20050514..May 14, 2005...Official Check in Disney's 1st 14 Day thru Panama Canal Part 2

[moocow35]

6 weeks and so much to do! I've been working on my pirate costume all day today. Next weekend I will be out of town, and after that only 4 more to go! Okay, panic hasn't set in yet, but I'm close I guess I will have to spend more time getting ready, and less time here

Robin

 

[Scott H]

Today the luggage table gets set up and the suitcases come out!

Luggage table? We have a "luggage bed", no we have a "luggage room", our entire guest room is dedicated to packing, the bed is covered with suitcases, and every available space has piles of clothes and everything else.
Lynn

 

[3DAN]

I have been running in almost panic mode for at least two weeks now. It is actually pretty good. I am getting a lot done that otherwise would be delayed. Passports have been long since gottten. Luggage is out. Just need to begin putting things in as time gets closer. The problem is yard work and the dog.
Has anyone actually rented a satellite portable phone. Can you tell me what is involved? mini bump to the top. Lets not forget taxes and getting a title for the car from my brother.
Bill

 

[Scott H]

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers. Called DCL yesterday and no stateroom yet, and no other stuff either, (well we gladly gave our coconut away), BUT we got patches and lanyards!!!! They are pretty cool.

I believe we have a coupon for admission (for two) to the CUR Aquarium, I can not remember how we got it. Anyway, should there be someone out there that could use it just ask, We could mail it or bring it along with us. We will not be using it as we will be diving in CUR.

Just when I thought we were over with SCUBA classes we have a private group of two that would like to get certified before May 3, so will be cramming that in during the upcoming days.

TAXES!!!!! This is our first year with the SCUBA company (Soggy Moose Diving , cool name huh!!!) stuff has been at the accountant. In the past I would have had these done a long time ago. Type A minus in me is going nuts in this area. Being our first year with a substantial investment the Acct says it should be a big refund.

Have used a SAT phone for work but never rented one. Sorry I cannot remember the cost per minute. I think it would be cheaper than the ship to shore rates. Then if you calls could wait till port a foreign calling card might work well.

6 weeks from now the great Hammock Race of 05’ will be in the history books. I think Peter could cheat by dropping some Girl Scout cookies to sidetrack Bob.

and finally. I got something else for the cruise today. It even looks good on me. Can't wait to wear it! Lee thinks it looks great!

BOB GOT HIS GRASS SKIRT!!!!! You look good in a grass skirt!!!

Thank God the Tiki Bar is open, .… come on in and open up your mind.

Later Kids, enjoy the day…. Clouds are dropping and snow if forecast for us.

 

[BobandLee]

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers............

6 weeks from now the great Hammock Race of 05’ will be in the history books. I think Peter could cheat by dropping some Girl Scout cookies to sidetrack Bob.
.....

BOB GOT HIS GRASS SKIRT!!!!! You look good in a grass skirt!!!

Thank God the Tiki Bar is open, .… come on in and open up your mind.

Later Kids, enjoy the day…. Clouds are dropping and snow if forecast for us.

Hamoock Race? Only if I get a headstart and a bicycle.
Grass Skirt? No. Meanwhile, I'm still thinking.
10-4 on the Tiki Bar Good Buddy.
and Finally, beautiful morning and a beautiful forecast in Indiana today. Tippy gets to go to the dogpark. Woof.

 

[BobandLee]

Luggage table? We have a "luggage bed", no we have a "luggage room", our entire guest room is dedicated to packing, the bed is covered with suitcases, and every available space has piles of clothes and everything else.
Lynn

Luggage table? Same here. Except we won't start until closer to the cruise. And I won't get serious about it until thursday.(we leave friday morning)
Still have to find a new suitcase. On our last trip, my big suitcase took a real beating.

Hey, hey, hey, it's a beautiful day!

 

[Hygiene99]

my motto ok whatever... im on Vacation..
Jenn does the packing i take them to the truck..
Peter

 

[Scott H]

I got something else for the cruise today. It even looks good on me. Can't wait to wear it! Lee thinks it looks great!

A Tux?????

Bob try Overstock.com they have some pretty good luggage deals.

 

[3DAN]

Good morning everybody...
Bob, it is 48 degrees here right now. sunny. The rattle in the door has stayed gone. Hurray!!!! Is Defouw actually a pretty good dealership?
Scott, just for reference, how much should a course from this NAUI guy approximately cost? What kind of range? Do you think that in the long run, I should just stay with PADI? I"m not going to try to get Billy certified before the cruise. School has to take first place especially since he did so poorly with this last quarters grades. He and Kristen will miss the last two weeks of school.
Bob again,,,, Do you know of a good limo service to get me to the airport from the Eagle Creek area here in Indy?

 

[meb51]

I know some of you had indicated that you are renting a car at the port. We've decided to try to rent a minivan at the port (there are 6 of us), drive to Annaheim and then drop the car at LAX on Monday. The problem is that I can't find any car rental agencies at the port (besides Enterprise). I thought someone said they were renting with Budget but I can't find the port listed as a location.

Can some of you share what you are doing with car rental?? I'd also love some reassurance that driving in LA is not an absolutely crazy idea .

