From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 4

[WeLuvDCL]

We left Ct for warmer weather but it is below freezing here right now. They have wimpy plants here. People cover them with blankets etc. Plants back in CT survive weather below zero.

We will be at Disney Thursday and Friday. I hope it warms up. Will be bringing my heavier slacks and jacket.

Hope it is warm for our Sail Away Party. It could be very cold and windy out on deck.

People are wimpy too! I wore my warmest winter coat this morning. Although, I won't need it by afternoon. But, I LOVE this weather.
And, yes, our plants are wimpy when it comes to cold weather because they have to survive 5 months of 90-100 degree weather. We have a cart full of plants in our garage right now and covered the base of our new bottle palm we planted this summer.

I'm hoping we can make it the Disney on Friday. It depends how DD is doing. She has a cold and I was home with her yesterday. Let us know what your plans are for Friday if you'd like to try to meet up. If we decide we are going, I'll PM you my cell phone number.

 

[TxMermaid1]

Good Morning!!!

My Secret Mickey revel gift is breakable. I just finished wrapping it up in newspapers and packing tape. Then I looked at it......if it's in my checked luggage will TSA unwrap it to see what it is?? Should I redo it in clear bubble wrap so the contents are more visible? Or can the baggage x-rays see that it's OK.

Also, check out the summer clearance area of Kohls if you have one near you. I found lots of nice summer casual long and short "cruise" dresses for $3 to $4 dollars!!! Unfortunately, none of them fit me.......and we won't say why!

Barb

Most likely unless it has electronics or is made of metal then TSA will leave it alone. Never hurts to use bubble wrap.

There is also a Dillards clearance center in many cities, Arlington, Tx.. Houston, Tx, Phoenix, Az etc... they have really cheap summer things. Most stuff is 70 to 90% off. They also have formal wear. I am going today to see if I can find a dress as I have lost a lot of weight and non of mine fit.

Happy shopping!!

Packing now for my scuba trip Dec 19th - 24th. Have 2 vacations to pack for... ugh I need pixie dust!!

 

[carmie3377]

Another cold weather wimp here! I've lived in Texas most of my life (with New Orleans the only other place I've lived) so I'm jsut not used to COLD weather. I'd much prefer the sweltering summers!

Alan, hope you get to make it on the cruise. We have a Mavs/Lakers game to watch Really, regardless of the game, I hope you get to join us as I know you are looking forward to this cruise.

Lynn, hoping the weather clears up for you soon!

Need to check out where the clearance Dillards Store is here in Houston. I'm always looking for a good deal!!

Jill, here is some And have a great trip. DH and I would love get certified for Scuba someday. We went diving at a Sandals Resort 12 years ago and have been wanting to go back since. I have read that you can do all the out of water stuff here and then take the diving test at Sandals. We are considering doing that within the next year. As far before the cruise travel, we've got to go back to Dallas next week and then DD is going to Atlanta the end of the month! I might as well just get the suit cases out now. But it would help if I would wrap all those presents sitting around in my room. But what woudl really help is if I would get off of here and get some of this stuff done!

 

[rotary2808]

Good Morning!!!

My Secret Mickey revel gift is breakable. I just finished wrapping it up in newspapers and packing tape. Then I looked at it......if it's in my checked luggage will TSA unwrap it to see what it is?? Should I redo it in clear bubble wrap so the contents are more visible? Or can the baggage x-rays see that it's OK.

Also, check out the summer clearance area of Kohls if you have one near you. I found lots of nice summer casual long and short "cruise" dresses for $3 to $4 dollars!!! Unfortunately, none of them fit me.......and we won't say why!

Barb

Is it something you can put in your carry on instead? I never trust the airlines with anything breakable no matter how well it's packed.

 

[JenKatt]

We left Ct for warmer weather but it is below freezing here right now. They have wimpy plants here. People cover them with blankets etc. Plants back in CT survive weather below zero.

We will be at Disney Thursday and Friday. I hope it warms up. Will be bringing my heavier slacks and jacket.

Hope it is warm for our Sail Away Party. It could be very cold and windy out on deck.

Sorry to hear about the weather you're having. It's amazing what a difference a week can make. We were there last week and when we got there it was in the 80's, in the middle of the week it hit 60 and when we left Sunday it was 70. Hopefully the temps will go back up for you, I know from experience WDW is no fun when you're freezing.

People are wimpy too! I wore my warmest winter coat this morning. Although, I won't need it by afternoon. But, I LOVE this weather.
And, yes, our plants are wimpy when it comes to cold weather because they have to survive 5 months of 90-100 degree weather. We have a cart full of plants in our garage right now and covered the base of our new bottle palm we planted this summer.

I'm hoping we can make it the Disney on Friday. It depends how DD is doing. She has a cold and I was home with her yesterday. Let us know what your plans are for Friday if you'd like to try to meet up. If we decide we are going, I'll PM you my cell phone number.

