11/06/11 Dream 4 Day

[bellebud]

That is the exact amount of ours...its only the 3 of us now...oldest DS isn't going. Long story....but mommy is ok with it ....after months of negations O the joy of growing up!

So looking for after cruise hotel...we have a 9am flight home Friday....we want to do Capones Dinner Show... Thursday night http://www.alcapones.com/ in Kissimmee...it got great reviews on trip adviosr and we just wanted to do something low key but fun to top off the trip...any one ever gone? Should I look for a hotel still close to MCO or should I look for something in Kissimmee or something in between...I am thinking as close to MCO would be best? TIA for any suggestions.

we're staying at the Hyatt in MCO afterwards.

we were just talking about what we'll do that day. Possibly rent a car, go to the shuttle area (I have to research a bit).

 

[jajomo0118]

we're staying at the Hyatt in MCO afterwards.

we were just talking about what we'll do that day. Possibly rent a car, go to the shuttle area (I have to research a bit).

Did you book direct or get lucky on Hotwire?? We rented a van because we are taking SIL and family to the airport first...they have a Thursday flight...but after that we are free for the day. I figure we will just get to the hotel... grab some lunch...take a swim...check in and then head to dinner at 8pm. I am leaning towards the MCO area..it will probably be best for the morning.

 

[bellebud]

So, dd and I went FE gift shopping today for the first time. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!! We only got a few things, but at least we started. My mind was spinning w/ what we could get for everyone.

Now that it's Sept, I feel like it's really getting close! I can't wait!!

 

[bellebud]

Did you book direct or get lucky on Hotwire?? We rented a van because we are taking SIL and family to the airport first...they have a Thursday flight...but after that we are free for the day. I figure we will just get to the hotel... grab some lunch...take a swim...check in and then head to dinner at 8pm. I am leaning towards the MCO area..it will probably be best for the morning.

I actually haven't booked yet (I hope it's not too late). When I do book though, I'll just book directly. My mil is fighting stage 4 lung cancer, but is doing well right now with treatments. I have insurance on the cruise, but I didn't want to book too many things this far out yet that I might have to cancel. I feel like it's getting close enough now that I can start some bookings and getting FE gifts.

I still have to book our ride from Orlando to the port (we'll be at an Orlando hotel the weekend before the cruise). Then the car (probably) for the way back to MCO. And the Hyatt. And what we'll do that day. I also want to order a surprise basket from gifts by Shirley (I think that's what the place is called), and I might also do a disney room decorating thing. The whole cruise is a surprise to our kids, so I'm kind of going crazy.

 

[vmedisneymom]

I am so sorry to hear about your mil, but I wanted to take a minute to tell you. A. I am so glad she is doing well with treatment, and B. Even stage 4 lung cancer is curable. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 and given 3 months to live. That was 2 years ago and she is doing great! She never told me the 3 months thing, but I was still so scared having lost my father unexpectedly at 57 years old. However, in spite of the negative prognosis, today my mom is cancer free and feeling great. Your family will be in my prayers - I hope that is ok with you. I know what you guys must be going through, and I hope that it all turns out well.

 

[bellebud]

I am so sorry to hear about your mil, but I wanted to take a minute to tell you. A. I am so glad she is doing well with treatment, and B. Even stage 4 lung cancer is curable. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 and given 3 months to live. That was 2 years ago and she is doing great! She never told me the 3 months thing, but I was still so scared having lost my father unexpectedly at 57 years old. However, in spite of the negative prognosis, today my mom is cancer free and feeling great. Your family will be in my prayers - I hope that is ok with you. I know what you guys must be going through, and I hope that it all turns out well.

Thank you so very much for your post (and the prayers!) Your mom's story really gives us hope. I read it to my husband, and he said to send his thanks to you. I'm so glad for your mom... her story is amazing!! We can only hope and pray my mother in law is as lucky.

And I'm so sorry about your dad.

thanks again!

 

[vmedisneymom]

I am so glad that my post was somewhat comforting. If you need anything, please feel free to pm me. We felt like it was all hopeless -especially living far from the "key treatment centers." My Mom went to MD Anderson and it just wasnt the thing for her. She came home and it seemed like everything came together and it all worked out. The best medicine it seems is to laugh and try not to worry so much. Laughter even though it is difficult as hard as the treatments are, seems to really work. I looked up lots of funny and feel good movies for my Mom to watch and they really lifted her spirits and helped her to fight harder. I am sending lots of good energy and prayers y'all's way and hope that things turn out well. Thank you for the hugs for my Dad - that was difficult, but I know that it was a blessing as his health was very bad.

