March 3, 2007

[Caropooh]

Great Tag Andrew!!!

Not packed; not thinking about it really. Will start on Sunday and hope everything we need is in there when we leave on Thursday morning. I hear there are stores in FLA where we can buy what we forget!

And here's a link to the local newspaper story about our hero-postman. It's an awful picture of me - no comments please.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/022107/bethnew212727_32326.shtml

Great article! I'm still amazed at how it all happened!
We aren't packed yet and haven't even started. I think Johnna and the DaCosta's are on the same page!

 

[Indea88]

Great article! Cyrus still wants those brownies! What an awesome mail carrier.I'm so glad everyone is safe..Nothing is going to keep us all from this sailing!!! We'll have to have celebratory drinks(pitchers,cases!!) for surviving the mishaps.Come on 3/3/07!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hart]

Nice Article. I hate all pictures of me. I would have asked them to show Cyrus and the postman. Just don't make any more brownies before the trip.

Hart

Great Tag Andrew!!!

Not packed; not thinking about it really. Will start on Sunday and hope everything we need is in there when we leave on Thursday morning. I hear there are stores in FLA where we can buy what we forget!

And here's a link to the local newspaper story about our hero-postman. It's an awful picture of me - no comments please.

 

[michaels_mom]

Andrew - WOW! Nice tag!!

Storys - great article!! An unforgettable "Story" story for years to come, I'm sure!

 

[MrSanderz]

Wow, The Story's are famous! That is a great article.
Yes Andie, all the injuries, surguries, illnesses, and now a fire definately call for many celebratory drinks. Tomorrow we will be in single digits!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mermaidbaby]

If you run out of places to clean, Caro & I can always use some help. I am not sure where most of my warm weather clothes are. I hide them so I don't get too depressed. Now I need them and have to go searching.

So sorry won't make it there to clean, cleaning is done and I am now busy packing cold weather clothes for my son and husband who are heading to Waterville Valley NH tomorrow thru Sunday for a hockey tournament. When we were up there a few weeks ago it was wind chills of -15. I love hockey but Yuck! I want the warm hot sun!

Story family I love the article! Make sure you give the mailman a good tip this year!

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

So sorry won't make it there to clean, claning is done and I am now busy packing cold weather clothes for my son and husband who are heading to Waterville Valley NH tomorrow thru Sunday for a hockey tournament. When we were up there a few weeks ago it was wind chills of -15. I love hockey but Yuck! I want the warm hot sun!

Story family I love the article! Make sure you give the mailman a good tip this year!

Good luck to your "boys"! That's the terrible thing about a cold sport like that - DD13 has been an ice skater since she was 5 - now she is a teacher for the little kids just learning to skate. Very proud, but darn cold!

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

10-Day Forecast

High /
Low (°F)Precip. %

Tonight
Feb 21

Partly Cloudy56°10 %Thu
Feb 22

Partly Cloudy77°/54°10 %Fri
Feb 23

Sunny73°/55°10 %Sat
Feb 24

Partly Cloudy75°/62°10 %Sun
Feb 25

Scattered Showers79°/65°30 %Mon
Feb 26

Isolated T-Storms78°/61°30 %Tue
Feb 27

Partly Cloudy74°/58°10 %Wed
Feb 28

Partly Cloudy78°/61°10 %Thu
Mar 01

Mostly Sunny75°/64°20 %Fri
Mar 02

Mostly Sunny80°/61°10 %Last Updated Feb 21 06:26 p.m. ET ​

I'm so happy that the day we fly in will be a high of 80!!!!!!! Better go buy some new shorts to wear!!!

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

Great Tag Andrew!!!

Not packed; not thinking about it really. Will start on Sunday and hope everything we need is in there when we leave on Thursday morning. I hear there are stores in FLA where we can buy what we forget!

And here's a link to the local newspaper story about our hero-postman. It's an awful picture of me - no comments please.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/022107/bethnew212727_32326.shtml

Too funny! I had the gazette but hadn't read it yet - but look! There you are!!! Great story, Story family!

 

[ejkjmom]

Cute tag Andrew

Johnna and Mark: WOW!!! talk about being at the right place at the right time..
Have you made a pan of those Brownies for your mail carrier yet??

Indea 88...it's good to see you're still with us, we have missed you

And to everyone else We are getting so close!!!!YAY
...can hardly wait for our DIS meet

Just curious, is anyone doing anything other than Beach Days at our 2 ports????
I've read serveral post that the French Side of St Maarten w/ the shops and sidewalk cafe's are pretty awesome?? I really need to figure out what we are going to do Between CC and going to Coki beach on Wed..we probbaly won't do a beach day at St Maarten??

