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

[Grumpymom73]

I admire all of you who do scrapbooking. I wish I had the time and patience for it! I have so many pictures just sitting on my hard drive or in a drawer and I would LOVE to put together a book for my DD...maybe this cruise will motivate me to do it

Got up at 5 AM this morning thinking about the PARTY tomorrow, so I am already in decorating mode!!! I can't believe DD's birthday party is already here and it is time to tell her about the cruise! Don't know if she'll be able to handle all the excitement...at 10 o'clock a bounce house is being delivered for the party that she knows nothing about, and then after everyone leaves she goes on the scavenger hunt to find out about the cruise! I tear up just thinking about it!

After this weekend is behind me I need to get in gear on last minute shopping and packing. Tops on the list is finding a swimsuit. Anyone have recommendations on who has really cute ones out now? I prefer the skirted suits

I tear up just reading your post!
She is going to be soooo excited. Enjoy every moment!

I'm home from work today so I hope to do some shopping and start pulling out the suitcases! I can't believe we leave 3 WEEKS from today!!!!

 

[oatmealdiva]

We will be on a Disney Shuttle from Orlando. The travel agent e-mailed us that it was set to pick us up at our hotel at WDW at 11am on Saturday. Do you know what time your p/u is? I was going to contact TA and see if I could leave Orlanda a bit earlier.

Goofy's Grl...We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The cruise docs say that we will get our Magical Express info when we check in to the hotel on Friday evening, so I don't know what time we'll be picked up yet.

itutorfortravel...I bought 2 really cute swimsuits at Kohl's yesterday! I got suits that have "board shorts" bottoms so I totally understand where you're coming from. They had skirted suits too.

2 days to Disneyland / 21 days to Orlando / 22 days to the Disney Magic!!

 

[PPFQP]

I admire all of you who do scrapbooking. I wish I had the time and patience for it! I have so many pictures just sitting on my hard drive or in a drawer and I would LOVE to put together a book for my DD...maybe this cruise will motivate me to do it

Got up at 5 AM this morning thinking about the PARTY tomorrow, so I am already in decorating mode!!! I can't believe DD's birthday party is already here and it is time to tell her about the cruise! Don't know if she'll be able to handle all the excitement...at 10 o'clock a bounce house is being delivered for the party that she knows nothing about, and then after everyone leaves she goes on the scavenger hunt to find out about the cruise! I tear up just thinking about it!

After this weekend is behind me I need to get in gear on last minute shopping and packing. Tops on the list is finding a swimsuit. Anyone have recommendations on who has really cute ones out now? I prefer the skirted suits

I'm so excited for you!!! I hope everything goes off without a single hitch, a perfect day from start to finish!! You have to come back and post EVERY detail -- we can't wait to hear how she reacts when she learns about the ::::::shhhh::::::: C-R-U-I-S-E!! (Can she spell it yet??)

 

[PPFQP]

After this weekend is behind me I need to get in gear on last minute shopping and packing. Tops on the list is finding a swimsuit. Anyone have recommendations on who has really cute ones out now? I prefer the skirted suits

I like Lands End. If you have a Sears store near you that has a Lands End department, they carry some of the suits, but I usually just go to LandsEnd.com. You can return Lands End stuff at Sears.

 

[PPFQP]

Oh, and I won a Fish Extender from Ebay!! So I can check that off my list. It was $20 plus $5 shipping. Hope I didn't unknowingly outbid anyone from this thread! If so -- sorry and hope you can get another one.

 

[TBRox]

I like Land's End for the swim suits too... I've had some pretty good luck with them and if you have to, returns at Sears do make life a bit easier than shipping back.

itutorfortravel: I can't believe the party's tomorrow! I remember when you were first searching for ideas and such ... I think you'll have to post a BR-"Birthday Report" (like a Trip Report!)... - I think we are all feeling the excitment of the scavenger hunt you have planned... I can't wait to hear how it all goes! I Love Surprises!!! You've obviously worked so hard at this-I really hope it all goes off without a hitch!

