January 8, 2005 Magic Cruise - Let's Get Ready to Cruise!

[Tarquin]

Oh, and I forgot- I have to agree that a Sunday morning meet would work better-but not too early or else the late sleepers of the world will not make it - :D

[Yunchman]

:cool1: well it turns out that we did have our documents. Well actually WE didn't have them but Shelby's parents did and they didn't tell us!!!!!!!!!!! :earseek: anyways I am just happen that someone has them and we are ready to cruise!!!!!!!!!!!! only 1 week left !!! :jumping1:



Stacy B.

[Skywalker]

Just wanted to say Happy New Year to you all!

As of midnight, it will be January FINALLY! LOL.

:cool1:

[Fawn]

Lisa, thanks so much for moving the list. I cannot believe you are packed, you go.
Fawn, how awesome that you are going on the 4 day before hand. Are you doing the special 4 day on the Magic or the usual on the Wonder? If you are going on the Magic, you'll be there with Verandah Man, Andy. What a great guy.

Well, I just got back from Walmart, buying some of the necessities for the cruise. I cannot for the life of me find a water wallet. I looked every where. Oh well, I can just buy the one on the ship I guess.

Maybe I'll get a suitcase out and through some stuff in. DH and I always pack the night before. But, we are so used to packing that it goes pretty smoothly.

About the meet, I guess we need to decide on something before Fawn leaves on Sunday. Tell you what, 3:30 on Sat. my family will be on the outside deck at deck 7 aft. For anyone interested in meeting then. Then on Sun. we'll be at the "official" meet as well. If we meet about 10:00 or so on Sun. everyone will have time to do the brunch and Matinee of Golden Mickey's. Or, we can meet around 3:30 after the matinee yet before everyone gets ready for first dinner seating. Please, everyone tell me what you think.
Staci

Didn't know that Verandah Man was going with us on the 4-day also! We're doing the Magic 4-day...then we don't even have to get off the ship on Saturday!

OK, so if I understand, it's now 3:30 Saturday on Deck 7 aft and 10:00 am Sunday...is that in the Promenade Lounge?

I'm finished packing for kids and myself...once I get hubby's done, I am READY! :jumping4: :jumping4: :jumping4: :jumping4:

[brack]

Here are some random questions and information.
When is everyone leaving? We are leaving TX on Thur. 6th and will be at WDW on Fri. 7th.
Ok, let's talk about the official meet on Sunday. Brack you said deck 9 over the mickey pool. Do you mean deck 10? I don't care what time. We are going to try to do brunch on Sun. Brunch is from 10:30-2:30. Or, we can attempt to do brunch together. But I have no idea how to get that set up.

We are leaving Dallas Thursday the 6th early so we can be at WDW by noon. (Staci that means we'll pass by Denton on Wednesday evening. We'll wave again)

It is deck 10 and sometime after lunch is a good time. Maybe we can nail down an exact time this week. I vote for 2PM. Somebody else make a suggestion.

by the way ...... Happy New Year! :grouphug:

[brack]

We are taking a couple of days to do that and then spending a couple of days at Universal.

I read this in another post of yours and wanted to ask why Universal and not WDW?

My family and I have been going to WDW for over 20years (at least twice a year) and have only been to Universal once. We did not like it as much as WDW and have never gone back. So I'm just curious :smooth:

[brack]

I should have read all the posts before I made any posts myself.
The 9AM time would be fine with me or anytime around that as well.

Happy Birthday Annette my New Year's baby :teleport:

[Skywalker]

I read this in another post of yours and wanted to ask why Universal and not WDW?

My family and I have been going to WDW for over 20years (at least twice a year) and have only been to Universal once. We did not like it as much as WDW and have never gone back. So I'm just curious :smooth:

:wave:

We decided to let the boys experience Universal/IOA this year because we brought them to WDW last January (we happened to win a trip from a radio station of all things! :Pinkbounc ). So, we figured now would be a good time to try out Universal (especially since they LOVE Spiderman and I have heard such good things about the ride). We thought of doing both parks but then figured we should spread out the magic and save WDW for another trip, since they will be getting their "Disney fix" on the cruise.

What did you not like about Universal?

I guess now I better read over the threads about the suggested meet times and actually formulate an opinion, huh? (I am not much of a planner, can you tell?)

[Fawn]

I'm still looking for the location and time of the meet on Sunday. Anyone?

[brack]

[QUOTE=Skywalker]What did you not like about Universal?[QUOTE]

We found that for the most part Universal was just like every other Theme Park .... mostly thrill rides. I do want to say that there were some things we liked but not enough to go back. I don't think that it was as clean as WDW and certainly their employees were not as helpful as Disney.

Maybe we are too hung up on Disney (we've been many times to WDW, once to Disneyland in CA and Paris not to mention the DCL 5 times now). Your children will probably like Universal. I hope so. :earboy2:

[brack]

I'm still looking for the location and time of the meet on Sunday. Anyone?

The last proposed time was about 9AM Sunday on deck 10 starboard just over the Mickey pool

[cmesq61]

Does anyone else feel completely overwhelmed by all the info as first time DIS cruiser?? My head is spinning! Doc finally--although there doesn't seem like all that much paperwork to do. Kids are with their Dad this w/e and I am staring at a mound of clothing & stuff all over my bed, reaching halfway to the ceiling!! In no particular order:
I can't decide what beach to do on St. martin as they all sound awesome...opinions??
Does anyone have an opinion on bonine vs. dramamine vs. benadryl for kids? My DS 12 gets nauseous on the merry go round!
How casual are casual evenings in the dining room? For example, would a linen pantsuit do or a rayon skirt?
I'm sure I'll have more questions as I start cramming the suitcases. Thanks.

[staylor]

cmesq61, try not to feel overwhelmed. Remember, it is your vacation, relax and do whatever comes to mind. Our personal plan in St. Martin is all of us are riding the water taxi to Great Bay, letting kids play and have fun, go back to ship for lunch, put kids in clubs, then adults go back out shopping. We like Marigot so we'll probably catch the bus, $1-$2 per person, over to the French side and shop some there. I would like to pick up some french wines and go to a local grocery store. This is our 3rd time to St. Martin so we don't feel like we have to "take it all in".
I've packed bonine for us and children. I like that it doesn't knock you out. Out of 5 cruises I've only been seasick one time and just went to bed and slept it off. My DS was 4.5 when he went on the 7 night DCL and he never once had a problem w/ seasickness.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. This is the best place to ask.

