October 9, 2005, Wonder

[momm2four]

Okay, I booked this cruise back in February'04, and I have waited LONG enough for a cruise meet thread, lol. I'm just going to start my own :earboy2:

Anyone else going on the this "Wonder"ful cruise? It's our first DCL trip, and I am sooo excited, especially now that it's only 9 months away.

If you're out there, please introduce yourself! :)

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

bump:)

[momm2four]

Am I the only one? :earboy2:

[mousetime]

:wave2: We are cruisin too!

Celebrating my DH 50th bday. We have three kids, DS15, DD12 & DD11. This is our 1st DCL, but we have cruised twice before on Carnival. Here's to a great Cruise!

MT

[momm2four]

Oh my GOODNESS! I can't believe someone posted besides me, lol. I'm so happy to hear from someone who will actually be on the ship at the same time we will.

Do you know what rooms you will have? We will be in 5520-5522, two of the SPH rooms. I'm glad we're there since my boys are planning on making good use of the kids' clubs and the movie theater. My (almost) 8 year old keeps joking that he's going to sneak out and watch movies while everyone's asleep.

Thanks for posting, and I look forward to talking to you more, and maybe we'll get more Oct. 9 cruisers to post! :)

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

Cooome on, October! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Lori P. :)

[mousetime]

for our trip to the Mouse in 8 days! :cool1: :cool1: Life is good when you still have a trip to look forward to after you get back!! :teeth:

We are in rooms 6132 & 6131, a verandah and inside across from each other. I haven't focused on this trip too much as I have been busy with our April trip. But my daughter who's birthday is 4 days before the cruise is keeping us informed of the countdown to "her" birthday cruise. :goodvibes
Hope some other "Christopher Columbus" cruisers post here.

MT

[momm2four]

mousetime,

How was your trip? Nice to get back from one and have another planned, I bet! :)

I'd love to hear a trip report (and we're under 6 months !!!!!)

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

I'm not giving up. :flower:

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

bumping for the October 9th crowd :cool1:

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

We're doing the land-and-sea package, staying at the Poly and then to the Wonder Oct 9. Can't wait! Momm2four, you're persistent!! Thanks for keeping this thread alive!!!

We're on deck 6, don't have the cabin numbers handy, but happy to have adjoining cabins with my mom. There are four of us altogether, me, DH, DS4 and "Grammy".

Let's keep in touch. I'm 88 days out from the start of our vacation! Can't wait! :earsboy:

[rwaller]

Hi to all Oct. 9th cruisers! This is my first forum so please forgive me if this is all crazy. :crazy: My family and my best friends family and doing the land & sea . I have twin daughters(5) friend has twin boys(7) and daughter(5). We've spent many hrs. planning ,going on 2 yrs :headache: my daughters and I talk frequently about our trip. I've called this our "Celebration Of Life" trip b/c one of my daughters was diagnosed w/Leukemia in March. Seeing those big black Mickey ears really makes us Smile : :earsgirl: Maybe we'll get to chat on the ship!

[asreitzel]

We just booked a Land/Sea that includes this cruise! We were originally booked on a Jan Western Magic, but we have a new family addition that will be arriving in late Feb. We were so disappointed about canceling that we scrabbled to find a way to still do a Disney Cruise before I reach the 24 week mark. We will be at the Polynesian the the 3 nights prior. It is myself, DH and DD age 3.
Anyone else doing Land/Sea thinking about doing MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party)?

[AndieB]

We just booked a Land/Sea that includes this cruise! We were originally booked on a Jan Western Magic, but we have a new family addition that will be arriving in late Feb. We were so disappointed about canceling that we scrabbled to find a way to still do a Disney Cruise before I reach the 24 week mark. We will be at the Polynesian the the 3 nights prior. It is myself, DH and DD age 3.
Anyone else doing Land/Sea thinking about doing MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party)?


We're at the Poly as well. I think we will skip the MNSSHP, as my DS (who will turn 4 during the cruise) is not a late-nighter, generally. We're going to focus on the daytime activities.

[auntie k]

Thanks to mammasita I found this thread!

We are cruising on Oct 9! We are staying near the airport the night before and Pop Century upon return - unless a special comes out and I can move up to the moderates!

Our first cruise, Just hubby and I this trip :love2: - we just love Disney and the reviews were just better than those "other" lines! I'm looking forward to wonderful Disney service!

[momm2four]

People! Real live people! I knew I couldn't be the only DIS'er on this cruise, lol.



Anyone else doing Land/Sea thinking about doing MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party)?

We're going the night we get off the ship (Oct 13). I thought that would be a good way to make leaving the ship less painful. We're actually doing seven nights at POR after the cruise. We will probably be soooo tired when it's all over, but hopefully, it'll be fun.

Anyone planning on your kids being in the clubs? Mine have already told us that plan on spending A LOT of time there, lol. I guess my DH and I will just have to find SOMETHING to do without them :teeth:

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

Anyone planning on your kids being in the clubs? Mine have already told us that plan on spending A LOT of time there, lol. I guess my DH and I will just have to find SOMETHING to do without them :teeth:



We're HOPING my DS will enjoy some time in the club - we're kind of hit and miss with him and new people/places. But we're going to give it a shot. Maybe he'll get into the spirit. Is your littlest excited about the clubs too?

[momm2four]

Is your littlest excited about the clubs too?

He has looked at the pictures online with me. He is one who actually just wants to ride on a big boat. He's usually pretty willing to try new things.

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

I've been successful getting my cabana massage and parasailing reserved online..have you guys had also had success? I was worried after I saw a few notes that said they book so quickly! The TA at DCL told me our cruise was more crowded than the one before and after ours, due to the Holiday that week...of course I said WHAT holiday? ha ha (you can tell I don't have kids in school!)


I didn't try Palo, we are not wanting to pack jacket and tie for hubby, we really need a low key, non stressful vacation. I figure if he's all for the cruise with the exception of the coat and tie - I'll be happy with that!! :cheer2:

[AndieB]

Encouraging news, that you were able to get online reservations. I've been putting it off, thinking we need to be flexible around my son's "schedule" (amazing how a 4-year-old can have more of a schedule than I do!). But I do want to get a massage or something for all of our adults - I guess I'd better go ahead and do it. Oceaneers Club too.

I've seen a lot of posts about how crowded it is around Columbus day. That never even occurred to me! We booked so my son could celebrate his 4th birthday on the ship. But my TA did tell me with the Magic being on west coast all summer, there wouldn't be much space on the Wonder throughout the year.

[momm2four]

I was able to get Palo brunch at 10:00 for our day at sea, however, I'm not sure I'm going to keep it.

I would love to have an island massage, but I think I'm going to pass on that as well. We're doing WDW for seven nights after the cruise, and we'll need the extra $.

Are you guys dressing up for Pirate night? I think I may just do the white shirt/red sash/ some kind of skirt thing that I read about somewhere on the boards. The boys want to dress up, so I guess I need to get creative.

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

o.k help me here When is Pirate night?

[auntie k]

I may try Palo brunch - I've seen several posts that say Dockers & Polo style shirt are fine for brunch. Thanks for the idea!!

I have seen the posts on dressing for Pirates night, but honestly, I don't have a clue what to wear for that!

I've discovered a cruise has a lot of hoopla on "what to wear"...and not being fashion minded it's really driving me nuts! ha ha! I just want a vacation!!!

[momm2four]

o.k help me here When is Pirate night?

I looked at some posts on here, and it seems that Pirate night is now being held on Castaway Cay day. HTH! (I think that's Tuesday, right?)

PS: rwaller, where in NC are you from? I'm from the east coast of NC. Just wondering :flower:

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

Are you guys dressing up for Pirate night? I think I may just do the white shirt/red sash/ some kind of skirt thing that I read about somewhere on the boards. The boys want to dress up, so I guess I need to get creative.

Lori P. :)


We want to do something along those lines too. I'll never get DH to go for the "puffy shirt", but I'm sure DS could get him to wear an eye patch! I'll keep an eye out for red striped shirts, but aside from that it'll be the white shirt/black pants/red sash (maybe a feathersword for DS).

I saw another thread where the poster said that not many people dressed up on the Wonder. I hope that's not true. My son is really looking forward to it!

[auntie k]

C'mon Oct 9 cruisers, let's get the momentum going here.. :moped: .where's the excitement??? It's getting close!!!

I think we are doing MNSSHP on the 13th...anyone else?

Also, I'm thinking of taking disposable cameras...just don't want the hassle of keeping up with film and an expensive camera...do you think I will regret that?

[momm2four]

Andie, I know that my boys will be dressed up in some fashion. They are really excited about it.

auntie k: We're doing MNSSHP on the 13th too! :)

As for the excitement, I am all over that :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:
As I've written before, I reserved my cruise back in February 2004, so I've been planning for 18 months. The fact that it's only 2 months away is almost surreal.

Has anyone actually started packing yet? I have a drawer in my bedroom that I keep putting "vacation stuff" into, but haven't actually pulled out the suitcases. I think I'll save that for the one month mark, lol.

I started school on Friday (kids don't come until the 15th), so I'm thinking that time will go more quickly since I actually have to work (oh, the horror :earseek: )

Oh, one more question...are you guys doing early or late seating? We're doing the late dinner.

Have a great Sunday!
Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

Also, I'm thinking of taking disposable cameras...just don't want the hassle of keeping up with film and an expensive camera...do you think I will regret that?

I don't think you'll regret it. My trick is to use disposable cameras, but have them processed somewhere like Wolf Photo. It's a little more expensive, but the picture quality is great. I took my Canon Rebel in 2002 and ending up losing one of my lenses, as well as one roll of film I'd taken. I was bummed about that one.

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

Oh, the excitement is here! Today we are 60 days out from our land-sea vacation. Yesterday we took a practice trip to Carowinds to give Junior a taste of the amusement park scene. He's a little leery of the big characters still - likes them better from far away. But he did okay in the lines, and enjoyed the rides.

I haven't started packing yet, but our guest bedroom is the official Disney launch pad. I've got the bed covered with all the little things I'm picking up for the trip. I don't know how people take a trip without planning - this is half the fun for me! I also thought about bringing out the suitcases about a month before (3 weeks at the latest!!).

We got early seating for dinner - at least that's what my reservation said when I downloaded it. I guess that means it's confirmed?

Next step for me is to get a copy of Peter Pan, to get Jr. more in the Pirate spirit. I think the next 60 days will go by pretty quickly (I also booked more than a year ago), and I have the extra bonus of a business trip (to Copenhagen!) the first week of September. I really consider this vacation to be right around the corner!!

[auntie k]

packing - yes, I've started buying toiletries, sunblock, cameras, etc. and putting them in a Disney tote bag until closer to time.

We have late seating - which is just fine, it's just my husband and I so I think it will be ok.

[momm2four]

We were going to do early dinner, but then I read about how going to late seating lets you not have to rush to get ready for dinner. My kids are pretty late-nighters, so I don't think it'll be a problem.


Have any of you guys cruised on DCL before? We've never been on any cruises, so I am REALLY excited. I just hope the kids don't get seasick. That would not be good.

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

I understand we're all booked for the late dinner seating. I agree this will make things less rushed. Has anyone reserved any activities for C.C ? or is it going to be a very relaxed day :cool1: What time is everyone arriving at port the first day?

[momm2four]

Woo Hoo! 2 months from today, we will be headed towards Port Canaveral. We're staying at Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach, so we'll probably head over to the ship around 10:45 or so. (Am I correct that you can start checking in around 10:30?)

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

I Think you can start checking in around 10:30 however, I have read several different things about actual loading time. If anyone can give some input that would be great!

[auntie k]

Has anyone reserved any activities for C.C ? or is it going to be a very relaxed day :cool1: What time is everyone arriving at port the first day?

I have scheduled parasailing and a cabana massage for me at CC. Husband just wants to chill.
I "think" the DCL buses start leaving the airport at 10:30 that morning, I hope to be on that one and arrive at Port around 11:30ish. We are staying near the airport the night before and using hotel shuttle to take us back the airport. (unless I'm successful on Priceline getting the Hyatt!!)

If they start letting you on around noon - I should have it timed just about right!

[rwaller]

Parasailing sounds exciting! I will be on the Island with all the kids! I think we're going to do the package where you snorke, bike and float around and be lazy!!! How about day at Port? Any plans there? Where s everyone on the ship? We're on Deck 8. Lori, I understand your doing Disney after the cruise? How about you Auntie K?

[auntie k]

we are staying the day we get off the boat -going to MNSSHP that night - our flight is the next morning at 9:30,,,just had to get a little MK in there before I left sunny Florida!!!

[momm2four]

We're staying in two of the secret porthole rooms on deck 5. (My mom and stepfather will be in the third one on our side.)

What is the snorkel, biking, etc package? Where is that described? I don't want to do a whole lot, b/c I want to relax, but a little bike ride might be fun.

Thanks!
Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

The cc all inclusive package includes snorkel equipment, a float and a 1 hr bike ride. you keep the float and snorkel equip. all day. I thought this would be good for our family b/c ds's (5) and the other children in our group girl(5) twin boys (7)will want to do a little of everything. cost is $32(A) $16(c) age 5-9. If you haven't already been to the Disney Cruise Line site and looked at the packages- go there. Lots of good info. I was hoping to go ahead and sign kids up for activities for ship but no can do (that I know of???) Rhonda

[auntie k]

I don't know our stateroom or deck - I just asked for a category 6 room with verandah. I was afraid I would get claustrophobic without access to air - and in the event I do get seasick - I want fresh air blowing. I know, it sounds silly- but it's my first cruise and it just seemed to help ease my fear of cruising if I had an open verandah!

My SIL suggested the bracelets to prevent seasickness. They cruise alot and she said they work great- even on the kids. Plus, I'm afraid the Bonine, etc will make me sleepy - that would be a bummer!!!!!!!!!!

[momm2four]

rwaller, when you say that want to register the kids, do you mean for the kids' clubs? You can go through the DLC site and do that. I've already registered the boys for those, but are you meaning something else?

What do your 7 year old boys like to do? My 8 year old is always on the lookout for new friends.

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

Lori, I've registered the kids for the clubs, I'm wanting to pick their activities? The boys are actually my best friends boys. we're traveling together. I know they like just about anything!!! We're going to visit w/them next week, I'll get some ideas.

[momm2four]

The boys are actually my best friends boys. we're traveling together. .

Ooops! I guess if I'd gone back and read the first posts, I'd have known that. Sorry :flower: Does your friend frequent the DIS? I don't know where I'd be without these boards. I feel that I have learned so much.

Anyway, I guess I'll go to bed. Have to be at work in the morning, so Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to Bed I Go....

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

Just bumping b/c we're on page 3.

We're halfway through August. October will be here before we know it!!!

Lori P. :)

[MoiMoi]

:love2: We're commin all the way from Califor-neye-ay to cruise with da mouse!

D&T

[auntie k]

yeah! another DISer on OUR cruise!!! :cheer2:

what's your group consist of? Is this your first DCL?
Fill us in...

Are any of you doing the door sign? I'm not sure I get it all, but basically they are to help you locate your room easier - since they all look alike and
just another way to have a little Disney fun.

Unfortunately, for things like the signs, costumes for pirate night, etc...I just keep thinking "more to pack and tote"....am I the only one?

I'm just trying to use the pack 50% less than I think I need tip - it's on every cruise board I've seen.

