06/24/2006 - Special Western Cruise - Who Else!?

[dmensing]

I would love to hear from others who will be on this cruise!

Other than CrazyMomma's post on the Summer 2006 thread, I couldn't find anyone else mentioning this cruise, so I figured I would start it out.

We have been wanting to take a Disney cruise for a long time. Once I saw the 2 CC itinerary, I couldn't resist any longer! It will be hard to wait so long, but at least it will give us more time to save up our pennies. I'll just have to keep reading all the great posts and live vicariously through everyone else until our turn!

Thanks Everyone!

Dan.

[Harryo]

We're there, this will be our second cruise, we did the 6/26/04 Eastern cruise this year. We are, myself , DW both forty somethings and dd will be 15, Ds(12), DS (11).

[dmensing]

Thanks Harryo!

Our son will be 11 too, and my daughter will be 9.

When you mentioned that you and your wife are forty-somethings, it hit me that by the time we cruise, my wife will be over 40 and I will be about 45 days from turning 40! Wow, how time flies!

Dan.

[bairdbeth]

We are going too! It is my DD(who will be 10) and myself. We are in cabin 6580.My friend and her son (10) will also be going in cabin 6578. We can't wait! We went on the July 4 Wonder this year and our favorite day was CC. I jumped on this cruise when I saw 2 days at CC!:wave:

[musicgirl]

I posted this one originally at 625 days out!!!

Children's ages are at the time of the cruise.


Cruise List


Harryo-dh & dw, dd-15, ds-12, ds-11

SPJammer-dh & dw, ds-16,ds-11, dd-14, dd-12, and 1 friend-17 2500 & 2502

bairdbeth- mom and dd-10 room 6580 her friend and ds-10 6578

Crazy Momma-Susan and dh, ds-9 room 6576

JKLLady-dh & dw, dd-20, ds-9 room 8036

BuzzLightyear3-Linda &dh, ds-13, dd-9, ds-6 room 6016 & 6018

littleowensmommy-Kathy & Ted, owen-7, Amy-5

Debbie H- dh & dw, ds-22, dd-20

PRINCESS VIJA-Vija & Glenn, ds-11, dd-7

Disney Doc- dw, dh, twins(boy & girl)-17 room 6072 & 6074

Jillpie-Jill & dh, Pat-18, Andrew-14, Brendan-13

BethA-dw & dh, ds-10, ds-17 room 8530
2 nephews 17 & 15
her parents-Joe and Betty

musicgirl-Lorie & Bill, Andrew-15 room 7127

rebcam-Rebecca, dh, ds-11, dd-7

soccercruiser87-Travis-18, his mom and dad, his aunt and uncle, cousins, Matt-14, Sarah-12 and one of his mom's patients-Steve

jtjcwise-jeff & dw, ds-9, ds-6, 7623
his sister in 7625
his parents in 7622

jlawall-joann, dh, dds-22, 19, 16

barbarac dw and dh, ds-12, dd-9 room 2126

LADY N TRAMP-Susan and dh, dd-18, ds-13

? jdsmom

bartjwb-John and Shirley and Kaitlyn-8

disgal1-dh, ds-20,17 6050

PLutobeaus-Terry and dd-10

Jiminy Cricket 3-Dw, Dh, ds-12, 5502

carole88-Carole, dh-John, Rachel-12, Tessa-9 2528

FantasiaMM-with mom and ds-13

Minnie7701-dw & dh, dd-8, ds-5 6571

wendilyn-Wendy and dh, dd-16, dd-13

LarryC-dw & dh, ds-16, dd-11

RalphieN-Ralph, Tracie, Elaina-11, Steven-9

disgal-dw,dh, ds-21, ds-17

SuJo-dw, dh, dd-12, dd-8 6562

Doingitagain-dh, dd-17, ds-14 Suite

Tinky624-Jamie & David 6092

RCBA-Charla & dh & 2yr old 7572 or

TRANQUILWATERS-DW, DH and kids, 16-10-2

40Mom-Meg & dd-10

goofy and max-dw, dh, dd-14, ds-10

cykojoe-Jose, Josie, Neida-6 (7) and Jose II-5 2045 Radisson

luvcrising-Connie, dh, Jason-11, Melanie-8, Chandler-4

dipdotdarlin'-2 teachers!!! 5634

Mmouse1964-dw, dh, dds-10 &14

Oregonmouse-dw, dh, dds-8 & 10 deck 7

1happyfam-Lee Anne, dh, dd-12 (13), ds-9, dd-8 Beach Club 6-23

HoosierMouseFan, Dave, Kathy, and Katy
Lorie

[dmensing]

Bairdbeth and Lorie:

Thanks for posting! I hope to learn the ropes from you experienced cruisers!

Lorie, what is it about 7127 that you like so much to have it for the fourth time? Being new, I didn't know what to get, so I picked a Cat 9 on deck 2. (I wasn't fast enough to get a SPH.)

Thanks!
Dan.

[Crazy Momma]

Hello All,

I too am 40ish my husband is right behind me. DS will be 9 when we sail.

bairdbeth,

We have the room next to yours. We are in 6576.

dmensing,

I live in Fredericksburg VA, we almost neighbors. I see you are located in Maryland. What part?

Susan

I'm doing the Disney Happy Dance



:cool1: :cool1:

[Harryo]

We got 2 connecting SPF rooms same exact rooms as our past cruise this summer!!!

[dmensing]

Originally posted by Harryo
We got 2 connecting SPF rooms same exact rooms as our past cruise this summer!!!


Now I know who beat me to them!!! Way to go Harry!

Susan, we live in Cooksville, MD, a rural area west of Baltimore, about halfway between Baltimore and Frederick.

Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

There is nothing special about it really. It is a cat. 11 and it has always been good to us. I know it's not noisy, I don't get sea sick in it, well too much. It is near the aft deck 7 "secret deck". I guess mostly, it feels like home.

I also had an omen when we got back from our June cruise. The next day I was at the deli, and the code they put in for whatever it was, was 7127.

We've thought about a higher cat. But with just the 3 of us and the fact that we are never in our room, I figure I can use even the $100 difference to a cat. 10 on something else. Let's see I think that is about 20 kaluhacoladas!!! LOL

Lorie

[Disneycrazymom]

We are also going on the 24 cruise. We rebooked while on board this Aug and then our TA moved the date. We are in room 6068 and 6066. It is Myself(Angie) mid40, DH 40ish, DS will be 13, and DD will be 6. In the second cabin is My Mother 60somthing, My Dad 60something, and my Grandfather 88.

We had such a wonderful time in Aug., we all really wanted to cruise again. I am so happy to see all the older kids, maybe they would like to exchange addresses or e-mail and write to each other too.

I can't believe I have a vacation planned this far out! :teeth:

[musicgirl]

Angie,

How true it is about planning so far in advance. my friends think I'm a little crazy:crazy:

Oh well, I was feeling a little lost for a while without a cruise to look forward to. I thought doing the 7 night would finally get it out of my system!!!

Can you imagine how long this thread will be by the time our cruise rolls around? We should have a contest to see who can guess!!!

How many of you will be going in the day ahead? I know we will. I don't want to have to rush on the first day of the cruise.

Lorie

[Disneycrazymom]

We will go the day before and I am thinking about braving the parks for the July 4 weekend following, but we'll see if we are that crazy when it gets closer!

My guess is 50 pages at least.:teeth:

[Mom2Belle&PeterPan]

CONGRATS to all on booking this special cruise! We were tablemates with musicgirl (Lorie, Bill, and ds) last June on DCL. We had so much fun with them!!! Trust me, they will not be in their stateroom, they will either be at the adult pool or taking some of the tours/classes - Lorie that is! :)

Lorie, sure wish we could go with you guys on this one too! Again, congratulations!!!

Barbara

[JKLLady]

We just booked this cruise with DU today. Count me in as another nut who couldn't pass up two trips to CC. We're booked for 8036 & it's DH (50ish), me (50ish), DD (20 in 2006) and DS (9 in 2006). So it looks like DS will have a few playmates in the club & DD might even find a few people close to her age!

The only bad part is that we have sooooooooo long to look forward to it!

[professorandmom]

Hey, everybody - seems there are lots of DISers who think the two CC trips is heaven!

When it gets closer, I'd like to exchange kids IM names so my DD who will be 16 and twin boys who will be 12 can have a few people they know. We did this last time and it was awesome.

I am a single mom and will be looking for another DISer to join at Palos...but I think that can wait, too

Now have any of you set your countdown timer so I can see just how bad the numbers are????

See you soon,
Barb
PS We are in 7501

[dmensing]

Barb:

Welcome! Yes, I set our countdown timer below. It is pretty ugly right now. Luckily, we have an upcoming trip to Orlando to take my mind off of it!

Thanks!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Hi Barb,

We will definitely do a brunch, you are more than welcome to join us!!! The more the merrier!

I see you have a dd who will be 16. Our friends have a dd who will be 16. When we get closer, I'll see if she would like to IM your dd.

My guess is 100 pages!

Lorie

[professorandmom]

Lorie - brunch - ooooo I can dream of that now...
it is great to meet you guys and it will be a long 600 something days
See you "soon"
Barb

[dmensing]

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to bump up our thread and also ask a couple of questions to past cruisers.

1. The Palo brunch sounds interesting. What days is this typically offered?

2. With two days at CC, what are your plans to use these two days? I get the impression that most people just enjoy the beaches, but with two days are you planning on doing more excursions? If so, which ones?

Thanks!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

They have a lot of fruit, fresh seafood (crab legs, shrimp etc.), fancy cheese and breads.

I think the biggest thing that makes it nice is that they have made to order food. They have a very thin crust pizza, but it's not really like pizza, this is gourmet. They had chicken dishes, a beef tenderloin dish, etc.

They also wait on you hand and foot. Our cm actually got upset that we didn't eat more!!!!

Maybe we should get a giant dis meet brunch!!!!

It will be nice to do CC early. Last time, I was so tired that I didn't even snorkel. I just hung out at the beach.

I would like to snorkel at the adult beach, maybe do a banana boat ride, maybe play volleyball.

Last time, we met up with fellow disers at CC. We had not all met, and so some of us finally met on the beach, so we talked alot.

What will really be nice is not to have to rush to get packed on the first journey to CC, especially knowing that we get to go back!
Lorie

[dmensing]

Thanks Lorie!

My wife and I agreed that if we do Palo's, it will be the brunch. Dinner is our family time. That would be great if we could arrange a DIS brunch!

I'm glad we will have two CC days. We were thinking of doing either the banana boat or parasailing and spending the rest of the day hanging out at the beach. I figure if something looks/sounds cool, we can try to do it the second time around!

It's a rainy/blah day here in Maryland, so I'm going back to look at the pictures on DIS board and other poster's photo albums!

Talk to you soon!
Dan.

[Crazy Momma]

We are going to do brunch at Palo's. We enjoyed brunch when we were on the Magic in December. We would have enjoyed it more if we didn't have 25 foot waves. Palo's was empty the day we went because of the rough water.

I aggree with Dan I'm going to look at my cruise pictures today. It's cloudy and rainy outside in downtown Washington DC

But..... it's not stopping me from doing the Disney Happy Dance!!!!

Susan


:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[Disneycrazymom]

We really enjoyed brunch also. The food was just so good! And the service even better!:teeth: They offer brunch everyday I think, but you need to book the first day on the ship.

Castaway Cay is a beautiful beach. DH an DS and my Dad all went parasailing in Aug. They really enjoyed it. It started to rain in the early afternoon when we were there and we went back to the ship early so I hope to get 2 :sunny: days on the next cruise!::yes::

[BuzzLightYear3]

We'll be there too! DH and I (40ish) along with DS (then 13), DD (then 9), and DS (then 6).

We're in 6016 and 6018.

Can't wait!

Biggest concerns are:

1) Hope none of us get seasick....(first cruise so I'm not sure what to expect)...I'm a little worried about being so far forward. Anybody think I should change rooms? (I'd be willing to change categories if needed.)

2) DS will just be one month into being 13. At this point, it's difficult to imagine that he'll be interested in the type of activities I've seen posted for teens (mixers, dances, etc.) Right now, he's very much a sports and video games kind of kid. I know I can expect rapid changes ahead, but somthing about putting a just turned 13 boy in a group with kids he could be up to 18, makes me a little nervous. I guess he can just join in for the things that interest him (e.g. sports) and hang with us if he's not interested in the others. Anybody else have a DS then 13 with similar concerns?

Thanks!

[Disneycrazymom]

Buzz, We have kids the same age! Our Ds will turn 13 in Nov before the cruise, maybe our boys would like to pen pal until the trip and get to know each other a bit? Ds is also into sports, especially hockey. I didn't think he would like the clubs at all but to my surprise he enjoyed many of the activities and just hanging out playing games so I would guess he would enjoy some of the teen stuff too. As you say if he doesn't then there is plenty to do with us! And we have a DD who will be 6.

On our fist cruise(Aug2004) I was worried about the kids feeling sick. I took along a lot of draminne but we never need it at all. We were aft 7608 and I really liked our location. This cruise we are in 6068 and I am wondering if I would rather be aft as I liked being so close to the pool area before. I didn't feel that much more or less movement anywhere on the ship, but we did have calm seas.

[musicgirl]

hi Buzz!

I'm glad to see another Ohio family, we're in Columbus.

I wouldn't worry too much about getting sea sick. I have always suffered from motion sickness to the point of getting sick when I drive!!!

Here are my hints:

1) Be prepared with meds. I started taking them at the airport and I kept taking 1 every 12 hrs no matter how I felt.

2) Go midship in the atrium.

3) Go in the pool. You can not feel the motion!

4) Ask for ginger ale and crackers. They really do help.

5) If the rocking is bad, stay out of the theather. If you see the curtains swinging, that is not the place to be. The shows are on the TV.

I also use electronic wrist bands when I start to feel the motion.
Luckily, on our 7 night I didn't get sick. I only felt the motion.

Lorie

[musicgirl]

Sorry, I had to get the cookies out of the oven!

As far as the teen club goes, my ds was 13 this last trip. We never saw him. I'm not sure to this day what all his group did (I'm not sure I want to know!!! LOL). I think they participated in somethings at the Stack, but mostly they hung out together.

