April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 3

[Sparky47]

Hi April Cruisers. I’m on the October cruise and have a few questions and a BIG favor to ask.

--Is anyone planning to share a blog while cruising. We’d love to follow along.
--The October port days seem to be shorter than the ones posted for April; were your days extended at some point?

Trying to look ahead at excursions which isn’t always easy to do. If someone happens to be in the DCL site for excursions and can take the time to jot the times for the following excursions (even just one or two of them) I’d really appreciate it!

Maui – Hana Cave Quest, Hana Picnic and Haleakala Crater Sunset Tour
Kauai – Waimea Canyon and Hidden Valley Falls Kayak*
Oahu – Arizona Memorial & City Tour*
Hawaii – Volcano National Park, Secrets of Puna and Waterfall, Cave & Black Sand

We’re trying to figure out if it will be possible to do 2 excursions either through DCL or on own.

*On Kauai we’ve found “AirVenture” a private plane service/company for an air tour. $125 per person so we’re hoping to squeeze that in with another excursion. On Oahu we’re hoping to go to Diamond Head on our own.
I REALLY appreciate any assistance someone can provide. Thank you!

Linda

 

[Sparky47]

Slow computer - Double Post!
Linda

 

[LindaBabe]

on a different note ...today I returned to work and was asked about my vacation request. Mind you I told work a YEAR ago I was doing this cruise and they were accepting and all was fine. Today im told ...." ummm thats a long time to ask off for ", I said well a year ago it wasnt. I work 12 hour shifts and the way it worked out I am only mising six days so they can get a per diem nurse to fill in for me. My manager just looked at me and said we'll see and I said well to be honest Ill have to quit if i dont get it approved ( I couldnt believe those words were coming out of my mouth as I was saying them) , but i thought with the year ive had and already paying for the cruise I figure theres no way im not going. She looked at me shockingly and said ill see what i can do LOL I figure the ball is in their court now, if they dont want to lose me then so be it. I have a PT job for hospital too I could work FT if I wanted to, just dont want to leave a job I really like but its Hawaii or bust now!

You GO, Girl! Some things are sufficiently important to cause us to draw a line in the sand! As a nurse, you will ALWAYS find opportunity!

Fivepin, SO sorry for your spouse but Equally glad YOU decided to join us! And, let's face it - you NEED a break with three rambunctious boys!

 

[Happy Goofy]

Hope everyone's job situation works out for them. I am still dealing with this eye problem and still waiting for the results of all the blood work. At this point I am so discouraged. Hope to hear some more good news soon from the blood tests.

 

[Lexa]

Hi April Cruisers. I’m on the October cruise and have a few questions and a BIG favor to ask.

--Is anyone planning to share a blog while cruising. We’d love to follow along.
--The October port days seem to be shorter than the ones posted for April; were your days extended at some point?

Trying to look ahead at excursions which isn’t always easy to do. If someone happens to be in the DCL site for excursions and can take the time to jot the times for the following excursions (even just one or two of them) I’d really appreciate it!

Maui – Hana Cave Quest, Hana Picnic and Haleakala Crater Sunset Tour
Kauai – Waimea Canyon and Hidden Valley Falls Kayak*
Oahu – Arizona Memorial & City Tour*
Hawaii – Volcano National Park, Secrets of Puna and Waterfall, Cave & Black Sand

We’re trying to figure out if it will be possible to do 2 excursions either through DCL or on own.

*On Kauai we’ve found “AirVenture” a private plane service/company for an air tour. $125 per person so we’re hoping to squeeze that in with another excursion. On Oahu we’re hoping to go to Diamond Head on our own.
I REALLY appreciate any assistance someone can provide. Thank you!

