Dec 5, 2009 -- now traveling to Tortola

[fluvannaj]

Hope this works!!

And another this year at EPCOT:

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hadley,

I live in downtown Chicago. I am in the fun-filled occupation of an accountant. In the mid-eighties I was stationed in Zirndorf, Germany, while serving in the U.S. Army.

I am currently single, and I recently joined Disney Vacation Club.

I am looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations at WDW and on DCL.

I will see you in 5 weeks or so.

Scot

Nice to meet you Chicago is a fun city. We used to spend a lot of weekends up there when we lived in Lafeyette, IN. I had to google Zindorf (still learning my geography)-this will mean nothing to you but to our family it is right by the Playmobil Funpark

We too are going to the World prior to our cruise. We'll be staying at BLT Dec. 1-5 and are planning the following parks during that time:
Dec. 2: MK
Dec. 3: MVMCP
Dec. 4: HS
Dec. 5: Breakfast at Ohana's before we head to the port

--Amy

LOVE the photo (and the trend you started). Your girls are adorable We will have to keep a look out for you at the Studios on Friday. We will be there all day and are having lunch at Hollywood and Vine. We all decided we should try something new. We have been several times at 50s Prime Time, a couple of times at Brown Derby and eat at Mama Melroses nearly every trip--but only half if us have ever been to Hollywood and Vine and that was 10 years ago. We are branching out--but I KNOW I will miss Mama Melroses

Hi To All Experienced Cruisers!

My mom wants to get DD6 a salon treatment for the formal night. (and also cuts for herself and DW) I can't find a spot on the cruise where these can be booked.

Anybody know how to do it? Or is it too late to book?

I could be very wrong given that until my last cruise I had never so much set foot in the spa--and even then I just went to the rainforest room, BUT I think basic salon services can only be booked once onboard. I believe that people often have one person racing to Rockin Bar D to book Palo and the other racing to the Spa to book salon items.

When we have cruised with out lines, DH has worn a tux on formal nights. Do most people do so with DCL, or is it generally suits?

It varies tremendously from cruise to cruise. We have been on one where I swear David and Rio were the only ones in tuxes and others where about 60% of the men were. You just never know. Go with what you like.

Now I'm hoping I won't be overdressed. I found a beautiful garnet colored floor length gown on clearance last year after the holidays. I very seldom get a chance to really dress up so I will wear that dress!
.

Again, people will be all over the map. I think your dress sounds lovely. Our family LOVES the chance to dress up so we go all out. I am wearing my while beaded gown this time, which only goes just past my knees, but it is still very dressy. I have a "hot pink barbie dress" (as named by Marika when she was 4), which actually has a short train (6 inches or so) which I have worn--so really no worries about being overly dressed If getting dressed up is part of the fun for you, as it is for us, then by all means do it.

Afterwards, we'll throw dinner rolls at each other in Palo!

I lost the quote about kids who do not like dressing up Anyway, if you see my little Alex P Keaton--that his totally his doing. I do not make him wear a tie every night (he probably will every night--excpet pirate night. He absolutely will for semi formal and Lumiere's and he'll have his tux for formal night)--he likes them


All the family photos are wonderful thanks for posting them!

 

[scothen]

Nice to meet you Chicago is a fun city. We used to spend a lot of weekends up there when we lived in Lafeyette, IN. I had to google Zindorf (still learning my geography)-this will mean nothing to you but to our family it is right by the Playmobil Funpark


LOVE the photo (and the trend you started). Your girls are adorable We will have to keep a look out for you at the Studios on Friday. We will be there all day and are having lunch at Hollywood and Vine. We all decided we should try something new. We have been several times at 50s Prime Time, a couple of times at Brown Derby and eat at Mama Melroses nearly every trip--but only half if us have ever been to Hollywood and Vine and that was 10 years ago. We are branching out--but I KNOW I will miss Mama Melroses



I could be very wrong given that until my last cruise I had never so much set foot in the spa--and even then I just went to the rainforest room, BUT I think basic salon services can only be booked once onboard. I believe that people often have one person racing to Rockin Bar D to book Palo and the other racing to the Spa to book salon items.


It varies tremendously from cruise to cruise. We have been on one where I swear David and Rio were the only ones in tuxes and others where about 60% of the men were. You just never know. Go with what you like.


Again, people will be all over the map. I think your dress sounds lovely. Our family LOVES the chance to dress up so we go all out. I am wearing my while beaded gown this time, which only goes just past my knees, but it is still very dressy. I have a "hot pink barbie dress" (as named by Marika when she was 4), which actually has a short train (6 inches or so) which I have worn--so really no worries about being overly dressed If getting dressed up is part of the fun for you, as it is for us, then by all means do it.




I lost the quote about kids who do not like dressing up Anyway, if you see my little Alex P Keaton--that his totally his doing. I do not make him wear a tie every night (he probably will every night--excpet pirate night. He absolutely will for semi formal and Lumiere's and he'll have his tux for formal night)--he likes them


All the family photos are wonderful thanks for posting them!

Hadley,

Actually, I graduated from Purdue University. Go Boilers!

