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

[JLSE50]

Thanks to you and everyone with your kind thoughts and prayers.

There is still a large section of the central city completely off limits - its the zone that had highrises - the Central Business District. They are opening it up slowly as they bring down the highrises. They are planning on a new building code that the maximum height of a building will only be 3-4 stories. Some of the highrises had emergency stairwells collapse with people stuck on the upper floors with no power. 1500 business/commercial buildings are coming down, 10,000+ homes are condemed and every single building has to be checked for safety and damage.

20 years + to rebuild the city.

In terms of the book swap, your cabin is more central than ours which is down on deck 2 so is possibly a better location.




Mum's also threatening to rebel against the dining, she didn't like the bland offerings on the WBTA so not sure how often she will join us. She's not into sit down dining or dressing up.



Love Reeses! Can't get'em here - or almond joys, or a lot of the US candy... first stop, Walmart



2583 - its a date!



I will ask Corinna if she will pop a note about non-formal dining in the navigator - that way anyone can join the rebels on the top deck

For the candy swap, I'll pop people into small groups of 10-12 players and you basically just drop a small/snack size candy bar into the FE for those playing your group.

Sorry about the family medical situation.

Sorry about the extent of damage to Christchurch and how long it will take to rebuild.

How is your house these days? Do you have water ?

I think the food in the diningrooms is too fussy and pretentious. I like bland. But we like the "show" in the diningrooms and I can always get roasted chicken. Maybe someday we will try Beach Blanket for a change.

Did not mean to be telling you what to do--Each of us must do what works for us another plus about DCL--we can be flexible.


Jan

 

[MrsMork]

Angie.. I think I still have a pink wig...




(btw... I'm not here... ok???)

I just don't see DrHug wearing the pink wig!

 

[dolphingirl47]

For those that like Etsy and/or have a warped sense of humour like me, you might like to try Regretsy.com - a site where they find the absolutely worst items on Etsy and highlight them. Its in part hilarious and in part revolting.

We have had some major stress this week. Qantas decided to cancel the Auckland/Los Angeles flights - they could get us to LA but not back (or at least not directly).

I got the dreaded email to say "your flights have changed, please call Customer Service). So I rang... sigh, the new flights were routed LA to Brisbane, then Brisbane to Auckland, then Auckland to Christchurch - taking the flight times all the way over the 24 hours duration. Not to mention they had us leaving Auckland before we arrived. The customer service rep tried to find us shorter flights and found one LA to Sydney then Sydney to Christchurch - still just over 20 hours... sigh.

While she was finding the flights, I quickly checked Air New Zealand and found flights that were much more direct and much faster. I politely requested a full refund on our flights which they granted and rebooked with ANZ .

Unfortunately, that meant finding $3700 at short notice to rebook until the refund comes through - OMG! I was lucky to find flights on the dates I needed and at a good price.

I should have just booked with ANZ all along, stupid mistake that I won't make again.

On top of this, we are dealing with some major health issues in the family, Robert's Dad is fighting the battle of his life with cancer and at this stage, it looks as if he will loose the battle fairly soon - he's only 67. For those who are friends on Facebook with Robert please don't say anything - he's keep it close to his chest at this stage.

Anyway, I need to get on and organise the linked dining update, the candy swap and a few other odds and ends.

I think way back, someone volunteered for a "book/magazine swap/drop" bag at their door - anyone recall who? If not, I'm happy to do this and donate books to the crew at the end of the cruise. I guess the other question is, is anyone interested in a book swap? Or is everyone kindleing/ipading it these days?

I am sorry for all your troubles, but I am glad that you got your flights sorted.

I am firmly in the Kindle/ iPad camp, but I am sure there are a lot of people who still prefer traditional books. I will have one traditional book with me this time. The 5th installment of Kingdom Keepers will be out in early April and I am intending to save this for the flight and start it then.

We are staying at The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian for a few days before the cruise and flying into LAX. Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, of town car providers?

We used Supershuttle in September/ October to get from the airport to VGC and back and were very happy with their service.

Thanks for the recommendation, Deb. Scott and I can't agree what to do. We're booked on DCL's transpo from VGC to the pier but I feel they pick up too late. I really need to get in the Palo queue asap and I think a 12:00-12:15 departure might put me too far back in line. OTOH, the entire point of using DCL is for the convenience. But for me, schlepping my own bags is worth it if I get Palo ressies when I'd like. For DH, he loves the idea of just putting the bags outside the door, hopping a bus after a nice leisurely morning and b/fast, and arriving when we arrive. I've requested a quote from this company and if they're anywhere close to DCL's price I'm going to put on the pressure, hahaha! Thanks again!

debg

That would be my main criticism. We did the DCL transfers from Grand Californian in October for our Mexican Riviera Cruise and I hated being on the ship so late.

