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

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

Love the FE! I am putting DH on the job to make ours. He has to have something to do since I am doing all the rest. Of course I wouldn't let anyone else do it anyway.

 

[sullins5]

Thanks Laura! Can you EVEN believe we're under 4 months? It just can't come fast enough! And can't believe your dh will do that!! Can I say everyone, that this Disneychik gets tickled when I hear of men that are excited!!! Totally Cool! My dh just comes in and says "Are you still talking on that computer about Disney?", and "No talking about the cruise any more today". Sorry, I win!

Still planning, got all my FE gifts done, and glad that there's a deadline to sign up. I see now why that's important. Too hard to make sure last minute friends get what you've already prepared! But hey, the more the merrier until July!

Still haven't figured out our excursions as of yet. Figure I have until the end of this month to get a concrete answer from family members and otherwise? We'll wing it. This planner doesn't really like to do that. For all you veterans, any suggestions on how you get extended families to make that decision or do I just make it for them?I could use a cattle rod/poke...(you get my drift)

Next step besides excursion decisions? Making our final payment I think this is the FIRST time in my life I've been this excited to fork down all this dough...Let's do it!!!

A-n-d lest I think I'm through planning, there's still the little 'big' things to get together, ie: clothes, shoe holder, all that. And I do know, that now's a good time to shop, because here in the south, after July 4th, you're gonna find fall stuff out. Yep, it'll be 100 degrees here and in July they start putting out the wool. Argghhhhh!

Be back soon and happy planning y'all!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

I am really big into saving money and couponing. In something I was reading it says that July is THE best month to buy for summer stuff because everything starts going on big clearances that month. Guess who will be shopping for the cruise?

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

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I love your FE! Did you design it yourself, or did you get a design here?? GOOD JOB!

 

[sullins5]

I am really big into saving money and couponing. In something I was reading it says that July is THE best month to buy for summer stuff because everything starts going on big clearances that month. Guess who will be shopping for the cruise?

I know, I know...ME TOOO!!! I have been 'looking' but nothing has 'grabbed' me yet...Gee, just have to keep on... sad day..NOT
And looks like we're headed to the beach next week, so just might have to find some deals at the outlet mall. Getting so excited for this cruise!

I don't know how to do alot of the computer graphics, so I haven't used them YET (Dis'igners), but my dd says I need to take a course and learn how to do all that stuff In other words? She's getting tired of helping me!

And I noticed your the proud parent of triplets! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We love children, my sister had triplets so we know what it's like! How S-w-e-e-t!!!

 

[WestCoastMama]

Following along too! Love your FE. In your 1st post you said that you were waitlisted for dining. Was that for Palo or a specified roatation? And how exciting that you got tickets for the White House Easter Egg Roll!

 

[sullins5]

Following along too! Love your FE. In your 1st post you said that you were waitlisted for dining. Was that for Palo or a specified roatation? And how exciting that you got tickets for the White House Easter Egg Roll!

Hi! Thanks for joining in! As you will see, being a first timer, I've already made some mistakes and have a lot to learn!
When we first booked, and got our confirmation, I noticed we had early dining. So I called (after having read some of the threads about people loving late dining) and changed to late dining. Then after about a month, I was reminded by my dh how we both like to get up early, enjoy the morning, and that eating late was really not our thing. So, I called my TA who checked, and now we have 3 waitlisted cabins! So, we'll see what happens! It will definitely be a SURPRISE now...and nope, I wouldn't call back my TA and ask for anything. I do keep checking the website and our account to see if anything has changed!

And the White House Easter Egg Roll?Well, let's just say it's not all it's 'cracked up' to be..That story indeed is another thread...Too hot, too many people, too long to wait to 'spoon an egg' and yes, it was definitely a trip of a lifetime! But once was enough.

A-n-d here we are, getting ready to take the plunge and hit the waves on our first ever Disney cruise!

So, first mistake - learned for this newbie:

1- MAKE up your mind when you book what time is really important for dining and stick with it! Take into consideration all the facts about YOUR dining preferences and be prepared. Then, if you do make a mistake, take it in stride, blow some pixie dust on it, and let it be a surprise!

And congrats on your first cruise too! You're right behind us! Have you started planning your FE's? Excursions? etc?

