October 11-18, 2008 Eastern Magic-Parrothead Pirates in Paradise!

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Hi Everyone! I am sorry that I haven't been around lately. I have been trying to read up as my time allows.....

I just had to come and get some reassurance from some people who can RELATE!!!

I am on the calendar planning committee for our school system (as a parent rep) and this past year we had 3 days off during what would be our cruise week next year. (short fall break) Ok...so I felt "safe" booking the cruise thinking kids (will be 5th grade) will only be missing 3 days of school......

Well....it couldn't be MORE complicated trying to plan out a calendar with so many requirements mandated by the state...yada, yada, yada!
Throw into the mix that our school system is building a new high school which will shift around all the current schools into new buildings. (Easing up crowding) The Calendar has to have "moving" days built into it which is going to take away 2 of our days during cruise week next year! The kids will only get that Monday off. They will have to miss the Friday before(the 10th)
and also the Tues- Friday of the cruise!

AHHHHHH....Somebody tell me it is OK that I am allowing them to miss that many days in 5th grade. Everybody around here scares me when they say, "Oh,,,,5th is soooo hard! I can't believe you are letting them miss that much!"
It is what it is and we ARE going on the Cruise! I guess I am just having guilt! I had counted on having some more off days that week!

Thanks for letting me rant! I know you guys will understand!

Our DD was in 5th grade this year for our cruise. Her teacher gave her a whole lot of work to do during the cruise. She set aside time each day to work, and it was really not a huge problem. She also had more work waiting for her when she returned, but is was sooo worth it! DO NOT worry about it! Life is short...live it up!!!

 

[THUNDERMOUNTAINMOMMA]

Hi Everyone. I haven't posted in a while, but have been trying to keep up with the thread. I'm taking a moment while I have some peace to catch up...
We received the dreaded phone call last nite that DH's Dad passed away. So instead of a family reunion for Thanksgiving, we're having a funeral. I guess it's still a reunion of sorts...
On a lighter note, I did want to say Thank You to Allen for the list. It is wonderful. And the pics of the castle are absolutely beautiful. It wasn't decorated like that when we were there for Christmas of '99. What a site that must be in person.
Everyone have a wonderful, loving holiday. Remember to hug your loved ones and give thanks for all that you have.
Sandy

I am so sorry. I hope you and your family were able to share lots of good memories of him and find peace being together.

 

[belle1627]

From what I remember, it wasn't that big of a deal. Normally they will never spilt up families. I would say you stick together. Being Canadian was a great thing. It got us through many thhings faster. I did find when they refered to non-US citizens. They were mainly looking Europeans, Aussie's and other countries from across the ocean. In today's world, travelling as a Canadian is a good thing! I wouldn't concern yourself with it. Everything really does go smooth. The only thing I don't like is Pearson Airport. I find that place to be a horrible experience. That's why, when possible we fly from Buffalo.

Enjoy the snow

Thanks, we don't like flying out of Pearson either, Buffalo is so much easier.

 

[belle1627]

IT'S A SNOW DAY HERE IN STOUFFVILLE!

I decided to not leave the house this morning, due to the snow. My DW made it to work early this morning and called me to say stay home. I don't have to be told twice.
Looking out the kitchen window we have about 3 or 4" already with more coming down.
Gina, it's funny how were only about 25mins north of you and were getting lots of snow. I guess its one of the benfits for you living close to the lake. I also noticed that your DS will be in grade 5 next year for the cruise. The family joining us from Bowmanville also have a son the same age (1 year older I think). It would be good for the boys to hook up.
Anyway I'm going to use this snow day for a great opportunity to catch up on some DIS reading and coffee drinking
But before my DW gets home, I need to make sure I have got the snwblower out of the garage. Cleaned the driveway and make it look like I accomplished some chores around the house.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends south of the border!

Alex

WOW, sounds like you got hit worse than us, we did end up getting more throughout the day though. Not enough to shovel though.

