July 15-22 2006 Western Anyone?

[sillykidsmom]

They usually start boarding around noon. We are being picked up at AKL around 11, with a planned grocery stop (beer!) I think we'll be at the terminal around 12:30-1:00. This is later than we've arrived in the past but since we have everything booked I'm ok with it. On previous cruises we arrived around 10:30ish.

Like the picture! I had a hard time finding one with me in it, I'm usually behind the camera.

We haven't decided whether or not to go up the night before or drive over in the morning. I know if we left early Saturday there would be less traffic going down I-4 then on a Friday evening.

I see that you put a planned grocery stop for beer. So is it true, your allowed to bring your own alcohol on board? That is fantastic!
Other cruise lines only allow wine and your lucky if they let you do that.

Yeah, I'm always behind the camera too. Plenty of pictures of kids and DH but none of mommy.

 

[sillykidsmom]

It is nice seeing everyone's pictures. I would add mine, but I have no idea how I can do it on here. I am a bit illiterate when it comes to using a computer. If it is easy enough to explain, I am a good listener.

Thanks

I will try to explain what I did.

1. went to photobucket.com and signed up (it's free)
2. Under image, I click browse and found the picture I wanted to download, click submit.
3. The picture comes up and has URL, TAG, IMG.
4. I highlight the box next to the IMG
5. Right click to copy
6. I go back to my message I typed on the board, right click and hit paste.
7. You will only see a whole bunch of mumble, jumble until you sumbit your reply.
8. Once you submit your reply you will see your picture.

I'm sorry if makes no sense whatsoever. I'm sure there is an easier way to do this. Hope this helps.

 

[noahsmom]

You can also preview your message before you submit it to verify that the picture worked.

 

[thegales]

Does anyone know what the best time to get to the port? What time do they start boarding. I'm hearing on other boards that you get a boarding number? That's different then last year.

On our last cruise, we took the 10:00 am shuttle from the Radisson, so we got to the port at about 10:20. There were only four families on the shuttle, and we were the first ones in the terminal. That was excellent!

We were given a boarding card with the number 2 on it. Categories 1 - 3 get number 1, no matter what time they arrive. We checked in and then went to meet people. The terminal still wasn't full when we got to board at about 11:30.

My recommendation is to get there as early as possible, so you can start your vacation.

 

[sillykidsmom]

On our last cruise, we took the 10:00 am shuttle from the Radisson, so we got to the port at about 10:20. There were only four families on the shuttle, and we were the first ones in the terminal. That was excellent!

We were given a boarding card with the number 2 on it. Categories 1 - 3 get number 1, no matter what time they arrive. We checked in and then went to meet people. The terminal still wasn't full when we got to board at about 11:30.

My recommendation is to get there as early as possible, so you can start your vacation.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Radisson. From what I understand you can leave your car there, take the shuttle and skip paying those outrageous parking prices at the port. Maybe I can get DH to skip out of work early on Friday so we could head out before all of that nasty traffic. Usually when we cruise out of Port Canaveral we leave here around 9am or so and get there around 11:30am. Well we have plenty of time to figure it all out.

Is everyone still going to try to meet around 3pm on board?

 

[noahsmom]

I have started working on door signs, so far I have 2. Inspiration is lacking, not sure why. I may only end up with 2 signs. Last time it was so easy, lots and lots of 40's.

Both of the dresses I ordered arrived today One fits and the other one, well nothing that a seamstress can't fix . We should be just about set! I've started to gather things into the spare bedroom. I have to go to Topeka, Kansas (thrilling I know!) Sunday for work and won't return until late Wednesday. After that trip I'll be very focused on getting ready because it will happen very quickly after that! I can't believe it's almost 2 weeks away for us This trip has been in the works since July of 2004 - it seemed so far away then

 

[BTSEN5]

If this works, you are an excellent teacher. You did a great job explaining it. Thank you!

This is me with my oldest son last weekend before prom. As you can see my youngest had just recieved his pirate costume and insisted that he wear that for the picture. It is a mixed bag, that is for sure.

 

[noahsmom]

That is an interesting combination of outfits

The pirate costume is great! I looked at many but decided against buying one. Noah doesn't like to be hot and they all looked too hot for him. I have purchased a rather cool pirate hat (that folds kind of flat), a hook for his hand, eye patch & earring, and some pirate tatoos. Last week I went to Goodwill to look for a white dress shirt for him (I was getting desparate) which I didn't find but did get a pair of black knit pants that I then cut off ragged just below the knee. He was quite impressed when I was finished. We will purchase a POTC shirt at WDW, I'm sure they will have plenty. I've heard that there is a store in Downtown Disney that has a lot of pirate stuff. We've never made it to DTD so I'd like to try this time.

This is all so fun! I'm a little disappointed that the shuttle launch is July 1 - we were hoping.....

 

[BTSEN5]

That is an interesting combination of outfits

The pirate costume is great! I looked at many but decided against buying one. Noah doesn't like to be hot and they all looked too hot for him. I have purchased a rather cool pirate hat (that folds kind of flat), a hook for his hand, eye patch & earring, and some pirate tatoos. Last week I went to Goodwill to look for a white dress shirt for him (I was getting desparate) which I didn't find but did get a pair of black knit pants that I then cut off ragged just below the knee. He was quite impressed when I was finished. We will purchase a POTC shirt at WDW, I'm sure they will have plenty. I've heard that there is a store in Downtown Disney that has a lot of pirate stuff. We've never made it to DTD so I'd like to try this time.

This is all so fun! I'm a little disappointed that the shuttle launch is July 1 - we were hoping.....

You are very creative. I was trying to find a white shirt before we decided to order a costume, but I could not find one that I wanted. I wanted something on the line of the Seinfeld puffy shirt. Anyway, I felt panicked with all I had to do, and went the easy route.

