September 3, 2005 --- Who is going?

[gdulaney]

I know it's early, but there are alot of 2005 threads already...so I thought, let's start an official 9/03 thread and see who is going.

I was reading a post by a fellow DIS-poster (Franco56), who pretty much sums up how I feel...that it might just be me, hubby, and a drunken Mickey in a row boat (love that description!!). So, if you're planning on booking the September 3rd Eastern, please post. If next September is anything like September 2004, you've got a great chance of ending up on a never-ending mystery cruise...we did!

Here's our info:
It will be me and my husband (Andy). We're driving down a few days early and will be staying at one of the DVC resorts. We'll be on late seating, which we've come to really love.

Ginny :cutie:

[xABearx]

Ok....I know there are cruisers out there who are going to be there with us.....let us know who you are ..... Andy

[gdulaney]

We booked today with DVC.... can't wait!

Ginny

[O'BWV]

Hi Ginny & Andy! I can't go in Sept '05 but I hope you have a blast like we did on the 8/28! It was great meeting you guys!


-Mary Rose

[gdulaney]

Mary Rose,
If you guys change your mind...we'd love for you to come!

I was checking out the list of cruisers for the '06 reunion cruise. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and get to cruise with all of you guys on the western in '06!

Ginny D.

[O'BWV]

Ginny & Andy - We would LOVE that!



-Mary Rose

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi guys :wave:
There is also another 9/03/05 thread, anyone know how to link. Maybe we all can get together on one thread.

[gdulaney]

DisneyNutMary -

I am the least technical person.... maybe one of the folks on the other thread knows how.... or we could just start posting on one or the other of the two. :)

Ginny

[JanDave]

Hello: Just found another thread for our 9/3/05 cruise. Thread is entitled " September 3, 2005 Eastern". Jan

[xABearx]

Hello JanDave ... glad to see you'll be on the Cruise with us...this will be our 7th DCL trip and cannot wait till next September .... time getting there is so slow and then the cruise goes by too fast, it should be the other way around ..... Andy

[LIFERBABE]

Hi I just received a quote for this cruise and will have to talk it over with DH. The price is definitely right and it is over the Labor Day weekend so minimal time off.

I booked us for the Aug 19, 2006 cruise y-day but was still considering cruising on the DVC member cruise in Sept 2005. This 7-day will actually be cheaper than the 4 day Western, but the member events have been awesome in the past so I will really have to think about it.


__________________

[gdulaney]

Two days after we'd booked...along comes the Member Cruise offer. We decided to stick with the 7-night....but it is tempting!!! Either way will be alot of fun.

Ginny

[Lucyluvsmickey]

Happy Halloween to all, it is early here but because of the time change everyone was up early. My children are waiting patiently to go trick or treating(actually they want to go now!) but I told them they have to wait. Disneynut Mary is at soccer so we are waiting for her to come with her 2 children so they can go together. Have a BOO tiful day!:jester: princess: pirate: :crazy:

[gdulaney]

Hi Lucy,

Our neighborhood had Halloween last night. So all the kids are probably home munching on candy right now. :)

Ginny

[Lucyluvsmickey]

Well good morning fellow cruisers. I have finally finished putting up the tree!!! Tonite DH and DD & Ds will finish decorating it. I have been very busy at work so I haven't been able to post. With one day off a week it is hard to cram everything you need to do in 1 day, I am 1/2 way done with shopping also. The hardest person to buy for seems to be my hubby. Oh well talk to you all soon. Happy Holidays to all!!! :wave:

[gdulaney]

Hi...it's been a crazy holiday season. We haven't put up our tree and I'm not sure when we'll find time to do it. My boss has been out on FMLA...going on the third week, so it's just me "holding down the fort." By the time hubby and I get home, eat dinner, and play with the ferrets...it's time to go to sleep. Maybe this weekend.

Hope you and your family are enjoying the holiday season!!

Ginny

[DisneyNutMary]

Ok, I am guessing this is the 'official' 9/3/05 thread. :cool1:

I am trying to get through the holiday season before I get too wrapped up in cruise planning. I can't book my hotel (staying onsite at a DVC resort first) until Feb 3rd. But I will be looking into flights soon
I am going to try to get into the city and visit the new World of Disney store soon, I need my Disney fix :cloud9:

Happy Planning all!

[gdulaney]

Hi DisneyNutMary,

I know what you mean about needing a Disney fix...we don't have a store nearby, so sometimes I have to get in a DIS board fix to hold me.

Do you know where your family will be staying pre-cruise? Last year we stayed at Saratoga...which was very cool, as we were within walking distance of Downtown Disney.

Have you guys done the Eastern route? We like both routes, for different reasons. Last year we did the Western. It was the cruise that missed Key West, visited Costa Maya Mexico and Galveston TX...and then turned into the first 10-night cruise. Cool, but a bit scary. Especially when we returned and saw some of the destruction caused by the hurricanes.

Guess I'd better sign off now. Have a good evening!

Ginny :cutie:

[DisneyNutMary]

For right now the plan is to stay at BCV, I have always wanted to see if SAB lives up to the hype. Plus my DH and DBiL like the convenience of having the Boardwalk and ESPN close by for their evening beer.
This will be our 3rd Eastern. Last year we were chased home by Jeanne and missed Castaway Cay, so thanks to DCL's generosity with the 50% off vouchers, we are able to try again

[gdulaney]

For right now the plan is to stay at BCV, I have always wanted to see if SAB lives up to the hype. Plus my DH and DBiL like the convenience of having the Boardwalk and ESPN close by for their evening beer.
This will be our 3rd Eastern. Last year we were chased home by Jeanne and missed Castaway Cay, so thanks to DCL's generosity with the 50% off vouchers, we are able to try again

Do you mind me asking...what's "SAB"?

This is our fourth Eastern and we've had a blast every single time. We missed Key West and hit Castaway Cay first, as to ensure that we'd get to visit. Good thing too, since we wouldn't have been able to go on the "scheduled" day.

Talk to you soon,
Ginny

[DisneyNutMary]

Do you mind me asking...what's "SAB"?


:blush: Sorry, SAB is Stormalong Bay, the main theme pool at Beach Club resort. I get too lazy to type sometimes.

[gdulaney]

Ooohh....you'll have to let me know how you like SAB (Stormalong Bay).

Ginny

[DisneyPoly]

Hi!

We just sailed the 11/21 4 night and have decided to sail again -- am trying to decide between the 7/3 4 night or 9/3 Eastern -- would love to do the 7 night and it's actually cheaper than the 4 night, but I'm concerned about the weather --

Do any of you have experience sailing in September? Please share.

Thanks!

:chat:

[xABearx]

We have cruised in late August/early September since 1999 and have never run into weather any problems until this past September when Frances hit Fla., we got an extra 3 nights out of that due to not being able to sail to any other ports. As far as any other weather issues out at sea, we've never experienced anything other than a light shower .... Andy

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi DisneyPolly :wave2:
The 9/3 wll be my third DCL cruise at that same time if year. The first year was smooth sailing all the way, so we re-booked the second for 9/18/04. As you know 04 was the year of hurricanes in Fla. We had our cruise shortened by Hurricane Jeanne, but it was still great. Up until St Thomas the sailing was smooth. We hit a patch of rough water after that, but not as bad as some other cruiseres I read about who travelled after us.
Read my trip report for our 9/18 cruise, it'll give you an idea of how the weather was throughout our cruise.9/18/04 Trip report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=653974)
And keep in mind, it couldn't be too bad because we're going back during the same time of year.

[gdulaney]

Happy New Year fellow cruisers!!

Ginny & Andy

[xABearx]

* bumping to see if there are any other 9/3/05 cruisers out there. *

[TWTigger]

I will be on the 9/3 Eastern cruise. It is my husband's and my first cruise (Disney or other). I have gotten a ton of information from these boards, and reading about everyone else's cruises is making me wish that our cruise was in 7 days instead of seven months! :earsboy:

[gdulaney]

Welcome TWTigger! Aren't these boards wonderful? I continue learning so much...not just from the Cruise Board, but from the Budget Board, Rewards Board, and Community Board.

I agree...wish the cruise was closer, but it will be here soon!

Ginny

[DisneyNutMary]

Welcome TWTigger :wave2:
Enjoy this time, the planning is part of the fun of the trip. You are going to love DCL. Just keep reading these and other boards, they are a wealth of useful information.
I also pass time before a trip reading trip reports written by other cruisers.

[gdulaney]

Mary,
I know you'd mentioned that your hubby and BIL like being near DTD (ESPN, etc) for a beer...have you guys tried the Rock Bottom Brewery? They have a more limited menu than the other Rock Bottom Brewery restaurants, but it's pretty good.

Ginny

[JanDave]

Welcome TWTigger: Looking forward to meeting you at our DIS meet somewhere on the Magic the week of 9/3/05. My DH and I will be sailing. By then, it'll be my 6th DCL cruise. Labor Day is my favorite holiday this year.....

Jan

[lisa702]

My DH, DD5 and I will also be sailing. It will be our 2nd DCL cruise. We sailed the Wonder last year the day after Hurricane Jeanne hit. What fun it was doing cruise prep AND hurricane prep at the same time! We missed CC so we are looking forward to making it there this year. :banana:

[gdulaney]

My DH, DD5 and I will also be sailing. It will be our 2nd DCL cruise. We sailed the Wonder last year the day after Hurricane Jeanne hit. What fun it was doing cruise prep AND hurricane prep at the same time! We missed CC so we are looking forward to making it there this year. :banana:

Hi Lisa!
We were on the Magic last August and missed Key West (we visited Castaway Cay first, as to not miss it) and then they ended up adding Galveston (Tx) and Costa Maya (Mexico).

I can't imagine doing cruise prep and cruise prep .... at the same time. Eeekk!!!

Ginny

[lisa702]

Our 4 day Wonder cruise was shortened to 3 days, but loved every minute of it. We live in Central FL and when Jeanne blew thru we lost power. It was interesting getting ready that morning to drive to Cape Canaveral. Then we were bussed to Port Everglades. Needless to say WE did not buy our boarding photo! :crazy: When we returned after the cruise, thankfully our power was restored and hurricane clean up began. Hoping this September will be a quieter weather season.

[gdulaney]

Lisa,
We got bussed from Port Everglades to Port Canaveral...riding through the storm damage was extremely sobering. I'm glad that you guys didn't suffer to much damage. Here's to a nice, quiet September!! :drinking1

Ginny

[mousebrat]

DH and myself will be onboard the Magic 9/3. We road out Hurricane Francis in the GF last year. Looking forward to our first cruise.

[disneyfanforever]

We are going! It will be me, my DH and our two boys who will be 8 and 4 when we go. It will be our first 7 day cruise and we can't wait. I would love to keep in contact with you guys. If anyone has any kids around my boys ages, it would be great if they could email each other or something so they would have a friend before we go. It is going to be a blast. Is there normally some type of DIS meet onboard? I would love to meet you guys. I don't know how this stuff works yet.

[DisneyNutMary]

Welcome MouseBrat and DisneyFanForever :wave2:
I have 2 boys, ages 11 and 7 when we cruise. I am probably going to try to bump my 7 year old up to the Lab.....the Club is too immature for him, and he was very bored there last year. He's always playing with his older brother and cousins, so he does well with older kids. Keeping my fingers crossed that the counselors will say it's okay when they meet him.
What are your boys interests Disneyfanforever?

[gdulaney]

Hi Mousebrat and Disneyfanforever!!!!

We are also on the cruise...no kids, just me and hubby. We were on the Magic last year during one of the hurricanes, and our cruise went from a 7-night to a 10-night. It was a bit hectic, but we still had a lot of fun. And 3 more nights of Disney dining to boot!!!

Ginny :wave2:

[captaincrash]

Hello!

This is our 1st posting on DIS - and we are on this Sept 3rd sailing! It is the 3rd Disney Magic sailing in as many years! We are a family of 4 - we're just into our 40s and have a DD4 and another DD1. We're coming out from California and we're really pleased to find a "meeting place" for other friendly folks on the same sailng!

AT any rate, Hello again to ALL!

[gdulaney]

Welcome CaptainCrash!!! Were your other sailings Eastern, Western or both? We like both routes, for different reasons.

Ginny :)

[disneyfanforever]

DisneyNutMary,

My boys pretty much love anything that other boys love. They are all boy. My oldest who will turn 8 in April loves soccer, video games, and anything gross. My DS who is about to turn 4 loves superheroes, Disney, and anything his brother does.

I just love this board. It gets me even more excited to go (if that is even possible). I would love to meet you guys onboard.

[lisa702]

Ginny


:drinking1 I def will drink to a quieter Sept this year!

[DisneyNutMary]

Ginny


:drinking1 I def will drink to a quieter Sept this year!

Me too! :drinking1
One cruise through a hurricane is enough for me!

disneyfanforever, your 8 year old and my 7 year old will get along great. My son loves soccer, video games, and he is a complete Disney nut!

[gdulaney]

:drinking1 I'll drink to that too!!!

Ginny

[captaincrash]

Gdulany....

Our 1st sailng was a "special" eastern - and the 2nd was a hurricane modified 4 day western - and originally it would have been a normal eastern. Of course, this Sept 3rd sailng is a normal eastern. The other sailings we've had in the carib were 2 westerns; 1 southern; and we had 3 visits to islands only for San Juan and one to St Thomas/St Johns.

[lisa702]

:banana: Can you believe we are almost down to a 6 month mark????? Woohoo! :Pinkbounc

[gdulaney]

Gdulany....

Our 1st sailng was a "special" eastern - and the 2nd was a hurricane modified 4 day western - and originally it would have been a normal eastern. Of course, this Sept 3rd sailng is a normal eastern. The other sailings we've had in the carib were 2 westerns; 1 southern; and we had 3 visits to islands only for San Juan and one to St Thomas/St Johns.

