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

[captaincrash]

OK...

... I'm just human. I make mistakes like anyone else. Some big - some small.

At any rate - this weekend - I have a graduation to attend tonight for my niece. It should be nice as her family is going through some challenges as there are health issues threatening there. TOmorrow is an insane double birthday party day combined with a pool party that we're hosting. Then Sunday is Fathers' day. I'll be shooting photos for a friend of their fathers' day party. I'm volunteering as a friend of the family - and then I get MY Fathers' day thing. I have a breakfast with MY Dad then another secret event in the evening put on by my kids supposedly. Then travel from Monday to tuesday. The slack won't come until wednesday at this rate.

Sigh....

 

[fourlittlemunchkins]

Well, being new here and not knowing anyone personally and not knowing anything about this pm and it's content, the only thing I can say is that I can only imagine how Kritter must have felt. It's just that over a year ago my dh was critically ill and a family member verbally attacked me. I was at my lowest point worrying about my dh , my family and our future. I didn't need the extra stress and it really hurt me deep down and to this day I just can't let it go. I won't go into details here, but it just makes me wonder why someone has to hurt someone else when they are already down? What is the point? I'm sorry. I don't want to make waves. Captaincrash seems to be a kind and caring friend to Kritter. Honestly I wish I had more stand-up friends like him.

Evelyn

 

[captaincrash]

Well, being new here and not knowing anyone personally and not knowing anything about this pm and it's content, the only thing I can say is that I can only imagine how Kritter must have felt. It's just that over a year ago my dh was critically ill and a family member verbally attacked me. I was at my lowest point worrying about my dh , my family and our future. I didn't need the extra stress and it really hurt me deep down and to this day I just can't let it go. I won't go into details here, but it just makes me wonder why someone has to hurt someone else when they are already down? What is the point? I'm sorry. I don't want to make waves. Captaincrash seems to be a kind and caring friend to Kritter. Honestly I wish I had more stand-up friends like him.

Evelyn

Thanks Evelyn,

And on another note.... did you see we've got another round of the "Question game" running this weekend? I imagine some may look upon it as mildly psychotic - but it can be entertaining to anyone with the "right" questions posed. We have two active questions circulating - sorry I did not back up enough to fully check whether you responded yet - but if you did not - consider responding to one or the other questions posed. Plus - feel free to pose your own Question to the crowd.

I think these are the active questions circulating...

Question game: When is your favorite time of year to visit Disney World? Ours is October. Although some day I want to see the Christmas decorations. I think when the kids get a little older we are going to cruise for Christmas.......keep some "Magic"(other than santa) alive for them.

2) What is the most remarkably memorable thing you can recall from a Disney visit.

3) ... which ride at WDW or DL qualifies as the one you repeated the most in a day? IE... do you even remember what your record was for most times repeated?

Otherwise - cheers for a happy fathers' day weekend!

 

[kritter]

Ok, all Lets just move on from here and have a great big hug if this is possible...I think it is best that we drop this issue..

What is done is done...the problem with the computer is that sometimes you do not understand the tone that the author is really taking with the other person...

I really have much more important things to focus my attention on right at this point in my life...I am not even sure if at this point I am up to all of this cruising now...What should have been a happy time before the cruise is not...But oh well lets not bring this up any more...we are all adults here....

Lets keep the tone happy and one that is about our cruise and families......

I appreciate eveyones support and friendship during this difficult time while I have been ill...Your friendship is remarkable...Thanks again...and sorry for any problems this may have caused...
Time to move forward and think about the magic that is awaiting all of us...
....

 

[Princess Olivia]

Kristin, I think it goes without saying that you have all of my friendship, love and support. Kristin is probably the best thing I've gotten from these boards. A friend who can make you laugh and listens to you ramble on about things that are uninteresting in her world but listens anyway. That's a real find.
I really would be disheartened to think that anyone here on our thread would allow her to consider changing any of her plans. Kristin started this thread and has been extremly kind and welcoming to every one of us when we came aboard. So my darling K, remove the thought from your pretty little head. You're stuck with us and as a majority we love you.

I do agree with Kristin that it's time to just let it all go. Words have been said and feelings across the board were hurt. Cross words and hurt feelings certainly do not co exist well with Disney. I'm sure there is some regret on all of our parts played in this short lived drama. Let it be done and get back to the reason for this thread.....GETTING EXCITED FOR OUR MAGIC HALLOWEEN SAILING 2006!!!!

