Bahamas?? Alaska??? BAHAMAS! Dream coming true June 21-26, 2011

[Leshaface]

shoooo I need a friend who can get me into Club 33 too!!!!
well its not like I plan on DL anytime soon...

wow the pic of the castle...made the castle look so small..is it much smaller than cindy's castle?????????????

The castle is SUPER tiny compared to Cinderella's castle at the MK! It probably also didn't help that I took that picture from the top of the double decker bus I was on. And I think you should definitely plan a trip to DL soon!

I think you would like all the stuff about the WDW history, the event was fascinating! They covered part of it at the seminar and then I got to ride it the next day at DHS. It was great to find out they were having previews last week. Yesterday I did the Little Mermaid ride, cute and really well done, but I wouldn't wait more than 30 or so minutes. Not going to be worth the 2 hours that the lines will be like on Friday!

I can go on about all the Boston stuff we did as kids, but I think it was always the same stuff, ride the street car into Quincy Market, go shopping, see Paul Revere's house, go to Cape Cod...it was a lot of fun to go back there as an adult and pick what we wanted to do!

I'm sure the parks are CRAZY today! I wonder if the opening of LM will alleviate the crowds from TSMM?

Is the LM ride pretty short or did you find it to be just the perfect amount of time?

Just wanted to hop over and say hi! We are getting so close...dh and i will also be celebrating our anniversary (the 22nd will be our 4th) can't wait...too close now. We leave on the 15th for wdw...hopefully I'll see you on board maybe at the disboard meet!

Yes we're getting super close! And yes I hope we can definitely meet up on the cruise! It's gonna be a blast!

 

[franandaj]

I'm sure the parks are CRAZY today! I wonder if the opening of LM will alleviate the crowds from TSMM?

Is the LM ride pretty short or did you find it to be just the perfect amount of time?

I doubt that LM attracts the same crowd as TSMM, but I bet that Star Tours is taking the crowds away from TSMM. They covered the opening on the news today and it was NUTS! The line was all the way around the hub and down Main Street.

The LM is short, but there wasn't a lot more they could have done, it's not as complex as story as Harry Potter or anything! It was cute and worth waiting in a short line, but all the moms and their little girls will be waiting there, which the adults and young boys are all at Star Tours.

I did hear one guy say something really funny when I rode it during the previews. He turned to his friend and said, "I don't know all the words! That's so weird!"

 

[bangzoom6877]

Just wanted to come by and say hello!! Your cruise is only 17 days away!!!!!

You must be so excited! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Our cruise is 8 weeks from today...we were on the way to my cousin's house last Saturday and the ship happened to be docked in Manhattan! We passed by, and I showed the boys. They got all excited about it. I also ordered their tuxedoes for the formal night, and they arrived earlier this week. They will be wearing matching black tuxes with tails! We are going to take tons of pics, and use one of them as our holiday card picture this year.

My sister and I are already beginning to plan next summer's WDW trip too! My mom says we should wait until after the cruise and focus on this year's vacation first! Then, my mom will chime in and mention how much she LOVED the breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and just sitting in the lobby of the Grand Floridian! We will be going in the middle of July again. My sister and I are hoping that they open the Art of Animation Resort before that, so they can stay there instead of Pop Century. It's going to be another value resort, right next to Pop, based on 4 different Disney movies. There are 4 sections: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Cars. It looks awesome, and perfect for them!

 

[franandaj]

My sister and I are hoping that they open the Art of Animation Resort before that, so they can stay there instead of Pop Century. It's going to be another value resort, right next to Pop, based on 4 different Disney movies. There are 4 sections: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Cars. It looks awesome, and perfect for them!

Did you see the update on my TR where they covered the Art of Animation resort at Destination-D? I want to stay there even owning DVC!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Did you see the update on my TR where they covered the Art of Animation resort at Destination-D? I want to stay there even owning DVC!

I will have to check that out, I haven't read it yet. Thanks Alison!

I asked on the Resorts board if anyone knows a projected opening date. Someone replied and said that Disney says it will open in stages, by wing. The first wing is scheduled to open in May 2012. But no announcement of a date when reservations can be made. I guess my sister and parents can book Pop and then cancel if necessary, to change it to Art of Animation. We will be booking in August for our July 2012 trip, and my sister said that they are going to book as soon as we do.

