~~~ May 16, 2009 ~~~ Western Magic ~~~ Part 2 ~~~ Key Lime Pie-rates ~~~

[1littlespark]

Robin -- I am impressed with your dedication to diet. I need to do the same. I have all sorts of issues with that but like you, won't stress too much on the cruise. I am going to take the stairs everywhere and hope to walk a ton. It would be nice to hit the gym a couple of times during the week too. Now, this self-tanner. I wanted to do that but shied away because I read that it will come off in a chlorinated pool. I read terrible (hilarious really) stories of it streaking off after getting out of the hot tub on the ship. For that reason, and to hope I don't burn in the intense sun, I opted for the fake and bake. I am Mexican-American so normally tan pretty easily. I am hoping that now that I am off this medicine, I won't have any more problems -- I might have a pimple or two, but they will be brown!

Hehe don't be too impressed. I am after all losing some of the same pounds I lost last year. I was hoping do some physical activity while on the cruise, too.

I don't remember having that problem with the tanner, but now I'm wondering about that a bit. I've had it get on clothes on the day I've applied it, but not come off once it's done what it's supposed to do and my skin has darkened. I know I need to avoid using a scrubby body wash or it will go away faster though. I guess that will be handy knowledge in case something goes wrong & I get tie-dyed . lol It doesn't last that long anyway if I don't reapply. For my heritage, I can be quite vampishly white. I can tan nicely, but I get very red first. I actually look nice and healthy with that red on my cheeks. Now I really try to avoid that. I particularly worry about my under eye area. I don't want it to get even darker and they say the sun exposure is terrible if you have that problem.

 

[lucyddr]

Val: The Carnival change was also for their May 2 Western. My point was that if Carnival could change to an Eastern on short notice, why couldn't Disney? As for our cruise and my parents' May 16 cruise, we don't know. Carnival's plans only go to May 11 for now.

My friends just got back from the Carnival Freedom today. They rented a jeep in every port (including Nassau) and really enjoyed it. They went to Compass Point in Nassau and said the seafood was outstanding! So....it's a thought for Nassau if needed...

 

[starlawyermom]

Okay - I made the leap too!

 

[miksilver]

Major Crisis here! When I went to do the online check-in yesterday I looked at my passport and realized that it had EXPIRED! I knew my planning was going too smooth. I rushed onto the internet and made an appointment in Washington DC for Tues. at the passport agency office. I have to go in person, but should walk out of there with a shiny, new, good for 10 year passport in hand. My heart almost fell out of my body when I saw that date. I'm just lucky that I live only an hour and a half from DC. I'm trying hard not to panic before Tues.

Kim - Are you staying at the DVC Villas? I'll have to check to see if we can check in at the OKW resort online.

Yep. We're at the Villas. If you booked through DVC go to the member site and under vacation details you'll find the new online check-in process. It was super easy.

lol yes it is weird! Is there a 4th one comming out? i HOPE so, i love the movies!

Yes, Johnny Depp has signed onto do #4 and it's been greenlighted.

Val: The Carnival change was also for their May 2 Western. My point was that if Carnival could change to an Eastern on short notice, why couldn't Disney? As for our cruise and my parents' May 16 cruise, we don't know. Carnival's plans only go to May 11 for now.

My friends just got back from the Carnival Freedom today. They rented a jeep in every port (including Nassau) and really enjoyed it. They went to Compass Point in Nassau and said the seafood was outstanding! So....it's a thought for Nassau if needed...

I think the reason why Carnival is able to change easier than DCL is because they have so many more cruise ships out at one time and probably have better connections with the ports. There's lots to figure when a ship has an itinerary change. On our last cruise a hurricane changed our Eastern Itn. to a Western. We missed St. Thomas and St. Marten and went to Cozumel and Grand Cayman instead. I was a bit bummed because I'd never been to St. Marten and really wanted to go and I'd already been to both Cozumel and Grand Cayman a bunch of times. The captain of the ship gave a nice long talk to the passengers regarding why we could go to those ports vs. other ones. Since Disney only has 2 cruise ships I don't think they hold the same "weight" with the ports as the powerhouse Carnvial brand does. Just a guess, though.

For those who are curious you can check out cruisecritic.com for updates on all the cruiseship itinerary changes. Cruisecritic also has great ports of call forums where you can find out lots of information on Nassau and other ports.

Have a great Sunday!

Kim

 

[lillygator]

can anyone tell me the total number of cabins in the FE exchange as well as total # of people? My sheet is at work!

 

[lillygator]

also - I hate to ask but is anyone doing pirate or tropical theme for the fe gift?

 

[miksilver]

I have counted 36 cabins in total, so 35 since the count includes your cabin. The breakdown is 37 men, 39 women, 13 girls and 16 boys.

 

[lillygator]

so 105 total....

I am buying a pirate kite making kit - not fe related) but it includes a dozen - I need 2 of the 12, would love to give the rest to anyone who wants them.....just let me know and I can drop them at your cabins....figured we can do on CC day - as they have a kite class on the ship.

 

[suezyq50]

Ok Princess JorDan. Now how on earth is it possible for you to be PACKED so far in advance? I am still wearing half of the clothes we are taking and still need to buy the other half! I am totally and completely amazed and impressed by you (and a little bit scared). Can you come help me please? QUOTE]

I am the same way. I wear half of what I want ot pack. DH needs to see what he gots.

I like cruise critic. Lots of good comments on the port forums. If we go to Nassau, we are thinking of doing Frommers walking tour http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newprovidence/0251010008.html
It has always interested me. I have read to take a taxi to the farthest point and than walk back.
DS called from college. He thought he broke his ankle playing basketball. It turns out a bad sprain. He sent a picture. It's really ugly. Have a good evening. Mine is going to be a long one. I am the manager working Food for Finals. College students like it though. It is the last week.

 

[lucky1]

Major Crisis here! When I went to do the online check-in yesterday I looked at my passport and realized that it had EXPIRED! I knew my planning was going too smooth. I rushed onto the internet and made an appointment in Washington DC for Tues. at the passport agency office. I have to go in person, but should walk out of there with a shiny, new, good for 10 year passport in hand. My heart almost fell out of my body when I saw that date. I'm just lucky that I live only an hour and a half from DC. I'm trying hard not to panic before Tues.

OMG KIM... that would be a major crisis for us as we are so far away from anyplace where they do passports. I would have probably forked over the bucks for one of those 24 hour services that hand walk it through for you in LA or SF. Thank goodness you got a appointment for this week.

We are lucky that DD's passport showed up on Friday. Did all our onboard registeration and then the printer jammed.


Laura

 

[Disgirl83]

Maybe we can all just agree that muffin tops are the most beautiful body part ever known, sought after by all and to be recognized and congratulated???

I think you have something here!!!

Key West Key Lime Update

I came out of the gym today to a message from my mom that said that they (my parents) had just looked at our lovely ship docked in port and wanted to update me that they were eating the frozen key lime pie on a stick from the Blonde Giraffe and it was every bit as delicious as the pictures I had shown them. I was able to call her back to talk and they are having a blast. I think tomorrow they will be trying out Kermit's key lime. They have already had drinks and lunch at the Hogs Breath Saloon and were impressed by the chicken roaming around the restaurant with no one seeming to mind. They have been there since around 11 this morning and I talked to them at around 2:30 and they said that the Disney Magic has been the only cruise ship docked there today (unless there were others at another dock). I was pretty surprised by that! So I'm totally ready for some FKLP!!!

Major Crisis here! When I went to do the online check-in yesterday I looked at my passport and realized that it had EXPIRED!

That was a close one, thank goodness you live so close to DC!

also - I hate to ask but is anyone doing pirate or tropical theme for the fe gift?

You could say that mine is pirate-ish!!!

I've laid out my dresses, shorts, swimsuits and shoes ... now time to decide on some shirts!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Add me to the Muffin Top Club. No matter what exercises I do, I cannot tighten that area. I'm forever trying to hide it with shirts (thank goodness for empire waste shirts). I have a cami that sucks it in but its really hot to wear so I won't be bringing it with me. Lots of free flowing cotton shirts.

