EBPC December 9, 2012!!! Who's in????

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Woke up this morning too darn early with a nightmare about politics. Oh, no wait - that was the nightmare AFTER I woke up Anyway, I made the coffee, and a loaf of gluten free banana bread, played with my 'scrappy' stuff, ordered some photos for a 'gift' page, and now ready to start my day.

Re: Mystery stories - One of my favorite scrapbook "how to" authors has switched to writing mysteries with a scrapbooking theme - they're quite clever light reads, and especially for e-book readers, are available as inexpensive downloads. Look for Joanna Campbel Slan.

I think my aunt and uncle may be coming on the cruise as well. They are looking at a cabin with a verandah. Is one side of the ship preferable to another? I think I read somewhere in a trip report that you get a better view of some ports from a certain side of the ship. I don't know if that is true for any of the ports in our itinerary.

In Cabo, we anchor in the bay and there are views from both sides. In PV, the dock will be on the left side (facing forward- I can never remember if that's port or starboard) BUT the view will be of Walmart and parking lot. Don't know about Cartegena or Costa Maya. In the Canal, there will be views on both sides. If I were them, I would pick based on other factors - deck, fore or aft, distance from the rest of the family.

I love your idea Lindababe of a scrapbook "goodie" bag swap with our group of scrappers. I think it's a great solution to bring a photo of the layout you create (for the ladies worried about what to create - I always say there's no right or wrong way to scrapbook, that's the best thing about it!). At my shop we have 7 different teachers, all with vastly different styles, as (thankfully) everyone has different tastes!

You make a great point - goodie bags. And photographs. . . the wheels are turning. Unless someone else has a burning desire to head up the scrapbookers "Meet", I will.

I'm thinking 9 AM on the sea day between Cartegena and Costa Maya in the Cove, or if it's full, upstairs in Outlook. By then, everyone will have had a chance at Palo brunch, and the lecture series will be over. There may still be an 'Art of Entertainment' presentation, but that will not likely be before 10 or 10:30 am.

Please PM with Scrapbooking in the subject line if you are interested - with suggestions for anything - time/day/content.

Happy Day, all!

 

[Relaxin']

Good Morning Fellow Cruisers,
We set sail in 16 weeks,
that is 112 sleeps!
Golds prepare for your excursion and Palo sign ups next Sunday, August 26.

 

[Relaxin']

Been to Toronto airport and back this morning. DD just emailed to say she is on the plane and flight will be leaving soon for Cairo. Once she lands and settles into her apartment, I can focus on the cruise. Still need to design or find a design for my FE gift. Weather here has cooled off, so it really does feel like our trip is around the corner.

I told DH we have 16 weeks before the cruise, and I am not sure if he heard me. He is focused on the IronMan race in Quebec, and watching all his friends transitioning from the swim to the bike. We wanted to go to the race, but saying good bye to DD was more important.

Have a great Sunday!

 

[WVURunner]

I'm wondering (ha, no pun intended) if it's an easy swing to come back to the port and find your party? We want to do the same thing. Also, if both adults are not at the car rental agency, is the other one able to drive? I would much rather stay with the kids at the port, but I'm also the 'driver' in the family.

Also, does anyone know what time we get off the ship? The *plan* is to return the car to the airport the next day, at 9:30, for our flight home. So, I couldn't pick it up/rent it any earlier, so we aren't charged for an additional day.

I'm not sure how easy it will be but it has to be easier than loading all of us and our stuff into a shuttle/taxi to the rental car place. DH was planning on skipping the sitdown breakfast and getting the car while we ate. I believe the person who will be driving needs to get the car unless maybe you pay for additional drivers and have you both listed. They will need to see both DL. I don't see them allowing someone to drive the car off the lot who isn't listed as a paid driver.

Linda, I am a fellow scrapbooker. I have mainly used the Creative Memories products for years.

When I was in Disney in Jan staying at the Yacht club this company had a convention going on a the Yacht Club. Needless to say, I met a lot of people and learned a lot about scrapbooking! If only I had the time.....

In Cabo, we anchor in the bay and there are views from both sides. In PV, the dock will be on the left side (facing forward- I can never remember if that's port or starboard) BUT the view will be of Walmart and parking lot. Don't know about Cartegena or Costa Maya.

