6/26/05 Wonder 4-night Anyone going besides me?

[mecook]

First time cruiser with 11 yr DD and DH
Would love to meet you on board. DD needs a friend.
Melanie

[fairytalelover]

We are going to be on that cruise on our honeymoon. We are very excited! :cool1: Any other honeymoon couples out there??

[fairytalelover]

Well it looks like it may just be us on the cruise from this site :crazy: mecook

[mecook]

It sure looks like it, doesn't it? Maybe our ship won't be crowded...yeah, right. Melanie

[fairytalelover]

Well maybe if it is not crowded we will get free upgrades! :cool1:

[mecook]

I'm afraid we don't need to count on an upgrade. I heard from my TA today about my cabin assignment...which I'm quite unhappy with. It is 1039 on deck one. She said the ship is right at sold out and swapping might be near impossible, although she would wait-list me for deck 2.

[fairytalelover]

Almost sold out? That's too bad. I have never been on a Cruise before so is whwat kind of room is on deck one?

[mecook]

There are only 42 cabins down there. They are oceanview 9's (us) and interior 10's. Deck 2 Cat. 9's have one large porthole while Deck 1 Cat. 9's have 2 smaller ones. That's a bummer too.
Since you are flying cross-country to cruise DCL on your honeymoon, are you coming just because of Disney World? I mean, you could have stayed in CA and cruised from there since they are doing the "repositioning" this spring. My DD wonders if you go to DL "all the time"?
Even though our life circumstances are far from the same (you on honeymoon and me celebrating 25th anniversary), I'd like to meet you while we're cruising.
Melanie

[fairytalelover]

Well we were going to go on the western cruise but we found out that the disney employee discounts are not available due to the fact that this cruise is so new and that it coincides with the 50th anniversary celebrations. And we get quite a good cast member discount. And the western cruise is quite expensive. So we opted for flying over to Florida, staying 6 nights at WDW and then taking a 4 night cruise. We have never been on a cruise before so we are quite excited. :cheer2:

As for Disneyland here, we go all the time. Before I started working for Disney (I work in the Corporate offices at Disney Studios in Burbank) we had annual passes and we would go a couple times a month. And now that I have the Silver Pass we still go a couple times a month but we are happier because we can also bring in 3 guests with us. :cool1:

We are also having a Disney Fairytale Wedding here at Disneyland on June 17th. We are very excited about it. We will have a crystal Cinderella pumkin carriage take me to the ceremony area with a white horse and costumed footman. We have a cinderella castle cake and everything to make it a true disney fairytale wedding!! :banana:

We would love to meet up with you guys on the cruise!

Are you guys also staying at WDW prior to the cruise?

[Dis]

yes unfortunately the ship is sold-out, but they are still taking guaranty cabin reservations. Best time to see about upgrade is at the 60-day window when payment in full is due. Some people always cancel. We will also be on this cruise. It will be our third Disney Cruise. Husband and wife and two boys ages 10 and 15.

[mecook]

Dis, maybe my about-to-turn 11 daughter and your 10 yr son will meet up and hit it off.
Fairytale Lover, my DD will have a fit when I tell her about your wedding. She is a Cinderella freak. Are you going to have any pics with you on the boat? No, we're skipping the parks this trip. We went twice in 2004.
Let's "talk" about a "meet" as time draws closer. 18 weeks minus 1 day and counting....
Melanie

[fairytalelover]

Mecook, Yes I will make sure to have some photos with us to show your daughter when we get there. That way she can make plans to have her future wedding one day at Disneyland and have Cinderella's carriage take her to meet her Prince. :banana:

We are looking forward to meeting up with you and Dis and your families. :Pinkbounc

[fairytalelover]

So is nobody else going on this cruise with us??? Anybody out there???

[notbernie]

We are going as well. My Husband and I and our 2 daughters ages 7 and 5. It's our first Disney cruise and it's a surprise for the girls.

[fairytalelover]

Mecook has a daughter also. Maybe you guys can introduce your kids to each other. :flower:

[Dis]

I see our cruise list is growing a little. Is anyone coming down the night before? We have a reservation at WDW and at the Raddisson for the night before. Still have not decided where we are going to stay. They both have their pro's and con's.

[fairytalelover]

We will be staying at Port Orleans Riverside from the 20th until the cruise on the 26th. We paid to have the DCL bus pick us up from our resort that morning and take us over to the cruise. :cool1:

[Dis]

We have a room reserved at POFQ for the night before the cruise. Because our flight doesn't arrive until 4:00PM, we are going to stay at the Raddisson in Cape Canaveral instead. After the cruise, we will stay at OKW for four days. I heard they have started the fireworks on the Wonder. The fireworks and pirate night will now be on Castaway Cay Day. We are now 100 days from our cruise!

[notbernie]

We are staying at the Radisson the night before and I think Mecook is as well.

[fairytalelover]

We just booked our excursion in Nassau!! :cool1:

[mecook]

Which excursion did ya'll book? I think we'll be doing the air conditioned van tour of the city, and then back to the ship for lunch. DH has a bad knee and can't walk much, so I'm sure he'll want to rest after lunch. DD and I "might" get back off w/o him, but I don't know about that. Swimming would probably be the best choice for us. She wants to see Atlantis because one of her favorite Mary-Kate and Ashley videos, "Holiday in the Sun", was shot there, but I don't plan on buying into that aquarium tour. We've been to lots of aquariums already.
Melanie
only 12 weeks from tomorrow!!!

[fairytalelover]

We also booked the the historic city tour. Can't wait :cool1:

[Dis]

We booked parasailing at castaway cay

[mecook]

Hey "Dis"!
I "want" to be brave enough to parasail, but I just don't know that I can.
I would love for my DD11 to tandem with me, but I know she won't buy into that idea at all. I made her ride a helicopter with me last fall and she swore she'd never do that again.

