Aug 14th 2004 - Anyone coming with us?

[TartanFan]

I've searched but can't find a thread on the Aug 14th 2004 Western - are we the only ones so far?! DH and I will be there with DD12, celebrating our 30th anniversary!

Anyone wanna help us celebrate?

[SJCSuzy]

Hi Tartan Fan:wave2:

We'll be sailing on the Aug 14th Magic with you! Myself, DH, DS-11, DD-7, my Mom and friend too. This will be our 4th cruise on the Magic and the second on the western itin.

Have you guys ever cruised before? What are you plans for the ports? We'll have to get together and toast your 30yrs :bride: :groom:

See ya in August!

[TartanFan]

Hi Suzy!

Glad to find a fellow cruiser at last! And what a coincidence! We're going on our 4th Magic adventure and 2nd Western too! Last time was Western in 2002! Looks like your DS and my DD will be in the Lab together - maybe they could get in touch so they have a "friend" before they go. Feel free to PM or email me!

Still in planning stages for excursions - we're negotiating on the culture/beach/chillin on board stuff!

Looking forward to sharing our celebration.

Only 6 months to go! Keep in touch!

[js'smom]

:D This will be our first ever cruise and we picked Disney for our daughter, who is 8. The week we picked is the week between summer camp ending and school begininng. She is very excited that she can go to the lab and her dad and I can go another way. I am also new to this type of messaging, so I do not know any abbreviations. I am trying to read up on tips for packing and tips for the cruise, so appreciate any help on ensuring my daughter has a great time. Just being in the sun on a boat will ensure that I have a great time!

[TartanFan]

First off - Welcome to the DIS! You couldn't have come to a better place to find all the info and tips you need! Glad to have another cruiser with us on August 14th. My daughter was 8 when we first cruised DCL so feel free to shoot any questions our way! (You can email me if you like) And your daughter and mine will be in the Lab together (although in different groups) so maybe they can "look out" for each other!

I know you're all going to have a MAGICal time!

[Juliet25]

Me too! I just booked a trip last night! Well, I didn't actually book it since Disney was closed and my TA had to clear something with them before our deposit went through, but I'm (hopefully!) but booked up by tonight.

I'm traveling with my DH (28) and my DD (16 mos at the time of cruising). It's my first cruise, but DH grew up in Miami so he's been on cruises before. (Well, I guess it isn't my first cruise. I took an overnight boat from somewhere in England to somewhere in Belguim, but that was just to get from point A to point B :p).

I'm so looking forward to this trip. I know my DD's kind of young to fully get anything out of it, but I just couldn't wait. We're taking her to the MK as well since we'll be in the area. :bounce:

[TartanFan]

Welcome to our happy band of 8/14 cruisers! Living in the south of England, we've done quite a few of those cross-Channel runs (but mostly to France - never been to Belgium!) and believe me - cruisin Disney-style is in a different universe!

Even if your DD is too young to remember it herself, you'll have all those wonderful memories (not to mention photo opportunities!) to share with her when she's older! We took DD to WDW for the first time when she was 10mos and she still likes to look photos and video at the grand old age of 12yrs!

Looking forward to meeting with you in a little over 5 months!!!

[TartanFan]

Shamless bump to find some more Aug 14th cruisers!

[Michele25]

Hi Everyone,

I just registered on this site tonight, and am so excited to see that there are some of you who will be on our cruise on August 14th. I just booked it last week. It is our first ever Disney Cruise and I will be traveling with DH, DD (9) and DD (5 1/2 now, but will be 6 by the time we leave). Some friends of ours are also joining us and have a DD (11) and DD (8). We are going to celebrate my 40th birthday (how did that happen? I'm sure I was just 25 last week) which is actually in May. Ironically though, the day we set sail it is my DH birthday (not a milestone year).

I love reading everyone's cruise reports--they are so informative and interesting! I also read the Passporter's Guide to the Disney Cruise Line before I booked the trip, and was amazed at what an awesome and informative book it is. I can't wait until the new edition is out!!

P.S. How do you get the count down calendar to appear at the bottom of your posts?

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Hi, everyone! :Pinkbounc :bounce:

We'll be sailing on the August 14th Magic Western too!!
Myself and DH, just the two of us. This will be our third Disney Cruise, first on Western itinerary and we are staying at WDW a few days before our Cruise.

Happy 30th anniversary, Tartanfan! We celebrated our 25th on the Magic two years ago!
We'll be glad to share info and tips on this thread, as well as "MAGICal dreams" :crazy:, while counting down the days missing to our cruise.

BIG HUGS from Italy to everyone !!!! :sunny:

[TartanFan]

Hi to all the Aug 14th cruisers again! Anyone decided on excursions yet? Only request from DD is to go to a Mayan site so trying to decide between Tulum and San Gervasio. Tulum seems like a very long (and hot!) day to me - anyone have an opinion? I really need time to catch Carlos n Charlies!!!! Think we may do our own thing in the other ports but that could well change!

We're in a Cat 6 on deck 6 aft and have early seating (again DD's choice) but I'm thinking of moving to late. I liked late much better on our last cruise. Just one more thing to obsess about!

Hope you're all enjoying your planning - let's keep the thread alive!

[Michele25]

Hi TartanFan!

We're in a category 6 too, but we have a GTY., and don't know where our room is yet. We also have early dinner seating because we thought it would be better for our 2 DD's. (See my first post above).

I've just started looking into excursions, and have been asking others for some suggestions. Let me know what you find. It has to be appropriate for a 6 and 9 year old, though.

I also hope to keep this thread going!!!!!

Michele :jumping1:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

We went to a Tulum excursion a few years ago; it was a Royal Caribbean cruise, but the excursion is the same (I think)
It was VEEEERY HOOOT! :sunny:

DH videocamera died due to the high temperature !

Nevertheless I would recommend it if you are interested in archeological sites.

This is the only Mayan site overlooking the Ocean ... and if you are lucky you may have a chance to see an IGUANA sleeping in some hole of the the ruins :confused:

The mexican guides are very friendly and they are proud to be considered as descendants of the Mayan people.

Laura :wave2:

[jjjj]

I will be there too.
With DH and DS (3)

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:bounce: Welcome, JJJJ !!!!!!!
Looks like our happy "club" is growing ! :chat:

We are soooooooo looking forward this cruise !!!!
I love " vacationing" - when someone else does ALL THE COOKING AND CLEANING ! ;)

I'm now listening to " LA VIDA MICKEY 2 " ... and dreaming about that wonderful sail away deck party !!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

What do you all "do" while waiting for our ( not so far ) cruise?

LOL Laura :wave2:

[jjjj]

What is La Vida Mickey?

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

It's a music CD. We bought it trough Amazon- but I believe you can find it in US at every music store. It's the kind of music they play during deck parties ... featuring popular Latin tracks, like Mickey loves mambo,Arriba arriba, Besame mucho ... rearranged Mickey style.
:cool1:

I'm crazy about this music because it makes me remember the "magic" sail away party we had on the Magic two years ago ... we got to dance during that party with some of the fellow cruisers (we knew from this board ) : IT WAS FUN !!!!!! :earsgirl: :earsboy:

There is also LA VIDA MICKEY , as lovely as n. 2, featuring "classics" like Oye como va, Ballamos, Guantanamera...
We all are going to listen to these "hits" ( I guess) while OUR ship pulls away from the dock - there will be Disney characters , cast members at the terminal waving the ship off ... For me it's one of the most beautiful experiences of my past cruises. :crazy:

Who wants to party ?

laura:wave:

[TartanFan]

OK, it's my mission to keep this thread alive and on page 1 until we all sail away!

Laura - know exactly what you mean about the Sailaway Party - we've got video of three of them! (we've done a 4-day when there was only the Magic, an Eastern and a Western two years ago!). Our location of choice is on Deck 10 so that we can enjoy the party on Deck 9 but still see the CM's at the terminal waving us off and us waving to the "poor people" at Jetty Park as we glide up the channel and out to sea! Now you know what I do while I wait - I reminisce (think I may have to get the videos out too!).

Kinda into planning mode but don't want to over-do it - I really quite like the "wing it" attitude and since I've booked the Romantic Escape package, that's something else that'll be taken care of before we go!

Everyone please keep posting - let's make this a MAGICal cruise for all!!!!!!!!!.:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

[jjjj]

What is a Romantic Escape package?

What is Jetty Park ?

[Invisible Penguinboy]

:earseek:

Hey i just signed up on DIS boards and im going on the August 14 cruise too. Im only sixteen but im going with a group of about thirty people and for most of us its our first time. its my first time and im really looking forawrd to it. i was wondering if anybody could send me some cruise tips or someting. looking forawrd to seeing everybody.

[TartanFan]

Still on my mission! (Been away from the boards for a few days, don't you just hate it when work interferes with real life!)

jjj - Romantic Escape Package is an add-on package. It's $299 and includes a "romantic" gift basket, couples massage, Palo dinner, Champagne Breakfast (booked it as a surprise for DH for our anniversary!). Jetty Park is an area at the end of the channel before the ship heads out to open sea and there are usually a bunch of people watching as the Magic/Wonder heads out.

Invisible Penguinboy (fab name!) - Sorry can't help with friends for you (DD is only 12) but keep reading this Board - I'm sure you'll get all the cruising tips you need and make some friends too! And how great to be with a group of 30! Think of what a DIS meet we could have, we would take over Deck 10!

It's almost April which means that we'll soon be saying "only 4 months till we're there!"

Keep in touch everyone!

[Poly Pal]

Count us in! We have 2 boys who will be 11 and 6 when we sail. We'll be on Deck 6, starboard side aft. Hoping for APL rotation with early seating.

[skyhawk]

We are on Deck 6 also, but we are not on the starboard side, we are on the right side! (OK- I'm trying to make a joke, bear with me). Things shhould start moving quicker once the warmer weather comes .

[TartanFan]

I think Deck 6 is going to be THE place to be on the Aug 14th cruise! We're aft, starboard (as opposed to the right side, Skyhawk!).

Poly Pal - Had LAP last two times (once early, once late) and it was fine but then I'm not really fussed so we'll go with the luck of the draw!

Welcome to our new fellow cruisers - I think a DIS meet is definitely on the agenda!

Keep in touch everyone - not too long to go!!!!!!!!!!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[skyhawk]

Has anyone been to the Western in mid-August? I'm already booked, not about to change, but just wondering about the weather? I know Florida is hot and humid - are the islands a little cooler? Also, it's Hur***** season (don't want to say it out loud). Anyone have experience cruising with a Hur***** nearby? Main reason I'm asking these questions is to get out thread back up to the top again! ::yes::

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Me too, I've had quite a busy week !!!!:mad:
WELCOME TO OUR "NEW" FRIENDS !!!!! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Yes, myself and DH were on the Western itinerary two years ago... (It was a RCC cruise - visiting same ports of call).
We had a wonderful time - it was mid- August and there was an .......H .... cane somewhere out there ... but the cruise had been safe and smooth, we just arrived a bit late to Gran Cayman-but anyway we were able to go on scheduled shore excursions!! and we had lot of fun!

We plan to stay at WDW a few days before our cruise ...
:yo-yo: after all I'm celebrating my birthday !!! and I dream all day about this vacation ( sometime I MUST work too !!):(
Don't know yet at what resort ! Waiting for AP discounts!

Keep in touch !!
LOL, Laura

[TartanFan]

This will be our third DCL cruise in August. Did Eastern Aug 2001 and Western Aug 2002! Weather was fabulous both times (only had one 2 minute spell of rain on a sea day on the Eastern!) The islands were hot but not quite so humid as Orlando from what I can remember. No H******s in the area at all.

So we're going "3 for 3" this time with all you good folks.

Laura - didn't realise it's your birthday as well as our anniversary when we cruise. Double party time!!! :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Anyone else celebrating anything?

[js'smom]

My birthday is August 11 so we will be celebrating on the cruise (figure it's close enough). I am impressed reading all the posts from those who have done multiple cruises. This is our first, of what I hope will be many, many, cruises. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday from being on the ship or on the beach. Of course I prefer to think of my special day as being as anniversary of my 39th (I used to say 29th, but I'm a little too past that age), and not another birthday. We are down on deck 2, so I hope it's not too noisy. I do plan on us being so tired we will hit the room at night and just sleep, regardless of any noise. Had a question about towels - do I need to pack beach towels for each of us or will they have towels for us to use at the pool?

I just can't wait. It makes the long day at work a little more bearable knowing a cruise is in my future!

[TartanFan]

js'smom - there are plenty of towels available poolside and I've never brought extras. When we went to the beach, we took towels from the ship with us (of course, we returned them too!) but be warned that they're not very big!

