Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - PART II

[MommyLissa]

DH, Paul, is 36. I, Melissa, am 34 (will be 35... OMG... in January!!)
DD, Anna Marie just turned 5 in October.
I grew up in Massachusetts, where most of my family still lives.
I have been in the Army for 17 years, DH has been in for 12.
We love serving our country and all of the opportunities it has afforded us.
I am currently deployed to Iraq (for the 3rd time) and DH is in the process of relocating to Fort Bragg, NC (where I hope to catch up in the spring).
This will be our first Disney Cruise and we are super excited to be able to spend Christmas together.
I am not even close to being packed yet, as all I have here is digital camouflage and combat boots......but, I plan on spending 3 days shopping prior to embarkation day and I have been shopping online like CRAZY!!
We are going all out on attire....full pirate costumes, formal dresses/tux, holiday outfits and pajamas, even some game day sports wear (as I am a HUGE football fan!)
I am a Longhorn, married to a Sooner. I got my Master's degree (in Physician Assistant studies) from Nebraska, and I am stationed in Kansas, so I am all sorts of Big 12 confused!
After eating bland, yucky Army food for the past 9 months, I fully plan on gaining 10-15 lbs on vacation!!
I love SCUBA diving, Grey's Anatomy (please, no spoilers, as I have not seen it since last January!!), Nicholas Sparks books, and enjoying my wonderful husband (when we actually get to be in the same zip code!)

 

[CrusinLattas]

Great article Renee! I love my passporter and I really enjoyed reading your article. Brings back memories of our last Christmas cruise and I can't wait for this one!



Thanks LeiLani - I'm looking forward to this one too! This will be our longest cruise yet - I still don't think it will be long enough...smile.

 

[Three at Sea]

Hi there, in my experience going to a Disney park alone is exciting and depressing at the same time. I was in California for the Disney Institute training and spent a couple evenings at the Park/DTD on my own. I enjoyed the people watching and that Disney magic vibe, but it was kind of lonely until a friend of mine flew in to join me the last day. In April, I was in Hong Kong on business and went to DHK by myself and it was cool but it just wasn't as magical without anyone else to enjoy it with. I was in the area already though so these visits didn't cost me much but going to WDW will run you up. But if you are completely comfortable with sharing dining tables and ride seats with strangers you should do it! Being in WDW alone is better than not being there at all....lol

 

[BBQMommy]

I was thinking it would be nice if there was an ice breaker type questionairre to get to know each other. I am willing to start one - but please improve on it if you want.

I am 48, my DH is 48, my DS is 14, my DD 11.
I was born in Wash. D.C, grew up in LA, I live in Minnesota.
We own DVC.
I am not packed yet.
We are not a formal dress up family.
I love trashy reality shows, politics, reading and swimming.
My favorite part of the Disney cruise is being out on the water and going places.
My DH and I both went thru engineering school and law school - I am a SAHM
I wish so much I could travel to Europe - too expensive.
Best trip was taking tha Magic thru the Panama Canal.
I am Irish Catholic descent.

I am 41, my DH is 46, and DD is 6 the day we sail!
All born in Buffalo, NY and recently moved to TN.
We do not own DVC and this is our first cruise.
I am almost packed.
We are sort of a formal dress up family, however we wont match each other.
I love reading and watching mysteries, watching baseball in person or on tv (RED SOX!), gardening, old cars, golf, and bowling. I hate politics.
I find a lot of comfort in and at Disney. Sharing with my daughter reminds me of how my parents, who are gone, shared it with me.
DH is an accountant with a manufacturing background. I am a WAHM, who dabbles in making jewelry, teaching others to make jewelry, ebay, and I used to teach pottery at the University level: credit courses and adult ed..
My most recent hobby is judging BBQ. I am a Certified BBQ Judge with the Kansas City BBQ Society. I am 9 judgings away from obtaining my Master Judge status. DH just got certified to judge in October and has 1 under his belt.
Best trip: 2 weeks in Barcelona and Provence (1999), 2 weeks in Moscow and Leningrad (1991) and our 1 week Honeymoon in Venice (2001).

