February 7, 2009 Western early check in!

[Billinaz]

Marieeb


Im as much as a compulsive planner as it gets.

I have every detail set up and when it inevitibly goes awry for whatever reason, it drives me crazy. I think the one that got me the worst was when I was at the port and realized my Maxxum 7D just stopped working! I could not deal with a point and shoot or the disposable camera the nice employees at the port offered me.......

I got a phone book after we boarded, called around and found a Best Buy with a Sony Alpha and got off the boat, ran to a taxi to get me to best buy and back onboard long before we sailed. Luckily I was there at 10AM!......

After you are completely done packing, take out half before you leave.

I just emailed the teachers my annual notice we are taking the kids out of school for the cruise. They will never learn as much from a book as they will by being in another country...........

 

[pgsahm2]

We're taking the boys out of school for this too. 4th and 1st grades. I have fingers crossed that when they go back to school today and tell their teachers they are going on a cruise next month that they won't freak! In February 07 we took the older one out of 2nd grade at that time and it wasn't too bad.

We went shopping yesterday for a few cruise clothes for the boys. JCPenney's had a good sale but alas, we bought nothing specifically for the cruise. I need to find swimtrunks for the oldest. I think I'll try Target.com! Thanks for sharing!

Welcome to Newbies08!! You're going to have the time of your life!

I've been checking the Disney website almost every other day to see what cabins are still available. Here's what I've come up with:

cat 4 -- 8010, 8510, 8512, 8508, 8002, 8000, 8500
cat 5 -- 7090, 7118, 7618, 7104, 7604, 7106, 7602, 7606, 7092, 7598
cat 6 -- GTY
cat 7 -- GTY
cat 8 -- GTY
cat 9, 10, 11 -- still quite a few of these

So you'll see that the upper categories are quite full!

33 days!!!!!

 

[Michellepooh]

I've never had an upgrade on any of the 9 Disney Cruises I've been on. Maybe the 10th cruise will be my lucky charm and I'll get upgraded to the Walt Suite! Hey, I can dream! I've cruised paying cash and using DVC points, so I don't know what their formula is for determining who gets an upgrade.

My older DS is only 4, so he will be missing 2 weeks of preschool while we're gone. I'm not concerned! Even when he gets older we will probably still pull him out one week a year to go to WDW/DCL.

 

[TinkerKat]

Do the categories with GTY listed mean that there are a lot of cabins available?
How can you figure out what's available? By doing a "dummy booking"?
Just curious!

 

[Namsupak]

pgsahm2- You had me really worried because I'm in 7092 and you said it's still available. I ran right away to double check it. Glad to see we're not at full capacity though....maybe the upgrade fairy will visit many valentine voyagers

 

[cdnstitchfan]

Hi Kath, nice to see you have finally decided to check in..... Don’t worry you will have a great time. Don’t tell your DH but we plan on having a one great celebration for his 40th!!


Hi Mickchick6 my oldest DS is glad to hear that there is someone close to his age on the ship. My oldest is 18. Send me a PM with an email address and I will get my oldest to send him a note...

Sue great work on all the list and ideas. All sounds good to me, I am worried about doing the exchange more than once thought, with the airlines having all the weight restrictions on luggage it makes it difficult to take too much extra with us.

We are taking the youngest out of school, the oldest graduate last year and is taking a year off school to work.

I can hardly believe it, this time next month we will be already at the Port and away from our cold weather.

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Wow! I didn't get to check in on the board for a few days... It's been busy on here!!! After a brief hiatus from the "real world" (family reunion in a hotel for 3 days), I am even MORE ready for this cruise!!! Especially since our hotel stay started off with a day that included quite the adventure... While by myself with the boys for the 3 days (dh was back at home because he had to work), all in one day we experienced 1. showing up at the hotel pool ready to swim only to find it was closed, 2. an afternoon of sitting in our room since we had checked in early to swim that was interrupted by the bathroom/foyer/closet flooding and finding that out by my youngest ds slipping on the water and falling flat on his back and a bunch of my clothes, my camera bag and my purse (containing $150 worth of my ds6's medicines) soaked in toilet water, 3. the hotel considering it an acceptable cleanup by mopping up the water with our towels (not sanitizing the dirty floor) and leaving those towels (soaked in toilet water) heaped in our bathtub and not replacing our towels or getting the dirty ones out of the bathtub until requested a couple of times, 4. having to ask 3 times for a pack-n-play for my son to take a nap, 5. getting a flat tire on the way back to the hotel from dinner, and last, but not least, 6. my older ds in the hotel room vomiting while I was outside with the AAA man changing my tire... That's the brief synopsis The end result? They gave me a pack of laundry detergent and directing me to the laundry facilities on the second floor. Maybe I've just been spoiled by Disney and their customer service, but I can't wait to get back on their turf!!!

