October 25, 2008 Halloween on the High Seas (2)

[Shoshie]

Any chance you have room for your lost long sister you never had??????

That recipe sounds great! I may have to make that sometime soon. Or is this a special recipe that is only supposed to be made during a feast/holiday?

Always room for one more

Taiglach is a special Rosh Hashanah dish -- I think it is just too sweet the rest of the year....

 

[suziemva]

Just wanted to let everyone know that it has finally been confirmed on Sky News, following on from a Disney Showcase for future movies, yesterday at the Kodak theatre, that Johnny Depp will be reprising his role as Capt Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 4. (I am sure you all already knew this being in the US, but I am so excited that I just had to post it somewhere!)

Sarah, actually it was just reported here too yesterday. I also heard that Kiera and Orlando will NOT be in it. That it will be Just Jack!

 

[colbybug]

Well hello to my fellow DISers! Greetings from a part time lurker, part time poster! Probably more lurking than posting going on here to be perfectly honest..... Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kathy. I come as part of a package, small though it is. My better half is Steve and the best part of both of us is our 6 yr old son, Colby. We are going on our third Disney cruise October 25 - Nov 1st! We are dang excited I might add. Since deciding that we really are going to go, I have been in full planning mode.....it’s a fault of mine, I admit. That’s one of the many reasons that I LOVE the DISboards because I feel right at home with my fellow obsessive planners! On our past cruise (last year) I got a real kick out of seeing fellow DISer’s in their glowing lime green attire! Occasionally, I was brave enough to admit, hey, I’m kind of a DISer too!

I have not joined in the cruise meet this year because my husband prefers anonymity and flying very low under the radar. However, I have read your posts here and there. The reason that I decided to “out myself” so to speak, is out of my frustration at our Grand Cayman stop! I am hoping that some of you might be interested in coming along with my family on a shore excursion! Through all my research on the DIS boards and Cruise Critic, it seems that one of the most popular tours is through Native Way. It’s called Rays, Reef and Rum Point. It is normally a 5 hour tour and we go to Stingray City, then snorkeling at the Barrier Reef and/or to Starfish Beach and then we go for lunch at Rum Point. I really, really, really wanted to go to these three places but couldn’t find a tour operator that would do it in the time we are there (from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm). Anyway to make a long story short, Sharon (the owner of Native Way) stated that she would put together a tour if I could get at least 10 people. We have 5 in my family (DH 52, me 45, DS6, sister 35, and mom a spry 75). It would cost $62 which includes lunch. Disneys’ exact same shore excursion is around $95 and takes WAY too long to get from place to place. However, their tour starts at 9:30 am! I called DCL and they said that all guests will be ashore by 11:00 am. So I am assuming with tendering and all of DCL’s excursion guests getting off the ship first, that we will might be ashore earlier than 11:00. WHEW! That was long winded! My question is, is anyone out there that might be interested in going with us? If so, will you PM me and I can answer any questions you might have.

I am so excited to go. The waiting is killing me! I swear I dream about some facet of the cruise every night! We made a “cruise chain” from paper strips and count down each day! I don’t know if that is helping or hurting because it is simply too dang long!!!! I hope you all have a FABULOUS time. Thanks to each of you for the insight and experience you all have shared! I really appreciate it!

Kathy

 

[colbybug]

Looks like the mods moved me out of the general board area - sorry for the duplicate post. I was hoping to get responses from people who don't join in the cruise meets as well......ooooops!

Kathy
(again!)

 

[suziemva]

Welcome, Kathy. I'm glad you've come out of hiding!!!

Sounds like you've got a good deal with the cruise, but we have already decided to take it easy that day and just browse the island (read shop here!) but thank you kindly for the offer! I hope y'all find enough people for this wonderful sounding tour!!!

And tell DH to come out and play! We don't bite! Well....we might scare you in chat but we DON'T bite!!

 

[LovableGluttons]

Aaarrrggghhhh! Less than a month and now I'm in a panic that I won't get everything done!


Tuxedos are on their way, have shirts, cuff links, studs, vests, and ties already. DD and I have our dresses and shoes.

Semi formal for DH and DS still up in the air. DD and I will wear matching dresses.

FE gifts done, but wondering if I should also haul little treats to stuff FEs with too? Will I have room?

Need new snorkeling gear for the kids ($$$ouch)

Will coordinate with FIL the rental car thing and have them booked this weekend!

Need to print off door magnets

Need to tie die cruie t shirts with DD this weekend (around my Sat night 12 hour night shift in the NICU and homework). Then, once dry, we can get the iron ons ironed on

Need to haul out the luggage and start filling bags.

Need to make sure rolling cooler is ok

Might need to go buy more luggage! LOL

I've received nothing in the mail drom DCL or DU so far, getting a bit nervous about that, so I fired off an email asking about it

I could ramble about this all night!

 

[suziemva]

Nicole, use my mantra! Breathe...one, two, three....breathe...one, two, three.....then down a shot of whiskey with a beer chaser and all will be right with the World!!!