 

[MommyLissa]

My most recent hobby is judging BBQ. I am a Certified BBQ Judge with the Kansas City BBQ Society. I am 9 judgings away from obtaining my Master Judge status. DH just got certified to judge in October and has 1 under his belt.

So, exactly how does one get certified to judge BBQ? I will be looking for a second career when I retire in a few years and I am a CHAMPION eater!! Is there also an "ice cream judge" because I would excel at that! LOL

 

[miatamel]

I am 45, my DH is 42, and I am an Advanced Maternal Age mom (doctor's words, not mine) of DD9 and DD7.
My DH is all German, I am all Southern. He is the Hottie Husband, I am the Fat Funny Friend.
We do not own DVC, my husband hates the parks, loves the cruises.
If being packed means things piled on the dining room table, I'm packed.
I'm dressed up if I have a bra on.
I hate all things television. Am addicted to sweepstaking, Facebooking and Tony Kornheiser's podcasts.
Will read anything put in front of me but science fiction.
My favorite part of the Disney cruise is the planning of said cruise. After that, I don't care if we go or not.
My husband is a master carpenter, I am a SAHM. He can do absolutely anything and everything, my only talent is my annual Christmas card, which has become a must-see for everyone on my Christmas card list. Too bad I'm not doing one this year for the first time in 30 years.
I have a mannequin in my dining room named Lola who dresses for every occasion.
I am a liberal in a very small, conservative Southern town and state. This makes me a bit of an eccentric in these parts. My small town is known for having more churches per square foot than any other. Go figure I can't find a church.
Hate to exercise, love to write. If I could write while I exercised, I'd be prolific in both.
Spay and neuter your pets!

 

[BBQMommy]

So, exactly how does one get certified to judge BBQ? I will be looking for a second career when I retire in a few years and I am a CHAMPION eater!! Is there also an "ice cream judge" because I would excel at that! LOL

Step 1 - Join KCBS (or MBN-Memphis BBQ Network)
Step 2 - Take an afternoon class, learning the rules and doing a mock judging, ending by standing and facing Kansas City and taking the Judges Oath.

BOOM!, you're a judge

Now, you just need to check the KCBS schedule and see where the event are and when they are scheduled and apply, apply, apply. It has become very popular these last couple years and lots of judges apply, one I have yet to judge gets over 200 judging applications for about 45 spots.

Also, about half where I have judged have had either a sauce category, a dessert category, or both

Alas, no pay. I work for food. But the KCBS membership has some perks that ease the travel pain a little.

Have met some super-nice folks these last couple years, both judges and cooks, and have had some phenomenal BBQ.

Caryn

 

[Liz Arjay]

I am 36, DH is 37 (BigAWL), DD9, DD6 (almost 7), DD3 (almost 4)
I was born in California, grew up as an air force brat and now live in Uganda.
We own DVC and will have our first DVC stay right before the cruise.
I am SOOO NOT packed yet!
We love to dress up on formal nights!
I have recently become a Harry Potter fan by reading the books to the girls, like cross-stitch, cats, foreign languages and travel.
On DCL I love that the kids are entertained and I can do whatever I want (including spending time with them at the Mickey Pool!) and don't have to mix my own drinks! Can't wait for a Konk Kooler!
BA in International Affairs with minors in French and History. Will do Masters next fall in National Security Strategy.
I work full time at the U.S. Embassy as the Public Affairs Officer.
I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Tahiti - I'll get there someday.
Best trip was to Bukhara in Uzbekistan - literally stepped back in time 3000 years!
7 ancestors on the Mayflower!

Pleased to say you helped my DD13 on her Geography test today - she had to memorize the African countries, and I was able to say "one of the ladies organizing the DISboard lives in Uganda". After that, she got it right every time!

