halloween cruise/ Magic: October 28th-nov..4th 2006

[kritter]

captain thanks for the cruise info..I too will check it out..

can anyone advise on how you can transfer a ressie on dcl if you find it cheaper else where..I have read of others doing this on the threads but can not fully understand it???

 

[buckifan]

 

[Princess Olivia]

Kritter ditto to the question on the change over of DCL res.

Olivia got her first Bitty Baby when she turned 2 and she LOVED her. We have everything under the sun to go with them (her second bitty was a year later). We have high chairs,snugglies,carriages, the basket carrier and the crib, plus all bedding and clothes, it gets crazy!! Your girls would love them. They are so sweet. Do you get the catalog? They have twins, but they are boy/girl. I would definitely get them if the girls like dolls. You can get clothes to match all of them!! Twins must be so fun and I imagine exausting. Mine are 14 months apart and that was exausting. Although nothing beats a built in play mate. In the end it was the best thing I ever did.

I wonder what Cozumel looks like after this storm. I feel so bad they were still trying to recover from last year when we were there in Sept. I was talking to a friend of mine today and it turns out her SIL is going on this years Halloween cruise. I'll try to get details when she comes back!

Unfortunately, I live in bikini on the beach all summer long (actually starting in March when we vacation and then I keep up a light tan). The doctor found a spot that doesn't look good and is seriously concerned. I will find out when the pathology report comes back. I knew someday it would catch up with me. Thanks for the prayers I feel like I just might need them this time.

 

[Princess Olivia]

Princess,
My husband and I are always talking about the over indulging thing. But I'm pretty strict on having them save money for something they want to get. I have never been one to HAVE to buy them something everytime we go to the store. Although they always ask. We have left the store bawling because I wouldn't give in to a spontaneous purchase. I don't even let them get happy meals because I tell them they don't need the junky toy. It's such a waste. Now, we do a regular clean out of toys and books and donate them to charities such as Ronald McDonald house. And my kids are pretty good about parting with things if it is going to kids that don't have a lot. But they too have an underappreciation for the value of things. My ds recently lost all of his gameboy games....probably 8 total, and he starting asking us to go get him another one. Dh and I decided we will not buy any replacement games until Christmas.

Kritter....on the subject of overindulging.....I did start buying my daughter American Girl dolls at a very young age, but my dh built a really cute shelf for her room with a rod underneath for hanging clothes. So, for a long time, she just used the dolls as decoration for her room. The older she got, I would get them down and play with them WITH her, so I could teach her that this is a toy we are very gentle with, and take extra care with. She gets them down herself now, and plays with them daily. But she is supossed to put them back on the shelf each night. Each doll has a stand that we place her in, so they all stand up on the shelf. It is really darling in her room.....very girly, and all of her friends love coming to her room to play.

Oh and one more thing.....Yes I did watch the shows last night, and I also love Steph. She was my fav last season, and I was so happy to see her back. She deserves to win for sure! And I was very glad to see Brian voted off.....I thought he was very cocky and mean.

Thank You for your perspective. We do a lot of the same things. They part pretty easily with things as well. We also do big time clean outs. Cameron has had Gamecube for a long time and really want PS2 for x-mas. We are debating big time. The big wish this year is Heelies(?). Those dumb sneakers with the wheel in the heel. They know they need to be extra good for those because neither Craig or I like them very much (The sneakers that is).

On McDonalds, after I made the kids watch Super Size Me they never asked for it again. I swear to you they were becoming happy meal junkies who needed to get a fix at least twice a week. It was bad! Occasionaly I'll stop due to crunched time and the only thin they will eat is a hamburger (before Super Size Me it was only chicken nuggets). Have you seen it? What other shows do you guys watch? I am a huge t.v. show follower. I have something every night. I even went to my cabin on the cruise for the season premier of Desperate Housewives! Sad me.

 

[Princess Olivia]

In my defense (on the t. v. watching) I must add that I am also an avid reader. Not all mush up there!!

 

[buckifan]

 

[kritter]

Princess and Buckfin,

Thanks for the advice on the bitty babies..I really want to get the twins them and Dh says it is a ton of money and they already have sooooo many dolls....I wish that they sold twins that were girls....I called when I got the catolog and they told me no it was only boy and girl twins...I was bummed was thinking that it would be a good christmas gift..I will have to work on him..
On the subject of overindulging I have to say I am BAD I think my kids have way to much and I am to blame along with grammie and pop pop...It is hard to say no to them and I recently have been saying that a lot and then they are really upset but they are understanding more and more now...

