DISers stalking DISers...continuing our friendship!

[Ragnrok23]

Cute pic! I am really jealous that you are getting ready to go. My next big vacation is SO FAR AWAY! And I am finding out that planning a cruise is not nearly as fun as planning WDW... there's only so much you can plan...

If Nassua is one of the stops, I would suggest looking into going to Atlantis. They have a sister resort across the street, and I saw prices as low as $150/night during my cruise. the resort gives you full access to everything at Atlantis (I wish we had done this as we spent about 1 1/2 hours on Nassua- unless you want to buy jewelry or cheap stuff at the straw market, there is not much there)

 

[MagicAddict2178]

Hi everyone! Just popping in to say a quick hello. I miss chatting! It seems my internet doesn't work at home anymore, so any DISing has to happen at work and I've been so busy!

Okay...new question for all our regulars!

What date is your birthday??

Mine is October 29.

I think I will be posting them on our first post so we can maybe remember them....

My birthday is February 1. I'll be 30!!! Yikes! Not looking forward to that one!

DM invited me to come on over, and just jump in. I've really enjoyed reading all your trip reports, and fun adventures. I enjoy your craziness, but most of all I like the way you support each other. Y'all really care, and it shows in all your posts.

I noticed y'all were talking birthday and age on the last couple pages. I will be 49 on 8/19. Guess that puts me up there in this group, but I know you welcome all ages.

We are going to be at OKW 8/5-8/13, and will be celebrating our 12th anniversay on 8/12. This will be our first trip as a family, although DS10 and I went in 3/04. That wasn't the best trip

Just wanted to say Hi, and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better.

Lisa

Welcome Lisa!

....down memory lane.....

I was just looking at our photos from our 1996 trip when Dana had just turned 3... First off, it was very shocking to realize that our trip started on September 11, 1996. wow... to think, five years later....


Anyway....

Dana was very excited to meet the "princesses"... all were very sweet and accomodating, but Snow White was especially wonderful... For some reason, Dana was so thrilled with meeting her, and instead of just saying hello and a quick squeeze like she did with the others, she gave her a bear hug and wouldn't let go... Snow White was so overwhelmed that she couldn't let her go... she hugged her so tightly - and when she let go, she had tears running down her cheeks and said to us, "oh my, she is a love!" It was one of those "Disney moments"!

Renée

Oh, Renee, you just made me cry at work! I am such a big crybaby! What a beautiful picture!

 

[SingingMom]

Hi everyone! Just popping in to say a quick hello. I miss chatting! It seems my internet doesn't work at home anymore, so any DISing has to happen at work and I've been so busy!


Oh, Renee, you just made me cry at work! I am such a big crybaby! What a beautiful picture!

Good to see you back, Brittany!

 

[karibritt01]

WHERE DID MY BABY GO AND WHO TOOK HER?!?!

Gee, that sounds familiar LOL

I thought I heard that somewhere before!

Rags... our ports are Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay.

I think I already know which excursions we want to do... mostly we will find our own way about, and go to the beach. I know you can find your own transportation, and do the same activities for much less than joining a group. Plus... I don't like to be stuck doing things at someone else's pace!

Key West: Pirate Museum, Aquarium (iffy), Southernmost Point, lighthouse. Hoping for lunch at Margarittaville, then Blond Giraffe for Key Lime pie. After that we will spend the day on the ship.

Grand Cayman: Semi-submarine to view shipwrecks, then one of the beaches for the day. Some shopping, then back to the boat for dinner.

Cozumel: I'm considering the Dolphin Discovery, but it is $$$. I may have to wait until much closer to decide that one. I am also thinking of renting a jeep and touring the island, then finding a nice beach somewhere. Shopping, and back to boat for dinner.

Castaway Cay: Family beach. We may try the bike rentals. We may also leave the kids in the kids club, and go on the jet skis or parasailing. (My wild side showing through!)

Wish I could come up with the money as easily as I can research it!

 

[sunlver]

Kari
We went to Grand Cayman last August on Carnival. We did the swimming with the sting ray tour. Very cool . There was no actual swimming, just standing around in water up to your waist. Elizabeth was afraid to get in at first, and went back into the boat. After awhile she saw how much fun everybody was having and got back in. Now, it is sorta freaky to be standing there and have the sting rays swim right past your legs, and rub against you After a few minutes you got use to it.