I highly recommend that you sign up for the Teen Wild side on one of the days at CC. Ds didn't want to do it when I was making excursion ressies, but changed his mind after he found out his new friends were doing it. Luckily, there were 3 spots open.

He wants to go again. I'm not sure which day though. He still keeps in touch with his friends through IM. I think that is instant messenger!

Lorie

[dmensing]

Welcome Buzz!

My son will be 11 when we cruise, so I don't have to worry about the teen thing. If your son wants someone to play video games with, my son is ready! My biggest fear is the bill for the arcade cards!

Lorie, I didn't know you were from Columbus. I lived there during my high school years. We lived in Worthington at the time. My dad lives in Westerville now, and my sister and BIL are in Hilliard.
I was just there this summer for my 20th HS reunion. Wow, has Columbus grown!

This Saturday we're headed down to Orlando for the week! When we get back, it looks like we will have broken the 600 day mark on the countdown clock. Woohoo!

C'Ya!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

It is a small world!!!! My dh, Bill and I are the band/music directors at DeSales High School. Bill also goes out to St. Paul's to teach band out there.

Just remind your ds to hang onto his KTTW card in the arcade. This is the only place your card can be used without verification of a room number.

Have fun on your trip!!!

Lorie

[dmensing]

Lorie:

Thanks for the heads up on the KTTW card being used in the arcade without room verification. I think I read on another thread that you can limit the amount spent on an arcade card. Does that sound correct? I guess it isn't a huge concern, my DS knows that if he gets out of control, it will be coming out of his pocket when we get back home!

That's cool that you and your DH work at DeSales! Even though we lived in Worthington, I went to St. Charles in Bexley. DeSales was a regular opponent in the Central Catholic League!

Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

Ok, this gets even closer!!! It sounds like you are 2 years younger than Bill. Bill went to Watterson. Did you play football, wrestle? He also had 4 brothers who followed him. So maybe you played against Bill or one of his brothers? They also played baseball. What a hoot!!!

Lorie

[dmensing]

Lorie:

I sent you a PM.

Dan.

[professorandmom]

Hey everybody, this post will bump this up and I can add my thoughts on the 13 thing

My daughter turned 13 2 months before our cruise last year. She thought the teen club was a bit "advanced" and hung out with other younger teens met on the board

I think it depends on your child and "where they are"...if they are more advanced, dating etc, they may fit in better with the teen club

Now let me add my daughter had an AWESOME time, she loved the activities and freedom aboard.

Wow, I can't wait until the counters go under 600 days!
Barb

PS Has anyone figured out if we will be able to see navigators before we go...seems we may be dependent on the May 27 cruisers for prompt posting of the new navigators

[musicgirl]

Has anybody been to Cozumel or Costa Maya? Dh thinks I've gone mad with all the sites I've saved already.

I just stumbled onto Sally's miniature golf in Cozumel on one of the recent threads. I looks like something everyone can do and it's beautiful. But what really got my attention is that you can order drinks on the course! Does my KTTW card work here too?LOL!

Lorie

[Disneycrazymom]

Just stopping in to say Happy Halloween to everyone. :sunny:

[musicgirl]

Yahoo, only 600 days left!!!!

[Disneycrazymom]

Hi everyone! I hope everyone has enjoyed the candy all week. I know I have WAY TOO MUCH!!!

I was just wondering how many of us are going to Disney World this summer? We are trying to plan for the 1 st week in June? We have gone the last 4 years in Novermber and the kids and I are going through a real depression that we are not going in the next few weeks. It's been a WHOLE YEAR!!!!! Ofcourse all my Dis friends know the only cure is to book a trip as soon as possible! So much for waiting until the 06 cruise!;) :teeth: Dh just smiles, shakes his head and told me to let him know when to ask off for. He's a good guy ::yes:: even if he doesn't got it!pirate:

[musicgirl]

So far we have nothing planned. We've been on either a cruise or WDW or both for the past 5 years in June so I'm sure we'll be feeling strange 6-05. I'll be busy just paying for the upcoming cruise!

We lucked out in regards to the candy. DS didn't go out and we took the rest of it to school. Whew!

Lorie

[dmensing]

Hello Everyone!

We just got back from our recent Disney trip. It was a great week with awesome weather! Of course, we tried to do too much and now we are exhausted. We hit all four Disney parks, Typhoon Lagoon, Seaworld and DTD for trick-or-treating, and Busch Gardens.

It is nice to see the cruise timer under 600 days, but it is still too far away! Soooo, we are already planning another trip for Thanksgiving 2005.

C'ya!
Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

Dan, How fun to go to the parks in November! I wish we were able to go this year! My favorite time is the week after Thanksgiving. We will have to go in the summer now as school work would be hard to make up for DS12. I am glad you had fun! :D

[dmensing]

Thanks Angie!

I know what you mean about the makeup school work. My kids are only in 4th and 2nd grade and they are trying to get through all of the additional work this week. They aren't too happy about it! This past trip is the last one we will be taking them out for such a long period of school. For next year's trip at Thanksgiving, they will only miss two half days.

We have never tried a summer trip and I don't know if we would enjoy it with the heat and crowds. We have always gone in February and now this past trip in Oct./Nov. I'm sure the crowds will be a lot bigger than we are used to at Thanksgiving, but at least it won't be so hot.

Summer will be reserved for our cruise trips!

Thanks!
Dan.

[professorandmom]

Check out the new western trip report posted by pdarrah about the DIS group which arranged the tour to the ruins and the kindergarten. Is there someone who would be willing to take the lead in this and get the info from this poster? Seems like a GREAT idea (I am not sure if what the school calendar looks like there)...anyone?
Barb

[musicgirl]

I haven't checked out the post yet.

I'm a pretty good organizer, but I'm going to hesitate on this one since we are traveling with another family and I'm not sure if we will be going to the ruins. We love to snorkel so we'll probably be looking it to this first.

Now, if we want to set up a dismeet, I'd love to to this. It was really alot of fun meeting people. Unfortunately, we planned the main one at terminal and only a few people were able to make it. We did eventually meet up with some people later though.

[dmensing]

Barb:

I read the trip report and that is a great idea to help out the local school. I doubt that we will be going to the ruins either, but I would be happy to contribute supplies if someone else is willing to deliver them.

Lorie:

I'd be up for a meet. I haven't cruised before, so I don't know what would be the best way to arrange one, or the best venue to have it. We could all try to book the Palo brunch on the same day, but that would exclude the kids.

Talk to you soon!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

I think I might keep an eye out on the other cruise meet dates and see what they come up for dismeets.

I know some have done a Palo ressie. As we get closer, it might even be fun for those staying the night before in Cocoa Beach to say hi.

We tried to have a second meet on Sun. early afternoon, but I think everyone forgot.

One thing that will help is knowing room numbers. So far, most people have been pretty open about posting these. So if we do one on board, we could put notes on the doors inviting everyone. There are fish message holders outside of each room. I'd be happy to do that if people don't mind.

Lorie

[musicgirl]

Cool, I just noticed that I hit 1000 posts!!!

I know our cruise is a long, long way off. But it seems like time is going by very quickly. I can remember last year around this time is was taking FOREVER to get through the holidays. I haven't even started to shop!!! I'm usually close to being done!

I hope it goes this fast next year at this time!

[dmensing]

Lori:

You know what they say, as you get older, time seems to go faster! ;) I'm sure when it's time to cruise, we'll look back and think how fast the 600 days went by.

1000 posts! Wow! You have been typing a lot. I only have about 953 to go!

You mentioned a possible meet at Cocoa beach before the cruise. Where do you usually stay? I have seen a couple places mentioned on the boards, but haven't done the specific research on them yet. I am trying not plan everything this far out! We weren't sure if we wanted to stay at the beach or spend a day or two at the parks. My wife doesn't think she could bear being in Florida without hitting at least one park.

Thanks,
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

Keep posting, maybe by our cruise you'll make it to 1000!!!

We stayed at the Courtyard 6-2003. It was fine. At the time, it was $100 for the cruise package. This was parking and the shuttle to and from the ship. It is basically on the beach (a 3-5 min. walk down a pretty path). This was one of the reason we picked it. However, they were very disorganized.

We stayed right next door at the Hampton this past June. $89 which included a very nice continental breakfast, just perfect before the onslaught of eating!!! It was very nice. No problems.
The shuttle was not included.

Both of these are about 10 min. from the port. The problem with the shuttles is that they do not pick up before 12. Perhaps this will change by 6-06. We called a taxi, which I liked better anyway. There was no "vieing (sp)" for spots on the shuttle.


We don't rent a car, so I was thinking about being closer to the port this time. We like the afternoon at the beach, but delayed fights and weather have shortened the time we get to enjoy it. It will also depend on the family we are suppose to go with.

It was funny, some disers last year were at the same hotel and didn't know it until they met up on the ship.

Lorie

[Harryo]

We stay in Orlando the night before. We do either Universal or Disney before and after the cruise. We rent a car and drop off at Budget and take their shuttle to the ship at 11 or 12.

[Disneycrazymom]

Last summer we stayed the night before at the Ron Jon. It was a nice way to begin our trip. They have a nice pool area and are right on the beach. I would stay there again. :D

[musicgirl]

Disneycrazymom,

If you don't mind my asking, what did you pay and how do you get a ressie here? Isn't this some kind of time share program?

thanks, lorie

[Disneycrazymom]

Lorie,
We paid $185.61 including tax for a 2 bedroom poolside. The reservation number is 1-888-933-3030. I did have a code from the Florida Traveler magazine. Check in after 4 and out by 10. The early checkout helped us get to the port early. We were there by 11, and on board the ship by 12. The kids had a great time in the Mickey pool with only 1 or 2 other kids. We never saw the pool that empty again all week!

Angie

[musicgirl]

Angie,

Thanks for the info. Is this a timeshare and if so did you have to sit through any presentations?

Is there a shuttle included to the ship?

How many people can you put in the 2 bedroom suite?

Are there smaller rooms (the standard hotel room)?

Thanks, Lorie

[Disneycrazymom]

I really don't know if it is a timeshare but it could be. We did not have any kind of presentation. We had a rental car and I don't think there was a shuttle. There were 7 in our room and we did just fine. There was 1 king bed, 2 doubles or queens and a fold out sofa. I think there were 1 bedroom suites but I don't believe there were regular rooms.

We had my father drop us at the ship, we got in line to check in, then he returned the car and caught the rental car suttle back to the port. By the time he got back, we were at the front of the line and he joined us to check in. When we returned to the port he went on the shuttle and got the car then returned for us. This system worked well for us. I liked having the car both ways. We stopped for lunch on our way from the airport and on our way back to fly home. I wanted to go to Downtown Disney on our way back but was overruled. I think DH was afraid he would NEVER get me and the kids on the plane if we were that close to the parks! :blush: :smooth:

[dmensing]

Lorie, Angie:

Ron Jon is a timeshare resort. I checked their website and see that they offer rentals without any tour obligation.

Thanks,
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Thanks Dan!

It looks like a cool place. I had checked out the website earlier this summer and it just seemed a bit difficult to get a quote for 1 night.

I know when I was booking for June of 2004, I was calling about 11 months out and most places were unable to give me rates except the Hampton. They were one of the few places that were actually nice about my inquiries so early. It was one of the reasons I booked with them.

Lorie

[musicgirl]

Well, I am kind of bummed. Our friends that we were suppose to travel with can not commit to the trip at this time. There is still hope that they might book later next year.

We were tempted to switch to an earlier cruise, but I told dh that "I already made friends on the cruise meet board!"

It also looks like the rates have started to go up a bit.

Well, I know everyone is busy at this time. Personally, I can not wait until next Thurs. (12/16). That's when all our Christmas programs are over. Even better will be 12/22 when we are on break!

[Disneycrazymom]

Sorry to hear about your friends, I hope they get to go on the end. I'm glad your still going with us! I agree our last day of school is the 23 and I an ready for the holiday vacation. I do wish it was going to be at Disney though! Did anyone see the Christmas at Disneyworld with Sam Brown last night? It was a rerun but I still loved every minute of it! :love:

Are you in charge of the the music programs, Music girl? I don't know how you guys do it!

[dmensing]

Lorie:

I'm glad you are staying with our cruise too! It will be cool to meet the folks from the boards in person.

In case I don't make it back to the boards in time, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! We are getting an early Christmas present.. a golden retriever from the local rescue organization! We recently lost our previous golden to cancer and we couldn't stand not having a fuzzy face around.

Talk to you later!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Yes, dh and I are in charge of the programs at 4 schools. Yipee!!! We are done with them. I like the programs, but I hate the set up and tear down!

Dan, have fun with your new dog.

I would love to be getting on the Magic on Sat. Maybe someday I can spend Christmas there.

Happy holidays to everyone!

[Disneycrazymom]

Dan, Congratulations on your new addition!

Lori I'm glad your programs are over and now you can focus on a relaxing Christmas vacation! I wish we were headed to Floriday too! Not to be this year. I have looked for good airfare but no luck. We might slip down to the lake for a couple days though. That is always relaxing!

Hope everyone has a great holiday,
Angie

[musicgirl]

ERRGH! Does anyone else use a Disney Visa? I have had nothing but frustration when it comes to this!!!

First, I had to fight for the reward $ for signing up. They didn't want to give it to be because someone there didn't punch in the code!!! 1 month later and 5 phone calls, I finally got them.

Today, I just got my bill and of course it is Sat. I had sent in a check for $1570 and they only credited my account for $15.70!!!! AHHHHHH!

Of course no one can help me until Mon. so I have to stew over this all weekend!!!

I'm trying to get enough reward $ to pay for our excursions and on board costs. I've been very weary about putting all monthly expenses on this. Luckily, I'm still on 0% interest right now so at least I won't have to fight to get that corrected!

I now have to call my bank-which is the same as the visa. Get confirmation that it went though as $1570. I'm not sure how I will have to send them the proof. Then, I have to call back Visa and talk to the people in the "special" department who don't work on the weekends. Supposedly, they take pictures of all the processed checks. So hopefully I won't have to jump through to many hoops.

