April 19, 2008 - Western - VERY Early Roll Call - Anyone??!!

[dis2cruise]

Send the electric shock therapy my way, please. I don't smoke but I might have to start! They changed our flight from 5:15 to 4:05. We live nearly 2 hours out of Boston and my oldest DD is in a play all week at the community theatre (no school for her all week - think of all the make up work she'll have! It's "Alice in Wonderland" and they do 2 shows a day for school groups - about 1500 kids a day come to see the shows. We were already tight leaving after her last show on Friday with a 5:00 flight, now it's really , really, really tight. I tired to keep the time change from DH but I had to 'fess up when he point blank asked about our flight times. It's not bad enough that I've been worrying about this now I have to listen to him worry about it too!

oh man that really stinks are you flying with american airlines???

 

[dis2cruise]

well its official one week from today we are sailing away on the disney magic sipping a cocktail Oh wow I can't wait!!!!

 

[MassDisLovers]

oh man that really stinks are you flying with american airlines???

No, we're not flying AA, we're on another major commercial airline which I won't name here because I don't want to be blamed for making derogatory comments about them . I had booked a non-stop to Orlando way back in July. In November I got an e-mail saying our flight was "eliminated from the schedule" and now we have to connect thorugh Chicago. STUPID ! Fly from Boston to Chicago to get to Orlando???? I called and tried to argue that I had booked a non-stop but they really didn't care one bit.

Then I got another e-mail about a month ago saying that we have been moved from the 5:15 flight to the 4:05 flight. This means we sit in Chicago for over 3 hours and finally arrive in Orlando at midnight. Again I call to say we can't make it to Boston for 4:05. "Sorry" says the lovely lady from the airline, "that's all we have available unless you want to fly out a day later , then you can have the 5:15 flight." I try to explain that we will miss our cruise if we do that, so she simply says, "Well then you'll have to keep what we scheduled you for, I guess. "

When this first all happened, I just figured we'd all have to leave school at lunch time, which is against my teacher's contract for the day before a school vacation, but I thought that since I could prove that the airline changed our flight I'd probably be allowed to do it. I completely forgot that Meg would be in the play that week. That dawned on me a couple days later so I called again. That time they said there was nothing available until Monday . We usually fly Delta but their prices were sky high this time, so I booked on another airline and saved almost $700.00. I guess that $700.00 is being taken out of my nervous sytem!

 

[msdisney53]

I think I finally finished shopping! Did some damage in the shoe department at Nordstroms, a girl can never have TOO many shoes! just need to get some bathroom things,razor blades,sunscreen,etc. and we should be all done.

Don't worry if you forget something,our first stop is Key West and you can always get things there. Last cruise I forget to pick up DHs suit at the cleaners,luckily our friends were still in NJ and they were able to get it

Thanks Michelle for taking care of the name tags
Dismeet at 2 sounds fine.

Taking care of the nails and hair for me and the DDs Tuesday and Wednesday and then having a BIG cocktail on Thursday.

For all of you that will be in Disney,maybe we can hook up the kids and then go to Jelly rolls or whatever. Crazy'boutMaryP we will be in Epcot before too.
My cell is 732-600-4762
Denise

 

[wdhinn89]

Here's what Passporter says about tips:

Palo Server: your discretion (that's a lot of help)

Bartender/Lounge Server: 10-15% unless it's already added

Room Service: $1-$2 / person

Shore Excursion Tour Guide: $1-$2 / person

Baggage Porters (at terminal): $1-$2 / per bag

How do you tip for breakfast and lunch, it's not the same people as your head server, right?

For the door magnets: Do I laminate then put the magnetic tape on?
-Joan

You don't tip for breakfast or lunch. Your food servers tips cover everyone
on the last night . I plan on having the standard tips added to my account and than add cash to anyone I think went above the norm.

I am only going to print my door magnets on magnetic paper. I am not going to laminate them. I know someone else did and I'm sure they look nicer and are sturdier but I don't have the time or energy for the extra step.

Another question for all you DCL veterans: How much do you tip? I know there are calculators for the "major" players but I'd like to know what everyone else is doing. A rule of thumb would be better than using a calculator!

For example, if you order room service in the middle of the night, do you tip more than if you ordered in the afternoon? Since there is no "bill", does everyone just tip a standard amount?

What about Palo? How much do you tip there?

So many questions, so little time...

And I'm still waiting for a little more input on the clothing 'thing' for dinners....

Thanks,

Frank

My husband and son are going to wear the same suit with a different tie on formal and semi-formal night. On regular nights, they are going to wear dockers and a button down shirt or polo shirt . I am wearing a dress for formal/semi formal night and pants/capri or casual skirt for the other nights. My daughter has dresses or pants for all nights.

