the Polynesian (we're going to stay there on Saturday night, after the cruise), because with the price decrease we wouldn't have to pay more to change our tickets.

[turtlekrawl]

SeaSpray,

We're on the 8:45 flight on the 27th.....then we were lucky enough to get two rooms at the Hyatt for ~ $25 per room , thanks to Hotwire and the person who was kind enough to post the rate.....

We're taking the 4:25 flight back to Boston on the day the cruise arrives back in Port Canaveral. We'll try to book the day rate at the Hyatt so we have some place to regroup....

My oldest son, Jimmy, wants to book Happy Limo's stretch Hummer from the airport to the port, but I think it's a little too much......


Jim

[turtlekrawl]

SeaSpray,

We're on the 8:45 flight on the 27th.....then we were lucky enough to get two rooms at the Hyatt for ~ $25 per room , thanks to Hotwire and the person who was kind enough to post the rate.....

We're taking the 4:25 flight back to Boston on the day the cruise arrives back in Port Canaveral. We'll try to book the day rate at the Hyatt so we have some place to regroup....

My oldest son, Jimmy, wants to book Happy Limo's stretch Hummer from the airport to the port, but I think it's a little too much......


Jim

[SeaSpray]

Jim: Too bad we won't be on the same flights!



Hi everyone! I've been wondering which dining room seatings you all have?? I wonder if any of us will end up on the same rotations. We're a party of 6 (including SIL and BIL); 4 adults and DS16 and DS13. We have the late dinner seating, and I'd like to have the APL rotation, although I'm sure any of them will be fine.

What seating times do you all have??

[ThreeCircles]

Just a heads-up for anyone who doesn't know about the Disney Magic August 28th Cruise List.

<a href="http://**********************">*****************</a>

You can send in all of your cruise info, including dining seating time, and it will be posted on the site.

Is the time going by fast or what?! :)

[sandygirl]

We are booked for early seating. We ate late on our other cruises, so this is our first time eating early. I'm hoping that it works out ok. It will be different seeing the shows after dinner rather than before. But I'm hoping my DD will stay awake through dinner this year!

[Mary Anne]

We are doing early seating. We are early eaters at home (4:30 when I'm not working) and we enjoy it. I too have requested APL, with a table for 4. I don't mind eating with others at breakfast and lunch but we like to enjoy dinner as a family.

[winnyis]

We are also on early seating. we will be a party of 8. We tried late seating our first DCL cruise and my kids who were 3 and 6 at the time fell asleep at dinner almost every night.



Ginny

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mary Anne
We are doing early seating. We are early eaters at home (4:30 when I'm not working) and we enjoy it. I too have requested APL, with a table for 4. I don't mind eating with others at breakfast and lunch but we like to enjoy dinner as a family.

When we cruised on Royal Caribbean this past summer, we were in a party of 6; DH and myself, DBrother Mike and DSIL, and DBrother Bob and DSIL, and I would've been very happy at a table for 6. But we were at a table for 10 and while our dining companions were very, very nice, some nights I found that I really wasn't interested in conversation with them and would've better enjoyed just chatting with my own family, so I definitely understand how you feel, Mary Anne.

On our Disney cruise this summer, we are again a party of 6; DH, DS16, DS13, myself, DSIL, and DBIL. I hope we're at a table for 6 this time. I'm going to see if we can request this.

The only exception to this would be if we were at a table with another family/couple that we knew, such as DISers that we got to know beforehand. Afterall, I'm not *entirely* anti-social ;) :p

[Mjasp]

Early seating here. Hoping for a table 0f 14 again. Last time it wasn't a problem, hopefully it won't be this time either.

[xABearx]

We're late seating as we have been for the last 4 cruises, will be dining with a family we met 2 yrs ago and saw them last year and will be cruising with us again this year......Andy

[ThreeCircles]

Hello fellow cruisers!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have new cruisers added to the <a href="http://**********************/page20.html"> Disney Magic August 28th Cruise List</a>!

We are late dining as well. We picked late dining on our first cruise in 2000 and have been dedicated to the late rotation ever since!

[Mjasp]

Thanks for the cruise list update. :D

[markºoº]

We have early seating because of our 5 year old. I don't think he would do well with a late seating.

We are hoping for a table for 4 which is what we had when we cruised in 2002. Due to work schedules we don't often get to have dinner as a family during the week and we really enjoyed dining alone with the just the 4 of us.

[sandygirl]

I haven't given up on the idea of a T-shirt. Does anyone know how I can take a design in Wordperfect and display it here?

[Mary Anne]

Has everyone unfrozen yet? Boy was it cold this week.

[sandygirl]

Has everyone unfrozen yet? Boy was it cold this week.
It was so cold here today that I actually wore a hat. I never wear hats! I walked into my mom's and she said no one would recognize me because I was wearing a hat. It may not sound like a big deal...but it had to be bitter cold if I had a hat on.

The forecast has the bitter cold lasting all weekend. Hurry, hurry, hurry warm weather. I promise I will not complain about the heat in August while I am cruising around the equator. I promise.

Everyone have a great weekend and stay warm.

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone!

My sons had no school today because of the cold temps. This morning it was -41 with the wind chill, and -12 actual temperature. They didn't mind, now they're having a 4 day weekend instead of a 3 day weekend.
We're supposed to have a heat wave tomorrow, it's supposed to be in the 20's. LOL
This is our "Sein-Fest" weekend. My sister, BIL, niece, and her husband are driving up from NJ in the morning, and tomorrow night we'll be seeing Jerry Seinfeld on stage in Boston. We're staying overnight in Boston and making a fun weekend out of it.
I hope you all have a great weekend! :)

[Mjasp]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...32 weeks, music to my ears.

DH Just shoveled for the third time today. Not enough to use the snow blower.


3 more weeks and we will be under 200 days. WOOHOO

6 more weeks and we will be 6 months out.

Talk to you all soon.

Seaspray, what excursion on the nautilus are you thinking of doing, with or without the snorkeling?

[Mary Anne]

Mjasp, we got dumped on with that Snow today too. I thought it was just going to be flurries and it just kept coming down all day long. Got about 6 inches.

I spent the day reading the cruise board :lol

[Mjasp]

maryanne...where are you, in NY, are you in NYC? we had about 3-4 inches, now it got real cold and its icy out there.

Being on the cruise boards is a good place to be when its snowing out.

[Mary Anne]

I'm in Queens; it's a frozen mess out there now too. Oh well, at least I can sleep in tomorrow morning.

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mjasp
ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...32 weeks, music to my ears.

DH Just shoveled for the third time today. Not enough to use the snow blower.


3 more weeks and we will be under 200 days. WOOHOO

6 more weeks and we will be 6 months out.

Talk to you all soon.

Seaspray, what excursion on the nautilus are you thinking of doing, with or without the snorkeling?

I'm not 100% sure yet. I asked DH if he had a preference and he said he didn't. I'm thinking maybe we'll do the one without the snorkeling because it doesn't start until 9am whereas the one with snorkeling starts at 7:30am. I think the later start time will be better since I know DSs will be up late at night, so the extra time will be better so we can grab breakfast before the excursion.

