Anyone else sailing 2/2/02??

[ssclbc]

Just saw that someone got Feb 3 docs today!! Hoping that ours aren't far behind.

Can't wait!!!

 

[northsouth]

WE GOT OUR DOCS TODAY!!! YES, I AM SHOUTING!!! Just thought I'd let you all know......it's really getting real!!! Now if I can just get through tomorrow with the inlaws.....hmmmm.....Happy holidays everyone!!!

 

[Gina]

WHAT?!?!? Aaaahhhhh!!! I'm so jealous!!! I can't believe people in our little group are getting their docs already!! Oh man, it really must be real. But I still won't believe it until I have them in my hand.

I'm so happy you got yours, Kendall!! Not only before New Years, like you were hoping, but even before *Christmas*!!! Too cool!!!

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

Here is the question of the day to bump us up....what dining rotation are you hoping for?? I think I want PLAPLAP, but will work with whatever I get. The advantages of PLAPLAP from what I understand is Lumiere's on formal nights, Parrot Cay on tropical night, hope to get Palo dinner maybe on Wednesday night, what do you all think?? Does anyone know how they assign the rotation?? We booked very early for this trip, does DCL consider some rotations more desirable than others?? OOH, just found a thread that gives some insight, looks like we would *probably* get LAPLAPL according to this:

http://64.225.125.24/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=130177&highlight=dining+rotation

Watch for those docs this week!!

 

[Gina]

I really hadn't thought about rotation too much... Since we have 2nd seating, I'll usually be at dinner by myself, which means I might or might not even eat in whatever restaurant I have assigned that night depending on if I have to sit by myself or not (which I would never in this lifetime do.) Whew! How's that for a run-on sentence?? I did request a larger table, so hopefully that will come through and I'll make some new friends.

I just want my docs!!!!!

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

Gina, you will almost certainly be at a table with 4-6 others, from what I have read and seen. I wouldn't worry about eating alone, you will have fun and make new friends I'm sure. When we went on the 3 day we had our own table for 4, and chatted a lot with the table behind us that had 2 parties of 3 seated there. They were a fun bunch and we wished we were seated with others then. In fact the first night, at that table, one man's wife and daughter were seasick (I was surprised since we had very calm seas I thought) so he was dining "alone" with the other party of 3. They were all having a great time, and included us in their revelry. Everyone was in such a festive mood.

 

[Gina]

Thanks, Kendall, that makes me feel better. I just had visions of it being me by myself at this huge table or something.

Quick subject change: For anyone who is coming to our little sailaway party on deck 10, I've got ya covered on bubbles! I was at Walmart the other day, and they had this box of 24 little tiny bottles of bubbles. They're so cute! And since they're so small and all together in one box, they'll be easy to pack they're great for one-time-use. So if you didn't have any bubbles yet, y'all won't have to worry about getting any.

In case I don't make it back on here today, Merry Christmas, everyone!!! See you in 40 more days!!!!

-gina-

 

[luvmy2boyz]

If you go through a travel agent does Disney send your docs. to them first? I can't wait to get mine!! Only 6 weeks left to go! Where can you buy soda and snacks in Cocoa Beach? We want to carry on, I am a Diet Coke addict! If you have a ship board credit does it show up somewhere on your docs.? I want to make sure my TA. gave us the credit like they said they would. They haven't been the most helpful on the ball travel agent. Happy Holidays to all!

 

[northsouth]

Gina, thanks for covering us on the bubbles!! As you can see I am having an exciting Christmas Eve at home, we had our family party last Saturday the 22nd so everyone could come to it.

Luvmy2boyz, I am not sure if the docs go to your TA first and then to you, or what. Definitely start asking TA about your docs in the next week or so, coz they are arriving (at least at my house).

