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

[ajeent]

Those online docs DO take forever, don't they??? I made sure to put the signed signature page with all my other stuff!

I just got back from Walmart where I picked up all those extra goodies I needed - aloe cream, pillowcases, polo shirts for DS, etc.... Does anyone else feel like they're spending as much getting ready as they are for the cruise???

I have a quick Palo question - I'm very confused - do the guys need jackets, or is a button-down shirt ok? And if so, do they need a tie? I keep hearing different answers

Two weeks from now I'm on a plane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just finished them all up and printed the siggie sheet...

I agree - I am spending a ton of time getting ready - what makes this so different from all of my other vacations when I just throw stuff in a suitcase and go??... well really, I never do that - there are always lists and more lists.....

I have the boys bringing up the suitcases as I type and I just wrote out packing lists...

I am going through my clothes tonight and I told dh he has to go through his tomorrow.... we are going shopping on Sunday and I am not going out again for stuff -

Oh and btw - this time in 2 weeks I will be at WDW!!

 

[ajeent]

Bonnie - no need to get a life - enjoy the Disney-obsessed one you already have
I lay awake in bed last night picturing myself packing and what I need to bring

OMG - I swear I do this too.....

I also spoke to DCL today to order something for the room. She was so nice - she asked if we were excited - what we? you mean ME???

 

[ajeent]

I just came back from the doctor who gave me a bit of a hard time about my weight so I told him I would deal with it after the cruise. I wasn't going to make a promise I knew I wouldn't/couldn't keep. He did tell me to go easy on the late night snacking. Hmnm...we'll see. With early dinner that one is hard to promise too.

Bummer - I hate it when the Dr says something about my weight

Everything in moderation I always say - of course it doesn't help me much! Although I have been very good since the beginning of the year and lost 18 lbs. Now - I have a TON more to lose, but at least I am down a bit pre-cruise and when we get back the weather will be better, so it will be easier to get some exercise.

 

[ajeent]

So we talked about this briefly, but which seating do you all have?
We are on the early seating - I called to see if they would tell us which one and no dice - the chickie could not tell me that or which rotation we were in.

 

[Skuba2]

Hey guys.

I am not sure who said and where the info came from, but someone on the cruise right now said the "experimental" dinner rotations are still on.

Anyway, no matter what happens--I wouldn't freak. I have a feeling you won't be able to plan much for this. Just go with the flow. In the kingdom of cruising----you really have to just mellow and take it minute by minute. You'll enjoy your cruise so much more if you just enjoy the day and enjoy looking through the navigator and seeing what is up.

Deb

 

[ajeent]

Hey guys.

I am not sure who said and where the info came from, but someone on the cruise right now said the "experimental" dinner rotations are still on.

Anyway, no matter what happens--I wouldn't freak. I have a feeling you won't be able to plan much for this. Just go with the flow. In the kingdom of cruising----you really have to just mellow and take it minute by minute. You'll enjoy your cruise so much more if you just enjoy the day and enjoy looking through the navigator and seeing what is up.

Deb

You are right - oh wise disney veteran!

I am just so excited, I can't wait to see it ALL!! But I am looking forward to a different Disney experience than the parks - much more low key.

BTW - we just tried on our pirate outfits and I must say they look pretty good... even dh grudgingly said they were cool Jake said I look just like the girl pirate in Pirates... Will looked at him like he lost his mind - "Mom does not look at ALL like Keira Knightley!" he says... and he wonders why I always tell him Jake is my favorite!

 

[Fast Pass]

I filled out my forms today and had a fit. Everytime I would fill out one person's form the other forms would go from complete to uncomplete. I had to call Disney to staighten it out. They said it was a glitch. I thought I had lost my mind. It isn't nice to play with my fragile mind. I might go ballistic with little or no notice.
For those worried about your weight- Don't worry about it. Until the ship shifts from one side to the other as you walk you are fine. Remember in strong winds and rough seas it is the skinny guy that goes over first!
Those that are staying at the Radisson remember that you can now make your shuttle reservation. Don't forget to mention that you want the cruise package so you can get two free breakfast meals.
Oh, one more thing, especially for you newbies:
Put Saran Wrap or something on your luggage handles before you attach the Disney tags. The glue on the tags is horrendous and will ruin most handles on luggage bags.

