August 2, 2011 disney dream

[Dizzyworld]

We are in cabin 9156. I am so excited now that our booking window finally opened (we are at the 90 day level), but was disappointed to see so much was already gone - only a few choices for Palo dinner and no tea or brunch, all the family cabanas gone.

I was hoping for tea with my DD, who will be 20. She did not get to go last time. Oh well, at least she will go with us to the dinners.

I read that someone said they are holding cabanas 1-5 until the day before the cruise in case someone in a suite would want one. So keep checking back.

We have cabana #6 for the last day. Not sure if we will keep it. With the kids being older, and I'm just as happy with a chair on the edge of the water, the cabana might not be worth it to us. Who knows? I know the cruise before this one when I went online at the 105 mark, they were all gone. At least on this cruise there are two days or 38 cabanas.

I am looking forward to the next cruise when my DS can do the adult things. And he can also go fishing on CC by himself.
I wouldn't give up on tea or brunch if that is what you would like to do.

 

[Dizzyworld]

Yeah, it was not easy sending Brittany off to college. She moved over a 1000 miles away and it has been hard getting to see her the last 4 years. It was good for her though. I think it made her grow up a little and learn to do things on her own.

We have told both children that we want them to be no further than a day car ride away. Luckily the schools he was interested in were on the east coast. Only one school was 2 days way but family would have been close by just in case. But for what he wants to do, he could end up anywhere in the world. Glad we have the internet.

Time to get off the internet since it is really storming here. See ya real soon.

 

[Dizzyworld]

I know someone who does screen print and they do them for me. I tried a few of the shops in town but no one would touch anything with Disney on it.

I have found that situation with Disney and even more so with scouts (My DS is almost an Eagle Scout and we had some plans that we couldn't do using the fleur de leaf. Didn't know the scouts owned that design).

 

[scooter7487]

As for us, if you see a family walking around with Hawkeye shirts on, that would be us! We both work and teach there at University Hospitals, and DD is finishing her sophomore year there.


Small world one of my students when I was teaching at Morningside college and going to grad school at USD is now in IC and I believe his wife is still the or one of the coaches for the gymnastic program at IOWA. He is the athletic trainer at dang can't remember the name of the school but I believe it is a NAIA school that starts with a C.

I loved Iowa. Everyone was so friendly not like here on the east coast.

Off to baseball practice. ttyl

Scott

 

[jham]

It's nice to see this thread getting chattier! As far as the lastest question on what is your "can't miss", I keep thinking about it and just have too many! Of course no Disney trip is complete without a ride on POTC. I have at least one "must do" at each park!

Love all your pictures. I'm surprised that you found red dresses for you and the girls that are very close to the same color red. Not an easy thing to do.

How did you do your boarding shirts? I just told the family tonight I wasn't going to do matching shirts. DS (17) was happy. DH was sad. DD (16) wasn't home. Now I am rethinking the shirts.

Already started to think about door signs. I spend way too much time planning the cruise compared to how long I am actually on the cruise.

Have you done the iron-on shirts? Those are pretty easy. I will do a couple of door magnets I'm sure. I did find a magnet printer sheet in my craft room the other day. I want to make a fish extender too....and FE gifts...I'd better get busy!

Congrats to all in your family. We will be just starting this process [going to college] in the fall with our oldest. I don't like this growing up stuff at all.

I hate the growing up stuff! My baby just lost her first tooth. I found myself yelling at her to stop wiggling loose teeth Poor kid!

My daughter DD18 just finished her freshman year of college. She was only 45 minutes away and I still cried. But it did make her appreciate me even more. I have so many funny stories. The first few months, she would bring her laundry home because she didn't want to A. Share equipment with boys (they're dirty) and B. have anyone see her unmentionables.

Seems like we have kids of all ages coming. It may be nice for some of them to "meet" virtually before the cruise. I have DD18 and DD9. I saw a handsome boy on LeLani's post! And some sweet-looking future best friends for DD9 in Jeanne's post.

Sadly I am leaving the kids behind this trip, that didn't stop me from posting photos of them though! I would love to bring them but hopefully we will all cruise for DDs sweet 16 in August 2013! I plan on re-booking a dummy date on board.

