Eastern Caribbean Fantasy Oct. 5, 2013

[Bajamama03]

Hello All!
Grandson is heading here to FL for a visit with me between June 23 & 30. Our plans include a day or 2 at WDisney World. I haven't made any plans yet for what days we would be going but if anyone here on the Cruise Board is going to be there that week, and wants to meet while we are in the same area, please let me know! It will be just he and I. He is 13 & it will be his first time to The World.
Good times!!
jackie

 

[Mercinursi]

I am catching up on all the posts and am bummed to learn that all the cabanas are reserved. This is our first time with Disney and we had hoped to get a Cabana. I tend to burn easily and thought this would be the best way to spend as much time on the beach as we could. I had heard they were very popular but had my fingers crossed. Sigh.

Bajamama~I am working on trying to come up with the extra funds and to be at the parks at least the Friday before if not Thursday too. Funds are the biggest problem, as my husband will be furloughed one day a week starting the first of July until the trip. But if we can figure it out we would love to meet up with you. It would be DH, DD, DD, DS (all 6 yr) and myself.

As for the GS, I may have two Daisy's by then, if we can find a troup for them.

Debbie

 

[pixiehallow]

I am catching up on all the posts and am bummed to learn that all the cabanas are reserved. This is our first time with Disney and we had hoped to get a Cabana. I tend to burn easily and thought this would be the best way to spend as much time on the beach as we could. I had heard they were very popular but had my fingers crossed. Sigh.

Bajamama~I am working on trying to come up with the extra funds and to be at the parks at least the Friday before if not Thursday too. Funds are the biggest problem, as my husband will be furloughed one day a week starting the first of July until the trip. But if we can figure it out we would love to meet up with you. It would be DH, DD, DD, DS (all 6 yr) and myself.

As for the GS, I may have two Daisy's by then, if we can find a troup for them.

Debbie

Don't fret, they usually hold some back. Also, as a fellow light skinned individual (one with skin cancer) I can assure you there is a great deal of shade available.
You can also look into uv protective clothing. My swim suit has a uv rating of 50 spf and covers me down to my ankles and wrist. But I have to be extra careful.
I am sorry about the furlow, I hope things turn around for y'all.
~ Tink ~

 

[Crews]

This is our first Disney cruise and we are very excited. We would like to join the FE. My son, dtr in law and 4 grandchildren will also be on this cruise. Can't wait!

 

[Viking]

No Tink,
we haven't been to Gatorland. We passed by its gate many, many times, but to be honest it didn't look that good.
The best animal encounter we did in that area was swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, which is about 90 minutes from Orlando. Check this out:
http://www.birdsunderwater.com
Then there is of course Busch Gardens in Tampa. They have one of the best Gorilla Habitats we've ever seen and you can hand feed giraffes there.

A 5k at an altitude of over 8,000', with virtually no time to adjust to the low pressure? Thanks, but no thanks! Here in Frankfurt I can do a 5K in about 22 minutes, but up there I wouldn't even dare to try it without at least two weeks acclimatisation.
In 2009 we hiked into the Grand Canyon from the South Rim down to the river and back up in 10 hours and 20 minutes. That was an elevation change of about a mile. First down and then up again, at temps of up to 120°F, total distance hiked was 32k/20miles. I can tell you: Going up that mile vertically really hurt. We drank about 1.5 gallons each during that hike and had a HUGE dinner afterwards.
We took two weeks time to get accustomed to the heat and the altitude and prepared for that task doing shorter hikes in Arches NP, Zion NP and Bryce Canyon. We started and finished that three-week-trip in Denver and during our last days there we didn't feel the altitude anymore, but I guess our 5K-time would still have been more in the range of 25 to 30 minutes.

We also did some rafting in Moab, but the water was pretty warm then. So warm that some people even went overboard voluntarily. But rest assured: The white water in the Rockies will not be below freezing, even though it feels like it Water at 23°F is usually called ice and is not suitable for rafting, but for skating only

 

[Crews]

How do I get to the group page and "who are you page"

 

[Chipmunklove]

I just checked, and there is plenty of Palo Brunch availability! When you are able to book, keep in mind that Palo Brunch is only offered on sea days. Since we will have three sea days, I believe your chances are excellent for snagging a reservation.

Thanks. I really want to do this. Any Pixie dust is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Deb T.]

I am catching up on all the posts and am bummed to learn that all the cabanas are reserved. This is our first time with Disney and we had hoped to get a Cabana. I tend to burn easily and thought this would be the best way to spend as much time on the beach as we could. I had heard they were very popular but had my fingers crossed. Sigh.

Debbie

Don't fret, they usually hold some back. Also, as a fellow light skinned individual (one with skin cancer) I can assure you there is a great deal of shade available.

