Counting down the days...Making 40th B-day MAGIC! 9/19/09 Western.

[UGAFan0829]

Hi again, Paige!
Congrats on the upgrade!! That's wonderful news. I know you are going to enjoy that split bath, and having a porthole too, is just awesome!

I had no idea about getting free Dramamine! I actually just went to CVS and bought some yesterday. We not had to use in the past, but I definitely don't want to be without it-just in case. Do you think Bonine works better though??

It looks like you've found some really great tips...thanks for sharing them with the rest of us...there are several that I had no idea about!!

 

[kileybeth]

Here are some things I think I have learned...any DCL vets pipe in and voice your opinion if I am incorrect:

I plan NOT to take an alarm clock b/c I can mute the tv and turn it to a station that shows the time and if I need a wake up I can schedule a call!

I can get dramimine FREE on the ship if I run out of Bonine

DO not bring sand toys, use a kid's mickey plate instead from the boat

No need to pack clothes for dinner in my carry on if my luggage- if it does not show up in time...just wear what I have on (applies to whole family)

No need to RUSH to the port if I have the cabin I want! We will still get there in time for boarding early...like 11:30am! Will I still have a shot to get Palo brunch or high tea (none are avail. online)???

I can request a feather pillow and coat hangers from my cabin steward.

No need to bring water aboard, the water tastes fine on DCL...I am bringing canteens to fill.

Add some colored ribbon to luggage so it is easy to find and bring zip ties for luggage when in the hall on the last night??

Well let me know if I have any of this wrong....or you feel I should do something differently...this is my 1st DCL so I hope I got this right

Okay let me see, here is what I think may be correctted information.

Not Dramamine, but 25mg of Meclazine, which is the generic of branded Bonine as I understand it. Same effect mostly of dramamine though, just no side effect of drowsiness. Either way, I also stocked up as it is pretty cheap here. But nice to know they have something on board if we run out!

I have also read here on the DIS, no more Mickey plates, just paper plates now and in WDW! I am sooo sad! Our collection stands at around 25-30 right now and I am so sad to see this fun free souvie gone. Hope someone is wrong big time. think I may post the question out on the general board since I read it a while ago.

Otherwise, as always, such great tips.

 

[cakesnjammom]

Kim...thanks for the tip! I hope they are wrong too! I am so glad you and your dh had a date...so nice and you have a girl's night tonight, have fun! I hope your back is feeling better...icy hot or biofreeze are my favs. Even got some patches for dh to pack...he likes tigerbalm. Oh and Kim been meaning to post that the passporter pouch is a pouch that hangs around your neck and holds all your stuff...like KTTW cards..etc. It keeps us so organized and we feel so safe in the parks and on rides etc with it...we could not do disney trip without it...here is the link:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/0966899437.aspx

Missy...glad I could contribute...I have all these things rolling around in my brain and I forget to verify them I could be SUPER wrong...like the Mickey plates! The one thing I have to be right about is the extension cord...3 prongs required and packed - check! I need that ground on the 3 prong - so good news!

Just ordered pizza so I can DIS! And dh is right by me watching the Little League World Series!! He watches it every year. Got tons of errands done today and really feel so prepared ...I have already packed our daily meds even ! All in the seven days holder...w/ copies of the RXs just in case!

I know ya'll are going to think I am a mean momma but I have to get dd to limit the number of costumes/princess dresses she is bringing! They are so poo-ffy and take up so much room...she definately wants to bring Jasmine (which I am relieved by because it does not have 18 layers of toole)so I told her just one more. My MIL made us all "pirate" night outfits and she made dd 2 mickey dresses and 2 mickey shirts and she has a formal night dress and a semi-night dress and we have lifestyle jeans and shirts...whew! where am I going to put it all (I know you all feel the same way)...I have been CONSIDERING mailing the costumes, I capitalize it because I have not figured that part out yet .



Well post, post, post so I know ya'll are listening (reading)! I will be back soon.

 

[gvivanco]

Hey Paige! Thanks for the info on the passporter pouch! I would have thought maybe that wouldn't be super useful, so I'm glad to know they are! I will probably order one now.

