May 12, 2007 -- Taking the Magic to the Mediterranean -- 14 day Repo Cruise!

[NHdisneylover]

Just needed to post that one week form right NOW we will all be buckled into the rental car and heading out towards the port It's finally getting really close even for those of us without a vacation before the vacation

 

[Brooklyn]

Whatever he wears, you and family can be certain that you are surrounded by people that appreciated what that uniform stands for and the sacrifice your family is making on our behalf.

Tell him thank you for us...

Thank you, that was very sweet. Now a days it is not easy to come by comments like these.

Is everyone else feeling the "final week" pressure?

My kids put their suitcases in their rooms a few days ago. Every night before bed they ask me what item they should add. They are so cute! It's to bad they don't actually fold anything!

After talking to my DH (Mike) about how often we will be doing laundry on the ship. We decided the children needed a few more outfits. So, I have been shopping like a crazy person for the past 2 days. I love to HAVE to go shopping!! I tell you the sacrifices I make for my family.ll

Oh yes, I LOVE having to shop for me family!

Ted will wear his Navy mess dress for formal night and he will endure being asked "Where is the closest restroom" countless times as many passengers assume he is a crew member. On semi-formal evenings he'll wear a blazer and slacks with a shirt and tie.

Kathy - I have to tell you that this made me smile (well besides the fact that it is 5:30am in CA and I am seeing double right now )

I can totally see how this would happen, especially in a Navy Mess Dress uniform! That is too cute!

Thank you to everyone for all of the input.

 

[mickey squared]

Ken - awesome for your son.

Hadley - yeah Rio and Marika (Sophia was laughing about the bathing suit).

Regarding laundry - I always bring a big bottle of Tide so if you couldn't find the packets or ran out I always have extra. And, I'm usually in the laundry room every other day. I guess I have OCD laundry issues!!

Marguerite

 

[NHdisneylover]

Ken - awesome for your son.

Hadley - yeah Rio and Marika (Sophia was laughing about the bathing suit).

Marguerite

Really weird part is only the TOPS are missing. We keep joking with her about hoping to "blend in" at some med. port beaches (having been to St. Maarten, so she know what we are talking about).
I just know they will all show up somehow on about May 29 as we are putting things away AFTER the trip.

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

Second birthday party was last night. I can barely move today. 10 RSVP'd, 22 showed up , so there was a huge shift in gears. We ordered pizza and bagged the whole sit and eat cake around the table thing. I had prepared places for 18, thinking that some extras would show up, but so many? No. You don't RSVP, you don't get a chair. Puh! At best it was controlled chaos--perfect for my twins and their tweenie friends , but not for the 43 year old perfectionist.

Piano recital tonight. One more choir concert (which I only found out about on Thursday) this Tuesday and Prom tonight, and I think I'll be done with all the "events." Then, now don't shudder all of you planners, I will be able to pack.

I'm making a list of kids activities for the sitter tomorrow. Other than the lessons, I think I am only missing one Prom and one choir concert.

On the junket today, ballet and character for 10 year old, ballet and jazz for 17 year old. Acting for 10, 12, and 15 year old. Hip hop, at a different studio, for 7 year old. Then off to piano recital.

NEXT YEAR--no Saturday classes.

 

[eller]

I haven't started packing yet - hey, I'm a whole week away from leaving!
Plenty of time.
I did get out the suitcases - now the cat is spending nap time in the suitcase.
Just warning anyone allergic to cat fur - stay out of my suitcase!

We did purchase through DCL. THe problem is that the air is listed for my DD's room but not for my husband and I's room. I printed out our itinerary from Delta though. Atleast the stuff from DCL for my DH shows that the cruise is going to other countries. I guess we will just have to wait and see how Monday goes.

Wish us luck!

Good luck!

We were scheduled for DCL transport, but opted to ride with another disboarder.

If anyone is interested, you can see a picture of my son in action today.

Go to www.avp.com and look at the picture labeled "Sponsors". That's my little guy.

Ken

How fun!

Yes, I really need to get that worked out as well.... NOT!!!!! You will have to catch me first! Had a few excellent conversations today where people expressed total shock that I will be out of contact for my Transatlantic cruise. Umm, it is a vacation?!

C.

DH is horrible when it comes to taking a vacation. His laptop and cell phone always come along and he works on vacation. I keep telling him, that's not what a vacation its supposed to be like!

Greetings from the World!

We arrived....our flights were a pain...delayed the first leg so that the time between our connections was less than 15 minutes so we were literally SPRINTING through the Atlanta airprot....and the gates were as far apart as they could physically be!! Then once we just barely made that flight, we sat down, they shut the doors, and we proceeded to sit hot and sticky on the plan for 45 minutes waiting in line to take off....ggrrr!!!

