"10/23/2010 Seven Days of Magic Sailing to the Saints Looking for Serenity Now!"

[d'Isigny]

Hey to all...(all says - HEY),

Please forgive me for being away. Summer and the holiday season are my busy times at work. Plus, the heat in June/July/August is just incredibly uncomfortable in Phoenix, AZ. My bride tells me to talk my employer into letting me work from home...and...we will move to the north country...to brave winters and forget 115+ degree temperatures. Hope I can hold on for another 8 weeks...

Appears some are starting to plan for time at WDW before/after our cruise. It’s great to see some are starting to plan ‘early DIS-meets’ – wishing all great luck on this. Nan and I have not decided on pre/post WDW touring. I’ll assume, for us, a lot will depend on air fare prices – departure/arrival times in Orlando. I’m hoping to fly out the Thursday prior to our sailing...and return the afternoon we disembark. If, (and this is a big IF) WDW has the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom...we’d like to attend this. We did this last year at Disneyland...HAD A GREAT TIME!!! Then...spend Friday...touring WDW – ‘commando style’. Our normal touring style is relaxed and flexible; however with the limited time we can be away from our DD’s...we probably won’t be able to be away for much longer than this. I’d love to spend a couple of nights ‘on WDW property’. Like ‘Sunshine Brenda’...Grand Floridian is on my ‘bucket list’...but...the cost to stay there is probably ‘out of reach or beyond my comfort zone’. We’ve stated ‘on property’ at Riverside, Port Orleans and Pop Century during previous vacations. Of those wonderful locations...I’d like to return to Port Orleans for two nights – leaving very early Saturday morning for Coco Beach. We really liked the feel and smaller size of Port Orleans.

I do have a question for those that are DVC members. I’ve always dreamed of staying at the Grand Floridian, however, the Boardwalk hotel is a place we’ve visited that Nan loves – OK...I like it too. I’m ‘kicking around’ surprising her with a stay there. As I’ve seen on the DIS boards...some sell/rent their points to others. Does anyone have a ‘guess-ta-mint’ on cost for a Thursday/Friday nights stay in a standard room during this time of year? I’d really appreciate some insight and suggestions on this.

Well...it’s late...and I’ve got an early morning tomorrow.

Hope all are doing well...enjoying summer..........kevin

 

[AverysMommy]

I just looked at your gifts they were great I laugh at the Beaver droppings I liked that some had a personal touch now this gets me thinking how do you all feel about our Denver Broncos.

I gave the Beaver droppings (good Canadian Girl) with the Maple Syrup. I think the droppings were chocolaegt covered almonds.

We also have Moose Droppings and Bear Droppings!

Always good for a laugh - especially with the kids

 

[AverysMommy]

Just wanted to say a quick hello to everyone. We just got off the Nov 15th Western Carribean trip on the Magic. We all had a wonderful time despite the cooler than normal temps. I had a great time meeting some fellow DISers. My kids loved being involved with the fish extenders.
We joined the DVC onboard and then booked this cruise. We are super excited. It will be myself, my husband John and our kids at cruise time will be Connor-11 and Ainslie-8. Can't wait to catch up reading on this board.

Trying to read a few pages a day to get caught up.......

Once we get closer we can hook up our children. My son will be 11 (Aug 1999) and my daugther will be (May 2002) and while they like playing together, they woudl love to get to know kids that will be the same age. We did this last time and it really helped them on Day 1 to know some kids by name.

Jessalynn

 

[Sand]

Hey to all...(all says - HEY),

I do have a question for those that are DVC members. I’ve always dreamed of staying at the Grand Floridian, however, the Boardwalk hotel is a place we’ve visited that Nan loves – OK...I like it too. I’m ‘kicking around’ surprising her with a stay there. As I’ve seen on the DIS boards...some sell/rent their points to others. Does anyone have a ‘guess-ta-mint’ on cost for a Thursday/Friday nights stay in a standard room during this time of year? I’d really appreciate some insight and suggestions on this.

