Oct 30 2010 7 Night Western (PART 2)

[livingis2me]

MEET & GREET PARTICIPANTS

mvlimmex (7)-2 adults, 5 children-12, 8, 6, 3, & 6 months
neener (5)-2 adults, 3 children-11, 9 & 2
tjbaggot (4)-2 adults, 2 children, 13 & 7
sssteele (2)-2 adults, both kids at heart

Fish Lips will not be taking reservations for several days around our stay due to the air show and launch. I was told we could call around 3PM on Friday, and they MIGHT be able to get us in. They also will have limited seating because they have a haunted house set up on the lower level.

I spoke with a nice young lady at Grills Deck and Tiki Bar which is located very close to Fish Lips. They take reservations only until 3:45PM in the afternoon, SO I BOOKED IT FOR US.

What do you think? I know there is a ship leaving port around 4:30, and that is cool to see. Are you all OK with the time and location? They have quite an extensive menu, and will work with any allergy issues we may have.

I guess we can always call Fish Lips and see if they can get us in. We have been to Grills and enjoyed it very much. That was maybe 2-3 years ago.

Let me know what you think.

I just checked out the website for Grills. It looks neat. At first I was worried about not seeing the cruise ship leaving port, but when I looked at the photos on their site you can see a ship leaving and it looks really close. The menu looks good too! I'm down with it.

 

[nenner1]

3:45 LOL, how long do you think we can stretch that out? I can have my boys bring their DS's to occupy them. We can start with Drinks, some munchies, then around 4:30 order dinner? Think that would work? But then some of the group has Little Little tykes that might not sit around for that long? The haunted house at Fish Lips sounds like it would be entertaining to some of the kids. I don't know, we'll go with the flow. (though I was really looking forward to FISH LIPS) Could we try calling FISH LIPS at 3 (isn't that the earliest we can check into our hotel?) and if they can get us in we could cancel the Grills one, and if not, then I guess go to Grills?

Oh I admit the Haunted House is intriguing!! I thought we were going to be OK at Fishlips since they are throwing the kickoff party for the airshow- but that is Saturday...I didn't think that aside from that they would adjust their normal procedures but maybe there are events of which I am not aware. I can't imagine the 3:00-4:00 hour being that terrible.

I'm cool with whatever we all decide.

Kindof bummed to see that the airshow stuff is really taking over the beaches area even on Friday. I wasn't thinking it would cause a big crowd prior to the weekend, but i'm beginning to worry a bit. After hearing great things about the Lori Wilson Park beach I was thinking maybe that's where we would go Friday. But then I saw that the viewing area pretty much takes over all the beaches with Lori Wilson ground zero of the main events...ugh. Hope it isn't too nuts.

 

[sssteele]

Maybe we can all extend the Grills party over to the Radisson pool afterwards....lol...it is a nice pool, just saying...

Sounds like a good idea. The pool is great, and they sometimes have live music on Friday evenings. Perhaps that would be a way to keep all ages entertained after dinner, and give us a chance to relax and get to know each other a bit more.

 

[tjbaggott]

Sounds like a good idea. The pool is great, and they sometimes have live music on Friday evenings. Perhaps that would be a way to keep all ages entertained after dinner, and give us a chance to relax and get to know each other a bit more.

I really do like that idea, and although DH isn't home from work yet to check, I'm certain he too would like the pool idea! (I know my boys would LOVE it). Can non Radisson clients use the pool?

Also, does anyone know if we can check into the CI&S earlier than 3? Here we can check into Hotels usually as of noon and check out is by 11am.

 

[nenner1]

I really do like that idea, and although DH isn't home from work yet to check, I'm certain he too would like the pool idea! (I know my boys would LOVE it). Can non Radisson clients use the pool?

Also, does anyone know if we can check into the CI&S earlier than 3? Here we can check into Hotels usually as of noon and check out is by 11am.

Radisson Pool- we are THERE! I think if we are guests of a guest- it is OK.

CIS- hopefully Ron will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure you can check in earlier than 3. In fact they recommended checking in as early as possible to get a kids suite. (I know the Hotwire/Priceline rooms are supposed to be the kids' suites but when we called they would not guarantee that and said to come as early as possible). We plan on arriving in the noon-1 PM hour (Thurs).

 

[tjbaggott]

Radisson Pool- we are THERE! I think if we are guests of a guest- it is OK.

CIS- hopefully Ron will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure you can check in earlier than 3. In fact they recommended checking in as early as possible to get a kids suite. (I know the Hotwire/Priceline rooms are supposed to be the kids' suites but when we called they would not guarantee that and said to come as early as possible). We plan on arriving in the noon-1 PM hour (Thurs).

Thats great to know, as thats the time I'd like to be there too! We just might skip trying to get to Coco Beach. Sounds like it might be a zoo because of the air show. So we'll just check out of the Sheraton in Orlando, drive to Cape Canaveral and check right into CI&S. I think I asked before but can't remember. Do you know if the free breakfast is included with priceline bookings? I know the parking while we cruise isn't, but that's only an additional $20.00. I DO hope the Breakfast is included!

