July 5th Dream

[stitchy626]

I posted a long time ago on this thread, but have not kept up because I just wasn't sure what all was happening here in my life!

Originally, we were bringing a friend for each of my daughters (celebrating 16th and 21st birthdays), then the friend for my eldest didn't think she could make it, but finally decided she was not coming. Ok, eldest daughter is sad, but understands. The path you think your life is taking changes over a two year span, especially if you are making future decisions while in high school not knowing the commitments of college.

Then my mom, who has Alzheimer's disease, moved in with us. That was fun! I booked a cabin for her, because we can't leave her home alone, as I am her caregiver. Last month, my mom decided there is no way she is going with us. Good thing I hadn't made final payment on her cabin yet!

I am now looking for a caregiver for her while we are gone, and am back to two cabins, traveling with my DH, DD 16, DD 20, and DD 16's best friend. I will not cancel this trip that my daughters have been looking forward to taking for the last 4 years!

Then yesterday I receive a call that a concierge cabin we had waitlisted for was available. Oh boy! Might be changing these plans again. But then I received the price, and oh my it was not the price it was when booking first opened up and I was thinking about that cabin! Spending about $6,000 more is just not something I am interested in at this time. That was an easy decision!

So now I think I am ready to come back and perhaps meet some people that will be on my family's cruise. I will not allow any more changes to my plans!

I see that many of you have plans in place already for your time before the cruise, so I will chime in too!

We are actually traveling with our dog and first spending a few days in Cape San Blas, FL. The girls wished to vacation with their dog at least once, so we thought why not now? Pet friendly beach, pet friendly condo, hopefully pet friendly drive down from northern IL!

We are then going to AKV - Kidani, and boarding our dog in the Disney Kennel. We arrive on July 2nd. Not sure where we are going for the fireworks, but I do know we will be visiting our dog during the day before we finally head out for the cruise. I will miss my puppy, but at least we will only be gone from her for 5 days instead of 12!

I think I would like to be a part of the fish extender exchange, but I have no clue how it all works. Is this something that would be good to do with three older girls? Does it take up much time? I suppose I should go read the thread on the fish extenders to find out!

So there you have it, the luvavacation family is paid and ready to go! And if anyone wants to stay behind and live with my mom for two weeks, give me a call! My backyard pool is bigger than the ship's adult pool from what I see!

I'm glad you are back and ready to cruise. I remember that I thought you had a great attitude when reading your posts and you were someone I could see myself hanging with. I recall something about about our mutual attraction to brittish accents.

Here is the link to the FE group, we'd love to have you guys join in. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2457604


This will be our first so I'm not exactly sure about how much time it takes. I think that is all up to you. It can be as involved or as simple as you want it to be and is fun for the whole family.

My dd will turn 17 on board in loves to meet new people so I'm sure she will meet up with your dd and her friend in the Vibe. She plans on spending a lot of time there. Me, I'm pretty shy but I am hoping to meet new people too. I'll be spending my time with a book somewhere where it's not swealtering or at the tequilla/margarita tasting. That might make me come out of my shell

 

[ejw]

welcome back!

just let me know if you decide to be a part of the FE exchange and I'll add yo to the list on the FE thread. there is tons of info about it on these disboards. it's fun for all ages. let me know if you have any questions.

ellen

 

[Dylcal]

I'm glad you are back and ready to cruise. I remember that I thought you had a great attitude when reading your posts and you were someone I could see myself hanging with. I recall something about about our mutual attraction to brittish accents.

Here is the link to the FE group, we'd love to have you guys join in. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2457604


This will be our first so I'm not exactly sure about how much time it takes. I think that is all up to you. It can be as involved or as simple as you want it to be and is fun for the whole family.

My dd will turn 17 on board in loves to meet new people so I'm sure she will meet up with your dd and her friend in the Vibe. She plans on spending a lot of time there. Me, I'm pretty shy but I am hoping to meet new people too. I'll be spending my time with a book somewhere where it's not swealtering or at the tequilla/margarita tasting. That might make me come out of my shell

Glad you are back on board! Sorry to hear about your life's issues! I understand about things changing in a few years. My Dad will be having open heart surgery in May and my sister and I will be doing the caretaking duties. I only hope he is back on his feet prior to us leaving.

