10/4/08-Buccaneers Take the West! Cruiser List in Post #1

[momm2four]

Dina, I'm sorry about your plans. It's so disappointing to plan for something for so long, especially to buy tickets for it and then have it be cancelled.

Gretta, my DH isn't a big Disney-a-holic either, but he loved the cruise last time, and I manage to sneak in a little WDW after the cruise this time. I started off asking if we could stay onsite the night we get off the ship, and then worked my way up to asking about staying three nights. By that time, he was agreeable...kinda like the "boiling the frog" story..

I bought our tickets for the Oct. 13th party today, so it's official, he can't back out on me now. Now, I'm trying to decide what type park tickets to buy. My plan is to spend a little more now and buy 7 day park hoppers with no exp. even though we'll only use two days on this trip.

That way I can sneak in a trip in the next year or so by saying "We already have the park passes." Plus it's hard to not justify paying only a few hundred more dollars for 5 more days in the park that never expire.

Jaquelyn, I don't know to what extent we'll dress up. We do have a Jack Sparrow and a Will Turner Disney Store costume that two of my boys can wear. I seriously doubt that my DH, "Mr. I hate to wear costumes", will dress up at all. It depends on what kind of prep. I feel like putting into it. My older sons may just do the bandana/eye patch/earring thing.

I am so excited about the trip now! I have been planning all day...which is not good for my household chores, but I've had fun!

Lori P.

 

[mollygirl13]

Well, I am one of the ones affected by the cancellation of the MNSSHP on the 3rd. Big disappointment here...it was going to be my one and only trip to The World.

Bad news continued as I was not able to book Palo at all last night. Been trying again today though and was able to book a brunch for Key West (not my first choice since we'll want to get off the ship) and dinner on CC day (certainly not the best choice here either). I got the dinner first so I grabbed it, but now I am thinking if we do the brunch, we probably will not go back for dinner. ..not because it is not great but because we'll want to spend that last night with our kids.

Happy for those of you who were able to get your excurions! We are doing Sting Ray City in Grand Caymen through Captain Mmarvins and booked the Dolphin Royal Swim through Dolphin Discovery at Cozumel. Really did not event think about doing anyting on CC besides relaxing, but I may reconsider...i think the kids would love the parasailing! I did that when I was in my teens and it is something I have never forgotton. We'll have to see about that one.

I am so bummed out about MNSSHP...but really trying to keep it into perspective. Just glad I never told the kids about it. I don't want them heading into vacation disappointed. We're staying at POFQ the night before, so I guess we'll just take the boat to Downtown Disney to catch some Magic vibes.

Best wishes as you all continue your travel plans!

Dina,
Sorry you had plans to attend MNSSHP on the 3rd. We were debating to go but decided not to since our flight gets in the afternoon. How disappointed you must feel! Since you will already be in the world, you could always head over to Fort Wilderness for their haunted Hayride. I hear it is a really fun thing to do! I think Kari and her family are doing it as well. Fort Wilderness has some awesome restaurants (Trails End being our absolute favorite!!) and Tri-Circle D Ranch is there as well (another of our favorites!) Depending on when you get there, you could do dinner, the ranch and the Hayride-its all in the same area!
Good Luck, whatever you decide to do and again, I'm so sorry for your disappointment!

 

[mollygirl13]

Dina, I'm sorry about your plans. It's so disappointing to plan for something for so long, especially to buy tickets for it and then have it be cancelled.

Gretta, my DH isn't a big Disney-a-holic either, but he loved the cruise last time, and I manage to sneak in a little WDW after the cruise this time. I started off asking if we could stay onsite the night we get off the ship, and then worked my way up to asking about staying three nights. By that time, he was agreeable...kinda like the "boiling the frog" story..

I bought our tickets for the Oct. 13th party today, so it's official, he can't back out on me now. Now, I'm trying to decide what type park tickets to buy. My plan is to spend a little more now and buy 7 day park hoppers with no exp. even though we'll only use two days on this trip.

