August 16, 2011, Disney Dream - Part 3

[jenanderson]

Safe Travels to LAURA and MARCO! Have a wonderful time visiting the mouse and enjoying your favorite resort. Relax, soak it all in and we will see you on the dream!!!!!

 

[uncw89]

Of course not!

Glad to know I'm not alone!!!!

Laura and Marco, Safe travels!! See you on the ship!!!

 

[uncw89]

I got my DCL Passporter in the mail today!!!!

 

[hmansure]

-- UPDATED OFFICIAL TRADEMARKED …
WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND everyone !!!

We are almost there !!

I am packed !!!
6 hours STRAIGHT of NO- STOP packing !!!
I went ahead and mostly packed also DGH big suitcase - I know he will be working late hours tonight ( and maybe also tomorrow !!).
Of course I packed lots of

tshirts for him !!

We may log in again tomorrow or Sunday ...

but I wish to say a really BIG

to each and everyone in this wonderful group !!!

It has been so much fun "chatting" with you !! and I have also learnt something !!
Thankyou for letting us be part of such a warm and friendly thread !!!

I know I'll miss you all ...
though ( of course ) I'll be VERY BUSY with the Mouse !!!!

SEE YOU ALL VERY SOON on the Dream : can't wait !!

and SAFE TRAVELS everyone !!!

Ciao , laura

Have a safe trip - see you both at the Poly on 8/13!

 

[renda460]

Reading all these posts about how everyone is packed, and how soon everyone is leaving is starting to stress me out! I have to pack for 4 kids (one which is only 11 mos and will need a lot of stuff) and have not even started yet. I still am not even sure what clothes we will be bringing, or if I need to buy anything. I guess I need to get moving........

 

[HallsofVA]

I see where several people have mailing or are mailing a box to the ship. Is the information in the FAQ still current or is there updated information? I've never done it, and while we probably have sufficient luggage allowance to fly it there, we are going to Universal pre cruise and I'm not sure if I want to mess with lugging the FE gifts around everywhere.

I'd appreciate it if anyone can share their info and advice!

I am in a major stress/panic situation. I have been travelling almost weekly for work for the past year, generally to Tampa. In the past 11 days, I've spent 3 nights Tampa, 1 nt home, 2 nights Va Beach for wedding, 1 nt home, 3 nts Tampa, and 1 nt home. On Sunday, I fly to London for work Monday through Thursday. That next weekend we have our regular theatre tickets and the kids have a birthday party to go to. Monday the 8th I'm in Tampa for 2 nights, then Atlanta for 2 nights, back home on the 12th (my birthday!) and then we fly out on the 13th. So I'm trying to get things organized today or tomorrow before I head out on Sunday night.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

I see where several people have mailing or are mailing a box to the ship. Is the information in the FAQ still current or is there updated information? I've never done it, and while we probably have sufficient luggage allowance to fly it there, we are going to Universal pre cruise and I'm not sure if I want to mess with lugging the FE gifts around everywhere.

I'd appreciate it if anyone can share their info and advice!

I am in a major stress/panic situation. I have been travelling almost weekly for work for the past year, generally to Tampa. In the past 11 days, I've spent 3 nights Tampa, 1 nt home, 2 nights Va Beach for wedding, 1 nt home, 3 nts Tampa, and 1 nt home. On Sunday, I fly to London for work Monday through Thursday. That next weekend we have our regular theatre tickets and the kids have a birthday party to go to. Monday the 8th I'm in Tampa for 2 nights, then Atlanta for 2 nights, back home on the 12th (my birthday!) and then we fly out on the 13th. So I'm trying to get things organized today or tomorrow before I head out on Sunday night.

