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

[tigger2002]

We have decided to fly down instead of driving which means we will get in Florida on Thursday. The flight on Allegiant air is $19 one-way, so we figured we could not drive down for that cheap. Of course Allegiant adds several things onto the cost such as $30 for each checked bag.

We will be staying one night at the Boardwalk Villas one bedroom. We normally stay at the Beach Club Villas but it is full. If you guys have never stayed at the Beach Club or any of the Villas they are the BEST and one of the cheapest way to stay at Disney.

We love the area around the Beach Club. You can walk right over to EPCOT. That entire area around the Boardwalk and Swan area is very nice. There is a very nice Putt-Putt course across the street from the Swan. We are going to go to EPCOT for one day and then drive to Cape Canaveral to spend one night at the Residence Inn. May is when the "International Flower and Garden Show" is at EPCOT.

<

 

[texfinn]

WOW -- that is CHEAP!!!

Ok, I am convinced, if I can make the changes to the reservations we will stay at the Swan instead of the Four Points. I think we will stay there both nights (Thurs & Fri) and then drive to the port on Sat am.

As for the long TR -- I was just hooked on all that she did for her family. The TR was full of nice "dreams", maybe someday, if we were stinky filthy rich? For now, DH & the kids will have to settle on baskets from Shilrley (and I thought that was a splurge!).

Jane -- sounds like you have a good idea on the FE. Want to share any ideas with me? I am STUCK!!!! I am asking everyone I see for ideas......I better figure something out or you will all end up with chewing gum or q-tips or something.

Ok, off to take the kiddos to school and then working from the office today

Happy Tuesday!

 

[austin77]

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!

Im not 100% Sure what KLP stands for.... sorry!!!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

I feel so out of sorts since I haven't been around much. My few shorts posts just aren't satisfying my DIS addiction. I'm still lurking, though!! I always think I'll post later when I have more time, but then that "more time" never comes. Doesn't "life" know I have a Disney cruise to plan and my DIS peeps to mingle with?!?!
I'm reading "the amazing TR" also, but I'm only up to day 2, something like pg 7 or so--just after the not-so-VIP cleaning. And the rude comment to her in her own TR! I actually read it while I was on my elliptical yesterday!! It was too simple to be able to surf & exercise at the same time! (I didn't even attempt to type/post anything...that's why I chose to read the TR!)

Facebook has been completely ignored lately, too. I'm anxious to get back onto Cinda's FB page to see the new office!! (I must have missed it before.) Maybe later today...nope, make that maybe tomorrow.

My AAA TA was able to give us a nice little surprise yesterday! Because we went to a Disney presentation a couple weeks ago and have a vacation planned, we got a free Disney sketch--one for us & one for my mom & stepdad! I picked them up yesterday, and they are so cute!! I chose the only Mickey one for my mom (I wish there were two, though!!), and ours is Siemba. The other choices were Donald, Thumper, and Dopey, but (other than Mickey) I thought the boys would be more excited about Siemba.

All this baby planning talk is reminding me of how our "plan" for having children was disrupted. Here's some pixie dust for everyone who is making their plan! Believe me, I wouldn't wish infertility on my worst enemy. It took us 3 1/2 years and multiple doctors (and TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars!) to succeed in getting Hudson. Even though they're less than 22 months apart, we tried for nine months for Lennon. Because of our track record, we figured we needed help again to hopefully get another baby. And just as we're waiting for an appt with the reproductive endocrinologist again, Lennon surprised us! Soooooo...pixie dust to everyone who's planning! I hope it all goes your way!


I haven't decided for sure yet, but I'm thinking I might have to gracefully bow out of the FE fun. Seeing how everyone is getting theirs done/bought and already doing gifts, I just can't seem to find the time. I think I'd still like the list updates so I can go around and see everyone's FE in all their glory, but I don't think we'll have one. But I haven't decided for sure yet.

I thought that Nicole Kidman and Raquel Welch were plastic surgery nightmares

So, Cinda, what does our very own plastic surgeon think of them?!?!

