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

[5Dreamers]

We are also booked on Bernards Tours.
I was wondering if the kids might want to play on the beach together. We are bringing 2 beachballs and some sand toys.
If anyone wants to try to either end up in the same tour van or meet up at the beach, let me know.
My kids are DD5, DS8 and DD11 and are looking forward to any and all beach time.

 

[Jaymepops]

"Yes - can be done in a day if you go to a passport processing center. If I recall correctly, it will take the WHOLE day and he should be there as soon as it opens, passport application, tracking informationand photos in hand along with the $$ for an expedited passport. Unless something has changed, is a hassle but can be done. Of course it was years ago that we did this so possible something has changed. Best of luck!!!!"


Thanks Mati...great to know!! Have never even heard of a passport processing center! Learn something new everyday! I've always gone the application at the post office route and then the long wait. Good to know there is another option!

 

[nonni]

For those of you who have been here for awhile and know the story, wanted to update on Sabrina.

We took x-rays this go-around locally and shipped them up to Philadelphia for review. Since her surgery in November they have kept her under restrictions with her lumbar - specifically no butterfly, flip-turns, diving or situps. As a swimmer this has been brutal and kept her from moving up teams. We just got word from the Doctors in Philadelphia that her curves are stable, staples look good and ALL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED!!!!

She will still be braced at night and during the day while at home for the next 3 months (won't make her wear the daytime brace on the cruise) but with Scoliosis, we take what we can get.

This was the last piece of news that I needed to freely focus on the cruise. Now, a big sigh of relief and focus on leaving in 8 days!!!

Have a good Thursday All!!!!
Mati

That's great news! I'm sure she is thrilled as well. She can have fun on her trip just like everyone else!

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??

Would be happy to get birthday cards for your girls!

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!!!

Congrats to your DH for being considered. What a great opportunity. Always happy to pray!

Nine more days and we get to meet all you nice people in person!

 

[Pirategirrrl]

For those of you who have been here for awhile and know the story, wanted to update on Sabrina.

We took x-rays this go-around locally and shipped them up to Philadelphia for review. Since her surgery in November they have kept her under restrictions with her lumbar - specifically no butterfly, flip-turns, diving or situps. As a swimmer this has been brutal and kept her from moving up teams. We just got word from the Doctors in Philadelphia that her curves are stable, staples look good and ALL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED!!!!

She will still be braced at night and during the day while at home for the next 3 months (won't make her wear the daytime brace on the cruise) but with Scoliosis, we take what we can get.

This was the last piece of news that I needed to freely focus on the cruise. Now, a big sigh of relief and focus on leaving in 8 days!!!

Have a good Thursday All!!!!
Mati

That is wonderful news! I am so happy for her

 

[dznyacct]

We leave one week from today spending two nights at DVC; Old Key West! Wishing safe travels to everyone.

I may start packing this weekend (we are last minute packers).

Hi Sue ~ Good resort choice...... we'll be at OKW for three nights before the cruise . ~ Kathy

 

[biff423]

Would be happy to get birthday cards for your girls!

Thank you so much!!

 

[biff423]

Well our lodging is all wrapped up now.

We fly in to Sanford on the 17th. Have reservations at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village til he 19th. Have some time and hope to check out Downtown Disney and some outlets before the cruise.

We will stay at the Westin (super Hotwire deal) in Lake Mary on the 26th while awaiting our flight out of Sanford on the 27th.

Have any of you ever stayed at these hotels? Would love some feedback.

Doing Dollar car rentals before an after.

Now we just have to pack and finish FEs!!!

 

[ksucats]

Well our lodging is all wrapped up now.

We fly in to Sanford on the 17th. Have reservations at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village til he 19th. Have some time and hope to check out Downtown Disney and some outlets before the cruise.

We will stay at the Westin (super Hotwire deal) in Lake Mary on the 26th while awaiting our flight out of Sanford on the 27th.

