Oct 20th Western Caribbean with the "triplets"

[j2bmickey]

Introduction

After pouting for over a week that I am not on my boat or on my island anymore, it is time to jot down some notes. These ramblings will hopefully be used for amusement, helping future cruisers, and footnotes in some scrapbook somewhere. Note that all contents are solely my opinions and recollections (probably with friendly nudges from other characters) and that I can be long-winded at times. Also note that I will in no way attempt to match the wit or storytelling abilities of the trip reports referenced below. As a final note, I have not decided whether this will be done in pieces or all at once. It probably depends on how big the pieces are and how many pictures certain people convince me to post.

Cast of Characters

DH (35) – This report is starting out being told by me, but could change to DW at any time. I knew that I liked to have some organization to things, but didn’t realize how much until I started planning this trip. I did know that I dislike being late, which could lead to some friction later in the report.

DW (37) – DW used to be an event planner for a living, but was happy to take a backseat on this one. Perhaps because she still considers it work, or maybe because I became possessed when it came to planning this vacation. All she requested was beach, dolphins, and a Margaritaville t-shirt.

DD (4) – Officially if you ask, she is 4 ½. This is definitely our little princess although she found out that some of the other Disney characters are pretty cool also.

Traveling buddies – We will refer to them as neighbors even though we now live in different towns/states.

DNH (36) – One of the most laid back people I know, unless you get him really wound up about something. I could see him owning a bar on a beach somewhere (Welcome to my island bar mon, sit back and relax awhile).

DNW (38) – I really think she was a closet “obsessive planner” on this one but just didn’t have the time with all of the people living at her house. She is for sure a card carrying member of the Paparazzi and has a cool new camera that got a workout.

DNS1 (4) – The first of the neighbor twin boys, we also call him mini DNH.

DNS2 (4) – The second of the neighbor twin boys, this kid can already recognize and correctly identify all makes and models of cars, trucks, vans, etc. including who he knows that drives one.

 

[j2bmickey]

This all started around September of 2006 as we began thinking of what we wanted to do for our 10th anniversary (which we celebrated in August of 2007). We have done some pretty cool trips about every 5 years like Cabo for our honeymoon and Hawaii for our 5th anniversary, plus some not so bad trips with our neighbors to places like Destin and San Diego. Can you sense that our vacations usually involve some kind of tropical beach? Note the above reference to DW only caring about a beach, etc, etc.

So what shall we do for our 10th and do we want to include children. The first thing out of DW mouth is how about a Disney Cruise. Did I forget to mention that she is a Disney fanatic? She has been to Disneyland and Disneyworld several times and has almost every Disney movie made (most we owned before the princess arrived). Plus we had been on a 4 day cruise (before kids) on another cruise line out of L.A. to see if we would like it or not. It was fun but I don’t remember the WOW factor that I had this time (Yes I’m getting ahead a little but shouldn’t be spoiling anything given the title and board I’m posting to). I should have just stopped right there and said ok, when and where, but NOOOOO, that is not my nature.

The first things out of my mouth were along the lines of: won’t that be really expensive, do we really think we and the princess can handle days at sea, will there be enough to do to entertain all of us, would we have a chance of convincing anyone to go with us? DW relented and agreed to at least research all of the options although I suspect that she was planting subliminal Mickey messages the whole time. So we began our due diligence and note taking on beach towns, all-inclusive resorts, and the different cruise lines. In the end, based on the things we like to do and the prices including air-fare, the Disney Cruise seemed to be the best choice. I told you I should have stopped earlier. Ok, now for the where, when, and for how long. Well based on our current likes and we’re not real sure about the days at sea, but want to stretch things as much as possible, let’s do the 7 day Western Caribbean. We want to be close to our anniversary, avoid last minute school’s out trips one last time, and miss as much of hurricane season as possible. Let’s go with the October time frame. So in October of 2006, we booked our October 20th Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic.

The beginning stages were like any normal vacation planning: leisurely check into the different travel websites, look at the Disney cruise website, etc. We also found the Passporter’s Guide to be a pretty cool book. Unfortunately, it looked liked none of our friends or family would be able to join us. Bummer, but I’m sure we can trudge along and make the most of it. Well this continues until about mid December when we get a call from DNW hurriedly asking us to remind her what our stateroom number was. We tell her and ask trepidly why. Because I’m trying to get our room close to yours she replies. Are you kidding me? No, I’m on the website right now booking our cruise. SWEET!!! As I have mentioned, we have vacationed together several times and always have a good time. Plus most people think we have triplets when all of the kids get together.

