Offical Check-In List 10/30/04 "Magic"

[Jamashp]

I just called Southwest to see when the schedule will be out for late October / early November. The agent stated they do not have that information. There is no system on when the schedule will be published, and I just need to keep checking back. Ugh!

I'm not too worried, maybe just slightly concerned. We are in central NJ (near Six Flags / Great Adventure), so we can go to Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Newark, and if all else fails it's a 90 minutes up to JFK or Laguardia. One of these airports will (positive thinking here) come in with an acceptable schedule and prices in the $250 range.

I'd book the one-way with Southwest now, except that would lock me into Southwest. I'm kind of hoping that once Southwest fares comes out, USAirways will match the fares since their schedule looks like a better fit to us.

Driving would be OK, except we just don't have that much time. As it stands now, the children will be missing three days of school. I need two days to drive down. I get too tired trying to drive through the night.

I'm sure it will all work out. I just want to check off this one last major item on our "to-do" list for the cruise.

Scott

 

["Ginger"]

I hate the airlines, they take no pity on us planners.

I thought most airlines would let you book 6 months in advance?

I'll be in your shoes next year searching for the best fares and times when we fly to Cal. for the Repo cruise.

Good Luck to all.

 

[mhb]

Just checking to see is Scott or Donna were able to book their airfare yet.

Emma: what have you done with yourself since you've been out of school?

Ginger: Have you checked on airfare now. Sometimes it's cheaper the longer out you book. Maybe the rates aren't out yet.

Quick question...When will I receive my passporter, is it a package? I guess I should have an idea what I want to book before it comes so I can call right away. Is that correct?

Michelle

 

["Ginger"]

Hi Michelle, Glad you had a good time in Baltimore. Figures I would have to work when there is something fun I would rather be doing.
I've looked into the airfares to Cal. from BWI and from MCO. back to Bwi, still much to early to book.
You've got me lost here, what is a passporter? And what are you looking to book? Shore excursions? If so you can find info on that on the DCL site.

Karen I'm working on getting current info about traveling to Anguilla. I will let you know what I find out as soon as I collect everything.

Have a great day tomorrow everyone. I'll be home playing with my new pressure washer.

 

[SweetSpot]

Michelle: The Passporter is a book you can purchase that tells you all the ins and outs of a Disney cruise. Here's a link to it at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/103-9900374-0960601?v=glance&s=books

You are suppose to receive information on available excursions after final payment. I never received them on my first cruise so I wouldn't count on it. You can find all the information on available excursions at DCL's website and then research one's that interest you here. At the 60 day mark, after final payment, you can call the excursion number and book your excursions. Some sell out fast so if you are interested you need try and call that day.

A couple weeks before your cruise you'll receive a package with your tickets (which have pages you should fill out ahead of time) luggage tags and information on gift baskets, tux rentals, etc. The trip will seem so real when this finally comes.

Also, I was in our Walmart the other day and looked to see if they still had the .97 lanyards with the plastic pouch on the end and they were there. They're easy to miss because they don't hang like other lanyards. They are in the watch department area and and have a red cardboard backing. We never used the ones we purchased but for .97 it doesn't hurt to have them.

 

[mhb]

Good afternoon everyone. We didn't go to the pool today so I'm on the boards. Maybe I just wanted a day to play here. LOL

Ginger: Do you go to the harbor just to walk around. My kids loved the science museum. We spent about 4 hrs in there and could have spent another 2. Ate more than I should, now I have to lose more weight. Only 4 months to lose. better get working on that. All the food we ate was great. Mo's Fishmarket was unbelievable. Too much food. Well maybe not.
Have fun with your pressure washer. I love to do the porch. Everything comes up so clean.

SweetSpot: Thanks, again you have so much info. Maybe you guys can come to the pool with us and I can ask a bunch of questions then. Not sure what to do about those KTTW cards. DS 15, will carry in his pocket. It's DD 11 I think might just put it down and forget about it. I'm talking with DRM about excursions now. I think we might venture on our own in ST Maarten, don't know what they will do. I would like to see the island and how they live, then spend some time on the beach. What about Dawn's Beach. Also a frined of mine was just there and said Great Bay Beach was manmade. Anyone know?

