~~~ May 16, 2009 ~~~ Western Magic ~~~

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

I just looked at MCI (Kansas City) and it looks like you have quite a lot of options (Delta seems to have the most options) although I didn't see any non-stop flights.

I was hoping for a non-stop flight from Kansas City so we could lessen the chances of Lennon getting motion sick. He didn't handle the landing into Omaha very well last time.

Actually our local airport just announced flights beginning in December to Kansas City, so I'll need to do more checking to see what would work with the new schedule. They will be leaving Grand Island at around 6 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM, so hopefully something will work out right.

www.yapta.com

Hopefully I'll get a chance to play with this sometime soon.

I didnt have the heart to look at the prices for the 2010 cruises.

Unless you want your socks knocked off, don't even bother looking! Yikes! I think I checked the N. European ones, and they were well over 10 G for 4.

Has anyone ever put money on their shipboard account prior to the trip? Is this possible?

We've been collecting Disney gift cards to give as gifts for the boys. Lennon's preschool has a fundraiser program where you buy almost any kind of gift card at face value, but the preschool buys it at a lower price so that a percentage of it goes directly to the preschool, so we've gotten some of those that we will give to the boys for Christmas presents. They can spend it however they want on the cruise, so what we're going to do is give them "play" money in the amount of the gift cards (since they'll be put onto the account when we get onboard), and then they'll "pay" us the amount with the play money so they can keep track of how much they have left and not worry about them carrying around real money. I learned this on the DIS a few months ago, so I hope it works out as easy as it sounds.

hope everyone is having the same beautiful weather we are. love being outdoors this time of the year!

Well, just what kind of beautiful weather are you having?!?! We had four days of rain and SNOW this week!!!! Luckily we're back up to almost 70 degrees now (so why am I inside doing this?!?! )

Thanks for all the great info, Val. It is really comforting to have your help! It's going to be such a blast to get to meet everyone on the cruise!

Am I the only one that has cruised DCL before? Indigo, I know you'll be going in December, so I'm excited to hear all about it so other people's experiences can be shared, too!

I haven't heard anythng from the surgeon, I am going to follow up on Monday.

Please keep us informed!

We are heading to Universal/DCL 4 day Bahamas cruise + MVMCP for the first time in early December and I am thinking about reserving a family portrait photopass session at one of the deluxe resorts - Polynesian probably. Was researching that last night and might do it if it is not a small fortune.

Will you be staying at WDW? (I'm not familiar with Universal, so I don't know if there are resorts there or not.) If so, what resort? We're thinking maybe Poly or AK after the cruise, so I'm just looking for input.


It's been driving me crazy not having the time to spend here like I want!!! Last week, this week, and next week are just CRAZY schedules! Between being in KC for 3 days, messed up school schedules for parent/teacher conferences, going to the PTC for both boys, working book fairs at schools, football practice and games, gymnastics classes, Mary Kay meetings, birthdays (mine & Hudson's) and parties, doctor's appts, Halloween parties to plan, PTO meetings, Pampered Chef parties, etc., etc., (the list just goes on and on--and work on top of it, too), I just havent had ANY time to do anything! We really need to decide on the rest of the vacation after the cruise--how long to stay, where to stay, etc.--before we actually book any flights. We just haven't had any time to even think about talking about it. So do you think it would be wrong of us to not go to MK while at WDW? I'm very excited for AK, but MK just seems a little hectic and maybe not "worth it" since Lennon doesn't like many rides. It just doesn't seem right to go to WDW and not go to MK, but I have a feeling it's not going to be a good experience. Hmmmmmmm...

 

[indigodisney]

Hi Val!

Disney gift cards are a good idea! Haven't found a way to purchase those in Canada yet.

We are so looking forward to our December holiday - I remember years ago when I was 10 years old (yep, that was a very long time ago ) and we went for Christmas and New Year's - we had New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom, that was a really special memory for me!

I did book the 2010 July 25th Wonder Double Dip cruise before the prices became even more outrageous!

I hope Universal will be fun - I think it probably will be. We are staying at the Royal Pacific and this gives us the front of the line pass in the parks for two days. That is a great feature about staying on site at Universal.