 

[DVC4US]

Just checking in real quick. Below is a picture of Brittany and David at graduation. It was a nice day and the weather was beautiful.(Graduation was outside)

I am so very proud of Brittany. She graduated magna cum laude, with honors, and received the award for outstanding student in human resource management. Now she is off to the MBA program at University of Miami, FL. Sorry, I know it sounds like I am bragging, but she worked so hard for all of that and it's nice to share.

We are now off to dinner and more parties! Everyone have a great Saturday night.

 

[DVC4US]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

 

[DVC4US]

Seems like we have kids of all ages coming. It may be nice for some of them to "meet" virtually before the cruise. I have DD18 and DD9. I saw a handsome boy on LeLani's post! And some sweet-looking future best friends for DD9 in Jeanne's post.

We do seem to have a good mix of ages on this cruise. Alyssa is very happy to see all the teens. I will try to get her on the teen thread soon and possibly some of them can hook-up on facebook. On our last cruise she met a lot of the teens online before the cruise and then we had a teen dis meet on embarkation day so they could figure out how to meet up later for the planning session in the Vibe.

I had to laugh when you said, "the handsome boy in LeiLani's post". That is David(22 almost 23 on cruise) and he is Brittany's boyfriend. They have been dating for 6 1/2 years now.

 

[DVC4US]

Whooo hooo! More Iowans!!

As you can see, we are in Iowa City! LeiLani, we have been to Cedar Falls a couple of times for the State Football Championships at the UNI-Dome. This year, our son's school, Iowa City Regina, won the 2A championship with an undefeated season.

As for us, if you see a family walking around with Hawkeye shirts on, that would be us! We both work and teach there at University Hospitals, and DD is finishing her sophomore year there.


We are in cabin 9156. I am so excited now that our booking window finally opened (we are at the 90 day level), but was disappointed to see so much was already gone - only a few choices for Palo dinner and no tea or brunch, all the family cabanas gone.

I was hoping for tea with my DD, who will be 20. She did not get to go last time. Oh well, at least she will go with us to the dinners.

And I am LOVING all the pictures! If I can figure out how to post a picture, I'll try to put one in of us.

Hi Deb,

Yeah, it was great to see more Iowans on the cruise.

As far as Palo reservations - keep trying right up until the cruise, and you can also try once you get on board. I seen it posted several times on the main threads that DCL will keep some reservations back for concierge and for booking once on board. This happened with our last cruise and most of the people were able to get the things they wanted once they were on the ship. The hard thing with our cruise is it is only 5 nights with one sea day so we have a limited number of brunch and high tea opportunities.

 

[DVC4US]

Gotta go spend Mother's Day with my girls. Alyssa and I fly out this evening so I will probably check back in tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Funny thing last night - we kept telling the kids they are no longer college students but unemployed college graduates!

 

[Dizzyworld]

Just checking in real quick. Below is a picture of Brittany and David at graduation. It was a nice day and the weather was beautiful.(Graduation was outside)

I am so very proud of Brittany. She graduated magna cum laude, with honors, and received the award for outstanding student in human resource management. Now she is off to the MBA program at University of Miami, FL. Sorry, I know it sounds like I am bragging, but she worked so hard for all of that and it's nice to share.

We are now off to dinner and more parties! Everyone have a great Saturday night.

Congrats to all in your family. Where did they go to school if you don't mind me asking? A friend of mine will attend the graduation today of her son who becomes a lawyer (pending passing the bar later). Nice Mother's Day to all of you!!

It is thrilling for me to see so many young people with their achievements. I teach people who dropped out of school, and still don't get that in order for them to be successful, they have to work for it. It is almost like someone said "While you are out, please pick up a loaf of bread and a high school diploma." It is not that easy. The other one I like is when they quit school in the 9th grade and expect to get their high school diploma in less than three months. In my one class, I feel like I am living in the middle of the movie "Groundhog Day."

 

[Dizzyworld]

Here is my question: Since we are going in on the 27th and doing wdw should we pack for both trips or do laundry. I hate to spend a day doing laundry but with luggage prices probably going up wonder if it is worth a couple hours?

thoughts?