Hope everyone's having a fun weekend!:wave2: :wave2:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

HI, Everybody! :D

Js'smom: my birthday will be on August 15th! I am "quite" past my 29th! Guess ... we got married when I was 25 and we already celebrated (on the Magic :boat: ) our 25th wedding anniversary. princess:

Still both of us feel like grown-up Disney-Kids!! ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo

WE DO HAVE TO CELEBRATE ALL TOGETHER, our birthdays AND TartanFan anniversary!!:jumping3: :jumping4: :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Any other anniversary / celebration?



We are on deck 2 as well, Js'smom! We were on the same deck last Summer (on the Wonder) and we had NO PROBLEMS (of noise) AT ALL, though we were directly below Beat Street / Route 66 :cool1: (that's the adult-only "clubs" district) and is supposed to be very NOISY :scared1: We never heard anything!!! :D

This August we are booked in room 2103, mid-ship.

See you on the Magic ... in ... how many days? :wave2:

laura:jumping1:

[skyhawk]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let everyone know that the Cruise Meets thread for August 7 is 34 pages!!! - We have 2! How do you go about recruiting people to post on here? Or, maybe the ship will be empty except for the 5 or so of us!

See you all in August!

:bounce:

[TartanFan]

Skyhawk - just remember that it's quality not quantity that counts! I like to think of us as a small but select band! And I've got a couple of days off work this week so I reckon I could get us up to at least 10 pages by the time I have to go back Thursday!

Anyone have exciting plans for Easter? My DH actually has Easter Monday off this year (he's an airline employee) so we might get to do a family outing - haven't decided what yet tho!

Remember everyone - keep reading and keep posting. We've only got 4 months to go!:wave: :wave: :wave:

[TartanFan]

Yep - here I am on the boards instead of doing laundry on my time off!

I gave DD(12) printouts of the excursions available last night and asked her what she'd like to do. Big mistake:crazy: :crazy:

We have so far:

Key West - nothing (that means she wants to stay on board at the Club. Which further means Margheritaville and Hogs Breath for us! Happy day!)

Grand Cayman - Nautilus Undersea Tour, Rum Point Beach Adventure, Island Tour. These all leave within an hour and a half of each other so decisions, decisions! PS - we didn't do any excursions in Grand Cayman last time so it's all new.

Cozumel - HELP!!!!! She's marked off 10!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: Think I'll have to put them all in a hat and draw out a winner!

Think I might just let DH and DD fight it out, send them on their way and hit Deck 10 with a good book and a $2.99 Bloody Mary!

Weather here in UK is awful right now - cold and rainy. Can we make the next 150 days go any quicker? I need that Caribbean sunshine!

:moped: :moped: :moped:

[skyhawk]

We are looking at different excursions also. I think Key West will just be walking around. Thinking about the dolphins in Cozzumel, laying in the sun at Grand Cayman, and snorkeling and parasailing at CC. and we're down to 129 days - once the weather warms up and it actually starts to feel like spring, the time should go quickly. :bounce:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:bounce: Hallo, everyone!!!!:Pinkbounc

I'm off from work until April 19th !!!! :tongue: :tongue:

Ya, I'm a :teeth: :mad: :( teacher !!!!! Just kidding, I love my job and my boys are fond of my lessons, we use to have a lot of fun together :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
Best part of my job is ... I get three months (or more) vacations every year !!!!!!!!!;)

To celebrate Easter time myself and DH will go for a SHORT visit to Gardaland : it's a sort of miniaturized WDW...no Disney characters though ... just rides, roller coasters, a few shows and a mini - parade with stilt walkers. VERY different from MAGIC (to us) WDW in US or Disneyland Paris ... but that's all we can do by now.
We just need to laugh and smile, like "true" kids. ::yes:: ::yes::

And , of course, we are having a BIG Easter Italian style dinner,
with all the family : appetizers, lasagne, lamb,chocolate dove, STRONG Italian coffee ... Want to try a sample ?:happy1: :happy1:

Have you ever been to Gardaland, TartanFan?
For us it's the first visit !


And, YES, we'll try to think about shore excursions as well !!!:earsgirl: :earsboy:

[TartanFan]

Laura - you're making me so jealous! All that wonderful REAL Italian food and PROPER Espresso - can we come visit? !?!?!? Unfortunately, I've only visited Italy once - a girls' weekend in Rome which turned into a bit of a disaster as the friend I went with tore some ligaments in her ankle on some cobbles on the first evening (nothing to do with the Grappa, honestly!) so we had to come home the next day! To my shame, the only thing I remember of Rome is passing the Colliseum on the way from the airport and then again going back! I have been to Disneyland Paris tho - it was fun but doesn't really compare to WDW!

Skyhawk - we did the Dolphin Encounter on our last Western cruise and really enjoyed it. Let me know if you want any info. I also parasailed for the very first time at CC and it was awesome! Was really scared while I waited for my turn but once I woz up there - WOW!!!!!!!!! (Tried snorkeling but didn't do too well - I think I have a low centre of gravity! Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!) DD wants to go tandem with me this time.

Really glad we've got a conversation going here - can't wait to meet everyone in August! Let's keep this thread going people!!!

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

[skyhawk]

Hey TartanFan,

Happy Tartan Day! To be perfectly honest, I wasn't familiar with the day, but seeing your name, and seeing a bit about your background, and then doing some research - I am learning. I'm sure it's important to you. Living here in New York I sometimes forget my European roots. Gonna have to remedy that!

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Sorry for asking... What is Tartan Day? We live in Italy, never heard of that !

TartanFan, yes, NOTHING can compare with WDW US ...I would like to LIVE there ...
Maybe. when we retire ...

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Just another question :

TartanFan, how was "the encounter" ?
Myself and DH wear glasses, both would feel VERY unconfortable without ! He is a good swimmer , I'm not at all !!!(I am scared ...when I can't touch ground with my feet ....)

BUT I would like so much to be with those dolphins !!!!!!:bounce:
What do you think? how much friendly are they ? Do you need to swim in some place of the excursion? Could we keep our glasses on ? is there any chance the glasses will fall into water ...I sure don't want to loose or break them !

What do you suggest ?????

Thanks.

All of you HAVE A DISNEY DAY !!!!! :earsgirl: :wave2:

[skyhawk]

Mickey's Dreamers,
You may want to do the dolphin encounter - which is different from a "swim". I did this in Nassau last year on a RCCL cruise. You go into waist deep water on a platform, and the dolphin comes up to you and lets you pet him, feed him, and he will probably give you a kiss. They are so powerful yet so gentle. You can wear your glasses (although they may get splashed). From what I gather from your note, this may be the way to go for you.

:sunny:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:jumping2:

THANKS SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH, Skyhawk!!!!

In my opinion the choice you are offering is ...BRILLIANT !!!!
WOW !!!!!:tongue: :tongue:
It looks like I CAN GO FOR IT !!!!!!!! It has always been one of my (secret) dreams !

Only one thing left: convince DH I can do it (i.e. I'm NOT going to fall into the water!! - I'm such a clumsy person from time to time !!! ) :earseek:

You feed the dolphins with ... WHAT ?

[skyhawk]

Well, I hear dolphins like cheeseburgers and fries , but they will give you some small fish, hold it by the tail, and your new friend will take it from you:::yes::

[TartanFan]

Laura - the encounter we did in Cozumel was exactly as Skyhawk described for the one in Nassau, except that we didn't get to feed the dolphin (not even cheeseburger and fries!!!!) Our dolphin was very friendly and we had a lot of interaction with her (there were about 10 of us on the platform). Absolutely no swimming involved and your feet will always be on terra firma! We have some very cute (and expensive!) souvenir pictures of the "kiss". I'll try to scan them and post.

(PS - I had my sunglasses on the whole time and managed to stay attached to them. Just as well as they were my splurge!! Who in their right mind wears Gucci sunglasses to a dolphin encounter - DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I'd definitely recommend it - DD has checked that one again but think we'll go for one of the other ten she's picked!!!!!!!!!

[SJCSuzy]

We did the Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel on our last cruise! It was the highlight of our trip. You are standing on a platform in the water so no swimming involved even though they make you wear life jackets. I'm 5'3" and the water was up closer to my collar bone rather than chest. For our kids, DS-8 and DD-5 at the time, we just held on to their hands so they could just float next to us.

We booked it through Disney but if we do it again I would definately book it on our own. Good luck with you decisions.

[Invisible Penguinboy]

:earseek:

hey everybody

my mom and dad went on a cruise for their anniversary last year and they did the dolphin encounter and they loved it. now they want to take me and my brother. but when my dad was looking for other excursions (hes a little obsessed, weve had the cruised booked since august and youd think we were going tomorow the way hes prepared) and he found one for a dolphin swim that you had to book on your own not through disney. o was wondering if anybody had ever done the dolphin swim rather than the dolphin encounter and if so which one they liked better.

see everyone in august

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

THANK YOU! Everyone! :boat:

TartanFan: Thanks! Now I am sure we'll spend a LOT OF MONEY :confused: on the souvenir pictures of my "dolphin" kiss!!:teeth:
Glad to hear you could wear (sun)glasses :smooth: the whole time!! Gucci is quite expensive, but have good quality material, good fashion and ... a good signature :rotfl:

SkyHawk: OK, I'll stop by the local McDonald's to buy some (fish)burger and fries!!! Hope my new friend has his /her own ketchup :duck:

SJCSuzy: I guess I'm about 5'6" or 5'7" (not sure; too much Maths involved) anyhow I will definitely book this "ENCOUNTER": this might be the highlight of our cruise too!!:jumping3: :jumping4: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Invisible Penguinboy: glad to know you are looking for info about the "dolphin swim" ... so I know which one I AM NOT GOING TO PICK! :jumping1:

HAPPY EASTER DAY TO EVERYBODY!!!
:hyper: laura :hyper:

[skyhawk]

Hmmmm,

I keep checking here, and it doesn't seem like anyone else is sailing on the 14th. I thought, maybe if I wrote something and bumbed this thread back up to the top, someone would see it and add themselves. :wave2:

[js'smom]

It's my first cruise and I am still trying to figure out everything or I would jump in more often. I like to think that it's only 4 months to go for the cruise as opposed to over 100 days, as somehow 4 months sound so much shorter!

I was wondering about the parasailing? Is it possible for two to go up at once? My daughter really,really, wants to do it. She's at that I'm 8 and have no fear age (of course she's never had any fear, so I think she's going to go through life brave and conficent, which is OK). If we could two, then I would go with her as she is too light for the weight limit listed and I don't know if I am brave enough to let her go by herself.

I have decided that when the warmer weather comes (it's slowly coming, although this wet and chilly weather is depressing) I am going to try to drop 10 pounds before the cruise. That way I can eat and worry aobut gaining weight. I have type II diabetes, so I have to be a little careful about what I eat. I plan on doing a lot of walking around the ship after each meal to work off the sugar I am sure I will be tempted to eat. Any recommendations for good routes to take after meals would be very helpful.

Looking forward to ongoing dialogues as the 4 short months go by.

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

CIAO ( Hallo in Italian) everyone !!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

We eventually have SUN and warm Spring weather here !!!
which make me think of that MAGIC cruise not too far away !!!

Skyhawk: In my previous cruises boards there were not many more people involved ... but each of us LIKED TO ASK AND TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING !!! and , before boarding the ship, we all had become good friends ! We exchanged pictures of ourselves (to recognise one another), wrote about our hobbies and dreams,even booked some excursions together ...
We used to have 3 to 4 new messages every day !!!!

My guess is (maybe) people on this board can get ALL INFO they need somewhere else ... so they don't feel like becoming part of a club or ... gang . :smooth: or (maybe) August is still too far away ...:(



Js's mom: I know for sure you can find on board YUMMY cakes and cookies without sugar ... I tried them 2 years ago !!!!and they were very tasty !!! ( our friends could not have any sugar)

Anyhow you could go for free to the fitness room on deck 9 forward, they offer stair steppers, stationary bikes etc.
I also hear (never done) you can walk with others, if you like,in "walk a mile" classes every morning.
Myself, I've always found that I walk A LOT, just going from my stateroom to everywhere else on the ship ... I tend to use elevators random ... I like to stroll around and to watch ...or stare at ... all beautiful "things" you find at each step !!!! :bounce: :Pinkbounc



Tartanfan: one more question about Dolphin encounter.
As DH is very fond of videotaping ... do you think we could switch for the encounter and KISS ? so that Marco (DH) can take video of my encouter and , after a while, I can videotape HIS (scared) encounter ? Is there any safe DRY spot from where we could videotape ? THANKS !!! DH is quite crazy about his LOVED videocamera !!!