Maybe that's what I ought to do for my 44th birthday (which is sailing day).....break out of my comfort zone and live a little!

I've just about talked myself out of even trying to snorkle at CC. I don't think I can stand the mouthpiece for that long.

I have a friend whose little girl coined the phrase "I just can't want to"....that's kinda' me right now.

Later,
Melanie

[mecook]

If it's the van, "cool" we'll probably go together.
Melanie

[Dis]

If you decide to parasail, call right away because it fills up fast. My 15 year old son will be going by himself, and I will tandem with my 10 year old. My wife says she will stay firmly planted on the ground. :scared1:

[fairytalelover]

I did parasailing once in Cyprus and it was wonderful!! Not scary at all and I am a scaredy cat! I am afraid of everything. I dont even go on roller coasters. So if I can handle it anyone can.

[fairytalelover]

If it's the van, "cool" we'll probably go together.
Melanie


Look for the newlywed couple :banana:

[aslflgator]

Three of us (my mother, grandmother and me) are going too! Great cruise to celebrate my Grandmother's 89 birthday! ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo

Any single people going on cruise??

Can't wait!

ASLFLGATOR

[fairytalelover]

60 More Days Left!!!! :cool1: :Pinkbounc :banana: :cheer2: :wave2: :bounce: :bounce: :mickeybar :flower: :rotfl: :jumping1: :tongue: :dancer: :drinking1 :flower1: :fish: :thewave:

[mecook]

Hey FTL, are you perhaps just a little bit excited???
I can't tell by your last post. Ha ha!
My DD says that we're excited, but not THAT excited. Maybe it has something to do with a Cinderella wedding on 6/17???
I booked the van tour for 3 and the CC parasailing for me. I finally got up the nerve!
Melanie

[mecook]

Everybody but "notbernie"....check your PM for a message from me.
Notbernie, it wouldn't let me send you one.

Melanie

[fairytalelover]

Hey FTL, are you perhaps just a little bit excited???
I can't tell by your last post. Ha ha!
My DD says that we're excited, but not THAT excited. Maybe it has something to do with a Cinderella wedding on 6/17???
I booked the van tour for 3 and the CC parasailing for me. I finally got up the nerve!
Melanie


LOL!! Yes we are VERY VERY excited for many reasons:

1. We are having a Disney Fairytale Cinderella Wedding on 6/17/05
2. We are flying to WDW and going to all the parks and relaxing at our favorite place, Port Orleans for a week.
3. Then we get to go on a cruise and neither one of us have ever been on a cruise. Not to mention that we are going on a Disney Cruise which makes all the sweeter since we are both Disney fanatics!

So those are the reasons that I am a tad bit excited!! :Pinkbounc :cheer2: :cool1: :rotfl2: :banana: :jumping1: :bounce: :hyper: :dancer: :drinking1 :rockband: :thewave:

[fairytalelover]

48 More days left until our exciting Cruise!!! :cool1: :Pinkbounc :banana: :wave: :love1: :cheer2:

[notbernie]

Hey did you guys see that you can now book your reservations on the Disney website a head of time now? I was sweating thinking about rushing around to get the girls registered and Palo reservations but we did all that online and we can just relax on board now.

Fairytalelover, it will be here before we know it!

[Dis]

We really like the new look of the website. We also have pre-registered our youngest at the club and made our Palo Ressie. It is nice to check on your reservation and hope to see that elusive upgrade. I wonder if it will be harder to get ressies at boarding?

[mecook]

I had some trouble getting 'in' until my TA got it fixed for me. I signed DD11 up for the Lab, reserved van tour of Nassau for all 3 of us, and reserved a
1 PM CC parasailing appt. for myself.

DIS - what time do ya'll parasail? I could only choose from 9, 12, 1, or 2.

Everybody got their cabin # and seating now?
I'm in 1036 with first seating
Fairytalelover is 6000 with second
Notbernie is 6516 with ?
DIS?
Snowiit?
Aslflgator?

I was reading some posts this week about "linking" dinner times with other DISers. Anybody on first seating interested in linking with my family?
From what I understand, each party would call DCL and say "I'm res. # and would like you to link me with res#".
Hey, we might not hit it off, but we probably could do worse with total strangers that are NOT as Disney-crazy as ourselves!

Melanie

:jumping1:

[notbernie]

Mecook, we are the late seating as well. We thought the girls would be better off seeing the early shows.

[mecook]

Hey guys!
Where is everybody nowadays? I happened to see a "snowiit" post in the last day or two, but the rest of you have gone AWOL!! You're not supposed to come on less as the time draws closer!

35 days from this very minute (5/22 at 5:15 PM Central), we will be ON OUR CRUISE!!!!!
It will be 6:15 their time and I'll be at our first dinner. Just hoping and praying that we don't get seasick....not even once.

Any of the rest of you have your cabin # and main/late seating yet?
I'm still open to linking dining ressies with anyone that has early seating with me.

Melanie :Pinkbounc :banana: :cheer2:

[notbernie]

Mecook, I'm on every day but I'm more of a reader than a poster! Of course there is always my husband who posts under the same ID, if you read anything about cigars......I'm not the one posting! It's funny because every year when I come to Florida to see my sister, starting a week before we leave I'm on the phone to her everyday talking about what we're going to do etc...my husband always gives me a hard time about it! I don't care though because it's so much fun. I'm hoping to keep my anticipation in check for a couple more weeks just so I don't drive myself crazy!

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Jennifer

[fairytalelover]

I'm here! Sorry, I have not been on as much lately. I am trying to do the last minute planning of our wedding as well as the honeymoon cruise. I can't believe that we only have a few more weeks left. :cool1:

[mecook]

Some 6/25 Magic cruisers have already rec'd their docs. Watch your front porch for a FedX box! I've got my DD helping me out because our porch is not covered and we don't need wet docs!

