August 18, 2010...Can't wait for the MAGICal Mediterranean!!!

[jel0511]

Wow...our kids really are close in age...Sam and Haylee will be 9 on 5/11. I love Cake Boss....you must be one of those nice and thin people....well don't get shocked...I'm not...I said I was gonna lose 60 lbs before the cruise....guess what...nada ...I just can't get in that hour a day just for me, no matter how hard I try....don't hold it against me...I wish I could have a trainer...you are so lucky. Romantic tea...yea right...LOL

Thin I am not!!!! I had 2 strokes 5 years ago, and have a friend who is a private pilates instructor who comes to my house 2x a week to work out with to help improve my balance. I put on about 75 lbs after the strokes and have struggled to get rid of them. I easily could lost 60lbs as well. I lost 25 a couple of years ago when I first started at a gym, but gave up my membership when Darren's company went bankrupt. So you can see, I'm definitely NOT thin!!!!!!

 

[mindelmouse]

Thin I am not!!!! I had 2 strokes 5 years ago, and have a friend who is a private pilates instructor who comes to my house 2x a week to work out with to help improve my balance. I put on about 75 lbs after the strokes and have struggled to get rid of them. I easily could lost 60lbs as well. I lost 25 a couple of years ago when I first started at a gym, but gave up my membership when Darren's company went bankrupt. So you can see, I'm definitely NOT thin!!!!!!

Wow Lori, you are amazing...I'm sorry to hear about the strokes...but good to hear that you have survived and are here to talk about it. That must have been devastating....I was just teasing with you....well I could actually stand to lose 100 lbs if I had my druthers...but who knows....one day...I'll have time to do it....we'll have to have walking session on sea days...

 

[jel0511]

Wow Lori, you are amazing...I'm sorry to hear about the strokes...but good to hear that you have survived and are here to talk about it. That must have been devastating....I was just teasing with you....well I could actually stand to lose 100 lbs if I had my druthers...but who knows....one day...I'll have time to do it....we'll have to have walking session on sea days...

You're on... but we'll have to fit them around tea, brunch and our respective spa sessions.....

 

[MinnieDiva]

Thin I am not!!!! I had 2 strokes 5 years ago, and have a friend who is a private pilates instructor who comes to my house 2x a week to work out with to help improve my balance. I put on about 75 lbs after the strokes and have struggled to get rid of them. I easily could lost 60lbs as well. I lost 25 a couple of years ago when I first started at a gym, but gave up my membership when Darren's company went bankrupt. So you can see, I'm definitely NOT thin!!!!!!

Wow Lori! I know that it can happen to young people, but you hardly ever actually see it! Especially strokes! Heart attacks, yes. It sounds like the recovery is going well....
k

 

[MinnieDiva]

Slightly off the recent topics...went shopping today for something to wear next weekend. I'm not a frilly girl, and was having a hard time wrapping my mind around buying a dress/skirt I'd only wear once. So, we went to REI and I got a kakhi-colored skirt with a ruffle at the bottom in a very travel-able fabric! Also got a new pair of shorts and 2 shirts! Good shopping karma was with me!
k

 

[susiemmfan]

Kim, Susan, Susie, Stacey and Lori (but we talked already),

The concierge called my DH back yesterday and told us she researched the private room in more detail and found out, if we get the private room we need everyone's ressie # and it will count as your time at Palo. In the alternative, we can get 2 tables (one of 6 and one of 5) use 2 peoples ressies (mine and Lori has graciously offered hers) and they will put the tables near each other. I think the second way is the way to go, since that way everyone can do Palo on their own if they'd like.

Lori - DH said he thinks he can book the second table with the concierge without linking our ressies. I'll let you know next week.

Let me know your thoughts...

That would be fine with us. My mom and I are flexible. I have eaten at Palo once and it was excellent. Also since the kids don't stay long for dinner anymore, it will be nice to have some more adult conversation.

 

[soxfan1495]

My DW asked me to post this question. I know there are lists out there somewhere, but not sure where the best list is. For a 10 day Med cruise on the Magic there might be some special concerns we have not thought about before, on shorter cruises. For example, laundry ... Anyone have any suggestions based either on their experience or on their research? Thanks.