Send the electric shock therapy my way, please. I don't smoke but I might have to start! They changed our flight from 5:15 to 4:05. We live nearly 2 hours out of Boston and my oldest DD is in a play all week at the community theatre (no school for her all week - think of all the make up work she'll have! It's "Alice in Wonderland" and they do 2 shows a day for school groups - about 1500 kids a day come to see the shows. We were already tight leaving after her last show on Friday with a 5:00 flight, now it's really , really, really tight. I tired to keep the time change from DH but I had to 'fess up when he point blank asked about our flight times. It's not bad enough that I've been worrying about this now I have to listen to him worry about it too!

Just more stress to add on. Just remember, it always works out in the end On Saturday you will be relaxing with a drink and all the craziness will be behind us

 

[crazed'boutmaryP]

I think I finally finished shopping! Did some damage in the shoe department at Nordstroms, a girl can never have TOO many shoes! just need to get some bathroom things,razor blades,sunscreen,etc. and we should be all done.

Don't worry if you forget something,our first stop is Key West and you can always get things there. Last cruise I forget to pick up DHs suit at the cleaners,luckily our friends were still in NJ and they were able to get it

Thanks Michelle for taking care of the name tags
Dismeet at 2 sounds fine.

Taking care of the nails and hair for me and the DDs Tuesday and Wednesday and then having a BIG cocktail on Thursday.

For all of you that will be in Disney,maybe we can hook up the kids and then go to Jelly rolls or whatever. Crazy'boutMaryP we will be in Epcot before too.
My cell is 732-600-4762
Denise

Congrats on being almost done. I'm packing tomorrow and still haven't even tried my clothes on. Tuesday will be my only day to finish. No Cocktail for me until Thurs at the Poly. We will be in Epcot late, my kids are younger than yours so I don't think Jellyrolls will work, plus after a whirlind 2 days at WDW, we will need to get back and pack up. Thanks for the invite though. Will keep your cell with me and maybe we can meet up.

In all this shopping I haven't been able to find the ecofriendly sunscreen for Dolphin Discovery in Cozumel. I wanted to get it before we go there. Anybody know if I can find it in Orlando or Key West? I do plan on picking up anything we forgot in either of these places.

Also, can my DS9 wear black shorts for pirate night with his pirate t shirt and socks?

 

[bdwk1997]

He sprained his ankle last night playing soccer and he is limping around.

Just checking on the ankle.... My DS could finally straighten out his arm yesterday...Please everyone stay safe....I think I found a new drink to replace those Bahama Mama's. Out with the girls the other night had a few Watermelon Vodka and Soda water. Tasted just like a "Jolly Rancher".....Could be dangerous!!! Have to print out my door magnets, thanks to Hypermom!! Leaving Wednesday, see you all Saturday!!!!! Colleen, I will try and call you on Thursday

 

[Hypermommy]

For the door magnets: Do I laminate then put the magnetic tape on?

For the ones I printed on magnet paper I didn't laminate them because they're going to be stuck with magneticism at every point of the picture. Just printed and trimmed them (okay.. cajoled KC into trimming them because he's so much better at that fine detail work) and that's that. For the ones that I didn't print on magnet paper I did laminate them first. I'm lucky in that we have a laminator at the office which I borrowed. But I laminated them and then stuck some magnets at the four corners.

My husband and son are going to wear the same suit with a different tie on formal and semi-formal night. On regular nights, they are going to wear dockers and a button down shirt or polo shirt . I am wearing a dress for formal/semi formal night and pants/capri or casual skirt for the other nights. My daughter has dresses or pants for all nights.

My guys are being forced into tuxes on formal night. On semi-formal night they're wearing their tux pants with regular white button down shirts and red ties (to match my red dress). KC has a slightly different red tie. Oh, and for DS12, guess what I found at Goodwill yesterday -- a Mickey Mouse tux vest!!! Only $4.50!!!!!!!! So he'll be wearing that on semi-formal night and then I'll ebay it after the trip. For pirate night they have costumes to wear. Mine didn't turn out as good as I hoped because the girl I was counting on to borrow stuff didn't come through. But KC has the costume from my boss and the boys' costumes are pretty cool too with a cheap gold lame sash, white shirts, kerchief for head with dreadlocks hanging down, earring and eye patch. I'm figuring cut up and frayed jeans will complete the look. Anyone know if we're allowed to go barefoot on pirate night? Well, not in the dining room, of course, but afterwards?

"Regular" nights, I got polo shirts for the boys to wear with jeans for dining. I'm hoping to talk KC into a polo shirt for dinner. I've found some capris and some nice shirts so I hope that looks okay. Now if I can just find it all....

Congrats on being almost done. I'm packing tomorrow and still haven't even tried my clothes on. \

<snip>

Also, can my DS9 wear black shorts for pirate night with his pirate t shirt and socks?

All you northern folks are sooooooo lucky in re your packing. You put shorts and a t-shirt in the suitcase and I'll bet they stay there. I'm trying to get packed but the kids still have to be dressed to go to school and it's been 80 degrees for the past few days so they want to wear shorts and such. Ugh!!!!

As for pirate night, I don't see why not. That sounds like a cute little pirate outfit!

Please everyone stay safe....

Yes, everyone please stay safe! Put the kids in bubble wrap. I got some to wrap our liquor bottles in (KC's bright idea) but we might have extra!

