December 9, 2007 4 night

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

To everyone with "little girls"...Did yall see that BBB is opening up in the castle? They are now taking appointments! Oh how I wish my DD was still that age. The little girls that come out of there all fancied up walk around like they are worth a million dollars! They are so adorable!

I am so looking forward to the weekend. We are racing but in town and I am hoping for an early Saturday night! These 3:00 in the morning deals are kicking me in the tail.

I am so excited about the trip. I think we are going to do MVMCP the first night. I am waiting on DU to let me know what they think. I didnt know that they help you as much as they do. The only thing is you have to wait on reply. I try to be patient but I am worse that my children. I want it all taken care of NOW. So far I am pleased with them. My main concern now is airfare. If we were going two weeks earlier we could fly for $160.00. Right now the best I am getting is $270.00. I am going to wait a little longer hoping for a fare sale!

Is anyone going to the Candlelight Processional? I want to go but I want to see who the narrators are first.

G4D - I am SOOOOOOO jealous! Two weeks at the GF. How special. I am really happy for you and your family.

As far as the DIS meet. We had one. It was not really successful. I did end up meeting most everyone but not together. After we had talked for so long, I was hoping for more. When it came down to the last week everyone was undecided where to meet. Hopefully someone in our group has had a successful one and knows the best stragedy.

 

[GooFy_4_DisnEy]

I didnt know about BBB in the castle, she will love that! Thank You Minnie OTM for that info!!! We are going to the candle light procession, cant make the reservation yet, (to anything else for that matter) but yes I would love to know who is doing the reading? Has anyone seen the Walt suite on board? If so whats it like? Airfare? for the shorter trips, I use Southwest, didnt say like, but use... and they dont release their fares until 4-5 months prior typically. Good luck with the local race this weekend
G4D

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We have our flights down, but not our return. It's my fault right now...I've been sitting on it. Just don't feel like calling Delta to wait on hold forver...we have credits to use.

 

[dthogue]

Hey Everyone - just checking back in - boy you have been busy. Glad to see all the new faces that are joining us.

To those of you surprising your kids - Wow - good luck - I know I could never keep a secret like that for so long. My DD's actually enjoy the planning part of the trip and all the discussion on what we are going to do, I think they would be upset with me if I tried to pull off a surprise (especially now that they are older). I know I could never pack for them

Is anyone else planning on doing MVMCP? We are going Thursday, December 13th. That will be our only time for WDW. It's gonna seem funny to be so close to the parks and not go to each of them. I left the decision up to my DD's and they picked Discovery Cove and Sea World over WDW - go figure

I like the magnet exchange idea. On our 1st crusie we had a DIS meet on the 1st day around 3:00pm by the pool. It was well atteneded and we had a great time. It didn't last too long since we had to get to the saftey drill, but it gave everyone a chance to meet and say hello. It would be nice to have something that would identify us to each other. I'm game for anything.

Take care!!
Tammy

 

[Crystal_27]

I'm still very undecided on MVMCP. My DD goes to bed on or before 8:00 p.m., so keeping her up late for MVMCP might have dire consequences the next day. If we do go, however, we will go on December 8th, but we probably will opt out.

Also wanted to give a heads-up to moms with daughters. Went to the Disney Store and purchased Elizabeth's Swann's costume (and matching crown) for the Pirate's Party. The costume was $50 and the crown was $15. There also were matching shoes ($15) but I held off. Very, VERY, VERY-VERY CUTE! My DD tried it on last night and she didn't want to take it off. Anyway, I think it's going to be wonderful for the party. It's not THAT pirate-ish, though, it's more Jasmine-ish; however, it's still very cute.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Chrystal27 - I saw the costume when I went to Disney Store last week. It was adorable. It can also be double duty for you with Halloween before the cruise. I said before we werent doing costumes this year and I am sticking to it. Maybe we will wear a POC Shirt or something. Everyone in the Family has one but me. I am not a fan of the movie. The children like it. The party however was alot of fun. We enjoyed our Pirates night last year.

