03/01/2008 Eastern!!

[ranidayz]

HI,
This is my first time on the boards. We are going on our first disney cruise on Mar. 1, 2008 and it's practically all I can think about. I've got notebooks and lists and all sorts of stuff started already, but I can't help but think I'm missing out on a ton of information.

It seems like you all know what you're doing -- this board is the first I have heard of 70s nights or other themes besides Pirates....hoping maybe this board can help me out and it would be nice to know some familiar faces before we board.

We're a family of five in Maryland -- my husband and I (I've never been on a cruise before) and our 10 and eight year old boys and three year old girl (who I am desperately hoping is not the first kid to jump ship...)

Anyway, thanks for the help in advance,
Rani

 

[ejkjmom]

Well.....let me the first to Welcome you and your family!!!!!!​

This is going to be our (DH DD's 11 and 14) 3rd Disney cruise...but I know how you feel..I remember feeling the same way the first 2 cruises ..our first cruise was only a 3 day, I wanted to make sure that we would like it, as none of us had ever cruised before...needless to say, we LOVED IT!!!! the only problem was that 3 days was no where near long enough, so we booked a 7 day before we got off (when you rebook onboard you get 10% off your next cruise)

We will all be more that happy to help you with any questions you have just rest assured that you will have a GREAT time!!!!

 

[ranidayz]

OOOPS - I guess Ididn't check the date of when you were coming to DC -- well, maybe you can do this stuff for the next time you come up here! Now that I'm caught up on all the pages of the thread - I'm going to be more up to date.

Loving these messages,
Rani



Make sure you hit the Spy Museum! Personally, my favorite place is the Inner Harbor in Baltimore - POrt Discovery, the Science Museum, ESPN Zone and the Aquarium...not to mention the street shows. The last time we were there, my daughter was part of the street show and it was hysterical -- you can see it by searching for "Tali Baltimore" on youtube.....it's so much fun there!

Enjoy!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Looks like 90 days out will be 12/2/07 I found this site last year that calulates days out for Disney reservations.....www.pscalculator.net

clink on the PS Calculator link,(it's on the left side of page)...type in your date, and it will figure it out for you.... just that easy

Can't Wait!!!!!!

So, if we are members of the castaway club, we can make reservations for Palo at 90 days? Right?

 

[ejkjmom]

So, if we are members of the castaway club, we can make reservations for Palo at 90 days? Right?

I'm thinking that is right....and they do go quickly, I didn't try to make ressies till a few days after the 90 day mark, maybe a week, and there wasn't many times and dates left....

We have only ate at Palo's once, and that was with the Dis group, the food was truely awesome!!!!!

 

[atinkerbellmom]

First of all Rani. We love that our family is growing and growing. I think we have the coolest group. This group tends to be my sanity here. They are not CRAZY Disers that go on and on about crazy stuff. So, I think you will be happy. I am sooo excited about where you live. My mother's best friend from childhood actually lives in Mountgomery Village MD. I have family in Baltimore proper, Silver Springs and Owens Boro (sp?), my book is not in front of me. With all of those people there, I have never been there to visit, but promised my DS now 9 a trip to the nations capitol the summer after we get back.

Kshabare- is the keeper of the list and can PM you everyone that is going. PM her if you are able. If not, I am sure she will contact you if you want. Again, welcome

Thanks Brenda for giving me the 12/2 date. Does mean I have to PIF before it is due on the 18th. We tend to book our trip and hold the money in a higher intrest account until it has to be paid off and we party with the intrest $$. The reservations do go fast, but they open up more for the 75 day mark and then the day after the PIF mark. They say this makes it fair for everyone to be able to book.

Yes Tammy, we can make reservations at 90 days out. Randi will have to wait until the 75 day mark. If you are a little confused Randi, once you sail with DCL, you become a Castaway Club member, all this means is a small gift in your stateroom, a little lunch on the ship and that we can make reservation for on board activities a little earlier than the 1st time cruisers. When you go back with us in 2009 you too will be a castaway member.