What a difference in a week. This time last week it was 86 here and humid. Now it's 50 and dry as can be. So yes, we (and the plants) are wimpy when it comes to the cold, but it's so we can survive the heat! Jeff and I have said repeatedly, if it was 50 in December when we were kids in NJ, we'd be in shorts. Now I'm in 4 layers.
Dawn, we'll be at MK Friday night for MVMCP if you're going...

 

[Tami0220]

Only the cat 1-3 guests can book them. If any are available while on on board you can book them once we are on. Well got some good news today and a little bad news. The good news is it looks like I would say about 90% sure I will not be canceling. My mom on the other hand is about 99% sure she is going to cancel. Again I really do not want to get into here, and I thank you all for respecting that so far, and i thank you for your welI wishes, they have come in handy I look forward to maybe meeting some of you in just a few short weeks.

Good Morning!!!


So glad you think you will make it and sending pixie dust your way for mums.


My Secret Mickey revel gift is breakable. I just finished wrapping it up in newspapers and packing tape. Then I looked at it......if it's in my checked luggage will TSA unwrap it to see what it is?? Should I redo it in clear bubble wrap so the contents are more visible? Or can the baggage x-rays see that it's OK.

Also, check out the summer clearance area of Kohls if you have one near you. I found lots of nice summer casual long and short "cruise" dresses for $3 to $4 dollars!!! Unfortunately, none of them fit me.......and we won't say why!

Barb

My SM reveal gift is breakable and is going in my carryone. I just put it in a brown box. Should I leave the battery at home?


Some people were interested in the fruitcake recipe I use. Rather than retype and post, I will give you the website. kingarthurflour.com search: sour cream fruitcake. You can use any dried (not candied) fruit. And, instead of brandy to soak the fruits, I use coconut flavored rum. This is the only fruit cake I will eat. I'm a picky eater. Enjoy

 

[valbob89]

Makes me wish I'd planned time at the park after the cruise.

http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/a...crets-of-the-happiest-place-on-earth/19738591

Watch the first video to see hidden mickeys

 

[LindaBabe]

Dang near froze to death in Florida last January - and I'm from upstate New York. Everyone was teasing me. Really? When I'm at home, I go from the house to the attached garage for the car, and a quick run from the car to whatever destination and back. I'm not out doors 8-10 hours a day trying to have fun like I am in Florida!

Recipe will be forthcoming, Gail, in case you want to try them this year.

I pack my breakables in bubble wrap in a small hard side cooler in my checked dufflebag. It seems to be sufficient. A stiff cardboard box might work. I just want to keep it from getting crushed if something heavy lands on the side of the suitcase.

 

[jl]

Finally - cruise docs just came in the mail....they were dated Dec.1, our travel companions got theirs 10 days ago & they live right next door!

 

[LindaBabe]

Finally - cruise docs just came in the mail....they were dated Dec.1, our travel companions got theirs 10 days ago & they live right next door!

Good Grief! Funny how the junk mail always comes right on schedule, though.


Forgot to ask this question . . .
If you call home from a foreign port, how do you do it? Credit card? Calling Card? Other?

 

[valbob89]

I recommend you call your cell phone provider, tell them where you will going and asked them what your plan charges for you to make calls from there. You can also ask about calls made from sea but I found service was hit and miss depending how far out we were. For the short time we will be gone, for my plan from AT&T it wasn't worth upgrading to their foreign plan.

Reminder, call your credit card company and let them know if you plan to use your cards on the trip. My friends forgot to do that and their cards where declined when in Mexico. Their company was trying to protect them so they refused the out of country charges. You'll let them know when your in the country and they will only allow the charges for that time.

 

[carmie3377]

Dang near froze to death in Florida last January - and I'm from upstate New York. Everyone was teasing me. Really? When I'm at home, I go from the house to the attached garage for the car, and a quick run from the car to whatever destination and back. I'm not out doors 8-10 hours a day trying to have fun like I am in Florida!

We had an experience like that 3 years ago at WDW. We went in early January and it was so darn cold and windy the first 3 days. Temps got down to low 30s, windchill in the 20s. I was absolutely miserable. However, by my last 2 days, I was wearing capris, short sleeves, and flip flops and still almost sweating.

Reminder, call your credit card company and let them know if you plan to use your cards on the trip. My friends forgot to do that and their cards where declined when in Mexico. Their company was trying to protect them so they refused the out of country charges. You'll let them know when your in the country and they will only allow the charges for that time.

Great tip! I do this every trip ever since it happened to me in North Dakota once (we had been in TX, NM, CO, WY, SD and ND all in a matter of 2 days). Kinda embarrassing when a fast food charge gets declined. Anyway, most will give you a toll free number that you can use when out of the country in case you have any problems or lost card.



Pre/Post-Cruise Hotel Stays
Jeff has the pre/post-cruise stays on the website. You'll see it on the left sidebar. If you haven't provided me this information or you need to make changes, send me a PM and I'll send Jeff an update in a few days. Angela, I have your change and it will be on the next update

 

[KayR]

I recommend you call your cell phone provider, tell them where you will going and asked them what your plan charges for you to make calls from there. You can also ask about calls made from sea but I found service was hit and miss depending how far out we were. For the short time we will be gone, for my plan from AT&T it wasn't worth upgrading to their foreign plan.