Our last cruise turned into a modified sailing too. Not that I'd complain about 10 days on the Magic, but I'll be happy to just enjoy a normal cruise this year. :)

Lisa -- six months really doesn't sound very long, does it? :cheer2:

Ginny

[lisa702]

Lisa -- six months really doesn't sound very long, does it?

Not when time has flown since we booked last September! :cool1:

[lisa702]

I have been wondering............. has anyone begun to plan what excursions etc that you and your family might want to do during this cruise?

[gdulaney]

Not yet. Last time on the Eastern we didn't do very much. We've done several excursions on each island. I'll try to hunt up my notes on which ones we've done.

Ginny :)

[DisneyNutMary]

I think this year we'll be staying on the ship at St Maarten and St Thomas. Maybe get off to shop a little bit, but stay near the ship. We had so much fun the past few years when we got back to the ship early, and had the run of it to ourselves.
On Castaway Cay, I will probably book the Banana Boat, because we missed them last year.

[disneyfanforever]

I was just thinking about how it is just about 6 months away as well. Do you guys that are flying already have you air booked or when do you do that? We haven't booked ours yet, but I am thinking about doing it soon.

I was thinking about excursions too. But is there really anything you can do with a 4 year old? My soon to be 8 year old would love a lot of the things but with a little one I am not sure what we would be able to do. Any recommendations? By the way, what is the banana boat?

Another off the wall question, is St Marten the port where the planes fly in over the beach or am I totally wrong on this?

[lisa702]

We have not been to St Maarten or St Thomas. I really enjoy the days in port when we stay onboard and everyone else goes ashore though! We are looking forward to our first visit to CC as well. :cheer2:

[DisneyNutMary]

I booked my airfare a few weeks ago with the prices at Delta Song had an unexpected drop. We are arriving 5 days before the cruise for some park time :teeth:

By the way, what is the banana boat?

A banana boat is a long inflatable raft, shaped like a banana, that is pulled by a speed boat or jet ski out in the ocean. It makes for a very bumpy but fun ride. It's for ages 8 and up though, and preferably for swimmers, as you can be knocked off easily on the bumpy waves. My younger son will be with the Oceaneer's Lab counselors in Scuttles Cove while we do this....he not old enough, and I don't think he'd enjoy it very much.

[gdulaney]

We're driving down, so no airfare here.

We've done several different excursions at each port. If you have any questions on any of them, let me know.

St. Maartin 12-Metre Regatta
-- Tons of fun. Hubby did the wench thing (lots of work) and I was a bar wench (drink chick...who passed out water, beer and soda).

Under 2 Flags Island Tour on St. Maartin
-- Was okay. Got a good overview of the entire island, but wasn't really worth the price (in my opinion).

Rhino Rider & Snorkeling Adventure in St. Maartin
-- Very fun!!! We had a blast.

St. John Island Tour
-- Was better than the "Under 2 Flags Tour" ... it was a really nice overview of St. John, which is such a beautiful island.

St. Thomas Island Tour
-- Was better than the "Under 2 Flags Tour" but not as good as the "St John Island Tour."

We've also just done the shopping thing and then headed back to the ship, where we lounged by the pool (frothy drink in hand).

On Castaway Cay, we've parasailed, snorkled, and my favorite...spent the day floating on Serenity Bay.

Ginny :)

[captaincrash]

Hello,

On the first general question posed - we purchased our air within a couple of days of booking. We were considering a couple of differnet sailng dates - and as we settled on a cruise date we were looking simultaneously at the matching air fares. We are coming in two days early and flying home the day we dock. Since we're coming in from the west coast the time zone change leads us to come in early to adjust a bit so the cruise is more enjoiable. Also, this allows us to visit a park or two, shop a little or ???
We were interested in leaving the day we dock because we need a day to recover after the trip... and we decided not to use a vacation day for that.

So, as for what shore excursions we hold interest in... we have been to St Thomas perhaps 4 or 5 times and we just enjoy catching a cab to the beach on the other side from the port and shopping. Same goes for St Marteen. We are pretty low key I guess. With a couple of young kids we are happy just to have a "family day" at a relaxed pace on a warm water beach.

In the past we have engaged in some relatively active diversions: we've done a few fixed wing aerial tours, parasailing, the bannana boat and somewhat recently - the wicked pedal boat. And we tried a jeep tour, hired cabs, small buses, and rented cars for independent touring. And now we're back to just the simple diversions.

For us - we have to be a bit realistic as to what we can do with a 1 and 4 year old.

AND now on a different note.... is there anyone out there on this sailing who would be interested in sharing an unlimited access internet account? Once aboard we will settle on a password and split the cost. I would be pleased if 1 or 2 parties would step forward with interest. This cuts the cost by half or 2/3rds~!

Any takers? :cool1:

[gdulaney]

Hi Captain Crash!

Welcome!!!!! It sounds like you guys have done a ton of interesting excursions. Last time in St Thomas, we did a little shopping and then headed back to the ship. It was great to just sip a cold drink, read a good book, and work on nothing harder than getting a good tan. :)

Ginny

[captaincrash]

Well...

Actually we did NOT do all those things on just St Thomas or St Maarteen. We did the fixed wing flights in Grand Cayman and charted floatplanes in Alaska; then we did the helicopter in Maui and Alaska; the rented cab tour in Tahiti; a rented BUS in Grand Cayman and a port in Alaska; and independent rental cars in St Thomas; San Juan; Aruba & Hawaii. Parasailing was in Aruba and Cancun; and the nortorious pedal boat was rented on our 1st Disney Cruise in St Maarteen (or was it St Thomas?). Plus we've taken public transport and negotiated cabs on our own numerous times everywhere.

SO- I don't know if that's more detail then anyone really cared to hear about. And as previously mentioned - we're down to just the "simple plain vanilla stuff" like catching a cab for the beach and hangin' out to make sand castles and such for 1/3 the day. Then we go shop for 1/3rd the day - and the last 1/3rd is maybe something else like snacking in town or stopping enroute to shoot photos, or partonize a steet-side vendor or food stuffs or trinkets.

We have yet to start scuba diving - or do the "bubble submarine" (oh yeah - we've done the "atlantis submarine" a couple of times too - plus a half dozen glass bottom boats). The bubble sub takes just 2 people down with a scuuba diver driving the thing for you - or at least that's what I recollect.

So, we would be somewhat open minded to any new ideas OR things that would tolerate small groups to SPLIT to save a few bucks.

So again - anyone going iinterested in sharing an unlimited use internet account?

HEh-hee....

Adios for now! :Pinkbounc

[lisa702]

Just wondering.........how much is the unlimited internet access for 7 days? :listen:

[xABearx]

Just wondering.........how much is the unlimited internet access for 7 days? :listen:
It's $89.99 .... Andy

[captaincrash]

Hmmm,

$90 is less than when we last did a 7 day 2 years ago ($100). Last year we were reduced by the hurricane to a 4 day and we decided to do without internet for just 4 days. ;)

[Drcell01]

We were on the ill-fated 4 day western for this time last year. We (DW-45, DD-14, and me-46) and we are hoping for no issues (Disney Related), no hurricanes and smooth sailing!

"The value will get-ya...its Palo that will keep you coming back"! LOL

[lisa702]

Thanks Andy


:disrocks:

[JanDave]

Captain Crash: I'd be interested in sharing the Internet cost. We did that on our Magic cruise last September, and it worked out well for all of us.

As for excursions, we haven't yet decided. Last cruise at St. Thomas, we took a cab into town. After walking around a bit with fellow DIS cruisers, we sat at a bar and had some fancy drinks. This quaint bar was right at the sidewalk. Owned by an older couple from the States. Afterwards, my DH and I took a cab all over the island. We were the only passengers. Had a lot of fun and back to the ship in plenty of time. On a DCL eastern cruise in 2001, we went to St. John. Beautiful island.

Jan

P.S. We have to figure where and when we're going to meet up on the Magic.

[captaincrash]

:cool1:

JanDave....

..... thanks for steppin forward to share an unlimited account with us! I would assume it is OK to share an account with up to 2 other cabins max..... but if it's just a 2 way that's just fine too.

Email us at magic4xtc@hotmail.com and we'll exchange cabin numbers and contact info.

Our plans on shore excursions and such are pretty relaxed. We've been to these islands a few times - and all we're currently planning on doind is hitting the beach - buildin' a sand castle or two - some light shopping then a return to the ship - nothing fancy.

We are open minded - but we do have a 1.5 year old and a 4.5 year old - both daughters. So we are generally restricted somewhat in the range of activities we can embrace.

At any rate - drop us a private email.... and anyone else wanting to share the account to save a little change - post here or email me directly!
:cool1:

[lisa702]

Captaincrash if you need a third for the internet then I'm in too. :badpc: :)

[captaincrash]

Lisa702...

Wonderful.....! If our little trio is not in disagreement - then we can go to a 4 way and we'll cut it off there as it is possible two of us may want to be on-line at the same time - and at $20-33 depending on whether it's $80 or $100 and whether we have 3 or 4 in agreement.... this is a bit of a bargain. Maybe we can try and turn a profit and start selling time slots of usage at half the DIsney rate - then maybe we can turn a "profit". If we get the volume up enough maybe we can have a few celebratory dinners at Palos! Har!!!! OK... maybe I'm getting carried away a bit. I imagine we're (re, rather "I" am...) getting carried away. ;-)

So, once we have a 4th we'll call it a done deal. Lisa - please feel free to email us privately and we'll exchange real contact info for use while aboard. We'll settle on a joint access number and password and we're set!

Adios, all!

:banana:

[lisa702]

Well looks like we're the only DISers sailing :boat: this week............

[gdulaney]

Lisa,

I bet more folks will start posting as we get closer to the sail date.

Ginny :)

[captaincrash]

Yep -

Amazing as it may seem - so long as DCL has cabins to sell... there are folks who don't know they're going yet! My 1st DCL cruise was purchased only 2-3 weeks prior to sailing! FOr us this would be pretty "last minute".

Of course - as we draw closer - there will be less time for new booking folks to maake their travel arrangements - home adjustments - and then have time left over to find our thread and page.

So...

does anyone have any beach-going recommendations other than the "common" recommendations? Or how about family friendly ideas for any of the shore visits? We're always interested in something new to try or do with the kids = our kids are 4.5 and 1.5.
:Pinkbounc

[lisa702]

I emailed DU to inquire about upgrades and ALL inside is sold and CAT 9 is a GUAR. When we sailed last September we used FRR and upgraded to a CAT 6 and fell in love :love: :flower1: with the verandah. We booked a CAT 10 for deck 7 this time around. We have always had oceanview when we sailed Carnival and RCCL. Any personal experiences with an inside?

[gdulaney]

Lisa,

We've had the deluxe inside (split bathroom) and the outside with a porthole. Some of the deluxe inside rooms have a "double" chest for storage....those are really nice. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll be glad to try and answer them.

Ginny :)

[lisa702]

Ginny,
Thanks
No real specific questions.........just wondering :confused3 if an inside will feel claustrophobic. We are in 7005 which is a connecting cabin but we're not "connected" to whoever is in the other. ;) I loved the split baths except it always seemed like whatever I needed was in the other side! :rolleyes: We "try" to pack light so storage isn't much of an issue. Thanks again!
Hard to believe we are 5 months out now!!!!! :cheer2: :banana: :bounce:

[gdulaney]

We've never felt overly claustrophobic. For me, the biggest adjustment is the fact that without a window, when the lights go out...it's DARK. You may want to take a nightlight.

We've only had one experience in a "connecting" cabin and it was a doozy. Our neighbors were very interesting people, who I don't believe really understood the concept of taking a relaxing vacation as "daddy vacationer" spent the entire week yelling. Eeeeek! I'm sure you'll have a much better experience. :)

Ginny

[lisa702]

Ginny


I sure am hoping so!!!! :crazy: :)

[gdulaney]

Can you guys believe that we have less than 5 months until the cruise???

Woo hoo!!! :cool1:

Ginny

[DisneyNutMary]

Can you guys believe that we have less than 5 months until the cruise???


It hasn't hit me yet! I haven't started any real planning yet. I have a trip to WDW in the end of April to keep me occupied now. When that is over, the reality of the cruise will set in.

[xABearx]

It hasn't hit me yet! I haven't started any real planning yet. I have a trip to WDW in the end of April to keep me occupied now. When that is over, the reality of the cruise will set in.
Wait till you're only a Week away ... you'll really be running like a chicken with its head cut off trying to remember that you've gotten everything packed....happens to us every year.....Andy

[lisa702]

We are getting closer! :Pinkbounc Actually :cool1: just wanted to bump this back to the first page.

[Drcell01]

We are just a week away from a short (5 days) trip to WDW. I hope that this stays in our system until September. I just hope that when we get to the fork in the road that leads from I-95 into I-4 that I can get my car to go to the right rather than south to the port! LOL

When it comes to DCL my car has a mind of its own...can't blame it...can ya?

[gdulaney]

We're under 5 months!!

Bob -> I know what you mean about heading to the Port. When we were down for the Daytona 500, it was really hard to stop in Daytona Beach. :)

Ginny

[pogopossum]

hello fellow sailors, i'm glad to see other ill-fated cruisers on board, it sounds like we were on the same cruise as you were last year captain crash, was that the frances shortened cruise? well we should get a good cruise since so many of us are due.

there are six of us going, in two rooms, my dw and i are 40ish, and we have a dd, who will be 11 and a ds who will be 4, and dgps along with us. they will be in an inside sr and we are on the 7th deck with a verandah, which is the only way to go, especially on a seven nighter. i'll let you know more of our info later, but my comp is about to crash, so i gotta go

phil

[gdulaney]

Hi Phil!

We were on the Magic voyage that was extended 3 days...and we visited Galveston Texas. I'd love to do another 10-night, but not at the expense of hurricanes. It was a sobering ride from Ft. Lauderdale back to the Port.

