June 6, 2009--Anybody going?

[degrapevine]

Hey, everybody!

Honestly, after some of the outfits I've seen in the dining rooms, I'm sure that as long as you are dressed neatly with all appropriate body parts covered, you'll be fine. On our last cruise, I was seated directly across from a table with a very large man who wore a tank shirt w/his armpit hair showing and athletic shorts that looked like they were used to wash the car with every night. Kids are fine in pretty much anything, even the dreaded shorts - put a nice shirt on top with a good pair of shorts and it'll be fine. I do think, however, that adults should at least throw on a nice pair of jeans. The dinners are an event (lasting almost 2 hours for us!) and it's fun to feel like you are getting ready to go somewhere special.

I'm not pushing the whole suit jacket thing on DH and the boys - They'll just wear dress shirts and ties on formal/semi-formal nights. Most men take off their jackets when they get to the table, anyway. As for shoes, we'll wear our heavy sneakers, bring along Crocs/water shoes, dress shoes (males) for dinner, nice sandals (females) for dinner, and casual sandals. I tend to wear a lot of black (that slimming effect will be needed by the end of the cruise!), so I can cut down on my shoes by just bringing black ones.

I cancelled our excursion in St. Thomas that included Mountain Top since it just BURNED DOWN! We'll do the Butterfly Farm and then Paradise Point on our own instead. For a family of 5, the cost of excursions is high, but I figure that it's less for us to do on our next cruise! By now, we've done everything in Nassau, so on our cruise in December, DH and I are staying on the ship.

I requested PLA rotation, which would mean that we'd have our character breakfast on Thursday. I also want to try for Palo Brunch on Monday - We booked late with FL Resident and missed out, so hopefully, we can get it on board. So we should be good for the meet on Sunday. My DD is SO excited to meet all her new buddies. I may never see her if she gets her way - She wants to spend all her time in the club!

Lots to do, too little time to do it all. Working on those exchange gifts (3 kids x 21 gifts each [24 kids-our 3] = 63 kids gifts + 14 cabin gifts [15 cabins - ours] = 77 gifts total) ... YIKES! I'm glad we're bringing a cooler w/water, wine, etc. It will be empty at the end of the cruise and we can put all our new gifts in it! See you all next Saturday!

Rose

 

[lrensin]

On our last cruise, I was seated directly across from a table with a very large man who wore a tank shirt w/his armpit hair showing and athletic shorts that looked like they were used to wash the car with every night.

OMG! That is absolutely disgusting!!!!! How on earth did you actually eat anything that evening? Or, probably more importantly, how did the kids not say something embarrassing, the way kids do?

I requested PLA rotation, which would mean that we'd have our character breakfast on Thursday.

How do you request a rotation? How do you even know which rotation to request? (remember - newbee here )

Lots to do, too little time to do it all. Working on those exchange gifts (3 kids x 21 gifts each [24 kids-our 3] = 63 kids gifts + 14 cabin gifts [15 cabins - ours] = 77 gifts total) ... YIKES!

Is everyone with multiple kids doing the exchange doing one gift for all the other kids from each of yours??? Honestly, I was planning on one gift from all three of my kids. I cannot manage 77 gifts!!!

 

[Principessa]

Lia, I think you could opt for either giving one gift from all your kids or give one gift per child. Now how do you know what you signed up for? I would try to look back to an earlier post written by Grandma Debby where she explained this. But at this point, as recommended, Keep It Simple- the gifts are mostly to break the ice among the kids, right? I for one know that we won't be counting to make sure we got 24 gifts or something. It's all about the fun so whatever you have finished already, go with it!
That's my two cents.

It's 55 degrees and rainy here. Can't believe I'll ever be somewhere warm, let alone sunny!

I did not try to request a rotation - I'm just going to see what happens. I figure it's the first cruise, we are bound to make some mistakes! I'm not sure I signed up for enough spa visits though! I was reading my Passporter guide and they sure sound nice....apparently they have large individual private showers in the spa that you can use even if you aren't there for a spa service. In case you want to shower and your family is using your shower. They said the water pressure was better in the spa as well. That sounded like an interesting idea.

 

[AbsyBabsy]

Hey everyone! We are getting so close!

It looks like we are meeting at 3P.M. for the gift exchange and then another meeting on Sunday at 11:30 at Topsiders. I also see that Grandma Debby is putting together a list of room numbers for FishExtenders. I was wondering if anyone wanted to put together a list of each of our "real" first names and room numbers. This way if anyone missed out on the 2 meets, they can still find their Dis buddies! If anyone wants to do this, feel free to send me a PM and I will put together a list and send it out to everyone who wants to participate.

