Oct 30 2010 7 Night Western

[nenner1]

Hi Everyone -
I have not been on the boards in a few days and it great to see our Capt Marvin and Nachi Beach excursions list growing. It should be so fun to be around so many Disers!!!!!! I would love to share costs of the DVD with a few families.... As per the lanyards, is there a list somewhere of who is getting them? I don't remember if I signed us up but we would like 2. They all look great so I would go with the majority....As per colors, I think orange would be good for Halloween and stand out.

Hi Lisa, yep I had you on the lanyards list! I marked down your preferences. Thanks for the input!

Jen

 

[Fastpaks]

Nenner-- I like the last one as well. May be not so much in the baby blue, but I figured that can be taken care of.

I'm a little frustrated atm. Our budget was going to allow us 1k for spending on w/e. (not inclding OBC, food, etc) So I m trying to think about what I actually would need if there was just a t-shirt and light items, including a couple days at the parks any ideas?

 

[mvlimmex]

It is OFFICIAL---we are PAID IN FULL now for this cruise YAH!!!!!

It is hard to believe that in a liitle over 4 months we will be sailing! I had thought about doing the Nachi excursion with all the DIsers (sounds like fun and I like the idea of not a lot of people at the beach), but we will probably be doing the San Gervaso (sp) ruins instead. We adopted our oldest son from Guatemala and we kind of wanted to show him the Mayan pyramids since he is from Mayan descent.

Anyone going to Seven Mile Beach at Grand Cayman?

Also, have we decided how we were gong to do the Halloween trick or treat (sorry if its already been posted) and also who do we give our money too for the candy?

Thanks!

Vicki

 

[tjbaggott]

Nenner-- I like the last one as well. May be not so much in the baby blue, but I figured that can be taken care of.

I'm a little frustrated atm. Our budget was going to allow us 1k for spending on w/e. (not inclding OBC, food, etc) So I m trying to think about what I actually would need if there was just a t-shirt and light items, including a couple days at the parks any ideas?

What is w/e? I'm trying to figure out your question. Or maybe it's clear and my brain is just overworked atm .

 

[mvlimmex]

Nenner-- I like the last one as well. May be not so much in the baby blue, but I figured that can be taken care of.

I'm a little frustrated atm. Our budget was going to allow us 1k for spending on w/e. (not inclding OBC, food, etc) So I m trying to think about what I actually would need if there was just a t-shirt and light items, including a couple days at the parks any ideas?

I was wondering what w/e was too. Maybe my brain isn't working today either! especially since it is a hot one today here --almost 90 and muggy!

 

[Fastpaks]

Sorry my fingers got ahead of my brain. Should say souveniers and w/e. W/e =whatever.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

Sorry my fingers got ahead of my brain. Should say souveniers and w/e. W/e =whatever.

I'm so slow with abbreviations! I was not only puzzled by the w/e but also by the atm -- thought you meant the one at the bank -- until I figured out that you meant "at the moment" (hope I've got it right). It is a whole new world out there with texting and abbreviations!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

I was thinking that it meant "week end" - like a bonus spending when you first got on the ship

Jonathan, I know this won't be of much help for you at this point - but this is what I do . . .

I have three methods of saving for vacations (which is the real reason I wake up each day!) not all in my family agree with this - but - since it is my money I just continue with doing what works for me . . .


1) I have extra taken out of each paycheck for my taxes - my family keeps telling me that is letting the government use my money when I can be earning interest on it, but this works for me. When I get my return each year, that pays off my vacation.

2) This one I have been doing for years. I never give change when paying for anything. If something comes to 39.01 - I give $40 and put $0.99 into a bottle next to where I put my keys each night. Everyday I get home, I empty my purse of every penny I have! I also take the time to bend over to pick up pennies when I see them. All of this change is called "Disney Money" in my mind! Everyother year I take a Disney related vacation (I have to let Linda pick on the off year) and that change is used only for that! I think the most I have gotten was around $500! It is money already spent in my mind so the money is not missed!

