April 21, 2007 -- Western Magic -- anyone?

[mickymania]

On our first cruise, we had the earlier seating and it seemed to work O.K. for our kids who were a little younger then. Now they are teenagers and I am thinking about switching to the late seating. Anyone out there who has had the late seating? I do remember feeling a little rushed in port to get back in time.

Good luck in the snow everyone. We had snow and very cold temperatures in Utah all throughout January and I am ready for some sun!!!!

 

[Cyndibear]

The office I work in closed today due to the snow/sleet/ice we have been getting since yesterday afternoon. I was totally shocked when my manager called this morning & told me they decided to close the office. We very rarely get to leave early or come in late for bad weather. Wow, its really gonna storm

DH had to go to work though, he's a plumber and he's on call this wk anyway so he figured he should go in. He called me though and said the roads were bad.

I was so excited to watch the View this morning but my plans were wrecked when the President came on. Why did he call a news conference in the middle of the day when most people are working? Go figure. So I ended up doing some work around the house .

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines day!! enjoy!!

Cyndi

 

[curlybop]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

We were supposed to have ice last night. But we had only really cold rain. Areas around us had quite a bit though. With every winter advisory, I'm just reminded that spring is around the corner. Can't wait.

DH's birthday is this weekend. Of course my dear little girl says "Is it close to my birthday yet?" I just smiled and said "about two more months" I think she's really trying to tell me to make her a cake. I bought things yesterday for DH's, and she's all about the sweet stuff.....yes, definitely my kid right there.

Have a great Valentine's everyone!

 

[Corryn]

Hi everyone and a Happy Valentine's Day to you
I spent my Valentine's weekend and this morning watching our dvd's from our last Disney cruise two years ago.....We had a two hour delay for school this morning, and my school (where I teach) also had one, so me and the girls just watched and listened to the sights and sounds of Castaway Cay for about an hour......How wonderful!

We went over to our friend's house tonight, despite the ice storm, for our annual Valentine's Dinner. Instead of wasting all our money at some busy restaurant, we get together every year and have a nice dinner.

Tonight we went to our favorite bakery, Il Giardino, and bought a chocolate cake with chocolate pudding in one layer and vanilla custard in another with chocolate covered strawberries on top; Kathy (her and Mike will be cruising with us) purchased chocolate covered strawberries and of course, Dunkin Donuts......While savoring our deeelicious desserts, I kept thinking of Palo's Chocolate Souffle..Haven't tried it yet, but that is one of the things I must do on the cruise!!!

Even though Mike and Kathy live five minutes from us, this is the first time we've gotten together since Christmas which is rare for us.
So we started talking about the cruise......The past two months I haven't been thinking about it (can you believe it!!) like you think I would be, but now that we've sat down and talked about it all, I'm really getting psyched!!!
The number one thing we all agreed on doing this cruise is RELAXING!!
Last cruise, the 4 day cruise, wasn't long enough. I'm really looking forward to it....
Mike and Ed were talking about dressing up for formal night and not so formal night and they said they were bringing three pairs of pants and one jacket. They said the jacket comes off when you sit at the table anyway. Now my husband always dresses to the nines (and I like to wear sweats!) so for him to say he's only bringing one jacket - that's a surprise.....

He said he's bringing his tropical Hawaiian shirts (he's got quite a few) and likes to wear those to dinner, just not on formal night or Palo's. Mike dresses the same way....Kathy's always telling them they're Metrosexual
She's like me, with the sweats and all...Nothing like being comfortable!

It's 10:15 here on Long Island and the roads are a sheet of ice. School for the kids had a delay this morning and I'm assuming there will be one for tomorrow morning also. How's the weather doing for everyone else?

 

[BlueFalconer]

How's the weather doing for everyone else?

Ummm ... if you are a winter sports junkie, then it's great. But for me, it sucks. So much so that a bad day on CC sounds better than shoveling snpw in the driveway.

I have spent way too much time on the DIS boards recently reading TRs and tips looking forward to our cruise in 65 days. I have come to the conclusion that when we went on our Land and Sea trip 3 years ago, we had no clue what we were doing. I had read the cruise guide on All Ears Net, but had not yet found the DIS.

This time we are arriving the night before and staying at the port. We have already made our Palo, excursion, Kid's club and spa reservations. Last time we used Disney Transportation from Animal Kingdom to get us over to the boat after 4 days at DW. The bus broke down on the way and we got there minutes before the ship left. We missed out on Palo reservations completely. Got stuck with a less than favorable dining rotation (Triton's on the first night with 2 little kids that had already had a long day and no luggage in our room yet with no nice clothes in our carry ons) and were ticked off at the level of service Guest Services had been providing. All we did on CC was lay on the family beach and eat at the buffet. Even with all of that being said, I could have stowed away for another week and made ressies for another trip before we walked off.

I am trying to leave nothing to chance this time and do everything the "right" way for our family. Looking forward to how much better it will be knowing the things I do and adding 3 extra days.