Can someone give me some insight as to how the DCL transfers work from disneyland hotels? I have still not booked my pre-stay and trying to figure out our best option. I would like to save some money and have thought about staying off property, but as I am traveling with my dad who is suffering from some illness, easy is definitely important. Did I read that you just leave your bags outside of your room (like on the cruise) and they pick them up???? I hate to spend the money, but if this is the case ( plus having the convience of being so close to the parks) easy may trump price!

We stayed at Grand Californian in October and used the DCL transfers. The evening before we had a message on the phone asking us to have our luggage ready and just inside the door by 8:00 AM the next morning as they would be transferred to the ship separately. They reminded us to keep back a carry on. The following morning, we had a letter underneath the door reminding us of this arrangement. This letter also included a short form to fill in with details like name, room number at the hotel and pieces of luggage left. It further advised us of the meeting point (conference centre) and meeting time (11:45). The letter also stated that we did not have to wait in the room for the luggage to be collected so as soon as you are ready you could go for breakfast. We headed out as there was a wrong charge on our account and I wanted to get this sorted out sooner rather than later. When I went back to the room about 30 minutes later to collect a few things, our luggage had been collected.

When we got to the meeting point, a DCL representative was already there and ticked us off on her clip board. She told us that we could leave the area and come back nearer to the pick up time, but we decided to stay. She was in constant contact with her counter parts at the other two hotels to track the progress of the coach. Grand Californian is the last pick up point. The coach arrived a bit ahead of schedule and we were at the port at around 1:00 PM. We got the movie introducing us to a Disney cruise on the coach as well as Disney cartoons and trivia.

When we got to the terminal, the check in area was completely deserted. We were directed to some tables where they checked our documents and we had to fill out the health questionnaire. I thought they could have had those on hand at the hotels. We were then directed to a check in desk. This is where the problems started. For some reason they only had Walt Disney World resorts listed for the return transfers and not the ones at Disneyland. So it would not let them complete the check in for us. It was particularly annoying as our plans had changed and we were no longer using the return transfers. In the end, after about 30 minutes, they chose one of the WDW resorts and they could then complete the check in. This time round, I have on purpose not booked the transfers from the port to DL to avoid this same problem. I figure we will be able to add those on the ship.

Once we were finally checked in, we then went through security with no delay and straight onto the ship. By then Parrot Cay was closed and there was no seating at Beach Blanket Buffet. We ended up sitting near the family pool with our lunch. We had some officers turning up out of thin air who realized that we were struggling with our trays and carry ons and they came to our rescue. As soon as we had our lunch, we could go to our stateroom. We were happy with our dining rotation and had all our reservations for Palo booked ahead of time, but if we had not, I think we would have struggled.

Re Scavenger Hunt .. I just noticed on the Rollcall that the scavenger hunt has only 3 cabins? I thought I signed up for this? Is it too late now?

MJ

I have 67 families for the Scavenger Hunt and you are definitely one of them. I do not have the hear to take the original spreadsheet down until I either have to close this or the last three families have filled out the new form. I was deleting people from the tab on the roll call spreadsheet as soon as they had filled out the correct form.

For those who have not participated before, the money we chip in for Champagne Girls barely covers half the cost of the beverges. Previously Deb has paid for all the favors (in our case the leis and hair flowers) and half the bubblies. For 100 of us, that is going to be a larger chunk than in past cruises when the group was 30 plus or minus.

I would like to suggest that we each plan to bring a few extra dollars to toss into the kitty to help her out. My category is Guzzler and was $10. I am planning to bring at least $5 extra.

I am willing to bet that Deb will tell us she does not need or expect this, but I think it would help her out. She does not need to go broke on this party.

It could be totally anonymous--each of us does what she feels led to do. How about that?

Jan

I am also figuring that if I do any tastings through DCL, this will cost me $15 so this is how much I have budgeted for Chamapagne Girls as well.

Corinna

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

I *wish* I could get my husband to wear his pink dress shirt - it's a good color for him. Maybe if he sees other guys looking good in pink, he will be pursuaded.

We like eating up in Topsider's/Beach Blanket - only our choice of night is usually Pirate night. I don't care for the whole raucous hoopla in the main diningroom. Formal night iss probably going to be a hawaiian shirt for DH and black (as usual) for me. I think he can skip the jacket on this trip.