Scot

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hadley,

Actually, I graduated from Purdue University. Go Boilers!

Scot

Small world!! The kids and I used to love to go over on campus and watch the marching band practice. Mostly Marika--Rio was born there and we moved when he was still a toddler. Anyway it was always a fun campus to be on

 

[beachbratt]

If you don't feel like dressing up Top Siders is on deck 9 . (I have been told they have the same food as the resturants on deck 3 and 4.)

On are last cruise we ate up at Topsiders every night but the first and last because it is not open and Pirate night we just had room service. They have a salad bar and also a menu from one of the restaurants. It is sit down not buffet like for breakfast and lunch. You can dine at a table by yourself and the service goes by faster then in the dining rooms. We enjoyed it very much and even the one night the Captain ate dinner up there too.

 

[NHdisneylover]

mmmmm I did not know they had a salad bar! Thanks for posting about it. I always think I will tear myself away from my servers and try it some night, but I never have I will have to try to get myeslf in there once this time around

 

[rowst3]

Hi To All Experienced Cruisers!

My mom wants to get DD6 a salon treatment for the formal night. (and also cuts for herself and DW) I can't find a spot on the cruise where these can be booked.

Anybody know how to do it? Or is it too late to book?

I don't think your DD can get a salon treatment because she is under 18. I always thought the services were for adults only. Of course my last cruise was 2 years ago and knowing Disney things probably have changed since then.

Thanks! Rosemary

 

[NHdisneylover]

I don't think your DD can get a salon treatment because she is under 18. I always thought the services were for adults only. Of course my last cruise was 2 years ago and knowing Disney things probably have changed since then.

Thanks! Rosemary

The wording the the spa brochure was published just recently (in the last week) on the main board. It appears any age can have salon services (cut, style, nails) but spa services are for 18 and up only (at least from what is written there--again I have no experience in the matter at all). I do know they often run teen specials in the salon on slow port days as I have seen it advertised in the navigator numerous times.

ETA--found the thread, here's the link:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2316322

 

[princess369]

We are going to the Candlelight Processional in Epcot 12/12 (staying at CBR) and will be spending the day at MK on Sun. before we have to leave for the airport.

That might be a good idea. We are meeting some other Disney friends at WDW on the 12 and were going to visit the resorts to look at the Christmas decorations on the 12th. I've heard that the Grand Floridian and some others do an exceptional job. But we might do the candlelight processional on Sat since we had planned HS and Epcot on the 14th. (We're looking forward to the Christmas tree lighting, Osborn lights, and maybe Fantasmic at HS on the 14th.) Two parks in one day can be hectic. I have to talk with DH and friends to see if they are willing to try to hit the resorts and a park the day we get in.
With luck we'll run into you in MK. We will be there the entire day.

 

[princess369]

I don't think your DD can get a salon treatment because she is under 18. I always thought the services were for adults only. Of course my last cruise was 2 years ago and knowing Disney things probably have changed since then.

Thanks! Rosemary

I will have to look at the Navigator, but I have pixie dust and hairspray. I will try to be by the Goofy Pool on the afternoon of formal day to put up little girl's hair. Parent must be present.

Christine

 

[Inkmahm]

Hadley,

I live in downtown Chicago. I am in the fun-filled occupation of an accountant. In the mid-eighties I was stationed in Zirndorf, Germany, while serving in the U.S. Army.

I am currently single, and I recently joined Disney Vacation Club.

I am looking forward to seeing the Christmas decorations at WDW and on DCL.

I will see you in 5 weeks or so.

Scot

Hey, I'm an accountant, too! And a DVC member. We bought DVC back in 2006 and have added on several times to the point where we own at 3 separate resorts. Are you eating early or late dinner?

 

[princess369]

I will have to look at the Navigator, but I have pixie dust and hairspray. I will try to be by the Goofy Pool on the afternoon of formal day to put up little girl's hair. Parent must be present.

Christine

Sorry for the duplicate post but my computer went down and once a message is posted I'm not sure how to delete it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I will have to look at the Navigator, but I have pixie dust and hairspray. I will try to be by the Goofy Pool on the afternoon of formal day to put up little girl's hair. Parent must be present.

Christine

I just have to say you are so totally sweet.

 

[carmie3377]

Ugh, so disappointed this morning. I have been waiting for Southwest to release a sale for our dates. I am currently booked to fly out of Dallas even though I live within 20 miles from Houston Hobby because the fares were less than half out of Dallas ($59 vs $134 at time of booking). I would be willing to pay more to fly out of HOU but not over 2 times. Every Tuesday they release some type of sale and and our dates/route have always been excluded. Anyway, this morning, I looked and saw they have a $25/50/75/100 sale. I got so excited as last time they had this type of sale, every flight and route that I checked (which was a lot) was included. Well, upon further checking, I saw that the sale begin 12/2 and ends 12/16. Our dates are 12/1 and 12/17! One day on both ends!!! I know I could change our hotel ressies but we already have everything else planned out with ADRs, park days ect.

