April 17, 2011 on the Dream

[guarn3md]

Connor came home from school today and told me that a boy in his homeroom class is going on a cruise for spring break too. AND leaving on Thursday and he is sailing on the Dream. But it was the Carnival Dream! How funny!
I am procrastinating from packing and finishing my t-shirts. Must get motivated!
Connor has a green shirt (not so lime green) that he will wear on Sunday. I also made two pins out of the graphic...
OK, ok, ok, must go pack or iron or do something trip related...
Bridget - glad to hear Jacob is feeling better!
Castlegazer - good luck with IEP meeting tomorrow. I will think of you when I am chairing and writing notes for three meetings tomorrow. Yes it is now three - the one who was a no show today rescheduled for early tomorrow.
Yelena - although I have talked w/ you all day - hope you arrived safely. Dying to know what you decided for dinner at Epcot! Waiting patiently, well maybe a little impatiently, for WWoHP news!!!!!

Debbie

 

[allaboutdisney1967]

Deb,

Please feel free to add Gabby to the "meet you outside the Edge" group.

My DH and I aren't going on the cabin crawl, so we'll probably take the stroll to the Edge just to check out the ship.

Donna

 

[Deb T.]

Oops I had to go and buy a different pair of shoes today . My black sneakers don't go with anything LOL.

Just added you to the...
Deb T.'s Shoe Intervention List:
guarn3md
alenushka
goofy4tink
Z'sDisneyMom
lildeb724
castlegazer
bdink921

Major crisis averted!!! I've tried to be so organized for this trip. I have a folder with all our confirmations in order of date needed. The only one I didn't have was the 3 tickets we used points for since I had to go through DH's points. When I had him pull it up tonight we found out his tickets (him and 2 of the kids) are booked for Thursday while myself and youngest DS are for Friday. What the *#&#%%#&???? Friday was booked so we had to pay an additional $700 to switch the 2 tickets to Thursday. So for now we are scheduled to stay 2 nights at the Hyatt MCO, what are we going to do at the airport for 2 days????

I guess I should be grateful we figured this out now instead of when we were all at the airport on Friday!!!!

Oh My Goodness!!! Wow - what a shock that must have been! Glad you were able to switch your tickets - but, ouch, $700!!! I might have been tempted to wave goodbye to the three of them on Thursday with strict instructions to be sure to pick the rest of us up at MCO on Friday.

DH is peacefully sleeping on a very comfy bed...little does he know....he is getting on another list He will have to take K. to the tween club she is very excited to meet her new friends, though most are a little older than she is....

The "Our Tween DD's & DS's Will Go With The Other Tweens To The Edge At 3:00 With A DH" List:
Svcutler
alenushka
Mommybean
Bumperlove
Bdink921
Mom 3 mouseketeers
allaboutdisney1967

So anyone who is interested in having the tweens all going over to the edge at 3:00 should simply hang out at the 2:00 MEET and then can walk over together.

I am freaking, our move got pushed back to Thursday of last week due to some heavy truck load limit on road. My beautiful new house is in shambles and there is stuff EVERYWHERE. I have not got a clue, tried to get everyone packed last night unsuccessfully. We are leaving tomorrow to go visit my dad in sarasota first then Sat we make for cape canaveral. This is the most disorganized I have every been, no research, no combing over navigators, none of it for me this year!

So sorry to hear about the moving issues. I don't think we've ever had a smooth move... something always doesn't go as planned. I was hoping your move would be easy since you've got so much going on right now. Hang in there. If you have time, you might print some recent Navigators for reading material on your way to your Dad's.

Please let me reiterate for clarity. Big meet first day 2:00pm deck 13 forward right? Pershings club tour every night at 11:00. Teen or tween meet first day at 3:00?

