Food, Fun, and Frivolity: 8 Funtabulous days w/pics! UPDATE 1/20 HELP!!!!

[amyrella]

wah.!!!.. i'm sad your tr is over! i really enjoyed reading both of your reports!!

ps. what kind of camera do you have? your fireworks pictures are great!!!

 

[heathsf]

So that's all folks!

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I don't want this TR to be over!!! It was too much fun to read. Leshaface, please go back to Disney World ASAP and write another TR!!!

 

[reelmom]

I just started your TR and I am really enjoying it. You and your DH are adorable. Looking forward to reading more.

 

[Leshaface]

wah.!!!.. i'm sad your tr is over! i really enjoyed reading both of your reports!!

ps. what kind of camera do you have? your fireworks pictures are great!!!

I"m sad it's over also!! It was so much fun to relive our trip!

I have a Canon Rebel Xsi! I looooove it! It takes such clear pictures and so easy to use!

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I don't want this TR to be over!!! It was too much fun to read. Leshaface, please go back to Disney World ASAP and write another TR!!!

I think all my Dis friends need to get together and make a fund for me to get back to the World so I can continue writing!!

But hopefully I'll have another trip sometime soon so I can write about it! Will you be doing a TR for your upcoming trip???

I just started your TR and I am really enjoying it. You and your DH are adorable. Looking forward to reading more.

Hi reelmom!! Hope you enjoy it!

 

[heathsf]

Will you be doing a TR for your upcoming trip???

I doubt it. It's going to be such a short trip so I don't know that there will be much to write about. Maaaaaaybe I'll think about doing one for my August trip with my BF (I can't believe I'm actually going twice this year! I've never been able to do that before!). In Aug we'll be there for a week with the dining plan and it's his first trip e-v-e-r so there may be more things to write about. We'll see.

 

[norybell]

Hiii! Yes, you HAVE been gone for quite a while, but good to see ya back!

Haha, don't even TEMPT me with this!!!! I'm easily persuaded!! Honestly though, if I found a group of friends to meet there or go with, I would ABSOLUTELY do it!!

Voice of Temptation: I'm telling ya, solo trips are the best...

 

[Leshaface]

I doubt it. It's going to be such a short trip so I don't know that there will be much to write about. Maaaaaaybe I'll think about doing one for my August trip with my BF (I can't believe I'm actually going twice this year! I've never been able to do that before!). In Aug we'll be there for a week with the dining plan and it's his first trip e-v-e-r so there may be more things to write about. We'll see.

You're so lucky to be going twice this year!!! Even though it's a short trip next month, it's still something!

Aww you're gonna have an awesome time showing him the ropes!!! Happy New Year!!!

Voice of Temptation: I'm telling ya, solo trips are the best...

OMgosh, i didn't even notice!!! You take solo trips!!!! I'm DEFINITELY subbing and will read tomorrow, since i'm gonna be stuck in bed all day I fear...







Happy New Year everyone!!!! Now is it, "Happy New Year's" or "Happy New Year"...i've been seeing many different ways over on FB today, so now i'm not sure what to put!!! I'll do this:

Happy New Year('s)?!


So yeah, TOTALLY am getting the flu right now...woke up this morning with my throat a little sore, and was trying to ignore it, because we go with my Sis-in-laws family to the annual Portuguese New Year('s) Party...even though we're mexican, we still enjoy it!!

I couldn't make it through the dancing tonight...my body is so achy, and I can barely swallow...my nose is fine right now, but who nose tomorrow...haha did you catch my little joke...wow, so pathetic I am! Watching Keeping Up Appearances right now and am hoping to at least make it till midnight to tell the hubster I love him!


Anywho, hope everyone has a safe and Happy year!!

Till next year my friends!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Happy New Year everyone!!!! Now is it, "Happy New Year's" or "Happy New Year"...i've been seeing many different ways over on FB today, so now i'm not sure what to put!!! I'll do this:

Happy New Year('s)?!


