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

[alwatlers]

Hey everyone! We are getting ready for Frances to hit the Ohio/WV area tomorrow. Lots of rain and some wind. I hope we don't lose power again. I have lived this house for 6 and 1/2 yrs and we never lost power. But in the past 4 months we have lost power 3 times for more than 6 hours. One was for 3 days. I know it's not as bad as Florida, but it still is crappy.

I need some help with St. John. We are thinking of going to Trunk Bay ourselves since I was able to get such a good deal on Snorkle gear from Wal-mart. How hard is it to get to the ferry in St. Thomas? Where do we have to go exactly to get the ferry. I know that once we get to St. John's we get a taxi and then ask them to come back at a certain time. Do we take a taxi to the ferry?And will there be taxis when we come back? Or should we just sign up now for the excursion? We will only be staying there until noon, because we(DH & I) want to do some shopping while the boys are in the clubs.

Tomorrow will be a bad day for me, because 10yrs ago my parents died in an airplane crash outside of Pittsburgh Pa. They were on their way back from Chicago. Dad worked for the Dept. of Energy and mom went to do some sight seeing. The only good thing is that they were together when it happened. Neither would have survived without the other. I was living at home w/DS who was 3 at the time. That's what kept me going. I still miss them, and I feel sad for the other 130 passangers on board that died that day. There will be a service at the crash site, but since I don't belong to the Survivor Group, I will not be going. I don't like to deal with all of the news group trying to get a story. I would rather just talk to them here at home. They are buried in Baltimore for the sake of my grandmom and aunts and uncles that live there. It lets them be able to go and visit. One of these days we will go the grave site when the boys get older. They know of their grandparents but of course Alan doesn't remember and TJ wasn't born yet. I know they are watching out for their precious boys and me as well.

Enough of the sad stuff, I hope everyone is getting ready for the cruise. Start packing now so it won't be so bad. Got some stuff together, all the little stuff. Found some underwater camera's at Krogers for $4.99. Got three that's all they had but I'll keep an eye out for more. If you want one give me a shout I'll try and get them for you.

Talk to you all later!!!

 

[dis4me]

Hi Everyone
Hs anyone done Anguila before.I would love to go there but I am not sure I am that adventurous to do it on my own.
To everyone still in Francis path. Stay safe and wsh Ivan away,This hurricane business is getting out of hand.
Judi - I am so sorry to hear fo your loss. Ten years or a hundred I am sure doesn't ease the hurt. I hope you are able to think of happies memories of them on the tragic anniversary.

Well What are you all thinking about Castaway Cay? It really is the highlight of our trip. I hope they don't just mae it a day at sea if we can't get there. OK I am going to think positive. It will be fine and we will get there.
Toni

 

["Ginger"]

Hi all
Dena called me today, boy!!! was I surprised. Anyway, I'm happy to report that they are all fine and dandy. They have returned to their home finding no damage, thank goodness. They are still without power. Dena's sister lives around the corner and her power has been restored already. Dena is hoping theirs will be restored soon also. She said they are really looking forward to the cruise, no doubt in my mind.

Teri, you poor thing, don't scratch. Soak them in salt water, a cure for all. Or is that windex! Just kidding, it's salt water.

Michelle, I bet it was hard getting back into the groove of things.
I wish I could hide candy. If I've got it, I've got to eat it or I'll go nuts thinking about it. It haunts me

Judi, what can I say, except I so sorry. Do something special for yourself tomorrow, keep your mind busy. If you don't mind me asking, where in Baltimore?
My sister-in-laws both work for Krogers but in Va.
DVCBob was looking into the St. John excursion on your own, maybe he can answer your questions. I'm getting or tring to get the most current info on Anguilla on your own.

Everyone have great day tomorrow.

 

["Ginger"]

Yes Toni, I've been to Anguilla, in 2001. I led a small group 9 people, there. It's an easy trip to do on your own.

Anguilla Information:

We got off the ship as early as we could. We took the water taxi into town, not sure if we still would have to do this.
We got a taxi to Marigot Bay, St. Martin (French side of the island about 20 minute ride).

IMPORTANT FACT: Negotiate your taxi fare before you enter the cabs on any island.

Since we were a small group travel with us we were charged group rates for all our tax rides.

Checking in at the ferry you'll need to show ID and proof of citizenship being a Passport or Birth Certificate. Pay a departure tax of $2.75.
Board the ferry and pay the ferry Capt. $10.'s for the ferry fare.
It's a 20-25 minute ride to the island.
Ferries run about every 30 minutes starting at 7:30 a.m. to 6pm..

Once there you can easliy get a cab to where you want to go.
The return ferry is $13.00 fare and tax taking you back to Marigot Bay St. Martin.

The cost for all our transportation remember it was 2001 was $57. per adult, $14. per child.
Today I am guessing that this trip will cost about $75. per adult and $23. per child.

Anguiila Guide Anguilla A short trip report from a recent visitor

DVCBob we've been to GC twice now so we've got the island pretty much covered there. Rent a jeep and head to Rum Point Beach.
Cozumel is a cab ride to Mr.Sanchos.
If we have to miss CC than a day at sea is fine by me.
For halloween candy rum filled snickers bars. all day Pina colada suckers and mudslide jawbreakers. I think the kids will love them.
Bob everyone is making their own ressies for the High Tea under a group name, The Dis Board, of course. For Monday.

Dena, I've got your adult candy, maybe I should ship it to you now.

I've got to go, it's bedtime for me. I've got work to do tomorrow... no computer time for me. See you all in a few.
XOXOXO

 

[dis4me]

MMMM Mudslide jawbreakers Now that is a CANDY
Thanks GInger for the Anguilla Info. I still thnk I am to chicken. That is a lot of Taxi/ ferryig with a 45lbs 2 year old.

 

[Lynda Silk]

Hi there! Just checking in!

Judi, just wanted to let you know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, and I echo Toni's thought that hopefully you can think of happy memories on this sad anniversary. Hang in there!

Teri, sorry too about your poison ivy! My sister-in-law sat in some a few years ago, and boy, did she ever walk like a cowboy! We laughed but she was pretty uncomfortable! Hope it's getting better! At least you didn't get it just before the cruise!

Michelle, congrats on getting past the first day at work! I'll bet working at a bridal salon is hard work and stressful too! But with your personality, I know you're a big success there!

Dena, glad to hear that everyone is okay and that your house wasn't damaged! Hope Shari is in the same boat (no pun intended!)!

Re Castaway Cay, when I was on the Wonder in 2002, we had to miss Castaway Cay because of the weather conditions, so they took us to Freeport. Then the next day (which was supposed to be a day at sea), the weather improved and they took us to Castaway Cay that day so we wouldn't miss out (which I was very impressed with).

Are we still meeting at 5:30 on the first day of the cruise after the ship leaves Port Canaveral? If so, where are we meeting again?

I'm back to work too but just for 3 weeks and then I start a new job. It's in an insurance brokerage and it's only 8 minutes from home. The big advantage to the new job is that it's very flexible and allows me to be at home when the kids are home, and that I'm not tied down to the office (I can work wherever I want to, including home).

Have a great day, everyone!

 

[taswira]

We are still in Maggie Valley NC - where I used to work as a zookeeper and tour guide. It's been great visiting the zoo and seeing old friends (human and animal) again. Although there has been flooding in nearby areas due to Frances working its way up here, we have had no effects where we are except the usual rain.

Talked to my sister back at the Fly-In where we live. Her house had some damage to the screen enclosure around her patio & pool and she was without power for a few days. Oddly, at our house about one mile away in the same community, it seems we never lost power and had only minor screen damage to the patio enclosure. The two trees in the backyard by the pond/lake went down. One had been staked and tied from Charley and trying to recover. A neighbor's oak tree fell into our driveway, but some friends have since removed that for us. It looks like the big chore will be removing debris from the yard, so that will probably delay any immediate visits to WDW for me (which is usually the first place I go after <I>anything</I>).

We are staying up here until Friday. Then if the surrounding weather and road conditions allow, will head back home, maybe spending one more night along the way. It <I>looks</I> like Ivan <I>may</I> head for the Gulf, but nothing is definite at this point. We are just hoping to get home before more big storms/hurricanes.

I am glad other FL residents here seem to be okay after the ordeal of Frances.

 

[Lynda Silk]

Shari,
Glad to hear that you're doing all right and that there isn't too much damage at your place. It's amazing how much havoc Mother Nature can wreak and how strong the elements are. Stay safe and be careful when you return home; I keep hearing on the radio that many people are hurt after the storm because of downed power lines, etc.

 

[taswira]

Originally posted by Lynda Silk
I keep hearing on the radio that many people are hurt after the storm because of downed power lines, etc.

Yes, we are fortunate that all the utilities in our communirty are underground. However, right outside the security gate they are not, so coming and going can be hazardous. The main things I am worried about during our return are flooded roads and careless drivers. We are hoping for sunny weather or at least a break in the FL rain for the drive home.

