The How-Do-I-Write-a-PTR PTR!

[RGirl]

So I have been talked into writing a PTR for our upcoming cruise in July. And I have no idea what to write about because I have NOTHING planned!!!!!

So I will start with who the heck we are and why we DIS!

I am a 42-year-young woman. I am an only parent by choice to my amazing daughter, Willow. She just turned 5 this January. How did we celebrate? With a surprise trip to Disneyland, of course!!!!

Here we are last October in WDW:

We made our first trip to WDW in October 2010, and we were sold on Disney long before then when a good friend introduced me to the DIS - I spent at least a year on this board learning everything I could about Disney and feeding my new-found obsessions.

We enjoyed a wonderful first trip to WDW in 2010, bringing along my mom and a friend of mine, which resulted in the need to stay off-site and rent a house. Come 2011, and DD and I made our first just-the-two-of-us major vacation. And we chose WDW, of course! This time we stayed on property, renting DVC points for a one-bedroom villa at BWV! We spent 9 nights there, enjoyed all the parks, walked over to Epcot and DHS whenever we wanted, learned that Mommy loves MK but DD prefers DHS to every park in the World because of an obsession with ToT.

And then came DD's 5th birthday in January and my surprise gift - her first trip to Disneyland. Holy cow - we had an amazing time!!!!

And now we are going on a cruise!!!! To Alaska!!!! Honestly, I don't know how to plan for this. I am kind of mourning the fact that I don't have a WDW or DL trip to plan, and I'm not sure how to translate that into a cruise. I know that I could be booking excursions, but honestly, I am not sure that I can afford to spend a lot of money on excursions, so I need help here. What kind of plans should I make? What do I need to pack for? Is it cold in Alaska in July??? Seriously, I have never been less prepared!!!!!

 

[shan23877]

Yay! Who are these pushy people who are forcing you to do this PTR? Rude!

Now I'm going to go back and read the whole intro.

 

[shan23877]

I know nothing of Disney cruises, but DH and I got married on a cruise, and my MiL, BiL and SiL all cruised to Alaska 2 Julys ago.

It was cold. Not frigid I don't think, but jeans and coats and whatnot were needed (at least that's what they were wearing in the photos) I'm not a nature kind of gal, so I may have tuned out when they were all talking about that stuff. I'm probably not going to be too helpful at all. I'll just be here for moral support.

 

[amandaw]

How dare people force you to write a PTR! Some people just don't have any manners these days.....

So, I don't know about Alaska cruising, but I know a little (ok, make that very little) about Disney cruising. I will tell you that it is FUN! Of course, I've told you that before, so you already knew that!

Even if you don't book excursions, we're going to figure out some things for you to think about doing/planning on the boat!

 

[RGirl]

Yay! Who are these pushy people who are forcing you to do this PTR? Rude!

Now I'm going to go back and read the whole intro.

I'm so glad you found me!!!

I know nothing of Disney cruises, but DH and I got married on a cruise, and my MiL, BiL and SiL all cruised to Alaska 2 Julys ago.

It was cold. Not frigid I don't think, but jeans and coats and whatnot were needed (at least that's what they were wearing in the photos) I'm not a nature kind of gal, so I may have tuned out when they were all talking about that stuff. I'm probably not going to be too helpful at all. I'll just be here for moral support.

I am so not a "nature kind of gal" either! My mom and I were talking about the weather for the cruise today. She and my dad did a non-DIS Alaska cruise some years ago - she does not remember much. But she did think that we would be best served by packing jeans and stuff instead of shorts. So that's something.....

Mostly, I'm just glad to have another place to chat with my DIS friends and to meet new DIS friends! I guess I should post a link on my other TR.

How dare people force you to write a PTR! Some people just don't have any manners these days.....

So, I don't know about Alaska cruising, but I know a little (ok, make that very little) about Disney cruising. I will tell you that it is FUN! Of course, I've told you that before, so you already knew that!

