A rabbi, a priest, and a pastor board the Wonder: we're back!

[Pinkocto]

I'm so glad I didn't book and have the points in holding. I'm also secretly sad that we're not going to WDW. I really wanted to try VWL. I'm more sad about the DVC part than the MK part. I love staying DVC.

Thank you. He's very sweet, considerate, and compassionate.
​

Any chance he'll change his mind?

Think we should book a brunch and dinner? Are any of the MDRs worth missing or should I not as its my first cruise?

You are reading my mind! I was just thinking about this yesterday You'll still be able to enjoy the three dining rooms. We'll be repeating two of the restaurants since we'll have 5 dinners. We can wait until embarkation day to decide when we know the dining rotation.

190 days!!! ​

​

 

[rentayenta]

Yep..its a seperate app.

Just got home...My company headquarters is in Philly and I have part of my team that works in NJ so I was out there this week to do mid year reviews. Very fun! I volunteered for a bump today and ended up with almost $600 in a SW flight voucher and only got home 4 hours later than planned. I smell a DL trip in my future.

Jill in CO

Thats a huge credit. So worth taking the credit if you don't have time limits and can take a later flight.

When are you going to Disneyland?

Hope the reviews went well.​

Aw...what a great kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish my kids thought like that, I'd love to think they would but gosh, not so sure about that at all.

What a beautiful reflection of you two.

Thank you Cynthia, that's very very kind of you to say. Chloe would for sure. Gabby could care less about fair. ​

Any chance he'll change his mind?


You are reading my mind! I was just thinking about this yesterday You'll still be able to enjoy the three dining rooms. We'll be repeating two of the restaurants since we'll have 5 dinners. We can wait until embarkation day to decide when we know the dining rotation.

​

No changing his mind. I tried.

We repeat restaurants? Do they serve the same menu all of the nights? I think pirate night has a little different menu?

Woot woot! I think we have a decent shot at dinner since I'm guessing his buddies, if he makes some, will have early dinner. He can fill up on a conger service or room service and then take off.​

189 days!!! ​

I'm a little bummed, the backpack/water bottle combo isn't available anymore for me to order. I guess my fax form didn't go through and when I went to check, it's no longer an option. Wonder if I could call? They have backpacks and water bottles.....just not the way I want them. The backpack doesn't come without a whole bunch of the other crap. ​

 

[Pinkocto]

No changing his mind. I tried. ​

Bummer!

We repeat restaurants? Do they serve the same menu all of the nights? I think pirate night has a little different menu?

Woot woot! I think we have a decent shot at dinner since I'm guessing his buddies, if he makes some, will have early dinner. He can fill up on a conger service or room service and then take off.

Oh yes, we'll repeat two of the restaurants. The trick is to not go to Palo the night we'll only be at one of the restaurants once. Each restaurant has a specific menu, Pirate night has a different menu, and the last night will also have a different menu. The longer cruises have more changes of menus. They do a great job of changing things up. Since its your first cruise you might want to experience all the main restaurants and their different menus, they're all quite delicious. But I'm all for Palo too.

189 days!!! ​

​

I'm a little bummed, the backpack/water bottle combo isn't available anymore for me to order. I guess my fax form didn't go through and when I went to check, it's no longer an option. Wonder if I could call? They have backpacks and water bottles.....just not the way I want them. The backpack doesn't come without a whole bunch of the other crap. ​

I just looked, they changed a lot of stuff. I'm shocked at the 4 cookies for $19. They better be as good as Ghirardelli's for that much! I'd call them and see what they say. How disappointing though.

 

[rentayenta]

Bummer!

I know right. Guess his unselfish streak benefits me 99% of the time. ​

Oh yes, we'll repeat two of the restaurants. The trick is to not go to Palo the night we'll only be at one of the restaurants once. Each restaurant has a specific menu, Pirate night has a different menu, and the last night will also have a different menu. The longer cruises have more changes of menus. They do a great job of changing things up. Since its your first cruise you might want to experience all the main restaurants and their different menus, they're all quite delicious. But I'm all for Palo too.

Good thinking. I guess we find out when we board and they keep some Palo reservations open? I want to Ty it ALL. Of course. But if we can do Palo brunch that's good too.

I copied this off of the cruise site. It's some of the activities. I just when I knew when they'd be doing the treasure hunt etc...He's totally uninterested in video games and I'm so happy about that. He loves them at home but said there's not way he's sitting and playing games on the cruise. He loves the sun like me.


