06/24/2006 - Special Western Cruise - Who Else!?

[musicgirl]

Dan, which water park are you thinking about? Both parks are great.

If you like slides, I think Blizzard Beach is better.

JMHO-we liked typhoon Lagoon better. We loved it because of the snorkeling. The water is super cold though, even when we went in July!!! We also really enjoyed the wave pool. It's only one big wave every few minutes, but we spent a lot of time in it. It is always so funny to hear everyone scream every few minutes!!!

I think we are still going to stay 2 nights in Cocoa Beach. We like the ocean. Although Bill hates the sand, he enjoys picture taking and riding the surf. I just do not want to feel rushed. Last time our flight was delayed, so we only had a little bit of time to relax the night before.

 

[dmensing]

Lori:

We're not sure which waterpark yet. We did Typhoon Lagoon last year in November when Blizzard Beach was closed. We plan on trying Blizzard Beach in February during our upcoming Disney trip. After that, we will know which one we like better.

Based on other's reviews and knowing what we like, I'm guessing we will go back to Blizzard Beach. We enjoyed Typhoon, but we were disappointed in the slides. We have been going to Water Country in Williamsburg the last several years and like the slides/rides better there. We also didn't like the waves at Typhoon's wave pool, having several small waves then the one big one. The big one was fun, but it was a little too big for the kids.

I'm guessing the bigger, better slides at Blizzard will win out over the theming/laid back feeling of Typhoon.

Of course, all our plans could still change since we haven't told the kids yet. We plan on telling them after the February trip to minimize the wait for them, but give them enough time to contribute to the planning. Once they get into the mix, all the plans could change!

C'ya!
Dan.

 

[jtjcwise]

We are planning on staying 2 nights at WL. Plans are to spend a day at Blizzard Beach. We went there last summer and the kids loved it. My wife and I did Typhoon Lagoon the first year it was opened, and my wide hated it because the waves were so strong. All of us loved BB, and it was the first water park I had done in years. I was extremely large (over 400 lbs) and lost 200 lbs in the last year and a half from a diet program. I lost it just so I could do things like water parks with my sons before they grew up. They are 5 & 8.

We decided to stay at WL because my mother and father are taking all of us on this cruise to celebrate their 50th anniversary, and I am hoping to arrange a fireworks cruise one night while we are there for a suprise to them.

We are not planning on doing any parks because we have been at DW 3 times in the last 3 year. However, we may be able to talk my wife into 1 day. Especially if Star Wars weekend happens to extend into our visit. We did it last summer and the boys loved it as well as my wife who had a big smile as she posed with the man posing as Anakin Skywalker.

 

[dmensing]

Jeff:

I think you just smashed my plans to bits. I didn't even think about Star Wars weekends still going on. If there is a Star Wars weekend happening on the 23rd before the cruise and my son hears about it, I know where we will be.

Well, back to the drawing board!

Dan

 

[Jillpie]

Jeff, Jeff, Jeff!!!!! A 200 lb. weight loss, that is tremendous!!!!! And here I am thinking my measly 80 lbs was alot. I'd love to hear how you did it. I lost mine by eating smart and healthy and living at the gym with weight training and step aerobics.

You sound like you have the same plan as us. We'll be at the BCV's 3 days in advance, but are not doing the parks. Its killing me, but the price is ridiculous for a 2 day pass. We're doing BB as well, on that Thursday. I'm not sure what we're doing yet on Friday. We're doing downtown Disney Wed. night for the comedy club and of all the times we stayed at POR never saw Bob Jackson at the piano, so I think we're going back to our "first home" for an evening of fun on Thursday. Should be a blast. But I have got to figure out a way to get my kids in to the try the Everest ride, how can we be there and not try it? I'm chicken though, it looks pretty bad. Again, a huge congratulations on that weight loss, thats so great!

 

[musicgirl]

Jeff, that is so incredible!!!!

Jill, 80 lbs is nothing to sneeze at. I think it is great!!!

I applaud you both and anyone else who has ever struggled with weight. It 's so hard.

I was a "pleasantly plump" teen. I lost 30 during the summer right before college and the first few weeks of college. I was working so hard, I didn't realize how quickly it came off. Then at college, I didn't want to eat alone, so I skipped a few meals along the way.

I'm only 5'2", so when I put a few pounds on it seems like a million.

It's funny this subject came up today. I just finished talking with one of my kids at school who is about 5' and probably weighs 250 lbs. I am very concerned about her health. She has had to come off the field during practice a number of times in the past few weeks.

I didn't want to offend her or hurt her, but I am worried. Any hints on how to help her or at least what I can say to her, I would surely appreciate.

How do you deal with all the food on a cruise without feeling guilty? I love to eat. My game plan at home is to not buy the good stuff so it is not so tempting. But what to do on board when it is there for the taking?

I do love the fruit, especially the pineapple!!!! My biggest downfall, anything sweet!!!

