1/14/07 Wonder Anyone?

[Hygiene99]

I freaked out last year and took almost everything off that list. This year I am the other extreme. Besides our clothes/bathing suits and sunscreen/skin/makeup stuff and camera/chargers, I think the only things I am taking off that list are the dishwashing liquid to rinse our suits out with (keeps them from developing "that scent", the shoe thing if I can find one...the Dollar Store was out, and the Ziploc bags I have packed the kids stuff in.
I have my Barry Manilow CD ready to torture my family when I have to drive! So I think if Barry is ready then so am I!
L

Couple of Barry fan's over here....

Is on the ipod some more than others, Jemn

Shelly - I put that out there If you can make it make it if not have an awesome cruise!!


Yes the post does Automaticly update itself!
when new info is supplied! LOL

Folks get very busy! Peter

There is a certain kinda at home feeling when you can See someone on the ship and be able to chat with them for a minute or 2
I guess is the best way to describe it?

 

[Hygiene99]

Who You may meet - cheat sheet

Sailaway DIS Party - Deck 10, Overlooking the pool - starboard side - 4:30 PM
Stop by, say hi, meet your fellow Disers.
The Side closest to the port building!! The ship is Backed in!




Hygiene99 - Peter & Jenn, 15 Andy 14 Brittany 12 Kirah 12 Kaylee
Jenns parents - Jerry & Anita..... Photo here.......7035

Bella8286 - Rebekkah & Jason, DD7 - Taylor & DS 8 months -Tucker
First cruise. 5022


3dog2kidmom - Shelly & Dave, DS9 - Robert & DD7 - Taylor
First cruise, Celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary 6552

StitchandPooh'sMom - Mary & Thad - 18 in all - DD7 - Emily and DD4 - Amy, 6062.
DMIL and DFIL - Anne and Jack
DH's sister and her family - Ashley, Doug, Patrick (13) and Evan (10)
DH's cousin and family - Frank, Michelle, Arthur (9) and Maggie (6) - they have cruised DCL once before
Another DH cousin and family - Kathryn, David, Will (11?) and Alex (girl-13)
Another DH cousin and daughter - Martha and Emily (15?)



flowerfacade - Laura & David - DS5 - Joe - DD10 - Lucy 2522

Tikihula - Bev 'n' Steve - Mature Adult's, Cruise is Retirement gift to herself.
5020....... First cruise.
Suflay1 - Bev & Steve - In case I've confused anyone, I'm Tikihula when I send from home and Suflay1 when I send from work.

grlzmom - Jeanne & DH, 7 kids - dd16 dd15 dd12 dd10 dd5 dd3 ds3
& her Mom & Dad.

pumpkin8675 - Tamera & DH, DD16, and DS's 14, 11, 8.
Kids First cruise..

BarbP - Barb & DH, DS 24, DD 22 and her fiance 28. 7602 and 7600
first DISNEY cruise



trivial - Mary 24 & Matt, 27, Her first trip, and my first trip since I was 12. Mary will be 21 weeks pregnant with twins. It's sort of our honeymoon/anniversary/vacation-before-the-kids-come-along trip.

jkk - Jodi & Ken, DD10 - Lindsey
and DD6 - Emma. 6571, first Disney cruise

Lucky'sMom - Julie & Brian,.... 3 kids ages 10 DS, 8 DD and 6 DD. First cruise.

dba - Dave & Boom, DS - Aidan

May have Messed up a thing or 2? Forget anyone? More info ?

Tips

Dining Room Server: $14.75
Assistant Server: $10.75
Head Server: $3.75
Stateroom Host: $14.50
Total = $43.75
per person

Link to the tip caculator

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Wow you all have been busy posting today! I'm at work on one of my last few nights. Tomorrow night is the last for two weeks!

I think I am WAY overpacking... I am so *overwhelmed* with everything I have to pack I don't even know where to start. I am going by the packing list on passporter.com. I know I will not need half of what I'm bringing but I'm feeling like we're going to be in the middle of the ocean and unable to "run to the store" and I don't want to pay an arm and leg for something on the ship...

I know I overpacked too -- I have always lived by the philosophy "it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it." I probably could take half out but then we wouldn't have options!!

Jodi -- don't worry, I am terrible with names too. Don't feel bad!

