Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - ***UPDATED - post #411 ***

[Dreamsoftravel]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a safe, healthy and happy holiday!

 

[kidcoos3]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a safe, healthy and happy holiday!

Ditto.

 

[Monstro]

I love Vegas! My sister is there this weekend. The shows are amazing. I loved Donny and Marie at the Flamingo Hilton. Donny rocked it on DWTS.

Where are you staying? Is it soccer 24/7 or are you going to catch a show or two?

Bet on Black and UCLA! I hope you have a great trip. Talk to you soon.

We're at the Red Rock. This trip is pretty much full time soccer. Ww're one of the team parents this trip.

 

[bigAWL]

As is our tradition following Thanksgiving, we spent the last two days putting up Christmas decorations:

I'm not sure what we'll do this time next year. I'm not sure I'll feel like going to all the trouble if we're not going to be at home for Christmas.

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

As is our tradition following Thanksgiving, we spent the last two days putting up Christmas decorations:


I'm not sure what we'll do this time next year. I'm not sure I'll feel like going to all the trouble if we're not going to be at home for Christmas.

Nice pictures - love tree!

When we sailed the Magic during Christmas we did some decorations, but not all. Last year we spent Christmas in FL (not on a cruise) and we did all but the tree. We decided next year, since it is a longer cruise and we will be gone starting the 17th, we are really going to keep it to a minimum.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

As is our tradition following Thanksgiving, we spent the last two days putting up Christmas decorations:

I'm not sure what we'll do this time next year. I'm not sure I'll feel like going to all the trouble if we're not going to be at home for Christmas.

Fabulous Decorations! I love decorating our home for Christmas.

Since I will have foot surgery just before Christmas, I asked my DH and DD if they could promise me that they will put the decorations away just like Mom. Both laughed, and they said that they will try. Not good enough for Mom so after some discussion, we decided only to minimally decorate ( just stockings, advent wreath, small tree, and some lights).

Next year, we may have to do the same; since after an 11 day cruise, Mom will not want to put decorations away. But we have plenty of time to decide.

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Today, I have been surfing the DIS Boards. It seems Platinum Castaway members get nice gifts, some extra activities on the ship, and complimentary dinner at Palo. I am a gold member. I am wondering what we get. Does anybody know what gifts/amenities that gold members get?

I also read that the Thanksgiving cruise on the Magic was quite eventful. A fire, rough seas, and a Castaway Cay delay. I am thankful that all passengers had a safe journey.

At Thanksgiving dinner, I told my sister's boyfriend, Scott, all about the DIS Boards. During dinner, he learned about fish extenders, our cruise logo, the website, and so much more. Scott was a bit overwhelmed. My DH's advice was to just go with it. It is so exciting to share the Disney cruise experience with a novice. It is fun to see the magic through their eyes.

Monstro: How was Vegas? Did your DD's soccer team win?

Things that I am looking forward to: all those Christmas parties, Disneyland with a bunch of middle school students, tamale making at Mom's, Christmas with my family, and a two week vacation

 

[Monstro]

Monstro: How was Vegas? Did your DD's soccer team win?

Things that I am looking forward to: all those Christmas parties, Disneyland with a bunch of middle school students, tamale making at Mom's, Christmas with my family, and a two week vacation

Vegas was great. Good weather - good soccer and yep .... the girls won the tournament! We're hoping that win will get us into a college coaches showcase.


I'm looking forward to this Christmas/New Year Holiday Season. All our kids will be home with us.

Jeff

 

[bigAWL]

Today, I have been surfing the DIS Boards. It seems Platinum Castaway members get nice gifts, some extra activities on the ship, and complimentary dinner at Palo. I am a gold member. I am wondering what we get. Does anybody know what gifts/amenities that gold members get?

Here's the only info I've found do far:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/castawayclub.htm

We're only silver members. Still a few cruises away from gold, but confident that we'll get there someday.

