09/13/09 SSMC09 S.S. Member Cruise 2009

[BCVOwner2002]

Hi All!

I've been lurking and haven't gotten around to reading all of the posts. I wanted to read everything before I joined in but it seems it's gonna take me a long time to read EVERYTHING. I'm just going to start posting. We are booked for the SSMC09!!! We are from the suburbs of Chicago and this is our first cruise!! The kids are giddy with anticipation. DH doesn't think it will be fun but his friends told him they liked to cruise so he decided we could try Disney. (I've been harrassing him to take a cruise since we got married but it took his friends to push him over the hump.) Oh well, I'm not going to complain!! I'm so excited and I don't know what to expect. I want to be involved in everything! I want DH to have so much fun he'll want to go again and again.

Can anyone give us some advice on what to expect? Also, is there some "must do" or something we should stay away from? I'm sure some of my questions can be answered in earlier posts but it's going to take me a long time to get through them all.

Thanks!!!
Susie

Susie! No need to read through all of those pages. Just jump right in and ask any questions you may have. This is a great group of people who have many years of knowledge about cruising. I'm sure someone else has directed you to the first posting. That may answer some of your questions and if not, just ask!

As far as DH goes, he i'm sure he will LOVE it! Mine was nervous about cruising, especially after watching Titanic Now that I think about it, he wasn't so sure about DVC either! Our first cruise was a Disney Member Cruise in 2005, then again in 2006. DH won a 4-Night Disney Cruise in 2008 which we went on last October. We took our Godson with us and his parents came along too. Shortly after we returned from the cruise, DH sai while he enjoyed the cruise, it didn't compare to a member cruise. He liked finding new goodies in our FE and surprises on our bed at night.

While you can go on other cruise lines for more nights at the same price, you don't get the Disney charm or should I say, "Magic" or "Wonder"

Annmarie

 

[BoosGram]

Any word on Mary?? Please?

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Any word on Mary?? Please?

Joanne,

Below is what Karen posted on post #2752

Typing on my iPhone so I'm going to be brief--surgery is done. Mary is in recovery. Doctor optimistic he got everything. Good news. Mark will update with more detail later.


Have a good night.

flo

 

[djstweety]

First of all, Mary, I am so glad they think they got it all. I am very sure god is looking out for you. And I am sure a few pixes are needed.


Susie, welcome. Glad you are joining us. This is our first member cruise. I have never sailed DCL before. But we are not new to cruising. This will be our fourth cruise. The only advise I can give you, is not to over do. I seem to do this on every trip. I am always afraid I'll miss something. Then I am so tired by the end of the trip. But every moment was worth it. cant wait to meet you.

Happy Birthday Nancy Hope your day went well.

I am writing this in the dark, DH worked all night. came home for about and hour and got called back to do one more thing. And he has been trying to sleep since. I have to wake him up at 7, so he can get ready to go back to work, I am not complaining at least he has a job. But its hard to be quite, when I get home from work, and need to quite until I get him up. I guess thats why I call him grumpy.

 

[SuziQZee]

Susie,

They will love the SSMC09 cruise. I am told there are less kids so the clubs won't be as crowded.
I would live to add on when we go on the 21st but I am not working. But I am hoping that my DS will buy in. I have him addicted. He is 23 and still wants to go. This cruise will be the first time we have done any vacation with out him. It will be interesting.
The radisson at port has a shuttle service to the ship. I tried to get a group rate but no. You could park your car there and take the shutte of you want to. Check out the ling below. It is on the discussion part ofthe forum. A good friend and a person that would help any one put this together. It has alot of info. Hotels, cars, food, etc.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520273

flo

THANK YOU FLO!!

I'm so used to being able to find any info I want for Disney, that I wasn't sure how I was going to locate recommended local hotels and related info to the cruise. (I don't know why I was worried, I can find pretty much any info I need right here. ) All of this info is perfect!

Just think, if DS bought in to DVC, I'm sure he'd take you along with him!! Twice as much fun for the same price!! It might be different without him on this vacation but I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Thanks Annmarie!
My friend loves the Disney cruises but I'm not sure if she's gone on a member cruise. What kind of "perks" are on a member cruise as opposed to a reg Disney cruise? Gratuities are included....right?

