Sept. 11, 2011 It's never too early to Dream

[ragdoll]

Oh I'm so excited to see such a big group being so social. I had to just make the call to change our ressies from 5/15/11 to 9/11/11. I was sad that we have to wait longer but I think it's a good choice for us anyway. I will go back and catch up with who is who when I am done introducing my family.

We have 3 cabins 10A-7501- Me (Michele) and DH (Tyson)
11B-7517 DD (Brittany) her BF(Nate) and her son DGS(Tristen)
11C-GTY DD (Katy) and her BF (Chason)

My DH and have taken the girls on a DCL in May 06 and then DDKaty and I went on one with some friends Nov 08.
We are so looking forward to going on the Dream and seeing it through our DGS eyes. We all live in Vegas and will fly in the day before and hope to get a great rate at the Hyatt.

Welcome! You have joined a very friendly group! So you are from Vegas. If you go back just one page you will see what I think of Vegas...well, the Vegas strip. Let's just say that I would much rather be on DCL or at WDW.

Donna

 

[pixidustmom]

We are heading to scenic Fort Benning, GA.

At least we are closer to WDW, right? Where are you in North GA?



Sounds like you guys will have a fun family trip.

Is the Hyatt in Port Canaveral or are you talking about the one at MCO? We need to book a room in PC the nite before our first cruise.

Any word on whether or not we can use Fish Extenders on the Dream? I need to find a new one.

yes the MCO. We stayed last time and it was so nice as we will arrive late and just being able to go up stairs to our room will make it much easier. We will have a driver take us either in the limo or whatever they end up sending. We found it was cheaper doing that than using the bus. Plus we can stop for our drinks

WELCOME PIXIDUSTMOM!!


(There David, I think I finally posted that awesome flashing WELCOME graphic, before you did THIS TIME!) LOL

Seriously, welcome Pixidustmom, it's great to see this thread growing. How old is your Grandson going to be on this cruise? My youngest, Tim, will have just turned 8 a month and a half earlier. WOW, can't believe he'll be 8! He turns 7 next month, my baby is growing SO FAST!!

I've lost track of how many people are on this thread now!
Excursions in Nassau? Hmmmm, Originally I wasn't even going to get off this time in Nassau, BUT we are surprising my mom and her BF with this cruise, and as THEY have never been, I thought it might be fun to head over to Paradise Island. I think there is a Beach excrusion over there, or over near where Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounters are. I saw someones photos of that excursion on the boards not too long ago, and it looked just amazing, and so relaxing. But I'll let my mom and her BF decided what they want to do, and we'll just go along with it. This will be gifted to them this Christmas!

We are cruising this fall as well, a 7 night Western Caribbean, our first time on the Magic. We've previously cruised twice on the Wonder, 4nights combined wth WDW.

This fall and next fall will be our first family vacations without our two oldest kids, who are currently 17 and turning 19 next month. Going from a family of 6 down to a family of 4 sure does make a lot of things much more affordable (at least thats what I keep telling myself when I have a mom moment of sadness at thinking of them leaving home! College bound)

I can't wait to meet you all on board!

Tristen will be turning 3 on Sept 24 just after the cruise. So we are going to celebrate a week early.

Thanks for the welcome

 

[tjbaggott]

So pixidustmom is planning on staying at the Hyatt, clarabellcowfan is planning on staying near the Port, does anyone else know a this point where they'll be staying the night before?

I think we'll be flying down this time, (we drove last time and will be this fall too). So flying down will be new to us, and then deciding to hire a car service or rent a car and where to stay......... Lots of time to decide though. Does anyone know how far in advance most airlines release their dates? I'm assuming they, like cruise lines, have the lowest prices when first released?

As for FE'S, I was going to ask if anyone here was interested in doing that. I'm pretty sure the Dream will have some kind of hook outside the staterooms. I made my own, and I've made one already for another diser and am in the process of making one for someone on our upcoming Halloween cruise. So if you'd like some help with one Clarabellecowfan, pm me and we can talk about that.

