January 26 2008 - Western

[ecomerford]

Well I just found out we will not qualify for the Onboard Airline check in and luggage transfer. We are not using DCL transfers since our plane does not leave until 5:40pm. Oh well I guess I could have flown SW instead of NW at least I found out now so I can book an appropriate rental.

Denise in MI

Sounds we'll be on the same flight back to Detroit... I think it's at 5:26 now. We're still looking at what to do for the day, but we'll definitely stay on the boat until they throw us off! The average weather in Orlando that time of year is high of 73, low of 50, so I guess we won't be going to the beach!

There's not really enough time to go to the parks... does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Billybob7]

Sounds we'll be on the same flight back to Detroit... I think it's at 5:26 now. We're still looking at what to do for the day, but we'll definitely stay on the boat until they throw us off! The average weather in Orlando that time of year is high of 73, low of 50, so I guess we won't be going to the beach!

There's not really enough time to go to the parks... does anyone have any suggestions?

Why can't you go to the parks? Get off the boat at 7:30 A.M. get your car rental and you would be parked by 9/9:30 at whatever park you choose. You can then stay at the park until 3:00 or so before driving back to the airport for your 5:30 flight.

I think people do this all the time. Why deprive yourself?

 

[GuardMusic]

Sounds we'll be on the same flight back to Detroit... I think it's at 5:26 now. We're still looking at what to do for the day, but we'll definitely stay on the boat until they throw us off! The average weather in Orlando that time of year is high of 73, low of 50, so I guess we won't be going to the beach!

There's not really enough time to go to the parks... does anyone have any suggestions?

Definitely still drive to WDW. Have a late breakfast or early lunch at a resort hotel & check out some of the hotels. And/or go out to browse Downtown Disney. If you have plenty of time to spend, catch a movie at the AMC 24. Play some miniature golf at one or both of the WDW courses. Or stuff your luggage with a quick trip to the outlet mall located about a mile from DTD!

Happy to suggest more specifics of the above!
Gayle

 

[dzorn]

Yep were on the now 5:26 pm flight. We will have a rental car so if by chance the weather is great we'll head to the beach otherwise DTD or the outlets. I would not mind hitting the parks, but I would hate to buy one day tickets for everyone rather save the money for Annual passes when we do our first DVC vacation. I wish we would have flown out on Sunday they we could have done P & P party the saturday night though, DD both enjoyed it in August when we went. The dates we not out when I booked air.

ecomerford are you from the Metro Detroit area, or taking a connection?

Denise in MI

 

[ecomerford]

ecomerford are you from the Metro Detroit area, or taking a connection?

Denise in MI

Metro Detroit, NW.

 

[dzorn]

We're downriver.

 

[Tesanrick]

Hi Denise,

You mentioned a p & p party? What is this?

Thanks!

 

[Ima Princess]

What cruise-related (if any) gifts are you buying for the holidays?

Aside from purchasing eye patches for Pirate night, I haven't purchased anything specifically for the cruise. (Hence the reason I'm asking -- I need to spark my creativity!)

Tesanrick: P&P party is "Pirate and Princess" party in the MK. Only on certain nights after regular park hours, so requires separate ticket (like the Christmas or Halloween parties).

CC

 

[GuardMusic]

What cruise-related (if any) gifts are you buying for the holidays?

Aside from purchasing eye patches for Pirate night, I haven't purchased anything specifically for the cruise. (Hence the reason I'm asking -- I need to spark my creativity!)

Tesanrick: P&P party is "Pirate and Princess" party in the MK. Only on certain nights after regular park hours, so requires separate ticket (like the Christmas or Halloween parties).

CC

I'd love to tell you, but I'm afraid BFF will lurk on this board and find out her surprise presents!

I'll have to tell you after our gift exchange on 12/27!
Gayle

 

[dzorn]

FYI at JoAnn's they have foam pirate patch and sword it the kids craft section. I'm picking a few up for DD's.

As someone said before pins for trading are great. Bought DMom and DSis T-shirts. For the girls they got new gameboy games, magic pen books and a few new movies to use on the airplane. My brother is looking for a Wii for DMom and Sis, if they do not it then they will get a nice outfit. May get them spa certificate for nails to use before we go. Santa already got me a DVC this year so I told DH we've spent enough. Though he did get me new PJ's. Guess he did not want me going to pajama bingo in my old ones.