Step into Edge and find a wide array of entertainment, including:

A computer lab with child-friendly computers
Videogame consoles with the latest games
Tables for arts and crafts
Flat-screen televisions
Karaoke machines
Activities
Edge hosts exciting activities for tween cruisers ages 11 to 14. Check the Personal Navigator for specific dates and times of activities while onboard.

Although subject to change, activities at Edge may include:

Pizza Perfection
Answer trivia questions to win pizza toppings and create the perfect pizza. After the game is over, the pizzas are cooked and shared by all.

Road Tour
Embark on a jammin' scavenger hunt throughout the ship as you work to gather stamps to fill your rock 'n' roll passport by solving music-themed brain teasers and puzzles.

A Pirate's Life for Me
Arrr you pirate enough? Compete in physical challenges and answer trivia questions about ye olde time scalawags and buccaneers in this game to see who will claim the infamous pearl.


Sounds kinda fun. Maybe I'll join them. Funny thing I quiz my kids all the time in the car about different bands. I'll give them a buck if they can name it. The other day Joshua named Led Zeppelin. That's successful parenting if you ask me.







It's flying by now. Joshua's bar mitzvah is exactly 3 months from today. Crazy!​

I just looked, they changed a lot of stuff. I'm shocked at the 4 cookies for $19. They better be as good as Ghirardelli's for that much! I'd call them and see what they say. How disappointing though.

I really liked the package I chose. It had water proof cards too which looked like fun. I don't need the weird speaker thing that comes with the set. I should check eBay.​

 

[Pinkocto]

I know right. Guess his unselfish streak benefits me 99% of the time. ​

I'm just really impressed by his decision hopefully he won't regret it when vacation time rolls around.

Good thinking. I guess we find out when we board and they keep some Palo reservations open? I want to Ty it ALL. Of course. But if we can do Palo brunch that's good too.​

I love it! Yep, they keep some reservations open specifically for people to book onboard. We can still book it and change it too.

I copied this off of the cruise site. It's some of the activities. I just when I knew when they'd be doing the treasure hunt etc...He's totally uninterested in video games and I'm so happy about that. He loves them at home but said there's not way he's sitting and playing games on the cruise. He loves the sun like me.


Step into Edge and find a wide array of entertainment, including:

A computer lab with child-friendly computers
Videogame consoles with the latest games
Tables for arts and crafts
Flat-screen televisions
Karaoke machines
Activities
Edge hosts exciting activities for tween cruisers ages 11 to 14. Check the Personal Navigator for specific dates and times of activities while onboard.

Although subject to change, activities at Edge may include:

Pizza Perfection
Answer trivia questions to win pizza toppings and create the perfect pizza. After the game is over, the pizzas are cooked and shared by all.

Road Tour
Embark on a jammin' scavenger hunt throughout the ship as you work to gather stamps to fill your rock 'n' roll passport by solving music-themed brain teasers and puzzles.

A Pirate's Life for Me
Arrr you pirate enough? Compete in physical challenges and answer trivia questions about ye olde time scalawags and buccaneers in this game to see who will claim the infamous pearl.


Sounds kinda fun. Maybe I'll join them. Funny thing I quiz my kids all the time in the car about different bands. I'll give them a buck if they can name it. The other day Joshua named Led Zeppelin. That's successful parenting if you ask me.



[/CENTER]

There's no way I could pick out a Led Zeppelin song

They'll have activities all day every day I'm sure he'll find tons of things to enjoy

It's flying by now. Joshua's bar mitzvah is exactly 3 months from today. Crazy! [/CENTER]

Very cool anything you need to plan for the big day?

I really liked the package I chose. It had water proof cards too which looked like fun. I don't need the weird speaker thing that comes with the set. I should check eBay.​

That's right, I thought the cards were a cool touch. And the new one is a lot more too.

 

[rentayenta]

I'm just really impressed by his decision hopefully he won't regret it when vacation time rolls around.

I think he's good. M talked with him yesterday over lunch and he says he knows we'll go back, I'm his mom after all. Good conversation though because it opened the door to get M to start thinking about our next trip to WDW. Gabby isn't sure she wants a family trip for HS graduation so I'm thinking Spring Break 2015, which I know seems like decades away, but really it's less than two years. That's about when I start planning our trips to WDW. ​

I love it! Yep, they keep some reservations open specifically for people to book onboard. We can still book it and change it too.