 

[Skuba2]

Or, you can tear off the first inch or until it almost touches the handle of your bag on both ends of the tag and connect it that way. I would also stick one if you have extras in each luggage. AND, put bag 1 of 5, 2 of 5, etc. It will help the porters know to try and keep yours together. Your bags may still arrive one at a time. It really helps at getting off the ship. The porters will try their best to put all the bags together in the sea of luggage. One last tip, spend the tip and get a porter on your way off. They earn the money--tip well. They will get all your bags and cut right into the head of the line to whisk you on your way. They do it so they can get back as fast as they can for more tips. Ok---enough talking about the END of it all.

The Disney Magic experience is much more low key. If I am not walking with you guys, I may be at the gym. We shall see. I may look into a personal trainer there to help me kick start my workouts.

Deb

 

[Skuba2]

OMG--I just had a funny thought. The families of those new to the Disney Cruise are either going to buy us drinks for telling them the tricks or they are gonna throw us overboard because they are tired of hearing "Deb said this" and "Kat said that". LMAO

Deb

 

[Jeanne62]

Kat and Deb,

I've been reading this board pretty regularly (although not contributing much), but just want to let you know that I really appreciate you sharing your experience and wisdom!

Only two weeks to go!!

-Jeanne

 

[ROIE01581]

So we talked about this briefly, but which seating do you all have?
We are on the early seating - I called to see if they would tell us which one and no dice - the chickie could not tell me that or which rotation we were in.

We are early sitting all 11 of us. I just packed two suitcases and have one more and the garment bag left. I may just get away with 4 bags and two carryones...

WOW!!!!!!!

 

[Skuba2]

Good News. If you go to the trip report board, you wil find someone posting their current experience. They are on the same itinerary as we will be and he says the rotation is actually back to normal---YEAH!! I subscribed to the thread--thought it would be fun following.

Deb

 

[rachaellou]

Someone mentioned bringing pillow slips...could you tell me why? Also what is a 'neat sheet'?

 

[Skuba2]

Someone mentioned bringing pillow slips...could you tell me why? Also what is a 'neat sheet'?

You can drop off a pillow case and a marker to the front desk and they will have the characters sign them over the course of a few days. I would guess you would have to have your name and cabin number on them. A placemat is also another item they will sign. You have pretty much no say as to how it will look--but it is something people seem to want. I have never seen the attraction for these. LOL!

A neat sheet is sold in some grocery stores at this time as well as some of the discount stores. It is a very light weight, large sheet of "fabric" that seems to have a repellant quality to sand and water. They are often used as a beach blanket or better yet under a beach blanket. It is often a medium blue and is rolled up just slightly larger than a roll of paper towels.

Deb

 

[Skuba2]

Ok guys--as you can tell--I spend way too much time on the puter. LOL!

Here is another FYI that I forgot about and just read on the main board. The counselors in the clubs are non-tip. They are not allow to accept money and if they are given it, it is all pooled together. We used to give them phone cards in small denominations which seemed to be something they could accept and keep.

Anyway, with the cell phone and internet being so available now, the phone cards aren't as needed. Wal-mart gift cards seem to be the thing to give now. I guess there is a bus that give the crew a chance to do some personal shopping at a local Wal-mart.

Don't panic. You do not have to give a tip at all. They don't expect it. What I do is I buy one card for each child with a few extra in my pocket. I have them each sign a thank you card and they each pick out their "favorite" counselor to give a note of thanks to for something they feel was special to them. I have a few extra just in case my child can't decide on one or someone has been extremely helpful in my own eyes.

Deb

 

[Skuba2]

For those in search of the swimsuit that won't make them head for Alaska, Lands End has some really good swimsuits that do a great job at making those of us with more in some areas feel like it isn't there. LOL! I have some shorts from them that I had last year that I still love -- it is literally a pair of shorts made out of the material a guys suit can be made out of with a suit panty inside it. Comfie. I also just went to Sears to do some cruise shopping and found a really nice skirt bottom with a mix and match top. I was actually excited about it.

Deb

 

[Skuba2]

Ok---another tip pulled from the main board. I am reading this stuff as a tax form avoidance exercise. LOL! We all have to get them done before we leave--remember.

I wouldn't let your young kids read this one if you want to have a surprise for them later.