I will also be interested in talking about what you think of the Kennels as my dog will be staying with my sister while we are gone. I thought about it but my dog does enjoy playing with my sister's dog and also being close to my nephew's cat so this is probably a better solution for her. But I miss her terribly when I am away!

It will be great to meet you two! I should be easy to find as I too will be on deck reading a book probably with a Mai Tai in front of me! And probably next to you at the Tequila tasting!

By the way, my son will be 17 as well and spending time at the Vibe. He will be glad to know that there will be so many girls his age on board!

Sheryl

 

[luvavacation]

Ok Stitchy626, you will be my English-accent-hunting companion! When we find some good accents, we can nonchalantly stop and pretend to "talk" to each other as we actually just listen. If the accent goes with a really hot guy, I may drool. I will appreciate it if you join me.

My daughters and their friend are really looking forward to this vacation. My youngest is not allowed to date until she is 16, and lo and behold, she turns 16 just before we leave for the cruise. Neither of my daughters have ever liked being in the kids/teen clubs before, but this time I think my youngest will be having the time of her life since she is bringing along her girlfriend. Dad will probably be parked on the lookout over the teen hang-out, making sure all is good!

My 20 year old daughter will most likely be hanging with mom and dad. She is in Disney on a 6 month internship and will be arriving home 3 days before we leave for the trip, so family time is all she is thinking about. Unless of course someone here has a son or daughter of a similar age that is looking for something to do on board. They are at a weird age - too old for the teen clubs, too young for the adult clubs.

I am nervous about putting our dog in a kennel. She will be 18 months when we go, and she is a shy German Shepherd! So unlike any Shepherd I have ever owned before, but we saved her and she loves us. She is very attached to me, and we thought it would be best to bring her with us at least for part of the trip, and then put her in the kennel for the rest. If we visit her while we are at Animal Kingdom Villa, maybe it will be an easier adjustment for her (and us!). I figure for the price we are paying, she better be getting lots of attention, right?

The search is on now for someone to stay with my mom. I keep thinking that it would have been nice for her to come with us, but then I think about how much of my time would be spent taking care of her, and then my selfishness kicks in and says that I want a vacation with my husband and daughters, and I don't want to take care of anyone! I am struggling with that selfishness, but apparently not so much that I stay home!

On to other matters - I WANT A CABANA! They look so neat, and I like where they are placed on the beach, but of course there won't be any available and my husband would kill me if he knew the price, but darn it I like to be pampered when on vacation! I haven't even checked to see if they are available, because I can't justify the cause, but oh gosh it would be nice to have someone else take care of me while I am on the beach!

What are everyone's plans on Nassau? We haven't booked any excursions, the girls want to do some shopping, my eldest would like to buy her first drink at one of the bars (18 being legal there, I believe), perhaps we will go to Ardastra Gardens or the Pirate Museum, I don't know.

We have done Blue Lagoon before, if anyone has that booked, and it is a really nice island. We liked walking around, and at the time they had a stringray swim, but I don't believe they do anymore. With the girls wanting to go shopping, we didn't book that this time, but if anyone plans on doing it, you will probably enjoy it.

Oh my gosh, I just realized how late it is! I have to go make dinner now. Sooo looking forward to a few months from now when someone else will be making my dinner!

 

[♥sassy♥tink♥]

100 days!!

 

[stitchy626]

Ok Stitchy626, you will be my English-accent-hunting companion! When we find some good accents, we can nonchalantly stop and pretend to "talk" to each other as we actually just listen. If the accent goes with a really hot guy, I may drool. I will appreciate it if you join me. You're on! I like the way you think

My daughters and their friend are really looking forward to this vacation. My youngest is not allowed to date until she is 16, and lo and behold, she turns 16 just before we leave for the cruise. Neither of my daughters have ever liked being in the kids/teen clubs before, but this time I think my youngest will be having the time of her life since she is bringing along her girlfriend.have the girls check out the teen thread. It's been quiet for a while but will pick up as it gets closer. My dd has made a couple of "friends" already. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2343476 Dad will probably be parked on the lookout over the teen hang-out, making sure all is good! I love it!!

