"Double Dip Delight" 09.27.2008 - Chapter 4!

[TVEPFOX]

HELP ME stop stressing.

I have the best cure for stress... 7 fun filled days in the Caribbean on the Mickey Boat with plenty of drinks with umbrellas in them! Don't forget good friends to share with you!

 

[TVEPFOX]

For those of you doing Dolphin encounters in Cozumel – They mention that only biodegradable sun block products are allowed. Do you plan on bringing this with you? Is it available at Chankanaab? Do they charge you for it? How do they know what you are using? Has anyone found eco-friendly products locally as opposed to ordering online from, say, Mexi-Tan?

Seriously... will the sunblock police be checking! It's Mexico for crying out loud! They have no laws.

 

[njdrumrun]

Seriously... will the sunblock police be checking! It's Mexico for crying out loud! They have no laws.

 

[TVEPFOX]

I think I've read that they make you buy their suntan lotion. How they know what you are using I have no idea! I wonder if they make you shower before getting in with soap or something?

We did the Dolphins in Nassau, same company. We did not have to buy special sunscreen unless this is something new. Nothing on their website about it.

 

[videoman]

Okay - are they really that good??? I'm not necessarily a vampire fan but I wasn't a wizard fan either until I finally gave in and read Harry Potter (I think it was just after book 2 came out). Wanted to see what all the fuss was about and got hooked.

She also is a Potter fan and read those in record time...but with this series she said they are hard to put down....stays up to 2:00am reading them....try the first one and see for yourself

 

[TVEPFOX]

Does anyone know what the charge fee is for bringing a Camcorder on some of the excursions? It says there is a fee but doesn't say how much the fee is..

At the ruins it was 10 US dollars. That's like a billion pesos.

 

[MagicMe]

She also is a Potter fan and read those in record time...but with this series she said they are hard to put down....stays up to 2:00am reading them....try the first one and see for yourself

Well, I'm always in for a good book. They're the "twilight" books? Is that part of the title? By the soundsof it, I'm guessing they'll be pretty easy to find in the book store

 

[TVEPFOX]

To Alcohol!!!

The Cause of...

and

Solution to...


All of life's little problems.

Amen Sister!

 

[nenner1]

Those of you doing Secret Mickey: Are you planning on just putting the gifts into the Fish Extender or having somone actually put them in the stateroom?

We aren't leaving ours in the FE...I would be too nervous that somebody would take it out. (Maybe I've read too many stolen/attempted thefts of FE stories lately, but I'm not gonna chance it). Partially b/c the SM gift has higher value, partially b/c in our case it is somewhat of a larger gift and even though it would probably fit in the FE it would stick out and be easier to take, and mostly b/c if something DID happen , nobody would realize it til the end of the cruise and it would be really hard to find out and get something new. There are lots of options for a drop other than the stateroom host thing, cause IMO that would be the hardest option that would require either good timing or a lot of suspicious looking hanging out in the immediate vicinity of the recipient's stateroom . You could take it to the reservation desk at Palo when the recipients are there so the servers can present it to them, or if you can find out what table they sit at for dinner and which seating and rotation you could leave it there. Or if all else fails I'm sure guest services could help out either determining any of the info above or taking and delivering the gift for you. I actually have some lofty ideas for our delivery but I don't know for sure if I can make it work out, so I may be falling back on one of the above options myself.

Well that changed, and now I've been without power for 19 hours.

Ugh! That's terrible! I hope it gets back on soon, no power is an incredible inconvenience. I start swearing when ours is off for an hour! Sorry you have to deal with that! I'm glad you were so ahead in you preparations, and hey...if all else fails, by the end of the week you'll be down here!

And to think I thought you were so quiet this weekend cause maybe you were hanging out with Buckeyeguy!

Okay as always, you guys have perked me up.

Don't feel bad, I have the same inclination as you to worry about the little things (my clothes that don't fit right or what matches what, etc.) It will all melt away in about 12 days, I promise! And even though I've done this a couple times before and get on the boat and think all my worrying and stressing and misdirected efforts were silly, I still did it this time too! I am glad you are feeling betternow though!!

So everyone, have we decided....3:30 at the meet for the group picture?

Someone will have to see if Shutters can even arrange to have a photographer there (since they are commonly busy at that time taking embarkation photos), and we can try to argue our case and see if they will waive the fee since they will sell so many of those pics.

Happy Monday, everyone! (only one more of those left!)

 

[videoman]

Well, I'm always in for a good book. They're the "twilight" books? Is that part of the title? By the soundsof it, I'm guessing they'll be pretty easy to find in the book store

Yes the Twilight sereies....easy to find in any book store...

Good Luck

 

[videoman]

I highly doubt that Shutters will be able to take the photo at that time...I pretty sure they are not even open for business...
I still think we can get the 85.00 fee waived if we tell them how many people will be purchasing them....I never paid a fee before

 

[anewmac]

Seriously... will the sunblock police be checking! It's Mexico for crying out loud! They have no laws.

