April 17, 2004 -- anyone going with us?

[ehtpnt]

Oops pushed the wrong button.

I have laundry of my own that is calling me. So...

So long. Estelle

 

[lsutigger2]

Estelle, meeting for dinner might be fun. We'll get together (on the internet) sometimes before the cruise and closer to the day - boy I wish they would get here faster. OBTW, not that I'm picky or anything but the first letter of my screen name is "L" as in "LSU".

I help plan and actually do some of the required training for child care providers in Louisiana. I also do some other things but none are my favorite like training is.

Jan: thanks for the car rental info. Figured it couldn't be too far, but you never know. Thanks for the idea to check the distances. I'll do that. I like to have everything reserved and waiting for us. Would there be a way to get from the port to pick up a car on the day of debarking?? A shuttle from Budget maybe??

Thanks again to so many helpful folks for these very excited "first timers"

 

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by lsutigger2
Would there be a way to get from the port to pick up a car on the day of debarking?? A shuttle from Budget maybe??

LSUTIGGER2: I would formulate a list of questions for Budget and call them. They must have an 800 number somewhere and even a long distance call might be worth the peace of mind.

We took the DISNEY bus to and from the port on our first two cruises. The third time we drove to the Radisson, stayed overnight there and left our camper in their parking lot right near where Estelle and Phil left their vehicle. The Radisson provided a shuttle to the port for the cruise and back to the hotel when we got back.

When we went on our Royal Caribbean Cruise we rented a car from Avis as they have a place right at the Miami port. It was quite a hike across a parking lot pulling and lugging our luggage but proximity made a difference--thrift.

Best wishes on this project
Jan

 

[ehtpnt]

LSUtigger2 I am sorry I actually thought it was is u tigger 2? Us northerners don't think of LSU and I am caught with a red face.

There might be an answer to the debarkation question in the fact that we will be getting our vehicle from the Rad that morning. And could offer a lift to the rental place if they don't offer a shuttle service. Although I would think that they would since they must have a lot of people who need to get cars. The only other thing is that we have late seating for dining and probably won't get off until around 9 AM.

Jan-- is that about the time we got off? I admit I don't remember what time we actually got off the boat.

lsutigger-- you are not the only excited ones. I am getting positively hard to live with. The weather here has been very cold and I keep saying things like "it won't be like this in April" and this is usually followed by groans from the family.

Well I'm off now so that DH can do some church work and I can take the anxious Doberman out. Lucky me. Estelle

 

[JLSE50]

I just checked my scrapbook--ahhh--it is a research document, not only a memory book!

Late seating dinner meant we went to breakfast at 8 am on disembarkation day. Knowing we were in no rush, we lingered at the table. We waited until no one was in the lobby and nearly no one in the diningroom. Easy to see since we had a table in Lumiere's near the windows facing the Mickey Statue.

I am not sure what time it was when we walked out the gangway. After 9 I bet--maybe more like 9:30 or so. By doing that there were almost no pieces of luggage in the terminal so finding ours was easy and there was only a short line to wait in for customs.

Jan

 

[dianthus]

Hi Everyone!

My DD ( Taylor) and me ( Linda) are from Danbury, CT. I have just booked the April 17th cruise and we will be joining you! We were on the 11/8 Western- our 25th anniversary cruise ( mr. & mrs. no pants were on our cruise- wearing pants!). This one will be our 4th DCL cruise. We did the same week two years ago & weather was awesome... The Northeast weather is already getting to us, so we'll need a break come April! It's -5 right now! Waaaay to cold for me!

Taylor's 13th B day is 4/17, the day we embark!My DH (Doug) is involved in a new business venture & won't be able to take time off for a while. He suggested I take some of the DVC points & take on her the cruise to celebrate her becoming a teen. I called DVC the other day & the points were "closed out". Their allotment for this cruise was gone. I got pretty bummed, as it's also her school vacation week, so it was perfect... I didn't want to use cash for ressies... Today, I posted some points for sale on the DVC board & sold them very quickly! So I booked the 2 of us & got non stop air out of Hartford too. I think it was meant to be... She is going to be sooo surprised! I'm going to tell her when I get all the confirmations in & we're set. She was really bummed they started the Golden Mickeys on the Magic only a few weeks after our cruise. She's going to love this!

