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

[dta87]

We got our 2nd Docs today. I guess we r going. Unless i can't get on the cruise wa passport card. does anyone know anything about this?


Mati, i'm sure yours will come soon.

Val, Don't worry you have friends for life on this thread. I can tell.

You should be fine to cruise with a Passport Card. The only time there would be an issue is if you have an emergency and have to fly home from GC, Coz, or CC. Then you would have to go through the hassle of getting an emergency passport.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/#0
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov...aqs/whti_landsea_faq.ctt/whti_landsea_faq.pdf

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I just finished it! I don't think I have ever read anything as fast! LOVED IT! But, I'm not going to read the third one until we get on vacation . . . I am worried I am missing too much good planning time with my head buried in a book! I have been such a hermit the last two days . . . I even refused to go to lunch with someone at work today so I could get reading!!

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.

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!

You sound like me. I have been lost in books since I was about 8.
Over here (it was probably the same in the US) they released all the Harry Potter books at midnight. Poor Tony!!! There we were in line at midnight to colllect mine, and then he had to try sleep with the lights on as I was up all night reading!!!

Will look out for these Sookie Stackhouse books!

As for recommendations, I don't usually read much sci-fi / fantasy stuff apart from Harry Potter and now Twilight (I am more a crime / murder girl!!) but I read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell a couple of years ago - that was sort of a grown up Harry Potter and I really enjoyed it! Its by Susanna Clarke.

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).

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!!!

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!
...

We travel next week. NEXT WEEK! I am so unready! And I keep worrying about what I will miss on here once I am gone!!!

I am British, so I need a bit of advance notice to build myself up to a hug I think you have given me enough time though, so hug away!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have talked my friend who will be on the cruise into reading them as well. Of course she is the worlds slowest reader (only finished the last Harry Potter a few months ago ) so we will have to leave her out of our chat! It will be months before she discovers the pure joy of Edward!

Warned ya! Those books are like crack!

I KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[texfinn]

I just finished it! I don't think I have ever read anything as fast! LOVED IT! But, I'm not going to read the third one until we get on vacation . . . I am worried I am missing too much good planning time with my head buried in a book! I have been such a hermit the last two days . . . I even refused to go to lunch with someone at work today so I could get reading!!

I completely understand. I finished up all 4 again in less than 2 weeks and it was almost a relief to finish them. I have so much to do. Yoni told me to try reading a book he had and I told him NO WAY. No more books until after (ok, maybe during) the cruise. But keep in mind my friend, we want to spend at least a little time with you guys so don't get too buried in the book on the boat!!!!

You sound like me. I have been lost in books since I was about 8.
Over here (it was probably the same in the US) they released all the Harry Potter books at midnight. Poor Tony!!! There we were in line at midnight to colllect mine, and then he had to try sleep with the lights on as I was up all night reading!!!

Sounds like us! And now Sabrina seems to be following in our footsteps. I caught her up late last night reading using her nightlight as her lamp......

As for recommendations, I don't usually read much sci-fi / fantasy stuff apart from Harry Potter and now Twilight (I am more a crime / murder girl!!) but I read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell a couple of years ago - that was sort of a grown up Harry Potter and I really enjoyed it! Its by Susanna Clarke.

That sounds interesting. I'll have to add it to my list of books to look for!

We travel next week. NEXT WEEK! I am so unready! And I keep worrying about what I will miss on here once I am gone!!!

OH MY! Already next week? And to think I am freaked that we leave 3 weeks from tomorrow. WOWWWWW! Don't worry on missing anything. We'll just leave you messages at the hotel when we go into Sonya-withdrawal!

I am British, so I need a bit of advance notice to build myself up to a hug I think you have given me enough time though, so hug away!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too funny. Yoni wasn't a hugger when I met him -- come on, he is a Finn! He is much more affectionate now. My kids are pretty loving. Kai will give ANYONE a hug and kiss on command.... Maybe I should stop that now before he gets too much older?


Alright -- as you can tell, still avoiding work at all costs. *sigh* Better get something done before the day is through.....talk to you all later!

 

[Bellamickey]

WOW!! I've missed so much and only been off here a couple days!!! You girls have been busy little chatters!