Here's the meet info:
Sat. 3:30 deck 7 aft - quick meet before drills.
Sun. 9:00 am deck 10, above mickey pool, bring your coffee, tea, whatever.

How does this sound to everyone?
HAPPY 2005 just a few more days until we are :boat:
Staci

[musicdude]

Staci,

My wife says to check the ingredients on the Bonine. If the active ingredient is meclizine it is not safe for children under 12 to take. We are using dramamine for the kids and tried on them already to see how it affected them. They were they're regular crazy selves and didn't get knocked out at all. The meets sound great, looking forward to meet you all.

Chris

[staylor]

Chris, your wife is correct. I'll grab some dramamine too. Thanks!

Hey everyone, one week from today we are cruisn'. :Pinkbounc
I too cannot wait to meet everyone.
Staci

[jackiejackson]

Staci,

Just curious why you prefer shopping in Marigot. Also, do you have a recommendation on a place to purchase French wine?

Thanks. One week and counting! :Pinkbounc

You all have inspired me and DH and I spend New Years Eve packing!

Jackie

[sopandbass]

We will try to get to the Sunday morning meet - the only thing that might prevent it is the character breakfast but we'll see what's happening when we get there. Can't wait to get going!!!!

[brack]

We will try to get to the Sunday morning meet - the only thing that might prevent it is the character breakfast but we'll see what's happening when we get there. Can't wait to get going!!!!

I don't think the character breakfasts are until Monday but I could be wrong. Whatever the date they are not to be missed. Can anyone find out for sure? :earseek:

[brack]

I just looked at the Navigators I had from last January and October 2003. The character breakfast appears to be on Monday at Parrot Cay. Unfortunately I did not have a copy of Sunday's but I do not remember them on a Sunday. Still maybe other members have a Sunday Navigator. :cool1:

[sopandbass]

Brack ~ Thanks for looking for that information. I had read on a couple of Navigators from Eastern sailings that the breakfast was Sunday but that could be old information. If the breakfast is on Monday, we'll be at the meet for sure!

[staylor]

I have Sunday's navigator from 11/14/4 and yes it lists character breakfast that morning 8:15 and 9:45. So, a new delima. What to do?

Jackie, one reason we are going over to Marigot is the friend traveling with us has never been. The ride over is real pretty and Marigot is very laid back. I'll have to get back to you w/ the name of the store for wine. I printed it somewhere and will have to read through. But I will let you know.
On the Dutch side there is a grocery store called Afoo Extra. It is about 3 streets back from the Guavaberry Emporium. From what I hear, they have awesome dutch gouda cheese, in the wheel, for about $3 a pound. A friend took it back home with her. She did not open the wax and made sure it stayed cooled. It is fine as long as it doesn't get hot. The wax keeps it sealed and fresh even at room temp. If you do cut the wax you need to eat it or it will go bad. She told customs that she did have food. They asked her what it was, she said a wheel of cheese, he smiled and let them go.

Staci

[sopandbass]

I started looking at Navigators and they list character breakfasts for all the days at sea so I guess it just depends on when you're assigned to it? Is that how it works? Or do we have to get tickets someplace? At any rate, don't let that change the time of the get-together - we'll work it out somehow!

[brack]

Your server will give you a ticket for the day and time you can go to the character breakfast

[staylor]

sopandbass, don't worry. Hopefully we will all have lots opportunities to meet each other at some point.

Again folks, we will be a party of 6, one married couple w/ 2 boys and one single mom w/ 1 boy. My 8 year old son, Jack, has a hearing aid in his right ear. So, if you see us please say hello. Also, I don't know about anyone else but we are night owls and will probably be in the adult clubs at night. I think it would be a blast to have a large group of us together. So, if you see us in the clubs come sit w/ us, we'd love it.

We have second dinner seating. Does anyone else?

I've been working on my door signs. I bought a package of business card magnets that just peel and stick. They were $3.99 for 25 magnets at Walmart. I have lots of card stock paper, so I'm hoping this will work out well. We'll see!

Oh, last night I saw that we'll only have 1 other ship (Radisson) with us in St. Martin but 7 others in St. Thomas. I guess that is why we are anchoring in St. Thomas.

Talk agian soon,
Staci

[cmesq61]

Staylor--we have second seating. Do they usually seat you with others? I have no door decorations. I have one child packed, my other child is ironed & his suitcase is on my bed empty and waiting. I, of course, may end up getting there sans clothing as my energy is waning and I am working every day this week!! If I never see an iron again in my life it's OK. Although, I am proud that I think I have all of the extra helpful items that I learned through this board & my docs are done and organized. 6 days. yikes. Anyone know when/where you sign up for the wine with dinner program?

[brack]

We have second seating too but I think this time we'll have a whole table (six adults).

We too are night owls and will be out.

[Lisa]

As Brack noted previously, we are early risers, though I don't plan on being up at 4:30 am once during vacation. LOL We will be attending the first seating of dinner and most likely you will see my family and I walking Deck 4 after dinner before the evening show.

What excursions has everyone scheduled? I have been checking weather.com lately, the temps for Friday and Saturday this week are in the high 70's. :Pinkbounc Looks like we are going to have great weather. :cool1:

Safe travels to all of you. See you onboard. :boat:

[brack]

No excursions yet. We'll probably wait for MIL to decide onboard.

I might be up at 4AM one day. I did on our last cruise to take pictures around the ship with no one in the way. :grouphug:

[jackiejackson]

Staci,

Thanks for the information about St. Marten. We also have second seating, there are 4 of us, myself, DH, DD (19) and her girlfriend (19). We will be doing a lot of late night activities at the clubs too. The girls have their own cabin so they can keep whatever hours they want. We're from No. California and it has been raining here since Christmas. Can't wait to see the sun!! Leaving early Wed. AM. for 2 days at WDW!! :Pinkbounc
:jumping4:

:flower1:
Jackie

[cmesq61]

Lisa--we are doing the Coral World excursion on St. Thomas. I did it once many years ago--BC (before children) and enjoyed it. Hope the kids like it. We are beaching it on St. Martin. Having trouble deciding. Leaning toward Orient beach.

[staylor]

I was wondering who all had second seating so I could look out for everyone. We are a table of 6 as well. I don't know if we'll be alone or not. Hopefully we'll be sitting around some Disers.

