February 7, 2009 Western early check in!

[MyLove4Disney]

p.S. When is the martini tasting? I would be up for it too.

Got you added Margo

I'll have to find out the time for this once we get on the ship, then I'll send a note to your cabin or a phone message. I do believe there is a cost involved. I might find out on the 1st day. They put them in the Navigators. I haven't done one before so I can't even guess on a day when they have them. But I know they have them. I think they have Martini, Wine, and Beer tasting at different times.

 

[pgsahm2]

Sue, thanks for the list. I must have been really tired last night because I screwed up my own kid's age!!! LMAO So if you could fix Dawson in the list he's actually 2, not 6. Sorry about the confusion. See what happens when the sleep fairy doesn't visit often enough? Don't even get me started on last night... It involved vomit..............

Has anyone ever traveled on the ships with a 2 year old? He'll be three a month after we set sail. I have talked to my travel agent as well as many people here on the boards, and it looks like we shouldn't have a problem having him in the kids club instead of Flounders. He's potty trained so that's not an issue. The main concern is IF they'll accept him, and how he'll do since he's never had a structured daycare or preschool or anything. With me being a fulltime mom he's always with ME! Anyone with experience?

We could potentially get snow tonight in Virginia, though it's unlikely. And honestly I don't want any this winter. I'm just ready for spring!!!

Amanda

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Snowing like crazy outside again! I do secretly love it, but I'm supposed to take part in a MLK March for Peace thing that all of our area churches do every year (in my boot-- THIS should be good, haha), so I could do with a little less. At least it's 30-something today so it's a little more tolerable temp wise

Here's our name info:

JRandAJsMom: Jen
DH: Chad
DS6: Joey
DS4: Alex

Joey is now into checking out the daily temps for the ports, haha... Then he likes the virtual tour of the ship and he's already scoped out the BLT rooms on the DVC site... I'm creating another Disney addict

 

[mickchick6]

I see you guys are stay at OKW, what type of rooms do you get to fit you boys and yourselve. I like OKW because the studio has two queen real beds, the studios in SSR have only one real bed. The pull out is ok, but the foam pads they have for the mattress is just to thin to sleep on for an adult. Since there is only two of us, I don't usually get a one bed room(but I did this time) because I don't really use all the feature of the one bed room. Leaves me more points for more days ya know.
Not sure how to quote the above, but here it is....


Sabrina, love your pic, you are so cute!

We have a 2 bdrm villa, so DH and I have the master, then the 2nd room has 2 queen beds and the teenagers sleep on the pullout sofa and the floor. (God forbid anyone actually sleep together!) We've never stayed anywhere else, it really is our "Home".

Here's a question for other DVC members: Will our cruise docs come the same way? I called the DVC and they said our rooms would NOT be automatically upgraded, no upgrade fairy for us I guess we can check at the port if there's anything available. I can't remember how the cruise docs came last time.

The Klepac Family
I'm Linda
DH: Scotty
DS17: Charlie
DS13: Logan
DS12: Christian
DS10: Wesley

We have cabins 5129 and 5131

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Here's a question for other DVC members: Will our cruise docs come the same way? I called the DVC and they said our rooms would NOT be automatically upgraded, no upgrade fairy for us I guess we can check at the port if there's anything available. I can't remember how the cruise docs came last time.

I don't know about the answer to the doc question, but that stinks I wonder why they do that Has anyone ever cruised using points before? Are there any perks (aside from the fact that we will be in the sun sailing around the Caribbean, of course )? I know, for this time of year, if you got a cat 11, your point value was great (when we figured it out it was something like $15 per point), so that's why we went ahead and did it that way. Anyway, not asking that in a crabby kind of way (I've seen people on other boards go off on it! NOT one of those!!!). Just wondering

 

[patrsn]

Amanda, the last time we cruised we looked into seeing if the kids could move up in the kids clubs, I had a son who wanted to sign himself in and out but didn't make the cut off, this was a couple years ago but the rule was that if your childs birthday was within a month of your cruise dates then they could move up or down in the clubs. Where he's potty trained there shouldn't be any problem and I would just go and register him for the oceaneer club.


JrandAjsmom... we've cruised on points the last 4 cruises, no perks that I know of except maybe a gift or two in your stateroom at some point during the cruise. I'm talking like fruit or a beach towel, something like that. I would prefer a discount on my next cruise but hey I guess with this economy I wouldn't even be cruising in a cat 4 if I didn't have points. If there are perks to using points and anyone knows of them please please let me know!

 

[patrsn]

One more intersting piece of info....an easy magnet.... Home depot has Mickey shaped paint samples. A roll of magnetic tape is all you need, cut and stick... instant magnet! Best of all it's free, well the mickey shape is! The magnetic tape was $5 . Kids are going to decorate them with colored markers!

p.s this was not my idea, I saw it on another thread but wanted to pass it along.