On the Fantasy in April, the port side faced the port while the Starboard side face the ocean. While at this port on a HAL cruise, both sides faced the ocean with the bow facing the port, dock was on starboard side.

When I teach boating, my hint to the kids to help them remember port vs. starboard, is that left has 4 letters in it and so does port, so left=port and starboard =right.

Back to the topic of books, does anyone read Bill Bryson? I love him and reading about his travel adventures.

And on another note, though not to cause panic, is anyone else worried about the current conflict with Israel and Iran and our trip? While the canal is to remain open to any nation during a time of war, it can be "requested" that all non-essential ships not use the canal. If this were to be the case, how would Disney handle this?

DH and I went to Hershey Park yesterday for my company's picnic and it was a disaster. We were there from 10am to 11pm and only went on 7 rides. Almost all of the rollar coasters had 2 hour waits and their parking set up was horrible, it took an hour to park. They were so inefficient at loading and unloading the rides, it was painful to watch. Never again! There is a reason I only go to Disney during off peak times and am so glad they know how to be efficient!

Back to Memphis for the week tonight.

 

[dthogue]

DH and I went to Hershey Park yesterday for my company's picnic and it was a disaster. We were there from 10am to 11pm and only went on 7 rides. Almost all of the rollar coasters had 2 hour waits and their parking set up was horrible, it took an hour to park. They were so inefficient at loading and unloading the rides, it was painful to watch. Never again! There is a reason I only go to Disney during off peak times and am so glad they know how to be efficient!

You were in my neck of the woods yesterday, we live about 5 miles from Hersheypark - my DD works at Chocolate World and she said it was a zoo there yesterday. A weekend in August is never a good time to visit. I agree, Hershey could take a lesson from Disney!

Tammy

 

[LindaBabe]

I'm not sure how easy it will be but it has to be easier than loading all of us and our stuff into a shuttle/taxi to the rental car place. DH was planning on skipping the sitdown breakfast and getting the car while we ate. I believe the person who will be driving needs to get the car unless maybe you pay for additional drivers and have you both listed. They will need to see both DL. I don't see them allowing someone to drive the car off the lot who isn't listed as a paid driver.

Sometimes if you are a member of the company's "priority club" the second driver if it's a spouse, is free. I know with Alamo, it is so.

When I was in Disney in Jan staying at the Yacht club this company had a convention going on a the Yacht Club. Needless to say, I met a lot of people and learned a lot about scrapbooking! If only I had the time.....

Digital might be perfect for you. You could do that in your hotel room on the road even.

On the Fantasy in April, the port side faced the port while the Starboard side face the ocean. While at this port on a HAL cruise, both sides faced the ocean with the bow facing the port, dock was on starboard side.

When I teach boating, my hint to the kids to help them remember port vs. starboard, is that left has 4 letters in it and so does port, so left=port and starboard =right.

Yeah, that's why I get confused - I know port and left are both 4 letter words, but sometimes the "right" side of the ship is against the dock.

Back to the topic of books, does anyone read Bill Bryson? I love him and reading about his travel adventures.

LOVE him! Just finished "a short history of almost everything". It was terrific!

And on another note, though not to cause panic, is anyone else worried about the current conflict with Israel and Iran and our trip? While the canal is to remain open to any nation during a time of war, it can be "requested" that all non-essential ships not use the canal. If this were to be the case, how would Disney handle this?

No. I'd be worried if it was the SUEZ canal, maybe. Whatever happens, Disney, being Disney (as opposed to Hershey Park) will cope.

 

[WVURunner]

You were in my neck of the woods yesterday, we live about 5 miles from Hersheypark - my DD works at Chocolate World and she said it was a zoo there yesterday. A weekend in August is never a good time to visit. I agree, Hershey could take a lesson from Disney!

Tammy

Chocolate World was the only place that had line management! My parents took us to Hershey Park and Dorney Park when we first moved to PA when I was 12 and I now understand why we never went back. One of my best friends worked for Hershey and now works for Disney. Disney told her to forget everything she learned at Hershey.

On a positive note, the weather was wonderful yesterday!

 

[WVURunner]

Sometimes if you are a member of the company's "priority club" the second driver if it's a spouse, is free. I know with Alamo, it is so.