 

[vikingfans]

Shari, I'm glad to see you are all safe!

Hope Ivan doesn't go your way!

Ginger, Congrats on your 4 pounds!! I can see that you are working hard! Keep up the good work!

 

[alwatlers]

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for your kind words/and sympathy. Yesterday was a good day(except for the 4-6 inches of rain from Frances). I didn't dwell on the past, but focused on my future with my two beautiful boys. I know that is what my parents would have wanted. I did take a few minutes out to watch the local Pittsburgh news about the rememberance of 10th anniversary. It's nice to know that they still care after all these years. Because of this accident all Boeing 737's had to modify their rudders, which now makes it safer to fly.

Now on with the show! I got the DH his costume, still trying to figure out about myself and the boys. TJ is home sick(his asthma) so off to the doctor this afternoon. His only flairs up about 2x year so hopefully this will be it for the fall. Usually it is the week of his birthday(Halloween), and there has been many times that he has gone trick or treating will wheezing. But I feel bad since it only happenes once a year( T & T). My DH is finally getting on the ball and trying to help me get stuff together. He pulled out shirts, his suit, and some other clothes. Now I just have to make my lists and compare what I have.

I hope everyone is doing well, can't wait to meet all of you guys. Are we still meeting on Saturday? We have early seating but if you do want to meet at 5:30, we can get dressed early since it is casual.

Ginger- I have enough boats to put on all the doors that are participating right now. I will make some extra and check the final count on Oct.1. Do you think the parents are going to dress up that are taking the kids? I plan on it since my costume will be easy to get in and out of before lunch. We are going to bring the lap top so if we get digital pictures of the group we should be able to burn them into disks. That way everyone could have one that would like one right away. I can buy a pack of 50 disks and then everyone pays $1 or $2 to cover the price of the disk. I would be glad to do this while sitting on my verandah drinking a glass of wine! What do you think?


Talk to all later,

 

[mhb]

Good Morning everyone:

Yesterday at work was not great. Owner/boss was not in and I came across things that should have been done when I was not there. No supplies, no bags for garments to go out in, no cups (sorry men), no business cards!! How the heck does this place run!!

Judi: I was thinking of you yesterday. Glad and the thoughts and prayers helped you get through the day. Hope all goes well at the Docs for DS.

Lynda: Thanks for the vote of confidence!! Sometimes it can be tring. I just go in and do the BEST I can. Good luck on your new job. That's what I like about my job. It works the family. Tell me where can I go that my hrs are 10-3 T, W Th, and I'm off in the summer.

Ginger: I would love to get my hands on Mudslide jawbreakers Maybe we could find Cosmopitian (sp) hard candies. Yum Yum Sounds even better!!

Shari: Glad you didn't have much damage. My uncle is still without power.

Looks like Ivan will be heading in this weekend. Unbelievable weather, but it is hurricane season. Seems like more than usual.

Hope everyone has a good day. Off to work for day 3, then off tomorrow.

Michelle

 

[mdvasquez]

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!

WE HAVE POWER AGAIN!!!!! Now we are keeping our eyes on Ivan.
Thank you everyone for your sending good thoughts my way during this time. It was quite frightening. The only other hurricane I have been through was when in 1985 in NY. At that time I was living at home, so the worry of a house was not on my mind. It is amazing to look around the neighborhood and see so much damage and even more amazing to know that we have no damage to our home. My heart goes out the the people who suffered great damage to their homes.

On a brighter note, we stayed at the BCV and had a wonderful time. We were able to swim in the pools until sat at 3:00. Then we ate at Cape Mays (my DH favorite resturaunt) which was $5.00 off the regular price due to the fact that we were not allowed to leave the property. Then, by 8:00 sat night, we had to stay in our rooms until Sunday late morning. We had power the whole time and were able to watch the weather and see pictures from our county as it was being pummeled by Frances. All in all, it was a nice distraction from the hurricane.

JUDI: I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you How old is TJ? I know how scarrey and asthma attack can be. My oldest son has asthma and allergies and has had it since 3yrs old. He has been on singular and zyrtec since 4th or 5th grade and has not had an asthma attack since!

I would definately want one of the discs with the pictures. I would sit on your verandah and drink wine with you while you make them too if you like!

Have a great day everyone.

Dena

 

[Lynda Silk]

Good morning everyone!

Dena: glad to hear you're home safe and sound, and that you had a great time at WDW! It's hard to believe that another storm is on its way; just make sure you keep safe!

Judi: great idea about the discs; you can count me in on that too!

