April 17, 2004 -- anyone going with us?

[amtmommy]

Count another Massachusettes family in.

"Party of three, departating the Baystate on Thursday Evening"

Yeah, I can't wait.

 

[lsutigger2]

Anyone else from the deep south out there lerking about??
Seems we may have to represent the south all by ourselves - and my DH is transplanted to the south via Illinois!!

It's going to be fun!! Just realized that I only have eight days in the office before we leave!! I'm off to DC tomorrow for the remainder of this week!

Later,
Janie

 

[april1998]

All of a sudden it seems as though this vacation is right on top of us and I just can't wait! Yes, there's so much to do in preparation...purchasing our first digital camera is top priority as well as completing my daughters' autograph books. I'm predecorating them in anticipation of meeting their favorite characters. When we get home, I will only have to develop and crop the desired photos to add to the book and voila...a completed album!

When we cruised in October 2002 my oldest daughter just had to go back to the Club at 11:00ish, so Daddy took her and he hung around outside until she was ready to return to the cabin. On their way back they encountered Cinderella. Absolutely no one was around, so Cinderella and Brittney had a nice long chat (almost 10 minutes I'm told) and it was one of the highlights of the cruise for Brit!

It's been great hearing from so many of you! Kim

 

[Luv2Dream]

Hello fellow DISers and party-hardy cruisers ! Sorry to have been away so long.....the update on MIL is she is doing well. It was a long hard struggle but she is finally home. The carotid artery surgery went fine, then we had the bypass the next day which lasted hours longer than thought as the bypass veins were very fragile. Then when she got to ICU she had irregular heartbeat so they took her back in for a catherization and they put a stent in one of the bypasses. Found out the next morning that during this process she did have an MI (heart attack). However, once it was all done, we had no more events. She went home last night and today is doing fine. Thanks so much for all the pixie dust sent our way.

SOOOOOOO, it's almost cruise time, folks......I'm getting the luggage out soon. I can't believe it's finally here. Oh, Rae, you can put Lynn,Pete and Mary under our name on the list if you'd like. We are bringing bubbles for the sailaway party. Mary can't wait to meet Victoria, Rachel and Casey. It should be a fun foursome.

Ta Ta for now!

 

[ehtpnt]

Luv2Dream-- Great news on your MiL. Hope she continues to do well.

Janie-- have a nice time in DC. I could claim we're from southern Pa. If that helps...

Rae-- I suspect that the bug has invaded the day care centers as we have several kids out with something that sounds similar. As long as I don't get it everything will be okay.

Kim-- when in October of 2002 did you cruise? We were on the Halloween cruise in 2002.

Talk to you all (a little southern humor) later. Estelle

 

[april1998]

Estelle - We were on the Halloween Cruise as well! We had a fabulous time! What a small world!!! That was a great trip for us. We took the cruise, went to WDW for 4 days and ended our trip by spending 5 days at Vero Beach. Loved that resort! We became DVC members in early 2002 and have truly enjoyed the opportunities it affords! Can't wait to plan next year's trip! Regards, Kim

 

[lsutigger2]

Lynn: Glad MIL is doing better.

Estelle: Don't think I can sell southern PA and being "Southern".
But thanks for the thoughts

Welcome to the new friends who have joined the boards recently.

It really is getting close. More anxious by the day.

Janie

 

[amtmommy]

Lynn,
I am glad to hear that MIL is doing better.
Casey is very excited to meet her new friend.


Meeting question?

As I understand it people are meeting at Topsiders for Lunch weather and space permitting, if not than Parrot Cay?

Does anyone know their dining roatation yet?
We just booked the REAS- and are Main seating PLA

Also how dressed up for the formal and semi formal nights are people dressing.

I also wanted a fellow Mom's opion:
My DD has a beautiful dress from XMAS that is black velvet top, short sleeve and a burgandy tafeta skirt with bow on bottom, do you think this is too dark for a spring cruise? I was hoping to make it do for formal night. She's tried on all her princess type dresses and they are pretty beaten up.

Still trying to figure out how to lose 50lbs in 17 days.
Bye
amtmommy

 

[Luv2Dream]

Amtmommy ---- Yup, me too. 50 lbs in 10 days would be phenomenal....in my dreams......anyhow, Mary is bringing a very similar dress. It is red shiny on the top and white on the bottom from Xmas. It's nice and long and I figured very formal. She can wear a princess dress on a semi-formal night if she wants. I'm wearing a long short sleeve black dress and Pete is renting the tuxedo. Personally, I hate dressing up, but I'll survive for a short time. Besides, I want the nice formal pictures so I'll suffer for the cause.

I believe we requested LAP for the rotation with our REAS package but you actually don't find out until you get to the Port and get your KTTW card.

