**Fantasy Becomes Reality** Group--5/19/2012 (INDEX/ROLE CALL, PAGE 1--ENTRY 1)

[Jaymepops]

Hi everyone! Sorry to join sooo late! I have been checking this thread periodically, trying to read posts when I can. Let me start off by sending my condolences and prayers to John and his family. I have been having issues with my parents health, (one reason I have hesitated to post), and didn't know if we would be going on this cruise! Now it's down to the wire and I better get moving! I realize the bracelets have already been ordered, but if there are any extras we would like 1L, 1M & 1C. This is our 2nd Disney cruise and I can't believe it's so close!
We are: Me, Suzanne 48/F, Dan 49/M, Kaitlyn 11/F.
From: Michigan
Stateroom: 6566
Dining: Late

My DD Kaitlyn 11, is looking forward to meeting some friends on the cruise! She is shy at first, but can be very silly! Looking forward to meeting all of you!

WELCOME!!! Glad to have you with us!!!!

 

[donaldsgal]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

My answers are tied: On the one hand, I'm most worried about forgetting something, like tickets or a passport or something. On the other hand, we've booked that private charter, and they sound 1000% reputable, but I'm a little worried that we'll get back late and miss the ship!!!

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

2. That I have forgotten something promised to someone here on the boards, or that our FE gifts will cause noses to crunch, stomachs to churn, or the recipients to lean over the rail and lose their stomach contents. They are nothing gross, and we have put A LOT of work into them. I just hope all like what we came up with, as this is the first time we've ever done the FE thing. I say this is 'not so sane' because I now everyone (us included) will be appreciative of what is received, so I need to just get over it.

2. Honestly my most not so sane worry but now after last January - the ship sinking.

I have to second Tony's fear. I'm a little worried about our FEs. We, too, spent a lot of time on them, and personally, I think they're great. 95% of the gift is creative and fun and innocent. 5% is a tongue-in-cheek that relates in some very small way to kimistry's fear. I really hope we don't alienate people with our joke. I think everyone will see it as a joke and will laugh. I mean, it's pretty clear that we're joking. I even added a disclaimer in case anyone was offended. Being a counselor, I'm fully aware that people have different sensitivities, and I am aware people get nervous about different things. I hope no one thinks we're insensitive jerks or something, so that little irrational fear will be settled once people see the FE gifts and either snub us or tell us they like them!

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

I think I'm a far more social person, much more chatty, than I've been on the board. I've been so busy with life, it's hard to post consistently. On the ship, we're going to have to be intentional with spending time well - family time only, Fantasy Becomes Reality group time, and AllEars group time - so maybe I'll appear similarly quiet. If you see me around, though, strike up a conversation. I'm a pretty chatty Cathy!

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to St. Thomas because of the charter. I'm looking forward to the last night because of Remy. I LOVE Palo's brunch, so I'm also looking forward to snagging a reservation as soon as we get on board! I am NOT looking forward to the last day as it's the last day of our whole trip (mine will have been two weeks long by then!).

--New flavor you expect to try?

Whatever Remy feeds us, which I expect to be divine. Somewhat relatedly, I'm looking forward to letting myself order two meals if I want them. I won't be out to waste food, so maybe my sister and I will split an extra entree, but I always envy people who let themselves eat more if they want to, and it's my vacation, so I'm looking forward to caring less what others think and letting myself eat what tastes good.

Great questions!!!

 

[kimistry6]

I have to second Tony's fear. I'm a little worried about our FEs. We, too, spent a lot of time on them, and personally, I think they're great. 95% of the gift is creative and fun and innocent. 5% is a tongue-in-cheek that relates in some very small way to kimistry's fear. I really hope we don't alienate people with our joke. I think everyone will see it as a joke and will laugh. I mean, it's pretty clear that we're joking. I even added a disclaimer in case anyone was offended. Being a counselor, I'm fully aware that people have different sensitivities, and I am aware people get nervous about different things. I hope no one thinks we're insensitive jerks or something, so that little irrational fear will be settled once people see the FE gifts and either snub us or tell us they like them!