There is a little post office on Castaway Cay (the island is in the Bahamas technically) It is the only thing on the island that takes cash. I purchase postcards from CC, fill them out to each of my kids from Mickey Mouse. He thanks them for visiting and hopes they can come back again soon. If they met Mickey, you can add that. Or you can make it from any of the characters. You can mail it from the little post office and it will show up in your mail about 2-3 weeks after you get back. The post office closes earlier than the time you have to get back to the boat. Actually, the whole island starts shutting down earlier.

Castaway Cay is very interesting. They literally bring everything off of the boat to use on the island. You will see all your crew memebers with new positions on the island. You use KTTW cards for everything and the store offers drop in your room service I believe.

Also, if you are doing the "run" to get to a hammock or unbrella, you will miss all the characters that are lined up along the walk for photo ops. They are usually there for the first hour or so. If you can't find a lounger, the floats make for good beach lounging as well.

Gotta go--uncle sam awaits.

Deb

 

[Fast Pass]

I have come down with a shopping addiction. In real life I am not a big shopper, I only go when something is worn out. Since we started cruising I keep finding stuff I have to have. I believe I am keeping the economy alive with all this shopping!

I do have a general question: Why do the umbrellas on Castaway Cay all have holes in them? When we went in September, it rained and staying under those things were like being out in the rain. Did they design them like this on purpose or is it just normal wear and tear?

We have almost everything all ready. All we have to do is pay the bills for April, drop the dog off, pick up our passports and wait for the big day! I am so excited, I know I have cruised once before but I still feel all giddy just thinking of the Magic.

 

[Mduff]

For those worried about your weight- Don't worry about it. Until the ship shifts from one side to the other as you walk you are fine. Remember in strong winds and rough seas it is the skinny guy that goes over first!

LOL!!

I agree - I am spending a ton of time getting ready - what makes this so different from all of my other vacations when I just throw stuff in a suitcase and go??... well really, I never do that - there are always lists and more lists.....

I feel the same way - I feel so overwhelmed by what to bring, and what not to bring. DH finally made me a spreadsheet so I can "garanimal" our outfits together and pack sparsely!
I guess when we go to Disney, we know it's just shorts and t-shirts for day and dinner, and we have laundry facilities in the room.

So we talked about this briefly, but which seating do you all have?
We are on the early seating - I called to see if they would tell us which one and no dice - the chickie could not tell me that or which rotation we were in.

We're early seating - there are 3 separate ones, right?

For those in search of the swimsuit that won't make them head for Alaska, Lands End has some really good swimsuits that do a great job at making those of us with more in some areas feel like it isn't there. LOL! I have some shorts from them that I had last year that I still love -- it is literally a pair of shorts made out of the material a guys suit can be made out of with a suit panty inside it. Comfie. I also just went to Sears to do some cruise shopping and found a really nice skirt bottom with a mix and match top. I was actually excited about it.

Deb

I love my Lands End bathing suits! I bought those swimshorts this year on clearance and they're so comfy! I can't wait to wear them - maybe they'll hide the thighs

I have come down with a shopping addiction. In real life I am not a big shopper, I only go when something is worn out. Since we started cruising I keep finding stuff I have to have. I believe I am keeping the economy alive with all this shopping!

DH said if we lose power, the GNP plummets because I can't online shop!

I'm starting to think cruise preparing would be easier without kids - DD (5) is getting panicky about the cruise, and has developed a separation anxiety and won't leave my side, and DS (9) has entered the sullen years a wee bit earlier than I anticipated!! I'll be the one walking around with a drink in each hand!

Marla

 

[ROIE01581]

I have come down with a shopping addiction. In real life I am not a big shopper, I only go when something is worn out. Since we started cruising I keep finding stuff I have to have. I believe I am keeping the economy alive with all this shopping!

I do have a general question: Why do the umbrellas on Castaway Cay all have holes in them? When we went in September, it rained and staying under those things were like being out in the rain. Did they design them like this on purpose or is it just normal wear and tear?

We have almost everything all ready. All we have to do is pay the bills for April, drop the dog off, pick up our passports and wait for the big day! I am so excited, I know I have cruised once before but I still feel all giddy just thinking of the Magic.

\\

they are for the wind. That way they don't go flying into the ocean.."Right Kim like on the beach in Ct" and I had to swim to get it before it sank.
With the holes the wind passes through the unbrella and stays standing.