3) This method is also only for Disney Vacations - I keep a "Christmas Club" at the bank - but this year - my bank started working with us - they now offer "automated deposits". I again have money taken out of my paycheck each week and put into one account. On the 28th (my pick) of each month, one withdraw is taken from that account and put into my Christmas Club. Last year was a "non-disney" vacation year (a week at Cozumel was nice - but not Disney!) so when my check came at the beginning of October, I deposited it as the start of this year's club!

 

[JKSWonder]

I was thinking that it meant "week end" - like a bonus spending when you first got on the ship

Jonathan, I know this won't be of much help for you at this point - but this is what I do . . .

I have three methods of saving for vacations (which is the real reason I wake up each day!) not all in my family agree with this - but - since it is my money I just continue with doing what works for me . . .


1) I have extra taken out of each paycheck for my taxes - my family keeps telling me that is letting the government use my money when I can be earning interest on it, but this works for me. When I get my return each year, that pays off my vacation.

2) This one I have been doing for years. I never give change when paying for anything. If something comes to 39.01 - I give $40 and put $0.99 into a bottle next to where I put my keys each night. Everyday I get home, I empty my purse of every penny I have! I also take the time to bend over to pick up pennies when I see them. All of this change is called "Disney Money" in my mind! Everyother year I take a Disney related vacation (I have to let Linda pick on the off year) and that change is used only for that! I think the most I have gotten was around $500! It is money already spent in my mind so the money is not missed!

3) This method is also only for Disney Vacations - I keep a "Christmas Club" at the bank - but this year - my bank started working with us - they now offer "automated deposits". I again have money taken out of my paycheck each week and put into one account. On the 28th (my pick) of each month, one withdraw is taken from that account and put into my Christmas Club. Last year was a "non-disney" vacation year (a week at Cozumel was nice - but not Disney!) so when my check came at the beginning of October, I deposited it as the start of this year's club!

We do the same thing with our taxes and each year we use it to pay for summer camp for the kids and our once yearly vacation. Yes, I'm letting the government hold my money. But realistically, if I had that money it would not earn much interest anyway. And having it completely out of reach until February or March of each year (we file long before April 15th) means there is no temptation for us to spend it on other things.

We also do the save change thing, even the kids. We each have our own jar.

My sister's MIL does something I never heard of: She pays herself to use her own washer and dryer. She keeps a jar in the laundry room and pays the jar every time she does a load of wash just as if she was going to the laundromat. I'm not sure I could be that good, but I was impressed she could do it.

 

[Pudo]

1) I have extra taken out of each paycheck for my taxes - my family keeps telling me that is letting the government use my money when I can be earning interest on it, but this works for me. When I get my return each year, that pays off my vacation.

We do the same thing with our taxes. Although it is an interest free loan to the government we also believe that if we had the money in each paycheck it would just get spent instead of saved.

We normally get back 6k or 7k, but unfortunately the current administration's "stimulus package" adjusted our federal income taxes without us realizing it until we filed back in February. Because we were given more in our paychecks throughout 2009 (didn't realize this) when we filed we wound up breaking even.

Many would say, "you didn't lose anything", but were annoyed since we didn't notice a difference in our paychecks and our refund was about $100

 

[Fastpaks]

I have done a little of all three. I should be clear. The vacation and all the nuances are paid for.. this is just souvenirs now. I guess I'm trying to figure how much I think I would need. My wife and I are trying not to give up the parks, but I just have no idea how much things are in ports and the boat to get an idea of a decent amount for "fun" things. I can't seeing us buying things like jewelry and such. Think budget cruising. You know when people are saying that the cruise is their vacation.

That being said, we're also doing a whole week at the parks. SO, its not like the $$ isn't there. I'm just a little frustrated in that I 'm trying to do so much and feel like my son will not be the age of innocence for much longer. Either way, thanks for the suggestions. I think I needed to vent. So for those that have bought things in the ports, how are the costs for similar products?