 

[sullins5]

I'm singing, and dancing, and singing and dancing!!!!! Guess what happened today?!!! Yes, TODAY!!! I checked the website as I was walking out the door, and low and behold......(drumroll inserted), all 3 cabins are now on MAIN dining! Can I just say and ?!!!

Wow, couldn't believe it! It's not 120 days out yet, so I was thinking at that time, we might have a chance for last minute cancellations. I don't care why, when or how, can I just say I'm excited? I knew we probably were stuck with late and was determined to not let it bother me, but this is so much better! Not sure who does the 'lifting of waitlists' , but this Disneychik is very thankful!

I promise you it doesn't take much to excite me, I am so pumped over this cruise, I'm a tad worried when it's over that I'll be so ...but I'll just have to have another big birthday celebration huh?

Anyway, still planning, about finished with ALL my gifts, and got 2-12x12x12 boxes to ship my stuff in. And though I'm finished (really), if I see something else that our sweet cruise thread needs...W-e-l-l-... !

Have a great weekend and enjoy your planning...

I know I am!

 

[sullins5]

Hello Everyone! WOW! Can't believe I haven't posted any 'pretrip' news this month! Well, for those of you following this has been what's happened this month:
First, I've learned another lesson Begin your FE's early and make extra....just in case! Remember, we started way back in March, I believe. making our FE's. Made plenty! Or at least I thought! Our deadline is in 7 days, and I'm down to the wire! Mind you, I don't mind, but I'm SO glad I made extra's to start with! And if you're a first timer like us, you learn that until the deadline, people still join last minute, so be prepared! And nope, this Disneychik wasn't a girl scout, but I like to be prepared!

Second, just about the time you THINK you're prepared your NOT. I learned this week about Florida's Turnpike system, new (for me) rental cars and transponders, differing directions (yes, even on your phone's GPS), and checking your 'paid in full' invoices! Our invoice was right except for special things that were supposed to be 'noted'. So made a quick call to the TA!

Thirdly, we decided on one excursion only! Gonna do the Rhino Riders in St Martin (if it's not booked). Footnote on that one: after this cruise we won't be first timers...lol, so maybe we can choose 90 days out? lol
Fourth, So glad so many of us women (and I know some of you guys-just not mine) are planners! I've got my 'Mickey' cruise notebook...

And can I say, I live by that thing! I started it back the first week when I noticed all that paperwork piling up. Sections booked according to time frame. Example: first tab, our flights, then rental car, then hotel confirmations, then cruise EVERYTHING, then tips, then the return trip home tabs, not to mention, important phone numbers, confirmations numbers, TA numbers, Insurance forms...I mean it's getting so heavy, I'll probably 'buzz' for the TSA! A sweet Dis'er gave me better directions today, so I copied them, and guess where they went? That's right! Straight to Mickey!
And can I say I think I'm beginning to see Mickey everywhere! I was in a department store today with my girls, looked around, and spotted a 2 inch Mickey on a package of diapers! Yes, I'm losing it! That's what we get for being so excited! And nope, we haven't had a baby in 12 years!!!!

We have had a ball planning this thing. It's been the highlight of our spring and now summer. And even in the midst of a hard summer with my aunt passing (think I mentioned her before), it's been a blessing to look forward too!

And NOW...In 6 days, we'll be booking our excursion, and checking in! For those that don't know, the time now for getting your arrival times to the port have changed! And they aren't opening the port until 11am.

We've got to turn in our van by 11, so we'll see what happens! And for those that don't know about their rental cars, I did find out that it doesn't really matter what time you put down that you need it for the return trip home. Budget per their rep, said " We realize that you have no control over when you'll get off the ship, so put down 8am, and we'll be ready" To which I replied "Oh, do I need to change mine? I put 9:45am?" And she said "Doesn't matter, you don't have to change it, we'll be ready for you whenever."

I'll report after our 75 day mark (which is the 25th of this month~ also my xx birthday!) to let you know the time they gave us for checking in! We're still pumped, and getting even more excited !

Hope y'all are enjoying every minute of your planning and your trips. I've been reminded this summer to enjoy every minute of your day, for todays minutes and moments are tomorrows memories! Enjoy, ya'll!

