Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[airtime247]

Jessica - I agree with Karen. You break it, you bought it! ;-P

I like the idea of waiting a while to see what unfolds. We have only bought one gift or goodie bag per cabin in the past and it helped keeps costs down immensely. Our gifts have been things the whole family could enjoy or get use out of.

On our last cruise we had a generic bag for the cabins with adults. We then threw in some age and gender-appropriate toys from Oriental Trading Company in the bags going to cabins with kids. The younger kids are really easy to please.

-steve

 

[cdnsluvdisney]

We booked 2 nights in a studio at the Grand Californian Villas for after the cruise We tried for before the cruise but they had nothing left! Thought we'd get used to our land legs before flying...planes, ships and automobiles

 

[Tigger1313]

I'm glad you like it that way! I try to be as democratic as possible. I know I'm the unofficial "leader" of the group, but I don't want to just make decisions and force them on everyone - I want everyone to have a voice and opinion. After all, this is OUR vacation, not my vacation! That is why groups will be split - so far 77% of the group wants it, so that's what's going to happen! I think a lot of it is that I don't have kids, so I probably have a bit more time than most people on the board. Well, I won't come August (5 classes and working full time!), but I don't have anyone to worry about except myself and Ryan. Plus - I love all of the creative stuff with the little website and everything! I think it's fun! I'm working on a logo right now

I think what I will have to do is just gather together the week's assignments, print-out any information I need from the computer, and that way I spend as little time online as possible. If I have to be online for a while I will buy the cruise internet package thing, if I can get away with just needing to upload completed work, then I will pay by minute because it would be cheaper in the end. I don't think I will mess with all of the sim card/data plan options. If I was a business person or needed to be online like 1/2 the day everyday then maybe - but hopefully for my purposes it won't be too bad just using the cruise ship computers for quick uploads. Thanks for the info!!

Jessica
I agree with you as well about waiting to split. On my April 17 cruise we are cutting off the FE about a month before the cruise.

 

[SueTGGR]

Jessica you are more than the unofficial leader you are the leader with Ryan right behind you! So no more wishy wash stuff here!
Sorry about not being "vocal" as much as before. It has been crazy around here and there is no sign of slowing down. I haven't had a real job in quite some time and coordinating babysitting for Alec and all the other domestic stuff, well let's just say I'm glad I took pictures of our vacation so I can remember what it was like last week!
I have been reading our board religiously just haven't jumped in to say "HI!" So there, I said it!
Keep posting and I will jump in here & there.
Just a thought, we don't have to use the typical Mickey, Minnie, Donald characters, ya know. Jessica, have you looked at the DISboard member who does all those designs for others for door magnets? If I get time I will look that thread up again. I just got so lost on it, I could look at her designs for days and days.
OK, I need to go to bed!
Later,
Sue

 

[jkrislc]

I'll be onboard with my DW and DS who will turn 4 during the cruise. We're actually starting with the preceding 2-day cruise first. We're veteran cruisers, but have only sailed once (this year) with Disney.

 

[Kidlette]

Jessica you are more than the unofficial leader you are the leader with Ryan right behind you! So no more wishy wash stuff here!
Sorry about not being "vocal" as much as before. It has been crazy around here and there is no sign of slowing down. I haven't had a real job in quite some time and coordinating babysitting for Alec and all the other domestic stuff, well let's just say I'm glad I took pictures of our vacation so I can remember what it was like last week!
I have been reading our board religiously just haven't jumped in to say "HI!" So there, I said it!
Keep posting and I will jump in here & there.
Just a thought, we don't have to use the typical Mickey, Minnie, Donald characters, ya know. Jessica, have you looked at the DISboard member who does all those designs for others for door magnets? If I get time I will look that thread up again. I just got so lost on it, I could look at her designs for days and days.
OK, I need to go to bed!
Later,
Sue

Thanks Sue, you're so sweet.

