May 9, 2012: 5 Night Bahamas Cruise on Disney Magic

[PixieMom712]

I am so glad to hear about the coffee shop being open earlier. That will make my DH a much happier guy, I think. Though I might have to look into a travel press for him as a surprise!

Thanks, DVCTigger. That's what I read various places here on the disboards as well. It's our first cruise which is why I just posted links, not advice based on experience . We already had passports for DS and myself because we visited DH while he was in Korea. DH needed to renew his, but he was going to have to do it for work anyway so it was an easy decision for us. Plus I am a worrier! And don't forget I will be 21 weeks pregnant, so I'm going with better safe than sorry. If all that weren't true I might totally skip it!

And no flames, ever, in our group. *gets out the fire hose*

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Re: coffee - the coffee they offer is ok. Certainly NOT Starbucks quality by any means, but more like Folgers that's a bit more watered down. It also depends on the day. With that said, they do have a specialty coffee shop that sells Starbucks quality coffee & specialty coffees. Very yummy. Someone had mentioned that it opens at 12 noon, but I could've sworn it opened much earlier?? I could be wrong on that.

I mentioned it opened at noon because that's what DCL's website said. They aren't known for being the most accurate, are they? I sure hope it does open earlier! That'll be a lifesaver for me!

I also saw comments re: not needing passports in Nassau. Is that from DCL or someone's post? I know that the Bahamas require passports to go on any of their islands, so I don't see why they wouldn't require the same to get on/off the ship?? I would strongly urge anyone without a passport to inquire directly from DCL on that one. We always had our passports stamped when we went there before.

I was told by several people who've been to Nassau with DCL that the passports weren't required in Nassau. It's hard to dig up clear & concise stuff on government websites. My hubby was insisting we had to have the passports on us even to get off the ship in Key West which I thought was kinda dumb because (Hello!) it's in the US and we're US citizens. But then it sorta made sense that they might require them because when we leave Key West we'll be technically headed out of the country. Then the thought of having to carry our passports off the ship in Nassau while we go to Atlantis. I wasn't sure what to think! I guess the Bahamian government has it worked out with the cruise lines, or maybe just DCL, so that it's the cruise people handling-up on the documentation so they don't have to. Again, logic says: I'm going into another country so I need a passport. But then it seems the Bahamian government is happy to let the cruise lines and/or US handle ensuring proper documentation of identity/nationality.

Ok, that was just driving me crazy! So I just pulled the Navigators from our November 2010 cruise on the Magic, and Cove Cafe was open 7 a.m. to Midnight.

Oh yay! This makes life waaaaay easier! Well, maybe. My *goal* is to get up early enough to see the sun rise and get in at least a couple runs. ((I'm doing so good on my running program!)) Whether or not I actually make it is another story. I usually eat breakfast and drink my cup of coffee before I run. I may need coffee and food earlier than 7. Note that I said "may". Whether or not I actually drag my body from bed that early on vacation remains to be seen. I am NOT a morning person.

WE are traveling without passports (please no flames), my dd and I are getting off in Nassau for the dolphin excursion. Will I need to take our birth certificates with us to get back on the ship?

From what I was told we'll only need our KTTW card and photo ID.

No flames here! We have passports, and travel with them for check-in at the port, but we NEVER have brought them off the ship until debarkation. All you will need is your KTTW card and a photo ID. Actually they have never looked at our photo IDs when we have retured, but they are required and I would definately bring the photo ID as well as KTTW. And the photo ID is only for 18 and older, EVERYONE MUST have the KTTW card to get on and off the ship.

That's what I was told. Thank you!




