2nd Anniversary + 2nd Chances = Our 2nd Cruise! 7/20 NEWS!!

[ariel1025]

Not a whole lot to update on the planning front, but I will fill ya in on the small things that have occurred:

1. Though I have been checking daily, we still haven't been assigned an actual room yet. Since we booked through DVC we had to do a GTY room, which is fine, but it's really killing me to not know where our room is at

2. Our suitcase came in and it is absolutely perfect - I think I might end up buying the rest of the pieces that go with it

3. Just found out that there is going to be an unplanned refurbishment going on at Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club during the month of May Granted it's only for the slide and won't affect the pool, but the pool is half the reason we booked our pre-cruise stay at the Beach Club. Oh well, not much we can do about it now. I still really want to stay there so I'm not going to switch resorts over something so small

4. And the lists have begun .... it drives my Hubby crazy when I make 'em, but he sure is happy about them when vacation time arrives

The first list I made (so far) is a "general" packing list ... since we are both still on our diets we don't know what clothes will and won't fit so I haven't gotten specific with it yet. Now, I know this is boring to all of you, but it will keep all my thoughts in one place. So ... here it is:

General Packing List

1. Dinner Outfits (for O’hanas)
2. PJs
3. Swimwear (for day at Stormalong Bay)
4. Lounge day outfits (for day at Beach Club – suitable to wear to Cape May Café breakfast)
5. Dinner Outfits (for Fultons)
6. PJs
7. Travel Outfits (for cruise day)
8. Dinner outfits (for Palo)
9. PJs
10. Swimwear (for Castaway Cay day)
11. Snorkel gear (for Castaway Cay days)
12. Castaway Cay Day outfits
13. Dinner Outfits (for Animators??)
14. PJs
15. Nassau Day outfits
16. Dinner Outfits – Pirate Night??? (for Parrot Cay??)
17. PJs
18. Lounge wear (for Sea Day)
19. Dinner Outfits Formal Night??? (for Lumieres??)
20. PJs
21. Swimwear (for Castaway Cay day)
22. Castaway Cay Day outfits
23. Dinner Outfits (for Animators??)
24. PJs
25. Travel Outfits (for WDW day)
26. Park Day Outfits
27. Dinner Outfits (for Teppan Edo)
28. PJs
29. Travel Day Outfits (for departure day)
30. Undergarments x 12
31. Toothbrushes
32. Toothpaste
33. Brush/Comb
34. Face Wash
35. Hair gel
36. Hair spray
37. Shine spray
38. Make-up
39. Mustache trimmer
40. Body wash
41. Shampoo
42. Conditioner
43. Spoof
44. Razors
45. Q-tips
46. Nail clippers
47. Tweezers
48. Small first aid kit (band aids, Neosporin etc)
49. Mole skin
50. Small scissors (for cutting mole skin)
51. Lotion
52. Sunscreen
53. Deoderants
54. Perfumes/Colognes
55. Girly items (That I am crossing all fingers I won’t need)
56. Ibuprofens
57. Prilosec
58. Chapstick
59. Cold Sore medicine
60. Credit card, debit cards, wallet, DLs
61. Passports
62. Printout for WDW tickets
63. Printouts for meal reservations
64. Printouts for hotel confirmations
65. Printouts for cruise confirmation
66. Flight confirmations
67. Cruise check-in documents
68. DVC member cards
69. Castaway Club cards
70. Laptop
71. Plane ride movies
72. Plane ride books
73. Ipods
74. Ipod chargers
75. DSLR camera
76. DSLR lenses
77. DSLR flash
78. DSLR camera batteries
79. Flash batteries
80. Battery chargers
81. Point & Shoot Camera
82. Point & Shoot batteries
83. Point & Shoot battery charger
84. Video camera
85. Video camera batteries
86. Video camera battery charger
87. Tripod
88. Cell phones
89. Cell phone chargers
90. Sunglasses
91. Body Glide
92. Cuticle nippers - I know it sounds crazy, but I get the WORST hangnails!
93. Icy/Hot patches
94. Socks x about 100
95. Flip Flops
96. Tennis Shoes
97. Dress shoes

Let me know if ya'll see anything that I might be forgetting

Welp, that's all for now. Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend!

