12/29/07 Western - New Year's Eve

[Catwoman22]

John and I have been packing and weighing suitcases all day. We have tons of electronic gizmos so we have to keep changing suitcases. Our heaviest suitcase weighed 66 pounds so we had to partially upack and repack. Since we are gone for almost three weeks (including CES) we are taking more clothes than we normally take on a trip.

I'm having a hard enough time trying to decide what to pack for one week - I don't want to even think about trying to pack for three weeks.

Good Luck!

Kate

 

[birkner]

I'm having a hard enough time trying to decide what to pack for one week - I don't want to even think about trying to pack for three weeks.

Good Luck!

Kate

We are having to add clothes for both warm and cold climates so it makes the suitcases even more bulky!! Shoes weigh a ton and I am hoping not to have to wash every few days!!

 

[birkner]

Well guys, you know the song, "All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go" from the Leaving on a Jet Plane song by Peter, Paul and Mary? That particular song is so me today!!

DH is still working on a few name tags, charging a few electronic things but essentially I am ready to go. Can't wait for Thursday!!

 

[birkner]

These are the last of the DISers that I haven't heard from to make name badges. Of course, they will be welcome to come to the get together but I will not be able to make name badges if I don't hear from them before December 19.

Inga
Tigger&Bubba
MellieR
Resa
Fawn

These DISers sent me names but no SR numbers so we can't send out any reminders. Hopefully, they have read the posts and will come to the get together.

pcjmom
bobandkevin


Look forward to meeting everyone on the ship!!

Noel

 

[Bullseyebaby]

Got the Cruise Documents. Ours came UPS. Weather is really nice here (I know many of you are having snow!). I read where it's 83 in Grand Cayman, so think warm! Went to Disneyland for DS 15th birthday yesterday, and watched the Christmas Parade. I was told that Disneyland was the first to do the Candlelight Processional, then WDW started it and now it's tradition there and no longer at Disneyland. Not sure if it's true. I saw that the Processional had some great speakers. I'm so jealous! Gary Sinise would have been amazing to see or John O'Hurley.

We're in the second seating dining, as we prefer that since we're on "west coast" time. We're hoping that we have the same serve staff as last time, as we absolutely adored them. I'm even looking forward to our towel animals!

My DD 10 and I are going to create the fish extender today. Have no idea how it will turn out, as I have not an artistic bone in my body. I bought glue, because I don't know how to sew. We're looking forward to making some hot chocolate, throw on the Christmas Vacation DVD and sit down to create the Fabulous Drexel Fish Extender.

Oh, I haven't even thought about packing! I'm still wrapping Christmas presents!

~janie

 

[birkner]

Got the Cruise Documents. Ours came UPS. Weather is really nice here (I know many of you are having snow!). I read where it's 83 in Grand Cayman, so think warm! Went to Disneyland for DS 15th birthday yesterday, and watched the Christmas Parade. I was told that Disneyland was the first to do the Candlelight Processional, then WDW started it and now it's tradition there and no longer at Disneyland. Not sure if it's true. I saw that the Processional had some great speakers. I'm so jealous! Gary Sinise would have been amazing to see or John O'Hurley.

We're in the second seating dining, as we prefer that since we're on "west coast" time. We're hoping that we have the same serve staff as last time, as we absolutely adored them. I'm even looking forward to our towel animals!

My DD 10 and I are going to create the fish extender today. Have no idea how it will turn out, as I have not an artistic bone in my body. I bought glue, because I don't know how to sew. We're looking forward to making some hot chocolate, throw on the Christmas Vacation DVD and sit down to create the Fabulous Drexel Fish Extender.

Oh, I haven't even thought about packing! I'm still wrapping Christmas presents!

~janie

Janie:

Happy belated birthday to your DS. Hope he had a wonderful day at Disneyland.

My friend made our fish extender or we wouldn't have one as I am not crafty and I don't sew!!

Since it is in the low 50's here, 85 degrees will be very welcome.

