"Double Dip Delight" Alternate Western 09/27/08

[NHdisneylover]

I am personally opposed to this silly idea of a cruise before a cruise....first of all I take great issue with you thinking you need THREE days of Castaway Cay in such close succession....save some Cay for the rest of us, please!!! Furthermore....how in the HECK are Jason and I supposed to hang out with your fabulous family for a few days prior to the cruise if you're going to be on the Wonder and we are going to be at Animal Kingdom Villas? This plan will just never work....I suggest you go back and rethink it!!!

Okay okay. I hereby revert to the original plan. An extra week with you two is sooooo better than an extra day on CC. Do you really want to have all of us stalking you all week????

I do see a precruise DIS meet at WDW being a must somewhere/somehow.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Second post in a row becuase I am so dense I did not even notice that this thread had moved onto another page unitl I posted and it took me there--duh.

FREE DINING--Gotta love it Did it last year, doign it this year, hope to do it again next year. Erik and Jason (and other DVCers) I'll keep my fingers crossed for htem to include you, but I doubt they will as they essentially already have your $$$ and do not need to intice you in this way.

Deanna--lovin' the photo of your princess. You must be one proud lady in da shoe

I goot admit, we've stayed at AK, and we liked it. But, we actually prefer Coronado Springs (I love sitting on the steps of the pyramid at the pool and feeling the water trickle down my back on a hot day) and Port Orleans French Quarter (we honeymmoned there so it has a special place in my heart). I haven't stayed at WL yet, but will (for a night) this Spetember and I expect I will really love it (love visiting it). But, as we like to go A LOT we usaully end up slummin' it at the value resorts so we can go more and stay longer when we do

 

[scoutsmom99]

Do you generally fly/drive in the day prior to the cruise? The morning of? What is the preferred method of transportation from the airport? Have you used the Disney transportation? Shuttle Service? Cab? Help! There will be three in our group.

Leslie I'm planning on a week at WDW first and then the cruise. I think we will either rent a car or take a towncar to the port.

We haven't done it before, but we're planning to spend a week at WDW prior to the cruise. I'm hoping for free dining again next year, but as long as we have the funds we'll do it regardless. I'm also planning on a towncar to and from port.

Tracey We are hoping for the same thing plus maybe a day at WDW after the cruise for Food and Wine Festival

Yes we adore AKL, too....and we just bought our AKV points on the repo cruise because we knew we couldn't bear to not be able to stay there....so we own in two places now....AKV (where we'll probably always stay if we can) and Saratoga (those points we'll probably bank and borrow to stockpile to pay for cruises and nonWDW trips, etc.)

Erik and Jason I'm so jealous. I just love love love AKL. I would love to own AKV DVC, but it isn't in the cards right now. After your first stay I hope you come give us a trip report about your stay.

Just posting so you can see a picture of my princess. I have no shame.

Your princess is gorgeous. I think you need to book this cruise!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I think those of us staying at WDW the week before are in the MAJORITY. How cool is that?

 

[NHdisneylover]

Oh, and Deanna I keep forgetting to post this: I think your princess should wear her tiara for formal night in August.

 

[jcemom]

We should consider a pre-cruise meet! Dinner? Fireworks? Or maybe even a Grand Gathering event?

 

[Hoagie Pie]

I think those of us staying at WDW the week before are in the MAJORITY. How cool is that?

Okay Hadley, you are going to talk me into home schooling just so we can meet you at WDW the week before. LUCKY! Hadley, if your darling husband ever comes to Phoenix, please have him call. We would love to meet for dinner. I think it is pretty cool that during the 2 weeks on the repo, nobody really knew what anybody did and we all just had fun without talking business. That is fine with me, but the reason why I am saying this is because I don't know if he will have the need to head this way, but I know he travels a lot.

Deanna - your daughter is beautiful and definitely wear the crown on Formal Night.

I haven't been on the board in a while, but I miss all of you and I am trying to catch up.

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

I am one proud shoe woman! Oh look, there she is again!

I think that I'll encourage her to bring her pageant stuff for formal night! Too bad we don't have room for the puffy dress. She doesn't even fit in the car when she wears it! Her first parade is this weekend--Dick Tracy Days! Our little town is so cute!

