8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #8

[eeyorelvr10]

Hi Guys - still recovering but had to post - long story but in a nutshell - for those following my blog - my adopted family came with DH and I to meet my real family. As my pick-up plans did not acount for an additional 6 people and their luggage, we ended up walking outside (without prearrangement on DCL) and hired a blue primetime shuttle - it not only fit all 8 of us - but 18 large suitcases and about 6 large bags and duffle bag type souvenir type comfortable.

DCL was going to charge them $180 to take them to LAX where they would have spent ALL day as they had a red-eye so instead - I brought them home! First time I brought a whole family home but mom and dad were real nice about it and we spent the whole day together which is why I was MIA - I took Monday off to recoop. And part of today.

So instead, they charge the whole van - $76 dollars to bring us from Port of Long Beach to Norwalk which is about 10 minutes from DL. I will say that the driver did seem upset to go there instead of someplace else as it may have reduced fare charge but oh well, I'm sure he was placated enough after.

The shuttle are located outside the entrance of the terminal - wait - inside the terminal but outside the building where the bags are picked up. It was super easy and DH and I are going to use them again. As I mentioned - no prearrangement required, we just walked up, spoke with the coordinator and he got us one van which fit 8 people - with room for 1-2 more (tightly though) with 8 we were very comfortable - and at least 20 pieces of luggage. I had my tequila at my feet but that was small. And yes - the tequila made it home!

 

[captaincrash]

I just wanted to share with everyone how completely cool, and astonishing, and gratifying this community is. There's no one "in charge",
yet everyone contributes what they can and no one feels compelled to do more than they are able. (At least I hope not.) We are each doing what we do best, and relying on others, with different strengths, to cover the rest.

Step back and look at what we've accomplished... website, topical forums, group clothing, group cruise navigators, activity books for the kids, special little surprises for each other, shared artwork, large and small group dining, loads of information on each port, shared excursions and experiences, more onboard activities than any one person could attend, and the list goes on, and on.

This is a huge undertaking and accomplishement for a group this size, and yet it has come together naturally. Growing and changing depending on the people involved.

We are such a testament to what a group of people can accomplish when they come together in a spirit of mutual understanding, support, tolerance, and yes humor plays a role. Yes, we've had our squabbles, but we've worked through them - gaining understanding and enriching ourselves through the experience.

I am so completely grateful to be a part of this community. And to have this experience with all of you.

Many thanks.

 

[disfreaks]

Ok, I have a couple of questions, to which I probably should have an answer but don't. When we took our first DCL cruise last year, we didn't know anything about storage under the bed. When we went on another cruise line, there it was and was much better for storing luggage than the closet. Does the Magic have under the bed storage for luggage?

Also, on our other cruise my DD 13 got to participate in Jr. Chef at Sea. She got a tour of the kitchen, and then they got to decorate a cake after some instruction from the head chef. After she was done decorating, we found out we would be eating her cake for our dessert that night at dinner in the dining room and it was yummy! She loves to cook and wants to be a chef right now and this would be such a fun thing for her to do again. Last time she couldn't even go to any cooking demos on Disney because they were for adults only. Besides the cookies they make in the lab, do they have anything else that anyone knows of?

 

[eeyorelvr10]

BTW, if I happened to miss something important - someone please let me know what I missed or what I was supposed to sign up for? I'm sure I missed some deadlines. Oh well, I'm still in a bit of la-la-land daze - wonder how long that will last.

 

[captaincrash]

Hi Guys - still recovering but had to post - long story but in a nutshell - for those following my blog - my adopted family came with DH and I to meet my real family. As my pick-up plans did not acount for an additional 6 people and their luggage, we ended up walking outside (without prearrangement on DCL) and hired a blue primetime shuttle - it not only fit all 8 of us - but 18 large suitcases and about 6 large bags and duffle bag type souvenir type comfortable.

DCL was going to charge them $180 to take them to LAX where they would have spent ALL day as they had a red-eye so instead - I brought them home! First time I brought a whole family home but mom and dad were real nice about it and we spent the whole day together which is why I was MIA - I took Monday off to recoop. And part of today.

So instead, they charge the whole van - $76 dollars to bring us from Port of Long Beach to Norwalk which is about 10 minutes from DL. I will say that the driver did seem upset to go there instead of someplace else as it may have reduced fare charge but oh well, I'm sure he was placated enough after.

The shuttle are located outside the entrance of the terminal - wait - inside the terminal but outside the building where the bags are picked up. It was super easy and DH and I are going to use them again. As I mentioned - no prearrangement required, we just walked up, spoke with the coordinator and he got us one van which fit 8 people - with room for 1-2 more (tightly though) with 8 we were very comfortable - and at least 20 pieces of luggage. I had my tequila at my feet but that was small. And yes - the tequila made it home!

I can see it in my minds' eye now Laura... and some people think "I" am a troublemaking mischief maker... wait until they meet YOU in person.

< chuckles >​

I bet Prime Time now has your cell phone number on a special call blocked list!

