Mickey's So Long Summer Cruise 2.0

[My4PhillyGirls]

Have a great weekend everybody. We are expecting weather in the 70's

Joe

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Ok people we are on page 3

How was everyone's weekend We have a chain called Rita's water ice in our region and they gave away free water ice on Saturday to celebrate the fact that Spring has arrived

It was wall to wall people. I would never wait in a line like that even if it is free

Joe

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

Hey All!

Yup, I'm here. When I'm in NY I usually don't have time to post. Especially these last few days with health care. No comments!!! I've heard enough pundits on this subject to last me a lifetime.

Yes, Joe I agree, it was a beautiful weekend! NYC was beautiful Thursday through Sunday. Day off today!!

Booked our Carnival cruise on Friday. We're taking this year off from Mickey, too expensive. We got a great deal on the Carnival Dream. I guess I can always say I'll be the first one on the Dream! LOL

Busy week ahead, but aren't they all. I've got a killer schedule coming up... UGH!!!! I don't get a break until after Easter.

Let's hope we get more Spring, I'm sick of muddy paws on the dogs!

TTYL!
Michele

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Michele,

Have fun on the Dream.

Looks like you will be Dreaming for the next two summers

I will be taking a bus of high school students on a college tour to NC next week.

I'm hoping for good weather and great kids

Joe

 

[Mojodisney]

Hello Gang! It has been nice here in Seattle not that we are getting to enjoy it too much. T is working hard every day 7 days a week and it won't stop till April 16th. Me keeping the home fire burning and hoping T will make enough money for us to take another cruise by 2011, maybe the Dream???? E has been dreaming about another Disney cruise every night since we got off the ship.

 

[gottolovedisney]

It has been a crazy few weeks here. DD hurt her shoulder awhile ago and PT hasn't helped, so she will be having shoulder surgery on 4/22. She will need to be in a sling with her arm immobilized 4-6 weeks I will definitely be stocking up on the wine for this!!

I had a job interview last week- my first phone interview. It was last friday; the weather was so beautiful and the interview was with 2 women in NYC. Twice we had to stop because of the blaring fire trucks in their background- I swear they must have been interviewing me while having cocktails at some outdoor bar somewhere
It sounds like a great job, but for now they only want temporary staff- it may still be worth taking if they offer it to me, as you never know what contacts it can bring...and it will add to the vacation fund!

Leaving tomorrow to go to the Great Escape Lodge. It is a beautiful hotel with an indoor water park. Michele, have you ever been there? It is a fun time- going there makes you feel like you are on vacation!

Hope everyone is doing well!

JoAnn

 

[gottolovedisney]

Hey... We made it to page 4!!!!!!

 

[Mojodisney]

Leaving tomorrow to go to the Great Escape Lodge. It is a beautiful hotel with an indoor water park.
JoAnn

We have a Great Wolf Lodge here in Washington, an hour outside of Seattle that is just like your Great Escape Lodge. DD and I are going there after she gets out of school on the last day with some friends. They have gone the last 2 years. They get there, check in, go straight to the water park and hang out there. They spend the night at the hotel and then spend the whole next day at the waterpark til closing time. They have to check out of the hotel, but have water park privileges for the rest of the day. Haven't told DD yet, but she has been asking if we can go.

Joann, sorry to hear about your daughter. Wishing her speedy healing after her surgery.

 

[gottolovedisney]

We have a Great Wolf Lodge here in Washington, an hour outside of Seattle that is just like your Great Escape Lodge. DD and I are going there after she gets out of school on the last day with some friends. They have gone the last 2 years. They get there, check in, go straight to the water park and hang out there. They spend the night at the hotel and then spend the whole next day at the waterpark til closing time. They have to check out of the hotel, but have water park privileges for the rest of the day. Haven't told DD yet, but she has been asking if we can go.

Joann, sorry to hear about your daughter. Wishing her speedy healing after her surgery.

I have heard about the Great Wolf- would like to check out one of those as well. We all had a great time at great escape- the water was a bit chilly for my liking, though- it's amazing, though, how the kids don't seem to mind it. They swam for awhile, but seemed more excited about playing hotel tag! I am suprised we didn't get asked to leave!!! I will have to make future reservations under someone else's name!!

 

[gottolovedisney]

Disney Dream Update - From Another Forum

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Disney Dream to Feature Onboard Enchanted Art Program


An Enchanted Art program, a ship-wide detective game, virtual portholes and dinner “undersea” with Crush, the surfer dude turtle from “Finding Nemo,” are some of the new technology-based attractions in store aboard the 128,000-ton, 4,000-passenger Disney Dream cruise ship, which is scheduled to launch next January.


The goal is the same as that of Disney’s theme parks: “It’s all about storytelling,” said Bob Zalk, senior show producer. However, on a ship, “guests are living with us, so we have to provide more depth in the experience,” he added. To that end, the Enchanted Art program, which features 22 pieces interspersed with regular art throughout the ship, consists of framed pictures that are actually LCD screens with animation. The pictures come to life via an optical trigger, when a guest pauses in front of a piece to look at it. For example, an “oil painting” of the “Minnie Lisa” blinks while birds fly by in the background, and two side-by-side “paintings” of pirate ships engage in a battle with ammunition flying between the two. The program also features black-and-white photos, travel posters, animation cels and other formats. Guests also can control the animation in some pieces, like a picture of a cove with a ship’s wheel in front. Push the start button, turn the wheel and direct Captain Hook’s ship around the cove to trigger things like a rainbow.


