4/29/06 Eastern Magic...We're Going!!!!!

[castlegazer]

OK - this is just sad, I am going to be working at home come Sunday night at this pace.

I checked our prices and availability on DCL. There is now availability of Cat 6; one cabin on Deck 6; availability of Cat 4: three rooms (two of which look really small); availability of Cat 8; 4 rooms (two on deck 6, two on deck 7); and there was Cat 9, but when I clicked on the rooms for it they said it was no longer available.

But, I did put in my whole family so they are not full for infants, not full for kids in Quinn's age group.

Prices were a full $2,000 more for the cruise now than what I paid in '04.

Just thought some of you members of overplanners anonymous may find this trivia interesting. And for anyone hoping for a port upgrade, they may be there to be had.

 

[mom2cobysyd]

You guys have been busy! It takes me awhile to catch-up just for 1 day. Sydney is now joining the cold brigade. Hope everyone else is on the recovery path. We are hoping it is mostly gone before we leave on Monday. It never fails that one of our children is sick on vacation. Coby got really sick the first year we took them to Disney- we ended up at Urgent Care and had to wait 3 hours with a less than pleasant child with a 104 temperature. We lost about 3 days of Disney time that trip.

Belle&RellasMomandDad- Great Picture- True Disney Tourists!

Beer Question: I prefer fruity drinks or wine (white zinfandel or Reisling) but if it must be beer, I like Miller Lite. Hubby's favorite beer is Corona (w/Lime).

CG- I got my gift baskets ordered for the cruise I will be more excited to see them than they are. It's a surprise for everyone- I even ordered a basket with Corona and Limes for Hubby. Shirley was so sweet!

We are getting so excited. I am just finishing up the packing (oh- I do ALL of the packing. Hubby gets a say in what shirts are ok but I pull it all out and pack it all). He doesn't complain!

Have a nice day everyone.

 

[suziemva]

Oops! Sorry for the misspell! Hate when that happens! Yes, she spells it Shannen. She's actually very sweet, just have no idea how she married Ed's nephew Steve. What a jerk. Like I said, I'm sure you guys are NOTHING like them! Together, they are quite the combo....

Is nothing sacred! Hey, you brought it up, I only brought it out! Really, just kidding.

Haven't been to a tanning bed since I was in my teens! Forgot about the bulbs! I never tanned only broke out in freckles. Not very attractive.

 

[Belle&RellasMom]

FREAKING OUT!!! I am having a "need to breathe into a paper bag" moment! I am trying to start packing (which is waaayyy early for me because I am a total last minute packer) and am having major issues with my dinner outfits. Everything that I am bringing to wear to dinner is BLACK! I am either going to look like Angelina Jolie or some goth chick (actually she is a goth chick, isn't she?)!!! I have had the girls night-time outfits planned for weeks (all stacked in neat little piles in Abby's room), and Tom will be easy too (renting a tux for two nights, then dress pants and Tommy Bahama camp shirts the rest of the nights). I, on the other hand, am having a major problem...everything I have looks the same! And it all looks black...black skirt, black gauchos, black dress...black, black, black! I have been on this very same cruise before so I know what people wear to dinner so I don't know why I am having such a problem this time.

Question: What are you gals wearing on the casual nights?

And, to answer the beer question: I think Tom already answered on my behalf, but I am a beer girl...however, I like the light stuff, nothing too dark or heavy. Presently I alternate between Michelob Ultra and Labatt Blue Light. I also drink Cabernet, love "special" cream in my coffee (Bailey's, Kaluha or Frangelico) and will definitely be drinking "tropical" drinks on the cruise. Heck, I'll pretty much drink anything but Gin (bad experience in the late eighties that I still haven't recovered from )! Tonight we are having a "cruise planning strategy session" at Doc's house...might have to make some "Rum Plums" in the blender!

The girls Pirate Night outfits came via UPS today and Abby won't take hers off...she wants to keep it on until Lindsey & Sarah get home from school...it is pretty stinkin cute!

