09/05/09 LABORless MAGICal Meanderers

[WDW Enabler]

Yeah FE#3 is done.

And #4 and #5 (a reversable FE) is almost done.

None of they are personalized yet (that is DW job. I build things, she makes them pretty)

3 done 2 almost done and 4 more in the works.

All done without ever getting the sewing machine out.


And we are joining in on the happy dance.

 

[LiseG]

OK... I'll take your packing list and raise you with my TWO multi page excel spreadsheets!

So far I've used my 2009 Cruise spreadsheet. The "Count Down" page was great to watch for booking dates and today to let my DH know there are 7 WEEKENDS left to get ready. I've spent hours updated the "Planning" page (hotel, transport, etc.).

I haven't done much with the Packing & Clothing spreadsheet yet. I'll just tweak the file from 2006 (which was adj from 2005, adj from 2004). It has pages for Daytime, Evening (Pirate, tux, dresses, etc.), Other Clothes (swim, sleep, socks, etc.), Misc (cameras, etc.) and To Do/Buy.

I've got to pack lighter this time or it could limit the shopping fun on the trip. I don't want those extra bag/over-weight charges...but we may go to a shipping place Saturday and send back stuff.

 

[LiseG]

Hello cruise mates...I hope everyone's had a great weekend!
I have some exciting news to share...the DH and I joined DVC on Friday! Woohoo! I am soo very excited. Our 1st DVC stay will be after the cruise...which was supposed to be at Pop Centrury! I'll be posting more details over on my trip report soon if anyone cares to check it out. I am still in shock that we are actually members now, so I had to share with you all!

Welcome to DVC. We used DVC points for our cruise plus two nights at Animal Kingdom. DH Sabrina is going to love the Savanah View!

 

[BeckyThane]

Howdy, Y'all! I haven't been around here much lately, either -- work has been a bit manic. But I realized a few days ago that if I didn't go ahead and get my ADRs for the post-cruise WDW visit we might not get anything... So yesterday afternoon/evening I sat down to try to plan.

Now, planning was the last thing I wanted to do for this trip. I wanted for us to be able to hang loose, deciding each day which park to go to, stay in the park as long as it is agreeable, then mosey on to something else -- lounging by the pool, riding a mouseboat, walking the trails at FW, shopping, whatever. But having to get these ADRs is pinning us down to a schedule. I don't like that. Been there, done that too many times before. I wanted this time to be different. With the advent of free dining for everyone and their brother, however, ADRs are necessary unless one wants to eat all their meals at quick-service restaurants.

(sorry, just venting)

I had already booked our pre-cruise ADRs a couple of weeks ago. High priority for me since I've always wanted to do these things. We'll be one night at the AKL, eating at Jiko that evening and Boma in the morning.

First attempt at getting ADRs didn't go so well. We knew we were going to Epcot two different days -- Epcot always gets two days from us -- so that gave us some flexibility for Le Cellier at the Canada pavilion. Never been there before and have been reading rave reviews. I was mistaken, but only after numerous searches did I realize just how mistaken I was. There was not a single reservation, AT ANY TIME, during the entire five days we'll be at WDW. Time for a family conference to decide on Plan B!

Here it is. I'm thinking we'll still have some flexibility on what time of the day to enter the parks, whether to leave and come back for the end of the day show, etc.

Sat. 9/12 -- Epcot, eat (and drink ) our way around the world at the quick-service establishments
Sun. 9/13 -- Magic Kingdom, breakfast with Winnie-the-Pooh at the Crystal Palace. When I realized CP was only $4pp more than Whispering Canyon, the decision was easy. We did CP breakfast back in 2004 and I remember that it was a pretty awesome buffet.
Mon. 9/14 -- Animal Kingdom, dinner at Artist Point
Tues. 9/15 -- Epcot, dinner at Marrakesh. Haven't eaten there since '90.
Wed. 9/16 -- Hollywood Studios, no dinner plans. Gee, it just dawned on me... I'd better come up with something, this is our last night!
Thurss. 9/17 -- Guess I'll make an ADR for Whispering Canyon for breakfast before we head off to the airport. Not being able to get one for 9/13 was what pushed me toward the character breakfast at CP. Who'd think you'd have to make ADRs for breakfasts???