Even if you don't book excursions, we're going to figure out some things for you to think about doing/planning on the boat!

So glad you are here, Amanda! Both DD and I are really starting to get excited about the cruise. Every night, when she goes to bed, we do this thing where I send her off to a "wonderful world of dreams" (I think I've told you about this ), and lately she is choosing the Disney Cruise as her first dream stop very night. She is so excited about the kids' club!

 

[amandaw]

So glad you are here, Amanda! Both DD and I are really starting to get excited about the cruise. Every night, when she goes to bed, we do this thing where I send her off to a "wonderful world of dreams" (I think I've told you about this ), and lately she is choosing the Disney Cruise as her first dream stop very night. She is so excited about the kids' club!

That is so cute that she's choosing the Disney Cruise now! She is going to love the kids club. It really is awesome!

 

[JLCJMC]

So glad you started!

Love the picture of the two of you in front of the castle -- very nice

I am not going to be any help at all here either --- never cruised, never been to Alaska --- but looking forward to the conversation all the same!

Glad to hear you are getting the four day weekend -- I hate the feeling of being swamped too -- We had two late nights in a row this week (not home until after 8, and I leave before 6 each morning) it just really throws off the whole routine at home --- not to mention one of my folks was helping me out by staying with my son so that threw off their nights as well -- oh well, I am hoping things will smooth out a bit soon.

I asked my son if he wanted to try a cruise, but creature of habit that he is his reply was "umm, no. We stay at the Dolphin." Since I love it there too we are a good match!

 

[pas130]

Yay! Who are these pushy people who are forcing you to do this PTR? Rude!

How dare people force you to write a PTR! Some people just don't have any manners these days.....

I'm here too!!!! You can never have enough Willow chat

I asked my son if he wanted to try a cruise, but creature of habit that he is his reply was "umm, no. We stay at the Dolphin." Since I love it there too we are a good match!

I have a fear of boats so this is why I love others TRs so much.....

 

[RGirl]

That is so cute that she's choosing the Disney Cruise now! She is going to love the kids club. It really is awesome!

So do you think I will have some time to sit leisurely by myself, thinking about nothing, reading my Kindle, and ordering beverages???? I mean, could that actually happen? Dare I dream?

So glad you started!

Love the picture of the two of you in front of the castle -- very nice

Thank you so much!

I am not going to be any help at all here either --- never cruised, never been to Alaska --- but looking forward to the conversation all the same!

Oh, I'm just excited to have another place to post, and so glad you are joining in!!!!

Glad to hear you are getting the four day weekend -- I hate the feeling of being swamped too -- We had two late nights in a row this week (not home until after 8, and I leave before 6 each morning) it just really throws off the whole routine at home --- not to mention one of my folks was helping me out by staying with my son so that threw off their nights as well -- oh well, I am hoping things will smooth out a bit soon.

It's hard, isn't it? I gave up private practice to avoid this kind of stuff, so it's a little frustrating, but so far, it has not happened often. It is nice that your folks help out!

I asked my son if he wanted to try a cruise, but creature of habit that he is his reply was "umm, no. We stay at the Dolphin." Since I love it there too we are a good match!

That is priceless!

I'm here too!!!! You can never have enough Willow chat
I have a fear of boats so this is why I love others TRs so much.....

I'm so glad you made!!!

And - yes, you are probably best to live vicariously when it comes to cruising!!!

 

[amandaw]

So do you think I will have some time to sit leisurely by myself, thinking about nothing, reading my Kindle, and ordering beverages???? I mean, could that actually happen? Dare I dream?

Dream big girl! Willow seems like such an outgoing child that I just can't imagine her not wanting to go & play in the kids club! You won't know what to do with yourself with the alone time. Seriously! When we went on the Dream & Reid would go to the club, Ed & I almost didn't know what to do with ourselves. Then, I found myself wanting to pick him up soon after dropping him off because I'm so not used to him being away form me. Don't be like me! Let her stay!!!