Fourlittlemunchkins....what part of New Hampshire? Have you always lived in New England? That seems insane at what happend to your mail. Did he or she see you coming and intentionaly throw it in the grass? Weird. I got my cruise planner through the travel agent I used. I think Disney sent it directly to her. Lot's of fun info. Where are you staying on the ship? Was it a catagory 2? A suite is very nice. You will be thrilled. Can't wait to meet you.

Jen

 

[princessh]

Kristin, I think it goes without saying that you have all of my friendship, love and support. Kristin is probably the best thing I've gotten from these boards. A friend who can make you laugh and listens to you ramble on about things that are uninteresting in her world but listens anyway. That's a real find.
I really would be disheartened to think that anyone here on our thread would allow her to consider changing any of her plans. Kristin started this thread and has been extremly kind and welcoming to every one of us when we came aboard. So my darling K, remove the thought from your pretty little head. You're stuck with us and as a majority we love you.

I do agree with Kristin that it's time to just let it all go. Words have been said and feelings across the board were hurt. Cross words and hurt feelings certainly do not co exist well with Disney. I'm sure there is some regret on all of our parts played in this short lived drama. Let it be done and get back to the reason for this thread.....GETTING EXCITED FOR OUR MAGIC HALLOWEEN SAILING 2006!!!!



Jen

I think Jen said it perfectly! My thoughts exactly! It is time to move on and get ready for this cruise!

 

[Tluvs2talk]

CaptainCrash- I don't know what the e-mail said from Ginger to Kristin, I just wanted you and Kristin and all of the fellow Halloween Cruiser's know that I met Ginger and her Family on the Disney Halloween cruise in 2004 and she is a lovely. warm, kind person. I am sure there has been some terrible missunderstanding between the two of them.I hope that whatever bad feelings are between them can be resolved. WE all share one thing in common, we like, OK LOVE DISNEY!!!! Anyway I am sending a to everyone here. I hope we can all be FRIENDS!!!!


Teri

 

[Tluvs2talk]

which ride at WDW or DL qualifies as the one you repeated the most in a day? IE... do you even remember what your record was for most times repeated WE rode Spash Mountain 5 times. So far Crash you have the record with most times on a ride.

Here is my question-- How many different Disney Resorts have you stayed at? We have stayed at Dixie Landings(now named Riverside), All Star Sport's, All Star Music, All Star Movies, Pop Century, The Caribbean, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, The Polynesian, The Boardwalk, and Wilderness Lodge.

Teri

 

[captaincrash]

Ok, all Lets just move on from here and have a great big hug if this is possible...I think it is best that we drop this issue..

What is done is done...the problem with the computer is that sometimes you do not understand the tone that the author is really taking with the other person...

I really have much more important things to focus my attention on right at this point in my life...I am not even sure if at this point I am up to all of this cruising now...What should have been a happy time before the cruise is not...But oh well lets not bring this up any more...we are all adults here....

Lets keep the tone happy and one that is about our cruise and families......

I appreciate eveyones support and friendship during this difficult time while I have been ill...Your friendship is remarkable...Thanks again...and sorry for any problems this may have caused...
Time to move forward and think about the magic that is awaiting all of us...
....

Well spoken - and gracious, Kristen.

Plus - I agree with everyone / anyone who offers sincere, positive and constructive contributions. Terri - I appreciate your encouraging supportive remarks. It would be nice to hear from Ginger herself... I would like to think there was a simple misunderstanding and huge mistake with the timing on her part - as coincidence ... and not a deliberate premeditated gesture. Proof would come in a polite public apology and friendly offer from GINGER. If none comes - then silence shall reveal the truth about her motives.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

So ... from another POV on the coming weekend - we had a pleasant graduation procession. My niece was one of a handful who were recognized for special contibutions to the school and community and for unusual academic achievement. Unfortunately she was no where near being valedictorian - but that's OK. It was really quite beautiful with happy kids, and decent presentations from the administration. My Dad brought a whole mess of lobsters and steaks for dinner - and it was a sort of "fair" meal. However, I could not eat much as I was on duty managing the kids - and it was mildly complicated as there were several children at the dinner party. At the peak of complexity I had to twice play arbitor to defuse a conflict between some of the kids - while weary parents looked on from the fringe. I exercised my best playground verbage to put the issue in terms the kids could understand - and I resolved 2 escalating episodes prior to anyone sufferring a melt down. My efforts drew muted compliments from some parents - and chuckles from the rest. Figures, eh?

