MAGICal Christmas 2008 - December 20, 2008

[nzdisneymom]

Lissa - so you all are flying in to ORL on Friday before we depart on Saturday? And then after the cruise, you're going back to WDW? Have you considered doing DCL transfers from the airport to the Port and back? And maybe stay at one of the hotels at the airport on Friday night?

Or get the transfer from the airport to the port and from the port to WDW. you can pick up a rental car at WDW if you need to (I think).

 

[cats mom]

Lissa, are you staying near the port Friday night? I think several of the local hotels have park & cruise rates.

In fact I saw a recent post where someone said they booked a hotel that has an agreement with the Radisson; so they just pop over in the morning, use their parking area, and grab the shuttle to/from the ship.

We have one way car rentals booked, and that's what we've done in the past too.

If you wanted to do that, maybe you could check with DCL about storing your wheelchair for the week? Last cruise we were right next to one of the luggage storage areas, and other than the first and last nights, it was a really big EMPTY space the whole cruise. Not sure what DCL's response would be, but it's a thought.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

We are staying near the port at the Country Inn and Suites. I think they have a park and cruise rate but i'm not sure. If they do and have a shuttle how easy is it to take the shuttle with luggage. Or should we take the luggage to the port drop it and one person at the port and then the other two take the car back to the hotel and take the shuttle to the port. We found a great deal on a rental car for the whole trip so we are going to go ahead with that. What option would ya'll do? Oh I thought of another one we could leave the car at the hotel and take a taxi to the port. Thanks.

Lissa

 

[nzdisneymom]

We are staying near the port at the Country Inn and Suites. I think they have a park and cruise rate but i'm not sure. If they do and have a shuttle how easy is it to take the shuttle with luggage. Or should we take the luggage to the port drop it and one person at the port and then the other two take the car back to the hotel and take the shuttle to the port. We found a great deal on a rental car for the whole trip so we are going to go ahead with that. What option would ya'll do? Oh I thought of another one we could leave the car at the hotel and take a taxi to the port. Thanks.

Lissa

Lissa - we're staying at the Country Inn and Suites, too! They do have a park-and-cruise situation. We stayed at the Radisson and used their shuttle in 2005 - it was easy enough to transfer luggage via the shuttle - they were all set up to do it. I assume the CIS will be easy enough, too -- guess we can ask on the main cruise board for someone to describe the CIS process to us.

I'm assuming you won't need the chair for the cruise so you just need a secure place to store it while sailing but then have it available upon your return? So you could leave it in the rental car since you have it for the whole trip. I would save the parking money and not pay to park at the port since it is a 7-nighter -- if it was just three nights, I'd probably pay to be at the port and then you don't have to transfer back to the hotel before heading for WDW. Although it might also depend on how much luggage I have - bu since you all are flying, I know your luggage is somewhat limited because of flight restrictions.

Hang on - I'm going to ask about CIS shuttle on the main board....

 

[minnie1]

I know a lot of you have been to the port before so I wanted your opinion on how safe the parking is at the port.
Since we are spending a week at WDW after the cruise, I have to pack some extra things that we would need at Disney that we don't need on the cruise. I can cover everything with a blanket, but I was wondering if any of you can tell me from your perspective how safe you think the parking lot is.

Angie

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Hey Cindy that's great that were staying at the same hotel the night before. Maybe we could meet up for dinner or something later that evening. We land in Orl early afternoon but are going to the Space center on the way. It has been ages since we've been there and my brother is dying to go for some reason. It will be late afternoon before we get to the hotel. The plan is to leave the chair in the car. I only need it to walk or stand long distance if we are going to be at it all day like we will be at WDW. Thankfully i won't need it on the cruise. Thanks for checking into the CIS shuttle info.

Lissa

 

[nzdisneymom]

Lissa - we'll be driving down after the boys get out of school on that Friday -- they are currently slated to be out by 1:25, but since we had a day off last week for weather, they may make it up by not having early release ... if they get out when we think they will, we'll be arriving around 7 p.m. o after. If they get out regular time, it will be 9 or 10 p.m.

We're hopefully going to do the space center when we get back - we haven't ironed out those details yet but that's what we're thinking... although it's always subject to change! The boys haven't ever been, and it's been over 20 years since I've been.

I didn't get to post about CIS shuttle yesterday - danged work interrupted (LOL) but I'll do that now.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Were the rest of you watching Gustav's path and hoping that he didn't leave any damage in the Cayman Islands? whew.

