~June 27, 2009 Western, anyone?~

[newtandkaren]

We are spending our Cozumel day at Chankanaab. We booked a Dolphin Royal Swim thru Dolphin Discovery (included transportation from port and entrance to park). I got biodegradable sunscreen at Whole Foods. They have a large selection of products, small bottles and expensive I chose Caribbean Sol, 6oz bottles for around $12. They were the best deal and if you have trouble finding it, ask someone. The Caribbean Sol was located on a different shelf from the other sunscreens (don't know why).

 

[LadyLion]

LadyLion:

Where are you from? Swarthmore, PA here... party of 8 on 6/27 magic

Hey there - I was born in Kingston, PA; grew up in Allentown, PA; went to Penn State at University Park (main campus); and now live in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. My DH was born and raised in NE Pennsylvania. I have two brothers who live with their families near you.

Tell us more about your party of 8! Hope to meet you on the cruise!!

Hi everyone!!! I do have one question. Our boys feel they should take a pair of jeans with them. Is the normal attire for teen boys to be in dress pants and casual pants and not jeans any nights.

Hey, Mackeyapp, when we have cruised in the past I think DCL asked for no jeans or shorts for dinners. But I think they have relaxed that ... at least I've heard that people do wear jeans in the dining rooms. My DS's jeans are not very nice looking (well, he probably thinks they are...) so I'm going to be one of those moms who makes him get a pair of khakis for dinners when he's not dressed up for formal or semi-formal night. I'll let him select them from one of the cool "teen" stores he likes, hopefully that will be easier for him to tolerate.

You will definitely see jeans in the restaurants, so I'd say to do what you think you'll be comfortable with.

Maybe one of the more recent cruisers can weigh in; it has been about 4-5 years since we've cruised. Someone else may have better advice!!

 

[LadyLion]

I'll ask her, thanks so much! I love these boards, the people are so nice and it's great to "know" some folks before you sail.

ljm - your niece is SO CUTE! She sent DD13 a photo and a very friendly e-mail. If I do say so myself, I think she and my daughter look a little bit alike!! Except my DD just found out that she won't get her braces off before the cruise like she was hoping.

My DD is sending a response now. (DS15 looked at your niece's photo too ... but don't worry, he is harmless and we will keep him away! )

Can't wait to meet you all!!

 

[ljm23]

ljm - your niece is SO CUTE! She sent DD13 a photo and a very friendly e-mail. If I do say so myself, I think she and my daughter look a little bit alike!! Except my DD just found out that she won't get her braces off before the cruise like she was hoping.

My DD is sending a response now. (DS15 looked at your niece's photo too ... but don't worry, he is harmless and we will keep him away! )

Can't wait to meet you all!!

Oh, that's so cute! Thanks, I'm glad they hooked up. She's a doll, very sweet, she and my DS11 are like brother and sister. I am SO looking forward to us all being together on this cruise!

 

[mackeyapp]

I was also thinking that the boys will be wearing their khakis for dinner , but I wondered if the kids wear jeans when they are hanging out after dinner or do they generally switch back to shorts. Their jeans are really not suited for dinner either but they do love them and will be looking to wear them in the off hours especially if that is the norm.

Thanks all
Joan

 

[cmhand30]

I am getting excited. I finially get my first paycheck at my job tomorrow so shopping will start this weekend!!!! WooHoo!

Hotel ressie for the night before done. I have a rubbermade bin collecting misc. stuff. Suit cases are in bathroom closet and garage (they never stay in attic very long). Gotta get guys to try on clothes this weekend .

Taking bets on how long it will take DS16 to turn his phone on and start texting when we get back in the car after the cruise. And how many times he complains he misses his phone during the cruise.

 

[LadyLion]

I was also thinking that the boys will be wearing their khakis for dinner , but I wondered if the kids wear jeans when they are hanging out after dinner or do they generally switch back to shorts. Their jeans are really not suited for dinner either but they do love them and will be looking to wear them in the off hours especially if that is the norm.

Thanks all
Joan

Hi there Joan!

I'm sure my DS will be changing back into shorts. We have late dinner seating ... so we'll probably get dressed for dinner before heading to the evening show, and then hit one of the family club acts, then go to our dinner seating. On past cruises, my children would change into more comfortable clothes after dinner and head back to their clubs. I'm sure jeans are fine for that, although I know my son prefers shorts. Really up to your boys.

Depending on how tired we are, DH and I then would sometimes hit one of the adults area nightclubs or something like that. We adults usually didn't change but the kids did. I don't think we packed jeans in the past, although DD will probably be traveling with a pair of her "skinny jeans" which look cute with her dressier tops.

Taking bets on how long it will take DS16 to turn his phone on and start texting when we get back in the car after the cruise. And how many times he complains he misses his phone during the cruise.

Yes! I can relate to that. It will be nice to have a WHOLE WEEK with no teens texting, huh? Although I'll miss texting too, as I use it to keep tabs on DS15 and DD13 when they are at rehearsals or staying after school or whatever. I definitely want to record a video of the Magic's horn sounding as we set sail ... to text back to my friends "on land" ... before we all store our phones in the stateroom, that is.

 

[wwwosie]

I definitely want to record a video of the Magic's horn sounding as we set sail ... to text back to my friends "on land" ... before we all store our phones in the stateroom, that is.

Lady lion (and anyone else) I have the MP3 of the Disney Horn, happy to email it to you if you PM me with your email.

I told the kids that they can text in Key West but after that it's phone's off

 

[LadyLion]

All - here is an idea that worked well the last time we cruised and a bunch of us met on these boards. If you think it's dumb, just ignore me!

Someone from our group put together little green ribbons with pins and sent them out in advance to whoever wanted them. (They were small, just a few inches of thin ribbon.) Everybody here on the boards then wore them, especially early in the trip like at the terminal before boarding and during the first couple days. This really worked well in the terminal for those of us who were early because we could begin introducing ourselves to each other before meeting on the ship. Also some people missed the cruise meet on the ship for various reasons, so they could still be identified as part of the group. It also helped those of us who have trouble remembering names/faces!

Many of us didn't care to pin them on our shirts the whole time, so we wore them on the lanyards that hold room keys or on beach bags/camera bags, etc. The kids thought it was fun to look for "green ribbon people" throughout our trip.

Anyway ... if anybody thinks this is a good idea, I'd be happy to get a roll of green ribbon and a bunch of pins and put these together. You'd have to PM me with your home address and number of ribbons so I can send them out. Also, I need to know at least a week before we sail since we're leaving for several days at OKW beforehand.

I can also bring a bunch to the terminal (we will be there early, I'm sure!) to hand out there if we can work out a way to find each other. And some for our meet to give anyone who doesn't yet have theirs.

Other groups on the boards have ordered green bracelets for everybody to wear to identify themselves, but we might be too late for that??

Hopefully my rambling is making a little sense. Let me know what you all think, and I can start putting these together ... when I'm, um, done with my FE ...

 

[ZDARA1999]

All - here is an idea that worked well the last time we cruised and a bunch of us met on these boards. If you think it's dumb, just ignore me!

Someone from our group put together little green ribbons with pins and sent them out in advance to whoever wanted them. (They were small, just a few inches of thin ribbon.) Everybody here on the boards then wore them, especially early in the trip like at the terminal before boarding and during the first couple days. This really worked well in the terminal for those of us who were early because we could begin introducing ourselves to each other before meeting on the ship. Also some people missed the cruise meet on the ship for various reasons, so they could still be identified as part of the group. It also helped those of us who have trouble remembering names/faces!

Many of us didn't care to pin them on our shirts the whole time, so we wore them on the lanyards that hold room keys or on beach bags/camera bags, etc. The kids thought it was fun to look for "green ribbon people" throughout our trip.

Anyway ... if anybody thinks this is a good idea, I'd be happy to get a roll of green ribbon and a bunch of pins and put these together. You'd have to PM me with your home address and number of ribbons so I can send them out. Also, I need to know at least a week before we sail since we're leaving for several days at OKW beforehand.

I can also bring a bunch to the terminal (we will be there early, I'm sure!) to hand out there if we can work out a way to find each other. And some for our meet to give anyone who doesn't yet have theirs.

Other groups on the boards have ordered green bracelets for everybody to wear to identify themselves, but we might be too late for that??

Hopefully my rambling is making a little sense. Let me know what you all think, and I can start putting these together ... when I'm, um, done with my FE ...

LadyLion this sounds great! Thanks for offering to make the ribbons. I will PM you will all needed info. We will be at the terminal early also, we are coming in from WDW. We are starting our vacation at the Animal Kingdom Villas then after the cruise we are heading to The Boardwalk. I know we were thinking of a cruise meet and I know one of the times mentioned was right after the safety drill. Does anyone want to do this or would you prefer another time? maybe KeyWest day right before we get off the ship? LadyLion when do your passed groups meet for a cruise meet?

 

[wwwosie]

LadyLion this sounds great! Thanks for offering to make the ribbons. I will PM you will all needed info. We will be at the terminal early also, we are coming in from WDW. We are starting our vacation at the Animal Kingdom Villas then after the cruise we are heading to The Boardwalk. I know we were thinking of a cruise meet and I know one of the times mentioned was right after the safety drill. Does anyone want to do this or would you prefer another time? maybe KeyWest day right before we get off the ship? LadyLion when do your passed groups meet for a cruise meet?

Right after the safety drill people will be heading back to their room to drop of their vests and then head to the deck party, I don't think that's a good time. Key West day sounds more doable...

LadyLion, did you get my email with the mp3???

Off to get ready for the graduation party tomorrow... must load up on tissues...

