November 8, 2008 7 Night Eastern 11/8/2008 11-8-2008 FIRST POST UPDATED ON 10/16/08

[Maddie's Nana]

Thanks for info - btw the photo - who's the little girl? She's adorable!

Thanks - She is our granddaughter - the third generation of Disney lovers

 

[Pixie Dust II]

JUST PAID OFF OUR CRUISE...

About making pirate costumes affordable...we hit the JCPenney jewelry clearance racks several times pre-cruise and procured some of the ugliest costume jewelry ever made (but perfect for pirate plunder). Big ghastly fake jewels, clunky "gold" chains, hideous rings, all for a couple of dollars each. We store all the pirate plunder into a Ziploc and then fight over who gets to wear which ones each cruise. We also went to stores like Kohl's when they had their big 70% off clearances and got some really scary belts and sequined scarves that doubled as snazzy pirate sashes. One of my pirate blouses came from the clearance rack, too, for $2.00. Perhaps my favorite "find" was our boot toppers from a theatrical supply company that sells on eBay. They fold flat, but you can wear them over black shoes and they look like those fancy boots with the foldover, laced up tops and brass buttons! We did pay $20 for them, but wear them to the renaissance fairs, as well.

We also have some exciting news to share...last Saturday we went to the Doorway to Dreams (Disney Vacation Club store in Chicagoland) member event and we WON the grand prize giveaway...an all-expense-paid five day four night trip to WDW for four! Airfare, a one bedroom DVC villa for four nights, park tickets, one $75 gift card PER PERSON PER DAY for food and souvenirs (a lot of Dole Whips and turkey legs!), and even a $3400 check from Disney to pay for the taxes. We were just stunned, as we've never won anything except an umbrella and a Mr. Potato Head. We have one year from October to take the trip! Since we are taking this cruise without the kids, that helped take the sting out of it for them! (We did just take them on Wonder this June and are taking them on a cruise to Alaska next year.)

Looking forward to waking up at the crack of dawn with everyone else to book shore excursions and Palo!

Wow! Congratulations to you! What a great surprise and a fantastic win. That is wonderful. You must be so excited. I would be bouncing off the walls!

Hi all--Just found this thread. Wife and I have been booked on this cruise since August of last year. I'll need to spend the next few days reviewing all the posts to see what I've been missing. This will be our third Disney cruise, but the first 7-day one.

Bascom

Welcome aboard. I was off the boards for a few days and I feel like i can't "ketchup"!

I just tripped across this site. I have been reading all your great posts and right now have no clue how to use the site properly so I am just trying to post a message. I don't have a signature set up yet either because I kept messing it up. I will try and figure that out this weekend. This will be our third Disney cruise and the first one my husband has went on with us. Normally it is just my daughter and myself. I was wondering if anyone had any older teenagers going. My daughter is 17 and I thought it might be fun for her to meet some friends right away this time on the cruise. I have tried reading through many of the posts but is there anyone who can update me on anything specific that might be going on with the group. I am traveling with 3 other family's (friends too) Combined they have a 12 year old boy, 10 year old girl, and 8 year old girl. I belive the 8 year old will be in a different group than the other two so they will be looking to make friends too. Any help that anyone could provide or direction would be great. I have notied on past cruises the door signs and other fun things going on but had no clue to look for a website to find the fun. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Tracy (Here in Idaho and dreaming of the ocean!!!)

Welcome to MegaMouseHouse! I love the way our group increasing in numbers!

As skylynx said, user's choice for formal night. Here is a pic of us on formal night last cruise:

As far as I know they don't limit suitcases. LOL Last cruise our large suitcase wouldn't fit under the bed and we didn't have room for it in the closet. We tried putting it on the veranda but apparently that is some kind of violation of disney or maritime law per our room attendant. We ended up putting it in the shower most of the time.

Great picture. We always go formal for formal night--tux and formal dress. I have a hard time limiting my luggage, but the airlines is sort of taking care of that for me!

Hi all. My dh, my dd (3 now -will be 4 on the trip) and I are looking forward to the November 8th cruise- our second cruise but our first Disney Cruise. A friend, DizzneyDAnn told me about this site and I'm happy to say hello to all of you.... Hope to meet lots of you on the cruise!

Welcome FloridaMom 3416!

