June 6, 2009--Anybody going?

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

ABSOLUTELY!!! I'd love to have a little "get together" by the pool for anyone who's staying at the Hyatt Friday night. Principessa, it sounds like our planes get in around the same time (I think mine gets in at 1:30) and since we can't check in right away, we're hitting the pool. I haven't had a chance to try to post the picture. If it doesn't work, then I'm not sure what to do so that you know how to find me. Anyone on Facebook???

Also need to figure out what the heck we're going to do for dinner that night. No transpo and nothing in walking distance since we'll be at the airport.

I'm on facebook- Dottie Csuka or Dorothy Csuka

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

II really need to get off the computer and so some more packing/cleaning. I di not like coming home to a messy house so the more I can get done over the next few days, the happier I will be. Can't wait to meet everyone!

I'm the same way- can't leave on vacation less the house is clean -cuz I hate comming home to a mess.
SHHHH you have to keep my secret till the cruise

 

[disneydka]

My lips are sealed. I know nothing!

 

[Krisanm67]

We are also staying at the Hyatt airport and will definately try and make it to the pool to meet Friday night!

I am starting to worry about getting everything done. I felt like I had so much time, and now *all-of-a-sudden* I feel like I haven't enough time to get everything done what happened? I'm thinking of all these things I need that I didn't think about before now.

On that note.....are any of you buying/using a waterproof type of pouch/wallet to store important papers when in port and exctursions? DH thinks I should go to the dive store and buy one, I'm not sure if it's worth the time and money.

I also need advice, kind of personal, I'm thinking I need to cancel my snorkeling excursion to save $$ as it is not looking like I will be able to go into the water. I'm so dissapointed that this *time* is happening during the cruise! I would rather be safe than sorry, kwim?

Our plane gets in around 3pm. I'm so excited, and can't believe we leave for Florida in 3 days.

Kristine

ABSOLUTELY!!! I'd love to have a little "get together" by the pool for anyone who's staying at the Hyatt Friday night. Principessa, it sounds like our planes get in around the same time (I think mine gets in at 1:30) and since we can't check in right away, we're hitting the pool. I haven't had a chance to try to post the picture. If it doesn't work, then I'm not sure what to do so that you know how to find me. Anyone on Facebook???

Also need to figure out what the heck we're going to do for dinner that night. No transpo and nothing in walking distance since we'll be at the airport.

 

[mousecraszy]

I didn't see a full list so thought I would share. I called DCL for the movies for next week and here is the list:
Wall E
Swing Vote
Beverly Hills Chihauhau
HSM3
Bolt
Hannah Montana The Concert in 3D
Bedtime Stories
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Jonas Brothers Concert
Race to Witch Mountain
Hannah Montana The Movie
Earth
Up 3D
The Proposal

The lady was VERY nice when I talked to her and she did say that any and all movies were subject to change. Too bad they won't be offering Night at the Museum 2 as my DD11 is dying to see this movie.

My dining room table is full of clothes and other stuff to pack. We finished our fish extenders over the weekend and off for embroidering today, have a lady around the corner to do that. I've a day full of errands today with 5th grade graduation tomorrow and of course, mani/pedi time. I just can't believe it is finally here. I mean we booked on March 17, 2008 and now it just seems like it's all of a sudden here. Can't wait to drive to the port and see that big ship!!! Here's hoping we all have a safe and fun trip. See you soon, Anna

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

I also need advice, kind of personal, I'm thinking I need to cancel my snorkeling excursion to save $$ as it is not looking like I will be able to go into the water. I'm so dissapointed that this *time* is happening during the cruise! I would rather be safe than sorry, kwim?

Our plane gets in around 3pm. I'm so excited, and can't believe we leave for Florida in 3 days.

Kristine

I feel your pain- never fails-me too but it's not gonna stop my fun and I'm still planing to snorkel and parasail- why would you cancel?- Dottie

 

[AbsyBabsy]

Hey everyone - I have a facebook account - Amanda Young

 

[lrensin]

OK, going to try to post this picture. If it works, then you can use any on-line photo editors. If not, then I'll be going to the site Amanda recommended. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Kristine - definitely try to find us by the pool when you get in on Friday. My parents are getting around the same time, so I think we're going to stay by the pool until dinner time so it'll be easier for them to find us.

I also agree with Dottie - don't let nature stop you from doing what you love. There are options for you to get through those few hours (which we won't go into, in deference to the guys on the discussion board).

The movies sound great. My youngest LOVES dogs and I think I might take her to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Night at the Museum 2 would be great, but if it's not on the ship then it gives us something to look forward to over the summer.

Someone mentioned that the weather is getting better in FL? My mom said that it's still pretty crummy in S. FL, so I'm hoping that it's just down there or that it'll clear up by Friday. I actually won't even mind (too much) crummy weather on Saturday or Sunday, since there will be a ton to do on the boat, but if the weather doesn't hold out on Friday at the hotel, I'm in big trouble!!

OK, got to get the kids ready for school. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

[lrensin]

Hey everyone - I have a facebook account - Amanda Young

There are 4 pages of Amanda Youngs. Clearly you have a popular name.

Look me up - there's only one Lia Rensin and my area is Washington, DC.

Also, looks like my pic didn't work, so I'll be working on getting the pic up via the other site. Oh well.

 

[lrensin]

I am sure that I said that I was going to get my kids ready for school.... But, I got caught up in this photobucket posting.

Here's a pic of my oldest, Libby, and me. It should at least help you find us by the pool on Friday. Or, you can look for the family of chaos.

 

[degrapevine]

Hi, all!

Just taking a sanity break after packing 130+ goodie bags full of 60's themed stuff for tomorrow's 5th Grade Celebration. If I never see another tie dye design, it'll be too soon!

I agree about the "timing" of your monthly friend ... Don't let it keep you from your excursion. I would never be able to scuba (big fear of open water and breathing issues), but if you are certified and have the chance to experience the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, DO IT! I bet you can figure a way around it. I was able to adjust my bcp's to make sure that next week was a clear one. Kind of a bummer to have to worry about that on vacation.

Unfortunately, Night at the Museum 2 isn't a Disney film and since it is a first run (in theaters now), it won't be shown onboard. They do show non-Disney movies on the stateroom tv's, but they are ones that are already out on DVD. There are plenty of other films to see - I'm glad that Shopaholic is still onboard, since I missed that one in the theaters. That would be a fun one for a "girls' night out"!

The weather has been clear here, hot but no rain in the Tampa area the past few days. I don't mind light showers here and there, but please, no deluges! No Facebook account for me - I can barely keep up with my email! But our family will be wearing matching Disney t-shirts with character faces on balls and we should arrive at the port around 11 AM (that's my plan, anyway).

Lots to do, got to be at school at 1 PM to set up for the party tomorrow, then be there all day, last day of school on Thursday is a half day, so my "alone" time is growing short. I have a list of everything I need to pack, but our washer just got fixed and I have piles and piles of laundry! We are really cutting down on what we are bringing. I figure if I have to do a small load on Thursday, I will.

4 days to go!
Rose

 

[disneydka]

I feel your pain- never fails-me too but it's not gonna stop my fun and I'm still planing to snorkel and parasail- why would you cancel?- Dottie

Ditto, Dottie, DD will be snorkeling as well, not gonna let "it" stop her..

 

[Krisanm67]

good luck with your school activities and getting ready for the cruise - you will finally get to relax in just 4 more days

Unfortunately I'm not on bcp. I sooooo wish I was at this point so I could adjust the days. We are snorkeling (not scuba) so I could get another chance one day - Or, I'll just cancel mine and add myself back on if everything is ok to do so (wont get into the messy details of it or why). I will be happy as long as the kids still get to go and DH is still taking them. The excursion is the Buck Island one to see the sea turtles and shipwreck. Oh, and my dh said I could spend the money from my missed excursion on extra shopping so that is a good consolation.

I was seeing some rain in the forecast for the cruise. We are bringing a couple of small umbrellas just in case.


We took a bunch of kids to see Night at the Museum for my son's birthday party this last weekend, and my Dad took them to see Up. I'm excited to see The Proposal and the kids want to see Up again.

Hi, all!

Just taking a sanity break after packing 130+ goodie bags full of 60's themed stuff for tomorrow's 5th Grade Celebration. If I never see another tie dye design, it'll be too soon!

I agree about the "timing" of your monthly friend ... Don't let it keep you from your excursion. I would never be able to scuba (big fear of open water and breathing issues), but if you are certified and have the chance to experience the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, DO IT! I bet you can figure a way around it. I was able to adjust my bcp's to make sure that next week was a clear one. Kind of a bummer to have to worry about that on vacation.

Unfortunately, Night at the Museum 2 isn't a Disney film and since it is a first run (in theaters now), it won't be shown onboard. They do show non-Disney movies on the stateroom tv's, but they are ones that are already out on DVD. There are plenty of other films to see - I'm glad that Shopaholic is still onboard, since I missed that one in the theaters. That would be a fun one for a "girls' night out"!

The weather has been clear here, hot but no rain in the Tampa area the past few days. I don't mind light showers here and there, but please, no deluges! No Facebook account for me - I can barely keep up with my email! But our family will be wearing matching Disney t-shirts with character faces on balls and we should arrive at the port around 11 AM (that's my plan, anyway).

Lots to do, got to be at school at 1 PM to set up for the party tomorrow, then be there all day, last day of school on Thursday is a half day, so my "alone" time is growing short. I have a list of everything I need to pack, but our washer just got fixed and I have piles and piles of laundry! We are really cutting down on what we are bringing. I figure if I have to do a small load on Thursday, I will.

4 days to go!
Rose

 

[Krisanm67]

Great photo!! I showed Kellie, she was excited to see Libby. We will be looking for you. I'm sure my kids will be in the pool as soon as we check in.

Kristine

I am sure that I said that I was going to get my kids ready for school.... But, I got caught up in this photobucket posting.

Here's a pic of my oldest, Libby, and me. It should at least help you find us by the pool on Friday. Or, you can look for the family of chaos.

 

[lrensin]

Great photo!! I showed Kellie, she was excited to see Libby. We will be looking for you. I'm sure my kids will be in the pool as soon as we check in.

Kristine

I didn't realize you were Kellie's mom! I know the girls haven't been the best e-mail chatters, but getting Kellie and Libby together the day before, at least so that they both physically know someone, will be great!

BTW, posting the photo via photobucket *was* super easy. Thanks Amanda!

 

[Suz D]

Hi Everyone,

I'm just checking in with you guys! We are here at WDW and having a great time. The weather has been hot but very nice. No rain and relatively low humidity. As much as I'm loving this part of our vacation I'm super excited for the cruise!!

Anna, Thanks for posting the movies! There are WAY too many that I want to see.

Rose, I think a girls night for "Confessions of a Shopaholic" would be great!

Okay, here's a fun thing for all of you. We had a magical moment on Sunday. Bobbie wanted to ride Pooh one last time but when we got there with our fastpasses, the ride was down. Bobbie sat right down on the pavement and cried. It was so sad (and funny at the same time). Jeff had left his annual pass in the fast pass machine at Big Thunder Mountain (or Big Thunderstorm as Bobbie calls it) so he went ahead to guest services to get another annual pass and Katie, Bobbie and I were strolling leisurely down Main Street towards the exit. When we were in front of the town hall, a cast member came up to us and commented on Bobbie's "1st visit" button. She asked if we'd met many characters. We replied that we had not. She asked if we wanted a surprise and of course since I'm no dummy I replied "of course"!

We parked the stroller and she took us into the lobby and all the way through to the back. We stood behind a curtain and she told the girls to say "Bippity, Boppity, Boo" which we all did. She pulled the curtain aside and......


THERE WAS CINDERELLA AND A PHOTOGRAPHER!

We had about a 10 minute private visit with Cindy and the photopass guy. I was balling like a baby. We left MK and made our way over to Epcot to continue the magic with a late lunch with the Disney Princesses!

It was a truly magical day!