So noone answered me, Let me get this straight......
Brenda is organizing the kid's overnight PJ party in her room,
Jennifer is organizing all of the spa treatments on CC.
Bill & Lisa are organizing the 70's party
Kim is organizing the activities for the kids
Norm is organizing a sports afternoon with the kids
The other Kim is organizing our night at Studio Sea
Michelle is organizing our shopping day in St. John's
Tammy is organizing the DIS meet
and Johnna is organizing the Palo Brunch & EVERYTHING else, RIGHT???????????
Have you noticed I left out someone??????? Maybe I can organize drinks and naps by the Goofy pool.
Just kidding....... I just needed to laugh for a minute.
I think we are the only family that have second dinner, unless Rani was only able to get 2nd dinner. We always have booked second, so this is why I selected it. That's okay, I even have our dinning rotation already SHHHHHHH!!!! So I will keep it.
I think we are up to 10 families now........ we keep growing.
Love ya all....... MMichelle

 

[ranidayz]

First of all Rani. We love that our family is growing and growing. I think we have the coolest group. This group tends to be my sanity here. They are not CRAZY Disers that go on and on about crazy stuff. So, I think you will be happy. I am sooo excited about where you live. My mother's best friend from childhood actually lives in Mountgomery Village MD. I have family in Baltimore proper, Silver Springs and Owens Boro (sp?), my book is not in front of me. With all of those people there, I have never been there to visit, but promised my DS now 9 a trip to the nations capitol the summer after we get back.

Kshabare- is the keeper of the list and can PM you everyone that is going. PM her if you are able. If not, I am sure she will contact you if you want. Again, welcome

Thanks Brenda for giving me the 12/2 date. Does mean I have to PIF before it is due on the 18th. We tend to book our trip and hold the money in a higher intrest account until it has to be paid off and we party with the intrest $$. The reservations do go fast, but they open up more for the 75 day mark and then the day after the PIF mark. They say this makes it fair for everyone to be able to book.

Yes Tammy, we can make reservations at 90 days out. Randi will have to wait until the 75 day mark. If you are a little confused Randi, once you sail with DCL, you become a Castaway Club member, all this means is a small gift in your stateroom, a little lunch on the ship and that we can make reservation for on board activities a little earlier than the 1st time cruisers. When you go back with us in 2009 you too will be a castaway member.

So noone answered me, Let me get this straight......
Brenda is organizing the kid's overnight PJ party in her room,
Jennifer is organizing all of the spa treatments on CC.
Bill & Lisa are organizing the 70's party
Kim is organizing the activities for the kids
Norm is organizing a sports afternoon with the kids
The other Kim is organizing our night at Studio Sea
Michelle is organizing our shopping day in St. John's
Tammy is organizing the DIS meet
and Johnna is organizing the Palo Brunch & EVERYTHING else, RIGHT???????????
Have you noticed I left out someone??????? Maybe I can organize drinks and naps by the Goofy pool.
Just kidding....... I just needed to laugh for a minute.
I think we are the only family that have second dinner, unless Rani was only able to get 2nd dinner. We always have booked second, so this is why I selected it. That's okay, I even have our dinning rotation already SHHHHHHH!!!! So I will keep it.
I think we are up to 10 families now........ we keep growing.
Love ya all....... MMichelle

As it stands right now, we DO in fact have second seating, but are on the waitlist for first. We were debating which is better because first seems to cut short excursion time, but second seems late -- but there's food everwhere, I am told at least, so it's not like the (then) four year old will starve....

How did you get your rotation so early?

I need tips!

Rani

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I am on second dining too. But waitlisted for first. I think I will keep the second. I don't want to be rushed at dinner..

 

[ranidayz]

All right, being new to this, here's my question --- how is it that so many families are able to do this trip on an annual basis? With the transportation, tips, excursions, etc -- it's pretty pricey. I'm looking to the next couple years and seeing at least two sets of braces, bar mitzvahs, etc....I guess a lot of families probably have two full time working parents, but I'm so hoping that there's some secret you all know that I don't!

With all that said, we still do get down to Florida every couple of years in the Spring. My husband usually has a business trip down in Orlando and we try to tag along as long as it doesn't conflict with certain school or family events during that week.

So if there's some secret, PLEASE let me know....

Thanks,
Rani

 

[Johnna_Story]

All right, being new to this, here's my question --- how is it that so many families are able to do this trip on an annual basis? With the transportation, tips, excursions, etc -- it's pretty pricey. I'm looking to the next couple years and seeing at least two sets of braces, bar mitzvahs, etc....I guess a lot of families probably have two full time working parents, but I'm so hoping that there's some secret you all know that I don't!

