Feb 20, 2011 - Presidents' Week - Mexican Riviera

[talie]

9 days left until the cruise. And thankfully we've got a couple of great balanced trip reports out there with photos. I'm getting excited (not that I'm not already LOL).

 

[talie]

So, I just told dh about it being Engineering Week while we're on the ship. He's trying to figure out if there is some way to talk them into giving some sort of behind the scenes tour of the how things work for the engineers. LOL (For you Sacramento people out there, he once talked the drawbridge operator at the Tower Bridge to let him ride up in the cab with her as the bridge went up and down.)

 

[Tad1299]

Tad, do you live in the South Bay?

I live in Connecticut at the moment.

 

[Tad1299]

it is a small world! my DH was an aerospace engineeer at UCLA and both kids are airplane nuts (great grandpa was an engineer for the skunkworks) but don't do anything special for them at all. I consider them ridiculously spoiled just to get to go on this trip we were out of town when the FEs got finalized and just decided there would be plenty of 'surprises' just with all of the activities so aren't doing the FEs this year but will drop a little treat in yours for Aria Looking forward to meeting you soon! Here's a pic of my boys so you know who to say hi to!

Hey,
I completely understand about being an airplane nut. I was one at their age too and never really got over it. I think that's why I'm (still) in the industry. I've worked on many "Cool" airplanes. Just to name a few.
F-22 Raptor
F-35 (JSF) Lightning II
X-47B UCAV
CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter (current program)
Various Business Jets and Commercial jets as well.

I"ll bring them something cool from Sikorsky.
I'm in Room 1040 so feel free to come by. I'd be happy to talk to them about the cool aspects of aircraft. I have lots of stories.

 

[Bchdreamer]

Ugh. Stop me before I read another MR trip review, please!

It's not so much that it's "stressing me out," b/c I know we have fun on vacations pretty much whatever we're doing--we just like traveling and being together. I guess it's just kind of a downer to read people saying the food wasn't great, lines were long, not enough characters, etc., etc. Oh, well . . .

Anyhow, 10-day forecast for L.A. is now showing rain on Friday and Saturday the 18th and 19th (we're supposed to spend a day at Disneyland on Sat.), but I'm hoping that will change since those 10-day forecasts are not always accurate. At the very least, maybe the rain will have moved out by Sunday!

Erica G,
Don't stress! Some of our best Disney days have been when it was raining. The crowds don't seem to come out as much and the people who do are more relaxed. Just try to hit the inside lines and rides or even eat lunch when it's pouring. Then hit the rest when there is a break in the rain.

Where have you found all of these reviews (good or bad) for the MR trip? I've seen a few, but that's it.

 

[Tad1299]

Hi Tad,
we are in rooms right across the hall from you (1037 & 1039) I have a DS 5.5 (Peter) who would LOVE to meet Aria knock anytime. We are also traveling with grandma (in 1039) and my DH & DS 9 (Greg). We didn't get on the list in time for the FE (we were to begin with but then were out of town when it was finalized, etc) so aren't doing it this year but are decorating the door with magnets, etc and will be at the 3pm meet on the first day. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

thanks,
betsy

I picked up something special for Peter. I hope he enjoy's it. It's from Aria.

 

[preedymtnwest]

So, I just told dh about it being Engineering Week while we're on the ship. He's trying to figure out if there is some way to talk them into giving some sort of behind the scenes tour of the how things work for the engineers. LOL (For you Sacramento people out there, he once talked the drawbridge operator at the Tower Bridge to let him ride up in the cab with her as the bridge went up and down.)

Talie - tell him to go for it! I'm in!

Tad - I've worked B-2, F-22, and Reusable Launch Vehicle! We'll have to talk.

 

[Tad1299]

Tad - I've worked B-2, F-22, and Reusable Launch Vehicle! We'll have to talk.

I am looking forward to it, it's always a pleasure to discuss common interests.

 

[LKFan]

Looks like the weather isn't going to be all that great in LA next weekend. 30% chance of rain isn't going to make or break a day at DL but it doesn't look like it is going to be sunny and warm.

 

[silence]

One week from today we will be at Disneyland! We are getting our Disney fix this week, we also are going to Disney on Ice on Weds.

I am packing this weekend. I have the suitcases all open but nothing inside! I can't believe it's finally time to pack. I've been making packing lists for a year!

I read two of the newer trip reviews that give a much more "balanced" review and now I'm ready to get on the ship already!

 

[silence]

Looks like the weather isn't going to be all that great in LA next weekend. 30% chance of rain isn't going to make or break a day at DL but it doesn't look like it is going to be sunny and warm.

Some of our best memories at the parks are on rainy days. No crowds! No lines!

Though, for our October trip for the Halloween party, it POURED. That was an interesting experience. Needless to say, I do NOT recommend riding California Screaming in the rain. With the speed of the coaster, the rain PELTED our faces and it hurt BAD! DS and I spent the whole ride with our hands over our faces (so did everyone else from the looks of the ride pictures).

 

[gichicdoc]

We have a STEM program at our Jr. Highs. Our high schools have SMERT. What is FIRST and how does it compare to SMERT?