Sooooo, today ((**gulp**sigh**)) I have to finish packing up to go .....camping..... this weekend. On Easter weekend. Folks, I do NOT like camping. I kinda got rope-a-doped into this and I'm not at all happy about it. The old man & my brother wanted to go fishing. They didn't want to leave the boys behind. Chandler loves fishing and will be right on his dad's & uncle's heels for the duration. Brian isn't as into fishing. He doesn't have the patience for it and is ready to be off the boat within a few hours. The problem is he's in his really over-sensitive hyper-emotional phase and craves that connection with his dad. If the old man suggested he stay home with me he'd probably have his little heart shattered and be emotionally scarred forever. Teens and their emotional theme-parks-o-fun. The guys can't just take Brian back to the campground and leave him alone while they fish. So I got roped into going so he'll have someone around when he's tired of the boat and the fish. I did put my foot down on the tent thing. I've done that twice which is plenty to last me the rest of my life. Too much work with not enough payoff/fun. The cabins at the park were all booked but they had some travel trailers they rent out so we got one of those. Beats a tent. Still, I'm not at all excited. Seriously. NOT. I'm going to take the rest of my FE stuff and get the crafts finished up while I'm there with nothing to do. No internet. What gets me is that this is the 2nd time in 5 years I've had to go on one of these fishing/camping deals on Easter weekend. How did I let this happen????

 

[Lainey321]

Ok, that was just driving me crazy! So I just pulled the Navigators from our November 2010 cruise on the Magic, and Cove Cafe was open 7 a.m. to Midnight.

Oh, THAT is good news

The problem is he's in his really over-sensitive hyper-emotional phase and craves that connection with his dad. If the old man suggested he stay home with me he'd probably have his little heart shattered and be emotionally scarred forever. Teens and their emotional theme-parks-o-fun. The guys can't just take Brian back to the campground and leave him alone while they fish. So I got roped into going so he'll have someone around when he's tired of the boat and the fish. I did put my foot down on the tent thing. I've done that twice which is plenty to last me the rest of my life. Too much work with not enough payoff/fun. The cabins at the park were all booked but they had some travel trailers they rent out so we got one of those. Beats a tent. Still, I'm not at all excited. Seriously. NOT. I'm going to take the rest of my FE stuff and get the crafts finished up while I'm there with nothing to do. No internet. What gets me is that this is the 2nd time in 5 years I've had to go on one of these fishing/camping deals on Easter weekend. How did I let this happen????

Oh Kelly, the things we do for our children. Luckily, I've never had to do a camping trip. And don't you just LOVE the mood swings?!?!


btw - The Dream is at Port Canaveral right now

 

[Mom2Finn]

I tried to quote but failed somehow...I just had to say that the post from the woman who's kids hadn't watched any Disney was too funny. I don't quite think it's fair to complain about the Animators Palace show when the reason your kids don't lime it is because they've never seen the movies. But she seemed cranky about the cruise in general which I always hate to read. I only want to hear how great everything is so I can get more and more excited.

Finn has seen a lot of the movies but since we are having the cruise and our Disney trip together we are trying to rewatch them all as a family. So far we've done Snow White, Pinnochio, and Dumbo.

If you're celebrating Easter have a great holiday. We are headed to my in laws which is always something of a challenge.

 

[wildforgoofy]

Hey folks! Just wanted to drop in and say hi. I recently booked the family on this embarkment and have found the thread (and other forums) to be helpful as this will be our inaugural Disney Cruise. My Wife and I have a RCL cruise under our belts and brought our son along on a Carnival cruise about a year and a half ago. This though will be my soon-to-be 4 year old daughter's first trip so she's especially looking forward to meeting as mny princesses as possible.

I already started one thread regarding car service vs. bus to the port so any additional insight here would be helpful but my main concern here is coffee. Well, more like my wife's concern really. She's a bit of coffee junkie and has a low tolerance for sub-par joe. I have seen a few comments earlier but wanted to see if she should consider bringing her own. I'm sure it needs to be instant so any recommendations there would be good too.

Thanks!

Welcome! We're just planning on renting a car and driving to the port since we want to hit Ron Jon Surf Shop while we're in town. We haven't been there in years and I'm sure our 14 y/o will want the always popular Ron Jon t-shirt. My DH will just drop off the car the morning we board the ship, and we'll have one available to drive back to Orlando. I must stop by the Character Warehouse before we hit the airport!

Welcome!