Yes, yes, yes. Here are the scheduled events:

The list of Embarkation Activities:
Meet & Greet (possibly Deck 13 forward in the “Family Zone”) 2:00-2:30pm
Cabin Crawl starts at 2:30pm
Tween Meet & Greet at the Edge 3:00pm
Pershing's “Girls Night Out 11pm Night Club Tour” (see schedule below)


The “Cabin Crawl” Stateroom Tour:
4A(B) midship Deluxe Family Oceanview w/plexiglass Verandah, split bath w/round tub - Lildeb724
5C midship Deluxe Oceanview w/plexiglass Verandah, split bath w/regular tub - Deb T.
5E aft Deluxe Oceanview plexiglass Verandah - castlegazer
6A aft Deluxe Oceanview w/white wall Verandah, split bath w/regular tub– golfnsuch
6B completely aft Deluxe Oceanview with large whitewall Verandah – rigggins
8B(C) aft Deluxe Family Oceanview w/Porthole Window Seat w/cushion, split bath w/round tub – Mom_3_mouseketeers
11B Standard Inside Stateroom w/Virtual Porthole and one (non-split) bathroom w/regular tub - mommybean


The list of additional Cabin Crawl "Tourists":
svcutler
guarn3md
pershing
bdink921
goofy4tink
Ness2289
Alenushka
jeni37
lindafish
caronjn
hbg4
disneycruisegal


The "Our Tween DD's & DS's Will Go With The Other Tweens To The Edge At 3:00 With A DH" List:
Svcutler
alenushka
Mommybean
Bumperlove
Bdink921
Mom 3 mouseketeers
allaboutdisney1967


Pershing's (Sue) “Girls Night Out 11pm Night Club Tour” :
April 17th 11Pm Meet at Skyline /11:15 Move to Evolution
April 18th 11PM Meet at Pink/11:15 Move to D Lounge
April 19th 11PM Meet at 687/11:15 Move to District Lounge
April 20th 11PM Meet at Meridian (Deck 12 Aft)
pershing
WPoohgirl
goofy4tink
castlegazer
jeni37
lindafish
caronjn
guarn3md
Z'sDisneyMom
Alenushka
Momtoleasawav
Mom3 mouseketeers
princessdaisy
hbg4
WPoohgirl - Designated "get home to the correct cabin" driver!
Ness2289 (maybe)
svcutler (maybe)
golfnsuch (maybe)
Donnaksmj (maybe)
Mom2BCCC


Ness's Bike Riding List:
Ness2289
guarn3md (maybe)
bdink921


The Castaway Cay 5K Runner & Walker List:
Mommybean – runner
pershing – power walker
Mom 3 mouseketeers – power walker - maybe
Mom2BCCC - runner

Deb T you would be so proud of me, I layed down the "downsizing" law. We are going minimalist this trip and packing light!!!

Woohooo!!! I am very proud of you!!! I am holding back from starting a new list...

Well I was 50% packed...then my Dad informed me last night he got crossbars and a hard top carrier for the trip. He wants stuff packed in a bag that is only for the cruise and won't be touched for the first three days. Now I have to go back through Connor's packed bag and pull out stuff that he will need for Universal and our stay overnight at the port. Thank goodness I hadn't put my stuff in a bag yet. It is all out and ready for the bag. Now I have to go through and repack. All FE stuff is going in the carrier - my Dad is already rolling eyes and saying "I don't even want to know".

Love your Dad's packing strategy!!

I had a mental freakout last night when I found that the kdis passports expired last month!!!! But Bahamas we will be fine with birth certificates, but man, I thought I was going to have a mental breakdown! Stuff like this always happens to me because I do such extensive long range planning, the short range stuff gets losts on me!

Yikes!!! Thank goodness we're only going to the Bahamas!!!

I called Comfort suits in paradise island to add our friends' son to our room so that he could join us in Atlantis. Their rep told me about $40 extra fee, but he did not tell me that he would be making a new reservation, so guess what.....our rate changed from $225 to $321 I only saw it when they sent me a new confirmation. I called and I called, spoke with two supervisors, had a mental breakdown .......but it does not look promising. They said it will take up to 5 days to investigate, listen to tape, and then possibly call the hotel and see if THEY would agree to honor our original rate I am over it by now, bs DH said we will dispute the difference in charges involving Am.Ex.