Ok, I will do my best to try and catch up a little, I apologize if some of this is old or I miss anyone! I love all of you


VAL- I'm so glad your back on here to check in with us. We we're all so worried about you and are still thinking of you. I'm glad that he at least doesn't have to have surgury. That's a little bit of a relief. Shawn and I will still be saying prayers for you guys in hopes that you have a magical and wonderful trip and things are ok!!

KYM- I'm sorry to hear of your news....We will be praying and thinking about you. Please keep us posted.

JORDAN- I'm glad that you, kitty and the hubby are doing better. We've missed you!!! Now get packing girly, were almost down to 3 weeks and we want our Jordan happy, healthy and ready to go!!!

ANDY- (FOR ASHLEY) and JANE- HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!!! I'm so sorry that I wasn't on here to wish my table mates a good day! I feel terrible I hope you both had a wonderful and magical day!!

MATI- My wonderful Mati I got our docs today!! They came UPS. The lable said 3 day ground. I called DCL to get the tracking number and they gave it to me. I was too impatient!! Are you packed yet!!!! Oh, and I'm a hugger too, so I guess , we will just squish eachother!!!

CINDA- Thank you so much for sending the email of the magnet. LOVE IT!! I am having trouble getting it to pull up. Is their another way to send it or anything different I can try?

SONYA- I can't believe you already leave next week!!WOW! I bet you can't wait. We will miss you on the boards BUUUUTTT, we will see you very soon in person!!! So get prepared for those hugs, your going to get lots of them!

SHAWAN- Looking foward to your next countdown reminder!! Its coming up quick. Hey, did you make a signature mat for your annversary?!

LYNSEY- Thank you for the awesome job you are doing on the mini nav. I love the layout so far. I think you did a wonderful job!!! Very detailed and helpful!! Your awesome


I hope everyone is doing well. Can't wait to meet everyone!! It's coming up quick!!!!!

 

[austin77]

LOADS of activity... I miss one day and i have to catch up!!! Holy!!! lol

I missed yesterday because the old man and I decided to go see a Toronto Blue Jays game. It was awesome and loads of fun!!

Oh my! Ashley is getting the hussel on!! Shes making me finish all the small things that I have to do before we disembark! But I don't care...


Were going on a DISNEY CRUISE!!

One qustion i have is when will we receive the schedule for our meeting...is it over the net or in person...I cant quite remember!!

Oh well, Im off to play some ball Hockey!!

 

[ottermouse]

I just finished it! I don't think I have ever read anything as fast! LOVED IT! But, I'm not going to read the third one until we get on vacation . . . I am worried I am missing too much good planning time with my head buried in a book! I have been such a hermit the last two days . . . I even refused to go to lunch with someone at work today so I could get reading!!



You sound like me. I have been lost in books since I was about 8.
Over here (it was probably the same in the US) they released all the Harry Potter books at midnight. Poor Tony!!! There we were in line at midnight to colllect mine, and then he had to try sleep with the lights on as I was up all night reading!!!

Will look out for these Sookie Stackhouse books!

As for recommendations, I don't usually read much sci-fi / fantasy stuff apart from Harry Potter and now Twilight (I am more a crime / murder girl!!) but I read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell a couple of years ago - that was sort of a grown up Harry Potter and I really enjoyed it! Its by Susanna Clarke.



We travel next week. NEXT WEEK! I am so unready! And I keep worrying about what I will miss on here once I am gone!!!

I am British, so I need a bit of advance notice to build myself up to a hug I think you have given me enough time though, so hug away!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have talked my friend who will be on the cruise into reading them as well. Of course she is the worlds slowest reader (only finished the last Harry Potter a few months ago ) so we will have to leave her out of our chat! It will be months before she discovers the pure joy of Edward!



I KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my opinion New Moon was much better than twilight. I wanted to keep on reading and reading to see what happened next. I still havent gotten the 3rd book but that will probably be what I will be reading in the car on the way to Port Canaveral. We have a 7 hour drive. I will probably get most of it done.

 

[lucyddr]

Belinda: I'm not sure why it won't open? If you have time, send me an email or PM me and I'll try to send a different file copy. Glad to see you back on the boards!


Ok....so I'm not a big hug initiator, but I will hug back. Adam is much more "cool" with hugs than me (even with strangers or people we barely know). I LOVE to talk, but am sometime a little quiet in groups.

