June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[PURTYPAT1]

Hay Everyone,

We're back from the Jersey shore. We had perfect hot sunny weather every day. DH was thrilled.

I am pleased to report I have my first $500.00 saved towards "Operation Alaska 2009" Steph, is there anyway you can make it the around the last day in June. Schools get out here about this time. I have lot's of teachers that are interested in going with us, but don't finish school till then. Is the later date a problem with anyone else?

Hay Steph, if your planning for WDW parks, make sure that the princess pirate party is not happening while you are there. If so, buy tickets. It was the best. Taylor will flip out.

Brenda, I am glad you had good weather here in the USA. When we were in London, the rain cleared for about 12 hours, & the sun came out, so we could tour in the big red bus. It made our London time very memorable.

Dying to see how, Silver7 made out????? Are you home Teresa? Are you going to have a report. We are all ears and want to hear about your adventure. I read somewhere that someone was being left out?

Tomorrow, Jenna's school starts.

Have a great day everyone.

Patricia

 

[pillow]

Hay Steph, if your planning for WDW parks, make sure that the princess pirate party is not happening while you are there. If so, buy tickets. It was the best. Taylor will flip out.

What and where is the princess pirate party???

Jodie

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Here is a good site Steph

http://www.*****************/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=0

Hi Jodie, they started this private party early this year called the "Princess Pirate Party" on certain days. I was in WDW last February when Disney was at it's busiest. President's Day.

I bought tickets on Line (it was cheaper) We went for a great late lunch at Olive Garden, at 2:30pm & then headed for Magic Kingdom for this special event. We were Royally let in at 4pm sharp & stayed till Midnight. Honestly we had the Magic Kingdom for ourselves. We practically walked on the rides. We went on Space Mountain 3 times & 3 times Buzz ride. We saw the parades, & fire works, as we were walking to our rides. Each land was giving out candy, & had a Disney char meets. All I can say is, it really was the best, and were are all still talking about it. We are going next March 2008 & we have our fingers crossed that it will be then.

Below is a list of threads, that will explain in more detail.

http://www.disboards.com/searchbt.php?s=&search=princess+pirate+party

 

[PURTYPAT1]

put this all together to get to the link

www. touring plans. com

 

[taysmom]

thanks for the info...i'll check into the dates on the alaska. I gave my sister a bunch of dates throughout the summer and they all started after the 14th. Give me a better date range...last day is when and I'll let her know. We really won't find out anything until january when they release the dates. If you can find out how many are truly interested. Let them know they don't have to book but it's good to know. They can go to the royal website and look at this summer (2008) and then just forward a day for 2009. The type of room they would like would help too, so he can block the rooms for 3 days while people put their deposits down. Royal has a better reservation dep. than disney. I just did a dummy date through my sister for $100. Basically, I bought a date in the future that is unknown and it gives me 1st choice when the date becomes available. I think you can only do it onboard. My sister did it for me on her cruise.
S

 

[Skallywag]

Hi Everyone,

Haven't posted for a while and my computer does not always keep me up to date with the link. Never mind back again now.

Eldest daughter just got back from the Grand Tour of Italy. Starting flying into Palermo, drove up to see Etna which was rumbling well and actually blew the day after would you believe it. They then flew into Napes and did bits there and caught the train up to Rome and Florence. Then hired a car and drove to the lakes for about 4 days, then drove down to venice and flew home from there. She has just phoned and had a great time. They stayed at a hotel they actually booked us into for our wedding anniversary on Venice Lido and they have their own boat which takes you to and from venice which is great.

Made me dream about being back on the Magic in the Med. Do hope they bring her back over here for another go.

Glad everyone is still chatting about Alaska and do hope all the ice has not melted before we get there!

Weather here in England is great at the moment a real indian summer so to speak but they now promise rain.

Just booked Disney Grand Californian hotel with our points for the two nights before our Panama cruise. Any information about Disneyland parks there would be appreciated. Got to sort out the flights into Vegas and back from Orlando.

We are also booked on the 13th December 08 Western again and hope it does not get diverted to Eastern like last time.

Hope my two daughters and partners are coming (have booked them in) and then we can all have christmas in Disney.

Sometimes it is great owning Christmas week and new year at Westgate as we would have problems otherwise getting accommodation.

