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

[Elaine Dragonlady]

Amazing! Fantastic! He must be so talented. You must be so proud of him. We've got tickets for the Olympic football (soccer) at Old Trafford, Manchester, but none of the London events. We're really hoping he'll get chosen.

Elaine, Bryan and Hannah

 

[JohnPA]

Double Ahem, I for one, vote for him having pants!

Why? Donald Duck doesnt wear any.
(ok, I know I've used that one before, but I couldn't resist )

Yeah, but, uh . . . Donald has tailfeathers covering his uh . . . tail!

 

[sues14]

Haha-- I haven't packed either! Does having the suitcases out and a few outfits piled on top of their closed tops count??? Just need to buy Alex a suit and we'll be set to throw everything in...

You also reminded me that I needed to ask the doc about nausea stuff this morning when I was there... Forgot... Oops... Just texted him, haha

As far as what's needed-- I WAY overpacked on our first Disney cruise-- I have a picture of our kids sitting in the baggage claim with a pile of 7 suitcases AND our carry ons. The pile was taller than they were!!!! This time: meds, swim stuff and dinner clothes... And pirate gear!!!!! Not stressing... Not stressing... Not stressing!!!!!!!!

We so overpacked the first time. I want it to be better this time round. I had a whole suitcase of shoes last trip and wore one pair!

FINALLY!!

(and just in time )

I hit my 100 lb. weight loss goal today.

happiness

OMG That is GREAT! I bet you feel good. Smaller but good! Great job!

I didn't find a dress that I wanted to wear, and it's not my senior year. We do a pop concert and a Madrigal Feast every year. We're flying and since I don't get out of school until the 18th, we're leaving a week from Friday.

Well make sure you go to your senior Prom it will be a night you remember forever. Even with or without a date. It is still a good memory to have. As far as leaving. We leave next Tuesday. On the last day of the cruise we will all leave the ship, or err most of our group will be wearing Cardinals garb. I don't know if you guys are fans or not but we like to End wearing our State. Join in if you want. It makes a cute photo. See you soon!

 

[sues14]

So, just got some amazing news from the Chefy hubby....apparently BP is a huge sponsor for the Olympics in London....they will have a few "celebrity" chefs at the Olympics to cook for their large 300-400 VIP parties...They want a chef from the coast ........The list started with a lot of chefs from Tx, La, Ms, Ga, Fl, and Al, ..got narrowed down from 50, to 20 to 4....guess who has a 1 in 4 odds of going to the OLYMPICS??? CHRIS!!! Please say some prayers that he is selected!! OMG the OLYMPICS! Even if he dosn't get chosen, just to be on the list of the top 4?!?!?! WOW! Lets hope we get to spend a few days this summer in LONDON AT THE OLYPMICS!! So proud of him!!!

prayers sent up. That would be so cool!

How fabulous!! Congrats!!

Someone asked about FL weather (I have only lived here 4.5 years). My basic philosophy in life is to Never Worry about the things you cannot control (yes, weather falls under this category) and Don't Sweat the little things...of course, only you can decide what constitutes big vs little and it is relative...that said, I have been on cruises where the winds were high enough that we were unable to tender; unable to dock at CC (my first Disney Dream cruise ); ships rock'n'rolling, etc. Weather cannot be predicted this far out, so we just play this by ear! The captains do everything that they can to keep us away from big storms and to give us the smoothest sail that they can. And, no one has ever melted with a little rain, right? We are going to have a fabulous cruise with a brand new ship to explore and lots of new friends to meet!! Seasickness can be annoying, but the meds/patches, etc work fairly well for most. Illness can happen, but Disney is really great with reminding people about handwashing (THE most preventative thing you can do) and they hand out wipes as you enter every dining area for every meal. If you forget something, it is likely that someone else can help, or you can buy/get it on board (pirate/princess gear, some clothing, sunscreen, etc).
I am so looking forward to meeting you all!

well said

OK - I fully recognized that being on the disboards automatically qualifies us all as type "A" personality vacation planners (hello, my name is Bryan, and I'm a DIsaholic), - BUT - between this post & your blog post about over-planing, it may be about time for us to stage a DIServention for you

Don't forget that all the great tips we read on here are just that - tips - not requirements. Whats the old saying about packing? Something like, "pack everything you need, then take half out." I'm pretty sure half the over-the-door shoe holders & pop-up hampers wouldn't even be needed, but we're all trying to figure out where to store the million +1 "recommended items to pack" that we read about on the disboards.

