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

[Corryn]

That's a sweet offer, Amy how nice of you

About the Rainforest Room - It was my favorite part of the cruise....Here's some photos:

You walk in and to your left are four heated tile loungers. There are three or four steam rooms. There are two showers, and the showers each have either rose or eucalyptus/mint infused water, which is just luxurious.

I would take a cup of ice with me into one of the steam rooms. I'd stay in there for a little while, get out and get another cup of ice, then go into another steam room. Then I would take a shower, which by the way, has soap, shampoo and conditioner right there in the shower....then I'd wrap my head up in a towel and get in the robe (which is provided) and take a nappy on the tile lounger. Then I would go into the locker room and get ready for dinner. It was my absolute favorite time every day on the cruise. I talked with some ladies while in the steam room, too, but once I was on those lounge chairs, I just fell asleep. It's funny because I would just be laying there with no watch on, not looking at the clock and I don't know how long I would be sleeping for, but I would just naturally wake up and take my time getting ready. I usually only take twenty minute naps every day anyway, so I was probably only out that amount of time while I was there. But it was very very refreshing.
I would take the cup of ice with me into the steam room to help me breath. The rooms get very hot, but I would put my mouth and nose into the cup (not all the way) and breath in the cool air. That's why I was able to do multiple steam room sessions.
'
I think for the seven day cruise it's over $100 but it's well worth it. You can stay as long as you would like and use it as many times a day as you would like......

 

[sourmug]

We'll also be wearing our lime green Disney shirts. Those things are pretty bright, so you can't miss us either.

I'm still planning excursions for Cozumel. I looked at the Disney site, got a few ideas, but nothing definite just yet. Hmmmm........decisions, decisions. DH says it doesn't matter to me, if I plan it he will go. He's so well trained.

Anyone planning on sending a box down the week we cruise? I have thought about it, for some of DD's princess dress up stuff, things like water shoes, and small items throughout the week. Then part of me freaks out & wonders "what if it got lost or didn't get on the ship?" There are quite a few things I could box up & live without if it didn't make it - except those dresses, since I know if DD saw one other girl with hers on & she didn't have any, we'd have a meltdown on our hands. I'd rather avoid that, and avoid paying tons for any on the ship.

Amanda,
I plan to send a couple of boxes down. I usually send one down with several bottles of wine for the trip and other items I do not want to drag on board.
Here is the shipping address:
Shipping something to DCL before the cruise:
Disney Cruise Line
9001 Marlin Street
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Mark on each box:

Sail Date
Vessel
Passenger Last Name and Stateroom # (if GTY, just put GTY)
Confirmation #
How many boxes: ____ of _____ (i.e. 1 of 2, 2 of 2)
ATTN: Housekeeping

 

[curlybop]

Aaaah, Corryn, I'm relaxed just reading that. Though I know if I fell asleep, it would be for more than 20 minutes! DH would probably have to come looking for me.

Awwww, Amy, you're so nice. I'll see how much I can pack, and the weight of the suitcases when I'm done..... But I just might take you up on your offer.

As for the day before, we're thinking of heading to Downtown Disney. Our plane arrives around noon that Friday. Hotel check-in is at 4pm....so we have a few hours to do something fun. Plus, we never made it there when it was just DH & I in 1999. At that time we flew in, had Disney transport., stayed on site, and just visited the parks.

Anyone else have plans for that Friday? Downtown is just a "maybe" on our list right now, nothing set in stone. Since our last visit was 100% on site Disney, we never really explored outside of "The World".

 

[alikat99]

It's no big deal, Amanda. We've done it for some DISers in the past that were just a tad concerned about making sure the box would actually make it on the ship.

We'll be heading over to WDW sometime early afternoon on Friday. My oldest DDs school is having a Father's Breakfast that morning, then we'll head over after that. Our only plans for that day are dinner at Cape May Cafe at 5:30pm.

 

[Cyndibear]

Hi Everyone!!

I like to read everyone's posts for their plans on Friday. We should be arriving later in the day Friday. We are planning to leave PA around 2:30pm Thursday, stay over somewhere on I95 and hopefully get to FL early enough Friday to visit WDW ( at least eat there).

Cyndi

 

[sourmug]

My husband and I are staying at the Wilderness Lodge and going to Victoria and Alberts for dinner. We are driving down from near Birmingham, Alabama. We will leave at 8:30 or so to drive to the port. We like to get there ~10:00 so we can be in one of the first groups to board.
Hope this helps.