It is reminding me of the song Honky tonk ba donkey donk

Ohso, I have had this song in my head all day ever since I read your post this morning.

Question - Do you all think that we need to bring rainwear? I can't decide whether to put the raincoats in or not. I'm hoping that those of you who have been in the Carribean this time of year can lend an opinion.

Great...something I never even considered! I never thought of bringing rain gear! We did the same itinerary two years ago (the exact same week) and I'm pretty sure it didn't rain a drop...if it did then it didn't make a lasting impression on me!!! No room for rain gear in our luggage...shoes, shoes, shoes! I'll probably bring 8 pairs and you will see me in the same two pairs all week!!!

I never tanned only broke out in freckles. Not very attractive.

Suzie...girl, do you remember meeting me??? I am covered in freckles from head to toe!!!

Just had a weird thought...there will be over 2000 people on board that ship that will not have had the opportunity that we all have had! It will be strange to see people who have no idea who we all are, and who have no idea that we have been communicating with each other for the past eighteen months, and who are lacking the vast wealth of knowledge that we have learned from each other (and about each other )!!! I'd say we all are pretty lucky! The rest of the cruisers are going to wish they were a part of our "cool club"!!!

Sorry! Since I haven't posted anything but pictures for the past few weeks I went a little crazy!!! And this is keeping me from my packing nightmare!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

After cruise planning tonight guess what we have going on for the rest of the weekend...SOCCER! Hard to believe, huh? Sarah has two games on Saturday (locally) and Lindsey has two Saturday and two Sunday (invitational tournament) in Grand Rapids (an hour away).

 

[inthemood]

Ok everyone!!! All I can say is belly laughing here!!!!

I can't even remember what I was going to respond to!

Thighs rubbing.....
Candy stripes...
Dorkie tourists
Shannans "knock on wood "comment that went over everyones head.

Sueegg I voted in your poll... "isn't that what vacations are for" (Gregs favorite line) I do declare that the Flynns are in for some competition, 20 years of marriage here!!!!

 

[castlegazer]

Julie - stand next to me on casual nights - I'll brighten your world. I am always in black, black, black BUT went all out crazy with clothes for the cruise for some strange reason. I have these black capri pants with swirly pink flowers and sequins with a pink top, crazy flowered capris (whassup with the flower crap all of a sudden in stores?) with an orange top, blue cargo pants with a cream lace top and cream tank top underneath. That's my three nights of outfits. The other casual night will be whatever I wear to get on the ship (I usually dress nicely for the entry for pics reasons). Then we have formal, semi formal (we'll be in Palo) and pirate night.

I am having breathing difficulty with those three nights.

 

[Belle and Rella's Dad]

Does anyone have recipes for the Konk Coolers or the BushWacker so we can really get into the Cruise mode?????

Tom

 

[suziemva]

Well, Julie, must say anything on you looks adorable! Even freckles! My two formal night outfits are black, too! I do remember seeing alot of black last time on women. It's just so easy! don't freak out! You just need to wear really great jewellery with it! I, on the other hand, just realized I don't have stockings or black shoes for my dresses! OMG! Panic attack that needs to be taken care of tonight!

Yes, we are in the middle of packing! DH is being very sweet to me by way of helping out. We had a really bad fight this morning at 2:30...too hot in the house and he woke me up! Anyway, long story, but he's realizing that it was both our faults (yes, it was....) and he's trying to make me feel better by destressing me. Now, though, I've realized that I still have things I need and OMG! I'm a shoe hog! I have shoes I haven't worn in years but will not throw out! AND it looks like I will be bringing lots of shoes with me....swore I wouldn't but gosh they go with that outfit! Trying to pare things down and it's just not working!

Anyway, didn't think there was another thing in the world I needed and now this! AARRGGHHH!! Julie, I feel your pain! This getting to Orlando a day early is killing me! It was so much easier packing just to go straight to the ship!