We have two in our party...me and hubby. We're on deck 2 (we've been on 2 for all but one of our cruises) in an outside cabin.

Have a great evening!!
Ginny :wave2:

[pogopossum]

hi ginny,
so you were on the cruise that we were waiting to return. this is our third try to get to the virgin islands. in 2000 we were on the second seven day cruise on the magic and diverted to the west because of debra, we did make it to cc, for two days actually. for three of us this will be our 4th cruise our ds is going for number 2. at any rate we have decided to drive in for the cruise, it will allow for more flexibility in case of weather, we probably wouldn't have gone last time except that at the time we had to leave our plane tickets and hotel room was not cancellable, and we did not have insurance, so we felt that we had to go through with the trip. we ended up enjoying the trip, but we are not really interested in a cruise of less than a week anymore, almost not worth the trouble of preparation for us.

anyway, our last trip ended up being five nights at cor springs and 4 night cruise. with one day at mk, seemed strange to be there on labor day and able to ride anything you wanted as much as you wanted with no wait in line, dd loved it, she's not blessed with the virtue of patience, but God's not finished with her yet.

my inlaws were along then as well, they got lucky and got a handicapped access room instead of the room they were booked for, what a big room. we almost had one as well, but when i went in, it was in the middle of renovation and obviously should not have been in the system, it just added to what one day we will all look back and laugh at, maybe. it's still a little too close, if you know what i mean. dcl and most of the passengers on our cruise were really making the lemonade that week. :rotfl:

look forward to further getting to know ya'll in the coming months and finally meeting face to face labor day weekend.

phil

[lisa702]

BUMP :wave2:

[gdulaney]

Phil --- hopefully you can actually make it to the US Virgin Islands this year. :) St John is beautiful!!!

Ginny

[captaincrash]

But yes - we were on the Frances diverted cruise... over labor day holiday - right? We were supposed to get the "special eastern sailng" with San Juan... well - that would have been somethin', eh?

We love San Juan - plus in combination with St Thomas it was the purrrfect sailing. WHo would have figured - that in our past half dozen september Carribean sailngs we never had any difficulty with hurricanes ~ I guess it was just plain good luck. I used to like sailing at night in the carib and looking off in the distance at the lightning storm activity.... that remains a memorable experience from past sailings.

So last year was indeed exceptional. ;) I recall hearing or reading somewhere that last year had been forecast as a cyclical peak for having several hurricanes. And boy did we have an active hurricane season, eh?

Aside from mulling over last year - we're looking forward to this september get away! We have our rental cars lined up - air fares bought a long time ago - and cruise is of course set. We just need a hotel for a couple nites before we sail - but we usually HOTWIRE it a couple of months before sailing.

We might go to a park this year - anyone know what it costs to visit the parks? Anyone with advice on how to get a good deal for DW?

Oh - and sorry about the slow reply - I missed the email alert cuz of tax season - a twice fever ill daughter and only now about 10 days after tax time am I getting to cleaning out my email and catching up on things!

Have a pleasant day and week to all!

:Pinkbounc

[gdulaney]

We might go to a park this year - anyone know what it costs to visit the parks? Anyone with advice on how to get a good deal for DW?

The best deal that I've found involves attending a timeshare presentation. Last year we spent a little less than 2 hours at a presentation and received 2 two-day Universal tickets. Not a bad deal...especially if breakfast, lunch or a snack is involved. :)

Ginny

[pogopossum]

aye, aye captain. i do look forward to getting the usual itinerary in this trip, and i enjoy going up topside to watch storms while sailing and feeling the winds, but will gladly give that up for a non-event filled cruise. we are making our plans and it looks like we drive this time, since it involves labor day, instead of our original plans for two weeks later. dd will miss less school this way. but i guess we'll stay at the quality suites for the free parking and shuttle to the port.

dd suggested that we pack less this time, only one bag per person, :rotfl: can't see dw able to pass muster on this one.

but, we are already getting into full metal cruise mode here, and just think we've only got 4 months to go. maybe next time we won't tell the kids until time to leave. good luck with that.

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi All!
I am just back from our spring break trip to WDW and I am ready to start my planning for the cruise. I realized that my final payment is due in 31 days :earseek:

I should be haunting the cruise board almost daily now, I look forward to chatting with you all while we plan.

[gdulaney]

Under four months....what beautiful words. :) I can't wait. No phones, no work, no stress.....just frothy drinks, yummy food, and cute towel animals (and I guess I should add "cigars" for hubby).

Ginny

[captaincrash]

Pogo....

I am curious.... the Quality suites you mentioned.... is that in coco beach or which city? They have a shuttle? This sounds ike it might save us a rental car day if I time it right and if it sounds like what I think it sounds like. :cool1: In any event - I can't hardly wait for the embarkation! And I must confess - after last years' hurricane madness ( we had the same labor day sailing) we will NOT enter a hurricane area to make a sailing again. :bounce: :dancer:

[Drcell01]

...not use the "H" word...you'll jinks our cruise! LOL

Captiancrash..

We were on that same cruise (Labor Day week) last year. We changed our flight 3x and ended up landing in Ft. Myers and driving to WDW only to be told that we would be leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. We were one of the last families up the gang plank and they closed the hatch just after we boarded.

We are planning on a different sinario on this cruise.

Only 120 days to go..it will be here and gone before you know it..they always do! LOL

[pogopossum]

cc, that would be QS in cocoa beach. so that's three of us from the cruise last year on this one. we were also late getting up the gangplank last year due to dcl transportation snafus and ticketing snafus, almost missed dinner seating. just got in by the hair on our chinny chin chins. we'll have to get together and swap stories on board. we are also driving so that we can change plans better, instead of on our way to the airport like last year.

but i believe that we will be enjoying the cruise that we all booked and not have any worries.

happy sailings to us all!

[gdulaney]

We used to drive down, spend the night before and then board the next morning...but it was just too stressful. Now we try to drive down a few days early, stay at one of the DVC properties, hang out, relax...and drive over to the Port on Saturday morning.

Ginny :)

[lisa702]

Hello! :wave:

Just curious..........does anyone plan on using the online booking on the DCL website for Palo's etc?
We didn't do Palo's last time so we are hoping DD Skye will like the kids club enough to let us enjoy a dinner and brunch at Palo's. She did not enjoy the kids clubs last year, but explanation of that was "because I was only 5, this time I'll be 6!" :earseek:

[DisneyNutMary]

I wasn't aware that there is online booking for Palo. I guess I have been so absorbed in my Spring Break planning, I have been out of the DCL loop.
How far in advance can this be done?

[krdisneybound]

I wasn't aware that there is online booking for Palo. I guess I have been so absorbed in my Spring Break planning, I have been out of the DCL loop.
How far in advance can this be done?



Go to Disneycruiseline.com and sign in and go to "My Cruise Plans" and click on Palo. You have to make sure you are signed in with your reservation no. You can book your excursions

You can look up your reservation and make spa, Palo and kids club reservations ahead of time.

105 days before sailing for concierge and REAS customers.

90 days before sailing for Castaway Club members

75 days before sailing for first time cruisers.

They have a few bugs to work out, but it is a great site now.
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_38.gif

[DisneyNutMary]

One more question, I booked with Costco, not through DCL. Will I still be able to do this?
I remember that in the past, you had to be booked through DCL to access your ressies online.


*edited to add, I got my answer in another thread, thanks for the head's up though. Gotta tell my sister now :teeth:

[gdulaney]

Hello! :wave:

Just curious..........does anyone plan on using the online booking on the DCL website for Palo's etc?
We didn't do Palo's last time so we are hoping DD Skye will like the kids club enough to let us enjoy a dinner and brunch at Palo's. She did not enjoy the kids clubs last year, but explanation of that was "because I was only 5, this time I'll be 6!" :earseek:

We probably will. I'm so happy that they've added the ability to make reservations online and I can't wait to try it.

Last year, we ended up eating at Palo twice for dinner and once for brunch. It's delicious!! Andy really enjoyed the seafood dishes and I really enjoyed the filet. YUM!

Ginny :)

[captaincrash]

Here's a little something for all those fellow "Hurricane Veterans" from last September's hurricane madness. We were scheduled for the Labor Day holiday sailing that got cut to a 4 day sailing out of FOrt Lauderdale.

We decided to try to make the cruise - and on Saturday we drove to the airport with reservations to fly from Oxnard to LAX; LAX to Chicago; CHicago to Tampa. Enroute to the airport they canceled our flight to Tampa and on arriving at the airport we found that United had automatically rebooked us onto another flight - only they split our party onto different flights. This was not acceptable. Due to time constraints - we boarded our flight without resolving this issue - but once at LAX we found that we could rerout to leave sooner and fly into WDC instead of CHicago and get into Jacksonville. This OK and we boarded our flight to WDC. This was a red-eye and quite tough with 2 kids. At any rate - we landed in WDC with a huge layover scheduled. We called UAL on landing and confirmed all was still "set".... and it was. Well - we rented a car and started driving about a bit and I took a nap in the car with one of the kids while my sppouse stretched at a shopping mall. After a bit I decided to check again with United and found that now ALL airports into Florida were closed on Sunday. We were expecting to sail on Monday so we were in a panic.

We began asking if we could fly closer and we mused whether we could drive down from WDC. Well - after consulting DCL folks and United we flew into Charleston SC. From here we rented a car and drove some 200 miles (? or was it 150?) into Jacksonville. We figured if we could get to Jacksonville we could drive to Port Canaveral on Monday easily. Well - driving down was somewhat DANGEROUS as we drove into Jacksonville at about 12 midnight. Big wind and rain - lots of trees blown over and very very few cars on the road. BUt we made our hotel - a Hampshire Inn we reserved from another Hampshire Inn we stopped at about 30 miles northe of Jacksonville.

In the AM we checked internet reports and noted there were forum postings that our Monday sailing had been CAnCELLED and moved to Tuesday. Whereupon we called DCL to ask what we should do. They advised we come to Orlando and they would put us up in the Polynesian. So we tried to drive the 100 miles to Orlando thinking - OK it should be 90 minutes....WRONG.... 5 hours later we had gone about 60 miles and we called DCL to tell them we were getting a hotel right where we were rather than drive to Orlando and that we would simply drive ourselves to Port Canaveral the next day - at which point they advised us that we really needed to come to Orlando because the port was now FOrt Lauderdale! Further that they would provide Park Passes and DCL transfers.

Oh RATS.... this meant we had to fight to get the last 40 miles which wore us out and took a while. Well - it must sound pretty tough - but it was actually fairly managable in spite of the fact it was really tough. So - we eventually got to the Polynesian - toured Downtown Disney a bit - then rode the DCL bus to FL and boarded. Once aboard - we were told we were going to wait until evening to depart because one or two DCL busses had broken down enroute and these poor folks were delayed further - and the ship would wait for them - we wknow who some of you are now! :flower:

At any rate - we just hung out on board and tried to settle in - and once we saw the HAPPINESS on our daughters' face and eyes - we knew tht travel ordeal was worth it - although the logical side of our minds were still short circuiting over the whole thing! :earseek:

At any rate - here are some photos of our driving travel day. The series begins with us in WDC at the airport and ends up with us returning to our cabin on the 1st nite of the cruise.

http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=nma4cnc&p=iuh842&AID=2372494

In the end - we counted EIGHT flight reschedulings - 2 rental cars - some 320 miles driven in the last 24 hours before arriving in Orlando to check into the Polynesian - then we rode a DCL bus some 120-150 miles to Fort Lauderdale.... except we took a fairly CIRCULAR route to the embarkation port. At any rate - it was indeed a memorable vacation and we went away thinking lets' book another September cruise in 2005. Here we are and we are NOT concerned about possibly jinxing it - I heard last year was actualy forcast to be a bad hurricane year by NOAA - but I didn't know about this forecast until well after the cruise. As for this year - I havenot seen any comments as to it being anything but routine. So the going looks good so far!

Hope you enjoy our little photo sequence..... ENjoy! here it is again:

http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=nma4cnc&p=iuh842&AID=2372494

:Pinkbounc



What sort of crze stories had YOU got if you sailed on one of these hurricane sailngs in 04?

[captaincrash]

I hope my photo and story sharing doesn't jinx us - though I think we'll be free of difficulty... and Pogo .... usually we have booked hotels on Hotwire at about 60 days outside of sailing - we were thinking of spending a day at WDW this time and an alternative might be to go QS and do other things. Off hand - I have to think about this a little to see how and what we'll be doing - but it is good to know there is an intown choice at the QS.

Hope you get a chuckle out of the story and photos. Check out the line of highway utlity and landscape maintenance trucks we passed unroute from Jacksonville to Orlando!

Adios! :confused3

[Drcell01]

In case anyone was not aware DCL has now added the ability to make Palo resies, Spa resies, and Excursion resies via the DCL website. You can make these resies as follows:

105 days in advance is you are crusing in cat 3 and above
90 days in advance if you are castaway club members
75 days in advance if you are a first time crusier

Calculating the embarkation of our cruise the first day you can begin to make resies (based upon being a castaway club member) would be June 4th if you were going to Palo on embarkation day (Sept. 3rd). For any other day just add one day to the June 4th date for each future date of your resies (i.e., If you want to go to Palo on Sunday Sept 4th you can make your resies on line as of June 5th for castaway club members). Castaway Club members must have their Castaway Club member number. If you don't have your number you should first call DCL to get your member number. You can not make this reservation at the 90 mark without your member number.

Another tip I can give you is that even though you may only be a party of two you may want to make a reservation at Palo for four or six. I say this as Palo has limited number of tables that seat two but has more tables that seat 4 or more. Your chances of getting a reservation (this is how we got a reservation last year) for four or more is better than just two and you might find (like we did last year) that you may want to have dinner at Palo with your table mates from your regular dining rotation (IMHO). I hope that we are lucky enough to have such nice table mates on this cruise as we had last year.