I think Dave from Marietta or someone posted that there is a Publix store in Cocoa Beach to pick up supplies. I could be wrong but I think that was it. I will do a search to be sure, and will post the link if I find it.
http://64.225.125.24/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=127830&highlight=publix

I do know about the shipboard credit...I had called to get a reduced rate on my 2nd stateroom when the rates dropped, and the CM got overzealous (she was very nice and helpful, I don't think she realized that SSO would cost us on the main cabin) and also got us a discount on our main stateroom, inadvertantly (sp?) causing us to lose our shipboard credit (due to Sunshine Sailaway rates). "discounts cannot be combined" and all that jazz. Anyway, we were only truly discounted $22 on our main cabin (due to the fact that taxes had increased since we booked), not worth losing $200 over, so I called and made them give us back our shipboard credit, which they did after a fairly long phone call, involving supervisory approval. At that time she explained how the credit DOES NOT show upon our docs, only in the DCL computer, which I don't like, but it does still show up they said, as I have asked them to confirm it every time I have called. So I hope that makes some sense. I do have first hand experience wth the shipboard credit. I just hope I don't get any hassle onboard or I will be upset. They have been really nice about it so far, though.

 

[northsouth]

Time to bump this thread...how are you all?? Was Santa good to you?? I got Cobra 2 way radios for Christmas, mainly because DH thinks they will be handy for fishing with his buddies after we use them on the cruise LOL, he is such a romantic!! I did get other gifts too, so don't feel sorry for me....but our main family gift is the cruise!!!

Does anyone else get nervous, not about packing and stuff (or weirdos with shoe bombs, sorry we won't go there), but like "what if it rains every day?" or "what if I miss the ferry from St John and have to stay there forever when I miss the ship??" (doesn't really sound SO bad does it?). I know, I'm just being neurotic, but all of a sudden lately I am nervous, but still excited. Telling myself to get into vacation mode and just relax and enjoy, right??

I am writing and rewriting my packing lists too. Gina, how do you colorcode your lists? I need hints.

As soon as the Christmas tree is down, I am going to set up a "packing corner" and start throwing stuff into our bags from my lists, and as I think of things. Sure don't need any summer clothes here right now, it's pretty wintry. Just enough to make me really look forward to cruisin'. See ya!!!

 

[Gina]

LOL, Kendall!! Worrywart. Lesse... if it rains every day, then that just means that you get to spend more time in the spa. Darn. And as for getting stranded on St. John, I still can't see what's wrong with that??? I keep telling everyone at work that they had better get used to not seeing me, because I ain't comin' back. I'm going to just live under a palm tree on the beach, and sell sea shells to tourists or something.

After the luggage fiasco with Delta last month, I'm taking a much more neurotic approach to packing this time. I've flown so much for so long, and never had a problem -- I guess I just started taking it for granted that my clothes might actually accompany me to my final destination.

I've bought an additional 20" pilot case to carry on, so TD and I will each have one. All of my makeup, toiletries, etc., as well as bathing suits and a change of clothes for each of us will be carried on. Then the beer, then as many more clothes as I can fit around that. I have the whole packing list typed out as one list, then I have each item highlighted yellow or pink according to whether it's going in the suitcase or one of the carryon's. Items that are going in both (like socks) are striped with both highlighters. It's completely anal-retentive, but it makes it a lot easier for me to see at a glance what's going where.

Speaking of luggage, I have a question y'allmight be able to answer: I know that we're allowed one other "special" item on board, like a briefcase or laptop. I always carry on my old Magic Kingdom Club soft attache case. Do y'all know which one I'm talking about? I love that thing -- it's just like a big purse to me when I travel. Do you think that will be allowed as my briefcase-type item? It's the same size, just not hardshell.

I have never seen so many FedEx trucks in my life as around here on Christmas Eve. But none of them came to my house. I WANT MY DOCS!!! I won't let myself start a "packing corner" until I have them and have convinced myself that I'm really going.

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

Speaking of the spa, I'm thinking about getting a Rainforest pass for sea days, I think I saw that once, that they have a 3 day pass just for sunday, monday and thursday. On Entropy's site I saw some neat stuff about the cellulite treatment, but it's pretty spendy. The Rainforest is a pretty good bargain I think.

superdisneydad if you're around, I finally noticed you're a Minnesotan too!!

Gina, I have thought about never coming back too. someday....