Thanks for letting me vent. I only have about 40 hours to wait!

[dmensing]

Lori:

Did you get your payment issue resolved?

No Disney Visa here, sorry. What is the reward exchange on the Disney Visa (1 disney dollar = $X spending)? I remember looking at the Disney offer a while ago, but I didn't see the value in it, especially when you are tied to buying things directly through Disney.

I have had other reward cards with specific companies, such as the Hilton HHonors card, that would end up disappointing me. I would start accumulating points/rewards towards a specific reward only to have the program change mid-stream. Now I have a CapitalOne GoMiles card that allows redemptions towards free air travel. It isn't limited to one carrier. Even if they change the rules down the road, there is a cash back option equivalent to 1% that I would fall back on.

C'ya!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Hey Dan,

Yes, it was resolved not a problem. I just wish I didn't have to wait!!! I am not a very patient person. I want things done now! And you ask how can I possibly wait for our cruise?? LOL

The way the rewards works is that you get $1 for every $100 you spend. You have to call to get a rewards card. Once you have it, you can tranfer your dollars to it, all or just some of your rewards. The credits are good for 5 years if you do not transfer. I believe once you transfer the credits, you have 1 year to use them.

You can use the credits ($"S) on board. So when I get close to the cruise, I will transfer them to a rewards card, then call DCL and transfer them to my on board account. It can be used for anything I purchase, even towards tips.

I am also hoping to get $50 for using my card to pay for the entire trip. You are also suppose to get 6 months no interest on DCL payments.

Of course, it only works if you pay everything off without interest.

I just started using it and I have $85 saved. Our neighbor (my personal DCL convert!) is also doing this. He uses his for everything he can. His trip is in Feb. I'll be interested to see how this goes for him.

Lorie

[musicgirl]

Just a gentle bump to the top!!!

We got buried with snow and ice just before Christmas. Lots and Lots of it. There were many trees that lost limbs because of the ice, at least it is pretty!!!

Lorie

[dmensing]

Happy New Year Everyone!

Lorie: I'm glad you got the snow and ice, and not us! It was really cold here, but luckily no snow. Lately it has been crazy warm..60+ degrees!

Well, we are back to looking forward to the 2006 cruise. Our intention was to do WDW again this Thanksgiving, but it wasn't meant to be. Oh well, just less $ we have to save now!

C'ya!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

I had such a nice dream last night about our cruise.

I was dreaming that we were already on the cruise!!!! I of course couldn't believe it. Part of it was spent in beautiful blue waters on a raft. And then DH and I were trying to decide on Palo ressies. It was about then that I realized it was just a dream.

At that point, I told myself that I was going to enjoy being on the cruise as long as I could even if I was dreaming. We then went to schedule our ressies realizing it was the 2nd day at sea already.

It just goes to show you that even dreaming of being on the Magic is a wonderful experience!!!!

Well, it is back to school tomorrow. I must say that I am ready. Working does make the time go by faster.

Now, where are all the people for our cruise? I've noticed that some of the other cruise meet dates in 2006 have a lot more posts on them!!! come on folks, let's going!!! We only have 535 days to go!!! In one month, we will be doing the 500 day dance!!!!

[musicgirl]

We need a gentle bump-we're too close to the end. Last time, ours "fell off the board' and we had to start over!!!!

Is anyone else having crazy weather? We have now had tons of rain, it is thundering!!!

I'm a little depressed. One of our parents is leaving Friday for the Magic!!! I wonder if I can fit in the luggage. I'm only 5'2"!!!!

See ya, Lorie

[dmensing]

Hi Lori!

You'll have to have your parents give a report on their trip. We have to live vicariously through them!

We've had a ton of rain too. The run of warm weather is coming to an end. I don't look forward to the cold, but on the other hand, it doesn't seem like winter and is depressing without some snow. We want to take the kids skiing in Feb. so we need some cold weather.

Keep warm everyone!
Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

Just stopping in to say "Hi" :wave: I've been tring to decide on a resort for our summer trip to the parks. I am thinking of POR. Has anyone stayed there? We are also thinking of an off site condo. I have never stayed off site but the extra room sounds nice. We'll see, hopefully some wonderful code will come out and I won't have much decision to make! DD 5 was asking yesterday when we were going on the cruise again, when I told her not this year we are going to the parks I think she was disappointed!

Deminsing I hope you enjoy the skiing, DH and DS are off next week to ski in Ohio? I like my water much warmer thank-you! DD and I will most likely head down to the lake that weekend and catch up on some outlet shopping! :moped:

Stay warm everyone,
Angie

[musicgirl]

Hi all, Just trying to stay warm here.

Angie,

We stayed at POR 2002. The rooms were very nice, it seemed like they were a little bigger than normal. The scenery is beautiful. There is a boat that stops right at POR and goes over to Downtown Disney. Plenty of pools, there is a fun pool with hot tubs and then quite a few "regular" pools scattered thoughout so you were always close to one no matter where your room was.

There was one one problem, it was big and we were in one of the back areas. I did get in a lot of walking!!! Beware of the fun looking bikes, it is a lot of hard work!!!

http://groups.msn.com/WhatIdidonMySummerVacation/portorleansriverside.msnw?albumlist=2

Here are some pictures. This was on our land/sea vacation.

Just wondering where they are headed to to ski? I'm from Ohio and growing up I lived in the snow belt Painesville/Chardon. We still go past the ski places everytime we travel back. My sister is also right down the road from a ski place in Chesterland. There is also some skiing in Mansfield, this is the one our school's ski club goes to.

[musicgirl]

Yahoo, just had to share SNOW DAY!!!!!!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[dmensing]

Hi Angie, Hi Lori!

Lori, we got the snow, but luckily not enough or fast enough to affect schools! My daughter was bummed, but my son was fine. He knows that every day missed now bumps out Summer vacation.

Angie, I am curious about what ski area too. We used to go to Mansfield for our high school ski club. Thinking back at what we used to do, I'm amazed someone wasn't permanently disfigured!

The local radio station was running a contest to win a trip on the 14 day repo cruise on 5/14, but no luck! I guess I have to wait until 2006.

C'ya!
Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

DS says they are going to Galena Il. Shows how much I pay attention when I'm not the one going! :blush: The 2 of them ski every winter, but I want no part of it! And, Please let's not even get the Momma thinking about disfigurement! :faint: :scared:

Thanks for the pics of POR. I am considering it or Swan. Definiately Swan if no codes come out as they are about the same price with the teacher or entertainment discount. The Swan is my favorite but if we can get one of those great e-mails it will likely be POR for us this summer. DS is about to have a heart attack just thinking of off-site! :earseek: My kids are sooooo spoiled!

Happy Thursday all!

[musicgirl]

We still have 4 "emergency" days left before we have to start making them up. So I'm cheering for more. There's just something about a snow day. We're suppose to get more tonight and then a big one over the weekend.

Angie your 2 should have a great time, there's plenty of snow.

A friend who we are trying to convince to come on this cruise is on his first one, but it is on Carnival. He really didn't want to cruise with us (and hopefully the mutual family that may get to go) because he had never cruised. I just hope that his experience on the Carnival will be positive, it is one of their older ships and had very mixed reviews.

We toyed with the thought of fitting in a "cheap" cruise with another line. I know that's horrifying, but we can not slip in a DCL cruise any sooner, especially since it will be out west next summer.

Dan, too bad about that cruise. That would have been a real treat!!!

[musicgirl]

Hey everyone, just bumping us up, we were on the bottom of the 3rd page!!!! Will this stay up until after our cruise even if we get to the bottom of the last page? On our last one, when this board first came up, ours was lost. Hopefully that doesn't happen anymore.

Love the new smilies, they have probably been there for awhile, but I just noticed!

When is everyone going to start booking their hotels? I was just browsing the other day and noticed that The Inn at Cocoa Beach currently has 3 nights for the price of 2. Reg. $135 per night. Has anyone else stayed here?

:rotfl2: :banana: :hourglass

Just some of the new ones. The hourglass seems very appropriate!!!

[bairdbeth]

Iced in and dreaming of CC! Looked through our pictures from our last cruise. I don't know if I can wait! At least we have a trip to WDW planned at the end of May! :wave:

[Disneycrazymom]

Hi everyone! I booked our rooms at Pop Century for June 4 - 12 this summer. But not ready to think about 06 yet! 3 for 2 sounds like a good deal too.

I just talked to DH and they are having a great time skiing. They were going to have dinner and then back out for some night skiing. DD and I decided it was too cold and snowy to head to the lake so we are just hanging out tonight watching movies. I too have been dreaming of CC and Disneyworld! :sunny:

[dmensing]

Lori:

I was going to book something a year out from the cruise. We were interested in Ron Jon Resort. When I called them they said they accept rental reservations a year in advance. I don't know if other places can book further out.

That banana smiley is having a little bit too much fun! To quote "When Harry Met Sally", "I want what she is having"!

Thanks,
Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

That is one of my favorite movies! :banana: "I'll have what she's having too!"

We stayed at Ron Jon the night before our cruise in Aug and liked it very much! The pool was fun and we had lots of space to spread out. That is most likely where we'll stay in 06 as well. :teeth:

[musicgirl]

Thanks for the giggle!

Dan, I think you are right about places not booking very far ahead. I booked this past June's hotel the August before. Not many hotels would give me rates until Dec. or Jan. That is one of the reasons that we chose Hamptons. They were really nice and didn't laugh at my obsessive planning.

I like to book as far out as possible. Let me know if anyone comes across some good deals.

Ron Jon's is very tempting. I guess we have to decide which is better, 1 night at Ron's or 2-3 nights somewhere else.

Maybe I'll hit the lottery :rolleyes: I guess I have to play to win!

Do you remember my saga about the disney visa and how it got posted wrong? Well, it is still being processed. We found the problem and I could have simply just written another check but they said that they could fix it. Here it is almost 2 months later and the money has not gone to my credit card! :earseek: I have called a number of times. It has come out of my account (12-22) and was sent through some branch that has to do the correcting. Well, I just found out that it didn't get to the "branch" until Jan 10. And then it can take up to 30 more days to clear the "branch" that corrects misposted checks. AHHHHHHHH!

I don't understand why they didn't just tell me to write the other check. So here I wait, :rolleyes1 only a few more days till it should make it to the visa company. Funny thing is that it is all from the same Bank!

[Disneycrazymom]

Musicgirl I can not believe you are still dealing with that, I hope it is resolved soon! Did you know there are codes for the Ron Jon? We used one last summer. I think it was about $149 for a 2 bedroom. Very reasonable!

[musicgirl]

DCM-I didn't realize you could get codes. Where do you get the codes and do you have to book on-line? Also, how many people can go in the 2 bedroom?

Thanks!

[Disneycrazymom]

I pulled out my notes from Aug. We used code 102 from the Florida Travel Magazine. 2 bedroom sleeps 8, 1 king bed with bath, 1 bedroom with 2 doubles, and a sleeper sofa, I think it was a double. Full kitchen and washer/dryer. It was $168.75 plus tax, more than I remembered but still very reasonable. In my notes I also have listed the Raddison for $89, Holiday Inn $39 and Doubletree $39. I do not remember how I found those prices but most likely hotelkingdom or something similar. We enjoyed the kitchen and the kids enjoyed the lazy river and pool. We took the shuttle out to the beach and enjoyed that too. We rented a van and had lunch at the pier and could see the ships, very nice! I found out about the code here on the Dis! :teeth:

Edited to add: There were 2 full bathrooms but only the "master" had seperate shower and tub.

[dmensing]

Angie:

Thanks for the heads up on the codes for Ron Jon. Once it gets closer to the one year mark, I'll have to start snooping around for those codes.

Lorie:

Based on your obsessive planning behavior, you would be a great candidate for a timeshare! We have had one a couple of years and love it. Everyone thinks I'm crazy planning trips so far out. Right now, I'm finishing up with 2006 and starting to think about 2007.

I'm just sitting here, watching the snow fall, waiting for a print job to complete for work, and reading the boards. This is a nice way to daydream about the cruise.

Talk to you later!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Thanks Angie for the info. That price is pretty good for 8 people.

Yes, I must admit, I am an obssesive planner. If I could book my excursions now I would do it!

[littleowensmommy]

Hello Everyone,

My family will be sailing with you next June. It will be our 4th Disney Cruise.

We are:

Kathy (42 at time of sailing)
Ted (DH will be 44)
Owen (DS will be 7)
Amy Q (DD will be nearly 5)

Two other families will be traveling with us. Ted and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary onboard so we're splurging on a Cat 3 suite. We will spend the week before the cruise at our DVC home resort, SSR. We're also cruising with DCL on 30 July 2005 out of LA.

[Disneycrazymom]

Welcome LittleOwen'smommy! My daughter will be 6 on the cruise, right in between your 2! How fun to cruise 2 summers in a row! Did you know that you can get an onboard booking discount? While your onboard your 2005 cruise book your 2006 cruise and you will get the discount. Glad to hear your joining us.

Angie :wave2:

[dmensing]

Glad you are joining us Kathy!

Congratulations on your upcoming 20th anniversary!

Just curious, does anyone know if DCL does anything special if you are celebrating a significant event like this? :scratchin

Dan.

[musicgirl]

Welcome Kathy!!! And congrats a little early. We are just a bit behind you as our 19th anniversary will be 6-20-06!! Maybe I'll just have to re-book for 2007!!!!!

When we celebrated on cruise 1 & 2, we received a card and a cake at dinner. Now it was not a 20, 25 or anything like that, so I don't know if they do something a little extra special.

[musicgirl]

Finally, they paid the disney visa bill!!!!

A good friend of ours just got back from a Carnival cruise. He was not impressed at all with the food and service. We kind of knew this would happen.

DH wants to go on the Wonder this summer. Not that I don't, but I'm working on paying for this cruise. It is $2400 for the 3 night and over $3000 for the 4 night. With as costly as that is, I would say just book another 7 night!!! I also looked into RCCL, a 3 night is $1560 and a 4 night is $1640. I just don't think I could do it. I've read some really bad reviews of the Sovreign of the Seas, which has just been refurbished.

I guess I'm spoiled by DCL.

