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

[adedward]

Good morning to all of you infants. We both graduated in 1973, long before most of you were born apparently. But we got to enjoy the late 60s and early 70s as teenagers - peace love.

 

[1littlespark]

Just popping in to say hey to everyone. I've been really busy, between going to the dentist then trying to find food that doesn't need chewing and isn't fattening (not so easy) the past several days and trying to prepare for our trip! There really is so much to do! I can't believe it's only 20 days now! Especially since two of them will be dedicated to hanging out with my family.

Btw, I used to love the Adventurer's Club. I was very sad when PI closed, and I'm still not thrilled about it. My friends and I had many, many good times and laughs at the AC.

Just an idea for anyone who's going to be in the area prior to the cruise... keep in mind the new Make your own t-shirt Hanes shop is open in Downtown Disney (in the store that adjoins the Art of Disney). They have a ton more stuff than the disneyshopping ones. My hb and I had planned to make matching ones for our original DW vacay plan and now we definitely want to do it even more so for the cruise, since it's a 1st. We just have to figure out what day we can both get over there. They also have the create your own ear hat thing, too.

 

[1littlespark]

It seems the server I had my pic hosted on went down. I changed it to another one. Could someone who's able, edit the link on the posts with all the cruise plans & pics when they get chance? Thanks.

http://i41.tinypic.com/54j59y.jpg

 

[minniemmom]

Finally got all the materials together and made myself sit down and do it. This is my homage to the Adventurers Club.

We're 80% done with the magnets (unless I start printing some more).

That is a GREAT FE! What a good idea! Love it! We never made it to the Adventurers Club; we were in the world a couple of weeks before it closed and never made it there! I could kick myself for not going!

 

[minniemmom]

Sorry I can't remember, who all will be in the parks pre-cruise?

We will be in Epcot on pre-cruise day! Just made our ressies for Yacht Club for 1 night. Will be going to T-Rex for dinner at some point but will be in Epcot during the day and definitely for the EMH!

I will have a lime green paint chip hanging somewhere!

 

[minniemmom]

I think I finally figured out how to post a picture! WOW that was easy I never tried before!

This is my favorite picture from 2006; we look a "little" different 3 years later! We are: John-DH; Sean-DS 21 on right; Andrew DS-19 on left and I'm Kathy middle (obviously -the only female in my household!) Which brings me to another point; I took John & Sean cruise clothes shopping last weekend; boy that was fun! John hates shopping for clothes; never does it! Everyone buys him clothes for his BD, Christmas, etc., so he had no clue how much things cost!! Went to Kohl's and got great deals and he was still dropping his jaw at the register! It was pretty funny! Sean, on the other hand, loves to buy clothes and could care less of the cost! Ended up buying him a tux in the men's store he buys his suits at; got a great deal-free tailoring (Sean had the stripe down the leg removed; he doesn't like that!.) He's going to his GF's prom and believe it or not, it was cheaper to buy than rent! So, here's my next dilemma; Sean & Andrew each own a tux; John does not. John has a suit. I asked the Men's shop tailor what the difference between a tux and a suit is and he said the buttons are covered! Will anyone really notice if the 2 boys have a tux on and John has a suit on? John's willing to rent a tux for the cruise but I really hate to waste that $ (but John doesn't mind spending the $-go figure! and will wear a suit if I want him to). Sean would really rather wear his suit than the tux. I know this is long and ranting, but we are really casual dressers and they will do whatever I want them to! I will probably be wearing a dressy pantsuit-haven't shopped for that yet!

 

[minniemmom]

Our FE is finished! My wonderful SIL made this for us! We love it! All I have to do is put our pirate Mickey heads on the ends!!!

 

[Bellamickey]

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.

Hi Cinda. I'm not sure either My PC is funny sometimes. I will email ya and have you send a different file copy. Thank you so much! Your so sweet

Mati & Belinda - I don't want to bust in on your meet, but did we still want to get together a mini-meet on Friday for everyone that is in the world early? Maybe in the afternoon (we had talked about B&C) or in the evening at Epcot for EMH?