Now I have a question for anyone who's done excursions through Disney before. When they list this: "Nautilus Undersea Tour (1 - 1.5 hours)" Does this mean that we will be on the Nautilus for an hour to an hour and a half, or that the total amount of time, including traveling to the Nautilus from the ship, will be an hour to an hour and a half? I hope it's the former because otherwise that'd be a very short amount of time spent on the Nautilus itself.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by SeaSpray
Now I have a question for anyone who's done excursions through Disney before. When they list this: "Nautilus Undersea Tour (1 - 1.5 hours)" Does this mean that we will be on the Nautilus for an hour to an hour and a half, or that the total amount of time, including traveling to the Nautilus from the ship, will be an hour to an hour and a half? I hope it's the former because otherwise that'd be a very short amount of time spent on the Nautilus itself.

Generally, from my experience with excursions, the total time listed includes all travel time to and from the excursion departure point. For example, the Tulum Ruins tour is listed as being about 7 hours long but I've heard that the total time spent at the ruins (and nearby beach) is only about 1.5 hours.

So, depending on how far the Nautilus is from the Magic, you'll be looking at less than the 1-1.5 hours actually on the boat.

I'm sure Disney could provide you with more specific information regarding the excursion time if you call. Hope this helps a little!

Jason

[Mjasp]

Thanks Jason, I was wondering that also. But since its Grand Cayman I will assume that the nautilus is close to the dock and about 15 minute travel each way and an hour on the nautilus. Doesn't seem long, but how long can you sit and watch things underwater
I would have to think after an hour you are ready to get off. I may be wrong, but I can see myself after 30 minutes going to the upper deck and relaxing in the sun.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Mjasp
Doesn't seem long, but how long can you sit and watch things underwater
I would have to think after an hour you are ready to get off. I may be wrong, but I can see myself after 30 minutes going to the upper deck and relaxing in the sun.

I know what you mean Mjasp!

On our Thanksgiving 2002 cruise, a Western also, we booked a glass bottom boat after walking around Cozumel for a while. This was a do-it-yourself type excursion; owned and operated by locals. Although the individuals were very nice, they took us to about four different spots and I think we were on the boat for almost three hours! This was just a little too much glass-bottom-boating for me and, needless to say, I was ready to get back to the Magic by the end of the trip! :)

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************
Generally, from my experience with excursions, the total time listed includes all travel time to and from the excursion departure point. For example, the Tulum Ruins tour is listed as being about 7 hours long but I've heard that the total time spent at the ruins (and nearby beach) is only about 1.5 hours.

So, depending on how far the Nautilus is from the Magic, you'll be looking at less than the 1-1.5 hours actually on the boat.

I'm sure Disney could provide you with more specific information regarding the excursion time if you call. Hope this helps a little!

Jason

Thanks, Jason. It makes sense that they would include the traveling time in their info. :)

[winnyis]

Sandygirl - thanks for the heads up about Spirit Airlines... I was able to get $149 each way for my family. We are going down on Wed AM 8/25 and coming home Monday 9/6. We figured we would spend a few days in the parks before and after the cruise since we were gonna be there anyway.

I was gonna wait to see what Southwest and Airtran did to their fares once southwest starts service into/out of Philly in May but DH said - lets take the sure thing.

Plus I hear AC Airport is alot less crowded than Philly.

I cant wait for this cruise - I HATE THE COLD.. I just came back from 4 days in Venice Beach, Florida and it was beautiful.. mid to high 70's.... Now I just have to figure out a way to relocate their.

Ginny

[sandygirl]

Winnyis - We are on the same page. I was going to wait for Southwest and see what happened to fares out of Philly, but also decided to go with Spirit out of AC. I don't think you will be sorry. The AC airport is so much easier to go in and out of than Philly. And they are direct flights. In fact you got a little better deal than I did because you can leave on Wed. We are flying out on Fri and coming home on Mon. Maybe we will be on the same flight home! We are doing the couple days after the cruise at WDW. That was one advantage to the Labor Day weekend falling at the end of the cruise. I cant wait for this cruise - I HATE THE COLD.. I just came back from 4 days in Venice Beach, Florida and it was beautiful.. mid to high 70's.... Now I just have to figure out a way to relocate their.



LOL I keep trying to find a way to relocate. Almost have my DH convinced that it would be a good idea.

See you onboard!

[Mary Anne]

I still need air. I can get a great deal on Sprit but they only fly into and out of LaGuardia. I'll fly out of LaG but HATE flying into it. Jet Blue was as much money just to fly us back as Spirt would be for a ROUND TRIP.

I need to make up my mind this week. I feel the need to have my air book. It's the last piece. I did book an avis car for the first week we're there before the cruise. $180 intermediate. I felt that was a good rate and I'll keep an eye out if it goes down.

I'll add to the I HATE THE COLD. It's been so bitter here and there is a sheet of ice over everything. I'm so afraid of falling and breaking a bone. Oh where of where is Spring.

[Karel]

Mary Anne - do you fly out of... is it Islip? That doesn't seem right but I know there's a smaller airport that my sister flies out of all the time. She likes Jet Blue.

We drive down so no air worries. My husband has taken two weeks off from work so we have lots of time to play around. This is our first big summer vacation - usually we go during the school year - so it'll be nice not to have to rush back. Last time we went to the World, we drove back in 15 hours to make a soccer game.

I keep thinking of that song Boat Drinks.

[Mjasp]

Hi Karel...I'm not Mary Anne, but yes it is Islip MacArthur airport you are talking about on LI. I fly out of Islip all the time and LOVE it.

Boy, you people are real organized here. You have your Avis car booked already and your room at the Radisson.

I'll probably wait until March or April or so to book that.

Talk to you all soon

Joanna

[Karel]

I was on the Radisson site the other night looking at quotes and found a $89 one but they want full payment right away. I'm not ready to commit. I'm waiting to make sure we get the 'work bonus' to really truly decide that we're going. We have been toying with doing the four night cruise instead.

The whole thing seems so far away and unreal. Just words on paper and a whole bunch of big numbers.

[Mary Anne]

Islip does not work well for me. I'm 20 min from both Kennedy and LaGuardia. I prefer Kennedy. I also use (don't laugh) Allentown Airport in Penna. We have family there and fly Southeast. I'm waiting on vouchers from Southeast and then I guess I'll make up my mind. Wish Spirit flew in and out of Kennedy. :(

[zupzup]

I don't post often but I couldn't help putting my 2 cents in!

We have 2 families booked on the Aug. 28th Western Cruise since this past July! :D I'll be traveling with DH, and my 2 DDs ages 5 and 7 1/2. The other family has a DS age 8 and a DD under 2 yrs.

Can't wait to go. Especially since I have to practically ice skate down my driveway every day to get the newspaper and the mail!



:sunny:

Dolores

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by zupzup
I don't post often but I couldn't help putting my 2 cents in!

