MAGICal Christmas 2008 - December 20, 2008

[BearFan]

We plan on bringing little gifts for our stateroom host and servers. I'm not sure what yet though as we too are also a little at lost as what to give them. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas but most everyone celebrates something during that time of year and I'm sure it must be hard to be away from their families especially during any Holiday.
Lissa

We're definitely bringing presents with us for friends we've made in the past that are still onboard. I'm bringing candy for our stateroom host/hostess and others I haven't met yet. I heard that candy was very appreciated and sought after on another thread about gifts for castmembers onboard. I thought that maybe bags of Ghirardelli Christmas chocolates would be nice.

Lisa Marie

 

[Diana Lyn]

We're definitely bringing presents with us for friends we've made in the past that are still onboard. I'm bringing candy for our stateroom host/hostess and others I haven't met yet. I heard that candy was very appreciated and sought after on another thread about gifts for castmembers onboard. I thought that maybe bags of Ghirardelli Christmas chocolates would be nice.

Lisa Marie

We usually give candy to girls at Flounders and the Club. The last few cruises, I've brought a giant BJs sized bag of M+Ms for them. You would have thought I'd given them a pot of gold.

I can't believe it's almost time to book shore exursions and spa appointments!! The time really snuck up on me. I'm so excited for this cruise though!!

 

[Az Pirates]

Have any of our Texans checked in recently?
I hope they're staying safe, or better yet, that they boarded up and got out of harms way.
I know Shannon is down south, I don't remember where Phil is. Anyone else possibly in Ike's path?

We've heard from family members who had some pretty significant property damage and are without power, and they're up in the Houston area. We're still waiting to hear from others. Yikes!


Cindy, you're not really thinking about packing already are you?
I once had a dream, or I guess it was more like a nightmare, about missing the cruise. I still think it was because a previous Dis meet thread was full of self described "obsessive planners" who had their bags ready to go waaay in advance.
I tend to be a last minute gal where that's concerned.


I've thought about doing holiday gifts of some kind as well. I haven't come up with any fabulous ideas though.



When we're home we generally do our formal dinner on Christmas Eve and keep Christmas day really casual... think PJ's all day unless we have friends or family stopping by.
Of course I'm sure DCL doesn't really care what we normally do.
That said, I agree that it will be interesting if they keep the Pirate party on Christmas Eve.
I thought I had read somewhere that they do usually move formal night to Christmas though.


Did you guys see the thread about group photo's on the main cruise board? This was just posted yesterday:

FYI - I e-mailed DCl and asked about pre-arranging a DIS group shot with Shutters - to arrange a special photo op, the charge is $85! Our group (which includes the OP!) has decided to do our own, but are struggling with a time that will fit everyone. I think if you happen to have a Shutters' photog around, they would do it as they would any others, but they charge to set up a private shoot.

So I think taking Lissa up on using her camera sounds like a great option if we decide we want to try and get a group picture.

 

[nzdisneymom]

No worries - I'm not really thinking about starting packing yet, but I do have a few things I want to make sure to remember, so I've started a short list -- I want to do a magnetic board for inside the stateroom door so we can leave notes for each other about where we've been and where we're going. I might get a 2nd one to leave on the outside should anyone want to leave us a note.

We're heading to WDW this weekend - I need to change our sig because Z decided he'd rather not go to T.L. for his b'day but just do the parks. Works for me because the $40/ticket that we save (he and Gary were going while Nathan and I do DHS) can be used for the cruise.

 

[dbxazd]

Hey all!
I'm looking for some opinions on my current dilema. My mom has just been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It's stage 4 because it has spread beyond the lung into her lymph nodes, liver, bones and her brain. She has just started treatment which is radiation for the brain right now - and in 10 (working) days it'll be chemo. Doctor says she is not cureable, but she is treatable and depending on how she reacts to treatment - he can give her a longer life than without.

We just all found this out by a fluke. She's been seeing a chiropractor for her neck - she has bulging discs in her neck (totally unrelated to the cancer). So she went for a MRI for her neck - and it got enough of her lungs (the cancer started in her left lung - upper lobe). When the MRI came back, they saw what they originally thought was just a surface lesion. So more tests - a CAT scan of the chest - showed that it was a little bigger than thought - so another test - a PET scan (which is specifcally for cancer cells in the body) - which showed the cancer was even bigger, and also had spread to some surrounding lymph nodes. Next came a biopsy of the lung and some of the lymph nodes, which showed it even progressively further (into the liver and some bones in her lower back). Then the doc wanted a CAT scan of the brain, and - she has like 8 small lesions on the brain. She had her first radiation treatment Friday afternoon. She goes every day this coming week and next week - then starts chemo.

This so totally sucks right now. We're just not sure about anything right now - we have to live day by day - it's really all going to depend on how she reacts to the treatments. Right now, she feels totally fine (except for the neck thing - which like I said is totally not related to the lung cancer).

