Christmas 2003 - Who's sailing (20-27 Dec 03)?

[hawkrn]

Ok, what is this Green Mickey Head you're talking about from Home Depot? I know it's DIS colors, but.... By the way, I just realized that I can't wrap Xmas presents and put them in our luggage for the cruise. Won't security unwrap them? Also so Xmas trees at Target today very cheap and easily fit in luggage.

 

[LynnTarrant]

Julie
I'm so glad you asked about the paint samples cos i was just about to, I figured it was some US thing that I didn't understand but now I don't feel so bad.
Grumpys mum..
thanks for asking about the diet, I've lost 28lbs and I'm feeling rather proud of myself, I've a long way to go before I can get into the outfit but it's a good start.. and I'll definitely feel better about the long haul flight if I'm not squished into the seat!
Lynn

 

[Ginny]

Hi, Julie and Lynn -

The Disney Company now manufactures (or licenses, I guess) their own line of paints. If you go to Home Depot to the paint section and look for the Disney Display, you will find that, instead of just the usual paint chips, they have their samples offered on Mickey Icons. The icons are about 2.5 inches in length and are right at the Display. They offer a bright lime green color which just fits the bill.

Now, I know where to find them and pick some up but Bonnie is going to have to take over as "Crafts Leader" to tell us what to do with them!!

Seriously, I guess you could laminate them or glue gun them onto a plastic KTTW holder to identify yourselves to others as DIS members. Of course, with all the new "stuff" available in the DIS store, the icons may become passe!!

Julie, I was thinking the same thing about any presents. Even if you pack it in your suitcase, they may potentially want to open and inspect it.

Lynn, Congrats on your weight loss success. You must be very proud.

Kim, I am so glad to hear that DH is up and mobile and has graduated to the boot. We went apple picking and the Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard today but I should check with you and see if there is anything in Virginia that might be fun to try.

Take care all - I can't wait to hear what Bonnie's girls said when they got the news. How exciting and fun!!

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Hi all --

Ginny, I hope your mom is doing well - what a week you had. I have had similar experiences with both of my parents when they were in the hospital - little angels while family members were there, and then they turn in to the patients from H__L when we leave! I think part of it has to do with Sundown Syndrome - my father tried to leave the hospital twice in the early evening, the nurses said he was very, very agitated and wanted to go home. I guess at that age, they are not used to being told what to do. My sister and I have always thought that if they were that agitated and such a pain, they must be on their way to getting better!!

Lynn - congratulations!!! AWESOME LOSS!!

Julie - hadn't thought at all about the gift wrapping - what a pain! I wondered if it is worthwhile posting on the main board about that - surely people have celebrated birthdays, etc. Maybe someone will have a good suggestion.

I think Jim has something in mind for the green mickies - he posted (I think in his "getting prepared" post) that he had been to Home Depot and gotten the green mickies, and "hoped he had enough".

Have you seen the shirts in the Dis store yet? I do forget that they cannot put characters, etc. on them because of licensing issues. I emailed Dorothy Kurz (d.kurz) several times yesterday regarding possibility of special orders with our board names - she said it was on the drawing board, had been talked about, and didn't think it would materialize before we left for our cruise. She said she had thought about getting iron-on letters - I asked her if we could buy the shirts and then "embellish" them - she said that was fine. Not sure what we are going to do - I sincerely doubt that I will get DH into a matching shirt -- maybe the gray one?? the other issue for me is what would I put for the girls - neither of them will appreciate the fact that the day I registered on these boards they were at their worst - I don't think they will appreciate the names of Maleficent and Grump!! May go with Grumpy Mom's DD-17 ! that's interesting, believe the name is Grumpy's Mom -- they would probably love it the other way around!!

We are planning on telling the girls tonight, if the eldest gets home from birthday date with BF in time.

I put together a written invitation that is about 17 pages long (it has all kinds of good stuff in it, flight, where we are staying, the MVMCP, the cruise itinerary, excursions, dinner rotation and dress, onboard fun, etc. I broke it up into about 26 pages, with one event or subject on each page.

