February 28, 2009 Bushwacker Banditos Magical Cruise

[RookieMouse]

No docs here yet, but does the cruise have to be paid in full before we receive them?

Wanda, I hear you concerning the Canadian dollar. I am hoping it will bounce back soon, and I am also regretting not paying it off when we were closer to par. Since I am shelling out for four Cat 6 staterooms, having the loonie at 85 cents US just plain hurts. On the upside, flights are getting cheaper, and I'm hoping that DCL will follow the lead of other cruise lines and remove the fuel surcharge, which, for 14 ppl, will reduce the cost a bit.

We are going to at least wear pirate accessories for Pirate Night. I hit Wal-Mart's halloween stuff and picked up some piratey paraphanalia. Arrrrrr!

Also, today is DD's 7th birthday, and she doesn't know it yet, but we got her a fancy schmancy Cinderella dress at the Disney Store for her to wear on Formal Night. If we end up doing a couple of days at WDW prior to the cruise, we'll also look into the BBB makeover thing for her as well.

The days are getting shorter and the nights are colder with frost on the ground most mornings. I hate to wish the rest of the year away, but February 28th can't get here soon enough for me. Castaway Cay, here we come...

John

PS. Mark, sorry about the hole the Red Sox are in... TB's offense seems to have emerged with a vengeance in the last 3 games. Now I like the Bosox (my 2nd fave after the Jays), but after the season the Rays have had, I'd not be disappointed to see them go all the way. Over in the NL, I'm happy to see Philly finally making a push for the WS. I was elated to see my home boy, Matt Stairs, hit the blast that sealed the deal on Monday night. I'd also be pleased to see them win the WS, so a Philly-Boston or Philly-TB matchup would be a win-win for me. Gotta love October baseball.

The only thing better is March in the Caribbean...

 

[atinkerbellmom]

Hey Wanda- Contact me regarding that little project. I have a thought...

Rookie- The US dollar was such in the toliet for so long, I am actually hoping it increases and does not go down. With the bail out, we will just see. Over the summer, the exchange rate for the euro and American dollar was 50% over the $/pound. So basically we paid 1 1/2 to their 1. We got soooo bad over the summer I think we were almost equal to the pesso. So I just want to hint, it may be going up on our end.

The documents that we got are not the final ones. They were the ones talking about the activities and excursions etc. The final ones come about 2 weeks prior to the trip for us US people and you guys get yours abbout 3 weeks prior. You do not have to be PIF, we actually will not pay ours off until December. We are literally the people that call on thedate it is due and pay them. It bothers me that they can hold on to our deposit for so long. Rather for it to sit in my bank than theirs. So needless to say, we have NEVER made reservations at the 90 day mark, because we hold our $. We have never had a problem with reservations either. The people who freak out on the 90 day mark drives me insane, because I think they stress over nothing..

Are you guys aware that we are BUILDING a house too... I know my old friends know of our little venture, but I just wanted everyone to know why I do not get here everyday.....

Happy to hear from everyone, we are getting close. I am off to check on airline tickets....

 

[3Charbys]

Hey Wanda- Contact me regarding that little project. I have a thought...

Okay Madame! I sent you a PM!!!
TTYL
Wanda

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Hi Gang,
Well we have not received our docs yet, but perhaps there is a mailing delay up here to Canada. I do hope they come soon I want to see on paper that we too are not kicked off the ship!!
I can do a little happy dance though on our airfare. We are booked Westjet for our outbound for the direct flights from Calgary on Thursday and they went on sale the other day! SO... I now have a credit file of $550.00!! I don't think United/AC will let us downgrade our file and get a credit, but Westjet is awesome!!
It will be great when they hook up with Southwest later in 2009, we are interested to see what that will do to some US destination prices for us!

On the down side of all the happy cruise planning our Canadian dollar has tanked again... we are at 85 cents on the dollar again. Why oh why did I not pay it off when it was at par???

And as of last night we have another Federal Minority government up north here too...Same old story, makes you wonder why they spent millions of tax payer dollars when we came up with basically the same result and the governing party became a little weaker in the eastern regions. Oh well.

Have a good day all, dream of the beach and those long cool drinks on the deck that are getting closer every day!

I noticed the WestJet sale as well. I also found a fare on expedia for $600 less Now we just have to firm up our travel plans - we are considering a couple of days in Disney World prior to the cruise. We have been all over the place planning for this cruise, originally it was just the 7 days, then we booked a back-to-back as friends were going to do the Western portion with us (they have since canceled, and we decided against doing the B2B). Airfare was originally booked thru Disney, but the TA there advised us to price it out ourselves, as the penalty for changing dates isn't worth it. So....here we are just 4 months away from the cruise, and we still don't know how we are getting there, or how long we are staying

Our family has been to Disney Land, but never Disney World. Has anybody done the prepaid dining thing? Is it a good value? And, with only a couple of days to spend there, is it worth the extra cost?

