12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[adrianna_sarah]

Brenda-

You know those of us not from here are a little stumped when the sirens go off. Two years ago I was hosting a coffee when they went of in May and nobody budged, I guess nobody knew what they really meant. Last year when the one tornado was actually spotted south of town, the MPs were driving through post with a megaphone telling everyone to go down to their basements immediately, so we did. When the siren went off last night, I stood by the door waiting for further instructions from the police and they never came.

So it's sounds like when they go off I am supposed to take cover... period. How do I know when it's safe to come out?


I don't mean to sound dumb, I am just from the distant north where we don't have these kinds of things.

Adrianna

 

[adrianna_sarah]

We could definately eat $600 worth of food in 3.5 days at WDW (especially in Epcot), but then our eating habits don't work with DDP anyway. We almost always have character meal breakfasts and premium dinners. December is a somewhat scaled back vacation for us, though we get less "on budget" by the day. SOG has breakfast and dinner buffets included in the cost of our package, so I only plan to book a Fantasmic dinner package and a Candlelight Processional dinner package to get the preferred seating while we're at SOG. When we're at WL we don't plan to go to the parks, so I think we'll have dinner at Narcoossee's one night so that I can experience the GF at XMas and the other night eat at Artist's Point at the WL.

I would for sure make ADR's, even for breakfast during the Holidays. You can always call back later if you change your mind.

That's just me.

Adrianna

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Courtney-

This is my new favorite place to hang out (besides here of course). You are right, it is beautiful at Christmas.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127

If hubby and I ever buy into DVC, which we have discussed at length, it will probably be resale at OKW. We want to visit all the resorts anyhow.

I don't know though. Looking at these shots of the WL, makes me homesick for my Pacific NW home. I may have to check out the prices of resale at WL.

Adrianna

 

[brendalee59]

Brenda-

You know those of us not from here are a little stumped when the sirens go off. Two years ago I was hosting a coffee when they went of in May and nobody budged, I guess nobody knew what they really meant. Last year when the one tornado was actually spotted south of town, the MPs were driving through post with a megaphone telling everyone to go down to their basements immediately, so we did. When the siren went off last night, I stood by the door waiting for further instructions from the police and they never came.

So it's sounds like when they go off I am supposed to take cover... period. How do I know when it's safe to come out?


I don't mean to sound dumb, I am just from the distant north where we don't have these kinds of things.

Adrianna

You don't sound dumb. Heck alot of people that have lived here all their lives don't get it. The sirens used to be a big joke around town. The least little thing would set them off. Used to be the law stated they could only sound the sirens if Comanche county was under a tornado warning. Several years ago, we had a major wind event. It wasn't a tornado,just straight wind but it caused alot of damage. People got mad because the city didn't sound the sirens. The city changed to law to allow them to sound the sirens if the wind exceeds 70 mph. Yesterday, we were never under a tornado warning ,so I'm assuming the winds exceeded 70 mph. Since Comanche County is so large, the warning may be for a part of the county no where near you. What I would do, is turn the TV on and watch KSWO. We also have a weather radio turned to the station they broadcast from during severe weather.We can't always depend on the TV as we have Satellite which goes out when the weather is at it's worst. The weather team will tell you which part of the county is effected by the storm. For example yesterday. They sounded the sirens in town, but the area being effected by the high winds was the East side. Meaning you guys ,as well as 90% of Lawton weren't in any danger. As for knowing when It's safe to come out. Again, use the TV and/or radio, but usually you can tell because the conditions outside will improve. Hope I didn't confuse you. Just a crash course in severe weather survival 101

 

[brendalee59]

We could definately eat $600 worth of food in 3.5 days at WDW (especially in Epcot), but then our eating habits don't work with DDP anyway. We almost always have character meal breakfasts and premium dinners. December is a somewhat scaled back vacation for us, though we get less "on budget" by the day. SOG has breakfast and dinner buffets included in the cost of our package, so I only plan to book a Fantasmic dinner package and a Candlelight Processional dinner package to get the preferred seating while we're at SOG. When we're at WL we don't plan to go to the parks, so I think we'll have dinner at Narcoossee's one night so that I can experience the GF at XMas and the other night eat at Artist's Point at the WL.

I would for sure make ADR's, even for breakfast during the Holidays. You can always call back later if you change your mind.

That's just me.

Adrianna

Truth be told, we probably can eat that much. What makes the DP not work for us, is having the one TS, and one CS per day. I would say most of our meals will be CS,as we like to wing it. The Deluxe plan would work as it's three meals a day and can be either CS or TS. But it's over $400 more than the basic plan. I think we will skip it this time, and pay OOP. Hopefully we can get club level to help stretch the old meal budget.
Anyone ever eat at the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary Hotel?

 

[brendalee59]

I almost forgot. We are thinking about getting tickets for cirque du Soleil. Can we make ADR's for resturants in DTD? Any recomendations?

