August 13, 2011 Med - Mickey's Marauding Mates

[west&east]

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. We didn't do very much as Nathan was sick. He is alot better but still not 100%.

This week DS & DD are off school for half term and DH and I are both off work. Unfortunately we are not going away anywhere we are just going on days out. Although Keira keeps asking can we go to Florida on Friday I wish but I like her style!

This would be such a wonderful time to got to Florida! Enjoy your time off. I wish we had a whole week off at this time of year. School really gets in the way of optimal vacation planning!

DD7 asked on Sunday, "When's the next time we're going to Disney?" The kids don't know yet we are going in December. We haven't figured out how we are going to present the gift of this trip this time. Last year, we tricked them and told them we were driving to their grandparents (who live in Arkansas). We were nearly to Orlando before they figured it out (after we told our daughter, who is a bit more observant, that we were taking the southerly route to avoid bad weather). My son had a major meltdown because he was really geared up for all the great things at his grandparents, and he just couldn't shift to Disney! We learned something important about him that night. Of course he was fine once we settled in. We had a great trip and then went on to the grandparents. So, we can't trick my son, but we can still surprise him with some notice.

We also haven't told the kids about this cruise yet. My friend is concerned that her kids will drive her crazy with questions and "is it time yet?" so wants to wait at least until we get closer. My kids know that we have booked tickets to Barcelona and that we will use that as a starting point for exploring some places in Europe. My friend and I are considering just telling the kids that the families are meeting up in Barcelona and then surprising them with the cruise once we are there.

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey everyone! What's up?! I found us slipping quickly to the bottom of page 2 already!!

Went to Costco today to get more Halloween candy (etc, etc). We get about 200 kids that come trick or treating and I like to give out the full-size candy bars. Just makes it easier not to have to figure out 2 pieces or 3 pieces & to try to spread it out all night & pace enough to not run out. I USED to put together little goody bags with candy & prizes but once we started getting over 150 kids it got to be too much work. I know from the past few years that we get about 200 so that's what I plan for. I got 3 boxes of 30 bars there last month with whatever coupon they had and a box of 20 at Target at some point then went back today for another 4 boxes of 30 with more coupons - so yes, I went over 200 by a little (any extras are for ME)

(Shhhh don't remind me about my diet!!)

Sooo we are supposed to get some wicked storms over night (oh yay - between midnight & 6:00 am so they'll probably keep me from sleeping). I suppose Jeff is getting them right about now but they are coming my way. I am worried about our Halloween decorations blowing away. The giant bat has already come down 2x. I put him back up in the tree today - hope I secured him good enough to keep him from flying away this time. The stoooopid lighted tree is always a pain - I went out earlier with some tent stakes & twine & tried to anchor it down better. (It's always a pain to keep standing.) We have been thru this crap before with wind (October is VERY windy) so we now drive metal rods into the ground & DH drilled holes up into the bottoms of the tombstones - so we put the tombstones onto the rods to keep them in place. Most everything gets anchored but a couple of things are always a problem when it's windy.

No swimming tonight...perhaps we can watch something we have on TIVO!

 

[Anal Annie]

This would be such a wonderful time to got to Florida! Enjoy your time off. I wish we had a whole week off at this time of year. School really gets in the way of optimal vacation planning!

DD7 asked on Sunday, "When's the next time we're going to Disney?" The kids don't know yet we are going in December. We haven't figured out how we are going to present the gift of this trip this time. Last year, we tricked them and told them we were driving to their grandparents (who live in Arkansas). We were nearly to Orlando before they figured it out (after we told our daughter, who is a bit more observant, that we were taking the southerly route to avoid bad weather). My son had a major meltdown because he was really geared up for all the great things at his grandparents, and he just couldn't shift to Disney! We learned something important about him that night. Of course he was fine once we settled in. We had a great trip and then went on to the grandparents. So, we can't trick my son, but we can still surprise him with some notice.

We also haven't told the kids about this cruise yet. My friend is concerned that her kids will drive her crazy with questions and "is it time yet?" so wants to wait at least until we get closer. My kids know that we have booked tickets to Barcelona and that we will use that as a starting point for exploring some places in Europe. My friend and I are considering just telling the kids that the families are meeting up in Barcelona and then surprising them with the cruise once we are there.