So yeah, TOTALLY am getting the flu right now...woke up this morning with my throat a little sore, and was trying to ignore it, because we go with my Sis-in-laws family to the annual Portuguese New Year('s) Party...even though we're mexican, we still enjoy it!!

I couldn't make it through the dancing tonight...my body is so achy, and I can barely swallow...my nose is fine right now, but who nose tomorrow...haha did you catch my little joke...wow, so pathetic I am! Watching Keeping Up Appearances right now and am hoping to at least make it till midnight to tell the hubster I love him!


Anywho, hope everyone has a safe and Happy year!!

Till next year my friends!

Happy New Year to you too, and I hope you feel much better real soon! Sorry you're feeling so terrible right now.

I say it's "New Year" and not "New Year's" unless you are saying either "New Year's Eve" or "New Year's Day"! Of course, here in Brooklyn we add " 's" to just about everything. You know that men's store STRUCTURE? We tend to call it "Structure's"! COSTCO? No..."COSTCO'S!!!" And so on and so on!

Hope you made it to midnight to say Happy New Year to your hubby. I hope this year brings great things for you guys! I feel great as it's bringing a cruise to us!

 

[franandaj]

I say it's "New Year" and not "New Year's" unless you are saying either "New Year's Eve" or "New Year's Day"! Of course, here in Brooklyn we add " 's" to just about everything. You know that men's store STRUCTURE? We tend to call it "Structure's"! COSTCO? No..."COSTCO'S!!!" And so on and so on!

Is that like "yous guys"?

 

[bangzoom6877]

Is that like "yous guys"?

I will be happy to clarify that one for you!

In Brooklyn, some people say "yous" as in "how yous doin'?" And some people say "you guys" as in "how you guys doin'?" But, never will you hear anyone say "yous guys" unless it is someone from out of town and they are making fun of Brooklynites (or other NYers)!

We were in DHS in July, and we were in the NYC section. We took several pics of the streets of NY there. We loved the leaking fire hydrant, the broken up street, the subway station, newsstand, and parking meters. However, we did notice the "Youse Guys Moichandise" sign, and we noticed immediately that it is inaccurate. That and the letters of the trains on their subway station sign (they were not all the right colors). It was funny though...before those 2 minor inaccuracies, we really felt like we were home for a second! It was almost like being in...THE TWILIGHT ZONE!!!!! DH is watching the marathon right now, so I thought I would throw that in there!

 

[franandaj]

I will be happy to clarify that one for you!

In Brooklyn, some people say "yous" as in "how yous doin'?" And some people say "you guys" as in "how you guys doin'?" But, never will you hear anyone say "yous guys" unless it is someone from out of town and they are making fun of Brooklynites (or other NYers)!

We were in DHS in July, and we were in the NYC section. We took several pics of the streets of NY there. We loved the leaking fire hydrant, the broken up street, the subway station, newsstand, and parking meters. However, we did notice the "Youse Guys Moichandise" sign, and we noticed immediately that it is inaccurate. That and the letters of the trains on their subway station sign (they were not all the right colors). It was funny though...before those 2 minor inaccuracies, we really felt like we were home for a second! It was almost like being in...THE TWILIGHT ZONE!!!!! DH is watching the marathon right now, so I thought I would throw that in there!

That's exactly like how everyone says, "Frisco". No one who lives in the Bay Area would ever use that term, what we say (said in my case) is, "We're going to the City" everyone know which city is THE city. They actually busted some criminal once because he claimed to be a local but he was a wanted felon from somewhere else, they asked him where he was from and he said, "Frisco"

 

[bangzoom6877]

That's exactly like how everyone says, "Frisco". No one who lives in the Bay Area would ever use that term, what we say (said in my case) is, "We're going to the City" everyone know which city is THE city. They actually busted some criminal once because he claimed to be a local but he was a wanted felon from somewhere else, they asked him where he was from and he said, "Frisco"

That is way too funny!!!

