March 26, 2011 - Eastern Caribbean Magic and FE Exchange!

[karajeboo]

Oh no, do we need to book a port check-in time if we're using the DCL transfers?? How do we do that???

Remember, sometimes we get TOO MUCH info on disboards.... Most people know nothing when they travel like this, so if they get on DCL website and see that they have an assigned time, they will abide by that. We are just a bunch of rebels.....

Hey--
To those of you a little nervous about being on rough waters, it may help to bring along some ginger snaps or ask for some ginger ale if you're feeling a little bit queasy. My first night was tough and I took some OTC stuff which really helped. I get car sick very easily, but really adjusted well to the water. I hope our weather is good as last time it was so windy we couldn't go to the Grand Caymans. See ya real soon!!

See, I don't get motion sickness at all (although the older I get, I'm getting wiser and won't do tea cups or anything spinny like that!), but just my nerves are getting the best of me. When I mapped this cruise we aren't really even in the Caribbean - we are basically out in the middle of the freakin Atlantic Ocean!!!! To me, Jamaica is the Caribbean.......

Man, I gotta get all caught up....

I'm learning from the last few posts that I will be even easier to spot at our meet if everyone else is getting spray tans this week. I hope everyone has invested in a good pair of sunglasses because if my legs are any indication- you're gonna need them.

Not THAT is funny!!!!! That's okay, since Jeff and I are tanning, and of course Ally is not, we are calling her Casper these days......

Thanks for the additional tips...Gonna call CC company tomorrow! We were in Orlando a couple of years back (first trip for us) and our bank was also going into panic mode trying to reach us. Also need to go online and have the mail held for while we're gone.

Yes, and get this, while I was talking to our bank, they told me Jeff's debit card was on hold. Turns out when he was in Vegas a couple weeks ago on business, he tried to withdraw a large sum from the ATM. They declined the transaction and all the rest of the transactions, too. He can use it as a debit card, but not an ATM card. I found out from talking with Bank of America, that because he was so far from home, it was a security measure and if he would have just called them at the time, they could have fixed it all. So no blackjack for him that trip!!!!

So I got our fish extender in the mail today...It looks great, BUT the openings are tiny. I know because I put in one of the FE gifts we're gonna hand out and it won't fit! (They're in the lunch bag-type gift bags.) Anyhoo, so I think we're gonna hang an additional bag out there just in case the FE isn't enough, which I imagine it wouldn't be- especially with possible multiple deliveries in one day. Just FYI...

Postel- I haven't been on a boat in MANY, many years. I've read if we try the less-drowsy Dramamine, that we should start taking it about one day ahead of time to get it into our system. I occasionally have bouts of vertigo, so this is a slight concern of mine. (I don't have any problems getting carsick or on rides- however the tea cups shall never see my behind in them.)

I'm thinking I need Xanax, not dramamine!!!!!

Okay so maybe I can add some tips- pack a pair of binoculars, and some waterproof cameras. (I am hoping the latter will get my son to want to snorkel with us in St. John/Trunk Bay.)

I just texted Jeff to ask if his P's have any binoculars we could borrow and he said, "Yes, but you still won't be able to see land for 2 days...."

Well, I was up until 2:30 this morning working on FE gifts so I am hitting the hay 'early' tonight. Gotta pack tomorrow and plan on making a few more magnets for the door- train on Thursday night!!

I am beyond excited! I just love going somewhere I've never been and exploring the area, etc. So many firsts for us on this trip- cruise, island (for the kids anyways), train trip for the family and on and on!

As long as I keep telling myself the same thing when I fly...... people do it all the time and love it..... I should be okay. As long as I get through the first day I'll be fine..... I hope!

My FE does not have super big pockets either, and my goodie bags may not fit either (I didn't even think to try them out and the FE is packed up now), but I'm sure we could put the goodies in front of the door?

Despite my nerves, I am SOOOOO excited!!! I cannot believe we are leaving in THREE DAYS!!! And a couple are leaving today from our group?

 

[karajeboo]

OK, one more question. Are we or are we not allowed to bring a case of water and check it? I've heard you can "sneak it" in a bag, or carry it on. I don't want to do either. I want to legitimately check it..... Can I do this?

 

[Ayeegit]

Kara - we are "first timers" as well, so I can't speak from personal experience - but I did find this article, which is dated from just a few weeks ago. Looks like you don't have to "sneak" on your water at all...

http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?page=1&where=panel&qid=118588&pid=156&cid=168

 

[karajeboo]

Hmmmm, it still says "checked luggage" and I have seen on the boards where people just slap a luggage tag on a case of water. People complain when it's in luggage because if it leaks, it can damage other people's luggage. So now I just don't know. I think I will just bring the case and if I can't take it, it's a $4 loss........

 

[KristiMc]

Kara - I think I read on here somewhere that you used to be able to put a tag on a case of water and check it but you are no longer able.

I was curious to what movies are going to be playing so I called DCL. She told me that these are subject to change.

