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

[PURTYPAT1]

i see this morning that united has a fight out of rochester on 2/12, we are planning on leaving that day. It is 100.00 each making it 300.00 total for the trip out, I hesitate to take it because I am so spoiled by non stop flights. I also worry in the winter that making connections could be problematic. Airtran is my carrier of choice but their fares will not be out for Feb for awhile. This is however a great price.

Hard call,because you are leaving on the 12th I myself, would probably grab it. It is going to be few & far finding $100.00 fares for Presidents week. If there is likely a storm, you could leave the night before (I have done this with an airline, free of charge) or if not, & there is a storm, you still have 2 days to play with to get down there. You might want to go to "Access America & get insurance. I always worry about traveling in Feburary. Where is your connection?

 

[rubbergypsy]

the connecting city was dc

 

[vavalynn2]

We're going to be staying at the Hyatt too. Are you taking the DCL coach?

I checked out the flights on AA. I'm definitely considering the LGA to MCO flight at $144. Unfortunately the flights back don't work out. It shows the 12:40pm flight as unavailable, and the other flights are at 7:55am and 8:45pm and the 8:45pm flight is $204. The one direct flight to JFK on 2/21 is at 12:10pm and is $244. I wish JetBlue would come out with their flights.

We will also be staying at the Hyatt the night before. We decided to rent a car with Avis. I had enough points on my chase card to get gift cards to make the trip virtually free (just taxes etc.) and we like the ability to stop and pick up anything we might have left at home.

On our first cruise, I was ever so thankful we did this. DH forgot ALL of his contacts at home. He only had his glasses which were not even his current prescription. We were thankful he sees someone at Lens Crafters since they were a national chain, so at 8:30 am we were scrambling to find the closest one. We found one in hopes to just pick up his prescription, but the script had expired. He needed a new eye exam !!!!! They were able to squeeze us in and we were headed to the port around noon.

I had original plans of lounging around, getting to port early, you know, a nice relaxing morning. It was all very stressful.

So, we will double check the contacts before we go, but will have the rental car in case of any last minute items or emergency doctors appointments.

 

[lauritagoddess]

We will also be staying at the Hyatt the night before. We decided to rent a car with Avis. I had enough points on my chase card to get gift cards to make the trip virtually free (just taxes etc.) and we like the ability to stop and pick up anything we might have left at home.

On our first cruise, I was ever so thankful we did this. DH forgot ALL of his contacts at home. He only had his glasses which were not even his current prescription. We were thankful he sees someone at Lens Crafters since they were a national chain, so at 8:30 am we were scrambling to find the closest one. We found one in hopes to just pick up his prescription, but the script had expired. He needed a new eye exam !!!!! They were able to squeeze us in and we were headed to the port around noon.

I had original plans of lounging around, getting to port early, you know, a nice relaxing morning. It was all very stressful.

So, we will double check the contacts before we go, but will have the rental car in case of any last minute items or emergency doctors appointments.

I would have been completely panicking if that had happened to me. Thank goodness your DH was able to get the new script and lenses.

I booked the DCL coach. The last time I took the coach but we were staying a Caribbean Beach and we didn't leave there until almost 12:45. By the time we checked in and were onboard we barely had time to eat lunch before it was time for the drill. My TA said that the coach leaves at 9:00am from the Hyatt which sounds much better to me.

 

[CelticPrncss]

Welcome CelticPrncss. Try to order a Disney Cruise passporter, or reserve one from your local libary. Lot's of helpful info.

Oh I already have my DCL Passporter, I am a big fan of that Guide, don't know how I ever did Disney without it before

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone

I have been away from the boards for a while, been a busy gal, between work ( a big inspection coming up) and home (getting ready for the in-laws to come for a visit) I need a vacation.

I was able to watch the Magic sail out to sea last week on the webcam, Scrooge also watched for a bit. Soon that will be all of us sailing out to sea

 

[vavalynn2]

FYI-
I just saw on the news that United and USairways will be charging 10 dollars extra for an aisle or window seat.

So to save money, you would have to put a family behind one another in the middle seat?

I know jetblue increased their prices to $10 for the seats with the most room in the front, but you could choose to sit in the back.

