Roll call for the 10/23/2004 Western Magic. Who's with us?

[abitjaded]

Hey Beano, welcome back, was wondering where you were. Contingency plan for Sail-Away? We cruised once before in earlier October and the weather was great, but on our January trip the weather was nasty. Everyone had to huddle next to the covered pool areas for the Sail-Away, it was so dreary only one brave soul came out to wave us off, and she did not stay long. And we were very late leaving, the ship waited for a late group, sans luggage, carry-ons in hand; they sprinted to get on.

What day is anyone trying to get Palo brunch or tea, any easier to get than others? How was the ressie rush for these from past-non-lucky-concierge cruisers?

Oh man Denise and/or John, friends with a place on Cayman! Have you checked out the shore dive spots right off the pier and slightly south in George Town? I was reading a dive guide and it looks like Balboa/ Hamburger Reef and Eden Rock/Devil's Grotto and Parrot's Reef are within walking distance? Is it safe to leave gear about on shore if we try a quick snorkel post Captain Marvin's? (Love the wedding pix.) How are the currents in October if no storms nearby?

Carla

 

[BeanoC]

Hi everyone......This is Beano's wife Renee here.
Beano is soooo right about the sailaway drinks on the platters......bad bad! Go down to Signals and hopefully my fav bartender Mark from Jamaica will still be onboard! He is the man!!!! Makes an awesome drinkie
Can't wait until this cruise....have been dreamin' about it for some time now......well, actually ever since I left the last one!!!
Life has a way of making it hard to get around to posting, so forgive us for not being around lately! School is starting for my kids.....yikes! Freshmen in high school this year and a 6th grader....I'm thinkin' I'm really gonna need this cruise by the time it gets here!!!! hehehehe!
Have a great day all......
Bye, Renee

 

[pdarrah]

Hi BeanoC and everyone!

Deck 10 sounds good to me since I would rather not be "right in the "mix" of everyone dancing with the characters on stage down on deck 9." However, will DS5 feel left out being up there? Do people dance around at all on deck 10 or blow bubbles or do you just watch the "party" from there?

I'll tell DH about the drinks - unfortunately, I have never been able to drink alcohol (its sort of an allergy) so I am always the designated driver!

Renee - we are starting school here too - DS starts Kindergarten 2 weeks from today! However, he is staying at his current school for this so it is just a longer day than before and a new teacher. Next year will be the big change when he goes to 1st grade at the public school

Denise - Wow! friends in Grand Cayman - how cool! We are booked on Capt. Marvins (I always want to type Capt. MarVEL ) because DS really, really wants to see sting rays and snorkel. Dan & I did some shore snorkeling when we were last there about 10-12 years ago, but we hadn't even heard of the sting rays then so it may have been before that really started.

Pamela

 

[Mom2Princesses]

I have another question -- I have a wallet sized, with raised seal, "Certificate of registration" from the "Michigan Dept of Public Health" which "Is to certify that a certificate of birth has been filed at the Michigan Dept of Public Health" It also has my name, date of birth, Registration number, City and State of Birth, Sex, and Date of Recording. Is this sufficient, do you think, to use as my proof of citizenship? I am thinking to go up to the post office and see if it is sufficient to get a passport with, but I really don't want to spend the $$ on the passport (I will not need it again!).

Pamela -- I am not much of a drinker, either -- although I may make an exception for the cruise LOL! Congrats on the new Kindergartener, that is such a big deal! My oldest will be in 1st grade in a couple weeks and I am getting sooo nervous for her -- all day is a big step!

Since it is our first cruise, we will probably stay where the characters are for the sail away party -- would they be on Deck 10, too or just at Deck 9? My daughters are just at the perfect age for the whole character thing and I know it is a short-lived experience for them!

The cutest was when my then 5 year old DD asked us on her 1st trip to MK "Is that the FOR REAL Ariel?" It melts my heart!

 

[jenmack]

Hi Everyone
I would love to meet everyone on deck 10, but I too (along w/ family of course ) will probably be on deck 9. I know the kids will love being in the mix of everything. Dancing w/ the character's, bubbles... W'ere first time cruiser's you see. Although, away from a huge crowd. Sitting & relaxing & enjoying it from a afar seems enticing. I too am not much of a drinker, but the Bahama Mama's sound yummy. I already told my DH that I was definetly going to have a couple, few... of those. (probably a couple other umbrella drinks too).