We have early seating too but meeting at 5:30 on Saturday is fine with me too. Just let us know about where we're going to meet.

Take care everyone, especially Dena and Shari!

 

[goofysgirl]

Hi All,
New to this thread, we will be joining you all for the Halloween cruise. Can't wait kids are very excitied. Is it too late to join in on the Dis meet and Trick or Treating for the kids? I have 3 princesses 16,14,9. Let me know how we can join in and what I can provide to involve us all.
thanks,
Cindy

 

[Tluvs2talk]

Hi Everyone,
I am once again cleaning up my yard. This time beacause of Frances.The good think is I need the exercise. My poison Ivy is finally drying up. I am taking benadryl tablets and putting caladryl lotion on it. I giess I will wear long sleeves next time I am messing with vines.

Judi- I thought about you yesterday and said a prayer for you. I lost my Dad in 96 and my Mom in 2003. I know how difficult it is to lose your parents. They are constantly in my mind and always will be. I sure losing both of your parents at the same time is even more difficult. Also THANK YOU for making the boats for the door. I would also love to buy a disk from you of the group. Let me know how much. When is your Sons birthday. Mine is October 30th. This cruise is my Birthday present from my husband.

Cindy- WElCOME to the group!!!

Dena - I am so glad to hear you have power again.

Shari -Glad to hear you are safe.

Ginger- congratulations on your weight loss.

MIchelle- Hope the rest of your work week is better.

Linda- congratulations on your new job!

Teri

 

[disneediva]

We are watching Ivan closely here in New Orleans too. We have been fortunate so far, but since I work in a hospital I cannot flee if it heads this way,so I am hoping for the best.


I feel the weight loss pain I have been dieting since November of last year so far I have lost 56lbs but I got over confident in my self and bought quite a few dresses in the size I assumed I would be in so now I really need to buckle down I have another 15lbs to go.

I love the disc idea count me in I cannot wait for the cruise all the docs at my hospital laugh and tease me because I know exactly how many days til I leave...

I pulled out my DS clothes last night to figure what he needs he hit a major growth spurt so shopping I go.

 

[skoi]

I'm glad everyone got through Frances. Our neighbors were in WDW, due to come home Saturday and finally got home Tuesday. I haven't talked to the parents yet, so I don't know what they did.
Next up, Ivan the Terrible. My inlaws, who are coming with us, live about an hour and a half north of Tampa, so they're in for this one, I guess.

Judi: I will probably dress up whether or not I take the kids around. We're going to MNSSHP the week before, and since we're buying adult costumes we figure we might as well get more use out of them than one night.

Julie

 

[Lynda Silk]

Good afternoon, everyone!

I'll probably be dressing up too, but my DH (who is very conservative) probably won't! As I've mentioned before on this thread, it's hard getting him into a tropical shirt never mind a Halloween costume!

Teri, glad to hear your poison ivy attack is better now. Long sleeves is probably a good idea. Too bad you have to clean up so many times from these awful storms; you must be exhausted! But glad to hear you're safe!

Julie, hope your in-laws are okay when Ivan hits! I'll keep my fingers crossed for their safety and no property damage!

Cindy, welcome to the cruise and to this thread! Everyone's so friendly and nice here, and this thread is absolutely addictive! It's nice to get in touch with people before the cruise though, especially people as warm and nice as the DISers on this thread!

Judi, forgot to say thanks for making up the boats for the doors! What a great idea! And it's so nice of you to go to the trouble of making them for everyone!

Michelle, are you the one who collects fridge magnets? Thought I remembered you saying this during previous posts but couldn't remember for sure. Just wondered!

Can someone please confirm the times we're planning to meet on the ship. We've talked about meeting at 5:30pm on the Saturday we leave; are we meeting at the front of the ship (sorry, don't have my ship terms down yet)?

And High Tea at Palos; is this Monday at 4:30pm? Just saw a post on the main cruise board that said High Tea is only served from 3-4pm so thought I'd better check!

 

["Ginger"]

disneediva WOW! that is wonderful. You go girl!!!! I know you can got off the last 15.

Lynda I had posted a good while ago about meeting on deck 10, yes, the front of the ship. In front of the basketball court, infact. The time was 4:30 so we could look for dolphins as the ship pulled away from the port.
I know for my family 5:30 would be hard for us to get it together if we have early seating. I booked early but when I change our ressie over to use DVC points we were placed on late, it was the only change to our reservation that DCL made.

Hey! Welcome back Dena.

Welcome aboard Cindy. I will be the T-0r-T information forward for you to read.