We also when to Key West 4 yrs ago on RCCL, we did some city tour thingy.

In the Bahamas we did some pirate tour; I cant remember the name. I just remember it was August, and so extremely HOT... that all we did was want to get back on the nice AC bus.

 

[Ragnrok23]

:
Castaway Cay: Family beach. We may try the bike rentals. We may also leave the kids in the kids club, and go on the jet skis or parasailing. (My wild side showing through!)

The one thing I wish I hadn't done was 2 excursions on Castaway Cay.

we snorkled first thing in the morning, eat lunch, then went parasailing.

from the sound of everyone's stories and pictures I saw, it looks like they have a TON to offer on the island

 

[karibritt01]

Is the lunch included on Castaway Cay, or pay OOP? I don't really want to do the jet ski tour... just rent the skis for an hour or so and ride on my own. We have skis... but they are 11 yrs old and we can't keep them running anymore. Last summer we spent $500 to get them going for a camping trip at the lake. First broke the first night, second by mid-afternoon on the next day. We are getting ready to dump them for whatever we can get. Parasailing is something I always wanted to try, but never got around to. I may just wait, since I could go when we do beach trips in the summer. We will bring our own snorkel equipment and floats, and do that stuff at the family beach for free. Did they have the surrey bikes like at WDW? Tucker really wants to do those, and the water trikes. I figure we will play it by ear with that sort of thing!

Jackie... I am scared to do the sting ray thing. I doubt my kids will get in the water with them... or me either for that matter! My wild side comes to a screeching halt when it comes to marine animals brushing against me! Did you go to the aquarium in Key West? I am not sure I want to waste oney and time on it, since we have them in NC. My kids want Margarrittaville and the lighthouse, and Tucker would love the pirate museum. The Blond Giraffe is ALL FOR ME!! I figure we can go into Key West early, do the things on my list by early afternoon, and relax on an empty ship for a while.

 

[sunlver]

Jackie... I am scared to do the sting ray thing. I doubt my kids will get in the water with them... or me either for that matter! My wild side comes to a screeching halt when it comes to marine animals brushing against me! Did you go to the aquarium in Key West? I am not sure I want to waste oney and time on it, since we have them in NC. My kids want Margarrittaville and the lighthouse, and Tucker would love the pirate museum. The Blond Giraffe is ALL FOR ME!! I figure we can go into Key West early, do the things on my list by early afternoon, and relax on an empty ship for a while.

Normally I am not so brave But you take this boat ride out to some sand bar, and there are like 10 other privite boats out there with the same tours. I figure all those people were not screaming in fear, then it was AOK to get in
No we didnt do any aqauriums in Key West. We went on some trolley tour of the city, it wasnt the most exciting thing to do It was our first cruise, and we didnt really know what we were suppose to be doing or what the good tours were.

I think once you cruise, you get addicted to it. I always thought cruises would be boring. My parents have gone for years and years and always raved about them. I never had any desire to go. 4 yrs ago, they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary , and wanted us all to go on a cruise with them(yes they paid )I have two brothers, only one brother and his family made it. My other brother is so dumb, he didnt want to go because my parents werent providing airfare only the cruise, and he didnt want to pay. It was only a 4 night cruise, but we had so much fun.. I was hooked ever since. Then we managed to go on Carnival last August for 7 nights Now next year we will do a 9 nighter

Its funny now, because I have been on 2 cruises, I do not want to go back to any of the same ports. They were all nice, but Ive seen it and done it and time to move on.So I pick cruises based on the ports and where we have not been too. Now, as much as I love to cruise, I will not do one that just goes to Canada or up the eastern seaboard, NO WAY... I mean I can drive to these places, not too much excitement.

 

[Ragnrok23]

Food was free at Castaway Cay

 

[karibritt01]

I can't believe your brother turned down a cruise over airfare... so you got the brains in the family, eh? If they decide to go again... I'll be the illegitimate child given up for adoption!

I picked my cruise for the ports as well. I have no desire to visit Key West, which is why we will do it and be done quickly, then enjoy the empty-ish ship. Grand Cayman and Cozumel are the ones I really want to see. Truth be told... I'm scouting locations for a future all-inclusive resort! Gotta see which area I like best! I have no real desire to see the Eastern Caribbean at this point. Nothing against it, but the western ports really appeal more. I REALLY want to do land/sea... but don't care for Nassau. I'm also worried it will be too short and rushed doing to separate vacations. BUT... it is cheaper and would get us into Yacht Club, so I haven't totally ruled it out!