Argh. So if you want to go usair or united, you'll save if you book before the summer. Well, that is if you do not want to all fly in middle seats.

 

[Jodi]

FYI-
I just saw on the news that United and USairways will be charging 10 dollars extra for an aisle or window seat.

So to save money, you would have to put a family behind one another in the middle seat?

I know jetblue increased their prices to $10 for the seats with the most room in the front, but you could choose to sit in the back.

Argh. So if you want to go usair or united, you'll save if you book before the summer. Well, that is if you do not want to all fly in middle seats.

That's assanine!! I can't believe they're charging extra for those seats. And for the record, I'd seat my family all over the plane if it saved me a few bucks

Guess I oughta pick up the passporter guide for DCL, eh?

 

[lauritagoddess]

That's assanine!! I can't believe they're charging extra for those seats. And for the record, I'd seat my family all over the plane if it saved me a few bucks

I wouldn't pay the extra fee for JetBlue for the flights between NYC and Orlando, but I did actually pay the extra fee, which was $20 for each of us, for our flights back from Oakland in June. It's a difference of seat pitch of 34 inches and 38 inches. For a flight that's almost 6 hours with a child whose known to want to try and kick seatbacks, it seemed worth the extra $40.

 

[Jodi]

I wouldn't pay the extra fee for JetBlue for the flights between NYC and Orlando, but I did actually pay the extra fee, which was $20 for each of us, for our flights back from Oakland in June. It's a difference of seat pitch of 34 inches and 38 inches. For a flight that's almost 6 hours with a child whose known to want to try and kick seatbacks, it seemed worth the extra $40.

Your son sounds like my kind of kid!! OK, in that case I suppose it's worth the extra $!!

 

[lauritagoddess]

Your son sounds like my kind of kid!! OK, in that case I suppose it's worth the extra $!!

And I'm sure the people in the row in front of us will be happy too.

 

[Jodijo]

Disnutt - Oooh - Oooh, I'll have 2 13 y/o boys with me (DS & DstepS). Do you plan on letting your teen do the teen hangout? I've heard some un-Disney-like things go on there . My son's such a weenie he'd run out of there the minute something went down (very naieve...at least I THINK he is ).

!

Hi! We just booked and I thought I would read up on who else is going.

For this vacation, it will be Me, Jodi (I see there is another Jodi on the board! YEA!!!) and my DH Mitch. We are also bringing our 2 kids - thankfully they are in a separate room!

My DS is 13. I know he would like to meet others his own age. He is not much for hanging out at the kids clubs and I don't know if he is ready for the teen club.

I also have a daughter who will be 11 when we sail. She loves soccer! If any kidos are up for a game let me know!

I am very excited and can't wait until our trip.

Happy planning everyone!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi! We just booked and I thought I would read up on who else is going.

For this vacation, it will be Me, Jodi (I see there is another Jodi on the board! YEA!!!) and my DH Mitch. We are also bringing our 2 kids - thankfully they are in a separate room!

My DS is 13. I know he would like to meet others his own age. He is not much for hanging out at the kids clubs and I don't know if he is ready for the teen club.

I also have a daughter who will be 11 when we sail. She loves soccer! If any kidos are up for a game let me know!

I am very excited and can't wait until our trip.

Happy planning everyone!

Welcome Jodi

I see you were on the Last Feb cruise. Please tell us every thing. LOL

Did you fly the day before? If so, where did you stay? Did you take the Disney bus or rent a car?

Can we pick your brain?????? LOL

PS I have a DD 13 hoping to make friends with other teens (loves to pin trade)

 

[Jodi]

Welcome, Jodi - So nice to see another one...AND you spell your name right . I'm glad you'll be joining us in Feb., it's a great bunch here on this thread, I've learned so much!! My 2 13 y/o boys walked out of the kids club when they were 11 the first time we cruised . But last time we went they had the Oceaneer's club open where you could come & go...and of course there were video games there!! That was the big attraction!! Is your son into computers & all that techno stuff?

Hi everyone!!! We should all think about getting the kids "together" in cyberworld so they can get the "know" eachother beforehand. Not that I would know how to do that, but . Remeber, I'm technically challenged!!

