February 7, 2004 Eastern

[sbatty]

Hi Everyone, I can't believe we are leaving in a little over a week. Schools are closed today and probably will be late the next two days. My DS is in Kindergarten so that means no school. We should have cruised this week.

Since we are new to cruising and so are our families I have been trying to put some basic cruise information together. I have finally gotten some information into our website (http://68.55.20.181:8080/cruise/home.jsp). Check out the dining section if you are curious. If you see any errors or missing information please let me know. Tips, ports of calls and ship activites should be updated soon.

Annie - I am so glad that Randy is home and doing fine. I am sure this isn't the way you planned to spend the last few days before your trip.

See you soon. I can't wait.

 

[lotsofboys]

Kathryn, did DCL change their policy? As I learned from these boards prior to our first cruise, only one person from the party needs to check everyone in. We cruised post 9/11 (June 2002) and had 4 adults 3 children, I checked everyone in without a problem. My DH was even returning the rental car while I was checking in. I may have to go to plan B since I was planning on doing it the same way for this trip.

It's getting harder and harder to concentrate on daily activities we are so excited.

 

[disneygal58]

Welcome Mike,
We're planning a little meet on the first day around 3:15 - 3:30 outside of Studio Sea if you'd like to come say hello. I think you'll like the Radisson - it's convenient to some local restaurants (although I wouldn't recommend Zachary's for dinner, breakfast is okay) and you'll get a glimpse of the Magic from the second floor on Saturday morning.
I am wishing everyone NO weather delays during your upcoming travels. This is my second winter here and I often forget that there is real winter happening in the rest of the world.

Dawn

 

[Rikersmom]

Not sure exactly when the check-in policy changed, but each adult does have to show up at the counter to get his/her KTTW card.

We always did the "one person return the rental car while the other person checked in" thing, but it doesn't work anymore. However, if one person checks in, I have seen the CM at the counter complete all the paperwork and hold the key for the other passenger to pick up.

 

[tink&cinderella]

I can't believe only a few more days until we leave for WDW - We leave Friday to make our way to Buffalo and then fly from there. We are expecting about 14 inches of snow tonight and the temperatures here in Toronto are fridgid, windy and just down right ugly. I am worried about the drive to Buffalo as they are in the snow belt and it is according to the weather channel supposed to snow on Friday. What if we get snowed in and can't get there, what if the kids get sick - DD was sick on Wednesday - upset tummy and the works. Sort of thought just get it out your system now and not near on the cruise. Both my girls; Kimberly 21 months and Jessica 5 are starting with coughs and I worry worry worry. What if I forget something etc. Already went to doctor who gave me just in case anti-biotics for everyone to take along - We've suffered about 16 ear infections with my little one. Anyway - don't mean to ramble. I guess pre trip jitters are setting in.

We are very excited and hope to meet some of you on the cruise - I dont' think we can manage the high tea - not sure how the kids will be with the programs etc. Is everyone wearing lime green mickey heads??

My husband thinks I am Disney Obsessed and quiete frankly "nuts". He's never been to Disney, nor a cruise nor in Florida. He is used to vacationing in Europe etc - so I am really really hoping he will love it and we'll be able to go yearly.

Anyhow - bon voyage See you all there.

Denise

 

[Annie12345]

Hi everyone - I'm just getting packed up, we're leaving Wednesday morning for Florida... Looking forward to seeing all of you on the 7th - see you outside Studio Sea between 3:15 and 3:30... Randy is recuperating quite nicely and looking forward to getting away from the -45 degree weather we've been experiencing this past week... Safe travels everyone, see you soon!!!

Ann

 

[disneygal58]

Denise,
I have taught childbirth preparation and postpartum classes for years and always share with new moms that I believe the act of labor also gives birth the the worry/guilt gene. Your family will be fine, I'm sure. Once you arrive in Florida, the 70 degree temps will soothe your worries.
Annie,
I sent you a PM with my email address.

Dry, safe trip thoughts to you all,
Dawn Hope

 

[kcashner]

Each adult in the party does need to show up at the desk to check in. However, mom can still get in line and wait for dad to return--she just can't complete the check in process alone.

I don't know when the policy changed. We've done 9 cruises, and they tend to run together in my mind....

It's cold, snowy, and just plain nasty here today. I'm definitely dreaming of WDW and cruise.