OH! We also got our cruise documents today! I can almost taste those Bushwackers

Have a great day,

Carolyn

 

[ejkjmom]

Good News for the Tinker family (and the rest of us as well)!!!!!!!!

The Eastern with St. Croix you will not have an Immigration check. You only have to do it on the St. Maarten and Tortola Easterns because you are re-entering the US in St. Thomas. Since St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands you will not have left the US and will not need to have the passport check. So, if you're on the St. Croix Eastern you can sleep in a bit.

I know a lot (if not everyone) already knew this, but thought I would post it anyway I know my family, MYSELF included...was excited about this

Johnna...where or where are you???? do we need to send out the Dis detective to find you We are missing you

Tinker..how is the house going????

Hope everyone has a great Thursday!!!!!

 

[Johnna_Story]

Johnna...where or where are you???? do we need to send out the Dis detective to find you We are missing you

Sorry I've been AWOL for a bit - work is crazy busy this month; so I actually have to do what I get paid to do between 8 and 4 every day.

Brenda - will PM you later (or tomorrow) ... not terribly optimisic about the scale today...

Ciao for now, Johnna

 

[3Charbys]

Good News for the Tinker family (and the rest of us as well)!!!!!!!!

The Eastern with St. Croix you will not have an Immigration check. You only have to do it on the St. Maarten and Tortola Easterns because you are re-entering the US in St. Thomas. Since St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands you will not have left the US and will not need to have the passport check. So, if you're on the St. Croix Eastern you can sleep in a bit.

Question from the Canadian contingent?? Does this sleeping in option apply to us as well?? ** hopefully crosses fingers, eyes and toes**

 

[ejkjmom]

Question from the Canadian contingent?? Does this sleeping in option apply to us as well?? ** hopefully crosses fingers, eyes and toes**

You are funny!!!!!
Yes I do believe that applies to you as well
you can now uncross your fingers, toes and EYES!!!!!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

You are funny!!!!!
Yes I do believe that applies to you as well
you can now uncross your fingers, toes and EYES!!!!!

That's great news (for all aboard) - You don't want to see me early in the morning

Carolyn

 

[donmil723]

Hi! We're back from WDW! Had a great time as always and really enjoyed spending our vacation with DN and her family and more friends from our hometown! MNSSHP was a blast and NO WAITS! I am still the reigning champ on Buzz Lightyear with our group with 715,000+ points--Cosmic Commando!!!!

I came down with a cold two days after we got home so I've been moving slower than usual. Same thing happened after our trip in May. I think I'm allergic to Missouri.

Our cruise guide was waiting for us and I finally had a chance to look through it. I wish it had the shore excursions listed in it but at least they are online.

We are staying at AKV after our cruise until Monday or Tuesday...waiting on airfare from SWA to be released on November 6 before deciding...but we still haven't decided where to stay the night before our cruise! We'll be arriving before noon and renting a car.

Our family has been to Disney Land, but never Disney World. Has anybody done the prepaid dining thing? Is it a good value? And, with only a couple of days to spend there, is it worth the extra cost?

Carolyn, we haven't used the dining plan because I am afraid I will try to get my money's worth and overeat!!! DH and I usually share meals. For example, we ate at Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada at Epcot. DH and I each got an appetizer, shared an entree and a side of mushroom risotto, and I got a glass of wine. Our bill including tip was approx. $64. If we had the dining plan, we would have paid approx. $76 and would have gotten a counter service and snack for each of us that day. But we would have had to pay extra for the wine and appetizers, which we wanted, because they aren't included. And, we would have each gotten a dessert, which we didn't want. If you are going to eat a table service meal with dessert every day, then it is probably a pretty good deal moneywise.

Are you guys aware that we are BUILDING a house too... I know my old friends know of our little venture, but I just wanted everyone to know why I do not get here everyday.....

That's great news, tinker!!!! But such a lot of work making all those decisions. Are you doing a lot of it yourself? You will definitely be ready for a few Bushwackers!!!!!

TTYL!

P.S. Should I rename this thread "Bushwacker Banditos Magical Cruise"

 

[3Charbys]

Okay all you planners out there... this one is for you.

I am at a loss as to what to do for the day on our return... so we are back in Orlando by say 10 the latest... we took Disney transfers... and our flights are out at 3 so we haveto try to be checking in around 12:30 -1pm... but for those 2.5 hours before checking are gonna be a killer if we just have to sit in the airport...

Any suggestions?? TIA

Wanda

 

[DMMarla07860]

Okay all you planners out there... this one is for you.

I am at a loss as to what to do for the day on our return... so we are back in Orlando by say 10 the latest... we took Disney transfers... and our flights are out at 3 so we haveto try to be checking in around 12:30 -1pm... but for those 2.5 hours before checking are gonna be a killer if we just have to sit in the airport...

