Memorial Week Cruise May 24-29, 2009

[hillfam]

gma: How are you going about planning for the atlantis excursion?

 

[twokats]

We will be at WDW one day before the cruise and ten days after. Other than some safaris at AKL on the first day, I have not made definite plans for any of the other things. Right now I have been too busy getting w2s and 1099s out to my clients.

I think I have my rent car figured out to get to the port, so for me that was a fair amount of planning for the week.

We had a pretty bad ice storm last night and I have just been playing catchup on work here at the house all day.

Hope all of ya'll have been keeping warm and safe.

 

[g-ma]

We're taking the tour bus to atlantis. Well, I hope. We didn't book it yet. We're not doing the slides or water. Most of our kids are too young and we wouldn't really get full use of it. But we plan to check out the beach and dig and my son wants to hit the casino's. It will be his birthday the day we are there.

We'll prob hit the straw market too. I know many seasoned cruisers say to stay on and enjoy the ship, but it's my first time and I want to see and do it all, lol.

So far we have ADR for Chef Mickey the night we arrive. The girls are hopping to take their daughters too the princess breakfast in Epcot. Oh, we have a list we keep modifying. I hope we get most of them anyway.

Staying Carib. 1st then after pop c. Afew of us will need transportaion to and from the port. Anyone have any ideas on this? If we don't come up with anything then we'll cave and go with Disney. I just think, maybe there is a cheaper way.

Is anyone dressing for Pirate night? Also, how dressed do we need to be for dinner or palo???

 

[hillfam]

gma: We have a 2 and 6 year old and we were going to the slides because they have kiddie pools and things like that. Sounds interesting. Im still trying to work on our packing list; which takes an engineer with the amount of shopping I like to do! Thanks!

 

[g-ma]

Hilfam, We have 2 two yr. olds in our group, and a3,4, 5,6,7,and 8 yr. old. Whew, that's alot of kids. It's hard when the ages vary and of course the adults have their own agenda. The beach allows for freeplay and the dig will offer shade (also, grandpa will like this)...and of course the girls wanna hit the straw market and then there's my son, lol. Well, as you can see alot of planning has to go into this to keep everyone happy.

Packing, well that's another story.

Hope the winter is being kind to all of you----Mar

 

[twokats]

We had a fairly major ice storm Tuesday night, Wednesday morning so that gave me an unexpected day off. I don't do ice with my car.

Still don't know what all we will be doing. DH is working 12 hour days, so we don't get to talk much about the trip right now.

Plus, I will wind up doing all the planning. His response is you set it up I'll do it!!

Still getting ideas for magnets. Got one I will share with ya'll as soon as I find it in my pictures!

Have a great weekend to all.

 

[g-ma]

Kathy,

Aren't you having a blast with the magnets? I really am. Turning obsessed. The designers are so talented. Beyond me- . I'm lucky to know how to store them to print later.

I'm finding the cutest things. The hard part is trying to decide which ones to use.

I would have never had known to use them if it weren't for this site. You guys rock!

-Mar--

 

[twokats]

G-Ma,
If I use everything I have saved, they would totally cover the door and then some.

I have all the programs the designers use, I just have not had time to learn them. I keep hoping, but my job ties me to financials and not fun graphics.

I will be ordering DH and my AP's in the next couple of days, which will make the trip even closer for me.

You are right about the disigners though. . . they are all amazing and a lot of hours can go into looking at all their works.

 

[twokats]

Here is the picture I was looking for. Found it on one of the disigners threads (can't remember whose). I think it makes a great looking magnet. Thought ya'll might enjoy it also.

 

[churchlady]

That is so beautiful!!

 

[g-ma]

Magical, or I should say 'wonderful'. Can't wait to go!!!!!!! (with a drink in my hand)


I'm on this dis board everyday, lol, but has anyone checked out the new disney sites since they changed everything? I don't like it. I think it's much harder to find things, esp. the calendars. Yikes...why make me work so hard.lol.

Also, is anyone interested in doing the fish extenders and meeting once we're on board? Just wanted a heads up on all of this and maybe the seasoned cruisers could enlighten us all as to what we do.

Also, (bla, bla, bla, bla) that's for those of you tuning me out about now, I thought maybe we could get better aquainted. I'm gonna think something up and get back to you all real soon.----Mar

 

[g-ma]

Hi, me again, I've read so many posts on here and most agree that's it's nice to see a friendly face now and again and be able to say hi as you pass each other by. I realize we're all doing our thing, me, I'm traveling with a whole gang of family but I'd love to meet up at least to say "hey". So , if you're into that kinda thing I thought we could get silly and get to know each other better. I'll start...

