January 24, 2004 Cruisers - Are you out there???

[DBMagic]

DancerMom - I didn't get Desiree to parasail, I owe that to Sarah. Desiree is having an equally great time getting to know Sarah. She checks for email 100 times a day. From the emails that I've read, your daughter sounds like a very nice young lady and I'm sure we won't be able to pry her and Desiree apart for the entire week.

I hope the surgery is very minor.

Almost 60 days and counting.

 

[QueenTrident]

Hi DancerMom, hope your surgery goes well. We're not sure abou the excursions either. Which excursion in St. Maarten has the dolphins?

Hi Karen and thanks for the Pixie Dust.

We haven't decided about the Radisson yet. But, if we do decide to go the day before, it'll be very late. Dh and I won't be able to take the day off from work, so we'd be leaving Newark Airport at 7:45 pm, getting to MCO around 10:15 pm and then start off for the Port. I don't know if I should leave well enough alone and stick with our original plans or make Friday a late night, just so we're down there. Also, I'm not sure if DD will be better off on an early morning flight or a late evening flight. She'll probably sleep on the airplane in the evening, but could then be a bear for the ride to Port. How long is that ride? An hour? Any advice? I'm stressing myself out thinking about all the options/alternatives/etc.

Hi DBMagic!

Have a great, Disney day everyone!

Jenn

 

[DBMagic]

Hello QueenTrident,

The trip from MCO to the port is about 50 minutes to an hour. IMHO, I don't think getting in that late and going to the Radission is worth the extra $250. That would be a very long day for everyone.

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Now that I see the timeframe you are working with - stick with your original plans and save the $250. I would only think it would be worth it if you could get down earlier. Besides, even if you do book a late flight on Friday and the weather gets bad, then you are stuck leaving Saturday anyway.

Go with your first instinct on this whole cruise...don't second guess yourself. Just relax. Remember - there is always a second chance to do things differently ---- on your NEXT cruise!!

 

[dancermom]

Queen Trident - I agree with DBMagic, I don't think the extra $250 for plane fare, and hotel costs are worth it. On our last two cruises we flew in on the day of the cruise and it worked just fine.

DBMagic - Sarah feels the same as Desiree, I hear every 5 minutes that she needs to e-mail her. I agree with what you said about the e-mails between them, Desiree sounds like exactly the kind of girl I like to see Sarah be friends with.

Yes, the surgery is minor, and in December not January like I said.

 

[mariamard]

welcome queen trident!! you picked the best cruise and my god, do you need a vacation!!!!im with everyone else with the idea of sticking to your original plan and coming sat....$ 250 is a lot of money for really just a matter of hours.we are getting sooooo excited over here....lastnight we watched the dcl video-again and now my dh is finally getting excited. i have been trying for years to get him on a cruise. anyone have any snow??we are due to get some early next week. dancermom-what surgery?????

 

[QueenTrident]

Wow! Thanks for all of your replies. Are you all cruise veterans?

So, I think we will stay with our original plans and use the $250 toward something else (excursions or pictures!). So, my plane lands on Saturday morning at 10:26 am. Assuming all goes well and we get to the Port by noon, is that okay? Will I still be able to get spa and Palo reservations?

Mariamard - We have seen that video so many times now! It's DD's new favorite.

Anyone else with little, little ones? I'm trying to explain who will be on the boat (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, etc), but DD keeps wanting to see people who WON'T be on the boat (Shrek, Cat in the Hat, Barney). Last year, we did a Universal/Disney trip, so I think that's why she's confused. When I told her Shrek was too big to be on the boat, she immediately said, "Then Donkey will be there. He's little." Any ideas for clarifying the situation to her? I don't want her to be disappointed.

What excursions are you guys doing? I've been trying to read the last 13 pages of posts and do a tally, but I'm kind of like Dory, in that my short-term memory stinks!

Jenn

 

[dancermom]

We are getting sooooo excited too. Gracie DD5 taped pictures from our last cruise on her bedroom wall, so every time I go in her room I get more and more excited.

Queen Trident, I know about feeling like Dory, I get lost in all of the data on the pages, but have to admit I love going through them and am like a little kid when I get the e-mail that there is a new post.

mairamard, I am having sinus surgery, but also combining it with a little elective nose surgery while I'm there anyway (ha ha) A few too many episodes of extreme makeover lol!!!!!!!

We had snow flurries and cold weather last week. Luckily the temps are up a bit since we had two inches of rain earlier this week. The weekend is supposed to be nice (thank god since we are going to NYC). But by the end of next week we will be back in the 30's and 40's. Is it January yet. I am envious of everyone having the cruise as a Christmas suprise, I have to get going on the Christmas shopping. But, who has time with all of the cruise planning?