I went to University of Maryland, and it was just under 4 hours away from my parents' house by car. So, my sister and I would frequently bring friends home for a weekend, so they could see NYC. It was tough explaining to them that while Brooklyn is technically New York City, we still refer to Manhattan as "the city", as in "let's go into the city and go to the top of the Empire State Building". Things like that would just confuse them! They would be like, "Aren't we IN the city already?" We had to explain to them that NYC is made up of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx (5 boroughs). But, what most people think of as NYC is Manhattan, as NYC is portrayed in the movies and on TV. Most folks think of Brooklyn as something entirely different, even though it is in NYC. However, where we live in Brooklyn is very quiet and very non-city-like (if that's even a word!). It has the feel of being across between a small town (everyone in our neighborhood knows each other, local store owners know us by name, etc.) and a suburb (quiet, yet close enough to all the city attractions). When I would bring friends here from Maryland, they were shocked at how nice our neighborhood is!

 

[Leshaface]

That's exactly like how everyone says, "Frisco". No one who lives in the Bay Area would ever use that term, what we say (said in my case) is, "We're going to the City" everyone know which city is THE city. They actually busted some criminal once because he claimed to be a local but he was a wanted felon from somewhere else, they asked him where he was from and he said, "Frisco"

Omgosh soooo true!!

A lot of people in Central Cal, say Frisco, and I must admit, that i've said it a few times too, just to shorten it...frisco is only 2 syllables and San Francisco is 4...haha That's how lazy i am!!

I once corrected someone and said, "Actually people from S.F. don't say Frisco, they say 'The City'" and the person was like "uh okay, whatever!"


Anyways, I wanted to tell you guys about what's going to happen in less than an hour...


DH and I are going over to my brother and sis-in-laws house to talk DISNEY!!!

So, remember, back when I said my mom would help both of us go on a cruise if we all go together, so tonight we'll be discussing 'When' to go.

My mom had originally said, "I'll help you guys go on a cruise next Winter." So I did take it literally, and started looking at Disney Cruises that went in Dec/Jan without interfering with my DH's and SinL's work schedule...

There is the New Years Cruise to the Bahamas which would be AWESOME!! 12/29-1/3/12. AND DH suggested after the cruise we take a few days to visit the WORLD!!!! It would only be 4 nights/5 days, since he starts back school that following Monday (it's only a prep day though, so he could get back feeling drowsy if needed jk)



But now my brother is suggesting we go in the summer........i mean, in January, the Bahamas will still be warm, but in the Summer it will be STINKIN HOTTTTT! PLUS, there is NO WAY, unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, will me and DH go back to WDW in the Summer...we were miserable...I guess just spoiled from the Cali heat


What do you guys think???


Bonnie, I know you go to the World in the Summer, but how can you bear it??? Especially with kids??

I'll let you know the outcome tonight, so ......


Wish me luck!!!!!!

 

[franandaj]

I won't travel there between June and September, we did Sept in 2009 and it was waay too hot. We did May in 2008 and it was bearable. I don't know how the cruise will be in Dec/Jan, but it will be miserable in the summer.

 

[Leshaface]

I won't travel there between June and September, we did Sept in 2009 and it was waay too hot. We did May in 2008 and it was bearable. I don't know how the cruise will be in Dec/Jan, but it will be miserable in the summer.

Yeah, when we were there in June, we said NEVER again...buuuuuut if that's the only time we could go, then we would HAVE to do it, because there's nothing to keep me from Disney



Soooo last night was a lot of talking...not much from me; I'm STILL sick from this weekend...yesterday I lost my voice..can't believe i'm barely getting over this thing!

So this is where we are....



We're DEFINITELY going this Summer...will just be easier for the teachers in our family to be able to travel.

But now the 'where' is an issue.....

DH last night, brought up the Alaskan Cruise. Sis-in-law actually voted with DH for an Alaskan Cruise since they have already been to the Bahamas. I don't really care as long as we go, and my brother REALLY wants to go back to the Bahamas....

