May 29, 2004---Who is with us?

[XLT800]

Who is with us? It will be myself, DW, DS (12) and DD (9) and MIL. This will be our 3rd cruise on Disney. Just got back from the 10/18 Eastern and had a great time meeting other Dis'ers.

[XLT800]

Looks like we have the whole ship to our self. This could make for an interesting cruise. Come on, there has to be someone else going on this cruise!!:scratchin

[SimbaNoodle]

Hi XLT800,

My Disney family of four will be making our maiden voyage on this cruise. It will be myself, DW, DD (9) and DS (7). This will be our kids first cruise. All my son talks about is that he can eat whenever he wants and my daughter wants to see a Manatee.

Maybe we will see you there.
:boat:

[tchrmom]

:bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc
Hi Simbanoodle!

I'm XLT's wife. Welcome to this thread. You will LOVE the Disney cruise. We took our first Disney cruise in June 2002, thinking it would be a "once in a lifetime thing". Well.......we liked it so much, we are now trying to pay off cruise # 3 and 4! :crazy:

[XLT800]

There has got to be more than 2 families on this trip. Where is everyone? Maybe this means that we will be upgraded.

Dave

[NYdiscuisers]

It's a little early to start getting into this (we waited till about Feb. last year), but we're on board too. So I guess that makes 3 families! Should be lots of room to spread out :jester: !

This will be our 2nd cruise. We were on the Memorial Day western sailing this year and had so much fun we thought we'd do it again! We had a lot of extended family last time, but this time its just DW, DD (10), DD (6) and myself.

[XLT800]

NYdis......It is never too early to talk about cruising. Although we all have other things going on such as the holidays fast approaching us. It will actually be 4 families on the ship, I know of one that is not on the boards.

Dave

[SimbaNoodle]

Our kids get out of school at 10 am on the 28th. Can't wait to get there.

[flhmom]

XLT800 MIL Checking in!!

Can we pack yet???

[XLT800]

Extra batteries.........check
Sunscreen.................check
Over the door shoe holder........check
Baggies.....................check
Birth certificates.........check

I think we can start the packing!!

Simba......DW has a half a day on the 28th. And I will try to take that day off. That should put us rolling into the Radisson at about 4:30pm.

flhmom......glad you found us. These threads really help pass the time until we sail.

Everyone have a great day!

Dave:bounce: :bounce:

[tchrmom]

You found us!!!!!!!

Since XLT800 thinks it's not too early to start packing..I guess I'll have to drag out the suitcase that I just put away from our 10/18 cruise!

Mom-------

Buy an over the door shoe holder. The cheap kind! Mine was $4.99 at Wal-Mart. It will be a life saver!

Fran:Pinkbounc

[DisneyDmbNut]

This sounds like fun!!

*wishes she was cruising too!!!*

[flhmom]

I am getting the hang of this. Looking forward to 2/2/04

[tchrmom]

:earsboy:

OK.....But that's another thread! This is for CRUISING. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

Yeah! Only 200 more days to go!
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[SimbaNoodle]

XLT,

We will be staying at the Radisson also. Can't wait to get there.

:tongue:

[flhmom]

:wave2:
When you make the reservation at the Raddison, let me know what I owe you. I can sleep on a "rollaway" if necessary. It is getting closer, isn't it. I am very excited!

[DisneyDmbNut]

thought I would "bump" this for you!

[tchrmom]

flhmom,

I booked us a "king Suit" this weekend. Good thing.........the guy said they were almost totally full that weekend! It will have 2 king beds and a hide-a-bed couch. That should work for just the 1 night.
Fran

[flhmom]

Who do I get to sleep with, Kelly? It doesn't really matter to me. Looking forward to the trip.:bounce: :Pinkbounc :wave:

[tchrmom]

I'm guessing Kelly, since Steven HATES to sleep with her. She is a cuddler, in her sleep.:D

We also ate at a great resturant the night before, callled Grills....I think. Thry had great rock shrimp. I think we may eat there that night......or maybe a place called Dixie Crossings.....also known for it's rock shrimp. (better known as the poor man's lobster)
YUM!

[flhmom]

I forgot to ask you why I need an over the door shoe bag? I saw them at Walmart yesterday but didn't get one because I don't know why I need it.

[tchrmom]

Since the bathroom is SO small, this is a handy place to store: brushes, toothpaste, makeup, deoderant, medicines, suntan lotion, q-tips, just about anything that normally you would keep in your bathroom. The one I had even had 2 larger pockets at the bottom. Here I was able to store my blow-dryer and extension cords. I suggest the kind with clear pockets, so you can see what is in each pocket. Remind me to show you mine next week.:)

[DisneyDmbNut]

you will never get anybody to see this on page 3!!

BUMP!:teeth:

[flhmom]

:Pinkbounc
Everyone I tell that I am going on the cruise with you guys thinks it is really great. Alice Hasten wants to go too.

[NYdiscuisers]

I think we need another bump. It's been awfully quiet on this thread :).

We've been starting to think about rooms before (booked the Holiday Inn Express this time) and after (thinking about the Beach Club), airfare (waiting for our carrier to extend their schedule to cover our dates) and rental cars lately. Got to do something to combat the cold here in NY!

[DisneyDmbNut]

Fran - my friend heatherdmb is lurking around here looking for helpful hints about the cruise..she saw the shoe holder advice..any other words of wisdom to help out first time cruisers??

[DisneyDmbNut]

bump

[XLT800]

Only 70 days or 5 paychecks to get this cruise paid for. NYdiscuisers....we have stayed at the Hampton Inn which was nice. Everything is close to the port. You have had some cold weather so far this year. We get a little chilly at night but back into the low 70's during the day. The best tip I can give is to get to the port early. They let you on at 12 noon so we enjoy the ship, food and drink for 5 hours before sailing and it makes getting all your ressies easy to get.

Anyone else going??????????????::MickeyMo

[NYdiscuisers]

XLT800,
We are cruise veterans now. Actually, thanks to this board, we were experts before our 1st cruise. We were very near the front of the boarding line on our first cruise (arrived at the terminal at 10:30.)

It was much warmer today, we almost hit 40!

We've been busy with our cruise planning since last post. We booked our airfare and rental cars. We planned the excursions we are interested in taking. And, since we've seen a lot of interest in the new Ron Jon resort, we are looking into booking there for the night before the cruise.

By the way, for anyone here who is interested, I editted the dining rotation chart that mmouse37 put together to reflect the latest info (from the 12/13 navigators.) We found it very helpful last time, so if anyone is interested, here's a link: http://community.webshots.com/photo/94184617/112728364JvXkRO

[Mickeyhugger]

Hi there XLT800 and the rest of you May 29th DCL cruisers!:wave:

Count us in for this one as DH, DD age 9, and myself are ready for our 3rd Disney cruise!

I think I'd been reading the wrong threads as it seemed there was a roll call for EVERY cruise but this one. Glad I looked closer to see this Disney Cruise Meets!

So it looks as if there are two other 9-year old girls so far, on this cruise. We'll be traveling w/neighbor friends of ours who also have a 9-year old girl, and 11 year-old son.

DH and I will also be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. This will be the best anniversary yet!

Will post later!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[NYdiscuisers]

Hi Mickeyhugger,

Welcome to the thread! DW and I were beginning to wonder if there were any other dis'ers on this sailing.

[XLT800]

Mickeyhugger.......I am also glad to see someone else with us.
We have DD 9 and DS 12. We are going with friends we met on our first cruise who have kids the same age as ours.

Hope everyone has a great week!

[Mickeyhugger]

Thank you nydiscruisers and XLT800, for the welcome!:D

We're looking so forward to May (29th that is!):bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

XLT800, that's great that your cruising w/another DCL family you met on the cruise! I'm hoping that I can talk my neighbors into booking the same week again. Our family has always traveled alone, (not by choice, just hard to get people who can get the same vacation time) and this will be the first time traveling w/friends.

Do any of you sail this same week each year?

We did spring break week in 2002 and 2003, but 2004 was going to be the same itin as last year, so we booked this week.

(No, I'm not really a nonstop talker. Just on these boards:hyper: )

[NYdiscuisers]

Mickeyhugger,
We're looking forward to May 28th since we are leaving on Friday!

We did this same week last year...a western itinerary. We had a group of 14 family last year, but this year, we are going solo.

Memorial Day weekend is good for us because we are pulling our DD's out of school. Having Monday vacation and the possibility of additional days (unused snow days...not looking so good right now!) means they don't miss as much school. Also, since we did the western last year, having a change of itinerary this year worked well, too.

[XLT800]

We did the last week in May 2002. Even though we had to take the kids out of school we booked 10/03 because it was so much cheaper. The kids each had to do a special project to make up for the missed homework. This year we wanted to do 2 cruises so we went back to May because school is out on that Thursday and Teachers have a half day on Friday. DW is a teacher and only gets 5 personal days so we are going in October as well.

[tchrmom]

:wave2:

Hi!

This is XLT's DW. Welcome to the new cruisers. I was happy to see there will be some kids, Steven and Kelly's age. It's warm and breezy here today. Makes me think of May.....and that makes me think of THE CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce:

Have a great weekend!
Fran

[Mickeylover]

Sorry its taken me so long to check in. The reservation was made for a year...but with 42degree weather outside, I've got the itch for a CRUISE! We've got quite a crew coming on this one. DH (41) and me (34) as well as my stepson (is that DSS) 14 and DS 8. Also have my parents and uncle and aunt (all in their 60s) plus my younger brother who is sullenly sailing Disney at the age of 29 and bitterly single--not a good way to find him a date is it? :crazy:

We've done a 4 day Wonder (well DH and DS have) we ended up dragging half the extended family along for this one. As far as travel to the port, (the last day of school is the 28th, but its field day,) so we're gonna cut the 8 year old a break and head out early for the drive down I-95!.
:Pinkbounc

[NYdiscuisers]

Welcome to the 5/29 thread, Mickeylover!

42 degrees is balmy compared to what it's been like up here in NY. It's been frigid for most of the winter! This is our 2nd cruise, too! We did a 7-day Western last Memorial Day week. We had so much fun, we had to do it again!

[SimbaNoodle]

It was 65 and sunny here in Alabama. Can't wait for the cruise to get here. Are any of you past cruisers planning any shore excursions? I have cruised twice on Carnival, but always a western cruise to Cozumel. I have no idea what to expect on the eastern cruise.:wave:

[tchrmom]

:sunny:
Ok, we won't make you guys feel bad about it being 77 here today.

We took the easter in October. We LOVED the catamaran ride/snorkle trip in St. Maarten. In St. John, the snorkling was better, but the boat ride over wasn't that great.

We also know some friends, also sailing with us, who did the dolphin excursion, but it is a little price-y for us this time around.
Fran

[Mickeylover]

After reading reviews here, I'm seriously considering the Dolphin swim in Antigua while we're at St. Maaten--and agree its pricey, but there is some appeal to swimming with dolphins in the Carribean seaside as opposed to 10 minutes at Discovery Cove!