OK, now that's out of my system (I had to share it with other travelers who I know will appreciate the experience!!!)... Now that the holidays are over, it's time to work on getting ready for a bathing suit!!! I think exercise tv on OnDemand read my mind... Under the "Biggest Losers" section, there is a 30 day shred program. Talk about perfect timing I'm not necessarily going for the extreme weight loss-- more the toning up. I work out pretty regularly, but this program kicked my butt (literally), so I thought I'd share for anyone else who has OnDemand!

Oh, and we too are taking our boys out of school. I agree- there are some things that just can't be learned in school. We get the work before and do a little each day. I don't think the ds6's teacher was too happy, but I can't wait to take him to some of the museums and ecoparks. You can't experience that stuff in a book...

OH!!! And a dh story (this is getting long-- I'm sorry!!). He's always been moody about the cruise because I always fool around with cruise stuff when I should be doing other things... He has actually been helping me find stuff for the FE and FE gifts! I had been looking for Peter Pan material and can't find it and he was actually excited that he came up with the idea (and found the supplies for) making iron-ons on the computer so I can put Peter Pan clipart on the pockets...

Ok-- that's enough for now See what happens when I bottle up for a few days??? Haha It's getting closer and closer!!!! I can't WAIT!!!!

Jen

 

[deedeedubbs]

JRandAJsMom - What an ordeal! We had a very bad experience the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend I thought was just horrible but I think you blew that out of the water!

My cousin did have a bad Disney experience - can you believe it?! She was staying at the Animal Kingdom with her DH and three kids. It was 3 days before they were scheduled to leave and her DH went to the car to pull it up so they could go where ever they planned. So he was in the car for about 10 minutes or so and started feeling pain on his legs. He jumped out of the car to find he was being bitten by fire ants. He looked into his car and it was infested with ants. I guess when he initally went in they were calm and weren't active so he didn't see them. Once he was in they went on the offensive and all came out. He was so lucky that he got out before they swarmed on him. But anyway...long story made a little shorter. He lost the last 3 days of his trip and they didn't get to go to their other planned activity because of the ants. After many requests of help Disney finally let him use a vacuum cleaner to try to get them out of his car. They offered no help. He spent the last 3 days of his trip trying to remove these ants from his car. My cousin complained and the CM offered her a free bottle of water. That is the 1st and last time I heard a bad customer service issue from Disney. I must add that she still loves Disney and goes yearly. I've never had a bad experience there. In fact we've had so many magical moments.

I ordered 3 of my FE gifts. Small but fun.

Toodles,
~ Dee

 

[princess sparkle p]

Just got off the phone with DCL. They told me that 847 of the 877 rooms on the Magic are sold…

Oh upgrade fairy!!!!


busy busy ship...

 

[deedeedubbs]

Just got off the phone with DCL. They told me that 847 of the 877 rooms on the Magic are sold…

Oh upgrade fairy!!!!


busy busy ship...

Oh no

Our last cruise was so empty. It was wonderful with being able to find a table or chairs by the pool, the parties were busy but everyone had so much room to move and dance.

For those of you who sailed on full capacity bookings before...how was it? Am I worried about nothing?

 

[brinalyn530]

Wow it has gotten busy! I have been keeping up but just haven't had the time to post.

I still have so much to do! I have to finish up the FE gifts, make our door magnets, email DS's teacher (that really should have already been done - oops), make our packing lists and then pack, hook up with Shirley about the surprise gift baskets, prepay our tips, type up instructions for my boss for while I'm away - that sounds kinda weird now that I've thought about it - anyway, and finally... buy some necessities for the puppies we'll be picking up the weekend after the cruise (which is also a surprise for my DS - shhh)! I don't know why I do this to myself - I'll have just enough time to unpack and do laundry before I get to start housebreaking two (adorable, fluffy, totally lovable) little girl puppies !

OK, back to matters at hand... I agree with whomever suggested the one time FE delivery - I missed so much on the ship last time so I plan on being pretty busy with activities this time around. Think martini tasting, galley tour, wine tasting, maybe even some bingo if I'm feeling saucy ! Plus, our FE gifts will be kind of difficult to break into multiple trips if everything works out as planned.

As far as the meet goes, I suggested a while back meeting on deck 4 overlooking the atrium - it seems not too busy and there are chairs and such, but I also like the idea of meeting by the pools if it's warm enough. I think I said something along the lines of 3 o'clock, which should give anyone coming from WDW time to make the meet, and also give the rest of us time to have some lunch, maybe make dining changes/Palo reservations, check out the spa, stuff like that. But honestly, I'm game for whatever - just say when and where and I'll be there.

I talked to my DS8 about our little group and he would like to exchange emails with the other kids in the group to get to know everyone before we set sail. His name is Payton and his email address is pbs8828@hotmail.com - and of course, I will be previewing his messages and monitoring his replies, he is only 8 after all.

I know we still have a few more important decisions to make (FE exchange times/days, etc, meet time and location) but I was curious to see if anyone would be interested in getting together one evening in one of the clubs or something. Being a single parent, I don't get much adult time, but I'm also a little shy about doing things solo. I think it would be fun to "hang out" with our new friends while the kids hang out with their new friends in the clubs. Just a thought. Maybe we can cheer on Sue's daughter if she sings this time around!

