April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 4

[MrsMork]

Hello All!!
Sorry it's been so long. I've still been trying to keep up with the board, but it's been very high paced and I don't have the time to read every page.
But I just wanted to check in and say hi

Oh and also, we finally got our cabin #!! We'll be in cabin 2016
We also got our ceremony date for the cruise! We'll be getting married May 1st on the deck 7 aft!
SO EXCITED!!!

Cant wait to see you all!

A wedding on board, how special.

My thoughts exactly!

The shirts are in the mails. and refund checks.

I am in the process of sending each of you who ordered a shirt, an e-mail with a breakdown of your order, accounting history and refund amount. Also, a copy of the USPS mailing confirmation and tracking info. Lastly, a copy of the final invoice from Becky.

Hope everyone likes them! I think we will look very grand. Val & Bob

You really are amazing, Val! Thank you again for making this bit of magic for us.

Oh, How Wonderful! If you want photos from Deck 10, just let us know the time - I'll be there, camera in hand! Papparazzi

Yes!

 

[paulasillars]

How this works
Each player will be placed into a group with 10-12 others - and will leave a small snack size candy/chocolate bar in each of the other FEs in their group - this activity will closed approximately 1 month before sailing when groups will be arranged

If you wish to play, please PM me with your cabin number and how many in your cabin are playing.

The following people are confirmed (this is approximately 30 players so far so looking at around 3 groups at this stage
thekoeppens
Speedywil
Facebook family - Conon and Ronan
disneygal0614
Lois - waiting on confirmation of Dis name
Grammy4Lizzy
Lizzy'sMom
Pixiegran
AlohaDisney
Bill3540
socababy
kmitchel
gurlwithwings35
MJGirl
dylansmom

I still need confirmation from the following people
Lauragar
DCLDivaB
DisneyManFamily4
Photocjr

 

[paulasillars]

Have fun planning - seems to me you can't go wrong in such a beautiful place, no matter what you choose.

I totally agree with this, we had a wonderful time just wandering around last time.

I follow both groups when time permits. I find following threads easier on Facebook. However, I enjoy the conversations on both medias. I would hate to have anyone make an impression of who I am based upon which media site I follow. I do agree planning using two medias makes it very difficult. I can not applaud enough for the numerous people who have spent so much time organizing the various activities. To them I personally say thank you very much!

I live on Facebook but I am trying to do my planning on the Dis - its just easier, however I have made an exception for a couple of my Candy Swap players as they aren't Dis boarders - I won't discriminate

Oh and also, we finally got our cabin #!! We'll be in cabin 2016
We also got our ceremony date for the cruise! We'll be getting married May 1st on the deck 7 aft!
SO EXCITED!!!

Thats so exciting!

Here's a picture of Jack holding my parasol

I love this!

It rained everyday on our Alaska cruise and Disney was handing out Ponchos. They were most welcome!

They also make great suitcase liners - I had one trip where my suitcase must have been out in the pouring rain - got home and it was soaked through - so now I always line my case with a plastic bag - or Mickey Poncho ...

I heard there is good shopping in Waikiki, don't remember the name I do remember one place called the Aloha tower. Is that the one near the port ? There isn't one thing that I am looking for. Just want to shop.

The Ala Moana shopping mall is between Waikiki and the Port from memory - there is all the usual stores and a Walmart (out of the mall on the street away from the beach). Handy if you need something that go forgotten or to replenish supplies?

Have you been to Hawaii before? I'll check out the public bus, thanks for the advice!

This will be my 3rd trip to Hawaii as an adult and we went there once when I was a child.

 

[Pixiegran]

if anyone else is curious....here is a video link on youtube to my girls on Day 2 of the competition this past weekend. They made me so proud!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj8golxYIrI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Your girls were simply amazing!!!