Gosh - so sorry to hear about how the Comfort Suites are treating you. I wonder if it would help if you took your original confirmation printout with you when you go to check in and ask to talk to a manager in person? If not, I think your DH has a great idea about disputing the charge with AMEX.

Deb T. - I would love to post about embarkation process. Do u know if they have 3G service at the port?

We've always had good cell reception at the port, so you should be good to go! Can't wait to hear what you think about the process and the crowds.

On another note, the only thing I need to print out and bring for check-in is the "Online Check-In Singature Form" and the actual cruise documents that were mailed to me, correct? I don't need to print out anything else and bring along with me, other than those 2 things (and of course, passports). I want to make sure I'm not missing anything here.....

With online check-in, you'll print a one-page sheet that includes sections for both your Cruise Contract and your Credit Card Authorization signatures. The cruise docs we received in the mail have a bar code that should help speed up the port check-in process. Passports or birth certificates with raised seals. Luggage. Family. I think you're all set!

He is feeling just fine today -- fever broke last night and all seems well, yay .

THIS is wonderful news!!! Soooo glad it was just a 24-hour thing. Thanks for letting us all know!!

mani//pedi done (wait till you see Mickey!)

Fun! I have a Mickey, too... but mine is on my left ankle! Yup, a gen-u-ine mid-life crisis event! I've had it 12 years and still no one in my entire family can believe I went and got a tattoo!

 

[guarn3md]

Uh-huh, Deb T you would love my Dad's packing strategy. So this is what he said to me today when I made my daily after work call to my Mom. I asked if there were any updated packing instructions since things seems to change a lot! He said - "Just because I got the car top carrier don't go packing the kitchen sink!" As if... Of course I secretly (shhh, don't tell him) thought hmmm, I could add one or two more pair of shoes. They could go in the carrier, in a bag, he'll never know!
T-shirts all done...now onto some unpacking, packing and repacking! Maybe a bite of ice cream first...
Debbie

 

[jilljill]

Oh my....I had to scale down the clothes DH had picked out. You would have thought we were on a 7 or 10 day cruise with all the clothes he WAS going to pack. Good thing he decided to show them to me.

I still need to get my shoes and a couple more things and I'm done.

 

[golfnsuch]

Count Matt in for the 3:00 group tween "crawl" to the Edge.

I've been crazy busy here this week already. 12 bags of mulch were delivered Sunday morning which need to be spread before Friday (they're still sitting on the front steps). Tomorrow night, I'm attending a presentation. We have an IEP meeting Wed afternoon. My appt for today had to cancel due to flight issues so its rebooked for Wed morning. What was I thinking scheduling my last professional license exam on Thursday??

I'll come up for air Thurs night, but most of you may already be gone, so safe travels!!

4 more sleeps...
E.

 

[Tigger1313]

mani//pedi done (wait till you see Mickey!)
suitcases just about done
2 more sleeps til the first half

mid 80's here today, shorts weather!!

I got a Mickey Pedi today too

 

[alenushka]

US/IOA update

We left Hampton Inn (exit 87 GA) around 8 am
We checked in Hard Rock Hotel at 12, got our express passes, ate lunch (left overs from the picnic) and headed to US entering it around 1 pm
My DH was shocked "where are the crowds ?!" we used our express pass, but the longest time posted on rides was 10 min. I could not believe it, but by 4:30 we made it to ALL rides we were interested in (more than 10 all together), going twice on some of them (man in black and small coaster i forgot the name). We saw animal show (so cute...), and only skipped Disaster, Twister, Mummies, and the huge roller coaster. If we wanted to go on this rides, it would have taken less than an hour, but we were not inerested.