I am 47 but will turn 48 on the cruise!
1 Mayflower descendent - I wonder if we're related?
BA in Economics/Psychology and MBA in Finance. Director of Finance for a commercial financing firm for doctor-owned medical real estate.
3 kids - 16, 15, 13, and one very fun DH.
Love to dress up on the cruise - wishing I had the Ye Olde Tavern Wench pirate costume, but at 47, guess I can't do that any more.
No DVC but since we live so close to MK, and since we get free tickets for volunteering on Marathon weekend, we go often.
Favorite vacation was a work assignment in Prague for 10 months.
Never thought I was a "cruise person", but then tried it and was hopelessly addicted. Now I am addicted to DISboard too. And to shopping for FE items (don't tell my DH). And Konk Koolers.
Raised in upstate NY, but now in sunny Central FL.
Avoid most TV except for the NFL.
Love Harry Potter.

Liz

 

[skypixy]

I am 43, my DH is 43
We met in college, have been married for 19 years
My sons are 12 & 8 (yes, 4 1/2 years apart)
I love all things Disney & planning trips~husband hates the Parks loves DCL
We are not DVC members
DH is a sales manager for industrial manufacturing co. (yawn)
I am a Flight Attendant for a mAAjor AAirline (20 years)
I volunteer at my local animal shelter walking dogs
This will be our longest vacation
We will be a formal family
Best thing about DCL is the crewmembers
I was born in OH, lived in WI, IL, MI, NC & IN
Looking forward to surprising the kids with this vacation on Dec. 17th
Italian/German Catholic descent & eligible for the DAR (on my dad's side)

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

 

[CrusinLattas]

I am a native Texan and live one house over from where I grew up. My husband, Alan is from Stone Mountian GA. We are both 43 - our birthdays are a few weeks apart in August and my daughter, Anna (6) has a birthday exactly between them. AJ (4) was born in March and listens to his own beat.
Alan and I were in our mid 30's when we got married - neither had been married or engaged before and I think both our families thought we would be single forever - we called our wedding shock and awe and had many people show up that didn't normally go to weddings just to see it happen.

I have two careers and I love them both (as well as being wife and mother). I own an accounting placement company - I help companies in Texas find accounting people. I also work part-time planning Disney vacations. I just moved my placement office to my home after driving a couple hours a day to work - I am still trying to get everything organized, but LOVE the commute! Alan is an aircraft mechanic.

We own DVC at Bay Lake and love it! I am partially packed. We are not a formal family, but our Disney Cruise is the one time a year when Alan will wear his suits - Anna usually goes as a princess and AJ a prince - although this year he will be wearing his tap dance formal outfit - without the tap shoes - it is red and sparkles and has a bow tie - I'm sure he will be doing a show for you all somewhere.

We normally wear travel T-shirts every day that match. Yes, we are THAT family... I'm going to keep doing it until they all revolt. It makes keeping up with each other and photos so much easier!

This will be our 6th Disney Cruise - our 5th holiday cruise. We are also booked on the Dream next year during the holidays. We have stayed in inside connecting, outside porthole, outside veranda and the one bedroom suite.

We hope to go to MVMCP on the 17th, but do not have tickets.

I love books on CD/IPOD. I enjoy fiction best and really enjoy plot twists and humor. I usually go through at least a book a week. I also enjoy quirky characters like Monk, House, PSYCH, NCIS, and King of the Hill and Simpsons.

We are a fun loving family. We have a lifesized Mike and Sulley in our dining room and a talking/singing deer head in our living room. I told Alan years ago that if he wanted to hang a dead animal on our walls he would have to put the butt on the other side of the wall - Buck was the exception since he is not real - he reminds me of the Country Bears!