So this makes the first on-line resies day only 27 days away...WOO-HOO!!! Ladies and Gentleman...START YOUR PLANNING! LOL

[pogopossum]

well captain,

that is quite a tale, and in the interest of helping to guarantee a carefree cruise vacation, i'll add mine on the altar of the storm gods.

we were scheduled to fly on american on friday morn and stay at the qs and play on the beach in the afternoon. no worries, except frances had other ideas. so as it got closer, i started looking into our alternatives. i called the wrong hotel and was told that they were evacing, but qs told me that they hadn't made the decision yet, so on tues i called wdw and using email coupon booked rooms at the cor springs for fri night. well we checking with dcl and on wed although no changes had been made in the itin. the agent told me not to chance the airport on fri., so wed eve we checked with aa and were told that no decisions had been made yet, but we could make one change at no charge. i then got back on the phone with wdw and checked on ressies for thur, was told that they had nothing, until i gave them our conf number, then they figured out that we a magical gathering and they did have rooms for us. so changes made we were well on our way.

thurs came and we all get set to go, as we are walking out the door to go to the airport, dvc calls and i decided we should answer it, and was told that the cruise was now 5 days, still from pc, we would get 40% off and 25% rebook and $200 on board cred, we decided to go on, had to get to the airport in an hour, so it was a rushed decision. we didn't have ok from aa or wdw to cancel without penalty. we got to airport in time, only the plane didn't, after three+ hour delay they got a plane for us, and we took off, at orl the baggage door was stuck and we delayed another hour. by the time it was open and we loaded up with shuttle and got to resort, it was nearly three in the morning.

still no word on new changes in itin. from dcl, although according to pc website the port was closed on thurs and not reopening until tues. this was the frustrating part of the whole process, we finding out things from websites and disers on forum things wa ahead of dcl informing us. but we enjoyed the pool and walking around the resort for the day. only now we were getting warnings of how long it would take for the storm to pass, and on sat we went into lock down, with all services shut down at the resort. lesson learned: in case of storm book one of the resorts under one roof, they still have services.

anyway we got the news on sun that we were now sailing tues, still told that we were sailing from pc, we were now at 50% discount, and we decided to go to mk on mon. one family had decided to go home, another was still in and booked trans with dcl bus, we were still going with dw's father, until that night when we got the call about port change.

tues morn, we got up and called to arrange trans to ak for the bus, was told that we needed to have already left, but in about ten minutes two vans from the resort came and got us to ak. we checked in with dcl and they couldn't find us on the list, but they said they'd take of it, our friends were ok, though, an omen, but we didn't realize it. then about a half hour before the bus arrived they told us that they didn't have enough room on the bus and another would comein about an hour, and they would give us lunch, three and a half hours later the bus finally came, but we had to go to the swan and pick up others. the bus filled up, but the driver did not know how to turn on the ac, and the bathroom was unacceptable, no video, and no it was not one of those cool yellow buses that we expected. meanwhile the driver who was speaking portuguese well and english not so much, had to pull into the service plaza to hook up with other drivers who knew how to get there. one of the passengers figured out how to turn on the ac, so it got better.

we got to port, had our docs checked, and were sent not to check in line, but another line, where we were told that our res had been cancelled, so this had to be sorted out and they finnally assigned us a room, and we headed up to the deck, and just kept walking toward aft past room after room, til i saw that it was one of those coveted rooms on the very back of the ship, a handicapped access room, but i opened the door and the room was in disarray, and then i went in the bathroom, which had grout all over the place and was being redone. so i turned around and headed for guest services, passing the family in the hall, with smoke coming out of my ears. while in line i saw the doors open for the final seating in lumiere's, and in a few minutes dw and the rest came up with floor manager who pulled me out of line and said to go eat, and they would sort it out, so it was at that point when the trip turned completely around, and we all ended up having a great time. i found out that my dw didn't even make it to the room, she just started crying in the hall, and the floor manager came up to see what was wrong, then they came down to get me.

the kids had so much fun, and my in-laws said that they were going to rebook even if we hadn't called to hook up with them. our only regret was that we couldn't go last spring, because she had used her free days at school, and with the west coast cruises this summer, that meant that here we go again in hurricane season, but i am the eternal optimist and believe that this time we get the full virgin island, disney cruise.

sorry this is so long, but i did what i could to just hit the essential details, and look forward to sharing our experiences over boat drinks on the top deck, come september.

[DisneyNutMary]

Thanks for the info Bob. My payment with COstco is due 90 days prior to cruising, so that big red circle on my calendar will come in handy for two reasons now. :teeth:

[captaincrash]

I thought we had a sort of jumbled trip....

YOurs sounds ... dare I say ... a bit more adventuresome? Last season was predicted to be above normal by NOAA: Here's a link to the 2004 forecast:

http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.html

And it seems the 2005 forecast will be issued by NOAA on or about June 1st. Here is a link to the relevant page:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tafb-atl.shtml

lets keep our fingers crossed! :banana:

[captaincrash]

:badpc:

OK... NOAA just released their 2005 hurricane season forecast 3 days ago, and it is NOT very pretty.... click my links above to read it - and the caption I dropped below sez it all in some ways:

"....... NOAA’s 2005 Atlantic hurricane season outlook indicates a 70% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, a 20% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season.... ..... The outlook calls for 12-15 tropical storms, with 7-9 becoming hurricanes, and 3-5 of these becoming major hurricanes. The likely range of ACE index is 120%-190% of the median. This prediction reflects a very likely continuation of above-normal activity that began in 1995...... The vast majority of the tropical storms and hurricanes in 2005 will form during August-October. Many of these are likely to form over the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea in the region between 9°N-21.5°N (green box), which is typical for above-normal seasons. These systems generally track westward toward the Caribbean Sea and/or United States as they strengthen. Historically, similar seasons have averaged 2-3 landfalling hurricanes in the continental United States and 1-2 hurricanes in the region around the Caribbean Sea......Beginning with 1995 all of the Atlantic hurricane seasons have been above normal, with the exception of two El Niño years (1997 and 2002). This contrasts sharply with the generally below-normal activity observed during the previous 25-year period 1970-1994 (Goldenberg et al. 2001, Science). "

:rolleyes1

So... I am going to discuss again with my spouse whether we will plan on traveling INTO a hurricane to make a DCL sailing (if it happens). I think it might be wise to have some "preparation" for the coming season!

Any opinions folks?

[pogopossum]

as i stated before, we are doing the driving thing this time so that we can make changes easier. i know that that is not as doable for you, captain. but having learned that dcl will not be deciding, or at least announcing, changes until they absolutely have to, at the last possible minute, we want to be able to decide to postpone at the last possible minute, and reschedule.

but we have discussed that we are not interested in less than a seven day cruise, so we will take the rebook option this time and save our daughter's miss school days for that instead of sticking it out. now that i've said that it probably won't be offered that way this time.

but otherwise i believe that this time we will get the cruise that we booked, third times a charm, right.

[captaincrash]

Funny...

today on picking up our daughter from school - her teacher commented that our daughter said she had a hurricane last year in Florida - and ...." you have ta be care-ful". It seemed kind pf cute - except she's talking about it because my spouse and I are talking about it.

We will probably "gamble" if a hurricane threatens us. We are in effect going to try to make it unless something looks unusually threatening. The incentives are nice to offset the uncertainty and loss of service - and as such - we would simply assume that Disney would be "fair" about trying to "mett us at least half-way" to enable the trip.

At any rate, we will approach any adversity with a bit more awareness given our last experience!

:banana:

[lisa702]

but otherwise i believe that this time we will get the cruise that we booked, third times a charm, right.


:wizard: A lot of pixie dust! :wizard:

[DisneyNutMary]

We fell to the second page, so I am bumping us up :teeth:

Is anyone following the West bound Repo cruise thread?
It's 87 pages!!! :earseek: Someone has posted a slideshow of the Magic going through the canal. It's so cool to watch!

It has me really looking forward to our cruise.

[captaincrash]

Thanx for the referral Disney NUT.

Anyone else have anything to say about the hurricane potential? :cool1:

My spose sez - we are almost certain to go no matter what - our kids will only be this age once - and we feel they get MAXIMUM pleasure from this and we are planning to do what-ever it takes to pursue this should a hurricane loom on the horizon.

[Drcell01]

We are trying not to think about the hurricanes!

We jumped through all kinds of hoops (flew into Ft. Myers and drove to WDW) this time last year to get to the ship.

Lets just think positive and maybe we will have un-eventful days leading up to our great vacation cruise.

Its just 99 days until we leave...WOO-HOO!

[pogopossum]

hey bob,

i am ever the ultimate optimist, so i believe that we will see fair sailing come sept 3. dour predictions aside, i am of the opinion that last year was the once in a century event, and this year will be more typical and therefore we have the odds on our side, and should be able to enjoy a stress free cruise. :sunny:

what, me worry? :cool1:

[DisneyNutMary]

hey bob,

i am ever the ultimate optimist, so i believe that we will see fair sailing come sept 3. dour predictions aside, i am of the opinion that last year was the once in a century event, and this year will be more typical and therefore we have the odds on our side, and should be able to enjoy a stress free cruise. :sunny:

what, me worry? :cool1:

I like your thinking! We feel the same way.
I made my final payment yesterday....no turning back now. Good weather or bad, we are going!

[Drcell01]

DAMM the torpedos and full speed ahead....

ONLY 100 DAYS TILL WE SET SAIL! Not rain nor snow (I had to say that since we live here in the snow capital of Upstate NY), nor HURRICANE will detur this ships passengers from reaching their appointed destinations! We will reach Castaway Cay this time! LOL

[lisa702]

:cheer2: Bumping this and wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend!

[gdulaney]

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Ginny :wave2:

[captaincrash]

Hello all....

We're ready to go .... last yerar we had no forewarning of the outlook (or rather the official NOAA outlook). And as such - I recall sailing the Carib around storms during hurricane season - where the week preceeding us had reversed their order of port calls to avoid a storm and we had a normal schedule - and on this particular sailng I had very memorable experiences watching the lightening storms in the distance at sea.... it was supremely memorable! Dare I say.... It had a romantic quality to it!

At any rate, we are prepared to be "agile" in making the port. SO long as our sailng goes on - we will be aboard! :cool1:

Have a great weekend all - or rather whats left of it!

[Mom2boyz2000]

We are booked for the 9/3/05 eastern cruise. We are a family of 4, 2 sons 9 and 4 years of age. My husband and I are cruise lovers and have been on7, however only one other disney cruise 5 years ago. :grouphug: We have made this a family cruise including grandparents and sister and her family of 4. We had hoped to include other sister, however after booking she found out that instead of sailing with Mickey she will be doing all nighters with a newborn. I guess that's a good reason to miss the cruise, however we will really miss them. I would love for my boys, especially the oldest to begin to email other boys his age who will be on the same cruise. Now that school is out we are beginning full cruise preparation mode. Love that!! We live in FL and experienced the seemingly endless hurricane season last year. We are just crossing our fingers as far as this season. :umbrella:

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi Mom2Boyz2000 :wave: Welcome Aboard!
It's nice to see another large group sailing, we have 11 in our group. My son's will be 11 and 7 at the time of sailing, not so close in age to yours, my boys don't know about this cruise yet. Once we let them know, I am sure they'd be happy to email your boys.

[Mom2boyz2000]

That would be great. Even though there are 2 years between out oldest sons they might hit it off. And...they will be in the same kid's club together. Our boys do know about the cruise and are quite psyched. They know now that summer has arrived it is right around the corner. We booked our cruise about a year in advance, so it was all hubby could do to keep it a secret for a few months. Talk to you soon, thaks for the reply!! : :earsgirl:

[MickeyManiac]

Hi everyone! We will also be on the 9/3/05 Eastern and can't wait!!! I've put the hurricane panic out of my head. (nothing I can do about it) Now we are just focusing on getting ready. (I've bought every tropical thing I can get my hands on. DH isn't so sure about all those flowers I've bought him.) There are 3 of us, Me, DH and DS will be 11 when we sail. I know my son would love some e-mail buddies also. Let us know when you break the news! :wave2:

[Disfanfamily]

There will be six of us on the 9/03/05 cruise. It will be the sixth DCL cruise for most of us and the third eastern. Cant wait!! Its the best vacation ever. SOOOO relaxing.

[Disfanfamily]

My son will be with us. He will be 12 and this will be his third DCL cruise. He cant wait. I think he had more fun last time than we did, and we had an awesome time. We rarely saw him the last cruise, he was either in the arcade, oceanear lab, or just hanging with friends he made. If your ok with it you can give him the run of the ship. We were a little hesitant at first, but he was very responsible and just had a great time.

[gdulaney]

Hi everybody!! Welcome to the Sept 3rd thread. I can't believe that it's approaching so quickly. I can't wait!!! We're trying to decide which night to eat at Palo and if we want to do any excursions. Is anybody else planning on doing any excursions?

Ginny :cutie:

[pogopossum]

hi ginny,

it is moving right along. i don't know what we will do in st maarten, but we plan to rent a car in st thomas and take the ferry over to st john. read about this in another thread and most agree that doing your own excursion is the way to go. last year in cozumel, one passenger told me that he rented a jeep for his family and went to some beaches that the cms on board told him about and it cost much less than what we did. you can order sandwiches and lunch goodies to take or i read that there are places to eat in the park on st john. i know that excursions were a little scrambled on the cruise due to changes due to frances, we weren't real impressed by what we did, so i think that after seeing info about doing your own thing, we'll give it a try.

[DisneyNutMary]

I am so happy to see more families with kids joining this thread. I was so afraid that with our cruise being so close to the beginning of the school year, there would not be many kids.
Between my sister, our friend and me we have 3 boys ages 12, 11, and 7 and 2 girls, ages 10 and 9.
With their cousins knowing the truth, it is getting harder and harder to keep the secret, so I think I will be telling my older son today. I plan to introduce him to the board, and see if he is interested in exchanging e-mails and AIM screen names.