If anyone else is interested in participating in an FE Gift exchange, let us know. If anyone is interested in ORGANIZING one, speak up! I'd love to participate in one on this cruise!
We did for the first time last fall on our 4night wonder. We had just 10 families and it was SO much fun! Our Magic cruise has a lot more people, so that will take some figuring out, how to pack all that stuff, but will be fun non the less.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

yes the MCO. We stayed last time and it was so nice as we will arrive late and just being able to go up stairs to our room will make it much easier. We will have a driver take us either in the limo or whatever they end up sending. We found it was cheaper doing that than using the bus. Plus we can stop for our drinks


Tristen will be turning 3 on Sept 24 just after the cruise. So we are going to celebrate a week early.

Thanks for the welcome

I have always wanted to stay at that Hyatt. I have heard great things about it!

We cruised in 2002 when my DD was a week before her 3rd birthday - such a fun age! My youngest DS will be 4 when we cruise on the Dream.

So pixidustmom is planning on staying at the Hyatt, clarabellcowfan is planning on staying near the Port, does anyone else know a this point where they'll be staying the night before?

I think we'll be flying down this time, (we drove last time and will be this fall too). So flying down will be new to us, and then deciding to hire a car service or rent a car and where to stay......... Lots of time to decide though. Does anyone know how far in advance most airlines release their dates? I'm assuming they, like cruise lines, have the lowest prices when first released?

As for FE'S, I was going to ask if anyone here was interested in doing that. I'm pretty sure the Dream will have some kind of hook outside the staterooms. I made my own, and I've made one already for another diser and am in the process of making one for someone on our upcoming Halloween cruise. So if you'd like some help with one Clarabellecowfan, pm me and we can talk about that.

If anyone else is interested in participating in an FE Gift exchange, let us know. If anyone is interested in ORGANIZING one, speak up! I'd love to participate in one on this cruise!
We did for the first time last fall on our 4night wonder. We had just 10 families and it was SO much fun! Our Magic cruise has a lot more people, so that will take some figuring out, how to pack all that stuff, but will be fun non the less.

Absolutely would love to participate in the FE exchange. Sounds fun!

Our travel party will be:

DH, Me, DD17, DD12 (will turn 13 the week after we cruise), DS4, my BFF (the Godmother to my kiddos) and her friend. We have a Cat 4D on deck 6 and my friend has a Cat 8A (2 large portholes room!) on deck 5. DD17 will be in the room with her Godmother.

I need to spend some time on insuremytrip.com and purchase our trip insurance ASAP. DH is active duty Army so there is always a chance his plans will change at the last minute.

 

[davidls]

Oh I'm so excited to see such a big group being so social. I had to just make the call to change our ressies from 5/15/11 to 9/11/11. I was sad that we have to wait longer but I think it's a good choice for us anyway. I will go back and catch up with who is who when I am done introducing my family.

We have 3 cabins 10A-7501- Me (Michele) and DH (Tyson)
11B-7517 DD (Brittany) her BF(Nate) and her son DGS(Tristen)
11C-GTY DD (Katy) and her BF (Chason)

My DH and have taken the girls on a DCL in May 06 and then DDKaty and I went on one with some friends Nov 08.
We are so looking forward to going on the Dream and seeing it through our DGS eyes. We all live in Vegas and will fly in the day before and hope to get a great rate at the Hyatt.

Ok, Ok, Ok, Judy beat me to the Welcome sign, so Michele, (you gots to watch me I some times mix up everyone's name), so let me be the second or is it the third one to say no,no,no,no,no,no, that ain't right
pixiedustmom & family We are glad you and your family are joining us.
A few of us on here Michele are doing a back2back. We are doing the 4 day first then following up right after with the 3 day. Just imagine 1 full week on board the new Disney Dream!!!

Judy, can't help you with the airfare portion of your trip. We drive over to the port from home. We just live on the other side of FL. But, we will be staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort the night before we sail. We like to drive over to WDW the day before, stay at the Caribbean Beach, that way we get about half of our drive behind us the day before. then we get up early, eat breakfast and head on over to the port.

Well, got to go and do my exercising over with. It's pure torture I tell ya, pure torture!!!! Everyone have a great evening!!!

 

[tjbaggott]

David, this ones for you! I found my missing debit card today, under my keyboard hmmmmmmm that wouldn't have been too hard to find If only I had lifted the keyboard UP!

And oh, yes, I remember where you live! All that talk about the grass ect......
We'll decide on travel plans after the Reveal at Christmas time. We are going to take my mom and her BF out for dinner to discuss the travel plans. Found a GREAT buffet restaurant over the border in Quebec called "Le Buffet Des Continents" DH and the boys and I went last weekend. Funny thing was, there didn't seem to be any Quebecers there! LOL, all license plates were from Ontario. THe prices were fabulous, and kids eat free every day except Saturday because on Saturdays, Everyone eats 1/2 price. But what was neat was they had the place decorated in sections, to represent each part of the world that their food represents. The buffet was HUGE, and the Cuisine, delightful. They had a full sea food buffet (yuck, I hate, have psychological allergy to all fish and Seafood), along with chinese, mediteranian, asian, french, Canadian, Greek and more Cuisine! All you can eat of course.
So we'll take mom and her BF there. Her BF, a retired police officer, I think has traveled more than we have, so he'd know more about what airline, where, ect.... (at least I'm hoping so). I'm really liking the idea of staying at the Hyatt too as yes, heard lots of good things about that. AND I think thats a fabulous idea about flying in late, going straight to the hotel and have someone drive us to the port the next day. Seems much less harried than renting a car, driving to Cape Canaveral right after a LONG flight (well it will be long for us, as we'll have to drive 3 or 4 hours to a U.S. airport)

 

[pixidustmom]

Welcome! You have joined a very friendly group! So you are from Vegas. If you go back just one page you will see what I think of Vegas...well, the Vegas strip. Let's just say that I would much rather be on DCL or at WDW.

Donna

OK I am all caught up. Um ya I stay far away from the strip. Even when company comes I do my best to stay away. My oldest DD works at the CVS on the Strip. She sees all kinds of people.

So pixidustmom is planning on staying at the Hyatt, clarabellcowfan is planning on staying near the Port, does anyone else know a this point where they'll be staying the night before?

I think we'll be flying down this time, (we drove last time and will be this fall too). So flying down will be new to us, and then deciding to hire a car service or rent a car and where to stay......... Lots of time to decide though. Does anyone know how far in advance most airlines release their dates? I'm assuming they, like cruise lines, have the lowest prices when first released?

As for FE'S, I was going to ask if anyone here was interested in doing that. I'm pretty sure the Dream will have some kind of hook outside the staterooms. I made my own, and I've made one already for another diser and am in the process of making one for someone on our upcoming Halloween cruise. So if you'd like some help with one Clarabellecowfan, pm me and we can talk about that.

If anyone else is interested in participating in an FE Gift exchange, let us know. If anyone is interested in ORGANIZING one, speak up! I'd love to participate in one on this cruise!
We did for the first time last fall on our 4night wonder. We had just 10 families and it was SO much fun! Our Magic cruise has a lot more people, so that will take some figuring out, how to pack all that stuff, but will be fun non the less.

Yes, I want to do FE again too. It's fun to see all the doors and FE's hanging

Ok, Ok, Ok, Judy beat me to the Welcome sign, so Michele, (you gots to watch me I some times mix up everyone's name), so let me be the second or is it the third one to say no,no,no,no,no,no, that ain't right
pixiedustmom & family We are glad you and your family are joining us.
A few of us on here Michele are doing a back2back. We are doing the 4 day first then following up right after with the 3 day. Just imagine 1 full week on board the new Disney Dream!!!

Judy, can't help you with the airfare portion of your trip. We drive over to the port from home. We just live on the other side of FL. But, we will be staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort the night before we sail. We like to drive over to WDW the day before, stay at the Caribbean Beach, that way we get about half of our drive behind us the day before. then we get up early, eat breakfast and head on over to the port.

Well, got to go and do my exercising over with. It's pure torture I tell ya, pure torture!!!! Everyone have a great evening!!!

Thanks, and um ya I see lots doing a B2B but that isn't going to happen for us. Most of them have to get back to work and class. I don't (at least I don't now) younest DD and my DGS and I may hit up WDW when we get off and the rest can come back to reality. I'll see what specials will be going on then, and decide if we will or not as time gets closer.