Have any of you ever stayed at these hotels? Would love some feedback.

Doing Dollar car rentals before an after.

Now we just have to pack and finish FEs!!!

We haven't stayed their yet, but we have the same Fairfield Inn & Suites booked for two nights after the cruise.

 

[carouselkr]

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

GMTA ha ha!! I was thinking that they must have fun over Labor Day weekend

 

[carouselkr]

not mati, but i'd love to do a stretch class, i was a dancer in another life (ie premarriage/kids) and i've always loved to stretch, yoga (with the right instructor) has worked to fill this in the past but i am not currently attending. i must have missed on our last dis cruise that there were classes. i used the treadmills but that's it. i'll be checking the navigators! thx for the heads up!!

also, i know we had an unofficial roll call for those planning to do the 5K...anyone have any idea approx what page i need to look on? i've tried searching but all i find are people saying they may or may not be interested but i thought there was a running list there for a little bit? am i losing my mind? lol! i just wanted to make a note on my spreadsheet those that i could maybe run with on the ship (probably NOT those of you who mentioned going at 5am tho, lol!)

Lara
!

Just FYI, the exercise classes usually have a sign up sheet on the first day, and fill up FAST as space is limited (at least that is how it was on the DDream). You can go to the spa area and sign up during their open house before sail away.

I opt to walk, and love to be outdoors looking at the water, so I just walk round and round the deck on what ever level goes all the way around. I was considering doing the 5K at a walking pace, but rethinking that since they have moved the starting point so that I will need to walk a mile to get to it, and it will be later into the day when it gets hot (I walk before/at sunrise).

 

[DizDaddy]

For those of you who have been here for awhile and know the story, wanted to update on Sabrina.

We took x-rays this go-around locally and shipped them up to Philadelphia for review. Since her surgery in November they have kept her under restrictions with her lumbar - specifically no butterfly, flip-turns, diving or situps. As a swimmer this has been brutal and kept her from moving up teams. We just got word from the Doctors in Philadelphia that her curves are stable, staples look good and ALL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED!!!!

She will still be braced at night and during the day while at home for the next 3 months (won't make her wear the daytime brace on the cruise) but with Scoliosis, we take what we can get.

This was the last piece of news that I needed to freely focus on the cruise. Now, a big sigh of relief and focus on leaving in 8 days!!!

Have a good Thursday All!!!!
Mati

Mati:

What a beautiful update.....I know you are feeling very blessed right now. That's incredible, and I'm so very happy for all of you, but especially Sabrina. She's a brave girl, that one! I'm sure that these experiences, though challenging, will destine her to become that much better of a adult.

Wahhhhoooooooo!!!!

Tony

 

[biff423]

GMTA ha ha!! I was thinking that they must have fun over Labor Day weekend

 

[Jaymepops]

Just FYI, the exercise classes usually have a sign up sheet on the first day, and fill up FAST as space is limited (at least that is how it was on the DDream). You can go to the spa area and sign up during their open house before sail away.

I opt to walk, and love to be outdoors looking at the water, so I just walk round and round the deck on what ever level goes all the way around. I was considering doing the 5K at a walking pace, but rethinking that since they have moved the starting point so that I will need to walk a mile to get to it, and it will be later into the day when it gets hot (I walk before/at sunrise).

Kinda thinking about that myself with the 5k...I don't think I will decide until that morning!

I am also a morning walker/runner.....I don't want to commit to anything right now because sleeping in may sound better!

 

[Jaymepops]

For those of you who have been here for awhile and know the story, wanted to update on Sabrina.

We took x-rays this go-around locally and shipped them up to Philadelphia for review. Since her surgery in November they have kept her under restrictions with her lumbar - specifically no butterfly, flip-turns, diving or situps. As a swimmer this has been brutal and kept her from moving up teams. We just got word from the Doctors in Philadelphia that her curves are stable, staples look good and ALL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED!!!!

