I'm on a boat! Disney Dream TR 0ct 20-23 (last update pg 7 12/1)

[ksl5f123]

I am so glad you came back and finished your TR! I have had the computer eat my updates before too.

Your French toast at WPE looks amazing! We have never been there for breakfast, but now I want to go!

I am so glad you stuck it out to see the parade. I think it sounds like such a fun one.

Great picture with Duffy. I love his costume!

It is tough not to have another trip planned. Hopefully, an occasion will magically appear and you will have the chance to go back soon.

 

[Kurby]

i'm just starting to read your report now and had to laugh when your dh told your dd if she didn't behave she'd be in the kids club as punishment LOL

i think if i told my dd that she'd act up in a heart beat just to go there for the entire day hahaha

love your pics - i can't wait to get on the dream next new years

 

[Moira222]

Diane,
I finally got to finish your TR. The waters looked choppy but beautiful.

I wondered why the beaches seemed so very empty? off season?

I am glad Caitlin changed her attitude mid-way. The beginning reminded me of our '09 trip with Katie. UGH! She was awful!

your breakfast at WPE pictures looked the best by far...but I am totally for the fresh fruit on french toast over the donuts.

Glad you posted...and glad you tricked DH into MNSSHP....I seem to recall that when he agreed to it you pretty much confessed to tricking him right out. LOL

mmm all girls trip? works for me!

 

[pinkxray]

I'm so glad you got to experience MNSSHP! Sounds like y'all ended up having a really great night, too!

I really enjoyed all of your pictures. The Art of Animation resort looks so cute.

I wish you & DH lots of luck in 2012 for getting pregnant! Sounds like you won't be doing any TR's but if you're on the boards, definitely feel free to drop a line my way!

I've really enjoyed getting to "know" you & your family through your last 2 TR's. Thank you for letting us come along for your family vacation. And I'm so thankful y'all enjoyed the cruise. I was so nervous y'all would hate it!

We ended up having an amazing night at MNSSHP. It was a very good ending for the trip.

I'll be around the boards once in awhile. I have been hanging out on the budget board so that I can save as much as possible to make sure I can take my cruise in 2014.

Well obviously you finished! I'm a goof ball and missed the last couple of updates...no clue how I managed to do that! (I blame studying for ridiculous amounts hours right now - I have cumulative exams coming up in a week).

It seems like you weren't really all that impressed with the food on the cruise. Did you ever do a DCL before and was this food worse or better than that cruise? I'm on the Magic to Canada next year and I'm kind of disappointed to have read your reviews. The food at the parks is so good, I wouldn't expect the food on the cruises to be less than Disney standard! Did you think the food at WDW or on DCL was better?

I'm glad you and DD made up towards the end. I could almost feel your frustration through your TR about her. But it looks like it all worked out

I loved the frames and pillow cases you did. Those are really awesome ideas. I might steal that for the upcoming cruise. Did you just ask your room attendant guy (I don't know their title) to have the characters all sign it or was it something through Disney?

Thanks for the TR! Loved it!

I liked the food for the most part. Some of the main dining room entrees could have been better but overall I was happy with the food during the cruise. You will not go hungry. I think I would pick the WDW restaurants as having better food but not by much.

For the pillowcases and stuff you have to go to Guest Services on the 3rd floor. I put the two items and a bunch of sharpies in a ziploc bag along with a bag of candy for the CMs. I gave it to the clerk and she had me fill out a paper which asked if you wanted all the characters, princesses or something else (Fab 5 maybe) Then, everything appears in your stateroom on your last night. I believe they ask you to drop them off the first night especially for the short cruises so they have time to finish them.

Thank you for a great trip report!

I was happy to hear that you liked WPE for breakfast (apart from the cream and fruit on Caitlin's breakfast).
Your last day looked fun - I love a nice poolday and then the party at the end of the day! So much fun!
Thanks again for taking us all on the trip!

Thanks for reading and sharing all of your WPE pictures. I have found my favorite breakfast spot in WDW.

It was very nice to have a relaxing day at the pool before heading to the party. I was tempted to try to cram in a waterpark or Epcot morning but I am very glad I choose to relax. Everyone seemed to enjoy it

I am so glad you came back and finished your TR! I have had the computer eat my updates before too.

Your French toast at WPE looks amazing! We have never been there for breakfast, but now I want to go!

I am so glad you stuck it out to see the parade. I think it sounds like such a fun one.