The flight on Allegiant air is $19 one-way, so we figured we could not drive down for that cheap. Of course Allegiant adds several things onto the cost such as $30 for each checked bag.

HOLY BUCKETS!! WTG!!

 

[indigodisney]

Val - just wanted to say that we tried for 3 years for our miracle and we are very blessed to have her. She will be 6 this May and she will be an only child. I also wish all of those here who want to start their families an easy time, infertility is just horrible.

Indigo

 

[Bellamickey]

All this baby planning talk is reminding me of how our "plan" for having children was disrupted. Here's some pixie dust for everyone who is making their plan! Believe me, I wouldn't wish infertility on my worst enemy. It took us 3 1/2 years and multiple doctors (and TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars!) to succeed in getting Hudson. Even though they're less than 22 months apart, we tried for nine months for Lennon. Because of our track record, we figured we needed help again to hopefully get another baby. And just as we're waiting for an appt with the reproductive endocrinologist again, Lennon surprised us! Soooooo...pixie dust to everyone who's planning! I hope it all goes your way!

Val,
Boy we do have alot in common!
Shawn and I have been trying for a little over 8 years now.....and have tried infertility pills a couple times. I got frusterated and just gave up....It hurts sometimes and I cry when I see cute babystuff.....but we have excepted it and are happy for now. Our Harley is our baby girl!!!! I'm so glad that you and your hubby we're blessed with a beautiful family.

Hey Everyone! I have a FE question, do we put gifts in their for each day or do we pick certain days to distribute them? FE shopping is so much fun!!!

Val,
How are your kiddos with harley stuff? Do they love it to? My Inquiring mind needs to know!!!!

 

[lucyddr]

I'm sorry. I have been so SWAMPED in the new office that I didn't even see the Oscars or whatever was on. I trained in Vegas and can tell you that just because the surgeon's office is in Beverly Hills, does NOT mean they are good at what they do! We saw tons of Beverly Hills disasters last year. We fixed two of the patients in our practice who were treated by the doc who did Kanye West's Mom's surgery (she died for those who didn't know). My boss was featured in a story on 2 women and I was in the OR with him...so we were Inside Edition stars last year! (I still have the DVD!) There are tons of stars with bad results though...I notice them all the time. I'll check out Nicole Kidman next time she's on TV... I think Angelina's lips are overdone, though she keeps them that way which means she likes them! (Yes....I'm a geek!)


For Austin, the KLP is for Key Lime Pirates (or Pie-rates), so the thing implies Key Lime Pirates on the Western Caribbean... Even if it doesn't become the group name, it's still fun since early parts of this board were HIGHLY focused on Key Lime Pie tastings...

Also, thinking about Val pulling out and all... If our FE froup grows much larger, we might consider breaking into more than one group. I say that because we have over 30 rooms and many people (including kids), which adds up in not only costs, but also volumes of things to travel with. As it stands, I have 16 kids' gifts for 2 different days (one for sail away and one for later) and about 16 adult gifts. I was going to order 36 "personalized/custom" gifts as well (planning on 1 per room). However, I don't think I want to have to buy much more! I also am a little partial to those who participate on the boards regularly...so if push comes to shove, you all will get the "good" gifts. I guess we can see how many total...

 

[Bellamickey]

Also, thinking about Val pulling out and all... If our FE froup grows much larger, we might consider breaking into more than one group. I say that because we have over 30 rooms and many people (including kids), which adds up in not only costs, but also volumes of things to travel with. As it stands, I have 16 kids' gifts for 2 different days (one for sail away and one for later) and about 16 adult gifts. I was going to order 36 "personalized/custom" gifts as well (planning on 1 per room). However, I don't think I want to have to buy much more! I also am a little partial to those who participate on the boards regularly...so if push comes to shove, you all will get the "good" gifts. I guess we can see how many total...