Yes, it would be great for our kids to know others on the cruise, they will all have a blast.

Gina

 

[PrincessHeather'sMom]

Hi All, We're back. This has been the fastest few days of our lives. Starting with the phone call Mon. nite thru the long drive home. I wanted to let you all know how much your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. What a wonderful family we have here. Rick's mom wanted something short and sweet, so there was only a graveside service, which went perfectly. Everyone was already in town for the holiday, so there was no need to drag things out. It was pouring down rain Wed. morn. but it all cleared up nicely for the service, so it felt like someone up above was really watching out for Rick's mom and the rest of the family. Anyway, we all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, considering the circumstances, and it was quite yummy to boot. We came home early because the kids were antsy to come home, and we really didn't have any place to stay another nite!
I hope everyone had a wonderful, thankful holiday. It's a time to remember how truly blessed we all are.

On a lighter note, with my Christmas shopping done, yes, I said done! I need to concentrate on other things, like say maybe, our trip. I'm thinking maybe DD and I should stay at the port the nite before. My original thought was to spend a day or two at WDW before, but DD doesn't seem interested! She's more interested in the cruise than anything. Does anyone have recommendations where we might stay at or near the port?

Sandy

 

[RanCan]

Welcome back! I'm glad everything went well for you.

We are planning on staying at the port also. We have never been there so we have been doing some research. I think we are leaning towards staying at the Residence Inn or Country Inn. The RI offers a complimentary full breakfast and the CI offers a continental breakfast. Both seem pretty nice.

This is our first DCL cruise, so I feel the closer to the ship the better.

 

[RanCan]

We just got back from seeing Enchanted! It was soo cute!!!

Great movie for any age!!

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

Just popping in to say hi! We are at my parent's in Cleveland, OH. They had a dusting of snow over night, we drove in through some of it. It's just been COLD. Didn't get above freezing today. It was 75 on Wednesday and 60 on Thursday morning, at home, before we left. Then as we drove up, the temps dropped quick and it started to snow! It is nice to be here with everyone though.

I hope this finds everyone happy, healthy, and STUFFED! LOL

 

[kritter]

If your looking for a good place to stay before the cruise. I have had a bunch of friends stay at the Radission at port. Free shuttle over to the port too....Many people stay there...

We are stuffed too..


The shopping is done and the cards are going out tomorrow. YIPEEE!!!!!!

The kids think Christmas is tomorrow...LOL!!!!!!!!!!

 

[elgerber]

Hi Everyone!

I am trying hard to stay awake and type. I was at Target at 5:15 this morning, and i've been gone all day. Now I'm trying to read the boards, surf the net and watch HSM2 the pop up addition. I am having a hard time doing both, the pop-ups fly fast and furious and they are quite cute and funny!

Wed night dd and I saw Enchanted also, we LOVED it!!!! Adorable!!!!

We had snow Wed night and yesterday morning. only 2 tenths of an inch, but enough to prevent my dh from getting on the roof to put up the darn lights. I hate that, I want them on by Thursday night, and they still aren't up yet! it's been quite chilly, it was 18 when I went to bed last night, and darn cold in line at Target this morning. We did get our tree this morning and it's warming up now, so we can decorate tomorrow. Love that smell!

I am still planning to stay at the Hyatt the night before, since we don't land until 11 pm.

DD said she saw a commercial today for a Hannah Montana 3D concert at movie theaters in February, has anyone else seen anything about this?

I am envious of Sandy and her "finished shopping" and Kristin and her "cards done"!!!! I am not even close. I bought stamps today at Costco to mail my cards LOL. I also got the stuff I went to Target before dawn for, luckily.

