09/21/08 SSMC08 S.S. Member Cruise 2008

[TheTXTaylors5]

FYI - Tikimack called today to check into upgrading our cabin. He was told the ship is full.

The ship is full?!?!?!?!?! For those that went last year, was it full too? Also, we are bringing our three kiddos. DH thought there might be more people onboard without kids due to it being the end of September. Most kids will be in school. What was your experience last year? We homeschool. So, we plan our vacations on "off-peak" weeks.

- Jennifer

 

[njprincess]

My sister and I just got off the Crown Princess on May 3!! We did a two week Caribbean cruise for her _0th birthday. We had a great time. If you go to the spa, ask for Jacinta. Tell her the Hoffmann's say hello! Also, I don't know what the weather is like there at this time of the year, but if it is warm enough, check out the Sanctuary on the top deck. Great place to relax with a minimum of distractions. The "Serenity Stewards" wait on you hand and foot. We spent the better part of the second week up there.

Thank's for not spilling the beans about which birthday I was celebrating on the Crown Princess! And I agree that The Sanctuary is just a little slice of heaven.

Just got back from seeing WALL-E in DLP (Digital Light Projection, which is amazing). I absolutely loved it! I laughed & cried. It's hard to believe that PIXAR can keep raising the bar on itself. If you're going to see it, make sure you stay for all of the credits if you want to see how everything turns out.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Wow! I had about 7 pages to catch up on here! Also will need to go check out the DVC website, since the theme has been announced!

I see several new folks joining us, too. Welcome to all of you! We were on the first DVC Member Cruise and are very much looking forward to this one.

How did the folks make out who were still trying for Palo's? Any luck there? We have had success in booking the dinner once we got onboard.

Happy weekend everyone!

 

[JsMom2]

Wendy: How delayed is it over there for new releases? When will you get Wall-E at the theatres?
- Jennifer

Well put it this way, the first I heard about Wall-E was on the disboards the past few days! But I've gotten spoiled with Netflix. I now prefer to watch movies at home, so I don't have to worry about getting a good seat, we can pause when we want for snacks and bathroom breaks. The movies tend to come out on DVD pretty quick nowadays, and of course we get caught up on our Disney movies on the ships!

Wendy needs to adopt us all. She is always going somewhere neat. You have created wonderful memories for your daughter. You're a great Mom. Have a fun and safe trip! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

- Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer! I'll tell J you said that. I still haven't let her forget when she told me "you're a failure as a parent" when she was 8!

My sister and I just got off the Crown Princess on May 3!! We did a two week Caribbean cruise for her _0th birthday. We had a great time. If you go to the spa, ask for Jacinta. Tell her the Hoffmann's say hello! Also, I don't know what the weather is like there at this time of the year, but if it is warm enough, check out the Sanctuary on the top deck. Great place to relax with a minimum of distractions. The "Serenity Stewards" wait on you hand and foot. We spent the better part of the second week up there.

I've got pedicure and manicure appts on the first day (our only sea day) - actually cheaper on the ship than paying in Euros over here in Belgium. I'll be sure to look her up and pass on your greeting. I'm trying not to get too excited about the ship, because our itinerary will be so full - 7 countries in 10 nights, including overnights in St Petersburg and Copenhagen. On the Disney Med cruise last year we had 3 days at sea, and we were still exhausted from doing the ports during the day and all the shipboard activities in the evening. We'll see how well we do at pacing ourselves this time.

I'll be sure to post pictures of the ports and the ship!

Wendy

 

[acourtwdw]

Has everyone seen this about WDW closing the nightclubs at PI? http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1869561

I'm not really that surprised by this. It seems to me that attendance has been declining there for a long time. Also, I miss the nightly New Year's eve celebration. It's almost 20 years old. It's time for a redo. But how packed will Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall be? Where we will find nighttime entertainment? There isn't a lot to do in the off season once the parks close.

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone. Happy Saturday!

Annette - I was reading about the PI closes on the board last night. We aren't late night people so it won't really matter to us. In fact we've only been to Pleasure Island at night twice. Once back in 1997 when we were down at Disney for a Nascar truck race and they had a special event at Pleasure Island. The second time was the night before the 2005 Member Cruise when DVC hosted a party at Pleasure Island and we got into all the clubs free. I enjoyed the show we saw at comedy warehouse but it isn't something I'd come back and see time and again.

It will be interesting to see what they put in place of the clubs. Hopefully something that can be enjoyed day and night. It seemed like walking through Pleasure Island during the day was like walking through a ghost town. Especially since so many of the little shops seemed to be gone.



PDFG and all our friends who need it.