Also, I was wondering about the jeans thing. I was thinking during the day, we'll be in shorts and bathing suits, etc. and at night we'll be dressing up, or just casual sun dresses. I had thought about jeans, but wasn't sure anyone would wear them and when. When do you think y'all would wear jeans? Maybe to one of the casual dinners?

 

[inmyis]

Hi again to Paige and all. We are really starting to get excited about the trip. DW was in a minor fender bender early this summer and hurt her foot. So, we are not going to be able to golf before or after cruise. We may do Typhoon Lagoon one day and just chill at the resort pools, tragedy that it would be.

We have been on three other DCL cruises and have not seen that many, if any, people wearing jeans in the Dining Rooms. We have seen them on Decks, at Topsiders, and in the bars later on. It is always a personal choice but would not want anyone to be self-conscious. Make the decision that fits your family. Also, I am sure your DD will be very excited dressing up so much.

Only 23 days until we fly out!

 

[gvivanco]

Hi again to Paige and all. We are really starting to get excited about the trip. DW was in a minor fender bender early this summer and hurt her foot. So, we are not going to be able to golf before or after cruise. We may do Typhoon Lagoon one day and just chill at the resort pools, tragedy that it would be.

We have been on three other DCL cruises and have not seen that many, if any, people wearing jeans in the Dining Rooms. We have seen them on Decks, at Topsiders, and in the bars later on. It is always a personal choice but would not want anyone to be self-conscious. Make the decision that fits your family. Also, I am sure your DD will be very excited dressing up so much.

Only 23 days until we fly out!

Thanks for the jeans info! I would just have thought it would be too hot to wear jeans anywhere during the day??

Can't wait to meet everyone!!

 

[cakesnjammom]

If you post it, they will come....
I have not been feeling well...but better today and decided to update this pre-TR...

looks like my cruise docs are on their way to me (they have to go to my TA 1st) I am so excited to receive them and see what they are all about.

I am getting really nervous about the cruise since I do not feel so well..but I have to keep telling myself, "one day at a time." After reading several great TR's I am also concerned about motion sickness...my kids and I are prone to it and I just hope I am prepared enough....I have cruised RCCL before butit has been 12 years ago...and a lot has changed since then medically for me. I took dramimine on that cruise and I was fine. I have Bonine for the kids and I...wonder if I should add sea bands and dramimine too? it is so hard to know. any advice is appreciated...my ds and dd have been known to get car sick.

Everything I had planned to do has been marked off my list...except stopping the mai...cannot order that this far out. But really I think I could be packed tonight to leave (if I felt better)....21 days too soon for the cruise .

Got my MNSSHP tickets in the mail and my Disney Rewards card! We scheduled the Wishes Dessert Party for the MNSSHP night...really excited because it will be a break for us in the middle of things + gives us a prime spot for the fireworks and parades and maybe we can stay later that night if we take a breather (my thoughts anyway)....I am keeping up with the MNSSHP tip/tricks/secret post so I know what is available the later we stay. My kids and dh are night owls...so mo problems there.

Our meets board has been super busy and that makes things more fun too!
My dh is getting more involved now...the fact that we are keeping someone on our FE list that has not posted since '08 is driving him crazy...he is an engineer and things that do not seem logical...he just hates to see someone miss out if this family does not respond. He is a super NICE guy. I know that no one wants the family to be left out because they DID sign up for the FE orginally...I can see both sides!

We are trying to get something special together for two children that a cruiser on our meets group posted about...beaten, burned and left for dead...they are foster kids now and may never see WDW. My dh was a foster child for a bit...through military families because his father was a single NAVY parent and when he went overseas my dh would have to be placed with a family....usually people that wanted the additional income more than an extra child! I have extra DISNEY MNSSHP bags that I got at the Disney Store so we may load them up with treats and such.

Just trying to stay positive on this end...and believe that I will feel better before our cruise! I try to keep up on the boards it is so exciting to hear everyone's input and questions. i especially love Western Caribbean TR's w/ pics. The pics just make me connect to the report so much more.

Well I shall post more soon! Take care!

