MAGICal Christmas 2008 - December 20, 2008

[nzdisneymom]

Robin - welcome back. I have been thinking of you all weekend. Don't worry about the packing - whatever you take, you take - and it's not like you're going to a third-world-country where you can't find anything that's a necessity should you not pack something. I find myself starting to over-plan and over-pack, so that's my cue to stop and remember that this is vacation.


Amy - I'm not sure whatever got decided for the times for the Ornament Exchange / Scavenger Hunt / Group Picture - but I think we were shooting for the 9:30 time for it to begin -- location was the Promenade Lounge.

The Meet on Saturday is still scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Promenade Lounge - the end that is more toward mid-ship than aft. Can't wait to meet everyone.

 

[minnie1]

Question for all the DCL veterans-
I believe I remember reading that the rooms have a hair dryer. Am I just imagining that or am I right? I would hate to not bring mine and then have no way to dry my hair. Ok, just answered my own question by looking at the main board and someone had asked a question about the hair dryers.

I do still have this question: does anyone recall how many hangers there are in the closets. Is it just a little bit or a lot? I may bring extra hangers.

Thanks,
Angie

 

[alikat99]

Question for all the DCL veterans-
I believe I remember reading that the rooms have a hair dryer. Am I just imagining that or am I right? I would hate to not bring mine and then have no way to dry my hair. Ok, just answered my own question by looking at the main board and someone had asked a question about the hair dryers.

I do still have this question: does anyone recall how many hangers there are in the closets. Is it just a little bit or a lot? I may bring extra hangers.

Thanks,
Angie

They do have hair dryers, but if you use your hair dryer to style your hair, these are NOT for that. They do an okay job drying your hair, but that's about it.

As for the hangers, no need to bring extras. Just ask your stateroom host, and he/she will bring you more.

 

[nzdisneymom]

The extra hangers may just be the wire hangers, though, so if you care about that, then you might want to pack a few extra hangers. But we have found that double-hanging things works pretty well (like two pairs of pants on a single hanger with a shirt over them.

I agree about the hair dryer in the stateroom - it will get you dry, but if you want to style, bring your own. And remember that there is not a plug in the bathroom for using a hairdryer, so you'll need to blowdry at the desk (or bring an extension cord).

HFC - Justin is going to be so excited when you pick him up at school on Friday! We had originally planned to not tell the boys - to just start driving and have them wonder why we're going south instead of north when we get to the 10-95 interchange. (Grandma lives north.) But we thought they might enjoy some "cool factor" time at school and with their friends.

 

[tinksmom]

Hey Everyone!
Welcome back Robin, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Cool ideas y'all have had on telling your kids about the cruise. I kept it a secret from Joe and Carly until June. We sat down for lunch one Saturday and the old DCL show was on the Travel Channel. I asked if they'd like to go on another cruise. The reply was a unanimous yes, so I told them.

I've decided I've got to get the packing done TODAY, so I can start sleeping at night. I've woken up the last two nights at 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Joe usually does most of the packing, but with him working in Kansas, I've got to do it all.

I take Carly to the nerve specialist tomorrow. We're hoping for some answers and the beginning of a healing of her ankle/foot problems. She is going to have to have surgery to tighten the ligaments/tendons after the nerve damage is healed.

Take me away DCL!
tenya

 

[BearFan]

Right now it's 3 degrees here with a 35 mile per hour wind making it feel like -18. I honestly don't care if I bring any suitcases with me. Nothing is stopping me from going on vacation!!!!!

Lisa Marie



I'm dreaming of a green Christmas!!!!!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Tenya - hope Carly gets good news at the dr.

Lisa Marie and others in the frozen-tundra -- just think about how nice 75 degrees is going to feel on Saturday -- weather.com has that for its high in Port Canaveral!

I made the kids' decoders today using Disney Characters for letters. It turned out cute. I made .jpg's from them so I could show you guys.