We tried to surprise DS on our 2nd trip to WDW. Didn't QUITE work. Well, it did until he figured it out on the way to the airport. I couldn't believe the little bugger recognized where we were like that! When we surprised him with his birthday trip last year I had gone online & ordered some customized park maps to give him. Let us know if you need any help brainstorming ideas!!

 

[Kels Sem]

This would be such a wonderful time to got to Florida! Enjoy your time off. I wish we had a whole week off at this time of year. School really gets in the way of optimal vacation planning!

DD7 asked on Sunday, "When's the next time we're going to Disney?" The kids don't know yet we are going in December. We haven't figured out how we are going to present the gift of this trip this time. Last year, we tricked them and told them we were driving to their grandparents (who live in Arkansas). We were nearly to Orlando before they figured it out (after we told our daughter, who is a bit more observant, that we were taking the southerly route to avoid bad weather). My son had a major meltdown because he was really geared up for all the great things at his grandparents, and he just couldn't shift to Disney! We learned something important about him that night. Of course he was fine once we settled in. We had a great trip and then went on to the grandparents. So, we can't trick my son, but we can still surprise him with some notice.

We also haven't told the kids about this cruise yet. My friend is concerned that her kids will drive her crazy with questions and "is it time yet?" so wants to wait at least until we get closer. My kids know that we have booked tickets to Barcelona and that we will use that as a starting point for exploring some places in Europe. My friend and I are considering just telling the kids that the families are meeting up in Barcelona and then surprising them with the cruise once we are there.

I'm rubbish at keeping vacation secret from my kids. I would love to keep the cruise a secret but I know realistically that will not happen! When they keep asking about going to Florida I just want to say that we are going on Mickey's boat instead but even I know it's way too early so I'm holding my tongue.
Good luck in surprising your kids with your upcoming trip. What about a treasure hunt or something with the prize being the trip.

 

[MRAven]

Hello Annie and shipmates I just can't find Palma, Mallorca within the DCL webpage; no matter which link you hit it takes you to "Ports of Call" and no info available. This is strange because I know that I have seen it before and also I have seen shore excursions, etc.

Are we facin an itinerary change ?

 

[Kels Sem]

Hello Annie and shipmates I just can't find Palma, Mallorca within the DCL webpage; no matter which link you hit it takes you to "Ports of Call" and no info available. This is strange because I know that I have seen it before and also I have seen shore excursions, etc.

Are we facin an itinerary change ?

Hey MRAven - I hope we are not in for a change! I haven't come across any info on port excusions myself for Palma on the DCL site. The lack of info I had just put this down to it being a new port for next year and that they hadn't finalised the excusions. I presume they will release info in the new year for this port but Palma is within walking distance of the port and there is a HOHO bus tour of the city which will be much cheaper than anything DCL will have to offer.

 

[Anal Annie]

Hello Annie and shipmates I just can't find Palma, Mallorca within the DCL webpage; no matter which link you hit it takes you to "Ports of Call" and no info available. This is strange because I know that I have seen it before and also I have seen shore excursions, etc.

Are we facin an itinerary change ?

I'm not sure where you're looking. It's still there - it's on the itinerary page. If you go to "Home" and try to select a new cruise and you pick a 7 night European one then pick a date and then open the "Itinerary" tab it's there. It's listed for Friday - Ashore time at 7:45 am / Onboard 6:00 pm.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/

There never have been any excursions listed for Majorca as they've not sailed there before. Any excursion info. that is still posted for the other ports on the DCL website is based on this past summers cruises. They won't update or post any excursion info. for summer 2011 until after the first of the year.

It is also there if you select "Cruises and Destinations" and "Europe" and then "7 Night Cruises". It is "Day 7".

Relax!!! They can't mess us up AGAIN!!


(PS) The Cat 5B's are still sitting out there as the cheapest balcony cabins right now on our cruise!! That's so funny that they haven't raised the prices on that category yet. Jeff - good thing you grabbed yours before they figure that one out!!

 

[MRAven]

I'm not sure where you're looking. It's still there - it's on the itinerary page. If you go to "Home" and try to select a new cruise and you pick a 7 night European one then pick a date and then open the "Itinerary" tab it's there. It's listed for Friday - Ashore time at 7:45 am / Onboard 6:00 pm.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/

There never have been any excursions listed for Majorca as they've not sailed there before. Any excursion info. that is still posted for the other ports on the DCL website is based on this past summers cruises. They won't update or post any excursion info. for summer 2011 until after the first of the year.

Relax!!! They can't mess us up AGAIN!!