We had a Goody's to open here last week. I bought a "few" more things.
I've got my clothes "scheduled" now. I really need a new skirt outfit or dress for Monday night, but other than that, I'm ready with lots of capris and some new shorts.

I'm wearing a capri outfit Sunday night, dress on Monday, tropical print skirt on Tuesday, and skort on Wednesday.

Melanie

[notbernie]

Mecook, You are too funny! I don't even know if I can get into my shorts this year after this winter and you already have your wardrobe picked out! It just won't stay warm here in Maryland so I'm still in jeans! They're calling for 50's this week, yuck. Unheard of. I guess I'd better start figuring out what I'm going to bring and get some shopping done! and or lose some weight! We have to pack a lot because our entire vacation is 2 weeks but I still need room to be able to bring stuff home. Now that I think about it, I only have the first two weeks of June to get ready because of my work schedule. I'll try not to panic! If Fairytale Lover can stay sane, so can I!

Jennifer

[fairytalelover]

I'll try not to panic! If Fairytale Lover can stay sane, so can I!

Jennifer


Amen!! :bounce: :earboy2:

[mecook]

Honey, when I left work and started my car at 4:30 this p.m., the "exterior temp" readout said 101 F. I believe the actual temp was 96 today with heat index over 100 (and it's still just May)!!!!!
It has to be about 7 p.m. before you can stand to be outside to water flowers or walk. I leave home around 6:30 AM and it is muggy already.
We usually jump from winter to summer without much spring, but we had a pretty good spring this year. Lots of mornings with 40's and high of 70's.
BUT summer is HERE now!!!
I drove to the Gulf last Saturday (all alone too...are you jealous?)
I shopped for a couple of hours then sunned on the beach for 2 hours. (nobody saying Mama, look at me; Mama, let's go in the water; Mama, let's go for a walk; Mama, help me with the castle) The water was prettier than I've seen it in years....a gorgeous emerald color. I wondered how CC can get any better (except they have palms, hammocks, and chairs).
But I'm sure ready to see it!

Jennifer - face it, you're gonna have to pack less and wash several times.

Melanie

[notbernie]

I guess I should be thankful I'm heading to my sisters when we get off the ship! I don't plan on doing laundry on the ship, although I may have a few things sent out to be ironed! I just wish we'd get some warm weather soon, it would help get me in the summer mood.

Melanie, my sister calls me all the time and tells me she spent Saturday or Sunday morning at the beach with a book....I'm jealous of both of you! I hope you had a great day!

I need to make sure I pack a lot of sunscreen, I'm a redhead so I burn easily, it could get ugly on CC. I'm looking forward to it though!

[mecook]

Jennifer, you said your trip lasts 2 weeks. Are you going to the parks before the cruise, or just flying/driving in for the cruise first? I was thinking maybe you'd have to wash at the hotel before the cruise. Instead, you can wash at sister's for free!
We're not going to the parks at all this trip. I'd love to see the castle all decorated up, but I've got the photos saved already. DH has 24/7 knee pain and just can't tolerate even a day of that walking. DD and I went for 3 nights in March 04, and all us went 6 months before that in Oct. 03, for 7 nights. It'll be all right without any park time....it's just that it's sooooo close by!
Are you staying at the Radisson on 6/25? I hope we're there by 4:00 FL time.
Melanie

[notbernie]

Melanie, we arrive at Tampa around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 25th. We're picking up a rental car and driving straight to the Radisson so I'm guessing we'll arrive somewhere around 2:00 unless we stop somewhere for lunch along the way, (and barring any traffic nightmares). We're not doing the Parks this year. Kevin is still leary of taking the girls so we're waiting a couple more years until they're older. We come down to Florida almost every year so we're not in a rush. It gives us something else to look forward to! I'm sure once we do go the girls will want to go every year after that!

Still no docs yet. I did send for the free vacation dvd today, have you seen it? I'll have to watch it after the girls go to bed!

Jennifer

[mecook]

As long as it takes everyone to get it, you won't have it before you go.
Fairytalelover got it before I did and wrote about how bad it was. She's right.
It has tons of submenus that you have click into. You have to sit with your DVD player remote in your hand constantly.
Just tonight, I found that I have the older VHS tape. I'm gonna watch it.
Melanie

[notbernie]

That's goofy. They just sent me the offer in an e-mail! Maybe they're hoping it might help me plan my "next" Disney vacation! I won't be too dissapointed now that I won't receive it in time.

Still no docs. Maybe after the holiday weekend.

Looking forward to my 1st Konch Kooler!

[mecook]

We've made it into the 20's!!!!!!!!!!

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[Dis]

In four short weeks we will be setting sail. Are there any plans to get together and meet everyone?

[notbernie]

DIS, I think Mecook is attempting to set up a meet. I know I would love to meet everyone. Did you book a room at the Radisson the night before or did you end up somewhere else?

[Dis]

notbernie - We have decided on the Radisson. We will be checking in late. as we have a late arriving flight.

[notbernie]

We are there too. We are on ( I think ) the 10:00 a.m. shuttle to the Port. I know once on board we'll be at the Mickey pool. We're pretty flexable about a meeting time so whenever everyone thinks they can meet up is fine.

[Dis]

We used the shuttle once. It was very convenient to get to the ship, but coming back the line and wait was quite long. We have also rented a car and parked at the port. This is very convenient. You disembark, retrieve your luggage, walk across the street and go. We are going to try and be at WDW by 9:30 AM

[mecook]

YES, I want us to meet somewhere, sometime before the sail-a-way party.
We're going to be at the terminal when they let cars in...10:30, right?
We want to be one of the first onboard so DD11 can get on the Mickey slide and in the Goofy pool all she wants (before it gets unmanageable the rest of the week). As far as I have it planned now, I'll have on a lime green top with striped capris. I'll wear my DIS button that I made, and will probably be toting my clear backpack with (you guessed it) lime green trim. Look for me in the terminal!