[MoiMoi]

:earsgirl: :earsboy:
Just me and the DH. Its our first cruise. Both of us Disney fans since the '50s. OOPS! giving away our age! :earseek: Not really into the door sign thing yet, will have to read more about it. Thinking about the costume on Pirate night, sounds fun!

D&T

[auntie k]

I think we are up to 6 or so DISers on this cruise.....Yee Haw!!

Looks like southern states of AR, NC, TN are represented as well as CA...I couldn't tell where a couple of you were from. :)

Is anyone else doing the transfers from airport to port via DCL?

I did note that Palo on line ressies are full - what I get for waiting!

[momm2four]

Hi MoiMoi!

I'll tell you, guys, I'm already needing a vacation, after only one week of school, lol. The students came back on Monday, and I am EXHAUSTED! The first week is the hardest, having to keep up with new students coming in every day, schedule changes, lost new students, and teaching the kids that "I" am in control of my classroom, not to mention trying to teach math to 7th graders who are more interested in making each other laugh and passing notes. Okay...enough complaining, thanks for letting me vent.

DCL....Take Me Away! :wizard:

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Momm2four-
is your school on a break during our cruise? If so...good for you!!!

[momm2four]

Momm2four-
is your school on a break during our cruise? If so...good for you!!!


Welllll.....actually my fall break is the week after our cruise. I DID plan our trip for when I THOUGHT our fall break would be. For the last three years, our break was the second full week of October, so I planned it for then back in Feb '04. When the new schedule for this year came out, they had moved fall break to the third week. Oh well, I guess I'll just have TWO weeks off for break. My principal is fine with it, so I'm not too worried.

Only 1 1/2 months to go, :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[auntie k]

WOO HOO!! Apx 40 days - give or take - but who's countin???? lol.

I'm READY to GO!!!

Did you see the new cruise specials at the top of the meet thread?
I'm wanting to plan another one already!

[rwaller]

WOO HOO!! Apx 40 days - give or take - but who's countin???? lol.

I'm READY to GO!!!

Did you see the new cruise specials at the top of the meet thread?
I'm wanting to plan another one already!



I'm with you Auntie K I am counting down those days!!! :hourglass I guess in ten days we'll be hanging our 30 day countdown calender. My girls received postcards today from Mickey & Minnie thanks to Varendah Man! They were very excited! I'm starting to dwell a little to much on details, for our days at WDW. I know things will fall into place when we get there. There's just so much to see in such a short time. :earseek:

[momm2four]

I was sitting here reading some posts and saw my countdown, when I went bug-eyed :earseek: . I can't believe we have under 6 weeks before we're all S-A-I-L-I-N-G!!!

My mind immediately went into overdrive with "What do I need to do?" "Am I leaving anything undone?" "I have to plan my lessons for the week I'm gone" "I wonder who my sub will be" "Will my students behave?" ARRGGHHH....okay, I'm taking a deep breath....I'm okay. :wave2:

Have a great day everyone!!!

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

I can't wait - however the Hurricanes have had my focus for the last couple of days. I feel for the people in my sister southern states.

I am an overplanner, I started feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the thoughts of packing, transfers, documents....so I've tried to lay low a little. I think I was way over thinking things and it was taking the "magic" out of it for me.

At this point, I want to "throw a few things in a bag" and just go with the flow! :cool1: It is a vacation afterall!!!

Anyone else feeling overwhelmed & anxious?

[rwaller]

I 've been feeling the same myself. I'm trying to get everything just right! I know I need to lay off but I've been accused of being a planner as well. I to have been focusing on the Hurricane, my cousins are in Pascagoula MS. I know they're o.k but I don't know how much destruction they've had. We all need to say an extra prayer tonight for all the people!!

[momm2four]

Okay, Overplanners Anonymous, what's the first things you all are going to do when you board the ship?

Since I have already registered my kids in the clubs, and we have brunch res. for Palo, I think I'm going to let the boys swim first thing, then go grab a bite to eat. I wonder what time the restaurants serve lunch. We may have to eat and then swim.

What's first for you?

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Okay, Overplanners Anonymous, what's the first things you all are going to do when you board the ship?
Lori P. :)


I think the buffet is available starting around noon....and I figure we will be wanting to eat, since we will probably skip breakfast that morning. I just want to tour the ship and get a "lay of the land" so to speak. We have no children on this trip so we will forego swimming prior to the lifeboat drill. But I think that's a great idea for you.

After we get in our room - I plan (there's that word again!) to grab the Navigator and a highlighter!! And also being an over-organizer I'm sure I'll unpack and tidy things up in the cabin! Then, let the fun begin.

I honestly will be happy just sitting on Deck 4 (comfy chairs) with a smoothie drink of the day - that just sounds heavenly! :drinking:

[auntie k]

I'm back in high gear again.....I've been reading the magnetic door sign thread...and now I want one...but I'm not creative, nor do I totally understand all the posts on how to do them.

Are any of you doing the signs????

[momm2four]

auntie K, I think I actually may let my DH take my kids to the pool, and I'll join you on Deck 4 for a smoothie! :teeth:

I think I'd like to make a sign for the door. I guess since we only have THIRTY NINE days until the cruise, I'd better start planning one, hehe.

I think this weekend, I may actually get a suitcase out and start putting in things we'll need then, but don't need know. At least, I'll start a packing list.

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

auntie K, I think I actually may let my DH take my kids to the pool, and I'll join you on Deck 4 for a smoothie! :teeth:
Lori P. :)

NOW you have the right idea!!! :Pinkbounc

Should we be little worried - they are talking about jet fuel shortages....this is all so surreal.

[rwaller]

o.k Auntie k & Lori , move over b/c there may be two more ladies heading to Deck 4 & hitting the smoothies with ya!!! :thewave: Please don't let this fuel crisis affect our trip!!!! I know some little girls ( and big ones) who would be heart broken! I do have some items gathered together in the closet for the trip as well as a container I've been throwing things in.
Hope you all have a safe weekend! Rhonda

[iwynlea]

Hello out there! My DH and I :love2: will also be on this cruise...just confirmed yesterday. Whoo-hoo! We had to wait to the last minute because of our crazy college schedules (he's a 30-year-old-undergrad-who-works-full-time-and-goes-to-school-full-time and I work in campus housing at the same university)...but we're definately going to be there. Don't know our rooms yet, though, or dinner seating time. :( This will be our second DCL cruise, but I know a lot has changed in the two years since we were last on the Wonder.

Anyone else going trade pins? I looooooove pins...our first cruise was a pin trading cruise. We got into pins on our honeymoon, and now I'm hopelessly addicted. Hehe.

Erica

[momm2four]

Hi Erica! Great to "see" another face. I think we should plan a girls meet on Deck 4. That would be GREAT!!!

I can't believe how crazy this gas thing is. We're not flying in, so jet fuel won't be a factor, but the cost of driving down may cut a big hole in our budget. I do have $100 in gas cards that I got from Mypoints.com and from Citibank points, but that may only get us halfway. Maybe we'll just have to STAY in Orlando. Wouldn't that be just terrible? ;)

What's your gas price right now? Here in Chattanooga, it's around $3.00 per gallon. My DH told me that the store down the road from his work was closing their gas pumps at 6:00 b/c of an alleged gas shortage. A little scary, huh?

Tomorrow, I am pulling out my suitcase and starting to officially pack, YEAH!!!

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

Our gas here in TX just jumped from $1.41 to $1.79 overnight. And my mom in IN said hers is now $3.13! :earseek:

We're definately flying in...I'm researching airfares right now...I figure we'd better reserve tonight before prices go up even more.

I admit I feel very guilty planning this vacation in light of the tragedy caused by Katrina. :guilty: We even have a shelter set up here in town that the University is assisting with and they have about 60 folks already who have come, so it's heavy on my mind.

Oh, and I forgot to mention too that we'll be at MNSSHP on the 13th as well. Meeting up with dad, step-mom, and niece and nephew from CO that night. I guess DH and I will dress up as pirates and kill two birds with one stone...the cruise party and the MK party! Niece & step-mom are going as Tinkerbell and dad is going as Captain Hook (nephew insists he wants to be a solder) but DH and I would fit right into the theme the rest of the family has going. I keep telling DH he needs to go as Mr. Smee. :rotfl2:

Do folks still blow bubbles during the sail away party? We did last time 2 years ago, and were about the only people who did. I won't bother this time if no one does it any more....

Erica

[auntie k]

Ok I'm beyond excited now....our thread is heating up! Yeah!!!

Welcome iwynlea, glad to have you on our cruise and our thread! :grouphug:

I have been able to help with donations for hurricane victims and right now that is all I know to do...and continue to pray for them. But IF there is a shortage of fuel, that might affect the trip. Will wait and see.

I have tried to find something for pirate night and was also considering it for MNNSHP (great minds think alike iwynlea) - but haven't had any luck. And I don't think my hubby would get the costume thing at all. :confused3

Iwynlea, I'll bet you get late seating since you booked so late - several of us have it too. What type of cabin did you book?

I don't know about bubbles - it's my first cruise. Since it's your 2nd, did you do the door sign?

[iwynlea]

I do have the late seating, and we're in a cat11 room on deck 6 (can't remember the room off the top of my head).

I didn't know anything about door decs until I was reading these boards. We didn't have anything on ours last time, but I started thinking about it, and we did see a couple of decorated doors the last time. I thought it was pretty clever, but I don't know if I'll have time to do it or not. Working at a university at the start of the year isn't exactly dull, so by the time I get home, all I want to do is eat and go to bed. Heh. Hence the reason for a vacation!

I'm really excited that I'll hopefully get to meet some fellow disney fans! :earsgirl: We had some really nice folks at our table last time, but we didn't really keep in touch, which is something I hope to change this go-round!

Ok, back to work...lunch break is over!

Erica

[auntie k]

I forgot to reply to a couple of questions, I got so excited seeing all the new posts!

Lori: Gas here, (near Little Rock) is topping $3 today....

Erica: Pins - sorry, I'm not into pin trading....I just have always found other things I wanted as souviners I guess. And I don't have a favorite character, which I think gets a lot of people started.

[auntie k]

Here's what I have gathered from our posts - I hope you enjoy!!

MOMM2FOUR/aka Lori, from Chattanooga TN, 'like smoothies'
Traveling with 4 DSons, age 9,8,5 & 4 & Husband
1st DCL cruise, cabin 5520-5522
Late Dining, attending MNSSHP on the 13th

MOUSETIME from ??
Celebrating husbands 50th birthday, along with DS15, DD12, DD11
Cabin 6132

ANDIEB form ??
Hubby, DS 4 and Grammy, Cabin on Deck 6,

RWALLER, aka Rhonda, from North Carolina - traveling with best friends family - "Overplanner & likes smoothies"
Twin daughters 5, friend's twin boys - 7 and friend's daughter 5
Celebration of Life Cruise - One daughter diagnosed with Leukemia
Late Dining

ASREITZEL from Chicago
Expecting, hubby and DD3

MOI MOI from San Jose, CA
Hubby

IWYNLEA, aka Erica, from Texas "likes pin trading"
hubby, Late dining, Deck 6, 2nd DCL
MNSSHP on the 13th

Auntie K, from Arkansas - "Overplanner, likes smoothies too"
Hubby - celebrating his 50th & our 10th anniversary - 1st trip with NO Kids!!
(we have 2 sons that are 22 from previous marriages)
1st DCL, Cabin 6624, Late Dining, MNSSHP on the 13th
wants a door sign but lacks talent

:grouphug:

[iwynlea]

Wow...there's a lot of us on deck 6! We're in 6587. Whoo-hoo!! :cool1:

[momm2four]

Alright,all you sixth deckers, just watch all that late night dancing in your room. You'll keep us fifth deckers awake all night,lol :teeth:

Thanks, Auntie K for the wrap-up of all the DIS'ers on the 10/9 Wonder. My kids got their postcard from Mickey (aka, known as Andy) today. I think I was more excited than they were. My oldest was funny. My 5 year old asked if Mickey was real, and my 9 old replied with "What do you think? Do YOU think he's real?" That's funny, b/c that's the answer I give when they ask if Santa is real. My son sometimes thinks he's the assistant father around our house. Typical first born, lol.

I found two adult pirate costumes at a yard sale, but I don't think I"m going to use them. They're nice, but I know my DH wouldn't dress in full gear like the man's costume and the lady's one is more for a size 10, and I'm a 12. I may stick them on Ebay. Therefore, I don't know what I'm going to wear, unless I do the white shirt, with a red scarf around my waist thing.

Oh, and I'm planning on blowing bubbles. Bubbles just make everything more festive.

Auntie K...if I get into the sign designing mood and it's easy, I'll be glad to make you one.

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

HEY! Is everyone asleep today, lol? :flower:

I found an almost new small rolling suitcase today at a yard sale. Will be perfect for a carry-on. Now, I just have to decide what goes in it....

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

Just a quick note -- I had to slip away from house cleaning to post -- we were at WalMart yesterday and they were having a huge sale on kids swimsuits and beach towels, which I thought y'all might like to know about. They also had sandals and flip-flops on sale, and we were happy to find some for DH (he's hard to buy for because he has big feet!). :Pinkbounc

We've decided to go as characters from The Black Cauldron for MNSSHP - I'm Eilonwy and he's going to be Taran (DH doesn't know he'll be an Assistant Pig Keeper hehehehe :rotfl2: ). We bought fabric and patterns and stuff yesterday (I love the WalMart $1 a yard bin - we got almost all the fabric we need for about $20), and he's helping me scrub the house so I'll have lots of time to sew during the week. It's been about 3 years since I last made a costume, so I'm actually reall excited! DH is like a little kid - he hasn't dressed up in about 15 years for Halloween, so he's really getting into the spirit. :cheer2:

Ok, back to (house)work!

Erica

[MOMMSMOM]

:Pinkbounc

This is my first. Let me introduce myself. I'm mother to momm2four, and of course grandma to the four. And, I 'm excited to be planning this trip w/them on Oct 9.

[momm2four]

YEAH, Mom! You actually posted! (and I love your screen name :goodvibes )

Erica, thanks for the heads-up on the sale. I love getting a bargain.

Lori P. :)

We're almost to the 1 month mark, guys :banana: :banana: :banana:

[auntie k]

ok, I am having withdrawals from posting - pc at home has crashed - so only can access at work - and being off for 3 days - I feel so behind.

MOMMSMOM - did I overlook you on the "wonder"ful cruise list? If so, I'm sorry! We will be most happy to have you on board!

Iwynlea- thanks for the explanation on your name - I was wondering (you know curious minds...) ha! Sewing?? I'm impressed! And your costumes sound awesome!

Over the long weekend, I did put a large suitcase out and starting throwing stuff in it that I know I'm taking - woo hoo - packing makes it seem real!! :Pinkbounc

Moimoi - your being awful quiet....

[iwynlea]

Mommsmom! How nice to meet you! Congrats on your first post! Being new myself, I know how intimidating that can be! :flower:

We ordered our tickets today for MNSSHP and got added to my dad's dinner reservation at Tony's in the MK (now there's 6 of us!). I didn't even know there was such a restaurant on Main Street, so this should be fun.

Airfare - check
Rental car - check
MNSSHP - check
Cruise paid - check

What am I forgetting??!!

I started "collecting" this weekend -- I designated a laundry basket for "trip stuff" and tossed in the new flip-flops for DH. Heh! At least I've started! I also got the Passporter's Guide to DCL and am reading about a chapter a night -- I'm getting sooo excited! I wish October would hurry up and get here! :hourglass

Ok, back to work! TTYL!