 

[MinnieDiva]

My DW asked me to post this question. I know there are lists out there somewhere, but not sure where the best list is. For a 10 day Med cruise on the Magic there might be some special concerns we have not thought about before, on shorter cruises. For example, laundry ... Anyone have any suggestions based either on their experience or on their research? Thanks.

This is very recent on laundry:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2439285

and I'm looking for the tips thread as well. In addition, you might want to peruse the 2007 trip reports and what not:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1998121

will post again when/if I find the tips thread.

kim

 

[MinnieDiva]

This is very old, but can't find the newer one:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1264914&highlight=tips

And this is the sticky at the top of the cruise forum area:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

not sure if this is what you needed or not, but hope it helps. You might want to look at the trip reports that are starting to crop up to see what issues may arise.

kim

 

[soxfan1495]

Thanks, Kim. These links are very helpful. When we went on a 7 day cruise last year we had way too much stuff and it was a real nuisance to have to carry it all, as well as having to pay for it to travel with us. We will definitely use the laundry facilities and reduce the number of bags we bring.

Looking at the link that includes 2011 sailings makes me think of a new question. Do you think Disney will ever add an Eastern Med itinerary? It would be great if Disney had an itinerary that included Venice, Dubrovnik and Greece.

 

[mindelmouse]

My DW asked me to post this question. I know there are lists out there somewhere, but not sure where the best list is. For a 10 day Med cruise on the Magic there might be some special concerns we have not thought about before, on shorter cruises. For example, laundry ... Anyone have any suggestions based either on their experience or on their research? Thanks.

Based on my past cruise, my advice is pack light, bring laundry detergent and do laundry. There are a few laundry rooms (I used the one on deck 7 aft) and it's really not a bad deal. On the 7 day, DH went down one evening, pretty late with his ipod and did all our laundry. With the cost of extra bags to fly out there, it's the only way to survive. DH also found these laundry sheets, that have both detergent and then they go with the laundry into the dryer and have fabric softner. They are amazingly light to pack and convenient. I'll get the name and post it, if anyone is interested.

 

[mindelmouse]

I'm so excited....it now seems so real. On the main board I saw the pictures of the Magic leaving for Europe....

Next Monday night I book my excursions and we finally figured them all out. We decided to do the perfumer's apprentice in Villefranche. I was concerned that my DS (9) wouldn't like it. But I was so wrong. Last night we went out for burgers and next door in the shopping center there was a store called bath junkies, where you go in and mix your own scents to make bath soap, scrubs, or lotions. My DH suggested we go in and try it to see what DS did. He ran in, sat down and started mixing scents...he had a ball and didn't want to leave. That solidified it for me. On the excursion, the kids get to make their own scented soap while you make perfume....so we're done and just have to book.

 

[jel0511]

I'm so excited....it now seems so real. On the main board I saw the pictures of the Magic leaving for Europe....

Next Monday night I book my excursions and we finally figured them all out. We decided to do the perfumer's apprentice in Villefranche. I was concerned that my DS (9) wouldn't like it. But I was so wrong. Last night we went out for burgers and next door in the shopping center there was a store called bath junkies, where you go in and mix your own scents to make bath soap, scrubs, or lotions. My DH suggested we go in and try it to see what DS did. He ran in, sat down and started mixing scents...he had a ball and didn't want to leave. That solidified it for me. On the excursion, the kids get to make their own scented soap while you make perfume....so we're done and just have to book.

Where is bath junkie??? I know there is one in New Hope, but I was hoping there was one closer, I love that place!!!! The excursion in Eze sounds like fun, but Darren really wants to go to Monaco and "play Bond" by going into the casinos. So for us, it's the Eze and Monaco excursion.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Looking at the link that includes 2011 sailings makes me think of a new question. Do you think Disney will ever add an Eastern Med itinerary? It would be great if Disney had an itinerary that included Venice, Dubrovnik and Greece.

