PreTrippie (aka King Charming Takes Hypermommy (and family) on another cruise)

[laura001]

What???? That's not how it's supposed to operate? But...... ah, baby, you know how I am and you love me!





She's being nice. She didn't say you were underactive... just that your trip report was. We know you're perfect and wonderful. It's just that trip report of yours that we have to beat into shape now and again.

So this weekend was the time when I was supposed to be working on the graphic for our cruise. I got the go-ahead from a cruisemate to do what I wanted to the graphic, so we're going to change it around a bit. I'm wanting to do something that will be mostly the same for everyone but personalizable too (don't know if that's a word but far be it from me to make up my own words, right?). Like on the last cruise I did up a picture of the deck and then each family let me know how many adults/children and male/female were in their group and I put Mickey and Minnie stick figures on the graphic for each family. I love the cruise graphic we have now with the map in the middle and all... but I've gotta figure out what I can do to personalize it. I'm thinking maybe black pirate bandanas for the males and pink ones for the females. I dunno... but I have to think on that a bit so I can get the graphic done. Then I'm hoping we can slip it by CafePress and everyone can order their own.

That's what I was supposed to get to this weekend... but what I ended up doing was working on my website. Got the newsletter all prepped yesterday but had to fight with the server to get it out again this morning. I think the newsletter is getting too large for that mail processor. So I'm going to have to find another one. As Rosanne Rosanadana always said, if it's not one thing it's another, right?

Ok...........it is official........the next cruise we take is going to be the same one you are all on..... Wow, you are going all out! Thought I would stop in and say. "hi". still reading as you go on and enjoying!

 

[Hypermommy]

So I called DCL about re-opening the child trading center, and they tried to tell me that they have NO plans for such a center, had never had one, and basically told me how full of bologna I was (in a very polite way of course). When I asked about just leaving them at Marge's, they again nicely told me that my kids were MY problem. Rules state that EVERYBODY who gets off the ship at CC is REQUIRED to get back on. Holy Cow, what kind of vacation is that? So now I have to come up with a brand new plan to make this cruise better than the last one.

Oh, I understand that everyone that gets off at CC is required to get back on the boat. But are we actually required to get back on with the same people? I mean, can't we trade our kids for someone else's kids? That way, everyone can get back on the boat but have it shuffled up a bit. Surely that would be more magical? But then again, what would we trade for? I wouldn't want to trade for younger kids. They're cute, that's for sure, but they're so much work. It's so nice now to look at the 15 year old and the 13 year old and tell them if they do something stupid they have to dig themselves out of the hole. I'm soooooo mean to them sometimes but I have to be. They have to learn to take care of themselves, right? (at least I keep telling myself that)

So we wouldn't want to trade for someone younger. That leaves another teenager. Maybe we could trade for another teenager? Nah... that's probably not a good idea. Something about the devil you know, ya know?

Maybe we could trade for a kid that's in college (on a scholarship, of course)? Nah... no one that's been through the teenaged years with a child is going to willingly go back to that. Hmmmmm... so now the question is how do we trick them into taking these teenagers for their college kids. Hmmmm.... I'll have to think on that one.

And the back-up plan took quite a hit too this week! I'd really been trying to work out a way to bring MIL along, even to the point where I was counting the same coins twice. Well, that all changed when a new person came into our lives the other day. This nice doctor said she could straighten and correct eating machine #1's teeth. With the way he empties a pantry you'd never know he needs any help, but... Granted, he has spacing issues and an overbite, but $5K worth?

I still haven't given up on bringing mom along. I know it's 95% certain that there's no way it's going to happen. Okay, 98% certain. But you know me... I'm the one that never gives up. If I could just find time to do the research for my website and book then maybe that'd pay for it. Oh wait... I said that was going to pay for MouseFest next year didn't I? Well... wouldn't be the first time I've used the same money to pay for multiple things. It's a bit of a talent of mine, isn't it, KC?

Ok...........it is official........the next cruise we take is going to be the same one you are all on..... Wow, you are going all out! Thought I would stop in and say. "hi". still reading as you go on and enjoying!

Nah, we're not going all out. Now the last trip... the one where formal night fell on my birthday and King Charming allowed me to go all out about formal wear and my gown and the tiara and everything. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

But this time we're not really doing much in the way of excursions. Now the boys are. EM#2 is going to do the Royal Dolphin Swim in Cozumel and EM#1 is going to do the zipline. But they're paying for those themselves. I know.. we're terrible parents and make the children pay for their $150 excursion themselves. But since they got most of the money from Meme for Christmas and I made them open a savings account right away, they've got the money.