Erica

[momm2four]

auntie k, I was thinking you'd left us. Isn't that frustrating, to want to get online and not be able to? Mommsmom and my step-dad will be joining us for the cruise. They will be in the third secret porthole room on our side (the 5500 side)

I wonder when our documents will get to us. Someone said around 21 days ahead, so I know we've got a little while, but that's a milestone to look forward to. I'm so pitiful, that I am doing my countdown until the 8th, not the 9th, since that's when we'll actually leave my house to drive to FL. It does cut one day off, which means...I've....got....32 DAYS....to....go!!!!!!!

Gosh, I remember so well when my count was over 600 days. I thought Oct. 05 would never get here.

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

Hello Everyone! I've been trying soooo hard not sit at this computer. As Auntie K said I am the BIG overplanner. I've also been spending a lot of time on a message board for Hurricane Katrina. My mothers family lives in Mississippi and lost everything. We couldn't reach them for some time but did eventually hear from them. :bounce: I've also been very busy with my daughters Chemo treatments. Her doctors & I have worked very hard at keeping her well for this trip. This trip is what has kept us focused on something GREAT!!! We have thirty days exactly today before we fly to WDW!!! We arrive at Animal Kingdom around 10:00 am to have breakfast with Donald Duck!!! Then from there the fun begins :cheer2:

I am still trying to figure out what to wear for pirate night??? I think it's going to be a pair of red capris w/blue & white striped shirt with a big sash or bandana?? I know my hubby will not be dressing up. He has a tee shirt with skull & bones on it!

We are on deck 8 , Lori I was wondering the same thing about when we would be receiving our documents?

Well enough ramblin, need to go start Homework :crazy2:

Oh I was wondering what everyone thought their attire would be like for dinners? Wonder what the temps will be like??

[momm2four]

I'm glad you asked the question about dress. I'm planning on taking a nice pair of black slacks for dinner. I thought if I could wear a different top for a couple of nights, I could use the same pair of pants for two dinners. I did get a nice, simple black dress from my SIL, but I can't find anything about if there is a dressy night. I know there's no formal night, but is there a semi-formal?

My DH will probably wear khakis/polo style shirt or button down dress shirt, probably with no tie.

Want to hear something silly? (Mom, you have to pretend you didn't read this). I went to Gymboree and bought a couple of outfits for my youngest son, but I'm not going to let him wear them now, b/c I want to start packing some things. I can pretend it's because I want him to have new clothing for the trip, but I think deep down, I just want to have something in the suitcase, lol. :earboy2:

Lori P.:)

[iwynlea]

When we were on the Wonder 2 years ago, there was not a formal or a semi-formal night. DH wore nice slacks or khaki pants each night with a Polo-type shirt, and I wore black slacks or one of my nicer work dresses/skirts/outfits. We did dress up for Palo - suit and tie for DH and I wore a semi-formal skirt w/ velvet top. As I recall, it wasn't overly cold in the dining rooms, even in a knee-length skirt & sleeveless top. And I'm the kind who gets pretty chilly pretty fast!

I know things have changed quite a bit in two years, but from what I've been reading here and elsewhere, the dress code is about the same.

Hope that helps! 33 days till we leave! :banana:

[auntie k]

momm2four - you and your "pre-packing" needs are crackin' me up!! Go ahead girl, throw some stuff in that suitcase!!!

I think we should expect docs within the next week or so.

Dress - ok, being the overplanner, I really was stressing about this...then decided that it was taking the fun out of it...so I have decided to take 2 pair of khaki capris and 2 pair of black capris and will most likely take cotton sweater sets - I am SO cold natured. I know I will need the long sleeve. And in the rare case I get hot, I can take off the long one for a bit and still have on a tank underneath. I have one pair of rhinestone sandal/flip flops that should go with everything.
Dress Dilemma solved. :cool1:

rwaller - prayers (and a little pixie dust :wizard: ) for you and your daughter as she takes chemo and for your family affected by the hurricane. :grouphug:

We fly to Orlando on the 8th too....woo hoo!

[auntie k]

ooops, had to come back...

1) saw on another thread a question about makeup - I thought that was funny because I wondered the same thing....seems the trend on that thread is None during the day, dinner/shows only.
That's my plan - what about you guys?

2) also - i have been waiting to get our birth certificates out of the lockbox...but think I will do that TODAY!! One, it will be exciting knowing why I am getting them, and two, that way I won't forget!!! :rotfl:
Sometimes in all my "planning" I overlook details like that!!!

[momm2four]

Go ahead girl, throw some stuff in that suitcase!!!

:dancer: Go me...I'm packing...Go me...I'm packing :dancer:
Okay...enough of that.

rwaller, I'm saying a prayer right now for your daughter. Looking forward to this trip is a great thing to get her through the chemo, I would think.

As far as packing, I'm taking two bathing suits, two pairs of dress pants,one pair of jeans, a few everyday shirts, a couple of pairs of shorts, a light sweater or jacket, a couple of dressy tops, and that's it,.....except maybe about 25 more things, lol.

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

'm taking two bathing suits, two pairs of dress pants,one pair of jeans, a few everyday shirts, a couple of pairs of shorts, a light sweater or jacket, a couple of dressy tops, and that's it,.....except maybe about 25 more things, lol.Lori P. :)[/QUOTE]


I'm taking more shorts, no jeans and T-shirts for the day....and maybe 3 bathing suits...(for dinner capri's and sweater sets)

Ok - so far, no responses to my makeup question - what gives?

BTW - I did get the birth certificates yesterday...now if the docs will just show up!!!

[momm2four]

Makeup....I will probably put some on each day, but I wear a very minimal amount anyway. A light foundation, a little eyeliner and a touch of mascara is about all I wear in the daytime.

I did think of something I have to do, though. I reserved my room using the AAA discount at POR, but I haven't purchased the AAA membership yet. I guess I need to do that or I may end up paying rack rate {shudder.. :scared1: }

Well, I'm heading home. I'm sitting at my desk, needing to get my things together to go home, and here I sit....glued to my computer, lol.

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Go home - you have packing to do - it's one month from today...for me and you too i think!!!! :cheer2:

[MOMMSMOM]

Thanks for the greeting, I don't know if this is going to you or not. Be :rolleyes: patient w/me.Mommsmom! How nice to meet you! Congrats on your first post! Being new myself, I know how intimidating that can be! :flower:

We ordered our tickets today for MNSSHP and got added to my dad's dinner reservation at Tony's in the MK (now there's 6 of us!). I didn't even know there was such a restaurant on Main Street, so this should be fun.

Airfare - check
Rental car - check
MNSSHP - check
Cruise paid - check

What am I forgetting??!!

I started "collecting" this weekend -- I designated a laundry basket for "trip stuff" and tossed in the new flip-flops for DH. Heh! At least I've started! I also got the Passporter's Guide to DCL and am reading about a chapter a night -- I'm getting sooo excited! I wish October would hurry up and get here! :hourglass

Ok, back to work! TTYL!

Erica

[MOMMSMOM]

Momm, I'm still testing . respond in some way. Makeup, what's that?! :smooth: Bee sweetMakeup....I will probably put some on each day, but I wear a very minimal amount anyway. A light foundation, a little eyeliner and a touch of mascara is about all I wear in the daytime.

I did think of something I have to do, though. I reserved my room using the AAA discount at POR, but I haven't purchased the AAA membership yet. I guess I need to do that or I may end up paying rack rate {shudder.. :scared1: }

Well, I'm heading home. I'm sitting at my desk, needing to get my things together to go home, and here I sit....glued to my computer, lol.

Lori P. :)

[momm2four]

Mommsmom,
You're getting the hang of posting! Call me and I'll tell you how to only quote the part you want to quote,and not the whole thing.

You guys are driving, right?

Have a good evening everyone! "Wonder" who'll be the first to get their docs?

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

I just wanted to drop a quick note before the work day gets crazy -- ONE MONTH TO GO!!!!! :cheer2: :Pinkbounc :banana: :earsgirl: :bounce: :cool1:

Ok, yeah, can you tell I'm excited?? :goodvibes

Our flight leaves Houston at like 7am so we'll get into Orlando around 1030am....which means leaving our house to drive to Houston at around, oh, 2am. :earseek: Oh well, at least I don't have to think about THAT for another month! LOL.

In other news, I've been working on my MNSSHP costume...I bought cheap fabric to use to "test" the pattern before I start actually cutting on the nice fabric...good thing I did because the bodice of this dress is a little...umm...how should I say....low cut...so I'll have to do some creative adaptation of the pattern when I cut out the real thing. ;)

Ok, I'd better get started. I have class in 1.5 hours, and a huge meeting this afternoon to prep for!

Erica

[auntie k]

as of today, I can say "less than a month"...oh that sounds so good!!!

Let me tell it one more time since I am excited.....it's on several other threads, but since you asked....

We "fly" DIRECT out of Little Rock at 11:00 am and arrive in Orlando at 2:03pm. ( 1hr time change) Did you get the DIRECT part???? :rotfl:

In the past, we have had to arrive at the airport around 6 am - which meant we got up at 4 am....and then landed and hung out in the busy ATL airport for an hour or so....and then when we arrived in Orlando, we were beat on our first day!!! Who wants to get up that early on vacation???? :confused3

I'm not a very good traveler - and the new direct flights out are just making this the BEST vacation EVER!!!!!!!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[auntie k]

hey friends - Have a good weekend - I'll be out of touch until Monday.

I don't have any plans this weekend and hubby is working, so I 've decided to get some things for the cruise ( shoe bag, seasick meds,etc) and then start packing!!!

YIPPEE!!

[AndieB]

Hi, all,

I haven't posted for a while, although I have checked in on this thread whenever I got a notice. I've been out of town for the past week, and I've also been focused on the effects of Katrina.

But now that we're under a month !!!!!! from our cruise, I'm getting excited again! It's 25 days for me (3 days at WDW before the cruise), and I've unpacked from my business trip and left the suitcases open (haven't put anything in yet, but it's only a matter of days!).

AuntieK, thanks for posting the full list of October 9 passengers on this thread. You had a ?? for our location - we're in Charlotte, NC.

As another overplanner, there's been one big hole in my plans, that is our first day at WDW. We purchased the land/sea package with Disney booking the flights, so I don't know what time we get to Orlando until I get my documents - it's driving me crazy!!!

As for our first day on the ship, I think we're going for the swimming time too, as long as we get there early enough. Other than that we'll just explore the ship. I didn't make any Palo's reservations, but I did book massages for DH and I for the day in port. And we booked our son in the Oceaneer's Club online.

Well, it's back to work tomorrow, but my mind will be on October 9 !!!

[auntie k]

AndieB - seems like I did know you were from Charlotte, because I was thinking there were alot of "southerners" :flower: Seems to me on all our WDW trips I tend to meet people from the north and UK - so I found it interesting there were alot from the southern states on the cruise.

Where was everyone this weekend - ony one post! Maybe you were like me -buying ext. cord, shoe bag, toiletries, etc for the CRUISE!!!

Please send Pixie Dust my way. :wizard: ..my son was letting me borrow his really cool Canon digital camera for the trip so I didn't have to buy one. And I've been playing with it so I would know how it works....well the darn thing is so small, I have LOST it! And with my bad memory, it's likely we won't find it before the trip - so looks like I can now add the cost of a new camera to my vacation budget - since I will have to replace it....ugghhh!

[momm2four]

Very busy weekend! I don't think I was home for more than a couple of hours the whole weekend (not counting sleeping hours). The time I was home was spent folding the 4000 loads of laundry that I washed, dried and DIDN'T put away the first time. It was almost like getting a bunch of new clothes, b/c I found clothing that had missing for quite a while, lol :teeth:

I can't believe that in 26 days I'll be in Florida around this time. I really do hope that I get to meet you guys!

Aunti K, I hope you find the camera. That is so frustrating! I can't find my digital either, and I'm wanting to put a few things on ebay. I'm trying to drum up some last minute money for the trip.

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

Whew! Very busy weekend here, too...Momm, you and I must be on the same wavelength, since I also did about 4000 loads of laundry this weekend! Plus, trying to keep working on my costume for MNSSHP.

On the bright side, we got mail from Disney yesterday! Not the cruise docs (yet) but did get our MNSSHP tickets. Whoo-hoo! My DH didn't tell me we got them, and then as I was moaning and groaning about my day, he was like, "Oh, yeah, we got some mail today I wanted you to look at." I'm thinking it's an ad or a credit card offer or something, and he hands me the envelope and I saw the logo and suddenly the day wasn't nearly so bad! :earsboy:

Ok, back to work. Today I have to start writing a report summarizing all of our summer stuff, and that should take a few hours. :badpc:

Erica

[auntie k]

Iwynlea - your costume will put my t-shirt that says "This IS my costume" to shame.... :rotfl: :rotfl2:

Ok, at this point I am just downright antsie and ready to go! Mentally, I've already checked out and am on CC drinking bahama mamas!!

do any of you know how a Dis meet works? I at least want to meet you guys and say hello while we are there...I think it will make posting more fun when we get back. I'm not thinking anything elaborate - just short and simple, we are on vacation with our families after all. :love:

[momm2four]

I like the idea of meeting for a quick smoothie/drink/whatever one afternoon(?) I would like to meet the first day, and that way we'll recognize each other during the cruise. (Of course, the way my boys may be, I might not WANT you to know who I am, lol, Just kidding, they're VERY active, but they're good boys) Maybe we could peek at other people's cruise meet boards and see where a good meeting place would be.

I really need to find a white short sleeved mock turtleneck for my mousekateer outfit. I've found a couple, but they're the clingy material, and my tummy doesn't need anything clinging to it :teeth:

25 more days for me!!! It's really sad to wish your life away, isn't it? ;)

Erica, isn't it funny how that logo can just brighten up your day? I read where someone who is cruising around the 15th got their docs....so I want to know....WHERE ARE OURS???

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

My travel agent told me our docs would come around 3 weeks prior to departure, so naturally, optimist (obsessive-compulsive) that I am, I started looking for them 4 weeks prior. Set myself up for disappointment every day! :confused3

Nothing but the weather to distract us from planning - my in-laws are on the coast of NC, so we're waiting to see what Ophelia is going to do. Hoping it will head back out to sea. :umbrella:

My DS is obsessed with hurricanes now, and I'm trying to keep him away from the news for a bit - I don't want him to be scared. Although I'm proud to say he is showing genuine concern for those affected. Today he enacted a helicopter rescue for his pre-school class :teacher: his toy soldiers rescued Mickey and Tinkerbell (happy meal figurines)!!

[asreitzel]

Has anyone gotten their docs yet? I keep thinking any day now. Since we are on a Land/Sea our trip is officially 3 weeks away!!

Why do cruises for later in Oct already have docs? I guess I am just jealous!

[auntie k]

I'm thinking ANYday now.....tap, tap, tap....

I too have sorta made a game of trying to be the first one home so I can get the mail! (I'm certain if anyone else gets it the docs won't be there! :rotfl: )

Had a false alarm on Monday - they left a slip in my mailbox that said I needed to retrieve a pkg from the PO because the "envelope was too big". Turned out to be Rx order! BUMMER!

I didn't realize later cruises had their docs..ok, that does it..calling the TA!

23 Days for me!!!!

[auntie k]

I called...she said she did not have them yet...and expected them NEXT week....so just more packing to do to keep me busy! :Pinkbounc

and if your keeping track...I still haven't found my son's digital camera....I'm sick about it and he and my husband are finding it amusing...because they say I never lose anything & it will turn up...

maybe these will help... :3dglasses

[rwaller]

Hello All!

