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

[indigodisney]

We have always wanted to do a kayak but I think the hubby and I would tip them My hubby is a pretty good size guy.
I figured their must be a weight limit so we always passed them up.

LOL - that would be a concern...I was thinking we would be in pretty shallow water so hopefully this will not be a problem. Too funny!! I gained 10 lbs on our 4 day cruise - late dining was not the place for my metabolism.

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

What a crazy day!! I JUST got done working. Blech. Looks like I missed out on chatting during Idol...but I'm going to watch it right now!! We just got our regular TV back today from being repaired, and I've been missing it!! (The "temporary" 50-inch just isn't big enough for me!!)

I think its time to confess . . . apart from a mini-portion at Chef Mickeys I have never had Key Lime Pie You are getting me so excited to try it!!

Oh, you poor thing!! You'll think you've died & gone to heaven!

Does anyone know the dining rotation for the second seating? Compared to the first?

This is what I wrote down a couple weeks ago when I found it:
PLAAPLA 5:30 & 8:00
LAPPLAP 5:45 & 8:15
APLLAPL 6:00 & 8:30

Can you see the fireworks really good from pretty much anywhere on the top deck?

We were basically as close as you could get to them--right where they block it off on the far back of deck 10 on the right side (I can't ever remember port or starboard side).

Who did you like tonight?

I'll tell you in a couple hours after I watch it!!! At least I can vote as I'm watching it now. I already know I'll vote for Adam Lambert just because I've always liked him.

bump for later reading...we'll be on the 5/16 WC cruise....third year in a row we (my/wife/6YO daughter) have been on a Disney Cruise...

to our cruise thread (finally!)!! Glad you could join us! I'll add you to post #1, and if you want any other info added, just let me know! If anyone else has made any changes to their plans and wants me to update, please PM me.

 

[Bellamickey]

LOL - that would be a concern...I was thinking we would be in pretty shallow water so hopefully this will not be a problem. Too funny!! I gained 10 lbs on our 4 day cruise - late dining was not the place for my metabolism.

Well, I guess I could try the kayaks and if we did end up tipping it, we could just get a birds eye view of the fish!!! and shawn would be saying, " he touched the boat"!!!!!

We have late nite dining so I can expect to have my own flotation device by night 2 or 3, with all the desserts they have!! but those DCL desserts are well worth it!!! I love them.

 

[Bellamickey]

When I book the excursions online, will it tell me if they are booked up before I try and book them? I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Still debating on finally trying out the spa.....

Anyone have any tink magnets for the stateroom doors I went thru pretty much that whole magnet thread and only really found the mickey head with the punk tink.

I've almost got all our magnets done, just need a tinkerbell one

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

When I book the excursions online, will it tell me if they are booked up before I try and book them? I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Not sure, but I would assume it would be shaded so you can't select them (like Palo times that are full).

Anyone have any tink magnets for the stateroom doors I went thru pretty much that whole magnet thread and only really found the mickey head with the punk tink.

I've almost got all our magnets done, just need a tinkerbell one

Have you asked for a custom one? Last time, I specifically wanted Aladdin & Jasmine on their magic carpet ride, and Kris (?) came through for me! I KNOW she would do it for you, too! I'm really surprised at the work these people volunteer to do for us!! They're amazing!

 

[tigger2002]

I was just checking the price for the Beach Club Villas and if you had known far enough in advance you could have gotten a studio there for five days before the cruise (Sunday night - Friday night) for only $650. The problem is knowing when you want to stay there almost a year in advance. Of course all of the rooms are gone for May 2009. The normal price there is over $300 per night but you can rent points from people much cheaper.

<

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Whew!! Happiness again!! I went to AAA this morning and had TA call DCL again, and there was not even an issue about refunding the ins. TA said that yesterday's phone call was extremely long with the CM having to double check with different supervisors, etc., but today, there was no question about it. Cynthia from DCL was my good friend today!! I'm thinking yesterday's CM may have just confused the date that I PIF and the final pmt date or something like that. Anyway, DCL ins is cancelled, and AccAm ins is purchased!!