NO they do have laws.. they just make them up as they go LOL....

We aren't leaving ours in the FE...I would be too nervous that somebody would take it out. (Maybe I've read too many stolen/attempted thefts of FE stories lately, but I'm not gonna chance it). Partially b/c the SM gift has higher value, partially b/c in our case it is somewhat of a larger gift and even though it would probably fit in the FE it would stick out and be easier to take, and mostly b/c if something DID happen , nobody would realize it til the end of the cruise and it would be really hard to find out and get something new. There are lots of options for a drop other than the stateroom host thing, cause IMO that would be the hardest option that would require either good timing or a lot of suspicious looking hanging out in the immediate vicinity of the recipient's stateroom . You could take it to the reservation desk at Palo when the recipients are there so the servers can present it to them, or if you can find out what table they sit at for dinner and which seating and rotation you could leave it there. Or if all else fails I'm sure guest services could help out either determining any of the info above or taking and delivering the gift for you. I actually have some lofty ideas for our delivery but I don't know for sure if I can make it work out, so I may be falling back on one of the above options myself.
another option is to find a friend and have them deliver it too... wonder if we could get Mickey to do that LOL


Ugh! That's terrible! I hope it gets back on soon, no power is an incredible inconvenience. I start swearing when ours is off for an hour! Sorry you have to deal with that! I'm glad you were so ahead in you preparations, and hey...if all else fails, by the end of the week you'll be down here!

And to think I thought you were so quiet this weekend cause maybe you were hanging out with Buckeyeguy!
I thought it was cuz she was hanging her head in shame from the way them Ohio panzies played vs my mighty trojans LOL


So everyone, have we decided....3:30 at the meet for the group picture?

Someone will have to see if Shutters can even arrange to have a photographer there (since they are commonly busy at that time taking embarkation photos), and we can try to argue our case and see if they will waive the fee since they will sell so many of those pics.
works for me.. so this will be a DIS/Family meet then if we do the pic at that time? or just the DIS members? Just need to know if I need to drag the boys out of the pool or not lol

Happy Monday, everyone! (only one more of those left!)

WOOOHOOO im in the single digets also 9 days till I start my vacation, E already has started his. Poor boy is off today till the 14th of Oct... Im making him a list now of things he needs to do ... his HONEY DO list LOL

 

[TVEPFOX]

I have a beautiful six year old daughter. She's a perfect child in school, well behaved, everything a parent could want. EXCEPT... last year she was a Major Category Five (note the hurricane refference) BRAT on board the ship. We were at WDW the week before, same this year. I know it was too much being away from home two weeks, but Mommy and Daddy have no choice. We can only vacation certain times of the year. She missed the dog, the goldfish, grandma, etc...

So here's the 1,000,000 question... I know I'm not alone... be honest... I've heard other parents through the thin walls, seen it in the halls, witnessed it at dinner... how do you discipline your child at sea? Especially tantrums... and I don't mean mine when my drink is empty.

 

[Grandma4ever]

I have a beautiful six year old daughter. She's a perfect child in school, well behaved, everything a parent could want. EXCEPT... last year she was a Major Category Five (note the hurricane refference) BRAT on board the ship. We were at WDW the week before, same this year. I know it was too much being away from home two weeks, but Mommy and Daddy have no choice. We can only vacation certain times of the year. She missed the dog, the goldfish, grandma, etc...

So here's the 1,000,000 question... I know I'm not alone... be honest... I've heard other parents through the thin walls, seen it in the halls, witnessed it at dinner... how do you discipline your child at sea? Especially tantrums... and I don't mean mine when my drink is empty.

Disney Behavioral Contract

• I will stay within 10 feet the adults in my group. If I should wander off the requirement to hold an adults hand at all times will be put into place and last for at least 30 min. Each time I wander off the time I must be attached to an adult will be increased.
• I will listen to the instruction from Mom, Janet and Lois and will follow them with no more than 2 requests.
• I will set quietly during meals and eat my meal. If I fail to eat at least 50% of the meal I will not get to eat dessert. There will be no snacking in between meals so it will be important to eat when we have the chance.
• I will get up when asked and get dressed for the day.
• I will attempt to use the restroom anytime I am asked.
• I will be respectful of others personal space
• No arguing or fighting of any kind
• I will not climb on the railing at any time.
• I will not leave the company of the adults without getting permission first.
• I will not run at any time
• I will not jump in the pool
• I will respect other by using my inside voice at all times. This means there will be no yelling or screaming, for any reason, at any time, when on the boat.

______________________________________________________ Name


We have this contact with my 10 year old nieces and give rewards for positive behavior. We have small disk to give them when they are doing as expected and then they can trade them in for items they may want at the snack bar or gift shop. It will not stop all unruly behavior but it helps. Lois

 

[FatCat]

Seriously... will the sunblock police be checking! It's Mexico for crying out loud! They have no laws.

You ever spend a night in a Mexican Prison?

 

[TVEPFOX]

You ever spend a night in a Mexican Prison?

