March 3, 2007

[Tinkified]

Thanks all for your input regarding the early vs. late seating..I appreciate it. We are late people and I am sticking with the late seating for my original gut instincts...I am just hoping we don't miss out on any magic.

Kahlua: My daughter would love to connect with your daughter or should I say I would love for our daughters to connect up...Emily has some reservations about going to the club without knowing someone...but if she feels comfortable with another she will jump right in. This summer when we went to Virginia Beach she met up with some girls and they hit it off and she enjoyed playing with them...I am hoping for the same on the cruise....for all of us....for mom and dad to have some adult time and for her to have some real kid time. What is your daughter's name?

We got our documents too....of course now I am worring about the north weather and snow and delays, cancellations and lost luggage...when we were originally planning to cruise (1/20) we had 60 degree weather and no snow...no cold...no nothing...except of course a daughter who got sick and had to be hospitalized 3 days prior to leaving....We are unable to travel the day prior due to work and such...and I am really jealous of those of you who are traveling to WDW for the week/days prior...THAT WOULD BE A DREAM VACATION FOR US....definately something to plan in the future....unfortunately, being a school teacher, the only way 2 weeks of vacation is possible for me is summer vacation and we refuse to do WDW in the summer...too hot...too crowded...

We are ordering from Shirley this week too..thanks for the reminder...I can't believe that in 14 days we will be boarding the ship...well, at least we will be flying over the southern US states right about now approaching sunny Florida.

Happy weekend to you all.
Michelle

 

[michaels_mom]

Yeah! Picked up our docs from our TA this morning !!

 

[MrSanderz]

I just got off the phone with Shirley! She is so sweet (girlfriend) and had so many ideas that I hadn't even thought of. I cannot wait to see the reactions of DH and my DD's. I love surprises!
When I told her the sail date she said, "Oh you're saling with the Wild Bunch". I guess some of you have made quite an impression. I did mention your names Andrew and Carolyn. I think I read that she is meeting you guys for dinner. Sorry we will miss that!
In two weeks we will be boarding the Magic!!!!!!!

 

[ejkjmom]

O.K. fellow lady cruiser's...I have to ask..how many of you (including myself) have spent the morning trying on clothes, and figuring out what to pack????

Only 2 more weeks till we set sail!!!! Can you stand it???

 

[michaels_mom]

O.K. fellow lady cruiser's...I have to ask..how many of you (including myself) have spent the morning trying on clothes, and figuring out what to pack????

Only 2 more weeks till we set sail!!!! Can you stand it???

lol! not THIS morning, but I've been doing this for weeks! I cannot pack anymore until after Monday, but I will be trying stuff on again starting Monday night!

I just called Shirley and am just waiting for her to call me back

 

[Johnna_Story]

We ordered a basket from Shirley too - but it wasn't Shirley herself who I spoke with yesterday. But the lady we did speak with was so nice. Andrew and Carolyn - we'll be with you, and Shirley and Norm at Grills next Friday.

I should probably follow the "Mob"sters and try on some clothes today, but would rather not be that depressed.

Ciao! Happy weekend.

 

[wanderlust72]

Should I be worried? I haven't gotten my docs yet.....

 

[Johnna_Story]

Should I be worried? I haven't gotten my docs yet.....

Rachel - wait until the end of today; then call. UPS might still come today. Don't know if they'll come on Monday (holiday) but I'd call DCL tomorrow just to be sure. Good luck...

 

[hart]

My DW and I are about to go shopping. Only one more weekend before we depart and we are nowhere near ready. I do not think I can match the list making of some in this group but I was looking to summarize the plans I have seen here:

Meetings:
Friday night: Those in PC area meeting at Grills for Dinner (Time?)
For those of us staying in WDW Friday night any interest in meeting once? I know one family said yes. I think it would be good for my son to meet some other kids in advance. I like to do meet others as well but do not want to keep anyone away from Mickey!

Saturday: Promanade Lounge at 2:30. Alanapappa will have signs and green mickey nametags suggested.

Brunches: Some getting together for brunch on Sunday (time) and some getting together for Brunch on Monday (10:30 a.m.) Anyone doing both? I think both are locked, but can either take addl people if some missed?

I think after that there is no group activities planned.

Things discussed: People are looking at going to various spots in St. Martin/St. Thomas not as a part of a tour and were interested in sharing rides etc. I know that we are planning to do Trunk bay and would feel more comfortable with another group but there is plenty of time on the boat to work this out.

Did I miss anything?

To Alanapapa, Caropooh, Michaels_Mom, Johnnna Story, Norm and the rest, thanks for organizing these things.