 

[padalyn]

Here are a few more hopefully helpful lists for those of us doing all groups:

List of unique participants in alphabetical order:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aq5ebcCJmFomdHY0dWJEMGw2eTNFbW9YakhZZV9nWlE

List of unique participants by stateroom and decks:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aq5ebcCJmFomdDZIY1dyeGQ4UnNrVnFBb1dJRlF6NVE

I am also working in a list of people in multiple groups, but I have run out of time and will post this tonight.

Corinna

This is awesome - I have shifted it around to a single page with just Dis names and cabin numbers - again my offer to share is out here - PM with an email address and I will send it along. I use Excel 2010 (xlsx format) so if you use the older version and need it backstepped - include that info please.

Cayla, I have no problem with that. I sent the PM and you responded. That's great! After the PM's I did the list on FB and the DIS. After the lists what else do I have to do to get these people to respond? You responded after the first attempt. I can understand if it's an oversight. But after reminding others many times and they still don't respond, what am I to think? Then they just show up. What am I to do?

I'm sorry if I was too harsh by using the term tough love. Maybe that was a little too extreme. Mainly it was meant to convey the idea that you make the rules beforehand and then stick to them. I didn't do that. I let everybody sign up on their own and now have to track them down for missing information that I need. I'll have to rethink this process for my next tasting. Because you know I'm going to do it again!!!! hahaha. I, like Linda, do it because I love it.

You weren't being harsh...just I had not had that particular term applied to me before...usually it is more of a female dog type expression!! All is good - you girls (and guys) are going to have a blast. I know that the dry champagnes are just not for me. I like Rosa, but actually prefer a good Vidal Ice Wine, or a nice midrange Reisling.

We have noticed on the last few cruises that other groups have started this FE tradition also, so just be advised - if you see a FE on a door, it might belong to another group, not ours.

I noticed that also Lynn- almost made a few mistakes. I am not sure what groups are doing it - I think Deb Willis's site was doing something on one of the cruises we were on recently.

I am going to book my transportation to the port soon and I can't remember what time we arranged for pick up last time,2005, lol. How long of a drive is it from Disneyland to the Port. Also, any recent cruisers, what time does the terminal open?

Thanks!!

When I cruised out of LA last spring - I got to the port at 8am, the doors were open, but they had no idea of what to do with me. The DCL check-in folks arrived at 9am and the counters opened at 930am. I am sure this is old information, but the computers were completely out of sync. I was the only platinum there, and they didn't know where to put me!! I ended up in a private room (go figure!) for the flip to the second cruise, I chose to hang in the open room with friends before boarding right after the "family of the day".

On the Baltic cruise DCL left Disneyland Paris Ponchos in everyone's room before the first port of call. I have no reason why. If you did any research you would know that rain is common on that itinerary. Oh well, I have a DLP poncho now that gets a lot of looks when I am at WDW.

haaauuuummmmppphhh - I was with Linda and the others on the first Baltic - no ponchos - but on the other side - no rain either! We were told that there are 4 nice clear days each year in St Petersberg - we got 3 of them!! The skies were blue and clear it was balmy and beautiful. I will take that over the poncho

We were on that cruise also, but we did not get rain ponchos. Maybe it had something to do with the excursion you were going on?

we had great weather, hmmm?

25 to 30 foot swells. All outside open decks were closed to passengers. Motion sickness bags placed at the stairwells. Green apples and crackers available.

Woody

All this talk of swells - reminds me of the first TA - we had 33 foot swells for a couple of days, decks 9 & 10 were closed and it was AWESOME!!! This is where Michael and I first met (but we didn't realize it until last summer!!) In the "wave pool" in the Cove area. We were swimming/standing at one end the wave would come, we'd dive in and come up at the other end to stand in a couple inches of water! We refused to get out until the Captain actually ordered us out

yep, the water was soaking Signals....bring it on!

Pictures are not mine- CACruisin (Anna) sent them to me after the cruise, the waters were settling down at this point. The doors were all guarded by cast members to keep folks inside at the height of the water!

