Panama Canal Eastbound Sept. 14, 2013--it'll be WONDER-ful

[MPS516]

So our trip once again hangs in the balance. We have run into trouble getting our "new kids" passports. We have all of the legal documentation saying they are being adopted and that we can get passports for them, but some document was missing one piece of info or something. We have been assured that it can fixed, no problem, but I don't want to get my heart set on the trip happening yet. So if it DOES end up happening, I will be totally and completely unprepared! )

Good Luck Jenn,
This happened to us and totally unexpectedly at the last minute we ended up in front of a judge who asked us a bunch of questions, like the agency didn't already ask right ? Well anyway in about 4 days everything was signatured up and all went well from then forward. Crossing our fingers for you

 

[AlisonM]

So our trip once again hangs in the balance. We have run into trouble getting our "new kids" passports. We have all of the legal documentation saying they are being adopted and that we can get passports for them, but some document was missing one piece of info or something. We have been assured that it can fixed, no problem, but I don't want to get my heart set on the trip happening yet. So if it DOES end up happening, I will be totally and completely unprepared! )

Good luck. I hope that everything gets resolved for you!

 

[AlisonM]

I just watched this excellent documentary about the building of the Panama Canal. You can watch it online with this link

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/panama/player/

 

[mocodis]

I just watched this excellent documentary about the building of the Panama Canal. You can watch it online with this link

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/panama/player/

Awesome, Thank you

 

[GatorMomInNC]

I just watched this excellent documentary about the building of the Panama Canal. You can watch it online with this link

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/panama/player/

Thanks for the info, definitely want to check this out.

Is anyone else staying at Embassy Suites LAX Friday night? We were going to take a taxi to the port for an 11 am PAT, but now I am toying with the idea of getting a stretch limo just to surprise my mom and kids. I'm going to price it out 2 ways -straight shot to the port, or with a liquor or grocery store stop. If anyone is interested in sharing, let me know. No commitment, I'll price it out and see what it comes too.... From what I see online it will cost $100-$170 depending on how long it takes and if we stop, and that is for 6-8 people.

 

[denamo]

So our trip once again hangs in the balance. We have run into trouble getting our "new kids" passports. We have all of the legal documentation saying they are being adopted and that we can get passports for them, but some document was missing one piece of info or something. We have been assured that it can fixed, no problem, but I don't want to get my heart set on the trip happening yet. So if it DOES end up happening, I will be totally and completely unprepared! )

Oh, my! Hoping the situation all works out and passports are on the way.

 

[gooscar]

20 DAYS

 

[Denine]

Fair is over. Onto the cruise!

Started working on door magnets. Today I need to figure out what dresses DD can wear. I hope she hasn't grown out of everything!
We start school tomorrow. DD has a practice with her new softball team on Wednesday. It never ends. It just starts over.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Feeling like a hamster on a wheel?

 

[denamo]

I just watched this excellent documentary about the building of the Panama Canal. You can watch it online with this link

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/panama/player/

Very interesting documentary. Can't wait to be going through the Panama Canal!

 

[RanCan]

TWINRX I sent you a private message

 

[RanCan]

I have re-confirmed our reservation with Sam's Limo for a 10:30am pickup at the port. We still need to figure out the best place for all of us to meet and then find the Sam's bus.

I have read some of the posts from others who are not in our original group of 24. To those, if you get stuck and need to squeeze in with our group please let me now ASAP, there should be room. FYI...$20 per passenger.

Let me know.

PS: Thanks again to all those who have paid me in advance...Pahrumpgirl, dta87, cruzole, thekoeppens, sparky47, caniac27, denamo and umbriagal.

 

[MelSpees]

I just watched this excellent documentary about the building of the Panama Canal. You can watch it online with this link

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/panama/player/

Really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

 

[denamo]

I have re-confirmed our reservation with Sam's Limo for a 10:30am pickup at the port. We still need to figure out the best place for all of us to meet and then find the Sam's bus.

I have read some of the posts from others who are not in our original group of 24. To those, if you get stuck and need to squeeze in with our group please let me now ASAP, there should be room. FYI...$20 per passenger.

Let me know.