DIS - you've been twice, so tell me this....do you check practically everything at the curb so you don't have to roll around, or carry around a piece of luggage till the rooms are ready? I think "flyers" have more reason to worry over lost luggage than I will, don't you?
Also, what time do you and your sons parasail at CC? I go from 1-2.

Jen - I'm sure DD will want to hit the pool as soon as we can, but I also want to drive out to see the Atlantic Ocean since we never have. Of course, we are planning to drive home via Daytona, so we could wait for that on Thursday.
I got our girls, DIS's DS10, and Snowiit's little nephew some glow necklace kits at the $ Tree today. I bought DD a innertube float too. Now I only have rent myself a blue lay-down float. Her's will 'be different' and we'll leave it on CC. I'm planning on buying her a Youth snorkel set and she can practice here in our above-the-ground pool. I don't think she can handle the "way out there" snorkeling trail, and I don't know that I can either.

Melanie

[Dis]

melanie - On our other two Disney cruises, we checked all our luggage except a small carry-on. We have always been to the terminal by 10:00AM. Both times we boarded arround noon parked our carry-on outside Parrot Cay and had lunch. After lunch (around 1:00) we went to our cabin and our luggage was already delivered. I don't know if we were just lucky or it was because we got there early. (This was also before 9-11, which will probably make a difference) We have late dinner seating and do our parasailing in the morning.

[mecook]

Parked carryon "outside Parrot Cay"? I thought it went everywhere with you...like to your table? I think that the earlier they take your luggage from you, the earlier it gets delivered, don't you? One more reason to be at the port at opening time.
I have read of partial deliveries, with the bag especially needed for dinner clothes not arriving before dinner.
Melanie

[Dis]

On both our cruises, the cast member at the door to Parrot Cay had everyone park their carry-on in the hallway. This made the dining room alot less congested. This was in 1999 and 2001. Our room was ready and luggage delivered right after lunch (about 1:00PM) I really don't know if this is still how it is. Check-in was a breeze and we were some of the very first people in line. Navigators were passed out to read and characters made an appearence to pass the time. Disney movies were playing on video screens. There is a small coffee shop where you can get drinks and snacks.

[notbernie]

Melanie and DIS, I will also have something lime green on and I'm a Strawberry blonde so my family should be easy to spot at the Port. We'll be there early as well. How many children does our group have? 5 or 6? I wanted to pick up some bubbles for the sail away party if that's ok? We will also go right to the pool so the girls can have some fun before it gets too crowded.

We also got our girls snorkel sets for CC, do you know how far you have to go to see the underwater Mickey? I was hoping they would be able to see that. I already have my own so I'm bringing that. Now if we could only have them practice before we go! Our community pool opened this weekend but it's 68 degrees, burrrr! The girls lasted about 5 min and I know I'm not getting in water that cold! They may end up practicing in the tub!

[fairytalelover]

Well just let us know when and where to meet and we will be there. We will be wearing the Mickey bride and groom ears! :cool1:

And I will have a black tote bag with a sparkly lime green Tinkerbelle on it! And I have red hair.

[notbernie]

Fairytalelover,

So much for me standing out! Two redheads on a cruise...what are the odds?!

[fairytalelover]

Redheads Rule!!!!! :banana:

[mecook]

[QUOTE=notbernie]How many children does our group have? 5 or 6? I wanted to pick up some bubbles for the sail away party if that's ok?

I have DD11, Notbernie has DD5 and DD7, Dis has DS10 and 15 (don't think the 15 yr old will want bubbles or glow necklace!), and Snowitt has a little nephew coming along-don't know his age.

I had a flash of fear Sunday when I thought about how close it's finally getting. That's a lot of deep water and I sure don't want high waves or seasickness.

Not gonna be able to be on much this week. It's dance recital week. We were at rehearsal from 7-10 last night and will be a dress rehearsal W, Th, and then the performances Friday and Sat.
I'll check in in the AMs though if I have time before work.

Melanie

[notbernie]

Melanie and DIS,

Do you think a good time to meet would be between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. onboard? It's after lunch, swimming, rooms should be ready, it's before the drill and Sail away party. DIS can come up with a good meeting place since they've been on the ship before. Fairytalelover will need to know a head of time since they will be out of the loop as of the 16th ( if not before )

Jennifer,

[fairytalelover]

Melanie and DIS,

Do you think a good time to meet would be between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. onboard? It's after lunch, swimming, rooms should be ready, it's before the drill and Sail away party. DIS can come up with a good meeting place since they've been on the ship before. Fairytalelover will need to know a head of time since they will be out of the loop as of the 16th ( if not before )

Jennifer,

I will have my blackberry with me from the 16th onwards so you guys can email me or call me on it. I will PM you guys with the info right now.

[Dis]

Are we all planning on being at the port before noon? We can just try to guess who is who. Has anyone gotten their Doc's yet?

[notbernie]

DIS, not yet, I'm waiting patiently! I think we should pick a place onboard as well. Mecook, you and I will be at the Port early so we might be able to pick each other out but the rest of the group might not.

Jennifer

[mecook]

Got 'em yesterday (6/1) via UPS.
Not much to it...just 3 little booklets that remind me of airline tickets, a booklet of stateroom gifts, a little book of rules (no time to read yet), and a single sheet of paper about reserving excursions.
DD's dance recital rehearsals are taking me away from important cruise business! Ha, ha! Two nights down...one more dress rehearsal tonight..."the real thing" as DD calls it on Fri. and Sat.
I'm already give out...don't know how I'll make it...
DH took off this week so she could sleep till noon every day. I'm the only one having to get up and leave...boo hoo!
Melanie

p.s. to fairytalelover - got your p.m.

[fairytalelover]

We are planning on getting there as soon as the bus will take us there from Port Orleans Riverside Hotel. I am not sure how to find out what time their busses leave to DCL though.