 

[SingingMom]

I thought I heard that somewhere before!

Rags... our ports are Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay.

I think I already know which excursions we want to do... mostly we will find our own way about, and go to the beach. I know you can find your own transportation, and do the same activities for much less than joining a group. Plus... I don't like to be stuck doing things at someone else's pace!

Key West: Pirate Museum, Aquarium (iffy), Southernmost Point, lighthouse. Hoping for lunch at Margarittaville, then Blond Giraffe for Key Lime pie. After that we will spend the day on the ship.

Grand Cayman: Semi-submarine to view shipwrecks, then one of the beaches for the day. Some shopping, then back to the boat for dinner.

Cozumel: I'm considering the Dolphin Discovery, but it is $$$. I may have to wait until much closer to decide that one. I am also thinking of renting a jeep and touring the island, then finding a nice beach somewhere. Shopping, and back to boat for dinner.

Castaway Cay: Family beach. We may try the bike rentals. We may also leave the kids in the kids club, and go on the jet skis or parasailing. (My wild side showing through!)

Wish I could come up with the money as easily as I can research it!

Kari - we went on the Eastern Caribbean 7 night Disney Cruise in 2001 -
Food is included on Castaway Cay - alcohol is not - We left Dana at the kids club for a little while and enjoyed an hour of adult beach time... the mai tais are heavenly! lol Personally, I don't think you are there long enough to do a whole heck of a lot - especially since that's the same day as the "kid's show", so if they want to be in it, they need to get back for rehearsal around 4pm if I remember correctly...

Dana & Bob did "Dolphin Quest" when we were in Bermuda a few years ago...they LOVED it!! It was expensive, but we weren't sure what to expect, so didn't want Dana to do it alone. Next time, we would let her do it on her own. The nice thing about "Dolphin Quest" is that it is very "educational" and not really "touristy".

I just looked at the mexican 7 day cruise from California - maybe for next July - 2 nights at Disneyland and then the cruise.... maybe.....

Renee

I'd save the aquarium for if it is rainy day - why be inside when you can be outside? And so many places in the USA have aquariums..
My ONLY disappointment about a cruise in general is not enough time on the beach/island - because I am so much a BEACH person... but that's me.

KEY LIME PIE! YUMMO! That's why I want to go to Key West! Just had a great homemade key lime pie from my friend - easy recipe - can't wait to try it myself!

 

[sunlver]

I can't believe your brother turned down a cruise over airfare... so you got the brains in the family, eh? If they decide to go again... I'll be the illegitimate child given up for adoption!

I picked my cruise for the ports as well. I have no desire to visit Key West, which is why we will do it and be done quickly, then enjoy the empty-ish ship. Grand Cayman and Cozumel are the ones I really want to see. Truth be told... I'm scouting locations for a future all-inclusive resort! Gotta see which area I like best! I have no real desire to see the Eastern Caribbean at this point. Nothing against it, but the western ports really appeal more. I REALLY want to do land/sea... but don't care for Nassau. I'm also worried it will be too short and rushed doing to separate vacations. BUT... it is cheaper and would get us into Yacht Club, so I haven't totally ruled it out!

Yes, he is the odd one. I am the youngest, and the brother who did not go on a cruise is a lawyer ...go figure. His loss...
Last yr on the Carnival Valor we did the Western Caribbean, so next yr we are trying the Eastern Caribbean. My mother said Haiti is a VERY poor country, shes been there on several cruises. I just like to visit places Ive never seen before.


Last yr the Valor was scheduled to go to Cozumel, but they switched it to Costa Maya. That was really sort of a waste. To me it was like an overprice Tijuana.

 

[SingingMom]

DawnMaree!!! GREAT JOB with the first page!!!! (Actually, with the entire thread and for "bringing us all together"....)

Can I put in a request? oh pretty please?!
Could you add "screen name" next to real name on the birthday list?? Sometimes people don't sign their "real name" and it's hard to keep track.
Ok, it's hard for ME to keep track... I won't speak for everyone else... ::

Thanks for all your HARD WORK!!!

Renée

 

[Disneyolic]

DawnMaree!!! GREAT JOB with the first page!!!! (Actually, with the entire thread and for "bringing us all together"....)