Oh yes it's mentioned on the itinerary, but they did have some port info and some mild excursions were offered because I remember talking about it with DW since she has friend there.

We were hopping to take a mild bus tour (like the one Kels mantioned) and visit one final church/cathedral and maybe hit the beach and go back early to the ship after lunch.

But now it's not there, gone, ziped, clicked out.

Hopefully not scratched out defenitly, to me Palma was like a Castaway Day; slow, confortable, just relax kind of day.

 

[Anal Annie]

Oh yes it's mentioned on the itinerary, but they did have some port info and some mild excursions were offered because I remember talking about it with DW since she has friend there.

We were hopping to take a mild bus tour (like the one Kels mantioned) and visit one final church/cathedral and maybe hit the beach and go back early to the ship after lunch.

But now it's not there, gone, ziped, clicked out.

Hopefully not scratched out defenitly, to me Palma was like a Castaway Day; slow, confortable, just relax kind of day.

OK, if you say so - I never saw any excursions for Majorca though. Sorry. I wouldn't expect to see them before January / February tho. That's about when they posted them last year I think.

 

[Anal Annie]

Bump! Headin' for page 3 again!! Come on peeps - chat it up!!!

 

[jd99]

Yesterday was a Disney day at our house. We have DVC points at BCV, AKL and BLT and realized that we (1) had a few too many for our upcoming plans and (2) never really used AKL for the home resort advantage. We like it there but we always choose BCV or BLT (or BWV) if we can. So......we decided to list our AKL points with a broker and they just finalized the sale (and we got the check) about a week ago. So what did we do? We bought points at Aulani of course.

Hawaii is our favorite place on earth and after many trips to Maui (and a couple to Kauai) we finally discovered Oahu on our trip 2 summers ago and loved it. So, we bought just enough points to allow us to go every other year (or every 3rd year) depending on the type of accommodation and the number of days -- so that we can go to Aulani for 4-5 days, Waikiki for 3-4 days and Maui (or Kauai) 6-8 days. That way it's 3 different venues but only two islands which cuts down on the flying days between islands. Needless to say we are VERY excited and already planning a trip for 2012. Since we used the proceeds from the sold contract, it was basically a trade for us and now we have the 3 resorts we REALLY want!

 

[Anal Annie]

Yesterday was a Disney day at our house. We have DVC points at BCV, AKL and BLT and realized that we (1) had a few too many for our upcoming plans and (2) never really used AKL for the home resort advantage. We like it there but we always choose BCV or BLT (or BWV) if we can. So......we decided to list our AKL points with a broker and they just finalized the sale (and we got the check) about a week ago. So what did we do? We bought points at Aulani of course.

Hawaii is our favorite place on earth and after many trips to Maui (and a couple to Kauai) we finally discovered Oahu on our trip 2 summers ago and loved it. So, we bought just enough points to allow us to go every other year (or every 3rd year) depending on the type of accommodation and the number of days -- so that we can go to Aulani for 4-5 days, Waikiki for 3-4 days and Maui (or Kauai) 6-8 days. That way it's 3 different venues but only two islands which cuts down on the flying days between islands. Needless to say we are VERY excited and already planning a trip for 2012. Since we used the proceeds from the sold contract, it was basically a trade for us and now we have the 3 resorts we REALLY want!

Aloha! Congratulations on your Aulani purchase!! That's VERY cool. Hawaii is also our most fav. destination ever too. We try to go every 5 years...we'd be "due" again NEXT summer but since when they announced Aulani as opening "late 2011" we decided to do the Med next year & postpone Hawaii until 2012 - so we'll be "off" of our 5 year pattern by a year. Probably going in EARLY August 2012 - right after summer swim season ends. We cannot afford to add on right now so I am watching all the threads about Aulani to study booking patterns - hoping we can get in at 7 months. If it starts looking like people AREN'T able to get in at 7 months there is still time to do a small add-on and give us a slight advantage over the 7 month bookers (8 or 9 months would certainly have to help). I think the resort looks fabulous but Oahu (Waikiki) isn't our most fav. destination - we like to finish up on Maui so we usually only do Oahu for 2 or 3 nights then hop to say the Big Island for a few nights THEN finish on Maui. We've never stayed on Kauai - just did a day trip there once. We also want to stop in CA on our next trip for a few nights on the way home or something so I can see us doing about 4 nights at Aulani and 4 nights on Maui then hitting CA for about 3 nights. I think the points at VGC are worse than Aulani so those nights will have to be week nights for sure (IF we can get in). I do not want to stay at VGC bad enough to add on there tho. If we can't get in there we'll just pay for some cash nights somewhere.