-Jen

 

[skylynx]

Hi, Everyone

Sailaway at Deck 9 or 10? We took the kids on the Wonder for the first time last February-because they are 8 and 11 and I could see them perfectly, we reached the happy medium of letting them dance around in the mass of junior humanity on the Goofy pool while we watched blissfully, cocktails and camcorder in hand recording the festivities from Deck 10. There are stairs right there on both sides that you can get down to the dance area quickly if you needed to. Kids will probably want to be in the thick of it where the character stage is (mine did).

Carla...I've snorkeled at Eden Rock before. It is in the same harbor water the ships are anchored in, which gets VERY DEEP very quickly. Might be too far to walk-can't remember. I was there several years ago with my friends who were diving (I'm not scuba certified yet) and I was snorkeling. We had to leap into the water at a fairly rough water area with big rocks and surf (scary). The reefs are quite a strong swim out a ways, and I decided I'd had enough when two fish (giant tarpons) appeared out of nowhere and swam Too Close For Comfort. They aren't supposed to be a danger, but any fish bigger than me instantly earn my respect. In comparison, the water behind my friend's house at Cayman Kai (north shore) has tons of coral formations beginning at only fifty feet or so off the beach (depending on the tide). You can literally snorkel in chest deep water and stop, stand up, and rest when you get tired. Because their beachfront is part of a conch preserve, there are no conch or spear fishermen nearby and so LOTS of conch and impossibly colored tropical fishies and rock lobsters and sea fans and (ugh) barracuda. If I find out my friend won't be there and her house won't be rented, you're all invited to a fabulous shallow water snorkel excursion! In fact, if she is there, she might say bring a crowd anyway.

The first time I went with my friends to Cayman, they had just bought the house from THEIR friends, and we were going to "help paint". It was during the Batabanoo festival, which means something like "the time when the turtles crawl back to the sea". There was a big parade and lots of hangovers the next day. Not much painting got done. But we caught rock lobster and ate conch and had pina coladas made with fresh coconuts hacked down from the palms around the patio with a rusty old machete. Jimmy Buffett would approve.

It is around sixty degrees or less here in Chicagoland, and we've got a blaze going in the fireplace. I'm no fan of hot weather, so I actually am secretly pleased about the chill while everyone else is moaning!

Can't wait to meet you all...don't forget your black gloves, ladies. I'm already thinking what a great picture it would make with all the gloved ladies and Mickey in his tux.

 

[skylynx]

Ohhhh and by the way...the deck 10 crowd is involved in the festivities. If you are a spectator, you are one by choice, as there's always plenty of adrenaline-fueled dancing going on around the upper deck. My dad got my handsome new husband on the camcorder rocking out on Deck 10 all by his onesie. An instant family classic for our collection, right up there with the video of me falling off my horse.

 

[DudetteTwo]

Back from Virginia Beach. I went to the beach every day except for the day we went to Busch Gardens & the sun was out every single day. Now my punishment is that I have to work four 12 hour days in a row!

Sounds like a plan... Party on Deck 10 above the Goofy Pool - got it!

I am getting SOOOOOOOO excited. Are you all paid for?

Bonnie & Charley are coming Hope all the hurricaines are gone before October 23rd. Hope you all have a terrific week. Think of me working hard Toodles JEANNE

 

[Mom2Princesses]

Jenmack - Jen

I just realized that you also have a DD around my DD's age. (From Pamela's website)! Will you be utilizing the Club or is she going to be old enouch for the Lab? My other DD will be 4 at the time, so she may be with your DS in the Club, as well.

The only other person I saw with kids younger like ours is Pamela's DS, the soon-to-be-kindergartener (LOL!)

What are you bringing for your DD to wear for dressy nights? Mine (of course) want their Princess costumes and they have a million adorable sundresses. How many do you think we need to pack? I was thinking 5 or 6, but I have 2 girls -- so that is 12 dresses, plus casual stuff, shoes, and accessories!!!! I feel a lot of luggage tipping in my future!

I way overpack -- even when we camp which is like every weekend! I need to start visiting some of these awesome websites about packing light!

