2008, 24th/28th Aug - *Double Dipping with the Bahama Mamas*

[sarahsmom73]

Hi Ladies!

Hope you are all having a GREAT weekend! Who feels like sharing a secret about a cruise on the Mickey boat that us rookies might not know about?

I know I would love it!

 

[mandymouse]

Hey Girls

I hope you're having a great weekend

Well we got home about an hour ago, and we've had a great time. Friday night was lots of fun. The girls enjoyed all the party games, and they had pom poms, HSM wristbands, rings, Tinkerbell tiaras and other HSM goodies. Thankfully it all went down well

The snow did come, but only a slight covering. In the end Paul & I went for a Chinese meal and then to our favourite restaurant for a couple of glasses of wine.

Yesterday, the girls had a fab time shopping, it looked like they had bought the Disney Store out between them I only bought a couple of Yankee candles and a cute bowl to put them in, and a nice pair of sunglasses for when I'm sunning myself on Castaway Cay

We had a really nice meal last night, and at one stage our waitress brought out an ice cream sundae for Kerry while we all sang Happy Birthday to her

Anyway, she was thrilled with her birthday weekend - so that's all that matters

Michele - I hope Sarah had a lovely birthday too

Hope you are all having a GREAT weekend! Who feels like sharing a secret about a cruise on the Mickey boat that us rookies might not know about?

I don't know any good secrets Jen, but my top tips would be
- to get to the terminal as early as you can (we're usually there for opening at 10am), and you can have lunch and enjoy the ship when it's quiet
- and another must is to video record when you enter the ship, it's 'Wonder'ful, as they announce your family name and the CM's clap as you embark

Enjoy whats left of the weekend everyone

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Hey Girls

I hope you're having a great weekend

Well we got home about an hour ago, and we've had a great time. Friday night was lots of fun. The girls enjoyed all the party games, and they had pom poms, HSM wristbands, rings, Tinkerbell tiaras and other HSM goodies. Thankfully it all went down well

The snow did come, but only a slight covering. In the end Paul & I went for a Chinese meal and then to our favourite restaurant for a couple of glasses of wine.

Yesterday, the girls had a fab time shopping, it looked like they had bought the Disney Store out between them I only bought a couple of Yankee candles and a cute bowl to put them in, and a nice pair of sunglasses for when I'm sunning myself on Castaway Cay

We had a really nice meal last night, and at one stage our waitress brought out an ice cream sundae for Kerry while we all sang Happy Birthday to her

Anyway, she was thrilled with her birthday weekend - so that's all that matters

Michele - I hope Sarah had a lovely birthday too



I don't know any good secrets Jen, but my top tips would be
- to get to the terminal as early as you can (we're usually there for opening at 10am), and you can have lunch and enjoy the ship when it's quiet
- and another must is to video record when you enter the ship, it's 'Wonder'ful, as they announce your family name and the CM's clap as you embark

Enjoy whats left of the weekend everyone

Mandy - sounds like your weekend was great!! And the birthday bash went off without a hitch!


And, let me ask this question - When you head it at 10am to board, do they let you right on the ship? Or do you have to wait? Usually we've gone a bit later because we've been at the mercy of DCL transport - I know the terminal opens at 10 - but, when do they let you on?? I would love to be able to take advantage of a few extra hours - lets face it - our 4 day cruise, isn't 4 days at all - ya know?!?! It's only 3 and 1/2 -we only have all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we get booted at the crack on Thursday, and Sunday, you don't get to take advantage of the full day..

I have to tell you, I am excited that they are adding a new show this year - Toy Story - instead of Hercules. I LOVE the shows, but, it's nice to see new ones.. I am not a huge fan of the Golden Mickeys, I did like Twice Charmed, and Disney Dreams - the 7 day cruise, there was a lot more entertainment, obviously - because there are a few more nights, but only Gary Delena - who I love, he did a show, which he does on the 4 day also, and there was a magician guy, and a puppet guy - not any more Disney productions... I would love to go on one of the really long cruises to see the other shows and things at night...

Enough of my rambling.. my whole day here is screwed up - my mother and sister were supposed to be here by now, but they are coming later - we were SUPPOSED to do lunch for my sis's bday, but looks like it'll be later - like 2ish - so, now I have time to sit and hang out in peace - other than the fact that the kids are down there yelling and screaming - sounds like fun yelling/not harsh yelling, so, I'll let them continue!!