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


Okay, so call me a dork...yes, this is the same post that I put on the thread about trip ins on the main board. Just thought I'd share my happy news with all of you, too! If anyone else is trying to change from DCL ins (like Kym might be), there is still a little bit of time to do it...only until Monday, March 2nd, though.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I was just checking the price for the Beach Club Villas and if you had known far enough in advance you could have gotten a studio there for five days before the cruise (Sunday night - Friday night) for only $650. The problem is knowing when you want to stay there almost a year in advance. Of course all of the rooms are gone for May 2009. The normal price there is over $300 per night but you can rent points from people much cheaper.

<

I wish I had known you a few months ago! When I called to upgrade from Pop Century to Beach Club the travel agent quoted me a difference of about $4000! Hence we settled on a moderate!!!!!

Whew!! Happiness again!! I went to AAA this morning and had TA call DCL again, and there was not even an issue about refunding the ins. TA said that yesterday's phone call was extremely long with the CM having to double check with different supervisors, etc., but today, there was no question about it. Cynthia from DCL was my good friend today!! I'm thinking yesterday's CM may have just confused the date that I PIF and the final pmt date or something like that. Anyway, DCL ins is cancelled, and AccAm ins is purchased!!

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

.

Yey, how satisfying!!!! Well done!!! Are you going to spend it on something fun and cruisy?!

 

[jhart901]

Whew!! Happiness again!! I went to AAA this morning and had TA call DCL again, and there was not even an issue about refunding the ins. TA said that yesterday's phone call was extremely long with the CM having to double check with different supervisors, etc., but today, there was no question about it. Cynthia from DCL was my good friend today!! I'm thinking yesterday's CM may have just confused the date that I PIF and the final pmt date or something like that. Anyway, DCL ins is cancelled, and AccAm ins is purchased!!

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

Hahahaha
I just got it know all I see is the gekio (is that how you spell that). I love that little guy he is so cute.


Concerning the Naming contest.

Key Lime Pie-rates has pulled out into an early lead (it got the first to votes). Everyone let's get our votes in ( which remindes me I need to vote).
Pooh asked if you need to PM, I don't think you have to, but you can.

 

[Tink113]

Hahahaha
I just got it know all I see is the gekio (is that how you spell that). I love that little guy he is so cute.


Concerning the Naming contest.

Key Lime Pie-rates has pulled out into an early lead (it got the first to votes). Everyone let's get our votes in ( which remindes me I need to vote).
Pooh asked if you need to PM, I don't think you have to, but you can.

Key Lime Pie-rates works for me... I'm not much of a key lime pie person but it's cute.

 

[NoodlesMom]

I vote for Key Lime Pie-rates .

 

[indigodisney]

pretty good outcome on American Idol tonight - hope you enjoyed it too....

Next week looks good - great group of people and I am wondering who the judges will pick as wild cards.

I officially signed up for the Disney Half Marathon because it is over 60% full already - wow, lots of crazy people wanting to run over 13 miles.

This will be me..... praying to make it to the end.

Have a great night everyone - and my vote goes for the Pie-rates as well.

 

[tigger2002]

I have been trying to get stuff together that I might need for the trip. I order a lot of things from Amazon and here is one that I thought was pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BJ41BE

I doubt is we will use the belt that comes with it but it does keep things dry.

What other unusual items do we need?

<

 

[texfinn]

Good Morning Everyone!

Val -- Congratulations on the insurance! I think I am convinced we need to buy some. I will check out the same place you did today. I have to convince DH but it sounds like it is worth it and not so pricey.

I vote for the Key Lime Pie-rates too!

I have been so busy the past couple of nights and our DVR messed up so no IDOL I did see a bit of the results last night. Had no clue if they were the right ones but based on your opinions, sounds like they are! I do have one thing to admit ..... I don't vote for AI ummm, so have this idea -- , Austin, if you want, I can vote for you? I should be able to watch it this Tuesday and call in. You just need to remind me. FB might be better for that? That way you can say you have a vote!

As for BC Villas -- have no clue on what WDW hotels have kitchens, etc or how the DVC works. Will look into it when we are on the cruise. I do know, we officially changed to the Swan on the Thurs/Fri night before the cruise. So we are Swan-->Magic-->Swan and then sadly home. The pools just looked so nice and it seemed there were at ton of things to do there. It looks like Yoni will have to work that Friday so probably better for places for me and the kids to go (and most likely won't go to WDW with them alone).