Excellent news.​

There's no way I could pick out a Led Zeppelin song

Really? What kind of music do you listen to?​

They'll have activities all day every day I'm sure he'll find tons of things to enjoy

I'm sure. I told him to do whatever he wants, it's his cruise, and not to feel guilty about leaving me. He knows he can find me at the pool. ​

Very cool anything you need to plan for the big day?

Oh my gosh yes! We've got to get invitations out within the next 6 weeks. We have to order the kippas or yarmulke. Have to set up the catering for the kiddush luncheon after at the synagogue. He needs his new clothes, his tallit (prayer shawl), all of us girls need new dresses or outfits. We'll have to clean the synagogue before. I need to plan the dinner for the evening. Thankfully we get to skip the big party/reception as he chose a cruise instead. ​

That's right, I thought the cards were a cool touch. And the new one is a lot more too.

I guess I'll call and see what they can do. Wonder why they changed it? He'll love that backpack so I'm going to have to suck it up and buy it in that package and order an extra water bottle.​

188 days!!! ​

 

[Pinkocto]

I think he's good. M talked with him yesterday over lunch and he says he knows we'll go back, I'm his mom after all. Good conversation though because it opened the door to get M to start thinking about our next trip to WDW. Gabby isn't sure she wants a family trip for HS graduation so I'm thinking Spring Break 2015, which I know seems like decades away, but really it's less than two years. That's about when I start planning our trips to WDW. ​

I understand completely, I'm planning 2015 as well the only thing concrete right now is Aulani but there will definitely be a cruise as well once they come out with the itineraries. How long will your WDW trip be? What does Gabby want to do for her HS graduation?

Really? What kind of music do you listen to?​

Pop mainly. I also enjoy jazz, soft rock, and oldies.

I'm sure. I told him to do whatever he wants, it's his cruise, and not to feel guilty about leaving me. He knows he can find me at the pool. ​

And you guys can use the wave phones and be able to call anytime/anywhere.

Oh my gosh yes! We've got to get invitations out within the next 6 weeks. We have to order the kippas or yarmulke. Have to set up the catering for the kiddush luncheon after at the synagogue. He needs his new clothes, his tallit (prayer shawl), all of us girls need new dresses or outfits. We'll have to clean the synagogue before. I need to plan the dinner for the evening. Thankfully we get to skip the big party/reception as he chose a cruise instead. ​

Wow! Lots to do. What's the difference between dinner and the big party/reception? Would it normally be a different event?

I guess I'll call and see what they can do. Wonder why they changed it? He'll love that backpack so I'm going to have to suck it up and buy it in that package and order an extra water bottle.​

It's pretty nice, I'm sure he'll like it

188 days!!! ​

​

 

[podsnel]

He is a very thoughtful young man. I am very impressed! Great job, Mom!

You are still flying in the day before the cruise though, right? Just staying somewhere else? I always get nervous when people fly in the day of- you just never know what might happen with flight delays, etc...KWIM?

 

[rentayenta]

I understand completely, I'm planning 2015 as well the only thing concrete right now is Aulani but there will definitely be a cruise as well once they come out with the itineraries. How long will your WDW trip be? What does Gabby want to do for her HS graduation?

When are you going to Aulani? In 2015?

Gabby wanted a Disney cruise but now she's talking about going somewhere with her friends. I knew this day was coming. She wants to go on a cruise if we're going on a cruise but she doesn't want it as her graduation trip.


I'm guessing they'll be out a full week so we'd leave Saturday and return the following Sunday. Of course, one of the busiest times. That'll only give us 7 park days. It'll turn into 6 because we'll for sure do at least one of the water parks. 6 days seems hardly long enough.

How long will your trips be? Is your cute mom going to Aulani with you?​

Pop mainly. I also enjoy jazz, soft rock, and oldies.

I'm guessing my oldies are much older than your oldies. The girls listen to a lot of Pop. I like soft rock too. The only music I just can't seem to get into is Country. I like some old school stuff like Dwight Yokam and Johnny Cash nut can't get into much new stuff other than the Dixie Chicks who I love.​

And you guys can use the wave phones and be able to call anytime/anywhere.

That's right, the wave phone. I have to remember to put my phone on airplane mode. Did you see that thread where the girl from the UK didn't and incurred something like $6,000 in roaming charges? I like to use my phone for easy picture taking.​

Wow! Lots to do. What's the difference between dinner and the big party/reception? Would it normally be a different event?

A traditional US bar/bat mitzvah party is very much like a wedding reception. Full dinner, linens, a DJ and dance floor, cake cutting etc....to each his own but we are just so not into it. Gabby broke the mold with choosing a trip over a big party and I am so glad she did. ​

He is a very thoughtful young man. I am very impressed! Great job, Mom!