That way I can sneak in a trip in the next year or so by saying "We already have the park passes." Plus it's hard to not justify paying only a few hundred more dollars for 5 more days in the park that never expire.

Jaquelyn, I don't know to what extent we'll dress up. We do have a Jack Sparrow and a Will Turner Disney Store costume that two of my boys can wear. I seriously doubt that my DH, "Mr. I hate to wear costumes", will dress up at all. It depends on what kind of prep. I feel like putting into it. My older sons may just do the bandana/eye patch/earring thing.

I am so excited about the trip now! I have been planning all day...which is not good for my household chores, but I've had fun!

Lori P.

Hi Lori-
We will be there on the 13th as well.

 

[MPJCH]

Hi everyone,

I couldn't get on Disney until this morning, wanted Palo's Brunch for Thursday for my SIL, couldn't get it, talk to someone from Disney this morning, he said they only put out 50% of the reservations. He told me the first thing I need to do when I get on the ship is go make my reservations.

I made t-shirts for my DH and I, pirate theme. My son will be in full pirate costume. Pam

 

[mollygirl13]

 

[Grandma4ever]

Thanks for the Pixie dust!

Update on flights. I still have not gotten through to Midwest but I understand that they are offering a refund so I booked new flights on Air Tran. Hopefully they will not get cancled. Lois

 

[karibritt01]

Dina... sorry you won't be able to go to MNSSHP. Hopefully you can find something fun to do, though. We are doing DTD Rain Forest Cafe for dinner and shopping, then Fantasia Mini Golf on Thursday night. Friday we are doing Sea World during the day, then dinner and campfire at Fort Wilderness. I am going to try to book the Haunted Hayride, too. Afterwards, we are going to go swimming at our resort. I wanted to give the kids lots of fun things to do without spending a fortune.

I went online tonight and reserved the Pirate Encounter excursion for Grand Cayman. I couldn't decide which one to choose, so I let the kids pick it. Will wonders never cease? They actually agreed on the Pirate Encounter! If anyone else is considering this, we are on the 9:30 tour. I wanted to get done in time to go to the beach for a bit before leaving.

Jacquelyn... the magnets look good! Some are hard to see because they are so small in your photo, but I got the general idea. I love the pictures in the shape of a Mickey head! Are you planning to switch them out each day?

 

[wareagle]

My FE came today !!! I love it. I ordered it off of ebay and it looks great!

My uncle's burns have been diagnosed as 3rd degree. He will have to have skin graphs. These will start within the next few days. I don't think it has really hit me yet. I am going up Wednesday to stay with my aunt for the day.

My oldest DS just asked me how many days until the cruise. It seems so far away, yet it is just around the corner.

Jacquelyn, I love your magnets. I can't wait to see them in person. I'm not sure how much we will dress up for pirate night. My youngest has a Jack Sparrow costume, but has outgrown it (he is very big for his age). Last year, we all (except DS10) had pirate t-shirts. DS13 dressed up a little more with the earing and the bandana. My DH is not one to dress up in costumes. I'm sure he will wear his t-shirt, but that will be the extent he will go. I've got to figure out something for DS10. He is going to have a fit when he realizes his costume is too small to wear.

Dina, sorry about the MNSSHP being cancelled. Hopefully, you will figure out something else. If you want to watch fireworks, you might want to go to the Boardwalk and stand on the bridge to see some of Illuminations.

Lois, glad to hear you could get your flights worked out.

Lori, we do the same thing with tickets. We currently have 4 days left on ours that we bought last year. Have you decided yet if you are staying at FW in a cabin?

Gena

 

[momm2four]

Gena, I'm so sorry about your uncle. I can't even imagine what he has gone through.

I did book us for three nights at the FW cabins. I'm second guessing myself though because, quite honestly, I'm not a "nature girl", so the outdoorsy feel of the place doesn't appeal to me, however, with six people, I'm a little limited as to what we can do. In 2005, we did a room at POR which slept 5 and we just let my then 4 year old sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. (Don't tell the DIS police), but I want us all to do Extra Magic Hours so I need for us all to be registered.