Mars Meets Mom 3D
I Am Number 4
Gnomeo & Juliet 3D
Tron Legacy 3D
Tangled
You Again
Step Up 3D
Sorcerer's Apprentice
Toy Story 3 3D
Last Song
Alice in Wonderland 3D
Princess & The Frog
Up

 

[Ayeegit]

Hmmmm, it still says "checked luggage" and I have seen on the boards where people just slap a luggage tag on a case of water. People complain when it's in luggage because if it leaks, it can damage other people's luggage. So now I just don't know. I think I will just bring the case and if I can't take it, it's a $4 loss........

Maybe bring an empty duffle bag or backpack and just put the case of water in there?

 

[luvndizny]

I just texted Jeff to ask if his P's have any binoculars we could borrow and he said, "Yes, but you still won't be able to see land for 2 days...."

Yeah, but you might see other cool stuff like whales... (Not extremely likely, ya never know.) Or possibly the Cracken.

 

[postel]

Hello All,
It seems to me last time that we brought both water and diet coke on board with no problems. I do remember no produce on board from other ports and definitely no produce from ship to port during disembarkation.
Oh yeah...you'll really know our family at the meet---white, white skin with fair, freckled, Scottish skin...a real treat for sunny days. We all glow after a few hours in the sun even with 50 plus SPF
No teacups for me, either. UGH Anyone wanna watch the Ohio State game with us? We're Buckeye nuts. My husband, Neal, went there for 8 years!

 

[luvndizny]

Yeah, I thought I had already chosen our 'port arrival' time...but hadn't when I finished our online check-in today. So the earliest was 1pm. I'm gonna go all "rebel-without-a-cause" and be like... and show up when we get there!

Oh man, I can't stop making magnets for our door! I got a Xyron laminator and going C-R-A-Z-Y!

 

[Ayeegit]

Oh man, I can't stop making magnets for our door! I got a Xyron laminator and going C-R-A-Z-Y!

Speaking of making magnets - we're going to be printing out a few onto some of the "print your own" magnet "paper" - but hadn't thought of laminating them afterwords. Does it make much of a difference?

 

[Ayeegit]

Now I have a bit of a quandry... when we booked our cruise, we were given "late" dinning seating, as that was all that was available at the time. We did plenty of research to discover that the late seating was actually not a bad thing, as it kept people from feeling "rushed" in the afternoons to get ready for the early dinner times. Some folks said it didn't work well for really young kids, as they could sometimes just be exhausted by the time 8:30 rolls around - but our girls are 7 and 11, so I don't think that will be too big of a problem for us. So the idea of the late dinning time grew on us and sounded like a good way to go.

Well this morning I heard back from AAA that our "waitlisted for early dinning time" came through, and they've changed us to the earlier time.

So now I'm not sure what to do - I'm sure I could ask to be put back into the late seating (sounds like that's much more likely to be an option than going the other direction) - but I don't know if I should.

Any suggestions from the "veterans" in the group?

 

[luvndizny]

Speaking of making magnets - we're going to be printing out a few onto some of the "print your own" magnet "paper" - but hadn't thought of laminating them afterwords. Does it make much of a difference?

Not sure... I am just printing out on regular paper, then laminating so it will hold it well and sticking adhesive magnets on the back. I think next time I might try the magnetic paper though!

As far as the dining goes...(first time cruiser here though) I have read that it is easier to get late seating vs early. So most likely if that is what you do want (late seating), then it probably won't be that big of an issue to switch. If it is too late to do it now online/over the phone, others have suggested getting to port early and asking at the reservations desk, etc. Good luck!

 

[karajeboo]

Yeah, but you might see other cool stuff like whales... (Not extremely likely, ya never know.) Or possibly the Cracken.

I'm not laughing.......


Oh, heck,yes I am!

Anyone wanna watch the Ohio State game with us? We're Buckeye nuts. My husband, Neal, went there for 8 years![/B]

I think I love you!!!! Yes, we are big Buckeye fans too!!! Much more so for football as Jeff is actually a Uconn fan for bball, but I LOVE my Buckeyes!!!

Yeah, I thought I had already chosen our 'port arrival' time...but hadn't when I finished our online check-in today. So the earliest was 1pm. I'm gonna go all "rebel-without-a-cause" and be like... and show up when we get there!

Oh man, I can't stop making magnets for our door! I got a Xyron laminator and going C-R-A-Z-Y!

Oh you crazy REBEL!!!!!

Yes, I went a little magnet crazy, too....

Speaking of making magnets - we're going to be printing out a few onto some of the "print your own" magnet "paper" - but hadn't thought of laminating them afterwords. Does it make much of a difference?

I bought the magnetic "paper" and just used that. In fact, I used this years ago for car magnets and it held just fine (faded after one day in the sun, but didn't blow off!).

 

[onetothenuts]

Between splitting up 4th and 5th grade lovebirds and Sex Ed lessons for the 5th graders the next 2 days, I cannot wait to get on the plane and leave the miserable weather here in Chicago.

