January 13, 2007 - 7 Night Magic Western
- Thread starter pdarrah
- Start date
I will be in room 6068 
pdarrah
It's nice to know you are real, too
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,968
Hi Sydney - my name is Darrah. I am 7 and I will be in room 6076. I hope you like the sailaway party on the ship. 
I like the pirate party too! 
I am in second grade and I like the ship and I hope you like the ship too. I live in Illinois. I like art
and I play the fiddle and I dance. 
I have cats named Vincent, Claude, Jackson, Norman, Dusty and Tuxedo.
Are you going to go to the kid club on the ship?
Darrah
--- If they want to continue this we should probably do it as PM messages so we don't clutter this thread --- pdarrah
I like the pirate party too! I am in second grade and I like the ship and I hope you like the ship too. I live in Illinois. I like art
and I play the fiddle and I dance. I have cats named Vincent, Claude, Jackson, Norman, Dusty and Tuxedo.Are you going to go to the kid club on the ship?
Darrah
--- If they want to continue this we should probably do it as PM messages so we don't clutter this thread --- pdarrah
skylynx
DIS Sponsor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Messages
- 1,280
Hi, Everyone
If you haven't joined the Who's Going list, you really should! Pamela's done a crack job helping get the Disboard folks organized for our cruise. There's usually a Disboard get together at least once during a cruise where we can get to see the real (as opposed to virtual) folks we've been getting to know through the boards all these months. Having done Disboard meets several times on both Wonder and Magic, I can't say enough about how nice it is to be "reunited" with new friends you've never laid eyes on! And if you think you won't run into any of those folks again after the meet and greet because there's so many people on the ship...just wait and see how many times those people show up behind you on line at Shutters, in port, or on a buffet queue.
My DH and I met Pamela and her family on Disboards, only to find they lived just a short distance away. We ended up meeting in person before the cruise and decided to share our dinner table on the Magic. We managed to laugh and snort our way through many a meal after nearly everyone else had left the restaurants, and even today still sort of wonder that we'd never have met each other without Disboards even though we live and work within a few miles of each other. So if that isn't testimony for joining the who's going list, I don't know what is!
The Disboards is a virtual community, and one of the nicest things about virtual communities is that they often seep into the physical world, with very happy results.
For my next stunt, I will talk about our recent trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, to give poor Pamela a rest and get some other folks excited enough to start writing!
If you haven't joined the Who's Going list, you really should! Pamela's done a crack job helping get the Disboard folks organized for our cruise. There's usually a Disboard get together at least once during a cruise where we can get to see the real (as opposed to virtual) folks we've been getting to know through the boards all these months. Having done Disboard meets several times on both Wonder and Magic, I can't say enough about how nice it is to be "reunited" with new friends you've never laid eyes on! And if you think you won't run into any of those folks again after the meet and greet because there's so many people on the ship...just wait and see how many times those people show up behind you on line at Shutters, in port, or on a buffet queue.
My DH and I met Pamela and her family on Disboards, only to find they lived just a short distance away. We ended up meeting in person before the cruise and decided to share our dinner table on the Magic. We managed to laugh and snort our way through many a meal after nearly everyone else had left the restaurants, and even today still sort of wonder that we'd never have met each other without Disboards even though we live and work within a few miles of each other. So if that isn't testimony for joining the who's going list, I don't know what is!
The Disboards is a virtual community, and one of the nicest things about virtual communities is that they often seep into the physical world, with very happy results.
For my next stunt, I will talk about our recent trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, to give poor Pamela a rest and get some other folks excited enough to start writing!
skylynx
DIS Sponsor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Messages
- 1,280
OK, one thing to do is go on other mini trips to distract you. DH and I used our United frequent flyer miles to spend five glorious days in Jackson Hole/Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park watching the bull elks bugle and try to steal each others' women. They make the most surreal sound...more like an eagle than an elk. It snowed like mad in Yellowstone, so much so that DH and I were wondering if we'd end up in some National Geographic magazine photos next to the bison wandering around the geyser basin with several inches of snow clinging to their shaggy selves. You'd have to look hard to pick out which shaggy snowlumps were us and not bisons.