One fact I do know about the Very Merry Christmas parade is that it debuted in Disneyland on December 17, 1977. I don't remember a Candlelight Processional in Disneyland when I was growing up but I could be wrong.

No Xmas present wrapping for us as we will deal with the presents at WDW!!

Noel

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

Strange request for those of you on this cruise, I forgot to take pics of the club cast members for my boys scrapbook so if anyone has little ones in the 5-7 group if you could snap a few shots for me. Also if you could snap some pics of the shutters photographers, some of them were great at taking my boys pictures which made me spend way too much on pics.. but I would like some pics of them in their scrapbook too.
I did manage to remember to take pics of our servers, stateroom host and the character handlers but somehow forgot the club cms and shutters cms.
THANKS!!!

 

[JimV]

DD21 saw pictures of the beach horseback riding at GC and was wondering if we could schedule anything like that. I don't see any excursion like this on the DCL options, but was wondering if anyone had plans or first-hand experience with this kind of jaunt.

 

[birkner]

DD21 saw pictures of the beach horseback riding at GC and was wondering if we could schedule anything like that. I don't see any excursion like this on the DCL options, but was wondering if anyone had plans or first-hand experience with this kind of jaunt.

Aspen and I went riding in Mazatlan on a DCL cruise excursion but not in Grand Cayman. However, I saw a website for Grand Cayman that had lots of info and pictures:

http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/horsebackriding.htm
Horseback in Grand Cayman at it's best!!! Ever dreampt of riding a beautiful horse on a deserted beach.

Just imagine the tranquil blue waters lapping along a pristine beach in Grand Cayman, the only foot prints in the sand are those of your horse. The gentle Caribbean breeze rustling through the trees and the soft whisper of your companion as you discuss the beauty of the scenery encompassing you. Truly, this is Paradise!

You can join us for a spectacular morning horseback ride along the beautiful pristine and deserted beaches Grand Cayman Island. The horses will guide you along our dense tropical forest trails onto the the waters edge of this out of the way beach. The family owned and operated Stable is perfect for those who like that "personal touch" to their family vacation fun!

This top of the line Stable can accommodate riders from novice to the experienced. We offer both Western and English saddles and helmets for children. Basic instructions are provided for beginners in order to insure your comfort. Especially if this is your first horseback riding experience.

You can choose from the following rides:

Group Ride: 10 horses max per group, approximately 1.15hr, $90usd per rider.

Private Ride: Just your group, perfect for Intermediate and Expert Riders. Ride or gallop at your own speed. Approximately 1.15hr, $100usd per rider.

Swim with the horses ride: Swim in the Crystal Blue Caribbean water with your horse! Approximately 1.5hrs, $125usd per rider.


Alternatively you can choose the evening sunset beach ride. The horses will guide you along the beach as the Caribbean sun slowly sets. The illustrious Cayman sunset is an unforgettable show of cascading watercolors concluding with the elusive green flash as the sun melts into the Caribbean Sea.

All of their horses are fit, friendly and lovingly cared for. They also restrict the number of beach rides each horse does daily to insure adequate rest and prevent dehydration and exhaustion often observed in horse of this profession.

If you have any questions or are interested in booking a beach ride while visiting Grand Cayman, please fill in the beach rides reservation form we will confirm your availability via E-mail ASAP with an availability confirmation. Please keep in mind a credit card deposit will be needed in order to have a confirmed reservation upon availability confirmation. Cash or Traveler Check will be needed to pay for the beach ride.

Jim, please note that the Beach ride reservation form is available only on the website as it is a java script and not a hot link. This company clearly does rides for a lot of cruise ships as it ask for name of cruise ship on the form.

Hope this helps.

Noel

 

[birkner]

Samantha should be home any minute from Los Angeles and DH is on his way home from work. Chilly outside here about 54 degrees but probably warm by some east coast standards. I made homemade bean soup for dinner to warm up.

All the name tags are done and DH is going to work on door signs. Just think, 3 more days and I am on my way to WDW!!!

WAHOOO!!!