[Disney1fan2002]

I am so happy to see more families with kids joining this thread. I was so afraid that with our cruise being so close to the beginning of the school year, there would not be many kids.
Between my sister, our friend and me we have 3 boys ages 12, 11, and 7 and 2 girls, ages 10 and 9.
With their cousins knowing the truth, it is getting harder and harder to keep the secret, so I think I will be telling my older son today. I plan to introduce him to the board, and see if he is interested in exchanging e-mails and AIM screen names.

I am kind of a little bothered by the kids missing the 2nd week of school, my 5yo will miss his 1st week of K. But, I keep telling myself that it is better that they miss school so early in the year, where they are not involved in any big lessons the 1st couple of weeks is usually review from the spring. They will survive, I am sure. I know they won't be traumatized! LOL

I can see it now, kids in therapy adults because we took them out of school to go on a Disney cruise! :rotfl:

WHOOPS! I am in the wrong thread! LOL Sorry. You guys leave a day before me. How did that happen? Oh well.

[Mom2boyz2000]

Mary and MickyManiac just let us know when you are ready for your son to start emailing. My Joshua (9) us ready to go!! We too are buying tropical and I of course am making lists and lists. Planning really is half the fun!! We are trying not to think about hurricanes, however, since we live in FL it seems to be all they are talking about right now...Is your hurricane kit ready? Do you have a generator? Etc. We had little damage last year, the worst part was days without electricity. WE'll just think positive. :goodvibes

[gdulaney]

pogopossum,

We've done several of the excursions that we really liked...the 12-Metre Regatta and the Rhino Rider were both alot of fun. I have no idea what we're going to do this trip.

Ginny

[DisneyNutMary]

I broke the news to my DS today, and he is pretty excited to be cruising again. I guess that's another week out of his life that I will hardly ever see him. But he's happy in the Lab, so I am happy for him.

He's happy to exchange emails with other boys his age. PM me if your son is interested. We need to figure out a discreet way for the boys to exchange email addresses without that information getting out.

[MICKEYFAN1999]

We will be on the September 3rd cruise (our 4th DCL trip). Hope the hurricanes hold off. We were at WDW for Charley. We have 3 dd ages 10, 6 and 3. Oldest dd would love to e-mail a girl her age as she is a little shy with new people. If you wish pm me with e-mail address so that she may correspond with girl her age.

[wendyk]

We will also be on this sailing. I will be travelling with DD 10, DS 4, and my cousin as my husband can not make the trip this time. This will be our first Eastern. We've done the Western with DCL twice.

MickeyFan: I sent you a PM

Wendy

[lisa702]

I heard last night on FOX 35 weather here in Orlando that because the waters around FL are cooler now than they were last year at this time, FL might actually be spared the hurricanes they have predicted for 2005. :cheer2: Hope that actually is true. Heres a little pixie :wizard: dust as well. :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:
:wave2:

[MickeyManiac]

I heard last night on FOX 35 weather here in Orlando that because the waters around FL are cooler now than they were last year at this time, FL might actually be spared the hurricanes they have predicted for 2005. :cheer2: Hope that actually is true. Heres a little pixie :wizard: dust as well. :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:
:wave2:


:Pinkbounc Wow! Between that news and the Free Disney Dining Package (for before the cruise) today is a GREAT day. I'm even happier for you brave Florida residents who I hope never have to face another year like last year EVER!!! :bounce:

[DisneyNutMary]

I heard last night on FOX 35 weather here in Orlando that because the waters around FL are cooler now than they were last year at this time, FL might actually be spared the hurricanes they have predicted for 2005. :cheer2: Hope that actually is true. Heres a little pixie :wizard: dust as well. :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:
:wave2:

This is great news for all the Florida residents out there. I would hate to see you all live through that again . And it's great news to all of us hurricane season cruisers, keeping my fingers crossed for great weather.

[gdulaney]

Less hurricanes....that would be really great for all the folks in FL.

Ginny :)

[pogopossum]

another amen to the better than last year prediction. :sunny: :goodvibes

[lisa702]

:cool1: I tried to book Palo online this morning "thinking" 6/03, 90 days out from 9/03 but couldn't. I am paid in full and a CC member. I counted the days on the calendar and we are not really 90 days out yet. 90 days is Monday I think. Has anyone else tried to prebook Palo and stuff yet? Just wondering if it was me............ :confused3

[DisneyNutMary]

Lisa, I keep checking too. :confused3
My countdown here has us at 91 days, so I am going to try again tomorrow. Hopefully that works.

[lisa702]

Mary thank you. Now I don't feel like its "me". I'll try again tomorrow.

[DisneyNutMary]

I have a question about the DCL website.
Is anyone else paid yet? I bboked with Costco, and my payment was due over a week ago, I paid by phone, and it shows on my Visa statement already.
When I look on the DCL website, and pull up my reservation, the status says "Booked" is this right?
For some reason, I thought it would say paid, or something like that. :confused3

[gdulaney]

Mary,
Sorry, I can't help with this...we booked via the DVC.

Ginny

[lisa702]

Just wondering if anyone has had any luck with prebooking Palo etc yet. I tried again but couldn't. :confused3

[gdulaney]

Andy tried this morning and wasn't able to pre-book. We'll probably try again tomorrow. :)

Ginny

[lisa702]

Ginny and/or Mary, when either of you are able to prebook, can you post or PM me? :flower: I would appreciate it. I'll do the same. Thank you.

[DisneyNutMary]

I got so frustrated this morning that I took out a calendar, and counted the days- TOMORROW is 90 days :earseek:
First, I thought 6/3, because thst is 3 months to the day. Then I tought it was today, because of my countdown ticker. But with July and August having 31 days each, 90 days is tomorrow. :cheer2:

[gdulaney]

Lisa --> no problem...as soon as we can book, we'll post. :)

Mary --> Andy did the same thing and said he thinks tomorrow is the 90-day mark.

Ginny :cutie:

[Drcell01]

We are at the 90 day mark and it is 5:22 am on the east coast and I just tried to pull up my reservation on the disneycruise website and I received an error message that states that they are "currently experiencing problems that would not allow me to retrive my reservation at this time and to please call the Disney Cruise Line for them to assist me with any further cruise plans after 9 am EDT".

So much for ease of use...Let's see what happens after 9 am.

Update at 6:15 am...

I was able to make reservations for Palo (Dinner on Monday and Brunch for Thursday) without issue. Still receiving error message when I try to make excursion reservations as follows:

We're having a problem with our reservation system that will prevent you from booking your vacation package or retrieving your reservation right now. We're sorry for any inconvenience. Please call your travel agent or call (800) 951-3532 weekdays 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET or weekends 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET and our agents will gladly assist you with all your Disney Cruise Line vacation planning needs.

Status Code: 500

[xABearx]

I was able to make our Palo reservations just a few minutes ago with no problems .... keep in mind that you can only make "1" Brunch, High Tea, and Dinner ressie online ..... Andy

[Drcell01]

9:00 am EDT update:

I just got off the phone with DCL and the St. Maartin Island and Butterfly Farm tour is already Sold Out! I was able to schedule the 12 Metre Regatta for myself and the St. Thomas Island tour for all of us. I was told to "keep checking back on the website" to see if any additional reservations would become available for the St. Maartin tour. We'll just keep trying and keep our fingers crossed!

[DisneyNutMary]

Ok, I got my kids registered for Oceaneer's, the system will not allow me to reserve shore excursions :confused3 And I wanted ro book Palo for 6 adults, and it is only allowing 1-2 or 3-4. Is it possible all the big tables are booked up already? :sad2:
If anyone has a Brunch for 6 adults that they are planning to cancel, please let me know, I'd like to scoop it up.

[DisneyNutMary]

I was seaching the boards to get other people's experiences with trying to book for 6 people. I read that someone tried to book 6 and it only took for 2 because their dining wasn't linked on the ressie.
So I called DCL, it's a good thing I did! My sister, our friend and I were all thinking that we were linked for dining (as we requested when we booked through Costco) and we weren't ! :earseek: The CM was able to get us linked, so we won't have to scramble for dining changes once onboard, and I was able to book Brunch for 6 :cool1:
Now I just have to check with them and see if they want to do brunch for the 6 of us.

[Drcell01]

Noon EDT...

I called back to DCL as the excursions that I was able to book over the phone earlier were not showing up on line (via the DCL website). I got a VERY HELPFUL CM that found that the excursion reservation that were made via phone must not have been saved in the system and there there were actually open reservations for the St. Maartin's Island and Butterfly Farm tour...WOO-Hoo! My DW and DD were very pleased at that news.

Now if the next 88 days will pass by quickly...LOL

[lisa702]

:banana: FINALLY got my reservations for Palo brunch and dinner, as well as registering DD Skye for the Oceaneers Club. I couldn't decide which dinner I didn't mind missing so we're gonna double dip one night. Hope DH doesn't mind :teeth: Still can't do excursions online but I couldn't decide :confused3 which we wanted to do anyways. Hope everyone's week is going well!

[gdulaney]

Glad everybody is getting everything booked. :)

Ginny

[clonefans]

We are also booked for the 9/3/05 eastern cruise. We are a family of 4, me, my husband, my son who will be almost age 11 by cruise time and my daughter who is age 7.

We are very excited to be 2nd time DCL cruisers...we were on the Sept 18th eastern cruise last year. Both my kids had a lot of fun, but really didn't get into the kids programs - mostly because they had a hard time meeting new friends. I would love for both of them to start emailing other kids their age so they have some friends they already know. I think they both would have even more fun! PM me if your kids are interested. :hyper2:

I have a question...We brought 2-way radios on our cruise last year, but they didn't work on the ship. Does anyone have 2-way radios that actually work on the ship? If so, what brand are they?

[lisa702]

my DD almost 6 Skye princess: did not spend much time in the club the last time we sailed DCL last September BUT we're hoping she'll spend just a little time there so we can dine at Palo AND maybe a see little bit of night life. She too is shy and has trouble making friends. She started day camp last week for the summer and didn't make a new friend until yesterday. Her favorite place is definately the Mickey pool! Although this time time she has informed me she'll be "shopping" alot in the gift shops with me! She collects snow globes and last year we got her the little one with Capt Mickey. I have a feeling we'll be buying the bigger one this year! :earseek: Have a great day!

[gdulaney]

Kim,
Welcome!! :wave2:

We have a set of Cobra microTalk 2-way radios (with a 5-mile radius). They work really well. The biggest problem (headache) is that with so many folks using 2-ways, you do get some bleed-over. We plan on which channel to use and change as needed.

We also take a pad of post-it notes and that way we can leave each other notes. In under 3 months we'll be writing some notes on board the Magic!!!

Ginny

[lisa702]

:banana: :banana: I booked my excursions yesterday. I booked the tours for both ports. In St Thomas the tour begins at 8 am. Will we have enough time to do customs and make the excursion time? DH does not have much interest into going to the ports :rolleyes: and at least this way I'll get a taste of St Maarten and St Thomas. If he knew about the beaches :earseek: :earseek: he might change his mind! :rotfl:

[DisneyNutMary]

Will we have enough time to do customs and make the excursion time?

If I remember correctly from our last cruise, the people with excursions booked through DCL for early morning had early Immigration appt times. You should be okay.

[lisa702]

:wave: Thanks Mary

[pogopossum]

since we haven't made it to the virgins last two cruises, i was curious about lisa's question about doing customs in time for excursions. is there something special about customs there, or is it like the bahamas and cozumel, and we just wait until cleared to go ashore?

lisa, did you book excursions through dcl or on your own?

[DisneyNutMary]

Immigration on St Thomas morning is different than coming from CC to Florida. Because you are coming back onto US soil from a foreign country (St Maarten) all passengers must present themselves to Immigration officials.
Citizens of foreign countries go to Rockin Bar D with their passports. Citizens of the US go to The Walt Disney Theater with passports or Birth certificate and photo id. All members of the family must show up- you are marked off on a list as you enter the theater.
It's fairly easy, you file into the theater, are directed to a row to sit, then when it's time for your row, you walk up to the front, meet the Immigration officer who looks at the docs, asks what country you are a citizen of, asks one or two questions of your kids, then off you go to enjoy your day.

I've done it twice, and I have to say, it's very well organized, and quick.
Don't try to skip it, because no one gets off the ship until everyone has met the Immigration officials. And if you oversleep, you get a visitor at your door to wake you up.

[lisa702]

Pogopossum
I booked the excursions thru DCL. Less for me to stress :crazy: about! I swore I wasn't gonna stress about hurricane season but its always on my mind! We have bought a generator and getting the plywood ready for our windows. I figure if we plan ahead like that, we are certain to have a hurricane free season! Now if we hadn't planned ahead, we would get slammed for sure! :rolleyes: :crazy2:
:dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer:

[pogopossum]

thanks for the info, i had seen on another post that non-us citizens had to do the immigration thing, but i guess no one mentioned that we did as well. that pretty much cinches our excursion plans, i've read about car rentals near the dock and the ferry over to st john, and i think that we'll just do that, then it won't matter how long it takes. our other consideration is that most excursions with snorkeling or boat involved won't include our 4 year old, so we won't have to deal with that either.

[lisa702]

:cheer2: Just wanted to point out that we are down to 2 and 2 :jumping1: (2 months 2 weeks)!!!!! :banana:

[gdulaney]

Lisa,
I can't believe it!!!!!! :cheer2:

Ginny

[MickeyManiac]

This weekend we will finally be at the 75 day mark for us 1st timers. I am so excited. I'm just wondering if anyone would be willing to share what excursions they decided on. There are so many choices.

And, when is the best time to book Palo for dinner? Since it's our first DCL trip we really don't want to miss anything big. ie, Pirate Night, shows, etc.