We stayed at a really snazzy ranch the first night with a big stone fireplace in our room that we kept going for about 20 hours straight. One night we stayed right in Grand Teton park at Jackson Lake Lodge in little 1940's cabins (think "Same Time Next Year" movie decor). This past Saturday night we stayed in this little (and I mean little) log cabin that made us feel like we were sleeping inside a walnut. We wandered around Jackson Hole with an awful lot of retired tourists buying expensive jewelry and things with antlers on them. It is the kind of place where they have wooden sidewalks like in cowboy movies and people actually say "howdy" to you.
The mountains were breathtaking; there's really no foothills so the Tetons just arch up overhead much like the Alps in Switzerland. Elk, antelope, bison, and moose abounded. We ate two nice meals in Old Faithful Inn. It seems all these National Park resorts are being staffed by Eastern European students on work-travel programs. They work sort of like cruise staffers...14 hour days with no days off, but then two weeks of paid vacation travel at the end. We left big tips.
Anyone else want to dive in? Anyone taking any trips before The Big One?
We stayed at a really snazzy ranch the first night with a big stone fireplace in our room that we kept going for about 20 hours straight. One night we stayed right in Grand Teton park at Jackson Lake Lodge in little 1940's cabins (think "Same Time Next Year" movie decor). This past Saturday night we stayed in this little (and I mean little) log cabin that made us feel like we were sleeping inside a walnut. We wandered around Jackson Hole with an awful lot of retired tourists buying expensive jewelry and things with antlers on them. It is the kind of place where they have wooden sidewalks like in cowboy movies and people actually say "howdy" to you.
The mountains were breathtaking; there's really no foothills so the Tetons just arch up overhead much like the Alps in Switzerland. Elk, antelope, bison, and moose abounded. We ate two nice meals in Old Faithful Inn. It seems all these National Park resorts are being staffed by Eastern European students on work-travel programs. They work sort of like cruise staffers...14 hour days with no days off, but then two weeks of paid vacation travel at the end. We left big tips.
Anyone else want to dive in? Anyone taking any trips before The Big One?
skylynx ~
your trip sounds absolutely fabulous! You know, as much as I love Disney and DCL, sometimes I wonder if we should travel someplace new. We are not fortunate enough to be able to travel very often due to money and DH's work schedule so when we can get away we keep going bak to Disney. I think it would be awesome to be able to see places like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone etc. Maybe someday....
I don't have a whole lot more to add since my last post. Still same old stuff, different day.
I didn't notice on previous posts ~ but do we have a DIS meet scheduled? What have you guys done in the past. Last August I went to a DIS meet up on Deck 10 before the sail away party and it didn't really last very long...about 15 minutes and everyone dispersed. I only saw one of the DIser's again that cruise, while in line for a show.
pdarrah and oiler ~
my DD6 would probably love to get to know your kids before the cruise, however, I have not let her in on the fact that we're going away yet. Still trying to keep it a surprise. BTW, love the pharoh costume! Very creative!
your trip sounds absolutely fabulous! You know, as much as I love Disney and DCL, sometimes I wonder if we should travel someplace new. We are not fortunate enough to be able to travel very often due to money and DH's work schedule so when we can get away we keep going bak to Disney. I think it would be awesome to be able to see places like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone etc. Maybe someday....
I don't have a whole lot more to add since my last post. Still same old stuff, different day.