Has anyone ever eaten at the signature restaurants at the Dolphin/Swan? Just thinking maybe we will go do that Fri night as an early celebration for Yoni's birthday. Also -- anyone have a clue on the cheapest transportation option? I am hesitant to rent a car -- you have to pay for parking at the Swan, but will price it out. The towncar from the Swan to DCL was $240 RT which was a lot higher than I thought it would be. I will do some searching on that today. Also, any advice on where to take the kids in that area (Boardwalk/Beach Club/Swan/Dolphin) for lunch or for entertainment would be appreciated.

Bellamickey-- we are splurging on the spa. I am hoping to have a garage sale at the end of March and use that for even more spa visits!!! I LOVE going to the spa. Never been on the Magic so not sure how nice they are there but any excuse. My thought is to go on port days and do the specials. I read somewhere there are great specials on those days.

Working on magnets this weekend. Have some images but need to order magnet paper. I think Walmart was the cheapest I found. Any other ideas on how to make magnets? Am I better off laminating the images and glueing magnets to the back?

Also starting to think I will start my list of items to buy too. Love the waterproof wallet from Amazon. May just have to order that!

For your past DCL cruisers -- what about lanyards? We won't get them for being repeat cruisers. Do we need them? Will the kids?

Ok, I have some work meetings, then better clean house a bit. Have a GREAT Friday everyone!

 

[lucyddr]

Hey Lucyddr

Do you know what the restaurant line up is?

I looked at the menu for that resturant at DTD and it looks really good!! We land at 11am on Friday morning and will be at POFQ. Let me know if you decide to hit that place up for lunch!!!

Are you two doing any spa treatments? Ive never tried the spa on our previous cruises so I'm starting to consider it??

Sorry it took me so long to answer. I don't know, but I still hope we can eat there for lunch. Adam would probably like it more than the restaurants at Port Canaveral, so we may try to go. I wish I could make a priority dining ressie, but I have NO clue as to when we would get there!

We have the rasul and the couples massage booked. The rasul is new for us, but we've done couples massages on several cruise ships and LOVED them! I may cancel my couples massage though because $300 is too much right now to blow on a 1 hour massage!

Oh dear, where to start! Ok let's see. I love the recipe idea for an inexpensice FE gift. For the gift we are giving it's also very school craft-ish and every room will be receiving the same thing.

Thank you all for sharing your baby experiences! You just never know how things will work out of course it might happen right away but we may be in for the long haul.

For pirate night I don't think we will be dressing up, unless we wear some type of pirate inspired shirts.

I would LOVE to loose 10-15 pounds by the cruise but know I would have to cut down to 1,000 calories a day and I don't want to starve myself (I just love food way too much). For some reason I'm pretty good about motivating myself to workout. About 6 years ago I lost 50 pounds during college by exercising and cutting my calories way down, but over the past few years I've been accumulating the pounds back. I also keep a food and exercise journal where I track my meals with calories, what exercise I do each day, and appx. calories burned. I actually updated my excel spreadsheet tonight and I've only missed 7 days going to the gym this year. I tell my DH that as much as I workout I should look like a model by now, but it's just not working. From my waist up I'm average, but from the waist down is my problem area!

Oh, and as a reminder DH and I have the main dining seating and are still interesting in linking up with whoever would like.

DH and I are looking forward to the themed nights in the clubs on the ship. We never go out dancing/kareoke/etc. around here so we are super excited to let loose and have a good time. We are hoping that a lot of you will be in the clubs each night joining us!

We would be interested in linking for the early seating, though I would like the latest "early" seating time if available! (I think that's the 6pm time.)

It's been a crazy week trying to get settled into the new office! I'm on call all weekend, but if it's not too bad I intend to clean house, do laundry, AND catch up on all the boards!

Welcome Zeplinn!

 

[Hudson5&Lennon3]

Val -- Congratulations on the insurance! I think I am convinced we need to buy some. I will check out the same place you did today. I have to convince DH but it sounds like it is worth it and not so pricey.

