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

[lucky1]

Oh, btw, My docs say I have confirmed late dining.

I'm dressing up for the fancier nights, largely because I happen to have dresses from other things that I figured I could use an excuse to wear again. I'm a little iffy on the whole formal vs. semi-formal thing, so I'm just going to wear my dresses for both and hope they're in the range of appropriate. My husband will probably only be doing the dress shirt tie & slacks thing, since he doesn't really have anything like a suit (and doesn't typically need it) and I hear that's acceptable, anyway. Even if he had one, he gets too hot and tolerating a long sleeve shirt will be bad enough.

Anyone know offhand for sure which night is formal and which is semi in the itinerary?

We have late dinning as well and wait listed for early.

I saw that Sunday is Formal and Thursday is Semi-Formal. Both the days that we are at sea.

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Okay, here's my catch up for the last couple days. I know it'll be long already. Sorry!

Boy, oh, boy! I am feelin' the luuuv! You guys really are the best, for lots of reasons! All the kind words & PM's ~ Lennon really mean a lot to me.

Our posts #1&2 are getting pretty full! I'm having to delete smilies because both posts have too many "extras" on them! I'm not sure what I'll do when they're both completely full! One of these days, I'll go through Jane's fantastic cruiser list & update all the room #'s, etc.

lucky1--so glad you came & joined us!! I still can't believe the handful of people that are booking so last minute. I would WANT to do that but don't think I ever could!

princessljw--I added your other great pic! It looks like you cruised right after we did 2 yrs ago (from the date on the pic). We went April 21-28, 2007!

Ali & Jason-- to our group! Ali, your kids are adorable, and congrats on baby!!

Barbara--I'm having trouble with some of your pix. I had them on post #2 at one time, but now they're not coming up, so I deleted them (needed some extra room on the post), but if you can get me another link, I'll try posting it again.

Amy--that's okay for not sharing personal stuff. You're not the only one. We all respect that. We'll just have to meet up sometime somewhere. BUT if he changes his mind & you decide to post a pic, etc., we'll welcome it!

Desiree--thanks for the extra info about you! Where at on deck 5 are you? We're fwd in 5518! I see your 12th anniversary is just after ours! Ours is this Sunday (April 26th), so we were married just a couple wks before you were!

For those that have birthdays & anniversaries close, here's my parent's stats: they got married on my stepdad's birthday (which, by coincidence was last Saturday). That always seemed weird to me, but hey, why not?!?!

Andy--sounds like you had a GREAT day yesterday...Ash's birthday, cruise docs arrived, and a finished FE!! BTW, great FE!! AND a belated wish for Ash!

Anne--I know what you mean about trying to absorb ALL the info ~ decks, menus, navs, etc. I'm doing the same thing! I always think there's something else somewhere that I don't know yet! That's too funny ~ the strippers with tiaras!!

Shawan--I haven't gotten my new PassPorter yet. Has anyone ordered it & gotten it (or at least heard when they'll arrive)? I thought their website said they were going to start shipping them the day after Easter. I guess I haven't paid as much attention to the main boards about whether anyone there has received them.

Lynsey--any info that I've posted so far is fair game for the group! I think you guys know more about me than some of my friends & family know! I think we had thought about doing the FKLP tour kind of on our own (unless anyone has made plans to pair up already). Some wanted to walk, and my family is doing an electric car, so it would be hard to stick together that way. The boys were talking today about how excited they are for "pie day." ME, TOO!!!!! Anyway, I think it would be great to list who is wanting to do what tastings. That way I can remember what I actually said I wanted to do! But more importantly, we can check it quickly to see if someone that we want to "hang" with will be going to a specific one. We obviously won't be holding anyone against their will if they change their mind & decide not to do it. (That's what we'll tell them anyway!) I love the other ideas also! A farewell breakfast buffet sounds great, but it's also the last chance to say goodbye to the servers, so I would be torn which way to go. But with so many of us linked already and also requesting the same rotation, it might be very similar anyway. About the group photo, I had one taken last time, and we just had a CM take them on about 10 different cameras that we all set out.