You are still flying in the day before the cruise though, right? Just staying somewhere else? I always get nervous when people fly in the day of- you just never know what might happen with flight delays, etc...KWIM?

We'll fly into Miami the day before or maybe even that Friday after school in order to be able to have a full day in Miami. Flying out of Utah in January poses all kinds of delay risks. Any idea on what to do in Miami if we have a full day? I know I'll be needing to grab a couple bottles of rum.


Kind words, thank you. He's a pretty great kid. Love our boys!​

 

[eandesmom]

Total hijack but how can anyone not love the Dixie chicks!

Jeff will give you 10 ways but...

 

[rentayenta]

Total hijack but how can anyone not love the Dixie chicks!

Jeff will give you 10 ways but...

They are crazy talented; all of them are amazing. We named our first set of chickens after them. ​

 

[eandesmom]

They are crazy talented; all of them are amazing. We named our first set of chickens after them.

This right there, is why I love you!

Here Natalie...Come here! Lol!

 

[rentayenta]

This right there, is why I love you!

Here Natalie...Come here! Lol!

Exactly. There were 5 total; Natalie, Marnie, Emily, baked, and fried. ​

 

[jedijill]

Exactly. There were 5 total; Natalie, Marnie, Emily, baked, and fried. ​

Love the Dixie Chicks! I am heartbroken that they don't perform together anymore. Natalie Maines has a new solo album out but I haven't listened to it yet.

Jill in CO

 

[Pinkocto]

When are you going to Aulani? In 2015?

How long will your trips be? Is your cute mom going to Aulani with you?​

You know how much I love talking about trips! as of now mom will be going to Aulani, hopefully I'll be able to drag her away from DBF. After this years drama it definitely looks like only one big trip a year and one long weekend trip a possibility. Aulani was going to be September 2014 but I decided to book the transatlantic instead which is just as well because mom wouldn't be able to go because she's chosen the Mother's Day cruise on the Fantasy as her 2014 trip with me. So Aulani has been moved to September 2015 because of cheap points, weather, and works well with moms work schedule. That will be at least 10 days if not two weeks. I've never been to Hawaii so want to do all the touristy things.

Gabby wanted a Disney cruise but now she's talking about going somewhere with her friends. I knew this day was coming. She wants to go on a cruise if we're going on a cruise but she doesn't want it as her graduation trip.

Bummer. You'd be ok with them going somewhere alone?

I'm guessing they'll be out a full week so we'd leave Saturday and return the following Sunday. Of course, one of the busiest times. That'll only give us 7 park days. It'll turn into 6 because we'll for sure do at least one of the water parks. 6 days seems hardly long enough.

That definitely doesn't sound like long enough, especially so long inbetween visits.

I'm guessing my oldies are much older than your oldies. The girls listen to a lot of Pop. I like soft rock too. The only music I just can't seem to get into is Country. I like some old school stuff like Dwight Yokam and Johnny Cash nut can't get into much new stuff other than the Dixie Chicks who I love.​

Probably the same oldies, 50s and 60s. I really like the 70s too. I don't enjoy country, hard rock, heavy metal, and rap. Some classical I like but most of it gives me a headache. Blues, I like blues too. And some bluegrass. What am I missing?

That's right, the wave phone. I have to remember to put my phone on airplane mode. Did you see that thread where the girl from the UK didn't and incurred something like $6,000 in roaming charges? I like to use my phone for easy picture taking.​

Oh my goodness! No I hadn't heard about that. Years ago I left mine on when I went to the Bahamas and it was a couple hundred dollars. Never again. I make the last call and turn the phone to airplane mode as we leave port.

A traditional US bar/bat mitzvah party is very much like a wedding reception. Full dinner, linens, a DJ and dance floor, cake cutting etc....to each his own but we are just so not into it. Gabby broke the mold with choosing a trip over a big party and I am so glad she did. ​

Wow! That's a big undertaking! Very cool you gave your kids the option

 

[rentayenta]

Heading to the airport to grab Gabby so I'll be back to respond but wanted to say:


187 days!!!



I'm so excited to see her after 4 weeks of her being gone. Can't wait. Happy Sunday friends. ​

 

[Pinkocto]

Heading to the airport to grab Gabby so I'll be back to respond but wanted to say:


187 days!!!



