Christmas/Holiday 2011 on the Wonder: 8 night Mexican Riviera 12/18/2011

[Dchachos]

As a follow-up to the Sunday 3pm meetup in the Promenade Lounge, may I suggest a casual meetup on Monday (once everyone is settled in an fully in "cruise mode")? It's a great opportunity to get to know people better, talk about excursions, and share other ideas about the trip. We could have it in the Outlook Cafe See the link below...

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/wonder/nightclubs-lounges/outlook-cafe/

It's a nice indoor facility with excellent views and casual open seating with plenty of room to mingle. Although billed as an adults only venue, by then our kids will all have "disappeared" into the Club/Lab/Edge anyway, rarely to be seen again for the rest of the cruise (you gotta love Disney!). You can bring in your own beverage, or get one there or at any of the other nearby options. Or, you can just come hang out. Monday is generally a good day to do this as it will likely be quite cool outside still and not the best pool weather. We could also choose a different venue if anyone has some suggestions.

I know it's hard to get a group together with all the other activities going on, but it's a nice chance to make friends with some of your shipmates that you'll be running into for the rest of the week, as well as maybe later at DLR or even a future cruise. It's also a great time to figure out what tastings or other events might be fun to participate in. We could do it either in the late morning (coffe and/or Bloody Marys) or sometime in the afternoon (libation of your pleasure). I would like to finalize this no later than this weekend so we can publish a meetup summary before everyone hits the road.

What do you think about having it on Monday either around 10:30 or 11:00am, or maybe 2'ish if afternoon is better?

All comments/suggestions welcome!

Thank you so much for organizing all that you have: you are very organized and good at planning, or so it seems.

I like the idea. I prefer the later time, but would make either. I am slow going in the morning, but I have a feeling that the boys are not going to let me be. Thank goodness for the clubs, it's the only way I will get a nap in on this cruise lol.

Dianne

 

[designertravels]

Love the Christmas card!!! Last year we sent out a Magic Christmas post card with a link to our blog. The bag in your picture looks like my FE holder from Michaels.

Meet ups, all the times work for us, unless the Muppets are playing.

Jill

 

[Brooklyn]

We have Palo Brunch Monday morning so the earlier time is out for us. We might be able to make around 2 on Monday. We will have to go by three...it takes me a few hours to get everyone ready for formal night. Getting everyone showered, the girls hair, my husbands uniform, and making it to *free drinks* I mean the Captains reception takes some time. On the Halloween cruise however the Apple Martini's were not good, here's to hoping for those bartenders on vacation!

 

[DisneyDadHere]

afternoon meetup On Monday sounds good here. I like afternoon libations (beer) better than morning libations (baileys coffee, bloody Marys)

Also looking forward to meeting everyone and getting excursion tips from the experienced cruisers.

 

[betsy918]

Love the Christmas card picture! I can't wait to hit the beach! I am probably ok with any meeting time on Monday, as long as my daughter is ready to do the kids club. She's really enjoying e mailing with a few of the other girls, so I hope that will transfer over into being ready to leave my side on the first or second day.

Betsy

 

[SanDeeKath]

Awesome picture in Cabo! How creative (and funny)!!! We will have to do that sometime too, for sure! Your DD's are adorable...

Meeting Monday afternoon sounds great to me too!

Katherine

 

[SanDeeKath]

Forgot to post this.

Great website that shows sea conditions for about 3-4 days ahead:

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/mmm.html?map=wave&animate=1#map

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

afternoon meetup On Monday sounds good here. I like afternoon libations (beer) better than morning libations (baileys coffee, bloody Marys)

Also looking forward to meeting everyone and getting excursion tips from the experienced cruisers.

Here, here!! I agree with the afternoon libations and I love the Outlook Cafe! It's a great spot, and unique to the Wonder. Monday afternoon sounds great.

Brooklyn, I LOVE your Christmas picture!! Last year ours was us with the sand snowmen on Castaway Cay. Your picture is beautiful and so fun!

Dianne, I get the kids matching pajamas every year for Christmas- always red. A tradition dating back to when I was a little girl, my granny got me red pajamas every Christmas. This year I got all 4 of us Mickey pj's...hopefully they FIT everyone since they were clearance at the Disney Store...and (crossing fingers...) I can actually get all 4 of us to take a picture in them! I love your Santa hat idea. Think I will steal that!

I officially started packing tonight!! I made a spreadsheet for the kids of each night of the cruise, so they (ahem, me... ) could make sure they had an outfit that still FIT for each night. Good thing since my son needs new dress slacks and a couple new dress shirts. He's still a shortie, but apparently has outgrown these since the March cruise. Macy's on Saturday it is!