 

[franandaj]

Hey, I know you're totally getting into trip mode, but we'll be in your neck of the woods next week. Our friend up there had a heart attack Saturday night. They let her out of the hospital yesterday and we would come up sooner if we could. We plan to bring her some food plus bring her a few dinners. If you want to get together for coffee or drinks at some point maybe we could work itvout.

 

[jenifred]

I loved reading ur TR. I'm in.

You had me cracking up with the shirtless pics of your brother!!! I was laughing so loud my DH came over to see what was so funny. Then he asked my I was looking at photos of a topless man on the internet, when I was allegedly researching our DCL cruise...which made me laugh even harder.

I'm totally jealous of your Club 33 trip. Your friend ROCKS!

I can't wait to see pics from your cruise. You are going to have a blast! If you are into relaxation, spend some time inthe Rainforest room in the Senses Spa. No better why to unwind on the boat!

Jeni

 

[Leshaface]

Just wanted to come by and say hello!! Your cruise is only 17 days away!!!!!

You must be so excited! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Our cruise is 8 weeks from today...we were on the way to my cousin's house last Saturday and the ship happened to be docked in Manhattan! We passed by, and I showed the boys. They got all excited about it. I also ordered their tuxedoes for the formal night, and they arrived earlier this week. They will be wearing matching black tuxes with tails! We are going to take tons of pics, and use one of them as our holiday card picture this year.

My sister and I are already beginning to plan next summer's WDW trip too! My mom says we should wait until after the cruise and focus on this year's vacation first! Then, my mom will chime in and mention how much she LOVED the breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and just sitting in the lobby of the Grand Floridian! We will be going in the middle of July again. My sister and I are hoping that they open the Art of Animation Resort before that, so they can stay there instead of Pop Century. It's going to be another value resort, right next to Pop, based on 4 different Disney movies. There are 4 sections: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Cars. It looks awesome, and perfect for them!

Hi Bonnie!

I CANNOT believe my trip is in 12 days!

It feels like I have nothing done, but i'm still stoked!

Oh wow, I completely forgot about that new Value Resort that will be in! Is it scheduled to come in by next summer already?! And i'm so jealous that you'll come home from vacation, planning a Disney vacation! That's so awesome!

How's your back by the way?

Hey, I know you're totally getting into trip mode, but we'll be in your neck of the woods next week. Our friend up there had a heart attack Saturday night. They let her out of the hospital yesterday and we would come up sooner if we could. We plan to bring her some food plus bring her a few dinners. If you want to get together for coffee or drinks at some point maybe we could work itvout.

Oooh yes Alison! Let me know which days you'll be here and available, and i'll be glad to meet up for drinks or coffee! Either one is fine with me! Hope your friend is doing alright...

I loved reading ur TR. I'm in.

You had me cracking up with the shirtless pics of your brother!!! I was laughing so loud my DH came over to see what was so funny. Then he asked my I was looking at photos of a topless man on the internet, when I was allegedly researching our DCL cruise...which made me laugh even harder.

I'm totally jealous of your Club 33 trip. Your friend ROCKS!

I can't wait to see pics from your cruise. You are going to have a blast! If you are into relaxation, spend some time inthe Rainforest room in the Senses Spa. No better why to unwind on the boat!

Jeni

I hope my brother didn't cause too much trouble with you!

And yes, my friend totally rocks pretty hard!

I've read about the Rainforest room...is that something that you get when you buy a service or can you buy that as a service?

 

[Leshaface]

Howdy everyone!

So here's the latest scoop:

1) My brother stopped by the TA's office yesterday (and waited 20 minutes because she forgot he was out there waiting ) He got the packets and asked about the flights. She did not get us all together. Which is something I SPECIFICALLY asked for back in January because my brother's wife has an issue flying and it would have been more comfortable for her if she sat by familiar faces. I was definitely not happy about that. ESPECIALLY since we didn't specify a particular airline, she could have looked at many airlines in order to meet our requests. However, we have our flight information. We leave out of LAX on Monday morning at 8:30 and arrive in MCO at 4:30. And we leave Sunday the 26th, out of MCO at 11:30am. I'm hoping that we will be able to make the plane on time. I've read on the boards that it would be easier if you get an afternoon flight so that you don't have to rush through breakfast and rush off the ship to make your flight, so I guess we'll see?