Hope all are doing well...enjoying summer..........kevin

Hi Kevin! Hey Y'all!
We are new to DVC and don't know much about sell/renting points. We also have stayed in Beach Club villas with friends that are DVC members. I love how close it is to Epcot and DHS! You can use your DVC points to stay at Grand Flo, on my bucket list too as well as the Poly, never stayed at either. Contemporary was the least expensive of the 3, and have enjoyed staying in the A frame. Beach Club is also great, stayed there last year before signing with DVC. From your siggy, it looks like you go once or twice a year to Disney. I would tell you to look into DVC. For us, it is cheaper than our car payment. Our guide Jeff is fantastic. Mickey Mouse was kind enough to put the down payment for us, gave us this cruise and few more perks. Disneyland is getting their own DVC resort now and is or will soon be completed. Hawaii DVC has already begun construction. Because most of our family is in FL and Hilton Head Island, we knew we would be going every year to WDW for our girls (that is my excuse). DVC is cheaper then our budget WDW trips and it is for 50 years, you can bequeath once.

We too will go to MNSSHP since we have the weekend. We will probably go Oct 31, Oct 30 will be a rest and laundry day at BLT. I am hoping to also go to Epcot Food and Wine, never been. Hope this helps! Stay cool, love Phoenix, hate the cold. Can't wait to move back down south so I can defrost! We just put our a/c on for the first time this week.

 

[AverysMommy]

Here are the two I have of Trunk Bay. Both from up on a hill.

Those pictures are BEAUTIFUL......Can I go NOW!!!!!!

 

[LC30]

Those pictures are BEAUTIFUL......Can I go NOW!!!!!!

This is beautiful! Where is this?

 

[AverysMommy]

This is beautiful! Where is this?

Trunk Bay is on St Johns I believe

 

[AverysMommy]

middle of the second page...won't do...time to offer our thread a little 'bump'.

whew...am still catching up ---- WHAT A CRAZY WEEKEND!!! OK...somebody asked...so...I'll share.
I took Friday off to work my second job (audio/video tech for a large downtown phoenix church). A family from another church wanted to use our Sanctuary for a funeral. So...I was able to make a little side $$$$ and made a deposit into the 'cruise fund'.
That evening...I met up with 'my side of the family'...and we all went to see Bruce Springsteen. We had floor tickets and were about 60' from the stage. All had a great time and it is always special being with my Brother/Sister. Three days later...my ears are still ringing - no jokes...about him getting older --- LOL!!

Saturday...our oldest two daughters competed in Odyssey of the Mind - State competition at Grand Canyon University. They received SECOND PLACE!! This allows them the opportunity to participate in world at Iowa State University - the end of March. We first thought the girls would not be able to attend....but...scheduling conflicts may change with the other family. We sure can use some pixie dust that this all works out. Regardless, Nan (my bride) and I are very proud of their hard work and dedication to this project. If you want to learn some more...and see the 'quick-n-dirty' web site I built...try the following link
http://HFPCYOUTH.COM
on the home page...two of our three girls are pictured (front left/back right).

Between Church and completing the above web site....Sunday...was a blur.

It was great to be back a work today...I almost felt I had time to regroup/relax --- shhhhh...don't tell my boss.

Well...I just wanted to check in....say Hi...and a little more.


Congratulations Brenda...wishing you a smooth move and many-many wonderful memories.

WOW - congrats.....nice to see parents who are so proud of their kids academic accomplishments.

 

[AverysMommy]

Again - Happy Thursday to all.

I have a confession…I am an obsessed planner that goes into over-drive with Disney vacations. I make; excel spread sheets, create a travel book, build a tentative daily plan…etc. I gracefully accept the ribbing, scoffing and finger pointing. My daughters…on the other hand…find this sooooo embarrassing ---- wait a minute…hold the phone…stop the presses…(say this with me slowly) our --- daughters --- are --- not --- going --- with --- us……it’s --- just --- me --- and --- my --- bride (insert evil laughter___here). Ahhhhh…you should see the smile on my face!

This sailing will be the third time I’ve participated in a group thread on ‘The DIS’. On the first a techie named Llyof (DIS name) created a web site for the group to use. For the second, I created one. It worked out so well…that I made one for Nancy...aka – Mother Goose (cntkg1) when they sailed the following year. And…this group is still using it for their repeat sailing.