Happy Day, All!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Just as an FYI for people who don't like to eat fancy food every night.....I always ask for the children's menu. I can pick what I want from the children's and the adult's menus. You can mix them and order from both if you'd like or just from the children's. I find that it's a nice contrast to eating gourmet every night. Sometimes I just want a hamburger. The Mickey pasta is good too.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

For those who have not participated before, the money we chip in for Champagne Girls barely covers half the cost of the beverges. Previously Deb has paid for all the favors (in our case the leis and hair flowers) and half the bubblies. For 100 of us, that is going to be a larger chunk than in past cruises when the group was 30 plus or minus.

I would like to suggest that we each plan to bring a few extra dollars to toss into the kitty to help her out. My category is Guzzler and was $10. I am planning to bring at least $5 extra.

I am willing to bet that Deb will tell us she does not need or expect this, but I think it would help her out. She does not need to go broke on this party.

It could be totally anonymous--each of us does what she feels led to do. How about that?

Jan

Jan, you are just too kind. Thanks.

 

[castoff]

Never heard of aplets, cotlets or roca. What is it ?


Aplets are made from apple cotlets are made from apricots-fruit desserts covered in powered sugar, yummy!!! Roca is toffee and rolled in crushed almonds, yummy!!! Aplets come from Eastern Washington and Roca is made in Tacoma, Washington

Thanks for the explanation. The toffee rolled in almonds sounds delish !

This are the ones I saw:

And hibiscus earrings

QUOTE]

Thanks that helps me to decide ! I would get more use out of the ones with the flowers.

Paula, sending you and your family and best wishes!
Instead of creating a group of 8 people, can you make it 5 groups of 20 - 21?

I like this idea. Don't want to make more work for you, do what is easier for you.

I KNOW....that's a lot. No I don't want you to volunteer. I want you to be pampered and enjoy yourself. I'll get it taken care of....not to worry. But THANK YOU for offering!!!!

I am already being " Pampered " just being on this cruise. I would still enjoy myself pouring.

Please put me on the all cabin list ... Thanks.

So far I'm on the Hollywood excursion... don't think I'll switch.. I want to be able to say that I ate at a restaurant the Dr. Ross (George Clooney) ate at! Sorry .. I was a huge ER fan!

On a happier note ... picked up my new 2012 Corolla today ...My first new car since the late 80s! It is so nice!!!

I was an ER fan........then George left and not so much after that. I hope you can see the movie then you will know what bar stool to sit in even just for a moment.

 

[castoff]

2583 - its a date!
.

Ya know, that is a great idea. I will take you up on that one. I would love having Dr. Hug there with us. I'll bring him a pink tie to wear, unless he already owns a pink shirt. hahaha. I make John wear a pink shirt. He doesn't mind. He says, "Real men wear PINK." hahahaha.

Well that works. Still willing to help if you need it.

For those who have not participated before, the money we chip in for Champagne Girls barely covers half the cost of the beverges. Previously Deb has paid for all the favors (in our case the leis and hair flowers) and half the bubblies. For 100 of us, that is going to be a larger chunk than in past cruises when the group was 30 plus or minus.

I would like to suggest that we each plan to bring a few extra dollars to toss into the kitty to help her out. My category is Guzzler and was $10. I am planning to bring at least $5 extra.

I am willing to bet that Deb will tell us she does not need or expect this, but I think it would help her out. She does not need to go broke on this party.

It could be totally anonymous--each of us does what she feels led to do. How about that?

Jan

We cruise in Cat 11 so those are our verandas too and we are happy to share.

Jan

Only 2nd time for me in Cat 11. It's not so bad. I find I am in my room more with a verandah and not so much in an inside.

 

[dcannon101]

Glad that helped.

Just wondering.... did you happen to work an a certain store at Great Northern?? I noticed your first name on the Lanyard List and think we may know each other already.

Debbie

WOW What a small world. Yes I still work there. I am now retired from my "real" job but I continue to work at the store. Now you have me at a disadvantage because I am not sure who you are. Stop in some time when I am there and we can talk.

Dale

 

[JLSE50]

.......

I am also figuring that if I do any tastings through DCL, this will cost me $15 so this is how much I have budgeted for Chamapagne Girls as well.

Corinna

. I have never done a tasting through DCL so was not aware of the cost. Thanks for sharing. This is a good way to think of it

Jan

 

[JLSE50]

Just as an FYI for people who don't like to eat fancy food every night.....I always ask for the children's menu. I can pick what I want from the children's and the adult's menus. You can mix them and order from both if you'd like or just from the children's. I find that it's a nice contrast to eating gourmet every night. Sometimes I just want a hamburger. The Mickey pasta is good too.

I never thought of that. What a great idea

.