We are doing the islands on our own. So have not booked any excursions.

I've been working on something today. Come to the meets and you'll get to see.
Staci

Oh, DCL is on Travel Channel right now :Pinkbounc

[cmesq61]

Sunday 9am deck 10 over the Mickey pool?

[brack]

Sunday 9am deck 10 over the Mickey pool?

Correct. On the starboard (right) side. :grouphug:

[staylor]

Has anyone heard from Clori, Libby, abitjaded, or Disneygal58? They are the only one's on the list I can't remember hearing from in a while.

I'm still not packed, of course. I keep thinking it will be easier to do with kids at school tomorrow.
Staci

[Family Manager]

Hi all,

We, too, have second seating - me, DH, DS (10) & DD (6). Hope that goes well with the younger one. She's ALWAYS hungry, so I'll guess we'll be hitting a snack bar before the show for her. :blush: We are planning on attending the Sunday meet. Look forward to meeting everyone.

As for excursions, we are booked on the Dolphin Swim in St. Maarten, and the Island Tour/Coral World in St. Thomas (I believe at Noon). Hope to get some shopping in too! :cloud9:

I've been working on door signs and kids "calling" cards (with their names & email addys). Have stuff in piles, but it hasn't made it into a suitcase yet....my goal for tomorrow (now that all the c'mas stuff is put away). WHEW!!

Can NOT even believe it is soooooo close now! Doing a good weather dance :thewave:

Stacey S.

[Skywalker]

Well, everyone I just wanted to say bye for now since I will be going to bed shortly and we are hitting I-75 at some ridiculous hour of the morning tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! I just finished packing and now we'll just unwind a bit before we turn in.

We will be at 3:30, deck 7 aft and 9:00 am Sunday, Deck 10 near Mickey pool on starboard side? I hope this doesn't change too drastically because I will not have access to a computer...

Oh well, if things do change hopefully, somehow I will meet up with everyone.

We have the early seating for dinner and plan to be very social as well! It would be a blast to see each other around and join up here and there.

We have no excursions planned...my husband wanted to to just "wing" it since that is what we did on our only previous cruise and things seemed to work out okay.

So, my DIS friends I am so looking forward to meeting all of you! See you Saturday/Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!1 :Pinkbounc

:wave:

:boat:

(Just a reminder my name is Allison and my husband is Paul so if we come up to you and forget to say "Skywalker" hopefully you will know who I am. LOL).

P.S. Where is the Magic now? All I can think about is "We're next! We're next!" LOL.

[staylor]

Allison, be careful driving. The Magic is on the 7 night right now and begins the special 4 night on the 4th, in which Fawn is on. She'll get to stay on the ship Saturday, as we are boarding. She's doing the back to back 4 nt/7nt. Also, don't worry about the meets. I will be there at those times.

Staci

[musicdude]

Staci,
Just a quick question for you........We don't fly very often and we change planes at DFW at C terminal and our connecting flight leaves from A terminal with a 35 minute difference. How much of a walk is it and will we be able to make it?
Chris

[abusymommy]

Hi to everyone. I am posting very late, but we will be on the Magic on the 8th sailing. It will be myself (Mary J0), my DH (Jim), DS (Paul) - 4 1/2, DF (Paul) and DM (Dolly). This will be our 2nd Disney Cruise (the first for my parents) and we can't wait!
We arrive in Cocoa Beach very late on the 6th and will be staying on a few days after the cruise at WDW.
The cruise meet on Saturday sounds good, but the Sunday meet will depend on the character breakfast. We requested the APL dining rotation, which will put us at the character breakfast on Sunday morning, so we may need to miss that one.
Hope to see you all on board!

[Lisa]

Welcome, Abusymommy! I've added your family's name to the cruise list on page 33.

Cmesq61, a friend of mine did Coral World a few weeks back with her family (boys ages are 9 and 7) and really enjoyed it.

Safe travels to all.

[staylor]

Welcome Abusymommy, so glad you signed in and are joining us. Hope to see you at one of the meets. You never know, you might just walk away with something.

Chris, that is a very quick connect. I'm assuming you are flying on AA. I would do a few things. First, tell the agent at your first departure about the close connect and to make sure the airline knows you are on your way and will be there. Second, when you land in DFW if you have time tell the person in the red coat (AA's customer service) that you are here and heading toward your next flight, give them flight number. They can tell you the gate number and call that gate to let them know you are coming. Also, ask that person if you need to get an electric cart for a ride. Terminals A & C do connect with a walk way but if you land at the far end of C and leave out of the far end of A this could be a problem. Third, grab an electric cart driver, hop on and get a ride to your gate. Make sure you tell the driver how close you are to flight time. Tip them a few bucks when you get off and jump on the next flight. If your first flight is running late, make sure you tell the flight attendants about your next flight and ask if they can have the captain let the ground personell know. Have a great time and try not to stress.
Staci

[Heyentah]

I am SOOOO excited I can hardly stand it! :crazy2:

Okay, Howdy, y'all! I am a newbie -- here's my life's big exciting travel trips: about 5 trips to Tijuana (about 12 miles south of my house, and visible from my deck at night). No more than 4 hours at one time spent in T.J. AND! one 18 hour cruise to Ensenada on a cruddy little ... uh ... well, it mostly floated, so I guess that qualifies it for a boat!

I'll be traveling with my hubby, 6 adult "daughters" ( a few are borrowed, but I can never remember which ones are the borrowed ones!), 4 "sons-in-law," 3 "grandkids" under age 3 and 3 "grandsons" over the age of 7, a buttonhole cousin, her hubby and a close friend of hers (WHEW!) So I imagine that if we all eat at the same time in the same place we'll have what? 3 - 4 tables? I don't know anything about cruising and only found your message board today. What are the door decorations you are talking about? Has anyone successfully used either ginger or the seasickness bands? Would I be totally stupid to think that I could bring a small telescope and have time to set it up on a table somewhere late at night (I'll bet the stars are great!) do they ever turn the lights off on any of the outer decks? How about the pirate: night? do a lot of people dress up and play along? How elaborately do people dress up? My hubby hates the thought of wearing anything other than jeans -- will he really be turned away from the assigned restaurants if they are brand-new and he's wearing a nice shirt??

