5/27/06 "Il pochi il fiero i blabbermouths" We *will* sail again Part 4

[MarkRG]

yikes! I'm heading to Chicago (Wheaton ) over Labor Day - remind me to revert to my teenage habits of returning my dad's car to him almost on empty!!! We're going to see "Wicked" while I'm there - think it'll be a good idea to take the train...it'll be cheaper!!!

I just filled up on $2.29 in Houston - it's ranging from $2.29-$2.36. (BP's Texas City plant just had leak Tuesday night and another BP plant in the area had a small fire last night- so, watch for gas to go up just on the media hype alone - ...)

Thing to know, downtown Chicago has a lot more taxes on the gas than Wheaton. It's a good 30-50 cents per gallon less outside of Chicago and Cook County.

 

[whnim64]

We head out of town on the 1st to drive down to Florida for the Member Cruise.

Mary, do you drive down often? What route do you take? We'll be driving for the first time in May. We were planning on leaving the 20th and make a couple of stops on the way. DS just got his school schedule. IF there are no snow days, they're scheduled for report card pick-up on the 19th.

 

[mickeymo]

Thing to know, downtown Chicago has a lot more taxes on the gas than Wheaton. It's a good 30-50 cents per gallon less outside of Chicago and Cook County.

I forgot about that....

 

[MarkRG]

Mary, do you drive down often? What route do you take? We'll be driving for the first time in May. We were planning on leaving the 20th and make a couple of stops on the way. DS just got his school schedule. IF there are no snow days, they're scheduled for report card pick-up on the 19th.

I'm not Mary, but I'm also the driver.

In the past we did 65 to 24 to 75, but the last trip we took to Nashville we took 57 to 24 and found it a MUCH better ride. So my recommendation is 57 to 24 to 75 to Florida.

I recommend Lookout Mountain/Ruby Falls in Chatanooga if you want to plan a stop someplace, that's a good place for some great views.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

As of this morning (now you KNOW this could change...) we are now looking at a 9/15 closing, with the possibility of moving it sooner if our buyers get their messed up life straightened out. So... thanks for not giving me up yet... though I don't know that I can stand living packed up for another whole month. (We are halfway packed up right now...)

That's fine....I kinda thought that this might happen....Did not wish it but kinda thought so.

OK, THOSE ON THE SUNDAY MINI MEET - Since everyone is being so accomodating and not trying to step on toes, I decided to MAKE A DECISION ---My recommendation is that we keep the reservation at the Yacht Club where we have 2 tables. One for the "adults" and one for the "kids".....I'll let you decide which catagory you fit in. That way if anyone wants to wander to EPCOT before or after, (such as to stop by the Rose and Crown for a quick pint) they can....

Our PS, reservation or talbe request (whatever they are now calling it) is at 11:30, which is a tad early for lunch, but that will give us the best chance of, as they say, "being in close proximity"...Careful, it's Disney.

I'll PM everyone the NEW reservation number.

The Saturday reservation number will not change.

Those of you with ditigital capabilities - can we merge, shots of the meets of Sat with Sun so it looks like we were all together.

OK....must go read stuff...

 

[whnim64]

Kikipug................

I was cleaning out my pm's and realized that at some point, you e-mailed me about the Dune Buggy toour that we took in Cozumel! Did you ever look into it?????
Fran

CRUISE QUESTION CRUISE QUESTION
We were actually discussing excursions here at our house a couple of days ago. DS was ecstatic at the thought of an ATV tour http://cozumelcruiseexcursions.com/atvjungletour.htm
but I'm not so sure I want to go bumping along and get covered in dust/dirt. I suggested the Dolphin Encounter at Chankanab (DH is a non-swimmer), and that seemed to go over well with both DH and DS and is something that I would find enjoyable. The question is whether to book directly http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/cozumel/default.asp#packages or to wait and book with Disney. I figure by the time we pay for taxis both ways and park entrance fees, there won't be that much of a price difference. The one advantage that I see is that by booking on my own, it won't be going on our KTTW card. We also talked about the dune buggy. Looking for any/all opinions from those who have 'been there, done that'.

 

[whnim64]

I'm not Mary, but I'm also the driver.

In the past we did 65 to 24 to 75, but the last trip we took to Nashville we took 57 to 24 and found it a MUCH better ride. So my recommendation is 57 to 24 to 75 to Florida.

I recommend Lookout Mountain/Ruby Falls in Chatanooga if you want to plan a stop someplace, that's a good place for some great views.

Thanks, Mark. I've been on 24 to Nashville area quite a few times in the past. I'm assuming that it's still a very boring stretch of interstate? We've never been to Chatanooga, but were planning on stopping somewhere in TN for our first overnight. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[ohiominnie]

Oh ugh! Buy a hybrid !

My parents have a Prius. They get something like 42,000 miles/gallon or something crazy like that...(ok, ok, not *that* much!)

So what are they doing this week? Driving their Suburban around hauling a trailer!! They are camping about 30 minutes from here. That's where the kids are too! They come home tomorrow.

But ya can't haul a travel trailer with a Prius!

 

[Dancind]

Translation: They bought their own snorkel gear thinking it would be easier than renting. One thing led to another, and soon Kevin and Alicia were scuba diving.
Only Diana remained a snorkeler with just her own small, lightweight, easy to carry around gear!

