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

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Ok -- you asked for it!!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1976201

Before I start ploughing through this, is the cruise part of it Western?!

 

[texfinn]

Yes but it is a double dip so instead of KW, they went to CC first, then to GC, Coz and then again to CC.

I skipped the commentary unless something caught my eye and only read her actual TR. That still took me the better part of a day (trying to work in between of course).

It may not be that interesting to you but since I have never been on DCL, I got caught up in the pictures and every little detail as she describes it. I think what got me really caught up was how they did it all in style -- club level of WL at WDW, un-birthday cake surprise for kids, the whole event at the GF (that was a "Oh My God Honey, listen to what this gal did" moment) and of course her endless trips to the spa on DCL.

I will warn you -- she isn't done yet!

 

[texfinn]

Gorda Cay, I just found this intresting and thought I would share with my Disney friends!!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castaway_Cay

Has anyone seen this befour?

Very interesting -- thanks for sharing!

 

[indigodisney]

I read this entire trip report over the past few days - LOL - we are so funny. She was kind enough to respond to my post asking about the Alone Time at the spa/villa on the Magic, and then I just got sucked in - she is amazing with 4 kids and the planning and the special things she does. Makes me feel like a slacker But seriously, she writes really well and I enjoyed hearing about the spa treatments. Although I must say I will not be able to afford CL wilderness lodge anytime soon....but we are going for my birthday this year.

I am training for the Disney Half Marathon in January - anyone want to join me? Although if you are all going to be pregnant by then, that will be no good.

have a great sunday everyone!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Gorda Cay, I just found this intresting and thought I would share with my Disney friends!!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castaway_Cay

Has anyone seen this befour?

I hadn't read it before, I didn't know that they had a submarine in the lagoon. We weren't planning on snorkeling on the family beach, but maybe we'll have to check it out.

I'm also reading the TR. Being a Meeting Planner (and having worked with Disney planning an event) I can only imagine how much she spent on that day at the GF. It sounded like she had a fantastic planner (the one that I had for a corporate event was one of the worst hotel connections that I've ever dealt with). I'm only up to page 35, but I really am enjoying the read. Can't wait till she gets to the cruise!

It's a drizzly day here in CA and I'm thinking a perfect day for homemade soup. I REALLY need to collect our papers for taxes, but I keep getting drawn back to the computer....

 

[texfinn]

I read this entire trip report over the past few days - LOL - we are so funny. She was kind enough to respond to my post asking about the Alone Time at the spa/villa on the Magic, and then I just got sucked in - she is amazing with 4 kids and the planning and the special things she does. Makes me feel like a slacker But seriously, she writes really well and I enjoyed hearing about the spa treatments. Although I must say I will not be able to afford CL wilderness lodge anytime soon....but we are going for my birthday this year.

I am training for the Disney Half Marathon in January - anyone want to join me? Although if you are all going to be pregnant by then, that will be no good.

have a great sunday everyone!!

Ah -- so it is YOUR fault!!!! I read her response to your post on the Alone Time and that is what got me reading AND it caused me to trade in all of our other spa appts (the PT sessions, the massages) for a Couples version of the Alone Time! I don't think we could afford a lot of what she is doing (the event at GF, the CL at WL, the art on DCL) BUT, it sure was nice to read!!!!

Hmmm -- I could be convinced to do a 1/2 marathon. I have done a marathon (really really really slowly) but the 1/2 marathon may be more fun. Would be a great way to start out 2010!

 

[lucyddr]

I hadn't read it before, I didn't know that they had a submarine in the lagoon. We weren't planning on snorkeling on the family beach, but maybe we'll have to check it out.

I'm also reading the TR. Being a Meeting Planner (and having worked with Disney planning an event) I can only imagine how much she spent on that day at the GF. It sounded like she had a fantastic planner (the one that I had for a corporate event was one of the worst hotel connections that I've ever dealt with). I'm only up to page 35, but I really am enjoying the read. Can't wait till she gets to the cruise!

