April 12, 2008, 4-12-08, 4/12/08 Eastern Magic

Hey Deb,

As a veteran Disney cruiser, I know that I would love any "lists" that you use to pack with. Also, any comments on jackets, sweaters and how cool it gets in the evening or early morning? Or in general, any more packing comments?

My packing tips.

I split up everyone's clothes among all the suitcases. Swimsuits get split, underwear gets split. That way if you lose a luggage, no one person loses all their clothes.

Did you know that rolling clothes can help minimize wrinkles? Underwear can be stuffed into shoes?

I bring tons of ziplocks (or buy some at Walmart there). The suits/water shoes will be sandy.

Sweaters are a must. The night will be cold and windy on the ship. And the ship can actually get really cold inside as well. I bought a white disney sweat jacket when I was on there. The shops do have some clothes if you forget something.

I would bring 3-4 swimsuits--minimum of 2 each. That leaves one to dry and one to wear. Downy sheets are a great room freshener. Those little suction hooks can be great to hang drying swimsuits on in the shower.

We use the tv to spend a half hour before bed to slideshow our pics of the day. It allows me to delete those that didn't come out and it gives the kids some good settle down time. Bring enough digital space to allow for the weeks worth of pictures.

If you want to line up for character pictures in the atrium--the line usually starts 15 minutes before. If you see a guy standing around with a huge, professional camera--chances are a character is coming. Ask him who, when and where.

Anyone in concierge level, the concierge meet I think leaving St. Thomas is a pretty good treat. The snacks are good and the drinks are NOT watered down. Mickey also stops by around then, so bring your camera.

Packing lists----I would sit down and write out everything. Underwear-7, socks-7, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Check things off as you put them in your suitcase and then pack your list. RE-check things off as you pack the last night.

Do NOT pack your meds, tickets, passports, etc. I know--you know--but someone always does it.

Make 2 copies of your passport/drivers lic. Give one to your emergency contact and another put in the safe of your room. If something gets stolen, it will help in replacing it. Color copy of data page. Oh yeah---bring an old library card, gift card, etc. A few of them if you have them laying around the house--something with an magnetic strip on it. The safes are locked and unlocked with them. DO NOT use your credit cards for this. The magnetic strip can and usually does get damaged. We used our hotel key from Universal from our stays before the cruise.

Want something for your kids to do in the am while everyone is getting ready? The ship has movies and cd's that can be checked out for the cruise. Do this day one as they are gone quick and not returned usually until the end.

We pack a "plug in game" or two in the kid's carry-ons. They can sit and play it while we are getting ready in the morning. And, it saves on visiting the arcade.

Checking kids in and out of the club----the first night is crazy and your wait could be a good 5 minutes or more. They get their braclets and the computer information is checked. Be patient. Also, remember you can't check in or out during transition times---no exceptions. So, don't forget to plan your time around them. If you have a palo ressie and you have to wait 15 minutes while they are moving between places, you will be late. But, if you hit the place before the transition at the last 5 minutes, you will have time to spare. Also, plan around busy times---at night around dinner/shows, etc are busy.

Make sure bed is cleared of any stuffed animals, etc each morning. Jen lost her bunny beanie baby on one April cruise.

I can't think of any other tips that aren't on the big list on the main board. I start writing my list a few days before the cruise. I can show it to you then.

Just remember, don't freak out too much if you forget something. The islands aren't uninhabited. You should be able to get anything you miss either on the boat or on an island.

I hope this helps.

Deb
 
Welcome Mduff-

The Trumbull family is checking in. My SIL is a teacher in Bethel (2nd Grade).
I didn't know our documents arrived until this morning when I went to get the newspaper (our UPS man just drops and runs) so I was pretty excited this morning. I'm putting together a bag for my parents since this is their first cruise will all kinds of things they might not have thought about-clothespins, pop up hamper, highlighters, post its, pepto, Bonine, etc. I put it in one of those reusable Mickey bags The Disney Store is selling now. I'll give them our set of lanyards upon check in since we got ours in November when we were on the Wonder. I'm ignoring the dining rotation situation for now, I figure I'll deal with it on arrival. Now I'm worried that the ship docked late at CC-11am, and we have the Eco tour booked at 10:30am. Something about the engines. Oh Bother!