 

[alikat99]

Hey everyone!! Boy, it seems like it's been FOREVER since I've been here!! We're getting excited about the cruise, but I've been so busy, that I haven't thought about it too much.

I took on a new job at our school this year. Last year, I was a part-time teacher's assistant in our preschool, this year, I've been "promoted" to elem/middle school technology teacher which is full-time. So, I've had to set up my tech lab, make lesson plans and get ready to teach full-time. It's been a learning experience, and I'm still somewhat overwhelmed, but I know that with each week, it'll get easier and easier.

I am still planning on booking a group rate for the Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel for those that are interested. I know that so far I have several that are interested, so I think that it'll be a blast!!! If you're still interested, PM me!!!

I haven't had time to update the front post with new cruisers, and I've gotten a couple of PMs, so if you're "new" to our post, and your info isn't on the first post, PM me that too!!!

We're definitely doing the ornament exchange, and the Fish Extender exchange, and I'm definitely up for a meet onboard. In the past, we've met in the lounge on deck3 off the atrium (where the internet lounge is too) and it was pretty casual.

If we have anyone in Gustav's path, I hope that you've gone to higher ground and your home is saved!! Our prayers are with you!!!

 

[MOQu]

I am trying to set up some "pre-cruise communications" for my kids so that they will have friends before getting onboard.

My daughter is 16 and likes the Jonas Brothers a LOT! I can get her AIM or email address to anyone who has a daughter around her age (14 to 17ish).

My son is 18, still in high school, but because of his age, won't be able to participate in the teen programs onboard. Considering he prefers his video games to social interaction, I don't think that is going to be a big issue. If your son is similarly inclined, I can get you his AIM or email address.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Hey everyone!! Boy, it seems like it's been FOREVER since I've been here!! We're getting excited about the cruise, but I've been so busy, that I haven't thought about it too much.

I took on a new job at our school this year. Last year, I was a part-time teacher's assistant in our preschool, this year, I've been "promoted" to elem/middle school technology teacher which is full-time. So, I've had to set up my tech lab, make lesson plans and get ready to teach full-time. It's been a learning experience, and I'm still somewhat overwhelmed, but I know that with each week, it'll get easier and easier.

I am still planning on booking a group rate for the Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel for those that are interested. I know that so far I have several that are interested, so I think that it'll be a blast!!! If you're still interested, PM me!!!

I haven't had time to update the front post with new cruisers, and I've gotten a couple of PMs, so if you're "new" to our post, and your info isn't on the first post, PM me that too!!!

We're definitely doing the ornament exchange, and the Fish Extender exchange, and I'm definitely up for a meet onboard. In the past, we've met in the lounge on deck3 off the atrium (where the internet lounge is too) and it was pretty casual.

If we have anyone in Gustav's path, I hope that you've gone to higher ground and your home is saved!! Our prayers are with you!!!

Amy congrats about the new job. It is scary to go from a part time assitant to a full time teacher but don't worry I'm sure you will be great. Just remember you are in charge and make sure they know that. Those first weeks are hard but I promise it gets easier.

Lissa

 

[nzdisneymom]

Amy - good to see you! I think we'll see a lot more of everyone as we're nearing the 90 day mark.

As for the Dolphin Encounter - is that the one at Chen... park? We are interested but I have to figure out what we want to really do - as in how much interaction that the boys might want - which is kinda hard since we haven't told them about the trip. I was looking online at it the other day.

 

[MorganR]

Hey its me Morgan ....I am Just Posting This 2 say HAPPY LABOR DAY And I am Still looking 4 people my age on This Thread 2 talk 2 before the cruise....

My Age Group is 15 yrs old-18 yrs old

So if they want 2 contact me please use the personal message and I'll contact you privately with my information

Well Thanks Again Every one And i hope I get Some People 2 Talk 2....Bye

Meghan=]

 

[nzdisneymom]

This is the month that final payments are coming due (for return cruisers who want to book excursions and Palo and spa treatments, etc. , at 90 days). That means our time is nearing. I am so looking forward to this trip!

It also means it is time for me to start making my lists Packing, fish extenders, activities we want to do, post-cruise possible activities, what to pack, etc.

 

[njmom23grls]

I'm getting excited as well! Congratulations to all of you who have new jobs! I know its a scary time right now to be looking for employment.