 

[shan23877]

In my opinion, you'd better get that Kindle loaded up! The pics of the kids' clubs look awesome. I wish that I could go to them!

I've often daydreamed about a Disney Cruise, but I think I'd miss Maddie a little if she wanted to be away from me all day-just like Amanda said-I'm so used to having her with me all the time!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Just joining in now. I love the title of your PTR lol The picture you posted of you and your daughter is beautiful! I hope that you have a wonderful trip and I look forward to reading more about it

 

[pas130]

Don't be like me! Let her stay!!!

Poor thing, this is how I get too

So do you think I will have some time to sit leisurely by myself, thinking about nothing, reading my Kindle, and ordering beverages???? I mean, could that actually happen? Dare I dream?

This is exactly what will happen, and you and Willow will have fun together as well

In my opinion, you'd better get that Kindle loaded up! The pics of the kids' clubs look awesome. I wish that I could go to them!

Yes the grown up clubs are too grown up for me

 

[JLCJMC]

Relaxing in a deck chair with a beverage, reading the kindle ---- sounds like a perfect vacation! and I agree that Willow sounds like a kid that would love hanging out in the kids club! I can't wait to hear all about it -- I have no experience with cruises --- looking forward to deatail

I am lucky that my folks help me out, but I really wish that I didn't have to ask -

Hope things slow down for you soon!

 

[RGirl]

Dream big girl! Willow seems like such an outgoing child that I just can't imagine her not wanting to go & play in the kids club! You won't know what to do with yourself with the alone time. Seriously! When we went on the Dream & Reid would go to the club, Ed & I almost didn't know what to do with ourselves. Then, I found myself wanting to pick him up soon after dropping him off because I'm so not used to him being away form me. Don't be like me! Let her stay!!!

Yeah, sometimes she is so excited about the Kids' Club that all I can think is, " Is she not going to spend any time with me on this cruise????" I am hopeful that we will strike a nice balance between doing our own things and having fun together!

In my opinion, you'd better get that Kindle loaded up! The pics of the kids' clubs look awesome. I wish that I could go to them!

I've often daydreamed about a Disney Cruise, but I think I'd miss Maddie a little if she wanted to be away from me all day-just like Amanda said-I'm so used to having her with me all the time!

It certainly is going to be interesting to see how it turns out for us!

Just joining in now. I love the title of your PTR lol The picture you posted of you and your daughter is beautiful! I hope that you have a wonderful trip and I look forward to reading more about it

Welcome!!!! I'm so glad you are joining in. I hope it won't be toooooooo boring.

Poor thing, this is how I get too

This is exactly what will happen, and you and Willow will have fun together as well

Yes the grown up clubs are too grown up for me

I really do hope that we strike a nice balance so that we are both able to have a great and relaxing vacation with some time spent doing our own things and some time spent having a blast together. I think we both could use that!

Relaxing in a deck chair with a beverage, reading the kindle ---- sounds like a perfect vacation! and I agree that Willow sounds like a kid that would love hanging out in the kids club! I can't wait to hear all about it -- I have no experience with cruises --- looking forward to deatail

I am lucky that my folks help me out, but I really wish that I didn't have to ask -

Hope things slow down for you soon!

Yep, I do think the club will be right up her alley - she is VERY social and outgoing.

I totally hear you on the "having to ask" thing.

 

[RGirl]

So, I guess I will post an "update" of sorts. Not that I really have anything to update!

I don't think I've mentioned that Willow and I are not the only folks in our party for this cruise. My mother and her best friend have decided to come with us. When we booked, we were very lucky and got state rooms just 3 doors down from each other and very close to the elevator. Then, a couple of months ago, our TA emailed us and told us that Disney had upgraded us - we were moved up a couple of decks, and we now have adjoining state rooms!

