July 2, 2005 - WE ARE THERE!!!

[LegalBriefs]

I forgot to add... about the pirate stuff... where do you find these things? The kids have stuff from halloween costumes, but having a tough time coming up with stuff for us adults.

From what I am told your best bets are Party Supply Stores or Costume Shops.... or, if you go to DL or WDW go to the shops outside Pirates of the Carribean...!

 

[jgiants21]

Our Group has once again grown - We are now 117 strong :thewave:

Wecome to meskamooska, dopeymama, vetswithpets - and familys
Also a big hi to Chysal, thanks for posting...

You may all notice the cruise lists that I post each weekend, so provide me with all info and I will add it to the list.

For our new member, Cruise Meet is Sat @ 3 - Deck 10 above Pin Pizza - LIME GREEN IS THE THEME _ we know you can all do it, if I could.
"4th of July Party" in Ron & Dave (Roy Disney Suite) @ 1:15 - Bring the drink of your choice - (RED WHITE & BLUE are the colors for the day)

As Fran we kindly remind you, Last one to recieve DOCS buy the drinks..
With the size of this group - it may not even be water should I WIN!!

Tisza, I am very interested in knowing more about cheap pirate outfits, please post.

 

[vetswithpets]

WOW! That is my neck of the woods. We are in Mokelumne Hill. My dd12 played softball down there this last spring. I'm sure we will end up knowing some of the same people. My dd14 will start CHS in July. Will Crystal be going there too? Looking forward to meeting you!

Darcy

We work in Modesto So Crystal Goes There to school, But she is looking forward to meeting people close by.

 

[vetswithpets]

Our Group has once again grown - We are now 117 strong :thewave:

Wecome to meskamooska, dopeymama, vetswithpets - and familys
Also a big hi to Chysal, thanks for posting...

You may all notice the cruise lists that I post each weekend, so provide me with all info and I will add it to the list.

For our new member, Cruise Meet is Sat @ 3 - Deck 10 above Pin Pizza - LIME GREEN IS THE THEME _ we know you can all do it, if I could.
"4th of July Party" in Ron & Dave (Roy Disney Suite) @ 1:15 - Bring the drink of your choice - (RED WHITE & BLUE are the colors for the day)

As Fran we kindly remind you, Last one to recieve DOCS buy the drinks..
With the size of this group - it may not even be water should I WIN!!

Tisza, I am very interested in knowing more about cheap pirate outfits, please post.

We have early seating dinner
Palo booked Monday night
We couldn't book the brunch for palo
As far as excursions our dd13 is booked for the teen cruise

 

[AnnaS]

Wow - I have two minutes this morning to check-in before walking (and running errands) -

I want to give a big welcome to Vetswithpets, Dopeymama, Meskamooska and of course Crystal.

 

[XLT800]

I wake up to 2 pages with 3 new families. Jim, keeping up is becoming a fulltime job.

Welcome to vetswithpets, dopeymama and meskamooska.

Why will I wear lime green and not red/white and blue???????? All I know is that I thought our shopping was done and now you have Fran's wheels turning , She is thinking that she needs to to the mall before all the red/ white and blue shirts sell out. Mean while I am thinking that might mean less Crown Royal.

As for the party....we will be there. Trying to get some asti but having trouble finding it.

Dave

 

[needalatte]

From what I am told your best bets are Party Supply Stores or Costume Shops.... or, if you go to DL or WDW go to the shops outside Pirates of the Carribean...!

Vanvmom-Don't waste your time at Party America. We were there over the weekend and they had nothing piratey except a spongy rubber hat that wouldn't fit any of your kids. Try on-line and if you find anything, let me know.

 

[needalatte]

Hi Everyone,
I've been reading the DIS boards for a month now, and finally decided to jump into the action. My husband, Todd, and I are traveling with my 2 DSs, almost 5 and 2. It's so great to talk with people beforehand. My DH thinks I'm a little obsessive about looking online, but I love getting all the details before we go.
Emily

Welcome dopeymama! You are right at home--I'm sure more than one DH out there (and I speak from personal experience) wrongly thinks that some of us are "a little obsessive," but let me just say "So what?" It's going to be a great cruise and I am thrilled that I will know so many people before even getting on board. You just keep right on obsessing--you're among friends.

 

[wdw1014]

I just got a visit from the big brown truck, and guess what? I got the doc's.
Gotta go run errands.
Angie

 

[tchrmom]

To all the new families..........We're glad you're here!!!!!

CONGRATS to wdw1014!

Jim.....this ain't looking too good for you, hon!
Maybe you could sell a kidney or a child, or something like that?????????