Susie

 

[dvc4life]

Welcome Suzie!!!!!! I can't wait to meet everyone. This is a fun group of people and I'm sure we are going to have an awesome time!!!

My thoughts are out to Mark and Mary. I am sitting on pins and needles to find out how things have ended for the day. I'm sure they won't know until all tests have been run, but I pray to god that they got all of it and that there was nothing lurking in there that they didn't know about. (As is what happened to my BIL). I am sending all the prayers, good wishes and to them that I can. I just absolutely, postively, hate the "C" word. It is the worst word in the entire world.

 

[Beastly]

Well it was a Very up and Down Trip.

Friday...
1/30 driving down to WDW From CT. My wife "Nancy", Bruce Jr, and I. First stop was Emporia VA.

Saturday...
Around GA my daugther called me and told me she had given birth to a baby boy "Jerimia" came about 2 weeks early mother and baby doing fine. My first Grandson I have 4 granddaughters.

We then Drove to Jacksonville FL. (Sat night) we stayed overnight and when de woke up 3 cars were broken into in the Hotel parking lot theives looking for computers glass everywhere. The Sheriffs told us they broke into 12 cars in that block. Luckily our car was intact.

Sunday...
Arrived at Port Orleans - Riverside

Monday...
My son Bruce checked into the college program, it was a very busy day, forms background checks parents meeting settin up his apt .. Walmart run .. Family meeting etc. He is in a 3 br apt and has 5 room mates . Nice place 24 hour security, heated pools, tenis courts etc a nice gated community all college program all under 21 so dry,

Tuesday..
Nancy and I went to EPCOT, went on Test Track and Soaring. Bruce Jr called said it was the happiest day of his life ... he passed the life guard swim test and we be taking Traditions class on Thursday. A half hour later the Convalesent Home called ... My wife's dad passed away. we went back to the hotel and packed. Met with Bruce Jr to tell him we were flying back in am.

Wednesday ..
Early am flight we are back home (Nancy's Birthday today) Planning funeral for Friday.

Very emotional High and Low trip ...

We will go back in may to pick up Bruce and charge our batteries.

Hope all is well with you all ...

Best wishes and pixie dust to you Mary.

...Bruce aka Beastly

 

[dvc4life]

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ohiominnie]

Well it was a Very up and Down Trip.

Friday...
1/30 driving down to WDW From CT. My wife "Nancy", Bruce Jr, and I. First stop was Emporia VA.

Saturday...
Around GA my daugther called me and told me she had given birth to a baby boy "Jerimia" came about 2 weeks early mother and baby doing fine. My first Grandson I have 4 granddaughters.

We then Drove to Jacksonville FL. (Sat night) we stayed overnight and when de woke up 3 cars were broken into in the Hotel parking lot theives looking for computers glass everywhere. The Sheriffs told us they broke into 12 cars in that block. Luckily our car was intact.

Sunday...
Arrived at Port Orleans - Riverside

Monday...
My son Bruce checked into the college program, it was a very busy day, forms background checks parents meeting settin up his apt .. Walmart run .. Family meeting etc. He is in a 3 br apt and has 5 room mates . Nice place 24 hour security, heated pools, tenis courts etc a nice gated community all college program all under 21 so dry,

Tuesday..
Nancy and I went to EPCOT, went on Test Track and Soaring. Bruce Jr called said it was the happiest day of his life ... he passed the life guard swim test and we be taking Traditions class on Thursday. A half hour later the Convalesent Home called ... My wife's dad passed away. we went back to the hotel and packed. Met with Bruce Jr to tell him we were flying back in am.

Wednesday ..
Early am flight we are back home (Nancy's Birthday today) Planning funeral for Friday.

Very emotional High and Low trip ...

We will go back in may to pick up Bruce and charge our batteries.

Hope all is well with you all ...

Best wishes and pixie dust to you Mary.

...Bruce aka Beastly

Wow. New life and death. All in a short time. That is whirlwind. Congrats on the baby. Sorry to hear about your wife's dad.

