August 16, 2011, Disney Dream - Part 3

[jenanderson]

I worked yesterday and got totally behind. Time to catch up with everyone!

Gina – Great job with your weight loss efforts. You have lost an amazing amount of weight and I bet you are so happy! I will say that the last 2 times I went to WDW, I have not gained any weight…I hope I can do that on the cruise!

acomasdiaz – Sorry about all the car frustrations. I hate having to buy any vehicle and always dread going car shopping. Glad you were able to find another one and hope it arrives soon!

Janeanne – Thanks for the reminder tip about the power strip. We really need one this trip because of all our electronics. You mentioned making sure it was an approved power strip…how do we know it is approved? Do we need a special type?

Marsha – Thanks for continuing with the countdown and now adding all the great tips! Your posts always make me so happy as they are a constant reminder of how close we are to leaving on our trip!

Helen – Thanks for the link to the thread with all the photos! I know that DH read through it all and I will be looking at it today.

Woobie – I loved your tip about using address labels! I do always grab extra luggage tags (I also say that I am going to use them in a scrapbook but never get that book made! )

Christine – I might have to try out organizing all my trip data on my iPad with Evernote. Sounds like you have it all figured out with that app.

Candy – Nice to see you posting again. I have been thinking of you and Randy often.

To all you packing cube lovers – I can’t wait to hear how all our packing experiences compare! I bought the junior toiletry bags and love them. I almost could use one more of those….but think I am going to be fine!

Harry – Glad to see you have started packing!

mrebuck – YEAH! I am happy you were able to book the excursion you wanted!!!

Jeff – I know I already responded about the time…but do we know if there will be a character? Also, is there a way we can find out if it would be on our photo CD if we order that? Thanks again for arranging it!

Laura - Are you excited yet? It is almost time!!!!

 

[acomasdiaz]

I think the choice of date and time for the group photo is between the following:

1. Tuesday the 16th @ 3:30

2. Friday the 19th @ 7:30 (Pirate night)

Feedback please,

Jeff

I like the idea of a group photo and would definitely contribute. I think Friday might be easier for everyone.

 

[gfolchick]

My vote for a group photo would be Friday as well.

 

[TiggerAllie]

Hi All! I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Jhoanna (lovesDCL) for coordinating with me to cancel her Serenity Bay cabana! We'll be there at the 1st stop, if anyone else is.

I was also able to find a brunch reservation when I was randomly checking, so we have that as well. For those of you looking for Palo dinners and brunches, just keep checking.

Now I'm thinking that maybe we don't need to rush so much to get to the ship. Our party's times are 11 (us), 12, and 12:30, but I'd really like to board in time to have lunch before the spa tour at 1, so I don't think we'll wait until 12:30. Maybe we'll just try to split the difference. For the Magic, we arrived at 12:45 via DCL transfer and just walked on the ship through an empty terminal (after having checked in at MCO), but it sounds like that's not the case with the Dream. Can't wait to get the reports from the Aug 2nd cruise!

I agree-- picture on Friday sounds easier. However, our Palo dinner is that night so we won't be able to join you then.

I can't believe how close the trip is now!

 

[Pudo]

Jeff – I know I already responded about the time…but do we know if there will be a character? Also, is there a way we can find out if it would be on our photo CD if we order that? Thanks again for arranging it!

I spoke with Concierge and they told me the following:

1. The photo would be available to purchase with the CD.

2. A character is possible, the rate is $550 a half hour (my guess is we're passing on this).

3. A Pirate night photo is fine @ 7:30, but not in front of the atrium since that area is very busy then. Concierge suggested another location like on-deck somewhere.

 

[Woobie]

Trying to decide if I need a toiletry kit.

YES, you DO!!! I can't say enough about this. I will never pack without it again. It holds SOOOOO much and packs flat and hangs.

I'd say embarkation day is probably not good for a group photo.

