~June 27, 2009 Western, anyone?~

[LadyLion]

Hi all … I just went through my packing list and came up with some more tips. I know some of this stuff won’t work for everybody, but it does for us.

We use our 2-way radios when docked at Castaway Cay. DH takes one radio and lines up to get off the ship earlier, while the kids and I continue getting ready for the day. He heads to the family beach and gets us a spot with a hammock and a few chairs (and some shade – especially in July!!). Eventually we’re all able to find each other easily with the radios. Because areas can fill up quickly on the family beach, we have found this to be valuable.

Book lights – the staterooms can be very dark, which is great because we sleep late when we can, but if anyone in your room likes to read early take a book light so you don’t need to turn on the other lights to read.

Address labels – while onboard, we will be given luggage tags to fill out; these are put on luggage placed out in the hallway on the last night of the cruise. It’s much quicker to get this done if you have some address label stickers from home.

Lots of people decorate the outside of their stateroom doors with magnets. Makes it easier to find your room. On occasion, I’ve heard that these ‘walk’ (has never happened to us) so don’t take anything too valuable.

Post-it notes to exchange plans with other members of your party – if you’re going to be splitting up for various activities. Easy to write a quick note and stick it prominently in your stateroom to let others know where you’re going to be. We also use a small whiteboard on the outside of our door for this.

Here’s something that works for lots of people, but I don’t think we’re supposed to do it. If you’re getting off the ship at the ports, order some food from room service (or get some food from any of the restaurants/counter service areas) and take it off with you. Good use for those Ziploc bags and your small folding cooler!! Of course, be careful not to take anything that can spoil. Much less expensive and even small snacks can help tie the gang over until a larger meal is available.

We always pack an empty duffle bag that ‘scrunches up’ into nothing. Great way to transport home all the extra stuff we pick up along the way.

When you have to pack your suitcases and put them in the hallway the night before getting off the ship, don’t forget to NOT PACK the stuff you’ll need in the morning – and keep behind a travel bag large enough for anything you’re not packing the night before. People are always seen wearing pajamas that next day because they didn’t leave out clothes … or they packed all their shoes so are barefoot … etc. Also, if you’re like us and using the service that will send your bags all the way through to the airline (meaning we won’t see our bags from that last night until we get all the way home), be certain that any toiletries/makeup/etc. you need in the morning are small enough (less than 3 oz.) for your carry-on bags. Otherwise, you could get them taken away at the airport security. If you’ll be handling your bags once getting off the ship, this is easier – you can then put anything you kept behind into your suitcases before traveling home.

OK, once again, I got too long!! Sorry! Hope some of this helps some of you … let me know if you have questions.

 

[wwwosie]

Lady Lion...
I thinking there is no rhyme and reason to the DCL offer but I do think that if you are booked during the summer time frame you are most likely out of luck.
I'm putting cruise dreaming on hold... somehow my house looks like a tornado hit it so for the next few days... and keep your fingers crossed I get excused from Jury Duty OR it's a short one, we are going on a "College Road Trip" next week...

 

[cmhand30]

Hey, I have been checking in but no one was posting.

I did see that kids free thing. I never get pin codes. I keep coming back anyways, so why would Disney send me a code? But my military discount saves me more money than getting DS free.

I am waiting to hear from TA to get out of our inside room (she went to WDW, without her laptop). I finially received a job offer, so finances have changed and will be able to pay off an upgrade to a balcony. I want a quote from her and will wait until 25 days out to see if DCL puts me up to a window. Then pay for the balcony.

for some reason I think our cruise is still pretty open. Why??? Is everyone waiting for the next one? The actual July 4th???

Anyways, our town is pretty much flooded. Alot of bridges are underwater and roads closed. Which makes I-75 a main route for us to get across town and add the Spring Break travelers on I-75 and stopping at our exits for gas/food/lodging, well makes for a mess around here. (usually we avoid I-75 b/c of travelers this time of year, especially on weekends). OK enough of my rant. OH, in our paper yesterday, of all our surrounding counties we issued the most traffic tickets X100 (658 vs average 60). B/c I-75 runs through our county. Honest, I am done now.

LadyLion, I think you need to make a collective list of packing things and e-mail/PM it to everyone!