So I've been asking my siblings, my TA and some friends on what they think - and I'm still sooooo torn. We have travel insurance - but what if something happens while I'm at sea and unreachable? But then again - she could respond well to treatment and be here for much longer (the doc refused to put a timetable on it - saying that was counter productive). I'm just at a total loss right now as to what to do.......we've been planning this for a year and talking about this vacation to the kids (8 and 6) for soooo long. Has any body been in a simular situation? Any advice - I'll appreciate them all!!

Thanks for the ear (eyes!)
Robin
POP and Magic

 

[njmom23grls]

Robin

to you. I know this is a hard time for you. To your mom for strength for upcoming chemo.

I think you are wondering about whether or not to postpone your trip - on one hand you've talked so much about it and the deposits and the kids and all the planning and on and on BUT on the other you worry about mom and what the future may hold. Am I getting it right?

As someone who lost 2 really special people in the last 6 months -my grandmother (who raised me)and father- I may not be the best person to answer - but my advice would be to postpone your trip until the kids spring break. This is just my opinion and you have to decide what you and your family - especially your mom would want should things not go well. But in a way I also think you have to plan for the best -as the doctor says -positive attitude and energy is everything! However, my father was sick and I was going to cancel my long planned trip but then he got better and moved into a rehab facility and was supposed to go home on the Saturday. He unexpectedly passed away on the Friday morning. I don't know if I will ever get over the grief of not being there when he died. (I was in Antigua). I couldn't get a flight home on friday and it was miserable waiting for 3 days to get a flight home.
On the other hand, my grandmother had for the last 6 years everytime she was sick enough to go to the hospital I would get the "this is it" call from her doctors (I live in NJ she lived in Oregon) and I would fly out. She would get better and I would go home. This last time, she passed away while I was on the plane and I didn't make it in time. But she would have hated it for me to postpone all my plans and dreams on the "what-if's" for the last 6 years. She fully believed in living life in the now and being the mom to her "grandbabies" as she called them.

I know this is really hard right now . You want to do the best thing for your mom and for your family. I would also ask if you will be able to focus on enjoying your upcoming trip or will you spend the whole time worrying? Also, maybe I'm premature in suggesting you postpone. Depending on the type on cancer - you should have more information in a few weeks depending on how it responds to treatment and maybe to make a better informed decision then. Whatever you decide, I am sending caring, peaceful thoughts to you and your family for now and for the upcoming weeks.
Lisa

 

[minnie1]

Robin,
I just want to say that you and your family are in our thoughts. In terms of what you should do, I think that is something only you and your family can decide. However, know that all of us here at the disboards are with you in your decision.

Angie

 

[dbxazd]

Robin

I think you are wondering about whether or not to postpone your trip - on one hand you've talked so much about it and the deposits and the kids and all the planning and on and on BUT on the other you worry about mom and what the future may hold. Am I getting it right?

Lisa

That's right Lisa - I'm worried about not being here - but I'm also thinking that she could be around for years yet. And once I tell my kids - they might need something to give them a break? Right now, I'm leaning towards cancelling it all together - because if I reschedule, I might be going through all of this again in a few more months.......I wish the cruise was right now (minus the hurricanes) so it would be fun - and then I could worry!

Thanks all!!

 

[Az Pirates]

Robin,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. We're sending good thoughts your way as well.

Hugs to you too Lisa. That's a lot of loss in a short period of time.

Whether to cancel or not is a tough one. I think the most important thing is to make the decision that feels right for you and your family, then don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

We have friends who lost a close family member just days before they were scheduled to leave on an extended family cruise. They said they got some real attitude from people who thought they should have cancelled, but they didn't. They also said they felt like being together on that cruise was the absolute best thing they could have done and really helped them get through a difficult time.
The point being; what's right for one family is not necessarily what's right for every family.

The good news is that you still have some time to think things through before you even enter the cancellation penalty phase. As long as you're not concierge, I believe you have until 10/06 to cancel and still get all your money back.

I don't want to complicate an already difficult decision, but before relying on insurance, be sure to ask your TA to check your policy carefully to see exactly what it covers. The last thing you need is a fight with an ins company if you do decide you need to cancel at the last minute.

I read about someone who had their ins claim denied because their policy specified that the ill or injured family member must require the insured person's immediate care. Crazy, but the ins company argued that since other family members were not traveling, the immediate care clause was not met. I'm sure not all companies are such a pain to deal with - but worth looking into up front.

I really hope your mom responds well to the treatment.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Robin sending you and your family hugs and prayers. I'm not sure what to tell you to do as we have not been in that exact situation. My suggestion would be to talk to your family (adults) see how they feel and then make a decision. We went on our first Disney cruise shortly after losing my dad and it was a good time of healing for all three of us. Just know that you need to do what is right for you and your family vacations can always be taking at a later date.

Lissa

 

[ShannonR]

Hello to everyone!

