4/20/02 "MAGICal" Cruise (new thread)

[inmyis]

Hello all 4-20 cruisers,

Packing is going very well. My DW is awesome and keeping us on target. Everyday we think of other things to bring. now on to the questions:

St Marteen: Golden Catamaran with the four kids

St Thomas: Open...either Maden Bay or Trunk Bay on our own

Castaway Cay: DS (13) hanging out with teens and the rest of us snorkeling and relaxing.

We are from manchester, NH. Our school vacation week is a week after everyone else, and I guess that is why there are so may wonderful Granite Staters on this cruise.
Go Red Sox!

Tony

 

[inmyis]

I think I answered last weeks questions instead of this weeks. So here goes this weeks, I hope:

WHEN DID YOU BOOK YOUR CRUISE?

We booked last July after coming home from a Disney Deluxe package vacation. That was just foy my Dw and me, so we thought we better take our four kids on the next big vacation. They decided on the cruise.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIND DID BOARDS?

I found these wonderful boards last spring when looking for info on WDW for our June 2001 vacation. I believe it was a link from WDWIG.com, which is also excellent.

ANY OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES?

We love the Barb and Tony site. We actually printed it and it was 61 pages. WOW!! It is a wealth of info.

Also we have a 13 yr old boy who seems a little apprehensive about Common Grounds. It would be great if he could e-mail any teens that are in our little group here.

my e-mail is inmyis@aol.com

Thanks

Tony

 

[EVee]

When did you book you cruise?
In January of this year.

How and when did you find dis boards?
Found cruise critic bd first. Then I e-mailed Jody about 4/20 and she gave me all these sites to check out! Thanks again, Jody!

Haven't found any other helpful sites, except those already mentioned.

Haven't started packing yet, because I'm still sick. But, I started making my lists! Kids have to try on warm weather clothes to see what still fits from last year! We had some growth spurts over the winter, I'm afraid. A bit more shopping to do, but I don't
mind!

As for next weeks question, how about one about shopping on the islands? Are you buying liquor, jewelry, clothes, souveniers, etc.? Or window shopping?


16 days from today!!!

 

[wovenwonder]

Since we're getting down to our last leg (per-se') how about some new questions for the weekend.... (still answer 'this weeks' questions if you hadn't done so yet):

Are you celebrating any special occasions while on board the ship? Hubby and I are celebrating our 20th Wedding Anniversary on 4/24!

Explain the meaning of your DIS Username: 'wovenwonder' - my first ever message board was for Longaberger Basket collectors. I wanted a 'basket sounding' name and thus came up with wovenwonder. It has stuck by me on all other boards since then!

How will I know you when I see you in the Port (describe your family): Ummmm, I'll have on a green leis (I guess that narrows it down to 100 or so people anyway - LOL). I am a 'very plus-sized' woman with brown hair, blue eyes. Hubby is average height/weight with brown hair, and glasses. Two teen girls and one teen boy by my side.

Look for 'packing questions' coming soon!

If anyone has IM -- I have newly signed up and my screen name is 'castawaymagic'. Kids are kidding me that I have no friends as BHNJ (camille) is the only one on my buddy list!

 

[Dodie]

Are you celebrating any special occasions while on board the ship? Just a well-deserved, much-needed vacation!

Explain the meaning of your DIS Username: It is actually my name - or - more correctly - the name by which I have always gone. It's really a nickname for my real name.

How will I know you when I see you in the Port (describe your family): It will just be DH and I, wearing our green leis, LOL. I have short brownish red hair and DH has dark brown hair (what there is of it, LOL).

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary, Jody!

 

[islandhoppers]

When did you book your Disney Cruise? Month/Year: It was the beginning of May 2001 -- right after we returned from our April 2001 trip.

How and When did you find the DIS Boards? June 2000 when I was researching DVC. When I began to plan the cruise I went back to see if they had a cruise board as well.

