February 7, 2009 Western early check in!

[pgsahm2]

A quick good morning!

List of things to do today:

Clean out the car.
Choose movies for the DVD players.
Pack emergency medicines.
Remember to breath.

Later gators!

 

[marieeb]

Okay, you have me convinced that, unless we storm the laundry room as a group and take it over, I'm not doing laundry. I have no desire to lock horns with anyone over dirty whites. That said I will bring the soap in case there is an emergency, and pack more clothes....
DD woke up with a fever yesterday. My mother, who is visiting for the winter, is sick this morning. I am worried, but it is better to happen now than in a few days.
Just wanted to pop in, say hi and wish all imminent travellers a bon voyage!
Take care all and happy packing!,
Marie

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Ok, before I start this, I'M SORRY!!!!

I did read awhile back (on some early 2008 posts in another forum) that they had stopped doing the signing stuff. HOWEVER... After I saw poor Michelle's post, I did some more searching. As of posts just this week, people who cruised last week did turn things in and they did get signed. So, it looks like they're doing it again. I'm glad this happened this way though because I wasn't going to bring anything since I had read that before!!! Thank you Dee for sparking the conversation! I would have been one depressed mommy if I would have showed up without stuff to sign only to find out that they're doing it again!!! Not to mention I might have been banished from the VV's for the mistake!!! I'm SOOOOO sorry!!!!

Ok-- good news for this morning. Every morning I step on the scale. I had a round-about goal for this pre-cruise madness and guess what? This morning I reached it!!! A week early!!! I'm sooooo excited

We're off to the mall to cruise shop some more today. Do you know how hard it is to find water shoes in the midst of snow storms in January? Apparently they think people don't need those in the winter They had huge sand toy sets though... Go figure... The shoes may be a Florida pit stop purchase...

Thanks for the towel tips! DH didn't think they would trust people to take them off the ship. He doesn't think they will leave a corkscrew in the room either.

 

[margolyn]

I was up around 6 and almost logged in - still wouldn't have beat Princess Meesh our morning queen!

I think we should storm a laundry room - that sounds like a riot! And order room service... wine cheese and sodas for all!!!!

I am close to my weight goal too - 6 days, 2 lbs - eas low carb shakes and south beach bars all around!

So, what do people get signed? Tshirts? I think someone said a frame? I think that wold be my choice, but please fill me in - again stupid newbie question...

Thanks for insights.

Off to volunteer at school carnival... talk later.

 

[cdnstitchfan]

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

Margo, it is the Radisson at the port.

Good Morning everyone, just checking the boards, before I get started on my day.

Main thing to accomplish today is to figure out what everyone is taking and start packing the suitcases, need to make sure they don't end being over weight.

Have a great day.
Pam

 

[MyLove4Disney]

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

I have that happen to me also, be sure to take a breather between things.

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, I was hoping for some warmer weather than home, but we might have better weather at here.

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..........


OK, I love this especially putting up the magnet, maybe even a fake room number so only we VV not it is there... and or even


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!

I'm sorry about that Michelle, you still have a week of grow out and time to work with it.

See my notes in green.


Well, I had to get up and see what all my great VV friends are doing today.

Went to michaels last night got the last of my supplies for name badges for our first meet.

Talk with you all later...
Susan

 

[Billinaz]

I got us free (!) first class upgrades! The flights will be very comfortable!

Cape Canaveral
Fri Feb 06 Partly Cloudy 70°/48° chance of rain10 %
Sat Feb 07 Partly Cloudy 73°/49° chance of rain10 %

Key West
Sun Feb 08 Sunny 73°/65° Chance of rain 0

Grand Cayman
Tues Feb 10 Hi 82°F Lo 77°F

Cozumel
Web Feb 11 Hi 84°F Lo 73°F

Bahamas
Sat Feb 13 Hi 84°F Lo 73°F

 

[frostrhonda]

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..

We are staying there as well!! I don't know what time we are going to get in, because we are doing Walt Disney World on Friday.
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

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

Michelle,
I don't think that is true. We go every year, and everything is always perfect. I am sure if they were asked to change linens they would though.
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

See my notes in green.


Well, I had to get up and see what all my great VV friends are doing today.

Went to michaels last night got the last of my supplies for name badges for our first meet.