With all that said, we still do get down to Florida every couple of years in the Spring. My husband usually has a business trip down in Orlando and we try to tag along as long as it doesn't conflict with certain school or family events during that week.

So if there's some secret, PLEASE let me know....

Thanks,
Rani

Gosh - I'm off the boards for two days and it's an explosion of messages!

Rani - welcome!! I'm so glad you found and joined our group. And we are "real life" neighbors - we live in Mont. Co. too - Kensington. Maybe we can meet before the cruise. I'm sure my 4 yr. old daughter will love your 3 yr. old.

We have two secrets for this more than once: we have a benefactor (DH's uncle) who has paid for our first and third cruise; and to pay for our second, and upcoming 4th, DH as taken on a job as adjunct teacher first at MD two years ago, and this year, he starts at Georgetown. It's a lot of stress for him, and for me to juggle the schedule and not overcommit to too much, but the look on our kids faces when they meet their favorite characters make it all worthwhile.

If you want, you can PM me with more info - where you live, etc. and maybe we can hook up for a playdate. Talk to you soon!

Johnna

 

[Johnna_Story]

Johnna-
Aren't you suppose to be busy packing and shopping and planning a "get together and shopping and shopping?????? Did I say shopping.......? I thought of you last night as I got sandles and flip flops and shorts in the next size for the kids. I thought it would be good just to book a cat. 11 room on the 6th floor for all of our stuff....... This is my plan because I have to hide all the STUFF from DH. Now how do I get it to the ship without him knowing ?????? When we get to the islands, we may have to go to Guest Services and get another room or an up grade

Our family has not done the Eastern before so you guys have to give me the ends and outs of where to shop. Did I ever mention I like things that sparkle? Maybe you can call my DH and give him a little hint hint.......

You're killing me! I just haven't reported all my shopping, planning, etc. because DH reads the boards too!

I have to be honest - I haven't done much shopping on the islands because I've been too busy going to the beaches. I've picked up some trinkets, but nothing "sparkly" besides the sequins on DD's purse. Maybe this will be the year...

Okay, so let me get this straight, between Johnna, Kim and the other Michelle everything will be planned and all I have to do is just show up for the vacation?

So noone answered me, Let me get this straight......
Brenda is organizing the kid's overnight PJ party in her room,
Jennifer is organizing all of the spa treatments on CC.
Bill & Lisa are organizing the 70's party
Kim is organizing the activities for the kids
Norm is organizing a sports afternoon with the kids
The other Kim is organizing our night at Studio Sea
Michelle is organizing our shopping day in St. John's
Tammy is organizing the DIS meet
and Johnna is organizing the Palo Brunch & EVERYTHING else, RIGHT???????????

Have you noticed I left out someone??????? Maybe I can organize drinks and naps by the Goofy pool.
Just kidding....... I just needed to laugh for a minute.

And MMichelle - STOP with the planning. Drinks and naps at the Goofy Pool??? I don't think so. Have you seen the kids jumping in and out of there? And the big screen with a movie blaring? And the Goofy's fitness exercises? And the 1000 other things going on in that area?

Why don't you just leave the planning to the rest of us? That said, seeing as how all the rest of us have done all this work to get your itinerary worked out for you, I'm pretty sure you will need to buy us all drinks while we are relaxing in the ADULTS ONLY area.

I like you my fellow cruisemates and FRIENDS. I can not wait to "GET TOGETHER". You all crack me up (LOL). I think we are up to 10 families now........ we keep growing.
Love ya all....... MMichelle

I agree 100% Ciao for now... Johnna

 

[atinkerbellmom]

Oh JS, you crack me up, I had to post all of that to get a stir from you. I have to be a little more quiet since MS is viewing our secrets. I will link our secret room to my reservation(shhhhhh, Mark I didn't say that).

Okay, maybe the Goofy pool was a little "goofy" maybe naps at serenity bay? Now we are talking. I guess the 1st round of Bahama Mama's need to be on me? Since the rest of you may be a little tired from all the planning.