:crazy: ::yes::

[TartanFan]

:wave2: :wave2:

Hope everyone had a happy Easter - I had a very lazy one and am now struggling back at work. I could get used to 4 day weeks :tongue: :tongue:

Js'smom - I know you can definitely go tandem on the parasailing but not sure of the rules on the weight limits. My DD wants to go tandem with me too so maybe we'll be able to go together! I did it solo last time and it was awesome - great view and not at all scary! I hope you manage to drop those 10lbs - I'd like to do that too but I'm not holding out much hope! Deck 4 is great for walking in the daytime - and there are some wonderful padded lounge chairs there for when you've finished. Found DH asleep there more than once! After dinner, a stroll around Deck 10 in the moonlight is also nice (and quite romantic too!)

Laura - I'm also not sure about switching on the dolphin encounter. No-one did it on our excursion and I think it might be a bit of a hassle to do. The platform's quite long and there is a flight of steps to go up before you could switch. I would send the company an email direct and ask if it's possible. (I have the web address at home but I'm at work at the moment. I can post it later).

Looking forward to meeting everyone in August!

[js'smom]

:) Mickey's Dreamer - Thanks for the info on the sugar free cookies and cakes - it's great to know that I can indulge without worrying about the sugar impact. Also thanks for the information on walking - the walk a mile sounds great - especially if its early in the morning as I am an early riser (I start work at 6:00 am) so I could go do that while hubby and daugher sleep (they are the morning slugs).

Tartan fan - the moonlight walk on deck 10 sounds great - I know my daughter is going to love staying up late in the lab, which means the romatic walks are a definite possibily! I also apprecite the feedback on the parasail - will have to see about the weight as that is the only activity that my daughter really want to do.

I am already thinking about what to pack and what I will need. I tend to overpack for trips, so I will have to be careful to only take what I need. I do want to dress up for the formal and semi-formal dinner as we never go out to formal dinners. This is my chance to wear, once again, those fancy dresses I bought for the last school reunion that have worn since.

I read on another forum that Disney may revamp the process used to sign up for the special things like the sauna or Palo restaurants and you could do in advance on the internet. I like to have things done ahead of time (I am rather compulsive about planning) so I would prefer doing it in advance. I keep reading that as soon as you get on board you need to sign up the activities. We don't plan on doing a lot of extra things, as the fact that we on a ship in the sun is plenty for me. But I would like to do the dinner at Palo (am I spelling that right?) on night as it sounds great.

I appreciate having someone with experience that will be able questions as they arise in the short time period before the cruise (figure if I keep saying short time period, it will be short!).

I think I figured out how to get the excited bouncer on my message. Always a good way to end the day on a positive note. Since I get up at 5:00, I do tend to crash early.

Talk to you soon

:Pinkbounc

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:) :) :) :)
Js's mom : Palo is just WONDERFUL !!!!!!::yes:: ::yes::
You don't want to miss it !!!
Though we NEVER found it difficult to get reservations !!!
Marco (husband) used to go up there around 12.45pm and he always had our first choice with no problem at all .

Can I suggest to try their nice "champagne brunch"? we had very tasty shrimp and crab legs, pizza of the day and some delicious Italian cookies... (well, maybe with some sugar, I'm afraid), fresh berries ...out of the world !!!!!
You can get ONE reservation for each meal (dinner, brunch or tea, we don't recommend the last)... but if you show up from time to time during the cruise ...you can get more!!!
On our last seven-days cruise we had dinner at Palo three times,we got to know a "real" Italian waiter ...and he was so kind to let us know when someone had cancelled their reservation.
:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
(We were at a table for two in the main dining-rooms - so we managed to go to Palo as often as possible ... as we were not having any table- mates to miss. )
As you might know we are from Milan, Northen Italy ... and Palo claims it is offering Northern Italian cuisine ... WHICH IS TRUE !!!
Don't miss the fried calamari or the portobello mushroom with polenta or the minestrone , YOU COULD NEVER EAT SOMETHING BETTER EVEN IN ITALY ITSELF !!!!!
I have to say they cook the best risotto we ever had outside Italy... and . PLEASE, try to save some space for.......
:tongue: :tongue: the chocolate-hazelnut soufflè with vanilla sauce ... OUTSTANDING !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Palo is also very romantic, ask for a table for two near the windows, you can dine at sunset... with incredible ocean views ;)

[js'smom]

Mickey's Dreamer - Thanks much for the info about Palo. Sounds great and I do like Italian food. Getting the reservations sounds like a good job for my husband while I check our daughter into the lab. I was fortunate enough to get to Italy on business several times, on the coast around Pisa. I used to work for the Department of Defense School System and I would visit the military schools in Italy.

It has a been a long week at work, and its only Wednesday. Knowing I have the trip to look forward to does make the job a little more bearable. Of course working is helping to pay for the trip, so I know that the stressful days are at least going for a good cause.

What time do you start boarding the ship? I can't remember when our flight arrives, so hope we get their in a timely fashion. I

By for now, will definetely be writing more later.

[skyhawk]

js'smom,
I've never been on a Disney cruise yet, so I can't say for sure, but from what I gather after researching, the terminal opens at about 10:30 or so for check-in. I believe you can start to board the ship at about 12:00, or possibly earlier.
Nice to know we are now under the 4 month mark. :bounce:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Hallo to everybody :D

Js'smom: to have more detailed information on boarding time and activities on board I suggest you check an example of "Personal Navigator".
It's a 4 pages sheet that lists all days activities: they leave next day "Navigator" in your stateroom every evening, so you can decide what you do the day after.

Of course they change every cruise, so you cannot know what will precisely happen in our cruise :confused:
but reading one of a recent cruise :boat: will give you a very good feeling of what to do while aboard !!!!
We do like to plan in advance ... and those Navigators helped us a lot !!!!

You can check a copy of a March Navigator at Dave's site:

http://dcltribute.com/navigators/west_carib/

Ciao :wave2:
Laura

[js'smom]

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

Mickey's Dreamers - Thanks much for the website info. I went and checked out the Navigators and was excited to see that they had current lab information for my dauther. I bookmarked the site so I can periodically check for updates.


Have a great week!

[markey]

I just found this thread, we too are cruising on 8/14. This is our 5th, 1 Wonder 2000, Eastern 2001, Western 2002, Eastern 2003 and now back again on the Western. We are on deck 2 with early seating. Will have a 9 yr old girl and a 10 yr old boy with us, our grandkids. They also have been on all the cruises with us. If any kids their age have any questions just ask, they know the clubs very well having started in the 5-6 age group. Did anyone check lately how much the price of the cruise has increased? We booked on board 8/2003 and the price is over $1700 more, Wow!

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :wave2: :wave2:

Welcome in our small-but-growing up HAPPY gang !!!!!

We too booked on board ( Wonder) in August 2003 - I'm not sure how much we did save ... I'll ask DH,as he does all payments ...
and I HAVE FUN !!!!!!!
:smooth:

I know we got about $200 spending aboard money; I guess we are having a category 10 stateroom at same price of categories 11 or 12 ...
::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::


See all of you on board in ... A SHORT TIME !!!!!

laura :wave:

[SJCSuzy]

Well, our group size is increasing. We've convinced my Mom and a friend to come with us. And also my best friend and her family too. So now we have 6 adults and 4 kids (12yo girl, 11yo boy, 2 7yos 1 girl, 1 boy). Right now we're hoping the waitlist for early dinner seating clears for my friends family or we'll all be switching to late seating.

Can't wait till we're on board and having a "magical" vacation!

[TartanFan]

Suzy - I just this weekend moved us from main to late seating (party of 3)! Maybe your friends could give DCL a call and see if they could be moved. I've read some earlier posts where they don't automatically allocate from waitlist when someone cancels or moves. Might be worth a try anyway! On another subject, we'll have our 12yo DD with us so feel free put them in touch before our cruise if you'd like!

Marky - I'll add my welcome to our happy band! Look like there are quite a few of us "returners" so any newcomers, please ask away for any info you want!

Just think - in about two weeks we'll be down to double digits! Roll on August (quickly if possible)!!!!!!!!!

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

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:smooth:
I'm not sure I wish time to go fast !!!?!!!! I mean, I do like these WAITING weeks ... before August !!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

From time to time, coming home from my work or "in the middle"of a boring meeting ... or just to have a little rest from everyday troubles ( my Mom has major health problems) I ENJOY SO MUCH being able to dream about that MAGIC trip to US and that DISNEY CRUISE !!!

:bounce: :wizard: :jumping2: :jumping4:

I try to figure what luggage we will need, what to pack ( AND BUY !!! for the trip), which excursion we are going to love best...
I even have fun buying those locks for TSA checks !!!

I'm thinking to "force" DH to wear (rent?) a tuxedo ; we never dress up ... and I liked so much those dressy tuxedos some gentlemen were wearing ... in our past cruises :groom:

Is someone of your DH taking along a tuxedo ?

LOL Laura

:wave:

[skyhawk]

I am actually trying to force myself not to think about the cruise so much. I find myself daydreaming, and doing things like surfing Disboards when I'm here at work. I'm also afraid that if I become too consumed by this, I will go into withdrawals after the cruise is over. The days seem to be flying by, but August still sounds so far off!!

Oops - gotta run - boss is coming! :eek:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Well, I've a (boring) boss too ...

but I have found in these last years that, even when cruise is over ...:smooth:
we have SO MANY MEMORIES and new friends .... and we are so OVERJOYED by so many "things" we have seen and done
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc
that we can easily work and be happy for a whole year or more !

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

AND, after all, when cruise is over ... you could always start dreaming ...:confused: about the next one !!!!:teeth:


Is anyone in your family thinking about wearing a tux ?

Laura

[skyhawk]

Hi Laura,

Glad you can relate to my obsessing. We never really considered renting tuxes (that word doesn't look right, does it?). There is me and 2 sons - 12 and 16. Tough getting them into ties let alone tuxes (actually they did mention it and thought it would be cool, but I don't think they would go for it when crunch time comes). While I don't expect any of us will wear one, I think it does add a little something extra to the experience. So, if DH doesn't mind, and the $$$ is not a problem, go for it - it will actually make everyone's experience more memorable.

::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Laura's husband here!

I succeeded to get a DISBOARDS email address with the name of my preferred character!:mad:

Now you can contact me and Laura at

grumpy@disboards.net

:thewave:

[js'smom]

Grumpy,

Love your email address. My husband's favorite Disney shirt has grumpy on it and it says GRUMPY. He frequently wears it on casual days to the office. However, he has consented [actually he says the correct phrase is "beaten into submission"] to wear a tux on the formal night dinners. This is our first cruise and I want to dress up.


:wave2: :wave2: :wave2:

[TartanFan]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while - been busy at work so not much time to surf the boards!

DH wore his tux on our last cruise and will be doing so again in August. DD already has her first formal dress (and she looks so beautiful I can't wait to see her in it on the cruise). The only one not set yet is me - at the moment I hate everyone in the clothing industry coz I can't find anything that doesn't make me look like a sack of potatoes right now! We're off to a quite formal wedding next month and so far my clothes shopping has been disaster! (Consoled myself today with a pair of inappropriate, impractical shoes tho!)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Diane

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Looks like there will be somebody else wearing a Tuxedo ! :groom:

DH (Marco, aka Grumpy :mad: ) consented to wear a Tuxedo, without grumpying too much :laughing:
BUT I had to promise he can bring his LOVED videocamera always and everywhere :crazy: , when he will be wearing his Tuxedo, or bathing suit or jeans or ...

Marco never had a tuxedo before :confused: and he is worried ... how to tie a bow tie? :scratchin

Ciao to all !
laura:happy2:

[TartanFan]

Sorry just had to get us back up the the top - we were in danger of going to the second page again!

Laura - can't help with the bow tie thing. DH cheats and wears a pre-tied one! On our last cruise, I wore a "ladies' tux" on formal night so if my shopping expiditions don't go any better than recently, I'll be wearing it again! I just hope we don't have the same servers and they remember!!!! LOL!!!

Have to tell you all I'm getting more excited by the day - we finally got some lovely sunny weather this weekend. DH and I sat out in the garden last nite til about 8.00pm (with some rather nice Italian white wine, Laura!) and most of our conversation was about our holiday (or should I say vacation now?!)

Anyone else staying on AFTER the cruise? We're booked at the Royal Pacific at Universal for 4 nights afterwards as it was just too hard to head for an 8 hour flight at the end of our last cruise - we're spinning this one out for as long as possible!

