09/13/09 SSMC09 S.S. Member Cruise 2009 - Part 2!

[seaulater]

Where is the food better at CC? On the adult beach or the family beach?
The two times I went to the adult beach, it is so rocky in the water...so I think I will try the family beach this time. I nearly killed myself trying to walk with my old knees...wonder how the $50,000 ones will work for me!!

IMHO.....

hands down, the adult beach. There is bbq steak, fish, etc., a step up from Cookie's BBQ.

 

[OKWMEMBER]

ES (Elizabeth Swan)Update!!! Parley!!!

susieq55 got the 2599th post and therefore earns another ES!!!

Every 99th post = 1 ES
Every 499th post = 2 ESes
Every 999th post = 3 ESes

The current score is:

wltdsnyfan - 15 ESes (299,799,999,1099,2999,P2 199,P2 399,P2 999,
P2 1699,P2 2199)
BigDogHU75 - 11 ESes (1199,2499,2599,P2 1299t,P2 1399,P2 1499,P2 2299,P2 2499)
KellyJeanDVC - 8 ESes (2299,2399,2699,2799,3199,3299,P2 99,P2 299)
dvc4life - 8 ESes (1299,2899,3099,3599,P2 699,P2 899,P2 1099,P2 1599)
manascarfan - 7 ESes (1499,1599,1699,2099,2199,3399)
WDWLVR - 4 ESes (399,1999)
Donald is #1 - 3 ESes (99,1399,3700)
Beastly - 3 ESes (1899,P2 599, P2 799)
2princess 2pirates - 3 ESes (P2 1999)
mnra - 2 Eses (499)
BCVOwner2002 - 2 ESes (699,899)
djstweety - 2 ESes (3499)
FaithTrustnPixieDust - 2 ESes (P2 499)
bsusanmb - 2 ESes (P2 1799,P2 2099)
susieq55 - 2 ESes (P2 2399,2599th)
ohiominnie - 1 ES (199)
Time4disneynow - 1 ES (599)
rbcheek - 1 ES (1799)
OKWMEMBER - 1 ES (P2 1199)
MEAGON2222 - 1 ES (P2 1899)

The next milestone is at the 2699th post and is worth 1 (One,Uno) ES!!!

 

[OKWMEMBER]

Pirate Update!!! Aaaarggghhh!!!

bsusanmb got the 2600th post and therefore earns another Pirate!!!

Every 100th post = 1 Pirate
Every 500th post = 2 Pirates
Every 1000th post = 3 Pirates

The current score is:

wltdsnyfan - 22 Pirates (100,900,1400,2000,2300,2700,2900,
3200,3400.3500,3700,P2 100,P2 200,P2 400,P2 1000,P2 1100,P2 1500)
BigDogHU75 - 9 Pirates (500,800,1000,P2 1400,P2 1600,P2 1900)
WDWLVR - 8 Pirates (400,1500,3000,P2 500)
manascarfan - 5 Pirates (1600,1700,2500,P2 2400)
dvc4life - 5 Pirates (1300,2400,3100,3600,P2 900)
Beastly - 5 Pirates (1900,2200,P2 600,P2 2500)
bsusanmb - 5 Pirates (P2 1800,P2 2000,P2 2600)
Time4disneynow - 4 Pirates (600,700,1800,P2 800)
BCVOwner2002 - 2 Pirates (300,2800)
KellyJeanDVC - 2 Pirates (2600,3300)
djstweety - 2 Pirates (P2 300,P2 700)
iluvdisney - 1 Pirate (200)
been2marceline - 1 Pirate (1100)
ohiominnie - 1 Pirate (1200)
njprincess - 1 Pirate (2100)
OKWMEMBER - 1 Pirate (P2 1200)
mnra - 1 Pirate (P2 1300)
rbcheek - 1 Pirate (P2 1700)
susieq55 - 1 Pirate (P2 2100)
ravross - 1 Pirate (P2 2200)
FaithTrustnPixieDust - 1 Pirate (P2 2300)

The next milestone is at the 2700th post and is worth 1 (One,Uno) Pirate!!!

 

[OKWMEMBER]

IMHO.....

hands down, the adult beach. There is bbq steak, fish, etc., a step up from Cookie's BBQ.

I agree. We had a great lunch there on the 2008 cruise. We shared lunch with a cat that somehow got on the island.

 

[bsusanmb]

I agree. We had a great lunch there on the 2008 cruise. We shared lunch with a cat that somehow got on the island.

Maybe it's better for the member cruise. On our last cruise, no fish, steak was tough...ended up with burger. I guess I might have to try both! There you have it!

 

[ravross]

Ravonne, we'd love to do the safari (either one), we just have been unable to get concierge level. Sounds wonderful. What did you have at Jiko? We've only eaten at Boma (love, love, love) and want to try Jiko some day.

In addition to Susans answer, anyone can do the evening safari that includes dinner at Jiko. The cost is higher for non-concierge level guests $210, vs $160 for concierge guests.

The safari is around the hotel and was very enjoyable for our group. It was interesting to talk to the animal keepers and learn how the animals are cared for. You also get very close to the animals for good picture opportunities.