We have 2 families booked on the Aug. 28th Western Cruise since this past July! :D I'll be traveling with DH, and my 2 DDs ages 5 and 7 1/2. The other family has a DS age 8 and a DD under 2 yrs.

Can't wait to go. Especially since I have to practically ice skate down my driveway every day to get the newspaper and the mail!



:sunny:

Dolores

Welcome, Dolores!! :sunny: As you can see, we're ALL really looking forward to our cruise :boat: Most of us live in the frozen north east. ::yes::

[Mary Anne]

Welcome from another one sick of the snow and ice in the NorthEast.

[Mjasp]

Welcome Dolores...yep, I skate down the driveway also to pick up the paper. See you are also from LI.

I will put both families on page one. One of the families we are traveling with has a 6 yr old, that will be 7 by the cruise...


Welcome aboard

Joanna

[sandygirl]

I don't post often but I couldn't help putting my 2 cents in!

And welcome to your "2 cents". Feel free to chime in anytime, now that you have officially joined our ranks. We can all thaw out together. My DD will celebrate her 7th birthday while on the cruise. Looking forward to making friends!

[sandygirl]

Who else out there woke up to a fresh blanket of snow this morning? We have a forecast of more to come tomorrow. I don't mind the snow so much when I can stay home and play. But trying to figure out if there is school on Monday for DD and where she is going and how she is getting there if school is closed gets on my nerves.

But if I had my "druthers", I'd RATHER BE CRUISIN' :boat: !

:chat: Someone, please, post a countdown! How long?

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by sandygirl
Who else out there woke up to a fresh blanket of snow this morning? We have a forecast of more to come tomorrow. I don't mind the snow so much when I can stay home and play. But trying to figure out if there is school on Monday for DD and where she is going and how she is getting there if school is closed gets on my nerves.

But if I had my "druthers", I'd RATHER BE CRUISIN' :boat: !

:chat: Someone, please, post a countdown! How long?

We're not due for snow until the middle of next week. And I agree with you, I'd rather be cruising too :boat:

31 weeks till all of us are on the Magic!!!!! :sunny: :boat: :sunny:

[Mary Anne]

Snow is not forecasted here till late Sunday and Monday.

Biggest problem with the snow is that Monday is the NYState Math Regents on monday afternoon. If we h ave any kind of major problems with the snow, I have no idea what they will do about the regents. (For those not in the NYState area; this is a test that you must pass to graduate high school (1 of about 7 Regents) Last year spring over 78% of the kids taking this test FAILED it. The stress is terrible.

I am so looking forward to warm weather and the CRUISE.

[SeaSpray]

I hope it doesn't snow and mess up the testing there, Mary Anne.
We have the MCAS tests here in Massachusetts. The kids take them in 4th, 8th, and 10th grades and they MUST pass them or they don't graduate. I live in a small affluent town that places a high emphasis on education and isn't afraid to fund it, and we've had 100% of our students pass these tests each year. Our public schools are on par with most private schools. When we moved here to MA 6.5 years ago, I really liked what I found out when I did research on the town's approach and attitude on education and other issues. Since I was moving in from another state I wasn't at all familiar with this area and it helped to ask a lot of people here what their opinions were. (Sorry for rambling....I just had 2 cups of coffee with lunch. LOL)

But speaking of tests, we just got back from picking up DS12 from taking the SATs this morning. He qualified for the Johns Hopkins program due to his MCAS scores (top 10%). DS said it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be. I did part of the practice test with him last week and I thought that was pretty hard. LOL This was a no-stress way to get introduced to the SATs, and he doesn't stress out over tests anyway. DH and I took him out to lunch afterwards :) DS15 is in Boston for the day with some friends, and now I'm hoping to relax for the rest of the day.

Some friends of mine were getting together this afternoon for High Tea in honor of a friend we have visiting from Japan but I just didn't get back home in time to get ready to go, and I have a slight headache which I'm hoping will go away. I just lit a buttercream scented candle and I'm looking forward to a little DIS time :)

Again, sorry for the long post!! :p I hope everyone is doing well, and is having a good weekend :)

[Mjasp]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mary Anne
[B]Snow is not forecasted here till late Sunday and Monday.

Biggest problem with the snow is that Monday is the NYState Math Regents on monday afternoon. If we h ave any kind of major problems with the snow, I have no idea what they will do about the regents. (For those not in the NYState area; this is a test that you must pass to graduate high school (1 of about 7 Regents) Last year spring over 78% of the kids taking this test FAILED it. The stress is terrible.

Oh Mary Ann I forgot about the regents, And it is on my calendar to have DD at school by 11:45. I hope they don't cancel school Monday.

31 weeks, its getting closer. 2 more weeks we'll be in the 20 something weeks.

Think Warm thoughts

Joanna

[Mjasp]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SeaSpray


But speaking of tests, we just got back from picking up DS12 from taking the SATs this morning. He qualified for the Johns Hopkins program due to his MCAS scores (top 10%). DS said it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be. I did part of the practice test with him last week and I thought that was pretty hard. LOL

My DD use to take an on line course from John Hopkins when she was in 4th grade. This year, after the math regents on Monday, she'll start the Stanford University on line course. So do a NO snow dance for us please.

[Mary Anne]

Joanna, Which regents has your daughter taken already?

We've only done the Bio one last June; now this Math A; and in June he'll do the World History and Earth Science.

I think the World History one is the one he's most concerned this year about as he's had two teachers who have left much to be desired as far as teaching history goes. :mad:

My oldest is in a catholic private all boys school; and the youngest has just been accepted to the same school as well as two others. One all Boys and the other co-ed. Unless he makes Stuyvesant, he'll probably pick the co-ed Lutheran. I wish he'd prefer the same one as his brother, I'd get a nice break on the tuition.

Other then the elite Public High School in NYC Public High School is not an option. :(

[zupzup]

:wave: Hi all! Just wanted to say thank you for the warm welcome!

I'm so glad to hear that a few of you have children around the same age as mine. My 7 yr. old DD loves to make new friends (we call her "the mayor"). So, chances of me running into some of you are pretty good!

Sorry I interrupted on the school posts. My worries are small just now compared to yours. My 2nd grader just finished 3 days of cognitive testing -- doesn't quite compare with regents exams. But, I can relate to the NYC school issue. I grew up in Queens -- didn't really have much of a choice but to go to private catholic grammar and high school.

Stay warm! :sunny:

Dolores

[Mjasp]

Originally posted by zupzup
:wave: Hi all! Just wanted to say thank you for the warm welcome!

I'm so glad to hear that a few of you have children around the same age as mine. My 7 yr. old DD loves to make new friends (we call her "the mayor"). So, chances of me running into some of you are pretty good!

Sorry I interrupted on the school posts. My worries are small just now compared to yours. My 2nd grader just finished 3 days of cognitive testing -- doesn't quite compare with regents exams. But, I can relate to the NYC school issue. I grew up in Queens -- didn't really have much of a choice but to go to private catholic grammar and high school.