 

[sullins5]

Hello Everyone! WOW! Can't believe I haven't posted any 'pretrip' news this month! Well, for those of you following this has been what's happened this month:
First, I've learned another lesson Begin your FE's early and make extra....just in case! Remember, we started way back in March, I believe making our FE's. Made plenty! Or at least I thought! Our deadline is in 7 days, and I'm down to the wire! Mind you, I don't mind, but I'm SO glad I made extra's to start with! And if you're a first timer like us, you learn that until the deadline, people still join last minute, so be prepared! And nope, this Disneychik wasn't a girl scout, but I like to be prepared!

Second, just about the time you THINK you're prepared your NOT. I learned this week about Florida's Turnpike system, new (for me) rental cars and transponders, differing directions (yes, even on your phone's GPS), and checking your 'paid in full' invoices! Our invoice was right except for special things that were supposed to be 'noted'. So made a quick call to the TA!

Thirdly, we decided on one excursion only! Gonna do the Rhino Riders in St Martin (if it's not booked). Footnote on that one: after this cruise we won't be first timers...lol, so maybe we can choose 90 days out? lol
Fourth, So glad so many of us women (and I know some of you guys-just not mine) are planners! I've got my 'Mickey' cruise notebook...

And can I say, I live by that thing! I started it back the first week when I noticed all that paperwork piling up. Sections booked according to time frame. Example: first tab, our flights, then rental car, then hotel confirmations, then cruise EVERYTHING, then tips, then the return trip home tabs, not to mention, important phone numbers, confirmations numbers, TA numbers, Insurance forms...I mean it's getting so heavy, I'll probably 'buzz' for the TSA! A sweet Dis'er gave me better directions today, so I copied them, and guess where they went? That's right! Straight to Mickey!
And can I say I think I'm beginning to see Mickey everywhere! I was in a department store today with my girls, looked around, and spotted a 2 inch Mickey on a package of diapers! Yes, I'm losing it! That's what we get for being so excited! And nope, we haven't had a baby in 12 years!!!!

We have had a ball planning this thing. It's been the highlight of our spring and now summer. And even in the midst of a hard summer with my aunt passing (think I mentioned her before), it's been a blessing to look forward too!

And NOW...In 6 days, we'll be booking our excursion, and checking in! For those that don't know, the time now for getting your arrival times to the port have changed! And they aren't opening the port until 11am.

We've got to turn in our van by 11, so we'll see what happens! And for those that don't know about their rental cars, I did find out that it doesn't really matter what time you put down that you need it for the return trip home. Budget per their rep, said " We realize that you have no control over when you'll get off the ship, so put down 8am, and we'll be ready" To which I replied "Oh, do I need to change mine? I put 9:45am?" And she said "Doesn't matter, you don't have to change it, we'll be ready for you whenever."

I'll report after our 75 day mark (which is the 25th of this month~ also my xx birthday!) to let you know the time they gave us for checking in! We're still pumped, and getting even more excited !

Hope y'all are enjoying every minute of your planning and your trips. I've been reminded this summer to enjoy every minute of your day, for todays minutes and moments are tomorrows memories! Enjoy, ya'll!

 

[sullins5]

Well, hey y'all again! I am getting more and more excited...it's almost ridiculous! It does make you wonder whether or not you're the only one that feels this way!
Yesterday, I wasn't feeling well and after most of the day had gone by, at about 4pm, I had a brain storm.
See, we have the 3 cabins, but are only one cabin is participating for the FE. By the way, sign up for your FE if you haven't....great fun! Anyway, I was thinking what could I do for the inlaws since they aren't participating (I did try to explain to them what it was to no avail). So I came up with an idea for a 'semi-FE'. Didn't really want to invest the time and effort when I knew they'd probably never do another Disney cruise, and wanted something practical that they could use again. So:

I made this! Just a little bag, they can use it while on the cruise, take it in after I deliver little surprises for their Anniversary. Yes, it's bigger than the recommended size, but I've seen where people place bags on their fish, so I'll just tell them whenever they get their treats to take it in. Fun huh?

After doing it, I realized it'd be very easy for someone to make a smaller bag for an easy FE. Wish I had thought of it before!

And..tomorrow we get to check in!! Can't wait, though really don't have a CLUE as to what it's gonna be like. Have the 3 cabins and our excursions and all the info (yes, I think I've got it all thanks to cruise mates!)

And if you're on here, the next best thing I can tell you is to join, join, join your meets thread! This disneychik can't even begin to tell you how much help, wisdom, and fun we've already had!