 

[mickymania]

We will actually be in Orlando from Tuesday through Saturday before the cruise. We still haven't finalized our plans of where we are staying, but if someone wants to ship something to the hotel, we can drive it to the port. Speaking of the hotel, we have reservations booked for a two-bedroom suite at a Residence Inn, but I can get a great deal at the FW cabins. Has anyone stayed there before? Does anyone have an opinion on which option would be better?

I still haven't had time to figure out the whole picture thing, but hopefully I will be able to soon.

Wendy

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Boy, do I feel guilty about my post on the main cruise board. I think I'll stick to just lurking there and mostly post here. I should have probably done that in the first place!

 

[alikat99]

Oh Val, don't you worry about it!!! Sometimes that main cruise board can be brutal, but don't let it stop you from posting. You didn't intentionally post to cause trouble, just asking honest questions. How would you know the answers without asking? Right?

 

[alikat99]

Oh, and Val, I just read your last post on that thread. Seriously, if you want to bring snacks for the boys, or drinks onboard, don't hesitate. We bring snacks onboard like a bit of candy for the shows, Goldfish, etc, just in case they want a few snacks. I don't go overboard, because there is SO much to eat onboard already.

As for drinks, we're not big alcohol drinkers, so I'm not sure that we'll bring any onboard, but heck, maybe we will. And, if your family is ok with water, milk, juice, and Coke products, you'll be just fine. We never bring that kind of stuff onboard because we're fine with the ship's offerings.

And, if you have any questions, ask them. There are a few of us around here that have cruised DCL before, and I'm sure that we'd all be willing to help out.

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Thanks Amy! You make me feel better! After seeing all the emails about replies to my post, even DH said, "WHAT DID YOU DO?" There goes the guilt again. I really just wanted to feel better about breaking some of the rules (the relatively minor ones--bringing own water, taking chicken tenders for boys on the islands), and it totally backfired. I really wish that thread would just end, but it seems to just keep going...

I do appreciate all your helpful information! Thanks for "being there!"

Val

 

[alikat99]

Don't worry about it!! Some people over on that main cruise board just can't let things go. Heck, that thread could stay around for weeks!! Just don't go back to it, then no guilt!!

We'll definitely have to get the kids together, because I bet they'll have some fun together.

 

[ohMom]

morning cruising friends!!

hey Val -- maybe a cyber salute is in order! LOL you are already initiated in the controversial club on the cruise forum!! hehehe -- no i'm just kidding with you seriously. like alikat99 said, the cruise board main can get heated, there are some outspoken folks not shy about sharing their opinion. and that's ok, as long as everyone is cordial. i do not envy the cruise board moderator position there are some GREAT folks on the cruise board and lots of great info to be had, so don't let it stop you at all. and really the back and forth was pretty minor anyhow

honestly, i have always taken alcohol and drinks onboard and i thought it was allowed. like honest to goodness allowed. i take water bottles b/c i drink lots of water, try to get my 8 glasses a day, and the ships tap water isn't great. it's ok but to me had an notable taste. i don't like well-water either. and i'm good to grab a water bottle and go about my day. i also encourage my kids to have one. as for pop, last cruise i let both my DDs take a few non-returnable plastic bottles b/c their favorites were not coke products (mt. dew) I did pack candy for the movies and intend on the same for this cruise too. i honestly thought it was ok so now i have guilt with you! LOL but i'll get over it. i guess i agree with ibouncetoo in that it's more a guideline that DCL has a policy in place should the need arise, they have something documented that they could enforce. I don't think DCL is out to make us bitter and miserable by nitpicking such small things. you know? i guess alcohol could be considered a bigger thing if we are truly not allowed, but we are allowed to bring our own alcohol aren't we? we took a box of wine last time, and probably will this time. DCL is getting my money either way, trust me. it's just a matter of if i spend it on a glass of wine, or a drink of the day, or a pin. i will spend, mind you, i will spend!

as for the soft sided cooler, my DD has refrigerated medication so we will have a cooler travleing with us for that reason. i had planned on taking some water bottles to the islands with us in that same cooler, will i be stopped? and then i read some folks order room service sandwiches and take them off too. i guess i thought package food was ok to take off but not unpackaged? i plan on eating mainly on ship anyhow.......but a few snacks taken would be nice. i don't refer to the food on the ship as 'free' but rather as 'pre-paid' --

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Don't worry about it!! Some people over on that main cruise board just can't let things go. Heck, that thread could stay around for weeks!! Just don't go back to it, then no guilt!!