Stay warm! :sunny:

Dolores


Dolores...You did not interrupt anything, this is a cruise board that gets side tracked every now and then, as we get to know each other. I like the comment of your DD being mayor. I call my neighbor the mayor, Want to know something about the neighborhood, ask him.

MaryAnn...This is my DD first regent, she is only in 7th grade, but VERY advanced in Math. She is currently taking 9th grade math, hence...the reason for taking the Math A regents tomorrow.
After the regents tomorrow, she will finish the year with an on line course (in school) from Stanford University. She didn't want to go to the HS for math this year, so they set up this online Stanford program for her. I'm very very pleased with the way the school district handles her academics.

Anyway, now they are saying that Tuesday night into Wednesday is the SIGNIFICANT snowfall, get those snow blowers gassed up. LOL

Keep warm

Joanna

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Mjasp
This is my DD first regent, she is only in 7th grade, but VERY advanced in Math. She is currently taking 9th grade math, hence...the reason for taking the Math A regents tomorrow.
After the regents tomorrow, she will finish the year with an on line course (in school) from Stanford University. She didn't want to go to the HS for math this year, so they set up this online Stanford program for her. I'm very very pleased with the way the school district handles her academics.

Anyway, now they are saying that Tuesday night into Wednesday is the SIGNIFICANT snowfall, get those snow blowers gassed up. LOL

Keep warm

Joanna

Joanna, I forgot that your DD was close in age to my DS12. She won't be 13 by the time we cruise? They are both in 7th grade right now. DS12 is in all advanced-honors classes and LOVES math, so they maybe they'd get along well. LOL He'll be 13 in April so he'll be in the teen program on the cruise.

How much snow are they forecasting for your area?? I haven't seen any amounts for here yet, all I know is that we're supposed to get snow Mon - Wed. I am ready for spring, not more snow!

[Karel]

My oldest son turns 13 this week - the beginning of the end we like to call it around here. In three years, I'll have three teenagers.

Does your son/daughter like sports? I'm not sure if we have honor classes in our middle school but my son really like math and science. He loves Latin too. I'll tell him about your son/daughter. He's very social and outgoing.

I also have a second son who will be 12 when we cruise. He's kind of bummed that he will be stuck with his sister in the same exact group but older brother will get to hang out with the teens. He's quieter than his older brother and likes the background better.

Any young/almost 12's cruising?

[Mjasp]

karel...How old will your DD be when we sail. My DD just turned 12 this month.

Seaspray...Too bad they will be in different groups. I think they would of hit it off. They could have earned there keep on the cruise by doing peoples taxes LOL

No one is really willing to commit to exact snowfall totals, except they keep using the word significant

[Mary Anne]

What Smart kids you all have! My youngest is in an advanced math class although I will not let him take the math regents till he's in high school. He's in 8th grade now. I just don't feel he's ready for it and I don't want to discourage him. I expect him to somewhat join in with the teens in the clubs, as he is far more social then his older brother.

Hisolder brother will know every waiter and food server on board. This is the child at age 10 on a cruise to Bermuda (from NYC) went to lunch in the dinning room by himself; ordered a three course meal and ate like a fine gentlemen. I myself almost fainted when I realized what he did. (Nothing wrong but I was shocked that he just did it on his own.) His answer when I asked him why he just didn't get a burger by the pool. 'Mom, are you nuts, I should eat a burger when I could have a three course meal. I was hungry!" Gotta love a growing boy :smooth:

[Mjasp]

MaryAnne...How cute, I could see you almost fainting. My older DD is also very quiet, but the second one, oh boy, got what I call that 2nd child syndrome, also very social and outspoken.

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Karel
My oldest son turns 13 this week - the beginning of the end we like to call it around here. In three years, I'll have three teenagers.

Does your son/daughter like sports? I'm not sure if we have honor classes in our middle school but my son really like math and science. He loves Latin too. I'll tell him about your son/daughter. He's very social and outgoing.

I also have a second son who will be 12 when we cruise. He's kind of bummed that he will be stuck with his sister in the same exact group but older brother will get to hang out with the teens. He's quieter than his older brother and likes the background better.

Any young/almost 12's cruising?

My younger DS Robby turns 13 in April. He likes sports but hasn't played on any organized teams in a couple of years. The last team sport he played was football but he has a chronic hip joint problem that caused him to not be able to play. He loves to play informally, with his friends, though. He's hoping to try for the tennis team at the middle school this spring. He's never played tennis before, so we'll see how that goes. LOL Both of my kids are husky, so they're not exactly light on their feet :p Both of my kids are outgoing once they meet other kids and spend a little time with them. I'm hoping that both of my DSs will meet other kids on the cruise who they can hang out with and maybe have at least a few things in common. :)

[Mjasp]

Just a reminder to make you feel warmer with all this snow we had today.

5 months from today we will have our deposit paid!

7 months till cruise time!!!

[Mary Anne]

Since I paid with DVC points, mine is already paid in full :bounce:

I spent today going over the online navigatores and planning my days :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I don't want to miss anything on the ship!

I even went as far as to map out the rotation of how many times they show the different movies; most are shown two to three times so if you want to see it and it conflits with another activity you can catch it later. I'm assuming while the actual movies will/can change the way they show them will ramain the same. I


IE:

Movie A is shown 3:30pm Mon, 4:00pm Wed and 8:30 pm Thurs
Movie B is shown 8:15pm Mon, 10:30 pm Wed and 1 pm Thurs.

[Elke]

Hi Seaspray,

My son will be 12 3/4 on the cruise. My daughter will be 10.

Elke

[paulinewdw]

Seaspray pointed me over here! We will be on the August 28, 2004 Western also. It will be me, my DH, and my three sons, ages 7, 10 and 13). My oldest son is very smart and husky built
and because of this he perfers younger kids(they look up to him) or adults(he can talk to them!), but if video games are around
that can amuse him for hours on end. My younger boys love sports and physical activities. This will be our first cruise! We
traded our DVC points to go on this and we are booked in 8628
(I think) I am at work and cannot remember the exact #, anyways, I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and evetually meeting you on the ship!

I did not have time to read every post (YET), but I saw something about T-Shirts(I willing to go in for that idea) DH usually makes up t-shirts for all of us for every vacation(and I am sure he will this time!)

Sorry so long!

[Mjasp]

Welcome Paulinewdw to the 8/28/04 thread. We look forward to getting to know you also.

I will be putting your family on page one. Also Three Circles has a website for our cruise.

Jason, can you please post the site?

MaryAnn...I hope you had fun planning your days,isn't it great on snowy days to dream of cruising.

Off to Curves I go, to TRY to get fit.

[Mary Anne]

Welcome paulinewdw!

I too am cruising on DVC points!