I'll shut-up now, but boy, I am so excited! :cool1:

[staylor]

Hey Heyentah, welcome to the boards. You found them right in time for the cruise. Cruising is awesome, we have been on 5 so far, this is our second time on DCL. Well, let's see if I can answer some of your questions. Feel free to ask as many as you can think of. The cruise line forum is also a great place to post questions because people answer them quickly there. What is a buttonhole cousin?
What are the door decorations you are talking about? The doors are metal so you can put magnets on them. Some people make door signs on their computer and print them out on magnetic paper. I made a few for this cruise. I printed them on cardstock, laminated them, and then stuck a magnet on the back. If you go to the cruise line forum and do a search about door signs it should pop up a few threads for you. Also, door signs makes it easier for kids to find the room, in a sea of white doors.
Has anyone successfully used either ginger or the seasickness bands?On 5 cruises I have always carried Dramamine and Bonine (less drowsy but not good for kids) but have never needed to use them. My DS was 4.5 on his cruise and he didn't have any problems either.
Would I be totally stupid to think that I could bring a small telescope and have time to set it up on a table somewhere late at night (I'll bet the stars are great!) do they ever turn the lights off on any of the outer decks? We are bringing binoculars. Never thought of carrying a telescope, sounds cool. Not too sure about the lights but I do think they keep them on dim at night. Are you going to have a room w/ a verandah? I bet deck 7 aft or deck 8 aft would be perfect for this. Especially deck 8 because it has those table like platforms. You can see pictures of both aft areas at castawayclubdotcom.
How about the pirate night? do a lot of people dress up and play along?It used to be a tropical night. I think many people still wear tropical themed clothes. Though, I have seen pictures recently on the cruise line trip reports board of people dressed up like pirates. Looked pretty cute!
How elaborately do people dress up? My hubby hates the thought of wearing anything other than jeans -- will he really be turned away from the assigned restaurants if they are brand-new and he's wearing a nice shirt?? Jeans will be fine any time but dinner. Is there any way you could talk him into kahki's for just an hour and a half? If he just cannot take it, Topsiders does offer table dinner service now. Formal night you will see everything from kahki pants to tux's.

You don't have to shut up now. I promise we are all just as excited. Please come to one or both of our DIS meets. We are meeting Sat. 3:30, deck 7 aft - quick meet before drills and Sun. 9:00am deck 10, over mickey pool, right side, bring your coffee.
Glad you're cruising w/ us
Staci

[musicdude]

Staci,
Thanks for all of the information on the flight, I checked again today and the connection is in the C terminal. So no worries about the connection. We leave in the morning so see you all there.
Chris :wave:

[staylor]

Glad to hear about the connection. Hope you have stress free travels. See you in a few days!
Staci

[sopandbass]

It's official..I'm totally geeked about this cruise...as if I wasn't before. The suitcases are out and opened and there are piles of clothes and things ready to be packed tomorrow, since I have to work Wednesday and Thursday. I can't sleep because I'm obsessed with reading these boards and other things Disney. I know I need to get some sleep so I can get everything done tomorrow but I'm too excited. I'm starting to feel the gentle rocking of the ship from my computer chair. If only I could order a nice All Hands on Deck cheese platter from room service, I'm sure I'd be lulled into slumber.

Okay, now I'm scaring even myself. Sweet dreams, everyone!

[Lisa]

Welcome, Heyentah! Great to have you aboard. :boat:

What a crowd you will be traveling with. Everyone should have a wonderful time. :grouphug:

[staylor]

Sopandbass you are cracking me up. Don't worry, we leave Thur. and I still have not packed one thing. Maybe later today.

How's everyone else today?
Staci

[Yunchman]

Hey everyone, the cruise is getting sooo close and we are all very excited. Shelby and I just finished up our shopping today for the cruise. We had to get a few things, not to mention new flip flops for Shelby since they were left on the Castaway Cay tram in August 2004. Wow, now they get to live there how wonderful!!!!

Anyways have filled out documents now all I have to do is laundry and pack!!.....I'll get around to that sometime tomorrow or thursday. What time is everyone planning on arriving at the port? When do they usually let people on anyways, i can never remember....I think the port opens at 10:30 so maybe you should be able to get on the ship by 12:30...i don't know, so anyone who wants to respond to what time they are getting there that would be appreciated!! thanks!

Stacy B.

[dizneetravelagent]

We all know how hectic it gets a few days before vacation.....so what did I do today?....I went out and bought the new Amber Frey book and couldn't put it down. What a DUM DUM. I have clothes lying all over my home, and I'm reading a book :earboy2: Anyway, my DD (10) has become obsessed with these boards. She's constantly telling me that I need to post more often. She updates me daily as to who has already headed south and who will be leaving on that day. It's actually really cute. She has had a blast reading all of the updates.

Well, we're going back to my bedroom to start the official packing of the bags. We will be pulling out on Thursday evening.

Penny

[sopandbass]

Yunchman ~ You should write a children's book about Shelby's flip-flops and their adventures living on Castaway Cay. You could name them Flip and Flop. I sure hope they survived the hurricanes!!!

I'm having packing anxiety - I know I'm taking too much but if I get it all out right now, then I'll have enough time to put some back and then how on earth can I justify packing all the new clothes and things I bought while shopping today? What a dilemna!

I spoke with Shirley at The Perfect Gift today to complete a basket order for our DD and she said that Verandah Man had just left her shop and was on his way to the Magic. I don't know Verandah Man except from reading posts on these boards but I was delighted for him because I know that he's on the ship just before us. Isn't it funny how the Internet connects people somehow?

Okay, enough gabbering. It's time for serious packing now that the family is asleep. See you all soon!

:fish: :fish: :fish: :fish: :fish: :fish: :fish: :fish: :fish:

[brack]

I'm packed and we leave for Dallas tomorrow. We'll be at WDW by noon on Thursday. See you Sat :grouphug: :cloud9:

[staylor]

I'm still not packed, of course! We went shopping tonight for a few last minute things. I keep coming up with "last minute" things. :guilty:
Staci

[Lisa]

THREE MORE DAYS!!! :cool1:

We leave tomorrow night, weatherman is predicting 6" of snow tomorrow morning, ending mid afternoon. Hopefully it will all be clean up before we leave for the airport.

Safe travels. :moped:

[staylor]

As of 7:25 am it is 40 and falling here in Denton. Of course it is raining, so the roads are going to get slick. The low tonight is going to be something rediculous like 10. I really need to get out of here. Now I wish I had booked our flight for today. Oh well!