If you call Access America (800-284-8300) and talk to an agent, they'll offer you the "kids are free with a paying adult" package, aka Classic Comp., or whatever best fits your vacation situation (they'll ask for details and then will recommend one). They base the policy price on the ages of the vacationers and also the per-person amount for the trip. We insured our flights & the cruise for the 4 of us at $144 total. My parents, however, are paying $188 for the 2 of them because a) they're older and b) their per-person price was more. They go in $500 increments, so ours was between $1000-1500 per person for the lower rate, and theirs was between $1500-2000 per person, hence the higher rate. I'm sure anyone who got the cat 12 gty price would pay even less for their policy because that's going to bring the per-person price WAY down!! I knew about the "cheaper" ins last time but thought it would be too much of a hassle to deal with, but (other than the TA/DCL situation) it really was a very easy process.

I have been so busy the past couple of nights and our DVR messed up so no IDOL I did see a bit of the results last night. Had no clue if they were the right ones but based on your opinions, sounds like they are! I do have one thing to admit ..... I don't vote for AI

OMG!! How are you able to function today without watching all of Idol last night?!?!?!?! (Yes, I am just kidding! ) I don't know if I'm that happy with the results. Yes on Adam & Allison. Kris I wasn't so sure about. I know Jasmine can do a lot better, so I was really hoping she would've been chosen. Sounds like the judges will be "picking a select few" for the wildcard show next Thursday (according to my TV Guide, but it doesn't say when the results show will be. Hmmmm...I wonder if the judges pick the wild card instead of having us vote!)

I do know, we officially changed to the Swan on the Thurs/Fri night before the cruise.

I'll change it on #1!

Also -- anyone have a clue on the cheapest transportation option? I am hesitant to rent a car -- you have to pay for parking at the Swan, but will price it out. The towncar from the Swan to DCL was $240 RT which was a lot higher than I thought it would be. I will do some searching on that today.

This is on my to-do list, too. I was thinking last time the car service was ~$140ish (not positive, though--I can do some research to find out). We're going to hopefully go with the same company that we did last time (can't remember the name either!), but I'm wondering how we'll get luggage for 6 in the trunk of a limo!! We had a Suburban instead of a town car last time (fine with me--more room to sit), and we filled the back with just the luggage for 4.

My thought is to go on port days and do the specials. I read somewhere there are great specials on those days.

Ooooh!! I may need to check into that!!

Working on magnets this weekend. Have some images but need to order magnet paper. I think Walmart was the cheapest I found. Any other ideas on how to make magnets? Am I better off laminating the images and glueing magnets to the back?

I used MagTabs instead of magnetic paper. They're little adhesive squares that you can remove & reuse. I buy mine at Menards, but whenever I've done an online search for them, I only find one website that carries them (if you don't have a Menards store near you). I think I posted it a few months ago. When I get a chance, I'll go back through & see if I can find it.

Also starting to think I will start my list of items to buy too.

I went to Kohl's this morning and made a list of clothes to get for the boys. I've got a coupon to use tomorrow, so I'll go back then and get an extra 20% off!! I see they have their 4-pc sets (shirt, tie, pants, vest) and 2-pc shirt/tie sets in stock and am wondering if maybe they will go on sale more after Easter (for formal night).

For your past DCL cruisers -- what about lanyards? We won't get them for being repeat cruisers. Do we need them? Will the kids?

We didn't use them last time, so I don't know what I'm missing out on.

 

[texfinn]

Woo Hoo!!!! I have been dying to see this since I booked the cruise. I have it recording but may just have to take a "break" from work and watch it!!!!

They are also showing something on the DVC which I know nothing about but seems to be popular and of course WDW.

I know, I am a geek -- but I am SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Hi everyone,

I've just caught up after being away for a couple of days..Wow - a lot has gone on. I've been crazy busy at work. We had a Board meeting and having to be at work at 5:30am till 7:30pm has just knocked me out when I get home.

I've tried to quote some of the messages, but I didn't want to maxed out so hopefully I'll remember everything that I wanted to respond to.

