FEBRUARY 14, 2009 (very early roll-call!)

[rubbergypsy]

hi everyone, well i finally booked the inbound air, airtran 109 nonstop rochester to orlando on wed feb11, evening flight, did not really want to go on wed but could not stand shopping around for the flights anymore. what a relief. just have to worry about return flight, perhaps we will just stay there!! so that gives us a couple of days to play in the world which will make my son happy.

 

[vavalynn2]

Rubbergypsy- Great Deal! It must be a relief to know that you will be getting there. Good luck with the return flight.

 

[disnutt]

Jodi- My 'Burgh to Boat ultra is my private answer to expensive airline tix. I was joking that I would convince my family to run from Pittsburgh to Florida to catch the ship. Just a bad running joke! I'd be willing but don't think the rest of the gang would do it! Also, it's my 1st CDC! I'm excited but worried about the heat after last year's marathon there.

Grizbuzz If you understood my pace you wouldn't be so impressed. I like long, SLOW, runs! I'm just lucky that I was stupid enough to think I could do the Disney marathon for Team in Training with only 6 months 'training' to get me started. I did do it because I didn't know any better so now I'm working my way down the race ladder and trying to develop speed vs endurance. To me that's much harder.

I would recommend using one of the Disney runs as motivation if you want a nice location!

As a matter of fact I did my 11 yr anniversary of my 1st marathon training run on June 21! I took my 12 yo out with me and we did a pleasant 3.1 mile run! She's training w/ me for the Tower of Terror!

OK, back to this cruise thing! I'm starting to look at kid's sale clothes especially dressy stuff for the cruise. I'm not a good clothes planner so I have no idea what size to get for them. Maybe one size up from now as they are all actively growing? I'd like to have nice dresses for formal night. Nothing really formal but nice for the girls. Maybe some nice pants/shirt/tie for the little guy. I know we won't do the tux thing but we can kick it up a couple notches.

Now if SWA would just get to posting! I'm afraid I'm going to have to fly some other airline!

Have a great Wednesday!
Kiena

 

[Jodi]

Kiena - Oh, DUH!! Good joke, though. I didn't realize you were from Pittsburgh...or did I? Anyways, just slow . I thought it was something like that NH Mountains to Beach run... . I'm beginning to think that we're going to be spending $200 each way on airfare w/ SW. I'm trying to figure out if it'll be worth flying in on THURS instead of Fri. if the fares are a lot cheaper that day. .

I've been thinking about buying some clearance summer stuff, too in the next few weeks for the boys - I'm not sure that we'll be going to the formal night dinner, still have to convince DH to pack a suit....not likely . Besides, if others are in a tux, he'll feel like a "tool" in a "cheesy" suit . Oh well.

RubberG! - Nice deal on that outbound flight!! . Who cares about getting home, right??

Grizbuzz - Good luck with that 10k! Hey, I only started running in the summer of '05 & my main motivation was b/c I signed up for the Disney World 1/2 marathon for Jan '06. Definitely needed somewhere fun if I was gonna run 13.1 miles . You should sign up for the Disney Princess marathon in March of '09, you'd have plenty of time to train. I recommend buying the book "Marathoning for Mortals" if you decide to start training. It's an invaluable tool, for sure! They have run/walk plans as well as just running plans. Check it out of your library, maybe!! Good luck!!

Patty - Did you get some good shopping in the other day??

Hello to Jodi & VAVA!

 

[Jodijo]

Hi Everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your summer.

As I mentioned before, we took this same cruise in Feb 08. (We are so excited to be doing it with all of you in Feb.09) Anyway, I have been working on posting photos and scanning documents into my website. I thought some of you might be interested in seeing what you have to look forward to.

Disney Cruise 08

Enjoy!!!

 

[disnutt]

Hi Everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your summer.

As I mentioned before, we took this same cruise in Feb 08. (We are so excited to be doing it with all of you in Feb.09) Anyway, I have been working on posting photos and scanning documents into my website. I thought some of you might be interested in seeing what you have to look forward to.

Disney Cruise 08

Enjoy!!!

Jodijo Thanks for posting the link! The kids and I enjoyed watching the slide show. I don't really want to be late to CC but getting free rentals sure would soften the blow!

 

[vavalynn2]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to share my constant enthusiasm for the cruise in Feb!

I brought it up to DH again yesterday and he said it was far, far away. I shared that it just around the corner. Final deposits are due in just a few short months.

Okay, so it might be a while until we go- but I am still looking forward to it.

I looked over the itin and noticed we would be there for Valentines Day. Dont ask me what took me so long to see that. How crowded do you think Palo will be on that night? Do you think they will do anything special for that day?

Happy Weekend and Happy Summer!