TIA-
I've gotten tons of great advice from the boards, but I'm still feeling a little lost.

Rachel

[lisa702]

This weekend we will finally be at the 75 day mark for us 1st timers. I am so excited. I'm just wondering if anyone would be willing to share what excursions they decided on. There are so many choices.

And, when is the best time to book Palo for dinner? Since it's our first DCL trip we really don't want to miss anything big. ie, Pirate Night, shows, etc.

TIA-
I've gotten tons of great advice from the boards, but I'm still feeling a little lost.

Rachel
You could always "double dip". I scheduled Palo for St Thomas night at 9pm. We'll eat at our 6 pm scheduled dinner with DD and then drop her off at the Oceaneer Club and have our Palo at 9PM.
We are doing the tour excursions in both ports to get a taste of each. Haven't really planned anything for CC except renting floats and having a very relaxing day.

[gdulaney]

Rachel,

If you can't decide, you could book brunch. It's partly a buffet and partly table service. You start off with a tour of the buffet, which is full of seafood, salads, desserts, breads, etc. Then you are offered cooked-to-order entrees. You also get either a glass of champagne or a mimosa included (additional drinks are available to purchase).

Ginny

[Drcell01]

Since we are sailing with 10 other family members from all over the country we tried to schedule somethings on our own (most of them like early seating and we usually don't eat at home until 7:30 pm or later) and a few with other family members. We scheduled Palo dinner for the second night at sea (just my wife and I) and we are doing Palo brunch on Thursday day at sea before CC (with several others from our family).

[tekmnky]

Don't know if it's too late to speak up, but I'm booked on the 3 Sep Eastern also. Hoping for a hurricane-free float on the ocean!

[DisneyNutMary]

Welcome Aboard Tekmnky :wave2:

[pmarcum]

Add another couple & infant (8-month old) to the Sept. 3rd. cruise. We hve been on many cruises but our first with a baby. We have a couple of questions:
1) What night is the Pirates night?
2) Are there other special event buffets during the cruise?
3) For those seasoned Disney cruisers with infants - is the in-room refrig. baby food/bottles?

Thanks for any info and 76 days and counting....

[DisneyNutMary]

Hi PMarcum...welcome :wave2:

I haven't cruised with an infant in over a decade, and I am sorry to say, I haven't noticed what other families with infants did on DCL. But hopefully I can help with your other questions.

Pirate Night is on the night of St Maarten, Tuesday. There is a buffet, during the deck party. And on Thursday night there is a dessert buffet. It's pretty late 10 or 11pm, I think.

The fridge in the room is more of a drink cooler, and I wouldn't trust it for the baby's bottles. For bottles, I would have the room steward bring ice, and keep the ice bucket filled. Or, if you use powdered formula, you might want to try to get some of the bottles that hold the powder and water seperate- you combine themm when you are ready to feed, and there is no need to refrigerate. (this will work especially if you bring your own bottled water aboard, it's cheaper that way)

If I can help any more, let me know :teeth:

[gdulaney]

Welcome Aboard tekmnky and pmarcum!!!

Ginny :wave2:

[lisa702]

Welcome! :wave: Hope everyone has a wonderful week! :flower:

[MickeyManiac]

Welcome Everyone :wave:

It's finally here! Day 75. I was just able to make all my ressies. I was worried my choices would be limited since we're the last to schedule, but I was able to get everything I was hoping for. Thanks for all the great advice. It is so great to have you DCL pro's as a resource.

Thanks again and see you in 75 days!!! :Pinkbounc

[lisa702]

Welcome Everyone :wave:

It's finally here! Day 75. I was just able to make all my ressies. I was worried my choices would be limited since we're the last to schedule, but I was able to get everything I was hoping for. Thanks for all the great advice. It is so great to have you DCL pro's as a resource.

Thanks again and see you in 75 days!!! :Pinkbounc


Wow! Down to 75 days! Seems like not too long ago it was 300+. :earseek:

[lisa702]

Wondering what preparations anyone has begun doing in anticipation of our cruise? Packing yet? I have started packing DDs suitcase with her "nicer" clothes so she doesn't stain them up over the summer. You know how kids are. :p

[gdulaney]

I wonder if I could talk Andy into pulling down the suitcases so we could start packing? :)

Ginny

[DisneyNutMary]

I've started buying nad putting away small things, like toiletries. I won't take the wuitcases out for another month or so, then I'll just start piling stuff next to them. I'm an early packer, but I am trying not to pack too early this year.

[Mom2boyz2000]

WE have not begun packing yet, however we are more like making piles. I have a pile for each of us in my sitting room and a box for misc. stuff. I have also begun lists and buying the misc. stuff such as whatever we need that a small bottles or packages will be enough: baby powder, tooth pastes, etc. I understand about keeping good clothes away from the kids so they don't get stained. I have two boys and often buy them matching shirts. I have set those aside. Have fun planning eveyone. I know we are. :flower:

[pogopossum]

we aren't packing yet, either. but we bought our outfits at the disney store and online, during the sales. now counting last year's outfit, we have three family outfits for this cruise. just another reason this has to be a 7 day cruise.

[lisa702]

we aren't packing yet, either. but we bought our outfits at the disney store and online, during the sales. now counting last year's outfit, we have three family outfits for this cruise. just another reason this has to be a 7 day cruise.

Its funny that you mentioned that because I was shopping on the Disneydirect site and asked my DD6 Skye if she wanted to wear matching dresses with Mom and I got a "no way!" I would swear she is a teenager already!!!! :rolleyes: I still may make matching tees for the 3 of us as a "surprise" :cool1:

[pogopossum]

ds actually thinks it's cool to have shirts and shorts like daddy, he and i have two additional shirts from last year to wear, and board shorts if i can find my string for the front, it came loose in the wash and i put it somewhere and when i went to wear them, and realized that these were the shorts it came from, i couldn't find it.

[DisneyDadJax]

:cool1: We're the next Eastern cruise!!! :cool1:

My wife likes to dress her boys alike too (our 2 ds's and me!) I think it's fun too, but don't tell anyone!

We're prebooked for Palo and the kids clubs! Noticed that all spa treatments aren't available for pre-booking on the DCL site. Might have to wait until we board...

Can't wait!!!

Frank

[gdulaney]

Frank,
I'm glad to see somebody else post about the spa treatments...it looked like some were missing to me too.

Ginny :cutie:

[pogopossum]

i've still not been able to register the kids for the club and lab. i'm not sure what the problem is, but i'll keep trying.

[DisneyDadJax]

I've noticed the DCL site has been down since last week. Not the entire site, just the on-line registration part.

2 Months, 4 days, 4 hours and 36 minutes until we sail!!! But who's counting!!!

Frank

[kde175]

Hi all,

I just found you. My Dh and I will be sailing with you along with my Mom and Gram. DH and I did a four-night DCL cruise in October 2004 for our honeymoon, but this will be the first DCL cruise for Mom and Gram. They are joining us to celebrate my Gram's 90th birthday, which is Sept. 13th. :bday: She has never seen the Caribbean, so she decided that this is the year. She is DEFINITELY not your typical 90 year old. She learned to waterski at 75. Two years ago, she took us all to Alaska for a 13 day land/sea tour, because she'd always wanted to go.

Anyway, we're all booked and paid in full. We have Palo reservations for brunch and high tea. I'll try to do dinner when I find out our dinner rotation. I've got the excursions booked. I haven't started the packing, but I am starting the shopping lists.

Anything I'm missing???

Can't wait to sail with you!!!

Tina

[lisa702]

Tina
Welcome! Your Gram sounds like FUN! :Pinkbounc And congratulations on your newlywededness. :bride: Wonder if thats even a word?!

[lisa702]

Welcome Mom2 and Disneydad!!! :goodvibes

[disneyfanforever]

Hi again

I haven't been here in quite awhile. My DH, myself, and our two DS (8 and 4) are going on the cruise. I am so ready to go on vacation. We just finished paying off our cruise and I am getting ready to book Palo. How did you guys decided what day to reserve Palo since we don't know our rotation? Does anyone know if there is ever a problem getting back from Disney excursions in time to make it for dinner. We were thinking about doing the Butterfly farm in St. Marten and then doing Palo around 6 o'clock. Does anyone think that would be a problem?

I am already buying new clothes for my kids so they will look presentable. Do you guys go to the dining room on most of the days? When we went on the Wonder we ate in the dining room every night but it was only 3 days. What do most people do on the 7 nights?

I will hopefully be around more and get to know everyone better. Hi Mom2boyz2000, my son loved getting that email from your son. I booked my boys in the club and lab like you had mentioned. Thanks for the tip.

[disneyfanforever]

I forgot one thing I wanted to say. Tina, I definitely hope I have the opportunity to meet your Gram. She sounds like one incredible lady. I think you guys are going to have a blast.

[DisneyNutMary]

Tina, your Gram sounds like a riot, I hope I get to meet her. She shares a birthday with my godmother, who was always a special influence in my life- if they are anything alike, then your Gram must be great fun :teeth:

disneyfanforever, we ate in the dining rooms every night on our prior two 7-night cruises, though if you want to try for dinner at Palo, you can probably bet on having the APL rotation, as they tend to assign that to families with young kids. I am a veteran of APL, twice :teeth:
My younger son will probably be in with the 8 year olds in the Oceaneer's Lab, he'll be 7, but he fits in better with the 8's. He's not so good with the computer, but my older one can help him if your son would like to write to him.

[pogopossum]

hey dff, welcome aboard. we also have a 4 year old ds going it will be his second cruise in a year, due to frances shortened cruise last year. i'll tell him that he'll have a new friend in the club.

[pogopossum]

hey mary is this a new thing with the rotation thing, our first 7 day cruise we had PLA rotation with our 6 year old. now last time with the 3 year old they put us in LAP rotation, although i don't know if that was due to the messed up schedule. but it would be nice to have an idea of what our schedule will be.

[DisneyNutMary]

From what I've read on the boards, here and other boards. And experiences of people I have known, they generally put people with youung kids in APL, older kids and teens in PLA nad adults in LAP. I know it's not always going to work out that way, because it's based on the mix of people cruising also, but everyone I have spoken to with kids the same age as mine, have gotten APL.

I would love to get PLA this year, because it works out best with the themed nights, but I tend to think I will have APL again.

[pogopossum]

whatever the reason for last year's schedule, dw was a little upset that we ate at lumiere's first, because we had to rush in there in order to get to eat and she had to go with clothes that she had been wearing all day, instead of getting to wear new dress there, it doesn't matter for formal night for us because i won't be dressing for the occasion, not even taking a jacket. i'm on vacation, so it'll be business cas. but for pirates night we were in parrot cay which was perfect.

[gdulaney]

Welcome Tina! Your gram sounds like so much fun!! My great-gram was spunky too. When she was in her mid-80s, she decided that her living room needed to be repainted, so she got out the ladder and started painting. Her "kids" almost fainted to see their mom on a ladder painting. :)

Welcome Disney Fan Forever! We usually eat in the dining room every night...with the except of the night that we eat at Palo. Last year we got lucky and were able to eat dinner at Palo twice. I never get tired of the show that happens the first night at AP. It's definitely one night that you'll want to bring a camera to dinner. You may also get some great photo opportunities on the "Pirate" night and the "Small World" night....as the servers get the diners involved in the "show".

Just a little over 2 months... I'm so excited!!

Ginny :cutie:

[kde175]

I hope you all get to meet Gram. She is definitely an incredible lady. I hope to be half of who she is when I am her age. Keep and eye out on the ship...I am planning on making magnetic signs for our doors...one of the ideas I had was to put a picture of her on one and say something to the effect of "If you see this lovely lady, wish her a happy 90th birthday." Any other suggestions??? I am going to call and have DCL decorate her cabin. I know that there is at least one florist that will deliver to the ship, so I was going to call them and see about putting together some sort of gift basket. The ones that DCL provides seem to be geared either towards little people or romance...not going to work for us.

Tina

[Mom2boyz2000]

Hi Everyone...

I really like this board. It is fun getting to chat with everyone and it will be really fun putting faces with names on the cruise. Disneyfanforever...my son LOVED the email and will continue. I think it will be great for the boys to have a bud before they get onboard. And it also lets them have the planning fun that we are having chattting. It would be fun for our 4 year olds too. Not to mention us...with so much in common. Tina Your Gram sound great. What a blessing to be able to celebrate her 90th birthday. She and my stepdad will have great conversations...He jumped out of an airplane for his 75th birthday last year. I told him NO PLANE JUMPING on the cruise. We really are excited. Talk to you all soon.

[MickeyManiac]

Tina
You are such a sweetheart to make this trip so special for your Gram. I hope we get to meet her.

As I read the posts over the last few days it seems the excitment is really building. Or maybe it's my own excitment that I can't seem to contain.

My DS is having so much fun getting to know his e-mail buddies. They have answered many of those all important questions like "Are there lots of desserts and snow cones?"

I can't believe were only 2 months away! :Pinkbounc :banana: :earseek:

[lowkat]

Hi everyone,

Just found this thread (I was trying to get my daily Disney fix). DH and myself will be on the Sept 3rd Eastern.
Decided last night time was getting closer, so booked our room for the night before. We are staying at the Hampton Inn-anybody know if this is good or bad choice?
And now after reading your post decided I'd better get some excursions booked. Just made one, but feel a little uneasy about it, 'cause we get no confirmation, he just said our tickets would be in our room.
I'm getting excited!!!!

[gdulaney]

Tina-> check out The Perfect Gift. Shirley is wonderful. She's made hundreds of baskets (or more) for DISers.

Mom2boyz2000 -> Maybe your step-dad and Tina's gram can parasail at Castaway Cay. :) It's alot of fun!!!!

lowkat -> I'm not familiar with the Hampton Inn. Is it in Cocoa Bch?