Julie -- my DH and DS are never cold either, but I freeze! And we are leaving Wednesday already for our 4 nights at the Poly and I have to work today and tomorrow so you are not behind

Peter & all -- we will be at the sailaway party!!!

I have not even thought about door signs. Probably won't get to that. I did want to mention I found photo mats -- 8x10 mat for a 4x6 photo at Deals (do you all have that dollar store?) two for $1. I have the pillowcases for characters to sign but maybe I'll bring those along too.

 

[Hygiene99]

I am almost ready now!

Any last minute invaluable tips from you cruise veterans? I have read every packing and checklist there is and even though it's not allowed, Peter, I too am a bit overwhelmed.

Please dont - 1 it is not allowed Rebekkah Tell her!!!!
Go relax and have a great time! Clicking here will help!!!! (Speakers On)

I cant wait for you 2 to see, Actually, how overpacked you are!! LOL

If you become confused or have any questions - feel free to contact anyone on the cheat sheet! our cabin is going to be 7035 (it is not Yet but will be)
Please feel frree to call ....

You are more educated on the art of a Disney cruise.
than most.. We did our first cruise without the benefit of the boards!!!LOL

The rest will just fall into place!!!!
Go with the Flow!!!!!!
If you see the Nemo show, at AK you will know what im talking about!

Happy Vacations everyone!!!!!!!

Ps : If you dont think something is right - Feel free to call, sometimes one person can be told one thing and one another!!!


Please Keep a Safe eye on all the kids!!
Nuff said!!!

 

[Hygiene99]

Ok, I guess it is about time that I popped on to say Hi! This is Jenn, the other half of Peter. I always lurk, never post. He keeps me up to date with everything that is going on. I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the sailway party! It is going to be a fabulous trip! To all the first time cruisers, don't worry about the small stuff. If you forget something, you can always buy it. Just enjoy! Its a short cruise, so you will never be able to do everything. Don't get so nuts planning stuff that you stress yourself out. My philosophy is, If you don't get the reservation you want, there is always the pool and a fruity drink! Its not a bad alternative! See you all on board!!! Happy days in Disney to all who are going to the parks, maybe we will see you there! ~~~Jenn

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Hi again everyone! I'm starting to feel the "crunch"...so much to do, so little time! Now I really feel behind because it looks like all of you are packed already.

I'm not packed either, Julie! I still have to find all the summer things, get the suitcases out of the attic, and be sure not to forget all the things I read about here (pillowcases that I bought, over the door shoe holder, other things I don't typically pack for a vacation). We had a birthday party for Amy at home yesterday, so I didn't want to have everything scattered around the house. Today is another story! There will be stuff everywhere by the end of the day! It is turning cooler here after temps in the 70's, so I can safely pack the shorts my kids have been living in for the past week.

Hope everywhere has a safe trip down! We will try to catch up at the sail-away party - we'll be part of the group of twenty!

 

[Bella8286]

Hi Jenn - good to finally "hear" from you. Peter has talked a lot about you over the last few months.

We will definately be at the sailaway party!

For past cruisers... just how is the water onboard? Tucker drinks tap water here in his bottles and I did buy bottled water to bring but it is taking up SO much room. Jason thought he would be fine with the water on the ship but something about getting it out of a bathroom faucet just doesn't appeal to me... nor does running to deck 9 drink station every 3-4 hours for fill-ups

Starting tonight, the lows are in the 30s at night here for the rest of the week. I hope we have good weather while we're on vacation!

Peter - stay close I will be calling you if I need HELP! I've got 7035 in my head... ya know just in case they kick me out of brunch b/c I'm not PETER

 

[Bella8286]

How much film is everyone planning to bring? I have a 1GB memory card that will store about 400 pictures. I also have a 512GB that stores about 100 (I think)

Can calling cards be useful on the ship? My mom is really stressing not being able to hear from us for 4 nights

 

[Hygiene99]

Hi Jenn - good to finally "hear" from you. Peter has talked a lot about you over the last few months.

We will definately be at the sailaway party!