But we're here and thrilled to be so!


Erik

Sorry to hear about the mess getting there, but glad you are there safely!

How's the weather?

starting to read through the posts but here's a little info about me...
My name is Keith my wife Amber my DS Connor (5) and DD Sammy (7) will be coming from Los Angeles. and yes my wife is in a little panic mode but we'll pull it off. Last year we jumped on a RCL cruise with only 3 days notice so this should be a breeze, hehehe. We are staying in Barcelona, what a blast for some of you to do back to back cruises. Just found a hotel yesterday, phew. Then w are off to London. the kids are so excited they can't sleep through the night. Lucky us. Thanks for the guidance so far.

We will be in London late 5/26 (or very early 5/27 depending on how you want to look at it) until our flight home 5/29.

Here is a little tip most of you know but it may help some of the new folks out. The room safe is locked/unlocked with a magnetic strip. Many people use their Key To The World cards for this. Then only one KTTW card will open it. So, say we use DHs card and then I order room service and he is ???, then I can't get to the cash for tipping (and many other reasons why one person may want in there). We always leave most of the contenets of out walllets at home, but we alwasy bring one "worhtless" item with a magnetic strip on it (when we lived in the "big city" our library cards had them and we would bring one). We use IT for the safe and stash in an agreed upon location in the room that we both can find whenever we need/want it.

One week from NOW we will be eating a hotel breakfast as we get ready to drive down to the Magic

Thanks for the tip!

Regarding laundry - I always bring a big bottle of Tide so if you couldn't find the packets or ran out I always have extra. And, I'm usually in the laundry room every other day. I guess I have OCD laundry issues!!

Marguerite

I'll probably be in the laundry room every other day also.

I'm so excited about the tip I can't stand it! I hope to be waiting at the port one week from now!

Lori

 

[txaggie94gigem]

Ok, word to the wise about LA passport office.

1 - They have been very unfriendly and downright hostile to most people.
2 - Bring copies of your tax returns or bank statements or utility bills or something showing that you had bills being mailed to you to a US address from 5 years ago. I kid you not, they asked for that for our friends where the wife (naturalized) got her's in 13 weeks and they had to go in for her husbands (US/Calif Born) and they actually asked for that on the second day
3 - Be prepared to have to spend a second day there
4 - If you sent in your paper work and certified copy of the birth certificates I hope you have another set. They seem to have problems getting copies faxed to them or finding your original passport request
5 - Make sure you have the copy of the documents showing you are leaving and on what date. Also, don't just have the airline info showing you are going to Orlando. Make sure you have the cruise docs showing you are sailing to Spain and MUST have a passport to fly home from there and make sure you have docs for EVERYONE who needs a passport

I seriously wish I was kidding or exaggerating about this but I am not. Oh and I don't care what time your appointment is, be prepared to spend the whole day there. Pack snacks and water, etc. And remember that Monday morning traffic is horrible.

That being said, I wish you good luck!!

in other words it is just as fun as wdw waiting in lines all day!!!?? you sound like this might not be any fun!

 

[milestogo]

Ted will wear his Navy mess dress for formal night and he will endure being asked "Where is the closest restroom" countless times as many passengers assume he is a crew member. On semi-formal evenings he'll wear a blazer and slacks with a shirt and tie.

Goodmorning all. Well, today is final packing call and cleaning day (we have so many people coming in and out and staying here while we're gone.) After I painfully packed and repacked to condense everything this week, DH came home and the first thing he said..."I need two suitcases!" UGH!

Susie, how was DL?

Ken, all this time I thought you only had one daughter
I wish I had time to go see him play today - its only 10 min. away.

Brooklyn, I think people will love which ever uniform he wears and many of don't know the meaning of each color, but will love seeing it. Pack what fits is my motto!

Elizabeth, what's up with your DH passport?

Erik, where are you posting from (physically) - I'm still concerned about where to log on. But I'm going to try to find the MacDonalds that Padalyn was discussing.

Linda, welcome to SoCal. See you tomorrow. Anyone else coming?

Connie, PM me your phone number so when I get to DL I can call you regarding the Billy's CD?

 

[Michelle2]

Greetings from the World!

We arrived....our flights were a pain...delayed the first leg so that the time between our connections was less than 15 minutes so we were literally SPRINTING through the Atlanta airprot....and the gates were as far apart as they could physically be!! Then once we just barely made that flight, we sat down, they shut the doors, and we proceeded to sit hot and sticky on the plan for 45 minutes waiting in line to take off....ggrrr!!!

But we're here and thrilled to be so!