I didn't notice on previous posts ~ but do we have a DIS meet scheduled? What have you guys done in the past. Last August I went to a DIS meet up on Deck 10 before the sail away party and it didn't really last very long...about 15 minutes and everyone dispersed. I only saw one of the DIser's again that cruise, while in line for a show.
pdarrah and oiler ~
my DD6 would probably love to get to know your kids before the cruise, however, I have not let her in on the fact that we're going away yet. Still trying to keep it a surprise. BTW, love the pharoh costume! Very creative!
pdarrah
It's nice to know you are real, too
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,968
Hi cepmom! Are you keeping the secret all the way up until you leave or telling her sometime ahead? We're leaving Thursday 
for our surprise trip and DS still doesn't have a clue! He was just moaning this morning that the kids next door are going to be gone all weekend and it is going to be so boring! It is REALLY hard to keep a straight face and tell him that we'll just have to try and find something fun for him to do 
Today my mother picks him up from his bus, so I am going to have an hour or two without him this evening and can start packing. It is loads of fun planning the surprise, but I don't think I could do it for a cruise. I'm just too excited and would be bound to spill the beans at some point. The only reason he hasn't figured this trip out is because when he notices anything I tell him that I am making plans for our cruise in January....
If and when you tell her, I'm sure he would love to exchange messages.
DIS Meets: On our first cruise we met on Deck 10 for the sail-away party. It was fun, but we really couldn't chat because it was too loud and everyone was involved with the party. After the party a few groups hung around and we had a chance to talk a little, but many of the early dining folks had to run off. On our second cruise, we met at the Mickey pool at 3pm. That worked a little better, but was still a little difficult because folks were trying to keep an eye on what their kids were up to and those without kids didn't all make it there. We also tried to have a Pirate Party meet on deck 10 - but it was so crowded up there we never really found the others...
On both cruises, we actually met more DISers and had more time to chat with them in the terminal before bording! We didn't have a planned meet, we just recognized folks from the Who's Going list and introduced ourselves. We also met "lurkers" who recognized us! (So if you are lurking out there, come on out and introduce yourself! It's fun to meet your fellow DISers! ) I was wondering if picking a location in the terminal as a DIS gathering spot would help those who arrive early to meet each other? It wouldn't really work to have a "meet" at a specific time since none of us knows exactly when we will arrive, how long check in will take, etc.
I have heard of other groups meeting in the Promenade lounge at some point before the sail-away. Are there any other ideas/locations anyone has heard of or worked on a previous cruise?
pdarrah
for our surprise trip and DS still doesn't have a clue! He was just moaning this morning that the kids next door are going to be gone all weekend and it is going to be so boring! It is REALLY hard to keep a straight face and tell him that we'll just have to try and find something fun for him to do Today my mother picks him up from his bus, so I am going to have an hour or two without him this evening and can start packing. It is loads of fun planning the surprise, but I don't think I could do it for a cruise. I'm just too excited and would be bound to spill the beans at some point. The only reason he hasn't figured this trip out is because when he notices anything I tell him that I am making plans for our cruise in January....If and when you tell her, I'm sure he would love to exchange messages.
DIS Meets: On our first cruise we met on Deck 10 for the sail-away party. It was fun, but we really couldn't chat because it was too loud and everyone was involved with the party. After the party a few groups hung around and we had a chance to talk a little, but many of the early dining folks had to run off. On our second cruise, we met at the Mickey pool at 3pm. That worked a little better, but was still a little difficult because folks were trying to keep an eye on what their kids were up to and those without kids didn't all make it there. We also tried to have a Pirate Party meet on deck 10 - but it was so crowded up there we never really found the others...
On both cruises, we actually met more DISers and had more time to chat with them in the terminal before bording! We didn't have a planned meet, we just recognized folks from the Who's Going list and introduced ourselves. We also met "lurkers" who recognized us! (So if you are lurking out there, come on out and introduce yourself! It's fun to meet your fellow DISers!
) I was wondering if picking a location in the terminal as a DIS gathering spot would help those who arrive early to meet each other? It wouldn't really work to have a "meet" at a specific time since none of us knows exactly when we will arrive, how long check in will take, etc.I have heard of other groups meeting in the Promenade lounge at some point before the sail-away. Are there any other ideas/locations anyone has heard of or worked on a previous cruise?
pdarrah
skylynx
DIS Sponsor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Messages
- 1,280
On our last Wonder cruise in May, I was the DDEP (Designated DISboard Event Planner)...we had a "meet" time right before the lifeboat drill at Signals (bar by adult pool). A few people came, but what worked better was the "unofficial" gather for sailaway, with just a rough location and meet time. I'm partial to Deck 10 portside because I like to dash up after the drill, snag a table overlooking the dance floor, get my sailaway adult beverage ;-) and wait for the action to start from the comfort of my deck chair, so that's where I suggested. We met several DISboarders that way (it helped I was wearing my screaming lime green DISboard tshirt.)