I will be off to Destin Beach, FL on Saturday for a week with my parents and sisters. DH and DS will return home for the week for work and school. Pray for me, that I endure the drama that always occurs when we are all together. I think I maybe spending alot of time on the beach and not in the condo.

Then I come back from the beach and start my new job. Isn't that something I get offered a job and first thing I ask for a week and a half off for vacation. Sorry, vacation is a priority.

Well, I must start my day. Laundry is calling and I have scrubs to iron.

 

[belle26]

cmhand30, glad to hear about your job offer, - good luck!! First day of spring break here, and it's pouring and thundering. What a yucky day, a great one for cleaning, so why am I not down starting with the kitchen? After lunch, I keep telling myself.

My husband has his last scuba class this week, then he's off to do his open water dives the end of May. He's very excited, has been wanting to do this for years. He's really looking forward to diving in Grand Cayman.

We were cleaning out a closet this weekend, and the suitcases were pulled out to make some room. We haven't had a chance to put then downstairs yet, and the poor cat is freaking out. Whenever he sees the suitcases, he knows he is being left. Since we have 81 days to go, I think I should put them away and give the poor cat some peace, what do you think?

 

[cmhand30]

I have been working on cleaning also. But had to run out to Publix for cookie making supplies and sushi for lunch. Got distracted to a shoe store, found new Ugg flip-flops, really cute and had to have.

And I can't seem to stay off the boards. 82 days and counting. I found a printable packing list on mouse for less.

Back to work.

 

[belle26]

Kitchen's cleaned, wash in the washer and a pie baked, thought I deserved a little distraction for my efforts, in other words, let's avoid cleaning the next room! Now, I could really get into some shoe shopping!

 

[Jerserygirl]

My DH,DS (age 5), my parents and cousin and her partner are cruising this week. We are all looking forward to the cruise. Most of us have cruised before and are familiar with the whole cruise experience. But now we have a little one and I'm not sure how the dining works with him. If we were to all book an evening in Palo for dinner where would he eat and with whom? I have done some research and I think he may be able to eat with kids clubs but I'm not sure. Does anyone know how this works?

Also, if anyone recommend some excursions for the our DS to do with some of us in Key West and Grand Caymen that would be great.

Thanks for your help. Looking forward to the cruise!

 

[cmhand30]

Welcome, Jerseygirl!

I am not much help with you DS being 5. Mine are much older when they started cruising. Also, not much help with excursions either. We have done lots in Nassau. And plan on just doing Key West on our own. I am sure others here have lots of things they could tell you.

Oh, for everyone else. I can't sleep . Probably gonna upgrade to the cat 6 before the penalty period. Finially heard from my TA a few minutes ago.

 

[LadyLion]

Hi Jerseygirl! Welcome to our chat!! (I live in Jersey, maybe we're neighbors??)

I'm not going to be much help with excursions, but take a look at the official Disney Cruise website. They list all the destinations and all excursions at each port, with pictures and ages. Many years ago, we did one of those submarine rides; that was great for the little ones. Saw lots of fish out of the windows.

As far as your DS eating while you go to Palo ... if he is in the kids' club during their planned eating time, then they will take him along to the area where the kids eat (along with all the other kids of his age group). If your Palo time is, say, later and he won't be in the club at the time they take all the kids to eat ... then before you go to Palo you can get him food from room service or one of the counter service options (pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, sandwiches, etc.) and feed him first. Then he can go to the kids' club while you're dining at Palo.

We've done this lots of times, and our children look forward to dinner with the kids rather than dinner with us!

The navigators make it really easy to see what time the kids' clubs do all their activities, including what time they take the kids for food. So you can plan this out once you get on the ship, no need to worry about it in advance. You definitely want to go to Palo so be sure to get your reservation!!

 

[LadyLion]

LadyLion, I think you need to make a collective list of packing things and e-mail/PM it to everyone!

