Eatin' & Cruisin' 2012 - Update 10/30 - Trip cancelled :(

[hurleysweety]

I'm still here!

Were you at DLR this past weekend? I was there for a few hours by myself on Saturday. I went and sat on the Mark Twain for an hour and a half and studied! I hadn't been to DLR since school started and my next couple weekends are booked, so I just had to go! I brought my books, camped out on the deck of the boat and just read for a while. It was the best idea ever! Also Saturday was REALLY crowded with it being Gay Days.

Also I'm really excited for you staying at OKW! That's awesome!

Unfortunately I don't have a TR in the process, although I may start a pre-TR for my January WDW running trip...

We were there! Not to be totally confusing to anyone who is reading this, I posted on my DLR trip compilation thread thing, haha, about our day(s) there this past weekend. I bet the people who plan those gay day events were happy - there was a great turnout for them. I saw red shirts everywhere!

Sounds like a great way to study to me! (and a great way to stay away from the crowds too!)

 

[hurleysweety]

Finally! The drink list is here. Now, I'm not a drinker by any means, but when you go to an event called "Food & WINE festival" - I can't pass up the opportunity to try a new beverage or two! DH chooses not to drink and therefore I always have my designated driver. My parents are wine people, and so I'm the most familiar with that. I have a glass when out at a fancy restaurant, and have a cocktail when out with friends. I had beer once, awhile back and didn't like it and also don't like the smell (a story for another time!) so you won't see any beer on here! So there you go, my habits in a nutshell.

First up, Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee from Belgium Booth. I mean, seriously, who doesn't want to drink something that starts with Godiva and ends with coffee???! I wanted to get this last year, but I either walked by it too early in the morning to want it yet, or after dinner when I was rolling myself out of the park after all my eating!

Next up we have the Bacardi® Frozen Dragon Berry Colada. This drink looks aaahmaaazing to me. First of all, its pink. And I'm a girl who loves pink, so this is already awesome. Second, its Bacardi rum, which I assume based on the pink drink is their regular rum and not dark rum or spiced rum which I do not like (I sometimes think that my adult taste for rum came from watching all those Pirates movies pre-drinking age! ). And third, it has coconut. Mmmm....

Then of course, you have to have a margarita from Mexico. About once a month, I just crave a margarita. It is usually when I have just made fresh guacamole and open a bag of Tostitos baked scoops and take that first salty, crunchy bite. I look a bit like this...

And then I will get a Strawberry Lime Margarita on the Rocks from Mexico and be on my happy little way!

And finally, we'll class it up a bit for my wine selections. My favorite white wine is Pinot Grigio, which I prefer with a salad at lunch or maybe chicken at dinner, if it isn't too sweet. With steak, I prefer a Merlot. I don't like Cabernet at all, and think that Riesling can vary too much to take a chance on it most of the time. I only drink champagne when celebrating (mostly because someone hands it to me...) because it isn't my favorite and costs too much for something that I don't "absolutely LOVE" - hahahaha. I think that white zinfandel is GROSS and avoid it at all costs. In other words, I like to stick with what I know I will like.

First wine, from New Zealand, Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio. Which I think would go great with the Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad. Pinot Grigio and seafood are always a win with me! No image of this wine, so sad.

So I know I said I don't like Cabernet (just too rich for me) - but this looks too interesting to pass up, the Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz. It's only $2.50, so I imagine it's a very small pour and if I don't like it, well, chances are I'll still have a Lamington cake in my hand. It will be interesting to drink a blend of Cab, Merlot, and Shiraz...

So that's all for my drinking at the festival. I doubt I'll even consume all that because I get to go back and have my most favorite thing in the world at Disney... GRAND MARINER SLUSH - creamsicle cocktail awesomeness... Please forgive me if I have one of these each day and don't try and festival drinks...After four years of trips in WDW, I only tried this on our last trip. You could say I was pretty happy with it!

LOL - just reread all this - I sound like such a lush. So not true, please don't get the wrong idea!