Cathleen,
Whew you are living a whirlwind existence! Sending a box to the warehouse has certainly worked for my family. One less thing to deal with so that is well worth the expense for me. On our first cruise last October, I sent a "hefty" box (it was almost 30 lbs) that was full of FEs for almost 40 families, it also had sundry little things like the clear bathroom organizer thingamajig that fits over the door, even some costumes. On that same cruise, I know that Jeff (Pudo) sent a box containing a small white noise fan and a few games for his youngest pride and joy. Other cruisers I got to know fairly well on that cruise sent some decent size boxes that were also full of FEs and Halloween costumes. Our second cruise was just with Steve and myself so we didn't send anything. And then this time around we sent a box that contained the FEs, the twins' pirate costumes, and a couple of other little things. It was easy peasy to pack that box well before the cruise and now I am not worrying about it anymore. For us, it wasn't about the extra luggage expense as Steve travels tons too and we have more luggage bags that don't cost us anything than we know how to deal with. The problem for us is the adults just moving it around as our twins really aren't the age to be that helpful with the extra bags.

Kristin (Kritter) posted somewhere in our thread all of the particulars about where to send. I think it was pasted from the sticky about this in the general cruise thread, which, knowing your computer skills, you already have at the ready. What is wrong about that information is the size of the box. There, it says to only send a "record size" box. Well, a record size box (if you are thinking of the old vinyls) will barely fit anything or if they meant "records" like business stuff then that isn't that much bigger. I did call DCL and asked how they defined "record" in terms of actual size -- and the person I spoke to started laughing when I read the particulars of that thread. The person I spoke to told me to "use my best judgment" but as long as I sent a box to port early enough with the correct address and a packing slip attached (definitely don't send any food as dogs will go crazy over the box) then it would be hunky dory and we would see it inside our stateroom. That, indeed, was the case. The box made it to our room before we even walked in.

A long-winded answer to your question. Hope it helps. If there is anything I can do for you up here in our neck of the woods, just send me a PM.

Beth

 

[Woobie]

When sending a box to the ship ahead of time, do you really put a packing list on the outside? My fear is anyone can rip it open to see what's inside & decide if they like what it says.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

When sending a box to the ship ahead of time, do you really put a packing list on the outside? My fear is anyone can rip it open to see what's inside & decide if they like what it says.

I did follow those instructions and put a packing list sealed in an envelope and then taped up really well on the bottom left side of the box. It would be lots of effort for someone to open it, but my thinking is that if you don't have it then you have a greater chance of your box being opened by cruiseline authorities before it reaches your stateroom. In October, our box was all sealed up exactly as I had mailed it and that packing list envelope had not been opened. Although the FedEx box for this cruise did not have pricey items, I did also insure it for a minimal amount and I also made sure that someone at the DCL warehouse has to sign for it. Those extra precautions also make me feel better. I do advise not sending anything that gives you pause -- anything expensive either stays at home or travels with me!

 

[kritter]

I haven't gotten caught up in the eBags fervor but I coincidentally enough got an email from Buy.com that they are on sale for $19.99. Not even sure if that is a good price.

http://www.buy.com/prod/ebags-large-packing-cubes-3pc-set/q/loc/16234/212988637.html

Bruce, sent this home today to me. He wanted me to order more!!

 

[kritter]

So I work for a policy research company that has about 1,000 employees. I just got an email sent to "ALL IS Staff" (I'm a DBA). The guy (who I know in passing) writes that he will away on vacation in from 08/8 - 08/16 and includes this in his signature. I almost fell off my chair. I come to find he wanted to sail on our cruise, but it was sold out so he had to settle for the 08/12 instead. Kind of funny how the subject never came up before. I thought everybody at my company knew I am a DCL Nut!

 

[kritter]

-- updated official trademarked …
welcome to the weekend everyone !!!

we are almost there !!

i am packed !!!
6 hours straight of no- stop packing !!!
I went ahead and mostly packed also dgh big suitcase - i know he will be working late hours tonight ( and maybe also tomorrow !!).
Of course i packed lots of

tshirts for him !!

We may log in again tomorrow or sunday ...

But i wish to say a really big

to each and everyone in this wonderful group !!!

It has been so much fun "chatting" with you !! And i have also learnt something !!
Thankyou for letting us be part of such a warm and friendly thread !!!

i know i'll miss you all ...
though ( of course ) i'll be very busy with the mouse !!!!

see you all very soon on the dream : Can't wait !!

and safe travels everyone !!!

ciao , laura

safe travels laura and marco!! Can't wait to see you!!

