Any January 10, 2004 Eastern Cruisers lurking yet?

[abitjaded]

Bon Voyage Brack and Annette!

First Christmas group is on way to Airport. Second Christmas group is on road, arriving tonight for Christmas number two. Busy here. Hope to get packing started soon.

Carla

 

[rcostello1]

I don't remember, and I'm too lazy to move from the chair right now and a search would require too much brain power... when is the 'show' at Animator's Palate? If we end up with a LAPLAPL rotation is it the 2nd visit? I can't remember which rotation we had last time. Not knowing the rotation makes it difficult to plan!! I will have to make 3 different plans

I finally have days off from retail world this week. Maybe I'll take a day off from the real job, too. I have to pick clothes, start packing, and finish planning. First on the list, which duty-free liquor needs replenishing... Guess I'll make that list after New Year's Eve!

 

[brack]

The two times we have been on the Magic the show at Animators was the second night.

Now that I've said that watch it be the first this time!

 

[babsmv]

Hi Everyone,
We just found this board today. It will be DH, DS 12, DD 11 & myself going. We are all really excited. This is our first DCL cruise. DH & I met on a cruise (Norway) 15 years ago. Best vacation we ever took!
We are arriving on the 9th at MCO & staying at a Days Inn. We plan to rent a car & drive to the port. We are thinking about using a limo service (or any transportation service) after the cruise because our plane leaves at 11:30. Don't know what I was thinking when I made that reservation!! Any ideas from you experienced cruisers what transportation is reliable & affordable. Anyone else have early flights that would like to share a ride to the airport?

Thanks,
Glad we are joining all of you!

Barb

 

[abitjaded]

Welcome Barb. Try posting about your rush to the airport to the rest of the board. I know this question comes up and folks will have advice for you. We are staying in Cocoa Beach for a bit after, just so we do not have to rush. However, there is one member of our party who must get to MCO that day. We were going to pick up our rental car and drive him in.

Carla

 

[babsmv]

Thanks Carla, we will do that.
I printed out one of the "things to bring lists". Wow, do I have a lot to do! Like everyone else Christmas kind of took a backseat this year. We are just all too excited about the cruise. My DD decided to clean out her drawers yesterday & I told her to pack her summer clothes so she will be ready. She was thrilled to hear that. My DS was thrilled to find out he can IM if we get the internet package for him. I guess they are all set now.
We still have to book excursions or decide what to do at the ports. I'm thinking beaches, but the rest of the family wants action! I'm juist counting the minutes now. Have a Happy New Year everyone!
Barb

 

[brack]

Welcome Barb!

You can book the DCL transport going and coming from the airport. If the hotel has a shuttle they can get you back and forth to the airport before the cruise. DCL is reasonable and you can be assured of getting there on time if they know your schedule.

There are limos and other transport services advertised on this board as well.

 

[rcostello1]

OK I was doing my round of verifications this weekend and everything was fine. I even booked a trip to Vegas while I was at it. Oh and bought $5 zillion tickets for Celine Dion (third row, center ). So today I was cruising through and noticed that since this weekend the flight times for 2 in my travel party changed by over 5 hours!!

They were booked on the evening flight which is now non-existent. The 1pm flight means they can't work Friday, which was the whole point of the evening flight. So I called Song and switched them to the 7am flight with the rest of us. So now we're all going to be there in the AM (one comes from NYC, the rest from DC).

So 8 people don't fit into a 7 person minivan. Thankfully my magic wand still works and I got 2 full size cars for $25 each (all taxes/fees included there!). That was less than half the cost of my one minivan. Woo hoo!

The hotel is no worry for Friday, we are staying at the MCO Hyatt via HotWire. Now everyone can enjoy a day in the park. We are set for dinner at Boma, one of my favorite places!

We also have tickets to attend a taping of WWTBAM with Meredith Viera. Only 6 tickets and now 8 people, so I will sacrifice and go shopping instead

I finally had time to start my spreadsheet. It's nice to see the dining and activities (BINGO!) together. I had Bingo conflicts with brunch and/or tea last time, so at least this time I have an idea of when those will occur. Granted all these times are set to change but I have a good idea.

I uploaded my draft in Adobe Acrobat PDF format if anyone wants to take a look: http://members.aol.com/rcostello1/cruise2004/cruisedraft.pdf. Oh, and while I was typing this (for the 3rd time, don't ask!) my confirmations on the tuxedos came through. We will be all pretty My Amex bill won't be...!!

 

[cotomom]

Love your spreadsheet! Thanks for sharing it!

 

[cadburysmom]

Hello again...it's been a while since I've checked these boards but my DS 9 and I are so excited about the cruise!! We are flying into Orlando Jan 9......tried to get the MCO Hyatt where we stayed in years past but unfortunately got the Airport Renaissance on Priceline. Someone suggested I try Hotwire for MCO Hyatt but I hate taking another chance and losing the money and from what I've read, the Renaissance is really nice.