I read through most of the trip report Kristin posted yesterday. O.M.G!!!! There is so much I didn't/don't know! I had no idea there was mini golf. I also saw a bunch of things I want for my house (AP knives, EG bread baskets like Cindy's carriage, the black MM tiles in AP? the MM chairs in AP, etc). I syill have a lot more reading in that post, but five days is not long enough. Think I can stow away on one of the lifeboats for a few cruises?

Congrats on the weight loss. Congrats on the PT. Sounds like healing is happening just in time for most everyone!

I got my lanyard today. THANK YOU!!! It looks great.

 

[Minniemouse07]

Christine – I might have to try out organizing all my trip data on my iPad with Evernote. Sounds like you have it all figured out with that app.

I've been fine tuning my Notebooks and pulled one together yesterday to track our dining plan credits during our WDW stay post-cruise. I have a note for each type of credit (TS/CS/S) and the TS & CS are both split for adult and child. Then I made a check list numbering down from 15 (adult credits) and 5 (child credits). As we use credits I will start checking them starting from the top. This will give us an up to date tally of how many we have left at any given time.

I'm not usually concerned about keeping track of the credits since I have our ADRs planned, but with Beth being an "adult" this trip...she may opt for a children's meal over an adult choice. In those instances it makes more sense for us to pay OOP for her meal and use the adult TS later in the trip. Maybe for a breakfast before we leave?

So far I have Notebooks set up for Pre Trip (packing lists, etc), Confirmations (AutoTrain, PC Hotel, DCL, WDW), Dream Info, WDW Info, and Dining Credit Tracking. I am looking forward to using this in conjunction w/ my PassPorter and my PassPockets (where I can put any paper copies I may need) during the trip!

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

CIAOOOOO all !!
I seem to be SO BUSY - but ...
Haven't started packing yet ... and we are leaving in 4 days !!!!
Yesterday , as a matter of fact , I spent the whole day with some lovely old friends - who are now visiting our Northern Italy : lots of fun and hugs ...
but my house is a complete mess ... and all suitcases STILL EMPTY !!

I don't seem to understand ... we REALLY SOON will be leaving home !!!

Hi Sherri,

Carol has been touring DVC Hawaii she is back on the 27th then she told me either later this week or early next week she will be emailing everyone. The "Surprise" will be after the cabin tour I told her about the cabin tour!!

I am afraid we'll be gone by then !!
I'll miss all the "last minute" decisions / meetings / group photo ...
Hopefully we will be able to catch up at the cabin tour ... with everything our group has been organizing ...

Hi Jeff

I think that pirates night would be a better choice, as Marsha mentioned feeling rushed on embarkation day may be a bit too stressful, since
i) I'm not sure how long the cabin tour will take and
ii) the tour group need to meet up with the rest of their familes to get to the lifeboat drill on time.
Brenda

I spoke with Concierge and they told me the following:

1. The photo would be available to purchase with the CD.

2. A character is possible, the rate is $550 a half hour (my guess is we're passing on this).

3. A Pirate night photo is fine @ 7:30, but not in front of the atrium since that area is very busy then. Concierge suggested another location like on-deck somewhere.

My vote is for PIRATE NIGHT as well .
What other location are you thinking about ?
Could it be D lounge ?? ( Just a thought ).

Thankyou for organizing this !!!!

Off I go ... laura

 

[jenanderson]

I am afraid we'll be gone by then !!
I'll miss all the "last minute" decisions / meetings / group photo ...
Hopefully we will be able to catch up at the cabin tour ... with everything our group has been organizing ...

Off I go ... laura

Laura - I am glad you got a chance to visit with your friends. I will keep a detailed list of anything important here at the end and send it to you in an e-mail for Marco to read when you are WDW.

We will see each other at the Stateroom tour on the first day so I will print out any last minute details to help you out.

Can't wait to see you and Marco!

 

[jarudinski]

Hi everyone, getting closer to sail date .. yeah !!!

For the last 3 cruises I have made custom autograph books for all the kids in the FE group. Unfortunetly this cruise group is just too big to be able to do this. I still made the autograpah books for my own kids and thought I would share them for anyone who wishes to use them.