Crystal--I know what you mean about wanting to rebook with the same group! I'm feeling the same way already, too! I thought it was similar on my last cruise thread, but when it came right down to meeting everyone, there were a couple people that I thought I had become good friends with before cruising, but I was getting the cold shoulder from them before we even actually met face to face. (There was no excitement toward each other in the terminal like I was expecting...just wasn't feeling the love from them after that. Others were great, though!! Just not the ones I expected.) Oh well. I KNOW you guys will be different!

Indigo--our FE will probably just be a bag also. Hudson won a WDW backsack when we went to AAA's DisneyDaze presentation in January, so I'll probably just use that.

Kym--I really hope everything goes well for you & your back. Keep us updated!

Carole!! OMG!! I just had that cake last Thursday at my Bunco night!!! It was SO good! Better than sex, though?... Naaaaah.

Robin--great pic of you & the bunnies!! I put it on #2! Thanks for sharing!

kandeebunny-- to our cruise thread!! So were you seriously JUST on CC last week?!?! (Jealous!)

Off to bed now!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Anyone know offhand for sure which night is formal and which is semi in the itinerary?

I went back a few pages (whew!) and found what I had done up awhile ago when comparing the two sets of January Navigators:

There's a slight difference between the Navigators that Tim has from the 01/10/09 sailing and the Navigators that are on the disneycruiser website from the 01/24/09 sailing. One of those sailings switched the live show on Sun and the movie on Wed. Otherwise, I think they were similar with the new dining rotation:
Sat (PC): Show dinner menu in AP, Island dinner menu in PC, French dinner menu in Lumiere's (1st rotational); cruise casual; "Let the Magic Begin!" show in the theater with a magician/illusionist and a comedian/ventriloquist on 01/10/09 BUT comedy/science and musical comedy on 01/24/09 (different performers from the previous Western sailing, but it's still called "Let the Magic Begin!")
Sun (KW): Show, Island, or French dinner menu (2nd rotational); cruise casual; Bedtime Stories movie in the theater at 5:30, 8:15, & 10:30 on 01/11/09 BUT magician/illusionist on 01/25/09
Mon (sea): Golden Mickeys menu; Formal night; "The Golden Mickeys" in the theater
Tues (GC): Show, Island, or French dinner menu (3rd rotational); cruise casual; "Twice Charmed" in the theater
Wed (Coz): Pirate menu; pirate or cruise casual; comedian/hypnotist in the theater on 01/14/09 BUT Bedtime Stories movie in the theater at 5:30 & 8:15 on 01/28/09; Pirates IN the Caribbean Party @ 9:45 PM on decks 9 & 10
Thurs (sea): Captain's Gala menu (lobster); semi-formal; "Disney Dreams" in the theater (Friendship Rocks! kids graduation at 5-5:30 in the theater)
Fri (CC): 'Til We Meet Again menu; cruise casual; "Remember the Magic!" in the theater ('Til We Meet Again show in the atrium @ 10:15 PM)


Shawan also has an awesome link to a spreadsheet that she has made with all the info on it. It's awesome!! Shawan--would you mind posting it again so all our newbies to the group can see it? Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[tigger2002]

Amanda corrected it and caught it in time for what she was doing...

Use this one... Wow it is almost May!!!

Carole

Can you send me a copy of the design in .jpg or some other format. Webshots will not let me download the photo.​

Can I use Webshots images outside of the Webshots Desktop software and website?
No. You can't extract or print the Webshots images. They are all specially encoded to protect the copyright privileges of our professional photographers. Webshots images can only be used within the Webshots Desktop software and on our website.

 

[1littlespark]

lucky1

We have late dinning as well and wait listed for early.

I saw that Sunday is Formal and Thursday is Semi-Formal. Both the days that we are at sea.

We never got an opportunity to specify, but I think we were aiming for the late, anyway. I'm wondering if it's easier to get that one without children. It seems the early is more in demand, so I highly doubt they'll switch us.