I can't comment about the coffee, but I do plan to bring my own creamer. I need my coffee to not taste like coffee I'm sure you'll get more useful comments from others...

Now that's my concern! The creamer, because I also need my coffee to NOT taste like coffee!

Soooo, today ((**gulp**sigh**)) I have to finish packing up to go .....camping..... this weekend. On Easter weekend. Folks, I do NOT like camping. I kinda got rope-a-doped into this and I'm not at all happy about it. The old man & my brother wanted to go fishing. They didn't want to leave the boys behind. Chandler loves fishing and will be right on his dad's & uncle's heels for the duration. Brian isn't as into fishing. He doesn't have the patience for it and is ready to be off the boat within a few hours. The problem is he's in his really over-sensitive hyper-emotional phase and craves that connection with his dad. If the old man suggested he stay home with me he'd probably have his little heart shattered and be emotionally scarred forever. Teens and their emotional theme-parks-o-fun. The guys can't just take Brian back to the campground and leave him alone while they fish. So I got roped into going so he'll have someone around when he's tired of the boat and the fish. I did put my foot down on the tent thing. I've done that twice which is plenty to last me the rest of my life. Too much work with not enough payoff/fun. The cabins at the park were all booked but they had some travel trailers they rent out so we got one of those. Beats a tent. Still, I'm not at all excited. Seriously. NOT. I'm going to take the rest of my FE stuff and get the crafts finished up while I'm there with nothing to do. No internet. What gets me is that this is the 2nd time in 5 years I've had to go on one of these fishing/camping deals on Easter weekend. How did I let this happen????

I feel for ya! I am not a camper either, and the only time I did go "camping" was in my parents 30' motor home 3 years ago when we met them at WDW Wilderness Campground and stayed for a week. That was so much fun!! Leave it to Disney to make camping amazingly fun! But again, I wasn't in a tent like the people next to us when it was pouring down rain in the afternoon. I was doing a load of laundry and making myself a sandwich while watching TV! My way of camping.
However!! I do have an unforgettable moment in my life that will forever be the Day The Magic Died. While my DH and the kids were out doing great Disney stuff my Darling Mother decided to do our laundry. As we were returning back to the campground, my husband starts laughing hysterically. And then he asks, "Are those your UNDERWEAR hanging on the clothes line????" OMG mortified what did I do..... I grabbed my camera and took a picture and made a digital scrapbook page titled The Day the Magic Died. Mothers........

 

[sweetpee_1993]

The mention of the lady whose kids hadn't seen any Disney animated movies reminded me of a friend of the family a long time ago. Her son was the same age as my first nephew who is now 19 and in college. When they were 3 I remember all of us being totally amazed that she was so adamant that her son couldn't watch The Lion King. She felt Mufasa's death scene was way too intense. We were all like --> Really? Dying is part of living and the movie goes on to be pretty full of good stuff to overcome that one darker moment. Of course this was before I had kids. I guess it's a personal choice what you are and are not okay with letting your kiddos watch. I just couldn't fathom at that time that a Disney animated feature would be NOT okay for little kids. I can see her point, tho.

OH! That reminds me! All the hullabaloo about the Titanic re-release! Who's going to watch it on the big screen again??? I'm no fan of 3D movies but I think I'd like to see it on a big screen again. We think we should take the boys, too. It's just not the same at home. They were too little when it originally came out. I remember when they begged and begged to see that movie at home. I guess they were around 6 & 7 years old. They wanted to see Titanic soooo bad so we finally relented and watched it with them. It got right up to the scene where the mother is tucking her children in and singing to them...the elderly couple curl up together...and they're all waiting for the inevitable. Chandler burst into tears and ran to his room w/Brian right on his heels. We were both shocked. We went to their room to find out what was wrong. They were both sobbing and carrying on. Chandler looks up at us, tears just streaming, and blurts out, "How could you let us watch that?!" He asked for it!

