~ºoº November 27, 2010- Western Magic! ºoº~

[DLW8]

I am mostly happy with what I got at 90 days - but I must say that the DCL cruise site is one of the most frustrating experiences I have had on any web portal. Every click you make, you are terrified it will time out or boot you off and that ressie you thought you had is gone... Anyway, we got the Palo bruch when I wanted, Day 6, I also did the Mayan ruins and Discover Mexico excursion in Cozumel. I initially reserved Boatswain's in Grand Cayman, but did not like the time, nearly 6 hours. We have a 2 yo, and I thought that would be a bit much for her. Then, I asked my other DD8 (after seeing someone else on this board ask their child what they wanted to do... why didn't I think of that...) about the other excursions, and she surprised me by saying she would like to see the dolphins. So, I dropped Boatswains, signed up her and DH for the Dolphin Encounter, not a swim per se, which I am fine with as she is still a more beginning swimmer. One adult has to participate with her. I signed me and DD2 up for the Observer, and then we get about 45 minutes at Boatswain's anyway, which should be plenty. All in, it is cheaper, and only 4 hours instead of 6.



That's it. Now to FE gifts...

I booked the extreme swim for my whole family at GC for the 11:15 tour and we are doing the Mayan Tour in cozumel (although DH doesn't know about that yet). HOWEVER...I just watched "The Cove" the documentary about dolphin killing in Japan and am just so sad and not sure i want to go through with the swim now! They capture the dolphins and those that aren't "chosen" by seaquariums are slaughtered. It was very difficult to watch, it's a very moving movie. It is filmed by the man who was the trainer for Flipper and now he is an activist. They are showing it on Animal Planet and he has a new series called "Blood Dolphin". I am very disturbed right now.

I love dolphins, always have, and have always wanted to swim with them, as have my kids. But after watching this, I just don't know.

 

[DLW8]

Speaking of meeting...are we going to try and schedule a formal meet with everyone?

On our cruise last year, we had a meet in the lounge around 2:30 as someone else mentioned. The FE coordinator also had copies of the list and map in case anyone needed them. Since that is now me (with help from Christine for the map!), I can bring extra copies as well.

Yes, we definitely have a lot of people celebrating things...and best of all just celebrating being on vacation with Mickey!

 

[champagne27]

Whew - lots going on with double digit countdown and booking excursion and Palo!
I may have to make my my payment earlier then it's due to catch up!

Kids go back to school tomorrow so hopefully life will fall into more of a routine now. Darn those kids afterschool activities that will cramp my disboard time

I really need to work on FE gifts - I saw someone was almost done!

Congrats to all who got their reservations - I really better finalize what we are doing and get that payment in!

 

[mar524]

Welcome! Congratulations on the 5th wedding anniverary We are also celebrating our anniversary (10th on 11/24) and will be on our first ever cruise, and no kids.

Happy Anniversary to you too! Looking forward to a vacation sans kids. As much as I love my children it's nice to have an adult vacation!

 

[alady89]

I just went back on and there are NO available ressies for high tea. I booked a brunch, but not sure if we will keep it or not. Have to discuss with DH, but figured might as well grab it for right now!

I booked brunch and dinner as dh preffered brunch and I liked dinner better but I too could not find a high tea. And I love tea and was looking forward to this. But all ressies were gone. Any chance there will be some once you board?

 

[lisamarch]

I'm not done with my FE gifts but need to be. For six weeks now (!) I've had supplies strewn all over my dining table. We've been eating at our breakfast bar since mid-July! My husband's running joke is, "Why hello Captain. I sure am looking forward to eating at a table on this cruise!" LOL

 

[champagne27]

I'm not done with my FE gifts but need to be. For six weeks now (!) I've had supplies strewn all over my dining table. We've been eating at our breakfast bar since mid-July! My husband's running joke is, "Why hello Captain. I sure am looking forward to eating at a table on this cruise!" LOL

That's funny - I plan on turning my dining room table into FE Central this weekend! I'm sure it will stay that way until packing time! Good thing we are on the plane on T-Day and won't need the table

 

[ukintheus]

2:30 pm meet up sounds good - I am assuming on the day we board? We will be coming from WDW on a DCL bus so hopefully we'll be on by then.

Darcy - I'm sure that program was heartwrenching. I know that I would be heartbroken to watch it - I tend to steer clear of anything that involves animal cruelty - even though I know it exists in this world, I hate to have to see it.

DH and I finally discussed excursions last night to get some consensus and we've decided Key West on our own, Cayman we'll probably look around the town and then grab a cab to the beach for a few hours and we are going to do the Cozumel highlight tour. I made my final payment yesterday so now just sitting patiently waiting for that booking window.

I had a flurry of activity on my FE gifts but then came to a grinding halt. Maybe I'll fire it back up again this weekend seeing as ya'll are putting the pressure on!! I am counting on the stores being stocked with halloween stuff to really finish mine out. I don't have anything crafty in the works but I'm not ruling it out.

Lisa - Too funny about your DH and the table He's right though, he'll have a table on the cruise!

I'm patiently trying to wait out the parking lot that is the freeway I need to take to get to work...it was closed down due to an accident and so my 40 minute commute is at 1 hour and 30 mins right now Good time to catch up on the DISboards!

 

[DLW8]

All you crafy people out there! Can't wait to get on our cruise and meet you all (and find our treasures in our FE!)

My initial thought for my FE gift may be too heavy for me to bring them down, or I would pay a pretty penny to ship. So, rethinking my ideas.

Flag football starts tonight for DS and fall softball started on Sunday for DD, so we are right back into the swing of things for sports. School starts on Thursday and that also means back to work for me.