Marie

 

[kellib36]

The problem is that I can't find any car rental agencies at the port (besides Enterprise). I thought someone said they were renting with Budget but I can't find the port listed as a location.

Marie, Budget did a great job hiding this loc!! Although it's not right at the port, they do have a suttle and will pick us up. Pertinent info is:Address:249 East Ocean Blvd #104, Long Beach, CA 90802 / Budget location code is LG2 / local phone number is (562) 495-4316. I spoke to the national office and the local office. Local office was MUCH friendlier and told me what I wanted to hear.... ...as long as you rent from them, they'll shuttle you to the location. I did find that my employer got me a free Fast Lane membership and I'm getting an Explorer for the same cost as the fullsize I originally booked. Great news for 3 people plus all the luggage...

I'd also love some reassurance that driving in LA is not an absolutely crazy idea .Marie

Sorry, you're on your own with that!!! We're heading out to Redlands to see Keith's uncle for a couple days, so only have to get out of LA and then back to the airport.

 

[kellib36]

drop the car at LAX on Monday.

Missed this the first time.....when do you leave Monday? We fly out at noon...maybe we'll see you there......Kelli

 

[bonzie1]

Jolly Joe has said he will wear a tux

We'll still bringing his black suit. My question... has anyone ever rented from onboard before? Were the measurements true to size? One more question... how about the White Dinner Jacker package... has anyone tried that one? I don't want him to end up looking like a waiter, but thought if we were already packing his black suit (along with a tux shirt, various cumberbunds + studs), maybe a white package would be a nice change of pace. (Plus, I'll never get him to wear a white jacket again...)

Guys, please help me out with this. DH will wear whatever I "put together" for him, but I don't want to lead him astray with this!

Thanks!
Galley Annie

 

[tap & dap]

We are renting from Enterprise at the Port in San Pedro. $25.00 drop off charge to leave at LAX. There are numerous rental car places across the bridge in Long Beach, many will pick you up or give you an allowance for a taxi.

Lived in LA for 17 years and driving is crazy. Just as long as you don't mind driving fast or sitting in traffic, you will be fine as it is usually one extreme or the other. Just get a good map and know the Freeway (That's what they call them in CA) Numbers of how to get where your going and you will be fine.

Last time we were in LA was amazed at the 5 Freeway when we lived there it was 3 lanes in each direction now I think it is 7 in each direction so if you want to drive slow stay in the far right lane and there will be 6 left for the crazies in CA, as most Freeways have a 65-70 mph speed limit.

 

[meb51]

Thanks Kellib36 and Tap & Dance for the great car rental info. We'll be the minivan in the extreme right hand lane of the freeway. You know us drivers from Mississippi.

Unfortunately our planes leave really early from LAX. The first of our party leaves at 7:45 AM.

 

[TDC Nala]

Luggage table? We have a "luggage bed", no we have a "luggage room", our entire guest room is dedicated to packing, the bed is covered with suitcases

Nothing wrong with a "luggage floor"

I have three trips I'm supposed to pack for. My life is luggage.

 

[Az Pirates]

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers. Called DCL yesterday and no stateroom yet, and no other stuff either, (well we gladly gave our coconut away), BUT we got patches and lanyards!!!! They are pretty cool.

TAXES!!!!! This is our first year with the SCUBA company (Soggy Moose Diving , cool name huh!!!) stuff has been at the accountant. In the past I would have had these done a long time ago. Type A minus in me is going nuts in this area. Being our first year with a substantial investment the Acct says it should be a big refund.

I like Soggy Moose Diving!

Is the Mangy Moose Saloon still up in your neck of the woods? I remember stopping there after a camping/river rafting trip years ago. I think I still have a t-shirt around here somewhere.

All the Soggy Moose students could hit the Mangy Moose for a celebration once they complete their certification!

We actually did a little cruise shopping yesterday. Took two teenagers dress shopping.

They did NOT stick with my plan for an all black and white formal picture, but both found dresses that were on sale with a minimal amount of this and this so I guess I can't complain too much.

I talked to a friend yesterday and was able to say we cruise next month... NEXT MONTH! Yikes.... it's getting close!

 

[krdisneybound]

We are renting from Hertz in Long Beach - pretty much near the Port - and they are supposed to pick us up and take us to the rental office. We are not paying a drop off fee and we will be leaving the car at LAX also.

I think it is whomever you get on the phone, as to what they tell you.

 

[Scott H]

Bill, Cost of a course varries very much with location. Yes there are $99 courses in FL. We charge $250 here, then there is an additional cost should the student wish to go to open water with us. I am pro PADI as I am an instructor for them. They are very supportive and always looking for new and inovative ideas for the dive instruction industry. PADI is well recognized world wide. My vote for those reasons would definately be PADI.

 

[Scott H]

Just finished SCUBA class for today, academics only as our pool is closed during Spring Break for referb.

Georgie, my personal tux is a two jacket combo, the white diner jacket is a classic in my book. When I wear it I always want to say “ of all the gin joints in all the world she has to walk into mine.” I like the white jacket better than the black. Besides if people think you are a waiter, the tips are not that bad. I also have several Mickey cummerbund combos and a Mickey silk scarf.

Shila, the Mangy Moose is still here at Teton Village.

Time to walk teh dogs and then some packing, maybe put our shipping box together.