 

[NHdisneylover]

jcemom--oooh a grand gathering event would be so neat to do. Will they let us do one if we aren't really linked up reservations wise soem otehr way???? But we are up for just about anything. If there are others who will be in the area (or live there) but not have park acess then perhaps we can do soemthing onsite but out of a park (dinner at a resort or some such).

Sandi--I wish Dave did travel your way as I know he'd love to see you. I haev been formulating a trip in my head which may or may not be actually feasible sometime in the spring. I am imagining flying from here to LA and spending a week there playing at DL and Legoland and trying to spend time with my sister in law, Kelly (and family) and Kathy (and family). Then flying to Vegas for a couple of days with Chris and Rob and then on to Pheonix to see you. I am thinking Southwest goes all of those palces so it just might be half way okay airfare wise. I think it is the hotels (especailly in L.A.) that will kill it. But, I keep dreaming about it, and maybe when winter sets in and prices start showing up I can figure something out. I don't want to wait over a year to see all my friends! Oh yeah, and have I mentioend to all you sweltering folks just how gorgeous it is here in New Hampshire in the fall ?

I was thinking once about how odd it was that I don't really know what people do for a living either. Like you and Darell--I have no idea what you do.

Dave is the "director of tooling" for a rubber company. So, he is basically an engineer/manager type. I know he would love to visit you, but pretty much all of his travel is in the midwest, Georgia and Europe (they keep threatening Japan but then never actaully send him. NOT that Japan would be bad other than the LONG flight and length of time away from home).

I was a teacehr (preschool and junior high English) before I had my own kids. Now they keep me totally busy (we homeschool) and I lead two Girl Scout troops (Marika's plus Daisies), help at dance and karate class, play unpaid travel agent to all of our families, play corporate wife, etc. It is a great life.

So how 'bout the rest of you???? Introduce yourselves a bit. A few of us from the last cruise know each other and careers, etc but lets all get to know one anotehr better.

 

[Scoobypop]

I missed a few days so had a lot to catch up on. Let's hope I can remember it all:

Hadley, I loved your story about your family pictures only being those 4 places and events. Rob and I ALWAYS say the same thing! It's like, EVERY picture we ever take is at Disneyland or the cruise. You would think we have enough by now, no need to bring the camera along anymore, but that's the only place we ever seem to bring the camera.

Balcony--we have always had one, and we personally do find use for it. Take Hadley's experience into account and decide if it's something you will actually use. Like Erik, we also order room service breakfast for all the days except port days, and have our breakfast on the balcony in our robe. We like to rise at 6:30 and watch the boat pull into ports on port days from the balcony. We spend at least 20 minutes each night at bedtime out there, just to enjoy the fresh ocean breezes and be happy and look at the blackness and everything. In fact, on the Transatlantic one night at 1 am, there was a school of dolphins following the ship for about 15 minutes romping and jumping out of the water! It was so awesome and gorgeous to see from our balcony--we called Erik and Jason not caring if they were sleeping or not just to come out and see it! However, for the poster who wasn't sure about it with kids, be aware: Definitely it is very open. One false move and it's man overboard. My first cruise, when I was on it, I said, "Well, I see now why people fall overboard on cruise ships". A navigators verandah might be something you could consider--it is cheaper and sort of enclosed, but still a verandah.

Shuttle service: We have always taken the red eye out Friday, arriving in Orlando at 6:30 am Saturday. Hop on the DCL shuttle, first one out. As Erik said, it's a totally fun journey--you watch a video, you don't even notice the drive, then all of a sudden you see the ship as you're arriving.

However--NOW that we see all our friends are going a week early to play in the parks, how do you expect us to continue with our previous plan? We may have to rethink everything now. How could I be at work knowing everyone is there having a good time already and we're working?

Deanna--LOVELY picture. Hope to meet her on a future cruise. Like this one!!!

Kelly--did you book yet?!

Hi Adam and Matt!
Chris and Rob

 

[jcemom]

I've done Grand Gatherings, they used to be a bit of a pain but they've improved the system from what I've read recently. First one person has to set up the GG and get a number. Then everyone interested can add themselves on. If you book yourself you can add yourself, if you're booked through a TA then they need to add you, and if you're staying DVC you just call member services. That's it. You don't even need to be staying for the same dates, at the same resort, nothing. As long as you overlap by one day somewhere you can be a part of the GG. Since we're all setting sail on the same date we should all overlap for the night before, LOL.