Have you found any other websites helpful in planning your Disney Cruise? I also enjoy Barb and Tony's and Dave's.

Packing: Just starting to group the sundry things and finish last minute shopping.

Possible ? Was there something you needed on a past cruise and was unable to purchase onboard? I seem to remember that the over the counter med section was rather small in the gift shop.

Have a great weekend!
JoAnn

 

[medotmom]

Are you celebrating any special occasions while on board the ship? Husband and I celebrating our 19th anniversary on 4/23.

Explain the meaning of your DIS Username: Don't really remember - the first time I signed on Eric made it up.

How will I know you when I see you in the Port (describe your family): Ummmm, I'll have on a green leis (I guess that narrows it down to 100 or so people anyway - LOL). Well us too with the green leis. We'll be real easy to spot.
I am "Pleasingly plump - sort of blondish hair - mid height.
Husband is 6ft 1 in and almost bald.
Now -here is the real way to spot us - I am white - husband Frank is black and Eric is in the middle. We'll stand out - no worry.

Jody - I collect Longaberger baskets - have at least 30 of them. Tell me about your collection.

To everyone with teenage children - you would probably appreciate this - of course as parents everything we do is strange. Eric has named all of on this board the lanyard people since we're all get lanyards. So if any of your kids call you that - blame me.

Jody - I have PM at home - can give you the address but I rarely get much computer time and don't really know how to use PM. I'll ask Eric to help. (sad that I have to get advice from a 14yr old!!

Two weeks from today and we'll be on the TOWER OF TERROR!!!!!

 

[chickabug]

When did you book your Disney Cruise? Month/Year: in Jan of this year

How and When did you find the DIS Boards? soon after I booked - I did a search that lead me to the Cruise Critic board and then like Evee - Jody found me there and gave me the Dis site

Have you found any other websites helpful in planning your Disney Cruise? Barb's and cruise critic are the 2 I check most besides this one

How far are you in the packing phase? Still throwing misc. 'sundries' into a suitcase, my daughter's got all kinds of stuff thrown in her's - will have to cull some of it!

I need your help --- I like the question about shopping in port - what's worth checking out? (and remember I'm not a shopper!!)

 

[chickabug]

Are you celebrating any special occasions while on board the ship? no - but I have a great surprise for my mother and daughter. After I booked, my sister and a friend of hers decided to join us - but we haven't told my mother/daughter that she's coming along. Also, never told my mother that I booked a room with a verandah - figured this might be her last cruise and we might as well go for it! She's expecting just a porthole.

Explain the meaning of your DIS Username: chickabug - my daughter's nickname when she was a baby

How will I know you when I see you in the Port: I will have a 6 yr. old 100 feet in front of me - racing because of her excitement and an 80 yr. old 100 feet behind me, because she has to go slow - and I will be in the middle trying to keep an eye on the both of them. You might also notice us if my mother faints from the surprise of seeing my sister and we have to call the paramedics . Seriously, I am pretty average looking, with glasses, my 6 yr. old is tall for her age and has long hair and beautiful eyes and my mother looks like an 80 yr. old!

 

[EVee]

Are you celebrating any special occaisions on the ship? My son Tommy will turn 8 on 4/22. I have to pack all of his presents! Also, my dh was just promoted to Battalion Chief in the NYC Fire Department, and we are sooo proud of him! I'd kind of like to surprise him, too! SSSHHH!

Explain the meaning of your dis username. My initials. I know, boring.

My almost 8yo ds and my 10yo dd are the same height w/ blonde hair and blue eyes. I'm "blonde" too and dh used to be! My dh may not be wearing his green lei, so I might wear 2 of them! He'll be trying to walk away from us!

 

[inmyis]

Hello All,

My good friends just got back foem WDW and after talking with them I am even more excited to go.

ARE YOU CELEBRATING ANY SPECIAL OCCASSIONS ON THE CRUISE?
Just enjoying our very first cruise.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF YOUR USER NAME?
DW and my son is "Beautiful, In My Eyes" by Joshua Kadison.
inmyis means in my I's(eyes). It is also our aol address and on the plates of my van.