It will get done! That's what I keep telling myself as I am at this minute going through paperwork and what I need to take. Do I have my copies of my passports, the girls too?? Do I have copies of our medical cards, girls too??? OMG! DO I have notarized permission to take them out of the country?!?!?!?! NOT YET! ACK! Need to get with parental units tomorrow!!!

Okay, almost finished with the girls stuff and then tomorrow it will be on to Ed's. See how I leave myself last? Less panic now, more panic later!!

Gotta run! Lots to do!!!!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Good morning everyone!

Amy - that cake is amazing - you are certainly very talented! Hope Mason has a fantastic party and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON!

Kathy - welcome aboard! We can't help you with the tour as we are already bboked to do something very similar in Grand Cayman. Hope you find someone who is interested as it sounds great!

Nicole - I know exactly how you feel - I have still so much to do and time is ticking away fast. I am working today (8 hrs) and tomorrow (12 hrs) and that really gets in the way of cruise preparations. I am just so glad now that I booked the week before we cruise off work, as I just knew I would be "Mrs Last Minute" yet again!

It's scary to think that we will be at the airport waiting to fly exactly 3 weeks from now!

 

[jns]

Happy Birthday Mason

 

[michellebriana]

Welcome Nicole! I did an excursion through Disney. Because of the short time on the island and with tendering, I wanted to guarantee getting back on that boat!

Amy - WOW!!! That came out great. I can't wait to see the eruption photos. Take a video and post it on you tube. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON!!!

Nicole - I think my list would be twice as long which is why I refuse to make a list! Too scary for me and then I'll really panic!

I am late on questions of the day:

Movie - I love Cinderella from when I was a kid. But I really liked Nemo & Monsters Inc. as an adult

Castaway Cay - We plan on doing a little of each. If the water is warm, even I will go in. But I prefer pools over the ocean. I have a phobia of stepping on a crab or getting stung or bit by something!!!

 

[suziemva]

Good morning everyone! The sun is trying to peek out here and the temp is supposed to rise a bit today (low 70's). So I'm okay with that...but I guess I have to with whatever comes today!! LOL!

QOTD: This is a two parter, so have you coffee on hand!!!

1)What is your favorite adult drink and why? 2)Do you plan on trying the drink of the day or do you just stick with your fav?

 

[suziemva]

Ooopss...see, no coffee yet and I forgot to answer my own question!!! How sad is that?!

Favorite adult drink: Fuzzy Navel
why: because I just love the taste of it so much and who can't like that fuzzy aftertaste!!!!

Drink of the day: Probably, because I like to try new things. Can't say you don't like it if you don't try it!!!!


Now, off to my coffee cup!

 

[Aneille]

Kathy - My family is interested in your tour. I wanted to book with Native Ways and did not because of the time conflict. We actually haven't booked anything at Cayman yet.

I'll check with my family and see if they want to do it.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

QOTD: This is a two parter, so have you coffee on hand!!!

1)What is your favorite adult drink and why? 2)Do you plan on trying the drink of the day or do you just stick with your fav?

I do not have ONE favorite.
I like pretty much anything that is fruity with Vodka or Rum... especially Coconut Rum...mmmmmm

If I am in a drinking mood (which does not happen too often~remind me to tell you about the two bachelorette parties... where I fell getting onto the stage with the ummm exotic dancers... and where I fell out of the limo.... and feel asleep on the kitchen floor, oh! wait. looks like I just told you the story ...) I will try the DOTD...

 

[RayRing]

For those who are less familiar with the concept of Re-Booking On Board, I wanted to take the opportunity to briefly outline the information.

++++++++++++++++++++
Re-Booking On Board – 101

While on the cruise, there will be specific times when the DCL Re-Booking stations will be available.
The benefit of Re-Booking On Board is that you will receive ~ 10% off the cost of the next cruise (it is not exactly 10% because they discount the cruise, not things like port fees), and either $100 or $200 ship board credit, based on the length of the next cruise.
There are additional rules, regarding the length of cruise that you are on, and the length of cruise you are booking, and the Category you are in, and the one you are booking (and might want to change to in the future), that you will want to ask them about.
++++++++++++++++++++

Now I know that you might be saying, “are you nuts, we cannot think about planning for, or paying for another cruise, so soon after this one".

Please read on.

++++++++++++++++++++
Re-Booking On Board – 201

First, like with any DCL Cruise, you can cancel the cruise, without penalty, xx days prior to the sailing date.