 

[jd99]

Just back from the Pitt-Louisville football game. Pitt won 20-3! Hail to Pitt! (my alma mater). Now getting ready for a rare date night with my lovely wife.

DD12 was at a swim clinic today run by 2 Olympic gold medalists and is on her way home now. Hope she had a great experience. DD6 had dance today so it's been a busy day all around.

Off to get ready for the evening. Happy Halloween everyone. Don't eat too much candy!

 

[Anal Annie]

Just back from the Pitt-Louisville football game. Pitt won 20-3! Hail to Pitt! (my alma mater). Now getting ready for a rare date night with my lovely wife.

DD12 was at a swim clinic today run by 2 Olympic gold medalists and is on her way home now. Hope she had a great experience. DD6 had dance today so it's been a busy day all around.

Off to get ready for the evening. Happy Halloween everyone. Don't eat too much candy!

Oh that's very cool. Did her whole team go or was it just something you signed her up for on your own?? That would be a great opportunity. We picked up a 5th practice for the week today for DS. We usually do 4x (but skip Saturdays usually) but he wasn't really doing anything 'cept playing on the computer. I worked outside for a bit earlier & figured it would be good for him to pick up an extra one and I'm glad I took him. It was a good practice for him - he seemed pretty focused and had good lane time as they pretty much had the whole pool. They spent about 30 minutes working on flip turns & he was doing good with his. Don't know if you've ever seen this one or not - they do an exercise where they prop up a kickboard standing on its side on the edge of the pool and it's held up by another kickboard laying flat behind it. The goal is to come in hard & turn hard enough that the splash can knock it over. Once they can do it consistently with 1 board they double it with a 2nd board behind it. Once they can do THAT they reinforce it even more by making a 'T' behind it with the 2nd board standing up (if you can picture that). It turns into a big contest with the kids so they like the exercise a lot and they can always stand more work on their turns.

Hope everyone has good weather tomorrow for Halloween - we're supposed to be clear and cold. After the kids go thru & the candy thing winds down we go next door & hang out with a bunch of other neighbors - they have a fire pit thingy & we'll all go hang out on their patio & drink etc. Our kids can stay up late 'cuz they're off school on Monday & Tuesday - Friday was the last day of the 9 week marking period so the teachers have a day off for grading or whatever. Then Tues. they're off for election day I guess. BONUS for them! DS's practice tomorrow is from 11:30-1:00 and DH has an away Redskins game (WHEW) at 1:00 so he can put up the movie screen on the garage & drag out the coffin when the game is done then I'll put out the fog machines & set them up etc. then I'm making a big pot of chili. It's almost heeeeaar!!

(PS) hope ya had a nice date with DW....

 

[jd99]

Oh that's very cool. Did her whole team go or was it just something you signed her up for on your own?? That would be a great opportunity. We picked up a 5th practice for the week today for DS. We usually do 4x (but skip Saturdays usually) but he wasn't really doing anything 'cept playing on the computer. I worked outside for a bit earlier & figured it would be good for him to pick up an extra one and I'm glad I took him. It was a good practice for him - he seemed pretty focused and had good lane time as they pretty much had the whole pool. They spent about 30 minutes working on flip turns & he was doing good with his. Don't know if you've ever seen this one or not - they do an exercise where they prop up a kickboard standing on its side on the edge of the pool and it's held up by another kickboard laying flat behind it. The goal is to come in hard & turn hard enough that the splash can knock it over. Once they can do it consistently with 1 board they double it with a 2nd board behind it. Once they can do THAT they reinforce it even more by making a 'T' behind it with the 2nd board standing up (if you can picture that). It turns into a big contest with the kids so they like the exercise a lot and they can always stand more work on their turns.

Hope everyone has good weather tomorrow for Halloween - we're supposed to be clear and cold. After the kids go thru & the candy thing winds down we go next door & hang out with a bunch of other neighbors - they have a fire pit thingy & we'll all go hang out on their patio & drink etc. Our kids can stay up late 'cuz they're off school on Monday & Tuesday - Friday was the last day of the 9 week marking period so the teachers have a day off for grading or whatever. Then Tues. they're off for election day I guess. BONUS for them! DS's practice tomorrow is from 11:30-1:00 and DH has an away Redskins game (WHEW) at 1:00 so he can put up the movie screen on the garage & drag out the coffin when the game is done then I'll put out the fog machines & set them up etc. then I'm making a big pot of chili. It's almost heeeeaar!!