Great picture with Duffy. I love his costume!

It is tough not to have another trip planned. Hopefully, an occasion will magically appear and you will have the chance to go back soon.

WPE was amazing I am thinking of staying at SSR next trip so I can be close enough to go there multiple times next trip.

The parade was great. I was surprised at how little we were able to accomplish, we will have to do 2 parties next time.

It does stink not to have any trips planned but I am actually okay with it this time. I don't have that feeling of having to go back right away like last time. We had a good trip, I got my way and we did MNSSHP so I am going to give WDW a break for a bit. It just gives me more time to save so we can have an amazing time next time we go back. I have learned that DH does not like budget trips, he wants a deluxe hotel, Universal, Discovery Cove so I need some time to build up the Disney fund.

i'm just starting to read your report now and had to laugh when your dh told your dd if she didn't behave she'd be in the kids club as punishment LOL

i think if i told my dd that she'd act up in a heart beat just to go there for the entire day hahaha

love your pics - i can't wait to get on the dream next new years

It is tough to find a good punishment on a cruise ship. Either you stay in the room and end up punishing yourself or you send the kid to the kids club which is not punishment at all

I am so jealous you have a cruise coming up. I can't wait until they release the 2014 dates. I will feel better once I have my cruise booked even if it 2 years away when I book it. At least I'll be able to have a ticker

Diane,
I finally got to finish your TR. The waters looked choppy but beautiful.

I wondered why the beaches seemed so very empty? off season?

I am glad Caitlin changed her attitude mid-way. The beginning reminded me of our '09 trip with Katie. UGH! She was awful!

your breakfast at WPE pictures looked the best by far...but I am totally for the fresh fruit on french toast over the donuts.

Glad you posted...and glad you tricked DH into MNSSHP....I seem to recall that when he agreed to it you pretty much confessed to tricking him right out. LOL

mmm all girls trip? works for me!

The beach at Atlantis was empty mostly likely due to off season plus it was pretty chilly and windy. The water ended up being very warm though but it looked like it would have been cold. Castaway Cay beaches were pretty empty until around 10am when people showed up. Around 11 most of the lounge chairs on the family beach were full.

I am glad I tricked DH into MNSSHP. I have a feeling if I didn't I would be bothering him about going back next Oct again. I just had to do it and get it out of my system or I would never stop talking about going.

Glad to hear Katie didn't act perfect on your last trip either. I always seem to be the only one with a kid who doesn't act perfectly happy at WDW. She really annoyed me though and I couldn't believe how unappreciative she was of the whole cruise/ island trip. I guess when you are 7 and at Castaway Cay you must think everyone is able to go there and it isn't a big deal I tried to explain that this could be a once in a lifetime trip but she didn't seem to believe me. She must have known another DCL cruise would be on my mind eventually.
DH and I have been trying to plan a cruise without her so maybe she'll be a bit more appreciative after she misses one.

Caitin and I have to do a girls trip one day just to do all the stuff DH would hate. Stay at the Grand Floridian or Boardwalk, eat at Flying Fish and California Grill, afternoon tea at GF- darn it, I am planning trips in my head again

I hope you and Joe have an amazing anniversary trip. I can't wait to hear all of your planning (even if it doesn't help my Disney blues I am still so happy that you are getting to go on such an amazing trip for your 20th)

 

[TinksThree]

Somehow I thought I had subscribed and I guess I did not! I am going to go back and start over even though you are finishing it up! I wanted to hear about this trip!! I have been so busy I can't even keep up with my own TR much less reading others! Plus it doesn't help on Disney withdrawals!

 

[Moira222]

 

[trish.]

You made the CUTEST FE gifts!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi Diane!

I'm hoping to take my first cruise in April or Oct of this year!

I'm loving your report so far and it has already helped with first time cruiser questions that I have!!

 

[TinksThree]

I got through it....finally! I am staying so busy! So sorry that Caitlin gave you that attitude! That is enough to drive a mother crazy! My DD has attempted and I threaten to leave her but thankfully she usually cheers up with one threat. She is older too, so that may help. You really got me in the mood for a cruise! I have been looking around for a graduation gift for DS and have been stuck on spending the extra $$$ or go with Royal or even Carnival (since it will be his first he knows no difference!)

The weather looked dreary but I really liked how Castaway Cay looked! Also I adored the FE gifts!! Wow you did a great job!!