I PM'ed her and she told me exactly what that day at GF/MNSSHP/G1/Characters cost. It wasn't nearly as bad as Adam and I thought it would be! We figure their trip was somewhere in the region of $25-$30k, but I did not ask her about the total... I'm not sure I'd ever spend that much on a Disney vacation, but I might under very special circumstances! (Heck...we spent about that much on our wedding day, so I guess 16 days is a better investment!)

I bought lots of FE stuff today! I think I have the kids mostly covered and the adults are getting a hodge-podge of "potentially useful" things. I worked several hours on my more creative gift idea, but just couldn't figure out all of the details to make it work within my budget.

***SPOILER ALERT on KIDS' FE GIFTS- Don't read if you don't want to know what I bought the kids****************************************

Sailaway Day: Bubbles with multiple wands and little frisbees.
Another day: Small pack Disney crayons, 50 piece Disney puzzle, small thing of palydough, foam capsules that grow in water (these are NOT pills!), and a page of Disney stickers.

I will still probably add some candy or other trinkets as well, but I'll wait until the trip gets closer for that!

 

[Bellamickey]

Just bought my fish extender off Ebay!! WOO-HOO!! For anyone who hasn't gotten theirs yet, they have added a few more on Ebay. Just type in FE under search and they come up. Some really cute Mickey ones!!!

Those are really awesome gifts for the kiddos LUCYDDR! They are going to love them

Shore excurison questions? (I'm getting ready to book, Finally)

Is anyone going on these? Boatwains Adv. Marine Park
Fury Cat. Sail, Snorkel and Beach Party

 

[texfinn]

Just bought my fish extender off Ebay!! WOO-HOO!! For anyone who hasn't gotten theirs yet, they have added a few more on Ebay. Just type in FE under search and they come up. Some really cute Mickey ones!!!

Those are really awesome gifts for the kiddos LUCYDDR! They are going to love them

Shore excurison questions? (I'm getting ready to book, Finally)

Is anyone going on these? Boatwains Adv. Marine Park
Fury Cat. Sail, Snorkel and Beach Party

Woo Hoo! Isn't that a good feeling? I ordered mine Friday night. There are 3 people making them on ebay. I contacted them all and then worked with one to get one made the way I wanted. Hopefully it comes out! I was excited, one thing to cross off of my list!

Loucinda -- the FE gifts sound FABULOUS! I have bought crayons for the kiddos as well and will also have a coloring book for them. I have other things for the girls but not yet for the boys. The kids are so much easier to get than the adults!!! Especially the girls -- I could buy a million things for them. I am still at a loss on what to get the adults but figure inspiration will strike me over the next couple of weeks!

Sonya -- I am still wanting to book that Med cruise. I might just do it. Did you call DCL? I am thinking I could book for the 2 of us with the 1/2 deposit deal and then transfer onboard for add'l discount and OBC. I could add the kids later if I want right?

Ok, back to the Oscar's. Have a good night everyone!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Woo Hoo! Isn't that a good feeling? I ordered mine Friday night. There are 3 people making them on ebay. I contacted them all and then worked with one to get one made the way I wanted. Hopefully it comes out! I was excited, one thing to cross off of my list!

Sonya -- I am still wanting to book that Med cruise. I might just do it. Did you call DCL? I am thinking I could book for the 2 of us with the 1/2 deposit deal and then transfer onboard for add'l discount and OBC. I could add the kids later if I want right?

Ok, back to the Oscar's. Have a good night everyone!

I'm so happy for you that you have ordered your FE! Can't wait for mine to arrive! What characters / theme did you go for?

