any November 15th eastern 7 ngt cruisers out there?

[SINK]

We thought about doing the photo along with the autograph book as well. But, since we've the Disney's blue autograph book, it was hard to put photo in it. So, we dumped the idea. We have also thought about the index card/photo album approach, but were and still bit reluctant to use non-disney material for the character to autograph.

Funny, before I thought what a "stupid" gimmick for Disney to get characters to autograph, but now both DW and I are big fans. We have our own autograph books. That's why we are big fans of doing character meals, since all the character will rotate to every table to have their pictures taken (we don't have to wait in line like Japanese tourist, and/or feel embrassed about taking the characters time away from the kids). Sometimes we pretend that the autograph books are for our kids so we would not feel bad (we don't have any kids, yet).

Oh, 49% gay, yes, I used to buy plenty of TY beanie babies (for DW of course), which are currently resting in storage bins. Now, I replaced them with Disney plush. Furthermore, when DW and I travel to Paris, I would buy a few of purses/bags from LV for DW. Don't get me wrong, I don't like shopping, but just like to keep up with the trends (and it's good talking topic). Unfortunately, I don't dress fashionablely anymore, therefore, can't reach over the 50% mark.

 

[nedleycan]

I am the biggest planner I know. Yet, you guys out-do me! I plan all the time, right now I am planning for our "no kids" vacation next year. But, I don't do a binder (I do a folder) and I don't scrapbook after the trip (mainly because my job keeps me so busy that any extra time is either with the kids, or doing work).
I can't wait to meet all of your too.
I too am an early waker. Partly because our kids are. Even if they were to go to sleep at 10:00 p.m. (normal bedtime is 7:30) they would still be up before 7:00 a.m. This is a real problem when we want to stay up late. I am hoping that they fall asleep at the club this year (didn't last year!) so that we can stay out late. Plus, we aren't big "late night people" so we prefer to get up early and enjoy the beautiful Carribean day!
I can't believe we are almost 50 days until cruise time! Remember when we all celebrated that there were 100 days to go! We have come so far...

 

[lbgraves]

Since William was terrified of Santa last year, I'm not counting on the characters for them but we will plan to attend the breakfast on the Magic. I definantly want to do a Character Breakfast on a future trip with them though at the MK. I am going to get the kids autograph books when we get to DT Disney our first afternoon in Orlando. I am going to scan them for the autograph book so that I can print them out on whatever paper I choose. It will give me onel ess thing to worry about too. I am considering doing pillowcases for the kids, but again that is another thing to carry around with us all the time.

That sounds like a great time with Jasmine & Alladin. My kids need to be a bit older to know all the characters I guess. We don't have that movie but they know all the recent ones. They love Buzz & Woody so I can't wait for them to see the ASMovie & our room in the Toy Story suite.

 

[nedleycan]

Cam would love that! I have never heard of it!
We are not huge Disney fans (sorry guys!) We don't dislike Disney, just don't really get into it. So our kids only know the current movies like Toy Story and Monster's Inc. They haven't seen any of the others. I keep on meaning to get Lion King, Mulan and Beauty & the Beast, but keep forgetting. My daughter knows all the princesses (mainly from our trip last year).
BUT, my son would freak out if we stayed in a Toy Story Suite. You are soooo lucky!
The characters are so tame, that I am sure your kids will not be scared. I thought my son might be (same Santa experience) but he wasn't at all. He would run right up to them and usually hit them (his way of saying "you're cool"... haha).

 

[lbgraves]

Linda, the hotel looks so cool!!! They have 5 wings...TS, 101 Dalmations, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks, and The Love Bug. The decor of the room is from that movie. There are HUGE characters all around the hotel. The brochure the TA showed us cinched it for us.

Kaitlyn is learning all the princesses. I am hoping that will help her get excited when she sees them. She got a few princess things for her birthday from friends and LOVES them.

I love to scrapbook but don't get the chance very much. I have an album for our trip and will be going to a store in Morehead City to stock up on Mickey paper & such so that it will be easier for me to get started after the holidays.

