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

[SanDeeKath]

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....

Thank you SOOOOO much for all of your hard work! I got your email too and we are really looking forward to meeting everyone at 3pm!

Guess what I am doing??? P-A-C-K-I-N-G-!-!-!

I think I will be ready to get on this cruise this Sunday instead of next! LOL.

Katherine

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

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

Oh, you so would not say that if you could see my desk at work right now...it's a MESS!! I have tons of grading to do this weekend. Sigh I need a sick day!!

Christine

 

[Double Trouble]

Just to help at the meetups, here's who I believe is in our DIS group, along with where they are from...

From the FE lists:
Brooklyn (CA)
Brooklyn’s Friend (CA)
Silly Little Pixie (CA)
SanDeeKath (CA)
Tinkerbellll (CA)
Double Trouble (NV)
Double Trouble (HI)
Betsy918 (CA)
Mdlove2cruise (MD)
Dchachos (NV)
Designertravels (TX)
Kat7clay (CA)
Chernabogfamily (MO)
Country Charmer (MA)
TheLeMasters (CA)
Jalismoore (CA)
Hitormiss (CA)
Kazabby (AZ)
Jptowns (OH)
LovesToRun (WA)
LovesToRun (OR)

Non-FE and Everyone Who Posted on our Thread: (A few of these haven't posted in a while, but hopefully they're still out there)
Julie1 ( )
Disfreaks (WA)
DisneyDadHere ( )
Woodrow (Canada)
Michelle2 ( )
Jzandmeplus3 (WA)
NarrabeenSteph (Australia to Germany)
Hockeybw ( )
Seven2go (CO)
Cin38 (Canada)
Dreemfinder (FL)
Ayumac (CA)

If I missed anyone, or if you know anyone above has since cancelled, please advise. Final Meetup info will be posted shortly. We are very much looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[Double Trouble]

If you are visiting the Disneyland Resort or staying at the Doubletree, Crowne Plaza, or other area hotel before the cruise and are interested in a pre-meet, please reply to this post adding your name to the list. Those interested can then PM each other with details/plans/transportation/etc as desired. I've filled in a few I got from the thread.

DLR:
I know a few posted, but not sure who(?)

Doubletree:
DoubleTrouble x3
Silly Little Pixie

Crowne Plaza:
LovesToRun (not sure due to Bday)
dchachos
jalismoore

 

[Double Trouble]

MEETUPS:

With only about a week to go, I wanted to finalize the meetup schedule, so barring any major objections here we go...

Come to as many as you want!

DLR/Hotel Pre-meets: TBD...See Post 664.

Cruise Terminal Prior to Boarding - All: Meet by the largest TV display where Disney movies/shows are playing (it's obvious once you're through security, just go straight ahead towards the far wall and look on your right). As a backup, in case they happen to have remodeled since I was there a few months ago (added new TVs, etc), go to the far back right corner of the terminal as you see it after passing through the xray security checkpoint. I'll try to post a DIS sign as well. Try to wear something RED, like a santa hat, ribbons, etc. I'll be wearing my Santa hat looking relaxed, but anxious to board, while my twin DDs orchestrate the kids "social" activities.

Onboard After Boarding - All: 3:00pm in the Promenade Lounge, Deck 3, Port Side. If you are in the FE or Secret Mickey groups and have any cabin changes, PLEASE make sure someone is there from your group so we can update the spreadsheets.

Monday (Sea Day) - Adults: 2:00pm in the Outlook Cafe, Deck 10 just aft of the adult pool area, off the midship elevators. It's above the Cove Cafe (Deck 9) so make sure you come upstairs to the right place. Bring your own beverage, or you can get one there as desired.

Tastings - Adults: As desired. I will bring a schedule of opportunities to the meetups so we can arrange some mini-groups as desired. The times/beverages are also posted in the daily Navigators. You sign up individually at Guest Services.

After that, it's all informal as you wish...you'll be running into your new DIS friends everywhere.

OK, it's back to packing! Everyone take care and please travel safely!