Warm weather in less than 36 hours :Pinkbounc
Staci

[brack]

:cheer2: We left Oklahoma City at 3pm. It was 18 degrees, snowing and the roads where covered in the ice/sleet that had fallen all day. Only idiots drove faster than 20 mph because the roads were so slick. They were also the ones in the ditch, wrapped around trees and all smashed up. Everyone had trouble on inclines. Most places closed early and will be closed tomorrow because the temp is going done to single digits tonight!

Boy am I glad that I am going on a cruise!!!!! :cloud9:

[sopandbass]

Boy, I'm glad it's snowing and miserable here in Michigan...it makes it that much more delightful to leave it behind and head for nicer weather. Please don't tell my friends who live here that I said that. :cool1:

[Heyentah]

TOMORROW, Tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're only a day away! We leave San Diego tomorrow evening for the trip. I'd already scheduled having the whole day off to get "last minute things" done, but I decided to call in sick today -- TOO EXCITED (and, yes, too much still to do, like drag out the suitcases! :blush: ).

I TOTALLY hear y'all aboutbeing glad to leave the foul weather behind. We feel the same way -- heck our storms here have been so bad they blew over 3 deck chairs and my beach umbrella. The thing that REALLY bites about the crummy weather is that the only table we have to sit down to for a meal is the patio table, so we've been having to use t.V. trays! (Actually the storms HAVE been bad, friends of ours who lost their homes in the big fires of 2003 were planning to move into their rebuilt home in 5 weeks, then the rains came and the hillside behind their home slid INTO their home because so much foliage was gone and there were no roots to hold the mud in place on the hill. They're not QUITE back to square one, but this will delay the return to their home by an estimated 8 months, and their insurance company cancelled the policy so they won't have to pay out on the same house again!!!)

STAYLOR: I'll bet our Oklahoma friends could tell you what a buttonhole relative is! (That's a someone related by marriage rather than blood) I also bet they wouldn't be surprised if I decided to "wag" my "bumbershoot" on the trip. But I don't want to scare the "p-waddin'" out of you so I won't subject you to any more of my Okie-isms!

See y'all in just a few hours!!!!!!!!

[sopandbass]

Is anybody left at home? We're finishing our packing tonight and taking off tomorrow for Orlando. We'll see you all soon!

[Yunchman]

We are still home since we onyl live about 1-1 1/2 hours from port we will be leaving saturday morning...i still have to pack!!!!!!!!!! :eek: even though I was supposed to have already done, but I still have laundry to do! :rolleyes1


Anyhow we'll be there on Sat!!!!!!! see ya real soon! :earboy2:

[wingawh]

Still at home, we fly out early Sat. morn.

[CarolAnnC]

Bon Voyage everyone!! :Pinkbounc

[cmesq61]

Still home. Packing. I am now just putting my clothes w/o ironing--I'll send em out to be pressed on arrival. Supposed to snow tomorrow here--starting around 8am. Our flight leaves at 8:40. Keeping our fingers crossed! Sent my kids to school today although they are bouncing off the walls. Sooo excited!! Happy flying all.

[Skywalker]

Hi everyone! We just go back yesterday...how about everyone else? I am sorry that I didn't get to that DISmeet, I think I must have had something written down wrong because I walked around and did find anyone. :guilty:

However, Staci it was a real pleasure meeting you and your very wonderful family! You are truly sweet and friendly and it was nice to see your face around the ship now and then! It is too bad we didn't get together, but I found with my youngest not wanting to go to the clubs (my oldest liked going) that we didn't get much time for many things we would have wanted to do. Just how was that 80's party anyway? LOL. I had my DISer magnet on the door but nobody ever knocked or anything! I didn't see the stickers on any other doors so I don't think there were any of you near me.

So how is everyone? Anyone suffering post-cruise depression or is it just me? LOL.

[Skywalker]

bump :earboy2:

[jackiejackson]

What a wonderful time we all had on the cruise! Wasn't the weather ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! This was our 4th cruise on the Magic and the first time we have had an actual sail away party on deck. Always raining before. We went to Palos for the first time! Unbelievable! Loved the new Pirate Night and the fireworks exceeded our expectations. We did rebook for the Western itinerary for next Jan so at least I have that to look forward to. Also, loved the Pub Night on Friday, hysterical!! Didn't have a chance to attend either of the meeting times. Wish that could have been possible. Hope everyone had a great time also and aren't suffering post-cruise depression too severely.

Already counting the days til next Jan. :flower1:

Jackie

[Skywalker]

Nice to hear from you, Jackie. I was starting to think no one made it off of that cruise but me! Where is everyone??

And yes, the weather was perfect. We hit the jackpot on that one. :cool1:

[Scotsman]

Was there a LIVE from our cruise. If there was I cannot find it!

[musicdude]

We also did not make the meets but had a great time. Just curiuos but does anybody know what the medical emergency was that we had to go back to St. Martin? Just curious!!!
Chris

[Scotsman]

Did anyone else see the barracuda while snorkeling on Castaway Cay?

[marylee15]

:badpc: That is what I feel like doing to my computer today. I cannot believe one week ago I was lounging on Deck 10 (in the strong breeze) and today I am stuck here with fresh snowfall and below zero temps slated for tonight. I had an absolute blast last week. I did not get to the cruise meet either I was totally frantic when it came to getting on that ship. I was so excited and nervous in the terminal that when it came my turn I was jumping around saying to my DH I cannot find my ID I just had it now I don't know where I put it and my DH said how about the one in your hand!!!! I became a total wreck. But all of the planning and stress were worth it it was GREAT. I had a few reservations about some things but I just cannot say enough about the service, food, ship, accomodations and ports of call. Even my DH who is not always enthusiastic about traveling said we need to book another one NOW. I am at work today I will write further when I get home, but I'll leave you with this. On Castaway Cay my husband, son and I went to the bar way out on the other end of the beach and when we were walking back we said to each other look at all of these people on this beach they have been traveling with us for a week and we haven't seen or spoken to the good majority of them. It was just amazing that all of those people on that beach were on that cruise ship. We just loved it!!!!

Take care and lets not stop writing.

