1/22/2006 Roll Call for Wonder Cruisers

[MelissaE1]

HAHA I am the shorter fatter meaner one in the pics ;-p

Some really cute shots in there. But I still need help figuring out which one is you... it's hard to tell height and girth in those toga outfits and sorry, but none of you look particularly mean.

I would love to have the shot about halfway through of the big Mickey pumpkin out front and the "Mickey's Not So Scary" sign. I vegged and didn't take very many pics while we were there (not at all like me!) Also loved the parade shots... my kids wanted to ride rides instead of watch the parade so I missed it. Horrors!

 

[num1tigerfan]

OK guys! One last shot! Sorry! http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=2p9p07cn.64zcnw7j&x=0&y=-v9crkz

Great pictures. The ones of the animals at AK are amazing. I was there mid- July and we didn't see near that many, but of course it was 105 degrees. I am definately looking forwarded to a less crowded disney and cooler temps this time around. I really do not know if I would ever go again in July. It was just too hot and crowded with toddlers.

 

[MelissaE1]

Hey, where is everybody?

 

[num1tigerfan]

Hey, where is everybody?

I was kind of wondering that too. I just finished booking the precruise stay with the new discounts that just came out. It wasn't a big savings but I will take anything we can get. We had planned on getting hopping added to our tickets anyway and we got it added for free. I really do not think we will be using the 2 free waterpark or DQuest days so I might pay the $10 to have them non expiration and use them at another visit. Now we are just trying to decide what character meals to take the kids to during those days. Have you heard anything about the storybook dining at Epcot. We have reservations there for Dinner and I am not so sure about norwegian food. Some reviews stated that they had venison stew, Poached cod, smoked mackeral ect. I am a bit nervous as I hate fish and do not like venison either. Perhaps they will feel bad and let me have the childrens chicken nuggets. Only kidding...I hope they have salads or something else.
Anyway what is up with you? The final cruise payment is in so let the countdown begin!!!

 

[Tahoe]

I was kind of wondering that too. I just finished booking the precruise stay with the new discounts that just came out. It wasn't a big savings but I will take anything we can get. We had planned on getting hopping added to our tickets anyway and we got it added for free. I really do not think we will be using the 2 free waterpark or DQuest days so I might pay the $10 to have them non expiration and use them at another visit. Now we are just trying to decide what character meals to take the kids to during those days. Have you heard anything about the storybook dining at Epcot. We have reservations there for Dinner and I am not so sure about norwegian food. Some reviews stated that they had venison stew, Poached cod, smoked mackeral ect. I am a bit nervous as I hate fish and do not like venison either. Perhaps they will feel bad and let me have the childrens chicken nuggets. Only kidding...I hope they have salads or something else.
Anyway what is up with you? The final cruise payment is in so let the countdown begin!!!

I can tell you a little about Norwegian food! I lived there for two years and have visited numerous times since. Now it also depends on how authentic the Norwegian food is at Epcot. AND I am not and never will be a fish eater--and wasn't when we lived there!

I actually like venison stew--it's a lot like beef stew, and venison is is leaner than beef. There's always meatballs and potatoes and the like (think Ikea food). They have lamb (which I also don't eat either) and pork. Lots of potatoes. They also serve ligonberry (Swedish word) jam with practically everything--I find it much tastier than cranberry sauce. Ligonberry jam with meatballs or venison stew is quite yummy. They also have great cheeses (I'm very partial to Jarlsberg) and breads. And open faced sandwiches can be found everywhere and some without fish on them! Try "lefse" (flat tortilla-like bread made from potatoes) with butter and cinnamon sugar. But save room for desserts--cakes and tortes and rice pudding with raspberry sauce! Yum!

Above all, avoid "lutefisk." Maybe the restaurant will even not serve it because it smells so bad!

I'm sure you'll find something you like--even if it is the chicken nuggets!

Karin

 

[Tahoe]

Last night I watched an episode of "The Amazing Race" from several weeks ago. They were in Panama City and ended at the Miraflores Locks! Were you around during the filming?! That's one of the only reality shows I watch because of all the travel.

Karin

 

[dzneprincess]

I got my Palo and Flounders ressies taken care of yesterday, anyone else?