Now you’re probably thinking, this must be what caused the planning to kick into high gear. No not really, we still had Christmas to get through. The obsessiveness didn’t start until about mid January as we started planning some of the must do activities like swimming with dolphins and scuba diving. As we started some more serious research, I came across the wdwinfo website and the DIS boards. This is where the downhill slide started. There is SO MUCH useful information and great stories that no mere mortal can resist the addiction. I was no exception. I will admit that I remained a lurker and just read through the great tips and trip reports. I do have to give a BIG thanks to all the people who spent time posting tips, creating spreadsheets of said tips, creating pictures and ideas for magnets (I believe I followed proper etiquette and only used pictures if people said it was fine), and of course for writing trip reports.

Here are the main trip reports I would refer to in helping the planning or just to read a good story (Sorry I can’t post links yet since I am a newbie).

threadid =1383940 by cdndizzylizzy
threadid =1384014 by sejejoemmiev
threadid =1276181 by lindaso
threadid =1264995 by disneyzell
This of course leads to two other reports that are linked inside

I was pretty much on the site daily looking for any good tips, recommended excursions and vendors, new pictures to use for magnets, etc, etc. I became the walking Disney Cruise Encyclopedia for our group. You wanted any info, I either new it or new where to go look for it. I’m sure I became a little obnoxious to my travel mates with all of the tips and pointers I kept sending out. I eventually took the spreadsheets and documents that other people had made and added my own personal adjustments to them. We even had a “TO BUY” page that we carried with us any time we went shopping to check for deals. I also had backup plans including names and numbers of vendors in case our Western cruise became an Eastern cruise. I know, it’s a sick disease, but it was actually kind of fun and I eventually infected all of our cruising party.

As a final note to the planning stage (I warned you that I can get long winded) here are some of the tips we found most useful or least useful (at least in the what to pack category):

Most useful
o Over-the-door shoe holder: As others have mentioned, these are great for keeping things organized and visible.
o Post-it-notes : These are pretty handy as people are in and out of the room to let others know where you have gone
o Travel alarm clock : This was huge for us as we like to be able to see the time when we wake up in the middle of the night
o Address labels : This really does ease sending post cards and getting the luggage ready
o Zip-lock bags : We used different sizes to store things from autograph pins to wet clothes
o Folders: These were good for organizing the paperwork for different excursions, keeping receipts, and protecting saved navigators.
o Pillowcase/Frame matte and autograph book: These make some really cool keepsakes, although collecting autographs can be chaotic at times.

Least useful
o All of the different medicines, anti-sickness, anti-this, post-that. Luckily we didn’t have any sea-sickness or other ailments so these really weren’t needed. However, it is probably better to have and not use than not have.
o Treats: Since we had the early seating, we were never really in the mood to have snacks for the shows.
o Laundry supplies and quarters: we never had the time or need, plus we bought t-shirts that were used later in the week.

 

[j2bmickey]

So after many months of collecting tips, creating magnets, making pirate costumes (DW is VERY talented), and buying all flavors of sea-sick aids and anti-this medicines, the time finally arrived. Trying to fit 3 warehouses worth of gear into 6 small suitcases weighing less than 50 lbs each. Uhm captain, I doon’t think we can make it. Actually we did it in 4 suitcases thanks to more tips that we followed (on the way back was a different story) such as making a spreadsheet of daily clothes, planning on buying t-shirts while on the cruise, using ziplock bags for delicates and the princess’s daily wardrobe, and just good-old redneck know-how (that’s probably more than you needed to know). This doesn’t include the carry-on bags with stuff like laptop, camera, emergency clothes in case all luggage is lost, and snacks.

So Friday morning arrives and we are feeling pretty confident that we have all under control. We have checked all of our lists twice, one neighbor is watching our dog and cat, and another is taking us to the airport. Being the engineer that I am (forgot to mention that one didn’t I, now it all comes clear) I decide that it would be a good idea to weigh the bags since we have several heavy items in them. You would be amazed at how heavy and big scuba fins are. We wrestle the first bag onto the scale and the reading is ….. 62 lbs, OH NOOOOO!!!!! After shifting heavy ticket items around we try again, 49 lbs, I sure hope the airport scales are this accurate.