So we have three days there, go on the 4 day cruise and then 4 nights at Pop - looking forward to seeing that hotel and the values are fine for us! We have stayed at All Star movies (thought it was just fine) and Animal Kingdom Lodge (in a Savannah room) - that was a huge splurge but it was Dd's 5th birthday and we thought why not, I only recommend that if you are going to be in your room...there are viewing places all over the hotel so you don't need to have this kind of room. The resort itself is beautiful and unique and we loved it! I want to drive over and see it at Christmas time as I have heard the tree there is just gorgeous.

Val, I wouldn't worry about not going to MK while you are there, if you dont get much use from the rides especially. IT is pretty ride intense there. I think we will go to AK only this December and MK for the Christmas party and probably SeaWorld.

Hope you all have a great weekend1!!

 

[indigodisney]

I heard that Disney has reduced prices for next year - 2009 - has anyone checked to see if their fares have been reduced? I am going to check but probably it is wishful thinking

How is everyone doing? This time of year is so busy - have a good halloween tomorrow...

 

[starlawyermom]

Hi all - I have been remiss by not keeping up with this thread, but I just took some time to read all the posts since my last visit on 10/20 (can't believe its been that long). All those late night Red Sox World Series games last month kept me and others here in Massachusetts in a fog for over a week. Plus, I should count my blessings that with the type of legal work I do, business is booming for me in this economy. Time is flying - before we know it, it will be May. My husband booked our flights a few months ago but I can't recall what we paid. Plus, we have all decided to stay a few days after the cruise at the Doubletree Melbourne Beach Oceanfront Resort on May 23rd and May 24th, 2008. We dont have the opportunity to see my in-laws and my husband's brother & family all that often (they live in FL and AR respectively), so we have all decided to make the most of it. I was thinking about giving something to my kids at Christmas that they could use on the cruise - like a gift card? I saw something in the thread about Disney Gift Cards...what are they, and can we use them on the ship? My girls would get a big kick of selecting their own souvenier - my mother-in-law gave them Disney Dollars the last time we went to WDW and they were thrilled. Any suggestions would be helpful -
Okay, must get back to the grind. I hope everyone is well - keep the good info coming!!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I was thinking about giving something to my kids at Christmas that they could use on the cruise - like a gift card? I saw something in the thread about Disney Gift Cards...what are they, and can we use them on the ship? My girls would get a big kick of selecting their own souvenier - my mother-in-law gave them Disney Dollars the last time we went to WDW and they were thrilled. Any suggestions would be helpful -
Okay, must get back to the grind. I hope everyone is well - keep the good info coming!!!!

I used to use Disney Dollars for my kids when they were little. Give them a specific amount and they could decide what they wanted to spend it on (I ALWAYS told them I had final veto authority so they couldn't get one of those huge suckers or a plastic snake). My boss gave me a Disney Gift Card once, I think she bought it at one of the hotels. I can't imagine that they wouldn't be able to use it on the cruise (in the shops). Do you have a Disney Store nearby? I bet they should be able to find out for you.

We are going to sit down this weekend and firm up our dinning reservations for the time before the cruise since we are only one week away from being able to make those reservations. We also need to decide on which day we want to shoot for Palo brunch reservations. I think we are still planning on doing our own thing for the ports.

Has anyone done the rainforest rooms at the spa? I'm trying to decide whether I want to add that to the budget. Just don't know if DH would be willing to do it as well and don't think it will be as fun without him.

 

[lizzyb]

Hi ladies!

It's been awhile since I've been on here... and alot has changed.

Unfortunately we had to cancel our cruise but for a good reason.... we are expecting.

Hopefully we can cruise once this little one is a bit older.

 

[suezyq50]

Hi everyone. My DH and I are on this cruise, along with our DS, 20, and DD 26. Our DD, DSIL, and GD who will be 4 and GD who will be 9 mo. We are so excited about this cruise. This will be our first Disney.
I briefed this thread. We are "dressing" up for pirate night. GDs have a different costume for each night. I have bought each two, DD bought some. She went to the Disney store after Halloween and got some for $10!
Take care everyone and happy planning!

 

[Disgirl83]

I've been reading through all your posts today and getting soo excited. Although DH and I have not booked (yet) we are about 90% sure we will be reserving very soon. I'm such a disney fanatic and am slowly converting my husband since our Disney honeymoon in October 2006.

My first and only Disney Cruise was in 2001 and I've been dying to go back since. The door magnets are soo cute, I don't remember seeing any 7 years ago, but I think that it is a wonderful idea.

I hope to be on here soon to let you know that we have definately booked!!!