Kim - I'll go check out the DVC site (to check-in). Thanks for giving V the numbers. My FE has a pirate element, but isn't totally Pirate themed. Thank goodness you checked your passport this week and have time to run into DC. I'd be freaking out as well.

Mati - I'd plan on 60s and 70s (bring a light jacket for the evenings). It's been overcast all weekend with occasional sprinkles. Not the sunny California that we all know and love.

I called Verizon today to find out if I'll be able to use my cell phone while on the ship or in ports. Actually its very easy. I just have to activate my roaming just prior to boarding and then the calls would only be $2.49 per minute from the ship or $1.99 per minute from the ports. That's a LOT cheaper than the $7 per minute from the ship. I know that we could get a calling card, but I just want to make it easy for the boys to get in touch with us if needed.

We started this morning by saying "This time next week we will be waking up in Florida" This is going to be the LONGEST work week ever!!

 

[lucky1]

Ladies - Should I bring stockings/pantyhose for my dresses? Will it just be too cool to go around without pantyhose in cocktail dresses? I am wearing open toed dress shoes and typically never wear stockings with open toeshoes, but if my legs are going to be freezing

What will you be doing? My dresses are not maxi but cocktail length.


I am truely amazed by all the pre-packers. I am trying really hard not to "overpack", but I belong to overpacker anonymous and have not yet been reformed to learn how pack for multi layer for me or DD7.


Thanks,
Laura

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

They just left KW!! I hope they saved us some KLP!

 

[dznyacct]

Glad everyone is moving along on all the pre-cruise "to-do" items. Today I tried on all my shorts/capris and shirts combos to see what looked best with my muffin top . I'm so glad I will be be good company on the cruise. I scheduled a pedicure for next Saturday morning. I was mentioning it to my sister at my nephew's belated wedding reception yesterday (he got married in Key West in November). I took her and her to twin to a spa close to my house and got them pedicures for their birthdays a few months ago. They LOVED them, especially Mindi who had her first pedi on a cruise last year. She said the place I took them to was 10x better than the cruise one. Anyway, she started whining about wanting to get another pedicure and her twin (Missy) chimed in. Sooooo, nice sister that I am , I called the spa and added them to my appointment next Saturday. It will be fun sister bonding time .

 

[tinkattude6]

Austin & Ashley, we also had a Pirates Marathon ,but have to finish watching the third one. Way to long to last threw. I wonder if they still show Pirates on the huge movie screen on the cruise?

Jordan, What a great picture of the Muffin top. I needed that laugh.

Mati, Hope Kai feels better. Lots of ice pops always helped my kids feel better. Hope your sunburn feels better too. I did the same thing recently,but now nice and tan.

Val, Wow two hours on an eliptical. That sounds so painful. You must have some workout drive. If only i could get a little more ambitious about working out.
For all of you that are packed can you come help me now. I'm so behind. Just think less than two weeks will all be relaxing.

 

[Bellamickey]

Belinda -- Isn't it funny -- you are just one state away but gosh darn it, Texas is so dang big. That's ok. We are ready for you guys to come visit us. We have the guest room all ready for you!

Mati, I know!!! Texas is huge!! Hey, you never know, I may someday take you up on that offer!!! That would be a nice Harley ride!!

Oh, snap! Did I miss out on Belinda bringing the popcorn?!?! I LOVE POPCORN!! I eat it almost every night!

I'm going to start my "tube tan" also. Of course, mine is Mary Kay!

Hey Val!! Yep, we had buttery, chedder and caramel!! Don't worry though, I ate a whole bowel just for our Val!!

I love love love MaryKay!! That is the only kind of makeup and cleanser I use!!

Major Crisis here! When I went to do the online check-in yesterday I looked at my passport and realized that it had EXPIRED!


Kim

The good thing is, passports aren't REQUIRED for this cruise. The law doesn't go into affect until June 1st, 2009. I know some people feel safer with them though.
We are just taking our birth certificates.

ANDY AND ASH- Hey guys!! What day again are you arriving in Florida again ?
I'm sorry I couldn't remember, ( all this last minute stuff is crazy, so much info to remember) I was thinking you guys we're staying at the same hotel as me and Shawn?!!!
Will go two be going to DTD at all?