 

[drag n' fly]

Man that's alot of snow. I can't even imagine a foot of snow, much less in May. When does spring usually settle in up there? Sending warm thawing thoughts your way

Usually the weather is nice 55-65f by now but because we live in the foothills of the mountains spring squalls with snowstorms can blow in. After May long weekend is usually the kickoff to summer here!

 

[drag n' fly]

I almost forgot. We are thinking about getting tickets for cirque du Soleil. Can we make ADR's for resturants in DTD? Any recomendations?

We got tickets to Cirque and ate at Raglan Road. Great meal, great music, great beer!!!

 

[drag n' fly]

Truth be told, we probably can eat that much. What makes the DP not work for us, is having the one TS, and one CS per day. I would say most of our meals will be CS,as we like to wing it. The Deluxe plan would work as it's three meals a day and can be either CS or TS. But it's over $400 more than the basic plan. I think we will skip it this time, and pay OOP. Hopefully we can get club level to help stretch the old meal budget.
Anyone ever eat at the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary Hotel?

I think the Concourse is closed now. However we had an outstanding meal at the California Grill with a fireworks seating. Best meal of the whole trip!

 

[drag n' fly]

Brenda-

You know those of us not from here are a little stumped when the sirens go off. Two years ago I was hosting a coffee when they went of in May and nobody budged, I guess nobody knew what they really meant. Last year when the one tornado was actually spotted south of town, the MPs were driving through post with a megaphone telling everyone to go down to their basements immediately, so we did. When the siren went off last night, I stood by the door waiting for further instructions from the police and they never came.

So it's sounds like when they go off I am supposed to take cover... period. How do I know when it's safe to come out?


I don't mean to sound dumb, I am just from the distant north where we don't have these kinds of things.

Adrianna

This is a really good question!! I also thought parts of it would make a great tag!

 

[adrianna_sarah]

I almost forgot. We are thinking about getting tickets for cirque du Soleil. Can we make ADR's for resturants in DTD? Any recomendations?

You know, Cirque is something I have always wanted to do. My son could sit through and even enjoy it, but the baby probably couldn't. Am rethinking Candlelight Processional for the same reason. I have never actually been to DTD.

Was just thinking today that every time we do to WDW, we attack it like it's going out of style (as if that could ever happen)... trying to hit all the big ticket character meals and main events... way overeating to try as many restaurants as possible. I would bet money that we'll go to WDW at least 10 times in the next 20 years. I am making a new resolution to pace myself.

I do, however, miss drinking my way through the World Showcase at Epcot. Ahhh... life before children.

Adrianna

 

[brendalee59]

I think the Concourse is closed now. However we had an outstanding meal at the California Grill with a fireworks seating. Best meal of the whole trip!

I'm not sure we want to get all dressed up for California Grill. Don't they require coat and tie for the guys? DH will wear a jacket for formal night on a cruise, but I'll never get him in a tie I think we just want a good steak dinner without having to dress up. That takes too much time when you only have 3 1/2 days to do everything

 

[brendalee59]

You know, Cirque is something I have always wanted to do. My son could sit through and even enjoy it, but the baby probably couldn't. Am rethinking Candlelight Processional for the same reason. I have never actually been to DTD.

Was just thinking today that every time we do to WDW, we attack it like it's going out of style (as if that could ever happen)... trying to hit all the big ticket character meals and main events... way overeating to try as many restaurants as possible. I would bet money that we'll go to WDW at least 10 times in the next 20 years. I am making a new resolution to pace myself.

I do, however, miss drinking my way through the World Showcase at Epcot. Ahhh... life before children.

Adrianna

I never really thought about doing Cirque. Michael and I were watching Samantha Brown did her WDW Favorites show, ( I held him hostage, cause no one else would watch it with me ) Anywhy, Michael said he thought that it would be "kick butt" (edited slightly)Guess that means he would like to go Since Michael is our "I don't care" child. I decided that night, we will go. He never asks for anything,while Lindsey always wants something. We have never been to DTD either.

 

[brendalee59]

Well, One less thing I have to think about. Just got an email from our Dreams agent. DCL said they can't offer us the Dining Plan because we added a night onto the land protion of our land/sea pkg. Also, there are no club level reservations available to DCL. The resort only makes a certain number of rooms available to DCL for thier land sea pkg. passengers. They do have us on a wait list,but being the holidays, I doubt anything opens up.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

This is a really good question!! I also thought parts of it would make a great tag!

I quite agree! I have yet to be noticed by the tag fairy, and d***** I am witty. Hear that tag fairy? I AM A WITTY GIRL!

I read somewhere recently about someone finally getting tagged on their 5,000th post, so I have a ways to go since I am mostly a lurker.