 

[indigodisney]

Hi 2_Eagle_Mom - thanks for reminding me about the dining reservations for May - can we book those already? We are there at CBR for 3 days before the cruise. I haven't tried the rainforest room but we leave in 3 weeks, 3 days for our 4 night Bahamas Disney cruise and I am going to try it out then and let you know!

Hi Starlawyermom - you should really busy! I think you can use the Disney gift cards on the ship, it is a good idea I think so that everything doesn't get charged to the on board account.

Lizzyb! So sorry you have had to cancel your cruise, but what a great reason! congratulations!

Welcome Suezyq50! You have a crowd coming on the ship like we do. I am excited that my parents are coming along - I think they will be surprised at how much they enjoy themselves.

Welcome Disgirl83 - hope you end up joining us!

Time is really flying by - wow! The Christmas decorations are up at the malls and I always forget how fast it goes between Halloween and Christmas.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Sheesh! Looks like I've been missing out here lately! I think I will finally have time to get caught up on some stuff and keep in touch here while also catching up on the main board. It's been driving me crazy not to touch base every day!

I did book the 2010 July 25th Wonder Double Dip cruise before the prices became even more outrageous!

Since I haven't kept up on the main board, is there talk of large price jumps? WTG on getting yours at a much better price!

I hope Universal will be fun - I think it probably will be. We are staying at the Royal Pacific and this gives us the front of the line pass in the parks for two days. That is a great feature about staying on site at Universal.

So we have three days there, go on the 4 day cruise and then 4 nights at Pop - looking forward to seeing that hotel and the values are fine for us! We have stayed at All Star movies (thought it was just fine) and Animal Kingdom Lodge (in a Savannah room) - that was a huge splurge but it was Dd's 5th birthday and we thought why not, I only recommend that if you are going to be in your room...there are viewing places all over the hotel so you don't need to have this kind of room. The resort itself is beautiful and unique and we loved it! I want to drive over and see it at Christmas time as I have heard the tree there is just gorgeous.

Cool! Sounds like fun! Have a great time on all the different parts of your upcoming trip, including your "trial" cruise! Then come and tell us all about it! I remember how my excitement was building last year when cruise time was so close! Thanks for the info about some of the resorts. As soon as Justin gets back from running some errands, I'm going to suggest that we watch the WDW DVD so we can plan our stay there. I hope we're not hurting ourselves by waiting this long to do anything. Is it like DCL with early booking to save money? Is there a chance we won't get what we want because they're booked up already? Now I'm starting to freak myself out!

Val, I wouldn't worry about not going to MK while you are there, if you dont get much use from the rides especially. IT is pretty ride intense there. I think we will go to AK only this December and MK for the Christmas party and probably SeaWorld.

Thanks for that bit of reassurance. We'll probably decide for sure after watching the DVD. I should spread my wings over to the WDW board, too, huh?

I heard that Disney has reduced prices for next year - 2009 - has anyone checked to see if their fares have been reduced? I am going to check but probably it is wishful thinking

No such luck with ours. Anyone else?

have a good halloween tomorrow...

What did everone have for their little trick or treaters? Hudson was a hot dog, and Lennon was Scooby Doo. I'll post pics later today.

we have all decided to stay a few days after the cruise at the Doubletree Melbourne Beach Oceanfront Resort on May 23rd and May 24th, 2008. We dont have the opportunity to see my in-laws and my husband's brother & family all that often (they live in FL and AR respectively), so we have all decided to make the most of it.

Sounds like a nice finishing touch to your vacation!

I was thinking about giving something to my kids at Christmas that they could use on the cruise - like a gift card? I saw something in the thread about Disney Gift Cards...what are they, and can we use them on the ship? My girls would get a big kick of selecting their own souvenier - my mother-in-law gave them Disney Dollars the last time we went to WDW and they were thrilled. Any suggestions would be helpful -

They're just regular gift cards like you would buy/use at any store, but they're for Disney. We get ours as a fundraiser through preschool, but I'm sure you could call Disney direct and get some, too.

We are going to sit down this weekend and firm up our dinning reservations for the time before the cruise since we are only one week away from being able to make those reservations.

Since I'm a newbie to WDW, what does this mean? Is it just for one specific meal (like Palo would be) or is it for the entire time you're there? Just wondering so I know what else I need to be planning!

We also need to decide on which day we want to shoot for Palo brunch reservations.