name or what you go by...Marlene, Mar, mom, grandma
State I reside in...Ohio (it's cold here)
Traveling with...hubby and I, our adult children, their spuoses and kids, whew!
land and sea or sea only....land and sea for us
have you cruised before...not us, never thought I would. It kinda scares me, but now I've got the bug in spirit and know I will love it while onboard.
What will you celebrate...family, my son's birthday, alone time with my husband. We try to do some type of family vacation every yr. or so.
Dressing up for pirate night. ..half way, well we'll wear the bandanas...
Favorite character...I'm begginning to love grumpy. He reminds me so much of my husband
Favorite disney memory...2 x at wdw and once to disneyland, but this will be it. I'll have all the people I love with me, so life is good.
3 must do's...watch the sun rise
watch the sun set
watch the grandchildren smile
Time of dinner seating...main, we changed it and thought earlier was better for the kids
Just for laughs...
coke, pepsi, or pina colada's...at home, diet coke all the way, but on vacation. What do you think???
sun or shade...love them both but again, on vacation, bring on the sun:
morning or night person...morning at home, I'm beat by night, but on vacation I'm one of those people that will go without sleep to do it all.
Last book read...secret life of bees, very good.
Taking a book on the cruise...yeah, but it's o.k. if I never open it. The bussiness of life happening will be taking place and I don't want to miss a thing. Such memories!
Feel free to add your own...........

So, what'd ya say, who's up for the conga line. whoo hoo!!!

 

[Kelly Lou]

Good idea!

I've seen on some of the other threads that while on board people have their dis meet (usually dressed in lime green, the dis color) and take a group pic. We should have our meet early in the cruise so as we pass eachother at the pool, dinner, or on the islands then we've already met ! Aw, I'm getting so excited (we're so cheesy about all this disney stuff!)

So here's my responses:
name or what you go by...Kelly
State I reside in...Ohio (it's cold here and snowy- yuk! Can't wait to cruise!)
Traveling with...my DH, DS 8, DS 7, and DD 3 (and parents, siblings, in laws, and neices and nephews- I think we have 17 total)
land and sea or sea only....CBR before cruise 5/21-5/24 The Wonder 5/24-5/28 & Pop Culture 5/28-5/31
have you cruised before...no but I have always wanted to!
What will you celebrate...The magic of WDW w/ my whole family!
Dressing up for pirate night. ..I don't know how much I will be, but the DS' definitly will
Favorite character...I love them all but my DD is obsessed w/ the princesses, I think I like Tink the best!
Favorite disney memory...I've been to WDW Magic Kingdom twice, and Epcot once, both as a child (they were great) but I'm really excited for this trip, doing all 4 parks, staying at Disney and cruising, and getting to watch my children enjoy it all!
3 must do's...Dress up my DD in all her princess costumes and get pics and autographs w/ all the princesses , Star Wars at Hollywood studios for my DH and DS', and (this is sounds like fun...)put the kids in an activity and go to the adult pool, w/ book, w/out kids!
Time of dinner seating...main
Just for laughs...
coke, pepsi, or pina colada's...diet coke, bottled water (I am so boring!)
sun or shade...It's like 1 degree here, with 15inches of snow in my yard, I can not wait to see SUN!!!!!!!
morning or night person...either (I don't sleep much)
Last book read...the Journey by Danielle Steel, pretty good...
Taking a book on the cruise...yep
Feel free to add your own...........
3 best tips you've heard or read (share please)... You can bring a cooler in the parks and on the ship, pack bug spray for the islands, watch for pick pocketers (is that a word?) at Nassua, this would have turned out bad for me if I didn't know- I'm too naive

Can't wait til May! Kel

 

[g-ma]

Hi Kel, great add on about the 3 best tips .

Here goes...#1. Bring a cooler on the ship, omg, this will save sooo much money. I didn't know you could bring your drinks onboard. Hubby drinks only water (all the time). Me needs me diet coke ( or I get mean, lol), and son and son inlaw will want their corona I read today a 12 pack of beer on the cruise was $50.00. Can that be right? Ya, we'll save alot of money with this tip.

#2. Take your own pictures each time the photographer takes one. This way you will have the same pic and it will be much cheaper. Oh oh, now I'm starting to sound cheap, but this trip is expensive. We gotta try to save where we can.

#3.Bring a highlighter for the navigator to help outline what you really want to do.

---------------Mar

 

[twokats]

The first thing I can tell you is that lime green is not one of my colors!!

Name or what you go by . . . Kathy or Kat (others call me Mom, Gramma and Sis)
State I reside in . . . the great state of Texas (it was in the 50's Tuesday and 70's for the rest of the week. We had ice last week! They say if you don't like the weather - wait five minutes!)
Traveling with . . . my sweet darling husband - this is our first trip to WDW without kids!!
Land and sea or sea only . . . Land, sea and land again. Animal Kingdom Lodge Villa one day before cruise 5/23 The Wonder 5/24-5/28 & Villas at Wilderness Lodge 5/28-6/6
Have you cruised before . . . No, but I have several friends that have and they always go on and on about how much fun they have.
What will you celebrate . . . Our 25th Wedding Anniversary
Dressing up for pirate night . . . I don't know I am still thinking on that one

Favorite character . . . I love Eeyore. I have a soft spot for Tink and the princesses, but there is just something about Eeyore. That is one reason we always do the Character breakfast at the Crystal Palace so that I can get my one on one with Eeyore!!
Favorite Disney memory . . . On the 2004 trip we did the Backstage Magic tour and seeing how everything works behind the scenes was just so worth it!! We have special memories from each trip which is one of the reasons we joined DVC.