Not sure if any out there have participated in Yahoo Groups. If not…I recommend you check into this. It’s a fantastic tool with many great uses. Some things I like are the ability to; upload photos, post polls, create databases, insert files (word – power point – excel - adobe) and much more. What I love about this is…IT’S FREE…no charge…no fees…nada…zip…NOTHING. Obviously…Yahoo ‘pays for this’ through advertisers. Companies like Ford – Verizon Wireless – etc will post ‘banners’ on the top of each web page. You, as a guest/host, are under no obligation to view any other web site. These are similar to the ‘advertisements’ posted on this forum (see the ad for Dreams Unlimited at the top of this page). You can ‘click’ on them…or…as I do – ignore them. And…it gets better (OK…very little is better than FREE), this can be set up ‘by invitation only’ – i.e., only an owner or moderator of the group can invite someone to join/participate. Information posted/reviewed on this web site are intended only for those in ‘our group’. After the new site has been set up (prob by the end of this weekend), Brenda and I will assist as owner/moderators. As the group grows, we might need another moderator – or two…any interested parties??? To send you this invite, all we need is a PM with your home or work e-mail address. After Brenda or I have processed your request to join, you will receive an ‘invite’ to the site. This ‘invite’ is really an e-mail with an embedded link to register on Yahoo and offer access to our site. I anticipate that the middle of next week (5-6 or 5-7), we can start inviting people.

I need to ‘name’ this group. And…’fuzzy memory’ tells me…our name for this cruise group will be too long…plus…it’s a lot to type into a browser. I’m not looking to change our name (at all)…just want some suggestions on shortening it – a little. From the below…does any have a suggestion on what one to use…or…want to make a suggestion of another???

Seven_days_of_magic
7_days_of_magic
sailing_to_the_saints
looking_for_serenity

Also…Yahoo Groups will not replace The DIS – at all. This site will be an extension to it. Yahoo does have the opportunity to post/send messages – but I will deactivate this to eliminate confusion on – ‘where do I post threads/messages…Yahoo or The DIS’. From past experience…it’s best to keep communicating on The DIS. Yahoo would be best to upload photos, post polls, create databases, insert files (word – power point – excel - adobe) and much more.

Please…if I’ve not been complete or you have any questions – concerns or derogatory remarks (I grade the good ones)…please feel free to post or PM me.

Hope all have great plans for the weekend…Kevin

I am still reading through the old posts (not busy at work these days!!!!) so I dont know if this site was setup or not -but I woudl support it as well as sometimes we want to share things wtih just people on the trip rather than just to anyone from the public.

 

[Grandma4ever]

I am still reading through the old posts (not busy at work these days!!!!) so I dont know if this site was setup or not -but I woudl support it as well as sometimes we want to share things wtih just people on the trip rather than just to anyone from the public.

Yes this site was sit up and Kevin can tell you how to access it. I am happy you asked.

 

[shortbusmom]

Penny,

Glad to hear that you are recovery, and also very glad that you are listening to the doctors you will recover faster. Can't wait to the see the results on the cruise. Think about the pixie dust and how great you will feel.

I am jealous wish I wasn't afraid to have it done.

 

[d'Isigny]

Yes this site was sit up and Kevin can tell you how to access it. I am happy you asked.

I am still reading through the old posts (not busy at work these days!!!!) so I dont know if this site was setup or not -but I woudl support it as well as sometimes we want to share things wtih just people on the trip rather than just to anyone from the public.

Yep...Yep...Yep...we have a web site on Yahoo Groups for 'just us'. This is by invitation ONLY!! It's a great enhancement to 'The DIS'...we continue 'talking' on this thread...and store/share information on the web site. I set up a site for a previous sailing...and...for The Konked Kruiser thread. Below is a screen shot of our 'Home Page'. As you see on the left (shaded blue box), we can; add files (word – power point – excel – Adobe), insert links, upload photos and photo albums, register in databases, answer polls and put important dates in the calendar section. Please…feel free to poke around…review and add information. I recommend starting with the database section. If you want a new database or poll…just ask – it can be in place very quickly.

At this point…the ability to post messages in Yahoo Groups has been disabled. I made this decision based on past experience. IMHO – it’s best we keep ‘taking’ via this wonderful discussion forum on The DIS – keeping it simple. If all decide you want this feature activated…I can make the change.