Here's the decoder:

And here are the boys' secret codes:

 

[ShannonR]

I am so sorry, Lisa Marie, that it is so cold in Illinois. I would just die! It is 78 degrees here right now and I am freezing! That's why I pack warm clothes and coats for us when the northerners are packing shorts and tank tops!!!

We just finished all our last minute shopping and are truly ready to go!!!!!

And no, DH STILL has not yet printed our door magnets and/or family "business card". I know he is waiting until Thursday just to spite me! We put our names, stateroom number and a picture on our cards.

We are taking DD4 to see Santa tomorrow at the mall and then taking all 3 kids picture tomorrow for the business cards and our Christmas cards. Yes, nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?

Shannon

 

[alikat99]

We just finished all our last minute shopping and are truly ready to go!!!!!

LUCKY!!! I've still got TONS of things to do, but slowly, but surely, it'll all get done. Either way, I'm leaving on Friday afternoon!!!

And no, DH STILL has not yet printed our door magnets and/or family "business card". I know he is waiting until Thursday just to spite me! We put our names, stateroom number and a picture on our cards.

Chris and I did ours last night. We didn't put a pic of our family, but there is a picture on our "business cards", along with our names, DIS id, cabin number and email address at home.

We are taking DD4 to see Santa tomorrow at the mall and then taking all 3 kids picture tomorrow for the business cards and our Christmas cards. Yes, nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?

Shannon

As I type, I am also printing out addresses on envelopes for our family Christmas cards. They are going out tonight!!!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Chris and I did ours last night. We didn't put a pic of our family, but there is a picture on our "business cards", along with our names, DIS id, cabin number and email address at home.

As I type, I am also printing out addresses on envelopes for our family Christmas cards. They are going out tonight!!!

I got our business cards printed today. No picture of us, but a little holiday .gif along with my DISname, our family names, and our Cabin number.

I printed out labels for our holiday cards yesterday. Not sure I'll get them out before we go because I still need to sign the cards and write a few notes for some. But I'll get out what we can ahead of time. I was hoping to get a good family snapshot to include but we didn't get one done. Some folks will get school pictures of the kids instead.

I'm procrastinating on my work-work today. Gotta get to it.

 

[ajmanns]

Cindy,
I love the secret code! Your boys are gonna love it!

SO, question: Everyone is talking about magnetized signs for their doors. Does this mean that the doors are metal (steel)? And does Disney not want anyone to use masking tape? AND, if that is the case, where are you all getting your magnet printer paper....Best Buy had none.

Yeah, this weather is insane! Up here in Wisconsin it is frigid. Even us cheeseheads are not enjoying this one bit!

One more question: My husband and son (age 17) want to watch the Packers/Bears football game on Sunday on the ship. Is the ESPN sport bar available for all ages, because my son is not 18 yet.

SPeaking of that, how strict is Disney as far as a 17 year old (will be 18 in March)? Because he won't want to do the teen things (his sister is 21 and will want to be with her because they are very close). I hope if we don't say anything and walk right into the adult bars, they won't say anything to him. Anyone have any info on this??

Well, I have to shorten 4 pairs of slacks/capris (I am VERY short ) and stuff to organize/prepare....you all know what I'm talking about!

.....dreaming of sun, sand, sea....mickey!!!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Cindy,
I love the secret code! Your boys are gonna love it!

Thanks - it was fun to make it, and I just cannot wait for Friday to get here so they can know!

SO, question: Everyone is talking about magnetized signs for their doors. Does this mean that the doors are metal (steel)? And does Disney not want anyone to use masking tape? AND, if that is the case, where are you all getting your magnet printer paper....Best Buy had none.

Yes, the doors are metal, so you can put magnets on them. And no, DCL doesn't want tape on the doors. I found magnet paper for printers at WalMart last year but did not find it last week when I was looking for it. So instead I printed our signs on cardstock and then got the self-laminating sheets and laminated them... and then stuck some magnetic strips on the back. I got a roll of magnetic tape from WalMart last year (didn't see any more this year, though) and just cut off lengths that I needed and stuck it to the back of the signs. For our main sign, however, I have a magnetic photo frame - that is really something like a business might use to put an ad in and hang in their store.

