February 7, 2009 Western early check in!

[marieeb]

I was feeling all wistful and jealous as you talked about the bounce back cruise. I didn't think that we were eligible as we got a deal for Canadians that basically compensated for the fact that our Canadian dollar has tanked relative to the US dollar.

So I just called and we get one too!!!!!!! If there was ever a time to call in the happy dancers, this is it! Come on guys....



I can't recall who asked but you are right....I didn't go to bed. I'm off to bed now though. I'm a shift workin' critical care RN. Tonight is my last pre-cruise shift.
Good night,
Marie

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Wow! It's been busy!!! I had all kinds of replies, but I forget what all I wanted to say after reading 2+ pages of posts, lol

1. I hope that the cat. 4 stays open-- I'm really hoping to do an upgrade because I'm really nervous about DS6 on that top bunk. It would be nice to have that murphy bed... Although, if I have my own verandah, you guys might not be able to get me off of it!!!

2. Welcome Andrew!!!!

3. So I've been DROOLING over pictures of the brunch... I keep ending up losing chunks of my life to the Disney Cruise food pics board on here. It's making me hungry, but it's also keeping me in line before the cruise. And even though I'm where I want to be, I know I need to keep on track to get just a little under where I want to be so I have wiggle room.

4. All you girls and your mani/pedis, haircuts, waxings... I better get on the ball! I haven't left my house since Monday afternoon (except to go down the street to tan) because of all of our snow and ice, so I feel like a slob. Oh, and speaking of tanning-- I already have a sunburn... My face looks like a lobster because I overshot my minute limit Luckily, my burns turn into good tans, so I'm over-doing the lotion and hoping that this will get the burning out of my system and I'll be ready for that beautiful Caribbean sun!!! Thinking about that haircut tonight, but I'm being a savings-scrooge right now because I'd rather spend it on the boat...

5. One more thing for this long-winded post... I read somewhere (on the docs maybe? Or the DCL site?) that you have to put down at least a $500 deposit for room charges... Is this right? And if you don't spend all of that (although I think I can do that much damage and more...), what do they do? I'm assuming they credit it back, but I hate to assume anything...

Ok-- done for now! Sorry so long!!! That's the last time I don't check the boards all night and morning!!!

 

[deedeedubbs]

To all of our VV's that will be taveling in the next couple of days or so...

Be safe! and God Bless your journey.

You know though...since you're there before the rest of us it's you're responsible to find the good weather fairy or her sister and set her straight and get Florida's temp up to what we all expect and love.

I had a giggle - I don't remember which one of you wrote that your hair was cut too short but after living with my new haircut I decided it was too long (I wish I could just switch with you so you'd be satisfied with your new look ) ! I popped back in to Supercuts and asked them to please shorten it...I just learned then they have a 7 day policy about such things and didn't charge me! Let's see if my DH even notices. I just bought new glasses and frames and he had no clue. I finally had to tell him. My DS6 noticed and even said, "Mama, you got pretty new glasses. I love it!" but not DH : :

I also ran out to Walmart to pick up some small items for the trip - $130 later I walk out the door!!! What did I get? Oh, I did find the TIDE packets for 97 cents...thanks again to who gave me that tip yesterday!!!

I'm trying to decide if I want to ask the CM's to gather all of the autographs from the characters for me again. Has anyone else done this: Buy pillow cases or picture mattes for framing and hand them over with markers to your cabin steward for guest services to have autographed. We did the mattes last year and then placed our favorite cruise 8X10 pix with it in a frame. Looks great! Love it! But maybe I should do smaller ones or do it again and have just the kids pix. Does anyone have any other special ideas along this same idea?

Finally - welcome to our newest VV's

 

[JRandAJsMom]

I also ran out to Walmart to pick up some small items for the trip - $130 later I walk out the door!!! What did I get? Oh, I did find the TIDE packets for 97 cents...thanks again to who gave me that tip yesterday!!!

I'm trying to decide if I want to ask the CM's to gather all of the autographs from the characters for me again. Has anyone else done this: Buy pillow cases or picture mattes for framing and hand them over with markers to your cabin steward for guest services to have autographed. We did the mattes last year and then placed our favorite cruise 8X10 pix with it in a frame. Looks great! Love it! But maybe I should do smaller ones or do it again and have just the kids pix. Does anyone have any other special ideas along this same idea?

Haha-- $130? That's a LOT of Tide, haha We're headed out there tonight and I have a bad feeling we're going to end up doing the same thing!!!

I read that they don't do the pillowcase/t-shirt thing anymore. Something about word spread too far and wide about it and they got overwhelmed... Never hurts to ask though.

