February 25, 2006 Western Magic Cruisers!!

[Edinafabs]

Hi Everyone,
Just to reconfirm, its me, 44, DH 44 and DD almost 7. DD likes playing with dolls, dressing up, music, dancing and singing. It'll be out 2nd Disney Cruise, although DH and I have been on some other cruise lines. Someone also suggested posting pics of the families-I think that would be great-if someone could direct me how to do it

We'll do Key West by ourselves, in Cozumel I'd love to get to Paradise Beach and now, after reading about RumPoint in Grand Cayman I'm looking into maybe going there. Last time in Grand Cayman we took a taxi to Cemetery Beach-lovely but small and only a port a potty available.

This time in Grand Cayman I think we'll take DISers suggestions and request some sandwiches and pack our lunch.

I'm dreaming of a white sandy beach with every Christmas card I write!

Eddy

 

[Aruba]

Looks like a full boat.. we are traveling as a small family this time... we are off celebrating the upcoming graduation of my daughter before she flys the coop for college. so only 3 of us...9me, Dh and DD 17)

 

[dreamakermom]

OK, before I forget... a few things...
First.... I think y DCL screen was over too far to the left and that is why I could not find the DVD part. HOWEVER, being as determined as I am.... I kept investigating and after 3 tries.... I finally got through. I may get 3 DVD's but there are 3 families going with us, so that willwork.
Second... I WAS able to pull up forms so I canfill them out before we go. Do I send them in or bring them with? Next, do we fill out forms per family or individual?
Next.... I just cannot wait to do BINGO!!!!!! you ALL will recognize me.... I will be the short female that just does not shut up (I am so excited!!!!). I will probably be laughing quite a bit and I will be with my Daughter for sure and my sister too, I am pretty sure. My daughter is 25 and pretty and will be constantly yelling (in a whispering voice..."Ma.....shush!!!!Ma!!!!" and my sister will either be laughing alot too or she just be in her smarty pants mode. We are nice but ready for some FUN!!!! So far I think I am the oldest in this group but most immatture for my age. I will try so hard to behave as I have fun.
To fill you in... I had a family of 4. Mom, Dad,sister and me. Us girls had kids... I had 4 and she had 2. We all lived in the same states for awhile and then spread apart. Two years ago my mom got cancer and her dying wish... to take her 2 daughters on a Carnival cruise. She did and it was great.Bittersweet, but great. This past year we lost BOTH parents and have no other family. So we decided to go on a cruise in memory of our mom, since she LOVED to cruise. I have my husband (38) and me (47) my 25 DD and 21 DS and 16DD and 13 DD and 4DGD ) THEN my sister 45, her Dh 54 their DS 21 and DD14 are going.
We are on deck 5 Cat8 I want to say.I have looked at many Navigators and alread out a mock daily schedule out for me....HOW SICK IS THAT???? I just know it is going to go (time) quick and I want to be prepared.
Biggest problem right now is when I try to login they say my birthday or something doesn't match. I hope I got a good agency!!! I want to do what everyone else will be doing tomorrow!!!! Any pointers? Karen

 

[MamaGriz]

We have an 11 year old DS who loves xbox, playstation, and gameboy video and magic card games. He loves science and sports of all kinds, and is really a sweetheart.

Our 8 year old DD is a high energy girl who gets bored by silly video games and loves to dress up, dance and have fun. She is shy at first, but it doesn't last long.

Its supposed to make it up to 20 degrees here tomorrow; a real heat wave after last week (can you say 15 below zero) We will be so ready for a vacation by February.

 

[kshabare]

Good morning everyone. Norman(DH), Joshua(11) and myself are so excited! Tomorrow is final payment day for us. I cannot wait for this trip. This is not our first but it always feels shiny and new! Can't wait to put my toes in the sand. As always I'd love to drop the extra flubber for the trip but I'm still using it for warmth. The other day the 7-10 inches of snow dropped on us was pretty brutal.

We're on deck two as well, for anyone who cares. lol

Kim from Connecticut!

oh, and I cannot wait for my Mickey Bar and cold melon soup either.

 

[rjh8115]

OK, before I forget... a few things...
Second... I WAS able to pull up forms so I canfill them out before we go. Do I send them in or bring them with? Next, do we fill out forms per family or individual?

Karen,
You just need to have the forms filled out prior to arriving at the port. You will get them pre-printed from DCL (through your TA) about 2 weeks prior to sail date. No need to fill anything else out ahead of time.

All,
I think today is our 75 day mark ! Time to make ressies and register the kids for the club/lab.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Rick

 

[kellimomo3]

Kim,
Where in CT are you guys? We live in CT too and are covered in snow as well!!

I think tomorrow is actually the day you all can make your on-line ressies. We are traveling with four families. The two families that have cruised before made their ressies at the 90 day mark, myself included, without a hitch. The other two familes tried to do it today but the DCL system said it wasn't 75 days yet. Anyone else try today and it didn't work??

Rick,
I think your 8 year old and my 8 year old might really hit it off. The last time we cruised, Ryan's favorite spot on the ship was the sports deck with his dad!!

Kelli

 

[beaner720]

I haven't posted in quite a few days, but still here Had to go back through the thread and catch up on my reading! And still trying to keep warm here in WI.

It's just me (40) & DH (42), no children. However, our friends cruising with us have DD (12 ... going on 21) and DS (6). They aren't on the DIS though

We are Cat. 6 Deck 6. Friends are Cat. 9? Deck 2. Deck crawl sounds like fun.