 

[mandymouse]

And, let me ask this question - When you head it at 10am to board, do they let you right on the ship? Or do you have to wait? Usually we've gone a bit later because we've been at the mercy of DCL transport - I know the terminal opens at 10 - but, when do they let you on?? I would love to be able to take advantage of a few extra hours - lets face it - our 4 day cruise, isn't 4 days at all - ya know?!?! It's only 3 and 1/2 -we only have all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we get booted at the crack on Thursday, and Sunday, you don't get to take advantage of the full day..

Oh I wish they did Laurie. When you get there at 10am, it is so quiet, and it's a great time for taking photos. As you enter the terminal or when you check in, you are given a boarding card number, and when we're there that early, we usually get number 2. They usually start boarding around 11.45am, and numbers 1 and 2 are usually called together (I think concierge usually board first - or they could be number 1, I'm not too sure), and then it's straight onboard and up to the Beach Blanket Buffet

I'm looking forward to seeing a new show too. I love Toy Story, so I'm sure I'll enjoy this one. I've never seen the Hercules show, as I'm not a fan of the movie

 

[V4dice]

Mandy, I totally agree with you on getting to the port early. On past cruises we used Disney transfers so we got there later in the afternoon. Our last trip in November we rented a van from Budget. We got there early (around 10:30am). There were no lines, check in was a breeze. Then we got to take pictures (including with Minnie), check the kids into the clubs and get a beeper, plus relax. We were in one of the first boarding groups so we were on a little before 12pm. There is also a patio where you can see the ship and relax. Budget was great. My husband was back on their shuttle from returning the car very quickly and it worked out cheaper than using the DCL transfers (plus they held our car seats since we were using them for the return back to Orlando). My only advice is not to pack too much to carry on the ship because you do not have access to your rooms when you first get on the ship that early. We had too much to carry around with us and it was a pain (Emily was still needing jar food and such in November so this year will be much better for packing).
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Veronica

 

[Hanover]

We also love getting to the port as early as we can. We dress the boys in their swim suits and head to the pools as soon as we eat at Topsiders/Beach Blanket Buffet.

I bring my camera and the boy's autograph books everywhere. We've had many spur of the moment encounters with characters, etc. We've run into quite a few while looking at our pictures in Shutters. I've seen lots of parents/grandparents make mad dashes in the terminal to get their kids/gradkids autograph books for whatever characters is at the terminal before we board.

We usually buy a Shutters photo package and make sure to look at our photos daily. I don't want to be one of those people sitting on the floor sifting through hundreds the last night of the cruise. If we find pictures we'd rather have than the ones we've picked, we exchange them.

I bring a highlighter or two to highlight activities in the daily navigators that we are interested in going to.

We bring personalized door magnets for our stateroom door to help us find it easily.

We bring our own snorkel gear we bought at BJ's or Costco.

We bring address labels to stick on the luggage tags. Guest services has extra luggage tags the last night if you need more.

We bring sodas from deck 9 to movies, shows, etc.

We roll up and pack dirty clothes through out the trip so we aren't stuck the last night packing for hours.

We avoid long character lines and go to the Till We Meet Again the last evening where the characters mingle and get tons of autographs and pictures.

Our boys like doing the Celeberate the Journey kid's club graduation but I've seen kids get the caps/t-shirts later that day if the do not attend.

 

[nikkyluvsmickey]

Evening ladies,
Just got back from the casino. I won $350.00 and jeff lost $400.00 ...lol.. I told himnext time he stays home. We had a nice anniversary though. It was nice to be alone talking and laughing even though he was losing me money..lol. Sarah had a great time with her friends at dave and busters. Nicole is still pouting about not going into the city..My parents kept the kids for us today so we could have a nice day today.

Glad kerry had a good time mandy.

Suzanne, I am glad she is feeling better

Laurie,Hope things worked out with your sis.

Jen, Hope you had a good day too.

Danielle, I was one of those people on the floor on the last day...lol.. This time i definately willdo it differantly.

 

[mandymouse]

Congratulations on winning $350 Michele, it sounds like you had a great day too. I'm pleased that Sarah had a great birthday

Happy Anniversary to you both

How long have you been married ?