 

[mickchick6]

I do agree that the point value this time of year is pretty fantastic. We couldn't EVER take this cruise without using points, too many people and too much mooloah! So we are very grateful...I was told by the DVC lady that DVC acts like our travel agent for DCL. That is why we don't get the upgrade. It does make sense.


I love the Mickey paint sample! I'm headed to Home Depot today!

have fun...

 

[MyLove4Disney]

Sue, thanks for the list. I must have been really tired last night because I screwed up my own kid's age!!! LMAO So if you could fix Dawson in the list he's actually 2, not 6. Sorry about the confusion. See what happens when the sleep fairy doesn't visit often enough? Don't even get me started on last night... It involved vomit..............
Amanda

First of all I am so glad that you let me know, I was worried I had messed it up when I had to change it from the 2 to 6 age. I age grouped all my gifts and was going to have to adjust. Thanks for letting me know to correct it back. No worries now.

As for illness, look on the bright side, just be glad you are getting it overwith now and not in 2weeks from now. That would not be a good thing. Good Luck. He will be 3 soon as you know and have experienced, it will get better. You will get to sleep again in about 20 years... My DD is 24 and I still loose sleep worring about her, not that she is any type of problem child, but she is just not home and you hear everyday about things happening to people.

Good luck, you have to have a nap onboard on deck 4 in the soft loungers. just a couple more weeks, happy thoughts, happy thoughts

JrandAjsmom... we've cruised on points the last 4 cruises, no perks that I know of except maybe a gift or two in your stateroom at some point during the cruise. I'm talking like fruit or a beach towel, something like that. I would prefer a discount on my next cruise but hey I guess with this economy I wouldn't even be cruising in a cat 4 if I didn't have points. If there are perks to using points and anyone knows of them please please let me know!

I think the only real perks is that you can book your cruise any time and the point count is the same no matter if it is 18 months ahead or weeks ahead of the cruise. So if you know you are going to go on a cruise long enough a head of time to get the lowest rates on your cabin level, it is truley a better value to go on cash and say us your points for another trip or rent your points. As for gift type things, even when I pay with cash, I still got the small gifts they give out as I also go to the DVC gathering onboard. I used points because I didn't decided I wanted to go until cash rates were more than what I valued my point at, I use a rate of 10.00 per point. But that rate is up to the member to decide themselves. It is truley debateable out there. I rather not worry about it, and enjoy my vacation, It is truley the question to point or to cash...


UPdating lists
I'll update list generally each day. I probably won't reply here to everyone that I have added them to a list or not as I don't want to be posting every other post. I don't want to clog up our there with these posts. So Please check the list for your requested corrections, additions or deletions. But Please Please let me know if you need correct,add or deleted something.

 

[JRandAJsMom]

One more intersting piece of info....an easy magnet.... Home depot has Mickey shaped paint samples. A roll of magnetic tape is all you need, cut and stick... instant magnet! Best of all it's free, well the mickey shape is! The magnetic tape was $5 . Kids are going to decorate them with colored markers!

p.s this was not my idea, I saw it on another thread but wanted to pass it along.

What a great idea!!! Haha-- now we will all have Mickey paint samples on our doors and Home Depot is going to wonder where all of them went, lol

 

[pgsahm2]

Thank you Sue for fixing his age. And I'm sorry for the confusion... Thanks for the positive affirmation too. I'll hang in there regardless I guess!

DVC cruisers... Dh has asked me (again... we had this discussion a few years back) about cruising on points. How many points does it cost to cruise? For us we'd need two rooms, but the category doesn't matter too much. I'd love to know if you feel it's worth buying DVC to cruise?

 

[deedeedubbs]

Snowy Sundays sure create quite a bit of activity on this thread. The snow has just about ended here in CT. I haven't seen the most recent forcast but I'm sure hoping we see some sun and no more snow for awhile. I am hoping for some snow days and school closings while cruising so my kids will not have as many days absent because I'm pulling them.

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Sue, here are names and info:

Williams Family from Prospect, CT
deedeedubbs = Dee (as old as my gums and little older than my teeth)
DH = Jerry (38)
DS# = Bailey (6)
DD# = Jordan (9)

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Still waiting for FEDEX but as I wait I'm wondering if maybe I haven't gotten my docs yet because the upgrade fairy is deciding on which upgrade to give me, the Two-Bedroom Suite with Verandah or the Royal Suite with Verandah. A girl can dream, can't she? Do upgrades happen at the port?

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My DH, Jerry, went to a beer tasting on our 4-night cruise in Feb and he had a lot of fun and said that the guys and one lady that were there were a lot of fun and very nice. As for me, I have to be very careful with alcohol because I have developed a bad intolerance for wheat, barley, oats, rye, dairy, etc...my quarter playing days are over but it was a good run while it lasted. Do the fun testing classes allow observers or "historians"? Someone has to be there to pass the lampshade, take pictures and remember who said what to whom and when. Only thinking of posterity's sake for the future cruisers.

***********************************

Thanks for the reminder of home depot Mickey-shaped paint colors. I had forgotten about them from last year.

