Early-Early Roll call.... 4-28-07 Eastern

[angilovesthemouse]

30 days...it is so unbelievable. We booked over a year ago. I didn't think this count down would ever be here. I have been in a sort of suspended animation. I have not packed, shopped, or planned. I have just been waiting for that 1 month date. Wow, I have got to hit the gym harder, so I can lose the 10 - 15 pounds I plan to gain that week by being a complete glutton!

 

[DeloreanGirl]

I have been in suspended excitement as well. I joined Curves a few weeks ago and it has been GREAT. I already feel much more bouncy and energetic. This may sound nuts but I actually eat BETTER on a cruise. I guess it's because you pass the fruit and salad section of the buffet before you get to the carby/fatty stuff. Plus I tried (key word: tried) to take the stairs. Dare I try the gym on the Magic? I'm even thinking of not bringing a book because there seems to be so many activities. The only things left I need to shop for is a formal dress, suntan lotion and an underwater camera.

 

[tiqr]

OK, we all have cruisin' on our brains. Hurray - 4 weeks to go!!

I'm with the bracelet idea, otherwise I'll have to print out the pages of who's wearin' what and then I'll reallly look like a nit-wit comparing notes to people!!! If nothing else I will use lime green ribbon.

Happy there are a so many other 5 year old Disney Princesses.This is our first time, so we will be feeling our way. I dont think Gracie will be shy about the Oceaneer club, she's looking forward to it. But it would be great for the girls to meet first.

I ordered 'cruise paks' tonight. On another board I saw a link to Goodypak.com. They have cruise gift paks that will delivered to the room prior to arrival. It is filled with pirate gear, water bottle, personalized carry-all. Just a fun 'welcome' surprise when they get to the rooms. Has anyone else ever ordered these?

I always 'pre-buy' Disney gifts and find a way to get them to the room before the kids enter. It sets the mood and they are convinced to this day that Mickey visits and leaves the presents. This option saves me from lugging anything down with me.

Thanks for all the tips. It looks like a fun crowd!!

 

[tiqr]

I switched cruises last week and when I booked this cruise, I got room numbers. I dont think they are good rooms. Level 9, outside cabins at the very front. I am worried about engine noises right up front like this. But on the upside we will be the first ones to see where we are going...Somewhere I think I saw a place to check the comments about your cabin.

I'll do some more investigation. I have lots of catching up to do!!

 

[tiqr]

While browsing, I recall directly under 'Cruise Ships' the webmaster compiled a very lengthy packing list. Lots of repeat items, the list could use a little editing, but some good ideas. Repeated a lot was an extra bathroom rack-organizer. I cant imagine the bulk is worth it, but I saw that one repeated several times and would never have thought of it.

Veterans - input??

OK, Laurie - step away from the computer now....it's getting late.

 

[Faith&Hope]

My #1 most important thing was the clear hanging shoe rack that hangs on the back of the bathroom door!! It helped organize things so much. It folds up flat to almost nothing and you just tuck it away in your suitcase. Or...you could just leave it behind in the room. You can often find them at the dollar store or at target. It really saved us the headache of trying to find something each time we needed it.

Last time, I overpackedby bringing a lot on the lists that are out there. There are crutial items that I listed earlier. If you have any questions, just post it!

 

[Faith&Hope]

No docs on this end either. But they should be here any day because we're within the 6 week window. Woohoo!

You typically won't get any cruise documents until around 2-3 weeks before we sail. Last year we got them 2 weeks before and we left 10 days before the cruise so it was a close call! The suspense kills just waiting for those darn papers!

 

[Faith&Hope]

I also made Disney goody bags last year! Instead of lugging it with us, I sent it ahead of time and the box was delivered in the room. I went to the room a few minutes ahead of everyone else and got them out of the boxes. Buying them ahead of time from a company just seemed so expensive. I know Shirley's baskets have been raved about on the boards!

 

[Stripes]

Wow....
I have missed a lot of chatter! I figured that everyone would be talking since it is only one month away.
I also like the idea of the green bracelets the first day.
We still have not gotten room assignment either.
We are starting to gather our gear. My DH is just shaking his head at me squirrelling around.
CAN'T WAIT!!!
Kathy

 

[Floridagram]

Wow....
I have missed a lot of chatter! I figured that everyone would be talking since it is only one month away.
I also like the idea of the green bracelets the first day.
We still have not gotten room assignment either.
We are starting to gather our gear. My DH is just shaking his head at me squirrelling around.
CAN'T WAIT!!!
Kathy

I think we are all in panic, busy mode. After talking about the cruise for so long it is really becoming a reality now! I have so much to do because I am the sole knows whats going on person for 11 so I have to get all the treats ready for everyone. Pillowcases, photo mats, over the door hangers, night lights that don't have to be plugged in. They think I am crazy, won't they be surprised when they like my treasures!