Looks like our apartment will be empty this year unfortunately as we have I think left it too late to book reasonable flights. If anyone knows anyone who wants a week or two Christmas and new year we only want enought money to cover our maintenance fees and the apartment sleeps 10.

Well, better go and sort food out which is cooking or burning at the moment.

Bren

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Hello MedHeads.
Things have been pretty busy for me lately with student teaching and classes. It's definitely tiring but it's very rewarding as well. One of my favorite things has to be the funny things the kids say. They crack me up on a daily basis.

I just decided I am going to be back in Disney around Christmas to work at Chef Mickey's again. I don't have my exact dates but I think it's around December 21-January 12, so if anyone's going to be in the World then, let me know! I was hesistant to be out of town for Christmas and New Years (which is also my birthday) but I figured it was better this way because now Amanda won't have to be alone for those holidays.

I'm getting ready to go visit my sister soon. My best friend and I are going down for a long weekend. We're going to the Halloween party. I'm going to be Belle (in the blue dress) and my friend's going to be Jane from Tarzan. I love the Halloween Party and the Pirate and Princess Party, they're both so much fun!!!!

Hope everyone's doing well.

 

[pillow]

Hello MedHeads.
Things have been pretty busy for me lately with student teaching and classes. It's definitely tiring but it's very rewarding as well. One of my favorite things has to be the funny things the kids say. They crack me up on a daily basis.

I just decided I am going to be back in Disney around Christmas to work at Chef Mickey's again. I don't have my exact dates but I think it's around December 21-January 12, so if anyone's going to be in the World then, let me know! I was hesistant to be out of town for Christmas and New Years (which is also my birthday) but I figured it was better this way because now Amanda won't have to be alone for those holidays.

I'm getting ready to go visit my sister soon. My best friend and I are going down for a long weekend. We're going to the Halloween party. I'm going to be Belle (in the blue dress) and my friend's going to be Jane from Tarzan. I love the Halloween Party and the Pirate and Princess Party, they're both so much fun!!!!

Hope everyone's doing well.

Hey there! Glad all is well. I'm trying to cut back on all my travel, so we are going to wait until spring break to go to Disney again. Sorry I'll miss you at Christmas.

Did you guys decide what you're doing for your summer trip? Disneyland? Yellowstone?

My running coach's 25 year old daughter is travelling the world with her boyfriend for 8 months. Her blog is great - and very entertaining. Take a look . . .

www.eurosatemydollars.com

Jodie
Jodie

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Hey, Jodie!

I have all but given up on the summer plans! I do think I'm going to go to Disneyland/L.A. with some friends. My family wanted to go to Yellowstone but we used to go to Michigan every summer and they were saying they sort of miss that so we might end up back there. My parents want to do another European cruise next summer!! They want to see the other side of Italy. So, they want to do a small trip this summer to save money for that. Let's see, I'll be 23 by then, think I'll still be included in family vacations?

I had a supervisor come to my school today to evaluate me. It was very nervewracking!! I got a great evaluation though and it ended up being a positive experience even though I was super nervous.

Where has everyone been lately?

 

[pillow]

Hey, Jodie!

I have all but given up on the summer plans! I do think I'm going to go to Disneyland/L.A. with some friends. My family wanted to go to Yellowstone but we used to go to Michigan every summer and they were saying they sort of miss that so we might end up back there. My parents want to do another European cruise next summer!! They want to see the other side of Italy. So, they want to do a small trip this summer to save money for that. Let's see, I'll be 23 by then, think I'll still be included in family vacations?

I had a supervisor come to my school today to evaluate me. It was very nervewracking!! I got a great evaluation though and it ended up being a positive experience even though I was super nervous.

Where has everyone been lately?

Congrats on your review! Thats great! I know you're glad its over.

I thought your dad said "never again" to European cruising. I actually LOVED the cruise (just because its Disney), BUT if I go to Europe again, it would definitely be by land. I really didn't like just having 1 day in each port, and I really didn't like being on a tour. I felt a bit trapped. I think we're "on our own" kind of people. That way we can go at our own pace and sit at a sidewalk cafe as long as we want - or shop as long as we want!! I would love to go back to Italy and see Venice and Tuscany and then do some things on the Amalfi coast that we didn't get to do on this trip, but I definitely want more than just a day in each place. I have decided that the ship is a destination in and of itself. We've got a 3 nighter planned for November 08 (a cheapie).

