11/06/04 Western New and Improved Official Thread!

[jel0511]

Boy I've missed a lot while we were away! Back in reality now, and looking forward to November! I plan on calling Captain Marvins soon to book our Stingray City trip. We're doing the half day one. In Key West, we're going to the Butterfly Museum and in Cozumel going to Paradise Beach. Our trip is coming up soon!! YIPPEE!! Almost double digits!

 

[scottygirl]

Lori,

Your counter shows double digits today!! My counter will show double digits this evening!

Hope all my fellow cruisers are enjoying the summer. Yesterday the high temp here was 64 degrees and that was at 3:00 am. The rest of the day it rained and the temp hovered around 57 degrees! I thought it was fall and time for our cruise!


TTFN,

Jackie

 

[jel0511]

Yep, you're right, Double digit dance now!!!! I guess that's because we're leaving the day before!! YIPPEE!!!!!

 

[lUVTOGO]

Want to see my timer also!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

No double digit dance for me yet!! I have 2 more hours!!

What up with that??

I will start my dance early!!

 

[Mindymom]

Gotta check my timer also. I believe I set the timer to the ships departure time of 5pm.

Just today I found out from my did that we're flying out on Thursday (instead of Friday). So excited to have the extra day of fun in Florida.

Any Ideas from anyone on what to do in one day? Is Disney World worth it?

Mindy

 

[Mindymom]

OOPS! I meant DAD, not did.

 

[sjcubedofct]

Personally, Mindy, if you are staying Thursday night near Port Canaveral, I'd opt to just hang out at the beach and relax. The cruise will likely be a go-go-go time, so when we arrive Friday, that's what we are doing.

I called to make our Dune Buggy Tour reservations, and received the confirmation paperwork yesterday! Whoot! Next, I just have to decide between Capt. Marvin's and Nativeway for the stingray stuff. Then I've got to see which excursion my DMIL wants to do- something with a sub or glass bottom boat, not sure, and make that ressie, then make the ressie for a couples' massage then I'm DONE! Well, except for that minor detail of the FINAL PAYMENT, which is due in a couple of days... I'm ready, bring it on. I want the final paperwork!

I bought a HUGE suitcase for the three of us- they are on sale at TJMaxx. I figure that plus two good sized carry on's and we should be all set. I'm a light packer, and frankly, I brought WAY too much to Disney back in 2001, I'm bringing way less this time around.

Also, *I* submitted our passport applications. How are YOU doing, Paula? LOL

Are we there yet??????

SJ

 

[jel0511]

I bought a HUGE suitcase for the three of us- they are on sale at TJMaxx. I figure that plus two good sized carry on's and we should be all set.

Be careful with those large suitcases if you're flying. The airlines now have a 50lb limit per piece of luggage, or you get charged an over weight fee, usually at least $50 when checking in. My 29 inch piece can easily get over 50lbs, so we usually don't bring it when we fly.

 

[sjcubedofct]

Oops, well, I guess we better be sure to distribute the weight well between the three bags- or maybe we'll load up an overnight with heavy stuff and check it with the huge one...

Thanks for the heads up!!

SJ

 

[scottygirl]

Sherry,

How's it going? I know you were busy at work. I am going to get busy here myself. Have to file my company's tax return by Sept. 15th

We are doing the Stingray excursion through Nativeway. I've heard really good things about them. I've talked to the owner on the phone, she is very personable and helpful.

Are you doing the REAS package? Hence, booking the couples massage? It seems like everyone is, might not be any Palo ressies left for me. We are not interested in a massage, so it's not worth it for us to book the REAS. Maybe I should reconsider.

I gave my TA my credit card info to charge my final payment at the end of this month. Next week I can pick our seat assignments online for our flight to MCO.

Mindy,

Depending on where you stay, your could take in one park at WDW or go to a waterpark. If you are staying by the port you could go to Kennedy Space Center.

