Disney Wonder Jan 23, 2011

[denversees4me]

Hi all
Cari and Denver here reporting from a very soggy and muddy Temecula Wine Country I LOVE IT !!! We barley made it back to my house tonight from town ( I live on a dirt road ) we played 4x4 mud adventure !!! It was GREAT !!!!

No worries guys you can slip your 20s and 50s but Denver already hooked it up with Pluto for the Walt Suite He slipped Pluto a box of dog bones and Mickey a block of cheese he paid the porter 100$ and ordered a Romance Pkg for both Mickey and Minnie and Donald and Daisy - He made sure they threw in some nuts for Chip n Dale too ROFLOL !!!! Ha ha ha Thought some of us might get a kick out of that !
I love to order the " All Hands on Deck " From room service the second we get to our room before sailing . We order extra cheese and fruit and then bring on a bottle of wine or whatever .... Its a free ( well minus the wine you buy ) Cheap thrill for those who are looking for that type of thing They will tell you room service is not avail and for the most part some things arent but the all hands on deck is ( Its cheeses crackers and fruit - grapes i believe ) Hope this tip helps some
Frank - I herd there is a Wal Mart in one of the ports you could re stock your water there ROFLOL

I am planning on making 22 FE things so no worries for the late joiners from me .....
Jessica could you look at the list when you get a chance and tell us if it is current ? How did your finals go ? Are you drowning over there in Riverside LOL This is a good storm I say !

 

[airtime247]

Kris - It's amazing what a coincidence it is that all of my trips seem to have a race involved. It drives my wife crazy actually. As soon as we book a trip somewhere, I stay up late and start looking into nearby races. I searched for half marathons for the weekends we leave and return from the cruise. My choices were Catalina on the 22nd or Carlsbad on the 23rd. Carlsbad would mean I would be running in the morning and then have to pretty much drive straight to port which would be too stressful. (and stinky! )

I liked the idea of Catalina more anyway since I've only been out there a couple of times and it should be really scenic. I'm taking the ferry in that morning and leaving shortly after the race. I'm not sure what my time will be. I'm usually pretty consistent with half marathons but this one will be on trails and a lot more hilly so I added some time to my estimate. Hopefully I won't have to snorkel back!

I asked Amy and Emma come with me and make a day trip out of it but getting up at 4am to make a 6:15 ferry didn't sound like her idea of a vacation so they are sleeping in and hanging out with grandma for the day.

We're just staying at my MIL's house in the Valley the two nights before the cruise. The ferry is out of Long Beach. The times worked out better for me from Long Beach.

Cari - Thanks for the tip about the All Hands on Deck. We keep reading about it and always forget to do it onboard. I don't know why but I never think of room service while on the ship.

Emma and I went out today and bought our FE gifts for all the junior DISers. It was a really fun daddy and daughter day. She had a blast picking out things to put in the bags for the kids. Most of what we bought wasn't age-appropriate for the very youngest and oldest kids so we are going back out tomorrow to find a few things just for them.

She couldn't wait to get home to start assembling them. I lined up the bags and turned her loose with filling them up. We did our best to organize the bags by gender and age but if anyone here has a preteen son who ends up with a bunch of pink stuff, just keep in mind it was filled by a very enthusiastic 4yo girl!

-steve

 

[bklawyer]

Thank you so much! You all are so great -- if you're this much fun now, I can't imagine how outrageous the cruise is going to be!

Allen, 11
Alex, 9

My DW Jess is doing some great FE things; I can't wait to see what she comes up with (and FE Bones for Denver!)

Thanks guys!

Dave

 

[denversees4me]

dear dave
denver says dont forget his guide dog friend hamlet will also be onboard and doing a FE lol

 

[bklawyer]

The All Hands on Deck sounds great. I added to the top of my "must do" list. We're in East County SD and it has been ridiculously rainy too. We love Temecula - great wineries. Thorton Winery is one of our favorites. Pechanga has that really nice theater inside. My band used to play there, but then we moved down to Pala (they gave us free buffet coupons so we couldn't refuse!) and Viejas, which is closer to my house. Hope it dries out for you soon!

 

[bklawyer]

I know just what to do for Denver and Hamlet! Down here by the SD Sports Arena we have a Phil's BBQ, best ribs on earth. We brought our Dachshund/Beagle "Superman" some rib bones from there last week and he lost his mind!!! Funniest thing I've ever seen -- running around in circles with this giant rib, trying to decide whether to chew it or bury it or both. It's somewhere in our bedroom now, which in any other house might seem strange.