Pros for Alaska:

-Beautiful! DH and I have always wanted to do an Alaskan cruise, and never imagined the opportunity would have snuck up on us this quick!
-7 nights! Ahhh, 7 nights cruising Alaska, with a Verandah view!
-Quicker flight - we'd have to fly to Vancouver, which is only a 2 1/2 hour flight compared to a 5 1/2 hour flight to MCO

Cons:

-Need to get us some Passports...I don't think you need a Passport to go to the Bahamas since you're leaving from FL and returning to FL. Where as, we have to get out in Canada and I think you need a passport.
-More expensive - it's about $1,400 more to do the Alaskan vs Bahamas...plus you have to take into account any excursions that you want to do
-NO DISNEYWORLD!!! this part kills me...I so so SO want to go to WDW...and since it will be our five year anniversary in July, DH said we could go for 5 days before the cruise..but if we go to Alaska, we have to wait a few years till we go to WDW....



So now you folks know where i'm at with our decisions...no where...but a decision has to be made soon, since we're coming upon Summer quickly..


Allison! I forgot to tell you...I was telling DH that if we couldn't do the cruise, that we go to WDW in October during his week off...as we were planning it out, he realized why he can't go in October...So he teaches at one school in a different district, BUT coaches at a highschool in another district...he's OFF from teaching, but not from COACHING, which he couldn't take one whole week off from coaching...I remember you asking about why we disregarded October for a vacay!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I say you guys just fly to NYC, and take the cruise with us out of Bayonne, NJ to Bermuda, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico! It's 9 nights! Bermuda is not in the Caribbean, and it is not the same heat in the summer...it's parallel to Viriginia/North Carolina. Also my favorite place to cruise!!! So beautiful there and the only way I can afford to go there is to take a cruise! It's so expensive to fly there and stay in a hotel! But I know...that doesn't solve your issue of not being able to see WDW this year. But hey...we have a brand new HUGE Disney Store in Times Square...is it the same as going on Space Mountain? No! But it is a tiny little piece of the magic right here in the Big Apple!

As far as being in the summer heat in Florida, I plan everything thoroughly so that we are not outside during the height of the heat. We have not gone to an afternoon parade yet, and honestly I don't know if we will. The only one that even appeals to us at all is the one at DHS, but it's not important enough for us to stand in the heat at the hottest part of the day. What we do is wake up very early and arrive to the park before rope drop. I do extensive research through Tour Guide Mike for several months before going, so we know when to hit which attractions. We also think more about quality than quantity. We would rather spend 2 days at MK and take it slowly, than spend 1 day there and go commando. So we arrive before rope drop, when the temperature typically has been in the mid 70s. But of course it is very humid. DH wears a muscle shirt and shorts, I wear a tank top and shorts (light colors help too). Same for the kids. We all wear comfortable sneakers, sunglasses, and hats (think Mickey ears and Goofy hats! ). Lines are minimal at that hour, especially following TGM's tips. We stop for lunch between 11 and 12. By that point, we have seen just about everything we wanted to see. Well...we get out must-do's done before lunch. After lunch, we will walk around a little and hit some attractions we wanted to do, but were not of utter importance to us. By 1:30pm, we are on our way back to the resort to rest in the A/C. Sometimes we go back to the park for dinner (always for Epcot!), sometimes we go to a resort restaurant.

Keep in mind also that the vast majority of the attractions at WDW are air-conditioned, including the lines you wait in to ride. This definitely makes things more bearable. Also, there is always a shop nearby to step into if you need to cool off. This past July, we did mostly TS lunches instead of CS, and that was also a very nice break.

There are 2 other reasons we prefer to go in the summer, for now at least. First...we are teachers and the only other times we can go are Christmas Break, Easter Break, or the week we have off in February (during President's Day). It is VERY crowded during those times...not to mention that I have known many people who have gone to WDW during Xmas break or Feb. break and had 30-degree weather. I would rather be in a theme park in 90 degrees than in 30 degrees, going on rides with my winter coat on and bundling up the kids. Second...we like to go for 10 nights, and we drive down. We would need a minimum of 14 nights for this trip, without even visiting family in Southern FL like we did in July. Our longest break during the school year would be 12 days, and that's only sometimes, not ever year. We just had 10 days off total for Xmas break. Feb. break is always 9 days total. Easter break this year is 11 days total. Not enough time for us.