The Enchanted Art program also plays role in the new Detective Adventure game, which challenges guests to solve one of two cases -- stolen paintings or kidnapped Dalmatian puppies. After signing in at a kiosk, guests receive a list of six possible villains, a ship map and a “magical” card called a “detective device.” Hold the card up to certain pieces, and the picture slides away to reveal a surprise, like a door with a key. Then, move the card around through the air in front of you to manipulate the scene; for example, to put the key in the lock and turn it to open the door for a clue or one of the missing items. The game, which is designed to promote family bonding and empowerment for kids, is self-paced, so guests can stop, and then pick up where they left off, whenever they want throughout the cruise. And they can go in any order they choose and play as many times as they want, since the game is different every time.


Imagineers also are putting a twist on Animator’s Palate, the main dining venue, with “Undersea Magic,” an interactive dinner show where guests converse with Crush the sea turtle. The show will be based on “Turtle Talk” from Walt Disney World and other Disney Parks, where Crush converses live with guests. Animator’s Palate, which will seat 700 guests (the Magic and Wonder each seat 400) will have 129 hidden LCD monitors imbedded into the walls. Approximately 20 minutes into dinner, lighting and sounds will make it seem like the dining room is underwater, as the LCD screens are unveiled to show an undersea world, as if they were windows. Crush and other “Finding Nemo” characters will swim from screen to screen talking with guests. Crush will even remember kids’ names from the children’s programs, since he will have met them via a large LCD screen in those areas earlier. While Crush and his pals are talking with people in one area of the restaurant, guests in other areas are entertained by sea creatures, like a school of fish that forms different shapes. During the finale, Crush teaches guests how to surf the East Australian Current, complete with surf music.

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Disney Dream Update - From Another Forum

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disney Dream to Feature Onboard Enchanted Art Program


An Enchanted Art program, a ship-wide detective game, virtual portholes and dinner “undersea” with Crush, the surfer dude turtle from “Finding Nemo,” are some of the new technology-based attractions in store aboard the 128,000-ton, 4,000-passenger Disney Dream cruise ship, which is scheduled to launch next January.


The goal is the same as that of Disney’s theme parks: “It’s all about storytelling,” said Bob Zalk, senior show producer. However, on a ship, “guests are living with us, so we have to provide more depth in the experience,” he added. To that end, the Enchanted Art program, which features 22 pieces interspersed with regular art throughout the ship, consists of framed pictures that are actually LCD screens with animation. The pictures come to life via an optical trigger, when a guest pauses in front of a piece to look at it. For example, an “oil painting” of the “Minnie Lisa” blinks while birds fly by in the background, and two side-by-side “paintings” of pirate ships engage in a battle with ammunition flying between the two. The program also features black-and-white photos, travel posters, animation cels and other formats. Guests also can control the animation in some pieces, like a picture of a cove with a ship’s wheel in front. Push the start button, turn the wheel and direct Captain Hook’s ship around the cove to trigger things like a rainbow.


The Enchanted Art program also plays role in the new Detective Adventure game, which challenges guests to solve one of two cases -- stolen paintings or kidnapped Dalmatian puppies. After signing in at a kiosk, guests receive a list of six possible villains, a ship map and a “magical” card called a “detective device.” Hold the card up to certain pieces, and the picture slides away to reveal a surprise, like a door with a key. Then, move the card around through the air in front of you to manipulate the scene; for example, to put the key in the lock and turn it to open the door for a clue or one of the missing items. The game, which is designed to promote family bonding and empowerment for kids, is self-paced, so guests can stop, and then pick up where they left off, whenever they want throughout the cruise. And they can go in any order they choose and play as many times as they want, since the game is different every time.


Imagineers also are putting a twist on Animator’s Palate, the main dining venue, with “Undersea Magic,” an interactive dinner show where guests converse with Crush the sea turtle. The show will be based on “Turtle Talk” from Walt Disney World and other Disney Parks, where Crush converses live with guests. Animator’s Palate, which will seat 700 guests (the Magic and Wonder each seat 400) will have 129 hidden LCD monitors imbedded into the walls. Approximately 20 minutes into dinner, lighting and sounds will make it seem like the dining room is underwater, as the LCD screens are unveiled to show an undersea world, as if they were windows. Crush and other “Finding Nemo” characters will swim from screen to screen talking with guests. Crush will even remember kids’ names from the children’s programs, since he will have met them via a large LCD screen in those areas earlier. While Crush and his pals are talking with people in one area of the restaurant, guests in other areas are entertained by sea creatures, like a school of fish that forms different shapes. During the finale, Crush teaches guests how to surf the East Australian Current, complete with surf music.

This looks great Looks like Disney is pulling out all the bells and whistles for their new ships. When these ships come out they will be heads and shoulders above any other cruise ships.