TTFN,

Jackie

 

[sjcubedofct]

Jackie, which tour did you go with?

Stingray Sandbar & Coral Gardens
Rays, Reef and Rum Point
Stingray & Island Tour

I think I'm leaning towards Rays, Reef and Rum Point... got to check with DH and DSister, first though.

No REAS for us- I don't care much about getting to Palo, but DH wants a cabana massage.

We booked our own air, so we've got our airline seats... just waiting for the big DAY!

SJ

 

[scottygirl]

Sherry, We booked the Stingray Sandbar & Coral Gardens. I thought we would hit 7 Mile Beach in the afternoon. FYI the PassPorter gives the DCL excursion with the Rum Point visit a poor review. I don't know if it's just the DCL excursion or the beach itself that is a problem.

We booked our own air too, but Spirit doesn't let you pick your seats until 90 days out. I have it written in my planner so I will remember to book on the 90th day to get the best seats possible!

I think we are going to book the REAS. It is our 15th anniversary and we need to pamper ourselves. We focus so much on our children that we forget that at one time there was just "us". I talked to DH and he thinks it is a good idea. I just figured he would not be interested. Sometimes he surprises me!

Hi Renee

TTFN,

Jackie

 

[sjcubedofct]

Now you've got me checking out REAS! So, what's the scoop with it? What are the details? I've largely ignored it before now...

 

[scottygirl]

Sherry,

Hi! The Romantic Escape at Sea (REAS) consists of the following: $299 per couple, On Board you will receive: Romantic gift amenity delivered to your stateroom, Couples Massage at the Vista Spa and Salon, Priority Seating at Palo for one night, Romance turndown service (Palo night), and champagne breakfast in bed (one morning). There has been a lot of discussion on this package and here is a good thread with a lot of details. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=506211 As a courtesy Debbie in DCL dining services will also book Palo Brunch and High Tea also! So there is no ressie rush when you board. All you will have to do is sign up the kiddies for the Clubs. If you are interested in a Cabana Massage that will have to be booked separately.

We booked with our TA and I soke with Debbie in DCL dining and she is very nice and helpful. We booked Palo Dinner and Brunch and our couples massage. I am not interested in High Tea. Debbie said that for the champagne breakfast that we can order food for the kids too. How romantic!


TTFN,

Jackie

 

[sjcubedofct]

Thanks for the info, Jackie. Will hopefully get around to calling this week. Discussed it with hubby, he's on board with it. I just want to be sure that if we get to choose our dinner rotation, it will include our entire party, you know?

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by sjcubedofct
Thanks for the info, Jackie. Will hopefully get around to calling this week. Discussed it with hubby, he's on board with it. I just want to be sure that if we get to choose our dinner rotation, it will include our entire party, you know?

I was told by Debbie that your dining rotation was only a request and not a guarantee. We requested APL, and a table for 4. Hopefully our requests will be met.

 

[scottygirl]

Debbie told me the same thing as Lori was told. Your rotation choice is not guaranteed, but I bet they make an effort to accomodate you. I requested the APL rotation also. If you don't get the rotation you want then you can go to dining changes once on board and ask for it to be changed. If your ressies are linked with the other members in your party they probably won't split you up so you'll all have the same rotation whether or not it is the one you requested. Does that make sense? I think I have confused myself!!

I have to tell you that since I booked the REAS I feel less stressed already. We can embark and really enjoy the moment, take it all in.

I watched a show on Fine Living last night that had the top picks from the readers of Travel and Leisure magazine for 2004. For large cruises, #1 Crystal Cruises, #2 Radisson Seven Seas, #3 Oceania, #4 DCL and #5 Celebrity. Pretty good!!

TTFN,

Jackie

 

[TYTY]

BUMP

We're getting closer!!!

 

[scottygirl]

Hi Paula

I'm online right now too!! Just trying to sneak in some computer time before the kids get up for the day.