AND she forgot to note that we were all celebrating our wedding anniversaries on this trip

2) I ordered some HOT shoes from zappos on Tuesday and they came in yesterday morning!

http://www.zappos.com/steve-madden-haylow-blush

They were such a great price and I LOVE Steve Madden shoes!

I wanted something neutralish so I can wear it with pretty much anything...just have to find some black heels now...

3) Tomorrow (Friday), DH and I will be making a trip up to Fresno to get him a jacket, and get me a formal cocktail dress for our dinner at Remy. I'm REALLY hoping we can both find something, especially since we're running out of time!


4) Probably sometime early next week, i'll be making a trip to target to buy our travel necessities and other odd things.

So that's all I have to update for now!

 

[jenifred]

I've read about the Rainforest room...is that something that you get when you buy a service or can you buy that as a service?

I just called DCL about it today. You have to reserve it when you get onboard, no advance reservations. You reserve access to the room at the Spa and reservations are limited. The price is per day. You can get as little as one day or full cruise access. We did three days on our 4-night Wonder trip in 2009. It was rainy, so the cost was well worth it. We are going to do at least one day on our 3-night Dream trip in September 2011.

 

[franandaj]

Your travel agent really bites! You could have done a much better job booking it on your own. That is pretty worrysome that you have such and early flight. If anything you might have wanted to stay over another day. Can you call DCL directly and tell them about your situation, you might want to find out how early they can get you off the boat and if you even have a chance of getting to MCO in time. You would need to be on your way at about 8:30AM at the latest and I'm not sure if they let you off the boat that early.

Check into it now so that in case you need to make changes, you possibly can. It may cost some $$$'s, but you don't want to ruin the end of your trip by missing the plane! Especially with someone who is iffy about flying in the first place!

 

[Leshaface]

I just called DCL about it today. You have to reserve it when you get onboard, no advance reservations. You reserve access to the room at the Spa and reservations are limited. The price is per day. You can get as little as one day or full cruise access. We did three days on our 4-night Wonder trip in 2009. It was rainy, so the cost was well worth it. We are going to do at least one day on our 3-night Dream trip in September 2011.

Thanks for the info! Perhaps we'll check it out!

Your travel agent really bites! You could have done a much better job booking it on your own. That is pretty worrysome that you have such and early flight. If anything you might have wanted to stay over another day. Can you call DCL directly and tell them about your situation, you might want to find out how early they can get you off the boat and if you even have a chance of getting to MCO in time. You would need to be on your way at about 8:30AM at the latest and I'm not sure if they let you off the boat that early.

Check into it now so that in case you need to make changes, you possibly can. It may cost some $$$'s, but you don't want to ruin the end of your trip by missing the plane! Especially with someone who is iffy about flying in the first place!

Bolded = My mom and DH said the same thing...and I know I could have done better. However, my SIL never books trips (always lets other people or TA's do it, and btw this is SIL's TA) so I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable for taking over everything (which, I would have taken control over EVERYTHING). She doesn't seem too upset about us not being close on the ship or on the flights

And I tried calling DCL last week and they said because I booked with a TA, there was nothing they can do, only the TA herself can modify anything So this is what's probably going to happen...we're going to get up early and have an early breakfast and *try* to be one of the first people off the ship (although i'm sure there are many others who will be doing this as well) and honestly if we miss our flight, I really don't care. This ought to teach my SIL to try to not let other people do her stuff for her. (yes i'm sounding really bitter right now, cus I am.) We'll just try to get other flights out if available.

And do you still have my number? If you get the time, even if it's like 10 minutes, I would love to meet up!

 

[Leshaface]

Quick update since i'm leaving to my brothers for dinner..

DH and I went on Friday up to Fresno to get him a suit (which is very nice ) and I finally found my dress for Remy's. It's not as nice as I was hoping for but i'm hoping to dress it up with accessories. I have all the rest of my dresses for all the other dinners, and I still need to get a couple more casual clothes for during the day on the ship.

We're going to go to Target on Tuesday to pick up some sunscreen and medications (advil for hangovers ) and I need to find a swimsuit coverup for Castaway and the pools.

Let's see what else....oh and i'm not sure if I said this already but I bought 2 wine skins (is that what they're called) for our 2 bottles of wine we are bringing..we've also decided to buy some Grey Goose to bring along with us

This is all i'm thinking about right now...WORKING OUT AND EATING RIGHT FOR THE NEXT 7 DAYS! I've been really good these past few months and have noticed a change in my body, but i'm kicking it up a notch this week!