 

[Jo-Anne]

Lisa - we stayed in the AS Music before and I walked over to the Toy Story wing and boy those characters in the courtyard are huge! I tried to take a reasonable picture, and couldn't get it all in! You'll have a blast at the AS. My DD did not sit on Santa's lap until she was 5, but she had no problems with a character meal when she was 4! Who knows, William might surprize you!
Like Linda said, you folks are the ultimate planners. My DH thinks I'm absolutely obsessed with planning our trips, but I have nothing on you guys! Usually everyone is relying on me to get them all set up and know where everything is, but looks like I"ll be turning to you guys!!
I'm having a hard time believing we're down to almost 50 days! So much to do in so little time. Atleast we got through both kids birthdays over the past 2 weeks!
Can you believe I got a notice today to show up for Jury duty on October 14! It says I have to be prepared to show up every day for a minimum of a week! Yikes. Hey Linda - you ever done Jury duty here in Canada? I'm not looking forward to it...I'm hoping that they'll find me "unsuitable" to sit on a trial...I'll figure out something...think if I show up in Mickey Ears they'd consider me insane and send me on my way!? Jo

 

[lbgraves]

Jo, I hope JD is painless for you. Now I have another thing to worry about!!! Gosh, what would we do if they put us on JD when we are going to be on the cruise???

 

[nedleycan]

Jo-Anne, no I have never been on JD or been asked to attend the first meeting. But, I know lots of people who have been notified, and only one that has ever had to go on a jury. Her's was horrible. It lasted a long time and it was a terrible murder with years of abuse (sorry, sad story to tell). She was the Foreperson (is that a word?) Anyway, usually something happens that makes you not have to serve. Explain that you are a mother of 2 young children and that your husband works a lot and you don't know how you could properly serve... and wear the ears for sure! haha

Did any of you just watch The Bachelor with Bob? Those girls are insane! Lots of action this season! Do you think it will be on during the Disney Cruise? The timing seems perfect for it to be the finale... uh oh!

 

[lbgraves]

IDK about the Bachelor but I will be taping Survivor. This one has been hysterical so far. What happened with the ambulance? Was it one of the girls? The others were so upset by it.

 

[nedleycan]

I think one girl had a panic attack... either that or two of them had a fist fight! haha All the girls are nuts!

 

[mkauffman]

Ok, I was out of the office yesterday (had to work in Philadelphia....my not-so-favorite city) and I feel like I've missed something!!! You guys are a hoot.

I thought I was the resident travel agent, but every one of you has me beat by miles! I'm so proud of you all. I just figured out that's why we all get along so well...we're all anal! Every one of us! Could make for very interesting conversations on board!

We stayed at the AS Movies, in the Toy Story section, and it was the BEST ever!! Last year we stayed at Caribbean Beach and didn't like it as well. I guess we're just kids at heart. We all said we would pay less and go back to ASM! We lucked out and got assigned the Toy Story section, but if we did it again I would definitely request that section. It was close to the food court and just tons of fun! There's nothing like seeing Buzz or Woody tower over your whole hotel!

I'm so behind....I've never seen a single episode of Survivor, Bachelor, Bachelorette, Queer Eye....nothing! Oh my goodness, I really have got to get with the times! Tuesday night I wanted to catch Whoopie and I never got home from our soccer game until almost 10:00! That's how most of my nights are (that's why I NEED this vacation!).

Michelle

 

[mcampbell_22]

Hi all,

I was just scanning the threads and saw one about the Golden Eagle Catamaran excursion. I forget who was thinking of doing this (Michelle, Lisa, Linda, Joanne...). You may want to check it out. It has some first hand accounts. Sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[mkauffman]

We're doing the Golden Eagle. I had read someone's first-hand account online and it sounds like a blast. Check out this link:

http://richym1.tripod.com/july_10.htm

Anyway.....her story is why we decided to book it. I love finding stuff like that!

Hey all....we're in the 40s now!!! Yippee!!

Michelle

 

[lbgraves]

I was cleaning out in the garage today & found the plush ship. Got the butterflies brewing! LOL! Can't believe we are under the 50 day mark now!!!

Michelle, we got the nametags today. Thanks so much!!! They look great!!! I found some of the magnetic paper today. Now I can start trying to make up something for William's birthday to put on the board.