Our last 2 Carnival roll call groups were "quiet" relative to this group! We went to the meet on the first day and everyone said "oh, you are ______" and that was pretty much it. Noone really even talked, so we felt uncomfortable and left. I'm praying this group is better (and suspect it's going to be wonderful)!

Sonya: I'm jealous of your 3 week vacation! Adam only gets 1 week off per year and I can't afford to take much more. Sometimes I wish our system was more like yours!

 

[lillygator]

hello all!!

Mati - there really is no advantage to buying the photo package (or other things you can prepay) other than to get it out of the way. I know fo rus - we will probably end up with the $300 some odd dollar package but whatever I can prepay, I love to do!

My mom and sister booked a DCL snorkel or catamaran in Key West....I think we are doing the trolley and just winging it.

 

[suezyq50]

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

We have booked with Captain Marvin's. Anyone else using Captain Marvin's?

 

[dznyacct]

Thanks JorDan! I think I may go that route but have to discuss again with Yoni. Normally I have no fear travelling alone but since Sabrina is with me and Kai is on the ship I don't want any chance of missing the ship and from what I understand, if it is a DCL excursion, they will wait for you to get back.

Come on Mati, if you do the first Island Tour with the Stingray City visit (~ 9:30 a.m. I think) you get the HUGE (OK, maybe I exagerate ) perk of being in the company of JorDan and Chad and me, Brian, Jake and Johnny !! We would love to have you and Sabrina along . ~ Kathy

 

[Disgirl83]

I am British, so I need a bit of advance notice to build myself up to a hug I think you have given me enough time though, so hug away!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's funny!!! I don't mind hugs at all, although I'm usually not the one to initiate becuase I don't know how people will response! There's always that akward first meeting of should I shake their hand, give them a hug, just say hi... hmmmm, I'm hoping my in-person awkwardness will quickly go away! I have GREAT expectations of how awesome our group is going to be on board. With it just being Jason and I, I am soo excited that it is almost like we will be having our friends join us from home (but possibly even better because my friends just don't understand the disney obsession!)

One qustion i have is when will we receive the schedule for our meeting...is it over the net or in person...I cant quite remember!!:

You mean our mini-navigator, right? I'll have printed copies for each family with me so if you see my in the terminal I can give you one then; if not I'll have them at the 3:00 pm Promenade Lounge meet. And if you still haven't caught up with me by then I'll be in room 2530 so it won't be too hard to track me down. I'm also planning on leaving a few in my FE the first day just incase. Then when we come back from the cruise I'll e-mail a copy to everyone incase you loose it or write all over it, etc. BTW your FE is great, I like the fact that all of them aren't cookie cutter, variety is the spice of life!!!

 

[krishouse]

Hi everyone!!!
Getting super excited!!
Finished my fish extender I am going to figure out how to post a picture today or tomorrow!!
I am getting overwhelmed with all of this, my 16 year old leaves on Wednesday for a trip to NYC with her school and I am so nervous!!!
I know she will be safe but it is so hard to cut those apron strings!!!

I hope everyone is well and I will have to backtrack and read all of the posts I am missing.
Have a great night .

Kristin

 

[adedward]

Sidetrack: As part of my work I teach beekeeping, and I also have a couple of hives. Today, as an offshoot of that, I got to watch/photograph the removal of a very, very big hive of bees from behind the outside wall and under the floor of a house. We found 6 queen cells and actually got to watch one queen emerge! This is the first time I have watched a cut-out. Sometimes my job is very cool. Now back to your regularly scheduled cruise programming.

 

[lucyddr]

Sidetrack: As part of my work I teach beekeeping, and I also have a couple of hives. Today, as an offshoot of that, I got to watch/photograph the removal of a very, very big hive of bees from behind the outside wall and under the floor of a house. We found 6 queen cells and actually got to watch one queen emerge! This is the first time I have watched a cut-out. Sometimes my job is very cool. Now back to your regularly scheduled cruise programming.

That's cool, though I can't say that I really understand when a queen emerges? We have a family farm in south GA and years ago when we actually grew vegetables, we would actually "rent" hives! A keeper would check on things every so often and we were happy that our plants were being pollinated! I remember being told to "stay away from those white boxes" every so often...