I think your parents have to take you on the next trip. Who would plan it if you don't go?? Which cruise line are they thinking of?

Our plans for next summer are on hold too. We want to go to Alaska in 09, so we need to make next summer cheap also. We're thinking that we might drive the California coast. Don't know just yet.

I guess with the cruise being over, people are moving on to different things. Sigh.

Jodie

 

[taysmom]

hi all...
nice to hear the updates from everyone. Tay and I have been busy with school starting and our lack of organization. It suprises me that I can be so organized planning vacation, but I can't keep my child organized for school. So we are learning all over again about homework and learning the loss of tv, computers etc. I haven't been on the boards in a while as I've been learning 4th grade over again! PS it stinks!
I'm sorry to hear about the changed plans, but of course, us on the calif. coast are happy to hear that we might get some friends in our neck of the woods.
Did you all hear they are building DVC rooms onto the grand california at disneyland. We're very excited out here! I know it won't be ready for a while, but it's something to look forward too.
But..we are not going anywhere due to our may disney trip. And then summer 09 the plans remain for alaska. I don't know where the money will come from for all these vacations, but I'll find it somewhere. I must vacation!
I do have hopes to get back to the "other side" of italy and also greece etc. but most likely on another cruise lines. I've realized that a disney cruise is good every couple of years, but I could afford to do alot more if i just use the less expensive RCCL to do the cruising.
I'm glad your review went well! I hope you have a fabulous school year. I'll check in later!
Steph

 

[Skallywag]

Hi Everyone,

Still lurking on the boards - it feels like a hundred years ago we were on the Magic. Agree you cannot do Italian cities in 1 day and summer is not really the best time to do that because of the heat. Hope if the magic comes over again they do Venice as most of them either leave from there for cruises or stay in port for 2 nights which is great.

Tomorrow we are catching an old paddle steamer from Whitstable a port not far from us and it takes us up the Thames and through tower bridge at night.
Really looking forward to this and hope the weather improves as it is cold and windy at present.

We have just the Panama trip booked for next august and also december 13th
Western arriving back on the 20th and staying at our timeshare at Westgate over Christmas - these are the plans at present. You can book the cruise and everything else but not the flights which is a bit of a problem.

Were hoping to come out to stay at our Westgate this christmas and new year but left it way too late to look for flights so uncertain what to do with the weeks. If anyone knows any friend that wants a week or so at Disney over Christmas 07 please put them in touch with us. Would rather let someone use them to just cover our maintenance annual fee rather than put them into exchange organisation.

We have booked our hotel and flight from Vegas. We are staying at Grand Californian and our flights go into Santa Anna airport which I understand is the nearest one. Still trying to decide whether to do Disney Park while there or whether it is too similar to florida.
Any advice gratefully received.

Have a great weekend.
Brenda

 

[pillow]

Hi Everyone,

Still lurking on the boards - it feels like a hundred years ago we were on the Magic. Agree you cannot do Italian cities in 1 day and summer is not really the best time to do that because of the heat. Hope if the magic comes over again they do Venice as most of them either leave from there for cruises or stay in port for 2 nights which is great.

Tomorrow we are catching an old paddle steamer from Whitstable a port not far from us and it takes us up the Thames and through tower bridge at night.
Really looking forward to this and hope the weather improves as it is cold and windy at present.

We have just the Panama trip booked for next august and also december 13th
Western arriving back on the 20th and staying at our timeshare at Westgate over Christmas - these are the plans at present. You can book the cruise and everything else but not the flights which is a bit of a problem.

Were hoping to come out to stay at our Westgate this christmas and new year but left it way too late to look for flights so uncertain what to do with the weeks. If anyone knows any friend that wants a week or so at Disney over Christmas 07 please put them in touch with us. Would rather let someone use them to just cover our maintenance annual fee rather than put them into exchange organisation.

We have booked our hotel and flight from Vegas. We are staying at Grand Californian and our flights go into Santa Anna airport which I understand is the nearest one. Still trying to decide whether to do Disney Park while there or whether it is too similar to florida.
Any advice gratefully received.

Have a great weekend.
Brenda

Hi Brenda. I love your posts. Always makes me want to travel to England. I'll talk to a few people I know that might want your time share. Can you give me exact dates and the exact price?

Also, in California, Disneyland is pretty much the same as Magic Kingdom, but California Adventure is very different (but has Soarin and some of the World's other rides). Steph would know better than me, since we've only been once, but I think the tickets are cheaper than Dis World. I bought mine off e-bay for dirt cheap. The Grand Californian is wonderful. The thing I like about Disneyland is 1. The weather (no humidity), and 2. the Grand Californian is so close to the parks and the restaurants - you just walk out the door and you're there!

Steph, do you know when the vacation club properties will be available at the Grand Californian?

Jodie

 

[Skallywag]

Hi Jodie,

The weeks we are unable to use this year are Saturday the 22nd December and Saturday 29th December 2007.

The apartment is one of the loft conversion as they call them and will sleep 10
The fees last year were $690 per week so we were just asking $700 as a round figure. If anyone wants more information they can contact me directly if they wish on Brenfrah@AOL.com.

Weather has been a bit better today and have to go and collect grandchildren tomorrow as they have decided they want to come on the boat trip with us. That will cost us to be sure.

Thinking about Disneyland and Californian Adventure I do not like the fast tip you upside down type of rides although dh does. I like the pretty steady ones . Can you pay separately for the parks or does one ticket cover all so to speak.
Bren

 

[pillow]

Hi Jodie,

The weeks we are unable to use this year are Saturday the 22nd December and Saturday 29th December 2007.

The apartment is one of the loft conversion as they call them and will sleep 10
The fees last year were $690 per week so we were just asking $700 as a round figure. If anyone wants more information they can contact me directly if they wish on Brenfrah@AOL.com.

Weather has been a bit better today and have to go and collect grandchildren tomorrow as they have decided they want to come on the boat trip with us. That will cost us to be sure.

Thinking about Disneyland and Californian Adventure I do not like the fast tip you upside down type of rides although dh does. I like the pretty steady ones . Can you pay separately for the parks or does one ticket cover all so to speak.
Bren

Yes, I think you can pay separately for each park. I'll let you know if I have any takers for the time share.

Jodie

 

[auntsue1]

Hey, Jodie!

I have all but given up on the summer plans! I do think I'm going to go to Disneyland/L.A. with some friends. My family wanted to go to Yellowstone but we used to go to Michigan every summer and they were saying they sort of miss that so we might end up back there. My parents want to do another European cruise next summer!! They want to see the other side of Italy. So, they want to do a small trip this summer to save money for that. Let's see, I'll be 23 by then, think I'll still be included in family vacations?

I had a supervisor come to my school today to evaluate me. It was very nervewracking!! I got a great evaluation though and it ended up being a positive experience even though I was super nervous.

Where has everyone been lately?

Lauren,

I'm not surprised your evaluator loved your work. You are a people person & it comes out with whatever you do!

Steph,

I moved to a new bag for the fall. (Yes for me it's a move.) It does make me think of you every time I see that trolley car. Yes, the trolley car moved to the fall bag.

We are planning a trip to San Diego next October. We plan on going up to see Disneyland even though it's quite a drive. I've never been to Disneyland but I've been to California before.

It's nice to have that Alaska trip to think about. That will be a fun trip!

I read the postings everyday. It's great to read how everybody's doing.

Sue

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Congrats on your review! Thats great! I know you're glad its over.

I thought your dad said "never again" to European cruising. I actually LOVED the cruise (just because its Disney), BUT if I go to Europe again, it would definitely be by land. I really didn't like just having 1 day in each port, and I really didn't like being on a tour. I felt a bit trapped. I think we're "on our own" kind of people. That way we can go at our own pace and sit at a sidewalk cafe as long as we want - or shop as long as we want!! I would love to go back to Italy and see Venice and Tuscany and then do some things on the Amalfi coast that we didn't get to do on this trip, but I definitely want more than just a day in each place. I have decided that the ship is a destination in and of itself. We've got a 3 nighter planned for November 08 (a cheapie).

I think your parents have to take you on the next trip. Who would plan it if you don't go?? Which cruise line are they thinking of?

Our plans for next summer are on hold too. We want to go to Alaska in 09, so we need to make next summer cheap also. We're thinking that we might drive the California coast. Don't know just yet.

I guess with the cruise being over, people are moving on to different things. Sigh.

Jodie

My dad did say never again to a European cruise right when we got home but apparently the idea just kept growing on him!!! It's funny, actually. My parents said we'd probably never go on another Disney cruise and then just today my mom asked me if I thought a Disney cruise for Christmas 2008 sounded nice and they want to do another European cruise in a few years. They just can't make up their minds!

We loved the excursions and being on a cruise and we would definitely do it that way again. It's true that you don't get to see as much having only one day in each city but it's just soooo nice to get back on the ship each night and have your same room and not have to move any of your stuff and know you'll have familiar American food.

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

hi all...
Did you all hear they are building DVC rooms onto the grand california at disneyland. We're very excited out here! I know it won't be ready for a while, but it's something to look forward too.
Steph

Wow! I didn't hear that, how cool!!!!

Hi, Sue and Brenda.

I have a short week this week, I leave on Thursday morning to go see my sister!!!!! We're going to go to the Halloween party. No, we're not dressing as pirates. We do have costumes though. I'm going with 2 friends. We had a scare last week as one of my friends who is going had to have emergency surgery due to an ovarian cyst. She's doing fine now but she won't be able to ride any big rides.

 

[taysmom]

Hi Jodie,

Thinking about Disneyland and Californian Adventure I do not like the fast tip you upside down type of rides although dh does. I like the pretty steady ones . Can you pay separately for the parks or does one ticket cover all so to speak.
Bren

You buy a multi park ticket. It's not much more. You can buy one park but it's not worth it. The parks are a 2 minute walk apart so we usually hit both several times. Plus CA adventure opens later/closes earlier than disneyland. Anyone going there ...find the c37 name plate and look for mine and tays! Yes, I bought one when they were doing the 50th. It's nice to see when we go down!

Steph, do you know when the vacation club properties will be available at the Grand Californian?

Jodie

I have been trading messages with my vacation consultant, but one of the people I spoke with said it should be available at the end of this month. My friends husband..a huge disney freak.... posted on his page that construction has started so thats excitiing. I'm not sure if I'll buy there...1st of all cause i have no money , but second..i have enough points right now. The only reason I would buy is to have 1st dibs at 11 months. The rumor is the price is going up and without buying 100 points theres no price deduction. I wish you could trade properties. I think I'll propose that. I'd even pay the difference!

Steph,

I moved to a new bag for the fall. (Yes for me it's a move.) It does make me think of you every time I see that trolley car. Yes, the trolley car moved to the fall bag.

We are planning a trip to San Diego next October. We plan on going up to see Disneyland even though it's quite a drive. I've never been to Disneyland but I've been to California before.

It's nice to have that Alaska trip to think about. That will be a fun trip!

I read the postings everyday. It's great to read how everybody's doing.

Sue

It's not that far from san diego to disney...about an hour. I'm glad your enjoying the trolly. I don't know who gave out the seeds..and i'm not a gardener, but they smell nice and remind me of the trip. AND I have the oil on display in the kitchen. People always ask why...I just say it reminds me of europe!

As far as everything else, nothing new here. Taylor is having a great time in 4th grade. She is looking forward to seeing jenna on the alaska cruise..which cracks me up since it's so far away. We have ordered her halloween costume..a jewelled ninja outfit. So it's boy with a girl twist.
On a personal note, I have decided to try to drop the pounds I have put on over the years. A very strict diet with a nutritionist and therapist. Lets see if they can talk me out of my carb addiction! Hopefully when you all see me in alaska...i'll be back to my 20's weight! One can hope.

We will be down in disney in march for my cousins cheer competition. Then off to our disney cruise in may. But nothing this summer so if anyone is in the bay area give us a holler. Hope your fall is ending nicely and winter is not to bad!
Enjoy halloween.
Steph

 

[pillow]

Hi Steph,

Well, we've decided not to go to California next summer. We're going to Disney over Spring Break and then doing the 3 night cruise next November. If we want to get to Alaska, then I need to save money somehow!!!

Regarding buying more points . . . we have Saratoga as our home resort, but we've never stayed there. I have never had a problem booking the resort of choice if I call exactly 7 months out (and then I call every day to book each night separately). Hopefully, you won't have any trouble. Do you know how big this property will be? We stayed at the Grand Californian once - very nice!!

Has anyone out there ever sailed on the Princess line? At first, I thought we'd do Royal Caribbean for our Alaska trip, but Princess got better reviews and the price is comparable. Curious.

Jodie