July 17, 2004 Magic (Western)

[cathie]

I agree with Carole..our teens ages 16 & 13, like to do things on their own(and usually keep late hours on board!) They've tried Common Grounds but liked to explore the ship & just hang out & snorkel on CC. They may try "The Stack" on the Magic. Does anyone know if the activities for teens are different on the Magic? I've tried to convince them to try a teen excursion, but you know teenagers! The Western Magic will be waiting for us soon! Cathie & The Gang

 

[mousemom218]

We rode the Magic last year. The teen activities are almost identical on both ships, with the Magic just having more. They have the late movie night, the late disco night, the late karaoke night, etc. They don't usually show their faces til about lunch time, and then they wander around in small groups trying not to look interested in each other! One evening on our last cruise DD was walking around with a group of friends and pretended not to notice DH and I as we walked by! Ah, the teenage years! She still keeps in touch by e-mail with some of the kids she met last year. There were tons of kids. I suspect the new teen hangout will be much like Common Grounds, but bigger and more fun.

 

[MaryPSU]

Can't help you all out too much with the teenager activities - since my children are only 8 and 10 - but here is my tip for the day:

It's great to spend some time lounging on a float on the calm waters of Castaway Cay. Floats can be rented right on Castaway Cay, but it's just as easy to take your own ... and advantangeous for two reasons: lower cost (the long plastic blow-up floats can be purchased at places like WalMart for a couple bucks) and your float will look different than all the Disney ones, so it will be harder for someone else to 'borrow'!

They take up just a tiny amount of space in luggage (while new and still in their package), and since they are so inexpensive they can just be left behind.

One more advantage: the men can be 'assigned' to blow up the floats while we ladies pull our chairs toward the water's edge, dipping our toes and sipping a beverage!!!

 

[NeedsNEscape]

Thanks for the notes about the teen excursions. I won't even bother to get on the waitlist. My sons would rather just meet a few kids and play basketball or cards. They aren't much for chat sessions. Although, Wild Side did seem like a good deal since they got to bike and kayak and snorkel. I am getting signals that I will be spending a lot of time renting 'toys' for them at CC. This will take away from my time sitting on the edge of the beach, toes in the water! Oh well!

Mary, I saw really neat fold up floats at a mega-sports store (Dick's). They were a bit more complex than the typical float, but folded quite nicely. They were cheap too! We are driving down and will go to the beach after the cruise, so we have room in the mini-van for quite a bit.

I have another item for Mary's 'what-to-do-before-you-leave' list...

*) clean out refrigerator
*) dump trash

Jeanne

 

[keenercam]

Thanks, Jeanne ! I definitely need to add the fridge to our list.

I think I forgot to post a trip tip yesterday, but I remembered one that was a big help for us -- empty water bottles packed in the luggage -- we filled them with drinks from deck 9 and water and put them in our fridge to put in the beach bag.

today's tip is also more like a don't forget to pack tip

we put some stuff in the beach bag that we would use for the pool and beaches and just left it there -- extra bottle of sunscreen in a ziplock bag, lip balm for sun protection, anti-bacterial hand wipes or purell, etc. Then the whole beach bag gets thrown in the bottom of the carry-on to be handy.

Is anyone packing beach towels? I'd rather not since they take up so much room, but it is really fun to take our souvenir towels from castaway club, WDW, and Jimmy Buffet's margaritaville! Jenn, of course, loves her eeyore towel!

I'm in my office -- guess I should actually get some work done. Howard gave me his cold, so I feel lousy and unmotivated -- would rather be packing

What is everyone else doing today?

 

[MaryPSU]

Hi all ... Cam, since you asked what I'm doing today - here is my frightening experience (followed by a tip, of course!)

We are on a family campout weekend with our children's Adventure Guides ... this morning's activity was canoeing. We had some storms last night, so there was some question about whether the water was safe but the guide leaders made the decision that it was. We split three canoes between two families - the other mom and I took our own while the men took two kids each in theirs.

Near the end of the canoe trip (which was supposed to be about three hours long but we completed it in less than two - an indication that the water was FAST), the moms' canoe broadsided a tree that had fallen into the river. We just weren't strong enough to paddle around it like all the other canoes that had men steering. We tipped and I found myself UNDER the tipped-over canoe, no air pocket, being swept along with the canoe by the water. What seemed like a minute without air (but was probably more like 10-15 seconds) was the most terrifying thing I have ever gone through. I don't remember much, other than trying to push up on the canoe or swim out from under it somehow - not sure which I did but my head eventually came up.

Getting out of the river was another story ... the canoe and paddles were long gone. We managed to hold onto branches and rocks until we were rescued by my husband, son, and his friend. My son was very shaken up because he saw the whole thing and understood that I was trapped. Luckily, my DD8 didn't see what happened.

ANYHOW ... I just came home to clean the muck off myself and ice my swollen ankle. Will head back to the camp shortly so I can hug my family. (All I can think is ... thank goodness it was the mommy canoe and not one with the children in it!)