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone! We're down to 30 weeks. Well, 30 from today we'll be flying down to Florida to spend the night before the cruise near Port Canaveral. Are any of you that were going to stay at the Radisson planning on switching to Ron Jon's new resort? I am still undecided! For the Radisson we only had to give a credit card number to hold the reservation, but they didn't charge the account. From what I've read, at Ron Jon's they charge you immediately when you make the reservation. We just booked the Polynesian for the night that we get off the cruise and to hold the reservation we have to send in 1 nights deposit which is just under $400 so I don't really have the extra cash right now to pay for Ron Jon's too. (We're using cash and paying everything off as we go, rather than charging anything, last summer we paid off every credit card we have and don't want to start using them to charge things again). Anyway, didn't mean to ramble like I usually do. LOL I do like the looks of Ron Jon's though, with that lazy river :sunny:

My DS12 Robby is home sick today and I'll be taking him to the doctor in about a half hour. I think he might have strep throat, when I called the pediatrician's office they said it is already going around in our area. This is his first sick day off of school, except for the week they both missed in the fall when my mother died and we were in NJ.

Elke: My son will be 13 before the cruise so he'll be in the teen program but if they hit it off they can probably hang around together otherwise :)

pauline: I'm so glad you posted to the thread. Welcome :) My DS who will be 13 in April is a high honors honor roll student and isn't thin by any means and I'm sure he'd enjoy getting to know your older DS. My older DS who will be 16 in March is an honor roll student and has been husky his entire life, no matter how hard he tries to lose weight. Both of them are good kids, intelligent, and have wonderful senses of humor. They are typical kids and love video games and sports, both like board games too.

I'm wondering how many of us are planning on spending the night before the cruise near Port Canaveral? I'd love to have a get together so we can say Hi and introduce our kids, the night before. Even those without kids, it'd be fun to start out "knowing" other people before we get to the ship. :)

[sandygirl]

WECOME PAULINEWDW!
We are DVC members but didn't book with points. We will be using points for the Sat and Sun after the cruise. I'm looking at Beach Club since we have never stayed there. Our home resort is VWL.
Glad you found us. Let me know if your DH has any good ideas for a t-shirt. See you in 30 weeks:wave: !!

[Mary Anne]

We will be at the Raddison the night before and I doubt we'll move.

Our plan (as of now) is to come down the week before on 8/22 - stay 5 nights in a One Bedroom at the OKW; our annual passes are good till Friday so we'll check out Friday have a nice late lunch in Epcot then drive to the Raddison; since I've booked a suite we'll probably bring food in with us for a snack Friday night and a light breakfast on Saturday. I want to be on the first bus to the Port Saturday morning.

We will be going home right after the cruise.

Sandygirl and Pauline are you planning on doing the DVC Member open house on board. We are.

[Mjasp]

I also, will be staying at the Radisson and will not probably move. Yes, the Ron JOn is beautiful, but depending on when we get in etc, etc. We were very happy at the Radisson last time.

OOOOHH Next week we get into the 20 something weeks


WOO HOO

[sandygirl]

MARY ANNE
We have always gone to the DVC open house onboard, so I'm sure we will be there this time. We walked away with some hats last time and I enjoyed the trivia quiz. I hope they do it again.
My DD and I stayed at OKW to celebrate my college graduation in 2001. I liked it there, especially the boat ride to Downtown. I'm looking at the BC because I heard the pool is awesome and you can walk to Epcot. I love Epcot! We are flying in on Fri night but are staying near the airport. I booked the Hyatt and then tried to get it cheaper at Priceline and ended up with the Holiday Inn Select. I was disappointed but realized that I took the chance and it didn't go my way.:( I'm not much of a gambler. Barb (Inkkognito) assures me that the HIS is a nice hotel with a shuttle back to the airport.
So, PAULINE, will we see you at the DVC open house? Hope so!

BTW - my name is Darlene, Sandy is my DD6. She is our "Sandygirl". Her 3 big brothers gave her that nickname.

[paulinewdw]

Trying not to sound like an idiot(this is our first cruise though!) I need details on the open house, do not know a thing about it.
We own at OKW and have been DVC members since 1994. We will be driving to the ship from OKW and will not be staying at the Radisson. I want to arrive EARLY though since we are all so new to this! I am getting real excited about this trip and meeting people from on-line!

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Mjasp
Welcome Paulinewdw to the 8/28/04 thread. We look forward to getting to know you also.

I will be putting your family on page one. Also Three Circles has a website for our cruise.

Jason, can you please post the site?

MaryAnn...I hope you had fun planning your days,isn't it great on snowy days to dream of cruising.

Off to Curves I go, to TRY to get fit.

Hello and welcome Pauline and family!

Glad to see you found our little thread! :)

Here is the site on *****************: <a href="http://**********************/page20.html">August 28th Disney Cruise List</a>.

Talk to you all soon!

[sandygirl]

PAULINEWDW
I need details on the open house, do not know a thing about it.

This a little gathering of DVC members arranged by DCL. It will be listed in your Navigator. (You get a new one each night in your cabin showing activities and information for the next day.) You get together and they tell you what is new and exciting about DVC. The last cruise they asked trivia questions about DVC and its resorts and handed out prizes, like tote bags, beach towels, hats, etc. It was fun. They have cocktails, too. It would be fun to see some of our DIS friends there, too.
Trying not to sound like an idiot(this is our first cruise though!)
No "idiots" here. We were all newbies once and love to share our experience with first-timers. This is my 4th cruise and I am still learning and gathering information from my DIS friends. I didn't find this board until after my 1st cruise. I would have been much less anxious and felt more at ease if I had found it first.

Glad we have plenty of time to get to know one another and share trip planning.::yes::

[ThreeCircles]

Hello everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that we've added another cruiser to the August 28th Disney Cruise List site at <a href="http://**********************">*****************</a>.

I'm hoping to get the printable version of the list started and added to the site soon.

Bye for now!

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone:

Hope you're all well. We're down to 20-something weeks left to go! In a few more days we'll be down to 100-something days. It's hard to believe we started counting down at 300+ days.

Take care, all :wave2:

[ThreeCircles]

100-something days, huh?! Sounds SUPER to me!!!

::yes::

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************
100-something days, huh?! Sounds SUPER to me!!!

::yes::

I keep forgetting that you guys have another cruise before ours! You must be getting excited about that one :) Is that an eastern or western, or a Bahamas cruise?? (Too lazy to see what day of the week May 1st falls on. LOL)

[ThreeCircles]

Our May cruise is the Eastern. Our last cruise, in August, was a Western so we had to be fair and go Eastern this time. :)

[Mjasp]

I am sooo happy you posted 29 weeks today, can you believe it, it was over 52 weeks when I first booked in June, and over 365 days. Woke to snow and now it is freezing rain, will eventually turn to all rain. Once the nice weather comes it will seem to go by faster.

Have a great day:Pinkbounc

Joanna

[lynr]

I don't know if this can help anyone but I just booked Spirit Air out of Atlantic City to Orlando for our cruise at a price of $153.20 per person. We are going down on the 27th and returning on the 4th.

I hope this information can help someone save some money.

Lyn:sunny:

P.S. I just came back from Disney and it rained everyday we were there. Not much different than New Jersey just a tad warmer.