Oh I saw someone talk about Allegent airlines. I wish we could fly from here to there. They have two hubs and one is here and the other if FL. But they don't fly to each. My aunt works with them and Nate's mom does. We could totally fly free too but it just doesn't work for us. They are a bareness ride. Buy your drinks and snacks. No free stuff there. But for the price who cares.

 

[Beezymouse]

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking on this meet page for ages and ages and finally bit the bullet and decided to post....

So hello from sunny Scotland.

There will be just me (34 at sail time) and my husabnd (37 at sail time). This will be our first cruise ever, tho we've been to WDW many times, just a pity it's too far away to go more often.

I've enjoyed reading all the previous post, they've kept me amused during the cold, damp, snowing winter months.

 

[davidls]

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking on this meet page for ages and ages and finally bit the bullet and decided to post....

So hello from sunny Scotland.

There will be just me (34 at sail time) and my husabnd (37 at sail time). This will be our first cruise ever, tho we've been to WDW many times, just a pity it's too far away to go more often.

I've enjoyed reading all the previous post, they've kept me amused during the cold, damp, snowing winter months.

Beezymouse we are glad you and your DH are joining us!!! I think you will find us a fun bunch. Scotland huh, DW and I have never been there, but we have talked about visiting many times. One of these days we'll make it over your way for a visit. Are you and your DH doing a back2back like a few of us on here are doing? Or are you combining a cruise with a visit to WDW? Either way, you are going to have a great time. Have you seen the pictures of the final blocks going into place on the Dream? A couple of posts back you will find a link to see the pictures. The Dream is going to be one beautiful ship!!! It says now they can start to concentrate on working on the inside of the ship.
Well again Beezymouse. I took a short break from my lawn mowing, now it's back out there in the blistering heat. It was 83 degrees this morning when we got up at 6:00am. High of arounf 91, I believe they said. Hope we get some more rain this afternoon!!! Talk to ya'll soon!!!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking on this meet page for ages and ages and finally bit the bullet and decided to post....

So hello from sunny Scotland.

There will be just me (34 at sail time) and my husabnd (37 at sail time). This will be our first cruise ever, tho we've been to WDW many times, just a pity it's too far away to go more often.

I've enjoyed reading all the previous post, they've kept me amused during the cold, damp, snowing winter months.

Welcome, Beezymouse!

Like davidls, we have always wanted to visit Scotland too. DH and I were talking the other night about visiting the area. My brother is in London and my sister is in Belgium so a European adventure is definitely high on our agenda.

Welcome aboard.

 

[tjbaggott]

YES, WELCOME beezymouse!
How awesome to have a couple all the way from Scottland to come cruise with us!

OH yes, the final block on the Dream! I saw some fabulous photos of that. The Captain Mickey on the BOW, I NEED a photo of that to update my graphics file! One graphic I do is an Invitation by Mickey. There is a photo of the ship, head on, in the back ground, and Mickey standing in the parking lot at a port in front of the ship holding open a scroll and then there is text on the scroll to invite who ever onto what ever when ever! I've been able to adjust the Ships BOW graphic to be either the Wonder or the Magic, but now I need one for the dream. The photos posted that showed a FABULOUS close up of the Capt. Mickey on the BOW, is not a head on photo, it's taken on a bit of an angle, so it won't work for my graphic. I'm hoping that someone cruising in the months before us, will be able to take a head on photo and post it on the boards, or on the web. It's all getting more and more exicting! It's really kind of amazing how all those blocks of the ship are put together! Reminds me of my kids playing with lego!

 

[davidls]

David, this ones for you! I found my missing debit card today, under my keyboard hmmmmmmm that wouldn't have been too hard to find If only I had lifted the keyboard UP!