 

[dzneprincess]

Last night I watched an episode of "The Amazing Race" from several weeks ago. They were in Panama City and ended at the Miraflores Locks! Were you around during the filming?! That's one of the only reality shows I watch because of all the travel.

Karin

ohh I love the AR also! Because of the travel as well! haha !

 

[Tahoe]

I got my Palo and Flounders ressies taken care of yesterday, anyone else?

I registered the kids for the club already, but I think we're skipping Palo this cruise (unless we can room service it from cat 3??).

I still have to make spa reservations. I've heard mixed reviews of the massages. How can you make sure that your massage therapist is actually licensed? Any spa treatment better than the other? I read all the spa threads and I'm still not sure!

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Last night I watched an episode of "The Amazing Race" from several weeks ago. They were in Panama City and ended at the Miraflores Locks! Were you around during the filming?! That's one of the only reality shows I watch because of all the travel.

Karin

Karin....

Let me introduce myself.....I am a friend of Kelli & Keith (kellib36) and Alvaro (met them on the 14 night Panama Canal cruise in May). I so wish I was cruisin' with all you guys in January but unfortunately I only have 2 hours of vacation leave left until March 31, 2006....that is unless I develop some sort of **cough** and take sick leave!!!!

Now back to my reason for posting....I emailed Alvaro when the show was on and unfortunately they do not get The Amazing Race in Panama and he had no idea what I was talking about....I taped the repeat episode of the show (it is shown twice a week here in Canada) and am going to be sending it to him soon so he can see it.

 

[num1tigerfan]

I can tell you a little about Norwegian food! I lived there for two years and have visited numerous times since. Now it also depends on how authentic the Norwegian food is at Epcot. AND I am not and never will be a fish eater--and wasn't when we lived there!

I actually like venison stew--it's a lot like beef stew, and venison is is leaner than beef. There's always meatballs and potatoes and the like (think Ikea food). They have lamb (which I also don't eat either) and pork. Lots of potatoes. They also serve ligonberry (Swedish word) jam with practically everything--I find it much tastier than cranberry sauce. Ligonberry jam with meatballs or venison stew is quite yummy. They also have great cheeses (I'm very partial to Jarlsberg) and breads. And open faced sandwiches can be found everywhere and some without fish on them! Try "lefse" (flat tortilla-like bread made from potatoes) with butter and cinnamon sugar. But save room for desserts--cakes and tortes and rice pudding with raspberry sauce! Yum!

Above all, avoid "lutefisk." Maybe the restaurant will even not serve it because it smells so bad!

I'm sure you'll find something you like--even if it is the chicken nuggets!

Karin

Thanks for the info. I actually was able to pull up their menu on allears.net, It showed that they had a pasta dish with garlic sauce and sauteed veggies that I might try. My DH thinks it will be great with all the seafood entrees and that is his thing. My DD(3) is so excited. She gasped when I told her and said "if Cinderella's there I will get down and kiss her!"


I tried to make our reservations for the kids club and spa but it said since we are newbies that we had to wait until 75 days out which is in about 4 days. Darn it !!!!!! We haven't decided about Palo yet. I have never been to any of the restaurants. Also do they have pirates night on the 4 day and if so when is it?

 

[Tahoe]

Let me introduce myself.....I am a friend of Kelli & Keith (kellib36) and Alvaro (met them on the 14 night Panama Canal cruise in May). I so wish I was cruisin' with all you guys in January but unfortunately I only have 2 hours of vacation leave left until March 31, 2006....that is unless I develop some sort of **cough** and take sick leave!!!!

Now back to my reason for posting....I emailed Alvaro when the show was on and unfortunately they do not get The Amazing Race in Panama and he had no idea what I was talking about....I taped the repeat episode of the show (it is shown twice a week here in Canada) and am going to be sending it to him soon so he can see it.

You never know what kind of "illness" you can catch in January--it doesn't have to be anything major to put you under for four days in the winter! C'mon, you can do it!