We got our Palo reservations Saturday night. It took me 12 minutes to book brunch, high tea and dinner and to do our shore excursions so I think we are all set. Now just watch that countdown clock every day when the computer comes on!

I won't stay away so long the next time!

Disney Dreams, everyone!

 

[WendyJersey]

I'm confused - perhaps because I'm new to the Disney Cruises - I thought bookings could not be done until 75 days ahead (i.e. my calculations are August 21st). So if you are saying that things are already booked up - I'm a bit concerned......Thanks for any pointers/explanations. Randi

If you are a first time cruiser you can register at the 75 day mark. If you have cruised before you can do on at the 90 day mark. Alot have cruised before and were able to book this weekend. Hopefully our booking for brunch made it. I think I would have heard if we didn't make it. Our TA was asked to do this for us. Welcome aboard FloridaMom3461.

 

[WendyJersey]

Hi Florida Mom - Reservations open 90 days in advance for Castaway Club members, i.e. those who have cruised Disney previously. It is 75 days for new Disney cruisers. Due to the lack of availability at Palo's
I believe (hopefully) that some reservations are reserved for the 75 day window. When I booked 75 days before my last cruise there were a lot of Palo reservations available.

Oops, sorry Mozart - I didn't see your reply til mine was posted

The last time I cruised, once on board, we headed right for the place to make ressies for Palo and got them for brunch and dinner so what Mozart said is true. They have to allow for people reserving once on board. That is only fair.

 

[WendyJersey]

Wow! Congratulations to you! What a great surprise and a fantastic win. That is wonderful. You must be so excited. I would be bouncing off the walls!



Welcome aboard. I was off the boards for a few days and I feel like i can't "ketchup"!




Welcome to MegaMouseHouse! I love the way our group increasing in numbers!



Great picture. We always go formal for formal night--tux and formal dress. I have a hard time limiting my luggage, but the airlines is sort of taking care of that for me!




Welcome FloridaMom 3416!

We got our Palo reservations Saturday night. It took me 12 minutes to book brunch, high tea and dinner and to do our shore excursions so I think we are all set. Now just watch that countdown clock every day when the computer comes on!

I won't stay away so long the next time!

Disney Dreams, everyone!

It is almost worth reading every day at this point as more will be posting as we get nearer to our big day. That's why I'm here now and it is 1:35am. Have to keep up. Lucky you that you got High Tea guess I'll see if something comes up while on board if not it is something I'll plan for next time.

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Hey we got a stateroom! We are in 8540 midship...whoopie!!

Now that we have a room number it feels so much closer

mrsv98 - we'll be right down the hall from you in 8088

 

[KBennett]

Hey we got a stateroom! We are in 8540 midship...whoopie!!

Now that we have a room number it feels so much closer

We're right down the hall as well, 8586!

 

[Gecko1]

Cabin 8520 here.

 

[mrsv98]

Hmm, looks like our hallway will be full of excited little girls!

 

[KBennett]

I'm going to apologize now to all my hall mates, my girls are really, really loud. They are loud under normal situations, I don't even want to think about what a Disney cruise is going to do for their lung power. I shall bring ear plugs for all of you and throw them in your fish extenders as a peace offering!
Kristine

 

[Basfreeman]

I'm going to apologize now to all my hall mates, my girls are really, really loud. They are loud under normal situations, I don't even want to think about what a Disney cruise is going to do for their lung power. I shall bring ear plugs for all of you and throw them in your fish extenders as a peace offering!
Kristine

Being the grumpy ole man that I am, its a good thing you're at the other end of the ship then us. Not because of your girls; rather, my wife tends to get out of hand when Disney Characters are around.

 

[mimi'sgirl]

FloridaMom3461- "playdate" I was thinking the same exact thing when I read your first post and you mentioned your DD. My DD would love that. We are looking forward to meeting you and your family.

Sooo excited. I keep talking to the kids and DH about the trip. It's all I can think about. Well at least until school starts. Then the time will go super fast.

 

[cheeringmom]

You have been added! Not sure which hotel's require shuttle reservations. We are staying at the Radisson and I've read that the early shuttles tend to book up early. DH will drop us and the luggage off at port and then park the car at the hotel and take the 10:30 am shuttle. The Radisson has shuttles running from 10 am until I think 2 pm.