Another advantage to that spot is that you can keep an eye on your kids if they are dancing on the deck below (or go join them, of course). After the sailaway countdown, you can just step over to the railing to see the Mouse-gloved DCL staff waving goodbye. The nice thing about a not-so-specific gathering time is that no one decides not to go because they fear they've "missed it." There is so much energy and excitement during that time; it is infectious.
Whatever spot we pick needs to be really easy to find for anyone that doesn't already know the ship inside out!
I also think it is a great idea to pick a spot in the terminal where early birds (like us) will be chomping at the bit to board.
Anyone else have ideas?
Another advantage to that spot is that you can keep an eye on your kids if they are dancing on the deck below (or go join them, of course). After the sailaway countdown, you can just step over to the railing to see the Mouse-gloved DCL staff waving goodbye. The nice thing about a not-so-specific gathering time is that no one decides not to go because they fear they've "missed it." There is so much energy and excitement during that time; it is infectious.
Whatever spot we pick needs to be really easy to find for anyone that doesn't already know the ship inside out!
I also think it is a great idea to pick a spot in the terminal where early birds (like us) will be chomping at the bit to board.
Anyone else have ideas?
pdarrah ~
You guys are going to have an awesome trip!! I am jealous
How are you going to surprise Darrah? Give me all the details...I need ideas for my own surprise trip!
I would love to keep the cruise a surprise right up until the morning we board, but I haven't ironed out all the details yet. I was originally thinking I'd just pack their bags and when I pick them up from school on Friday to head to the airport, tell them then. But now, I may tell them a week or so before that we are either going with DH on his "business trip" or taking DD16 to look at colleges in FL. I as going to make t-shirts for all of us to wear (or maybe just the little girls) that said something like "Our Surprise Magical Cruise" and the dates. I would lay the clothes out the morning of the cruise and ask the girls to get dressed and let them figure out the rest.
I also got a package in the mail from DCL a couple of weeks ago that had a postcard "from" Mickey saying something like "can't wait to see you on your cruise". I got two because we have two rooms booked, so I could somehow incorporate those in the surprise too.
skylynx ~
I'm up for a meet anywhere. You've done this more times than I, so I'll defer to you! I think having an informal meeting at the terminal would be great too....it would help to pass the time before boarding. What time is everyone plannng on arriving at the port? Last month, we arrived around 10:30 or so and were 4th or 5th in line to check in. I had a great time people watching and checking out the terminal. When we boarded last year, we were running late so by the time we checked in, we were able to board right away and I didn't have time to check out the terminal. I loved geting there early this year and DH and I were first on the ship! I made DH take a picture of me next to the empty Mickey pool!! The CM up there probably thought I was insane
You guys are going to have an awesome trip!! I am jealous
How are you going to surprise Darrah? Give me all the details...I need ideas for my own surprise trip!
I would love to keep the cruise a surprise right up until the morning we board, but I haven't ironed out all the details yet. I was originally thinking I'd just pack their bags and when I pick them up from school on Friday to head to the airport, tell them then. But now, I may tell them a week or so before that we are either going with DH on his "business trip" or taking DD16 to look at colleges in FL. I as going to make t-shirts for all of us to wear (or maybe just the little girls) that said something like "Our Surprise Magical Cruise" and the dates. I would lay the clothes out the morning of the cruise and ask the girls to get dressed and let them figure out the rest.
