Anyone else sailing 2/2/02??

[Gina]

Originally posted by northsouth
I think it would be fun to do a DIS brunch at Palo, if they'll let us all have ressies together, that's probably the only catch. I'm hoping our cruise won't be totally packed like some are, and maybe we'll luck out on the ressies and the crowds. Gina, I knew you'd like that word squiffy!! It sounds just like a "champagne word" doesn't it?? and yes, please join us, we should have a brunch meet if they'll let us, if not, Gina, you just come along with us. I vote for Monday, but Sunday is OK too. I've just heard don't do the brunch on Thursday coz it's seafood night and then you have seafood twice. Does anyone know the hours for the brunch (11am-2pm maybe??) the time of day doesn't matter too much to me, but for those of you with kids in Oceaneers it might matter.

Do you really think the cruise at that time will be packed?? Yuck, I hope not. I'm hoping that most people will have some sort of issue with pulling their children out of school, unlike us.

Ewwww, seafood?? Unless it's in the shape of a stick and came in a box that said "Mrs. Paul's" on it, I'm not touching it. I'm telling you, you'll be able to find me at Pluto's Hot Dog Hut, getting my daily dose of chicken fingers.

Squiffy! Squiffy squiffy squiffy!! I just like saying it.

I'm not really a trader, just have bought a few that I liked (like Starlight Mickey on Ebay) and I have my castaway club pins from last time. Not too much. Got a couple from the Disney Store like Cinderella and a Mickey and Minnie 1933 or something, I love art deco type stuff. They're in their formalwear and it's a black and white pin. I love it. Oh, and I have a Captain Hans from Ebay that I liked. And I like Tinkerbell and Disney princesses. Just a few odds and ends. What do serious pin traders look for??

Honestly, I'm more of a collector than a trader, too. I don't keep up with the value of certain pins so much -- I just collect what I like. I do know that the CM's at WDW this past weekend really liked the Disney Store pins I had, because they don't have those at the parks. I made a few trades with those. Really, more than anything, I love to just see all the different pins people have at trading sessions... there are just so many!!

-gina-

 

[luvmy2boyz]

Northsouth~ We almost booked with Sun Country, but ended up with Continental. I wanted to kick myself a few weeks ago when Sun Country was selling flights for $69.00 per person. Now of course I'm happy paying $220.00.

I hit up cheappins.com for the kids, got about 20 pins apiece to trade. Pretty reasonable and I think the kids will have fun. I just need to pick up Lanyards at the Disney Store.

Right now I am busy planning what to over pack on. I swear I'm going to need to take at least 5 pairs of shoes!! I don't know how to get around it. All my outfits for dinner require differant colored/style shoes!!

I can't wait to do brunch at Palo's! I'm not into straight champange, I need to throw a little orange juice in it ! It would be nice to meet for brunch but, I don't know if Palo can accomodate a large group. Gina, you should defiantly join Northsouth. Maybe the rest of us can do some kind of Dis meet like some of the other groups did.

I'm still in awe of how fast this year went by, can't believe we've made our final payment and are less than 60 days away!!

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by luvmy2boyz
Right now I am busy planning what to over pack on. I swear I'm going to need to take at least 5 pairs of shoes!! I don't know how to get around it. All my outfits for dinner require differant colored/style shoes!!

"Outfits for dinner????" I need special "outfits" just for regular dinner?? AAAhhhhh!!! I thought that only the "special" outfit I needed was for the semi-formal night, which I have my little cocktail dress for. Other than that, my wardrobe is not very fancy!

Help, please clue in this clueless first-timer...

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

Don't stress, Gina...I am bringing my one formal to wear both formal nights and to Palo(I had bought a couple but the other won't fit unless I lose 20 lbs, I was hopeful when buying it!!). I have a tropical dress that I think is too short but I'll bring it anyway. And I'm bringing a couple of skirts that are not too fancy.
That's pretty much it, and I bought some dressy heels on clearance but I NEVER wear heels so I am worried about walking in them, especiallly if I have a drink LOL. I think it is OK to wear dressy pants too, just no shorts or jeans they say, at dinner. I would think khaki type pants are OK most nights, and one formal should be plenty. I am going to check the after Christmas sales too just in case I can get a second dress for cheap (telling my secrets but I don't care LOL). I never get to wear dresses in my job so I am actually looking forward to dressing up though.

I am really stressing about getting my flights now. the best one I found leaves Orlando at 1045 am on Feb 9...don't know if that is too early. We were going to get a Tiffany Towncar to leave the port that day. I will have to do a search and see what others think about how early we can get to the airport. anyone know??