 

[mariamard]

helloooooo!dancermom-good for you!!!how exciting!!!to be able to breathe AND look good i have been living with severe allergies so believe me- i can relate!queen trident- i have cruised twice before with carnival without hubbie(he never wanted to cruise)and love it! it is the best way to vacation! we have all girls-cecily 12 1/2, ciara 4, and olivia 3 mos.getting to the port by noonish will be fine! dont worry.now, i am returning back to doing my xmas shopping-online!

 

[pjpoohbear]

Trident Queen:

We are also arriving the morning of the cruise. How are you getting to the port?

We are using DCL, just two of us, we like the video it is really informative and a great way to start the cruise. The big selling point was the luggage transfers. Because we are flying in the day of, DCL collects it right from the plane and takes it to the ship in a special truck! We just have to tag them before checkin @ buffalo, then the next time we get to see them will be in our stateroom. Very cool .

Look for us we will be wearing our lime green mickeys heads!

Penny & Mom

 

[Scratch42]

So sorry to hear about your bad year!

We'll all help you forget it, at least for that week!

Ok guys, it's only like two days before excursions are due!

Well both DD and I are shuffling off to Buffalo to catch "Haunted Mansion" and then going to see Mickey, Minnie et al in Niagara Falls for the "Festival of Lights". It's our little bit of Disney Trip just to keep us under control!LOL



Have a great weekend everybody!

Scratch

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

All,
Here is the latest cruise list info.

Queen Trident - your comment about "Dory"'s memory made me realize that this list might help you. I'm trying to keep it updated so everyone can see others they may want to meet up with on th cruise.

Have a great weekend everyone

Post Name - Family Members Cruising
"Home"
Cabin
Where they will be the Night Before
Email Address

TheGlensideGregorys - Kevin, Melissa, Connor(4)
Ardsley PA
Cabin 2583
Night Before - Radisson
Email - theglensidegregorys@netzero.com

Pjpoohbear - Penny & DM
Toronto Canada
Cabin 6147
Email - penelopepoohbear@rogers.com

Suecot2000 - large group
Edgewood MD
Cabin deck 6
Night Before - Radisson

Minybear - Minybear & DH?
Tucson AZ
Cabin - 6134
Night Before - Hyatt

Mariamard - DW, DH, Cecily(13), Ciara(4), Olivia(7WEEKS), DMIL(51)
Chicago IL
Cabin - 7629, 7631

disneylover5 - The Halterman Family - Lisa, Don, Daniel(14), Annie(10), Gretchen(7); AND FRIENDS - Karen, Bill, Matt(15), Michael(14), Andrew(7)
Centreville VA
Cabin - 2530, 2528, 2532
Night before - driving down!!
Email - lisa.halterman@cexp.com

BuzzBoyMom - The Rhoad Family - Don, Karen, Eric(6), Adam(4)
Camp Hill PA
Cabin – 6050
Night Before - Radisson
Email - karen.rhoad@navy.mil

TiggerPU88 - me (37), My Mom (63 -- on 1/23!) and DS (28 months)
Princeton NJ
Night Before - Mariott

Scratch42 - Janet & Tanya(12)
Toronto Canada
Cabin - 6634
Night Before – Hyatt
Email - jkocur1521@rogers.com

the4nitz's - Craig, Clarry, Makenna(4), Alaina(2)
Clintonville, Wisconsin
Cabin – 6058
Night Before - Holiday Inn Express
Email - nitz64@hotmail.com

DBMagic - The Santaniello Family - Anthony, Christine, Brienna (6), Desiree10).
MA
Cabin – 7010
Night Before – Radisson
Email - Asantaniello@InfinexGroup.com

Dan and Scott
Mansfield OH

Dancermom - The Giampietro Family - Jamie, Rob, Sarah(11) and Gracie(5)
Wilkes Barre, PA
Cabin – 8080
Night Before – Hyatt
Email - jamie.giampietro@ct-enterprises.com

Coach Mayo - Vickie, ????
Harrisburg PA
Night Before - MK

Minniesota - ??, Allie(12), David(10)
Eagan, Minnesota

QueenTrident - Jenn, DH, DD(3)
New Jersey
Cabin – 2552
Night Before - Home

 

[QueenTrident]

Here's my completed info:

QueenTrident -
Matawan, NJ
Room 2552
Home

__________________

Anyway, about excursions. I really don't know what to do. I would love to do the dolphin encounter (love, love, love), but don't want to leave DD in the Club for 7.5 hours. Also, don't want to pay $100 for her to sit on a boat.

DH loves to SCUBA Dive, so I though about signing him up for the St. Maarten dive and I'll spend time with DD and at the spa. Then, in the p.m., we could all try to go to the island and shop, or just stay on board.

I'd love to do the tram at St. Thomas, but DH is afraid of heights. I thought about sending him diving that day, but I really want to explore the island (or at least shop!) and am worried about doing it alone with DD.