Boy has it been CRAZY :crazy2: around my neighborhood the past several days. My family rode out Ophelia at my in laws & was it Windy!!!! I'm almost positive we had winds of 90-100 mph. I live in the small town of Beaufort NC which is near Atlantic Beach NC. We all faired well. There was some localized flooding. I still continue to pray for New Orleans, Miss. and all the other states. We only experienced a fraction of a Hurricane compared to them.

Andie B where are your in laws located on the coast??

Okay girls, someone needs to come up with that plan for us to meet. Crazy us (My girlfriend & her family, who's also on this cruise) booked Palo for the first night at 8:30, this is the only night that seemed to work with our agenda. I hope were not rushed to death to get from the sailaway celebration back to our rooms, get everyone dressed & to palo by 8:30.

Maybe tomorrow there will be something in my mailbox!!! yesterday was exactly 3 weeks until our departure!!! :Pinkbounc

[AndieB]

21 days for us too!! And no docs today either.

Rwaller, thanks for asking. My in-laws have a house at Holden Beach - luckily, they had no damage and all is well.

Okay, I haven't gone back through all the posts, but I know someone said they are doing the land/sea and staying at the Poly. Did you request a specific building? I didn't know what to ask for so we're getting what we get. DS and I are so excited! Not sure about DH - he's been pretty busy, but I think it will hit him a few days before we leave.

[momm2four]

rwaller, I'm glad you guys are okay. My mom (who is Mommsmom on this thread) is from Ahoskie, NC which is a couple of hours north of Atlantic Beach. She said they got some rain, but that it wasn't too bad. She'll be on the cruise with us, so it sounds as though NC will be well represented on our trip.

Also, how is your daughter doing? I bet your kids are excited about the trip. Mine are getting worked up about our trip. I guess they've been hearing me talk about going for so long,that they probably doubt we'll ever really go.

Auntie K, I hope you find the camera. There are so many places for a little object like that to hide. Our remote gets lost on a DAILY basis.

whew...after the last two days of school, I'm ready for a vacation. My first, second,and third periods are great, but my 6th and 7 th periods drive me NUTS :crazy: They are totally uninterested in anything but "who likes who" and "what who said to who", and trying to teach them math at 1:30 in the PM is like speaking a totally different language to them. Several of them are special ed, so I try to make it fun, interesting and motivating, but they just want to talk to each other, so I have to pull out my "teacher face" quite often.

Sorry, just venting.... 23 days to go!!!

Talk to you later!
Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

Lori, my daughter is doing well!! This trip has been a great diversion with all the treatment she's been getting lately. We leave Tues. for another 4 days, then the following week is their birthday ( her twin sister ) then the following week we LEAVE on Wend. afternoon!!!

[rwaller]

AndieB, we're doing the Land & Sea also. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside starting Thursday Oct. 6th. We fly out at 6:00 am and should be eating with Donald & friends around 10:00 at Animal Kingdom!!! What's your plans?

Will you be taking Disney transfers from WDW to Port Canaveral on Sunday AM???

[auntie k]

Oh my, I feel so bad - I overlooked that we had some on here that were in the NC area!! Glad to hear you all made it through the storm :umbrella: and sorry i didn't send well wishes to you sooner!!!

momm2four - I admire that you are a teacher....they do make a difference in a child's life.

rwaller - glad to see your kids are getting pumped for trip!

Since several on here have children - I suggest you pick the time & place to meet- I agree, first day would be good - and who knows we might end up seated together at dinner. Smoothies sound good - even by the Mickey pool would work for me so the kiddos could swim - but it might be a bit crowded and loud.

I think myself, Iwynlea and MoiMoi are not traveling with children, so we could probably get away easier.

[AndieB]

AndieB, we're doing the Land & Sea also. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside starting Thursday Oct. 6th. We fly out at 6:00 am and should be eating with Donald & friends around 10:00 at Animal Kingdom!!! What's your plans?

Will you be taking Disney transfers from WDW to Port Canaveral on Sunday AM???

Our plans aren't as fixed yet as yours - I don't know what time we're flying out until we get our DOCS - still not here! So I didn't make any meal plans for the first day. We are taking the WDW transfers from the airport (where my mom is meeting us - she lives just north of Orlando) to the Poly on Thursday and to Port Canaveral on Sunday.

I had thought about visiting Animal Kingdom Sunday morning; I read somewhere that the resort would transfer our bags there and the shuttle would pick up there some time around noon. But the more posts I read about getting on the ship ASAP to get some pool time, the more I think we'll take the earliest transfer to Port Canaveral. My son is more into machines than animals, and I think he'll be excited enough about the ship to not miss AK.

We plan to split our time at WDW between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. I mean, there's only 2 1/2 days to see what we're going to see, so I figure this is sort of a reconnaisance trip - see if DS is up for a longer trip in a couple of years (although I'm not sure I will be - I'm much more of a cruiser than a theme-park person). So we're kind of winging it. I'm not putting pressure on us to see any particular thing.

That's it for our planning so far. I know my son will love WDW, but I have to confess I'm already looking past that to the cruise part!

[rwaller]

AndieB, Hi I'm not sure why you say you only have 2 1/2 days? I know your not sure of arrival time, you do arrive on Thurs??? If so hopefully it will be early to utilize the whole day. I guess I'm trying to get as much out of our time as possible. I know it will be awhile before returning to WDW.

[momm2four]

Hi everyone! I know that you guys probably don't know this, but in exactly 3 weeks, we are settin' sail on the Wonder!!!! :teeth: It's really sad how much Disney is dominating my thoughts these days.

Everything that happens is in relation to Disney Time. Almost like AD and BC :rotfl:

I just thought of something scary, though. 3 weeks sounds great, but that means we only have two more weekends to prepare. During the week, I'm so busy with my school, the boys' school and housework (and reading the DIS ;) ) that I don't have much time left for anything else.

What a nice problem to have, I guess.

Have a great Sunday! I'm excited because I'm going to start working in our Sunday School department. I get to work in the newborn room (ages 0 - about 4 months) Since all my boys are getting bigger, it'll be nice to get to hold babies again, especially since it's only for 1 1/2 hours, lol.

Lori P :)

[auntie k]

Yikes, only 2 weekends left! Ok, I'm feeling the pressure to pack!

Who's our most experienced DCL traveler? Perhaps they can suggest a good time and place for a quck meet!
Who all wants to participate?

Moi Moi, we haven't heard from you in a while...check in when you can!

[momm2four]

I've never cruised before, so I'm not a good one to say where to meet.

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

Hi All! Ive never cruised either so this is just a suggestion for a meet. From what I can remember from all the posts, Deck 10 at "The Wide World OF Sports" area is a good place to to be for the Sail Away party??? Maybe we could meet in that area briefly? or Does anyone know how the Safety drill works? Do different decks go tho certain areas? Does everyone meet in the same area? I would love to meet everyone!! :sunny:

[auntie k]

I'm open to anything....that's a good suggestion RWALLER...unless it's a huge area.(I'm thinking it would be if people are there for sail away party)..then how will we recognize each other?

should we post the question on the main cruise line?

It's crazy, I read all these threads..and I really retain very little of the info!! :rotfl:

[iwynlea]

I *thought* I posted this yesterday, but it must have happened right as my computer crashed, so I guess it didn't get posted.

I don't know about a meeting place, but from the cruise 2 years ago, each section of the ship has a different meeting place for the safety drill. Ours was outside and down two decks from our room, but I know some others meet inside in hallways, etc. It's pretty chaotic, so that definately isn't a good time to meet. LOL.

I do love the idea of meeting during the sail away party, though, since most everyone is out on Deck 9 or 10 at that point, and it's much much fun, even if you don't have kids (like DH and I!). :)

I'm open to any ideas and definately would love to meet, even just briefly!

Erica

[auntie k]

I posted on the main cruise forum and 3:00 seems to be a good time....I have copied the last post which is in line with what IWYNLEA suggested (thanks again!).....so let me know if you are all good with this suggestion. (3:00 on Sunday, Deck 10 midship)

"We've always had luck with meeting on sailing day at 3pm up on deck 10 mid-ship (above the goofy pool). 3pm works because everyone is pretty much on the ship by that point, has had lunch, been to their cabin, etc.

10 deck isn't very crowded at that time. It is quiet enough that people can meet and talk. Yes it can get a little hot but hey cruising is all about the sun! We meet for about 1/2 hour and then go get ready for the drill. After the drill most of the group usually meets up for the sailaway party. Since we've already "met" this time can now be enjoyed with the loud music instead of trying to learn names over it. Those who want to go down to deck 9 and the dance floor while others stay up on 10 to watch us sail away. "

[iwynlea]

Assuming we don't get blown away this weekend, I'll be there! :) Thanks again, Auntie K!

If you're the praying type, we'd sure appreciate a few directed toward us and our in-laws this weekend. The in-laws are coming up to our house, since they're under a mandatory evacuation from Hurricane Rita (they're near Houston, TX), and even though we're miles and miles and miles from the coast, in central Texas, they're calling for 80 mph winds and 10-15 inches of rain :umbrella: once the storm hits us Satuday evening/Sunday morning. :scared:

I just want everyone and their houses to come out in one piece. I think the worst that will happen to us is power outages and maybe a tornado (which would be bad enough!)...but their house may flood or worse. :eek:

I just really feel bad for all of the evacuees from Katrina who just settled in the Houston area and are now being evacuated again. It's definately put a damper on our trip prep. :sad2:

And to change the topic, we've got a new stateroom, too -- we requested a move because we were right next to the laundry room and I'm an extremely light sleeper. We'll now be in 6631.

Ok, got to go clean up the guest room and get ready for some unexpected company this weekend. I probably won't be around much until next week. Anyone got their docs yet??! I'm getting nervous because they're not here...trying to take my mind of my current worries with my future worries! LOL.

Erica

[rwaller]

Assuming we don't get blown away this weekend, I'll be there! :) Thanks again, Auntie K!

If you're the praying type, we'd sure appreciate a few directed toward us and our in-laws this weekend. The in-laws are coming up to our house, since they're under a mandatory evacuation from Hurricane Rita (they're near Houston, TX), and even though we're miles and miles and miles from the coast, in central Texas, they're calling for 80 mph winds and 10-15 inches of rain :umbrella: once the storm hits us Satuday evening/Sunday morning. :scared:

I just want everyone and their houses to come out in one piece. I think the worst that will happen to us is power outages and maybe a tornado (which would be bad enough!)...but their house may flood or worse. :eek:

I just really feel bad for all of the evacuees from Katrina who just settled in the Houston area and are now being evacuated again. It's definately put a damper on our trip prep. :sad2:

And to change the topic, we've got a new stateroom, too -- we requested a move because we were right next to the laundry room and I'm an extremely light sleeper. We'll now be in 6631.

Ok, got to go clean up the guest room and get ready for some unexpected company this weekend. I probably won't be around much until next week. Anyone got their docs yet??! I'm getting nervous because they're not here...trying to take my mind of my current worries with my future worries! LOL.

Erica

Erica, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Inlaws!!! My family went through this last week with Ophelia, However, NOOOO where near the intensity. Keep positive thoughts and remember we have some smoothies to drink!!! :cool1:

[rwaller]

AuntieK I think 3:00 is good for us. We may have five little ones tagging along? but we can at least say Hi! :wave2:

[momm2four]

AuntieK, Thanks so much for getting our DIS meet place selected. Deck 10, mid-ship, above the Goofy Pool sounds good to me. I just hope that I can find you guys. I can see me now.... Excuse me, have you seen any lime green people? Maybe we could all run to Home Depot and get those lime green mickey heads. They would make great name tags.

Erica, I most certainly will say a prayer for you and yours. These storms are getting crazy. I can't believe how many we've had. It's like, "When will it stop?"

As far as documents, I may just go ahead and print them off from the Disney website. That way I'll have them if the docs don't arrive soon enough. Everyday, I open the mailbox and look for something from Disney. I don't even know what it'll look like, but I know I'll be excited!!!

Well, I'm heading off to bed in a bit. My DH just got home from work, so I'm going to talk to him a little.

Lori P.:)

[auntie k]

Erica - I will be praying for you!
And I think my room # is 6624 - so we should be pretty close!

MOMM2FOUR - glad you can make it and kids are certainly welcome- it is a family vacation afterall!! :grouphug:

RWALLER - glad you can make it too! :cheer2:

Just want to be sure that everyone on our cruise knows they are invited!!!

I know some cruiseers go all out with meets and do decorations, gifts, meet multiple times, etc....and I'm sure that's fun....but I'm all for a simple get together to say Hi, so we know who each other are for the next 4 days and let the fun happen from there. Everyone agree?

Let's all remember Erica and her family this weekend!!

[momm2four]

I'm all for simple. Just meeting and saying "Hi!" will be great for me. I still want to make a doorsign for my room. Of course, I still want to mop my kitchen floor, too, but that's not happening either, lol :rotfl:

I went to Target and actually bought something for my cruise. My grand purchase? A small box of Q-Tips :teeth: Don't tell me that I'm not ready to cruise. :rotfl:

Talk to you guys later!
Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

I'm hoping to get my over-the-door shoe rack tomorrow...I am taking the day off and want to do some of my cruise errands so that I don't wait until the last minute, you know bank, etc.

And I just found out that our son is trying to get home from Waco, he attends Baylor and they have been evacuated...and he's stuck in the traffic...who knows when they will get here.

I really should brush up on my geography and watch the news more....it never crossed my mind that it would cause problems there! DUH!

Everyone have a safe and happy weekend....I'll be back on Monday.

[momm2four]

Oh YEAH! Oh YEAH! I got my DOCS today! UPS just brought them, and I am psyched!!! Actually, I only got half of my documents. Since we've reserved two rooms, I guess we'll get two sets. This box only had docs for three of us. That means I'll get another visit from the UPS man sometime soon, hopefully.

EDITED TO ADD: The UPS man just came back with the other box, so we are all accounted for. Time to fill out some forms.


Here's hoping that you all get a visit from the DOC fairy very soon! I am so excited that I can't stand it!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

NO Fair!!!! Where's mine!!! I'm wearing a path in my drive way looking! Glad to hear you got your Docs! Rhonda

[momm2four]

My mom is in eastern NC and she hasn't gotten hers yet either. Maybe the NC UPS men are a little slow, lol.

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

Southwest NC UPS doesn't seem to be much better! We booked our trip through a TA, so he'll get the docs and then call us. He's in my building, so I pop my head in every day to bug him!

Erica, I've been off the board for a while, so I just saw your post. Our thoughts are certainly with you and your family.

Count us in for the meet! Gotta go, time to take the boy for a bath!

[iwynlea]

Auntie K, this really IS a small world. I work at Baylor!! The students were encouraged to make the decision to evacuate with their families -- I hope he gets where he's going safely! The good news is that the storm has veered off somewhat, and they're only expecting 40 mph winds here in Waco and 1-4 inches of rain. Of course, the good news for us means bad news for someone else. :( If you need more info, Baylor has set up a website and there's a toll free number you can call too -- http://www.baylor.edu/rita.

No docs for us yet -- congrats Lori! Maybe tomorrow...although with the weather the way it is, I'm not holding my breath! Thanks, everyone, for your well wishes!

Erica

[momm2four]

It's official....I now own not one...but two...over-the-door shoeholders for our trip, lol. I went to WalMart tonight and put one in the cart, then thought, "you know, we have two rooms, maybe we should get one for both bathrooms." So, in the cart they both went.

