MICKEY'S PARTY PIRATES! September 7th 2008 - Disney Wonder

[dolphingirl47]

Oh, duh, me. Now I know why your username is Dolphingirl.

Yes, dolphins are the big passion in my life. I have swam with dolphins 6 times so far and also interacted with Killer Wales (at Seaworld San Diego) and Belugas (at Seaworld Orlando). My usual reply when people query why I am always willing to stay behind when needed and do overtime, is "It's not called overtime, it's called swimming with dolphins!". I work hard, but I safe a chunk of what I earn up for various experiences that involve dolphins.
Right, I am pretty much packed. This is the strangest packing I have ever done consisting among other stuff, 5 swim suits, 2 cocktail dresses, one evening gown, three pairs of Crocs, Aqua Socks and a holdall full with FE gifts. I better get ready to go to work. Fortunately the meeting was put back to 1 PM after all. Either when I get back tonight or tomorrow morning, I have to pack my hand luggage and find little bags for the last three DE gifts and then I am officially done. Roll on, vacation.

Corinna

 

[pjstevens]

Roll on, vacation.

Corinna,

I hope you have safe travel to the US and pray that this newest storm Hanna does NOT mess with any of your plans. Have lots of fun on the Magic and we'll see you next Saturday at the Radisson!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pjstevens]

Trip Report Returns!

After lunch, we shop like I've never shopped in my life.

I bought silk pajamas marked down from 100.00 to 25.00. They come in a matching silk pouch with the word "peace" embroidered on it. The bags and gift boxes sport a picture of the owner's dogs wearing funky wigs.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see my friend walking toward me with a jewel green dress. It's love at first sight but I shake my head no at her. She mouths, "It's on sale!". I can't take my eyes off it, but I still tell her, "No Way." She mouths, "Try it on." I get off the phone with my sister and go try on the dress. It's fabulous, it's on sale, and I buy it.

we buy fake ponytails from a hairpiece kiosk and wear them the rest of the day.

Good thing I came with a mostly empty suitcase!

Monica,

LOVE the update!!!!! Oh my goodness, I can only dream of going to these places! I would love to have been in some of those shops (never heard of them, lol, but they sound so awesome).

Silk pj's for 75% off!!!! Wonderful price!!! I want to see the bag, lol.

I want to see this dress!!! More pics please!

I had one of those fake ponytails when I was blond, I really wanted to get one for this trip (hoping our VR photos would look better with hair, lol) but just haven't gotten around to it.

I can't believe all the goodies you got. Good thing you had that extra room to take it all home!

Can't wait to meet you and Warren next week at the Radisson!!!

 

[tinkerbell34]

Have a great vacation Corinna!

I love you trip report Monica! Sounds like you had a great time.

I'm worried about this tropical storm/ hurricane Hannah. They were showing the forcast and they don't expect it to move much at all, all the way through Wed. They are expecting it to turn south on wed so who knows where this thing will end up or when it will make it there. Keeping fingers crossed and positive attitude.

Oh....WE ARE DOWN TO SINGLE DIGITS!!!

 

[pjstevens]

I'm worried about this tropical storm/ hurricane Hannah. They were showing the forcast and they don't expect it to move much at all, all the way through Wed. They are expecting it to turn south on wed so who knows where this thing will end up or when it will make it there. Keeping fingers crossed and positive attitude.

Oh....WE ARE DOWN TO SINGLE DIGITS!!!

WOOOHOOO for single digits!!!! I am trying to NOT pay attention, but am getting concerned about flying in on Saturday. I want this storm to MOVE (not stall) and get out of the way!

 

[Justthe8ofus]

Hey guys. I just wanted to let you know that I will not be sailing with you all.

I am sorry for those that did get FE gifts for us--please PM me with your address if you want me to send you your gifts.

We changed to the 10/19 sailing of the Wonder.

I hope you all have a blast on your cruise. DCL is wonderful!

Take care

 

[tinkerbell34]

I agree Patricia. If it would have just kept chugging we would be in the clear but now that I know it won't be moving all the way through Wed, that doesn't give it much time to clear the area. I have a keen eye watching to not only see about Port Canaveral but also our port stops. Well, I keep saying that at least I won't be home w/ hurricane shutters and no power eating peanut butter crackers. If we get derailed and have to go somewhere else...I can say I was on a special itenarary cruise. I pray everyone makes it in safe and sound.
http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm7/atl8projectedpath_large.html

 

[tinkerbell34]

Hey guys. I just wanted to let you know that I will not be sailing with you all.