 

[Jodijo]

Welcome Jodi

I see you were on the Last Feb cruise. Please tell us every thing. LOL

Did you fly the day before? If so, where did you stay? Did you take the Disney bus or rent a car?

Can we pick your brain?????? LOL

PS I have a DD 13 hoping to make friends with other teens (loves to pin trade)

Yes, we are doing the cruise again. We just loved it!

We like to fly at night. So, we got into Orlando on Friday morning and to the Disney bus to Port Orleans Riverside. We spent that day at MK. The next morning we hired a town car to take us to the port. We rented a car and went to Kennedy Space Center then the airport. The rental was MUCH cheeper than the Disney bus or town car service.

This time I think we will skip the Disney parks and fly during the day on Friday. I plan to get a cheep hotel and rent a car. To me it is the most economical way.

Jodi- (Gotta love that name) My son also loved the Oceaneer's club and is hooked on computer games. We will have to try to arrange a "Cyber" play date for them. (Ok, they are 13 and don't go on play dates anymore but is sounds so cute.) Any ideas on how?

 

[disnutt]

Jodijo-Glad to have you in the group! I've got to add the extra 'jo' so I don't get confused by the two Jodies (what's the plural of Jodi?)

 

[Jodi]

Jodijo-Glad to have you in the group! I've got to add the extra 'jo' so I don't get confused by the two Jodies (what's the plural of Jodi?)

UMM..., I think it's Jo-dye?

Jodijo - Playdate , that is such a cute word!! I have NO idea how we'd arrange a cyber-deal? The kids could probably tell us . There are other 13 y/o's on our little thread here going as well....girls . Which my DS is afraid of...perhaps if they ALL "met" b4 hand it wouldn't be so scary? And perhaps if they all felt comfortable with eachother (I know, i know, I'm really reaching here ) they'd go into the teen club as a group? You know, strength in numbers?? Otherwise my DS will stay clear of that place, I'm sure. Well, unless there are cool video games .

 

[Jodijo]

(what's the plural of Jodi?)

Goddesses, I believe!

 

[Jodijo]

UMM..., I think it's Jo-dye?

Jodijo - Playdate , that is such a cute word!! I have NO idea how we'd arrange a cyber-deal? The kids could probably tell us . There are other 13 y/o's on our little thread here going as well....girls . Which my DS is afraid of...perhaps if they ALL "met" b4 hand it wouldn't be so scary? And perhaps if they all felt comfortable with eachother (I know, i know, I'm really reaching here ) they'd go into the teen club as a group? You know, strength in numbers?? Otherwise my DS will stay clear of that place, I'm sure. Well, unless there are cool video games .

My son wont go to the teen club alone! It would be great if they went together. If not, I know that he would love to have some kids to hang out with in the Oceaneer's club. He is kind of shy and wont initiate conversation. I think that is why he did not like the kids club. He felt pressured to play with other kids he didn't know. Meeting ahead of time would make him more comfortable.

So, I will talk to my son and see if there is an online game that they can meet up in and play together.

 

[disnutt]

Jodi and Jodijo-

My (by then 13 yo) DD swears she's not going into the teen section. Unless this group thing catches on it will be the Oceaneer Club which really doesn't bother me a bit. I like them being a little scared.

However, my 8 yo DD is definitely ready! She just made cheerleader and now thinks she's hot stuff. How did they come out so differently?

Not to rub it in or anything but I'm heading to WDW on Thursday for the Minnie Marathon! I can't wait! I need my fix!! Anyone else doing Minnie?

Kiena

 

[Jodi]

Kiena - YOU WENCH !! I can't believe you're going to Minnie without me!! ARGHHHH! I wanted to go so bad (did the inaugural in '06), but just didn't sign up!! Your DD sounds like MY DS . They really should all "cybermeet" somehow... Is your DD into video games? I can't believe your DD8!! I really don't know how they turn out sooo different. It just goes to show ya...they're not our fault!!

Jodijo - My son plays a few different games on-line...let me know which one YOURS plays ... I'm SO clueless!!

I'm glad all these teens will potentially get together b4hand...that's so cool .