 

[jmb910]

I am dying to know my stateroom number! I have been checking everday! I read on another thread that the people that were going on the 4/21 cruise were getting their room assignements this week. I hope that means that ours will come through early next week. We booked a GTY room on our last cruise, and I remember getting our room assignments at least 2 months before the cruise left .

Can't wait to see you all soon!

 

[hmmerr02]

Hey guys...would the first person with a guarantee cabin PLEASE post when you get your room assignment? Also, let us know if you got upgraded!!!

 

[poshspice94]

Phenergan does come in a pill form as well as suppository - I had my DS at the end of August and we cruised at the end of March - I was about 4 weeks along - we were supposed to go in may and had to change the date b/c I would have been past the date that Disney lets you sail - seems like you will be beyond the worst part of the morning sickness like I was - I really had no problems and did not take the phenergan on my cruise - but i was sick all 9 months with my DD and phenergan was a life saver!!

This is the maternity swimsuit I had - but mine was blue - I wore it ont he crusie and evern snorkeled in it - I can't tell you how comfortable it was and I was not at all embarrassed in it!!

this was years ago so they aren't for sale anymore but I think motherhood has some similar styles still

Such a pretty style for the bathing suit. Its so hard to find nice ones that dont make you look like a whale on dry land. I have a big question. Are you able to rent strollers once on land if you dont bring them. My husband wont bring my daughters because he doesnt feel at 5 she should be seen in one. I kinda agree, but she hates to walk for long periods (what child does?) Should I bring one with me?

1990- Polynesian Beach Resort (High School Graduation)
1997- Carribean Beach Resort (Honeymoon)
1998- Port Orleans Resort (1 year Anniversary)
2001- Corronado Springs Resort (Dads 60th B-Day)
2002- All-Star Sports (Daughters Birthday)
2004- Pop Century
2005- All-Star Movies
2006- Pop Century
2007- First Disney Cruise! Eastern Magic April 28th 2007!

 

[mormadsmom]

poshspice,

I am bringing our handy umbrella stroller for my 5 yr old. We ARE trying to get her out of that. She IS 5. But, when there might be alot of walking who wants to hold a 40 pounder and hear the complaining about how "their legs hurt". ya, ya, yah! And it's safer when in large crowds. I did use it last summer at disney and it was a lifesaver. I am thinking at the port we may have to use it and once in the ports. I doubt an umbrella stroller will work at castaway cay, but I am hoping we will get away without having to use one then.

Michelle
south florida

 

[mormadsmom]

I am glad someone else is thinking of dropping a few lbs. I'd like to drop a few so I can have room for expansion if you know what I mean. I can't wait for dessert. Maybe I will have it first so I have room??

 

[poshspice94]

poshspice,

I am bringing our handy umbrella stroller for my 5 yr old. We ARE trying to get her out of that. She IS 5. But, when there might be alot of walking who wants to hold a 40 pounder and hear the complaining about how "their legs hurt". ya, ya, yah! And it's safer when in large crowds. I did use it last summer at disney and it was a lifesaver. I am thinking at the port we may have to use it and once in the ports. I doubt an umbrella stroller will work at castaway cay, but I am hoping we will get away without having to use one then.

Michelle
south florida

Thanks for making meel better about the stoller situation, although my husband is insisting he doesnt want ot worry about another item ot carry in JFK along with our luggage. I promed him I would carry it myself but we will see. Do you think a place would sell them in the ports? Guess not. There would be lots of crying children saying their tired in those ports no?

Debbie
New York

1990- Polynesian Beach Resort (High School Graduation)
1997- Carribean Beach Resort (Honeymoon)
1998- Port Orleans Resort (1 year Anniversary)
2001- Corronado Springs Resort (Dads 60th B-Day)
2002- All-Star Sports (Daughters Birthday)
2004- Pop Century
2005- All-Star Movies
2006- Pop Century
2007- First Disney Cruise! Eastern Magic April 28th 2007!

 

[poshspice94]

Past cruisers...help me add to this list! I have my list from last year but can't find it right now so we can just keep adding to the list! And since I haven't even thought about packing yet, my mind's not there yet!

Things I MUST take:
A cheap plastic over the door organizer (#1 important thing for me)....hang it on the inside of the bathroom door to put everything ecause there's not much counter space (escpecially if you have a full room!) Hair spray, lotions, sunblock, medicines, etc....it's easy to have it out and about!

