Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[franandaj]

I chose early seating. Yikes, that's early. So I have to carry pajamas and toiletries around with me? That doesn't sound so hot. Doable but not fun.

I'm thinking of adding on 2 nights at AKV after. But that part would be a secret for Joshua. No parks just AKV. He fell in love with it during this last trip. We'd do Boma for sure, some pool time if its warm enough which I'm sure it will be compared to what we're used to, pin trading, and he'll make the beaded necklace again by doing all of the activities between Jambo and Kidani. I just have to figure out the whole SLC to Miami, port to WDW, and then we'd probably fly out of MCO if we did WDW. I think we can fly into FL which is generally cheaper than to Miami. I have a lot of research to do.

You're going out of Galveston? I think it's a good idea to stay the night. I think we will stay the night in Miami and fly out the next day if we don't do AKV. It just seems like so much work to disembark and fly the same day.​

I was going to ask, how do you plan to get from Miami to WDW? I don't know how far it is, but I know on one of our trips, we took a puddle jumper from Orlando to Miami and then caught a regular plane home.

Galeveston was nightmare to navigate transportation. I'll start a PTR soon and explain it all.

 

[jedijill]

I was going to ask, how do you plan to get from Miami to WDW? I don't know how far it is, but I know on one of our trips, we took a puddle jumper from Orlando to Miami and then caught a regular plane home.

Galeveston was nightmare to navigate transportation. I'll start a PTR soon and explain it all.

We drove from Miami to WDW after our cruise in 2007 and I think it was a 4-5 hour boring drive! I would fly if you can.

Jill in CO

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

I hear great arguments for both resale and direct. We bought direct and will probably continue to do so. I don't like the limitations put on resale. Having said that, if I found the perfect GCV contract resale, I'd jump on it but would buy direct for any other DVC.

So it is 75 days? Did you book any excursions though Disney? Palo?​

Isn't it funny, it was our big countdown, the whole on line cruise thing and now I can't say with certainty, but I'm thinking it was 75 days...
We did book a St. Thomas excursion because there are 2 or 3 other ships in port that day and we didn't want to worry about it being crowed. We booked the Doubloon Turtle Cove Sail & Snorkel. And at Castaway Parasailing for me and DS9 and the Glass bottom boat for DH and DS5. We'll explore St.Martin on our own. We also booked a brunch at Palo, and DH and I are really looking forward to that. At the same time we were able to book a port arrival time, the earliest that can be booked is 11AM, but that was taken by the 75 days so we got 1130, so that's not too bad.

Have you made any decisions about shore excursions yet?

We are are doing a night at AKL post cruise (also part of the surprise), just one night, but I think it will be an easier let down from the cruise, rather than jumping on the plane right away. We plan pool time there too.

Arrgg, I guess I need to get on with the day and my work out, but I'll be day dreaming about Disney while I do it

 

[rentayenta]

If nothing else you can bring him chicken dinner but I'd call (or perhaps his social worker knows) Disney they might really be able to help you figure something out. Is there someone you could get to help with the bag, etc for the day? I would think the social worker would be able to suggest someone you could hire or Disney would. You can get the chicken to go as I am sure you know, that's what we did, it's a separate carryout location. I really wanted to eat at Mrs. Knotts as I had such fond memories of it as a kid but we just finished up at the park way too early to eat there so took it with us.

We actually ate it at Paradise Pier.

You forget Jeff lived in Long Beach....

YUM! That beauty was mine. Jeff is obsessed with the Galley Mess. Me, I liked the idea that they'd sell you the whole bottle and just bring you more oj as you needed it

oh my word the E's look little! and OMG I want to go back after seeing this picture, well heck, all of them

Great pics. Thanks G-d I'm visiting home next weekend or those pictures would make me cry. Of course it's set to rain on our Club 33 day but NOTHING can damper my excitement. I'm seriously trying to decide now what I'll wear. I'm thinking white jean capris (longer ones) with this great banana republic shirt and short little jacket. I may freeze but I'll change into a sweat outfit after lunch. Can't embarrass my host.

