March 1-5, 2009 Wonder Cruise

[PoppyGirl]

i would love to do the meet and greet. I would like to nominate Poppygirl to decided the final meet spot, she is the one who started this thread for all of us to meet! Anyone second that motion?

Thanks Shawna! I'd be happy to try and figure somethig out. It was also sas_mk who was trying to set up a meet too and one of the mods merged our threads.

I thought the secret deck 7 idea was a good one. I haven't looked at the map yet. So, let's see....muster is at 4:30pm? We leave at 5:00pm. Do most people have early seating or late? We have early. And the shows start at what time?

What ideas does everyone have?

 

[PoppyGirl]

So I'm home with DS today...he's REALLY, REALLY sick...and just when I was thinking, "I really need a day at home to get some things done before the cruise" too...hope I didn't bring this upon him! Anyway, UPS just delivered our cruise docs! WOO HOO!

 

[ShawnaH]

So I'm home with DS today...he's REALLY, REALLY sick...and just when I was thinking, "I really need a day at home to get some things done before the cruise" too...hope I didn't bring this upon him! Anyway, UPS just delivered our cruise docs! WOO HOO!

Oh that poor boy, i hope he is better soon.
So the documents come UPS? There is hope for me yet! Nothing was in our mail this afternoon . BTW we have early seating for dinner we just thought that is would be wiser for our DS. We didn't eat until 7p last night and we seriously thought he was gonna starve to death!

 

[PoppyGirl]

Oh that poor boy, i hope he is better soon.
So the documents come UPS? There is hope for me yet! Nothing was in our mail this afternoon . BTW we have early seating for dinner we just thought that is would be wiser for our DS. We didn't eat until 7p last night and we seriously thought he was gonna starve to death!

Shawna..thanks. As soon as his ibuprofin wears off his fever spikes again. As long as we don't run out of it, we'll make it.

I thought someone else said their docs came UPS too. Here's hoping for everyone else to get theirs too!

 

[ShawnaH]

Shawna..thanks. As soon as his ibuprofin wears off his fever spikes again. As long as we don't run out of it, we'll make it.

I thought someone else said their docs came UPS too. Here's hoping for everyone else to get theirs too!

UPS just dropped them off! I heard the front door open and shut and I looked out the window and say the big brown van, and I seriously RAN full spped for the front door! I cant open them yet, as I feel that DH would want me to wait for him. What a beautiful little tan envelope with the disney cruise logo. I love it so much!

 

[tikilyn]

OMFreakingG! I need everyones Pixie Dust. Today I was looking at everyones birth certificates and realized that DD8s is NOT a Certified Copy! I'm freaking out really bad. And the worst part is that she was born in California and we're in South Texas. I placed an order through vitalchek and paid for the express mail option. The lady I spoke to said it takes 24 to 48 hrs for them to get the paper work to Ca vitals office and then it takes them 5 to 8 days to get the birth Certificate but they will overnight it me. So by my Calculations I should receive it the day before we are schedule to leave!!!

My neighbor was telling me that the timelines suggested are stated longer than they will actually take. God I hope she was right.

Thanks for listening to my freakout. I need to go and find a brown bag to breath in.

Sabrina

 

[sas_mk]

OMFreakingG! I need everyones Pixie Dust. Today I was looking at everyones birth certificates and realized that DD8s is NOT a Certified Copy! I'm freaking out really bad. And the worst part is that she was born in California and we're in South Texas. I placed an order through vitalchek and paid for the express mail option. The lady I spoke to said it takes 24 to 48 hrs for them to get the paper work to Ca vitals office and then it takes them 5 to 8 days to get the birth Certificate but they will overnight it me. So by my Calculations I should receive it the day before we are schedule to leave!!!

My neighbor was telling me that the timelines suggested are stated longer than they will actually take. God I hope she was right.

Thanks for listening to my freakout. I need to go and find a brown bag to breath in.

Sabrina

You are living one of my recurring nightmares! I have all of our important papers in order, but for some reason I have a lot of anxiety about forgetting them or losing them before we leave for the cruise.

I am sending you all of my pixie dust I am sure the birth certificate will arrive in plenty of time. Now, just breathe deeply and relax!

 

[starmom]

So, we got our cruise docs today!! I am so excited! We are willing to meet up anytime, we are flexible! We have the early dinner seating as well. So, in the cruise docs it said that our embarkation time is 1:00 is this when we have to be on the ship by?

 

[starmom]

OMFreakingG! I need everyones Pixie Dust. Today I was looking at everyones birth certificates and realized that DD8s is NOT a Certified Copy! I'm freaking out really bad. And the worst part is that she was born in California and we're in South Texas. I placed an order through vitalchek and paid for the express mail option. The lady I spoke to said it takes 24 to 48 hrs for them to get the paper work to Ca vitals office and then it takes them 5 to 8 days to get the birth Certificate but they will overnight it me. So by my Calculations I should receive it the day before we are schedule to leave!!!