 

[vmedisneymom]

That is not to say that MD Anderson is not great - they are. Just wasn't the plan for us. Just didn't want to leave bad impression as they are excellent in what they do - just too far from us and home for my Mom.

 

[dthogue]

I actually haven't booked yet (I hope it's not too late). When I do book though, I'll just book directly. My mil is fighting stage 4 lung cancer, but is doing well right now with treatments. I have insurance on the cruise, but I didn't want to book too many things this far out yet that I might have to cancel. I feel like it's getting close enough now that I can start some bookings and getting FE gifts.

I still have to book our ride from Orlando to the port (we'll be at an Orlando hotel the weekend before the cruise). Then the car (probably) for the way back to MCO. And the Hyatt. And what we'll do that day. I also want to order a surprise basket from gifts by Shirley (I think that's what the place is called), and I might also do a disney room decorating thing. The whole cruise is a surprise to our kids, so I'm kind of going crazy.

and prayers for your MIL and your family.

 

[dthogue]

So, dd and I went FE gift shopping today for the first time. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!! We only got a few things, but at least we started. My mind was spinning w/ what we could get for everyone.

Now that it's Sept, I feel like it's really getting close! I can't wait!!

Isn't it fun - even my DH has gotten into it - giving his opinions and helping with making our gifts. We completely switched gears from our original gift ideas to what we are doing now - can't wait for the cruise.

 

[bellebud]

Isn't it fun - even my DH has gotten into it - giving his opinions and helping with making our gifts. We completely switched gears from our original gift ideas to what we are doing now - can't wait for the cruise.

thank you for the hugs and prayers for my mil and family.

and yes, I'm getting crazy excited now. I can't believe how much fun the FE gifts are!! I'm always jotting down notes for ideas - can't wait!!!

 

[bellebud]

really silly question...

the FE and the tether-tie thing so the FE doesn't go missing... are you just looping the tether-tie soooo tight around the back of the fish that someone can't slip it over the fish, and the FE handle through the tether-tie?

I know it's silly - I'm just trying to imagine it.

I think I'm just doing a medium sized mickey tote bag as our FE, and I'll just write on it our cabin number and names. Think that's ok? Or should I get one w/ pockets for each of us? I've read where sometimes the pockets are too small, or you get a family gift instead of individual ones. What is everyone else doing for their FEs?

 

[Joysnote]

really silly question...

the FE and the tether-tie thing so the FE doesn't go missing... are you just looping the tether-tie soooo tight around the back of the fish that someone can't slip it over the fish, and the FE handle through the tether-tie?

I know it's silly - I'm just trying to imagine it.

I think I'm just doing a medium sized mickey tote bag as our FE, and I'll just write on it our cabin number and names. Think that's ok? Or should I get one w/ pockets for each of us? I've read where sometimes the pockets are too small, or you get a family gift instead of individual ones. What is everyone else doing for their FEs?

>>

I don't have a FE either and I don't have a creative bone in my body so I am just hanging up a disney tote bag too I am working on my FE gifts and I am just putting them in ziploc bags with everyone in the staterooms gifts together, so I figure even if there is nothing for a FE I can just put it up behind the fish.

 

[bellebud]

>>

I don't have a FE either and I don't have a creative bone in my body so I am just hanging up a disney tote bag too I am working on my FE gifts and I am just putting them in ziploc bags with everyone in the staterooms gifts together, so I figure even if there is nothing for a FE I can just put it up behind the fish.

I hope everyone has some sort of FE, or I'll question whether I have the correct cabin.

 

[Joysnote]

I hope everyone has some sort of FE, or I'll question whether I have the correct cabin.

I am also putting our first names, and my DIS ID Joysnote on those lime green Mickey's from Home Depot on our cabin door, so that should help people recognizing us Again not creative, but I think sort of cute.

 

[bellebud]

I am also putting our first names, and my DIS ID Joysnote on those lime green Mickey's from Home Depot on our cabin door, so that should help people recognizing us Again not creative, but I think sort of cute.

I'm so glad you just said that! Do you put magnets on the back?

 

[Joysnote]

I'm so glad you just said that! Do you put magnets on the back?

Yes, I am going to get those peel and stick one, but I think I will bring tape too, just in case.

