February 17, 2007

[PhotoLisa]

Good morning all! We slipped too far down page 2 so here is our bump for the day.

Things are absolutely NUTS in Louisiana right now. If the Saints beat the Bears tomorrow, this entire state is going to shut down and you'll feel a surge of electricity where you are, no matter where that is. The hype is unbelievable. I think all the southern parishes declared yesterday black and gold day -- all the school kids and businesses were sporting their Drew Brees and Reggie Bush jerseys and Saints garb. I'll be out at a local sports bar to catch the reaction of patrons at the game's end for the paper. Of course, the city editor reminded me that looks of devastation make the best images -- just in case.

I guess its time for me to get in the closet and decide if I need to go buy any clothes for the cruise. I know I can use some new shirts to go with my shorts. Need to make sure I can wear all the items I have for dinner - including formal and semi formal nights.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Good morning all! We slipped too far down page 2 so here is our bump for the day.

Things are absolutely NUTS in Louisiana right now. If the Saints beat the Bears tomorrow, this entire state is going to shut down and you'll feel a surge of electricity where you are, no matter where that is. The hype is unbelievable. I think all the southern parishes declared yesterday black and gold day -- all the school kids and businesses were sporting their Drew Brees and Reggie Bush jerseys and Saints garb. I'll be out at a local sports bar to catch the reaction of patrons at the game's end for the paper. Of course, the city editor reminded me that looks of devastation make the best images -- just in case.

I guess its time for me to get in the closet and decide if I need to go buy any clothes for the cruise. I know I can use some new shirts to go with my shorts. Need to make sure I can wear all the items I have for dinner - including formal and semi formal nights.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I can relate to the craziness!! I live in Massachusetts. If the Patriots win Sunday, they go to the Superbowl (again ). Yesterday at school, everyone had Patriots shirts/hats/colors (students and teachers alike). Everyone is so hyped up! My 72 y/o mom has even been watching the last 2 games. Our Sunday is planned around the game, as is the rest of the area. I am not complaining! GO PATS!! Even the dis cheerlearder has the Pat's colors on her pom-pom!

 

[PhotoLisa]

In the 40-year history of the Saints, they have never been this far in the playoffs -- heck, had only made the playoffs once before and were eliminated in the first round.

This has been a dream of the faithful (and the departed) for a very long time. And I know you realize, if your PATS win and our SAINTS win, we will be competitors in the SuperBowl and the whole country will root for the new America's team! Hehe . . .

But if the Saints win and Pats lose, Louisiana's grandson (Archie's son, Payton) will be pitted against his hometown team.

We are hoping for devine intervention to heal the field in Chicago (its not in good shape at all), make it a fast field so we can use all of our guns, and make the snow stop way before gametime. We have a special guardian angel looking down on us -- Sportscaster Buddy D -- who passed away within the last year.

Did you catch Ellen DeGeneres' sports report yesterday on her show profiling the games this weekend? It was pretty darned funny.

One thing this Saints frenzy has done is pump lots of dollars into the New Orleans and the entire state's economy -- you can't find Saints jerseys or shirts anywhere. Academy Sports received a shipment Thursday and there were at least 200 people waiting in line -- complete with the security of the local police department to be sure there was no unrest. Now THAT is crazy!

 

[VivianDigi]

Sorry that the Saints fans are dominating the board here. I keep saying the city is slowly recovering from Hurricane Katrina, but I don't know that it would be able to recover if the Saints go to the superbowl.

Also thanks for the tip on the pirate stuff at Target, I found some this week too.

 

[PhotoLisa]

Sorry that the Saints fans are dominating the board here. I keep saying the city is slowly recovering from Hurricane Katrina, but I don't know that it would be able to recover if the Saints go to the superbowl.

Also thanks for the tip on the pirate stuff at Target, I found some this week too.

Vivian:

Did you get to watch the WWL-TV news yesterday morning. They had the Bless You Boys guy there singing. He was BALD!!! He's the same guy that is on the Spirit of New Orleans commercials too -- dark, long hair.