 

[nenner1]

Thats great to know, as thats the time I'd like to be there too! We just might skip trying to get to Coco Beach. Sounds like it might be a zoo because of the air show. So we'll just check out of the Sheraton in Orlando, drive to Cape Canaveral and check right into CI&S. I think I asked before but can't remember. Do you know if the free breakfast is included with priceline bookings? I know the parking while we cruise isn't, but that's only an additional $20.00. I DO hope the Breakfast is included!

Breakfast is included!

 

[Beachbumpirates]

We now have all our FE items/supplies and I am delighted with them. I was at a loss for the littlest ones (0-3yr old) and still wanted one more thing for the little girls and we found both today! Now this weekend we can assemble them and get them ready to ship. I am thinking of sending one box to the BW since we will be there Friday night. Anyone have any experience with shipping to a WDW hotel? I am also taking someone else's idea of putting all items in one family bag - hopefully that will work. This way if the girls are delivering with Grandma it will be much easier. Any tips on shipping to a hotel are appreciated. Happy Friday - only 3 more!

Laurie

 

[tjbaggott]

Thanks nenner, it's great to get the "What to do's" and "What If's" off my shoulders and frimed up!

The DH just called and said he's working overtime so won't be home till around 8pm. Then My DS17, half asleep on the couch (late night), asked what we are doing for dinner. Well I haven't had a chance for a good visit my elest son since he's been home, so I'm taking all 3 of my boys out for dinner! Buffet de Continent is a fabulous place in Quebec and a 1/2 hour drive away, but OH So worth it. My mouth is watering now. Quality time with the boys, sounds like fun

 

[kristieuk]

Thanks nenner, it's great to get the "What to do's" and "What If's" off my shoulders and frimed up!

The DH just called and said he's working overtime so won't be home till around 8pm. Then My DS17, half asleep on the couch (late night), asked what we are doing for dinner. Well I haven't had a chance for a good visit my elest son since he's been home, so I'm taking all 3 of my boys out for dinner! Buffet de Continent is a fabulous place in Quebec and a 1/2 hour drive away, but OH So worth it. My mouth is watering now. Quality time with the boys, sounds like fun

That sounds like a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening. Enjoy!

 

[nenner1]

Here's how it will work:

• Arrive at 11:00 AM at Deck 5 Atrium near the Oceaneers' Lab. We will hopefully have a table setup. When the entire group of children that will be trick-or-treating together arrives, approach the table and get signed in with Jen (nenner1). You must be a pre-registered participant, unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate walk-ups. Registration is now closed.
  
  
• If your child/children have their own Trick-or-Treat bags, please bring them. We will have a LIMITED number of bags available at check-in but these will be first come first serve, and we do not have enough for all of the participants.
  
  
• At sign in, your group will be assigned a "color" and will be given a sticker. The sticker not only identifies you as part of our group but also your color. You will remain the same "color" for the entire Trick-or-Treat. Please wear your sticker on the upper shoulder/chest area and keep it clearly visible throughout the ToT.
  
  
• Your group will also receive your first clue at check-in. There is only one paper clue handed out per GROUP or FAMILY. This is due to space constraints. Each group or family will need to share this clue.
  
  
• The clue will give you hints to locate the next Trick-or-Treat station. These clues may be too difficult for children under 10 and/or those very unfamiliar with the ship. It is advised that younger children have an adult or older child to accompany them and assist with the clues.
  
  
• IMPORTANT: A cheat sheet and map of where to locate the stations will be provided to each group at check in. If you are stumped by a clue or get lost along the way, this cheat sheet will help get you back on track! It is advised to ONLY use the cheat sheet/map if you are lost or cannot figure out a clue, as it may "spoil" the answer to future clues/stops.
  
  
• When you approach a ToT station, the volunteer manning that station will also have on a sticker similar to the participants to identify them. After receiving your candy and treats from the volunteer, inform them of your color and you will then receive a clue to the next stop. It is important to relay your color correctly to receive the correct color clue scroll!
  
  
• There are 6 (six) ToT stops scattered among public areas across several decks of the ship. Each color will visit the stops in a different order to not overwhelm the volunteer.
  
  
• Check in will remain open until 11:25 AM and Stops until 11:45 AM. These closure times will be strictly enforced due to our arrival in port. Stations/Stops and Check In may close early if all registered participants have come through. Please be prompt to ensure you have enough time to complete the ToT hunt.
  
  
• If you have any questions, please post or PM nenner1.

A very special thank you to our volunteers and donators- this event could not be a success without you! Thanks so much!

 

[adnil530]

Has anyone done the Stingray City Waverunner excursion through Island Marketing? I have not been to Grand Cayman before and I see that we tender. We have a meet time of 8:20 leave at 8:30 supposedly less than a 5 min walk from any of the terminals. How much time should I add for the tender? Or should we reschedule?