Ok, so I finally had to do an appointment for work today. For my job, it works like in-home health-- all services are performed in the home. Well, today we had a meeting with all the team members (therapists and service coordinators) for a new baby. School's been cancelled since Monday and we've gotten about 3+ inches more than they predicted today on top of the layers of snow and ice already present... And this family lives on one of the biggest hills to drive up in the area. Well, we almost went off the road on the way and were going like 15-20 mph on a 60 mph road... Then we get to the bottom of the hill and can't get up it, so we parked the car at the bottom of the hill and all four of the team members (including me in my boot) had to mountain climb through the snow and ice up about a quarter mile of this hill to get to this house. Up was ok enough, but then we had to come back DOWN! If today was not enough to push me over the edge looking forward to this trip, I don't know what would be!!! Not that I wasn't there a long time ago with all this weather!!!! Now they're talking about the possiblity of another FOOT on Monday if this storm moves the right way...

A WEEK FROM TODAY FOR US!!! Can't come soon enough!!!

 

[deedeedubbs]

Haha-- $130? That's a LOT of Tide, haha We're headed out there tonight and I have a bad feeling we're going to end up doing the same thing!!!

we reeeeeally like to be clean

I read that they don't do the pillowcase/t-shirt thing anymore. Something about word spread too far and wide about it and they got overwhelmed... Never hurts to ask though.!!!

What a shame if it's true. It was a very nice touch! They should sell these items already completed and they'd fly off the shelf!!! They should also sell the autograph books already completed and leave a page for you to insert the appropriate picture. Chrarter lines might become shorter or maybe even better yet the characters could spend a fraction of more time with each child/adult.

Ok, so I finally had to do an appointment for work today. For my job, it works like in-home health-- all services are performed in the home. Well, today we had a meeting with all the team members (therapists and service coordinators) for a new baby. School's been cancelled since Monday and we've gotten about 3+ inches more than they predicted today on top of the layers of snow and ice already present... And this family lives on one of the biggest hills to drive up in the area. Well, we almost went off the road on the way and were going like 15-20 mph on a 60 mph road... Then we get to the bottom of the hill and can't get up it, so we parked the car at the bottom of the hill and all four of the team members (including me in my boot) had to mountain climb through the snow and ice up about a quarter mile of this hill to get to this house. Up was ok enough, but then we had to come back DOWN! If today was not enough to push me over the edge looking forward to this trip, I don't know what would be!!! Not that I wasn't there a long time ago with all this weather!!!! Now they're talking about the possiblity of another FOOT on Monday if this storm moves the right way...

A WEEK FROM TODAY FOR US!!! Can't come soon enough!!!

If walking up and down ice covered hills isn't motivation enough for rebooking another cruise...I don't know what is!

 

[margolyn]

Dee wrote (and I haven't QUITE figured out this quote thing yet, sorry)

"If walking up and down ice covered hills isn't motivation enough for rebooking another cruise...I don't know what is![/QUOTE]"

Lug soled boots day in and day out with two pairs of socks is a pretty good motivator too I can't wait for flip flops and sandals. YAY!

IT will be quiet out here soon. I am one of the last to be leaving, so we will miss you all!

Safe travels and green ribbons for all! Which reminds me, I need to go to Michaels... again.... I think I've done my part to help them through the recession!

Margo in Cinci

 

[JJCJFL]

Dee wrote (and I haven't QUITE figured out this quote thing yet, sorry)


IT will be quiet out here soon. I am one of the last to be leaving, so we will miss you all!

Safe travels and green ribbons for all! Which reminds me, I need to go to Michaels... again.... I think I've done my part to help them through the recession!

Margo in Cinci

I will not be out until next Sat morning so like Motel 6...I will leave the light on! Driving to the port around 10AM.

Jill

 

[GPLarge]

We don't leave till Wednesday next week....it can't get here soon enough. Need to pack this weekend after I get back from DMV to renew the rgistration on the family truckster. And whoever started the facebook thing going I hate/love you. It has me hooked and I found someone I was looking for for 22 years.

See you all in a week. Safe travels everyone.

 

[brinalyn530]

Sue - “Oh guess, what. I got a letter from my credit union telling me that my ATM/Visa card has been comprimised and the are canceling and reissueing a new card. and I won't get a new one for 7 to 10 days. Guess when they are closing it off. 2/2/09, the day we leave. I pretty much use this card exclusively, that way I know everything is paid for and I don't have any bills later. The timing sucks. As least I am protected from theft, I'm glad of that.”

I got almost the exact same letter from my bank last night! I about had a panic attack because I do not have any back ups (I guess I should bite the bullet and apply for that Disney Visa soon!). But the good news (kind of) is that I personally have to activate my new card before the old one will be inactive so I can still use my old card if the new one doesn't come in time. Whew!