The dinner that follows the safari, is served family style and the main entrees were Filet mignon, halibut and chicken. There was enough of each entree for everyone to have a full serving of each item! Unlimited wine was served with the meal and was paired with each course that was served. There was also a dessert wine that was wonderful. I was so full, I didn't have any of the offered desserts, but my DH said the creme brulee was delicious.

You msut be on the concierge level to do the early morning safari in the Animal Kingdom. It was $65 plus you needed to have park admission. We actually did not enjoy this tour as much as we did the evening safari. We felt it was to rushed, but we did enjoy talking to the animal keepers during breakfast.

The concierge level also offers another safari that is around the hotel. I think it is at 10am. It is like the sunset safari, without dinner! I think the cost for that is $60.

Evening everyone!
Silly question . . . Is AKL the only one with a conceirge level? And what exactly is that? Not to seem, duh, but I have not really heard about this. And that is the only one I see right now with one. Is it really worth the extra points? I'm not sure what it all entails. Any one with knowlegable information about it would be appreciated.

Thanks and have a great evening.

One other note, if we stay on the concierge level again, we will just get a studio room, we certainly did not need a kitchen, we saved a fortune on food by not eating out for breakfast and an occasional dinner! Wine, beer, sodas, bottles water, lemonaid and iced tea is available all day. It was nice to have a glass of wine in the evening and the desserts and aperitifs provided in the evening were very nice.

In the future, we will book the AKL concierge again (for special occasions), definitely use points, it's to expensive paying cash, and we will utilize the concierge staff even more!

Ravonne

 

[ehagerty]

I always wanted to do the banana boat, but too scared I will drown!!!

My only banana boat ride - Castaway Cay, 2000 - the second-ever 7 night Disney Cruise..... DH, DS10 and I went on (DS12 elected not to join us - looked too scary for him). DH sits in the first spot on the right hand side, I was behind him, DS probably behind me. Skipper gave instructions (thumbs up/down for speed indicator) as we were passing the Magic (looks mighty big from that vantage), then took off full speed. DH applied his "virtual brakes" (he pressed his right foot down on the rubbery corner, hard), pushing the right tip of the boat under the water, which flipped the entire, fully-loaded banana boat over. People flew everywhere. I was very concerned about DS10 - surfaced looking all around for him, thinking his brother's dire concerns might have come out on the water with him causing him to panic. He popped up like a cork - laughing out loud, saying "let's do that again!!" It took a little while for us all to climb aboard - especially those of us whose upper body strength is disproportionate to lower body weight. It was all memorable. Even more surprising, my Oakley zeroes stayed on through it all!!

My point? You won't drown. But you can flip.

 

[seaulater]

I agree. We had a great lunch there on the 2008 cruise. We shared lunch with a cat that somehow got on the island.

I remember that cat, now that you mention it. I think the cat lives on the island.

 

[bsusanmb]

Hi Ginny - Welcome aboard!



I did something similar when I was almost 3! My mother always said stay on the front porch and NEVER cross the street. About 15 minutes went by and my mother started calling my name but I wasn't answering. She ran back into the house and called the police. (I lived 5 houses from the beach so she really freaked out.)

The police found me sitting on some woman's porch just talking away! By the time I got home with the police, my mother asked me why I didn't stay on the porch and my comment back to her and the policeman was, "I didn't cross the street!" Needless to say my mother would tell me to stay on the porch and not walking around the block!

Oh, my word!! That is hilarious!


I'll try to post about what's going on with me. After meeting with at least 4 doctors/surgeons today my stress level went off the charts and my blood pressure wasn't much betters. DH added that we will be going on a cruise in September and the surgeon was looking at the calendar and then asked if we took out the insurance and I said I can't recall. He than said either the first phase will be done within the next two weeks and the next one will probably be done after the cruise. He said he was concerned with germs, infections, etc.

Annmarie

Annmarie, Sorry that you are going through this. Difficult to enjoy a vacation when you get this kind of news. Will be praying for you.

My only banana boat ride - Castaway Cay, 2000 - the second-ever 7 night Disney Cruise..... DH, DS10 and I went on (DS12 elected not to join us - looked too scary for him). DH sits in the first spot on the right hand side, I was behind him, DS probably behind me. Skipper gave instructions (thumbs up/down for speed indicator) as we were passing the Magic (looks mighty big from that vantage), then took off full speed. DH applied his "virtual brakes" (he pressed his right foot down on the rubbery corner, hard), pushing the right tip of the boat under the water, which flipped the entire, fully-loaded banana boat over. People flew everywhere. I was very concerned about DS10 - surfaced looking all around for him, thinking his brother's dire concerns might have come out on the water with him causing him to panic. He popped up like a cork - laughing out loud, saying "let's do that again!!" It took a little while for us all to climb aboard - especially those of us whose upper body strength is disproportionate to lower body weight. It was all memorable. Even more surprising, my Oakley zeroes stayed on through it all!!

My point? You won't drown. But you can flip.

OMG, that is what I was afraid of!! I need the SLOW banana boat for seniors.
If I were to flip, I would probably DIE from FRIGHT

Think I will just watch!