Christine

 

[Dchachos]

Here, here!! I agree with the afternoon libations and I love the Outlook Cafe! It's a great spot, and unique to the Wonder. Monday afternoon sounds great.

Brooklyn, I LOVE your Christmas picture!! Last year ours was us with the sand snowmen on Castaway Cay. Your picture is beautiful and so fun!

Dianne, I get the kids matching pajamas every year for Christmas- always red. A tradition dating back to when I was a little girl, my granny got me red pajamas every Christmas. This year I got all 4 of us Mickey pj's...hopefully they FIT everyone since they were clearance at the Disney Store...and (crossing fingers...) I can actually get all 4 of us to take a picture in them! I love your Santa hat idea. Think I will steal that!

I officially started packing tonight!! I made a spreadsheet for the kids of each night of the cruise, so they (ahem, me... ) could make sure they had an outfit that still FIT for each night. Good thing since my son needs new dress slacks and a couple new dress shirts. He's still a shortie, but apparently has outgrown these since the March cruise. Macy's on Saturday it is!

Christine

Christine

I love having the same hats every year. I also love going places to take the pictures. This year I wasn't able to arrainge it.

I saw the PJ's that Disney they are super cute. Did you get them personalized ? I had already got mine from target. The boys have monkeys on theirs. Some years I have a hard time finding them, but this year they were everywhere.

I thought I was one of the only people that create a spreadsheet for packing.

I have started making piles and have one suitcase packed. The one that is packed is too small so I bought a new one. Time to start all over. I have no idea how I am going to get all our stuff plus presents and decoration in 2 suitcases I may have to go to 3.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that my doctor will let me postpone my chemo tomorrow, that gives me 3 more days to pack and more energy for the trip.

Well off to bed.

See you real soon.

Dianne

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi everyone!

Wow, we fly to Long Beach in 9 days!!! I can't believe it!

I've been so so so busy, so it's been hard to write on this board often... just trying to get all of my Christmas shopping done and get our house decorated for Christmas before the 17th , then all the regular things... kid's school, homework, sports, etc. etc. etc.... I haven't even thought about packing yet, so I have that to add to the list, too!

Anyway, I noticed some of you got PJ's for your kids for the cruise. I always do this!! On every Disney cruise we go on, I always buy matching Disney PJ's for our boys to wear on the ship.

I got these for both my boys for our Christmas cruise!

http://www.disneystore.com/disney-s...amas&Dr=pPublished:1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial



The tastings thing sounds good to me.... we'll just plan on doing wine tasting on our own during the cruise when they offer it, and if any of you are signed up at the same time, we can sit together.

Diane, I hope you didn't have to do chemo and you got a break!! My cousin is dealing with breast cancer right now, so she is in the thick of both Chemo and radiation right now, so I know from watching her and helping her how difficult it is, and when she gets a break, it's really nice for her.

Glad you get to go on this cruise!! That'll be a great vacation for you.

Ok, back to getting more things done...

The ship sails in 10 days!!

Take care,
Kathy

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi Kathy, I am also a runner! I'm right in the middle of my training for an upcoming 1/2 Marathon on New Year's Eve (my running club's "Get Fit so you can Get Lit" 1/2) and a full in at the beginning of Feb. So, you will see me out on Deck 4 every morning. I can't stand treadmills, I admit that I LOVE the feel of a breeze thru my hair while I run.
Maybe we could meet up for a run one of the mornings.
I'm an early riser and runner, so I can finish and be back and showered when the rest of the family is starting their day.

Kellie

That's great you are a runner!! And, congrats on the upcoming races! That is awesome. I used to run full marathons and half-marathons, but quit doing those because I didn't have the time to train, so now I just do shorter distances (5K's and 10Ks).... but overall, I just run mostly for fun and to keep in shape!

At home, I'm an early riser, but not by choice, but by force because of the kid's school schedule! When I'm on vacation, I'm not a super early riser... we usually sleep until 8 AM or so and then my DH and I will take the kids to breakfast and then to the kid's club, and then DH and I will go run together usually around 9ish AM. So, that is about the time frame when we'd usually be running.

At any rate, there is nothinig more fun that to run on deck 4 with the ocean breeze.... and just the view of the ocean is amazing!! Oh, and not having to run in 30 degree temps is AWESOME!

Take care,
Kathy

 

[mdlove2cruise]

Hi everyone! Only 9 more days until we fly!

Monday afternoon is good for me. Since it is starting to get cold back here in the east I am looking forward to the warmth.


Debbie

 

[Dchachos]

Has anyone used the Internet service on board? I want to Skype my sister on Christmas. And if possible everyday.