I think DH and I are going to do the 5 star at St. John without the kids (we'll send them to Coral World with grandma)--I worry too much about them when we are snorkeling somewhere we've never been before. By the way, it was 52 degrees here...and still drying out from the longest lasting snow I can remember in some time. It was 2 weeks ago and there are still piles in the parking lot!

Man I can't wait to do the double digit dance!

:teeth:

[NYdiscuisers]

Well, this is our second cruise, but 1st Eastern, so we don't have any first hand experience at the eastern excursions. After doing a lot of reading on this board and the cruise critic board, we are leaning towards the golden eagle catamaran in St. Maarten. In St. Thomas, we decided to splurge on a non-disney day sail. Castaway Cay will be just a "fun at the beach" day for us.

[SimbaNoodle]

We have been leaning toward the catamaran, but the dolphins sound nice too. I can use all of those bank one reward dollars I have been saving.::yes::

[Mickeylover]

All I keep thinking about is that at the end of next month I've got to have that final payment in...and then I can REALLY start counting it down. Heck! I've got to make those excursion ressies then too, don't I?

The big deal now is the weather around here and whether they extend school. We're exepecting snow again tomorrow, and if they close schools it could be an issue. (DSS might not be allowed to come with us because the school he is in will tack it on to the end of the school year.) No issue with DS--they are a charter school and will do half days on Saturdays before they extend the school year.

[SimbaNoodle]

:( That would be terrible if your dss had to miss the cruise. We are in the opposite situation here in Alabama. Our school alots 3-4 days for hurricane days and we havn't needed any of them this year, so my kids summer will actually begin a couple of days early.

I hope the timing works out for you.:wave2:

[XLT800]

Glad to see this thread picking up some steam. Hopefully it will make time to by faster. We tried to get reservsations this weekend just for Saturday night to stay on property but the only thing available was the GF suite for about $1500. I was hoping for the $49 deal at Pop Century. They said that they are booked due to Presidents Day weekend. I guess we will try to go next weekend.

Mickeylover.......hope everything works out with DSS school.

Dave

[DisneyDmbNut]

Sorry to butt into the thread...

Dave...mailing your Disney Dining card to you today...

[SimbaNoodle]

This will be my kids first cruise and they can't wait. I hope to buy snorkel and fin sets for them so they can practice in our pool as soon as it warms up. Yesterday, the pool temp was 54 degrees. That's cold.

[Mickeylover]

My last cruise was in December of 01...the water felt 54 degrees at CC that day too! LOL.

Well, schools didn't close today, so we're still in good shape. I think my DS would be very unhappy if his half brother wasn't' along on this cruise. He has quasi-only child syndrome and is very worried that he won't find any friends on this cruise--he's sort of "mature" for his age, and being an only child he's more accustomed to adults than other kids.

He does fine once he meets some, but worries about it until he does--its a shame to start worrying that early in life but I think its in his genes!

:earseek:

[Mickeyhugger]

Hi everybody!!!!!!!!!:jumping1:

I'm mickeyhuggers DD and i'm 9 i can't wait until the cruise:chat: iam looking forward to meating other 9 year olds:moped:

i can't wait until May 29th see ya! :wave2:

[SimbaNoodle]

Hi Mickeyhugger DD,

My DD princess: is also 9 and she can't wait for the cruise. She also has a brother who is 7. It was nice to hear from you.princess:

[Mickeylover]

And my DS is 8, so he'll be in that 8 and 9 year old group with you as well. (he's pretty cool for a boy)...:crazy:

[SimbaNoodle]

Hey Mickeylover,

My DS & DD are both excited about meeting your kids. Maybe if we can get them excited about enjoying the clubs it will mean more playtime for the adults.::yes::

[Mickeylover]

:bounce: He's getting really excited also. He negotiated sign out priveleges this year because he was concerned that he wouldn't find anyone fun to hang out with in the clubs and we're on deck 5 so he convinced me to let him:bounce:

While I'm at it, I'll share a little bit about our family "personality"...
DH (David) is 41 and I'm Debbie (34). Jake is my DS and he'll be 3 months shy of 9 when we go on the cruise. DSS is Trevor and he'll be 14. We live on a large recreational lake in NC (Kerr Lake) and spend the summers boating and playing golf.

I'm a self professed Disney addict and my DH is "tolerant" of it (enough that his wedding ring is nugget cut and etched with Mickey heads)...we tend to be pretty active and don't do a lot in the way of lounging around. We'll enjoy an "occasional" cocktail:crazy: and have every intention of spending some time in the nightclubs during the evenings::yes:: DH is a marketing director for the local hospital, and I am a call center director.

DS is your typical 3rd grader, plays sports and watches enough ESPN to match most American males 3 times his age in knowledge--and DSS is your typical gangly 14 year old boy still trying to figure out what he wants to be--one week its skateboarder, the next its suffering artist.

We love to meet new people and enjoy having a good time...boy I just can't wait!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[XLT800]

Here is a little about us
DW (Fran) is 38. I am Dave (39). Steven is 12 and Kelly is 9. Also traveling with us in MIL. We have lived in Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis, Pittsburgh and now Tampa. We are 1 hour and 15 minutes from WDW. We have had season passes for 3 years now..

We enjoy living in Tampa and also spend much of our summers on the water boating and Jet skiing.

We like going to the clubs and participating......last year I got to be the construction worker singing YMCA during 70's night. We use walkies with the vibrating alert so the kids can get us if they need to.

Fran is a 1st grade teacher and I am a Circulation Manager with USA TODAY newspaper. Steven enjoys just being outside. He proclaims himself to be the "King of Tubing" on the water. Kelly is in competitive gymnastics which takes up most of her free time. She prefers the pool to the ocean.

We also love to meet new people and cannot wait to meet everyone here.

Dave

Mickeyhuggers and SimbaNoodle's dd.....Kelly is watching me type this and says "HI" and she cannot wait to meet you.

[SimbaNoodle]

OK.

My DW, Wendy, and myself, Lewis, are both 35, birthdays are actually one week apart. Nicole is 9 and William is 7.

I met Wendy 16 years ago at my first fresman dance at the University of South Alabama and have been together ever since. We go to Disney every Mardi Gras.

In 2001, we joined Disney Vacation Club. Can you guess that Disney is our favorite vacation spot.

We own a Tire Recycling Center and Truck Tire Retread Plant here in Mobile.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone and its great that the kids all seem to be so close in age.

Lewis :boat:

[Mickeylover]

Sounds like we might find some folks that have a lot in common! Boy I'd sure love to live in Tampa right now. Two days of off and on snow and freezing temperatures (but it should be in the 50s by the weekend.)

I cannot WAIT until Spring gets here...and winter is doubly long when you're also waiting to CRUISE! :earsboy:

[SimbaNoodle]

Mickeylover & XLT800,

My kids can't wait to cruise. My DS, the smallest in our family, is looking forward to the food the most. He wants me to wake him up one night around 3 am so he can go eat and not have to pay anything. He may not be the smallest after the cruise. http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/facelick.gif

[Mickeylover]

SimbaNoodle, I've got bigger problems with the teenager...the only place I can AFFORD to feed him on vacation for a week is on the cruise! :teeth:

On our first cruise on the Wonder, our DS who was then 7 politely asked our servers to please bring him an adult menu because he was having none of that PB&J and nuggets stuff. After ordering a full meal from appetizer to dessert, they learned quick he was much better off on the adult menu!:yo-yo:

Hey--I think we're doing the double digit dance! ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

[XLT800]

Still 20 hours away from the "double digit dance" Mickeylover, if it makes you feel any better we actually had to turn the heat on last night and tonight. The weekend is supposed to be really nice though.

Who doesn't like to eat once we are on the ship?? Kelly orders room service every night no matter how tired she is. They still cannot believe that it is " free".

Have a good night:wave:

Dave

[tchrmom]

Finally! It is the weekend!

Glad we're going to get a "DisneyFix" this weekend. We'll be there tomorrow, and come home Sunday. We're staying at the All Star Sports. We're also eating at the Liberty Tree Character Dinner Sat. night. We've never done that before. I hope it's good!

I just wish I could get on that SHIP!!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!:sunny:

[SimbaNoodle]

tchrmom,

Maybe we will bump into you. Checked into Old Key West last night. I would complain about it being kind of cool today, but those of you in freezing conditions may not appreciate that.:teeth:

I also can not wait to get on the ship. These Disney Dinners get expensive.

[Mickeylover]

Okay, now you two have just made me extremely jealous! I'm gonna have to call the vendor back I was talking to yesterday and tell him I WILL take that job he offered me in Tampa! I think he was just being nice to get my business, but its worth following up, right? :teeth:

Plus Florida resident discounts? What am I doing here again? Oh well, that close to the World, and I wouldn't have any money saved for retirement! :rolleyes:

[Mickeyhugger]

Hey all of your May 29th Magical cruisers!

Does everyone realize we're now able to do the double-digit dance? (Sorry, our cut & paste option isn't working sdon't o I have a countdown clock, but am using everyone else's!)

YIPPEE!!!!

Oh how I can't wait for the Palo brunch, the Topsider's lunch buffets, the midnight dessert buffet, Parrot Cay, Animator's Palate, Lumiere's, and even the french-fries at Pluto's!

(You can tell what's my favorite thing to do on the cruise!)

What are all of you looking most forward to? (Besides everything)
:hyper:

[Mickeyhugger]

A big THANK YOU to whoever put the countdown timer in our field!

(I didn't realize that it was possible. DH and I are still stumbling and learning our settings, files, etc. We also get help from 9-yo DD! LOL!)

Thanks you again!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[Mickeyhugger]

I was so excited I fumbled my typing!

It should have read, THANK you again! LOL!

[Mickeylover]

Let's see...
I can't wait for them to announce my family on board, the embarkation party, the surial bath ;) , chocolate souffle at Palo, someone else cutting my kid's meat at dinner, fruity drinks, 70s night, towel animals, more fruity drinks, a hammock at Castaway Cay...and maybe, if I'm very lucky, 4 days at the Beach Club AFTER the cruise!

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

Geesh its almost time to write the rest of that big check!

[NYdiscuisers]

We just can't wait to get back on board!

Time for us to share some of our family "personality"...

I'm Paul and DW is Linda, both of us are 42. I'm a design engineer for IBM and Linda is a financial analyst, also with IBM. Our DD(10), Alyssa, is in 5th grade and enjoys most things that a 5th grader likes, the computer, TV, reading and horseback riding. Our DD(6), Lauren, will be turning 6 on May 5th. She is in kindergarten and enjoys learning everything she can as well as trying to keep up with her big sister!

We also enjoy meeting new people. We ran into several of our thread mates last cruise during the various activities and excursions. Hope to do the same this year!

We were go-go-go last cruise and hope to take it down a little this time, but...we'll see how that actually goes. There's just so much to experience!

