Calling All 8/19/06 Special Western Cruisers! AKA "The Cruisin' Castaways" Part 2

[Aurora's Mommy]

Hey all, wish I could commiserate on the coming back from vacation blues, but I didn't take off any appreciable time this summer. B/c the cruise, all totaled, will take up what we normally budget for one summer vacation, we decided just to do day trips and long weekends this summer. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented those day trips and long weekends! We're trying to correct that problem with a trip "down the shore" this weekend, so maybe next Tuesday I can be empathize with those back-to-work blues!

Well, anyway, thanks for attending my pity party , but the real reason I'm posting is to ask if anyone has taken advantage of the companion-ticket reward from the Disney Chase Visa. I got the voucher in the mail, and I'm curious about a couple of things. First of all, if I'm reading correctly, I understand that I will get my fare at a set rate (which was reasonable) and then a companion fare free. Can I book more than two tickets (for the kids), and will those fares be the same, or will they try to soak me for alot more? Also, what airlines are these tickets on, and are the times flexible, or are they the 6AM flights out of Orlando that no body wants?

If anyone has any insight, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[Verandah Man]

Sorry Denise, I can't help with this question as I usually book our flights with Southwest (Philadelphia) or Spirit (Atlantic City). I remember reading something about the companion-ticket, but I didn't pay much attention to it.

 

[Ct_TiggerFan]

Ed--have you heard from your brother in Alabama? How is he fairing with Hurricane Katrina?

Spoke with my family in Alabama,

All are safe, a few trees and fences down around the house.
The power is out. They rode out the storm in Moblie. About 90 mile an hour winds.

They have a generator and expect power to be restored in a couple of days

 

[Verandah Man]

Spoke with my family in Alabama,

All are safe, a few trees and fences down around the house.
The power is out. They rode out the storm in Moblie. About 90 mile an hour winds.

They have a generator and expect power to be restored in a couple of days

WOW!!! Thanks for the update Ed, I was wondering today how your brother and his family made out. Katrina's rains are now hitting our area, and it's supposed to get worse on Wednesday, we will be in a tornado watch for Wednesday as well.

Just ran out to get some gas in the car. I was just watching the FOX 10 o'clock News and saw that gas prices are supposed to jump by 15 to 40 cents a gallon overnight. I found one station open that was still selling regular gas at $2.53 a gallon. I rode past other stations that were already closed for the night and their prices were at $2.70 a gallon. I had a half a tank in the car, so 5.5 gallons cost me $14.00 and Hazel just filled up the car three days ago. Many others must have been watching the 10 o'clock news as well, there were at least 50 cars lined up at the gas station when I got there. The cars were already lined out on the major roadway leading up to the station.

Andy

 

[DMMarla07860]

I don't come on her often, but I'm going on this cruise it will be me and my dad because my mom doesn't like vacation's, well I'm feeling a little left out because I missed this whole thread and don't fell like reading all 300 and something pages and also, can I still get to know people that are going one this cruise even if my dad doesn't post on the dis boards? I'm 18 and I get along great with everyone at every age, and I love the "Bahama Mama", yes my dad and mom do let me have a drink or two of a special day's like birthday's or the first day of a cruise, I love the most Bahama Mama, mudslides, and mike's hard lemonade, only had drinks three times so far through high school unlike my friends

 

[newholidayx2]

ahhh - my baby just left for EIGHTH grade! where did the time go?

dmmarla - welcome aboard - its never too late to get to know us

Andy - I havent filled up my gas tank yet but will take time today to do so. There's an email thread (real life, not DIS) going around that we are to not get gas on Thurs Sept 1st.
yup we've been having rain here too. With any luck it wont be raining when those kids get home from their 1st day of school


Ed - glad your family's safe

 

[Verandah Man]

Angelina doesn't start back to school until September 8th, our school district always starts the first Thursday after Labor Day. Angelina goes to the same high school that Hazel and I both graduated from. I'm just a home town boy, what can I say.

 

[Ct_TiggerFan]

Caitlin's school dosnt start to Sept 6 this year.

Constuction at the High school is delaying start for all grad
My girl is started thrid grade this year, yep time is flying fast.

 

[DMMarla07860]

I don't start school till the 6th and also here is a thread i made for teens and kids to post on if they are going on this cruise, only teens and kids http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=9762942#post9762942

 

[DisneyPoly]

Andy ... did you see on Fox News where they said the gas prices may be as high as $4.00 per gallon in the coming week? Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about it.

My children went back to school yesterday ... hard to believe where the summer went.

Hopefully today the rain won't be too bad, as we tend to get flooded when it comes down too fast.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those in the South who are trying to survive and recover from this terrible hurricane!

Take care!

Maureen

 

[Verandah Man]

Yes Maureen I saw that, but I thought the man the reporter was talking to said it might be $4.00 in three to four weeks. Only time will tell I guess.

On my way to PT at 8:30 this morning I passed a Lukoil station and the price for regular was $2.65 a gallon. On my way home at 11:00am the price for reuglar gas at the same station was $2.75 a gallon. Luckily, the office I had to go to was only five minutes from my house, so I didn't even turn the air on in the car, gotta save where ever we can now. I'm also glad I locked in the price, this past Spring, for my heating oil for our house for this coming winter, I can only imagine what that is going to cost. If I remember correctly, I think the price I locked in was for $2.19 a gallon, I also had my oil tank filled the end of June, so we will start the heating season with a full tank.

