9/23/06 Let's go!!!! Who's with us???

[yazee1]

Becca, I love Bunko! I love chili and cornbread too. Do you need a substituted this weekend? LOL

We're celebrating Father's Day nearby at Brigantine Beach. Our timeshare week is there. This year is a little weird. Dh doesn't have enough vacation time left to do both our beach week and the Disney Cruise. Instead of space banking, we rented our week to friends of ours. They only want Monday-Friday, so we're using Friday night through Sunday night.

Beth, if you would like to join our Yahoo group, shoot me an email so I can send you an invite. It's set up for members to add photos and enter data into the database. That's where our cheat sheet is. The link for our group is
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sailinginseptember/

Sting Ray City with Captain Marvin's - We are looking forward to doing it again. It was no trouble booking it online, and it was less expensive than a DCL excursion.

Hi, Valerie. Long time, no see. Are you getting excited about the cruise? Less than a hundred days to go. The only reason I don't want to see the time go quickly is because we so look forward to the summer. If time went too quickly, summer would be over. KWIM?

Take care, every!
Monica

 

[strawberryblonde]

Monica - that is OK that you didn't notice about my son, lol. Usually I am known as Genna's mom or Andrew's mom, not Heidi if you KWIM? Your chain was such a good idea. Your kids are going to have that as such a neat memory. I am in no hurry for summer to go quickly. I love summer and can wait for the cruise. The cruise is going to be a great way to extend summer this year.

Beth - Our Disney cruise was over two years ago. It was our first cruise. My DS had just turned 7 and he did enjoy the club but he didn't go very much at all. He went to most of the night shows with my DH and me and spent most of his days with us as well. On the Pride of America last Oct. , the kids didn't go to any of the night shows, they went to the club each night and enjoyed it. I think he plans on going to the club more than his first DCL. He does love Disney's shows though, he plans on seeing some of those. Most likely he will end up going to the club during the day more than in the past. He has told us that he wants to "take it easy this cruise" He only wants to do the String Ray excursion and stay on the ship for the other ports (not CC). He plans to enjoy all that the ship has to offer.

We have first seating. Perhaps we will be on the same rotation! We did like our Pride of America cruise but it isn't DCL, it isn't Princess either. Being able to round trip from Honolulu can't be beat for us. It was great to see the islands from the water and have the week be so hassle free. I'll hunt for my old trip report link in case you would like to read it.

 

[strawberryblonde]

Here is the link to my Pride of America report from Oct. 2005:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=933330&highlight=Pride+America

Hope it helps

 

[sftnslky]

Hello, I hope everyone had a great weekend.. and a nice Father's Day. On Saturday as most of you know...we attended a couples only bunko party/pot luck. Hubby and I won the "most wins" and won a $25 Regal Movie Theater Gift Card. Then on Sunday "Father's Day" after church we went over to a friends house for an all afternoon swim, and BBQ party. The kids had a blast I even got in the water for a while This week is less hectic, with not many plans other then laundry, going through out grown toys, clothes, etc. Running a few errands.

Last weekend I bought a nice size portable pool for the kids 10'x8'x2x I will set it up today or tomorrow. We have broken the 100 degree mark several times last week.... On Saturday Me, and another lady [the lady who we go to the swim BBQ party] are holding a children's drama workshop at our church. Twice a year we put on two HUGE musicals for all six services. There is typically a few hundred kids who participate. And Brenda [the "lady"] and I are Co-drama directors for the children's ministry. We are holding 3 workshops this summer...They should be fun.

I hope you all have an awesome week... Hope to see more post for you all...hint hint hint Many & lots of Love

 

[Euphscott]

We made our countdown chain last night.

It was a 95 day chain and very colorful. As we've had trouble getting into the habit of brushing teeth, Brooke gets to tear a chain link each night after she brushes her teeth. She seemed real excited by it. When mommy got home, she was so proud of it and had to explain it. It was amusing.

And of all the discussions we've had, what is her most exciting fact? That she can get a "Mickey on a stick" after dinners (ice cream bars). Oh to be a child and impressed by the little things...

 

[sftnslky]

And Ron Johns seems to be what we are looking for. But before I go and cancel our other hotel reservations...I was wanting to get any opnions you all might have. Have any of you stayed there before, or know of anyone who has, I would love to hear a report.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.... to all.

 

[yazee1]

We made our countdown chain last night.

It was a 95 day chain and very colorful. As we've had trouble getting into the habit of brushing teeth, Brooke gets to tear a chain link each night after she brushes her teeth. She seemed real excited by it. When mommy got home, she was so proud of it and had to explain it. It was amusing.

And of all the discussions we've had, what is her most exciting fact? That she can get a "Mickey on a stick" after dinners (ice cream bars). Oh to be a child and impressed by the little things...