Can't wait to meet everyone in August!

Happy thoughts from the UK
Diane

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

CIAO to everyone !!!!
Hope you all are having a nice week !


TartanFan : how was your wine ? was it a Moscato ? or maybe a Spumante ? Lots to celebrate ...from now on to August !!!:love:

Marco has a pre-tied tie too ..... but he claimed HE IS WEARING A TRUE COMPLETE TUX or ....... nothing at all !!!! :crazy:
so I went shopping with a friend last weekend ... with no luck !!!
:(
I'm afraid here in Italy they use to wear tux ONLY at weddings ...so these formal coats are EXTREMELY pricey !!!! I'm not sure I ( and DH, when I succed to get him to the shop) want to spend at least 1500 - 2000 euro (or $) to buy a tux Marco will wear twice !!!:headache:

My friend suggested I can search on the Internet ... and buy (or rent) in US ...
I'm now even more confused ......
Marco would like a vest (?) ... but I' m not sure that fits for formal nights, maybe you wear a vest only at day-time ???
Moreover ... what are "cufflinks" ? and "studs"?
A formal shirt has no buttons ?

PLEASE, someone HELP ME !!!!

Any advise will be greatly appreciated !!!:confused3


Happy ( confused) thoughts from Italy , Laura :wave2:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:earseek:

CIAOOOOOOO !!!

Diane : how wonderful the Royal Pacific resort !!!
We were there last August !!! So close to the new park !!!

:bounce: :Pinkbounc

Did you get a good discount ? we had about half rake price
through the Orlando entertainment book !!!!

You will LOVE that resort !!!!

Laura

[markey]

Just wanted to also say how great the Royal Pacific is, stayed there is 2002 before cruise. We stayed at all 3 Universal Hotels and the RP is our favorite. Has anyone else decided on all their excursions? My choices are made - Key West 2 hr. ski jet tour, Grand Caymen Rum Point Beach, and Cozumel dune buggy tour. Anyone else joing us on any of these tours? The only one thru DCL will be Rum Point Beach. GD and I will stay on the beach while GS and DH do the snorkle. Eventhough this is not the first cruise, number 5, I am getting excited. Hope to make final payment next week so then it really seems closer. Saw someone else will be our neighbors, we are in 2801 with early seating. Nice to have someplace to show our excitement like this form.

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Markey ... are you sure to be sailing with us? ;)

From what I see from the staterooms plan, looks like there is no 2801 on our ship :boat:

:confused: :confused: :confused:

ciao
Laura:wave2:

[TartanFan]

Thanks for all the positive feedback on the Royal Pacific! We stayed at Hard Rock two years ago before our last cruise and loved the location, FOTL, etc so really looking forward to trying RPR this time.

Markey - we're still trying to decide on excursions! In Key West we'll probably do the Conch Train tour by ourselves and a bit of shopping. The others are still up for discussion!

We've actually made our final payment so there's no going back now!!!!!!!!! Just got to count down the days! :tongue: :tongue:

We're on Deck 6 (6626) with late seating - drop by anytime for a glass of wine on the verandah!:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[markey]

Sorry about the 2801-sometimes my fingers move faster then my brain, it's 2108. The Conch Train is the same as the trolly, but you cannot get off the Conch train. With the trolly you can get off at points of interest and reboard, this is what we did in 2002, so maybe that would be a better choice. Also in August it is very hot the kids were not in the best of moods while doing this tour, not enough to interest them. That's why this year we had to go with the water, jet skies. If you are going to do the trolly or Conch train don't go with the DCL excursion. Buy your tickets on line and you will save money, we did and there was no problems.

[skyhawk]

Just wanted to bump us up to the top!

:thewave:

[Poly Pal]

98 Days!

[js'smom]

I have what will probably seem to you veterans a silly question, but I have to ask. How many suitcases are we allowed to bring on the ship? My mom just came back from a cruise and she had to put everything in one suitcase and a carryon bag. If I am down to one suitcase, it will take me from now until the cruise date to figure out how to fit everything into the suitcase. Of course my mom did not take the largest suitcase, but it weighed almost the max allowed. Good news for me is my daugher's stuff will probably not take up one suitcase and I am sure she will share with me. ounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[TartanFan]

js'smom - don't remember there being a limit on the number of suitcases you can take on board. Think you're only limited as to storage space in your stateroom! There are 3 of us travelling and last time, I think we had two suitcases, a garment bag and assorted carry-ons! I'm sure you could get on with three cases between the two of you without any problems if need be!

Hope everyone else is well and happy and looking forward to our cruise date - down to double digits now!

We're going to be listing for our flights to the US next week (DH is an airline employee so we can only apply 3 months out) - one more thing to cross off the list - just 1001 things left!!!!!!!!!!

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

See y'all soon!!!

Diane

[skyhawk]

Once again, nothing really important to say, but I thought I would move us up to the top so that some unsuspecting August 14'ther might notice us.

Closing in on the 90 day mark! - What seemed like a far away date, is now getting closer. Since booking last August, I always felt that once hitting the 90 day mark, you could say "we are going soon!".

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

[markey]

I also booked last August while on board, and today just made the final payment, now I am ready to book 1 excursion for GC with DCL (when we reach the 60 day mark), have Key West and Cozumel taken care of on my own. Have the plane tickets, room booked for beach from Monday to Saturday, and rental car. I guess sit back and enjoy the summer, even though I love to go on vacation summer is my favorite time of the year, so I'm not trying to russ anything.

[disneyma]

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to let you know that we will be joining the list of people on this 8/14/04 Western. We are looking forward to it. Am a bit suprised that more people aren't on the list. The week before and after seem to be overflowing! Looking forward to staying in touch with everyone over the next few months!

Ed and Bryan from Massachusetts

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by disneyma
Hi Everyone,

The week before and after seem to be overflowing!



The week before and after are the first Antigua cruises
:confused:

[disneyma]

Actually I think that is in October as the week before and after is going to San Juan.


Special 7-Night Caribbean Cruises
Sail to St. Thomas and San Juan or St. Thomas and Antigua and Disney's own island in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Check rates and dates for this itinerary.
7-Night Caribbean Cruise
Sailing to San Juan, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay on 8/07/04, 8/21/04 and 09/04/04

[TartanFan]

Can't have us back on page 3 when we've only got 81 days to go! Which means that I've only got 3 weeks left to decide which excursions (if any!) we want!

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

[disneyma]

IT is really amazing how fast time is going by.....time to start making those decisions!

[skyhawk]

As we get closer (see countdown clock below) we have become a bit more relaxed actually - I think I'm just exhausted from being so excited since last August. Regarding excursions, I think we are leaning towards relaxing a bit more - I think we are just going to do our own dolphin "swim" in Cozumel - other ports, just walk around, maybe stay on the ship. :boat:

Well, it's almost June! It's getting to be crunch time!

:cool1:

[zeets1]

We are a family of 4 from New Jersey. Any ideas in terms of excursions?::MickeyMo

[TartanFan]

You can all sleep easy in your beds now - I've finally made ALL my decisions on excursions, ressies, etc!!!! I just need the 60 day mark to come around quickkt so I don't change my mind again!

We'll do a Conch Train tour on our own in Key West, Island Tour in Grand Caymen (just so I see more of the island than the Hard Rock Cafe like last time!), Cozumel Ruins and Beach Tour for DD's benefit (Tulum looks more interesting but can't face a 7hr trip in the August heat!) and parasailing on CC for DH and DD (I did it last time and missed Cookies - not letting that happen again!)

I've booked the REAS as a surprise for DH so I've decided on our Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner and Spa times and will be calling DCL shortly to set those up. We'll have a bottle of Champagne as part of our gift basket so if anyone fancies a drop of fizz on the verandah, feel free to come on over to our place (but not on Champagne Breakfast morning!) :wave: :wave: :wave:

Looking forward to meeting as many of my fellow DISers as possible - let's keep this thread on the front page for the next two months! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Best wishes from the UK
Diane

[skyhawk]

Just wanted to see how much more time, and to bump us back up to the top. Wow - looks like we're getting close!!
:jumping2:

[markey]

We took the trolly tour in 2002, it was the hottest thing we did the whole cruise, and with the Trolly we were able to get off and on. The kids were miserable and complained the whole time because it really was not that interesting, I was bored. The best thing was to have a picture taken at the Southern Most Point in the USA, and that only took about 10 minutes. So make sure you take water and dress cool. Key West was very hot the day we were there.

[Yunchman]

Hey everyone! This is our first post and will be our second DC and our first time western!
We are Stacy and Shelby and we are very excited about the cruise! We love everything disney and really enjoy reading these boards! :earsboy:

[js'smom]

It seems like the cruise is just around the corner. School was out last Wednesday for my daughter and she started summer camp this week. The cruise is the week after camp ends. So we have taken one more step towards the trip, camp started. I also have decided what excursions I want to sign us up for and have agreed to do try the parasailing with my daughter. She's too light to do it herself, but with our combined weights, we'll be fine. Also wanted to do the submarine trip and the day at the beach. Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on renting the equipment up front for Castaway Cay? I thought it might be smart just to rent it to have it to use all day so we don't have to worry about getting there a certain time to rent the equipment.

I started a new job last month and the first thing I did was to be sure they knew when I was taking a week off in the summer for my vacation. I think it's almost time to start a little calendar and tear off each day until the Magic day.

Going shopping with my Mom Friday to a great store that has their summer dresses on sale and thought I might look for something special for the cruise. I asked to leave work early and told my supervisor I needed to go to do some very important shopping! Husband said not to spend too much (of course that depends on your definition of what is "too much".)

I am not doing well on trying to drop a few pounds before the cruise as I now I will pick up a few pounds. I started walking every night after dinner, so will see what some perseverance will do.

I just can't wait for the trip. Made the final payment last week, so we are very ready.

Hope everyone has a great summer break.

[markey]

Everything else done, made the last excursion plans with DCL yesterday, Rum Point Beach and banana boat. So now the wait for the docs. Last year was the longest we waited, only got 2 1/2 weeks before we left, always leave the Mon. for FLorida before have gotten as early as 6 weeks before. First one to receive please post!
Also have jet skis in Key West and Dune Buggy in GC. Anybody else on any of these?

[skyhawk]

Markey - did you find the Key West Jet-skies through Disney, or independent? Sounds interesting - I'd like to find out more information.

Thanks for your help. :worship:

[markey]

skyhawk - I booked the tour myself with Islan Water Sports www.island-watersports.com It's a 2 hour tour leaving at 1:30, also had a later one. It's $95 per person, second rider is $10. If you go to their site it gives you a map of the tour-all the way around Key West. Someone else wrote a trip report and had a great time. Last time Key West was very hot in August, so I wanted something with water to do in the afternoon. I called and set it up, they require a credit card, but do not charge your card, will only charge if a no show. Also if you cancel within 24 hours, which you would know by then if the ship had to divert you are charged nothing. It is suppose to be right where the ship docks.

[TartanFan]

Final payment made ages ago, REAS ressies made last week, excursions booked yesterday, Shirley @ Perfect Gift doing a basket for DD.

What to do for the next 8 weeks? Well, for starters, got out all the old Navigators from our previous cruises and re-lived the memories :tongue:

js'smom - we've done the all day rental at CC but found it wasn't really necessary. There were still piles of floats and rings at lunchtime. (I feel your pain about losing those extra pounds, BTW. I seem to be expanding instead of contracting! Time to buy a nice cover-up I think!) Booked parasailing for DH and DD - got a 10.00am slot - yeah! They won't miss lunch at Cookies like I did last time! Have you booked yet? What time did you get?

Hopefully time will now fly.

See you all soon!

[js'smom]

Well, it was a busy week at work for me and hubby, so just now did the excursions. I was too late for the catamaran racing in Key West, so went with the afternoon Schooner. I do enjoy sailing, so it should be fun. I showed my daughter the picture of the schooner on its web page and she said it looked like fun. (At least this was not as critical as the Princess Breakfast at Disney World when my daughter was younger because for that one I did call right at the first opportunity on the first day you could call and got us the reservations. It was great!) I got the parasailing for my daughter and I at 1:30 and that's what she really wanted to do. I'm a little nervous, but it sounds like it will be worth my being a little scared. Husband just wanted to lay around on the beach and in the water, but we are taking him with us on the Schooner and we are also all doing the Nautilus Undersear Tour on Grand Cayman.

Gotta make dinner. Counting down the days!

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:jumping1:

HALLO, everyone !!!
Hope your "waiting" for the cruise is as MAGICal and SCRUMPTIOUS as OURS !!!!!!!