Lynsey & Belinda (and everyone else) I'm SO glad that I found this thread. I've always wanted to do a "Grand Gathering" type of vacation where you go with a large group because then you can group up/split up in various groups, but we haven't found the perfect traveling partners yet. I get a really great vibe from this group. I'm really looking forward to finally meeting all of you and getting to know you all better.


Jane

Hi Tablemate We should probably be at Epcot by about 3pm or so. We don't land until around noon. So I'm hoping we can be at Epcot by then. The good thing is, they have the EMH so we plan to stay their pretty late. I know I will be way to EXCITED to sleep!!!

I hope Shawn and I can meet up with you guys. I just hope we are their in time, because I know you all we're planning on an afternoon meet

I will attach a home depot paint chip to my bag and lanyard as well And I will be wearing black shorts with a custom VR bride to be shirt thats white with black trim around the neck and sleeves. It has mickey and minnie in the middle.
The hubby will be wearing some type of Harley shirt.

I hope I see you guys there...

Mati & Belinda--I'm glad you're both "huggy," too! Lennon gets it from me, too. I'm sure everyone wearing a wrist band will get a hug from him. A friend of his introduced him to her g'ma for the first time, and he hugged her, of course. His friend said, "Yep, he's a hugger!" I can just picture Lennon & Kai hugging everyone they run into!

Hey Val!! I completely forgot to get in on the lime bracelets. Just had so much going on here... BUT I will attach a lime green paint chip mickey to mine and shawns lanyards on the ship.... So hopefully I will still get a hug from my Val!!
and all our other friends we've met here on the boards!!

We too will be in Epcot on Friday (woohoo, 3 weeks from tomorrow !!). I would love to meet you all before the cruise, but I'm not sure if we will be able to. Thanks to my wonderful friend who works for WDW (Robyn at Yak and Yeti, formerly at Fulton's), she is getting us all one day park hoppers and she and her boyfriend are spending the day with us. We have dinner reservations at 8 p.m. at Chefs de France (Jake's FAVORITE place to eat in all of WDW , a picky eater who loves French food?!?!?!?). I know for sure that I will have my butt parked at the Off Kilter stage for at least 2 or 3 shows (yes, I am a middle aged groupie who lusts after Jamie the bagpiper, and I'm proud to admit it !!). More than likely I will be carrying my red small LL Bean backpack with a lime green ºoº Home Depot paint chip sample hanging from the front. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE come up to me/us if you see us. I'll keep up on the meeting place(s) times as the trip gets closer, in case we can meet up with everyone. Is anyone else getting butterflies when they think how close we are to this trip?!?!?!?!?

I hope to be at Epcot by 3pm. We dont land until around noon so it's hard to tell. But I'm going to sure try.
I'd really like to see all of you.. ... I know we will be their late for the EMH. I will have on a white VR bride to be mickey and minnie shirt with black trim around the arms and neck with black shorts.

Please just let me know what you guys decide

Finally got all the materials together and made myself sit down and do it. This is my homage to the Adventurers Club.

We're 80% done with the magnets (unless I start printing some more).

Oh WOW!!! I love this FE! You did a great job. I miss that club.....



Sonya -I'm glad your ready for all the huggies!! Your going to get them!!!Thanks for asking, the VR plans are coming along very quickly. I can't believe we're less than 20 days. I know you must be getting excited to!!!

Andy and Ash - I'm sorry to hear about what happened with your kitty.... I hope things get better. Sending hugs for the kitty your way

Mati - Hope all is well. Just let me know what you all decide on the Epcot meet. I will try my best to be their. I'm hoping we will be their by 3 but I'm not sure since we don't land until almost noon...

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Happy Sunday, all! I'm having a great morning so far! I just got a ~*pink*~ ipod nano as an anniversary present!! I also got a Shutterfly gift certificate, so it looks like the pix for this cruise will be in a digital scrapbook!

Two years ago today, the boys were in the Oceaneer's Club, we went to the tastings, and then got all gussied up for Palo! And that was when Justin gave me the ring that he had custom made!!