~ Tink ~

I just checked on DCL's website again and they still show no Cabanas available to rent. When you're on the page to reserve "Castaway Cay Port Adventures," the top part shows everything that is available and the bottom part lists all of the Cabanas that are already reserved. I found it interesting that Cabanas 13 and 16 do not show up as being available, nor do they appear to be reserved. I'm guessing that Concierge is holding these for right now. If no one wants them, they will surely be put back into inventory, but probably not until we're already onboard and Concierge guests have had their welcome meeting. For those of you still hoping to snag a cabana, I would suggest checking often with Guest Services onboard. Good luck!!!

 

[Mercinursi]

I just checked on DCL's website again and they still show no Cabanas available to rent. When you're on the page to reserve "Castaway Cay Port Adventures," the top part shows everything that is available and the bottom part lists all of the Cabanas that are already reserved. I found it interesting that Cabanas 13 and 16 do not show up as being available, nor do they appear to be reserved. I'm guessing that Concierge is holding these for right now. If no one wants them, they will surely be put back into inventory, but probably not until we're already onboard and Concierge guests have had their welcome meeting. For those of you still hoping to snag a cabana, I would suggest checking often with Guest Services onboard. Good luck!!!

Thanks Deb T! I do appreciate you checking for us. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. No matter what, we will have fun just because we are on Castaway Cay! And maybe with all the positive vibes we will get some fairy dust too!

As for excursions, I am a little stumped, with three little ones, I am not sure which ones to do. What we want to do, they are too young for, the other things I don't know if they would be really interested in. We are still looking.

We did get started on our FE gifts. The kids are really excited about this and have decided to make something of their own for everyone!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

 

[pixiehallow]

We also did some rafting in Moab, but the water was pretty warm then. So warm that some people even went overboard voluntarily. But rest assured: The white water in the Rockies will not be below freezing, even though it feels like it Water at 23°F is usually called ice and is not suitable for rafting, but for skating only

Thanks for the manatee info....I will check it out.

As for the water temp, I am just quoting what the conference info had said. Maybe they inverted numbers or something....

Tink

 

[pixiehallow]

How do I get to the group page and "who are you page"

Welcome aboard.


We are excited to have you.
I will send you a group invite via PM shortly. Once you get all signed up, you will be able to find the who are you page, and the FE page under the database tab.

I will also add you to our FE list. Check the next post.

If you have not already, take some time to read up on the posts, and get familiar with everyone.

Talk to ya soon and Happy planning
~Tink~

 

[pixiehallow]

Here is the most up to date FE....based on vote, we only have about one more month before it is finalized.

pixiehallow
Tiggerb
TamaraH
actnkidz
CorEeyore
ARLO1
Mercinursi
jamelynn24
FrozenMinnie
TCCDad
kmronnie3
Contrady family
Marchetti family
Santam01
JulFromMD
JulFromMD +1
JulFromMD + 2
JulFromMD +3
JulFromMD +4
jbhatch
Jacqueline
Jacqueline +1
Jacqueline + 2
Dowley
goofydvc
Tenn
LadyCP
chipmunklove
ozdisneyfan
Jgamy
SinDee
Tiggerlily878
Kprovax
Kprovax +1
Deb T
Wanderluster25
hng1979
crews

NOW...38 confirmed and counting.....

And just a reminder, if you are not on this list and want to be, just let me know. We don't want to leave anyone out that wants to share in the fun of FE gifts

At this point there is rumor we may be loosing 1 more cabin as well. I will let you know as soon as they give me a definite yes or no.
__________________

 

[Deb T.]

Thanks Deb T! I do appreciate you checking for us. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. No matter what, we will have fun just because we are on Castaway Cay! And maybe with all the positive vibes we will get some fairy dust too!

You're welcome. And you're right, just being on CC is amazing! I often refer to it as heaven on earth... with or without a cabana. We've been fortunate to visit CC eleven times, including a surprise double-dip! For those of you who've not been yet, your first glimpse of the tiny island will be from the ship when you look out upon several rows of colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs lining the beach. Look harder, and you'll see Pelican Plunge floating in the water, waiting for you to try it's two slides. Close your eyes and imagine warm sand between your toes, a stunning clear-blue ocean, the calming sound of gentle waves coming ashore, sunshine on your face, happy squeals of children enjoying the beach, and the hunger-inducing aroma of hamburgers and chicken wafting toward you as they are being grilled at Cookies and Cookies Too. Ahhhhhhhh Live tropical beach music will be playing near the shops and picnic tables. Crab races, beach volleyball, basketball, shopping, eating... there is plenty to do here in paradise! And if you need a break from the island, the ship is just a short tram ride away. I can hardly wait to be there, again!

Oh, and for those of you who've heard that Serenity Bay's BBQ is "better" than Cookies and Cookies Too, don't believe it! The both serve identical foods, except Cookies & Cookies Too has corn-on-the-cob and SB sometimes has steak or fish. The atmosphere at Cookies and Cookies Too is more festive, too!