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In addition to the upgrade fairy I think we'll have to invoke the good-health and good-weather fairies for our group. I do hope all stomach bugs are gone and do not show again and as for your poor foot...I'd chip in some coins to get you a really cute cabana guy to carry you everywhere

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I know this isn't the same situation but my daughter was 8 our last cuise and son was 5. The CM's allowed her to be with him sometimes and to be in her age group sometimes. My DS could care less if she was with him, it was my DD who wanted to be with him. So at least in our case they showed some flexibility.

*******************************

This may be my last comment (for at least 2 minutes ) but..

What is everyone's favorite song to lift your spirits, party to, dance to, sing loudly, or reminds of you of a great summer or cruise or memory?

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TTFN,
~ Dee

 

[marieeb]

marieeb - The concensus here where I live (about 25 mintues to DC in regular traffic - an hour or more in rush hour!) is "we can't wait for this to be over"! I don't ever remember so much fanfare for an inauguration - it usually just comes and goes without much notice. I do understand that this one is a big deal, but I'm content to watch it on TV, especially since it's only supposed to be in the low 20s as a high that day (we need a snowsuit smiley!). But if I did want to go I'd need to prepare for an epic adventure! No driving into the city, which means everyone has to take Metro (our version of the subway), but certain stops will be off only, others will be on only, and all of the parking lots will be either full or closed, which means we'd be taking a bus for a half hour, then the Metro for an hour or more just to get into DC. Then comes the security checkpoints, yes that's plural. No camera bags, purses, or backpacks, no strollers for the kids, wheelchairs have a special security entrance, and those are just the restrictions that I can remember. The worst part is that even today, three days out, they are still changing the road closings and Metro schedules (on top of charging full rush hour fare for the Metro ride!). I can't imagine what the poor unfortunate souls who are not familiar with the city and the transportation system will have to experience that day ! Right now DC is certainly one big elephant !

Hello,
We are;
Marieeb- Marie
DH - Mark
DD9 - Cleo

I already have my FE’s packed and labeled with online names. I can't bear the thought of pulling them out and redoing them with real names but I did put a tag with our names on it. I not unfriendly - just cramped for time at this point!!

Thank you for all of the advice regarding the magnets. I tried 'helping' the feed and it jammed anyway. I don’t think that I can feed the paper from the back. I like the idea of decorating the Mickey Mouse shapes..... That could be a good project for the trip down. I may resort to photo paper and little magnets or we will just have a boring door! There are worse things....



Sabrina. I agree with your approach. From here it looks like one big inauguration freight train (or elephant!) barreling down on you. If I were in your poition I would be inclined to stay home and cower as well!!! It may not play as well in future years when you reminisce with the grandchildren but it would be a far saner day for you!!

I know, "Enough with the weather" but it is snowy, cold and grey!! Eyuckkkk! The only thing keeping me going is thought of the cruise. Crazy busy week ahead. I probably won't be posting but I will be reading to keep me my spirits up!

 

[marieeb]

Okay I blew that reply. The first part of that last post was quote from someone else but it didn't turn yellow. Should have previewed. I'm new at this.

 

[pgsahm2]

Dee, I'm still holding out on the upgrade fairy too.

Hi Marie. It's gray and blecky (no, that's probably not a real word) here today. 30 degrees warmer though!!!!

The one song that first comes to mind is Gwen Stefani's song that we heard during the sailaway party last time. "if I could escape..." Every time I hear it I immediately think of our cruise and it makes me turn into a sap.

Out of curiousity who plans on rebooking onboard? Do you have a date in mind?

 

[medisneycm]

well everyone today is Opening day for the Opera! Wish me luck! I'll sing my heart out to all my DCL 2/7/09 disboard peeps!

 

[deedeedubbs]

well everyone today is Opening day for the Opera! Wish me luck! I'll sing my heart out to all my DCL 2/7/09 disboard peeps!

Monica, break a leg! We are all cheering you on my dear

 

[MyLove4Disney]

I already have my FE’s packed and labeled with online names. I can't bear the thought of pulling them out and redoing them with real names but I did put a tag with our names on it. I not unfriendly - just cramped for time at this point!!

Marie, please don't worry about the names. The way you have it it just fine, the kids will not care. I'm sure the little gifts will be the big hit with them.
No one will think you are unfriendly, I think everyone on her has been very friendly. As it gets closer to the cruise time it become more and more hecktic. It's all good...

Thank you for all of the advice regarding the magnets. I tried 'helping' the feed and it jammed anyway. I don’t think that I can feed the paper from the back. I like the idea of decorating the Mickey Mouse shapes..... That could be a good project for the trip down. I may resort to photo paper and little magnets or we will just have a boring door! There are worse things....

See the PM I sent you.

 

[pgsahm2]

Break a leg Monica!!!!

 

[MyLove4Disney]

well everyone today is Opening day for the Opera! Wish me luck! I'll sing my heart out to all my DCL 2/7/09 disboard peeps!

Wishing you the best sweetie, see you next weekend

Love your mommy