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

[Octoberbride03]

I know it Beth! I'm pitiful huh? My family says I'm the only person they've ever met that can use sentences without coming up for air. Sad, I know. But that's little ole me... And when I do get my thoughts out...especially about the cruise? There's JUST so many!!! Can't WAIT to meet everyone too! It's gonna be hard NOT to try to guess who everyone is, and then NOT run up and give a hug...

Oh boy, I get to meet Kara from the Cosby Show

 

[sullins5]

Yeah! Maybe we should all meet up at the terminal and do a flash mob dance.

[/SIZE="3"] I would SO love to do that! I love flash mobs..think they're terribly fun and creative...Our only problem? Getting together to choreograph it or sing together! But can't you imagine the look on cm's faces if we were in the terminal and start singing a Disney song? Anyone want to take that on...I am THERE![/SIZE]

 

[sullins5]

Under 50 Days!!! This disneychik is excited and Jusssst about ready to go! Heard about hurricane Irene already, Let's just hope those Hurricanes GO AWAY!!! Here's hoping some comes along for everyone!!!

 

[sullins5]

37 Days! Alot has happened in 13 days! Hurricane Irene ! Thankful that alot of my fellow cruisers were dealt a kinder 'blow' than what could have happened, and that our country was not left with another Katrina! Here's hoping Katia, Lee and whoever "M" is, that they will pass on well after our cruise!

I have achieved alot since last time...

Got my little bags (just for kids) finished and packed:

boxes x3 (sure hope they get there), ready to be shipped:

And then I called TA yesterday...

Sad , that almost everytime I call them, they seem like I'm a bother. And, lest you think I've called them everyday, since I booked in January, I've only called about 3 or 4 times for questions. I called to ask about their OBC (which if others have OBC through their TA's I'd call too.) Disney said they didn't have a record of the TA's OBC yet, and to verify it through our TA. So when I called yesterday, the response was "Well, there will be a card in your room that identifies you have so much from us". And I replied (because I've seen it on the boards) "What if there's NOT a card...we have 3 rooms?" And she said, "Well, sometimes they don't put the cards out until the next day (is this right?) and other times, we've had customers call us from the ship, and we'll apply it then." Um...I'm thinking, not a very professional response. I then asked "Can I get an email verification that there is an OBC from y'all?" And she said "We don't do that".
Everything will probably be fine, but so far? I've not seen anything that I couldn't have done on my own, and though they may give us a small OBC, 'the jury is still out whether I'd use a TA or not'. I know the benefit of using a TA is that 'they handle everything'? But so far, I could've done everything they've done. So no there....(and I'm just being real here, maybe MY expectations were too high?)
Ok..just had to express my concern there!

Getting really excited! Got to get through this 50th celebration for the inlaws next week, and celebrate our 27th anniversary on the 22nd of this month, and then !!!!

Can't wait until we're under 30...or 20days...well, you know what I mean!

Still and counting the days! See ya soon! !

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

What a good looking bunch you are! That is horrible that your TA is treating you like that. As you know by my post before that I was having trouble with mine too. She didn't get back to me in 3 days so I just called the company's phone # and left a message and sent an e-mail to the company site asking if she still worked there. A miracle happened and she called me a few hours later. I finally got the info and e-mail from her showing what our OBC was. I would be all over her to get it to you before you leave on vacation for sure though. It sounds like she will drop the ball and then you won't be able to get it from her when on board. You are the customer and it is up to her to get you your information.
Pretty soon we will all be together having a ball and not worrying about life.

 

[sullins5]

What a good looking bunch you are! That is horrible that your TA is treating you like that. As you know by my post before that I was having trouble with mine too. She didn't get back to me in 3 days so I just called the company's phone # and left a message and sent an e-mail to the company site asking if she still worked there. A miracle happened and she called me a few hours later. I finally got the info and e-mail from her showing what our OBC was. I would be all over her to get it to you before you leave on vacation for sure though. It sounds like she will drop the ball and then you won't be able to get it from her when on board. You are the customer and it is up to her to get you your information.
Pretty soon we will all be together having a ball and not worrying about life.

Thanks Laura! I am hoping maybe I'm expecting too much? This seems to be a 'group' TA, where you talk to differing agents every time you call. Not sure I like that, since so far, I get differing answers when I ask questions. (Like recognizing celebrations as mentioned in a previous post). Hopefully, when we get onboard, everything will be fine. I'd say 'she might drop the ball' but I'm not sure who does anything with this TA...whether they all take turns, or who's assigned to whom, or who to even ask for. I do know if I were a TA and had a newcomer with 3 cabins, I would at least act interested if they called, instead of 'put out'.