Marylee

[staylor]

Hello all. We returned home night before last (Tue). After the cruise we went to visit family in Orlando and went to Epcot on Sun. and MK on Mon.
The cruise was wonderful, a bit windy, but great. I enjoyed meeting everyone that I had a chance to meet. I made door magnets for everyone but unfortunately didn't get to meet everyone. Oh well, maybe next time.

Skywalker, I'm sorry your young one didn't really want to go to the club. Our boys enjoyed the club/lab. Our oldest, Jack (8), wanted to be in the lab all of the time. We'd go see if he wanted to do anything else and he would tell us to leave him alone. Nick (5) mostly enjoyed the clubs in the evenings. But he did want to go which was nice. 80's night was a blast. I was a Robert Palmer girl. 70's night was awesome. J was part of the Village People and I was Gloria Gayner. The staff pulled 2 of us aside and told us how to "be" Gloria. He told me to have total attitude and lay on the judges. Anyway, I had fun but was worried afterward people would think I'm really like that. Though, I did get stopped many times after 70's night and was told I did a great Gloria. It was fun!

Scotsman, I didn't do a live from the ship. Did anyone else?

Musicdude, I received your note, thanks so much. Did you get your door magnet? My DH put it on your door for me. We had to go back to St. Martin because a woman had a stroke during the show. I sure hope she is okay.

After all of my planning and trying to get to the port early, the bomb scare sure threw a wrench in my plans. Though, I was still able to get the ressie's we wanted.
I've sure enjoyed chatting with everyone this last year or so. I hope 2005 is wonderful for everyone.

Staci

[Family Manager]

Hard to believe that this time last week I was lounging pool side in 80 degree weather. It's cold here (NC) and we had a light snow yesterday, 1-2 in. expected tonight and another storm this weekend. Oh, to be in Castaway Cay again!!! Speaking of that.... were there *really* barracuda out there? YIKES!! I snorkeled briefly as the kids weren't thrilled with it and it was hard to see ( I think from the wind stirring up the sand).

As for the return to St. Maarten, I don't know exactly what happened, but we went on deck to watch. The passenger was a woman in a wheelchair and she did wave up to someone on the ship, so not sure what the extent of the emergency was.

Thanks to Staci Taylor for the great door magnet. We also brought door signs from home and were surprised to see how few people actually did have them. Thanks to this board, I certainly felt "in the know". I did attend the Sunday meet along with Staci T. and Brack & Annette. I enjoyed meeting all and seeing them around the ship as well. Brack, I was watching you take LOTS of photos, especially during the Pirate Deck party. I'd love to see them. Maybe there is a place to post a few for all to see.

As I walked around the ship, I couldn't help wondering who I walked right passed from this board and never knew the difference. I would've been nice to have posted photos prior to sailing -- at least we could've recognized each other.

Well, given the weather this week, I think we were very fortunate to have had such good temps last week--even with the higher than normal winds and seas. I'm just so thankful for a wonderful trip. My kids were so thrilled -- my youngest didn't want to leave and asked to live on board :blush: But, it will definitely be remembered as the first time EVER that my kids refused dessert and asked to go to bed!! :earboy2:

Hope everyone is re-adjusting to life back home. We are, but I did have to remind the kids that mom and dad are NOT Felipe & Linda (our wonderful servers). :laughing: But starting to regret not booking onboard for a second trip.

Best wishes,
Stacey S.

[dizneetravelagent]

The barracuda incident happened in the teen beach area. My family walked over there to see what was going on. It didn't seem to be terribly serious, but I'm sure it was very scary. As for the St. Maarten incident, we were told by our 2nd head server (Boris) that she had a mild stroke. Our original head server had to be flown off of the island due to a death in the family. We also left a gentleman in St.Thomas after he had been suffering for a couple of days with severe asthma. Boris kept us up to date and well informed.

[Heyentah]

Well, I don't know about the barracuda on the teen beach, I didn't see that one, but a couple family members did. My DH and I saw one at Serenity Bay, though. We all just hung in the water looking at each other, then we (the human "we") swam slowly away. It was no big deal, could have been a big deal, but wasn't. We also saw lots of ENORMOUS sea stars, loads of eel holes, some cool shells, and a beached whale (me :blush: ). It was the most awesomely fabulous trip.

I am glad to know why we returned to St. Maartin, although I slept through it all. I hope the lady is well on the road to recvovery.

I am so sad that I didn't get to meet up with any of you, but maybe we can meet on another cruise. Anyone who had the late dinner on our rotation probably noticed our table due to one of our fabulous servers who frequently called out "YOOOOOHOOO"

My final note of awe is that I was one of the very few of our big party that didn't get seasick! I can get violently seasick on a ship that's tied up -- the more gentle the motion, the more sick I become, but never ONCE onboard the Magic. It was truly a MAGICAL trip!! Here it is almost a full week since I got off the ship and I still feel the roll of the waves once in awhile. It is actually kinda of a nice way to wean myself off the ship of magic and back into the real world. San Deigo was a great place to come home to; the rains had stopped (although while we were all cruising, my roof developed a leak right over MY side of the bed -- it is sTILL soaked -- anyone with any ideas of how to dry out an 18 inch solid latex mattress?) and we had a little Santa Ana going on with the temps in the 80's and the clear blue skies. Life is wonderful!

OKAY, WHO'S GOING ON THE MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE??? :jumping4:

[Heyentah]

I forgot to mention that while we snorkled at Serenity Bay we also followed a huge ray as it "flew" along accompanied by its pilot fish. This waas really a chill experience.

My daughter and her friend floated out too far in their inner tube and had to be rescued from the bouys. I didn't hear any complaints about the handsome lifeguards who rescued them either! :smooth:

[Skywalker]

I, too, would often wonder if anyone we passed or spoke to could be one of you! I almost asked a couple of people when I just got a certain "vibe", but I didn't have the guts.

Musicdude, was it you that said you were flying a kite? I don't know if there was more than one family doing that but if not, then I saw you! Cool! I was watching you as I waiting for my oldest son to get over his temper tantrum on the bike path. Staci, I think you witnessed that! LOL. Did anyone notice a little blond boy throwing up in Shutters one night? He's mine too. :blush: Guess my boys had a penchant for making a scene.

Man, it all went so fast, its not fair that we are back home already. Is anyone else planning another trip (cruise or otherwise) any time soon?