I did recall now you telling me Jeff lived in Long Beach. It's one of my favorite cities ever. My friend Sadee and I are trying to plan where we want to eat next Saturday night. Thursday night we're doing Walt's Wharf. http://www.waltswharf.com/

It's my other friend's bday too so we'll be celebrating three next weekend.

My mouth is watering for some Knott's chicken right now. To-go looks pretty darn good.

I'll call his SW for sure and try to figure it all out. I'd love to take him. He'd get a kick out of it I think. He wouldn't be able to handle all day but even if I could get him on POTC, a boat, the Monorail, and IASW, he'd be elated. I don't know which rides accommodate an actual chair without having to transfer.​

I was going to ask, how do you plan to get from Miami to WDW? I don't know how far it is, but I know on one of our trips, we took a puddle jumper from Orlando to Miami and then caught a regular plane home.

Galeveston was nightmare to navigate transportation. I'll start a PTR soon and explain it all.

I think it's like 4-5 hours which make me want to discount it all together.

I've read Galveston is a pita. Yah, you need to start your PTR. ​

We drove from Miami to WDW after our cruise in 2007 and I think it was a 4-5 hour boring drive! I would fly if you can.

Jill in CO

Thanks Jill. So basically we need to rent a car or fly. Hmm.....​

Isn't it funny, it was our big countdown, the whole on line cruise thing and now I can't say with certainty, but I'm thinking it was 75 days...
We did book a St. Thomas excursion because there are 2 or 3 other ships in port that day and we didn't want to worry about it being crowed. We booked the Doubloon Turtle Cove Sail & Snorkel. And at Castaway Parasailing for me and DS9 and the Glass bottom boat for DH and DS5. We'll explore St.Martin on our own. We also booked a brunch at Palo, and DH and I are really looking forward to that. At the same time we were able to book a port arrival time, the earliest that can be booked is 11AM, but that was taken by the 75 days so we got 1130, so that's not too bad.

Have you made any decisions about shore excursions yet?

We are are doing a night at AKL post cruise (also part of the surprise), just one night, but I think it will be an easier let down from the cruise, rather than jumping on the plane right away. We plan pool time there too.

Arrgg, I guess I need to get on with the day and my work out, but I'll be day dreaming about Disney while I do it

You are taking my dream cruise. Ive always wanted to visit the BVI. I hope you share your trip with us. I'd love to read all about the details after. Your excursions sound great. If my whole family was going we'd most likely do a spilt excursion too.

11:30 is a great arrival time. I'd be thrilled with that.

Excellent you're going to AKV for a night after. You're cruising out of MCO correct? I have looked into cruising out of MCO but they only have 7 dayers, which sounds great, but it's more than I'd like to spend. It's the same itinerary as yours.

With a 4-5 hour drive, AKV may not be in the cards now. I'll have to lay it out on paper.

As far as excursions I've only decided on Nachi Cocom in Cozumel. In Castaway Cay, I'm thinking we'll do the beach and maybe rent a bike. We're pretty mellow vacationers. I feel like I'm go go go all of the time so I truly like to tune out on vacations.

Did you get to your work out? What do you do to work out? I'm always looking for new ideas.​

 

[rentayenta]

My family just put in LOTR and I'm working on our MNSSHP night update. The new Photobucket stinks and uploading the pics is taking far longer than I thought. Thankfully this is a 3 hour movie. ​

 

[rentayenta]

Let me first start by apologizing for the delay in updates. Between the new Photobucket and Gabby having her wisdom teeth out Friday, its been nearly impossible to concentrate on anything that requires concentration.


After our delicious dinner of brats and dogs, we got ready for MNSSHP. This was to be our very first Disney Halloween party and we were so excited. Deciding on costumes had been a chore as I wanted us to go as a group. I threw out everything from Snow White and her fellas to Cruella and the pups. No takers.

I decided to throw in the towel and let everyone dress as they wanted with the only stipulation being that they went as something Disney. We settled on 3 Incredibles, Alice, Mike Wazowski, and Buzz Lightyear.

Some pre party pics on the deck of our THV:

We hopped the bus to the Grandstand section from the THV and then from Grandstand we headed to MK. I know I read lots of grumbling but other than one snafu on the way back from Typhoon Lagoon, which affected every resort, we had no transportation issues.

