Cruising with the Happy and Laid Backs! Eastern Feb 3-10~ MORE PICTURES! NEW 3/17

[tjeagle]

Cruising with the Happy and Laid Backs 2-3 to 2-10-07

From the moment I stumbled upon the DIS back in April of 06, I knew I was in trouble. All these people with the same travel obsession I have! This was going to be good!! By the time our trip rolled around…I knew all I needed to know to be one step ahead.
I spent most early Sunday mornings reading the classics…Fatherforce, Zweihund (OT’s ROCK!!), Grumpydude and RoyalVizier to name a very few. I am not by any means going to come close to the caliber of these reports…but I’d like to share my boring little story with you. And so I begin……

Background:
A little over a year ago, I decided to start planning a trip for 2007 to celebrate my 40th Birthday. A Disney Cruise was the obvious choice!!
Included with myself on this trip are..
DH 39 (I like to call him Doubting Thomas…”no honey, these DIS people aren’t crazy …no honey, it isn’t a cult…well not really…”)
DD 8 and her twin bro
DS8

Oh yeah, lets not forget my 40 or 50 DIS friends from the Happy and Laid Backs!! After our first Meet and Greet Saturday on the ship, an hour didn’t go by that someone was yelling out hello, coming over to see how our trip was or one of the other Laid back kiddies looking for DS or DD. It really made our trip that much more magical!!

A few things you should know about me before my story begins;

1. I have OVPD- obsessive vacation planning disorder. I can spend hours upon hours investigating and planning even the shortest trip! I have over planned, overbooked and over packed for every vacation we have ever taken. I often go through PTVW- post traumatic vacation withdrawal after most trips. This consists of a few hours or days of deep, chocolate requiring depression. It basically lasts for the minute we walk into the door from a trip….until I begin planning the next one!!

2. I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY! I have often planned parties or nights out for myself and I begin reminding everyone of the “special day” weeks before it arrives.


3. I love Disney. Not obsessed, but I get the warm fuzzy in my heart whenever I hear a song, see a character or walk into Magic Kingdom! Oh yeah, I’m a crier. I cried when our name was announced when getting on the Magic, I cried when I heard the ship horn…I cried at every show…need I say more?? (okay...maybe I am obsessed??)

Anywhooo…
In April of 2006 I booked the trip myself on DCL website and then transferred to AAA for their OBC offer of $150. We were 2032 a connecting Cat. 9. I also at that time started using my Disney credit card to earn the points (had $250 by trip time) and started our Vacation Coin Bank (all change each day put into the bank….had $350 at trip time!). This was also the time I began spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME on the DIS BOARDS!!

Next up:
OMG it’s going to snow!!!

 

[RoyalVizier]

I spent most early Sunday mornings reading the classics…Fatherforce, Zweihund (OT’s ROCK!!), Grumpydude and RoyalVizier to name a very few. I am not by any means going to come close to the caliber of these reports…but I’d like to share my boring little story with you. And so I begin……

Boring little story? I highly doubt that!

This is going to be superb, I can tell.... you sound just like the rest of us! OVPD, PTVW, and everything in between. There isn't a cure.... would we want one?

You're off to a great start!!

 

[weloveDCL]

woot to your trip report.. and omg.. i have. ovpd too..who'd thunk it?

 

[vic32]

Hi Jackie this is great!!! I am glad to know that the DIS-orders I have are normal!!!
Jacob misses Jacob! Tell him hello!