We are all done too !
Excursions booked yesterday:we will be doing the Key West walking tour .............and some shopping + pay a visit to Sloppy Joe's+ (maybe,if DH "permits") try hot and GREASY conch fritters !!! :crazy:
We also booked Stingray City AND island tour ( 7.30 AM ).
Dolphin discovery 10.20 AM slot was ALREADY (?) sold out, so we are now booked at 12.00 PM - time that DH doesn't like very much, but I really wish to make this "encounter" !!!!:fish: :love:

TARTANFAN: hubby found somewhere on the internet and printed the newest Navigators for Western itinerary ... so we can now DREAM day by day ... hour by hour ... what we would like to do !!!


I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited !!!

( Time to do some shopping for the cruise ? Do I have all the dresses I (do not) need ???)

See you soon !!!!!!!


:wave2: :wave2: :wave2:

[TartanFan]

I went to Royal Ascot yesterday (a horse race meet attended by HM Queen Elizabeth if you're not familiar). It's more of a social occassion than anything else! I'm not normally a gambler but since I had been invited thru work and it didn't cost me anything to be there, I had a few bets (actually won 4 races out of 6!) and made a profit! I think that's a few more Cintrontini's paid for!

8 weeks to go!

See y'all soon!

:tongue: :hyper: :tongue: :hyper: :tongue: :hyper:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc

TARTANFAN : sure you have had a good time !!!

Are the ladies still wearing long dressy gowns and LARGE hats ? Did you see the queen ?
I would have loved to be there ?

:jumping1:

REALLY ONLY:crazy: 8 weeks to go ?!!!!!!!!
WOW !!!!!!!!!!

Silly question: what is a Cintrontini ?

SEE YOU really SOOOOOOOOOOON !!!:earsboy: :earsgirl:

[zoeysblue]

I am happy to say that we are also cruising on the 14th of August. This is our first post, but we have been reading the boards for about a year!
We are traveling with our DS13 and DD6.
We can hardly wait!! :earsgirl:

We haven't booked any excursions yet. We are trying to find something fun for DS13 as well as DD6. It is hard to find something that interests both of them. Any ideas?

DS13 celebrates his 14th birthday while we are on the cruise, so we want to do something special for him.

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Good to have you and your family !!!!!:grouphug:


Is this your first cruise ?

Maybe your kids will like the dolphin encounter in Cozumel -
but in my opinion they both will especially love spending time in their "clubs" with other kids same age !!!

:crazy: :crazy:

If you just tell DCL that your kid will be celebrating his birthday...
they will bring to your table a BIRTHDAY cake that evening (FREE) and your servers will sing " Happy birthday" to him !!!

Just a bit of magic !!!

:cake:

See you all really SOOOOOOOOON !!! :wave2:

[skyhawk]

I remember booking last August and thinking what a long wait it would be. A WHOLE YEAR - how will I survive? Well, we are down to less than 50 days now (see counter below for more details) - and in some ways, I feel the next 49 days will feel as long as the last 320! :rolleyes1

[TartanFan]

... there's something else!

Thanks to the Resort Board, I found out about the Aug room-only code and couldn't pass up AKL @ $124 a night! This means that we'll now be flying into the US on Wednesday evening to JFK (DH is an airline employee so we have to pick our routes for the most comfortable seats on an 8hr flight!) then a VERY early flight from LGA on Thursday morning (jet lag can be a good thing sometimes!).

Thought I had everything covered - Palo Dinner, Brunch & High Tea, Spa done thx to REAS, Royal Pacific @ Universal booked, bought extra Universal tickets on line, car hire booked. All is ready!

Naaaaaaahhhhhh - now we've got an extra day at WDW! Don't you hate it when that happens?!?!?:( :( :( :( :(

So we can go to Epcot for DH and DD to ride Mission Space, we're at AKL - park tickets, PS's :confused: :confused: :confused:

Will it never end? :earseek: :earseek: :earseek:

Are we there yet?

:hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

[TartanFan]

Although I seem to be the only one on line tonite! Just wanted to say that 6 weeks from now we'll be on our way to NYC to begin our adventure! DD breaks school in 3 weeks (first stage) then 3 weeks til we go (second stage!)

Gone into planning frenzy! Called Disney Dining today and got PSB and Boma Breakfast for our two "extra" days (see previous post re AKL!) Never been this organized in my life! It's scary what these boards can do to you :hyper:

Maybe we should start thinking about a DISmeet? Anyone interested? MICKEY'S DREAMERS and our little band will be meeting just before the sailaway celebration on Deck 9 near the stage on the port side (that's on the left, Skyhawk!). Anyone have any other ideas?

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by TartanFan
Maybe we should start thinking about a DISmeet? Anyone interested? MICKEY'S DREAMERS and our little band will be meeting just before the sailaway celebration on Deck 9 near the stage on the port side (that's on the left, Skyhawk!). Anyone have any other ideas?

LEFT means that when we meet, if we look to the stage, the stage will be on our left.

:crazy: that is ... we'll be somewhere, so as people on the stage will have us on their left side?????!!!!! :confused: :confused: :confused:
laura::yes::

[Magpie137]

hi friends. we will be joining you on the Aug 14 th cruise. we are a family of 6 ds21 ds18 dd13 dd8. markey i think we were on the same cruise in 2000 and 2002. michell we are also living in a suburb of buffalo.:wave2:

[RJake1]

We're embarking on our 4th WDC August 14th Western. First time on WDC seven day. Can't wait.

Our DD, age 7 1/2, is an only child. Does anyone else have an 'only' girl about the same age that would like a cruise playmate?

Maybe they could exchange email beforehand which would make their meeting onboard most exciting.

Please feel free to email me RJake1@hotmail.com

Happy Sailing! See y'all on the 14th. I'll be there as soon as the doors open!

[markey]

Magpie137-In 2000 we were on our first cruise, the 4 day, would have to look at my box of stuff to see the date. In 2002 we were on the 7 day western, all our cruises were in August, but can't remember the exact dates. Guess we both like to cruise in August, am going to miss the Magic next year, will not be going to California, maybe we will try the Wonder 4 day/3 day, will have to check out the prices on board.

[brandon&calliesmom]

:Pinkbounc HI ALL,

WE'LL BE JOINING YOU ON THE AUG 14TH CRUISE TOO.

WE HAVE 5 OTHER FAMILIES TRAVELING WITH US.. IT IS OUR FIRST DISNEY CRUISE AND WE'RE ALL EXCITED... THE KIDS RANGE IN AGES FROM 12 -7. WISH I HAD FOUND THIS WEB SITE SOONER...
:yo-yo:::





:wave: :thewave::bounce:

[TartanFan]

I've been a bit bored tonite (planned, replanned and starting to second guess myself!) so thought I'd distract myself by pulling together a condensed list of our DISers. I've taken all the info I could from the posts so I hope it's an accurate representation! It's not very sophisticated so if there are any techno-whizzes out there, feel free to improve it!

TartanFan (me!), DH, DD(12) - 30th Anniversary, Deck 6
SJCSuzy, DH, DS(11), DD(7), Mom + friend, friends with DD(12), DS(7)
js'smom, DH, DD(8) - Deck 2
Juliet25, DH, DD(16mo)
Michele25, DH, DD(9), DD(6), friends with DD(11), DD(8) - 40th birthday, DH Birthday, Cat 6 Gty
Mickey's Dreamers, DH - Birthday, Deck 2
jjjj, DH, DS(3)
Invisible Penguinboy and party of 30
PolyPat, DS(11), DS(6) - Deck 6
Skyhawk, DS(11), DS(16) - Deck 6
Markey, DH, DGD(9), DGS(10) - Deck 2
disneyma (Ed and Bryan)
zeets1 and family
Yunchman (Stacey and Shelby)
zoeysblue, DH, DS(13), DD(6) - DS Birthday
Magpie137, DS(21), DS(18), DD(13), DD(8)
RJake1, DWorDH (?), DD(7 1/2)
brandon&calliesmom and 5 families

Not a bad turnout! It would be great if any or all could stop by Deck 9 port side (left side looking to the front of the ship!) by the bandstand at the Goofy pool just before the Sailaway Celebration to say hello! I'll wear something tartan so you can recognise me!

Can't believe I started this thread almost six months ago and now it's only five weeks away!

See you all soon :wave2: :wave2: :wave2: :wave2:

[brandon&calliesmom]

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Pretty impressive summary of cruisers...



I THINK THAT WOULD BE FUN TO MEET EVERYONE. ILL BE THE ONE WITH THE BIG SMILE. I'LL BE TAKING AGLONG MY DH, DS 10, AND DD 7.. THE OTHER FAMILIES THAT IM GOING WITH HAVE DH, DW. DS10, DS7, THEN THERE'S DH, DW, DD12,DS 7, THEN DM, WITH DTWINS 12. THE OTHER 3 OR COUPLES... MOST OF US ARE ON DECK 2 . ONE OF THEM HAS A GTY. AND STILL ANOTHER WILL BE ON DECK 6. LOOKING FORWARD TO A GOOD TIME... NOW WE'ER TRYING TO BOOK EXCURSIONS. :scratchin::::::

[js'smom]

Tartan Fan,

Just got back from a mini vacation in Jacksonville Florida visiting my brother in law's family. I got a little beach time so I am not completely white come the cruise. My daughter is outside all afternoon at camp, so she's already got a tan and won't have to worry about burning.

I love the thought that I got back to work after 6 days off, only have to work a short time (relatively speaking) and then I get to cruise.

This trip once again showed me that I pack way too much clothes. Will try to curb that desire to throw in another outfit when I pack for the cruise.

We will certainly look for you and everyone else. If I remember, I'll throw something in tartan also. My grandparents were from Scotland, so I do have a few tartan things around the house. My daughter has already grown out of my highland dance outfits that I wore when I took highland dance as a child, but she also has a few tartan items. I know my daughter would love to make some friends right away so she isn't stuck with Mom and Dad the whole trip!

I need to go back through a lot of emails to get myself ready for that first step aboard the ship. Seems to me I need to be sure I know where to go to get my reservations to the adult restaurant, Palos (not sure of spelling) and I also want to do something in the spa. Not sure what yet, but hopefully by time I get on board I'll know. I think I like just going everything and thinking about what I can sign up for in the spa. Husband is not big on spas, so it'll just be me. I am sure my husband and dauther can find something to amuse themseleves with while I'm being pampered. If all else fails, I know they will be at the pool as my daughter is something of a fish.

[PJ&Jakesmom]

::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo


Hi Everyone ,

We are one of the families that is with Brandon&calliesmom. Can't wait to cruise.! This is our second time cruising, first time on dcl. First time was before DS and 2nd DS.

Can't wait to meet everyone.

See ya on August 14th


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

[skyhawk]

TartanFan-
Good job! FYI - Invisible Penguinboy is my DS16. We are going with a rather large group (about 30 in a sub-group of over 100 - it's a bit complicated). Perhaps some of the other folks on this thread are part of the same group - seems like there's alot of group sailors out there.

I hate the countdown isnt working, but right now it's 37 days!

[disneyma]

What a nice idea to put everyone on one list. Thanks for doing that. Can't believe that the time is getting so close! Getting all toghether sounds like a great idea. It would be great to meet some people from Dis!

Thanks-
DisneyMA

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:smooth:

Thanks, Tartanfan !!!!

Your "summary" makes me feel ... :tongue: ALREADY ON VACATION !!!!!
WHAT a GREAT JOB !!!!!

:boat: A DISmeeting will be very nice ! It will be fun being able to put names and faces together !!!!!!! after so many months of ... chatting and ... DREAMING on this board !!!!!!:chat: :chat:


DH and I had some fun time last evening , joking about WHERE our meeting will take place !!!!! Marco was laughing to tears ... saying : " I'm this old and ALWAYS thought "PORTSIDE" is where the port is !!! " . I was joking back : " Dear, it's so simple; portside isn't on the side of the port !! " :crazy:


Well, seriously speaking, our planned DISmeet will take place on deck 9, midship, on the LEFT side (looking to the front of the ship)of the Goofy's pool stage - where the SAIL-AWAY CELEBRATION is supposed to begin at (about) 4.30 pm.
:cheer2: :cheer2:

Did I good, Tartanfan ? Please, correct any wrong info I wrote !

:idea: js'smom : I do like your idea of wearing some tartan item ...
maybe I can find a ribbon or "something" tartan here in Italy too !!!

It would be fun if we all can show up with something "TARTAN"
to recognize one another !! What do you all think ?

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


SEE YOU ALL really soooooooooon !!!!