It's a drizzly day here today, just like it was 12 years ago on our wedding day. My curls went to frizz that day. We've had the strangest weather here lately. Earlier in the week we had a couple days in the 80's and then yesterday, it was SO COLD again. The boys had football games, and it was in the 30's with even colder wind chill. Luckily they were both at 9 AM instead of one at 9 & the other at 10 or 11, which is how it is every week until the season ends, so we were only out in the cold for an hour instead of 3-4 hrs. Mati--I've got a friend of a friend who just moved here from San Antonio, and she was telling me last night that it was 97 degrees there the other day, and of course, I thought of you since Austin is near San Antonio.

So now I'm going to catch up from the last few days when I didn't have time to post, so sorry if they're old replys.

I'm so glad we have so many '91ish graduates! For all the grads from the '80s, Justin is right there with you in '88! I have to admit that I didn't watch the 90210, Party of Five, Melrose Place, etc., shows because our po-dunk town didn't even get a Fox station until more mid-90s. Can you believe we still don't even have any local stations in HD?!?! Luckily we get them through our satellite. BUT, Cinda, I was a huge Friends & ER fan, too! And Seinfeld! Ahhh, Thursday nights were the BEST! Did you watch the final ER a couple weeks ago? I can't believe it's actually done now. A friend of mine posted on FB when she was watching it & said she has watched it for over half her life! Yeah, she's younger than me... Laura, I also watched Eight is Enough and LOVED it!! I was pretty young then, but I do remember it! And I always dreamed of living like Silver Spoons, too!

Amanda--just because the cruise will be over doesn't mean we can't still post here! It's not like the thread magically disappears after our cruise date! I'm expecting us to still keep chatting!

Andy--so sorry about kitty. I'm glad she's doing better so you don't have to worry about her during the trip. Who will take care of her while you're gone?

Sue--do you have any details about the cognac tasting? Time, day, etc.? It must be new since 2 yrs ago.

Chasity--so sorry about your friend. Cancer sux!! I hope you get yourself feeling better soon.


Oh, Mati, you're being too hard on yourself about calling someone by the wrong name! At least you didn't ask if someone was pregnant that doesn't want to be!!

Laura & Mati--Hudson will be done with 1st grade also by the time we cruise. He's actually going to miss the last 4 days of school. For some reason, they decided to go an extra 3 days, so when I scheduled this, I thought he'd miss the last day only, but... Laura, I also love our early end date in May, but then we start back early in August, and it seems to get earlier & earlier every year. This coming year will start August 13th!!!

Ooooh! I'm intrigued by these secret PM's!! I'm kinda nosey if you haven't gathered that by now!

Kathy (dznyacct)--what a great story about another family you met!!

Kym--I hope everything goes okay with your surgery after the cruise.

Lynsey--Wonderful Tonight is "our" song! That was the song for our first dance at our wedding. We have a live version of it on CD that's like 11 minutes long that we used that night. I'm sure everyone was wondering when it was going to end, but hey, it was our day & we used the version that we loved the most!


Oops! Too many smilies...have to cut this into two posts!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

MORE...


Jane--LOVE THE FE!!!

Tiffany--here's hoping your finals go well!!!

I think I'll have to put a LGMH on my carry-on at the terminal since I haven't decided what I'll be wearing that day yet. For those who will be at the terminal early, should we have a set meeting place after we all check in? I met up with some other DISers at the couches/TVs just on the other side of the model ship. Either there or in the couch area closer to the gangway/shop? Any other ideas?


JorDan--I hope you get rid of your annoying house "guest" soon so you have your packing room back. And speaking of "busting a seam," I couldn't believe it...I did it on Friday. I put a pair of denim capris on for the first time this season, and RIIIIIIIP. I'm just glad I was at home!

Oh Cinda, the surgery you did this weekend must have been "interesting."

Gordon--I hope you find out that you do get an OBC! Right now, I have a call into DCL because they apparently "lost" one of my OBC (only $50 but still...). I posted on the main board about it, if anyone saw it. I'm just waiting until tomorrow when I'm supposed to hear back about it. BTW, Gordon, WTG on being a brave firefighter for your community!

Kathy (dznyacct)--I was a "late bloomer" on the outgoing personality, too! Now I'll talk to anyone that wants to listen!! Justin, however, has this strange "thing" about him...complete strangers will just come up to him out of the blue & start a conversation! Our friends & I just laugh about it because he must attract conversations from people. He looks rough & tough with his beard & motorcycle, but he's really a big softy, so I always say that complete strangers want to befriend him so they don't end up on his "bad side," which he doesn't have anyway!! And WTG on the awesome fundraiser!! Can't wait to see the purple dress!

Anne--you won't be the only ones from the 70s. My mom graduated in '71, and she's coming on the cruise with us.

Robin--I got your new link up for your pic!

Kathy (minniemmom)--I got your pic up, too! LOVE IT!! Your FE is GREAT, too!!

This weekend has been a lot of cruise stuff for me. I printed off my magnets but still need to laminate. (Unfortunately, I don't have a laminating machine or even know anyone that has one, so I'll be using the "not-so-great" laminate-it-yourself stuff.) I finally got my online checkin pages printed out, and I started on my FE gifts. I didn't get as far on those as I had wanted, though. I think we'll try to go through all our clothes today to see what we need to buy yet. I also sent an email to my mom with all the PC webcams on it since she wants to see one of the ships sail away sometime. I also included a link to our cruise thread, but I doubt she or my stepdad will come check it out. Hopefully they'll surprise me, though! Hi, Mom & John, if you decide to check us out!

 

[minniemmom]

MORE...


Kathy (minniemmom)--I got your pic up, too! LOVE IT!! Your FE is GREAT, too!!

[/SIZE]

Thanks so much for putting our picture up! You do such great work for us on this board!!!!!! Our cabin numbers have changed since our original ressie; don't know if you want to change it on page 1 or not. We are now in 5629 & 5630 and also have late dining. Thanks for all you do!!!!!

 

[austin77]

Andy--so sorry about kitty. I'm glad she's doing better so you don't have to worry about her during the trip. Who will take care of her while you're gone?

Ashley's Parents will. But Sammi is a VERY independent Cat, so she wont need much more then food and water filled up!! But ya, shes doing so much better now, its amazing what a few days does...

My Kittie!!

 

[aimathy]

I hate to post something unfun...sorry! But I'm just getting really worried about that swine-flu that is spreading like crazy throughout Mexico and now the US. I am not usually a worrier with things like that...I know we can get sick going to Target or the mall. It's just that DD will only be 10 months old on the cruise and the confined space means lots of germ passing opportunities. Is anyone else concerned about this, or am I just an overly worried Mom? Sigh....

 

[texfinn]

I hate to post something unfun...sorry! But I'm just getting really worried about that swine-flu that is spreading like crazy throughout Mexico and now the US. I am not usually a worrier with things like that...I know we can get sick going to Target or the mall. It's just that DD will only be 10 months old on the cruise and the confined space means lots of germ passing opportunities. Is anyone else concerned about this, or am I just an overly worried Mom? Sigh....

Nope, you aren't the only one. I finally broke down and bought trip insurance today just in case one of us gets sick before or during the cruise and can't travel. If it is still a major scare in a few weeks, my guess is we won't go to Mexico but I guess I figure my kids could catch in school too so it won't keep me from going. I'll contact the pediatrician before we go to see if I can't get a prescription for TamiFlu before we go "just in case"......

I should also say, if I had a 10 month old I would be more worried so I understand 100% where you are coming from....

 

[Disgirl83]

Jane- Your FE is so cute and creative! DH and I went to the Adventurers Club one night on our honeymoon, but it wasn't very busy so we didn't spend a lot of time there, I bet if there would have been more people it would have been soo much more fun! We ended up spending most of the night in the comedy club.