[Dis]

Received our Docs today via UPS
24 more days!

[notbernie]

Got ours today too! I have to wait until the girls go to bed to check it out.

[fairytalelover]

What are in the docs exactly?

[Dis]

The docs are in a little cardboard suitcase.
They include:
Bahamas immigration form
Embarkation form
cruise contract
payment authorization form
information booklet
cruise line gift catalog
luggage tags
itinerary
cruise info
gratuity info

[fairytalelover]

Cool!!! Sounds fun!! I found out that UPS came to our house today but we were at work so they just left a message and will return tomorrow....of course we will still be at work. UGH! :sad2:

[Dis]

Fairytalelover- I believe the DCL bus leaves Port Orleans between 12:15 and 12:30. It will take around an hour to get to the port.

[notbernie]

Melanie and Family,
Good luck or break a leg or whatever you're supposed to say to wish someone well! Just think how good it will feel when it's all over! I'm sure all of the hard work your daughter has done will pay off. Enjoy the show!

My busy time will be from the 17th until the 24th. If I look a little frazzled at the Port you'll know why! Hopefully, it won't be anything a Konch Kooler can't handle!

Jennifer

[fairytalelover]

Thanks for the bus info Dis. I was hoping we could get to the ship earlier then that.......oh well. :confused3

[Dis]

FTL- I believe you can check-in for the cruise at your resort. This will save you some time at the port.

[fairytalelover]

FTL- I believe you can check-in for the cruise at your resort. This will save you some time at the port.


What does checking-in consist of?

[Dis]

There are several forms that you have to fill out. These forms and instructions will be in your document packet. You must also have your passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a picture I.D. (drivers license). You may even need a copy of your marriage license. If all is in order, you will receive your Key to the World card. You will need this card to board the ship. It will also be your room key and charge card.

[notbernie]

Dis, is the Key to the World card the same size as a credit card? Do you use a lanyard?

[Dis]

Yes it is just like a credit card. I just put mine in my pocket. I will be getting lanyards for my boys. They can punch a hole in the card at guest services. You must tell guest services if you don't want your kids to be able to charge on their card. They can run up quite a bill at the arcade.

[mecook]

FTL- I believe you can check-in for the cruise at your resort. This will save you some time at the port.


The booklet in the docs says this: If you are on a Disney Vacation Package that begins at the resorts, you will check in just once...there...as long as you are a US citizen.

I don't know if you booked a full package or not, but why don't you check with the "Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desk" at your resort anyway. Can't hurt to ask.

Melanie

[fairytalelover]

Well the wierdest thing happened to me today: I received my Magical Express docs but not the DCL docs. Wierd huh? I thought the ME docs would arrive at the last minute if at all. But I did call DCL and they told me that they sent it out on May 31st so it should arrive today. I used the tracking number and it says that it is in transit. So I am hoping it will get here later this afternoon. :bored:

[mecook]

Hey girls!
It's time to get excited!!!
FTL - only 12 days until your fairy tale wedding!!! I'm glad I don't have to "get it all together" as far ahead as you're having to.
I was reading where some people sailing the WC Magic were not even packing until the morning of since they were driving to the port. Unbelievable!
In addition, they are losing a lot of expensive time on the boat before she sails.
Not us! Our bunch wants to get the goody out of each of the 92 hours! Mine comes to about $10 per hour per person if we board at noon and are off at 8 AM. Unless I'm bad wrong, I'll never see the inside of any cruise ship again (with DH along that is), so I better make good of this trip.
Melanie

[notbernie]

Hey everyone! I'm trying not to get overwhelmed with everything I still need to do to get organized for this trip! But just to add a little pressure my daughters signed up for swim team and that starts today. Practice Monday - Friday 4:30 to 5:30 with meets on Wed nights and Saturday mornings! Welcome to the world of organized sports! :rotfl: :rotfl:

[mecook]

Will your girls know about the cruise when you're at the Radisson?
If not, then I've got to keep my DD from meeting yours at the pool on Sat.

Stuff still to do? Gosh yes!
I had on my secondary bathing suit tonight. That's just NOT going to do.
I'm going to have to get another one. Still got to get DD's snorkel set at Walmart. Need one more bottle of sunscreen. AA batteries for her little fan.

I've got 10 rolls of film....think that's enough?
My digital has a 16mb and a 64mb card. That's equivalent to 5 rolls.
I've decided to leave the camcorder at home. I would spend all my time behind the lens of one of the 3 cameras since DH's trifocals won't let him take photos anymore. Plus I read where the humidity is bad, people wrap them in blankets when not in use, and have to wait 30 minutes to use them.
It's just not worth it.

I'm assembling "gift bag" items for DD. I want to go to the room alone when they allow us to about 1:30. Hopefully I can get the bag on the bed ready for her arrival. I've got a Princess beach towel, a personal fan on a neckcord,
light-up sucker pops, Finding Nemo gummy snacks, Werther's (her favorite hard candy). Can't recall what else.

I printed 2 sheets of magnets yesterday for our door decorations. I used Disney clip art and some Castaway Cay, Atlantis, and Pirate Party photos. I think I got 6 per page.

I'm kinda' "lost" tonight after 5 nights straight of dance recital rehearsals and the "real thing". We got our ATG pool up Saturday, so we went swimming before supper tonight.

See ya,

Melanie

p.s. - DD went to Vacation Bible School with the babysitter today. There was a lady that just got off the 3-day Wonder yesterday. I've got to try to make contact with her.

[notbernie]

Melanie, I haven't really thought about when the best time would be. I'm not sure how long realistically we can go without them figuring it out! Don't worry about giving anything away, we're telling the girls that we are staying at the Raddison because they asked if we could stay at a hotel sometime with a really cool pool. They really think we are in Florida to just go see my sister and my neice. They also know that we are going on a Panama Canal cruise with my husbands family to celebrate my in laws 50th wedding anniversay in 2007. Whenever they hear anyone talking about a cruise that's what they think we're talking about! If they find out, they find out, not a big deal.