My 20 year old daughter will most likely be hanging with mom and dad. She is in Disney on a 6 month internship and will be arriving home 3 days before we leave for the trip, so family time is all she is thinking about. My DD would love to pick her brain. She has been talking about being a part of the program for years then the boyfriend came along and now she's not sure even though she's over a year away from anything----ahh young love maybe your dd could help her see the light Unless of course someone here has a son or daughter of a similar age that is looking for something to do on board. They are at a weird age - too old for the teen clubs, too young for the adult clubs.

What are everyone's plans on Nassau? Shopping and swimming with the dolphins are our only must do'sWe haven't booked any excursions, the girls want to do some shopping, my eldest would like to buy her first drink at one of the bars (18 being legal there, I believe), perhaps we will go to Ardastra Gardens or the Pirate Museum, I don't know.

We have done Blue Lagoon before, if anyone has that booked, and it is a really nice island. We liked walking around, and at the time they had a stringray swim, but I don't believe they do anymore. With the girls wanting to go shopping, we didn't book that this time, but if anyone plans on doing it, you will probably enjoy it.Thanks-This is our first choice with Atlantis being the second

It's time for me to get off these boards and get my butt on the treadmill so I won't be out of breath when I'm chasing those brits around the boat

 

[stitchy626]

It will be great to meet you two! I should be easy to find as I too will be on deck reading a book probably with a Mai Tai in front of me! And probably next to you at the Tequila tasting! Sounds like a plan

Sheryl

I'm hoping the tasting is done on a sea day so If I get carried away I can pass out errr I mean rest my eyes on a lounger on deck

 

[stitchy626]

100 days!!

This is so exciting.

 

[luvavacation]

Dylcal - sorry I missed it originally, but I know how anxiety ridden the prospect of open heart surgery is not just for the patient, but for the loved ones. In 2008, we had planned a June family cruise on the Wonder, taking my parents that hadn't been on a boat since they escaped Communism in the '50's. End of March that year, my dad had a heart attack and was facing open heart surgery. We were told that if he went with the surgery, he would need about 6 weeks of recovery, and would then be able to go on the trip. Hopefully, it will be the same for your dad, and he will be all recovered before you leave!

Stitchy626 (or anyone) - my daughter just LOVES her Disney internship! If you daughter wants to talk to her, I know mine would be thrilled to share her experience. The internship at Disney is very different from the college program, in that she is actually working in her college major, whereas in the college program, it is more like working whereever they put you (rides, concessions, etc.). Perhaps we shall hold a question-and-answer session at 12:30 pm in the main lobby on our sea day - $10 per person please, gotta build up her college fund! I am sure Disney would be fine with that.

92 more days for us! I count down from the moment I leave my house - not that I am excited or anything!

 

[Princess Bette]

luvavacation and stitchy626 - you two are cracking me up!!! I want in on the fun too!! Although, my DH wouldn't take too kindly to me chasing men on the ship - but I can watch! I don't drink tequila (had a bad experience years ago!), but I am interested in the martini tasting or maybe the wine or maybe even the beer (but I detest dark beers!). I think resting in a lounger afterwards is the perfect idea! As far as the cabanas go - YES!!!! I so want one too, but I know my DH would stroke if he knew the price! I was hoping to book one before we boarded, but I think only conceriege can do that - oh, well, there will be plenty of other things to keep me busy! After all I have a DS that is 7!! As you can tell, I am just excited about this cruise as he is, if not more! I just wish it was about 10-12 longs instead of 5! Have a good week everyone!

Bette

 

[luvavacation]

Oh no Princess Bette, there will be no "chasing" per se, just some nonchalant walking around, with occasional stops to take in the scenery and pleasant sounds around the Dream. If I happen to trip and bump into a handsome Englishman, well that can't be helped. Disney will just have to be more diligent in nailing down those wooden floor boards so I don't trip, right?

The cabanas - hey I would be happy to split the cost on one! Though we have 5 people, I think the limit is 7? And they probably aren't available anyway. Whatever, I should save my money, as I plan on buying a Disney Dooney and Burke purse on board. I have never spent more than $30 dollars on a purse (don't care about name brands) but I really do like the designs on those purses! Once I get onboard though, and see if I can actually use the purse in real life, that will be my deciding factor. Some of the Dooney purses I have seen at Marshall's are so stiff and just not practical for my daily life. I won't buy any purses if I just don't see myself ever using it (at least this is what I am telling myself now).