Glad to see more 10 year 0ld DD's on this trip. Kelly will be looking for them. Now we just have to find a buddy for DS 13 (Steven).

XLT......you can rest easy. I think we already have red, white or blue shirts. Now white shorts and tan colored sandle -type heels, we don't have. I will check on that while Kelly goes to gym today.

Ran errands this morning. Time to get some lunch.

Fran

 

[Meskamooska]

Hi All,

In response to requests, here are the directions for how to fashion an easy and somewhat authentic looking pirate costume for either guys or gals. If anything is unclear, please let me know and I will try to walk you through it.

Well, when I was trying to come up with Pirate/Ren Fair costumes on the cheap (I am an actress and therefore almost always broke , I headed to my nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army type store. You can find alot of bits and pieces that will become your costume (with minimal effort) there.

For men, you will need 1 pair of pants, a piece of elastic about 1/2 inch wide and long enough to go loosely around the leg below the knee (add about 4 inches just to be sure), a wide belt or length of rope to use as a belt, a vest, a blousy shirt and some sort of head scarf. Shoes can be sandals, boots, moccisans, whatever he is comfy with, and some gold or silver shower curtain rings (plastic or metal) for earrings.

Be sure to look for a pair of pants in some natural machine washable fabric, stains and rips are fine here. Color is reasonably unimportant as you can always dye them darker if you can't find anything just the right shade. Do try to find something other than bluejeans because they are generally a distinctive cut and dont translate as well. Cordroy works really well. Buy them a few sizes larger than the person that will be wearing them so that you will have enough room in the leg to make either a balloon style knicker or just a nice roomy pantleg.

If you are handy with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine, you can easily transform a pair of modern day trousers into something Jack Sparrow or Captain Bly would be proud to own.

(This is the some sewing required version)

First, have the intended wearer put on the pants inside out, and cinch them in with a leather belt (wider is better but a length of rope or an old neutral colored mens tie works great). It may be a bit tough to get them really fitted right at the waist but don't worry about that at this stage, just make sure that the waistband is at the wearers waist.

Next take either some tailors chalk (if you have it) or a marker pen if you don't and feel down the leg of the wearer to find where their knee is (bending their leg can help if you are having trouble finding the right spot). make a line around one pantleg about 6 to 8 inches below the bottem of their knee. Remember, you can always make pants shorter, making them longer can be a bit of a chore, so if you are in doubt cut longer than you think you need.

Next have the wearer take the pants off and then lay them down with the legs folded together (like you would do if you were hanging them up or putting them away) and pull out your scissors (this is the scary part if you don't do alot of sewing, but remember, the more homedone/homespun the finished product the better the look) and cut along the line that you marked on the pantlegs. You should be able to cut both pantlegs at the same time using the one mark you made as your guide. Don't worry if they are not exactlly the same length you can even them up (or not as you wish) with the next step.

Now, if you want to eliminate any sewing at all you can just make choppy zig zag cuts to the edge of the fabric and call it a day. It the pant legs are big enough to start, they will look suitably ragged. If you want a more finished look, take your needle and thread or sewing machine and, with the pants still inside out, turn up the cuff about 1.5 inches or so and sew a straight circle all the way around the pantleg leaving about a 1 inch section un-sewn.

Alternatively, you can use a product you can get at most fabric stores or places like JoAnns Etc. stores call "Stitch Witchery" or any iron on hem tape (if you can't find it ask them and they will direct you to the product). Follow directions for its use (it is super easy) and leave the opening as above.

Now, cut the elastic in half, take a safety pin and put the safety pin through one end of the elastic (to make threading it through the opening in the pocket you created easier) and thread the elastic through the pocket. To keep the loose end from sliding inside the pocket, safety pin it (with another pin) to the fabric of the pants a the enterance of the hole.

When you have threaded the elastic all the way around the hem you can either tie the two ends of the elastic together, sew them together or use the safety pin and pin them together. Repeat the process for the other leg.

If you don't want to do any sewing at all, you can always just cut the machine hem off the bottom of the pantleg and then take either strips of material or thin rope and tie it under the knee of the wearer and then wrap it down the lower leg to the ankle in an x pattern and tie it at the ankle. Again, if the pants are roomy enough to start (bigger is way better) this will look great and be really easy.

For the shirt go looking in the womans section of the store, again bigger is way better. Cotton is best and white is preferred but colors are fine as long as they aren't neon and don't have big splashy flowers on them.

You are looking for a long sleeved peasant type shirt. You may be able to find one that fits and works without any sewing at all. Big sleeves are best and if the shirt happens to have cuffs you can just cut them off at about the middle of the lower arm and you are good to go.