 

[kimszath]

Hey y'all! Sorry I've been off the boards for TOO long. Just wanted to pass along that when I was chatting with a Disney rep the other day (was canceling my WDW-to-port transfer), she mentioned that she had taken the cruise and went on the Butterfly Farm excursion. I'm sure she was whispering when she said so (they aren't supposed to turn you off to Disney stuff, right?), but she said to take a taxi, pay the regular entrance fee, and then catch a cab over to town afterwards for shopping. Seems she found it way overpriced, you only get to spend about 45 minutes at the Butterfly Farm (plus one free beverage), then they take you to some little out-of-the-way tourist shopping where most folks leave empty-handed, and then to a soda stand. It doesn't really take you near the REAL shopping district--no bargains or really nice stuff. I had reserved this excursion, but will be canceling it this week. Anybody have a different experience with this excursion? I'm kinda limited as to what I can take my 4-year-old to. Also, turns out the St. Thomas leg of our journey won't be pulling up at the usually dock near the big mall--we're docking over at Charlotte Amalie and being tendered ashore. Found this out when my Disney Rep had to research why the Paradise Point Tramway was sold out... turns out it isn't really sold out--they just wanted to be absolutely certain that folks understood that transportation to and from the tramway in a taxi are at your own expense (this place was walking distance from the usual docking area near the mall). If everyone had already heard this, I missed it!

Have a great weekend!

 

[lbgraves]

Well that stinks!!! Guess that we wont be seeing anything in St Thomas. 2 kids & 2 strollers just sounds like too much to deal with to have to tender. Guess we will just have to stay onboard the Magic & "suffer". Thanks for the information though!

Kim do you know about the nametags Michelle designed for us or the meets on the ship? We have so far planned a meet on Sunday 11-12 at the Topsider area near the kid's pool, the ladies are having High Tea at Palo on Sunday afternoon, and we have sworn to walk deck 4 in the morning. Well, most of us have anyway. Good to have you back in the group!

 

[SINK]

Oh well, those were definitely some bad news. However, one thing to mention that cruising itineraries are never 100%. We might be re-routed around due to bad weather. DW and I always keep an open mind. Life is too short worrying about missing a port/excursion. We don't really mind being couped up on the Magic and not going on shore. There are a lot of things to do on the ship, or just plain relax. There's always next time (and a great excuse to do it again).

 

[mcampbell_22]

OK, Crazy Planning Woman (aka Mary) has started to pack. I've got a checklist for each day of the cruise (day and night wear).

Wanted to double check if anyone has gotten any changes to the dinner theme schedule. My notes have it as Sat - Casual; Sun - Formal; Mon - Casual; Tues - Tropical; Wed - Casual; Thurs - Semi formal; Fri - Casual. I'm trying to separate outfits into bags for each particular day to make it easy for the kids and would like to label things for them.

Also, I have a very wild tropical dress. Anyone else going "Hawaiin crazy" as my DD calls it? Do people tend to dress more conservatively on this night or a little wild?

Thanks for the info on St. Thomas. We had intended to do the Tram but now I'll have to reassess our plans taking into consideration we may have to taxi places.

Now where's my binder...

 

[Jo-Anne]

Ugh about the tendering at St. Thomas - I have a real tendency to motion sickness and I hear the tenders can be quite rocky!? Anyone know how long the tender ride is? Anyone have experience with tendering?? Does this mean that we'll be dropped off right downtown and won't have to do the $5.00 water taxi? As for tropical night, DH and I will most likely be rather conservative, but will try to find something wilder for kids! Right now I have a flowery dark red and black sun dress...will assess as we get closer! The corner of my room that I plunk down "cruise stuff" is getting larger...anyone remember how intense the caribbean sun is in Nov? WOndering how many variations of suntan lotion to take....30, 45, 50 SPF! Don't think I'll start packing yet, but will am going to start trying outfits on to make sure I can account for every night!!

 

[SINK]

I usually wear dorky, "Hawaiian shirt" and dockers, while DW wears matching "Hawaiian" dress for tropical nights and casual dining in Parrot Cary. I thought about finding a grass shirt for DW and myself.

However, all my Hawaiian wear got wipe-out as result of a recent bulgary (break-in of my rental car) while in Orlando back in July. My company lap top, my beloved digital camera (I have also brought along the operating manuel), our families WDW hopper tickets, and most importantly all my Disney pin collection (with carrying case) were also part of the thief's price. The most unfortunately part about all this is that I don't have homeowner's insurance back then (I got it now). Oh well.

I think the water taxi's are at St. Marteen and not at St. Thomas.