July 15-22 2006 Western Anyone?

[noahsmom]

Suziq,

Shirley owns a shop called the Perfect gift and you can order gift baskets to be delivered to your stateroom. They will be waiting for you when you arrive. I have ordered a basket from her for our 2 previous cruises, ds has already said he hopes he gets a beach toy basket this time! I usually have her sign the card from Capt Hook (noah's favorite character), he gets a kick out of that.

The tips I have found most helpful are the over the door shoe hanger (for all the toiletries), a small fan (dh likes the noise of a fan when he sleeps), a small illuminating alarm clock and, the most important one, DON'T OVERPACK! I'm having a hard time with that one, especially with a 7 night cruise. I think our table mates will tire of seeing us in the same clothes everynight!

Keep asking questions - they help everyone!

25 days and counting!!!

 

[buzz2]

Welcome suziq14! Any questions, this is the place to ask. I just bought a set of walkie talkies for the cruise. My son will be 13 on the 16th so he will be goint to the club in the Stack. Now even though he does not know it yet I will still be able to keep in contact with him. The time is shurly coming fast upon us! All of you going to disney before the cruise have a great time and have a beer for me. We decided to go after the cruise this year, so beer around the world at Epcot will have to wait a little longer.

 

[sillykidsmom]

Suziq,

Shirley owns a shop called the Perfect gift and you can order gift baskets to be delivered to your stateroom. They will be waiting for you when you arrive. I have ordered a basket from her for our 2 previous cruises, ds has already said he hopes he gets a beach toy basket this time! I usually have her sign the card from Capt Hook (noah's favorite character), he gets a kick out of that.

The tips I have found most helpful are the over the door shoe hanger (for all the toiletries), a small fan (dh likes the noise of a fan when he sleeps), a small illuminating alarm clock and, the most important one, DON'T OVERPACK! I'm having a hard time with that one, especially with a 7 night cruise. I think our table mates will tire of seeing us in the same clothes everynight!

Keep asking questions - they help everyone!

25 days and counting!!!

Hi noahsmom,
Does Shirley have a website we can order from? I would love to do something for the kids since this is their birthday cruise. I hear ya about overpacking, I do it everytime!! You figure I would learn by now. I usually pack 3 outfits per person per day. 1. daytime 2. dinner 3. after dinner. I can sadly say I usually have a bag just for shoes

Thanks for any info you can give me about Shirley.

 

[sillykidsmom]

Welcome suziq14! Any questions, this is the place to ask. I just bought a set of walkie talkies for the cruise. My son will be 13 on the 16th so he will be goint to the club in the Stack. Now even though he does not know it yet I will still be able to keep in contact with him. The time is shurly coming fast upon us! All of you going to disney before the cruise have a great time and have a beer for me. We decided to go after the cruise this year, so beer around the world at Epcot will have to wait a little longer.

You got my attention....Did you say beer? Sad to say but that's our favorite part about Epcot. Mine and DH's anyway.

I just noticed you are from CT. I'm original from Manchester, CT.

Have a great nite.

 

[noahsmom]

sillykidsmom,

Shirley's website is theperfectgift.cc there are ideas on the website but when you call she will pretty much do anything you want. She does an amazing job. On our first trip I ordered a snail sand kit (there's a picture of the snail on her site). It was really amazing, there was So much more than just the sand toy. It took Noah about 20 minutes to get everything undone (it's taped in place and then wrapped in cellophane - very nice presentation).

Have fun!

 

[thegales]

It took Noah about 20 minutes to get everything undone (it's taped in place and then wrapped in cellophane - very nice presentation).

There is an extra charge levied by Disney on each package delivered to the ship (don't worry, Shirley and her folks will let you know about this, so it is not a surprise). Anyway, if you order two baskets (as we have done, one for each DD), she will offer to tie them together with a ribbon so it only counts as one for this delivery charge. So, not only did we have the tape and cellophane, we also had to deal with the ribbon. We had no scissors or knife, so this was a real difficult task. I think I wound up using my fingernail clippers.

But I will reiterate to those who have not heard of Shirley and her shop. I spoke with one of her employees for our Thanksgiving cruise. At first I felt jipped (if that is how you spell it) that I did not get Shirley. But the woman who helped me was just as nice and helped us to customize the baskets. Once we arrived at Cape Canaveral the day before the cruise, I had to return my rental car. I stopped by The Perfect Gift to see if I could meet Shirley. She was not there, but the woman who took my order was. She showed me the baskets and wanted to make sure they were okay. She asked about my daughters, since she knew some of their likes and dislikes based on what we put in the baskets. They all certainly make you feel as if you are their only customer. I highly recommend them.