Okay, as Runt says "I will survive!"....or as Chicken Little says "Oh, snap!" (you gotta hear Tori say this! It's hysterical - just ask Trish!

 

[castlegazer]

Your wish is my command oh relaxed vacation'd one:

http://www.homestead.com/disneyrecipes/DCL.html (just found this and it RAWKS!)

Konk Kooler:

1/2 can cream of coconut
3 ounces light rum
3 ounces dark rum
1/2 of a 12oz can frozen passion fruit juice concentrate(Welches)
4 oz of orange juice
2-3 cups of ice
Add all together in a blender until very fine and serve!

Drop the rum for a non-alcoholic version. ( )

 

[castlegazer]

MENTAL SIESTA OF THE DAY:

 

[Belle and Rella's Dad]

Your wish is my command oh relaxed vacation'd one:

http://www.homestead.com/disneyrecipes/DCL.html (just found this and it RAWKS!)

Konk Kooler:

1/2 can cream of coconut
3 ounces light rum
3 ounces dark rum
1/2 of a 12oz can frozen passion fruit juice concentrate(Welches)
4 oz of orange juice
2-3 cups of ice
Add all together in a blender until very fine and serve!

Drop the rum for a non-alcoholic version. ( )

Shyla,

thanks so much for the recipes, but for Pango and I you have to do it right, and on Castaway Cay our bartender put some dark rum floaters on top, so I would have to say we will need more alcohol.

What out for the Drunk Dials tonight, BowTie Joe leaves for his cruise tomorrow, so you all know he will be getting one, anyone else up for gittin their gitty up on tonight?????

Tom

 

[mketting]

Julie- Shoes are an issue here too. Meghan wanted to bring 3 pairs of pink sandels. I told her to choose one since they are all pink, she insists they are each different and needed, we compromised at 2 of them. I think I am bringing 7 pairs of shoes for her now, ridiculous! As for clothes my two dressydresses are black and the other is cream. The other nights I am wearing a variety of capri outfits.

Rainwear- I was contemplating what do bring as far as jackets were concerned too?

 

[OHJulie]

Julie - don't worry about all the black clothes. Black is just so easy - it looks great and goes with everything. I will be wearing black capris or white pants on the casual night. And we will have a huge bag with just shoes - it just can't be avoided.

Tom- I am already on my second glass of wine- so I have a head start. You'd better catch up fast!

OHJulie

 

[PhillyJen2006]

Hi gang,

Thought I'd send along a photo of HGP and Hannah on their way to the Father Daughter Dance tonight!! I cried when she asked if she could bring lipgloss in her purse.

Unfortunately, she has this dance from 6-9 and a soccer game at 8:30 so they will be leaving early to meet us at the indoor facility for that game. HGP is a coach so we can't miss.

Rainwear is something we never pack....I am sure the infamous disney rain ponchos are available somewhere in that shop.....

Mketting-LOL about Meghans 3 pairs of pink sandals.....the girl knows what she wants. Katie is the same way! Everything she owns is pink....including her 4 pairs of pink shoes. Including pink sparkle dressy shoes for formal night-I want to know who I can strangle at Target Corporate with those shoes!

Julie-Deep breath.....I thought I was all set with evening outfits(and indeed I am) but the panic has set in that I really am not. But I have 3 "formal" type dresses(formal, semi and Palo) and that really only leaves 3 other nights that I have to deal with and pretty much skirts and shirts for me. I know that even if I forget half the clothes that I want to bring I will be fine!

Anyway-My friend Mindy is coming over for....you guessed it....wine and Thai lettuce wraps with sesame noodles. OUr girls who weren't lucky enough to be out with Dad tonight are a little miffed that they are stuck with us so we thought we'd get them together.

Chat tomorrow after the Diva Birthday Party from He.....

Night All,
PJ

 

[PhillyJen2006]

Ohjulie-LOL I thought you were on the west coast so when you said second glass of wine....I had to do my math! I am about to pour mine!