 

[jalismoore]

Only four more long long days of work filled with End of year reports, Board meetings as well as playing Mrs. Santa for our "Blue Elf" program which hands our presents to the underprivleged kids in our area (I love it, puts me in such a christmas mood ),Than off for two relaxing weeks in which im looking forward to meeting new friends from this forum..

We are all packed and ready to go..My DD and I are are going to get our Pre Cruise Mani/Pedis done today..Looking forward to getting out to the hotel on Saturday and start our Christmas Vacation...We will be at the Crowne Plaza and going out to Ports of Call to eat some yummy seafood during the afternoon. Please PM me if you would like to meet up. I will send you my cell number and/or email mail if you prefer..Take care..and hope to talk to you for a pre-meet on Saturday..

Alis

 

[SanDeeKath]

Ditto here. 4 days of work and then done! About 1/2 packed!!

7 days to go!

 

[Dchachos]

I am lucky enough I don't have to work and I am starting to get some energy back from chemo. I have lots of piles and nothing put into suitcases. So I still have I have 5 days to get this done.

Just like the rest of you I am super excited to start this vacation started.

I am also excited to meet you all in person.

1 week from today and the magic begins.

Dianne

 

[SanDeeKath]

Dianne, so glad you are feeling better! Hope you are ready for the party starting next week!!!

DoubleTrouble, thanks for the great summary of the meetings. I totally forgot about the meetup on Monday.

Secret Mickey participants will get another invite too so watch out for that!

Cannot wait for this week to be overwith. It's freeeeeeezing here in San Diego.

Katherine

 

[jalismoore]

So Glad your feeling better..Since we are staying at the same hotel, let me know if I can be any help.. Take care..

Alis

I am lucky enough I don't have to work and I am starting to get some energy back from chemo. I have lots of piles and nothing put into suitcases. So I still have I have 5 days to get this done.

Just like the rest of you I am super excited to start this vacation started.

I am also excited to meet you all in person.

1 week from today and the magic begins.

Dianne

 

[jzandmeplus3]

Can not believe we'll all be cruising in less than a week! We can not wait to surprise our boys with this cruise! They figured out we were going somewhere over Christmas break so we told them Mexico, then all the questions started about where we are staying and what kinds of stuff is there to do. I told them we were staying at some resort called the "Mexican Wonder" and there was so much to do there they would be guaranteed to have a blast. I can't wait to see their little faces when we tell them on Sunday morning what we are actually doing. We fly in to CA on Saturday night, staying at Disney Land Hotel. That part might be torture for my kids and will probably prompt more questions. Hopefully I can keep it all under wraps until we have to board the DCL bus the next morning.

Packing is the next challenge. Trying to be discreet about it so they don't start asking questions about what I'm packing. Example, "why are there sea bands in the suitcase". My 8 year old doesn't miss a trick. I told him we might go on a boat ride. Don't know if he bought that one or not.

Anyway, been awhile since I've posted anything, so just checking in here. Not doing the fish extenders but hope to meet some if not all of you at one of the meet & greets set up.

Happy Packing EVeryone & see you next week!

 

[Dchachos]

Can not believe we'll all be cruising in less than a week! We can not wait to surprise our boys with this cruise! They figured out we were going somewhere over Christmas break so we told them Mexico, then all the questions started about where we are staying and what kinds of stuff is there to do. I told them we were staying at some resort called the "Mexican Wonder" and there was so much to do there they would be guaranteed to have a blast. I can't wait to see their little faces when we tell them on Sunday morning what we are actually doing. We fly in to CA on Saturday night, staying at Disney Land Hotel. That part might be torture for my kids and will probably prompt more questions. Hopefully I can keep it all under wraps until we have to board the DCL bus the next morning.

Packing is the next challenge. Trying to be discreet about it so they don't start asking questions about what I'm packing. Example, "why are there sea bands in the suitcase". My 8 year old doesn't miss a trick. I told him we might go on a boat ride. Don't know if he bought that one or not.

