PTR for our 'Magic'al Adventure Oct, '11

[sullins5]

Hi Everyone!

Well, first of all, thought I'd let you know why I'm doing this.

1st, it's our first every Disney Cruise...
2nd, I thought it'd be nice to document some of our desires, wishes, hopes, and plans...
3rd, I thought it'd be neat to see after our trip, how much our planning,thoughts, and desires and came to be...
and lastly,
4th, Just to see what happens!

Who are we?

I'm mom celebrating my (shhhhh) 50th Birthday on this cruise (and yes, I'm on cloud 9 as this has been my dream forever)! My BD is actually on our full payment date, but we'll pretend I'm only 29!
Then there's dh, ds-24, dd-23, dd-12, and the Inlaws. And so you see, we are varied greatly by ages, stages in life, and sibling differences!
The reason we called it our adventure? Because everytime (and there have been NO exceptions to this rule) we travel for vacation, something always happens.
This cruise is to celebrate two occasions at once..my birthday and the inlaws 50th Anniversary.
We're on the Magic going to St Thomas, St Martin, and CC, so we are pumped.

Planning:

What I did first? Well, of course Disboards!! Being a newbie to cruising but not to WDW, I knew I needed MAJOR help. I researched whether to use a TA or not, found out about OBC's, and decided to use a TA because of that reason alone. By the time we booked the cruise, Jan 2011, there were no more connecting rooms, BUT we did get 3 sideways rooms!

More research and listening, lurking, and posting, I found out about dining. Well, sort of. You see there really are a lot of opinions on here about preferences. So I have gone back and forth on the dining. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. That being said, I've gone back and forth to where now I'm on a waitlist. Do I really care? Nope. It wasn't due to having young kids (as you can tell), so now I have no idea what dining we'll have. And as long as we're all together, it doesn't really matter. Well, I wouldn't mind being separated a time or two So you see, the surprise will be a surprise as to our dining. I really don't know what 'waitlisted' means anyway except that your put on a list to wait...so, here's to waiting...:

The next thing? I booked our flights! And whew, am I glad I did, with all the flight increases! We're flying into MCO the day before and then needed to decide on Orlando or the Port.

Am I boring you to death?

Sorry, but just thinking out my thoughts....
O.k., Orlando won. Why? Pricing. Yep, lots of talk on the boards on this thought too. But I got 2 rooms at Hilton Disney cheaper than 1 room at the Port, so for those on a budget this worked well. Besides, dh and I are funding all of this, so we really needed a break at some point.

Next, I went ahead and booked our car rental. I've heard if you find a better deal, you can change your ressie, but I think the deal I found was a great one for a minivan, so we'll see! And yes, we'll be crunched, but we'll be fresh and excited so it won't matter. Now going home, that'll be another story...

And we've joined our meet thread...BIG, can I say it again..BIG help on people's thoughts and experiences!

That's enough for one day, but I'll come back and post where we are now that all that's planned for! If you decide to join in, please feel free to comment! As a newbie to cruising, I welcome anything ANY Dis'er has to offer! And maybe if it's your first time cruising too, you'll get some ideas and helps like I did!

 

[DisneyZell]

daaaaaaaaaaaang, I'm going to start our pre-trippie for July...I thought I was early! look forward to watching you progress. We will be doing the same soon. Congrats on booking your first DCL cruise! you will love it!

DZ

 

[Octoberbride03]

Hi cruiser. Spotted your post in the board listing so popping in to say hi.

 

[sullins5]

Thanks for 'peeking' in...and hey, go ahead and start your PTR!!

I've found out that EVERYTHING with Disney done early is better! Had I known we were doing this this year, I'd have booked last year and not Jan of this year! That being said, I'm sure I've already missed out on somethings!Example? We got the 3 sideways rooms, which I've heard seem larger, but I think I would have rather have had connecting rooms in the aft section.
But you take what you have too.