I'll have to look into this. My DH's company uses Avis and mine uses the Enterprise/National/Alamo group.
Digital might be perfect for you. You could do that in your hotel room on the road even.
I would love to do something with my wedding pictures! what does digital scapbooking involve?
Yeah, that's why I get confused - I know port and left are both 4 letter words, but sometimes the "right" side of the ship is against the dock.

I think everyone is always confused
LOVE him! Just finished "a short history of almost everything". It was terrific!

I loved that book. I had it on as a book on tape and listened to it during my marathon training. I always looked forward to my run just so I could listen to more of the book. It made the runs go by quicker and seem less painful.

 

[BethC1952]

I am completely finished with all of my travel arrangements for this trip! We just booked our travel home from Miami. Now I can relax and enjoy my cruise to Canada. When I get back from that, I will have to start arranging travel for the Transatlantic, but I still have some time for that!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[ChipperMerlin]

I am completely finished with all of my travel arrangements for this trip! We just booked our travel home from Miami. Now I can relax and enjoy my cruise to Canada. When I get back from that, I will have to start arranging travel for the Transatlantic, but I still have some time for that!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I finished up our travel arrangements last night. We booked an Alamo rental through Costco and will take the shuttle from the port to the airport. Because we'll have a car for a change, we've decided to stop at a grocery store and pick up some things for our DVC studio. That will be a novel experience. We're planning to leave our luggage at our resort, then turn the car in at the Dolphin and take the boat across to Epcot.

I was told that the tolls would be taken care of when we picked up the car. Hope that's the situation.

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

. . . I told DH we have 16 weeks before the cruise, and I am not sure if he heard me. He is focused on the IronMan race in Quebec, and watching all his friends transitioning from the swim to the bike. We wanted to go to the race, but saying good bye to DD was more important.

Have a great Sunday!

Just read a book your husband might enjoy - the Autobiography of Chrissie Wellington. She's won the Ironman championship a few times, with times right up there among the men. AMAZING woman. (The kind this chubby grandma can only view with awe)

I finished up our travel arrangements last night. We booked an Alamo rental through Costco and will take the shuttle from the port to the airport. Because we'll have a car for a change, we've decided to stop at a grocery store and pick up some things for our DVC studio. That will be a novel experience. We're planning to leave our luggage at our resort, then turn the car in at the Dolphin and take the boat across to Epcot.

I was told that the tolls would be taken care of when we picked up the car. Hope that's the situation.

I highly recommend the Publix near the outlets - I think it's "regency square". Did you know? Bell services can keep your cold stuff cold for you too, if your room isn't ready.

I would love to do something with my wedding pictures! what does digital scapbooking involve?

I don't do it,myself, but I'll attempt to PM you a couple links for programs.

A really SIMPLE way is to upload your photos to one of the websites like Snapfish or walgreens (there are others) and order one of their photobooks. They have themed premade pages with spaces for photos and text. You basically drag and drop your photos into the spaces, type in your text and that's pretty much it.

The Digital scrapbooking programs can range in complexity from something similar to what I just described to something WAY more complicated where you choose from an array of digital "papers" and embellishments, add shadows, change colors, and all that jazz.

Happy Day, all!

 

[LindaBabe]

Scrapbook meet - Cove Cafe

(or, if full, upstairs in the Outlook above the Cove. Enter through the Cove, there are stairs inside.)

Proposed day - the sea day following Cartagena at 9 AM -

If interested, please pm with scrapbook in the subject line . I would love to have your 'real' first name, and your email addy so we can have a mailing list discussion about what we'll bring, and so forth.

 

[Travelbee]

I also scrapbook! But like everyone else, I have too little time and about 5 years behind. For me, it takes an hour to "set up" all my supplies and then our cat would promptly sit on top of everything, making it impossible to work. That and I usually only have a couple of hours to work on it at a time. I can't stand the mess too so after a couple of days, I just have to pack up everything back up. I have kept up with digital photobook so I don't feel as bad about falling behind. Anyhow, my point is that I'd like to participate in the Scrapbooking Meet... just not sure how much I can contribute.

 

[adnil530]

Scrapbook meet - Cove Cafe

(or, if full, upstairs in the Outlook above the Cove. Enter through the Cove, there are stairs inside.)