Well, I am kinda a freak about having lists of stuff. So I do have a packing list in MS Word format if anyone would like me to send it. (People tease me for being a "list person", but I have such a crazy life that if I weren't organized I'd go really mad!! )

It has sections for main things to pack ahead of time (all the stuff we've been talking about like address labels and coolers and shoe holders); then a section for toiletries and medicines; a clothing list for each of us; a section for the last-minute things to pack (ex. cameras, iPods, insurance documents), and even a list of our dog's things to pack for "Camp Grandma". I also include a list of things to do (such as make haircut appointments, get someone to water plants, stop the mail, clean out the refrigerator, ...).

SO ... if anybody wants a copy of my list to tailor for your family, just PM me and I'll e-mail it to you!

 

[Jerserygirl]

Thanks Ladylion,
You were very helpful with your dining tips for my DS. I never thought to feed him at one of the cafe type places before putting him in the kids club while all of us went to Palo. What a great idea! As far as the excursions, I think we plan on doing the glass ship bottom boat tour in Key West. Then the beach thing maybe in Grand Caymen. But at this point I am thinking we may not book an excursion but do it on our own. Do you have any advice for that?

I loved your last post. I too am a "list person" which can make me the butt of a lot of jokes. But I like to be organized. I am just starting my lists now since I really want to be ready to go and not running around at the last minute. I'm a working mom, so time is precious.

We live in Somerset county. But I am orginally from Essex county. Again thanks for your advice.

Jerserygirl

 

[LadyLion]

Hey there - we're in Hunterdon County. Small world!

The only non-Disney excursion we've ever done is Captain Marvin's (discussed earlier in this thread and highly recommended ... although I'm not sure about kids' ages for the stingray excursions, you'd have to check that out.)

I know lots of people book their own excursions; it can be less expensive. Just be careful that you will get a refund if something goes wrong (like with the weather) - with a Disney excursion, if it gets canceled for whatever reason DCL would refund you or help with other arrangements.

If you're booking non-DCL excursions, be certain that transportation to and from the ship is worked out. You wouldn't want to have something go wrong at the end of your excursion and miss the ship leaving the port!

Because so many people book non-DCL excursions, I don't think these are big things to worry about ... just things to keep in mind.

Also, remember that you don't have to book excursions at every port. Each family is different, so you have to make your own decisions, but we love to stay on the ship when everyone else gets off! The kids' pool area gets especially crowded on sea days, so your DS may enjoy the less crowded pools while docked at the ports.

 

[belle26]

Jerseygirl and Ladylion, we're Jersey also, but the other end, Gloucester County, guess just a ride down the turnpike or parkway!

 

[marshmellow86]

We will be on the cruise! Very excited. 4th Disney cruise, but first on the Magic. My dd turns 12 on July 1 (Cozumel). She has always wanted to go to WDW for her birthday, but I refuse to go the week of July 4 - too hot and too crowded. She has a younger sister that is 5 and always gets to go to WDW for her Sept birthday.
Just booked our Palo reservation (yea! highlight of the cruise) and some excursions. Hope we like them! In the past, we did more our our own thing (shop the straw market) or glass bottom boat. Since the youngest is now 5, she is old enough for some of the same excursions her sister wants to do.
Any recommendations on something for Cozumel? Being her bday, I wanted something fun for the whole family (so a 5 year has to be able to participate). Thanks.

 

[belle26]

Not sure if this applies to anyone else, but when we booked , there was a fuel surcharge. I just noticed today when checking things on my reservation that the charge has been credited as refundable OBC. This may have been done a while ago, and I didn't notice, but anyway - YES!!! , now should I tell DH? , Nah!!

 

[cmhand30]

I guess I will have to check my ressie yet again!

Oh, I will be chillin on Destin Beach starting tomorrow afternoon! So, you may not hear from me for a bit. Then the new j-o-b starts on the 20th, so things will be busy.

I started my DCL packing tub yesterday. Have about 4 things in it. And I have my file folder started also. Even printed directions to the Radisson! I printed the latest Navigators I could find also.

Have fun guys if I don't chat with you for awhile!

 

[newtandkaren]

Hello everyone and welcome jerseygirl and marshmellow. Been busy lately and haven't had time to hit the forum. But it is officially Spring Break. Yippee!

I am getting psyched to stay up Easter Sunday night at midnight to book Palo. Hope there are still ressies for dinner available.