Annnnnndddd, having 2 older 'adults' as children brings its' own mix to the picture...do I have them room together? Do the guys hang and us girls hang? The TA already thought they were a 'couple' (and no, I didn't tell the kids this or they would've been grossed out), and we've had to change their prefixes to their names just so they knew this was a brother/sister...so see, it's already started!
Like I said, our trips have always been adventuresome!

 

[sullins5]

Hi cruiser. Spotted your post in the board listing so popping in to say hi.

Thanks Maureen! Never done this one before, but it helps to sort out everything I've done so far! And have yet to do! Not sure my fam will appreciate it if I share more than I ought (but hey, it's my account), and as you can tell on our thread, I'm all about the helps!

 

[divabydisney]

What trip do you actually have booked? We are going on 10/9 to the bahamas! We are stoked and I could've written your post

 

[sullins5]

What trip do you actually have booked? We are going on 10/9 to the bahamas! We are stoked and I could've written your post

That's too funny! We're actually on the Magic on the 8th! And ya know, today it was the weirdest thing. Writing this post made me so much more excited, got me thinking about how much more I have to do, that I even got 'jittery' with all that I still have to do!

It's 10pm my time, so I'll post what I've learned about our threads FE's tomorrow...or rather, what I haven't learned, and what my mind is going through...

 

[sullins5]

Good morning everyone!
Ok., Back to planning. A little history...can I tell you that I love to plan? I have planned & designed weddings/banquets/holiday decorations for businesses/catering/designing floral arrangements/organizing entertainment...and on and on. When we go to the WDW, I'm all over it! But can I say this first ever cruise has been one of my greatest challenges? Mainly because I don't have a clue about anything about a Disney cruise, and it kind of makes me .
When we go to WDW, we always make a calendar and so two days after we booked, we made our countdown calendar for the 10 months we had to go.

And as you can see, we've counted down alot of days so far! But we're not even halfway there yet

So my planning started off with a bang, and then slowly started spiraling. First with my 'dining' mistake (which I'm trying really not to worry about), and then with 'what to do' next.

Then someone mentioned the 'meet and greet' threads. OH NO!!! Do I join? What if everyone knows everyone already? No, then yes, I'll look, nope, not gonna do it...I'm telling you, one more decision and "Would someone tell me what to do?" So, I joined. Whew...it really has been nice! All that anxiety over joining a thread? really? And it really just gets the anticipation pumping! Really! You need to see our thread...countdowns, pictures, and we're having a ball!

So, I think alright, I'm doing pretty good, and then I notice everyone talking about Fe's, so I started researching those on the threads.

Oh my word, do we want to do it or not? If we don't, will we feel left out or not? Does everyone do it? How costly? We've got 3 cabins, will they want to do it? We haven't even got our excursions planned, do I sign up for Fe's? And do I make it or buy it? And I never want to give anything I wouldn't be proud of, so what to do? And how many Fe's?

As you can see, for this first timer, I've had more decisions to make (and not really sure of any of them)! And so..the planning continues...

 

[sullins5]

Hi again everyone!

Well, as I said before, this is really a way for me to document all my craziness while planning for our 1st cruise.

I left off yesterday about my decision making about our Fe's. And I promise you I'll let you know where I'm at on those...

But... I forgot to mention the other delimma; the door decorations! As I posted on the 1st page, yes, I'm an older mom. The one fact that bothers me, is that while I can type, I can handle data entry really fast, I don't have a CLUE on how to download from Dis'ers all the neat graphics or designs for door decorations. (I'm sure you can tell by my first and only pic I posted earlier.) And so-o-o many cool people decorate their doors!

My 11dd and I decided to make little mice for each door, and make our own big magnets. My delimma? I really don't want our doors to look 'pitiful' if you know what I mean. So, I've gone back and forth, bought tons of differing supplies...and don't even ask me what I've accomplished... Then to top it all off my 22 dd walks in and says "Don't put my name on the door"...can I just say ! Still working on those, and though I wish I had some of the 'fancy shmancy' printed celebratory pictures for magnets, I just don't know how to do it. Maybe we'll be loved anyway for our attempt?