Nice to hear about all us scrapbookers...If it wasn't such a chore to pack all the stuff I'd suggest a scrapbook day while we are at sea... but in order to bring everything I would need to scrapbook then I'd have to leave one of the kids behind! LOL!!!!

Congrats GG on getting your docs!!

This weekend we're off to the shoe outlets for sandals and such and a new suit for the ever-growing DS (and shorts, too)

Don't know about the rest of you - but we had SNOW on the first day of spring in my part of NJ this morning!!! Not a happy site - Bring me that SUNSHINE, Warm Weather... and my "Drink of the Day"!!!

 

[Grumpymom73]

Well I went shopping and I actually had one of those times where you find stuff you like on the rack AND you still like it in the dressing room!! Plus the prices were great. I went to Ross and got a dressy top for dinner one night, a cute casual top for daytime and a dress for formal night! It's a short cocktail type dress but it's black and has a crytal accent that I think helps dress it up. Do you want to know the best part? All of that only cost.....$40!

I'm ready to go! Let's start packing!!!!!

 

[PPFQP]

Well I went shopping and I actually had one of those times where you find stuff you like on the rack AND you still like it in the dressing room!! Plus the prices were great. I went to Ross and got a dressy top for dinner one night, a cute casual top for daytime and a dress for formal night! It's a short cocktail type dress but it's black and has a crytal accent that I think helps dress it up. Do you want to know the best part? All of that only cost.....$40!

I'm ready to go! Let's start packing!!!!!

Wowza! Nice going. Sounds like you were blessed by the shopping fairy.

 

[cruising fun]

itutorfortravel: I am so excited for you!!! I too remember when you first posted looking for ideas. We all expect the play by play of details after the party is over! Good luck!

I found some nice swimsuits at Kohl's too. They had a nice variety of different styles. I am looking for a nice tropical looking wrap for one of my swimsuits. Any ideas where to find one? I am having a hard time.

Well, i hope the shopping fairy visits the Buffalo area this weekend while I am out and about getting some things. We have a busy weekend, but I hope to pull out the clothes and see what everyone has and then fill in the missing pieces this week.

I can't believe 3 weeks from now we will be enjoying that nice warm weather and ice cold drink!!!

 

[Aunt T to 2]

Lands End is great for bathing suits....shipping is free if you actually order at the store...they have a computer set up at the end of the check out counter and you can order once the sales person signs you in. Also, that way you can order the same suit in a couple of sizes and just return the ones that don't work back to the store. The tankinis are good coverage, hide lots of evils and run very true to size to a little big.....and no...I do not work for Lands End...sorry if that all sounded a little commercially

 

[itutorfortravel]

Hey everyone! Well, I have been decorating the house and turning it into an "island oasis" almost non-stop since 5 AM! DD loved it when she got home, she couldn't believe all that I had done! I am SO tired though, I think I am going to bed in just a bit.

I will let you all know how it goes tomorrow. The party is from 1-4 and then my in-laws will be here and we will do the scavenger hunt...no, she can't spell cruise yet - ha ha!!! But my 13 year old niece will be here so maybe she can help her I can't believe at this time tomorrow she will know!!! It was all we could do to get her settled down for bed tonight with all the excitement of the party, can you imagine trying to get her settled down tomorrow night?! Gosh, I won't be able to settle down either!!!

As for swimsuits, I do like Lands End too. I went to Sears on Friday and tried on several but their selection was not as extensive as what is online. Today I got an email from Lands End for 20% off AND free shipping! So I ordered 4 swimsuits to try. I figure with free shipping why not?! If I don't like them or they don't fit, back they go to Sears...I do like Kohl's for swimwear too. That is where I have gotten the last few swimsuits I've purchased. The only problem is that I am small on top than on the bottom (lucky me) so sometimes the suits don't fit me great b/c they are a set vs. separates...at least that is all I have ever found at our Kohl's.