[Mjasp]

I know Orlando has been chilly. My mother has been in Orlando since early December, since my brother and sister live there, and she said it is warmer than here, but not typical Florida weather. Then of course you have the transplants, that say it is sooo cold here, I think they say it to rub it in. Because although it does get cold it doesn't stay that way long.

Good price on airfare, I hope I land a price like that. I usually do when we go to Florida.

[paulinewdw]

Now if we could get a rate that good...we might consider flying! Driving doesn't bother me much(I like to drive, but DH would prefer to just get there!)

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by lynr
I don't know if this can help anyone but I just booked Spirit Air out of Atlantic City to Orlando for our cruise at a price of $153.20 per person. We are going down on the 27th and returning on the 4th.

I hope this information can help someone save some money.

Lyn:sunny:

P.S. I just came back from Disney and it rained everyday we were there. Not much different than New Jersey just a tad warmer.

Congrats on the great airfare! :) I was on ThreeCircle's website and I noticed that your cabin is right next to my SIL & BIL's cabin, and just 3 doors down from us :) Have you been in this area of the ship before? If so, how was it?

[Mary Anne]

I am so on the fence about Spirit. I can get great rates but coming back we fly into LaGuardia. I hate that airport to fly into. Plus the flight time is 6 pm or so Saturday evening, we'd be spending the day waiting to get on the plane to come home.

I'm just about ready to spring for the extra $$$ for Jet Blue.

I really need to make up my mind on this soon.

[lynr]

Seaspray:

Last year we were in cabin 6576, the year before we were in a category 3 in the middle and the other two cruises I think we were in the middle of the ship also, but I really don't care where I am as long as I am on the ship.

This probably won't be our room anyway since my son's girlfriend probably won't be joining us. I am waiting until the last possible minute to take her off the cruise because you usually can't go back to a four person cabin if they change you to a 3 person cabin and the way things happen between teenagers anything could happen between now and then.

Lyn

[Mjasp]

For anyone coming in on Friday night 8/27/04 we are now UNDER 200 days :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc


For those arriving on Saturday 8/28/04 , tune in tomorrow, as you also will be under 200 days:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[Mary Anne]

I'm planning on coming in the Sunday before, woo hoo I'm way under the 200 mark now :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[SeaSpray]

Lyn:

You're right, as long as you're on the ship, that's what counts!! :teeth:


Joanna:

Woo hoo!! :jumping1: Finally, we're in the 100+ days mark!! Next it'll be the double-digits category. Heheheh... We sure are making the most of this long wait to our cruise, aren't we
:sunny:

[ThreeCircles]

Looks like we're under the 200 day mark too! Is this cause for celebration or what?!

Perhaps it's time for that nice bottle of Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee that was purchased at the Contemporary and has been chilling in our fridge! :p

[paulinewdw]

I am sick of winter...sick of work...WAHHHH I need a Disney Break. Just whining a little here, we usually go to WDW during Feb School break but due to circumstances beyond my control, we aren't going(perhaps I can convince DH to go for a long weekend in April? Otherwise looking forward to the CRUISE.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by paulinewdw
I am sick of winter...sick of work...WAHHHH I need a Disney Break.

Paulinewdw--

I think you speak for many of us here!!! ::yes::

[markºoº]

I'm another one sick of the winter. After 3 years of very mild winters in Wisconsin, this year we have a real one. It is cold and seems to snow every 3 or 4 days. Today is the 39th straight day we have had over 1 inch of snow cover on the ground. Last year the longest was a week! On the bright side, the record is 112 days!

Oh well, this time tomorrow I will be heading to the airport. DW and I are going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. We were invited down by some friends that are involved with one of the groups that run the parades. It should be a blast - we stay at a hotel right on Bourbon Street, go to the formal Ball, ride a float it a parade and people watch.

[Mary Anne]

I've gone one step further, I'm so tired of winter. Called Disney yesterday and got 7 nights at the Pop Century with an annual pass rate for Easter.

Haven't made up my mind if we're actually going to go though LOL

[ThreeCircles]

Mardi Gras and Pop Century! Sounds like great cures for the "Winter Blues" to me! :D

Now, perhaps Travis and I should head to Disney this weekend for our own dose! :teeth:

[paulinewdw]

I am thinking about the same thing....need to go somewhere warm and relax(at Disney?)

[Mary Anne]

Is it time to pack yet? :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Glad to have a 3 day week-end in front of me. Lots of housework and organizing in my todo list.

Still cold here. 36º and dropping this week-end but no snow in sight. This time last year we had a blizzard.

[ThreeCircles]

We just received a letter from DCL on Friday confirming that Key West has raised its port charges $2.63 per person!

That's one less drink or souvenir I'll be able to buy onboard! :)

[lynr]

I just received a notice from my travel agent that Grand Cayman had a tax increase $4.00 also.

Lyn

[Mary Anne]

I booked via DVC points and the $75 exchange fee. I didn't pay any extra port charges to begin with. Wonder if they will ask me for any $$$

[Mjasp]

Received the Grand Cayman increase letter in (I think) October of last year. The Key West increase letter came last week. Boy are they nickel and diming us here. Just waiting for Cozumel's fee increase.

How many weeks are we at. Is it 28?

Temps are back down in the 20's.

Keep Warm

Joanna

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone!

We were away this weekend, just got back this evening. Please allow me to now announce this week's countdown, officially...

TWENTY EIGHT WEEKS TO GO!!! :sunny:





P.S. I hope no one minds me doing these countdowns each week...I don't mean to "monopolize" the countdown, if anyone else wants to do them, then go for it :)

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by SeaSpray
P.S. I hope no one minds me doing these countdowns each week...I don't mean to "monopolize" the countdown, if anyone else wants to do them, then go for it :)

I can't speak for everyone but I personally look forward to seeing the "Official SeaSpray Weekly Countdown Announcement to the Disney Magic August 28th Sailing"!!! :hyper:

[Mary Anne]

I look forward to SeaSpray's countdown too!

[Mjasp]

Originally posted by ************
I can't speak for everyone but I personally look forward to seeing the "Official SeaSpray Weekly Countdown Announcement to the Disney Magic August 28th Sailing"!!! :hyper:

My sentiments exactly. Keep up the good work!!!

[SeaSpray]

Thanks everyone :blush: :sunny:

[sandygirl]

Just chiming in. I look forward to the weekly countdown! I missed it this past weekend because I was down and out after some oral surgery. Couldn't wait for the new weekend to roll around, so I came in search of the COUNTDOWN. Keep it coming, SEASPRAY.::yes:: Anyway, I worry when I don't see a post from you.

[SeaSpray]

Twenty seven weeks to go!! :sunny: 27 weeks from today for those of us flying in the day before the cruise, and 27 weeks from tomorrow for the actual cruise :) I know at least one of you are arriving even sooner than this, too, so you have even less of a wait :)

I have a question for all of you: Are you purchasing travel insurance, and if so, have you purchased it yet?? We haven't bought it yet, but I am considering doing this soon. I'm going to buy it through Access America. They have a plan called "Family Care" where children under the age of 18 are free when traveling with their parents or grandparents. Here's a link in case anyone is interested www.accessamerica.com/aaa

I want to buy it now so I can scratch it off the list of things to pay for.