It may be a good idea to put together another meeting for during the week - perhaps a spot before the Pirates Party?

One other item, do we want to have an alternative meeting spot on Saturday in case our rain pattern stays with us? I suggest the Promenade Lounge as an alternative. What do you think?

Let me know and I cannot wait to meet everyone!
Amanda

 

[Suz D]

Absy,

I second the alternate meeting place for Saturday. I'll be sending you a PM with all of our real names and cabin numbers.

Suz (which is actually my real name LOL!)

 

[degrapevine]

Lia - Thank goodness that was on the cruise that just DH and I went on last year. Otherwise, my kids (especially my smarty-pants DS14) would have had something to say! After the first night, I made sure my back was to him (and YES, he did wear a tank shirt EVERY NIGHT!).

I requested the PLA rotation just because it fits nicely with the theme nights. It would put us in Lumiere's for Formal Night and Parrot Cay for Pirate's Night. Also, our Character Breakfast would be on Thursday, a nice relaxing sit down late in the week. I had our TA put it on our reservation. We may or may not get it, but it was worth a try!

I decided to have each of our kids do their own set of gifts b/c I was just having too much fun thinking up ideas to go with where we live. (Which is really a boring place, but surrounded by some fun places!) I probably spent $1 on each gift, so my total is probably close to some who are giving more expensive gifts. Our kids are older, too, so I thought they would have fun delivering "their" gifts to the other kids. Honestly, I have a track record of making things difficult for myself, so I guess this was no different!

Amanda - Good idea about an alternate meeting place for Saturday at 3 - The Promenade Lounge sounds great. But BITE YOUR TONGUE!!! There shall be no more mentioning of rain or any type of inclement weather! I know that we've been getting hit with a lot of rain (we are near Tampa), but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let it be all gone and nowhere near the Caribbean in two weeks!

Any other ideas about meeting later in the week, just let us know and we'll be there! We have late seating, though, and a meeting before the Pirate Party would be rough. We barely get to the party on time rushing our server as it is! But maybe something on the last Sea Day?

Time's just flying by ... Lots still to do! Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Rose

 

[disneydka]

I'm up for a meet at the margarita tasting, whenever that is

 

[AbsyBabsy]

I'm up for a meet at the margarita tasting, whenever that is

Is there a margarita tasting? Count me in!

Amanda

 

[Euchre_U]

Speaking as one of the DH posters (albeit late in on the posting action), I believe there should be a Quiet Cove meeting for the adults for margaritas, beer, scotch/rocks, etc. Okay - maybe this is just a "guy" thing, but riding the waves on deck 10 (11?) outside next to the Quiet Cove with your favorite adult beverage while the kids are off playing in the kids club is pretty cool.

Kurt H.

(Cuban cigars optional . . . )

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Count me in for a meet on Thursday as we have nothing special planned that day- we could also plan to meet up on deck the day of departure to view the Spaceshuttle take off- still set to go off 7:17 am.

wanted to put this out there one more time - any runners out there can meet up to do a 5k on Castaway Cay-

See you all soon- We leave 1 wk from today

 

[disneydka]

Speaking as one of the DH posters (albeit late in on the posting action), I believe there should be a Quiet Cove meeting for the adults for margaritas, beer, scotch/rocks, etc. Okay - maybe this is just a "guy" thing, but riding the waves on deck 10 (11?) outside next to the Quiet Cove with your favorite adult beverage while the kids are off playing in the kids club is pretty cool.

Kurt H.

(Cuban cigars optional . . . )

I am all about the adult beverage time while the kids are off playing. One of the greatest benefits of the Disney Cruise as I see if is enjoying some adult time while at the same time having peace of mind that your children are being well cared for and having the time of their lives!

I have today off from work and the first stop on my list is Frugal McDoogals so I can stock up on beverages for our cooler.

 

[lrensin]

Rose – sounds like you have helium hand syndrome, of which I am very familiar! That’s the affliction moms have when their hands go up in the air when someone asks for a volunteer. Nothing is easy for me – even when I try, but completely of my own doing. I bought a flat canvas shoe holder from Bed, Bath, and Beyond to use as my FE. But, I didn’t like it, so then I went out and bought material to make my own. Complete with personalized Mickey ears for each person. Am I nuts???? Who has time for this?

I love the idea of more group meetings – that way we can catch up again or even meet people we haven’t been able to meet to that point. Margarita meeting??? Quiet Cove meeting??? I’m all over both of those ideas! I also told Amanda that I think the list of real names and cabin numbers is great and that I hope people will include children’s ages again. This way we can know who to look out for at the kids’ clubs and I can help my kids know how to find their new friends.