So, no pressure on myself before we leave.

 

[curlybop]

Thankfully we have no ice/snow, but it's cold out there. Right now the high is 30, but the wind is blowing a LOT which makes it feel colder. Oddly enough though, we've had no major snowstorms in 2 years. Usually we have 2 or 3 really good ones, but so far, a bit of ice, and a few flurries, that's it. I'm not complaining though, since I knew I needed those vacation days for actual vacation this year, instead of for snow days.

Corryn, I agree about the relaxation. DH said just the other night that for a few hours each day he wants to do nothing but lounge. I told him there were plenty of places just for that purpose! There is a lot I'd like to do, but I don't want to overschedule us. Mostly because though this is our first cruise ever, I have a feeling we'll probably rebook while onboard. So I'm not going to be in a mode of "got to do this because we'll never be back!" type of thing. Most of my work is already done, planning, making sure we have the correct clothing and items we may need. I'm still working on the flight details, and transportation once we arrive, and once that's finalized, I can focus on the packing.

I still can not believe it's so close. 2 months from today I'll probably be ready to bounce off the ceilings........

 

[ohMom]

been thinking about making some door signs, but here i am checking our chatter instead of the post your door sign here thread

dvc2max -- your question about what activities can be pre-registered at Guest services? well i don't know i'm 100% correct and my passporter book is older to confirm. to my knowledge you can preregister the wine/beer/margarita/martini tastings, hair braiding appts, & Tea with Wendy. when i cruised in 11/05 i didn't have to make a reservation for the art of entertaining classes (i went to a plating class) but i do think the Galley Tour was required. I would suggest you have an idea of what you want to do for sure, then go to Guest Services and ask to be sure.

bluefalconer -- i understand the first cruise naivete'. our first cruise which was a 4 day i didn't even know about Palo brunch! and i was a DISer!!

corryn -- i second the relaxation! though this will most likely be our last DCL trip, i don't plan to rebook which will be hard; i don't feel that rush of gotta do this and don't miss that. actually DD Paige who is 10 said to me, mom this time let's be sure we pack a good magazine and lounge by the pool and read and swim. oh yea, we'll get some snacks too!" that is it. it was kinda chilly for swimming when we went last time so i'm looking foward to it!

i LOVE the rainforest room too. my Mom and I spent an hour or so before dinner relaxing and then showered there each night. We took a glass of wine and just vegged, it was so nice. beware though, i had a glass break on me, the tile isn't very forgiving. i think DH and I are going to get a pass for the last 1/2 of the week, when they go 1/2 price to enjoy it some.. i know he wouldn't want to go everyday. but beware that glass of wine gets me a little chatty -- we had one older couple giving us alot of hairy eyeballs b/c we were quietly talking. it's not a talk-free zone. and we couldn't contain our laughter at the older gentelmen who dropped his towel to enter one of the steam showers completely naked! he was obviously foreign b/c they were talking another language, and thought nothing of being naked i guess. wine + older/wrinkly gentleman = hard to keep quite giggles


oh chocolate souffle is ALL THAT! you will LOVE it. i have read you can go to the bar at Palo without reservations and get a drink and dessert. we never had enough time to try that out, especially with late dining.

 

[Corryn]

I didn't know you could bring wine into the Rainforest Spa? Can't you just put it in a plastic cup?
Now that you mentioned The Naked Foreigner, I had a couple of those, too. I think they were gay, also......There were three men and they liked being nakee in the steam room that's loaded with steam, you know when you're on the tile loungers and the steam room that is to your left? They spent a lot of time in there....And then there was the foreign couple (lady/man) and they were nakee too.....But I kept my ear open for "those sounds" and I didn't hear any, so I figured all was safe, for me at least
You have the late dining too, so I'm sure we'll be chatting it up in there. I met some ladies while lounging in there and we talked, no one seemed to mind...

BTW, thanks for the spread sheet, great job

And for those lurkers who are cruising with us, just let yourselves be known!
We don't have to hang out on the ship, but if we're playing one of those family game shows while on board, or if you win BINGO,
I'll cheer extra hard for you
It's good to at least know Somebody while on board!
I promise I won't be your shadow while we're cruising

 

[curlybop]

You know, I was thinking of getting a pass to the spa. Now I'm second guessing that idea.

 

[bryantyme]

My family of 4 and another family of four are cruising with you guys. Has anybody ever done the zip line stuff i saw advertised earlier? I can't find it now, it may be sold out.

 

[Cyndibear]

Welcome bryantyme!!!!!

Cyndi

 

[bryantyme]

The zip line deal has been discontinued by Disney. I heard I have to go through a private company.

Thanks Cyndi

 

[Poccio]

I've never heard of a zipline so I can't help you out with that one.
Where in Chicago are you from? (We're in the Aurora/Naperville area)
I know someone is gathering a list of everyone but I don't know how to pm or even what that is.