Magical Memory of the Day:

Parasailing at Castaway Cay - one of the funnest things we have ever done - highly recommended!!

 

[ariel1025]

Well, it looks as though even the Hubby is in on the planning today .... and no, I most certainly did not put an alcoholic beverage in his orange juice with breakfast to encourage this

We have been talking about what we would like to do before the cruise. As we know this is meant to be all about relaxing, but laying in a room all day is the opposite of relaxing to us

Here are some things we have come up with:

Pre-Cruise (want) To Do’s:

1. Beaches & Cream (at least for dessert )
2. Cape May Café character breakfast
3. Stormalong bay swimming
4. Stormalong Bay slide
5. Stormalong Bay lazy river
6. Late night snacks & movie in room
7. Jet ski rental (WAAAAYYYY cheaper than renting on the cruise )
8. Get some saltwater taffy from Seashore Sweet at the Boardwalk
9. Explore the Boardwalk (have never taken time to do this before)
10. Goofy’s Candy Co in DTD (LOVE the make your own treats!)
11. Characters in flight balloon ride in DTD
12. Sex and the City 2 at the theatre in DTD (releases the night we arrive )
13. DisneyQuest (never make the time to do it on our WDW trips)
14. ESPN restaurant (this would, of course, be Candi’s request )
15. Earl of Sandwich (had it for the first time in Vegas, and all I can say is YUM!)
16. T-Rex Restaurant at DTD
17. Planet Hollywood at DTD (Candi has never been and is really curious to try it)
18. Find birthday gift for Mom and mail it to her directly (can this be done )
19. Movies on the beach (Do they still do this at Beach Club )
20. Play miniature golf <-- recommendations on the best course???
21. Typhoon Lagoon
22. Watch fireworks from the beach at Poly
23. Drinks from Tambu Lounge for the fireworks viewing

Now, we know that we will not be able to do all of these things and we aren't even going to try. But, it was nice to come up with some WDW plans that have nothing to do with the parks!

Guess I better clean up the kitchen .... oh, and hide the vodka from the Hubby before he realizes why his OJ was so good ... kidding

 

[Jennifer48]

love the lists!

 

[ariel1025]

ONLY 38 DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE

I am super excited that we have made some real progress on the "Mickey Boat To Do List" ........

2. Book our night at Beach Club <-- Booked for 2 nights, with one of them paid in full and hoping to get the second night paid on payday!
5. Find out what time the Cruise bus will pick us up
6. Make our budget <--- Finally sat down together and decided how much we are willing to splurge on this trip .... it's a big year money wise with my sister's wedding and just finding out I have to have my wisdom teeth extracted
7. Put the rest of the money in savings
8. Book flight to Orlando <--- Finally got this done and got a GREAT deal!
9. Book flight home
11. Buy Passporters Disney Cruise book
12. Make packing list <-- yep, I am so sick that I put "make a list" on my "to do list" <-- Ya'll have already seen the starts of that
13. Get swimsuit ready AKA lose weight (Candi goal: 30 pounds; Shanz goal: 15 pounds) <-- I have sat still at my last weight; Candi has lost 25 pounds!!!
15. Candi - get time off request approved <-- minor detail right <-- His boss finally got back to him and said it was approved
19. Get answers to all my cruise questions <-- that's where ya'll can help me out
20. Change name on passport (haven't done it since we got married )
21. SHOPPING - after we meet goal weight, or come as close as possible
22. Buy Disney gift cards in the amount of our excursions <-- foolproof way that we will definitely have that money - no chance of money drama this time!!
23. Book excursions <-- Did this a while back, the only one we actually booked was the Atlantis Aquarium excursion; the boat and bike rentals we will just do at Castaway Cay
24. Book Palo reservations <-- hoping for dinner and brunch <-- Super happy that we were able to get both of these AND at times we were hoping to get them
25. Make Magnets for stateroom door
26. Book room at CSR for after the cruise <-- As you guys already know, we ended up booking at Grand Floridian thanks to a super awesome PIN code I received
27. Book cruise bus to and from hotels
28. Order bottled water package

Overall, I am very pleased with the progress that we made on the list. Sadly, one of the most important items I have failed to take care of. I absolutely HAVE to go get my name changed on my passport this week. And, since I procrastinated for so long, I am going to have to pay the rush fee

Oh, and, we got our room number assigned today!!!!! At first I was a little bummed that it wasn't closer to the middle of the ship. But, Candi pointed out that it's closer to the middle of the ship than we were last time. Besides, how can I be sad when we are going on vacation in a little over a month!!!!