PS: Thanks again to all those who have paid me in advance...Pahrumpgirl, dta87, cruzole, thekoeppens, sparky47, caniac27, denamo and umbriagal.

Just an FYI...If disembarking the Wonder is anything like the Magic when we disembarked last May in Galveston, it will take place from the main lobby on deck 3. It was very crowded in that area. People were waiting in a long line down the hallway that leads to Parrot Cay. The Preludes Lounge might be a good point to meet. That area will be busy, but convenient. We actually hung out around the Beat Street area. No one was really in that area. It is at an odd angle to get in line. We did luck out, and they opened a new line that we were able to kind of jump in. One thing that took so long was to let those carrying off luggage to disembark. Since we originated from Galveston, it seemed like half of the ship was doing self-disembark. Also, Galveston seems to be one of the ports that takes a while to get through customs.

 

[AlisonM]

I am having a great time putting together a new board on Pinterest of photos of the Disney Wonder. Really can't wait to get on board!

http://pinterest.com/everythingmouse/disney-wonder-cruise/

 

[RanCan]

Just an FYI...If disembarking the Wonder is anything like the Magic when we disembarked last May in Galveston, it will take place from the main lobby on deck 3. It was very crowded in that area. People were waiting in a long line down the hallway that leads to Parrot Cay. The Preludes Lounge might be a good point to meet. That area will be busy, but convenient. We actually hung out around the Beat Street area. No one was really in that area. It is at an odd angle to get in line. We did luck out, and they opened a new line that we were able to kind of jump in. One thing that took so long was to let those carrying off luggage to disembark. Since we originated from Galveston, it seemed like half of the ship was doing self-disembark. Also, Galveston seems to be one of the ports that takes a while to get through customs.

Thanks for the FYI denamo!

Since you have experience at Galveston, I think we should take your advice. So do you think we should meet up onboard at one of your suggested locations and then disembark at the same time, or would it easier to find a meet location after we disembark?

Having never organized shared transportation before, I am relying on others to bring up concerns so we can address them before hand.

 

[CrusinLattas]

Kathy,
I was actually going to go to East Texas State as it was known way back then. So, I know exactly where Greenville and Commerce are located - but it has been many years since I have been there. Anyway, I ended up going to North Texas State - as it was known way back when - in Denton.
Rita

Rita,

I went to NTSU one year - and graduated from UNT the next - it was fun being there during the name change! I go back now and it is quite different - especially the football games! They are well attended and a lot of fun pre game! Go Eagles!

 

[CrusinLattas]

So excited to be knocking on the door of three weeks until we board. Beginning to actually entertain what clothes to pack. This is about the time I begin to have a cruise stack of things not to forget. Since we are actually wearing the same seasonal clothing as what I will take, it is harder to get into the suitcase until about a week before.

So...what is your "never cruise without it" item? I think the one item I would miss is my Kindle. I know I could actually read a "real" book. The one item I never cruise without is the small size of room freshener from Bath and Body Works. I love that even if I use it once home, the scent reminds me of the cruise!

Would like to hear what items others always make sure to take.

We are packed. I wanted to do this before the kids started school for all of 9 days before we leave. I think two things I don't cruise without are a power strip and a pop up clothes hamper. The thing I miss the most is my bed and shower - but we did pack a foam mattress topper so hopefully I will not miss it too much!

 

[PugsRuleATL]

We are packed.

Egads! I've got my passport out... I best be getting busy I suppose.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[CrusinLattas]

Thanks for the FYI denamo!

Since you have experience at Galveston, I think we should take your advice. So do you think we should meet up onboard at one of your suggested locations and then disembark at the same time, or would it easier to find a meet location after we disembark?

Having never organized shared transportation before, I am relying on others to bring up concerns so we can address them before hand.

We went out of Galveston on the Magic in October and disembarkment was different than in Cape Canaveral - it was easier just to deal with our own bags vs. use the porters and it was less organized. Deck 3 was crazy crowded. I would bet customs might even be longer since we are not doing the same port departure and arrival. There are some concrete benches outside the port terminal that were less crowded. I think it might be challenging trying to stay together through the lines in the baggage area. They might have it down better this year - but I wouldn't count on it.