This time in three weeks we'll be heading up to the deck party and hearing those 7 sweet notes playing "When you Wish Upon a Star". I can't wait!!

Happy Easter to all!!

CC is always a gamble. If you go to maps.live . com (no spaces), you can see the island and you can see the small channel the boat has to use to dock. Search for the name "Gorda Cay, Bahamas" which was it's name prior to Disney owning it. Wind is it's worse enemy. It could be a beautiful, sunny day and you still can't get in due to the wind. You can hit aerial and see the atual island.

Deb
 
I'm so glad gfolchick mentioned highlighters. I almost forgot about them!

Here's another weird question from me.

Are there clocks on board for kids to see, or should we make sure they have a watch? We don't want them having excuses for not being where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there!

Bev

And post its for leaving messages to eachother.

Deb
 

Also, please don't forget to keep out your change of clothes the last night of the cruise. They'll take your luggage and you won't have anything to wear.

Deb

Just wanted to mention here that whereas they do prefer that you put your luggage out the night before and then pick it up on the way out, you are not required to. We let our room host know that we were keeping our luggage and taking it off with us and we did just that. We asked what was the absolute latest that he needed us out of the room by and we honored that. We went on our last breakfast rotation to say goodbye to our servers and then took our time getting back and fully packed up so that we didn't have to carry pajamas and things like that with us all day since not having our suitcases from the night before.

Kat
 
ok, i got up at 6:30 this morning and did 12 loads of laundry to get the summer stuff ready for packing. Thank goodness i live in an apartment building. I took all the machines, but I was done by 9am..Now i have to decide what goes and what stays...Have to get DH to try on suit and decide which dress shirts he wants. Don't understand why my clothes are twice as many as his. :rotfl:

Spend yesterday with DD Megan getting her settled on a new (used) car..It was nice to see her getting " stressed about financing.." :scared1: But they did it. :banana:
Now we can get back to 'stressing about the cruise" :laundy:
 
I know first hand about missing CC. Our first cruise in 2001 we were unable to dock due to currents and winds. We had really big waves all week, but thank goodness for Bonine! I can't say enough about it. We made up for it in 2005 by taking the Thanksgiving double dip-CC on the first day and last day. Very enjoyable and I highly recommend taking another one.

With 4 cruises under my belt, I cannot remember if there are clocks around, but we were always able to be someplace on time. My DH says there were some screens with a view from the bridge, wind conditions, time, etc. I was thinking of getting myself a waterproof watch this time out.
 
Happy Easter!

Thanks Skuba2 for the great list.
This would be a great time to mention, especially for the first timers, that you should start telling your banks and credit card people that you will be out of the country and for how long. Nothing would be worse than finding that great souvenier and not being able to get it because your credit company put a stop on your card.

Mduff, I know what you mean about the shopping costing almost as same as the cruise. I went shopping yesterday and picked up a couple of new skirts. I don't wear skirts that often but now all of a sudden I have 5 of them! I have more stuff to pack than I am going to wear. What is worse is I have to pack for our DisneyWorld trip after the cruise. It sure would be easier if I could just go naked!(Of course, everyone would be blind or jump ship because of the sight.):rotfl: :rotfl:
 
Happy Easter!

Thanks Skuba2 for the great list.
This would be a great time to mention, especially for the first timers, that you should start telling your banks and credit card people that you will be out of the country and for how long. Nothing would be worse than finding that great souvenier and not being able to get it because your credit company put a stop on your card.