Linda

Linda, here are time for excursions:

Maui
Hana Cave Quest - this one is sold out and can't check times. Maybe someone who booked can tell you the time.
Hana Picnic - same with this one
Haleakala Crater Sunset Tour - 4:15 pm

Kauai
Waimea Canyon - 7:45 am
Hidden Valley Falls Kayak - 8:15 am and 1:15 pm

Oahu
Arizona Memorial & City Tour - 8:00 am

Hawaii
Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park Odyssey & Macadamia Nut Factory - 12:15 pm
Volcano Nationl Park Odyssey & Macadamia Nut Factory— Adult Only Departure - 12:15 pm

Secrets of Puna - 2:15 pm and 1:15 pm
Cave & Black Sand (Waterfall, Cave & Black Sand Cove) - 12:45 pm

 

[Lexa]

Hope everyone's job situation works out for them. I am still dealing with this eye problem and still waiting for the results of all the blood work. At this point I am so discouraged. Hope to hear some more good news soon from the blood tests.

Just sending some HUGS and positive vibes your way!!

 

[debg]

My best friend and I really want to do this, I'm a bit leary because our DCL excursion(Haleakala summit lavendar and winery) starts at 7:45am and it says return of 4:15. When I looked at the length in the description and did the math return should be earlier. Anyway, we don't do many DCL excursions and wanted to know how accurate is that return time to the ship. We don't want to miss the luau motorcoach. We can get ready pretty fast. Any feedback would be great. If the time is pretty accurate we definitely want to go to luau

This is our concern too. I've been trying to remember if excursions are usually back a little early. I know an hour is probably not enough time for DH and I to get back on the ship, showered, and back off the ship and on the bus. We'll be canceling the DCL excursion, between the two. The Luau is our number one event. Can't wait for that! Still, would really like to do the DCL excursion too, so hopefully someone with a good knowledge of DCL excursions can let us know if they do indeed usually return a bit early. i think we'd only need about 15 more minutes.

debg

 

[Evenean]

Thank you!

I'm Sheena and I'll be sailing with my husband Steve, we will have been married 6 years just a few weeks before the cruise. We have a DD who is 2 and a half but she will be staying with Grandma and Grandpa for this cruise.



I'm still reading through the boards to figure out who is running what, if there is still room, and then talking my husband into things.

This will be only our second cruise and after seeing doors decorated and the fish extenders, I really wanted to join into the fun. Though, I'm getting into the party late. And nope, I didn't just think to type 'DCL forums' into Google, don't ask me why. ^_^ Honestly, I had no idea that there was extra fun to be had.


So, any tips from all the veterans out there would be greatly appreciated. Packing? Fun things to see or do? Things we should know.
Our first cruise was a three night, so we really didn't have a chance to do much or miss anything if we forgot it at home.


Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[MrsMork]

I know that I am organizing a bunch of stuff this cruise, but linked dinner is not one of them. This would be Paula Sillars.

Corinna

Goofy me!!! Of course I know this!! Sorry, Paula!!

Thank you!

I'm Sheena and I'll be sailing with my husband Steve, we will have been married 6 years just a few weeks before the cruise. We have a DD who is 2 and a half but she will be staying with Grandma and Grandpa for this cruise.



I'm still reading through the boards to figure out who is running what, if there is still room, and then talking my husband into things.

This will be only our second cruise and after seeing doors decorated and the fish extenders, I really wanted to join into the fun. Though, I'm getting into the party late. And nope, I didn't just think to type 'DCL forums' into Google, don't ask me why. ^_^ Honestly, I had no idea that there was extra fun to be had.


So, any tips from all the veterans out there would be greatly appreciated. Packing? Fun things to see or do? Things we should know.
Our first cruise was a three night, so we really didn't have a chance to do much or miss anything if we forgot it at home.


Thanks in advance for any help!

Still room on most things, I think.
Tips from me - interaction with the other DIS people is what makes these cruises really special to us! Amazing Disney loving people from around the world.

Also, read the navigator every evening so you don't miss out on fun stuff around the ship. And don't try to do everything they offer - it is impossible!!

 

[Scott H]

Tom & Marilou and anyone else who is interested. Some of the designs are on my flicker page, which we made public. Feel free to access any of them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmvandy/sets/72157628762808959/

If you have any questions or need help with calling them to the tee shirt order site, feel free to e-mail at Valbob89@aol.com and I'll try to help.