[Disneycrazymom]

Happy "Fat Tuesday" everyone!

Lorie, I just checked prices this morning for a 3 day cruise after our trip to the parks in June. Too pricey to add on though. I think it might be my reaction to winter! Where is the sun? :sunny: Come-on Spring! :flower:

[musicgirl]

Happy Fat Tuesday!!!!

But do you know another reason to celebrate today?


I'm doing the 500 days till our cruise dance!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Yes, I know that this is a stretchhhhhhhhhhh! But at least it's not over 600 like some I've seen. Those poor souls!!! :sad2:

I'm sure all those people under 500 are saying the same about us!

I think we'll just have to pass on a cruise this summer or big vacation. I'm going to save up and make the 7 night a blow out because it could be the last. I might want to save something for ds's college!!!

[Disneycrazymom]

Maybe he'll get a nice scholarship! :cheer2:
We have to prepare for High School here. Depending on where DS is accepted it can be more than a state college. But for now I'll happily plan vacations!

Is it really just 500 days, that isn't soooo many! :confused3 :banana:

[musicgirl]

Now it's only 499!!!! :cool1:

Yes, we are hopeful that there might be a scholarship in sight for him. I know what you mean about HS tuitions being comparable to college fees. The all girls k-12 school in our area is over $10,000 a year. :earseek:

DH and I teach at a private high school, the same one ds will be attending. We finally get a really good perk, he gets to go free!!! That is if we can make it for 4 more years!!!! Who am I kidding, we have 24 more years to retirement. AHHHHHH! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: We'll probably look more like this..... :banana: :banana: by the time we are done!!!! Or maybe this....... :crazy: :crazy: !

:wave2:

[dmensing]

Hi All!

Just wanted to touch base with everyone and bump our thread.

Lorie, you are fortunate to have an "in" on the HS cost. I know I was floored when I went to my recent reunion at St. Charles and heard what the tuition is now.

C'ya,
Dan.

[Echo queen]

I am so glad I ran across this date my DH is 40's me late thirty's boys 7 and 11 at that time. We are going on our 1st DC March 10,2005 (can't wait) I am seriously thinking of booking this cruise or May 6,2006 while on board. The 2 CC sounds great and I haven't made it to the first cruise yet. It's nice to see so many cruisers in our age range. Maybe that will sway us more to this one. We will see.

[dmensing]

Welcome Echo Queeen!

I'm jealous that you will be going on your first cruise next month! The 2006 cruise will be our first and it seems so far away. You will have to check back in and tell us how you liked your cruise when you get back.

You mentioned possibly doing the May or June 2006 cruise. Does the Texas school year finish in May?

Talk to you later!
Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

Hi everyone. Ehco Queen I hope you get to join us! The 2 CC are the reason we choose this sailing! It is so pretty and relaxing.

Lori I have an app sitting here on my desk for a local University (So far I'm just looking at it ;) ) They give reduced tuition to families that work there. I am right there with you on trying to cut the tuition cost! Even if I made very little money I would come out ahead. Since DD will be in Kindergarten next fall I guess I'll have to join the real world again. Not looking forward to it too much though! :teeth: Well maybe if I found the perfect job, like 4th grade at the school down the street, but no way will I get that lucky! I love 4th grade, I could do it over and over again! :rotfl:

[musicgirl]

Hey EchoQueen, have a great time and join us in 2006!!!!

Angie, that sounds like a good idea for a job at the University. I know they do that at Ohio State, but I'm not qualified. Boy would that be nice to get a discount at college. I can always dream.

I can always dream about winning the lotto and going on back to back cruises. Did anyone else enter the abc contest where the prize is a 4 night cruise on DCL?? It was for Amer. Funniest home videos. I entered so maybe I'll win!!! It is for 4 people, tips included, $100 beverages, couples massage, a dinner at Palo, a verandah room, the CC package for 4. I'll let you know if I win!!!!

[dmensing]

Lorie:

We entered the ABC contest too! My daughter and I were watching together when they announced the contest. It gave me a good excuse to ask her about her thoughts on going on a cruise. We still haven't told the kids. I'm trying to think of a fun way to break the news to them.

Dan.

[Echo queen]

This year Texas school (our district) will finish 5/25/05. It is possible that our district might start after labor day next year, which means they will be out sometime in June. Which all of that up in the air I have no problem pulling my boys out for a week. 1st and 5th grade.

[musicgirl]

Dan,
That's pretty cool. I'd never be able to keep a secret!!! Wouldn't that be cool if you won and then could tell them on the ship when you were leaving the Wonder?

I hope you find an awesome way to tell them. Maybe get them on the plane, to the port and then tell them. If you are a day or two early, you could just tell them that you are just enjoying the coast and then tell them as you drive up to the port.

EQ, If your school has the same required # of days that our state has, which is 182, then I think it would be pretty safe to go on this one. We have school's that start after labor day and they are out mid June. You might even be able to find out now. Most school's are setting their calendars as we speak. Some will even know the start and end dates already.

[Echo queen]

Thanks for the advise, school is out 5/25/06, thinking of 5/6/06 or 5/27/06 now that I am sure of school schedule.

[Debbie H]

Hi all,

DH just booked our cruise. It will be dh (WRH3MD), myself, ds (WRH4) he will be 22, & dd (LinnyLye) and she will be 20 at the time of the cruise. We are getting ready for the 14 day repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal, a 4 day (what dh calls our dipping cruise) with our kids, married daughter, her husband, and our new grandson, in June 2005. How fun is this!

[musicgirl]

Welcome Debbie,

You must be so excited for the repo cruise!!! Our tablemates from last year are going on the repo the other way. You have to give us the scoop.

[Disneycrazymom]

Welcome Debbie! The baby will enjoy 2 days to play in the sand at CC. You must be in heaven with 3 cruises planned in the next 2 years! :cloud9: I would have loved to book the repo cruise but too pricey for us! Have fun and be sure to tell us about it! :goodvibes

[Debbie H]

Thanks, we are looking forward to it. Actually, we look forward to all of them! :Pinkbounc

[dmensing]

Hi Debbie!

Welcome to our thread! Wow, that is an impressive Disney resume. I wish we had the time (and $) to visit that much.

Hey Lorie, I saw that a family in VA won the 4 day disney cruise from America's Home Videos. The first thing I wondered is if they visit the DIS boards.

I hope everyone is doing well. Talk to you later!

Dan.

[musicgirl]

Yes Dan, everything in cols. is good, SNOW DAY!!! or should I say ICY DAY!!

I was pretty disappointed in not winning that cruise!!! Oh well, I'm really not that lucky anyway!!!

Dan, I've noticed only a bunch of numbers and stuff at the end of your posts. What happened? More importantly, where is the countdown clock?

[dmensing]

Dan, I've noticed only a bunch of numbers and stuff at the end of your posts. What happened? More importantly, where is the countdown clock?

Lorie:
Unfortunately, the bunch of numbers and stuff is the countdown clock. I checked other threads and it appears the old countdown clock doesn't work anymore. I checked the technical board and I found that they discontinued the HTML signatures, including the countdown clocks, due to security issues. You can get new signatures/countdown clocks from other websites to use. I pulled the following one from daisypath.com. There are other websites mentioned in the technical forum that can be used.

Thanks,
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Thanks Dan!

I always looked at yours because I'm technology impaired!!!!!

I'll have to give it a try!

[dmensing]

Lorie:

No problem, obviously I was a little impaired too. When I just looked at the new ticker, it was showing a little over 11 months until the cruise. When I rechecked it, I realized I put in the wrong date. I fixed it now, but it looks like it only starts tracking progress once you get within 1 year.

Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

Hay, everybody keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow, it's my first try for Cindy's! I know you all will understand. DD5 is just the right age to enjoy the breakfast. Surprisingly DS says he wants to come along too. Maybe when you turn 12 the Princess are cool for another reason! ;) Wish me luck!

[dmensing]

Angie:

Did you get the Cindy reservation? That's funny that your son is up for it too. Our 10 year old son isn't at that stage yet. (Thankfully!)

Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

I did! I did! I can't believe it, on the first try! We will start our vacation at Cindy's at 8:15. I really like being in the park before it opens, the feeling of walking down Main Street almost alone! Hopefully the rest of my group will be excited enough to get up at 6:30. Ah well it's Disney did they really think they were going to relax and sleep in? :p I don't think so! That's what cruises are for! :teeth:

[dmensing]

Great job Angie!

That is a great way to start your vacation. Having it at the beginning of the week also makes it easier to get up early. I know our family has a tougher and tougher time getting up early as the week progresses. We go non-stop and tire ourselves out!

Talk to you later!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Has anyone even started thinking about excursions yet? Anyone into snorkeling and might know some great places for us to go?

I have found some pretty good sites about cozumel. One site has all the beaches listed and when you click on it, it will bring up pictures of the beaches.

Has anyone gone to Chan. National Park? I know DCL has this as an excursion, but it seems like it is much cheaper to do on your own since it is only 5-10 min away.

I wish DCL would start posting some excursions for Costa Maya. I've seen some excursions that sound good. One site has some that are recommended from DCL. I think this was when they went this past fall due to changes in itineraries.

I really wish that the old countdown clocks were still working. I miss seeing the exact days left.

Oh well, if these are my biggest concerns today, I should consider my life pretty good!!!!

[dmensing]

Lori:

We have started thinking about the excursions, but the kids don't know about the trip yet, so once we tell them, we would make decisions on all the excursions together.

I found the following website that has Costa Maya excursions:
http://costamayacruiseexcursions.com/

Thanks,
Dan.

[musicgirl]

I have that site too. If you click on the Magic, it tells which ones are recommended by DCL. I wonder if these will be the ones they offer and/or have more by the time we get there in 6-06.

We're still waiting on friends to decide if they are going. I don't know what kind of excursions they would want to do. We are big into snorkeling so the catamaran reef sail in Costa Maya sounds interesting. But I have also heard good comments about the beach break party.

After snorkeling at Cozumel, I would love to go to Sally's Mini-golf. It looks great. I know some disers have actually done at meet here. And you can order drinks right from your hole!!!!

Dan, when are you going to tell them? Christmas? or even closer to the cruise? I don't think I could keep that secret. I just had to tell my ds. He loved the cruise and can not wait to get back. He often sighs when he sees a plane flying toward Orlando!!!

[dmensing]

Lorie:

There are so many cool looking excursions in Cozumel. We were looking at the Dune Buggies, but the catamaran ride and some of the local beaches look fun too. When you mentioned the mini golf, I looked it up online and we may have to squeeze that in too! Our family is very competitive when it comes to mini golf. I am considering booking the excursions outside Disney, but I guess it will depend on the difference in price and what excursions Disney offers.

I'm not sure when we will tell the kids about the trip. I know I get bummed out when I see how far away it is, so I can't imagine what it would seem to them if we told them anytime soon. I would like to wait as long as possible so they don't have to agonize like my wife and I are now! They have a suspicion already about what is going on. They have caught me reading the DIS boards and we have watched the cruise DVD. They know how I am about planning trips, so they know a cruise may be coming down the line.

Talk to you later!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan, I know what you mean about the wait!!!! Why make them suffer!!!

It sounds like the excursions are a bit overpriced through DCL. One of the Cozumel excursions is the Chank. Park snorkeling for $45 per person and is for 3-4 hours. I have seen rates for $12 admission (time is not limited) to the park per person and $10 taxi for all three one way.

Let's see $135 through DCL or $56 on my own? Since it is only about 10 min. away, I feel pretty safe doing it on our own. There are also the 2 beaches I want to snorkel at with in 5 min. of the Park.

It really does pay to read the boards. Plus, I can disguise my addiction to the boards by pretending to gather more and more information. :rotfl:

[Crazy Momma]

Hello All,

I haven't been on the boards in Months. I did a scan and found you guys again. I've been busy planning our next Disney Trip. We are going over Thanksgiving. Are any of you going over Thanksgiving break? I'm planning on going to MVMCP on Nov 27.

I have been thinking about the excursions. We want to go snorkeling. I hope DS 9 (next year) will be ready to snorkel. The Easter Bunny bought him snorkel gear for his basket. He will be able to practice on the weekends when we go on our boat.
Mini golf sounds fun!! I like playing girls against the boys!!

Susan

[musicgirl]

Susan,

My group isn't going anytime soon. I'd love to be on my way right now-but wouldn't we all!!!!! It would be nice if we just had some warm temps. for Spring Break, in the 60's maybe!!!!

I hope your guy enjoys the snorkeling. I've heard that the snorkeling in Cozumel is pretty good. We loved it in St. Thomas, even my ds did. He was 11,12 then 13 on our trips. The first 2 times, he was a bit nervous.

If you get a chance, go to Typhoon Lagoon. They have a snorkel area that is pretty good. They keep it pretty cold for the fish, so prepare him ahead of time.

[musicgirl]

Well, it looks like we need a gentle bump being on page 3.

I did get my wish for a warm spring break, until today. It is snowing!!!!! Hello it is April.

My bil and his family are just getting back from their Carnival cruise this weekend. It will be interesting to hear about their trip. He's a country club manager and quite "fussy" about food. They've got 4 kids ages 13-6 and I know Carnival is not known for their family atmosphere.

My brother just got back from a Princess Cruise to St. Martin and St. Thomas. It was fun looking at their pictures and remembering our Eastern Magic. Although they didn't go on the exact excursion we took at St. Thomas, they ended up at one of the same beautiful places that we snorkeled at.

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hi everyone!

We are planning to do this cruise next year!!! I am so excited! We were going to book in May, but had to cancel that one, so here we are!!!

I am excited to see a thread with our cruise on it, wow, you guys do plan far in advance! LOL!

I haven't read all the posts yet, but wanted to come over and say hi to my fellow cruisers!

It will be me, DH, DS (11) and DD (7). We went on the Disney Wonder back in 2003 and we were so sad because it missed CC. NOT fun, DS and I had tears in our eyes... So that is why I wanted to double dip CC, hopefully to make up for missing it last time. :sunny: We went in December and that day was cold and windy :cold: Looking forward to fun in the sun!!! :sunny:

[dmensing]

Princess:

Welcome to the thread! We need as many people as possible to pass the time until the cruise. Our kids will be similar in age as yours. Our DS will be 11 and DD will be 9.