I also got a package in the mail from DCL a couple of weeks ago that had a postcard "from" Mickey saying something like "can't wait to see you on your cruise". I got two because we have two rooms booked, so I could somehow incorporate those in the surprise too.
skylynx ~
I'm up for a meet anywhere. You've done this more times than I, so I'll defer to you! I think having an informal meeting at the terminal would be great too....it would help to pass the time before boarding. What time is everyone plannng on arriving at the port? Last month, we arrived around 10:30 or so and were 4th or 5th in line to check in. I had a great time people watching and checking out the terminal. When we boarded last year, we were running late so by the time we checked in, we were able to board right away and I didn't have time to check out the terminal. I loved geting there early this year and DH and I were first on the ship! I made DH take a picture of me next to the empty Mickey pool!! The CM up there probably thought I was insane
skylynx
DIS Sponsor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Messages
- 1,280
Hey, Cepmom...I think a couple of us can kind of agree on a time and if any others want to join in, that would be wonderful. It just seems most folks who are active on DISboards really want the follow through of actually meeting each other, so we sort of "owe it" to the notion of virtual community to at least try to set up a face to face for those who want to participate.
ColoradoMom...just a couple of weeks and we'll be in your neck of the woods...I'll PM you about the times again and see if we can get together.
On the notion of traveling to non-Disney locations...I grew up in NY with a mom and dad who put me and my two sisters in the car every July and just started driving...most often to pre-Disney Florida (we stayed at Daytona Beach, then visited places like Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle, Cypress Gardens, Rainbow Gardens, Six Gun Territory, Silver Springs...) We also drove in the family truckster ALL THE WAY around the US on several occasions (think National Lampoon's Vacation), hitting most of the US states and nearly all the National Parks. So I guess I come by the desire to intersperse the Disney trips with visits to other places by virtue of my childhood.
We manage this shamefully self-indulgent wanderlust by taking short trips, maximizing a day or two around a weekend, and staring at our laptop screens waiting for Southwest DING offers to come along. (In fact, cruises are the ONLY time we take more than three work days off in a row.) We are very fortunate to live near a Southwest hub where we can get really cheap tickets and are close to a lot of cool destinations (we can be in the Rockies in under six hours door to door). We sometimes waste that much time on a weekend wandering around the mall and Target!
So, here's a question...if you aren't going to Disney, where do you like to go? Our favorite non-Disney hangouts at the moment are Jackson Hole WY, Monterey CA, and Las Vegas NV.
ColoradoMom...just a couple of weeks and we'll be in your neck of the woods...I'll PM you about the times again and see if we can get together.
On the notion of traveling to non-Disney locations...I grew up in NY with a mom and dad who put me and my two sisters in the car every July and just started driving...most often to pre-Disney Florida (we stayed at Daytona Beach, then visited places like Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle, Cypress Gardens, Rainbow Gardens, Six Gun Territory, Silver Springs...) We also drove in the family truckster ALL THE WAY around the US on several occasions (think National Lampoon's Vacation), hitting most of the US states and nearly all the National Parks. So I guess I come by the desire to intersperse the Disney trips with visits to other places by virtue of my childhood.
We manage this shamefully self-indulgent wanderlust by taking short trips, maximizing a day or two around a weekend, and staring at our laptop screens waiting for Southwest DING offers to come along. (In fact, cruises are the ONLY time we take more than three work days off in a row.) We are very fortunate to live near a Southwest hub where we can get really cheap tickets and are close to a lot of cool destinations (we can be in the Rockies in under six hours door to door). We sometimes waste that much time on a weekend wandering around the mall and Target!
So, here's a question...if you aren't going to Disney, where do you like to go? Our favorite non-Disney hangouts at the moment are Jackson Hole WY, Monterey CA, and Las Vegas NV.
pdarrah
It's nice to know you are real, too
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,968
Cool! 
The Magic is DOCKED in Cozumel today!!!
See this thread for a photo: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1236047
The Magic is DOCKED in Cozumel today!!!
See this thread for a photo: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1236047
blacksmithcrm
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2001
- Messages
- 114
My wife, kids (DD13, DS9) and I will be on the cruise as well. (We've had the reservations for a while, but this is the first time I've seen this thread).