She will still be braced at night and during the day while at home for the next 3 months (won't make her wear the daytime brace on the cruise) but with Scoliosis, we take what we can get.

This was the last piece of news that I needed to freely focus on the cruise. Now, a big sigh of relief and focus on leaving in 8 days!!!

Have a good Thursday All!!!!
Mati

Great News!!! So happy for her!

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

Glad to read about so many good things happening to people on here!

Texfinn-Glad to hear about the restrictions being lifted!

Jaymepops- Good Luck and Congrats to your DH hope that he gets to go to London!

All I can say is that after the week we've had with family being in town, sleeping in might be in order for the whole cruise. I'm wiped out and they don't fly out until tomorrow night! I love my family, and since we don't get to see them often it is great to have them here to spend time with but whats that phrase "great things are fun to enjoy but in moderation" yeah a week non stop togetherness....a little overboard LOL


Our gifts for the FE are all done, but we just have to put them all together and I will do that probably Tuesday or Wednesday. I have to find my fish extender since we had to put things away when my grandmother came to stay for the last few months. Hopefully I find it our well....we will have a very plain and thrown together fish extender. I will start packing Saturday and will not finish most likely until the Morning we leave on the 19th.

 

[OKraysLoveDisney]

Hi Sue ~ Good resort choice...... we'll be at OKW for three nights before the cruise . ~ Kathy

Hi Kathy! We've never stayed at OKW and we are excited to stay there. We love Downtown Disney and look forward to taking the boat there from OKW.

We will drive to Port Canaveral Saturday morning - can't wait!!!!

 

[texfinn]

We are also booked on Bernards Tours.
I was wondering if the kids might want to play on the beach together. We are bringing 2 beachballs and some sand toys.
If anyone wants to try to either end up in the same tour van or meet up at the beach, let me know.
My kids are DD5, DS8 and DD11 and are looking forward to any and all beach time.

We are on too! Sabrina is 10, Kai is 7 -- I don't have a third child (can you imagine me solo with a third child? would look like this --> ) but possibly the other two will get along? Honestly, haven't even given the tours much thought -- maybe should get some sand toys, good idea!


Jaimie - my multi-quote deleted - there is a passport processing center in Houston. Can remember doing that one day and know of someone else who did. Has to be there though, you can't mail them in. Same thing with travel visa's - you can go to the embassy if there is one local to get a visa quickly.

That's great news!

Thanks!!!!

You can't register and 11 year old on-line, I think it's because they can technically sign themselves out of the clubs. I think you wait until you are on the ship to decide. It is very confusing!
From what I understand, the Oceaneer Lab goes up to 12 years old. It used to be you had to choose either the Edge OR the Lab for an 11 year old, but it seems tweens MAY now be able to do both. We'll be checking out the Edge on Day 1. If there is a good sized group of 11-12 year olds, DD11 may stay there. If not, we may want her in the Lab. Being able to participate in both would be ideal since there are more structured activities in the Lab that she would enjoy (especially Animator's Studio) AND also some activities in the Edge she would enjoy too!
Hope that helps!

I hope the girls' get along....

That's great news! I'm sure she is thrilled as well. She can have fun on her trip just like everyone else!
Nine more days and we get to meet all you nice people in person!

Thanks!! She doesn't even know yet. She is still at school.

That is wonderful news! I am so happy for her

Thanks!!!

Just FYI, the exercise classes usually have a sign up sheet on the first day, and fill up FAST as space is limited (at least that is how it was on the DDream). You can go to the spa area and sign up during their open house before sail away.

Good to know!! Need to sign up. I love to walk too around the ship. Did that last time with another DIS friend and hope to do it again!

Mati:

What a beautiful update.....I know you are feeling very blessed right now. That's incredible, and I'm so very happy for all of you, but especially Sabrina. She's a brave girl, that one! I'm sure that these experiences, though challenging, will destine her to become that much better of a adult.

Wahhhhoooooooo!!!!