Jacquelyn, Good job on the magnets! I haven't gotten to that yet, but hope to in the next few weeks.

Lois, keeping my fingers crossed for 'happy flying" for you.

Lori P.

 

[karibritt01]

Lori... have you looked into connecting rooms at a value? With my AAA discount, we have POP for $84/night before the cruise. You might could get a better deal there, and have room to spread out still. You wouldn't have the kitchen, but you might could get in on a fridge swap.

Gena... Who did you order your FE from? I think I am going to order from Gradysmoma. She does the cute embroidered ones. But, I may get creative between now and when I have to order something!

Lois... Any luck getting through to Midwest last night? That would have me so upset! Glad you were able to find a good flight for about the same money.

 

[cruisinwith3under5]

We are also affected by the cancellation at WDW really bummed about it...I tried to call Disney yesterday after I found out but with no luck at all. The guy I talked to said that a special "team" is handling this and contacting each person individually that purchased tickets so I'm hoping I get a call soon so I can find out what my options are, I think we may just have them refunded (I'm assuming this is going to be an option) and we will just go to WDW during the day instead of at night.

We could possibly go on the 2nd but my kids will have been up since 5am and travelling on the plane all day so I don't think they will be in any kind of shape to go there that night. I know it will all work out but it stinks because we booked our trip this way to accomodate that night and we could have stayed longer after the cruise instead had we known all this then. Oh well we'll see what happens.

I must catch up on all the new updates.....it seems that if I miss a day of being on here you all have so much for me to catch up on!!!

 

[glindamood]

Boy, you all have been busy. We are getting ready to go to Boston to a wedding - DH's niece. Should be very nice. Then I am going to spend a few days visiting with a friend that lives in the area and heading back to MI on Tuesday. I need a break (where I don't have to drive for 6 hours getting it).

Thanks to Jan (JanDave) our ports activities are scheduled. We are touring Cozumel (providing it does not get blown away between now and then with storms) and doing NativeWay in GC so we are all set. My two favorite thins in the world (sorry, no grandchildren yet) are cruising and cruise planning, and this one is finally close enough to be able to do that.

Not much else happening in our household. College packing (twice) is looming but he can do most of that himself. He checks in once for sports camp (with only camp gear) and then the following week for school. Yep, you counted right, TWO to Alma. Oh well, I will be whining that I have nothing to do once he gets in the swing of all this so I will be quiet now and count my blessings.

 

[MPJCH]

Grandma4ever- I have another question about the character breakfast. I'm traveling with all adults but I still want to go to the character breakfast, we have reservations at Palo's Brunch at 11:00 on Thursday which might be the same day as the character breakfast, will I be able to go to both? We have second seating, so I'm not sure what time that would be for breakfast. Pam

 

[momofapirate]

Have a great trip and I am sure sending the 2nd off to college is a little bittersweet. Have a ball at the wedding! I love weddings!
You mentioned doing Native Way in Grand Cayman. I keep hearing that they do smaller groups. How much smaller? We have 8 in our group that want to do StingRay city, but our group breaks up after that. One group wants to go diving, the other group wants to do Island and Turtle Farm stuff. I have serious doubts if everybody can do all that they want, I just don't think there is enough time and to be honest if we do DCL's Stigray City tour I know we won't.

 

[glindamood]

Have a great trip and I am sure sending the 2nd off to college is a little bittersweet. Have a ball at the wedding! I love weddings!
You mentioned doing Native Way in Grand Cayman. I keep hearing that they do smaller groups. How much smaller? We have 8 in our group that want to do StingRay city, but our group breaks up after that. One group wants to go diving, the other group wants to do Island and Turtle Farm stuff. I have serious doubts if everybody can do all that they want, I just don't think there is enough time and to be honest if we do DCL's Stigray City tour I know we won't.