Mduff, I know what you mean about the shopping costing almost as same as the cruise. I went shopping yesterday and picked up a couple of new skirts. I don't wear skirts that often but now all of a sudden I have 5 of them! I have more stuff to pack than I am going to wear. What is worse is I have to pack for our DisneyWorld trip after the cruise. It sure would be easier if I could just go naked!(Of course, everyone would be blind or jump ship because of the sight.):rotfl: :rotfl:

I have finally come out of the "got kids" dress mode to the I have a body dress mode. I wore panty hose today and heals! I haven't done that for a very very very very long time. I have gotten skirts and blouses and dresses--oh my! It is amazing how we can come full circle.

Deb
 
OK, we have our tickets via mail now. The countdown is in the teens! :cool1: :cool1:

Now the time is really flying. My wife is in panic mode.
Totally agree with the comment on spending as much for the cruise as the cruise itself. Yet, it provides a great excuse for those new items/chlothes.

:rotfl:

Any Oklahoman's on this cruise?



me - Matt
dw
dd -10
ds - 9
party:
 
My cruise docs arrived yesterday and now instead of working on my night school project I find myself on Disboards!!!

Well, I really must get back to the school work. It was fun checking in.
 
Marla,
My SIL teaches at Barry. I have a DS who will turn 9 in June and my nephew is 9 now. Would you like to have the boys email a hello? Daniel (my DS) was excited for another boy since this board has lots of 9-10 year old girls. He was feeling left out. Too bad you missed our meet at the aquarium two weeks ago. 5 families met for a few hours. The pictures are a few pages back.
Gina

Sure, I asked Mickey if he wanted to meet someone by email and he said sure. (Yes, DS's name is Mickey - he was our 5th anniversary Disney souvenir :rotfl: )
I caught up on the thread and saw the Aquarium trip - wish I had checked out this thread sooner!

Checking kids in and out of the club----the first night is crazy and your wait could be a good 5 minutes or more. They get their braclets and the computer information is checked. Be patient. Also, remember you can't check in or out during transition times---no exceptions. So, don't forget to plan your time around them. If you have a palo ressie and you have to wait 15 minutes while they are moving between places, you will be late. But, if you hit the place before the transition at the last 5 minutes, you will have time to spare. Also, plan around busy times---at night around dinner/shows, etc are busy.

Make sure bed is cleared of any stuffed animals, etc each morning. Jen lost her bunny beanie baby on one April cruise.

I can't think of any other tips that aren't on the big list on the main board. I start writing my list a few days before the cruise. I can show it to you then.

Deb

Thanks for all the tips! Now I have more to overwhelm myself with! :laughing:
What's the transition you mentioned for the kids clubs?
 
Hi,

Actually, I got my user name by copying EAP's Dad. I have to confess I read about pages 1 - 10, then skipped through to page 62. So many people from Connecticut!!!! Are any of you planning to meet or maybe requesting to eat together? Also, we are taking the train the day before and then staying in All Star Music, so we'll be there early.

This is our first time. Mduff, this will be our 13th anniversary. Did you request something special? We were going to renew our vows, but it was just too expensive, especially considering we weren't going to have any guests.

Here's our family:

Mom and Dad
DD age 9
DS age 7
DD age 4

All will be in the activity clubs.

Looking forward to hearing from you guys.:cutie:
 
Oh, and, I noticed in the beginning you were keeping track of the families, but here's what I picked up from the parts I read, plus my family.

Skuba2: DH, DW, DD13, DD10, DS6 ... from Wilton, CT

HappyBirthdayCat: DH, DW, DD13, DS15 ... from Upstate NY

CinderellaPug: DH, DW ... from East Greenbush, NY

EAP'sDAD: DH, DW, DD12, DS9, DS7 ... from Norwalk, CT

Maslex: DH, DW, DS11, DS12 ... from Plainfield, CT

Momto3angels: DH, DW, DD9, DD6, DD4 ... from ?