This makes my day. So cute. Guess what we found out today, Scott? Starting in July, I have the days matched with the wrong date! I have to reprint, cut and staple July 1 - September 21st (we leave NJ on the 21st).

Becca, I don't know anything about Ron Jon's. We stayed at the Radisson last time and we're trying the Residence Inn this time.

 

[strawberryblonde]

Becca - we stayed at Ron Jon's when it first opened for the night before our cruise. This was over two years ago so my report isn't "fresh".

We booked a studio for the 4 of us. The studios do not have a view of the other side of the building, just the courtyard. I enjoyed the colors used, bright orange, yellow and green. Big jet tub in the bathroom with seperate shower. Cute kitchenette which we only used for breakfast. King sized bed and a fold out couch bed in the sitting room area. No privacy between the two.

Our room was ready and clean. We were able to park our car (we drove from AL) for the week for free. The kids loved the soft indoor play area and the free miniature golf. The pool was fine but the fun area with lazy river and slide/s? was closed by 5pm. Free movies in a small theater, my husband watched a bit of X-men while I watched the kids play.

My only complaint was that the bright lights from outside shown into the bedroom area making it hard for me to get to sleep. I like it dark and I was excited about the next day, so I didn't get much sleep. They could have changed the blind situation by now, who knows.

I think you would like it. I was looking into staying there again this time, but we ended up deciding to stay at the airport and ride over the morning of the cruise. Our flights get in way too late, midnightish.

Happy planning. If you have any more questions feel free to ask. If the search function is working, look up Ron Jon's. some disers have posted pics of the rooms in the past and there should be some more update info.

 

[Euphscott]

Oh Monica - that is not fun! We only wrote numbers descending, so I could not screw it up! I figured I would mess it up if I tried to get too fancy. As it is, Brooke just likes to go tear the paper and talk about Mickey.

Ron Jons sounds fun!

Is anyone else familiar with the launch schedules? I thought I read somewhere that SOMETHING was going up on October 1 (I am not sure if it is a space shuttle or simply a rocket). If it is indeed a shuttle launch, I might be interested in hanging around an extra day to have the opportunity to view.

 

[vpalmer]

Oh Monica - that is not fun! We only wrote numbers descending, so I could not screw it up! I figured I would mess it up if I tried to get too fancy. As it is, Brooke just likes to go tear the paper and talk about Mickey.

Ron Jons sounds fun!

Is anyone else familiar with the launch schedules? I thought I read somewhere that SOMETHING was going up on October 1 (I am not sure if it is a space shuttle or simply a rocket). If it is indeed a shuttle launch, I might be interested in hanging around an extra day to have the opportunity to view.

Oh no Monica! I hate that you have to re-do your chain. It looks so cool and like a lot of work! I think Eva and I will make our chain soon. It is starting to get more manageable.

I have not heard about the October first date but that sounds really interesting. The only date I have heard is July first but that is entirely different, I'm sure.

I would hate to miss a launch on October first but we are booked for a 3 night MYW free dining package right after the cruise. I just couldn't pass up free dining!

So has everyone lined up their excursions, Palo ressies and spa ressies yet? We can't make our reservations until day 75 but I think I have everything set in my mind.

On Key Wes, my DH really wants to ride the Western Union Schooner so I think we are doing the day sail. On Grand Cayman we will try and book the first Nautilus excursion because that is the closest we will get to snorkel with a three year old in tow. And I think we may break the bank and spring for the dolphin encounter in Cozumel. Eva is completely obsessed with animals and ever since I showed her the pictures on the web she periodically asks if she can kiss a dolphin.

As for Palo, I think we might aim for night four because regardless of the rotation, that will be the second of three nights in the same restaurant. That and the special menu listed for that night in the passporter looks the least appealing to me. Since that is the Grand Cayman day and our excursion is super short and first thing in the morning I am thinking we may catch the Matinee of Twice Charmed and not have to worry about rushing to a show around Palo.
I would like to make spa reservations as well. I am thinking I will do the facial and massage for myself and a massage for my DH. I may book a pedicure as well but I am not sure yet.

So what is everyone else planning on booking?

 

[arndtge]

We stayed at the RonJon before our May 13th eastern Carribbean cruise this year and completely loved it! We have 4 children ages 5,6,8 and 16 and stayed in a 2 bedroom unit. The only downside I experienced was that when we got on the ship and went to the pools, the kids were underwhelmed by the pools on the ship and said they wanted to back to RonJon. It was our first cruise and by the sailaway party the kids had forgotten about the RonJon. Hope this helps

 

[Whisker]

Hellooo 9/23 cruisers. I just thought I would drop in on your thread and

My family is planning on being on this cruise. Will be me, my hubby, and two kids (daughter 9 and son 3). Also sailing will be my Mother in law and her husband.

