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

[Elaine Dragonlady]

We are planning to do a tour on our own with Bernard's Tours in St Maarten. We want to be sure that the beach on the tour is the most clothed one and if we see some not following the rules, to have our driver move along to next stop. Needless to say we are modest.

So if you are wanting to join us, you can PM me. We are family of 5. I'm not sure yet at what size group the price goes down much...

We may be interested in joining you, and thanks for the info - we weren't aware that some of the beaches in St Maarten were -erm - less than modest. there will be three of us, all adults.

 

[wdwgoose]

WELL a slight change in our plans.


WE just booked the DREAM for this sunday doing a 4 night







So sorry to say that YOU GUYS ARE STILL STUCK with us
WE are doing BOTH CRUISES


I just be that way


okay now I GOTTA pack


garRy

 

[JohnPA]

WELL a slight change in our plans.


WE just booked the DREAM for this sunday doing a 4 night

WHAAAAAAAAT?? No fair!

I mean . . .

Oh, man, that's just great. Have a blast.

 

[Mum from oz]

We're paid in full too.

I am going to book a Bernard's Tour for St Marteen. Not sure what excursion for St Thomas/St John. For Castaway Cay we will probably just hire tubes and snorkel gear again.

Btw Garry, I'm very jealous. Have a great time!

 

[texfinn]

GOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING EVERYONE! Of course it seems this board is not near as active as others have been in the past so if you don't see this until later in the day, HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Don't know how many of you subscribe to the Disney Insider e-mails, but I was pleasantly surprised and excited when I got today's. The title I saw in my list of e-mails was "The Disney Fantasy Becomes a Reality". Sound familiar!?!

Just thought I'd share.

We are not paid in full yet. But I did book our flights the other day, that was almost as much as we owe on the cruise.

I saw that on the e-mail and it made me look twice!

We are not PIF just yet but will pay in the next week or so. Want to be ready to book by the 2/19 date!

Of course, I am still waiting to hear from the school. I am pulling both kids out of the last week of school for the cruise. Normally this would be a non-issue as NOTHING gets done that final week of school BUT Sabrina has already missed 15 days of school and I know she will miss at least a couple more days. Once a child misses 17 days, they are "reviewed" to determine if they can promote to the next level. I still don't think missing the last 5 will make a difference but will feel better once I get the ok from the principal. She is still a straight A student so can't imagine they will say no but still!

Sorry flights are so high. I know I have heard that from others booking to Orlando. I found cheap flights a week or two back but need that approval so didn't book. Now they are higher . Hopefully they will drop again once I get permission from the school.

We are planning to do a tour on our own with Bernard's Tours in St Maarten. We want to be sure that the beach on the tour is the most clothed one and if we see some not following the rules, to have our driver move along to next stop. Needless to say we are modest.

So if you are wanting to join us, you can PM me. We are family of 5. I'm not sure yet at what size group the price goes down much...

I haven't looked into that one yet but will have to investigate. Thanks for the offer, let me look into it and let you know! I am not so worried about the nude beaches, even with the kids. With a husband from Finland, the kids are exposed to a lot more of that when we head back to Europe. Even the commercials on normal daytime TV can be pretty eye-opening!

WELL a slight change in our plans.


WE just booked the DREAM for this sunday doing a 4 night







So sorry to say that YOU GUYS ARE STILL STUCK with us
WE are doing BOTH CRUISES


I just be that way


okay now I GOTTA pack


garRy

WOW! How exciting! You have to tell us how it is! and.....I am SOOOOO jealous!

Another update on Sabrina - did I tell you guys this yet? They don't think she will need surgery after all but do want to put her back in a brace during the day when she isn't at school. She is a strong kid but this was not happy news. Now trying to get the follow up appointments to see the doctor, get x-rays and get measured for the new braces. Very happy no surgery but not happy to see her go through this again.

Ok, of to work . Have fun!
Mati

 

[texfinn]

A big welcome to all the new cruise friends! This is going to be such a great big group!!!