Mary's tip for the day: stick with the BIG BOATS ... like the Magic!!

I need a Konk Cooler right about now.

 

[keenercam]

OMG, Mary-- That is sooo scary. I am sorry you went through that and am SO glad you are okay. It's a shame your son saw it, but hopefully, what he takes from it is an understanding of your courage and an understanding of perseverance and resilence. Relax while you have the house to yourself. I hope everyone else's camp time is fun, but uneventful. Howard and Andy were canoeing a couple of weeks ago with boy scouts -- in the pouring rain. I was so worried there would be thunder and lightening.

Relax and take deep breaths. How is your ankle doing? How is the other mom?

Go to this website www.subsonicradio.com and enjoy the music and RELAX.

BTW, I agree with you -- big boats are much safer!!!

 

[mousemom218]

Mary, what a scary story! I am so glad you are okay, and can't believe you didn't head straight back to civilization!
I don't get onto boats unless there are waiters there. I don't rough it. I spent most of the day chauffering kids around, and doing laundry-- DS has returned from 3 weeks away at camp. I didn't think I would miss him so much!! So now we are all focused on getting ready for our trip...3 weeks from today!

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[MaryPSU]

Hi all ... thanks for your comforting words and your concern ... I am just fine. My ankle is okay - some cuts and bruises but nothing that won't heal before I get to wear my new sandals on the Magic! The other mom is good - we've had our chuckles over the whole thing - she feels a bit guilty since she was "steering" (if there is such a thing with a canoe!) but I keep emphasizing that I too would have crashed us into the tree.

We're back from the camping weekend, everything is unpacked, and the laundry is well underway. I'm even going to treat myself to a NAP before heading out to a barbeque later this afternoon! The kids have been great - very 'huggy' and loving toward me - Tori talks about the incident quite a bit (of course it was the talk of the campout, although we tried to keep discussions about certain details out of earshot of the children); Christopher doesn't care to discuss it much. Funny how children deal with these things in their individual ways.

SO ... it's behind us and we need to move on ... to better thoughts like PACKING.

Here's my tip for the day - not sure how appropriate for those families with older children - but mine always have met special counselors in the kids' clubs that they had a hard time leaving. At the end of our last cruise, the children handed their favorite counselors pre-paid phone cards. This time we're taking some WalMart gift cards since the counselors are taken shopping there on Saturday mornings.

I also pack a few thank you note cards - both mine as well as the children's - so that we can write some notes to those cast members who made our cruise special. We'll enclose WalMart gift cards in the notes.

I bought 10 $10 gift cards - figure we can give some cast members more than one depending on the relationships we build - and if we choose not to use them all they certainly won't go to waste!!

Hope all is well with you guys - I can't believe we're almost down to two weeks!!

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone!
Mary -- I am glad you are none the worse for wear!

Well, we did our final trip to costco, and out of it comes today's trip tip! We bought individual packs of skittles and combos -- all the kids will enjoy having "movie candy" when they go to a show on board, without us having to pay the very expensive prices.

I read another tip -- which I may have mentioned already and which is particularly suitable for families with young kids (our Godchildren are 4 and 20 months) -- we are packing empty plastic yogurt containers and plastic spoons for them to play with at the kids pool and beach and then we'll just throw them away. We'll also pack a frisbee -- the teens love that on the beach.

Have a great one everybody!

 

[NeedsNEscape]

Mary,

What a close call! Very scary!!! I worry about my DS who is on the High school crew team. So many bad things can happen in a river, but a lot of good things, too. They placed third in the local novice category. I only rushed him out once to get a tetanus shot as he crews in some very 'nasty' water. Unfortunately this week a coach from a nearby team died in the mighty Potomac with his crew team of 12 and 13 year olds watching. So very sad! I am, of course, wondering why DS is doing this sport? [Too scrawny for the football team, too short for the basketball team!]

Anyway, I went out with tips in hand and stocked up on stuff for the trip: candy, benadryl and other stomach aides, suntan lotion, and report binders [a la Cam]. While I was at Staples, I did back-2-school shopping, but haven't mentioned this to the kids. I also went to Home Depot to get the Mickey paint chips to turn into door art! Now I have to figure out exactly how to make all of that stuff.

Thanks for the new tips, Jeanne

PS: My scary story from this week: I took off Friday, piled sons, nephews and nieces into my min-van (15, 14, 13, 2-8year olds, and a 6 year old) and took them to the National Zoo to see the pandas. We observed how all animals appear to be sleepy at the zoo. I survived the trip, now my dearest brother owes me!

 

[Susan Prescott]

Hi, my sister Cathie has been doing all of the posting on this thread. I've just been reading them. We're getting excited for this cruise. My son is almost 13 and my daughter is 10. I'm the organizer of all our vacations. I wanted to mention that I read in the AAA book regarding Cozumel that insect repellant is a must. I made sure to buy some and pack it. Maybe we'll get lucky and not need it.

