Sept. 11th, 2004!!! Roll Call!

[NancyDVC]

Read posts that the Magic went to CC today instead of Key West to avoid any possible meeting with Frances on Friday. The last projections I saw had it heading right to the Bahamas Wednesday-Friday.
TraSee, it looks as if we will get mostly rain and some wind from Gaston on Tuesday. As long as it isn't any category type storm I will get through it. There has been an amazing amount of flooding in New Jersey just from this summer's rain. I just can't wait ?!? to see what happens with the rain from Gaston.
After reading the Hurricane Frances threads here I wonder what happens if the ship is diverted to another port? How will we know especially because I won't be home to find out. (We leave on Firday the 10th.) And will DCL provide transport to a new port even if we didn't book air or transfers with them?
Am I getting too hyper here? Or am I just being crazy ?
As long as we get on the ship I don't care where we go!

 

[scrapperjill]

Okay...this is crazy!!! I can't seem to get everthing to fit into my bags I'm not sure what to do. How can I possable get all of our stuff together and ready...and managable by the end of the week. There seems like so much misc stuff. Maybe I am having so much trouble beacuse we are going to WDW for a week before the cruise...and I'm trying to pack for both weeks. I've planned on doing laundry once half way (right before the cruise)...but it seems like were needing soooo much more for the cruise week....with the formal wear...and nice dinner wear....Oh and of course the snorkle gear...it takes a whole suitcase on it's own.

We've never been to WDW...but we have been to Disneyland and Sea World...but even with the Disney experience...I'm not sure what we'll need for WDW...besides raingear ...we did decice to bag the stroller idea (which may turn out to be a big mistake)...but at least it's one less thing to worry about right now.

So I'm pleading now for any and all tips on packing.....One tip that I gathered from the boards.... and trying to do is to take an empty bag....to fill with goods from the trip. But one thing I soon realized while trying to do that...is I have to make sure we have the space to bring it back...(2 checked items per person, 1 carry on, and 1 personal item per person) Ya know what I mean

Well I seeing it's 3:30 am...I think I better get some sleep...and work more on it tomarrow.

 

[TraSee]

Scrapperjill...did you check out these sites? They have some things you may not have thought of...great, huh? Like you have room for more!! http://cruiseclues.com/packinglist.htm

Nancy...don't worry about our cruise. Unless another storm appears, Frances will be gone. From what I've seen on Orlando tv and what I have read on the Hurricane Center website, it looks like she has turned a bit...maybe even missing the coast of FL completely! BUT, you never know...so, after going through Charley only two weeks ago, I bet water and battery sales will go up this week!

Keep positive thoughts that Frances will stay out to see! All you heading down here to the Sunshine State early for you cruise...if you have any Central Florida questions, I would be glad to help you, so ask away!

Have a great week!

 

[aaronamy]

Scrapperjill- You really do not need much on the cruise. Your kids will hardly be out of their swimsuites. Last time we all had way to many clothes. This time I'm trying to think less because I know we won't wear much other than swimsuits and shorts durring the day. Good luck!

 

[cali4niacruisin]

We went to Target & Wal Mart yesterday to get some things on our list like an over the door shoe organizer, ziploc bags, travel bottles for shampoo and such, etc. I need to go to a drug store to search for Seasickness meds. Hopefully we won't need any. We haven't taken the advice to try anything in advance so we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Srapperjill- we are going to WDW for 3 days before the cruise so we too have the challenge of packing for 2 vacations. I think we will also try to do laundry before the cruise and try to pack cruise only items under stuff we will use both weeks.

It looks like it we will probably be getting wet while at WDW. When we have been at Disneyland and it's rainging we see tons of people in Disneyland ponchos. We have always had jackets and hats and hadn't needed the ponchos. Since we don't really have warm weather rain gear our current plan is to purchase the ponchos at WDW if needed. Does this seem like a reasonable plan? Does anyone know how much they cost? I did see clear plastic ponchos for $99 that would fit DH and I. I wonder if I should go back and get those. It seems more fun to have a WDW one and if we get sunny days then we won't need to even buy them. Unrealistic?

I had a dream last night that DH got on the Magic in time, but DD and I missed the sailing. I was freaking out trying to find a way for us to get to Key West to meet the ship, but I only had $20 cash and nothing else. Why DH would have gotten on the Magic without us - I just don't know. In the dream I wasn't even mad at him. I was just panicking about missing the cruise.

Thank goodness it's almost time to go!