DTHogue - We are going to MVMCP on December 6. It will be our first night there. It looks as though you are going to the parks afterward. We like the party. Alot of people dont care for it but it has always been an enjoyable experience for us. Our first year the children were so little. They were worn out and I was like they cant miss the fireworks, they cant miss the parade....etc. My DH was like let them sleep and you enjoy it. I wanted to enjoy with them. Men dont seem to be as sentimental as women in my family! They chose my DD to be angelique though in The Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Christmas on the stage that night. My first trip with the children at MVMCP, We were all dressed in nice Christmas sweaters. She had on a black velour skirt with red shirt with a black velour sweater with the boa around the collar and the wrist. She looked absolutely beautiful. Belle is her favorite. We have every movie with her in it. She was on cloud nine. I had gone to pick up our picture and came back and couldnt find DH. He stood up and told me to sit down in the back and was making a motion for the camera. Next thing I know she was on the stage!!!!! Do you think I took alot of pictures....OMG I think I used a whole roll!!!!!!!!!! Now we are blue jeans and t shirts. Funny how things change huh?

I just read the Illuminations ROE is being changed. I hope not. Last year we took the Illuminations cruise and wanted to do it this year if we could get though on the lines to get a boat. DH did not mind spending that money. It was wonderful to us. The children couldnt quit talking about it.

Someone asked about the cat4 cabin. I have only been once and we were cat6. Just like this year. I have seen cat2 and it was awesome but the other disser in it said it was very noisey with all the fancy cabinetry. She said the doors squeaked with the motion of ship. It was so nice I probably could deal with the noise. I dont have to worry though.....My DH will not go for us spending that much for it. I had rather go more often. He can be a hard sell sometimes.

I hope all the little girls have a good time at BBB. Dont forget to get their buttons at guest services if it is their first trip. The have buttons for first trip (could be for both adults and children) and birthdays and they differ from park to park sometimes. It was my DH birthday and everyone tells you Happy Birthday. He let my son wear it because everyone made over him. DS birthday is Dec 27 so it was close enough to celebrate anyway.

 

[dthogue]

Cyrstal27 - I know what you mean about little ones - it would be very hard to keep them up that later and actually enjoy the party. Just so you know, there isn't a party on 12/8 - they have them on Sun, Tues, Thur, and Fri.

The costume sounds dear - your daughter is going to look beautiful - enjoy - my DD's are too old for that, but I loved it when they were younger

Minnie of 2 mice - have fun at MVMCP - we went 2 years ago and loved it. This will be our only time at WDW this trip though, so we are departing on seeing the parade/shows or just hitting the rides. I have a feeling my older DD's will be doing the rides, while my younger one will want to see the parade.

tammy

 

[Crystal_27]

Minnie2 - They had some really cute POC shirts at the Disney Store for adults when I was there. However, given that the prices were a bit steep, you could probably make a killing when they are clearanced for the incoming Fall stuff (which should be in about, oh, 2 weeks, right?!?).

Just so you know, there isn't a party on 12/8 - they have them on Sun, Tues, Thur, and Fri.

LOL - Tammy - you just made my delimma a lot easier. I guess we'll be skipping MVMCP this year. No chance I'm going to let her stay awake all night on any other night that we're there trying to make the most out of our "Land" portion.

Now that I know better, I *wish* that we would have opted for a full 7 days at the parks OR a 7-night cruise. Doing the Land/Sea just seems like it's going to be too hectic. Oh well, since it's already paid for, I guess I'll just start planning for next time. We have already talked about doing the 7 or 11 night med. cruise July, 2009, provided we can book onboard in December (and, of course, provided that we actually enjoy cruising).