I am sorry for those that did get FE gifts for us--please PM me with your address if you want me to send you your gifts.

We changed to the 10/19 sailing of the Wonder.

I hope you all have a blast on your cruise. DCL is wonderful!

Take care

Aw, Mary, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope you have a great time on your cruise!

 

[pjstevens]

Hey guys. I just wanted to let you know that I will not be sailing with you all.

Mary, so sorry to hear that. I hope you awesome birthday cruise with the kids! Sorry we won't be meeting you this time.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Mary,
I am so sorry to hear that you won't be sailing with us.

Corinna

 

[yazee1]

YEither when I get back tonight or tomorrow morning, I have to pack my hand luggage and find little bags for the last three DE gifts and then I am officially done. Roll on, vacation.

Corinna

When, exactly are you flying out? It's about 10:30pm here, so I expect you are asleep right now and can't answer this. How did it go at work today?

 

[yazee1]

The Trip Report (tome) continues...

Wednesday - More shopping

Strangely enough, I can't remember much about Wednesday. I also didn't write anything in my journal so I have nothing to jog my memory. I know I took my friend to the clinic for monitoring and her HCG shot. She learned that her body was not as ready for the procedure as the clinic was hoping, and there was a possibility that we might have to stay until Friday but probably not. She wasn't feeling too well after the shot, so we went back to the hotel. She thought she might just hang around the pool or rest.

I remember being all psyched up to go hiking in the San Gabriel (?) mountains which I could see from our hotel room. Just as much as we wanted to dip our toes in the Pacific earlier in the week, I was itching to hike in the mountains of southern California. It didn't work out for me that day.

I asked the concierge for information about hiking and she offered maps and directions but was adamant that I should not go hiking alone. Of course, she was right. That's just asking for trouble. What if I got lost, hurt or attacked? Frustrated and deflated, I return to our room to see how my friend is doing and see what I can do to get her mind of the side effects of the shot. I should have guessed - shopping. Since I am having buyer's remorse over the shirts I bought for my daughter the day before, I don't mind a second trip to Glendale.

First stop is Peekaboo where I try to return the shirts I bought my daughter. Too bad for me, they cannot be returned because they were on sale. Strangely enough, I'm relieved.

Next stop is lunch. No Cheesecake Factory this time. We cross the street to the Galleria and head to the food court where there are no McDonalds or major fast food places but there are more Asian restaurant stands than all the other offering combined. Hmm, do we want Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Hawaiian (okay I know that's not Asia). We want sushi. As if watching the sushi chef isn't entertainment in itself, there's a video of sushi/sashami preparation playing on a large flat screen television on the wall of the food stand. Soon, I am presented with $4.00 worth of eel sushi. It's enough to feed three people! Fresh fruit, cheap sushi - I want to live in California.

I can't remember the rest of the afternoon. Maybe, nothing memorable happened or maybe I was hypnotized to forget. I'm sure it will all come back to me when I check my credit card statement. My friend was keen on going down to the pool right before sunset so we go. Until now, we haven't encountered anyone at the pool, but we certainly are not alone anymore. A considerable number of business men are socializing at the nearby bar and outdoor deck. I observe to my friend if she's truly fed up with her husband, this would be prime hunting ground for a new husband, or at least someone's husband. We are not interested in the menfolk just enjoying some girl talk.

Expecting to be leaving the next morning after my friend's procedure, we return to the room to pack. My friend has outshopped her available luggage space. I take pity on her and find space in my bags for some of her stuff. I make her promise that she isn't making me her mule and smuggling drugs in my suitcase. When the packing is finished, we pop downstairs to ask the concierge where he thinks we should go, within walking distance, for take-out food. He misunderstands our transportation situation and offers, no begs, to drive us somewhere. This hotel staff is amazing! I don't know if all Marriot's are like this one. We decline and go back up to the room and order Thai food from some place that sounds good. I ask if we are in their delivery range because it's dark now, and we don't want to walk in the dark city streets. The man on the phone answers in the affirmative but in a way that makes me feel really dumb for asking. (The next day we walk right past the restaurant and learn that it is literally right around the corner).