So, we headed to IOA (I think we were skipping instead of walking from excitement, lol). *We got to WWoHP at 5 pm. Now, I am screaming : "*
WE **L O V E D *it S Ooooooooo. *M U C H! *At first, it was somewhat crowded compare to US, and we just walked around admiring every little shop *of the village taking millions of pictures. Then we decided to go on line to tour the castle. OMG, OMG, pack your bags and hurry up here. If you are HP fans, you must see it. I can't get over talking portraits and characters who look SOoooooooo real! *As we toured the castle, we realized that the line for FJ was not bad at all. Also, as we finished touring the castle, we ended up right at the lockers area (no lines). I finally decided to be brave, we put our bags into free lockers, and went on line for FJ. Let me tell you, we did NOT stand on line, we "walked with the line" (forgive me for poor English, bur that is the best way to describe it). *Before I had a chance to change my mind, I was riding FJ. * What an amazing ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so nervous for no reason. Simpsons ride at US was much worse on my stomach than F J. I agree with those who posted "no matter if you are a chicken or a whimp, you MUST ride it". As soon as we got off......we went for a second one . By 7 pm we rode FJ twice and DH and K rode the FoH 5 times!*

We went to Olivander's (K. Did not get picked), and at 7:45 we were at three brooms tics eating our salad followed by a feast for 4 right away (they should really say " for at least 6", because we were only able to finish less than half of our food. We had ribs, chicken, lots of steamed veggies, corn and potatoes, and of course, frozen butter bear (so sweet, but good tasting). All their food was amazing, we loved everything we ate. bTW we left tips, but they approached us and explained that they were not allowed to accept tips

We took more pictures admiring WWoHP at night time, went to Zinko's to get candies, and then a security guard gently told us that we were lSt customers there and he would escort us towards the exit of the park, lol . I was a little confused, why are some stores open and encourage customers when park is closed and they want everyone out. But they were all very nice and pleasant! Can't wait to go back tomorrow, hope K. wakes up feeling better as she got so stuffy by the end of the day .....(I think it is an allergic reaction to something, maybe dragons "breath" from FJ ride, lol
I hope I answered some of your questions, and hopefully, you will have similar low crowds at these parks.*
Debbie - I made reservations for lunch and dinner at Les Chefs de France. We need to choose one and call to cancel the other. I am glad I thought of Epcot, because two days at US/IOA is enough.

 

[bumperlove]

Fun! I have a Mickey, too... but mine is on my left ankle! Yup, a gen-u-ine mid-life crisis event! I've had it 12 years and still no one in my entire family can believe I went and got a tattoo!

I just got my first tattoo in January ...three sea turtle down my back...the top one has a hidden mickey in it too....!!!! Most of my family knows except for my mom because she would kill me!!!! I even wore highneck tops the last time I visited in her in Maine so she wouldn't see. Yup...I'm still afraid of my mom...lol

 

[bumperlove]

Alenushka, we visited IoA and WWoHP last July and LOVED it!! So well themed and fell in love with Butterbeer. yummmm!!!!

 

[bdink921]

Awesome report Yelena -- we're so excited to get there on Friday!!!!! Hope the crowds are similar to what you experienced. I think we may upgrade our tickets to park to park and get a little Harry Potter in on Friday too . We went to Chefs de France on our last trip to the 'World'. It was so good and our servers were awesome. Our main server had just gotten here from France less than 1 week prior. It was kinda tough understanding each other at times but we worked it out. It added to the experience. The best thing was that she was so excited to be working there -- told us all about Illuminations. I didn't tell her I already knew -- I just let her go on, she was still in awe of everything. I really wish we were able to stop in at WDW but DH said 'NO'. Darn grumpus!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Great to hear the crowds aren't horrible at US/IoA!!! Here's hoping it stays that way through Friday!! Can't wait to get to HRH on Thursday!!!! 2 more sleeps...need to finish packing today.....after the mani/pedi!!

 

[svcutler]

I was up at 5:00 this morning because I just couldn't sleep anymore. I'm even dreaming about our trip now.

