12/24/08 Christmas Cruise on the Wonder

[brendalee59]

Hi everyone! Are you all getting excited about the cruise! We sure are!! We made a few changes to our itinerary. We are doing Aquatica if the weather is ok and spending one night at Lake Beuna Vista Resort Village and Spa in a 3 bedroom condo to check it out and do some shopping.

I am officially done Christmas shopping....stocking stuffers and all! Everyone has cruise clothes and our pet care costs just went from 1000.00 for this trip down to 600.00. My neighbour was supposed to go to Mexico and is not now so she can look after my three cats. The dog and 4 birds will still need to be kennelled though!`

Talk to you soon!!

Annette

That sounds like fun Annette. Are we the only ones hopping a plane after we get back on shore?

Great news about your pet boarding cost going down. We will only be gone for 9 days, and have huge pet feeder and watering bin for the cats. We have asked Valerie to come change their litterboxes at least once during the week. She was supposed to feed the dogs everynight, but since she moved all the way across the city from us, we decided to just board them. Love our DD but she is a tad lazy,forgetful, and not the best manager of her money. She'll end up not having enough gas to do it. Darn kids these days

I still need to get some little things, and some stocking stuffers for the twins. Now that we have a tree for the ship, need some little things to go under it. Assuming can stay awake longer than the teenagers that is Still deciding if I want to get stocking stuffers here or DTD. Maybe a little of both. I may even buy stocking at the Christmas store, and have their names put on them. Just have to get rid of Lindsey long enough. Michael is no problem, he and Dale won't be caught dead shopping

 

[brendalee59]

Disney Stores had everything 25% off yesterday. Not sure how long the sale lasts.

Does anybody know if gift certificates bought at the Disney Store can be used on the ship?

Andy, I'm not 100% sure, but I'd say probably not. But I have read that you can purchase Disney Dollars which can be used on the ship. Not exactly sure where you buy them from though. But I bet someone on the main DCL board could tell you


Have a Super Duper Sunday everyone! And no, I will not remind everyone that we will be disembarking at this time in 6 weeks, cause that would be a real downer

 

[DisneyMama27]

Does anybody know if gift certificates bought at the Disney Store can be used on the ship?

I would think so. We have purchased MANY gift cards from Disney over the years, and a Disney gift card IS Disney money, as much as Disney Dollars. I would check to be sure, but I am sure I read that you can apply gift cards to your onboard credits. Doesn't matter where gift cards were purchased (DL, Disney store, DW), we have been able to use them at any Disney shopping venue.

I am going to check on this to be sure, since likes to bring GC's to the kids. Not sure if we will apply to OBC or let them wait until we are back in Orlando - don't know what there is to buy in the shops onboard and at CC. DS likes to spend his in the Lego store usually!

 

[scuba diver]

Disney Stores had everything 25% off yesterday. Not sure how long the sale lasts.

Does anybody know if gift certificates bought at the Disney Store can be used on the ship?

We use Disney gift cards/gift certificates for DCL. Everything you buy during the cruise goes on to your room.

You can put the gift cards against your room charges. DW does that at guest services. The same applies to your Disney credit card poiints.

DW buys Disney gift cards through DD gym so she earns money towards meet and travel fees.

 

[drag n' fly]

That sounds like fun Annette. Are we the only ones hopping a plane after we get back on shore?

Great news about your pet boarding cost going down. We will only be gone for 9 days, and have huge pet feeder and watering bin for the cats. We have asked Valerie to come change their litterboxes at least once during the week. She was supposed to feed the dogs everynight, but since she moved all the way across the city from us, we decided to just board them. Love our DD but she is a tad lazy,forgetful, and not the best manager of her money. She'll end up not having enough gas to do it. Darn kids these days

I still need to get some little things, and some stocking stuffers for the twins. Now that we have a tree for the ship, need some little things to go under it. Assuming can stay awake longer than the teenagers that is Still deciding if I want to get stocking stuffers here or DTD. Maybe a little of both. I may even buy stocking at the Christmas store, and have their names put on them. Just have to get rid of Lindsey long enough. Michael is no problem, he and Dale won't be caught dead shopping

We are definitely going home on the 28th! We just switched from Por to a condo to spread out and allow the kids to do some shopping at the outlet mall. We have 2 pre-purchased Aquatica tickets that need to be used by Dec 31 so we are hoping for some nice weather We are exploring the advantages of staying offsite

 

[S'sMom]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone heard the rumor that there may not be a stop in the Bahamas on Christmas Day? I just got wind of it on my other message board (passporter).