Our day ends with us eating Thai food while my friend cruises the net on her laptop and I watch the Olympics.

 

[WDWKevin]

Anyone doing a back to back and going on the 11th's 3-Night?

 

[pjstevens]

Anyone doing a back to back and going on the 11th's 3-Night?

Not unless a hurricane keeps us on the ship and doesn't allow the new passengers on, LOL...

I don't think anyone in the group was doing that (but could be wrong). Corinna is sailing the Magic special 5 day cruise right before (she arrives back at port on the 6th).

So, Kevin, are you and your parents excited, it's just over a week. I see you cruise alot, so does the excitement that us first timers are going through wear off?

 

[dstevens]

Greetingsl fellow Dis-ers . I hate to be the bearer of bad news , (Coach Dale says "don't worry be happy" ) but upon gazing into my crystal ball (computer ), reading my coffee grounds (i don't drink tea. Sorry to my English friends.) and playing with my Tarot cards (scaning the newspaper) i have discovered a little know storm that is generating an area of HIGH pressure and alot of HOT air heading towards the Port Canaveral area . It is expected to arrive around Saturday and last into Sunday. The NOAA, FEMA, NASA and other alphabet organizations say it is off the record in its ferocity. They are declaring it a possible catagory 6 storm! They are even pre naming it the "DIS-BOARD MANIA" Storm! HAH!! Did i fool anybody?

 

[pjstevens]

They are declaring it a possible catagory 6 storm! They are even pre naming it the "DIS-BOARD MANIA" Storm! HAH!! Did i fool anybody?

You though, my hubby, probably have more hot air than most of us girls!!!! (only kidding).

Happy Saturday!!! This time next week we'll be at the Radisson (or that general area). It's getting closer!

 

[dolphingirl47]

When, exactly are you flying out? It's about 10:30pm here, so I expect you are asleep right now and can't answer this. How did it go at work today?

Work went fine. Let's just say my problem will no longer be a problem when I get back from my vacation.
We will fly out 10:25 am tomorrow. I did the online check in this morning before we left for the hotel. I had some quality time in the hot tub and we had a lovely meal at the oriental restaurant here at the hotel. I am now sitting in the club lounge and Graham as already headed for bed. We need to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. I will have a quick gin and tonic and then head for bed,too. The next time I get the chance to go online is probably at the Radisson. I hope I will somehow catch up with you guys. I will probably by the pool most of the afternoon.
I had a lovely surprise this morning. I have a dear friend in the Sarasota area. She has never been to WDW. About a month ago I saw a special offer for friends and family of DVC members for Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. I emailed her this and never heard anything back. This morning she emailed to say they booked Old Key West for September 12th to 14th. We get to spend some real quality time together. I had an ADR at Boma for the Saturday night. I rang this morning and managed to change it for a slightly earlier time for a party of four. I am over the moon.

Corinna

 

[tinkerbell34]

I had a lovely surprise this morning. I have a dear friend in the Sarasota area. She has never been to WDW. About a month ago I saw a special offer for friends and family of DVC members for Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. I emailed her this and never heard anything back. This morning she emailed to say they booked Old Key West for September 12th to 14th. We get to spend some real quality time together. I had an ADR at Boma for the Saturday night. I rang this morning and managed to change it for a slightly earlier time for a party of four. I am over the moon.

Corinna

That is GREAT Corinna!!! My mom lives in Sarasota and that is where I work so I feel kind of like neighbors with your friend. hehe
We too plan to be at the pool when we go to the Raddisson. My boys love to swim.....got the whole fish gene from mom. I pray the weather holds out for you. The Disney site said no change for the Sept 1 Magic sailing but I did read that they expect Hurricane Hananh to turn towards the Bahamas early next week. Take care and I'll be praying for you! I know you will have a grand time!!

You know, one thing I did read was that if the ship is unable to dock at a port and you end up w/ a day at sea....they normal refund you the port charges as a stateroom credit. That isn't bad at all! As I keep saying, as long as I'm on the ship I'll be content.

 

[pjstevens]

As I keep saying, as long as I'm on the ship I'll be content.

Well I agree, as long as we're on the DCL I am not going to complain!!!!

 

[pjstevens]

Got all my FE's done!!!!! All ready to be back!!!! YEA!!!! Working on our itinerary, schedule for our kids to take care of the girls. Working on my schedule for this coming week.