 

[Kidlette]

Hi Everyone,

I am really behind, I'm so sorry. With everything going on I just kind of lost track. Dave & Jessica + kids have been added to the FE list. Amber & Rick's cabin number has also been added. The other cabin number that is missing has not checked in yet, so I have no idea what their cabin number is (if its even been assigned yet).

With regards to the FE, Steve, thank you for mentioning that. Dave and I have been emailing for the last week and we did discuss that people may have already purchased their gifts so I couldn't guarantee that they would get the same number of gifts as everyone else. However - Dave, as we discussed and as you can see - there are plenty of people purchasing extra. You are officially on the list, no worries, just have a good time!

Cari - my finals went well, thank you. I wound up with 4 of my 5 classes being A's. My math professor has not posted any grades yet, but I'm hoping to come away with a B in that class. Next semester is fast approaching and its going to be INSANE! Honestly, I am quite scared about how I'm going to do it. Working full time and taking 5 classes was hard enough when they were simple general ed - but next semester it's the same schedule but with major prep courses (2 lit classes, 2 history classes, and a lab class). Ok - just typing about it is freaking me out, my heart beats faster and I get all nervous and the classes haven't even started yet!

Everyone - if I've forgotten anything please remind me. Again, I apologize in advance, things have just been crazy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 

[Kidlette]

Oh yeah!! I almost forgot - wristbands came today!! I tried taking pictures but they don't really come out well. For those of you who may not have checked your PM's yet, please know that I did send individual PMs to everyone who said they wanted a band. In it I included payment and delivery information. For those of you who have already made your payments, thank you! I have your bands and can't wait to give them to you on the cruise! (P.S. the glow in the dark takes a bit before it kicks in, so Ryan and I are going to make sure that we "charge" them before the cruise!)

How exciting!!

 

[bklawyer]

Jessica, you work way to hard for all of us!!!! I hope there is something we can do for you. What's you cabin #? You never know who might send you and yours something to say thanks!

What's your major? Getting a B in math to me is amazing - you rock! True story: I hated math so much in college that I tested out. I took the test, failed, memorized the categories of questions, studied those and retook the test a week later and passed! Now my 11 year old son comes to me with math problems and I chase him out of the room with a stick. I double Majored in Criminal Justice Admin and Religion with a minor in Philosophy, then stayed on for an MBA and then to law school. Glutton for punishment. All I really wanted to do was drive around the country in a van solving mysteries with my dog, but that major was impacted.

Can't wait for the cruise! I've already mapped out how to get to Cabo Wabo for tequila shrimp. Been to the one on the Vegas strip - expensive drinks!

Are you going to republish the FE list so us latecomer/troublemakers can catch up? Thanks again!

Your rained-out pals, Dave, Jess, Allen and Alex.

 

[Kidlette]

Jessica, you work way to hard for all of us!!!! I hope there is something we can do for you. What's you cabin #? You never know who might send you and yours something to say thanks!

What's your major? Getting a B in math to me is amazing - you rock! True story: I hated math so much in college that I tested out. I took the test, failed, memorized the categories of questions, studied those and retook the test a week later and passed! Now my 11 year old son comes to me with math problems and I chase him out of the room with a stick. I double Majored in Criminal Justice Admin and Religion with a minor in Philosophy, then stayed on for an MBA and then to law school. Glutton for punishment. All I really wanted to do was drive around the country in a van solving mysteries with my dog, but that major was impacted.

Can't wait for the cruise! I've already mapped out how to get to Cabo Wabo for tequila shrimp. Been to the one on the Vegas strip - expensive drinks!

Are you going to republish the FE list so us latecomer/troublemakers can catch up? Thanks again!

Your rained-out pals, Dave, Jess, Allen and Alex.

LOL, you are too sweet! I added you to the list last night and checked for any updates. As far as I know, the list should be accurate. All of the cabin numbers (including mine) are on the list, except for one. That one person has a guarantee room but has not checked in yet to let us know the cabin number. Once they do though, I will let everyone know! And I should say, a little something to say thanks is not necessary, but I always welcome a present!