 

[LadyLion]

LadyLion this sounds great! Thanks for offering to make the ribbons. I will PM you will all needed info. We will be at the terminal early also, we are coming in from WDW. We are starting our vacation at the Animal Kingdom Villas then after the cruise we are heading to The Boardwalk. I know we were thinking of a cruise meet and I know one of the times mentioned was right after the safety drill. Does anyone want to do this or would you prefer another time? maybe KeyWest day right before we get off the ship? LadyLion when do your passed groups meet for a cruise meet?

Yay! The PMs are coming in, got a bunch, will get the ribbon and pins this evening and get my little assembly line going. (Wait until DH finds out I volunteered for yet one more kooky thing ... although I know he lurks here in our thread ... so HI HONEY! )

Cruise meet - I think we can do several things that will cover everybody's needs...

First, it looks like a bunch of us are staying at WDW before the cruise (at least 3 groups at OKW - and others at different resorts - so I was going to suggest saying 'hi' somehow there). Of course, many of our friends here aren't doing this ... so only a few groups will have this opportunity.

Second, let's find a way to meet at the terminal for those who will be hanging around there before boarding. The ribbons sent in advance will help with this. But not everyone (like those taking the Disney transportation from the resorts) will get there in time for this.

Third, let's plan a meet on Sunday/Old Key West day in the morning perhaps at one of the clubs/lounges. I agree that this might be better than on the day of boarding; things get really crazy with trying to eat and unpack and safety drill and doing things like dining changes, checking into kids clubs, etc. And you don't want to miss the sailaway party!!! I used to go out and dance with my kids ... but now they are TEENS ... bleh.

Fourth, the ribbons will help especially before the meet for individuals to recognize each other and introduce themselves.

Everyone says that it's easiest for the less outgoing kids to enter the clubs their first time with someone else at their side. Even if they don't bond long-term, it's more comfortable to not walk in alone. Assuming that your kids will all be checking out the clubs on that first afternoon/evening, all of our children might want to meet each other before the 'official' meet on Old Key West day ... so the ribbons and meeting up in the terminal and/or at WDW will help for this.

Again I'm rambling. Let me know what you guys think. If anyone would like to meet at OKW (or elsewhere at WDW for those of you staying at AKL, etc. ... let's put our heads together on that).

Yay this is fun.

 

[LadyLion]

LadyLion, did you get my email with the mp3???

Yes! Thank you!! I'm working from home this morning, so I turned my laptop volume up full blast and clicked on it. DH and the puppy both pretty much hit the ceiling.

Love that horn!

 

[wwwosie]

My teen/tween better dance with me at the sailaway party or their charging privileges will be revoked! (They each have an alloted amount per day that can roll over to the next day if they don't spend it, sort of like roll over minutes ).

I know some of the kids are emailing each other, we should gently nudge them to do some more of it and to email the new members of our "gang".

It would be helpful to also know folks' real names before little kids around us start wonder why we "just called that lady a Lion"...

Enjoy Friday!

P.S. to LadyLion, I used to have the DCL ringtone as a ringtone for DS but if she texted me during meetings everyone would jump!

 

[LadyLion]

It would be helpful to also know folks' real names before little kids around us start wonder why we "just called that lady a Lion"...

That made me laugh out loud, OMG. You can call me Lady, or you can call me Lion, or you can call me Mary!!

And I hang out with Ed (DH), Chris (DS), and Tori (DD)

 

[mackeyapp]

Well I just ventured back over to read a bit. Mary I like your idea of meeting up prior to since we will be spending the 23rd and 24th at Beachclub and then moving over with you to Old Key West for the next two nights.

I think for us the first hours on the ship will most likely be (for us) since this is our very first time on a cruise and we will want to cherish that time...... soaking it all in. The idea of meeting on Sunday sounds good if everyone likes that plan. Mary if you need a helping hand with anything please let me know.

Happy Friday!!
Joan, Bill (DH), Brandon (DS) and Devin (DS)

 

[wwwosie]

That made me laugh out loud, OMG. You can call me Lady, or you can call me Lion, or you can call me Mary!!

And I hang out with Ed (DH), Chris (DS), and Tori (DD)

This is a wee bit coincidental
I am Rosie, David (DH), Chris (DS) and Taryn (DD)

I can't believe Chris graduates in 10 hours! I better get some sleep!

 

[mom2m2j]

Lady Lion thanks for doing the ribbons.

We will probably miss everyone at the terminal. We made the mistake of arriving early for our last cruise with our then 3 year old. This time we are driving down on Friday, staying in a local hotel, and taking their shuttle to the port.

Meeting Sunday morning sounds like a great idea.

Michelle, Rob (DH), Morgan (DD), & Jamison (DD)

 

[LadyLion]

Hi all - I've put together ribbons for everyone who has PM'd me so far. They will go out on Monday. Let me know when you get yours. I hope they don't get too smushed going through the mail.

I have a big stack on my table for those yet to send me their info; feel free to let me know who else would like some!

 

[belle26]

4 weeks from today, and at this time, we'll be sailing along towards Key West! I can taste those konk koolers now! My husband Walt tried to make them for me last week, but forgot the passion fruit juice, so as you can guess, it wasn't a konk kooler!
Sue