Talk with you all later...
Susan

Susan,
You said everyone was meeting on Saturday the 2nd. We depart on Saturday the 7th, so I just wanted to be sure that wasn't a typo....WE WILL BE ON BOARD AT THIS TIME NEXT SATURDAY!!!! YEAH YEAH YEAH!! It is COLD here in Michigan!! Where are you from??
Rhonda

 

[Billinaz]

Nobody else for the Country Inn and Suites?? We will be there about dinner time..... probably go to Durango Steakhouse.

 

[frostrhonda]

See my notes in green.


Well, I had to get up and see what all my great VV friends are doing today.

Went to michaels last night got the last of my supplies for name badges for our first meet.

Talk with you all later...
Susan

Is there something special your putting on the name badges? Are you making them for everyone, or is each group making their own??
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

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!

We have been going do WDW every year since 93. We finally became DVC members in 2001. Since, we have used it every year to go on the Disney Cruise! We LOVE it!! Have you ever been before? If not, you will be hooked! Oh, for all those who like leather sandals, flip flops, purses, ect. there is a store in Key West called Kinos. Sandals for $10.00!! Great prices! I highly recommend everyone checking it out! Prices in Grand Cayman are in Cayman dollars, not US, so the actual cost will be higher for US dollars than you see on menus, ect. Cozumal has the best shopping, but I am half in the bag most of the time in Cozulmal. They get you drunk while you shop! Look out for the stores that give you lots of free shots! Last time my husband and I were in a shop that did that (in Cozumal), he spent $300.00 on a pair of elephant skin cowboy boots and a matching belt. Funny thing is, he does NOT wear cowboy boots!! LOL! The next day he was like, "What was I thinking?!" Too funny!
Rhonda Frost

 

[frostrhonda]

Margo, it is the Radisson at the port.

Good Morning everyone, just checking the boards, before I get started on my day.

Main thing to accomplish today is to figure out what everyone is taking and start packing the suitcases, need to make sure they don't end being over weight.

Have a great day.
Pam

Hi Pam and Margo!!
My husband, Rick and I are staying at the Radisson also! It used to be a lot cheaper, and the parking all week was free. I guess they got wise to the cruise line guests staying there and parking for free. They had to get their cut too!! I don't know what time we are getting there. We are getting in early Friday morning and going to Disney. Can't drive by and not go on the Rockin Rollercoaster! Thats like a sin!! Friends of mine arrived at WDW today, and will be there all week. We are hookin up with them on Friday to get them into the American Idol Experience. They need our DVC cards because its new and only open for preview to the DVC members. I want to sing to!!! I just started going on these to meet some new friends for the cruise! I MUST SOCIALIZE!! Kids are staying home!(teenagers)
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

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!!!

We have been on, like 10 or 11 cruises, and I never thought to get the single load Tide packs! DA!! I took extra dryer sheets! Cause they make the clothes in the suitcase smell good!! HE HE! We always go and throw our stuff in the dryer when we get on board to take the wrinkes out! We drive from Michigan. I don't care to fly if I don't have to. I saw Castaway before we flew to Hawai, bad move. I had to take something for my nerves!
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

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!!!

I don't know how they do that, as we always send money to our credit card, and give them our credit card #. Here is a BIG TIP!! You are ALLOWED TO TAKE YOUR OWN LIQUOR!!!! I think Disney is the only one! They don't even say anything if you take your drinks into the bar! Trust me, if you drink, take some of your own with you! We have had HUGE bar bills. Now, we take our Magic Bullet with us to! There are liquor stores right down the road from the Radisson! If you are taking the Disney Transportation and need anything, I would be happy to pick it up for you! Also, take a case of water. I think it is either $24.00 or $34.00 for a case of water. But the liquor is the biggest money saver. Pop is free, except from room service, so Captain Morgans is even good. We usually have a bar in our room, including jello shots! Us folks from Hockey Town like to be prepared! (GO RED WINGS!)
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

Welcome Rhonda, so excited you decided to join us. I forget that it's not just going to be our 50ish people on this cruise, lol...

So I went to get my haircut yesterday, well just trimmed and my hairdresser talked and talked and ended up cutting me way too short, fine for summer but it's freakin the middle of winter.. I'm horrified... oh well it will be good for vacationing..I'm starting to panic that I've forgotten something, it probably doesn't help that I'm on facebook and disboards constantly, so if you don't see me for a bit I'm just getting stuff done. Looks like facebook is doing maintenence so I can't sign on for a few hours, that should help.

someone asked what a delay was, it means the start of school is delayed for however many hours they give you.. gives them time to clear the ice and sidewalks, get the buses out and such...If they cancelled busses here nobody would go to school, and a lot of our teachers come from out of town so it gives them time to go slowly on the icy roads.

