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

I am sure that we can get a CM to take it.

That is great that your boys are coming home today! :goodvibes Where in Canada do you live?

We live in the Nations Capital, OTTAWA. Though the end I live in is called Kanata (something to do with the way the Indians back in the day pronounced Canada).

We are under a heat wave this week, very hot and VERY HUMID. Today is to be the worst yet. Currently it's 77 out and it's supposed to climb to 97 as the High for today :scared1: I don't mind the heat, but the humidity really gets to me. The air is hot and heavy to breathe. Saturday we are having Tim's Birthday Party and Cruise Reveal. We are going to the Beach near here, and it's so far expected to be 88 that day. I do love summer much better than winter, but I'm also very thankful right now for air conditioning :thumbsup2 Have you ever been to Canada?
 
We live in the Nations Capital, OTTAWA. Though the end I live in is called Kanata (something to do with the way the Indians back in the day pronounced Canada).

We are under a heat wave this week, very hot and VERY HUMID. Today is to be the worst yet. Currently it's 77 out and it's supposed to climb to 97 as the High for today :scared1: I don't mind the heat, but the humidity really gets to me. The air is hot and heavy to breathe. Saturday we are having Tim's Birthday Party and Cruise Reveal. We are going to the Beach near here, and it's so far expected to be 88 that day. I do love summer much better than winter, but I'm also very thankful right now for air conditioning :thumbsup2 Have you ever been to Canada?

I bet you are excited about the cruise reveal!

Yes, I have been to Canada. We used to live in Detroit so I have been to Windsor, ON many times. I have been to Niagra Falls, Toronto (in January), and Stratford many times. I really want to go to Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, and Prince Edward Island. I am thinking about maybe the Canadian cruise next year. I really like Canada, especially since I have a little bit of an accent! :lmao:
 
I bet you are excited about the cruise reveal!

Yes, I have been to Canada. We used to live in Detroit so I have been to Windsor, ON many times. I have been to Niagra Falls, Toronto (in January), and Stratford many times. I really want to go to Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, and Prince Edward Island. I am thinking about maybe the Canadian cruise next year. I really like Canada, especially since I have a little bit of an accent! :lmao:

Have you been to the Stratford Festival? I personally haven't travelled much in Canada. We live so close to the Quebec boarder so we have been there frequently. I love going up the old MacKenzie King Estate in the spring and fall, and the lookouts up in the Gatineau Mountains. (Nothing like Whistler I'm sure :) ) My DH wants to go to Calgary at some point to see the Calgary Stampede (and I have a brother there who I haven't seen since I was 12 and a sister whom I have NEVER seen, but chat with every now and then on facebook ). So other than those two draws I have no interest in travelling west, I would rather, MUCH rather, go south! THATS my idea of a vacation! :thumbsup2 Prince Edward Island is Beautiful!! That would be awesome in the summer time too. My mom is due back today or tomorrow from her drive across Canada (West) with her Fiance. They drove all the way to BC, then went south into Washington State, headed East across the U.S, then turned North again to head up to Sue St. Marie and heading home from there. I can't wait to see her pictures :thumbsup2
 
Have you been to the Stratford Festival? I personally haven't travelled much in Canada. We live so close to the Quebec boarder so we have been there frequently. I love going up the old MacKenzie King Estate in the spring and fall, and the lookouts up in the Gatineau Mountains. (Nothing like Whistler I'm sure :) ) My DH wants to go to Calgary at some point to see the Calgary Stampede (and I have a brother there who I haven't seen since I was 12 and a sister whom I have NEVER seen, but chat with every now and then on facebook ). So other than those two draws I have no interest in travelling west, I would rather, MUCH rather, go south! THATS my idea of a vacation! :thumbsup2 Prince Edward Island is Beautiful!! That would be awesome in the summer time too. My mom is due back today or tomorrow from her drive across Canada (West) with her Fiance. They drove all the way to BC, then went south into Washington State, headed East across the U.S, then turned North again to head up to Sue St. Marie and heading home from there. I can't wait to see her pictures :thumbsup2

I have been to the Stratford Festival many times. I wanted to go this year, but because of the cruise and the prior trip to WDW in May we just didn't have the time. The last time we came back from Canada (2 years) ago we had a hard time getting back into the states.

I really want to do Prince Edward Island because of Anne of Green Gables. Your mom's trip sounds amazing. I have heard about the Calgary Stampeded, that would be really neat to see.
 

I have been to the Stratford Festival many times. I wanted to go this year, but because of the cruise and the prior trip to WDW in May we just didn't have the time. The last time we came back from Canada (2 years) ago we had a hard time getting back into the states.

I really want to do Prince Edward Island because of Anne of Green Gables. Your mom's trip sounds amazing. I have heard about the Calgary Stampeded, that would be really neat to see.