 

[JKSWonder]

Honestly, we are not big souveneir shoppers. We did not really do any shopping on our last cruise. I think I bought a christmas ornament on board, a hooded sweatshirt for my son, and one toy for each kid. That was pretty much it. I might be tempted by silver jewlery in Cozumel though....

The majority of our money went to excursions, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, photos, tips and bingo (for my Mom, who was with us the last time). I think our total ship account after a 4 day cruise was about $800 or so for three adults and two kids.

 

[tjbaggott]

Wow, scary minute here this afternoon! Almost an hour ago, we had an earthquake. As we just don't tend to get them here experiencing one like this was VERY scary! The report is that it was a 5.5 and for this part of North America, that is quite strong considering we just don't get them. In the past 30 years, I remember two others but those weren't as intense as this one seemed to be. A little rumbling, a little vibrating, that was all in the others, and years apart. This one, we felt and saw our whole house shaking, heard it making cracking noises, a photo fell off the piano, my son came running up from the basement saying his walls were moving! WOW.
Now it's huge news on TV! Ran up to check on my little ones who were down for their nap, they were peacefully still sleeping!
It will be interesting to see when my little guy comes home from school, weather or not the school evacuated as our Government offices downtown did. Not a devestating quake obviously, but scary nonetheless as we have seen and heard enough in the world over the years to know how bad quakes can get, and when your whole house is visible shaking and all you hear from Everywhere is this LOUD Rumbling, you just don't know if it's going to stop or get stronger.

OK that news aside,

Fastpaks, Our first cruise, I think we spent $200.00 on incidentals on incidentals and souveniers (and that was for all 6 of us!) That was a few fancy drinks, something from the gift shop for each of us, hairbraiding, and some photos from shutters. As easy as it is to spend, there is also so much to do and see thats included, that I find it also easy to NOT spend on board.

 

[nenner1]

Nenner-- I like the last one as well. May be not so much in the baby blue, but I figured that can be taken care of.

Gotcha, I'll mark it down. The only other color available for the last lanyard option (#4 waterproof neck pouch) is black. So it would be black or the baby blue with white print.

It is OFFICIAL---we are PAID IN FULL now for this cruise YAH!!!!!

Congrats!!

Also, have we decided how we were gong to do the Halloween trick or treat (sorry if its already been posted) and also who do we give our money too for the candy?

Thanks!

Vicki

No need to worry about contributing to the ToT candy, we (Ron -livingis2me- and I) will buy and bring some. I figure if we buy the amount we normally buy to hand out, it should be more than enough. (5-6 bags or so, maybe more depending on size). I have some trinkets for the last stop too so we should be good to go. Between that and the FE and the TH @ Nachi for those participating there, it should be lots of fun and more than enough candy and goodies!

I have done a little of all three. I should be clear. The vacation and all the nuances are paid for.. this is just souvenirs now. I guess I'm trying to figure how much I think I would need. My wife and I are trying not to give up the parks, but I just have no idea how much things are in ports and the boat to get an idea of a decent amount for "fun" things. I can't seeing us buying things like jewelry and such. Think budget cruising. You know when people are saying that the cruise is their vacation.

That being said, we're also doing a whole week at the parks. SO, its not like the $$ isn't there. I'm just a little frustrated in that I 'm trying to do so much and feel like my son will not be the age of innocence for much longer. Either way, thanks for the suggestions. I think I needed to vent. So for those that have bought things in the ports, how are the costs for similar products?