HOW WILL I KNOW YOU WHEN I SEE YOU IN PORT?
We will have the green leis. (Haven't received yet , but I am sure they are on the way). I am 5'7" brown hair and eyes, Janet is 5' with reddish hair and bright blue eyes. My mother in law is in her early 60s. We have four kids, Josh is 13 with blonde hair, Troy is 11, Travis is 9. They both have brown hair, And Samantha is 9 and has light brown hair. We will probably be a little travel weary as we fly into Tampa that morning (got a great rate) and renting a van to drive across Florida.

Possible questions: Will you be usiong the refillable mug program for yourself or the kids?

Evee: Although we live here in New hampshire , we wanted to let you know that we too are proud of your dh accomplishments.

 

[EVee]

Thank you inmyis, that was nice of you to say!

 

[BHNJ]

Are you celebrating any special occasions while on board the ship? Just getting away from our normal routine is celebration enough for me!!

Explain the meaning of your DIS Username: It's the initials our town, Berkeley Heights and the state - NJ

How will I know you when I see you in the Port (describe your family): Green leis for all four of us (even Brianna). Seriously, I am about 5'4" brown hair and eyes and my husband has all prematurely grey hair. My 13 yr old daughter and 17 yr old son will be around somewhere too.
See Jody, I got it done

 

[wovenwonder]

So, How many pair of shoes are YOU packing? I am so proud to have it narrowed down to 4 ---- but with 5 people, that would still make 20 pair!

Will you be purchasing the refillable mug program for anyone in your family? Not positive yet --- but probably. We purchased 2 last year and they were very handy to have. I still am bringing a 'water bottle' to keep filled with ice and water from the deck #9 bev. station though.

What kind of items will you be looking to purchase on the islands?I don't have anything in particular in mind -- BUT I highly doubt that I will leave empty handed either.

What are your wardrobe plans for formal, semi formal and island nights? I will have on a pants outfit for formal and semi formal nights -- and hubby and ds will be wearing a suit -- DD and DF will have on gowns. Probably do island shopping in St.Maarten.

Any packing hints?? Items you won't leave home without, etc. I will be bringing my entire medicine chest --- so don't visit the ships doctor == just look for me!! My hint for this year -- is to bring half of what I did last year!

What are the Children/Teens/Young Adults in our group most looking forward to on the cruise? Colby is looking forward to common grounds for the first time this year. Shelby is happy to be experiencing the cruise experience with a friend who has never cruised before - and also looking forward to checking out the adult only areas as she is of age now! Oh, and they just CANNOT wait for the chance to wear those leis on embarkation day! (LOL).

 

[medotmom]

THis weeks questions -
So, How many pair of shoes are YOU packing? Have not even started packing yet. It is so cold up here in NH I can't bear to pull my sweats off to try on shorts. It should be warmer this week and I'm off on Friday so we'll probably get to it then. Will probably have at least 4 - sneakers - dress shoes - casual shoes - sandals.

Will you be purchasing the refillable mug program for anyone in your family? Probably not. We'll stop before boarding the ship and buy some soda. I just know that Eric would leave it somewhere and I basically drink just water. We are bringing Frank's ESPN mug from last year however - that is very important.

What kind of items will you be looking to purchase on the islands?Last year I got a nice ring in St Thomas - think I'll look for another piece of jewelry but this time in St Martin.

What are your wardrobe plans for formal, semi formal and island nights? I have two fancy dresses (have to watch my eating or they won't fit!!) A bright flowery dress for island night. Suits for husband. Can't get Eric into a suit but at Wal-Mart the other night we found Mickey Mouse ties and got one for each of them.

Any packing hints?? I'm with Jody on the medicine cabinet. We did make a trip to the doctor while on the Enchantment several years ago and want to avoid it (It was not a bad experience, just wasted time!) Also zip loc bags to bring home some of those wonderful chocolate chip cookies - course if I eat too many - my dresses will never fit.