< Wink >

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Ok, I have a couple of questions, to which I probably should have an answer but don't. When we took our first DCL cruise last year, we didn't know anything about storage under the bed. When we went on another cruise line, there it was and was much better for storing luggage than the closet. Does the Magic have under the bed storage for luggage?

Also, on our other cruise my DD 13 got to participate in Jr. Chef at Sea. She got a tour of the kitchen, and then they got to decorate a cake after some instruction from the head chef. After she was done decorating, we found out we would be eating her cake for our dessert that night at dinner in the dining room and it was yummy! She loves to cook and wants to be a chef right now and this would be such a fun thing for her to do again. Last time she couldn't even go to any cooking demos on Disney because they were for adults only. Besides the cookies they make in the lab, do they have anything else that anyone knows of?

Yes - there is storage under the bed - we put our 3 big empty suitcase there. It might make it a bit lumpy but much better than taking up space in the closet. And when I mean BIG - I meant a normal size large suitcase. If they are empty - they will just touch the bed - you will have to pick up the bed to access them again. But hopefully you won't go into them often but once in the beginning and once in the end.

As for the cooking - they held a cooking class which was for adults only in Studio Sea - they had galley tours but they were only walkthrough. Seems as if its against regulations for them to bring any food into the galley - health regulations and all. So many of the cooking classes were held in Studio Sea. I will double check my navigators to see if they held anything like that for just the kids. I can't imagine why they didn't if they held it for adults my guess is that they did have some for kids as I now recall they had some for family too.

BTW, still have about 3 suitcases which I have not even begun to unpack. Darn Diva Dog has to have her stitches out today - well that one she hasn't take out herself.

 

[Caropooh]

How far away is Ports O' Call, and how do we get there? I'm wanting to go there next week to check out the restaurants.

Acapulco is a very good restaurant! Very family-friendly!

Ok, I have a couple of questions, to which I probably should have an answer but don't. When we took our first DCL cruise last year, we didn't know anything about storage under the bed. When we went on another cruise line, there it was and was much better for storing luggage than the closet. Does the Magic have under the bed storage for luggage?

Also, on our other cruise my DD 13 got to participate in Jr. Chef at Sea. She got a tour of the kitchen, and then they got to decorate a cake after some instruction from the head chef. After she was done decorating, we found out we would be eating her cake for our dessert that night at dinner in the dining room and it was yummy! She loves to cook and wants to be a chef right now and this would be such a fun thing for her to do again. Last time she couldn't even go to any cooking demos on Disney because they were for adults only. Besides the cookies they make in the lab, do they have anything else that anyone knows of?

Yes, you can store suitcases under the beds, as long as they are not too big. Ours barely fit last time.
Don't have any idea about the cooking activities for teens, but I'm sure it's something my DD14 would be interested in too!

 

[captaincrash]

BTW, if I happened to miss something important - someone please let me know what I missed or what I was supposed to sign up for? I'm sure I missed some deadlines. Oh well, I'm still in a bit of la-la-land daze - wonder how long that will last.

Have you signed up for the 3rd Unofficial Mickey Ice Cream Bar Speed Eating Sprint at Sea yet? All anyone need do is go over the Pirate Zone and post to the thread to sign up. Alternatively, you can PM us and we'll tack ya on to the list.

We now have some valuable collectable stuff as a grand prize - in addition to the award certificates for everyone that submits to this bit of whimsy and participitates.

Just image ... what would make a better opportunity for snapping some incriminating photos of your kids doing something silly and potentially worthy of sharing with someone special or at thier wedding reception or ???? With careful planning ... and the right type of goading ... the extortion value of these ICE CREAM RACE photos might be PRICELESS!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I can see it in my minds' eye now Laura... and some people think "I" am a troublemaking mischief maker... wait until they meet YOU in person.

< chuckles >​

I bet Prime Time now has your cell phone number on a special call blocked list!

< Wink >

Crash!

Actually, it wasn't me creating the ruckus - it was my tablemates - I just had to play along!

But seriously, just wanted to get the message across that getting a van - especially as we did without any notice was very easy and surprisingly the van held all our suitcases. It may take a bit of juggling but with a little bit of help from DH - the suitcases were all packed (minus the one that was left in the terminal)

OH YEAH - which brings to mind - they left one in the terminal, we called for them and they located the shoe bag and it will be mailed UPS to them in Vero Beach! So Disney went out and mailed this - they do tend to take care of their own.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Have you signed up for the 3rd Unofficial Mickey Ice Cream Bar Speed Eating Sprint at Sea yet? All anyone need do is go over the Pirate Zone and post to the thread to sign up. Alternatively, you can PM us and we'll tack ya on to the list.

We now have some valuable collectable stuff as a grand prize - in addition to the award certificates for everyone that submits to this bit of whimsy and participitates.

Just image ... what would make a better opportunity for snapping some incriminating photos of your kids doing something silly and potentially worthy of sharing with someone special or at thier wedding reception or ???? With careful planning ... and the right type of goading ... the extortion value of these ICE CREAM RACE photos might be PRICELESS!

Not yet - as DH and I OK FOLKS - COVER YOUR EYES - this is almost sacreligious - don't care for the Mickey Bar ice cream - we may go to take pictures which I can post later if anyone wants but for eating - I value my brain cells -can't afford to have many more frozen!