Did anyone else have Depesh and Deneval? When we had spaghetti last night I made my husband stand beside our table and say "What can I get for you this evening? I recommend the spaghetti, cooked in a light tomato sauce..." etc, but it just wasn't the same. :rolleyes:


Marylee, you are so funny. I was reading what you wrote I think on another thread about being followed by "Nemo". I think that was on another thread, not this one. And I think that was you, not someone else. Oh man, why don't I just go have another coffee before I write any more.

And where is Brack? He hasn't reported back in yet?

Allison.

[dizneetravelagent]

When we were docked in St.Maarten, my daughter got choked in the Goofy pool, threw up and shut down the whole pool. It had to be completely emptied and refilled. It was a bummer too, because it was one of the times when it didn't look like a wave pool. It was a proud moment for us all. It's our claim to fame.

Penny

[musicdude]

Yes, Staci we did get your magnet. It was a nice surprise returning to our cabin and finding it on our door. Our son Matt really enjoyed the Kids club 5-7 group in the evenings also, maybe our boys hung out together and we never even knew it. We also sat in the port parking lot for two hours until the bomb scare was over. We were the black town car in the first parking spot as you came in the lot, so we probably saw you drive by.

Musicdude :wave2: :wave2:

[musicdude]

Skywalker we saw a few kids having meltdowns on cc including our youngest. We have just decided that Disney brings out the best and worst of kids. We were flying our kites on cc in the afternoon and were the only ones there for sometime. So if you saw two kites and four people on the beach, yeah that was us. Cool! For all of you that had throw up scenes don't sweat it. Our son has GERD and usually throws up anywhere and everywhere he gets nervous or excided. He did fine on the ship but we made sure he had his medication on time everyday. He said the food was just too good to just throw back up. But before the cruise at MGM we were entering the library at tower of terror and had to make a b-line for the chicken door(not once but twice). Same thing happened at space mountain, lucky us. But this is the same child that couldn't get enough of mission space, go figure. So as long as no one suffers any long term trama, years from now we can raz our kids about the time they shut down an entire swimming pool because they barfed.

Musicdude :earboy2:

[Lisa]

We are back, still trying to comprehend that white stuff outside is snow and not gorgeous white sand. Unfortunately by Wednesday of the cruise I started coming down with broncontis, along with an ear and sinus infection. Very painful flying home Monday with the ear infection.

We had a great time though, the weather was fabulous. We rebooked another cruise, but will reschedule that for probably Jan. 2007. If anyone attended the 8:30 pm Who wants to be a Mouseketeer, I was picked to be a panelist. Actually I bribed the selector with Mickey stickers! LOL

I have to give Shirley of The Perfect Gift a big thank you. When we found we couldn't get into the terminal because of the bomb threat, we went down to Jetty Park and I called DCL but got no info on how long the delay might be. Since Shirley has always graciously offered her phone number if anyone needs help when they are in the Port Canaveral area, I gave her a call. What a dear she is. She made a few calls for me and steered me in the right direction to find out the information we needed. I also spoke to Verandah Man as he was visiting Shirley when I called. We were able to stay at Jetty Park and let the kids play rather than sit at the hot terminal parking lot wondering when the terminal would reopen. I really appreciated her help. Her assistance held off melt downs from the kids, big and little.;) Thanks, Shirley!

I am just getting back on my feet, went back to work Friday and am spending this snowy weekend getting caught up on laundry and grocery shopping, ah the realities of life. How many days till our next cruise?

[marylee15]

:jester: Allison, I saw you ask about Brack, when we were having dinner there was a family at the table next to us an older husband and wife and a son and daughter-in-law and a child and I was wondering if it might be Brack I did not know if his son and daughter-in-law brought a child or not but the older gentleman (and I emphasize gentleman) looked just what I pictured Brack to look like I too wanted to ask but was a little embarrassed. The man appeared to be so gentle and just from reading Brack's posts I always thought he was so nice.

That CC incident with the fish was so funny, my DH is still laughing whenever we talk about it but I am still convinced that that fish was after me.

The cruise was everything and more, we are hoping to get the video on a DVD so we can show everyone, we are trying to convince our close friends that it is the vacation for all of us. Either way I think we will be re-booking by March or April for next year.

We are in the midst of a huge blizzard here in Rhode Island it is now snowing about 2-4 inches an hour and we already have 20 inches on the ground and is not supposed to let up until one or two o'clock this afternoon with the winds continuing into the night. Forty to fifty miles an hour. I just heard on the local weather that in Hull, MA they are having huge storm surges with two to three feet of water on the roads, we met a family in the airport in Orlando who flew home on the same plane as us who were from there so I hope they are okay. Oh well, a good day to eat, drink and watch the Pats tonight. The whole state is closed tomorrow so yeah another day to relax by the fire. My DH was very funny saying couldn't you have booked a little better, but if we were coming home yesterday we would not get home until Tuesday, our friends who were in St. Maarten were coming home yesterday and we don't even know where they are!!!!!

Take care and be safe, write soon.

Marylee

[staylor]

Heyentah, was your group all from San Diego? We meet the nicest group from San Diego in the adult clubs during 70's and 80's night. One really nice couple (Matt and Jennifer, I believe) told us to rebook next year in Jan. for the mexican riviera on the 28th. We are considering rebooking but could not on the ship because I am an airline employee.

It is cold here today. My sons are ready to go back already and asking me when we are going again.
Staci

[Heyentah]

Staci,

I sure wish they were all from San Diego; we'd see our grandbaby a whole lot more!! Nope, ALL the others went home to snowy Connecticut! It has cooled down a bit here now, foggy in the evenings and only in the upper 70's now.

We are planning to be aboard the Mexican Riveria cruise this summer, hopefully we can meet up with a few of our former cruise crew members!

HEY, didja know that you can request the same servers as you had on another cruise? We're definitely planning to request Stipe and Jessie!

[Skywalker]

Hi all! Anyone else feeling REALLY lucky that we got OFF the Magic on the 15th instead of on? Seems from all the threads that a lot of them really did not have a good time.

[marylee15]

:earsgirl: Hey has anyone heard from Brack? Brack where are you? The reason I was asking is that I did not get to the cruise meet. What table were you at and what seating? I have to edit this post because I received an important telephone call while posting it and had to leave. I had posted at another thread that there was a family sitting next to us early seating parrot cay first night and we were at table 42, it was an older gentleman, his wife, son, daughter-in-law and a child, he just looked what I pictured Brack to look like, very attentive to his wife and family and that just seemed how Brack was. The most depressing thing is that the trip is over. My DS 5 yrs old said to me this morning I just need a vacation by myself so I can relax!!!! I know he was saying that because I always said that until I planned the cruise. Oh well, I guess I need to plan another one and soon.