 

[tjeagle]

PART 2

Before I get to the snow, let me tell you a little about the “Happy and Laid Back Cruisers”.
We had been chatting for quite some time. People came and went, and in the end it was the die hards that remained. We had a few last minute additions who were welcomed with opened arms! Our chats were quite innocent.. Info on our families, our plans, door signs and other basics. Trying to match up kid’s ages and holding our breath to see if Vic32 kept the cruise secret from the kids! (yup..she did!!) Sometime in the last couple weeks, things took a dramatic turn! Someone…who knows who, mentioned martinis……a few drinking pictures were posted….suddenly our shy politically correct group turned into crazy Martini obsessed partiers!! (Okay…this may be a slight exaggeration…but it definitely livened up quite a bit!!) Any number of us could be found on other threads…if those threads related to alcohol consumption! I don’t know if anyone else made this connection…but it did all seem to start when weloveDCL joined the group……just an observation (jus’ kiddin Kim!!) Although weloveDCL did coin our groups name…”Happy and Laid Back Cruisers”. You’ll have to visit our meet boards to find more about the hidden meaning of that one! Suddenly, we were all on a different level! We planned our initially meet and greet and I, in true “I love my birthday” form, planned a generic birthday get together….that just happened to fall on my 40th birthday! More on that later!!

Okay, back to the snow!
The week before our trip was a whirlwind!
Checking arrangements, getting the kids make up work (hello..we did at least 8 hours of school work while they were out! And the kicker…when we got back to school, they were both at least 3 lessons ahead in all subjects…) pedicure, dog food, house not a mess (my parents were coming from PA to dog sit)….then the weather reports start…..
Possible significant snow accumulation beginning Thursday, February 1st. Okay, I’m not stupid…it’s February….snow happens. But it was 70 degrees in Maryland 3 weeks ago! We are scheduled to fly to Orlando on Friday about noon…I know if it gets bad at least we have a little time. Just in case, I fill the tank with gas and get the oil changed…..cause if I have to, I’ll drive to the Magic!
In true Eastern Shore of MD form, the snow turns into rain sometime after midnight Thurs. and we wake up Friday to rain covered roads…..PHEW!

Our flight takes off as scheduled. I sit between the kids while DH sits across the aisle with his head set on and eyes closed the whole flight….NICE!
I split myself in 2 and “gently encourage” both DD and DS to continue to work on their school work…'nuff said there.

We arrive and head to baggage claim. We each have a carry on and attempt to all get on the escalator. DD (who is luckily a gymnast) puts her bag on…then her left foot….but can’t seem to pull her right foot on…DH who is in front of her somehow props himself against her bag keeping the bag and DD from flying forward. DD’s right foot eventually is pulled on behind her. She is looking back at me with terror on her face. I, as any good mother would be, am bent over in hysterics at the site of my DD doing a complete split down the escalator. It was all I could do not to fall over myself! She is able to dismount at the bottom…no harm done! DH doesn’t see the humor…and I still get evil looks when I bring the story up!!
Good times, good times.

We arrive at the baggage claim and there is a nice LimoGuy holding a sign with my children’s names! (Okay Vicki, I may not have been able to keep the cruise secret….but I kept the Limo secret!!). The kids have always wanted to ride in a Limo. As a surprise to them, I booked one from the airport to the Radisson!! (Okay, I’m cheap, so we took a town car back to the airport on the 10th!) The kids FREAKED OUT! Honestly I think if we turned and went home after the Limo ride, they would have been satisfied! It was a beautiful, newish white stretch Limo! Movie and all! Nice Limoguy didn’t seem to mind the kids pushing every button or making the privacy shield go up and down a gazillion times! It was wonderful! I highly recommend Tiffany Limo Service!!

[/IMG]
We travel over the infamous bridge….and there it is….the empty spot where the Magic will be the following morning……….a smidge of a let down. I guess I should have realized the ship wouldn’t be there Friday afternoon……..I just didn't put that together until that moment.
Okay, I’ll survive one more day before seeing the ship!

Off to the Radisson we go! Our room is neat and clean. Although they are doing a bit of renovation, our stay was wonderful! The kids take a dip in the pool even though it was a tad chilly…and rainy! Other that a DD extreme meltdown in the room………all was well!!

Next up:
Get to the Boat part already!!

