October 15, 2005 anyone?

[VA_mouseman]

We got back Saturday evening ... rainy and cold. Still trying to transition back to non-vacation mode (where's the chocolate on my pillow??).

It was great to have a chance to meet some of you, although I briefly attended the two gatherings. Many thanks to all for my birthday wishes.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one still feeling the sway. Hopefully it won't last much longer.

Question for cruise veterans - that mad crush of lines trying to get off the ship on Saturday; is that normal, or was that the exception?

The trip was awesome, one of our best vacations ever. The only lowlight was when my wife was sick on Sunday; she was ill enough to go down the the ship Doctor, who graciously gave her anti-nausea meds ... and a 48 hour quarantine! They advised us to check on our trip insurance for trip interuption coverage. I'll be making that call shortly.

Oh, and we finally made the plunge ... we joined the DVC on Friday night! Can't wait to start making plans to use those points!

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

Cold,windy and rainy in St.Louis!! Reality check!! Vacation is over!!!

I was happy to get in my own bed though!

We went to Disney world and ate lunch at the Whispering Canyon Cafe on Sat and then took a boat ride to MK so Reese could see the castle. Then we headed to the airport....Depressing and that place was crazy busy!
I am just glad we got out of town.

Getting off the ship was so hectic this time! I have never seen such a mess.

We sat off too the side and let the ship clear out before we tried to leave.

Gary was also sick on Sat night into Sunday,but I started him on dramamine and then he was fine the rest of the trip.

We just had the best time!! Loved the DIS tag!! Josie had a ball with that!

Kevin,
The CD is awesome! We were listening to it on our way to WDW Sat.

I think we are going to book the 4 day Wonder for next October and then do the Halloween party at MK. One thing I like about the 4 day Wonder is the day at sea after Castaway Cay!

Glad everyone has made it home!

My Aunt and Uncle got off the Mariner Yesterday morning and SW changed their flights so they could leave yesterday! Good thing! Florida is getting pounded!

Bye for now!! Lots of work to catch up on!

 

[PearlandPaige]

Hi guys! Glad most of you have made it home safely now. We were fortunate enough to come home Saturday to beautiful 70+ degree weather. It's so lovely here right now that I almost forgot my vacation was over.

Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet many of you but those of you I did meet were as wonderful as I expected. We were so busy and DS was quite a handful, in a good way. I realize now, though, that I did sort of meet a lot of you. Tenderpaw, I think you and your husband were on the Match Your Mate show, right? And Weiny, I saw you and your daughter (virtually identical redheads, right?) on the You Think You Know Your Family, thing. I about choked with laughter when you said your favorite musical artist was Hillary Duff. We were so sure your daughter got that wrong! And FinVicMom, did your husband win one of the bingo rounds on the last day? I can't imagine there was more than one Finster from Colorado on the ship.

Nancy, many thanks for the birthday card. I didn't have my list of room numbers with me so I wasn't able to thank you in person, but that was so sweet. You know, I was a little disappointed that I never got a birthday cake and was never sung to onboard, even though our server was aware I was having a birthday while on the cruise (he even discussed it with me).

We had an absolute blast on the ship and fortunately not one of us got sick. I'm sure you will all be shocked to learn that DH actually suggested that we rebook while we were onboard. We're doing the Castaway Cay double dip next October (thanks to your suggestion, Elizabeth). The other amazing thing is that last night at dinner, he admitted to having the post-cruise blues. I almost fell out of my chair. Thanks for helping make our trip the best. It wouldn't have been nearly as good if I hadn't had so many secret tips from you guys.

 

[VA_mouseman]

when he performed in the Rocking Bar D on Tues/Wed night? That was my son Jonah who helped out on the stage, with the drumsticks on the cowbell/cymbal. Not 30 seconds after he got onto the stage, my camcorder battery died .. Argh!!

By any remote chance, did anyone videotape that sequence? If so, would there be a chance I could get a copy of it?

 

[cntkg1]

Nancy, many thanks for the birthday card. I didn't have my list of room numbers with me so I wasn't able to thank you in person, but that was so sweet. You know, I was a little disappointed that I never got a birthday cake and was never sung to onboard, even though our server was aware I was having a birthday while on the cruise (he even discussed it with me).

I know it's not the same...but here it goes anyway.....

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Paige, Happy Birthday to you!!!!

I hope you feel a little better now.

Nancy

 

[PearlandPaige]

Thanks, Nancy! That's too sweet!

 

[Mia's Mom]

Was any one elses luggage shredded when they picked it up? We bought the insurance, most of my suitcase came back with no handles and ripped sides - even tore through my cloths inside! Do I file a claim though Disney or Delta?

Griselda

 

[SuzieDizney]

We are back too!!! It was the best vacation ever for our family!! We had so much fun, especially the snorkeling!! All my kids do is talk about it....of course DH said that we will go again in 2007......I already made ressies for 2006!!! He got out voted!!

It was so nice to meet everyone...What a great group we had!!!