 

[hurleysweety]

Got more work done on the FE and had to share!

 

[hurleysweety]

Trying sooo hard not to freak out in a good way...

I GOT OUR ALAMO RATE DOWN! I have been checking, literally, every single day since before labor day. I was convinced I would have to settle for another agency and stand in line and deal with the counter...but nope. I got a car, a standard size car (meaning full size with Alamo at MCO), for eleven days for

$200!

Ok. Freak out over. Let the dancing begin.

Truth be told, I think we actually paid like $125 for our 10 days last October. But this year it has been like pulling teeth to get a discount!

 

[lilwitch646]

Sorry not many people have been writing I don't think you're boring!

I just read through this and I'm excited for you guys! It sounds like a wonderful vacation planned.

We'll just be missing each other! I'm arriving for F&W on Nov. 9th, oh well.

We just got back from a Disney Cruise (we went to Canada though) and I wanted to do the FE but I couldn't get the family to go along with it. Boo... But it looks like you're having so much fun them. Did your sewing machine arrive yet?

I've been having the same problem with rental cars. I've been trying to get one for December/January and it's over $300, and now all of the places are at over $400. Way too rich for my blood, I'll take Mickey buses at those prices.

 

[hurleysweety]

Sorry not many people have been writing I don't think you're boring!

I just read through this and I'm excited for you guys! It sounds like a wonderful vacation planned.

We'll just be missing each other! I'm arriving for F&W on Nov. 9th, oh well.

We just got back from a Disney Cruise (we went to Canada though) and I wanted to do the FE but I couldn't get the family to go along with it. Boo... But it looks like you're having so much fun them. Did your sewing machine arrive yet?

I've been having the same problem with rental cars. I've been trying to get one for December/January and it's over $300, and now all of the places are at over $400. Way too rich for my blood, I'll take Mickey buses at those prices.

You are so sweet! Thank you for reading!! I was so happy to see that someone else had posted!

We'll be sure to leave WDW in tip top shape for you. We'll be full of memories (and probably a bit of tears) too as we spend our last night, Nov 9th seeing Osborne Lights for the first time. One of the things that helps is knowing that Nov 9th might be the very first day of someone else's vacation!

Too bad about the FE - now you have to book another cruise just to do one!!

I was sooo vague about it to DH so I think that is why he went along. Because of the FE, I have been knee deep in crafts for about 6 weeks. I've researched, bought, and taught myself how to use a sewing machine. I've been to Joanne Fabrics in Sept/Oct more than I have all year. Now when I get frustrated or overwhelmed by all the stuff for FE, DH is like, "why are we doing this?" and I reply, "Cuz its fun..." I've spent way to much on this hobby already...haha. Shhhh, don't tell anyone!! An e bay or etsy FE would have been around $30 - whoops.

Stay with the rental car thing! Ours has now dropped to $160 with Alamo (our fav company to rent from)! Just keep checking and soon enough, you'll see it change. Having the freedom of a rental car is a great peace of mind for us. Especially when packing!!!

 

[MrsBearcat]

Congrats on leaving next week! Must admit I'm jealous as I still have 199 days until my hot date with the Mickey! lol Have fun

 

[hurleysweety]

Congrats on leaving next week! Must admit I'm jealous as I still have 199 days until my hot date with the Mickey! lol Have fun

It came too fast!!!

Have fun with your 199 days left of planning, perusing the boards and writing a pre-trip report!! Before you know it, you'll be making that "before we leave" to-do and buy list like I am right now!

 

[hurleysweety]

I'm proud to say that my FE is done! I just need to figure out the best way to do the wooden dowel. I need to cut it and also possibly find wooden balls to put on the ends to keep the fabric from slipping off too. I'm so proud that I sewed it myself. Our names are plastered (ironed...haha) on it, so I doubt anyone would want to steal it. That said, I do have zip ties that will be getting packed.