My neighbor was telling me that the timelines suggested are stated longer than they will actually take. God I hope she was right.

Thanks for listening to my freakout. I need to go and find a brown bag to breath in.



Sabrina

We had to order my husbands from the same website, from Georgia to Maine in less than a week! And I didn't even get the express shipping! I'm sure you will be fine, but Good Luck!

 

[ShawnaH]

OMFreakingG! I need everyones Pixie Dust. Today I was looking at everyones birth certificates and realized that DD8s is NOT a Certified Copy! I'm freaking out really bad. And the worst part is that she was born in California and we're in South Texas. I placed an order through vitalchek and paid for the express mail option. The lady I spoke to said it takes 24 to 48 hrs for them to get the paper work to Ca vitals office and then it takes them 5 to 8 days to get the birth Certificate but they will overnight it me. So by my Calculations I should receive it the day before we are schedule to leave!!!

My neighbor was telling me that the timelines suggested are stated longer than they will actually take. God I hope she was right.

Thanks for listening to my freakout. I need to go and find a brown bag to breath in.

Sabrina

OK relax, take a deep breath, It really could be worse, At least this didn't happen 2 weeks from now. You have plenty of time to fix this it will be ok. besides, If you pay enough you can get almost anything you need by when you need it! Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[tikilyn]

Thanks everyone. You all have made me feel a little bit better. If the birth certificate arrives after we leave my neighbor will over night it to our hotel for us. I just hope it doesn't come that.LOL

I'll update when I receive it. Still waiting for our cruise doc's to show up too.

 

[Met]

Tikilyn: Before my first cruise I was in a wheelchair with a broken ankle and went to the Chicago Fed Building to get passport issues cleared up since I didn't have my birth certificate.

I had ordered an expedited passport.... should have been plenty of time...
but nothing in the mail. I traveled 300 miles to Chicago (during an ice storm) and waited in line for a first-come first-serve walk-in appointment with a federal representative. They informed me that I had been sent a denial letter and they needed more paperwork from me. Fortunately, they cleared everything up and I received a passport later that day. Only 2 days before departure. What a nightmare!!!

I totally feel for you. Take a deep breath. It will work out.

 

[Tinkerchele]

Hey Everyone! I've just gotten caught up from page 2 - it's been awhile since I've logged on. Glad to see we'll be sailing with so many fellow DIS'ers.

Sea lice? OMG! Where do I get the Seasafe lotion? Can I buy it locally or is it something that needs to be ordered?

We got our cabin assignment - 5635. Now I'm stalking the mailman waiting for those cruise documents to arrive.

Did anyone set a time or date for a meet onboard?

We're flying in a day early since I don't trust the weather. We'll be staying at Port Orleans Riverside and taking the Disney Cruise bus to the port. After the cruise we've got 5 more days at POR.

Can't wait to meet you all!

Ricky's Girl,

We are just two doors down in 5639. I don't have many magnets made, but I do have a few. There shouldn't be much traffic on our end of the ship, so you might be one of the few to actually see my door magnets!

I got a package today in the mail and I got so excited! Then I realized it was just a DVD that I ordered last week. I am sooo ready to get my cruise documents. It just gets me one step closer to getting on that ship!

Hi!! Looks like me and DH are sandwiched right between you guys! We're in room 5637. I haven't gotten my cruise docs in the mail yet either. I hope to start packing this weekend!!

 

[sas_mk]

Hi!! Looks like me and DH are sandwiched right between you guys! We're in room 5637. I haven't gotten my cruise docs in the mail yet either. I hope to start packing this weekend!!

That is really crazy!! Three disers all in the same little hallway. All three of us are also celebrating our anniversaries!! How fun!

 

[starmom]

A few questions?????

Do we have a dress up night? No jeans this night?

Do you sit with other people at dinner or just your family?

What time do we have to be at the Terminal by?

Thinks that's it for now!

 

[Ricky's Girl]

Hi!! Looks like me and DH are sandwiched right between you guys! We're in room 5637. I haven't gotten my cruise docs in the mail yet either. I hope to start packing this weekend!!

How cool is that? Welcome neighbor!

 

[runskyhy]

A few questions?????

Do we have a dress up night? No jeans this night?

Do you sit with other people at dinner or just your family?

What time do we have to be at the Terminal by?

Thinks that's it for now!

1. I recall our 'dress-up' night (not formal though) being Tuesday night - the night of the Pirate party. My brothers wore coats over their polos and khakis. Us ladies wore sundresses.