I don't know why this trip is so much more exciting than all my past trips, but it has more to do with just the addition of the cruise, I think. I believe it may be a combination of the following:
1. I R E A L L Y need a vacation
2. The bad weather/snow we've all encountered this winter was horrible!
3. The idea of a Disney Cruise is definitely exciting and adds a new element
4. Did I mention I R E A L L Y need a vacation?
5. I haven't been to the World in 3 years so my kids will experience it with a new sense of excitement. It's almost like it will be their first time (even though it's like their 5th, I think?!) Can't wait to hang with them this week!
6. Oh wait, the best of all - I think all of you have really feuled my excitement. We all seem to have the same "I don't get it" DH's (as per the list), so I know that being able to express my excitement on the Dis Board and get to hear about all of yours has heightened the sense of joy and over the top "can't wait" feeling I have about this trip!

OK, just wanted to share...!


Have a good day! Only 3 more crazy mornings of trying to get the kids on the bus until we leave on Saturday!!

 

[curlybop]

5. I haven't been to the World in 3 years so my kids will experience it with a new sense of excitement. It's almost like it will be their first time (even though it's like their 5th, I think?!) Can't wait to hang with them this week!

The last time I went to WDW was 1999. Just DH & I, before the kids came along. Our last cruise was 2007 on Disney. We are loooong overdue for a Disney fix! I just know the kids will love it, that's why we bought DVC last year.

 

[mommybean]

Fun! I have a Mickey, too... but mine is on my left ankle! Yup, a gen-u-ine mid-life crisis event! I've had it 12 years and still no one in my entire family can believe I went and got a tattoo!

I just got my first tattoo in January ...three sea turtle down my back...the top one has a hidden mickey in it too....!!!! Most of my family knows except for my mom because she would kill me!!!! I even wore highneck tops the last time I visited in her in Maine so she wouldn't see. Yup...I'm still afraid of my mom...lol

Too funny!! I've got one on my lower back - lol. A Mickey head with a peace sign & Yin Yang in the head & ears part And I hid mine from my mom too! She saw it a couple years ago when she snuck up on me while I was laying out by the pool

I can't wait for Saturday to get here!!! I'm so ready for this cruise!!!

 

[pershing]

Ok, I'm freaking out, cause my medium suitcase is 39.5 pounds!!! And I need to put more stuff in it!

We are leaving at 11 pm tonight for Bradley Airport, flight leaves at 6 am and is sold out.

Boys are at school and I'm running around trying to close suitcases. I'm really glad I mailed my FE stuff cause it wouldn't have fit in my suitcases.

Dishes, vacuuming, change sheets, clean guinea pig cage, bring him over to my brothers, show my neighbor where the kitty food is. (I'm gonna miss my kitty she's too little to be left!!!)

Oh, and....Deb, can you change the last night of girl's night out to PINK again. You were right about Meridian only being for Remy/Palo guests.

I need a vacation!

 

[castlegazer]

Castlegazer - good luck with IEP meeting tomorrow. I will think of you when I am chairing and writing notes for three meetings tomorrow. Yes it is now three - the one who was a no show today rescheduled for early tomorrow.
Debbie

It went very well actually! We feared they were going to suggest getting us off an IEP, but nope, everyone was in agreement on the goals. I can't believe being a no-show for these meetings, but we are constantly told how we are not only exemplarary parents, but so far above the norm that its not even funny - and I get the chills thinking about that since, we both work, and I try to keep up with what is happening and how to improve my daughter's skills and help she is receiving, but in no way are we as involved as we can and should be!

OK, I am hitting my limit with work focus here.... We leave tomorrow!!!

 

[castlegazer]

Great to hear the crowds aren't horrible at US/IoA!!! Here's hoping it stays that way through Friday!! Can't wait to get to HRH on Thursday!!!! 2 more sleeps...need to finish packing today.....after the mani/pedi!!

hey Diane, I am now staying at Portofino on Thursday night. Do you want to get in touch so we can check out the Jazz at the Royal Pacific that evening?

 

[pershing]

Ok, Southwest's limit is 50 pounds and not 40. Someboday say halliyulah with me. Woohoo!

 

[lildeb724]

Ok, Southwest's limit is 50 pounds and not 40. Someboday say halliyulah with me. Woohoo!

Actually I am trying not to pack to early because when I do - I then wander around the house adding thing into the bag!