Since I am only making 2 this time I personalized the cover pages for my kids and I can do this for others if desired, just PM me which cover and the name.

Here is a link to the graphics specifically for this cruise: http://www.4shared.com/folder/84uSX91A/Aug_16_Dream.html

Here is a link to all my autograph graphics, mostly the same but undated .. http://www.4shared.com/folder/GSMfqsSI/Disney_Autograph_Pages.html

You can download and use the grahics as you wish. I did not actually design the images or the backdrops, I just put them together on the autograph page.

I usually put the images in a word doc (which you can find in the first link). The images are arranged 2 to a page. I then print and trim them. Once done I use my binding machine to punch the holes and put on a binder comb. I usually use th 65lb cardstock to print them since it gives them more durability.

If you have any questions please let me know. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them.

I think I got all the characters, Alice and Wendy were not on the last cruise so probably are not going to be there and I heard conflicting information about Rapunzel =)

Julie

 

[jenanderson]

Hi everyone, getting closer to sail date .. yeah !!!

For the last 3 cruises I have made custom autograph books for all the kids in the FE group. Unfortunetly this cruise group is just too big to be able to do this. I still made the autograpah books for my own kids and thought I would share them for anyone who wishes to use them.

Since I am only making 2 this time I personalized the cover pages for my kids and I can do this for others if desired, just PM me which cover and the name.

Here is a link to the graphics specifically for this cruise: http://www.4shared.com/folder/84uSX91A/Aug_16_Dream.html

Here is a link to all my autograph graphics, mostly the same but undated .. http://www.4shared.com/folder/GSMfqsSI/Disney_Autograph_Pages.html

You can download and use the grahics as you wish. I did not actually design the images or the backdrops, I just put them together on the autograph page.

I usually put the images in a word doc (which you can find in the first link). The images are arranged 2 to a page. I then print and trim them. Once done I use my binding machine to punch the holes and put on a binder comb. I usually use th 65lb cardstock to print them since it gives them more durability.

If you have any questions please let me know. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them.

I think I got all the characters, Alice and Wendy were not on the last cruise so probably are not going to be there and I heard conflicting information about Rapunzel =)

Julie

Julie - I love your pages! While my kids are a little older and would not want autographs, it would still make a really neat album for them to put photos and stuff in them. I am going to have to see if the kids would like to make them!

It was great of you to share!
Jen

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Laura - I am glad you got a chance to visit with your friends. I will keep a detailed list of anything important here at the end and send it to you in an e-mail for Marco to read when you are WDW.

We will see each other at the Stateroom tour on the first day so I will print out any last minute details to help you out.

Can't wait to see you and Marco!

As Marco and I always say betwwen us :
YOU ARE A STAR !!!!
Your "detailed list" will be so much appreciated !!! Thankyou !!
I'll be REALLY busy over the next few days ...

THANKYOU !!!

laura

 

[jenanderson]

As Marco and I always say betwwen us :
YOU ARE A STAR !!!!
Your "detailed list" will be so much appreciated !!! Thankyou !!
I'll be REALLY busy over the next few days ...

THANKYOU !!!

laura

Not a star...it is nothing when you are doing it for a friend... I am just so excited to see the two of you and share this wonderful vacation together!

I know that I have more days then you but I also have to get motivated to really finalizing the details of packing and get a move on!

I am off to have my nails done but have big news....I will share it briefly here.....I HAVE A NEW JOB!

The principal at the school that I have been working at asked if I would teach a class next year instead of being the Technology Integration Specialist. The class is going to be called iPad University. Students will be using their iPads and all the other computers and technology we have to work on projects. The theme of the class is "How can you change the world?" I get to design the whole curriculum and teach the class. I am so excited because it has great benefits, it will be exciting to teach such a innovative new class, and I love the school. This means I will spend the next 3 weeks writing curriculum as quickly as possible so that I am ready for my students on the first day of school. I will see students for 1 hour a day, each day for 9 weeks and then get a new group of students. By the end of the year, all 800 students will have had my class. Our goal is to use the iPads to connect them to the world and work on projects they are passionate about. Lots of new stuff!!!