I look forward to getting to know all of you! For all you Halloween cruisers- we were on the first Halloween 7 day cruise in 2000. That was the year the CMs dressed as 102 dalmations & Cruella Deville. My DD Taylor was the black cat they were all chasing that night at the first Halloween deck party you may have heard about..

Rae~ It's your eBay "Halloween" pin pal! Looking forward to finally meeting you! I am a big Gaspare fan too!

LSUtigger2- Budget is just down the street from the Radisson. Close enough to walk if need be- a bit of a schlep, but not bad. They have a shuttle from Port to Budget. We used Avis last time, a bit further down now- by the Perfect Gift. They had better rates than Budget in November. Check both, they constantly change! Look for codes on www.mousesavers.com

~ Linda

 

[rae519]

Linda!!!!! Welcome aboard! Oh this is going to be great!!!!
So many people already "knowing" each other!!!

Okay, Estelle - in a PM, I need to know last name and stateroom for you and your friends so I can make the reservations for us for brunch - I will have to look up the days and we are thinking 11AM.

I got a priceline.com bid accepted for $40 at Holiday Inn Select at the MCO. We found the price for Disney transfers to be the same as the Happy Limo price, so we are going to get the limo from the hotel to the port and back.

We need a list of whose going and staterooms, dining time, brunch or high tea, etc. Anyone interested in taking this on?
I've done it before (past 5 cruises) and frankly, don't have the time this cruise due to homeschooling commitments.

Also, for our Disney Meet - I've preferred meeting at Promenade Lounge after the drill just because it's a quiet area - but I also heard that the lobby outside the Spa is a good area plus close to the Sail Away Party. Any hints or suggestions so we can get this firmed up???

We plan to be at the Port around 10AM - so that might work for some of us to meet there!

Remember if anyone wants to dine with anyone else, all it takes is a call to DCL with the last name and reservation number to have seating together. Also, if you want a special server or rotation, then head to Dining Room Changes to get that.

Always feels like the start of the Indy 500 when we board because there is so much to get done and with limited seating at Palo.....AGGGGHHHH!

Rae

 

[lsutigger2]

Welcome about Linda and Taylor!

Thanks for the info for the car rental. I'll check mousesavers later and do more research on this.

I've been "packing in my head" this week. It is going to be so much fun!!

 

[ehtpnt]

Welcome Linda and Taylor!

Rae--as soon as I can get the information out of Phil(DH) and Jen and Alan (friends) I will pm you with stateroom numbers and names. I talked to Jen and I think they would probably prefer the brunch, but Jen did say they really didn't have a preference. And I know Phil and I will readily do either.

Jan-- did we have a certain place to meet after sailaway or before? I don't remember that we did. You can check that volume of information...your scrapbook. LOL

Rae & Linda--are you a pin traders? I collect but don't trade much. Jen also collects and I think trades more than I do.

Can not wait to get on that boat. I like snow and cold weather but can't say I like the frigid weather we are having at the moment. Can not bless the inventor of the electric blanket enough. DH likes the room cool and we have minimal heat on. Usually not bad but the last three nights it has been way cold in our room.

Must go and start the supper for the members of the family who aren't dieting...like me.

Jan--Our Jen is dieting. Like people who buy their undewear in Victorias' Secret need to diet.

Talk to you all later. Estelle

 

[RobinMarie]

Linda,

We are from Connecticut too! I'm wondering about your air travel plans as I've been looking for a decent deal for awhile now.

This will be our first cruise! It's all I'm thinking about since the near 0 degree temps today!

 

[rae519]

RobinMarie - a big WELCOME to you and yours!!! As first time cruisers, you may have questions - we may have answers! If not, we know where to go for them!!!!!
So glad you will be joining us!

Most of the time people who sign onto these threads will meet the first day (generally after the safety drill) and sometimes plan a brunch or high tea meet. Otherwise, most of us just go our own way unless we make plans together. It's pretty low key and non threatening.

I must say that I have met some on cruise threads that I'd share my last meal with and others that I wish I never heard of!!!!! Always a mixed bag!