The only event I've done is the Magical Fireworks Voyage and it was terrific, a lot of fun.

We don't need to decide until early next year, but I'd be willing to get the ball rolling at that time if anyone else was interested. You only need a total of 8 people for each function. There's a percentage that must be onsite, but I can't recall what it was... maybe 80%. The rest can be offsite.

 

[Scoobypop]

Okay, last post was so long, so just a quick Introduce Ourselves post:
We are both massage therapists at a big splashy spa on the strip in Las Vegas. We're both 38 years old. Love living in Las Vegas, and love Disney vacations. Been on 3 cruises, the Double Dip will be number 5, as we're taking one in February. Go to Disneyland all the time, but have only been to Disney World twice. That will change in November, which will be number 3!! We have DVC as well. What else? Can't remember if there was something else in Hadley's post, but that's all I can think of for now.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I missed a few days so had a lot to catch up on. Let's hope I can remember it all:

Hadley, I loved your story about your family pictures only being those 4 places and events. Rob and I ALWAYS say the same thing! It's like, EVERY picture we ever take is at Disneyland or the cruise. You would think we have enough by now, no need to bring the camera along anymore, but that's the only place we ever seem to bring the camera.

Balcony--we have always had one, and we personally do find use for it. Take Hadley's experience into account and decide if it's something you will actually use. Like Erik, we also order room service breakfast for all the days except port days, and have our breakfast on the balcony in our robe. We like to rise at 6:30 and watch the boat pull into ports on port days from the balcony. We spend at least 20 minutes each night at bedtime out there, just to enjoy the fresh ocean breezes and be happy and look at the blackness and everything. In fact, on the Transatlantic one night at 1 am, there was a school of dolphins following the ship for about 15 minutes romping and jumping out of the water! It was so awesome and gorgeous to see from our balcony--we called Erik and Jason not caring if they were sleeping or not just to come out and see it! However, for the poster who wasn't sure about it with kids, be aware: Definitely it is very open. One false move and it's man overboard. My first cruise, when I was on it, I said, "Well, I see now why people fall overboard on cruise ships". A navigators verandah might be something you could consider--it is cheaper and sort of enclosed, but still a verandah.

Shuttle service: We have always taken the red eye out Friday, arriving in Orlando at 6:30 am Saturday. Hop on the DCL shuttle, first one out. As Erik said, it's a totally fun journey--you watch a video, you don't even notice the drive, then all of a sudden you see the ship as you're arriving.

However--NOW that we see all our friends are going a week early to play in the parks, how do you expect us to continue with our previous plan? We may have to rethink everything now. How could I be at work knowing everyone is there having a good time already and we're working?

Deanna--LOVELY picture. Hope to meet her on a future cruise. Like this one!!!

Kelly--did you book yet?!

Hi Adam and Matt!
Chris and Rob

Chris, you will just have to jpin us all at the world that week! Are Adam and Matt on this thread (the same ones I met on the cruise?). If so heloo guys.

MOVIES? Okay, we cancelled our dishnetwork yeasterday. Ler's see how long we last. But, we are still keeping our Netflix. Some oddball quirk has happend and our entire que was lost We can't remember very many o fthe 83 things that were in it. Any good recomendations?

 

[tig82174]

I missed a few days so had a lot to catch up on. Let's hope I can remember it all:

Hadley, I loved your story about your family pictures only being those 4 places and events. Rob and I ALWAYS say the same thing! It's like, EVERY picture we ever take is at Disneyland or the cruise. You would think we have enough by now, no need to bring the camera along anymore, but that's the only place we ever seem to bring the camera.

Balcony--we have always had one, and we personally do find use for it. Take Hadley's experience into account and decide if it's something you will actually use. Like Erik, we also order room service breakfast for all the days except port days, and have our breakfast on the balcony in our robe. We like to rise at 6:30 and watch the boat pull into ports on port days from the balcony. We spend at least 20 minutes each night at bedtime out there, just to enjoy the fresh ocean breezes and be happy and look at the blackness and everything. In fact, on the Transatlantic one night at 1 am, there was a school of dolphins following the ship for about 15 minutes romping and jumping out of the water! It was so awesome and gorgeous to see from our balcony--we called Erik and Jason not caring if they were sleeping or not just to come out and see it! However, for the poster who wasn't sure about it with kids, be aware: Definitely it is very open. One false move and it's man overboard. My first cruise, when I was on it, I said, "Well, I see now why people fall overboard on cruise ships". A navigators verandah might be something you could consider--it is cheaper and sort of enclosed, but still a verandah.