So FIRST is a nationwide program with competitions at the local, state and national level. At the annual national competition, they even have kids come from other countries which is really cool for cultural expansion.
Their mission statement is: to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
This is the website: www.usfirst.org
You should have your kids check it out; I think they can join in the 8th grade and I bet you have an active team close to you. Most (?all) are school-based.
Sarah is there right now. They have building their robot non-stop and work Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and from 6-9 every week day - Wish she worked this had on her college apps!

 

[gichicdoc]

Talie - tell him to go for it! I'm in!

Tad - I've worked B-2, F-22, and Reusable Launch Vehicle! We'll have to talk.

I think this would be a LOT of fun.

 

[minie_meese]

So FIRST is a nationwide program with competitions at the local, state and national level. At the annual national competition, they even have kids come from other countries which is really cool for cultural expansion.
Their mission statement is: to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
This is the website: www.usfirst.org
You should have your kids check it out; I think they can join in the 8th grade and I bet you have an active team close to you. Most (?all) are school-based.
Sarah is there right now. They have building their robot non-stop and work Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and from 6-9 every week day - Wish she worked this had on her college apps!

FIRST is a wonderful program. It is a yearly competition, SMERT is an initiative to promote things like FIRST. I've been involved with FIRST for 20 years and helped them write their mentoring guide. If there's anything I'm more obsessed with than Disney, it's FIRST. There's a Lego competition for younger kids (middle school), a mid-level competition and the big robots for high schoolers. My company sponsors a Lego team and a big robot team. I just love seeing what it does for the kids.

What team is Sarah on? I hope she includes her participation on her college applications. Colleges think very highly of the program. There are tons of scholarships for FIRST kids and a number go unused. Encourage her to check them out. I'm judging at the National competition in St. Louis. If she's there I will make a point to stop and see her team. I'm happy to talk about FIRST with anyone. I'm guessing Sarah will too.

 

[LKFan]

Okay, it looks like this is part of our HS's SMERT program. From the HS website, it says, "SMERT: Science-Math-Engineering-Robotics-Technology Implementation of engineering courses which are contextual project/problem based and integrate national standards in mathematics, science, technology, and English/language arts." As a description, it lists the following:

Science: Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Ocean Science Bowl, Chemistry Olympiad.

Math: 8 Pathways for Success and math club competitions

Engineering: Introduction to Engineering Design (PLTW), Digital Electronic (PLTW), Civil Engineering & Architecture (PLTW), Engineering Design & Development (PLTW), Solar Boat “Building & Racing” Team, JETS Team (Junior Engineering Technical Society)

Robotics: Basic Robotics, Advanced Robotics First Robotics Competition Team, Robotics Academy

Technology: Web Design & Production, Computer Science AP “Java”, Advanced Computer Science “Java”, Digital Animation,Video Production, Digital Photography.


My oldest is only in 6th grade so this is all new to me. Seventh grade is the first year that she can take a STEM class as an elective.

 

[gichicdoc]

Elaine-

Sarah's team # is 862 and their colors are bright orange and royal blue.
I am sure she would be thrilled if you came by and checked out their pit. They have a big team (60+) although only 40-45 will be going to St. Louis.

We did include her work on the robotics team in her college apps although we haven't applied for any of the scholarships. I keep meaning to do that -- too much Disney time

That is so cool that you have done so much for and with FIRST!

I warned Sarah about the building "tech and engineering" enthusiasm in this group and about our meet-and-greet plans. She was like "isn't the meet supposed to be for kids to meet each other and make friends?" I said that on Disney cruises, we are all just Big Kids


Deb-
It sounds like your HS has a pretty awesome and well-organized program with SMERT. I checked out the website and it looks like a great model for other schools to follow. I'm going to show it to Team #862 faculty-mentors.

Cheers Everyone!

I can't wait for this cruise!

 

[betsy2010]

I picked up something special for Peter. I hope he enjoy's it. It's from Aria.

Tad that is so kind of you! Peter will be thrilled - we've been looking for a little something for Aria as well
Betsy

 

[betsy2010]

Talie - tell him to go for it! I'm in!

Tad - I've worked B-2, F-22, and Reusable Launch Vehicle! We'll have to talk.

My dh would definitely love an engineer's tour - I think he forgot it was engineer's week as well! sounds like it's going to be 'geek central" (I say that as a fellow geek
Betsy

 

[minie_meese]

I was just looking at the Disney shore excursions and saw that there is a Cabo Beach Resort Getaway listed. I think I remember a few people talking about their beach getaway getting canceled. If that's the case you may want to check the excursions again. We have the Coast Hilights (the one with the glass blowing) booked and it is still not listed as something you can book. We booked it before the itinerary changed and it is still listed on our itinerary.

 

[minie_meese]

Looks like the weather isn't going to be all that great in LA next weekend. 30% chance of rain isn't going to make or break a day at DL but it doesn't look like it is going to be sunny and warm.

We'll make sure we have warm clothes. While I'd love 80 and sunny, 60 and no snow is going to feel like the tropics to us.