Lorie, I wish we had snow on spring break! We went to Vermont to ski. The day after Easter was our first attempt to ski, but it was a mixture of rain and freezing rain. Luckily, Tuesday through Thursday were warm and sunny. Great conditions in the morning, but the snow was heavy and slushy in the afternoon. The kids liked it so much, they actually voted for another ski trip for February over a trip to Disney!

C'ya!
Dan.

[Disneycrazymom]

Welcome Princess VIJA! Glad you are going to join us. My son will be 13 and daughter will be 6. So kinds close in age!

Has anyone checked prices lately? I did today and a Cat 6 for 4 is up to $8552.44 on the web site. That is about $1400 more than we paid! And it is still over a year away. Wow! It makes me feel better about waiting to think of all the $$$ I am saving. :teeth:

[musicgirl]

Welcome aboard Princess!!! Happy planning! It sounds like you deserve some cc double dipping.

Dan, sorry to hear about the non-snowy skiing. It sounds like you had fun though!!! My family back home in NE ohio got quite a bit of snow. 14 inches in Lake county and My sister was without power for 4 days due to the snow!!!!

I love the weather now. It's sunny and 75. :sunny:

I recently read on the regular board about an excursion in costa maya. You go in kayaks that are clear so that you can see all the underwater life!!! sounds pretty cool. Snorkeling without getting wet!!!!

[musicgirl]

I haven't checked recently, but I normally do keep track. It makes me feel like I got a discount!!!! Can you imagine what a difference it will be this time next year? :earseek:

It really does pay to book early. Maybe I should book my next one for 2007 or 2008!!!!

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks for the welcome!!!

Wow, what a jump in price from yesterday, Yesterday I booked it at $7800 (I got a discount on top of that booking with someone - Thank Heavens!) But it went up a lot overnight! I am so thankful I even booked yesterday vs. today. I'll have to keep an eye on it too, that is interesting how much it goes up. I bet this will be a sold out cruise. Has anyone cruised on a sold out sailing? How crowded did it feel? We sailed in early December and it wasn't sold out. Just wondering what to expect.

[Disney Doc]

Just checking in... we'll be in 6072, 6074. Parents in one cabin, nearly 17-year-old boy/girl twin children in the other. Did 7-day Western in July '04 - couldn't pass up 2 CC days! (and no sadness here with missing Key West)

[musicgirl]

Cool, we're getting more and more!!! Welcome Disney Doc!!!

Has anyone followed the passport threads? I really don't want to purchase a passport for the 3 of us. All the printed govt. stuff is way too confusing and everyone is stating this and that.

I did call DCL and ask what the deal was. For now, we are not required to have them. She said that DCL would notify us if passports will be required.

Oh well, I'm not running to get mine at this time. I would rather wait and see. It's not that I have anything to hide, it's just that for the three of us it is $270. I budget everything very carefully.

And even though I would love to spend my time vacationing everywhere, this will probably be our last cruise for awhile. DS going to college in a few years and it might be nice if we saved a little money for him. By the time we start up again, the passport will probably need to be renewed.

I know, I shouldn't complain about national security, but why so much? I think it's a way for them to make some extra money!!!! Ok, we won't go into any politics.

[Disneycrazymom]

I read that about the Passports too. I think I will go ahead and get them for the kids, we already have ours. It looks like we will end up in Canada this summer so they could use them then too.

Welcome Disney Doc! We will be neighbors. We have rooms 6068 and 6066. Our family has one and my parents in the other. Glad to have a Dis family so close! :teeth:

[dmensing]

Hi guys & gals,

I just wanted to bump the thread and vent my frustration on my search for my passport. After reading all the recent information about the new passport policies, we decided to renew our passports and get the kids passports early next year. I have an expired passport that I want to renew, but I can't find it! :confused3
I saw it a couple of months ago and probably put it somewhere I knew I wouldn't lose it (the kiss of death!).

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well.

C'ya!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

Sorry to hear of your frustration. I know I get so irritated when I can not find something.

I'm actually in the same boat (ha ha), but I'm looking for an application letter for a scholarship to send with my letter of recommendation for a student. GRRRRR!
The student gave me his portion and I can not find it. I know it is somewhere safe. It's just that it is safe from me!!!!

Well, I better get off the boards and start looking!!! Good luck in your search! We'll see who's first!!!! Ready Go! :cheer2:

[Disneycrazymom]

I light of your searches you'll enjoy this story. Last Aug before our cruise DH and I had passports. We put them in our home safe. The night before we were to leave DH went down to get them out, only to find that he could NOT remember the combination! Now he had put it on his Plam but the battery had died and he lost all the info, so at like 1am before our early morning flight DH is laying on the floor in the office trying desperatly to break into our own safe! He did finally get it open but it was quite an adventure! :teeth:

[dmensing]

I light of your searches you'll enjoy this story. Last Aug before our cruise DH and I had passports. We put them in our home safe. The night before we were to leave DH went down to get them out, only to find that he could NOT remember the combination! Now he had put it on his Plam but the battery had died and he lost all the info, so at like 1am before our early morning flight DH is laying on the floor in the office trying desperatly to break into our own safe! He did finally get it open but it was quite an adventure! :teeth:

Ouch! I'm sure you can laugh now, but I can imagine the frustration at that time of night and right before the cruise. I don't feel so bad now about not finding the passport!

Thanks for the laugh!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

I'm glad that he was able to get in and that you can remember that time with a smile!!! Perhaps when we are all at that point we should stop to think "someday I'll laugh about this"!!!!!

Well Dan, did you find the passports? I found the letter about 30 min. after my post. It had fallen in the passenger door slot of my car. DS sits there in the morning, enough said?!!!!

It's really hard not having a cruise to look forward to this summer. We've been very spoiled the last 3 years and we are very thankful. We're not even going on vacation this summer except to an DH's uncle's home on Lake Michigan for a weekend. I guess that means we'll have to live it up when we get to 6-06!!!!!!
:banana: :banana: :banana:

I was going over my excursion info, AGAIN today. It helps keep the dream :cloud9: alive!!!! I can pretend can't I?????

[dmensing]

Lorie:

Yep, I found the passport yesterday! It was hiding in the filing cabinet that I had looked through at least three times. I was actually looking for something else when I found it.

In a way, I guess we are lucky that we haven't been on a Disney cruise yet, so it probably is easier for us to wait for it. We don't know what we are missing yet! We have a couple of upcoming vacations this summer to keep ourselves occupied. We have our traditional trip to Williamsburg, VA that we have done for the past 5-6 years. The kids love Water Country USA and Busch Gardens. We also have a trip to Sedona planned. No one in our family has ever been there, so we are excited about trying something new.

Talk to ya' later!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Glad to hear you found it Dan!!! Sometimes it's easier when we aren't trying!

We're going to Williamsburg/Busch Gardens for our spring band trip the 1st weekend of May. They host a music competition that we participate in. We rotate sites (Hersey, 6 Flags in St. Louis, Kennywood in Pa., etc. ) This will be our 5th trip.

Last year we ventured up to Toronto for our 1st and last band trip there. We were hailed upon during our marching competition. We still had a great time despite the constant downpour of rain. We knew we were taking a risk going to Canada in early May!!!

[Disneycrazymom]

I am glad both of you found the missing! Yes we do laugh about it now, but DH said of few words he wasn't to proud of that night! ;)

Music girl I think my neice's high school might be at the same competetion(Pattonville High School). I think they are going the weekend of April 24 or the 1st of May. That would make it a small world wouldn't it! We have gone out to Six Flags to watch the bands before it is really fun, they are very talented.
Dan I'm glad you have some fun things to look forward to this summer. It looks as if our summer trip might get postponed. DH's hockey team made the playoffs and they are the same week as our trip. The playoffs are in Toronto so at least he will be heading there. I am not to sure I want to do the parks without him in summer. I'm also not sure if I want to spend 4 days watching hockey in Toronto either! Still thinking about though! Doesn't it figure it would be the same time. :earseek:

[musicgirl]

Disneycrazymom, that would be so funny if it's the same trip. You mentioned your DH hockey team making play offs. What play-offs and are they on TV. My dh is a hockey fan (going through withdrawal) and needs a fix!!!!!

[Disneycrazymom]

I doubt they would be on TV! This is just a local team. DH and DS both play hockey and like to watch it too. They have really missed the Blues playing this winter. I not so much! ;) :teeth:

I'll have to ask Jen what weekend the Band trip is and where they are going this year. Watch for Pattonville, colors green and white, Pirates. I hope your band does well. I would guess it can be pretty stressful if you are the one in charge! She has certainly enjoyed all the trips with the band! As I am sure your kids do also! It is kind of you to make it happen for them. :teeth:

[dmensing]

Lorie:

If you get a chance at Busch Gardens, try out the new ride, Curse of DarKastle. I would love to get your review before our trip in June! We were tempted to sneek down there for a weekend just to get a taste of it, but we figured we would get plenty of it on the weeklong trip.

Have fun!
Dan.

[Crazy Momma]

I would like to know how Curse of DarKastle ride is as well. We have been trying to find the time to get down to Busch Gardens this spring. I like to go the parks before they get too busy. We have annual passes to B/G so we go 3-4 times a season. Our family loves B/G and Water Country.

Susan

[musicgirl]

Dan & Susan,

I'll give it a try if the line isn't to long!!!! I'll have to check it out on their web site to see it. I love the whole rollercoaster thing, but it is getting harder as I get older. I'll have to take my dramamine!!!! last time I tried a loopy rollercoaster, I was out for about 2 hours not feeling tip top!!!!

Lorie

[musicgirl]

Ok, I looked the ride up on the Busch Gardens site and I can't figure it out. I think it is an all indoor ride but not a rollercoaster. It looks like it has big cars that look like construction equipment. What is it?

We are getting to the 1 year mark!!! I must admit this year went pretty fast! I hope next year flies. When I hit June, I think I will have to start seriously looking for our hotel..

More expensive like ron jon's for 1 night or go cheaper for more???

[dmensing]

Lorie:

I thought you were headed to Williamsburg this weekend?

The new ride at Busch Gardens does look like it is all indoors. The description is kind of vague, but my best guess is that it may be similar to the Spiderman ride at Universal Studios. The Spiderman ride uses a combination of a moving car, screen effects with 3-D glasses, and real effects. If it is even half of what Spiderman is, it will be a great ride!

Since the exact countdown timers are gone, I was trying to calculate when we will hit the 400 day mark, which should be around May 20th. Just think of the time when we were looking at 600 days!

I was very interested in staying at Ron Jon's too. The kids would love the pool. I guess it will depend on the deals available and whether we want to spend more on the hotel or save it for some excursions! Decisions, decisions...

Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

We're headed out to Williamsburg on Friday (5-6) so we'll be at the park Sat.

The ride sounds pretty cool. I''ll let you know.

600 days seems sooooo long ago!!! I really wish the old countdowns were back, they were so much easier to read. 420 days to go is much easier than the trails with over 12 months to go!!! I want detail!!!

I'm going to take some time and re-read our thread about hotels and stuff so I don't repeat myself with questions!!!

It shouldn't take very long. I am absolutely amazed at some of the other cruise dates. I think the one has about 15000 posts!!! Our tablemates from last time is going on that one. Can you imagine just joining the post now and trying to catch up?

Ron Jon's looks pretty cool. I really want to go there. If you hear of any deals let me know!

When we get closer to the cruise, we should try to set up a Cocoa Beach meet.

[Disneycrazymom]

Hay, that would be fun to get together the night before at one of the hotel pools!

Lets pick a name for our little (I bet it gets bigger) group!
I am thinking of making a door magnet that says something like the Double Dippers Cruise. Any better thoughts of what we should call ourselves? If you want a magnet (it will take me time to get it all together) PM me your address and I'll send one your way when they are done. :teeth:

[dmensing]

It would be nice to have a get together the night before the cruise at one of the hotels, especially for the kids.

I learned from others on the boards that you can get the countdown timers that show the specific day/hours/minutes from www.v50.net. It isn't "active" like the previous counters, but it is better than nothing! :hourglass

C'ya!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

I just noticed the new countdown clocks!!!! Yeah!!! I won't need to add it to mine, I'll just look at yours!!! :goodvibes

Angie,

yes, I think simply put "The Double Dippers" sounds pretty good!!! or maybe the "Disboard Double Dippers", how about the "Dippy Double Dippers"-just kidding!!!

How do you get the magnets? I wonder, I've done very simply ones this way. We could get the Mickey Head paint sample, glue it on a magnet and put those on. Maybe even write a dismeet time on it and stick them on all the room numbers that people have listed. I would do that.

Maybe those that get there the night before, we could meet at the pier. Even if it is in the afternoon, we could meet someplace at the beach.

Maybe we could all meet at my house for a sleep over in columbus. You can all fly here, we'll all get plane ressies together to Orlando. Ok, Ok I'm getting a little carried away!!!

I would love to meet ahead of time. How many days ahead of the cruise is everyone coming in? Anyone staying afterwards?

[musicgirl]

Ok, for those Busch Gardens Fans, The Dark Kastle ride report!!!

We are back from our band trip. Great day in the park on Sat. But there were lots of band groups and lots of season pass holders getting the actual passes that day.

The scoop: It is at the back of the park past Loch Ness and by Germany. The line begins at a little house/pass through/refreshment stand. The cm told us there was about a45-60 min. wait from that point (the pass through area) so we decided to try it. When we finally got inside where the permanent (vs set up/take down rope section) zig zag lines start. The cm there told us about 45-60 min. What! :earseek: We had already waited over an hour!! They were very good about letting people get out of lines for restrooms/snacks out side of the castle.

You will zig zag outside in a garden, and then into the building. There is only a short zig zag section once IN the building. You start out in a large group like you do for the haunted mansion. When your group is let in to wait for the doors to open-go to the left. When you go in the room, stay to your left since the door is on the left. There is a quick movie about the storyline. When you go in, you will pick up the 3-D glasses and then they will assign you to a car. Each car holds 8 (2 rows of 4).

