Answers to the Questions of the Day:
My name is Valerie and I'm a Disneyaholic.
December 9 * What time are you scheduled to arrive? We arrive Jan 31 to enjoy days of DL before our cruise.
December 10 * What inspired you to book this vacation? This year is my big 5-0h.

My friend and I decided we would do a cruise between our 50th birthdays. I knew I wanted to do a
Disney cruise!
December 11 * Whats up with your DISboard name? Nothing exciting. First & middle initials followed by last name.
December 12 * Ages and sex of those in your group? Me (49), DS (7) (okay, so I got a late start!) and friend Lori (50).
December 13 * What kind of vacation planner are you? I try to get a good handle on what's happening and try to have a general plan but give plenty of flexibility.
December 14 * How formal are you going for formal night? I am planning on having a real nice top and long skirt combo. Being shaped like Pooh bear kinda limits my dress options.
December 15 * Where are you from and tell us a bit about your hometown.
I am an Alaskan Transplant living in Anchorage, Alaska for over 30 years. Winters here are nicer, IMHO, than those in Madison, Wisconsin where I spent the first 14 years of my life. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and 40 miles south of Wasilla, Alaska (that town some folks may have heard about in last presidential race


). I really wish Disney would bring the Wonder up to Anchorage or even Seward (3 hrs away) when in Alaska!
December 16 * Disney newbie or an expert? I would put myself somewhere inbetween. Last Disney vacation was just over 2 years ago to
Disneyland when DS turned 5. I was at WDW the first time a couple years after it opened with my girl scout troop when Epcot was still in the planning stages. Ive had multiple visits to both Disneyland and WDW but it seems like more to Disneyland since its a bit closer.
December 17 * What are you looking forward to the most about the cruise? Being on a cruise!

This will be my first cruise, so am looking forward to it. Am hoping that the kids clubs will keep DS well entertained so I can have some me & friend time to enjoy the cruise.
December 18 * What do you do? Or not. Or used to do. I work for the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources in the information technology area. I try to keep our web server environment running and get to do everything the developing web pages to working on web applications to installing software on the servers.

In my former work life, I worked in different areas academic computing at the local University.
December 19 * What is a unique Disney Cruising tip you have? Hmmm, hard to say since it is my first cruise and first Disney Cruise. Ill go with read the forums and trip reports of others before you go!
December 20 * Favorite Disney film? Oooo. Too hard.

I cant pick one above another. I like Loin King, Lilo & Stitch, Toy Story, Wall-e, Cars, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.
December 21 * What are your plans for the holidays? We spent the holidays in Wasilla, Alaska where my folks are. Fun was had by all!
December 22 * What is your favorite food item? Pizza! Or dessert. Ooooo some many choices. And from my shape (round) it shows!
December 23 * How many times have you cruised with Disney? Zero, 0, nada.
December 24 * What are you eating tonight? We had Moms lasagna. (Nope, we didnt invite Garfield).
December 25 * Whats the funniest holiday story you have? Not a winter holdiay story.... But over a long 4th of July holiday a number of years ago the condo association had roof work being done and the contractors left the vent covers off the vents including one leading into the bathroom plumbing. My husband sat down on the throne to do his business when he got bumped on his bottom.

He proceeded to trap a little red squirrel (chipmunk size) between the seats of the toilet and yells for me. We caught the squirrel in a towel. My husband did not get a good grip and the errant visitor ran between the cabinet and the wall. We ended up keeping the door shut and used a live trap. Now, this was one stupid squirrel.

We have a house full of CATS. They were ever present at that shut bathroom door. When we released the fellow outside he went to the nearest tree and cussed up a storm at us (and the cats, Im sure)!!!!
December 26 * What is/was your favorite gift? The one I gave my son; he got told for his birthday in early December about the cruise. Then for Christmas he learned he also gets to go to Disneyland. He can not wait for the Jedi training academy and to visit Mexico on the cruise ship.
December 27 * Do you have any surprises for a fellow traveler? Oh course (cue evil laugh).
December 29 * Have you ever had an Its a Small World experience? Of course! It happens in Alaska a lot with a moving and military population. The den mother for my sons scouts just moved up from my old hometown, Madison.
December 30 * Who wants a Facebook group? Yes. Waiting on approval to join the current group.
December 31 * Do you have a New Year's resolution? Nope. Im either gonna do something or not.
January 2 * Whats the weather like in your neck of the woods? (muttering nasty, undisney words). Im not usually one to grumble about the weather much, after all it is winter in Alaska!!!! But this winter has been unusually crazy with more on the way. Forecast is for another 8-12 inches tonight. I am sooooo ready for Disneyland and the cruise!!!!!
January 3 * Do you have main seating or late seating for dinner? Main
January 4 * Are you bringing drinks on board? If so, what? Nope. I drink much and I go to sleep. Pretty boring. I may enjoy some on board since I dont have to drive!!!!! ;-)
January 5 * What excursions has everyone booked? Pirate Boat Sail & Snorkel Adventure in PV, San Jose City Tour first day in Cabo and Cabo Dolphin Swim second day.
January 6 * What kind of heat are you packing? Of course I'm talking about shooting photos, not people! Sony Cybershot (12mp), Motorola Milestone (8mp), possibly Flip HD
January 7 * Are you making any special purchases for the cruise? Ive been working on this for a while... new luggage, new swimsuit, stuff for formal night, travel curling iron, travel hair dryer and general new clothes using the trip as the excuse....
January 8 * Who would be interested in an early morning port meet-up? This is in addition to the official DisMeet/FE Meet. I dont know if I will be on board early enough though - my scheduled time is 12:30-1pm. Otherwise yes!
January 9 * Are you dressing up for Pirate Night? Oh jeepers, I hadnt even thought about it! Dont have anything ready to grab. Will have to think on it....
January 10 * Maybe the DISboards logo with "Ahoy WONDERing Mateys!" However, "Tundra to Tropics" fits us just fine!
January 11 * How are you getting to port? Plane, Train or Automobile (a combination of the above is allowed, of course). Plane and probably bus from DL...