If there are any of you who are interested in our group hawaiian shirts (see page one), the manufacturer says there may be overruns available, plus I ordered and paid for a few extras. Again, send me an e-mail if you want more info.

Val & Bob

Excellent, thank you very very much, I really like the classic looking travel posters, many memories of teh Pan Am and UAL posters.

 

[Pixiegran]

Thank you!

I'm Sheena and I'll be sailing with my husband Steve, we will have been married 6 years just a few weeks before the cruise. We have a DD who is 2 and a half but she will be staying with Grandma and Grandpa for this cruise.



I'm still reading through the boards to figure out who is running what, if there is still room, and then talking my husband into things.

This will be only our second cruise and after seeing doors decorated and the fish extenders, I really wanted to join into the fun. Though, I'm getting into the party late. And nope, I didn't just think to type 'DCL forums' into Google, don't ask me why. ^_^ Honestly, I had no idea that there was extra fun to be had.


So, any tips from all the veterans out there would be greatly appreciated. Packing? Fun things to see or do? Things we should know.
Our first cruise was a three night, so we really didn't have a chance to do much or miss anything if we forgot it at home.


Thanks in advance for any help!

Welcome...I am Judy and traveling with my daughter Catherine. This is our 3rd Disney cruise but I think 13th regular cruise. We are from the Seattle area. We are giving this trip to each other to celebrate my 65th BD and her early 40's BD.

It is definitely not to late to sign up for FE's. There is another thread on here called Homemade FE Gifts Photo thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980639&page=186 that link kind of lands you in the middle of it (where I am still reading) but you can easily click to page 1. Tons of awesome ideas for gifts to give. I understand there is a thread for non-homemade also but I haven't read it yet.

In case it hasn't been mentioned go to page 1 of this thread and sign in on the roll call..look at tabs below and sign up for anything you are interested in.

One note the free lanyards MUST be signed up for ASAP go back a few pages from here and find and find the note from Eric and Jason regarding that. Also if you are interested in special custom made Hawaiian shirt for this cruise only check with ValBob to see if there is still any available on the wait list..another ASAP. Everything else you have a little playing room time wise to make decisions But lanyards and shirts you need to contact the ones in charge directly and now.

My daughter is teasing me that I have so much planned on ship I won't have any time to just enjoy the ship But as someone else mention anything involving the Dis group will be a blast.

 

[JLSE50]

on a different note ...today I returned to work and was asked about my vacation request. Mind you I told work a YEAR ago I was doing this cruise and they were accepting and all was fine. Today im told ...." ummm thats a long time to ask off for ", I said well a year ago it wasnt. I work 12 hour shifts and the way it worked out I am only mising six days so they can get a per diem nurse to fill in for me. My manager just looked at me and said we'll see and I said well to be honest Ill have to quit if i dont get it approved ( I couldnt believe those words were coming out of my mouth as I was saying them) , but i thought with the year ive had and already paying for the cruise I figure theres no way im not going. She looked at me shockingly and said ill see what i can do LOL I figure the ball is in their court now, if they dont want to lose me then so be it. I have a PT job for hospital too I could work FT if I wanted to, just dont want to leave a job I really like but its Hawaii or bust now!

You followed procedure, got authorization to take the time, bought the tickets and now they will THINK about it ? . ??

I like your answer !!

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Back from a quick west coast trip ...didnt have laptop for 4 days so catching up on posts.

I know theres lots of planners so trying to keep everyone updated but people are adding daily and with many people not having hit the PIF date yet im afraid some will drop.

For a basic idea and breakdown (hope this helps) we have:
64 cabins signed up- so approximately 3-4 groups
33 kids under 18
69 adult women
44 adult men

l will make the final date to sign up March 15th since all who will be joining should be finalized by then and had a chance to get to the boards. More cabins should be assigned by then also ,so those on GTY have no worries there will be plenty of time to add.

Yes, those of us GTYs are still WONDERing.....