We are waitlisted for early seating so I'm crossing my fingers that we'll get it....I certainly don't want DS9 falling asleep at dinner each night.

We're doing the afternoon Golden Eagle Catamaran in St. Martin and hopefully it will be as fun as last year. I tried to book us on the Dolphin Encounter but it was booked. Oh well....there's always next year!

My DS9 will be bringing his Gameboy Advance to use on the plane but he loved the Oceaneer's Lab so much last year that he never wanted to play it during the cruise. I'm hoping he'll feel the same way this year.

We are very excited and look forward to meeting you!

 

[brack]

rcostello1: Great spreadsheet! The only thing missing is the DISBoard meet on Sunday at about 2pm. I'll have my camera for a group picture.

 

[abitjaded]

I'm hoping all of us will bring the kids to the meet, too. At least I hope I can convince my guys to come. I did dig up a lime green t-shirt for DS 10, so look for us in the preboarding line. I hope we are there early enough!

Wow, rcostello, you are organized! I swiped a copy for my notebook, too.

Spent yesterday, while round two of guests went to ski getting the laundry together and forcing the kids to try on their summer stuff. Wee bit of a problem with slacks, maybe I can paint their ankles black or khaki and nobody will notice the gap.... Ye gads, forgot what a monumental mound even 7 days supply of clothes for 5 makes. We will be gone 15 days, wonder what that would look like if I packed for all instead of planning to wash clothes.....

I did suggest DS bring a Pokeman deck also. Maybe that would keep them from Game Boy addiction. And maybe he could finally really learn how to play instead of making up the rules as he goes along.

Big preps for NY today. My DB's girlfriend is from Russia where it is their major holiday, so ding, ding, ding, round two with a vengance, fireworks, crystal and all.

Happy NY Eve all!

Carla

 

[steveandtonya]

WOO HOO
Only TEN DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN!
Happy New Cruise Year everyone!

Steve

 

[brack]

steveandtonya: thanks for the birthday wish on the other thread. I surprised her today with a party.

I'll make sure the ship is in good shape for you.

 

[brack]

Happy New Year. See you in about 9 days (single digits for you too!). Travel safe. I'll make sure to save some fun for you.

Look for me on the 10th deck before you board. I don't have to get off the ship so I'll wave at you.

 

[abitjaded]

Gee Brack, rub it in. Happy BD to Annette.

Called DCL to make sure we get a table toward the front of the restaurants and set up our "celebrations". The CM said the cruise is 90% full. Now I'm starting to worry about the ressie rush. Thought our cruise was going to be empty. What port arrival time is everyone aiming for?

Barb, did you get your transport worked out?

rcostello, just in case, for the future, there are some minivans that hold eight. At least eight bodies, but hardly luggage AND the people. They are the standard, but have two back tiers of seats that hold three. There is very little room in the van to schlepp luggage. It ends up being stacked on laps and bungeed to the top. Been there, done that. Two cars are better.

Carla

 

[rcostello1]

abitjaded, I've had the 8-passenger van before, but I'm too cheap for that Two full-size cars at $25 makes me quite happy, plus Alamo is in-termal, and I have Quicksilver so I won't have a line! Plus this way we can split up if we need...luggage won't be an issue...we are staying at the Hyatt MCO so we'll just drop it off. We drove down to the port from the DC area in both a 7- and an 8-passenger minivan. Flying is better!

Now tomorrow I start packing, or at least getting the stuff ready for the cleaners. Also get my haircut, then I have to work again. Ugh!

When I revise the spreadsheet I will post an update. I need to throw on a few more things.

So I guess this means I fly down a week from tomorrow. I have SO MUCH to do!!! I'm trying to get out of working next Thursday night...I hate working late and then getting up at 4am...ick!!

Later!!

Rob

 

[abitjaded]

So,

missattitude
BGN
Rcostello Rob!
Brack and Annette
Steve and Tonya
Cadburysmom
babsmv
ukozmember
CTDVCMBS
reggit
cotomom
skjbarber
dvcreg

All? Any lurking?

Carla

 

[cadburysmom]

I think I'm more excited than my son! We have taken the cruise in late February for the last three years but had to change it to Jan due to my sister-in-law's pregnancy. I was worried I wouldn't appreciate it as much because it was so close to Christmas. But I've come to realize it is almost better because I usually get a little depressed once the holidays are over but now this gives me something to look forward to!

Looking forward to a great week aboard the Magic!

Mom from NC

 

[missattitude]

One more week until I am in Florida!!! This time next week I be on my way to the airport....with my bouncing 7 year old. She had an appointment at the eye doctor's today and couldn't sit still in the seat and told the DR. all about the cruise!

Has anyone booked excursions. We were thinking of just going to a beach in St. Maartin and were wondering if we should just go via a taxi. Any suggestions.....

In St. Thomas we booked a non DCL excurstion with Captain Jim from Jester sailing. With my DD we were limited to the age restrictions on excursions and she is a good swimmer so could do alot her age excluded her from.