Erik

Glad you made it ok! I am so jealous. Have a great time at the World!

 

[txaggie94gigem]

okay...for anyone else still needing airfare...please do not book the delta bcn to atlanta flight...it keeps filling up and i need to get back to the states flying standby!!! just take the delta flight to JFK instead!!!!

just got off the phone with the passport people...my hubby's passport is finished but they do not know if it has been mailed out yet.... but we should get it on monday or tuesday!

 

[Michelle2]

Goodmorning all. Well, today is final packing call and cleaning day (we have so many people coming in and out and staying here while we're gone.) After I painfully packed and repacked to condense everything this week, DH came home and the first thing he said..."I need two suitcases!" UGH!

Susie, how was DL?

Ken, all this time I thought you only had one daughter
I wish I had time to go see him play today - its only 10 min. away.

Brooklyn, I think people will love which ever uniform he wears and many of don't know the meaning of each color, but will love seeing it. Pack what fits is my motto!

Elizabeth, what's up with your DH passport?

Erik, where are you posting from (physically) - I'm still concerned about where to log on. But I'm going to try to find the MacDonalds that Padalyn was discussing.

Linda, welcome to SoCal. See you tomorrow. Anyone else coming?

Connie, PM me your phone number so when I get to DL I can call you regarding the Billy's CD?

I love the Billy's! I am also jealous of those of you going to DL tomorrow.

 

[Brooklyn]

It is supposed to be 93 degrees tomorrow at DL!

I better get to DCA early to get DD fast passes for Grizzly River Rapids!

 

[tazzmacd]

Well it was supposed to be sunny and 10-12C here today and tomorrow, so I ordered the garden soil and it was delivered last night. Did some work last night but figured I woudl finish it today. What did I wake up to, it is pouring rain!! They are now saying maybe showers on and off today, possible SNOW tonight and clearing tomorrow afternoon.......OK when will Spring get here? I figure it will be here when we get back form the trip that's when or just by pass spring and go right into summer.

Wish we were hitting the house of the mouse but we can't this time, maybe another trip.

Cheers!!

Pat

 

[oddman]

Does anyone know which night will be "Pirate Night"?

I read here that someone thought it might be the 18th?


(searched thread nothing came up)


thanks

 

[mickeymad]

Hey you lucky ducks!

I have been lurking on here for a few months... totally jealous of you guys! YOU get to take the ship over there, YOU get to do it FIRST, and many of you get to do back to back cruises.... EEEEW, can you see the green?

I am going on the 11 night on June 27th. It is so far away I could bust but I am so enjoying your luggage stories, your packing, your last days of works, etc....

What I am so looking forward to our your stories when you get back (or even better, even you are there). I want every magical detail from dinner to the staterooms to the ports. Maybe even scanned copies of the navigators. Is anyone planning on posting at sea? Is anyone planning on a trip reports somewhere afterwards or during.... .we want details, people. (oh, in between all that fun stuff you'll be doing).

So... all of you.... have a blast... we're so excited for all of you. The only comfort we have is that we will be following in no time! Julie

 

[gydell]

Does anyone know which night will be "Pirate Night"?

I read here that someone thought it might be the 18th?


(searched thread nothing came up)


thanks

The 18th is what we have been told.

 

[gydell]

3 of the 4 bags packed and closed. What a trama! I hope my scales are right or I will be repacking at the airport. 1 was 50.4 lbs so I repacked and got to down to 47 lbs. One about 45 lbs ,the other has not been closed, and the hang-up bag at about 15 lbs. At least I can put some of the heavier stuff in there if we are over weight limit. And if all else fails I will pay the extra money!

 

[ssnyder]

It is supposed to be 93 degrees tomorrow at DL!

I better get to DCA early to get DD fast passes for Grizzly River Rapids!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that is going to DL tomorrow.

Curt and I actually went yesterday also. We just did California Adventure, primarily for the food and wine festival. We went to 4 food seminars and 2 wine seminars - all free. The food was great. I'd like to hit a few more of the free seminars tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Brooklyn]

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that is going to DL tomorrow.

Curt and I actually went yesterday also. We just did California Adventure, primarily for the food and wine festival. We went to 4 food seminars and 2 wine seminars - all free. The food was great. I'd like to hit a few more of the free seminars tomorrow afternoon.

Oh that sounds like a lot of fun!!! Trying to get lots of packing done today so we can go and enjoy tomorrow!

 

[juliekatie]

Hi,

Everyone probably discovered this long ago, but there is an iTunes thing on the DCL website. My husband is the iPod person in our family, so I do not really know what I am doing, but I thought you all might be interested. I am attempting to download -looks fun.

See you all soon!!!