What was the hard time? Lengthy lineups? I have heard of lineups that delay you for hours, but have never experienced that myself. We usually cross at Ogdensburg, a small town with viturally nothing to attract people, so not a popular crossing for those of us going South. I would love to cross at the Thousand Islands Crossing where you cross right onto the I-81, but Dh likes to get into the U.S. as soon as possible, which means Ogdensburg (it's about a 40 minute drive from here).
 
What was the hard time? Lengthy lineups? I have heard of lineups that delay you for hours, but have never experienced that myself. We usually cross at Ogdensburg, a small town with viturally nothing to attract people, so not a popular crossing for those of us going South. I would love to cross at the Thousand Islands Crossing where you cross right onto the I-81, but Dh likes to get into the U.S. as soon as possible, which means Ogdensburg (it's about a 40 minute drive from here).

We used our passports before it was the law. Well we have a common last name and my DH has a really common first name. That is why we got stopped. We were in customs for 2 hours. The customs officials thought it was funny. I thought it was stupid. They even had the drug sniffing dogs in my car and they were pulling up the floor boards.
 
We used our passports before it was the law. Well we have a common last name and my DH has a really common first name. That is why we got stopped. We were in customs for 2 hours. The customs officials thought it was funny. I thought it was stupid. They even had the drug sniffing dogs in my car and they were pulling up the floor boards.

Oh my!!! I wouldn't think that was funny (maybe in retrospect but definately not at the time).
When we drove through last fall and then back again, I noted how unfriendly the U.S. boarder guards were along with the fact that they carry guns, and how opposite that was of the Canadian Boarder guards. My mother commented after crossing that time, on the female boarder guard "wow, she has absolutely no personality". But I assured my mom, they aren't there to be our friends. They have a job to do, and coming across as "Friendly" might not accomplish that.
I hope you find that was a once in a lifetime type incident at the boarder. :thumbsup2
 
OK...so here's what I've got so far, thanks to all of you

UPDATED June 6/2011 And more!!!

1) Deck 7 - quiet little spot....
....and stairs in the hallway up to BBB Deck 8

2) Bubba kegs are ok - just fill with the cups by the Deck 9 station, not directly into the BK...
....and Bubba Kegs are great to pack breakables in for the trip home!

3) Diversions is a lovely late afternoon, well, diversion

4) Photo mattes, can add a "Wonder" sticker, sticky note for photo orientation, ziplock bag with sharpies in all colours, or black, drop off first thing...
....One item per person from each stateroom is ok - 4 people in your stateroom, you can drop off 4 items

5) Same with pillowcases - prewash, markers, labeled, drop off early...
....One item per person from each stateroom is ok - 4 people in your stateroom, you can drop off 4 items

6) Lots of treats, yummies, phone cards, for our fabulous CMs and Youth Acitivities CMs....
....pre-packaged treats/snacks only, sadly, no homemade allowed onboard...
....Phone cards for Afirca, Europe, Australia, Carribbean - most are for North America/Mexico - please check before you buy
....cash gets put into pot for CM events, not for individuals
....no gifts for CMs unless you ask them - no room in their rooms, and they're not supposed to accept anyway

7) Fish extenders...too cute!!...
....gradysmommy on EBAY,
....Stitches N' Bows on ETSY,
....StitchesAPlenty on ETSY,
....ilvdisney2008 on ETSY

8) Shower/shave for DH at the locker room - he will so appreciate that. He wasn't really thrilled about the cruise room size shower situation

9) MAgnets ONLY for the doors, no tape, poster stick, zip, nada...
...personalization means less likely they will grow legs and leave your door

10)Clothespins!...
....for closing cutains on OV staterooms, hanging swimsuits in bathroom

11)Travel clock...
....something that lights up - the wheel clock doesn't illuminate at night
....IPOD Home docks are now on the Dream, and perhaps Magic and Wonder??

12)TV on bridge view or basketball court at night, muted, sign comes up, inside cabin gets lighter...
....no need to mute...
....Bridgecam has been observed as being changed to a starry night scene

13)Drink O' the day from the bar, not the waiter traveling around...fresher

14)Power bar...
....extension cord

15)No need to bring books or magazines/can borrow from the Cove...
....but if you do, please leave them for the CMs onboard

16)Mickey Bars are room service available! Woohoo!...
....Ask your Room Steward for fresh ice every day...
....Cookies can be warm, if you ask
....USD in small bills for tipping - room service food is included, a gratuity is always appreciated

17)Bring on a Box of wine in our carryon...
....Ask your Room Steward for a glass to keep in your room

18)Bring day bag/carryon with swimsuits and FE, etc...
....carry-ons stay with you until you check into your stateroom - there isn't anwhere else to store it while you wait to get into your stateroom, you must keep it with you

19)Small USD bills

20)Flashlight

21)Grungy undies, and toss 'em!! LOL!