 

[tikimimi]

We have never really takent ot PI as a couple or a family. I read Disney's official word on it htough, and in all honesty, I can't see how adding more dining and shopping isn't going to turn some guests over to City Walk. I hope they will still offer some venue options for those who enjoy comedy clubs, dancing, etc... Disney's word on this sounds very much like they have not decided what they want to do with the property or haven't secured names for the spots as they have envisioned it. It will be interesting to see how they rebuild it. We're weird; we know it, but we loved Disney Institute - which makes it sort of fitting we bought at SSR - so we would love to see something like that, revamped of course, come back. But if it didn't do well for Disney the first time, in terms of dollars, I dont see them bringing anything like ti back again.

 

[LWQuestie]

I am getting excited for the cruise!! Less than three months to go

DH and I have booked Palo and bought snorkel gear for Castaway Cay!

We're heading down a day early and staying at BWV till Saturday after the cruise to enjoy F&W

 

[dejnosluvmickey]

Ok! I have finally read through this entire post. Took me a few days, but I did it. I have gotten to know you all so much over the past few days. Let me tell you a little more about us.

I used to be a stay at home mom until we had our 4th child and I realized that I needed to do something to support my family. I went to school and became a nurse in 2005. I've been working at the local hospital for the past year and love it. Working 7pm to 7am is rough, but it saves $$$ on child care. Doing 12 hours I only have to work there 3 days a week. =) I also work at a nursing home and an IV company. In my spare time I love to crochet and scrapbook.

My husband has been driving for Coca-Cola for the past 10 years. Its nice having him leave for work at 4 am and being home by 1 in the afternoon. Its nice to get a little sleep before going back to work for another 12 hours.
Oldest daughter is 13 going on 28. Seems the attitudes come more frequently these days. She is an over all good kid. She is on the honor roll, plays flute, on the cheerleading squad and does tumbling.
Oldest son is 11. He is a good kid. Has dyslexia so school is a little rough for him. He has been tested and has been getting help in school. He is now getting all B's in school. He is very active in boyscouts and plays the alto saxaphone.
Next daughter is 9. She is my litte girly girl. This year is her first year playing the cello. 3 musical insturments in the house is really playing havoc on my ears.
Next daughter is 5. She is so excited to be in school. She goes into 1st grade this year. She loves her teacher and all the new friends she has made.
Next is our youngest son 4. He is my snuggle lover. He loves to stay at home with mommy after she works 12 hours and snuggle and rub her back. He really needs to go to school he is getting too smart for my own good.
Last is the baby. She is 1. She is one of those kids that will walk up and kiss you one second and then slap you the 2nd second. She definately has the little devil horns hiding somewhere.

We have been going to disney since 2004. We have gone every year. Our first year was a trip from my parents for x-mas. We stayed off resort and will NEVER do that again. It was such a pain spending a tiring day at the parks then having to drive an hour back to the hotel. One of the last days we were there we did the Saratoga Springs tour. I figured we could never afford this. Disney did the #'s and we were in. We love it so much we bough more points when AKV's came out. I love it now hat we are right there and can just hop on a 10 min bus ride to get back. =). Our next big purchase will be Hawaii points. I'm so excited to go there.

Of the 2 resorts we've stayed at I love Saratoga Springs. We have stayed there a few times now. I love the pools, the spa and the variety of food at the Artist. The last time we went we stayed at Animal Kingdom. I wasn't as impressed with Animal Kingdom. Somehow they forgot that wendnesday came between friday and thursday. We didn't have a room for 1 day. =( We had to go from a 2 bedroom to a studio =( That really sucked cramming us into a little room, but atleast we had a place to sleep. Checking in 3 times really did suck too. On top of that it messed up our dining plan. Can only feed 2-4 people in a studio on the dining plan. 4 people were left out. The kids meals were the same for lunch and dinner all the days we were there. My kids finally said NO to eating the pizza and the PB&J's. The animals were awsome! Nothing like seeing them that close when you get up in the morning. I was worried about the smell, but they keep that place really clean.


OK now back to the fish extenders. Is there a definate # of who will be doing them??? I feel kind of bad there being 8 of us. How is it split up? Any limit on the $$ of the gifts? I'd really like to get to shopping now. I already have a few ideas of what to get. =)

 

[JOANNEL]

The ship is full?!?!?!?!?! For those that went last year, was it full too? Also, we are bringing our three kiddos. DH thought there might be more people onboard without kids due to it being the end of September. Most kids will be in school. What was your experience last year? We homeschool. So, we plan our vacations on "off-peak" weeks.

- Jennifer

Last year the ship was full but the number of kids was less. A lot of couples go on the member cruise with out kids. The adult area's were crowded. Serenity bay was packed but the family beach had lots of open chairs. WE found this to be an older crowd than the normal cruises we have been on.

 

[JOANNEL]

I see the clock is still off since my last post went before LW Questie!! Makes for interesting reading.

 

[JOANNEL]

Welcome aboard dejnosluvmickey. I too stayed at home until my youngest started school. Now he is a sophmore in college!!!! So enjoy those kids it goes way too fast. DH & I are traveling w/o kids these days. Both in college.

