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

[JenKatt]

Jeff just got done working a long weekend at Disney (Gay Day was yesterday, the crowds were horrible he said). He hasn't read the boards much or his email, he promised to update the list and post tomorrow...

 

[jin diesel]

Hi Everybody!!

Wow, our wonderful little thread is busy this weekend! Thanks to Scott for the titles on those books and the info on Curacao. Those prices are good. Blue Curacao (really good in a vodka martini) is pretty expensive here.

Somebody mentioned eating Ramen noodles for the next year which made me ROTFL! With all the running around my daughter and I do, instead of cooking I often just say "OK, where do you wanna eat?". So we eat out at least 3 times a week, and it's generally NOT fast-food, but sit-down food - which adds up. This is our first week on the "WE'RE EATING AT HOME NO MATTER WHAT!" plan (we went to Bubba Gump's last weekend, blew about $50 bucks for the TWO of us ) and it has actually worked out really well!! Saving money is pretty key for us as we have to pay for this cruise in cash and I tend to live paycheck to paycheck....so the thought of eating Ramen or macaroni and cheese for the next year has crossed my mind more than once!! But my $3.50/per day Starbucks habit easily adds up to $70 bucks a month (just based on workdays). So I think we're going to end up saving TONS!! We just have to use a little restraint. And like Robin said, eating at home will only help with the whole weight loss/healthy eating thing!

I completely forgot about the Coinstar charge. Is it that much? I better go to the bank and get some rolls....

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

-jindy

 

[JenKatt]

Jindy, some banks won't give you the rolls for free, you might do better just going to the store and getting them.
I know what you mean about eating out alot. Jeff and I are barely ever home at the same time. He works 3 jobs, one because he has to and 2 because he wants to, so he's often gone 7 days a week. The military sucks up a good percentage of my time, so we often eat on the run. The supermarkets here are really good about having take out food tho that require very little prep. I know California has Albertson's like we do, their new Essensia (sp???) line has really good food with little prep work. Publix here in Florida has pretty good sushi for take out. We also have a few really cheat sit down places here so if I really am to beat we're at least not spending an arm and a leg. I also hear you about the Starbucks habit. My Venti Vanilla Latte was $4.50. I've switched to Dunkin Donuts large latte's for $2.80. It's a bit cheaper, not as good, but it's still caffeine.

 

[jin diesel]

Jen, I've actually NEVER tried any of the Essensia stuff! I'm so glad you've liked it!!!! Everytime I pick out a package of something I end up putting it back...

Thanks for tip on the coin rolls! I haven't been inside my bank's branch in so long I don't even know what they charge for anymore.

I hear ya on the whole caffeine thing. The funny thing is, my doctor would kill me if she found out I was drinking Venti Caramel Macciatos 5 days a week!!! So stopping isn't only going to help my wallet, but my heart too. Now I don't have to feel like a liar when she askes if I've been "good". Especially since all I'm eating now is chicken, rice, salad and veggies!! I will SO NEED to be "bad" on this cruise to make up for it all...

Robin, I have been thinking about how much luggage to take as well!! When we travel I have to lug everything around as DD is pretty useless when it comes to "lugging". The last thing I want to do is be stuck with 4 pieces of luggage plus carry on at the terminal. The more I think about, the more I think I am going to pack a few (6-7) outfits and do laundry in the middle of the night on the ship as needed. It might be the easiest thing in the long run. Unless you all tire of seeing me in the same clothes over and over! I too am probably going to need something empty to carry back all our "treasures" and "booty" in!

Man, I'm too excited. Better get back to cleaning up around here...

-jindy

 

[Scott H]

Jindy, et al, reference clothing, as this will be a Pirate Theme cruise , we can not for get the classic quote from Muppets Treasure Island,

" Cause when your a professional Pirate you don't have to wear a suit "

 

[moocow35]

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[Hygiene99]

Just Back from going out to Dinner ... We Did Baja Fresh ,
Good food ... they are new around here ... We are not dining out as much but do know what u mean with just 2 peopple it is sometime easier just to go out and grab a meal ...Cooking

And then the Starbucks my FAV JINdy The Venti Caramel Macciatos xtra Carmel....

We do buy starbucks beans and the syurp and make at home every morning.... and have cut back on the trips to Starbucks

Did u know Dunkin Donuts has a great carmel latte for about 2 bucks less....

We also save change ... And really should have a yard sale...

but I put most of the crap on Ebay this winter an got rid of it...


Rick May I Steal Your picture BOTH OF THEM ???????????