We load the bags into the car and head to the airport without any more events. Our airport (TUS) is generally pretty relaxed as long as you don’t fly first thing in the morning and our 11 am flight proved to be no exception. We step up to the ticket counter and become the next contestant in the scale of fate. First bag up which is the heaviest, judges say …. 49.3 lbs, money! Second bag up which is still pretty heavy, 43.4 lbs, we are in.

The first leg of our jaunt was a 2 hour flight into our old stomping grounds of DFW. The exciting part is that we only have 45 minutes between flights and everyone knows that they ALWAYS schedule connecting flights in different terminals located in different counties of the DFW metroplex. Luckily for us we stay on schedule and the new Skylink is operational which can traverse the entire airport in minutes. We get to our connecting gate with plenty of time and get to witness one amazing site. It seems that our gate is a special passageway for two Make-A-Wish families. Wow, that was impressive with all of the decorations, cheerleaders, and fanfare that they do. It also puts a big lump in your throat when you think of why they are doing it, simply amazing. So not only do they put on a production for the families, they do it for all of the passengers boarding the plane. You walk through an archway and receive a sticker, hand the boarding pass over, and then walk through a line of cheering people all the way down the jetway. You can just imagine what an impression this makes on everyone, and it is repeated when you hit the ground in Orlando. Another line of cheering people and they are handing out balloons to all of the little ones. The hard part was trying to explain to the princess why they don’t do this for all flights.

After a fairly smooth transition picking up the bags and the rental car from Avis, we are on our way to Cape Canaveral and the Big Red Boat. The drive is pretty uneventful except for the road signs that announce and point that one lane will close. Being the courteous drives that Floridians seem to be, everyone scoots over to the right lane which causes the usual slowdowns. The only problem is that this was totally unnecessary as there were never any lane closures. Maybe this is why drivers in Texas and Arizona refuse to get over until the lane is actually gone….. I digress.

Since it was dark when we hit Cape Canaveral, we didn’t really get the giddy feeling that people report after crossing that final bridge. That plus we weren’t exactly sure where we were and when we crossed that final bridge. Our traveling companions had flown in earlier and requisitioned the necessary supplies so we gave them a ring to let them know we were close and to batten down the hatches. We walked into the lobby of the Country Inn & Suites and one of the first sights is DNH walking down the steps to meet us. DD spots him and immediately squeals UUnncle Keeiith (names have been changed to protect the innocent. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it). They retreat to their room to visit the facilities and the rest of the hoodlums (twin DNS’s). We don’t see them for the next 15 minutes as we are checking in. We walk up to the desk and give our names and the receptionist confirms that is for two rooms at X dollars a piece. Uhm no, we have one room at this negotiated internet rate. They have a guaranteed internet rate that is the best or they will match any offer and refund 25% of the lower rate. Well we found a better deal after booking on one of the travel sites. It would appear that instead of canceling the original reservation, they added a second with a later discount. Luckily we had a printout of the email with us and there were no issues getting the correct rate for one room.

So let’s get to the rooms and get this party started. We all pretty much started right up like it hadn’t been a year since seeing each other. Including the kids running around screaming and bouncing off the walls (my apologies to any neighbors) and DW and I giving the neighbors a ribbing about TT being the better team than TA&M. After chatting and planning final details late into the night, we decided we should all turn in before the BIG today coming up.

Wow, if I keep up with this much blah, blah, blah; I will either need to get a publisher or some Jolt for my fellow readers.

 

[Mozart]

Trying to fit 3 warehouses worth of gear into 6 small suitcases weighing less than 50 lbs each. Uhm captain, I doon’t think we can make it. Actually we did it in 4 suitcases thanks to more tips that we followed (on the way back was a different story)

It's funny how it works out that way, isn't it? Since we always drive down, it's not nearly as big of a problem for us as it is for those of you who have to fly in. I really don't understand how you guys get back. Walking out of the terminal, we've always got all our suitcases plus about 5 shopping bags we picked up on the trip.

 

[j2bmickey]

It's funny how it works out that way, isn't it? Since we always drive down, it's not nearly as big of a problem for us as it is for those of you who have to fly in. I really don't understand how you guys get back. Walking out of the terminal, we've always got all our suitcases plus about 5 shopping bags we picked up on the trip.

I think it helps that we didn't care about wrinkled clothes as much so you can stuff more into each bag. We also had two extra duffle bags loaded to the hilt on the return trip.

