August 16, 2011, Disney Dream - Part 3

[Amanda132]

OMG - I just remembered....we were on that cruise too!! I missed going to Tortola. ....and we were on the first unofficial 10 night cruise that went to Galveston......

Ginny

We were on that 10 night cruise too! Talk about an adventure... it seemed like every day we'd get a new announcement that our route was being changed! I missed my first two days of school that year because the cruise was extended!

Thank you for posting the pictures!!!

I will never forget....we were able to disembark in Galveston and walk around. As we were leaving, I asked one of the Border Guards what there was to do within walking distance. His reply was that Galveston was home to the largest Army Surplus Store. Not all the cute little shops, restaurants, etc....but the Army Surplus Store. It as just one of those moments when you say "thank you" and walk on.... The people at the restaurant next to where the Magic docked gave us a huge cheer and wave as we left. Who knew they would be going back?

We felt bad for the folks waiting to board the ship. And couldn't believe DCL bussed some of the port team down to work at Port Everglades. It was reassuring to see familar, smiling DCL faces.

The ride back up to the Port was one of the quietest bus rides that I'd ever experienced. We saw so much damage and some of the folks on our bus lived in communities that we passed. Let's hope FL doesn't experience that type of month ever again!!!!

Ginny

We didn't get off the ship at Galveston, but I remember hundreds of people standing on deck with their cell phones because they had US reception for the first time in a week. Everyone needed to call their family and friends and tell them about the cruise extension!

Also, Disney bussed those of us with messed up flights to Port Orleans Riverside because in the craziness of the hurricane, many people couldn't get a flight for the day we returned to Florida. Disney definitely knows how to take care of you in any situation!

I'm hoping this cruise WON'T be extended by three days like that one (gasp!) because it will cut into our Walt Disney World post-cruise time!

 

[sherreis]

Let me know what your TA says. Mine told me to email DCL directly she also
emailed them!!

Kristen -- is your TA still in TX? You're the one who told me about the TA several years ago when we booked our 1st DCL cruise.

 

[Woobie]

I'm hoping this cruise WON'T be extended by three days like that one (gasp!)

Ooooo. Extending the cruise would be a VERY good thing for us (except for the flights). We do WDW before the cruise and the kids don't start school until after Labor Day for the first time ever. Hmmmm

 

[Amanda132]

OH also my Eagle Creek garment sleeve from ebags came yesterday, and I just tried it out. I was able to fit five dresses with hangers in it no problem. I just made sure I used hangers that had metal tops instead of plastic, so more hangers could fit in the little loop.

I think I also want to buy one of those pack-it-flat toiletry bags from ebags like my mom bought. It seems really cool, and I think it could definitely hold all the toiletries I would need. Plus you can hang it right up in the bathroom, it's waterproof, and it's flat to fit in a suitcase. Sounds perfect to me!

 

[renda460]

I was going to suggest the baby center too!

Thank you for mentioning the baby center. I didn't realize they could keep things cold for me there. I will check it out.

 

[Woobie]

OH also my Eagle Creek garment sleeve from ebags came yesterday, and I just tried it out. I was able to fit five dresses with hangers in it no problem. I just made sure I used hangers that had metal tops instead of plastic, so more hangers could fit in the little loop.

I think I also want to buy one of those pack-it-flat toiletry bags from ebags like my mom bought. It seems really cool, and I think it could definitely hold all the toiletries I would need. Plus you can hang it right up in the bathroom, it's waterproof, and it's flat to fit in a suitcase. Sounds perfect to me!

I got my packing cubes and toiletry bag yesterday and tried them out today. I was concerned by the sizes of the cubes (large was what I expected to be med). At first, I didn't get much in the med. Then I tried 2 layers of rolled shirts. BINGO! Hubby will probably not use his set, so I'll use it for the kids. No need to buy more. I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the toiletry bag. Doesn't quite fit EVERYTHING, but it's so much better than the little makeup bag I currently use. Love that it hangs, too.

 

[steves100]

Family of 4 really really wants early seating anyone want to switch please......

Has anyone had luck swapping on board?

Thank

Steve

 

[lisare]

Family of 4 really really wants early seating anyone want to switch please......

Has anyone had luck swapping on board?

Thank

Steve

We called and were put on the wait list and by the time we boarded we got early seating. It's worth a try. I'd call today though as we are so close to leaving!!!!!!!!!! Sorry We just told our kids and my son is crying with excitement.

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Family of 4 really really wants early seating anyone want to switch please......

Has anyone had luck swapping on board?

Thank

Steve

Three cruises ago we asked for late seating upon boarding - and DCL people were happy to satisfy our request.

I'd go and ask (as per the last Personal Navigators)
at D Lounge , 3.00 -3.30 pm .

Good luck !! laura

 

[Woobie]

We've been able to switch to early seating on board before. I agree about calling to get on the wait list now, just in case.

 

[BigDogHU75]

Our arrival time was changed from 10:30-11:00 to 11:00-11:30. I did not even know about the port opening at 11:00 a.m. until ?I read it on our Facebook page and then read it here on the DIS. Since we are driving, we will be leaving a little later from AKV. I have to find out what our friends' arrival time is.

For those of you who are shopping at ebags and Lands End online, don't forget that if you have a Upromise account you can get college savings.

I hope everyone enjoys the July 4th holiday. We do not have anything planned. My parents are coming down on the 4th and will be staying for a week to watch DS since his daycare is closed next week. I want to barbecue on the grill so I am hoping it does not rain. Our volunteer fire department is doing fireworks tonight but we are not going. DS is not into loud fireworks. He likes to watch things from a distance.

Enjoy your weekend.

 

[gfolchick]

Packing Cube Update Here!!