My mom is sounding really excited about the cruise, and that makes me so happy. She is never very excited about anything anymore , so I am really hopeful that she is going to have a fun time and truly enjoy herself.

And, in a life update, we are heading to Portland tomorrow to see Wicked! We are so excited. Maybe I will post pictures of our trip here when we get back.

 

[amandaw]

UPGRADE!!!

That's really great that your mom is excited! I hope all of you have a great time!

I'm so jealous that you're going to see Wicked! I want to see it soooo badly! I think it's coming to New Orleans in May 2013. I already told Ed that it would make a great Mother's Day gift. Did you read the books?

 

[RGirl]

UPGRADE!!!

That's really great that your mom is excited! I hope all of you have a great time!

I'm so jealous that you're going to see Wicked! I want to see it soooo badly! I think it's coming to New Orleans in May 2013. I already told Ed that it would make a great Mother's Day gift. Did you read the books?

We were definitely really happy about the upgrade! And we are still right by the elevators. My mom has some pretty bad mobility issues, so that is such a blessing given how FAR you can end up from the elevators.

Oh, I have been wanting to see Wicked for a couple of years. I am BEYOND excited!!!!! My mom is going with us too - we love to do these little trips to Portland to see a show. When Willow was three, we went over for The Lion King. And last year, we went over for Shrek: The Musical. It's kind of become a tradition, I guess.

I finally finished the first book - it took me forever because I only really ever get to read when I travel. If I'm by myself, I can read a ton. If I'm traveling by plane with Willow, I get to read while she watches a movie. I did start the second one, but I haven't even been able to look at it since I downloaded it months ago. Someday.......

 

[amandaw]

We were definitely really happy about the upgrade! And we are still right by the elevators. My mom has some pretty bad mobility issues, so that is such a blessing given how FAR you can end up from the elevators.

That's great that y'all will be close to the elevators for your mom. Ok, some cruise questions:

What deck are y'all on?
Are y'all mid-ship, aft or forward?
Do you have an interior, ocean view or verandah?

Oh, I have been wanting to see Wicked for a couple of years. I am BEYOND excited!!!!! My mom is going with us too - we love to do these little trips to Portland to see a show. When Willow was three, we went over for The Lion King. And last year, we went over for Shrek: The Musical. It's kind of become a tradition, I guess.

What a nice tradition! I love going to the theatre! Ed & I used to go a lot when he was at Georgia Tech (in Atlanta) & then when we lived right outside of Atlanta. I really do miss it.

I finally finished the first book - it took me forever because I only really ever get to read when I travel. If I'm by myself, I can read a ton. If I'm traveling by plane with Willow, I get to read while she watches a movie. I did start the second one, but I haven't even been able to look at it since I downloaded it months ago. Someday.......

I loved the first book! I have to say that I also really liked the 2nd book. But, I won't lie, the 3rd book started to lose me. It took 2 tries before I was able to get through it. I was glad when I finally did finish it because I do want to finish the series. However, because I found book 3 to be a bit disappointing, I haven't been able to bring myself to spend money on downloading the final book. One day I will, though.

 

[PixieMom712]

How exciting for you guys!

I am going on my first cruise in (OMG I am so not ready) 5 weeks!

You have done the first best thing in my opinion, and that's finding the DISboards! Through my reading I've heard that a lot of the Alaska excursions might be kind of rough on a 5 year old anyway, so you might just see if you can find one or two low key things to try out and otherwise just really enjoy the trip. Luckily Disney seems to offer TONS to do so you should be just fine.

I bet you will have time to chill and read your Kindle, but I also bet that if you go over some of the family activities the night before, you and your daughter will be able to plan some together time ahead of time.

As for what to wear/bring, check out this link. I am not sure exactly what your itinerary includes, but it has average temps for all the areas and suggestions on what to wear as well. Even in the southwest it looks like highs in the low 60s, which to me is definitely NOT shorts weather.

Looking forward to watching your journey!