I also remember coming out of Cape Canaveral into 30' seas - blew out a porthole on deck 2...our cabin was flooded as were many others, but Capt'n Tom made it through in a few hours. 2/3 of the ship (cast/crew/guests)were sick. Health services ran out of meclizine it was so bad. Again...bring it on!

 

[padalyn]

Is the list final now? I count 95 cabins with 3 "split" cabins (listed twice as separate members). This number includes myself because I always give a gift to my roomie Michael.

I have my gifts all set, but please, is this the FINAL ANSWER???
This is going to be very heavy and I will have to ship the box, so I really need to make sure I am all set. I have another cruise before this one, and have 2 weeks to get finished for this one AFTER the first cruise.

 

[Pixiegran]

Is the list final now? I count 95 cabins with 3 "split" cabins (listed twice as separate members). This number includes myself because I always give a gift to my roomie Michael.

I have my gifts all set, but please, is this the FINAL ANSWER???
This is going to be very heavy and I will have to ship the box, so I really need to make sure I am all set. I have another cruise before this one, and have 2 weeks to get finished for this one AFTER the first cruise.

Did you have a total kid count?

 

[LindaBabe]

...
All this talk of swells - reminds me of the first TA - we had 33 foot swells for a couple of days, decks 9 & 10 were closed and it was AWESOME!!! This is where Michael and I first met (but we didn't realize it until last summer!!) In the "wave pool" in the Cove area. We were swimming/standing at one end the wave would come, we'd dive in and come up at the other end to stand in a couple inches of water! We refused to get out until the Captain actually ordered us out

yep, the water was soaking Signals....bring it on!

Pictures are not mine- CACruisin (Anna) sent them to me after the cruise, the waters were settling down at this point. The doors were all guarded by cast members to keep folks inside at the height of the water!

I also remember coming out of Cape Canaveral into 30' seas - blew out a porthole on deck 2...our cabin was flooded as were many others, but Capt'n Tom made it through in a few hours. 2/3 of the ship (cast/crew/guests)were sick. Health services ran out of meclizine it was so bad. Again...bring it on!

Oh yeah! We were on for Hurricane Hannah in 2008! WHAT FUN!

 

[chip&dale&fun]

We are doing the trolley. The one time I was in Oahu (many years ago), driving was a real pain - traffic moved at a crawl. I guess it depends on where you want to go, but if it is somewhere along the trolley route, I think the trolley would be a lot easier. Maybe the traffic situation has improved since I was there though. I also don't know how hard it would be to find parking. We've both been to the Arizona so we're not planning on doing that this trip. We are thinking about doing the beach walk that someone else posted about (or part of it). And most of the stops are near the trolley stops. The thing is though it is 35-40 minutes between trolleys, so if you get off it might be a while before the next trolley comes along. I think we're going to go to Diamond Head first (for the views) and then work our way back toward the ship.

Thanks...I shall need to study the trolley route. We also have been able to pay our respects at the Arizona so this trip we are booked on the USS Missouri tour. And we are on the first shuttle to Aulani. Otherwise, we have a few spots to hit in the city. Yes, sounds like taxi time or time to study the map....DH wants to rent as we did that last time, years and years ago. Of course, we also had more than one day. Thanks.

 

[chip&dale&fun]

yep, the water was soaking Signals....bring it on!

Pictures are not mine- CACruisin (Anna) sent them to me after the cruise, the waters were settling down at this point. The doors were all guarded by cast members to keep folks inside at the height of the water!

I also remember coming out of Cape Canaveral into 30' seas - blew out a porthole on deck 2...our cabin was flooded as were many others, but Capt'n Tom made it through in a few hours. 2/3 of the ship (cast/crew/guests)were sick. Health services ran out of meclizine it was so bad. Again...bring it on!