Well, anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful weekend. We're pretty jammed up this weekend with birthday parties, etc. but at least it's better than working.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

We Have done four days at the parks (not long enough) Seven days at the parks (too long commando style!) five days at the parks which seemed to be a happy medium. Last year we decided to cruise.....cant go down there and not go to the parks, so we did five days at the parks with the four night cruise. OMG we were exhausted. We didnt relax at all. 100% full force FUN!!!! So we decided this year that we would do three days at the parks with the cruise. We are going to relax this time though. We both own our on businesses. I am a general contractor and he is an electrical contractor. When we get home we have company Christmas party, customer gifts etc and all of the other things before the holiday. Our secretary had to quit in January because of her health so I have been doing the office work. I want to do a seven day so bad but we are not ready to give up the parks!

One day we will be able to go do a cruise and go back to the parks and wait for the children and grandchildren and not have to worry about the time.

Crystal27 - I cant remember what you said you were going to do the first night but if you go to DD they have the best "santa" picture. We go every year.

 

[Crystal_27]

Crystal27 - I cant remember what you said you were going to do the first night but if you go to DD they have the best "santa" picture. We go every year.

Thanks for the suggestion, Minnie2! The only thing we really have on the agenda for the night we get there (Thursday) is Ohanas. However, I really wanted to hit the Scrapbook store they have at Downtown Disney, so we'll pop over there and get a Santa picture while we're there too.

I'm so like a kid in a candy store over Disney. It's been 9 loooonnngggg years since we've been and it's so nice this time to (1) stay at the parks and (2) not have to worry about a budget. Anyway, if you all have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them - - this really is like another "first" time.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

 

[Crystal_27]

Oh, p.s. DH is going golfing one morning - - can anyone recommend one of the courses over the other? Thanks again!

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

No golfers here!!! My guys are all about speed and motors!!! I have heard though that there are some nice ones around. Good Luck!

 

[sheila con]

Hi
We are going on the wonder on 9 december we are DW Dh DD16 DS15 and DS13 its our first cruise and we cant wait!!! See u there!:

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Sheila!!!!!!

Is everyone ready for school to be out? I dont think this week is ever going to end.

I used dreams unlimited this time.(first time ever) I am impatient though. I try to say I am not, but I emailed Sue Ellen Monday and havent heard anything yet. I wished so bad I could pick up the phone and talk to her. I have been spoiled by the travel agent all these years. (this is a process to teach me patience and save me around $600.00) I just like everything to be done with confirmation paperwork and wait for the big day. Luckily we are only planning 2 dinner reservations and MVMCP and possibly CP depending on the narrator our last night there. I would also love an Illuminations cruise. If we get it, we get it, if we dont, we dont!!

I am still dealing with the nascar limo from our house to the airport. They say they can do it in an hour but want to charge a three hour minimum. I say NO WAY!! I will get my sister to take me.

One more decision is we used disneys tranfers last year but thinking about arranging different transportation this year to the port and back to the airport. How is everyone elses planning going?

I can not wait to see the expressions on my childrens face when we tell them!!!!!!

Some of our best friends are on Castaway Cay today. I am sooooooo JEALOUS!! It is their first cruise. I really am happy for them. I know I will be getting a call in the morning when they get back to port. I also feel kinda sorry for them....their last night

 

[Crystal_27]

How is everyone elses planning going?

Well, I think that I've gotten our dining ADRs all planned (just waiting to book them). We are only planning on doing CRT for breakfast (12/7 or 12/8) and Ohanas for dinner (12/6), so hopefully we'll get what we want. I also hope to be able to do BBB in the castle for DD on the same day we do CRT. Also, DH wants to golf one morning which will be whatever morning we DON'T get into CRT. Other than that, we'll play it by ear.

We live in Georgia, so we are driving to Disney on Thursday (12/6) and plan to get there by 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. (that means getting up around 4:00 a.m. - - YAWN!). We will also drive to the Port for the cruise. On the morning of the cruise, we plan on eating at Kona, and I hope the Tonga Toast will be as great as everyone says it is.

As far as the cruise, I'm going to try and book the dolphin excursion, but if I don't get it, it's not really that big of a deal. I also want to schedule a wrap and massage on the cruise. Other than that, I'm just going to try and relax and NOT plan so much. DH is a big "go with the flow" type of guy, so I'm going to try it his way this time.