I am going to divide the pages in two piles of alternating pages, begining with the invitation, and turn them upside down, and have them each read outloud their pages in alternating sequence - that way, they each will be surprised by what is being read, and no one can read further down the page before the other, etc.

I included all the cites to the boards, the DCL site, Dave's site, etc. and instructed them to come prepared to a family meeting next Monday night, 10/20 with their wish list - so that we can plan our excursions together, and make ressies the next day.

I hope they will be thrilled!! Will post tomorrow about how it goes.

 

[kolakdaw]

Greetings,
My daughters (15 & 17) and I will be going on the Christmas cruise on the Magic. This is our first cruise and we are very excited. From what I've read, it looks like there will be many teen girls on this trip! I'm sure they will all have a great time especially with the new area for teens. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!
Dawn K

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Welcome Dawn and girls!! They should all have a great time together!! What part of the country are you from? This will be our first cruise too, and I have been enjoying getting to know other travelers in this thread, and learning about what all I have to do before we go from the main cruise board!!

Everyone - did not get to tell them tonight - DD-13 had a rough weekend (two overnights, not enough sleep, stomach hurts, etc.) and I sent her to bed early. DD-17 did not arrive home until 11:45 (a little late for a school night, but they both were too busy for this special birthday date during the week of her birthday, and this was the only night available for the next two weeks), and now is finishing her paper on Sergei Prokofiev (Peter and the Wolf composer).

So, will try again tomorrow night!

I did finally get my rental cars taken care of this morning at about 1:00 a.m. -- found a great Disney guest code for Budget on the Transporation board - saved me about $50 on my 2 day reservation, and about $35 the 27th. I know it would be fun to ride in a Limo, but my DH has this thing about having a car, I guess just in case someone needs to go to the hospital ====

TA has been sick with virus that DD-17 has had this week also, and we are hoping to connect by phone tomorrow. Want to find out when we get a cabin assigned, as we booked a "guaranteed".

Will post tomorrow night.

 

[Ginny]

To all -

Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes about my mom. She is doing much better and, it appears, feeling much stronger. Her changes in mental status are, unfortunately, just part of the "journey" of Alzheimer's. But, humor, above all is a lifesaver!!

Dawn - Welcome to our group!! It is always so much fun to watch our DIS group grow as we get closer to our sail date!! And, it appears our number of young ladies continues to grow. Please ask any questions you may have and we will try to help. As Bonnie said, we also post individual questions on the main board and other DIS'ers are more than happy to help!!

My "poor" DS (16) will have to find some way to cope with what appears to be a growing gender imbalance!! LOL! He loves Common Grounds and has always met such great teens on the cruises.

Bonnie - I am so sorry you didn't get to tell the girls yet BUT love the plan - it sounds great!! What a wonderful way to prolong their excitement and really make it the special trip that it is. Also, after I saw your post about the Budget Rental code, I revisited all the town car services vs renting a car (I admit it - I think like your husband but include both the hospital AND the grocery store). Because we would have to keep the car for 5 days on the front end (DS flies in on Friday) and then two on the other side, it didn't work to our advantage.

But, if anyone else has yet to rent their cars, Bonnie's code cut 20-30% from the original rates we were getting in early September.

On the DIS merchandise, if you don't already have a water wallet or aren't familiar with them, they are a great invention! You can purchase them on the ship (at a higher price, I believe) with the DCL logo, too. They used to sell a thinner version on the ship, as well, but I found that to be too small. I wear mine alot and am never looking for my "stuff." On board ship, it holds my KTTW card and a pack of Kleenex and I'm good to go. Since you can't use money on the ship, you really don't need much else. For me, the freedom of no purse is incredible. And, since it keeps everything dry, you can wear it in the Jacuzzi, pool or beach. BUT, the great thing about these is the lime green color and DIS logo which would tell folks right away that you are a DIS member. Also, the luggage tags. DCL reads these boards so, to me, this is a great way to let folks know you are DIS members.