*UPDATE* I didn't realize that I didn't send this message before I called Access America! LOL Anyway, I just called and bought travel insurance. The woman at Access America was very nice, but I wanted to add that their Family Care-Children Free program is only for AAA members. She didn't need my AAA number, but I imagine that they'd need it in the case of having to use this insurance policy. I told her that I didn't book this trip through AAA and she said that was fine, we only need to be AAA members to be eligible for this policy. So now I can cross "travel insurance" off my list :sunny:

[Mjasp]

27 weeks and counting:Pinkbounc

Thanks for that Access America info. I will check it out.

Have a great day

Joanna

[Mary Anne]

Another week closer! I had my first cruise nightmare last night LOL

I had a dream that I missed all the movies on board. I kept forgetting to go to them or I'd get there and everyone was coming out of the theater.

I too am going to look into the insurance. My inlaws are will into their 80's. If anything happens, I'll be in big trouble.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by SeaSpray
I have a question for all of you: Are you purchasing travel insurance, and if so, have you purchased it yet??

SeaSpray--

Travis and I purchased the DCL travel insurance protection plan on our very first cruise way back in 2000 but haven't bought it since. The reasons are many, not the least of which is my personal distaste for insurance in general, but the main reason that we don't purchase it is because we'll be getting on that ship no matter what! :D

Our private insurance plans have coverage benefits outside of the U.S. and they also have medical evacuation benefits, as do many insurance plans. If anything did happen we would be covered for everything except the cost of the cruise itself.

[Mary Anne]

I found all my cruise documentation from our cruise in 2000. We bought it then. Wow it was expensive too. I have to look aroundl for somethignelse.

Kind of off topic but we had a great week-end at home this past week-end. Scored tickets to all three Met/Yankee games at Shea July 2, 3, and 4th! So now we've got that to look forward too.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Mary Anne
Kind of off topic but we had a great week-end at home this past week-end. Scored tickets to all three Met/Yankee games at Shea July 2, 3, and 4th! So now we've got that to look forward too.

Wow! Did you win these Mary Anne or did you buy them?

[Mary Anne]

We bought them. Took me almost 3 hours on Sunday morning sitting at the PC refreshing every 30 seconds. Took 2 hours for the first set; took another 1/2 hour for the second and the third game came in about 20 minutes later. $16 a piece for each ticket; we got 8 for Friday; 4 for Saturday and 4 for Sunday's game. By 3 pm they were sold out of the Met/Yankee tickets. We're taking family with us to the first game and then it'll be just the 4 of us for the other two.

We're big Met Fans in my house. We also got 4 for opening Day. Heck if we don't have hope opening day it's a real long season LOL

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Mary Anne
Took me almost 3 hours on Sunday morning sitting at the PC refreshing every 30 seconds. Took 2 hours for the first set; took another 1/2 hour for the second and the third game came in about 20 minutes later.

Talk about dedication! :)

[O'BWV]

Hi Everybody - Can we join the fun?

We justed booked 8/28 today as a 20th Anniversary celebration! We live in Central NJ, we are DVC members, and we have sailed on the Wonder on a 4 day cruise in 2000. Cruising will be me 43 DH 43, DD 14, and DS 11. I look forward to planning and counting down with all of you!

Thanks!

[markºoº]

Welcome aboard!

We also did a 4 day Wonder cruise first and now booked the 7 day.

Our cruisers will be me, DW, DS (12) and DS (5).

Only 185 days to go!

[Mary Anne]

Welcome! We're DVC members too! Planning on spending the week before the cruise at OKWest!

We've been on the 7 day cruise once before, plus a lot of non-Disney cruises.

Glad to have you join in!

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by O'BWV
Hi Everybody - Can we join the fun?

We justed booked 8/28 today as a 20th Anniversary celebration! We live in Central NJ, we are DVC members, and we have sailed on the Wonder on a 4 day cruise in 2000. Cruising will be me 43 DH 43, DD 14, and DS 11. I look forward to planning and counting down with all of you!

Thanks!

Welcome! :) Where in NJ are you? I'm from NJ; grew up in Sayreville, then lived in Toms River for about 9 years before moving up here to Massachusetts.
Our family consists of myself (I'll be 43 by the time we're sailing), DH will be 41, DS will be 16, and younger DS will be 13.
Looking forward to seeing you! Please join in here anytime you want!! :sunny:

[ThreeCircles]

Hello O'BWV and welcome to the Disney Magic August 28th Thread! :)

The August 28th gang has a web site started at <a href="http://**********************">*****************</a> if you would like to send in your info!

[This invitation goes to everyone else on the cruise (and this thread) as well! I noticed that a lot of people have posted to this thread but haven't sent any info in. Of course, that's ok too! Just want everyone to know they are welcome to do so. :teeth: ]

[Mjasp]

Hi O'BWV and welcome to our cruise. I will add your name to page 1 for at a glance viewing of who's going.

Didn't get any e mails that their were responses to this thread, decided to come on to see how many more days I have until Easter vacation. Guess I have to check back periodically.

[MoranClan]

Hello Everyone..

New to the Board..

Going on the Western Cruise the 28th..


Will Post more when packet comes..

Take it Easy

Bobby

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

[ThreeCircles]

Hello and welcom MoranClan!

Glad to see that you've found the August 28th cruise thread!!!

:D

Is this your first Disney Cruise?

[paulinewdw]

We are also DVC members and will be spending the week prior to the cruise at OLD KEY WEST. We are sure to bump into each other at some point! LOL

Welcome to the new cruisers! I am getting very excited about this cruise, as I am a first time cruiser. The boys are also looking forward to this trip also(ages 7, 10(when we cruise) , and 13).


I am still undecided about the excursions, I do not want to overbook ourselves!

Pauline

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by paulinewdw
I am getting very excited about this cruise, as I am a first time cruiser. The boys are also looking forward to this trip also(ages 7, 10(when we cruise) , and 13).


I am still undecided about the excursions, I do not want to overbook ourselves!

Pauline

Pauline--

I think that's probably the one peice of advise that I wish someone would have given me on our first Disney cruise! There is always so much going on, so much to do, and so much that you don't want to miss, that it can be totally exhausting! :teeth:

There is no way that you can do it all in one cruise. Here I am four cruises later and there are still things that I have yet to try!

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************


There is no way that you can do it all in one cruise. Here I am four cruises later and there are still things that I have yet to try!

This is part of the fun of cruising....you tell yourself that you HAVE to cruise again, in order to be able to do all the things you didn't have time for the last time! :p

DH and I cruised with 2 of my brothers and SILs last summer and we were at the very back of the ship (RCI ship) and totally missed the Sail Away party. Don't get me wrong, we had an excellent time and excellent view of the NYC skyline and met other people back there and lounged on chaise lounges with drinks in our hand, but when we got back, I realized we had missed the Sail Away. So now this summer on our Disney cruise, I am NOT going to miss the Sail Away party!