And like you? I'm so excited,but unfortunately, terribly busy, which is why I haven't been on our thread lately But still can't wait!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

I would still check when you are onboard with Guest Services and your Head Server in the dining rooms and mention the special celebrations. Explain to them that you weren't getting the info from your TA and make sure they have note of everything. Or even call Disney ahead of time and make sure they make notes of them.

 

[Octoberbride03]

37 Days! Alot has happened in 13 days! Hurricane Irene ! Thankful that alot of my fellow cruisers were dealt a kinder 'blow' than what could have happened, and that our country was not left with another Katrina! Here's hoping Katia, Lee and whoever "M" is, that they will pass on well after our cruise!

I have achieved alot since last time...

Got my little bags (just for kids) finished and packed:

boxes x3 (sure hope they get there), ready to be shipped:

And had dd's 12 birthday yesterday:

Oh, and found this pic of all of us, so now you know who the players are! It is old (3 years) and alot has changed since then...middle age, my son is STILL growing lol, dd turned 12 yesterday and now has all her teeth, parents older, and well, some of us are NOT photogenic! But when you see us around, say Hi for sure!

And then I called TA yesterday...

Sad , that almost everytime I call them, they seem like I'm a bother. And, lest you think I've called them everyday, since I booked in January, I've only called about 3 or 4 times for questions. I called to ask about their OBC (which if others have OBC through their TA's I'd call too.) Disney said they didn't have a record of the TA's OBC yet, and to verify it through our TA. So when I called yesterday, the response was "Well, there will be a card in your room that identifies you have so much from us". And I replied (because I've seen it on the boards) "What if there's NOT a card...we have 3 rooms?" And she said, "Well, sometimes they don't put the cards out until the next day (is this right?) and other times, we've had customers call us from the ship, and we'll apply it then." Um...I'm thinking, not a very professional response. I then asked "Can I get an email verification that there is an OBC from y'all?" And she said "We don't do that".
Everything will probably be fine, but so far? I've not seen anything that I couldn't have done on my own, and though they may give us a small OBC, 'the jury is still out whether I'd use a TA or not'. I know the benefit of using a TA is that 'they handle everything'? But so far, I could've done everything they've done. So no there....(and I'm just being real here, maybe MY expectations were too high?)
Ok..just had to express my concern there!

Getting really excited! Got to get through this 50th celebration for the inlaws next week, and celebrate our 27th anniversary on the 22nd of this month, and then !!!!

Can't wait until we're under 30...or 20days...well, you know what I mean!

Still and counting the days! See ya soon! !

Geeze, who are you talking to over there We have the same TA and whoever i am talking to is not the same girl. I got emailed a copy of my OBC quite easily and anything else i ask for i have no problems with. That being said for my next cruise i might switch to someone recommended from my LAST cruise, since I have now seen their FB page. i might go that direction next time.

As for your celebrations/occassions you should see those listed on the cruise details sections when you bring your reservation up on the DCL site. I can see my anniversary listed on there NP

If you don't see it listed, just email next time and see what happens.

 

[sullins5]

Geeze, who are you talking to over there I got emailed a copy of my OBC quite easily and anything else i ask for i have no problems with. That being said for my next cruise i might switch to someone recommended from my LAST cruise, since I have now seen their FB page. i might go that direction next time.

As for your celebrations/occassions you should see those listed on the cruise details sections when you bring your reservation up on the DCL site. I can see my anniversary listed on there NP

If you don't see it listed, just email next time and see what happens.

I think that's part of the problem...too many hands stirring the pot! One person I talked to said "We don't tell them about celebrations" while on my first call, they said they did. I asked for an email confirmation of our OBC and she said "We don't do that" and yet, you got one. And I do see them (my celebrations) on my cruise documents NOW after I called again, and then called Disney to verify. They had one night wrong, so Disney changed it. So we shall see! And you are right about one thing...
I am going to email next time (though the last time I emailed I didn't get a response for a week). Here's hoping it's just been 'hit and miss' this time due to them being busy?

We'll see....

Meanwhile? Now 5 weeks out? I've got TONS to do!

 

[sullins5]

ONE month to go for us@soexcited.com!!!!!

Yep! We got our cruise docs yesterday!!! Makes it really seem real and coming close! No upgrade... Didn't expect one, but still looked. (Doesn't everyone?) Still finding out 'need to know' stuff! Like how to let dh drop us off at port, how to handle all our luggage, and receiving the docs really gave us a great overview!