 

[texfinn]

Lynsey -- I meant to start coordinating the times for the tastings but didn't start. Sorry, this weekend got away from me. Kathy -- do you still have the times from the past navigator? I can post and start keeping track.

Andy -- did you get the tool box cleaned out or did you just bum around? That is what I would have done!

Adedward -- you just cracked me up!!! I love that we all agree that muffin tops are simply beautiful!

Val -- as always, we miss you when you are gone but we are all so busy. It sounds like you have had an exhausting schedule! I am scared to go away for a few days since I don't think i could ever catch up! Your Mom sounds like a hoot. I think Margaritas at noon are the PERFECT way to start a nice the second part of the day!

I need to get a pedicure scheduled too but waiting as long as I can so I don't mess it up. I tend to mess up my pedi within a couple of days so maybe, just maybe, they will still be ok when we get on the ship on Sat!

My burn went all away sooooo....I went back today. Not as red this time and hopefully it is just forming a good base. I can't go back again until Thursday and hopefully I don't "lose" what I have gained so far.


As you guys all know, the swine flu is here in Texas but so far nothing in our school district (Round Rock ISD). Hopefully it is contained and life will just go on as normal. My Mom was going to visit my Grandmother who lives right on the border in South Texas but there are quite a few cases there so they decided to cancel and wait a bit.

Val -- can't believe you stay on the elliptical that long. That is insane! My toes would be completely numb after all that time.

JorDan -- your picture of the muffin top was hilarious!!!
Barbara -- you crack me up. If the spa does lipo, maybe we do a margarita tasting followed by a lip sampler? Might be a good bonding experience

Alison -- thanks for the tip on Kai. I think I will bring some pull-ups just in case and if he does have an accident, make him wear them after. He is ok with it I think but didn't want to put a damper on his vacation.

Robin -- I have been losing the same weight as last year too. I am guessing the fat just loved me so much, it came running back! No seriously, after having my thyroid out last September I went extremely hypothyroid and packed on 15 pounds fast (like I needed any more extra). I have lost them back but feel like I am running on a hamster wheel with my weight. Oh well...I still have a year and a half before my goal!

V -- if you still have extras of the kit making kit, sounds like fun! I think the kids would love it! Let me know and I can give you some $$ (or a drink) for them.

Sue -- hope your son heals fast. What a bummer! Kai is doing just fine. He will back at school tomorrow!

Lynsey -- thanks for the updates on the KLP from your Mom. Sounds YUM!

Jane -- can't believe the weather. The good thing is I can wear Texas "winter" wear and not touch anything I have bought for the cruise. I guess I will plan on staying inside while I am there.

We'll have to call AT&T about rates too. See what they are. Would be nice to know we can call from the cell for a better price than the ship.

Laura, I have absolutely ZERO intention on bringing panty hose. I may have some spanx with me but nothing that goes down to my toes (or ankles). I hope to have such an amazing tan, it won't matter!

Crystal -- thanks for the good wishes to Kai. I am worried I am getting it now so we shall see.....

Belinda -- you will always be welcome. We have a nice setup to accomodate Yoni's family when they come to visit since they stay sooooo long. You'll have to plan a ride down and then we can all to the hill country together or something fun.

I think Kim can't find her BC and that is why she is stressing over the passport. It's ok. She will get a new one on Tuesday and all will be right with her world.

Ok -- so very long post and I have a question for y'all but will put it in another post so it doesn't get lost....

 

[texfinn]

Ok, so, Sonya is there with Tony, living it up at WDW and it got me to thinking, who is leaving NEXT?

So, let us know when you are leaving. I would love to have a sort of "countdown" as I track my friends leaving for WDW.

We leave Austin on the 14th so still a ways away.

Have a good week everyone!

 

[lucyddr]

Ok, so, Sonya is there with Tony, living it up at WDW and it got me to thinking, who is leaving NEXT?

So, let us know when you are leaving. I would love to have a sort of "countdown" as I track my friends leaving for WDW.

We leave Austin on the 14th so still a ways away.

Have a good week everyone!

If I had to bet, it would probably be Jane! We are with you all...leaving the evening of the 14th!