October 17, 2009 Western

[MommyTo5]

With the kids back in school now, I'll have limited time to pack. This is something that I really need to lock myself away in a bedroom to do... I don't need their help! Just checked the calendar and we are now down to having just 6 Saturdays where I'll have this packing opportunity between now and when we fly out on 10/9. Packing for 7 people on a 16 night vacation (WDW/cruise/a final night at WDW) takes a LONG time. We've traveled so much now that at least I'm honest with myself about this true size of this job and I've learned that I need to start early - VERY early. I've actually managed to get quite a bit accomplished so far... I'm guessing that we are 25% ready to go. I'm hoping to spend a couple hours each Saturday afternoon packing and be finished a week before we leave to avoid the least minute craziness.

 

[lucky1]

Just checked the calendar and we are now down to having just 6 Saturdays where I'll have this packing opportunity between now and when we fly out on 10/9.

WHAT??? You really put in perspective, that means I only have 7 Saturday's left (actually Sunday's for me, since Saturday are now taken up with Nutcracker rehersals). We are going on a cruise

Laura

 

[lucky1]

cwid510. This is only our 2nd cruise and the first one was over 10 years ago on a 4 day DCL cruise.

If you are interested in doing Fish Extenders send me a private message. If you don't know about them do a search for them on the main cruise forum.


Laura

 

[KJF]

So we'll all be up late posting online when we should be packing last minute I'm the same way w/ being a visual person - If I pack too soon, I'll be tearing it apart trying to see if I packed a specific item. I'm just starting w/ the small things that I don't need into a pile. It definitely has gotten harder since the kids came along. I basically also have to do DH - DH is no help - he picks out his stuff, but I swear he'd forget most things if I didn't remind him. I'll do one person at a time - lay out all their stuff, then divide the outfits into the 2 or 3 suitcases we're taking. I'm always afraid of one going missing, so I'll divide up everything. At least then we'll have some stuff if one gets lost.

 

[jeanneg]

Angie: a mother's work is never done and with 6 kids that has got to be even more so for you. I don't envy the huge task you have in getting everybody ready, but as a mother of 4 myself, I can totally empathize!

 

[lisarae]

Is anyone logged in tonight?

 

[lisarae]

My DH and I are thinking about going on this cruise.

We live near Port Canaveral and work at Kennedy Space Center.
How many is in this group?

Our last cruise, we participated in the FE and it was a fun experience, but we had over 30 cabins to stock for!

 

[lucky1]

My DH and I are thinking about going on this cruise.

We live near Port Canaveral and work at Kennedy Space Center.
How many is in this group?

Our last cruise, we participated in the FE and it was a fun experience, but we had over 30 cabins to stock for!

Hi LisaRae,

There are about 40+ DISers in this group. FE is 13 and the cute off is Sept 1. I think 30 cabins to plan for would be a bit much, especially for me since I am not a light packer to begin with and we are flying in.

How is the weather holding up out there on the coast?

 

[lisarae]

Keep in mind that you can mail your Fish Extender stuff to the ship at the Port. That's what we did last year, and it made things easier. I'm a heavy packer too! Hubby just mentioned that I have to do better this year. I told him I thought I did well last year, and he said I still have to do better.

 

[KJF]

Packing for 7 people on a 16 night vacation (WDW/cruise/a final night at WDW) takes a LONG time.

Wow - hats off to you Personally, I think I would never travel!!! Not true - but a scary prospect packing for that many!! I guess though w/ a big family you have to be more organized in general - I feel like I'm going in circles half the time w/ only 2!!! It is fun having the bigger family - DH & I each come from a family of 4, which is great. Makes for fun get-togethers.

