9/18/04 Eastern Magic- We're in the home Stretch Now

[ImNarek]

Just booked our air last night!!!! That is really making this feel real! I'd been putting off doing that because my DH has just changed jobs and while he loves his new job dearly, its loooong hours and I wasn't sure if we'd need to rebook for some further time. But over the past week he has repeatedly stated we're going - so We ARE!!!!! (I've sure been hoping!)

Coming from Seattle, we're losing all of Friday - we leave at 8:18 am and get in at 6:24pm! Thinking of staying around the airport for convenience - last year we got in around 9pm and it was nice to stay at the Hyatt. But its pricey. Wondering how we'd catch the Disney buses if we stayed at a different hotel - any advice? We've always used Disney transfers and for 2 people, they tend to be the cheapest.

On the trip home, we don't leave until almost 7:30pm, so I'm thinking we'll either head to WDW for a short bit, or finally do a tour of the Kennedy Space Station (which I know would require a car rental). Any suggestions?

Karen, doing a happy dance!!!!!!

 

[glindamood]

Karen - we are getting in around 6:30PM and renting a car. I experimented with Priceline for this trip and ended up with the Holiday Inn Select for about $40.00. We will go to dinner, drive to the port in the morning with a Pepsi/beer stop and hopefully a chance to stop and see Shirley at her shop. For the two of us in a mid-size it is less than the transfers plus we can stop on the way as we choose.

I know that there are folks that stay at hotels around the airport -select a one with free shuttle service and take the shuttle back to the airport in the morning. Or, try Priceline for the Hyatt. There are past threads that explain what to look for when selecting the options so you really end up at the Hyatt - and probaby Barb's website too.

Kennedy Space Center is very interesting - we went in 2001 before our reunion cruise. It was a very interesting place.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

This week I made our final payment!
Now it,s only a matter of time. I am researching excursions, I will probably book through DCL, I want to try the Jolly Roger Pirate Cruise I think the kids would enjoy it. And they recommended to me that I go through my cruise line rather than booking directly with them.

I have my DCL PassPorter out almost all the time now, and I am starting on my packing list. My Daisney box is bursting at the seams with toiletries and other sundries I have been collecting.

I am trying not to get too excited just yet, I don't want my kids to miss out on the fun of the summer. Before you know it, school will be starting, and we will be heading out to the World.

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by JanDave

Westjones: I just realized that we'll be "neighbors" on the Magic. We are booked in 5520. We took Barb's advice and booked that room when we were on the Wonder last year.

Hard to believe our cruise date is getting closer. One more summer holiday to go.

Jan

Hi Jan!
Just got back from a week at WDW, so I am only now seeing the posts for the past week.

You will love room 5520, we had it last year. We won't be 'neighbors' next to each other, but on the opposite halls from each other (but still very close).

Now that we are done with our summer WDW trip, I will be focused on our cruise! I can't wait!!!

DJ

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by glindamood

Have we decided on a DIS meet time (s) and place? Having done this before I do suggest early in the cruise so we can match faces and names during the week. Saturday always seems so hectic to try and meet up but if we tried Saturday and then maybe again on Sunday for those that we missed???

I didn't notice, is there something set. I have been gone a while, so I haven't read all of the messages first.

Maybe if nothing has been set yet, those who have been to a 'met' could tell us what their other groups did in the past.

DJ

 

[4formickey]

Is it cheaper to book a cruise while we are onboard the Magic? what type of perks do they offer?

 

[glindamood]

Hi all! If anyone PM's me or if we have any new cruisers that need to be added to the list I will be in Palm Beach next week (really not looking forward to this - work related) so will not be home until Friday. Our Arts Fair is next weekend and will be cooking gyros all day Saturday so I will catch up on Sunday.

Everyone have a great week!

 

[westjones]

In the past, if you book a 7 night cruise while on board you get 10% off (the DCL price) and a $200 onboard credit.

I don't know what they offer for the 3 or 4 day, but it didn't include the 10% off, just an onboard credit.

I am not sure if they are still doing this, it was what they offered last year when I booked.