The funny thing is, I never buy halloween costumes. We use our imagination. It is ironic that I bought one in June.

I was also disappointed about the launch. I guess we can at least feel good that the traffic may be less of a headache.

 

[sillykidsmom]

If this works, you are an excellent teacher. You did a great job explaining it. Thank you!

This is me with my oldest son last weekend before prom. As you can see my youngest had just recieved his pirate costume and insisted that he wear that for the picture. It is a mixed bag, that is for sure.

I'm so glad it worked. What a great picture! I think it's nice to see everyone before the cruise. This way we are not walking around aimlessly trying to figure out who's who.

I'm probably going to take the kids to see CARS today. I can't wait to see it! It's either that or they will spend the day in the pool. It was 102 here yesterday!!!! YUCK!!!!! Then I have to get ready for my family. They are coming in tomorrow morning.

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[sillykidsmom]

That is an interesting combination of outfits

The pirate costume is great! I looked at many but decided against buying one. Noah doesn't like to be hot and they all looked too hot for him. I have purchased a rather cool pirate hat (that folds kind of flat), a hook for his hand, eye patch & earring, and some pirate tatoos. Last week I went to Goodwill to look for a white dress shirt for him (I was getting desparate) which I didn't find but did get a pair of black knit pants that I then cut off ragged just below the knee. He was quite impressed when I was finished. We will purchase a POTC shirt at WDW, I'm sure they will have plenty. I've heard that there is a store in Downtown Disney that has a lot of pirate stuff. We've never made it to DTD so I'd like to try this time.

This is all so fun! I'm a little disappointed that the shuttle launch is July 1 - we were hoping.....

You will love DTD. You won't have any problems finding pirate stuff there. I wish I had the time to drive over there before the cruise. Too much going on before then. I can't wait to see all the kids dressed up on pirate night. It's such a good time.

Maybe we will get lucky and the launch will get postponed. It usually happens. I've never see a launch up close, but we can see it from our backyard. Well, we can see a big glowing light. I guess that counts.

 

[noahsmom]

OK, that temperature MUST come down! I'm ready for a hot, steamy time at WDW but not that hot!

I looked for a puffy shirt for myself but wasn't successful. Then I decided that I really didn't want to buy something I'd only wear that one time. I have a tropical dress that I can wear and I want to get pirate Mickey ears for myself.

 

[sillykidsmom]

OK, that temperature MUST come down! I'm ready for a hot, steamy time at WDW but not that hot!

I looked for a puffy shirt for myself but wasn't successful. Then I decided that I really didn't want to buy something I'd only wear that one time. I have a tropical dress that I can wear and I want to get pirate Mickey ears for myself.

I wish the temperature would come down too!!! Florida summer has kicked into full gear. Hot and sunny and then afternoon thunderstorms.

I have some cute pirate mickey ears from last years cruise. I actually bought them on the ship. My DH has the goofy ears with earrings. Too cute.

 

[BTSEN5]

I was wondering, where do I go once on the ship, to reserve Palo? I have a res., but my oldest son wants to go also. I need to add him to it. I had also heard that the Palo brunch was awesome, so I would like to try that also.

Is it hard to get a ressie once on board? Are the lines very long?

I hope it is not too bad, but I have no choice either way.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[thegales]

It will probably be in Rockin Bar D, but they will officially tell you when you check in. Before the on line ressies, the line could get long. We were always there right at the beginning and had to wait about 5- 10 minutes. With online ressies, I would imagine there not being as many people waiting. My guess is that they will be able to add a third person, but it would depend if they have tables for four with only two people.

I would also keep checking on-line to see if any reservations open up for Brunch.

 

[ansky922]

I was wondering, where do I go once on the ship, to reserve Palo? I have a res., but my oldest son wants to go also. I need to add him to it. I had also heard that the Palo brunch was awesome, so I would like to try that also.

Is it hard to get a ressie once on board? Are the lines very long?

I hope it is not too bad, but I have no choice either way.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Good Question. I wanted to try to add a brunch hopefully I can find one available

 

[BTSEN5]

Good Question. I wanted to try to add a brunch hopefully I can find one available

Okay, I tell ya what....you get there first and hold my place in line.

Seriously, I have read numerous times that the brunch should not be missed. I am also looking forward to some of the desserts. I have seen some pictures, but some of them look too pretty to eat. Did you see the chocolate slipper? I wonder if they would just give me an empty white chocolate slipper to take back to my room and nibble on all night.

 

[thegales]

I have updated the web page (and put a link in my signature below). I think I have included all the information that was sent to me. Feel free to send other information or corrections or other ideas to put on the page.

We may be swapping hotels. Radisson only had smoking rooms available, and DW is concerned her allergies will get aggravated. When that happens, it takes a couple of days for it to clear out. Not a good way to start the cruise. The Residence Inn did not have any availability. Best Western had availability and they are right on the beach. I'll look some more at the options later tonight.

 

[noahsmom]

Thanks for doing the web page - very nice!

A hotel on the beach would be nice. Best not to get allergies agravated if at all possible. Personally I can't stand the smell of smoke - especially stale hotel room smoke.

 

[thegales]

BTSEN5 - You trying to add your son reminded me of something that happened on our last cruise. DW and I were enjoying the brunch, and I saw the manager go over to the table behind DW. It was a table with a couple and a teenage boy. Very quietly, the manager informed them that the boy was not old enough to be in Palo. He had looked up their room number and saw that the boy was only 15, although he did look older. The family smiled and told the manager that this was their older son, who was booked in his own room across the hall from them. The boy showed the manager his KTTW card to confirm this. The manager smiled, they all shook hands and that was that. It was all done very quietly and non confrontational. I only picked up on it because it was right next to us. DW had no idea any of it transpired.