Estelle - Jen is dieting???? So is Tom, but his is for health reasons. He's lost 10lbs already and I am so proud of him!! He and I are both fat (I don't have a problem with that word!!!) and because of medical problems/medication, it has always been difficult for us to maintain a healthy weight. One of the big pluses for me is that I can ride and that uses a bunch of muscles, so I can lose weight and firm up at the same time as I can enjoy my riding.

I don't open the floor registers in our bedroom in the winter - we like to sleep in the cold. I even bought a chillow (water filled pillow) to stay cool at night!


And by the way, I may be living in Indiana - but I'm a native UPSTATE New Yorker and always will be!

Rae

 

[RobinMarie]

Thank You for the warm welcome!

We have early seating we were able to secure when we rebooked with another TA. I'm happy my 6yo dd will not be having to keep her head off the table to eat with us. I'm trying to figure out how to do the drill, deck the party, and dress in time for dinner but would love to squeeze in a meet n greet.

Brunch sounds fabulous to me!

 

[dianthus]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for the very warm welcome! I need it right now, as it is - 1 degree here. Ah, the northeast in the winter time... gotta love it - NOT! We are in the "keep the heat down" club too, basically 'cuz I'd rather spend money on vacation- not heating bills... But we did crank it up yesterday, as its just too darn cold!

We got a navigator verandah this time. Has anyone had one? I'd be interested in what you think of them. We always do a CAT 5, or 6, so this will be a bit different. Taylor said they looked cozy after seeing pics on Barb & Tony's site. We've never been aft on the ship, so we'll see. I was going to book an inside to save $ for shopping, but we are verandah girls at heart, so the Cat 7 won out...

RobinMarie- so you live in the tundra too?! Where in CT do you live? You will love the DCL cruise!! We went on this one 2 yrs. ago & it was terrific. 90% of the people on board then were from the Northeast, as it's school vacation week in CT, Mass, RI, & I think NJ & PA too. That's why the air fares are high for that time period. We got our air thru Song- Delta's version of Jet Blue. We got $159 RT in Nov, so I was shocked. We booked with Skymiles, as the fares were $481 for non stops. I really don't like connections to MCO, takes too long. They run out of JFK & LGA too ( same distance to NYC or Hartford air ports for us, so I always go with the cheaper fare) LGA is running about $100 cheaper, but factor in a limo ( I won't park my car in long term down there) & it's the same. If you are in the eastern part of CT, check Providence, RI. Sometimes there are great fares out of there. Let me know how you do. My friends do the auto train- AMTRACK out of DC to Florida & love it. Maybe that's an option for you.

Rae: I am a native New Yorker too- Westchester. Chappaqua- Hil' & Bill's digs now... I can't see my sleepy little town being over run by Secret Service... We live about 90 min. north of the City by train. We usually get in to town every 3 months or so to shop, eat & see a show. Have Lion King & Wicked tickets coming up soon, so more to look forward to..

If it's not going to be a couples only thing, I'd love to do brunch with all of you. I'm sure Taylor will be spending some time at the Stack, as she'll be "Stack- legal" as she calls it (LOL!) on this trip. I like the brunch at Palo better than dinner. I wasn't planning on Palo this trip as DH will not be with me. I've never gotten into high tea on previous cruises, it's always been booked, so I'm game for that too...

Promenade is a nice location for a meet & greet after the sailaway. It's quiet, drinks & appetizers readily available. We did the 11/8 one during the deck party on Deck 10 & it was too distracting/busy. I didn't meet 1/2 the DIS people from that cruise.

Estelle- Taylor is a pin collector- only trades for a primo pins. She's a shark when it comes to WDW pins. She has an awesome collection of some very valuable pins. Rae missed out on the Halloween pin from her last cruise because of greedy people on the ship buying them all to eBay. There was none left for Rae . I offered to get her one on eBay from one of the greedy people... Rae- those pins are still selling for about $30-40!

Gotta run... It's 0 degrees out now. Let me get to church while we have this heat wave going on....

~ Linda

 

[ehtpnt]

Hi All,

Linda you are certainly welcome to join us for the brunch, or what ever develops, at Palos. Can't see making it a couples only thing.