 

[pinkxray]

Somehow I thought I had subscribed and I guess I did not! I am going to go back and start over even though you are finishing it up! I wanted to hear about this trip!! I have been so busy I can't even keep up with my own TR much less reading others! Plus it doesn't help on Disney withdrawals!

I hear you on the Disney withdrawls. At least you are going back in a few months. I need to sign Caitlin up for a musical instrument or cheerleading so I have a shot at chaperoning in the future.

Thank you and you too. I hope you guys had a great xmas. Our Christmas turned out very well, surprisingly.

You made the CUTEST FE gifts!!

Thank you! I thought it was so much fun to do the FE and really hope to sail on DCL again so we can do it again.

Hi Diane!

I'm hoping to take my first cruise in April or Oct of this year!

I'm loving your report so far and it has already helped with first time cruiser questions that I have!!

Thanks for reading. I am glad I could help with your questions. Planning our first cruise seemed so overwhelming but it all went very smoothly.

I am so jealous that you are taking a Disney cruise this year. I am going through serious withdrawl.

I got through it....finally! I am staying so busy! So sorry that Caitlin gave you that attitude! That is enough to drive a mother crazy! My DD has attempted and I threaten to leave her but thankfully she usually cheers up with one threat. She is older too, so that may help. You really got me in the mood for a cruise! I have been looking around for a graduation gift for DS and have been stuck on spending the extra $$$ or go with Royal or even Carnival (since it will be his first he knows no difference!)

The weather looked dreary but I really liked how Castaway Cay looked! Also I adored the FE gifts!! Wow you did a great job!!

I have been feeling in a cruise mood myself the last few days. I think I am having some vacation blues now that xmas is over. The last few years after xmas I had Disney trips to look forward to. Nothing this year. I spent a good majority of my downtime at work today pricing cruises. I am so tempted to book on this spring for DH and I but he will kill me since we agreed no big vacations in 2012. I told him I will never make a deal like that again and he better prepare for 2013-2016 b/c it will be cruising and Wdw galore!

I am pretty sure we will be trying Carnival or Rcl next time too. I just got a RCL brochure that I ordered a few months ago and the ships look great. I like the RCL ships better but Carnival has some very good itinerarys in the Caribbean that I would love to try. I have also read that their island is fabulous.

Plus I would love to try NCL to Bermuda one day. I would like to go on DCL and try the Fantasy or Magic, but knowing that I could do two cruises on the other lines make it a tough sell. I think the only way I will get back on DCL is if we end up having another kid. There is just too much that the other lines offer that DH and DD will like. I don't care what cruise line we go on though, I'll be happy to go anywhere.

I can't wait to hear what you decide to do for DSs graduation. I was just thinking of telling Caitiln one day that she can pick a trip for graduation in 10 years and remembered she will probably pick Wendys or something

 

[trish.]

Plus I would love to try NCL to Bermuda one day. I would like to go on DCL and try the Fantasy or Magic, but knowing that I could do two cruises on the other lines make it a tough sell. I think the only way I will get back on DCL is if we end up having another kid. There is just too much that the other lines offer that DH and DD will like. I don't care what cruise line we go on though, I'll be happy to go anywhere.

Do it! And then go to Tobacco Bay Beach. It is one of favorite beaches ever.

By the way - I only starting reading your TR because of the title "I'm on a Boat". It made me laugh...I love that song.

Our first Disney cruise is in a year and TR's are amazing. Thanks for writing yours!

 

[TinksThree]

I hear you on the Disney withdrawls. At least you are going back in a few months. I need to sign Caitlin up for a musical instrument or cheerleading so I have a shot at chaperoning in the future.

I keep forgetting that I am going back! Since there is no planning on my part, I just don't have that same "I'm going to Disney!!!!" feeling. My planning is basically to go and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy being there, Hopefully all of the kids will allow us chaperones that chance!


I have been feeling in a cruise mood myself the last few days. I think I am having some vacation blues now that xmas is over. The last few years after xmas I had Disney trips to look forward to. Nothing this year. I spent a good majority of my downtime at work today pricing cruises. I am so tempted to book on this spring for DH and I but he will kill me since we agreed no big vacations in 2012. I told him I will never make a deal like that again and he better prepare for 2013-2016 b/c it will be cruising and Wdw galore!

I am pretty sure we will be trying Carnival or Rcl next time too. I just got a RCL brochure that I ordered a few months ago and the ships look great. I like the RCL ships better but Carnival has some very good itinerarys in the Caribbean that I would love to try. I have also read that their island is fabulous.