PJ

 

[mketting]

Jen- What a great picture. Daddy's love their little girls. Even though they drive us crazy it is sooo much fun having a little girl isn't it. I love shopping with Meghan. Now that she has contacts she of course needed sungasses. Well, we headed out to the mall today and she picked out two cute pairs at the Children's place which she then paid for out of her own money. Just found out We will be headed your way this fall. Tonight we ar4e going to watch the Miss USA pageant together while Kirk and Jared watch a movie. One of Kirk's admissions counselors is getting married in Philly in October. The Wedding is going to be on Sunday because the place she wanted to have the reception was already booked, it is at some very fancy place I think. I'll have to find out the details. Hope all the divas have a great time tomorrow.

 

[Lisa D]

Julie , I seem to be taking alot of black too. Formal night dress is black, I have a black pantsuit, etc. Makes dress shoes easy - only one black pair to take!

CG , I actually have a pair of black capris with wild pink flowers I am taking! Maybe we'll be twins! No matter where I go there is always someone with the same outfit on - and they usually look better in it. Especially swimsuits - I buy alot of Lands End, and so do alot of other people! Haven't decided 100% on taking the flowery capris tho - it's either those or my "drink" pants - those are black pants with a bunch of cosmopolitan-type drinks all over them - I wore them on New Year's Eve.

I was at the grocery store while my son was at his guitar lesson when I realized - it is time to be careful not to buy too many groceries because we are GOING ON VACATION! It's a great feeling.

Have a great night everyone. I'm going to a "Tastefully Simple" party my friend/neighbor is having. Basically we eat snacks, drink wine, and spend too much money to bring the food home to make another time.

Lisa

 

[suziemva]

Whew! Panic alert averted. Ed asked me during dinner if I wanted to go to Kohl's to check out shoes. So we did! Found a pair on sale for $18.99 down from $45! And got thigh hi stockings. Best I could do...actually hope it will be nice not to have anything on my tummy or ribs! Could be interesting though, too! At least I only have to wear them for dinner and Palo's!

Tom, you would have been proud of me! In and out of Kohl's in less than 20 minutes! Gotta be a record! I almost hate shopping anymore. Didn't really like it as a teen either, waiting around for my friends to finish up....

So, once we finish our day bag and Disney 1st day bag, the regular packing will be a breeze but won't actually be done until the day before probably. Hate to wrinkle my clothes when they don't have to be....hate to iron, usually just throw them in the dryer on wrinkle release! Lazy, aren't I?

Everyone have a great time at your parties! My green jealousy is coming out again! Tom, tell Pango and Doc and everyone we said hi!

PJ - my goodness what a great looking picture! How sweet of daddy to take her! Hope they have a great time and what a bummer about having to leave early.

 

[mketting]

CG- Budget rental. When I originally booked our rental cars with Budget our 3 day cost was $120 and my parents 4 day was $155. That was for a compact because I have coupons for a free 2 catergory upgrade to use when we pick up the car. Well, I have cancelled and rebookeda few times as the prices got better and then tried the trick i read about on the boards to request a catergory lower than you want and then they offer you a better price to upgrade than if you were to just initially book what you want. All that said, we now have ours for $99 and my parents for $132. I just saw on their sight they are having specials on SUV from airports just to let you know.

 

[ohsodisney]

Bella&rellasmom , I'm keeping it simple , 1 cocktail dress, 1 floral for semi-formal, the rest for casual night are all gauchos and capris with simple tops. Days are my Life Is Good t-shirts ( LOVE THEM } a few others and basic shorts and capris. No fanciness for me, it's vacation. I do have a costume and yellow sailor pants and a white top for brunch at Palos. Shoes are looking like a small rolling suitcase at this point , I now have 9 pairs since I got the Keens. I am having a serious shoe issue here too. I am also wearing the same Hanna dress to dinner the first night that I'm wearing on the ship . We really want to explore and not spend time getting ready again.


LisaD , I love Tastefully Simple! Have you bought the beer bread , it's amazing!

OOO, I think Barry is packing now, I should go help.
Nite all.