Alright, time to get ready to go to the spa for my nails!

 

[Pudo]

My vote is for PIRATE NIGHT as well .
What other location are you thinking about ?
Could it be D lounge ?? ( Just a thought ).

Thankyou for organizing this !!!!

Off I go ... laura

My guess is that the D Lounge would be an option, but not sure if there is anything scheduled at that time. We could always ask.

 

[TiggerAllie]

I am trying to work on planning Day 1:
11 AM Arrive at port
12 PM Lunch (if boarded)
1 PM Spa Tour
~1:30 PM Go find cabin

~1:30/2 PM DIS Meet <--Is this planned yet? If so, where/when?
~2/2:30 PM Cabin Tour (from Deck 13 Forward/Port side)

~3/3:30 PM Go find family
4 PM Lifeboat Drill
4:30 PM Sailaway Party
6 PM Show
8 PM Dinner
(please correct me on the dinner/show times if they are wrong)

 

[sherreis]

Hi Sherri,

Carol has been touring DVC Hawaii she is back on the 27th then she told me either later this week or early next week she will be emailing everyone. The "Surprise" will be after the cabin tour I told her about the cabin tour!!

I love the packing cubes!!

Lucky Carol!!! I'll get to Hawaii some day.

The stacks of clothes that have been stacked in various places in our home are finally making their way into suitcases!!! Packing has commenced!

Packing! Boy, you're organized. At least, I started making my lists.

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

My guess is that the D Lounge would be an option, but not sure if there is anything scheduled at that time. We could always ask.

You are right - maybe the D lounge will have some singer or duo about that time ...

 

[sherreis]

Not a star...it is nothing when you are doing it for a friend... I am just so excited to see the two of you and share this wonderful vacation together!

I know that I have more days then you but I also have to get motivated to really finalizing the details of packing and get a move on!

I am off to have my nails done but have big news....I will share it briefly here.....I HAVE A NEW JOB!

The principal at the school that I have been working at asked if I would teach a class next year instead of being the Technology Integration Specialist. The class is going to be called iPad University. Students will be using their iPads and all the other computers and technology we have to work on projects. The theme of the class is "How can you change the world?" I get to design the whole curriculum and teach the class. I am so excited because it has great benefits, it will be exciting to teach such a innovative new class, and I love the school. This means I will spend the next 3 weeks writing curriculum as quickly as possible so that I am ready for my students on the first day of school. I will see students for 1 hour a day, each day for 9 weeks and then get a new group of students. By the end of the year, all 800 students will have had my class. Our goal is to use the iPads to connect them to the world and work on projects they are passionate about. Lots of new stuff!!!

Alright, time to get ready to go to the spa for my nails!

congratulations Jen! If you want anybody to practice on....I am raising my hand. Just got my iPad for my birthday and I am learning how to use it.

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

I HAVE A NEW JOB!

The principal at the school that I have been working at asked if I would teach a class next year instead of being the Technology Integration Specialist. The class is going to be called iPad University. Students will be using their iPads and all the other computers and technology we have to work on projects. The theme of the class is "How can you change the world?" I get to design the whole curriculum and teach the class. I am so excited because it has great benefits, it will be exciting to teach such a innovative new class, and I love the school. This means I will spend the next 3 weeks writing curriculum as quickly as possible so that I am ready for my students on the first day of school. I will see students for 1 hour a day, each day for 9 weeks and then get a new group of students. By the end of the year, all 800 students will have had my class. Our goal is to use the iPads to connect them to the world and work on projects they are passionate about. Lots of new stuff!!!

This is wonderful news !!!
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!
This news made my evening ...
but now I really need to sign off
and ... take care of many many chores around my poor house ...

 

[TiggerAllie]

You are right - maybe the D lounge will have some singer or duo about that time ...

Here is the navigator from Day 4 from the 6/7 Tues Double-Dip-- I bet the scheduling will be similar:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/DCL-Navigators/6-7-11/Dream7June2011-4.pdf