WE GOT THE FLU!!
The last couple of days were not so great....my oldest son Billy got the flu full blown as soon as we were off the ship, started feeling bad on Friday. Then our middle son got the flu also. It only lasted about 24 hrs for both of them and so far no one else is getting sick!!......but I saw my fair share of kids getting sick when waiting for shuttles!!


SUITCASE DAMAGE!!
Griselda...we had suitcase damage also!! I just couldn't believe it....we have the hard shell samsonite suitcases..... and there was a big hole punched in the side of one of the suitcases!! We brought it right to Disney's attention and filed a report, they took pictures and told us someone would be contacting us!! I would call them right away, try both, we didn't fly so we caught it right at the ships terminal.

I have so much work to get caught up.....and I can't stop dreaming of the caribbean....it was so cool!!

Talk to y'all later!!

 

[llyolf]

here in PA this morning we have a 4 letter word falling from the sky.... I wanna be the IT guy on the Magic

I could never do it, though.... kids aren't old enough to work yet...

The girls and I have had stuffy noses and Mollie got hit by the flu yesterday....... We figure on not cruising again for a while... we'll use our points to go to OKW or Vero Beach... VA_Mouseman: congrats on purchasing DVC... DVC has it figured out.... the best way to advertise is through existing members.... while on the cruise they hand out a couple hundred hats to members and then the rest of the week, the 2600 other cruisers see the hats and say "so tell me about this DVC thing". it's a totaly different marketing technique.... "word of mouth" versus "timeshare high pressure"

I'm glad everyone made it home safe.... wonder how wayne and fam are doing in Orlando??
kevin: I'll be the 1st to say it - 1 week ago we were talking to the Man of the Land to tour the hot and steamy St. Maarten.

Later,
Paul

 

[oybolshoi]

anyone else still suffering from the wavy gravies? I'm sitting here at my desk this morning trying not to think too much about last week and then the darn building starts gently swaying back and forth...

Sorry to hear about the health yuckies...after last year we operated on a strict rule of not touching handrails, elevator buttons...anything that could breed a germ colony...and we stayed away from all the buffets except for brunch at Palo (I wish I was there right now). So far it looks like our strategy paid off...the only thing we're suffering from at our house is depression.

Have a good one...sure miss talking with everyone.

Brenda

 

[SuzPasq]

Did any of you take your kids out of school to do this cruise? It occurred to us that *sniff* we are going to have a Kindergardener in October of 2007 Yikes! I'm a little nervous about planning a trip then, but everyone else seems to think that missing a week of Kindergarden won't be the end of the world. Any teachers around with opinions?>

We take our son out every year for a week and it's never been a problem. This year, in 2nd grade, was the first time his teachers sent him with work, but it was nothing that took very long, so it was fine.

When we were at Castaway Cay I heard two women talking about pulling their children out of school and apparently in some states you have to go to court if your children miss a certain number of days. Not sure if we have that here in Georgia--my son goes to private school so maybe that's why I've never heard of it.

 

[sara]

What a great cruise!!! There sure was a great group of DISer's on board!!! Tag was a lot of fun to play. My kids really enjoyed it. Good exercise finding our way around the ship. The gifts were outstanding. Wish I had put more thought into it. Thank you for the birthday cards, too. How thoughtful!!!

Brenda, I'm still swaying. At first it didn't bother me, but now it's getting a little annoying. I've been trying to run but I can't because the ground keeps moving.

VAmouse...we were at the show, but we didn't record it. Jonah was so cute.

SuzPasq, we pulled our kids out of school. (2nd and 4th) Luckily they got their homework before we left. Actually, they only missed 2 1/2 days. The teachers were understanding. Our state has a ten day rule and then they *evaluate* the situation. (whatever that means )

For those of you sick on the cruise . DD brought home a nasty head cold. So far...she is the only one.

Back to reality. I like it better when I don't have to make dinner!!!

Sara

 

[llyolf]

ya Lily was out of school for the whole week and a day before..... so 6 days.... she can miss 3 more the rest of the "semester" before she has to retake Kindergarten (or at least we have a conference with the principal).

now on a totaly different matter... Hi my name is Paul and my daughter pooped in a public area during the cruise last week. It wasn't Mickey Pool... on Castaway Cay day, Grace told Mollie "I gotta go potty".. well they stood in the line (almost longer than the debark line the next day) and Mollie noticed something (you can guess the something) running down little Gracie's legs... with the line still miles long, Mollie decides maybe the best thing to do is get over to the outside showers to wash Gracie off.... EXCEPT.... the outside showers HAVE NO DRAIN!!!!!! ooops... so she's kinda standing in line but also over to the side so ladies won't walk in the poop.... and they just keep walking around her... no-one really stopping to try to help... finally, with Mollie horrified and embarassed she works her way close enough to the BR and a nice lady sees what has happened and grabs a roll of TP for Mollie to clean her off... and the lady holds the line and tells Mollie when there's an open stall... that pretty much ended the day at the Cay for Mollie and Grace... they headed back to the ship (just in case). Lily and I stayed for probably another half hour and headed back too...