To add to the "authentic" look, you can cut down from the front of the color to about mid breast and then take a black shoelace or leather thong and lace and use that to sew up the hole with big x type stitches.

Just poke holes in the fabric along the sides of the cut and lace it up like a shoe. Don't worry if it is not perfect, again rougher is better.

If you are up for a bit of sewing, or don't find anything that will work, head over to the section where they have old sheets and buy the biggest, cheapest one you can find. Again, pure cotton is best.

Take the sheet and fold it in half width wise and then in half length wise (you should end up with a big rectangle with a fold at the top and one at one side, and lay it down on your floor or a table if you have one big enough, take one of his largest roomiest t-shirts, fold it in half right down the center, from collar to hem and lay it down centered on top of the folded fabric to use as a kind of pattern guide. Put the shoulder of the t-shirt at the top fold of the fabric and then mark where the neck opening is on the sheet and where the bottom of the sleeve (the armpit) is as well.

Now take the t-shirt off the sheet and measure about 4 inches below where you marked the armpit and draw a straight line from there to the edge of the sheet.

Next go about 3 or 4 inches from the armpit mark and draw a line down to the bottom of the sheet. You should end up with something that looks like an upside down "L".

Now, before you cut anything, take a fabric tape measure (or even a piece of string if you don't have a tape measure) and measure around the thickest part of his arm and chest. Now measure the marks (remember that he sheet is doubled so if you are 7 inches down from the top fold to the arm pit mark that is 14 inches around) Make sure that there is at least 2 inches more room in the armpit (or widest part of his arm) than you think you need.

Do the same with the chest (or whatever is the biggest part). Now, once you are sure that things are roomy enough, add 1 more inch to both measurements and then cut.

Now go back to where the neck is marked and cut the neck out following the mark that you made with the t-shirt as your guide. Don't try to make this entire hole big enough to fit around his head, just make sure that it will fit his neck comfortably (1 - 2 inches larger than his neck diameter is good).

Now either sew, glue or use the hem tape to close the seams under the arms and down each side.

You should end up with a big "T" shape. Next, call him over and drop the shirt over his head then CAREFULLY so you don't hurt him, cut a slit down the front of the shirt just deep enough so that the shirt will go over his head.

Don't worry if the sleeves are too short or too long and the same goes with the bottom of the shirt. Longer is better, again. Now lace up the slit you put in the front of the shirt and take either a length of rope, a fabric sash or another belt and blouse the shirt at the waist.

Either cut the sleeves off ragged above the wrist or follow the same procedure you used to put the elastic in the hem of the pants to make cuffs. You can use either elastic or a couple of strips of left over sheet material to make ties if you wish. Make sure that if you use the elastic at the sleeve, you allow it to be loose enough so that the sleeve can be pushed up to the middle of the fore arm or even to the elbow in comfort.

For the another no-sew style, buy a really oversized mens dress shirt. Cut off the buttons, the collar (raggged is ok) and the cuffs. Then lace up the entire front using the button holes and the marks in the material where the buttons were as a guide for where to put the holes and you are good to go.

A vest can be found pretty easy but is not manditory. If you do want to use a vest be sure to find one that fits or comes pretty close. If it fits just button it up over the shirt and you are good to go. If it is a bit snug. Pull off the buttons and lace the front. You can also slit up the sides to about 3 inches below the armpit and lace up there as well. Leave the lace ends dangling (it looks really good).

To make the head scarf take a cheap bandana and a shower curtain ring. Fold the bandana in half to make it a triangle and then sew the curtain ring about the middle of the folded edge (to make an earring. Tie the bandana around the head with the knot over the opposite ear and the "earring" where the ear is and you are good to go.

For girls, most of what you want can be found ready made. Again, the thrift store is your friend. You will want a blousy peasant type shirt (long or short sleeves for us) and one or two peasant type circle skirts. Two is better. A vest, head scarf and jewelry complete the look. You can either find striped tights (as at a dance supply store) or go barelegged. Sandals, boots, whatever you want for the foot gear. And of course a wide belt (wider is better).

If you can't find a shirt ready made, follow the above pattern for the mens shirt but don't cut the front slit quite as far down. The top of the cleavage point is good and then lace it up.

Take the skirts and layer them one on top of the other (it looks best if you can find one that is a solid color and one that is a print). Length here is up to you. Short (above the knee) medium (knee length) or ankle length all will look great. You can either cut the top skirt into triangular points from the hem up about 6 inches, tie knots in it at about four or five places along the hem (evenly spaced) or just grab a hunk of the skirt about one third of the way down the middle near the front center, and pull it up to the top waist band and tuck it around your belt. Add a sash, vest as described above and you are good to go.