 

[dthogue]

really silly question...

the FE and the tether-tie thing so the FE doesn't go missing... are you just looping the tether-tie soooo tight around the back of the fish that someone can't slip it over the fish, and the FE handle through the tether-tie?

I know it's silly - I'm just trying to imagine it.

I think I'm just doing a medium sized mickey tote bag as our FE, and I'll just write on it our cabin number and names. Think that's ok? Or should I get one w/ pockets for each of us? I've read where sometimes the pockets are too small, or you get a family gift instead of individual ones. What is everyone else doing for their FEs?

we use zip ties to attach our hanger to the fish. I'm hoping the fish are the same as on the wonder. I can't imagine anyone wanting to steal it - guess it takes all kinds, but really - get a life

The tote bag will work fine - I'm not overly crafty, but I did make ours and we have pockets for each of us (all no sew), it is nice to have pockets especially if you have kids - they like to empty their own pockets but either way will work.

I will send out a reminder to our group to make sure everyone has a hanger so we know who is participating

 

[PHILCT]

Hello Everyone

I am busy with the fish extender gifts, and saw a couple posts curious about mailing a box down to Port Canaveral.

On the FAQ Sticky of the cruise forum threads, it currently says:

Boxes Sent the Ship Ahead of Cruise - PLEASE follow these instructions carefully!!!!!! UPDATED AS OF 2/25/2009
• ONE box per stateroom, no exceptions.
• The package must have the guest full name, ship, sailing date, stateroom number or GTY if you have not been assigned a stateroom number.
• The package also must have a packing slip attached to the outside of the box that details the contents of the package. For prescriptions, a copy of the prescription is sufficient. Your list may or may not be read but it must have one. Write packing slip on the outside of the envelope.
• NO FOODS/DRINKS OF ANY KIND, LIQUOR OF ANY KIND, FIREARMS, ETC.. Items that cannot be shipped to the Disney Cruise Line Warehouse and delivered to the ship include: food products (any and all food products including baby food/formula), beverages (liquor, water, etc.), chemicals, and luggage. These items will not be accepted at the warehouse and will be returned. This may cause the dogs to hit on your box and that would be a bad thing.
• The required size of the cartons you are shipping down have to be about the size of a record storage box 12 inches on a side and should not weigh more than 20 lbs. (This has been asked personally by Dave Adams who is the owner)

Address your package(s) to:
Disney Cruise Line Warehouse
Guest Name / Stateroom # (GTY, if you don't know what it is when you send the package)
8633 Transport Drive
Orlando, FL 32832
Phone: 407-566-8196

In the bottom left corner of the top of the package put the following information: ATTN: HOUSEKEEPING
*Name
*Sail Date
*Ship
*Stateroom Number
*Packing slip that details contents of the package (for prescriptions, a copy of the prescription is sufficient)
• Packages must arrive by Friday by 3:00pm for the 7-Night Cruise on the Disney Magic (Saturday).
• Packages must arrive by Friday by 3:00pm for the 4-Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder (Sunday).
• Packages must arrive by Wednesday by 3:00pm for the 3-Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder (Thursday).

If your box is hit on by the screening dog or chosen for additional screening they will open the list and the box and look through it. They will close it back up and provided nothing bad is in it then it will be in your room as usual later after boarding. These boxes will be coming on the ship with the crew mail among other things so they may be in the staterooms later then they were before as they are low priority in the scheme of things for Disney.

Boxes to Send Home after Cruise - Information provided by Shirley
These guys are great and right off Highway 528 - Shipping Depot located at 211 Crockett Blvd, Suite 103, Merritt Island, Florida, Phone 321-453-2558 , Fax 321-453-0161
Hours - Monday thru Friday 9 am - 6 pm, Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Email - shippingdepot103@aol.com
If you DO NOT want to concern yourself with the carrying of ''stuff'' home that you have purchase or too much to take on the plane, you can take it over to their place of business or they will be more than glad to pick it up from Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral and they will ship anywhere and everywhere. They are UPS and FEDEX office. Owners are Raul and Dwane - super nice folks to work with and very accomodating to your shipping needs. Must mention this board for discount.

Since the information above says NO FOOD, I guess this means NO CANDY as well.

Has anyone sent a box before to the Cruise ?


Thanks

Phil

 

[ACDSNY]

I finished purchasing stuff for our FE gift, now I'll have to have my nieces over to put them together. I unpacked our FE hanger so well from our Panama cruise, that I'm still trying to remember where it is, I hope I find it soon.