Now, back to our Fe's:
Can I just say I don't even have the Fish Exchanger yet? Deciding on WHICH if not all of the cabins were going to participate was HUGE. Knowing that the in-laws wouldn't know what to do, and the 'big' kids didn't really WANT to do it, I decided better just do the one cabin with the youngest dd who would really get into it...besides me. Can I just say "I LOVE giving?" My dh has seen me come up with 4 different ideas, start 2, and I haven't even finished one yet. And dh said "WhAAAT? We gotta buy gifts too?"..not because he's cheap, but because he didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. When I told him I needed his help, he was all about it!

There really are a lot of decisions to make for first timers. Yes, we're doing the FE's. Yes, I'll decorate my door (a little or all I can accomplish). But somewhere along the line, I realize I just can't do it all. It'd drive me !


So, I've got 6 months left to do a TON. I've already started all of the above, gotten together small stuff like highlighters, flashlights, Mickey/Minnie sport water bottles ssst: they're surprises), photo mats for guests services and made a Disney notebook for all my info. Still to do? Excursions for our family, something to put in or on the in-laws door celebrating their 50th Anniversary, order an FE, make a packing list, find a pillowcase for 11dd, get a new video cam (any suggestions?), and of course for us women, get clothes for all the occasions! If you have any tips for me, feel free to post!

...AND I ONLY HAVE 6 MONTHS LEFT!!!!

 

[sullins5]

Just thought I'd post (and yes, I know it doesn't interest everyone) that after posting this morning, I got motivated!! WOW 6 months is on us fast!

So, I made 'little blind mice' for all 3 cabins...

And then I made (since I haven't a clue as to how to use the Dis'igners and their graphics) our own portholes...

And nope, not posting on that thread where everyone shows off their decorations...
a-a-a-annnnndddd I got everything to make our Fe's...So Excited!

I'm since I actually got something done!

 

[sullins5]

What a weekend!!!
So my PTR today? Basically, can I GET ON THE SHIP NOW?????
It indeed has been a week and a weekend! It's times like these that you do wish it was today. But alas, I would SO NOT be ready!
I decided today, to start putting together some of my FE gift ideas. Just to get away from all the 'drama' of life.
Anyone out there with me?
I'm really not ready to share my ideas yet (have to see if they turn out), but just like my dh has his hobby with his saltwater tank, my hobby for the next 6 MONTHS is of course preparing, thinking, and planning our cruise, and Disboards!

I have realized on here how important it is NOT to procrastinate. I did start a 'box' of little things. Not sure where I read that on here, but it's a great idea! Putting treats for the family, little treats for some of the little ones for their FE gifts, and anything I think we might need (I'll put candy for the cm's, my photo mats to sign, flashlight, clock, etc). It's accessible but only for 'cruisin' stuff!
I'm hoping to get more excursion ideas (right now, a trip to CC and all the activities sounds great for the family) while I'm still on the ship!
So, I'll get back to you when I plan or finish something worthwile.

Meanwhile, have a good week, and remember as I always tell my kids and friends..."You are loved!"

 

[sullins5]

Well, here we are on Tuesday. I WAS not going to post anything on here for my PTR until I did something again. Can I just tell you for some of us first-timers, it can be incredibly FRUSTRATING!!!:
So, I made a couple 'door' magnets and yesterday got on here to learn how to make my own by the 'Dis'igners and all their info. OMWord!!!!!!
Yes, for all of you that are computer/photo shop savvy, I guess it's wonderful. And I salute you!!! But by the time I finished going through the 'how to' thread(s), I was so frustrated, I thought I was going to cry!
Now, I know this is supposed to be fun. But mind you, for the planner and organizer that I am, let's just say it wasn't a pretty sight... and came to mind!!!
You know what I thought this morning?

A great FE gift for 1st Timers? DOOR MAGNETS like the ones the dis'ers do!!!
That being said, NO, my door won't look as professional as some of them. And I may even chicken out putting the one's I've made on them. I really felt like a self made yesterday, as all I was saying was "ARGHHHHHH".