Yes, I have been to the board for Creative DISigns and contacted that lady. She is in the middle of moving from CA to IL and won't be able to help anyone until August! I let her know I will keep her in mind as a backup, but that we will try and do something on our own for now. Ryan and I have 1/2 completed a couple of different options and we plan on finishing them this weekend. We should post them at the beginning of next week to get everyone's opinion on which one we should use (or if we should wait for that lady). There are other DISigners, but I don't really like their stuff as much as the other lady's. We have some graphic art design programs and a couple of her templates though, so I think what we come up with will be OK.

As a side note, our most recent thought was about the Mexico Ride in Epcot. It's called "The Gran Fiesta Tour", so we were thinking something like "Mickey's Gran Fiesta Cruise" or "Donald's Gran Fiesta Cruise". I don't know what everyone thinks of that. Thoughts??

OK - off to the crappiest minimum wage job in all of Riverside!

Toodles until later

 

[so_oregon]

As a side note, our most recent thought was about the Mexico Ride in Epcot. It's called "The Gran Fiesta Tour", so we were thinking something like "Mickey's Gran Fiesta Cruise" or "Donald's Gran Fiesta Cruise". I don't know what everyone thinks of that. Thoughts??

How about Gran Fiesta Cruise Cabelleros ?

 

[Kidlette]

I'll be onboard with my DW and DS who will turn 4 during the cruise. We're actually starting with the preceding 2-day cruise first. We're veteran cruisers, but have only sailed once (this year) with Disney.

Welcome! My husband and I are on both of those sailings also! We don't go on the 2 night board because it's out of control in length! There are also SO MANY people on that board that you can't really get to know anyone, we like this board better. We've already met friends for life!

Welcome to our group, we are so happy to have you!

Jessica

 

[Kidlette]

Hi Everyone,

I want to let you all "officially" know about FE's. The response was overwhelmingly to "break the list into smaller groups but people can give gifts to additional cabins if they so choose" is what most people said they wanted. Therefore, that is what we will do. People who wish to buy for all cabins or additional cabins please feel free! (Personally, I didn't vote to split the list, so I will probably buy for everyone! )

We will determine the number of cabins per group and actually do the splitting of the list at the beginning of October. We will also have a cut-off date of October 30th for joining the FE list.

Splitting of the list: Approximately October 1, 2010
Joining FE List cut-off date: October 25th, 2010
(This will give us about 2 months to buy/make/arrange custom gifts for people/families if we so choose. Cutting the list at this time also gives us a bit more time, in case we need to buy our gifts in smaller bits [especially in this economy!]).

Alrighty-then! Now that all of that is said, Ryan and I have some logo options to share! That will be a VERY long post - so I will post it separately in a few minutes!

 

[Kidlette]

OK - we have some logo options for everyone! Please let us know what you think. If you don't like any of them then...well...I don't know, maybe we could come up with 1 or 2 more options.

As a side note, he made a couple and I made a couple. We're not going to tell you in advance who made which ones, he and I have a little competition going to see which one you guys like better!

1

2

3

4

 

[jkrislc]

Welcome! My husband and I are on both of those sailings also! We don't go on the 2 night board because it's out of control in length! There are also SO MANY people on that board that you can't really get to know anyone, we like this board better. We've already met friends for life!

Welcome to our group, we are so happy to have you!

Jessica

I completely agree. I couldn't believe how many posts there were. Way too many posts for me to follow.

Kris

 

[jkrislc]

Jessica/kidlette,

I was catching up on the various posts and noticed that you mentioned school and internet access. Your best bet will be to use one of the internet cafes in the ports. I know that there's one in the port building in Puerto Vallarta, and I'd assume they're equally accessible in the other ports as well. Simple email is a burden with the ship's internet speeds, and if you're needing to use Blackboard--which is temperamental with iffy internet connections--you're going to need a faster connection.