Going to have to watch that Taylor. Sharks in the water and sharks on the boat too. By the way, being somewhat name challenged, Taylors' name will be really easy to remember. That is our last name. I can't say that I have that many valuable pins maybe a few. I usually get the ones I think are cute or are characters that I particularly like.

In the interests of upstate New York my DH went to RPI. Our youngest looked at RPI when she was doing the college thing and drove her Dad crazy by repeatedly telling him RPI was her safety school. And in the end didn't go there.

Rae-- the diet thing with Jen is driven by the boy friend (who we all like really alot) making a comment over Christmas about
Jen having a small tummy. So of course she says she is fat. I should be so thin. I have actually lost 12 pounds recently and am working on getting more off. And this weekend we purchased a treadmill. I had used one during my two 8 week sessions of Pt and liked it so DH and DDx2 and I will be walking on that as soon as it is delivered and set up. I expect it will be warmer than walking out doors right now. I did tell Jen that " he should talk as he has a stomach too."

Will check back later. Estelle

 

[rae519]

Our first cruise was with the Navigator's Verandah. It was nice, but Michael who was in K couldn't see over the wooden railing. We had to hold him up so he could see the water - that got old FAST! Since then we have always had the regular verandah - and are much happier.

Brunch is open to anyone and everyone - as time gets closer to our going, we can pm and get details completed. Same with High Tea - I am definitely going to do it this time since I have never been able to get to Palo Reservations early enough to secure them.

It's good to keep a watch on weight, as long as a person maintains a healthy weight. This is the pot talking since the kettle is as black!!!! But we are trying!

Visited with my horses today. We are trading Cheyenne, the 19 year old golden palomino in for a younger horse for Michael. He will be contesting at the 4-H and needs a little more "horsepower" in his horse! Red and Tytefit were full of energy today - glad I wasn't riding, just visiting and grooming!! Don't think I could take "break neck speed" right now in this cold!

How about excursions? Anyone planning one? I don't care much for St. Martin, but I do like St. Thomas (and St. John) quite a bit. We had a bad experience our first time at St. Martin with a scam - seems this woman who told us she was from the Chamber of Commerce and wanted to show us the old fort for a donation was actually a timeshare salesperson. The driver took us through the worst sections of town to get to the other side of the harbor to the timeshare - then left us there!!! If not for Michael's great acting, we'd still be stuck there - but he did his best rendition of "I'm sick, I'm gonna puke!" and it worked! Was so loud and convincing!!! We did notify Guest Relations, but with a laugh because we were suckered in and it took a child to get us out!!!

I did get a couple great swim wraps there (3/$10) - they washed well and have held up great. Not much into souveniers or looking for jewelry bargains. Ohh, alcohol is pretty cheap there - so if you are looking for the best bargains, it's there on St. Marten.

My favorite memory of St. Marten was leaving port at night and watching the Captain take the ship out from the side controls.

Rae

 

[RobinMarie]

Linda - I have been considering trying to use my skymiles for one flight in order to save money as well. It would make the whole situation a lot easier on the wallet! I am still considering driving from East Haven, CT though. If we drive we'd miss out on a relaxing evening at the Port or in Disney. I would love to go to a park or two the day before we sail.

I would love to join couples/singles for brunch. I am usually trying to steal alone time while on vacation people usually assume I'm solo!

We are booked for a category 9, deck 2, 2580. I'm nervous about being seasick so I'm hoping this is a good location.

 

[rae519]

I use bonine and wear sea bands the entire trip and do very well. I have a very low tolerance to motion, visual and physical so I take ALL precautions possible!

On of the best things you did was book a lower deck - the motion is less there. I was involuntarily upgraded to Deck 7 from Deck 5 in October and was VERY VERY unhappy about it. Same type room, just two decks up and with that was more hallway activity and definitely more motion. I hated it, as did Mom and Michael. (Deck 5 Aft was still being renovated after dry dock and uninhabitable).

The first night is THE worst - due to being new to the motion of the ocean and the Gulf Stream being crossed. Just be prepared and don't be nervous about it. There is anti-nausea medication at the Med Clinic (free) in case you forget or you can buy some at the ships' store.