I guess the bottom line is that a Disney Cruise is nothing like planning for the Disney Parks - You really can just go with the flow, have a great time, and not worry that you are somehow "missing out" on something.

I know we are all starting to stress a little because its getting down to crunch time, but aside from a few essentials (passports, IDs, your children) - there really isn't too much that we could forget to pack that cant be replaced or just go without.

Anyway - not trying to pick on Jaime - but as great as these boards are, I think the urgency & necessity of things can get overblown BIG TIME.
Would I enjoy doing Palo Brunch again?
Absolutely.
Will I line up at 1pm with everyone else to see if I can get a Palo Brunch?
Absolutely.
Will I spend more than two seconds being disappointed if I don't get a Palo Brunch?
Absolutely NOT
I'll simply take it as an opportunity to do some other awesome activity that I would have missed while eating brunch. Whats that? I think its the Mickey 500 calling my name or maybe a Champagne tasting...
Either way, I am going to have ONE HECK OF A VACATION! Cant wait to meet everyone!!

Bryan & Lisa

Bryan you are so correct. Well about almost all of it. Still need the over the door shoe hanger. Great for makeup and sunblock, its a must have in our cabin. But the rest of the stuff we can get along just fine without.

Why? Donald Duck doesnt wear any.
(ok, I know I've used that one before, but I couldn't resist )

You guys are too funny

 

[biff423]

AAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH! (does anyone else feel like joining me in some primal screaming) I can't wait for this vaca but it is coming so quick I am not sure I will be ready.

FE's are in process, shopping done, all travel arrangements and accomodations made except where to stay after cruise for a night before catching flight home from Sanford.

Kids have finals, work is crazy, husbands grandmother passed away so he has to travel 14 hrs roundtrip to a funeral tomorrow thru saturday.

So when you see a stressed out redhead at the adult pool double fisting konk coolers, you will know its me.

Looking forward to meeting you all! Hope everyone's preparations are coming along nicely. Have a great wednesday!

 

[reimero]

FINALLY!!

(and just in time )

I hit my 100 lb. weight loss goal today.

happiness

That is awesomeness and full of win!!! Congrats!!!

 

[biff423]

I am hoping to pick the brains of all you wonderful people.

While on the cruise two of our daughters will celebrate birthdays - in a twist of fate, our oldest daughter and youngest daughter share a birthday on May 24th. This year our oldest turns Sweet 16 and the youngest turns 9. We were so excited to be able to book the cruise over their birthdays! These are two very special girls - Emma is such a beautiful, independant, and soulful yong woman and Leila is our little miracle, surviving a severe heart defect, and three open heart surgeries and we are frankly blessed she is still with us! (We have a fantastically talented middle daughter too! Might have to rebook onboard for her birthday )

We are trying to come up with ways to make that day special for them. Would some of you folks on the cruise meet board be willing to drop of notes to our staterooms wishing them happy birthday?

I was also thinking of bringing streamers to decorate the staterooms and making some special birthday magnets for the doors (we will have to see if time allows for that one given my earlier post ). I plan on checking with Guest Services to see if they have anything special we could arrange. I recall people on the main board talking about a special dessert being delivered in the MDR - so I hope I can get that arranged.

Any other ideas from you experts??

 

[donaldsgal]

I am hoping to pick the brains of all you wonderful people.

While on the cruise two of our daughters will celebrate birthdays - in a twist of fate, our oldest daughter and youngest daughter share a birthday on May 24th. This year our oldest turns Sweet 16 and the youngest turns 9. We were so excited to be able to book the cruise over their birthdays! These are two very special girls - Emma is such a beautiful, independant, and soulful yong woman and Leila is our little miracle, surviving a severe heart defect, and three open heart surgeries and we are frankly blessed she is still with us! (We have a fantastically talented middle daughter too! Might have to rebook onboard for her birthday )

We are trying to come up with ways to make that day special for them. Would some of you folks on the cruise meet board be willing to drop of notes to our staterooms wishing them happy birthday?