Hope everybody has a great 4th of July!!
Ginny :cutie:

[pogopossum]

hey everybody,

mom i know that our 4 yo jordan will enjoy meeting your 4 yo. he is doing soccer camp this week at our church, and will have many movies to talk about when they are in the oc together. hope your ds enjoys being a power ranger, or jedi or ninja turtle, i can never keep up with who he is each day. i was able to get the club and lab res' done finally.

ginny, thanks for the info about shirley and perfect gift, i was trying to remember her name, to look into gifts. i was not too impressed with the dcl selection, it used to be so much better. good luck with daytona picks, i've got to be able to do better than last week, 3 0f 5 in top 20, but jeff and jimmie sure stunk up the place. hopefully we can see the race on sunday the 4th somewhere on the ship.

[disneyfanforever]

It looks like we have a lot of 4 year old DS on board. That will be great. Pogopossum, my DS will get along great with yours since I might as well call him Yoda somedays since he loves Star Wars like his older brother. He also pretends to be Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and anything similar. Right now, I believe he may be Mr. Fantastic (he is a TV marketer's dream- he loves whatever is being promoted or currently on TV)

I thought of something that may be fun for us to do (or it may not be fun, you guys have to decide). When we went to Disney World last, there was this family reunion going on that had shirts with a name of a character on each person's back. It was so fun to read the names and it really seemed liked it fit the person wearing it. Example: one of the older men (looked like a leader) had Mufasa. A bigger man had Sulley. There was a Grumpy, Doc, Tarzan, Jane and so on. My thought is, if your family were Disney characters who would they be. I thought it would be fun to see who everyone would be. I will go first (if no one follows, I will get the hint that this was a very poor idea)

Me: Snow White (doesn't really fit me at all but she has been my favorite ever since I can remember so I would just have to be her)
My DH: Donald Duck (it is his favorite character, and in my opinion fits his personality some of the time)
My DS (age 8): Dash ( he is a typical boy and loves to fight with his sibling)
My DS (age 4): Mike from Monsters Inc ( he is always going for the laugh and is short like Mike)

What do you guys think?

[gdulaney]

good luck with daytona picks, i've got to be able to do better than last week, 3 0f 5 in top 20, but jeff and jimmie sure stunk up the place. hopefully we can see the race on sunday the 4th somewhere on the ship.

We're horrible...we're taking our XM radio and will be out on the secret deck 7 (located at the back of the ship) listening to the race. You're welcome to bring a beverage and join us. If for some reason I'm not out there, I'm sure my husband will be...his name is Andy and he'll be wearing plenty of Tony Stewart stuff. :goodvibes

Ginny :cutie:

[gdulaney]

I thought of something that may be fun for us to do (or it may not be fun, you guys have to decide). When we went to Disney World last, there was this family reunion going on that had shirts with a name of a character on each person's back. It was so fun to read the names and it really seemed liked it fit the person wearing it.

Me: Snow White (doesn't really fit me at all but she has been my favorite ever since I can remember so I would just have to be her)
My DH: Donald Duck (it is his favorite character, and in my opinion fits his personality some of the time)
My DS (age 8): Dash ( he is a typical boy and loves to fight with his sibling)
My DS (age 4): Mike from Monsters Inc ( he is always going for the laugh and is short like Mike)

What do you guys think?

I'd probably be Marie (from the Aristocats) or Kim Possible (then my hubby could be Ron Stoppable).

Marie reminds me of when I was a kid and always telling my little brother "mama said"... :angel:

Ginny :cutie:

[DisneyNutMary]

My thought is, if your family were Disney characters who would they be. I thought it would be fun to see who everyone would be. I will go first (if no one follows, I will get the hint that this was a very poor idea)

What do you guys think?

Thats a pretty good idea! I might take a trip to AC Moore over the next few weeks and see what I can pick up to do this (I am so UNcrafty, it's scary, so if there's not a glowing neon sign with complete directions, I might not get the right stuff to make out own shirts :guilty: )

Anyway....my DH is fun and games for almost anything....He's always been my Goofy.
I am Princess Aurora....I think I am a princess, and I sleep alot.
My older DS, Bobby looks exactly like Dash, so he would probably be Dash.
And Tommy is my DH's little clone, and he's a bit goofy, so he's Max :rotfl:

[lisa702]

if your family were Disney characters who would they be. I thought it would be fun to see who everyone would be. I will go first (if no one follows, I will get the hint that this was a very poor idea)

?[/QUOTE]


My DD6 Skye is definately The Little Mermaid and she just happens to be her favorite Princess of the moment.......
DH...........hmmmmmmmmm........don't tell him but he's Uncle Scrooge, uncle of Huey Dewey and Luey because he is a cheapie sometimes :rotfl2:
and me.......I have to think about it

[disneyfanforever]

DisneyNutMary,

I like your idea of being Princess Aurora since you like to sleep a lot. I didn't think about that, maybe that is more who I am like. I love to sleep. I definitely don't like to clean like Snow White seems to. Snow White has always been my favorite though I really don't know why.

[Mom2boyz2000]

Lots of 4 year olds :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc ....aren't the people in the Oceaneer Club lucky!! :crazy: 4 is such an interesting age. My son loves power rangers, Star Wars (he pretends he is Yoda too), and allthe stuff. He will be excited to hear about the other kids his age on the ship.

We are getting excited around here. My husband spoke with the conceirge today because we were wait listed for the early seating. She took care of that and a couple of other things. 8 weeks from tomorrow we will all be off, :cool1: and finally be able to put some faces with these names. Won't that be fun.

The shirt/name thing sound fun. I will have to start thinking. The littliest one would probably be Dash, his current favorite. I'm not sure about the 9 year old, I will consult him. Have fun planning everyone.

[disneyfanforever]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to let you all know that when I was talking about the character name idea, I didn't mean we all would have to go get matching shirts or anything. I was just asking who your family would be if they were Disney characters. Now, I think the shirt idea is cute and it would fine if everyone wanted to do this but I just didn't want everyone to think that I was pressing this on you guys. I personally don't even have a clue how to make this type of shirt. I just hope I haven't somehow offended anyone or seem like I am trying to make you guys do something you don't really want to.

[gdulaney]

disneyfanforever -

I didn't think you meant to make actual tees, which is good since I have no creative talent. :) But it is a very fun idea to actually do it. I'll have to start bugging my creative friends.

Ginny

[pogopossum]

i never thought that you were trying to be pushy, ginny. i understood that it was a mental exercise, and i think its a darn fine one at that, thanks.

as for our family:

dw would be jane, quite stylish, and girly, but can get dirty when she has to, and adapts well to the great outdoors.

me - i guess, bob parr, i'm supposed to be normal, but everyone expects me to be able to do or fix just about anything.

dd would have to be whatever the disney equilavent to angelica of the rugrats is. she is bossy and me centered and thinks that she is in charge.

and ds, well he would be dash, always moving 100 mph and a little bit mischievous.

[lisa702]

:hourglass We are 60 days out!!!!!

[disneyfanforever]

Wow! 60 days. I didn't realize it was that close. I have got some major exercising to do before the cruise. I hope everyone has had a happy 4th of July.

[lisa702]

I know its annoying :p............ but 58 days out! :thewave:

[gdulaney]

5 weeks....that sounds so sweet. :) I can't wait!!!

Ginny

[lisa702]

Is anyone nervous that its only the first week of July and we already have had 4 named storms? Not to mention :scared1: how menacing Dennis is? I said I wasn't going to worry and :guilty: here I go......

[DisneyNutMary]

Positive thoughts Lisa, just keep thinking positive thoughts :teeth:

Hopefully these hurricanes will blow themselves out before it's out turn to cruise. Maybe if enough of us think positive thoughts, the good vibes will reach the Carribbean, and clear up the skies.

Anyone in Fla, Ga, or La? I am thinking of you at this time. I pray that this year is not as bad as last year.

[lisa702]

Well pulled my suitcase from the spare room yesterday and kind of started packing. Need to make a list of what to bring. I told my husband to sort thru his clothes to see what might need replacing etc. I think I will rent a tux for him onboard so we won't have to get his suit dry cleaned and packed. Wonder if he'll go for that but then that means I'll have to get a formal I guess. I've been shopping online and I can't find anything I like in a reasonable price range. :confused3
Its sunny here in Central Fl but we are getting some wind gusts. Wonder when the rain :umbrella: will really start. We had some :umbrella: short rains this morning but my DD6 Skye was still able to attend her riding lesson. Hopefully Dennis won't be as bad as expected. I'll be praying for all in its path and those who have already been hit. Wishing everyone a safe weekend.

[pogopossum]

it looks like the pensacola/gulf shores is in for it again, they've got to get a break sometime. got out the map and looked at an alternate route around escambia bay bridge last night, doesn't look too bad, just some lights to go through instead of flying along the interstate for an hour. well i still say that we will be on the eastern cruise that we are planning for and will have a great time in the sun. :goodvibes

[captaincrash]

Hello Lisa and Pogo...

I had to chime in ... we're on the same sailing Sept 3rd - and we are watching the named storms parade with a sort of cautious (but humorous) attitude. We've sailed DCL 2x in the past 2 years - both were Magic 7 days trips with the 2003 sailing A-OK and the 2004 sailing shortened by Francis (? or Charlie?) from a 7 day enhanced eastern to an impromptu 4 day western.

Also, earlier on this thread I posted a link to the National Advisory FOrecast for the hurricane season - I found it a couple days after it was made public. The "experts" forecast what is probably now general knowledge - that this season is expected to be higher than normal and generally similar to last season.

We - of course - remain the eternal optimists. Just like last year we are prepared to go one way or another.... AND we are determined to have a great time .... one way or another. Last year we made a couple of minor mistakes in navigating into Orlando - and this year we'll do a bit better. One thing in particular is the morning that the storm passes we HAVE TO GET GOING EARLY in the AM. Of course, we would have gone to Port Canaveral if we had left early - and that would NOT have been correct as we were diverted to FOrt Lauderdale. Plus - our departure was delayed a day - so we should have gone to Orlando instead of PC.

The foregoing may not make perfect sense unless I shared the whole story - but we gotta go in a couple of minutes.

So - my 2 bits.... we will indeed be fortunate to have a sailing as scheduled with the islands expected (with good condition shore conditions). On the other hand - if we encounter any storm diversion or interruption - than I TRUST in DISNEY to do the right thing and help us through. Last year they spiffed a variety of off-sets and such .... and they MISSED a few things (like food for us while we were at their resort on their nickle. You would have figured that if we were on ship our food would have been included - but then again they provided lodging, park passes (which we could not use), and a pro-rated REFUND on the cruise fare... among other things.

My point - plan ahead - be positive - IF we are threatened with any disruption (travel or cruise) than likely DCL will step in and assist sufficiently. Pre-plan your hotels enroute and don't end up like my spouse and I who ended up hundreds of miles short and had to drive in oblique to the storm path - and we did it because we are just a bit psychotic!

LOL! By the way - assuming we get aboard - :banana: anyone want to split on an unlimited use internet account? :banana: I figure it is $100-120. And we have one family already sharing - but if we made it a 3 or 4 way split then it would bring the cost down to $40-25 per family. We would share a password and we could not access the internet at the same time - BUT - we would have accesss for pocket change. I consider the regular FULL price to be just a bit stiff... but tolerable. That's why you usually don't see the internet cafe packed solid with folks using it - because they've priced it a bit high. Anyone interested? Then email me at MAGIC4XTC@hotmail.com to confirm.

Gotta run!

:moped:

[lisa702]

LOL! By the way - assuming we get aboard - :banana: anyone want to split on an unlimited use internet account? :banana: I figure it is $100-120. And we have one family already sharing - but if we made it a 3 or 4 way split then it would bring the cost down to $40-25 per family. We would share a password and we could not access the internet at the same time - BUT - we would have accesss for pocket change. I consider the regular FULL price to be just a bit stiff... but tolerable. That's why you usually don't see the internet cafe packed solid with folks using it - because they've priced it a bit high. Anyone interested? Then email me at MAGIC4XTC@hotmail.com to confirm.

Gotta run!

:moped:
Um............Crash didn't we already do this................I'm still in of I didn't dream it................ :cloud9:

[lisa702]

:goodvibes Oh forgot to say that if DCL is sailing, we are sailing UNLESS I have a hurricane aiming for our property while we are gone then I would think I would tend to cancel. I would hate to worry about about a hurricane peeling my roof off while I was gone.......... :goodvibes Praying for hurricane free weather at least that week. If WE in FL HAVE to have hurricanes this year......PLEASE PLEASE not that week :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: Last year Jeanne shortened our 4 day to a 3 day.

[DisneyDadJax]

I'd be willing to go in with you guys and split the unlimited internet access for the week, if you ahve room for one more...

I do have a question... I'm planning on bringing my laptop with me :badpc: . Is there internet access in the cabins? I was planning on doing it anyway to download my camera throughout the week.

8 weeks from today, we'll be at sea!!! :cool1:

[captaincrash]

I meant to say - we were still open to add another family to the roster besides us who are already sharing - and Disney Dad Jax - yes - we'll count you "IN" and .... I don't recall any way for us to plug in our notebooks to the ships' system - especially not from the room. On other cruise ships we could access a WiFi for a fee from the central atrium area - but that was not the case on DCL last year (obviously).

We do have two access points though - last year (or this year) they converted the ESPN sports bar into an adult retreat and there are one or two terminals in there. So - you can surf there if it's closer and or if you prefer that environment.

I usually pack a notebook too for downloading and watching DVDs on the flights - I'm a total digicam nut - I've shot over 35,000 images in the past 4 years since I started with digital cameras AND since our 1st daughter was born. I can remember the 1st time I borrowed a digicam for a 9 nite Tahitian cruise on the old Rennisance Line (now MSC?) - I shot 880 pictures over those 9 nites! This compared to shooting about 30 rolls of regular film and saving about $600. This convinced us to dump 1500 into equipment back then - and now I shoot a DSLR with more memory and having spent just under 1500. Amazing how things get more powerful and cheaper!