WOW Lucyddr! Your right, I just looked at my updated email! This is really ALOT! and we are down to around 80 days I agree with splitting it up, it would be a lot lest costly and with the luggage!! WHEW!

 

[lucyddr]

Val,
Boy we do have alot in common!
Shawn and I have been trying for a little over 8 years now.....and have tried infertility pills a couple times. I got frusterated and just gave up....It hurts sometimes and I cry when I see cute babystuff.....but we have excepted it and are happy for now. Our Harley is our baby girl!!!! I'm so glad that you and your hubby we're blessed with a beautiful family.

Hey Everyone! I have a FE question, do we put gifts in their for each day or do we pick certain days to distribute them? FE shopping is so much fun!!!

Val,
How are your kiddos with harley stuff? Do they love it to? My Inquiring mind needs to know!!!!

I always tell people that we will start trying next year, but we have no idea as to whether the "plumbing" works or not! I have hypertension which requires 2 meds daily, so we expect to have lots of challenges if/once we get pregnant as well. (I'm figuring we'll be lucky to make it to 32 weeks.) My sister has had some mild fertility problems, so I won't be surprised if we have issues as well. But....we'll just have to be patient and see... If it's not meant to be, then we'll make other plans... I'm so overwhelmed with starting this new practice that I just can't even imagine the stress of getting/being pregnant right now!

 

[Bellamickey]

I always tell people that we will start trying next year, but we have no idea as to whether the "plumbing" works or not! I have hypertension which requires 2 meds daily, so we expect to have lots of challenges if/once we get pregnant as well. (I'm figuring we'll be lucky to make it to 32 weeks.) My sister has had some mild fertility problems, so I won't be surprised if we have issues as well. But....we'll just have to be patient and see... If it's not meant to be, then we'll make other plans... I'm so overwhelmed with starting this new practice that I just can't even imagine the stress of getting/being pregnant right now!

Sometimes I think about the whole baby thing, but Shawn and I agree, if it's meant to be it will happen and if not..... we will go down a different road. I understand how you feel completely. I'm already about to be 32 so theirs no telling whether the future holds a baby or not.

AND PLUS!!!!
I can't imagine the stress of being pregnant right now either!!! I'd have to pass the FE gifts thru my belly button so little baby can help me out with assembling all this cruise stuff!!!

 

[texfinn]

Oh wow -- Gals, I feel for you with the infertility issues. That must be tough. It was not hard for me (quite the opposite) and I never quite know what to say or how to feel. I will send some Texas warm wishes (and warm sun -- it was 80 here today) your way.

For those of you without kids, after meeting mine -- you may change your mind and not want kids anymore!!!! Ok, I better not say that or Austin won't have dinner with us anymore!

Val -- why are you stressing about the FE? Now you have me worried that I am not doing something I should be doing. I bought my FE off of ebay -- it was $30 well spent in my opinion! As for the gifts -- well, ummmm, Lucyddr, I am going to ping you via FB. I found the PERFECT gift but starting to wonder if that is what you had in mind based on your post..... I will tell you all, I will not have homemade FE gifts. I am just not that clever. I am a great bargain shopper though so hopefully my FE gifst will be nice and will leave me plenty of $$$ for the spa on the Magic!!

I am glad you brought up the FE gift count Loucinda. I guess I didn't realize there were that many. I have seen the spreadsheet but for some reason had it as a smaller number in my mind. Maybe because there aren't that many that are active on the board? So can we do that -- split into 2 groups? That would certainly help and maybe I can get some nicer things!

I called Shirley today. They are going to call me back. I want to get a basket for DH for his birthday. I have ZERO clue as to what to have her put in there. So far only things I can come up with are -- Disney playing cards (we love to sit somewhere quiet and play cards -- what can I say, we are geeks), a small (tiny, itsy bitty, smallest she can find) bottle of Crown, possibly a black baseball cap with Mickey on it? -- any other ideas?????