(PS) hope ya had a nice date with DW....

It was a regional event where every team in the area was offered the opportunity to go. There was only one other girl from her team (in her age group) who attended, but a couple of girls from her school who swim for another team were also there. Apparently it was a GREAT event. DW took her and DD came back incredibly motivated and excited about swimming. So glad she went.

Date night was great. Just back and Mina is taking the babysitter home. Long day, but we had a great time. Babysitter was a huge hit with DD6 which is huge - she normally calls us multiple times when we go out. Tonight she called us zero times! Great day. Great night.

 

[Anal Annie]

Back on page 3 again peeps!!

So Halloween has come & gone. Now to get "undecorated" sometime. We had a LOT of people take pics of our yard - several even laid down in the yard & pretended like they were in our graveyard & posed for pics like that. Pretty funny - but a big hit again which is always nice to see. We had 202 kids. Now to ration out the "leftovers" to myself! So much for my calorie counting!!

Where is Luke - he hasn't been on here since he got that fancy new car!

And NJ.Ohana?!

 

[MRAven]

OK, if you say so - I never saw any excursions for Majorca though. Sorry. I wouldn't expect to see them before January / February tho. That's about when they posted them last year I think.

Annie, I think you were right. Over the weekend surfing around I must recognize that what I was probably looking at was some other webpg talking about Palma and the excursions. Other Med cruises have lots of info on that.

So, sorry about that. I'm going a little with the planning.

Glad you had a great Halloween and became the celebrity of your neighborhood; you put a lot of effort in the decor. As for the candy left, well, can't give you any advice on that; didn't you get any Trics ? Don't forget to post some pictures.

Also, did you hear about the Disney Dream "Float Out" gala event in Germany ? All a success; I guess it's a DREAM come true !

Here is the link: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...first-public-appearance-in-papenburg-germany/

Oh, and a coalition is forming for DCL to keep the Wish Up On a Star horn on the Dream, apparantly it has another ! If you see anything about it on the Diss or anywhere else let me know.

 

[west&east]

Hi everyone. Back from a busy week. 3 nights in Boston for work then back home in time for major Halloween festivities. Our neighborhood had a wonderful party in the afternoon. The weather was perfect. Then hundreds of children trick or treated. I think I was one of the few houses not to run out of candy! They really should have kept school closed today but at least we have tomorrow off for Election Day. DS7 had a tournament game today and their team got crushed. Oh well. They play again tomorrow night.

Got to get focused finishing off plans for our December trip to WDW the will really get obsessed with cruise plans!

 

[Kels Sem]

Back on page 3 again peeps!!

So Halloween has come & gone. Now to get "undecorated" sometime. We had a LOT of people take pics of our yard - several even laid down in the yard & pretended like they were in our graveyard & posed for pics like that. Pretty funny - but a big hit again which is always nice to see. We had 202 kids. Now to ration out the "leftovers" to myself! So much for my calorie counting!!

Where is Luke - he hasn't been on here since he got that fancy new car!

And NJ.Ohana?!

Good to hear that your effort for Halloween was a success. Just think you will just have the decorations packed away and it will be nearly time for the christmas one We were at a Halloween party with the kids which they really enjoyed.
Now that the decorations have been packed away DS is on the countdown to Christmas and tells me everyday how many days there are left. Just so I don't forget While I was off work last week I did start some Christmas shopping
My laptop/internet is on major go slow, its like a snail and sometimes I can't be bothered with it like this. So if I'm not on here you know why. I may have thrown the laptop out the window
I think we need either a new one or this one refurbed.
Chat soon.

 

[Anal Annie]

OK so just about everybody has checked in recently except for NJ & Liverpool... Hellllloooo!!!

Tomorrow is DH's birthday...got him one of those new latest generation Kindles. I drew a real blank on what to get him - it is always hard with Christmas right around the corner but I was thinking ahead to our cruise - thought it would be handy dandy!! I plan to get him a nice lighted cover/case for it for Christmas then. The one I want to get him is $60 so I figured that could wait.

OK, no swimming tonight - off to make homemade flatbread pizzas! I make my own sauce & DH & DS always like it better than any others we can order / buy.