Thats it, I'm off to roust (one of ds's vocab words this week) everyone out of bed to begin the day. cold here 10 degrees...brrrrrrrrr...Have a good day everyone!

Michelle

Michelle,
I'm 36 and Rick is 43. The cool thing is I assume you are taking no kids either? Ours have been enough. Matt is 18, and on his own now, and Courtney is 16 and staying home. She is in her 3rd year of the varsity Pom team, and has events, and Winterfest to go to. No drama for a week! YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!!! I am very excited. Don't really care what this cruise brings, I am just happy to be there. I am the optimist of my friends. Its all good! I can't wait to meet everyone! I just remembered this site and got on! It took 6 cruised and my sister in law before I even knew it was here! I guess I am low tech!
Rhonda

 

[frostrhonda]

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

For anyone who has not been, the snorkeling at Castaway Cay is very cool! If you have your own snorkel gear, it will save you lots! Its like $30 some dollars to rent the equipment at Castaway Cay. It is worth going though. At the end, you will find Mickey on a surfboard pointing up to the top of the water. Very cool! We are also staying at the Radisson. It is a great deal as opposed to paying to park at the cruise!!
Rhonda

 

[JRandAJsMom]

I don't know how they do that, as we always send money to our credit card, and give them our credit card #. Here is a BIG TIP!! You are ALLOWED TO TAKE YOUR OWN LIQUOR!!!! I think Disney is the only one! They don't even say anything if you take your drinks into the bar! Trust me, if you drink, take some of your own with you! We have had HUGE bar bills. Now, we take our Magic Bullet with us to! There are liquor stores right down the road from the Radisson! If you are taking the Disney Transportation and need anything, I would be happy to pick it up for you! Also, take a case of water. I think it is either $24.00 or $34.00 for a case of water. But the liquor is the biggest money saver. Pop is free, except from room service, so Captain Morgans is even good. We usually have a bar in our room, including jello shots! Us folks from Hockey Town like to be prepared! (GO RED WINGS!)
Rhonda

Jello shots?!?! I'm parking myself in YOUR room!!! We do plan on getting liquor for on board. I'll probably get something I can mix with coke/pepsi and something to mix with juices and a couple bottles of wine. DH already set aside the bubble wrap, lol.

Went shopping AGAIN today... Does all this stuff REALLY fit?

One week from RIGHT now it'll be almost time for the SAIL AWAY PARTY!!!

 

[frostrhonda]

Oh boy, $99 pp/cruise....yippee. Now I just need DH to have SUPER time and like it so much he's onboard with me next time! OK, if he's not, I'm bringing my 3 sisters and using FF miles!

Luckily I'm busy at work otherwise I'm not sure how I'd make it thru the day to get my dose of forum fun! Especially now that work has the forum blocked so I can't access it.

Last weekend was my mother's 83 b-day bash so we were out of town for that, Sunday night was my sister's 2 yr. bible certificate graduation. After her graduation she asked if I'd take the next day off to help her take her 23 yr. daughter (my niece) to an inpatient drug program hours away. It was a very last minute request so that threw me into a whole late night Sunday night get online with work cancel all my meetings, make alternate meeting arrangements. I feel I just settled down from all that and am caught up enough on the missed day with all the work on my plate. I'm so proud that my niece has decided to try and get in control of her addiction. It's something I'm so foreign to but have seen how it can turn a beautiful young woman into someone so dependent. I told her I plan to send her a card from CC just for her.

This weekend the packing needs to get more in gear beyond throwing things in the direction of a suitcase.

Oh, I DVR'd the Extreme Project show and got to watch it last night. It was interesting to see all that they did in 14 days of dry dock. It looks like the Magic will be in tip top shape for us. New carpet, pools redone, new paint, re-do on the kids Oceaneer clubs. New upholstery on the dining chairs, re-do of the theater (don't forget it now offers 3-D movies!). Whole outside painted and lots of mechanical maintenance.

I played the horn thing several times on YouTube and can't wait until we're there hearing it ourselves. We have had such a cold spell here in Mpls. and today is -5 with windchill of -15. Can't wait for 70+ days. Have a great day everyone!

Connie

Connie-
I have to ask, what is DH??
Rhonda