The ride is really fun. All the 3-D or should I say 4-D. It is not a simulator, the car does travel on a track. I think the car is suppose to be a sleigh with high sides. It zigs you around to different screens and so on.

They did have some short down times. Some of our kids had several blank screens during their ride and were given a "fast pass" to enter with no waiting. They don't have the Disney fast pass.

Is it worth the long wait? 1 hour yes, 2 hours no. so if you can not walk into the "real" garden lines, come back just before the park closes. They said that if you are in a line when the park closes, you will get to ride it.

We loved all the rollercoasters, especially Apollo's chariot and Alpengeist. sorry about any of my grammar or spelling. We had about 11 hours of sleep over the weekend.

Ta ta for now!!!!

[dmensing]

Thanks for the review, Lorie!

Based on your review, it does sound similar to Spiderman at Universal. I can't wait to try it in June! You had more patience than I would have had. I don't think there is any ride I would wait more than an hour for.

Before you left, you asked about who was staying before/after the cruise. We will probably just come in a day before and leave right after the cruise. We always end up missing our furry family member too much to stay longer.
We are keeping an eye out for Ron Jon specials, but I'm assuming we won't see anything until later this year.

C'ya!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Dan,

I know what you mean about the waiting, we wouldn't have for 2, but we didn't want to feel like we wasted an hour in line.

I love to stay at Ron Jon's, but I think I might try for quantity of days. I'll keep my eye out for a good deal on it though.

I am also going to look into the following, they are a bit further down but that doesn't bother us.

Cocoa Beach Oceanside-$70 and up, 4.9 miles away,cont. bk, shuttle included, it is said to be old but well maintained, big pool, all rooms ocean view (is this possible?)

Inn at Cocoa Beach-5.6 miles away, oceanfront (it may not be right on it, but close) most rooms oceanfront, $135 a night. They currently have a deal for 2 nights the 3rd is free. So I might consider the higher price for a free night!!!

Comfort Inn-5.6 miles away, $90, old but well maintained, check in is 2:00.

Motel 6-5.7 miles away, $50 a night, good pool, 100 yards to the beach. This might be pushing it for cheap!!!! For 3 nights, $150 might be hard to pass up. We rarely spend time in the room.

We'd like to stay 2 nights before and 1 night after.

Have you seen that you can do ressies on-line now!!!!
1st time cruisers-75 days out (cruise must be paid in full)
CC members(that's me!!!)-90 days out

This is for the spa, Palo, excursions, signing up for the clubs and such.

Yahoo!!! No more ressies rush!

I wonder what the limit for a brunch at Palo would be if we wanted to have a dis meet there? I'll check into it. Maybe we could set it up ahead of time and have the CC members book as many as we can.

[Disneycrazymom]

Hi all! I like the Disboard Double Dippers too! I will make them on magnetic paper with my printer. I will post a design when I come up with something. I am working on crafts for VBS so I am in a "crafty" mode right now. Spending lots of time at the craft stores trying to be inspired!

That is great news about doing everything before on line! It will make the first afternoon much more relaxing! We can meet by the Mickey Pool and get ice cream while the kids swim!

Glad your trip was good Music Girl!

We are considering going to the parks after our cruise for 4th of July weekend! :earseek: We won't get to ride much but DH won't have to be back to work until Tuesday. We will try to come in the night before. I would like to stay at Ron Jon I think.

[Jillpie]

Hi everyone :wave2: !

We just booked this cruise, so I'm new to this thread! :) We are a family of five, with three boys...their ages at the time of sailing will be Pat-18, Andrew-14 and Brendan-13.

We just got off the Wonder a few weeks ago and LOVED it. The boys absolutely had a blast in the clubs and Pat is still talking to all his friends online. He ended up getting together with them at DW afterward and walked around at night, so much fun. He's kind of afraid it "won't be the same" on the next cruise, but he is very social, so I know he'll have just a good a time.

We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary and his high school graduation. Brendan will be 13, he loved the Oceaneer Lab on the Wonder, so I can't figure out where he should be...he likes structure and is pretty social too, so I'd love him to be in the Lab again, we'll see. Andrew had a blast on his own, in the teen club. We really didn't see the kids much at all, except for dinners every night.

Anyway, I look forward to "talking" to you all! I especially look forward to trying to hash out where we should stay the couple of days ahead of the cruise, would LOVE Ron Jon's, but very expensive...I called yesterday and asked about rates for this June and it is 270.00 for a 1 br in June! That one hurt. My DH works for a travel agency, so I'm hoping to get somewhat of a discount somewhere, but hope there are some codes for Ron Jon too by then.

Gnight everyone and talk to ya soon!! June 24th, 2006, here we come!!! :Pinkbounc

[Disneycrazymom]

Welcome Jillpie! :teeth: Glad to have you as part of our Dis Double Dippers! I also have a son (michael) who will be 13 on our cruise. He doesn't know about the trip yet but when it is closer maybe they would like to e-mail each other. He enjoyed the Lab last trip but I think will want to join the teen group this trip.

Angie

[Jillpie]

Hi Angie and thanks! Sure, my son would like to talk with Michael!

[musicgirl]

Hi Jillpie,

My son Andrew will be 15 at the time. He is an "only" and he also had a great time hanging out at the teen club.

For all who have teens: I'm signing up ds for the Teen Wild Side for the SECOND day at CC. Maybe we could get a bunch of the teens from the boards to sign up together!!!

When I asked which he preferred (the 1st stop or the 2nd) he said the 2nd since he would probaby have made more friends by then.

[Disneycrazymom]

I have been thinking about the Teen Wild Side. Wondering if it is a good "mixer" and I should encourage him to do on the first CC day or if the last one is better as a last chance to have a great time with new friends. I know Michael will feel more comfortable if he kind of knows someone on the excursion, so I will also plan on the 2nd stop at CC wildside. How funny that I am planning his excursions and he doesn't even know he's going! :teeth:

[BethA]

Hi--I'm so glad I looked for this thread. We have been on 4 Disney cruises and are cruising RCL this year because the Magic is out west. No one is posting for that cruise on AOS, and I just am not as excited as I am about our cruise for 2006 on the Magic.

It will be my parents, my brother and his wife and 4 kids--20,17,14 and 11 at the time of cruise, myself and my husband and my sone who will be 10 and 17.

We are in cabin 8530.
We have always stayed at the Radisson. Does Ron Jon's have a shuttle? If not any suggestions for somewhere else close that does? The Radisson was so close and the kids liked the mini golf and gocarts next door.

On our June Eastern cruise last year my teen met so many new friends he didn't want to go home, so he is really looking forward to going again.

Beth

[Jillpie]

Hi Beth! It sounds like our sons will be close in age! Pat will be 18 next May, 2006, right before the cruise. He loved the Wonder, it was so fun for him and his brothers. It'll be a blast!

[musicgirl]

Hi Beth,

Welcome to our group!!! Which June Eastern trip were you on? We were on the June 12, 2004 Eastern. Wouldn't that be a coincidence if we were on the same one!!!

I was just talking about the Teen Wild Side and the thread with ds-14 today. I told him that it would be pretty cool if they could all e-mail ahead of time. They would have at least one thing in common......an enthusiastic DCL parent. Mine would refer to me as an obsessed DCL parent!!!! :rotfl:

[musicgirl]

Oh my gosh!! I can not believe I missed it!!! I've been so looking forward to the day, and I missed it!!!! :sad2:

Yesterday was the 400 day cruise dance!!!! :banana: :banana:

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to celebrate the 399 day dance!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Jillpie]

Lorie :rotfl: 400 days..we got a looooong time to wait. But at least we can have fun waiting together :banana: !!!

[BethA]

We were on two weeks after you--the June 26, 04 cruise--what a great time. Blake was going to do the teen excursion, but then everyone changed their minds and they just hung out together on the teen beach playing football and volleyball.

400 days--sounds like forever, but I know next year will go fast for me because Blake will be a senior!

[professorandmom]

Sadly, please take me off this cruise date list - I had to change (and spend more of course) to the July double dip.....
Hope you all have a great time!
Barb

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hi everyone! I read all 12 pages to get caught up with all of the news. I am so excited for this trip. Sorry I have not been posting for a while. I got busy with school and then I have been watching the Repsitioning cruise thread. But I decided that it is time to focus on the trip we will be taking.

Tomorrow is our 14 year anniversary! I can hardly believe how the time has flown. Tomorrow is also going to be special because I have to get healthy for myself and my family and I want to look great for our trip, so I decided to make tomorrow a new start as I look forward to our cruise. I met with a personal trainer today (free through DH's work) and he has set me up on a plan to get started. I have a lot to loose so any encouragement would be appreciated!

As for our plans, I am toying with the idea of flying down early and going to MK on Wednesday, Discovery cove on Thursday, NASA on Friday and then MAGIC on Saturday. I am not sure, but it sounds like a fun way to get the party started!

Have you guys been following the repo thread? They posted the drydock changes for the Magic and sound kind of interesting.

[Jillpie]

Hi PrincessVija! I just read your post, and had to let you know that I was in your exact shoes one year ago this week!! We had just booked our first cruise and I knew I had to do it. I joined our local gym and now 11 months later....80 pounds gone. :) It was alot of hard work, and a real commitment to get it done. I also started with a personal trainer and stuck with it. I did weight training at noon four times a week. Then on those same days, I went back to the gym at 5:30 to do a step aerobic class. I am still doing this routine Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fridays. I take Thursdays off and most weekends. YOU CAN DO THIS. Please let me know if I can be any help, ok? :)

[musicgirl]

Jillpie-How AWESOME!!!!!!

Princess Vija-good luck on your journey!!! Keep us up to date so we can cheer you on!!!!

Congrats on the anniversary!!

I have been following the thread on the repo. All I can say is what an experience and I hope one day I can do it whether on a DCL trip or another line.

Princess, you sound like you have a jam packed trip to plan!!! It will be so cool to be down to the year mark!!! Then the real countdown can begin. We just finished our last music program of the year (except for graduation) so I just started thinking-next year after our final concert I will be soooooo ready to go!

The changes to the Magic sound great, especially the big movie screen. I wonder if the changes on CC will be done by the time we get there.

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Jillpie, Wow, what an amazing accomplishment. You inspire me to really work hard, knowing it can be done. Thanks for the offer of helping me out, I might look to you from time to time for encouragement when the going gets rough.

musicgirl, thanks for the warm words of encouragement. I need all the cheerleaders I can get! :cheer2: I am proud of myself for today. I had every intention of sitting down at the computer with chips and dip and instead I cleaned, then went for a long, long walk. I am so proud of not falling into the old trap! For me, this is a break through! What kind of music do you teach/organzie? What grades? I bet it can be such a rewarding experience to see it all come together.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!

[musicgirl]

Princess,

We (DH and I) teach general music/band k-12, we have a high school and 4 k-8 schools that we go to. I teach the K-6 general music (at 3 of the schools) with an overlap of band at them. DH teaches general music 7 & 8 and band as well. I must admit it keeps us busy.

It is so hard to fall into the snack trap. Personally, I just don't but it because I have zero will power. Even though I enjoy the summer off, that is one of the things I have to be careful about- watching tv and eating. Usually I am so on the go at school, there is no time for it.

One of my goals this summer is to get back into using my one piece of equipment, that for the life of me, I can not think of it's name!!! Wow has it been that long? No, just I went out last night and I'm having a moment!!!

[musicgirl]

Eliptical rider!!!

Jillpie, I noticed on the other board that you are in 7620. you are soooo close to us! We are in 7127, which is not the same cat. or the same side, but you are right around the corner since we are both at the very back of aft.

[Jillpie]

Thats so cool Lorie! :)

[PRINCESS VIJA]

musicgirl, your career sounds fantastic. I am currently in school to become a teacher. I will be certified through 6th, but hope to teach the younger grades. (LOVE kindergarten!) I should be done with school next June, so our vacation will be quite a reward! AND I love the eliptical! I do that at the gym. In fact I did it today! :cool1:

[musicgirl]

Yahoo, we finally wrapped up everything for the end of the year. We did our dance of happiness!!!

I'm finding it difficult not going on a vacation this year. I'm soooo jealous of the people going on the Magic or the Wonder!! Oh well, I really shouldn't complain.

We get to do fun things like paint the brick on the house, new shutters. We've already pulled out huge old bushes and planted new perennials.

Princess, what area will you be certified in?

[Jillpie]

okay, my DS17(Pat) is standing over my shoulder right now...he definitely wants to know if there are any "cute 17 or 18 yr. old girls" going on this cruise?! :cool1: Anyone out there know?

[Jillpie]

okay guys, for those of you that don't have a passport, are you getting one for this cruise?? As you know, we're a family of five and the expense is pretty big. But if you think we'll need them, I want to do it now, before there's a million people next Winter trying to get them. But here's the thing...the dates of requirement state that Mexico won't be needed till 2007. But the Caribbean is needed after Dec. 2005. So, is this considered Mexico or the Caribbean or both?? Should we go to this expense or what?

[musicgirl]

I was hoping that they would say our cruise was Mexico plus a Disney owned (USA) island. But DCL said that CC is considered to be in the Bahamas (or was it Caribbean). Either one, it will be under the sanction.

However, that is not in stone yet!!! I am a hold out. I was going to wait a few more months (maybe Oct. or Nov.) to see what happens. If they don't definitely put it into effect by Oct., I don't see how they could ask people in Jan to get passports.

Personally, I think this is crazy. I am all for security, but I don't think this is the answer. I think it will cause MANY people not to travel outside the country to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada.

For us, it is only 3 people. There are others that have big families and it may be the difference in them going. I know some people feel, well they are paying a huge amount to go on the trip, they can certainly afford it.
I don't think that is true. I budget very carefully and am making a monthly payment (on my disney visa of course!). I'm sure I am not the only one to budget. We wouldn't have to cancel our cruise, but why spend it for this cruise only?

This is our last trip for a while, a long while. I have been to Canada a number of times, so that wouldn't even be in our plans. Any trip we might take will be very close to home and far from exotic!!!!

What about faimilies going on a WISH trip or something similar. What if they don't have time to get passports?

I hope that the government re-thinks this.

Just my humble opinion. I know this is a hot topic.