Marylee

[wingawh]

Glad we were the week before the 15th. However, being in the 1/15 cruise is still better than no cruise at all.

[brack]

I am still alive but barely. When we came home work has been unbelieveable! The only reason I am online now is that I came home sick to sleep for awhile.

Marylee we were in Lumiere's the first night. Sorry we missed you but it was sweet to say those things.

I have not had a chance to look at the pictures I took much but there are some good ones. I don't know how to post them because they are so big but if I figure a way I'll let you know.

As you can see we booked another cruise while on board. This time it is in December (yea Christmas!) and it goes to Castaway Cay twice. I can't wait.

I will try to get on line more in the next few days. Blessings to everyone.

[brack]

I have found a way to share some of the pictures I took. Go to this site: http://photos.yahoo.com/brackjr

I'll put some more on later. I did want to get Staci's picture in. I'm just sorry I forgot to take my camera that night Staci and her husband "starred" at the club. :rotfl2:

[wingawh]

Anyone else planning on going on another DCL or another cruise line this year? We love DCL and are considering another sailing soon maybe even trying another cruiseline?

[Lisa]

Great pictures, Brack! You know I think I saw you on board, actually it's your Mickey tropical shirt that I remember seeing as my husband has one like it. I hope you feel better soon.


Wingawh, we are booked to do a Canadian cruise out of NYC this summer through Carnival. (gasp, I know, we are going on another cruise line) We had done Carnival way back for our honeymoon, then after doing a three day Disney cruise, we said we would never do Carnival again. But this trip is a specialized group cruise with workshops scheduled for us so we are going to try them again. Actually I think it will be interesting to compare Carnival from before to now, and Carnival now to Disney.

[marylee15]

Hi Guys,

We too are looking into going on a cruise next year. I would love to do Disney but my DH says we really need to check out something a little less expensive. We are thinking of doing a RCCL to the eastern caribbean next March. It is a bit less expensive, it will be nice to try something else but I will be amazed if they compare to DCL. We probably will be going on Radiance of the Seas so if anyone has tried RCCL or this ship any input would be great. We definately will do another DCL cruise probably in two or three years. Oh well I don't think the travelers on any other cruise line could be as wonderful as the DCL guests. Much love and admiration to all of you. Sniff, sniff.

Marylee

[brack]

Hope everyone is doing well. I still dream of that great vacation! :hug:

[wingawh]

Me too. Im dreaming of December when we go again!

[brack]

I don't know how many of you kept your subscription to this thread but I did. Hope all of you are doing great. :wave2:

I had a total hip replacement four weeks ago and am doing great. We are even planning our next WDW visit for September and Christmas.

It will be over a year before our next cruise though. I can't wait. My screen saver has pictures from our cruise and it brings back "Magical" memories.

Blessings to all of you. :sunny:

[wingawh]

Hi all.

We had such a great time we are considering a December 2005 sailing on the Magic.

All the best!

[marylee15]

Hi everyone,

This brought back so many wonderful memories. My husband even just the other day asked me to get him this special shaving cream (aveeno) because it reminded him of the cruise.

Unfortunately, we are not planning a disney cruise anytime soon. It is just a little out of our budget. We are planning a RCCL cruise next June with our entire family brothers, nieces and nephews and the like. We will miss disney cruise line but they did open our hearts and eyes to cruising and we love it.

I will keep checking in though.

Marylee

[Lisa]

Brack, glad to hear your hip replacement and recovery went so well. That is wonderful.

We did our Carnival Canadian cruise out of NYC the end of June. We had a wonderful, wonderful time with the two families we went with, and we loved departing from NYC but we will never, never, never sail with Carnival again. The ship was poorly maintained, the staff was indifferent, I also think the ship was grossly understaffed, but the worse thing was as I walked down the hallways to the cabin, I would often get a whiff of rotting trash. Ugh.

[brack]

It was great to hear from you guys again. I have watched the pictures from the cruise many times lately and had great memories.

My DW and I have thought about a Carnival cruise out of Galveston in October but I am so afraid of being disappointed. We'll see.

Blessings to you all. Thanks for being a part of the best time in my life.

[staylor]

Hey everyone! It was great to come back and see some posts to our thread. How is everyone's summer? Ours has been crazy. We are going to WDW Oct. 8-15 to do MNSSHP and Food and Wine Fest (if you look at Brack's pictures you see me in the theater with wine of course). The Food and Wine Festival is my favorite event of the year. We have another family traveling with us that has never been to Disney. I love taking people to WDW for their 1st time. Heck, I love taking people to WDW. LOL!

Brack I am so glad to hear you are well. I bet that was a rough time. My prayers go out to you. So you are thinking about Carnival huh? Did you look at Royal Carribbean, Princess, or Celebrity? I will say Carnival usually has the best deals though. My sister and brother in law went on Carnival last December and had a great time. BIL actually won $1,000 in the casino. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time, just try not to compare it to DCL. You can get some reviews over at cruisecritic dot com.

Well my cousin is a cast member at WDW and wants us to go with her family on the 7 night cruise in February 2006. Of course, I want to go but DH thinks it's too soon. Maybe if I win the lottery. We'll see!
Hope everyone is doing well. I will make it a point to check back here more often. Feel free to PM me too.
Staci

[brack]

It is great to hear from you. I am glad you are well. We think of you and your family every time we pass through Denton.

We have plans to go to WDW in September and December but our next DCL cruise is not until December 2006. If we go on a cruise with Carnival it will only be for the cost. They have some very cheap dates in October. We will not even try to compare it to DCL.

My surgery has not been as tough as I thought. I am doing much better each day as I do my exercises. Recovery has actually been fairly cool. My wife has been a great nurse.

Have a good time at Disney.

[staylor]

I'm glad to hear you are well. I bet your wife is taking great care of you.

I bet you will enjoy Carnival, I wouldn't worry. Just have fun!
You too have a great time at WDW.
Wave when you pass through Denton. I always wave when I fly through Ok. Lol!
Tell your wife hi.
We'll talk again soon
Staci

[brack3]

Wow! I had forgotten all about this thread. :cloud9: