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

[jeanneg]

Where is everybody?

 

[wendym]

Hi Jeanne
Welcome back!
Wendy

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

hola! i am here... but not for long... school and band take up my life!

 

[gometros]

Hi jeanne, sorry I didn't get a chance to kep the thread alive, but this was a very busy weekend.

Now for some good news. Tricia, from DU, reminded me that I'm within my 120 days to make my priority reservations.

 

[jeanneg]

Here's a question that's more for the "ladies" (I think....!):

Has anyone started to shop yet?
I'm the queen of packing light, so I only bring what I'll really need, but I've already started to pick up some items here and there that I'm saving for the cruise. Kmart had some really cute Disney shirts witha nautical Disney motif so I picked up one of those and plan to wear it at the terminal. I've also picked up a few tops that I'm saving for the cruise. This may seem crazy, but about a month before any major trip, I'll actually sit down and write up all the outfits I plan to wear and then see how I can economize with the least @# of pieces, accessories, etc. Unless I spot something I just can't live without, I'll probably raid my closet for the formal and semi-formal wear. I have several items of Chico's travelwear and absolutely love them. Clothes aren't really that important to me, but i think most people try to make a little extra effort on a cruise.

 

[AnnaS]

I know somewhere within my two screen names I have in my favorites (don't remember name of it) the site with all the Disney exercisions. For those of you who booked already, how did you do it? Thanks. Did you print out forms, call DCL? Details. Thanks.

 

[AnnaS]

Jeanne, I more or less shop when I need to and then pick up extra here and there. Working part-time and three kids (like everyone else) - don't have much time or find it that important or first priority. Somehow though I manage to have almost all new things for all of us before vacation. I am one of those people though who packs the whole house and bathroom (just in case attitude). I always bring way, way too much. I also do laundry when everyone is sleeping or we are just lounging around somewhere. Everytime we come back I say, I will never pack half of the stuff I bring and it has not happened yet. I do make a list of what to bring so that we don't forget anything. I also love to write a budget and of course I always over-estimate (just in case).

 

[jeanneg]

Hi Sandy, who can use the 120 day window? Does it have to do with DU? I should probably go ahead and schedule the Tulum trip, which is very likely the only one we'll do with Disney.

BTW, any communication between the girls? I haven't spoken very much with Jen since we've been back.

 

[gometros]

Jeanne - I may have accidentally confused you. I was talking about PS for restaurants for our land portion. If you have a reservation at a WDW hotel, you are allowed to make PS arrangements up to 120 days prior to your reservation.

I believe for DCL excursions, those reservations can made made up to 60 days prior. I don't know if there are any restrictions for non-DCL excursions Obviously, Captain Marvin's has none.

 

[eye R.N.]

OK, first thing you need to know is I am basically cheap. I have a real problem spending big bucks for things I know my kids won't wear other than on the cruise. So I have been scouting the sales for things for the DD11 and the DS to wear on formal and semiformal night. So far I found a great basic black long skirt that my daughter actually liked when she tried it on. DS has a confirmation coming up, so I am hoping for a real button down shirt, tie and maybe even a jacket

Epcot girl (when not busy with band and school) is campaining for a new formal dress. I am thinking June after the prom season is over should be a good time for that purchase.

I am thinking I need clothes for brunch, tea, wine tasting. Other than dinner I intend to spend lots of time in a bathing suit and pareo. I guess it's time to get out the summer clothes and see what still fits. I have dresses from the last cruise so this year my pre-cruise bill should be light. DH on the other hand is thinking of buying a tux and he has told me he needs a new bathing suit.

Still undecided about what to do in Cozumel in the morning. I am starting to think about parasailing, can that be done is Castaway Cay? Now that I have moved around credit cards an got the $50/room shipboard credit for using the disney credit card, there is some unexpected money calling out to be spent.

We do need a trip to K-mart for an over the door shoe holder. We gave the one we took on the last trip to our room steward. Also we seriously underpacked sun screen last trip so I am saving coupons and stocking up.

 

[Mickbee]

Originally posted by gometros
Hi jeanne, sorry I didn't get a chance to kep the thread alive, but this was a very busy weekend.

Now for some good news. Tricia, from DU, reminded me that I'm within my 120 days to make my priority reservations.