Bought the stuff to make some of our FE gifts... So excited! Feels a little closer now I keep counting the months on my fingers like a little kid and it's so nice to be less than a hand, haha

*Finally* got the call from the surgeon and surgery is scheduled for next Thursday. VERY glad because I was afraid he was just going to tell me to watch what I eat (which I do-- eat healthy and work out every day-- but I don't want to eat all the yummy stuff on the cruise, where I DON'T watch what I eat and I DON'T worry about it, and then be miserable because my gallbladder declares war...). Just about any time I don't watch what I eat it gets very upset So the surgery is good news

I hope everyone else is doing well and surviving snow and ice if you have it. I know we'll be staying in where it's warm today!

Was thinking about you yesterday. Am guessing you are relaxing and recovering but when you get a chance, let us all know how you are doing!!! Get well soon!

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Was thinking about you yesterday. Am guessing you are relaxing and recovering but when you get a chance, let us all know how you are doing!!! Get well soon!

Just had my pre-op today... Was the head anesthesiologist we are friends with who did my check and he said he's going to give me some extra stuff to hopefully help fix the problems we had before (he wasn't on my case with the first surgery, but they had to call him in because they couldn't bring me out of anesthesia and he put himself on my surgery the second time because of the issues the first time, but then there were more anesthesia issues that bought me a 5 day stay in the hospital when I should have gone home the next morning). Glad he's on it Surgery is Thursday morning... Surgery itself is simple and should go without a hitch, it's just those pesky drugs... it's a good thing I never got into any of that kind of stuff-- I'm sure I would have been interesting at parties, lol

Hope everyone else is doing well! This weather is so dreary!!!! Been hitting the gym to get ready for May and joined weight watchers today. Don't want to lose a lot, but have done a lot to get where I am so I'd like to keep it that way. People here swear by WW, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Doesn't help my willpower when I hop on here and look at cruise menus though!!!!

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Of course, I am still waiting to hear from the school. I am pulling both kids out of the last week of school for the cruise. Normally this would be a non-issue as NOTHING gets done that final week of school BUT Sabrina has already missed 15 days of school and I know she will miss at least a couple more days. Once a child misses 17 days, they are "reviewed" to determine if they can promote to the next level. I still don't think missing the last 5 will make a difference but will feel better once I get the ok from the principal. She is still a straight A student so can't imagine they will say no but still!

We have to check too :/ Joey has epilepsy and hasn't missed as many as Sabrina, but he's up to 8 and I have to take him out of school any time he's having seizure symptoms. Since they've been out of whack lately, I know his missed days aren't over... Good luck with the principal-- If she's a straight A student, I don't see why it would be an issue either. Joey is too-- I guess that's why I don't worry too much. And, like you said, what are they going to do in the last week!?!

 

[shoes99]

Roll Call
Shoes99
Michele(66F), Milton(67M)
From: New Jersey
7680
35th Wedding Anniversary (May 28)
Main Dining
Late Show
F/E: No
Paid In Full

 

[texfinn]

Just had my pre-op today... Surgery is Thursday morning... Surgery itself is simple and should go without a hitch, it's just those pesky drugs... it's a good thing I never got into any of that kind of stuff-- I'm sure I would have been interesting at parties, lol

Ah, got my Thursdays confused! Well, good luck this week and keep us posted. I can understand with the drug thing - I get sick, literally, all over everyone around me...it isn't pretty! but now I know so they give me drugs to help prevent it. I am sure you will be fine but will keep sending positive thoughts your way.

Been hitting the gym to get ready for May and joined weight watchers today. Don't want to lose a lot, but have done a lot to get where I am so I'd like to keep it that way. People here swear by WW, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Doesn't help my willpower when I hop on here and look at cruise menus though!!!!

Good for you! I have a LOOOOOONG way to go but am taking it one month at a time. I do plan on taking the stairs everywhere on the cruise and being on deck 2, anticipate a lot of stair time! The kids are NOT going to be happy with me!