My old college roommate and his family will be joining us as well (same mix and ages).
Looking for advise on the Shore Excursions as we haven't done the Western yet. We've got two weeks or so to go until reservations can go in, and I'd like to hear what some "vets" think
C'mom January!
My old college roommate and his family will be joining us as well (same mix and ages).
Looking for advise on the Shore Excursions as we haven't done the Western yet. We've got two weeks or so to go until reservations can go in, and I'd like to hear what some "vets" think
C'mom January!
pdarrah
It's nice to know you are real, too
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,968
Hi Blacksmithcrm! Welcome to the thread 
I am about to leave, so I can't type much now. I'll be back online on Monday.... There is some info that might help you plan on our cruise website (www.bwdarrah.com/dcl).
I just got an email that some recent Western navigators have been posted. They are at www.disneycruiser.info/m060909/westday0.htm
When I get back I will go through these and incorporate any new info into the charts and stuff on the website...
Bye for now. I'll post next week about how the surprise went!
pdarrah
I am about to leave, so I can't type much now. I'll be back online on Monday.... There is some info that might help you plan on our cruise website (www.bwdarrah.com/dcl).
I just got an email that some recent Western navigators have been posted. They are at www.disneycruiser.info/m060909/westday0.htm
When I get back I will go through these and incorporate any new info into the charts and stuff on the website...
Bye for now. I'll post next week about how the surprise went!
pdarrah
skylynx
DIS Sponsor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Messages
- 1,280
That is the very same sombrero in question...this cultural artifact ;-) went around and around on nearly every head for a picture at the DISboards meet in the Roy Disney Suite. It now hangs proudly in our Caribbean themed craft room in all its garish glory. I highly recommend finding one blithe spirit in the group to actually haggle for and buy the most atrociously colored sombrero he or she can find, then let everyone else have a go wearing it. Caveat: They are a real bugger to carry around afterwards (they are heavy and don't bend AT ALL).
Pamela, why is it we have a photo of everyone in the sombero but YOU? Hmmm.
Pamela, why is it we have a photo of everyone in the sombero but YOU? Hmmm.
blacksmithcrm
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2001
- Messages
- 114
Thanks for the links! The Navigator link did help me to decide which night to make the reservation for Palos. And the "1/13" website is super! Really well done!
As for Blacksmith, Yes I am. But it sounds like you need a farrier
As for Blacksmith, Yes I am. But it sounds like you need a farrier
sopandbass
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2004
- Messages
- 324
We're looking for tips about excursions as well, particularly Key West. Glass-bottomed boats are often disappointing but we'd love to do something special with our DD6. Does anyone else have something exciting planned for that destination?
Vulcandream
Fantasia State of Mind
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2006
- Messages
- 49
We too are going on the 7-day Western on Jan. 13! Yahoo! But for us, us being myself, my wife of 28 yrs and my 15 yr old daughter, it is our first Disney cruise. We booked in March and can't wait! I have been on the Passporter boards some but just discovered this site a few days ago. We are looking forward to meeting new people and having a grea time. Feel free to communicate directly if you wish.
-
Massive Number of Attractions Unexpectedly Closed at Disney World
-
Best and Worst From the First Day of EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival at Disney World
-
Returning to Disney? 5 Modern Trends That Will Drive You Mad
-
New The Beak and Barrel-Themed Pirate Loot in Disney World's Magic Kingdom
-
Your Guide to Universal Halloween Horror Nights Tickets 2025
-
Can I Plan a Special Occasion Celebration on a Disney Cruise Line Sailing?
-
Inside TERRIFIER: The Most Gore-Filled House at Halloween Horror Nights
- Walt Disney World News
- Walt Disney World Articles
- Disney Cruise Line News
- Disneyland News
- General Disney News
- Universal Orlando News
GET UP TO A $1000 SHIPBOARD CREDIT AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT!
If you make your Disney Cruise Line reservation with Dreams Unlimited Travel you’ll receive these incredible shipboard credits to spend on your cruise!
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