[XLT800]

Hope that everyone had a good weekend.

It was a perfect weekend for Disney. We had a great time. We went to Magic Kingdom on Sat and MGM on Sunday. I don't know how people do week long vacations at Disney. I am worn out after 2 days. We did the Character dinner at LTT and also had dinner at Hollywood and Vine. Both firsts for us and both were very good. Have a good night.

Dave

[Mickeyhugger]

XLT800, you're making us rethink moving or at least retiring to FL w/your close proximity to WDW and the discounts available to FL residents. (We'd probably cruise more than once a year!)

DH is 42-year old kid (at heart), is an aircraft maintenance supervisor for Gulfstream aerospace. He loves scuba-diving, jet-skiing and lives for Disney vacations!:boat: DW is 46 (I robbed the cradle!), at-home mom, and spend much time volunteering at DD's school. :teacher: (DH also says I spend much time at the DISboards too!) DD is 9-yo 3rd grader who inherited her dad's love of water excursions and dirt bikes.:moped:

We're looking forward to meeting everyone and a wonderful time on the cruise!:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[Mickeylover]

Nice to know there are folks on the cruise that love Disney (I guess you have to be to even be on this site!) I think it makes a difference in your attitude--observing folks on my last cruise, I could tell the difference!:tongue:

[NYdiscuisers]

Well, we got the final check on our list of reservations done today. We booked the Yacht Club for 2 nights after our cruise with the latest Disney Visa discount. So we're done now...except for paying, packing, insurance...

[SimbaNoodle]

I think the paying is the worst part.::yes::

My wife will do all the packing.

[Mickeylover]

Originally posted by NYdiscuisers
Well, we got the final check on our list of reservations done today. We booked the Yacht Club for 2 nights after our cruise with the latest Disney Visa discount. So we're done now...except for paying, packing, insurance...

As irony would have it, we may well be at the Yacht club after the cruise as well. DH has a convention that is conveniently being held the week after the cruise...and they are holding it at my favorite resort--The Beach and Yacht club! Yeah! So now I have to convice him he really should attend!:yo-yo:

[XLT800]

DW hates to pack, so I do most of the packing. Only 31 more days till payoff. Then I can start worrying about cruise #4 in October. DW and DD are already planning # 5. They are hoping that DCL repositions the Magic to CA for summer 05. DD really wants to go to CA. She seems to think that she will run into Hillary Duff. Have a great weekend!

[Mickeylover]

Has anyone ever tried those vacumn packing bags? I've seriously considered buying some for this trip and wondered if they were were worth it.

[NYdiscuisers]

Mickeylover,
We've never tried them, but what do you do on the way home? I guess you could squeeze some of the air out or maybe your stateroom host could help out with a real vacuum.

[Mickeylover]

I suppose sucking the air out manually with the tiny straws from mixed drinks wouldn't work, would it? :p

Yeah, its the room coming back that's probably more important than the room going in!

[geetey]

Greetings!
We will be sailing on the Eastern 5/29! This is our first cruise and we are excited and anxious! Family of 4 with dd 10 and ds 8, celebrating my dh's big 4-0 birthday. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Has everyone selected their excursions? Where is the best place to get info regarding our choices? (can you tell I am just getting started with the planning? :blush: )

Mickeylover,
I haven't tried those vacuum bags, but I have heard that you simply roll them tightly for the return trip. Sorta like rolling up a sleeping bag, if that makes sense.

[Mickeylover]

Welcome! My DS is also 8 so perhaps he'll have a friend from the moment he steps on board!

As far as excursions, we really want to do the dolphin swim at St. Maarten and DH and I are considering doing the 5 star snorkel without the kids and making our day in St. Johns just about "us"...

Since my parents are also planning to cruise with us, they are going to take the kids to Coral World at St. Johns.

The caveat is that we just might be staying over at the Beach Club a few days after the cruise...if so, I expect we'll go a little cheaper on the excursions!

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by geetey
Greetings!
We will be sailing on the Eastern 5/29! This is our first cruise and we are excited and anxious! Family of 4 with dd 10 and ds 8, celebrating my dh's big 4-0 birthday. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Has everyone selected their excursions? Where is the best place to get info regarding our choices? (can you tell I am just getting started with the planning? :blush: )


Welcome geetey!

If you haven't read through the thread, we also have a DD10 on this cruise. As to excursions, you can't book the Disney ones until 60 days out (and paid in full) but we have planned on the Golden Eagle Catamaran in St. Maarten and a non-Disney day sail on St. Thomas.

To all you southern located cruisers, it was 62 today in NY. The forecast is for possible 70 on Friday!! It's about time you guys sent some warm weather our way :)

[Mickeyhugger]

Welcome geetey!:wave:

What a wonderful way to celebrate your DH's 40th birthday!

(I'd wished I'd thought of that when my DH turned 40, two years ago.)

You're in for the best vacation of your life on DCL. (Any other vacations we've taken pale in comparison.)

And NYCruisers, I'm glad to hear you're having warm weather. (It makes us think more and more of the big sail date in May.)::yes::

[SimbaNoodle]

Welcome Geetey:wave:

There are a lot of 9-10 year old girls going. They should have a lot of fun.

As far as excursions, we also want to do a catamaran at St. Marteen.

Can't wait.

[XLT800]

Welcome Geetey,

There will be plenty of kids, all close in age. The catamaran in St Marteen in great for kids and adults. I think we are going to try to do our own excursions this time.

I turn 40 this year and DW would love to cruise for it but with another one schedule for October, I don't think thats going to happen.

I am glad that we can send some sunshine up north. We have had plenty of it lately. That just means that I get a jump start on my Spring projects.

Dave

[geetey]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! :wave2:

It's great to see how many children in the same ages will be on board. I am sure my kids will have a blast making new friends.

We are still waiting for airfare to drop, so we haven't booked that yet, but we are planning on flying in the afternoon before. Any personal preferences on staying at the airport versus the coast that first night? Do the hotels on the coast offer a shuttle the next morning?

[XLT800]

Geetey....

Even though we live only 2 hours from the port we drive over the night before and stay at the Raddison. They have a shuttle over to the port. We do not usually use it though. We like to be there quite early. We have not been able to be first in line yet but we were in the first 10 last time. We don't like to give up any time the 1st day on the ship:bounce: :bounce:

Dave

[geetey]

Thanks, Dave! I was checking Expedia for hotel prices last night. Is the Radisson the closest hotel? Or is there a pocket of hotels in the surrounding area? I understand it is best to get to port @ 10:30 am. Is that correct?

We are contemplating spending an additional day or two on the coast so we can visit Kennedy Space Center, Ron Jons, etc.... Then the boys in my family will stop asking about KSC during our WDW trip. ;) :p

[Mickeylover]

We went by KSC after our last cruise on the Wonder, which worked out very nicely. (Saw the Columbia on the launchpad for the last time as our trip was in December of '02 :(.) We very much enjoyed the visit--it was the first time we had ever been.

Weather here has also been much nicer than usual. The whole state got hit with a HUGE snowstorm the end of last week...except for a tiny pocket of two counties which got nothing--and by some bit of wonderful luck, we live in one of those counties. So, while people all around us were waiting for the warm weather this weekend to melt the 10 inches of snow they got. I was playing golf! ::yes::

So is anyone driving to Florida besides us or is everyone else (outside of you lucky Florida residents!) flying?

[NYdiscuisers]

Terry,
We have booked the new Ron Jon resort for the day before our cruise (actually 2 nights since we are now flying down on Thursday evening.) No shuttle service, but it looks like a nice place.

There was a coupon code for 25% off when we booked. I don't know if its still good, but "mention code 102 from the Feb. issue of the Florida Travel Magazine," if you are interested in calling for a quote. Shirley (from Perfect Gift fame) also had a different code which was also good for 25% off. It's buried somewhere in the information in the threads below:
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=490104

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=498957

www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=501174

If you check through some of the other threads, or start one yourself, I'm sure you'll turn up lots of other hotel suggestions and reviews. Dave from Marietta also has a lot hotel and other information at his site, www.dcltribute.com

Good luck!
Paul

[tchrmom]

,:wave2:

Welcome, Geetey................

I'm XLT800's wife. I don't get to spend as much time on the boards, since I work all day! (hahahahahaha, honey! :smooth: )

I like the idea of celebrating DH 40th with a cruise!
Fran

[chairee0]

Hello, We are taking our first Disney cruise on May 29th. We went to Disneyworld last year and had great fun! MY DH 32 & DD 8 are very excited about our trip. We are hoping to meet some interesting people, have lots of fun and experience the Disney Magic. :jester: :earsgirl:princess:

[NYdiscuisers]

Welcome chairee0! (too this thread and to the disboards too!)

We are cruise veterans...we've taken one Disney cruise, so far! Actually, with all the information available on this board, I think we were veterans even before we took our first cruise :)

It seems like your DD will fit right in. It looks like many of the families that have posted here have a DD in the 8-10 range. We have a DD6 and DD10.

Paul

[SimbaNoodle]

Welcome chairee0,

Welcome to our cruise thread and a bigger welcome to the Disboards. If you are a Disney fan, you will love these boards.

Can't wait for the cruise. We will be driving in on Friday and staying at the Radisson. I bet that it's a hopping, festive place the night before a cruise. :boat:

[Mickeyhugger]

Welcome Chairee0!:wave2:

You'll notice too, as NYdiscruisers mentioned, that there are many traveling with children in the 8-10 age range. They should have a great time!

I'm happy to see this board is now picking up momentum (with fellow cruisers 'checking in') as we near the big sail date in May!

[XLT800]

Welcome Chairee0......

It looks like the hair braiding ressies will go fast with all these girls.

If you like meeting people, this is the cruise to take. We have met some really great people on our first 2 cruises. The kids have also met some good friends.

Tchrmom.....I guess that I will go back to work now, someone has to pay for your cruising habit. (ha ha)

Have a great day!

Dave

[NYdiscuisers]

We've fallen to the second page...can't have that!:)

Besides, I need a few more posts to make Dis Veteran status!

[Mickeylover]

Yep, sounds like a lot of activity with some of the early spring cruisers. (wish I could go with them AND go again 5-29!)

Anyone paid off their cruise yet? I'll probably end up paying mine like I will my taxes--at the very last minute!:yo-yo:

[NYdiscuisers]

We'll use the credit card, after this months closing date. That way we can delay the payment another few weeks.

But we still have to come up with the $'s...tax return and bonuses will take care of the cruise itself + a little more, the rest (excusions, tips, drinks-of-the-day, etc) will come from savings.

[XLT800]

Not payed off yet. Trying to pay as much as I can without using tax refund, but as everyone knows we are running out of time. I need tax refund for drinks and deposit on next years cruise. Still waiting to see what they do for next summer.