I am wondering if it is true. It is probably just what it is, just a rumor

 

[drag n' fly]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone heard the rumor that there may not be a stop in the Bahamas on Christmas Day? I just got wind of it on my other message board (passporter).

I am wondering if it is true. It is probably just what it is, just a rumor

I had heard that rumour also. I mentioned it on the passporter board a while back but never heard anything more about it. I am sure it is just that...a rumour

 

[drag n' fly]

LOL I went over there and that is my thread you replied to!!

 

[S'sMom]

LOL I went over there and that is my thread you replied to!!

Shut Up!!

This truly a small world. I was wondering because I dont check that one as much as this one

 

[drag n' fly]

Shut Up!!

This truly a small world. I was wondering because I dont check that one as much as this one

Too funny!

 

[TXdeVille]

Hey guys!

Just checking in a little bit. Been quite busy. Work picked up a little bit and this weekend we went to a Boy Scout Camporee at Texas Motor Speedway camping in tents.....in FREEZING weather!!! Literally. Shocked I stayed warm. But then again, I guess 5 layers of clothes would keep you warm.

Brenda, you aren't the only one freaking out. I am too. Please don't remind me anymore as I may have a panic attack and cancel. Just kidding....wouldn't get my money back.

Sorry to hear about the tonsillectomy and hysterectomy. Is there not any way that it can be done once you get back? The hysterectomy for sure. You won't be able to do a lot of things. Usually they put restrictions on you for 6 weeks after that. The tonsillectomy will be easy recovery.

As for the Nassau Christmas thing I hope that isn't the case. Big bummer.

Guess I need to quit being on the computer and start working on packing everyone. I am so far behind on everything it is ridiculous. Guess that means no sleep for me.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Guess I need to quit being on the computer and start working on packing everyone. I am so far behind on everything it is ridiculous. Guess that means no sleep for me.

OMG, me too! I started packing today for our Thanksgiving trip - and by "packing," I mean that I am doing laundry and talking to DH about what we need to pack. For us, packing is usually what we do the couple of nights before we leave!

I have several moments in the day when I start to panic a little - esp. when I realize how close this trip is, and how close these trips are to each other (too close, BTW) and to Christmas, and WHAT WAS I THINKING?

I really am excited, but I am so afraid I am going to forget something that I start listing things over and over. I am terrified I am going to forget to make the 400 nutcracker-shaped chocolates for my DD's Nutcracker tea next month...I mean in 3 weeks. I do this EVERY year, yet I worry that I will forget! My list for THIS week alone raises my blood pressure! I am looking forward to a week off at Disneyworld, with my family, but this week is going to be hellacious getting ready for it!! And when we get back, December is going to hit like a freight train! I need some pixie dust!!

Y'all have a great week! Thanks for the link, Brenda - I will try to look at that sometime...

 

[TXdeVille]

OMG, me too! I started packing today for our Thanksgiving trip - and by "packing," I mean that I am doing laundry and talking to DH about what we need to pack. For us, packing is usually what we do the couple of nights before we leave!

I have several moments in the day when I start to panic a little - esp. when I realize how close this trip is, and how close these trips are to each other (too close, BTW) and to Christmas, and WHAT WAS I THINKING?

Thank goodness I am not going anywhere for Thanksgiving. And I better not be working at the hospital either!!! I am on call. I am starting to take stuff from home to work in order to get it done. Even cancelled teaching CPR tomorrow so that I can a) recover from this weekend's campout and b) get more stuff done. I contemplated sleeping in (much deserved and needed) but it would be a waste of time. I even backed out of another obligation due to time.

OMG!!!! You mean you actually get packed a few days before???!!! Ours is usually HOURS before! I'm planning on wrapping up the little details of Victoria's Sweet 16 that are left and then continue with the vacation stuff and normal household stuff.

This is definitely gonna require more rum/vodka/wine/etc. I think I'm gonna start doing what my friend does and have a glass of wine every evening....regardless. To take the edge off. But with all the edges I have right now, I may need more than one glass.