 

[austin77]

:
You mean our mini-navigator, right? I'll have printed copies for each family with me so if you see my in the terminal I can give you one then; if not I'll have them at the 3:00 pm Promenade Lounge meet. And if you still haven't caught up with me by then I'll be in room 2530 so it won't be too hard to track me down. I'm also planning on leaving a few in my FE the first day just incase. Then when we come back from the cruise I'll e-mail a copy to everyone incase you loose it or write all over it, etc. BTW your FE is great, I like the fact that all of them aren't cookie cutter, variety is the spice of life!!!

Yes thats what I was talking about!!! Sounds good, We will keep our eyes peeled for you in the terminal!! Thank-you for the comment about the FE!! We like it too!

Ball Hockey was Tuff! I was in goal (I didn't let TOO many in...) But im worn out!!! Ill Seep well tonight!!!

Goodnight All

 

[texfinn]

MATI- My wonderful Mati I got our docs today!! They came UPS. The lable said 3 day ground. I called DCL to get the tracking number and they gave it to me. I was too impatient!! Are you packed yet!!!! Oh, and I'm a hugger too, so I guess , we will just squish eachother!!!

Somehow Belinda -- I kind of took you for a huggie person like me! What time do you guys get to Epcot? Am thinking we may need to meet up for the drink earlier. Like Kym said, I am overplanning that night and do NOT want to miss my Epcot toast with my sweet Belinda. I figure it is our VACATION START drink right???

In my opinion New Moon was much better than twilight. I wanted to keep on reading and reading to see what happened next. I still havent gotten the 3rd book but that will probably be what I will be reading in the car on the way to Port Canaveral. We have a 7 hour drive. I will probably get most of it done.

I wish I could read in the car too. I get carsick.

Ok....so I'm not a big hug initiator, but I will hug back. Adam is much more "cool" with hugs than me (even with strangers or people we barely know). I LOVE to talk, but am sometime a little quiet in groups.

Don't worry Cinda. I can get really super shy too in crowds but don't feel like you guys are strangers so hopefully that won't happen. I am glad you hug back. I once had someone "duck out" of my hug and it left me hanging -- was very awkward. I guess, not used to that!!!! Maybe I should shake hands first unless I know for sure.....hmmmmm......

Our last 2 Carnival roll call groups were "quiet" relative to this group! We went to the meet on the first day and everyone said "oh, you are ______" and that was pretty much it. Noone really even talked, so we felt uncomfortable and left. I'm praying this group is better (and suspect it's going to be wonderful)!

That sounds just like that Royal Car. group I met. It was just odd.

Sonya: I'm jealous of your 3 week vacation! Adam only gets 1 week off per year and I can't afford to take much more. Sometimes I wish our system was more like yours!

We have a similar problem. I have 5 weeks vacation but Yoni only has 3. Our trips to Finland always get in the way (they require at least 2 weeks). I wish Yoni had at least 4 -- would make life easier!!!

Mati - there really is no advantage to buying the photo package (or other things you can prepay) other than to get it out of the way. I know fo rus - we will probably end up with the $300 some odd dollar package but whatever I can prepay, I love to do!

My mom and sister booked a DCL snorkel or catamaran in Key West....I think we are doing the trolley and just winging it.

Hi V! Hope you are having a better night than me. Thanks for the tip. I am so at a loss for what to do ahead of time. I am ready to do the unthinkable and QUIT PLANNING! I know, I know.....hard to imagine but I am getting a headache from all of the things I need to figure out!

Come on Mati, if you do the first Island Tour with the Stingray City visit (~ 9:30 a.m. I think) you get the HUGE (OK, maybe I exagerate ) perk of being in the company of JorDan and Chad and me, Brian, Jake and Johnny !! We would love to have you and Sabrina along . ~ Kathy

Kathy, that actually makes it very very tempting. I may just do that if there is still room. I am not sure how Sabrina would do with the Island tour. Also, I know, I am nuts and yes, this is why I have a headache -- am thinking about the Dolphin swim -- the big one with the push, etc, instead. More decisions....