 

[jenmack]

Hi Nancy,

First off, I am so with you on the over packing. My mom, who has done DC's Magic 2x's keeps telling me to "pack light, pack light, pack light". But I can't! it's actually an ongoing joke in my family. Last summer coming home from Chicago (American Girl Place). It was just my daughter & I along w/ my friend & her daughter. Anyway, for only 4 days & packing for just my daughter & myself our suitcase weighed in over 50#'s on the return flight home. It doesn't matter how hard I try I end up taking everything but the kitchen sink. Anyway, about your ?'s...My DD won't be 8 til December so she will be in the club. I feel better that way anyway, because my DS(who will be 4 in December, too) will be in the club also. I'm puting my DS9 in the lab since he will be 10 a week after we return from the cruise. About the dresses. I am going to bring about 6 sundresses. My DD has a really pretty party dress that she will wear on formal night. She's alway's been into the princess (cindrella especially) but lately besides her ballet/tap she want's to do soccer, say's she's a tomboy therefore doesn't due princess' anymore, but @ the same time loves Lizzie Macquire. I think she's going thru a stage. She even say's she's getting to old for polly pocket's. ( I do catch her playing with them, though). We should definetly have our kid's meet. Are you going to put your DD"S in the club the 1st day/night? I am. I guess that way they make friends early on & I want them to enjoy the club/lab so then my DH & I can enjoy @ least a little time to ourselves. -Jen

 

[tarzanman]

I would have to say that BeanoC is not entirely wrong about me. I am a few of those things that he mentioned. After 3 Disney cruises with me, he should know me pretty well I suppose.

I would have to say that regardless of where you are standing around the Goofy pool, you can have a good time. Even on deck 9 some people choose to just stand around and not participate. Some kids parents are just lame that way. Why go on the cruise if you are not going to smile, cheer, dance and have a good time? Those people take up valuable deck space. On deck 10 there is usually more elbow room for dancing and you can of course watch the ship sail away.

To all of those new cruisers out there, I hope that you are getting all the info that you are looking for on the Dis. If not, post your stuff here and all of us crazy repeat cruisers (Me and DW will be on #7) will help you out. As far as the deck 9 deck 10 thing goes, little kids, unless they are in the front, may have a hard time seeing what is going on. They might like being above it all on deck 10. Just an idea.

Now is about the time to start looking for Lime green stuff if you are planning on getting anything. It is so hard to get stuff at the last minute. You might want to order something. It is not necessary but it helps to make you more identifiable as a DISer.

Well the countdown continues on. We are now less than 2.5 months away. I cannot wait to meet up with all our Cruisin' friends. Beano and I will be glued to our video cameras again as usual.

Can't wait to meet you all!

 

[Mom2Princesses]

It MUST be a phase, Jen! Take her to the Toy Store and show her the hotel/rollercoaster that came out a couple of weeks ago -- if she doesn't start begging take her directly to the pediatrician

My daughter is actually somewhat similar, although she loves her Bratz and Pollys, she equally enjoys the roughhousing and such. How nice that they will be in the same place. we will definitely have to introduce them to each other. I will absolutely be taking them to the club the first night, by that time we will need a break from each other! My oldest and I are, dare I say, very stubborn and we butt heads all the time!

I am going to start really looking into the packing light websites. It is also a joke at my house!

Does anyone know if capris are acceptable for dinner attire for ladies? I have some nicer dressy capris that I may even want to wear in the day on the ship if it is too cool.

Tarzanman -- I can vouch for you -- you may be most of the things that Beano called you, but by NO means are you BORDERLINE psychotic, you are not BORDERLINE ANYTHING, you are all the way!!!!! LOL! I sent Kamy a PM, congrats on your BIG Florida move! Keep in touch!

 

[BeanoC]

Hi everyone...Renee here

I don't know if anyone other than Kamgen and Tarzanman are in Bonnie and Charley's path, but I hope and pray that all are safe. Just talked to Kamgen and she is fine.
Out here in California its all sunny and warm. Supposed to be 103 today.
I keep counting the days until our cruise......Can't wait!!!!!

Happy day to all
Hugs and smiles, Renee

 

[pdarrah]

I have some family in the direct path of Charlie (or at least what they think is the path right now!), but they all say they are ready and will be fine.

Here near Chicago, it is COLD. It feels like October here! It has made it all the way up to 65 degrees so far today - we haven't seen the 70's since Monday. "Typical" temperatures should be around 85.