And speaking of pirates, my doctor told me this morning:

"Did you hear about the man in the tavern who saw a scraggly worn man in the back with a eye patch on his left eye, a hook for his left hand, and a peg for a leg on his left side?" After a few swashbuckling drinks, the fellow walks up to the poor fellow and asks..
"Are ye a pirate"?
"Aye" says the man. "Well, how'd you become a pirate?"
"I lost me' leg when I was swept out to sea, and I had a fight with ol' cap'n Hook and he took me hand".
Says the other fellow to the pirate "Well, what appened to ye eye?"
"Me eye? A bird 'pooped' in it....It was the first day with me hook"...

 

[Octoberbride03]

Repeat after me:

Step 1: Visit DISign thread on cruise board and the creative board
Step 2: Choose your favorite DISigner
Step 3: Ask on thread for what you want in your magnet
Step 4: Wait for PM or the posting in thread that has you name and request
Step 5: Print out on magnet paper or regular paper and laminate. Attach magnet tape if laminating.
Step 6: DON'T FORGET TO PACK THEM
Step 7: Stick on stateroom door.


And that took longer to type out then it will to actually do when i get around to asking for my door

 

[sullins5]

Repeat after me:

Step 1: Visit DISign thread on cruise board and the creative board
I thought I did that? But it had all the tips and faq's and then told about all the 'photoshops', etc.
Step 2: Choose your favorite DISigner
Wouldn't have a clue, but I'll try to find one...
Step 3: Ask on thread for what you want in your magnet
Uh Oh, what thread?
Step 4: Wait for PM or the posting in thread that has you name and request
Do I just pm the DISigner? And then is he gonna give me fancy shmancy directions?
Step 5: Print out on magnet paper or regular paper and laminate. Attach magnet tape if laminating.
I do know how to copy something..but that's about all on the printer, and the other day, I used dh printer/fax and screwed up the 'wireless' part of it~ dh just loved me for that one!
Step 6: DON'T FORGET TO PACK THEM
This SO would be me
Step 7: Stick on stateroom door.
If I even get 1 done, I will dedicate it to YOU!!!

And that took longer to type out then it will to actually do when i get around to asking for my door

I will look again Maureen at the thread(s). Maybe I was looking at the wrong one? I promise you, it's kind of a 'brain drain' thing for me. It wasn't too long ago, my kids had to show me how to 'cut and paste'. And as you can tell from my pics above, that's not too good either.
But thanks.....I will try! After all, I still have 5 months to go!

 

[Octoberbride03]

OMG i am rolling here.

You are waayyyyyy overthinking this

You want someone who will do the work for you

Thank goodness there are lots of those on here.

For example take Tom's thread. Simplicity at its best:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1936740

Want 1 of these? follow the directions in the first post and you're all set.

You're only job is to print it out. Although, considering your last post you may wanna let your Dh do that

How about ears for your door?

Go here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2172891

Check the directions in the first post and request away.

You're basic rule of thumb is to just hit the DISigners threads and take a look at their work, pick something you like and ask so it can personalized. Just follow the rules in the first post and go to town

That's how Dan and I came up with our logo. He sent a graphic and our theme w/dates and that's what they came back with. Neither 1 of us knows how to do this photoshop stuff

 

[sullins5]

OMG i am rolling here. Glad I made your night!!

You are waayyyyyy overthinking thisProbably, but the thread I looked at was pretty intimidating..

You want someone who will do the work for you Well, might have to get my little to do it for me...

Thank goodness there are lots of those on here.

For example take Tom's thread. Simplicity at its best:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1936740

Want 1 of these? follow the directions in the first post and you're all set.
Really? So when they send you a graphic, it comes the right size, color, etc?

You're only job is to print it out. Although, considering your last post you may wanna let your Dh do thatI just might do that

How about ears for your door?
My 11dd and I tried to do this one, but couldn't get the ears to come out big enough ...

Go here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2172891

Check the directions in the first post and request away.

