April 11th 2009 Magic Eastern Easter cruise--UPDATED WITH ROLL CALL PG 1

[PPFQP]

Is anyone else getting into panic mode???

It always seemed so far away, now I feel like it is sneaking up on me!!! We are in the midst of a particularly busy stretch right now, with back to back weekend volleyball tournaments out of town and a huge kitchen renovation. It's nice that we will be out of town during the renovation (we are already tired of paper plates!) but it is really time consuming!!!

I need to make a comprehensive TO-DO list and get myself organized! I feel like every minute of the next 19 days is going to be taken up getting ready for the CRUISE!!

 

[kellimomo3]

Is anyone else getting into panic mode???

It always seemed so far away, now I feel like it is sneaking up on me!!! We are in the midst of a particularly busy stretch right now, with back to back weekend volleyball tournaments out of town and a huge kitchen renovation. It's nice that we will be out of town during the renovation (we are already tired of paper plates!) but it is really time consuming!!!

I need to make a comprehensive TO-DO list and get myself organized! I feel like every minute of the next 19 days is going to be taken up getting ready for the CRUISE!!

I agree!! Panic mode!!We leave on the 8th and I just realized that's 2 weeks from Wednesday!! My lists are started but my packing is not! I did have some bathing suit luck at Macy's. I got a Tommy Bahama tankini that is very cute! Can't wait to meet all of you!!

Kelli

 

[Goofy'sGrl]

Thanks Kelli, that would be great.

I've started a listing with room numbers and kid info. I figured I would wait two more weeks before posting but I will keep everyone updated with counts.

Hi Angel,

We wanted to participate in the FE excheange and I just realized that I never sent you my room number and info for the FE list:

Dorie and Pete
Jennifer - 12
Room 5130

Thanks
Dorie

 

[oatmealdiva]

I agree!! Panic mode!!We leave on the 8th and I just realized that's 2 weeks from Wednesday!! My lists are started but my packing is not! I did have some bathing suit luck at Macy's. I got a Tommy Bahama tankini that is very cute! Can't wait to meet all of you!!

Kelli

Add me to the excited/panicked group!

Disneyland was AWESOME yesterday...a rainy day had been forecast, but it held off, and by the time we got off of Pirates of the Caribbean, the sky was blue and stayed that way for the rest of the day! Got some goodies for Pirate night as well. It was a great way to get into the Disney spirit prior to the cruise.

I have to say that the "What will you celebrate?" promo at the parks this year is lots of fun! I got a "Happy Birthday" button at Town Hall on Main Street (since I'm celebrating until we get back from the cruise), and ***every single cast member*** wished me a Happy Birthday, by name! I even got a birthday phone call from Goofy as I was paying for something in one of the shops!

This week will be lists, lists and more lists, as well as picking up last minute stuff. I know I'm going to have a hard time focusing on "non-Disney" stuff for the next couple of weeks!!

Can't wait to meet all of you (and have that first Drink of the Day!)

18 days to Orlando / 19 days to Disney Magic

Amy

 

[TBRox]

"I'm too excited to sleep!"
Don't know about the rest of you, but I keep waking up in the middle of the night thinking about all the "stuff" that's left to do/that we'd like to do/that we just must do....etc!!!

We had a very successful shopping weekend - nothing less than 40% off too! - We were even inspired by Big Willie's Family and mail ordered our Hawaiian Matching shirts! (hope you don't mind the copy-cat) - Still at a loss as to what we're doing for Pirate Night- but I'm sure we'll pull something together!

'tutorfortravel' - Soooo very excited for you all - what a memorable day!! A real memory to last a lifetime!! Thanks for sharing such a special time with all of us!!

Hey Had2 & Princess Row... my DS (11) is a Pin trader (although he'd like to say he's more of a Pin collector as he has a hard time parting with some of his pins) He's still searching for one of the transportation buses and a couple 'monorails'... He's already sorted through his portfolio and we're deciding which ones he'll bring along and which ones he'll trade...

So looking forward to meeting everyone! The next few weeks are so busy (the kids schedules) that I know time will just fly by....19 and counting down!

 

[Grumpymom73]

You can add me to the list of those of us who can't sleep! I toss and turn all night. I can't stop thinking and planning. Everything I see or hear reminds me of something cruise related.

My DS10 loves pin trading. He is also going through all of his pins deciding what to bring.

Amy- I'm glad you had a nice day at DL. Ah, that Disney Magic!

We are thinking about going to the Magic Kingdom on Friday. It's a school holiday and my kids want to make sure they get to ride Space Mountain again before it goes down for rehab.

