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

[LynnTarrant]

Hi everyone
I'd really like to meet up with some/all of you sometime
deck 10 sailaway definitely sounds a winner.
Grumpy's Mum
We're going to be late seating for dinner on a large table and as 2 adults i guess that puts us probably on the LAP rotation. If there is a way of linking up the tables we'd be happy to be included.
Ginny
I've been following the boards and it seems that we could probably go to our character breakfast and have a coffee or something and then still come to brunch, we would like to go to Palo's and it does sound like a whole lot of fun.
Us Brits are always up for a party I'll have to try and find some lime green ribbon!!
Ginny
I'm really keen to have a go at parasailing, Tower of terror doesn't worry me and I've completed a parchute jump before... but I don't like castle battlements or cliff walks or ridges/ steep slopes while walking in the mountains.

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Lynn - that sounds like a good idea - do you know what time the character breakfast is? I know my girls will want to go, not so sure about DH, I would like to go if the girls want to, to take pictures (and videos). I probably would not eat, and would love to go to Palo's later that morning.

 

[Ginny]

Hi, all - Happy Saturday!

Bonnie - You are AMAZING!! Thanks for spending so much time on research!! I agree with the APL rotation. I think after what I have found, that is the one we would like and that would carry the theming through with dinner. Chuck has been teasing me for weeks about whether we were going to be PLAP PLAP again. He was quite surprised at 6 AM this morning to find out I had changed things on him and was going for ALPA ALPA instead. Of course, he did point out that this would cause an overhaul of my DCL spreadsheet!!

Speaking of spreadsheets, I don't know of anywhere on this site or others to pull together all our rotation info, name, room number etc - it's a great idea. As mentioned above, I already have our WDW schedule and our DCL schedule in Excel files with color coding. Do I need professional help or what? Seriously, I pop the schedules into document protectors and we never have to look for confirmation numbers or wonder if we have things right. I learned this skill when I first joined the DIS. It has been a lifesaver for a 40-something with rapidly diminishing brain cells.

Does anyone else feel like their entire vocabulary changes when planning their cruise?? We e-mailed DS the link to the main DIS cruise board and this thread and he is already speaking DIS-ese. In fact, after he began reading, he was teasing me about my post that "suggested" that we might not be seeing much of him on the cruise. Hey, we'll take all the undivided attention a 16-year old will pay us.........and then some!

Dinner Ressies: You can link your ressies together in one area if you have the same seating. In fact, some DIS'ers a couple of years ago mentioned having other folks link to their ressie without their knowledge. Talk about a surprise. I think that issue has been resolved by DCL. I don't know how that impacts seating (table size) but it does suggest that whatever rotation is finally determined, it will stand for the group.

As to previous DIS parties - Beano had a CAT 3 but it was one of the 4 larger handicap access CAT 3's far aft with the huge verandah right below Topsiders. I know only because I did a search on that particular room and his string of posts came up. He's a great sport but was understandably unhappy because, long after booking, he found out that those CAT 3's are unlike the regular ones and, while larger in floor space, don't offer the same sleeping accomodations and other amenities as the regular ones. I can't remember whether they brought a blow-up bed with them or not but I remember DCL suggested a sleeping bag. That was helpful!!

Julie -
I am happy to hit Home Depot again and mail you some Lime Green Mickey's to give you extra time to prepare!! You can PM me your address if you would like and I can stop by tomorrow and pop them in the mail. Of course, the catch is that when you figure out something to do with them - you share the idea! :LOL:

 

[jgalecpa]

Good news!

Rieann has swung around 180 degrees and now is up for the Palo's brunch (as long as it is not too early)!

Monday sounds great. Count us in.

Jim

 

[Ginny]

Jim - That is great news!! I can't wait to meet both of you (face to face)

Brunch doesn't start until 10 or 1030 (I think) so I can try for 1030 or 1100 on Monday. How does that sound for everyone?