 

[ldb1030]

I had bad dreams before both of my 2 previous disney cruises!
So far I have not had any regarding this next trip!!!
Maybe since I've done 2 others, I'm more relaxed this time about it!?
I can't get ANY work done because I want to be home packing! I'm like aaronamy however, I just stand there and stare at the suitcases!

 

[lopezgang]

We did WDW last spring and got rained on every day. There are numerous tourist shops on the main drag that sell ponchos for 3 for $10. They had different sizes. We bought an adult size to put over the stoller and it worked really well.

 

[Addy27]

we will also be onboard september 11th.
three adults, one child. Hope to meet many of you.

 

[4Sedgs]

Welcome Addy27!

 

[ldb1030]

Welcome Addy27
what is the age of your child? Looks like we have alot of little one's on board!

 

[4Sedgs]

Addy27: Check out page 27, the last post on the page by amgpmg. That's the latest cruise roster by Kathy. She's done a great job keeping us up to date on who's who! We've planned a cruise meet at 3 pm on Sat at the Mickey pool area. We're hopefully going to have our nametags made from Home Depot Disney alien green paint chips so we'll know each other.

I was making my name tags this weekend and my husband thought it was a little much. If he balks at it my 2 sons will, too. You know its a guy thing. I may be the only one with my 4Sedgs tag.

I need to start packing, but I still have some shopping to do, too.

 

[ThreeSmiths]

Welcome Addy27!

Okay, still no docs. I called my TA and she said that I should be receiving them within a week. Hopefully there won't be much delay beyod that, because it will be cutting it really close! Am I freaking out for no reason? I called DCL, they confirmed my reservation and said that my Docs had already been printed and sent out. Hmmm...

I just sprang the nametag idea on my DH over the weekend...he's not too crazy about it either, so I might the the only ThreeSmiths! I might have to work up some kind of a good bribe!

Stacy

 

[lopezgang]

Well I'm glad my husband isn't the only one that won't wear a name tag. He thinks I'm taking this whole thing a little to far.

I still don't have my docs either. I checked with my TA today and she still hasn't gotten back to me. I am sure that if we really needed to we could get the docs at the pier but we also booked the transfers and one night hotel with them. Hopefully I will hear something today. Maybe they want to give us upgrades!!

 

[lopezgang]

lbd1030- Are you by any chance from Tucson? I saw Go Wildcats on one of your other posts. We live in Tucson and I was curious. If you are, when and where are you flying out of? We are flying out of Phoenix on 9/10 on Southwest.

 

[ldb1030]

lopezgang -
No, my wildcats are the KANSAS STATE WILDCATS!



But I do love Phoenix!!!!

We'll be flying out of good ole Wichita, Kansas on 9/10 also!
Are you staying near the airport or the port?

Not sure my dh will be wearing a name tag either but I'll try!!

 

[4Sedgs]

What is it with our guys? They just don't seem to understand!

Let me know what bribe works! DH is still wondering about why I check posts several times a day.

He didn't seem to mind when I read a post that said it was actually cheaper to buy snorkel equipment than rent it. He picked himself out a pretty nice set for this trip. We'll probably still use the rental on our 10 AM Capt Marvin's trip except DS7. I bought him a totally dry kids snorkel and mask and split fins. He is very nervous about going on his first snorkel trip even though he's a very strong swimmer (for his age). I thought this nice kids equipment would make it easier for him.

 

[NancyDVC]

cali4niacruisin, Erin, We always buy our ponchos at the totes outlets. They run about $5.00 or $6.00 and last forever. No Mickey on them but I used mine last week while serving at the fire dept chicken BBQ in a thunderstorm.

TraSee, maybe I should stock up on batteries and flashlights and bring them down to FLA with me. Then I can resell them (I promise no price gouging) and get some $$ for the cruise! Or I can use them when ever that next storm hits!

So many of you seem to be packing already. I haven't even gotten the suitcase out yet. I have started to put some essentials aside (batteries, all the odds and ends from the best tips thread). I am afraid to put clothes aside because I may need them this week. It is so hot and humid here that I feel as if I am in a steam room

I ahven't had any cruise dreams lately. My last one was a pip. The ship was sailing at 1:00! And we weren't ready!
At least we have our docs! All safe and filled out. Now I am contemplating what will happen if another hurricane/tropical storm develops next week.
Here's hoping that everyone on the east coast is bypassed by Frances!

 

[amgpmg]

Welcome Addy27. I will update the post to add you onto it.