I am also going to try to cut down on the "foo foo" drinks. They have so many calories. However, I must indulge in my favorite-Kahluacoladas!!! Yum!!! It is a must for the send away party and at least once by the pool!!! Well, maybe twice by the pool!!!

 

[jtjcwise]

Jill 80 lbs is great! Being able to lose any amount is a great accomplishment. It is hard for anyone who has never faced a weight problem to know how hard it is. So any loss such as yours is a great accomplishment!

I lost mine through a weightloss center called LA Weightloss. Basically it is a balanced diet and I visit the local center 3 times a week. I started excercising for really the first time in my life and I go to the local Y 3 times a week. Last Christmas, my wife bought me 5 sessions with a personal trainer, and she, my trainer Jill, has taught me to excercise properly and actually enjoy it and not consider it as punishment. I know I will never be skinny, but I feel 100 times better and that I actually have a life to enjoy again. I get to play with my sons. I started losing weight because my 5 year old wanted to know why I never rode rollercoasters with him and they always rode with my wife. Last summer we rode every ride at WDW and it was the first time I had been able to fit into the coasters. We rode space mountain 4 times and had a blast. I regret having wasted so much of my life, but now am enjoying things I have not been able to for years. When I started on my diet, I was on 4 prescriptions and had to wear a knee brace. Now I take 0 medicines and the brace is in my attic. I have been succesful because of my family, friends, and my church family who have all been a great support.

Lori, as for your student, just letting her know that you care and are concerned for her are the best things you can do at this point. I found out that until the person is ready to face that they need to lose the weight, they will not be successful in the loss and keeping it off. I have to resist everyday walking up to people and telling them that they can have a better life if they would lose some weight. But I know that it is something that the person has to want to do.

As for food on the cruise, when we cruise last summer, I tried several things I had not had in a long time, including desserts, but I did it in moderation, and did not feel that I had to clean the plate. Also, I ate a lot of the fabulous fruit and drank lots of water.
Waiting to have the creme brulee

 

[Jillpie]

Jeff, thanks for your story...absolutely awesome. I almost cried! Back in March, I shared my story on the community board. I had my "light bulb moments", one of which was "turning to the left" at the turnstyles at DW. Never again will I have to do that to get thru them. My other moment was coming ever so close to not being able to buckle my seatbelt on our flight there 2 years ago. It was time. So like you, I started. It was a lot of work, but sooooo worth it. I feel terrific now. I'd love to lose another 15 or so, but compared to what I had to do before, its nothing. I'm meeting with my trainer on Monday and Tues. for a new weight training program (gotta change it all the time!) and to look at my diet. Keep up the great work and we have to meet on the cruise!!

Lorie, so sweet and very sensitive of you to ask such a question. She's very lucky to have you to care about her. I wonder if anyone has really just asked her about her weight, or has everyone avoided the subject? Its very hard. I agree, its gotta start from her. She's got to want this so badly. But, maybe just talk to her...then if she says she wants to lose, then ask if she could join a gym? I found that to be such a great support, to see others working out just as hard around me. Don't be afraid to come out and talk to her about it, I bet nobody has or is afraid to. Good luck!

About the cruise, heck! I'm going to enjoy myself. But its funny you mention this. I had watched what I had eaten for almost an entire year, so my body was so used to eating healthy foods. So whenever I went on the 4 day in April, wowwwwww. What to do. Honestly, it was very weird for me. I ended up going for alot of pineapple! Because thats what I was used to and I actually felt guilty if we ordered room service, almost like we were bothering them and are they going to think we are pigs. I always had this feeling like the staff was looking at me like I was the "heavy person" that I used to be, but I wasn't that person anymore! But the mind plays games on you when you lose that much weight, you still think people look and say she really shouldn't be eating that. I digress...
I will enjoy myself this cruise!!! But then the secret is to go right back into a healthy lifestyle when we come back. I am really looking forward to having a verandah for the first time and having coffee and maybe a croissant or two in the morning...oh yea!!!!!!!

 

[musicgirl]

Jill and Jeff, thanks for the ideas to encourage this young lady. I just finished replying to her e-mail. I know over the years she has started weight loss programs but I also know she really has to want it. She does she counselors at school. Right now, she tells everyone the weight doesn't bother her and she doesn't feel that she will have problems. I think she may have to have something happen in her life to change her mind.

Jill, I liked your outlook about eating on the cruise. I think I may have to adopt it. Although my weight problem was never serious, it was enough of a problem to continually to this day, always be on my mind.

Well, off to school. It's the big rival football game tonight!!!

 

[musicgirl]

What are your thoughts on the flight prices?

I wonder if for those of us who already have booked flights if there will be any surcharges added by the time we get to June?

How many of you remember waiting for the 2006 dates to be available? I remember checking and checking, so I know how the people waiting for the 2007 dates feel.

I booked on Day 1. Well, I booked an Eastern first, but then changed to accomodate friends who are now not going. LOL!!!! But I'm so glad that I'm on this one!!! My only regret is that the Eastern is earlier!!!! But then again, it will be over sooner too!!!!