We arrived at MK about 6:00 and the crowds were like I expected. I had bought candy bags for our crew and I’m glad I did. They were those string back packs from the dollar store and much easier to hold then tradtional candy bags.

Our crew:

I think we look pretty good. We didn't spend much and everyone was comfortable which I read was key during the party. The t-shirts still get worn.

I had lots of big plans for tonight including Photopass pics with the hitch hiking ghosts, haunted carriage Photopass, the kids with the 7 Dwarves as well as trick or treating, the Boo to You Parade, and Hallowishes. Guess who’s kids and spouse wanted to ride ride ride? Guess who's kids wouldn't stop long enough to see the Snow White and her fellas?

Mine.

It was a gorgeous night.

Soooooo, we decided to split some and stay together some. Jenna’s crew was with us by now. I don’t recall the order in which we did everything as we were so busy, it was hard to take notes. We trick or treated a ton and rode everything we wanted.

Jenna wanted us to check out the new Fantasyland. On our previous glimpse of the new FL, we totally missed Gaston’s and the area right around there. We stopped in Gaston’s for a cider and a pork shank. It was actually really good. We were so busy chatting and eating that we only got one photo of the fountain.

 

[rentayenta]

After we all went to HM together.

Notice Leota’s eyes in these:

And in the ride sans flash of course:

After HM we posed for the Haunted Carriage pics. Yay me!

I’m not elated that Michael was cut off in every photo but for $20 I can’t complain too much.

 

[rentayenta]

Everyone wanted to go ride but Jenna and I wanted a great parade spot so we spilt from the group for some mom time.

The castle:

On the way to the parade route we ran into the Hitch Hiking Ghosts Photopass. It was sort of hidden and wouldnt have been able to find it unless we stumbled upon it like we did. I was so happy. There was no one in line so we walked right up. Here we are:

G-d we are cheesy but in a good way. Jenna and I had a blast.

After the pics we went over to find a good parade spot. Her family was going to ride with mine and then meet us. My haters had no interest in a once-in-a-trip parade.

We found a great spot just across from the Hall of Presidents. We chatted and waited. Its so nice to be able to have some catch up time with my friend. Our spot:

Here's the Boo to You Parade. All photos were taken with my iPhone so I apologize for the blurry ones which is all of them. The parade didn't stop so I could snap pictures. Weird, I know.

​

 

[rentayenta]

The last float ie huge advertisement was so out of place. Cute but totally out of place. Death, scary, haunted, candy. One of these things isn't like the other.

Jenna's family showed up in time for the parade. Jenna and I wanted to watch Hallowishes so across the brige we went to grab a frozen Coke and snag a good spot. We met up with the others near Space Mountain and grabbed Joshua. He was getting tired and he also loves fireworks. We used tired as a cover. Haha!

It was starting to fill up so we ask Nate to bring us our Frozen Cokes as the line was loooong. We also got the cream cheese filled pretzels and a churro I think.

Again, all of the foloowing photos were taken with my old iPhone 3 G. Not terrible for no zoom or flash.

The lights dimmed and the show began. I can watch Disney fireworks over and over and never get bored. I took no fewer than 50 photos but because I'd like you to all to keep reading, I'm only posting some.

During the fireworks we all met back up. Of course we had a better view than the rest. We shimmed our way back to Adventureland and Fronteirland to ride some of our favorites and get a little more candy.

POTC looked so cool:

On our way out I took a couple pics again with my iPhone. Nothing spectacular but fun nonetheless.

And one last shot of the MNSSHP sign outside of the gates:

Jenna et al stayed a little later than us. Tomorrow we were set to check out of our wonderful THV and into Kidani where we also hadn't stayed before. We had stayed in Jambo previously but not Kidani. We were so looking forward to the vibe and culture but truly enjoyed our time at the THV.

We got back in no time and glad we left the party a little before it ended.

The kids gorged on candy while I packed some. My only concern about moving was moving all of the cold items. We still had a bunch.

We got to bed fairly late but knew we'd let the kids sleep in while we resumed packing. Check out was 11 am and we planned on using every last minute.


Up next, goodbye THV, hello Africa!