And if you have any questions about Key West, ask Shirley. On our last Western cruise, I was asking Shirley about some things to do. She put some extra maps and travel brochures in the baskets to help us plan.

 

[thegales]

Since I had to go back a few pages, and we have had some additions:

1. buzz2, his DW, DS13, DD9 & 7 cousins - from Wallingford,Ct
2. thegales, his DW, DD10 & DD8 - from South Carolina (deck 6)
3. 2littlestitches her DH, 2 small boys and her parents
4. SKMinnie48 (15) & her Mom - from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
5. Noahsmom, (Kelli) her DH & DS8 - from Wisconsin, just outside of Madison
6. Montana Mouseketeer (Peggy) her Dh, DS11 & DS15 - from Montana
7. Ansky922, her DH & DS6 - from Staten Island, NY
8. LasseKjus, his DW, DD2++ and DD3mo and the in-laws - from Milwaukee, WI
9. patporter13, his DW, DD9, DD5 - Phoenix (deck 7)
10. Friends of patporter13: DH, DW, DD9, DS6 - Phoenix (deck 7)
11. jazzbran (Jackie), her DH, DD17, DD14, Sister of jazzbran
12. BTSEN5 (Tammie), DH, DS18, DS13, DS10 - from Virginia Beach
13. sillykidsmom, DH, DS8 and DD3 - Tampa, FL
14. jonida3, her DH, DS12, DS10, and DS8
15. suziq14, her DH, DS11, DS8

 

[sillykidsmom]

sillykidsmom,

Shirley's website is theperfectgift.cc there are ideas on the website but when you call she will pretty much do anything you want. She does an amazing job. On our first trip I ordered a snail sand kit (there's a picture of the snail on her site). It was really amazing, there was So much more than just the sand toy. It took Noah about 20 minutes to get everything undone (it's taped in place and then wrapped in cellophane - very nice presentation).

Have fun!

Thanks for the information. How far in advance do you recommend to call? I guess I should do it soon so I can cross that off my list. It's getting closer everyone!!!!

 

[noahsmom]

On our last cruise I called too early and Shirley requested that I call back about a week or so before the cruise. She's really nice and wants the basket to be perfect for you. Since we will be at WDW the week prior to the cruise I will probably call her the week of the 4th.

Now if I can only decided about our Stingray city excursion. I'm rethinking what I've booked. If ds finds out about the turtle farm and we didn't go there....well no one really wants to see an upset 8 yr old! He's crazy about turtles. A friend of our's "adopted" a sea turtle for him 2 years ago for his birthday - he still talks about his turtle and regulary asks that we go online to track it.

 

[2littlestitches]

Hey everyone!!!!!!

We sure are getting excited around here.......I've begun packing and am trying really hard to pack lightly. My "two little stitches" are too young to carry luggage, so I need to keep the suitcases to a minimum.

My question is.......when should we be expecting to receive cruise documents in the mail and how does that whole thing work. I think I read that we must fill some things out, and also they provide luggage tags. Is that right???

Thanks!!!!!!

 

[suziq14]

Noahsmom--Just to put my 2 cents in...I've read other places and family members have told me, that the stingrays are NOT to be missed and the turtle farm is just ok. We are doing the stingrays and I've heard they will come right up to you and eat out of your hand. But, then again, if Noah loves turtles...tough decision.
2littlestitches-my travel agent told me the cruise documents should come about 28 days prior which means they should be here any day! Also, you can fill out a lot of stuff on-line and get it all out of the way now. I believe we do get luggage tags.

 

[noahsmom]

We are definately going to Stingray city, I'm just deciding on if we should go to Rum Point Beach or the island tour. I'm pretty sure I've decided to switch to the island tour and will book with Native Way. I told Noah about the turtles and got the expected reaction.

Tonight Noah and I went shopping for Father's Day and for a white dress shirt. I couldn't find a short sleeve dress shirt for Noah. I can't see putting him in long sleeves, he'll be way too hot. I'm starting to think that formal night is not worth the trouble. DH wore his suit last week for 8th grade graduation and it is WAY too big for him. We will need to get him a new one, I think the required alterations would cost more than a new suit. I on the other hand have gained weight and am having a difficult time finding a dress. ARGH!