Watch your alcohol intake (if you imbibe) also - could make it worse that first night.

Anyone else with suggestions?

Rae

 

[dianthus]

Rae~ Thanks for the description of the Nav verandah. Sounds like it'll be fine for us as we're both tall. We just wanted to be able to sit out there in the morning and get some air & sea to start our day. I was concerned as we always have had a CAT 5 or 6. I don't have our stateroom # yet, but I requested Deck 7 as we really like it up there, but we don't feel the motion at all.

We bring bonine/seabands each trip too but never needed them. Our sailing on 4/13/02 was smooth as glass, so let's hope we get a repeat this year... We always sleep so well on the ship. Have you ever tried the patch? Our November sailing was rocky coming back to Port from CC. We hit a weather front though. Should not be a problem in April.

I'm surprised you feel the motion as you are an equestrian! Taylor is one too- shows hunter/jumper div.- rides english. I used to a little & then I got thrown off- hurt badly. Enough for me...No horses for Taylor though.. We made her choose - either riding full time & we would lease one, or stay with her 2 team sports- soccer/basketball & dance classes. The show circuit up here is so time consuming, super competitive & is a money sport.... She chose to ride for fun ( we're glad) Her big claim to fame is she took Champion in a show & beat J. Abboud's (men's designer) 2 DDs on their 100K+ show ponies. Taylor was riding a cranky, but agile schooling horse. Score one for the little people...

I really want to try High Tea this time too. With 4 & 5 cruises under our belts, we should claim seniority for ressies!

If anyone in our group has a CAT 3 or above, you can make brunch ressies ahead of time. A group for concierge is not a problem. Beats the Palo race... Any CAT 1, 2, or 3 among us?

RobinMarie~ My SIL lives in Branford, not far from you. If you drive, it should take 2 solid days of driving. If you do, leave in the evening after rush hour. There is less traffic. We drive to Myrtle Beach 2 times a yr. to see my MIL- about 14 hours. We leave at 6PM & are past Washington by 11PM. We stop there & get on the road early the next morning. At least you have the NJ Turnpike, Baltimore & DC behind you. To me, that's the hardest part of the trip. Your DD will probably sleep most of the time anyway if she is like mine was at that age. Count the South of the Border & JR signs. Keeps everyone alert!

Got up to 20 degrees today. Snow is coming tonight. This cruise is looking better all the time...

~ Linda

 

[rae519]

Linda - you haven't seen me ride! I love horses but I'm still a beginning rider. Just think of me as the little girl who always wanted a horse, got to ride a little bit growing up, then didn't for years (decades) - so now I have 3 horses.

Michael (8) is the real equestian of the family. We both ride Western pleasure, but he will be doing the 4-H contesting this year.

Feel the motion? Girl, I can get nauseated just looking out the car window. It's pathetic. When I was still USAF, I took private pilot flying lessons - I did great, until the descent. Thought I'd get over it, but never did. Gave that up after about 40 hours - it was wonderful though and I got to see a lot of South Korea.

I've been lucky because twice I've had cruises with Dis friends that had the Walt Disney Suite and the reservations were no problem. So if anyone can help out here, please!!!

Rae

 

[JLSE50]

Originally posted by ehtpnt
Jan-- did we have a certain place to meet after sailaway or before? I don't remember that we did. You can check that volume of information...your scrapbook. LOL
..........
Jan--Our Jen is dieting. Like people who buy their undewear in Victorias' Secret need to diet.

We tried to have a DIS MEET during the Sail Away Party on Deck 10 starboard as someone from The Perfect Gift was supposed to be at the Grill taking our picture. Because Shirley had volunteered but had to go out of town. The photographer did not make it we learned later but that did not matter as a lot of people wanted to be at the bow of the ship watching for dolphins. The idea of Promenade Lounge or the Lobby ourside the Spa sounds smart to me. Wish we had thought of that.

My Jen?? your daughter Jen?? Who buys her undies at Victoria's is dieting? All of life is relative I guess. But I don't get it.

You do know what Victoria's secret is don't you?
No one over 30 can shop there.

Have a super day,
Jan