 

[JimV]

Chilly outside at 54 degrees. I mock you for your California tenderness. In Minneapolis the other day and it was 4... That's "4" like single digit four. With 30 MPH winds that cut to the quick and made one feel like your ears were going to drop off and every breath taken makes your lungs feel as if they have been frozen done to your diaphragm. Come, enjoy our Midwestern Winters. It makes us strong.


Who am I kidding.



It makes us say...





I want to go on a cruise!!!!

---------

We're actually looking at doing the Pampered Ponies beach ride excursion. It had good reviews on Cruise Critic and DD21 (who has worked at a ranch camp the last several years and rides whenever she gets a chance) just lit up when she saw that as an option. And you know how it is with daughters and their dads...

---------

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday preparations, celebrations, etc. Our world is so busy (DW directs the choir at our church) that we haven't even started packing and just yesterday went looking for a swimsuit for DD18 since she has lost a lot of weight and her old one doesn't fit... Hard to find a swimsuit in Michigan in December.

 

[Caitsmama]

Jim,
you crack me up... LOL.. Yes, it is freezing here too.. Let's all just let out one big "awwwwwwwww" for Noel and her 54 degree weather.. LOL We fee so bad right?! NOT!

 

[GreenAcres]

I'm excited about our 50-ish degree weather! At least it feels much more seasonal than the mid 70's we were having. It's even gotten down into the 30's at night! Being originally from the midwest, I still have a hard time feeling Christmas-y when the weather is warm and I've been here almost 20 years.

We got our cruise docs in and I've passed out agendas and packing lists to DH, DD, and DS (yes, they all make fun of me for it, but I can't help myself). I'd like to get more excited about the trip, but I have one last major hurdle to get over before that can happen. ALL of my in-laws...ALL of them (aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, etc) come to my house on Christmas Eve. We have a bonfire and fireworks while enjoying spiced cider and snacks. It's fun, but kind of stressful since 40+ people of all ages come every year. Once that's over, though, I'll be free to do nothing but get into vacation mode!

I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you. My FE is complete. I, too, am sewing impaired, but I rock with a glue gun! My FE gifts are all ready to go....Just 10 days until we leave!

Lisa

 

[JimV]

Hmmm.

I do not have our travel documents yet. I'm going to call AAA right now and check on that.

I also need to do the online check-in.

I also need to reserve this last-minute horseback ride excursion.

And in the midst of the stress of the to-do lists. I am just starting to feel calm and GreenAcres has to remind me about the FE and I wallow in my failure as a true DIS-er. I do not deserve to be in the company of all of you. I am unworthy. No FE. No sign for the door. No gifts to spread holiday cheer. Excursion plans not finalized. Still have to get my limo reservation right. Still don't know what I am doing on the day we disembark and the six hours we have before we have to go to the airport.

Sigh.

Better get back to my relaxing job. My vacation is stressing me out. Maybe I'll go to the mall and do some Christmas shopping for DW

 

[birkner]

Chilly outside at 54 degrees. I mock you for your California tenderness. In Minneapolis the other day and it was 4... That's "4" like single digit four. With 30 MPH winds that cut to the quick and made one feel like your ears were going to drop off and every breath taken makes your lungs feel as if they have been frozen done to your diaphragm. Come, enjoy our Midwestern Winters. It makes us strong.


Who am I kidding.



It makes us say...





I want to go on a cruise!!!!

---------

We're actually looking at doing the Pampered Ponies beach ride excursion. It had good reviews on Cruise Critic and DD21 (who has worked at a ranch camp the last several years and rides whenever she gets a chance) just lit up when she saw that as an option. And you know how it is with daughters and their dads...

---------

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday preparations, celebrations, etc. Our world is so busy (DW directs the choir at our church) that we haven't even started packing and just yesterday went looking for a swimsuit for DD18 since she has lost a lot of weight and her old one doesn't fit... Hard to find a swimsuit in Michigan in December.

Jim, I do sympathize with you about the Michigan winters. If you remember, my mother was born and raised in Detroit and went to the University of Michigan. She moved to California after graduation and the rest of her immediate family fled the winters in the by 1952. We do still have family in Michigan though haven't been there in years.