The newscast yesterday morning was so funny. They were really cutting up. It was to the point at one time that Dawn couldn't do the weather forecast because she was laughing so much. Jill was out in the schools and the kids were secondlining and Jill was cheering with pom-poms. I usually watch the Today Show but Channel 4 News just kept me hooked.

Lisa

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

I think I am in DCL overload, the dreams are starting...LOL
Last night I dreamt I opened my luggage and it was filled with over the door shoe bags and little paper umbrellas.

 

[PhotoLisa]

I think I am in DCL overload, the dreams are starting...LOL
Last night I dreamt I opened my luggage and it was filled with over the door shoe bags and little paper umbrellas.

When I woke up this morning, I suddenly wondered how I would fit everything in my luggage! The first thing I thought about was the over the door shoe holder! LOL

Its not like I haven't done this before and everything always fit.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

I don't know why I am getting stressed about this cruise. I am an obsessive planner, but everything is done. All I need to do is pack, but sheesh! I have a few weeks. I usually start to destress and get more anticipatory as a vacation gets closer. Oh well, I am sure my frame of mind will change. I just hope it happens soon. Maybe some extra time on the treadmill today will help.

 

[evebo]

I don't know if any of you have Dillards in your area. I went yesterday and they had formal/semi- formal dresses for $20.00. Also,at jcpenney almost everything was at 70% off.
PhotoLisa- Thanks again for all your help.
Evelyn

 

[PhotoLisa]

All of my formal and semiformal attire comes from Dillards. They always have great sales on that stuff! Maybe I'll have to take a stop in there this weekend, with Courtney especially -- I don't know if I could talk her into finding her prom dress and wearing on the cruise as her formal attire.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

I don't know if any of you have Dillards in your area. I went yesterday and they had formal/semi- formal dresses for $20.00. Also,at jcpenney almost everything was at 70% off.
PhotoLisa- Thanks again for all your help.
Evelyn

We don't have Dillards, but I may check JC Penneys this week if I get a chance. It would be nice to surprise myself and find a dress I like.

 

[stuffed w/fluff]

Hello!
My name is Glory-Anne and my family will be on our first Disney cruise with all of you! I've been on the kids thread with my daughter Morgan.

I have been through these threads countless time! It's nice to know I'm not alone! I have three good sized boxes ready to ship out sunday morning filled with all of the things I can't do without - that won't fit into my suitcase!!! You'd think I was a pro at this! Yes my family just rolls their eyes at me - but I always give them a great vacation!!!

In fact we have been booked since Oct 2005!! Now look we can almost count the days on our own fingers and toes and only need to borrow a few from whoever is sitting next to us! Sorry - I majored in art not math!

I've got to find some packing tape to close my boxes now!
Glory-Anne
Family Event Coordinator

 

[PhotoLisa]

Sue:
Availability as of 1/18/07

Cat 4 -- 3
Cat 5 -- 1
Cat 6 -- 3
Cat 7 -- 8
Cat 8 - GTY
Cat 9 - GTY
Cat 10 - 5
Cat 11 -- 8

As of tonight (1/20/07), these are the availabilities. There are some rooms being booked (or upgrades from 12 to 11) since the 18th because there are at least 2 rooms that were available on that day that are no longer listed but the number (8) is shown as available.

Cat 4 - 5
Cat 5 - 1
Cat 6 - 6
Cat 7 - 8 6634 is gone but still shows 8 rooms
Cat 8 - GTY
Cat 9 - GTY
Cat 10 - 4
Cat 11 - 8 (different room numbers for at least 2 of those available now)

Look at the different numbers shown between the 2 dates. Kinda weird! 3 more Cat 6's today than 2 days ago -- 2 more Cat 4's available . . .

I wonder what kind of shuffling around of rooms DCL is doing. I'd volunteer for an upgrade if they need my cat 6 room! I'm sure the girls would take 6626 (cat 6) off their hands too!

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Hello!
My name is Glory-Anne and my family will be on our first Disney cruise with all of you! I've been on the kids thread with my daughter Morgan.

I have been through these threads countless time! It's nice to know I'm not alone! I have three good sized boxes ready to ship out sunday morning filled with all of the things I can't do without - that won't fit into my suitcase!!! You'd think I was a pro at this! Yes my family just rolls their eyes at me - but I always give them a great vacation!!!