 

[dvc4life]

Well it was a Very up and Down Trip.

Friday...
1/30 driving down to WDW From CT. My wife "Nancy", Bruce Jr, and I. First stop was Emporia VA.

Saturday...
Around GA my daugther called me and told me she had given birth to a baby boy "Jerimia" came about 2 weeks early mother and baby doing fine. My first Grandson I have 4 granddaughters.

We then Drove to Jacksonville FL. (Sat night) we stayed overnight and when de woke up 3 cars were broken into in the Hotel parking lot theives looking for computers glass everywhere. The Sheriffs told us they broke into 12 cars in that block. Luckily our car was intact.

Sunday...
Arrived at Port Orleans - Riverside

Monday...
My son Bruce checked into the college program, it was a very busy day, forms background checks parents meeting settin up his apt .. Walmart run .. Family meeting etc. He is in a 3 br apt and has 5 room mates . Nice place 24 hour security, heated pools, tenis courts etc a nice gated community all college program all under 21 so dry,

Tuesday..
Nancy and I went to EPCOT, went on Test Track and Soaring. Bruce Jr called said it was the happiest day of his life ... he passed the life guard swim test and we be taking Traditions class on Thursday. A half hour later the Convalesent Home called ... My wife's dad passed away. we went back to the hotel and packed. Met with Bruce Jr to tell him we were flying back in am.

Wednesday ..
Early am flight we are back home (Nancy's Birthday today) Planning funeral for Friday.

Very emotional High and Low trip ...

We will go back in may to pick up Bruce and charge our batteries.

Hope all is well with you all ...

Best wishes and pixie dust to you Mary.

...Bruce aka Beastly

Oh, Bruce, so sorry to hear about the ups and downs of this trip. Glad your car wasn't one that was broken into. We always try not to leave anything of value in the vehicle when we drive. I'm sure you do the same so that is why they didn't touch your vehicle. Thank goodness.

Yeah, a grandson!!!! How wonderful. You will have a great time with him. And your son, how awesome of an experience this will be for him. Please let us know where he will be lifeguarding. It would be fun to go up to him when we are there in May & say "Hey - are your Bruce Jr?"

So sorry to hear about Nancy's Dad. You guys are truly in my thoughts and know that good wishes are being sent your way. Take care.

 

[SuziQZee]

I can't believe how supportive everyone is here!! This is so great!!! I really can't wait to meet all of you!! My kids will love to meet other friends to play with.

Maybe it was a mistake having our first cruise be a MC because I'm afraid that nothing else will measure up.

Bruce, it sounds like you had one heck of a trip. I'm sorry to here about your FIL. I'm sure it was hard for your wife to have a b-day, come home from a trip and plan a funneral all in the same day. I'm so sorry.

Susie

 

[wltdsnyfan]

THANK YOU FLO!!

I'm so used to being able to find any info I want for Disney, that I wasn't sure how I was going to locate recommended local hotels and related info to the cruise. (I don't know why I was worried, I can find pretty much any info I need right here. ) All of this info is perfect!

Just think, if DS bought in to DVC, I'm sure he'd take you along with him!! Twice as much fun for the same price!! It might be different without him on this vacation but I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Thanks Annmarie!
My friend loves the Disney cruises but I'm not sure if she's gone on a member cruise. What kind of "perks" are on a member cruise as opposed to a reg Disney cruise? Gratuities are included....right?

Susie

Susie,

Not only would we go with him but extra point to.

Yes, gratuities are included on the member cruise. But on regular cruises they are not.

Have a great evening.

flo

 

[MarkRG]

Hiya!

I'm a wee bit tired, and will be writing this up once and doing some cut and paste so don't think you're seeing deja vu if you see it more than once.

Today went very well. We got there on time, they took her in at 8:30, surgery went a bit longer than they told us, at 12:30 the doc came out and gave the news, he removed the section with the tumor via the far less invasive lapriscopy, and at this point believes he got everything, short of the pathology report saying different. Mary is groggy, tired, sore, but otherwise doing well and resting in a room all to herself. Thanks for all the well wishes, I'll be going back to see her tomorrow.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Well it was a Very up and Down Trip.

