December 9, 2007 4 night

[krdisneybound]

Mof2M: no, not yet. I had Kaitlyn all week 'cause daycare was closed and I didn't get anything done. I'm not young anymore and she ran me ragged all week. DD came to get her and said "Momma, you look tired". I just laughed at her. It was sort of funny.

Woke up this morning said thought, yea, all day at the house by myself.

I love her dearly, but this week was a trest, especially since I am not really well and up to whatr I did. The Dr. would not be too pleased with me. !!


I won't be packing probably until the day before. I pretty much know what to take and it won't be too much.

Same with my trip to WDW in two weeks.


Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[princesdi]

hey everybody!!

Planning---well I started buying supplies today--they sure add up fast. Its funny that buying sunscreen, first aid kids, shampoo etc. would be exciting!!

I think we will do the Atlantis deal if I can book a room at a good price.

A few questions though--how do you get over there from the port and how much time do you spend there?? I would like to have time to go to the straw market

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

I kinda keep an ongoing supply bag for all our travel. I just replenish our overnight bag as needed. It makes it not feel so expensive all at once.

Howard took second last night. He really put on a show. He lost by a kart length. I was very proud of him. He took first for a lap or two but couldnt hold on to it. We had a great great day of racing. I tried to post at 2:30 this morning but internet was running to slow and I was falling asleep.

Have a good day.

 

[Crystal_27]

Hi all! Happy Monday (this marks another week closer to our Disney cruise)!

We had such a busy weekend. We were out all day on Saturday scouting for land and didn't really find anything that wowed us. So, the search is still on. Thankfully, we're not really in any hurry, although I would love for my DD (who is 3 now) to start Kindergarden in our new house and school district.

Last week my work week was pretty laid back, but I feel like this week is going to be insane to make up for the break. Hopefully, I'll get a couple of chances to check in. I hope everyone has a great week!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Hi everyone!
I delivered Ernie on Tuesday the 3rd! I was scheduled to deliver on the 17th but he decided to come a wee bit earlier.

Ernest Bernard (he's the V if you can believe it!) was 5lbs 14oz and 18". We are all doing well and Princess Amelia loves her new baby brother.

I posted some pics:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559786824PcCnNh

(please ignore my appearance in these photos...I just had a baby!!!! )

And a video of him...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR2YtzjqhCU

So yes...a new little Mouse fan! Can't wait till his first trip this December!

 

[krdisneybound]

YIPEE !!! I'll babysit for you. Just bring him on down ------------


CONGRATULATIONS.. Well deserved.

Thank you for letting us know.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

CRSNDSNY - I just knew you had the baby. Ernie is adorable. I am so happy for you and the family. I am glad Princess Amelia is doing good. When I had Howard, Christie was only 14 months and had no idea what was happening. She was very unhappy. It took a month or two for her to chill out. On Youtube he looked so alert. So So SO precious!!!!!

Crystal27 - I feel your pain. We are behind at the office. DH and I have to catch up on our billing. We are about a month behind. I hope you have some luck in finding land or lot. Be patient and dont just settle for something.

August 22 is our 21st wedding anniversary and I really want to plan something special but it seems as though we are going to be racing every weekend around it. I will have to come up with something. He is a very special man.

We will also be celebrating his 42nd birthday while we are on the cruise (DECEMBER 12). Last year our room steward decorated with the stuff me and the children brought. Lots of over the hill stuff. It was hilarious when we got back to the room. I think the room steward enjoyed it as much as we did!!!!!

Do you ever hear of the limo people booking up? Like when would be the absolute lastest to book transfers? Does anyone know? I pondered the thought of renting a van for the trip ...it would be cheaper if DH and I didnt take each other "out". He WILL NOT ask for directions. The last few times we used mapquest it was wrong. Plus you factor in the rush to do everything yourself and getting the car back etc. I just think we should set up transfers with someone.

 

[Crystal_27]

CRSNDSNY - Ernie is a handsome little guy - many congratulations!! Your Amelia looks like she's already getting the hang of being a good sister - those pictures were adorable!

M2M - I totally agree with you about setting up someone to do your transfers. We are driving to Disney and my worst fear is getting lost and being late boarding the ship (even though we are planning to leave WDW at 9:30 a.m. that morning).

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Crystal27 - You know last year it didnt seem like a bad drive. I am sure if you print something out ahead of time off mapquest that the concierge desk should be able to confirm the directions. This is the part of me that is saying rent a van. Christie would "stroke out" because I am not exagerating when I say he wont ask for directions. If I stop, I have to go in. If I pull into a gas station, it would have to be on my side. He is something else. Also, remember to clean your car very well before going. Have you heard about the ants? They have said to make sure you dont have any crumbs in your car. When Christie and Howard were that age it wasnt uncommon to find a golddfish or froot loop in my seat around the car seats. Check out the threads to make sure you are safe from ants.