 

[drag n' fly]

Thank goodness I am not going anywhere for Thanksgiving. And I better not be working at the hospital either!!! I am on call. I am starting to take stuff from home to work in order to get it done. Even cancelled teaching CPR tomorrow so that I can a) recover from this weekend's campout and b) get more stuff done. I contemplated sleeping in (much deserved and needed) but it would be a waste of time. I even backed out of another obligation due to time.

OMG!!!! You mean you actually get packed a few days before???!!! Ours is usually HOURS before! I'm planning on wrapping up the little details of Victoria's Sweet 16 that are left and then continue with the vacation stuff and normal household stuff.

This is definitely gonna require more rum/vodka/wine/etc. I think I'm gonna start doing what my friend does and have a glass of wine every evening....regardless. To take the edge off. But with all the edges I have right now, I may need more than one glass.

Cheers!

 

[TXdeVille]

Alright ye land lubbers!!

I just made an adjustment to our excursions. I canceled the Stingrays at Castaway Cay. With DD doing the Wild Side in the morning, ending at 110 and then Stingrays at 3, I was starting to feel rushed. I don't wanna be rushed. I want FREEDOM!!! (enter Gibson in Braveheart) This way we can do whatever spurs us at the moment. AND...we have had some experience with stingrays already. Not feeding them but petting them, etc. It's not like we won't see any at all. They are EVERYWHERE!

SOOO.....Anyone who wants the ressie can take it!

I'm getting so excited....

 

[hkatmom]

Thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. DD and I are definitely on for surgery. I got a second opinion on the hysterectomy and this dr will do it laproscopically!! She said the recovery time would be much less so I will have it the day before Thanksgiving and I will be in good shape by the cruise. DD has her tonsils out on the fifth. DH says he will really need the cruise so that somebody will wait on him.

I am getting so excited. We finished the majority of the Christmas shopping over the weekend and I'll do the rest on line.

As to the edges, I've got some great pain medicine tht will take the edge off every evening until I have the surgery and then we'll see what I get.

 

[brendalee59]

Good morning

Just popping in to say hello. It's a chilly morning but is supposed to warm up into the mid 60's this afternoon. Not to bad for mid Nov.

Fix'n to go exchange the jeans I bought DH last week. Seems he has grown a bit around the middle Then I'm off in search of some battery operated lights for our little tree. Found some online, but shipping would cost more than the lights Was thinking bout having DH bring down the luggage from the attic. Maybe pack a little here and there. But who am I kidding? They would just sit in the corner of the room till 48 hrs...or less, before time to leave

 

[brendalee59]

Thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. DD and I are definitely on for surgery. I got a second opinion on the hysterectomy and this dr will do it laproscopically!! She said the recovery time would be much less so I will have it the day before Thanksgiving and I will be in good shape by the cruise. DD has her tonsils out on the fifth. DH says he will really need the cruise so that somebody will wait on him.

I am getting so excited. We finished the majority of the Christmas shopping over the weekend and I'll do the rest on line.

As to the edges, I've got some great pain medicine tht will take the edge off every evening until I have the surgery and then we'll see what I get.

laproscopially is a breeze. You should be in good shape by Cruise time Sending pixi dust your way for a speedy recovery for both you and DD

 

[brendalee59]

Alright ye land lubbers!!

I just made an adjustment to our excursions. I canceled the Stingrays at Castaway Cay. With DD doing the Wild Side in the morning, ending at 110 and then Stingrays at 3, I was starting to feel rushed. I don't wanna be rushed. I want FREEDOM!!! (enter Gibson in Braveheart) This way we can do whatever spurs us at the moment. AND...we have had some experience with stingrays already. Not feeding them but petting them, etc. It's not like we won't see any at all. They are EVERYWHERE!

SOOO.....Anyone who wants the ressie can take it!

I'm getting so excited....

Good idea Courtney. So what are your plans while DD is on the wildside excursion?

 

[TXdeVille]

Good idea Courtney. So what are your plans while DD is on the wildside excursion?

Well......thought DS, DH, and I would go snorkeling first thing so we can see everything without all the kicked up sand in the way. DS may want to go to the kids beach and DH and I can slip away to the adult beach. i am sure there is so much to do we won't get bored. i know we plan on renting some kayaks, etc. after DD gets back i guess we will try to get as close to the pirate ship as possible via waterbike or whatever.

Hkatmom....I pray everything goes well. Laparoscopically is definitely better and recovery is quicker. Sorry to hear you are in so much pain beforehand though.