Aug 03 2008 Magic (West Coast)

[IceSk8ersMom]

I have a family reunion group of 35, ranging in age from 5 months to almost-87 (my grandmother), looking forward to this cruise! I'm the chief organizer and have been trying to keep my head above water planning all this, but I'm really looking forward to it.

We had two cabins in guarantee status because those family members found out late that they could come. I just got their stateroom assignments, and I am a little down because they are just about as far as possible from their families. For one single woman traveling alone, it's no big deal, but it is a big deal for my cousin and her husband and their 4 little kids (youngest is 5 months). They are split up on opposite ends of the ship on different decks. We requested that they be as close to each other as possible, but I guess nothing was available. I know that's a risk you take with guarantee, but I have to admit I was hoping for a little better. Oh well.

As for plans, a few of us are doing the DCL regatta sailing excursion in Cabo, a bunch are doing horseback riding with Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan, and a bunch are going to Sea Life Park in Puerto Vallarta (a few are doing the Pirate Sail and Snorkel). Another group is thinking of doing the Family Ranch Party in Mazatlan.

It's getting so close!

I know just how you feel. I am coordinating a party of 9. We are all sailing in honor of my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. Out of the three staterooms, two are next to each other, and the third is on the other end of the ship (but on the same deck).

In 2005, we went on the Family Ranch Party excursion. It was very fun. The pool was fabulous; service was great, and the food was delicious. My daughter liked the pinata even though I did not let her eat the questionable candies.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Yes, I am nervous about the dining assignments, too. The TA told me that DCL assured her we would all be seated close together, though. I hope so!

That's awful about your Alaskan cruise experience. I would have been really upset, too. I hope you had a fun trip despite that!

We have always sailed with at least seven people in as many as three staterooms without a TA's assistance, and we have never had any problem with our dining assignments. We have always been assigned the same table. When we were on the Med Cruise last summer, there was a mix-up, it was fixed right a way. Don't worry it will all work out.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

I checked online yesterday and they had opened up some Palo reservations. I got a brunch for Friday and was able to move my dinner reservations from 9 to 7pm.

I am happy that you were able to get brunch reservations. My husband and I cannot wait to enjoy brunch at Palo. After three crusies, we finally were able to get reservations. Yes!

Thanks for putting together the FE list. I am glad to see that we are getting more participants. Is there going to be a cutoff date to sign up? I am just wondering because if possible I would like to FE shop after the list has been finalized.

 

[DL_DCA_fans]

Wouldn't it be nice for all of us DisBoarders to get together and meet on the ship? The first day is so busy with embarkation, making reservations/changes, muster drill, unpacking, etc., we were thinking Monday the 4th since it's a day at sea. Perhaps in the Promenade Lounge, or Diversions? Maybe around 10 am? Any other ideas or suggestions?
Nancy & Bob

 

[amanuensis]

I like that idea. I'm sure I can commit to at least stopping by the Promenade Lounge at 10 am on Monday. Anyone else?

Wouldn't it be nice for all of us DisBoarders to get together and meet on the ship? The first day is so busy with embarkation, making reservations/changes, muster drill, unpacking, etc., we were thinking Monday the 4th since it's a day at sea. Perhaps in the Promenade Lounge, or Diversions? Maybe around 10 am? Any other ideas or suggestions?
Nancy & Bob

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Wouldn't it be nice for all of us DisBoarders to get together and meet on the ship? The first day is so busy with embarkation, making reservations/changes, muster drill, unpacking, etc., we were thinking Monday the 4th since it's a day at sea. Perhaps in the Promenade Lounge, or Diversions? Maybe around 10 am? Any other ideas or suggestions?
Nancy & Bob

I think a get together is a fabulous idea. 10:00 A.M. on Monday will work, but we will be on a tight schedule since my DH and I have brunch reservations at 10:30. I appreciate your efforts in coordinating this.
It is hard to believe a month from today we will be remembering the magical memories of the Mexican Riviera as we unpack.

 

[vossjemi]

I think a get together is a fabulous idea. 10:00 A.M. on Monday will work, but we will be on a tight schedule since my DH and I have brunch reservations at 10:30. I appreciate your efforts in coordinating this.
It is hard to believe a month from today we will be remembering the magical memories of the Mexican Riviera as we unpack.

Oh don't say that! Its already depressing me that it will soon be over and I'll be in vacation withdrawal with no other trips planned and probably won't for a while with the economy the way it is now. I guess at least we get a few days at disneyland afterwards! We aren't coming home until the 12th!

I'll put the meet on my itinerary and will sure try to make it!

 

[M&C]

Hey, we're staying at Disneyland for a couple of days too!

Monday at 10:00 am sounds like a plan. See you there!