Beginsters: DH, DW, DGM, DD14, DD12, DD7 ... from ?

cvspsych: SM, DD10 ... from Cooperstown, NY

CindyD1: DH, DW, DD12, DD8, DS5 ... From Norwalk, CT

DisneyMomforLife: DH, DW, DS17, DD9 ... From Norwalk, CT

okwmember92: DH & DW only!! ... from ? - 25th anniversary celebration!

gfolchick: DW, DH, DD11, DS8, DGM, DGF, DBro, DNeph9, DNeph6 ... from Trumbull, CT

MBA's Mom: DH, DW, DD9, DS7, DD4 ... from Glastonbury, CT


I copied it from the beginning when DisneyMom was keeping track ... don't know if it still applies.:goodvibes
 
Thanks for all the tips! Now I have more to overwhelm myself with! :laughing:
What's the transition you mentioned for the kids clubs?


Your welcome. If I gave you the tip on "Don't get over-planned, over anxious or over-stressed; would you listen. LOL! I know from experience. I had everyone's activities put on outlook--color coded--all the information included. I spent days working on it only to throw it out the first day. LOL! What do I plan on now---to drink---to play---to eat---to walk--to have fun!

To answer the transition question. The kids' groups spend some time in their respective clubs/labs/etc. But, they also go to the movies, go to the sports deck, meals and sometimes on a scavenger hunt around the ship. There are secret hallways that the kids get to use that are away from the general public. But, you will also see them marching to and from things. Anyway, you will notice on the navigators that they build in 15 minutes to get from one thing/place to another. They will have a laptop computer with them at the activity to help with check in/out at the activity. But, once they start moving, they do not allow check in/outs due to no computer and just the general chaos it would cause. So, if you need the children at a certain time that falls within the transition, then you need to get them about 5 minutes before. The desks at the clubs/labs will have little signs indicating where the children are at and they can tell you where and when they are at also. The little sign isn't always correct.

Deb
 
Hi,

Actually, I got my user name by copying EAP's Dad. I have to confess I read about pages 1 - 10, then skipped through to page 62. So many people from Connecticut!!!! Are any of you planning to meet or maybe requesting to eat together? Also, we are taking the train the day before and then staying in All Star Music, so we'll be there early.

This is our first time. Mduff, this will be our 13th anniversary. Did you request something special? We were going to renew our vows, but it was just too expensive, especially considering we weren't going to have any guests.

Here's our family:

Mom and Dad
DD age 9
DS age 7
DD age 4

All will be in the activity clubs.

Looking forward to hearing from you guys.:cutie:

Welcome!! I think most of the connecticut contingent is going with other family. I am sure we will have chances to see eachother at show/bingo/the bar/etc. The kids tend to flit from table to table saying hi to friends.

Deb
 
Quick question---has the 9/10 email died or has Jenn been dropped off the list accidentally?

Deb
 
Skuba2: DH, DW (Deb), DD13, DD10, DS6 ... from Wilton, CT

HappyBirthdayCat: DH, DW, DD13, DS15 ... from Upstate NY

CinderellaPug: DH, DW ... from East Greenbush, NY

EAP'sDAD: DH, DW, DD12, DS9, DS7 ... from Norwalk, CT

Maslex: DH, DW, DS11, DS12 ... from Plainfield, CT

Momto3angels: DH, DW, DD9, DD6, DD4 ... from ?

Beginsters: DH, DW, DGM, DD14, DD12, DD7 ... also traveling with brother-in-law and 15 year old nephew ... from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

cvspsych: DM (Bonnie), DD10 (Caroline) ... from Cooperstown, NY

CindyD1: DH (Lou), DW (Cindy), DD13 (Melissa), DD9 (Amanda), DS5 (Lou) ... From Norwalk, CT

DisneyMomforLife: DH (Phil), DW (Kat), DS17 (Shawn), DD10 (Gabi) ... From Norwalk, CT

okwmember92: DH & DW (Kim) only!! ... from central Florida - 25th anniversary celebration!