For past cruisers... just how is the water onboard? Tucker drinks tap water here in his bottles and I did buy bottled water to bring but it is taking up SO much room. Jason thought he would be fine with the water on the ship but something about getting it out of a bathroom faucet just doesn't appeal to me... nor does running to deck 9 drink station every 3-4 hours for fill-ups

Starting tonight, the lows are in the 30s at night here for the rest of the week. I hope we have good weather while we're on vacation!

Peter - stay close I will be calling you if I need HELP! I've got 7035 in my head... ya know just in case they kick me out of brunch b/c I'm not PETER

Suggestion !!! Bring couple of bottles of water, when empty refill at the deck 9 drink station put in your in room beverage cooler.
Water is fine!


Maybe it was 7127

 

[Tikihula]

How much film is everyone planning to bring? I have a 1GB memory card that will store about 400 pictures. I also have a 512GB that stores about 100 (I think)

Can calling cards be useful on the ship? My mom is really stressing not being able to hear from us for 4 nights

Rebekkah - We are bringing the same amount of memory for our digital camera that you are and feel it should be plenty. I'm also bringing our compact 35mm camera to get some regular shots at the parks along with the digitals.

The ship-to-shore phone rates are outrageous, but you should be able to use your calling card in Nassau, and probably Castaway Cay as well. Our cruise documents had an 888 number to call for emergencies on the ship, but it said there would be ship-to-shore rates charged. It's not like you'll be totally isolated for 4 days, you'll be able to place a call while you're on land. My ex-mother-in-law was on a cruise when my ex-husband had an emergency and I was able to reach her on the ship with no problem.

Like Jenn says (Hi Jenn - we've heard lots of nice things about you from Peter), don't sweat the small stuff. It'll all come together. And this is from a first-time cruiser who leaves early TOMORROW MORNING (Tuesday) for WDW and I'm not finished packing. Eeek - gotta get moving. See you all soon.

 

[grlzmom]

How much film is everyone planning to bring? I have a 1GB memory card that will store about 400 pictures. I also have a 512GB that stores about 100 (I think)

Can calling cards be useful on the ship? My mom is really stressing not being able to hear from us for 4 nights

Your calling cards wont help on the ship, perhaps they can be used on the payphones in Nassau?

We average about 100 photos per day and this is the first time we are leaving the laptop home. Usually we dump the pictures nightly and burn them on a cd. Since this is a 4 nighter, we arent bringing the lappie. Our 100photos per day works with seven kids, so I am betting you will be fine!! We also bring a couple of disposable water proof cameras.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

We aren't bringing the laptop either (long story ), but have lots of memory for our 2 digital cameras. DH has a nice compact waterproof one with a 2g card, and I have three 1g cards for my Canon S2. Robert has a little digital that holds a few plus a disposable, and Taylor has a small 35mm with 1 roll of film that I had in the house. Should be enough for 10 days. I like the laptop as a backup in case something happens to your cards, but this will have to do!

Hi Jenn!!! I'm looking forward to meeting you. You guys are such great Aunt & Uncles. I hope one day to be able to bring my neices & nephews on a vacation with us!

Bev, OMG I can't believe you leave in the morning!!! I can't remember -- where are you staying? We get there Weds. at ~noon and stay at the Poly.

Okay, I have too much luggage. I am off to unpack everything, take some stuff out, and see if I can reduce by a suitcase. DS came home with his school work today and that alone will take its own backpack. DD's teacher is having her make hers up when she gets back but DS has a ton of it!

 

[grlzmom]

Okay, I have too much luggage. I am off to unpack everything, take some stuff out, and see if I can reduce by a suitcase. DS came home with his school work today and that alone will take its own backpack. DD's teacher is having her make hers up when she gets back but DS has a ton of it!

I dont know if it will help you, but with the dds homework stuff, I xerox as much as I can from their text books to avoid taking the actual books, just the pages they need, so the backpacks dont get too heavy.

I wish we had a waterproof digital. Another item on my wish list.

Also, on the payphone stuff, there are NO payphones on Castaway.

 

[Bella8286]

I'm jealous! I wish I was leaving tomorrow. I'm sitting here on my LAST night of work We are pretty slow which makes for a long night

My mom will live w/o a phone call I'm sure. It's mainly Taylor she cares to hear from rather than us!

Tomorrow is my big packing day. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time...

Peter, perfect idea about the water bottles. Jason picked up the 8oz little ones which will be perfect for one bottle and they don't take up much room.

