August 17, 2012 Magic in NYC!

[DVCMagic966]

Hi all! I've been super quiet because my Dad has been really sick. We were worried we might have to cancel the trip and just coming here and reading this thread knowing we might not get to meet all of you was heartbreaking! But it's decided we can go and so I've tried to catch up. I'm not going to quote everyone but try to comment/answer from memory (which is notoriously bad):

To the poster with the teen that likes Minecraft - we are HUGE fans of the game. but I don't think he'll want to discuss it with us since my son is just 8 and I'm 40mumblemumble, lol

We are the Elwell's for the poster that was asking.

I'm planning to run the 5k but I slacked off running once the really humid heat hit. Now all those nice outfits I bought for the cruise are getting snug! I have to get some runs in right away! We are arriving in NY on the 15th and I'm hoping to jog in or around Central Park so I can say I did it. we are planning on going to the Empire State building because my son has a fascination with skyscrapers, and we were thinking about trying to go to Ground Zero. Someone told me I needed tickets to see the memorial, does anyone know if that's true? We are also planning to see the Intrepid on the 16th (DH is a space shuttle fan) and maybe fit in an exhibit at the Discovery Times Museum if we're not completely wiped out. Also at least one breakfast at Ellen's StarDust Diner.

I have to admit I'm not even close to finishing my FE gifts.

A quick story: A couple years ago we were 5 days out from a Magic Eastern itinerary cruise when suddenly my husband discovered he had lost his wallet. He was annoyed but not dismayed since he could still use his passport for ID. He applied for a new drivers license and took to carrying his passport around. 3 days before the trip he loses the passport (from the same pair of shorts. I tried to throw them away since they were obviously evil but he fished them back out.) so we commence scrambling for a state department appointment to get an immediate reissue of the passport, he drove to about 3 registries to expedite his license renewal... Then 1 day before the cruise, when he was completely frantic and I was ready to throw him in the garbage with those shorts a neighbor walks up to us and says he found a passport in our driveway and was holding onto it until he saw us. Then another neighbor runs into DH and says the same thing about his wallet. So trip (and marriage) saved! I mention this because I just got a call from DH that his license has been expired since February. Sigh. What will I do with this man?? LOL

Top of the Rock Rockefeller Plaza is even better than Empire State Building IMO. You look out to the Empire and has a better viewing area. Yes, you do need tickets for ground zero and not sure how far in advance they are selling.

 

[disney debi]

I came to say Hi , since Tupperware mentioned I should in another thread.. But really I was pretending you guys didn't exisit because I missed the FF sign up.... LOL, it's my own fault that's what happens when you book less then 30 days out

So.... Hi... Looking forward to this cruise...As I am sure we all are

Hi and welcome! There is a meet on the first day at three pm. Look forward to meeting you if you can make it!

 

[CastawayCayley]

Wow! That was a lot for one post! So glad you will still be able to cruise and hope your father is doing better. Get your dh to the dmv to get that license!!! Well I guess he could still use the passport. Love the 40mumblemumble! I am 40mumblemumble as well!

Sorry for the ramble! I was on a roll and couldn't stop, lol.

Yay for 40mumblers!!

 

[CastawayCayley]

Top of the Rock Rockefeller Plaza is even better than Empire State Building IMO. You look out to the Empire and has a better viewing area. Yes, you do need tickets for ground zero and not sure how far in advance they are selling.

Yeah, we kicked that around when planning but, like I said, my kid is really into skyscrapers. For him it's not about the view, it's about the building. He wants to be in THE Empire State Building; see it, touch it, acquire ESB souvenirs, etc.

Thanks for the heads up about Ground Zero. It wasn't immediately obvious when I went to the website (I can be oblivious sometimes) but then I checked again after your post and I see that they are required. We decided we couldn't pin down a time so we aren't going to go but if anyone else is interested it looks like the 16th is sold out.

The 17th is too but I'm sure every one here has only one destination planned that day!!

Speaking of which, someone asked about arrival times; we are scheduled for 1:30 which is so against our base travel instincts! We are get-up-early-and-get-there-ASAP people. But there was some buzz from earlier cruises that the terminal clears out and is easier to maneuver so we're going to try our best to mosey over there at a leisurely pace...

Even if it kills us.

 

[TMelchiorre]

What time do we disembark at the end of the cruise? I need to let our ride know so they can pick us up.
Thanks,
Tracey

 

[CastawayCayley]

I came to say Hi , since Tupperware mentioned I should in another thread.. But really I was pretending you guys didn't exisit because I missed the FF sign up.... LOL, it's my own fault that's what happens when you book less then 30 days out

So.... Hi... Looking forward to this cruise...As I am sure we all are

Sorry about the FE, but so glad you're joining us!