Princess, I am a sun godesss also and have noticed that I have some spots on my face and I am getting concerned as well..I do hope the biopsy is ok and I will pray for you let us know when you hear anything...I too love to be out there and now that we have a pool it makes it a ton worse..I have been using the Jergins sunless tanner...works awesome everyone is asking me if I have been to a tanning salon you should try it it is at walmart for only five dollars....there was coupon in the paper last sunday as well for a dollar off...It is a cream and comes out white and does not leave you looking orange or anything....

On the shows I love desperate housewives and look forward to sunday nights for that reason....alone......I lvoe steph and would want her to win...she is great.....I have a feeling that she will not win...This week though it showed on the previews that the football player get confronted again I do not think he should not be telling who he really is..This is going to come back and haunt him and they will end up voting him off...I applied to be on the show a few years ago but never heard anything....It would have been a blast love thursday night tv... We have martinits and watch the shows...kids in bed early on that night....
Princess I think you might have told me already but where in mass do you live??
Ok got to run and get the kids ready and dressed for the day....It is cold and raining here today...UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Princess Olivia]

bucki- I do love animals. I love that you adopted Sloopy. 52 dogs from LA (Katrina victims) came to a town near us and we were thinking about getting one. However, we do have a Pug named Lilly she's 2 and a persian cat named Hannah she's 10. I told you guys earlier that Craig and I are divorced but back together, well sometimes things aren't always nicey nice when your in the midst of divorce ( and ours was actually VERY cordial we've been together since we were 14). Craig comes from a family of 6. They go on lots of family vacations. January two years ago Craig went on a 10 day cruise with his family and I was home freezing in MA. It was Olivia's birthday the next week and I was mad and bored so I took the kids to the mall. Low and behold a beautiful fawn colored baby pug (my dream puppy) was for sale for....1,200.00. Yes, I bought her for Olivia from me and Craig. I'm a stay at home mom so guess who it was really from? O.K. so not the nicest thing to do but it turned out lovely. Craig loves Lilly more than me and the kids I think. She is an awesome dog. Sweet and good natured. Hannah on the other hand... Craig is begging to get rid of her she has been going the bathroom out of her litter box and we think she's mad at something. She better stop soon or she'll really be mad when she's living outside for the winter!! I'm kidding, I wouldn't do that.

Thank you both for the biopsy good thoughts. I'll let you know. I do use the Jergens moisturizing tanner but I hate the smell. I suppose the smell is better than skin cancer.

Kritter, I live in Hanson MA. It's 45 minutes out of Boston on the South Shore. Speaking of Boston, I got my tickets for White Christmas at the Wang for December 9th. I can't wait! Every year we go to whatever show they are putting on. It used to only be the Nutcracker until last year then the Rocketts came to town. Olivia loved that show. White Christmas is my favorite x-mas movie so I am so excited. It's a fun night we go out to dinner in town and the kids are in their Christmas best.

One last thing, did you see the thread started about people taking their last Disney Cruise in 2006 because the prices are getting too high? Crazy. Take a look at all the responses.

Jen

 

[kritter]

Jen,
Bruce would love a dog but I htink it is sooo much work for me not him..
I think that is great that you and Craig are back together..Hopefully it will all work out for the best....But we have a blind cat named spookie and I think that the whole dog thing will totally freak him out...so once he is gone maybe I will entertain the idea....

I think the Jergens does have an odor but it leaves me looking tan so who cares...

I did not see the thread for the last cruise thing I am going to have to look at it...Did hear that the prices were really high for 2007 so I guess we all decided on the right time to take the cruise....

I can not believe that you spent so much on the dog..Did not know that they were so expensive....

I can not believe the weather here it is cold and I can not stand it being soo cold..

You did tell me that you lived in Hanson before sorry I seem to have no memeory since having the twins and all..........Sound like you will have fun seeing the christmas show...I can not wait till the twins are old enough to go into NYC to see the christmas lights and alll...How far are you from boston...???Love going there and we tag along with Dh when he goes for Business.....

Tonight I am helping a friend out working at a high school renioun and I am getting paid to hand out name tags, etc..so it should be fun and a night out with out the kids I know it sounds terrible but it is true,,,Never get any time away with the hours that Bruce works and all..Now his job is moving closer to springfield mass.. so he will have over an hour commute..UGH!!!!!!!!