We did the western in '05 as well and we went to SC with NativeWay. They only take about 24 on each trip (I asked the same question). From my experience, they are awesome. This time we are doing the SC and island tour with them - it isn't as long and I guess since this is our second trip, some land experience would be in order as well. I think thier link is in post 4.

 

[wareagle]

Lori... have you looked into connecting rooms at a value? With my AAA discount, we have POP for $84/night before the cruise. You might could get a better deal there, and have room to spread out still. You wouldn't have the kitchen, but you might could get in on a fridge swap.

Gena... Who did you order your FE from? I think I am going to order from Gradysmoma. She does the cute embroidered ones. But, I may get creative between now and when I have to order something!

Lois... Any luck getting through to Midwest last night? That would have me so upset! Glad you were able to find a good flight for about the same money.

I ordered it from ilvdisney2008. It is very well made. I am very impressed with it. You can tell the detail and care put into making it. It is really cute. I am going to put it in my Disney bathroom after the cruise. I am trying to decide if I want to monogram it or not with our names. I have a parent in my room this year that works at a shop that does monogramming. I know she will take care of it for me if I decide to do it.

Lori, have you thought about a suite at one of the all-star resorts? Some friends of ours from church stayed in one last year. They have 6 in their family and it worked well for them.

Have a great Monday everyone.

Gena

 

[mollygirl13]

I ordered it from ilvdisney2008. It is very well made. I am very impressed with it. You can tell the detail and care put into making it. It is really cute. I am going to put it in my Disney bathroom after the cruise. I am trying to decide if I want to monogram it or not with our names. I have a parent in my room this year that works at a shop that does monogramming. I know she will take care of it for me if I decide to do it.

Lori, have you thought about a suite at one of the all-star resorts? Some friends of ours from church stayed in one last year. They have 6 in their family and it worked well for them.

Have a great Monday everyone.

Gena

That's who I got mine from, too! It is red with black Mickey Heads on it. Very cute!
Post a pic of yours if you can .

 

[momm2four]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I think I'm going to call and try to get two connecting rooms at AllStars. It would save us about $300..which would make me feel a little less guilty about the MNSSHP tickets, lol.

OK, I feel like a failure, lol ..I went to Hobby Lobby today to buy stuff to TRY and make a FishExtender. Big Mistake.... I didn't take anything to tell me how much to buy or what to buy. I walked around the fabric department for about 20 minutes...I had NO idea what I needed. I think the saleslady thought I was casing the joint.

I am sewing challenged and felt like an idiot walking from shelf to shelf. I finally just gave up and came home, vowing to return after I visited the DIS for an exact list of what to buy.

My two oldest started football practice yesterday for the first time. My second son is a little upset b/c the coach let Ben, my oldest son, play a lot more than him. I tried to explain that Ben was in 7th and more than a whole foot taller than him, but he just was so sad. The coach is a very good friend of mine who teaches on my 7th grade team, but I would never say anything about anything relating to his football team.

Guess I'm gonna sign out for now! Talk to you all later!

Lori P.

 

[GGBacha]

Hi everyone! My laptop cord died, so I've been out of touch. I had some minor surgery Monday which made it difficult to use the family PC.

I'm excited to see the list of people staying at the Raddison Friday night! It will be great for my son to meet boys his age before we get on the boat. I really want him to enjoy some of the kids' activities this time. I'm glad he wants to be with us, but every now and again it is nice to have some quiet adult time.

I got the gifted position I interviewed for! Now the panic sets in. Say a little prayer for me as I get my syllabus drawn up. The first year for a new gifted teacher is always difficult as the parents are afraid that their students won't be challenged enough.

Off to plan some more! I'll be checking in again later!

Ginger

PS Lori, I feel your pain with the FE. You all have to promise not to laugh when you see mine. I cut up and decorated an over the door shoe holder! They turned out looking pretty cute, but they definitely aren't the beautiful fabric variety.

 

[glindamood]

Ginger - congrats on the new position. You obviously care very much for your students so you will do an outstanding job.

Lois - how did you make out with your flights? Hopefully it all turned out OK.

NativeWay - GC - http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/