At any rate - anyone have any news on what's happening with the current cruises that are sailing out of Port Canaveral? Is DCL siling as usual? I guess with the storms on the western side of Florida there should not be any problem except those western routings. I guess DCL knew exactly what they were doing when they moved the Magic to the west coast, eh?

Warmest Regards to all.... and mutual well wishes for our sailing to be disruption free and full of the usual pleasures!

Tom & Alicia
:thewave:

[captaincrash]

Hey Lisa!

I saw your comment : ".... if your family were Disney characters who would they be. I thought it would be fun to see who everyone would be. I will go first (if no one follows, I will get the hint that this was a very poor idea) ...."

I would have to say your Q was not go entirely unnoticed. I would say my older daughter (4) is definately a Donald Duck combination with snow white type ~ and the younger one (1.5) is more like a Pluto / Tinkerbell type. As for my spouse - she would HAVE to be Wendy and I would pass for Peter Pan. Our older daughter has called us Peter Pan/Wendy and TInkerbell for a couple of years now. Plus the dog is Nana!

I added Pluto to our younger daughter because she loves dogs!
::MickeyMo

[DisneyDadJax]

Thanks Captain!

Definitely count me "in"! I'll PM you my details... I took over 700 MB in pics our last trip to WDW. Even though lugging the laptop's a pain, it beats buying that many more memory sticks!

We're spoiled though. We have a little more than 2 hour drive from home to the port with a built in DVD player in the new van. I figure a movie and a half and we're there! The kids in their wireless headphones and an occasional giggle from the back seat. Great way to travel!

[DisneyDadJax]

We had fun with this one...

pirate: DS4 - Abu from "Aladdin", he's 4, need I say more?

pirate: DS9 - It's between Flick from "Bug's Life" (always building and inventing things) or the young Tarzan (with his skateboard, bike and scooter).

:earsgirl: DW - Sleeping Beauty, she LOVES her naps, especially on sea days!

:earboy2: and of course, I'm Prince Charming! :cool1:

[salbythec]

I know its a little late but we just booked! Its my DH and I , leaving the DD home for a romantic getaway! :love:
Hello to all :wave2:
Captain Crash, I don'tknow if you have room for one more, but would love to share the internet.

[lisa702]

I know its a little late but we just booked! Its my DH and I , leaving the DD home for a romantic getaway! :love:
Hello to all :wave2:
Captain Crash, I don'tknow if you have room for one more, but would love to share the internet.

Welcome Salbythec! :cheer2:

[Drcell01]

Our Magical Gathering Vacation!!! WOO-HOO!

Docs coming soon...DME tags should be here in a few weeks...can't wait.

I have read a few concerns here about Hurricanes...some suggestions:

1. After encountering Frances and all of the indigestion that we encountered at this time last year one rule applies...no matter what you do YOU can't control the weather. Stop worrying and just keep planning on having a great vacation no matter what road blocks are thrown in your way! Our family is a great example as we changed flights 3 times, drove from Ft. Myers (only airport open after Frances) to WDW in a rented car (that we expected to drop off in Port Canaveral) ended up taking a bus to Ft. Lauderdale, and were the last ones to board the Magic due to bus problems (we will be the first this year!) and we still had such a great time on the Magic that we are back again this year at the same time as last year. No matter what challenges are presented, you make or brake your own vacation.

I herby deem this thread a NO-HURRICANE ZONE and further worry-some discussions are OFF LIMITS...LOL!

As for internet access...salbythec maybe we can start another shared access pool as it looks like the other has 4 members and a 5th might be a burden on usage time. Let me know via PM if you would like to start another group access..I'm in.

[pogopossum]

how does the internet hookup work, not sure if i would even have the time to use it enough to justify paying for the service.

i agree with you whole heartedly dr. after all the hoops that we jumped through, we did end up having a great three days at sea with family and friends. not all could be blamed on frances, but the crew on the ship did all they could to make things right. having been on the second ever 7 day cruise which was diverted to cozumel because of debby, and we enjoyed the trip and an extra day at cc to boot. i recommend planning for a fun trip no matter which way the ship goes. but i am a true believer and look forward to sailing into st maarten and st thomas before heading back for a fun day at cc. a bad day at sea on a disney ship beats any good day at work.

[DisneyNutMary]

a bad day at sea on a disney ship beats any good day at work.
I have to second that! :cheer2: :cheer2:

[lisa702]

:cheer2: :cheer2: 52 days!!!!!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

[pogopossum]

i would even amend my statement to say is there really such a thing as a bad day at sea on a disney cruise?

[captaincrash]

Bob -

- we just have Lisa - DDJax - Sally and my famiily. I can say right now that my spouse and I are extreme nite owls and we hail from the west coast - so when it's 1-2AM on the ship - THAT is when we will be seeking most of our access - and even so just an estimated 3-6 times late nite (probably). AND - maybe a couple times during the day if a juicy Ebay auction is noted as closing mid-day. As for everyone else - that leaves 3 families accessing the account during normal hours (assumed). We are all on vacation - and I estimate there is a remote chance we will not hook up with ONE (or more) famiilies for one reason or another.

On our last cruise we had a little internet deal going but the hurricane reduced our sailing to 4 days and by the time I started thinking about it we decided to just skip the internet thing - it was pretty disruptive for all of us as far as I could figure. Yeah we had a great time in the end - but things sure were scrambled to an unconventional condition. :rotfl: So we were guilty of not seeking out our little cadre of internet account sharing companions. We were mildly wacked for a couple of days before we regained our wits.

So - I think it would probably be OK to add you Bob if you're OK with joining our little gathering. And I must say that you would be the final party to join our little circle. If we gain other parties expressing interest then it makes good sense to form another group Bob - as the money saved is fair enough with just ONE other party sharing, eh? = especially if you envision a significant amount of online usage all by yourself. I have a couple of kids - one is under 2 so she stays with us virtually all of the time - and from past experience we know our potential usage is anticipated to be fairly modest.

Please consider yourself welcome Bob - and it would be fine to depart our gathering if one or more others step forward to share an account.

At any rate - to Lisa, DDJax, Sally & Bob - I propose we sort of check in once aboard (if you would privately email or message me with your cabin numbers or real names) then I can reply with mine - and I will open an account and contact everyone with the password and such. Then we can meet at lunch TIME ON THE FIRST DAY AT SEA - and settle $ - or folks can swing by my cabin to slip an envelope under my door - as I am not planning on chasing folks down for a few dollars. I have no problem with volunteering the access numbers up front - and then trusting folks to pay later after they establish it is working properly - plus I envision needing a little time to get settled once aboard - and I assume most folks want to get settled and RELAX on the embarkation day!

Please plan on sending a representative to the ICE CREAM line area up on deck at 12 noon. I will probably be in front of it at the nearest table having lunch and ice cream with my family - 2 kids - one 4 and the other 2. Easy to spot unless the older one is the kids' club - then there will just be 3 of us. We'll be there from just before 12 noon until probably 12:40PM. My spouse and I are in our low 40s - and we are Chinese - so we should be easy to spot. If no one shows up or contributes then I reserve the right to change the password on the account :rolleyes1 I figure we're all the neighborly sort - this being a DIsney cruise and all!

I plan on boarding early - and will be accessable via cell phone IN PORT - if necessary to contact that way. So if you board early and want to hook up with us we can probably be cornered BEFORE we embark - BUT.... if you board in the afternoon - we don't want to impose on you and you should have a chance to get "settled".... eh?

Adios ! :bounce:

[captaincrash]

Pogo....

The internet access is via the terminals in the computer center. They have a gyro stabilized dish that syncs with a satillite and the speeds are probably pretty fast on the download side - and uplink is of an unknown speed. When I tried it 2 years ago the speeds were quite good (on reception).

You cannot hook up your own computer the last time I did it (2 years ago) - but on other cruise lines (I think it might have been NCL or RCCL) we could buy WiFi access. This was available only around the central atrium and as I recall it was either $60 or $120.

Whether or not it is worth it is another matter. At $100+ for sigificant (or unlimited) access it is about triple what we pay for a month of cabel modem access - of course it is a recurring purchase. And if you NEED access for tracking your business or vital investments - then the $100+ is a no-brainer. I do NOT need access that bad - however - I would LIKE to have access - especially if it were $50 - $40 - $33 or $25. My spouse and I can easily rack up an hour a nite - but probably after 11 or 12PM ships' time since we are all nite owls and in the Eastern tie zone that suggests we might easily be awake at 2AM.

I do have business interests - but they will continue in my absence - and emails can wait - but I feel better remaining on top of matters. Plus we do a bunch of things for leisure - and news. We like the idea of looking up whats going on in our local newspaper while sailing.

Maybe some folks would NOT consider this to very vacation-like.... but we usually travel with a computer and hook up 90% of the time from our hotels.

On another note - I sure hope we can make it to at least one of our scheduled ports. We really would rather not go to anything western. And I am certain we will have better luck this time around. We've sailed many many times in hurricane season and only had a disruption last year - as such - it was rather interesting. AND we are going to HAVE A GREAT CRUISE - RighT! :cheer2:

At any rate - we have everything set except our hotels - as we usually hotwire it - and have not gotten around to doing that yet. We do have our rental cars lined up - and air fare was settled a long long time ago.

SO on another note - anyone have any preference for ships location to be on? I keep glancing at the ships diagram and I keep thinking I almost anywhere would be ok (except maybe the very FRONT of the ship where motion is most pronounced). We are currently on deck 2 (from the bottom) amidships with a window cabin (single large porthole) - and we are considering upgrading into a cat 6 veranda. Our TA wants $645 to change it for the 4 of us - which sounds cheap considering the brochure difference is a bit over 1000. My spouse has just voiced a concern that our youngest poses a slight hazard for climbing = and might be at risk to the ocean - I am leaning towards getting it anyway - even if we don't use it much. The times I will use it most may be to relax our baby with fresh air without having to trek out into public areas up on deck. Either way - we'll manage - as we've had both on DCL and on other cruise lines.

At any rate - have a great day !

Adios! :hourglass

[lisa702]

Crash..........don't have a cabin # yet, we are a guar right now. I just plan on using the internet :badpc: to keep in touch with my son who lives in Germany, and check my emails. :goodvibes We'll probably slip an envelope under your door or something.

I'm gonna go in a different direction now.......anybody plan on bringing a few good books to relax with? I'm planning on bringing something by Dan Brown but I'm also looking for a another good one to bring. Any suggestions?

[gdulaney]

I'm gonna go in a different direction now.......anybody plan on bringing a few good books to relax with? I'm planning on bringing something by Dan Brown but I'm also looking for a another good one to bring. Any suggestions?

Lisa,
I'm planning on bringing some reading material. Usually I bring a ton of magazines (easy to leave by the pool or in the Cove once I've finished) and then a healthy little stack of books (mainly paperbacks).

I've got a couple of Shopaholic books (by Sophie Kinsella), The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich, The Broke Diaries by Angela Nissel, and if I can hold off --- the new Harry Potter book. I have a couple of Borders gift cards, so I'll probably look at getting a couple of new release paperbacks.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

Ginny

[pogopossum]

cc

we hav e a verandah room on deck 7 right near the midships elevator, my only worry is that it might be a little noisy. i would go for the change if i were you, it is not easy to climb on the verandah, and with three sea days it is so nice to have.

[captaincrash]

thanx fer the encouragement Bob.... :banana:

.... our 1st DCL cruise was purchased 3 weeks prior to sailing and followed an Alaska sailing by 2 weeks - it was sort of spontaneous - and was a cheap skate last minute lowest catagory inside cabin sort of deal. Our 2nd sailing was last year - hurricane reduced to a 4 day deal and was in a veranda cat 6. Nice. :rolleyes:

I would actually like to sail 7 nites with a veranda - but after 20 years with my sweetheart I have learned to make certain decisions jointly - and this is one of them. She is sort of leaning against it - and I for it. Well see how it turns out - and I am guessing we'll wait and see if we luck out with a free upgrade OR we'll "fish" at the pier for a last minute decision deal.

I must admit that "I" would be OK with a cheap inside cabin again though - I don't need the split bath (though it's nicer - no doubt). And the extra space and veranda is always a nice spiff. But we come to the Magic for everything else the cruise offers - the shows, characters and whole cruise experience. Frankly - we've had some really cramped cabins in the past so the smallest DCL cabin is actually quite cozy - amazing, eh? Even so - we're currently in a catagory 9 or 10 (not sure which) and we have the split bath and slight sitting area. :rolleyes1 WHat... it's a whole 238 sq feet - a relatively large space by cruise cabin averages.

So... on another note - regarding reading - I don't expect much reading opportunities since I'm expecting to stand in lots of character meeting lines - and running from this to dat on the ship all the time - a sort of "active" vacation. We just downloaded a shore excursion list for the ports and we are considering doing something different if we can find something to perk our interests up while including the kids... a bit of an acrobatic challenge if you ask me. :confused3 Somehow I suspect we'll just shop the towns and do the beaches - as usual. However I read elsewhere here that a family ran over to St John and did some horse back riding - that sounds out of th ordinary - however - how can we do this with a 1.75 year old?

We're thinking of doing a Palo's Sunday brunch - so our lunch meeting may be just over ice cream - while our REAL brunch/lunch may be earlier OR after the 12~12:30 meeting. We do sail on a Saturday - right?

So - for reading - I'm a sci-fi buff ~ and I'll probably carry a couple of old paper backs to reread in case I get a little free time - otherwise I try to let the spouse or kids take priority on "needs" and time usage. :teleport:

HOWEVER - I will bring a couple of computer games - and IF I am awake late at nite and NOT surfing - then I may settle with a power outlet and play a computer game for a while - but it would only be in the very late evening hours. :badpc:

I kno.... I'm a nerdy nut!

:Pinkbounc