Another great weekend in Florida. Hope everyone else is having good weather. Hopefully the worst is behind everyone.

flhmom.......where did you go? Have not haerd from you in a while. Your cruise is paid off.:bounce:

Dave

[NYdiscuisers]

Weather was a little wet here today, but warm. Unfortunately, that's the end of our warm weather for a little while. The forcast is for snow :( tomorrow night into Monday!

We're hoping no more snow days get used so our DD's won't miss as much school. Our district uses any left over snow days over Memorial Day weekend, so as it stands now, we have no school Friday, Monday and Tuesday and DD's will only miss 3 school days.

Paul

[Mickeyhugger]

DH and I were reading this page last night and were laughing at how we all think the same when it comes to tax refunds and bonuses!:tongue: We think in terms of paying off the cruise, and even more so, knowing that we'll need some extra $$ for a deposit for next year's cruise!

As it gets closer, do you catch yourself going to even greater lengths? For instance, I returned a dress last weekend because when I got it home (didn't try it on in the store, was in a hurry that day) it didn't fit. Anyway, I took it back to the store, and instead of even bothering to try another size, I took the cash I received from it and put it in the cruise savings! (Gee, I could pay for more Shutters photos or apply this to the Romance at Sea package!)

DD is also thinking twice before spending her allowance. "I don't think you really want to buy that, the cruise is less than three mos. away," we'll tell her, and she'll put it back. (Somehow, I think that'll be harder when she's a teen. LOL!)

[Mickeylover]

Funny how you can get so excited about spending a wad of money...how good are these folks at Disney...not only are we spending all of our hard earned money on this trip, but we're planning on what ELSE we're going to spend once we get there!

What a country! :tongue:

Although, admittedly, I can't wait to pull up my info on DU and see amount owed as $0!!!

[NYdiscuisers]

We dodged the snow day today. It snowed, but since the weather had been so warm, it didn't stick. We've still got a few more weeks till we're out of the woods, so we're still crossing our fingers.

By the way, if I've read the the boards correctly, I think this post (#75) makes me a Dis Veteran!

[SimbaNoodle]

Congratulations on your Veteran status.:cool1:

[XLT800]

You can tell it is getting close when the cruise starts to dominate dinner conversation. It seems that this is all we talk about now. DD was counting money, what excursions are we doing and of course what night to do Palo. You would think this was our first cruise.

Dave:bounce:

[chairee0]

know what you mean about how the cruise is the main topic at dinner, mostly becuase this is our first cruise and we don't know what to expect. I am a planning freak so I like to make sure I know everything about the cruise that and also inform by family about the cruise. I am so excited. We are almost paid in full!!!

Warm weather here I come!
:jester: :earsgirl: princess

[Mickeylover]

:hyper: yes I am counting days now, I have to admit it! The problem with being a "planner personality" is when you're married to a "non planner personality"...I'm wanting to have detailed discussions about what we're going to do and when--pulling old Navigators and mentally planning what I want to do on the cruise, and DH isn't ready to talk about it until 15 minutes before it is to occur if that early. :crazy:

The fun of planning is having someone to do it with. Unfortunately, the kids are more like him than me too! :eek:

Two weeks to empty pockets--and then barely enough time to line them before the cruise so I can empty them again!

[geetey]

Okay, Mickeylover, I volunteer to be your planning partner! :wave2: We still don't know what we are going to do and no one in my family is ready to start discussing things either! :eek: We don't have our cabin number even, so I can't even plan my way around the :boat: .

[flhmom]

Hi everyone, I am tchrmon's mother and XLT800's MIL. This 5/29/04 cruise will be my first Disney cruise and I am looking forward to it as Fran and Dave have told me so much about them. I notice from the thread that there will be more Senior Citizens on board too. That is nice to know. We have taken 6 previous cruises, but not on the Magic. Looking forward to meeting some new cruising buddies. Anne

[chairee0]

WOW mickeylover, you took the words right out my mouth!!!. If you need a 3rd planning partner, I am there.

:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[Mickeylover]

Yay!!!:bounce:

PLANNING BUDDIES!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

(Of course DH also thinks I'm whacko for checking these boards out once an night--and he's the one wearing a Mickey head wedding ring!)

flhmom --I'm more and more convinced that this cruise is going to look like the latest Disney commercials--fun for EVERYONE--of course my parents are both on the Adkins diet right now trying to lose weight for the cruise. Dad says he remembers when you couldn't eat meat when dieting and would have killed for a hamburger--now he wishes he could have a salad! :tongue:

You guys are making me excited--I'm gonna go pull out my Easter Navigators from Barb's site now!

::yes::

[flhmom]

Mickeylover- The only time I have to watch what I eat is when I come home from a cruise. I nearly always gain 7 lbs. on a 7 day cruise. So tell your parents to be prepared! Anne:wave2:

[XLT800]

Planning is almost as much fun as the actual cruise. Last Cruise I made a worksheet so that we could have a plan for every dining rotation. When we got our KTTW card we knew when to make all the ressies for. Will do the same this time I am sure.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Dave

[Mickeylover]

Hey, Dave....how about sharing that worksheet with a fellow plan-a-holic (or give me an idea of how you did it).

ruggles3@earthlink.net

[XLT800]

Mickeylover....I sent you an email. The worksheet is pretty basic. Hope it helps. We will start our worksheets after we decide if we are doing any excursions.

[Mickeylover]

Thanks, David! :bounce:

I actually got DS and DH to talk about the cruise for once this weekend!!! (I'm telling them we have to have excursions booked at 60 days out so we don't miss what we want to do!) ;)

[tchrmom]

I was planning on what to wear tomorrow to school, trying to find something green to wear so that 23 six year olds don't pinch me to death. I realized the only green thing I own is my lime green DIS boards t-shirt. That got me to thinking....................
What can I do to make these days pass FASTER?

Dream about choc. souffle'?
Practice my Konk Cooler recipe?
Try on my bathing suits..............no!
start putting zip-locks and hand sanitizer into a suitcase??????


AAAAUUUUGGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! When will it be May?
PS.....XLT,

If you got a second job, we could cruise even MORE! HAHAHAHA:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[Mickeyhugger]

Do the '60-day out' excursion bookings have to be to the day, or to the cruise week?

In other words, do we book a St. Maarten excursion and then call back the next day if we want to book a St. Thomas one? We're also wanting to book parasailing on CC.

I'm hoping this will be smooth sailing (no pun intended!:hyper: ) Have any of you ever tried to book the breakfast at Cinderella's castle 60 days in advance? It's a lot of fun. Especially when DH and I are each using our own cell phones and regular phone line at 5:59 am, trying to secure a booking.

I can call DCL w/these questions, but sometimes I get better help here, the voice of experience!

Thanks!:D

[DisneyDmbNut]

Originally posted by tchrmom
PS.....XLT,

If you got a second job, we could cruise even MORE! HAHAHAHA:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

HA HA HA!! That is LOW Fran...










:wave2: from Tchrmom's sister!!

[chairee0]

I finally figured how to put the countdown timer in my signature. Now I if only I can figure out which shore excursion we are going to do. DH wants the Dolphin encounter but I am a little apprehensive about spending the whole day out on an excursion. I think I would rather do some snorkeling. Has anyone bought the Passporter book?

:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[tchrmom]

XLT and I bought the book. It was great! I sent it to my mom, since this is her first Disney cruise.

As for excursions...........you can book all of them, 60 days out from your sail date. The couple we are meeting on the ship...that we met on our first cruise, did the dolphin thing, and LOVED it! They thought it was worth the $. If money was tight, and I was only goting to do 1 excursions, I'd do the dolphins.

Didn't have to wear my DIS boards t-shirt today, since I am home with DD, who threw-up last night. Guess I can start making my list of things to pack, to help pass the time.
Fran:earsboy:

[Mickeylover]

Have any of you ever tried to book the breakfast at Cinderella's castle 60 days in advance?

I totally remember doing that! We were so proud of ourselves for getting through! :teeth: DS, however, doesn't choose the princess route so I don't have to do that one anymore. Honestly, we like Breakfastasaurus at AK as much as any of the character meals.

:mad: it was so darn cold today I could see my breath again! I am REALLY counting the days until we are on that cruise! ::yes::

We are still waffleing on St. Martin ourselves. We changed our mind on the dolphin swim because I really want to go to Discovery Cove some day, and we're going to surprise the kids with a couple of days in Orlando after the cruise--that swim for 4 people will pay for Park Hoppers for everyone! So its a toss up between a day at the beach or the Golden Eagle Catamaran. Does anyone have any recommendations who's been before?

[XLT800]

Mickeylover.....we did the Goldeneagle last time. It was a lot of fun. We actually enjoyed the catamaran ride more than the snorkling but DD is not real crazy about salt water. The snorkling was better in St John IMHO.

We are going to try the Cinderella Breakfast one more time. DS (12) will not be thrilled but DD will be.

As for the weather..........I hate to admit it but we were swimming this past weekend and will be again this weekend. Pool temp gets up to 85 via the solar heater. All are invited, we will even fix up some konk coolers!!

Dave

[DisneyDmbNut]

I hate to butt into the thread again..

Dave...you can now book Cindy's breakfast 90 days out...I found this out by accident when I tried to book a dinner at the castle. First time I got the breakfast and most people don't know that they changed the time.

[SimbaNoodle]

:faint: Oh the pain I am in. I just had to make my final payment. This is a dark day in my Disney Cruise planning. Just kidding. I didn't enjoy spending the money, but I will sure enjoy the cruise. I just hope that sailing on the magic won't ruin it for me on Carnival Cruise. I have been sailing Carnival out of New Orleans and in October the same ship will be moving to Mobile, my hometown. My wife and I take a four night cruise a couple of times a year, but after Disney, I don't know if I can ever do it again.

Anyway,

I hope everyone is getting excited and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Lewis

[Mickeylover]

:eek: I hate to admit it but we were swimming this past weekend and will be again this weekend. Pool temp gets up to 85 via the solar heater.


:eek: :eek: :eek: NO FAIR!

All are invited, we will even fix up some konk coolers!!

:hyper: Don't tempt me, Dave!

Has anyone spent time out on the beach in St. Maarten--any suggestions on where to go? (To the French side or near the ship?) Thanks for the info on the Golden Eagle...if its just riding in a boat that's fun, my kid gets that all summer. And I honestly don't think he'll be as "in" to snorkeling as we are.

Debbie

[geetey]

Tomorrow is the big final payment day for us! :eek:

Happy day today though because my family is actually into planning today! Woo hoo! It looks like we have our excursions narrowed down.

St. Maarten:
1st choice - Anguilla Dolphin & Stingray Encounter
2nd choice - Golden Eagle Catamaran (with Shipwreck Cove Snorkel Tour a close 3rd)

St. Thomas:
1st choice - Atlantis Submarine Adventure
2nd choice - 5 star St John Snorkel & Beach Adventure (with St. John Trunk Bay Beach & Snorkel Tour a close 3rd)

Does anyone bother to book anything for Castaway Cay?