Thanks for the info on the formal/semi-formal nights. The whole attire thing as far as my husband is concerned is giving me a headache. I read the info again and it really seems he should be at least wearing a suit if we want to participate in formal night. Rental prices are outrageous and I hate to spend money on a suit that he will not use much and may very well not him for our next occasion. (not to mention he makes shopping for clothes for him a deeply unpleasant experience)


I'm a photo junkie, so if I like any of the photos I'm sure I'm going to want them. I do wish they had a photo pass type thing like they do in the parks. Last May on our DL vacation we bought the CD & we had planned on doing that this year again in WDW, but that obviously changes with our plans. I'd like to think they'll have a more integrated photopass sort of thing someday, though.

 

[dta87]

Anyone know what the cancellation policy is for the excursions? We might need to cancel the snorkel trip but don't want to wait too late.

J

If it is a Disney run excursion you have until 3 days prior to sailing to cancel (I would not wait past 12 May) and even then they may let you change it for another excursion after you board but at that point they probably will not let you cancel outright. On our last cruise in May we wanted to cancel the CC jetski excursion onboard and they said we could not but we could change it to another excursion so we rented the bikes instead and had about $180 refunded.

If it is one that you booked on your own (Capt Marvin's, etc.) they have their own cancellation policies. Capt M's is 2 weeks prior with no penalty.

Dave

 

[dta87]

We have late dinning as well and wait listed for early.

I saw that Sunday is Formal and Thursday is Semi-Formal. Both the days that we are at sea.

We never got an opportunity to specify, but I think we were aiming for the late, anyway. I'm wondering if it's easier to get that one without children. It seems the early is more in demand, so I highly doubt they'll switch us.

Thanks for the info on the formal/semi-formal nights. The whole attire thing as far as my husband is concerned is giving me a headache. I read the info again and it really seems he should be at least wearing a suit if we want to participate in formal night. Rental prices are outrageous and I hate to spend money on a suit that he will not use much and may very well not him for our next occasion. (not to mention he makes shopping for clothes for him a deeply unpleasant experience)

Unless they changed it recently the Formal night is Monday (not Sunday) and the semi formal is Thursday.

Dave

 

[tinkattude6]

Does anyone know if DC excepts passports in card form instead of the book? When we got ours we were told we only needed the passport card ,but i saw a thread where someone heard this is not so. Worried now. I hope people at the passport office know what they were talking about.

 

[tinkattude6]

Happy Earth Day Everyone!! Go Green!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi everyone.

Will probably be fired as I am doing this from work, but I don't have time to come on the thread in the evenings now, since I have been sucked into the world of vampires. I have read 500 pages of the 2nd book in 2 nights! Tony doesn't have a wife anymore, just a blob that sits on the sofa moaning that the TV is too loud!! I love these books so much! I have ordered the 4th one today and am gutted its only out in hardback at the minute. I have a rule about not taking hardback books on vacation . . . a rule which is about to be broken I fear!

Anyway, hope everyone is doing Ok!! Does any one not have their tickets yet?

Happy Earth Day Everyone!! Go Green!

Ah-ha! I have had Michael Jacksons "Earth Song" going round my head all day, and now I realise why!!!!!!!

 

[1littlespark]

lol That's funny. I've been like that for weeks reading the Sookie Stackhouse Novels, By Charlaine Harris ("True Blood"). They're addicting, but I'm starting to worry, since I'm nearly done with all published so far.

I am thinking once again, based on what I was reading here that maybe I'll have to read the Twilight Books. (rather do that than see the movie)

 

[shasess]

Shawan also has an awesome link to a spreadsheet that she has made with all the info on it. It's awesome!! Shawan--would you mind posting it again so all our newbies to the group can see it? Thanks a bunch!!!

Here you go....
http://www.4shared.com/file/95859461/6362cba2/May_16_2009_Cruise.html

 

[miksilver]

lol That's funny. I've been like that for weeks reading the Sookie Stackhouse Novels, By Charlaine Harris ("True Blood"). They're addicting, but I'm starting to worry, since I'm nearly done with all published so far.