One more question: My husband and son (age 17) want to watch the Packers/Bears football game on Sunday on the ship. Is the ESPN sport bar available for all ages, because my son is not 18 yet.

SPeaking of that, how strict is Disney as far as a 17 year old (will be 18 in March)? Because he won't want to do the teen things (his sister is 21 and will want to be with her because they are very close). I hope if we don't say anything and walk right into the adult bars, they won't say anything to him. Anyone have any info on this??

The ESPN Sports Bar is no more... but they do show games in Diversions and also sometimes on Deck 9 over the Goofy pool. Your DS shouldn't have a problem going into Diversions for the game... I'd check with Guest Services to find out where they'll be showing the game. As for your DS going into the adult-only areas, I'm thinking that if he is with you and/or his sister *and* he's behaving appropriately, then there shouldn't be an issue with him being in the adult bars. I wouldn't "advertise it" though

 

[DisneyZell]

Hi everyone...I have a lot of pages to catch up on! On Thursday night we lost power due to an ice storm...it is Monday and we still have no power!!! Luckily, our neighbors (sailing shamu who is going on this cruise with us) have a great generator and we are all staying with them. They have been very accomodating!! We are at our health club right now since they have internet access so we can catch up with everything. We have to go to a laudromat today so we can wash all our clothes and we haven't even packed yet! We leave on Wednesday and I don't know how we are going to get everything done. The kids did not have school on Friday or today and it is not looking good for tomorrow either. If we are not sick of each other by the end of this cruise, I think we can last through anything! Well, have to get back to the house to sort the laundry while it is still light out at our house. Hopefully I can catch up with all these posts later today.

 

[nzdisneymom]

That's incredible about the ice storm and power-outage, etc. I'm glad you all have great neighbors with a generator!

 

[CrusinLattas]

I know some are already there - enjoying WDW before we sail - lucky!

I have changed my phone ring tone to the ships horn! I am so ready!

Thanks AZ Pirates for the F/E list - very helpful to have it organized!

Welcome Xmascruise04!

Robin, my prayers are with you this week as you get everything together. I know right after my Mom died and for several months following my brain was in slow motion and there was just so much to do! I hope all goes well for you this week and then you can just relax and have some down time!

I thought I would include this in a quote so that if anyone new pops in they can have the information on a recent link - thanks for keeping this up to date!

Yes, I know it's early, but it was booking day today and I just had to start the thread.

We have plenty of time to prepare for Christmas 2008!!!

