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

[lillygator]

DH said to to Palo Brunch on KW day - he wants his full time there....(he has opened and closed brunch before )

Has anyone driven in KW before? The driving there can be kind of crazy and the streets are a bit narrow and parking is kind of a pain to find sometimes, not to discourage you but something to think about.
I still can't decide what to do there......

checked my reservation today to see if by chance our dining had changed, no such luck.

ETA - on the FE's, are we gearing for family gifts, kids, adults or all around what ever goes?

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Oops! I just realized I was off a week for the 90-day mark! Sorry! It's not until NEXT weekend, Feb 15th. I hope I didn't confuse anyone!

 

[jhart901]

Okay we (I sould really say I am) planning (or trying to ) which days to do Palo dinner, brunch, and spa. But I am in need of help. Which days are the formal night, semi formal night, and pirate night . I have looked all over and can't seem to find it. Besides I am really supossed to be entering documentation for my clients. Darn work don't they know I have to plan this vacy. Sad I know. If i worked at home I don't think I would ever get anything done. Work at home there is a thought no having to drive or stop researching for the trip for meetings. I may have to look into this maybe start a business selling FEs, would call it something Fishy .

Can any one tell I really don't want to do work today.

texfinn tell your daughter (who is adorable by the way) that Jalen is not ignoring her. He has not been allowed to use the computer because he has not been completeing his homework.

Okay back to the real world for me. Nooooooooo!!!

 

[lillygator]

formal night Monday
semi formal Thursday
pirates Wed

sometimes they change up Pirates though.

 

[texfinn]

Okay okay okay --- I know I am supposed to be working but I finished that ppt, ran over to Target for last minute items for Vegas and now am eating a late lunch --- so, wouldn't be working anyways right?

Not sure how to quote if I don't press the quote button so I am going to call out my responses instead of do the cool quote thingy. I may work for a software company but that doesn't mean I am a computer expert

Ok, so ...

Lillygator -- I don't think they will let either of the kids swim with the dolphins. I think you have to be 8 and my DS is 4 and DD is 7. Still debating the whole thing because honestly, would love to be selfish and do the cooking thing but can't imagine leaving the kids alone on the ship for that long.

Hudson5&Lennon3 -- I have the exact same routine! I get kids up, drop them off, eat bkfst reading posts and before I know it is is 10 -- oops! Am getting better as I have read a ton now.

If I get the flight I want, we arrive at @10:45 at night so yes, it will be late. I guess it all depends on if we want to spring for the Hyatt or stay for free at the Four Points (starwood points). It will stink driving there late but then I guess we can really be lazy in the am. My DH is going to work out of the hotel (not enough vacation) so me and kids will hang at the beach and pool. I really hope the shuttle launches and lucky you for having an uncle that works there -- VERY VERY COOL!!!! My DH would just die to get up that close. Of course DS and DD are into all that too. I guess I need to change my flights before I decide on all of that.

I keep waiting for my Passporter to arrive (ordered the 2008 one) and every time the door rings I jump but so far just my passport (got it renewed) and a pkg from EAH. Oh well, should save it anyways for my trip!

lillygator -- I can't imagine keeping up with a board that active. This has been good for me. I don't think we have a count on FE. I was wondering if we put a cut off at some point? When would we have the final count? I need to think about that. I really need to think about our FE. Oh well, after Vegas....

lucyddr -- didn't think about that for brunch on KW day. I don't think that will be a problem for us -- my DH doesn't eat sweets (I know, you gasped right? I am still amazed). I am the one who will want to fit in the KL on a stick and I am sure I'll find the space. Good luck with the taxes. I am too scared to look. I"ll deal with that ..... after Vegas

jhart901 -- you crack me up. You are right, it can be hard WFH but, I will say, I work all hours (it is terrible). It allows me to be home when DD gets off of school so I don't have to put her in daycare. That is nice but I do miss dressing up sometimes. I'll let Sabrina know about the email response. She asks every day and is LOVING it. I can tell you that she won't be on email while I am gone. Her email is on my laptop and I think I am taking it with me to Vegas.

Ok, back to work -- one more meeting and one more project left for the day.

 

[lillygator]

http://www.dolphinaris.com/Dolphin-Swim-Ride/

this one is a requirement on 4 ft tall and not an age limit. I know I saw one somewhere that my kids could have done.....can't remember which port, but my girls are about the same age as your children. The 4 year old might have been a kiss and interaction and not the swim, dorsal thingie

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

"I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance!"