Tony

Oh Tony -- thank you!!!! She is an amazing little girl. She still has her "why me" moments but am so amazed by how she has handled all of this. Can't wait for you to meet her in person!

Great News!!! So happy for her!

Thanks!!

Glad to read about so many good things happening to people on here!

Texfinn-Glad to hear about the restrictions being lifted!

Jaymepops- Good Luck and Congrats to your DH hope that he gets to go to London!

All I can say is that after the week we've had with family being in town, sleeping in might be in order for the whole cruise. I'm wiped out and they don't fly out until tomorrow night! I love my family, and since we don't get to see them often it is great to have them here to spend time with but whats that phrase "great things are fun to enjoy but in moderation" yeah a week non stop togetherness....a little overboard LOL


Our gifts for the FE are all done, but we just have to put them all together and I will do that probably Tuesday or Wednesday. I have to find my fish extender since we had to put things away when my grandmother came to stay for the last few months. Hopefully I find it our well....we will have a very plain and thrown together fish extender. I will start packing Saturday and will not finish most likely until the Morning we leave on the 19th.

Thanks!!!

I can totally relate to the family thing. I totally shut down last month because of it. I think I am just now (2 weeks after they have left) finally getting to normal!

I spent half the work day (don't tell) looking at possible magnet pictures. I am very far behind where I was with the last cruise but still hoping to get some magnets done.

Ok - off to see Sabrina sing in the choir. The 4th/5th grade is putting on Flat Stanley. She didn't audition (was recovering from surgery) but is singing along. Should be fun!

 

[cncDisney4]

For those of you who have been here for awhile and know the story, wanted to update on Sabrina.

We took x-rays this go-around locally and shipped them up to Philadelphia for review. Since her surgery in November they have kept her under restrictions with her lumbar - specifically no butterfly, flip-turns, diving or situps. As a swimmer this has been brutal and kept her from moving up teams. We just got word from the Doctors in Philadelphia that her curves are stable, staples look good and ALL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED!!!!

She will still be braced at night and during the day while at home for the next 3 months (won't make her wear the daytime brace on the cruise) but with Scoliosis, we take what we can get.

This was the last piece of news that I needed to freely focus on the cruise. Now, a big sigh of relief and focus on leaving in 8 days!!!

Have a good Thursday All!!!!
Mati

What wonderful news!!! Thanks for sharing this update!

Cheryl

 

[Jaymepops]

Glad to read about so many good things happening to people on here!

Texfinn-Glad to hear about the restrictions being lifted!

Jaymepops- Good Luck and Congrats to your DH hope that he gets to go to London!

All I can say is that after the week we've had with family being in town, sleeping in might be in order for the whole cruise. I'm wiped out and they don't fly out until tomorrow night! I love my family, and since we don't get to see them often it is great to have them here to spend time with but whats that phrase "great things are fun to enjoy but in moderation" yeah a week non stop togetherness....a little overboard LOL


Our gifts for the FE are all done, but we just have to put them all together and I will do that probably Tuesday or Wednesday. I have to find my fish extender since we had to put things away when my grandmother came to stay for the last few months. Hopefully I find it our well....we will have a very plain and thrown together fish extender. I will start packing Saturday and will not finish most likely until the Morning we leave on the 19th.

PPPSSHhhhhhh! You can't sleep the whole cruise! I hunt you down and drag you over to a Martini tasting!! That'll wake you up!!

 

[dznyacct]

Hi Kathy! We've never stayed at OKW and we are excited to stay there. We love Downtown Disney and look forward to taking the boat there from OKW.

We will drive to Port Canaveral Saturday morning - can't wait!!!!

VWL is our home resort (and we love it ), but OKW is a great DVC resort. The rooms are HUGE and the "feel" of the place is so relaxing . We are frequent visitors to Key West and OKW has much of the same ambiance. Definitely try to take the boat to DTD or walk the path. Both are nice to do .