We'll definitely have to get the kids together, because I bet they'll have some fun together.

Thanks Amy. Out of sight, out of mind! I have more important things to worry about right now...which towncar service to reserve, which hotel to stay at Friday night, if we have enough clothes to last us 8 days away from home Thanks to that, we've been on a spending spree lately. I told DH that we will have to cruise again soon because of all the clothes we are buying just for this trip. We didn't have any of the next size of shorts for Hudson (poor Lennon--he usually only gets hand-me-downs). I wanted a few new capris and another swim suit, in addition to two new dresses (one for formal night and one for Palo). DH got a new suit (and is lookin' mighty fine!) with two new shirts and ties (again, formal night and Palo). And I thought the cruise prices were expensive! They don't tell you about the money it takes to get yourself ready to go! We just might have to make this a recurring vacation! It should be cheaper next time since I won't have to buy all this stuff, right?

And speaking of clothes, I'm sure we'll be sticking out like sore thumbs while waiting in the terminal. We don't have much for Disney character shirts (the boys have 1 or 2, but I don't think they fit anymore--so let's go buy some!). We usually wear Harley-Davidson or some type of motorcycle shirts, so you won't be able to miss us, I'm sure. People will probably think we are in the wrong place ("Hey, you're a month late and too far south for Daytona Bike Week!"). Maybe we should purposely NOT wear m/c stuff so that we don't stick out!

We should try to get the kids together. I think we'll try to swim first thing upon boarding (DH will probably take the boys to the Mickey pool while I try to rearrange Palo reservations and get signed up for martinis and/or margaritas and/or beer tastings (or all of them!). But Hudson has told me many times that we have to take him to the game area first (I think he means OC). He may change his mind when he sees the Mickey slide! I think he's worried he will miss out on something.

Now I'm getting too excited! I better occupy my time with something else for awhile! DIS seems to consume all my time!

Val

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

morning cruising friends!!

hey Val -- maybe a cyber salute is in order! LOL you are already initiated in the controversial club on the cruise forum!! hehehe -- no i'm just kidding with you seriously. like alikat99 said, the cruise board main can get heated, there are some outspoken folks not shy about sharing their opinion. and that's ok, as long as everyone is cordial. i do not envy the cruise board moderator position there are some GREAT folks on the cruise board and lots of great info to be had, so don't let it stop you at all. and really the back and forth was pretty minor anyhow

honestly, i have always taken alcohol and drinks onboard and i thought it was allowed. like honest to goodness allowed. i take water bottles b/c i drink lots of water, try to get my 8 glasses a day, and the ships tap water isn't great. it's ok but to me had an notable taste. i don't like well-water either. and i'm good to grab a water bottle and go about my day. i also encourage my kids to have one. as for pop, last cruise i let both my DDs take a few non-returnable plastic bottles b/c their favorites were not coke products (mt. dew) I did pack candy for the movies and intend on the same for this cruise too. i honestly thought it was ok so now i have guilt with you! LOL but i'll get over it. i guess i agree with ibouncetoo in that it's more a guideline that DCL has a policy in place should the need arise, they have something documented that they could enforce. I don't think DCL is out to make us bitter and miserable by nitpicking such small things. you know? i guess alcohol could be considered a bigger thing if we are truly not allowed, but we are allowed to bring our own alcohol aren't we? we took a box of wine last time, and probably will this time. DCL is getting my money either way, trust me. it's just a matter of if i spend it on a glass of wine, or a drink of the day, or a pin. i will spend, mind you, i will spend!

as for the soft sided cooler, my DD has refrigerated medication so we will have a cooler travleing with us for that reason. i had planned on taking some water bottles to the islands with us in that same cooler, will i be stopped? and then i read some folks order room service sandwiches and take them off too. i guess i thought package food was ok to take off but not unpackaged? i plan on eating mainly on ship anyhow.......but a few snacks taken would be nice. i don't refer to the food on the ship as 'free' but rather as 'pre-paid' --

Thanks to you, too, ohMom, for making me feel better! I guess when opinions start flying around, I just have to remember...opinoins are like a**holes--everyone has one and most of them stink!