Have a great Saturday all. Off to the grocery store and then some pool time.

 

[danandnan]

Mary it was interesting reading about PI. We feel the same way as you and Mark. .I hope when they do something it won't be geared to loud music. When Nancy and I would go over there was always different groups preforming you could't hear yourself think.
Im sure Disney will make it right so all will be able to enjoy it.
It's funny Mary we were also in the comedy club the night before the 2005. I think DVC could have done better donuts and cider .
It would be nice to see them do something like that this year. Maybe Just the 2008 Cruise people have a night in the Magic Kingdom without passes.All of us have name tags identifying us as 2008 DVC Cruise Members. Instead of all the gifts onboard. What do you think GANG?

 

[tikimimi]

Ok! I have finally read through this entire post. Took me a few days, but I did it. I have gotten to know you all so much over the past few days. Let me tell you a little more about us.


OK now back to the fish extenders. Is there a definate # of who will be doing them??? I feel kind of bad there being 8 of us. How is it split up? Any limit on the $$ of the gifts? I'd really like to get to shopping now. I already have a few ideas of what to get. =)

Steph - I cannot wait to meet you and your family in person! Like you, I read through every page back when I joined! I can so relate to your feelings about the 13 yr. old (my "13 yr. old" is now 18 and headed to college in August, and my oldest is 21) and want to swap stories. I am very glad your family bought into SSR when you have. Mack and I did it as a step to the next season of life - grandparenthood - thinking we will have it paid off by the time we would take grandchildren. I would also love to buy in HI.

About the fish extenders - we are also looking very forward to this, and personally, I am looking forward to buying for your 8. When I PMed Tina our information, I asked her about a deadline as well, so we can shop a little each month to spread out the expense and make sure we get for everyone. I hope that is how it works.

Have a nice Saturday everyone! Dan - I'm with you; I think whatever Disney does with PI, they will do it well and it will be fun. When I started programming in JCL (okay that dated me), my text book said, "Change is at best difficult." I think that applies to a lot of things, and certainly Dis-fanatics often hesitate about changes, but Disney usually comes through and makes something even more wonderful.

Off to finish cleaning the inside freezer and the deep freeze in the garage (hot day for that in GA). Don't I know how to have a happening Saturday!!!???

 

[cobbler]

I read about the PI closing just now. It is something that we have never done because we have always had the boys with us. We thought we might go sometime when we can send them to a kids club or when we go ourselves but so far that has yet to occur. So I guess I don't know what I am missing but it appears that I haven't missed much.

We love the Marketplace and actually have only ventured over to the West Side a couple of times. Not a big fan of the West Side.

I hope they put something good over there. I always thought it would be a great addition to put a kids club at SSR because of PI but since it will be gone, I guess there won't be as big of a need (although I still think it would be great to have one there).

 

[njprincess]

Has everyone seen this about WDW closing the nightclubs at PI?

I'm not really that surprised by this. It seems to me that attendance has been declining there for a long time. Also, I miss the nightly New Year's eve celebration. It's almost 20 years old. It's time for a redo. But how packed will Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall be? Where we will find nighttime entertainment? There isn't a lot to do in the off season once the parks close.

KONGALOOSH!!! I sure hope they're not closing the Adventurer's Club!

 

[njprincess]

I've got pedicure and manicure appts on the first day (our only sea day) - actually cheaper on the ship than paying in Euros over here in Belgium. I'll be sure to look her up and pass on your greeting. I'm trying not to get too excited about the ship, because our itinerary will be so full - 7 countries in 10 nights, including overnights in St Petersburg and Copenhagen. On the Disney Med cruise last year we had 3 days at sea, and we were still exhausted from doing the ports during the day and all the shipboard activities in the evening. We'll see how well we do at pacing ourselves this time.

I'll be sure to post pictures of the ports and the ship!

Wendy

Wendy - Bon Voyage! Enjoy the White Nights in St. Petersburg and the fabulous chocolate in Copenhagen!

 

[dejnosluvmickey]

Wayne and I have never been to Pleasure Island. This is the first year that our oldest is technically old enough to babysit. I think I like spending more time with the kids and seeing how they react to the Disney experience. I don't think we have ever even walked around Pleasure Island. I do want to try and do Disney Quest this year for the older kids. Maybe the baby and I will stay at the pool. =) Oldest daughter says I definately need to get some sun before we go. I can't help it. I work nights and sleep days. Sun is hard to get when your sleeping. Well time for me to take a nap before work. =(

 

[cherylp3]

yes both the adventurer's club and the comedy warehouse will be closing as well.

 

[dizneyfan23]

yes both the adventurer's club and the comedy warehouse will be closing as well.

What about the Irish Pub, I forget the name. Will that be closing as well???