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

[Jodi]

Hi PATTY!!!

Yep, I got my airfare when SW came out with their fares...NO bargains there! We're flying into Tampa on Thurs. the 12th & staying w/ my mom in Sarasota for 2 nights (she's a snowbird ), then will drive to the port Sat. a.m. Return flights are out of MCO on the 21st @ around 1. Tampa was definitely the cheaper way to go...I can't believe it's almost October . I'm actually headed to Disney tomorrow for 3 nights @ AKL w/ my son so we can run the Yeti 5k! Seems to be VERY hot down there

 

[Wachsdds]

We also got our packet about a week ago. I am not sure if all the packets are sent out at the same time. It may be related to when you can book excursions concierge, castaway club, and first timers). We also booked our air on Jet Blue with no great savings. We tried to use frequent flyer passes but could only use them on the way down. The return flights were gone for passes. I even tried after midnight the first day the schedule was opened.

 

[Snow What]

I did get my packet. My DH yelled to me that we got something from Disney in the mail...I yelled back it must be the cruise packet!! I was so excited. Then he burst my bubble by saying that it isn't anything important, because it is bulk mail. (he is a lettercarrier.)

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Jodi, have a great time!!!

My travel agent just email me, that she has my packet & it is on it's way.

Does anyone know if there are any casnios on the islands?

 

[Wachsdds]

There are casinos on St. Marteen

 

[lovesDCL]

i got my packet too!

thanks for everyone's replies to the food allergy concern! happy to read that no one has any!

btw...are the casinos on St. Maarten on the French or Dutch side?

we are thinking about the following excursions:
St. Maarten: Rhino Rider & Snorkeling Adventure
St. Thomas: Sea Trek Helmet Dive and maybe the Screamin' Eagle Jet Boat as well
Castaway Cay: Personal Watercraft Eco Tour

anyone heard anything about these or have first hand experience? any opinions/suggestions are welcome!

thanks!

hope everyone's planning is going well

 

[rubbergypsy]

Hi all have not written in awhile, but have been reading all incoming posts. We were on the Wonder 9/18-9/21. Weather was outstanding, ship was fab, had a cat 6 and believe me it will be hard to go back to a cat 9 for this trip but the prices are sky high as we are nearing the cruise date!! Stayed at Wilderness Lodge the night before the cruise and I was not impressed. Thought whole resort was too dark, even the rooms were dreary and dark. So glad to get back to saratoga Sunday over Monday. Makes me really appreciate the resort. We are however staying at akv before this cruise and I hope we are happy, just wanted the resort with the fewest points spent (dvc).
Hope everyone has their air. It will all be here soon!!!

 

[Jodijo]

Ok, am I the only one that has not gotten my packet? Should I be worried?

I finally got my flights! I got a great deal ($400 RT from CA) with United.

The only thing I have left to do is to make hotel reservations for the 13th. We do not get into MCO until almost 10pm so I am thinking of staying at the airport Hyatt. I know it is expensive but am not sure what else to do. I think it will be to late to pick up our luggage, rent a car, and drive to a hotel. What would you do in this situation?

 

[dwick]

Ok, am I the only one that has not gotten my packet? Should I be worried?

I still haven't received mine either....but I also haven't paid in full yet. Usually my packet arrives after full payment is made.

 

[disnutt]

Haven't received my packet yet either.

I need to ask for prayers and good wishes. My MIL who is coming on the cruise w/ us had a lumpectomy yesterday. They are sending it to pathology. The surgeon said he was 'somewhat' concerned by the look of it. There is a family history.

I don't know what, if any, effect this could have on our cruise planning.

Thanks

 

[lovesDCL]

I still haven't received mine either....but I also haven't paid in full yet. Usually my packet arrives after full payment is made.

hi dwick...we are not paid in full either but still got the packet like others have said, it's just excursion info... perhaps we got ours because we booked the REAS and can make reservations for palo and such at 105 days

whatever the reason...i hope you get your packet soon!