Can't wait until tomorrow 11pm my time!!!

 

[sullins5]

How cool, y'all!!! We got checked in last Monday! It took a while since we had 3 cabins, but we got the excursions we wanted, and got a great time for our port arrival time (11:30) for all 3 cabins!

I thought I'd help other newbies (like myself) with the Check In process for those following. So here's what I did and went through.

First, I gathered all information needed for all 3 cabins. Mind you, if you've got more than one, and their friends or other family members, they can check in on their own. However, I am our family's cruise coordinator on all points, so this was my job.

Here's the information I had and got:

Reservation Numbers, Names, Birthdates
Passport Info: Names, Number, Expiration Date, Country of Origin
Credit Card Info: Very Important! Have the persons name EXACTLY as is on the credit card (I forgot this one and had to call dh parents' very early). Expiration Date, and of course what kind it is. And you can push 'cash' option if you want.

And then you have the contract page where all cabins have to check the box agreeing to terms and conditions. Next is the Online signature print and sign page. Everywhere on the boards, they suggest you really do this and bring it with you to alleviate time issues.

Here's the process:

I could check in 11pm my time(we're central), so I opened up the DCL site. After entering I could book the following: excursions/Palo-Remy/nursery/ and spa activities. So I did. Yes, if you're linked you can book excursions with a 'click' as it lists everyone with you. Unfortunately, we're not doing Palo so I can't tell you how to do that one (though I've heard you're limited to how many they'll let you book at one time). But I'm sure if others in your party check in, you'll probably all be accomodated. Veterans can fill you in better!

As you are logged in, there are 'tabs' in the shape of circles at the top that 'walk' you through it. At the bottom of each page that you enter is a 'save' button...I'd do that, so you don't have to re-enter all your info. So at 11, I booked all of that, but could NOT check in and get my port arrival time. I already knew after 3am or later, I could do this. So at 3:45 my time, I got on, and ta-da I checked in one cabin and got 11:30 for my time. 11 was not available at ALL! So then, I logged off, tried to relog in and it wouldn't let me access any other ressie but mine. Now before YOU panic, as I almost did, I then went to another computer at 4:30 and was able to log in one other cabin ta-da! Remember, we're all set on excursions, just looking for out Port Arrival Time. I was worried that by having 3 differing times, we'd have to arrive at the latest time (which the DCL site now states they'd rather you come with the latest time in your party). So, once again, I kept trying with our last cabin, and I couldn't access this one again until quite a bit later ( I do wonder if it's because all the other newbies were on the site as well?). But finally, I accessed this one, and to my pleasant surprise, 11:30 was still available!

Can I just say this Disneychik was so Happy!

What's next you ask? OH MY WORD!!!

We're finalizing last minute FE's, finishing up our 'cruise' packing box (things I've picked up along the way to take or pack) and finishing last minute shopping (wonderful timing with all the summer sales). I hope this has helped any newbies like us, and more importantly, I hope your cruise is as Magical as we hope ours is!!!

It won't be long now!

 

[sullins5]

Can you believe it?!!! We are down to 58 days! Or 1 month, 3 weeks and 6 days! It's just getting so exciting!
My 11 dd helped me package up all our Fe gifts today! Can I just say "WHAT a MESS!!!" I had stuff all over the countertops, the floor, spread out, labels, bags, gifts...it was a mess! And then my dh comes in, sees the mess and says "Honey, there is more to life than this cruise." Really? Not for us, we are too excited!
A tidbit for newbies: START early, START early, START early! I really thought I 'had it in the bag' as far as FE's. But up until the deadline I was doing well, had made extra's and thought I'd made it. NOT this chik! I had to go out, find supplies for at least 8 more, and ran around our tristate area looking for parts! And then labeling was another thing. Who belonged to whom, how many family units, do I give one per cabin?, what if they're just friends?, what if they're extended family but live in 2 differing homes? See? Betcha I'm not the only one who had to think and 'dive' in!
So, I 'wrapped' them all up today..can I just say it's a good feeling! I love giving, and it was really a joy to put the bags together! What I did, and I guess it's up to your meet, was to give each 'family' a cabin gift, but treat bags for the kids. And I've been working on them since March, age appropriate, and sort of like minded. So, I'm hoping the kids will really enjoy them. It does help, when you have differing ages of kids like I do, to give you a mindset of what ages like! See? I knew my kids would come in handy for something!!
Just part of what we made for the girls:

And then:

And then on the floor, lining up:

And this was just the beginning. But can I just say, it's so nice to have everyone taken care of! I love kids, and think we probably have some great ones on the ship! And if you're following and your on our cruise, these pics are just Part of what I'm giving the kids. Each child got about 5-6 things, designed for their age, and filled in a bag. So even if they're peeking they really won't know what's all in the bag!