Any suggestions?? TIA

Wanda

we don't have as long of a wait as you do because our flight is at 2:30 that day. but we usually walk around the airport and shop a little and then sit some and then usually grab a early lunch before going to the gate. That's what we normally do

 

[RookieMouse]

Cruise planning docs arrived yesterday!! Woo hoo!! Then I spoke to one of my sisters (the one in Maine), and she has had hers for a week. Guess mine had to run the Canada Customs gauntlet to make sure they were safe...

Tink, congrats on the house construction... you are braver than I am. I don't know whether I want to tackle that. Maybe someday...

Donna, if you have a serious Missouri allergy, there is only one cure... retire immediately to a small villa on Castaway Cay.

Oh, and a daily prescription of Bushwhackers is also indicated...

By the way, the idea for renaming the thread is awesome... go for it!!!

John

 

[jbuckent]

Okay all you planners out there... this one is for you.

I am at a loss as to what to do for the day on our return... so we are back in Orlando by say 10 the latest... we took Disney transfers... and our flights are out at 3 so we haveto try to be checking in around 12:30 -1pm... but for those 2.5 hours before checking are gonna be a killer if we just have to sit in the airport...

Any suggestions?? TIA

Wanda

I believe our flight doesn't leave until 8pm! We are going to go crazy at the airport with a almost 2 year old and a just turned 5 year old!

 

[Johnna_Story]

Okay all you planners out there... this one is for you.

I am at a loss as to what to do for the day on our return... so we are back in Orlando by say 10 the latest... we took Disney transfers... and our flights are out at 3 so we haveto try to be checking in around 12:30 -1pm... but for those 2.5 hours before checking are gonna be a killer if we just have to sit in the airport...

Any suggestions?? TIA

Wanda

Wanda - I know a lot of people get a day rate at the hotel in the airport (Hilton maybe) and rest, hang out at the pool, have lunch. Check the main boards for more info on that.

We've gotten off early and gotten to the airport early, and changed the flights (for some cost). And other times we've just hung out, had coffee, lunch, shopped a little.

I think some people go to Disney World - though I don't think I could ever do that. It would be way too much!

Hope that helps...Johnna

 

[3Charbys]

Should I rename this thread "Bushwacker Banditos Magical Cruise"

Hey Donna!
I think it is a great idea to change the name!! But with just one small suggestion to still keep the departure date Feb 28th in there somewhere to help any potential 'newbies" to the bushwacker club to be able to find us!!!

Then we need someone from the Disign boards to make us a logo for our cruise meet!! LOL!

Ah, the fun we are going to have... I can see the headlines now....
The Bushwacker Banditos take St Croix... The Bushwacker Banditos claim squatters rights on Disney's Castaway Cay...


Thanks for the feedback about the time at the airport, I don't think I can justify the expense of a day room even though that would be lovely, we would not make enough use out of it for the 3 hours we need to be occupied. It would be nice to hang at the pool though!

Lauren is only just 4, so she is constantly on the go and is not a sit and watch a movie... so we will have to see about the shopping.

Does anyone know if there is a locker rental or something like that to store our carryon in the airport until our flights??

 

[donmil723]

This is now officially the "February 29, 2009 Bushwacker Banditos Magical Cruise"!

 

[ejkjmom]

Okay all you planners out there... this one is for you.

I am at a loss as to what to do for the day on our return... so we are back in Orlando by say 10 the latest... we took Disney transfers... and our flights are out at 3 so we haveto try to be checking in around 12:30 -1pm... but for those 2.5 hours before checking are gonna be a killer if we just have to sit in the airport...

Any suggestions?? TIA

Wanda

What we have done in the past ( and more in likely will do this cruise) is go to the Mall..it is right along the interstate on the way to the airport ( we will have a rental car)..
We have lunch at the Food Court, and then as crazy as it may sound...do some souvenir shopping for the girls friends as well as my nephews., they have a M&M World as well as a Disney Store and a really fun candy store,in fact I did some Easter shopping there...
I put my packages (can't do ALOT of shopping) in my suitcases...I'm the one out in the parking lot with the trunk open going through my suitcases finding what little room I can LOL!!!!

I have never really shopped at the airport, but they seem to have a lot of stores and restaurants there as well.

When we get to the airport..Ron drops the girls, myself and our luggage at the curb, I get the luggage checked in, he returns the car (which is right in the airport) then we meet up and go through security together...works great

Hope that helps a little

 

[Johnna_Story]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the new thread name!!! Any talented graphic artists out there who can make a logo for us?!?!

I'm headed to get DS's passport this morning. He had one, but it expired last winter. So I'm off to do that and continue getting halloween costume stuff, and other errands - gotta love weekends!! Have a great day!

 

[mark_story]

OK, people.

We are 132 days out, but I find myself unable to focus whilst while beloved Boston Red Sox battle for the American League Championship.

When the lights go dark on baseball, then -- and only then -- will I be able to focus.

Unless of course, Ron decides to put on his leather biker outfit.