October 14, 2007 - 10/14/2007 Wonder

[lbcrosby]

Sorry to see you go Kborn but I agree with you that seven days on a ship is definitely a lot better than four. This will be our fourth cruise (on different ships) and I have to admit the seven days is definitely a lot more fun because you have more time to relax. The only reason we are doing the four days is we combined it with WDW as we promised to take our DS there. The parks are for him the cruise is for us. If my DH likes this we may book a 7 day when we are on board.

Welcome, KAPTink our DS who is also 8 will be excited that your DS will be along as well.

We would have had our son out of school for 8 days as well but we picked this specific week as his school has Thursday and Friday before the cruise off for teacher conferences and then the Monday during the cruise for I think Colombus Day but it isn't called that. So, only five days he will be off. We convinced ourselves that it saved us a lot of money to go in October versus during a break and they are only kids once. Also, how many people remember what they learned in third grade when they are adults but they will always remember Walt Disney World!!

In answer to where we are with planning . . . I have booked everything and I am now into second guessing mode. We have reserved all the ADRs at WDW for the character meals, bought the tickets for Cirque and MNSSHP, set up the Sea World package for after the trip, rental car, hotel in Nassau, excursions for everywhere and bought the material to make a fish extender. Wow, there is sure a lot of things to do. This board was sure a lifesaver. The sad part is as soon as we get there it will be over in no time. I guess I will have to book another cruise when this is over and look forward to that one.

 

[wendym]

Kborn sorry we won't get to meet but we hope you have a "Magical" cruise. KAPTink - welcome!
Back to school already - cannot believe how quickly our vacation went. Never mind we have this to look forward to!

 

[iankh]

Where has everyone been? The cruise is creeping nearer and nearer.

Well, life as been exciting. I finally got out my passport this week and had a major shock. It expires in October. Suddenly a panic decended. What to do, what to do? Could I find my birth certificate? No.

So, I ordered a birth cirtificate. Then, after things settled down a bit, I looked at my passport again. It expires October 23rd. How's THAT for squeeking in under the wire.

On another note - I am still looking for a couple of people who would be interested in participating in an interview for the podcast I'm working on that is launching at the end of September. It is a Disney and Disney travel focused magazine style show.

I would like to have a couple of shows that feature cruising. The shows will "air" either in December or January.

What I'd like to do is interview a couple of people via phone before the cruise, talk about preparations, and expectations.

Then meet up during the cruise for about 15 minutes to talk about the actual cruise, what has been some highlights and if it's lived up to expectations. Please PM me if you're interested.

 

[wendym]

Hi all
So sorry not been on much. Being back at school means thoughts of vacation are pushed way down the list unfortunately. However the thought of it all certainly keeps me going. Yesterday I booked to spend the day at Discovery Cove in the week after the cruises. We have never done it and we are really looking forward to it.
Thats scary about the passport - we have to have ones with at least 6 months left on them for travelling to the States.
Ian - will send you a PM.
Have a good week all.
Wendy

 

[TLANE30]

I AM SO EXCITED! I can't believe it's the month before the cruise! We booked our cruise during our son's fall break from school - so he doesnt have to miss any days. All our passports are in, new clothes bought....we're ready to go!!

 

[Stephieann]

Hello everyone, had to peak in and say hi. how is the trip planning going. Looks like dh would have been home in time for this cruise but it would have been a rush. Anyway, could some one message me when you guys get back and let me know what movies are playing at the movies, on the areal tron, and on tv. Thanks and have fun!!!

 

[iankh]

This cruise is getting mighty close, isn't it? I can't believe that I started this thread back last December. It seemed so far away. Which of course it was at the time.

I have been so busy lately that time is flying by.

We have started to shop and get ready for the cruise. We're travelling with a 7-year old. DDIL and grandson are coming over from the UK. This is their first time on a DCL cruise and will be their very first time in WDW. They're quite happy for me to plan everything, but I am determined that they should have some insight into what there is to do in WDW. I went to Amazon UK and am sending them the Birnbaum book. I figure that's a good easy introduction.

Next we had the whole discussion over the child booster seat. We have one for grandson here in Chicago and wondered what to do with the rental cars in Florida (the one we rent to get to the port, and the one we pick up after the cruise to go to WDW).

The prices the rental companies charge for a booster is incredilble. Last night we went to Target and bought a cheap booster seat that we'll check in in luggage. The plan is to use it in Florida and then dispose of it. It still comes out far cheaper than even 1 day's worth of what the rental car company would charge.

As we are now going into Fall, and this is Chicago, this was our last opportunity to shop for some resort wear too.

My passport problem as I reported was solved. My passport is valid until the end of October, but at the time of the panic, I ordered a copy of my birth certificate as I could not find one at home. It arrived on Friday. Much to my surprise, and something I had completely forgotten, the officials misspelled my father's last name, whichi is of course the same as mine. I forgot that we have different last names on my birth certificate.

If getting ready for the trip was not enough, I am also getting ready for the public release of Mouse Manager version 1.0. I started working on this project in May 2006, so after 15 months it will be released to the world. I have been busy completing entering all the menus for all the restauarants (counter-service, kiosk and table service) in WDW, on the Mouse Manager site and for access from within the tool. I have also integrated an Amazon style rating and review system so Mouse Manager users can rate restaurants and share reviews. That should add value when planning ADRs, to be able to read how others rate the restaurants, how the rating compares and also read reviews.