Is it hot at WDW in the summer? Of course it is. But, so far we have been very lucky. We went in July 2008 and July 2010, the same exact arrival day too! Both trips, it was much hotter in NYC than it was at WDW! This past July, it was in the 100s in NYC when we were in FL. As we drove further south, it actually got cooler and cooler outside...it was strange! In 2008, I called my mom from WDW and it was 10 degrees hotter in NYC that week than it was at WDW!

When DH and I retire in 21 years rotfl, we plan to go to WDW during the off-season, when it is cooler and less crowded. But until then, we will stick with the summer since we have lots of time off.

Seriously though...you should consider that cruise I mentioned!

 

[Leshaface]

I say you guys just fly to NYC, and take the cruise with us out of Bayonne, NJ to Bermuda, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico! It's 9 nights! Bermuda is not in the Caribbean, and it is not the same heat in the summer...it's parallel to Viriginia/North Carolina. Also my favorite place to cruise!!! So beautiful there and the only way I can afford to go there is to take a cruise! It's so expensive to fly there and stay in a hotel! But I know...that doesn't solve your issue of not being able to see WDW this year. But hey...we have a brand new HUGE Disney Store in Times Square...is it the same as going on Space Mountain? No! But it is a tiny little piece of the magic right here in the Big Apple!

As far as being in the summer heat in Florida, I plan everything thoroughly so that we are not outside during the height of the heat. We have not gone to an afternoon parade yet, and honestly I don't know if we will. The only one that even appeals to us at all is the one at DHS, but it's not important enough for us to stand in the heat at the hottest part of the day. What we do is wake up very early and arrive to the park before rope drop. I do extensive research through Tour Guide Mike for several months before going, so we know when to hit which attractions. We also think more about quality than quantity. We would rather spend 2 days at MK and take it slowly, than spend 1 day there and go commando. So we arrive before rope drop, when the temperature typically has been in the mid 70s. But of course it is very humid. DH wears a muscle shirt and shorts, I wear a tank top and shorts (light colors help too). Same for the kids. We all wear comfortable sneakers, sunglasses, and hats (think Mickey ears and Goofy hats! ). Lines are minimal at that hour, especially following TGM's tips. We stop for lunch between 11 and 12. By that point, we have seen just about everything we wanted to see. Well...we get out must-do's done before lunch. After lunch, we will walk around a little and hit some attractions we wanted to do, but were not of utter importance to us. By 1:30pm, we are on our way back to the resort to rest in the A/C. Sometimes we go back to the park for dinner (always for Epcot!), sometimes we go to a resort restaurant.

Keep in mind also that the vast majority of the attractions at WDW are air-conditioned, including the lines you wait in to ride. This definitely makes things more bearable. Also, there is always a shop nearby to step into if you need to cool off. This past July, we did mostly TS lunches instead of CS, and that was also a very nice break.

There are 2 other reasons we prefer to go in the summer, for now at least. First...we are teachers and the only other times we can go are Christmas Break, Easter Break, or the week we have off in February (during President's Day). It is VERY crowded during those times...not to mention that I have known many people who have gone to WDW during Xmas break or Feb. break and had 30-degree weather. I would rather be in a theme park in 90 degrees than in 30 degrees, going on rides with my winter coat on and bundling up the kids. Second...we like to go for 10 nights, and we drive down. We would need a minimum of 14 nights for this trip, without even visiting family in Southern FL like we did in July. Our longest break during the school year would be 12 days, and that's only sometimes, not ever year. We just had 10 days off total for Xmas break. Feb. break is always 9 days total. Easter break this year is 11 days total. Not enough time for us.