 

[smarttm]

Jackie,
I knew you would do it and it is starting out in grand style. Can't wait to read more.

 

[CapnJackGroupie]

It's gonna be a GREAT TR.......I can tell!!!!

 

[gmark2000]

Jackie must be drinking between chapters...

 

[tjeagle]

Jackie must be drinking between chapters...

Come on now Gary...everyone knows Patron is no fun alone!!
No drinkin....just workin!
My goal is one installment a day!

I am having trouble posting pix again (it's cute how dumb I am!!)
I have them in PB...then what?? Gary, you are my pix Guru.....any help??
Happy Valentine's Day all!!

 

[weloveDCL]

jackie i am loving your report..

as far as picture posting.. pb stand for photo bucket.. which is my dear friend..

right click on the image option.. under the photo you want to use.. and then copy it.. then paste it in a post..

that's what i do.. and i'm pretty much computer illegitimate... (play on words intended)

and yes, i have often been guilty of taking a thread into the gutter with me.. so i'm guilty.. however, i didn't ever ahem, start a drinking related thread.. in the main forum..

 

[pierresgirl]

Great start! Can't wait to read some more!!!

 

[Jennifer48]

Great start, looking forward to reading more!

 

[tjeagle]

Part 3:

Saturday morning we are up early…we get ready and meet my cousin’s family who came from Orlando to spend time with us Friday night. The kids were a bit….hyper let’s say! My son decides to run and jump on one of the luggage carts to try his hand at surfing……OY!
This is about the time he meets Jacob (Vic32s son) and the bond is formed. They gave each other a shy hello, sort of waved…..but a brotherhood began. When they met for the second time at the Laid Backs group meet at 3pm that afternoon they hugged like long lost brothers! Too cute!!

Once the kids did a few laps around the lobby (WHERE ARE THOSE CHILDRENS PARENTS???) we eat at the Radisson’s buffet breakfast. Not bad although I really wasn’t that hungry and don’t feel like I ate enough to justify the cost (I’ll make up for that on the ship!!)
We say good bye to cousin and kids and go get our luggage (3 lg. bags, 1 garment bag, 2 med. Bags and 2 carry ons) and head to the lobby for the first shuttle at 10am! While waiting we meet a bunch of fun families that we will be cruising with. Still no green wrist bands though! (many of the Laid Backs ordered green wrist bands to help identify ourselves to each other on the ship) It is a quick ride to the port…and finally there she is …MY ship! Tears well in my eyes, and I get the first “Ma-om (must be said in 2 syllables!) you are embarrassing me!!!!!” from DD.
Sidebar….I get an odd feeling of accomplishment by embarrassing my kiddies in public….apparently I have no rhythm and am tone deaf (DH has verified this) but enjoy singing and dancing in public when the kids are around. It seems crying in public like a sap also has the same effect….needless to say, they were embarrassed MANY times while aboard the ship! It has been brought to my attention that I did at one point scar them for life when I tearfully sang and danced during the Sailaway Party….
Good times, good times!!

We enter the port……I cannot believe I am actually there! We got a #2 Boarding pass and head up the escalator. We are one of the first few groups to enter! Check in is a breeze! I meet smarttm in line!! I think the 2 women between us were quite confused at our connection…gotta love the DIS!! We also meet queenbee1127 and mom2grace while hanging out! It is really a terrific feeling to get on board and have these connections. I spot a fellow who looks like Gary of okwmember……wait….what is that ….no…couldn’t be……is that a Mickey shaved into the back of his head…….that MUST be Gary!!

We spent probably the next 30 minutes people watching…enjoying the port and, what I like to call our Lily Sprints….
Lily (daughter of welovedvc and sister of dvcprincess) and my dd had been pen pals for a few months before the trip. The girls had exchanged pictures so Leah had her eye out for Lily. Every 5 or so minutes Leah was “sure this time” that she spotted Lily and she and I would sprint through the port after some unassuming little girl. Once we even followed a girl and her mother into the restroom….we were scary!! Never did meet Lily until the 3pm meet. The girls were best buds from that point on! Meeting the welovedvc family was one of the high points of our trip!! (miss you guys!)