I've always excused my students for cruises as long as they give me a full report when they return; I guess I'm biased when it comes to cruises. However, if you contact your teachers in advance, explain the situation, and let them know that you're interested in completing the work, I can't imagine (or at least hope) that most would have a problem with that. In addition, you're allowed a certain number of absences; so if you only miss the week, you should still be within your allotted absences (usually 3-6 hours depending on the school); that information would be in your student handbook. The only exception would be the first day of class, although most will excuse an absence with advance notice. Personally, I'd contact your teachers as soon as you enroll in their classes in the fall for the spring semester.

Kris

 

[Kidlette]

Jessica/kidlette,

I was catching up on the various posts and noticed that you mentioned school and internet access. Your best bet will be to use one of the internet cafes in the ports. I know that there's one in the port building in Puerto Vallarta, and I'd assume they're equally accessible in the other ports as well. Simple email is a burden with the ship's internet speeds, and if you're needing to use Blackboard--which is temperamental with iffy internet connections--you're going to need a faster connection.

I've always excused my students for cruises as long as they give me a full report when they return; I guess I'm biased when it comes to cruises. However, if you contact your teachers in advance, explain the situation, and let them know that you're interested in completing the work, I can't imagine (or at least hope) that most would have a problem with that. In addition, you're allowed a certain number of absences; so if you only miss the week, you should still be within your allotted absences (usually 3-6 hours depending on the school); that information would be in your student handbook. The only exception would be the first day of class, although most will excuse an absence with advance notice. Personally, I'd contact your teachers as soon as you enroll in their classes in the fall for the spring semester.

Kris

Good Morning Kris

Thank you for the info I am planning to email the professors before the semester starts (as soon as I know who they are)! My concern is that 1/2 of my college professors in the past have always provided an alternate (work) email address on the 1st day of class, stating that they do not use their school email accounts. Hopefully my professors will actually check their school email and see my message. I suppose this is all premature because I don't even know what my classes will be next semester! (I apply for CalState in October for entry next fall; if I get in I will have one set of classes next semester, but if I don't get in then I have a year to burn and might not have to take classes at all!) I'm probably just a worrier

May I ask what you teach? (LOL, it would be funny if you are a math teacher and you've read the post about me being horrible at math!) If it's alright, I'd also like to ask your opinion on something . If a student has applied for a job at the same place one of their previous professors work, would it be inappropriate to email that teacher and ask them if they wouldn't mind being a reference? My husband says it's inappropriate, but I don't think it is. As a professor yourself, what do you think? I should probably mention that my professor is/was my polysci teacher and his day job is as a judge for the city of Riverside. I am currently being considered for a records clerk position at the same courthouse he works at. Thoughts??

Have a wonderful day! We are off to the movies! (Wonderful for me, not so wonderful for Ryan...he HATES what we're going to see)

Everyone: have a SAFE and happy 4th of July weekend!

 

[disneydad123]

Hi Jessica,

I am curious to hear what Ryan thought of the "movie" you saw, my DH liked it a lot more than the other two. What "team" are you on?

Have a great day and can't wait to see what you have come up with for our great group!

--Emily

 

[Kidlette]

Hi Jessica,

I am curious to hear what Ryan thought of the "movie" you saw, my DH liked it a lot more than the other two. What "team" are you on?

Have a great day and can't wait to see what you have come up with for our great group!

--Emily

LOL! How did you get your husband to see all 3 of them?!? This is the first one Ryan has actually seen! I actually had refused to see them for the longest time, but a couple of months ago I broke down and rented them -- I became HOOKED! I don't know if it's just me, but something about those movies made me so emotional, I couldn't help but be engrossed and emotionally affected. What "team" am I on? LOL, I don't know. In real life Taylor Lautner is deliscious (in my personal opinion)! For the movie I would personally probably choose Jacob (I think that's the kind of girl I am); however, I think Bella's character is suited more for Edward. Truthfully, I'd probably daydream some kind of compromise where she is with both. Wouldn't that be enjoyable?

How about you? Where do you stand?

I should mention we also saw Get Him to the Greek at the bargain theater, and it was pretty hilarious!

