11/22/08 Thanksgiving 2008 cruise thread. Double Dipping Travelling Turkeys!

[TwoByFour]

One thing I noticed on the website is a 3pm meeting time for the Disboards group. I would suggest changing that to 4pm because of the mandatory evacuation drill that will take place around 330.

Historically, we have used Deck 10 midship landside as the Disboards meeting place as it overlooks both the sailaway party which starts about 430 and the dock where you can see the Disney employees waving goodbye w/the giant Mickey hands.

Of course as you can see from our posted photo on the website, I am rather tall (6'8"), and will likely be easily spotted in the terminal - not to mention the matching shirts saying Turkey Day Gang we will probably be wearing.

(This may be a double post b/c of error message I got)

Chuck

The drill is listed as 4:00 in the Sept DD navigators. That's what time it was on our cruise in December too. We thought 3:00 would give the kids the kids a chance to swim, the moms a chance to unpack, then everyone could stop by the meet, before heading for the drill and the sail away party. We've contacted DCL about finding a spot inside to hold it, that way if the weather is bad the meet can still go on. They are supposed to contact Judy in the next couple weeks with a location.

 

[Mean Queen]

The drill is listed as 4:00 in the Sept DD navigators. That's what time it was on our cruise in December too. We thought 3:00 would give the kids the kids a chance to swim, the moms a chance to unpack, then everyone could stop by the meet, before heading for the drill and the sail away party. We've contacted DCL about finding a spot inside to hold it, that way if the weather is bad the meet can still go on. They are supposed to contact Judy in the next couple weeks with a location.

Don't forget the request for lots of chocolate.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Hmmmm...I will defer to Michelle, but I think the drill is usually a bit earlier and that does not include the 15 minutes or so leading up to the official start time needed to get everyone in their life jackets..anyway, just making the suggestion so as to not limit the duration...but whatever works.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

OK - i did some checking of my own and it turns out we are both correct. On the one hand per the recent navigator the drill is officially scheduled for 4pm. On the other hand, all ship's services are officially suspended for 45 minutes beginning at 330, which may mean that whatever space they give you has to be cleared by then to prepare for the drill.

Chuck

 

[lexandme]

Don't forget the request for lots of chocolate.

When I spoke to Dorothy I told her a drink cart and snacks! I also said if we could get chocolate snacks it would make a lot of women happy!

 

[Mean Queen]

When I spoke to Dorothy I told her a drink cart and snacks! I also said if we could get chocolate snacks it would make a lot of women happy!

Doesn't it always?

Speaking of chocolate and food, I just went to the Food and Wine Festival this weekend. It was a kid-free weekend getaway with friends. Heaven! France had a milk chocolate creme brulee that I plan to get again. We're going with the kids this weekend for MNSSHP. If you can ever make it for the F&WF, do. It's such a great event.

 

[lexandme]

Doesn't it always?

Speaking of chocolate and food, I just went to the Food and Wine Festival this weekend. It was a kid-free weekend getaway with friends. Heaven! France had a milk chocolate creme brulee that I plan to get again. We're going with the kids this weekend for MNSSHP. If you can ever make it for the F&WF, do. It's such a great event.

I would LOVE to go to the F&W festival. DH says he may not want to do WDW next year. If that's the case I may go during F&W and I also want to see MNSSHP. I will definitely eat milk chocolate creme brulee! How close to heaven is that!
We're doing MVMCP the night before the cruise and I can't wait to see the castle in it's twinkle lights and see the holiday edition of "Wishes". I get goosebumps and have actually cried a few times during the show!

 

[rlcook]

Hey guys,

I just finished 6 12 hour shifts in 7 days. We were very short staffed this week, and I think we birthed every baby due in a 60 mile radius. Twice this week we had 6 babies born in an hour. Glad I've got 3 days off, however I slept most of the day today. BUT IT'S CRUISE MONEY!!!! My scheduler/payroll person told me she would tweek my hours so that Uncle Sam wouldn't get too much of it.

We have a guy coming tonight to give us yet another estimate on the roof. I think that we have 1 more person after this to come, then we can make our decision. Then get the loan, that we're going to get a little more than we need to have for the trip. With 3 of us having been in the hospital this summer, we had to dip into our vacation fund. But we're still going.

I got a response today from DCL about getting the princesses together for the picture of them, Mackenzie and her quilt. I was told to go to guest services when we get on board and mention it to them. We'll see what happens.