Adrianna

 

[TXdeVille]

God forbid I should ever stay away for longer than a week!! Sorry you guys had such bad weather. It totally missed us this time but got parts of North Dallas. About the sirens....the news guys down here said that now they sound them even when there won't be any tornados, just severe weather. Kinda bad if you ask me. People will condition themselves to never respond when they hear them and that one time is all it takes.

As for DH, Mike, still looking military, his hair was pretty short for that trip. It is usually a little longer on top. He has naturally curly hair so if he doesn't keep it short, he has an afro. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Brenda, I have never been to the restaurants you suggested. I wanted to do the Sci Fi Drive in but we did the 50's Primetime Cafe instead. Sorry you can't do the dining plan though since you added the extra day. That stinks! One reason I am glad we have DVC. You can add DDP whenever you want for as long as you want. Doesn't even have to be for the length of you stay. We can DEFINITELY spend $600 in 3 1/2 days, but I think we would definitely need to do table service meals. The kids ordered lobster so one meal was just over $200! We ate at one of the seafood places in DTD. Name escapes me at the moment. It is right on a pier. Not Fulton's since it wasn't on the plan, but we want to eat there! You can make ADR's at DTD. And I would definitely make them for breakfast if not eating at the concierge.

 

[TXdeVille]

Courtney-

This is my new favorite place to hang out (besides here of course). You are right, it is beautiful at Christmas.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1717127

If hubby and I ever buy into DVC, which we have discussed at length, it will probably be resale at OKW. We want to visit all the resorts anyhow.

I don't know though. Looking at these shots of the WL, makes me homesick for my Pacific NW home. I may have to check out the prices of resale at WL.

Adrianna

You know, initially we were against DVC as well and couldn't understand why a friend of ours was doing it. I considered it a typical timeshare. Another friend of mine looked into another timeshare with Hilton and they were asking for $40,000!!! Don't know the comparison per dollar for what you get with DVC. If you look at it as prepaid lodging and it being so flexible, it really is worth it. Kinda forces us to take vacations. And I will probably get to go places that I wouldn't normally. And you can buy park tickets or not, buy DDP or not unlike doing regular reservations. If you normally get something larger than a regular hotel room, with a kitchen, etc. it pays itself off a lot quicker. True, you pay money OOP for a while or right up front, whichever you do. Buy come vacation time you are shocked at how much you are spending. For example, this December for us will cost us around $2500 instead of over $6000. Be careful on the resales....you can find great deals but make sure that all the points aren't used up. You also won't get any incentives that they will be offering. They are building some DVC resorts in California at Disneyland and they will be starting one shortly in Hawaii!! Can't wait for that one!! Check out dvcnews.com if you want more info.

I only wish we had done it sooner. With my kids being as old as they are I won't be able to take them to as many places as I wanted to.

 

[drag n' fly]

I'm not sure we want to get all dressed up for California Grill. Don't they require coat and tie for the guys? DH will wear a jacket for formal night on a cruise, but I'll never get him in a tie I think we just want a good steak dinner without having to dress up. That takes too much time when you only have 3 1/2 days to do everything

Are you kidding.:>) CG is not a coat and tie joint anymore. There were kids there at 10pm waiting for fireworks. A golf shirt and pants/shorts is fine.!!!

 

[drag n' fly]

God forbid I should ever stay away for longer than a week!! Sorry you guys had such bad weather. It totally missed us this time but got parts of North Dallas. About the sirens....the news guys down here said that now they sound them even when there won't be any tornados, just severe weather. Kinda bad if you ask me. People will condition themselves to never respond when they hear them and that one time is all it takes.

As for DH, Mike, still looking military, his hair was pretty short for that trip. It is usually a little longer on top. He has naturally curly hair so if he doesn't keep it short, he has an afro. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Brenda, I have never been to the restaurants you suggested. I wanted to do the Sci Fi Drive in but we did the 50's Primetime Cafe instead. Sorry you can't do the dining plan though since you added the extra day. That stinks! One reason I am glad we have DVC. You can add DDP whenever you want for as long as you want. Doesn't even have to be for the length of you stay. We can DEFINITELY spend $600 in 3 1/2 days, but I think we would definitely need to do table service meals. The kids ordered lobster so one meal was just over $200! We ate at one of the seafood places in DTD. Name escapes me at the moment. It is right on a pier. Not Fulton's since it wasn't on the plan, but we want to eat there! You can make ADR's at DTD. And I would definitely make them for breakfast if not eating at the concierge.

OMG we loved prime time. Here is a pic of dh and "Cindy rella" our waitress she was a blast!

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Annette-

I keep meaning to tell you that the people at the table next to us on the Magic were from Alberta. The husband was in the oil industry and the wife said she owned an upscale childrens clothing boutique. About the third night they told us they were Canadian. I looked at hubby and said "I knew it!". She looked mortified and I tried to reassure her that is was just the way she said something that made me think that. She was afraid she'd made some weird faux pas. Good times.

Adrianna