22)Wine, beer, tequila, champagne tastings, mixology class
Sign up as soon as you are onboard. Guest Services will have the schedule for the week available, so you don't have to wait to see the Navigators. You pay at time of booking, get your tickets, and no worries about tastings being full.

23)"Tea" with Princesses, Alice...whatever it happens to be called that week.
Sign up with Guest Services on boarding.

24)Use the drink cups at the soft serve station for ice cream instead of the little icecream bowls. Chocolate sace is at the end of the station. Also makes great floats, add sauce, and perhaps, ask for a cherry from the bar for sundaes.

25)Shuffleboard!!
On Deck 4 - have fun!!

26)Food/Dining/Anything
Just ask
Don't want an appetizer? - ok. Would like to try 2 entrees? - just ask (but be prepared to be stuffed silly) Want steak and french fries every night? Ask. Missed your early seating because the kids (or you) were napping...just ask if you can do second seating...worst that can happen is the answer is no, and you have to "suffer" room service

27)Clear Shoe Hanger
Great for hanging on the inside/outside of the stateroom bathroom door, keeping toiletries neat, tidy and handy!

28)Collapsible laundry basket - great for just about anything, including laundry!

29)Address labels for luggage on debarkation night
Save the Disney luggage labels for scrapbooking, and use your own that you've pre-printed from home

30)Skip the elevator lines, and take the stairs!!
Burn some calories, and see the ship

31)Printed Voyage Maps...??
If available, you could ask the Captain to sign

32)Recipes are available on the CC website under downloads, or you can ask your server while onboard

33)Coffee on Last Morning
Order room service 10:30 or so the night before debarkation.
Comes in a thermal carafe, and will still be hot at 7am


I know I missed some great tips, but will reread for more!! Thanks everyone!!
 
Today's THE DAY of the BIG REVEAL to my son!!!! Everything is all set. I just have to get ready myself, then go pick up the cake, a pinata and treats to put in that, then bury the treasure at the park. I'm bursting with so much excitement, I'm ready to tell him NOW!!!! OHHHHHHH to make it even more GREAT, I was downloading all the video off my video camera so I don't have to worry about room to record today's events. Well ALL that video was from our MAGIC cruise last fall. So Tim and I were watching some of those video clips (mostly Castaway Cay), and he was saying "Ohhhhh, I want to go back there NOW"!!
It shall be very interesting to see how he reacts to the news of this cruise!! I'll be posting THAT video on the face book page :)
 
Today's THE DAY of the BIG REVEAL to my son!!!! Everything is all set. I just have to get ready myself, then go pick up the cake, a pinata and treats to put in that, then bury the treasure at the park. I'm bursting with so much excitement, I'm ready to tell him NOW!!!! OHHHHHHH to make it even more GREAT, I was downloading all the video off my video camera so I don't have to worry about room to record today's events. Well ALL that video was from our MAGIC cruise last fall. So Tim and I were watching some of those video clips (mostly Castaway Cay), and he was saying "Ohhhhh, I want to go back there NOW"!!
It shall be very interesting to see how he reacts to the news of this cruise!! I'll be posting THAT video on the face book page :)

Judy, Tim is going to be so excited to hear he is going on the Dream in just a few weeks.:cool1::banana::cool1::banana: If I'm not mistaken, and I hope I'm not, the Dream should be in Port Canaveral tomorrow morning. You could also show him the Dream in port on www.portcanaveralwebcam.com tomorrow morning. :thumbsup2
 
Today's THE DAY of the BIG REVEAL to my son!!!! Everything is all set. I just have to get ready myself, then go pick up the cake, a pinata and treats to put in that, then bury the treasure at the park. I'm bursting with so much excitement, I'm ready to tell him NOW!!!! OHHHHHHH to make it even more GREAT, I was downloading all the video off my video camera so I don't have to worry about room to record today's events. Well ALL that video was from our MAGIC cruise last fall. So Tim and I were watching some of those video clips (mostly Castaway Cay), and he was saying "Ohhhhh, I want to go back there NOW"!!
It shall be very interesting to see how he reacts to the news of this cruise!! I'll be posting THAT video on the face book page :)

I can't wait to hear how it goes! Have a good time Judy!
 