Can I put in a request? oh pretty please?!
Could you add "screen name" next to real name on the birthday list?? Sometimes people don't sign their "real name" and it's hard to keep track.
Ok, it's hard for ME to keep track... I won't speak for everyone else... ::

Thanks for all your HARD WORK!!!

Renée

Way to butter me up to do more work! For you, Renee, I will do it!

 

[CourtneyandRyan]

See Courtney - she can go on Splash Mountain with you - she's got your outfit on!

LOVE it!!!! I think she looks FABULOUS!!!!! Beautiful dahling!

Sorry for 3 posts in a row...but

Courtney - I noticed on the pic on your TR that Ryan is left handed. Both of my girls are left handed. So I think I have a pretty good idea which drawing is his now...I didn't post this over there because I thought it might give away who's is who's.

I just gave away the answer --- go check it out....

Courtney- who drew which one?

(Suspense is KILLING me)

See above--- just posted the answer!

 

[karibritt01]

Personally, I don't think you are there long enough to do a whole heck of a lot - especially since that's the same day as the "kid's show", so if they want to be in it, they need to get back for rehearsal around 4pm

I doubt that my kids will do that. They are both really shy (believe it or not, but they get that from me. ) We won't do any formal excursions there. Beach. Lunch. Beach. Bike. Boat. The only way we would do the Jet ski thing is if they rent them without the tour... just because we have SO MUCH FUN cutting up on them. When our pair was running, we would go out about every other weekend. Avery rides with me, and Tucker with Wynn. Avery won't ride with Wynn because they fell in about 2 years ago, and she has NEVER let him forget it! Wonder where she gets that from...

My ONLY disappointment about a cruise in general is not enough time on the beach/island - because I am so much a BEACH person... but that's me.

The beach is fun, but not such a huge deal for us. We will enjoy it, but a few hours a day is plenty. You forget I live in NC... I can be on a gorgeous, warm southern beach in 2.5 hours. And a mediocore one in less than 2. We do day trips to the beach at least a few times a year, and long weekends at Hilton Head or Myrtle at Labor Day, and sometimes Memorial Day. Of course, since their school is year round this year, that will change. Its gonna be hard giving up my summers!

 

[SingingMom]

Way to butter me up to do more work! For you, Renee, I will do it!

Aww, gee thanks, what a doll!!

I doubt that my kids will do that. They are both really shy (believe it or not, but they get that from me. ) We won't do any formal excursions there. Beach. Lunch. Beach. Bike. Boat. The only way we would do the Jet ski thing is if they rent them without the tour... just because we have SO MUCH FUN cutting up on them. When our pair was running, we would go out about every other weekend. Avery rides with me, and Tucker with Wynn. Avery won't ride with Wynn because they fell in about 2 years ago, and she has NEVER let him forget it! Wonder where she gets that from...



The beach is fun, but not such a huge deal for us. We will enjoy it, but a few hours a day is plenty. You forget I live in NC... I can be on a gorgeous, warm southern beach in 2.5 hours. And a mediocore one in less than 2. We do day trips to the beach at least a few times a year, and long weekends at Hilton Head or Myrtle at Labor Day, and sometimes Memorial Day. Of course, since their school is year round this year, that will change. Its gonna be hard giving up my summers!

I can be on a beach in the same time - but alas, not a "warm southern" one!! My dream would be to live on the ocean. I am happiest when I can watch and hear the waves crashing....

Renée

 

[karibritt01]

I like to visit, but wouldn't want to live there. Sand finds its way into EVERYTHING!! Plus... the problem with warm southern beaches is hurricanes and tropical storms. NC is the 2nd most hit state, behind Florida. Did I ever tell you my hurricane story?

 

[SingingMom]

I like to visit, but wouldn't want to live there. Sand finds its way into EVERYTHING!! Plus... the problem with warm southern beaches is hurricanes and tropical storms. NC is the 2nd most hit state, behind Florida. Did I ever tell you my hurricane story?

No! do tell!

 

[jjohnson]

Aww, gee thanks, what a doll!!



I can be on a beach in the same time - but alas, not a "warm southern" one!! My dream would be to live on the ocean. I am happiest when I can watch and hear the waves crashing....

Renée

I feel the same way. I feel instantly relaxed when I see the ocean. Just last night I went ahead & used a bunch of hilton points to book a 3 night trip out to the Island. The kids are so excited.