NOPE, sorry - can't take the high seas. Not fair really that some of us succumb to motion sickness and I love the water....so perhaps the we will be spared the wave pool opportunities this trip. When was your trip out of the Cape that the seas were that high? No sail away that day.....

 

[AlohaDisney]

Another Canadian hear ... From Waterloo, but grew up in Oakville!!

Ohhh! We're in London, ON but I am from Toronto!

 

[Just love Eeyore]

On the wbta 2011 all the children were invited to a Tea with all the princesses.

Does anybody know if there will be a Tea like this on the Hawaiian cruise?

I like to know if I need to pack my sons prince costume.

 

[kmitchel]

On the last PC cruise, they had a special tea in Triton's and all of the kids were invited. They had most of the princesses come around to each table for pictures and served cookies and drinks. I would guess that they would do the same thing on this cruise.

 

[Lynn G]

Erik - congrats to you and your girls!

Cayla - on the last cruise we were on, there were a bunch of FE's from a travel agent, and some others not related to us, so my guess is that several groups are now doing FE's.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Congrats to the bride and groom= so exciting a wedding on board, We are celebrating our 45th anniversary on this cruise and we spent our honeymoon in Hawaii 45 years ago. May your life be filled with many blessings.


A couple of FE questions

CQuick= are there any children in your group- ages?

Mermaidloving- room number

No Dis Name- room number


As for the time change on the Arizona excursion I called DCL again today and spoke to a supervisor and somehow I was "chosen" to have my time changed.
I explained that I needed to be on the 8am because of other plans in the pm. She was very nice and said she would see what she could do and get back to me. Hopefully it will work out.
Monica- I am still going with you as of now.

 

[kugalbelle]

The shirts are in the mails. and refund checks.
I am in the process of sending each of you who ordered a shirt, an e-mail with a breakdown of your order, accounting history and refund amount. Also, a copy of the USPS mailing confirmation and tracking info. Lastly, a copy of the final invoice from Becky.
Hope everyone likes them! I think we will look very grand. Val & Bob

Val & Bob a HUGE THANK YOU for all you have done to make this happen.

Hello All!!
Sorry it's been so long. I've still been trying to keep up with the board, but it's been very high paced and I don't have the time to read every page.
But I just wanted to check in and say hi
Oh and also, we finally got our cabin #!! We'll be in cabin 2016
We also got our ceremony date for the cruise! We'll be getting married May 1st on the deck 7 aft!
SO EXCITED!!!
Cant wait to see you all!

Congratulations on your wedding aboard, wishing you many happy years together.
We'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary in August and had a vow renewal on the TA in 2007 for our 25th.

Hey All,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I came home from a trip to Fairfax, VA over the weekend with my cheerleaders cheer2:) to compete at Nationals and a box was on my porch-----the lanyards!! I have to say that I'm SO pleased with how they turned out (this is just the neck strap portion----Jason and I are still working on the design/layout for the name badges themselves and will be printing those up soon). Unfortunately for all of you-----I'm not nearly as nice as Val so I'm not going to post a picture of the lanyards on here......it will have to be a surprise....but suffice it to say that I think those of you who have ordered lanyards are going to be very, very pleased with them!
For those of you who have NOT ordered lanyards, even though we're past the official deadline, remember that I have about 50 extra lanyards in my possession-----so it's not too late! Check out the information in Post #1 on this thread and/or on the "lanyards" tab of the official google spreadsheet/roll-call for complete instructions about how to get your very own FREE personalized lanyard and name badge for the trip!!

Can't wait to see them, thank you for organizing this.
Congratulations to you and the cheerleading team!