Amanda - great pics on Facebook - I bet the kids came up with some doozies for the word scramble ! Are you guys still planning on driving down for the cruise? Just curious to see if there are any other crazy people hitting the road with us !

Well, enough from me (again)! Can't wait to see you all in 30 days (give or take a few hours)!

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Dee-- (and anyone else who read my previous message!) Just want to make sure that I clarify that the experience mentioned was NOT Disney

Nothing bad to say about Disney whatsoever-- in fact, did DVC mostly out of confidence in their customer service and have never been let down Upgrade fairy-- don't break the chain!!! Haha

So do you have a better chance of an upgrade if you're there early? Has anyone ever paid for an upgrade at the port? Or do you know about how much one would be to an outside or verandah room?

 

[MyLove4Disney]

I've been off a few days, dead computer, sort of working now.

Nice to hear from everyone. Sounds like everyone is getting ready for the trip.

Well I have packed everything except formal clothes, shoes and FE Gifts. I finished my FE tonight. Next: to print out my door magnets/signs.

At work it is budget time. I'm in charge of figuring our charge back rates for Information System Services and Replacement Funding and we are getting creative this year about how to fund everything, so guess what. I'm creating 3 different budget plans and 3 different Replacement funding plans as well as a new area of our org Duplication and Postal service processing budget. NOT FUN. my eyes and head hurts. But I am going to be done by Wednesday next week.

Brinalyn, you are welcome to join in on the fun in the adults clubs with my DD and I every night as we do enjoy the time with the entertainment.

For others that have cruised Disney before, What are you planning on doing this time that you just didn't have time to do on your last cruise.

Well I'll start: For me it will be spending some restful time on Deck 4 comfortable loungers and watching the waves pass by. Oh so peaceful. Haven't done that before, but I am looking forward to it. Also one of the tastings..

 

[princessmeesh]

can you believe that i JUST found out about the wonder of these boards after being raised a disney kid (going every year for Christmas since i was 2)!! me, DH, DD8 and DD6 are doing our 2nd DCL but our 1st 7 day to celebrate both of us turning 40 and we cannot WAIT! we got our fish extender and of COURSE the over the door organizer! i got my ziplocs, soft sided cooler and now we just have to figure out what beaches to hit as my DD6 and i are the mellower type while DD8 and DH tear it up on excursions!! looking to meet fellow CC members on board!

 

[princessmeesh]

we would LOVE to be a part of this, what do i need to do?? i saw the theme of the gifts, i LOVE it!!

 

[mickchick6]

princessmeesh-- My DH and I are also turning 40!!! I guess this is the perfect way to celebrate our "mid-life", in the Caribbean drinking rum!!!! My DH 's b-day is Jan 23rd and mine is Feb 27th, so we're sailing right in the middle of the two!!!

cdnstitchfan--Isn't someone in your family turning 40 too? We should have an evening celebration at the bar and drink to the next 40 yrs!!! All aboard?
Also, I will PM you with my DS17 info. I'm so looking forward to having all my kids in the same place for once....well, at least on the same ship! My DS17 is usually too busy to hang with mom and dad!!

Does Disney just randomly upgrade passengers? I guess I'm unclear how you receive such a great option? We are in a cat 11 without ajoining rooms for the first time. We're taveling on DVC points and didn't have enough for the upgrade and were too cheap to pay cash!!! But if we have ways to move up.... I'm listening!!

Ok, off to work...the unfortunate truth of how we can afford this trip. WORK! ARGG matey's

 

[pgsahm2]

Real quick, I forgot to mention that my inlaws are not participating in the FE exchange. I know they're on the list but I don't think they're taking part. So please delete them (and no one account for them please!). And as far as which room our FE will hang at it'll be either 5022 or 5024. I'm not sure which one will be our primary room since the inlaws are in the other. Just wanted to quickly update before I forgot!

Have a great day! I'll be back later to catch up on replies.

 

[deedeedubbs]

Dee-- (and anyone else who read my previous message!) Just want to make sure that I clarify that the experience mentioned was NOT Disney

Nothing bad to say about Disney whatsoever-- in fact, did DVC mostly out of confidence in their customer service and have never been let down

Hi JRandAJSMom - my mistake when I wrote my last message. I understood that your nightmare was Not with Disney. I guess I should have indicated in a better way that I was just sharing the only negative story I heard about our Wonderful Disney's customer service (AND THEY ARE WONDERFUL which is why it was so surprising). My bad, as they say.

 

[princess sparkle p]

Maybe I missed it, but do we know who our CD is?

 

[princessmeesh]

oh yeah! lots of 40's on this trip, huh? well, at least we know how to celebrate in STYLE!!

would LOVE to meet up for a drink to toast our next era and anyone else who wants to meet up as well and join us!

any word on the FE exchange? is it too late for us to get in?? just got my FE!!