A Happy Dog's Summer of Sea and Shore - *cough,cough, nudge nudge* 7/11

[jeremysdisneymom]

Your son is adorable in the play! It looks like lots of fun. Too cute about your other son singing the songs! It sounds like you have some aspiring actors in your future.

Congrats on paying off the cruise and for double digits!

 

[Happydog]

Hi everyone!!! Well, sometimes it is the small things which get us excited, and sure enough, I just happened to see my ticker tell me that we have 3 months before our fabulous trip to Florida, with our first port of call as Port Canaveral and the Disney DREAM, for our 5 night cruise! Can't wait.

SO, I guess that isn't "so small" after all...


But the excitement got me thinking that I should share a little trip news with you, and gear up for the next update...

I am on my final day of the TR for our Dream cruise last month -- and should have that wrapped up by the end of the week! I want to concentrate on my plans and updates for this trip, as well as our spring break fun in the Mediterranean coming up fast in four weeks!

So, as I think I updated already I have ordered our FE and am working on the FE gifts... I ordered the supplies, and all of them should be coming along soon... I also ordered magnetic paper to print our door magnets... Door Magnets, you ask? What are those?? Well, here is an example of what some families do to their Cabin DOOR on the cruises (I took this one on our recent cruise)...

Now, this is FAR more elaborate than I am planning, but you can see their FE and choices -- very impressive!!

I have had a few custom pieces designed for me, courtesy of the great DISigners on the Boards, and when they are made I will share...

You may also remember that I am making gift bags for the boys. I have been collecting things, but here are two recent items... one I picked up on the Dream when we went last month...

I bought Arcade cards for both boys, as well as these little sticky hand toys which I thought were hilarious and exactly the kind of goofy toy they like... I bought the little gift boxes last year, just because, wasn't sure how to use them at the time, but sure enough this worked out perfectly! I have other goodies to go in the bags, more I will share along the way, but I figured a few photos are in order, so I am sharing these now... Apparently the arcade cards on the Dream are different from those on the Wonder or Magic.

I also am going to be making costumes for DH and I, along with the boys...

Now, THANKS to a fabulous WigD, I just received a package, which is a Jack Sparrow pirate costume! (Baylor has outgrown it) I have been a lucky recipient of a few Pirate themed items, thanks to my DIS friends!!! And yes, CP, that shirt STILL fits Nolyn, so you can be sure it is coming on the cruise with us!!!

I am sure this costume will fit DS8, so now I need to get one for DS6... I will pick him out one similar, I have been scouring Ebay, and will either do the "skeleton pirate" which I have seen on the DIS website, OR get him another Disney Pirate costume, they have one that is slightly different from the one that WigD sent me. The skeleton costume is EXPENSIVE so I will probably go for the other choice I have seen online, but with the new movie coming out, undoubtedly there will be a big POC merchandise push... it is Disney after all.. Either way, I hope to have two scurvy pirates dressed and ready for action! I have purchased patterns and fabric for DH and I... we are keeping it simple, but it should be fun! I have to get everyone hats, and I have seen the hats online, and will be getting those once I have the costume plans set.

ADDITIONALLY, we have March 23rd as our day to book stuff online...

We are going for Palos dinner, late, 2xs (or one Palo and one Remy) and Palo Brunch. We have decided to do the sting ray experience with the kids at the lagoon on Castaway Cay, and we are going to rent a paddle boat as well (may need two). On board, I will probably get a spa treatment, but we will both do the rain room one day again. so far, this is the plan... I also have to register the kids into the kids club! We get to officially book online in a few days, so wish me luck! Though, thankfully I won't be too bent out of shape if I can't secure it all when I try on the 23rd. I know I will be able to get reservations onboard. It would just be nice to have it set, or as close to as we can!

More on all the above later in the week! As well as the dining rotation that I have requested!!!!

Have a great week everyone, and tune in for the wrap up on my TR!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I have totally fallen in love with the door magnets! I think I've downloaded about 50 of them I gotta narrow it down....

Great idea on arcade cards! And I love the sticky hand, that is totally something Jared would love - boys!

What size does Nolyn wear? I think Jared has an old skeleton pirate costume in the attic....

 

[Native NYer]

Arcade gift cards are a great idea! Love the boxes too.
Good luck on the 23rd! I hope you get everything you want.

 

[Charleston Princess]

The magnets look like they would be a lot of fun!!! Can't wait to see which ones you have chosen!