Please keep us posted about your biopsy sending good thoughts your way..
kristin

 

[kritter]

jen could not find the thread help me please I want to see what it says..
thanks,
kristin

 

[Princess Olivia]

jen could not find the thread help me please I want to see what it says..
thanks,
kristin

Kristin- all I did was go to Disney cruise line forum and started reading through the post titles. It was on the first page yesterday. It says Goodbye DCL it's been nice sailing but..... It's interesting to hear how many are bailing from DCL.
I am so glad you are getting out tonight. I LOVE class reunion stuff. We had our reunion last year and planning it was more fun than the reunion. We had a couple of tipsy nights at Legal Seafood and tons of laughs. Have fun. I know how hard it is to be with the kids all the time. Honestly I do. Craig commutes to Rhode Island every day. Over an hour!

Jen

 

[buckifan]

Well, I have GOT to try that Jergen's lotion. I'm going shopping tomorrow, I'll look for it. I'm not fond of the smell of self tanners either, but worth the sacrifice.

Princess, Pugs are very cute puppies. My sister's SIL had one named Bonkers...I thought that was a great name for him.

I'm going to check out that thread you mentioned as well. I'm feeling so grateful we decided to take our cruise before the prices jump!

Gotta go, were picking up Chinese food tonight for dinner...YUM! Have a nice evening guys!

 

[captaincrash]

Greetings from Boston!

It's 1:20 Am or so here and our kids went to sleep early! The rain is sort of steady right now - and it drizzled all day but otherwise it's beautiful out here! I'm watching Star Wars (clone wars) and eating corn pops while catching up on Ebay, emails and the DIS - among other things. Anakin and the queen just landed on Tatonie to try and help Vaders' Mom! I'm watching this in part to get ideas and impressions of Anakin's Jedi appearance. I just won an Ebay auction for a fancy $120 light saber so I was thinking of getting or making an Anakin costume for a Holloween costume party we're hosting next saturday.

So... on the skin spot thing - ya' kno'... some say that pregnancy sort of enhances one's frekles and spots. I know my spouse developed a really cute series of freckles since we had kids. Of course, that doesn't mean too much compared to the opinion of a professional (which I am not). All I know otherwise - is you're supposed to watch spots to see if they change over time. Usually they should NOT change. Otherwise - it's just a test to see what-ever they're testing for.


And on the idea of DCL rates getting stiffer... I must say I thought they seemed a bit higher than in years past. And even so they were higher than other lines a few years ago. So I suppose they're reacting to 1st) the discovery that they could sell their sailings for as much as they did when they brought the Magic to the West Coast. I followed that and was quite amazed for how much they sold for - and way far in advance too. And the other consideration is I imagine they can't be too pleased at the complications they encountered in recent years with the hurricanes and all. When they lose 2 weeks of sailings to hurricane disruption and the attending discounts, cancelations and expenses - it's enought to say they suffer what amounts to a loss of about 4% annual revenue IF the hurricane weeks result in plain old zero gains.

Frankly, when our 2004 sailing was disrupted by hurricane Frances we estimated that DCL gave up about 4,000+ in benefits while we ended up with a refund of half our payment to them. It was like getting a free cruise plus a discount towards a future cruise. Plus we sort of estimated that they squeezed 3 sailngs into one ship. They seemed to have passengers from our Magic sailing + the 3 and 4 day Wonder sailings on our ship - and I vaguely recall folks were saying that they took the Wonder to Castaway Caye to help repair it with the crew. Of course, this was just sort of gossip on the ship and I really don't know where or what the Wonder was doing that they had to shift their passengers to our ship.

So - the idea that they could get a lot more revenue (if they tried - or if they tried the right sailing schedules) combined with their higher then usual losses to the hurricane distruptions probably motived them to take action and ratchet up the fares. I think we're paying a little more than we recollect form the past - but I am not all that certain how much it has risen. I do belive the "usual" week we sail - the labor day sailing in september is about the same for the lowest few catagories. And, of course, this Holloween sailing is a 1st for us - so I don't know whether the fares are any higher then they were in the past.

I guess I'll have to check that thread citing "goodbyes" becaue of the higher fares.

OK... gotta go ....