Thanks Again, Michelle

 

[Lynda Silk]

Just wanted to wish everyone a good weekend a little early! It's Canada Day tomorrow for us Canucks so we get the day off and then most of us get the next day off as a "gift" from our employers! Most of us will be celebrating with backyard BBQs, picnics and watching parades and fireworks.

Hard to believe that June is almost over, but that just brings the cruise that much closer!

Just wondered if we knew how many kids we have so far for the TorTing? Judi, are you out there? Just thought I'd ask!

 

[mhb]

Well, What do I say Happy Canadain Day!! Hope thats right. Enjoy your day.

Of course you already know we have 4th of July!! Our day for BBQ's, family, parades and my favorite Fireworks. I love Fireworks.

Have a great time relaxing with family and friends, Lynda silk.

Michelle

 

[Lynda Silk]

Thanks Michelle! And that's right, I didn't realize that the 4th of July was this Sunday! That's what having a very long weekend will do to me! So to all the Americans on our cruise, have a great July 4th! We can all give thanks that we live in such wonderful countries and that we're privileged to have luxuries such as the Disney Cruise!!

Have fun everyone!

 

[SweetSpot]

Michelle:

I agree you really should see the island. I know there's a beach right near the boat but we didn't bother because we are beached out by Nov. and we wanted to try the shopping everyone talked about. Although we didn't like the town I'm really glad we went. Going into town is very easy. When you get off the ship there's a couple shops right there and a water taxi that will take you back and forth to the main town. We looked in jewelry shops, bought color changing shirts and beer and soda to bring back to the ship. I just didn't think it was worth the effort to do again but I wouldn't miss it the first time.

I know you've gone to the movies in the park, could you tell me what time they consider dusk? I really want to go but can't imagine taking them to a movie that starts at 9:00 and dealing with the bugs biting. Is it worth the effort?

Also, going on vacation next week and wondering if anyone has been to Smugglers Notch. I'm such a planner and can't find any information other than the basic stuff to help in the planning. How do people travel without all the information DIS provides?

Have a great day everyone,

Tracy

 

[Jamashp]

Tracy,

I can't give you any specific info about Smugglers Notch, but I am familiar with Vermont. I was a ski bum for two years at Killington, and my wife attended University of Vermont. Smugglers Notch has a great family friendly reputation.

As far as a couple of attractions in the area, I suggest Ben & Jerry's tour of the plant (free ice cream at end), and also a trip to Burlington (outdoor dining, strolling). You can even take the ferry over Lake Champlain to Ausable Chasm. It's a fun (all day) trip. Look at http://www.ausablechasm.com

Vermont is beautiful. I know you will enjoy your vacation!

Scott

 

[mhb]

Tracy, I can't give you info on Smugglers Notch but I aways get the info sent in the mail to me. FYI-I was over at the KMART in Glassboro and they have their Snorkeling things on sale. I really don't think they know what their doing because it said 25% off and when I got to the counter it was 50%. I guess I'll go back and get some more. Nothing great, just a mask and the breathing thing.

The movies start about 8:30, last week we didn't get out till 11:15pm. A little late plus it was cold. I'll let you know which movie it is. For the rest of the summer they are on Thur. nights.

Scott: Did you get airfare yet?

Well GTG the kids are bugging me to go to the pool.

See Ya
Michelle

 

[SweetSpot]

TY Scott for the info on Ausable Chasm. I've never heard of it and will look into it in case the programs at Smuggs don't work out for us. I can't wait to go to Ben & Jerrys and the other factory tours. We all love going on those tours and seeing how things are made. We went to Herrs Factory (among others) last year and it was amazing to see it all in production. I'm having a difficult time getting my head in vacation mode because I don't know anyone who's been there and have found mostly reviews for winter at Smuggs.

TY Michelle for letting me know about the sale. I need to check our good snorkling equipment and see if I need anything. The kids sneak things out every now and then to use in the pool and it ends up in the icky pool box. I was out today checking summer clothes clearance. I try to buy them extra stuff so they have nice looking clothes to wear on the ship. By Nov. all their summer stuff looks so worn. I'm surprised how early they've started clearance here. I'm having a hard time finding water shoes for one kid and it's only July 1!

I had a feeling the movies would go that late and my kids are early sleepers. I feel bad that we don't take advantage of all that the Township has to offer though.

Tracy

 

["Ginger"]

Shopping for summer clearances already YIKES!!!!! I better get moving, my DD needs some new shorts and tops. As for me I'm not ready to look for new clothes. I'm tring to get off the 20 lbs I gained back in early spring while I was sick.

Michelle, we just never get there, sad to say. Seems like when I'm off from work my DH is not. But, I have eaten at Mo's, YUMMY!!!! Did you go to Little Italy for any meals, did you see the Shot Tower, and the Flag House?

My DH and DD are taking in a Ball Game at Ripken Staduim tonight, hope they're having fun. I am.

Tracy, have a great time at Smuggler Notch, never been, but would love to hear all about it.

Someone asked for a head count for our T-or-T. I found an old post of Judi's listing some of the names, I'll see if I can't bring it forwarded.

Well folks, it's back to work for me tomorrow.
So I'll wish everyone a Happy and Safe 4th weekend.
Lynda, Happy Canadain Day to you and all of your Canucks

 

["Ginger"]

Okay Here's my list
Here is the list of people that I have received info from. If you don't see your name or family give me an email or pm and I will be glad to add your name to the list for T & T. Also there are a couple of you that haven't given me your room number yet. If you have it please let me know. Those with gty cat. just let me know your room once you get your docs!

Welcome Vikingfans to our family of Halloween cruisers. If you and your family would like to participate in our own Trick or treating just let me know. The more the merrier. Email me and I will let you know the details. alwatlers@aol.com.

Walters 7574 TJ 8 Alan 13 (YES)

Donnainnj Cat 11 Sarah 11 Erin 7 (Yes)

Dms_cruisers04 7503 Samantha 4 (Yes)

Ginger 2052 Ashley 7 (YES)

Jamashp 8528 Ashley 12 Jamie 10 Bryce 6 (YES)

Jaypd 6134 zach 4 (YES)

Jimbo 6098 & 6099 Kayla 10 Andrea 7 (YES)

Lynda Silk 7060 Robert 12 Elizabeth 10 (YES)

Keh and rose_greenthumb 7627 & 7629 (YES)

Mdvasquez Dd 13 (YES)

Njfamily 8030 Emily 7 Adam 5 (Yes)

Skoi 6018 Dd 1o Ds 6 (Yes)

Taswira 7628 (Yes)

Tluvs2talk 5001 (YES)

Jewelray 6015 Dd 10 (YES)

DORRDO RYAN 3 (YES)

SKOI(JULIE) SADIE 10 SIG 6 (Yes)

Disneediva 6087&6089 Austin 10 (Yes)

Bobness1950 Reagan 10 (Yes)

ShirelyR- 5520 Hunter 6 (YES)

Tmcg88 Mathew 13 Kenin 8
Kyle 7 Jackie 11
Ronnie 9 Kaitlin 13
Kara 12 Billy 14

Sweetspot Ds 12 dd 9

Rocadonismom 7567

CHEYSDAD Cheyene 8 Gabby 9
Julie 6 Christina 5

Rmmcruise Austin 9 Calvin 5
Mackay 5

If there is a (YES) with your name that means that you are participating and have confirmed it with an email or Pm

Thanks for all of the quick responses. Can't wait to meet everyone.


__________________
Judi

 

[mhb]

Tracy-I saw water shoes in Kmart today also. Alot!!! Do you need them for the cruise? When you get back from your vacation check out these dates and see if you want to see the movie.

Thrus. 7/15 Hulk
Thrus. 7/22 Rug Rats Gone Wild??
Thrus. 7/29 Spy Kids 3D (they have the glasses)
Thrus. 8/5 What a Girl Wants
Thrus. 8/12 Daddy Day Care
Thrus. 8/19 Piglets Big Movie

On Wednesdays and Sundays they have bands playing in the park at 7:00pm.
7/14 Fralinger String Band
7/18 The Quails (I've seen them and they are pretty good)
7/21 Pitman Hobo Band
7/25 Juliano Bros. (I would like to see them)
7/28 Anthology
That's it for now. Will you be around for the 4th of July? We sit up by the Church.

Ginger: We didn't get to Little Italy. The Mo's was about 3 blocks from the Barns and Nobel. We really enjoyed the Science Museum.
Spent about 4-5 hrs in there but could have spent more.

So does anyone know about Dawn's Beach? I read something on the boards about it but can't remember.

Thanks
Michelle

 

["Ginger"]

I'm not sure if we went to Dawn's Beach or another, keep in mind that the beaches on St. Maarten, not sure if it's all of them, are clothing optional. We saw some interesting sites. Maybe just a little more than I cared for my DD to see. That's why we head to Anguilla when we port at St. M's.

 

[Jamashp]

Happy Independence Day everyone! Got to love the long weekend.

Tracy, I'm sure you'll have a fun in Vermont with whatever you do.

We will be up in Quechee, Vermont for a week in August, and then instead of heading back home, we are going to drive over to Portland, Maine and take an overnight ferry to Nova Scotia. We shall spend three nights at a "family resort" and then take the ferry back to Portland, and then drive back home. It's kind of a mini-cruise for us. I thought it would be a great time to visit areas we have never seen before, and our U.S. dollar goes a bit farther in Canada. It will also determine if the children will have any difficulty with sea sickness

We are looking forward to Vermont / Canada. It's been many many years since I took off so many days in a row. And then when we get back it will be at the 60 day to go mark for our Halloween Magical cruise! :thewave:

Take care all and enjoy the weekend!

Scott

 

[taswira]

Well, it's official - My grown nephew Michael will NOT be joining me for the Halloween Magic. The airline is telling him vacation is "unavailable" at that time. On top of that, he is in the midst of buying a condominium near the Cincinatti airport (where he is based) and is in scrimp-and-save mode. So, solo it is!

About half my cruises have been solo. Only once was it uncomfortable for me. That was when DCL had the misjudgement to give me a dining assignment at a table with a small "Family Reunion." Since I was solo and the only "intruder" at "their" table, they requested that I be moved so their table would be "just family." This was on a 4-night. I had one night with them, one night completely alone, one night dining with the ship's Forward Engineer, and one night with Colleen (who handled future bookings onboard) as my guest.

This time . . Who knows? I only hope they do not sit me with any Family Reunions or Honeymooners, including any on this thread, as I do <I>not</I> want to be "the intruder"! The very first thing I shall do when I board is check my dining assignment!

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Shari
aka "Taswira"

 

["Ginger"]

Good Morning all
I hope that everyone has a great 4th. We're going to Bel Air, Md we live just outside of the town, to watch the turtle races and frog jumping contest. We normally part-take in these events but we've decided, just me and Ashley today DH worked last night so he's got to sleep so he can work tonight, to go shopping while in town. Can't take those freaky frogs with us to the mall. After that we're going to come home and lay around the pool and have a little cook-out.
Our new deck is 3/4 of the way finished, we are connected to the pool deck finally YAHOO!!!!

Shari I'm sorry that your nephew is unable to join you. I wish him luck with his home purchase.
We are not sure about our dining reservation. When I transferred our reservation to DVC everything stayed the same except our dining time. I was told we would have early but when the paper work came back to me we had been changed to late. Now I'm not sure what time we'll be dining, but we would love it if you joined us.