:wave: Laura

[TartanFan]

Thank you all for your kind words. I'll try to keep the list updated til we meet on Aug 14th. I need something to do to keep me occupied til then!

I always knew we Scots would take over the world some day! Actually, you are making me feel a bit guilty - I don't currently own ANYTHING tartan and haven't since I was about 5 years old! Gonna have to get my mother to hunt down a tartan baseball cap or t-shirt and send it down to me - don't think I could persuade DH to wear a kilt to sailaway!

js'smom - I envy you having a tan already. We had a brief burst of summer a couple of weeks ago but over the last couple of days, we've had rain and thunderstorms (and not the Florida kind either!). Maybe instead of looking for tartan, you can look for the 3 very white people!

And a very warm welcome to our new fellow cruisers - the more the merrier I always say!

See y'all soon
:wave: :wave: :wave:

Diane

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

LOOKS LIKE PORTSIDE ... IS NOT THE SIDE OF THE PORT ...:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

Am I RIGHT?
Marco (CONFUSED DH):confused:

[Poly Pal]

Ugh! Tartan reminds me of wool. Wool in Florida in August makes me overheat just thinking about it! LOL!!

Thanks for compiling the list TartanFan.

Poly Pal (not Pat):sunny:

[js'smom]

I need to stop shopping, but the cruise is such a good excuse to go out looking and buying. I went ahead and rented husband a tux for the cruise. It will be waiting in our room, so that's one less item to pack and I know he will look great on our dress up nights. It's not something we have done a lot of since our daughter arrived. I went out shopping tonight with my Mom and found great bargains on cocktail dresses. Sales, sales, summer sales! I got a black dress and a peach colored dress at verry reasonable prices. I am off tomorrow so may take daughter to swimming pool and get some more sun. I just can't wait!!!!!!

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:smooth:
js's mom : you surely love SHOPPING as much as I do !!! ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::


I have rented a tux for DH too !!!!
( I'm afraid my European "measurements" aren't 100% perfect, BUT I hope his tux will fit anyhow !!!!)

We are bringing with us a pre-tied bow-tie ... I'm not sure DH will easily learn the "art" of tying a bow tie !!!!!!!:eek:
THIS IS OUR FIRST TUX !!!!! :groom: Here in Italy we use to wear tuxedoes ONLY on very formal - VERY RICH people weddings !!!

I'm also shopping around with my best friend ... it's SALES time here and my friend loves formal dresses ! She thinks I look great with formal gowns or cocktail dresses ( which I NEVER wear !!!).

Marco (DH) repeats day after day : Why SHE likes your dresses and I PAY FOR THEM ? ......:scared1:
( Did I mention ... his favourite character is GRUMPY ? "

::MinnieMo BUT I know he will like to dress up as well as the many pics opportunities we'll have on board !!!!


I look like you also because I tend to overPACK too much --- we will be staying 10 days at WDW before our cruise ... sure I hope all of those dresses will find their way into my ( and hubby's) suitcases !!!!!:rolleyes1

At this moment I've got a lace dress + jacket to wear on formal / semiformal nights . Then I've just bought white pants + blue silk blouse for casual nights; I would like to don also an hawaiian - flowered dress ( I got a few years ago ) for the tropical night.

Do you think I'm overpacking ?
DH's reply : YES !!!!!!!:crazy2:


:angel: Could you give me some "help" ?



SEE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOOON !!!! :wave:

[PJ&Jakesmom]

Hey does anyone know where to shop and what is the islands specialities are? Where is the best place to shop at a good price?

I Love to shop and get some things that you can't get in the States.



:thewave:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by MICKEY'S DREAMERS
Marco (DH) repeats day after day : Why SHE likes your dresses and I PAY FOR THEM ? ......:scared1:
( Did I mention ... his favourite character is GRUMPY ? "



GRUMPY ?
WHO SAID I AM GRUMPY ????

http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Biancaneve/grumpy2.gif

Marco (DH, contact me at grumpy@disboards.net)

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Poly PAT : I was thinking of a tartan ( ? cotton) RIBBON around my hat ... or maybe a self-made cockade ...

Sure I agree wool isn't the best in Florida !!!!!


ALL of you, GIRLS : BEWARE !!!!!!!! don't let your DHs talk to my DH about OUR dresses !!!!!!!


LOL ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo

Laura

[brandon&calliesmom]

Can pj play from friend pizza:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc





+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++:crowde d: :flower1:

[js'smom]

We really need to keep our messages on the first page. I can't believe it's less than 30 days!

Mickey's Dreamers - I am the last one to say anyone would pack too much clothes. I dont' think that's possible. All I have to do for this trip is get the suitcases to the airport and then they will magically show up in our room on the ship. I think I will really like that :earsgirl: I am glad you mentioned bringing a pretied bow tie for the tux and I also do not know how to tie such a bow - husband has one that he can bring so I will put it in the pile I am already starting of those items that must be packed for the trip. (I already have the suntan lotion and camera film in the pile to go)

I went and got new sunglasses tonite - my old one do not fit very well and I want to be sure they stay on good during the trip. I have prescription sun glasses as my eyes are very bad. My husband picked them out as it hard for me to tell how they look as the mirrors do not magnify that much (my eyesight is verrry poor).

Counting down the days.



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

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

js's mom : Me too... I'm already starting to gather items for our trip ... the pile is quickly growing !!!
GLAD I found you ... who can understand "the troubles" of packing !!!! :crazy::crazy:

I wear prescription glasses as well; I bought sunglasses last Summer, it's worth to have GOOD sunglasses ... as the sun overthere in the Caribbean seas is very bright !!!! and could easily hurt sensitive eyes !!!
Marco (DH) always chooses my glasses ... my eye-vision is very poor too !!!
My sunglasses are dark blue , by Police. I (and DH) also use to wear a hat with large brims ... that is our first buy when we reach Florida !!!! It's the "signal" our vacation has started !!!!!!!
pirate: pirate:

My doctor stated that a hat is "mandatory" to protect my eyes from sun ... coming from up the sunglasses . AND I love straw hats ... :cool2: :cool1:


EVERYONE: how are you feeling ????
:jumping1: :jumping1:

I can't believe we will be leaving home in 16 days !!!!!!!

See you all pretty soon !!:wave2: ::wave: :wave2: :wave:

[TartanFan]

Just keeping us back on top!

Laura - you're so lucky. You'll be leaving before us! But have to say that exactly 4 weeks from now (barring delays!) we'll be taking off en route to JFK!

js'smom - DH is another who has a pre-tied bow tie for his tux. No way either he or I could even attempt to tie a real one!

DD is off camping this weekend and DH will be working most of it so it's SERIOUS shopping time for me! Good thing I get paid on Friday! And I agree with all previous posts - you can't pack too much. You can only have too little luggage!

I'm thinking new sunglasses too - great minds think alike! My 4 year old prized Gucci's finally had enough! Think I'll hit the duty free store. Now where did I put that credit card?!?!?!?

Am off on an overnight work trip tomorrow but will work on updating our cruise list when I get back. Apologies to Poly Pal - DD is Patrick so I just get used to typing Pat! :hyper: And Skyhawk, I'll link you and IPB.

Getting really excited to meet as many fellow DIS addicts as possible on the 14th!

Diane

[TartanFan]

Meant to say that DH is Patrick - not DD! You'd never guess I'm a trained typist, would you?!

:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

[markey]

My turn to bump us up and keep our thread on the first page. Any body else get their docs? The DCL web sight was really weird. 3 weeks ago there were 4, 5, 6 cabins available, except cat9, for adults, no available space for kids. Then last week everything was gone, showing nothing available. Wonder who bought all the left over cabins, CM's and Florida residence? Hope a lot of early bookers got bumped up and the lower cabins given to late bookers. I don't expect an upgrade, booked the cabin I could afford an am happy with, same as previous 4 cruises, love the location.

[skyhawk]

Waiting for my docs also. I am booked with a large group through a TA. Will the docs come directly to me, or to my TA, or to our "group leader"? Hmmmmmm.

[DawnL]

We have 3 families going on the 8/14 Magic!! We sailed on the Magic to the Western also in July of 2002 and loved it!! The one thing that we regretted not doing was the Stingray City Tour - everyone seemed to be talking about it at dinner and giving it rave reviews. The first thing I did was book Captain Marvins for this trip. We haven't seen our documents yet - hopefully they will be arriving in the very near future.

[markey]

My docs were waiting for me on the front porch when I got home from work. Guess everyone should have them soon!

[markey]

Just opened my docs, they are correct but I was sent the Passport for the Wonder. Called DCL and said one would be sent, should arrive in a couple of weeks, maybe it will be here when we return! I have old ones, but is nice to look for changes. Would really be disappointed if this were my first cruise.

[brandon&calliesmom]

DAWN

WHAT IS CAPTAIN MARVINS? HAVE YOU DONE IT BEFORE? IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN AGES 7-12? AND WHAT ISLAND IS IT ON... ALSO HAS ANYONE EVER DONE THE NATILUS OR SEA ADVENTURE SEMI SUBMERGED SUBMARINE. IF YOU DID LET ME KNOW ABOUT IT PLEASE.

[skyhawk]

Captain Marvins is an independent tour operater in Grand Cayman. I've never done it, but we booked him for this trip. You can charter your own boat to go to several spots - we are doing the stingrays. From what I've read in here, it seems to be a good deal!

[yodasdabomb]

While I will not be a guest on the August 14th Magic, this will be my first week onboard the Magic and a CM! I just found out my official date today. I will be flying to Orlando on the 10th, for land training then to the Magic on Saturday. Since this will be my first week I will be earning my ears, and will spend most of the week in trainings and meetings, but I will keep my eye out for all those wild n' crazy DISers. :)

I just wanted to stop in and say Hello!

So Hello!!:wave:

[Larryluvsdisney]

we are going on the 14th cruise for our honeymoon. This will be my first cuise and my wife to be's also. I am soooo... excited.

[brandon&calliesmom]

skyhawk thanks for the information on capt marvin's boat... it seems as though its getting closer and closer to cruise time... Cant wait... hope you all have a great weekend.... :sunny: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc



you gotta love the bouncy guys.

[PJ&Jakesmom]

27 more days till we see ::MickeyMo &::MinnieMo. Can't wait till we meet everyone.


JUST LOVE THOSE BOUNCEY GUYS :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

See ya soon

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by yodasdabomb
Since this will be my first week I will be earning my ears, and will spend most of the week in trainings and meetings, but I will keep my eye out for all those wild n' crazy DISers. :)






:thewave: :thewave: :thewave:

A very HOT WELCOME to everyone is new to our little crazy band !!!!!!!!!

Especially :bounce: :Pinkbounc WELCOME aboard :bounce: :Pinkbounc to the new CM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know you will be "working", but we hope you can feel some MAGIC :wizard: as well !!!!!!

If you find us ( DH and I --- easy to recognize ... as we 'll speaking Italian ?!? ) please do stop by and say hello in person !!!

:smooth: :tongue: :crazy: :teeth: :hyper: :earseek: :goodvibes :laughing: :lovestruc :rotfl:

EVERYONE : have wonderful Disney days ... til we all meet !!!

:wave2:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by MICKEY'S DREAMERS
easy to recognize

And most likely I will wear a Grumpy T-shirt !

http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Biancaneve/grumpy2.gif

DH

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by Larryluvsdisney
we are going on the 14th cruise for our honeymoon. This will be my first cuise and my wife to be's also. I am soooo... excited.


CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!:love:


http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Ani/disney-gifs-b-neige3.gif



(Tartan fan will be celebrating 30th wedding anniversary, DH and I 28th !!!! )


Wishing you TONS of happiness !!!


Laura & Marco

[TartanFan]

OK guys, less than 4 weeks to go! Here's the new, improved list of us DISers!