Actually I'm going to be saving a ton of money on my trip insurance!! I decided to check out policies other than the DCL policy, and through Access America, I'm saving $252 by calling them direct. Over the phone, they offer a "kids free with paying adult" deal. Instead of $336 for the cruise plus $60 for the air, they're both covered under one policy for $144!!! When I booked the flights, I bought the ins that was offered and just happened to be looking at the confirmation email as I was calling AA, and they were insuring the flights anyway, so she said they would cancel the flight policies and combine it with the cruise. Now I need to have my TA cancel the ins on the cruise, which can be done until March 2nd (75 day mark). I was posting on another thread with Q's about ins, and it was mentioned about being refunded within 10 days, but I was told on the phone today that as long as it's before final pmt date, it can still be refunded. So if anyone else has PIF and was wondering about changing to a less expensive policy, there's still time!

 

[lucyddr]

I've also read about the parking "issues" in Key West, so that is a factor. However, I doubt parking down at this fort will be much of an issue (though I do intend to verify that). Otherwise, we'll just cruise the side streets and enjoy the day. We've both been to Key West before, so we won't be parking to enter the Hemmingway House, aquarium, etc. However, we'll see... I may change my mind a few more times... (I just LOVE snorkelling, so this seems to be a good option for us.)

In GC, we will probably walk down towards 7 mile beach and snorkel at Calli Wreck. After that, we'll play the rest of the day by ear. If money is no option, we may do the jet ski tour to some snorkel sites.

On our last cruise, we spent over $1300 on private excursions (for the 2 of us). While they were amazing, they were also exhausting. I'm trying to keep this trip a little less "structured" and more spontaneous. Since we've been to the ports before, we aren't trying to "see it all' so to speak.

I do have a FE suggestion: Can we wait for final payment time to solidify the list? That gives folks some leeway and once we are all PIF, the odds of someone coming off the list are slim. I know I won't commit to anything until taxes are filed (this is my first time dealing with "corporate" taxes on top of usual stuff) and March 1 has past. (I will PIF by the 15th, but still won't guarentee we'll make the trip... My new office opens Feb. 16, so we'll have a better guage by March 1.) On March 2 though, I'm ordering my FE, booking the Radisson and maybe a post-stay at the Dolphin, and getting into travel mode!

 

[lucyddr]

Texfin....

I lived in Vegas from 08-07 to 08-08! We still have friends there and know lots of restaurants and shows to recommend. I also know several physicians there should you need them for anything (hopefully not)! PM me if you have questions or problems there. Have a GREAT time!!!

 

[austin77]

WE GOT A PACKAGE IN THE MAIL FROM DCL!

We opened it and theres a large booklet with tones of info in it regarding the excursions, a few tips, a booklet of gifts you can buy, a large booklet of info about setting sail, and info about formalwear!

This is so exciting!! All this means is were getting closer!!

 

[indigodisney]

we received our package too!!

Have settled on excursions too -

Key West - nothing, walking around
GC - rented a car to see the island
Cozumel - ruins of some kind

Going to be so much fun. Not sure that we will do PALO - the last thing I need is more food - is it really that good? I am dieting right now in anticipation of this trip.

lilygator, thanks for posting what is happening each evening, I can never seem to find that information when I need it either.

 

[texfinn]

http://www.dolphinaris.com/Dolphin-Swim-Ride/

this one is a requirement on 4 ft tall and not an age limit. I know I saw one somewhere that my kids could have done.....can't remember which port, but my girls are about the same age as your children. The 4 year old might have been a kiss and interaction and not the swim, dorsal thingie

OOOHHHH!!!! Thank you! I will research this tonight! It looks like they could both ride and DD is taller than 4 ft (I think) so it is really just DS and I don't mind going with him.....of course -- this is over $300 for the three of us, hmmmmm we'll see. Thanks for the tip!

 

[texfinn]

Texfin....

I lived in Vegas from 08-07 to 08-08! We still have friends there and know lots of restaurants and shows to recommend. I also know several physicians there should you need them for anything (hopefully not)! PM me if you have questions or problems there. Have a GREAT time!!!

Thanks Lucyddr! We are staying at the JW Marriott Fri-Mon and then the Venetian from Mon-Tues. Any good (reasonable) restaurant suggestions would be GREAT!

I'll have my laptop with me so if I get ill, I'll PM you for a dr referral! Thanks for the offer! Hopefully the only issue I will have is with being too tired in the morning after a night of fun fun fun!!!!

 

[lucyddr]

Thanks Lucyddr! We are staying at the JW Marriott Fri-Mon and then the Venetian from Mon-Tues. Any good (reasonable) restaurant suggestions would be GREAT!

I'll have my laptop with me so if I get ill, I'll PM you for a dr referral! Thanks for the offer! Hopefully the only issue I will have is with being too tired in the morning after a night of fun fun fun!!!!

