July5,2003 Magic...who's going?

[gometros]

We don't mind the formal, since we do it so rarely. And driving to Florida makes it easier for us, giving us more room. Besides, I can't wait to see my beautiful daughters dressed up. This time we're not going to screw up and remember to purchase the formal pictures.

As far as dinner times go, we have to eat early, since my wife has reflux and can't eat too late. But, don't let us stop you if you're thinking of geting a DIS table.

And for excursions, the early choices for me seem to be Stingray City and Mr. Sanchos and perhaps a round of Miniature Golf later in the day. Key West we'll probably do on our own.

 

[AnnaS]

gometros, 1) you must purchase the family (formal) picture. They are beautiful. My MIL wanted our picture. 2) The DIS table sounds great, but I was thinking about sitting perhaps this time with our friends. Last time we were a few tables apart and it gets silly trying to take pictures back and forth of each other and smiling across the room. Can't wait (even though I will be down to WDW and Jupiter in April - cruise is our "official" vacation).

 

[gometros]

Anna - you don't have to convince me about the pictures. What happened to us last year was I kept telling my wife to let's wait until we have all the pictures in Shutters to choose from. We'd keeping checking and group them all together. By the end of the week, we were having such a great time and had so much to do, we forget to go back until the night before debarkation. By then, it was too busy.

So if I were to give any advice to any new cruisers, don't wait for that next picture hoping it will be better. When you see it and like it, buy it. You'll be glad you did.

 

[eye R.N.]

Since we all have the stuff from last time I figure we are going to go for it. I spend so much of life in scrubs I'd like to look nice on vacation.

We are late seating as this has worked well for us in the past. It is easier to get everyone together. The kids do tend to leave before we are finished to get to whatever is on at Common Grounds for that night.

My DS is planning the Key West day, his ultimate ambition is to open a bar down there. So far he wants us to do the treasure museum, and Mallory Square. We'll see what else he comes up with. (NO BARS too young)

So far, we seem to be leaning toward doing island days on our own. Snorkling with the rays is very high on the family list. If we win the lotto we might consider the dolphin swim. Mini golf also sounds like something we want to do.

 

[jeanneg]

We requested late seating and I hope we get it. Although when we're home I can barely make it til 11pm and we never eat late, vacation is a totally different game plan. Having the later seating gives us a little more time during the day so we don't feel so rushed, especially since we'll probably skip the shows we've already seen. Since I agree that it's not wise to eat alot before bedtime, it forces us to stay up and party! If you dance all your calories off at Wavebands (or whatever it's called), you don't feel so guilty about all the goodies you've eaten. Last time we cruised, DH and I got a real kick out of the fact that we got back every night later than the kids!
Anna: I'm sure you can get a table for 12. The last time, there was a table by the wall right across from us that, I swear, had to have 20 people. I had the impression it was some sort of corporate group because they seemed a little too formal with one another to be a family and there was only one child among them.
Re excursions: definitely Tulum ruins, maybe stingrays, and just bumming around on our own at KW and CC. I was hoping for a little slot machine action, but I don't think it exists on this trip.
Jeanne

 

[jeanneg]

Any of you husbands or older teens planning on wearing a tux? For those who have been before, what would you say is the percentage of guys doing so?
Jeanne

 

[gometros]

I have a tux I bought right before our last cruise. I had an affair to attend earlier inthe month and two more in the spring, so it paid for me to buy one. I have a Mickey cumberbund/tie to go with it, so I'll be in keeping with the Disney spirit.

When we went in Nov. 2001, there were a lot of men in tuxs or suits. I'm terrible at estimating - maybe 30 - 40% were in tuxs?

 

[AnnaS]

My DH has a black suit that he had to purchase for a black tie affair. My sons will wear their navy sports jacket. We buy a brand new one every year (outgrow) for school. They wear school uniform but first day of school for pictures they must wear sports jacket. We are up to five sports jackets (worn once or twice). My freshman son is a total different size (much slimmer and tinier) and could not benefit from older brother.