TartanFan (me!), DH, DD(12) - 30th Anniversary, Deck 6
SJCSuzy, DH, DS(11), DD(7), Mom + friend, Poohs Purple Pal, DH, DD12, DS7
js'smom, DH, DD(8) - Deck 2
Juliet25, DH, DD(16mo)
Michele25, DH, DD(9), DD(6), friends with DD(11), DD(8) - 40th birthday, DH Birthday, Cat 6 Gty
Mickey's Dreamers, DH - Birthday, 28th Anniversary, Deck 2
jjjj, DH, DS(3)
PolyPal, DS(11), DS(6) - Deck 6
Skyhawk, DS(11), DS Invisible Penguinboy (16) - Deck 6
Markey, DH, DGD(9), DGS(10) - Deck 2
disneyma (Ed and Bryan)
zeets1 and family
Yunchman (Stacey and Shelby)
zoeysblue, DH, DS(13), DD(6) - DS Birthday
Magpie137, DS(21), DS(18), DD(13), DD(8)
RJake1, DW or DH (?), DD(7 1/2)
brandon&calliesmom and 5 families, including PJ&Jakesmom - Decks 2 and 6
DawnL and 3 families
larryluvsdisney and new DW - Honeymoon!
yodasdabomb (new CM!)
hoganjdmb, DH, DD(11), DS(9), DD(nearly 2), DS(9mo), Grandma - DS(9) Birthday
Dana D - 2 families, 12 in all. 6 kids - boys 5,8,9,11,11 and girl 9 - Deck 8
Ursula's Mom, DH, DD(7), Grandma, Mom, Cousin and DH, DD(14), DD's friend (14), DS(12), DS(7)
GabandMarv, DH, DD(8), DD(10)

Congratulations to everyone celebrating an occassion (heck, congratulations to everyone - we're going on a Disney cruise!)

Remember - Deck 9 left side of Goofy Stage after lifeboat drill and just before Sailaway Party. Look out for the Tartan!

Lovin the bouncy guys too!

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

So much shopping, so little time! princess:

Diane

[skyhawk]

Diane,

You failed to mention that, yes, I'm on deck 6, but I'm on the right side of the boat (sorry for the inside joke).:boat:

Mike

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by TartanFan
Look out for the Tartan!
Did you find a Tartan something?
What will you wear?

http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Biancaneve/grumpy1.gif

DH (Grump-Marco)

[disneyma]

Just checking in...Getting real close! Look forward to putting a few names and faces toghether.

Got our docs on Monday...Everything looks in order! Can't wait for the dining rotation and hope we have good tablemates!

:) Ed

:earsboy:

[skyhawk]

disneyma- whay is your countdown different than mine? I like yours better.:worship:

[disneyma]

I did mine from noon on that day. We plan on being in line and ready to boards at 12 P.M. if they let us. That will be the official start. I like your clock because that will be the time we sail.. (I think) 5 hours difference....

Can't wait!

:) Disneyma

[TartanFan]

Welcome to our band of Aug 14th cruisers to Dana D, travelling with 2 other families. 12 in all, 6 kids - boys 5,8,9,11,11, girl 9. Deck 8. Will put you on the list proper when I update!

Exactly 3 weeks today we'll be leaving the UK! Bring on the bouncy guys again!

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

(PS Mike - good point, well made! Looks like I won't have to bring those "right" and "left" stickers now! I might bring a copy of "Port/Starboard 101" though!)

See y'all real soon!

Diane
:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

CAN'T BELIEVE ... we are almost leaving Italy ... we'll spend a couple of weeks at WDW ... before :boat: ... OUR MAGICal CRUISE !!!!!


I'm sooooooooo happy !!!! I feel like those :bounce: :Pinkbounc


http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Ani/disney-gifs-cendrillon-creation12.gif


Just wanted to share with you all !!!!!!

Laura:wave2: :wave2:

[js'smom]

Mickey's Dreamers - I am so happy for you (and a little jealous) that you are leaving so soon. Of course we really don't have that long to go before the cruise. I am still wondering about the documents everyone is talking aout and wishing they would arrive at my house soon.

My daughter and I are going camping with another mom and daughter next weekend. That should be fun, but so different from the cruise. I'll be seeing both types of vacations - the set up the tent, the cook it yourself, the clean up the dishes - then the vacation where I won't have to do a thing. I know which one I will enjoy more! But, my daughter likes to camp, so I want her to have the chance to do some tent camping and learning to do some things by herself.

I am still going over that packing list in my head - almost time to put it in writing. I am going to look for a holder for my sunglasses so when we go parasailing they stay on my head. Since I have such bad eyesight, I have to have the sunglasses on. I think I will get what I used in the past to play raquetball.

Wanted to write and get us back up to the first page. I hate looking for our thread.

It's my day off work, so I have a bunch of errands and chores to complete.

See you soon!

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

I also like the bouncing girls (or are they boys and girls???)

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Js' smom and EVERYONE :

HOPE you have a wonderful weekend !!!!!:earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsgirl:

I'll be packing this Saturday !!!!
I've written my list down ... now my suitcases are open and hour by hour I "discover" I'm forgetting something !!!! (eg our SPARE glasses !!!! )

JS's mom, sure you'll have a magic time parasailing with your pretty new glasses !!!!:smooth: :smooth:

and your camp with DD and friends will be LOT of fun !!!!!! Your daughter is VERY lucky having such a caring Mommy !!!

( Cruise is better ... as you get to do ..... just NOTHING !!! )



DH and I are going to miss this board ; sorry I'll not be here to share with you all the excitement of the last days ...before everyone leaves home !!!!

:thewave:

I'll try and keep in touch until we leave !!

Then ........ see you all on the big boat !!!!
Laura :wave2:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by MICKEY'S DREAMERS
I'll be packing this Saturday !!!!


Packing this saturday ?
This means ONE MORE WORKING WEEK !

http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Biancaneve/grumpy.gif

DH (Grump)

[brandon&calliesmom]

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: HEY LOOK BOUNCING BALLS.



I HAVE A QUESTION FOR SEASONED DISNEY CRUISERS.... DID YOU EVER GET AN UPGRADE? ALSO WHAT IS SEA LICE? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ANY FELLOW JERSIANS ON THE CRUISE? HAVE A GREAT DAY... HOPE TO SEE YOUSE GUYS SOON:smooth:




:moped: :rockband: :space:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by brandon&calliesmom
:WHAT IS SEA LICE?
http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Fnemo/Bruce.jpg

see here

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=176596

http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Biancaneve/grumpy3.gif

DH

[brandon&calliesmom]

Hey Disney dreamer,




Is that sea lice, or a fellow jersian? hmmmmm.... :tongue:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Originally posted by brandon&calliesmom
Is that sea lice?

This is a Sea Lice

http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/MonsterINC/rab16.gif

DH
(that's me)
http://www.ginevra2000.it/Disney/Biancaneve/grumpy_3.gif

[TartanFan]

Just bumping us up again!

Laura - hope your week goes really quickly! I know you're going to have a fantastic time at WL - get the pixie dust working for the rest of us! :sunny:

I'm driving DH nuts now coz I keep saying things like "this time in three weeks we'll be having lunch in Topsiders/getting ready for our first dinner onboard/arriving in Key West, etc, etc"! Can't help it - it's an addiction! ::yes::

Looking forward to seeing you all real soon!

Diane

Here come the bouncy guys again!!!!!!!!!

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

[disneyma]

Sending us up again...can't go to page 2!

Anyone else packing away??

:earsboy: :Pinkbounc

[markey]

I know what you mean by saying what we will be doing at this time soon, I'm sitting at work thinking this time in 2 weeks we will be taking off, once the flight is over I can relax. We are going to Captiva Island for 5 days before, really looking forward to that instead of the hetic parks this year. I am not packing, but I am getting some things ready and putting in the spare bedroom, soon time to close the door getting to look really bad. Hope everyone has a safe trip to the port, we have great weather, and everyone has a great time!

[skyhawk]

It's July 27 - 17 days to go. Now my normal dysfunctional mind has me saying to myself "Self - we are going to show up at the ship and Disney will have lost our reservation, and we won't be able to board". OK - not realistic I know, but.....Diane, you received your docs a few weeks ago. I have read that others have theirs...one question.....WHERE ARE MINE?!?!?!:confused3

Back to reality - when should I start to worry that my docs haven't arrived?

Mike

[markey]

I would be starting to worry, I would call and inquire if they were sent just to make sure. If they were lost in the mail you still have time to have new ones sent, if you have to pick up at the port you will spend time filling out. Good Luck!

[PJ&Jakesmom]

We just got our docs yesterday and so did my Parents but the rest of our group didn't so far. I would give it till Friday and then call. I also got it thru DHL not regular mail.

See you guys soon

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: just love these guys!!!!!

[TartanFan]

Mike - I wouldn't hit the panic button just yet. Have heard that a lot of folks don't get their docs until about 2 weeks before so I'd second PJ&Jakesmom - call Friday if they haven't arrived by then.

I've started my packing list, shopped til I dropped, put my itinerary onto a spreadsheet, made my PS's, booked car hire and found a temporary home for the hamster! All I need to do now is find a hotel room near La Guardia that doesn't cost almost as much as a month's mortgage payment for one night!

Happy packing, everyone! :wave2:

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

[skyhawk]

Hey, for about $150 you can get a nice room overlooking the Grand Central Parkway - what a deal!!! (Note - that was supposed to sound sarcastic).

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

:thewave: :thewave:

Just wanted to say " THANKS and GOOD BYE " :) (for now) to all of you !!!!!!

DH and I will be leaving on Friday morning (Thursday night U.S. time): about 8 hours of flight ... we hope to sleep and dream MAGIC dreams !!!!!!:crazy:
We are staying at WDW ... till our cruise starts !!!

I'll be sure to SEND TONS OF PIXIEDUST your way !!!
Wish each of you and your loved ones a wonderful August ... till we meet !!!!!

Good luck to those who "try" to pack : I ended up with ONLY 2 big suitcases plus my carry-on and DH videocamera !! NOT BAD, huh ?:rotfl: :rotfl:

I want to send a giant HUG to Tartanfan - who started all this:
see you there, Diane !!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

Skyhawk: do not panic !!! Your docs will arrive ...
if not ... you can ALWAYS join DH & I ... we are doing PIER-PICK UP ... so there will be lots of US without docs ... at that pier !!!! wanting to board !!!! (just joking !!!!)
You WILL get your docs !!!

Well ... what else can I do ... rather than jump up and down ??

EACH of you : HAVE MAGICAL August days ... till you will be boarding !!!!
::yes:: Yes, we hope to be boarding too !!!


CIAO, Laura & Marco :wave: :wave:

[skyhawk]

Not to beat a dead horse (no I'm not a sadistic equinal necropheliac), but I was wondering....I booked as part of a large group, and it seems nobody in the group has their docs yet. Would they be sent out to each individual, or would they be sent to the TA that coordinated for the group, or to the "group leader"? :confused3

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

I would ASK my TA !!! now !!!:mad:

[js'smom]

Mickey's Dreamers, Don't know if you will look one more time at the message board or not. See your countdown is a little more than one day. How exciting! Hope you have a great trip and look forwarding to seeing you on the big ship. (it is a ship, not a boat,right?) I think I have all the little things I need to pack (you know the toothpaste, the new toothbrushes, shampoo, the extra glasses). I am still waiting on the documents to get here. Of course we called and changed our dinner seating yesterday, so maybe we caused them some problems ? I decided after reading all the messages on dinner seating that it made sense to have the later dinner so my daughter will be awake during the shows and if she wants to skip the late dinner, she can go to the lab.

Need to keep us on the front page during these last remaining day. :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[TartanFan]

Check this out!

www.hogsbreath.com/hogcam/rawbarcam.htm

I think I've now got everything organised so I'm now dreaming about being there! Hope everyone else is getting ready and looking forward to our sailaway!

Laura and Marco (Mickeys Dreamers) should now be at WL, we leave Aug 11th (got my LGA hotel - $138 for 7 hrs sleep!) and will be at AKL for 2 nights. Anyone else getting in early?

Hope the next 10 days go quickly!

See you all soooooooooooon!!!

Think we need the bouncy guys again!


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

[markey]

In exactly 1 week our plane will be taking off, leaving 8/9 at 6:30 am and spending the time before the cruise at Captiva Island. I was getting things ready all weekend, now only have to organize into suitcases, and maybe go shopping. I had 9 pairs of long pants for DH, but only 2 fit, he was not too happy. Now he has to try on his shorts, hopefully he will have enough that fit, says I must be shrinking his things in the wash! Wasn't in the mood for him to try on his suit pants, if they are too tight he can just keep his coat buttoned. It was really funny watching his face when one after the other didn't fit. Everyone have a safe trip to Florida, enjoy the Animal Kingdom Lodge it is really pretty.

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

Hope there's room here for a 'last-minute-Louie'... ;)

I've been lurking on the DisBoard for awhile, but never checked in this forum until now. I figure this is a great place for a first post!