Friday...
1/30 driving down to WDW From CT. My wife "Nancy", Bruce Jr, and I. First stop was Emporia VA.

Saturday...
Around GA my daugther called me and told me she had given birth to a baby boy "Jerimia" came about 2 weeks early mother and baby doing fine. My first Grandson I have 4 granddaughters.

We then Drove to Jacksonville FL. (Sat night) we stayed overnight and when de woke up 3 cars were broken into in the Hotel parking lot theives looking for computers glass everywhere. The Sheriffs told us they broke into 12 cars in that block. Luckily our car was intact.

Sunday...
Arrived at Port Orleans - Riverside

Monday...
My son Bruce checked into the college program, it was a very busy day, forms background checks parents meeting settin up his apt .. Walmart run .. Family meeting etc. He is in a 3 br apt and has 5 room mates . Nice place 24 hour security, heated pools, tenis courts etc a nice gated community all college program all under 21 so dry,

Tuesday..
Nancy and I went to EPCOT, went on Test Track and Soaring. Bruce Jr called said it was the happiest day of his life ... he passed the life guard swim test and we be taking Traditions class on Thursday. A half hour later the Convalesent Home called ... My wife's dad passed away. we went back to the hotel and packed. Met with Bruce Jr to tell him we were flying back in am.

Wednesday ..
Early am flight we are back home (Nancy's Birthday today) Planning funeral for Friday.

Very emotional High and Low trip ...

We will go back in may to pick up Bruce and charge our batteries.

Hope all is well with you all ...

Best wishes and pixie dust to you Mary.

...Bruce aka Beastly

Congrats on the Grandson!

Glad your car did not get broken into. I feel sorry for the people that had that happen.

My sympathy on the loss of Nancy's dad.

Sounds like Bruce Jr. loves his new job. Good for him.

Glad you made it home safe and sound.

Sending some your way.

take care

flo

 

[KellyJeanDVC]

Mark,

Thanks so much for the update on Mary! I hope she recovers soon and I'm glad the doctors feel good about the surgery.

Get some sleep!

 

[bsusanmb]

Well it was a Very up and Down Trip.

Friday...
1/30 driving down to WDW From CT. My wife "Nancy", Bruce Jr, and I. First stop was Emporia VA.

Saturday...
Around GA my daugther called me and told me she had given birth to a baby boy "Jerimia" came about 2 weeks early mother and baby doing fine. My first Grandson I have 4 granddaughters.

We then Drove to Jacksonville FL. (Sat night) we stayed overnight and when de woke up 3 cars were broken into in the Hotel parking lot theives looking for computers glass everywhere. The Sheriffs told us they broke into 12 cars in that block. Luckily our car was intact.

Sunday...
Arrived at Port Orleans - Riverside

Monday...
My son Bruce checked into the college program, it was a very busy day, forms background checks parents meeting settin up his apt .. Walmart run .. Family meeting etc. He is in a 3 br apt and has 5 room mates . Nice place 24 hour security, heated pools, tenis courts etc a nice gated community all college program all under 21 so dry,

Tuesday..
Nancy and I went to EPCOT, went on Test Track and Soaring. Bruce Jr called said it was the happiest day of his life ... he passed the life guard swim test and we be taking Traditions class on Thursday. A half hour later the Convalesent Home called ... My wife's dad passed away. we went back to the hotel and packed. Met with Bruce Jr to tell him we were flying back in am.

Wednesday ..
Early am flight we are back home (Nancy's Birthday today) Planning funeral for Friday.

Very emotional High and Low trip ...

We will go back in may to pick up Bruce and charge our batteries.

Hope all is well with you all ...

Best wishes and pixie dust to you Mary.

...Bruce aka Beastly

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you were having such a wonderful time and a new baby...college program, everything so great...and now Nancy's birthday. What a week...my heart goes out to you. I was a visiting home hospice RN and what happened to all of my Alzheimer's patients would be that they would just stop eating. They didn't know what to do with food and they would refuse to eat. It is a very sad situation.