Other than that, I don't have anything to report on the vacation side of things.

We had a super busy weekend .... Friday we celebrated my Father-in-laws birthday. It was a lot of fun - we went to his favorite restaurant and had a great time!

Saturday I helped my friend, Erin, throw a bridal shower for her friend. I was also asked to photograph the shower; it's actually for a girl who's wedding I am photographing the weekend after we return from our cruise

After those fun-filled two days we had a banquet to go to on Sunday. It was for Candi's Boss' daughter - a school fundraiser we purchased tickets to. They are a class of 8th graders who were raising money for their 8th grade graduation. It was at their school gym and all the students were waiters/waitresses and they had food catered in from Bucca Di Beppo (an Italian restaurant). They also had a bunch of items raffled off and a silent auction. We won two sets of baseball tickets to our minor league baseball team games. Candi was super stoked since he is a lover of all sports and one of the games is the night before we leave, so that should help with the anticipation of leaving I also bid on a deluxe spa package which I ended up winning the bid on. It included a hair cut, highlights, eyebrow wax, massage, salt glow treatment and a pedicure and I got it for $125!!!!

I have to say it was one GREAT weekend! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!

 

[Jennifer48]

Your list is getting shorter and shorter!

 

[ariel1025]

Your list is getting shorter and shorter!

Thank goodness ... I was starting to stress a little ... still am, but I know it will all come together!!! Thanks for continuing to read

 

[ariel1025]

Cruise (want) To Do’s:

1. Room Service on the verandah
2. Dinner in Palo
3. Brunch in Palo
4. Eat at Parrot Cay <-- We missed it on our last cruise because we were in Palo
5. Chicken fingers from Pluto’s <-- YUM!!
6. Movie in Buena Vista Theatre
7. Main shows in Walt Disney theatre
8. Check-out the Cadillac Lounge
9. Morning cappuccino and pastry in Cove Café
10. Match Your Mate game show
11. BINGO!
12. Martini tasting
13. Tequila tasting
14. Wine tasting
15. Snorkel at Castaway Cay
16. Bike ride at Castaway Cay
17. Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay
18. Aquatrike at Castaway Cay
19. Kayak at Castway Cay
20. Visit Paradise Island in Bahamas
21. Go to Tiffanys at Paradise Island
22. Exotic Rasul
23. DVC presentation
24. Pirate Night Party
25. Pirate Night Party buffet  Didn’t even know this existed on our last cruise!
26. Picture opportunities (white backgrounds, characters etc)
27. RELAX!!!!!!!

Again, I know we won't get to do it all and that's ok!!!!! I also, had to go make some updates to the previous lists .... can't believe I forgot to add socks to the packing list

 

[hlrababy]

Hey Shannon!!!!

I can't wait to hear about your cruise!!!!

 

[ariel1025]

Hey Shannon!!!!

I can't wait to hear about your cruise!!!!

Hey girl! Thanks for jumping in over here

 

[ariel1025]

I'm Going On A Cruise This Month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[verygfy]

Really enjoying your report, can't wait to hear more!! As far as recommendations on mini golf, we did fantasia in December and really had a good time. my DH tried the putting green and said good things about it.

 

[ariel1025]

Really enjoying your report, can't wait to hear more!! As far as recommendations on mini golf, we did fantasia in December and really had a good time. my DH tried the putting green and said good things about it.

Thanks for reading I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the Fantasia course, it's the one that appeals to the Hubby

 

[ariel1025]

Just a couple of quick things to report on ....