 

[kritter]

which ride at WDW or DL qualifies as the one you repeated the most in a day? IE... do you even remember what your record was for most times repeated WE rode Spash Mountain 5 times. So far Crash you have the record with most times on a ride.

Here is my question-- How many different Disney Resorts have you stayed at? We have stayed at Dixie Landings(now named Riverside), All Star Sport's, All Star Music, All Star Movies, Pop Century, The Caribbean, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, The Polynesian, The Boardwalk, and Wilderness Lodge.

Teri

WOW Terri you may have the "record" for staying at the most disney resorts...
Terri did you get a chance to check out the website???

Think you need to ask a question now....????

Tom great pictures.. Looks like you had fun.....

 

[captaincrash]

which ride at WDW or DL qualifies as the one you repeated the most in a day? IE... do you even remember what your record was for most times repeated WE rode Spash Mountain 5 times. So far Crash you have the record with most times on a ride.

Here is my question-- How many different Disney Resorts have you stayed at? We have stayed at Dixie Landings(now named Riverside), All Star Sport's, All Star Music, All Star Movies, Pop Century, The Caribbean, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, The Polynesian, The Boardwalk, and Wilderness Lodge.

Teri

Wow... Teri.

I may have the record for most CONSECUTIVE reruns of a Disney ride (not anything I'm particularly proud of - I might add) with 11 times on the the Toon Town Coster... but You've got me hands down with DL resorts. I can only recollect I've been to 3. The Polynesian, another one I vaguely recall was .... the wilderness? is it possible to walk directly onto the WDW park from the wilderness lodge? And another I cannot for the life of me recall the name of. We tend to be Disneyland Junkies as opposed to WDW fans. We get the annual passes out here are usually "drive it"... with hotels only once in a while. At WDW - I can't have much all day in the sun with humidity... I'm a whimp being unaccustomed to the mosit air.

OK... since "I" answered a Q ... I get to post one ... then I start my crazy saturday with 3 back to back parties today. Hmmm what shall I ask....

Got it.... What is the BEST "secret" TIP you've learned/got or tried for anything Disney? That is actually a tough one as now you might be thinking ... what qualifies as a good secret tip?

K... gotta go now... TTFN!

 

[Princess Olivia]

Crash your neice is lovely. It sounds like a great time. Especially the part where you take care of the children ! When there are a group of children it can get trying. I think a man sometimes pulls more weight when an argument ensues. What hours will you be available on the cruise ???

I also noticed (your?) countertop. We are installing the same one right now. Love it. We are actually renovating the whole house. A huge process. Hard wood floors and new appliances go down in about a week. We'll be living elsewhere for a week. I choose a hotel with a pool. Craig chooses my in laws. He'll win. The house is eating all our money so there will be no summer vacation trip this year. Just day trips. I'll have to live vicariously through all of you.

Q.
What are your plans for this summer?

Teri...you have stayed at so many great places. How was pop century? I would also love to stay at the Polynesian. I guess my favorite place to stay would be Animal Kingdom Lodge. Waking up to a safari is very cool. I love the giraffes!

 

[captaincrash]

Crash your neice is lovely. It sounds like a great time. Especially the part where you take care of the children ! When there are a group of children it can get trying. I think a man sometimes pulls more weight when an argument ensues. What hours will you be available on the cruise ???

I also noticed (your?) countertop. We are installing the same one right now. Love it. We are actually renovating the whole house. A huge process. Hard wood floors and new appliances go down in about a week. We'll be living elsewhere for a week. I choose a hotel with a pool. Craig chooses my in laws. He'll win. The house is eating all our money so there will be no summer vacation trip this year. Just day trips. I'll have to live vicariously through all of you.

Q.
What are your plans for this summer?

Teri...you have stayed at so many great places. How was pop century? I would also love to stay at the Polynesian. I guess my favorite place to stay would be Animal Kingdom Lodge. Waking up to a safari is very cool. I love the giraffes!

Giraffes?!?!?!!??

Boy... I tell ya... the more I hear about the stuff Disney has at these resorts (and almost anything else they got goin') it's just over the top. DO they really keep Giraffes on the property there? I'm gonna have to google it later tonight. I'm gonna have to go in 15 minutes... so here's a quick image I shot while at the San Diego zoo about 3 or 4 weeks ago.

​

And... was this officially a question you were posing to the group? Q.
What are your plans for this summer?

 

[Princess Olivia]

Wow... Teri.

