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

[nonni]

Oh my I finally found the thread and you guys are right this thread is definitely a lot busier for Disney cruise

mmhmm no wonder the other one was quiet

Welcome to the group!

 

[nonni]

So I got home late Friday Night and DCL called and states we have to call them back on Monday as the department they were calling from is not open on the weekends. Something about Special Services. We are in a Handicap Accessible Stateroom and i'm hoping maybe its to verify what services we will need once onboard but now I'm nervous that it could be something else.

I am going to have to email the agent who is covering my Travel Agent's clients while she is at the hospital with her twins that she delivered a week ago. one of her babies is facing a lot of medical procedures including heart surgery.

Hope we aren't facing a change in stateroom or something like that. I would be really disappointed and upset. Given we have a doctor's note stating that having a Handicap Accessible stateroom is required they wouldn't move someone to a non handicap accessible room would they? Could they downgrade someone?

Amy, I hope this all worked out for you. BTW Did you ever get your cruise docs? I hope so!

 

[mstinson14]

So sorry for your loss, John! Prayers for your family going out through this tough time. We're glad that you will be on the cruise again, though!!

 

[texfinn]

Oh John, I am so so sorry for all that you and your family have gone through. I am so sad to hear your father passed. I am so glad he was surrounded by his loved ones. I can't hug you in person but am hugging you in my thoughts and keeping you in my prayers.

Selfishly I am glad you will be on the cruise but wish the circumstances were better. Your post and Sue's already had main tears so keeping it short. Take care my friend.

-- mati

 

[reimero]

Us Cardinals fans are using the same parking lot. I won't disclose the vehicle though so it doesn't end up Yankee-fied.

Ghah! I knew it was too good to be true...
AL teams, I can forgive, but the Cardinals???? That's almost as bad as the White Sox!!

 

[reimero]

John, you have our most heartfelt sympathies. And I'm really glad you all are coming after all, I think it will be good for you to be among friends.

 

[reimero]

what do you mean second thread!! enlighten me please

I've decided to read backwards

There are (or were) originally two threads for this cruise, but were merged down quite some time ago. The other thread may still exist somewhere, but I'm not sure where. This is where it's all happening, though!

 

[cncDisney4]

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, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, however, knowing that he is at peace and was surrounded by those he loved when his time came is all you can ask for. I felt right there with you when I read your first post about cancelling as my dad, too, is battling cancer. We cancelled our Disney cruise in 2007 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer and went in for immediate surgery. Now, five years later he is battling lung cancer. What an awful disease. I will pray for you and your family as the time passes until the cruise since I know y'all will be busy. Curt and I look forward to meeting you and your family ... now I'm off to put the finishing touches on the FE gifts. I still have to sew the fish extender thingy!

I cannot believe we leave in just 16 days!!! We haven't even started any packing, but that will be changing soon!

Cheryl

 

[JessyWang]

CRUISEE<3 ! I see you made it over here. I'm HeyHeyJP over on the Cruise Critic boards. Oh, wait, I already told you who I was here, over there. Make sense? Anyway, see you in a few weeks.

Yes! I've made it to the other side .. the much chattier side See you soon!

 

[JessyWang]

What is everyone doing at the different ports? I'm sure you guys have mentioned in the previous posts .. but I'm slowly going through them .. I don't think I'll catch up

I'm booked for Bernards tour for St Martin .. but still have to figure out which tour to book for St John/Thomas and Castaway .. although I think Castaway might just be a lounge beach day

 

[DizDaddy]

Ghah! I knew it was too good to be true...
AL teams, I can forgive, but the Cardinals???? That's almost as bad as the White Sox!!

 

[DizDaddy]

There are (or were) originally two threads for this cruise, but were merged down quite some time ago. The other thread may still exist somewhere, but I'm not sure where. This is where it's all happening, though!

There is a link to the original thread on Page 1 of this thread.

 

[DizDaddy]

Yes! I've made it to the other side .. the much chattier side See you soon!

I was on that other board also, and I tried and tried to lure people over to the other (DisBoard) side.....perhaps you could influence them!

-Tony

 

[JessyWang]

my bf just told me he's signing me up for disney forums anonymous -_-

if I only knew of this forum years ago .... and i WORKED at disneyworld for 8 MONTHS .. you would think I'veheard of this magical board

 

[sues14]

my bf just told me he's signing me up for disney forums anonymous -_-

if I only knew of this forum years ago .... and i WORKED at disneyworld for 8 MONTHS .. you would think I'veheard of this magical board

Between both threads it will only take 130% of your time until we board....no problem!!!

Susan

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

me too!! so funny.. everyone at work calls me dragonlady lol

Hi Jessy

Being called Dragonlady is a compliment in my opinion. However, I am a dragon collector, not a fierce person!! Unless you cut me up on the highway!!