Well, I'm off to write more lists. I'm afraid I am going to WAY over pack. I just can't decide what we really need. Uugh!!!

 

[anjiellisvt]

itutorfortravel - I'm so excited for you. I was tearing up at your post and picturing your daughters face. I hope I can get the same reaction from my kids in a couple of weeks. Although I think my 10 year old is starting to suspect something is up.

My DD10 loves to pin collect and trade. Although she also has a very tough time picking which ones she will part with. I have to make sure to sneak her portfolio into our bags. My DD6 tries to pin trade, but she doesn't really understand the concept of giving up the pins just likes to get them.

I can't believe there is only 19 days left. I haven't even had time to panic yet and probably won't get to until the weekend before. Then I will lose my mind.

FE Update - Currently have 12 families / cabins signed up with a total of 21 kids. Please let me know by Friday if you want to participate and I will send everyone who is participating the list this weekend. Those who are participating:
AnaRN
anjiellisvt
Big Willie
Big Willie2
Big Willie3
Goofy'sGrl
Had2disneycruz
PPFQP **still need your cabin number**
sdzm **still need your cabin number**
oatmealdiva
Grumpymom73
Princess Row

 

[cruising fun]

I am so glad I am not the only one in panic mode!!! Tonight my goal is to get my lists organized so I can start packing. I have started a little, but it is time to get serious. I just finished getting everything for my DD's Easter basket today. We are celebrating Easter a week early so we don't have to pack and bring that stuff with us.

My DD is not into pin trading (she is only 5 and would not want to give them away!). Maybe some of your kids will change her mind on that! The other day the she told me she hopes she can get a mickey mouse head band. I love that she doesn't understand that she could hit us up for a more expensive gift! (We'll have to surprise her with some other treasures.) Hope the gift shop has head bands!!!

Dreaming about the drink of the day...........

 

[Had2disneycruz]

Went shopping ALL DAY today with DD 15 and DD 4. So glad that is over. Got formal dresses for both DD 15 and DD 12 and they look great. Already had shoes so that is good! Everyone has new bathing suits, cover ups, sundresses, shorts and formal wear. Can I be done now? We have sunscreen, medication, tissues, sticky notes, dry erase boards, extra toothbrushes, Q tips, nail polish, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and lots of other stuff. I started on FE gifts and got everything to make our Ariel FE! Started getting out suitcases, beach towels (want to bring my own), and ordered a new beach bag from Lands End. (Needed it anyway!) I also bought a few snorkling sets, blow up rings and goggles from Target. Oh, and I got a new rolling soft suitcase for beer, etc. Is there anything else I need? Yes, I still need glow sticks and pirate night goodies. (The parents have pirate costumes but the kids don't!! Sorry kids!)

Yup, I am in panic mode too. I still need to shop for me. I was hoping to take off 10 lbs. first but......maybe I will wait until Monday and see if the "I am too busy to eat" diet will work.......ha!!!!!!!!

I checked out the Radisson's webcam on Sat. afternoon around 5pm and saw the Magic pulling away from the port. That was cool! Soon that will be us!!

Oatmealdiva - Very jealous of the trip to Disneyland but glad you had a great time!

Grumpymom73 - I will be very jealous of you too if you get to the Magic Kingdom! We won't have time this trip! Have fun!

Kellimomo3 - Congrats on the bathing suit. Isn't it great to find one you really like? And for a good deal, even better!

Hope all is well with everyone!

 

[sdzm]

I am so glad I am not the only one in panic mode!!! Tonight my goal is to get my lists organized so I can start packing. I have started a little, but it is time to get serious. I just finished getting everything for my DD's Easter basket today. We are celebrating Easter a week early so we don't have to pack and bring that stuff with us.

My DD is not into pin trading (she is only 5 and would not want to give them away!). Maybe some of your kids will change her mind on that! The other day the she told me she hopes she can get a mickey mouse head band. I love that she doesn't understand that she could hit us up for a more expensive gift! (We'll have to surprise her with some other treasures.) Hope the gift shop has head bands!!!

Dreaming about the drink of the day...........

My DD used to be like that (not realizing she could hit me up for more expensive gifts) My advice - enjoy it while you can. She is now 14 and wants everything!

I didn't even think about pin trading on the cruise. We will have to go thru our pins and decide which to bring!

Panic mode has not hit me yet, I just keep checking things off the "things to do" list. But, I am wondering what I'm going to do with my life when I'm not planning and preparing for the cruise.

