March 20, 2004

[Magicboundagain4]

Hi Laurie:

I just read your question about traveling with 4 kids. You already know this but be organized but don't organize every moment. Last cruise they were in and out the door at different times very fast and then they were gone. The older two were hard to get to eat with us at night....but they had a ball. One thing I am glad I did and it wasn't cheap but it alleviated one or two problems and made my week a vacation as well. I sent all dirty laundry out each and every morning and let Disney wash it instead of myself standing in the laundry room on my vacation. It was one of the best things I did.

You know there will be fights....but just have fun ...I would leave notes in the room where the boys could check in with me, they would know where to find me then they would tell me where they were off to. With the pagers the girls could be with me or in the club and I would come when ever they wanted to leave. I know I have lots of other ideas....but it would take hours.
PM me sometime I will try and get back to you sooner. I promise.

Lori

 

[dvcmomdeh]

Susan,

I wish Amanda wasn't so busy with Basketball and gymnastics I'd like the kids to chat. On our last cruise I had introduced each of the kids to a child of their own age and we met upon boarding and they were inseparable from then on. Amanda isn't in to doing girl things so maybe they can get together and play basketball all week. Now, my son who will be 16 within 15 days of the cruise informs me that HIS SISTER will go into the teen club. ONLY because he doesn't want to lose anytime there. He is a 13 yo at heart.

I am also ready to get out of the cold it is only 15 degree here at the moment.

 

[Padre Disney]

To those of you that were told the cruise was sold out. Have you went to DCL web site yet? Today it still shows rooms for 2 adults plus 1 child.
It looks like it would be very very expensive but still open. I made it all the way through right before submitting names so I guess it could changes and say sold out.

 

[dvcmomdeh]

I'm in withdrawl.... Haven't received a message from our group in almost 24 hours.

canceled parasailing altogether for the cruise. We thinking we'll try to schedule it at WDW the Saturday after we get back. They'll take my daughter by herself.

Going to bank to get my roll of quarters for laundry today.

 

[Magicboundagain4]

I too am missing the posts. It's getting closer and closer another Magic trip leaves tomorrow. Soon it will be our turn.

 

[geffric]

Originally posted by dvcmomdeh

Going to bank to get my roll of quarters for laundry today.

Do you remember how much laundry is? That was on my list too.. and I couldn't remember how much it cost..


Other q's how much memeory for the digital camera?? I am taking 3 256 mg cards, is that enough? I am not bringing my laptop for downloading pic..

 

[dvcmomdeh]

I think it is a $1 to wash at least $1 to dry if not more.
They dry slowly. Packing extra hangers isn't such a bad idea; especially wire.

For memory cards it depends on the size of the picture as to how many pictures you can get on a card. If you are like me I took over 350 pictures last summer on vacation. I take pictures of everything. I don't necessarily print them anymore; I love to have my screen saver go through the pictures in my folders. I can get lost in the memories flashing by. DH will be taking his laptop for downloading. FYI you can by memory cards in the shops on the islands for cheap.

I was looking at pictures from the last cruise and realized I hadn't packed my battery alarm clock. So I put a little more in my suitcase last night. We have gone from one suitcase to three... ARGH. One will just be for DD and my dresses.

 

[Muushka]

I don't know if everyones digital camera comes with the cables to hook up to the TV, but we have found when we want to save some memory we review the day's pictures on TV and delete the ones that are not perfect.

By the way, do the TVs in the staterooms have the composit video inputs? I hope so, otherwise we will be buying some more memory or bringing the laptop!

 

[geffric]

Thanks, Dawn
I can get about 100 pic's per card with max megapixils.. so that is 300 pic's.... I did remember extra hangers, and now I know to bring about $5 or so in qtrs, plus clothes pins..

Not too much longer now..

Susan

 

[strawberryblonde]

I haven't packed yet because I keep thinking it is going to warm up like last year and I will be wearing my capris. I wore capris all of March last year so I hate to pack them up but I sure don't need to be wearing them yet, still so cold here this year. I might just pack now, I would feel better about being ready and it just might bring on warmer weather

 

[strawberryblonde]

I just thought of something that made me smile......

The magic sets sail for 5 more cruises before our turn, we are number 6 , that sounds so close!

 

[mobetsy]

#6!!! That is a wonderful thought

For all of you taking digital cameras (like us), don't forget your battery chargers. We'll probably have 3 sets of batteries plus the charger (which is a quick one). We also will have dh's GPS and one Gameboy that require batteries, but those will have less frequent use than the camera. We usually have a 64 Mb card in our camera and it will hold almost 100 pics; I'm going to switch it out for a 256, bring the 64, and also along an extra 32. I do tend to sit down regularly and delete the bad pics. Additionally, each boy will have his own disposable, which will probably be used up before we've been gone 24 hours, and the Target underwater camera with 4 rolls of film. I tried the latter on our vacation last summer and was pleased with the photos underwater (shallow).

 

[geffric]

!<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_8_32.gif' border=0></a>

Do you think it is ok to bring the digital camera on the beach at CC?? I am concerned about getting the sand in the camera... Am I being overly crazy??

 

[mobetsy]

I have taken mine to the beach before, but I put it in a double ziploc bag and am pretty obsessive about brushing off hands, etc. before pulling it out, then put it right away. In a way, it is probably safer than a good regular camera, as there are fewer moving parts to be damaged by sand. I suppose security might be a bit of an issue. We will have our cheap and waterproof Target one with us as well

Can anyone who has been there before tell me how long it would take to go from the family beach back onto the ship (to return camera to the room, get a forgotten item, whatever)?

 

[Magicboundagain4]

About 10-15 minutes....not real quick.

 

[geffric]

It is also faster to walk than wait for a tram..

 

[dvcmomdeh]

OH MY....

I added a 4th suitcase last night. I feel like I'm moving onto the Magic. Now that sounds like a good idea.

Happy Monday Everyone. Only 4 more Mondays.

 

[dvcmomdeh]

I thought of a question....

1. Can you use calling cards from the ship to call home? At no expense to your ship bill?

I think my cell worked, BUT JUST BARELY, while at St. Thomas. We were really high on a mountain in a taxi at the time.

 

[strawberryblonde]

I want to know the answer to this too

 

[tecdavidt]

I doubt you will be able to use calling cards on the ship. The service is satellite from what I remember. The internet is the best way of keeping in touch. It works great on DCL ships. Not all lines provide good internet service.

Our cell provider is Verizon and its works great in US ports of call and it is cheaper than using the phone service the ship provides.

When we are in port your calling cards will work from the ports, not the ship. We also have used the internet cafes found in some of the ports. The one in St. Thomas is great and is cheap. I believe the name was Beans, Bytes and Websites. They had great coffee also.

It is getting so close!!! Finally had our daughter try on her summer clothes and I have to buy all new. All are ordered today. I still need to get her shoes. The only thing left is to pack up the bags.

Now if we only had ours docks. Oh well, they will get here. Our TA is still on her cruise.

Kathy