 

[Feisty Fairy]

OH! That reminds me! All the hullabaloo about the Titanic re-release! Who's going to watch it on the big screen again??? I'm no fan of 3D movies but I think I'd like to see it on a big screen again. We think we should take the boys, too. It's just not the same at home. They were too little when it originally came out. I remember when they begged and begged to see that movie at home. I guess they were around 6 & 7 years old. They wanted to see Titanic soooo bad so we finally relented and watched it with them. It got right up to the scene where the mother is tucking her children in and singing to them...the elderly couple curl up together...and they're all waiting for the inevitable. Chandler burst into tears and ran to his room w/Brian right on his heels. We were both shocked. We went to their room to find out what was wrong. They were both sobbing and carrying on. Chandler looks up at us, tears just streaming, and blurts out, "How could you let us watch that?!" He asked for it!

I went and seen Titanic yesterday. I know probably not the best movie to see before we cruise. But I love that film. Me and hubby went and seen as we do not get out much do to his work schedule. I thought it was beautifully done. It was better than most 3D films. But I would of probably went and watched again if it was just 2D.

 

[jenf22]

The mention of the lady whose kids hadn't seen any Disney animated movies reminded me of a friend of the family a long time ago. Her son was the same age as my first nephew who is now 19 and in college. When they were 3 I remember all of us being totally amazed that she was so adamant that her son couldn't watch The Lion King. She felt Mufasa's death scene was way too intense. We were all like --> Really? Dying is part of living and the movie goes on to be pretty full of good stuff to overcome that one darker moment. Of course this was before I had kids. I guess it's a personal choice what you are and are not okay with letting your kiddos watch. I just couldn't fathom at that time that a Disney animated feature would be NOT okay for little kids. I can see her point, tho.

We just let Ryan (1 month shy of 5 years old) watch 'The Lion King' for the first time a month or so ago and it scared the bejeezus out of him. He's kind of a fearful child, so we limit his exposure. He doesn't even *want* to watch movies because he knows he'll get scared. We kind of have to force him to as conditioning for life I wouldn't be upset about him now knowing any characters though. We went to a character breakfast last year that had 2 characters from Little Einsteins and he had no idea who they were. We went to the breakfast because it also had Handy Manny and Oso. He loves them! He's in daycare all day, so we like his time at home to be mostly with us. He gets to watch one (or two if I'm busy) 25 minute shows every weekday if he's good at school. The TV is pretty much never on on weekends. Right now he's into Super Hero Squad, so not even Disney. He does know most of the characters, but he's certainly not seen all the movies. We all watched 'Beauty and the Beast' a couple of weeks ago because I wanted him to know those characters for Lumiere's. He was so scared at first (the beast is mean) and then he was so bored. He's turning into such a little boy

 

[iloverags2]

All this talk of camping has me itching to get our tent out, hop on the road, and find a place to get us staked up for the weekend! I'm weird, I know! Then again, we also enjoy watching "Poseidon Adventure" right before going on a cruise, and have been known to bring the DVD with and watch it while sailing the seas. I'm always certain if anything happens to us, I will easily find Gene Hackman to lead the way!

Other than camping and in-laws, any other plans out there for this weekend? We may take a drive to St. Augustine, and have brunch at a place on the ocean.

 

[Britster18]

I was going to ask earlier if anyone had any fun plans!

We are just hanging out since DH can't travel anywhere (3 people TDY and 2 on leave already) Having an egg hunt and brunch/dinner feast here at home on Sunday. That's about it.

 

[Lainey321]

On the topic of character recognition, the first time I went to Disney there were characters I didn't know. It was the characters from the Briar Patch.

It was fun for my kids to meet new characters then go home and watch their movies. Especially with my kids being 4.5 yrs apart sometimes I can't remember which one watched what

Easter plans: Our annual living room egg hunt, church, my mother's house for lunch.

 

[wildforgoofy]

All this talk of camping has me itching to get our tent out, hop on the road, and find a place to get us staked up for the weekend! I'm weird, I know! Then again, we also enjoy watching "Poseidon Adventure" right before going on a cruise, and have been known to bring the DVD with and watch it while sailing the seas. I'm always certain if anything happens to us, I will easily find Gene Hackman to lead the way!