Thanks, Stacey. Couldn't have said it better. And that's exactly what happened after we started planning our first DCL cruise in 2002.

 

[Dancind]

I do know about the notifications, but it's never been a problem. I just click on "Cruise Meets" and we're in the top five threads. Easy. But yesterday we were lower, and it could happen again, so I guess I will subscribe.

Amanda, you don't have to change it back. It IS cute and different, and I will get used to it!

 

[whnim64]

My parents have a Prius. They get something like 42,000 miles/gallon or something crazy like that...(ok, ok, not *that* much!)

So what are they doing this week? Driving their Suburban around hauling a trailer!! They are camping about 30 minutes from here. That's where the kids are too! They come home tomorrow.

But ya can't haul a travel trailer with a Prius!

We're thinking about getting a 5th wheel to pull behind our F250, but are now weighing the cost of the 5th wheel and gas as opposed to staying in hotels and eating out. For as little as we go now, it looks as if the hotels are winning out. Actually, for the cost of a 5th wheel, we could probably buy into DVC, but we want to see more of the U.S. and not limit our choices...

 

[ohiominnie]

Actually, for the cost of a 5th wheel, we could probably buy into DVC, but we want to see more of the U.S. and not limit our choices...

Have you talked to anyone in DVC about this? There are, literally, hundreds of places you can go outside of Disney. Of course, we've never done any of those! But I hear they are nice.

If you want I can have my vacation guide send you information and a DVD. PM me if you want info.

 

[whnim64]

Have you talked to anyone in DVC about this? There are, literally, hundreds of places you can go outside of Disney. Of course, we've never done any of those! But I hear they are nice.

If you want I can have my vacation guide send you information and a DVD. PM me if you want info.

I have to admit that I don't know that much about DVC, but DH really balks at the mention of a "Prepaid Vacation Plan". He can't justify the $$, but maybe if I compare it to the cost of a 5th wheel...

 

[Dancind]

Just read an article yesterday about RV sales dropping dramatically due to gas prices. We were recently considering buying my Dad's RV, but he changed his mind about selling. Gas was a concern. And insurance, and storage. Yep, DVC is easier.

 

[Dancind]

And Sandi, don't call it a timeshare! It's a "Prepaid Vacation Plan". I felt the same way, that's why we didn't look into it in 1999 on our first visit. Really, really wish we had.

 

[TiggerInNY]

Just my 2 cents about the name change for our thread. What happens if someone is looking for the 5/27/06 Double Scoop thread and can't find us. I don't mind the change, but we may be losing out on additional people.

Just a thought in my little head....

Maria

 

[TiggerInNY]

Ya know what....disregard my last post. I just realized that it DOES say 5/27/06...duh!!! I guess I just concentrated on the name and didn't notice the date was still there. SORRY!!! Pay no attention to the fool in NY....

 

[CajunGirl2]

CRUISE QUESTION ... CRUISE QUESTION ... CRUISE QUESTION

I have a question regarding the passport rules. According to the U.S. Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2224.html), passports are required as of 12/31/05 for all travel to/from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America. Passports are not required until 12/31/06 for travel to/from Mexico and Canada. My question is, is CC considered a US territory since it's owned by Disney or is it considered Carribean since DCL is registered in the Bahamas? I guess if it's considered U.S. then we wouldn't need the passports for our cruise.

I know that you will all probably tell me to go to the passport route. I'm sure that best. Just wondering how long I can put it off? I hate to spend that much $ now and the girls only been good for 5 years (I think). I'd rather put it off until Feb/Mar 2006 if I can.

Ang

 

[rcostello1]

DVC takes you lots of places...I use mine for far more non-Disney things than I going to Disney. Earlier this year we stayed at the Grand Californian, then at the Plaza, a week or so ago at the Shelburne Murray Hill (both NYC), in a couple of months I'll be at the White Swan (San Fran), oh and I will be in Disney World in January. That's the only real DVC visit scheduled so far.

I'm hoping to trade out for a new property in Vegas next year. Looks great! I own Hilton as well, and Disney offers far better options and far fewer fees, even if the actual cost of the package may seem a bit high. Believe me, the flexibility you get in Disney is hard to match.

 

[rcostello1]

CRUISE QUESTION ... CRUISE QUESTION ... CRUISE QUESTION

I have a question regarding the passport rules. According to the U.S. Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2224.html), passports are required as of 12/31/05 for all travel to/from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America. Passports are not required until 12/31/06 for travel to/from Mexico and Canada. My question is, is CC considered a US territory since it's owned by Disney or is it considered Carribean since DCL is registered in the Bahamas? I guess if it's considered U.S. then we wouldn't need the passports for our cruise.

I know that you will all probably tell me to go to the passport route. I'm sure that best. Just wondering how long I can put it off? I hate to spend that much $ now and the girls only been good for 5 years (I think). I'd rather put it off until Feb/Mar 2006 if I can.

Ang

You are going to the Bahamas...which is the the US/Mexico/Canada. I don't recall number of years vs. age cause I don't have kids, but how do I put this politely, um, GET A PASSPORT!

I know it's an extra expense, but it is just soooo much easier, especially if something unplanned happens. Better to be safe than sorry. The passport line coming off the repo cruise was so much shorter than the birth cert. line. Port Canaveral is never that much of a hassle but who knows how that could change in the future.

Just save now. $1/day Just be sure to get them done by the end of March, that will give you plenty of time.