​

 

[franandaj]

Of course it's set to rain on our Club 33 day but NOTHING can damper my excitement. I'm seriously trying to decide now what I'll wear. I'm thinking white jean capris (longer ones) with this great banana republic shirt and short little jacket. I may freeze but I'll change into a sweat outfit after lunch. Can't embarrass my host.


I think it's like 4-5 hours which make me want to discount it all together.

I've read Galveston is a pita. Yah, you need to start your PTR. ​

You noticed that "weather thing" too. I hope that it blows over Wednesday and is gone by Thursday. As long as you look good without T-shirt or tank top, you're fine.

The whole Orlando to Miami thing seems like a PITA, much like getting to Galveston. I will start my PTR once I finish my two TRs in progress!!!! I updated both today. The Destination-D one is taking way too long because there is just too much information!

I took no fewer than 50 photos but because I'd like you to all to keep reading, I'm only posting some.
​

There are other people who could learn from this post....none of which have TRs on the DVC boards.

 

[rentayenta]

You noticed that "weather thing" too. I hope that it blows over Wednesday and is gone by Thursday. As long as you look good without T-shirt or tank top, you're fine.

I noticed the *weather thing*. 60* and rain. How cold do they keep the restaurant?​

The whole Orlando to Miami thing seems like a PITA, much like getting to Galveston. I will start my PTR once I finish my two TRs in progress!!!! I updated both today. The Destination-D one is taking way too long because there is just too much information!

Your Destination D report is great. I'm sure it's also very time consuming. Your note taking is stellar and I know much appreciated. It's like being there without being there. I saw your DVC update but not the other. I'll go read after this.​

There are other people who could learn from this post....none of which have TRs on the DVC boards.

Do tell....... I realized I have a few really good ones I should have posted along with a ton of Photopass photos from the days prior to MNSSHP. I think I'll just post them in the finale if I ever get there.


Club 33 Friday seems crazy unreal to me. ​

 

[PrincessInOz]

Lovely update of MNSSHP. Seems like you had a great time.

 

[PrincessInOz]

There are other people who could learn from this post....none of which have TRs on the DVC boards.

Hmmmm......wonder who you mean???

 

[rentayenta]

Lovely update of MNSSHP. Seems like you had a great time.

We had such a great time, thank you! I'm glad my report communicates that even with the blurry pics. It's a fun party and we'd do it again in a heartbeat. It did leave us with an unused day on our park hoppers though. Blasphemous I know. ​

 

[franandaj]

I noticed the *weather thing*. 60* and rain. How cold do they keep the restaurant?​

Your Destination D report is great. I'm sure it's also very time consuming. Your note taking is stellar and I know much appreciated. It's like being there without being there. I saw your DVC update but not the other. I'll go read after this.​

I'm always warm in places, so I'm not a good one to ask. I always wearsome sort of sleeveless blouse with a cover up blouse so in case I get hot I'm OK. The Destination D report will be easy skating from here on out. I have a couple updates ready to go. It's all pictures from here on out.

I'm also several updates ahead on the DVC report. I can't believe it's almost over already!

Do tell....... I realized I have a few really good ones I should have posted along with a ton of Photopass photos from the days prior to MNSSHP. I think I'll just post them in the finale if I ever get there.

Club 33 Friday seems crazy unreal to me. ​

Hmmmm......wonder who you mean???

That was just me being catty and frustrated. Not one person in particular, just an observation.

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

You are taking my dream cruise. Ive always wanted to visit the BVI. I hope you share your trip with us. I'd love to read all about the details after. Your excursions sound great. If my whole family was going we'd most likely do a spilt excursion too.

11:30 is a great arrival time. I'd be thrilled with that.

Excellent you're going to AKV for a night after. You're cruising out of MCO correct? I have looked into cruising out of MCO but they only have 7 dayers, which sounds great, but it's more than I'd like to spend. It's the same itinerary as yours.

With a 4-5 hour drive, AKV may not be in the cards now. I'll have to lay it out on paper.

As far as excursions I've only decided on Nachi Cocom in Cozumel. In Castaway Cay, I'm thinking we'll do the beach and maybe rent a bike. We're pretty mellow vacationers. I feel like I'm go go go all of the time so I truly like to tune out on vacations.