Nancy & Jen, I am hoping to introduce my pirate
to your princesses even though he is a little younger than they are. He is pretty advanced for his age and has been in school most of his life! He isn't really shy, but can take a few minutes to adjust to a new situation. If you don't mind, he has been asking to "send a message" to the other kids that are going on the cruise. (He sees me typing stuff here and has seen the photos online of other kids.) He'll dictate what he wants to say to me (he's a little advanced, but he's not really writing yet!) Should I post it here or send it as a PM?

I am leaning toward joining y'all on deck 10 for the sail-away. Darrah is small (only 41" tall) and he may see more from up there than down in a crowd. As long as he can dance and be involved, he'll be happy.

Pamela

 

[Mom2Princesses]

Pamela --

You can either post it or PM me, but I would like to print it out and give it to my girls, then they can have it in their hand, and respond, too!

Michigan is also cold, and we are leaving to camp in a few hours. Good friends of ours live in Florida, near Fort Myers but she is visiting her parents in Oregan right now. Her husband is stationed in Iraq. I am praying their home is okat through it all!

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[jenmack]

Hi Everyone,

Pamela, You can either post or pm me, too. We will definetly answer back. My DS 3 (almost 4) is also advanced. Well, socially that is. It's from being around his older sibling's & their friends. My DS 3's regular playmate is 6. He's alway's trying to do what the bigger kid's can. Scooter, swimming, bike riding.
Also, I think we are going to deck 10, too. Per Tarzanman, it's just as fun & if the kid's want to go down to deck 9 & get in the mix of everything it sounds like all they have to do is go down some stair's & "Voila!" They are @ the goofy pool & dancing w/ all the character's. By the way, thanks Tarzanman for the offer to answer any ?'s from the "1st time" cruiser's. Everyone has been so helpful & welcoming.

Nancy, We definetlyl need to introduce our DD's. We too are going to MK, But we haven't decided on which day yet. It's either Thursday, the 21st or Friday, the 22nd.
About the capri pant's. I have a couple nice/cute pairs too & i'm bringing mine to wear for the more casual night's.

Well, it's been pretty unseasonably chilly here in good ol' Minnesota. "Sweatshirt weather". It's now finally getting warmer, though.

My DH leaves for Naples, Italy this Saturday. Boy, am I going to miss him. He's a Navy Reservist & will be gone for 3 weeks. I just keep him in my thought's & prayer's along w/ other soldier's & their families. Although I don't know anyone in Florida personally, I pray they among other's in "Charlie's" path are safe.

 

[abitjaded]

Pamela, if you hear anything directly about the condition of Ft Myers, please PM me.

Carla

 

[DMoss3377]

Hi gang,

Just checking in. Been watching the olympics...most of favorites were on tonight.

Still on a job search but otherwise, doing well. My last wedding for the year is in a week. It should be a nice get away.

DH and I have been discussing what we're going to do on the cruise in the way of excursions. We're probably only going to do one or two at the most. Here's what we're interested in...we'd love any input from previous cruisers who may have already tried these.

Stingray City - Grand Cayman
7 mile Sail & Snorkel - Grand Cayman

Horseback riding - Cozumel
Tropical Jeep Safari - Cozumel
Fury Catamaran - Cozumel

Any info would be great!

See you all soon.
Hugs

 

[pdarrah]

Hi Everyone - here is the note that Darrah dictated for the girls on the cruise. Once he started he got a little tongue-tied! I mostly stuck with his phrasing except for his list of "I like to go on ..." at Disney World which was a lot shorter the way I typed it!

Pamela

---------------

My name is Darrah. I am really excited to go on the mickey cruise with Melinda, Chloe & Haleigh!

I am 5 years old and I like Minnie & Mickey I am going to bring my pirate costume on the boat.

And ... I am running out of things to say! At Mickey's world I like to visit Mickey at his "building". I also like Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Dumbo, Test Track, and Small World.

That's all.

Darrah

 

[jenmack]

Hi Darrah, my name is Haleigh and I am 7 years old. I'm looking foreward to the Disney World too. When I go to Magic Kingdom I hope I see Mickey mouse and Minnie Mouse. Ummm, are you going to stingray city? Because, I'm going to stingray city. What room is your's on the Disney Cruise? Well, goodbye Darrah.

-Haleigh