Also, the food during the Dolphin/Stingray Encounter doesn't sound very appetizing based on the threads I have read. Can we bring some sandwiches from the ship?

[NYdiscuisers]

We made our final payment yesterday. Really, we still have a month till actually paying, since that's when the Discover card payment will be due.

Excursions:
St Maarten -- AM Golden Eagle Catamaran (1st and only choice)
St Thomas -- Private day sail on the sailboat High Pockets (www.sailhighpockets.com)

We managed to avoid any full snow days this past week, so we're still on track for missing only 3 school days. We're really looking forward to this cruise, by the time May gets here, we'll be more than ready!

By the way, if anyone is interested, I've organized some cruise information in a web site, www.geocities.com/p_bunce/cruise2.html .

Paul

[Mickeylover]

I think we'll make our final payment on Tuesday. With 1.5% cashback on my money market account, I figure I actually saved another $57 dollars by paying with that instead of a credit card. (hey, any little bit, right?)

Paul, the site looks great (another one for me to add to my bookmarks!)

My DS really wants to parasail at CC...he'll have to go tandem with me because of his weight, though. Anyone ever done that? Is it worth the $$$ to do it at least once?

[tchrmom]

XLT informed me yesterday, that we're paying our cruise off on Friday! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm still not sure about excursions, since we just did this cruise in October. We may do a "beach one" but we really haven't decided.

:sunny: Here is a little Tampa sun, to those of you with snow.:sunny:

Fran

[geetey]

Paul,
Thanks for the link to your web site. Nicely done! ::yes::

We have made our final payment on the cruise, and booked airfare! Let the party begin! :hyper:

After reading more on the boards.... has anyone encountered the sealice that is mentioned? Are you planning on purchasing SafeSea?

[tchrmom]

We have never had trouble with them, but we did buy the Seasafe at RonJons.....we've just never used it! I'm sure one of these times, we'll wish we had!

:crazy2:
Jusr spent the morning, trying to decide WHAT excursions, if any we want to do!

Just not sure!
Fran

[geetey]

I checked Ron Jon's website and didn't see any SeaSafe. Maybe we will leave it up to luck. If we find some at the coast when we arrive, fine. If not, oh well. :crazy:

We are booked at studio at Ron Jon's the night before, so we will have time to check. Now to find transportation back and forth!

Fran,
What excursions are you considering? I keep waffling on the Dolphin/Stingray Excursion. Is the whole thing going to make us sad that the animals are in a tank? Choices!

I would prefer to book nothing, but we are definitely not shopping/wandering people. Still park commandos after 5 trips. :blush:

[tchrmom]

I called Ronjons and asked for Seasafe before the 1st cruise....the girl had never heard of it. When we arrived, it was on the shelf, at the entrance with the other sunscreens. Good Luck.

The couple that we are meeting up with (that we met on our first cruise) did the dolphin thing last year...they said it was well worth the $$$$$$$$$. For us, since this is our 2nd cruise this year, we just can't justify $500.00+ for 1 excursion. I think if you did take it, you would not be dissappointed.:D

I don't know WHAT to book..I'll have to talk with XLT800 tonight. I'm leaning toward a beach one, and possibly a Palo brunch the other day.

We did the Golden Eagle last time....LOts of fun! We also did the St. John 5 star. Great snorkling!
Fran

[geetey]

Good Luck, Fran! Not so easy choices. Thanks for making me feel better about our choices though. Since we have never cruised, I don't think we can go wrong this time around. ::yes:: We will have fun regardless!! :smooth: :crazy:

[NYdiscuisers]

Terry,
We're in the same boat (no pun intended) as Fran on the sealice. We ordered Safesea from lifestylesdirect.com last year, but never used it and didn't have any problems. You have time to order, so if you really want it you can try online. I don't know if they still do it, but last year I went through most of the order so that I could see what the shipping charges were going to be. I then left the site to look at something else and received a pop-up offering a discount code if I completed the order. My DW had been doing the same thing and received an email later in the day with an even better discount. So if you order online, it wouldn't hurt to exit out and see what happens.

We are also staying at the Ron Jon resort the day before our cruise. We actually have a 2 night stay since our flight was changed to Thursday evening (from Fri morning) so we'll be taking full advantage of the pool on Friday. If we get adventureous, we are also thinking about trying to locate the twopalms webcam.

Paul

[geetey]

Thanks for the info, Paul! I will give your trick a try and see if I get an offer.

Are you renting a car for Ron Jons? I just reserved our mid-SUV from Budget. Things are definitely falling into place. We are going to spend Friday afternoon (arriving around noon) at Kennedy Space Center, if my dh & ds are still interested. Pictures of Ron Jons are definitely swaying them to pool time instead! :teeth:

How many days until we can book excursions?? ;) I am in the planning/decision making mode! :hyper:

[NYdiscuisers]

Terry,
Yes, we are renting a car from Hertz. We get a discount for Hertz through work, plus we're flying into Sanford airport and the major rental agencies are right in the terminal. Budget is off site in Sanford. Gotta go with convienence!

If you decide to do the pool, we've got a DD10 and DD6 who will be splashing around...we're going to have to watch the sun, we don't want to get sunburned before we get onboard the Magic!

Excursion booking is at the 60 day mark. I think that translates to March 30th.

Paul

[chairee0]

My DH and DD and I decided to do 2 excusions instead of 1 big one (dolphin). We have decided on the Parasailing and snorkeling. I have not made reservation for the hotel. We are arriving the night before. Any suggestions? I think I might try Priceline, I heard through the boards that is the best way. We are going to SeaWorld on the day we get off the boat. Our plane does not leave until Sunday. I have not decided which transportation we will use. It will definitely be one of the town cars. We took one during our trip to Disneyworld last year, ( I forgot the name). I think we are going to try a different one this time.

We will be paying for our cruise on Monday. Yeah, I can't wait. We booked our plane tickets about a month ago when the prices were very low. We ended up paying $228 pp from Seattle. I could not pass that up!!!

:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[tchrmom]

ChaireeO.....

We're at the Radission. In October, I got a room for $89.00. Used my AAA discount. However, since my mom is with us this time, we got a King suite, for $163.90.

We've also stayed at the Hampton Inn. It is a little further away, but only by a few minutes. Very nice, light breakfast included.

I've also heard RonJon's is very nice!

It's getting close!
Fran::hyper:

[Mickeylover]

OK, we're paid in full today! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Now to pin down these "non-planners" on our excursions and start saving for spending $$$$.

[Mickeyhugger]

YIPPEE!!!

We called in our final payment to Disney! We're set! YAHOOOO!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

(We're joining you in the happy dance Mickeylover!)

However, we'll be doing an even happier dance when the Disney Visa is paid. (Does anyone know how much one has to spend to earn a Disney dollar?)

Looking forward to May29!:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[SimbaNoodle]

You have to spend $100 to earn $1. Not the best benefit in the world, but it's better than nothing. We have managed to accumalate around 200 Disney Dollars, but that has been over the past two years. We have been saving them all for this trip.

[tchrmom]

Yeah!!!!!!
Payday is tomorrow (ok.....midnight tonight it will be direct deposited:) )
That means tomorrow morning.....WE PAY THE CRUISE OFF!!!!!!
:cool1:
I can hardly wait!
(tchrmom, gets debit card, and puts it by the phone, waiting for tomorrow)::yes::
Guess I'll go clean something to pass the time.
Fran

[XLT800]

Is the credit card by the phone to pay off the cruise or to call Lands End for cruise clothes??????

Cruise will be paid for, now we can buy new clothes and shoes. IF we could only make a decision on excurisions.

Cannot wait to cruise:Pinkbounc

Dave

[SimbaNoodle]

Hi Everyone,

I think we have decided on the Golden Eagle Cat. excursion in St. Marteen. I have also read on a couple of threads about Coki Beach on the other side of St. Thomas. Suppose to be great snorkling and swimming. They also have a certified dive instructor on the beach that will take you on a dive same day. A couple of people have told me that it was great. Coral World is also located at Coki Beach. www.coralworldvi.com

I just found the website for the diving at Coki Beach. www.cokidive.com

I hope everyone is getting as excited as we are.

[tchrmom]

:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
Called Disney this morning.
We are completely paid off!
Now................to start marking pages in the Lands' End book that I want to order.........................:earsgirl:
Fran

[tchrmom]

bump
:wave2:

[Mickeylover]

I think we're going to do the Golden Eagle also (if we can get it!) for the whole family...and then just DH and I will do the 5-Star at St. John all by ourselves--no kids to look out for!

We're gonna have them tag along with Grandma (she can't swim and I've convinced her the only way she's going to see the beauty of the underwater views in St. Thomas is to take the Atlantis submarine.)

I'm starting to fill my "tip money" envelopes and put them away so they're ready for our trip. I'll probably go ahead and put them in the suitcase where I'll forget about them! :crazy:

[NYdiscuisers]

It's going to be crowded on the Golden Eagle! By my count, we have Mickeylover and SimbaNoodle along with us planning on this excursion. Did I miss anyone? Which sailing are you all planning on? We're going for the AM sail.

Paul

[Mickeyhugger]

We aren't doing the Golden Eagle, but DH and DD are planning on the Pinel Island Snorkel Tour in St. Maarten, Captain Nautica's St. John Snorkeling, and Parasailing on CC. (yeah!)

Have any of you done these excursions before?

I'm going to shop while they do the excursions.:teeth:

[Mickeylover]

AM Golden Eagle for us as well! All 4 of us are going on that one and I might just convince my dad to come along too (and my brother if he decides not to do the dolphin swim.)

We've got the early dinner seating because I was miserable at the late seating on our last cruise (I wanted to go to sleep after dinner instead of going out dancing!) so any excursions we do will be of the early variety, I suppose.

I think weekends are the hardest part of waiting--I keep going to the port cam to see "my" ship!

:hyper:

Debbie

[Mickeylover]

OK, scratch what I posted above...I pinned this crew down for excursion discussions last night and its all changed! (Hey, at least I got them talking!)

After a detailed discussion of exactly why it was that we were going to do a snorkel and beach thing on both excursions, plus spend all day on a beach at CC--plans have changed:

St. Maarten--Lotterie Farm Hidden Forest hike (actually this sounds kind of interesting, if anyone has heard anything about it, please let me know)

Then EVERYONE will go on the 5-star at St. John, as I hear the snorkeling is better in Trunk Bay anyway...

Then EVERYONE wants to parasail at CC...

So I guess that's it for now! :)

[NYdiscuisers]

Today is the first day to book your excursions. I just got off the phone with DCL.

Here's our confirmed excursions:
St. Maarten: Golden Eagle Catamaran -- AM
St. Thomas: Day Sail on High Pockets (booked privately)
Castaway Cay: Beach Day! Probably a whole lot of nothing!

[XLT800]

We finally made our decision. We are confirmed on the Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel in St Thomas and Banana Boat rides on Castaway Cay. Did everyone get what they wanted?