I also have made up gift bags for the girls. I started with a beach bag and filled it with a Disney towel, sun hat, lotion, lip balm, a disposable camera, ( I like the personal fan idea! thanks! ) a Disney autograph book and pen, I think that's it. I am doing a "snack" bag for the flight as well with snacks and books, (reading and activity) I'll give that to them at the airport. Should be fun!

I am bringing 2 bathing suits with the hopes that I'll find another one while I'm in Florida. We're bringing a digital camara as well. Thanks for the heads up on the video camera I'll pass that on to my husband. We're doing a door magnat as well. We found a picture of a Skull and Crossbones that says "This Property is Protected by Pirates". Thought that would be cute.

I'm almost there. Just the snacks to pick up and a couple sundresses to bid on, on Ebay and I'm ready to go!

Jennifer

[mecook]

I hate that the Magic is on the other coast. Now we can't go somewhere to watch it leave on Saturday. Jennifer, that would've been a great time to tell your girls they were going on the Wonder the next day.

I want to be sure to go see the manatees in the river close to the Radisson.
DD loved them at EPCOT's Living Seas last year. I got this off the board:
Turn rt. at the light by the Radisson. Go to end of road, turn left. It's a small park with observation decks (on your rt.)

I forgot that I have the disp. camera for her bag too.

Are ya'll doing an excursion in Nassau? We're on the city van tour, then we'll go back onboard to eat lunch (that's already payed for AND we won't get Montezuma's Revenge). After lunch, DD and I will probably catch a taxi to Atlantis to sightsee on our own. She loves "Holiday in the Sun", a Mary-Kate and Ashley move filmed there. Our DU agent told me I ought to take her.
We've got to buy some t-shirts (she wants a Del Sol) and some little straw market souvies for girlfriends.

The only excursion we booked for CC is my parasailing at 1:00. I got her a blow-up circular ring and got both of us masks and snorkel sets.

Can you believe it.....we're in the teens now!!!

Melanie

[Dis]

There is a seafood restaurant right on the water where you can eat and watch the boats go by. Even though the Magic is on the west coast, you can see other cruise ships. The restaurant is "Grills Seafood"

[notbernie]

Melanie, we didn't book anything for Nassau we thought we'd enjoy the pools for awhile in the morning and at some point Kevin and I (and the girls if they want) will get off the ship, he wants to pick up a couple cigars and there is a Phillappino restaurant we read about on the boards that's supposed to be good. We thought we'd grab a late lunch there.

Didn't book anything for CC. Someday I'll do the Parasailing, my sister and brother in law did it last October when we were in Maui and they had a blast!

I read the same post on the Manatee's, do you think it's walking distance from the Radisson? Kevin is dropping the rental car off after we check in to the hotel so we won't have a vehicle.

DIS, thanks for the restaurant suggestion! Is it walking distance? We will have to find a place for dinner and I love eating on the water.

[Dis]

It is too far to walk and you would be walking on the highway. Could you keep the rental car until the next day? On one cruise I took everyone and all the luggage to the port, dropped of the rental car and took their shuttle. Grills has a website and a 10% off coupon. It is: www.visitgrills.com
We have never eaten there, but have read good things about it.

[notbernie]

DIS, a bet a taxi would be cheaper than renting the car for an extra day? I'll leave that up to my husband, whatever he wants to do. I know at one point he was thinking of dropping us off at the terminal but then I signed up for the shuttle. I went to the website and it looks like a great place!

Jennifer

[Dis]

Are you renting the car on Saturday? You get to keep it for 24 hours before incurring another day rental.

[notbernie]

DIS, yes we arrive in Tampa around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday so it wouldn't make any difference if we kept it over night. Thanks for the heads up!

Jennifer

[mecook]

Don't know if ya'll saw my post last night (on the forum), but I bought Disney capri jammies at Walmart yesterday. They have Mickey, M&M, Pooh?, Love Bug, Tink, etc.
Some of the pants are soft t-shirt material; others are striped crisp poly/cotton blend.
Mine is the blue and aqua Mickey and Minnie at the fair. There are silhouettes of ferris wheels behind them.

I just took DD to the Family Night at VBS in town (not our own...that's next week). I talked to the lady that just got off the Wonder last Sunday from a 3-day cruise. They LOVED it. Kids and boy-3 and girl-5, and this was their first taste of Disney. She said it just wasn't enough time, but they'd be back in a couple of years. She doesn't "DIS", but somehow she knew about going to the port early and about the pillowcases. (Now I've got to do pillowcases too...DD heard.) She said her kids were the ONLY ones in the Mickey pool for ages that day. I wish I could have spent a lot more time talking to her.

FTL - just one week and you'll be "Mrs.". You're probably too busy to be around here much.

Maybe I can say I've prepared when my JCP swimsuit comes in and I buy some AA batteries.

See ya'll soon!

Melanie

[notbernie]

Did anyone catch the Disney Unwrapped last night on the Food Network? Great show. They showed how they make the wedding cakes, just incredibly beautiful. I saw the Micky Bride and Groom ears so I'll know what to look for! The also showed the Micky ice cream bars they look pretty good too!

2 Weeks from today!

[notbernie]

Ok guys, I will be wearing a lime green sundress with pink (yes bright pink) palm tress on it. I figured no one could miss me in that. Where I'll be wearing it after cruise.....who knows!

Jennifer

[mecook]

FTL - are you still around? Good luck, best wishes, congratulations, and all that jazz for Friday's fairytale wedding!!! Don't forget a picture or two.

Jennifer - we've been discussing what we'll be wearing on Sunday; hope we're going to meet up at the Radisson on Saturday. I had an idea...our families might could eat supper together that night???
Hate that DIS won't arrive until late night...