Well, blessings to all of you and you are in my prayers.

Susan

 

[Time4disneynow]

Well it was a Very up and Down Trip.

Friday...
1/30 driving down to WDW From CT. My wife "Nancy", Bruce Jr, and I. First stop was Emporia VA.

Saturday...
Around GA my daugther called me and told me she had given birth to a baby boy "Jerimia" came about 2 weeks early mother and baby doing fine. My first Grandson I have 4 granddaughters.

We then Drove to Jacksonville FL. (Sat night) we stayed overnight and when de woke up 3 cars were broken into in the Hotel parking lot theives looking for computers glass everywhere. The Sheriffs told us they broke into 12 cars in that block. Luckily our car was intact.

Sunday...
Arrived at Port Orleans - Riverside

Monday...
My son Bruce checked into the college program, it was a very busy day, forms background checks parents meeting settin up his apt .. Walmart run .. Family meeting etc. He is in a 3 br apt and has 5 room mates . Nice place 24 hour security, heated pools, tenis courts etc a nice gated community all college program all under 21 so dry,

Tuesday..
Nancy and I went to EPCOT, went on Test Track and Soaring. Bruce Jr called said it was the happiest day of his life ... he passed the life guard swim test and we be taking Traditions class on Thursday. A half hour later the Convalesent Home called ... My wife's dad passed away. we went back to the hotel and packed. Met with Bruce Jr to tell him we were flying back in am.

Wednesday ..
Early am flight we are back home (Nancy's Birthday today) Planning funeral for Friday.

Very emotional High and Low trip ...

We will go back in may to pick up Bruce and charge our batteries.

Hope all is well with you all ...

Best wishes and pixie dust to you Mary.

...Bruce aka Beastly

Hello Bruce,
Congratulations on the birth of your first grandson....I am glad to hear that mom and baby are just fine.
Congrats to your son and the college program. Sounds like your son is loving the college program.
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Nancys father.

Please take care......Monika

 

[bsusanmb]

Hiya!

I'm a wee bit tired, and will be writing this up once and doing some cut and paste so don't think you're seeing deja vu if you see it more than once.

Today went very well. We got there on time, they took her in at 8:30, surgery went a bit longer than they told us, at 12:30 the doc came out and gave the news, he removed the section with the tumor via the far less invasive lapriscopy, and at this point believes he got everything, short of the pathology report saying different. Mary is groggy, tired, sore, but otherwise doing well and resting in a room all to herself. Thanks for all the well wishes, I'll be going back to see her tomorrow.

Thanks so much for letting us know, Mark. You two have been in my thoughts all day. It sounds like this is good news and she will have a much speedier recovery. I am sure you are tired.

Blessings,
Susan

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Hiya!

I'm a wee bit tired, and will be writing this up once and doing some cut and paste so don't think you're seeing deja vu if you see it more than once.

Today went very well. We got there on time, they took her in at 8:30, surgery went a bit longer than they told us, at 12:30 the doc came out and gave the news, he removed the section with the tumor via the far less invasive lapriscopy, and at this point believes he got everything, short of the pathology report saying different. Mary is groggy, tired, sore, but otherwise doing well and resting in a room all to herself. Thanks for all the well wishes, I'll be going back to see her tomorrow.

Mark,

Thanks for the report. Tell her I said hi and am sending and prayers.

I am sure it has been a long stressfull day for you. Hope you do get some rest.

flo

 

[Time4disneynow]

Hiya!

I'm a wee bit tired, and will be writing this up once and doing some cut and paste so don't think you're seeing deja vu if you see it more than once.

Today went very well. We got there on time, they took her in at 8:30, surgery went a bit longer than they told us, at 12:30 the doc came out and gave the news, he removed the section with the tumor via the far less invasive lapriscopy, and at this point believes he got everything, short of the pathology report saying different. Mary is groggy, tired, sore, but otherwise doing well and resting in a room all to herself. Thanks for all the well wishes, I'll be going back to see her tomorrow.

Hi Mark
Thank you so much for updating us on Mary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and for Mary.
Please take care.....get some rest too.

Monika