Dave

[SimbaNoodle]

Confirmed on the Golden Eagle Catamaran (early) in St. Marteen and I think we are going to a beach in St Thomas. I find myself getting more excited each day.

Can't wait.

[tchrmom]

Thanks for calling that in XLT800!

I'm ready to cruise!
For those of you doing Golden Eagle and 5-star..............they are great excursions!

Now the "doc wait" begins.
(tchrmom opens blinds and starts looking out for Mr. UPS, knowing what "brown can do for her!")
No XLT.......get your mind out of the gutter!
Fran:hyper:

[Mickeyhugger]

I came over here to ask if anyone booked their excursions today!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

DH awoke early this a.m. and booked:

Pinel Island Snorkel tour
Captain Nautica's
Parasailing on Castaway Cay

Is anyone going to be joining him? (And DD. DW off to shop!):D :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

Hey guys, we're less than 60 days!:earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[Mickeylover]

Let's see--

Working off calories from eating four hours a day with the Lotterie Farm Hidden Forest Hike

5-star Snorkel (DD and DB are coming along!)

Parasailing at 10:30 on CC (DS and I will go up tandem) and DD and DB coming for that one as well.

I called my mom and told her to make sure she's packing up some Advil for my dad--he's swimming with dolphins at Anguilla on St. Maarten day, so he's gonna be one pooped Papa!

:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

Are we there yet?

[chairee0]

YEA. paid off and booked our excursions.

We booked the 5 star and the 10:30 parasailing on CC.

We can't wait.

Now the wait for Doc's and I hope we can make it to the ship on time to make Palo and Spa ressie's.

[geetey]

Woo Hoo! Our excursions are booked!

We have the am Golden Eagle Catamaran and the am Atlantis Submarine confirmed with DCL. I think I might be getting good at this cruising thing. ::yes::
Bring on the next thing!

(What is the next thing? Shopping list?? Packing list?? :crazy: ;) )

[SimbaNoodle]

Just a quick hello to everyone. :wave2: We can't let our thread fall to far down the list.::yes::

Everyone have a great weekend. Those of you in South Florida, it must be nice.:sunny:

[Mickeylover]

Hey, chairee0 !!!

Looks like your family and my family will be seeing a little bit of each other on the 5-star and Parasailing! :D

Can someone clarify if docs arrive UPS or FedEx? It was FedEx last time (ugh!) I had to drive an hour to go get my docs because you have to sign for them.

If its UPS, I know the delivery guy and he's at my office every day--he'll bring them to me and let me sign for them there.

Anyone know for sure who delivers now?:earseek:

[XLT800]

In October we received our doc's from UPS. He just left them with our neighbor. I saw that May 9th cruisers started getting theirs this week so we should not be far behind.

Only 8 more weeks until: Shrimp, Stollen Bread, Drink of the day, Chocolate Souffle......maybe I should go eat breakfast now!!

Have a good weekend.

Dave

[NYdiscuisers]

Ok, either I've got too much time on my hands or I'm getting more excited about our vacation. I have just created an excel spreadsheet with all our plans (night before stay, excursions) and a summary of who's going based on the posts in this thread. Before I post this, please let me know(by post here or PM) if you do or do not want to be included in this spreadsheet.

For an example of what info is in there, go to www.geocities.com/p_bunce/cruise2.html and click on the "Who's who" link (the first one).

[Mickeyhugger]

Hey NYcruisers, I'm proving how PC illiterate I am. I pulled the spreadsheet, entered the info, but am dumbfounded how to close it out or submit.

I'll keep working with it, as we do want to be included.

The Mickeyhugger family consists of DH, DW, and DD (9). We're staying at Hyatt MCO. St. Maarten - Pinel Island Snorkel tour, St. Thomas - Captain Nautica's and CC - Parasailing.

Thanks! (What a wonderful idea. I'm glad to see that we're all counting the days and planning! I've made umpteen trips to the mall, and have been getting things organized to pack already!)

[NYdiscuisers]

Mickeyhugger,
You aren't PC illiterate, only I can edit the file.

I'll add each person as they confirm that they want to be included. My DW also suggested to add cabin # and early or late seating. Let me know if you want this info included too.

Paul

[tchrmom]

NYdiscruiser-
You can add XLT800 and me to the list!
We're in 6103 and have the early seating.
My mom (flhmom) is nxt doo in 6101.
:hyper:
Fran

[Mickeyhugger]

Paul -

Our room number is 2070 and we have later seating.

I wonder if any of us will be seated together at dinner?:D

Thanks Paul!

[Mickeylover]

What a great idea, Paul! You're a planner after my own heart!:sunny:

Ruggles family--Henderson, NC (DH-42 DW-34 DS-8 DS-14) we'll be staying in Daytona the night before--I have to do SOMETHING while waiting to get to the port so I'd rather be driving. And I used my HiltonHonors points so its free.

Room 5020 (a secret porthole room)--unless I get a great deal on an upgrade at the port.

Lotterie Farm Hidden Forest Tour, 5 Star Snorkel, 10:30 Parasail

Early seating

Also traveling with us--sorta--we like meeting new people for dinner so we won't sit with them at dinner...
My parents (DM-59 and DD 60) with my DB-29. I can't remember their room number.

And we're doing a 4 night stay at WDW after the cruise.

:jumping1:

[SimbaNoodle]

Hi Paul,

Please add us to the list.

DH, DW, DD(9) & DS(7).
Radisson the night before
Early Seating
Cabin #8020
St. Marteen - Golden Eagle
St. Thomas - Beach
Castaway Key - Beach

Thanks for all of your work.

Lewis

[NYdiscuisers]

Ok, I think I've got everyone who's responded so far. If you see any typos, please let me know.

I've been trying to think of a way to post pictures so we can see the faces behind the DIS name. Here's my idea. If you've noticed, I've created an html version (http://www.geocities.com/p_bunce/cruise_files/whoswho.html) of the excel spreadsheet. In this version, I just added another column for pictures. I used the disboards photo gallery (http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/index.php) for my pictures, but there are others (webshots, snapfish). So if you wish to link a picture (or more), send or post the link and I'll add it.

By the way, I can't take credit for all these ideas on my own. Our cruise group from last year did similar things. This spreadsheet and the pictures were a real help in recognizing everyone.

Hope everyone is enjoying there weekend. There calling for snow up here in NY tonight and tomorrow!

[geetey]

This is fun!! :teeth:

Please add us! We are DH, DW, DD (10), DS (8).
Ron Jon's the night before

St Maarten - Golden Eagle AM
St Thomas - Atlantis Submarine AM
Castaway Cay - Beach

Early Dining

Still awaiting word about our cabin but we are GTD Cat 9. Look for the door with the Happy 40th Birthday signs. ::yes:: DH is going to LOVE that surprise! :teeth: :p

You can use this as our pic! http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid71/pbdac7d46926760ecfe5fac309abb38b8/fb8b0536.jpg

Paul, can you turn that into a link on the spreadsheet?

[NYdiscuisers]

Terry,
I've got your picture linked. Actually, I figured out that I could put the link right into the excel spreadsheet, so the links are now in both excel and html.

My pictures are still awaiting approval by the disboards.

Paul

[XLT800]

Paul....I sent you a PM with a link for a picture at snapfish. Let me know if it does not work and I will try to go through DIS. Great idea! Thanks

Also..we will be at the Radisson the night before.

Dave

[NYdiscuisers]

Dave,
I replied to your PM with some instructions that might work. Give it a try and resend the link.

Paul

[chairee0]

Hey Mickeylover, great minds think a like. Have you been on either of these excursions?

Here you go NYdiscuisers:
DH,DW,DD (8)
Late seating
Cabin 6019
St. Thomas/John: 5-star
Castaway Cay; parasailing

:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[Mickeyhugger]

chairee0, looks as if we're the only families so far who have late seating. We also booked the CC parasailing. Our DD is 9.:D

[chairee0]

Mickeyhugger -- this is our first cruise. I am hoping my DD will have fun in the lab and find a buddy. Are you allowing your DD (9) to have in and out access? Are you signing your DD into the lab on the first night?.

I am sooooo excited I can't hardly keep still.

My DD and DH are so excited about the parasailing. Me, on the other hand is a bit nervous but I think I will do fine.



:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[Mickeyhugger]

chairee0, yes, we're enrolling our DD in the lab. This will be the first time she'll have sign-in and out privileges. (We're testing the waters here. She wants freedom, and we've told her when she signs out she may go back to the stateroom or the gameroom on deck 9. Let's see how well she does! LOL!)

I've noticed too, that NYDiscruisers will also have late seating, and their DD's are 10 and 6! I think all the kids are going to have a lot of fun!

I commend you on your bravery to do the parasailing. DH is trying to talk me into it, but I'm a CHICKEN!:scared1:

[Mickeylover]

chairee0, this will be our first time doing any of these excursions, so I can't tell you how they'll be--I promise you we'll do all we can to make sure we have FUN!

Its also my first time parasailing--I'll go tandem with the 8 year old because I'm not sure he'll be heavy enough alone. :earseek:

My DS will be 3 months shy of 9 when we cruise and we will let him have sign out priveleges--but he has to let us know where he's going.

Paul, I don't have any pictures out on any websites yet...I'll try and link one on the webspace I never use from my ISP! ;)

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by Mickeylover
Paul, I don't have any pictures out on any websites yet...I'll try and link one on the webspace I never use from my ISP! ;)

Mickeylover,
There's no rush, whenever you have something, just let me know and I'll link it.

Paul

[tchrmom]

OK.......another day, an NO UPS man!

Just checking in with everyone. :wave:

Did a quick inventory of DD's wardrobe, and found that her tropical night dress from October no longer fits. Found a really cute reversable one at Target! Can't beat that!

Anyone else starting to "cruise shop?":Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc


Fran:teacher:

[geetey]

:eek: Fran, is it really time to start looking for our documents to arrive?!?! I don't think I can handle the wait!! :hyper: :p ;)

[Mickeylover]

Ahh yes, cruise shopping! Been doing it for months :o

Formal gown-check (got two of them and can't decide--probably depends on how much I weigh in 2 months)
Semi-formal-check (an Ebay find)
Tropical night--check (Chadwick's clearance dress w/ tropical fish)
Palo night--check one of my favorite stand-bys.

All my guys have tuxedos (all picked up on Ebay far cheaper than rentals)

I suppose I'm ready--but always looking for something! :teeth:



:bounce: :Pinkbounc

[Mickeyhugger]

tchrmom, are you kidding? I've been cruise shopping for a couple of months now. (Doesn't sound quite as obsessive as 6 mos, which is more truthful!):hyper:

I haven't finished shopping yet for DD. (I don't know if she'll hit a 'growth spurt' between now and late May.) I bought her a couple of dresses for dinner (love those spring clearance sales!). As of now, she can still fit into last year's cruise shorts. (It'd be great if she can get another cruise's wear from them!)