No, on a serious note, I was thinking of putting together little goodie bags for the kids with just some cute stuff from oriental trading co. Since it all comes in buck, is anyone else in on this idea? If so, let me know.

Randi- We actually only get there about every 18 months. We have not done the 12 month blessing. We actually have no secret and by far we do not have a lot of money. Both my DH & I work and believe it or not, we are not the best savers, so we both claim 0 on our taxes, get huge chunks taken out, get our return back and stick it into a high intrest account until we have to close the account for the cruise. We cruise off the return and party off the intrest. Our banker told us she was going to add Mickey Mouse as a third party on our "short term" accounts.

Each time we go, I am the coordinator for all of our family and friends that go as well. I plan everything from air to the hotel the night before to the flights back home. So, maybe I should start charging them for my services and we could afford the every 12 month thing. So, I do not have a secret for you. If you find out one, let me know . Oh by the way, the MM is due to there are two of us, if you did not catch that earlier.

MMichelle

 

[ranidayz]

Rock on! I am soo glad I found this board. After I calmed myself down from my irrational fear of shark and pirhana and the possibly rational fear of my daughter jumping ship -- we booked the cruise. Then Icouldn't stop obsessing. I went to the Disney Store and bought the tiki shirts that were on clearance (with my 15% card) for Chanukah gifts for everyone so they had something for the cruise. Then I went and got the boys Pirates journals to record their thoughts and get peoples info on the cruise to keep in touch. Then I bought a journal for myself and made sections for everyone's packing list, tips, to buy, to bring, to do, etc.... Now, I went to my basement to find all the king flat sheets I have so I can make pillow cases which may or may not get signed --- but hey, a project is a project.

A couple questions - are or are not - jeans accepted at dinner? What other theme nights do I have to plan for? How much time do your kids really spend in the clubs -- I am not sure how my kids will be about that...as it is, I am fairly sure we won't be doing Palo because I think we would feel awkward without them at a meal....but I digress....oh yeah -- what is meant by formal night -- am I to really go get a full length gown? Oh the shopping ahead! (After Halloween, I am going to Target to get them Pirate stuff on clearance to take with us -- we'll probably need our own second cabin just for the luggage -- I will have to cut down!

Really, really having fun on this board,

Rani

 

[ejkjmom]

OMGosh!!!! I think I'm getting dizzy You girls are ALL WAY too FUNNY!!!!

Atinkerbellemom....I think you started drinking without us.... LOL!!!!!!! A overnight PJ party??????? That will cost you ALL, more than just one poolside Bahama Mama!!!!!!!!!TOO Funny
Although, I think you got the rest of the list right

Formal night.....no floor length gowns for this girl, can't really say that I have ever seen any onboard????? I wore a black dress w/ rhinestones that I ordered off the clearance @ coldwater creek. Ron (DH) did rent a tux onboard, it was a very simple process, will do the same again this year.....

Really, I would say that you pretty much see alittle bit of everything, as far as clothing goes....it's pretty much what you are most comfortable with....personaly I like for my family to get dressed up (my husband of course would disagree ) it makes for great family pictures!!!!

As far as the sparkle goes....I did get a ring in St.Thomas last cruise...at Diamonds International, after finding what I liked, we got them to come down quite a bit from the orginal price, and was very happy with it (still am)...they claimed that I was getting quite a bargin and that they came down lower then they would normally... yah ,yah whatever LOL!!!
Just last week, I got my appraisel back...it came back $450.00 under what I paid!!! If we would have paid the orginal price on the tag, it would have really made us sick!!!.....so...I would just say be careful, they really are convincing about what a bargin you are getting, and of course the jewerly is ALL so beautiful its easy to get talked into something....but with that said, it's also exciting to get something special to remember your trip by...and what better thing than a little (or BIG) Bling Bling

Sorry I didn't mean to write a short novel... If I have all this to say with just a cup of coffee..imagine how windy I am with a Bahama Mama (or two) in hand

 

[Johnna_Story]

MMichelle - I'm in on the goody bags. As long as I don't have to plan anything for them lmao: ), I think it's a FABULOUS idea.

Rani - no floor length here either, except princess dresses for the little girls. LOTS of those on Formal night. Some people do go all out floor length, but not me. A black cocktail dress is my formal night "uniform" and DH brings his tux because he happens to own one.