I've been reading a lot of stuff on the boards and now I'm really antcipating the cruise - especially at Christmas. Just trying to figure out how to work it all out (or what to bring) - anyone bringing pirate costumes? Also trying to make a list of other stuff to bring and as the cruise gets closer - be able to just relax and know I am completely organized (NOT!)

 

[nzdisneymom]

My DH and boys haven't ever wanted to dress in costumes for Pirate night, although the boys and I did the first year because they had costumes from halloween. What we've done on subsequent cruises is just have Pirate t-shirts for the boys to wear, and then DH and I just do bandanas, etc., at dinner. I suspect that the boys won't want pirate garb this year either, so I'll just pack t-shirts for them. They missed most of the party last time because they were doing something else. Personally, once you've done the party, it's only worth going up for the last few minutes to see Mickey and watch the fireworks.

And oh yeah - save room for the warm crepes with ice cream (on the hot-food side where they also have fajitas... I'm so saving room this time as I've always been too full still from even the early dinner).


Speaking of food - I have been telling the boys that the next time we go on a Disney cruise that I'm going to pick one of the Sea Days and "eat my way around the ship." I want to get all the places that I normally miss and wish I hadn't - or find places that I didn't know about. Another DISer introduced me to the little food cabinet in the Cove Cafe but I never got anything. And I've not gotten the late-night snacks or the pre-dinner snacks or hardly anything from room service................... and yeah, i'm packing my loose pants (LOL).

 

[hinsok1]

Last cruise, DH, DD and DS did dress up as pirates . . . I had found a dirt cheap deal on Amazon after Halloween for costumes. They haven't decided if they will dress up this year or not. Those of you who have been on the Christmas cruise before . . . do many dress up? I like the idea of T-shirts . . .

 

[dbxazd]

Last cruise, DH, DD and DS did dress up as pirates . . . I had found a dirt cheap deal on Amazon after Halloween for costumes. They haven't decided if they will dress up this year or not. Those of you who have been on the Christmas cruise before . . . do many dress up? I like the idea of T-shirts . . .

DD, DS and I wore Pirate t-shirts last year. DD's t-shirt was from the Outer Banks and it said "I (heart) Pirates" on it - Captain Hook liked that one!!! DS's t-shirt is a glow in the dark pirate skull and cross swords from Las Vegas! My t-shirt is the Pirates of the Caribbean "pirate" in red rhinestones for the skull cap.
DS and DD both had Jack Sparrow bandanas on (the ones with the "one of eight" and dread on it!!). This year'll be the same - I have a cool piece of fabric that I got on clearance at Jo Ann Fabrics after Halloween last year that I tie light a head band scarf around my hair - it's black with sparkly skull and cross bones throughout and sparkly red for blood out of some of the skulls excellent!

DH just wears one of his (ugly/loud) hawaiian shirts!

Robin
POP and Magic 12/08

 

[minnie1]

Well I finally got time to read through all the posts, I had to get caught up from vacation and the girls summer break. Good luck to everyone with new jobs!!
It sounds like everyone is getting ready for the cruise. We bought some pirate eye patches at WDW and then I thought I would go to the after Halloween sales to pick up some more things.

I also just bought my first fish extender gifts. Does anyone know about how many I need to buy? Do we do one a day to each family or just one per family or one per family member? Since this is our first Disney Cruise I want to have enough for everyone but because packing is tight I don't want to bring too much.

Everyone have a great week. To all the kids-have a great first few weeks of school.

Angie

 

[ShannonR]

Hi everybody!!! Hope everyone is doing well!

Last cruise, we had Pirates of the Caribbean t-shirts made with our names on them. This year, we bought pirate costumes for the kids because I want them to have their picture taken in them!!! To me, EVERYTHING in life is all about the pictures!! So I told them (when they were grumbling about having to wear the costumes)...you are going to put the costume on, smile for the camera and LIKE IT! I have already told them they don't have to go to formal night, again. Last year just me, DH and DD4 went to formal night the and character breakfast because they don't like that kind of thing anymore . Oh well, this is their cruise too!

I still have to get our fish extender gifts! I have our ornament, our stockings picked out to be our version of a fish extender and we bought our miniature Christmas tree with all the trimmings to have in our state room!!!

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day! Here in the south of Texas Labor Day is not recognized (the kids even have school ). I guess because the majority of the population is Hispanic and they don't celebrate it (I don't think they even know what it is ) so life went on in the usual way

Shannon