We have to check too :/ Joey has epilepsy and hasn't missed as many as Sabrina, but he's up to 8 and I have to take him out of school any time he's having seizure symptoms. Since they've been out of whack lately, I know his missed days aren't over... Good luck with the principal-- If she's a straight A student, I don't see why it would be an issue either. Joey is too-- I guess that's why I don't worry too much. And, like you said, what are they going to do in the last week!?!

I got the OK!!!! They said they would hate for her to miss her trip and since she is doing so well. I never anticipated a problem but somehow made me feel much much better knowing I have approval in writing....which then led me to this:

I BOOKED OUR FLIGHTS!!!! Price wasn't bad - $688 for the three of us on jet blue. I also made an executive decision and we are going to WDW after the cruise! Am going to book the Swan on a Starfriend rate for now but hoping for a pin for a better rate at the Wilderness Lodge or Polynesian. We are only staying until the Tuesday after (the 28th) and not sure if we will got to WDW all three days but figured just being there will be fun!!!

Roll Call
Shoes99
Michele(66F), Milton(67M)
From: New Jersey
7680
35th Wedding Anniversary (May 28)
Main Dining
Late Show
F/E: No
Paid In Full

Welcome Michele and Milton!!! So jealous you are PIF! We are trying to figure out when to pay ours - obviously before the 19th but also want to time it right for credit card bill cutoff (we pay in full when statement comes in but would be great to float it another month).

Does anyone know, do you still get the OBC from Disney Visa if you PIF using a Disney Visa through a travel agency?

Ok, off to enjoy the Saturday. Beautiful weather here in Austin -- about 60 degrees, sun is shining. Have a good day!
Mati

 

[OKraysLoveDisney]

We just paid in full today!!!

 

[carouselkr]

Golly! I did not realize that I was going to be so far behind in "meeting" the group for the 5/19 Disney Fantasy sailing. My DH and I live near Tampa FL (NJ transplants x 4 years). We are very excited to be sailing on the Disney Fantasy, which will be our 11th Disney cruise! Yes, we are crunching in our last 2 cruises on the Disney Dream in Feb & Mar so we can be Platinum Castaway members for this trip! We don't have a room number assigned yet. We have very few plans as we have done this itinerary - probably will try to dine at Remy once, and have High Tea. Otherwise, we may never leave the ship except, of course, for Castaway Cay! Hoping to scroll back and catch up with everyone here! Nice to meet you all! Looking forward to a great cruise!

Kathy & Lou
Ruskin FL

 

[shoes99]

QUOTE
Welcome Michele and Milton!!! So jealous you are PIF! We are trying to figure out when to pay ours - obviously before the 19th but also want to time it right for credit card bill cutoff (we pay in full when statement comes in but would be great to float it another month).

Does anyone know, do you still get the OBC from Disney Visa if you PIF using a Disney Visa through a travel agency?

Ok, off to enjoy the Saturday. Beautiful weather here in Austin -- about 60 degrees, sun is shining. Have a good day!
Mati[/QUOTE]

I have a second Disney Visa with a billing cycle ending on the 28th of the month. Disney Cruiseline charges are eligible for the 6 months no interest
billing cycle, so today I got my statement online and I divided the amount due by 4 and will pay the cruise off in 4 installments with the last installment being the beginning of May 2012. This works well for us. Otherwise we always pay our cards off in full if we do not have the interest free promotions.
We are not eligible for the $25 OBC since we are using the DCL OBB onboard credit promotion and reduced deposit for booking this cruise while onboard a prior cruise. You can only use one DCL provided obc, the the one we have is better.