I am so wanting to know what your FE is/says and what the joke is!! Since I'm not participating in the FE maybe you could let me in on it through a PM, pretty please. I can keep a secret, I promise

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

1. What are you most worried about (sane response)?


Well I am with the word dread not the word worry. I dread the last night having to pack up everything and put the bags outside the room. I dread having to say goodbye to the CMs, characters, and ship, and most importantly to friends from here.


2. What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?


I think I am not so sanely worrying that everything back home will collapse without me here to support it and that I am going to forget to pack clothes or something.


3. More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?


On the Cruise, to be honest when we first booked this cruise and came to say hello on this thread, there were so many who already knew each other from a previous cruise and were talking so quickly that I felt overwhelmed and didn't know where to jump in and how to interject. So I was very quiet and tried to jump in but I think it came across awkwardly or at least felt awkward to me. On the ship, I can at least be more confident because I can get a better feeling for a persons disposition.


4. Day or night you are most looking forward to?


May 19 Saturday. We get on the ship!


5. New flavor you expect to try?


Not sure will have to see what comes across the menus

 

[mstinson14]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

1. Forgetting something. ( passports, cruise docs, etc.)
2. The ship sinking
3. Definitely more social on the boards. So, if you see a teenager (15) just standing to the side and not approaching anyone, feel free to approach. I won't bite!!!!
4. Hmmmm formal night. Love getting dressed up
5. Gonna try to be more adventurous/ try new things.

Do yall realize it is only 18 days away?!?!
And....13 more school days

 

[5Dreamers]

First, thanks to all of you that sent prayers and thoughts our way. Just a quick rundown on our last two weeks. On Friday, April 13, Dad had a biopsy and discovered he had cancer. On Monday, the 16th, he was told he had 6 months, plus or minus a few months. On Thursday, the 26th that estimate was reduced to one month, and we decided to cancel our vacation.

Yesterday, the 29th, before I went to visit him, I re-read all the wishes and prayers. You can't imagine how touched I felt to be held in your thoughts. It felt like I had a whole group of people giving me a warm, firm hug. On the way over, I received a call from my sister saying the doctor just saw him and said that he only had a day or so left! Dad passed away this morning, just a few weeks after hearing the devastating news. He was surrounded by his wife and all four children and passed as peacefully as possible from this terrible disease.

So I asked my sisters if they thought it would be terrible if we still went on the cruise. The all said we of course should go, and one wanted to go with us. I hadn't canceled the cruise or DVC ressie - I was going to do that today.

Pam and I WILL be on the cruise. I certainly could use a few weeks to spend some time to just relax after this ordeal. We still have this week to get through, but we've shown each other that we're a strong family and can help each other through anything.

I hope there's a couple of bracelets left for us, but if not, no worries. We have to get back on our FE gifts to get them done.

(I could REALLY use a Konk Kooler about now). Again, thank you for all your thoughts, it really made a huge difference. You are a phenomenal bunch of people - I can't wait to meet you all!

John

John, Pam and the rest of your family: so sorry for your loss. I'm not good with words, please know that we wish you much Strength and Peace.

Looking forward to meeting you and Pam in less than 3 weeks!

 

[nonni]

We're on the 8:30 tour. Nice to know that there well be some people we know on the same tour.

 

[5Dreamers]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?

--New flavor you expect to try?

First I have to say it is hard to keep up with the pace of the boards, and I'm loving every minute of it! Here's our answers:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?
Me: Loosing our luggage, my DD11 having the freedom to leave the Edge Club
DH says: not really anything. (That's because I'm the one that does the worrying for us all!)

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?
Me: Us getting sick, hurt, etc. My kids driving eachother nuts.
DH says: running out of Mickey Bars.

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?
Me: I'm a bit shy, so maybe 'Even Steven'
DH: He's very social and doesn't post here on the boards, so definately 'on the cruise'.

--Day or night you are most looking forward to?
Me: all days and nights. This is only our second vacation since DH and I got married.
DH says: snorkeling with the kids at Castaway Cay.

--New flavour you expect to try?
Me: I expect to try many new flavours, not any one in particular. I am hoping to catch a few 'drinks of the day' and at least one of the liquor tastings. I almost never drink alcohol, so it will be a splurge for me.
DH says: Mickey Bars (if they are available)

 

[dlf246]

JohnPA: so sorry for your loss. So happy you are coming. i cannot possibly imagine the emotional roller coaster, but sure agree that the cruise can really help with handling them. Take care, Scott

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

Getting sick

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

Like several others, people not liking the FE gifts we've made

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?
On the cruise

Day or night you are most looking forward to?
Dressing up for Formal Night

--New flavor you expect to try?[/QUOTE]
Too many to choose from.