 

[kolakdaw]

Thank you all for your welcome! We are coming from the Albany, New York area. Last year at Christmas, we had two feet of snow! So to avoid any worries about snow delays, we are flying in on the 18th, doing Universal's Islands of Adventure on the 19th, then dropping the rental car back at the airport the morning of the 20th to hopefully catch the bus to the ship. I for one am really looking forward to having Christmas at sea. As some of you moms mentioned, Christmas is always a day of work for me--cooking, cleaning, entertaining. This year, I told my extended family I'm taking a vacation from it all--now someone will have to cook and clean for me! I did get myself a Passporter which is so helpful to a newbie! The girls DD 15 and DD 17 and I are trying to decide which excursions to book. I definitely want Stingray City! There are almost too many choices to decide! Well thanks again for the welcome. I'm looking forward to reading more here and meeting you all! Dawn & Girls

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Dawn - Islands of Adventure is great - we did that on our last trip down to Orlando (even though it was hard to take one day and set it aside for non-Disney events). My DH and DD-17 rode the Hulk several times. DD-13 and I are the wooses (SP?) in the family when it comes to high, fast and turning. There was one ride I particularly enjoyed, the Jurassic Park River Adventure -- actually, we enjoyed just about everything we did - even lunch was great - The Enchanted Oak Tavern for turkey legs ( this was a quick bite, but a cool place to visit).

Did you know that you can leave your car at the port? If you go to www.DCLtribute.com, Dave has a list of rental agencies that have Port Canaveral offices - you have to drop the car and take the tram back to Port, but most everyone who has posted has indicated it was easy and quick. We are planning to do that - You could either go all three together, or leave the girls to get in line. PM me if you want a Chaperone and I will give you my credentials!! Would be glad to help out - I will be standing there with my DDs while DH is returning the car.

What are your girls interested in doing on this trip? I am sure mine both want their hair braided - and will want to try to keep it in until school starts in January - we may try to do that at Castaway Cay (the end of the cruise) - several people posted about lice, etc and were concerned about having it done by one of the island folk. I, personally, have never heard of any problem with that, but better safe than sorry!!

Where are you staying in Orlando? Early or late seating for dinner?

 

[jgalecpa]

My girls LOVE to have their hair wrapped. Never had it braided though.

We were once in the old Straw market in Nassau and we watched a few people doing the braids. Their hygiene left a little, um, to be desired.

One lady was eating chicken while doing the braids. Eat a little, braid a little. Did I mention the chicken was greasy?

UGGGHHH!

I would not hesitate to have someone do their hair if the conditions appeared sanitary. So I would say this is a "game-time" decision.

I do know the hair wrapping is faster, and cheaper. Had it done a few times in WDW and it was quite expensive. As much as $30/kid. Had it done elsewhere for as little as $3/kid.\\

Jim

PS There does seem to be A LOT of girls on the cruise.

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Jim - I am hoping that Disney has the hygiene thing under control - I think everyone on that island is a Disney employee, right? We could probably get it done cheaper on one of the islands - Megan said when she was in Nassau last year, the further away from the dock you went, the lower the cost. I think she managed to get the price down even further, too. She did not have any problems

I was thinking we need to come up with some kind of slogan, motto or nickname for this cruise, given the number of girls that are going!! I am afraid I am just not clever enough today.

What do you think the chances are that the other 500 or so families on the boat will have teenage boys?

By the way, meant to post inquiring as to how many pairs of dress shoes you would be taking - lol!! We don't ever allow DH too many pairs, those size 15's take up a lot of room!!

 

[jgalecpa]

I firmly believe Dis will have the hygiene thing completely under control.

I personally take two dress pair:

One "cordovan" and one black.

I will actually try to limit myself to a total of three pair. Which means one other and that's it.

So between DW-Rieann and I we will average 15 pair probably.

Jim


PS Thinking about the name.