 

[captaincrash]

Crash!

Actually, it wasn't me creating the ruckus - it was my tablemates - I just had to play along!

Yeah

Yeah

Yeah....

Laura... that's what they all say....

that they're INNOCENT or somethin' like that....

< Yuk - Yuk - Yuk .... >

OK I gotta scoot for the day now...

Laura has gone and hogged up all my free time this morning....

...have a great Tuesday everyone!​

 

[Joan1]

Not yet - as DH and I OK FOLKS - COVER YOUR EYES - this is almost sacreligious - don't care for the Mickey Bar ice cream - we may go to take pictures which I can post later if anyone wants but for eating - I value my brain cells -can't afford to have many more frozen!

Enough playing around already - where are those navigators?

Just kidding - thank you for your blog it was a lot of fun

 

[Caropooh]

OH YEAH - which brings to mind - they left one in the terminal, we called for them and they located the shoe bag and it will be mailed UPS to them in Vero Beach! So Disney went out and mailed this - they do tend to take care of their own.

DCL is very good about this! March a year ago, we left a suitcase at the terminal after disembarking. We noticed it once we were at the hotel near WDW. DH called them and they actually delivered it to our room later on that day!

 

[micmse2003]

Hey guys!

Just got back from Macy's Herald Square. Got some great bargains for cruise stuff, clothes, etc.

Will try and catch up later!

Have a great day!

Bargains.....tell me more!! I love bargains!!

did you PM me or my DH(alanapapa)

Sounds like DD's won't have any problems making some friends!

I emailed your DH because that is who sent me the pm last night.

Just send me an email to micmsecheryl@yahoo.com this is for the 8:00 pm dining. I will send you a form (very short) to fill I out.
BTW I love your signature !!!

 

[smeecanada]

Oh, and since Tuesday is most people's Monday this week...
12 Tuesdays until TOAL!

I using 12 Mexician Riveria cruises until the TOAL!

Has anyone hear of or own a "Tilley" hat?
I saw one yesterday at REI and really liked it- until I saw that it was $72.00! I have an abnormally large head (has to be big to hold all them there brains ) and womens hats are rarely sized and the "One size fits all" does not fit me. This brand comes in many sizes and also has a 50 SPF rating. Before I drop that amount for a hat I want to know if others like it. I jsut bought a hat for $40 that I am not that crazy about so $72.00 is not that much more.

Tilley hats are quite popular here. My BIL swears by them. One of reasons they are so pricey is that they have a lifetime guarantee. My BIL has had his replaced a few times. I'm thinking of getting one for me before the TOAL.

FYI - DL August park hours are up, but no entertainment schedule yet.

I'm waiting patiently for the schedule. Wanting to plan a Main Street Electric Light parade meet on the Thursday night. We're definitely going, so thought I'd let the Pirates know where abouts we would be, if anyone wanted to join us.

Okay, all "Ketchup". Welcome back, Laura. Enjoyed reading about your adventures on the WB Repo.

Off to a client's.

 

[m&m's mom]

Tilley hats are quite popular here. My BIL swears by them. One of reasons they are so pricey is that they have a lifetime guarantee. My BIL has had his replaced a few times. I'm thinking of getting one for me before the TOAL.

Thank you- that is what I was looking for.

Coral

 

[IngridRalph]

Just booked Hojo's for the 15th & 16th. My daughter who is 10 is enjoying the kids thread. Maybe she will actually go to the kids club on this cruise!

~Ingrid

 

[Stepht5]

Does anyone have an idea of how many kids will be on the cruise? My DS will be 6 on the cruise and I was wondering how many kids, especially boys there'll be in his age range.

I will have a just turned 7dd on the cruise. If it helps she is my rowdiest child (and loudest).

 

[tom31b]

My DD isn't a boy, but she is 5 (or will be next week).



Hello??? ... where's the Math Alert?

It's there, above the line.....

 

[tom31b]

Lots!

From the latest newsletter:

179 “Families” registered for website
586 total Pirates
360 Adults
63 13-17
104 8-12
50 3-7
4 under 3
5 age unknown

Figuring about 2500 people on board, extrapolating this out would be

1565 Adults
274 13-17
452 8-12
217 3-7
17 under 3

But then that's very unscientific

From our May newsletter (can be found here) its showing 50 kids in the 3-7 range and 104 in the 8-12 range. This is just the number gathered from our group who is receiving the newsletter.

There should be plenty. I would guess approximately 20 six-year old boys alone on this sailing and 200 children ages 3-7.

According to the Piratezone Newsletter, there are 586 passengers registered from DIS, which represents approximately 25% of the ship. Of those, there are 50 children registered between ages 3-7. So, I would guess around 200 children in the 3-7 year-old age group (50 divided by 25%).

Assuming equal age distribution (20% are age 3, 20% are age 4, etc.), then I would expect 40 six-year old children (20% X 200). Assuming 50% are boys, then 20 six-year old boys.

Is this an appropriate place for JR's "mediocre minds" comment?