Wish me luck folks! <--- Jumping jacks!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hi!!! OMG, you can almost count the HOURS until your cruise!!!

I read that the new Value Resort at WDW will be opening in phases. The first phse is scheduled to open in May 2012. I don't know when it can be booked though. My sister said she will book Pop if necessary (in August when we book BWV), and she could change it at a later date if she feels the need. But she said they may just stay with Pop, they will see. I think she's nervous about staying at a brand new place before they work out all of the "kinks". I know I would feel that way.

Thanks for asking how I am feeling! I am doing great! I have been going to physical therapy for about 6 weeks now, and it is going well. The PT told me that I am making unusually quick progress, more than he normally sees with patients that had this surgery. He said it is mainly because I had an excellent surgeon who did what he had to do and got out of there quickly, instead of exploring around first and manipulating the area more. He said also that my age, health, and fitness have to do with my progress. Each week I am doing more and more. I now have permission to do some more arm movements with cardio. Before, it was VERY basic, only like clapping my hands or something, while walking or stepping side to side. Now I am able to move the arms more, and do more core rotation. I also started using a stability ball for the core, and I actually love it. I didn't think I would like it. I go back to my surgeon July 14th, for my 3-month checkup. About a week before that, I go for an x-ray. My dream is that the surgeon will tell me that the area is completely fused. I know this can take 3-6 months, or even a little longer in some cases. I am hoping it is fused at the 3-month mark. But, if it isn't completely fused yet, I won't be disappointed either.

Today was the last day of classes for high school students, and tomorrow begins NY State Exams (Regents). June 28th is the last day of work, and the last day of school for my boys. Oh, and I got the green light from my PT to dance at the end-term party on the 27th!!

My cruise is in 6 weeks from Saturday and we are all so excited! I bought tuxedoes for the boys (with tails!) and they are adorable! But, I am slacking off...I haven't made my packing list yet! Usually by now I have it finalized. But...now that I will have more time, I will get it done.

DH has been working very hard, both at work and at school. In mid-July, he will be finished with all of his courses so that he could become a school administrator. He will be finished with his internship in November. He will be interning a lot during summer school. But, the ball is already rolling...his school currently does not have a sports program. They are beginning one in September for the first time, and my husband was officially made the Athletic Director 2 weeks ago, in charge of all the teams! This is right up his alley...he played lacrosse in h.s., and he coached it for 3 years also. So far, they have cross country track and girls' soccer in the Fall. He will find out in a week or 2 about the winter and spring sports.

So, things have been busy here but really good! DS6 is starting swimming lessons in July also! He is finally very comfortable in the water, as we found out at my cousin's house Memorial Day weekend. He learned how to swim a little, and we signed him up for weekly classes, a few minutes from home. Plus, he will continue with karate over the summer. In September, DS4 will join karate too, and he begins pre-k!

 

[Leshaface]

Hi!!! OMG, you can almost count the HOURS until your cruise!!!

I read that the new Value Resort at WDW will be opening in phases. The first phse is scheduled to open in May 2012. I don't know when it can be booked though. My sister said she will book Pop if necessary (in August when we book BWV), and she could change it at a later date if she feels the need. But she said they may just stay with Pop, they will see. I think she's nervous about staying at a brand new place before they work out all of the "kinks". I know I would feel that way.

Thanks for asking how I am feeling! I am doing great! I have been going to physical therapy for about 6 weeks now, and it is going well. The PT told me that I am making unusually quick progress, more than he normally sees with patients that had this surgery. He said it is mainly because I had an excellent surgeon who did what he had to do and got out of there quickly, instead of exploring around first and manipulating the area more. He said also that my age, health, and fitness have to do with my progress. Each week I am doing more and more. I now have permission to do some more arm movements with cardio. Before, it was VERY basic, only like clapping my hands or something, while walking or stepping side to side. Now I am able to move the arms more, and do more core rotation. I also started using a stability ball for the core, and I actually love it. I didn't think I would like it. I go back to my surgeon July 14th, for my 3-month checkup. About a week before that, I go for an x-ray. My dream is that the surgeon will tell me that the area is completely fused. I know this can take 3-6 months, or even a little longer in some cases. I am hoping it is fused at the 3-month mark. But, if it isn't completely fused yet, I won't be disappointed either.