And oh, yes, I remember where you live! All that talk about the grass ect......
We'll decide on travel plans after the Reveal at Christmas time. We are going to take my mom and her BF out for dinner to discuss the travel plans. Found a GREAT buffet restaurant over the border in Quebec called "Le Buffet Des Continents" DH and the boys and I went last weekend. Funny thing was, there didn't seem to be any Quebecers there! LOL, all license plates were from Ontario. THe prices were fabulous, and kids eat free every day except Saturday because on Saturdays, Everyone eats 1/2 price. But what was neat was they had the place decorated in sections, to represent each part of the world that their food represents. The buffet was HUGE, and the Cuisine, delightful. They had a full sea food buffet (yuck, I hate, have psychological allergy to all fish and Seafood), along with chinese, mediteranian, asian, french, Canadian, Greek and more Cuisine! All you can eat of course.
So we'll take mom and her BF there. Her BF, a retired police officer, I think has traveled more than we have, so he'd know more about what airline, where, ect.... (at least I'm hoping so). I'm really liking the idea of staying at the Hyatt too as yes, heard lots of good things about that. AND I think thats a fabulous idea about flying in late, going straight to the hotel and have someone drive us to the port the next day. Seems much less harried than renting a car, driving to Cape Canaveral right after a LONG flight (well it will be long for us, as we'll have to drive 3 or 4 hours to a U.S. airport)

So, Judy you found your debit card under the keyboard!!! Good for you, you found it. All kinds of horrorfying things were going thru my mind when I thought I had lost our credit card. I thought of someone running up a large bill. Scared me to death!!!

Well, it's another hot one here today. Again it was 83 degrees when we got up, high of 92 today. Small chance of rain. I guess it must be a pool day today!!!!

Hope everyone has a great Sunday!!

 

[tjbaggott]

It is a GOOD Sunday, even though it's Raining cats and dogs here. Our Grass can really use it! I've been busy all weekend so far booking our excrusion plans for this falls Magic Cruise (Never been to the Caribbean, So this is Truly exciting and fun to be doing!), and working on my homemade FE gifts for the same trip. Next, on the list is to Clean out the Garage, so I can move all the Garage Sale stuff from my dining room, into the Garage. Doesn't look so good in the dining room! Our Children's Hospital fundrasier Garage Sale isn't until the end of September, and there is NO WAY that stuff is going to stay in my dining room till then!
The only down side, is that the garage cleaning and organizing, alone is a huge job, and it's raining outside. But DH is up for that part of it, thank Goodness. So there's my weekend all planned out!
Have a good one everyone!

 

[Beezymouse]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Me and Dh are just doing the 4 night, although I may have a wee look and see what the prices are like to do back to back. The plan originally was to do 2 weeks at wdw and universal then do the cruise, but I love the idea of doing a back to back. it'll depend on flight schedules, Icelandic volcanoes (hopefully the thing will've stopped erupting by then, or I'll be rowing myself accross to Florida (lol) and if we can get more that 2 weeks off.

All in all I can't wait.

Oh, and so much for the glorious Scottish sunnshine which lasted untill about 4 o'clock yesterday, then it rained, then we had an overnight frost. It's true what they say , Scotland is the only country in the world where you can get four seasons in one day. lol

 

[tjbaggott]

OH gotta love that Scotland weather!!
The icelandic Volcano is still causing trouble? I guess it just isn't in the news as much anymore.

Does anyone know the name of the Beach Excursion in Nassau, that takes you over to near where the Blue Lagoon Dophins place is? I want to check it out as an option for my mom and her BF and us, but can't think of the name of it.

On my other board for our 2010 Magic Cruise, We've been busy booking group excursions outside of DCL. Looks like we'll have a Captain Marvins Boat and all of Nachi Cocom all to ourselves! Big group we are!

Other than a possible Beach excursion in Nassau, I think the rest of the crusise time will be about relaxing, taking everything in without rushing off to do excursions. Oh and I plan on spending a LOT of time on that AquaDuck!

What are you all MOST looking forward to on our cruise?

 

[ragdoll]

Welcome Beezymouse!

TJ, I started to write about what I was most looking forward to and couldn't do it. I can't pick just one or two things. I guess I am just looking forward to EVERYTHING!

Donna

 

[UGAFan0829]

We are heading to scenic Fort Benning, GA.

At least we are closer to WDW, right? Where are you in North GA?

Yep, Clarabelle, you will definitely be closer to WDW!! I kinda wondered if Ft. Benning would be the place after I saw your siggie.