Wow! You are planning on going all out for costumes for the Pirate Night! How fun!

Good luck on Wednesday! I have a feeling you will get everything you want!

Oh, and happy three months!!!

 

[MEK]

Congrats on reaching your three month mark. You sure have some creative things in the works. How great that you were able to get Baylor's old pirate costume.

 

[Happydog]

Your son is adorable in the play! It looks like lots of fun. Too cute about your other son singing the songs! It sounds like you have some aspiring actors in your future.

Congrats on paying off the cruise and for double digits!

It was a fun time, and the kids all enjoyed themselves! That is what good theater is all about! Nevermind I am thinking Peter Pan look alike opportunity... HA!

Yes! I know! I can't wait to get my paperwork and reservations!

I have totally fallen in love with the door magnets! I think I've downloaded about 50 of them I gotta narrow it down....

Great idea on arcade cards! And I love the sticky hand, that is totally something Jared would love - boys!

What size does Nolyn wear? I think Jared has an old skeleton pirate costume in the attic....

I have six or so... I too am trying to keep it simple!!!

Well, I think he is big enough in some cases for the 7/8 but his arms and legs are more the 5/6 size... He has broad shoulders... He isn't much smaller than his older brother!!! So I am thinking the disney skeleton costume which is from a few years ago (it isn't the one on the Disney store site right now) will fit him in the 5/6 ... It is "loose" in cut vs. the one WigD sent me, which is the Jack Sparrow costume with the coat, SO cool!!!

Arcade gift cards are a great idea! Love the boxes too.
Good luck on the 23rd! I hope you get everything you want.

Thanks! I will just wait and see!

The magnets look like they would be a lot of fun!!! Can't wait to see which ones you have chosen!

Wow! You are planning on going all out for costumes for the Pirate Night! How fun!

Good luck on Wednesday! I have a feeling you will get everything you want!

Oh, and happy three months!!!

Well, we'll see! I hope to get at least one reservation at Palo's, and hopefully they wont all be taken already... guests who are gold and platinum get first dibs! But I think the ship is at least as full as February, and if that is the case, I don't anticipate any trouble! Actually, I can't sign up for two nights, only one night and brunch anyhow.. (to get a second night will require doing that on the ship).

Yep! We are going to make this a family affair!!! DH seems willing, so I am taking advantage of it, so he can't back out!!!

 

[Happydog]

Congrats on reaching your three month mark. You sure have some creative things in the works. How great that you were able to get Baylor's old pirate costume.

Thanks!! I know! Awesome, right? She is great that way. Last year, CP sent me a teeshirt that belonged to Connor -- it is a POC shirt and he loves wearing it! It still fits, so he will be taking that with him on this cruise!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Well, I think he is big enough in some cases for the 7/8 but his arms and legs are more the 5/6 size... He has broad shoulders... He isn't much smaller than his older brother!!! So I am thinking the disney skeleton costume which is from a few years ago (it isn't the one on the Disney store site right now) will fit him in the 5/6 ... It is "loose" in cut vs. the one WigD sent me, which is the Jack Sparrow costume with the coat, SO cool!!!

I'll get up in the attic this week and see if I can find it, I know it's in a plastic tub up there somewhere! If it's the right size I'd be glad to send it to you. I'm trying to remember how old Jared was when he wore it, I'm afraid it might be too small. It's the one from Disney, probably the one you are remembering. I had a Jack Sparrow costume that would have been perfect, had the hat with the hair and everything, but I gave it to another DISer last year

 

[eandesmom]

Well the apron sounds adorable!!! I think that is nice to have a little something special for one and something different for the other. I think she does hats and other things.. They are going to be squares, which I can sew on then trim myself to hide the edges... Looking forward to it!

She does cute things for sure! She is busy though, I won't get my half apron till May but she's squishing in Evan's now and am not even going to worry about the pillowcases and FE until May as there's a new design she's trying that I want to see first, that I might use.

Now, THANKS to a fabulous WigD, I just received a package, which is a Jack Sparrow pirate costume! (Baylor has outgrown it) I have been a lucky recipient of a few Pirate themed items, thanks to my DIS friends!!! And yes, CP, that shirt STILL fits Nolyn, so you can be sure it is coming on the cruise with us!!!

I

Hmmn. I hadn't thought about pirate night and bringing costumes for all, wonder if I should? I have heard they will do it on the Alaska cruise but figured I'd wait until May to see a TR from one and then decide.