 

[kolakdaw]

Hi--we are staying at the Summerfield Suites by Wyndham which is on International Drive someplace. It was very cheap for a two bedroom suite--$80, so I took it! About the car--what do you do to get back to the airport? Do you rent a car again at the end of the cruise or book one way only transfers? I will definitely look into the car return there. I didn't realize you could do this. That's what makes this board so helpful! My girls definitely want to do the hair braiding and I think we will wait until Castaway. I never thought about the lice issue--yuck! I think I need to sit them down and go over all the excursions to see what they want! It's almost overwhelming, isn't it? In a way, with teens, it's hard to decide. They may want to do things with their new friends instead of doing things with boring old mom! I know beach time is important, as is shopping. So we'll start looking tonight!

Dawn

 

[hawkrn]

Dawn-Hi! I may be jumping to conclusions, but maybe we have the same single parent thing in common. Except that I'm parenting a DS, 10. Where are all the boys on this cruise??? And like Bonnie, we are renting a car from Budget and leaving it at their office at the port (Bonnie-what time will you be there?). Bonnie is renting a car to go back to the airport whereas we are using the one way DCL transfer. It all depends on when your flight leaves. Ours leaves at 1145 so not much time to sightsee! And since everyone has noticed all the teen girls, I thought I'd share MY observation. YOU ALL ARE FROM OUT EAST!!!!! You're going to think I talk funny since I'm from smack-dab in the middle of the US!

 

[LynnTarrant]

Well if people are going to think you talk funny what hope is there for us Brits!!
As for shoes I'll probably have 5 pairs 2 dress, Sandels, Trainers and another casual pair. Hubby 3 trainers ,sandels and evening shoes. Although we'll have to go and buy him a new pair as he says his pinch and he can feel the ground through them!!! Thats what comes of living in trainers
Lynn

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Julie, I don't think I have heard an Iowan accent - the closest around here is DD-17's BF from Ohio - his mom has a midwestern accent -

If you want to talk about talking funny - we is from da south -- Actually, I'm not, but DH is from Falls Church (Ginny and Jim, is that considered "The South"?), DD-13 was born in Columbia, SC, and DD-17 has been in Da South since she was two. You just can't help but talk like the rest of them after living here for 15 years - Lynn, my girls will be fascinated with your accent - my DD-17 is in a community stage production of Camelot right now, and it is a riot to listen to a southern 23 year old young man playing Lancelot trying to do this with a British accent!!

Alabama (five years) had the worst accents I have every heard, and it has taken some time to rid DD-13 of it!

I did rent a car for the 27th - our flight is at 3:00 and I am not sure what we are going to do, but it was cheaper than the transfers, and gives us more freedom - Maybe one more sundae at Ghiradelli's in DTD for lunch???

 

[jgalecpa]

DW-Rieann is from Michigan (where they drink "Pop"). She and I have "argued" about where the south starts.

I believe that geographically, it starts, as the song says "...anyplace below the Mason-Dixon line." The M-D line is the origin, I believe, of the term "Dixie."

My girls swear we are not in the south, but when we go to the British Isles people smile at our "southern" accents. To which we promptly reply "What are y'all laughing at?

So yes, VA is definitely the south. I consider MD too, but even during the Civil war it was a "border" state, but not by its own choosing.

If you view a Dairy queen as a stop sign, you're in the south.

If Barbeque is one of the basic food groups, you're in the south.


Jim

 

[hawkrn]

Jim-don't tell me you drink "soda"????!! Your wife is right, it is pop! And my cousins in northern Minnesota think I talk with a southern accent, so I guess anything beneath your own state is considered the south.

 

[Ginny]

Well, I have to vote with the "soda" crowd although I am a true "mutt" when it comes to my accent. Raised in Southern Cal, college in Texas (where I was quickly informed that young ladies say "y'all" instead of "you guys" especially when speaking to other young ladies), and various time spent in North Carolina and Virginia.

Lynn and Julie - Did either of you ever receive your Lowe's One Card? I can handle rejection..............just not very well!!

 

[hawkrn]

Ginny, yes I got my Loew's card after about 3 months!