Michelle – “we are booking over halloween (leaving the 29th) cant wait!!”

Oh, Halloween sounds nice! I was thinking about booking our bounceback for Payton's birthday in August and adding a few days at WDW since we'll miss it this trip. But then I realized - HELLO! August! In Florida! ! We'd probably literally melt while waiting in all the lines. I don't do well in the humidity and neither of us are very patient so I think that would be more of a nightmare than a vacation. Needless to say, I killed that idea pretty quick! I need to take another look at the available dates so I'm ready that first day we're able to book.

Linda – “I mean, the film would've been great, it has Vince Vaughan and Jason Bateman, etc...but I don't see how I could've done all that, it would've been a whole day shoot and of course, he needs a parent on set!”

Wow! I could have pretended to be you for the day so you could've gotten your packing done - good Samaritan that I am - I'd have ran through the snow and ice to your house to take your son to that audition! Can you say Yum (Vince) and Yummier (Jason)! Too bad DS was too tall, but keep me in mind for next time !

Connie – “Oh, I DVR'd the Extreme Project show and got to watch it last night.” “ re-do of the theater (don't forget it now offers 3-D movies!)”

Oh man, I missed it. I don't have a DVR (I think I'm I the only one on the planet still without one). Anyone know if Comcast has it OnDemand? And about that 3D - was I the only one secretly hoping they'd release the Jonas Brothers movie while we were cruising ? I know I'm way too old for that craze, but their music's kinda catchy and it takes me back to the NKOTB days...

Andrew. No divers in my family, sorry, but it sounds awesome.

Dee – “I also ran out to Walmart to pick up some small items for the trip - $130 later I walk out the door!!! What did I get? Oh, I did find the TIDE packets for 97 cents...thanks again to who gave me that tip yesterday!!!”

I had the same thought about the Tide - "wow that's a LOT of Tide!"

“I'm trying to decide if I want to ask the CM's to gather all of the autographs from the characters for me again. Has anyone else done this: Buy pillow cases or picture mattes for framing and hand them over with markers to your cabin steward for guest services to have autographed. We did the mattes last year and then placed our favorite cruise 8X10 pix with it in a frame. Looks great! Love it! But maybe I should do smaller ones or do it again and have just the kids pix. Does anyone have any other special ideas along this same idea?”

I've been on the fence with this one as well. We did the pillowcases last year on the Wonder and they turned out great, but I had heard they weren't doing it all the time anymore I guess it depends on how busy they are each trip. I'm trying to decide whether to go ahead and get the matte for this trip just in case. But... (OK here comes the OCD, sorry it may get ugly) I'm pretty particular about what I'll hang up in the house so I know if it doesn't turn out just so it won't get hung up and that seems like a waste of everyone's time. (Whew, that was hard to type, I usually hide it much better!) I guess I'll decide on the spot at Michael's when I'm picking up our lime green ribbon!

Well, that's probably all anyone can handle from me for today! If I miss anyone before they leave, happy travels! And do find that weather fairy for us - it sounds like we all could use a big 'ol dose of warm sunshine !

Sabrina

 

[marieeb]

Laundry on board?! How busy are the machines? Are there every line ups? A quick wash would go a long way to reducing the amount to pack...I find that no matter how much I take on a trip there always seems to be a few 'go to' items that I wear more often than others.

After having a healthy debate with myself and reading discussions on the some other threads I sent DH out today to buy snorkel gear. Especially since we will be doing the "bounce back". I may just pack the mask and snorkel then rent the fins. I'll take Cleo's fins but the adult one are quite bulky.

Regarding green ribbons, the one that I bought is fairly narrow and discrete. Exactly what should we do with these ribbons? Put 'em in our hair, around a wrist??? I did raid the local home depot for mickey shapes. Only the greens and blues were left.
It is the crack of dawn for me and I'm just going in to work. Hi ho, hi ho.....Just wanted to pop in to say hi!!
Take care all,
Marie

 

[cdnstitchfan]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say a quick "Hi" and Safe Travels to all those leaving this weekend.

A Big Welcome to all the new members.

Andrew, we don't have any divers in our group, but my DS18 would love to try it one day.

This weekend is our packing weekend, as we are leaving early on Wednesday morning.

To those staying at the Radisson, we will see you all next Friday night.

Pam

 

[patrsn]

Laundry on board?! How busy are the machines? Are there every line ups? A quick wash would go a long way to reducing the amount to pack...I find that no matter how much I take on a trip there always seems to be a few 'go to' items that I wear more often than others.