Okay here it comes…..
We head to the huge group of people gathered around the Mickey entrance…..we helped guide a few people on what their boarding cards meant and how the boarding system worked. This was the moment I think when DH realized that my hours…upon hours…upon hours on the DIS boards was going to pay off! We were first time DCL cruisers, yet I was guiding other guest……oh yeah, that’s right…..I’m the man!! There were even times during the trip that I caught DH (doubting Thomas) helping other newbies! See…he does listen to me…he does, he really does!!
#2 is called…we enter….in our MATCHING SWEATSHIRTS!! Oh…did I forget to mention that??? Okay…back track.. info on me….I love my birthday blah blah blah…
I ordered…I mean Santa brought us Disney matching sweatshirts Christmas morning that say something like…
“Mom’s 40th Birthday Sail-a-bration”
Get it…SAIL-A-BRATION……..gotta love it! Okay, actually no one loved it but me! DH promised to wear it ONCE (cause it was my B-day) when we boarded but would remove it immediately after the boarding picture. DD and DS had agreed, until that morning when I had to cry and remind them that Santa gave it to them and if they didn’t wear it he may not bring them gifts again….WHAT,WHAT…WAS THAT WRONG TO SAY??? No really, I didn’t say that (okay, yes I did).
Anywhoo,
We get our picture taken and board and hear our name announced…and I tear up…….MA-OM…..YOUR EMBARRISING ME!!

I head immediately to (find food? NOOOO, change Palo ressies? NOOOOO, change dining plans? NOOOOOO….) guest services to get Martini and Tequila tickets! Mr. Dr. Smarttm is in front of me….he basically signs up for those two and then some…I get to the counter and ask for “whatever he got!!” and we are set!!

Now that the important stuff is taken care of I decide I should feed my children…To ParrotCay we go! The kids get there first taste of “get whatever you want” service and have a blast. Lunch was fantastic! We hang for awhile and then decide to wander around the ship…..
I CAN’T BELIEVE I AM HERE!!

Next up:
“This Sail-away party is fa-fa-fa- FUN!!!! Good thing we have these matching sweatshirts!!

 

[Babs417]

JACKIE your trip report WILL be remembered

 

[vic32]

Jackie I love your report!! After we met you in the lobby- my Jacob asked how I knew so many people here! He was impressed! Of course next time it won't be a secret so he can meet someone on the dis first!
Miss you guys!

 

[tjeagle]

right click on the image option.. under the photo you want to use.. and then copy it.. then paste it in a post..

Okay...tried this ....still just getting the link, not an actual picture......
HELLLPPPPP!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

WOW...this is fantastic. Thanks for sharing ! I am also a paid up memmber of the "embarrass your kids by crying at Disney related moments" club! I don't know how I'll cope when I go on the cruise, it sounds like there will be so many of "those" moments! Oh well, kids, prepare to be embarrassed!

 

[chepic]

Jackie, thank you for sharing your trip....I too am 40 (celebrated with Cinderella) with a husband...who would never doubt my Obsessive Compulsive Vacation Planning....having been married 19 years. We will be celebrating 20 on the Magic jan '08. A 6 y.o son who rolls his eyes at me everytime we walk down Main street and I tear up at the sight of the castle.

I have recently discovered this board and I will be like you, an expert

Can't wait to read more!!! Can't wait to drink those martinis...and dance

che

 

[Jennifer48]

More! More!

 

[catwoman25]

Hi!
I am sitting here at work reading your report and laughing out loud...my coworkers are staring at me and wondering hat is so funny...I tell them they kwould not understand. Great report, Jackie. I can hardly wait to hear about the rest of our trip!!!! The room finally stopped rocking yesterday.