We have family in Dallas so it's not a huge deal that we have to drive up there. It's a 5 hour drive to MIL's house north of Dallas. I know it's worth it to save the money I am saving (close to $500) but when I think about the 20 minute drive to Hobby vs the 5 hour drive to Dallas, I really question it. However, DD is excited as she'll be able to see her grandmother. I'm going to make the best out of it and not worry about it anymore. Just had to get the frustration out of my system. Thanks for letting me vent a bit

Oh, one thing that I think is kinda funny - on our way home from Orlando, we have to change planes in HOUSTON!!! I will be so close to my house yet I have to board another plane to Dallas. If I had booked that MCO - HOU, it would have been $134. However, to book that same flight but to add HOU - DAL on the end, it was $59.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Carmie, that DOES sound frustrating Vent here any time

 

[Tower]

It's a 5 hour drive to MIL's house north of Dallas. I know it's worth it to save the money I am saving (close to $500) but when I think about the 20 minute drive to Hobby vs the 5 hour drive to Dallas, I really question it.

Well Carmie, you'll get lots of that 'quality family time' on the drives back and forth.

So much so, you won't wait too long to get the kids into their programs and some R&R on the ship!

 

[carmie3377]

Carmie, that DOES sound frustrating Vent here any time

Thank you!

Well Carmie, you'll get lots of that 'quality family time' on the drives back and forth.

So much so, you won't wait too long to get the kids into their programs and some R&R on the ship!

Yep, and it'll be just me and the kids on the way to/from Dallas. DH has to fly out of Houston because of his work schedule and he's coming home several days before us. He doesn't have the time for the drive so for him, I didn't even consider it. Since I don't work (outside the home that is!) and DD is home schooled, that extra time won't hurt us. Plus, we make that trip several times a year so I know each and every potty stop on the way!

I'll be driving home on Dec 18. Guess where we're heading on Dec 23 - 28 to spend the holidays??? DALLAS!! I get to do that drive again but this time DH will be with us. My mom suggested I just stay up there and let DH fly up there on the 23rd but that is time away from him that I don't want to spend apart since he's already leaving our trip early. Plus, that would be a total of 4 weeks away from home and I will need to see my little doggie. She's already going to think her Momma ran away from her being gone 2.5 weeks! Yeah, I mentioned before I was crazy about this dog! I know it

 

[JD&LYD]

I've been reading thread since it was first posted, I think its time I put our info on.. We booked this on board in Jan-Feb. 2008. I split the big final nite Bingo prize w/some one and we ran right to the booking table.
We are four adults, no more like Srs. I'm John, DW Carol(Lydia, but she doesnt like that)SIL Denise, BIL John.We are respectfulyy 62, 60, 54, 57.
Since our kids and/or grands will not be with us this time i've sort of just sat back and watched the excitement buld in those of you who are coming w/family
This will be DW and my 4th dcl cruise The in-laws first.
We will be spending three days after the cruise at SSR, visiting the other resorts and takin it slow. Question for anyone who knows, What resort do they build the big Gingerbread House in? Or do they still do that. Seems I remember it being done a few years ago, cant remember where.( One of the perks of getting up in age.)
Hope to meet some of y'all on board.....

 

[Tower]

We booked this on board in Jan-Feb. 2008. I split the big final nite Bingo prize w/some one and we ran right to the booking table.
We are four adults, no more like Srs. I'm John, DW Carol(Lydia, but she doesnt like that)SIL Denise, BIL John.We are respectfulyy 62, 60, 54, 57.

Welcome Bill, Carol, Denise & John! Wow! You booked yours around the same time we did!

Just the same, great to have you aboard!

As for the Gingerbread house, I could not tell you, perhaps others more experienced than I will have better info. If I find it first though, beware, I may eat it all before you get there!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I've been reading thread since it was first posted, I think its time I put our info on.. We booked this on board in Jan-Feb. 2008. I split the big final nite Bingo prize w/some one and we ran right to the booking table.
We are four adults, no more like Srs. I'm John, DW Carol(Lydia, but she doesnt like that)SIL Denise, BIL John.We are respectfulyy 62, 60, 54, 57.
Since our kids and/or grands will not be with us this time i've sort of just sat back and watched the excitement buld in those of you who are coming w/family
This will be DW and my 4th dcl cruise The in-laws first.
We will be spending three days after the cruise at SSR, visiting the other resorts and takin it slow. Question for anyone who knows, What resort do they build the big Gingerbread House in? Or do they still do that. Seems I remember it being done a few years ago, cant remember where.( One of the perks of getting up in age.)
Hope to meet some of y'all on board.....

Hello and welcome I am glad you are posting now. Surely it is exciting without kids as well?

The BIG gingerbread house (that is staffed and sells gingerbread goodies like a little store) is in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. There is a much smaller, but very nice Hawaiin gingerbread houe at the Poly and also a gingerbread merry go round at either the Yatch or Beach Club. Of course, things can change--and there may well be more I have not seen yet (I love to check out the decorations at the different hotels on sight). In the past there has also been a pretty big gingerbread house on the ship--at the base of the stairs that go down from behind Studio Sea to near Shutters.