Today was the last day of classes for high school students, and tomorrow begins NY State Exams (Regents). June 28th is the last day of work, and the last day of school for my boys. Oh, and I got the green light from my PT to dance at the end-term party on the 27th!!

My cruise is in 6 weeks from Saturday and we are all so excited! I bought tuxedoes for the boys (with tails!) and they are adorable! But, I am slacking off...I haven't made my packing list yet! Usually by now I have it finalized. But...now that I will have more time, I will get it done.

DH has been working very hard, both at work and at school. In mid-July, he will be finished with all of his courses so that he could become a school administrator. He will be finished with his internship in November. He will be interning a lot during summer school. But, the ball is already rolling...his school currently does not have a sports program. They are beginning one in September for the first time, and my husband was officially made the Athletic Director 2 weeks ago, in charge of all the teams! This is right up his alley...he played lacrosse in h.s., and he coached it for 3 years also. So far, they have cross country track and girls' soccer in the Fall. He will find out in a week or 2 about the winter and spring sports.

So, things have been busy here but really good! DS6 is starting swimming lessons in July also! He is finally very comfortable in the water, as we found out at my cousin's house Memorial Day weekend. He learned how to swim a little, and we signed him up for weekly classes, a few minutes from home. Plus, he will continue with karate over the summer. In September, DS4 will join karate too, and he begins pre-k!

Let's see, 24 hours from now, i'll be on a plane, about to land in Orlando, and in 48 hours, I'll be on the SHIP!!! I'm am STOKED!

I'm so happy to hear that you and your family are doing so well! And very soon, you too, will be on your cruise!

I do hope you take pics of your sons in their tuxedos! I bet they're going to look absolutely adorable!

DH got out of school June 6 and goes back July 28. Not a very long vacation for him at all. Oh well!

 

[Leshaface]

I'm pretty sure this will be my last update, since i'll be leaving VERY SOON.

We will be leaving Tulare around 3:30 am eek for our flight out of LAX at 8:30 and we should land in Orlando at 4:30pm. I was joking with DH earlier today that I had rented a car and made dinner ressies at Jiko at 8pm and he was super excited! Then I felt bad and kinda wished I would have thought of it sooner..

But anyways, I have pretty much all my clothes layed out, ready to be packed. Going to do a few more loads of laundry, clean house, and get all necessary documents printed. I'm assuming since the TA didn't give me any instruction on what do to for airline tickets, that I need to check-in with the airlines online right now

But I'm hoping to return with a FANTASTIC TR with LOTS of food porn and random pictures from the trip. I'm also hoping there won't be any drama that I will need to report with you guys...Alison knows what i'm talking about

Speaking of Alison, I had the pleasure of meeting her this past week! I have a picture, but I need to upload it which I will do when I return!

 

[franandaj]

Have a GREAT Super fun trip! I had so much fun meeting up with you last week!

Take lots of pictures and we look forward to hearing all about it!

 

[bangzoom6877]

You're on the place right now, on your way to Orlando!!!

I hope you have a wonderful cruise, fantastic weather, lots of eating, drinking and partying (of course )!

I am going to take so many pics of my boys in their tuxes, I will have no more room on my camera for anything else!

My sister and I are already beginning to plan next year's WDW trip. It looks like we will be arriving on July 15, 2012 as of now. They are seriously considering staying in a 2BR villa with my parents at BWV so they can stay at the same resort as us! I called DVC Member Services and they offer a discount on cash ressies booked through a member. I have to wait and see how much the discount is when we book, but I think it should be around 25%. I hope they can do it...it would be great to stay at the same resort! They are talking about staying 7 nights this time, instead of 4 nights like they did last year. And we will be staying 10 nights once again!

Then of course, we went back into "cruise mode" and started talking about arriving at the ship terminal, lunch when we board (of course ), and which drink to have for sailaway!

Looking forward to hearing all about your cruise, how addicted you are to cruising after just one, and planning your next one!

 

[Leshaface]

HI EVERYONE! Got back late last night and i'm EXHAUSTED!

However, the trip was absolutely AMAZING!!! This trip couldn't have been better! I have tons of pics to show you all and i'll probably get started on it tomorrow, since i'm not working today, and I need to start unpacking, doing laundry, cleaning, etc....<---guess i'm officially back from vacation

Can't wait to start writing and telling you all about it!!!

 

[gfly]

looking forward to it!