Magnets for the door are dh's job....they are one thing that we do not have done I have picked out some and emailed them over to his computer!

 

[cakesnjammom]

WOWIE KAPOWIE this trip is getting close!
We have our magnets done...well almost...one or two more to cut out!
Worked on a little extra FE gift for my group today.
We made Mickey tie-dyed tees for our embarkation day...no one will miss us in the port, that is for sure...



we wore similar shirts that I bought to WDW in 2007

and boy did we get a ton of compliments...not to mention my dh always wears Mickey ears on DISNEY trips and he has aloha ears that are very unusual and he gets stopped about them all the time.

I need to make me a magnet like this!!!

but have not yet printed it!!

well I have been lurking the boards today looking for a MNSSHP touring plan that includes Wishes Dessert Party and kids activites....I want my face painted...that is a first and I know we will have to get in line early for that.
I made BBB ressies for dd at 3pm DTD but think I am going to cancel because we have just decided it is too hot to mess with costumes...halloween shirts and face painting it will be (yeah right...we all know that could change at a moment's notice ) but for this 5 minute posting it is "our current plan"; we have enough to pack...and I am aso afraid that the kids will get uncomfortable
If you notice anything from my pre-TR you will see that I do tend to change my mind quite a bit and as the primary planner of us i take that right
well I am going to post our pirate outfits when I get a chance to take some pics...house is quiet so I am making the most of it dh took kiddos to the pool...what a nice daddy.

if you are reading this pre-TR because you are planning a cruise too...I would suggest figuring one gift per stateroom...instead of person...much easier to keep control of...I am doing 2 per stateroom and I wonder would you pass them out at the same time or different times? also do you put your DIS name on the gifts? One has my DIS name and one does not? hmmm

 

[cakesnjammom]

ordered dh and I Birki's for our trip and they are still not here....hoping they come or I will be barefoot.

the ladies on our meets thread say they love switch flops and boy are they cute...but my WIDE foot will not go into those....wish they could!

Our PP pouch has not arrived yet either....hmmmm
I better have talk with the mail person...you don't think they are wearing Birki's and a Passporter Pouch around to deliver the mail do 'ya?

And no cruise docs here yet...they go to the TA 1st so I do not expect them Monday or Tuesday like other cruisers on our ship...but it is a great feeling to know they have been mailed!!!

 

[so_oregon]

I am so sorry you have not been feeling well.....I have friends who swear by the bands and others who take the pills for seasickness....I haven't been seasick yet, so I don't know which one will work better for you....

Am glad YOU are organized....I spent time this a.m. trying to fill in names of kids with ages and grownup names (special surprise for the grownups)....and realized how DIS-organized I was.....with the FE stuff, packing, etc.

If you post it, they will come....
I have not been feeling well...but better today and decided to update this pre-TR...

looks like my cruise docs are on their way to me (they have to go to my TA 1st) I am so excited to receive them and see what they are all about.

I am getting really nervous about the cruise since I do not feel so well..but I have to keep telling myself, "one day at a time." After reading several great TR's I am also concerned about motion sickness...my kids and I are prone to it and I just hope I am prepared enough....I have cruised RCCL before butit has been 12 years ago...and a lot has changed since then medically for me. I took dramimine on that cruise and I was fine. I have Bonine for the kids and I...wonder if I should add sea bands and dramimine too? it is so hard to know. any advice is appreciated...my ds and dd have been known to get car sick.

Everything I had planned to do has been marked off my list...except stopping the mai...cannot order that this far out. But really I think I could be packed tonight to leave (if I felt better)....21 days too soon for the cruise .

Got my MNSSHP tickets in the mail and my Disney Rewards card! We scheduled the Wishes Dessert Party for the MNSSHP night...really excited because it will be a break for us in the middle of things + gives us a prime spot for the fireworks and parades and maybe we can stay later that night if we take a breather (my thoughts anyway)....I am keeping up with the MNSSHP tip/tricks/secret post so I know what is available the later we stay. My kids and dh are night owls...so mo problems there.