"On 4-night cruises:
First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
One "dress-up night" — jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
Final night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops"

Reference: disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/help/overview?name=PreparingForYourCruiseFAQLandingPage

2. We had a table of 7 family members last time. We sat together at one table as a group by ourselves.

"Can I request whom to sit with at dinner?
Every person in your stateroom will be at your table. At the time of booking, you can specify other people who will also be onboard. If not, assignments will be made to fill in your table. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults, while families dine with other families."

Reference: disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/help/overview?name=OnboardDiningFAQLandingPage#3

3. The DCL website says to be aboard by 4pm. The life jacket drill is at 4:45pm. (Great photo opportunity in the fluorescent orange jackets!!) & the ship leaves port around 5:30pm.

Also:

"Since July 2008, government regulations have required guests to check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. The 90-minute cutoff was instituted so cruise ships could send U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) the ship’s manifest (a list of all passengers onboard), and the CBP could take an hour to review it before clearing the ship for departure. "

Reference: tripinsurancestore.com/blog/new-cruise-line-check-in-rules/

This 90-minute-minimum only applies to those who have not filled out their forms on-line prior to arriving at the port.

Another explanantion: cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/know_before_you_go/embarkation_advice/why_you_cant_board_late_cbp_enod_rules

It's getting closer...

 

[starmom]

1. I recall our 'dress-up' night (not formal though) being Tuesday night - the night of the Pirate party. My brothers wore coats over their polos and khakis. Us ladies wore sundresses.

"On 4-night cruises:
First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
One "dress-up night" — jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
Final night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops"

Reference: disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/help/overview?name=PreparingForYourCruiseFAQLandingPage

2. We had a table of 7 family members last time. We sat together at one table as a group by ourselves.

"Can I request whom to sit with at dinner?
Every person in your stateroom will be at your table. At the time of booking, you can specify other people who will also be onboard. If not, assignments will be made to fill in your table. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults, while families dine with other families."

Reference: disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/help/overview?name=OnboardDiningFAQLandingPage#3

3. The DCL website says to be aboard by 4pm. The life jacket drill is at 4:45pm. (Great photo opportunity in the fluorescent orange jackets!!) & the ship leaves port around 5:30pm.

Also:

"Since July 2008, government regulations have required guests to check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. The 90-minute cutoff was instituted so cruise ships could send U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) the ship’s manifest (a list of all passengers onboard), and the CBP could take an hour to review it before clearing the ship for departure. "

Reference: tripinsurancestore.com/blog/new-cruise-line-check-in-rules/

This 90-minute-minimum only applies to those who have not filled out their forms on-line prior to arriving at the port.

Another explanantion: cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/know_before_you_go/embarkation_advice/why_you_cant_board_late_cbp_enod_rules

It's getting closer...

Thanks for all of the info! I don't thinkthe jacket thing is going to fly with my husband! I will have to find him something else suitable...

 

[PoppyGirl]

I'm packing! WHOO HOO! Apparently there is an advantage to children being home sick from school and me not being able to go to work...all the laundry is getting done, clothes are sorted and ready to put in suitcases and I am super-organized! Perhaps TOO organized if that's even possible...DH would probably say YES.

Thanks for the info about the "what to wear to dinner" question. I don't think my DH will want to do a jacket either but we have some nice shirts and dress pants for him. From what I've read on other threads it doesn't seem to be a huge issue for people.

Do people stay dressed up for the shows after dinner then?

I have to say, it is really adding to the fun being able to chat with you all about our upcoming trip.

 

[Rachelcay]

Ok...here is our updated list from post #42 with cabin numbers (if they've been previously posted). Let me know if you want me to change or add anything.

BeccahRN (DH, 5 y.o. twin DD and DS2)
ShawnaH (DH, DS8) (7566)
donniehoo (DW, DD6, DD8, DD15 & other family members) (8568 & 8570)
PippyLatte (DS7) (6641)
Rachelcay (DH)
dipsydo (mom, DD11, DS2)
sas_mk (DH--celebrating 10th anniversary) (5639)
M&M mom (DH, DS8, DD8 & 13 other people)
Ricky's Girl (DH--celebrating 34th anniversay)(5635)
Tinkerchele (DH--celebrating 12th anniversary)(5637)
Flick (DH--celebrating DH's b-day and first cruise)(2068)
PoppyGirl (DH, DS9, DD6 and friends with their DS5 & DD5) (6581 hoping against hope for an upgrade to a room with a view!)
starmom (DH, DS5) (7563)
runskyhy (???)
GirlieGirl (DH, DD8, DD6)
Cloud9 (S2BDH, DD6--Getting MARRIED on the cruise!) (2070)
MinnesotaMouse (DH, DS15, DD12.5--second time on this cruise) (2150)
Met (DH, DD9, DS4.5, family friend 30) (7004 & 7006)
tikilyn (DH, DD8, DS5)

Our room number is 6307