Did you get to your work out? What do you do to work out? I'm always looking for new ideas.​

A 4-5 hour dive is a huge chunk of time, but I think you'll have an early start to the day, by the time you're off the ship.

We are out of MCO, well Port Canaveral, but we fly in and out of MCO. This is defiantly my dream vacation, and I can't believe it's coming true.

I did get to my work out the other day, I've been very boring lately in that respect. We've got an elliptical at home so I've been on that, we also have a membership at our local Y, but I just can't seem to get there during the week. I had my Gall Bladder out in November and my recovery went well, but I've had a little set back and I'm on a break from heavy lifting, so no weights or full laundry baskets for me for a while.

Great update! Loved all the pics, glad everyone got to do what they liked, seems like there is so much to do at those parties, I think I'll have to wait for the parties until my boys are a little older and can do the late nights. Can't wait to hear about AKL so I can get your great hints!

 

[rentayenta]

I'm always warm in places, so I'm not a good one to ask. I always wearsome sort of sleeveless blouse with a cover up blouse so in case I get hot I'm OK. The Destination D report will be easy skating from here on out. I have a couple updates ready to go. It's all pictures from here on out.

I'm also several updates ahead on the DVC report. I can't believe it's almost over already!

I'm always cold. Definitely will be bringing a sweater. I hope the 60% chance of rain is less. Looks like I'll be searching the basement for our Disney ponchos. My geekiness knows no bounds.

You Dest D updates were great. The Alan Menken day looked spectacular. He's a true musical gif and genius.​

That was just me being catty and frustrated. Not one person in particular, just an observation.

I'm a fan of safe venting. ​

A 4-5 hour dive is a huge chunk of time, but I think you'll have an early start to the day, by the time you're off the ship.

That doesn't sound like fun. At all. I'd have to rent a car for sure. I guess if we do that, we can fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and then fly out of MCO. I've found that booking one ways is saving me money. I just booked the kids tickets to Denver for summer camp and did it all one ways.​

We are out of MCO, well Port Canaveral, but we fly in and out of MCO. This is defiantly my dream vacation, and I can't believe it's coming true.

I'm so excited for you. How far is Port Canaveral from MCO? What kind of transportation are you taking to the port?​

I did get to my work out the other day, I've been very boring lately in that respect. We've got an elliptical at home so I've been on that, we also have a membership at our local Y, but I just can't seem to get there during the week. I had my Gall Bladder out in November and my recovery went well, but I've had a little set back and I'm on a break from heavy lifting, so no weights or full laundry baskets for me for a while.[/quotes]

Sending healing vibes your way. Good for you for getting on the machine at home. Even in front of the tv, its hard for me to work out. I was doing Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and doing quite well until Riley passed away and then have been very sporadic since.

A heavy laundry basket break doesn't sound so bad. ​

Great update! Loved all the pics, glad everyone got to do what they liked, seems like there is so much to do at those parties, I think I'll have to wait for the parties until my boys are a little older and can do the late nights. Can't wait to hear about AKL so I can get your great hints!

AKV is amazing. I'd be happy to answer any questions you've got. It was our second stay there and we loved every minute of it.

I'd wait for late parties until the kids are older too, that's what we did but not purposefully. It just turned out that way. In retrospect though my kids wouldn't have done well as toddlers staying up that late for a party. When you get the chance and your children are older, I'd highly recommend it. There were so many unique party activities. The fireworks, parade, characters, Photopass, and trick or treating are all special for party nights.



4 days until Club 33!!! ​

 

[franandaj]

4 days until Club 33!!! ​

You're so funny! I hope it is everything that you are thinking it will be!

 

[rentayenta]

You're so funny! I hope it is everything that you are thinking it will be!

New friends, best friend, Walt's house, Mickey's house.....and chilled crab legs? I'm solid. It's a bucket list experience for me.​

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

I'm so excited for you. How far is Port Canaveral from MCO? What kind of transportation are you taking to the port?​

I think Port Canaveral is about a hours drive from MCO, we are renting a car so we'll drive there the day before the cruise and spend the night.

Wow 4 days! You'll be there before you know it!!