 

[sillykidsmom]

We are definately going to Stingray city, I'm just deciding on if we should go to Rum Point Beach or the island tour. I'm pretty sure I've decided to switch to the island tour and will book with Native Way. I told Noah about the turtles and got the expected reaction.

Tonight Noah and I went shopping for Father's Day and for a white dress shirt. I couldn't find a short sleeve dress shirt for Noah. I can't see putting him in long sleeves, he'll be way too hot. I'm starting to think that formal night is not worth the trouble. DH wore his suit last week for 8th grade graduation and it is WAY too big for him. We will need to get him a new one, I think the required alterations would cost more than a new suit. I on the other hand have gained weight and am having a difficult time finding a dress. ARGH!

You will love Stingray City. We've done it before without the kids. We would love to go again with the kids, but Savannah is too young. We are taking them on the Island Tour & Butterfly farm.

I was thinking about renting a suit for Zach. I would hate to spend all that money and buy him one since he is growing like a weed. He may only be 8 but he's the size of a 12 year old. If that doesn't work out he will be in kaki pants, oxford shirt and a tie. Shopping for dress clothes for him is a nightmare!! I'm going to try not to stress over it, as it will all come together like always. As for me and DH we were just on a cruise in May and thank goodness we are all set for formal wear! Oh and Savannah, I bought her some cute dresses right after Easter for 70% off. Can't go wrong there.

Do you know how many formal nights there are? I really wish I wasn't such the planner. I think I obsess over it. I wish I could be more like my hubby and just go with the flow. Oh well, gotta run another busy day ahead.

Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[noahsmom]

There's formal night and semi-formal night for main dining. Palo tends to be more semi-formal and the night you eat at Luminere's is dressier I think.

DH is not going to rent a tux, I think a nice suit is fine. I ordered a dress last night online but I'm not sure if it will fit. I'm also not getting a jacket for Noah, a shirt and tie are formal enough for an 8 yr old!

 

[BTSEN5]

Well, my DS graduated on wednesday. I have only a major party to get through on Sunday, and then I can start really focusing on the cruise. It is coming up so fast. Less than a month now....and counting.

 

[sillykidsmom]

Well, my DS graduated on wednesday. I have only a major party to get through on Sunday, and then I can start really focusing on the cruise. It is coming up so fast. Less than a month now....and counting.

Well CONGRATULATIONS to the graduate!!!! It's amazing how fast the kids grow up.

My DS has been in an Allstar tournament all week. They have a semi-final game tomorrow and if they win they will have the championship game on Sunday. I think I'm more stressed out then he is!!! Like you said, once we get through Sunday we can focus a little on the cruise.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

GO CITRUS PARK LITTLE LEAGUE!!!!! (sorry I had to throw that in there)

 

[BTSEN5]

Well CONGRATULATIONS to the graduate!!!! It's amazing how fast the kids grow up.

My DS has been in an Allstar tournament all week. They have a semi-final game tomorrow and if they win they will have the championship game on Sunday. I think I'm more stressed out then he is!!! Like you said, once we get through Sunday we can focus a little on the cruise.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

GO CITRUS PARK LITTLE LEAGUE!!!!! (sorry I had to throw that in there)

I wish your son and the team the best. I think, as parents, we do stress more than the kids. It is difficult to watch sometimes. Have a great time!!

 

[2littlestitches]

Has anyone visited the Key West Aquarium before?

We are thinking of doing this with the kids and would like some feedback on what everyone thought.

I've heard it's pretty close to where the ship docks......walking distance I think.

What are you all planning to do at Key West???

 

[ansky922]

Has anyone visited the Key West Aquarium before?

We are thinking of doing this with the kids and would like some feedback on what everyone thought.

I've heard it's pretty close to where the ship docks......walking distance I think.

What are you all planning to do at Key West???

We booked the key west tour with the aquarium with the conservatory something small and not to much money just to see key west because we have never been

 

[noahsmom]

We are planning on doing Key West on our own, not booking an excursion. I have a friend who's been there many times and highly recommends the aquarium. So we are going there and the butterfly conservatory. I would like to find the Kino sandal place and would like to see the Southern most point.