Ok some have participated and some have not in my somewhat bi-weekly questions. Here it is: What is the one absolute 1 thing you must do when you visit WDW?

ME: fantasmic
DS 14 Safari
DS 11 Rocking roller coaster
DW MK fireworks

Question 2: If you could work at WDW what job would you want?

I want to capt. the from Wilderness lodge to MK.

(A) We are traveling the same amount of time. I figure we will have to do a little laundry at some point. I am trying to take less luggage this trip because there seems to be less storage on the Dream. On the other hand my DD is so tiny she could easily pack all her clothes in her carry-on.

(B) Must do at WDW:
ME: Illuminations or Everest
DH: Mission to Space
DS 17: Tower of Terror
DD 16: Space Mountain

(C) If I could work any job at WDW it would be party/event planning or teach the "Traditions" course to all new CMs.

We did the "Keys to the Kingdom Tour" last year. That seemed like a fun job until the CM said he had to memorize 65 pages of script.


Happy Mother's Day to All!!!!!

 

[Deb in IA]

And what did you get?

We were at the 90 day window (I forget if that is the "silver" level or not).

We ended up with

Day 2 - Castaway Cay
Cabana 19 on Serenity Cove

Day 3 - At Sea
Remy Dinner at 7:30

Day 4 - Nassau
Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter

Day 5 - Castaway Cay
Palo Dinner at 8:30

I'm going to book a pedi for DD too, and see if I can get added on - we wanted to do it at the same time, but I think you can only do one reservation per time slot online.

 

[JMTStone]

I am so very proud of Brittany. She graduated magna cum laude, with honors, and received the award for outstanding student in human resource management. Now she is off to the MBA program at University of Miami, FL. Sorry, I know it sounds like I am bragging, but she worked so hard for all of that and it's nice to share..

Quite an accomplishment! You SHOULD be proud. Sorry for the faux pas intruding on the 6 1/2 year relationship with her handsome fella, David. :

Unemployed college students - very true

I also just told Taylor since she isn't taking any extra classes this summer its time to find another job (she has a normal Sat/Sun job 6 hours each day). Its either she gets weekday job or she's in charge of Mackenzie (9) and saves me summer camp monies. That should get her moving. Nothing like the fear of the little sister following you around all summer to get you out of bed before noon to find employment. She's having surgery May 18th so she would need time off for that AND our trip.... But as long as she's up front with potential employers about the time off needed, there shouldn't be any issues.

Can you believe we are so close? : BCV/BWV pre-cruise people.... How about a meet on the 1st or the morning of the 2nd before the bus loads? We could meet at the Boardwalk.

 

[coachycp]

Happy to say the team Scooter and I are coaching knocked off the 1st place team by taking 2 games from them yesterday, it's so much fun watching a group of 11 and 12 yr olds growing together as a team!

To answer the questions:

One thing must do:
Both DW and I have to walk down Main Street no matter when we get to WDW and hear the music, smell the bakery and let the goose bumps begin!

If we could work at WDW:
DW would definetely sell DVC memberships
I would think it would be fun to be in a play or show like Hoop Dee Doo reveiw, they certainly seem like they have fun! Although nobody would want to hear me singing, so that could be an issue....

I believe someone said they have a DD that is 9? We do as well, if you are interested in having them starting to talk before the trip in hopes they could pal around let me know. Scooters sons and mine will entertain themselves, I apologize to all of you in advance!

 

[scooter7487]

Happy to say the team Scooter and I are coaching knocked off the 1st place team by taking 2 games from them yesterday, it's so much fun watching a group of 11 and 12 yr olds growing together as a team!

To answer the questions:

One thing must do:
Both DW and I have to walk down Main Street no matter when we get to WDW and hear the music, smell the bakery and let the goose bumps begin!


I believe someone said they have a DD that is 9? We do as well, if you are interested in having them starting to talk before the trip in hopes they could pal around let me know. Scooters sons and mine will entertain themselves, I apologize to all of you in advance!