Other than camping and in-laws, any other plans out there for this weekend? We may take a drive to St. Augustine, and have brunch at a place on the ocean.

I love St. Augustine! When my DS lived in Jacksonville we drove down to St. Augustine and went shopping in the small shops. Great local artists and lots of unusual things to buy. I always wanted to go back, but my DS moved to Wisconsin and that is not Florida!

 

[PixieMom712]

I mentioned it opened at noon because that's what DCL's website said. They aren't known for being the most accurate, are they? I sure hope it does open earlier! That'll be a lifesaver for me!

I was told by several people who've been to Nassau with DCL that the passports weren't required in Nassau. It's hard to dig up clear & concise stuff on government websites. My hubby was insisting we had to have the passports on us even to get off the ship in Key West which I thought was kinda dumb because (Hello!) it's in the US and we're US citizens. But then it sorta made sense that they might require them because when we leave Key West we'll be technically headed out of the country. Then the thought of having to carry our passports off the ship in Nassau while we go to Atlantis. I wasn't sure what to think! I guess the Bahamian government has it worked out with the cruise lines, or maybe just DCL, so that it's the cruise people handling-up on the documentation so they don't have to. Again, logic says: I'm going into another country so I need a passport. But then it seems the Bahamian government is happy to let the cruise lines and/or US handle ensuring proper documentation of identity/nationality.


Oh yay! This makes life waaaaay easier! Well, maybe. My *goal* is to get up early enough to see the sun rise and get in at least a couple runs. ((I'm doing so good on my running program!)) Whether or not I actually make it is another story. I usually eat breakfast and drink my cup of coffee before I run. I may need coffee and food earlier than 7. Note that I said "may". Whether or not I actually drag my body from bed that early on vacation remains to be seen. I am NOT a morning person.

Sooooo, today ((**gulp**sigh**)) I have to finish packing up to go .....camping..... this weekend. On Easter weekend. Folks, I do NOT like camping. I kinda got rope-a-doped into this and I'm not at all happy about it. The old man & my brother wanted to go fishing. They didn't want to leave the boys behind. Chandler loves fishing and will be right on his dad's & uncle's heels for the duration. Brian isn't as into fishing. He doesn't have the patience for it and is ready to be off the boat within a few hours. The problem is he's in his really over-sensitive hyper-emotional phase and craves that connection with his dad. If the old man suggested he stay home with me he'd probably have his little heart shattered and be emotionally scarred forever. Teens and their emotional theme-parks-o-fun. The guys can't just take Brian back to the campground and leave him alone while they fish. So I got roped into going so he'll have someone around when he's tired of the boat and the fish. I did put my foot down on the tent thing. I've done that twice which is plenty to last me the rest of my life. Too much work with not enough payoff/fun. The cabins at the park were all booked but they had some travel trailers they rent out so we got one of those. Beats a tent. Still, I'm not at all excited. Seriously. NOT. I'm going to take the rest of my FE stuff and get the crafts finished up while I'm there with nothing to do. No internet. What gets me is that this is the 2nd time in 5 years I've had to go on one of these fishing/camping deals on Easter weekend. How did I let this happen????

Re: Passports, that's what I had heard too. I guess if we need something different they will tell us, right?

As far as coffee, obviously there is room service 24/7 too, and from what the Passporter book said, there can be pastries at the drink service station too? I am sure you could find something before 7, it just might not be as good as your post-run vittles.

I have never really been camping. We did an RV once when I was in like 4th grade. My DH keeps saying we'll have to do a tent soon, but now I am pregnant and can't sleep in my own bed half the time. Then there will be a tiny baby (wait, WHAT?! I am going to have another child after all of this? I am still getting used to the idea) so it's going to have to wait.