Our meets board has been super busy and that makes things more fun too!
My dh is getting more involved now...the fact that we are keeping someone on our FE list that has not posted since '08 is driving him crazy...he is an engineer and things that do not seem logical...he just hates to see someone miss out if this family does not respond. He is a super NICE guy. I know that no one wants the family to be left out because they DID sign up for the FE orginally...I can see both sides!

We are trying to get something special together for two children that a cruiser on our meets group posted about...beaten, burned and left for dead...they are foster kids now and may never see WDW. My dh was a foster child for a bit...through military families because his father was a single NAVY parent and when he went overseas my dh would have to be placed with a family....usually people that wanted the additional income more than an extra child! I have extra DISNEY MNSSHP bags that I got at the Disney Store so we may load them up with treats and such.

Just trying to stay positive on this end...and believe that I will feel better before our cruise! I try to keep up on the boards it is so exciting to hear everyone's input and questions. i especially love Western Caribbean TR's w/ pics. The pics just make me connect to the report so much more.

Well I shall post more soon! Take care!

Magnets for the door are dh's job....they are one thing that we do not have done I have picked out some and emailed them over to his computer!

 

[hannahguad]

Hi Paige!
Just stopped in to see how your planning is coming..

Hope you are feeling better, I know it is probably easier said than done when your told to take it easy----BUT DO IT ANYWAY!! HAHA!! You will need all the rest you can get for this trip! It does take a lot of energy to flip sides when tanning on Castaway Cay!!

I wanted to just put out there, and I am sure other's may not agree or agree, but the one tip that I actually got from the 'Dis' is bring an over the door organizer! I mine! I didn't just keep shoes in it-we kept sunscreen, medication, toiletries, and other small things I didn't want to lose. I actually had 2 last time... A small pharmacy on one side and the other was other stuff. (My daughter can only take certain OTC medication, so I have to bring a small pharmacy for just in case whenever we travel.) Now my DM didn't use hers at all, but she was only one person... HTH someone!

See ya reallllllll soooonnnnn...

 

[cakesnjammom]

hello! too happy...got our birki's and passporter pouch today! YAY!

since I mentioned J's ears in my last post I had to post a pic of him doing the WDW Happy dance @ the Poly *see below:

we are getting close now! no cruise docs yet! like I have mentioned they have to go to my TA 1st (one stinky part of using a TA!!) since I am considering becoming a TA that is a hard statement to make I know they like to verify everything but I think it would be important for the cruiser to get them sooner than later...a real exciting thing!!

I am also posting a pic of my kids sitting w/ goofy in town square...they really also died laughing when he "talked"

Our Disney memories are so magical...I need to post some castle pics from MVMCP...it was the 1st year they added twinkle lights...oh so gorgeous...and we took an adult only vacation that time...got to do those things you never get to do w/ the kids (sit down a minute) aand say "stop do not do that, stand over here", give me a minute to look at this map would 'ya? well I did say those things but at least my dh listened
well got my laundry ziplock bag packed today free and clear detergent, bounce, downy WR, febreeze, hooks, a lint roller, and a lil sewing kit! Also got my OTC meds, toothbrushes (to throw away at the end) and razors packed, working on packing my hair products in little bottles...you know this curly girl has to have her products. Everybody says they want curly hair until they figure out it is like caring for a cashmere sweater (fragile/delicate). DS's shirts/shorts are packed and did a SWIM bag today (rash guards/suits) for kids. they have their new Disney pj's for goofy's pj party that they are looking SO forward too!
dd starts school full time tomorrow (staggered entry days prior) so I will even have more time!

getting my hair highlighted tomorrow....then back to the doc on thurs.
I think we have got some things figured out....allergic reaction to lisonipril. now if we can find a replacement for it I hope to be on the road to feeling better.
we have several cruisers that are dealing with medical issues and I so feel for us all...it is such an added stress to wonder if you are going to feel well on a trip of a lifetime . I am thinking of each of them and sending pixie dust their way and prayers too

my son got an email today from another boy on our cruise (he will be so excited) but he has not gotten to read it yet...they were swamped with homework today....yes already! luckily I am dealing with two very "family trip" friendly teachers! I admire all you homeschoolers...the effort you put in and the great schedule you can allow your children---I hope they know how lucky they are!