Sue

 

[MaryPSU]

Welcome, Sue! And hi again everyone!!

I'm back to exercising - trying to shed those last couple pounds before the cruise - although the right side of my body aches from shoulder to toe. Must have crashed it into something in all the excitement - trees, boats, rocks ... who knows ... ugh!!

Sue, we are traveling with our daughter (8) and a family with two girls (11 and 7). Perhaps your daughter will be interested in meeting them. The DD11 will be in the Lab age group with my DS10, and we hope to get the DD8 and DD7 into the same group with some maneuvering and pleading!

Here is my tip for the day ... how to deal with keeping clothes wrinkle-free ... I'm packing at least one linen dress which traditionally means that I'd look like a raisin unless I figure out what to do. There are several options:

1) Cam gave us a great recommendation - to pack good clothes in dry cleaner bags. Somehow they stay wrinkle-free while in their suitcases. We're going to stop by our local dry cleaner and ask for some extra bags. I never tried this, but hear it works well.

2) Pack wrinkle releaser spray (like Downey). I've tried this in the past and it works pretty well.

3) My least favorite: plan to iron while onboard. It's against the rules to iron in your stateroom, but you can use the ship's irons in the laundry rooms. (On one cruise, I packed a travel iron but vaguely remember that the plug in the laundry room wasn't compatible with the plug on my iron ... not sure what the situation is now; this was four years ago.) I do pack a mostly-empty can of spray starch just in case I have to do this. Note that the ironing areas can get pretty crowded before dinners.

4) Ask your stateroom host(ess) to take your best items and have them ironed. There is a charge for this, dependent of course on how many items you need ironed. If this isn't too expensive, I may try it so that I don't have to do #3 when I'd rather enjoy the many activities on the ship!!

 

[Susan Prescott]

Hi Mary, Sarah absolutely loves the clubs. On our first cruise, I had a hard time getting her to leave. She always loves to make new friends.

Sue

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone!
I was thinking it would be a lot of fun if we all wore lime green ribbons to the port, so that we can look for each other early on. We have done this our past 2 cruises and it was fun for the kids to look for DISers and introduce themselves while we all waited in line. Anyone interested? If so, send me an email to keenercam@aol.com. Just give me your address and tell me how many you need. I have tiny little safety pins and will tie the ribbon and stick them in the mail this week.
Have a great day, everyone!

 

[dznyacct]

Hi Cam ~ I just sent you my mailing info. Thanks for the nice offer!

 

[MaryPSU]

Hi everyone ... here is a tip that might help some of you - depends on your habits. If you're like me, when you wake up in the middle of the night you like to open your eyes and immediately see what time it is.

The staterooms are very dark, and the clocks in them aren't illuminated. We have several travel alarm clocks, but they require a button or something to be pushed to see the time in the dark.

I have a small alarm clock in my bedroom at home that I pack for cruises. It has illuminated numbers so I can immediately see the time during the night, and it's not very big so won't take up much room in my luggage.

Of course, while on vacation we should all sleep late and not care what time it is ... but sometimes it feels great to know that I still have several hours to sleep!!!

 

[JOANNEL]

I hope you don't think I am ease(sp?) dropping. But we will be getting on the Magic as you are departing. We cruised two years ago with Cam & Howard. We have kept in touch over the two years. Too bad we couldn't hook up again. Maybe in two more years. They are great folks and you will have a blast. I wish they still had the piano bar so we could hear Sweet Caroline again!!!!! Have a Konk Kooler for me and I will do the same the following week. Happy belated Howard... I rememner being in Key West for yours and Cozmel for mine. Boy time sure does fly. Scott is going to FSU in the fall so we are a little busy getting him ready.


You guys have a great thread going. Got some good tips forgot about the night light.


Happy sailing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Joanne

 

[NeedsNEscape]

Cam,

Thanks so much. I was wondering what to do about the ribbons. I can't believe that you have time to do this! I'll send you my address right away.

I have all the materials for door decorations and I have assigned DS15 to make them, but he may not be up to the task. So much for delegating...

Mary, I found some great nite lights at the Target (small and compact) and I also found an over the door shoe holder there, too. Thanks for the tips.

There is still so much to do!
Jeanne

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! Wow!! How great to hear from Joanne -- hey, sweetie! We miss you and Roger and the boys. The cruise won't be the same without you, but as you can see, we have a great bunch here! Hard to believe it has been two years -- we made so many great friends on that trip and joined DVC!! How much better could it get?

Well, I have been racking my sleep-deprived, cough-addled, sneezing disturbed brain for a tip of the day today and remembered something I added to my list -- hope I am not being repetitive! We are bringing clothes pins -- there is a clothesline in the tub, but it is nice to hang the swimsuits, rather than laying them over the line. We are also bringing post-it notes so we can "check in with each other"-- and also a magnetic-backed memo pad so our friends can leave us notes on our door-- -- this worked great for leaving notes on our door for our cabin steward, too, who was a sweetheart and often left us notes, too!