IMO there aren't too many super bargains on normal souvenir items to be found in the port areas. I'm talking T shirts and mementos, not jewelry and high end items. We don't usually restrict ourselves spending wise while cruising but we stuck pretty closely to a budget on our last one and plan to do it again this time. As far as shopping in the ports go, Key West is reasonable enough. $30 T shirts, etc. The Kino shoe store is a great value, I think the sandals are $9 or $11 (which they are simple but IMO that is a good deal). But for the most part prices there are what you would expect from a US tourist destination: slightly high and non-negotiable. In Cayman, we found souvenirs to be somewhat expensive although we only shopped @ one store (Margaritaville). T shirts there were (IIRC, Ron will come correct me if I'm wrong) in the $45 USD range. Everything we looked at seemed to cost about $5-$10 more than we were used to. In Cozumel, you can bargain to get better deals in many places. Again in the non-negotiable found-in-every-port big name merchant shops (again, Margaritaville, Senor Frogs, etc.) we found prices pretty similar to what you'd expect in the US. The prices in the Punta Lagosta mall were just OK. Not doorbusters by any means even with bargaining.

IMO the $1K should be fine. We try to keep it under $200/port and usually have no trouble with that.

Since I mentioned the Kino Sandal shop, I just want to reiterate for those of you planning on stopping by there that they are not always open on Sunday. On heavy port load days (which our day is not really, we are the only ship in) they will sometimes open for a short period and then close. So I recommend two things if you want to go to the Kino factory:

1. Go early. Make it your first stop when you get off the boat. It is only a block or two from the port area.

2. We should each call and inquire about hours on Sunday 10/31 (as it gets closer of course, I think in the week or two prior to sailing) and request that they open for us if they do not already plan on doing so. The more of us that call and let them know we plan on patronizing them, the more likely they are to bother to open up just for us. The number is 305-294-5044, and I will repost this later as we get closer to sail.

If you don't know what Kino Sandals are, click here!

 

[nenner1]

Wow, scary minute here this afternoon! Almost an hour ago, we had an earthquake. As we just don't tend to get them here experiencing one like this was VERY scary! The report is that it was a 5.5 and for this part of North America, that is quite strong considering we just don't get them. In the past 30 years, I remember two others but those weren't as intense as this one seemed to be.

OMG, that is crazy! I'd never heard of earthquakes in Canada! Glad everyone is OK and no damage!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Wow, scary minute here this afternoon! Almost an hour ago, we had an earthquake. As we just don't tend to get them here experiencing one like this was VERY scary! The report is that it was a 5.5 and for this part of North America, that is quite strong considering we just don't get them. In the past 30 years, I remember two others but those weren't as intense as this one seemed to be. A little rumbling, a little vibrating, that was all in the others, and years apart. This one, we felt and saw our whole house shaking, heard it making cracking noises, a photo fell off the piano, my son came running up from the basement saying his walls were moving! WOW.
Now it's huge news on TV! Ran up to check on my little ones who were down for their nap, they were peacefully still sleeping!
It will be interesting to see when my little guy comes home from school, weather or not the school evacuated as our Government offices downtown did. Not a devestating quake obviously, but scary nonetheless as we have seen and heard enough in the world over the years to know how bad quakes can get, and when your whole house is visible shaking and all you hear from Everywhere is this LOUD Rumbling, you just don't know if it's going to stop or get stronger.

It was scary. Sitting here at work I could feel my chair start to vibrate and it just kept getting stronger - then I could see my monitor moving, and our security door trying to open and everything just started to shake. Slowly it stopped (felt like forever honestly). 5 minutes later the evacuation bell goes off in the building and we spent 1 and half hours outside waiting for the all clear to confirm the building was okay. We're back now but I'm stilling shaking.

One of the worst things was trouble getting through on cell phones because the networks were getting overloaded. My mom is wheelchair bound and I was so worried that her brakes wouldn't hold in that kind of shaking or if she was in bed that it might have shaken her out (she's fine though). It was a rough few minutes.