Would like to start packing soon, but the girls will be wearing their pirate costumes for Halloween, and I really don't know if I should pack their dresses yet. All of my FE gifts are packaged according to room numbers and are ready to go.

38 days for us

Lora

 

[lexandme]

Shay -
Let me know how BLT are. That's one of the properties we're considering. That or AKL. Correction; I'm considering. Still working on DH. He'll only bite if this economy picks up.

 

[lexandme]

Hey guys,

I just finished 6 12 hour shifts in 7 days. We were very short staffed this week, and I think we birthed every baby due in a 60 mile radius. Twice this week we had 6 babies born in an hour. Glad I've got 3 days off, however I slept most of the day today. BUT IT'S CRUISE MONEY!!!! My scheduler/payroll person told me she would tweek my hours so that Uncle Sam wouldn't get too much of it.

We have a guy coming tonight to give us yet another estimate on the roof. I think that we have 1 more person after this to come, then we can make our decision. Then get the loan, that we're going to get a little more than we need to have for the trip. With 3 of us having been in the hospital this summer, we had to dip into our vacation fund. But we're still going.

I got a response today from DCL about getting the princesses together for the picture of them, Mackenzie and her quilt. I was told to go to guest services when we get on board and mention it to them. We'll see what happens.

Would like to start packing soon, but the girls will be wearing their pirate costumes for Halloween, and I really don't know if I should pack their dresses yet. All of my FE gifts are packaged according to room numbers and are ready to go.

38 days for us

Lora

I was beginning to wonder if everything was ok with you guys. It's been a while! Glad to hear your absence was due to work and that everyone is hospital free!
You're done with your FE stuff! Congratulations!
I'll be packing little by little. I bought DS a new pair of khakis today and I still need to pick up another pair of shorts for him. He tore a fairly new pair yesterday climbing over a fence!

 

[TwoByFour]

Hey guys,

I just finished 6 12 hour shifts in 7 days. We were very short staffed this week, and I think we birthed every baby due in a 60 mile radius. Twice this week we had 6 babies born in an hour. Glad I've got 3 days off, however I slept most of the day today. BUT IT'S CRUISE MONEY!!!! My scheduler/payroll person told me she would tweek my hours so that Uncle Sam wouldn't get too much of it.

We have a guy coming tonight to give us yet another estimate on the roof. I think that we have 1 more person after this to come, then we can make our decision. Then get the loan, that we're going to get a little more than we need to have for the trip. With 3 of us having been in the hospital this summer, we had to dip into our vacation fund. But we're still going.

I got a response today from DCL about getting the princesses together for the picture of them, Mackenzie and her quilt. I was told to go to guest services when we get on board and mention it to them. We'll see what happens.

Would like to start packing soon, but the girls will be wearing their pirate costumes for Halloween, and I really don't know if I should pack their dresses yet. All of my FE gifts are packaged according to room numbers and are ready to go.

38 days for us

Lora

That's a lot of hours!! So glad to hear from you!!

Good luck on the roof. We're trying to get ours replaced before winter. Ours was damaged in a hail storm so insurance is picking up the tab.

 

[TwoByFour]

I would LOVE to go to the F&W festival. DH says he may not want to do WDW next year. If that's the case I may go during F&W and I also want to see MNSSHP. I will definitely eat milk chocolate creme brulee! How close to heaven is that!
We're doing MVMCP the night before the cruise and I can't wait to see the castle in it's twinkle lights and see the holiday edition of "Wishes". I get goosebumps and have actually cried a few times during the show!

Judy--We could alwas make it a girl's trip, once you get your DVC, we'll even have accomadations. Let's leave the boys home and go!!!

 

[lexandme]

Judy--We could alwas make it a girl's trip, once you get your DVC, we'll even have accomadations. Let's leave the boys home and go!!!

That would be soooooo much fun! But we have to talk Tim into getting the DVC. When discussing this, 2 things you must remember...........

"This is an investment for your grandson. Just think how happy he will be going to WDW with you."
And schmooze him. Tell him "I don't know why people think you look like Billy Bob Thornton. You're much better looking!"

 

[Mean Queen]

That would be soooooo much fun! But we have to talk Tim into getting the DVC. When discussing this, 2 things you must remember...........

"This is an investment for your grandson. Just think how happy he will be going to WDW with you."
And schmooze him. Tell him "I don't know why people think you look like Billy Bob Thornton. You're much better looking!"