gfolchick: DW, DH, DD11, DS8, DGM, DGF, DBro, DNeph9, DNeph6 ... from Trumbull, CT

Dsnyfangoofy2: DH, DW (Bev), DS16, DS15 from Utah, Kansas and Cali … family members include: infant girl, 2-year-old girl, girl 6, boy 9, girl 10, boy 11, boy 12, girl 12, boy 13, girl 14, boy 15, boy 16, girl 16, girl 16, boy 18.

aprince&princess DH (Tom), DW (Vickie), DS13(Tommy), DD10 (Kayla) from … New Milford, CT

PecosBill: Tom, the prince of "aprince&princess"!! see above, lol

TaraMom22: DH, DW, DD8 (Katie), DS6 (Michael) from Cali and DW’s MOM from Oregon

FastPass: It is Mom(if I gave her age, I wouldn't live to see the cruise, Dad(60), my brother(35), me(just say I am over 21), and three possible cruisers(two in the 30's and one about two years old.(The man might be deployed at any time so they might not be able to go) ... from Kentucky

ajeent: DW (AJ), DH (Ed), DS13 (Will), DS10 (Jake) from Webster, NY

hannahguad: DH, DW, DW's MOM, DD10 ... from Arizona

KathleenLovesMickey - DH(Ron) & DW (Kathleen) celebrating 25th anniversary ... from Northern California

trishv: DGP (Grandparents) & DGD12 ... from Canada

mcwolf: DW, DH(Matt) DD10, DS8 ... from ?

Kellydizfan: DW (Kelly), DH, DD14 (Kali), DD's Friend14 (Alyssa), DD10 (Hannah) & DS7 (Bryan) ... from Saugerties NY

Skye00: DW (traveling alone) w/ DD5, DS3 ... from San Francisco Bay area

ROIE01581: DGM (Nanna), DGP (Poppa) traveling from Massachusetts (will be in the red shirts!)with their two daughters:

- Kimmie9376: DW (Kim), DH (Pete), DD7 (Ashleigh), DD5 (Amber), DS2 (PJ) ... from Massachusetts

- Megand3779: DW (Megan), DH (Mike), DD6 (Savannah), DS 10 months (Christopher) ... from Rhode Island

Jeanne62: DW (Jeanne) traveling alone with DD16 ... from North Kingstown, RI

cnb: DW (Carolyn), DH, DD16, DS14, DD10 ... from Norwalk, CT

motherofsons: DW (Kathy), DH, DS14 (Drew), DS7 (Collin) ... from Grafton, MA

Mickey1Fan: Mom(75) & Daughter(51) traveling together from Toronto, Canada

Rachaellou: DW (Rachael), DH, DS13, DD10 also traveling with Rachael's Mom and her friend, plus friends DH, DW, twins aged 9, DS12 ... from ?

Mduff: DH, DW, DS9, DD5 from Bethel, CT ... also traveling with friends from Monroe, CT DH, DW, DD9, DD8

MBA's Mom: DW, DH, DD9, DS7, DD4 ... from Glastonbury, CT celebrating 13 year anniversary!

*********************************************************

Ok, all of the updates have been made ... we are quite a comfortably large group here!!!

We are mostly all active on the list, minus really only 2 or 3 people which is fantastic!!

I believe that we planned on a 3pm meet on Saturday - someone correct me if I am wrong and for the life of me, WHERE at 3pm is escaping me at the exact moment so someone can chime in with that info! :confused:

For those who are new to the meet thread, there are some great photos of us and our dogs, lol ... on these pages: 36, 38, 39, 40, 43 and 54. Please feel free to post pics of yourself as well. We did have our local meet here in Norwalk a few weeks back so I'm sure those of us who recognize each other will be hanging out in the terminal together so please, if you see us there, come over and introduce yourself!! :grouphug:

Hope everyone had a great holiday!!!

Kat
 

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