1. Key Lime Pie-rates gets my vote. Has anyone heard from (I think her name was mother hen?). She designed our FKLP magnet, maybe she can design something for us for whatever one we decide on.

2. I think the recipe idea for the FE is a FANTASTIC idea.
3. Good to hear we have some more "over 40's" in the group.
4. I'm not a poker player, but I LOVE board games. I saw on one of the Navigators that there were board games available at the Cove something (brain is addled today). I'm going to check it out and see what they have.
5. There is no amount of coaxing that would get me onstage to sing but we might show up to watch and listen.
6. I have one spa appt scheduled for the cruise, but I think I'm going to try and see if I can swing one during port day.
7. Pirate night outfits - Jim has a polo shirt that I bought him at DL that has a small pirate logo. We also have some pirate do-rags. I'm still on the search. I did find some pirate themed iron on transfers at Joann online. I may just buy one of those (under $5) and make a t-shirt.

Now I can't remember anything else I was going to reply to.

DH just got laid-off so I am going to have to start handing the reins over to him while he has the time, and I am at work!

I'm so sorry!!! I hope he finds something soon. That is one of my biggest worries is that I'll get laid off before the cruise. The only thing we will need to pay for is food (at WDW), rental car and suvies, but I would be worried about all the money.

I think it would be super cool if people don't know what to give or are super tight on funds that they could give......

A recipe card with your most favorite recipe! I think that is a super inexpensive, yet PRICELESS gift.

The key to a killer recipe for me is:
Must taste good
Must be simple to make
Must make people think you spent FOREVER

Any recipes for Key Lime Pie out there.... lol

Once again - great idea!

Whew!! Happiness again!! I went to AAA this morning and had TA call DCL again, and there was not even an issue about refunding the ins. TA said that yesterday's phone call was extremely long with the CM having to double check with different supervisors, etc., but today, there was no question about it. Cynthia from DCL was my good friend today!! I'm thinking yesterday's CM may have just confused the date that I PIF and the final pmt date or something like that. Anyway, DCL ins is cancelled, and AccAm ins is purchased!!

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

Congratulations!!!

As for BC Villas -- have no clue on what WDW hotels have kitchens, etc or how the DVC works. Will look into it when we are on the cruise.

We are DVC members (have been since 93) and we LOVE it. Let me know if you have any questions.

Working on magnets this weekend. Have some images but need to order magnet paper. I think Walmart was the cheapest I found. Any other ideas on how to make magnets? Am I better off laminating the images and glueing magnets to the back?

I think I'm going to laminate mine and then attach magnets. I just don't want to spend a lot of money on magnet paper. I also found a lot of great images on the normal DISign boards (t-shirts, etc).[/QUOTE]

For your past DCL cruisers -- what about lanyards? We won't get them for being repeat cruisers. Do we need them? Will the kids?

We didn't use them last time, but if your going to the parks before hand you might just buy one at WDW and use it for your tickets and fast passes there and then use them again during the cruise.

I've read where some cruise threads buy plastic lime green bracelets (like the Livestrong ones) so they can identify each other easily. Is anyone interested in "tagging" ourselves?

Ok, lunch has been over LONG ago. Got to get back to work.

I'll be back on tonight.
J

 

[austin77]

Hello all,

I am still here! I have been busy at work, but I JUST bought a new Macbook, and im still learning!!!! so anyone out there with one, all the pointers would be great!!

77days!!!!

 

[NoodlesMom]

I was just talking to DH about the alcohol tastings onboard and I think we will do the martini tasting together. Anyone else doing that one? I would love to do the wine tasting but DH is not a wine drinker. He says that the smell alone makes him sick . I told him that I would just go by myself but it would be great if I knew that one of you were going as well. I on the other hand absolutely hate beer so DH will be doing that one himself. I’m sure he would love some companionship as well.

I'm still debating on whether or not we should do Palo. I would like to go but I need a little help convincing DH. I searched for food porn to show him but DH is a steak and potatoes man from Texas. If they don't offer a steak the size of the plate, he's not sold. Of course we would have to book onboard but from what I've read that shouldn't be too hard. I'm also concerned that the kids won't love the clubs as much as others and we may not be able to go to Palo.