CRSNDSNY - I had to look at Ernie again this morning. I know you are so proud. I dont know how it is for you, but Christie was a Daddys girl through and through. When I had Howard, I have always said "as long as he is alive, I will know I am loved". Truly a Mommas boy. I love them both the same but when it comes to punishment Howard is alot more forgiving. Christie can hold a grudge for what seems like days unless it is her Dad and vice versa.

PrincessDi - I dont know if I ever answered the straw market question. When we go to Atlantis, we take a cab. When we come back, we take a water taxi. It drops off right there at the Straw Market. I dont know how much time you are planning on spending in there. You could go to the straw market first and take the water taxi both ways. I just wanted my children to experience both "taxis". They really liked the water taxi the best. I dont know if you used either one when you last visited but I was glad to see a shower at Atlantis and when I got back on the ship. This is where the hand sanitizer almost got emptied. If I would have had baby wipes, I would have been so happy.

I have to get to work!!!!!!!

 

[abminer]

Minnie of Two Mice-thanks for the Atlantis info, I was also interested. I was thinking we'd take the regualr taxi to Atlantis, then return to the ship for lunch and then head out again on foot to see the Straw Market and shops. Is that doable?

anyone- is pirate night on Nassau day?

 

[princesdi]

M2M--thanks for the taxi info--I think we will go for the water taxi

When does Atlantis come out with their deals? When did you book yours last year.


We called Atlantis to get a price on Dophin Cay---$150 PER PERSON I think we will just settle for the waterpark!!!

 

[ElenitaB]

CRSNDSNY, the baby is so cute! I'm sure it's tiring but wonderful to have him around! How's your daughter doing now that he's no longer a novelty? Just wanted to add my congratulations to everyone else's.

Congrats to Howard on the race.

Kay, please take it easy. I know that on more than one occasion I've done something and thought, oh, my surgeon wouldn't be happy with me for doing that.

Thanks for the info on Atlantis. Has anyone gone to the Pirate Museum? Would it be possible to do both in one day or would that be too much? If we just want to visit the aquarium at Atlantis, is there a charge?

Reading this thread, I'm beginning to get in the mood. Thanks!

 

[krdisneybound]

Just checking in to say "HI" to everyone.

I've been busy last week and this week so far.

Lots of planning going on with everyone. I really don't make a lot of plans. I just decide what to do at the last minute. I get more excited that way.

If we can get someone to watch the baby, my DD wants to go to Atlantis. She knows how to get in the "back door" so to speak and not pay. We'll see what happens. She did say that a Taxi is the cheapest way to get there and back and not do the tour.

Gonna try and go to bed now. It is late and really past my bedtime.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

abminer - I cant remember what night pirate night was. It was so much fun. We dressed up last year but we arent this year. I dont know what you are doing at Atlantis but the grounds are unbelievable. They are beautiful and spread out. On our trip in June, we just wanted to see some stuff but were not allowed in without a bracelet. We went for a swim on their beach. We also did the straw market. That trip was without children. We didnt have lunch on the ship but we did shower after leaving the market before the beach because I felt so nasty.

PrincessDi - I booked with Atlantis early on like August. Then I cancelled and booked with Travelzoo.com like in October. I could probably find all my stuff sometime next week. $150.00 is high because you know they are going to want to do the waterslides. That is $600.00 plus tax and gratuity plus the room!!!!!!! We will just do the waterslides. I got my brochure and it is the OLD one!!!!! Nothing about the new part.

ElenitaB - Thanks!!! We had some friends that did the Pirates Museum and didnt even know it. They werent just thrilled with it. However, everyone has different opinions. I would keep asking around if it was something I wanted to do. I think you do have to pay for the aquarium.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting and finally I got our airfare for $583.00 including taxes for all four of us. I couldnt believe it. I bought them and never left the northwest site. My DH was like jump on it now!!!! It was hard keeping Christie out of the office without looking like I was up to something.....because I would never do that!!!!!! It is such a relief to have that done. It is really bad because once I start planning....I want it all done at once so I can relax!!!!! I am getting there. I had to share my good news. I hope everyone else is able to get good fares. Last year we paid too much for either our tickets or our secretaries. Like 280.00 a piece. I miss not having a ticker. Last year the children would see I was on the boards and come look and see how many days we had left. Now they ask if I am talking to anyone from last years cruise. They are going to flip out!!!!! I cant wait. Oh yeah....our returning flight leaves at 12:40. If I have whoever is doing our transfers there kinda early I should be okay dont you think. I convinced DH that everything would be ok. I dont want to sit at the airport all day. If ship arrives late and we miss our flight the insurance will cover it. I called travel lite to make sure. Now I have to do our transfers.