I have many selling points I'll be happy to give him on the cruise. And I promise not to compare him to the former Mister Jolie.

 

[cruisecrzy]

Hi all,

For those that wanted dinner rotation times I am still working on it. There was a conflict in what they sent today and they need to contact the person on the ship to see what the correct information is. So I will post if and when I get it to a point that I feel is most accurate. Right now not so much.

For the person that wanted a picture with all the princesses if they will not do it my suggestion is the princess party on Thursday. Also keep in mind that some princess are not on the ship. Example if "Aurora's Friend" is not part of the Entertainment team then Aurora won't be out to play. (wink...wink). I made a quilt for my daughter in two pieces. The first half was March. 2007 cruise and we turned it in and had it signed. She then got it back on the last night and we did a picture with different characters at the Final Farewell. The second half was March 2008 and again turned it in for signing then did pictures when I got it back on the last night.

For those with the DISmeet. Chuck is correct that they stop all shipboard services about 45min prior so they can prepare their muster stations and check in. They do this more than just the first day. But the others are practice and only the team that has to "check-out" that week is involved. So I think when the person from DCL calls I would ask about them stopping services including the requested cart so that crew can prepare. Also, suggestion for a inside meet if they do not give you a meeting area would be Deck 5 Aft there are nice tables, bathrooms, and a fairly open area to gather. Another thing to think about is I have seen them start to close the pool (put the stage on it) around 3:30 to prepare for the drill and Sail Away. So if the goal is to have kids swim may want to think about doing the meet on deck 9 in the covered table area across from the pool. Because if they give you a meeting room on Deck 1 or is it 2 I forget that may not give the kids much time to get to the pools and swim. Also the exact time of the drill and the ship leaving is truly up to the Captain. I have a friend that can tell you great stories.

Lastly, not super important but I have it so why not share for the over planners. The character Breakfast is still called Island Jam with some of those elments present, but as I said earlier back to characters coming to your table right now anyway.

And to Mean Queen I think it was I am super excited because I am going to Food and Wine Saturday with some co-workers and then again on Sunday for girls day out. And a special treat at work this week....the culinary is making the Canadian Cheese Soup using the official recipe...yum. yum!! Today we were talking about all the delicious French deserts and our cheese soup and buffalo.

 

[TwoByFour]

For those of you going to MVMCP what charcters are on your tickets? I can't wait to get mine. Last year I printed them from the website. I'm looking forward to getting mine.

Sandy--Any word on your passport?

 

[lexandme]

For those of you going to MVMCP what charcters are on your tickets? I can't wait to get mine. Last year I printed them from the website. I'm looking forward to getting mine.

Sandy--Any word on your passport?

The tickets are beautiful! We have 3. All of the backgrounds are black and white and the characters are in color.One is Cinderella and Price Charming on the stairs of the castle. He is putting the slipper on her foot. (it says "Where glass slippers always fit".That one's mine!) The next is Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto flying over the castle (it says "Where dreams come true.") The third is Mickey, Donald and Goofy spinning in the teacup ride. (It says "Where a cup of tea can bring us together. And apart. And together".) Let me know what the others look like when you get yours! I'm assuming there's at least one more design.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

As to DVC, there are lots of perks, but there is also the investment, which in today's volatile markets, may make the risk too much for some...that said, if you are thinking of getting DVC, I strongly suggest attending the presentation on the boat b/c there will be a deal offered to buy points at a reduced price and likely get some extra points thrown in on the first year. Also, if you know current DVC members, and most people do, and are able to put, I believe, 20% down instead of 10%, you can get an extra discount, which is precisely what we did a few years ago.

Chuck

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Also, Michelle, those meeting rooms that were on deck 2 are now Ocean Quest, though I think there are a couple cabins somewhere down on deck 2 that are used as small meeting rooms. The Wonder still has the full meeting rooms though.

 

[TwoByFour]

The tickets are beautiful! We have 3. All of the backgrounds are black and white and the characters are in color.One is Cinderella and Price Charming on the stairs of the castle. He is putting the slipper on her foot. (it says "Where glass slippers always fit".That one's mine!) The next is Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Pluto flying over the castle (it says "Where dreams come true.") The third is Mickey, Donald and Goofy spinning in the teacup ride. (It says "Where a cup of tea can bring us together. And apart. And together".) Let me know what the others look like when you get yours! I'm assuming there's at least one more design.

Susan's family was fighting over theirs. I know they got one Dopey and one Tink, but I can't remember the other two.