I have purchased matching embarkation outfits for all 3 of us and a pirate costume for DD for the pirate party. I'll probably pick up pirate shirts from the Disney Store once they go on sale but I REFUSE to pay $36 for a t-shirt at full price!!

Anyone as excited as I am about this long weekend? I swear, the weeks get longer and longer!! What's everyone got planned? We are going to spend some serious pool time with my family and our friends. In 2 weeks time, my 3 year old DD has gone from being fearful of the pool to jumping in BY HERSELF (with floaties, of course)! She absolutely loves the pool and I want to make sure that she gets as much exposure to the pools as possible before December.

So, anyway, that's my grand plan. I'm sure it will probably change a bit before I get done, but that's the sketch anyway.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I plan on buying our return flight tonight.

So far our plan is to get there on the 8th and stay at the Residence Inn at Port Canaveral that night. Then afterwards we're either staying at Vero Beach or the Dolphin (we have reservations for both right now). Either way we'll be coming home on Sunday the 16th.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

We have a state race Saturday, so we will leave Friday at noon and will get back in town Sunday afternoon. Then we have a road course race(his first one) Monday just for fun. We dont care where we place or if we even win. Just alot of fun. DD is happy to be swimming at the hotel pool!!!

I am sooooooooooo ready for summer break!

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

We are back in town and worn out! The ninety degree heat and being outdoors in the open air with no trees has taken its toll on me this weekend!!! Howard had a good weekend racing. He didnt do near as well as he has been doing, but had a great time and that is all that counts. He had a bad qualifying round. He qualified ninth but came back up to fourth. He had third a while but lost it. He is still third in the State of Mississippi. Yes, I am a proud Mom. I hope everyone else had a good wekend.

I get so excited thinking about the cruise. I ordered another cruise line book last night. I needed it like I need a hole in my head. I practically have a library of them. They do change though. I have gotten tips out of them. This year I hope the children do a little more pin trading on the ship. They love it in the parks, but didnt trade one pin on the ship last year. They bought some though. This is going to be such a special time for the little ones. When I scroll through our thread and see the sweet little faces I can see them already in their little princess dresses. My DD would never wear them in the parks because she thought they were uncomfortable. I think if we had of cruised she probably would have. Sad to say but mine are growing out of the sweet innocent stage. They are not bad children at all just growing up. I could just cry sometimes when my daughter is beside me gloating at the fact that she is almost as tall as me. She points out that I dont have to bend down to kiss her.

For the firsttimers, dont forget your pillowcase for autographs. I took photo mats and pillowcases (the lighter the better so you can see the autographs) and dropped them off the first night at guest services. They brought mine back the last night while we were at dinner. That was our best souvenir. I put their castaway cay pictures in the mats and had them framed.

 

[Crystal_27]

Minnie2, that's wonderful about your son! You sure have a lot to be proud of!!

Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Your post raised a few - LOL. First off, where did you find the cruise book? I would love to have one for us. DH TIVO-ed a Discovery Channel special a few weeks ago about the DCL and we have watched that twice now. Also, what's the deal with the pillowcase? You take one to guest services and the characters sign it? That is just an incredible keepsake - thank you for the suggestion! You are such a wealth of information - thank you for sharing your tips and tricks!

 

[krdisneybound]

Crystal:

I'm sure Minnie will respond to you about the pillowcases.

I also take them to guest services to have signed by all the characters. You can request just some of the or all, i.e. just the princesses. Someone said that their boys would not like to sleep on a princess pillowcase.

I usually take my own pens for them to sign with. Once I didn't and the ink came off when I washed the pillowcase. Just a suggestion.

Also, anything that you buy in Treasure Ketch, the captain will sign for you.

I just got back from being on the Wonder last week and it was fabulous.

I have the DVC member cruise in October and the B2B right after, so I don't have to get off the ship. That should be fun.

Anyone else booked for the DVC member cruise??