I didn't call DCL, I booked it on the website. I have made so many international calls ringing the US the last couple of weeks to rearrange ADR's that I thought Tony's head may explode if I did it again!! It was really simple and I got the half price deposit. Have just gone for category 11 for now to make sure I have something secured. Can maybe look at upgrading later if money looks OK (I think the excursions are going to be quite expensive!!). We have booked August 7th as we figured weather would be hottest then (we are from the UK . . . We deserve heat for at least 2 weeks a year!!! ).

I had a bit of luck yesterday - my travel agent has refunded the cost of my Disney 14 day park tickets. They say it is because there was an offer on when I booked, but I'm pretty sure there wasnt! Not going ot complain though as it has pretty much covered the cost of the deposit!

I have taken the day off work today - have a stinking cold and no voice. Going to spend the day catching up on trip reports and judging the Oscar dresses!!

 

[texfinn]

I'm so happy for you that you have ordered your FE! Can't wait for mine to arrive! What characters / theme did you go for?

I didn't call DCL, I booked it on the website. I have made so many international calls ringing the US the last couple of weeks to rearrange ADR's that I thought Tony's head may explode if I did it again!! It was really simple and I got the half price deposit. Have just gone for category 11 for now to make sure I have something secured. Can maybe look at upgrading later if money looks OK (I think the excursions are going to be quite expensive!!). We have booked August 7th as we figured weather would be hottest then (we are from the UK . . . We deserve heat for at least 2 weeks a year!!! ).

I had a bit of luck yesterday - my travel agent has refunded the cost of my Disney 14 day park tickets. They say it is because there was an offer on when I booked, but I'm pretty sure there wasnt! Not going ot complain though as it has pretty much covered the cost of the deposit!

I have taken the day off work today - have a stinking cold and no voice. Going to spend the day catching up on trip reports and judging the Oscar dresses!!

Good Morning! (or Good Afternoon -- depending on where you are!).

Our FE is a simple Mickey one -- I couldn't get the kids to agree and somehow doing Ariel (my favorite) probably wouldn't work so I stuck with just a classic Mickey Head. It will be simple -- but then, we are simple family!

Ok, so maybe I will book it on DCL. Thinking of booking it using my side business cash so need to wait for the credit card cycle to cut so it goes into next month's bill. I think we will stick with a cat 6 because in the end, I think that is what we will need.

I looked at the Aug 7th sailing but was worried that a lot of shops and such would be closed due to summer holiday. It was my experience that folks took July off in Northern Europe and August off in Southern Europe as their summer holiday. Is that not the case?

We honeymooned in Crete that time of year and it was hot but bearable. I am really going back and forth on it. If I decide to take the kids, I will want it in August so they won't miss school (I feel badly about the 6 days they will miss this May). Hmmmmm....so much to consider.....

Sonya -- I hope you feel better soon. You have been struggling with this cold for awhile now. Get some rest and enjoy looking your judging -- I thought some of the Oscar dresses were hideous!

Ok -- off to take the kids to school and get some groceries. Happy Monday everyone.

 

[indigodisney]

I have taken the day off work today - have a stinking cold and no voice. Going to spend the day catching up on trip reports and judging the Oscar dresses!!

Sounds like an awesome day to me!!! Hope you feel better soon - I thought the Oscar's last night were the best show in many years.

The MED cruise sounds wonderful!!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

I just found out that the Idol finale definitely is while we're on our cruise!! My friend just sent me an email about a sweepstakes for a trip to the finale, and it says "Winner must be available to travel May 18-21, 2009." Boooooooohoooooo!!! HOW ARE WE GOING TO VOTE?!?!?!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I looked at the Aug 7th sailing but was worried that a lot of shops and such would be closed due to summer holiday. It was my experience that folks took July off in Northern Europe and August off in Southern Europe as their summer holiday. Is that not the case?

Sonya -- I hope you feel better soon. You have been struggling with this cold for awhile now. Get some rest and enjoy looking your judging -- I thought some of the Oscar dresses were hideous!

.