On another note,

I visited Duke University today while on my College Tour and the campus is buzzzing due to their participation in the Final Four. I got a T-shirt at the school and we will be visiting UNC - Chapel Hill tomorrow before returning to Philly tomorrow night.

Joe

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

10-year-old boy was killed this afternoon after he was struck by a bus near Fort Wilderness on Walt Disney World property, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed.

FHP and Reedy Creek Fire Rescue are investigating.

Disney had no immediate comment.

This is the third bus-related incident at Disney in six months.

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

10-year-old boy was killed this afternoon after he was struck by a bus near Fort Wilderness on Walt Disney World property, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed.

FHP and Reedy Creek Fire Rescue are investigating.

Disney had no immediate comment.

This is the third bus-related incident at Disney in six months.

Are the bus drivers Disney employees or do they work for Mears like the DCL buses

That is a terrible thing to think that a boy going on Spring Break from school dies on vacation. I feel for his family and classmates.

Joe

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Ok people, there has no action since last week. We slipped to page 4

Anyone else experiencing this brief April heat wave I'm not used to seeing so many people in shorts this early. I mean they have no tan and they haven't worked off the winter pounds

It's not pretty.

Joe

 

[gottolovedisney]

Things have been quiet here. We have been loving this nice weather. We had family over for the weekend and got to BBQ ... It is not often that you can BBQ Easter weekend. Unfortunatly I was one of the people in need of a tan! I need a cruise to help my color along.
Kids are on spring break so I have the week off to spend with them

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

What's up DCL Peeps!! Yeah, I'm alive... I know, i turn up like a bad penny! LOL

I have been going 110 mph, but what else is new? I did get a day off on Monday and took Mikayla and my Mom to NYC to act like tourists. It was so hot, Mikayla melted. She felt awful by the end of the day. But managed to spend plenty of my money. LOL

Weather is Beautiful here today, but the weather gods say it's not going to last.

Joanne, so sorry to hear about your daughter. I can't imagine being in a sling for that long, poor girl. Poor MOM! I hope you got to enjoy the Great Escape Lodge, I've only been there on media tours. Looks nice, but never got to play. I'm sure you had a great time! What was the job interview? Anything good? Any good news? Pour me some wine too!

I'm trying for a huge promotion at work, it would be jumping a number of slots, I seriously doubt I'll get it, but it's worth a try. Right?!


I found an interesting article for anyone crusising this summer... I love it when weather people argue about being wrong. It's the only job in the world you can be wrong 70% of the time and still get a raise and a promotion...


CSU Issues 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook
by weather.com
The Colorado State University forecast team, led by Dr. Philip J. Klotzbach, predicts an above average 2010 Atlantic basin hurricane season.

The team has increased its forecast from December 2009 and now anticipates 15 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin between June 1 and Nov. 30.


Eight of the storms are predicted to become hurricanes, and of those eight, four are expected to develop into intense or major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

"We expect current moderate El Nino conditions to transition to neutral conditions by this year’s hurricane season.

The predicted weakening of El Nino conditions combined with a very strong anomalous warming of the tropical Atlantic are the primary reasons why we are increasing our forecast."

Here at weather.com and The Weather Channel we offer a position on hurricane season outlooks based on three points:

A few years ago, TWC senior meteorologist Stu Ostro wrote about his strong feelings on hurricane season outlooks. Stu calls them flat out "useless".

There there is the part of the CSU seasonal outlook that the general public are interested in most - where will the hurricanes hit?

Probabilities for at least 1 major hurricane landfall by coastal area:

Entire U.S. coastline: 69% (average for the last century is 52%)
U.S. East coast including Florida peninsula: 45% (average for last century is 31%)
Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville, TX: 44% (average for last century is 30%)

Unfortunately, this landfall probability forecast is HIGHLY unreliable and there is little skill in this area.

**Remember to be prepared equally each and every year.**

 

[Mojodisney]

We're still here in the final days of tax season!!! Really need a cruise after this year. Maybe we need to look into the Carnivial Dream.......

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

We're still here in the final days of tax season!!! Really need a cruise after this year. Maybe we need to look into the Carnivial Dream.......

Mojo do the Dream, Mojo do the Dream!!! August 14th... we're going to Meghan's Bay....

 

[My4PhillyGirls]

Anyone get a mailing from DCL today?

I got a Bon Voyage packet talking about Bahamian Cruise Vacations. All the basic stuff that folks who haven't taken a cruise need to know.

They also give you your reservation number and dates to remember.

Of course it was address to my wife, but I opened it since I'm paying the bill

Joe

 

[LuvsBlueDiamonds]

anyone get a mailing from dcl today?

I got a bon voyage packet talking about bahamian cruise vacations. All the basic stuff that folks who haven't taken a cruise need to know.

They also give you your reservation number and dates to remember.

Of course it was address to my wife, but i opened it since i'm paying the bill

Joe

i get more crap for dcl! We don't sail for hundreds of days. Stop sending me stuff, stop killing trees. Printing full color junk drives up the price of my cruise.

Speaking of cruises... The latest pics...