I made my FE yesterday. For someone who does not sew very much I think it turned out pretty good.

I'm also dreaming about the DOTD!

Can't wait to meet all of you!

 

[Had2disneycruz]

My DD used to be like that (not realizing she could hit me up for more expensive gifts) My advice - enjoy it while you can. She is now 14 and wants everything!

I didn't even think about pin trading on the cruise. We will have to go thru our pins and decide which to bring!

Panic mode has not hit me yet, I just keep checking things off the "things to do" list. But, I am wondering what I'm going to do with my life when I'm not planning and preparing for the cruise.

I made my FE yesterday. For someone who does not sew very much I think it turned out pretty good.

I'm also dreaming about the DOTD!

Can't wait to meet all of you!

You should post a picture of your FE! Did you sew yours or follow the "no sew" directions from dis? I will start on mine tomorrow.....I'll let you know how it goes! Worse comes to worse, I will call my mom to help me this weekend!!!!

 

[Grumpymom73]

Yikes, I think most of you are way ahead of me! I better get moving. I still have some more shopping to do, I haven't started packing yet. I did do a bunch of laundry over the weekend that has disappeared into the dark abyss known as my closet so it can't be found by my family and worn before the cruise. Already have our FE and some of our gifts. It's funny I sit at my desk at work looking at the calendar and hoping the days go by quickly but then I come home and see my ticker at the bottom of my posts and almost have a heart attack! I think this is the first time I have ever been afraid of my ticker!!

 

[PPFQP]

Went shopping ALL DAY today with DD 15 and DD 4. So glad that is over. Got formal dresses for both DD 15 and DD 12 and they look great. Already had shoes so that is good! Everyone has new bathing suits, cover ups, sundresses, shorts and formal wear. Can I be done now? We have sunscreen, medication, tissues, sticky notes, dry erase boards, extra toothbrushes, Q tips, nail polish, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and lots of other stuff. I started on FE gifts and got everything to make our Ariel FE! Started getting out suitcases, beach towels (want to bring my own), and ordered a new beach bag from Lands End. (Needed it anyway!) I also bought a few snorkling sets, blow up rings and goggles from Target. Oh, and I got a new rolling soft suitcase for beer, etc. Is there anything else I need? Yes, I still need glow sticks and pirate night goodies. (The parents have pirate costumes but the kids don't!! Sorry kids!)

Yup, I am in panic mode too. I still need to shop for me. I was hoping to take off 10 lbs. first but......maybe I will wait until Monday and see if the "I am too busy to eat" diet will work.......ha!!!!!!!!

I checked out the Radisson's webcam on Sat. afternoon around 5pm and saw the Magic pulling away from the port. That was cool! Soon that will be us!!

Oatmealdiva - Very jealous of the trip to Disneyland but glad you had a great time!

Grumpymom73 - I will be very jealous of you too if you get to the Magic Kingdom! We won't have time this trip! Have fun!

Kellimomo3 - Congrats on the bathing suit. Isn't it great to find one you really like? And for a good deal, even better!

Hope all is well with everyone!

Can you come over to my house and get me organized?!??!?! You are too cool. BTW, I just read that you are bringing your own beach towels, so ignore my email about beach towels!!!

What goodies are you getting for pirate night? I am thinking temporary tattoos are in order!

Can't wait!

 

[Princess Row]

My daughters both have many sets of the pins, our kids can probably all meet up and trade. I know my 14 year old plans to bring ALL of our pins. No need to sort them :].
We are all getting so exited to meet everyone! It's definetly time for a vacation. Started collecting items for FE and been doing Lots of shopping! We plan to begin packing this weekend, since we are so close to the date.

 

[cruising fun]

Had2disneycruz-Thank you for posting your list of things you have bought for the trip....you gave me some ideas to add to my list that I have forgotten about...the glow sticks are a great idea for pirate night!!

Grumpymom- I agree...what will we all do with our time after the trip? I think I will have to spend some time paying attention to my house. I am usually the narotic cleaner and lately I have been putting it off...too many more important things to do...AKA CRUISE!

Question about beach towels, I wasn't planning on bringing any because I know you can get some on the boat, but what about CC? Should I pack my own for there? Suggestions would be great!

Off to get ready for work....I am scoring the state math test we just gave...eight hours of grading....you better believe I will be dreaming of that DOTD!!!!!!! Have a great day everyone....talk to you tonight!

 

[Grumpymom73]

cruising fun - They do have towels avail. at CC. Plus if you don't like the ones they give out it's a good reason to buy new. Maybe a CC one as a souvenir.
Good luck grading those tests. I spent the last two weeks proctoring our state test. YUCK!!!