I am borrowing my mom's rather large suitcase that I'm afraid to fill due to weight restrictions (I reach that 50 lb. limit with so many toiletries, I'm such a girl ) I also have my wheeled carry on suitcase that will be delievered today. This is a first for me so I hope it goes well. Usually I just stuff a tote bag with all my extras. This time it will be a tote for under the seat in front of my and a carry on above me. DH will have my laptop and his backpack. Then we'll each have a suitcase. Yup. Five pieces of luggage for 2 people. Don't judge...

I made a list of all the extra clothes we need for the cruise. I'm so glad we aren't doing a 7 day cruise, we'd be bringing a whole other suitcase! Yikes! Between casual park clothing, signature dinners in WDW, beach/pool days, pirate night and Palo, I have to take so many shoes! Walking shoes, workout shoes, sandals, 2 pairs of heels (for a girl that never wears them!), and of course flip flops (old navy keeps making flip flops because they know I'll keep buying them! ). Oh and DH, he'll take like one pair of shoes for every four that I take. I can't be the only wife out there like this - that moment when you look at your DH and you see his shoes, one pair flip flops, one pair tennis shoes, one pair dress shoes and then as you're deciding between your black, brown, and tan heels it varying comfort levels and height and comparing them to the five dresses to see which ones you can do without? I will say that I am not taking boots. I wish I was, but that is just so impractical for probably one or two nights of use! I am also not a girl who wears tennis shoes unless I'm at the gym. I love working out and look forward to walks around the ship and using the gym at our WDW resort too. I won't be there every day, but even if its 3 or 4 times, I still need those darn shoes!

It's almost like, should I really leave anything at home? I've heard that the weather in November can be strange and you will end up wearing a tank top and shorts one day, and a sweatshirt and hat the next day. So I will be bringing at least two shirts for each day, one cool weather and one warm weather, plus jackets, cardigans for dresses, swim/beach stuff, cool weather accessories like a scarf or two, and iy yi yie! Oh vey! How will I ever fit that all in one bag?

Ok, packing rant over...

Ok, back to my FE - I think I have all the gifts done. The stateroom gifts just need to be packaged. And I need to figure out how to do a "to/from" tag on some of the individual gifts. We have an older teen in our group that I keep changing my gift idea for her. I hope she likes what I've finally decided upon. Luckily, no teenage boys as I hear that is the hardest to do FE gifts for! I guess you could just give them lots of candy. But considering we'll have just had Halloween 3 days before when we get on board, it might not be so special.

My DMIL came to stay with us this past weekend. First time we've had a house guest since we've been in our new house. I was literally making the bed up for her at 11pm the night before she arrived! Haha. DFIL was supposed to come to but he works for a corporate company that its going through all kinds of things and wasn't approving vacation time. Boo, even just for one day! She was with us for 4 days and was amazed by all I was taking on the cruise. I think I overwhelmed her! I was all hyper about it and possibly a little obsessed with the planning. My in-laws just went on an Alasken cruise, so she was sharing what they did and asking me about DCL since they've never been on it. I think that they would like DCL, but I want to experience by ourselves first!!

And today, I leave you with my current state of feelings toward this trip:

SEVEN DAYS!

 

[hurleysweety]

Here we are! 5 days left! We are getting so excited!

I worked every day this week which didn't help me get ready for the trip at all. I've also been staying up to late and I think I've caught some sort of cold. I'm hoping its allergies from the weather changing. Living in Arizona, our temps don't really change until late October (now), and get really spastic. You'll think things are cooling off and then the next day will have a high of 90!

Next Tuesday in Orlando, they are saying the high is going to be 70! Burr! I've been buying light layers, but that won't hold up to an average of 65 for this wimp here. For me, 65 means sweaters and closed toed shoes. I was hoping for highs in the high 70s at least! Averages for this time of year are 80 high/60 low. I can do that! 70 high/50 low - that means packing my pea coat and boots. I don't have room for that!