For those who are doing WDW post-cruise (DeeRest, anyone else?) -- Have you noticed that the only night Fantasmic! is showing is Sunday, 9/13? What's up with that???

 

[UGAFan0829]

Sat. 9/12 -- Epcot, eat (and drink ) our way around the world at the quick-service establishments


For those who are doing WDW post-cruise (DeeRest, anyone else?) -- Have you noticed that the only night Fantasmic! is showing is Sunday, 9/13? What's up with that???

I'm sorry to hear that your planning isn't going so well. It looks like we'll be in WDW for the same exact days that you'll be. We're also planning to go to Epcot on that first day.

I also noticed the lack of Fantasmics while we're there...kinda disappointing since that's the one show that we haven't seen and really wanted to catch this time, but oh well!

 

[BeckyThane]

I also noticed the lack of Fantasmics while we're there...kinda disappointing since that's the one show that we haven't seen and really wanted to catch this time, but oh well!

I've done the dinner package w/ Brown Derby three times and really enjoyed it. We seriously considered trying to book it again this time for the single showing on Sunday 9/13, but decided to give it a pass this time 'round.

You may want to check out the dinner package! Dinner at the Brown Derby is certainly a treat (there are two other, cheaper, restaurants that offer this package, too), and it's great not having to show up 1-1/2 to 2 hours early just to get a seat. It's true that they're not the best seats in the theater, but they are down front and you save so much waiting time. That made it worth it to me!

 

[UGAFan0829]

I've done the dinner package w/ Brown Derby three times and really enjoyed it. We seriously considered trying to book it again this time for the single showing on Sunday 9/13, but decided to give it a pass this time 'round.

You may want to check out the dinner package! Dinner at the Brown Derby is certainly a treat (there are two other, cheaper, restaurants that offer this package, too), and it's great not having to show up 1-1/2 to 2 hours early just to get a seat. It's true that they're not the best seats in the theater, but they are down front and you save so much waiting time. That made it worth it to me!

I'd thought about doing the package, but then decided against it also. I use Tour Guide Mike to plan my park days, and according to his charts, the one day that they're doing Fantasmic while we're there is going to be horribly crowded. I'm hoping that since we just joined DVC that there will be many more chances for us to see it!

 

[WDW Enabler]

does any one have any ideas for a name for this cruise. we would like to incorporate one into our FE gifts. it will be labor day on Monday of our cruise but cant think of anything catchy

 

[DeeRest]

I have had soooo many problems over the last couple of weeks trying to get any ADR's. I had to wait this long because my family was iffy about whether they were going to continue on to WDW after the cruise. We have some ADR's (not great times) but I haven't been very successful with breakfast at Whispering Canyon or dinner at O'Hana's.

Plus, I didn't know Fantasmic is only going to be shown once while we are there (we leave on the 16th.) I going to have to rearrange my evening schedules so that we don't miss that....

Anyone planning on the MNSSHP event? I asked our TA to order tickets. I have always wanted to attend...and I think this might be my only chance!

Sorry about my lack of response for a cruising name...I will ask my DH, he is always good at things like that.

 

[ibela]

Hello cruise mates...I hope everyone's had a great weekend!
I have some exciting news to share...the DH and I joined DVC on Friday! Woohoo! I am soo very excited. Our 1st DVC stay will be after the cruise...which was supposed to be at Pop Centrury! I'll be posting more details over on my trip report soon if anyone cares to check it out. I am still in shock that we are actually members now, so I had to share with you all!

Congratulations!! So far, we're happy with being DVC members but we haven't done too many trips (1 to WDW, used our points for this cruise and a previous cruise). Did you already cancel the POP? You probably had free dining with that package but if you use your points you have to now pay for dining so make sure to do the math to decide where you make out better.