I also want to shout out to jason: Emma and Mallory were real cuteys!!!
and Brenda.... Lily wants the little guy in the red suit pin... for her pin collection... gonna tell that baby's a trader!!!! (just kidding)

we were going through all our papers collected on the boat and kept having to fight the force to keep looking at the DVC onboard booking points sheet.... oh yeah... if only Mollie and I go... it would only be.....

kevin and I are kicking picture sharing things back and forth... should have something soon...

Later,
Paul

 

[perdidobay]

I'm back home! Glad I got to meet all you great folks
If it weren't for our doggies that missed us so, I would have turned around and gone right back.
We got rained on at the MNSSHP Sunday night. First parade was cancelled and the second one ran late. As did the fireworks. Got into bed at 12:45pm and woke up at 6am to heavy rain and wind. They kicked us out of our room at 11am, but we had a freind staying at Beach Club Villas so we went and had lunch with her then headed for the airport. Flights left on time, as by 12 pm the skies were sunny (but it was cold). At first they annouced all the parks would be closed but opened at noon when Wilma passed by.

Thank goodness I asked for today off, I am doing laundry for the next 6 hours, methinks!
Jo

 

[SuzieDizney]

...on the school topic....I take my kids out and don't even think twice. It was actually their Fall Break for this cruise, but next year we are doing the 11 day in Sept. so they will definitely miss school. Our school district also has a rule....but we all know who the rule is for....parents that don't send their kids to school...and they are out there!!

I would love to get in front of a judge with my kids, Billy, 7th grade Honor Student, Aussie,4th Grade Honor Student and Bretty, 2nd Grader (not elgible for Honor roll yet)!! Because they missed school!! I definitely know they learned much more on this cruise seeing other cultures, real reef sea life, etc.

I figure if I am able to give them these great experiences I am going to! Life is too short and I will never look back and go "boy do I regret taking them out of school for the cruise vacation", and I don't think they will either!!

 

[nosaj72]

Our girls were out on fall break last week, so they didn't miss any school (the oldest is in Kindergarten). I'm not sure if I would pull them out for a full week or not. They go to a small private school/daycare - so we would probably check with them first before it came to it. We are looking at a cruise next year during their fall break again, but we aren't 100% sure what week that is yet!

I think it shouldn't matter to much for smaller kids (say elementary school), but I might think twice before I pulled an older kid out for a whole week.

*wishing this cold would go away*

Jason.

 

[shmoogrrrl]

VA_Mouseman: congrats on purchasing DVC... DVC has it figured out.... the best way to advertise is through existing members.... while on the cruise they hand out a couple hundred hats to members and then the rest of the week, the 2600 other cruisers see the hats and say "so tell me about this DVC thing". it's a totaly different marketing technique.... "word of mouth" versus "timeshare high pressure"

We actually went to the talk on Thursday of the cruise, but my husband is still trying to work out if it is a good deal or not. Can you use points to visit other WDW hotels, and if so, are they much more expensive that way?

Also, I've heard that the cruise isn't the best deal with DVC. Did you find that to be true?

My husband seems to think that 2000 points are the way to go. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Katie doesn't need to go to College!

 

[giandave23]

Hey everyone -

Well it was back to work today - YUCK - no one turned down our bed the last few nights, no towel animals, no yummy dinners - This sucks!!! Thank goodness we booked on board for 2007 (well 2006 until the 2007 rates come out)!!

Our Pictures can be viewed at:
Dorsey Pictures - Disney Cruise 2005

Enjoy!!! I look forward to seeing everyone elses pics also!!

Have a great evening
aw:

 

[oybolshoi]

We actually went to the talk on Thursday of the cruise, but my husband is still trying to work out if it is a good deal or not. Can you use points to visit other WDW hotels, and if so, are they much more expensive that way?

Also, I've heard that the cruise isn't the best deal with DVC. Did you find that to be true?

My husband seems to think that 2000 points are the way to go. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Katie doesn't need to go to College!

Hey Kathy - we love the DVC!! You can use your points at other Disney Hotels as well as at vacation club resorts and other non-Disney hotels too, although you get the best bang for your buck at the vacation club places. We used our points to cruise last year on the 7-night western and it wasn't too bad a deal; however, the point requirement has jumped up considerably for 2005 and beyond and I wouldn't suggest using DVC points for cruising unless you just really want to do it that way.

By the way... did you try any wine at the Food and Wine Festival? What did you think?

 

[cntkg1]

Hey Suzie....my son and DD's boyfriend insist that after seeing your picture that you were their Music Teacher at St.Stephens Catholic grade school back in the early 90's. Is this true???

I have to admit they have a point. I thought you looked very familiar myself. If not, then you left your twin sister behind when you left Sussex.

I also caught a cold before leaving the ship on Saturday. I rarely get sick, so it was a quick two days of a runny nose and sneezing. All better already.

Brenda, how did you manage getting around the ship without touching railings and elevator buttons? Did you use your toes instead?

No swaying floors or ceilings for me. Just a few sore muscles from using the stairs so much last week. I think I freaked out my leg muscles (not to mention my colon) on that vacation. My poor tummy is not used to all that GOOD food.

Well, I promised myself I wouldn't be addicted to these boards after leaving the ship, but......here I am anyway and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon!!

Later friends,
Nancy