I tried looking for brunch but couldn't find anything

M&C

 

[sylnbry]

Anyone else interested in the FE Exchange, please let me know. I will close the sign ups for the FE exchange on Monday morning. The current list is:

sylnbry, Cabin 7588: 2 adults & DS (6) & DD (5)
AhoyCaptainMickey: 2 adults
Mn Dis Fans: 2 adults & DS (13) & DS(10)
M&C: 2 adults & DD (12) & DD (5)
DisneyMom92: 2 adults & DD(16) & DS(13) 2 Rooms
IceSk8tersMom, Cabin 7028: 2 adults & DD (13) & DD friend (15)
dleyel, Cabin 2048: 2 adults & DS (12 bday on 8/6) & DS (9) & DD (6)
FirstTimer, Cabin 5520: 2 adults & DD (7)
Belle is my Fav, Cabin 7610: 1 adult & DD (8)

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Oh don't say that! Its already depressing me that it will soon be over and I'll be in vacation withdrawal with no other trips planned and probably won't for a while with the economy the way it is now. I guess at least we get a few days at disneyland afterwards! We aren't coming home until the 12th!

I'll put the meet on my itinerary and will sure try to make it!

I know I hate to think about it too. But that is the curse of the planner always thinking ahead. I know the ecomony is impacting our vacation schedule. The only person traveling in 09 is my DD, who'll be going to Washington DC with her school.

Where are you staying afterwards? I highly recommend the new Toy Story ride. We loved it, and yes, it is worth the long wait in line.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Anyone else interested in the FE Exchange, please let me know. I will close the sign ups for the FE exchange on Monday morning. The current list is:

sylnbry, Cabin 7588: 2 adults & DS (6) & DD (5)
AhoyCaptainMickey: 2 adults
Mn Dis Fans: 2 adults & DS (13) & DS(10)
M&C: 2 adults & DD (12) & DD (5)
DisneyMom92: 2 adults & DD(16) & DS(13) 2 Rooms
IceSk8tersMom, Cabin 7028: 2 adults & DD (13) & DD friend (15)
dleyel, Cabin 2048: 2 adults & DS (12 bday on 8/6) & DS (9) & DD (6)
FirstTimer, Cabin 5520: 2 adults & DD (7)
Belle is my Fav, Cabin 7610: 1 adult & DD (8)

I appreciate the cutoff date. It helps sooooo much. Again, thanks for coordinating this.

 

[vossjemi]

I know I hate to think about it too. But that is the curse of the planner always thinking ahead. I know the ecomony is impacting our vacation schedule. The only person traveling in 09 is my DD, who'll be going to Washington DC with her school.

Where are you staying afterwards? I highly recommend the new Toy Story ride. We loved it, and yes, it is worth the long wait in line.

We went with Howard Johnson's (cheaper than Dis properties and has new Castaway Cove water playground). We have a disney view room w/balcony so may watch fireworks Mon night from hotel to get kids to bed early so we can get up early for MM on Tues!

 

[MN Dis Fans]

10:00 AM Monday, Promenade Lounge. We'll be there!

 

[DL_DCA_fans]

Anyone else interested in the FE Exchange, please let me know. I will close the sign ups for the FE exchange on Monday morning.

We're not sure about the FE yet, but I have a question. Are you going to assign each family a day or two to pass out goodies? In reading some of the other posts about FE, everyone says giving out gifts to everyone everyday is fun, but can get tiresome.
Nancy

 

[sylnbry]

We're not sure about the FE yet, but I have a question. Are you going to assign each family a day or two to pass out goodies? In reading some of the other posts about FE, everyone says giving out gifts to everyone everyday is fun, but can get tiresome.
Nancy

Good Question. I wasn't planning on assigning each family a specific day(s). I think it would be better to have everyone pass out goodies based on what is most convenient for them. (That might mean that certain days may have more exchange than others, but I don't want to have people worry about any schedule.) If anyone would like to pass out gifts everyday, that is fine, but if you just want to do one day that is fine too. (or however many days you would like) If anyone has a different suggestion, let me know.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

My mom called me at work just right now to tell me that we got the DOCS!
I cannot wait to get home! Has anybody else received their Docs?

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

We went with Howard Johnson's (cheaper than Dis properties and has new Castaway Cove water playground). We have a disney view room w/balcony so may watch fireworks Mon night from hotel to get kids to bed early so we can get up early for MM on Tues!

Howard Johnson is very close to the Disneyland Resort. There are also many restaurants that are within walking distance ( including McDonalds).

We are annual passholders so DL is like our second home; if you have any questions, I will be happy to assist

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Good Question. I wasn't planning on assigning each family a specific day(s). I think it would be better to have everyone pass out goodies based on what is most convenient for them. (That might mean that certain days may have more exchange than others, but I don't want to have people worry about any schedule.) If anyone would like to pass out gifts everyday, that is fine, but if you just want to do one day that is fine too. (or however many days you would like) If anyone has a different suggestion, let me know.

I like the idea of passing out goodies based on what is most convenient. I also like the idea of doing it on one day. It sounds like everyday can be a bit much. I can see my teenage girls not following through if it is everyday. But we will do whatever the majority wants.

 

[DL_DCA_fans]

We called our TA today regarding the Docs. She said that DCL mailed them out on Wednesday and that the Docs should be here on Monday.

 

[FirstTimer]

I'm in for the meet as well.

I only got docs for me. Docs for DB & DD are not here. Probably mailed to his house. I don't know why they do that since it was all on the same reservation. Plus his mail is funny so you never know when he gets stuff.