One more thing before I close: Can I just say we have some GREAT Dis'ers? I mean, I have had a ball getting to know some of you! We had some come our way today, when a fellow Dis'er sent me some lanyards (ooops...not just some...5!) for the cruise! Just out of the generosity of her heart! Here's hoping some comes her way! I tell my kids, we either encourage, or hurt with our tongue and actions...and it's been a blessing to see other people from other parts of the world even, be so compassionate and kind in words and deeds! We love, Love , love Dis'ers!...and that just feeds this Disneychik's excitement!

It won't be long now, and I'll just try to hold back a little of my excitement, so I'm not ridiculous to some of you... I'll TRY!

 

[LisaG520]

Ok - now I'm a total slacker! You're doing a pre-trip report and finished your FE gifts!!!

I need to pull out what we've started and figure out what we still need more of than finish them and package them.

Maybe I'll go do that right now

Though I have started making my Christmas cards already

 

[sullins5]

Ok - now I'm a total slacker! You're doing a pre-trip report and finished your FE gifts!!!

I need to pull out what we've started and figure out what we still need more of than finish them and package them.

Maybe I'll go do that right now

Though I have started making my Christmas cards already

We're not telling everyone about my pretrip.. Actually Lisa, I started this to kind of keep 'track' with all my thoughts, to do lists, and activities, and then realized, so many newbies were like me...NOT a clue! But it has been fun!

I meant to pm you and ask about your 'cabin' numbers, who was in what number but I kind of took a guess. First number listed is yours and Darell's right? If not, then I'm 'busted' and obviously THOUGHT I was through with my FE's. Actually, I'll just have to 'redo' my label.

And if you read our FB, I started early on with my FE gifts (which I wish I could put on here, but know there'd be peekers)..thought I had them through up until June. When 'voila' we got a lot more joiners. My Bad for sure! But I enjoy 'decorating' (I decorate seasonally for businesses) , crafting, coming up with new ideas, so it didn't bother me at all at having to do more~

And that's GREAT, you've already started Christmas cards! Hobby Lobby already has Christmas decorations out, so you're right on time! That at least is the wonderful thought after our cruise is over ..Instead of being so sad , we'll have Christmas right around the corner!

Back to Fe's...now I've got to figure out how to pack it all up so there's no damage and get it to the warehouse on time! I thought bubble wrap, but then maybe peanuts. They aren't glass, but can be broken.

I'm down here, trying to 'tie up' last minute items. Seems everyday, I think of one more thing. I think I've driven Dh past the point of 'no return'..He's like "no more cruise, no more cruise!!" And it was HIS idea!

Hope you got some of your FE stuff done today..but if not, hey, you've got a little more than 7 weeks!!!Thanks for 'checkin in!', it won't be long, we'll all share a Mickey Bar and have good (nope, cross that out) GREAT Times!!!

 

[Bethshaya]

Oh my goodness Madlyn! You are my kinda gal! A super planner and a mile a minute, can't get all those thoughts out fast enough onto paper to plan type person!

Love it!

Can't wait to meet you all!

 

[sullins5]

Oh my goodness Madlyn! You are my kinda gal! A super planner and a mile a minute, can't get all those thoughts out fast enough onto paper to plan type person!

Love it!

Can't wait to meet you all!

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...

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

We will know who you are. You will be the crazy women dancing and doing cartwheels through the atrium area shouting "I AM HERE!!".

 

[sullins5]

We will know who you are. You will be the crazy women dancing and doing cartwheels through the atrium area shouting "I AM HERE!!".

I wish! But not this chik! Couldn't EVER do a cartwheel in my whole life! Now, the dancing part? Well, with 12dd...could be! And crazy ? Only about our first EVER cruise!!!

I'm normally pretty reserved...HOWEVER, you just never know!

and it won't be long now!

...and won't it be interesting to see and meet after ALL these months ! Fun times ahead!!!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

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