That said I do have a great costume that I could send, I'll dig up a picture. Dreadlock wig and all. I think Evan wore it in 3rd grade but he's pretty small, not sure what size it is but it was definitely a childs costume and I know I have a picture of him in it. Assuming we have all the pieces lol! The earring may be long gone.

 

[manntra]

Fun! Fun! Fun! You are going to have some spiffy looking pirates!!

I think you should try Remy one night too.... I haven't seen many reviews on it yet so I am counting on you!!

Sending you some pixie dust so that you get all of the reservations you desire!!

Tracy

 

[Happydog]

I'll get up in the attic this week and see if I can find it, I know it's in a plastic tub up there somewhere! If it's the right size I'd be glad to send it to you. I'm trying to remember how old Jared was when he wore it, I'm afraid it might be too small. It's the one from Disney, probably the one you are remembering. I had a Jack Sparrow costume that would have been perfect, had the hat with the hair and everything, but I gave it to another DISer last year

HI Michelle! Well thanks! I say that costume sounds like the costume that WigD gave me! Gee, if you happen to have the skeleton that would be great! But only if it isn't any trouble! Just let me know, and thanks!!!! If it isn't a 5/6 chances are it may be too small, but either way thank you so much for taking the time to offer !!!

Oh and I got those same tubs....

 

[Happydog]

She does cute things for sure! She is busy though, I won't get my half apron till May but she's squishing in Evan's now and am not even going to worry about the pillowcases and FE until May as there's a new design she's trying that I want to see first, that I might use.

She does have such fun stuff! I agree... I told her May is fine for mine, I hope they don't take that long... I bet he will love that apron!

Hmmn. I hadn't thought about pirate night and bringing costumes for all, wonder if I should? I have heard they will do it on the Alaska cruise but figured I'd wait until May to see a TR from one and then decide.

That said I do have a great costume that I could send, I'll dig up a picture. Dreadlock wig and all. I think Evan wore it in 3rd grade but he's pretty small, not sure what size it is but it was definitely a childs costume and I know I have a picture of him in it. Assuming we have all the pieces lol! The earring may be long gone.

You know, neither had I. Then, Oh I dunno, I had a change of heart and just thought it would be fun for all of us... We have the costumes and the interest, so I figure why not!!! I figure if I can get everyone outfitted we'll do it! I have found a few on ebay for sale, not outrageous, so at this point I just have to get something for Nolyn... The costume WigD sent me is great, I figure I have already saved myself 1/2 the cost!

Fun! Fun! Fun! You are going to have some spiffy looking pirates!!

I think you should try Remy one night too.... I haven't seen many reviews on it yet so I am counting on you!!

Sending you some pixie dust so that you get all of the reservations you desire!!

Tracy

Oh I hope so!!!! Trying not to be sweltering hot!

Remy Remy Remy... I know. We'll see

Thank you for the buckets of pixiedust!

 

[Charleston Princess]

So, how many cruises do you have to take to become gold or platinum? Surely you are approaching that ranking soon!

 

[MeMom]

Just coming over to say hello!

I haven't had tons of DIS time, as I am trying to get this house overhauled for Bella's party. I'm about out of income tax money now, so the overhauling is coming to a halt. It was nice while it lasted.

Hope you guys are doing well and are having happy countdown days. We are at 100 today.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

So, how many cruises do you have to take to become gold or platinum? Surely you are approaching that ranking soon!

The current ranking for Castaway Club are
Silver after our first cruise until your 5th cruise (1-5)
Gold after your 5th cruise until your 10th cruise (6 -10)
Platinum after your 10th cruise (11 +)

 

[Happydog]

Well here is a proper summer trip CRUISE update! Very excited!!!

SO yesterday was my official “check-in and book activities and excursions” day! Kinda like ADR day for WDW trips!!! I won't lie... I was up at 12:30am to book stuff!!!!

So, friends, I reveal the HD and Family Cruise Itinerary!

Day ONE: Port Canaveral
My objective is to secure a reservation for a Palo’s brunch, and tea if they have it, AND get my kids on the Aqua Duck! So at least we have had a chance to ride it and they won’t be over anxious to try it. We will also stay out on deck as much as possible. We do plan for the kids to try out the club at some point, b/c everything I read says to get them there on the first day, and that way they meet kids right away. We will of course gladly oblige, and will head to the District or the Meridian bar!!!