We're not really beach people and I enjoy snorkeling much more than diving. DH gets bored with snorkeling.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Jenn

 

[minniesota]

Hi guys - Welcome, Trident Queen!
My info (Updated):
Mary and Zeke, Allie (12) and David (10)
Eagan, Minnesota
Cabins 7600 and 7602
Night before: Hyatt

Are excursion reservations really due in two days!!?? I haven't received anything official yet. Guess I'd better get over to the DCL site. I'm in a quandry because I can't ask the kids what they want to do - Christmas surprise. Once you make a reservation, can you cancel or are you committed? Also, what are the men wearing? DH is less than enthused about "dressing up" - but I want to go to all the restaurants. Are the pre-teen girls dressing up/ what are you packing for them? Any 10 year old boys in this group? Since I started this whole planning process so late, I don't want to miss anything! So thanks for any and all advice! Mary

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Thanks Minniesota and Queen Trident, I updated the file.

Are we strange - my DH said he'd rather not do any excursions and just wing it. If we feel like getting off the ship and go sightseeing, we'll just hire a taxi....and if we feel like staying on the ship, we'll just do that. We're usually like that when it comes to vacations and since our DSs are so young they hit the age limit for many of the DCL excursions. So we just figured, go and enjoy. That's the only reason I don't have the excursion stress. Now, let's talk about shopping stress....has anyone ever tried to find water shoes for kids when it is 35 degrees outside?!

I can't believe the cruise is only 63 days away! Wow!

 

[QueenTrident]

My TA just said we can start calling to book excursions on Tuesday at 8:00 et.

Minniesota - From what I understand (but I am no expert), you can cancel up to two days before the cruise.

My DH doesn't want to dress up either. Plus, we lost all his suits and my dressy clothes in the fire. Depending on the money situation, we may just skip the more formal days, if we don't have anything to wear. I just hope they're not on the day we have to go to Animator's Palate. I really want to see that restaurant! And I would love a formal picture. We got one on our honeymoon cruise (not Disney) 7 years ago.

BuzzBoy - I may just skip excursions as well (except for DH's SCUBA. There's nothing that I'm DYING to do (besides the dolphins), so maybe we'll play it by ear.

I just found out from my boss that I can have off on the 23rd. I'm working on DH to ask for same. If that's the case, I'm spending the $250 to switch our flights. It would be nice to have a day to relax. On our honeymoon cruise, I just remember the craziness of flying early, getting to the port, lugging our luggage, waiting to board, etc. By the time they took our embarkation picture, we were miserable. I worry about putting a 3 year old through that all in one day.

Aargh! I hate being indecisive!

Jenn

 

[dancermom]

minniesota - DD11 Sarah will be wearing a dressy mid calf dress from Limited Too on the semi formal night, we still haven't come to terms with formal night.

DH is sporting a suit, he is def not going to do a tux. He'll be doing a sport coat no tie for semi-formal.

Have a great weekend everyone, just think it will be excursion time when we get back next week!!!

 

[mariamard]

ok.....almost finished shopping for xmas!anyway, buzzboymom-you are not strange! my hubbie asked if i would mind if we decide when we get there or wing it. he made a few good points with "we can watch the weather" and "what if olivia(3 ms) is having a bad day?"so, we are going to wing it, too! for formal night, i have a floor length black vevet gown and dh will wear a nice suit. semi, ill have a red calf length dress and dh a nice suit, again. he hates tuxes and ciara(4) will wear a princess(aurora) gowm and a bridesmaid dress the next night. my cecily (12 1/2) will not be coming on the cruise.......long story(science fair project, perfect attendence, catholic hs entrance exam)so my mom will stay here at our home with her for 10 days anyway, dancermom----have a nice trip-give mickey a big smooch for me ok, back to shopping.check in later!

 

[the4nitz's]

As far as our family, DW and DD's are wearing nice dresses and myself will wear a coat and tie for the formal and semi formal. Nothing fancy, just comfortable. From what i ahve read and heard almost anything goes. From very fancy and formal to the other extreme. We just want to relax and have fun and not worry about what we are wearing.
As far as excursions, we are undecided. I'm sure the planned ones through DCL are great, but once the time comes and the weather is bad or you change your mind, I think you are out your moneu. We may just play it by ear and see what we feel like when we get to port. Plus we have a DD who will be 2 weeks short of 2 so this limits us.
Almost at 60 days and counting till we cruise

 

[QueenTrident]

So, DH and I talked about it and decided to spend the money to come down the day before. We're taking the 2:15 flight out of Newark and should arrive at MCO at 5:00. Barring any delays, that'll give us plenty of time to get to the Radisson, have a nice dinner and get plenty of sleep.

I think 2:15 was a good compromise - not too early/rushed in the morning and not too late/tired in the evening. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that the Blizzard of '04 doesn't happen on January 23 (or 22 or 21, just to be safe).

Hope you are all have a great weekend!