Is it hot at WDW in the summer? Of course it is. But, so far we have been very lucky. We went in July 2008 and July 2010, the same exact arrival day too! Both trips, it was much hotter in NYC than it was at WDW! This past July, it was in the 100s in NYC when we were in FL. As we drove further south, it actually got cooler and cooler outside...it was strange! In 2008, I called my mom from WDW and it was 10 degrees hotter in NYC that week than it was at WDW!

When DH and I retire in 21 years rotfl, we plan to go to WDW during the off-season, when it is cooler and less crowded. But until then, we will stick with the summer since we have lots of time off.

Seriously though...you should consider that cruise I mentioned!

Hey Bonnie!

That cruise sounds wonderful! It almost sounds like the Eastern Caribbean cruise that Disney offers also! We were actually looking at that one, but it doesn't go in the Summer ....But that is something DH and I would def be interested in, plus I think that flying from LA to NYC could potentially be cheaper (there are always GREAT deals on priceline, hotline, etc). BUT, DBro and Dsil, ONLY want to do a Disney Cruise


And your WDW plan is the most logical for Summer- Up SUPER early leave at the hottest point of the day, then back at night. Especially since during the Summer, the parks stay open later, ESPECIALLY when there's EMH...I remember the MK staying open till 1am I think!! That's crazy but nice! The most vivid memory, and I know i've already said it, but I remember me and DH saying, "Let's go to the bathroom so we can breathe!" and it sounds ridiculous hot, and maybe we were just being whiners, but the air felt so thick and muggy ....and drinking around the world isn't NEARLY as fun in the summer as it is in the Winter(Jan)...

But I won't knock the idea of NEVER going in the Summer...I HAVE to have Disney in my life and if muggy and miserable is the only way to do it, then I guess that's how it's gonna be...

 

[franandaj]

If y'all are set on a Disney Cruise, I would definitely take the Alaskan one. One of the first cruises we did (other than the 3-day Ensenada) was a 7 day Vancouver back to Vancouver cruise on Celebrity. It was fabulous! The only thing is as you mentioned it is more expensive and you need to budget for some pricey excursions. We did three excursions in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka(?), Juneau we flew in a helicopter to stand on a Glacier, Ketchikan we flew on a water plane and landed on a lake, and the other excursion we took a jet boat through glacial runoff to view local birds and other wildlife and scenery. This was one of the most awesome vacations we went on. Not to mention that the day we spent touring Glacier Bay was totally incredible.

Also in Juneau I remember we went to some famous bar (which I don't recomend that you go to prior to your excursion given your Yachtsman history ) but I think we got a drink and an appetizer there, but it was sort of famous. Now there would be benefits to cruising on Bonnie's cruise, but if your companions insist on Disney that won't work. We loved our Disney Cruise in 2001 (I think), we are looking at either a cruise or Aulani in 2012 and then which ever one we don't do in 12 we'll do in 13. We need for our loan to come through and then we can get those ridiculous points, then we can book cruises with points in addition to rooms.

Hey BTW I am actually writing this from a couple miles from your house, we came up to help out a friend, but got stuck in the I-5 mess (10 miles in 2 1/2 hours on the Grapevine) and we have to turn around and go back tomorrow morning. BTW where is your house, we are staying at the Hampton Inn near the old Albertson's that is gone near the Cool Hand Luke's (where we love to eat) near Properity.

Good night! I'm going to take a bath and hit the sack!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hey Bonnie!

That cruise sounds wonderful! It almost sounds like the Eastern Caribbean cruise that Disney offers also! We were actually looking at that one, but it doesn't go in the Summer ....But that is something DH and I would def be interested in, plus I think that flying from LA to NYC could potentially be cheaper (there are always GREAT deals on priceline, hotline, etc). BUT, DBro and Dsil, ONLY want to do a Disney Cruise


And your WDW plan is the most logical for Summer- Up SUPER early leave at the hottest point of the day, then back at night. Especially since during the Summer, the parks stay open later, ESPECIALLY when there's EMH...I remember the MK staying open till 1am I think!! That's crazy but nice! The most vivid memory, and I know i've already said it, but I remember me and DH saying, "Let's go to the bathroom so we can breathe!" and it sounds ridiculous hot, and maybe we were just being whiners, but the air felt so thick and muggy ....and drinking around the world isn't NEARLY as fun in the summer as it is in the Winter(Jan)...