All I know about carryon is when I went to Memphis, my daughter & I each just brought a medium/small duffle (it fit perfectly under the seat) and I tucked my purse into it. We didn't check luggage as it was only a 3 day trip but I noticed other people had carryon about 20 inches as well as additional smaller carrythings of various sizes and the airline didn't seem to mind. Good luck!!

Here's hoping everyone gets their docs tomorrow or Friday!!!

 

[amf1016]

Another family from Texas will also be sailing 2/2! We are from Midland - my husband and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and our girls - 4 and 6 - will be joining us. We are very excited and now that Christmas is over we can start concentrating on the trip.

 

[Gina]

I GOT MY DOCS, I GOT MY DOCS, I GOT MY DOCS!!!!



Actually, I got them *yesterday* but didn't know it!! I thought that FedEx would leave them at the door, but I guess it depends on how your TA sends them. Mine required me to sign for it. But we always go through the garage -- never the front door -- and he had left the notice in between the storm door and the regular door where I couldn't see it!! Something just made me check, just to be sure... and there it was! I'm sure I broke several traffic laws getting to the FedEx office before it closed. But I have them!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!

(Gina does the Happy Dance around the living room, much like she did in the FedEx office. )

Well, I guess I can start that packing corner now!

amf1016 -- Glad to see another Texan sailing with us!! And my son was very excited to hear there would be another 6 year old DIS-kid coming.

-gina-

 

[ssclbc]

I'm back....but no docs yet!!! Maybe time to bug my TA?
I'm at home this week with an incredibly slow internet connection so I haven't been on the boards too much.
So happy to hear that there will be another little girl Texan on-board. My DD 3 1/2 had her Christmas wish come true and got a Disney castle which she has played with non-stop since Christmas morning.
Thanks Gina for the bubbles!!
I really need to start my packing planning...maybe next week after all my holiday visitors are gone.
I'm pretty sure there are two Publix markets in Cocoa Beach, check Dave's site for exact locations.
I'm really hoping for the PLAP rotation but what I'm hoping for even more is to get early seating...still on the wait list. No docs, late seating...maybe time for a new TA?
5 weeks and counting

 

[Gina]

Well hey, *we'll* be at late seating, so it can't be ALL bad!! LOL!! We're there by choice, though. I wouldn't worry about your TA and your docs -- I don't think they have much control over either the seating waiting list or when they get your docs from Disney. I think everyone is going to start getting them all the sudden!

Hey, I was wondering, how are we going to all know recognize each other at the sailaway party?? I still haven't figured out where to put my green ribbon without either my GoH badge, DisneyDollarless badge (another group I'm in that frequently has meets) or my pin lanyard on! I guess I could just make a bow with the ribbon and pin it to my shirt. What is everyone else doing??

35 more days!!!

-gina-

 

[luvmy2boyz]

I haven't received my Docs yet but I did visit Dave's sight and The Disney Magic is now on my Desk Top in all it's glory!! It is too cool! Picked up DH's suit from the dry cleaners and I will be sorting through ds's clothes as soon as I get the Christmas tree down! I still can't believe we will be sailing in a few short weeks!! My Dh has signed up for one month of unlimited tanning, I myself am not a tanner, He tried to talk me into it once but I didn't last 1 session! I will take my chances with the hot southern sun! I did however turn the tred mill on yesterday and so far made it 2 days in a row! Pretty good for me, I hate exercising!I hope to be in swimsuit shape by Feb. 2nd but if not oh well that's what they make coverups for!

 

[northsouth]

Well, the Christmas tree is down now and I started packing!! Considering we have almost 5 weeks, that may seem obsessive but it makes me feel great now!! I feel much more relaxed to have some stuff actually organized and not just on lists. The clothes are the least of it, it seems, that's what surprises me.