Have a good week everyone, and try not to stress about lists, clothes, weather, etc. We are all going on a cruise!

Hart

 

[michaels_mom]

Yeah! The baskets are ordered !!

Hart - We'd be up for meeting at WDW. I'll PM you with the ressies we've made already - maybe there's already some overlap!

 

[michaels_mom]

I have it on good authority (my TA's FIL & MIL live in St. Thomas) that Magen's Bay is paradise and that we must order a "Bushwacker" - she warns that the drink is all alcohol and packs quite a punch

 

[ejkjmom]

We ordered a basket from Shirley too - but it wasn't Shirley herself who I spoke with yesterday. But the lady we did speak with was so nice. Andrew and Carolyn - we'll be with you, and Shirley and Norm at Grills next Friday.

I should probably follow the "Mob"sters and try on some clothes today, but would rather not be that depressed.

Ciao! Happy weekend.

It was probably Nona...I spoke w/ Shirley first and then when I called back a couple weeks later, to actually place my order, it was Nona that I spoke w/....and yes they both are very nice...

Sounds like there is going to be alot of Shirley & Nona's baskets on board with us in TWO WEEKS !!!!!!

As far as trying clothes on and being depressed....I left the swimsuit on the shelf...so it wasn't quite as depressing as it could have been

My TA (in Seattle) called this morning, and she has our docs...she will be mailing them to us!!!! And we got our passports this week (can't remember if I have already posted that or not ), so things are coming together..

Hart: as far as meetings and happenings go....If memory serves me correctly..there was at one point talk about a get together for a martini & magarita study!!!!!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!

 

[mark_story]

OK. Sirus and I finally made up. I just took him for the first post-near-house-burning-down walk and we kissed and made up. And had a long talk about the danger of brownies.

I was pretty ticked off at him for a the last couple of days, but even I can't stay mad for forever.

Mark

 

[kshabare]

OK. Sirus and I finally made up. I just took him for the first post-near-house-burning-down walk and we kissed and made up. And had a long talk about the danger of brownies.

I was pretty ticked off at him for a the last couple of days, but even I can't stay mad for forever.

Mark

Poor Sirus... LOL Mark, You are too funny..

Hart[/QUOTE] Things discussed: People are looking at going to various spots in St. Martin/St. Thomas not as a part of a tour and were interested in sharing rides etc. I know that we are planning to do Trunk bay and would feel more comfortable with another group but there is plenty of time on the boat to work this out.

Hart, There has been talk between Dineybride-MRSANDERZ regarding the Trunk Bay on our own thing.. The more the merrier.

We are the next Eastern Cruise on the itinerary..

Talk at you all later..

Norm

 

[Magicbound2007]

We would love to hear all about it!!!! Like how was the weather, what was your highlight, and if anyone including yourself raved about any of the onshore excursions????
Also, the one thing I would really like to know.. is what night is the PJ party in the kids clubs??

I'm sure you had a great time.... We are all getting really excited, as our sail away date is getting closer and closer!!!!!

Thanks!!!!

Hi!
Yes, We did have a good time! The Food, service, and entertainment were better than other cruise lines I have been on. I was a little disappointed about a few things though.

I felt that a recent sample or first few days of the Navigator should've been available before I sailed to have an idea of when to plan out our kids naps or rest - they are 2.5 and 4, and also to have an idea when the shows were etc. By Tuesday the kids were cranky and tired, and we pretty much had it with trying to constantly get them to behave (out of ordinary for them). I felt better knowing I wasn't alone after talking to several other couples with kids the same or near to the same age!!! We had the earliest setting for dinner which was 5:30. There are three sitting times for early...5:30, 5:45 and 6:00 pm. You find out what time you eat when you receive your key to the world card. Our servers name was Goodwin - so, if anyone has him, tell him Tammy, Joe, Mary Teresa and Joey said "Hello"!!!

Also, was disappointed it was only the 4 of us at a table. I would've liked to have been with another couple with children.

Our son was in Flounders Reef a few times, and I felt the area was to small or should've been separated somehow into babies and toddlers. Everytime I went in there it was so loud and the babies were crying alot. The councelors were great in there, but I was a little disappointed in it. On the other hand, my daughter really liked the Oceaneer Club, but was always worried that we were leaving her there - and again, she was only in there a few times alone without us.

Also, our character breakfast was at 8:15 am in Parrot Cay Dining Room, and the food for that breakfast was pretty poor. It tasted like frozen pancakes and waffles. The food was not hot either. But I guess you are there more for the characters than the food. Bring your camera because the photographer only took pictures with Mickey. And, for some reason my 4 yr old was terrified of Goofy and practically leaped over the table to hide from him, while my 2 year old son loved him!! Go figure!