Thanks!! My college kids are home and haven't had time to check in but glad I checked on your response. Will make a call today!! We are at the Country Inn.

 

[TigerTink08]

Hey TigerTink08, welcome aboard. So glad you are both coming. I had a feeling it was you, but I had to confirm with 1DisneyQueen to be sure. It will be great seeing you both. It has been a while since I have seen you.
We are at the 92 day and 23 hour mark and I can't wait to board the ship. It has been 2 long years since I was on the Magic. Just can't wait to get there We will land around 4:17PM on Friday the 7th. Will you also be arriving on Friday?
Hey are you in for wine tasting while on board? I also hear there is suppose to be Margarita tasting, but I haven't confirmed that. If you are maybe we can sign up for it. Your aunt said she will pass. If you want to go with me let me know and we can sign up when we get on board. I do know I'll never get involved with the Martini tasting again. You, your Aunt and I all agree on that one. See ya both soon.

I've never been impressed with the wine tasting so I'll pass on that but the Margarita tasting would be cool! We will def have to check that out!! Yeah the Martini tasting was a little much for us what a memory! I'm also so excited to get back on the Magic!

Mark and I will be driving down friday night but I'm still nor sure what the plan is on when we will be leaving. It would be nice to meet everyone there for dinner. I'll keep you and the fam update on when we plan to leave here that friday. I so can't wait!!!!

 

[TigerTink08]

Welcome to everyone new!
Well, we're official now, we've paid the cruise off AND ordered a fish extender from Ebay!
I have a question about formal night. This is probably silly but, just exactly how formal is it? Is it evening gown formal or cocktail dress formal?
Do they limit you on suitcases because I'm feeling like I'm going to need at least 10, 2 or 3 for shoes alone!!!! I'll have to store them on the verandah or just toss them overboard if they're in the way!!!!

Most of the people in our family so more for the evening gown and men in suits. We rarely get the chance to dress so nice and it makes great pictures to send for the holidays.
As for suitcases, I try and arrange all my outfits to use the same 3 pairs of shoes. This is why I start packing months ahead of time to make sure I have outfits that will use the same shoes. Try to stick with one pair of nice shoes (if you can), like black or brown. I also pack a casual shoe walking shoe and comfortable walking sandals. Its hard to get all the outfits to use so few shoes but you can always buy a few extra tops or bottoms to make it work. Hope that helps!

 

[Morgan4]

to all the new people!!!

Don't forget to check out POST #1 for info on the meet and the gift exchange!!!

I need to start my list of things to do and buy.

I purchased my fabric for my fish extender, can't wait to get started on that.

I also purchased some items for the exchange, and I have 2 crafts for my girls to help with for the exchange. Did I tell you that I am a Girl Scout leader. Love the SWAPS.

Still need to start the costumes.

Too many things, I may need to postpone the cruise until next November!!!
What was I thinking!!

For formal night, I purchased, I think in Feb. a black cocktail dress (knee length). Hubby was going to wear his suit, but since Feb he has lost 60 lbs and it doesn't fit anymore. Not sure now what he will wear.

Got to go, girls calling.

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Pandamom - I tried to send you a private message but got an error message that "pandamom has exceeded their stored private messages quota and can not accept further messages until they clear some space." Please add me, dh, and dd(almost 4) to your list of travelers on this cruise - I'd like to talk to you over PM about the gift exchange however before you add us....
thanks,
Randi

 

[cheeringmom]

It's been quiet. Where is everyone???

 

[Maddie's Nana]

It's been quiet. Where is everyone???

Reading my Passporter for forgotten hints, making door signs, excercising and counting calories (less than 3 month to lose 30 pounds 0

 

[VA Girl]

It's been quiet. Where is everyone???

I'm still here reading the posts ... I just haven't had much time to post lately. I made my brunch (Sunday at 10:30) and high tea (Thursday) reservations for Palo last weekend . My husband agreed to go with me to high tea, in case no one else wants to go. I still think a few of us girls would have a nice time or maybe a few couples... if any other husbands are game. I can't remember if there are tables for larger groups at Palo and I'm not sure how we would have a bunch of different reservations and ask to be seated together. Anyone else know? Anyone else going on those days?

I've been trying to keep my planning to a minimum because I still feel like it is so far away but I can't help myself .

So what is everyone else up to? Chat with you soon.


Gretchen