Great job on all the shopping everyone! I love getting a good deal I really need to turn my attention to packing starting next week. I am so far behind all of you

Have a great night everyone. I am off to bed to dream about how wonderful tomorrow will be for my DD

 

[Had2disneycruz]

Hey everyone! Well, I have been decorating the house and turning it into an "island oasis" almost non-stop since 5 AM! DD loved it when she got home, she couldn't believe all that I had done! I am SO tired though, I think I am going to bed in just a bit.

I will let you all know how it goes tomorrow. The party is from 1-4 and then my in-laws will be here and we will do the scavenger hunt...no, she can't spell cruise yet - ha ha!!! But my 13 year old niece will be here so maybe she can help her I can't believe at this time tomorrow she will know!!! It was all we could do to get her settled down for bed tonight with all the excitement of the party, can you imagine trying to get her settled down tomorrow night?! Gosh, I won't be able to settle down either!!!

As for swimsuits, I do like Lands End too. I went to Sears on Friday and tried on several but their selection was not as extensive as what is online. Today I got an email from Lands End for 20% off AND free shipping! So I ordered 4 swimsuits to try. I figure with free shipping why not?! If I don't like them or they don't fit, back they go to Sears...I do like Kohl's for swimwear too. That is where I have gotten the last few swimsuits I've purchased. The only problem is that I am small on top than on the bottom (lucky me) so sometimes the suits don't fit me great b/c they are a set vs. separates...at least that is all I have ever found at our Kohl's.

Great job on all the shopping everyone! I love getting a good deal I really need to turn my attention to packing starting next week. I am so far behind all of you

Have a great night everyone. I am off to bed to dream about how wonderful tomorrow will be for my DD

Good luck tomorrow! We'll be thinking about you! I hope you have your video camera rolling when she figures out her surprise!! Can't wait to hear about it!! Hope you'll be able to rest tonight!

Have fun and Happy Birthday to your DD!!!!!!!!!

And to all of you who have found bathing suit for yourselves, CONGRATS!!!!! Not an easy endeavour for me! Not my favorite thing to shop for! I guess I will work on that tomorrow or Monday. I have to go for separates since my top and bottom are different sizes too!!! Happy shopping to all!!!

 

[Goofy'sGrl]

Hey Everyone,

Wow, you miss a lot when you aren't on in a while. All the scrapbookers make me wish I was more creative!

Can't believe that 3 weeks from now we will be sitting on the deck of the Magic in warm weather with a cool drink in our hands! Still have way too much to do, but that's part of the fun, right?

Tutorfortravel - Glad the long awaited day has finally arrived - your daughter is going to be so thrilled - can't wait to hear about it.

TB Rox: wasn't that snow something? First day of spring,,, right. Anyway we will be in warmer climate soon enough. Not sure which outlets are near you, but we like heading down to the outlets by Six Flags or going by IKEA for the "big" outlets. There were some really good deals a few weeks ago by Six Flags on children's clothes. I also saw some really cute sandals in Penny's. Anyway, good luck with your shopping.

Dorie

 

[cruising fun]

Thank you to those who suggested Land's End for swimwear!!! I ordered two different coverups today...hope they come in time!


Tutorfortravel....I am so anxious to hear how the party went! Hope you are enjoying the fun!!

 

[itutorfortravel]

Hey everyone,

Well, DD finally knows we are going on the cruise! The party was awesome...all 14 of the girls we invited came. The weather was cool but the sun was out so we played outside a lot. Had a bounce house and had put up a volleyball net and blown up some beach balls for the girls to play with. They loved both! We also did a number of crafts and games, they especially liked the limbo!