Well ok, maybe I will buy myself the wallet if I don't feel the purses are usable. After all, I could always use a new wallet! And a new t-shirt, and tank top, and towel, perhaps a new mug, definitely new magnets and ornament, oh the list goes on! Funny, I go on other cruise lines and spend hardly anything in the gift shops, but I get on DCL, and to the gift shops my credit card goes! My DH believes that I have been brainwashed by Disney.

Hey, at least I am not asking to go on a Crystal Cruise, right? Don't tell him though, but it is on my list for when we win the big lottery - I suppose I should play the lottery first, ugh detail,s details. Although if Disney prices keep going the way they are, soon we will be paying Crystal Cruise prices to get our Disney Cruise fix!

And in 3 months, I will be packing the van, hoping everything fits! Woohoo!

 

[Dylcal]

Dylcal - sorry I missed it originally, but I know how anxiety ridden the prospect of open heart surgery is not just for the patient, but for the loved ones. In 2008, we had planned a June family cruise on the Wonder, taking my parents that hadn't been on a boat since they escaped Communism in the '50's. End of March that year, my dad had a heart attack and was facing open heart surgery. We were told that if he went with the surgery, he would need about 6 weeks of recovery, and would then be able to go on the trip. Hopefully, it will be the same for your dad, and he will be all recovered before you leave!

:

Thanks for the kind words. I am sure it will be fine.

I agree on the cabanas but I decided to splurge on a cabana massage and and then a facial in the spa on the sea day! The cabana would be lost on my son who will be hanging out with the teens so I am pampering myself! After all I have to get in shape to chase the brits! I am single!

 

[stitchy626]

Thanks for the kind words. I am sure it will be fine.

I agree on the cabanas but I decided to splurge on a cabana massage and and then a facial in the spa on the sea day! The cabana would be lost on my son who will be hanging out with the teens so I am pampering myself! After all I have to get in shape to chase the brits! I am single!

luvavacation and stitchy626 - you two are cracking me up!!! I want in on the fun too!! Although, my DH wouldn't take too kindly to me chasing men on the ship - but I can watch! I don't drink tequila (had a bad experience years ago!), but I am interested in the martini tasting or maybe the wine or maybe even the beer (but I detest dark beers!). I think resting in a lounger afterwards is the perfect idea! As far as the cabanas go - YES!!!! I so want one too, but I know my DH would stroke if he knew the price! I was hoping to book one before we boarded, but I think only conceriege can do that - oh, well, there will be plenty of other things to keep me busy! After all I have a DS that is 7!! As you can tell, I am just excited about this cruise as he is, if not more! I just wish it was about 10-12 longs instead of 5! Have a good week everyone!

Bette

Ok Dylcal I think I have a plan.....luv and princess bette will be our wingwomen while we stalk errr I mean causally bump into some Brits.

I'd love a cabana too but I'm with you Dylcal it would be a waste on me alone. My DD would maybe pop in and out but not enough to justify the $$$. Plus if I had one on the first day I'd be spoiled and want one on the second as well. So instead, I'm planning on indulging with the Mother/Daughter massage and maybe a pedicure. I do love facials though. Yes, I am the single mom who feels completely guilty any time I do anything for myself so it will most likely be only the massage. And the tequila of course or even the martini's. Can't feel guilty about that since she's under age

 

[Dylcal]

Ok Dylcal I think I have a plan.....luv and princess bette will be our wingwomen while we stalk errr I mean causally bump into some Brits.

I'd love a cabana too but I'm with you Dylcal it would be a waste on me alone. My DD would maybe pop in and out but not enough to justify the $$$. Plus if I had one on the first day I'd be spoiled and want one on the second as well. So instead, I'm planning on indulging with the Mother/Daughter massage and maybe a pedicure. I do love facials though. Yes, I am the single mom who feels completely guilty any time I do anything for myself so it will most likely be only the massage. And the tequila of course or even the martini's. Can't feel guilty about that since she's under age

I love the way you think! Great Plan.

 

[luvavacation]

There's a Mother/Daughter massage? Oh I want to know about this - ages and when and price and such. Off to check out the spa page!