That's funny!!! I don't mind hugs at all, although I'm usually not the one to initiate becuase I don't know how people will response! There's always that akward first meeting of so I shake their hand, give them a hug, just say hi... hmmmm, I'm hoping my in-personal awkwardness will quickly go away! I have GREAT expectations of how awesome our group is going to be one board. With it just being Jason and I, I am soo excited that it is almost like we will be having our friends join us from hope (but possibly even better because my friends just don't understand the disney obsession!)

Lynsey -- I feel the same way! We have always been looking for friends to vacation with and have zero success. I kind of feel like we are vacationing with a bunch of friends this time! I know it will work out....

I am getting overwhelmed with all of this, my 16 year old leaves on Wednesday for a trip to NYC with her school and I am so nervous!!!
I know she will be safe but it is so hard to cut those apron strings!!!

Kristin -- I can't even imagine. Sabrina had a field trip to the Texas museum today and I was a bit nervous all day. Felt relief when she walked through the door at 3. New York -- that would just freak me out!

Sidetrack: As part of my work I teach beekeeping, and I also have a couple of hives. Today, as an offshoot of that, I got to watch/photograph the removal of a very, very big hive of bees from behind the outside wall and under the floor of a house. We found 6 queen cells and actually got to watch one queen emerge! This is the first time I have watched a cut-out. Sometimes my job is very cool. Now back to your regularly scheduled cruise programming.

Sounds cool! I swell up like a balloon when I get stung like a bee so am pretty scared of them. I think it is amazing that you teach beekeeping!!!

Ok -- I am as grumpy as Simon (on AI) this evening. I think it is the allergies and the work? I am going to bed early. Talk to you all tomorrow!

 

[lillygator]

Mati-----no stress dear!! I know about planning and over planning.

honestly, I lucked out on the DIS boards, we have sailed a few times with the same group and it has been awesome!! Most all of us keep in touch either here or Facebook and we even meet frequently at WDW!!

 

[SpeedFigure]

MATI- I agree with Kathy, you are more than welcome to join us on the island tour. The more the merrier!!!

Interesting note about the bee's, I don't know anything about them besides the fact that they ALL seem to like to build nests in my Honda Civic.

ANOTHER IDEA
As for the group photo...I was thinking maybe we can all meet in the lobby on the final night (Friday) right before the deck party. I think the party is at 9:30?? So if we meet about 20-30 minutes before it begins, then we can get a great group photo! (we'll be all tan than too and not look like ghosts)
What do you all think??!?
I think we should plan a time NOW so that we are prepared and not rushing around on the ship trying to plan it all.

Maybe we should finalize all our plans by next week since some of us are already leaving...*cough*SONYA*cough* hehe
Wish I had 2 weeks in WDW...but I go to DL a few times a year, so I can't complain much. (I prefer DL over WDW...for ceratin reasons: )


Also....BOOOOOO HOCKEY!! hehe Just Kidding!!
As a figure skater, its in my blood to BOO at hockey. Sorry!

 

[SpeedFigure]

Oh yes...I'm a HUGGER!
So anyone feel free to come up and give me a hug! The hubby will go along with it too. We don't mind! I may be a bit shy at first-ish, but by the end I'll be screaming at you from across the deck to come say hi.
Also BEWARE, I sometimes get overexcited and grab onto people...So if you don't like to be smacked, arm grabbed, shaken...STAY AWAY!!! (hehe) Kathy beware on the island tour- I LOVE stingrays.....hehehe

**Funny note: During the dream jobs, there were 3 other princesses with me that were not as "CRAZY" as me...my guide said it looked like I was abusing them when I got excited. I was freaking out and only had them to share certain things with...so that sucked..but I couldn't help it- it was too awesome not too!!!**

I"m the Ultimate planner, I'm so orgainzed- my hubby loves it. I even put things in folders to organize everything- the hubs knows that if he needs any vacation info to just go look in the folder. I'm like OCD about vacations--I love them too much!
I use my spare room as a packing room, spread everything out on the bed and have it all organized..but right now we have a house 'guest' (if you can call it that). So I'm going INSANE not seeing everything laid out. I have 3 other rooms I can use, but I'm SO used to just using that 1 room for trips. OCD again!! hehe Hopefully the 'guest' will be gone soon so I can feel somewhat accomplished and ready.

 

[lillygator]

I have folders too!! and an extensive excel spreadsheet!!


getting so excited!!