 

[disneydad123]

I have a teenage DD, so I had to find out for myself what all the fuss was about!! I turned into a "really bad" mom for about a week, I couldn't put the books down. I read one after the other.

BTW I have been dragged to enough shoot-em-up movies, that he owed me :rotfl2

I agree with you about Edward being more suited for Bella but having Jacob for best friend wouldn't be so bad either.

If you haven't read the books, which are always better than the movies, read them!! (Such a guilty pleasure !) Sounds like we are on the same "team" LOL LOL!! Yummo!!

Have Happy and Safe 4th

--Emily

 

[SueTGGR]

Jessica, I was invited to go watch that movie by my SIL but bowed out. Instead we rented the 2nd one last night, as I had only seen the first. I read the books first, though. Now I am sorry I turned down the invite to the movie as I really want to see how well they did it.
Emily, now that you have read and seen them, did you like the movie over the books or visa versa? I coach high school volleyball & one of my players couldn't keep her nose out her book & I asked. I felt really silly but I loved reading all of them! That was before they even started talking about the movies. I passed my books on to my niece & I believe my SIL read them, too. They are such an easy read, I spent many a night up until 1AM reading them! I am on no team & I am not sure who I like better. In the end I was a little creeped out by Jacob, I have to say.

OK, on to cruise stuff
Jessica-you & Ryan did a great job! If we are now voting, I vote for the last one posted #4.

I am off of here as we need to make a trial run on a margarita type drink we are concocting for some of Jeff's family tomorrow (not everyone drinks and most don't drink much). We are using agave, fresh lemon, lime & orange juice and of course tequila. Everyone is descending on us and my wonderful SIL says she wants to bring 3 more with her. That will make a total of about 20 people. I have so much to do....wish me luck! Then we have Garlic Festival in 3 weeks with probably more people visiting! Got to love Summer time in Gilroy .

Later,
Sue

 

[jkrislc]

Jessica,

I'm a Psychology Professor and Department Chair at a community college, so you don't have to worry about the math comment (although I did teach statistics at a CSU for a couple of years).

I'm guessing you may be dealing with part-time faculty, which can always be difficult. The only other option I can think of is to leave a note in their mailboxes on campus and/or give a letter to a friend who may be taking the class with you.

As for the reference, if you did well in his/her class, I think it is appropriate. He/she will only be able to speak on your behalf from his/her academic relationship with you, but that should be sufficient. It really is up to your former professor to determine whether he/she is comfortable with serving as a reference.

 

[googles111]

Does anyone know how old you have to be to do the zip line? So, did they take away pirate night altogether? Does anyon know whn they are going to post the excursions?

Kim

I don't know about the age on the zip line. Maybe somebody could let my husband tag along. He wants to go, but I am scared of heights!
I was wondering when they would post excursions too. Did anybody get the new Disney cruise catalog (I guess that's what it's called)? The one I have says 2010. The travel agent said she would send a new one and sent that one again. Is the 2011 one not out yet?

I am off of here as we need to make a trial run on a margarita type drink we are concocting for some of Jeff's family tomorrow (not everyone drinks and most don't drink much). We are using agave, fresh lemon, lime & orange juice and of course tequila. Everyone is descending on us and my wonderful SIL says she wants to bring 3 more with her. That will make a total of about 20 people. I have so much to do....wish me luck! Then we have Garlic Festival in 3 weeks with probably more people visiting! Got to love Summer time in Gilroy .

Later,
Sue

Hey Sue, looks like I live close to you. I am in Fresno. Loved the 108 weather a couple days ago.. lol Anybody else in Central Ca?

Tonya

 

[googles111]

Did anybody get cruise insurance NOT through their travel agent? I got it last time not from the travel agent, but from another website. I just remembered I haven't done that yet. Is it to late? I thought I remember reading somewhere you have to get it within a week of booking a cruise. Is that right? What websites did you guys use? I think it was www.insuremytrip.com that I used last time. Now I can't remember. I need to look for the paper.