I want to print out that master packing list (after I edit it a little) and start checking off.

Are any of you eating at Palo? We've got reservations for brunch on our sea day (can't remember what time right now, and I can't find my planning book :scared1: )

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

My group (Adults of course!!!) have reservations for palo on Sun. Nt. @ 8:30 :cool1: My girlfriend & I thought this might be the best night while we still had some sort of patience & sanity. I felt like the remainder of the cruise will be pretty tight scheduled. I need to be packing sooo bad. I think I have the craziest week next week that I've had all summer. I was hoping to start this weekend, However, Kasey & I have to travel for a Chemo treatment. Well I guess I'll be scrambling all week :hourglass

[iwynlea]

We don't have Palo ressies yet (booked the cruise too late to do 'em online) but that's the first thing we'll be doing once we board. We ate at Palo for dinner last cruise, and it was one of the best meals we've ever had. We still talk about it fondly whenever we're at a loss for what to eat! LOL. Hoping also to get Brunch ressies, since we've never done that, either.

Erica

[momm2four]

It's a slow weekend here on the October 9 board. I miss "talking" to you guys.

Erica, I hope things are okay there with you. Hope to get an update on you and your family soon. auntie K,

[iwynlea]

I wanted to say a sincere thanks to everyone for their well wishes. Fortunately for us, we didn't see anything in Waco this weekend except for wind and mostly cloudy skies. Unfortunately, that means others were hit instead of us. :( DH's parents couldn't get up from Houston because of the traffic, but they're ok too. They got some rain and gusty wind, but nothing really bad.

Auntie, did you son make it home ok?? I've been thinking a lot about him stuck in traffic -- I hope he didn't run out of gas, like many of those who were stuck on the roads this weekend.

Still no cruise docs...I convinced the DH to call the TA tomorrow after mail delivery if we still don't have 'em, because now that it's exactly 2 weeks until the cruise, I'm VERY nervous that we don't have them.

DH and I are also considering changing our MNSSHP costumes, because I'm totally stressed out about getting them made in time. Do you think Disney/other guests would take offense if we went as Shrek and Fiona, since they're not Disney characters? (We have everything we need for a Shrek costume, and I can purchase a Fiona dress and it'll be here next week.)

Our laundry basket of "trip stuff" is starting to fill up! :Pinkbounc Went to Target yesterday and they have a whole aisle full of school supplies 75% off, and I found some magnets and some little "reporter's notebooks" that have nice hard covers...thought the magnets would be great for the stateroom door, and the notebooks for taking trip notes, both for trip reports and for remembering what to put the in scrapbook! :earsboy:

DH got the luggage down on Friday from the attic...and I didn't even notice! :rolleyes: He put it right by the door to the bathroom in our bedroom, and I walked right past all night without paying any attention. He got home from work Sat. morning and said, "I'm surprised you didn't start packing." I said, "Well, I need the luggage for that." He replied, "What do you think that is over there?!" and pointed toward the luggage. :earseek: :blush:

Well, time to make a shopping list...need to get some glow-in-the-dark stuff and some over-door hangers today. :)

Erica

[momm2four]

Erica, Glad to hear that you guys are okay.

Speaking of luggage, I don't know if I even have enough for us all to go. We usually just use 2 suitcases and a couple of smaller bags for the six of us, however, packing for a 12 day vacation may be a little bit more involved.

My DH just pulled a surprise on me. I really had my heart set on leaving here early on Sat. the 8th to drive to Port Canaveral. We were going to spend the night at Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach and be on the ship as soon as they would let us on.

Today, he tells me that he doesn't want to leave that early on Sat, b/c the two oldest would miss their soccer game. I do understand that b/c my DH is the coach, and there are only 8 on their team (6 play at one time). However, the game is at 11:00, which means we'd leave Chattanooga around 12:30 or 1:00, putting us at our hotel around 1:00 in the morning.

At first, I pulled a little temper tantrum, including the "I've had this planned for 1 1/2 years, and now you want to change things 13 days before we leave" speech. I then realized that I was acting like a spoiled brat, so I agreed that we'd let the boys play, then leave. We'll stop somewhere along the way, spend the night about 2 or 3 hours from Pt. Can. and drive the rest of the way Sunday morning. I told him that I HAD to be on board by 12:00.

So, now, I have to go back to the drawing board of figuring out what we're doing the night before the cruise.

Lori P.:)

[AndieB]

We had a scare today - I haven't paid much attention to the identification/proof-of-citizenship documents required for the trip, since DH and I both have valid passports. But this weekend I started pulling out all the stuff to get started packing, and we can't find his! We have turned the house upside down! So, 11 days before we leave, I'm ordering his birth certificate online. With Fed Ex delivery, it's 5-7 business days - I'm really cutting it close! Now, of course, I'll find the passport ($65 later!).

Well, I'll try to put that out of my mind for now, and concentrate on packing. I also got my over-the-door organizer, and I have all our suitcases spread out on the guest room bed. Checking things off as I find them.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get our docs - we don't know what time to tell my Mom to meet us at the Orlando airport. She's getting nervous, since her docs are coming to me as well.

Hope everyone has a great week!

[momm2four]

Andie, I know that was a little scary. I'm just glad you found out now instead of 3 days before the cruise. Now that would have been bad.

I hope everyone has a great Monday!

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Gosh, I took Friday off...and look what all I missed!!

Iwynlea - too funny about the Baylor connection! My son avoided the traffic - he went to Tyler, then got on the interstate at Mt. Pleasant - no problems and only took about 1.5 hours longer than usual! (he grads in Dec)

I bought my over the door organizer too! All I like is the seasickness patches...Walgreens lost the Rx, so they are calling my Dr. to get another one.

Palos - I let all of the hoopla about dress code get to me on this, and we chose not to do Palos. My husband is real good to go along with all my hair brain schemes, but he said a jacket or tie was not for him on vacation.

No docs for us either - but I expect them tomorrow! I did not let them choose my air - I'm too much of a control freak for that....so all I need is the doc that confirms my stateroom!!

I currently have a room for the 8th, at a Fairfield Inn near the airport - but think I will "roll the dice" on Priceline and try one more time for the Hyatt!.

14 Days until we sail!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rwaller]

Hello All,
Mu daughter & I have had a busy weekend out of town for her to get another Chemo. txt. We didn't get home until late yesterday. I thought I'd be able to chat via hospital computer but they were down. My packing plans have changed TOO many times. Originally this past weekend was going to start it all, but here I sit with nothing !!! I hope to get things started tonight. My girls turn 6 on Friday so I'm trying to get the whole Birthday Party thing taken care of.

I talked with my TA today & she's supposed to be sending our docs. via Fed Ex today???? She's had them since middle of last week. She wanted to send them with my friend to bring with her and I want them in MY hands! Just in case somethings not correct & can be fixed early. See Ya! :banana:

[momm2four]

She's had them all this time?!? What's wrong with that woman!!!??? Just kidding :goodvibes

I have started packing one suitcase, but it's overflowing, so I'm going to have to make my living room into a packing station and pull out the other bags. I have to go to O'Charley's for a school committee tonight, so I won't get much done tonight. (Although, getting out for the night without the kids isn't so bad either, lol)

Anyone know any good hotels in Gainesville?

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Why is it packing is SO much fun...and Unpacking is the pits???? :confused3

[auntie k]

WOO HOO!!!!! I did "roll the dice" on Priceline and got the Hyatt for $55 for the night before the cruise!!!!!!

I'm SO excited....this is the icing on the cake!!!!!!!

[AndieB]

We got 1/2 our docs today! Our room/cabin (DH, DS and I) and our flight times came today. My Mom's were delayed but TA says we should have them in a couple of days. We get into Orlando around 11 am. Not bad. Now at least I can tell Mom what time to meet us at the airport.

rwaller, you booked land and sea, have you got your docs? I was looking for something about the Disney passes in mine. Did you see anything? Park Hopper Pass is supposed to be included. Do we get it when we check in? I will ask my TA tomorrow too.

Six more work days!!!

[iwynlea]

Well, DH called the TA, and they priority mailed them today. :-/ So, they should be here Thursday. I wanna know how long they've been sitting on the docs before they mailed 'em! :-P Ah, well, at least we know they're on their way!

I double checked our ID docs...both birth certificates are where they should be. Whew.

And, we've decided not to go as Taran and Eilonwy to MNSSHP. I was getting waaaaaaaay too stressed about having to finish my dress and still make his stuff! So, we're going as Shrek and Fiona, instead. :earboy2: I purchased the Fiona dress today, and we've already got everything we need for Shrek except a vest, which I figure I can find pretty cheap at one of the donation-type resellers in town (we have about 4 for different charity groups). Should be interesting, to say the least!

9 more work days to go! Whoo-hoo!! SINGLE DIGITS!!!!!!!!!! :cool1:

Ok, back to searching for door sign stuff....I figure I can at least make those, they sound so fun. And I love scrapbooking, so I'm just considering this a digital scrapbook! :goodvibes

Erica

[auntie k]

that's ok....my "win" :cheer2: at Priceline has me so excited, I actually forgot about the docs for a day..so today I'm back on the docs!

Iwynlea - I think Shrek and Fiona are awesome costumes - I hope I get to see you in them!

Speaking of MNSSHP - do those of you going on the 13th already have your tickets? I was waiting until right before we leave - since they were not refundable.

Work Days left: 8.5

Editing: My TA left a Voicemail yesterday saying she had them and is waiting for me to call and ask her to Fed Ex them or let her know If I'm picking them up!

[iwynlea]

Yes, we do have our Oct. 13th MNSSHP tickets already - one has Mickey and one has Minnie. :) It took them a little more than a week to ship, and I didn't want to risk them selling out and us missing the party - especially since we've never been before! I didn't want to hassle with the 'will call' window...I figured we'd be rushed enough as it is...we're meeting with my dad & family for dinner at Tony's at 5:20pm, and can't check into the hotel until 3...which doesn't give us much time to unpack, change, and get back to MK!

Ok, gotta get back to work...I'm starting to 'clean up' at work in preparation for being gone after next week!

Erica

[rwaller]

AndieB, My understanding is we pick up Park passes when checking into resort. My docs. should be here today. You said you're arriving into Orlando @ 11:00. Refresh me again, are you taking Disney transfers to Ship on Sunday? If so we should be traveling together, I think the Motor Coach leaves around 11:30?? from our resort.Now that I said that I would imagine there would be only one bus going to ship & not different ones for different resorts. Do you have any idea?

I Have My Docs.!!!! Just read over briefly, but each Resort does have their own departure time. But I'm still thinking we all ride on the same bus???Please forgive me my brain is FRIED!!!! I've been trying to pack some today & I'm trying to take as little as possible & it's sooooo hard!!!

[momm2four]

I got my MNSSHP tickets for the 13th right about the time they started selling them. I also wanted to make sure it didn't get sold out. I thought the 13th would be a perfect night to go, b/c it would give me something to be happy about when getting off of the ship :sunny:

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

I seem to remember seeing a post (or maybe it was on Allearsnet) about the transfer bus from WDW picking up at several places at different times. So it sounded like one schedule. I guess I should check what time it picks up from the Poly. And maybe plan for a long bus ride.

My TA also told me we would pick up park passes when we check in; I think I just wanted to see something in the docs package that SAID that. He said he would check for me, and we'll review all the docs together when my Mom's come in (hopefully tomorrow).

Only one more weekend to get everything! I'm trying to put something together for DS's birthday on the ship. He turns 4 on the 12th. So far all I've got is a Pirate Happy Birthday Banner. And I'm picking up a couple of Thomas & Friends engines for his "collection" - not Disney related, but he loves them and they're light and packable! I think I'll wing it and pick him up something else at Magic Kingdom.

Oh, and I think DH's birth certificate came today. I got an email at work that there was a Fed Ex package for me in the mail room (big office), but was too busy to pick it up. Can't think what else it would be - I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Have a happy Wednesday, everyone!

[auntie k]

Did you see the "bad massages" thread? I am a massage "junkie" of sorts and have a cabana massage scheduled at Castaway Cay. This has been one of my "dreams" for this cruise was to have a massage on the beach!

But according to the thread the spa is not run by Disney and service is not what you would expect from Disney. Only a couple of people thought it was ok, everyone else said their experience was horrible. :sad:

1) I don't want to pay that kind of money and not enjoy it, and 2) I have arthritis and it could put me in bed if they do some of the things they mentioned. So based on #2, I'm going to cancel.


Ok - somebody please put a positive spin back on our thread!!!!!!!!!!!

[iwynlea]

We have a couples massage booked on Castaway Cay...Passporter's says that it's one of the best treatments to do, and I've read a lot of positive things elsewhere online! Almost all cruise ship spas aren't run by the cruise company itself, and the one that works on Disney has a pretty good reputation and is used by several other cruiselines. Maybe these folks just had a bad masseuse (spelling??)? Maybe you could call DCL and ask about how they massage and see if there's anything they could do to put your mind at ease??

Erica

[momm2four]

okay, auntie k....one positive spin coming up....11 nights from tonight, we'll be sitting on the Wonder, eating what we want, walking the decks and looking out at that beautiful moon reflecting on the water, relaxing and having a wonderful time.

Only 7 more working days for me!!! I went to the PO to put a hold on our mail while we're gone. First time I've ever been that excited about going to the Post Office, lol.

Lori . :)

[auntie k]

ahhh! way to go Lori - I'm getting back on track....

You are right Erica, I will discuss with my Massouse (sp?) and then I guess if it is not comfortable, I'll just get up and leave. But alot of people said they told their Massouse (I need to look up the spelling! lol)...it hurt and they ignored them! My problem is, I'm not good a speaking up..I know some of you on here are finding that hard to believe...LOL!!! :rotfl:

NOW, if I can just get those docs today!! That's right, still don't have mine!
But I'm very opptomistic they will come TODAY!!! :bounce:

[MOMMSMOM]

OK, momm, I saw that. I would like a sign. you get to make a befitting one for mommsmom and pa. (:, thanks. :earseek: Alright,all you sixth deckers, just watch all that late night dancing in your room. You'll keep us fifth deckers awake all night,lol :teeth:

Thanks, Auntie K for the wrap-up of all the DIS'ers on the 10/9 Wonder. My kids got their postcard from Mickey (aka, known as Andy) today. I think I was more excited than they were. My oldest was funny. My 5 year old asked if Mickey was real, and my 9 old replied with "What do you think? Do YOU think he's real?" That's funny, b/c that's the answer I give when they ask if Santa is real. My son sometimes thinks he's the assistant father around our house. Typical first born, lol.

I found two adult pirate costumes at a yard sale, but I don't think I"m going to use them. They're nice, but I know my DH wouldn't dress in full gear like the man's costume and the lady's one is more for a size 10, and I'm a 12. I may stick them on Ebay. Therefore, I don't know what I'm going to wear, unless I do the white shirt, with a red scarf around my waist thing.

Oh, and I'm planning on blowing bubbles. Bubbles just make everything more festive.

Auntie K...if I get into the sign designing mood and it's easy, I'll be glad to make you one.

Lori P. :)

[MOMMSMOM]

I don't think I did that right. :love: you'll have to tell me again.