Cruising for us will be myself, DH, DD (7) and DD (4), and we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------
Cruising families:
alikat99 - Amy, Chris, Emily (7), Madison (4)
Diana Lyn - Diana, Bruce, Emma (5), Julia (4)
nzdisneymom - Cindy, Gary, Nathan (12), Zachary (11)
psherrock - Paul, DW, DS (10), DD (9)
DisneyZell - Drew, Deanna, Nick (10), Connor (6)
& Neighbors - Mike, Kim, Chris (12), Kathryn (8)
SnowWhite2 - Laurie, DD (14), DD (12)
njmom23grls - Lisa, Mark, Emily (14), Rachael (10), Sandy (60+)
ShannonR - Shannon, Rick, Morgan (14), Mitchell (11), Melissa (3)
Kborn - Keith, Tina, Josh (8)
tinkerbell 29 - Lissa, Nancy, Matthew
MrsMunchie - Shirley, Justin, Joseph (10), Audrey (8)
Lynne Y. - Lynne, DH, Justin
stillwater - Becky, John, Anna (13), Alexander (13)
minnie1 - Angie, Pete, Ashley (10), Madison (7)
pogopossum - Phil, Sherrie, Rachel (14), Jordan (7), DGP, DSGM, DSM
Love Eeyore - Joyce, Jim, Jesse (16), Tyler (13)
SnowWhite2 - Laurie, DD (13), DD (11)
xsjackson - Susan, DH, Alexis (18), Nick (16)
----------Jim (74)
----------Ginny, Matt (12), Emma (10), Natalie (8), Nolan (6)
----------Nancy, Zane (15)
----------Katie & Kevin, Lydia (7), Asha (5)
Az Pirates - Kerry & Sheila, DD(21), DD(18), DS(13), DD(10)
dee47 - Dee, Keith (12)
BearFan - Lisa Maria, Paul
hinsok1 - Kim, Brad, Kat (12), Matt (7, but turning 8 on the cruise!)
----------Bob, Char
----------Jan, Craig, Sarah (21), Erick (20), Paul (14)
----------Doug, Heather, Nathaniel (14), Benjamin (13), Jerimiah (11), Hannah (9)
perdy1234 - Mel & Curt
tinksmom - Joe (52), Tenya (48), and Carly (15)
PalatkaCruisers - Rick, Laura and Jessica (9)
KathyFP - Kathy (?), Greg and Marissa (10)
bigedwin - Ed, Michelle, David (13), Sophia (10)
DCLInauguralXmas - Denise, DH, DS (18), DD (16), twin DSs (10)
dbxazd - Robin, Ed, Ryan (8), Meghan (6)
gardengirlco - Jennifer, Mark, Kevyn (10) and Sam (3)



Celebrations:
Birthdays:
Diana Lyn - Diana's birthday (12/25)
ShannonR - Shannon's birthday (12/14)
MrsMunchie - DH Justin's birthday (12/20)
minnie1 - Angie's birthday (12/11)
minnie1 - DD Madison's birthday (12/29)
DisneyZell - Deanna's birthday (12/29)
pogopossum - Phil's birthday (12/2)
hinsok1 - Matt's birthday (12/24)
tinkerbell 29 - Nancy's birthday (12/17)

Anniversaries:
alikat99 - Chris & Amy's 10th anniversary (12/19)
hinsok1 - Bob & Char's 50th anniversary

Scheduled Activities or Meets
12/20 - 3 pm - DISmeet in the Promenade Lounge on Deck 3 - headed by nzdisneymom
12/22 - 9:30 am - Group Photo/Scavenger hunt/Ornament Exchange meet in the Promenade Lounge - headed by BearFan


ATTENTION CHRISTMAS CRUISERS!!!
Did that get your attention? GOOD!! I'm very proud to announce the opening of our Cafepress shop!!

Just a few disclaimers:
I have it set to make ZERO profit. I'm not making anything from this.

I'm just the shop keeper. You order directly from Cafepress. You pay Cafepress directly. They ship directly to you. If you have a problem with your order you take it up with them. (And from previous cruises, their customer service is awesome.)

I've added just about everything that is available to "basic" shops aka free shops. Our design doesn't work for the dark shirts, so I didn't add those item. Whatever shirts come in both Gray and White, I have left that as an option for you. The Ringer Shirts and Baseball shirts come with a red trim option that looks really cute with our design.

Some shirts have one logo in the front, some have little pocket logo and big back logo. I tried to make something to make everyone happy. If you want something tweaked, I can try to do whatever I can to please the group.

I think that's it---happy shopping!!!

Any questions or problems---just let me know!

It would be helpful if I included the link!! http://www.cafepress.com/christmascruise

We got our kid's doctor to send us off with an extra prescription of antibiotics - one of my kids has been on them every other week for most of the last three years due to ear infections - yes, even with tubes - so we thought better to have it and not need it than to have to deal with it at sea! Now I am just hoping my DD (4) doesn't have ear problems flying - she can be a bit of a drama queen! At least she loves gum for a little while! DS (2) doesn't like gum, but has the tubes so I don't think the pressure will bother him.