I don't know what I was thinking, but I probably could have guessed that The Amazing Race wouldn't be on in Panama! But, with the big production of tv cameras, etc., maybe it would've caused a little excitement! I'm glad you're going to send him a copy of it. Now we'll find out how accurate a picture they painted of Panama City!

 

[Tahoe]

Thanks for the info. I actually was able to pull up their menu on allears.net, It showed that they had a pasta dish with garlic sauce and sauteed veggies that I might try. My DH thinks it will be great with all the seafood entrees and that is his thing. My DD(3) is so excited. She gasped when I told her and said "if Cinderella's there I will get down and kiss her!"


I tried to make our reservations for the kids club and spa but it said since we are newbies that we had to wait until 75 days out which is in about 4 days. Darn it !!!!!! We haven't decided about Palo yet. I have never been to any of the restaurants. Also do they have pirates night on the 4 day and if so when is it?

Julie,
Let me know how the character dinner is--that might be something we put on our to-do list for when we visit WDW some day.

We thought the same thing about Palo--we have never been on a Disney cruise and we don't want to miss any of the restaurants. Besides, we rarely get to eat as a family, so this is our chance! But what I have read on these boards is that brunch at Palo is actually better than dinner. That might be something to think about in your "spare" time the next four days!

They do have pirate night on the 4-day. I believe it's the 3rd night (Castaway Cay night). Someone correct me if I'm wrong! My family is planning to dress up somehow--I just don't know to what extent. I found no pirate stuff at the Halloween sales. I will have to try online costume sites now.

(I can't believe I've had the time to write so much today! My mom is here for a couple of day and has taken over with the kids a bit, so I'm taking a break!)

K.

 

[kellib36]

I still have to make spa reservations. I've heard mixed reviews of the massages. How can you make sure that your massage therapist is actually licensed? Any spa treatment better than the other? I read all the spa threads and I'm still not sure!

I've really enjoyed all the massages I've gotten over all my cruises, but I did do the aromastone massage in May. WOW!! It really was great...they heat the stones, and place some under your shoulders, in your palm, and on your stomach (all wrapped in sheets) and use others to massage you. Very expensive, but I enjoyed it and actually felt better afterward.

 

[num1tigerfan]

Julie,
Let me know how the character dinner is--that might be something we put on our to-do list for when we visit WDW some day.

We thought the same thing about Palo--we have never been on a Disney cruise and we don't want to miss any of the restaurants. Besides, we rarely get to eat as a family, so this is our chance! But what I have read on these boards is that brunch at Palo is actually better than dinner. That might be something to think about in your "spare" time the next four days!

They do have pirate night on the 4-day. I believe it's the 3rd night (Castaway Cay night). Someone correct me if I'm wrong! My family is planning to dress up somehow--I just don't know to what extent. I found no pirate stuff at the Halloween sales. I will have to try online costume sites now.

(I can't believe I've had the time to write so much today! My mom is here for a couple of day and has taken over with the kids a bit, so I'm taking a break!)

K.

I love a break when Grandma's around! My mom only lives 5 miles away so we see her almost every day but still don't leave the kids much as her health is not great.
What are the ages of your kids that are coming along? I thought if they did have pirate night, which it sounds like they do, I would look on ebay for some hook or peter pan costumes. DD has a tinkerbell which would fit in if we found a hook costume. Are you going to do any spa things? I might do the length of cruise tropical steam room thing. I really do not know what it is called but it has aroma therapy, nature sounds, and heated loungers. I guess I am just cheap but after spending 4 days at disney before the cruise, I just can't face spending $242+ for couples or over $100 for a hair color ect. I am a stay at home Mom so not lots of extra cash here.

 

[MelissaE1]

My DD(3) is so excited. She gasped when I told her and said "if Cinderella's there I will get down and kiss her!"

Oh my goodness, that is so cute! Cindy makes several appearances for pictures and autographs on the cruise, so she will be happy.

We haven't decided about Palo yet. I have never been to any of the restaurants.

I highly recommend at least one meal there. It's the best quality food on the ship. Plus, they pamper you even more than usual. You will get mixed answers as to dinner or brunch being better... my DH would pick dinner but I would go brunch all the way! Wow, the stollen bread with jam and berries and fresh whipped cream is worth it right there. Mmmm, mmmm.