Now what to do with all this paperwork from the very beginning until now? My Disney notebook is packed!

Still haven't sealed our 'pet sitter'... GOT to do that!

Still got to get 1 more suitcase (I think)..There are 5 in our immediate family, thinking about all of us each carrying a carryon, and then taking 3 more larger bags to check (ie: 24 or 25' each). What do you think? Too much? I'm thinking we need those 3 just for shoes, suitcoats, FE stuff to bring home, dresses, etc.

Still don't know how to use this Handycam dh gave me for my birthday. Hope it's super simple. Maybe I'll meet a camera expert on the first day of the cruise, and they'll give me a quick lesson?

Then I can see our TSA with all our 'stuff'...unloading camera, Handycam, baggie, shoes, jacket, earrings (always take em off early) and holding tickets too. Our security out of Memphis is so serious (I am glad) and stoic, you're just trying to 'get through it' , so you don't hold up the line! Get ready MEM! With 7 of us, could take a while...

And noticed on our cruise docs yesterday, we had booked the snorkel equipment out of CC and they put us at 10am-10:15am? Not sure about that one. Does that mean that's when we get the equipment? So, guess this chik will have more researching today. I've spent more time getting ready to be ready...

Hope you're all having as much fun as we are...It's almost here..the suspense is really building to see this wonderful ship up close and personal! See ya real soon Magic!

 

[sullins5]

Here we are!! 22 Days from our flight and 23 Days from PC!!! We are !!!!

Not much left to do at this stage..

~Heard from Disney, telling us it wasn't too late for Disney Transfers and reminding us to print the contract and payment authorization page...

~ contacted TA about OBC's (they have no way of noting our OBC, but it should be in our room is what they said)...here's hoping

~still looking for 12dd's pirate costume (almost forgot about pirate night)

~got out suitcases, started loading 12dd's.. We're gonna have to load and unload that thing!

~ found a house sitter (Whew...and FINALLY)

~still have to get last minute treats for cm's, spare SD card, and pirate accessories for adults (yea, I know, my fam will NOT budge as they don't want to dress up!) And I guess since they're not, I won't either....Bummer!

~If any other newbie has a question, this disneychik is glad to help..haven't even sailed yet, but I've learned alot!

That's about it for today...just ask us if the anticipation is getting worse!!! We're really excited! Hope the Magic is ready for all of us!

 

[stacys]

I don't know how I have missed seeing this till now! Glad you mentioned your TA and on board credit(although not happy your having a hard time with it) I haven't even thought about checking to see if Disney has a record of mine, or even where to go and check. Glad you were able to get your first seating back. I almost changed mine to late until I read up on the boards and realized just how late the late setting is lol. Thanks to you my youngest has her pirate outfit(thank you So much for that ), got my oldest daughters yesterday. Ordered my husband a Disney pirate tee today(that's as dressed up as he will get) Now I just have to find something for myself. So looking forward to meeting everyone in 23 days

 

[sullins5]

I don't know how I have missed seeing this till now! Glad you mentioned your TA and on board credit(although not happy your having a hard time with it) I haven't even thought about checking to see if Disney has a record of mine, or even where to go and check. Glad you were able to get your first seating back. I almost changed mine to late until I read up on the boards and realized just how late the late setting is lol. Thanks to you my youngest has her pirate outfit(thank you So much for that ), got my oldest daughters yesterday. Ordered my husband a Disney pirate tee today(that's as dressed up as he will get) Now I just have to find something for myself. So looking forward to meeting everyone in 23 days

We are too! And lol, I really started this to journal our 'adventure' more so for us, but then realized if I was a newbie and this excited, how many more would be like us?

So glad you didn't change your dining! Isn't it exciting, we'll all be there soon?
And I couldn't believe I about forgot about 12dd's costume! It 'creeps' up on you doesn't it? ~ Great idea on the Tshirt! Can I ask where you found it?

One more thought, I would check with Disney (I called them) and they were very kind and gracious to list all of our OBC's with them, except the one with the TA, and she said I'd need to verify it with the TA.