 

[postel]

Yeah! Other Buckeye fans!! We also are UCONN fans as we have family in CT. Hopefully they'll win on Friday so we can keep watching on Sunday...we'll definitely have our OSU garb on!

Had to laugh at the 4th/ 5th grade issues. Right now in 2nd grade they're fighting over pencil squishies and weird looking erasers. I caught a little guy throwing his boots down the hall and then running and sliding down the hall to get farther. I think we all need spring break!!

We are eating second and if you decide that's what you want, it will be really easy to switch back on board. There's lots of families who would like the early seating. I heard 2nd seating is a little less crowded, too.

See you really, reall,y really soon!!!!!!!

 

[luvndizny]

We get on the train in 7 hours!!!! Packing (I know- nothing like last minute)...We'll be in FL tomorrow morning!!! Just for the heck of it, I checked online to see if a sleeper is still available...(only one left) but coach seats are all booked up!!! Hope we get to sit together or at least 2 by 2!! This is gonna be interesting for sure...LOL!

See y'all REAL soon!!!

p.s....We're staying at Radisson at the port hotel...Might see some of y'all there.

 

[karajeboo]

p.s....We're staying at Radisson at the port hotel...Might see some of y'all there.

So are we!

Safe travels to everyone!!!!

Oh, and I don't know everyone's plans, but Jeff just called AT&T today because we are planning on spending part of the day in St Maarten by ourselves and leaving Ally on the ship. So he called to see what we need to do to have access to cell service. They gave us a # to call the day before we leave (tomorrow!!!) and activate the service. Then it's just $2.29/minute on the islands and $2.49/minute on the ship. But it doesn't sound like there is any additinal service charge for the month??? We will use my phone (since Jeff would have customers calling him nonstop!!!) and that way I guess if there is an emergency, our families can reach us.......

 

[KristiMc]

We get on the train in 7 hours!!!! Packing (I know- nothing like last minute)...We'll be in FL tomorrow morning!!! Just for the heck of it, I checked online to see if a sleeper is still available...(only one left) but coach seats are all booked up!!! Hope we get to sit together or at least 2 by 2!! This is gonna be interesting for sure...LOL!

See y'all REAL soon!!!

p.s....We're staying at Radisson at the port hotel...Might see some of y'all there.

Have a great time on the train. I have always wanted to do a train ride.

So are we!

Safe travels to everyone!!!!

Oh, and I don't know everyone's plans, but Jeff just called AT&T today because we are planning on spending part of the day in St Maarten by ourselves and leaving Ally on the ship. So he called to see what we need to do to have access to cell service. They gave us a # to call the day before we leave (tomorrow!!!) and activate the service. Then it's just $2.29/minute on the islands and $2.49/minute on the ship. But it doesn't sound like there is any additinal service charge for the month??? We will use my phone (since Jeff would have customers calling him nonstop!!!) and that way I guess if there is an emergency, our families can reach us.......

Safe travels to you too - Superstar!! Your TR is cracking me up. I hope you don't embarrass Ally too much

 

[SeeJayPandP]

Now I have a bit of a quandry... when we booked our cruise, we were given "late" dinning seating, as that was all that was available at the time. We did plenty of research to discover that the late seating was actually not a bad thing, as it kept people from feeling "rushed" in the afternoons to get ready for the early dinner times. Some folks said it didn't work well for really young kids, as they could sometimes just be exhausted by the time 8:30 rolls around - but our girls are 7 and 11, so I don't think that will be too big of a problem for us. So the idea of the late dinning time grew on us and sounded like a good way to go.

Well this morning I heard back from AAA that our "waitlisted for early dinning time" came through, and they've changed us to the earlier time.

So now I'm not sure what to do - I'm sure I could ask to be put back into the late seating (sounds like that's much more likely to be an option than going the other direction) - but I don't know if I should.

Any suggestions from the "veterans" in the group?

I was hoping for an earlier dinner time than 8:30. Wonder if we can somehow switch? Our kids will be too tired to eat at the later seating but we'll make it work if we have to. Keep us in mind when switching. Maybe they can hold that spot until we check in. Room 8550!

I was going to ask on the ship when we board/check-in. They are picking us up at the animal kingdom lodge at 12:00 noon. Later than we had hoped so if we miss the meet-up I'm sure we'll see each other at the pool! My kids look like twins (they are not) and Paige just lost her front tooth so she's all smiles. (has been waiting for that to happen for years).

We've been in sunny Florida for a few days and are LOVING the sunshine. Yay!

 

[karajeboo]

I'll make sure you're there to see it!

II was going to ask on the ship when we board/check-in. They are picking us up at the animal kingdom lodge at 12:00 noon. Later than we had hoped so if we miss the meet-up I'm sure we'll see each other at the pool! My kids look like twins (they are not) and Paige just lost her front tooth so she's all smiles. (has been waiting for that to happen for years).

We've been in sunny Florida for a few days and are LOVING the sunshine. Yay!

I think the port is just over an hour from WDW so you should be fine to make the meet at 3. And I really hope you are loving AKL!!!!!