Getting antsy.

Thanks,

Linda

 

[adnil530]

]IMPORTANT: A cheat sheet and map of where to locate the stations will be provided to each group at check in. If you are stumped by a clue or get lost along the way, this cheat sheet will help get you back on track! It is advised to ONLY use the cheat sheet/map if you are lost or cannot figure out a clue, as it may "spoil" the answer to future clues/stops. [/SIZE][/B]

What a wonderful job. It's going to be lots of fun. Thank you for including a section for those of us who may be challenged at these sort of things.

Thanks to everyone who has put so much time, energy, effort, creativity and more to make this a special cruise for everyone. Thank you!

Linda

 

[JKSWonder]

Jen, I think I am actually flabberghasted by the TOT! It looks incredibly well planned and thought out. I am in awe of all of you who have worked on this.

I'm showing this to my daughter now and I think it is actually helping with convincing her that Halloween willl be alive and well, even though we are going to be away from home.

Thank you!

 

[nenner1]

Just wanted to add that Volunteers will receive more detailed instructions including final stop assignments shortly. I haven't forgotten you! There is just more to type up!

This info will come by PM, as it will include "spoilers" of where the stops are.

If you have any questions regarding your volunteer assignments or requrements please let me know!

Thanks! Jen

PS: Janice if you could link up the previous post to Post 1 that would be wonderful! Thanks as always!!

 

[nenner1]

Has anyone done the Stingray City Waverunner excursion through Island Marketing? I have not been to Grand Cayman before and I see that we tender. We have a meet time of 8:20 leave at 8:30 supposedly less than a 5 min walk from any of the terminals. How much time should I add for the tender? Or should we reschedule?

Getting antsy.

Thanks,

Linda

When we tendered in it took from about 20 minutes to 1/2 hour. You meet at the Theater and get a ticket and you are directed to sit in a row with others- when there are enough people there to fill the boat, they then take you down. It takes some time to get down the stairs and on the boat. The actual boat ride is between 5 and 10 minutes. It does take a small amoutn of time (5 min)to go through the security/port area once landing- it is very large.

I don't think you will have a problem but you will need to be on one of the first tenders! I believe we arrive at 7:30 or 7:45 so it should be enough time!

What a wonderful job. It's going to be lots of fun. Thank you for including a section for those of us who may be challenged at these sort of things.

Thanks to everyone who has put so much time, energy, effort, creativity and more to make this a special cruise for everyone. Thank you!

Linda

Jen, I think I am actually flabberghasted by the TOT! It looks incredibly well planned and thought out. I am in awe of all of you who have worked on this.

I'm showing this to my daughter now and I think it is actually helping with convincing her that Halloween willl be alive and well, even though we are going to be away from home.

Thank you!

You are welcome! WE are going to have a BLAST!!!

 

[jerry112]

WOW! The TOT looks great. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you very organized folks who have put so much into making this cruise even more special for us all. Only three weeks to go and we can finally put faces to names!! Can't wait to meet everyone.
Karen

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Hi all,
I am on this sailing too. Forgive me for not signing up with the Dis meets groups, etc. but we have a group of 19 extended family members so it will be a bit hectic just trying to meet up with all of them.

I just wanted to let you all know the Hyatt is now available through Hotwire for our Friday night. I have been checking almost daily all summer.

The only way to make it show is to enter 2 adults, 2 kids. Look for the 4* in the MCO area that has a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5 out of 5. This last part is important or you might end up with the Renaissance.
We got 6 rooms for $74 each + tax.

hth!

Good luck and happy sailing!!!

 

[trara1375]

I want to be sure I'm understanding this right. We do the ToT before arriving to port. Are kids wearing halloween costumes then, or is it ok to have them in their port clothes for this event? Just want to be sure those volunteers aren't dissapointed in seeing the kids in street clothes instead of costumes. May be i'm not looking at it right and I have it ALL confused.

I don't actually have my cruise docs yet. Meeting the TA on Monday to get them so I feel like I'm missing A LOT of information at this late date.

Thank you for all you guys have done to make some extra magic on this halloween cruise!

 

[livingis2me]

I want to be sure I'm understanding this right. We do the ToT before arriving to port. Are kids wearing halloween costumes then, or is it ok to have them in their port clothes for this event? Just want to be sure those volunteers aren't dissapointed in seeing the kids in street clothes instead of costumes. May be i'm not looking at it right and I have it ALL confused.

I don't actually have my cruise docs yet. Meeting the TA on Monday to get them so I feel like I'm missing A LOT of information at this late date.

Thank you for all you guys have done to make some extra magic on this halloween cruise!

The TOT is at 11am. We are scheduled to arrive at Key West at 12 noon. Halloween costumes are optional during this. I would guess that most won't have costumes on for this. My kids will be wearing their Halloween colored tie-dyed shirts and keeping them on while we are in Key West. We'll have them change into their costumes to do the DCL TOT and for the evening festivities.