I don't know, but I wish they would! Dubrovnik would be so interesting! I'd book in a heartbeat! I really think Disney is making a mistake for 2011 doing a shorter version of the same old thing.

kim

 

[MinnieDiva]

Next Monday night I book my excursions and we finally figured them all out. We decided to do the perfumer's apprentice in Villefranche. I was concerned that my DS (9) wouldn't like it. But I was so wrong. Last night we went out for burgers and next door in the shopping center there was a store called bath junkies, where you go in and mix your own scents to make bath soap, scrubs, or lotions. My DH suggested we go in and try it to see what DS did. He ran in, sat down and started mixing scents...he had a ball and didn't want to leave. That solidified it for me. On the excursion, the kids get to make their own scented soap while you make perfume....so we're done and just have to book.

Huh. I'd never even thought about that! DD might really get into that too!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Based on my past cruise, my advice is pack light, bring laundry detergent and do laundry. There are a few laundry rooms (I used the one on deck 7 aft) and it's really not a bad deal. On the 7 day, DH went down one evening, pretty late with his ipod and did all our laundry. With the cost of extra bags to fly out there, it's the only way to survive. DH also found these laundry sheets, that have both detergent and then they go with the laundry into the dryer and have fabric softner. They are amazingly light to pack and convenient. I'll get the name and post it, if anyone is interested.

Mindy, are you really thinking that you're going to exceed the 2 bags per person limit?

Oh, and I saw on some tip (the one I couldn't find) that someone poured their detergent onto a washcloth, let it dry, then put it into a ziplock bag; voila....!!! Throw washcloth into washing machine and presto! Instant soap!

k

 

[susiemmfan]

Thanks, Kim. These links are very helpful. When we went on a 7 day cruise last year we had way too much stuff and it was a real nuisance to have to carry it all, as well as having to pay for it to travel with us. We will definitely use the laundry facilities and reduce the number of bags we bring.

Looking at the link that includes 2011 sailings makes me think of a new question. Do you think Disney will ever add an Eastern Med itinerary? It would be great if Disney had an itinerary that included Venice, Dubrovnik and Greece.

Greece would be wonderful. Our server on the last cruise said that in 2012 Disney is thinking of having a ship sail out of New York.

I am wishing that they take a ship to Hawaii and cruise the Hawaiian islands especially with the new resort opening up over there.

 

[Cliffside]

Yeah! I booked our airfare tonight. I had been holding out for a lower price. The price did go down, but slight change in plans. We are now arriving on Tuesday (hopefully enough time to recover from jetlag) and leaving on Monday - $600 savings.

Belated cograts on getting your airfare. It makes it seem that much more real!!!

 

[Cliffside]

Okay I need help - (yes I know I left myself open for comments...)

I can not figure out what to do in Villefranche.....nothing that Disney if offering is exciting me...moreover, there's nothing I see that the kids won't be bored with.

Any help or suggestions - will be appreciated.

So far this is what I'm booking next week:

Malta - Valletta for kids
Tunis - The excursion where they make the mosaic
Naples - Sorrento and Amalfi coast with pizza making
Cittavecchia - hmm...think that may be a private tour
Florence/Pisa - same as above
Corsica - Tortoise preserve (because again there was nothing that caught my eye and the kids like turtles)
Villefranche - ?????

Booking group Palo on Tunis night, going to try to get Palo brunch and tea on days at sea and probably a spa treatment on one of the days at sea....

Anyone wants to join us feel free.

I found out that I actually have to go and book everything myself because I can do it as of midnight of the 20th and the concierge doesn't open until 8:30.

Just catching up on all the posts...

You really seem to have everything organized. Your plans look great. Those tours in Malta and Tunisia were ones that we are thinking about. I am very excited to be joining the private tour for the day in Rome. In Naples I think we decided to do the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. By the time we get to Corsica I think we will be exhausted so I think we decided to got to the beach. I have no idea if that is easy to do on your own there so we will probably just book it with Disney. Still haven't figured out Villefrance either.

With the Magic leaving for Barcelona yesterday, it makes August seem closer than ever.

Susan

 

[Cliffside]

Glad you had a good time on the oasis. We were thinking about going with my parents next Spring Break. It just sooo big and my mom has mobility issues. Also was it hard to make reservations for all the specialty resaurants and shows.

Susan