 

[kristieuk]

Wow, scary minute here this afternoon! Almost an hour ago, we had an earthquake. As we just don't tend to get them here experiencing one like this was VERY scary! The report is that it was a 5.5 and for this part of North America, that is quite strong considering we just don't get them. In the past 30 years, I remember two others but those weren't as intense as this one seemed to be. A little rumbling, a little vibrating, that was all in the others, and years apart. This one, we felt and saw our whole house shaking, heard it making cracking noises, a photo fell off the piano, my son came running up from the basement saying his walls were moving! WOW.
Now it's huge news on TV! Ran up to check on my little ones who were down for their nap, they were peacefully still sleeping!
It will be interesting to see when my little guy comes home from school, weather or not the school evacuated as our Government offices downtown did. Not a devestating quake obviously, but scary nonetheless as we have seen and heard enough in the world over the years to know how bad quakes can get, and when your whole house is visible shaking and all you hear from Everywhere is this LOUD Rumbling, you just don't know if it's going to stop or get stronger.

My gosh, never heard of an earthquake in Canada, it's all over our news here too. Glad everyone is safe and sound, not what you were expecting to deal with today. Stay safe

 

[kristieuk]

Just catching up on this thread. Great news about Nachi and everything everyone has planned.

We would love to participate in the fish extender. I have pm'd lsjones but not sure if maybe she is away as I haven't had anything back. Also the TH at Nachi and the Trick or Treat, but not sure what we need to do to help out? Let me know, we are geared up to go

 

[tjbaggott]

Just catching up on this thread. Great news about Nachi and everything everyone has planned.

We would love to participate in the fish extender. I have pm'd lsjones but not sure if maybe she is away as I haven't had anything back. Also the TH at Nachi and the Trick or Treat, but not sure what we need to do to help out? Let me know, we are geared up to go

I'm sure she has it. I had seen your request to be added, so I've already written your family into my spread sheet I printed off, that Isjones emailed to me. How do you pronounce your youngest daughters actual name? That's very different, and I LOVE the "Tiger" nickname you have for her.

 

[tjbaggott]

It was scary. Sitting here at work I could feel my chair start to vibrate and it just kept getting stronger - then I could see my monitor moving, and our security door trying to open and everything just started to shake. Slowly it stopped (felt like forever honestly). 5 minutes later the evacuation bell goes off in the building and we spent 1 and half hours outside waiting for the all clear to confirm the building was okay. We're back now but I'm stilling shaking.

One of the worst things was trouble getting through on cell phones because the networks were getting overloaded. My mom is wheelchair bound and I was so worried that her brakes wouldn't hold in that kind of shaking or if she was in bed that it might have shaken her out (she's fine though). It was a rough few minutes.

At first I thought it was my washing machine in the basement. We had a new machine delivered late this afternoon, but earlier I tried to do a load of blankets in my old one. It gets off kilter so easily and then the thing makes a HORRIBLE racket as it's spinning (old style top load machine), and the thing actually starts walking away from the wall it starts out at. I'm sure this machine came from the MONSTER HOUSE Movie! Well, thats what I thought it was at first, but then quickly realized, that load was LONG done! And instantly the rumbling and the shaking got more intense. "I" was shaking for a while afterwards, lol.
Interestingly, downtown offices and Government buildings were evacuated for a time, but none of the kids schools were! Honestly, it didn't take more than a few seconds to realize it was an earthquake, but this is the strongest one my generation has every experienced, so you'd think the schools would have at least treated it like a fire drill, just to be safe. Though DS6, says he felt no shaking, but says he heard "Thunder". Maybe the schools didn't feel it as much because they are better built than the houses? LOL. And here I was at home wondering if he was Scared, and wondering if I should go get him.............
Well, it definately made for an interesting day!

Oh and the new machine, A German made HE Front load, is SOOOOOO Quiet! NIIIIICE! However the delivery men scratched up the thing on the bottom right edge. I noticed this after they left. 5 noticeable scratches. I called the store about it, they offered either to replace it or give us a $50.00 gift card for their store (Future Shop, Electronics and Appliance Store). HMMMMM, what would you do? I didn't pay this much for a scratch and dent machine. I'll take photos, and think about it.