That is, now that EM#1 understands that it's not acceptable to walk up to the bank and take out some money and head over to his favorite restaurant. He did that once and we came to a really clear understanding after that. That's not what a savings account is for, son.

So now we're 9 months away from the cruise. I'm ready to start buying things (fish extender stuff and maybe some little things here and there). But winter is always a tough time of the year as KC's business is seasonal. So I won't be getting stuff yet. But maybe a small thing or two here or there. I think it's time for a bit of a trip to the dollar store... what do y'all think? Maybe if I can get a favorable vote on here he'll let me go?

 

[rantnnravin]

It will be good for the economy if you go and then KC's work will surely pick up after that.

 

[texfinn]

What a GREAT Pre-Trip report. I need to go back and find your original TR. We are going on our FIRST Disney cruise in May and I am just over the top excited. These TRs and PTRs get me so jazzed -- the bad thing is I can't focus at work BUT am in a FABULOUS mood so that counts for something right?

Love the packing list and the tips on the room. We are also thinking of bringing plenty of wine/beer/tequila/baileys with us and were thinking we may look like drunken parents but you guys gave us some hope!

Thanks for sharing and if you don't mind, am planning on keeping up with your fabulous PTR!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Okay if you're like me you will go into the dollar store saying "I'm only buying X,Y, Z," and come out with abcdefghijklmnop and q.

It's worse now that my dollar store takes interact.

 

[King Charming]

Since I don't get out much and therefore have no new adventures to prattle on about, I thought I'd give you a quick recap of a similar quest.

Big Al, a poker buddy, has been back a while from his 9 nighter on NCL. It was his first cruise and he and his wife did a southern Caribbean out of Miami. His only complaint was that it wasn't an 'all-inclusive' deal. Even with a 'coupon book' it still got old quick paying for 'extras'. When we compared stateroom rates he said he still came out better, although he more than made up for it with loses in the casino. They aren't Mickey fans, so they don't feel they are missing anything. The 5 hour drive from here to Canaveral is bad enough; doing a 10 hour run twice wouldn't be a very nice part of my vacation. They liked it enough that they will start talking it up big around his extended family in hopes of dragging some of them along next time.

I mean, what's not to like? A floating resort that takes you to faraway places? And the good food, entertainment, and service (on most ships).... Is the any wonder why a return trip is necessary? One thing we both agreed on was the length of the cruise. A few days is too short a trip. About the time you really understand the layout of the ship and aren't getting lost, it's time to go? I'm sure there are dozens of good reasons for shorter trips, but we both concur that unpacking then packing back up should not be done within a few days of each other.

So the moral to this story is that DCL is only marginally more expensive than others. Granted, the get on the ship cost is way higher with DCL, but with the free soda machine on deck nine, no coupons to deal with, and Mickey, I won't cry too loud when I board the ship again soon.

 

[laura001]

Since I don't get out much and therefore have no new adventures to prattle on about, I thought I'd give you a quick recap of a similar quest.

Big Al, a poker buddy, has been back a while from his 9 nighter on NCL. It was his first cruise and he and his wife did a southern Caribbean out of Miami. His only complaint was that it wasn't an 'all-inclusive' deal. Even with a 'coupon book' it still got old quick paying for 'extras'. When we compared stateroom rates he said he still came out better, although he more than made up for it with loses in the casino. They aren't Mickey fans, so they don't feel they are missing anything. The 5 hour drive from here to Canaveral is bad enough; doing a 10 hour run twice wouldn't be a very nice part of my vacation. They liked it enough that they will start talking it up big around his extended family in hopes of dragging some of them along next time.

I mean, what's not to like? A floating resort that takes you to faraway places? And the good food, entertainment, and service (on most ships).... Is the any wonder why a return trip is necessary? One thing we both agreed on was the length of the cruise. A few days is too short a trip. About the time you really understand the layout of the ship and aren't getting lost, it's time to go? I'm sure there are dozens of good reasons for shorter trips, but we both concur that unpacking then packing back up should not be done within a few days of each other.

So the moral to this story is that DCL is only marginally more expensive than others. Granted, the get on the ship cost is way higher with DCL, but with the free soda machine on deck nine, no coupons to deal with, and Mickey, I won't cry too loud when I board the ship again soon.

