PRE-paring to Cruise the Wonder! With Pics!

[DisneyWhirled]

OMG!! Let me start my saying I have so many things going on right now, that the whole idea of doing a PT report simply demonstrates my lunacy!!

We are travelling Aug 16th-20th on our very first cruise, EVAH!! No, that last word is not a typo...I'm from Maine and we use "AH" instead of "ER"...so they tell me!

I'm Karen, by the way, and my family are the lucky ones cruising with me in August. DH John (40), DS Colby (10) and DD Kaylee (7) decided that wanted to come and board the Wonder with me....did they have really have to think about it??

We are WDW veterans, and DVC members. DH always wants to "do" something different, so we decided to book this cruise. We are also doing WDW on this vacation, so we will be busy! DH & I will be celebrating 15 years on Aug 20th. We are looking forward to our Palo "adult" dinner and evening out.

We originally had a 7-day booked with friends, but they backed out on us (party poopers), so we opted to add some WDW time, and "try" the cruise on a 4-day. Based on all the research I've done, I wish we would have gone on the 7-day. But, this will just give us a reason to re-book, right?

Enough about that! Here is what's been going on!

I just completed a huge conversion at work. My company was bought and the new company hired me (thankfully) along with some of my peers to work for them. Basically, for the month of June I was enveloped in this transition and the long hours will continue for a while. The purchase went on for a loooong time, and it has been a tough year because I didn't know if I would have a job or not.

I haven't seen my family that much and I am soooo looking forward to this cruise and vacation to spend some quality time with my beautiful children and wonderful hubby.

I was finally able to complete our t-shirts by cheating and having them printed through a company online. We have one matching t-shirt for all of us, and I made one for Kaylee's b-day and one Fantasmic for Colby. They came out great. I have to pay homage to the great Dis signers on the boards!!

I am currently working on autograph books for the kids, and I am trying to surprise them with these. I am hoping to order these online, too. Prices are not too bad...I just hope they let me!

We have been picking up things for the cruise here and there as well as shopping for clothes. I am going to pause here for a minute....why is it that I feel compelled to have new clothes for all of us when we are going to a place where no one knows us?? Part of my OCD, I guess. But, we will all look great, even if it add $1000 to the vacation!!

We are participating in a Fish Extender exchange, so I ordered my FE online (notice a trend here...order, shop, buy?). The seller says I should have it in a few weeks...can't wait! Started buying for the participants and thinking what I want to do for a family gift.

In the midst of planning our trip, I am also planning a big home birthday party for Kaylee the week before we leave. She wanted to have a "carnival" theme, so I am planning, shopping and thinking about this event. That reminds me...I should be creating the invitations...oh well, it's a long weekend...I'll get it in!!

It is amazing how vacations seem so far away and then BOOM! you are just weeks away!!!

Well, I hope I haven't bored you (if you are still reading this, I guess not)!! I will post some pics in the next update of my family and of the t-shirts.

DH is telling me it is now almost 11....I guess that means I should go to sleep.

Till we meet again....

 

[RoyalVizier]

Oh my gosh your first cruise EVAH!

And on DCL!

We just returned from our DCL vacation this past Saturday, and believe me when I say that a DCL cruise of any length is just what the doctor ordered when you need to get away from the stresses and horrific-ness of everyday life.

I'm so excited for you!

 

[MagicMe]

How very exciting!!! Our first Disney cruise (and the first for most of my family - there were a total of 22 on this trip) was a 4-day cuise on the Wonder in August of 2000! Best thing we ever did!!!! We too spent a couple of days at WDW prior to the cruise (both my sisters are DVC). We weren't sure how everyone would like it - well we loved it soooo much that we wanted to do a 7-day but by the time we could all do it again, the Magic was in Europe so we did a 4-day again. I finally did a 7-day last year (a double-dip) and can't wait until next year since I'll be spending 14 days on the WBTA.

I agree with you - why do we always need new clothes (at least I always seem to buy the underclothes!!!).

Can't wait to hear your take on the anticipation of your first cruise and then the actual cruise!!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

Oh my gosh your first cruise EVAH!

And on DCL!

We just returned from our DCL vacation this past Saturday, and believe me when I say that a DCL cruise of any length is just what the doctor ordered when you need to get away from the stresses and horrific-ness of everyday life.

I'm so excited for you!

Thank you! And I can't wait to read your TR!!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

How very exciting!!! Our first Disney cruise (and the first for most of my family - there were a total of 22 on this trip) was a 4-day cuise on the Wonder in August of 2000! Best thing we ever did!!!! We too spent a couple of days at WDW prior to the cruise (both my sisters are DVC). We weren't sure how everyone would like it - well we loved it soooo much that we wanted to do a 7-day but by the time we could all do it again, the Magic was in Europe so we did a 4-day again. I finally did a 7-day last year (a double-dip) and can't wait until next year since I'll be spending 14 days on the WBTA.

I agree with you - why do we always need new clothes (at least I always seem to buy the underclothes!!!).

Can't wait to hear your take on the anticipation of your first cruise and then the actual cruise!!