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

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

Dear John and Pam

We are all so sorry to hear of your father's passing, but pleased to hear that he was surrounded by those he loved and loved him. Now he is a new watching over you.

We're pleased, however, to hear you will be joining us. You will be surrounded by supportive friends - and I do think we all care for each other, despite never having met.

A virtual Konk Kooler is winging it's way through the ether!!!

Elaine, Bryan and Hannah

 

[Elaine Dragonlady]

wristbands are ordered!! they are scheduled to be delivered friday, May 11th. hopefully that gives enough cushion that if they are late we will still have them before we leave thursday, may 17th. *whew* that was crazy! lol! thanks joe for the "assumptions" i totally used them. i did order 1-2 extra per size (and maybe 5 extra in med) jic. *fingerscrossed* that everyone is happy!!

i will bring my family of 10 to the meet, all sporting the lime green bands. you shouldn't be able to miss us! lol!!

Thank you to you for organising the wristbands and to our kind but anonymous donor.

Elaine

 

[Boomerang4]

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 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 and Pam, glad that you are coming, you have been a core piece of this group for so long.

I am sorry about your dad, but when I lost mine it was relatively quick, and in his case, I felt that the shorter process a blessing. Men of that generation hate being a "burden" and the suffering would have been so difficult in so many ways. I hope that in some small way there is a blessing in this for your father too. And what a wonderful long time you had together.

Good luck in the coming two weeks, and I hope that this trip will be a moment to stop and take a deep breath and recover just a bit from the crazy uncertainty and difficulties of the past several months. Welcome back.

Meg

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Does anybody on here have kids who play Draw Something? My 9 year old boy & (soon to be) 11 year old girl just started playing. If somebody close to their age has an account and plays, PM me their id & I will have my kids set up a game with them. My kids would get a kick out of playing with somebody they might get to meet on the cruise.

Sounds like something my DS would be into! He's 9 too... I'll look into it today and try to get him hooked up-- I'll let you know when I figure out a screen name for him

Well, the possible became the probable. Pam and I have to cancel the cruise. My 84 yr old father was diagnosed with terminal cancer a month ago and given a prognosis of about 6 months. I guess that's what said when the doctors don't have enough information for a better guess. Yesterday his doctor said one month. To make matters worse, Dad is the primary caregiver for his wife, our stepmother, who is in the middle to late stages of Alzheimer's Disease. We have our hands full now for the next couple of months.

I'm so sorry that we can't make the cruise because although we haven't met yet, I was looking forward to having a drink or some social time with you guys. I'm sure it's going to be a blast.

We made plans last year for the May 25th, 2013 Western Caribbean Cruise, so maybe we'll get to see some of you on that one.

Take care, see you around the boards . . .
John

So sorry to hear about your Dad and that his battle ended so soon. Although it's good that he didn't have to suffer for the predicted 6 months, it doesn't make it any easier on those left behind :-( I hope that you find comfort and peace in the days ahead in knowing that he is at rest :-( You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers...

Has anybody researched what the crowds should be like at the parks after the cruise? We are trying to figure out what to do on Saturday & Sunday before flying home on Monday. The kids kind of want to do Magic Kingdom, but we have been there several times & are planning on going in 2013. I am leaning towards spending those two days at Universal because we have never been there & likely our 2013 trip will be all Disney.

I am curious as to what to expect at the parks. It will be a holiday weekend, so I expect them to be busy. I also saw that Thunder Mountain will be closed, so we would miss out on that & I would think that would make the waits for Space & Splash Mountain even longer.

We went on a holiday weekend one year (the day after our last Disney cruise) and it was a madhouse... And it was only President's Day, haha I would go with the "steer clear" advice

this is what i have so far, please copy and paste list and add your name and sizes if you want to be included. please remember, if you are participating in FE that you will be getting a wristband courtesy of a generous (and anonymous) donor so add your names! :0)

mstinson14 2 large
mom2LLN 2 adult, 3 child (are the adult large or med?)
livingtheWDWdream need sizes
elaine dragonlady 3 adult
nonni 2L, 1M, 2C
barbreis 1M
pirategirrrl 1L, 1M or C
5Dreamers 5 sizes?
carouselkr 2A (large or med?)
jaymepops 2A (large or med?), 2C
kimistry6 4 sizes?
donaldsgal 2A (large or med?) , 1C
jgamy 2L, 2M
stjohnscrew how many? sizes?

**if you know someone who is participating in FE but hasn't posted here about the wristbands, please ask them to come and weigh in!**

I don't know if you'll see this in time, but we would like 1 large, 1 medium and 2 kids if you haven't ordered yet!!!!