May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 2

[lillygator]

it was ~$250 per person, family of 4 adds up quickly...

that's one of the most expensive I have seen, aren't they usually around $125 or so?

 

[lillygator]

that sounds high for a cooking class, $35 ok $75 nope too close to the magic # of $100 for me.

 

[nskjerven]

WAY TO GO WILSON! But I'm sure by this time, you probably have already posted a pic of him with his big trophy. I will eventually catch up!

thank Holly, I'm a slacker, the pictures are allready off my camera and in the office which is were I don't DIS so not on here, yet...I have to figure out a better way to access them from my laptop...

 

[milestogo]

Popping in to say a quick hello while the boss is at lunch! No time to read the 41 pages yet that I'm behind, but am very excited about doing so as soon as possible!

Going through major struggles with Tyler's dad because he's decided he will absolutely not allow meds for Tyler because he's been reading statistics. I don't every believe any research study because our Health professor told us to "follow the money" and you'll see why the results are portrayed the way they are. I believe they're one-sided and whoever publishes a study has their own agenda. If you want to find stats on a particular viewpoint, you can find just about anything if you look for it. Anyway, I've basically told him I'm not willing to argue about it right now because life it too stressful already and all I'm asking is for him to agree to do whatever the doctor recommends, and I'll do the same, no matter what she says, because after all, she's the professional....not us.

OK...that's my update. Have to get back to work. Won't be able to go anywhere with internet tonight because we have lots of running around to do and have to go vote. Was too busy last night too.

Try this: "How about if we let him try it for 4-6 months to give him an idea of what it is like to understand life with his head not spinning. The ability to make decisions and be organized for once in his life will let him have a taste of how to do it and give him a chance to learn how to do it without the meds. A person with ADHD literally stands in front of something for minutes with their head spinning trying to figure out what to do first - often resulting in doing nothing! We lack the capability to prioritize. The meds may teach him how to do it without the meds." Tell him that is a quote from the drug guys. He may not know who we are where you live, but we are very famous in high end private schools here and are about to be nationally syndicated. Hope that helps.

When we were on board in Dec we sailed thru the freak Dec tropical storm that became a hurricane. Dennis and DSIL went to the movies and watched Pirates 3 while we were churning thru 30 foot waves. They said it was very, very cool to watch the storm in the movie while tossing about.

Will post list of restaurants in a few minutes.

 

[nskjerven]

Good luck with Tyler's Dad

Ditto that, I was trying to think of something profound to say and got stuck in the muck and said nothing, sorry Holly...

Good LUCK

 

[granmaz]

Sometimes it is hard to think what to say to others in difficult situations, but know we are thinking about you and wanting the best outcome.

 

[LiserAnn]

Kelly (milestogo) has graciously offered to take over organizing the upcoming So Cal DISmeet. I've emailed her the names of those of you who have PM'd me, so she has the interest list and will be contacting you as soon as the details are finalized!

Thanks Kelly!!

 

[LiserAnn]

I had the breakdown last week....I think part of it was pure fatigue from Taylor and myself being sick and not sleeping, but...sat there crying telling Scott that we probably couldn't afford the cruise and we should consider cancelling. He told me no way that we were going and we were going to have the time of our lives! (for my "non-disney" DH that was awesome!)

Sorry-but I'm not going to let you cancel!!!

I think we've all struggled with this. But it's best to cover this stuff and get the shock out beforehand! When I put all the "assumed" expenses into an excel spreadsheet I about had a heart attack! As I keep saying over and over, I can't believe how expensive everything is. But I want to be realistic and cover every cost so that we won't have any surprises once we get on board...or worse, at the end of the cruise when the bill comes. Our plan is to have all the expenses covered before we get on. That's was we did with our 2005 mexico cruise and it was so nice to get off not owing a dime! And less stressful too.

 

[LiserAnn]

I went to lunch with a co-worker and were discussing her two week cruise to Alaska...she said she only took $500 cash with her. I am guessing we'd need cash for:
excursion food/drinks/tips/cabs, etc
tips at the port

DL will take cc....
what else would we need cash for?

Cash for the hummerzine if you're taking it.

I budgeted $400 for spending $$ although we're not big spenders, so I know that's very generous. I just want to be prepared....

 

[LiserAnn]

that's one of the most expensive I have seen, aren't they usually around $125 or so?

On our cruise one of them is listed at $189/pp!

 

[lillygator]

Sorry-but I'm not going to let you cancel!!!

I think we've all struggled with this. But it's best to cover this stuff and get the shock out beforehand! When I put all the "assumed" expenses into an excel spreadsheet I about had a heart attack! As I keep saying over and over, I can't believe how expensive everything is. But I want to be realistic and cover every cost so that we won't have any surprises once we get on board...or worse, at the end of the cruise when the bill comes. Our plan is to have all the expenses covered before we get on. That's was we did with our 2005 mexico cruise and it was so nice to get off not owing a dime! And less stressful too.

I know....my $4900 cabin keeps getting higher and higher....airfare - which luckily I only have one leg - alot of you have to get to FL as well....hotel, etc. It adds up quick!

 

[lillygator]

I am proud of myself. I made $126 on one mystery shopping assignment...it was basically making phone calls to a call center! Yeah!! That will cover a passport!!

 

[lillygator]

I am bummed....the order I placed with Dsiney Shopping, well, I guess I had stuff in my basket that is not available now....like the $4.99 spray sunscreen, cheapest you are gonna get it! Oh well. They did honor the $5 shipping even though without the items my order was around $30 - but I did get the pj pals for $5, can't beat that!