I’d be happy to send you an invite to review – enjoy…and hopefully participate. This is a great tool. If everybody shares, we ALL win. If you would like an invite, click on the below e-mail link…this will open a separate window as blank e-mail message – already addressed to my home and work ISP. NOTE - if it won't automatically open paste/copy the below e-mail addresses into a new e-mail. Just include…the e-mail address you want your invite sent to.

kevin.smith@appl.ge.com;d_Isigny@msn.com

Or...send me a Private Message -

After I process your invite…you will receive an e-mail from Yahoo Groups. The e-mail you will receive – will look like:
From: Seven_Days_of_Magic_Sailing_to_the_Saints moderator
Subject: Invitation to join the Seven_Days_of_Magic_Sailing_to_the_Saints group

finally...here's the screen shot of our site.

[/IMG]

Have a great Thursday...remember....weekend's almost here.

 

[JLDSMD]

This is beautiful! Where is this?

Trunk Bay is on St Johns I believe

Yes, Trunk Bay is on St. John.

This past weekend we were able to book our excursion for our 10/24/09 Eastern and we were able to get the St. John Trunk Bay Snorkel Tour. We're really excited about that.

When I took those pics, we were on the St. John Island Tour. The whole time I was wishing I was on the beach. Don't get me wrong, the Island Tour was really good, but after seeing beach after beach looking like that, makes you want to be on one.

 

[shortbusmom]

Sorry about my last post it was meant for our other crusie thread. Boy am I getting crazy here.

 

[AverysMommy]

I was reading this story and was so tickled by the fact that Mickey Mouse really did marry Minnie. Isn't that so sweet? At least Mickey passed with Minnie by his side
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obit_wayne_allwine

That is such a cool story........I am going to be thinking of that Love Story all weekend

 

[AverysMommy]

Yeah, we upgraded to a cat 6 at the port and loved it. My only fear is that if I book a 6 gty they will upgrade me to another room with a solid wall verandah.

That is the only reason we paid the extra $200 for a cat 5.

Can you upgrade at Port? Is it more cost effective?

What is a Category 6 GTY??

 

[AverysMommy]

Lois, have a great trip. Drink lots of water in that heat! We will stay in Cape Canveral the night before. Last time we stayed at the Radisson and the kids loved the pool area. Our friends just moved there so we might just stay with them. We'll see.

Has anyone been to the Kennedy Space Station the day before departure?

We are thinking of flying down on the Friday morning and then going to the Space Station. That way we can have a relaxing night on Friday ngiht and get to the Port earlyon Saturday.

Last time we went down a day early and went to WDW....it was tough only going for 1 day as you get a taste but all you want is more !!! plus we were tired as we stayed late on the Friday night trying to enjoy every minute we could. This time we go onto the ship rested.

 

[AverysMommy]

Yes this site was sit up and Kevin can tell you how to access it. I am happy you asked.

Sounds good - I wont ask for access until I actually book my trip.

 

[AverysMommy]

Well I have finished scanning all the posts - this group seems like a really friendly group. I am hoping that I can convince the family that this is the right trip for us.

I am also setting a goal of losing 20 pounds before I book it.....strong motivation for me.

 

[d'Isigny]

Has anyone been to the Kennedy Space Station the day before departure?

We are thinking of flying down on the Friday morning and then going to the Space Station. That way we can have a relaxing night on Friday ngiht and get to the Port earlyon Saturday.

Last time we went down a day early and went to WDW....it was tough only going for 1 day as you get a taste but all you want is more !!! plus we were tired as we stayed late on the Friday night trying to enjoy every minute we could. This time we go onto the ship rested.

We took the full tour at Kennedy Space Center the day we disembarked in 2000. This made for a L-O-N-G day. Am sure it would be similar for you; flying in the morning of…getting luggage/transportation…1+ hr travel to KSC (assuming you are arriving in Orlando – prob 15-20 min if you fly into Melbourne). The complete tour at KSC…is a full day. There is a lot of walking and ‘hurry-up-n-wait’ as you are bussed to different locations and ‘loop’ around this massive facility.

If you’re planning the full tour…am sure…Friday night would be spent…’hitting the rack – early’.

You might consider skipping the full tour and just doing the Imax show, gift shop and exploring the mock space shuttle in the parking lot. I think you’d get ‘a flavor’ for the center…without the expanse (~$30 for kids--~$40 for adults) or exhausting everybody. Jus my .02 – what ever you decide…you’ll have a great time…it’s a very interesting place.

Good luck….k