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by northsouth
I am really stressing about getting my flights now. the best one I found leaves Orlando at 1045 am on Feb 9...don't know if that is too early. We were going to get a Tiffany Towncar to leave the port that day. I will have to do a search and see what others think about how early we can get to the airport. anyone know??

Kendall, our flight leaves at 10:45 too. It was the only flight available with my miles, way back when I booked it a year ago. I asked about the time thing too on here, and lots of people freaked out and scared me. But they were the people who were on some cruise were someone had a medical emergency, and some other problem, and they got back to port late. From what I can gather, the normally gets back by about 8 or so, and we should have plenty of time to catch our flights. If we're one one of the rare delayed cruises, then I'll just deal with it at the airport. I refuse to worry about one more thing.

Thanks for the clothes info! I'll have to dig in my closet and see what I have.

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

Well, how is everyone today?? Did anyone else get a flu shot this year?? I did just in case, don't want to ruin my vacation with flu. Otherwise I don't get sick much, but not taking any chances this year!! I'm also bringing Bonine for seasickness but while I am not prone to it, I am a real girl scout when it comes to preparedness. I had bought Seabands for the previous cruise but never needed them, we had very calm seas.

Still scanning new airfares, I am going to book something today I hope. I don't have enough confidence in SunCountry right now to count on them to rebook me, I'll just take a refund if I can get one out of them. May be weeks/months in coming though, I'll just think of it like a tax refund. Found out my neighbor is going to Las Vegas next week on SunCountry, they rebooked her on another airline but so far she has no return flight!! She had gone through a travel agent so they are taking care of things for her.

Looks like we MAY have to return on Sunday though, I just don't feel easy about that 1045am flight (sorry Gina) but still not sure yet. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by northsouth
Looks like we MAY have to return on Sunday though, I just don't feel easy about that 1045am flight (sorry Gina) but still not sure yet. I'll keep you posted.

Hey, believe me, the 10:45 flight wasn't my choice! But it was either that or no cruise, since that was the only time I could go, so I'm more than willing to chance it. Besides, it *can't* be any worse than all the huge problems we had just trying to get to and from Orlando last weekend!! If our Feb. cruise is one of those once-in-a-blue-moon delayed ones, I'll deal with it then. I refuse to stress about it. I would have just come back Sunday, but that leaves too little time for us to recuperate before work/school.

I'm just ready to go on the cruise!! I don't care what happens after it at this point.

-gina-

 

[ssclbc]

I got my flu shot too. Always better to be safe than sorry. Plus I work in a hospital, so it's really a good idea for me. I can't agree more with bringing remedies for whatever you might think could make you feel bad. Trying to find cough medicine in an island store is not easy and very expensive (I know this from experience!) I've put together a basic list over many trips...if anyone wants it I can e-mail it to you.

Don't stress about clothes!! When you hear advice which says something like "take out what you think you need for your trip, then put half of it away", believe it!! If you are looking for a special outfit for formal/semiformal night, wait until after Jan 1, I found some real deals last year (like up to 75% off!).

Well, if we can't get a group Palo thing together...how about meeting someplace else? Is everyone first or second seating? We're second right now, waitlisted for first.

My DD and I must have watched Mickey's Magical Christmas 10 times this past weekend. When she saw Santa yesterday and he asked what she wanted she told him a Disney castle. (luckily it's been ordered from the Disney catalogue and is sitting in my closet waiting to be wrapped.)

Any of you have experience with getting gift baskets delivered to the staterooms? I'm thinking about it...

 

[northsouth]

Oh, Gina, I hope my comment about the 1045 am flight didn't bother you !!! you have Disney Transportation too, don't you?? that will probably make things easier for you...I was just thinking how I have 4 semi-lazy kids to get perking that last morning, and all the luggage, and we're "transporting" on our own, was going to get Tiffany for that morning so they could whisk us off to MCO but now we're returning on Sunday anyway. Got my airfare and hotel all squared away, Hakuna Matata!!! Priceline Rules (for hotel anyway!!)

ssclbc, we are second seating too (my preference but then my kids are older too). I think a lot of DIS'ers try to meet at the sailaway party at 5pm Saturday, or who else is planning to get to the port fairly early?? I definitely am, and got my lime green (more like spring green) ribbon to wear. On our 3 day cruise we were there by 11am on a land and sea package, so didn't have to check in, just waited to board. Around 1230 they let us on the ship and we went to Parrot Cay buffet, then we were ahead of the crowds all day. As we finished lunch, hordes of people were arriving to eat, and we were ready to go book Palo then. That didn't take long, then we got DD registered for Oceaneers, then we went out to the pools and sat around and relaxed, it was great and not crowded. Somewhere in there we went to our room and our luggage did arrive at some point.
This time I'm going to the buffet on Deck 9 if I can, they filled up Parrot Cay first, then the overflow went to Deck 9 buffet. I hope they still do it this way, anyone know???