 

[kritter]

I see where several people have mailing or are mailing a box to the ship. Is the information in the FAQ still current or is there updated information? I've never done it, and while we probably have sufficient luggage allowance to fly it there, we are going to Universal pre cruise and I'm not sure if I want to mess with lugging the FE gifts around everywhere.

I'd appreciate it if anyone can share their info and advice!

I am in a major stress/panic situation. I have been travelling almost weekly for work for the past year, generally to Tampa. In the past 11 days, I've spent 3 nights Tampa, 1 nt home, 2 nights Va Beach for wedding, 1 nt home, 3 nts Tampa, and 1 nt home. On Sunday, I fly to London for work Monday through Thursday. That next weekend we have our regular theatre tickets and the kids have a birthday party to go to. Monday the 8th I'm in Tampa for 2 nights, then Atlanta for 2 nights, back home on the 12th (my birthday!) and then we fly out on the 13th. So I'm trying to get things organized today or tomorrow before I head out on Sunday night.

I sent a box my last two cruises and it has worked out GREAT!!

 

[kritter]

Cathleen,
Whew you are living a whirlwind existence! Sending a box to the warehouse has certainly worked for my family. One less thing to deal with so that is well worth the expense for me. On our first cruise last October, I sent a "hefty" box (it was almost 30 lbs) that was full of FEs for almost 40 families, it also had sundry little things like the clear bathroom organizer thingamajig that fits over the door, even some costumes. On that same cruise, I know that Jeff (Pudo) sent a box containing a small white noise fan and a few games for his youngest pride and joy. Other cruisers I got to know fairly well on that cruise sent some decent size boxes that were also full of FEs and Halloween costumes. Our second cruise was just with Steve and myself so we didn't send anything. And then this time around we sent a box that contained the FEs, the twins' pirate costumes, and a couple of other little things. It was easy peasy to pack that box well before the cruise and now I am not worrying about it anymore. For us, it wasn't about the extra luggage expense as Steve travels tons too and we have more luggage bags that don't cost us anything than we know how to deal with. The problem for us is the adults just moving it around as our twins really aren't the age to be that helpful with the extra bags.

Kristin (Kritter) posted somewhere in our thread all of the particulars about where to send. I think it was pasted from the sticky about this in the general cruise thread, which, knowing your computer skills, you already have at the ready. What is wrong about that information is the size of the box. There, it says to only send a "record size" box. Well, a record size box (if you are thinking of the old vinyls) will barely fit anything or if they meant "records" like business stuff then that isn't that much bigger. I did call DCL and asked how they defined "record" in terms of actual size -- and the person I spoke to started laughing when I read the particulars of that thread. The person I spoke to told me to "use my best judgment" but as long as I sent a box to port early enough with the correct address and a packing slip attached (definitely don't send any food as dogs will go crazy over the box) then it would be hunky dory and we would see it inside our stateroom. That, indeed, was the case. The box made it to our room before we even walked in.

A long-winded answer to your question. Hope it helps. If there is anything I can do for you up here in our neck of the woods, just send me a PM.

Beth

Hi Beth,,

I totally agree sending a box ahead of time is the way to go!!

 

[lisare]

I haven't gotten caught up in the eBags fervor but I coincidentally enough got an email from Buy.com that they are on sale for $19.99. Not even sure if that is a good price.

http://www.buy.com/prod/ebags-large-packing-cubes-3pc-set/q/loc/16234/212988637.html

So I held off until I read this post and it's all over. I broke down and ordered a set. It was just too good of a deal to pass up.

 

[gfolchick]

I am in a major stress/panic situation. I have been travelling almost weekly for work for the past year, generally to Tampa. In the past 11 days, I've spent 3 nights Tampa, 1 nt home, 2 nights Va Beach for wedding, 1 nt home, 3 nts Tampa, and 1 nt home. On Sunday, I fly to London for work Monday through Thursday. That next weekend we have our regular theatre tickets and the kids have a birthday party to go to. Monday the 8th I'm in Tampa for 2 nights, then Atlanta for 2 nights, back home on the 12th (my birthday!) and then we fly out on the 13th. So I'm trying to get things organized today or tomorrow before I head out on Sunday night.