I may have the record for most CONSECUTIVE reruns of a Disney ride (not anything I'm particularly proud of - I might add) with 11 times on the the Toon Town Coster... but You've got me hands down with DL resorts. I can only recollect I've been to 3. The Polynesian, another one I vaguely recall was .... the wilderness? is it possible to walk directly onto the WDW park from the wilderness lodge? And another I cannot for the life of me recall the name of. We tend to be Disneyland Junkies as opposed to WDW fans. We get the annual passes out here are usually "drive it"... with hotels only once in a while. At WDW - I can't have much all day in the sun with humidity... I'm a whimp being unaccustomed to the mosit air.

OK... since "I" answered a Q ... I get to post one ... then I start my crazy saturday with 3 back to back parties today. Hmmm what shall I ask....

Got it.... What is the BEST "secret" TIP you've learned/got or tried for anything Disney? That is actually a tough one as now you might be thinking ... what qualifies as a good secret tip?

K... gotta go now... TTFN!

I have gotten SO MANY tips from books and the board. The tip that keeps me the most organized is the over the door shoe hanger. Couldn't do with out this. Two different sized zip lock bags. These came in handy more times than you'd think. Also, bringing a luminated alarm clock was huge as I wake frequently throughout the night and like to see the time in the darkness of the cabin. I am also thankful that I pack a wrinkle free sundress for the first night at dinner in my carry on. It seems my luggage never makes it before first seating. Also, if you are like me and do laundry before you go home, go really late/early (after midnight) on Thursday. We always seem to have good luck getting a machine. I'm sure I have lots more but the sun is so warm today I am going to sit outside now! Thank you God for giving us a reprieve from the rain!

 

[Princess Olivia]

Yes Crash........What is everyone doing this summer ?

 

[awoltoday]

Q. When is your favorite time of year to visit Disney World?
Well, I've never been to Disney World. But I would imagine the time of the year would be the same as my favorite time to visit DL. That would be anytime offseason. We're pretty good at the fastpass game (see pic), but I would rather go when it's not dreadfully hot and/or crowded. So, of the offseason times... between Thanksgiving & Christmas and after the new year for the holiday spirit.

Q. What is the most remarkably memorable thing you can recall from a Disney visit?

My DDs first ride on Splash Mtn. She freaked after the big drop and said, "I never want to ride this again!" By the time we rounded the next bend she conceded that she MIGHT want to do it again someday. Long before we made it back to the platform she was ready to do the child switch and ride again immediately!

Q. which ride at WDW or DL qualifies as the one you repeated the most in a day?

Not too much here. We did space mtn five or six times late one night in about an hour. I think we would have done it more but were tired of walking all the way around back to non-existent line. My DD may own our family record, probably on BTMRR. Until recently, she would ride the "big" rides twice on a child switch pass. So, if we did it 3 or 4 times, she got 6 or 8 trips...

Q. How many different Disney Resorts have you stayed at?

1. Disneyland Pacific Hotel (now Paradise Pier). Not very exciting. We may get a night in at AK for this trip, though.

Q. What are your plans for this summer?

Trying to plan this vacation and earn enough money to pay for it!! Although I'll be off this week as DW heads out of town and I'll need to stay with our kids.

Q. What is the BEST "secret" TIP you've learned/got or tried for anything Disney?

Well, if I post in on here, it won't be a secret any more, will it?

Okay, back to learning about stuff to do for St. Thomas stop. We did Coral World last year. What is everybody else planning to do while in St. Thomas?

 

[Princess Olivia]

AWOL, I have a question about St Thomas. There seem to be 2 very similiar excursions offered. 1. 5-star St John Snorkel & Beach Adventure and 2.St John Trunk Bay Beach and Snorkel Tour. If we love the beach and maybe snorkel, which do you think is better? We may just go to Magens Bay on our own. That's what we usually do. I did love St John's the one time we went there.
Also, has anyone done the dolphin encounter in St Maarten? We are seriously considering it. Is it worth it?

Happy Fathers Day to all!

 

[LaRue]

Good Morning,

Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful Daddy's out there.

One of my favorite Disney memories was on our cruise last year when the sail away party had just ended and we went up to deck 10 to watch as the ship left the port. It was an incredible feeling. It was also fun hearing the horn sound for the first time. My favorite island memory hands down was Castaway enjoying the day with friends.

For all the veteran cruisers out there anyone know of a fast way to get to St. John's? It is so beautiful over there but but I do not want to spend the time on the ferry.