[ktpbell]

Hi All from the Oct 9 Wonder. :wave2: I just found this board. We (DH, DS4,DS6) too are on the same cruise. I just read all the posts and found it all so interesting. Although I don't know "forum shorthand" and about half of the abbreviations I have no idea what they are. Just now figured out the DH, DD, DS.
Would love to know what the door thing is. Sounds interesting. Haven't even begun to think of packing. Did get the documents last week and dug up a passport. To bad it expired in APRIL 2005. :confused3 Looked and looked for Birth cert and came up with one I think they will take.
We booked a room at the Radisson near the port. They had a cruise deal where you get breakfast and can park your car there. We are driving in from GA (Maybe 8 hours) the day before.
Please feel free to pass on any advice. We have never before cruised so think we have alot to learn. I'd hate to miss fun stuff because we didn't know about it. Does anyone have any info on the things to do in ports? Seemed like alot of it was for older kids and also I don't know if I want to be off the ship that long. It seems like the funner stuff is going on on board. I am assuming that all things on board are still going on while ship is in port. Please let me know if that is incorrect.
Well, I'll keep an eye on the group here. Let me know in another can still join in the meet and greet. Smoothies sounded fun and we are actually another connection to Baylor (Saw that twice) but to the Baylor in Houston where my DH went to school.
:earsboy:

[rwaller]

Hi! Glad you found the site. I'm also a 1st time cruiser ( w/little shorthand knowledge :confused3 ) We'd love to have you at the 3:00 o'clock meet. speaking for myself. I have young ones in our group also & we're not debarking day at port. I know we'll have much more fun on the ship! It should also be a little less crowded that day. My understanding is the cruise is booked FULL due to columbus day holiday.

There's so much great info. to be found here.

[auntie k]

WELCOME ABOARD ktpbell!!!!!!! We are thrilled to have you....Ask anything you want - I know IWYNLEA (erica) has cruised before, so she might help the most - but I think MOMM2FOUR (lori) and Andie B and I have scoured these boards enough, we can give you a decent answer.

Another southerner...I'm just amazed! I've always thought it funny when I was at WDW that I didn't meet anyone from a southern state...just an observation i've made...

As far as the ports....honestly, this is my 1st cruise and I haven't heard of anything I really want to do in Nassau - so I plan to stay on the ship and enjoy less crowds at the pool, catch a movie, etc. I figured I paid to be on the ship...so I want to spend some time there. At the Disney private beach, Castaway Cay, I have a massage scheduled and am parasailing.

How old are your children?
Did you see we are meeting for just a few minutes to say hello & meet each other?- hope you will join us...

I'm slow at work today, so shoot off some questions. I'm in high gear for this trip and this board is helping me to fuel my excitement!!

[ktpbell]

Just called to find out about upgrade. We are outside with porthole but no veranda. They told me they are totally booked! :scratchin Will call now for spa reservations and probally cancel island trips we booked. I would like to stay on the ship as I think we are going to the Bahamas in Jan and would rather do the Disney things on board.
There is just so much in this board I wish I found it 8 months ago when we booked. Now I feel like I have too much to read and not enough time.
Thanks for the advise already. Now I will enjoy the cruise time and not feel like we are missing out at port.

ktpbell (Karen)

[iwynlea]

Just a quick note -- I'll catch up better tonight, but DH just called to say that our docs arrived today! :cool1: :Pinkbounc :cheer2: :banana: :bounce:

Ok, now I have to run to training for "how to be a good supervisor" LOL!

Erica

[auntie k]

"We are thrilled to have you....Ask anything you want - I know IWYNLEA (erica) has cruised before, so she might help the most - but I think MOMM2FOUR (lori) and Andie B and I have scoured these boards enough, we can give you a decent answer."

OOOPS!!! I forgot to mention RWALLER (rhonda) too.....I think we are the main ones keeping the thread "hot"!! ha ha....sorry if I overlooked anyone else...didn't mean to!! I just got excited someone else is joining us!! :banana:

[momm2four]

Karen, Hi and welcome! Looks like we have boys who are the same age. I have a 4 year old DS and a DS who will be 6 at the end of October. Are your kids planning on being in the kids' clubs? Mine are making BIG plans. If they come to the meet and greet at 3:00, maybe we can introduce them.

Mommsmom, good to see you posting! You're doing great!

Only one more day this week to work, wooo hoooo :cool1: Today at school, I had to keep several kids in my room who couldn't attend the pep rally because of their behavior. Oh my goodness, that was fun :rolleyes: Most of these were not my students, so they didn't know me that well. I had to spend the first few minutes showing them that this wasn't meant to be a pleasure cruise. Assigned a few detentions, but finally got them to sit and be quiet. I hate being that way, but I will if need be. I just kept thinking, "In one week, it'll be almost time to go", lol

Well, I'm going to run for a little. My students are playing football at 7:00, and I'd like to go watch. I also have to clean my house (YUCK) since we have a sitter coming tomorrow night.

Talk to you guys later!
Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

Looks like we have boys who are the same age. I have a 4 year old DS and a DS who will be 6 at the end of October. Are your kids planning on being in the kids' clubs? Mine are making BIG plans. If they come to the meet and greet at 3:00, maybe we can introduce them.


ktpbell, welcome, and we look forward to seeing you at the meet! I'd really like for my DS Christopher (turning 4 while we're on board) to be able to meet some other kids and maybe have some friends to play with in the club. He's the only kid in our party, but he makes friends easily. I probably worry for nothing. Maybe it's just that I'LL feel better if I know some of the kids he's playing with!

I have cruised before, although never with Disney. I'd be happy to try to answer any questions. And I agree about staying onboard in Nassau. I've been a few times, and there's nothing there I need to see again (we may jump off in the morning just for some souvenir shopping, but that's it). We have our massages booked for that day.

Question for the group - is anyone pre-paying their gratuities? I saw that in the docs, and I just can't imaging doing that. To me it sounds like you would be predicting the level of service you'd get. Am I missing some good reason to do this? Maybe it's just to not use up cash? :confused3

I am in such short-timer mode at work!! Unfortunately our firewalls don't let me access the DIS boards from work, but I have been spending a lot of time on Allearsnet, copying down stuff and sending to my Mom, who refuses to research anything on the internet. {We still don't have her docs yet!}

Okay, back to my packing list!! 3 more work days for me!! :banana:

[iwynlea]

Wow -- our cruise got chatty today! :cool1:

Let's see.......

AuntieK -- You know, after reading everything on the massage board, I'm not sure myself anymore what to do about our massages! :( DH and I are talking about it this weekend...we might cancel ours and get it at home once we get back if it's cheaper, and use the remaining money for "souvin-ears". Don't let me talk you into not canceling if you're really worried about it -- this is supposed to be a stress-free vacation! :)

Mommsmom -- You're doing great! Don't be shy about posting! :goodvibes

Karen -- Welcome aboard! The more the merrier, in my opinion. I can't believe that there are three of us now with a Baylor connection! :earseek: I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone on the ship...I fill the DH in every night about what we've been chatting about on here! :) If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask -- DH (that would be the hubby Steve ;) ) and I have been on one other DCL (Disney Cruise Line) cruise, and although a lot has changed in 2 years, I can at least tell you what we experienced when we went. My #1 piece of advise -- don't stress! Every day you'll get a "Navigator" in your room, and it'll help you plan your day. There aren't as many activities on Nassau day as, say, the at sea day. There are some recent Navigator's posted at http://*******.com/82sfy
if you want to get an idea of what to expect while on board.

AndieB -- We "pre-paid" our gratuities last cruise, because it was nice to be cashless. Back then (and I don't know if it works the same way now!) on the last full day we found envelopes in our stateroom and then DH and I decided how much we wanted to pay each person based on their service, attitude, etc (and we tipped everyone above the minimum suggested amount!) and then he went up to Guest Services and did the pre-pay thing so it would go onto our credit card (well, debit card). We put the receipts in the envelopes to give to the servers, stateroom host, etc. so they would know how much they were being tipped. It worked pretty well for us two years ago, and I didn't feel like I had to carry a lot of cash while we were traveling (airports, hotels before cruise, etc.)

And in other news....did I mention our docs got here today? pirate: (Can you tell I'm really excited about this?!)

And when I got home there was a nice big package outside the front door - my Fiona costume and wig have arrived! I could make a better dress myself for less, so I'm justifying the expense by telling myself that I'm paying for stress relief, not the dress itself. :rotfl: But I love the wig with the big braid down the back and the little green ogre ears sticking out. I'll get Steve to take a pic this weekend and give y'all a sneak peak.

AND my boss told me at 3pm today that something I've been wanting to happen since I first started 3 years ago (an expansion of the office my student assistants use) is a very real possibility - I have a meeting at 8:30am tomorrow with our Assistant Dean to discuss my idea and what I'd like to see done! Cross your fingers we can squeeze it into the budget for this summer!! It would really be an amazing thing for my staff if I can actually push this through at last!

AND Steve talked to his boss, and his boss is going to let him take all of Saturday night before the cruise off work! This is a huge thing...Steve works nights, 7pm-7am and he has zero vacation time left. He was able to take a half-day with his last hours of vacation time on that Saturday, so that he was going to get off at 1am, swing by the house to grab me, drive to Houston (3.5 hours away during the day) so that we can be at the airport in time to catch our 7:30am flight. YIKES! Now, it looks like we can drive to Houston Saturday afternoon and stay the night at a hotel near the airport so we can actually get some rest the night before the cruise!

Whew. I'm really long-winded tonight, aren't I? Sorry. :blush: I can't really talk about the vacation at work, because everyone is jealous and I don't want to rub it in.....but I know y'all totally understand! :)

Ok, time to get some rest before my big meeting in the morning. This weekend we're going to pack and scrub the house from top to bottom so that it'll be all clean when we leave for vacation! I'll pop in when I can!

Erica

[auntie k]

I'm doing the doc dance!!! :dancer: :dancer: :dancer:

OK, actually I think it's a NOVEL....geez, I had no idea how much stuff was coming!!! It overwhelmed me last night so I just put it in my carry on bag, I'll go thru it this weekend!!!

first and foremost - good luck and pixie dust to Erica this morning...here's hoping your meeting goes well and you get what you want!! Sic em bears!

momm2four- are you off this week? If so, lucky you.....
I will work M-th next week and 1/2 a day on Friday...then it will be "pack like a maniac"!!!

ktpbell - I re-read your post and caught your children's ages...

Ok, NOW what can we chat about????

[AndieB]

Good news and bad news -

Good news, we got my Mom's documents today!

Bad news, I am truly an idiot. After all the drama with DH's passport gone missing, did I go and check for DS's birth certificate? Nooooo, because I had already seen it in my file folder (along with his SSN card). Tonight, when I pull it out, I see that it's not an official sealed copy. It's the carbon copy that I took home from the hospital. AAAAAaaagggghhhh!

Good thing he was born in Charlotte! We can pick one up this week.

Okay, hopefully this is my last panic attack. I did at least remember to check my passport - expires 2010, so I'm okay!

Just had to share that! Off to bed now - 5 more days!

[ktpbell]

Hi All. It's so much fun to read these posts to see everyone is going through the same things. I went digging for passports and birth certs and realized my passport expired in APRIL this year and I couldn't find my birth certificate (and I was born in Louisiana..EIK!) FInally found a copy of the birth cert and it says certified but looks like a copy. I will take it and the passport just in case they don't realized it's expired. You would think that if I booked this months and months ago, I could have been somewhat more organized than this. I am now starting to think about packing. I wanted to pick up extra swimsuit for the me and boys but went to Macy's here this week and they had CHRISTMAS (!!!) trees where the swimsuits were. That is about crazy. May brave Wal-mart on a Saturday (a life or death experience here) as I heard they still have some kid suits there. Hope I make it out! :)
And it super exciting cruise news, after reading these posts I learned there is a pirate night one night. Didn't know about that. Looked on ebay and saw all pirate stuff kinda pricey as it's close to Halloween. Then talked to friend about it who is having her son's 4th b-day this week and she said it is a pirate theme!! So they will be making pirate hats, she will give out bandanas, eye patches and pirate swords as party favors. How is that for timing?! Makes up for the Christmas trees in SEPTEMBER. pirate:


I have never been to a chat room/forum before so this is fun.

Erica, good luck with the job and your travel plans. It is great you can have a relaxing night before.

Lora, thanks for starting this and hanging in there. It's very interesting. I don't know how you do it with 4 boys. 2 have me on the go all day.

AndieB, I'd love our boys to meet. My 4 year old can be shy and it would be nice to introduce him to someone. He is much better with his brother around but I think they will put them in seperate groups and my older one would actually like that as he is not fond of his little brother following him everywhere.

AuntieK, thanks for the summary of everyone. (a few posts back) I feel like a new neighbor that moved in and that helped to be organized. :grouphug:

Off for a busy Sat. Guess I need to actually think of packing now.
Wish me luck and keep passing on advise. I'm going to check out the page for the Navigators now. :earsboy:

[ktpbell]

Whoops.....Forgot to ask before. WHat is up with the massages? Are they supossed to be good in Castaway Cay or bad? I booked one for the day at sea day on the ship. Do I want to keep it? Do I want to switch to the beach day? Just checking.
ps. HUGE thanks for the navigator link. That was so interesting. Now I'm late for wal-mart and it will be even crazier but I couldn't peel myself away from the computer. :goodvibes

[AndieB]

ktpbell, sounds like we're having the same Saturday! I hit the Wal-Mart superstore this morning - it wasn't too crowded. I filled up on travel size stuff, and have been having a great time packing today while DS watches the Disney planning DVD (we're doing 3 days at WDW before the cruise).

Luckily, I have a built-in shopper for me in Florida for those summer items that aren't available anymore here - my Mom (who's cruising with us) lives just north of Orlando - she's picking up beach shoes for DS, stuff like that. Very handy!

Let's plan to introduce the boys at our DIS meet (I'd better scroll back and find the place and time, and write it down!). Mine (Christopher) is already asking about who he'll play with on the ship (I've been telling him about the kids club).

5 more days till we leave! I don't know how I'm going to get through 2 more work days!

[1disneymomof2]

I just found this forum. Had no idea this site existed. How fun!!
We will be with you! Tom and Rene'- parents of 2+ yr. old, Jack and 9 mo. old Jesse. I am so excited. I've been reading every review and info page I can find!
We are in cabin 2118. My brother and my sister-in-law are cruising with us too. This will be their 3 DC, but it's our first. Can't wait.
See you all next week! Yipppeeee!

Rene'

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

[momm2four]

Welcome Rene'!! I'm so excited that I will actually "know" some people on the cruise before I get there.

I can't type much this morning b/c I'm already late for Sunday School, so I've gotta' run. Just wanted to say welcome and ONLY SEVEN DAYS TILL WE CRUISE!!!

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Wow - our thread was busy this weekend!! I miss having my computer at home! (but not the internet bill! lol)

WELCOME RENA'! Thrilled to have you join us!!!

Since some of you are leaving early & some are new ...let me state one more time....
would love for everyone to join us on DECK 10 - midship at 3:00 on Sunday!! :wave:
It won't take more than 15-20 minutes for us to say hello, put a face with a name and introduce all the kiddies (& hubbies!)......that way we won't feel like we are on a ship with all strangers!

Erica - we are waiting to hear about your meeting...how did it go???

[momm2four]

Okay...where is everyone? Busy packing? I'm sitting at school, waiting for my students to finish their 5 minute warm-up and wanted to say HI, so I snuck on here for a minute.

I found a huge suitcase at Target yesterday marked from $80 to $40, and then they had 1/2 off of that, so I got it for $19.99. I love it!

Only four more work days!!!


Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Lori - good for you on the suitcase find! I've decided I didn't get big enough! lol!

ktpbell - on the massages - the people that do them on the ship are the same ones that will do them at Castaway Cay I believe. We don't know if they are good or not...there is a "bad massages" thread on the main cruise line forum....that indicates alot of people are less than happy....I think Erica (IWYNLEA) and I have decided to roll the dice and find out....I just thought a massage in an open air cabana on the beach sounded divine!

Ok, well as some of you know, my drama has not been with passport or birth certificates but with my son's digital camera. I lost it, looked for two weeks and decided it was long gone. He wanted to take it to Talledega,AL (sp?) this weekend to a NASCAR race, so I went and bought him another one and the memory card & case. And wouldn't you know I FOUND it yesterday while packing!!! Oh well, looks Like I now have a new camera for the trip!!! woo hoo!!!

[iwynlea]

Just a quick note -- my meeting went really well, thanks for asking! Jim (our Asst. Dean) is going to put it forward to the Dean, and if Frank (the Dean) approves, then it'll go into the summer maintenance budget which gets approved by the Regents I think in late October. Jim said it would probably only be $4000-$5000 to do what I want to do, which sounds like a lot of $$ to me, but he said is relatively small in comparison to a lot of projects, so it has a good chance of being funded. We'll see -- I've got my fingers crossed! Even if the project doesn't make it this year, at least it's on the radar for the future, so that's a step forward, and I'll be content to at least have moved it that much!

DH and I spent all day yesterday running errands and tying up loose ends before the trip. I have to work all day Friday, but at least this is the last week. I got all excited this morning when I realized I can count the days left before vacation on my hand. :rotfl2: Every little milestone counts! :)

Welcome Rene'! Oh, goody, I just love meeting more Disney people! My DH thinks I'm nuts...and maybe I am...but I just love chatting with y'all and I really cannot wait to meet in person!

Oooh, before I forget...you can do a hold mail online now - you don't have to go to the postoffice in person anymore! :Pinkbounc If you're interested, go to www.usps.com and there's three sort of blue block in the center of the screen - the 3ed one is for "Receiving Your Mail" and in there is a link to "Hold Mail" which you can fill out and voila! Don't forget to stop your newspapers, too! :)

Ok, back to work!

Erica

[momm2four]

AuntieK That's the way it goes. The best way to find something that you lost is to buy a replacement. I'm glad you found it though, as now you have your own digital camera.

My "problem" is that I can't find my Disney Rewards card, which means I have to go to Downtown Disney to get a new one, call Bankone to put a hold on the old one and transfer the balance to the new one. All for a mere $48. However, I was counting on this towards our room balance at POR, so I guess I'll do it.

Erica, glad your meeting sounded promising. I am finding it VERY hard to concentrate on work this week. Our principal told us today that we have to come up with a final for our second nine weeks at the beginning of the quarter, which means I have to have mine before I leave (Due on the 14th) That means I have to map out what I'll be doing the next 9 weeks before I leave. I'm like, "I don't even want to think about tomorrow, let alone 10 weeks from now," lol.

Well, my kids are crawling all over me (literally), so I'm going to go before I sceam. Talk to you all later!

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

I can barely stand it, I'm so excited! I am also getting some "what's going to go wrong here while I'm gone?" panic attacks, but they'll go away as soon as we get on the plane. :cool1: <- I love this guy - looks like he's saying "SEEE YA!" which is how I feel!

I picked up Christopher's birth certificate today; we are "officially" all set!

Today, for the first time, DH asks what we're going to do at Disney World. I told him not to worry, DS and I have it all figured out! He knows the Disney Planning DVD by heart. Actually, we have just the basics covered:

Thursday afternoon: get acclimated, ride monorail, spend some time in MK.

Friday: MK all day long (maybe hit MGM if we've done what we want)

Saturday: Epcot (again, maybe some MGM, or maybe back to MK if DS is bored with Epcot, but I don't think he will be)

Nights are "play it by ear"

DS isn't into big sit-down meals, I think we will save the money and have those on the ship where 1) it's included! and 2) DS can go to the kid club if he wants, or hang out with his Grammy.

Sunday morning: transfer to ship!

I've already reviewed with DS which rides we won't be going on (too scary, for big kids, etc.) and he agrees. Nice to have that worked out before we leave.

Well, good night, all. Gotta get to bed soon so I can be alert and really pay attention at work tomorrow! :rotfl2:

[momm2four]

Okay, Andie, I'm officially jealous (lol) I hope you guys have a wonderful time this week. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday and Friday while I'm teaching math. ( :teacher: <--- this is what I'll look like, but this is what I'll be thinking about -----> ::MickeyMo :boat: ) That's okay, I'll see you on SUNDAY!!!!!!

Lori P. :)

[1disneymomof2]

Maybe this has already been discussed earlier, but I'm new here and was wondering...

Who is dressing up for the Pirate Party besides us?? We gathered our costumes today. I mentioned it to my DH and I couldn't believe he was into it! So I ran to the costume store before he could change his mind.

I got him one of those bandanas with the long black wig attached. It looks great on him, but then we put it on our 2 year old and about died laughing. He's a real blondie with blue eyes, so to put a long black pirate wig on him was hysterical. He won't keep it on though- bummer!

Too excited for all of this!

Rene'
pirate: pirate: pirate: pirate:

[auntie k]

1mom - We considered dressing up for pirate night and letting it double as our costume for the 13th MNSSHP - but honestly, I couldn't find any costumes for adults that I wanted, they were either too expensive or looked hokey. I'm not real creative at making up my own. If I had children with me, I would have done something, but sincewe aren't traveling with children, we'll just enjoy the festivities.

SOOOOO LOONNGGG ANDIE B - have fun - see you on Sunday...

I repeat - hope to see ALL of you on SUNDAY, 3:00, DECK 10, MIDSHIP.

Hey Rhonda - are you busy packing - haven't seen much from you this week...

Lori - try teaching math using Mickey Bars this week instead of "pie" - lol! :rotfl:

3.5 days left for me....but who's counting?? :banana:

[iwynlea]

Byyyyyeeeeee Andie! Can't wait to see you Sunday!! Wish I were leaving today, too!

Momm, I totally understand not being able to concentrate...yesterday I spent a good 1/3 of my day sneaking online to read the reviews of MNSSHP and make plans with my dad (via email, since he's in Colorado) for how we want to "tour" that night. (As my consolation, I don't think he's getting much work done, either!) My goal this trip is to have my picture taken with as many characters as possible...I haven't done that since I was about 7, so I'm actually really excited!

I have two big things I have to finish before I leave Friday afternoon...I just hope I can get 'em done! I'm more excited about this trip than I can remember being in a loooooong time.

We're not dressing up as Pirates, either....same reasons, couldn't find anything we liked in the right price range and didn't have time to make anything. So we'll be dressing up caribbean...well, technically Hawaiian, but close enough. ;)

Ok, back to work for me! See y'all later!

Erica

[auntie k]

I am on "short-timers" time already at work....I just want outta here!

Anyway, I re-read our Oct 9 thread....so interesting to go back and see what all we have talked about and the thrill of the countdown. And I think a few of us need to get a life we spend waayy to much time on here.

But I noticed that we seemed to have lost Asreitzel, Mousetime and Moi Moi somwhere along the way...I hope they check in one more time before they leave and catch the time on our "meet" - (you know, DECK 10, MIDSHIP, SUNDAY @ 3:00) :goodvibes

I think several have land/sea pkgs so we may be losing a few more in the next couple of days.

Safe and Happy travels to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[auntie k]

[QUOTE=auntie k]. And I think a few of us need to get a life we spend waayy to much time on here.QUOTE]


This was said in fun, but I got busy (at work) and forgot to put a smiley or something to indicate I was kidding!!!

[1disneymomof2]

I hope we're not the only ones dressed up. That would be pretty funny? I'm pretty good at make-shifting costumes- combining store bought stuff with home stuff so it doesn't look too store-bought hokey. Here's what we did.

I found a rennaisance type ladies costume for myself- $30. Looks like a galley wench. Women didn't really wear pirate garb. They were the wench's. I just happened to have a ponytail hairpiece with braids in it, which works perfect. Added my own black shoes.

For my husband we bought a black bandana with attached long black hair. The hair looks great, but the bandana looks hokey because it has a skull printed on it, so I took some red velvet material and cut it to wrap around as a bandana. Took the same material and cut it for a sash. We had a "puffy shirt" from a previous Austin Powers costume, which works perfectly. My husbands own black pants and purchased boot covers. His stuff cost abut $30 too.

I'm borrowing a captain hook jacket for my 2 yr. old, using a pair of black sweatpants and cut another strip of velvet for his sash.

The baby will be in a white long sleeve shirt, sash and black sweatpants. I'll try to wrap a bandana on his head, but I know he'll just rip it off.

Well if we are the only nutty ones dressing up we'll be easy to spot. Just look for the pirate family with the red cheeks from embarrassment. Or maybe we'll all just stand really still in a corner and you all will think we're decorations!

Can you tell we love Halloween!

Rene'
pirate: pirate: pirate: pirate:

Leaving on a Jet Plane... tomorrow!!! Whoopppiieee

[iwynlea]

Rene' your family definately won't be the only ones dressed up! I've seen pictures in various places of folks dressed up, so don't even worry about it! :)

Erica

[auntie k]

I agree you won't be the only ones - you will have a blast and your children will love it!! And what great photos you will have as memories!

[iwynlea]

In case anyone's interested...I called today to find out what movies will be shown during our cruise (thanks to Passporter, I knew I could do this!). Anyway, the movies will be (subject to change, I'm sure):

A Lot Like Love
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Herbie
Howl's Moving Castle
Ice Princess
The Incredibles
Ladder 49
National Treasure
Pooh's Heffelump Movie
Sky High
Valient

There was one more, but she sped by it and I couldn't write fast enough!

Erica

[momm2four]

Thanks Erica!!! We haven't seen Herbie or Sky High and those are two that I wanted to take the boys to see.

Auntie K, I know this sounds silly, but when you say Deck 10, midship....is there a specific place located midship? Or is it just impossible to miss each other if we go to the middle of the ship on Deck 10. I know that sounds crazy, but I don't want to miss you guys.

Tomorrow, we're taking our 7th graders to see the Tennessee Aquarium/IMAX 3-D Theater, so that'll hopefully make the day go by quicker.

I'm going to officially go now and pack at least 10 things on my list. Talk to you later!

Lori P. :)

[AndieB]

Thanks for the send-off! Still one more day to go before we leave though. I will spend that packing (for all my talk about packing, I find I still have TONS left to do!). The official start of our vacation will be Christopher's birthday party at pre-school. Then bringing him home early (hopefully all my packing's done by then) to max out on the disney DVD.

Erica, thanks for the reminder and tip about putting the hold on mail online. I had forgotten all about that, and did it today from work. Also nice to see the move list.

1mom, we'll be sort of dressed up for Pirate night. My mom is going all out (she's going to re-use her costume at halloween), and DS and I will do something. DH will be the pirate in blue jeans and polo shirt. Oh well.

Can't wait to meet you all Sunday!!!

[rwaller]

Hey guys! I've not left the planet. I've been so busy with the girls birthday(Sept. 30) the BIG 6!!! I've officially finished packing about 30 mins ago. We'll be heading to our motel tomorrow afternoon to get ready for our flight out Thurs. morning at 6:00 am :cool1: Then it's off to Animal Kingdom hopefully by 10:00 am!!!

I'm also wondering about how we'll know whos who??? help me here?

[auntie k]

Someone said it wouldn't be crowded there at that time.....but just to be sure...I'll be the goofy one holding a lime green sheet of paper that says

"DIS MEET & GREET"

How's that?????

[momm2four]

AuntieK, that sounds great! I'll be the one with the perma-grin plastered on my face, lol.

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Sign is made - and even laminated so it will make the journey!!!
One more time for those of you checking the board last minute before you leave - SUNDAY, 3:00, MIDSHIP, DECK 10 - Look for the Lime green sign - "DIS Boards - Meet & Greet"!!!

GEE - NO posts last night - what's everybody doing?? :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm in that "what am I forgetting" stage!!!

[auntie k]

Don't forget your highlighter pens...great for marking up your daily Navigator!!

I know all of us "over-the-top-planners" will have fun with that!!

[momm2four]

I am in the stage where I keep remembering things that I want to take, so I have all these little pieces of paper with reminders on them. I should just take a notepad and attach it to my arm with velcro.

Well, it's crunch time. I have to finish planning for my sub for next week. Not fun at all. Then tonight I HAVE to take my oldest son in for a haircut so he won't be mistaken for a shaggy wolf while trying to board, lol. I did start laying out my clothes last night. After that comes planning what the boys will wear.

The bell just rang for the kids to come back, so I'm going to go for now,

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

Hey guys! Hope everyone is tying up the loose ends...I was SICK last night....I hope it blows over before Sunday! :rolleyes:

I'm feeling better now, but YIKES there's a lot to do! I still have to pack, and I want the house picked up before we take off for Houston Saturday afternoon.

I went and had our door signs printed out at Kinkos today. It was cheaper than buying a color printer cartridge! Some of them look kinda funny, but I'm happy with them anyway. No doubt I'll be able to find our cabin with all that posted on it! LOL.

Well, I guess I'll go try to start picking up the bedroom a little and put away some laundry that the DH did today :earseek: (I'm really glad he did...it was a total surprise!)

Only one more work day! Whoo-hoo!! :cool1:

See y'all Sunday!
Erica

[momm2four]

Erica,
I'm glad you're feeling better. I was sick last Friday night. I was up all night, throwing up, and boy, is that fun!!! It's good that it happened last weekend though. Two of my sons have done the same thing, so I'm crossing my fingers that the other two simply won't get sick.

I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready to leave. I am getting stress overload trying to make sure I have done everything. Sometimes, I envy my DH b/c he's not the one planning this.

DH's preparation: Go to the store and buy one pair of Khakis, get the tires rotated and the oil changed

My prep: cancel mail, get sub for my class at school, plan for a sub for a week, get a sub to do my Mission Friends class on Sunday night, get a sub to do my SSchool class for Sunday morning, make sure all bills are paid before we leave, shop for the 800 things that we just can't live without on the trip, PACK PACK PACK, go to Gymboree to use my GYMBucks that expire before I get back, withdraw money from the bank, blah, blah, blah.....

I guess I need to go, I've got bus duty this morning. I don't know if I'll write anymoretoday b/c of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I'll probably check back later, but if I don't talk to you guys anymore today, I'll see you SUNDAY!!!!!

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

I'm working until 11:30 today - then we leave tomorrow at 11:00 am for MCO!

about husbands.....day before yesterday mine says "hey, I'm getting excited about the cruise"...and I'm thinking well 3 days before we leave ITS ABOUT TIME!!!! LOL :rotfl:

Lori - I'm with you on the errands....I'm starting at 11:30 today doing alot of the same stuff - no wonder my husband never stresses on vacation - I do all of that for him!! ....oh well, he pays for it!! :rotfl2:

See you on Sunday!!!
KERI

[auntie k]

Just wanted to let you know I found another cruiser on the Oct 9th cruise (on another thread)........just giving you a heads up...if ANYone is still out here before they leave!!

Her screen name is SHANN106 and is from Kentucky.

I tried to send an email to invite her to our meet....but not sure it will work.