Val -- you are bugging me with all this elliptical work. From all the pics on FB and on the DIS board, you appear to be this big around --> <-- whereas I am this big around --> <-- and I am sitting on my butt while I read the boards. You are starting to make me feel guilty! Maybe it is time to start the triathalon training? Hmmm.....maybe not.

Alright -- any good TR suggestions? I have started making my way to the resort side of this board -- I need some good cruise stories!!!!

 

[lucyddr]

I'll be 32 on sail date, so we are the same age! Lots of female surgeons wait awhile to get pregnant (though the trends are changing), so I'm not alone. We've been married 2.5 years, so I don't feel rushed.... My parents are helping with my practice, so they know that now is a bad time. My inlaws are a little "pushier," but I just remind them that I'm the breadwinner for our family, so unless Adam gets a HUGE raise (which isn't going to happen), we have to wait!

Texx: I am NOT thin, as is pretty obvious in my FB photos! I have tremendous respect for Val and those who work out and really take care of themselves though! I'm just not that good... I love to exercise WITH someone (because I'm a big talker), but HATE to do it alone! Since we are new in town, I don't really have anyone to "buddy" with. I'm at least eating healthier, so that's a plus...

 

[Bellamickey]

I'll be 32 on sail date, so we are the same age! Lots of female surgeons wait awhile to get pregnant (though the trends are changing), so I'm not alone. We've been married 2.5 years, so I don't feel rushed.... My parents are helping with my practice, so they know that now is a bad time. My inlaws are a little "pushier," but I just remind them that I'm the breadwinner for our family, so unless Adam gets a HUGE raise (which isn't going to happen), we have to wait!

Your birthday is on our sail date!!!!! Thats awesome!! No, you have plenty of time. Still kinda newlyweds Shawn and I are having our vow renewal on the ship and will be married for 10 years, I've kinda gotten used to it just being the two of us now.... those hubbys, they kinda grow on ya!!

Don't feel bad...I'm NOT thin at all either. I envy those that are able to put their mind to it and work hard to look so fit! I couldn't excercise alone, I'd need that extra boost from a buddy. My hubby loves my "Squishy" as he calls it! LOL So,I guess Ive learned to love my squishy too!! LOL

We need to meet up sometime during the cruise

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Val,
Hey Everyone! I have a FE question, do we put gifts in their for each day or do we pick certain days to distribute them? FE shopping is so much fun!!!

I think we have to take a moment to take a deep breath and not get so wound up about the FE group. I hope no one takes offense, because I'm definately NOT trying to make someone do something they don't want to do. and I also don't want to add more stress to ANYONE's life. When we first decided to do the FE it was decided that we would only give gifts on one day of the cruise (what ever fit into your schedule). It could be something as simple as a postcard from your hometown (if you want to try and keep in touch with the Diser you could add your address) one card per cabin. Pretty easy to purchase, pack and if everyone did it the kids on the cruise could see where everyone was from on a map of the world (especially since we have some cruisers from outside of the US).

I know that I've gotten really excited about the whole idea of the FE and as an escape from my real life I've been dreaming of making something special for Jim (that he might be able to use on his cubicle at work) that will be part of his anniversary present. But I've seen pictures of "low cost and no frills" FE where they hung paper bags with handles from the Fish and decorated it with stickers.

The homemade idea that I've come up with is a pretty 3rd grade/cub scout type of craft project. But I'm hoping that everyone will receive it in with the love and spirit that it's created with. Of course I'm saying that I'll be doing a homemade gift, but if I can't or don't get them started or finished before the cruise you will most likely be getting a wonderful postcard of the City of Martinez (home of Naturalist John Muir).

I think it's amazing that some of you are giving the kids something different than the adults and giving things on more than one day. But it's not expected so don't let it freak anyone out. It really is the thought that counts. I'm just looking forward to coming back to our room and opening up what counts as our "mailbox" and NOT finding any bills or soliciations.

Anyway, I'm going to get off my soapbox.