 

[krdisneybound]

Minnifof2M

glad you got a good fare. Those of us who live close to the Port and don't have to fly in, forget you have that expense also. What a bummer !!!

I am lucky enough to be close to Port Canaveral (at the most 3 hrs) and to Pt. Everglades here in Ft. Lauderdale (5 minutes) and then the Port in Miami (at the most 30 minutes).

Hope you get your transfers smoothly also. That shouldn't be a problem.

Hope everyone has a great day and an even better weekend.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Crystal 27 - Good Luck on your land search if you are going this weekend.

CRSNDSNY - How are you doing? I am sure you are starting to feel overhwelmed by now. I hope you have family and / or friends close by to help you. I hope all is going well with Ernie and Princess Amelia.

Kay - Airfare sometimes can be a chunk for our trip. Howards Nationals are 10 hours away in October and there is no way in the world I would do 12-14 hours again in December. I am still trying to figure out how to get a truck and 24 foot trailer to South Carolina without me in it. I really dread that drive.

 

[princesdi]

you got excellent airfare--I am not a traveler--would much rather fly than drive

Our situation is that we live 4 hours from Denver, the closest major airport. We paid $1350.00 for 4 for our trip in December. Now those same tickets are around $1000.00, but how do you know when you book if the price will fluctuate up or down. So not only did we pay big bucks for our airfare we have to drive 4 hours to get there which means gas, food and hotel. Once we land at DIA we have the dreaded 4 hour drive back home

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

PrincesDi - I feel sorry for you. Often we can get cheaper airfare by going to Nashville and flying Southwest but it is a little over 3 hours from us. Since we always travel in December the weather is to iffy for me. That, on top of the 3 hour drive like you said. So will you go to Denver the night before? How is the weather for yall that time of year? I wouldnt think it is that good. This is the best deal I have ever gotten on my airfare and I am still in disbelief. I just went and pulled it up again to make sure we are confirmed. I printed everything off. They have not charged my credit card yet...is that normal? I have always used a TA so I wouldnt know. I would feel better if they would go ahead and put it on there!!!! Next week I am booking my Atlantis and transfers. Then I will be set. I guess I will all be paid for except my transfers or do they go ahead and charge you? A vacation feels so much better when you arent always reaching in your purse for money!!!!! I have already gotten the childrens gift cards. I am going to start putting credits on my on board account a little here and there until I am where I want to be.

 

[princesdi]

Hi all and Happy Friday!!

We will leave for Denver as soon as the kids get out of school on December
7th and will stay the night at the airport. Our flight leaves around 8:30 December 8th and we will land around 1:30 at MCO. The weather is a HUGE concern, we had a really harsh winter last year---can't do anything about mother nature but cross our fingers!!! I would contact your bank to see if the charge is in process, you really should be okay though!!

Last year we used Tiffany Limos--the service was okay, but we have read some pretty pour reviews since then. The glitches we had were the requested limo was not available the morning we were picked up from Coronado Springs and they were not there waiting at the port when we were ready to leave, and that is even after we were delayed an hour from getting off the ship. With Tiffanys we paid everything in full including the gratuity. The industry standard for any company is 20%.

This year we are trying Sunray Transportation--we requested the SUV service. $192 plus a 20% gratuity. If you mention the mouse for less discount you will get $8 off. We can pay prior too but I think this time around we will just hand them the cash with the gratuity. Although it was nice having it paid in full with Tiffanys, it was really our word against theirs about having it paid---if you do pay, get a receipt.

We are staying at the Best Western on Cocoa Beach so have reserved Cocoa Beach shuttle to pick us up at 11:00 to go to port for $4 pp. I wish we could go a bit earlier but I looked back at what time we arrived to port last year and it really is comparable. We should be fine.

What type of gift cards did you get your kids?? I really want to take our kids to Ron Jons surf shop, thought about getting the kids gift cards for there but decided if they want something I will just pay for it.

After summer is over with I will also start putting money in the on board account--that was huge to have money set aside on the ship for our extra expenses so eliminate so much in credit card charges.

The only thing I have left to book is our excursions and whether we are going to Atlantis.

Have a great weekend everybody!!!