March 23, 2003 4 day Cruise Who's Going?

[Bonnie Voyager]

On Christmas morning the secret was revealed. I found the most adorable "stuffed" Disney Cruise ship with all the characters in it (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy). He unwrapped it and looked at me puzzled. I said "what is it?", he said "a fake disney cruise ship". I said "well, how would you like to see the real one?" He was delighted! Only 3 months to wait! Now he can share the excitement!

 

[floridaminnie]

I'm so glad! Now the packing can begin. LIke you said, we only have 3 months to plan!

 

[singledismom]

Bonnie Voyager, did your son like his Christmas surprise?!?!? Are there anymore cruisers out there joining us?

 

[Bonnie Voyager]

We watched the Disney Cruise Video (marketing promo video) together and he was so thrilled. He has cruised before (not Disney), but has always wanted to do The Disney Cruise. My Parents live down the road from The Disney Vero Beach Resort and we have stopped by the resort a few times. There is a model of The Disney Cruise Ship there and everytime my Son saw it he asked, "can I ever go on a Disney cruise?". He also has been dying to go to Atlantis and is very excited that it is part of our agenda! He will be missing school to go on the trip and I haven't told his Teacher yet. I'm a little nervous about that. I am School Nurse at his school though, so I am missing work too. I have someone covering for me, so it won't be a problem, but my Son's Teacher is a bit conservative and I'm not sure how receptive she will be to the idea of my Son missing school for a cruise (not that I will change the plan, but since I work with her I'd hate to have her angry with me).

 

[Dustin & Shelby's Mom]

YEAH!!

DS (11) and I will be there. This will be our second cruise and our first 4 night. Last year during spring break, we did the three day and absolutely loved it. My son has been asking all year when we will be able to go back. I am glad I can finally give him an answer.

 

[floridaminnie]

Less than 10 weeks to go!

 

[Mollie Jo]

We'll be there too! Our first Disney cruise and the first ever for our DS's 11 and 6! Can't wait!

 

[singledismom]

I havn't info. my sons teacher he will be missing some school yet neither. He'll be missing a total of 6, were doing WD first. I'm not sure how she will react, but I'm going to take the Friday off we come back to go to school with him and help him get caught up.

 

[floridaminnie]

singledismom,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and sending some Pixie Dust your way!

 

[Dustin & Shelby's Mom]

Bumping back up. Anyone else going with us?

 

[Bonnie Voyager]

Looks like we will have a grand time with the ship being mostly empty!

 

[singledismom]

Thanks sdoane, your pixie dust worked. I told the teacher on Mon. and she's alright with it, she's even going to make up a packet of work for him to take, so he doesn't have to lugg books with him. Don't forget gals if your booking any excursions, next Wed. will be 60 days !!!!

 

[Bonnie Voyager]

I still haven't told my Son's Teacher! I almost did it yesterday when she was sitting next to me at a faculty meeting, but chickened out! I think I will wait till closer to sail date to do it! There is nothing she can do about it and she will probably be fine with it. I don't know why I let it concern me.....but it does! He's only going to be missing 3 1/2 days (fortunately, our school has 1 and a 1/2 days off that week anyway) and he's only in 2nd grade. Truly not a big deal. I'm the one who is making a mountain out of a molehill

 

[singledismom]

Bonnie Voyager,
I'm passing the Pixie Dust on to you. I don't know where all our fellow cruisers ours- but I went to DCL site and for kicks looked our days up and it said no cabins were available.

 

[floridaminnie]

I was wondering if anyone has received their paperwork from DCL yet. Last year when we went, we had them by now. Last time we went through our travel agent and this time we went through DVC, so I don't know if that matters or not.

 

[floridaminnie]

singledismom,

I just went to the DCL website for kicks and they still had rooms available. What might have happened is that they have booked enough rooms with one or both of your kids age group. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that they ship won't be too full. Oh well, it wasn't that bad in July when we had a full ship.

 

[Bonnie Voyager]

Cabins often open up right as final payment is due! Many people back out before they have to pay the big lump. I also often find cabins available in the "wee" hours of the night. Many people put holds on cabins but never book it and never officially cancel. When the option is up those cabins automatically go back into inventory in the middle of the night. I've found cabins for my Cousin on several sold-out ships that way!

It will soon be time to start thinking about packing!!! I usually tan (tanning booth) a few weeks prior to cruising, but I am thinking about going in my natural "white" skin this time and just slather myself with sun protection. I really am trying to be more conscientious about my sun exposure, but after years and years of sporting a dark tan, it is very hard to convince myself to expose my white thighs to the public...even if it is a ship full of strangers! We'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll try some sunless tanner. Anyone ever use one of those? I remember those old orange lines they left in my teenage years but I hear they have improved quite a bit. Any help appreciated!

 

[singledismom]

Hi Bonnie Voyager and others,
I actually started the tanning process last night ( I'm a burner, so have to take it slow and takes longer). I have tried some of the sunless tanners. The best one I have used is by Estee Lauder. My tan place actually has something new, I don't know the exact name... It's one of those stand up booths that sprays you with a fine mist of sunless tanner. I personally haven't used it but I have a friend who said it was great and you only have to go once a week.
Haven't received our docs. yet, but my friend is the one that actually booked our trip through her travel agent, so I'm not too clear as to if the TA get the docs or do they still get delivered to us.

 

[Bonnie Voyager]

I'm at work right now (remember I am school nurse at my Son's school) and I just slipped a note in my Son's Teacher's mail slot telling her about his upcoming absence! That was much easier than actually telling her in person. Now, after she gets the note and I run into her in the hallway, I can just say, "Hey, Mrs. _____, did you get my note?" The ice will already be broken. No Problemo! Phew, I am glad that's done! Now I just have to wait and see what her reaction is! I'm sure she will be fine with it. She is a very nice lady, but very strict when it comes to her teaching. Well, back to work for me! There are sick children laying right here beside me wondering what I am doing on the Disney Boards

 

[floridaminnie]

So, don't leave us hanging. How did it turn out?