This is awesome - I have shifted it around to a single page with just Dis names and cabin numbers - again my offer to share is out here - PM with an email address and I will send it along. I use Excel 2010 (xlsx format) so if you use the older version and need it backstepped - include that info please.
..............
When I cruised out of LA last spring - I got to the port at 8am, the doors were open, but they had no idea of what to do with me. The DCL check-in folks arrived at 9am and the counters opened at 930am. I am sure this is old information, but the computers were completely out of sync. I was the only platinum there, and they didn't know where to put me!! I ended up in a private room (go figure!) for the flip to the second cruise, I chose to hang in the open room with friends before boarding right after the "family of the day".
haaauuuummmmppphhh - I was with Linda and the others on the first Baltic - no ponchos - but on the other side - no rain either! We were told that there are 4 nice clear days each year in St Petersberg - we got 3 of them!! The skies were blue and clear it was balmy and beautiful. I will take that over the poncho
we had great weather, hmmm?
All this talk of swells - reminds me of the first TA - we had 33 foot swells for a couple of days, decks 9 & 10 were closed and it was AWESOME!!! This is where Michael and I first met (but we didn't realize it until last summer!!) In the "wave pool" in the Cove area. We were swimming/standing at one end the wave would come, we'd dive in and come up at the other end to stand in a couple inches of water! We refused to get out until the Captain actually ordered us out
.........
I also remember coming out of Cape Canaveral into 30' seas - blew out a porthole on deck 2...our cabin was flooded as were many others, but Capt'n Tom made it through in a few hours. 2/3 of the ship (cast/crew/guests)were sick. Health services ran out of meclizine it was so bad. Again...bring it on!

Thanks for the terminal opening info we were wondering about that.
We were on the second TA and heard about the awful time the first had. The Atlantic was like a mirror on our cruise - so calm, the Med had been pretty rocky in comparison. In any event I will be boarding this time with some old fashioned South African homeopathic remedy that my mom sent to me just in case.

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

.

 

[SanDiegoSteph]

So, I'm reading from the main board that Debbie (EpcotKilterFan) is the originator of the Fish Extender phenomenon.

Is this true, Debbie???

Wow - to think a little pixie dust as you passed through the Panama Canal would result in complex excel spreadsheets, copy-cat FEers and so much shared love...



We're lucky to have you onboard!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Hey all,
Haven't had the chance to join in on this thread yet, but we too are joining this cruise!

I don't know if this has been posted yet throughout this thread, but I wanted to pass on something I came across today when planning our port adventures. We opted to do Oahu on our own after much consideration, and I noted today that you can now book tickets online to visit Pearl Harbor. This was the deal clincher for us to do this island on our own as you can now reserve a specific time without running the risk of getting there and needing to wait hours to visit the Memorial with the previous "first come, first served" policy.

Simply go to http://www.nps.gov/valr/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm and follow the directions. There is a $1.50 convenience fee, but well worth it for the convenience of a specific time now set. I don't know if others were planning to go on their own, but the ability to reserve online has apparently only been available for the past 2 or 3 weeks.

Welcome on board.

Congrats to the bride and groom= so exciting a wedding on board, We are celebrating our 45th anniversary on this cruise and we spent our honeymoon in Hawaii 45 years ago. May your life be filled with many blessings.


A couple of FE questions

CQuick= are there any children in your group- ages?

Mermaidloving- room number

No Dis Name- room number


As for the time change on the Arizona excursion I called DCL again today and spoke to a supervisor and somehow I was "chosen" to have my time changed.
I explained that I needed to be on the 8am because of other plans in the pm. She was very nice and said she would see what she could do and get back to me. Hopefully it will work out.
Monica- I am still going with you as of now.

Cquick has two adult sons. No DIS Name have been removed from the list as they did not respond to Heather. I removed them from the group spreadsheet, but had forgotten to take them off the spreadsheets containing all names.

I have just counted the boys and girls again and we have a total of 20 boys and 20 girls.

Corinna

 

[Shananana]

I have just counted the boys and girls again and we have a total of 20 boys and 20 girls.

Corinna

Serriously?!? only 40 kids!? Wow. if that's an indication of how kid-lite the cruise will be my girls will be in heaven with all the extra attention from the staff.