LATER Have to go to Airport to pick up BIL & SIL They probably Saw JEFF But did not know it.. and I know that they did not know of the Special weekend At Disney... but did get Caught in T Storms and delayed the flight From 8 to 10 arrival...



MOOCOW35 / Robin IS everything ok with You??? just wondering .... PETER

 

[danicaw]

Originally posted by Hygiene99


Rick May I Steal Your picture BOTH OF THEM ???????????

I am replying for RickW as he is repairing our DS wagon at the moment. You can use both images, but if you want to use them long-term he suggests moving a copy to another web location, as he tends to change things around online a lot. We have a slightly higher res version of each if needed.

I am trying so hard to kick my starbucks habit. So far I have just downsized it, and have found a small little coffee stand with much better prices, but every now and then I just need a carmel frap or macihatto....ymmmmmm.

I am a stay at home Mom right now and last week was offered a part time from home job. Boy is it tempting for the money. I have no idea how I would get all the work done and still spend time with hubby and son. But, I guess we will have 14 days together next May

And as far a luggage goes....we will be loaded down with everything from garmet bag to car seat for the DS.
We have decided to pack diapers for him (DS 23 months on cruise) instead of buying them in FL so we will have more room for goodies coming back.
Oh, the stuff we will buy.
- I guess I should take that job....

DS is calling....Hope everyone had a good weekend.

 

[ivanova]

Originally posted by DisneyPinDiva
the Magic is disembarking in San Pedro? Where is that? How far to DL? Does anyone know if they'll have a shuttle? Never gave all this too much thought obviously...

About 30 miles from San Pedro to Anaheim....

 

[kellib36]

I just wanted everyone to know.....I'm no longer a welcomed guest......woo hoo!!! Now I'm a DIS veteran......oh, the pressure to live up to that!!! ;-)

Kelli

 

[jin diesel]

Who knew there were so many Starbuck's Caramel Macciato lovers on our cruise!? (Or as I like to call them "Caramel Ralph Machio's"). They are sweet and yummy, but yes - oh so costly. That's smart of you to buy the beans and syrup and just make them yourself at home, Peter! I bought 2 bottles of their Gingerbread Syrup on clearance after Christmas (I LOVE Gingerbread Lattes during the holidays), and have not used them yet. I might have to just get to making my own coffee...

Scott, with all of the pirate history in the Canal, as well as this new "rumor" (should I call it that?) about our cruise theme: I'm really excited!! This pirate will certainly not be wearing a suit!!! I only hope they don't make all us ladies dress up as wenches!

Perhaps Johnny Depp will be a guest on our voyage? Afterall, there are 2 "Pirates" movies scheduled to be in the works...

*SIGH* Oh well, a girl can dream...

-jindy

 

[seaulater]

Oh, what a busy weekend we had. You guys have been busy...

FYI-when we went through the PC last year on RCCL Radiance of the Seas we paid $186,000 to go through. Highest fee for a ship is what we were told. So, I imagine the Magic will be just about the same. Luckily I didn't have to pay the 186K personally, but I am curious what percentage of our cost they actually figure for each passenger. About $75 each? Okay, that is the challenge..........figure out a per person cost for the ship through the PC. We will need to include crew and passengers.

Linda

 

[JenKatt]

Originally posted by seaulater
Oh, what a busy weekend we had. You guys have been busy...

FYI-when we went through the PC last year on RCCL Radiance of the Seas we paid $186,000 to go through. Highest fee for a ship is what we were told. So, I imagine the Magic will be just about the same. Luckily I didn't have to pay the 186K personally, but I am curious what percentage of our cost they actually figure for each passenger. About $75 each? Okay, that is the challenge..........figure out a per person cost for the ship through the PC. We will need to include crew and passengers.

Linda

The answer won't be coming from me. I can't even balance my checkbook!

 

[seaulater]

AND...............I am having sad attacks as I read all the posts and know that my DD won't be coming on the cruise with us. There are eight of us-my parents, brother, SIL, sister, BIL and me and DH. No kids. And, DD (Jamie she just turned 12), went last year on our 17 day cruise through the PC so it's not like she hasn't done it. In fact, I was quite surprised when she said, mom I don't want to go, I am going into junior high and I can't take two weeks out of school right before the end of the school year. So, we are farming her out to other neighborhood families. Already had a couple of offers!! And it's not like she isn't going with us on the 10 day Christmas Cruise with her nieces and nephews and grown sisters and brother and spouses! There will be 13 of us on that one!

BUT, I'm still having withdrawals from reading about all the pirate fun and knowing she won't be with us a we find gold! Bet they will have Pirates of the Carribean in the movie theater if they are going with a pirate theme.