I never actually look at the spa page, because whenever I think how nice it would be to have a massage after days of go-go-go on the ship, my husband always tells me that he can give me a much better massage and it is free. He believes massages are a waste of money when his strong hands are right there and available. Problem is, after a massage I just want to relax and feel all smooshy. DH however is not all relaxed and smooshy, and does not understand that I am not needing him to "complete the physical interaction". I can't even get a pedicure because same thing applies.

Hence, I don't get massages or pedicures because there are strings attached! Although I am happy my husband still gets turned on by my fat butt, if only he understood that feeling smooshy is satisfaction enough!

Drinks - I am a Mojito and Mudslide girl myself! Or actually any froo-froo drink of the day works too. I hardly ever drink at home, but when I go on a cruise, I do like to have a drink a day! Maybe I shall try the Margarita tasting - I have never had one, might be fun to do. Always wondered what a Chocolate Margarita was like!

 

[stitchy626]

There's a Mother/Daughter massage? Oh I want to know about this - ages and when and price and such. Off to check out the spa page!

I never actually look at the spa page, because whenever I think how nice it would be to have a massage after days of go-go-go on the ship, my husband always tells me that he can give me a much better massage and it is free. He believes massages are a waste of money when his strong hands are right there and available. Problem is, after a massage I just want to relax and feel all smooshy. DH however is not all relaxed and smooshy, and does not understand that I am not needing him to "complete the physical interaction". I can't even get a pedicure because same thing applies.

Hence, I don't get massages or pedicures because there are strings attached! Although I am happy my husband still gets turned on by my fat butt, if only he understood that feeling smooshy is satisfaction enough!

Drinks - I am a Mojito and Mudslide girl myself! Or actually any froo-froo drink of the day works too. I hardly ever drink at home, but when I go on a cruise, I do like to have a drink a day! Maybe I shall try the Margarita tasting - I have never had one, might be fun to do. Always wondered what a Chocolate Margarita was like!

Check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbOawMkJydU
go to 1:08 and you will see the menu and you can only book chill spa on board. The massage actually seems pretty reasonable. I'm suprised.

mmmmm chocolate margarita I never thought of that.

 

[stitchy626]

I love the way you think! Great Plan.

 

[luvavacation]

Oh great, I need a new carry-on!

I went to see my daughter in Florida two weeks ago, and left my carry-on out, thinking I will start tossing things in it for the cruise. You know those little things that you think of during the day, weeks before you cruise, but when it comes time to pack you forget what it was you wanted to remember to bring? Well that is not going to happen this time!

However, my daughter's cat had other ideas, and pee'd in my favorite carry-on! It stinks! Literally and figuratively!

Now I have to go searching for another perfect carry-on. If it was hot and sunny outside I would just wash it with Dawn and put it in the sun to dry, but that won't be possible for quite awhile. If I forget something important because I don't have the perfect carry-on to throw stuff in, then I am blaming this cat!

And no more tasty cat treats for her either. I have to save money for another carry-on. Ok fine, maybe I will give her one treat, after all, her "mom" is down in Florida for 6 months, and this kitty sure does miss her! It is a good thing I understand how much the cat misses my daughter, other wise I would wring her neck!

 

[stitchy626]

Hey All,

I'm now thinking about flying in on the evening of the 3rd instead of the 4th and staying at WDW. No parks for us, we'll just hang at the hotel and DTD on the 4th. Does anyone know if fireworks can be viewed from DTD? If not we'll head over to the Poly or GF or Boardwalk.

 

[Tequilamamacita]

Hello everyone! I have been having fun reading about all of you and as you can guess from my name I love tequilla... IN SMALL doses!!
.We are cruising for the first time. It will be my parents 50th wedding anniversary so we are going all out. I just found out we got the concierge rooms which sound quite heavenly. It will be me, my DH ( who has a Swedish accent, not sure if that will qualify for you accent lovers) but it worked like a charm on me. Our three kids 7, 5 and 3 and my folks. I just posted on the FE list because I think now that we are on concierge level we cant do FE, although IM not sure.
I want to find out more about the spa services. I also have a question or500... erm.. 1. Can kids go to Remy or Palo?2 If they cant where do they go? 3. Is it possible to feed kids earlier than your dinner reservation time so that the parents can go to the fancy dinners?
Thanks in advance Mary