3 must do's . . . I agree with the watching the sunrise and sunset, but for this trip the last thing is just to spend quality time with DH. We have worked so much already this year and last year I was gone a lot helping my Mother deal with chemo and going to the doctors and such. We need the alone time.
Time of dinner seating . . . Late - it is what we are used to here at home.

Just for laughs . . .

Sweet tea or Pepsi - always!! Very predictable!!!
Sun or shade . . . I like the Sun, even though we seek the shade. But on vacation you need and expect some SUN!!
Morning or night person . . . More of a night, sometimes it is hard for me to get motivated since I do my best work at night and usually stay up way too late. But on vacation we go from early to late since we don't want to miss a thing.
Last book read . . . Shadow Dance by Julia Garwood or was it Return to Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux!!
Taking a book on the cruise . . . Yes. Most likely several. I always read on the flight to Florida and also before I go to sleep to relax.
3 best tips you've heard or read . . . Bring a cooler on the ship, use baby powder to get the sand off your feet easier and bring a waterproof camera to Castaway Cay to save any accidents to the Canon DSLR!!

 

[Kelly Lou]

Hi Kathy,
Nice to know you. I'd so rather be in Texas than Ohio right now! Baby powder is a good idea! Sweet team, mmmm! I'll have to do that on the ship if provided (I'm trying to watch my sugar & diet til then).

 

[hillfam]

What a cool idea! Here goes......

Name or what you go by . . . Monique (Birth Name) but if you hear someone yelling...SWEETIE!....(that's my better half calling me) or MOMMY! (that's my other 1/4's calling me)

State I reside in . . . I'm a GEORGIA PEACH - it was 20 this morning at 0700 and now its 1400 and its 68.

Traveling with . . . my wonderful husband and 2 of the greatest gifts God has blessed us with besides each other, our 7 and 2 year old sons.

Land and sea or sea only . . . Well Technically, Sea.....but my sneaky husband has rented a villa in Kissimee for when we get back...so I know that he is planning something special.....(saw it on the CC statement) probably Disney for a couple of days after the cruise.

Have you cruised before . . . Yes! Honeymoon, 1998; 2nd Honeymoon 2001, got pregnant, 3rd Honeymoon, 2005, got pregnant......so....cruising is a great baby maker.

What will you celebrate . . . My husbands safe return home after defending our country's freedom! and our 4th Honeymoon!

Dressing up for pirate night . . . kinda up in the air about that one.....

Favorite character . . . Pooh Bear....He is the friend I always wanted.

Favorite Disney memory . . . Going to see the MM Club as a child.

3 must do's . . . Kiss my husband, Kiss my children, and Kiss myself for just being able to do that.

Time of dinner seating . . . The early one.

Just for laughs . . .

Sweet tea or Pepsi - I'm a country girl....Sweet Tea is our national drink.

Sun or shade . . . Both!

Morning or night person . . . Depends......that's a trick question.....

Last book read . . . Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, President Barack Obama

Taking a book on the cruise . . . Probably.

3 best tips you've heard or read . . . 1. Atlantis Adventure Excursion Savings at CS. 2. Adding a pkg. to the cruise to be able to book 105 days earlier. 3. This board!


I can't wait to meet all you guys!

 

[g-ma]

Whoo hoo, you all jumped in on the conga line! This is fun getting to know each other better.

Kat---I just know you'll have a wonderful time on the cruise celebrating your 25th wedding anniv. Seem like we're all celebrating love in some way. Aren't we all lucky (blessed) to be able to share these moments with our loved ones near.

Monique-lol, You could scare people away with that whole, "baby maker' bussiness on the cruise. Have to laugh though (I'm safe) but vacations do have a way of bringing people together.
Hey, could you tell me more about the 105 day early book. What type of add on's?
P.S. your husband sounds like a real sweety.

O.k. girls, I'm jeleous of the weather you both have. Here it's just cold and colder. yuck!

Kel---sorry hun, I don't do lime green either but I'm up to meeting everyone and getting a great pic.

Now who's next???

 

[hillfam]

g-ma: When you add the Romantic Escape at Sea you get to pre-book your Palo reservation(s), shore excursions and any spa services 105 days in advance of your cruise, which is the same time people that book the suites can. Package details are on the site. We get to book Feb. 8. Thank you for the compliment. We are so proud of our soldier. Can't wait to meet ya!

 

[g-ma]

Thanks Monique for the info. ( you learn so much on here). We're going to keep things as they are but I do plan to try out the spa when I go.

Awwww, sounds so relaxing.