Christmas Cruising 2005

[nskjerven]

Shelly: Where are you??? I thought you were *a*way for the weekend???? Did you have a nice mini vacation? Congrats on your ressies too....Hee hee hee....we are almost there

Nan

 

[3xthecharm]

I have already thanked her, but I want to do it publicly.

My sister is the greatest. She went on line and booked all of our excursions for us early this morning. We were away down the shore with no way to do it. (She drove back early for work.) She knew I was nervous about my boys being able to snorkle and parasail. I never asked her to do it. She is just that kind of thoughtful person.

Way to go Shelly3girls.

 

[Aisling]

Just checking quickly in to see how everyone did.

I just found out that my Trunk Bay excursion is the one where they stop the boat in 20 feet of water and you snorkel or dinghy to the beach. I thought the boat goes up to a pier, but no. Now I'm getting neurotic about sharks. Poor silly me!

BBL

 

[grimgrinnin]

Greetings from the Grand Californian!
Mickey says "Hi!"

We started our trip with SWA loosing Dede's suitcase. They did find it and delivered it to the hotel about 8 hours later.

We did the 'From Imagination to Celebration Tour' last night. With this tour, you get reserved seating for the new fireworks show, which was the primary reason for taking it. I didn't want to have to defend my fireworks real estate for 2 hours.

We sat right behind 'Jean' from the X-Men movies (have no idea what her real name is - I didn't even recognize her, but Dede did).

We have reserved balcony seating for Fantasmic! tonight. Fantasmic! is totally different in DL than MGM - there's no stadium. Heck, there are no seats. It takes place on the Rivers of America. With the balcony seating, you get to watch the show from Walt and Roy's apartment balcony, while pigging out on a dessert buffet. Kinda like an Illuminations cruise, without the boat

I didn't want to mention either of these events earlier because they were surprises for Dede. I know, I know - I'm quite a catch!

Off to have a nap to rest up for the feeding frenzy!


grim

 

[KKB]

You give me hope if many excursions are still open.
I posted a ? about the kids club ever "filling"...and the word is that it is rare, but sometimes when there are a lot of kids on the ship...LIKE HOLIDAYS!
GREAT! Well, nothing I can do but wait.
Shelly, I hope you are right about MIL in Cat. 3...
Well, cannot change the situation, so need to move on!
I still all you wonderful people!!!
Hey, are there any spots open for Dolphin Encounter? Thought I'd let SIL know.
Jack wants to go out...so better run
Kris

 

[Aisling]

Greetings from the Grand Californian!
Mickey says "Hi!"

Wow, what a nice surprise, Grim!!! You didn't forget your crew while in DL! How's the GC? I hope you report back about Fantasmic! Dede, watta guy, you lucky princess, you!

I wish Tig could post from WDW; that would be a real treat, to have one friend in DL and one in WDW at the same time giving us mini trip reports. I live on TRs!

I posted a ? about the kids club ever "filling"...and the word is that it is rare, but sometimes when there are a lot of kids on the ship...LIKE HOLIDAYS!

Kris, I saw your post, and I know those people have the DCL experience that I don't, but I know they must save room for same-day ressies for the kid's clubs. They can't make everything available online, or even over the phone right from the first day...it really wouldn't be fair to so many people. You'll get the kids in. Don't even try to do it online; call DCL directly everyday if you have to until they come through.

Did you get any excursions? If not, I'm sure they have a chunk of those saved, too. I checked the Dolphin Encounter a little while ago, and it wasn't listed anymore. But the same thing happened when I wanted to book the CC eco-tour...all times were gone within a few minutes, with not even one opening left. But today I saw there were openings. People booked like crazy this morning, and are now re-thinking their choices and canceling, especially after seeing the total $$$$$ all these excursions will cost! Plus, as I said, DCL is probably opening more slots in dribs and drabs. YOU WILL PREVAIL! <--------insert heavily-muscled smilie here

I'll be back later...I have to get my laundry out of the dryer!

 

[3xthecharm]

They are no longer taking any type of phone reservation/registration. I called yesterday. They told me that starting today all res/reg must be done online.

I would think that because of this they would save something for those without internet access.

 

[Aisling]

They told me that starting today all res/reg must be done online.

I'm VERY surprised to hear this. Many people are going to be unhappy with this new policy.

Kris, Were you able to book any other excursions?

 

[3xthecharm]

I was very suprised. I was all set to book my excursions over the phone this morning. I had called yesterday to make sure I had the right number and time to call. I call two different numbers. They both told me that as of today only online booking was available. I was in a panic! Then sis pulled through.

Kris, I hope everything goes well. I would try to book as soon as MIL makes the final payment. People have booked more excursions than they plan on doing. They will probably cancel as the trip gets closer.

 

[domiii]

Grim - will you marry me? No wait, I am already married and so are you, darn. Dede you are one lucky girl!!! I LOVE little surprises.

Realized I forgot to make ressies for one excursion for Dominick and Kayla ... guess what the time I booked everyone else for was not available! CRAP. I booked it anyway and will hopefully be able to switch. It's only 2 people!! I hope our flight is early, I need to hit the ground running once we board. Once the running is over, I'll be able to relax!!

 

[trinibjill]

Well now, It looks like everyone is starting to get all the excursions they want & everything is going to be "hunkey doorey"

Do you like my new avatar? It's Leader of the Pack from the Hamilton Collection. Some day I will buy it. It's only $29.95. In the meantime I will be hog wild with it. The spokes, mirrors & headlights are mickey shaped.