We'll also be on the 8/14 Magic, and I see my buddy SJCSuzy already has us included in the count! :hyper: It will be me, DH, DD12 and DS7 all going on our first cruise with my best friend and her family. I can't believe how close it is now and how much packing I have to do. :eek: We're all getting so excited that it's about all we think about now. Can't wait to get on the ship and maybe bump into some of the wonderful, helpful people from the board! :wave2:

[TartanFan]

Hi Gail - always glad to welcome more cruisers aboard our thread! I've edited the cruise list and put you on. We have a DD12 with us also - I'm sure they'll meet up in the Lab!

js'smom - I'm sure you're going to do great with late dining. We changed too and have requested APL rotation but not really fussed if we don't get it.

Skyhawk - got those docs yet or have you joined equine necrophileacs anonymous?!?!

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

I think I'm just about there with the organising. DD and I have the "girlie" stuff on Saturday - nail appointments in the morning, hair in the afternoon. Last laundry load then packing on Sunday. We're going to look pretty funny wearing winter clothes though for two days coz everything else will be packed :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

Getting some tartan ribbon to make myself a lanyard. Look out for it port side (that's on the left, Skyhawk!) bandstand at the Goofy pool! (another unashamed plug for a DISmeet!)

:thewave:

[Ursula's Mom]

I usually read the cruise discussions, but I am up late tonight and I just found this thread. We have three staterooms booked for the August 14, 2004 cruise:

me (age 40), DH (40) and DD (7 1/2).

Also traveling with us:

My grandma (93), mom (she might be mad if I posted her age!), my cousin, her husband and her three children DD (14), DS (12) and DS (7 1/2). Her daughter's friend (14) is also joining us.

We did a three day last year and we are lookikng forward to this seven day.

My cousin's kids are usually more interested in the arcade than the lab. My DD (7 1/2) is interested in going to the lab to make flubber and going to the club for goofy's giggle gala. She also loves to swim.

We booked the 10:00 am stingray snorkle and island tour for Grand Cayman.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 14th!

Kathy

[TartanFan]

Hi Kathy and welcome! The more the merrier, I always say!

I've edited the cruise list on page 10 of the thread with everyone that I know of. Very respectable turnout, if I may say so!

We'll all be in single digits tomorrow!

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

[skyhawk]

Thanks for your concern. I called my travel agent...seems HE was on vacation last week. He had my docs and "didn't get around" to sending them to me (he's in CA and I'm in NY). He promised me he was going to send them out, and I should get them today (Wednesday).

[disneyma]

At least you are going to get them...but that doesn't seem to be a very good answer!

Single Digits!!

[skyhawk]

WHEW!!! I got 'em!!!:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[GabandMarv]

We are on the cruise also. We are Cat6 but with GTY that is why I still do not have documents. Getting very nervous. I am taveling with DH and DD8 and DD10. they are disappointed that that will be in different camps. Last time we were on the Wonder (3 years ago) they let my older daugher go down to be with her sister, Does anyone know if they still do that?:wave2:

[GabandMarv]

We are on the cruise also. We are Cat6 but with GTY that is why I still do not have documents. Getting very nervous. I am taveling with DH and DD8 and DD10. they are disappointed that that will be in different camps. Last time we were on the Wonder (3 years ago) they let my older daugher go down to be with her sister, Does anyone know if they still do that?:wave2:

[TartanFan]

Welcome to our cruise thread, Gaband Marv! I'm sure your docs will arrive very soon and hope you get a great location (maybe even an upgrade at this stage!:o

Your DD's will actually be in the same space - the Oceaneers Lab. Just in different age groupings, 8-9 and 10-12 so they will probably get to spend quite a lot of time together. It might be an idea to let them try the different groupings for a while to see how it goes because if your older DD moves down, I believe that she has to stay there.

I'm sure you will all have a great time, no matter what you decide!

Skyhawk - so glad you got your docs at last. I'll cancel that dockside protest now!

Yaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! We're well into single digits now! I think we need more bouncy guys!

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

Really will be seeing you all soon!

Diane

[Michele25]

Hi TartanFan,

Wow, I just read the cruise list on page 10 -- you did a great job, Thank you!!!

I am so excited I can't stand it!!!!!! We still haven't gotten our docs yet, but I'm trying to be optomistic that we might get upgraded as a result (we have CAT 6 GTY). Our TA called Disney just to check on Tuesday and they said they hadn't assigned us a cabin yet.

Only one more week til we leave!!!!!!!!!!! (We're leaving next Friday and staying overnight at the Hyatt in the Orlando Airport).
Looking forward to meeting all of you. Is there an actual DIS meet set up? (Sorry if it's been posted and I missed it).

Michele

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :yo-yo: :yo-yo: :yo-yo: :wave: :wave: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :yo-yo: :yo-yo: :wave: :wave: :wave: :

[TartanFan]

Hi Michele - good to see you back! We're even more excited. We leave next Wednesday and have 2 nights at AKL! Woo Hoo!!!

We've got an informal DISmeet arranged - just before Sailaway Party - probably just after the safety drill about 4.15 - on the left side of the Goofy pool near the Bandstand on Deck 9. DH will have a Scotland hat on and I'll hopefully have a tartan lanyard (getting my hair done tomorrow so no telling what colour it will be!). Come on by and say hello!

See you there!

Never tire of the bouncy guys!

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

[disneyma]

I wonder what we will all be doing a week from today!

Can't wait to put a face with the names...been a long time coming and it is almost here! Wow!!


:earsboy: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[TartanFan]

Hey Guys!

Got my tartan ribbon yesterday! Finished the last laundry load today and I've almost got all the packing done! Just waiting for DH to get home from work to pick out his stuff and we're there! Just hope all the bags arrive when we do!

Leaving on Wednesday so if I don't get back on the Boards before then, have a safe trip everyone and see you Saturday!

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

Diane

[markey]

Everything is packed, taking the dog to kennel and then packing the truck. Leaving tomorrow at 5 am for the airport, so I guess this is it. Hope everyone has a safe trip to the ship. Will try to meet people on the ship, but I find we get so busy that it doesn't always happen. Short brown hair, glasses with 2 grandkids, boy and girl. Have fun everyone! Almost forgot DH also!

[brandon&calliesmom]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :jumping2: :jumping2: :jumping2: :jumping2: :jumping2:


CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S 5 MORE DAYS.. WE'RE LEAVING ON FRIDAY THE 13TH HOPE ITS A LUCKY DAY.... NOT TOTALLY PACKED . BUT THEN AGAIN I FLY BY THE SEAT OF MY PANTS ANYWAY... HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A SAFE TRIP .... HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL SOON.....

[GabandMarv]

We still do not have our documents, it's Moday morning and we are leaving Friday the 13th. Getting very nervous, DH thinks we may not be on the boat at all. Everyone I spoke to thinks we are getting upgraded. I will call TA @9:00am to try and find out what is going on.

I wish everyone a safe trip and see you on Saturday.

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

[disneyma]

Hope everyone can get to the Orlando area over the next two days. Be safe and watch out for Charlie! Hope to see you on the Magic on Sat PM!

[Disneycrazymom]

Thinking about all of you and hoping you had safe travel. :D

[skyhawk]

ok - it's over :( For me this cruise was fantastic. It was the best vacation experience of my life. I know it was a bit difficult at first with Charley, and then with several other "atmospheric abnormalities" in the area. The itinerary changes messed things up a bit, but we dealt with it. I feel bad for the people that came on late in Key West, or didn't even make it. I'd like to take an informal role call to see how many of you guys made it, and what your thoughts on the experience were.

[GabandMarv]

Yes, it was a great vacation!! We arrived in Orlando n Friday @4pm. We were told that we were the last flight to land in Orlando. We had a hotel booked (Amerisuites). By the time we checked in to the hotel there was no place to eat and they would not let us leave, so the vending machine worked. We lost power from 8:30pm to 8 am. We went to the airport to get our disney bus to the port. That is when they told us the boat had not docked yet.

We were on the boat about 3pm. And it was all smooth sailing from then on. We had a three hour delay at Orlando airport trying to get to newark yesterday, so besides a very bumpy flight, so were tired and cranky. I am still stuffed from the cruise.

We will definately do it again!!!

[markey]

We made it to the ship around 12 and waited until we could board.
Had a great vacation, even with all the changes.
Had a long flight home, a lot olf delays, took us 8 hours from Tampa to Pa.
Sorry we missed GC.
We arrived on 8/9 and had to run from Captiva Island, where it made landfall, to WDW on Thursday and weathered out the storm there. We never lost power and they made sure everyone had food. It was the best place to be.

[Poly Pal]

We arrived in Orlando on Thursday, 8/12. We spent Friday at Kennedy Space Center and still thought the storm was going to make landfall in Tampa and then head north to Georgia. It was not until we checked in at the Radisson that we learned that Charley had turned toward Orlando and that Brevard County, including Cape Canaveral was under a voluntary evacuation order. YIKES! We road the storm out at the Radisson, but we were nervous all night. Got even more nervous when the Magic was not in port the next morning!!

At least we were luckier than the passengers from RCL Sovereign of the Seas who missed the ship when it sailed 3 hours early to get out of the port before authorities closed it.

We had a great time despite the changes! Now all we have to do is figure out how to afford to go back!

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Spent Charlie at WDW (WL) without major problems, a part lack of food (resort restaurants were shut down and we were forced to remain in our staeroom) and various trees fallen during the hurricane just in front of our balcony.
Drove to Port Canaveral on Saturday morning through reasonably clean roads.
Lot of fun during the cruise, we could meet Tartanfan and had a wonderful time with her and her nice family.
Our Restaurant servers were amazing, they gave us little private show every night!
We already booked next cruise while on board :)
laura

:thewave:

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

We're just getting home from our time spent in WDW after the cruise. We couldn't get into Orlando so missed the ship in Port Canaveral but caught up with it in Key West and joined our friends. Overall, we are a bit disappointed by the whole experience and will probably cancel our California cruise next summer. On the bright side, WDW was great this year - we all had a blast!

I can't believe the devastation we saw on the way to WDW from the port. All the broken trees and property damage was quite humbling, to say the least.

:sad2:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

GAIL:

if I may ask ...:(


WHY were you disappointed by your Magic cruise ?
You talk of "whole experience" ... so I guess you are not only referring to weather problems ...
Are you thinking of changes in our itinerary ... or what ?


HOPE your next vacation will be a WONDERFUL one !!!:bounce:


Laura

[Pooh's Purple Pal]

Laura,

Let me see if this jet-lagged brain can put it into words...

I guess we had heard so much about the Disney Cruise that we built it up in our minds and expected to have a fantastic experience. Did we enjoy it? Yes. Was it the best vacation we've taken? No, we've had better experiences at several resorts.

I'm sure that missing the first day and the changes in itinerary had something to do with it. I completely understand and am grateful for the captain's concern for our safety, but missing out on the ports and excursions we had carefully booked months in advance was disappointing. Even our Palo and spa ressies were juggled due to the changes.

Aside from that, while the service and food were fine, they were nothing exceptional. For example, when our Palo ressie got changed to the Pirates night, our server promised to take care of our older children at dinner so they could enjoy the experience. Instead, they sat other people at our table who took the kids' Pirate scarves and the server was oblivious. :mad:

Also, my kids are used to space when we travel and despite the veranda, they felt cramped all week. My 7 year old did not like the kids' program and even the staff said he appeared bored, so it was a chore to get him to go after the first day.

The one shining bright spot and the closest we came to "magic" was the day at Castaway Cay - that was a wonderful way to end the cruise! :sunny:

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Pooh's Purple Pal: sorry your cruise was not as MAGICal as you had dreamed of!
Myself and DH had a great time, but I can understand your disappointement: if you are like me, you have been dreaming of this cruise for many and many months .... making it a wonderful experience.

ciao
Laura:wave2:

[TartanFan]

Only just getting back to reality!
We made the cruise - yeah! Got to Orlando Thursday morning, weathered Charley at AKL and luckily slept through worst as we were still on UK time!
Zoo at Avis on Saturday but made it onto the ship by 2.30pm. Had a wonderful time despite changes to intinerary, ressies, etc and had some wonderful time with Mickeys Dreamers (hi to Laura and Marco!). So sorry the weather messed up our plans for the DISmeet. Also sorry for those whose experience was not as MAGICal as it should have been. But glad everyone is safe and sound!

[PJ&Jakesmom]

HI Everyone,

Sorry we missed you, would of like to have met everyone from the Disboard. But we did get to meet Charley. We changed our flight from Friday night to Thursday and got stuck in the middle of the whole thing. We were staying at hotel by the airport. The next day we got to the port early only to find out we had a 2 hour delay. Otherwise the cruise was very good except for some of the changes. We were looking forward to going to Grand Cayman. To bad we couldn't meet, maybe next time. Thanks for all the help and advice about the cruise.

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

:wave2: :wave2: :wave2:

Still like those bouncey balls