Snowiit and Aslflgator.....come out, come out wherever you are!!!

Since it's so late, we'll just call it 12!!!!! days till sailing!!!!!!!

Melanie

[notbernie]

Melanie, that could work ( dinner ). I was hoping to go to Grills, which we still might do for a late lunch, I read there is a pretty good Italian/pizza place right next door to the Radisson or we could eat at the Radisson. I know you guys will have a car so I don't want to limit your choices. We can always take a cab as well. Kevin wants to return the rental car sometime that day, after we arrive so that will be one less thing to worry about in the A.M. If you think you would want to go to Grills as well, let me know and we won't go for lunch. We could call ahead for reservations as well since we'll be a larger party. I already printed out one of their 10% off coupons just in case!
What it comes down to is this, we have no definite plans and we are flexable!

FTL, Best of luck! I hope you have a beautiful wedding! See you on the Boat!

We're almost there! :hourglass

Jennifer

[fairytalelover]

Hey everyone! I just had a few minutes to check in with you guys here. It is so nuts this week with last minute stuff for the wedding!! I cant beleive it's actually on Friday!! Well, I will see you all on the ship and thanks for all of your wonderful support and wishing me well. :cool1:

[mecook]

It's crazy here this week because of VBS from 6-9 p.m.
I walk in the door at 5, change clothes, fix DDs hair, feed the cat, and we're out the door to church.
I'm using late night computer time as my "winding down" time. I think I've got Grills' menus saved as a "favorite". I'll try to remember to look at it tonight or tomorrow night and see what they have that we'd all eat. I know it's seafood, but don't know what DD would eat. I've been wondering if we wanted to eat very heavy or not....you know it's just one big food fest onboard.
Melanie

[notbernie]

Melanie, I went a head and deleted the original message. If you need me to e-mail you our info, just let me know.

[mecook]

check your p.m. for meet info from me

[mecook]

Heard that CA is in the dark due to an earthquake and 22 aftershocks.
What will FTL do about her Cinderella wedding tomorrow???
They are supposed to fly out to Orlando on Saturday....everything is gonna get all messed up!

DIS and ASLFLGATOR, I rec'd your p.m.'s tonight. We'll be on the lookout for ya'll in just 9 more days!!!!

[Dis]

Starting today you can check-in at the Radisson for the Saturday night stay. You can print your check-in pass. Show your pass and ID at the front desk to receive your key.

[notbernie]

DIS, thanks for the heads up!

[mecook]

Ooooo, it's getting close!!!!

I printed the confirmation they e-mailed today, but didn't do the on-line check-in thing. May go back and do that. Wonder how many floors they have....we like to be on top....and AWAY from noisy elevator areas.

Melanie

[Dis]

We stayed at the Radisson once on the second floor. I think that there are only two floors, but there may be three.

[mecook]

I'm like a lady that posted that she was at 17 days and wanted to stop time.
It's gonna be over after these 19 weeks of looking forward to it...plus wanting to go since 2001.
Melanie

[mecook]

It's almost time. We don't drive until Sat. AM, but I think some of you will hit the trail on Friday. Everybody be careful and look for me at 3:00 Sunday, starboard side (but next to dock), deck 10, midship overlooking Goofy pool.
If you miss us, call cabin 1036 and leave me a voice mail. I'd love to meet you all at some point.
Haven't packed a thing...best friend didn't remember to bring her luggage to me today. I have a box of "things" though. I've got to get started ironing.
I'm coming home at noon Friday to do the check cashing, last minute laundry, and packing.

See ya soon!
Melanie

[Dis]

I am sure I will see some of you either at the Radisson or at the port early way before 3:00 on board. I do all the planning, and my wife does all the packing. We are pretty well set and will be leaving St Louis in less than four days. Just try to relax and enjoy yourself. You will have a wonderful time on the Disney Wonder.

[notbernie]

I haven't started packing yet either. Maybe by Friday, after all of the laundry is caught up! We have a couple of lists started though!

We have a pretty early start on Saturday as well, I can't wait.

DIS, my husband and I are the opposite! He is a great packer! I lay everything out and he finds a way to fit it in!

See everyone at some point over the weekend! Travel safe.

[mecook]

I didn't make it "on" last night...I was weeding flower beds and then ironing.
I got all of DD's ironed up. One person down....two to go...
Lots to do and not much time left to do it in...

See ya'll soon!
Melanie

[aslflgator]

Can't wait to meet all of you. It's almost time!!!!!

I think we are all packed but not sure................... ;)


Joanna (ASLFLGATOR)

:cheer2: :cheer2: :cool1: :cool1: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[Dis]

I am sure you all know this from reading these boards, but in case you have forgotten here are some items we found very useful on the cruise.

lighted clock with extension cord (if needed)
lanyards for children's KTTW Cards
over the door pocket organizer
highlighter for the Navigators

[mecook]

Just got finished ironing the last of DH's clothes and mine.
I have little "piles" all over the floor of "stuff" that has to be packed in and around the clothes....you know the duct tape, clothespins, air spray, extension cord, etc. that THE LIST insists we all need.
If I were made of money, I would have gladly folded all this mess into the suitcases and handed it over for pressing Sunday night. But, alas, all my money is sunk in the cruise and all the tips, souvenirs, etc. When DH heard me talking about it being 1/2 price of cleaning, he decided to let them iron his pants. Just wanted to check in a minute and say BYE!!! See ya tomorrow!
or the next day if you don't see me at the Radisson.

Melanie

[aslflgator]

Great Cruise! Sorry I didn't get to meet any of you. I was busy celebrating Grandma's 89th birthday. :cake: :earsgirl:

She had a great time on her birthday cruise.......... :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Mom and I signed up for next year on the Magic (July 8-July 15)

Can't wait for 7 days now......