Not yet... but came really close in Costa Maya. I didn't know it was against the one law they have on the books to have your five year old swim up to the bar and buy Mommy another bottle of beer. I told that kid to keep the money dry!

Oh... did I mention the time in Cozumel... same five year old, two days later doing the chicken dance on the table in Carols and Charlies with our gay sailing mates, while Daddy is enjoying a body shot?!

 

[TVEPFOX]

Disney Behavioral Contract

• I will stay within 10 feet the adults in my group. If I should wander off the requirement to hold an adults hand at all times will be put into place and last for at least 30 min. Each time I wander off the time I must be attached to an adult will be increased.
• I will listen to the instruction from Mom, Janet and Lois and will follow them with no more than 2 requests.
• I will set quietly during meals and eat my meal. If I fail to eat at least 50% of the meal I will not get to eat dessert. There will be no snacking in between meals so it will be important to eat when we have the chance.
• I will get up when asked and get dressed for the day.
• I will attempt to use the restroom anytime I am asked.
• I will be respectful of others personal space
• No arguing or fighting of any kind
• I will not climb on the railing at any time.
• I will not leave the company of the adults without getting permission first.
• I will not run at any time
• I will not jump in the pool
• I will respect other by using my inside voice at all times. This means there will be no yelling or screaming, for any reason, at any time, when on the boat.

______________________________________________________ Name


We have this contact with my 10 year old nieces and give rewards for positive behavior. We have small disk to give them when they are doing as expected and then they can trade them in for items they may want at the snack bar or gift shop. It will not stop all unruly behavior but it helps. Lois

I think I love you! Do you babysit on the Mickey ship?

 

[nenner1]

I highly doubt that Shutters will be able to take the photo at that time...I pretty sure they are not even open for business...
I still think we can get the 85.00 fee waived if we tell them how many people will be purchasing them....I never paid a fee before

I just think if we have to come up with another time we need to do it before we leave...otherwise if it is left up to decide when we are onboard, well......I don't think it will happen!

stuff you said

So does that mean YOU are Mickey??? (Whooops I'm not spoiling anyone's magic, am I?) I was pretty much relying on finding you and hitting you up for all the info anyway...what seating does so & so have, what table....
As far as the meet and dragging the boys out of the pool, well I say if we do the pictures then, drag 'em out. If we don't and it's just a meet, leave 'em in the pool. That's what I'm planning.

last year she was a Major Category Five (note the hurricane refference) BRAT on board the ship.

We haven't had too many issues with that in the past, thankfully... but if we did, we would just do what we do at home, loss of priveliges. It would suck not being able to go in that Mickey pool, kwim?

 

[PoohBear4Me]

When our kids were little, and even now, when disagreements happen whether it is total breakdowns or the 12 year old tween "eye-roll", we as parents need to look at the entire picture. Sometimes, we have the idea that a vacation is "always perfect" and never would any of our family members act out....well ...we all know that isn't true. A few tips come to mind: if the kids are hungry at 5pm and dinner isn't till 6:30, feed them when they are hungry. Our son's attitude about everything declines the hurgerier he gets....then he hits bottom and it takes a tug boat to bring him back to the surface. Bring something to dinner, a book, coloring or perhaps a special new "trinket" to unwrap and play with at dinner while you and your husband enjoy the evening. And lastly, I guess down size the day by keeping activities low key based on your child's needs. Hope that helps..but remember, we are all in the same boat (literally ) and everyone understands when the bottom hits.

Here are a few other things I was going to pass on...charging iPods, Zune's or other MP3 players. Did you know that the AC chargers for the iPod is compatible with the Zune and vice a versa...we are not going to bring our laptop and we have 3 different kinds of MP3 players in the family. I bought the iPod version and even though it says "made for iPod" the USB port is the same for all MP3 players...AND...if you are needing some hooks for hanging things in the cabin room or bathroom..such as wet swim suits...try the 3M removable hooks. They come in a variety of sizes and remove easily from the walls when you are done.

My living & dining room has become "packing central" and the dogs are starting to freak out because I brought the suitcases down yesterday...Happy packing everyone!... See you on the 27th

 

[njdrumrun]

I have a beautiful six year old daughter. She's a perfect child in school, well behaved, everything a parent could want. EXCEPT... last year she was a Major Category Five (note the hurricane refference) BRAT on board the ship. We were at WDW the week before, same this year. I know it was too much being away from home two weeks, but Mommy and Daddy have no choice. We can only vacation certain times of the year. She missed the dog, the goldfish, grandma, etc...

So here's the 1,000,000 question... I know I'm not alone... be honest... I've heard other parents through the thin walls, seen it in the halls, witnessed it at dinner... how do you discipline your child at sea? Especially tantrums... and I don't mean mine when my drink is empty.

at 5, i expect my daughter to act the same no matter where we were. if she didn't behave the way i wanted her to act, she didn't get to do the things she wanted to do. she melted down the first morning onboard. we sat and watched the other kids swim. she was an angel the rest of the cruise.

it is actually is harder now at almost 10.