After having a healthy debate with myself and reading discussions on the some other threads I sent DH out today to buy snorkel gear. Especially since we will be doing the "bounce back". I may just pack the mask and snorkel then rent the fins. I'll take Cleo's fins but the adult one are quite bulky.

Regarding green ribbons, the one that I bought is fairly narrow and discrete. Exactly what should we do with these ribbons? Put 'em in our hair, around a wrist??? I did raid the local home depot for mickey shapes. Only the greens and blues were left.
It is the crack of dawn for me and I'm just going in to work. Hi ho, hi ho.....Just wanted to pop in to say hi!!
Take care all,
Marie

Marie, yes there is laundry, I believe there are two laundry rooms on the ship, and yes they are always busy, I ended up doing mine at bedtime, well bedtime for my family! but it's worth it not to have to pack so much.

I'm putting my green ribbon on my wrist, i guess. or maybe in my hair, a giant green ribbon, thats how excited I am!

I'm off to get dh7 out of tub, she's going to be a raisin! Have a good night everyone.


p.s. I'm the one whose hair got chopped and I hate it! I'll be the one with the Red Sox hat on all week.

 

[margolyn]

Ptrsn -
I am sure the hair looks great and that you are being hard on yourself, but hey - GoSox! I'm bringing a hat too Cubs? LOL...

GPLarge - I love and hate facebook too.

We got new suitcase finally! Its HUGE so DH is very happy! SO AM I!

TTFN!

Safe travels...

And is the Radisson the one up by the Port? We are about 2 miles south of the port I think.

Freezing Margo in Cinci

 

[mickchick6]

Every time I sit down at the computer, I can't think about not visiting my Dis friends! If we thought the excitement was good before, I can feel all of your energy and excitement right now!!!

I've begun to pack, finished the FE's and tomorrow is my beauty day! Mon and Tues will be CRAZY getting everything ready to leave my business in the hands of others and the Wed morning we leave!

Oh the happy moment when we see eachother and the green ribbons at port! I'm getting chills thinking about it!

I just watched Nemo with DS10 and now we're goinna watch Lilo and STitch. This is our night for a date!! Love the Dis movies!

Have a great night all!

 

[JRandAJsMom]

omg! I know I'm behind the times but dh just hooked up wireless! I don't have to hide in my office to get on here anymore!!! In fact I'm in my jammies in my bed now, lol I'm never going to get stuff done (or sleep) again!!!

Dee, we spent exactly $133! DS couldn't figure out why I thought that was so funny

Quick question: are there towels for the beach we can take off the ship or should we bring our own? Getting nervous about packing room!!!

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Forgot something... The Project Extreme special on DIY is on again at 1am and 8pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday morning. Really makes you appreciate what goes into it!

 

[MyLove4Disney]

Quick question: are there towels for the beach we can take off the ship or should we bring our own? Getting nervous about packing room!!!

Regarding Beach Towels. The ship will profide you with pools towels to take ashore, but they are not beach towel size, there more small bath towel size.

I don't bring ours from home as I don't want to pack them because of space. I just take two towels. They ususally have bins as you exit the ship.


I have been very busy at work so I haven't had much chance to chat with everyone. But I do try to check in with you guys at least once a day. I have been so stressed to get everying done. I feel that I have kind of hit a low point. I feel I could sleep for a week and my energy is slowing, but I can't stop. Still have lots to do and we leave Monday morning.

I'll put my two cents in on the laundry, it was always busy, I did get one load of whites done, but I stood around the area most of the time as people were taking things out of the machines as soon as it stopped and throwing their wet clothes out on the table so they could do their own and the person, whos clothing it was just walk in a min later looking for all their clothes. It was not a pretty site. I didn't want to be there.

If you are a night owl and an early riser, might be the best time to use them.

Last time, I just did our under clothing by hand and hung them up in the closet as to not be in the way, until I found time for the dryer late in the evening by that time they were half dry and I could get them done faster. But you know it was only the two of us women so much easier that a family of 4.

One thing I do make sure to do, if there are shorts that I like to wear more than once. I make sure to hang them up than fold them and put it drawer, they seem to stay fresher that way. I take a small bottle of fabrez. It freshen them up nicely.