 

[4newtocruise]

Oh, and for DS12, guess what I found at Goodwill yesterday -- a Mickey Mouse tux vest!!! Only $4.50!!!!!!!!

That is sooooo cool!!

 

[4newtocruise]

And again (maybe for the last time) the spreadsheet:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pLx0FZxmMNWAALDdWJXpYKw

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pLx0FZxmMNWAALDdWJXpYKw&hl=en

-Joan

 

[bdwk1997]

All you northern folks are sooooooo lucky in re your packing. You put shorts and a t-shirt in the suitcase and I'll bet they stay there. I'm trying to get packed but the kids still have to be dressed to go to school and it's been 80 degrees for the past few days so they want to wear shorts and such. Ugh!!!!!

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT US NORTHERN FOLKS WOULD DO FOR 80 DEGREE WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Hypermommy]

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT US NORTHERN FOLKS WOULD DO FOR 80 DEGREE WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, I understand that (and I still want snow!) but at least you can pack and stay packed!

 

[a7moulton]

hello everyone! Debbie, its funny you mention "new" drink. We tried UV blue ras w/lemonade lastnight, it was good! I can't remember if ther is lemonade at the drink station but I can take some crystal light to mix! We have to pick up my brother around 11pm at the airport, but I pretty sure we can get together before that!! I will take your # with me.

BTW As far as tips at Palos, I figured approx. what that dinner would cost us if we were paying and I tip, and of course how good the server is and we gave $40.00 ( I know how hard it is to be a server!)

As for clothes- Pirate night just about anything goes
Formal and semi-formal, its up to you. We get dress up because its a rare occurrence! Other than that whatever you are comfortable in without it being sweatpants, t shirts, "hang around" type of clothes. My husband has worn black jeans and nice shirt, golf shirt and dress shorts with boat shoes.
Don't worry, Just get there!!!!
Talk soon!! Colleen

 

[conny264]

Hi everybody

Just a quick hello from Germany.
Business trip done,suitcase unpacked and frehly packed.Tomorrow we´re of to Orlando.
I hope everybody has a safe and painless trip and see you on saturday.

Take care
Conny

 

[MassDisLovers]

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT US NORTHERN FOLKS WOULD DO FOR 80 DEGREE WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I second that thought, bdwk1997! Yesterday was a tease- today we're back to cold and rainy. I think it's a trick to make us appreciate the lovely weather while we're on the cruise! Our packing is going well but it's making me sort of "jumpy" and nervous. I have a feeling that this is going to prove to be a very long week!

By the way - have you all been following King Charming's Pre-Trip Report ? This is Hypermommy's DH explaining his thoughts on the joys of winning a "free cruise"!

 

[Tinkified]

Hi all! Last sunday at home! I have offically started officially packing! I was at a scrapboking event all day yesterday...9am to midnight...so I feel a little behind the 8 ball so to speak...but all I can keep thinking is .......

THIS TIME NEXT WEEK.....

Techjpm: Doing last minute fish extender preparations and realized I don't have a name for your friends for my tags....Are they not on the board? I hate to leave it blank since I am writing names for others...maybe a family name perhaps?

Connie: Safe travels!

I am off to purchase some last minute things. Talk with you all soon! In fact, MEET you all soon!

Enjoy your last work/school week all! DCL here we come!
Michelle

 

[wdhinn89]

Just checking on the ankle.... My DS could finally straighten out his arm yesterday...Please everyone stay safe....I think I found a new drink to replace those Bahama Mama's. Out with the girls the other night had a few Watermelon Vodka and Soda water. Tasted just like a "Jolly Rancher".....Could be dangerous!!! Have to print out my door magnets, thanks to Hypermom!! Leaving Wednesday, see you all Saturday!!!!! Colleen, I will try and call you on Thursday

It is still sore but definitely getting better. I won't let him practice for soccer on Tues. and Thurs. I want him fit for the cruise. Thank you for asking I'm glad your son is doing better too.

Safe trip for everyone leaving in the next few days. Enjoy your pre-cruise trips.

 

[Tinkified]

Denise aka Hypermommy: Could you please email me a copy of my showers of happiness family picture? With all my computer issues...I can not seem to find it. If you didn't save them as you were making them...we are DH, DW and DD8...TAGGART FAMILY. If you could email it to me, so I can email it to myself to work that would be much appreciated. I am on an old computer here at home that doesn't have too much current capabilities..it is basic enough for the internet and that is about it...no word program or anything...so an email application would work best right now. I appreciate it. Thanks Michelle

 

[4newtocruise]

Techjpm: Doing last minute fish extender preparations and realized I don't have a name for your friends for my tags....Are they not on the board? I hate to leave it blank since I am writing names for others...maybe a family name perhaps?

Michelle, they are on the spreadsheet!

-Joan

 

[MassDisLovers]

Denise/HyperMommy

I wanted to look at the photos again - to match names with faces, but the link I have is your old one. Could you please tell us how to get to them.

Thanks
Karen