Anyway, been awhile since I've posted anything, so just checking in here. Not doing the fish extenders but hope to meet some if not all of you at one of the meet & greets set up.

Happy Packing EVeryone & see you next week!

I don't have to keep the trip a surprise, but helping Santa turned into a challenge. I can't even imagine trying to keep the trip a secret.

So Glad your feeling better..Since we are staying at the same hotel, let me know if I can be any help.. Take care..

Alis

Alis

Thank you so much. I think I will be fine but I will surely call you if I need something.

Today I am feeling much better so I am off to Target to get last minute things. I keep forgetting things.


Dianne

 

[betsy918]

Hi! Can anyone tell me whether "regular folks" can send shirts out to be ironed, or just those in concierge class. If so, how long does it take, and for how much? Would love to not have to worry abut it if it's reasonable.

Thanks!
Betsy

 

[SanDeeKath]

I think everyone can do laundry or pressing but you need to pay for it. Not sure if concierge is free or not. It is on Princess but I have not seen that as a suite perk on DIsney before...

Just found out there ARE DVDs in the rooms though! That's a nice thing for us and the kids during "downtime".

Katherine

 

[Double Trouble]

Hi! Can anyone tell me whether "regular folks" can send shirts out to be ironed, or just those in concierge class. If so, how long does it take, and for how much? Would love to not have to worry abut it if it's reasonable.

Thanks!
Betsy

Betsy, Not that any of us want to iron on vacation, but as I recall, they do have an iron in each of the 3 laundry rooms for "do it yourself" types. I went through my files and the one thing I've never kept a copy of is the price list for laundry/dry cleaning/ironing (probably because we've never used this service). You might find it somewhere here on the boards.

 

[designertravels]

Sending your clothes off to be ironed is a great perk for me on the cruise. The prices are reasonable, recently there was list of the prices on another thread. It should be easy to find. I send my things off the very first day. I have them atleast within 48 hours. Make sure to call housekeeping and tell your room host so some one comes to get them.

I have even sent them to be ironed before we leave for home and they still look good afterwards.

My ironing pile at home is so tall I can't stand it!

Jill

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi everyone!!

I haven't posted for a few days. My DH and I went away this past weekend with our closest friends for an annual getaway we always do during this time of year. It's our Christmas present to each other... we go away (witout kids!!) and stay in a fancy hotel and just spend quality time with our close friends. So, we did that this past weekend, and now I'm in full force getting ready and packed for our trip!!!

I can't believe we fly out on Saturday! And, my inlaws fly to Long Beach airport early Sunday morning. We tried to make it work for them to fly on Saturday, as I know flying the day of the cruise is risky, but to make a long story short, it just worked out best for them to fly on Sunday morning.

The only thing I was concerned about when they planned this flight is weather... if Portland got a bad snow storm the day they left, it could cause the airport to shut down or severe delays (but this is rare for both Seattle and Portland, but it has definitely happened before!). But, looking at the weather forecast, no snow at all is predicted between now and Sunday, and the weather is looking very good and flying friendly! Phew!

We figured if other things happened (ie, mechanical issues with the airline, or just a cancellation with the airline for whatever reason, with LA, they have so many other options to get to LA. There are so many other airports (LAX, John Wayne, Burbank) they could fly into as an alternate if something happened to their flight, so the only thing that really made us nervous booking their flight the day of the cruise was the weather, but the weather is looking good for Sunday!! yay!

Speaking of weather... it has been SOOO cold here! If we had perciptation right now, it WOULD be snow! It has been below freezing for a few days now, and is supposed to continue to be this cold for part of this week. But, it's clear out, so it's just plain cold.... So, this Mexico cruise could not come at a better time!

Well, we'll be looking forward to meeting all of you!