[Jillpie]

Hi Lorie, thanks for your feedback. Here's what happened today...I called DCL about this particular cruise and talked to someone who really sounded like she knew what she was talking about. She agreed with me about not needing a Mexico destination passport till Dec. 2006. She also said that CC is in the Bahamas and not the Caribbean. So there you have it, it certainly sounds like we may not need them. My oldest DS17 will need one though, he's going to Italy in April with school. But the rest of us, I don't think so. I can think of other ways to spend 400.00, ya know? I refuse to fall prey of this "panic" that seems to be setting in here on the boards. I'll pay attention to the deadlines, but not spend foolish money if not needed.

[PRINCESS VIJA]

musicgirl, enjoy your summer!!! :sunny:

On the passport question, DH and I have passports, the kids don't yet, but I do plan on getting passports for them. I just think in the long run it will be easier and less stressful for me!

I am sooooo anxious to hear what the ports of 2007 are. I was considering changing to 2007 depending on the ports, but my DD said she wants to go to CC because we missed it last time. So I am sure we will stick with the original plan. But that Panama cruise sure sounded fantastic....

I have a request for someone who is posted on the first page. Can we edit one of your posts to list all the people from the DIS on the cruise? I could do the legwork and get the list. It would be fun to see everyone listed in one place for the memory challenged people.... :wave2: (that would be me! LOL!)

[musicgirl]

I've got a list already, I can edit one of my if you would like. I think I'm on the first page!

I have the dis name and real name if provided, the family with ages and room #'s. I assume it would be ok to list the number since I would have gotten it from here.

[musicgirl]

ok, a list is on page 1. I'll update it when we get add on's.

I tried to make sure the "names" were correct so that if anyone wants to pm.

princess-are the ages of your kids ds-11 and dd-7 their current ages or ages at the time of travel?

[BethA]

We will be going the day ahead. Also my parents Joe and Betty are going
My brother and his wife are Joe and Maureen

[Jillpie]

Hey guys, guess what I did today, guess what I did!!

The cruise is now PAID IN FULL, wooooohhhoooooo :cheer2:

Its all play money, right?? Please tell me it is, it'll feel so much better :goodvibes !

Okay Lorie, how many more days girl??? I just have the month countdown, so I'm countin on ya. :teeth:

[Jillpie]

Hey, has anyone started thinking about booking flights? The 330 day mark is coming up next month. I'm not really sure how crazy June will be for high fares. Hopefully it'll be okay.

[dmensing]

I've got a list already, I can edit one of my if you would like. I think I'm on the first page!

I have the dis name and real name if provided, the family with ages and room #'s. I assume it would be ok to list the number since I would have gotten it from here.

Hey! Lorie has been profiling us all along! ;) Thanks for setting up the list. Here is additional names for other family members: my wife is Lori (easy to remember, huh!), son is Connor (11 at time of cruise), and daughter is Kathleen (9 at time of cruise). We will be in 2610.

Jillpie, in regards to flights, we usually use Southwest or Airtran, so we can't book flights until about 5-6 months out.

Thanks!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Yes Dan, you wouldn't believe all the stuff I have found on all of you!! LOL!!

Is there anything else people would like me to post on the list? Like where you are staying before the cruise (or after), home phone numbers, bank account numbers!!! Just kidding!! :rotfl2: Everyone else is sleeping so I must entertain myself!!!

Princess, I hope you stay with us!!! I don't think I could postpone until 2007. I'm ready to burst right now waiting for 2006!

Jillpie, Very cool about the "all paid" status. I won't be that happy until Feb.!!! Once the 330th date comes, we will start looking into flights and book when we see a good price.

Also, when I had talked to a DCL rep., I thought they said if the passport dates are enforced we would have to have them because the Bahamas was included somehow. Personally, I thought the Bahamas was associated with the U.S. like the USVI.

Here's a horrifying thought, what if we didn't need them for our trip, there was a hurricane and they sent us to a carribean port? AHHHHH!!!! Let's hope this all gets straightened out with definite answers soon.

[musicgirl]

Well, if the passport issue goes through, we WILL have to have passports to go to CC (Bahamas). I went to www.bahamas.com and according to this site, it says that we will need them coming from there back to the US 1-1-06.

[musicgirl]

Jillpie-377 days to go!!!

I just look at dmensing's countdown!!!

[Jillpie]

Jillpie-377 days to go!!!

I just look at dmensing's countdown!!!

Oh! I thought it was you with the daily countdown, doh, my bad! :)

Hey, interesting Bahamas link. Now, it says if you go to the Bahamas and re-enter the U.S. from there you need a passport. But aren't we technically going right to Mexico from there and not the U.S? hmmm, I don't know. I really wish I knew if we had to go to this expense...we'll see.
Oh, wait a minute, then there's the Friday CC day, we go right to the U.S. after that...noooooooo! We need the passport. :goodvibes

[musicgirl]

well, we can always hope that the policy does not go through on schedule.

We're coming up on 1 year!!!!!!

[PRINCESS VIJA]

musicgirl, Thanks a bunch for creating the list!!!! That is awesome! The ages listed will be the ages for my kids at sailing. My name is Vija and my DH is Glenn. Call me crazy, but I get nervous putting too much out on the internet, so I'll hold on to the kids names till we get a little closer to our trip.

I have pretty much decided to stick with this cruise. The kids want to go to CC so bad! So this sounds like the best bet for us. And I am afraid that if I delay the trip... it will never happen.... so I say lets just go for it!

I haven't thought about flights yet, but I am sure I will be checking into them soon!

Pretty close to 1 year. :cool1:

[musicgirl]

Thanks Vija!!!

I'll update your names. I don't blame you for being cautious about the info!!!

I'm glad you decided to stick with this one!!

I just hope time flies!!! We are at 668 days!!!

[dmensing]

I just hope time flies!!! We are at 668 days!!!

Aahhh! Lorie has been sent back in time! I know it is a typo, but I had to bust on you.

Friday is the one year mark! Woohoo! The countdown ticker should actually start tracking then.

Saturday we are headed to our annual trip to Williamsburg. Should be nice and hot for Water Country!

Talk to ya' later!
Dan.

[musicgirl]

No, No, No!!!!! :blush:

Ahhhhhhh! that would be horrible! I like the real amount of days!!!
:cheer2:

Have fun on your trip Dan. Let me know what you think of that new ride.

We just got back from visiting relatives on one of the Michigan Lakes. It was absolutely beautiful! We stopped at Frankenmuth to do a "little" shopping. ;)

We also went to a German Buffet while in Frankenmuth. If anyone has ever gone to one of these, you'll understand why I must get back on track exercising. There was soooooo much food!!!

See ya

[musicgirl]

Just thought you might enjoy these pictures of Chank. Park.

This is where we will probably end up at with a side trip to Dzul Ha Beach.

http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/CozumelChankanaab.htm

[musicgirl]

Big Milestone Today!!!!

6-24-05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

What will you be doing on this day in the year 2006??????

:banana: :banana: :banana:

At this exact time of posting I will be in my hotel room packing up and getting ready to check out and be in my taxi by 10:00am!!!!

It shouldn't be so rushed with ressies since you can do this on-line and way ahead of time. But the earlier I'm checked in, the earlier I'm on the ship and beginning a fabulous vacation!!! :goodvibes

[dmensing]

Woohoo!

It is the simple pleasures that get us through the day. I checked the countdown ticker and the little boat icon appeared! No more "vacation is over one year away".

I guess we can officially start looking for hotel deals for the night before!

Dan.

P.S. Lorie had the 200th post on our thread!

[soccercruiser87]

hello everyone, my family is considering going on this cruise..not 100% sure yet but this cruise will be my graduation gift...yes i'll be graduating from high school, cant believe that. This will be our 5th cruise. But the people going on the cruise will be my mom (51), my moms patient she takes care of whos in a wheelchair Steve (48), my dad (54), my uncle (52), my aunt (42), my cousin matt (14), my cousin sarah (12) and myself.. Travis (18). All the ages are the age we'll be by the cruise. Hopefully everything goes right and we'll join you all! :teeth: :wave2: :boat:

[dmensing]

Welcome Travis!

Hopefully your plans work out to join us on the cruise. The more the merrier!

Thanks,
Dan.

[soccercruiser87]

Welcome Travis!

Hopefully your plans work out to join us on the cruise. The more the merrier!

Thanks,
Dan.

thanks! :) ....i hope the plans work out too, i would love to have 2 stops at castaway cay and go to costa maya...havent gone to costa maya before. Im keeping my fingers crossed :teeth:

[musicgirl]

Travis, hopefully all of your planning will work out and you can join us!!!

Dan, I didn't even notice the 200th!!! I guessed we'd have 100 pages, so we'd better get posting!!! I bet that more people will start to "show up" now that we are 1 year out!!!

I'll try not to do this too often, but right now in 1 year, I will be enjoying the sail away with a Kahluacolada in my hand!!!! :drinking1 :drinking:

[Jillpie]

Travis, I hope you can join us! My DS will be 18 too, we just went on the Wonder and loved it. He lived in the teen club and had a blast. But he's hoping he can still join up with the other teens, now that he'll be 18. Do you have any concerns about that? His name is Pat.

Lorie, I do believe at this time of day, one year from now...well, perhaps we'll be sitting on our verandah :teeth: , with a Mickey bar in hand. Or sitting on the 4th floor lounge chairs...or...oh this is funnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hi Travis, hopefully you will be able to join us. What a great graduation gift!

1 year away!!!!! :banana: :Pinkbounc :cheer2: Can't wait!!! :sunny:

Hmmm, 1 year from now what will I be doing at this time? Hopefully sitting out on the verandah, having a romantic evening with hubby... either that or dancing the night away! :cool1:

[soccercruiser87]

Travis, I hope you can join us! My DS will be 18 too, we just went on the Wonder and loved it. He lived in the teen club and had a blast. But he's hoping he can still join up with the other teens, now that he'll be 18. Do you have any concerns about that? His name is Pat.

Lorie, I do believe at this time of day, one year from now...well, perhaps we'll be sitting on our verandah :teeth: , with a Mickey bar in hand. Or sitting on the 4th floor lounge chairs...or...oh this is funnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

i dont have any problems at all hanging out with Pat...its fun meeting new people. me and him can meet other people together, should be fun :) ..and its looking like me and my family will be joining you all...things are looking very good. :teeth:

[Jillpie]

i dont have any problems at all hanging out with Pat...its fun meeting new people. me and him can meet other people together, should be fun :) ..and its looking like me and my family will be joining you all...things are looking very good. :teeth:

Sounds great. He will have just graduated too next June! Thats terrific that it is looking good for your family to join us.

[musicgirl]

Wow, I just started looking into hotels and they have really gone up in price. Last June, we stayed at the Hampton for around $90, for next year it is $140!!!!

Motel 6 which runs around $70, is BOOKED!!!! :earseek:

Right now we are looking into Comfort Inn, which runs around $90 but they book 11 months out.

Our next choice is Doubletree at $120, which I can call back in a few days.

If you look on Dave's site, the prices are not even close. For instance, I looked into Cocoa Beach Oceanside, it states $70 and up. Well, they are currently at $140 and in a few months they are going up to $170 for all rooms.

I realize the low number for rates is probably the low season, but on some the current prices are over the high end listed.

[Jillpie]

wow Lorie, thanks for all that hotel info. I can't believe next years prices are out already. I didn't think we'd see them till the Winter or so. Do any of these resorts sleep five, and have you looked into Ron Jon's yet?

[musicgirl]

Jillpie, it seems that as long as it is 2 adults and 3 children, they will put you in any room, some with a $10 extra charge.

Comfort Inn and Suites is about $140, and I believe it has 2 room suites available. They are ones who will not book until 11 months out. You may be able to sneak in a standard, which she told me was $90. You must call, you can not do this on-line

Doubletree came up about $125. Small pool, but oceanside.

Holiday Inn Ocean Front listed $125, but it is pretty far down the strip. These look like some fun rooms!

Best Western-$225

Resort on cocoa Beach-these are condo-like and sleep 6. $230

Quality no pool, you have to call, you can not do this one on-line, It was around $180. They have 2 room suites. About 300 yards from beach. Complimentary bk. included. I believe you have to call or use choicehotels.com

[Jillpie]

SO helpful Lorie, thanks for this. I have to write all this down later, when the kids all go to bed :) .

[musicgirl]

I pm Shirley to see what was going on with Motel 6. It seems they don't have anything available after Apr. 15th. Kinda Curious?????

She said she check it out. She also mentioned that there will be 2 new hotels at a moderate rate opening soon. On the regular board, someone mentioned one was Country Suites opening in Dec. near the Radisson. I don't have any idea when you can book or what the rates are.

I think I'm going to go for the Comfort Inn. However it's hard to wait. I like to have things done, even if we are just under 1 year!!!!
It is 100 yards from the beach, across from the I-Hop and is about $90. Hmmm, I might even get dh to agree to one night after the cruise!!!!! :idea:

[musicgirl]

I wonder when they are going to put Costa Maya excursion out. I thought there were some trips going in the fall.

I've been reasearching a bit. It sounds like you can get off the ship and there are some very good snorkel tours right at the pier that you do not have to schedule ahead of time. Around $20 per person.

There is a good bar called Tapas about 1 1/2 miles away. $3 there per person. The food is suppose to be good, especially the salsa. you can snorkel and rent waverunners ($35 for 30 min.), get a massage for 30 min. for $20 :earseek: There is a beach with chair rental at $3.

There is also Maj. Beach about 2 miles down the road, same taxi rate. Good bathrooms, snorkeling, waverunners and snorkeling tours can be charted from hear as will.

There is also Uvero Beach which seems to be on the DCL recommended list. It is a 30 min. bus ride, the water has a lot of sea grass, and the drinks (like margaritas) are not very good, so stick to the beer.

Anyone else hear or know anything else?

[soccercruiser87]

I wonder when they are going to put Costa Maya excursion out. I thought there were some trips going in the fall.

I've been reasearching a bit. It sounds like you can get off the ship and there are some very good snorkel tours right at the pier that you do not have to schedule ahead of time. Around $20 per person.