Suz

 

[disneydka]

Kristine,

We are also booked for the Buck Island catamaran snorkel excursion. Which one did you book? We are booked on the 12:15 one. Family did not want to have to have it be very early in the morning. I guess the concern I have is that it looks like it runs from 12:15-4:00pm and according to cruise docs we are supposed to be onboard that day at 4:00pm.

In any event, we booked it and I can say I am a bit concerned that I won't be able to get the mechanics of the snorkeling itself, though I will give it the old college try and worse case scenario, I get a nice boat ride and swim out of it.

I have not booked anything for Saint Maarten. I wouldn't mind teaming up with another family who doesn't have any excursions booked and maybe we can figure out how to wing it together. Neither DH or I are real comfortable wandering around aimlessly, especially with our kids in tow. Any suggestions?

 

[AbsyBabsy]

Hey everyone!


I checked the weather - 40% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday - but don't worry this is Florida. Today when I left work it was storming - then 3 miles later at my house - it was sunny! Also have 40-60% cloud cover - this is good especially for you northerners who burn easily!!


Lia - I req you as a friend on facebook. I LOVE your Pic - YOU TWO LOOK SO ALIKE! I did not know you had a nine year old - I do too. Her name is Abigail. She has been emailing Izzy, Gina and Jeanne! We can get them all together!

Kristine - how old is Libby? sounds like they are all about the same age - we may have a gang on our hands!

Suz, that is great about Cinderella - what a wonderful and magical moment - Don't you just LOVE disney?

Rose, I agree - girls night out conf of shopoholic!

Kristine - I agree with the girls - don't let it bother you - everyone deals with it and there are products that work well while swimming - although I don't know if I would swim with dolphins during that time - I hear they can be sensitive!

Schools not out here yet. I have to be at my daughter's school early to start filling up water balloons for the end of the year party. Today the kids cleaned out their desks and brought home all their folders. Tomorrow is the end of the year party, then two hour early release Thursday and Friday - and we all know what is happening on Saturday!

I bought a bunch of big Snickers Bars today to hand out with my tips for room service and stuff - I hear they appreciate candy!

Well I have to go and prepare my acceptance speech for when we get picked as "Family of the Week"

night night
Amanda

 

[lrensin]

Suz - GREAT news and how incredibly exciting for the girls! Can't wait to see some pics!

As an FYI for anyone staying at the Hyatt Fri night - we booked dinner at McCoys Bar and Grill for 6 PM. The steakhouse looks out over the runways, but the food is way more sophisticated than my kids can manage, so the grill it is for us. If the weather isn't good for the pool, or if anyone gets in late, you can look for us there.

Tomorrow's Wednesday - I'm so far behind and not sure how I'm going to get it all done. I am going to need lots of big drinks with umbrellas in them. Speaking of, did we get a day or time for the martini tasting adventure??? Can't wait for that!

Have a good night - I'm off to bed so I can run around like a chicken with my head cut off tomorrow AM.

 

[Suz D]

Kristine,

We are also booked for the Buck Island catamaran snorkel excursion. Which one did you book? We are booked on the 12:15 one. Family did not want to have to have it be very early in the morning. I guess the concern I have is that it looks like it runs from 12:15-4:00pm and according to cruise docs we are supposed to be onboard that day at 4:00pm.

In any event, we booked it and I can say I am a bit concerned that I won't be able to get the mechanics of the snorkeling itself, though I will give it the old college try and worse case scenario, I get a nice boat ride and swim out of it.

I have not booked anything for Saint Maarten. I wouldn't mind teaming up with another family who doesn't have any excursions booked and maybe we can figure out how to wing it together. Neither DH or I are real comfortable wandering around aimlessly, especially with our kids in tow. Any suggestions?

Dawn,

Although I've never been to St. Maarten, we've been to Nassau twice with DCL, Cozumel once, and Grand Caymen once. On all of those we didn't book any excursions, we just walked around. This time we booked one excursion on St. Maarten and plan on wandering around after the excursion is finished. We didn't book anything on St. Thomas and will just wander around there. I honestly would not feel the least bit uncomfortable walking around with your kids. It's so interesting, and we love just chatting with local people.

Suz