 

[nikkyluvsmickey]

Thanks Mandy,
We have been married for 18 years But we lived together for 2 years before we got married. Wow i feel old...lol .

Well have a good day I'll check in later.
Michele

 

[V4dice]

Evening ladies,
Just got back from the casino. I won $350.00 and jeff lost $400.00 ...lol.. I told himnext time he stays home. We had a nice anniversary though. It was nice to be alone talking and laughing even though he was losing me money..lol. Sarah had a great time with her friends at dave and busters. Nicole is still pouting about not going into the city..My parents kept the kids for us today so we could have a nice day today.

.

Michele,
Glad you had a great weekend. My husband and I joke that if between us we are close to breaking even when we leave the casino its a win since we had fun. What casino did you go to?

Happy Anniversary!

Veronica

 

[V4dice]

Good morning everyone!

Has everyone recovered from the weekend (including all those celebrating Giants fans)?

We only had my bil and nieces over yesterday and my kitchen still looks like a tornado went through...off to clean

Veronica

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Mandy, I totally agree with you on getting to the port early. On past cruises we used Disney transfers so we got there later in the afternoon. Our last trip in November we rented a van from Budget. We got there early (around 10:30am). There were no lines, check in was a breeze. Then we got to take pictures (including with Minnie), check the kids into the clubs and get a beeper, plus relax. We were in one of the first boarding groups so we were on a little before 12pm. There is also a patio where you can see the ship and relax. Budget was great. My husband was back on their shuttle from returning the car very quickly and it worked out cheaper than using the DCL transfers (plus they held our car seats since we were using them for the return back to Orlando). My only advice is not to pack too much to carry on the ship because you do not have access to your rooms when you first get on the ship that early. We had too much to carry around with us and it was a pain (Emily was still needing jar food and such in November so this year will be much better for packing).
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Veronica

Veronica and Mandy -

Thanks for the tips! We will be staying right off property w/free transport to the port, and from what my cousin said, you can get on as early as 10, so, we'll be sure to take advantage of our free breakfast at the hotel, and ride on over to the terminal. I'll be sure to pack light, just what we need for the pool, camera, etc. Boys will be in bathing suits for sure. We have also done DCL transport, and by the time you get to the port, it's 1:00 - and crowded!!!

Laurie

 

[DVCLaurie05]

We also love getting to the port as early as we can. We dress the boys in their swim suits and head to the pools as soon as we eat at Topsiders/Beach Blanket Buffet.

I bring my camera and the boy's autograph books everywhere. We've had many spur of the moment encounters with characters, etc. We've run into quite a few while looking at our pictures in Shutters. I've seen lots of parents/grandparents make mad dashes in the terminal to get their kids/gradkids autograph books for whatever characters is at the terminal before we board.

We usually buy a Shutters photo package and make sure to look at our photos daily. I don't want to be one of those people sitting on the floor sifting through hundreds the last night of the cruise. If we find pictures we'd rather have than the ones we've picked, we exchange them.

I bring a highlighter or two to highlight activities in the daily navigators that we are interested in going to.

We bring personalized door magnets for our stateroom door to help us find it easily.

We bring our own snorkel gear we bought at BJ's or Costco.

We bring address labels to stick on the luggage tags. Guest services has extra luggage tags the last night if you need more.

We bring sodas from deck 9 to movies, shows, etc.

We roll up and pack dirty clothes through out the trip so we aren't stuck the last night packing for hours.

We avoid long character lines and go to the Till We Meet Again the last evening where the characters mingle and get tons of autographs and pictures.

Our boys like doing the Celeberate the Journey kid's club graduation but I've seen kids get the caps/t-shirts later that day if the do not attend.

More GREAT ideas! Love the address labels for the tags.. I actually came across some old blank tags that I had saved. And remembering how much of a pain it is to write them all out, I am going to bring the labels for sure!!!

I always get the packages at Shutters too - it is so much easier! And more economical! Not that it is cheap - but, better than buying one at a time. We also check there daily as well! I really think DCL should adapt the WDW photopass - that would be great to be able to buy an entire disk of all your pics when you get home, and not have to worry about the whole picture thing on board...