We'll for sure be at the Prominade Lounge at 3 PM. If it works out, we'll try to meet up at the TVs in the Port. We'll be with my inlaws, and they have a totally different checkin time than us (we are 11:30 AM, and my inlaws ended up with 1:30 PM ), so our first priority is to try to see if they will let us all check in and board together since we are all traveling together. Not sure how rigid San Pedro port is with all of that checkin time stuff. But, worse case, either we'll just board before my inlaws, or we will just wait until 1:30 to board with my inlaws. But, we're hoping al of us can all check in at 11:30 and then all board together. We'll see.

Also, just a tip for all of you..... if you plan to use your credit card at all at any of the ports we stop at, make sure you call your credit card company to tell them that you will be in Mexico! We travel a ton, and have travelled quite a bit internationally, and we learned this the hard way years ago... we were in London, England, and didn't think to tell our credit card company we were out of the company, and they red flagged our card and froze the account thinking there was fraud since there was suddenly charges on it from England. So, it was a huge pain (and cost us a ton of money in phone charges as we had to call the credit card from England to get it straightened out).

Now, we always call to let them know! My DH travels internationally for work several times a year (he mostly goes to England, India and China), and I forgot to call one time he left for his work trip, and of course, they red flagged the card.... huge pain again! But, got it squared away.

So, I'm calling on Saturday to let them know we'll be in Mexico.

Ok, well, happy packing everyone!

Take care,
Kathy

ps. As for ironing, my DH irons all of his shirts himself in the laundry room irons. Here is a BIG tip if you use the laundry room irons.... before you put the iron plate on your nice shirt, dress or slacks, test it on a white sock or something you don't care about.... On our last cruise, I was talking to a guy who was ironing his shirt in the laundry room, and he told me he was using a brand new iron... the reason he knew it was brand new is because he started to iron his white dress shirt with the iron that was in there originally, and there were rust stains on the iron plate, and when he went to iron, he got orange rust streaks on his shirt and he couldn't get them out!! Yikes!!!! He said he went to guest services to show them, and they not only replaced that iron immediately, but he said they gave him an on board credit (not sure how much) because his shirt was stained. wow!! Disney always has great customer service! So, test the iron plate on something first before you iron your nice clothes!

 

[disfreaks]

We're getting excited too! Can't wait!

 

[Woodrow]

Can not believe we'll all be cruising in less than a week! We can not wait to surprise our boys with this cruise! They figured out we were going somewhere over Christmas break so we told them Mexico, then all the questions started about where we are staying and what kinds of stuff is there to do. I told them we were staying at some resort called the "Mexican Wonder" and there was so much to do there they would be guaranteed to have a blast. I can't wait to see their little faces when we tell them on Sunday morning what we are actually doing. We fly in to CA on Saturday night, staying at Disney Land Hotel. That part might be torture for my kids and will probably prompt more questions. Hopefully I can keep it all under wraps until we have to board the DCL bus the next morning.

Packing is the next challenge. Trying to be discreet about it so they don't start asking questions about what I'm packing. Example, "why are there sea bands in the suitcase". My 8 year old doesn't miss a trick. I told him we might go on a boat ride. Don't know if he bought that one or not.

Anyway, been awhile since I've posted anything, so just checking in here. Not doing the fish extenders but hope to meet some if not all of you at one of the meet & greets set up.

Happy Packing EVeryone & see you next week!

Are you flying out of Seattle? we have a flight 8 am sunday morning to LAX on alaska air.

 

[SanDeeKath]

Yahoooo! 2 more (crazy) days of work for me and then DONE! I cannot wait! I called Am Ex today to let them know we are going to MX (thanks for the great tip!) and will probably pick a Visa or MC also and call them too, just in case.

I also will call Verizon as we get closer to sailaway because they can upgrade your plans to the international roaming for the week you are gone so there isn't that crazy roaming charge that way. However, if you call too soon before sailing, you need to call back to end when you get back. So I'll be calling Friday or Sat.... That way it will only take 1 phone call to get things changed.

It is COOOOLD here too in San Dee. Usually we are in the mid-60s this month with some Santa Anas in the 80s even, but not this time. It's like 40 outside right now and my dogs are looking at me like I am crazy, wondering why on Earth they'd want to step out to do their business in this cold air?!

Kath