 

[j2bmickey]

Since I do not have enough posts yet, I cannot link any pictures. I am going to try making a couple of fake posts to allow pictures. Hopefully I don't get into trouble.

 

[j2bmickey]

Since I do not have enough posts yet, I cannot link any pictures. I am going to try making a couple of fake posts to allow pictures. Hopefully I don't get into trouble.

Here is another one. I apologize for the inconvience.

 

[j2bmickey]

Here is another one. I apologize for the inconvience.

Getting closer. It really is a good policy that I agree with to help prevent spam.

 

[j2bmickey]

Getting closer. It really is a good policy that I agree with to help prevent spam.

I guess this should be a lesson that you shouldn't stay a lurker for so long.

 

[j2bmickey]

I guess this should be a lesson that you shouldn't stay a lurker for so long.

Almost there, stay on target.

 

[j2bmickey]

Almost there, stay on target.

Ok, this should hopefully do it.

 

[j2bmickey]

I thought I would give everyone a break from the narratives and show the reason for the thread title and why everyone thinks we have triplets. Plus everyone always likes pictures, especially of kids and Disney characters.

 

[j2bmickey]

Since DH seems to be having trouble today, I thought I'd help him out.

They are only three months between DNS1&2 and DD.

 

[jsheridan]

Great report so far!

We are bringing DS4 on the Magic in January after a night at Country Inn & Suites which we also got at a discounted rate due to their guarantee!

This is definately getting me excited!

 

[j2bmickey]

Great report so far!

We are bringing DS4 on the Magic in January after a night at Country Inn & Suites which we also got at a discounted rate due to their guarantee!

This is definately getting me excited!

Thanks. I think I sometimes get a little long winded with the details, but DW flatters me by saying that's what makes the story good.

You'll like the CI&S, just make sure to print out the email showing the new rate. It seems the corporate office doesn't always talk to the underlings.

 

[Kay1]

Well, I happen to agree with DW, the details are great. (Your children are just precious, too.)

Enough with being nice: More, more, more!!!

 

[gossipgirl]

Well, I happen to agree with DW, the details are great. (Your children are just precious, too.)

Enough with being nice: More, more, more!!!

this is off topic. but in twice charmed what is the name of the women with the blonde wig.

 

[frdeb1999]

They are adorable!!!

 

[j2bmickey]

Well, I happen to agree with DW, the details are great. (Your children are just precious, too.)

Enough with being nice: More, more, more!!!

I hope to have the next installment up this evening.

this is off topic. but in twice charmed what is the name of the women with the blonde wig.

Sorry, I am horrible with names and can't remember.

They are adorable!!!

Thanks, they know it too.

 

[j2bmickey]

Ok, the saga continues. This will be a couple of posts because it is long and DW wants to include pictures.

So like most little kids before a big event, I don’t sleep well or late. Even after traveling the entire previous day, staying up late, and switching several time zones, I still woke up before the crack of dawn. So now that I am awake maybe I should start packing everything back up with the new Disney tags so that we are prepared to be one of the first people on the boat. Glancing at the rest of my crew who are still sleeping, I decide maybe not, this IS supposed to be a vacation with relaxation.

After laying around staring at the ceiling and then getting up and rustling around some, everyone finally wakes up and we head for some breakfast. We also do a little site seeing around the hotel and notice that it has been raining this morning which I try not to let stress me out too much. We couldn’t see the Magic from any of our view points since there was an SS Booze Cruise blocking it (I know, don’t be tacky). As we approach the magical hour of 10 a.m. (In my planning we would be at the terminal or heading there by 10), we call our traveling mates to see how things are going. They report that they are about ready so we agree to meet in the lobby shortly.

Unfortunately several other families had the same idea and it had started to rain again. This made things a little chaotic as everyone is trying to stay parked under the awning and load their suitcases (including one of the first shuttle buses and a fishing boat). After a slightly longer delay than anticipated, we are loaded and ready to go with DNH leading the way. But instead of turning left and heading toward the docks, he turns right towards the gas station. WHAT?!?!?!? Are you kidding me, you want to fill-up the rental car before going to drop off the ladies to get us signed in?!?!?!? Remember that I don’t like being late and in my mind that had already happened since it was after 10. How am I ever going to get boarding pass 2 now? This detour actually turned out to be not so bad in the end because it had now started raining pretty hard. However, once we gassed up and made it to the port, the rain had stopped. Ok, maybe I’ll let it slide this time.