Mouse Manager version 1.0 will be available for free download on September 22nd.

Lastly, to add to all of the insanity, preparations are in progress for my podcast, The Sophisticated Mouse, to launch at the end of September.

We are planning to do a special DCL show, which is why I was callling for folks to interview.

We are now getting so excited about this cruise and trip to WDW, and some well earned rest.

 

[iankh]

So, what is the latest status of any meetups on the ship?

 

[iankh]

One month from today folks!

Any plans afoot for any onboard meetups?

 

[skiingwife]

I can't believe our cruise is almost here! My husband, son and I are flying in on Saturday 10/13 and weren't sure what we're going to do. I think we've decided that we're going to pick up our rental car and drive to the Contemporary Resort to the Sammy Duvall Waterski place. DH is a big skier and would love to meet Sammy Duvall. They said he might not be around but they could arrange that we at least get an autographed picture of him. DH will think that is great. We'll probably just do 1/2 hour, which is $80, less 10% for annual passholders. Maybe we'll ride over to Polynesian and eat lunch at Kona Cafe or Captain Cooks. Polynesian and Yacht Club are where we have always stayed and I love those 2 restaurants. Then we'll drive to the Radisson, swim, and then go to dinner at Grills.

Those are our plans. What's everyone else doing on the day before?

This is our first cruise so I don't know where would be a good meeting place, so hopefully someone will decide where to have a Dismeet on board. Any ideas?

Melissa

 

[iankh]

We too fly in on 10/13. We're picking up the car and driving to the port. We're staying at the Country Inn & Suites.

This is our second cruise.

My first cruise, a lot of people met up in the cruise terminal.

 

[matsterrocks]

We will already be on the ship We might have to disembark between cruises but hopefully not. Don't know if we would have time between the sailaway party and dinner for our greet and meet (might be to rushed???)

 

[skiingwife]

Matster -

I did not realize you are doing back to back cruises. So you're on the 3 day Wonder on October 11 also? That will be awesome.

 

[matsterrocks]

Matster -

I did not realize you are doing back to back cruises. So you're on the 3 day Wonder on October 11 also? That will be awesome.

Yes we are doing a sea/land package to start with and then following it up with the 4 day cruise and a few more days at the parks. It now looks like we will have to get off the ship between the cruises (new policy) however we don't have to get up at 6am for customs (new policy) as we are Canadians so thats GREAT

 

[iankh]

OK folks, we need some serious planning here about a possible meet-up

It might be a bit of madness the first few hours on the ship, there will also be the lifeboat drill.

Perhaps the first evening?

My last cruise, a bunch of us met up in the terminal, towards the back, near the snack area.

I myself will be wearing the Mouse Manager t-shirt (nothing like a little shameless self advertising), so I'll be pretty easy to spot.

 

[skiingwife]

Less than 3 weeks to go! Has anyone received their cruise documents yet?

 

[lbcrosby]

No. I am getting excited and panicked at the same time. I talked to the lady at AAA as to when to expect the cruise documents. She said that they mail them out 10 to 14 days prior to sailing. That made me very nervous as we are doing the land and sea and we are departing from our house four days before sailing. That cuts it pretty darn close. Anyone that has done this before . . . should I be concerned or will we be okay?

I think I have figured everything out. Except whether or not I want to do the couple's massage. I am also nervous about the Comfort Suites in Nassua. Who else was doing that? How are you coordinating transportation and timing. Usually I go through the ship but the cost difference was amazing.

 

[matsterrocks]

No. I am getting excited and panicked at the same time. I talked to the lady at AAA as to when to expect the cruise documents. She said that they mail them out 10 to 14 days prior to sailing. That made me very nervous as we are doing the land and sea and we are departing from our house four days before sailing. That cuts it pretty darn close. Anyone that has done this before . . . should I be concerned or will we be okay?

I think I have figured everything out. Except whether or not I want to do the couple's massage. I am also nervous about the Comfort Suites in Nassua. Who else was doing that? How are you coordinating transportation and timing. Usually I go through the ship but the cost difference was amazing.

I don't think it will really matter if you get your docs in time I'm sure the people at the resort can help you as you actualy check in at the resort anyways?

Don't be nervous about Comfort Suites you can just get one of the many cabs waiting at the port Just as to be taken to the Comfort Suites hotel on Paradise Island. When you ready to leave there will be cabs waiting for you at Atlantis. Just leave yourself enough time

 

[iankh]

Yes, just 3 weeks! I am getting a bit nervous. It suddenly hit me how much I need to get organized for work before I leave.

We're going for 2 weeks (the cruise followed by 8-nights in WDW), and I am so busy at work!

I think the reality of the cruise nearing hit me this weekend when we decided to buy suntan lotion before while it was still on the shelves here in Chicago.


Sooooooooooooooooooooooo? Any thoughts about on board meet-up?

 

[matsterrocks]

Yes, just 3 weeks! I am getting a bit nervous. It suddenly hit me how much I need to get organized for work before I leave.

We're going for 2 weeks (the cruise followed by 8-nights in WDW), and I am so busy at work!

I think the reality of the cruise nearing hit me this weekend when we decided to buy suntan lotion before while it was still on the shelves here in Chicago.


Sooooooooooooooooooooooo? Any thoughts about on board meet-up?

What time is the life boat drill? Maybe we could meet before that? After the drill I think things will be pretty busy until sailaway from Castaway Cay