Today's THE DAY of the BIG REVEAL to my son!!!! Everything is all set. I just have to get ready myself, then go pick up the cake, a pinata and treats to put in that, then bury the treasure at the park. I'm bursting with so much excitement, I'm ready to tell him NOW!!!! OHHHHHHH to make it even more GREAT, I was downloading all the video off my video camera so I don't have to worry about room to record today's events. Well ALL that video was from our MAGIC cruise last fall. So Tim and I were watching some of those video clips (mostly Castaway Cay), and he was saying "Ohhhhh, I want to go back there NOW"!!
It shall be very interesting to see how he reacts to the news of this cruise!! I'll be posting THAT video on the face book page :)

hope today goes well for you, I'm sure he will be super excited when he finds out:goodvibes
 
Tim WAS super excited, but was still quite subdued in his reaction, but at least I got more from him this time as compared to NO reaction to the MAGIC surprise last fall.
Here are the pic's:


It started with the MAP:
IMG_8922-1.jpg


Following the map, Tim leads the way to where X marks the spot:
IMG_8943-1.jpg


Putting the metal detector to work:
IMG_8962-1.jpg


Finding and then digging up the Treasure:
IMG_8971-1.jpg


Opening it to find a Scroll and a shirt:
IMG_8976-1.jpg


The scroll was a Calendar with the events between now and the cruise marked on the dates they take place. There is a picture of a school bus on the date for the first day of school, and a pic of an airplane on the dates we fly to Orlando and home, and a pic of the DREAM on all 7 days of our cruise. He started to clue in a little with this.
IMG_8990-1.jpg


Then he read the shirt, asked a question "But I already know about our cruise, it's on the FANTASY". I told him to read the date again, and the name of the ship. THEN he got it, and this was the face he gave when we asked him to show some excitment:
IMG_9006-1.jpg


Once back home and all our guests had left, he climbed up beside me on the couch, gave me a hug and said "Thanks mom".
IMG_9050-1.jpg


As the evening went on, he would sporadically come over to me, wrap his arms around me and just hug. When I thanked him one time for the hugs, and asked him what they were for, he said "I wanted to say thank you for the BEST DAY EVER"!!!!
 
Love the pictures! Looks like so much fun for him! I am glad that he enjoyed it!
 
What a great way to let Tim find out about your up coming cruise.:thumbsup2 The Dream is in Port Canaveral this morning Judy. Go to www.portcanaveralwebcam.com and you can see the Dream at Disney's Terminal.:cool1: She will be sailing out this evening around 5:00pm or so. Be sure to watch the sail away. She passes close to the camera and you can see the guests on board as she sails out to sea.:banana: Tim will enjoy watching her sail out to sea.
 
What a great way to let Tim find out about your up coming cruise.:thumbsup2 The Dream is in Port Canaveral this morning Judy. Go to www.portcanaveralwebcam.com and you can see the Dream at Disney's Terminal.:cool1: She will be sailing out this evening around 5:00pm or so. Be sure to watch the sail away. She passes close to the camera and you can see the guests on board as she sails out to sea.:banana: Tim will enjoy watching her sail out to sea.


Awesome David, I can actually see her now!! Tim's not here right now, he's out working with his Dad today but WILL be home in time for the Sail Away! He did talk to me about LEGO and has picked the ship he wants us to get for him. I'll give you those details later and I thank you again so much for being able to help me out with that. :thumbsup2
 
Awesome David, I can actually see her now!! Tim's not here right now, he's out working with his Dad today but WILL be home in time for the Sail Away! He did talk to me about LEGO and has picked the ship he wants us to get for him. I'll give you those details later and I thank you again so much for being able to help me out with that. :thumbsup2

I'm glad you can see the Dream in Port, and glad to hear Tim will be able to see her sail out this evening.:thumbsup2 No problem with picking up that LEGO ship Tim wants. Donna and I are going over to Downtown Disney anyway after checking in at WDW before the cruise. We want to get a couple of things there ourselves. If you want to send me an email with details - at your convenience - I will print that email out and take it with us to pick up the LEGO ship for you and Tim.
 
Tim and I just had a look at the Dream in Port. What ship is that in front of her? Does anyone know. We are setting the timer to go off at 5pm and we'll watch her sail out.
Tim seems confused as to how long it is time wise till the Dream Cruise, so we just counted on the Calendar, 7 weeks OR 48 Days, till we leave here!! That concept seems to be more understood than saying just over a month away, or In September.
 
Tim and I just had a look at the Dream in Port. What ship is that in front of her? Does anyone know. We are setting the timer to go off at 5pm and we'll watch her sail out.
Tim seems confused as to how long it is time wise till the Dream Cruise, so we just counted on the Calendar, 7 weeks OR 48 Days, till we leave here!! That concept seems to be more understood than saying just over a month away, or In September.

If I'm not mistaken, that is Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. I know it is Royal Caribbean anyways. I'm glad you and Tim got to see her sail out. What a sight to see, huh?:cool1::woohoo::cool1::woohoo::woohoo:
 
HI Everyone! Just sending you our email for the final FE details. It is lazofamily24 @ gmail.com

Thanks again!
 

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