What are the Children/Teens/Young Adults in our group most looking forward to on the cruise? Eric is hoping to see a few of the same kids from last year - don't know about that but we'll see. He is just looking forward to time to be with kids and not with "Boring, old parents" The only time we see him is at dinner for a short time and while he is sleeping.

 

[amykline]

In response to this weeks and last weeks questions...
ARE YOU CELEBRATING ANY SPECIAL OCCASSIONS ON THE CRUISE?
Yes, this will be my honeymoon!!! My husband to be and I will be getting married on the 19th. We are also bringing our children who are 8 & 9.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF YOUR USER NAME?
Actually, my user name is my name now... i know, very boring!

HOW WILL I KNOW YOU WHEN I SEE YOU IN PORT?
We will be wearing the leis. I am about 5'4, blond and my husband is 6'4 and blond. My daughter is 8 and has brown hair and my soon to be stepson is 9 and is also blond.

WILL YOU BE PURCHASING THE REFILLABLE MUG PROGRAM FOR ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY?
Yes we will for the kids.

WHAT KIND OF ITEMS WILL YOU BE LOOKING TO PURCHASE ON THE ISLANDS?
Nothing in paticular. I will probably get us all tropical clothes to waer at the island themed dinner...

WHAT ARE YOU WARDROBE FOR FORMAL, SEMI-FORMAL, AND ISLAND NIGHTS?
I have a blue sparkly dress for one formal and I am not sure yet what I am bringing for the other formal. Hubby will be wearng his suits. My daughter has a black dress that is very pretty and stepson has a suit. The island clothes we will get in St Maartenn hoprfully.

ANY PACKING HINTS?
I always overpack - I have 5 pair of shoes waiting already and I am sure there wuill be more added to that. I always stock up on meds becuase you never know when you will need it, especially with kids. We are bringing an additional smaller bag folded inside one of our suitcases for extra stuff we will get.

What are the Children/Teens/Young Adults in our group most looking forward to on the cruise?
Our kids are just looking forward to going and also to go to the Oceaneer Lab.

 

[Laurelann]

In response to this weeks and last weeks questions...
ARE YOU CELEBRATING ANY SPECIAL OCCASSIONS ON THE CRUISE?
Yes,our 9th wedding annv.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF YOUR USER NAME?
Well, I'ts my name and middle name together (you know the one your mother would call you when you were in trouble)


HOW WILL I KNOW YOU WHEN I SEE YOU IN PORT?
We will be wearing the leis. I am about 5'5, brown nair and my husband is 6'1 and my son and him have the BIGGEST blue eyes in the world.

WILL YOU BE PURCHASING THE REFILLABLE MUG PROGRAM FOR ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY?
We booked our trip through AAA and they gave us the mugs for free.

WHAT KIND OF ITEMS WILL YOU BE LOOKING TO PURCHASE ON THE ISLANDS?
I would like to find a telephoto lens for my camera and some wraps for my bathing suits.

WHAT ARE YOU WARDROBE FOR FORMAL, SEMI-FORMAL, AND ISLAND NIGHTS?
Pretty Girl clothes!!! I'm a stay at home mom I do not dress up all that often so I'm REALLY looking forward to dressing up.

.ANY PACKING HINTS?
I'm the worst person to give packing hints.

What are the Children/Teens/Young Adults in our group most looking forward to on the cruise?
my 5 year old does not know what to expect so he just wants to see the ship and see if its as big as we have told him! I'm just looking forward to HEAT!

Only 10 more long long days left!!!!!

 

[3Disneyteers]

Finally getting around to answering some questions...


ARE YOU CELEBRATING ANY SPECIAL OCCASSIONS ON THE CRUISE?
Like a few of us - our wedding anniversary: 20 Years!!!! (actually it's in October but we're celebrating all year!)