Are there other folks who have early seating that would like to try for the ALP rotation? If so, I will call next week (after the 60 day mark) and see if there is a possiblity of linking ressies to make that happen.
Please PM me your name, room number or CAT guarantee and number in your party. We all know processes change all the time so I have no idea if this will work but we can try!!

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

I really thought Jim had something up his sleeve (not the fish) for the green mickeys!!

Easiest thing to do would be to put everyone's names on them (real names, or dis names -- maybe both), laminate them, and either tuck them in the front of the KTTW holder (with Ginny's Kleenex) or bring a hot glue gun and pin findings -- (by now, we are bringing so much other stuff - everyone is going to be confined to one suitcase so I can use the other 4 for various and sundry items including the Christmas tree).

I think VM made those round pins with the snap-on backs out of his, but I haven't had time to read his trip reports very thoroughly.

Oh, before I forget, A.C. Moore (a craft store here like Michael's) has magnetic wreath holders. They have two different kinds, and are pretty strong. The more expensive of the two ($12 vs $7) was the stronger, in my opinion. They also have a backing which comes apart, so that you could use it on glass - one piece on the front of the door, and the other on the back of the door - We will plan on using it on our storm door next year. Now, just need a wreath --- (more shopping)

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

he was teasing me about my post that "suggested" that we might not be seeing much of him on the cruise. Hey, we'll take all the undivided attention a 16-year old will pay us.........and then some!

When we told the DDs about the cruise, and then started to discuss some of the things they could do onboard, DD-13 looked at me and said, "Are you trying to get rid of us?"

We have the late seating -- you all have cruised before - is there benefit to early seating? Or is it just what you are used to?

Who else in our thread will be doing late seating? I can make the same phone call Ginny does (after she tells me what technique she used to make it happen) for those with late seating - if you are interested.

Ginny - you sound so organized. I guess I will have to learn how to use whatever spread sheet I have on here - Probably Quattro pro - it can't be that different from Excel. I was planning on getting the format put together tomorrow for our family meeting Monday night. Color coding sounds excellent!!

I was thinking of you today as I was buying more fall berry garlands and leaves - I am getting two grapevine topiary forms (three large balls, small to large, from top to bottom) that are about 4 ft tall, which I am going to make up with berry garlands, a few leaves, orange lights, and put out on my front door with a matching wreath - Then I can "morph" them into Christmas decorations out there after Thanksgiving!!

(of course, that is the plan -- if I spend any more time on these boards, it may never happen)

 

[jgalecpa]

When we told the DDs about the cruise, and then started to discuss some of the things they could do onboard, DD-13 looked at me and said, "Are you trying to get rid of us?"

I got nearly the same thing from shannon two nights ago! (dd-12).

My thoughts with the Dis head were to either pin them on in line at the terminal (can you say "Super-Dork"), or to put the on a piece of carry on.

We got the Lanyards at Wal-mart, so Maybe there's something we can do there.

1030 -1100 sounds fine for me. I'm an early riser so it will be lunch for me and early lunch for Rieann.

What does one wear to Palo's brunch (m/f)?

Jim

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Jim - do the lanyards have the plastic ID holder attached? I had asked the guy that does all of my clothing at my store at the high school to get me a bid on personalized lanyards - have yet to hear back - how about lime green with red print (Dis and Xmas??).

Did they have lime green lanyards at WalMart?? Can I ask how much they were?



I think Shannon and Mackenzie will definitely hit it off - does she have the eye roll down, too?? Maybe they can sneak in to each other's programs depending on the activity. How much longer until she is 13? Is she in 7th this year?

Hadn't thought about dress at brunch - DH does not want to hear "No jeans, no shorts" again from me!

Here - I found this in the locked DCL dress code thread:

"SUGGESTED DRESS FOR PALO DAYTIME EVENTSThe suggested dress for BRUNCH and HIGH TEA on the 7-night cruise is RESORT CASUAL, with NO SHORTS requested. Ladies generally wear sundresses or casual pants, gentlemen wear casual pants and polo-type shirts.


That is about what I thought -- More shoes??