 

[Annie12345]

Hi everyone - we're heading out in the morning... I'm all packed and ready to go... Dawn, I hope you got my email with the list... see you all on the 7th and safe travels to everyone...
- Ann

 

[lotsofboys]

Ann, you have safe travels too and I hope you can relax since I'm sure it has been hectic for you with your husband under the weather! Don't get too tan before we all get there.

Michelle

 

[sbatty]

Ann, I am pretty jealous. I hope you have a great trip and that the weather is wonderful. I just checked the news and it looks like the kids will be home from school another day.

I added a summary of tips onto our website. Most of them came from this board. Do you have any to add?

 

[disneygal58]

Annie,
I did not recieve the email. I sent you a PM again with the address.

Dawn

 

[jjb52]

Dawn,

I saw your post that you did not receive Annie's Palo list. If you did not make contact with her before they left we could start the list over. Let us know. I am interested in brunch (2 of us) and high tea(just me). I also want to try for a dinner ressie and am hoping I get to the ship before they are all gone. I did email you this information in a PM a few days ago after Annie contacted me that you volunteered to try for the ressies.

We still don't have a cabin number-just cat. 10 gtw-so am hoping for an upgrade still but I don't care where they put us just get me out of Minnesota. We have 8 new inches of snow and it is -20 to -30 below here in Minnesota. We leave in 8 days!!

Janene

 

[Annie12345]

Hi everyone - I'll be saving some mickey bars and chocolate souflee for all of you... we leave for the airport in 90 minutes... it's -56 degrees today (yes it really is, this is not a typo)... the city is NOT shut down, schools are going, etc. so we are REALLY happy to be leaving today. Randy's doing great, seems to have recovered well... Dawn, I pm'd you the list as well as re-sent the email so you should have it now...
Susan - I think my tip is already on here and that's to bring an over the door shoe holder - we found it really reduced clutter in the room...
I'm looking forward to meeting all of you on the 7th...

Take care,
Ann

 

[Shanno66]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to post and let everyone know that the morning we arrive in St. Thomas, The Magic is scheduled to anchor and not doc.

Hope this helps, if anyone is planning their own excursions

We are now in the single digits!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!

I am ready to shread the sweaters and put on a swimsuit!

Also, Shrei (sp?) I gave your email addy to my friend's son .


See ya'all soon!


Shanno

 

[lotsofboys]

Shanno, thanks for the info, how is it you were able to come by that information? Since we have never experienced this, I assume that means we must tender in? Have any of you had to do that and how much behind does that put you time wise for disembarking?

Hope you all are enjoying the final countdown, we sure are

 

[disneygal58]

The Palo list made it through cyberspace and is now among my documents.
Janene,
I PM-ed you about the ressie. I'd be happy to add you to our cabin for brunch since you don't have an assigned room yet.

10 days!!!!!
I just have to chuckle when I see all of the native Floridians complaining about the cold weather (it never made it out of the 50s today). Everyone in the real world - bundle and stay warm. Tropics are on their way!

Dawn

 

[mmouse37]

There was a post on the regular cruise board today that said that the Magic was due to anchor today, but was at the dock instead. I think it may be a hit or miss thing.

I have been to St. Thomas 3 times on the Magic and we always docked....it would be very interesting to tender this time, though for convenience I would prefer docking.

Stay warm everyone!!!

MJ

 

[Shanno66]

Hi again

I got this info from vinow.com. It has the schedule of all the cruise lines, month by month. This schedule shows what ships will be in port that day and which ships get to doc. I have read somewhere (can't remember where), that The Magic has to anchor every 7th (or so) time she visits St. Thomas.

If any of you guys haven't visited cruisecritic.com yet, you should. The Disney section at Cruise Critic isn't as good as this one, but you get a load of info on the PORT OF CALL section.

Have all of you gals got all your shopping done???? Only a few more days left!!!!


Shanno

 

[minniemoms]

Hi, 1st time cruiser here, and just can't wait, DH and I are coming for our 1st cruise ever, and knew it had to be Disney. We, well rather I, am a fanatic. Go to Disneyland at least once if not twice a year. Didn't read all the other posts, but I plan to. Still don't know which excursions to do, ????? I am a shopper, and my DH likes to relax. We will be like the Disney commerical, if you have seen it, where the mom runs off the all the excursions, and activities, and the dad is asleep in the hammock, and the hot tubs, Can't wait to come any last minute advice for a first time mid-40's cruiser, who doesn't drink alcohol, would love to hear it. My DH and I love to have fun, we just don't drink. He is rather quiet, but I am the friendly one of the two of us, but we just can't wait. Look forward to meeting with some of you.