To be honest I don't know much about mainland Europe . . . apart from a few short trips we never go - America always draws us back - we love it!!! The only reason we are doing Europe at last is that at least it will be part-American as its with Disney!! We felt that before we have a baby we should at least see a bit of our own continent and appear well-travelled to him / her !! I know all the shops shut in the afternoon for siestas, but I have never heard of them shutting completely . . . but I could be wrong! School holidays in the UK are August, so that's when most families tend to head to Europe.

Thanks for your wishes . . . I haven't had a cold since last May but this one has completely knocked me out!

FINALLY finished reading that mega-long trip report that was recommended a couple of pages back. I just feel like an inadequate wife now!!! I have organised a surprise cake at California Grill for Tony, and the DCL Robes and Champagne to be waiting in our stateroom, and I thought that was quite thoughtful. Now however I feel I should have Belle in the stateroom for him ready to pour the champagne!!!!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Sounds like an awesome day to me!!! Hope you feel better soon - I thought the Oscar's last night were the best show in many years.

The MED cruise sounds wonderful!!

Can I just say how dull Angelina Jolie looked, and how pleased I am she didn't win!! HOME WRECKER!! Brad must be crazy!!!! Yes, I can hold a grudge a very long time!!

 

[lucyddr]

I'm going to probably order some customized FE gifts for the adults tonight. Here's the problem, the number of characters is VERY limited! If I wrote:

KLP on the WC!
Disney Magic
May 16-23, 2009

would you all know what it means? I can only do 14 characters, which makes things EXTREMELY difficult!

If it works, I'll put the order in sometime by the weekend!

 

[indigodisney]

Can I just say how dull Angelina Jolie looked, and how pleased I am she didn't win!! HOME WRECKER!! Brad must be crazy!!!! Yes, I can hold a grudge a very long time!!

Hahaha - you are so funny. I personally can't stand Jennifer Aniston so I found the whole thing rather interesting and she seemed nervous when she was presenting.

It was entertaining

 

[texfinn]

Hahaha - you are so funny. I personally can't stand Jennifer Aniston so I found the whole thing rather interesting and she seemed nervous when she was presenting.

It was entertaining

You guys are both too funny. I think it was the first time I have seen Jennifer Aniston in an audience with both Brad and Angelina. I think they are all beautiful people but I have to say, what was with Angelina's jewelry? It was OVER THE TOP so much so that to me and DH (yes, my wonderful DH sat and watched the entire thing with me and even pointed out the jewelry) that is looked like something the kids would get out of a machine!

I hated Nicole Kidman's dress the most -- kind of funky looking. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Hugh Jackman was very entertaining! I never reallyl cared much for Anne Hathaway but she was really funny and good last night!

Yes -- I am a Hollywood geek. I still have stars in my eyes. When I grow up, I will be a movie star! (at least that is what I tell my DD)

Lucyddr -- it works for me and can't imagine folks won't figure it out. Personalized FE gifts -- you are setting the bar high. I am still at a loss. Better start thinking fast!!!!

Ok, so now we are re-thinking plans again. I am thinking of staying Th/F nights before the cruise at the Swan too since we can stay there for free. I am thinking it will be easier for me and the kids to hang out there than it will be for us at Cocoa Beach. Anyone ever stay there? What do think? Will it be ok for me and 2 kids if we don't visit a park that day? If DH gets the day off we will go visit Epcot or HS but dont yet if he has to work from the hotel room or not.

Back to clean the kitchen....*sigh*....I'll bet Angelina and Jennifer don't have to clean up after they cook!

 

[indigodisney]

I hated Nicole Kidman's dress the most -- kind of funky looking. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Hugh Jackman was very entertaining! I never reallyl cared much for Anne Hathaway but she was really funny and good last night!