I'll have to watch him at dinner to make sure he doesn't walk in with them- even his Wii Mii has sunglassed on its forehead hehe)

Jason's the same way. He'll probably end up wearing them in every night to dinner!!! And we always has that raccoon sun tan look with white eyes and stripes on the side, too funny.

It's soo nice here today too! It's 85 or so (which should be a record high for today) so we are having a cook out this evening for my dad's birthday and my grandparents anniversary (52nd!) it's just ironic they fall on the same day! Birthdays = cake and ice cream so it looks like I won't be sticking to a diet too good today either.

 

[lucyddr]

I hate to post something unfun...sorry! But I'm just getting really worried about that swine-flu that is spreading like crazy throughout Mexico and now the US. I am not usually a worrier with things like that...I know we can get sick going to Target or the mall. It's just that DD will only be 10 months old on the cruise and the confined space means lots of germ passing opportunities. Is anyone else concerned about this, or am I just an overly worried Mom? Sigh....

I'd be concerned with a baby as well. If you are breastfeeding still, that will help with good antibodies and all. However, I sincerely believe that Cozumel will have a lower chance of flu as long as the islanders stay in place and don't bring it in from the Mexican "mainland." If it IS discovered in Cozumel, I suspect that Disney will change their itinerary to something different. We'll certainly understand, but I'll be totally bummed if this happens as Cozumel is our "big" day at port!

Andy: Your kitty is cute!

Val: I'm sure the transcriptionist will just LOVE doing yesterday's dictations! (At least they are a little more interesting than heart failure, hypertension checks, etc...) As for ER, no I didn't see the final episode. When I started my 3rd year of medical school, I kind of lost interest in the show. That's the point where I began to "live" the show and just found the show very unrealistic to the point of getting annoyed. So, I gave it up and replaced it with Survivor! It's rare that I watch any "medical" show anymore...

Jordan: I am also curious about this "guest." You'll eventually have to fill us in on the details!

Kathy (hopefully I have your name right) with the hot legs: Congratulations on an amazing fundraiser! Sounds like your dress rocked!

Belinda: I'll wait for your email and get the file to you ASAP!

Epcot Crew: I'm a little jealous that we decided to change plans and just head to the port... Sounds like you all are going to have a great time!


Everyone: Does anyone know how close the Carnival Glory is to us at port and who sails first? My parents will be on it at the same time we are on the Magic!

Updated Cruise Plans (Changes from the First Page...)
1. Key West: Rent bikes and ride to Fort Zachary Taylor. Explore and snorkel there. Then off for FKLP (maybe with the group depending on the time) and a little ambling around the port area... (CVS for wine...) My cell is 904-318-9614 if anyone needs to call for meeting up!
2. Grand Cayman: Take a cab to Cemetary Beach and snorkel there at Cemetary Reef. From there, we will walk down 7 Mile Beach towards the ship/port and snorkel at multiple stops. (Cheeseburger Reef, Cali Shipwreck, and a couple of others I found online). This is our Palo night for now, though is subject to change based on our dining rotation.
3. Cozumel: Take a cab to Nachi Cocum for the day and do the 9am Palancar Reef snorkelling trip. We'll also be hoping to find our flavored tequilas/mezcals here.
4. CC: No plans. Just enjoy ourselves!

 

[tigger2002]

I have not posted in awhile so I thought that I would fill in some details left off of the first page. We have been busy with trying to get everything ready for when the kids move back home from college for the Summer, and get ready for the cruise. My son will be off to law school in the Fall, either Vanderbilt or Notre Dame, and my daughter will be a Junior next Fall, still majoring in Chemistry.


DIS NAME: DH Tim (48) DW Donna (48)
Kids: Nathan (22) Hannah (19)
From: Tennessee
Deck 2 / Cat. 9 (rooms 2072 and 2074) Upgraded from a Cat. 12
Previous Cruise: None
Friday Night: Residence Inn
Palo: Thursday Night (may change) and Brunch and High Tea one day
Excursions: KW-walk around, GC-Snorkeling, Reefs, and Rum Point, Coz-rent a VW, CC-Nothing planned (snorkeling and laying around)
Late dining
Celebrations: DD 20 on May 19th
Celebrations: DS graduating from college
<

 

[krishouse]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR VACATION!!!!!!
GOOD GOLLY I NEED IT!!!!!!
I hope everyone is counting down and having a good wind down to the weekend!
Kristin

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Kathy (Minniemom)- it will be great to meet you prior to the cruise! Great photo of your family. Regarding the tux's. I wouldn't worry about getting one for John. If the only difference is covered buttons, then I doubt anyone will notice.