 

[ssnyder]

This are the ones I saw:

Those are the ones that I ordered, except I asked for all lavender beads and that is what I received.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Jan great idea to bring some extra to the tasting.

I took my name off the candy swap- I was afraid that it would melt or get crushed and I need every inch in my suitcases.

Also on the FE I could probably only do two groups. If I have wxtras I will certainly pass them out.

Thanks to everyone organizing the events

I am still haveing serious eye problems and am praying nothing is going to interfere with the cruise.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Thanks for the explanation. The toffee rolled in almonds sounds delish !

This are the ones I saw:

And hibiscus earrings

QUOTE]

Thanks that helps me to decide ! I would get more use out of the ones with the flowers.





I like this idea. Don't want to make more work for you, do what is easier for you.




I am already being " Pampered " just being on this cruise. I would still enjoy myself pouring.



I was an ER fan........then George left and not so much after that. I hope you can see the movie then you will know what bar stool to sit in even just for a moment.

Tina, you'll be there for the mingling and the tasting. I have a few men that have volunteered to join my DH in the pouring. We'll be fine. Thank you anyway.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I never thought of that. What a great idea

.

Lisa G. was my tablemate on the WBPC '08. She taught me. And Darrell taught us that we can order mozzarella sticks for the table every night. They have them waiting for you when you arrive. You could probably order any appetizer that you wanted and you just ask for it the first night and tell them you want it every night and Voila, like Magic, it appears.

 

[goofprincess]

ATTENTION Goofprincess

I still need the lead name and reservation number for Goofprincess in order to link the dining. Can you please confirm it ASAP please. Thanks!

Paula sent you A PM

 

[dolphingirl47]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

I *wish* I could get my husband to wear his pink dress shirt - it's a good color for him. Maybe if he sees other guys looking good in pink, he will be pursuaded.

We like eating up in Topsider's/Beach Blanket - only our choice of night is usually Pirate night. I don't care for the whole raucous hoopla in the main diningroom. Formal night iss probably going to be a hawaiian shirt for DH and black (as usual) for me. I think he can skip the jacket on this trip.

Happy Day, All!

We were thinking of doing this on Pirate Night unless we can swing a second dinner at Palo. The Pirate Night menu has sort of grown on me, but that particular dinner is way too noisy for my taste. I believe they still serve the same menu at Beach Blanket Buffet. Graham is not too keen on the hoopla or the menu, but I have also heard that they do a very nice steak at Beach Blanket Buffet so that would be him taken care of.

Just as an FYI for people who don't like to eat fancy food every night.....I always ask for the children's menu. I can pick what I want from the children's and the adult's menus. You can mix them and order from both if you'd like or just from the children's. I find that it's a nice contrast to eating gourmet every night. Sometimes I just want a hamburger. The Mickey pasta is good too.

Our server on our third cruise wanted to tease Graham and brought him the kid's menu one night. It just so happened that they had Surf and Turf on the kid's menu that night, which is one of Graham's favourites. He was in heaven. I have often ordered from the kid's menu at lunch at Lumiere's / Triton's.

Lisa G. was my tablemate on the WBPC '08. She taught me. And Darrell taught us that we can order mozzarella sticks for the table every night. They have them waiting for you when you arrive. You could probably order any appetizer that you wanted and you just ask for it the first night and tell them you want it every night and Voila, like Magic, it appears.

Now that is a temptation. I love Mozzarella sticks.

Corinna

 

[DisneyPata]

For those who have not participated before, the money we chip in for Champagne Girls barely covers half the cost of the beverges. Previously Deb has paid for all the favors (in our case the leis and hair flowers) and half the bubblies. For 100 of us, that is going to be a larger chunk than in past cruises when the group was 30 plus or minus.

I would like to suggest that we each plan to bring a few extra dollars to toss into the kitty to help her out. My category is Guzzler and was $10. I am planning to bring at least $5 extra.

I am willing to bet that Deb will tell us she does not need or expect this, but I think it would help her out. She does not need to go broke on this party.

It could be totally anonymous--each of us does what she feels led to do. How about that?

Jan

I AGREE - go girls!!!

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

WOW What a small world. Yes I still work there. I am now retired from my "real" job but I continue to work at the store. Now you have me at a disadvantage because I am not sure who you are. Stop in some time when I am there and we can talk.

Dale

This help? I was one of those crazy pin people. I was at the store last week actually.

Debbie

 

[Debbru]

Just wanted to give a heads up to anyone thinking of creating some t shirts on vistaprint. Today's Groupon deal is $17 for $70 worth of vistaprint (and 30% off the regular prices too). According to the offer, the only things not covered are tax & shipping.