The mention of the lady whose kids hadn't seen any Disney animated movies reminded me of a friend of the family a long time ago. Her son was the same age as my first nephew who is now 19 and in college. When they were 3 I remember all of us being totally amazed that she was so adamant that her son couldn't watch The Lion King. She felt Mufasa's death scene was way too intense. We were all like --> Really? Dying is part of living and the movie goes on to be pretty full of good stuff to overcome that one darker moment. Of course this was before I had kids. I guess it's a personal choice what you are and are not okay with letting your kiddos watch. I just couldn't fathom at that time that a Disney animated feature would be NOT okay for little kids. I can see her point, tho.

OH! That reminds me! All the hullabaloo about the Titanic re-release! Who's going to watch it on the big screen again??? I'm no fan of 3D movies but I think I'd like to see it on a big screen again. We think we should take the boys, too. It's just not the same at home. They were too little when it originally came out. I remember when they begged and begged to see that movie at home. I guess they were around 6 & 7 years old. They wanted to see Titanic soooo bad so we finally relented and watched it with them. It got right up to the scene where the mother is tucking her children in and singing to them...the elderly couple curl up together...and they're all waiting for the inevitable. Chandler burst into tears and ran to his room w/Brian right on his heels. We were both shocked. We went to their room to find out what was wrong. They were both sobbing and carrying on. Chandler looks up at us, tears just streaming, and blurts out, "How could you let us watch that?!" He asked for it!

DS is pretty sensitive, so when his grandma bought Bambi I put it up and didn't let him watch it. Then one day he was watching Babar on Netflix (which I have never seen). He watches the version on Disney Jr all the time. Apparently Babar's mother gets shot out from underneath him. He matter of factly told me she got shot and now she's dead, and it was sad but Babar is OK now. I guess he gets to watch whatever Disney movies he wants.

And I totally want to see Titanic! I will have to make time to see it by myself if I want to go though, so probably not gonna happen.

We have an Easter Egg hunt/event thing at a local park that we go to every year, and we'll do church. Our family is all in other states so that will be it. Next weekend my MIL is coming to visit so we might do a big Easter-y dinner then.

 

[DVCTigger]

Doin the happy dance here We got our cruise docs in the mail today!!

 

[iloverags2]

Our cruise docs arrived!!!

 

[Britster18]

Our cruise docs arrived!!!

NO FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to get to the mailbox before the kids

 

[aseyrick]

So did the David Pal help with the insomnia, depression and fibromyalgia? I just don't get a lot of deep sleep and have often wondered if that was the root of some of the problems.

Yes & no. Depression runs in my dad's side of the family, so it's not surprising I have it, so it wasn't due to the insomnia. There isn't much known about the cause of fibromyalgia. It just exists, and yes, David Pal has taken care of my insomnia and fibromyalgia - as well as lessen the effects of my depression, but that's something I have to take medication for as it's simply caused by a chemical imbalance. So, when someone says I'm imbalanced, well ... I am. With all that said, insomnia can lead to soooo many awful things - memory loss, weight gain, anxiety, depression, lowered immune system, you name it. The list goes on and on. I take my sleep VERY seriously these days.

Sooooo, today ((**gulp**sigh**)) I have to finish packing up to go .....camping..... this weekend. How did I let this happen????

To put it simply ... love.

The last time DH & I went camping was over a Fourth of July weekend with some friends a LONG while back. It was hot. It was rainy. It was muggy as heck. We laid in our tent in our skivvies as far from each other as possible because we were burning up. My DH turned to me that 1st night and said "My butt's gone soft. We're going home tomorrow." That was the last time we went camping. At least Easter weekend shouldn't be too umcomfortable. Good luck!

Now that's my concern! The creamer, because I also need my coffee to NOT taste like coffee!

However!! I do have an unforgettable moment in my life that will forever be the Day The Magic Died. While my DH and the kids were out doing great Disney stuff my Darling Mother decided to do our laundry. As we were returning back to the campground, my husband starts laughing hysterically. And then he asks, "Are those your UNDERWEAR hanging on the clothes line????" OMG mortified what did I do..... I grabbed my camera and took a picture and made a digital scrapbook page titled The Day the Magic Died. Mothers........

BTW - They had all kinds of flavored creamers on the last Magic I was on. All kinds of different teas too. There was also hot chocolate too.