Susan

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone - happy Wednesday!

Woke up to storms this morning but it is moving out and should be a nice day.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[dvc4life]

Good Wednesday Morning. Hope all are having a good week.

Are they doing the banana boat on the member cruise? I haven't looked at excursions lately but I didn't think they offered that anymore. Just wondering.

Have a good day.

 

[bsusanmb]

I remember that cat, now that you mention it. I think the cat lives on the island.

Man, oh day, Linda. I just looked at your signature...you are a cruisin fool!!!
What are your favorites? What do you like so much about cruises vs land WDW vacations? Which one would you recommend for someone who really wants to do a longer cruise...only once...and anything else you can include for me.

Thanks,
Susan

 

[BigDogHU75]

Hello everyone. I am home today with DS while he is recuperating. The doctor diagnosed his with pneumonia after looking at his chest x-rays. I am thankful that he did not have to go to the hospital. It was just a little spot. He is on antibiotics. He seems to be doing much better because he no longer wants to cuddle with me. I miss the cuddling.

 

[WDWLVR]

Hello everyone. I am home today with DS while he is recuperating. The doctor diagnosed his with pneumonia after looking at his chest x-rays. I am thankful that he did not have to go to the hospital. It was just a little spot. He is on antibiotics. He seems to be doing much better because he no longer wants to cuddle with me. I miss the cuddling.

Ahhh - the poor little guy. Glad to hear he's doing better.

 

[erionm]

Good Wednesday Morning. Hope all are having a good week.

Are they doing the banana boat on the member cruise? I haven't looked at excursions lately but I didn't think they offered that anymore. Just wondering.

Have a good day.

I looked this morning and didn't see it in the list of what's available.

 

[ravross]

Hello everyone. I am home today with DS while he is recuperating. The doctor diagnosed his with pneumonia after looking at his chest x-rays. I am thankful that he did not have to go to the hospital. It was just a little spot. He is on antibiotics. He seems to be doing much better because he no longer wants to cuddle with me. I miss the cuddling.

Oh man! I glad he is doing better, I've had a friend, (young and healthy girl), that has been in the hospital for over a week with pneumonia. I'm glad he is home with you, even though he doesn't want to cuddle!

Ravonne

 

[seaulater]

Love the AK safari. However, I thoroughly enjoy our own little "safari" trips here in Utah. Took a drive on Sunday up the mountain 20 minutes from our house to Silver Lake at Brighton for a little walk and guess what we saw?

 

[seaulater]

Man, oh day, Linda. I just looked at your signature...you are a cruisin fool!!!
What are your favorites? What do you like so much about cruises vs land WDW vacations? Which one would you recommend for someone who really wants to do a longer cruise...only once...and anything else you can include for me.

Thanks,
Susan

Wow, that's a loaded question.....

I would definitely say my most favorite cruise of all time was the very first Panama Canal Cruise in May, 2005. We had been on the disboards the whole year before we went and felt like we knew everyone before we cruised and the disboard groups always make our trips even more memorable. There were so many "firsts" on that cruise that DCL had never experienced before and it was 14 nights! At first we didn't know what we would do on a ship for 14 nights, but through the disboards we planned so many activities, we didn't have time for everything.

But, I love all the LONG cruises. Being on the ship for 3 or 4 or 7 nights is just way too short. The longer cruises are just more relaxing and enjoyable.

Our first long cruise (the 10 day Christmas Cruise in 2004) is when we met Mark and Mary and many others who we have now become cruise buddies with. It ends up like you are having "family reunions" when you cruise together again.

The thing I like most about cruising is getting on the ship, relaxing or doing as much as I want, reading a good book and reuniting with old friends, cast members (who are like family to me now) and meeting new friends. The disboards have definitely been that link for new friendships that will last a lifetime.

If you want to do a longer cruise, I would definitely recommend on going on the ship that repositions to Southern California once the new ships start coming out in 2011. The transatlantic cruise was wonderful (6 days at sea), the Med cruises were great (but no downtime for relaxing, different ports every day) but the Panama Canal cruise was just right in terms of ports and sea days. And the historical aspect of the canal and experiencing the ship doing the transit through the canal is an awesome experience. I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't gone through the canal. And, who can beat a deck 9 BBQ all day while transiting through the canal.

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. Can you tell I love to cruise?

 

[kplumb]

Thank you Flo. Can someone tell me how I can get all the art work like membercruise logo etc. Do you just cut and paste from internet or is there somewhere in this website to attach. This is not my first Disney cruise but it is my first member cruise. Give me the low down on what to expect that is different from regular cruise. Kathy

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Thank you Flo. Can someone tell me how I can get all the art work like membercruise logo etc. Do you just cut and paste from internet or is there somewhere in this website to attach. This is not my first Disney cruise but it is my first member cruise. Give me the low down on what to expect that is different from regular cruise. Kathy

Kathy,

Hi! What you are looking for is on the first page, first post. You would copy and past into to your signature in user CP.

Hope this is what you want.

This is my first member cruise to. Mary and Mark are the pros. THere are some others that have been on more then one to.

take care
flo