Count Doku is pacing around Obi Wan who is supended and floating in a captive field.

Adios,

 

[Princess Olivia]

Crash- I can't wait for Episode III Revenge of the Sith to come out on DVD. I thought it was the best of the last three. I really liked it and I am a total chic flick gal. Boston is great. Where are you staying? Are you actually in the city? We live on the South Shore. The weather has been rainy and chilly this weekend but I kind of like it. We've had the fireplace going and good food and movies to keep us happy.

From what I've read it sounds like many people are sort of toying with booking with RCCL. I admit I am a fan of RC. The new ship looks amazing and from the chatter the prices are better. I do not care for Carnival. Too flashy and neon and loud. Again their prices are also better. If the kids programs are good on RCCL that will probably be the way we go next time as well. With out being booed from the board I have to say I would not travel DCL if I didn't have children. The food is not as good as it is on other ships. The pools aren't as big and I do miss a casino on board. Don't get me wrong I had a great time on our vacation but it was geared towards the children and we knew that going in. By the end of the week their were parents and children having melt downs all over the ship. I saw children kicking doors,siblings, parents. Dad's just losing thier cool. Mom's sipping more cocktails than at the beginning. It is pretty comical. The poor kids are exausted from sun and late nights and the smaller children just can't control their emotions yet. I will say I loved the shows and being on any cruise ship is a beautiful experience but doing it with Disney I admit is as they would say "magical". Time will tell if DCL will still get as many bookings or will they find people who've done it once and now are looking for a cheaper alternative.

 

[kritter]

Kristin- all I did was go to Disney cruise line forum and started reading through the post titles. It was on the first page yesterday. It says Goodbye DCL it's been nice sailing but..... It's interesting to hear how many are bailing from DCL.
I am so glad you are getting out tonight. I LOVE class reunion stuff. We had our reunion last year and planning it was more fun than the reunion. We had a couple of tipsy nights at Legal Seafood and tons of laughs. Have fun. I know how hard it is to be with the kids all the time. Honestly I do. Craig commutes to Rhode Island every day. Over an hour!

Jen

Jen,

I read through the posts it was interesting to see how many are bailing...SOunds like soooo many are upset....
The reunion was sooo easy and fun and easy money...Wow you totally understand what is like with your husband long commute....Bruce's commute is going to increase to an hour as well coming Dec. 2nd..


Do not remember if it was you or not who gave me the soup recipe we ate it tonight and it was wonderful...thanks if it was you....
Hope you had a nice weekend....

 

[kritter]

Well, I have GOT to try that Jergen's lotion. I'm going shopping tomorrow, I'll look for it. I'm not fond of the smell of self tanners either, but worth the sacrifice.

Princess, Pugs are very cute puppies. My sister's SIL had one named Bonkers...I thought that was a great name for him.

I'm going to check out that thread you mentioned as well. I'm feeling so grateful we decided to take our cruise before the prices jump!

Gotta go, were picking up Chinese food tonight for dinner...YUM! Have a nice evening guys!

Hope the chinesse food was good...
The self tanner is awesome and on sale now at walmart it is great went to a b-day party today and everyone asked me why I was tan,,,,,
glad we booked when we did...

 

[kritter]

Princess Olivia, and Captain,
Bruce read your posts on star wars he is a hUGE star wars fan we have a room full of toys and collectors stuff in our basement...Just for him..He loves this stuff....Can not wait for the movie to come out he is sooooo excited..
While I was out last night the kids and him watched star wars movies and our in the kids room right now watching it again...He is making the twins into star wars freaks toooooo ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Captain, one year I made bruce a darth vadar costume for halloween he won best costume at the party.....it was cool..One time while at pleasure island he made me have my picture taken with him dressed up as luke skywalker and me as princess leah...good thing I was drunk or I would have never done it sober...he he!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Star wars is his favorite he reads all of the books, etc....He has never bought a light saber though for one hundred twenty dollars.....You are a huge fan tooo then....

I take it you both will get the movie when it comes out...Bruce one time went with our neighbor to see the movie since I would not go..everyone thought I was crazy letting him go to the movies with another women who cares I did not since I would rather not sit through a star wars movie...
I think he likes it when I go out so he can revisit his favorite epsiodes over and over again.......

I can hear the twins laughing at jar jar binks as I am writing this...I think I am in trouble..Being that I will be the only non star wars fan in the house....

take care all, and hope you had a wonderful weekend.....