I think I was wrong when I mentioned before that we did brunch on the morning of KW day. When I looked back at some pictures not too long ago, I see that we did the Character Breakfast on the morning of KW (Sun) and then did Palo brunch the next day (Mon--sea day).

Unfortunately we had to cancel our cruise but for a good reason.... we are expecting.

I'm sad...but happy for you, too!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
We'll miss you! Keep us informed on everything!

Hi everyone. My DH and I are on this cruise, along with our DS, 20, and DD 26. Our DD, DSIL, and GD who will be 4 and GD who will be 9 mo. We are so excited about this cruise. This will be our first Disney.
I briefed this thread. We are "dressing" up for pirate night. GDs have a different costume for each night. I have bought each two, DD bought some. She went to the Disney store after Halloween and got some for $10!
Take care everyone and happy planning!

to our cruise!!! Just as others are leaving, we have new ones arriving! Glad to "meet" you! You'll love it here--we've got a great bunch of people!

WTG on scoring cheap pirate costumes!

I've been reading through all your posts today and getting soo excited. Although DH and I have not booked (yet) we are about 90% sure we will be reserving very soon. I'm such a disney fanatic and am slowly converting my husband since our Disney honeymoon in October 2006.

My first and only Disney Cruise was in 2001 and I've been dying to go back since. The door magnets are soo cute, I don't remember seeing any 7 years ago, but I think that it is a wonderful idea.

I hope to be on here soon to let you know that we have definately booked!!!

Yay! Another (potential) new member to our group! I'll give you an official anyway!

I think you can use the Disney gift cards on the ship, it is a good idea I think so that everything doesn't get charged to the on board account.

Actually, you can only charge to your account, but when you board that first day, you can take your gift cards to Guest Services, and they'll apply them toward your account so the money is already there for what you buy.



How has the weather been for everyone around here? We've been having a super cold time here lately with 50+ mph winds and 30ish degree days with wind chills making it much worse. I have no idea why I live in Nebraska when I don't like cold weather at all! You'd think I would be used to it by now, but I'm not. Oh well... It's a perfect day for chili. It's cooking as we speak.

Well, Justin just got home, so we'll see if he's up for a little WDW DVD. I'll let you all know what we decide on.

 

[Disgirl83]

How has the weather been for everyone around here? We've been having a super cold time here lately with 50+ mph winds and 30ish degree days with wind chills making it much worse. I have no idea why I live in Nebraska when I don't like cold weather at all! You'd think I would be used to it by now, but I'm not. Oh well... It's a perfect day for chili. It's cooking as we speak.

It been getting much cooler here. The days have been warming up to the upper 50s/lower 60s and nights are getting into the 30s. Before you know it though it will be soo chilly!!!

 

[Disgirl83]

It's official, we booked the cruise!!! I'm soo excited. It will be me (25) and my DH (27). We don't have any children, well we do have 2 dogs and a cat but I don't think Disney would be too thrilled is they tried to board! Now it's time to officially start planning.

 

[indigodisney]

Hi everyone! 3 weeks until I am on vacation - yippee - work has been too crazy so it will be good to get away.

Val, I think you will be okay with booking your May stay for Disney resorts. Let us know what you decide to do. Hope you had time on the weekend to look at the dvd. Your kids costumes sound so cute - my daughter was a horse and then changed halfway through to be a cheetah...too funny.

The weather was gorgeous here until Monday and then it snowed....

Oh well, it is almost winter....

welcome aboard disgirl83!!! Congratulations on booking!!

 

[starlawyermom]

Welcome Disgirl83. My brother in law, his wife and three kids are cruising with us. They are Dis fanatics like you - they have points with the Vacation Club - they got married there in 2000. It was a wild few days at the Park - unfortunately, I was unable to attend as I had a three week old at home back then! We have been there with them and our kids a few times -
Can't wait until May..

 

[Disgirl83]

Ok, so I've been absolutely addicted to reading trip reports during the last week. I've also read about the fish extenders which are too cute. Are any of you all planning on having one on the cruise? I'm thinking about trying to make one just 'cause it is so darn cute eventhough we are 2 adults with no kids, ! The second dining seating is all we could get at time of booking but we have been added to the waitlist for the first rotation. We also don't have a room number yet but I'll be happy wherever we end up.

Hope everyone is doing good and that everyone is getting ready to gear up for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

[indigodisney]

Hi Disgirl83 - Hope you are doing well!