Either a huge memory card for your camera or a laptop to dump them onto! I took so many pics last year that I'm so happy we brought our laptop! I guess you could bring a flash drive and us a computer onboard to download them onto the drive (as long as you have a portable card reader or the cord)

$1 bills (tip either room service, the luggage men, the van driver, etc)

Bubbles for the sail away party...we all had them at the meet-up! It was fun for the kids (and adults who were in kid mode at that time )

We took the glow in the dark necklaces last year for the pirate party. The girls loved them because it's pitch black outside at 10pm and when the lights are turned out during the show, it's dark! You can sometimes find them at the dollar store.

Passporter book to refer to

Folder or envelope to put your Navigators/papers/etc

Pen!!

Handmade or store bought thank you cards for CM's to put tips in! It's a nicer gesture to put them in a card with a little personal note than just the envelope!

Autograph book (I made one). The ones that you buy that you can put pictures in only holds like 10 or 15 autographs. You can buy the smaller ones that has a lot of pages but you'll just have to cut your pictures down if you want to put a picture on the opposite page. **Always keep a pen with it**

Downy wrinkle releaser!! You'll need it after your clothes have been in a suitcase! Easy to use...just spray on lightly and smooth it out!


THINGS that I took but didn't use:
laundry detergent (it was reported on previous boards that the machines were always broken, etc but we didn't have any problem at all...it wasn't expensive...like $1 box)

book (with little ones, we didn't get a chance to sit and read anything). Could hardly fit in the Navigator!

Dryer sheets (was reported that rubbing these one the body protected against mosquitos). We never saw a mosquito so not sure where that idea even came from!

My brain has shut off but there's more to add to this list! I'll update when I find my list and add everyone else's responses to it!

Night!
Kym

I was wondering if it was necessary to bring an umbrella? My parents went to St. Thomas a few years back and they said it poured all day and they had to take a taxi back to the boat soaked. Also. do people go back on the ship for lunch or do most people eat out? My day at work was lousy so its nice ot think that the trip is less than a month away. Yay!

1990- Polynesian Beach Resort (High School Graduation)
1997- Carribean Beach Resort (Honeymoon)
1998- Port Orleans Resort (1 year Anniversary)
2001- Corronado Springs Resort (Dads 60th B-Day)
2002- All-Star Sports (Daughters Birthday)
2004- Pop Century
2005- All-Star Movies
2006- Pop Century
2007- First Disney Cruise! Eastern Magic April 28th 2007!

 

[Faith&Hope]

Most people just eat on the islands because it's a hassle to get back on the boat (especially when you are tendered in) just for lunch. Castaway Cay serves you lunch on the island so you don't have to worry about it. But the other two islands, I would say plan on eating on land (unless you are heading back to the ship for the day).

Not a bad idea to take an unbrella...we took the cheap rain ponchos in our bags just in case.

 

[Faith&Hope]

Thanks for making meel better about the stoller situation, although my husband is insisting he doesnt want ot worry about another item ot carry in JFK along with our luggage. I promed him I would carry it myself but we will see. Do you think a place would sell them in the ports? Guess not. There would be lots of crying children saying their tired in those ports no?

Debbie
New York

1990- Polynesian Beach Resort (High School Graduation)
1997- Carribean Beach Resort (Honeymoon)
1998- Port Orleans Resort (1 year Anniversary)
2001- Corronado Springs Resort (Dads 60th B-Day)
2002- All-Star Sports (Daughters Birthday)
2004- Pop Century
2005- All-Star Movies
2006- Pop Century
2007- First Disney Cruise! Eastern Magic April 28th 2007!

Last year, we took 2 umbrella strollers (one for each girl). We will do the same this year. We didn't use one of them on the ship for the older one, just for the little one (9 months at the time). But I CAN'T even imagine what the islands would have been like without the strollers! It's hot, a lot of walking in some situations and honestly, little kids really don't want to be there! So...I would take her stroller without a doubt!

 

[Faith&Hope]

I am glad someone else is thinking of dropping a few lbs. I'd like to drop a few so I can have room for expansion if you know what I mean. I can't wait for dessert. Maybe I will have it first so I have room??

Great idea! Dessert first, then dinner....hmmm.....don't know if that would be a good lesson for the kids! Dessert is so yummy....I look at it this way...you don't get desserts like that except when cruising so why not take advantage of it (and lose the weight AFTER you get home)! Why work out and diet before the cruise when you are gonna have to work out and diet again later?!?!?

Oh...just thinking of the Chocolate Souffle from Palo!! Anyone with me on that thought?