March 8, 2008 Western

[DMoss3377]

Hey all!

I can't believe we're getting so close...I'm about to jump out of my skin I'm so excited.

It's been a while since I've posted...so let me introduce myself all over again. I'm Dana (30...31 by the Cruise) and will be cruising with BF Dan, Friends, Lisa & Alex and John & Deb. All of us are childless couples...but have quite the inner child in all of us. This will be Dan, Lisa, Alex and John's first cruise...not to mention first Disney Cruise. I figured for their first cruise, what better way to go than DCL. This will be my fourth DCL cruise and I'm well over due! LOL

So far, a few of us will be doing the Tulum Ruins excursion in Cozumel, has anyone done this or heard anything about it???

Alex is a diver and will be doing that at both Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Dan may join him as well in Grand Cayman, but hasn't decided yet.

The girls are hoping to get into Tea one day at Palo, but the reservations are not available online...so crossing our fingers we can squeeze in when we get on board or get on a waiting list.

We're staying at Saratoga Springs the Friday night before the cruise and then Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas the Saturday night after the cruise. I'm DVC so it just works out for us. Dan, Lisa, Alex and I are coming from Northern Virginia...and John & Deb are coming from PA.

As for packing tips...the best thing I've learned is to not over pack. Put out everything on your bed of what you think you want to take and then cut it in half...I personally recycle certain things like shorts or capris so I don't have to pack as many, tops are usually what I pack the most of to switch out...and I always end up buying a couple items in port or on the ship anyway, so after my first couple cruises, I learned to scale back. I've also started getting some dresses and things that can get packed tightly and not wrinkle for dinner and stuff. Works out great!

I'm so excited!!! Welcome to all the new additions to this cruise and hello to everyone else!

 

[pats_magic]

Lisa,
Since there are 5 of us, I love to use packing cubes (ebags or any other travel store). Basically, one person's stuff fits into a cube (or 2). We put everyone's cubes into 1-2 suitcases, then can just take out the cube and throw it into a drawer (no unpacking!). There are also sets of cubes/various sizes, so most outfits go into the main cube, swim/play/sleep stuff in another. Each person is color-coded, the stuff stays IN the cube in the drawer until worn. I have also used other clear-zipper bags for this (ie, blanket bags), finally broke down one sale and bought the real thing. They also keep us from packing too much!

I learned a big lesson from a European student who stayed with us for 10 days. Basically, all she had was a solid color knit skirt, a pair of jeans, a pair of capris, 3 tops, a cami, a light sweater, a cute scarf, and underthings. She mixed and matched, and everything fit in her small duffel. With my kids, I now just make sure all their clothes can mix/match, so if one shirt is dirty, the shorts can still be worn with something else. I fully expect they will be in bathing suits with a cover-up most of this trip, so I'm packing pretty light. I'd much rather do an emergency load of laundry than have to lug twice the stuff I need....

I've already made a spreadsheet packing list if anyone wants it. (How would I post it?)
Remember to pack one full set of outfits (and bathing suits! for everyone into a carryon. I've learned that the hard way!
Re the stuffed animal rule, stick to it! Remind them that the more they bring, the more that could get lost. A few small things (polly pockets, etc) and some coloring stuff, Disney stickers for autographs, a few books, are all the toys we're bringing.

I think I'm more excited than my kids!

 

[mkmommy]

The packing cubes look like a good idea, it is hard to keep things seperate. The girls got the cute wheeled Disney Heys carry on bags, and they are having a blast playing pretend go on vacation. They know they have to pack, shorts, Pj's and a bathing suit in this bag, so that does not leave them much room for stuffed animals.

I am not too worried about over packing clothes, I am pretty good at that, it is all the other stuff, like sand toys, dvd's player for the plane trip, costumes. The girls do not know this but they are having lunch at Cinderella' table the Friday before, and they must have a princess dress for that.
I also found the cutest pirate wenches costumes for the Pirate party, so I am worried about the space that will all take.

Dana- sounds like you found some more friends to join you, must make it even more exciting to share the trip with, I am sure you are all getting excited.

Lisa

 

[DMoss3377]

Hi Lisa,

Yeah...the more the merrier...and we're such a fun group anyway. I know we'll have a blast...my only worry is that they might be overwhelmed with Disney. I being the Disney fan that I am can't get enough...but some of the group haven't been sprinkled with fairy dust yet.

It's been so long since I've been on DCL, almost 4 years now...I'm well over due. I can't wait to see all the changes since my last cruise.

Does anyone know if they still do the 80's night at Rockin' Bar D? I loved that night...and I'd love to see if any of my friends get chosen for the battle of the bands. LOL

 

[mkmommy]

Dana

I think I read that they no longer have the 80's night, but not sure if it was the Magic or wonder.

I have never cruised, but I am sure that the adult areas will not be too much Disney for your friends.

Lisa

 

[DMoss3377]

Hi Lisa...

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look around to see if it's the Magic or the Wonder that lost 80's night. I loved that night...but hey, they won't know what they're missing.

I'm just glad that Pub Night is still on the last night...that is a nice way to end the cruise...even though it's bitter sweet.

Does anyone have a place they could recommend for the packing cubes? I'm not sure I'm envisioning what they are, I have something way too big in my head. LOL

Thanks!!!

 

[mkmommy]

For the packing cubes, I looked at ebags.com

 

[DMoss3377]

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the link.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. The 6 of us who are cruising together got together this weekend to hang out. Makes me even more excited for the cruise...knowing how much fun we'll have together.