Marshmellow86, as far as something to do in Cozumel ...We have a dolphin excursion booked. We booked directly thru Dolphin Discovery and the price covered the taxi and park entrance. We booked directly because we wanted the Royal Swim, which DCL doesn't offer. There will be 8 of us participating, me, DH, DD11, DD9, Dsis, DBIL, DD11, DS8.

We are also seriously considering a half-day snorkeling/sting ray excursion with Captain Marvin's in Grand Cayman. Haven't booked it yet though.

My DD11 has been emailing with a few other girls who will be on the cruise. If your DD12 is interested in getting in the conversation, just PM me and I will get you her email address.

Thanks LadyLion for all the packing suggestions, I look forward to getting a copy of the entire list

 

[LadyLion]

I am getting psyched to stay up Easter Sunday night at midnight to book Palo. Hope there are still ressies for dinner available.

My DD11 has been emailing with a few other girls who will be on the cruise. If your DD12 is interested in getting in the conversation, just PM me and I will get you her email address.

Thanks LadyLion for all the packing suggestions, I look forward to getting a copy of the entire list

Karen - good luck with your Palo reservation - let us know how you make out! It sounds like there are still reservations available, and if you don't get one online I think they hold quite a few openings that you can book when you get on the ship.

Marshmellow - my DD13 has also been part of the e-mailing; feel free to PM me if your DD wants in on the chat (or Karen you can share our e-mail info to get my DD into that conversation if that's easier for you guys).

Karen, I just sent you the list over e-mail. Don't think I'm too much of a freak!! At least I haven't started actually PACKING yet (but I'm tempted). Our next step is for everybody to get out all their shorts and swimsuits and dressy clothes and try things on - to decide what more we need to purchase for the cruise.

DS14 (to be 15) only owns jeans and shorts (and sweats) ... and one pair of dressy black pants for his concerts ... so trying to talk him into shopping for some pants that are acceptable in the DCL restaurants will be interesting. But he's a good sport so we'll find something. DD13 just bought a couple dresses for some other occasions, so she's actually looking forward to dressing up on the ship.

Have a great weekend everybody!

 

[wwwosie]

Hi all!
Not thinking about packing yet, but thinking about putting a box aside with stuff to pack. My DS and DH are minimalists. They won't be doing tuxes on formal night just because of the extra room, but we are thinking about all black for all four of us. Luckily both my guys DO like to dress up.
Also, I think the rule about put out what you are going to pack and take out half is a good one. I always come home with clean shirts and pants.
Did get DD and I new flip flops from LL Bean, they are cute and comfy.

LadyLion your DS' black pants should work for formal night if you can get him into a shirt and tie, no need to spend more... or even a shirt and a vest. Unless of course you want him to spiff up for pictures!

DD and I planned on buying matching dresses for the casual nights but I wanted a smaller size (always the optimist here) and I put the first one back. Then I find out there aren't smaller sizes that would fit me in this lifetime so I go back to get the original one and it was gone!. Maybe it will show up on sale soon.

And now, back to work on some volunteer stuff. Talk to you guys soon!

Rosie

 

[LadyLion]

LadyLion your DS' black pants should work for formal night if you can get him into a shirt and tie, no need to spend more... or even a shirt and a vest. Unless of course you want him to spiff up for pictures!

Hey there - yeah, I think we have the same thinking! DS will probably wear his black pants, a nice shirt, and tie for the formal nights. We'll get him a pair of long khakis for the other nights. I think the little boys look cute and can get away with nice shorts with polos in the dining rooms for the casual evenings, but now that my DS is a teen he needs to have long pants. Do you think he can wear nice khakis/polo with sandals on those casual evenings? Kinda like the island look? Otherwise I'm not sure what shoes he'll wear ... he has dress black loafers for the formal dinners but they won't go with khaki pants.

I guess we can get him deck shoes, but I doubt he'll wear them again...

DH is going to pack a dark suit and an extra pair of lighter slacks that would go with the dark jacket. That will take care of formal night (suit), semi-formal night (slacks with jacket and tie), Palo dinner (either of the others with different shirt/tie), and Palo brunch (probably slacks with jacket, no tie).

When we've cruised in the past, there weren't as many airline restrictions on luggage. And we've always had TOO MUCH luggage. So I'm doing the same thing ... figuring out how we can take much less stuff!!