 

[pahrumpgirl]

I just looked, nothing good for disney. of course I have one, so no need here, just a nosey ebayer

Just wanted everyone to know that I promise I will have several fish extenders made up by final payment time if not before. We were mailing fish extenders out up to two weeks out for the Southern Caribbean Cruise and will be for this one. Anything after the two weeks (and for anyone who didn't need them shipped) we took to the boat. We will be doing that again. Everyone that has PM'd me wanting one will be notified first when I have some done up, then I will be starting a list. Hope this helps with some of the worry.

Also, for those who want to make their own, the instructions are on the web site.

Carol

 

[fourmcds]

Sorry-but I'm not going to let you cancel!!!

I think we've all struggled with this. But it's best to cover this stuff and get the shock out beforehand! When I put all the "assumed" expenses into an excel spreadsheet I about had a heart attack! As I keep saying over and over, I can't believe how expensive everything is. But I want to be realistic and cover every cost so that we won't have any surprises once we get on board...or worse, at the end of the cruise when the bill comes. Our plan is to have all the expenses covered before we get on. That's was we did with our 2005 mexico cruise and it was so nice to get off not owing a dime! And less stressful too.

Nope, with Scott's final OK, we are here for good

The excel sheet was a great idea (thanks Lisa! )...as OCD as I am about planning a disney trip, I never really got into the financial planning side too much, but this time it is making a huge difference. I plan on overestimating everything by at least 20% (I hope) so when the real total comes in I'll be prepared and happy.

 

[fourmcds]

So, here is a booking ?....

I assume only 1 person at a time can book things for your cruise, right? Like Scott and I couldn't both be on getting different reservations, right? So...what do you try and book first? Do you go for Palo, then spa, then excursions? Is there a method to reserving that anyone has used before with great success? Last cruise we didn't do Palos or excursions and our spa we booked on board. Any tips?

 

[figment52]

It's the car journeys I remember!! 3 children in the back who couldn't touch each other accidentally or else world war 3 broke out!! What fun!!!!!

TOUCH? We'd start fights if someone looked at another one. Those were the days

 

[ibouncetoo]

So for those of you, who are putting it off and are able to do this excursion, do it, you never know what tomorrow holds. Did any of you see Paula Dean do the zip line on her vacation show? Was it St. Lucia? She was so funny.

I second this motion....do it while you can!

I saw the Paula Dean special...it was a hoot!

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

So, here is a booking ?....

I assume only 1 person at a time can book things for your cruise, right? Like Scott and I couldn't both be on getting different reservations, right? So...what do you try and book first? Do you go for Palo, then spa, then excursions? Is there a method to reserving that anyone has used before with great success? Last cruise we didn't do Palos or excursions and our spa we booked on board. Any tips?

On my cruise in 2006 i booked Palo's then Excursions and then Spa.

 

[milestogo]

Hi Folks, for all of you planning trips to DL, here is our visitors list of good restaurants. The ones on this list are kid friendly. Our DD is 4.5, but is a excellent restaurant kid. She could easily eat at a rest. like Palo, but not all kids are alike, so I noted which ones are better for girls and boys. DL does not have DDE or Dining plan, but annual passes will give you a discount almost everywhere. Often the passes are a better deal than the daily rate.

Disneyland local number: 714-781-4000
Disney dining local number: 714-781-3463


Our Favorite restaurants:
Goofy's Kitchen
Steakhouse 55 (Xllnt – not fun for kids, Zoe does well here though)
Storytellers Café (been here many times – it’s very nice)

DISNEYLAND® PARK DINING
Casual Dining
Cafe Orleans (ask for outdoor by the pirate show)
Carnation Cafe
French Market Restaurant, hosted by Stouffer's®
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante (Mexican food)
Redd Rockett's Pizza Port, hosted by Buitoni®
River Belle Terrace
Character Dining
"Minnie & Friends - Breakfast in the Park" at Plaza Inn, hosted by Kellogg's®

Fine Dining
Blue Bayou Restaurant (A must do with water dining !!!!! Zoe has eaten here many times, but it’s not for every kid)

Quick Service
Bengal Barbecue (tasty)
Daisy's Diner
The Golden Horseshoe
Harbour Galley, hosted by McDonald's®
Hungry Bear Restaurant, hosted by Dixie®
Mint Julep Bar ** nice for night before the Fantasmic
Pluto's Dog House
Refreshment Corner, hosted by Coca-Cola®
Stage Door Café
Tomorrowland Terrace (fun) Good 4 boys - Star wars show.
Village Haus Restaurant, hosted by Minute Maid®

DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE® PARK FAMILY DINING
Casual Dining
Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery (excellent outdoor viewing for the electric parade – ask for this seating) still good for kids.
Character Dining
"Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration" at Ariel's Grotto (girls prefer this one)
Quick Service
Award Wieners (best price in DLR) (Zoe’s favorite)
Bountiful Valley Farmers Market
Burger Invasion, hosted by McDonald's®
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, hosted by Mission® Foods
Corn Dog Castle
Fairfax Market
Pacific Wharf Cafe (very good and another viewing spot for electric parade)
Pizza Oom Mow Mow
Rita's Baja Blenders
Sam Andreas Shakes (good deal on coke float)
Schmoozies
Studio Catering Co.
Taste Pilots' Grill



Disney dining discounts through DVC

California Adventure
Pacific Wharf Café ** I like the soudough soups and tuna
Pizza Oom Mow Mow
Taste Pilots' Grill

Disneyland
Plaza Inn
Redd Rockett's Pizza Port

Downtown Disney
Haagen-Dazs
La Brea Bakery Café
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria
Rainforest Café®
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Tortilla Jo's
Wetzel's® Pretzels