 

[lovesDCL]

Haven't received my packet yet either.

I need to ask for prayers and good wishes. My MIL who is coming on the cruise w/ us had a lumpectomy yesterday. They are sending it to pathology. The surgeon said he was 'somewhat' concerned by the look of it. There is a family history.

I don't know what, if any, effect this could have on our cruise planning.

Thanks

disnutt, here is some for your MIL. hope all turns out well...
will say a prayer for her

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi Everybody,
I just got an email from yapta.com wanted to give anyone from the NY area a heads up that hasn't gotten there fare.

There is a one way direct flight leaving from NY 2/22/09 MCO to JFK American flight # 630
Depart: Orlando (MCO) 12:10 pm
Arrive: New York (JFK) 2:55 pm
1 Coach ticket $164.00

Not a bad price for a direct flight.

disnut how is your DMIL?

 

[Jodi]

Haven't received my packet yet either.

I need to ask for prayers and good wishes. My MIL who is coming on the cruise w/ us had a lumpectomy yesterday. They are sending it to pathology. The surgeon said he was 'somewhat' concerned by the look of it. There is a family history.

I don't know what, if any, effect this could have on our cruise planning.

Thanks

Hi Kiena

Anxiously awaiting results...I hope all is well .

Just wanted to say "HI" to everyone else!! I feel very excited tonight about our cruise (not sure why tonight of all nights ). I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you!!

Jodi, I can't believe your airfare from CA!!! I'm TOOOO jealous! Good for you!

 

[Jodijo]

Jodi, I can't believe your airfare from CA!!! I'm TOOOO jealous! Good for you!

It took a lot of research and patience but it was worth it. I just made our final cruise payment today as well. Now, I am getting super excited!!!!

 

[disnutt]

We still haven't heard anything about the test results for my MIL! How long does this stuff take? I'm concerned that she might withhold info. She might be awkward talking about it with her sons (no DD's for her). I don't know.

I'm hoping that no news is good news. We're still on board. I want to send in the last payment but now with this...

My 12 yo DD and I are still planning to leave for WDW in one week for the Tower of Terror run! I'm so excited about that!

 

[vavalynn2]

Hello everyone!! It has been a while, but fall has been busy.

Unfortunately, this weekend we made the decision to cancel the cruise.

We compromised and will be going to Florida for the week (on the excellent airfare I purchased this past April), staying a few days with fam and the rest at OKW.

We had a few things change here at home and will splurge on a cruise further down the road.

But we look forward to going back to the world!

Have a great cruise everyone!

Take care!

 

[Jodijo]

Unfortunately, this weekend we made the decision to cancel the cruise.

We compromised and will be going to Florida for the week (on the excellent airfare I purchased this past April), staying a few days with fam and the rest at OKW.

I am so sorry that you will not be cruising with us. However, I am envious of the fact that you will have a week at WDW. I love the cruise but would much rather be in WDW.

Have a wonderful time with your family!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hello everyone!! It has been a while, but fall has been busy.

Unfortunately, this weekend we made the decision to cancel the cruise.

We compromised and will be going to Florida for the week (on the excellent airfare I purchased this past April), staying a few days with fam and the rest at OKW.

We had a few things change here at home and will splurge on a cruise further down the road.

But we look forward to going back to the world!

Have a great cruise everyone!

Take care!

There will be plenty of cruises for the 2 of you!!!! You are going to have a great time at the world.

Hi everyone, it's been a very sad time for my family, ending with the loss of my Dad a few days ago.

Life is truly a gift, sometimes with all of the madness we tend to forget the little things.

Anyway, I am back & just wanted to hey to everyone.

 

[Jodijo]

Hi everyone, it's been a very sad time for my family, ending with the loss of my Dad a few days ago.

Life is truly a gift, sometimes with all of the madness we tend to forget the little things.

I am so sorry about your Dad. I lost my mother a few years ago and it is a difficult thing to go through. My thought are with you and your family.