10 days to vacation time for me! I'm in heaven, but not packed!

 

[Skuba2]

We are leaving 2 weeks from tomorrow which is making me panic. I wanted to get down 25 pounds but managed 12 off so far. It was enough to make a difference though. Anyway, I went out today and bought some evening attire for formal and semi-formal. DH doesn't want to bring his tux this time. His neck has outgrown his shirt and he would have to go buy another one. Just thinking dark suit and tie. So, I went out and bought some black pants and fancy secquin tops. Bought 3 on sale---like ridiculously on sale---80% off. Must have been last year stuff but I don't care. Anyway, it was nice finding stuff I fit into and liked for a change.

We are doing PLAP I believe and Debbie at the concierge said she would put us at a table by ourselves. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted that, but then I thought it may be some nice quality time to spend with the kids. You know----food for conversation kind of thing. LOL!! But anyone around us may be fair game for conversation.

I hope everyone who is under the weather get better quickly. My dh went through it and it is brutal. Luckily no one else got it. I had it in Feb.

CT is only getting colder. Just when mother nature got us thinking it was going to warm up---she pulls the rug out from under us. I am sooooooo ready for warmth.

See you guys at the shrimp.

Deb

 

[ehtpnt]

Take this from a Mom and Grandmom, if the young lady is willing to wear the dress. Go for it. I don't think that they make a big deal about when you wear colors these days. After all there are even black dresses for bridesmaids.
I am wearing a long black dress with roses on it. Sort of chiffony. And black slacks and a top with a sequined jacket for semi formal.
I went to the nearest outlet mall this morning and bought a new pair of sneakers and a pair of white sandles. Except for some panty hose and some knee highs I think I have finished buying stuff for the cruise. Now I have to start seeing if all of the MUST bring will fit in the suitcase and carry on. If it doesn't I'll be sneaking it into DHs' suitcase. I don't think he'd notice a pair of high heels and a few panty hose. LOL.
Talk to you all later. Estelle

 

[amtmommy]

I went to an ENT today, b/c my ears have been popping a little and I didn't want to get on the cruise and have a problem with seasickness, due to an inner ear problem.

I am glad I did. She told me to take Afrin the day before and dayof flying to help with pressure. She also wrote me a perscription for the patch.

She basically asked if a get woosy after going on spinning type of rides or if I have problems reading in a car.

Well off to watch Idol.
Bye

 

[sheilacat]

Welcome to all the newcomers!

Lynn, glad you mil is doing well.

Rae get the bug now and get it over with! I have to bring my son back for his ear check 3 days before cruising.I'm thinking I'd like another refill on the antibiotics just in case.

Linda, glad to hear the lion king was so good. We'll be going this summer here in Boston. I'm really looking forward to it.

Wow, sounds like formal night is really formal. My daughter's all set and my husband can make due with with his new black jacket and pants plus s&t. I don't have a jacket for my son, and I have nothing! Guess some more shopping is in order. Jeez! As long as there's plenty of shrimp it'll all be worth it! We are slated for the late seating for dinner.

I started washing/ironing packing. The evil side of traveling!

I can almost feel the sun on my face and the sand between my toes!

 

[april1998]

Hi All. I've been reading posts and am not sure about the initials folks are using when they mention dining options. Would someone clue me in please? We have late seating as we did in October 2002. We were happy with it. Sometimes our girls ate in advance of us and simply had dessert while we ate. Our server kept them wonderfully entertained - loved him. Once or twice they opted to remain at the club and we had dinner for two! By dinners' end they were pretty tired though and we usually headed back to our cabin.

Has anyone looked into the spa services? I'm kind of intrigued about the one that reduces the appearance of cellulite and you emerge trimmer and firmer?????!!!!!! Like everyone else, I've been watching my weight (since September) and have managed to lose 14 pounds. My goal was 25...11 lbs. in 15 days...not likely.

Is everyone doing the formal night? We skipped it last time and I wonder if we made a mistake. My husband doesn't like to dress up if he can help it and I was trying to pack as lightly as possible.

We're excited about being able to do some adult things this time around. My dad is accompanying us and he calls it a night pretty early. We thought the girls might hang out with Grandpa one night while we indulge ourselves...I don't know if it's just us, but with 2 little ones, dates seem to be a thing of the past!

Last question (for today anyway)...I noticed some people used the initials VWL. Is that for Wilderness Lodge? We would like to stay there next year and I'd like some input from those who have vacationed there. Thanks. Have a great night. Kim

 

[rae519]

Michael and I are over the "crud".

Must say that we have tried "ear candling" with our massage therapist and it is wonderful. Consists of a gauze candle that draws out the ear wax and shampoo/conditioner residue from inside your ears (especially the E. tube) - excellent!!!!