 

[jgalecpa]

Sounds like Khaki slacks and a Polo for Palo's. My uniform!

Shannon will be 13 NEXT august. So I don't know, I'd love her to be able to do some things with the 13 yo's. She is in 7th grade.

I think the "eye roll" is on some standardized test they give the kids these Days. The "Leave no parent unfazed" rule.




The WMT lanyards were a whopping $0.97 each. They were in the office supply section at our store. BTW, Rieann had a time finding them in our WMT, I have the SKU if anyone wants them.

They are clear plastic with red cords.

......

BUT... Just matched up the HD mickey heads with the WMT lanyards. The lanyards are actually very nice. They have an outside sleeve which could hold your KTTW. An inside zippered area to hold other stuff.

The HD Mickey heads fit perfectly into the outside sleeve (Sideways) ALSO, they would laminate very easily onto the outer front panel of the pouch.

If one did this, you could laminate them with the owner's name on them for easy identification. (You could put your DIS name on the ears, e.g.)

In the terminal, etc they would be easy to sport and then spot each other!



NEW TOPIC:

What time are people arriving at the terminal?

We'll be in the 1030 area. We are just driving up from Melbourne that am. (25 min away)

Jim

PS Is it my imagination or are the countdown timers going faster?

 

[Ginny]

Well, two years later I find that I blew Palo's suggested brunch attire and didn't even realize it. I wore nice shorts and a Tommy Bahama camp shirt. I thought I looked nice! I remember lots of folks in nice shorts and/or pants and/or sundresses. It was much more casual than dinner (although I've seen all types of outfits there, too).

Okay, I've decided to cut to the chase, cheat and purchase lime green luggage tags and lime green water wallets for the family from the DIS store. I really tried to convince myself that I could do something creative but after glue gun flashbacks from my Girl Scout SWAP adventure, I am opting not to challenge myself into an ER visit. LOL

Bonnie, your decorations sound so elegant............truly lovely!! But, I don't understand that time conflict you mentioned - Don't tell me that everyone doesn't read these boards at all hours (and for hours) as you and I seem to do? I don't understand!! By the way, if you have Excel, I will just e-mail you my 2 spreadsheets and you can type over them with your info.

It sounds like the teens are going to all have a great time. If Erin meets a nice little girl (or 2 or 20) of 8 or 9, that would be wonderful. But, the highlight of this cruise is having her big brother with her - nothing tops that!! Even though he will do things with others his age, she is still thrilled to have these 10 days with him.

 

[p3guy]

Ginny/Jim,
I've been peeking at the boards every now and then when I'm able just to see what else I haven't done that I need to do. The list keeps growing...I shall now be on the prowl for a lime green mickey head, whatever that means Anyhow, you two seem to be very proficient at this Disney cruising so I've got a couple of questions for you regarding reservations. After my final payment I received an excursion request form in the mail. It mentioned I could fill it out and fax it as early as the 60 day point. I've been reading about how people will be ready to make their reservations by phone and was wondering if there's really any difference between phone or fax? (I'd just as soon not hang on the phone.) Do the excursions really fill up that quickly? I've only got a couple I'm working through Disney (including the teen catamaran cruise for DD in Cozumel) but I'd hate to miss out because I wasn't quick enough on the draw.
Look forward to meeting all of you. Do they serve beer for brunch at Palo's?
Greg

 

[Ginny]

Greg -

I don't remember anyone having beer but they had a full bar and brought us champagne, mimosa's, bloody mary's and fuzzy navals or anything else we wanted. I am speaking of the 15 different DIS'ers not just Chuck and me....just wanted to be clear.

The excursions do fill up fast depending on how popular they are. So, come 21 October, I will be on the phone with Guest Services to make sure that the Key West one we want and some Castaway Cay stuff is not booked. Lots of folks prefer to fax, I just prefer to hear a live voice which is what I did on our last cruise and had no problems.
If I keep getting a busy signal, I will fax it anyway just to cover my bases and then call back to verify.

We really want to do the Catamaran races in Key West. We booked our own excursions in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Hope this helps!