Then at 4pm I think was the lifeboat drill, then back to the room and then the sailaway party. Anyway, it's all coming back to me....can't wait!!!

so anyway, maybe at the sailaway party we could meet on Deck 10 as Deck 9 gets pretty crowded I think. Maybe over near the ESPN lounge or something. What do you think??

I am practicing that packing light idea. Went to Tennessee to see my dad and just took a carryon for a weekend trip. Used to be I would take a suitcase but didn't want to check luggage on a 3 day trip. It was good practice for me.....worked out fine.

 

[Gina]

I think meeting on deck 10 is a great idea! I don't like crowds pressing around me, so I was planning on being on deck 10 for the sailaway party anyway.

We have second seating, too -- After looking at the kids' Navigators and realizing that TD would have to choose between the shows and the Oceaneer's Club activities most of the time, I opted for 2nd seating. He's a night-owl anyway, and we usually eat later, and I don't like to rush to get ready for dinner so early. I think it'll work out best for us. I did request a large table, though, so that I might be forced to actually open my mouth and speak to someone -- not something I'm good at anymore.

Kendall -- Yay that you got everything worked out!! I know it was stressing you. All I can do is hope and pray that everything goes smoothly, and the shipis not delayed. And if it is, then I hope it's delayed to the extent that my travel insurance kicks in.

I just had one more clothes-related stress relieved -- I won the auction on a pair of silver flats I needed to go with my dress for formal night. They're perfect, and for $6, I am thrilled. Have I mentioned yet today how much I love eBay???

But there are still so many little things I need, that I never think about for a WDW trip... the more I work on my packing list, the more I think of!

Is anyone else bringing drinks aboard? I can't imagine a week with no Dr. Pepper... I thought I'd just bring a six-pack, so that I won't be tempted to spend all that $$ on soft drinks on the ship. I want to save the $$ for the Bahama Mama's.

Oh, if y'all want to, you can see pics of myself and my little guy at http://DreamingOfWDW.homestead.com. Then you'll at least know what we look like, and you can come up and say hi if you see us! Besides, it would help if we're going to meet at the sailaway party if *someone* knows what someone else looks like. Ok, y'alls turn to share!!

-gina-

 

[SuperDisneyDad]

We'll be there too . . . myself, wife, ds - 3yrs, dd - 6months! We're heavily into planning mode!!

 

[luvmy2boyz]

Hey Gina~ Not packing fancy for every meal, some outfits I will wear brown sandles, some white, formal wear I will need heels, Island wear I might want tennis shoes ect. I am not a fancy person I probably own 6 pairs of shoes tops! I did get the flu shot this year. I've been getting it for the last 3 years and this is the first year I actually got it! The cruise really motivated me. The only medicine I'm concerned about getting is a prescription for antibiotics(ds is prone to ear infections) I hope my Doc. will give me one just incase. I will stock up on all the over the counter meds. I'm up for meeting during the sailaway, just tell me where to get the ribbon and I'll be there. We are at first seating for dinner, we prefer second seating but from what I've read there is alot of action in the kids clubs during second seating so we will rush to first. Northsouth I hope your flight schedule works out. Gina if you have Disney air and transfers I would imagine you will be one of the first people off the ship, I wouldn't worry. We will definatly be at port early, I want to get on the ship as soon as they let me! I'll have my swimsuits in my carry on bag and will be ready to hit the pool! BTW do they have a changing area by the pool incase we can't get to our room right away? What's the weather like in Florida in Feb.?

 

[Gina]

SuperDisneyDad --
Welcome to the party!! Glad to have another DIS-er sailing with all of us!

luvmy2boyz --
I have Disney transfers, but not Disney air. I'm using NW miles, that's why I had limited flight choices, even a year ago when I booked. Sometimes using miles is more hassle than it's worth, but the price is right. Oh, and you stated much more clearly what I was trying to say about second seating. Sheesh, I allow myself one beer tonight, and I can't even type right! Since I didn't want my little boy to miss the shows or the club activities, I opted for second seating. I'll just feed him first and send him to the club, and eat dinner by myself. If it's an activity he doesn't really care about, then he'll eat with me. I just figured dinner was most-missable for him out of the three. Did *that* make sense?? LOL

I'm hoping to get to the port early, too. Do I understand correctly that the DCL buses run pretty continuously from the airport? What would be a good time to catch the bus there to get to the port?