Kim - Spa services for cellulite - heard of it, but not sure if it's a reality or myth! Maybe someone else can help. Also, my DH doesn't dress up for formal night - shirt and tie only. Would yours be okay with that? We are also doing late dining, and if Michael wants to stay at the club, then so be it! We always have meals together at home but on vacation, it's optional!!!

Wonderful news!! If anyone is thinking of selling off their DVC points, I have used DVC by Resale three times already - they are fast and efficient! I listed my Vero Beach 100 points at 2PM, and it was sold by 4PM same day! The next day the 400 points I had at Hilton Head went (within 24 hours of listing!).

As many of you know, I have been FED UP with the system of using points and not having direct contact with DCL. This middle man crap-0-la has irritated me to move in this direction. Plus I am still "griping" over the $75 fee we paid last summer to change the reservation from Mom to Tom (like 9 months in advance of this cruise) AND please explain what costs THAT much to do THAT far in advance??????????? AGGHHH!

Since they were both paid contracts, I am thrilled that I will now see a big jump in my savings account and maybe, just maybe have enough money for that 2005 cruise (hopefully through the Canal).

Have not done the list update - felt I'd wait a little longer to get others to add information and just do one last update!! After all with 17 days to go.......

And there's still packing!
And that 50 lbs weight loss we are all talking about!!!! Wishing us all luck on that one!

Rae

 

[outahere]

Thought you'd all like to know..............

According to the schedule (just posted this morning) at www.ships.vi, we will be docking at the WICO pier (Havensight) in St. Thomas. Along with us will be Explorer of the Seas and Golden Princess (2 very big ships). We won't have to tender, so early excursions shouldn't be a problem.

Of course, where we dock is subject to change at any time.

Ed

 

[ehtpnt]

Okay if anyone loses 50 pounds in 17 days. I will buy them a chocolate bunny. This does not count maternity...
Rae- really glad you and Michael are over the crud. Where did you have the ear thing done? I would like to try that.

I think waiting to do the final list update is a good idea.

Kim-- we did the formal night on our 2002 cruise. I don't see any reason why a shirt and tie shouldn't be fine for your DH. Mine will probably be in a dark suit and tie. The concept of him in a tux causes gales of laughter from our DDs. One other thing is the opportunity to get a nice dressy family picture usually with I think Mickey and Minnie. Personally I would prefer Donal and Daisy but you take what you can get.

Does anyone know anything about having to get up early the day we do Jamica (okay it isn't spelled right.) for immigration? I noticed a thread about this on the main cruise board. I hadn't heard anything about this before. And how early is early?

Lunch time so I'll talk to all of you later. Estelle

 

[amtmommy]

Rae,

Hi, I was curious- we are new to the DVC club, infact this is our first trip that we are using our points for. We bought 160 pts at the Boardwalk last year.

I agree with you not being able to deal with DCL directly is a huge pain. I was put on hold forever whenever I asked a question that wasn't listed on their information sheet about the cruise when I booked it.
And the $75.00 is ridiculous the first time around never mind to make a change months out.

Did you find that booking trips in the Home Resort programs were difficult?

Personally I think they need to do more for the DVC members in terms of ticket discounts or air partnership deals. When I dared to say that to my DVC sales person she shot back, Well we are selling these so quick why would we need to offer anything.

That said we are planning to attend the DVC gathering to get our DVC swag. I only hope it isn't during the wine tasting.

I am so excited about this cruise I find myself checking into these boards more often everyday to get everytidbit of information out there.

Bye for now.
amtmommy

 

[rae519]

Ed - from your lips to God's ears!!! I definitely love docking there but....at least we will be there and not here - so must look at the bright side of things. I love to check out their cam and see the glorious weather!!!!

Jamaica?????? Estelle, this cruise??????? Okay, what am I missing here? If we go to Jamaica, then I am definitely in for that!!!!!!

atmmommy - I have only used points for cruising. That's what we bought in for. At one time I had 400 at HH, 100 at VB and 150 at VWL (total of 650). Now I have none and actually am glad about it. That DVC as middle man just rubs me wrong as does the $75 fee for ANY change. In the past 3 years of being a member, I don't see where we get any big discounts or specials for being part of DVC. And at times the attitude by the DVC guides is ...well...you said it very well with your story. There are good reasons to buy and it's an individual choice - so I am NOT trying to badmouth the situation, just explain why I was unhappy and what I was dissatisfied with and what I did to rid myself of the irritant!!!!!

IF you want points, then resale is the only way to go. I am just grateful that I sold mine so quickly.

17 more days!
Rae

 

[brendapap]

Just bumping. Is everyone almost ready. Estelle, I hope you didn't forget about me. I look forward to seeing you all and thanks to everyone for all their get post and help.
Brenda