There is a good bar called Tapas about 1 1/2 miles away. $3 there per person. The food is suppose to be good, especially the salsa. you can snorkel and rent waverunners ($35 for 30 min.), get a massage for 30 min. for $20 :earseek: There is a beach with chair rental at $3.

There is also Maj. Beach about 2 miles down the road, same taxi rate. Good bathrooms, snorkeling, waverunners and snorkeling tours can be charted from hear as will.

There is also Uvero Beach which seems to be on the DCL recommended list. It is a 30 min. bus ride, the water has a lot of sea grass, and the drinks (like margaritas) are not very good, so stick to the beer.

Anyone else hear or know anything else?

oh wow!...sounds like Costa Maya is going to be a lot of fun :teeth: :)

[Jillpie]

I pm Shirley to see what was going on with Motel 6. It seems they don't have anything available after Apr. 15th. Kinda Curious?????

She said she check it out. She also mentioned that there will be 2 new hotels at a moderate rate opening soon. On the regular board, someone mentioned one was Country Suites opening in Dec. near the Radisson. I don't have any idea when you can book or what the rates are.

I think I'm going to go for the Comfort Inn. However it's hard to wait. I like to have things done, even if we are just under 1 year!!!!
It is 100 yards from the beach, across from the I-Hop and is about $90. Hmmm, I might even get dh to agree to one night after the cruise!!!!! :idea:

Lorie, you are doing wonderful with all this info!!! Now I'm very curious about this new Country Suites. Being a family of 5, this sounds nice, especially new. I wonder how we can find out about a new resort, any thoughts? Don't imagine they have a website yet...gotta go check.

[musicgirl]

Travis, it sounded like you are pretty sure about going. Have you (your parents, that is unless you are independently wealthy!! ;) ) booked yet?

Jillpie,
I seem to have a little time on my hands right now!!! :rolleyes1 So I am spending it researching and re-researching!!!!

I am quite lucky to have this time. I love it!!!! We are off to canoe tomorrow!!!

Ok, here is my experience with another hotel situation.

I called Comfort Inn today in hopes that they would be booking 51 weeks out. When they answered,

I asked, "Are you booking for June 2006?"

"yes, what dates?"

"June 22 & 23 2006"

"July 22 & 23, let me see"

"No, JUNE"

"Uh ma'am, June 22 & 23 are already here"

"No, I said 2006"

"well, we can not book yet, it has to be a year out"

"it is a year out"

"um....uh?"

"ok, when? How many weeks out can you book?"

"well, you can call at the end of July."

"But the internet is showing that you can book up to June 19th?"

"well, we can not book for June 2006 until July."

"so I can call on July 1 and book?"

"Yes, and the standard rate is $218."

"What??? the girl the other day told me $90?"

"well, that is the normal rate, but there must be a glitch in the system. We'll have to look into it. Especially since the more expensive suite is coming up at $119."

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!??? :sad2:

[BethA]

Did anyone contact the radisson for a price? Do you have the number or email?
We've stayed there before our other cruises and found it convenient.

beth

[soccercruiser87]

Happy July 4th Everyone!!!! Stay Safe! Less than a year until the cruise!!! :teeth: :) :wave2:

http://www.magicalmouse.com/pictures/dcl/magic_departs/pic0063.jpg

http://www.tntfireworks.com/images/main_fireworks_1.jpg

http://www.carolseitz.com/public_relate/images/fireworks.jpg

http://www.pappasfam.com/images/Air%20pics/DSC_0240.JPG

[musicgirl]

Cool Pictures Travis!!!

Beth, The numbers are 321-784-0000 for the CB radisson and the national is 1-800-333-3333.

We were able to book comfort inn for $99. When I called, I said that I had been told that I could call today (it was July 1) for June.

"Well, I can not book for June until July."

"It is July"

"Oh..."

Hope everyone had a great July 4!!!!

[dmensing]

With Lorie off and running finding bargains for accomodations, I started checking too. Unfortunately, most of the places I checked on the web didn't have rates yet. I received a message when using Orbitz that most hotels only make reservations 330 days out. I thought this was only an airline timeframe, but I guess you learn something everyday.

I'll let you know if I find anything of interest. Collectively, we should be able to uncover all the deals out there!

By the way, Lorie, I agree with your assessment of DarKastle. We made the mistake of waiting 90 minutes for it. It was fun, but wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I consider it a watered down version of Spiderman at Universal.

Talk to you later!
Dan.

[BethA]

I just tried to book at the Radisson and they told me to call back in January!!

[musicgirl]

Dan, I hope you had fun on your trip!

I started looking into flights as well. I'm never sure whether I should book it early or try to find a deal. With the way fuel prices are rising, who knows what that will do to rates.

Beth, JANUARY????? Don't these hotels and airlines know that I have soooo much planning to do!!!!

If I could have had all the details worked out the day I booked (which was the first day ressies were taken!!!!), I would have booked hotel, flight, dinner rotation, excursions.

I don't see why I can not have my Navigator for the trip so I can start highlighting!!! ;)

I am still going to look into other hotel deals. At least I know I have something reasonable.

I wonder how full our cruise is?

[rebcam]

We just got off the Magic last Saturday, and since then, we have been crunching dates and numbers to try to sail again. Finally, we've decided to go ahead and just do it, so we'll be onboard too!

Our first cruise was this last week on the California departure to Mexico, and we all loved it. The kids haven't flown before, and we've never been to Florida, so this cruise, while our second on the Magic, will be full of new things for us. Of course, we are all looking forward to Castaway Cay, not once, but twice!

Sailing with me will be my DH, DS (11 at time of sailing), and DD (7 when we sail).

One of our biggest decisions was which category room to book. We just had a cat. 11, and while it was great (especially its location on deck 7), I really wanted to have a porthole this time. I wasn't thrilled about deck 2, but with the help of dreamsunlimited, we were able to book one of the last two category eights on deck 5. I'm really excited about being able to see the ports and the sunrises/sunsets from our room!

Our next task is to book airfare/hotel, but I think we can wait a bit for that. I'll be looking to all of you repeat cruisers for advice on where to stay and transportation to the port. The California sailing was easy for us; this one will require more preparation. Good thing we have almost a year!

Rebecca

[dmensing]

Welcome aboard Rebecca!

Glad you can join us! We've all started debating the airfare/lodging recently, so you are timely too. With all of us looking, I'm sure we'll find some good information to share.

Talk to you soon,
Dan.

[musicgirl]

Well hotel bargin hunters, there are now some rooms at Motel 6 listed at $75. I was seriously thinking of switching to this hotel, but there are not any pictures???

Welcome Rebecca, I don't know if you have read through all of the posts, but on page 1, there is a summary of people going so far. It is not the 1st post, but a few down.

[dmensing]

:scared1:
I finally got through to Ron Jon for a quote for the night before the cruise. A studio was $230 and a one bedroom was $325. OUCH!

For the fun of it, I also checked Disney Beach Club...$384. Wow!

I guess I'll keep looking!

Dan.

[musicgirl]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Oh my goodness!!!!

I must say, it does look like it would be alot of fun. If I had money to spare, I would do it.

But being the cheap person I am ;) , I''ll stick to Comfort Suites!!!

Talk about sticker shock, we just got a quote for a vinyl deck for $15,000 :earseek: That's 3 cruises!!!!!!

[musicgirl]

I was hanging out at the DCL site and was looking at how full our cruise is. It appears there are around 65 rooms available.

I'm guessing that it will be very full with little chance for up-grades.

Is anyone getting a little nervous with how early the hurricanes started this year? As I'm writing this, H. Emily is on cours for Cozumel/Cancun.

I know that hurricane season starts in June. However, there haven't been any for quite awhile and they seem to be coming earlier and earlier. I wonder if I can find out what the earliest ( within the recent past) hurricanes in this area has been?

[musicgirl]

Ok, I just did a little searching and here's what I found.

6-3-1995 Hurr. in Belize. This is in Mexico. I'd have to look to see how close it would be.

Other than that, there were only a few tropical storms during June and not all of them even concerned where we are going.

Whew!!! I feel much better!!!

[littleowensmommy]

Hello Everyone,

My family will be sailing with you next June. It will be our 4th Disney Cruise.

We are:

Kathy (42 at time of sailing)
Ted (DH will be 44)
Owen (DS will be 7)
Amy Q (DD will be nearly 5)

Two other families will be traveling with us. Ted and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary onboard so we're splurging on a Cat 3 suite. We will spend the week before the cruise at our DVC home resort, SSR. We're also cruising with DCL on 30 July 2005 out of LA.


I just wanted to say "Hello". We're still cruising next year but it seems so far off. Right now we're focused on our 30 July cruise. I hope everyone is having a great summer. I'll check in again soon.

Kathy

[musicgirl]

Have fun Kathy, I wish I could stow away in your luggage!!!!

[Jillpie]

A big turn of events for us. Now we're strongly leaning toward staying at DW for the three days before our cruise! :) We're DVC members, so we'll probably be staying at the BCV. Now we just gotta figure out passes to the parks. This should be an awesome trip!!!

[musicgirl]

Sounds like fun Jillpie! Now at least you don't have to try to figure out a place at CB!!!!

[Jillpie]

Sounds like fun Jillpie! Now at least you don't have to try to figure out a place at CB!!!!

Well, now I looked at the numbers for 2 days at the parks for all five of us last night. A huge OUCH. For two days, it'll be about 700.00. No way. So I think what we'll do is still stay at the BCV, but not do the parks. The plan is to use up some left over plus features, and go to Blizzard Beach one day and the Comedy Club one night too. Also, use Stormalong Bay pool for one of them. So how hard do ya think it'll be to be at Disney and not go to the parks??? Very weird I'd think. But I have to remember, this is a cruise vacation, not DW. And we have the points to use the villas, so what the heck. Right?

[jtjcwise]

We just got off the Disney Wonder on June 23 and my sons told my mother how great it was, that my mother had me book this cruise on the magic for my family, my sitser, and my mom and dad to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. :banana:

It will be me, my wife, my 2 sons ages 9 & 6 at the time of the cruise in one room 7623. My sister in her own room 7625. My mother and dad in their room 7622.

We can't wait. :boat:

[Jillpie]

We just got off the Disney Wonder on June 23 and my sons told my mother how great it was, that my mother had me book this cruise on the magic for my family, my sitser, and my mom and dad to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. :banana:

It will be me, my wife, my 2 sons ages 9 & 6 at the time of the cruise in one room 7623. My sister in her own room 7625. My mother and dad in their room 7622.

We can't wait. :boat:


Hey, welcome!!! Deck 7 is awesome!!

[musicgirl]

Welcome jtjcwise,

We are on aft deck 7 as well in 7127. This is right around the back of the ship, we're just on opposite sides!!!!

[musicgirl]

jtjcwise-Now I hope you won't think I'm strange, well....

Actually, I have the summer off and I have a lot of time to spend on the computer!!! :rolleyes1

I was looking at your rooms and your sister's room is just on the back side of ours!!! If we both knock on the left corner of our rooms, we'll be at the same place.!! :wave2:

For anyone just joining The CC Double Dippers, on the very first page there is a list of disers going on the trip. If you would like me to update (or take off) anything about your dis "party" just let me know!!!

[musicgirl]

Jillpie-I tried to send you a pm (private message) but yours is turned off. I've got a quick question for you, so if you have time I think you can send me one and I can reply.

[jtjcwise]

musicgirl,

We will tell my sister not to be too loud. In fact my 9 yr old son will be staying with her most of the time. It helps to seperate the boys because it saves on disputes and makes things alot quieter ::yes:: .

I noticed where you live, and we visit your area frequently. Our current football coach at the University here was with Ohio State last year as an assistant.

[Jillpie]

Jillpie-I tried to send you a pm (private message) but yours is turned off. I've got a quick question for you, so if you have time I think you can send me one and I can reply.

Lorie, sorry it took so long to read this, but the kids have been hogging the computer all day, when oh when will I get this thing back??!!!! lol. Feel free to email me, ok? I have no idea why I turned the PM off, it just wasn't doing anything for me when I joined the Dis, so people just email me. :)

[musicgirl]

Jillpie,
I don't have an e-mail address for you. Did I miss something? I have a question about one of your posts about an excursion.

jtjcwise- I can not blame you for separating the 2, it gives you more room as well!!!!

Do you go down for the OSU games?

[Jillpie]

Jillpie,
I don't have an e-mail address for you. Did I miss something? I have a question about one of your posts about an excursion.

jtjcwise- I can not blame you for separating the 2, it gives you more room as well!!!!

Do you go down for the OSU games?

Lorie, just click on my name in the upper left hand corner and it'll give you my email. Talk to ya later!

[jtjcwise]

jtjcwise- I can not blame you for separating the 2, it gives you more room as well!!!!

Do you go down for the OSU games?

We came down last year for the OSU vs Marshall game.
My nephew is a big OSU fan.

[musicgirl]

jtjcwise-Very cool!! We live pretty close to the stadium. Dh likes to go, I like to drop him off!!!!

[Jillpie]

To those of you that have teens, are you staying at DW before this cruise? My DS18 Pat, would love to get together with other kids before the cruise. He met so many nice friends on the Wonder in April, then got together with them at DW afterward and had a blast. Anyone doing this?

[musicgirl]

Just had to share! Although it is not WDW, we went to Geagua Lake (in Ohio), it is an old park run by Cedar Point.

It may be an older park and small, but boy did they have some great rollercoaster rides. They have a coaster called the x-flight, after you are straped in, they turn the seat so you are lying flat and you begin the ride backwards!! Fortunately (or unfortunately ;) ) we got there early and rode a bunch of the big rides early. 3 twisting turning ones in less than 30 min. A quick break and then a wooden rollercoaster, the monorail ( this was for dh!!!!) and then on to 2 more upside down twisting coasters all by 12.

They were great rides, but boy was my age starting to show!!!! We got on all the rides so fast, the dramamine wasn't helping by the last one!!!!

It was off to their water park!!! By 6 we were so tired!!!! I even found ds asleep by the wave pool when I got back with our clothes!!!

So if you want a cheap day in Aurora, Ohio for $25 per person visit GL. But I still feel like I was run over by a truck!!!