Got to work now.

Have a great day everyone!

Linda

 

[dianthus]

Hi Guys! WOW! I go away for the weekend & I have 5 pages to catch up on! Our sleepy thread is no more! We are perking right along! Welcome everyone new!

Doug & Tay surprised me for my birthday & wisked me away to the City this weekend. Saw Bombay Dreams- new Andrew Lloyd Webber show- all I can say is Shak- a- laka baby!! Did the World Yacht Dinner cruise- awesome! Boy are we tired from all the walking around!It was a great b day! We saw people going into the Tony's at Radio City when we were returning to our hotel- limo city!

Let me try to catch up on responses....

Thank you Mark & Sandra, Grumbo, Jazzman, Peacemaker Verandahman, and all the "nice" return Canal cruisers for your responses- you guys are lots of fun.... I'm with Jindy- as for that glass - is not a problem... We'll just pace ourselves, just like our thread. ... Grumbo, you are welcome here anytime! What to eat? Hmmmm- how's Chocolate Souffle with vanilla bean sauce- Palo fresh, with a Starbuck's Caramel Macciato!!!. We know how to live over here- right guys! kplclark- who's the wimp now?? No souffle for you!

I thought I was a lonely Starbucks junkie/addict! Wow! Glad to know I'm in good company. Now we have to work on getting Starbuck's on the ship!!! Wouldn't that be great!! But then again, there goes our cruise budgets....

I agree with Peter- Robin/moocow are you ok? Looks like you have the hiccups here!! LOL!

Pirates! Arrrrrrrrrrr matey! This will be fun! Now Johnny Depp would be cool- You are too funny Jindy! LOL!

Super Kudos to RickW & danicaw for your super awesome photoshop skills! The Mickeyhead Magic in the Canal is so great! I've got to spring for the full version of Photoshop one of these days... I think that would make for a great T shirt design, coupled with Jeff's map- a front & back thing... What do you guys think? Maybe we could do something like Verandahman did on the other thread. Looks like online ordering would make it easy. I'm sure he would share the info with us... Maybe you guys could do a giant Starbuck's Caramel Macciato cup & put on it- The official drink of the First Magic Panama Canal cruisers & send it over to the other thread for Mark & Sandra Kind of asked & answered!!!

Linda~ I called Costco for a discount price on our booking recently. They base the discount on price-minus port fees & taxes. The agent said the port fees for our booking was around $1000- which she thought was high due to the Canal... Probably the lion's share is the Canal crossing... Don't be sad for DD- she's done the voyage already. I would book an additional spot in your stateroom for her just in case though... After the 10 day cruise, I bet she's going to want to come with you & changes her mind!

As far as saving for the cruise, I started eBaying our really nice excess "crap"( I have a lot of it...). Made $300 last week alone selling DD's outgrown clothing- I was pleasantly surprised, but it was great stuff! She just went thru the huge growth spurt- grew six inches in less than a year! I'm hoping to save most of the spending money for our cruise this way, plus saving change, rebates,etc.... We decided this weekend to stop going out to eat & stop going down to NYC so much to save for the cruise. I guess I can join you guys & switch to Dunkies for my caffeine fix. Their lattes aren't bad at all!

Got to run! TTYL....

 

[Tigfanjeff]

Ok all. The list is updated with all the info that was in my PM and Mailbox that I have. If I missed you, please resend the info. I have to update the deckplans in a bit. If your room # has changed from what I've got let me know. I'm reading through the thread now and will fill in any missing stuff that I've got.

 

[JenKatt]

Originally posted by Tigfanjeff
Ok all. The list is updated with all the info that was in my PM and Mailbox that I have. If I missed you, please resend the info. I have to update the deckplans in a bit. If your room # has changed from what I've got let me know. I'm reading through the thread now and will fill in any missing stuff that I've got.

He lives!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tigfanjeff]

Originally posted by JenKatt
He lives!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, well.... Took me a little while.


When did we pick up the pirate theme? I'm a good pirate...Arrrrr....

 

[dianthus]

Wow! I am speechless right now! I posted on the CA-FL thread to thank them for the funnies they sent our way, which was a hoot & to needle kpgclark about his comments about us being wimps- in good fun...

Check out the response I got from this guy! I'm really taken back & offended by it! What do you guys think? Glad he's not on our cruise!

 

[seaulater]

Linda-that is so funny you are moving out your "excess" on Ebay. I am doing the same thing. Got alot of DD clothes to sell and they are like brand new. I haven't got those on yet. I am a newbie at it, so I am starting slow. Hope to help for the spending money for the cruise!

Linda (the other one)