DH is buying a tux. (Found a formal wear store that has them on sale for only a little more than the cost of a rental, now we'll have to book another cruise!)

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by geetey
:eek: Fran, is it really time to start looking for our documents to arrive?!?! I don't think I can handle the wait!! :hyper: :p ;)

Almost...I'm sure all of you have noticed the May 15th cruisers posting that they've received their docs. I guess that means we have about 2 weeks before smudging the windows as we wait for the UPS carrier!

Paul

[XLT800]

If I remember right.........the last person to receive their doc's buys the first round of drinks!

Come on Brown where are you??

Dave

[XLT800]

:wave:
Hi...tchrmom here, using DH's login.

Since this is cruise # 3 for us, and our 2nd one in 7 months...I have a hard time explaining why I need ANOTHER cruise wardrobe.
XLT is understanding.........................but, I have to be reasonable!:hyper:

Fran

[SimbaNoodle]

Mickeylover,

Thanks for the headsup on tux's at EBay. Me and DS each have brand new tux's for the cruise.

[Mickeylover]

Simbanoodle, I'm glad to see I've helped put a couple more finely dressed men on the cruise! ;) A man in a tuxedo is a woman's best accessory!

OK, folks are getting their 5-15 docs now--darn it, I'll probably have to buy the first round of drinks since I live in the sticks! Anyone want to give me their orders now so I can save up?

I think I'll have a margarita and a nice glass of red wine...and a beer maybe...and a--OK, I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself a teensy bit!

Debbie

[NYdiscuisers]

Mickeylover,
We don't live in the sticks...although we are "upstate" to all the NYC residents. But last year, we were one of the last to receive our docs, so you may have some competition.

But just in case, DW and I will have whatever the drink of the day is :)!

[tchrmom]

Last cruise..................XLT and I were the first to receive our docs. I hope the trend stays that way, Just incase we are......XLT and I usually like "the drink of the Day".

Konk Koolers are nice too!

Fran

[Brenbug]

I have enjoyed reading through this thread, many thanks to XLT for starting it. It has been my escape from work the past few days...

My wife and I will be setting sail along with you. It will be our third Disney cruise. Went on the 4 day as part of our honeymoon and then we enjoyed the 7 day a couple of years ago with my folks.

This is our first vacation since the arrival of our son, we need a break from work, not him. He will have to wait a little longer to see Mickey. Wonder what the phone & internet bill is going to look like on this trip!? Ugh.

Sun, fun, food, clear water, no diapers and possibly playoff hockey on at night. Can't wait to hear that horn!!

Again thanks to you all. Your posts have got me really excited about the trip, not long now! :wave2:

[Mickeylover]

Welcome Brenbug!

Given your choice of vacations--I think you're likely a lot like DH and I were before our bundle of joy came along over 8 1/2 years ago! :eek: A bit on the Disney geek side maybe??? Hopefully??? I like those kind of people!!!!
:Pinkbounc

Enjoy your time without the little one--and look forward to the first time you can introduce him to Mickey--our son knows his way around The World as well as anyone--he's been going since he was 40 inches tall--well, 40 inches with good shoes on! ;)

Is that the UPS guy at the door? Yes, I know its 11PM but I can always hope!


:crazy:

[Mickeyhugger]

Welcome Brenbug!:wave:

And Mickeylover, DH will take a Bud (or a bloody mary on special occasions, the DCL is a very special occasion!) and I'll have whatever is the drink of the day!

[NYdiscuisers]

Welcome, Brenbug! (To both our cruise thread and the disboards)

[SimbaNoodle]

Welcome to the thread and the boards Brenbug.

It's always great to see a new member to the Disboards.

Put me down for a Crown & Seven.:tongue:

[XLT800]

Brenbug.....Welcome to the thread. I look forward to meeting you as I do everyone here. Be sure to give NYdiscuisers your info for his spreadsheet.

Mickeylover......you like Disney geeks? We only go about 25 times a year, plus 2 cruises this year and everything in the kitchen down to the paper towels is Disney. The kids get sick of eating Mickey Waffles. Does this qualify as being a geek??

Dave

[tchrmom]

Welcome, Brenbug!

Glad you found us!:wave:

Anyone for a Mickey waffle this morning? HAHAHAHAHAH!

Fran

[SimbaNoodle]

I guess we would also qualify as Disney Geeks, although I use the term Disney Freaks. We have four built in bookcases in our livingroom with about 50 Disney Snowglobes. We have owned Disney Vacation Club since 2001 and our kids live, eat and breath Disney.

A Mickey shaped waffle sounds really good.::yes::

[SimbaNoodle]

Hey Paul,

Try this link for our family photo:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid110/p9cfb38f5cce0f30ac2d7027a653aa3f7/f9144d0d.jpg

Thanks.

Lewis

[tchrmom]

(tchrmom serves Simbanoodle a waffle on a Mickey plate, with Mickey silverware)

YEAH!

I'm home today and Monday! Wish UPS would pull up today!
Fran:hyper:

[Mickeyhugger]

XLT800, and tchrmom, why did you have to mention the Mickey waffles? (I usually have 3-4 of them, w/lots of syrup!)

I can taste them now. (Or, I wish I could!):(

Only 51 more days till I can finally have one! (or 10!):teeth:

[chairee0]

Welcome to our board and cruise thread Brenbug.

Mickeylover- Don’t worry we might be the last ones to get our doc’s. We booked through Expedia, and according to the Boards, they wait up until the 2 week mark to send doc’s

The temperature today and this weekend will be in the 70’s. :sunny:


The weather gets me really excited about our trip. Can’t wait to relax in a hammock on CC.



:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[Mickeylover]

Ohhhhhh Mickey Waffles! (Homer Simpson Style!)

OK, I've got a planning question...I'm trying to decide my Palo night with DH--I really didn't want to miss a show, and I guess I could go to an early show and then go to Palo--but I had thought I might do it on PremEar at Sea night...except that's Tropical Night and I don't want to wear my tropical dress to Palo--(I could go on and on "girly" style, but will stop now ;) )

Anyone who has been before, what night do you suggest for Palo--what menu is your favorite and which one should be missed. I wasn't too terribly impresssed with Animator's menu--so I thought about doing it on the second night in Animator's...but menu choices have changed.

Any opinions?

:crazy:

Debbie

[tchrmom]

:wave2:
Good Morning, Mickeylover!

We usually choose the "second night" in a resturaunt. I think last time, we decided on our 2nd night in Lumm. It will depend on what rotation you have. I THINK on our last cruise, we had the PLAPLA rotation, so we did Paolo on Wed. night. I THINK!:confused:

XLT800 made a spreadsheet, with all the possible rotations, and we planned out our nights based on the different rotations. Once we got our Keys, and saw our rotation, we pulled out that schedule, and booked accordingly.

Does that make sense? I feel like I'm rambling!:hyper:
Fran

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by Mickeylover
Anyone who has been before, what night do you suggest for Palo--what menu is your favorite and which one should be missed. I wasn't too terribly impresssed with Animator's menu--so I thought about doing it on the second night in Animator's...but menu choices have changed.

Any opinions?

:crazy:

Debbie

Debbie,
There's a lot of things to consider in your decision. DW and I agree with you, 2nd Animator's night is our plan for Palo dinner. It's fun to see the show the 1st night in AP, but we weren't impressed with the menu there either.

If you haven't seen this already, one of our fellow dis'ers created this chart (http://community.webshots.com/photo/94184617/112728364JvXkRO) showing the dinning rotations, dress codes and shows. I used the latest navigators to update it. We found it really helpful in making plans for our 1st cruise.

Paul

[Mickeyhugger]

We must all think alike. The AP menu is our (mine, DH is 'okay' w/it) least favorite, but we don't want to miss the first AP because of the show. We're hoping to get the PLAPLAP seating (we've had on the previous two) so we can do an early Palo on second sea day and still do the AP show (we have late seating.) Have a rambled on too much?:hyper:

I forgot to think about what shows in the Disney theatre we might be missing if we do early Palo.:confused:

[NYdiscuisers]

Hi everyone....I'm Paul's wife Linda...

I've been letting him do all the talking but I thought it was time to jump in myself!

As far as Palo night reservations we did the same thing as Tchrmom. After we got our keys, dining rotation and got in line to board I whipped out the dining rotaton cheat sheet Paul posted above. In fact someone sitting behind me in line commented on how prepared I was... Didn't know if I should take that as a plus or if she thought I was a little over the top...:confused:
Anyway we wanted 2nd time in a restaurant for Palo dinner and with our rotation last time of PLAP we chose our 2nd Parrot Cay night. It was not a sea and we regretted doing a day of excusions and Palo the same day...we were just pooped!

We're hoping for the same rotation this time and to do Palo Thursday night. It's a sea day, 2nd night in Animators and semi formal night to boot so it all works out well.

Palo brunch we're going for Monday, 2nd sea day.. It was incredible last time...

Isn't all this planning a blast! It's all part of the fun...but nothing like actually being on board! We should plan a time to meet and anti up on all those great drink suggestions..:sunny:

Linda

[Mickeyhugger]

I agree. We should all plan for a meet.

DH and I are doing the REAS package and are hoping to book the Palo brunch for Sunday, couples massage Monday, and Palo dinner for Monday night. (Is anyone going to do the High Tea at Palo's.) DH and I are not really tea drinkers, but I'm eager to try the dessert spread! (As if there won't be enough opportunities!:hyper: )

[flhmom]

:confused: I am tchrmon's mother and I am traveling with you'all but I am depending on my SIL (XLT800) to make my choices too. Since I have never been on a Disney Cruise, I am confused by all the rotation etc. you are all talking about. We have been on 6 previous cruises but not on Disney. Looking forward to meeting you all REALLY SOON!

Anne

[Mickeyhugger]

Anne -

Hi! Welcome to the May 29th posts!:wave:

DCL's rotation dining is assigned before you cruise and includes the three dining rooms Parrot Cay, Lumiere's and Animator's Palate. Each night of the cruise your family dines at a different one, and your servers rotate with you. For example, if your Saturday night assignment is Parrot Cay, Sunday will be Lumiere's and Monday Animator's Palate. Tuesday will again be Parrot Cay, Wednesday Lumiere's etc.

[flhmom]

:wave2: Thanks, Mickeyhugger. Probably by the time the cruise on 5/29/04 is over, I will be familiar with all the Disney schedule.
On all the other cruises we have taken, you are assigned either early or late sitting and are assigned a certain table. This sounds about the same except we will rotate dining rooms. Sounds like fun. I can hardly wait. Looking forward to meeting you too.

Anne

[XLT800]

Just wanted to jump in before the week gets started.

Had a nice weekend of weather. Low 80's and sunny although it is raining now. I spent 10 hours on a boat fishing Saturday and just got fried. Yes, I brought the suntan lotion, just did not want to take the time to put it on.