Robin-I am so sorry to hear about you mother. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

Well, Hurricane Ike missed us completely, Thank God!! Not even a single drop of rain! And we were all ready for another Hurricane Dolly. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

I love the idea of a group picture! Remember, it's ALL ABOUT THE PICTURES!!! It will look great if we end up getting the group t-shirts!

Have a great weekend!
Shannon

 

[PalatkaCruisers]

Acually we have been on two previous Christmas cruises with Disney. This will be the first western route we have taken on the Magic. The past two have been the eastern and were both 10 days. This was a spur of a moment trip my wife booked back in Feb but didn't know if we would make it or not due to work or the economy. We are now looking at excursions for this trip.

FRick

 

[nzdisneymom]

{{{Robin}}} I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. We'll keep all of you in our prayers.

As for the trip, I'd find out what is the absolute latest you can cancel / reschedule with your trip insurance and then see how things go in the next month with your mom and her treatment.

 

[psharrock]

Hi Paul, sunny Scotland calling, haha. Looking forward to spending Christmas in the sunshine anyway!!
Could you possibly let me know what the times are for the Jeep Exploration excursion on Cozumel, please. We are meeting friends on board from Ohio and want to try and book this together.
Many thanks
Judy

Judy

You'll need to get up quite early for this one, as its at 7:45am

Paul

 

[Lizdisdog]

Judy

You'll need to get up quite early for this one, as its at 7:45am

Paul

Thanks Paul, I'm sure we can manage one early start
Can't wait

Judy

 

[nzdisneymom]

Thanks Paul, I'm sure we can manage one early start

Judy - this made me LOL because my boys are NOT early risers on a cruise ever since I had them up and out super-early nearly every morning when we did the Med in 2007. We sailed in April on a 3-day Wonder so at least we didn't have super-early days then - our Nassau tour was at 9:45.

This time I think the only day we'll have a "have-to" morning will be in Cozumel and that will be enough days into the cruise for them to have slept in several mornings. They aren't night-owls; they just don't like to get up quite so early. As for me, I love to get up early and get my day started while on vacation... something about watching the sun rise at least once

What we generally end up doing is I would go get my breakfast and if our younger DS was up and dressed, then he would go with me. Dh would get his shower and by the time he was done, I'd be back and bring breakfast for our older DS with me - so he could have some juice and froot loops while waking up. As for me, I like a hot breakfast and it's something I don't do for myself very often at home - so cruising is a great time to "splurge". I like getting breakfast at Lumiere's at least one morning, too... just not on the last morning - that's reserved for Topsiders now ... we learned that tip here on the DIS that you can get breakfast at the buffet on the last morning even though it isn't advertised... that saves having to drag carry-ons with us to breakfast and also allows us to go back to the stateroom to collect our stuff, brush our teeth, etc. before disembarking. We did that on the Wonder in April and it was so much better for us... plus we always get early seating for dinner, so this let us have an extra 45 minutes to sleep and still be out of our cabin before too late. The thing is to remember to put the "occupied" sign on the door so the stateroom attendant doesn't think we've already left.

And I'm rambling this morning.... does a cup of instant grits count as a hot breakfast? hee hee.

 

[minnie1]

Well, over the weekend I was talking to my brother about the cruise and he said, "I guess I should tell you that we cancelled the cruise a few days ago because now that we see the money saved up it is a lot of money that we could use for other things". He could have told me before I started talking about excursions and stuff.
Anyway, now my dh is saying maybe we shouldn't go because we won't have another couple to hang out with at night. I know we will have fun even without my brother and his family so I am sure I will win that argument. Our girls are still way excited to go. I told dh that we should just take lots of pictures and show them off to my brother when we get back (we are still going to see them at WDW for New Years after the cruise).
Well I just wanted to vent, thanks for listening.

Everyone have a great week!!!

Angie

 

[gardengirlco]

First, Robin, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Lots of P&PT for you and your family.

As for Christmas/holiday gifts for servers and stateroom host, I've been planning this for a while. I'm going to get them each a gift card to one of the stores near the port (haven't decided yet, but Wal-Mart or Borders or something) and then give them each a small box of chocolate from our local chocolate factory. For the kids club counselors, I'm going to bring a bunch of smaller individually wrapped chocolates, also from our local factory, for them to share.

Angie, sorry about your brother canceling. I agree with you, though. Take lots of pix to show him what a great time you had without him. And tell your DH that's what the DIS is for - I'm sure there are others who'd be happy to get together and hang out at night.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Angie - sorry to read about your brother canceling, but I have to agree with the PP - the DIS is a great source of "people to hang out with." I suspect that your DH will find he has a great time even without another couple to hang out with. I sure hope you all don't cancel - I'd be mad mad mad if my DH were to "change his mind" at this point -- and honestly, I'd probably go ahead and go without him. Lucky for me, he likes cruising as much as I do!

 

[perdy1234]

So we are soo excited to be going on our first 7 day cruise this Christmas! But I am curious as to what the fish extenders are all about. What do people do with them? How do you get involved with this activity. I am so excited to meet some of my fellow disers! Can't wait!