 

[dznyacct]

1. For 'worried', I'm going with 'dread'.....That feeling of knowing that the cruise is close to ending. Second dread is that we might not stay in touch with people we've *known* thru the boards for many months now, some over a year. I've seen other prior travelers establish great friendships that have resulted in trips away from cruising....yes, I'm speaking of you KLP'ers! It's pretty cool to see!

2. That I have forgotten something promised to someone here on the boards, or that our FE gifts will cause noses to crunch, stomachs to churn, or the recipients to lean over the rail and lose their stomach contents. They are nothing gross, and we have put A LOT of work into them. I just hope all like what we came up with, as this is the first time we've ever done the FE thing. I say this is 'not so sane' because I now everyone (us included) will be appreciative of what is received, so I need to just get over it.

3. Equal. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!
4. All of them, except Saturdays' disembarkment.
5. Dunno, but I'm going to try to be more adventurous. You still will not catch me trying the escargot.

I'm anxious to see 'sues14's responses!!!

1. I am worried (not really ) that I won't get to do everything that I want to do on the cruise. I spent my lunch today making a giant grid with all the activities that I really want to do. I know that we will be back again, so I'm not stressing about it too much.

Tony ~ I am still amazed at the incredible bond that us KLPers made on our cruise 3 years ago . I truly feel like I have known them for many years and absolutely love their company . I have already warned them that I am bringing Kleenex with me to the port because I KNOW that there will be many tears of joy . I have given up trying to explain our "relationship" to other people, so I just tell them that we are cruising with a bunch of friends, which we are .

2. I keep having nightmares that we are on the ship and it's the 2nd or 3rd day and I have forgotten to go to Palo and Remy on embarkation day and make reservation changes and I have forgotten to reference my personalized itinerary with all my notes that I have been working on for months . I KNOW that this will not happen, but it is a fear in the back of my mind obviously.

3. pretty even Steven for me. I used to be painfully shy, but as my mom says "I came out of my shell" .

4. I am looking forward to every single day/ night/minute of the cruise and WDW trip . This is a big trip of "firsts" for MaryRose: first commercial flight, first trip to Florida, first (but not last ) trip to WDW and first cruise. I am so excited to see through her eyes the things/places that hold a place very near and dear to my heart . She is getting really excited, which really warms my heart . Tonight I showed her the adorable pirate night t-shirts that a fellow DISer made for us and she LOVED them . She's a keeper for sure .

5. I am excited to try all new restaurants and all the wonderful new taste sensations. Don't tell Brian, but I am REALLY looking forward to my "date" with Mati at Remy .

 

[DizDaddy]

Man, this is all so stressful, I think I might start planning a vacation for when we get home!!!

 

[nonni]

Hi everyone! Sorry to join sooo late! I have been checking this thread periodically, trying to read posts when I can. Let me start off by sending my condolences and prayers to John and his family. I have been having issues with my parents health, (one reason I have hesitated to post), and didn't know if we would be going on this cruise! Now it's down to the wire and I better get moving! I realize the bracelets have already been ordered, but if there are any extras we would like 1L, 1M & 1C. This is our 2nd Disney cruise and I can't believe it's so close!
We are: Me, Suzanne 48/F, Dan 49/M, Kaitlyn 11/F.
From: Michigan
Stateroom: 6566
Dining: Late

My DD Kaitlyn 11, is looking forward to meeting some friends on the cruise! She is shy at first, but can be very silly! Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Welcome to the group!
What part of Michigan are you from? I was born in Holland and lived there until right before my 16th birthday.

 

[Jaymepops]

OK, new questions for anyone who is game:

--What are you most worried about (sane response)?

Getting sick

--What are you most worried about (not so sane response)?

Like several others, people not liking the FE gifts we've made

--More social on the boards or on the cruise? Even steven?
On the cruise

Day or night you are most looking forward to?
Dressing up for Formal Night

--New flavor you expect to try?