Oh Cathleen, I do not envy you! You are going to need this vacation!!!


Laura and Marco, safe travels across the pond. Enjoy your time in "The World" and pre-cruise meets. Who's next to leave?

I have 3 items in total set aside as of right now that's how far my packing is and we leave next week. We did stop at WalMart tonight and bought some travel toiletries for our pre-cruise stay. I know which clothes I'm bringing so it's the gathering of all the stuff that mom's have to remember (sunscreen, laundry detergent, all the chargers, clear the memory cards, BAGS-beach, purses, park bag), clothespins, suction hooks, book(s), confirmations, park passes, oh my!)

I need to get busy on my FE gifts, hope to finish them tomorrow. Then I can ship them down too. Good suggestion about asking for a confirmation signature, I'll feel better if I know it's arrived in some capacity.

I also have to get our Boy Scout troop registered for Summer camp, which is the week we're away. DH is Scoutmaster but since we've been booked now for almost 2 years with 5 different families I wasn't about to change this cruise. I have to make rosters, copy health forms and figure out payments (and of course finish collecting forms and payments that were due 2 weeks ago and still haven't received ) DH and DS are camping this weekend and DD is babysitting so I'll have a quiet house tomorrow to get a lot accomplished.

And I thought I'd have this week to chill and get organized, neither kid was signed up for anything, then we got an email from his new soccer team requesting him to attend a soccer camp which is 1/2 hour away with no traffic. Of course it starts at 9 am during rush hour traffic. UGH!

Happy Weekend!! Getting REALLY close now!!

 

[cruisinpenguin]

Hi Everyone!!! Just wanted to say safe travels to Laura and Marco!! Hope to meet you on the Dream Have fun in the parks!!
We leave in 11 days for Vero....so we are getting all packed up this weekend. My son has cub scout camp next week which I'm volunteering so it's going to be a busy full week. Then work for 2 days and on the plane to MCO......getting super excited!!! Can't wait to meet all of you on board. Is there an official meet once we get on the Dream? If so, when and where?
Laurie

 

[Mjasp]

I haven't been on this thread in a while, but I'm glad I got a reply so I can say Ciao, Laura & Marco! Have a safe trip and I hope to meet you on board.

Joanna

 

[TiggerAllie]

Safe travels Laura and Marco! I'm sure Mickey can't wait to see you.

I started making door magnets tonight--got about halfway through. I think we also have FE gifts about half-done now. They are all designed, so now they just need to be "processed". Of course, I still need to make the FE for my parents!

I can't believe the trip is so close! I am sooooooo excited and so glad to have you all to share the excitement with!

Has anyone here been to Vero BR before? Do you know what kind of "beach supplies" (i.e. chairs, umbrellas, etc.) are available for use? Are they hard to get? I'm trying to figure out what we need to bring/buy for Vero. Whatever it is, we'd have to bring it with us on the cruise (though we could leave it with my aunt after the cruise and not bring it home). I'm also wondering how I can find out what activities they have each day. Any info you could direct me to would be greatly appreciated!

One last question-- is anyone doing the segway excursion on Nassau?

Two weeks from today we'll be in Orlando getting ready to drive down to Vero!

 

[cruisinpenguin]

Vero[/B] BR before? Do you know what kind of "beach supplies" (i.e. chairs, umbrellas, etc.) are available for use? Are they hard to get? I'm trying to figure out what we need to bring/buy for Vero. Whatever it is, we'd have to bring it with us on the cruise (though we could leave it with my aunt after the cruise and not bring it home). I'm also wondering how I can find out what activities they have each day. Any info you could direct me to would be greatly appreciated!

Two weeks from today we'll be in Orlando getting ready to drive down to Vero!

This will be our 5th trip to Vero. If I remember correctly for the beach they have chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, etc. that you can rent which DVC members get a discount (unless they've changed that). We're bringing a few sand toys and inflatable boogie board that we'll pack to have for both Vero and Castaway. The pool area will have lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas. You could always call Vero or email them to see if they can send you a schedule of activities for that week. See you there!! Laurie