We, too, are used to great water at home (even double filtered in our fridge!), and we really only drink water, milk, and juice (pop is the enemy!--for us anyway), so I wanted the option of having great water, especially for port days, even though we will probably just get off, look around for ten minutes, get back on the ship, and have the Mickey pool to ourselves! But in case we do spend more time off the ship, I don't want to come across "Montezuma's Revenge!" And since DS5 is such a picky eater, I know he will eat chicken tenders and probably nothing else if we go to a restaurant in a port (in sticking with the "pre-paid" mentality, too).

Does your DD have JRA? I see your AF symbol and "Kids get arthritis, too." (I work for a rheumatologist.) How old is she? I hope her meds are controlling her disease so she can have a great cruise!

Val

 

[ohMom]

val -- i think you are the first ever DISer to recognize what my avatar is! at least that has told me so!! yes, Paige has JRA (systemic), she was diagnosed in kg at age 6. she is 10 now, 4th grade. overall she is doing well, however she is having her ankles injected next friday as they have been painful everday for a few weeks. she had this done last year and actually came to me this time and said 'mom make me an appt for an injection' ok then. she is on kineret which does WELL for her. last time we cruised she did take a loaner wheelchair from children's hospital, which we still have and i'll let her decide if she wants to take again. hopefully having her ankles injected now will alleviate the need for it -- but it's a big ship and i don't want her to not go somewhere b/c she's too spent physically to have the thought of walking there! i guess sometimes her legs are done for the day before the rest of her is

i did the same thing buying clothes our first cruise!! i just got a Chadwicks catalog and they usually have nice clothes at decent prices. but you already have your nice dresses anyhow.

i'm rethinking the lime green shirts for our family at the terminal too. sorry guys, i have a boarding picture on the wall in here with lime green tees. it kinda sticks out that and the fact the my oldest DD - Taylor - at the time was just 13 and refused to wear a lime-green t-shirt and has one a bright red OSU shirt among the sea of lime green of the 3 of us. not very subtle here. but we will have disney shirts one --- we'll figure out a way to find each other! maybe lime green balloons??

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

ohMom, Paige must be a pretty strong person to put up with the daily Kineret injections plus the steroid joint injections for flares! I bet she's already been through more in those four years than anyone could imagine! It sounds like you've got all the details worked out to give her a great cruise (those that very, very few would need to think of). Hopefully her injections on Friday will provide relief until the cruise, but it doesn't sound like she needs them very often anyway. The doc I work for is very adamant about spreading them out to only every 12 weeks and not any sooner (sometimes they don't help, unfortunately, and those are the patients that beg him to give another one sooner than the 12 weeks). He gets lots of patients in shortly before a trip so they can get the most benefit right at the start of their vacation time (except the 1-2 days of resting immediately after the injection). I hope she does well with them! She must be brave!

Good idea on watching what you wear for boarding pics! I had made a note about checking almost everything at the terminal so you don't look like a pack rat with all your stuff in your first photos, but it hadn't occurred to me to not clash either! Maybe we'll go for our Huskers attire instead. That should be safe. And then everyone will know that "we'z is from the boonies," you know, where there's only cowboys and Indians riding the plains of Nebraska. Belive it or not, some parts of the country actually believe that!

 

[ohMom]

val -- thank you for the kudos Paige is a brave little girl, and most who meet her don't even know her struggles b/c she doesn't let them define her or her day.

well we watched the Incredibles today which included a Cars trailer for fun and inspired me to make a draft of a door sign.............

i LOVE mater!! matter of fact i love the pixar films! gotta think of an incredibles one for this time. i have a monsters, inc already if you all remember

 

[alikat99]

Wow, that little girl has been through a lot!!! I'm sure that a cruise will be just what the Dr ordered!!!

 

[curlybop]

DD was sitting beside me looking at the screen, and just shouted "Towmater mom, Towmater!!" We LOVE Mater around this house. I even made DH's birthday cake w/ Mater on top.

I totally understand about all the buying before you go. I have zero formal stuff, the dresses I own are all "church style". We are a very, very casual family. T-shirts & shorts & sandals or tennis shoes, and we're set! I'm trying to plan for dinner clothing by mix & match. Few skirts & pants that I can match with different shirts. I'm trying to save packing space - but it's difficult!

I'm still not settled on a town car either. For now, I think we'll probably just rent a car for Friday, and return it at the port Saturday morning. Then the next Sat. when we leave, we'll get a car, just because that's the last few minutes of our vacation time, and I know we'll all be so sad, neither DH or I will want to drive.