Shuttle service: We have always taken the red eye out Friday, arriving in Orlando at 6:30 am Saturday. Hop on the DCL shuttle, first one out. As Erik said, it's a totally fun journey--you watch a video, you don't even notice the drive, then all of a sudden you see the ship as you're arriving.

However--NOW that we see all our friends are going a week early to play in the parks, how do you expect us to continue with our previous plan? We may have to rethink everything now. How could I be at work knowing everyone is there having a good time already and we're working?

Deanna--LOVELY picture. Hope to meet her on a future cruise. Like this one!!!

Kelly--did you book yet?!

Hi Adam and Matt!
Chris and Rob

What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks are you talking about?! I had already written in your planner that you were gonna be there a week before the cruise....don't be ridiculous!! I don't know what's wrong with you AND Hadley...but get it together...if you have questions about what you're doing for this trip...please make sure to call me because I've already got it all worked out!

 

[NHdisneylover]

What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks are you talking about?! I had already written in your planner that you were gonna be there a week before the cruise....don't be ridiculous!! I don't know what's wrong with you AND Hadley...but get it together...if you have questions about what you're doing for this trip...please make sure to call me because I've already got it all worked out!

Me too?!?!? Do Ige tto take off from planning this one? Where are we staying and eating and playing? Oh what fun

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Hello everyone! I'm trying to catch up a bit tonight before I just fall over in my big fluffy bed out of complete exhaustion. I'm in NYC this week, so I haven't had much time to catch up on the boards.....

....Yet, I think LadyShiva snuck up on me! Brandie, congrats on joining us!!! You just kinda quietly chimed in, thinking you would go unnoticed didn't you?!! (Unless I'm really that far behind or overlooked you earlier....or maybe, just maybe, I've lost my memory! Hmmmm.) Anywhooo, I didn't recognize your screen name and sure enough, I didn't see you on the Cast Roll Call list, either! So "Welcome, Welcome!!"

 

[LadyShiva]

Hello everyone! I'm trying to catch up a bit tonight before I just fall over in my big fluffy bed out of complete exhaustion. I'm in NYC this week, so I haven't had much time to catch up on the boards.....

....Yet, I think LadyShiva snuck up on me! Brandie, congrats on joining us!!! You just kinda quietly chimed in, thinking you would go unnoticed didn't you?!! (Unless I'm really that far behind or overlooked you earlier....or maybe, just maybe, I've lost my memory! Hmmmm.) Anywhooo, I didn't recognize your screen name and sure enough, I didn't see you on the Cast Roll Call list, either! So "Welcome, Welcome!!"

*chuckle* *wave*

Thanks for the hello! DH, DD2, my mom, and I are booked on this cruise, but I'm still having to convince DH to do 2 cruises in one year. We're also on the May 3rd, 2008, 7 day. He's a real fuddy-duddy about taking time off to go on vacation, but once he is on the trip, he has a great time.

Fiona will be 3 by the time we cruise, and mom has a Cat 11 on Deck across the hall from our Cat 5. We will be celebrating our 9th Wedding Anniversary! I told him he could get me this cruise for our anniversary... He didn't bite!

*wave*
Brandie

 

[zweihund]

For some reason I wasn't getting any updates in my email, so I missed 5 pages of new posts!

In case you're wondering why I've been so quiet.

 

[NHdisneylover]

For some reason I wasn't getting any updates in my email, so I missed 5 pages of new posts!

In case you're wondering why I've been so quiet.

I figured you must be out of town or something Did you REALLY think all of hte rest of us were not posting anything for all of that time?!?!?

Tracey--Okay, now that you have thrown the Grand GAthering thing out there I keep looking at the descriptions over on Disney's website. We would love to haev the oppurtunity to do something like this. All four options look good to us. Though I must say the firwrorks voyage and the illuminations dinner/dessert viweing thing look the best to me. One advantage of the fireworks voyage is it does not require par kadmission, so if DISsers are comming in just for the night they could still partake. Let's keep this idea floating around becuase I want to do it! (with you doing all the plannign work of course!).

 

[jcemom]

Okay. I'll call at the beginning of the year to get the available dates for each event and we can see what everyone is interested in.