Too many to choose from.[/QUOTE]

Elaine...I am SO looking forward to meeting you!!! I think we are going to have some great "adult pool" conversations!!! We have to find time to meet up and chat!

 

[StJohnsCrew]

Welcome Suzanne!!!! My DD Sabrina is 10 going on 14 and was just saying last night that she is counting on meeting some daughters from my friends on the board. I will tell her about Kaitlyn!!! There are others too like Grazyna's daughter Ashley who is also 10 and I know several others just can't think of the names...

OMG - it just really really hit me. We leave in 2 1/2 weeks!!!! I cannot focus at all on work. Need to go get FEs done -- can't wait!!!!

--Mati

Hi Mati, I read lots of posts saying that our girls will be allow to choose between the Club and the Edge, what do you think you will do?

Welcome Suzanne!!!Is your daughter excited about the Edge or she will stick with the Club?

I know we had that discussion 70 pages back, but one more time: What did you guys decided about your 10 or young 11 years old? Club or Edge?

Grazyna

 

[Jaymepops]

OK, so I saw everyone posting what they are going to do in St. Marteen.....to my dismay... uh..we are still uh "deciding" what we are going to do.... family choice...clearly not mine...I'm still breathing so ,uh...yeah....anywho.... we've found some "off the beaten path" stuff that we may try to plan the day around....


Thing 1 found this...I think we are gonna hit it up first thing off the boat since it's within close walking distance or so from port.....
http://web.me.com/maeztro/planetp/home.html

Thing 1 also found this...think we are gonna grab a cab and give it a whirl...
http://www.stmaartenzoo.com/

I REALLY have to go see Maho beach...not the best parent choice...but I found a bar and grill out of the flight path ....hopefully we will only get hit with shrapnel from crashing airliners.....
http://www.sint-maarten.net/St-Maarten-Beaches/MahoBay.html
We want to hit (no pun intended)it by about 1:30...most of the big arrivals start around two...or so I have read....

I really want to go see marigot too.....was hoping to try to find some escargots for lunch!!! Being a "foodie" I've had them before and love them and can't get enough of them...like Foie Gras!!!!
http://www.sint-maarten.net/St-Maarten-Islandtour/IslandTour.html

Then I would love to give this a quick look-see
http://www.discover-stmaarten.com/fort-amsterdam.html
before heading back to Phillipsburg and onboard by or before 6pm.

Since we are still unplanned I unfortunately am still not sure of the order....and am printing off all info for the "Book" but..I figured if anyone else was looking for a little fun and adventure...I'd post what I found!

Hopefully before we leave the ship on St. Marteen day, my family will have finally decided what the heck we are doing!!! I hope!!

 

[cbkaity]

Welcome Suzanne!!!! My DD Sabrina is 10 going on 14 and was just saying last night that she is counting on meeting some daughters from my friends on the board. I will tell her about Kaitlyn!!! There are others too like Grazyna's daughter Ashley who is also 10 and I know several others just can't think of the names...

OMG - it just really really hit me. We leave in 2 1/2 weeks!!!! I cannot focus at all on work. Need to go get FEs done -- can't wait!!!!

--Mati

Hi Mati,
Kaitlyn will be so happy to have girls her age! I wish I could have participated with the FEs, but I haven't even started thinking about my packing list

 

[DizDaddy]

Welcome to the group!
What part of Michigan are you from? I was born in Holland and lived there until right before my 16th birthday.

I grew up in Dearborn!

 

[cbkaity]

Welcome to the group!
What part of Michigan are you from? I was born in Holland and lived there until right before my 16th birthday.

Hi Nonni,
We are from Canton, MI, that's half way between Ann Arbor and Detroit. Holland is a beautiful area! I like the west side of the state.

 

[cbkaity]

Hi Mati, I read lots of posts saying that our girls will be allow to choose between the Club and the Edge, what do you think you will do?

Welcome Suzanne!!!Is your daughter excited about the Edge or she will stick with the Club?

I know we had that discussion 70 pages back, but one more time: What did you guys decided about your 10 or young 11 years old? Club or Edge?

Grazyna

Sorry, I haven't figured out the multiple quote thing yet My daughter's friend just got back from spring break on the Dream. She told me she spent all her time in the Edge. I asked Kaitlyn which one she wanted to be in, and she said she wasn't sure, and that she would try them both first.