When everyone left, she opened her gifts from all her friends and then DH took her outside to play with the children next door while I hit the clues. Then we called her back inside (my in-laws were here too) and had her read each clue while the video camera was rolling. She LOVED the scavenger hunt, kept saying how much fun it was. Then came the time to unscramble the words. She did pretty good but got a little stuck with it came to Disney and cruise. But it's funny, right after she spelled out "you are going on a" she said "I know what it is"! When we asked her what she thought it was she said she didn't want to say...so we told it to whisper it in her cousin's ear and we'd see if she was right. I'll be darned she said "I think it's a cruise boat!" Well, anyway, I had to help her with the first letter in Disney but once she knew it started with a "D" she was off and running on that one. Also, I had to tell her to start with a "c" on the last word and even though she didn't spell it right she thought she had spelled cruise. So then she read it out loud and she said, "mom, are we really going on a Disney cruise?" and I said "yes, we really are!" I think she was in shock! She asked when and I said in about 3 weeks during spring break and she was just dumbfounded! She started asking me how long we were going to be on the boat, where we were going, etc. It's been such a big day for my DD and I think we totally wore her out between partying and surprises! It's was a fabulous party and a wonderful feeling to be able to surprise her with something like this trip. Now we no longer have to whisper! Yea!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend! See ya soon

 

[Grumpymom73]

Hey everyone,

Well, DD finally knows we are going on the cruise! The party was awesome...all 14 of the girls we invited came. The weather was cool but the sun was out so we played outside a lot. Had a bounce house and had put up a volleyball net and blown up some beach balls for the girls to play with. They loved both! We also did a number of crafts and games, they especially liked the limbo!

When everyone left, she opened her gifts from all her friends and then DH took her outside to play with the children next door while I hit the clues. Then we called her back inside (my in-laws were here too) and had her read each clue while the video camera was rolling. She LOVED the scavenger hunt, kept saying how much fun it was. Then came the time to unscramble the words. She did pretty good but got a little stuck with it came to Disney and cruise. But it's funny, right after she spelled out "you are going on a" she said "I know what it is"! When we asked her what she thought it was she said she didn't want to say...so we told it to whisper it in her cousin's ear and we'd see if she was right. I'll be darned she said "I think it's a cruise boat!" Well, anyway, I had to help her with the first letter in Disney but once she knew it started with a "D" she was off and running on that one. Also, I had to tell her to start with a "c" on the last word and even though she didn't spell it right she thought she had spelled cruise. So then she read it out loud and she said, "mom, are we really going on a Disney cruise?" and I said "yes, we really are!" I think she was in shock! She asked when and I said in about 3 weeks during spring break and she was just dumbfounded! She started asking me how long we were going to be on the boat, where we were going, etc. It's been such a big day for my DD and I think we totally wore her out between partying and surprises! It's was a fabulous party and a wonderful feeling to be able to surprise her with something like this trip. Now we no longer have to whisper! Yea!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend! See ya soon

Awwww! That's so cute. You made me cry!
I'm glad she had a great party and that the scavenger hunt worked so well. I'm sure she will spend the next 3 weeks talking your ear off about the cruise.

 

[AnaRN]

Hey everyone,

Well, DD finally knows we are going on the cruise! The party was awesome...all 14 of the girls we invited came. The weather was cool but the sun was out so we played outside a lot. Had a bounce house and had put up a volleyball net and blown up some beach balls for the girls to play with. They loved both! We also did a number of crafts and games, they especially liked the limbo!

When everyone left, she opened her gifts from all her friends and then DH took her outside to play with the children next door while I hit the clues. Then we called her back inside (my in-laws were here too) and had her read each clue while the video camera was rolling. She LOVED the scavenger hunt, kept saying how much fun it was. Then came the time to unscramble the words. She did pretty good but got a little stuck with it came to Disney and cruise. But it's funny, right after she spelled out "you are going on a" she said "I know what it is"! When we asked her what she thought it was she said she didn't want to say...so we told it to whisper it in her cousin's ear and we'd see if she was right. I'll be darned she said "I think it's a cruise boat!" Well, anyway, I had to help her with the first letter in Disney but once she knew it started with a "D" she was off and running on that one. Also, I had to tell her to start with a "c" on the last word and even though she didn't spell it right she thought she had spelled cruise. So then she read it out loud and she said, "mom, are we really going on a Disney cruise?" and I said "yes, we really are!" I think she was in shock! She asked when and I said in about 3 weeks during spring break and she was just dumbfounded! She started asking me how long we were going to be on the boat, where we were going, etc. It's been such a big day for my DD and I think we totally wore her out between partying and surprises! It's was a fabulous party and a wonderful feeling to be able to surprise her with something like this trip. Now we no longer have to whisper! Yea!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend! See ya soon