 

[AustinAg]

DH, Paul, is 36. I, Melissa, am 34 (will be 35... OMG... in January!!)
DD, Anna Marie just turned 5 in October.
I grew up in Massachusetts, where most of my family still lives.
I have been in the Army for 17 years, DH has been in for 12.
We love serving our country and all of the opportunities it has afforded us.
I am currently deployed to Iraq (for the 3rd time) and DH is in the process of relocating to Fort Bragg, NC (where I hope to catch up in the spring).
This will be our first Disney Cruise and we are super excited to be able to spend Christmas together.
I am not even close to being packed yet, as all I have here is digital camouflage and combat boots......but, I plan on spending 3 days shopping prior to embarkation day and I have been shopping online like CRAZY!!
We are going all out on attire....full pirate costumes, formal dresses/tux, holiday outfits and pajamas, even some game day sports wear (as I am a HUGE football fan!)
I am a Longhorn, married to a Sooner. I got my Master's degree (in Physician Assistant studies) from Nebraska, and I am stationed in Kansas, so I am all sorts of Big 12 confused!
After eating bland, yucky Army food for the past 9 months, I fully plan on gaining 10-15 lbs on vacation!!
I love SCUBA diving, Grey's Anatomy (please, no spoilers, as I have not seen it since last January!!), Nicholas Sparks books, and enjoying my wonderful husband (when we actually get to be in the same zip code!)

Thanks for your service and happy belated Veterans Day. We are an Air Force family (DH-Pilot 11 yrs Active, 6 presently in Reserves). Disney Vacations were always a highlight for us since he was gone a lot too. We are a Big 12 Aggie Family going to the Nebraska game this weekend. We should have a bowl game or two to watch during the cruise.

 

[HFC1969]

Mike 41

Amy 3?

Justin 10 (11 on Dec 19)

Vika 4

Our Family Blog​

Amy asked me out when she was 15, been together ever since.. I'm a part-time computer geek ; part time stay at home dad.

Amy is the best Chiropractor in the entire world. We used to own DVC, does that count? We love WDW & DCL We travel to WDW a couple times a year and love Grand Floridian. About 6 years ago I got tired of all the BS & commercialism of Christmas at home. So we booked our first trip and haven't looked back yet. We are already looking at the 6 day that leaves on Christmas Eve next year 2011.

DS Justin does Tae Kwon Doe, Football, Baseball, Basketball & anything else he can find.

DD Vika (Russian for Victoria) does gymnastics. This is her first Christmas & her first DCL.. She is ready..

Our cruise will be much more relaxed than many of yours. DS plans on running with the group of kids. Amy & I plan on enjoying it all thru our daughters eyes..

We have tuxes & formals for the formal nights.... and we defiantely will have our pirate costumes on...

 

[3PrincessGrandma]

I think we have most people beat. I am 67 as is DH and we have been married 45 years. Married at the Air Force Academy and DH spent 24 years active Air Force as a meteorologist most times chasing hurricanes and typhoons. I was born in CA, grew up in CO and graduated from CU/Boulder. DH was born and raised in TX but graduated high school in LA (something about not being able to play football in TX his senior year). I retired in 2007 with 37 years service as a civilian working in budget for the Air Force. I play golf once a week, swim most days (when pool is above 80), do cross stitch and play bunco. I also work part time from Jan into April doing taxes for a small bookkeeping office nearby. DH played football and did shotput at the Academy and now plays golf twice a week. We have been on several cruises but only one Disney and are excited about spending Christmas with DD (3princessmommy) and SIL (bigAWL) and 3 beautiful granddaughters. We will be joining all watching the bowl games although I don't think our teams will be playing.

 

[colkath2005]

Sara- I didnt realise it was yor 1st time to America!
Oh my gosh you will love it more than you can ever imagine!

Its very weird remembering its December when you have sunshine not rain! And can generally wear t-shirts during the day.

Im loving reading everyones details I knew I wouldnt get anything done until later. I keep telling myself to go do something then remember something else I wanted to look up.
Colette

 

[3princessMommy]

Pleased to say you helped my DD13 on her Geography test today - she had to memorize the African countries, and I was able to say "one of the ladies organizing the DISboard lives in Uganda". After that, she got it right every time!