My girls loved the Pirates and Princess Party. It's a good way to get a few park hours in without paying the full cost for 1 day pass. Good parade & fireworks and shorter lines for rides, though the lines for some characters was long. But Minnie looked go cute as a princess.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

Oh and making everyone luggage tags with disney characters and bought a few lanyards.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

Bought some cute capris while Christmas shopping on clearance. Yea! Not easy finding anything in the frozen north, but I keep looking. How dressed up is everyone getting for formal night?

Denise in MI

 

[Ima Princess]

Formal night?? Good grief, I almost forgot!

I do have a "little black dress" but otherwise will not get too dressed up. In general we're a pretty casual family, and at home I nearly live in jeans. DH is allergic to suits so he won't be too formal, either. He has to at least being one jacket for Palo, right? DDs are easy -- they have plenty of dresses.

I plan to bring nice pants/capris for the non-formal nights, business casual for DH, casual dresses for the DDs. It's not that I don't like getting dressed up now and then, I just don't like the extras it adds to my packing!

CC

 

[dzorn]

I just like the thought of everyone getting dressed up for a family picture. We never seem to find the time for one.

Denise in MI

 

[jenkh]

Were getting closer. We got our Magical Express Tags yesterday and it's only for a 1 night pre-stay and AKV. Now it feels real.

 

[GuardMusic]

Ah the "beloved" formal night. BF and I were going to go shopping on New Year's Day, but figured what would we do with the dress after. So we scrapped that, much to her joy. The only new thing I really want is some jeans!

Not sure how formal we'll be on formal night. We want our dressiest clothes for Palo & maybe the Captain's Gala. It really depends on which restaurant we're in.

I have a charcoal skirt that has black velvet detailing on it. Black sweater with tiny rhinestones along the neck. Bought new this month for a work event. BF will probably be in an all black dress with a mesh wrap that has beaded detailing.
Gayle

 

[GuardMusic]

I've been away so long because I'm afraid of spilling the beans on BF Christmas surprise!

BF is always so busy with work, she doesn't get detailed about trips until 1) reservations/excursions/dining is available and 2) it's time to go! So to keep her up to date, I'm doing a 12 Weeks Til Vacation. Here's what we're up to:

* On the 6th week til vacation my planner said to me… find numbers for DCL online check-in!
* On the 7th week til vacation my planner said to me… decide if we’re going to re-book!
* On the 8th week til vacation my planner said to me… start designing door magnets!
* On the 9th week til vacation my planner said to me… time to think of a theme! * On the 10th week til vacation my planner said to me… order Disney Visa Rewards card soon!
* On the 11th week til vacation my planner said to me… make sure to measure the duffle!
* On the 12th week til vacation my planner said to me… don’t forget to buy the insurance!

The ones in bold are not yet complete!

I'll be at her house Dec. 27-Jan. 1, so I can insure they all get done. However, we won't see each other again until the night before we leave!

And I'm sure we're all thinking the same thing: Thank goodness for the MLK holiday, which for this year, I've renamed Packing Day!
Gayle

 

[ecomerford]

I just like the thought of everyone getting dressed up for a family picture. We never seem to find the time for one.

Denise in MI

Do people really dress up? I actually own a tux and I was considering getting tuxes for my boys (5 and 7). You can actually get them on eBay for $25 each! DW makes the point of when will they EVER use again, soooooo we'll probably go with suits for them.

Here's a pic of the family (about a year ago...)

Come on -- wouldn't they look great in tuxes!

 

[dzorn]

DH is talking about wearing his tux. He need a few new dress shirts since they have gone business casual at work he doesn't wear them to often. I'm having the hardest time finding them with french cuffs in his size. They all seem to be sold out of his size. Off to macys!!

Denise in MI

 

[bryiank]

Can you believe its about 5 weeks to our cruise? It seems like I am forgeting some things??? Planning, planning. We got our disney rewards card today and since I run a lot of expenses through it for work we will have about $400 to cover excursions, etc. DW is starting back to work Jan. 2 after being out for back surgery so we should have a little extra spending money there as well. Everything is set for a fantastic cruise. Can't wait. Even my DS 11 year old seems to be looking forward to it. B