Since it is freezing here and more snow is expected tonight it will be great to get on this cruise in 2 months!!

 

[bryantyme]

I'm over by Midway Airport, Yes I do Live In Chicago.
We went on the Eastern Cruise 3 years ago at the same time (April).
It was kind of cool in Florida at that time.....But 70 is a whole lot warmer then what we got now, I cant wait.
I was so pleased when I walked the deck the following day on the cruise and it was in the 80s.

I like going to Walter Peytons Roundhouse in Aurora.

Bryan

 

[alikat99]

Wow, lots of Chicago connections here!!! I'm originally from the Chicago area, but now live in central Florida (and don't miss the weather). I grew up in the Elgin area, and later lived/worked in the Schaumburg area.

 

[dvc2themax]

bryantyme and poccio, find OHMOM and PM her with your information

from an earlier post:

newbies -- i have an excel spreadsheet with our DIS board families listed, if you'd like to be included PM me the following info:

username, family (real names and kids ages), home state, friday night accomodations, transporation to port, dining time and stateroom/deck. Also include your email so I can email you the spreadsheet but let me know if you want me to keep your email address private, not a problem.


Paula/Kip

 

[dadlvsdisney]

What a great city. We used to go there all the time in my younger days (BK, before kids). We would go in the summertime to see the Blues Festival in Grant Park. Checked out the Pier, the Natural History Museum, The Aquarium, Sears Tower, Soldier Field, Kominsky Park to see the White Sox as well as Wrigley Field to see the Cubs. Saw The Bulls NBA victory Parade in the early 90's as well. What a great City. People are friendly. My roommate met his wife there. Then it was over to Division Street at night. Also, went to the original Pizzeria Uno as well as Pizzeria Duo.

Sorry, it has been over ten years since I have been there, I just had to relive it, thanks.

 

[surprise07]

And for those lurkers who are cruising with us, just let yourselves be known!
We don't have to hang out on the ship, but if we're playing one of those family game shows while on board, or if you win BINGO,
I'll cheer extra hard for you
It's good to at least know Somebody while on board!
I promise I won't be your shadow while we're cruising[/QUOTE]

Hello everybody,
I guess I could be called one of the Lurkers that Corryn is referring too. I have been slowly reading this thread from when it started so I would be aware of what you were all talking about. It's so long though, I've only gotten about half way through!

We are first time cruisers and like you all I am so excited I can hardly wait to go! I recently discovered the Disboards and I am learning so much. I only wish I knew about this site over a year ago when I first booked this cruise. I too am surprising my husband with this cruise. He will turn 40 while on board and believe it or not, he still does not know! I have been keeping this secret for over a year and I am ready to burst! I have plans to tell him and DD 4 and DS almost 7 in a week and a half. It will be so nice when everybody knows so I can talk freely with them! And I can be on this site without sneaking!

They are home now, so I have got to run. I will write again soon with a list of questions! You are all so well informed...I'm sure you will be able to help me!

Take Care. Emily

 

[ohMom]

bryantyme and poccio, find OHMOM and PM her with your information

from an earlier post:

newbies -- i have an excel spreadsheet with our DIS board families listed, if you'd like to be included PM me the following info:

username, family (real names and kids ages), home state, friday night accomodations, transporation to port, dining time and stateroom/deck. Also include your email so I can email you the spreadsheet but let me know if you want me to keep your email address private, not a problem.

i am keeper of the spreadsheet. just click on my username and a drop down menu will appear, choose "send ohMom a Private Message" and it will take you to the screen. If you look in the upper right hand corner of your DIS board screen under your log-in, you should see "Private Messages" highlighted, you can click on that as another way to access your PM box. Dont be afraid to click around your User CP area to learn about these neato tools we have here there is also a technical board on the main forum screen with how-to's, FAQ, and a place to ask techie questions.

anyone who wants to be added to our cruise spreadsheet, just PM me your info; whatever you are comfortable sharing

never heard of zip line?

corryn et al in the rainforest room -- we just took a glass in, no one ever said a thing. in fact i think once or twice I stopped at Signals and got a drink of the day and took in with me. but yes a plastic cup would be a good idea!

i've been to chicago once, actually went to see a taping of Oprah we shopped a bit, it was a quick trip. but neat town, i'd love to go back someday. there is a 1/2 marathon there every year, a John Bingham race so one day i'll trek up for that.

newcomers !!! Emily -- a suprise cruise!! i'm in awe that you have kept it a secret this long! we have a couple other birthdays, which day is his b-day?

corryn -- did you request a dining rotation? for our linked late dining group i have requested APL

 

[dadlvsdisney]

I have been a lurker as well and only recently began posting (you can tell I am still earning my ears). My family is rather shy and I started to post to find friends for my two children. My DS is in the first grade and will turn 7 before the cruise also. There are other posters with children the ages of yours.

My children love spending time with their family, but I believe it will be a better experience for them if they make some friends.

This group is very informative, and I have gotten a lot of info from this thread.