Here is a great online store for swimsuits:

http://www.southbeachswimsuits.com/

Since we won't be home for Xmas, all my Xmas stuff is shipped!!

Noel

 

[birkner]

Jim,
you crack me up... LOL.. Yes, it is freezing here too.. Let's all just let out one big "awwwwwwwww" for Noel and her 54 degree weather.. LOL We fee so bad right?! NOT!

Ok, mea culpa!! It is raining here today with gloomy skies. I sure can't wait to go and find some sun!!!

 

[birkner]

I'm excited about our 50-ish degree weather! At least it feels much more seasonal than the mid 70's we were having. It's even gotten down into the 30's at night! Being originally from the midwest, I still have a hard time feeling Christmas-y when the weather is warm and I've been here almost 20 years.

We got our cruise docs in and I've passed out agendas and packing lists to DH, DD, and DS (yes, they all make fun of me for it, but I can't help myself). I'd like to get more excited about the trip, but I have one last major hurdle to get over before that can happen. ALL of my in-laws...ALL of them (aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, parents, nieces, nephews, etc) come to my house on Christmas Eve. We have a bonfire and fireworks while enjoying spiced cider and snacks. It's fun, but kind of stressful since 40+ people of all ages come every year. Once that's over, though, I'll be free to do nothing but get into vacation mode!

I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you. My FE is complete. I, too, am sewing impaired, but I rock with a glue gun! My FE gifts are all ready to go....Just 10 days until we leave!

Lisa

Lisa:

Just the opposite for me, I visit snow!!

I am really impressed that you do a bonfire and fireworks. We live too much in a city to do anything like your event. Even up at our Lake Almanor house, the drought conditions over the last few years would not allow us set off fireworks!! Sounds like a spectacular event.

My FE is still not decorated as I am hoping to find something cute at DTD.

I can't believe I am finally leaving for WDW on Thursday!!

Noel

 

[birkner]

Hmmm.

I do not have our travel documents yet. I'm going to call AAA right now and check on that.

I also need to do the online check-in.

I also need to reserve this last-minute horseback ride excursion.

And in the midst of the stress of the to-do lists. I am just starting to feel calm and GreenAcres has to remind me about the FE and I wallow in my failure as a true DIS-er. I do not deserve to be in the company of all of you. I am unworthy. No FE. No sign for the door. No gifts to spread holiday cheer. Excursion plans not finalized. Still have to get my limo reservation right. Still don't know what I am doing on the day we disembark and the six hours we have before we have to go to the airport.

Sigh.

Better get back to my relaxing job. My vacation is stressing me out. Maybe I'll go to the mall and do some Christmas shopping for DW

Hakuna Mata Jim. You are having an attack of OCD Vaction planning syndrome. You are most worthy!!

Everything is going to work out!!

 

[birkner]

Just bumping us back to the main page. Jim, I hope all is well with you today and that you received your cruise tickets!!

Just think in a little more than 24 hours I will be winging my way to WDW!!

WAHOOOOO!!!

 

[GreenAcres]

Lisa:

Just the opposite for me, I visit snow!!

I am really impressed that you do a bonfire and fireworks. We live too much in a city to do anything like your event. Even up at our Lake Almanor house, the drought conditions over the last few years would not allow us set off fireworks!! Sounds like a spectacular event.

My FE is still not decorated as I am hoping to find something cute at DTD.

I can't believe I am finally leaving for WDW on Thursday!!

Noel

Noel,

We actually live in the middle of nowhere. We built our house on the GreenAcres family farm on the exact place my husband's grandparents had their home. I lived my whole life in the suburbs of two very big cities (New York and St. Louis) then married the quintessential "farm livin' is the life for me" man. It was quite an adjustment for me! It does have its perks, though...like loads of peace and quiet, room for the pets I could never have growing up, and it's a great place to raise kids. Oh, and there's the whole bonfire/fireworks thing too....you're right though...that wouldn't be possible in the city for sure.

Lisa