I was also thinking of bringing streamers to decorate the staterooms and making some special birthday magnets for the doors (we will have to see if time allows for that one given my earlier post ). I plan on checking with Guest Services to see if they have anything special we could arrange. I recall people on the main board talking about a special dessert being delivered in the MDR - so I hope I can get that arranged.

Any other ideas from you experts??

1) You can count us in for two birthday cards!!! You are in which cabin(s) again?

2) This is not monumental, but I would recommend telling your servers at dinner and your room steward about your birthday celebrations. I don't know that the steward can do anything special, but you never know - a special towel animal in a party hat, perhaps? Maybe you could even snag the Cruise Director, whomever he or she may be, and hit him/her up for some ideas for how to make the day special?

3) We've got oh-so-much time left, but you could always make them t-shirts. "Celebrating my birthday on a Disney cruise isn't a FANTASY - it's a Reality!" Or something like that. And then on the back it could somehow indicate that it's the sister's birthday, too. Each could wear one. It could have their birth dates on them. You could make a design yourself and get iron-on transfers and the t-shirts if that's an idea you think could work. That way, everyone who sees them will wish them a happy birthday and be excited for them. When my DSis took me to Disney as a surprise for my 30th a couple of years ago, wearing the Happy Birthday button got me so many well wishes and happy moments with others, and that was just a regular button! I bet a shirt could make for some special interactions with people!

4) We're in St. Maarten that day, right? Maybe you could do something fun or unique on the island? What girls don't like a little frosting (aka jewelry)?

5) If you go to this site, http://www.theperfectgift.cc/Cruises.htm, I hear good things about this woman and the packages she can put together.

6) You could be sure to do a character meet and greet that day with them wearing the shirts (if you do those). That should get some fun moments with the characters captured on camera (that was very alliterative!).

That's all my ideas for now, but I'm sure it'll be a great day, no matter if these ideas or any others come together or not. You're a great mom?dad? to be trying to pull something off!

Jenny

 

[JohnPA]

I am hoping to pick the brains of all you wonderful people.

While on the cruise two of our daughters will celebrate birthdays - in a twist of fate, our oldest daughter and youngest daughter share a birthday on May 24th.

We are trying to come up with ways to make that day special for them. Would some of you folks on the cruise meet board be willing to drop of notes to our staterooms wishing them happy birthday?


Any other ideas from you experts??

What are their favorite characters? Interests?

SOMETHING just might show up for them

 

[Jaymepops]

Thanks for the nice responses. I have to say, after nine months of hard work (started August 1), it was weird hitting my mark and having no one at home to share the news with (boys in bed, husband on a plane, family in a different time zone...)! Thank goodness for this kind little corner of the world where people are willing to share in a little joy and almost always online to provide instant gratification.

I got very sick when we were posted to India, then two kids came B2B, have as crazy a work/home schedule as everyone else, and the rest was just laziness. When my husband left the country, it gave me a little bit of extra time to work out (irony, I know). The bad news is, I was shooting for a size 8 and overshot to a 4. Bad because I have to order cruise clothes online (not a lot of beachwear in Prague) and most of what I ordered is honestly too big. (I know, I know...wah, wah, wah) So I had to order again in new sizes. Ouch, waste of money. But it's at least a nice problem to have and I'm having fun with clothes again. I will admit that it was a LOT of work. A LOT.

Thanks again for celebrating with me. Drinks are on me! Oh, wait, we're not on board yet!!!! But seriously, you will see me on date night(s) dancing in the Tube, and drinks ARE on me if you are there at the same time...

Very awesome!! I do understand the waste of just buying clothes and they don't fit....My friends give me a hard time when I complain some that I have are now too big. Anyway to ship them back for a refund? Greeat job you are down to a 4!! So happy that all your hard work paid off!!!

 

[bwcb4]

I would recommend telling your servers at dinner and your room steward about your birthday celebrations. I don't know that the steward can do anything special, but you never know - a special towel animal in a party hat, perhaps? Maybe you could even snag the Cruise Director, whomever he or she may be, and hit him/her up for some ideas for how to make the day special?