Linda....I agree that we need to get a meet planned. Any suggestions anyone? Our last cruise, we met many people in the terminal ( thanks to lime green t-shirts). We had an informal meet on Deck 10 during the sail away party then the "official" meet on Sunday in someone's room and everyone brought their favorite Champagne or Asti and we had a green DIS cake. We are in a Cat 11 so our room is out.

flhmom......no need to worry! We will steer you down the right road.

Have a great week

Dave

[Mickeyhugger]

Dave,

I think a meet is a great idea. We're definitely planning on doing the Sailaway party. (Is everyone else?) I know that many have the early dinner seating (we have late), so that would be a great time. Also, maybe at breakfast Sunday morning?

What else do any of you suggest?

[zmanmj]

This will be our first cruise. We are also from Texas and excited to meet other Texans on the cruise.

[Mickeyhugger]

zmanmj, welcome:wave:

How many are in your family, and if traveling with any children, what ages?

Our family sailed on our first cruise, (DCL of course) two years ago, and no one could have prepared us for all of the excitement ahead. You and your family will have a great time!:D

These DISboards are the best place to visit for tips and info, and cruisers on these posts are trying to plan for a meet once we sail!

[zmanmj]

THere are four of us..kids are 5 and 8. We are very excited. If you have any usefull info to share, please do.

[SimbaNoodle]

Welcome zmanmj,

This thread has come a long way since it first began. I can't wait for this cruise.

[Mickeyhugger]

zmanmj, you will receive lots of helpful and useful information just from reading the DISboards each day, and from people on these posts eager to share their tips...

Here are some of DH's and mine..

Don't miss the sailaway party which begins shortly after the fire drill. (I think it starts around 5pm, but you'll know once you check in, there will be Cast Members everywhere to answer any questions you may have.) The party is on deck 9, and it's very exciting. The Disney characters make their first appearance, confetti pops out, and the ship's horn (don't want to spoil all the surprises) sounds when the ship starts to sail. (I've never done another cruise, but others who have say DCL's sailaway party is the best!

Since there are three full days at sea, try to book the Palo brunch for one of those days.

If you're arriving in Orlando or Port Canaveral the night before, you might want to pack your children's swimsuits in your carry-on luggage. (Many families go to the Mickey pool the first day after lunch.)

Take advantage of room service whenever you're hungry during nonmealtimes. (It's free, tips are appreciated.) I haven't ordered from room service yet, but everyone says the cheese tray is good, and I'm eager to try other things on there as well.

See as many of the shows as you can. (The 'Welcome Aboard' variety show the first night is great, and it gets you really excited for the week ahead. (So does the sailaway party, I forgot to mention.)

The servers in the dining rooms are happy to bring anyone in your family an extra entree, appetizer, dessert, etc. (DH couldn't decide one night if he wanted the steak or lobster, so our server brought both!) Also, I love desserts, and there were some nights that I ordered two!

You may also want to purchase autograph books (they sell them onboard) for you children. There are many photo and autograph opportunities, especially at sea days.

Bring lots of sunscreen.

These are only a FEW tips. Anyone else out there care to share theirs?

(What part of Dallas are you and your family from?)

[zmanmj]

THanks for the info. We live in McKinney...outside of Dallas.

[tchrmom]

:wave:
Welcome, zmanmj!
This is our 3rd Disney cruise, and one bit of advice that I found VERY useful is to buy an inexpensive over the door shoe holder. (the kind that has @ 24 plastic pockets.) There is NOT enough storage room in your bathroom, so by hanging these over the door, toothpaste, contact lens stuff, toothbrushes, brushes, sunscreen, deoderant, band-aids, etc. all has an easy to reach place. On our October cruise, we had a cat. 10, that had split bathrooms, and I even found it useful to have 2 of them!
Fran::yes::

[zmanmj]

Has anyone stayed in a room directly across from the elevators? Is it noisy?

[XLT800]

Welcome Zmanmj

My advice would be to try new foods and encourage your kids to try new things also. Also, get to the port early and take advantage of your 1st day. Do not skip Palo, it is the best!!

There is lots of experience on this thread so keep the questions coming.

Dave

[Brenbug]

Originally posted by zmanmj
Has anyone stayed in a room directly across from the elevators? Is it noisy?

Zmanmj,

Shouldn't be a problem. We stayed in 6068 or 6066 once, the elevators were right there and we didn't notice a thing. My folks stayed across the hall in 6067 which ran right along side the elevator and they had no problems either. There was a bit of a buffer zone between the mid-ship elevators and any rooms.

[Mickeylover]

OK, folks. Are you "deck 9ers" or "deck10ers" for the sail-away party?

My family tends to be front and center during the Cha-cha slide-- (they still do that one, don't they?) :o You'll find me there with the drink of the day!



:hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

Hey, those of you who have booked your excursions, have you gotten your confirmations? My DM already got hers and booked the same day--I've seen nothing yet and now getting mildly worried. :eek:

[tchrmom]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Brenbug
[B]Zmanmj,

. My folks stayed across the hall in 6067 which ran right along side the elevator and they had no problems either.


HEY!

We were in 6067 for our first cruise! Loved it! Great location. No NOISE!
:angel:
Fran

[Brenbug]

Good evening Mickeylover. I'd say we are Deck 10, pina-colada in hand, Sail-Away people. I love waving to the people in the park and bars as we head out of port and out to sea! :boat:

[Mickeyhugger]

Hey Mickeylover,

We received our excursion confirmation just a few days after we booked.

Maybe you should call Disney, just to be sure?

We're deck 9er's!

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[chairee0]

We got our excurision confirmation a few days ago.

What is the skinny on the green DIS t-shirts. I seen it mentioned on other threads but wasn't sure what it is all about. Is this a shirt you can buy?



:jester: :earsgirl: princess:

[XLT800]

We have done deck 9 and deck 10. I can only speak for myself but I like to start off on 9 and move to 10 as it gets closer to 5.

I received a faxed confirmation on excursions the day I called in. I would call DCL to find out whats up.

Chairee0: You can order the Dis shirts through the disboards or you can wear any lime green shirt. Take a look at our picture on Pauls spreadsheet. It is an easy way to identify a DIS person. It also helped us keep track of the kids!!

Dave

[Mickeylover]

Well, I called and they confirmed what I had booked. They said they would fax, again, my confirmation to Dreams, and mail me another one.

As far as Dreams Unlimited goes, has anyone else used them? I honestly have been less impressed with my experience with them this time than the last time I used them. NO huge problems--but delays in responses that I wasn't accustomed to in the past.

Seems like some folks are now getting their 5-22 docs--so I guess I need to start buttering up the UPS guy. :earsgirl:

[XLT800]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I will take a Mudslide and DW will take drink of the day. Yes, our doc's came today. Who will be next??? No signing required. They were brought by UPS and left at the front door.

Have a good one!

Dave

[Mickeylover]

Well, I hedged my bets by giving my UPS guy(who delivers to my home and my office because as I've said before--we live in the STICKS!) a heads up they were coming.

I had my office assistant to tell Donald to look out for my docs and bring them to the office. These drink orders are getting pretty hefty and at this point, I'll have to bag an excursion to cover them! ;)

Oh my gosh I can't WAIT!:tongue:

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by XLT800
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I will take a Mudslide and DW will take drink of the day. Yes, our doc's came today. Who will be next??? No signing required. They were brought by UPS and left at the front door.

Have a good one!

Dave

Okay, I'll add a column to the spreadsheet to track this. That way we'll all know who's buying!;) Dave, does this dance include flhmom, too?

Paul

[zmanmj]

Does anyone that is cruising on May 29 have a DS that is 8 or a DD that is 5? My kids are hoping to meet some kids to hang around with.

[zmanmj]

I have my days to cruise counter set wrong and I can't remember how I set it up. Can anyone help?

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by zmanmj
Does anyone that is cruising on May 29 have a DS that is 8 or a DD that is 5? My kids are hoping to meet some kids to hang around with.

zmanmj,
We have a DD who will be turning 6 in about 2 weeks. Check out this link (http://www.geocities.com/p_bunce/cruise2.html) and click on the who's who link to see some info about some of the other dis families onboard and their plans.

If you want to be added, just let me know.

Paul

[Mickeylover]

OK, so maybe I'm not living in the sticks as much as I thought, my buddy Donald from UPS just brought my cruise docs to the office! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Zmanmj, my DS is 8 and is really excited about meeting some other kids his age to hang out with. (His DB is 14 and he's worried that it won't be too "cool" to hang out with the little brother.)

Paul, I STILL haven't gotten a picture anywhere to send you. I'll try to do that. Also, as an update on excursions. my Dad and DB are going on the Dolphin Swim in Anguilla, the 5 star, and the parasailing. (DM won't be doing any of those things--she prefers shopping with DU and DA.)

[XLT800]

Paul.....not sure about Flhmom.......she has not returned call yet.

Mickeylover......glad that you do not have to bag any excursions.

Dave

[flhmom]

:bounce: Got message on answer machine yesterday from tchrmom that their docs had arrived. Since I had been out all afternoon and evening, I checked the front porch and mine had arrived too! It is getting close, isn't it. Anne

[tchrmom]

:jumping1:

Now that our docs are here, I can stop watching for Mr. UPS!

Now, I guess I can start packing.:hyper:

Do you think it's too early to drag out the big suitcase????

Fran

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by zmanmj
I have my days to cruise counter set wrong and I can't remember how I set it up. Can anyone help?

zmanmj,
If you look in the signature section of your profile, you will see that you have '05/28/2004 1:00:00 AM CST' as the date on your counter. Change this to '05/29/2004 5:00:00PM EDT' for the ship departure time or any other time you want.

Paul

[NYdiscuisers]

Originally posted by Mickeylover
OK, so maybe I'm not living in the sticks as much as I thought, my buddy Donald from UPS just brought my cruise docs to the office! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc


Debbie,
Did you get the docs for your whole crew or are they all separate ressies?

Still no docs for us. DW was working from home today and was disappointed twice as first the UPS van and then the FedEx van both drove by without stopping!:mad:

Paul

[Mickeyhugger]

We're still waiting for our docs.:(

Fran, you asked if it's too early to get the big suitcase out?

Are you kidding?

DH went on business trip last week and he just left it out once he unpacked it.

I mean, it's not as if we're too eager for this trip, or anything like that.:earsgirl: :earsgirl:

[tchrmom]

OK, Mickeyhugger......

I'll take your advice!

(tchrmom drags out big suitcase from closet)
WHEW!
That was heavy.

Time to pack!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Fran

[Mickeylover]

Paul, my Mom and Dad live in Raleigh, but drove up to their house on the lake yesterday mid-day, so they don't know if they have docs yet or not. My uncle and aunt live in Charlotte--no word on theirs either.

[SimbaNoodle]

Hey Paul,

I was at your spreadsheet this morning and noticed that you had me down for two daughters. I don't think I could handle that. The seven year old is all boy.

No sign of Doc's yet.

Thanks.

Lewis

[zmanmj]

I have an 8 year old boy, we'll have to get them together.