I'm so excited to see her after 4 weeks of her being gone. Can't wait. Happy Sunday friends. ​

I can't believe it's been a month already! I hope she had a fantastic time

 

[rentayenta]

I can't believe it's been a month already! I hope she had a fantastic time

She had an amazing time. She's pretty blue today though. You couldn't pay me to be 16 again. She doesn't love Utah necessarily and being in cool Colorado doesn't help upon returning. Reentry always sucks. I told her Thats how I feel after every vacation and it'll take a few days to acclimate.​

Love the Dixie Chicks! I am heartbroken that they don't perform together anymore. Natalie Maines has a new solo album out but I haven't listened to it yet.

Jill in CO

Its really good. DH downloaded it. Her voice is unbelievable, one of my favorites across all genres.​

You know how much I love talking about trips! as of now mom will be going to Aulani, hopefully I'll be able to drag her away from DBF. After this years drama it definitely looks like only one big trip a year and one long weekend trip a possibility. Aulani was going to be September 2014 but I decided to book the transatlantic instead which is just as well because mom wouldn't be able to go because she's chosen the Mother's Day cruise on the Fantasy as her 2014 trip with me. So Aulani has been moved to September 2015 because of cheap points, weather, and works well with moms work schedule. That will be at least 10 days if not two weeks. I've never been to Hawaii so want to do all the touristy things.

Can you adopt me? Or maybe your mom can though I think I'm closer to her age than yours. What wonderful plans you have.

Her DBF is giving her grief about vacationing with you? Without him?

10 days at Aulani will be unreal. ​

Bummer. You'd be ok with them going somewhere alone?

Define alone? ​

That definitely doesn't sound like long enough, especially so long inbetween visits.

I and it might be sooner but as of right now, there's nothing on the books. I hate that!​

Probably the same oldies, 50s and 60s. I really like the 70s too. I don't enjoy country, hard rock, heavy metal, and rap. Some classical I like but most of it gives me a headache. Blues, I like blues too. And some bluegrass. What am I missing?

I like that stuff too. But I also like some rap specifically the naughty Snoop Dogg variety. The bad stuff.

Love bluegrass too.

I think you're covered. ​

Oh my goodness! No I hadn't heard about that. Years ago I left mine on when I went to the Bahamas and it was a couple hundred dollars. Never again. I make the last call and turn the phone to airplane mode as we leave port.

I would die with a 6k phone bill. I'm going to do exactly what you said; turn it on airplane mode and be done with it. I'm not going to go wifi even if its an option. I can live Internet free for 5 nights.​

Wow! That's a big undertaking! Very cool you gave your kids the option

Its a lot of work for everyone but very worth it. The FaceTime meeting with our rabbi went very well last night. Joshua is working hard but needs to stop it up some. I need to help him more too. ​

186 days!!! ​

 

[rentayenta]

185 days!!! ​

 

[Pinkocto]

She had an amazing time. She's pretty blue today though. You couldn't pay me to be 16 again. She doesn't love Utah necessarily and being in cool Colorado doesn't help upon returning. Reentry always sucks. I told her Thats how I feel after every vacation and it'll take a few days to acclimate.​

It's always hard coming back to reality.

Can you adopt me? Or maybe your mom can though I think I'm closer to her age than yours. What wonderful plans you have.

Her DBF is giving her grief about vacationing with you? Without him?

10 days at Aulani will be unreal. ​

Sure, come along! I think you and mom would get along famously.

We both think the he's a bit jealous that we have so much fun together. He has three daughters and the only time he hears from them is if they need something. He's welcome to come with us but doesn't like crowds so won't even try WDW, and he's also closed his mind to cruising. We had him booked on a cruise but he didn't want to go. Oh well, no biggie.

I can't wait to get to Aulani, hopefully it won't have to be changed again.

Define alone? ​

No parents in tow

I and it might be sooner but as of right now, there's nothing on the books. I hate that!​

Is there a non Disney family trip planned? I know we've talked about this but I can't for the life of me remember, sorry

I like that stuff too. But I also like some rap specifically the naughty Snoop Dogg variety. The bad stuff.

Love bluegrass too.

I think you're covered. ​

I would never have pegged you for liking rap

I would die with a 6k phone bill. I'm going to do exactly what you said; turn it on airplane mode and be done with it. I'm not going to go wifi even if its an option. I can live Internet free for 5 nights.​

I actually find it quite freeing to be disconnected from the phone and Internet. Makes me enjoy the cruise even more I think.

185 days!!! ​

We're almost at 6 months!!!!