I had read a tip to use gallon size ziplocs for a lot of the smaller stuff that's packed, in case bags are searched. It's easy to see what's in them and they don't get dumped all over. Plus it's just handy to pack this way. I have my over the door shoe bags and some snorkel gear, 2 underwater cameras, lots of film (I read to NOT put it in your checked luggage too, because of high intensity xrays). All that stuff seems to really add up spacewise. Not to even mention shoes, what a pain. Even at only 2-3 pair per person they sure take up space!! Well, I guess we'll each be wearing a pair so it won't be so bad.

Luvmy2boyz, I'm with you on the tanning. I have my sunscreen, hope that will be enough.

Welcome amf1016!! Can't wait to meet all you Texans, this should be fun.

Gina, glad you got your docs!!

ssclbc, I am hoping for PLAP too, I wish they could tell us early so I could plan things more now.

Well, that's all my news for now. Everyone have a happy and safe New Year's.

 

[Gina]

I haven't started actually packing, but I did start a "cruise box" where I'm dumping everything as I get it. Like today, I picked up a little tube of toothpaste and some more film, and a trial-size thing of those Wisk laundry tablets. Into the box it all went. I figure it'll be a lot easier that way than to have to dig it all out later. But I'm sure I'll have the suitcase out soon -- I'm one of those who packs way ahead of time. But I especially want to start early on this one, because a lot of what I'm packing is real different than for my WDW trips. It should be easier to pack this time, though, because I can pack most of the clothes now. Even here in Southeast Texas, we don't need bathing suits and shorts right now.

It's funny y'all mentioned the tanning thing -- I was just fixing to ask who else besides me was going to hit the tanning salon before the trip. Guess y'all aren't! LOL!! It's so infernally hot here most of the time, I avoid the sun like a vampire... thus, I have this lovely deader-than-thou pallor. I want to get a head start. Plus, it'll make it easier to know what shade of foundation to pack. I don't want a tan body and an ivory face. I used to tan all the time -- to me, it's just THE most relaxing thing in the world. It's warm, the fan is blowing, your favorite music is coming right out of the pillow, aaaahhhhhhhh... I love it. It's just hard (and expensive) to do post-child. But I think I can manage it for a week.

Okay, here's my latest cruise-stress, that maybe y'all can help me with: It didn't really dawn on me until today that are two formal? semi-formal? evenings on the ship. I know this has been asked before, but what the heck is the difference?? I'm "only" 35, but back in my day, formals were long flowing things... I sleep in more than what people wear to formals now. So going by that, my "formal" is a beaded, cocktail-length dress (not black.) So what do I do for the "semi-formal???" And what about DS -- he has his suit for "formal" night, what about this semi-formal night?? Why is this all so confusing for me?? LOL!!

Luvmy2boyz: Stop that exercising right now. You're going to make the rest of us look bad.

-gina-

 

[northsouth]

Alright Gina!! A long post!! I am so obsessed with this trip....sad to think that it will actually end one day....I guess I'll just have to plan another one. The anticipation has been so fun though. DH & I decided if we do this again we're going to do it kind of last minute. Look at all the cruise deals around now, kind of makes me wish we could jump on some hot travel deal but this is good too. (understatement).

I thought about tanning but decided against it. If I had more hours in a day I might do it but the time factor weighs heavy.
You want to see pallor...check out a Minnesotan in February!!!

About the formal thing...don't stress. Your dress sounds fine.
And for semi formal, to me, that means a skirt is fine. Dressy is good but you will be pleasantly surprised to see a lot of people "underdress" on a cruise. (and some will dress "to the nines"). It's a choice really, just not that big a deal.

I have one formal type dress I got on clearance after Christmas last January (shh, don't tell) and I'm now watching another clearance rack but the one I want is only half price now, waiting for at least 75% off.

Otherwise I have 2 skirts that aren't real fancy, but they will do.
My 16 year old is into the grungy look, I am hoping she will cooperate and wear her one dress, or at least black pants and a blouse. My 12 year old loves to dress up, I'll have no problems with her.

I am not an expert on little boys dress up but they look so cute dressed up. I would think he could wear his little suit duds on Sunday and Thursday formal nights and if he has khakis and a button down or polo type shirt, or something like that, those seem to be the typical regular dinner attire if he doesn't wear his suit on the other nights.