 

[bookite]

hey all, my family used to live on st maarten. we haven't made plans yet, but will for sure be going to maho and to see the airplanes take off/land. (if you don't know what i'm talking about google "st maarten airport" and you should get an eye full, lol!) if anyone wants info pleast let me know. as for less than modest beaches, the french side is where you will see this the most BUT it does occassionally happen on the dutch side. maho is one of the "safer" ones and Orient Beach one of the least so, lol! but it's also where all the "activities" are. Le Gallion is a WONDERFUL beach for those with little little ones, it is very shallow for, i don't know, maybe 30 feet? we were there w/ kids and left when they were 2 and 4 and this was the BEST beach for them!

i've never heard of bernards, other than on the DIS, and i've only heard rave reviews here!!

again, feel free to ask me any questions!

now *I* have 2 questions...it's been recently announced that disney will indeed be going to alaska in '13. this is something our family has been waiting for. so...if we book NOW, can we do something onboard to get obc? or do we have to wait to book (and risk the price going up enough to negate any obc) til we are on the fantasy in may?

and as a secondary question...we are (lightly) tossing around the idea of going w/ another company for AK and switching anything we book for AK thru disney to a med cruise w/ disney. mostly for cost reasons since AK is a cruise we are planning to take w/ 20+ other people and we are worried about pricing people out of the trip by going with disney. anyway...can we switch a cruise we book for AK to one for the med? would it make a difference if we booked it before the cruise vs on board? tia!!

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

hey all, my family used to live on st maarten. we haven't made plans yet, but will for sure be going to maho and to see the airplanes take off/land. (if you don't know what i'm talking about google "st maarten airport" and you should get an eye full, lol!) if anyone wants info pleast let me know. as for less than modest beaches, the french side is where you will see this the most BUT it does occassionally happen on the dutch side. maho is one of the "safer" ones and Orient Beach one of the least so, lol! but it's also where all the "activities" are. Le Gallion is a WONDERFUL beach for those with little little ones, it is very shallow for, i don't know, maybe 30 feet? we were there w/ kids and left when they were 2 and 4 and this was the BEST beach for them!

i've never heard of bernards, other than on the DIS, and i've only heard rave reviews here!!

again, feel free to ask me any questions!

now *I* have 2 questions...it's been recently announced that disney will indeed be going to alaska in '13. this is something our family has been waiting for. so...if we book NOW, can we do something onboard to get obc? or do we have to wait to book (and risk the price going up enough to negate any obc) til we are on the fantasy in may?

and as a secondary question...we are (lightly) tossing around the idea of going w/ another company for AK and switching anything we book for AK thru disney to a med cruise w/ disney. mostly for cost reasons since AK is a cruise we are planning to take w/ 20+ other people and we are worried about pricing people out of the trip by going with disney. anyway...can we switch a cruise we book for AK to one for the med? would it make a difference if we booked it before the cruise vs on board? tia!!

Googled St Maarten Airport - happy we're sailing in not flying!

 

[bookite]

we flew in and out of that airport several times. including to Saba, the island just next to SXM that has the world's shortest commercial airport (the length of 3 football fields). it was crazy fun!!

 

[reimero]

again, feel free to ask me any questions!

What would you consider the absolute "must-do's" (if any) for a couple visiting for the first time? I know there's a list a mile long, but what's your recommendation?

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

The weather is lousy in the UK today - a good reason to concentraye on making FE gifts, hopefully will reach 50 today.

 

[dlf246]

now *I* have 2 questions...it's been recently announced that disney will indeed be going to alaska in '13. this is something our family has been waiting for. so...if we book NOW, can we do something onboard to get obc? or do we have to wait to book (and risk the price going up enough to negate any obc) til we are on the fantasy in may?

I don't know the answer to your first question, bet DCL does. If you don't get a helpful answer.... here are 2 thoughts:

1) I thought when you booked on board you get a discount (bigger deal). Not so sure about obc. Keep in mind we last re-booked in '08, so may have changed.

2) again, if DCL is not helpful, here's an idea: Book the cruise now. Then a week before you board the May 19 cruise (yahoo!), you check prices. If they haven't shot up, cancel and re-book on the ship to get obc and/or discount.

Hope this helps!

 

[spacecanada]

1) I thought when you booked on board you get a discount (bigger deal). Not so sure about obc. Keep in mind we last re-booked in '08, so may have changed.

Last year, when we booked this cruise onboard the Wonder, we were given a $200 obc. For cruises shorter than 7 days, I think it's only $100 obc. The deposit is cheaper too. Not sure what the 2012 offerings are, but booking onboard is always the best deal (at the time).