Thanks! I am a little nervous about August, with the threat of hurry-canes , but I know that the captain will keep us safe. Did you have good weather in August (outside of the heat)?

I am already looking forward to a 7-day!!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

As promised, here are some pics of our t-shirts....again many thanks to the Dis-signers for sharing their beautiful work.

Here is DS's Fantasmic shirt and DD's birthday shirt

The back of DD's birthday shirt

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The front of our matching cruise shirts-

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and the back....

And here are a few pics of us! DD & DS at a DVC event we recently attended in Boston...Genie and Aladdin flew up here on the magic carpet

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Gee...I have no good pics of DH and I...loads of the kids, dog and cat, but lacking in the mom and dad pics...here is one from Easter.

I forgot to mention that over the winter, I worked on magnets for our door, so I have collected quite a few. That really has been fun making them and getting them ready.

I did make a few for our all of the Dis friends cruising with us to put on their doors. I'll post some of those pics next time.

We have only 43 days until we leave!! No problem keeping busy until then!

Thanks for joining me as I prepare!!

 

[anetnmike]

Hi Karen! I had to come over and read your pre trippie after seeing your post on RV's ( Royal Vizier).
Sounds like you have had a very hectic year and an awesome vacation is just what you need!
You are going to have such a great time on your cruise! I love your T shirts by the way! The prep for the whole trip is part of the fun. The DIS makes it so much more fun too, especially if you get to know the people you are travelling with and do things like the FE. We are doing a cruise in Nov. with people we met in Feb. on the DIS that we enjoyed hanging out with. Others on this trip have cruised together before too. I am sure you and your family will have a blast!

 

[MagicMe]

I love your "destination wonder" shirts!!!!

The two 4-day cruises on the Wonder were both in August (have to go in the summer when the entire family goes since we have kids in HS and a teacher in our group). It could get hot but it was always nice that you were only a few steps away from the AC if you got too hot (on the ship)!

All of my trips were during hurricane season (2 in August and one late Sep) and are weather was great on all three cruises!!!

I remember the excitement leading up to our first cruise (and the apprehension). The first went so beyond our expectations that we had to go again (and again and now again)!!!!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

Hi Karen! I had to come over and read your pre trippie after seeing your post on RV's ( Royal Vizier).
Sounds like you have had a very hectic year and an awesome vacation is just what you need!
You are going to have such a great time on your cruise! I love your T shirts by the way! The prep for the whole trip is part of the fun. The DIS makes it so much more fun too, especially if you get to know the people you are travelling with and do things like the FE. We are doing a cruise in Nov. with people we met in Feb. on the DIS that we enjoyed hanging out with. Others on this trip have cruised together before too. I am sure you and your family will have a blast!

Thank you for coming over and for the kind words!!

How cool that you are cruising with other DIS friends! I wish that we had a group going on this cruise, but I am sure we will be some great people! We've met some friends on another Disney board and became quite close. We traveled with them to WDW last year and are looking forward to a second trip with them next year. The great part is that they share the same affinity for Disney.

I hope that you have a faboulous time in Nov and if you decide to do a TR, I would love to read it!!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

I love your "destination wonder" shirts!!!!

The two 4-day cruises on the Wonder were both in August (have to go in the summer when the entire family goes since we have kids in HS and a teacher in our group). It could get hot but it was always nice that you were only a few steps away from the AC if you got too hot (on the ship)!

All of my trips were during hurricane season (2 in August and one late Sep) and are weather was great on all three cruises!!!

I remember the excitement leading up to our first cruise (and the apprehension). The first went so beyond our expectations that we had to go again (and again and now again)!!!!

Hi Melodie!

Thanks for the info on the Aug/Sept cruises! We are vacationing in Aug due to our anniversary and in an effort to not have to take the kids out of school. I hope that we are as lucky with weather!!

Thank you, too for the compliment on the shirts. I got the "Destination Wonder" design from one of the designers on the DIS boards. They do such a nice job!! I did the Mickey/Name/Character on the front. I am quite a novice with desiging, so, I was happy when then came out okay!

 

[mandymouse]

Hey Karen

I just spotted your pre-trip report link in your signature, so I thought I'd come and have a look. Thanks for posting your lovely photos (though I am absolutely rubbish at recognising people so if you see me please say 'hello', as I am not purposely ignoring you )

Love your t-shirts too, I think my two teens girls would have me commited if I started getting all creative and suggest we wear matching tops - teens eh ??

Well. we'll be boarding 6 weeks today ~ woohoo !!! Can't wait to meet you

See you real soon

 

[TotallyAngelic]

HI
We did our first cruise last year on the Magic and are now hooked - have now booked the westbound TA for 2010 - 14 days which will be amazing! You will absolutely love it but prepare to be hooked for life!
Those T-shirts are amazing. I love the birthday one - I could do with one of those when I join the Magic on my birthday in 2010!
Looking forward to reading more about your plans and of course sharing your adventures on the Magic!

 

[DisneyWhirled]

We are now just 30 days away from our V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!!