Kathy (Dznnacct) Congratulations on the successful fundraiser! 10K for dinner - those nuns must be great cooks!!

Amy - I guess I've been living under a rock (haven't been watching or reading the news) I didn't know about the flu. I'd check with your doctor to see what she/he thinks. I agree with Mati that if there is a problem in Cozumel Disney would just change the itinerary.

Tim - welcome back!

Val - Congratulations on the anniversary and the pink iPod!!! I think designating a meeting place at the port is a great idea. Which area will be less crowded with "other" cruisers?

Andy - great kitty pic!

Thanks for all the great comments on the FE pouch. Jim was SO bummed when they announced they were going to close the clubs. He would spend every evening we where in the area. The Adventurers Club was a 30s themed bar/comedy club. There was a cast of 7 characters and they had a bunch of shows throughout the night. The best part was the characters would interact with the crowd both between and during the shows. There are a TON of videos on YouTube. I loved both the AC and the Comedy Warehouse - will miss them both this trip. Not quite sure what we will do in the evenings.

The weather is fantastic here today, probably in the 70s. I wish I were outside, but I want to pull out the clothes that I'm thinking of taking to make sure I don't need to buy anything.

Question for all you repeat cruisers. Should I plan on bringing clothes to change into after dinner? I was planning on bringing capris and short sleeve shirts for the days and a little nicer stuff for the casual dinners but was wondering if people changed into "comfy" clothes for the evenings (you know elastic waist, flowy tops) so it doesn't show the buldges from overeating at dinner).

J

 

[lucyddr]

Kathy (Minniemom)- it will be great to meet you prior to the cruise! Great photo of your family. Regarding the tux's. I wouldn't worry about getting one for John. If the only difference is covered buttons, then I doubt anyone will notice.

Amy - I guess I've been living under a rock (haven't been watching or reading the news) I didn't know about the flu. I'd check with your doctor to see what she/he thinks. I agree with Mati that if there is a problem in Cozumel Disney would just change the itinerary.

Question for all you repeat cruisers. Should I plan on bringing clothes to change into after dinner? I was planning on bringing capris and short sleeve shirts for the days and a little nicer stuff for the casual dinners but was wondering if people changed into "comfy" clothes for the evenings (you know elastic waist, flowy tops) so it doesn't show the buldges from overeating at dinner).

J

Adam is bringing a black suit with 2 or 3 different dress shirts and ties. I'm considering trying to move our Palo to Thursday, then he'd only need his 1 suit 2 times... I certainly wouldn't bother with a tux unless you just happen to already own one!

Mexico Flu: I placed a comment on the main boards on this. Please do not rush into your doctor and fill a script for Tamiflu! It's $80 per person and everyone you travel with would technically need a filled script. This drug is in limited quantities right now and should be used for prophylaxing those who are immunosuppressed travelers (babies, elderly, cancer patients, diabetics, etc) AND who have a high chance of exposure, those with the actual flu, and those who have known exposure to the flu (ie family member has it)! FWIW, I will not be bringing any for Adam and I! If we were to get it, we probably wouldn't even know until we were back in the states anyway and it just needs to be started within 40 hours of symptom onset. The CDC site is your best resource for this and they are updating it regularly.

I truly feel that if cases are found in Cozumel, we won't be going there! (I'll be totally bummed as this is the port we planned to enjoy the most!) But, the next week or so will tell...

Val: Congrats on your anniversary!

Jane: I generally like to go back to the room and change into some comfy shorts or capris for the late shows, though it depends on my mood. Just plan on doing what makes you most comfortable!