Kathy

 

[kerickson]

So we'll all be up late posting online when we should be packing last minute I'm the same way w/ being a visual person - If I pack too soon, I'll be tearing it apart trying to see if I packed a specific item. I'm just starting w/ the small things that I don't need into a pile. It definitely has gotten harder since the kids came along. I basically also have to do DH - DH is no help - he picks out his stuff, but I swear he'd forget most things if I didn't remind him. I'll do one person at a time - lay out all their stuff, then divide the outfits into the 2 or 3 suitcases we're taking. I'm always afraid of one going missing, so I'll divide up everything. At least then we'll have some stuff if one gets lost.

Last night I mentioned to my husband this multi suitcase strategy and he looked at me like I was crazy, saying if they lose his suitcase he'll use the $100 from SWA and buy a Mickey outfit onboard and wear it every day! Even to Palo! So, if you see a big guy in a Mickey outfit...
That's fine for him, but I'm going to stash a few of my things in his bag anyway

 

[KJF]

Last night I mentioned to my husband this multi suitcase strategy and he looked at me like I was crazy, saying if they lose his suitcase he'll use the $100 from SWA and buy a Mickey outfit onboard and wear it every day! Even to Palo! So, if you see a big guy in a Mickey outfit...
That's fine for him, but I'm going to stash a few of my things in his bag anyway

I really want to see the giant Mickey outfit!!!

 

[jeanneg]

Me too, maybe we should find out what his bag looks like and arrange for it to go AWOL!

 

[cwid510]

I'm getting soo nervous here reading everyone start packing ... Is there a packing list here somewhere in the forums?

I'm just about too book my flight tonight Haven't had a chance yet to book hotel (for the night before and after the cruise), need to look into transport (may be renting a car easier), need to get insurance...etc..etc... oohhh nooooo.......

Lucky1, I wont be able to join the FE I wont have enough time to get everything..

Any recommendation about what time I should be at the port? since I really need to book PALO on board. Didn't get any spot online

 

[lucky1]

I'm getting soo nervous here reading everyone start packing ... Is there a packing list here somewhere in the forums?

I'm just about too book my flight tonight Haven't had a chance yet to book hotel (for the night before and after the cruise), need to look into transport (may be renting a car easier), need to get insurance...etc..etc... oohhh nooooo.......

Lucky1, I wont be able to join the FE I wont have enough time to get everything..

Any recommendation about what time I should be at the port? since I really need to book PALO on board. Didn't get any spot online

Packing: Don't let us discourage you from packing.
There is a couple of packing list I have found on the main forum. I will look to see if I can find a link, but if you do a search on packing list it should come up.

Hotels: Have you decided if you are going stay in Orlando or near the port.
Our orignal plan was to stay at the MCO Hyatt (AAA rate) and take DCL transportation to the port because they could get you there by 10:30am. Plus Hyatt has an agreement with DCL and when you stay there, they will transport your luggage to the ship from your room.


Port: I believe it doesn't open before 10am and they will not start boarding until after 11:30... But not sure if Rocking D opens right when the ship opens or after 1:30 when the staterooms open up.

Hope that helps. See you on the ship!!

Laura

 

[yazee1]

Keep in mind that you can mail your Fish Extender stuff to the ship at the Port. That's what we did last year, and it made things easier. I'm a heavy packer too! .

I don't think it's the packing that's the only issue, it's the expense.

 

[yazee1]

Packing - Don't stress about it. I'll start the week before. There isn't much you'll need that can't be ordered online and delivered within a week. Furthermore, anything beach or cruise related you don't have when you leave, will be in the stores down in Florida. It's a lot easier to find things like sunscreen and watershoes in Florida than up here in Maryland.

 

[Pennyb123]

Rockin' Bar D is open once DCL begins allowing passengers to board. I have been in boarding group 3 and there is already a line at 11:45! But, you get a good chance of taking care of business when you are on that early... then go EAT!!! YUM!

 

[momsully]

I agree with not stressing about packing. I can't pack now as most of what I am planning to bring we are still wearing every day. We leave Wednesday and I will most likely be packing Tuesday night. I know that is not for everyone but it works for me since the stuff we want is clean that way!

 

[lucky1]

50 Days until we Sail!!