I've been tracking the Hurricane Sandy off the coast of Florida and am glad we are going to miss her by a week or so. Hope the people on the cruises this week are still having a blast despite their changes in itinerary. Hugs to those who were looking forward to something special!

I've completed on-line check-in for CBR (requested Jamaica 45 or Aruba 51!!), completed my cruise check in and printed that document. I've started packing (warmer clothes, now) and making a list of the extra little things I still need to buy (travel hairspray, anyone?! ). My carry on suitcase was delivered and it has already been packed with shoes. We are trying to put all our heavy stuff in there as to avoid weight problems with my humungous suitcase! OH! And a swimsuit that I ordered already came too. I was so happy to see it. It isn't perfect, but it was also only $13 - so who can complain about that?!!!

Hope you are all having a magical day! Enjoy your upcoming weekend!

 

[reyasmommy]

So excited for you. ONLY 5 days!!!!!! We leave in 14 and I'm freaking out that I don't have nearly as much done as I need. I still have a lot of shopping to do, but that needs to wait until payday. ((Next wednesday))

I was telling my husband today that I'm so glad we decided to take our trip when we did, instead of a couple of weeks earlier. We wanted to wait until he got his bonus on the 9th. ((The day we're leaving)) It made me a little depressed that we had to wait an extra 2 weeks, but knowing that we would be dealing with Sandy right now makes me SOOOOOOOO happy!

I hope everyone that is on vacation now, is having a good time, regardless.

Anyway.... Enjoy the craziness of the next 5 days... It's hard for me to sleep up to seven days before my trip. I get almost NO sleep the week prior and the entire time I'm gone. I seriouslly need a vacation after my vacations. Thank goodness I'm a stay at home mom. At least I'll be able to stay home in my pjs for a couple days after we get back and not have to go to school and work like my husband and daughter.

 

[hurleysweety]

If I do start a TR - due to the beautiful weather we'll have in the Bahamas (After Sandy leaves after the next couple days), I have a TR name!

"Freezing in my Jacket and Tanning in my Bikini"

and my food report:

"Well, Disney World isn't there anymore, because we ate it..." (Anyone watch friends??)

 

[hurleysweety]

So excited for you. ONLY 5 days!!!!!! We leave in 14 and I'm freaking out that I don't have nearly as much done as I need. I still have a lot of shopping to do, but that needs to wait until payday. ((Next wednesday))

I was telling my husband today that I'm so glad we decided to take our trip when we did, instead of a couple of weeks earlier. We wanted to wait until he got his bonus on the 9th. ((The day we're leaving)) It made me a little depressed that we had to wait an extra 2 weeks, but knowing that we would be dealing with Sandy right now makes me SOOOOOOOO happy!

I hope everyone that is on vacation now, is having a good time, regardless.

Anyway.... Enjoy the craziness of the next 5 days... It's hard for me to sleep up to seven days before my trip. I get almost NO sleep the week prior and the entire time I'm gone. I seriouslly need a vacation after my vacations. Thank goodness I'm a stay at home mom. At least I'll be able to stay home in my pjs for a couple days after we get back and not have to go to school and work like my husband and daughter.

It will be here sooo fast! You'll blink and time will just disappear! At least that is how I have felt. Between my MIL here last weekend, hosting a girls night for my friends this weekend, a plethora of family get-togethers, not-so-fun shopping errand trips, the last two weeks went by waaaay too fast.

Woohoo for payday and getting the shopping done. Sometimes its hard to wait, but it feels good when you get to buy the stuff you need for the trip! And that is awesome that your husband's bonus comes in on the day you leave. What a fun way to celebrate!

I can kinda relate to getting that extra money, in a weird way, haha. DH doesn't do a whole lot of fantasy sports, but there are a few friends that he has that are really into it, so he does the same baseball league every year. Well this year, he won! It isn't a lot, but it was still fun to get that small check in the mail!