DJ

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Originally posted by westjones
Maybe if nothing has been set yet, those who have been to a 'met' could tell us what their other groups did in the past.

DJ

On our cruise last August, we had a meet, which I unfortunately could not find in the Promenade Lounge. I did find the lounge after dinner later.

Anyway, the meet was organized by VerandahMan. He had a banner, and it was at a set time in a set place, and was just a "hi" and "nice to put a face to a name" session. So anyone who might be worried about meeting, have no fear. It's nice to meet and have a familiar face during the week.

I think we should put our heads together and come up with a place and time, and go with it. If anyone doesn't feel comfortable meeting, no big deal. And anyone who wants a meet can be in a certain place at a certian time. And for shy ones like me, a pin, ribbon, or whatever, means I am open to meeting, but too shy to approach.

 

[ambermomma]

I'm all for a meeting - like you said, just to put a face to a name. I definitely think we should plan something, maybe on one of the days at sea? it doesn't have to be at night either, it can be midafternoon or something. maybe everyone grab food at one of the snacky places and sit together on deck to chat?
if there's no official meet & greet, I'd still love to meet some people, anyone who's interested. =)

Stephanie

 

[ImNarek]

I'd love a meet and greet, too! I like Ambermomma's idea of meeting on deck. I think around the Goofy pool could be fun, though I don't know if we'd find enough space during the afternoon. A meeting early in the cruise would be great. That way we'd have the whole week to wave at eachother in the halls Either Saturday afternoon, maybe before the boat drill, or Sunday sometime would work for us. We plan to be some of the earliest people on the ship!


Seeya real soon!

Karen in finally sunny Seattle (feels like spring)

 

[ambermomma]

That does sound like a good place. Especially for those of us with kids!

 

[westjones]

I think I have read that some groups meet right after the 'drill' on the first day up on deck 9. Maybe around the Goofy pool. That is usually a 'low' time as there are no activities for the kids yet, and most people are done making reservations for the spa and Palo.

Just a thought. What does everyone think?

DJ

 

[DisneyNutMary]

That sounds like a plan. We could meet in the lull that follows the drill, and precedes the Sail Away Party. That way, we can meet, say hi, and get right to the party without missing a beat.

 

[glindamood]

Saturday after the drill and a trip back to the cabins to return life jackets works for me. Goofy pool area is great - port or starboard side? Since the sailaway is at 5:00 it will be very quick but that is what we are looking for I think.

I would also like to suggest lunch - Lumiere's, Topsiders inside or on deck somewhere with our trays would be fine. Doesn't even have to be lunch - a Scoops party would be fun too. That way we can have an extended visit and those that can't make it on Saturday will get another chance. Sunday maybe???

 

[ragdoll]

When we cruised in May we had a DIS meet in The Promenade Lounge before the drill at 3 o'clock. It worked out really well because it is a smaller area and not hard to pick out DISer's. Also it was nice and quiet. Personally, I thought it was a great spot to meet. Any time would be fine with me. Whatever you all decide DH and I will be there!

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by ragdoll
When we cruised in May we had a DIS meet in The Promenade Lounge before the drill at 3 o'clock. It worked out really well because it is a smaller area and not hard to pick out DISer's. Also it was nice and quiet. Personally, I thought it was a great spot to meet. Any time would be fine with me. Whatever you all decide DH and I will be there!

I could probably meet there, but DH would have to be with the kids somewhere (probably up at the pools). There is not child care provided at that time, so the kids need a parent with them.

DJ

 

[ragdoll]

Westjones, parents brought their kids with them. Several commented that it was nice that the kids got to know each other so early.

 

[ambermomma]

We probably won't get to the ship until almost 3, we may have breakfast at one of the parks before we head over, but if we know we have a meet & greet, we can make it. anything you decide is fine.

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by ragdoll
Westjones, parents brought their kids with them. Several commented that it was nice that the kids got to know each other so early.

Oh, I just assumed that since it is a 'bar' that kids were not allowed in that area.

If kids can come, then we both could be there. It probably would be less crowded than at the pool, and the pool will be covered at the time after the drill because of the Sail Away party.

So this would work for us!
DJ