Um shouldn't you be working? Yes we sent the first place team home with their tails between their legs and head down. Then their coach wants to disrespect our boys/girl. I hope they had a fun 1.5 hour ride home. Oh and guess who is in first now!

Ok whew sorry to vent. Anyway I have seen coachycp act in DHS and I was in tears and my stomach hurt from laughing so much. He needs to put it on youtube. I thought my DW was going to pee her pants. I have not heard him sing and probably don't want to.

Ok our families are Disney nuts and we have had several meetings setting up our trip. My spreadsheet, yes spreadsheet is almost completed. Go ahead coachycp give me grief as it is color coordinated by park and show...... Hey like I tell people planning is essential to Disney. It is getting easier and I am not as controlling as we have been blessed to go a lot.

Ok looks like a time for another question: I don't think I asked this question already but if I did sorry.

Favorite restaurant at WDW.

Mine is easy OHANA!!!!!!!!
DW probably Le cellier or Crystal palace
DS 14 Coral reef
DS 11 Chef Mickey

There are so many.

Ok out to baseball, softball and Lax games

Scott

 

[JMTStone]

Um shouldn't you be working? Yes we sent the first place team home with their tails between their legs and head down. Then their coach wants to disrespect our boys/girl. I hope they had a fun 1.5 hour ride home. Oh and guess who is in first now!

1. I normally do a spreadsheet in color by park with ADR with Extra Magic Hours, etc. and everything but this trip only 2 days at the park so we are just winging it (we do know what day we are doing and which parks we are visiting). Now my spreadsheet only has our Fish Extender information. Also, I can't do a spreadsheet to share with family because of the BIG surprise at BLT AFTER the cruise where I have Chef Mickey reservations.

2. Anyone who takes kids ball so serious to disrespect the other team of KIDS needs a serious look at themselves. And thanks for being a coach. After my 18 year old went through the system, I only "assist" now as I am going through mental-pause and my patience is not what it used to be.

3. Favorite restaurants:
Me: Castle breakfast or brunch
DH: Prime Time
DD18: Le Cellier
DD9: Chef Mickey

Not working either. Please don't tell me one of the over 800 toll free numbers at my company are not working.

 

[JMTStone]

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I believe someone said they have a DD that is 9? We do as well, if you are interested in having them starting to talk before the trip in hopes they could pal around let me know. Scooters sons and mine will entertain themselves, I apologize to all of you in advance!

I have DD9. Here's my precious. She's on WebKinz and Tinkerbell Fairy Hollow if your DD is in the same places, maybe they can exchange notes. OR I could give you email address and they can start there. My little one is Mackenzie. Or Mack, or Kenzie, or Duice, or Boo......

 

[DVC4US]

Congrats to all in your family. Where did they go to school if you don't mind me asking? A friend of mine will attend the graduation today of her son who becomes a lawyer (pending passing the bar later). Nice Mother's Day to all of you!!

Thanks! Brittany and David went to Roanoke College in Salem, VA. It's a small private college about 30 minutes away from Virginia Tech. As a matter of fact, Brittany went to VT her freshman year but did not like how big it was so she decided to transfer to Roanoke and I think it was a great fit for her.

 

[DVC4US]

And what did you get?

We were at the 90 day window (I forget if that is the "silver" level or not).

We ended up with

Day 2 - Castaway Cay
Cabana 19 on Serenity Cove

Day 3 - At Sea
Remy Dinner at 7:30

Day 4 - Nassau
Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter

Day 5 - Castaway Cay
Palo Dinner at 8:30

I'm going to book a pedi for DD too, and see if I can get added on - we wanted to do it at the same time, but I think you can only do one reservation per time slot online.

Our plans:

Day 2 Castaway Cay
Cabana #10 Family Beach

Day 3 Sea Day
Palo Brunch 10:30am
Remy Dinner 7:50pm (4 of us)
8:20pm (3 of us)
Couldn't get a table for 7

Day 4 Nassau
Nothing planned - maybe Hard Rock for lunch

Day 5 Castaway Cay
Cabana #10 Family Beach

We are also planning on doing the Champange Tasting, and the Mixology. You will also find us playing Bingo. We have become addicted to bingo.