First off, I lived about 2 miles from the JW Mariott! (We lived just off W. Sahara, across the street from Red Rock Resort.) I do NOT recommend the buffet at the JW! It's fairly pricey and not very good at all! The roulette table in their little casino is really nice, and it's where I learned to play the game with friends. Warm memories...

Ok...Here are some Vegas dining recs:
1. Capriottis Subs: These are all over town. They are affordable and wonderful. Try the "Bobbie." It's basically Thanksgiving on a bun...weird, but amazingly good!
2. Just one block behind Ballys/Paris is the Super 8 Motel with an attached restaurant called Ellis Island. This little restaurant has a $4 steak breakfast that is pretty amazing for the price! It also has pretty good $1 microbrews!
3. For a "different" buffet experience, try the buffet at Paris. It's beautiful and has great French foods. They have made-to-order crepes (way better than WDW resort crepes), French cheeses, breads, deserts, etc. It's about $30pp for dinner and a little cheaper at breakfast.
4. The Orleans hotel has a good buffet for about $25 pp, which serves seafood on the weekend. (This was featured on the Travle Channel this year as one of the best places in Vegas for the price.) The Rio seafood buffet is $42 pp, and really not that great (don't get sucked into this one). The Rio Carnival buffet is pretty good, and about $25pp.
5. For "fun" desserts and buffet, we really liked Planet Hollywood. It's about $30pp, but has mini candy apples, cotton candy, chocolate dipped strawberries, etc. at the dessert bar. It also has a bar where they put all kinds of things into a mashed potato..very tasty!
6. For "fine" foods at a cheaper cost (think Kobe beef, king crab legs that are already split, oysters, huge bioled shrimp, and high end meats), the Bellagio buffet is amazing. BUT...you have to go on Friday or Saturday night for the high-end foods. It's about $45pp, but that's WAYYYY cheaper than a sit down restaurant with Kobe beef, etc!
7. Out near "Old Vegas" is a little locals casino called Jerry's Nugget. They usually run some cheap dinner special, which is currently Steak and Shrimp for $7.85 (includes potato, bread, and salad). The food there is really good, the desserts are reasonably priced and amazing, and the gambling is good for those who want to gamble cheaply (ie $0.50 Roulette, $1 Blackjack, etc.).

Obviously, there are billions of restaurants in Vegas. I'd say Jerry's and Capriottis were our favorites as far as affordability goes. If you want to go all out, go to the Eiffel Tower. It's fantastic! (But costs about $150pp by the time you leave the restaurant. ) The Emeril restaurant in the Venetian/Pallazo complex is also amazing, but pricey. I have a buddy who works there!

Hope this helps! The Cirque de Soleil shows are amazing, but very pricey! I don't know the group you are with and what their tolerance are, but Vinnie Favorito has a good (warning....very offensive...) show for a reasonable price.

If you have a car, you might want to go out to Red Rock Canyon. It's only about 10 miles from the JW, and it's really a beautiful place. The hikes are great and it's sometimes nice to get out of the rat race for awhile!

Have a great and safe time! Don't go anywhere alone at night though (sorry, but it can be a little dangerous)!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Wow! You're really making me want to go to Vegas!

 

[lillygator]

what package are you guys talking about??

 

[indigodisney]

Hi Lillygator, just the little portfolio that has booklets on excursions, tips, insurance, tux rental, etc. Did you get that yet? There is also a letter with it that tells you when you can book everything.

 

[Disgirl83]

Oooh Vegas, now i'm wanting to plan a trip back. We've stayed at Treasure Island, MGM Grand, and Paris. We're a sucker for all the buffets.I'd also recommend Paris' and the Rio's. Yum-o!

I'd be fine with waiting for a FE count until the PIF date? We've already paid so when is that date? I'm also thinking about ordering something so a count ahead of time would really help out.

I know I asked this a few posts back but I'm going to bring it up again. Did we ever decide if we were going with a group name? I'm still totally interested!

I wish I was able to read the disboards all day, but my company has a block on that!

 

[indigodisney]

I can't remember if we have a group name or not....good question.

I love Las Vegas too - we were married there....MGM Grand

 

[shasess]

Disgirl - "The KLP" name from the previous post sounds fine to me. Did any one else have any other suggestions?


How "dressy" are you ladies planning on getting for formal night? I found some really pretty dresses over the weekend but I can't seem to decide if I want to do a full length dress or not. My DH will probably wear a suit and tie but not a tuxedo. Does anyone have any pics of formal night from a previous cruise?


I have never been to Vegas but DH and I REALLY want to plan a trip there. I'll have to remember this thread when we start planning.