In fact we have been booked since Oct 2005!! Now look we can almost count the days on our own fingers and toes and only need to borrow a few from whoever is sitting next to us! Sorry - I majored in art not math!

I've got to find some packing tape to close my boxes now!
Glory-Anne
Family Event Coordinator

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

As of tonight (1/20/07), these are the availabilities. There are some rooms being booked (or upgrades from 12 to 11) since the 18th because there are at least 2 rooms that were available on that day that are no longer listed but the number (8) is shown as available.

Cat 4 - 5
Cat 5 - 1
Cat 6 - 6
Cat 7 - 8 6634 is gone but still shows 8 rooms
Cat 8 - GTY
Cat 9 - GTY
Cat 10 - 4
Cat 11 - 8 (different room numbers for at least 2 of those available now)

Look at the different numbers shown between the 2 dates. Kinda weird! 3 more Cat 6's today than 2 days ago -- 2 more Cat 4's available . . .

I wonder what kind of shuffling around of rooms DCL is doing. I'd volunteer for an upgrade if they need my cat 6 room! I'm sure the girls would take 6626 (cat 6) off their hands too!

I'd happily give up my cat 8 for a veranda!! But I know it won't happen because we have connecting rooms (Yes, I checked, LOL, no connecting rooms left w/verandas).
Lisa, I noticed the same thing. Do you think they are moving people around so the site shows availability in all categories? That way, last minute sailings are availible in all categories??
I think I am over my mini stressout over the cruise. I did a little work on my packing lists and what I need to buy--surprisingly not much. The news about Penney's sale brightened me up a bit-I am going shopping Tueday if I don't have to work. I am making the turn to excitement now, so look out!!

 

[christinou]

I will happily give up my 9 for a 6 or 5 or 4...
Well you get the idea.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

I have a list, and am clear about liquids that can't be brought on the plane. My question is about prepacked crackers/gum/lifesavers, etc. Can we bring those through the checkpoint, or do we have to hunt for them on the other side? I prefer the individually packed lifesavers, because they don't get gross, and I usually buy them for everyone at Wal-Mart before we go. I checked the TSA site and Southwest, and there was no mention. Do you think my assumption that I can bring them is correct? I wouldn't bring anything that has filling, just plain ole' gume and indiv. packed lifesavers.

(Wow, if I am this far in my planning, the trip must be getting close!!)

Have any of you had experience with this?
(I know I could have asked on the main forum, but I was here, and I am too lazy to switch--gotta get stuff cooking for the big game.)

 

[kcashner]

I think what is happening with the room availability is twofold. First, most sites that list available rooms will only list eight in a category regardless of how many are really available. Secondly, DCL is possibly still in the process of assigning gty guests to cabins and shuffling cabins.

When we booked thru a TA into an assigned room and were offered an upgrade, we were called by the TA. She said that DCL had made the offer and we had 48 hours to accept it or stick with our previously booked room. (Hmmmm....did I really need time to think about this--NO!) Since our 30 days out (when cabin assignments are made to gty guests) was 1/18, they could still be in the process of offering some upgrades and waiting to hear back from people.

I've noticed the differences in rooms supposedly available on the web also. Ah well, I can continue to dream.

BTY, my DD has enjoyed chatting with some of the kids who will be with her in the Stack.

 

[6powaydisneyfans]

Our daughter is 14 too. Please PM me and they can exchange emails.

 

[6powaydisneyfans]

We started a Mickey countdown the other day. We trimmed the Mickey paint samples from Home Depot (thank you Home Depot!), I numbered them and we taped them to the mantle. Everyday taking down a Mickey, means the trip is getting closer. I too am starting to pick some things up. The picture mat is to get signed my the characters. I read on a thread that you can take it to guest services and they will get the characters to sign it. Apparently, there is a form that you fill out stating which characters you want to sign (princesses, Pooh, all...). The over the door hanger I had also read about on a thread. Some people have found them to be handy to keep little things organized. Especially since there will be 4 of us in one room. Sue, I know what you mean about the ice on the trees and bushes, we have that too. It looks like they are covered in glass, very pretty.

What size mat are you bringing to sign?