Val - I've been pondering your question about how we can vote for AI. I know that we can get internet access on the ship (expensive, but possible) I also know that there are programs like Skipe that allow you to make phone calls via your computer. The question is - can we make calls via Skipe to an 866 number? I don't use Skipe myself, but my co-worker does. Unfortunately she is in Thailand till 3/2 so I can't ask her for info. Anyone have any experience with it?

Jane

 

[shasess]

I think that DH and I are going to pass on the fish extender exchange this time. We will probably wait until our family cruise in August to get really involved in an exchange. Sooooo whomever is the keeper of the original FE list, please remove DH and I.

 

[NoodlesMom]

I am pretty open about the FE exchange. We will definitely participate. DD would be crushed if we didn't because we already made our FE. I've also bought a few of our FE gifts and they were very inexpensive. I will hold off buying any more until we decide if we want to go with one group or split them up.
On another note, are any of the ladies trying to lose a few pre-cruise pounds? I am trying to lose 15-20 and so I joined WW online last week. I'm not sure if this is a realistic goal, but I'm gonna give it a try. I've also started a step aerobics class this week and I am so sore that I can barely move !!

 

[Faith&Hope]

Hello everyone! I am almost back to myself again after being sick for 9 days (yes, 9 days). I was in bed 6 of those days and the last 3 have been up and down. Boy, that's the sickest I have ever been in my entire life. My husband took me to urgent care and had bloodwork and chest XRays done. I'm glad that's over but the deep cough still lingers.

So, I never even had a chance to catch up on all of the previous pages in the thread (since reserving not too long ago) and now I have more catching up to do! It's been so long that I don't remember how to do the multiple quotes. Can someone help me? I tried but my brain isn't functioning on all 4 cylinders!

As far as the FE list, is it current in terms of everyone still wanting to participate? Have some of the people signed up a long time ago and haven't responded on the boards at all? Also, for those of you who signed up with multiple rooms, will all the rooms be participating in FE? Last cruise, the list was made with everyone in the party (like 3 rooms) but only one participated in FE so the numbers were off. Just a thought. If the number is 30, can't find the time to make something cool and creative for that many!
Val....I haven't started thinking about FE items yet. I have a homeade FE from last year that I am going to use this year. I don't have time to make another one and ours is personalized so at least that's done.

In terms of children, my prayers are with everyone. We started with a miracle baby (as I was told I probably couldn't carry a child) and named her Faith. The pregnancy came with complications during, during birth and for one year after. Then I miraculously got pregnant again and she was named Hope. So this explains my DISname! After 2 pregnacies, my body decided it was finished on it's own and had to have surgery. Invetro is not fun and the timing just stinks. I have a friend who tried and tried for 8 years...finally got pregnant with one child. Then naturally got pregnant again in 4 months (yes, 4 months) with twins. She had 3 kids under the age of 2! Just don't have 6 embryos implanted like the crazy lady here in CA! She'll never get a vacation....I have 2 kids and love my vacations!!

I'm trying to catchup with who has what diner. We were waitlisted for main and were changed to main dining last week. I know there's a lot of you who are late dining....early diners...anyone up for chatting? Texfinn..are you waitlisted for early or you are set with late dining? Also, lillygator, have you been changed to early dining yet?

Also, I have a 6.5 year old girl that would like to email someone her age. Anyone out there that would like to have a girl penpal?

Alright, I have to do laundry since it's climbing up the walls! Please, someone help with the multiple quotes!

Kym

 

[tigger2002]

Since this is our first cruise out Fish Extender adventure will not be that big, lots of other things on the cruise to think about. We plan to have a FE on one of our two rooms. We will not try to personalize gifts but rather give something unique from our area, maybe, not sure yet. I think that for the kids, and adults I bet, it would be good to get something even if it is small than nothing. Also I plan to give them out as I have time. That way you will never know when you are getting something.