 

[vpalmer]

Hellooo 9/23 cruisers. I just thought I would drop in on your thread and

My family is planning on being on this cruise. Will be me, my hubby, and two kids (daughter 9 and son 3). Also sailing will be my Mother in law and her husband.

Hi Whisker!

Welcome! We are also sailing with a three year old and my MIL has also booked a cabin down the hall from us as well. It's great to have you!

 

[Euphscott]

Welcome aboard Whisker!

Veronica - if you are at WDW you will be able to see the launch - so you are well ahead of us!

 

[vpalmer]

Welcome aboard Whisker!

Veronica - if you are at WDW you will be able to see the launch - so you are well ahead of us!

That is great news! Please excuse my ignorance when it comes to shuttle launches.

 

[sftnslky]

So has everyone lined up their excursions, Palo ressies and spa ressies yet? So what is everyone else planning on booking?

[ Ok I love free dining as well, but what the heck does MYW mean? And how do they? have free dining?

As for reservations.... So far we are wanting to do the jeep/jungle tour in Cozmul, and rent the jet skis at Castaway Cay. Not sure if we are even going to get off the boat in Key West...but if we do the trolley tour sounds fun for the kids. As for Palo, we are still deciding...We are not gourmet "foodies", so the "normal" food will be very nice for us...Heck I am SUPER happy if they just have a nice salad and fresh fruit bar. Oh and C H O C O L A T E but we are thinking of doing one dinner at palos with all the adults who are going. .

As for the spa... I am thinking of getting the weekly thingy thing you know the one where you can use the rainforest room [?] and stuff? As for mani or pedi I will get both of those done the day before we leave... BUT I might schedule a facial for the day we are in Key West.

Hope you all have a great Thursday evening.... Try to stay cool.... we are in our 4th straight day of over 100 degrees with 7 more to come. many & lots of & Love

 

[sftnslky]

Hellooo 9/23 cruisers. I just thought I would drop in on your thread and My family is planning on being on this cruise. Will be me, my hubby, and two kids (daughter 9 and son 3). Also sailing will be my Mother in law and her husband.

Whisker..... So glad to have you join our small, but ever growing group. This will be our Frist DCL cruise, but our 7th cruise total....It is actually a memorial cruise to Dh's Mother who recently passed away and LOVED cruising... The "players' of this show will be

Me
DH
DD 10
DD 7
Sister In law
Her hubby
Thier DD 5
Their DD 13
DH's other Sister
DH's co-worker
Co-workers DW
Their DS 16
Their DS 12
Their DD 6

Except for us, Dh's sister and her Dh have gone on one 3 night cruise...but for everyone else this will be their very first cruise ever. I love seeing folks faces who have never been on a cruise or that close to "such a big boat"

Have a great Thursday....

 

[yazee1]

Welcome Whiskers! I look forward seeing you in this thread.

 

[strawberryblonde]

Hello Whiskers , thanks for joining in on the thread. Good to see there will be a 9 year old girl. My DS is 9 and his girl cousins are 8 and 10 (they are coming along). We will also have my MIL along , it is the cruise of the MIL's .

I am loving the month of June here in our house. Weather is perfect at the moment, not too hot or too cold. A wonderful breeze blows through the house all day and night. Sometime in late Aug. the breeze stops and that is when it gets muggy/uncomfortable here. We will be glad to be gone for some of the worst of it in Sept. to go on the cruise.

I'm not sure what I will be booking yet. I've got to decide soon. Sting rays for sure

 

[brerrabbit70]

Hi Whiskers and welcome!!!!

The character in my little group will be me, DH, DD 11 (turning 12 on the cruise!), DS 14, my parents, some friends with their DD 4.

Excursions....let's see

Key West: I think we'll take the kids around and just let them see a few sights. Then we'll take them back to the ship (if they want) and do some more sightseeing.

Grand Cayman: I'm torn between the Nautilus Undersea Tour and Reef Snorkel and Stingray City. You see, I was stung by a stingray a few years ago and it was the worst pain I've EVER felt. I'm still a little nervous when I go to the beach, but I think they are beautiful animals. I know....I'm weird!

Cozumel: I think we're leaning towards the Xcaret Park. There seems to be alot to do there and we do have a small child in our group.

Castaway Cay: Nothing!!!! I may try to do the bicycle trail only because we've been twice before and I've never done it. Other than that, just relax!

I want to try Palo Brunch and watch our friend's DD so they can go to dinner. We may do the Tropical Rainforest and/or a massage!

I'm just gonna play it by ear.