I've done the dinner package w/ Brown Derby three times and really enjoyed it. We seriously considered trying to book it again this time for the single showing on Sunday 9/13, but decided to give it a pass this time 'round.

You may want to check out the dinner package! Dinner at the Brown Derby is certainly a treat (there are two other, cheaper, restaurants that offer this package, too), and it's great not having to show up 1-1/2 to 2 hours early just to get a seat. It's true that they're not the best seats in the theater, but they are down front and you save so much waiting time. That made it worth it to me!

I'm in full planning mode for our Nov trip and let me tell you, people on this board were calling every day to see if they could start booking Fantasmic packages and once available, they were sold out within hours so chances of you getting a package now I'd say are slim anyway. I think the cancellation penalty is 48 hrs though, so that may be a good time to check.

does any one have any ideas for a name for this cruise. we would like to incorporate one into our FE gifts. it will be labor day on Monday of our cruise but cant think of anything catchy

I guess no one likes MAGICal Celebrations, but that's OK. I can't think of anything to incorporate Labor Day. Your FEs are super cute, especially love that last one!

Btw- I think we (our 2 cabins) might make FEs and if we do then we'll join in the exchange.

 

[tomcat47]

Well running alittle behind getting on this thread. I will be joining you on this cruise with my DW. I'm Tom (36) DW Jen (30) along with our friends Dan and Laura. Not sure if they are already on this thread or not. We booked this cruise while on a 4-night on the Wonder last September. Jen and me will be celebrating our 7th Wedding Anniversary while onboard. We will be spending Thursday and Friday before the cruise at Pop Century and attending the Mickey's Not so Scarey Halloween Party on the 4th.

So has there been any planning done on this thread? Does somebody mind catching me up? I plan to try to read as much as I can but might take me all the way castoff party to catch up.

 

[beachlover101]

does any one have any ideas for a name for this cruise. we would like to incorporate one into our FE gifts. it will be labor day on Monday of our cruise but cant think of anything catchy

I can't think of a name yet, but I LOVE the pirate FE you made.

 

[beachlover101]

Well running alittle behind getting on this thread. I will be joining you on this cruise with my DW. I'm Tom (36) DW Jen (30) along with our friends Dan and Laura. Not sure if they are already on this thread or not. We booked this cruise while on a 4-night on the Wonder last September. Jen and me will be celebrating our 7th Wedding Anniversary while onboard. We will be spending Thursday and Friday before the cruise at Pop Century and attending the Mickey's Not so Scarey Halloween Party on the 4th.

So has there been any planning done on this thread? Does somebody mind catching me up? I plan to try to read as much as I can but might take me all the way castoff party to catch up.

Welcome aboard. My good friend Queenof2princesses will be ordering bracelets for everyone if you want to get in on that just post how many you want. Aussiinvasion will add you to the Fish Extender participants if you post that you want to join in on the gift exchange. Page one lets you know the time of our cruise meet. That's all I can think of for now. Anybody else want to add anything?

 

[WDW Enabler]

Welcome aboard. My good friend Queenof2princesses will be ordering bracelets for everyone if you want to get in on that just post how many you want. Aussiinvasion will add you to the Fish Extender participants if you post that you want to join in on the gift exchange. Page We are noobs, but that seems to sum it up. Alot of talk about ressies and excursions.

And alot about yeah the time is going so fast and so much to do

How about a cruise name something about Laborless or?

I seriously need to get my creative juices flowing, or get some time off from work to relax and think. BTW I am at work right now, guess I shoul dactually end my dinner break and do some work.


Mike

 

[WDW Enabler]

I can't think of a name yet, but I LOVE the pirate FE you made.

Thank you.

Our Walmart just got that material in.

We are using denim for almost all of out FE backgrounds. Seemed alot cheaper to me to use a heavy material for the background instead of using interfacing and material (remanent denim was about $3/yd whereas material was 2+/yd and interfacing was another 1.49/yd)

I only have 4 or 5 more to do, for a total of 7-9 (I lost count) and yes i do know it is only a 7 day cruise. We just like to have choices, and if the unmentionable happens and one of ours (or another DIS member's on the cruise) grows legs we would still love to enjoy the fun. Besides I am just getting good at them. I even found a great trick for making the pleats in the pockets quickly and evenly.