Plus I would love to try NCL to Bermuda one day. I would like to go on DCL and try the Fantasy or Magic, but knowing that I could do two cruises on the other lines make it a tough sell. I think the only way I will get back on DCL is if we end up having another kid. There is just too much that the other lines offer that DH and DD will like. I don't care what cruise line we go on though, I'll be happy to go anywhere.

I can't wait to hear what you decide to do for DSs graduation. I was just thinking of telling Caitiln one day that she can pick a trip for graduation in 10 years and remembered she will probably pick Wendys or something

I know exactly what you mean on those post Christmas/vacation blues! I spent last night looking at places within a day's drive. Then I moved to cruises. I told DH that I think Carnival may be the way to go. The only cruise line I have gone on is RCL and loved it! I know we will either do RCL or Carnival after pricing the cruises with Disney. Chris wants 5 days or more so that really adds to the cost on Disney! We are only 3 hours from New Orleans and can drive to the port for both Carnival and RCL. With Carnival, there are some where we can go for $215 (7 days) a person! That added up to about $2000 where as on Disney it was around $6000. But I also realize you get what you pay for!

I think for a 1st cruise, DS will not know what to compare it to though. I just want to get away! And like you guys, we are not doing a big vacation in 2012 so this will be our next biggie. If I do Carnival, I may can swing a few days at Disney during the year too! That is my strategy anyway! At least I do not have the resistance force you do!!

I love Cailtlin's fascination with Wendy's! That comment made me want a Frosty!! Have a Happy New Year!!!!!!

 

[dtr_angel]

I just read your entire TR. What a great trip! I have been away from the Dis since we had to cancel our January vacation/cruise (I was supposed to start my new job Jan 9th, we were cruising the last week in Jan - but found out 12/23 that I wouldn't be starting until Feb 13th and DH had already moved his vacations to May and October for 2012). It's so hard to read TR when you aren't planning a trip! I'm still scheming in my head for a way to get there in 2012 but it's looking like it's not going to be until 2013. Oh well, looking forward to the new Fantasyland. I've always wanted to go to Disney in the fall, do MNSSHP and a Disney cruise (but why do they have to be so much more expensive?!) so I had a good time reading your TR. I hope you get back to Disney soon!!!

 

[pinkxray]

Do it! And then go to Tobacco Bay Beach. It is one of favorite beaches ever.

By the way - I only starting reading your TR because of the title "I'm on a Boat". It made me laugh...I love that song.

Our first Disney cruise is in a year and TR's are amazing. Thanks for writing yours!

I'm glad my title was able to draw you in

Where is Tobacco Bay? I am really leaning towards going on the Fantasy in 2014 in but I really like Carnival's lineup better. I found one ship that goes to St. Marteen, San Juan, Grand Turk, and their private island, Half Moon while the Fantasy only goes to St Marteen, St John and Castaway Cay with an additional sea day (sometimes San Juan instead of one of the other places)

For some reason I am drawn to Grand Turk. No idea why, I must have read some good reviews or something b/c I am determined to get there one day. I was talking to DH the other day about Carnival and he wants nothing to do with it. He has heard that it is for singles who like to party and won't hear otherwise.

I am so jealous that you have a trip in the works. I am pretty sure I have figured out when our next cruise will be. I am leaning towards Feb. 2014 or Nov. 2014 which seems so far away.

I know exactly what you mean on those post Christmas/vacation blues! I spent last night looking at places within a day's drive. Then I moved to cruises. I told DH that I think Carnival may be the way to go. The only cruise line I have gone on is RCL and loved it! I know we will either do RCL or Carnival after pricing the cruises with Disney. Chris wants 5 days or more so that really adds to the cost on Disney! We are only 3 hours from New Orleans and can drive to the port for both Carnival and RCL. With Carnival, there are some where we can go for $215 (7 days) a person! That added up to about $2000 where as on Disney it was around $6000. But I also realize you get what you pay for!

I think for a 1st cruise, DS will not know what to compare it to though. I just want to get away! And like you guys, we are not doing a big vacation in 2012 so this will be our next biggie. If I do Carnival, I may can swing a few days at Disney during the year too! That is my strategy anyway! At least I do not have the resistance force you do!!

I love Cailtlin's fascination with Wendy's! That comment made me want a Frosty!! Have a Happy New Year!!!!!!