Booked the CC Bottom Fishing as a surprise for my DH and his buddy cruising with us. Owe it all to Holli (hjensen) as she e-mailed me and said she tried to get it and it was all booked. For whatever reason, I went in and it was there so I grabbed it Thanks again Holli! It's under my and DH's name, but TA said I should just go to guest services once onboard and explain it's a surprise and it won't be me going with DH. Though I know I'd enjoy it as I love to fish, I'd rather be plopped down on the beach in the lounge chair with a drink

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

[goiu]

Kelli,

I tried making ressies today too. Talked to Disney. They said the actual 75 date is tomorrow. I figured it out and it should've been today. Dreams Unlimited said it was today too! So, we'll try again tomorrow!!

 

[rjh8115]

Rick,
I think your 8 year old and my 8 year old might really hit it off. The last time we cruised, Ryan's favorite spot on the ship was the sports deck with his dad!!

Kelli

Fantastic news Kelli. At least we'll know were to find them

Rick

 

[vavalynn2]

Palo?

It was my hope this morning to make one Palo dinner reservation and one Palo brunch reservation. After choosing the 1st day for dinner (Tuesday) the website said that there is no more availability for anything on any day. Is that true? Or do I think I remember reading somewhere only one Palo ressie during the trip?

We are a cat 6 as I know some cats are able to have unlimited seatings at Palo.

Thanks.

 

[rjh8115]

Palo?

It was my hope this morning to make one Palo dinner reservation and one Palo brunch reservation. After choosing the 1st day for dinner (Tuesday) the website said that there is no more availability for anything on any day. Is that true? Or do I think I remember reading somewhere only one Palo ressie during the trip?

We are a cat 6 as I know some cats are able to have unlimited seatings at Palo.

Thanks.

I believe cat 1-3 can make multiple Palo ressies. Also, they get first pick of the available slots at 105 days out. Next are returning cruisers (Castaway Club members) at 90 days.

See if you can get on the waitlist. If not, then try once you board.

Rick

 

[rjh8115]

Hi all,

Has anyone used Priceline to book hotel rooms near the Orlando airport?

If so:
1. How far in advance did you try?
2. What category hotel did you book?
3. Would you do it again?

Thanks for any help. I've got us booked into the Fairfield Inn near the airport, but I'm always in the hunt for a cheaper deal.

Rick

 

[vavalynn2]

I have used Priceline twice for a hotel and both times for MCO.

Two years ago I used it the first week of January for the end of feburary. I bid 37.00 and my bid was accepted for 3***. I was extremely satisfied with the Rennaissance. That bed was wonderful!!

Last year I booked in July for an October trip and won for 45.00 at Holiday Inn Select for 3***. It was nice, but definately not as nice as the earlier bargain.

Make sure to check out biddingfortravel.com. They offer great advice and you can see what hotels appear to be going for what price.

My coworker actually used priceline on friday for her disneycruise. She will be on the eastern the week before us. She started her bid at 60.00 for 3*** at MCO. It was rejected and she was offered a free rebid for 77. She took it and ended up at the Marriott. This was actually the hotel she wanted but the best she could get with the AAA rate was 157.00.

I think priceline is great at MCO. Although, DH and I will not be using it for the upcoming cruise. We have a room booked at the Raddison at the port. We could save some money, but I would rather drive and travel the night before so I know there is not a long way to go in the am. I would be too nervous that we would run into some kind of delay if we waited.

Good luck!

 

[jdkdorn]

Hi all fellow Feb 25thers,
I went on this morning to make some reservation and they were very limited in availability. I was hoping to get our Palo for Tuesday but had to take Sunday instead. I wanted to get a massage on Monday, while at sea, but they are completely book fir Monday. I am going to try to get one when i get on board.

As of right now I have the pedicure and I want to see if they will give DD11 a manicure.

We are flying into Tampa and driving over, saved 200 per ticket, and staying at the Radisson at the Port.

We are traveling wih my parents, in their own room, and my dd 11, my ds 4, & dh

My kids love to play and my daughter is very friendly. My son is a little more shy but once he gets going he can't be stopped.

See you all in 74 days
Judy

 

[hjensen]

Hi again Judy! I know that we spoke (or should I say wrote) to each other quite a few months ago!! We too are stating at the Radisson the night before! We'll have to get our 4 yr olds together!! Are you sick of the cold and snow here in WI ? I know I am!! There is another DISer from Wi cruising also! Beaner720 (Donna) and she is from Sheboygan!! We will all definately have to meet! See you soon!!

 

[beaner720]

As hjensen mentioned, I'm from Sheboygan. Small world ... my DH is from Franklin and is down there every day for work . We don't have any kids, but are traveling with friends who have a DD (12) and DS (6).

I was considering doing a pedicure on board also, but I posted a question about that and everyone said it wasn't worth the $$$ so I didn't book it. I plan on having one done before I leave. Don't want to discourage you ... just thought I'd mention it. Many said the rainforest room thing is very nice, and it's reasonable, and I think you'd just check into that when on board since it's not an appointment-type thing, just a come and go as you please.

Rick ... I've never done the Priceline thing but was considering it. We ended up booking the Hyatt because of convenience. Good luck!

 

[rjh8115]

Thanks all for the Priceline info. I'll check out biddingfortravel.

Onto a different topic, besides Stingray City, what else have people done on Grand Cayman? The boys are still not completely sold on the idea.

Happy Tuesday. Just remember, we're one more day closer to the Magic!!

Rick

 

[dreamakermom]

Hi Rick! We are doing the Stingray City tjhing, so I cannot help there.
Also, one more question.... if you want to do the Champagne Brunch, do you need ressies? If so... I think they are already booked out as Palo had few choices left for dinners unless I am reading this wrong.

 

[rjh8115]

Hi Karen,
Yes I believe you need to book the Palo brunch ahead of time. If the slots are gone, then you'll have to try once you get on board. I have us booked for a dinner and a high tea.

Who are you using for Stingray City? We used Native Way two years ago and had a great time.

Stay warm . . .

Rick