Other than camping and in-laws, any other plans out there for this weekend?

My mom's in town from Chicago to see ... let's just face it ... her grandson, but it's nice to have her here regardless. We have a full weekend planned ... Museum of Transportation, planting in our new veggie garden, Easter egg hunt and visiting the Botanical Garden. I just hope my allergies hold up. Missouri is the allergy capitol of the world and I finally broke down to go see an allergy specialist about it. Unfortunately, I have to be off of antihistamines for 7 days before they'll test me. I just hope I can live 'til then. I pretty much have been a walking Sneezy with blood-shot eyes the past 2 days.


Congrats to those who got your cruise docs. I'm so looking forward to getting ours. It's just another part of turning the fantasy into reality, you know??

Speaking of ... I got the last bit of stuff to finish my FE's which SHOULD be done by the end of this weekend. *fingers crossed* That'll be a load off my plate ... that and finishing up taxes earlier this week.

 

[aseyrick]

PS - without giving away the whole surprise, I do want to let everyone know to not bother bringing a beach ball if you're on the FE list. I'll make sure we deliver our goodies on the 1st or 2nd day. Don't worry, you'll still be surprised. I just didn't want everyone to waste any precious luggage space.

 

[DVCTigger]

I guess I really dont fit in with this crowd. . . we absolutely LOVE camping!! We started in a tent, moved to a pop-up camper, and are now in a travel trailer. We love everything about it! Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain, I could go on and on! We typically go for at least one two week trip every summer. No tv, phone, computer, internet, just some great family time!! Hiking, campfires, lake days, sight seeing. . . .heaven! ALL of our vacation time goes to either camping or Disney! Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.

 

[iloverags2]

Just a quick update...I saw some Magic Navigators from this past January, and Cove Cafe was opening at 6:30 a.m. Maybe we'll get lucky for you early morning coffee drinkers!

I need to post this before I forget! So far we have two meets planned for our cruise, and I just want to be sure those who are not in the FE group have this info as well (it has already been included on the FE list).

• Day 1 (Embarkation Day) - Meet at 3:00 p.m. in the Promenade Lounge
• Day 3 (At Sea Day, Friday) - Meet around 11:00 prior to lunch before heading off to either Palo brunch, Lumiere's, or Topsiders. Meet up again in Diversions for after-lunch drinks. (Does anyone remember where we determined a good spot would be to meet up at 11:00?)
• Any other suggestions???

I was going to ask earlier if anyone had any fun plans!

We are just hanging out since DH can't travel anywhere (3 people TDY and 2 on leave already) Having an egg hunt and brunch/dinner feast here at home on Sunday. That's about it.

Nice, quiet, at-home holidays are often the best!

On the topic of character recognition, the first time I went to Disney there were characters I didn't know. It was the characters from the Briar Patch.

It was fun for my kids to meet new characters then go home and watch their movies. Especially with my kids being 4.5 yrs apart sometimes I can't remember which one watched what

Easter plans: Our annual living room egg hunt, church, my mother's house for lunch.

I'm still learning some of the Disney characters! It always amazes me when I discover yet another one!

I love St. Augustine! When my DS lived in Jacksonville we drove down to St. Augustine and went shopping in the small shops. Great local artists and lots of unusual things to buy. I always wanted to go back, but my DS moved to Wisconsin and that is not Florida!

Oh, St. Augustine is just so wonderful! I love heading down there for the day and just browsing around. My family is all in Chicago (miss my hometown tremendously...have I mentioned that???)...they love visiting the Old City when they visit.

Re: Passports, that's what I had heard too. I guess if we need something different they will tell us, right?

As far as coffee, obviously there is room service 24/7 too, and from what the Passporter book said, there can be pastries at the drink service station too? I am sure you could find something before 7, it just might not be as good as your post-run vittles.

I have never really been camping. We did an RV once when I was in like 4th grade. My DH keeps saying we'll have to do a tent soon, but now I am pregnant and can't sleep in my own bed half the time. Then there will be a tiny baby (wait, WHAT?! I am going to have another child after all of this? I am still getting used to the idea) so it's going to have to wait.