And now I'm having seconds thoughts about booking the butterfly farm thru Disney... thinking that maybe I should just do it on our own, and then go to the french side afterwards????....Somebody help me PLEASE

 

[Caropooh]

I thought people might be wondering what a braille van is, considering Andrew and i both have tags about one! It's all from Tigger&Belle!
Here is a post from earlier tonight. The 2nd and 3rd paragraphs are a PM I got from T&B a long time ago!

OK, here's the "braille van" tale! And just for some further info, my brailee van used to be T$B's and I lusted after it. You might even say I stalked T&B, because of it! My family knew how much it made me laugh. Well, when T&B was on the naughty mat, she got the tag taken away from her and the wonderful tag fairy gave it to me for safe keeping! And so that explains DH's tag from last night and the revised version from today!



It was just another of my blonde moments. I was driving my then new van and I have the steering wheel volumne controls for the radio, etc. On those controls there are lines, dots, etc. My initial thought was that lines and dots were braille. After driving for a couple minutes it dawned on me what a stupid thought that had been.

But the thing that cracked me up just as much was that several people that I told it to didn't get why it wouldn't be braille and I had to explain it to them, so at least I do know that some people are ditzier than I am! My blind neighbor thinks I'm totally crazy.

 

[ejkjmom]

I thought people might be wondering what a braille van is, considering Andrew and i both have tags about one! It's all from Tigger&Belle!
Here is a post from earlier tonight. The 2nd and 3rd paragraphs are a PM I got from T&B a long time ago!

OK, here's the "braille van" tale! And just for some further info, my brailee van used to be T$B's and I lusted after it. You might even say I stalked T&B, because of it! My family knew how much it made me laugh. Well, when T&B was on the naughty mat, she got the tag taken away from her and the wonderful tag fairy gave it to me for safe keeping! And so that explains DH's tag from last night and the revised version from today!



It was just another of my blonde moments. I was driving my then new van and I have the steering wheel volumne controls for the radio, etc. On those controls there are lines, dots, etc. My initial thought was that lines and dots were braille. After driving for a couple minutes it dawned on me what a stupid thought that had been.

But the thing that cracked me up just as much was that several people that I told it to didn't get why it wouldn't be braille and I had to explain it to them, so at least I do know that some people are ditzier than I am! My blind neighbor thinks I'm totally crazy.

That's Funny

 

[jlbridg2]

Just curious, is anyone doing anything other than Beach Days at our 2 ports????
I've read serveral post that the French Side of St Maarten w/ the shops and sidewalk cafe's are pretty awesome?? I really need to figure out what we are going to do Between CC and going to Coki beach on Wed..we probbaly won't do a beach day at St Maarten??

And now I'm having seconds thoughts about booking the butterfly farm thru Disney... thinking that maybe I should just do it on our own, and then go to the french side afterwards????....Somebody help me PLEASE

We had the same thought about beach days in St. John and CC. So we've booked the lotterie farm tour. It is on the french side of the island and involves hiking up to the highest peak in St. Martin. After the 1 hour or so hike you have lunch at a french bistro and then have time for some shopping. You can chose to go back with the group or make your way back to the Dutch side on your own. Everything I've read says that the french side is more interesting and less commercial. Good luck!

 

[alanapapa]

We had the same thought about beach days in St. John and CC. So we've booked the lotterie farm tour. It is on the french side of the island and involves hiking up to the highest peak in St. Martin. After the 1 hour or so hike you have lunch at a french bistro and then have time for some shopping. You can chose to go back with the group or make your way back to the Dutch side on your own. Everything I've read says that the french side is more interesting and less commercial. Good luck!

We are signed up for the Blackbeard castle in St Thomas. I can't seem to recall what I signed us up for in St Maarten. Caropooh is a bit concerned about the walking, but for herself and her DM. We might try and do a non-Disney Parasail.

One week from today we fly to FL, one week from tomorrow some of us meet at Grills.

 

[joker04_04]

We got our Docs!!! So it feels real now. I do have a few questions though:

Baggage tags: These came in our docs but we are renting a car, not doing the transfers. If we put these tags on before we fly, will someone steal away our bags thinking they are suppose to take them to the ship for us?