Brenda - LOVE the bling you got; hoping to get some bling myself next trip in anticipation of the 10 year anniversary...

Rani - you also asked something about theme nights: other than Pirate Night and Formal Night, there are three nights where they do 60's, 70's, and 80's nights in the adult club. Themed music, and lots of audience participation - as Brenda's DH, my DH Mark, and I can personally attest to. And Norm's dad - also named Norm - was an eager participant as well. So they're not "ship-wide" themes, but just the evening's party in the club. And the last night is "pub night" where the entertainment staff do a really funny skit as kind of a last hurrah. It's really fun.

Gotta go break up a sibling fight - sometimes I think if we just locked them in a room together, and test the survival of the fittest theory, my life would be a lot easier.

Ciao! J

 

[ranidayz]

OK cool -- I have an outfit I LOVE which has already been worn to two weddings -- A black sleveless top with sparkles and long black flowey pants that look like a gown when legs are closed --- I got them on super clearance with a coupon for a total of....sit down.....$20! I did get a pair of black wedges to go with them because the silver thongs were very uncomfortable. I did just order my husband a suit -- because we'ere going to another wedding - and you have to have one on hand for weddings, holidays and funerals and apparently cruises - we'll probably just bring that.

Need an important answer on this one: we're booking our own flights and we are trying to figure out what time to book on the way home the day the cruise docks. I know we have to be out by like - 9 am - but what are the odds that the ship will be late, lines will delay us? What is a good time to schedule the return flight?

As far as goody bags,, I do believe I have a bunch of temp tattoos from a party from last year that I could put aside -- how many kids are we looking at?

Thanks again for all of this,

Rani

 

[atinkerbellmom]

Disney recommends no flights prior to 12 Noon on the 8th. Each of our cruises we have booke around 12:20 and it has worked great for us. Once we did portside check in and the other times we did not. They all worked with enough time to get there, grab a sack lunch and eat at the gate then get on board. It was very comfortable and we did not feel rushed. We do second dinner, so we actually get off the ship after second breakfast and we make it just fine. Hope this helps. Are you aware of the airline that check in at port? We can list those for you. Also I need you to know, we always do DCL transportation (transfers) to and from port. I know some people on the boards are against it and do cheaper ways, but we like the hasel free hands free way of doing it.

 

[ranidayz]

All right, so no - I had no idea we could check in at the port -- please please tell me Southwest is on the list - we love them! Also, we are going to take care of our transport to and from because a recent screw up at Enterprise Rent-a-Car: We pick you up....didn't pick us up....so they are making it up to us with a car rental in Orlando.....

Rani

 

[ejkjmom]

All right, so no - I had no idea we could check in at the port -- please please tell me Southwest is on the list - we love them! Also, we are going to take care of our transport to and from because a recent screw up at Enterprise Rent-a-Car: We pick you up....didn't pick us up....so they are making it up to us with a car rental in Orlando.....

Rani

Not 100% sure....but I don't think southwest is on the list, that is who we like flying with, for the simple reason, they have by far the best rates for us

We like to fly in the day before..rent with budget and then stay at the Raddison. We rent from budget again to get us back to the airport..the location of budget makes it pretty hassle free for us... haven't had any major problems so far ...knock on WOOD!!!

For those of you wanting to use Budget I have a coupon BCD code that should help you get a better rate:W810011 or W810000

With tax &fees I was able to get full size car for 46.93, that's picking up at the airport and returning it the next day at the port location....didn't think that was too bad Our return from port to airport was 60.00 some I think, a little bit more for some reason????

As far as time goes, I think I'd be alittle nervous to do any flight before 12:00 esp. with kids and LOTS of Luggage in tow LOL!!!!!!

 

[atinkerbellmom]

Southwest is NOT one of them. They are Nothwest, Delta, American, Contintial & US Air. If you are using a rent a car, it does not matter, because you have to be using DCL transfers to check in at port. So, stick with your SW plans. SW does not fly from here, I miss that choice because we like them too.

For sure do not book any earlier than noon, especially if you need to check in at the air port after returning your car and making it through security. Remember MCO can get very busy.....

Really good deal Brenda, you know DCL is costing a $$$$ bundle. Just have always done it this way and it saves me a from my DH needing to drive. (SHHHHHH).