I am 47 but will turn 48 on the cruise!
1 Mayflower descendent - I wonder if we're related?
BA in Economics/Psychology and MBA in Finance. Director of Finance for a commercial financing firm for doctor-owned medical real estate.
3 kids - 16, 15, 13, and one very fun DH.
Love to dress up on the cruise - wishing I had the Ye Olde Tavern Wench pirate costume, but at 47, guess I can't do that any more.
No DVC but since we live so close to MK, and since we get free tickets for volunteering on Marathon weekend, we go often.
Favorite vacation was a work assignment in Prague for 10 months.
Never thought I was a "cruise person", but then tried it and was hopelessly addicted. Now I am addicted to DISboard too. And to shopping for FE items (don't tell my DH). And Konk Koolers.
Raised in upstate NY, but now in sunny Central FL.
Avoid most TV except for the NFL.
Love Harry Potter.

Liz

We've also lived in Burkina Faso and if she can pronounce the capital properly, when I meet her, I'll get her a smoothy!

We very well may be related - although I watched a History channel special the other day that said that over 1/3 of Americans can now trace their ancestry back to the Mayflower, so...

DH, Paul, is 36. I, Melissa, am 34 (will be 35... OMG... in January!!)
DD, Anna Marie just turned 5 in October.
I grew up in Massachusetts, where most of my family still lives.
I have been in the Army for 17 years, DH has been in for 12.
We love serving our country and all of the opportunities it has afforded us.
I am currently deployed to Iraq (for the 3rd time) and DH is in the process of relocating to Fort Bragg, NC (where I hope to catch up in the spring).
This will be our first Disney Cruise and we are super excited to be able to spend Christmas together.
I am not even close to being packed yet, as all I have here is digital camouflage and combat boots......but, I plan on spending 3 days shopping prior to embarkation day and I have been shopping online like CRAZY!!
We are going all out on attire....full pirate costumes, formal dresses/tux, holiday outfits and pajamas, even some game day sports wear (as I am a HUGE football fan!)
I am a Longhorn, married to a Sooner. I got my Master's degree (in Physician Assistant studies) from Nebraska, and I am stationed in Kansas, so I am all sorts of Big 12 confused!
After eating bland, yucky Army food for the past 9 months, I fully plan on gaining 10-15 lbs on vacation!!
I love SCUBA diving, Grey's Anatomy (please, no spoilers, as I have not seen it since last January!!), Nicholas Sparks books, and enjoying my wonderful husband (when we actually get to be in the same zip code!)

I graduated from high school in NE and many classmates became Huskers. I did not, but still get a kick out of their Facebook posts now when football season arrives.

7 ancestors on the Mayflower? Isn't there an exclusive organization fro descendants of the Mayflower?

I am fascinated with geneology - that is really really interesting!

Well, my mother's side of the family has two full books of geneology that say that we had relatives on the Mayflower, are related to the first person to go over Niagra Falls in a barrel and survive, and a woman who when captured by Indians escaped and freed the other captives in the middle of the night by scalping their kidnappers. So, I guess you could say that we come from rather eccentric stock????

 

[tinkmischief]

I was thinking it would be nice if there was an ice breaker type questionairre to get to know each other. I am willing to start one - but please improve on it if you want.