Jenny [/QUOTE]

Hi! Be sure to tell us your stateroom number...we'll bring cards too!
Also, we were on a DCL cruise for our anniversary and our room steward surprised us with a towel celebration cake! It was beautiful. So I'd ask your room steward if "he" has any ideas like that he could make for you.

Barb W See you real soon

 

[Jaymepops]

This is amazing! What an accomplishment. Fingers crossed that you are in London in just a few short weeks/months (though it wouldn't interfere with taking vacation, right? You are such an integral part of our board, you absolutely MUST join us!!!!)

Wow, we have a famous chef onboard. Has he been on Top Chef yet? Maybe that's next....

LOL we didn't realize he was famous! apparently we didn't get the memo!

If he is selected, London won't be until late July....cruise is still on! Even if it was the Olympics and it was right during cruise time, I would give him a hug, pat on the head and tell him good look and have fun! Kids and I are goin' on a boat with a mouse!

 

[Jaymepops]

Wow that's amazing!!!! Congrats .. And how lucky that you have such a great chef at home to cook for you!!! Jealous ... Fooooooood mmmm

He doesn't cook at home unless he isn't working late...which is not often....and I ask him to...which is often.....If I want to really try his Chefy-ness....I go to his work!

 

[biff423]

1) You can count us in for two birthday cards!!! You are in which cabin(s) again? 5538 & 5540


3) We've got oh-so-much time left, but you could always make them t-shirts. "Celebrating my birthday on a Disney cruise isn't a FANTASY - it's a Reality!" Or something like that. And then on the back it could somehow indicate that it's the sister's birthday, too. I LOVE that idea. Any ideas how to get a cool teenager to wear matching tshirt with her 9 yo sister - ha ha ha Jenny

Those are great ideas Jenny - thanks!!!!

What are their favorite characters? Interests?

Emma 16 - is very into fashion and art not sure she has a favorite character
Leila 9 - loves Jessie and the princesses

You guys are awesome!!!

 

[Donald Applecore]

in a twist of fate, our oldest daughter and youngest daughter share a birthday on May 24th.

Somebody wouldn't happen to have an anniversary they "celebrate" every August?

 

[biff423]

Somebody wouldn't happen to have an anniversary they "celebrate" every August?

As a matter of fact our anniversary is on Sep. 4th

 

[Donald Applecore]

As a matter of fact our anniversary is on Sep. 4th

Hmm... I think I just figured out the "twist of fate" you referred to earlier

No Worries - My parents were apparently big fans of Valentine's day - 6 kids, and three of us were born in November

 

[donaldsgal]

Those are great ideas Jenny - thanks!!!!


Emma 16 - is very into fashion and art not sure she has a favorite character
Leila 9 - loves Jessie and the princesses

You guys are awesome!!!

I was actually thinking about this. You could make them slightly less matching by picking different colors and fonts. If she's into fashion, maybe you could use one of those shirts that has one side off-the-shoulder (if that isn't too immodest for her parents' tastes) like this one: http://www.fashiongrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-55.png

You could put the picture and font on it. Then you could do a tie-dye one or jut a different color with a "younger" looking font for Leila.

I recognize the challenge. I'm glad you like the idea, and I hope something works for you all!

Jenny

 

[spacecanada]

Wow, lots of congratulations are in order - Boomerang4, Jaymepops, and a few others. Such great news!

As for us, we leave in 11 hours... so this will be my final post on the DIS before the cruise. Thanks everyone for the pre-trip fun and we'll see you onboard!

We probably overpacked too. This is our first trip where we needed all four of our suitcases! (Two big ones and two small carry ons, one of which is full of FE gifts.)

 

[JohnPA]

Wow, lots of congratulations are in order - Boomerang4, Jaymepops, and a few others. Such great news!

As for us, we leave in 11 hours... so this will be my final post on the DIS before the cruise. Thanks everyone for the pre-trip fun and we'll see you onboard!

We probably overpacked too. This is our first trip where we needed all four of our suitcases! (Two big ones and two small carry ons, one of which is full of FE gifts.)

Alright Jennifer. See you down there. Safe trip!