Laurie

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Evening ladies,
Just got back from the casino. I won $350.00 and jeff lost $400.00 ...lol.. I told himnext time he stays home. We had a nice anniversary though. It was nice to be alone talking and laughing even though he was losing me money..lol. Sarah had a great time with her friends at dave and busters. Nicole is still pouting about not going into the city..My parents kept the kids for us today so we could have a nice day today.

Glad kerry had a good time mandy.

Suzanne, I am glad she is feeling better

Laurie,Hope things worked out with your sis.

Jen, Hope you had a good day too.

Danielle, I was one of those people on the floor on the last day...lol.. This time i definately willdo it differantly.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

18 years, that's a lifetime! LOL This October we will be married 13 years - and that seems like a LONG time!!

What casino did you go to? You are in NY, right??

You are all going to laugh at me - I am the fool doing laundry on the trip to go home w/clean stuff!!

Laurie

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Good morning everyone!

Has everyone recovered from the weekend (including all those celebrating Giants fans)?

We only had my bil and nieces over yesterday and my kitchen still looks like a tornado went through...off to clean

Veronica

Good Morning!!

I have to tell you - didn't even watch the game, my husband and boys did - I went upstairs, watched Celebrity Rehab, and went to bed w/a headache..

I am working today, so, I'll be around -

It is snowing here in NJ today - Hope it doesn't continue - I have a LONG commute home...
Laurie

 

[nikkyluvsmickey]

Michele,
Glad you had a great weekend. My husband and I joke that if between us we are close to breaking even when we leave the casino its a win since we had fun. What casino did you go to?

Happy Anniversary!

Veronica

Thanks veronica, We were going to go to mohegan sun in conneticut but jeff decided he wanted to catch the game so we compromised on yonkers Raceway(empire city) in yonkers. Not as nice as mohegan but it was still fun and he got back in time to watch the game...lol

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Thanks veronica, We were going to go to mohegan sun in conneticut but jeff decided he wanted to catch the game so we compromised on yonkers Raceway(empire city) in yonkers. Not as nice as mohegan but it was still fun and he got back in time to watch the game...lol

My cousin wants me to go there w/them to see Bon Jovi - it's the weekend after I am going to see him in PA - so, I doubt I'll go - I am not a big gambler.. Oh, well!

Laurie

 

[nikkyluvsmickey]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

18 years, that's a lifetime! LOL This October we will be married 13 years - and that seems like a LONG time!!

What casino did you go to? You are in NY, right??

You are all going to laugh at me - I am the fool doing laundry on the trip to go home w/clean stuff!!

Laurie

Thanks laurie,
Yes we are in ny long island actually. Sometimes it feels like a life sentence(just kidding)

I also do laundry on the last night so we pack only clean clothes...lol i guess we will be doing it together on the last night

Michele

 

[DVCLaurie05]

Thanks laurie,
Yes we are in ny long island actually. Sometimes it feels like a life sentence(just kidding)

I also do laundry on the last night so we pack only clean clothes...lol i guess we will be doing it together on the last night

Michele

yes we can!! I usually do it all week long.. like when the family is up at the pool, I run up and down like an idiot! They don't have a lot of laundry facilities on the boats.. I am used to the ones at WDW - there are a lot more washers/dryers - and being DVC and staying in the DVC resorts - the washers and dryers are FREE - WOO HOO!!! And, right by the pools.. so, it works out great!

 

[nikkyluvsmickey]

yes we can!! I usually do it all week long.. like when the family is up at the pool, I run up and down like an idiot! They don't have a lot of laundry facilities on the boats.. I am used to the ones at WDW - there are a lot more washers/dryers - and being DVC and staying in the DVC resorts - the washers and dryers are FREE - WOO HOO!!! And, right by the pools.. so, it works out great!

I usually do it on the last night. I am also spoiled by our timeshare we have the laundry unit there and can just throw it in whenever we need to.The last cruise we took some guy accused me of stealing his bathing suit. It was just me and him at the beginning then i left and when i came back he starts yelling at me " HEY I THINK U HAVE MY BATHING SUIT IN THERE" i respond by waving my sons bathing suit at him and say i certainly hope this little pokeman suit isn't yours that would be really sad. He says nothing and storms off. I think i am a nut magnet. Crazy people seem to just seek me out...lol