I have been in community college working on my general ed for what seems like forever! This past October I applied to CalState San Bernardino and CalState San Marcos for next Fall. I have been accepted at SB but still waiting to hear from SM. I am also applying to 1 Ivy League school on a whim - I figure they only take 25 transfer students per year, so, other than me not applying, what's stopping me from being accepted?!? That's right, NOTHING! So - I'm applying and we'll see what happens! (Yale University). The basic "realistic" plan is to major in English (minor in history) and get my teaching credential. If I go to CalState this is what I will do. If I could shoot for the stars and actually got accepted to Yale, I would probably do the Masters program, get a masters in English and be a professor of English at the college level. I would also like to be a state Senator some day. And, I'm serious, lol, please don't laugh at me! Your path seems CRAZY! You are brave to have done all of that, and I respect it a lot! It's not easy to stay in school and "follow your dreams," so to get through it is a HUGE feat.

 

[Kidlette]

Sorry - I fogot the link. The FE list is here: http://sites.google.com/site/wonderjan23/home/characters_of_wonder_printable

 

[jkrislc]

Jessica, I'm glad to hear your semester has wound down. I wouldn't panic too much about next semester given how exceptionally well you did this semester. Further, you may actually find major prep a bit easier than GE coursework as you can focus on the material across classes easier.

CSUSM has a great English (Literature & Writing) program, which was my minor there. I actually hate English, but it was something I fell into as I liked the faculty who taught in the program.

Dave, welcome to the group. I think you'll find that everyone on this board is great. It's also nice of you to think of Denver and Hamlet. While I know they can have dog treats, the beef bones might be a problem as I know at least one of them can't have rawhide, so I'm thinking that might extend to other animal products like bones. Further, unsealed food items can't be taken aboard the ship, and beef products cannot be brought back into the country. I learned this the hard way when I had to toss a corned beef sandwich when clearing U.S. Customs in the Bahamas. I had planned on eating it at the airport, but they made me toss it as you pre-clear customs there and because they forbid all beef products.

I haven't eaten at Phil's yet, but we just got one up in my neck of the woods, so I'll have to try it soon as I've heard good things about the food.

Steve, good luck with the race. I think Catalina makes more sense. I can't imagine running a race on the day that the ship leaves. I'm just struggling with the fact that my wife wants to work a half day before we leave on the two day cruise before this one. While I know we'll get to the port by 1 p.m. or so, I'd prefer to be earlier given that it's a good 1.5 to 2 hours from our home, which is near Carlsbad. The good thing going for us is that we can take the toll road and should beat the afternoon traffic.

Kris

 

[googles111]

Can't wait for the cruise! I've already mapped out how to get to Cabo Wabo for tequila shrimp. Been to the one on the Vegas strip - expensive drinks!

Your rained-out pals, Dave, Jess, Allen and Alex.

Ohhhh do tell! I wanted to go to Cabo Wabo too. They put one in here and it only opened for a couple days and went bankrupt or they couldn't get permits. I forgot what is was. I didn't to go.

We are pretty rained out here too!! As my friend said row, row, row your boat down MY street.. I think I may rent a boat and let the kids waterski to keep them busy on vacation!

Oh and 1 MONTH TO GO.. Whooo Hooooo!!!

 

[bklawyer]

Oh yeah I was just kidding about the ribs; I know most doggies have their own diets. Ours just happens to have the diet of a tyrannosaur (all 8 pounds of him).

Jessica, it is so cool that you're really into your education. My college years flew by - I wish I could go back and do it again. I had hair and my pants weren't 32 extra fat. My son is in a college prep middle school and I have no idea how to help him with his homework. I usually have to fake my own death or tell him to go find mom, who is equally perplexed. When you're a rich famous professor, we'll crash your classes!!

 

[bklawyer]

I just saw the FE list and I'd better add that on Mazatlan day it is my DD's 10th birthday (Alex). As for the other stats, I'm 48 (and feelin' it). Jess is....if I tell her age you'll hear that man overboard siren before we leave port. I don't think I even know her age! That's a good thing, right?