DS is pretty sensitive, so when his grandma bought Bambi I put it up and didn't let him watch it. Then one day he was watching Babar on Netflix (which I have never seen). He watches the version on Disney Jr all the time. Apparently Babar's mother gets shot out from underneath him. He matter of factly told me she got shot and now she's dead, and it was sad but Babar is OK now. I guess he gets to watch whatever Disney movies he wants.

And I totally want to see Titanic! I will have to make time to see it by myself if I want to go though, so probably not gonna happen.

We have an Easter Egg hunt/event thing at a local park that we go to every year, and we'll do church. Our family is all in other states so that will be it. Next weekend my MIL is coming to visit so we might do a big Easter-y dinner then.

Love the park egg hunts! Those are always a blast!

Yes & no. Depression runs in my dad's side of the family, so it's not surprising I have it, so it wasn't due to the insomnia. There isn't much known about the cause of fibromyalgia. It just exists, and yes, David Pal has taken care of my insomnia and fibromyalgia - as well as lessen the effects of my depression, but that's something I have to take medication for as it's simply caused by a chemical imbalance. So, when someone says I'm imbalanced, well ... I am. With all that said, insomnia can lead to soooo many awful things - memory loss, weight gain, anxiety, depression, lowered immune system, you name it. The list goes on and on. I take my sleep VERY seriously these days.



To put it simply ... love.

The last time DH & I went camping was over a Fourth of July weekend with some friends a LONG while back. It was hot. It was rainy. It was muggy as heck. We laid in our tent in our skivvies as far from each other as possible because we were burning up. My DH turned to me that 1st night and said "My butt's gone soft. We're going home tomorrow." That was the last time we went camping. At least Easter weekend shouldn't be too umcomfortable. Good luck!





BTW - They had all kinds of flavored creamers on the last Magic I was on. All kinds of different teas too. There was also hot chocolate too.




My mom's in town from Chicago to see ... let's just face it ... her grandson, but it's nice to have her here regardless. We have a full weekend planned ... Museum of Transportation, planting in our new veggie garden, Easter egg hunt and visiting the Botanical Garden. I just hope my allergies hold up. Missouri is the allergy capitol of the world and I finally broke down to go see an allergy specialist about it. Unfortunately, I have to be off of antihistamines for 7 days before they'll test me. I just hope I can live 'til then. I pretty much have been a walking Sneezy with blood-shot eyes the past 2 days.


Congrats to those who got your cruise docs. I'm so looking forward to getting ours. It's just another part of turning the fantasy into reality, you know??

Speaking of ... I got the last bit of stuff to finish my FE's which SHOULD be done by the end of this weekend. *fingers crossed* That'll be a load off my plate ... that and finishing up taxes earlier this week.

Oh Annabel, I'm so sorry you struggle with these issues. DH has depression from chronic pain - such a roller coaster at times, and not something I would wish on anyone.

As for your allergies, I had the same problem. Needed to be off my daily Zyrtec for a week, plus no Benadryl if I needed it. Needless to say, I had to reschedule my appointment twice due to severe allergic reactions but I finally made it through. That was a rough week or so, though. The Flonase was a Godsend, but I needed to stop using it since I had terrible water retention. Will start it up again once I drop a few more pounds and feel good about my weight being stagnant (or even gaining).

I guess I really dont fit in with this crowd. . . we absolutely LOVE camping!! We started in a tent, moved to a pop-up camper, and are now in a travel trailer. We love everything about it! Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Rocky Mountain, I could go on and on! We typically go for at least one two week trip every summer. No tv, phone, computer, internet, just some great family time!! Hiking, campfires, lake days, sight seeing. . . .heaven! ALL of our vacation time goes to either camping or Disney! Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.

You and I are right there together! I love, love, love camping! My favorite spot is up in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. So beautiful and peaceful! And we are tent campers - the more rustic, the better!


You guys, I am so excited about this cruise I cannot stand it!!!