Suz – love that you’re as creative about your log-in name as me!

BTW, I don’t remember who let us know about the Travel channel cruise show, but it was great! Thank you for the tip because it was great for the newbee I am. And, it has gotten me completely excited for this trip!!

 

[Krisanm67]

I think we were planning on doing this, so it will be nicer to meet and do it with friends : We were deciding between the martini, wine or beer tasting last night while we were going over our itinerary. I wonder if you can do the tasting and just order which ever one you want? I'm not a big drinker but I love Margaritas

I'm up for a meet at the margarita tasting, whenever that is

 

[Krisanm67]

My husband runs, but we are so booked on Castaway Cay - we are doing the glassbottom boat and parasailing, otherwise I'm sure he would've done the 5k. I hope we have time to do the treasure hunt too,, I know my kids would LOVE that.

Count me in for a meet on Thursday as we have nothing special planned that day- we could also plan to meet up on deck the day of departure to view the Spaceshuttle take off- still set to go off 7:17 am.

wanted to put this out there one more time - any runners out there can meet up to do a 5k on Castaway Cay-

See you all soon- We leave 1 wk from today

 

[Taffygirl]

Speaking as one of the DH posters (albeit late in on the posting action), I believe there should be a Quiet Cove meeting for the adults for margaritas, beer, scotch/rocks, etc. Okay - maybe this is just a "guy" thing, but riding the waves on deck 10 (11?) outside next to the Quiet Cove with your favorite adult beverage while the kids are off playing in the kids club is pretty cool.

Kurt H.

This sounds like a "must do" and I know my DH will be looking for some "adult time" at some point in the cruise. We did the martini tastings (2 of them) on the Disney Wonder in 2007 and enjoyed them very much.

Welcome Kurt and family. I've added your information to the first post on the first page.

I like the idea of sharing names and cabin numbers. On some of the other cruises we've been on someone was able to establish a web site that had such information as real names, forum names, hometown/state, cabin number, dining time, etc. Having the children's ages would also be helpful for the kids. Does anyone know how to set this up? I sure don't.

When did Mountain Top burn down? I didn't see that. We were there in January and it was a pretty neat place. We were on a tour so had limited time, but I remember it having a pretty nice gift shop (large), good drinks, and a great view.

We like to dress up on formal nights (long and/or cocktail length dresses for me; coat and tie for DH), but I didn't think people dressed up much on the 4-night Disney Wonder cruise. I was wondering if folks dressed up a little more on the 7 night Disney cruises. We don't do ball gowns or tuxes, but we do think it is nice to dress up a little more than normal on formal nights since we don't have many other occasions to do so.

OK, I've rattled on long enough. I had to catch up and read the last five pages of this thread. Looking forward to meeting everyone in just over a week. YIPPEE!!!

 

[MN Dis Fans]

Speaking as one of the DH posters (albeit late in on the posting action), I believe there should be a Quiet Cove meeting for the adults for margaritas, beer, scotch/rocks, etc. Okay - maybe this is just a "guy" thing, but riding the waves on deck 10 (11?) outside next to the Quiet Cove with your favorite adult beverage while the kids are off playing in the kids club is pretty cool.

Kurt H.

(Cuban cigars optional . . . )

Another DH checking in, name the time and place. I am so there. I like to hang out by Quiet Cove with a good book, and a cold drink! I've not had a cigar in years, but reckon I could very quickly be talked into one, along with a cognac or two?
Paul

 

[Principessa]

This sounds like a "must do" and I know my DH will be looking for some "adult time" at some point in the cruise. We did the martini tastings (2 of them) on the Disney Wonder in 2007 and enjoyed them very much.

Welcome Kurt and family. I've added your information to the first post on the first page.

I like the idea of sharing names and cabin numbers. On some of the other cruises we've been on someone was able to establish a web site that had such information as real names, forum names, hometown/state, cabin number, dining time, etc. Having the children's ages would also be helpful for the kids. Does anyone know how to set this up? I sure don't.

When did Mountain Top burn down? I didn't see that. We were there in January and it was a pretty neat place. We were on a tour so had limited time, but I remember it having a pretty nice gift shop (large), good drinks, and a great view.

We like to dress up on formal nights (long and/or cocktail length dresses for me; coat and tie for DH), but I didn't think people dressed up much on the 4-night Disney Wonder cruise. I was wondering if folks dressed up a little more on the 7 night Disney cruises. We don't do ball gowns or tuxes, but we do think it is nice to dress up a little more than normal on formal nights since we don't have many other occasions to do so.