Continuing to plan for the cruise as well as the land portion. Since my last post, we booked BBB for Kaylee's birthday as she loves to have her hair done. We also booked Kona for the 20th, which is our actual anniversary. This is one of my favorite restaurants...thank you, honey!!

Oh, and I totally forgot to share what my DH got me for our anniversary!! He was "supposed" to give it to me while we dined at PALO, but he said he couldn't wait.

He had this made for me at our local jeweler. Unbenownst to me, he swiped my original wedding band from my jewelry box (I updated my setting on our 10 year anniversary) and I wasn't using it.

My Trinity ring...

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He is a good guy!!!

We've yet to start packing (DH thinks it is too early ) but we have quite a collection of stuff to pack sitting on our dressers.

All the family FE gifts are bought....sorry can't share, 'cause it would spoil the surprise for my fellow FE friends, but think, YUMMO! I have to finish up the little goodies for the kids and then figure out how the heck I am going to get it all down to Florida

I made the invites for Kaylee's party and got them all sent out. I designed a "ticket" with all the information about the mini-carnival and magic show. They came out pretty cool. The birthday party is the week before we leave, so I am picking up a lot of stuff to get ready for that as well.....another pile on my dresser We've invited 16 kids and their parents EEK!!

Work is going okay...still some long hours...but I am in countdown mode and that helps it pass quickly. My friend asked today if I'd started school shopping.........I hadn't even thought of that yet!! Oh no!!

Well, thanks again for reading. Hope you all have a great weekend.

 

[anetnmike]

LOVE the anniversary ring!!!
With all of the things you have going on right now do you even have back to school shopping on your radar?
Are you like me and have lists of everything? How are you keeping yourself together amidst all this insanity?

 

[DisneyWhirled]

LOVE the anniversary ring!!!
With all of the things you have going on right now do you even have back to school shopping on your radar?
Are you like me and have lists of everything? How are you keeping yourself together amidst all this insanity?

Thank you!!

Yeah, when my friend asked me that, I kinda panicked and then chuckled...school shopping can wait 'till we return from vacation and if I'm out and see something before then, I'll just pick it up. Same friend is going to Disney over Thanksgiving...maybe I will ask her before she leaves if her Christmas shopping is done...he he he!

LISTS!!! Yes, I have lists everywhere!!!! I should probably make a list of the lists that I have started

I am so afraid to forget something....isn't that the worst?

 

[anetnmike]

Christmas shopping that's awesome!!!

yep, I have a master list of my lists
There should be plenty of school supplies still available when you get home:thumbsup

Have you checked out the DIS boards packing list? It is pretty comprehensive. I kind of customised it for our family and added the things we can't live without. That left me feeling pretty good about not forgetting anything. On both of the cruises we have been on we have not left anything behind that we were upset about not having. Hope that helps you!

 

[bettyann29]

Hi Karen.. I just came across your PTR.. We are headed on our first Disney cruise on Sept 6th.. its not our first cruise, but still as exciting as the first time we cruised in 2001 I have wanted to cruise Disney.. I always get jealous when we are on a cruise and in port and there sits one of the Disney ships... Im always wishing it was me getting on there..

I LOVE that ring! Your hubby did good.. and the tshirts are cute..

Cant wait to hear more..

 

[DisneyWhirled]

Christmas shopping that's awesome!!!

yep, I have a master list of my lists
There should be plenty of school supplies still available when you get home:thumbsup

Have you checked out the DIS boards packing list? It is pretty comprehensive. I kind of customised it for our family and added the things we can't live without. That left me feeling pretty good about not forgetting anything. On both of the cruises we have been on we have not left anything behind that we were upset about not having. Hope that helps you!

Thanks for the tip, the DIS packing list is a great idea. I am going to have to search it out!!

Hi Karen.. I just came across your PTR.. We are headed on our first Disney cruise on Sept 6th.. its not our first cruise, but still as exciting as the first time we cruised in 2001 I have wanted to cruise Disney.. I always get jealous when we are on a cruise and in port and there sits one of the Disney ships... Im always wishing it was me getting on there..

I LOVE that ring! Your hubby did good.. and the tshirts are cute..

Cant wait to hear more..

Thanks! Your cruise is coming right up, too! Disney really does things well, so I think it should be an awesome experience!! I can't wait to see the ship and the look on my kids faces when they see what they are actually going to go on.

I would love to hear about your experience too, keep me posted!

Thanks for reading!!

 

[anetnmike]

I am with you Bettyann. Disney ships are absolutely breathtaking.
Have a great trip in Sept!

Karen, the DIS list is pretty long. Take some deep cleansing breaths...
This person is a master list maker!
It did help me think of things I did not think of I love people who share their great ideas!!

 

[3smithboys]

Karen,

I can't believe that it's getting so close! I have to find that packing list you are talking about... I'm a list maker too. Bite your tongue about back to school shopping - I don't even want to think about that yet!!!! ugh.... The summer is going by way too fast for me... (but is always does for teachers!!!! )

Your ring is beautiful.....what a great surprise!

Lani