well my current worried are getting my little desk fan in my bag...cannot sleep without it for a 8+ nights.

well all my best to you! Missy (UGAFan) thinking of you and your trip----this weekend

 

[UGAFan0829]

working on packing my hair products in little bottles...you know this curly girl has to have her products. Everybody says they want curly hair until they figure out it is like caring for a cashmere sweater (fragile/delicate).

well my current worried are getting my little desk fan in my bag...cannot sleep without it for a 8+ nights.

well all my best to you! Missy (UGAFan) thinking of you and your trip----this weekend

Hey, Paige!
Those pics are great! I especially love the Disney Dance!!!!
Girl, I know what you mean about curly hair...I am right there with ya!
My DSIL was talking about taking her little fan with her as well. I hope you figure out a way to get it packed!!
And thanks for thinking of us.

 

[cakesnjammom]

Hey, Paige!
Those pics are great! I especially love the Disney Dance!!!!
Girl, I know what you mean about curly hair...I am right there with ya!
My DSIL was talking about taking her little fan with her as well. I hope you figure out a way to get it packed!!
And thanks for thinking of us.

I am so glad to see you...boy the excitement must be really upon you! Have a great, great time!
The Disney Dance! He is so funny...really loves Disney...I am lucky. Ears and all he is always ready to roll...I plan, he drives w/ his ears on of course!
Cannot wait to hear all about it!

 

[cakesnjammom]

hello lurkers ! I am assuming I have some so I am going to keep posting.....speak up and say HI !

I have been updating my GPS (TOMTOM) today and adding the important addresses we will need!
We added an extra night on our PC hotel stay...dh wants to drive the whole way, instead of just to Jacksonville the 1st night. He wants to "get there" and be able to settle in before the HP! So after further discussion last evening we added on Thursday night to our "rewards points = free" Residence Inn ressie! YES he is finally getting the spirit!
One thing that has been bothering me though----I have been inquiring on the boards as to how many shuttles actually run from RI to the port...I finally called again this a.m. to ask and it is ONE per CRUISE...DCL leaves at 10am...in case anyone else was hoping for a later start like me ! So dh will take us and drop us off and then get a cab...UNLESS we are too excited to sleep! which will probably be the case!

Got highlights yesterday...light, bright and damn near white ...well not really but I am "brightened" for the cruise...this fair skin needed a little pop of color. The older I get the darker my hair gets

A friend and I met at StarBucks yesterday to chat and she was so funny - an experienced cruiser and we were talking about our plans...I told her that we really do not have the money to upgrade at the port so there was really no sense in us racing the clock to get there... They have done verandah's and we have not and she said that a balcony really improves the cruise 110%...get to the port and ask! But I am just SO thankful we were offered a paid upgrade and happy to be in an Cat 8 for the additional money~ I really like that we will be on deck 5 too...read good things for couples w/ kids staying close to the clubs!

You all know how fast the costs SNOWBALL so I just have to say NO somewhere...yeah right! I guess we are going to play it by ear and just see what happens!

Health update: feeling better...thanks for those of you that have sent me well wishes ---so kind. We have found the culprite...a blood pressure med I take...so now just have to get a new med and hope for the best. Also have to have a liver ultrasound tomorrow - uuugghhh! And I hope to get the ANA results tomorrow too. Have all of our medical forms ready to take to dr. w/ me so i can get them signed and faxed!!

Well I am planning on ironing some today for packing and getting all the documents in the same place .

What are you up too? What's going on? What's happening?

Thinking of all my fellow cruisers that are traveling SOON and preparing for weddings ! PIXIE DUST to you all

 

[disneyfinatics]

Paige,
Make sure you get another picture of the kids w/ goofy. I did one in 2002 & then made them do one in '08. I love having the comparison of how tiny they were. I wish I had done some in between, but live & learn. You haven't seen pale until you've seen me. If the light hits my legs just right it's worse than a mirror in sunlight!! The sad thing is that my mom is Italian, my older sister stole all the dark skin genes & left my little sis & I to look like ghosts.