I am thinking once again, based on what I was reading here that maybe I'll have to read the Twilight Books. (rather do that than see the movie)

I've read all of the Sookie Stackhouse books as well. They are such cute, light reads. That is if you can call vampire and assorted other creatures "cute". There's another one in the series coming out in May. I may have to pre-order it through Amazon.

If you like the Charlaine Harris books, you should like the Twilight series. It's very character based and just sucks you in -- see Sonya's post!

Now I am reading the Kelly Armstrong "Women of the Otherworld" series. I'm on book 3. They are alright. A different tone altogether than the Charlaine Harris or Stephanie Meyer books. They are growing on me.

I'm an avid reader if you haven't guessed. I've been reading every night before bed since I was about 12 and have been known to read through weekends if it's a really good book that sucks me in, i.e. Twilight, Harry Potter, etc. I don't only read sci-fi/fantasy -- I'm just on a kick right now.


Any other good books to read? I love suggestions from others!

 

[lucky1]

Unless they changed it recently the Formal night is Monday (not Sunday) and the semi formal is Thursday.

Dave

I stand corrected. I thought it was the days at sea, but I just am getting the days mixed up. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[lucky1]

Does anyone know if DC excepts passports in card form instead of the book? When we got ours we were told we only needed the passport card ,but i saw a thread where someone heard this is not so. Worried now. I hope people at the passport office know what they were talking about.

Don't know for sure, but hopefully they will accept Birth certificate for us (since we are traveling and returning before June 1, 2009), since our passports are still not back yet. Makes it hard because my married name is different than my birth name and so I am taking my marriage certificate. My DD was not born in the country so I have to bring a lot of other paperwork as well. Passports please come quickly.

From what I understand is the passcards will be good if you are traveling via land and sea between our neighbors (Canada and Mexico and the Carribean), but if you have an emergency and have to fly home it is so much easier if you have a passport book.

 

[texfinn]

Man --- I go to the office for one day (and have to work into the night) and I got so far behind! You can just FEEL the excitement from everyone. The cruise must be getting close!

In an effort to save on space, I will try to do this without quoting so my apologies if I don't make sense!

First off -- WELCOME Kristi We are happy to have you and your Mom join us!!!!

Kristi -- you said you JUST DID the stingray thing at CC this past weekend, does that mean you just got OFF the boat????? NICE! We have that excursion booked but I am seriously thinking of cancelling (more on that later).....

Allison -- I never did say it to you or your mom but CONGRATS on the new addition to the family. Kai cruised with me when he was about 9 weeks along but of course, he doesn't remember that...

Kim -- Sabrina isn't into HM so that means I am not either. She is finally giving in a bit to peer pressure so starting to watch it a little bit but I have escaped the whole HSM and HM thing so far. I am guessing though that I would enjoy the shows/movies more than she would!!!! We are hoping the new Earth movie will be on board too. Yoni is into that in a major way and also got the Planet Earth series a year back or so.

Val -- you cracked me up with the whole quote thing. Sounds like something I would do!!!!

Amy - don't worry about the name/picture thing. Everyone has their own way of handling that. I am an open book and probably say waayyy too much on these boards but I can't help it.....I promise not to be so chatty on the cruise.

Lucky1 -- Yoni isn't dressing up much, just blazer and slacks on formal night (my dress could go either fancy or not). We aren't renting tuxedos for the guys or anything and I gave up on finding a fancy dress for me... Hopefully none of my tablemates will mind.

Crystal -- still missing my docs. Are we the only ones who haven't gotten them yet?

Amanda -- thanks for the graphic. It helps me a lot -- so much so, going to PM you about it.

V -- is it worth buying the package ahead of time? As a seasoned cruiser -- does it make sense?

Sue -- It is hitting me too. I was thinking sheesh, three weeks from today I will be in an all out panic getting ready for the trip! And to think, Sonya will have been there already for almost 2 weeks! (Sonya -- I am absolutely green with envy).