 

[captaincrash]

Good Morning,

Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful Daddy's out there.

One of my favorite Disney memories was on our cruise last year when the sail away party had just ended and we went up to deck 10 to watch as the ship left the port. It was an incredible feeling. It was also fun hearing the horn sound for the first time. My favorite island memory hands down was Castaway enjoying the day with friends.

For all the veteran cruisers out there anyone know of a fast way to get to St. John's? It is so beautiful over there but but I do not want to spend the time on the ferry.

Well...

We've stayed on St Thomas with a rented car and taken the ferry from Red Hook (?) to St John. Getting around just takes time. Getting there any faster involves bribing the Captain to stop the Magic there as it passes. Then bribe crewmen to tender you over ... or get a heli-evac. THAT would be faster.

Now I know what you're thinkin'. If you're finished chuckling (asuming you might have cracked a smile - I know some folks may not be chuckling) ...SO, where is the useful advice? What's the real answer?

All I know is driving the short route to Red Hook from town can take near an hour alone. SO that is not the way. I believe the ferry from town to ST Johns' is the ONLY realistic option/ And at that ... you will have to return on the ferry's schedule to catch the Magic.

So off on our last visit to St Thomas I was interested in trying something I read about - catching that 1st Ferry in the AM and at St John renting a power boat. This qualifies in my book as something off the beaten track that is doable. Of course, it is NOT the most efficient of diversions.

I guess - it's like saying there're few fast ways of gettinig there and around - especially on our limited schedules. Add to that the potential of finiky kids (or spouses) in tow... and the whole thing clogs up even more so.

It's not like we're trying to visit St Lucia for the day from St Thomas. And may I add that if you wanted to do that you could! Via interisland air... it's just you don't want to miss your return flight. Otherwise it will mean a chartered flight to Castaway Caye! It's not impossible, just a pain in the rump.

So people DO make it to St John... and it is FUN to push the exploring limit! Here are a couple of images from Red Hook (can't recall if that was what they called the far ferry point)... and so on.

Now if you rented one of these puppies at the lower right - above - in town off the Magic (this image was actually from St John) then you might get there sooner. Saving time by not waiting for the ferry going and returning... but losing time taxiing over to the boat rental and back. Plus if you're Ok with gettting physically beat up in transit - then you can open up the throttle and speed over... but I would not recommend that routine for the faint of heart. Everyone might get sea sick or fatigued from the bouncing and jostling!

So ... father's day morning is going slow around here... so we'll be shifting the breakfast with my Dad to a light dinner - I suspect. Assuming that does not destroy what ever my kids and spouse had planned for me for today.

OK... sorry about being so long winded 'bout this. I did not post much about St John itself. I would not want to spoil it for any who have not been there. I know it can be annoying to have someone else TELL you everything about a movie or place before you've been there. SO I limited my discussion and images to transit issues. Well... the one image at lower left had a sign saying ST John in it - so I posted it - but then again, there is very little to see beyond that - and nothing in the background! So - no I've not spoiled any surprises or discoveries there!

TTFN!

1918 21041​

 

[awoltoday]

AWOL, I have a question about St Thomas. There seem to be 2 very similiar excursions offered. 1. 5-star St John Snorkel & Beach Adventure and 2.St John Trunk Bay Beach and Snorkel Tour. If we love the beach and maybe snorkel, which do you think is better? We may just go to Magens Bay on our own. That's what we usually do. I did love St John's the one time we went there.
Also, has anyone done the dolphin encounter in St Maarten? We are seriously considering it. Is it worth it?

Happy Fathers Day to all!

From reading the passporter, the biggest difference I got was the transportation method. The Beach & Snorkel tour uses the ferry out of Red Hook. The 5-Star adventure uses a 115 foot "1939 Chesapeake Bay Oyster Buy Boat replica" the M/V Leylon Sneed (kinda looks like a double decker tug boat to me!)

You would think that getting on a boat and heading straight out would get you more time at the beach vs. driving to Red Hook and ferrying over. But, apparently, the Sneed isn't very fast (I read 1.5 hrs each way). Also, the passporter notes that if the seas are rough, you may be detoured to St. James island. On the positive side, you apparently get to view some fantastic scenery along the way.

Here's a couple of threads I found on this site:
WDW/Magic/Cocoa St Thomas day
Trunk Bay Excursion

My impression is if you want to maximize your time at trunk bay, you should do it yourself. I like crash's suggestions too!