Can not wait my favorite shows are on desperate housewives and greys anatomy..Along with these two and survivor and apprentice I love sunday night tv.....
talk to you all tomorrow....

 

[kritter]

Princess Olivia, and Captain,
Bruce read your posts on star wars he is a hUGE star wars fan we have a room full of toys and collectors stuff in our basement...Just for him..He loves this stuff....Can not wait for the movie to come out he is sooooo excited..
While I was out last night the kids and him watched star wars movies and our in the kids room right now watching it again...He is making the twins into star wars freaks toooooo ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Captain, one year I made bruce a darth vadar costume for halloween he won best costume at the party.....it was cool..One time while at pleasure island he made me have my picture taken with him dressed up as luke skywalker and me as princess leah...good thing I was drunk or I would have never done it sober...he he!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Star wars is his favorite he reads all of the books, etc....He has never bought a light saber though for one hundred twenty dollars.....You are a huge fan tooo then....

I take it you both will get the movie when it comes out...Bruce one time went with our neighbor to see the movie since I would not go..everyone thought I was crazy letting him go to the movies with another women who cares I did not since I would rather not sit through a star wars movie...
I think he likes it when I go out so he can revisit his favorite epsiodes over and over again.......

I can hear the twins laughing at jar jar binks as I am writing this...I think I am in trouble..Being that I will be the only non star wars fan in the house....

take care all, and hope you had a wonderful weekend.....

Can not wait my favorite shows are on desperate housewives and greys anatomy..Along with these two and survivor and apprentice I love sunday night tv.....
talk to you all tomorrow....

 

[Princess Olivia]

Kristin- it was buckifan with the great soup recipe. I made stuff all weekend. Yesterday I made my Halloween mix....so good(pretzels,ritz mini peanut butter crackers,honey roasted peanuts, m&m's and candy corn). I can get you the full recipe if you want it. It has butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla,baking soda etc. It takes about an hour to cook/ make. It's addicting. Today I made the best hot crab dip (another favorite recipe). I tend to do a lot of baking from October through December. Tons of pies, cookies and candy. I make it but I never tend to eat much of it. I must get my fix just through making the stuff.

I do like Star Wars but I am far from any type of fanatic. I love movies like Love Actually and Serendipity ( two of my favorites). I love good romantic comedy watched Sleepless in Seatle for the thousandth time today. However the best movie I've seen recently is Crash. Amazing. A must see for everyone (not children).

Did you read the posts about the damage to Cozumel? Crazy. I feel bad. I guess for the time being all the cruises are doing Eastern caribbean. I admit I like Eastern much more than Western, but that's just me I feel bad for people who were really looking forward to the Western ports of call.

I 've got to go get ready for D.H. and G.A. love them both! Tonight we're going to find out who's in the basement!! remind me to tell you a funny story from the last day on the cruise regarding a white chocolate cinderella slipper filled with chocolate mousse...........priceless moment when Craig and two kids had their meltdown!!!

 

[kritter]

Jen,

Thanks for reminding whose recipe it was...
I would love both of those recipes you are talking about....They sound wonderful and the family is always up to try something new....

I am not much of a star wars fan either..I love romantic movies and Dh would rather star wars...

I loved DH and Ga..I do hope the dr. on GA picks merideth but having a feeling he will not..Bruce says no way..Who is that in the basement of DH??Was that her son and is there something wrong with him...Not thinking that Terri hatcher is looking so good this year..she is sooooo skinny.....
The whole thing with Bree and the funeral was soo funny...Love that show.Just got the first season on DVD..some really good deleted scenes and all...The producer of the show is gay (not that that matters) but Bree and her family are based on his family and his mother and father...He says that is how his mother is in real life and the son of Bree is actually based on himself being sent away and all.... Wathcing it is interesitng...How about on Ga when the dr. had his finger stuck in the guys heart...UGH!!!!!!!!!!!

What is it that you wanted me to remind you to tell me that was funny..
Yes did read about Cozumel that is really too bad..now she is in florida and hitting a punch there...hate the cold weather but do not know if I could deal with the hurricane thing.....

Hope you survive the rain that is headed our way tomorrow..Off to a halloween party with the girls today..should be fun they are snow white and ariel...so it should be a hoot..My friend always throws a great one....

talk to you soon,,
kristin

Buck thanks for the soup recipe it was great.....