 

[Kprovax]

So excited my t-shirts shipped yesterday. Very excited to see them! We are making the FE gifts and can't wait to get the final totals from the list, to make sure we have enough. Placed an order for special gifts for the hard to get teenage boys. But I hope they love them. Then we are personalizing the other gifts.

And if anyone else has a Girl Scout please let me know. I have been a Girl Scout leader forever and have 3 daughters and 1 son( honorary GS, he helps alot when I am preparing for a meeting, behind the scenes, great kid ) so we are making special gifts for them!!!
So far I have:
TamaraH: brownie & daisy
Kmronnie3: junior
Tenn:Cadette
Mercinursi: 2 Daisy's

Hope everyone else is having a great time preparing!
Too Excited.......Can't Wait anymore
Kim

 

[Kprovax]

Staples is having a sales on their custom t-shirts, if you were not able to order from vista print.

http://print.staples.com/custom-tshirts.aspx?GP=6/10/2013+11:09:47+AM&GPS=2864209271&GNF=0


Style:

Men's
Starting at $16.99 SALE $9.99

Women's
Starting at $19.99 SALE $9.99

Long Sleeve
Starting at $25.99 SALE $19.99

Kim

 

[Kprovax]

I always bring a plugin fragrance so when I come back to the room it smells wonderful. The rooms are clean, don't get me wrong but it is so nice to have your favorite fragrance in the room when you come in for the night. It just really makes the room more relaxing. So I found the greatest plug in -Bath & Body Works Wallflowers Fragrance Plug anchors away
and they also have an Oceanside scent....perfect.

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19606276&cp=12586994.18623626

Can't wait to get it. I usually give the plug in to the person who cleans our room at the end of our cruise but I might just have to take this one home.

Kim

 

[Viking]

Thanks for the manatee info....I will check it out.

As for the water temp, I am just quoting what the conference info had said. Maybe they inverted numbers or something....

Tink

That's what I assumed, too, but I couldn't resist pulling your leg a bit

One caveat for the Manatee-tour: It starts at 630am and you're required to be there at 6am to pick your wetsuit and change into it. But believe me, it's definitely worth it. We did it in 2001 and in 2010. We also acquired our PADI OWD scuba license there in 2003 and did several swims with the manatees between lessons.
And it's not only manatees you may encounter: turtles, dolphins, crabs, many different fish and birds, etc. And you may see John Travolta's and Kelly Preston's weekend retreat, which was under construction when we were there the last time.

 

[pixiehallow]

I was bumbed when I went online to order Clinton's 2013 Mortar board Mickey Ears graduation cap to find they were all sold out.
But, I decided to go ahead and do the live chat to see if they knew if any would be restocked (not a tactic I usually employ).
To my delight today, the cast member that answered my plea said she was a Pixie from Pixie Hollow A little piece of Disney Magic to help me destress
Unfortunately, my pixie helper, could not gather this info for me, but referred me to the direct merchandise phone number at Disney World.
When I called, I was excited to hear that they did have some available They were at the same price as I had found them at disneystore.com plus if I bring the receipt with me when we are in Florida, Clinton can take it to the park and have it personalize at no additional cost

Needless to say I ordered it.....and now he has his hat to match his special boarding T-Shirt.

Oh, and I got a notice saying my group shirts were being shipped yesterday as well. I am SOOOOOO...... excited.

Tink

 

[Deb T.]

I was bumbed when I went online to order Clinton's 2013 Mortar board Mickey Ears graduation cap to find they were all sold out.
But, I decided to go ahead and do the live chat to see if they knew if any would be restocked (not a tactic I usually employ).
To my delight today, the cast member that answered my plea said she was a Pixie from Pixie Hollow A little piece of Disney Magic to help me destress
Unfortunately, my pixie helper, could not gather this info for me, but referred me to the direct merchandise phone number at Disney World.
When I called, I was excited to hear that they did have some available They were at the same price as I had found them at disneystore.com plus if I bring the receipt with me when we are in Florida, Clinton can take it to the park and have it personalize at no additional cost

Needless to say I ordered it.....and now he has his hat to match his special boarding T-Shirt.

Oh, and I got a notice saying my group shirts were being shipped yesterday as well. I am SOOOOOO...... excited.

Tink

Hooray for Pixie Dust!!! I love it when a plan comes together! Congrats on all of your good luck!

 

[Viking]

I ordered a new camera for our trip today, the newest Sony compact travel camera, sporting a 30x zoom, 21.1Megapixels, WiFi, GPS and many more features. I ordered it at a small local camera store. It would have been a bit cheaper at Amazon, but I try to do as much business as possible at local stores as this secures local jobs.
I hope it will arrive within the next ten days as we're having the last week of June off. I could then use the time to get accustomed to it.