I have been researching RCL, Carnival and DCL. I was really hoping to try Carnival in 2013 and then do RCL in 2014 but DH has decided he is too good for Carnival Apparently he has heard it is only young single people looking to party (which might be the case on 3 day cruises in the past but not so much on 7 day cruises). I realize that like you said, you get what you pay for but I am mostly interested in the ports and I think Carnival will be good enough. They have Guy Fieri burgers now, how can you go wrong?

I have decided that since DH has ruled out Carnival I am sticking to DCL for our next cruise. If he was really interested in RCL he can plan a trip for 2012 or 2013 since those are his years to plan. I dont think we'll be doing much those years so I will be okay with the price difference for DCL since I have two years to save. I am torn between Thanksgiving week 2014 or Feb vacation week 2014. I'll have to see what the prices and itineraries are once they release the dates in the fall.

We are close to New York or New Jersey (maybe Baltimore or Boston if needed) but that takes us to Bermuda or the Bahamas. Bermuda sounds okay but it would cost the same to fly to FL and go to the Caribbean which seems to be more family oriented.

I don't appreciate Caitlin fast food obsession. With a busy holiday week last week we had fast food a few too many times so DH and I agreed no fast food for 30 days. Caitlin mentions each day how many days are left, no calendar or reminders. She knew today that there are 26 days until she gets her Wendy's. She can't remember that she needs to brush her hair or teeth everyday before school, but she can remember when she gets her Wendy's. It's very strange.

I just read your entire TR. What a great trip! I have been away from the Dis since we had to cancel our January vacation/cruise (I was supposed to start my new job Jan 9th, we were cruising the last week in Jan - but found out 12/23 that I wouldn't be starting until Feb 13th and DH had already moved his vacations to May and October for 2012). It's so hard to read TR when you aren't planning a trip! I'm still scheming in my head for a way to get there in 2012 but it's looking like it's not going to be until 2013. Oh well, looking forward to the new Fantasyland. I've always wanted to go to Disney in the fall, do MNSSHP and a Disney cruise (but why do they have to be so much more expensive?!) so I had a good time reading your TR. I hope you get back to Disney soon!!!

Welcome back to the Dis! I was just skimming a trip report last night to kill some time when working the overnight yesterday and I saw your new ticker.


CONGRATULATIONS
You must be so excited.

After taking a few months off from trying to get pregnant, DH and I have agreed to pick it back up with the arrival of the new year. I am praying it happens soon, I turn 30 in 6 months I was hoping and scheming to get a cruise in the summer of 2013 and DH even agreed (okay, he didn't say no) but I am going to stick to my agreement and let DH be in charge of all of our vacation (or lack of) plans through 2013. It gives me time to save for 2014 which I already have plans for. I am hoping to either do a DCL cruise Nov 2014/ WDW Feb 2014 for the Princess 1/2 Marathon or WDW xmas season 2014/ DCL Feb 2014 with Princess Half Marathon.

You must have graduated, are you working as an RN now? My hospital just posted a job in Cat scan and they will train for it, but I am not sure about it. It is a part time position instead of my per diem status, it pays a little more the regular xray, has guarenteed hours and benefits which means better Disney trips . My one problem? You have to start IVs to administer the contrast needed for the CT scans. Ugh, I picked radiography over nursing b/c I wanted to avoid sticking people with needles. You get used to it right?


Anyway... congrats again!!!!!

 

[dtr_angel]

Welcome back to the Dis! I was just skimming a trip report last night to kill some time when working the overnight yesterday and I saw your new ticker.


CONGRATULATIONS
You must be so excited.

After taking a few months off from trying to get pregnant, DH and I have agreed to pick it back up with the arrival of the new year. I am praying it happens soon, I turn 30 in 6 months I was hoping and scheming to get a cruise in the summer of 2013 and DH even agreed (okay, he didn't say no) but I am going to stick to my agreement and let DH be in charge of all of our vacation (or lack of) plans through 2013. It gives me time to save for 2014 which I already have plans for. I am hoping to either do a DCL cruise Nov 2014/ WDW Feb 2014 for the Princess 1/2 Marathon or WDW xmas season 2014/ DCL Feb 2014 with Princess Half Marathon.