Reminder, call your credit card company and let them know if you plan to use your cards on the trip. My friends forgot to do that and their cards where declined when in Mexico. Their company was trying to protect them so they refused the out of country charges. You'll let them know when your in the country and they will only allow the charges for that time.

Also remember this to do this when traveling out of state. We were declined in FL one time because I forgot to let the CC know.

--Kay

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Anyone besides OTB celebrating birthdays on the cruise? How about Anniversaries?

My DD and I are celebrating our birthdays on this cruise. Mine is actually the 21st which is why I am staying on for the 2 night and DD is turning 14 on the 29th. Might as well make our birthday celebrations last for 2 weeks!

 

[KayR]

My DD and I are celebrating our birthdays on this cruise. Mine is actually the 21st which is why I am staying on for the 2 night and DD is turning 14 on the 29th. Might as well make our birthday celebrations last for 2 weeks!

We are also celebrating our anniversary - it isn't until the 26th, but that is close enough to celebrate

-Kay

 

[Tracyvp]

Wow, I'm not sure how to feel. This is coming up SO FAST!!!

I just finished re-making my packing list because my old computer crashed and I'm hoping I have everything on it. I was shocked when I realized I had forgotten something as basic as the over-the-door shoe holder for the toiletries! If I could forget that, what else am I forgetting???

I think we've finally settled on the Zipline Canopy Tour in Costa Rica (non-Disney) that includes a horseback ride and 25 ziplines over 11 waterfalls. http://www.adventureparkcostarica.com/en/canopy-tour-over-11-waterfalls.html If anyone would like to join us there is still room. It's $99 and includes lunch. They have promised to get us back to the ship NO LATER than 5:00 and since it's just a 5 hour tour beginning at 9am and we don't depart until 6:30 I'm pretty comfortable.

In Aruba we are also booking our own non-Disney 1/2 day Safari excursion, http://madagascar-aruba.com/Madagascar_Aruba_Tour.html There is also still some room on this tour if anyone wants to join in. It's $75 per person and also includes lunch, although we have negotiated with them NOT to go to Hooters (!) but to go to a local restaurant instead.

Both of these trips are extremely highly-rated on TripAdvisor, so we feel pretty comfortable with booking directly, although I know others do not. We have never had any problems with a non-Disney excursion.

I have my formal dresses, still deciding on semi-formal and I have NO idea if/what I'm doing for anything else.

Remembered just yesterday to call and make our DME reservations for our trip to AKV the 4 days before the cruise.

I really wish we didn't have Christmas to deal with in the interim! I still need to pull out the Christmas stuff and get decorating! Oh, my. Time suddenly feels like it's going at warp speed!!!

 

[bwcb4]

Hello!

We are staying at The Best Western Anaheim Inn on Harbor Blvd after the cruise. I have the DCL transportation from the LA port to Paradise Pier. I can be dropped off at any of the DL hotels but the CM suggested this location would be the best for us. We HOPE to be traveling light with one bag and carry on each. Can we walk from Paradise Pier to our hotel on the other side? The Best Western, on Harbor Blvd, is right across the street from what I would call one of the main entrances to the walkway that is between the two parks.

To those who have been to DL more then me...can we get here from there???

THANKS for the help.
Barb

 

[LindaBabe]

Hello!

We are staying at The Best Western Anaheim Inn on Harbor Blvd after the cruise. I have the DCL transportation from the LA port to Paradise Pier. I can be dropped off at any of the DL hotels but the CM suggested this location would be the best for us. We HOPE to be traveling light with one bag and carry on each. Can we walk from Paradise Pier to our hotel on the other side? The Best Western, on Harbor Blvd, is right across the street from what I would call one of the main entrances to the walkway that is between the two parks.

To those who have been to DL more then me...can we get here from there???

THANKS for the help.
Barb

You can. But it will be a bit of a hike.

 

[KayR]

Hello!

We are staying at The Best Western Anaheim Inn on Harbor Blvd after the cruise. I have the DCL transportation from the LA port to Paradise Pier. I can be dropped off at any of the DL hotels but the CM suggested this location would be the best for us. We HOPE to be traveling light with one bag and carry on each. Can we walk from Paradise Pier to our hotel on the other side? The Best Western, on Harbor Blvd, is right across the street from what I would call one of the main entrances to the walkway that is between the two parks.

To those who have been to DL more then me...can we get here from there???

THANKS for the help.
Barb

You can. But it will be a bit of a hike.

Yes, it is a bit of a hike. Look at this map. Going through DTD might be a bit shorter, but busier. If you are traveling light and don't mind the walk, it is doable.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou....806199,-117.919564&spn=0.00698,0.011072&z=17

 

[KayR]

Yes, it is a bit of a hike. Look at this map. Going through DTD might be a bit shorter, but busier. If you are traveling light and don't mind the walk, it is doable.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou....806199,-117.919564&spn=0.00698,0.011072&z=17

Forgot to add that if you go through DTD, you would end up having to go through security (bag check) lines. Not something that I would want to do with luggage after a cruise.