Shelly

 

[cakesnjammom]

yay Shelly..so happy to see you!
that is a great idea w/ goofy...I am going to get one this trip...thanks! they change so quickly.
I considered getting a spray on tan for the ship but it wears off so quickly and the pools really make it fade (which for some reason some DISers find funny)...I decided I could just be WHITE...although my "fluff" really looks better when it is tan
My ds and dd are the same as you and your sister....my dd got all the tanned genes (asian) and my ds got all the albino genes. My MIL is Japanese so dd got the dark hair and skin....lucky her!

so glad you popped in! i am lurking around the boards...i should be doing something more constructive....

 

[cakesnjammom]

Yay! We are doing the documents dance ! They came today!
Just got finished working with dh, got all his clothes packed...One or two items I need to add after wash but for the most part: dh DONE!
Also got ds and dd packed : kids DONE! same for wash but ready to roll once I complete laundry tomorrow.
Now for me....I really hate this part...I have a stack of things I want to take in a pile but I need to iron and see what I can mix and match...and get shoes and (costume) jewelry set aside. Mostly I will be wearing my Birki's so I am so trying to get my feet used to wearing them...the 3 straps on top hit me in a "NEW" place so I am working on it! If lots of walking expected...it will have to be or my "wolkies" of course---love 'em or my kicks.

Got documents all packed up...put the mail on hold....sent out emergency contact information to family members.

Our poor doggies, Daisy and Lily, will be "missing the Magic" and I have got them all taken care of!

SO I would venture to say for "2 weeks" out we are doing well. We have a list to make. Here are pics from 2007...my babies have grown so much!

 

[cakesnjammom]

just a lazy day here...my new meds are giving me quite an adjustment phase! dh is so mad...UGA football was not on tv here today and it was supposed to be on ABC. so he has been complaining and upset that he cannot watch the game, he was looking so forward to it.
he took the kiddos to the pool...dd was so excited! she had been asking all day to take a friend to the pool....she coming in and out...in and out...all day.
we still have electronics, shoes, etc to pack. but we have got 2 large suitcases loaded! a friend is going to let us borrow their netbook for our trip...just need a way to down load pics...so it should be great.
I watched the Magic leave the port today....bye Missy and Mike have a great trip!
I have been lurking around today looking for MNSSHP posts...map, photos etc from last night...not as much as I expected...attenders are probably worn out from all the fun!
making dh a happy birthday banner....it tuned out very cute...need to get ribbon to tie it all together.
also have all the paper laid out and sorted to make autograph books but have not felt well enough to go to the office and sit to print them...I prefer my laptop in the comfort of my bed (LAZY) I know but I feel as if I have concrete weights tied to me.
dh ordered pizza and wings for the game that was not on the tv...so I guess we are "snacking" on that thru the evening!
from the looks of it (orbitz) our boat is not full so maybe that means that there will be more fairy dust on its way. I am going to inquire at the port but I really am super happy with our cabin! Yes a balcony would be ICING/gravy but I am completely happy! I will me cruisin' w/ Mickey!
Post...talk to me. Hope to hear from some of you...

 

[gvivanco]

Hey, I am enjoying reading your pre trippie, as always!

I hope your adjustments on your meds gets better! At least they found the earlier problem!

I was lurking around and found some posts on packing cubes, so I ordered one set. It was a good deal from what I read others paid. It was a set of 3 for $27 total. Shipping was free. People seem to love them! So, we'll see.

I also jumped on board (so to speak) and joined the second FE list. I already have all the kiddies bags done! I wasn't really sure what to do for the teens/adults. I am still looking/thinking, but for now, it's a big baggie of candy, so far. Any ideas would be great!

It sounds like you've gotten a lot done! Good for you! I feel pretty good, just have to get the clothing situation organized a bit. Got all the girls costumes packed up. They took up a whole big suitcase (although, I know I can fit more stuff here and there in it).

Anyway, just wanted to check in and say hi! Yes, we are reading, and love your reports!!!

I hope you feel better soon with the new meds.

I can't believe it's less than 2 WEEKS!!!!

Gretchen