Money: How much cash to take? not a dollar amount but may a percentage? I know we don't need cash on the ship, but we will need it the Friday before the cruise and the Saturday we get back, plus the shore excursions. I know everyone is going to be different, but I'm not sure I want to carry around a few thousand in cash...I've read that most excusions and such take credit card...is this the way to go...

On-board credit: I think I read this but want to confirm. Can we put a spending limit on the kids on a per day basis...say $20 per day and then they are cut off?

Thanks for the help!

Mike

 

[mark_story]

Just got this from my friend at Disney:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





DISNEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF SUCCESSFUL CRUISE BUSINESS



Two New Ships Will More Than Double Passenger Capacity



BURBANK, Calif., (February 22, 2007) – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney’s family cruise vacations.

The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.

“Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike,” Iger said. “It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We’re excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us.”

Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children’s activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn’t been for the Disney brand.

“Focusing on families has been smart business for us,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent.”

Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising.

Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, “This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level.”

New itineraries

Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices.

“With a larger fleet, we’ll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries,” Rasulo said. “This is a business that our guests love, and we’re pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships.”

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of our views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control; including adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and changes in domestic and global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006 Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”



Contacts:



Zenia Mucha

The Walt Disney Company

(818) 560-5300



Leslie Goodman/Lisa Haines

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

(818) 560-4107



Rena Langley

Disney Cruise Line

(407) 566-3648

 

[Johnna_Story]

We got our Docs!!! So it feels real now. I do have a few questions though:

Baggage tags: These came in our docs but we are renting a car, not doing the transfers. If we put these tags on before we fly, will someone steal away our bags thinking they are suppose to take them to the ship for us?

DO NOT put your luggage tags on until you retreive your baggage and put them in your car. I think the airport staff is trained to recognize the Disney tags and take them.

Money: How much cash to take? not a dollar amount but may a percentage? I know we don't need cash on the ship, but we will need it the Friday before the cruise and the Saturday we get back, plus the shore excursions. I know everyone is going to be different, but I'm not sure I want to carry around a few thousand in cash...I've read that most excusions and such take credit card...is this the way to go...

Use your credit card as much as possible - we typically don't bring much cash on the boat - you can use the ATM's in St. Maarten and St. Thomas, and it's probably worth the fee than worrying about carrying around too much cash and risk losing it. You really just need cash for tips (and just about every local will want one for practically anything they do) but even for excursions, we usually only bring $100 or so with us. I've read on the main boards that a lot of people take singles to tip for room service, but other than that, I don't see the need for a lot of cash.

On-board credit: I think I read this but want to confirm. Can we put a spending limit on the kids on a per day basis...say $20 per day and then they are cut off?

I can't say for sure, but I don't think that's possible. You might want to ask on the main board.


Hope this helps, Mike! Johnna

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

We got our Docs!!! So it feels real now. I do have a few questions though:
On-board credit: I think I read this but want to confirm. Can we put a spending limit on the kids on a per day basis...say $20 per day and then they are cut off?

Thanks for the help!

Mike

Mike - I'm with Johnna regarding the baggage tags and the cash. And a word of caution - I had a run-in with the owner of Del Sol in St. Maarten (not one of my better moments but a funny story none the less) and wanted to return shirts I purchased there. Because we paid in cash (and they refused the return) there wasn't anything I could have done. Had I paid with a credit card, I could've left the shirts there and disputed the charge with my credit card company. You have more power with a card than with cash.
As for the limit, unfortunately they won't cap it daily for you. Depending on the age of your kids (and their responsibility), you can always give them a daily limit and then get a copy of your bill each day at guest services. On our last cruise, DD was 10 but we felt responsible enough so we just told her she had $75 and had to keep a check book register of sorts to make sure she had enough money before she bought anything. She was mostly shopping in the stores - she didn't have interest in the arcade or smoothies. And the sweetest thing was she was mostly shopping for gifts for us. We will do the same with her this time.

Stacy

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

Just got this from my friend at Disney:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISNEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF SUCCESSFUL CRUISE BUSINESS

Two New Ships Will More Than Double Passenger Capacity

That is AWESOME news! But we have to wait SO long!!! I was really hoping to rebook onboard but DH wants to sail with someone else until Disney gets a new itinerary.

 

[alanapapa]

That is AWESOME news! But we have to wait SO long!!! I was really hoping to rebook onboard but DH wants to sail with someone else until Disney gets a new itinerary.

So rebook onboard and then transfer the ressie to the next year.