I'm really excited to see all the changes since the last time I cruised. I'm ready for some warm weather too...we've had a pretty mild winter so far, but it's just so darn gloomy.

 

[mkmommy]

I am starting to get into that panic mode, that the girls will not enjoy the kids club. I am sure there will be lots to do, but has any one had kids that did not enjoy the clubs?

Lisa

 

[retiredkid]

it has been a while since I read this entire post, and I just skimmed it now....have we decided on a 'Meet'? I couldn't find it. I would to meet some fellow disers.

TIA

 

[pats_magic]

Lisa,
I've talked with a bunch of folks recently who've had kids in the clubs onboard. My youngest is 5 (will be 6 once we set sail), so she's the one I was worried about. There will be several kids in this age group with us - a 4 yr old niece, an almost-7 niece (we are an extended-family trip), along with my DD. Everyone I've talked to has said the kids love the club, great staff, they notify via pager right away if any problems. Our girls are really excited about the princess stuff; feel free to tell your girls there will be some kindred spirits at the club to play with! I'm going to bring some bead crafts and lanyard to keep them happy should it rain.
FYI - Target in the dollar area this week has princess and pirate gear, temporary tatoos, etc!

 

[Out to Sea Lee]

Since retiredkid brought up the topic of a 'Meet' and Lisa is somewhat distressed about her girls in the kids club. Maybe it would not be a bad idea of us to 'meet' once we get onboard especially since many of us have children about the same age. I think it would be neat to also exchange pictures and info before we cruise so our children will already have built in friends when we get on the boat. I don't know, just an idea. What does anyone else think?

I do not know much about the whole 'meet' thing. This is our first Disney cruise. I know I have seen pictures of groups of people when they all meet, but where do you meet? How do you identify yourselves?

 

[mkmommy]

My girls would love to know some kids before we get on the ship, so if anyone with young kids( mine are 5 and 7), just send me a pm and maybe we can get some emails going for the kids. The first thing my oldest asked was do any on them have a Webkinz, she is quite concerned about not having access to Webkinz for a whole week.

A meet would also be great, but I am also a first time cruiser so I would not know where to start to organize.

Lisa

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I'm back. Until earlier this week I wasn't sure if we would be able to go on the cruise or not.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer after Christmas and just got the word from my doctor that I would be able to go on the cruise.

Anyway, my DD is 7 and would love to meet others. She is a little nervous about not knowing anybody in the Club. My DD also loves Webkins, however she likes the stuffed animals more than being on-line.

 

[Out to Sea Lee]

Snow in south Mississippi!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we had about 2-3 inches of snow this morning. We were so excited!! This is the first time to see snow in over 6 years. To bad we are not getting on the boat today!!!

 

[mommywa]

It's my turn to say hi. This is our second Disney cruise. There will be myself (34) husband (33), DD 11, DS 7, DS 2, DNiece 12. We cant wait. Our plans are:
Key West; butterfly/aquarium on our own.
Grand Cayman: sand bar, coral reef, and starfish snorkel with Native Way.
Cozumel: Xcaret (have done before and loved it)

With us will be my MIL, FIL, DH's Aunt and DH's nephew 13.

We are driving down on Wednesday and staying at Shades of Green on Disney property. We will going to MK on Friday. I guess that is all I can think of for now.
Ashley

BTW; I know my ticker is wrong. I just cant figure out how to fix it.

 

[dragonflydreaming]

I'm back. Until earlier this week I wasn't sure if we would be able to go on the cruise or not.

I was diagnosed with brest cancer after Christmas and just got the word from my doctor that I would be able to go on the cruise.

Anyway, my DD is 7 and would love to meet others. She is a little nervous about not knowing anybody in the Club. My DD also loves Webkins, however she likes the stuffed animals more than being on-line.

{{{{HUGS}}} to you. I'm so sorry you received this diagnosis but I'm so glad you'll be able to go on the cruise. There's nothing like a vacation to recharge your body.
My DD will be just shy of her 7th B-day when we go. She's 6 going on 13. She LUVS her Webkinz as well. I'm sure she'd love to meet your daughter. She's been in the clubs before and loved it.

Anybody going with 4 year olds? My little guy could use a buddy as well.

 

[DMoss3377]

I'm back. Until earlier this week I wasn't sure if we would be able to go on the cruise or not.

I was diagnosed with brest cancer after Christmas and just got the word from my doctor that I would be able to go on the cruise.

Anyway, my DD is 7 and would love to meet others. She is a little nervous about not knowing anybody in the Club. My DD also loves Webkins, however she likes the stuffed animals more than being on-line.

Sending some pixie dust your way....

I'm glad you'll be joining us on the cruise...like DragonflyDreaming said, no better way to recharge the body, mind and spirit.

Welcome to all the newbies. As for a DIS meet, I know some people in the past have picked a spot, sometimes at the Sail Away Party to meet up. They also wear something lime green to designate their DIS status.

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[retiredkid]

we dont have any kids, its just my DH and myself. I will wear lime green and hopefully in the meantime, collectively, we can figure out where/when to meet

 

[retiredkid]

I'm back. Until earlier this week I wasn't sure if we would be able to go on the cruise or not.

I was diagnosed with brest cancer after Christmas and just got the word from my doctor that I would be able to go on the cruise.

Anyway, my DD is 7 and would love to meet others. She is a little nervous about not knowing anybody in the Club. My DD also loves Webkins, however she likes the stuffed animals more than being on-line.

pixie dust and prayers for you, Wendy. Hope everything goes smoothly for you. I'm so glad you are able to be on this cruise. Hope to meet you there.