 

[Monstro]

We were Gold on our last cruise (two weeks ago). We received the same gifts as Platinum members less the First Night Chocolates , The Palo Dinner, Stateroom Platter, and Special Tour/Event.

 

[bigAWL]

I forget if anyone here said they were booked on or thinking about a cruise on the Dream in 2011. I'm a bit afraid to try it. Aside from the fact that we've been dying to go back to Alaska, and jumped at the chance to cruise the Wonder there in 2011... I think if our kids got a taste for the new stuff on the new ship, that they wouldn't want to cruise the Magic or Wonder again. They're a lot less picky about where the cruise goes than their parents are. I would imagine this is even more the case for teens and tweens. Have you seen the new clubs for these older groups? Considering the tweens don't really have their own space on the two "older" ships (or do they?), I'd think they would have a hard time going back after Living the Dream.

Honestly for me, I think I would prefer the smaller ships. The Dream and... what's the other one going to be called? Fantasy? They will be in the top 10 cruise ships in the world for passenger capacity. What's the line going to be like for photos with Mickey or Minnie or the Princesses. It's not like you can add a Mickey because the ship is bigger.

I also noticed that the cabins are a bit smaller on the new ship. Probably not by enough to actually notice when you're standing inside one. But knowing that fact in my head will probably make it feel smaller nonetheless. On the other hand, it looks like some of the cabins are positioned at the front or rear of the ship (facing foreward or aft, rather than port or starboard), and some are arranged on the corners. So I'm looking forward to hearing about the different room configurations and seeing photos. The first Dream trip reports are definitely going to be eagerly awaited.

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

I forget if anyone here said they were booked on or thinking about a cruise on the Dream in 2011. I'm a bit afraid to try it. Aside from the fact that we've been dying to go back to Alaska, and jumped at the chance to cruise the Wonder there in 2011... I think if our kids got a taste for the new stuff on the new ship, that they wouldn't want to cruise the Magic or Wonder again. They're a lot less picky about where the cruise goes than their parents are. I would imagine this is even more the case for teens and tweens. Have you seen the new clubs for these older groups? Considering the tweens don't really have their own space on the two "older" ships (or do they?), I'd think they would have a hard time going back after Living the Dream.

Honestly for me, I think I would prefer the smaller ships. The Dream and... what's the other one going to be called? Fantasy? They will be in the top 10 cruise ships in the world for passenger capacity. What's the line going to be like for photos with Mickey or Minnie or the Princesses. It's not like you can add a Mickey because the ship is bigger.

I also noticed that the cabins are a bit smaller on the new ship. Probably not by enough to actually notice when you're standing inside one. But knowing that fact in my head will probably make it feel smaller nonetheless. On the other hand, it looks like some of the cabins are positioned at the front or rear of the ship (facing foreward or aft, rather than port or starboard), and some are arranged on the corners. So I'm looking forward to hearing about the different room configurations and seeing photos. The first Dream trip reports are definitely going to be eagerly awaited.

We are thinking about booking a cruise on the Dream, not sure when. It probably would be only one, because I prefer the longer cruises. My son is excited about the new slide but I can not imagine what that line would be like.

 

[bigAWL]

What is everyone's understanding on the temperature of the water in the Caribbean in December? Will people be swimming at Castaway Cay? For those of us acclimated to the tropics, are we going to turn into ice when our toes touch the water?

 

[Dreamsoftravel]

What is everyone's understanding on the temperature of the water in the Caribbean in December? Will people be swimming at Castaway Cay? For those of us acclimated to the tropics, are we going to turn into ice when our toes touch the water?

When we sailed two years ago, we went in the water. It was beautiful weather. I honestly can not remember if it was cold and we got use to it or if it was warm, but we went in, snorkled, used the tubes, etc...

 

[auntlynne]

I don't know about trademark infringment issues, but this was a quick thing I put together. Let me know if you have any suggestions or other ideas. I can tweak it or completely redo it.