 

[disnutt]

Vava- I was wondering if the spa would be open on Valentine's Day. I had read about that exotic shower thing for 2. I haven't read anything about if the spa is open on the first night of the cruise.

 

[grizbuzz]

Jodijo--Thanks for posting the pictures. I really enjoyed looking through all of them!

Jodi and Diznutt--I'd LOVE to sign up for the Princess Marathon in '09 but I'm afraid I can't swing a Feb cruise trip and then another March trip this coming year. But I'm definitely planning, hoping, dreaming to get to a WDW half marathon eventually - hopefully in 2010.

I did finally register for my first half marathon, btw. I signed up for the Huntington Beach run for Feb 1, 2009. Looks beautiful, not too hilly and who knows, perhaps I can make a stop to DL while I'm in Southern California.

I looked for Marathon for Mortals at the book store this weekend, but it wasn't there, so I think I'm going to have to get this online. I did get ChiRunning which is pretty interesting.

vavalynn -I'm hoping for a Palo Valentine's dinner with DH!

All--Have a great week

 

[Jodi]

I did finally register for my first half marathon, btw. I signed up for the Huntington Beach run for Feb 1, 2009. Looks beautiful, not too hilly and who knows, perhaps I can make a stop to DL while I'm in Southern California.

I looked for Marathon for Mortals at the book store this weekend, but it wasn't there, so I think I'm going to have to get this online. I did get ChiRunning which is pretty interesting.

Grizzbuzz - Congrats for signing up for your first 1/2!! Good for you!!! Huntington Beach?? I'm so jealous! DL is a definite "stopover" while down there, eh? . Definitely sign up for WDW 1/2 in '10, but be forewarned that this event sells out in about a month, so look to sign up in Jan of '09!!

I can't believe you bought ChiRunning!!! That is my BIBLE!!! That book has done wonders for me, it's tough @ first, but stick with it, you won't be sorry. That, coupled with "Marathoning for Mortals" & you'll be unstoppable!!

VaVa - Hey, it's not that far away!! You're right! Tell your DH that even MY ogre DH is starting to talk about it . I've been wondering as well if they'll do anything special on V-Day.

Kiena - I've thinking about getting a week long pass for the Rainforest Room or whatever it is . Anyone know anything firsthand about this place???

NameSake - Thanks SO much for posting your info & pix! Absolutely loved scrolling through! I'm SO psyched!

Patty - Where are you, woman??

Happy rest of Tuesday!

 

[disnutt]

Grizzbuzz- Congrats on signing up for your half! I've got ChiRunning and haven't read it. Now that you've got it and Jodi is praising it I guess I better get it off the shelf.

Jodi Do they have more than one of those rooms at the spa? I hope so because we'll be in there a lot!

Where is Patty?

Hope everyone else is going to have a great 4th! We're just going to cook out and hang out!

 

[Snow What]

Hi All,
I love the DIS! Read 'em all the time. My first post.
My family , DH , DD5 , DD 3 and I are cruising this week (FEB 14). We are travelling with two other families (in-laws and cousins) for a total of 6 adults and 8 children (ages 13-3). We can't wait. We have cabins together .

I have my airfare, and talk about stressful!! 308pp out of BOS. I had to purchase 3 separate itineraries, 1 tix @ 209, 1 @ 274 and 2 @ 374 on Delta NON-stop, leaving on thursday. Our original plan was to go out on Friday the 13th and stay at the Hyatt with the rest of the family, but I got better airfare on Thursday. I can't decide whether to use DVC points to stay at WDW or pay for a cheap hotel somewhere else. I may want to use my points for a longer stay at WDW in the future, unless I decide that cruising is the only way to go! NO WAY, I need my annual WDW fix.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Welcome Snowwhat. Is this your first Disney cruise? You got a great price on your airfare. These days $300.00 is a bargain. I have the link for the Hyatt coupon for $135.00 if you need it. We are staying there on the 13th & on the 21st. Are you renting a car?

My advice to you & all who have purchased there airline tickets, is to check your flights at least once a week, & hope not for a change. If there is, & your not happy, ask us first before you do anything.

Our AA flight non stop home to LGA has be totally canceled. Without our knowledge AA is now not flying into LGA anymore. We were automatically switched to JFK. No worries, I am going to have a limo pick us up at JFK. No stress. LOL

Hi "everybody" glad you all missed me. I have been selling away on ebay. My trip is just about paid in full. Thanks to ebay LOL

Anybody going away for the 4th. We usually watch Macys fireworks on DH's boat. Gas is so.....high, that we had to sell it so no NY fireworks this year. We will go to the parade & local town fireworks

What is everyone doing this weekend?

 

[Snow What]

YES, our first Disney cruise. We did Carnival in the 90's before we were married.
I had more problems with Delta in OCT 07 (and Dec 05) with schedule and equipment changes. Our times and seats were changed and my 2 and 4 year old had seats all alone. I routinely check the flights. Now I call Delta after booking on line and ask that the party not be split up in the event of changes because I am travelling with young children.