Mike

 

[aussieinvasion]

I guess no one likes MAGICal Celebrations, but that's OK. I can't think of anything to incorporate Labor Day. .

I think that sounds great, I didn't even realise that we named the cruise. Shows what a newbie I am haha!

Welcome tomcat37 great to have you along I have added your details to the first page and just let me know if you want to be in the FE exchange.

Hope everyone is getting very excited! I know we are Not much left to do now except pack - oh and still get one last pesky pirate costume. There is not much on ebay or in the shops here at the moment, I hope we find something and havent left it too late.

 

[tomcat47]

Not new to Disney Cruise but can someone explain FE exchange to me. I would like to see if we would be interested in getting involved in that or just a meet. Thanks!

 

[queenof2princesses]

Welcome Tomcat!!! Page 36 and 46 of this thread has really good info, and of course page 1), check it out


Well, not to boast, but will someone please drumroll my incredibly exciting news.................................

I have joined another cruise meet!!!!! We are squeezing in a cruise before our cruise!!!

We got the special TA rate for the 7/30 Wonder and taking DH on this one!! My DD's think we are crazy for throwing this in! The 4 of us will be able to take a summer vacation after all!! For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about....We are cruisin 9/5, me, my mom, and 2 DD's, DH is a football coach, so not a good time for him...DD celebrates 12th bday and my mommy and I will celebrate my 18th anniversary with a Palo Brunch!!! Poor DH will be at football practice

But, he will have a chance to see the Buccanners practice this summer, which is a total unexpected treat! We are leaving the Wonder and heading to Tampa for the afternoon to watch his Bucs

So, if I am a little 'not here' for a couple of weeks, please understand

I am busy working on my magnets and FE's because I have to use them in 15 days!!!!!!!!!

 

[ibela]

I think that sounds great, I didn't even realise that we named the cruise. Shows what a newbie I am haha!

Welcome tomcat37 great to have you along I have added your details to the first page and just let me know if you want to be in the FE exchange.

Hope everyone is getting very excited! I know we are Not much left to do now except pack - oh and still get one last pesky pirate costume. There is not much on ebay or in the shops here at the moment, I hope we find something and havent left it too late.

We haven't named it yet, I was just throwing out a suggestion!

I second (or is it 3rd by now) WELCOME TOMCAT!!

Welcome Tomcat!!! Page 36 and 46 of this thread has really good info, and of course page 1), check it out


Well, not to boast, but will someone please drumroll my incredibly exciting news.................................

I have joined another cruise meet!!!!! We are squeezing in a cruise before our cruise!!!

Awesome!! Have fun!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Not new to Disney Cruise but can someone explain FE exchange to me. I would like to see if we would be interested in getting involved in that or just a meet. Thanks!

Welcome, tomcat! It's great to have you as part of our group.

Well, not to boast, but will someone please drumroll my incredibly exciting news.................................

I have joined another cruise meet!!!!! We are squeezing in a cruise before our cruise!!!

We got the special TA rate for the 7/30 Wonder and taking DH on this one!! My DD's think we are crazy for throwing this in! The 4 of us will be able to take a summer vacation after all!! For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about....We are cruisin 9/5, me, my mom, and 2 DD's, DH is a football coach, so not a good time for him...DD celebrates 12th bday and my mommy and I will celebrate my 18th anniversary with a Palo Brunch!!! Poor DH will be at football practice

But, he will have a chance to see the Buccanners practice this summer, which is a total unexpected treat! We are leaving the Wonder and heading to Tampa for the afternoon to watch his Bucs

So, if I am a little 'not here' for a couple of weeks, please understand

I am busy working on my magnets and FE's because I have to use them in 15 days!!!!!!!!!

How awesome! I'm totally jealous! Seriously, it's very cool that your DH will be able to cruise and that you'll be able to take a vacation with the whole family!! Make sure and let us know all about it once you're back!