I just finished packing my DD for her 2 week camp. I packed two weeks of clothes in one set (small, med, lg), a second lg and 3 slims. Here's what we did:

Large-pair of jeans, pair of sweatpants, 2 hooded sweatshirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, belt
Large#2-(12) outfits of tee shirts and gym shorts (I rolled a set for each day together)
Med-(4) 2 piece bathing suits, 2 swim shirts (could have fit more)
Small-12 camisoles tank tops
slim #1-6 bras, 7 undies, 7 socks
slim #2-same
slim #3-PJs

All this fit in a 22 inch rolling duffle, in addition to 2 pairs of sneakers and a pair of flip flops in main compartment. In side compartments we had a pair of Tevas on one end and a toiletry bag in the other. The side pocket had 2 books and 2 water bottles.

Her camp has bookcases for storage so all we have to do is take the cubes out of the bag and stack them on the shelf. YEAH! And all her personal effects aren't on display for the whole cabin to see.

Now the bigger challenge will be her getting everything back in the cubes to come home, or she can just throw her laundry bag in the duffle and toss the empty cubes in the bag.

from the Folchick Family.

 

[Mjasp]

Packing Cube Update Here!!

I just finished packing my DD for her 2 week camp. I packed two weeks of clothes in one set (small, med, lg), a second lg and 3 slims. Here's what we did:

Large-pair of jeans, pair of sweatpants, 2 hooded sweatshirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, belt
Large#2-(12) outfits of tee shirts and gym shorts (I rolled a set for each day together)
Med-(4) 2 piece bathing suits, 2 swim shirts (could have fit more)
Small-12 camisoles tank tops
slim #1-6 bras, 7 undies, 7 socks
slim #2-same
slim #3-PJs

All this fit in a 22 inch rolling duffle, in addition to 2 pairs of sneakers and a pair of flip flops in main compartment. In side compartments we had a pair of Tevas on one end and a toiletry bag in the other. The side pocket had 2 books and 2 water bottles.

Her camp has bookcases for storage so all we have to do is take the cubes out of the bag and stack them on the shelf. YEAH! And all her personal effects aren't on display for the whole cabin to see.

Now the bigger challenge will be her getting everything back in the cubes to come home, or she can just throw her laundry bag in the duffle and toss the empty cubes in the bag.

from the Folchick Family.

Awesome! I couldn't believe how much fit in them either, When my daughter orders her pack it flat toiletry bag I am going to order a set of large. Then I know I will have everything covered for when we take winter vacations also.

 

[eyes4mickey]

Awesome! I couldn't believe how much fit in them either, When my daughter orders her pack it flat toiletry bag I am going to order a set of large. Then I know I will have everything covered for when we take winter vacations also.

Ok, finally decided to order some packing cubes!! Any suggestions on what to order. Do you give each person a different color? I see they have sets with different sizes and also slim. We each take our own suitcases.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mjasp]

Ok, finally decided to order some packing cubes!! Any suggestions on what to order. Do you give each person a different color? I see they have sets with different sizes and also slim. We each take our own suitcases.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

This is what I ordered for our family of 4. We also take our own suitcases.
One 3 pc set for each of us all in different colors (get the raspberry it's the nicest color in person) that consists of a small medium and large then I ordered a 3 pack of mediums in a different color totally, and I am going to order a 3 pc large set for winter vacations when you would pack jeans and sweatshirts. I also ordered the pack it flat toiletry bag and I am very glad I did. These look very well made and I think they will last for years. When I went onto e bags they have 20% off and free shipping.
GO FOR IT!!!

 

[Amanda132]

This is what I ordered for our family of 4. We also take our own suitcases.
One 3 pc set for each of us all in different colors (get the raspberry it's the nicest color in person) that consists of a small medium and large then I ordered a 3 pack of mediums in a different color totally, and I am going to order a 3 pc large set for winter vacations when you would pack jeans and sweatshirts. I also ordered the pack it flat toiletry bag and I am very glad I did. These look very well made and I think they will last for years. When I went onto e bags they have 20% off and free shipping.
GO FOR IT!!!

I also recommend a garment sleeve if you plan on having dress clothes!

 

[eyes4mickey]

This is what I ordered for our family of 4. We also take our own suitcases.
One 3 pc set for each of us all in different colors (get the raspberry it's the nicest color in person) that consists of a small medium and large then I ordered a 3 pack of mediums in a different color totally, and I am going to order a 3 pc large set for winter vacations when you would pack jeans and sweatshirts. I also ordered the pack it flat toiletry bag and I am very glad I did. These look very well made and I think they will last for years. When I went onto e bags they have 20% off and free shipping.
GO FOR IT!!!

Thanks!!! I'm going to order it now!!!

 

[eyes4mickey]

I also recommend a garment sleeve if you plan on having dress clothes!

Good Idea!! I didn't realize they had one, will order 1.
Thanks

 

[sdchickie]

Packing Cube Update Here!!

I just finished packing my DD for her 2 week camp. I packed two weeks of clothes in one set (small, med, lg), a second lg and 3 slims. Here's what we did:
from the Folchick Family.

Do you think I could fit 1 swimsuit with swim shorts, and 7 Bras/Undies/socks into a small? I'm trying to get an idea of how small the small is.

 

[Amanda132]

Do you think I could fit 1 swimsuit with swim shorts, and 7 Bras/Undies/socks into a small? I'm trying to get an idea of how small the small is.

I was able to fit seven bras, seven pairs of undies (rolled) and seven pairs of ankle socks into a small, but JUST BARELY. I'm not sure mine could fit even one more item in it. But it obviously depends on the size of your undergarments, how they're folded/rolled, etc. I think there must be a better way to pack bras, since they were folded awkwardly in the cube.