:cheer2: :bounce: :goodvibes

Joanna Marsh (ASLFLGATOR)

[mecook]

Hi Joanna,
Sorry you didn't make it to our meet. I saw some ladies on scooters once or twice, but it didn't seem to be you and your mom with them.
We had a "Wonder-ful" time too. I didn't get to parasail at 1:00 due to high wind causing cancellations of most everything. We just went on back to the ship pools then because DD and DH were going that way without me anyway.
As bad as I've wanted to go, I now know that I don't want to go any longer than 4 days. This was definitely NOT DH's idea of a fun trip, but he survived without too much ado. He and DD didn't feel well Sun. night, but they then became "believers" in taking a daily Bonine. We even had to continue them Thursday night at home.....the house kept moving. Every time we got out of the car for bathroom breaks, I had sea legs. Now on Saturday, we are all fine.
Glad your family enjoyed the trip!
Melanie
p.s. - I met Fred (DIS) twice on Sunday, and spent a lot of time with Jennifer and Kevin (Notbernie) from the Radisson on Saturday thru Wednesday. Our girls all had a great time.

[fairytalelover]

Well we are back from our honeymoon and we had a terrific time! We are sorry we didnt get to meet all of you. But we had the pleasure to meet Melanie and her husband and beautiful daughter. Her daughter is so sweet and precious!!
Mecook, please let her know that as soon as our photographer sends us our photos from our fairytale wedding we will email you with them for her.

As for the cruise, we loved it!! We cant wait to go again. I did however feel quite uneasy on the first night. UGH! I have never been on a cruise before and on the first night that boat was rocking very badly. But at about 11pm it stopped and we were fine. I had dramamine and those wristbands also.

We loved the entertainment, the food, the service was outstanding, the characters, the bars, etc.... everything!! The CMs were so wonderful, helpful, friendly and polite!!

I loved how they turned down our bed at night and made little towel animals and left chocolates!!

And our stateroom was so comfortable and roomy!! #6000 is the way to go, it is the handicap room and that is why it was so roomy with a huge window too.

One thing we hated was that horrible historical tour of Nassau. What a rip off that was. First it took them an hour to get their act toghether and get us on a van and when they finally did that it was a yucky old, taxi cab and the tour guide did nothing but show us trees and told us what kind of fruit it grows or show us the residential area and tell us who is adding on to their home!! WHo cares !!! UGH!! He even at one point pointed out a liquor store and told usthat in the old days it used to be a laundromatte. Unbelievable!!

In the description of the tour it says that we will hear about the history, about the pirates, blackbeard etc..... Not at all!! I am thinking about complaining I just dont know who to complain to.

Other than that we had a blast!!! Mecook was so sweet!! She gave us a very nice card for our wedding!! We were touched. I really wish we could hang out with you guys more, but being on our honeymoon and all I am sure you can understand. ;)

By the way, where to sign up to be Castaway Club members??

[mecook]

I'm so sorry that I forgot to write about you in my last entry. I thought of myself after I did it. Loved meeting you and Scott. We saw ya'll by the adult pool on Tuesday night, but didn't want to intrude. We were right above you on deck 10 when DH said "there's your friend". We had been at the Pirate Party then DD and her buddies wanted to attend the Pajamarama Party
in the Lab from 11-1. We parents nixed the 1 AM thing since we'd have to stay up to check them out. We agreed on a midnight compromise. DH and I got a coke on 9 aft and then walked all the way around deck 10. We sat just above you for a little while, then I suggested we go to the comfy loungers on deck 4. It's usually quieter in the adult area, but the last remnants of the PP was too loud and intrusive. We had just got seated on deck 4, and had not sat for 2 minutes, when the Lab beeper went off. DD was ready to go. They got tired in a hurry, but that was also after the CC beach day and the Pirate Party. She fell asleep immediately that night and we let her sleep till 10 AM on the day@sea. I guess the last time we saw you was in the store around lunchtime Wed.
I had to buy 2 of the photo albums that hold 200 pictures. I developed 8 rolls of film, a water camera, another disposable, and printed 217 digital prints.
I have two photos of ya'll from the fort, one on dress-up night, and the one I snapped of ya'll getting your ship background picture made. I tell everyone about your fairy tale wedding and 2 week Disney-moon.

Did ya'll have tablemates or get to sit alone? We loved our tablemates from Mission Viejo. We had APPT at 6. What was your rotation? We LOVED Pirate Night at Parrot Cay....it just "fit". We loved Roy and Mario, our servers. I sure have missed them. It's just like what I'd read on here....when home and the family asked what's to eat, I said "Roy and Mario aren't here....so I don't know what you're going to eat." I got real used to being waited on. Can't imagine how I'd be after 7 or 14 days of that.

I discovered something I'm surprised at. I don't think I want anything longer than 4 nights at the time. DH may never go back, but DD and I "will" be back. We did WDW without him the last time; I can cruise w/o him too.
This was never his idea of fun, but he made the best of it. He even bought me an anniverary gift on Wed. afternoon. It was the Mickey and Minnie bridegroom/bride plate and easel. It says "and they lived happily ever after" on the bottom of it. You probably have it too. I cried because he thought of it for me. I cried during Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams. I think it was because I was finally living out my long-time dream and seeing the look on DD's face as she watched.

I'd better shut up for now, but I'll be watching for those photos.

Mecook

[mecook]

I forgot to address the tour comments you made. It was just your driver.
We had a great tour...I'm sure we got every minute (plus some extra) of our 2 hour time. Our guide called himself "The Bahamian James Bond". I'm sorry yours was a joke. After the two forts and the staircase, we just rode and rode. We were ready to get off and eat! Our van was a nice one too.
We had a bad one when we went to Atlantis in the afternoon, so I know what you mean about that. We were STUFFED in that one, but at least it was a short ride over there.

As for the CC club, we are automatically members. We should get some mail shortly.

Bye again,

mecook

[fairytalelover]

Mecook, I just sent you our wedding photos on PM.