I couldn't agree with you more and we haven't even cruised yet! My big reason for picking Disney (besides the fact that it is Disney, DH could care less) is that we know that our expectations are going to be completely met and surpassed. I don't mind paying for that at all, and to tell you the truth the money we would have saved booking a different cruise would have been spent in the Casino for sure, and probably MORE!

I am hoping that cruising is going to open a whole new world for DH, me....well, as long as I travel....I am happy!

 

[rantnnravin]

So the moral to this story is that DCL is only marginally more expensive than others. Granted, the get on the ship cost is way higher with DCL, but with the free soda machine on deck nine, no coupons to deal with, and Mickey, I won't cry too loud when I board the ship again soon.

don't forget the ability to stock your own adult beverages. I think with a marginal $50 outlay at publix, we saved several hundred - if not a thousand - in those costs alone. (and got to share shots of malibu with complete strangers on the family beach at Castaway Cay)

 

[laura001]

That is, now that EM#1 understands that it's not acceptable to walk up to the bank and take out some money and head over to his favorite restaurant. He did that once and we came to a really clear understanding after that. That's not what a savings account is for, son.

So now we're 9 months away from the cruise. I'm ready to start buying things (fish extender stuff and maybe some little things here and there). But winter is always a tough time of the year as KC's business is seasonal. So I won't be getting stuff yet. But maybe a small thing or two here or there. I think it's time for a bit of a trip to the dollar store... what do y'all think? Maybe if I can get a favorable vote on here he'll let me go?

Hey, I have kids like that too!!!! lol!!! I don't think it is a bad thing having your kids pay for some of the things they want todo for the trip. Our last trip with the kids to WDW we had them each pay $100.00 and also their own spending money. It is good for them, helps them to realize what it takes to go on vacation.

For your FE stuff, do you have any great ideas....we are just 11 weeks out, I need to get a move on with some of that stuff.

 

[Hypermommy]

Love the packing list and the tips on the room. We are also thinking of bringing plenty of wine/beer/tequila/baileys with us and were thinking we may look like drunken parents but you guys gave us some hope!

Thanks for sharing and if you don't mind, am planning on keeping up with your fabulous PTR!

Hey, you're sailing along in the Caribbean... you're supposed to look like drunken pirates! Oh, you said parents... okay so toss your kids in the kid clubs and enjoy yourselves. Honestly, the kids will really enjoy it -- who knows better than Disney how to entertain kids -- and you'll love the adults only time.

Hope you do keep reading. And I hope we can keep on entertaining you.

Okay if you're like me you will go into the dollar store saying "I'm only buying X,Y, Z," and come out with abcdefghijklmnop and q.

It's worse now that my dollar store takes interact.

Yep, my debit card gets quite a workout at the dollar store. I'd come out with more stuff but there's only so many letters in the alphabet.

don't forget the ability to stock your own adult beverages. I think with a marginal $50 outlay at publix, we saved several hundred - if not a thousand - in those costs alone. (and got to share shots of malibu with complete strangers on the family beach at Castaway Cay)

Bet they weren't strangers after a couple of shots of Malibu!! But how did the parents feel about you giving the kids booze? Oh, you mean the parents?? I thought it might be something akin to when my kid's pediatrician told me to give Eating Machine #1 Benadryl to keep him quiet on a long trip.

Hey, I have kids like that too!!!! lol!!! I don't think it is a bad thing having your kids pay for some of the things they want todo for the trip. Our last trip with the kids to WDW we had them each pay $100.00 and also their own spending money. It is good for them, helps them to realize what it takes to go on vacation.

Thanks! I'm glad someone didn't think I was such a horrible parent. Boy, I'll tell you it's been tough. He's been seeing all kinds of stuff he wants for his DS but I wouldn't let him take the money out of his savings account. But as of yesterday his trip is officially booked. And I showed him a picture online of someone doing the foot-push thing with the dolphins and he's so excited. So I went ahead and booked the trip and he and King Charming have to go to the bank sometime this week so EM#2 can get money out of his savings account and pay off some of King Charming's credit card with it. He'll probably still owe a bit but I'm sure KC can come up with some work around the house for him to do.

But there ya go! Our first ressie! And only 261 days left. I guess I'd better get crackin'!

 

[purplepeg]

wow 200 and some odd days, you must be getting excited. I can't wait to hear all about it, i love the planning. i'm excited!