You know, Stacy? The one thing I've learned our first cruise, is that the more I KNOW, the less I'll have to wonder about, wonder if I could've done differently, and feel more confident that we tried our best, and now time to sit back and enjoy all these decisions and planning! And we ARE rejoicing... and haven't even left yet!!! Can't wait to see your 'baby dolls' all dressed up! See you soon!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

I can't believe it is almost time to go?! I wanted to let you know that we found a luggage weigher if that is a word at Walmart so we can weigh our luggage to make sure it isn't too heavy. I had never found that before with all our traveling and it was only $7 and very small so fits in the suitcase. We usually just weighed it at the resort at WDW but on the ship I was afraid it would be too heavy and I wouldn't be able to weigh it before we got to the airport. Anyone anyone can borrow it just so you all know that.
I also wanted to let you know that we bought DH POTC T-shirt at WDW but we also bought a couple online at Disney.com. They still have them as far as I know on there?

 

[sullins5]

I can't believe it is almost time to go?! I wanted to let you know that we found a luggage weigher if that is a word at Walmart so we can weigh our luggage to make sure it isn't too heavy. I had never found that before with all our traveling and it was only $7 and very small so fits in the suitcase. We usually just weighed it at the resort at WDW but on the ship I was afraid it would be too heavy and I wouldn't be able to weigh it before we got to the airport. Anyone anyone can borrow it just so you all know that.
I also wanted to let you know that we bought DH POTC T-shirt at WDW but we also bought a couple online at Disney.com. They still have them as far as I know on there?

Thanks Laura!!! That's GREAT! I may have to come 'knocking on your door' before we leave the ship! This is our first time with 7 of us traveling, and it's hard to make sure they all know the weight restrictions!

I do hate the fun is at the AFT of the ship!!Had I known beforehand (my fault of course) that the food and drink stations were at the back, we'd have requested rooms back there. But I took the first rooms the TA suggested, and didn't have a CLUE!!! And I'm afraid dh's parents are really gonna have a hard time now walking that far. (hitting self on head)

And thanks for the Tshirt comment! I'm headed there now to check out T's and see if I can find 2 that I can coerce my 2 guys to wear!

Won't be long now, and we'll all be dancing!!!

 

[stacys]

Got DH's shirt from Disney store online and with Free shipping! It's pretty cute says something like to err is human to arr is pirate..Here's hoping it makes it on time! It may be a good thing that you are not in the AFT part. Our room is in the AFT down on 2, but I'm really worried cause I've heard a lot of reports that it is VERY noisy under the kitchens. I keep thinking maybe we will look for an upgrade when we get there, if not I'll just bring some ear plugs!

 

[sullins5]

Got DH's shirt from Disney store online and with Free shipping! It's pretty cute says something like to err is human to arr is pirate..Here's hoping it makes it on time! It may be a good thing that you are not in the AFT part. Our room is in the AFT down on 2, but I'm really worried cause I've heard a lot of reports that it is VERY noisy under the kitchens. I keep thinking maybe we will look for an upgrade when we get there, if not I'll just bring some ear plugs!

Thanks Stacy! I finally went to the site, saw several I like...but that's the key I think! I LIKE them...not sure about the guys..but I'm gonna try! And hopefully being 3 weeks out, we can get something!

And I understand about the noise, but I may get my own noise when dh's parents have to walk so far!!! I looked for an upgrade today online...OH MY WORD! To house or room a family of 5 is um...ridiculously expensive! With us picking up everyones tab, we just can't do it..but check with me after the cruise and I'll tell you if we made it!Can't wait! We'll be doing our happy dance very soon!

 

[sullins5]

WOW and WOW!!! We are 2 weeks and 3 days out!!! Well, Actually, 2weeks 2 days, since that's when we fly out!!!
Time has flown to be sure!

~ Though we got our housesitter, now it's giving me more to do! Why is it, you know you have company coming, and now you find MORE to do than you thought? I'm actually recaulking my showers, replacing light bulbs, getting more organized... THIS should be the time I should be doing my last minute packing!

~STILL haven't gotten that costume for dd...what's up with that? Everything I look at, she's not really crazy about...O, Well, may be one of those times, where mom knows best, and she just get's what I get her!

~ Got to ship those boxes...PUHLEASE don't let me forget...

~ Have ONE more celebration (tomorrow is our 27th Anniversary) and then we are ready to ROCK and ROLL!!! (well, with Ophelia out there...we'll see...) Let's hope she moves out of there!

~ That's it today!!!! Got to head out (again) and do some more damage...!

Won't be long now...we're

 

[sullins5]

16DAYS!!!!!!
Oh my goodness...does it get any more exciting than this! And today is our 27th Anniversary!!! Can I just say this disneychik is so excited it's just about ridiculous?...We'll be celebrating soon enough!!!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

CONGRATULATIONS!
The table looks great, of course they were impressed.