Even if it looks all booked for brunch you should be able to book it when you get on the ship. I didn't book anything for the Magic last week and it filled up online, and when we got on I had my choice of pretty much any dining time and day I wanted.

 

[kellib36]

But what I have read on these boards is that brunch at Palo is actually better than dinner.

My opinion is "DO THE PALO BRUNCH"!!!!!! I figure we get enough great food at the regular dinner rotation, but brunch is incredible! Of course, I check out the fruit/dessert table more than once....but you get such an assortment of things!

They do have pirate night on the 4-day. I believe it's the 3rd night (Castaway Cay night). Someone correct me if I'm wrong! My family is planning to dress up somehow--I just don't know to what extent. I found no pirate stuff at the Halloween sales. I will have to try online costume sites now.

I've not checked it out for sure, but I thought it was Nassau night. You might want to look at Oriental Trading Co for after-Halloween sales. They have pieces of pirate gear, but I don't recall whole costumes!

(I can't believe I've had the time to write so much today! My mom is here for a couple of day and has taken over with the kids a bit, so I'm taking a break!)

Well, be sure to thank her for us, too!

 

[num1tigerfan]

Oh my goodness, that is so cute! Cindy makes several appearances for pictures and autographs on the cruise, so she will be happy.


I highly recommend at least one meal there. It's the best quality food on the ship. Plus, they pamper you even more than usual. You will get mixed answers as to dinner or brunch being better... my DH would pick dinner but I would go brunch all the way! Wow, the stollen bread with jam and berries and fresh whipped cream is worth it right there. Mmmm, mmmm.

Even if it looks all booked for brunch you should be able to book it when you get on the ship. I didn't book anything for the Magic last week and it filled up online, and when we got on I had my choice of pretty much any dining time and day I wanted.

I might just have to check into a Palo brunch. That sounds great to me. Does it make any sense to be going to weight watchers to lose a few lbs and then all you do is look forward to all of the delicous food!!!!!! OH WELL

Leah's reactions just crack me up to. Leah's just so excited. I can't hardly wait to see her little face! My DS is excited to but is a bit quieter. We are staying at Pop for 3 nights precruise and will take DS and DD to the parks. It will be nice to spend time with DH and the two little ones without the stress or having to worry about the teenagers. (they will be with Grandma)

 

[Tahoe]

I love a break when Grandma's around! My mom only lives 5 miles away so we see her almost every day but still don't leave the kids much as her health is not great.
What are the ages of your kids that are coming along? I thought if they did have pirate night, which it sounds like they do, I would look on ebay for some hook or peter pan costumes. DD has a tinkerbell which would fit in if we found a hook costume. Are you going to do any spa things? I might do the length of cruise tropical steam room thing. I really do not know what it is called but it has aroma therapy, nature sounds, and heated loungers. I guess I am just cheap but after spending 4 days at disney before the cruise, I just can't face spending $242+ for couples or over $100 for a hair color ect. I am a stay at home Mom so not lots of extra cash here.

My son will be almost 8 (looks 12!) by cruise time, and my daughter will have just turned 4. (She loves Cinderella too, of course!)

I was going to do a spa treatment, until we decided to upgrade. Now I'm thinking about skipping that to recoup some $$. However, my husband probably will encourage me to get a massage. I stay at home with the kids too. It's hard for me to justify all the money when I'm not bringing anything in. But this is our first real family vacation, and my husband works very hard and on most weekends, so he doesn't want to skimp.

So with that said, if I am "forced" to get a massage, I will probably try the aromastone massage on Kelli's recommendation!

 

[num1tigerfan]

well if I was forced to have a massage, I wouldn't turn it down either!!! We have had many family vacations mostly with all six of us and we have taken many business trip along with DH with the little ones, but this is one of the biggies! Your DD and mine should get along great. My DD willbe 4 in April. My son is only 11 mo older than DD so he will be tagging along too but he doesn't quite so the princesses in the same light.

He would rather see goffy or captain hook.

I see you are from California. DH has a conference next summer in San Diego that we will likely go to! We have been there before and liked it. DS really liked legoland. He was 2 1/2 at the time.