Proposed day - the sea day following Cartagena at 9 AM -

If interested, please pm with scrapbook in the subject line . I would love to have your 'real' first name, and your email addy so we can have a mailing list discussion about what we'll bring, and so forth.

I will chime in and vote for an earlier day than Day 11. I'd like to get the stuff early and work on some of it while I have some free time. Day 5 would not be too early for me

LindaD

 

[adnil530]

On another note...is there a homework club organized for this cruise for those who, unfortunately, will have school work to complete? I thought I saw something about 9 a.m. on sea days in Diversions? But I could very well be mistaken.

Thank you,
LindaD

 

[decked out]

I will chime in and vote for an earlier day than Day 11. I'd like to get the stuff early and work on some of it while I have some free time. Day 5 would not be too early for me

LindaD

I won't be attending the scrapbook meet, but I agree that earlier meets are better. That gives you a chance to make friends up-front and enjoy their company throughout the cruise.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

I won't be attending the scrapbook meet, but I agree that earlier meets are better. That gives you a chance to make friends up-front and enjoy their company throughout the cruise.

I absolutely agree, earlier is better for the sake of making friends - and I am open to changing the date to one of the sea days between PV & the Canal, if that's what the group decides - however, let's consider these potential impacts -

People generally try to get Palo Brunches during the first weeks sea days so if they want to go a second time there's the opportunity.

The kids may not be acclimated to the Kids clubs/ homework club yet and be wanting Mama time.

The "Canal" lectures will take place on the sea days prior to the crossing but we won't know what time until we actually get on board and see the navigators. I will definitely be attending the lectures, and commend them to all the adults.

By the second week, even happy cruisers are looking for something new to do, and the end of cruise "blues" start to set in.​

By all means, scrappers, let's discuss!

Happy Day, all!

 

[buckeyesix]

Princess dresses -- to pack or not to pack??? Other moms of young girls, what do you plan to do, or what have you done in the past? I have a 7 year old DD and a 10 year old DD (will be merely days away from being 11 while on the cruise). I already have dressy dresses (not costumes) for them to wear to formal dinners. They have outgrown/worn out the Disney princess costumes that we have already. Trust me, they look ratty. I would definitely have to buy new ones, and I'm not sure I want to spend the money or use the luggage space. On the other hand, I don't want my girls to feel like they are missing out. Our cruise is a surprise, so I can't ask their opinion. We haven't been on a Disney cruise before, so I'm not sure how prevalent dressing like a princess is. If you went on DCL and did not take a princess costume for your DD, did you regret it?

 

[tweetybabee]

You were in my neck of the woods yesterday, we live about 5 miles from Hersheypark - my DD works at Chocolate World and she said it was a zoo there yesterday. A weekend in August is never a good time to visit. I agree, Hershey could take a lesson from Disney!

Tammy

Funny. We said the same thing about Dorney Park near Allentown when we were there last weekend. They charge $15 to park with it being a free-for-all to find a space and no tram. And they have no understanding of how to deal with crowds. The employees operating one of the trains, along with two supervisors, held up the ride and hundreds of guests already waiting on the train or still standing in line for about 15 minutes while they argued with a woman who was cursing about an unhappy experience she had. Disney would have dealt with the situation much differently.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

Princess dresses -- to pack or not to pack??? Other moms of young girls, what do you plan to do, or what have you done in the past? I have a 7 year old DD and a 10 year old DD (will be merely days away from being 11 while on the cruise). I already have dressy dresses (not costumes) for them to wear to formal dinners. They have outgrown/worn out the Disney princess costumes that we have already. Trust me, they look ratty. I would definitely have to buy new ones, and I'm not sure I want to spend the money or use the luggage space. On the other hand, I don't want my girls to feel like they are missing out. Our cruise is a surprise, so I can't ask their opinion. We haven't been on a Disney cruise before, so I'm not sure how prevalent dressing like a princess is. If you went on DCL and did not take a princess costume for your DD, did you regret it?

This is our first cruise, and we're bringing two princess costumes each, along with their pirate night costumes. They are Disney store ones, and extremely lightweight. You can probably score some really nice ones on eBay, right after Halloween, at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Probably doesn't answer your question though...