First, we got our Magical Express luggage tags today It's so funny, that 4 small stickers and a tiny booklet can make the trip feel so much closer

Second, we are having a yard sale tomorrow to try and earn some "free" money for the trip. We have had loads and loads of rubbermaid containers full of stuff that we don't use since we moved. Well, what better time to try and sell it right? Anything that doesn't sell, we will be donating to Goodwill

Everyone please cross your fingers for me that we make the rest of the money we are hoping to have for the trip

 

[ariel1025]

Our vacation countdown is officially in the teens WAHOO

Sorry I haven't been around much - I have tons to do at work before I leave so that there isn't anything that falls behind. Including an in-depth report over our process for opening new locations (including costs, barriers, staffing etc); both our May and June newsletter; an in-depth audit of each of our 8 locations (two of which are in another city); notary training for 65 employees - and, of course, they can't all come to the same class GEESH, have I mentioned how much I will enjoy this vacation

Hope you are all having a great month and aren't anywhere that is being affected by tornadoes, floods and any other natural disasters happening right now

 

[ariel1025]

THIS TIME 2 WEEKS FROM NOW WE WILL HAVE JUST ENJOYED OUR FIRST DAY ON THE CRUISE .... PROBABLY SITTING DOWN WITH A COKE FLOAT TO WATCH A MOVIE IN THE THEATRE .... EEK!!!! I'M SO EXCITED I CAN BARELY STAND IT

However, that also means that I am running out of time to get things done

2. Book our night at Beach Club <-- Still need to get the 2nd night paid for, but we have up until the day we check in so that's what we will probably do
9. Book flight home <-- Didn't get the time of flight I wanted, but got a decent deal so I guess it balances out
12. Make packing list <-- yep, I am so sick that I put "make a list" on my "to do list" <-- Ya'll have already seen the starts of that - working on a more detailed version now
20. Change name on passport (haven't done it since we got married ) <-- didn't end up getting this done ... now I'm freaking out and hoping for the best when I show up at the port with every document I think might help me ... ya'll please send me some
21. SHOPPING - after we meet goal weight, or come as close as possible <-- Got started on this ... neither of us met our goal weight, but Candi came close and I am down one pant size so I'll take it
27. Book cruise bus to and from hotels <-- Finally did this ... is it just me or is it a tad too expensive for this
28. Order bottled water package
29. Do online check-in with Southwest at the 24 hour mark
30. Figure out if we are parking the car or if someone is going to take us to the airport
31. Get hair cut (free since I have a gift certificate )
32. Get hair highlighted (also free since I have a gift certificate
33. Get manicure
34. Get pedicure

As you can see we have added quite a few things .... more will keep coming as it gets closer and closer. But, it's ok, because it makes the days go by faster.

We ended up cancelling our yard sale the last two weekends in a row ... that means that it will, without a doubt, be next weekend. Crossing my fingers to make at least $400 We have a TON of stuff and a lot of it's new so I think it could happen

Started the travel item shopping yesterday at the infamous "Tarjay" --- gotta love that store

Picked up most of the toiletries .... just need to grab razors the next time we are out. Also picked up a few clothing items for me. Two pairs of shorts and the cutest shirt EVER ... the best part is it's one that can be dressed up or worn casual

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!!

 

[Jennifer48]

So close!!

for getting your passport changed! I have to do mine. Can you do it just online?

for dropping a pants size! Thats always exciting.

The cruise bus is expensive, I totally agree. I also think its ridiculous that you have to pay at the port to park your car for the week. You are already fronting lots of $$$ for the cruise, they can't let you park for free?

 

[ariel1025]

So close!!

for getting your passport changed! I have to do mine. Can you do it just online?

for dropping a pants size! Thats always exciting.

The cruise bus is expensive, I totally agree. I also think its ridiculous that you have to pay at the port to park your car for the week. You are already fronting lots of $$$ for the cruise, they can't let you park for free?

I know .... it's so close I can practically smell the ocean

Thanks for the pixie dust on the passport. In regards to doing it online. You can get the application online and fill it out and then you mail that with your old passport and your proof of name change with the correct fees

 

[ariel1025]

SINGLE DIGIT COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!!!!!!!!!!

I can practically feel the Florida humidity hitting me as I walk off the plane now

 

[Redeemed&Loved]

Very exciting for you guys!

 

[Jennifer48]

single digit dancing with you