 

[torismom]

Hi All, We're back. This has been the fastest few days of our lives. Starting with the phone call Mon. nite thru the long drive home. I wanted to let you all know how much your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. What a wonderful family we have here. Rick's mom wanted something short and sweet, so there was only a graveside service, which went perfectly. Everyone was already in town for the holiday, so there was no need to drag things out. It was pouring down rain Wed. morn. but it all cleared up nicely for the service, so it felt like someone up above was really watching out for Rick's mom and the rest of the family. Anyway, we all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, considering the circumstances, and it was quite yummy to boot. We came home early because the kids were antsy to come home, and we really didn't have any place to stay another nite!
I hope everyone had a wonderful, thankful holiday. It's a time to remember how truly blessed we all are.

On a lighter note, with my Christmas shopping done, yes, I said done! I need to concentrate on other things, like say maybe, our trip. I'm thinking maybe DD and I should stay at the port the nite before. My original thought was to spend a day or two at WDW before, but DD doesn't seem interested! She's more interested in the cruise than anything. Does anyone have recommendations where we might stay at or near the port?

Sandy

Sandy, I am so sorry for your families loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[torismom]

Hey everyone...I hope yall had a wonderful Turkey Day. We had a wonderful day here is Florida. Yesterday was 80 and now it is cool. I do not think we got above 70 today.

I am exhausted. LOL I was up up at 4:30 and at Kohls by 5:15. DD was a tropper and hung in there with me today. We finished there , went by the car dealership , breakfast and Target. I was home by 10:00. (I live far from everywhere)

I just got tickets for dd and I to attend MVMCP friday night.She will be so excited. The boys will be on a scout camping trip so dd and I get a night at OKW and the party. Saturday back to reality we have a parade to twirl in.

We will be staying home the night before our cruise. It should only take us 1 hour to 1.5 hours to get to Canaveral. THe kids talk about it constantly. They both will be missing the entire week of school. Dd will be in 5th and ds in 2nd. Our school is very understanding when missing but all work will be made up.I am not sure if it will be given ahead of time, during or when we get home. I will cross that bridge next year.

Glad to read the revies of Enchanted. We want to see it.

When will our feb travellers be in the world? We will be there over presidents weekend. Dd is competing at Twirlmaina. She is excited and cannot wait. We will have one competition in Jan before Disney.

Hopefully I didnt miss anything. I seem to miss a few pages at a time. NOt quite sure how that happens though.

Please excuse grammar and spelling mistakes. I am half asleep.

 

[kritter]

oooh I almost forgot we saw ENCHANTED today it was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

Love Patrick in it..But then again who can not.

Torismom,
Wish we were going in Feb. Not going to WDW till April.......

Thinking about Thanksgiving 08 to do the Christmas party but worried it might be to close after the cruise. How are the crowds then??

Anyone reading/keeping up on the cruises for summer 09 looks like they will be announced in early Dec. ~~sounds interesting...........

 

[BigRed1]

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! We were up at 4 this morning and at Wal-Mart by 4:45.... One word....ZOO But we have been doing this for many years, and actually have fun.

If your looking for a good place to stay before the cruise. I have had a bunch of friends stay at the Radission at port. Free shuttle over to the port too....Many people stay there.....

We have stayed at the Radisson at the Port several times and have never had any problems. We usually book the Caribbean Rooms. You do not have to book the cruise package to get the free parking and shuttle ride, but it does get you the breakfast buffet. (which is good) They also have a great pool, and pool beverage center, for a night before dis meet. We had a mini meet last year before our cruise there. Once you book there, you must call the hotel directly to book the shuttle. The sooner, the better!! Go for the earliest time available, as it does get crowded and crazy waiting for the shuttle. All that said, the Radisson has figured out what happens the first 2 weeks of October, and is getting pricey. This cruise, we are planning to spend a couple of days at WDW before the cruise and take some form of transportation to the port an Saturday morning. However, if that doesn't work out, we might try the Residence Inn.

 

[kritter]

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! We were up at 4 this morning and at Wal-Mart by 4:45.... One word....ZOO But we have been doing this for many years, and actually have fun.