You must have graduated, are you working as an RN now? My hospital just posted a job in Cat scan and they will train for it, but I am not sure about it. It is a part time position instead of my per diem status, it pays a little more the regular xray, has guarenteed hours and benefits which means better Disney trips . My one problem? You have to start IVs to administer the contrast needed for the CT scans. Ugh, I picked radiography over nursing b/c I wanted to avoid sticking people with needles. You get used to it right?


Anyway... congrats again!!!!!

Thank you! Excited doesn't even begin to describe how we feel. It hasn't been easy getting here but we have been so blessed. I'm not going to lie, I'll be excited to get out of the first trimester so I can hopefully feel better and stop worrying so much!

I graduated from nursing school in December. We had planned to go on a Carnival cruise the last week in January since the hospital originally said they wouldn't hire new nurses until February. My DH gets 2 weeks of vacation in 2012, but he has to put his bids in by the end of November. Well in November I had to go to a new graduate reception at the hospital (I already work there if you remember) and they said they'd be hiring in January instead. I didn't want DH to take a week of vacation off if we weren't going anywhere (he would've been mad LOL) so we decided he would take his vacation in May again around our anniversary, and the second week in September/October. We still don't know the exact weeks yet. Well 2 days before Christmas I got the call that I would be starting my new job on February 13th. UGH! We could've gone on our cruise!!! I want to go to Disney so bad this year, but I'll be at least 32 weeks pregnant during the first vacation spot plus it will be hot & crowded and I'll probably be swollen and miserable... in Sept/October our newborn will be entirely too young to travel with and it probably wouldn't be a fun trip anyway.

Originally we were planning a trip to Disney in January 2013 with my parents & brothers - since they are in college, this is the best time to go that won't be so hot and crowded. Our baby will only be about 5 months old though, so right now the plan is to go in April or May of next year when baby is about 9 months old. I would love to take him/her for their first birthday but baby is due July 31/August 1st so yeah - too hot and crowded for a baby!!

The CT job sounds like an amazing opportunity. I would've went to nursing school years ago if I thought I could start IVs, lol. Honestly, I thought I would hate it the most but I love it!! It's really not that bad and you will get used to it. I don't know that I would be as excited about drawing blood but thank goodness for phlebotomy - I only have to draw blood off of central lines which isn't like drawing blood at all. Is the position like an outpatient CT where the patients are just coming in for a CT? If so, that is the only thing I can think of having to start a lot of IVs. When I was precepting, especially in the ER we already had IVs started in there before they went to CT, and inpatients always had IVs already started. I think more money for Disney trips and benefits definitely sound good - but I think you like being per diem because it gives you more flexibility, right? Good luck with whatever you decide! And good luck TTC, I really hope it happens soon for you so that your next Disney trip you can have a toddler in tow!!!

 

[pinkxray]

Thank you! Excited doesn't even begin to describe how we feel. It hasn't been easy getting here but we have been so blessed. I'm not going to lie, I'll be excited to get out of the first trimester so I can hopefully feel better and stop worrying so much!

I graduated from nursing school in December. We had planned to go on a Carnival cruise the last week in January since the hospital originally said they wouldn't hire new nurses until February. My DH gets 2 weeks of vacation in 2012, but he has to put his bids in by the end of November. Well in November I had to go to a new graduate reception at the hospital (I already work there if you remember) and they said they'd be hiring in January instead. I didn't want DH to take a week of vacation off if we weren't going anywhere (he would've been mad LOL) so we decided he would take his vacation in May again around our anniversary, and the second week in September/October. We still don't know the exact weeks yet. Well 2 days before Christmas I got the call that I would be starting my new job on February 13th. UGH! We could've gone on our cruise!!! I want to go to Disney so bad this year, but I'll be at least 32 weeks pregnant during the first vacation spot plus it will be hot & crowded and I'll probably be swollen and miserable... in Sept/October our newborn will be entirely too young to travel with and it probably wouldn't be a fun trip anyway.

Originally we were planning a trip to Disney in January 2013 with my parents & brothers - since they are in college, this is the best time to go that won't be so hot and crowded. Our baby will only be about 5 months old though, so right now the plan is to go in April or May of next year when baby is about 9 months old. I would love to take him/her for their first birthday but baby is due July 31/August 1st so yeah - too hot and crowded for a baby!!