Since I have been sick 8/2009, my sister and I speak at least once a day, even when she was on vacation in Hawaii and if we can't call we text. I know calling and texting is out, my phone does not work internationally. Not only will it be weird not to talk she is my cancer buddy and keeps track of my progress in issues. We made a deal when it all started that it was our cancer and we were going to fight it together.

She wants to come so bad but doesn't want to leave her husband alone on Christmas.

Anyway sorry about the long story I had chemo this afternoon and I think I am still a little high on the happy juice they give me. You have your tequila I get my ativan


Wow is today December 8th only a few more days.

See you reel soon

Dianne

 

[Dchachos]

Hi everyone!


Anyway, I noticed some of you got PJ's for your kids for the cruise. I always do this!! On every Disney cruise we go on, I always buy matching Disney PJ's for our boys to wear on the ship.

I got these for both my boys for our Christmas cruise!

http://www.disneystore.com/disney-s...amas&Dr=pPublished:1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial

Kathy

I got the boys Disney pjs for the regular nights, becuase on Cyber Monday they were on sale for like $7.

But for Christmas I got theirs at Target here is the link: http://www.target.com/p/Paul-Frank-for-Target-Boys-2-pc-Pajama-Set-Red/-/Ais avastin available in the us-13667438.

What might be cute is to take a group picture of all the kids, who want to participate, in their pjs. Hey maybe the grown ups too.

See ya real soon

Dianne

 

[Brooklyn]

The internet is good for checking email and checking facebook but when it comes to uploading pics or skype it is almost impossible. The best bet would be to skype from somewhere in Cabo on Christmas Eve. I know it is not ideal. I have a feeling that the internet will be SUPER slow on Christmas bc many will want to connect with those at home including the crew. The more people on the slower it is.

Has anyone used the Internet service on board? I want to Skype my sister on Christmas. And if possible everyday.

Since I have been sick 8/2009, my sister and I speak at least once a day, even when she was on vacation in Hawaii and if we can't call we text. I know calling and texting is out, my phone does not work internationally. Not only will it be weird not to talk she is my cancer buddy and keeps track of my progress in issues. We made a deal when it all started that it was our cancer and we were going to fight it together.

She wants to come so bad but doesn't want to leave her husband alone on Christmas.

Anyway sorry about the long story I had chemo this afternoon and I think I am still a little high on the happy juice they give me. You have your tequila I get my ativan


Wow is today December 8th only a few more days.

See you reel soon

Dianne

 

[hitormiss]

Has anyone used the Internet service on board? I want to Skype my sister on Christmas. And if possible everyday.

I would suggest using an instant message service like Yahoo Messenger, AOL IM, or Google. Then you can write back and forth in real time - just coordinate and test it with your sister ahead of time. You might be able to do text over Skype, but I have had trouble on other cruises doing voice or video. They take up too much bandwidth.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I have emailed everyone in Group 1 their final FE spreadsheet, and maps by deck of the participating cabins. I have Group 2 finished as well, but need just a couple email addresses to send out that as a group. So if you are in Group 2 expect it in the next day or two. I sent the maps in powerpoint. I was able to make the map a little clearer and the cabin listings better than I have in the past. I might take this all a little too seriously.

Anyway I hope it helps with the packing!

Christine, who would much rather work on the FE maps than grade her student's tests from last week....

 

[Brooklyn]

Thank you, you did a great job!

I have emailed everyone in Group 1 their final FE spreadsheet, and maps by deck of the participating cabins. I have Group 2 finished as well, but need just a couple email addresses to send out that as a group. So if you are in Group 2 expect it in the next day or two. I sent the maps in powerpoint. I was able to make the map a little clearer and the cabin listings better than I have in the past. I might take this all a little too seriously.

Anyway I hope it helps with the packing!

Christine, who would much rather work on the FE maps than grade her student's tests from last week....

 

[betsy918]

Christine, I just received the cabin maps. You are so awesomely organized! I can't believe you got all that accomplished while teaching. I am so behind on getting ready for all this that I justified taking a sick day today with only a bit of a headache so I could cross a bunch of things off my list. You're amazing! Thank you!
Betsy

 

[Dchachos]

Christine, I just received the cabin maps. You are so awesomely organized! I can't believe you got all that accomplished while teaching. I am so behind on getting ready for all this that I justified taking a sick day today with only a bit of a headache so I could cross a bunch of things off my list. You're amazing! Thank you!
Betsy

Betsy with you about how amazing Christine is at being organized. I am retired and still have a heck of a time organizing and getting ready.

I have piles and piles of cruise stuff all over my house. I just finished my FE gifts 2 days ago and got them organized, but not packed.

Christine must be a secret super hero.

See you real soon

Dianne