OK, I've rattled on long enough. I had to catch up and read the last five pages of this thread. Looking forward to meeting everyone in just over a week. YIPPEE!!!

Let's not forget wine tasting too! Quiet Cove, good!

Website: Well it probably wouldn't be too hard. I just read somewhere on my verizon account page that I had web space. If everyone wants to have this info centrally located I could try and do it. It seems like we'd just add info to the list in post one. But Grandma Debby is the holder of the cabin numbers and I'm pretty sure she is leaving today. Maybe this info will be in the cruise survival info she's handing out? Probably not the early / late seating though. (Uh-oh, I think I just had helium hand ) Would adding this info to the first post be too public?

Formal Dress: I just hope we aren't seated with the tank top man! We will do our best to be wearing clean dry clothes and not be late!

Taffygirl: Can't wait to meet you too!


Question: How many of you booked through a travel agent? If you didn't use a travel agent, did you just book online at the Disney site? If you used a travel agent, do you think you got a better deal? Maybe this is off topic, but I was just wondering. Wondering if I need any actual paper documents to get on the ship (I did do the online check in already!) because I STILL have NOT received any travel documents from my Travel Agent!!! This is
the first problem I've had with her - before this we emailed back and forth, spoke once, she helped when I asked - - - - Now though I'm just thinking I should have reserved myself on line....sigh....maybe the "priority mail" will deliver today!!! Krisanm67: Going over your itinerary? Were you using the DCL website, or info you received? I better stop, this could turn into a rant!

I'm up this early because DS is on a school trip to Cedar Point, OH with band/orchestra. He had to be there at 5:45am. ZZZZZzzzz, not a morning person. Luckily I'm an evening person, they are expected back at midnight!

Time for my nap....hope the letter carrier brings me some Magic!

 

[AbsyBabsy]

Let's not forget wine tasting too! Quiet Cove, good!

If everyone wants to have this info centrally located I could try and do it. It seems like we'd just add info to the list in post one. But Grandma Debby is the holder of the cabin numbers and I'm pretty sure she is leaving today. Maybe this info will be in the cruise survival info she's handing out?

I am compiling a list of everyone that I will hand out or drop at everyone's rooms. Grandma Debby sent me the list she has with names and room numbers, I have also received several PM's from others with real names and kids ages and room numbers.

If you have not given your real names and room numbers to Grandma Debby, and you want to be on the "master list", please PM me or post it here and I will compile and distribute. (yes helium hand struck me too!)


Well 7 days from RIGHT NOW, we will be packing up the last items, having our breakfast and saying goodbye to the dog, 2 cats, 4 fish and my wonderful father who will be keeping them all!

Amanda

 

[AbsyBabsy]

I thought I would post a photo - This was recently of my niece(on left), me, and my nine year old daughter, Abigail.

I am getting all the hair cut off this week so I may look a little different

 

[Krisanm67]

Hi,

We booked through a travel agent - not sure if it was the best deal, mother-in-law booked and I didn't look into options. I am a bargain shopper and hate to pay full price for anything. I know we got $$ credits for our cabin.

I did print our itinerary from the disney cruise website. There are different options for detailed printout or simple printout. Also booked our excursions through this site.

Planned the spa for couples ( the private mud one for 1 hr) Might cancel it though as dh is not thrilled about mud. I want to consider the rainroom but they only have so many and can only book once on the ship. I heard it is a good idea and showers are great and easy when cabin is full of kids and dh getting ready - I can just go to spa and shower and get ready there with lots of room and quiet

Getting excited and nervous (don't want to forget anything). So busy this weekend with DH's birthday outint at the ShoutHouse (dueling piano bar) last night and today is Ryan's party (movie, swimming and sleepover) Tomorrow is dedicated to cruise prep

Is anyone bringing bottled water on board? I heard it is a good idea to fill a smaller suitcase with bottled water and then it is empty to bring home souvevires?

Kristine

Question: How many of you booked through a travel agent? If you didn't use a travel agent, did you just book online at the Disney site? If you used a travel agent, do you think you got a better deal? Maybe this is off topic, but I was just wondering. Wondering if I need any actual paper documents to get on the ship (I did do the online check in already!) because I STILL have NOT received any travel documents from my Travel Agent!!! This is
the first problem I've had with her - before this we emailed back and forth, spoke once, she helped when I asked - - - - Now though I'm just thinking I should have reserved myself on line....sigh....maybe the "priority mail" will deliver today!!! Krisanm67: Going over your itinerary? Were you using the DCL website, or info you received? I better stop, this could turn into a rant!