We are actually just a little north of Atlanta...about 30-45 minutes from there, and about 30 minutes from Athens.

Oh I'm so excited to see such a big group being so social. I had to just make the call to change our ressies from 5/15/11 to 9/11/11. I was sad that we have to wait longer but I think it's a good choice for us anyway.

Welcome, pixidustmom! We're glad to have you as part of our group. I bet changing those dates was hard, but you'll have a blast with us! You won't be the only one who's not doing a back-to-back, as we aren't either...sure wish we could though!

So pixidustmom is planning on staying at the Hyatt, clarabellcowfan is planning on staying near the Port, does anyone else know a this point where they'll be staying the night before?

Since there is so many of us, at this point, we're thinking of staying in WDW the night before. My DH and I talked to my DSIL about getting a 2BR at one of the DVC resorts so that we can all stay together and save a little $. Not to mention, none of them have ever been to Disney before, and I think they would enjoy seeing a little of it. We're going to try and spend some time in Downtown Disney the night before. At least that's the plan as of now! We all know how things can change!

Last year when it was just the DH and I and the DSIL and DNiece, we stayed at the Country Inn near the port and really liked it!

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking on this meet page for ages and ages and finally bit the bullet and decided to post....

So hello from sunny Scotland.

There will be just me (34 at sail time) and my husabnd (37 at sail time). This will be our first cruise ever, tho we've been to WDW many times, just a pity it's too far away to go more often.

I've enjoyed reading all the previous post, they've kept me amused during the cold, damp, snowing winter months.

Welcome, Beezymouse! I'm glad to know that our crew won't be the only ones cruising without little ones! How exciting that this will be your 1st cruise...I think you will love it!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Oh and I plan on spending a LOT of time on that AquaDuck!

What are you all MOST looking forward to on our cruise?

Judy, I am right there with you on this one...I CAN'T wait for the AquaDuck! I was so excited when I heard that DCL was finally adding a slide for the adults!!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Judy, I am right there with you on this one...I CAN'T wait for the AquaDuck! I was so excited when I heard that DCL was finally adding a slide for the adults!!

My DH is SO excited about this too. When we were looking at the pix of the Dream in port he was quite dismayed that he couldn't see pix of the AquaDuck yet!

Do we have any idea about theme nites yet? I hope there is at least a formal nite - any excuse to see DH in his Dress Blues.

DD16 is excited about shopping for the cruise. 2 cruises and 2 formal nights will of course mean 2 completely different outfits.

DD11 still can't believe we are going on 2 cruises. I think the best moment of the trip for her will be getting BACK on the Dream for the 2nd part of the trip.

DD3 keeps watching the Disney Cruise DVD and loves watching the characters. I'm pretty sure that will be the best part for him

I really want to do a couples massage on Castaway Cay. Hoping for good weather!

 

[davidls]

OH gotta love that Scotland weather!!
The icelandic Volcano is still causing trouble? I guess it just isn't in the news as much anymore.

Does anyone know the name of the Beach Excursion in Nassau, that takes you over to near where the Blue Lagoon Dophins place is? I want to check it out as an option for my mom and her BF and us, but can't think of the name of it.

On my other board for our 2010 Magic Cruise, We've been busy booking group excursions outside of DCL. Looks like we'll have a Captain Marvins Boat and all of Nachi Cocom all to ourselves! Big group we are!

Other than a possible Beach excursion in Nassau, I think the rest of the crusise time will be about relaxing, taking everything in without rushing off to do excursions. Oh and I plan on spending a LOT of time on that AquaDuck!

What are you all MOST looking forward to on our cruise?

Sorry Judy, I don't know the name of the beach excursion in Nassau either. The last time we were there we did the Atlantis tour. It was interesting. DW and I enjoy learning of some of the history of the island, and doing some site seeing of the town. We'll probably do that, and as you said Judy relax and enjoy the Dream!!! I'll be in line everytime you are for a ride on the AquaDuck!!!!

I'll bet you are excited about your up coming cruise this fall. It's on the Magic right? Which one are you doing the Eastern or Western? I'm sure you probably said, but you gots to remember...............you're talking to ol' name mixer upper here!!!!

Well ya'll have a great evening. Talk to you again soon.