Ok, so now we are re-thinking plans again. I am thinking of staying Th/F nights before the cruise at the Swan too since we can stay there for free. I am thinking it will be easier for me and the kids to hang out there than it will be for us at Cocoa Beach. Anyone ever stay there? What do think? Will it be ok for me and 2 kids if we don't visit a park that day? If DH gets the day off we will go visit Epcot or HS but dont yet if he has to work from the hotel room or not.
QUOTE]

I was laughing because I thought that Nicole Kidman and Raquel Welch were plastic surgery nightmares...wonder why some people in Hollywood have work done and look great - Demi Moore comes to mind and probably Michelle Pffeifer...but Nicole Kidman can hardly move her face properly. I am not against it - it just seems like those two were extreme.

I love hearing that people hated Jessica Biels' dress...it did look like she was wearing a napkin...if you haven't checked out this gossip site - try: Lainey Gossip, she's Canadian and hilarious: http://www.laineygossip.com

I think if you stay at the Swan/Dolphin you will have a blast, nice pools and they have the whole boardwalk area to explore, which is so much fun. I stayed there for a conference. You could also take the resort bus and do Disney mini-golf and go to Downtown Disney.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Hollywood gossiping with you lovely ladies today

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

I had a bit of luck yesterday - my travel agent has refunded the cost of my Disney 14 day park tickets. They say it is because there was an offer on when I booked, but I'm pretty sure there wasnt! Not going ot complain though as it has pretty much covered the cost of the deposit!

I have taken the day off work today - have a stinking cold and no voice. Going to spend the day catching up on trip reports and judging the Oscar dresses!!

Congratulations on the refund of your ticket price!! That is great news.

Sorry you are feeling under the weather. I had a terrible cold the beginning of the month and while I feel better I still have an occasional cough and if I talk a lot my voice starts to go. Guess it's the universe telling me to shut up.

I'm going to probably order some customized FE gifts for the adults tonight. Here's the problem, the number of characters is VERY limited! If I wrote:

KLP on the WC!
Disney Magic
May 16-23, 2009

would you all know what it means? I can only do 14 characters, which makes things EXTREMELY difficult!

If it works, I'll put the order in sometime by the weekend!

Ohhh sounds cool to me. I'd definately remember what it stood for.

Ok, so now we are re-thinking plans again. I am thinking of staying Th/F nights before the cruise at the Swan too since we can stay there for free. I am thinking it will be easier for me and the kids to hang out there than it will be for us at Cocoa Beach. Anyone ever stay there? What do think? Will it be ok for me and 2 kids if we don't visit a park that day? If DH gets the day off we will go visit Epcot or HS but dont yet if he has to work from the hotel room or not.

I haven't stayed at either the Swan or Dolphin but agree with Indigo that you will have a blast. The Boardwalk, mini-golf, pools, water parks, renting those surey bikes, or a boat come to mind as activites that you could do with the kids while DH works.

I think if you stay at the Swan/Dolphin you will have a blast, nice pools and they have the whole boardwalk area to explore, which is so much fun. I stayed there for a conference. You could also take the resort bus and do Disney mini-golf and go to Downtown Disney.

I spent my lunchtime today trying to design my FE. I think I've decided on what I want it to look like (not your traditional design). I then went to Michaels to see if I could find some materials and instead I was able to find some materials for my FE gifts (and another little something). I'm just so stoked that I'm finally figuring this out.

I also was in Sears again tonight and saw a bunch of pirate accessories. I didn't buy anything, but I may go back.

I'm getting more and more excited about this trip. I too have been reading the Amazing trip report and feel less than adequate. Just makes the Happy Birthday decorations that I did for DS during the cruise last time just seem rinky dink. I guess if I want to do something amazing for Jim I better start thinking. Unfortunately I don't have any budget to work with. Hmmm, would getting him a pillowcase signed by all the characters make him feel special? Doubt it.

If I had a blank check I know exactly how I'd celebrate, but unfortunately we aren't even buying lottery tickets so there's no way we'll be coming into that kind of money.

Back to reading the TR. Only up to page 35.

Jane