Jeanne,

help me out here... My wife doesn't share your packing traits... As luck would have it, I draw the short straw as pack mule, so any tips you could provide will save me one back and many thanks.

I have been MIA from tis board for a while, glad to see it is still alive and well!!!

 

[jeanneg]

OK, at the risk of subjecting myself to ridicule, here is our #1 travel packing tip: You know all that old underwear everybody has that is so ready to be thrown out but you could squeeze one more use out of it......turn it into disposable travelwear! I have a crate in my laundry room just for the old stuff and whenever we travel, we take our underwear from there. Use once and toss.....it certainly limits the amount of laundry you have to do and you have the added benefit of extra room in your suitcase for all those unexpected souveneirs. Occassionally a really conscientious maid will remove our castoffs from the trash and lay them back on our bed which can be somewhat embarrassing considering how dingey they are, so it's a good idea to stick them in a plastic bag and tie them up. Of course, if we ever get into the proverbial car accident, it won't look too flattering for us, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.
I also try to pack things that can be worn interchangeably with other items, so although I may not wear the same exact outfit twice, I might use the individual pieces 2 or 3 times each. I keep basic pieces very plain and use scarves or funky jewelry to give them different looks. At this stage of my life, I'm not trying to be a fashionplate or impress anyone. Clothing is definitely not a priority and as long as I'm neat, clean and appropriate for the occasion, I'll be happy.

 

[wendym]

We do the disposable underwear thing too! I love comfortable underwear and rely on my close friends to buy me "nice" stuff!
I try to bring things that roll into cases easily. Last year I took 1 fancy dress - I had been a bridesmaid the year before and the bride was desperate for us to wear our dresses again - so I got the photo of me in it and she was happy!
I have bought a couple of new tops - 1 lovely and sparkly - cost about $8 on sale so I was delighted.
Wendy

 

[jeanneg]

....for making me feel that I'm not such a weirdo!

I can't tell you how many people think the "disposable" underwear is the grossest thing they've ever heard!


HEY, I JUST REALIZED WE'RE AT THE 100-DAY MARK.......HOORAY!!!

 

[MickeyMouse418]

I'm trying to convince my parents to let me start buying new clothes for the cruise, but its not going well... I'll probably be told to use my BINGO winnings. But my family is well known for overpacking, so all tips are very helpful!

Just going back to the talks about meeting...I would love to meet all the kids my age as my dad mentioned before, so if you can drag your kids that would be cool! I've already been talking to one girl...(I think it's minniemarts daughter, but I could be wrong) and we are planning to meet. If any of your kids my age (I'm fifteen in a month) have screen names I would love to talk to them too. Maybe I can convince them to come to the meeting thing!

 

[jeanneg]

Tell your dad that if you don't get a new wardrobe it will reflect very poorly on him! Or, if you're anything like my daughter, claim that you have nothing but "belly" shirts and I'm sure he'll get you to the mall in a heartbeat.
DD (Jenni) will be 19 next month and I think she made contact with your older sister, but I'm not sure if they're corresponding regularly. Her screen name is "jswim84". DS (Jason) will be very close to 18 when we cruise and is an avid extreme skater. I'm not sure what his screen name is, but he's very shy and not the type to IM a stranger. I intend to bring both of them to the sailaway party or whenever it is that we meet. It won't be a problem....if they don't show up, they forfeit all charging privileges! After that, they're free to do whatever they want.

 

[AnnaS]

Jeanne - you are not the only one with the disposable clothes. Though many people might not have a reason to do this or admit to it. We have done this many times for our upstate trips - almost like going camping but with a roof over our head. It's a hunters cabin really. We have had many great times here. I would save all the old undies, undershirts and socks and then throw them out too. I guess I never thought of this for vacations using discretion and common sense of course.

 

[gometros]

Jeanne - I like your way of thinking (about bribing the kids, not helping my daughter out

She has enough clothes. I already need a bigger house because of it

 

[eye R.N.]

My mom is an avid beach comber and all my kids are on a swim team, so we wear out towels regularly.

I am taking the rattiest on the cruise so after Capt Marvin's and whatever else we do I'll throw them away and use the room for the extra stuff we get.

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

my mom is crazy.... but its oke we do have a lot of icky towels so i guess it is a good way to get rid of them.... i dont know anything anymore.... i just live in this house!