Another thing we didn't do on our last cruise (which was also our first cruise!) was actual excursions. We cruised to Bermuda and because you are on this one island all week, you have plenty of time to get off the ship and explore on your own. Also, my brothers and SILs all had cruised to Bermuda several times before so they didn't feel the need to book excursions. We did see a lot of the island (GORGEOUS!) and went to the beach and snorkeled on our own, but on this year's Disney cruise I am really looking forward to the more organized excursions. Especially since we'll have limited time at each port. I spoke to my SIL & BIL (DH's sister and her husband) who are cruising with us (no kids), and they've been looking through the Passporter that I gave to them and it was so much fun to discuss excursions, the Romantic Escape at Sea Package, etc., with them!! I also reminded them to watch "According to Jim" last night :)

Ok, enough rambling from me today. lol

One more thing: "WELCOME" to all of our new cruisers!!! :boat:

[Mary Anne]

I missed the Sail Away Party when we did the 7 day magic in 2000. Not making that mistake this time.

We have no set excursions, we really enjoy the time on the ship when everyone is off!

You know years ago, late 1969 to 1972 (OK I'm dating myself :lol) you used to have bon voyage parties in your room and guests that you invited could come on board and party with you till it was time to sale. Sadly, in this day and age that is long, long gone. Those were really fun times too! I cruised in those times and have great pictures of the parties and people seeing us off.

SeaSpray did you ever tell your kids about the cruise yet, or is it still a secret?

[MoranClan]

Originally posted by ************
Hello and welcom MoranClan!

Glad to see that you've found the August 28th cruise thread!!!

:D

Is this your first Disney Cruise?

Hello..

No its not..Went on the Innagural cruise in 1999

Had a blast..

Also Big Disney Buffs..

My Wife and I have been married for 10 years, together for over 11...

probably been to Disney World 25 Times at least..

Also..I loved it so much, Moved from NY to Orlando to work for Disney..

Too Hot...we moved back,,

I will keep posting...have to update my signature..ets etc

Bobby, Cindy, katie, Jessie, and Bobby Jr.

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

[Mjasp]

Welcome Moran Clan to the 8/28 cruise thread

I will gladly put your family on page one for quick view of "who's going"

Hopefully the weather will start to warm up and the wait to cruise will seem shorter.

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by MoranClan
Hello..

No its not..Went on the Innagural cruise in 1999

Had a blast..

Also Big Disney Buffs..

My Wife and I have been married for 10 years, together for over 11...

probably been to Disney World 25 Times at least..

Also..I loved it so much, Moved from NY to Orlando to work for Disney..

Too Hot...we moved back,,

I will keep posting...have to update my signature..ets etc

Bobby, Cindy, katie, Jessie, and Bobby Jr.

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

Well, as far as being big Disney buffs, you're in good company here! :) And I know what you mean about Florida being too hot. For a good part of the year, say from mid-may through November it's just about too unbearable to even go outside. Heat and humidity don't do a thing for me! But, Disney keeps me from transplanting elsewhere. For now at least! :)

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by SeaSpray
This is part of the fun of cruising....you tell yourself that you HAVE to cruise again, in order to be able to do all the things you didn't have time for the last time! :p

You know, this is a great outlook on life SeaSpray! ::yes::

[O'BWV]

Well thank you all for your kind welcomes!! I've been reading through the thread and it looks like we have a great group going. I have been reading trip reports and it's funny that I read yours today ************ - I really enjoyed reading about your cruise last summer! I also read about the AAA trip insurance your posted on the cruise board SeaSpray and it really saved me big time - thanks so much for that tip!! Oh, BTW we are/were practically neighbors as I reside in Old Bridge right next door to Sayreville, small world! Mjsap, thanks for adding us to your list.

Thanks again all and I look forward to sharing the Magic with you all!

[ThreeCircles]

O'BWV--

I am in agreement about our group! I think we are well on our way to having a great cruise! As for the trip report, thanks. I didn't even realize they were still around! How did you find them?

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by ************
You know, this is a great outlook on life SeaSpray! ::yes::

Thanks! I'm an optimist, always trying to look on the bright side of any situation. Then again, when it comes to cruising and vacations in general, there are no dark sides :sunny:

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by O'BWV
I also read about the AAA trip insurance your posted on the cruise board SeaSpray and it really saved me big time - thanks so much for that tip!! Oh, BTW we are/were practically neighbors as I reside in Old Bridge right next door to Sayreville, small world!

We really were neighbors! One of my brothers is an Old Bridge police officer, and several years ago another one of my brothers was too. My dad still lives in Sayreville, and so does another one of my brothers and his family. (I have 5 brothers all together. lol) I get back to Sayreville several times a year.

You're welcome for the AAA trip insurance info. I learned about it here on these boards several months ago, so I'm glad I could pass this info on now :)

[SeaSpray]

Wow, we're down to 26 weeks!?!?! 6 months to go!! :teeth:

I spoke to my SIL & BIL the other night, I called to tell them to watch "According to Jim", and I was happy to hear that they've been reading the "Passporter: Guide to the Disney Cruise Line" book that I had given them. They now have some ideas on the excursions they want to do, and they think the Romantic Escape at Sea package sounds like a good idea too. We all agree that even if they do the package, and we do, we will do our Palo meal together on one night, because we want to be at our regular rotational restaurants all of the other nights (instead of trying for Palo for 2 different nights). Now to decide which night! I have some ideas for which night I wouldn't mind missing, but we'll discuss it with them to see if we can agree on a specific night. I've never had a professional massage before, I can't wait! :teeth:

I hope you're all doing well. Have any of you done any further cruise research and found anything interesting or different?? Please share! :)

P.S. We're staying at the Polynesian after the cruise and this week I called and upgraded us from a lagoon view room to a concierge lagoon view room. DH doesn't know about this change, I'm going to let him be surprised when we pull up at the hotel.

P.P.S. Oh yeah, I forgot to answer about whether or not my DSs know about the cruise yet. Yes, they do know about it now. We decided to tell them last October when we were having a particularly bad night at our house. We were all extremely stressed the night before I was leaving to go to NJ to help my father and sister take my mother home from the hospital so she could die at home. DH and I wanted to distract DSs from everything that was happening, and give them something happy to look forward to. We didn't get to do the whole scavenger hunt/surprise thing like we had wanted to, but telling them about the trip back then really was a great thing and helped us all to get through a very rough time.

[Mary Anne]

For some reason I feel like the 26 week mark is the halfway point; even thoug I didn't book at 52 weeks out! Just feel like we're on the downhill swing.

Since we've given up our "Easter" trip this year, we are thinking about using that saved money, and I use the term saved money loosly :rolleyes: and now thinking of staying in Disney for the week-end after the cruise. I'm leaning towards the Poly concierge too. We did that after the last cruise and it was really great! We are thinking of not doing Disney World at all the next year 2005 (doing Disneyland instead) and then in 2006 getting the DVC GrandVilla for 5 nights and inviting some family to go with us.

I am going to check on the AAA insurance now too!

Everyone have a great week-end!