The CT job sounds like an amazing opportunity. I would've went to nursing school years ago if I thought I could start IVs, lol. Honestly, I thought I would hate it the most but I love it!! It's really not that bad and you will get used to it. I don't know that I would be as excited about drawing blood but thank goodness for phlebotomy - I only have to draw blood off of central lines which isn't like drawing blood at all. Is the position like an outpatient CT where the patients are just coming in for a CT? If so, that is the only thing I can think of having to start a lot of IVs. When I was precepting, especially in the ER we already had IVs started in there before they went to CT, and inpatients always had IVs already started. I think more money for Disney trips and benefits definitely sound good - but I think you like being per diem because it gives you more flexibility, right? Good luck with whatever you decide! And good luck TTC, I really hope it happens soon for you so that your next Disney trip you can have a toddler in tow!!!

I read your plans on your TR so I'll post about that one there.

The CT position is in the hospital so the majority of the patients would be ER or inpatients. However there are outpatients that come in during the day too. We'll see what happens. The job hasn't been officially posted, the guy just gave his 1 month notice since he is moving to another dept.

I mentioned traveling to WDW with a toddler to DH and he thinks that's a horrible idea. I think it looks fun though.

 

[TinksThree]

I have been researching RCL, Carnival and DCL. I was really hoping to try Carnival in 2013 and then do RCL in 2014 but DH has decided he is too good for Carnival Apparently he has heard it is only young single people looking to party (which might be the case on 3 day cruises in the past but not so much on 7 day cruises). I realize that like you said, you get what you pay for but I am mostly interested in the ports and I think Carnival will be good enough. They have Guy Fieri burgers now, how can you go wrong?

I don't appreciate Caitlin fast food obsession. With a busy holiday week last week we had fast food a few too many times so DH and I agreed no fast food for 30 days. Caitlin mentions each day how many days are left, no calendar or reminders. She knew today that there are 26 days until she gets her Wendy's. She can't remember that she needs to brush her hair or teeth everyday before school, but she can remember when she gets her Wendy's. It's very strange.

Funny he thinks he is "too good" for Carnival. My issue with doing Carnival is that around here, since it is so inexpensive, every Dick and Harry go so it is loaded with what we call "Rednecks" . (Just curious: Do you have rednecks in the Northeast? ) I don't think it is so much a singles type cruise but definitely geared more towards families. I am definitely leaning towards RCL or Disney. I am trying to convince DH that it is better to book early for good deals. He likes to wait until a few months prior!

Hopefully Caitlin will out grow the fast food fascination and will widen her cuisine preferences!

 

[fitmom0f2]

Great report, thanks for sharing!!
We are going in May and I have to say your report prepared me a little for my 5 yr olds behavior... he attitude is much older than she is in years. And look like our DH's are actually comparable to a degree as well! Glad your last day there was full of smiles..
And btw - - -LOVE your FE gifts! Wish I knew where to begin making any of those things!

 

[pinkxray]

Funny he thinks he is "too good" for Carnival. My issue with doing Carnival is that around here, since it is so inexpensive, every Dick and Harry go so it is loaded with what we call "Rednecks" . (Just curious: Do you have rednecks in the Northeast? ) I don't think it is so much a singles type cruise but definitely geared more towards families. I am definitely leaning towards RCL or Disney. I am trying to convince DH that it is better to book early for good deals. He likes to wait until a few months prior!

Hopefully Caitlin will out grow the fast food fascination and will widen her cuisine preferences!

Ugh, DH can be totally ridiculous. He hates spending money but wants to go on the newest ships. He has said he will try Carnival for the two of us before he takes any kids on. He has also said he doens't really like traveling in general and he has no problem with me just taking Caitlin on DCL without him.
Hmmm, Carnival cruise with non travel enjoying DH or DCL with a little girl It's going to be a tough call.

DH doesn't understand anything about booking early either. Once I decide when to go I am just going to book it without mentioning it. I know DCL and RCL refund everything as long as you cancel far enough out.

Great report, thanks for sharing!!
We are going in May and I have to say your report prepared me a little for my 5 yr olds behavior... he attitude is much older than she is in years. And look like our DH's are actually comparable to a degree as well! Glad your last day there was full of smiles..
And btw - - -LOVE your FE gifts! Wish I knew where to begin making any of those things!

Thanks for reading. Even with DD's drama it was still a fantastic cruise and I can't wait to do it again. I wish I was going in May too.

The FE is so much fun. Even if you don't make anything and do something simple it is still appreciated. It was so much fun to come back to the stateroom and have something waiting for you.

 

[dtr_angel]

Oh Diane I love your new signature - looks like you have two awesome trips in process!!!