 

[Verandah Man]

Just wanted to add this link on our thread for those who might not have seen it.Red Cross Katrina Relief Fund

 

[Verandah Man]

Vacation time is coming to an end for a few of our fellow cruisers in the next few days. I know that Sue and Vicki will be flying back across the pond later today, with an early Friday morning arrival back in Wales. Bev and her group, Karen and her family will be flying home this weekend as well. Safe travels to all, and check in when you get home.

I saw my surgeon on Wednesday and he said my knee is progressing nicely, but he does want me to continue PT for at least another four weeks and has signed me out of work until I go back to see him on September 28th.

I think I'm going to be able to adjust to retirement life quite well when the time comes!!! I have enjoyed being home, but if you ask my DW, she might have a different response!!!

 

[newholidayx2]

just checking in - It sure has been quiet here lately with everyone finishing up their summer vacations
Andy - glad to hear the knee is getting better

Dave went into work today to get his paycheck. His coworkers had a card with cash (they all donated) and a Dunkin Donuts card for him. He's been getting piles and piles of cards too. He spoke to his boss yesterday and let her know he'll be needing sick hours. The hospital all gets together when someone is out on an extended sick leave and donates their time for whoever needs it. The hospital matches sick time. Dave is 3wks short for a return date of Oct 1st. (thats if he returns by then) He'll be needing 60hrs, hosp will give him 60hrs. Dave says alot of the time when time is donated that the person it is donated to often ends up with more time than they started with! Dave in turn will donate when someone else needs it too as he's done in the past. Good program to have.

I spoke w/my boss today and told her Im either going back to WDW 1st wk of Feb or last wk of Mar. She wants to know ASAP so I'll have to rush along my friend with her decision. If she comes (extends her cheerleading wknd) I'll go in March. If not then Im going when the crowds are smaller in Feb.

 

[Reenieny18]

WOW,, been busy watching CNN and CNBC... Terrible news in the SOUTHERN STATES... Me and the kids and been donating all we can... May they all find food and shelter soon and clean living conditons...

Did you all see that baby Zachary that was found in a hospital in another state far away from his parents...I cant figure out why the parents had to leave the newborns in the hospital... and they had to leave??

Daniel started his first day of football today... he SURVIVED at least.. My kids start school next Wednesday.. I have to admit.. I will miss them..

Had my MRI finally of my knee after the Virginia beach incident.. Karen is planning on me coming back to VIrginia in NOVEMBER for her knee surgery again....Tina.. how are you feeling???

To all those effected by hurricaine KATRINA and all their loved once..

Doreen

 

[SeaSpray]

50 weeks to go!!!

 

[Verandah Man]

50 weeks to go!!!

Thanks Terry, we're getting there, slowly but surely!!!!!

 

[florida sun]

Hi Guys

Well we arrived home this morning at 5.30am after a very smooth and entertaining flight home.

We have had a little sleep and I just wanted to pop on to let you all know what a great time we had. This has been our best trip to the world ever.

Meeting up with all of you at the dis meet was fantastic and what a great time we had. I have managed to catch up a bit with the posts and as soon as I have downloaded the pics I will post some here as well.

It was great to put faces and voices to names and felt like I had known you all for many months before we met you. Tina (my dear neighbour and Liza Minelli sound alike, your a blast and I cant wait to see you on the balcony next year )Barb, Ed, - fantastic to meet you and your familys and Ed the photos of me taking Tina, taking Bev, taking Andy etc etc were a hoot,and your daughter is adorable,so glad your family caught up in the hurricaine are ok. Barb, great to see you at the world on 2 more occasions(once after I chickend out of doing Soarin, which I did later do by the way lol)and again in innovations at Epcot.The image of you trying to get Jonathans robot to run will stay with me forever, lol.

Bev- I am so glad you enjoyed your cruise and thank you very much for getting in touch with me again when you returned, I am just sorry that we had run out of time to arrange anything.Sounded like you had a great time and I hope you have a safe journey home.

Andy- Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the hospitality you and your family showed me and Vicki while we were there, it was great having dinner with you at Planet Hollywood and Breakfast with you all at(im not sure where?,was it Sizzlers lol), your a true gent and are so looking forward to the cruise next year.Give Hazel, Angelina and Vi my love.

Karen- My friend from my side of the pond,we have been talking about this holiday for months, and when I met you for the first time, it was like I had known you for years, thank you, for all the time you and Jon and the girls spent with us, it was fantastic.

Terry it was great to speak to you on the phone, and as soon as I have time I will fill you in on what it was like at the Pop, we throughly enjoyed it.

Doreen it wont be long before you hear my accent, 50 weeks and counting.

Welcome to all the new people who have joined the thread since I have been away and hello to all my other cruise friends.

Take care All

Suexx

 

[Verandah Man]

Welcome Home Sue and Vicki, it was so great meeting you both, looking forward to sharing our dinner table with you next August!!!

Hazel, Angelina and my mom say hello to you both!!!

Take Care!!!

 

[newholidayx2]

Hello everyone - here it is - a long holiday weekend! Yeah! Planning on taking Jon to a faire tomorrow (he loves the baby chicks) and back to the Davis Farm on Sun. Mon Im planning as a day of rest.

Terry - thanks for the weekly countdown. We're heading back to the Cape Sept 16-18 for a clambake at MILs. Maybe sometime before winter sets in we can meet somewhere for lunch?

Sue - glad you arrived home okay. You have got to talk to me about the Pop. I booked it today for March 24-26 (Fri-Sun). I'll be there myself that wknd and requested 70s - Big Wheel bldg. Any advice for a solo wknd?
Im staying there that wknd before switching to the VWL Mar 26-31. A friend and her 16yr daughter will be staying w/me there.
Yes I did change from Feb (as earlier posted) to March so my friend can join me.

Take care everyone. Going for a short walk soon.