We have stayed at the Radisson at the Port several times and have never had any problems. We usually book the Caribbean Rooms. You do not have to book the cruise package to get the free parking and shuttle ride, but it does get you the breakfast buffet. (which is good) They also have a great pool, and pool beverage center, for a night before dis meet. We had a mini meet last year before our cruise there. Once you book there, you must call the hotel directly to book the shuttle. The sooner, the better!! Go for the earliest time available, as it does get crowded and crazy waiting for the shuttle. All that said, the Radisson has figured out what happens the first 2 weeks of October, and is getting pricey. This cruise, we are planning to spend a couple of days at WDW before the cruise and take some form of transportation to the port an Saturday morning. However, if that doesn't work out, we might try the Residence Inn.

Allen,

Let us know where you decide to stay at WDW before the cruise. Looks like several of us will be staying there...

 

[pinkygirl]

Hi everyone, sorry for not being around much, DS had a stomach bug thursday so he stayed home from school. I'm just happy he's better now, it's no fun to have sick kiddos. And we have finally decided on where to stay the night before the cruise, we'll be at the Country Inn & Suites and we got a good deal on it. We will be booking it monday morning

 

[kritter]

Hi everyone, sorry for not being around much, DS had a stomach bug thursday so he stayed home from school. I'm just happy he's better now, it's no fun to have sick kiddos. And we have finally decided on where to stay the night before the cruise, we'll be at the Country Inn & Suites and we got a good deal on it. We will be booking it monday morning

Oh I am soo sorry he was sick.. That is no fun at all. Glad he is doing better.

Congrats on your deal..

 

[mommyrom]

Torismom, We are visiting the world from Feb 7-12th...Kiddos don't know yet and we are trying to keep it a surprise! We did this once before and it worked out wonderful...We will be picking them up a bit early from school on the 7th and can have the a.m. to pack up the car and last minute details without them all at home...Hopefully our surprise will work again!

Kritter, We took all the kids to see Enchanted last night...When it ended, I looked at my DD6 and told her I think I found a new favorite Disney movie! She looked up at me and said "Me too!" I thought it was great! I just cannot get over how much the actress playing Gisele resembled a live Ariel...The look, the voice...Unbelievable! BTW, I am very jealous you are done shopping and have cards done/mailed! My mind this year is not totally holiday-oriented, with all that is going on with my Dad, the houses, being pregnant...Oh, Well...I will get through it somehow I guess

 

[kritter]

Torismom, We are visiting the world from Feb 7-12th...Kiddos don't know yet and we are trying to keep it a surprise! We did this once before and it worked out wonderful...We will be picking them up a bit early from school on the 7th and can have the a.m. to pack up the car and last minute details without them all at home...Hopefully our surprise will work again!

Kritter, We took all the kids to see Enchanted last night...When it ended, I looked at my DD6 and told her I think I found a new favorite Disney movie! She looked up at me and said "Me too!" I thought it was great! I just cannot get over how much the actress playing Gisele resembled a live Ariel...The look, the voice...Unbelievable! BTW, I am very jealous you are done shopping and have cards done/mailed! My mind this year is not totally holiday-oriented, with all that is going on with my Dad, the houses, being pregnant...Oh, Well...I will get through it somehow I guess

I love the idea of surprising the kids. I think maybe for April I will try to pack etc. while they are in school and hide it. Then Sat. morning get them up like normal and tell them we are leaving for the world. I love that idea. But I get soo very excited myself I have a hard time not saying anything........

I know I am happy that it is all done I think I may be having surgery around Dec. 12th so I am trying to ensure that it is all done so I do not have to really worry about it and all......Then we have the Hannah Montana concert on the 19th toooo0...


Thanks Don, Dee and Allen for the Christmas card............

 

[BigRed1]

We are planning on staying at POFQ, unless we happen upon a real good deal at the Poly or Grand Floridian, which isn't likely...