Hey another Tip. Ladies, if you are like me I don't like to wear a wet bathing suit. I always bring two, in the cabin it usually takes longer than a day to hang dry. Well I guess for a suit like I wear that is. I guess if you have a itzi bitzi tiny weny yellow pokadot bikini, it will dry pretty fast. I will tell you if you saw me in that you would either run away screaming or push me over the edge and not tell anyone

Ok, I've been tanning all week now, I been in level 4 booth for 3 days and had no problems with the full mins no red color nothing, just gradually tanning. Well yesterday, I do the same amount of time and I get really red. Almost a real sunburn. So today, I'm felling only a little tinglely, so I drop my mins in half because the side of my thighs are still sensative. I burned any today at only half the time. either somthing is wrong with the booth or there was something wrong with the booth the 1st three times I used it. Anyway, I look a bit bright red. I have two more session, I guess I'm going to skip them.

I will be tan, but gezzsh you would have thought I would have burned the 1st full session.

We are going to do final packing and get manis and pedi. in the morning. But I think I'm going to sleep in until 9am.


Talk to you this weekend so more.

OK, I am taking my laptop next week so I will be able to chat...

Wish we would have decided to stay at the Radi on Friday. I'll miss you all.




Good night to all my VV friends..

 

[princessmeesh]

good thinking because august is in the middle of hurricane season~! that is why we chose halloween to do the 99 dollar bounceback, it is at the tail end and it is usually quiet down here, you CANNOT do it in the summer to "iffy" with the hurricanes!


MAKE SURE YOU ALL BRING SOME QUARTERS TOO! dont just bring your tide! LOL it is easier to bring the change instead of counting on the machine i read....

who read where that they dont do the pillowcases anymore? i just bought 2 white pillowcases and that would STINK! are you sure??

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY WE BOARD THE DISNEY MAGIC Y'ALL!!

off to the gym my VV friends see you on the flipside~!

Michelle

 

[princessmeesh]

I'll put my two cents in on the laundry, it was always busy, I did get one load of whites done, but I stood around the area most of the time as people were taking things out of the machines as soon as it stopped and throwing their wet clothes out on the table so they could do their own and the person, whos clothing it was just walk in a min later looking for all their clothes. It was not a pretty site. I didn't want to be there.



Ok, I've been tanning all week now, I been in level 4 booth for 3 days and had no problems with the full mins no red color nothing, just gradually tanning. Well yesterday, I do the same amount of time and I get really red. Almost a real sunburn. So today, I'm felling only a little tinglely, so I drop my mins in half because the side of my thighs are still sensative. I burned any today at only half the time. either somthing is wrong with the booth or there was something wrong with the booth the 1st three times I used it. Anyway, I look a bit bright red. I have two more session, I guess I'm going to skip themquote]


Sue, they may have changed the bulbs and didnt warn you, which isnt very nice, i have had the burn as i am WHIIIIIIITE but i am going to spray before we go! i will give the illusion of being tan without wrinkles! teehee, i am a NUT with the sunblock so lookout or i may spray you! KIDDING

yikes! that laundry situation sounds downright SCARY! but since i am indeed an early morning chick, i may just do it then! at least no one will take my stuff out, being a new yorker, that may just make me use my acid tongue!

safe travels and we will see you in a WEEK! (thats for Lola)

 

[patrsn]

Hi guys, just dropping in to say hello to everyone. I'm getting my pre vacation sore throat, you know the one that comes from being up so late trying to do things, and getting up too early because you can't sleep thinking of everything that needs to get done? At least this time I take a break every once in a while and actually sit, and thats when I chat with you fine folk. So thank you for that and everyone thats on Facebook, an extra thanks to you too. I'm sure I'd have a full blown nasty cold if it weren't for all of you making me sit down every so often. hahah

So the weather in Orlando??? whats up with that, it's suppose to be sunny and 80s when I go there!!, in all the years we've gone to disney we've only had cold weather at Disney, (yes 50's is cold, I want at the very least 70) once and that was when we were there in early Jan. I'll take some of that global warming now! I don't know if there's enough room in my suitcases for pants and sweatshirts.

Yes.. there is laundry on the ship, 2 laundry rooms actually, and yes as Sue stated they do get very busy and the people are totally rude. We'll have to get together and take over the laundry room for a "laundry dismeet". Hahaha, we can put one of our Valentine Voyagers magnets on the door and shut everyone else out!! Hmm....drinks in the laundry room.....who says doing laundry on vacation has to stink? Now I'm thinking room service.. in the laundry room, Ladies this could be our secret hideout..........

Back to being serious, ( I sort of was serious though) I'm off to a freezing cold hockey rink, then the craft store, I love the autograph book ideas, and then I really have to find some new white tee shirts, mine are totally stained and ruined. I also have to hit the dreaded Walmart for tide...I so hate Walmart.. Have a great Day everyone and a safe trip to whoever is leaving today, I know someone is, I think it might be one of the other michelles? whoever it is talk to Mickey about the cold spell for me.. Bye

Michelle

ps I really do hate my haircut!