Dining Rotation #3 was requested, which puts us in Animator’s Palate for dinner our first night:

I am VERY VERY excited to give this one a try! We didn’t go to Animator’s on our short Feb cruise, mostly because we had been before on the Wonder, and because it was a good restaurant experience to be a “first” for my boys and us! – though I am sure dinner at Palos had something to do with it… LOL!

Day TWO: Castaway Cay

We plan to spend the day at the beach, teach our kids how to snorkel, and have fun as a family… I am sure they will want to do some of the “club activities” so DH and I may be able to sneak a bit of time at Serenity Bay. We’ll see how it all plays out.

Dining Rotation #3 puts us in Enchanted Garden for dinner our second night:

As you know from my TR, we were not in love with this restaurant, and, since it isn’t really a kid-centric place, we have our own “PLAN B”. Which includes:

Taking the kids to the show, dinner at Cabanas, and then to the club, while we enjoy dinner at:

REMY’S!!!!!!!!! Yes, yes, we did decide to go this route. DH really wants to know. SO, we are going to see…

Day THREE: DAY at Sea!

We plan to get as much time as we can on the Aqua Duck, Kid’s club, swimming, miniature golf, but realistically these will probably get busy with guests pretty quickly, and understandably so. I am thinking we will likely spend more time on the INSIDE activities as well, like the scavenger hunt, the interactive art, kids activities or events, a matinee – hey, can you say CARS 2 or the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie??!! DH and I will ALSO be hitting Brunch at Palo’s I hope, so that means the kids can do an activity with the club while we are occupied! There are many things we didn’t do b/c they were not with us, so I know we will have lots to chose from.

Dinner this evening will be at the Royal Palace, and it is the “dress up” night!

Day FOUR: Nassau

This day we will definitely try to do more with the Aqua Duck, the miniature golf and sports deck, and swimming pool slide, etc… I think more families will be going on excursions, so it should be better to manage this day (at least early on.) This way the kids get their fill of the boat activities, we as a family can have fun, and hopefully DH and I can take advantage of the spa (rain room) at some point.

Dinner this evening is back at the Royal Palace, but THIS is PIRATE NIGHT! And they have a different menu… Ahoy Mateys!

SO I am sure it goes without saying our evening will be filled with great Pirate-themed fun!

Day FIVE: Castaway Cay

This day we will go snorkeling and plan to rent paddle boats. I hope to sign up for the sting ray experience as well… we are still thinking about it, but we plan to spend the day in pretty much the same fashion. Oh, and I am sure trying out the Pelican Plunge as well…

Dinner this evening is back at Animator’s Palate. Not sure if there will be a special menu (there is a lot of buzz about this) or the regular menu, but we’ll see. However, while we are taking the kids to dinner at our dining time, WE are not going to eat ourselves, maybe an appetizer! I just want to take them to dinner so they eat in the restaurant before they go to their last time at the club, and then DH and I are going to eat at Palo’s!

We may do the main stage performance before or after dinner -- it will depend on how we manage the time, but we have time either way. We will certainly hit the “See ya Real Soon” show in the mid-ship lobby, which happens right after the final main theater performance. It is TOO cute!

And that takes us to disembarkation day...

Day SIX: Port Canaveral

Where we won’t be in a rush to get off, but when we do, we head to our SECOND phase of fabulous summer fun at Vero Beach!!!!

All in all, this is the basic plan and it really helps me to firm up packing needs, plans for costumes, the FE, etc. It also reminds me that Spring break is still three weeks away, UGH! But after that, the trip will be upon us in NO time... Lots more details, things that are in the works, but this is the latest news, so I wanted to share! We still have the "reveal" and lots more to plan... including getting there!

TTFN!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Your plans sound great! I think your scouting mission helped you put together a fantastic itinerary.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Sounds awesome HD! I'm looking forward to hearing about Remy, I'm curious to hear if it's really worth that much of a surcharge.

I'm very jealous of your 2 Castaway Cay stops! You guys are going to have so much fun.

 

[MEK]

Thanks!! I know! Awesome, right? She is great that way. Last year, CP sent me a teeshirt that belonged to Connor -- it is a POC shirt and he loves wearing it! It still fits, so he will be taking that with him on this cruise!

That is so great! I saw the coolest pirate sheets at TJ Maxx today. They have a good thread count and this very subtle pirate motive running through the entire sheet. They were sooooooooooo cute! But I knew my boys are too old for them. They are certainly are perfect for the all the DISers who have young men who love pirates.

You plans for the cruise sound so fabulous. I would love to do a cruise followed by Vero Beach. It sounds like a perfect trip!