 

[trinibjill]

Kris
The following was taken off the internet in reference to childrens ability to signing in and out. Both of you are right depending on how old the kids are. Hope it helps.

Throughout the day, Disney characters are on hand to meet and greet the little cruisers as well. The Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab offer age-specific programs with lots of fun, interesting hands-on activities to keep the younger set entertained. All children must wear a wristband with vital information such as name, age group, stateroom number, pertinent medical information and whether or not they have parental permission to sign themselves out of the Lab on their own (this privilege is only available to kids 8 and older, younger kids cannot sign themselves out). Parents are given pagers for the duration of their child's stay so that they can be contacted if necessary. Children with special needs are welcome, simply give the Oceaneer Club or Lab advance notice so that they can schedule an extra counselor if necessary. There are also some counselors who know sign language to assist children who are hearing impaired. With Cast Members from over 50 countries around the world, many foreign language needs can also be addressed

 

[nskjerven]

Jill: I don't think Kris' question was about getting in and out, but signing up for the club in the first place...Wasn't it?

Kris:I worried about them filling up too, I think it is weird that we sign up for a "DISNEY" cruise and then maybe they don't have room for our kids. Too Strange!!! I figure once MIL makes your final payment you'll be able to sign the kids in. Good luck.

Have a good day, I'm out and about yipee, too early for me....

Nan

 

[trinibjill]

ISIL is still convinced that we have to sign kids up for the times we want them in the club. I said, no, just a one time sign up, drop off/pick up whenever want. I am correct, am I not? (per Passporter, unless I am misinterpreting). I told her this already, and she is still convinced she is right. Of course, she has done NO research, unlike myself who has read virtually every available resource on the subject!!!!! (of course, MIL is ALWAYS right...!!!
Kris

My answer was to this particular question of many days ago. Thanks Nan. She probably did ask the other question too.

 

[Aisling]

Nan, OMG, you're hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I actually SCREAMED a laugh when Jesse and I opened the envelope! He thought you were a nutcase , but I explained the backstory, and now he thinks you're...well, a nutcase!!!!! Thanks so much, you really made my day.

Now to explain to everyone, Nan sent me a bag of Gummy Rats!!!!!!!!! Nan, what in the world do your kids think of me and my family that you'd get a kick out of sending me rats?? Don't scare them away from me, they probably think I'm a ...nutcase!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, just a warning, you just fueled my fire!
A Message To My Cruise Pals: Don't blame me, blame NAN! You'll see what I mean when we all meet!


Karen, I'll join you in the mad ressie rush when we board, just for the heck of it!

Jill, your new avatar is , just like you! Wow, how fitting. Break down and get the Hamilton, it's perfect for you.

 

[trinibjill]

Thanks Aisling - maybe I will but maybe I can hint to someone to get it for me for my birthday

Kris
This is to you from Tig. She was trying to post & couldn't

this system is being stupid-I'll check back when I get home.

Tell Kris, alls she needs to do is sign up the kids the first day and they have a spot for the whole week.

TTYLater,
Luv Ya-Mean It,
Me

 

[nskjerven]

Aisling, yes my children think you are nuts and me to for sending you rats in the mail!!! I on;y hope that our children don't think each other nuts for coming from crazy mamas We need a rat smiley, wonder if we can request one of those from the god(dess) of smiler makers?

They are totally funny huh? We found them at IKEA next to the swedish fish, my favorite candy. They actually jumped into my hands and asked me to send them accross the country...ya right ;-)

Jill, you were right, I can't keep that many questions in my head at one time...I remembered that post when you showed me, duh....

Work, work, work....just got my bill from Disney VISA with the trip on it, do you think they gave me the 6 months, of course not, I have to call them to fix that...

N

 

[Aisling]

maybe I will but maybe I can hint to someone to get it for me for my birthday

Jill, if I remember correctly, you're a November baby? And so is Grim, and Tori and me! I think we're all in a row, too.
So Tig has internet access from WDW?? Hi Tiggie We miss you!

They are totally funny huh? We found them at IKEA next to the swedish fish, my favorite candy.

Nan, I can understand making candy fish, but candy rats, especially from IKEA of all places! Well, IKEA is indeed unique!

About the Disney Visa, do you get the 6 months no-interest only with land/sea packages?

 

[nskjerven]

I think it was with the DCL package, but when I cancel the land & air (I booked airfare and paid WDW deposits today) we'll find out....

More good news to share, but gotta read the little guy a story, not in bed at 9:40 yikes!!!

Nan

 

[nskjerven]

okay serious Disney ressie overboard here. I got ahold of AKL safari people and booked our spots. We are going early morning of 12/22 on the Sunrise Safari & breakfast, then Molly & I are going to the Disney Girl Princess Tea party at 10:30am (sounds like breakfast eh?). I'm sure this is too much stuff to do on one day, but I can't decide between the 2 events so I'm just planning on doing both and being prepared to not stress out over getting from one end of the world, AKL, to the other end of the world, GF. Next I've book a sunset safari dinner thing for Paul and I. It's game hunters safari (photo game I think) and a chef's meal at Jiko. I'm not telling Paul the details just that we are having some time by ourselves that afternoon and evening. Good thing I've got my sister coming huh? okay taking advantage of babysitting sister, for sure that night.

Chatted with Tig tonight, hello to you all she says. She sounded like she was having a blast.

Getting late, better hi the hay..just wondering what Grim & Dede are up to now

Nan