*****
For anyone who has not gotten PALO Reservations, that was the first thing we did when we got on the ship. Went right to Beat Street to Rockin Bar D. We had already reserved time in Flounders for Formal Night. I really didn't want to do formal night, so we asked for reservations for that night at 6:00 pm and got them right away without a problem. I would recommend for anyone that was interested in doing that to book online Flounder time first. It seems to fill up fast for that night. You can always cancel if you have to after you find out when your reservations are.

Also, right after we made PALO res. we went to guest services to book TEA WITH WENDY. They a tea party on Tues and Thurs. And from what I understand they book fast...no charge for this...wish I could tell you how it was, but my daughter fell asleep and I couldn't wake her up for it!!!

*******


PJ PARTY - Do you mean the camp out?? If yes, according to my Navigators it was on WED night for 8-12 yr olds. from 9:30 - 11 pm.

WEATHER - After we left port it was great! Sunny and in the 80's the whole time. Water at Castaway Cay was cool, but you get used to it after awhile.

HIGHLIGHT - Castaway Cay! I would've stayed there the whole week! Also the shows!! Loved them all!!! Especially Cinderella, would've watched it twice, also bought the cd from the store on board.

ST MAARTEN - We went on the Butterfly tour, and it was ok, but I think we might've had a better time going to the beach for the afternoon. It wasn't my favorite island.

ST THOMAS - We took a SUNNY LISTON TOUR and really enjoyed ourselves! The kids were singing and had a great time too! I would highly recommend him!!! Also, it was only $25/pp. He dropped us off for shopping, then took us on a little tour and then to the beach of your choice. And, he had everyone back in time to get back on the boat. Also, some other people went to Coral World and enjoyed themselves too.

http://sunnylistontours.com/

*****

MUST HAVE: Over the door shoe organizer! Invaluable for little toys, hairbows and accessories, toothbrushes, bath essentials, even shoes!

I also purchased the suction door hooks. They were supposed to be used for hanging up our KTW cards, but ended up being used for everything else!

*******

I ABSOLUTELY OVERPACKED!!!!! And, my husband underpacked!

I would bring things you can mix and match....for example maybe a pair of black pants, black skirts (one longer and one shorter) and then a few nice pairs of capris and tops to match that you can mix with all bottoms.

********

From what I understand, some people got sick a few days into the cruise, and the next thing you know, the beverage center on deck 9 was roped off, ice cream station was roped off and they had people behind ropes serving you the beverages and ice cream. Also, Topsiders buffet (my favorite place for breakfast and lunch) had people serving you, no longer able to help yourself. Topsiders also has in the back a made to order area where they make omlets in the morning and different items for lunch everyday...make sure you check it out! I had a great pasta dish one day....pasta, olive oil, pesto and some fresh veges.

******

PALO's was excellent. If you can, request that Marco is your server. He was excellent!!

Sorry for rambling! Hope I answered some questions for you!

Tammy

 

[mermaidbaby]

My TA (in Seattle) called this morning, and she has our docs...she will be mailing them to us!!!! And we got our passports this week (can't remember if I have already posted that or not ), so things are coming together..

Do you remember what date you applied for your passports? We are still waiting.

 

[Magicbound2007]

Do you remember what date you applied for your passports? We are still waiting.

Did you call 1-877-487-2778 to check on them? You can also check on-line travel.state.gov

 

[Magicbound2007]

Rachel - wait until the end of today; then call. UPS might still come today. Don't know if they'll come on Monday (holiday) but I'd call DCL tomorrow just to be sure. Good luck...

You know, I never even used the travel docs from AAA. I did everything online. I was so stressed about nothing. After I got them I laughed!

We booked our own airfare, printed online boarding passes.

Also, we rented a car and drove to port canaveral for alot less than any of the shuttles. Stayed at Radisson at the Port and it was beautiful...to bad we were only there for about 6 hours!!!!

 

[mermaidbaby]

Did you call 1-877-487-2778 to check on them? You can also check on-line travel.state.gov

Thanks, I had no idea that you could check the status. I just checked and they should be here 2/20/07.

 

[ejkjmom]

Thanks Tammy, for all the great info & pointers!!!!

I'm hoping to get Palo ressies as soon as we board as well.. I have the butterfly excursion booked through Disney...Did you do this through Disney or on your own????

So was the beverage station etc. roped off for your whole trip (minus the first few days). glad that you and your family where able to avoid the bug

Thanks again for taking the time to share with us