But I won't knock the idea of NEVER going in the Summer...I HAVE to have Disney in my life and if muggy and miserable is the only way to do it, then I guess that's how it's gonna be...

OK, here are a couple of ways you can try and convince your brother and sister-in-law to venture away from a Disney cruise...you know, just in case you find one on another cruise line that you feel you might want to do!

We have also looked into the Disney cruises. They are much more expensive than other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, etc. That's why we don't go on a Disney cruise. Of course, I am also a very experienced cruiser (this will be my 14th!), and I am familiar with these different cruise lines. I understand that there are many people who feel more comfortable going with Disney because they are very familiar with Disney, and they know it will be spectacular because it's Disney!

We are going on Royal Caribbean. Our ship has a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink (with shows there!!), a mini golf course, a 24-hour promenade inside (shops, a cafe, bars...food in the cafe is included and served 24 hours!), parades some nights in the promenade, lots of things to do.

I also don't understand why Disney doesn't offer the 7-night Caribbean itinerary in the summer. Maybe they figure that people will want to do a shorter 3- or 4-night cruise and spend a few days on land also, touring the theme parks. They always advertise land/sea vacations on their website. If someone only has a week to go on vacation, they could do a 3- or 4-night cruise plus 3 or 4 nights on land and have the best of both worlds. Maybe they feel this is more in demand in the summer since kids are out of school.

I agree about the summer...the air is very thick. That is the main thing...not the heat, but the humidity. And of course, I forgot to mention the afternoon thunderstorms. Another good reason to leave the park at around 1pm! Of course we got caught in one of those on the way back into MK since we had an early dinner ADR at CRT, and it was about 4:00 when we got off the bus, and it started pouring! We went there for dinner completely soaked (ponchos didn't help much because of the wind), but we all enjoyed it! Good point also about how late the parks are open in the summer. That has not affected us yet since the kids are little, but when they are teenagers I am sure we will be taking advantage of that!

 

[Leshaface]

If y'all are set on a Disney Cruise, I would definitely take the Alaskan one. One of the first cruises we did (other than the 3-day Ensenada) was a 7 day Vancouver back to Vancouver cruise on Celebrity. It was fabulous! The only thing is as you mentioned it is more expensive and you need to budget for some pricey excursions. We did three excursions in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka(?), Juneau we flew in a helicopter to stand on a Glacier, Ketchikan we flew on a water plane and landed on a lake, and the other excursion we took a jet boat through glacial runoff to view local birds and other wildlife and scenery. This was one of the most awesome vacations we went on. Not to mention that the day we spent touring Glacier Bay was totally incredible.

Also in Juneau I remember we went to some famous bar (which I don't recomend that you go to prior to your excursion given your Yachtsman history ) but I think we got a drink and an appetizer there, but it was sort of famous. Now there would be benefits to cruising on Bonnie's cruise, but if your companions insist on Disney that won't work. We loved our Disney Cruise in 2001 (I think), we are looking at either a cruise or Aulani in 2012 and then which ever one we don't do in 12 we'll do in 13. We need for our loan to come through and then we can get those ridiculous points, then we can book cruises with points in addition to rooms.

Hey BTW I am actually writing this from a couple miles from your house, we came up to help out a friend, but got stuck in the I-5 mess (10 miles in 2 1/2 hours on the Grapevine) and we have to turn around and go back tomorrow morning. BTW where is your house, we are staying at the Hampton Inn near the old Albertson's that is gone near the Cool Hand Luke's (where we love to eat) near Properity.

Good night! I'm going to take a bath and hit the sack!

Omgosh you're like 5 mins from me!! Did you guys already take off!?