The good thing is that with allt he craziness of school/sports, the time will definitely fly by til our cruise. That means I need to get moving on what I want to do for my FE!

On another note...has anyone ordered a basket from The Perfect Gift? I'm thinking about it for this year, but not sure what to do...one per kid or one that they share...decisions decisions.

 

[CKCruising]

...with help from Christine for the map...

I'll still help you with the map, but I'm Chris (in the male minority on this board). My wife is Christine though.

It's been a busy week. Paid, Got Brunch and Dinner booked and finalized my excursions. I went with the Pirate Encounter in Grand Cayman, Parasailing (non-disney) in Key West and Nochi Cocum in Cozumel. I booked Nochi Cocum now as with the Oasis in port that day.

Now just waiting for the flight information from Disney.

I think meeting in one of the lounges at 2:30 or 3:00 would be the best as it would be easier to get a couple of group shots when we are the only ones there.

 

[jd99]

I'll still help you with the map, but I'm Chris (in the male minority on this board). My wife is Christine though.

It's been a busy week. Paid, Got Brunch and Dinner booked and finalized my excursions. I went with the Pirate Encounter in Grand Cayman, Parasailing (non-disney) in Key West and Nochi Cocum in Cozumel. I booked Nochi Cocum now as with the Oasis in port that day.

Now just waiting for the flight information from Disney.

I think meeting in one of the lounges at 2:30 or 3:00 would be the best as it would be easier to get a couple of group shots when we are the only ones there.

So YOU are the other male who posts! I'm Jeff. Curious about your parasailing in Key West. Who did you book with? We are also planning to go to Nachi Cocom - just need to get them our credit card for confirmation.

 

[CKCruising]

So YOU are the other male who posts! I'm Jeff. Curious about your parasailing in Key West. Who did you book with? We are also planning to go to Nachi Cocom - just need to get them our credit card for confirmation.

A nice minority to be in

I booked the parasailing with Fury Cat. They are at the same pier we dock at. It was $75 for a tandam ($70 if you book online and they charge your credit card now).

I used the cozumelcruiseexcursions.com website for Nachi Cocum as they would take a credit card directly and I didn't have to fill out the excel form. I don't think there is a difference doing it either way.

 

[thepeacekeeper]

So YOU are the other male who posts! I'm Jeff.

Jeff...heck of a good name. What are you or Chris sewing and/or glueing for FE gifts? HA! Anyway, looks like we're going back to shoretrips for the GC excursion, (hits pretty much everything and includes lunch). I'm still unsure about Cozumel. I have trust issues with the Mexican government and the problems there. I'm sure it's just me.

 

[jd99]

Jeff...heck of a good name. What are you or Chris sewing and/or glueing for FE gifts? HA! Anyway, looks like we're going back to shoretrips for the GC excursion, (hits pretty much everything and includes lunch). I'm still unsure about Cozumel. I have trust issues with the Mexican government and the problems there. I'm sure it's just me.

Wow three of us. shocking! LOL re FE gifts.

In Grand Cayman we found out that the Marriott has day passes that let you use the pool, the beach, the chairs, etc. We have been to GC many times so we are going to just have a beach day. We just came off the Mediterranean cruise that was run run run so this sailing we want to be relax relax relax. However, I never know what to do in Key West except find a bar so parasailing would be cool so I'm going to look into that. Re Coz, we have always had a GREAT time at Paradise Beach but wanted to try Nachi and now that you say the Oasis will be there the same day, that decision is even a better one!

 

[lisamarch]

PIF today. Doing a little dance!

 

[ukintheus]

PIF today. Doing a little dance!

It's a good feeling!

I had forgotten about shoretrips!!! My DH is going to kill me when I throw that into the mix - he was pretty sure he had got away lightly the other night with a decision made - he should have known better Thanks for the mention though as I think it might be something we are interested in.

 

[CKCruising]

...What are you or Chris sewing and/or glueing for FE gifts? HA! ...

LOL. With that many guys, we'll have alot of "purchased" gifts. Hope the rest of you are crafty.

PIF today. Doing a little dance!

PIF is a great feeling...congrats. The only better feeling is when the credit card is Paid off.

 

[iloverags2]

Just tell me the place and time for the meet and I will be there!!! And as for you guys and the FE...not all of us women are crafty either! LOL!

 

[DLW8]

I'll still help you with the map, but I'm Chris (in the male minority on this board). My wife is Christine though.

It's been a busy week. Paid, Got Brunch and Dinner booked and finalized my excursions. I went with the Pirate Encounter in Grand Cayman, Parasailing (non-disney) in Key West and Nochi Cocum in Cozumel. I booked Nochi Cocum now as with the Oasis in port that day.

Now just waiting for the flight information from Disney.

I think meeting in one of the lounges at 2:30 or 3:00 would be the best as it would be easier to get a couple of group shots when we are the only ones there.

Sorry, Chris, and thanks for the help! At first when I read the group shots, I was thinking of the drinking variety and then realized what yo umeant. LOL. Perhaps one of each? Start the cruise off right.

 

[DLW8]

Jeff...heck of a good name. What are you or Chris sewing and/or glueing for FE gifts? HA! Anyway, looks like we're going back to shoretrips for the GC excursion, (hits pretty much everything and includes lunch). I'm still unsure about Cozumel. I have trust issues with the Mexican government and the problems there. I'm sure it's just me.[/QUOTE]

Well, my DH has those same trust issues so we don't know what we will do in Cozumel. DS really wants to visit Mexico and DH isn't happy about getting off the ship. I booked an excursion anyway and can cancel if he still feels that way when it's time to sail. I just know DS will be very disappointed if we are THERE, but can't really BE there.