[iwynlea]

Hello cruise buddies! :flower: I can now officially say "No more work days until vacation!!!" :cool1: Of course, because it's the last day, everything blows up, nothing goes as planned, and I had to spend the whole day doing damage control and crisis management. Whew -- am I glad that's over! Our Asst. Coordinator is on his own for the next week (he'll be fine - he knows more than I do about technical stuff) -- as of 5pm today, I'm "unreachable" (meaning I'm not answering the work cellphone between now and Monday when we get back!) :rotfl:

I'm trying to keep myself calm, so I'll sleep tonight & tomorrow, but I'm downloading a whole bunch of Disney podcasts onto my new toy (I bought myself an iPod as an early b-day present) so I'm sure I'll get excited as I listen to those as I pack and clean the house tonight/tomorrow morning. At least it gives me something to think about other than how big the dust bunnies are under the bed! :rolleyes:

This will probably be my last post before the cruise, since I'm sure tomorrow will be completely insane as we finish the last minute "oops I forgot" errands before heading to Houston tomorrow afternoon/evening. We're going to try to hit Six Flags down there for a couple of hours tomorrow night to check out their Halloween party (we have season passes). We'll see if we make it or not -- depends how tired the DH is after working all night tonight and only getting a small nap before we leave.

I wish everyone a safe trip, ease of travel (however you're getting there!), and lots of laughter and smiles!! I can't wait to meet everyone Sunday!! :Pinkbounc

Erica

[ktpbell]

Hi All. I am so sorry I missed the meeting. I got there about 3:30 and I didn't see anyone. I'm sure I ran into some of ya'll over the cruise and it would have been so fun to have known your faces. I was just wondering if anyone wanted to share about the cruise. :sunny:
Karen

[auntie k]

ktpbell - we wondered where you were! We only chatted for about 15 minutes....everyone had things to do before the drill....Lori had to find her kids..I think her mom lost them! LOL!

I am struggling to get back in the routine this morning...I did not want to return to the REAL world!

Our entire trip was fabulous, we will cruise again, but hubby said the next one is to Alaska...brrrrrr.....

[auntie k]

HHHEELLOOOO out there.....what's up???? Where's the posts from everyone about their trip? Our thread was buried, I had to dig it up!!!

Would love to hear an update (brief or long) about your trip!

[momm2four]

Whew! I'm finally home. We pulled in around 10:00 tonight, and I must say, "There's no place like home." (Although, DCL is close, lol)

I did find my kids. Evidently, when my mom said, "I'll watch them", they didn't know that she was watching them, so they just ran. I was really proud of my 10 year old. He managed to keep everyone together and got them back to the room. It was not, however, a good feeling for me for about 5 minutes.

I do want to write later with my thoughts on the cruise, but right now, I'm going to bed. We didn't even take the time to unload the van. I sat down and checked my email while watching ER, then my DH and I sat on the couch and looked at our vacation pics on my laptop until the battery went down.

I'll just end by saying that we are planning on taking a 7 night cruise in two years. We enjoyed ourselves at WDW as well, but nothing close to the cruise.

I'll talk to you guys later!!!
Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

Oh, Lori I feel bad, I thought you were kidding about the kids 'being lost" and therefore I was kidding in my comment. Glad all is well!
Man, you had an awesome LONG vacation!! How was doing WDW & the cruise? too much?

Did everyone else become a "Castaway" and not return to work/home? LOL! :rotfl:

Did anyone have "land legs" (feeling like you were still moving)? DH and I both did for about 4 days....that was an odd feeling! I thought you didn't get that on the short cruises.

Remember my comment earlier in the thread about un-packing not being fun? Yeah, I still have stuff stacked on my dresser! How about you guys?

What did everyone think about MNSSHP that went? pirate:

[momm2four]

Keri...You shouldn't feel bad...it was almost funny that we had been on the ship only 3 hours and the kids went MIA, lol.

As far as having such a long vacation, it went pretty well. I think the cruise spoiled us. We went from having freedom while the kids were in the clubs and eating anything we wanted (at no additional cost) to having the kids with us 24/7 and feeling nickeled and dimed to death over every little thing.

I did enjoy the MNSSHP, but my favorite time last week was one night when my two oldest and I went to Epcot until 9, then went to MGM for extended hours. That place was DESERTED! We were able to do everything we wanted and then some until midnight. When we left the park, there were only about 25 cars in the parking lot.

Some of the costumes that night were remarkable. Many looked professional.

I didn't experience land-legs, but I did end up getting sick the last night of the cruise. I missed the last show, as well as dinner. I thought that it was strange to get sick then instead of the first night, since I felt the motion so much more then.

I went over to my school today to check my mailbox and send off for my college transcripts. If I don't get those into the state of TN by Nov. 1 (in order to renew my teaching certificate), I could cause my school system to get a $25,000 fine. I'm not really sure that I'm ready to get back into the "real world" or not.

Oh... I did want to share one thing with you, which I'll probably share with the board later, but I thought it was funny. Our room steward was wonderful...How wonderful was he? He was sooo wonderful that he folded our pile of dirty laundry, lol. We started a dirty laundry pile under one of the desks, and I guess it bothered him that there was clothing on the floor, b/c we came "home" one night and he had folded every bit of it and laid it on the back of the couch.

I'm not trying to make fun at all. He really did do a perfect job, but I just thought that was funny.

Well, my battery is going down, I'll write more later!!!

What were the highlights of your trip?

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

Hey gang! We got home Monday about noon, but it's just been tooooo insane around here for me to pop online here.

My car (a Toyota Prius) was recalled while we were on vacation, so I spent all Tuesday dealing with the car dealership and then I called in sick on Wednesday to work with a headache (and slept all day) and work has been insane. Whew - glad it's Friday and I can catch my breath!

I hope everyone had as great a trip as we did! We'll be doing a 7-night in 2007 (not sure when yet, didn't rebook on ship, so we probably won't book until sometime next year when we have a little cash)...4 nights just doesnt seem long enough anymore!

I have lots of stories to share...need to compose my trip report this weekend, I suppose.

AuntieK...you have stuff on your dresser, but I still have stuff in 3 of our 4 suitcases! LOL! I have them all open and spread out in the entry way area of the house so I can get to stuff but I haven't actually gotten around to unpacking yet. Yikes! (I did, at least, get laundry done!) I guess I'd better hurry, since I leave next Saturday for a business trip and I'll need one of those bags for that trip! :rotfl:

Anyone know how to post a picture on here?? I wanna post the one DH took of us all...and if you want the full-size picture, please private mail me your email address and I'll send the pic directly to you (full size file is 720KB).

Ok, I'm gonna go read the help file and I'll be back soon with a picture (hopefully!).

Erica

[iwynlea]

Ok, here we go....I hope this works!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/iwynlea/100_1914.jpg

PS - Ronda, please PM me and I'll pass on the pic I took of you and your kids pin trading - it came out great! :)

[momm2four]

I made a little progress today. My suitcases actually made it from the van to the garage today. Who knows...maybe by Sunday, they'll actually get into the house, :) I absolutely HATE (with a capital H-A-T-E) unpacking. Normally, I just bring all the luggage into my room and we just live out of the suitcases until they're empty, lol.

I got all my pictures developed today. I would love to put those online for viewing. I'll have to look into that.

Erica, Good to hear from you! I know you mentioned cruising again in 2 years. That would be neat to end up on the same cruise again.

Well, it's late, and I guess I need to hit the hay, so goodnight all!

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

Hello Everyone, It was great meeting everyone on the ship. I wish we had more time. Just as everyone else, our trip was Most Excellent!!! I know we'll cruise again in the future.

As soon as we returned on Thurs. the 13th ( around 10:00 pm ) Kasey and I had to reorginize and leave on Tues. the 18th for a 3 day hospital stay for some Chemo. I am glad I took the time to get pics. developed on Fri. the 14th & had them in our Disney Cruise album by Sunday night. This ONLY happened b/c I knew her Dr. and nurses would've given me a lot a grief if we'd shown up w/nothing.

Our stateroom guy was wonderful as well. Everything was wonderful!!! Erica great job on the picture. I will e-mail you for the pic of the girls. All the kids had a gret time with the pin trading ( so did I)! I'm going to try and post my picture on a kodak web site. If anyone is interested i'll e-mail the site you all may be familiar already??? I think we need to definitely try and keep the thread going!!!! :wave2:

[auntie k]

Whew! Glad to see everyone posting again...you had me worried!!

Great photo Erica! - THANKS!

Yes, send links I want to see everyone's photos!!!

Looks like everyone had a good trip - I'm so glad!! Hopefully, we will cruise again in '07 too, but doubt it will be with Disney. Totally enjoyed the Disney experience, but would like to venture out and try others and save a little money too.

[rwaller]

Hi, I was successfull in getting the photos posted. The only way I know for them to be viewed is by sending an invite to the site. So, if anyone would like to see them, send me a private e-mail with your e-mail address. This is also a site where we can leave messages and chat!!! I hope to see more photos posted.

Lori, I'm with you on venturing out with a different cruise. I'm really bad, I've started prelimenary plans for a vacation in Oct.-Nov. 2007 to the islands (Hopefully) of Hawaii!!! I've heard they have a great Island hopping cruise!This will be the 2 year mark for Kasey to be finished with her treatment for Leukemia. I have a friend who's father has given our family a weeks time share anywhere! Of course this is all talk as of now, I have been accused of planning entirely to much!!! We can ALWAYS dream!!!!
Rhonda

[momm2four]

We'll probably stick with Disney while the kids are still young. I love not having to worry about what they're exposed to on the ship. It's just such a family friendly ship. I had heard that other cruises charge you for kids' clubs after a certain hour. Maybe I'll look into others just for informational reasons. If my DH and I go on one alone, we'll try a different one.

I went back to work today. My students were so sweet welcoming me back. I had one young man say, "It's nice to actually learn something again." It made me feel good :)

Well, I'm going to go get the kids ready for bed. Talk to you ladies later!

Lori P. :)

[rwaller]

Sorry Lori, I was thinking of Auntie K's thoughts on venturing out. I had addressed you :confused3

[momm2four]

Sorry Lori, I was thinking of Auntie K's thoughts on venturing out. I had addressed you :confused3
That's okay, I knew what you meant :flower:

Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

What happened to our lovely lively discussion board? *sniff* I guess we're all still coming back to the real world...a world without planning a Disney vacation. :sad1:

I know I've been swamped at work and too tired once I get home to even think about logging on. Had a little time at lunch today, so I've emailed the pictures to everyone who PM'd me...please let me know if you don't receive them.

I'm headed to Pittsburg this weekend for a conference, so I'll be out of touch for about a week. See everyone when I get back!

Erica

[momm2four]

Erica, thanks for the picture. I pulled it up after school, and my student teacher thought it was so neat that we had all I talked to each other before the cruise began. I'm with you on being busy. Sometimes I just want to take a sick day just to catch up on everything at home. By the time I get home from school and get the boys to finish their homework, all I want to do is sit on the couch. When I do get on the computer, I usually end up nodding off.

Did anyone else get their Castaway Club mail today. There was a CD with "beachy" music on it, along with our Castaway cards. My DH didn't get one, I wonder if it makes a difference.

I will be planning another cruise for Oct. 07, but the prices aren't out yet, so I guess I'll wait. At least we can pay off our last bit of credit card debt before then, so I won't feel guilty about putting down a deposit.

Well, it's dinner time, so I'm going to run for a bit. Have a great evening everyone!

Lori P.:)

[rwaller]

Erica, I got the pics.!! Hopre you have a safe trip.

My friend Carrie that was cruising with us got her castaway cay stuff. She just called tonight & we were saying how it 's amazing how LONG you plan for these trips and when it's over it's all a blurr. I do know my girls will have great memories of the cruise, that's ALL they talk about.

Happy Halloween!! Rhonda

[momm2four]

Rhonday, I agree about it being over so quickly. I planned for 20 MONTHS for our trip, and now it's over. Kinda sad, except for the fact that we're planning on going again in 2 years.

I was actually glad to be home when we got here, but now that I've gotten back into civilization, I am REALLY missing the ship. I keep looking back at my pictures and feel almost homesick. That probably sounds a little silly, but it was as close to a perfect vacation as I've had.

I need to eat and head back home. I've been in a class today since 9 this morning, but I wanted to stop and eat before I drive the 2 hour trip home. I'll talk to you later,

Lori P. :)

[auntie k]

I haven't gotten anything yet from Castaway Club....is it something everyone should get or something you signed up for?

yes, the cruise was just over way too fast....I want a "do over"...remember those from grade school! LOL!

to keep our thread alive...let's start a "what was your favorite thing"....

mine was the verandah...

[rwaller]

I haven't gotten anything yet from Castaway Club....is it something everyone should get or something you signed up for?

yes, the cruise was just over way too fast....I want a "do over"...remember those from grade school! LOL!

to keep our thread alive...let's start a "what was your favorite thing"....

mine was the verandah...
You will get a little package soon. It's a dvd to REMIND us how GREAT the cruise was!!!

My favorite thing was how great it was to be just 1 floor below the pools!!! The verandah was also really nice!

[momm2four]

My favorite thing(s):

1)The location of my room (Secret porthole rooms)
2) the chocolate croissants
3) getting food from Beach Blanket and then finding a table by the pool while the kids swam
4) the comedian/ventriloquist

I bet I'll think of some more a little later, but I'm going to go clean my kitchen now. Hope you guys are having a great week,
Lori P. :)

[iwynlea]

I'm baaaaack! Whew -- what a headache the last few weeks have been. Plan for vacation, go on vacation, get semi-caught up at work, head to a conference, get back, and I'm totally buried under a pile of STUFF at work. I'm still buried, but at least I'm still awake tonight, which is the first time in a week I haven't come home and gone straight to bed!

I'm glad everyone got their pics. Lori, I know totally what you mean about the cruise being close to the perfect vacation...I'm already "homesick" for another one! Unfortunately, we took a hard look at the finances, and we're WAAAAY more in over our heads than I thought, so it will be awhile before we take another trip to the Mouse (or anywhere else, for that matter). :( I really wanted to visit Disneyland during the 50th (never been there at all), but unless I get a second job so I can pay for it in cash, I guess it'll just have to wait for a few years until we can feel good about where the finances are. We're going on a complete shoestring budget for the next 14 months so that we can pay off as much as possible before DH graduates from college. (Once he graduates, we're MOVING to Orlando! Whee!!! Then it'll be like we're on permanent vacation, except for having to work 5 days a week! LOL)

We just got our Castaway stuff in the mail on Monday...last time, we didn't get a single thing, not even cards saying we were Castaway Club members. (And we still don't have cards - LOL!) I called DCL and asked what our member numbers were, and DCL gave them to me, so I just keep 'em in a safe place and pull them out when it comes reservation time. You don't really have to have a card, just the number.

Favorite things:

* the sleep -- I always sleep better on a cruise than anywhere else
* no worries about travel or food once on board
* castaway cay - it's so beautiful there, I wish they spent more than just 9am-5pm there
* Disney Dreams -- yes, I've cried both time I've seen it and I'm not afraid to admit it

Scariest thing about a cruise:
The credit card bill once I get home :scared1: :eek: :scared: :crazy2: :earseek:

Have a good night everyone! The bed is calling my name.......
~Erica

[auntie k]

I'm with you on the finances Erica! We won't vacation this coming year so we can catch up on things. But that's ok, I have great memories of the cruise and will look forward to the next one!!

Our next "trip" will be to Waco - our son graduates from Baylor in Dec. After that, I think I can put the suitcases up in the attic for a while!! LOL!!

I'm enjoying reading everyone's "favorites"...keep 'em coming.