PURTYPAT1, thanks for the Hyatt coupon offer, but we probably won't be staying there now that we are going two nights in advance.

I might consider renting a car. Cheaper than DCL bus or private limo. And you can go when you want. I'll spend the money on the return and possibly go with Happy Limo back to the airport.
The only thing holding me back now is dealing with my luggage. If I do DCL busses, then once I check in for the bus, I don't have to worry about it until I need to unpack on the ship.
Can you drive your luggage to the port THEN return your car and take the shuttle to the port with only your carry ons?

 

[grizbuzz]

Welcome Snow What!

Looks like your darling princesses are same age as my little monsters. Perhaps they can meet at the kids club!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

YES, our first Disney cruise. We did Carnival in the 90's before we were married.
I had more problems with Delta in OCT 07 (and Dec 05) with schedule and equipment changes. Our times and seats were changed and my 2 and 4 year old had seats all alone. I routinely check the flights. Now I call Delta after booking on line and ask that the party not be split up in the event of changes because I am travelling with young children.

I have be going to Disney World with my DD13 for the last 7 years, twice a year. They always change our flights & seats. My DFIL was killed in a plane, so you can understand my fears of being separated (now you all know why my DH won't be with us on this trip) DD & I have never been separated in all of our trips, & I have never seen a family with young children separated. Keep checking & keep calling, be persistent. If Delta changes your flight, find a flight that you like, before you call Delta back & politely let them know that's the flight you would like. They are usually very accommodating. If you get an agent on the phone, that's not, hang up & try until you get one.

[/B]

PURTYPAT1, thanks for the Hyatt coupon offer, but we probably won't be staying there now that we are going two nights in advance.

Why not try, price line. I hear last month, lot's of people were getting the Hyatt for $80.00 on priceline. You can get a 4 star for under a $100.00

I might consider renting a car. Cheaper than DCL bus or private limo. And you can go when you want. I'll spend the money on the return and possibly go with Happy Limo back to the airport.

Look for the car now, & reserve it, while it is cheap & free to reserve. You can always cancel it later

The only thing holding me back now is dealing with my luggage. If I do DCL busses, then once I check in for the bus, I don't have to worry about it until I need to unpack on the ship.
Can you drive your luggage to the port THEN return your car and take the shuttle to the port with only your carry ons?

Yes you can drop your luggage & your family off at the port, it will be easier to do this. You family can actually check in I believe. I have read that families do this all the time on the boards. I am doing this also. I am going with another family, & will be dropping them off at the port. We are saving lot's of $$$$ my doing this.

 

[Snow What]

If Delta changes your flight, find a flight that you like, before you call Delta back & politely let them know that's the flight you would like. They are usually very accommodating. If you get an agent on the phone, that's not, hang up & try until you get one.

I will give a Delta rep one chance to fix the situation and if I run into any problems I automatically ask for a supervisor. On our flight in DEC 05, I was handed boarding passes at the gate for two seats together and 2 single seats. I just told the gate agent that I will let the flight crew deal with it and take care of my 10 month old. They quickly resolved the problem. But we sat 2 and 2 in consecutive rows.

Why not try, price line. I hear last month, lot's of people were getting the Hyatt for $80.00 on priceline. You can get a 4 star for under a $100.00

I never tried it before. I might give it a go this time.

]

Look for the car now, & reserve it, while it is cheap & free to reserve. You can always cancel it later

I've done that a number of times, especially with all of the discount codes!
But now I am realizing that I need car seats for the kids...that can add significantly to the rental costs.

Decisions...decisions

 

[Snow What]

Looks like your darling princesses are same age as my little monsters.

I have a feeling that my oldest will find yours. Even though she does dancing school and dresses up as a princess, she thinks she is a boy.
I was talking to my husband about getting some fabric pirate 'hats' for everyone and suggested red with white polka dots for the girls and black for they boys and she jumped right in and told me she wanted a black one!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I am realizing that I need car seats for the kids...that can add significantly to the rental costs.

Decisions...decisions

Just a thought, but it might be much cheaper, for buying the car seats, cheap at a yard sale, & mail them down to the rent a car by Fedex ground, or if your staying at the airport hotel, send it to the Marriott (take there shuttle) there are rent a car places accross the street from the airport hotels. Again, just a thought .

 

[kimkreis]

Hoping to talk hubby into combining our 15th anniversary with a first Disney cruise with the kids. He said if I can get it for the 4 of us for under 3K then it is a go!!! They offered a military discount for this same time period last year so I am crossing my fingers another one comes out.

If we do get the cruise can someone tell me more about that spa dual shower thing?!!!! Sounds right up the alley for our anniversary.