I'm not on this cruise, was just trying to check on Joann & Aaron's status on the EB 2010 (though from your siggie, it's off) - didn't know how easy it was for you to be on the internet in Africa.
...But that is one great logo.

Lynne

 

[tinkmischief]

Hi Everyone!

Thought it was about time I introduce myself! I'm Melissa and booked this cruise awhile ago but wasn't sure it would be a go so just lurked on the thread evry now and again Without getting too personal since booking the cruise for my family and my parents my husband and I split up and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently going thru radiation. I've decided after a year like that we need a vacation for sure So gonna skrimp and save to pay it off since I know it will be well worth it!
So!...it will be Me ,my son Demitrius (he'll be 6 when we sail), and my folks Fred & Madge in the next cabin

Now I just need a fun way to surprise them with the news on Christmas! So far have a HUGE christmas mickey present bag I bought on Christmas clearance last year and am gonna include passport applications, so christmas decorations for the cabin I picked up last year as well and a certificate or tickets of some sort that they will have to dig through to find lol

 

[HFC1969]

Does anyone on the thread have a Cat 1, 2 or 3?

Just curious if anyone has one or is on the wait list??




Oh,, and if the good Lord is willing... our daughter will be with us! We are adopting a little girl 3 yo from Russia. Hope to have her home Feb 2010.. which means her first Christmas will be DCL 2010

So we will be a family of 4...



.

 

[Monstro]

Hi Everyone!

Thought it was about time I introduce myself! I'm Melissa and booked this cruise awhile ago but wasn't sure it would be a go so just lurked on the thread evry now and again Without getting too personal since booking the cruise for my family and my parents my husband and I split up and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently going thru radiation. I've decided after a year like that we need a vacation for sure So gonna skrimp and save to pay it off since I know it will be well worth it!
So!...it will be Me ,my son Demitrius (he'll be 6 when we sail), and my folks Fred & Madge in the next cabin

Now I just need a fun way to surprise them with the news on Christmas! So far have a HUGE christmas mickey present bag I bought on Christmas clearance last year and am gonna include passport applications, so christmas decorations for the cabin I picked up last year as well and a certificate or tickets of some sort that they will have to dig through to find lol

Welcome aboard Melissa. I hope everything works out for you.

Does anyone on the thread have a Cat 1, 2 or 3?

Just curious if anyone has one or is on the wait list??




Oh,, and if the good Lord is willing... our daughter will be with us! We are adopting a little girl 3 yo from Russia. Hope to have her home Feb 2010.. which means her first Christmas will be DCL 2010

So we will be a family of 4...


.

Welcome aboard. Good luck with the adoption! We're in a lowly cat 10, but we enjoy it.
Jeff

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

Hi Everyone!

Thought it was about time I introduce myself! I'm Melissa and booked this cruise awhile ago but wasn't sure it would be a go so just lurked on the thread evry now and again Without getting too personal since booking the cruise for my family and my parents my husband and I split up and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently going thru radiation. I've decided after a year like that we need a vacation for sure So gonna skrimp and save to pay it off since I know it will be well worth it!
So!...it will be Me ,my son Demitrius (he'll be 6 when we sail), and my folks Fred & Madge in the next cabin

Now I just need a fun way to surprise them with the news on Christmas! So far have a HUGE christmas mickey present bag I bought on Christmas clearance last year and am gonna include passport applications, so christmas decorations for the cabin I picked up last year as well and a certificate or tickets of some sort that they will have to dig through to find lol

Welcome aboard! It is going to be a wonderful Christmas surprise

 

[IceSk8ersMom]

YipEEEE!

Just made a payment and I am sooooo exicted that a year from today I will be in Florida waiting to board the Disney Magic!

I am also a bit anxious since I have my foot surgery tomorrow. This year I will be spending the holidays recovering, but next year I will be celebrating on the Magic wearing high heels! Now, that will be a cruise to remember.

Now, I am off to watch my school band's winter concert.
There is nothing like a school's holiday program, hot chocolate, and Christmas Carols.