After unloading both cars of people and luggage, including a rolling ice chest filled with enough libations for a week (or in our case a couple of days) , and handing out the appropriate bribes, I mean tips, DNH and I are off to return the rental cars. I highly recommend this method as it seems so much smoother not having to deal with luggage much. The trip to Avis and back is smooth, but it is funny how many times people would ask us where our bags were. We just kept smiling and saying we dropped them and the luggage off at the port already.

DW insert - Since we had completed our paperwork on line, the check in process went very smooth. I made it through security and pre-paperwork check in before DNW, so I held a spot in line for them. We’re all checked in with our boarding number and the time to get into cabin. We head over to the Café to get the kids wrist bands and pagers for the parents. End of DW insert.

So we finally get to the moment of truth: through security, up the escalator, and here we are. Check it out, there is a person with big Mickey hands waving as we walk in. That is cool, we need to get us some of those. Wow, look at all of the people. I wonder where the ladies and our beautiful offspring are. We call on the cell phone and they report that they are standing in line under the Café sign in the corner. We saunter over taking in the sites including the model boat. This is one impressive terminal.

When we get to the ladies, we discover that they are standing in line for the Kid’s Club. They decided that since it was a fairly short line they would go ahead and get the pagers and wrist bands. Hey that is good planning, you must know an engineer. So as I am sure all of you are eager to know, the first thing I ask is what boarding number we got. DW hesitantly replies #6. WHAT!?!?!? Are you kidding me, all that planning for nothing, this cruise is not starting out well at all. DW reminds me that it is not that bad and that we are on vacation, so RELAX. Ok, fine, if you insist.

DNH and I decide to take the kids walking around to check out the rest of the terminal. Well since they had already been there for awhile and seen all they needed to, all they wanted to do was go watch the cartoons. Hmmph, well ok, DNH and I can trade off watching the little urchins while the other explores. Before too long we spot Minnie walking up for a photo shoot which DD emphatically says yes to. So starts the first of many line waiting exercises for photos and/or signatures. Actually it was never really that bad as the lines seemed to move fairly quickly and people were always nice to chat with.

Around noon (I can’t remember exactly the time) we hear the announcement that they will now start boarding the ship. It seemed like every couple of minutes they were calling the next boarding number and before we know it they are calling #6. DW gives me a look that says, see I told you it wasn’t that bad. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. So through the ears we go for our first professional photo of the cruise. Like the good students we were, we remembered to set our bags down before the picture (actually they kind of remind you to do it now). It wasn’t that great, but we bought it since it has a cool background.

Next it was across the gangplank and into “THE LOBBY” where they announce your name to cheering and applause. Wow, we are getting a lot of that lately. Almost immediately a friendly CM walks up to explain the different dining options that are available. Thanks, but we have a few small details to take care of first. Oh you know that I had researched the next steps and yes, I did have them written down in my trusty Passporter which I now whipped out. DW and DNW took the kids and headed for Rockin Bar D to see about dining options. You see, we had early seating while the neighbors had late and we hadn’t been able to change it yet. DH and I headed for guest services to take care of activity tickets. As we approach the desk, the friendly CM asks if she can help us.

Yes you may: 1) We would like tickets for the Stem to Stern Wine Tasting, check 2) We would like tickets for the beer tasting, check 3) Are you having tea with Wendy or Alice this week? Tea with Alice, hmm I’m not sure about that one. The CM suggests going ahead and getting tickets since it typically fills up fast. If we decide not to use them, just return them. Ok, I can do that, turned out to be very good advice since the ladies had a blast at this. Check 4) Can I leave a photo matte with you to be signed. Yes you may. Sweet, here it is along with the pens and candy for bribes. Double check.

Wow, the CM replies. You are really prepared and must have cruised with us before. Uhm no ma’am, I’ve just had a little time to make sure I have the important details down. DNH smirks something about it must hurt to be this organized. So off we go to see how the ladies faired. They are just finishing up as we walk in. They report that they weren’t able to get the dining times changed to early seating. That’s a bummer, so did we get switched to late seating? No not exactly they reply. Huh, you’ve lost me now. Well the CM couldn’t just add them to our table because there was already a group assigned to sit with us. How about adding us to their late seating table? CM asks for the neighbor’s cabin number so he can check into it. No he can’t do that either. And why not you ask? Because they are the other cabin that is already assigned to our table. OUTSTANDING!!! Now that the last administrative details are taken care of, we can officially start this Caribbean vacation.