-gina-

 

[ssclbc]

I'm planning on getting to the port early too. I've heard they open it up around 10:30? When can you get into your cabin? I'd like to be able to change into swimsuits to check out the pools early.
I think deck 10 for the sailaway sounds great. So I need a lime green ribbon? OK, I'll start looking...
Believe me you can pack light if you try. I took a 10 day cruise vacation two years ago with only two carry-ons. I have a major fear of airlines losing my luggage. I guess now that carry-ons are more limited I'll have to check some now.
I was planning on stocking up on some beverages at Publix the day before to bring on-board. My DH and I like to enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony before dinner. Anyone have experience bringing stuff on? From other threads on this board it sounds pretty easy...

How many days now??

 

[snwwhite]

We will be joining you guys . . .myself, husband, and dd - 6yrs old.
This is our 2nd cruise on the Magic, and we can't wait!! I am so glad to see that my daughter will have others her age to play with. Let me know if you guys definitely set up a DIS meet.

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by snwwhite
We will be joining you guys . . .myself, husband, and dd - 6yrs old.
This is our 2nd cruise on the Magic, and we can't wait!! I am so glad to see that my daughter will have others her age to play with. Let me know if you guys definitely set up a DIS meet.

Welcome to our little party, and welcome to the DIS!! I can't believe how many of us will have kids the same ages there. How cool!!

I think a DIS meet on deck 10 for the sailaway party is a terrific idea. And maybe we can all commandeer a hot tub one night or something.

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

My "lime green" ribbon I just bought at Walmart, it's like a curly frou frou (Gina's word) ribbon for a gift package, unmissable really, but I know none of my cool teens will wear one and DH certainly won't, so I wanted to stand out. I was afraid if I wore a teensy little ribbon no one would see it. It cost 99 cents!! And I'm only wearing it til the 5pm Sailaway Party (unless I have a couple of drinks and decide my ribbon is so SPECIAL LOL) so see you all on Deck 10 near the ESPN lounge area, hope that is a good spot because it's the only Deck 10 landmark I know.

Welcome, snwwhite and SuperDisneyDad, see you there I hope!!

 

[northsouth]

I have a fear of checking luggage too, last January I lost a bag on a trip to Houston, actually I think it was stolen as it never did show up, what a pain!! With 6 of us travelling this time, I know we will have to check luggage, hoping for the best this time. But I am definitely taking a carryon with all my essentials in it.

On our previous cruise we brought a 12 pack of orange soda and a 6 pack of dark beer (since DCL didn't have my Amber Bock beer) and it was no problem. This time we plan to bring much the same, maybe more soda for the kids this time.
I don't anticipate a problem. Hope I'm right.

Also do bring your swimsuits in a carryon...we got into our stateroom around 130pm last time, met our very nice room steward who was still working on our room, and think our luggage arrived around 3pm but no problem, we all had our swimsuits in carryon, so really didn't need our luggage til dinnertime.

I think they still open the port around 1030am, I hope to be there by 11am.

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by northsouth
On our previous cruise we brought a 12 pack of orange soda and a 6 pack of dark beer (since DCL didn't have my Amber Bock beer) and it was no problem.

Oooo, another Bock lover?? Ya know, Kendall, I just might have to bring you a present... you can only get it in Texas, and it's like Ambrosia.

-gina-

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by northsouth
My "lime green" ribbon I just bought at Walmart, it's like a curly frou frou (Gina's word) ribbon for a gift package, unmissable really, but I know none of my cool teens will wear one and DH certainly won't, so I wanted to stand out. I was afraid if I wore a teensy little ribbon no one would see it. It cost 99 cents!! And I'm only wearing it til the 5pm Sailaway Party (unless I have a couple of drinks and decide my ribbon is so SPECIAL LOL) so see you all on Deck 10 near the ESPN lounge area, hope that is a good spot because it's the only Deck 10 landmark I know

ROFL!!! Nice to know we're expanding each other's vocabulary, Kendall!! I've been using "squiffy" like I'm a Smurf -- I use it as noun, verb, interjection, you name it.

Hey, after a few squiffy drinks, we'll ALL think your ribbon is special... I think you should leave it on.

That brings another question -- do people ever wear their GoH badges onboard??

-gina-