I think I prefer the late seating, we are trying it on our Dec 7th Wonder cruise in a few weeks. My parents are coming on the May cruise and they don't want to eat late so we are on the wait list for the early seating as well.

I am not sure if we are doing fish extenders or not but I am definitely signing up for the KLP magnets.

It feels like the holidays are approaching too quickly - looking forward to our vacation!

Have a great day!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I can't believe how long its been since I've checked out our thread!

Hi everyone. My DH and I are on this cruise, along with our DS, 20, and DD 26. Our DD, DSIL, and GD who will be 4 and GD who will be 9 mo. We are so excited about this cruise. This will be our first Disney.
I briefed this thread. We are "dressing" up for pirate night. GDs have a different costume for each night. I have bought each two, DD bought some. She went to the Disney store after Halloween and got some for $10!
Take care everyone and happy planning!

Welcome!! Glad to have you join our group.

Hi 2_Eagle_Mom - thanks for reminding me about the dining reservations for May - can we book those already? We are there at CBR for 3 days before the cruise. I haven't tried the rainforest room but we leave in 3 weeks, 3 days for our 4 night Bahamas Disney cruise and I am going to try it out then and let you know!

I tried to call and they are still revamping their reservation system. They said to try and call back in mid-December.

Lizzyb! So sorry you have had to cancel your cruise, but what a great reason! congratulations!

Welcome Suezyq50! You have a crowd coming on the ship like we do. I am excited that my parents are coming along - I think they will be surprised at how much they enjoy themselves.

Welcome Disgirl83 - hope you end up joining us!

Time is really flying by - wow! The Christmas decorations are up at the malls and I always forget how fast it goes between Halloween and Christmas.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I agree!

Since I'm a newbie to WDW, what does this mean? Is it just for one specific meal (like Palo would be) or is it for the entire time you're there? Just wondering so I know what else I need to be planning!

I was talking about making our reservations for our week prior to the cruise, but like I said above they aren't taking reservations for past March right now.

I think I was wrong when I mentioned before that we did brunch on the morning of KW day. When I looked back at some pictures not too long ago, I see that we did the Character Breakfast on the morning of KW (Sun) and then did Palo brunch the next day (Mon--sea day).

I think we are going to try for brunch on one of the sea days. Just so we don't have to rush and we can fully enjoy our time.

How has the weather been for everyone around here? We've been having a super cold time here lately with 50+ mph winds and 30ish degree days with wind chills making it much worse. I have no idea why I live in Nebraska when I don't like cold weather at all! You'd think I would be used to it by now, but I'm not. Oh well... It's a perfect day for chili. It's cooking as we speak.

I'm her in Northern CA and we have been having the weirdest weather? Its been in the 70s (80s over the weekend). I'm not complaining, its just hard to get ramped up for Christmas when we are still in shorts.

I'm with Indigo on the fish extenders - just not sure if we will be doing one, but I have been collecting magnet ideas. I just wish I had the skills to design something cool to surprise DH (Jim).

I'm still waiting to hear back from Jim's friend in Key West on other locations for FKLP. I even sent an email to the Podcast crew to see if they had any suggestions. Hopefully they will read my message on the Podcast (I'd love to earn a t-shirt).

I'm pretty sure that we are going to go on our own in all of the ports. Jim suggested I make a spa appointment. I'd love to, but the budget has been really tight lately and I just can't rationalize spending so much money doing something that I can do here at home.

Indigo, I'll look forward to your report on the rainforest room.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!

 

[indigodisney]

Hi 2EagleMom - thanks for the update on the dining - will book my stuff when I get back from my December trip, it will give me some planning to do to help beat the back to work blues. Will definitely check out the rainforest room and let everyone know what it is like.

I just realized when I was up to my neck in work today that I start my vacation in two weeks - can't wait

Hope everyone is doing well - the snow has arrived here in my part of Canada...yuck. Looking forward to some warmth again.

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Congratulations on the two week countdown!!!!

I wish we were just two weeks away from our cruise. You'll have to come back and give us a mini-trip report! Or tell us what your schedule is so we can track your trip and live vicariously through you.

Just think you'll be basking in warm sunshine and Florida warmth VERY soon!

 

[indigodisney]

Thanks for the good wishes!! I am pretty excited -

I don't think DD has realized she is so close to getting away from it all (and seeing Mickey)