WHAT IS THE MEANING OF YOUR USER NAME?
Well there's only the 3 of us and we do everything together and since we love Disney (DVC members since 1996) we thought the 3Disneyteers was quite fittting.

HOW WILL I KNOW YOU WHEN I SEE YOU IN PORT?
We will be wearing the green leis - how unique!! I'm 5'2, blue eyes, glasses and brown shoulder length hair (with those unique highlights you get after being married for 20 years LOL!) - DH is 5'10, green eyes and brown hair and DD has the biggest blue eyes and long golden brown hair. She'll be the one jumping up and down!


WILL YOU BE PURCHASING THE REFILLABLE MUG PROGRAM FOR ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY?
We also booked our trip through AAA and realized they gave us the mugs for free.

WHAT KIND OF ITEMS WILL YOU BE LOOKING TO PURCHASE ON THE ISLANDS?
Since this is the first time to any island for us - we have no idea - going with an open mind.


WHAT ARE YOU WARDROBE FOR FORMAL, SEMI-FORMAL, AND ISLAND NIGHTS?
Our 8 yr old DD has two pretty new dresses she has agreed to wear (this is a kid who loves jeans and tees); I have a black cocktail dress for one night and a silver twin set with a black long skirt for the other - DH is wearing a black suit. Oh my gosh - Island night!!! Haven't even thought about that!

.ANY PACKING HINTS?
Yes, don't bring your entire wardrobe! I'm the worst when it comes to overpacking!

What are the Children/Teens/Young Adults in our group most looking forward to on the cruise?
Our DD is looking forward to checking out the Oceaneers Lab with the other 8 years old and just hanging out with Mom and Dad!

Is it time to go yet!!! Work is a nightmare - I NEED A VACATION!!!

 

[Dodie]

So, How many pair of shoes are YOU packing?
I am down to four pairs. Tennies, sandals, beach shoes, and formal shoes

Will you be purchasing the refillable mug program for anyone in your family?
We've gone back and forth about this. I'm not a pop drinker, but DH can be. We're taking big refillable insulated water bottles and some lemonade mix for him. We'll be hitting that water stand frequently.

What kind of items will you be looking to purchase on the islands?
Haven't thought about it. Maybe something tropical for tropical night.

What are your wardrobe plans for formal, semi formal and island nights?
DH is bringing his tux and a suit.
I have a sequined top and long black skirt for formal night and a silk pantsuit for semi-formal night.

Any packing hints?? Items you won't leave home without, etc.
I've set aside the above mentioned water bottles and lemonade mix; water proof cameras (2); regular camera; cruise docs; passports; sunscreen; green leis and DIS lanyards so far.

What are the Children/Teens/Young Adults in our group
most looking forward to on the cruise?
No kiddies for us! I could, however, count DH in this category. He is most looking forward to parasailing on Castaway Cay.

 

[JAN ENOS]

First: Are we celebrating anything special on the cruise?
Well, just being away is celebration enough, but it will be our 31st anniversary in June so we will celebrate that!

Second, How did you choose your user name? I chose Grandma Jan because I have three precious granddaughters and I live
to be a grandma.

Third: How will I know you when I see you? Well, I am over
5' 8" tall with blond hair and average build. My dh has grey hair
(what is left of it) and is on the stocky side. We will have 3
beautiful little girls with us ages 19 months, 4 years and 6 years.
My daughter and son-in-law will also be with us.

Will you purchase the refillable mug program? Yes, at least one for the girls.

What kind of items are you looking to purchase on the islands?
Whatever strikes my fancy and of course, things for the girls!


What are you plans for formal, semi formal and tropical night?
Formal night I will have a long navy gown and DH will wear a
suit. My three little girls will have matching kimonos from China (
because my husband just came back from a business trip there and brought them all one back) On semi-formal night I will just wear a blue suit dress and for tropical night I bought a very
colorful short dress that is way out of character for me.

Any packing hints? Yes, follow everyone elses advice!

Jan