We are mostly packed. We have had so many parties over the last couple weeks and a couple more kid parties this week before we go! We have one at gymnastics on Thursday evening and one at school Friday - Our plan is to go up to school for the party and then head over to the airport from there.

We are also planning on doing the ornament exchange.

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Ugh I am so tired you can tell the kids at school are just as ready for a break as the teachers are. We are half way through packing and will finish tomorrow so the Wednesday evening we can relax and get to bed early becasue i plan on being out the dorr by 3:30am Thursday morning. I am ready for warm weather I really don't mind the snow if we get some days off every now and then. I hate snow days when we still have school.

Cindy i love your secret decoder plan. What a unique way to tell the boys.

Lissa

 

[psharrock]

I can now anounce that we are packed

We had to do two goes at it, to fit everything in 3 large suitcases and a small one, but we managed it.

We leave for the US on Thursday, and the daily flight is currently running just over 1.5hrs late. We'll be leaving our home in the UK on Thursday before some of you will have gone to bed on Wednesday

We just have to do a check, double check, tripple check (you get the idea), for our passports, tickets, driving licences etc etc on Wednesday night.


Paul

 

[perdy1234]

Hey I am so excited that we are so close to our holiday. We are leaving Thursday for North Dakota then fly out Friday morning. Today's temp was -49 degrees with the wind chill. just slightly cold! So I am excited to be bathing the the tropical sun in a few days!

 

[nzdisneymom]

I can now anounce that we are packed

We had to do two goes at it, to fit everything in 3 large suitcases and a small one, but we managed it.

We leave for the US on Thursday, and the daily flight is currently running just over 1.5hrs late. We'll be leaving our home in the UK on Thursday before some of you will have gone to bed on Wednesday

We just have to do a check, double check, tripple check (you get the idea), for our passports, tickets, driving licences etc etc on Wednesday night.


Paul

Paul and family -
Safe (and on-time) travels to you all. Can't wait to meet you on Saturday - you are planning to come to the Meet and Greet, right? You'll be flying while the rest of us are still frantically packing!

 

[hinsok1]

Cindy,
I love the secret code! Your boys are gonna love it!

SO, question: Everyone is talking about magnetized signs for their doors. Does this mean that the doors are metal (steel)? And does Disney not want anyone to use masking tape? AND, if that is the case, where are you all getting your magnet printer paper....Best Buy had none.

Yeah, this weather is insane! Up here in Wisconsin it is frigid. Even us cheeseheads are not enjoying this one bit!

One more question: My husband and son (age 17) want to watch the Packers/Bears football game on Sunday on the ship. Is the ESPN sport bar available for all ages, because my son is not 18 yet.

SPeaking of that, how strict is Disney as far as a 17 year old (will be 18 in March)? Because he won't want to do the teen things (his sister is 21 and will want to be with her because they are very close). I hope if we don't say anything and walk right into the adult bars, they won't say anything to him. Anyone have any info on this??

Well, I have to shorten 4 pairs of slacks/capris (I am VERY short ) and stuff to organize/prepare....you all know what I'm talking about!

.....dreaming of sun, sand, sea....mickey!!!

I think it will be shown at Diversions in Beat Street (by the nightclub area). I know my husband will be there also. We have lived in Minneapolis for 18 years and he is still a die hard Packer Fan!!! Being able to watch the game has definately been a topic for him!! He even has his Packer clothing packed! If I remember right from our last cruise, they do allow kids in to here, especially during the day. I think later in the evening it is adults only, but I'm guessing for the game there won't be an issue. I also know this is where the Sports Trivia takes place and I think all ages are allowed for that also.

I also remember once seeing a game on the jumbo screen by goofy's pool.

It was -28 with the wind chill here this morning. -8 without. Am I ready for vacation???

Hey - just found out you can order bottled water from staples and have it delivered to your hotel for $7.99 ($7 if you order more than one). Last time I paid $35 for a case on the ship. You still have to carry it on, but for those of us limited by air travel, this is a good option.