 

[hawkrn]

Jim, every time I see the pic of you with the fish, I think you look exactly like Jim McMahon, the Chicago Bears QB in the 80's. Do you remember him? Ginny, it wasn't planned but I got lime green luggage tags at Target last year. Samsonite. Probably cheaper there. I will PM you about my info for when you check dining. Jim, I plan on being at the terminal 1030-1100 depending on when the Budget shuttle drops us off. I'm sure I'll be able to get the Mickey heads when the Home Depot opens. Since it'll be brand new I would think they would stock them!

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Jim - we are planning on leaving WL 9:15 - 9:30 - depends on how fast I can get the DD up and running. Jamie will drop us at the port (should be around 10:30, also) and then take the car back. Have to remember to give him his docks - he won't like it if he gets left out there --- lol

It is not your imagination - I just noticed that my ticker is about 2 hours faster than yours -- my "Cruise" begins at 9:30 when I am on my way - Did you set yours for the moment you step onboard??

Mackenzie is in 7th also - I think I mentioned somewhere that we lived in Alabama for a few years - unfortunately, their Kindergarten cutoff date is much earlier (Sept 5) than any other state we have lived in, and about 2 months earlier than NC. We felt it best to keep them in their grades - even though Megan tried her darnedest to skip 5th grade when we moved here. So, they are both among the oldest in their grades.

Something tells me that Shannon and Mackenzie will have a great time together!!

 

[p3guy]

Ginny,
Thanks. I think I may phone and fax as well. I guess the only way to feel sure is having a voice on the other end of the line. Hopefully the busy signals won't last too long.
Regarding drinks at Palo's...I may have to refine my tastes a bit. 60 days to practice!
Greg

 

[jgalecpa]

Bonnie,

I think I set my timer for 12 noon on the 20th of december.

I'm sure with everyone arriving at about the same time in the terminal that by the time they open boarding Macenzie and shannon will be fast friends.

They can exchange eye-roll techniques!

Julie,
I do remember Jim McMahon. Never been compared to him before. Must be the windblown look of my face. (After fighting the fish for 30 minutes then having to hold her up, it was not as easy as my smile indicates.)

Ginny,

I'm with you. I like the human voice. I will have the back up fax too. since we have two rooms (adjoining) I hafta make sure the excursions goes with the right room.

Jim

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Jim,

[

They can exchange eye-roll techniques!

I don't know that I care to get any more nasty looks than the ones I am already accustomed to!! LOL!!

I believe Ginny's ticker is reading 60 days today!!

What are the girls going to do for their excursions?

We all have the advantage over you -- We know who you are (as long as the fish is coming also)!

Thanks for the info on the lanyards at WalMart -

 

[jgalecpa]

The good news / bad news is that by the end of the cruise, EVERYBODY will probably know me.

Some will like me, some won't. Some will laugh at my antics even though they won't want to.

I'm the Irishman your mom warned you about!!!

Caitlin (15) is going on the cozumel teen cruise.

All of us are planning on doing the parasailing.

Someone is planning on fishing! (Guess who?)

Rieann is shopping!

Jim

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

My mom was always right there next to the Irishman!! Even at 87, she is exchanging what she calls "naughty jokes" with the driver of her van to the senior center every day!!

Can't we sneak Shannon on? Do you think they run the KTTW cards at the start of these excursions on the islands? I would expect that there may be plenty of teens who don't frequent the teen club on a regular basis who show up at this cruise - but, the problem may be getting her a ticket --


Jamie is still working on a fly fishing excursion --

We also have some friends from here who are going to be on a different ship and will be in Cozumel and Grand Cayman on the same days - The dad will be scuba'ing -- and son - DD-17's boy friend in 8th grade and a great kid - Robin Williams and Monte Python rolled into one, will probably want to snorkle!

I will be waiting to see what everyone else wants to do, and then decide what to do - I have to go back and see if Kenzie can go on her own or if she needs to be accompanied -- (mostly, I want a beach chair and a drink).