If anyone is looking into purchasing snorkel equipment, now is a great time and perfect for Christmas or Birthday or for finally telling your crew you are going on a cruise (Dan!!!) I got a set (mask, fins, snorkel-dry top style,and bag) for $12 at K-Mart.

 

[dmensing]

We still can't book flights yet. Airtran and Southwest don't have schedules yet for next summer.

Thanks for the snorkel idea, but we already got the kids snorkel sets this year from Costco. I do want to tell them about the cruise, but I'm holding out until after our February trip. It's so hard because I read about interesting things on these boards everyday and have to tell my wife about it without the kids overhearing!

We have already blown our Christmas budget. The older they get, the more expensive the list becomes! My daughter wants an Ipod, Nintendo DS, and the funniest thing...a fondue set! She loves the idea of going to a restaurant called the Melting Pot where everything is fondue style. My wife kept saying we could do the same thing at home, but cheaper with a fondue set, so that is what she is asking for. My son of course wants everything Nintendo. Anyone else have any weird wish list requests?

Dan.

 

[musicgirl]

Dan, I would be ready to burst!!! I had toyed with the idea of not telling my son, but I blurted it our as soon as I booked!!!

So your daughter wants a fondue set, have you seen the new trendy chocolate fountains? It's like a champagne fountain except with chocolate!! Whatever you are eating, you just hold it under the stream of chocolate!! No more dropping the food in the mixture. However, if she is interested in anything like a cheese fondue, I don't think this would work!!

I know what you mean about the Christmas budget. I try to buy things along the way. Especially with a teen boy, ugh!!! He is so hard to buy for!!! You may be able to get a good deal on ipods since they just announced their new one that you can download music videos and movies!!!

I don't know if that is good or bad about not being able to book early. Any idea when you can book? I would be a little impatient by now!

 

[dmensing]

Lorie:

We did see the fountain fondue sets. The one I was looking at does do cheese as well as chocolate. We are probably sticking with the regular one since the temptation to stick body parts in the fountain is too great! (and I'm not even referring to the kids!)

In regards to airlines, Airtan usually has schedules 6 months out and Southwest about 4 months. I'm guessing the Airtran schedule for June will be out next month or early December.

250 days to go! I was organizing the credit card records yesterday and saw that we had charged our downpayment for the cruise about a year ago (Oct. 12th.).

So, is anyone already prepping to book for 2007?

C'ya,
Dan.

 

[musicgirl]

Dan,

Sticking in body parts!!!

No, we unfortunately will not be booking for 2007. Now if someone else would be willing to pay our way, adopt the 3 of us, hey JUST ADOPT ME the other 2 can stay at home!!!

Well, seriously though, as much as I love DCL cruises, there are just too many things to pay for at this time. Now, if something drastically happens, say I win the lotto.....I'm there in a heartbeat!!! Well, at least when my heart starts beating again.

I know I will be soooooo bummed. I'll just have to enjoy helping others with all of my wisdom and knowledge!!!

Let's see Andrew will be out of college in 8 years, maybe. So just to be on the safe side, I'll be booking for 2016!!!! so keep that date (ah-year) in mind. Hopefully, I won't have lost all sanity without a DCL trip.

 

[dmensing]

Well, seriously though, as much as I love DCL cruises, there are just too many things to pay for at this time.

Yep, we are in the same boat, no pun intended. I'm sure we will love the cruise, but the cost will probably be too much to make it a regular occurrence. I guess we will have to make this one count!

Dan.

 

[Jillpie]

Hi guys ! Say, is it too early to start talking about meets on board? I can't wait to meet you all!!

So what should we do, a quick first day meet, say at 3:00 or should we meet at sailaway? Oh, I can't wait!!!!! Somedays its more exciting to me than others, this is one of them.

Oh, and if any of you are going to Disney the days beforehand, we'll be there! Not doing parks, just taking it easy. I'd especially love it if you have teens to meet up with our boys (18, 14 and 13) ahead of the cruise.

 

[musicgirl]

It's never to early Jill!!!!

I know I'll be at the port around 10:30 so if anyone wants to meet up then!!!

Last time we did try to meet in the terminal, but it was hard. I did find 2 other disers. Maybe if I stand in the middle of the terminal and yell, "Are there any Lime green disers out there?!!!!!" Do you think I would get any strange looks?

I'm hoping to get all my ressies-well only 1-done on line. I'm just going to go for a Palo Brunch. That way I won't have to worry about getting one once we board. I just have to decide which day.

We could all plan to have Brunch together!!!

 

[musicgirl]

Wow, all that damage with Wilma. It sounds like Cozumel got hit pretty hard. I've read that Chank. Park is gone, completely gone. I haven't seen any pictures of it though. It sounds like Coz. will be out for the next few Westerns. And CM will probably be in.

Maybe it is time for DCL to set up some excursions since not only are there cruises scheduled, but now they have more that may be diverted to CM.

 

[dmensing]

Just checking in to wish everyone a happy & safe Halloween!

Dan.

 

[Jillpie]

Right back at ya Dan!