<

 

[Bellamickey]

I think we have to take a moment to take a deep breath and not get so wound up about the FE group. I hope no one takes offense, because I'm definately NOT trying to make someone do something they don't want to do. and I also don't want to add more stress to ANYONE's life. When we first decided to do the FE it was decided that we would only give gifts on one day of the cruise (what ever fit into your schedule). It could be something as simple as a postcard from your hometown (if you want to try and keep in touch with the Diser you could add your address) one card per cabin. Pretty easy to purchase, pack and if everyone did it the kids on the cruise could see where everyone was from on a map of the world (especially since we have some cruisers from outside of the US).

I know that I've gotten really excited about the whole idea of the FE and as an escape from my real life I've been dreaming of making something special for Jim (that he might be able to use on his cubicle at work) that will be part of his anniversary present. But I've seen pictures of "low cost and no frills" FE where they hung paper bags with handles from the Fish and decorated it with stickers.

The homemade idea that I've come up with is a pretty 3rd grade/cub scout type of craft project. But I'm hoping that everyone will receive it in with the love and spirit that it's created with. Of course I'm saying that I'll be doing a homemade gift, but if I can't or don't get them started or finished before the cruise you will most likely be getting a wonderful postcard of the City of Martinez (home of Naturalist John Muir).

I think it's amazing that some of you are giving the kids something different than the adults and giving things on more than one day. But it's not expected so don't let it freak anyone out. It really is the thought that counts. I'm just looking forward to coming back to our room and opening up what counts as our "mailbox" and NOT finding any bills or soliciations.

Anyway, I'm going to get off my soapbox.



Jane

I totally agree with you! It is truly the thought that counts and I think that a postcard from our home towns is a great idea. The reason I had asked about the multiple gifts is because I had seen a few post where people were doing them....
I would have felt so bad had that been what we were supposed to do and I only left gifts for one day. Im so relieved now Cause that really cold get expensive!!

I hope everyone will still do the FE although i understand the overwhelming of it, just remember its the thought that counts and even something such as a postcard has just as much meaning and thought as something else

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

We will be staying one night at the Boardwalk Villas one bedroom. We normally stay at the Beach Club Villas but it is full. If you guys have never stayed at the Beach Club or any of the Villas they are the BEST and one of the cheapest way to stay at Disney.

<

You are so lucky!! I fear I will never make it to a deluxe resort!! But I suppose at the minute I just have to be grateful we can afford to travel full stop!

yay:


All this baby planning talk is reminding me of how our "plan" for having children was disrupted. Here's some pixie dust for everyone who is making their plan! Believe me, I wouldn't wish infertility on my worst enemy. It took us 3 1/2 years and multiple doctors (and TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars!) to succeed in getting Hudson. Even though they're less than 22 months apart, we tried for nine months for Lennon. Because of our track record, we figured we needed help again to hopefully get another baby. And just as we're waiting for an appt with the reproductive endocrinologist again, Lennon surprised us! Soooooo...pixie dust to everyone who's planning! I hope it all goes your way!

Val - just wanted to say that we tried for 3 years for our miracle and we are very blessed to have her. She will be 6 this May and she will be an only child. I also wish all of those here who want to start their families an easy time, infertility is just horrible.

Indigo

So pleased you both got your longer-for babies

On another note, are any of the ladies trying to lose a few pre-cruise pounds? I am trying to lose 15-20 and so I joined WW online last week. I'm not sure if this is a realistic goal, but I'm gonna give it a try. I've also started a step aerobics class this week and I am so sore that I can barely move !!

Yes I jolly well am!!!!!! I "discovered" baking last October, and between then and January 2nd I put on 12lbs in cake-weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!I have lost 7 already, but want to lose another 7 to get me back to my wedding weight. I am starting to struggle now with the diet side - I have always loved exercise, its food that I am naughty with!

I used to run diet / fitness classes and be an aerobic instructor, and so love all aerobics things including step! However, I am trying the "Charlene Extreme" system at the moment which is all about building muscle so its completely alien to me! I will get you to feel my biceps on the Magic to see if its worked!!!!!!

With WW you will probably lose 1-2lb a week, so should be very close to your target, if not there fully!