 

[Mickbee]

I would say our cruise there was about 20-30% tuxs. I wore a business suit and felt funny before thinking I would be under dressed. I wasn't. I was shocked at how few tuxs there were. It chapped my butt a bit that some guy was wearing shorts, tee and a BASEBALL hat on formal night. What really bothered me was this "gentleman" was in our family dinner picutres. Grrr. Our son wears a sport jacket and dress pants to dinner on formal and semi night.

 

[jeanneg]

It seems like there are more men NOT wearing a tux than vice versa. DH has a nice black suit and I can surely come up with a sports jacket for DS. We were considering doing the rental, but I'd so much prefer to spend the money on fun stuff rather than looking good.

 

[gometros]

I agree with you jeanne, there were less men wearing tuxes than not. As far as I'm concerned, I don't judge anyone by what they decide to wear, but I agree with Anna, there are limits to common sense.

How the heck did the guy end up in your picture?

 

[Mickbee]

Originally posted by gometros

How the heck did the guy end up in your picture?

He was sitting at the table behind us. When they took it, there he was... We just shook our heads because you could see others too, but they blended for a lack of a better word. Oh well, we had fun anyway...

 

[gometros]

Oh! I thought it was a posed picture, like the ones taken in the lobby.

 

[MinnieMart]

well we bought a bunch of 8x10's and made a collgege and also with the 6x8's too so we will be dressing to the nines!!! girls have a few long gowns from dances at hs . i have one long dress pretty 2 pc beaded top on sale in macy's 44$ dh wears his suit. can't decide on mr sanchos or playa del sol. don;t care much to shop just want some nice family times to relax. what shouldwe do in key west? any suggestions. eye rn. dh went to usna class of 79! talk to everyone soon!

 

[luv2boys]

This will be our first cruise for myself, DH, and sons 4 and 7. We can't wait. We wil be driving in and staying at All Star Sports for three nights, then the Radisson at the port for two nights and then the cruise on Saturday. Want to get there in plenty of time. Don't want to miss that boat!!!

 

[eye R.N.]

We made our first cruise related clothes purchase yesterday. Limited 2 is having a great sale. We got a beautiful full lenght black skirt for $9.99. It passed the "comfort test" and should be easy enough to find a top to go with it. I hate paying lots of money for clothes my dress phobic 11 yr. old will never wear again.

I think we will be doing lots of cruise planning since we are basically snowed in for the next two days.

Minnie Mart, way back in my foggy past I dated a plebe I met at a tea dance (my mother made it sound like fun so I roped about four of my girlfriends into it) I can't remember what class he was in, but it was the first one that allowed women. I have fond memories of that year. Watching them climb the momument was a hoot.

 

[jackp]

Hello all,

My family will also be on the July 5 cruise. We are DVC members using points. My daughter is 8 and son is 12. We'll be driving down from Ohio on the first and staying at the Polynesian until the cruise.

Can't wait.

 

[Mickbee]

Jack,

Welcome aboard! Will this your first DCL cruise?

I bet this thread will live until we sail!

 

[jeanneg]

feels like a party already!!!!!!

Get that list updated, Sandy!!!!!!!

(no time for lengthy posting.....I'm doing taxes and hoping for a nice big refund.....more money to spend on the cruise!!!
Hey, are you allowed to order the drink of the day at dinner or is it a happy hour type thing? Also, anybody use the wine package? I know it's a huge rip-off, but we'll probably order wine anyway so we may as well save alittle. Back to taxes.......

 

[gometros]

Welcome aboard jack and luv2boys. Once I dig out and get back to work, you'll be added to the list. (I really need to get that list off of the owrk computer

As far as purchases go, I made my first cruise related purchase a week ago, when I took advantage of the Disney Store 75% off sale and bought a whole bunch of pins for trading.