good idea (mommy brain has taken over so please know you will all have to remind me who is who once we get on board )
We are still Melissa 34 & Demitrius 6
I am a single mom. I have several part time jobs so that I can be around when my son needs me. Most days will find me up to my elbow in tie-dye though.
No Mayflower descendants that I know of. My great grandmother was one of Pancho Villa's secretaries for a time.
This is my 2nd Disney cruise and am taking my parents this time it will be their first cruise Disney or otherwise
We live just south of Sedona AZ
We are normally casual and in tie-dye but we are a festive bunch (well 3 out of 4 ) so we are dressing up and bringing pirate gear! I love the opportunity for family pictures!
DS is also a gymnast (he is level 1 so I use that term lightly ) loves music
I like to read when I get time, music and dancing (again I use the term loosely )
No DVC here. Love love Disney movies and am slightly obsessed with the little vinylmation figures
DS has high functioning autism. That's the kind that people will argue and say "no way he's not autistic" when they find out. If anyone knows anything about Doreen Virtue's Indigo & Crystal children theories he could be a Crystal poster child.
I am a poster girl with no poster. Am a walking talking contradiction lol. Birkenstock wearing, tree-hugging, recycling punk rocker that likes to go on cruises and watch t.v....too much tv (Lets see couple favorites right now Big Bang Theory, Parenthood, Glee, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice) Am super shy at first but when I get to know you watch out

 

[disneydash]

My DW and I both grew up in Connecticut, met at college in Rhode Island and I asked her to marry me six weeks later. We have lived in CT, Maryland. South Carolina, Park City, Utah and are now in South Florida.

We started a family when we were young and were just about free and clear when we decided to do it all over again (which leads to a lot of second marriage questions from people). My oldest DS was home from college this weekend holding our youngest and a woman came up to tell me that I had a beautiful son & grandson

I started as a CPA but now have a consulting firm that works with the life insurance industry (not glamorous but it does pay the bills). My DW works part time at the local Y where she runs the "Mommy & Me" classes as well as the literacy program for parents & children learning English.

This is our second cruise and we visit the parks 3-4 times a year. Won't go full out formal but will get dressed up. My favorite part of the cruise is just having all of us together in a relaxed atmosphere.

I run marathons including Disney 6 times with 4 Goofy Challenges and just qualified for Boston in 2011. Love to read including military history (Civil War & WW II), Harry Potter and just finished the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. Big fan of Tampa Bay Rays, UConn basketball and the Dallas Cowboys (yes it has been brutal but we have a one game win streak!!)

My DW runs the mom shuttle, hangs out with her friends and always takes time out for DWTS (yet she hates to dance herself)

 

[BigHugsForEeyore]

.

 

[decked out]

I am 47 but will turn 48 on the cruise!
1 Mayflower descendent - I wonder if we're related?
BA in Economics/Psychology and MBA in Finance. Director of Finance for a commercial financing firm for doctor-owned medical real estate.
3 kids - 16, 15, 13, and one very fun DH.
Love to dress up on the cruise - wishing I had the Ye Olde Tavern Wench pirate costume, but at 47, guess I can't do that any more.
No DVC but since we live so close to MK, and since we get free tickets for volunteering on Marathon weekend, we go often.
Favorite vacation was a work assignment in Prague for 10 months.
Never thought I was a "cruise person", but then tried it and was hopelessly addicted. Now I am addicted to DISboard too. And to shopping for FE items (don't tell my DH). And Konk Koolers.
Raised in upstate NY, but now in sunny Central FL.
Avoid most TV except for the NFL.
Love Harry Potter.

Liz

I am 50 have BS in Liberal Arts and an MBA and work as a commercial real estate appraiser. Retired from the USMCR after 28 years of service, including about 7 years of active duty, but don't collect a pension until age 60.
My DW will turn 48 on the cruise and is a Mayflower Descendant. Met her in business school; smartest girl in the class.
That makes DS16, DS15 and DD13 Mayflower Descendants, not to mention Sons of Confederate Veterans, and they have a bonifide Irish grandmother.
We have three rescued pets and I am not even a pet person, in fact, I am allergic to them.
I grew up in central Florida and am sort of a beach bum and dig surfing, fishing, camping, etc.
My favorite part of the cruise is boarding and the first day, and leaving all my day-to-day concerns on the pier.
One of my first jobs was as a seasonal worker at Tomorrowland Terrace (circa 1978) at WDW. Also used to be SCUBA instructor.
Am fully Harry Potter qualified (all books and films).
I will pack for the cruise on the night before.
I bring a little flask poolside for spiking my DOTD to get it just right.