Oh Wow!!! Thanks for sharing that...you can just FEEL her excitement through the posting!!! What a wonderfully sweet memory for her and for you! I can only imagine that the next 20 DAYSwill be filled with so much anticipation and happiness!

OH....and if anyone is still thinking about going to the Radisson -- they only have a few rooms with one King bed in them now.

We decided to start our vacation a day early and booked a 2 bedroom suite at the Marriott Residence Inn (we LOVE our Marriott rewards!!!). They do offer a shuttle service but charge $6 round trip per person. But......if you are like us and rack those Marriott reward points up quickly....it was very inexpensive for us to book there and they do let you leave your car in a secured area for the duration of your trip.

 

[Had2disneycruz]

Oh Wow!!! Thanks for sharing that...you can just FEEL her excitement through the posting!!! What a wonderfully sweet memory for her and for you! I can only imagine that the next 20 DAYSwill be filled with so much anticipation and happiness!

OH....and if anyone is still thinking about going to the Radisson -- they only have a few rooms with one King bed in them now.

We decided to start our vacation a day early and booked a 2 bedroom suite at the Marriott Residence Inn (we LOVE our Marriott rewards!!!). They do offer a shuttle service but charge $6 round trip per person. But......if you are like us and rack those Marriott reward points up quickly....it was very inexpensive for us to book there and they do let you leave your car in a secured area for the duration of your trip.

I think I will make a pin that reads, "Talk to me, I'm a DIS'er!" Then when we are at the Radisson on Friday night, we might not just walk right by each other!!! If I get motivated, I will make a bunch and then if anyone wants them....maybe I'll pin it to my KTTW lanyard. It's a thought... I will do it right after I make my fish extender!!! Ha! (I have to get those "no sew" FE instructions from the disboards!)

AnaRN - We love our Marriott rewards points too. We are using them Thursday night for the drive down.

Itutorfortravel - Congrats for a successful surprise and birthday party. Here's to the excitement of the next 20 days!

To the rest of you, I will look elsewhere for a bathing suit so we don't all have the same Lands End suit!!!!

Is 20 days enough time????????

 

[Princess Row]

Wow sure miss alot when you arnt on for one day and then Disboards is down for an "upgrade." I began to shop for the FE and we ordered one off ebay hopefully it will be here soon. We gave up on the "make your own " idea.
The party sounded wonderful. Sounds like more DD and DS are finding out. Both my DD have known since we booked. Can't wait we are getting SO close! Btw does anyone else on here pin trade? My family does especially my 14 year old. Shes the disney obsessed one! :] I was just wondering if any one else does.

AnaRN- I believe we are also staying at the Marriot, we love our rewards just as much!

 

[Had2disneycruz]

Wow sure miss alot when you arnt on for one day and then Disboards is down for an "upgrade." I began to shop for the FE and we ordered one off ebay hopefully it will be here soon. We gave up on the "make your own " idea.
The party sounded wonderful. Sounds like more DD and DS are finding out. Both my DD have known since we booked. Can't wait we are getting SO close! Btw does anyone else on here pin trade? My family does especially my 14 year old. Shes the disney obsessed one! :] I was just wondering if any one else does.

AnaRN- I believe we are also staying at the Marriot, we love our rewards just as much!

We pin trade so we will be bringing ours! DD 15 collects tink pins, DD 12 collects aurora and the rest of us collect whatever we like.

Off to shop today with only 19 days to go!!!!!!!!!