Jane -- I can't imagine not having power. We hit 90 yesterday too and it is hot mainly due to teh sudden change from the 70s to the 90s. We would absolutely fall apart without our air conditioner. I hope the power stayed on for you the rest of the night!

Shawan -- thanks for the cruise report. It was an easy read and got me even more excited. I swear I will have the ship layout memorized before ever seeing it in person!

Val -- It's interesting what you said about the last cruise thread. I met a few folks before our last (and one and only) cruise on RCI. When we went to meet them, they just weren't very nice and we did not fit in. Needless to say, I never really saw any of them again (that is a HUGE boat). I know this will be different. I feel like you guys have been my friends for ages plus , it sounds like you guys are all just FUN!!!!! Don't worry about excitement at the terminal. I must warn you though --I am a hug person so if that is something you are uncomfortable with, let me know now so I don't embaress myself please!!!

Also -- thanks for posting the nights again. That helps. I really need to get serious on this packing list thing!!!!

Dave -- thank you for posting the excursion cancellation policies. Decisions decisions decisions....

Sonya -- I am sooo excited about you reading New Moon! Isn't it FABULOUS?!!! I can't wait to discuss. We need to have a glass of wine (or whatever wets your whistle) and just have a roundtable on the books!!! I may even get Yoni to read them!

Littlespark (my apologies for not remembering your name -- please forgive me ) & Kim -- are the Sookie Stackhouse Novels as entertaining as Twighlight and Harry Potter? I need a new series for the trip and thought about buying them but wasn't sure....

Thanks for sharing your spreadsheet Shawan!

Ok, so that caught me up except for those of you who "snuck in" the past 20 minutes..... my excursion diemma in the next post...

 

[texfinn]

Don't know for sure, but hopefully they will accept Birth certificate for us (since we are traveling and returning before June 1, 2009), since our passports are still not back yet. Makes it hard because my married name is different than my birth name and so I am taking my marriage certificate. My DD was not born in the country so I have to bring a lot of other paperwork as well. Passports please come quickly.

From what I understand is the passcards will be good if you are traveling via land and sea between our neighbors (Canada and Mexico and the Carribean), but if you have an emergency and have to fly home it is so much easier if you have a passport book.

Have you tried expediting them? I know it costs extra but after Yoni became a citizen they took his green card and he (ok, me) felt really worried about not having proof of his right to be here so we called the passport office and expedited. We also paid the $17 for FEDEX. It arrived TWO days later. It was extra $$ but worth it for peace of mind.... just a thought.

 

[dta87]

Don't know for sure, but hopefully they will accept Birth certificate for us (since we are traveling and returning before June 1, 2009), since our passports are still not back yet. Makes it hard because my married name is different than my birth name and so I am taking my marriage certificate. My DD was not born in the country so I have to bring a lot of other paperwork as well. Passports please come quickly.

From what I understand is the passcards will be good if you are traveling via land and sea between our neighbors (Canada and Mexico and the Carribean), but if you have an emergency and have to fly home it is so much easier if you have a passport book.

I know there is risk involved for us, in case of emergency, but our kids will all be travelling on BCs and IDs. Unless DCL puts in more restrictive requirements because they do not want to deal with the non-passport holder in case of emergency (or the State department changes the rules...again) even after 1 Jun a BC and ID should be sufficient since were on a closed loop cruise (leaving from/returning to the same port)

 

[lucky1]

Have you tried expediting them? I know it costs extra but after Yoni became a citizen they took his green card and he (ok, me) felt really worried about not having proof of his right to be here so we called the passport office and expedited. We also paid the $17 for FEDEX. It arrived TWO days later. It was extra $$ but worth it for peace of mind.... just a thought.

Thank you. Gives me some hope. I thought we could not do expedited after it was received in the passport office. We were not planning on the cruise when I sent in the passport renewals. I will try giving them a call and see what happens.

 

[lucky1]

Does anyone know what movies could possibly be showing while on the cruise. DH and I were talking and wondering if "UP" could be showing and in 3D as well. Not that I want to spend Cruise time in the movies, but it might be a possibility.