You're basic rule of thumb is to just hit the DISigners threads and take a look at their work, pick something you like and ask so it can personalized. Just follow the rules in the first post and go to town

That's how Dan and I came up with our logo. He sent a graphic and our theme w/dates and that's what they came back with. Neither 1 of us knows how to do this photoshop stuff

So great that you and Dan did it too..it's a cute one! And thanks for all the suggestions, should be interesting...

 

[sullins5]

O.k., Y'all. Yep, if you can't tell by now, I'm a southern disneychik! But I also say "You all, You guys, and Hey!". So today, guess what I'm NOT doing?
I just have a question for all you veterans...How do you do it?

I can't go a stinkin' day without thinking about our cruise!!! My dh reminded me yesterday that we have our dd's first trip to DC next week (due to the fact that she won a lottery ticket to the White House Easter Egg Roll). Now mind you, I'm excited , but mainly just because "I love to fly and it shows"...I really do love to travel~

Really, what bothers me, is that everywhere I go, I see Disney. "Can I use that on the cruise? Would that be a good FE gift? Isn't someone having a birthday on the cruise? Oh, that Disney baby item is so cute, isn't there a baby on our cruise?" I mean EVERYTHING. DC? Sure, bet I could find some 'Obama' bookmarks...lol. See what I mean? It's badreally bad

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

Hey, found your PTR. I need to start one of my own. I will do that once I can use my computer again at home after our water leak fiasco. I know what you mean about trying to do everything. I am a planning freak too so I am in the same boat.
I still have to buy my fish extender too. I also have plans for the FE gifts, not that I will say here, but haven't started them yet. I do have some bought already and am planning on making others.
Look through the threads that Maureen sent you. I used those and copied some ideas for our door magnets. I also sent a pm to Tom to get some stuff made too.
Look at it this way, we have over 5 months still. That sounds better than OMG, under 6 months left.
I can't wait until our cruise though.

 

[sullins5]

Look at it this way, we have over 5 months still. That sounds better than OMG, under 6 months left.
I can't wait until our cruise though.

You are so right!!! And boy am I glad! I decided NOT to stress over the door magnets. We have enough going on right now. 1/2 the family leaves in the morning for DC and the White House Easter Egg Roll and the other half stays here (and hopefully much better weather).

I do need to order my FE. Thought about making it, sure I could, but nope...don't want to. Looking at Etsy and Ebay. I, too, have started to buy some things when I see them and have actually seen so many cute Disney things...I can tell now, it's much easier though to find things for the really young ones than the teens, so I'm glad I got started early! I thought of the cutest....(oops, sorry, can't tell ya) and hope I can find them!

I do hope you got your water leak fixed! We actually lost power this week for 7 hours and it was a mess! So, I'm looking forward to a little reprieve with this weekender! Though, just like today while I was out, I found the cutest FE gift for a little boy! I figure if I keep picking up stuff, it'll look like I'm MOVING on the ship instead of staying for a week!
But what fun!!!

 

[sullins5]

Well, it's been a month and I've been so busy, I just haven't had time to put down our planning. But lest you think we're not planning, this is what we got done this month...

Besides a trip to DC for the Easter Egg Roll w/ the Pres, we went to help elderly aunts in Baton Rouge w/clean up after one of the hurricanes, and have been busy helping a sweet family of 9. It sure makes the time fly by when you're so busy!

Then we finished up rounding out the school year, and now we're really counting down! Only 4 more months...

This month, I was busy, busy, busy making our FE gifts. Whew...made 24 for the 'family' cabin gifts, and then have gathered all the little one's gifts according to ages, gender, that sort of thing. My dh keeps saying.." You HAVE until October!!! Not understanding, that we want to be ready, ready, ready!

Now for the next thing is to decide on excursions... ugh...kill me now!!! This is a hard one due to the family dynamics. Can someone just take care of the rest of my family so I can stay on the ship?

If you're following along, I'll post pictures of our FE gifts, as soon as I can learn how to post them, but hide it so fellow cruise mates won't peek!

Happy planning y'all....did I mention, I'm a tad excited?