 

[denversees4me]

WOO HOO 1 month thats just 4 weeks 28 days !!! 28 days is as long as I was in school at the Guide Dog school getting Denver almost 7 years ago !!!! Awwww I love my boy !!!! Denver would love the rib bones and Hamlet too but their stomachs would not LOL Your funny though and thoughtful - and if you tell Denver I said no ---well you may make him mad at me LOL Im such a MEAN mommy sometimes - He says I dont even let him eat popcorn off the floor at the movies what kinda fun is that ? he has to go and lay there and be all quiet and sleep while mom eats popcorn and candy and never shares !
Sorry went on a Denver frenzy LOL
Hey just for the record Hamlet cant have rawhide either - COMPRESSED rawhide is fine though .
Can not WAIT to sail - HEY where are we riding horses ? is it in Maz or PV ? I forgot LOL I need to make sure I didnt double book excursions and also who all is riding that day ?
oh just think tomorrow will be 27 days !!! on my last 2 cruises we did this silly thing where everyone counted the till our cruise - we did it at the 14 day mark - you post 14 then 13 then 12 you get the picture - also we had some fun close to sail time where everyone posted pics of the ship of their fave thing on the ship or fave thing to do etc ... it was a good way to build excitement and pass the time !!!!
The year is almost over ! We will be sailing soon !
g night yall

 

[jkrislc]

Cair, tHe horse back riding in is in Mexico (sorry, could't resist); Mazatlan to be specific. As fir the countdown, maybe we need to do something like the 12 days of Christmas . . . 12 DIS friends gathering, 11 pictures in Shutters fo a viewing, 10 menu options, 9 movies playing, etc.

BTW, my son (almost 4) thinks it's cool Denver and Hamlet will be onboard. I've been trying to explain how special service dogs are, how they're trained, and what they do, but I'm not sure if he gets it yet. However, I think it will be a good experience for him, especially since we are a family of dog lovers and have two of our own. Christmas is crazy, however, because when the families get together, we have eight dogs among us. Between the dogs and the kids, it's chaos.

Kris

Kris

 

[SueTGGR]

I have got to get organized. Not one of my strong points unless there is only one thing I have to do. I couldn't sleep last night. I was tossing & turning . You would think it would be over Christmas plans as we have things going on from Friday through Sunday & Sunday there will be about 15+ people expecting to be fed. But no I was worrying about FE gifts! I have such grand plans but to get them to come to life is scary. I am not good at crafty stuff but I am always wanting to try. I know it is anti-female but I HATE going into 99 cent stores. It seems like there is so much junk to plow through and usually I am one to go in and get out. Well, except with Christmas shopping.

So how is everyone doing?

Jessica-I bet you get an A- in Math. I have found some teachers will look at effort a bit. Lord knows you have put the effort! Amazing job on the other classes. I really need to figure out a way to finish my BA. Maybe you will inspire me, well that & winning the lottery so I can pay for it.

Cari-My son, as well, will be all over the dogs. I remember awhile back when I worked @ a vet office that they are not to be petted when they are working. Do you think you could post the rules for Hamlet & Denver so I can make sure he understands? Those two will be so spoiled after this cruise you won't know what to do with them! OH & I saw on your facebook page that you are having trouble with that adorable puppy you are training. You are more than welcome to pass him on to me. I would be more than happy to take him off your hands!

Dave-You are the same age as me and Jeff is 3 years older & Alec is 10, lots in common there! Sometimes I wonder if we are too old to be raising him but then other days I don't know what I would be doing without him. Sounds like you are jumping right into our little group.

Which reminds me...have we set a place where we are all meeting up when we get on board?

If anyone has not given me their favorite characters, I am not done yet so it isn't too late!

Well 30 days and counting. My son made up words to add to the 12 days of Christmas to make it the 25 days of Christmas so I think the countdown would be a great idea. Anyone want to come up with 12 or more things to post during those days?

OK, I am going to get myself organized with the FE's! I have about 1/2 hour before I have to get to work.
Later everyone!!!
Sue

 

[F&A]

Yes, the count down has begun! One month until we set sail. I got Ashley another last minute Christmas gift with the cruise in mind. I got her the Dooney and Burke Mickey purse -- small and Disney for the cruise.

I hope everyone has a "wonderful" Christmas!

I think we are going to bring Starbucks Via's on the cruise. Be both can't stand Nescafe and can't get going without morning coffee. Anyone else having any thoughts?

 

[disneydad123]

Cari,
Is popcorn bad for dogs? Our little yorkie, Meeko, can't get enough. If we are not careful he will jump into the bowl-- picture Templeton, from Charlotte's Web, when he goes to the fair, very funny!!!