 

[Evenean]

Thanks for the advice.

*raises right hand* I swear I will not do everything that is offered.

 

[tig82174]

We've passed the 300 mark on lanyard orders now!

Please make sure that if you have not ordered lanyards....do so soon! Also make sure you check to insure that your information is correct.....and for those of you who are a bit more connected/involved than I am (or are on facebook), please take a look at the lanyard list (HERE) and take a look at all the people there and see if there is anyone still on the list that you know has canceled or switched and maybe forgot to tell me? There are quite a few people on my list who are not very active on the boards....so I'm not sure whether they're still around....or are on facebook or whatever....so anyone who can offer help in making sure my list is as accurate!

 

[mickeymom923]

I posted way back on page 166 about so much for the women to do and asked about what is planned for the men. I saw someone posted about poker. My hubby loves to play pinochle. Can we get some men together to also play pinochle? We have to keep the men out of trouble.

Also, any plans for beer tasting, wine tasting, martini tasting, and rum tasting that have been done on past cruises?

Would love to go to Aluani but we're doing the Pearl Harbor VIP tour and won't get back until 3:15. Do you think it's too late to go? Is anyone else planning to go after the Pearl Harbor tour?

Can't wait to see everyone and P A R T Y

 

[Pixiegran]

We've passed the 300 mark on lanyard orders now!

Please make sure that if you have not ordered lanyards....do so soon! Also make sure you check to insure that your information is correct.....and for those of you who are a bit more connected/involved than I am (or are on facebook), please take a look at the lanyard list (HERE) and take a look at all the people there and see if there is anyone still on the list that you know has canceled or switched and maybe forgot to tell me? There are quite a few people on my list who are not very active on the boards....so I'm not sure whether they're still around....or are on facebook or whatever....so anyone who can offer help in making sure my list is as accurate!

We had one announce today that they have to cancel, but I am confirming with her that I have right Dis name...will get back to your as soon as she responds. Looks like there are 4 in her group..

 

[threebritts]

Good for you and hope it works out for you. My husband switched roles at his company around 1 1/2 yrs ago to the sales side. So, now I have to plan our vacations around his quarter ends, so no spring break or christmas time. Anyway we had just booked the MVof the Fantasy right before his role change. Well he is still catching flack about not being the March 31st-the day we sail. I said seriously all orders are supposed to be booked before that anyway. I told him you have until 4 or so to do work before the ship sails.

So, the Hawaii trip is announced. They basically told him if he went on this one he wouldn't have a job when he got back. I asked what's their reason now? YOu have the time off and it's not quarter end. I said well they can't stop me. Anyway didn't want to take the chance and stir the pot more. I need him to have this job to allow me to feed my DCL addiction.

That's why it's just my best friend and I-no hubby or kids. Couldn't pull them out of school again so close after the MV, especially since my oldest is getting marked as unexcused for the MV, and he can only have 5 unexcused for the grading period.

I know several moms at the school who are nurses at a couple of different hospitals. Which hospital do you work PT at?

It is for all about staffing so I go to Northside,Brandon and Largo med mostly. Im FT at Medexpress in Largo Mall. Love that job and has been nice to be out of hospital but if they dont give me my vacation its back to the hospital FT

 

[threebritts]

You go!!! That's what I'd do! Did you get the approval in writing a year ago? emails or something?

Thats right! I have definitly learned this year that life is too short and im going to enjoy it and my family and pray that things just fall into place around that!

 

[threebritts]

You followed procedure, got authorization to take the time, bought the tickets and now they will THINK about it ? . ??

I like your answer !!

Well there is alot going on there and she is in danger of losing her job, funny thing is the big boss was there today and she has time share in Hawaii so I was asking her questions in front of her stirring the pot! Its not neccasarilly that It wasnt approved but more the fact that theres no paid time off. I took alot of time when Tyler was sick before he died , but like i said today I will take the unpaid and thats fine so it should be fine with them. I figure much easier to find someone for 6 shifts then hiring someone. LOL