 

[Hygiene99]

there are NO payphones on Castaway.

Got that right!!!!


But your Cell may work depending on the carrier.....

Bev 'n' Steve Happy Travels

 

[3dog2kidmom]

I dont know if it will help you, but with the dds homework stuff, I xerox as much as I can from their text books to avoid taking the actual books, just the pages they need, so the backpacks dont get too heavy.

Awesome idea - thanks!!! I am going to do that tomorrow

I wish we had a waterproof digital. Another item on my wish list.

I got Dave the Pentax Optio W20 for Christmas and he really likes it. It's smaller than a throw-away, has a nice big LCD screen, and as a bonus it uses the same media as mine.

 

[3dog2kidmom]

I cant wait for you 2 to see, Actually, how overpacked you are!!

Not going to happen! I am now down to 2 large and 1 medium suitcases for 4 people for 10 days. And that includes the rolling cooler which is inside the large case. 1 carry-on for DH (with my extra stuff, reading material, and the camera bag), each of the kids have a carry-on, and I have my purse and a tote bag. Not too bad for a family of first-timers!

I went back and removed 1 pr of jeans and a jacket of mine (I can wash if need be!), 1 pr of DD's capris, a few tops/shirts all around, extra shoes, and told DD she could take 1 pr crocs, 1 pr tennis shoes, and only 2 pr flip flops, LOL!

 

[Tikihula]

Here it is 11:19 pm and Steve finally got the suitcases and boxes into the car, so he's a happy camper. He was stressin' out about getting the car loaded for the drive down. I had to run out and throw a sheet over the tender potted plants since it will be down in the 30s tonight, drain and refill the horse's water trough since we had heavy rain yesterday and the tub gets yucky when it rains, and now I think we are finally ready to hit the sack, read for a little bit, and hope we can catch some zzzzz's so we can get up early in the a.m. and hit the road. Whew! These vacations are hard work.

I agree it's easier just to do WDW or the cruise, and not both. I have way too many t-shirts and blouses, but I go through 2 a day of the weather is warm. Got my PassPorter and folders with reservation and other important papers in a box on the back seat which will be easy to access. Got our driving snacks within easy reach. We're ready!!

We'll checking into Old Key West, bldg 62, for 3 nights. I called them directly last night and talked to a lovely lady named Adair (Irish), told them this was our first time at OKW and we wanted one of the new buildings with an elevator, preferred a third floor room (better views), and she obligingly gave us just what I was asking for. Friday night we're moving to Shades of Green for one night, then Saturday night we're heading for Cocoa Beach and will stay at the Fawlty Towers Resort. We'll give it a try and see how it goes. I did talk Steve into going to MGM Studios Saturday morning instead of going to the space center at the Cape. We can do that next time when we don't have so much on our plate.

Didn't mean to go on and on, we're just getting excited about our trip and you folks are fun to "talk" to because I know you share our excitement. Signing off and heading for bed.

 

[jkk]

I am afraid to even mention how many suitcases we have! We didn't pack the large one because it goes over the weight limit for flying ... but that means more smaller sized ones! I just hope they will all fit in our cabin under the beds!
We leave Wednesday morning! It is FAST approaching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am taking my DD-10 (lindsey) for a manicure and pedicure tomorrow. It is a treat I promised her as a special celebration for her 10th birthday (you know the BIG double digits). Of course I was only going to do one for her but since her birthday was last May and she has been sick and missed 2 parties because of it that her sister went to ... I splurged and am letting her experience BOTH! Of course that means I get to splurge on ME too!!!!

Hopefully it will relax us enough to enjoy the evening before we leave instead of stressing over all the last minute stuff!

 

[3dog2kidmom]

Have a safe trip, Bev!!

Jodi, I have to re-weigh our bags now that I've readjusted but I think we are okay. Enjoy your spa night with DD. I wanted to do that but think I'll spend the time obsessing over last-minute things instead! I might run DS up to get a quick haircut.

We're leaving Wednesday morning, planning Wednesday evening at MK, Thursday split between AK and MGM, Friday MK and Friday evening Epcot, Saturday Epcot and back to the Polynesian for dinner. Then have a 10:00 pickup to the Port on Sunday!!!