 

[King Charming]

So I started back on my firewood collection kick again. I sold out completely this year, finally getting rid of wood I've had for nearly 2 years. Turns out I had way more wood stacked up around here than I estimated and made nearly $1K . It's so nice to turn a profit after buying that hydraulic log splitter and only breaking even last year. But man, what a cool machine it is, and it was worth it. With cooler weather usually hitting this part of the world around Halloween and wood sales beginning Nov 1, I've got extra incentive to have an ample wood supply prior to out 11/14 cruise. While I don't expect to sell even half of it that first week (it NEVER works that way), several hundred in cash would be a timely addition to my pocket (and therefore Mickey's).

I've found that most developers will look the other way if you help yourself to the trees after they have knocked them down. They will sometimes sell the pine trees, but will have to pay to have the others hauled off or ground up. As long as I don't chainsaw off my arm and sue them, they are cool. Having all those oaks and occasional wild cherry trees go to waste benefits no one, so I step up and recycle them. This first new stack stands 4 1/2 feet tall and should be 25 feet long when everything I currently have is stacked. I hope to have at least 5 times that in 10-12 weeks (got to give it 6-8 mos to dry out), but it all depends on availability. And not just any oak tree, heck no! It has to be a EASY tree, meaning I can pull my pickup right up to it for easy loading. Yes, lazy people CAN be in the firewood business as long as they observe rule # 2 (Rule #1, Don't get stupid w/ the chainsaw). #2 is to move the wood as few times and as short a distance as possible. The rest of the time you are just supervising the rain covers each stack gets. All year long . Well, someone has to do it, and if I can get it done with a beer in my hand, all the better!

Another plus to selling seasoned split logs is the sad jokes and bad puns that abound. I love telling folks to be very careful handling the wood because they are extremely flammable and could burst into flames at any moment. And to be careful how many logs they use each time, 'cause this stuff doesn't grow on trees you know. On and on, I've got dozens of 'em (and none better). I can do corny all night long, so don't get me started unless you really enjoy rolling your eyes often. But somehow you already knew that...

 

[King Charming]

I kind of knew this would happen, but was unsure as to where I would level out. The excited giddiness has worn off after booking this adventure, but with so many months till sailaway, it seems like such a distant dream. I would have never thought I could feel so blase' about the whole thing, but with 35 weeks (who's counting?) to go, it's just not there. Last time I couldn't shut up about our upcoming cruise, but this time you have got to ask to get me talking about it. I guess it is because my anxiety level is so much lower now. Knowing what to expect and all, I'm not so worried about the 'what-ifs' that come with such an event. No concerns this time about seasickness, standing in endless hour long lines, or that the kids or I would be bored. That plus maybe having Mrs. Organization do all our planning allows me to (hopefully) just fer-get about it. This is how it should have been last time. I am glad we get to do it with confidence and calmness this time.

 

[Hypermommy]

That plus maybe having Mrs. Organization do all our planning allows me to (hopefully) just fer-get about it. This is how it should have been last time. I am glad we get to do it with confidence and calmness this time.

Wow! Did y'all hear that? Did ya? Didn't that sound like a blank check to you? Sure did to me!!!!!

Here we go, here we go, to a universe of energy... well, energetic spending anyway!!!!

 

[King Charming]

WHOA Nelly, or whatever your name is. Since when did 'plan' and 'spend' become interchangeable? Have I EVER experienced calmness when you start collecting receipts?

I was assured by the man council that my previous post could NEVER be understood to mean you should buy Mickey new shoes! (OK, he needs them, but that's a different story). Mr Webster (who is a council member in good standing) clearly defines 'planning' as getting ready to do something, but not actually doing it.

Now if you want to appeal this definition or need further clarification, you may appear before our board just prior to being told "NO", then swiftly be led away.

We will get to the spending portion of the trip soon enough (slow paced, mind you), so just rein-in your bank note autographs a few months (years) longer. Why don't you dig up a few of those old lists to entertain yourself with? Think about how much fun it will be updating the expected expenses list as prices have probably gone up during the 1 1/2 year interlude.

Oh and dearest, just remember we have a $$ cap and any departure from our current budget will most likely come from your ship and shore shopping money. (Hey, the booze expense is unchangeable, I do have my priorities you know).

So get cracking on that instead and we will see if it meets with my approval. (ouch, not so hard, it hurts when you smack me like that). So do what you want, sans plastic and checkbook, and we'll go from there.