Use the same styles for kids.

I hope that these directions were clear enough. If you have problems, let me know and I will try to walk you through it.

Remember, that Pirates were working seamen (and women) so their clothes looked like it. Ragged seams, uneven hems, holes, tears and stains all add to the effect.

One more thing, if the costume looks too "new" you can always "tea dye" the whole lot. Get a big box (100 or so) of really cheap black tea bags (check your local dollar type store for these), make a big pot of boiling water and dump the whole lot of teabags in when it boils.

Shut off the water and leave the teabags them soak until the water cools to room temprature or cooler. When the water is cool, Squeeze the teabags out with your hands and remove them from the water. Now head for a big plastic bucket (those foam icechests that you can find for a couple of bucks work well) or your bathtub, put in the plug (if using the bathtub.

Dump in the clothes to be dyed and pour the tea over the whole lot. if there is not enough liquid to cover add some warm water just till everything is wet. Smaller containers make this job easier, so if you can use the ice chest.

Leave the whole lot to soak for as long as you can or until the color is deep enough for your liking (overnight is best). The last thing you are going to do is "set" the color. Take about 1 cup of table salt and dissolve it in a couple cups of hot water and pour this into the mix when you are at the color intensity you want. The salt will stop the dying action and set the color.

Next, dump the whole lot into the dryer to further set the color and then wash (no bleach, oxyclean or anything like that) add just a touch of soap and some fabric softener and send them through the normal cycle and dry again.

Streaks of color, unevenness, blotches and the like are good.

Good luck with your costume building ,

I will look forward to seeing your results on the Ship!

Take care,

Tisza

 

[AOPI57]

Welcome vetswithpets, meskamooska, dopeymama, and Crystal.

Finally convinced DH to wear lime green- still working on the rest of the family. We received our docs for the 2nd cabin on Friday.

 

[Zebramom]

To Angie and Wendy for getting those long awaited documents. Hopefully ours can't be too far behind.

Vickie

 

[Zebramom]

To Meskamooska,

The detailed costume directions are fabulous. My daughter will start her costume tomorrow. We will have to meet so you can see the finished project. Thanks for the help.

Vickie

 

[AmyJ of Ca]

Tisza, Thanks for the info...You are very talented if you can do all of that..I was thinking about folding up a newspaper for a hat like I saw on Blues Clues but if I had an ounce of creativity I'd attempt your pirate attire!!
Good luck to all that go for it!! Amy

 

[Meskamooska]

Hi All,

I am glad to hear that the instructions made sense. It is so hard to write it out without pictures to go along with the instructions.

I know this is probably the wrong place to put this, but does anyone know what time they are having us disembark? I am trying to schedule a shuttle pickup and don't want them too come to early or too late.

If anyone hears any scuttle, please clue me in!

Thanks,

Tisza

 

[longfamily]

A Great Big Welcome to all the new families.
I miss a day and it feels like a week.
Those instructions for the pirate costumes are phenominal. I wish I had the talent and time. The tank top/ skirts are definitely in style. I will be wearing that combination along with the teens. I'm ready for the red, white and blue. No need to hide DH from Jim and Dave now. Count us in for the Roy Disney Suite. I'm ready for some wine. I wasn't able to book brunch either. I'm definitely calling tomorrow.

I'm counting the days.

 

[jgiants21]

Dave, I need a vacation from just keeping up the list Sorry about bringing up the reason for your wife to go to the mall. I know how that is - and you do need to keep room for that CROWN

Fran, Put a For Sale sign on my son today, you know I need that extra coin to pay for your drink , but I could not give him away. Please send me more suggestion as to earning money for the cruise - I could always be your butler on the ship!

Tisza, you are so talented - just reading how to make those costumes made me tired - - well it might be fun to give it a try if time allows.

Congrats on recieving the docs - still waiting to do our dance!


Jim

 

[Vanvmom]

I talked to our TA today. According to Disney the docs are on their way... sounds a bit like the "check's in the mail" to me but I won't worry yet. A friend of mine leaves the week before us and doesn't have her docs yet either. TA is getting concerned! So is my DH... he doesn't want to have to buy drinks Where do these things come from, anyway... does anyone know?

Thanks for the costuming tips. If time allows I'll take a trip to the thift store (I don't even own a sewing machine).

 

[Judalyne]

Here's a question from a newbie to the more experienced Disney Cruisers: How long are the shows each night?

Thanks