I think I'm totally with you on that "vacation after our vacation" thing. We get back on a Saturday of a 3 day weekend, so I'm looking forward to that extra day. Our first day back consists of us dazing into space and trying to remember what our regular routine looks like - hahahaha. Maybe I'll just stay in bed that next day too! That is so awesome you get to be a stay at home mom, btw. I hope that we can make that work someday when we have kids!

 

[hurleysweety]

I've figured out the best way to get your house clean before you leave on vacation! Have a party! I know it sounds kinda counter-intuitive, but it totally worked today. We spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning and picking up the house. We moved in six months ago and a small group of my friends were coming over that live about 45 mins away (so we don't see each other often, they are old college friends). It was the first time they'd see the house, and it also just needed its regular cleaning anyway. So we put our muscle to work and it was sparkling clean! AND, we stayed in pretty much one spot all night and my great friends helped me clean up the kitchen too! So there you go, the best advice to come home to clean house? Have a party!

 

[hurleysweety]

My camera is on the fritz! Dang it! Hoping that it comes back to life for the week. I want to capture all the fun!!

 

[reyasmommy]

My camera is on the fritz! Dang it! Hoping that it comes back to life for the week. I want to capture all the fun!!

Oh man! Do you have a camera on your phone, at least?

I finally convinced my husband to buy me a small digital camera for our trip. He wasn't thrilled about it because I already have a nice SLR, but it's just to big to carry with me everywhere. I plan I using it, but I needed something small to put in my pocket that I can use when we are on the rides and when I just need a quick photo. Anyway...... I have LOST the charger for it and haven't had the guts to tell my husband yet... I'm hoping and praying I can find it before we leave.

Are you all packed and ready to go?

 

[MrsBearcat]

You are so right about being glad your missing Hurricane Sandy a couple from church spent last week on a Disney cruise and when they got off the boat this morning the exact phrase "The only Disney boat I'm ever getting on again is It's a Small World" They said they weren't able to pull into any ports or use any pools the whole cruise and I guess there was a whole lot of sea sick people from the extra rocking.

 

[hurleysweety]

Oh man! Do you have a camera on your phone, at least?

I finally convinced my husband to buy me a small digital camera for our trip. He wasn't thrilled about it because I already have a nice SLR, but it's just to big to carry with me everywhere. I plan I using it, but I needed something small to put in my pocket that I can use when we are on the rides and when I just need a quick photo. Anyway...... I have LOST the charger for it and haven't had the guts to tell my husband yet... I'm hoping and praying I can find it before we leave.

Are you all packed and ready to go?

Oh man that stinks about the charger! I haven't had mine for awhile but I'm able to charge it through my computer. I've been searching for it too, though!

I am not packed as some other things have come up this weekend and I just haven't been able to bring myself to finish all the packing. I'm in that overwhelmed stage. I'm hoping that passes quickly!

You are so right about being glad your missing Hurricane Sandy a couple from church spent last week on a Disney cruise and when they got off the boat this morning the exact phrase "The only Disney boat I'm ever getting on again is It's a Small World" They said they weren't able to pull into any ports or use any pools the whole cruise and I guess there was a whole lot of sea sick people from the extra rocking.

Oh no! That sounds like a bad cruise to me! I hope that we have a good time. Getting a tad nervous about DH and how he'll take it, still. I think my expectations are just too high and I'm kinda going through all those emotions as we speak. Been a weird night for me, LOL! I just need to be excited that we get to go and not to make our vacation turn out a certain way just because someone's awesome TR told me it should. KWIM? Hope that makes sense, haha. Just thinking out loud!

I got some bonine and DH snagged some sea bands from his mom, so hopefully we'll be ok!

 

[hurleysweety]

Hey all. I'm writing this with a very disappointed attitude. Due to some circumstances, we might be canceling our trip. I'm very sad. Not to mention all our money lost. Our trip insurance doesn't cover cancel for any reason. Trying to see the bright side...

 

[blessedmom4]

OH NO! I hope that you will NOT have to so that, I know how much you were looking forward to this, not to mention the money

Sending some magic...