 

[Had2disneycruz]

Had2disneycruz-Thank you for posting your list of things you have bought for the trip....you gave me some ideas to add to my list that I have forgotten about...the glow sticks are a great idea for pirate night!!

Grumpymom- I agree...what will we all do with our time after the trip? I think I will have to spend some time paying attention to my house. I am usually the narotic cleaner and lately I have been putting it off...too many more important things to do...AKA CRUISE!

Question about beach towels, I wasn't planning on bringing any because I know you can get some on the boat, but what about CC? Should I pack my own for there? Suggestions would be great!

Off to get ready for work....I am scoring the state math test we just gave...eight hours of grading....you better believe I will be dreaming of that DOTD!!!!!!! Have a great day everyone....talk to you tonight!

I read a lot of trip reports and scoured the passporter books so I have been "collecting" things for the trip. I am sure I am missing something. I really want the glow sticks to have in our dark room. I think it help DD's sleep better. Of course, they will be great for pirate night.

The beach towels are a preference of mine to bring! You don't need to take them, but I want to! Some DD will be getting them in their baskets on Easter. DD 4 has loved Daisy Duck since our Christmas trip in 2007. Finally, Daisy is on a towel, bathing suit, cover up and nightgown. (I went a little nutty!) DD's also got new princess towels for Christmas. Can't have too many beach towels around here! (Pools, boating, beach and DD 15 is a diver. Washing beach towels all year round here!)

Getting the shopping done is one thing....getting it all in a suitcase, is another! We need to buy luggage! Our big suitcase got ruined on our last Disney cruise. When we picked up our bag, the corner was torn. I took pictures of it and planned to let Disney know, but they are not affiliated with the terminal so I felt it wasn't worth the hassle. I just let it go. (It was in 2001 and I was young and dumber!) Make sure you inspect your bags when you pick them up after the cruise. We had to throw the suitcase out! Also, the passporter warned about bag handlers trying to get double tipped when you drop off your bags to the terminal. Passporter suggested that one person be in charge of tipping. They suggested $1-2/bag. I think we will just give them a $20 and call it a day!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy packing/shopping today!!!!!!!! I will be home getting organized. (Ha!)

 

[kellimomo3]

I wanted to share my exciting news with all of you!!

I stepped on the scale this morning and I have lost 11 pounds!! I started the South Beach diet 4 weeks ago in anticipation of the cruise. The first five pounds came off really quick but after that it's kind of dragged. I have not cheated once and it's finally paying off. I can't wait to eat and drink real food on the cruise!!! What a reward!!

Kelli

We leave two weeks from tomorrow!!!

 

[anjiellisvt]

I wanted to share my exciting news with all of you!!

I stepped on the scale this morning and I have lost 11 pounds!! I started the South Beach diet 4 weeks ago in anticipation of the cruise. The first five pounds came off really quick but after that it's kind of dragged. I have not cheated once and it's finally paying off. I can't wait to eat and drink real food on the cruise!!! What a reward!!

Kelli

Congratulations!! Way to go. I keep thinking I'll lose the last five pounds, but I'm about to give up.

 

[Had2disneycruz]

I wanted to share my exciting news with all of you!!

I stepped on the scale this morning and I have lost 11 pounds!! I started the South Beach diet 4 weeks ago in anticipation of the cruise. The first five pounds came off really quick but after that it's kind of dragged. I have not cheated once and it's finally paying off. I can't wait to eat and drink real food on the cruise!!! What a reward!!

Kelli

We leave two weeks from tomorrow!!!

Kelli - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! I know how hard that was to do! The South Beach Diet book sits on my counter. It is one of my favorite books and I love the dinner recipes! I love that diet because the belly fat comes off first! At 4' 11", it is so hard to keep the extra pounds off! Once I stay away from carbs and eat more protein, the extra comes right off. I have only lost about 8 lbs. in the last few weeks, but I will take what I can get. Let me know if you want to "stroll" around Deck 4 in an attempt to not gain too much of it back! I want to eat dessert on the cruise! I can't wait! But I don't want to gain it all back in one week (and then some)! So, my plan is to try to do some type of aerobic activity every day, but I know that is far-fetched! I do want to try their yoga class one morning and I want to check out the gym! From someone who has started a new diet every Monday for the last 20 years, YOU GO GIRL!! 11 lbs. is awesome! One of our friends going on the cruise with us has lost 20! I'm envious!