Second, you can use the 10% discount and ship board credit from the cruise you booked on board, on cruise dates that become available, sometime in the future.
This is done by calling DCL Reservations, and saying that you want to book “the new / later cruise”, you want to use the 10% discount from the cruise you re-booked On Board, and you want to cancel the cruise you re-booked On Board.
Although, not commonly published by DCL, this is completely allowed and acceptable by DCL.
You can do this as many times as you want, caring the discount far into the future.
++++++++++++++++++++

A case study

We were on a 7 night DD Western Cruise in November, 2006
While On Board, we Re-Booked a cruise for late 2007.
In early 2007, when the 2008 cruise dates were released, we found a cruise itinerary and date, that we liked.
I called up and switched our On Board, Re-Booked cruise to the October, 2008 DD Western Cruise, and the 10% discount was applied.
This effectively did two things.
We got just about the lowest cruise rate available, because we were one of the first to book this cruise.
And, we got 10% off that price, because we rolled over our On Board Re-Booking discount.
NOTE: DCL did have our deposit, for this entire time (nearly two years)


The purpose of this long post, is Not to tell you what you should do, or What is right for you.

The purpose is to make you aware of the On Board Re-Booking discount, and how and why you might want to consider it.

I also think that it is easier to talk about it with your family at home, before the cruise, then having the On Board time pressure, or excitement that might possible cloud your decision.

I wouldn’t want someone to be reading the posts a month after the cruise, and hear about something that they could no longer take advantage of.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

We are re-booking on board... I am not sure that Nelson knows it yet... but the credit card is in my name too...

Also, one more of those "don't forget to..." things....

If you will be in WDW or anywhere away from home for the days after our cruise; do not forget to get an absentee ballot to vote in the national election (Tuesday, 11/4). I just filled in the application for mine so I can make sure my vote gets in! Too important this year...

 

[suziemva]

Something I had read a while ago about canceling/rebooking. I'll try to remember where I read it but this is the part I had copied out for an email to a friend.

NEW CANCELLATION POLICY - Effective 8/31/08
If you need to cancel your cruise and are within the penalty period for doing so, Disney Cruise Line will no longer allow you to change the date. You will be required to cancel your existing cruise and absorb whatever penalties are in effect and rebook the new date.


Ah! Here it is:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/news.htm#news-nav

 

[taraandmike]

Ok, so I am 3 questions behind:

1. Favorite Movie: My favorite is Finding Nemo, but Cinderella is a classic favorite from the time I was a little girl (Prince Charming, classic live story, beautiful, happy ending whats not to love?)

2. Castaway cay: I am sure we will do a little of both, water and lounge relax looking most forward to the parasailing and lounging with a Konk Kooler on the beach in the warm sun...which brings me to the next question


3. Favorite drink: Oh I change quite often, right now my two favorites are a Morgan and Diet Coke and a Mike's Hard Lime.

As for drink of the day: Yes As long as they sound good (fruity, tropical etc..)
I will try, I love trying new things and this is the perfect time.

It has been crazy busy here, Homecoming was last night and Shelby looked so beautiful in her dress, hey boyfriend came and picked her up and brought her flowers! That is two times, one time was a just because, in the last month...geesh that girl better hang on to him!

Amy- wanted to say Amazing cake! You did a wonderful job making and decorating such a special cake for Mason! Make sure you tell him Happy Birthday and I hope he enjoys his day!


Well, I am off to a BBQ, for the guys in my DH's shop and their families..See ya in chat tonight.

 

[jns]

Something I had read a while ago about canceling/rebooking. I'll try to remember where I read it but this is the part I had copied out for an email to a friend.

NEW CANCELLATION POLICY - Effective 8/31/08
If you need to cancel your cruise and are within the penalty period for doing so, Disney Cruise Line will no longer allow you to change the date. You will be required to cancel your existing cruise and absorb whatever penalties are in effect and rebook the new date.


Ah! Here it is:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/news.htm#news-nav

We done the onboard rebooking last time

makes it a little easier getting off the ship knowing theres another trip booked

Must chat to DH about this to see will we be booking again
anyone know what the penalty period is

This was just below the link too

DCL HALLOWEEN

If you're onboard either the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder on October 31, the following Halloween activities are planned:

Family trick or treating
Parties for kids and teens
Costume contest with prizes in the following categories:
Funniest
Best Group
Most Spooky
Most Original
Most Disney
NOTE: NO WEAPONS ALLOWED. If you plan on being a pirate, leave your plastic cutlass at home as no weapon, real or fake, is permitted.

anyone going to enter and if so which categorie ?

 

[NewfieMom]

First off - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON . And great job on the cake amy - you have many hidden talents!!

Secondly - I think I'm about 3 questions behind on the question of the day -

1. My favorite Disney movie - I keep thinking of the old ones - PollyAnna and the original Parent Trap. I'm a real old movie nut.

2. Plans for Castaway Cay - we have the two day float/snorkle/bike rental, and for the first day, Castaway Rays booked, as well as the Waverunners for Hubby. But the plan is to be busy the first day, and totally veg the second. No wait, think the bikes were the plan for the second day. Gonna have to start doing lists - getting confused!

3. Favorite Drink - toss up between Miami Vice and Appletini at the moment. Yes, will try drink of the day. And want to try Konk Kooler again - tried one last time and it was horrid !, but think must have got a "bad one" or a mix up because it was nothing like I've read about. So will brave it again.

Four weeks from today fellow cruisers