 

[MMitchell29]

You guys are so funny..........gotta love ya

 

[King Charming]

I'm so happy with a recent turn of events, and I thought I'd share with/bore my captive audience. While driving around last Monday I spied a residential lot being cleared. I called the number on the 4 sale sign at the street and asked about the wood. I ended up speaking with 'The' man who quickly realized he would save himself money by giving me as much wood as I'd be willing to haul away. It turns out the 'Mr Smart" (as I'll call him) is a broker/contractor who subs most of the work to himself. So he was also the guy running the back hoe/front end loader, and who was going out of his way to help me get access to the trees! He said he still had 7 other lots to clear in the sub-division, but that was not the only place in our county he was building, and that I could have as much wood as I can dream about . I immediately went to work harvesting and my inventory doubled last week! I finally got caught up this afternoon, splitting and stacking everything I brought home during 7 logging expeditions. Wood Stack One ended at 42 feet long, and WS2 sprang to life. I figure I've got about $1K of wood, and was just doing the math when I got a visit from a really odd fellow.

He was a short little guy, big nose, and he must have had some sort of wacky hairdo because it was all covered up by this big oversized hat. He said he was from the wood stacking society and he was just stopping by for a peek. Even though he said it wasn't any type of official inspection, he did have some pretty strange questions. Things like 'do you have any plans for the money the wood will bring in?', 'do I plan on sharing the money with family members?', and 'was I planning any other trips?'. Well, my back was hurting, I was hot and tired, and no, I really didn't have the time or desire to deal with this runt. So yes, I may have been a tad bit short or abrupt as I ran him off. I hope this doesn't come back to haunt me.

Anyway, I have enough firewood for my regular customers, and that will mean many hundreds of dollars right before we leave. I wonder if we can keep this extra cash a secret from Mickey?

 

[laura001]

I'm so happy with a recent turn of events, and I thought I'd share with/bore my captive audience. While driving around last Monday I spied a residential lot being cleared. I called the number on the 4 sale sign at the street and asked about the wood. I ended up speaking with 'The' man who quickly realized he would save himself money by giving me as much wood as I'd be willing to haul away. It turns out the 'Mr Smart" (as I'll call him) is a broker/contractor who subs most of the work to himself. So he was also the guy running the back hoe/front end loader, and who was going out of his way to help me get access to the trees! He said he still had 7 other lots to clear in the sub-division, but that was not the only place in our county he was building, and that I could have as much wood as I can dream about . I immediately went to work harvesting and my inventory doubled last week! I finally got caught up this afternoon, splitting and stacking everything I brought home during 7 logging expeditions. Wood Stack One ended at 42 feet long, and WS2 sprang to life. I figure I've got about $1K of wood, and was just doing the math when I got a visit from a really odd fellow.

He was a short little guy, big nose, and he must have had some sort of wacky hairdo because it was all covered up by this big oversized hat. He said he was from the wood stacking society and he was just stopping by for a peek. Even though he said it wasn't any type of official inspection, he did have some pretty strange questions. Things like 'do you have any plans for the money the wood will bring in?', 'do I plan on sharing the money with family members?', and 'was I planning any other trips?'. Well, my back was hurting, I was hot and tired, and no, I really didn't have the time or desire to deal with this runt. So yes, I may have been a tad bit short or abrupt as I ran him off. I hope this doesn't come back to haunt me.

Anyway, I have enough firewood for my regular customers, and that will mean many hundreds of dollars right before we leave. I wonder if we can keep this extra cash a secret from Mickey?

Wow...what a great windfall for you!!!

On the other hand, if you wanted to keep it a secret from Mickey, the last place you should post it is one here!

 

[King Charming]

Yeah, you sure are right about big ears, but how he pulled this last one off has me scratching my head.

So after I posted about wood stack # 2, I checked my Email, and sure enough, it's there. Titled 'A friendly ($$$) reminder', it's a note from 'the Mic' himself telling me how fortunate I was to be cruising with him just two weeks after wood selling season begins! He goes on to list excursions we have not yet booked, but that should be available right before sailing. And the darn thing is time stamped 97 minutes before my post!!!

How could he have known?

 

[MassDisLovers]

Hey Friends - enjoying your second PTR. I have good news - we booked for Presidents Week! Yahoo!!!!! We won't be with you, but we will be with the Big Guy.