 

[DMMarla07860]

What time do we disembark at the end of the cruise? I need to let our ride know so they can pick us up.
Thanks,
Tracey

they usually want people off the ship by 9:00am or so

 

[Amybmomof3]

Yeah, we kicked that around when planning but, like I said, my kid is really into skyscrapers. For him it's not about the view, it's about the building. He wants to be in THE Empire State Building; see it, touch it, acquire ESB souvenirs, etc.

Thanks for the heads up about Ground Zero. It wasn't immediately obvious when I went to the website (I can be oblivious sometimes) but then I checked again after your post and I see that they are required. We decided we couldn't pin down a time so we aren't going to go but if anyone else is interested it looks like the 16th is sold out.

The 17th is too but I'm sure every one here has only one destination planned that day!!

Speaking of which, someone asked about arrival times; we are scheduled for 1:30 which is so against our base travel instincts! We are get-up-early-and-get-there-ASAP people. But there was some buzz from earlier cruises that the terminal clears out and is easier to maneuver so we're going to try our best to mosey over there at a leisurely pace...

Even if it kills us.

We have a 1:00PM boarding time and are early risers too. Does anyone know what happens if you arrive before your scheduled time?

 

[NTOFD]

What time do we disembark at the end of the cruise? I need to let our ride know so they can pick us up.
Thanks,
Tracey

On our cruise in June they had an express walk-off option starting at 6:30, you had to carry your luggage off. Starting at 7:00 they did debarkation by luggage tag.

 

[iluvdiscruises]

Ok I'm in the panic packing mode...haven't started to pack but woke up twice in the middle of the night last night thinking of things I didn't want to forget!!! I guess I better start a list!! We cruise a lot so I have cruise packing down, but need so many extras packed for a dis cruise!!! I think my daughter needs her own suitcase for just her princess dresses!!!!! EIGHT days!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Fatima1922]

Ok I'm in the panic packing mode...haven't started to pack but woke up twice in the middle of the night last night thinking of things I didn't want to forget!!! I guess I better start a list!! We cruise a lot so I have cruise packing down, but need so many extras packed for a dis cruise!!! I think my daughter needs her own suitcase for just her princess dresses!!!!! EIGHT days!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's so funny you say this. My daugther is 5 so I can usually pack her clothes in my suitcase or in her father's suitcase. Her clothes never take up much room but I am actually contemplating her having her own suitcase!

 

[Keever]

Hi Jenna45
Do come to the meet!
Who are you traveling with? I will add you to the list of cruisers.
K

Cayley
Thanks for the Ellen stardust tip. I think we will try it!
l

 

[disney debi]

Hi I'm Debi and I'm an overpacker! Is there a group for that?

 

[Jenna45]

Hi Jenna45
Do come to the meet!
Who are you traveling with? I will add you to the list of cruisers.
K

Cayley
Thanks for the Ellen stardust tip. I think we will try it!
l

Just me Jen ( dare I say I just turned 36 )

and DS 16 Tyler

Looking forward to meeting you all

 

[Keever]

Just me Jen ( dare I say I just turned 36 )

and DS 16 Tyler

Looking forward to meeting you all

Great! Lots of teens on this cruise. See you and Tyler at the meet.
L

 

[NTOFD]

One week, that is 7 days until we board

 

[TMelchiorre]

I have a list of things I don't want to forget. I just keep looking at it and adding to it. My mind is always thinking about the cruise. I just can't wait. It's hard to believe we have been waiting for this for over a year!

 

[iluvdiscruises]

One week, that is 7 days until we board[/QUOTE

I just saw the Magic!!!!! It's in NYC ready for the two night cruise today...

I have only been to castaway cay once in 2007 so I know they've made lots of renovations. Anyone know how much shade is there now?Lots of umbrellas or a select few? We didn't do a cabana. Just deciding if I pack my beach umbrella or not!

 

[NTOFD]

One week, that is 7 days until we board[/QUOTE

I just saw the Magic!!!!! It's in NYC ready for the two night cruise today...

I have only been to castaway cay once in 2007 so I know they've made lots of renovations. Anyone know how much shade is there now?Lots of umbrellas or a select few? We didn't do a cabana. Just deciding if I pack my beach umbrella or not!

We have never had a problem finding an umbrella, they have added more for the larger ships so there should not be any problems with our cruise.

 

[iluvdiscruises]

Thanks for the info on umbrellas!!! Getting very excited!!!