OK everyone, I do not feel so bad. My DH is giving me grief about wearing the name tag also. Instead of a Disney sticker on it, I added poker chips - maybe this will be enough for him to wear it Peyton put her own stickers on hers and Anthony Has Goofy skateboarding, so they should wear theirs. Now I have to start on my door sign. I still have not started packing, although I do have stuff starting to pile up to pack.

I hope everyone gets their docs soon. I don't think you are crazy for stressing out about it. I would be crazy too!

Jimmy Buffett was wonderful on Saturday (even though it poured on us)! As always!! It was just what I needed! He puts on a wonderful concert.

Kathy, Jim, Anthony (8) & Peyton (4)

 

[amgpmg]

***Updated List to add our lastest cruiser***

***UPDATED LIST***

ldb1030 with DH, DD13 and 4 other family members - (cruising with aaronamy) - early dining

amgpmg with DH, DS8 and DD4 (5 in October) - late dining

mattnlaura

aaronamy with DH, DD13 & DS10 - cruising with ldb1030 - late dining

NancyDVC with Best Friend & DMOM - Late dining

hookedonmagic with DH

Jayv1 with DW & DS19mos

dvcspain with DH

missycat1925

Hunter's mama with DH, DS19mos

Scrapperjill with DH, DD6 & DD11 - late dining

sunshine103 with DH, DS9 & DS5

cathyscrapper with DH, DD7, DS3, DFIL - traveling with Fredascrapper & Family - early Dining

fredascrapper, DH, DD13 aka tinkerbell710 & DD7 - traveling with cathyscrapper - Early Dining

natale1980 (& baby) with DH, DBrother & DSIL - Late dining

inluvwithpluto with DS9

cali4niacruisin with DH & DD3 (almost 4) - early dining, may change to late

Threesmiths with DH & DD6 - late dining

4sedgs with DH, DS12, DS7 - late dining

Trekkie518 with DH, DD15, DS13, DS12fatocow & DMIL

Lisa SB with DD6 & DS6 - Early Dining

tammyh with DH, DS3 & DD3

TraSee with DH - early dining

femmfaerie with DSis & DMom - Late dining

nrk - two adults & DD3 1/2

ASRoberts with DH, DD8, DS10 & DS12

Baby Duck with DW, DS4 & DD8 months

LuvTravelToo with DW, DS11 & DS6

lopezgang (5 months pregnant) with DH, DD9, DS3(almost 4) - Late Dining

DDaily with DH, DS12, DS10, DS5, DD1 & DGrandma

MBMom with DH, DD8 & DS5

Addy27 traveling 3 adults on child

See you all in a little over one week!!

Kathy

 

[scrapperjill]

I think the biggest trouble I'm/were having with the packing thing is trying to pack for two diffrent trips.....a week at WDW and a week on the cruise. The cruise wear is causing the biggest hurdle...we are a very casual bunch....so this dressing for dinner is adding quite alot. I mean I'm a total shorts and flip flops kind of gal...even in the winter...and nice dinner wear for me is shorts, a nice tank, and maybe a nice sweater....still with the flip flops....so as you can see the No Shorts rule...is a big WOW what in the world will I need... in my book. But so far we have narrowed our luggage down...to three suitcases for the four of us...and two garment bags for the dresses and suits. Then we are having to add two more suitcases...with Sydneys "special" food and meds. Then theres the bag with the snorkel gear...I didn't realize it took soooo much room...but I guess the last time we travled with it...it was only enough gear for the two of us...not four. And then there is the lists, and lists of things that "should" be brought on the cruise...like duct tape At least I can say...with the two suitcases filled with Sydneys food...we will have two empty suitcases that will need to be filled with goodies from the trip on the way home.

From the sounds of it..I must have the odd group...because when I showed my family the buttons for the meet...they all liked them....didn't sound like they would have any problems wearing them. I ended up putting "Scrapperjill" and each persons name on the button...which was the only hmmm I got...it took them a little to get why I had to put scrapperjill on everyones. But after a little explanation...it all made sence.

I beleive all I have left to pack now is the girls formal wear....which has to be picked up at the cleaners tomarrow. It will be so much better when everything is in order.

Any one have any special plans for the day before they take off? I was thinking of going out to dinner or something...just to have a nice relaxing day. Were also having a Bon Voyage party tomarrow night (Tuesday)...which is being hosted by the Wishing Star Foundation. I'm intrested to see what they have planned for us.

I'll keep my fingers crossed...that everyones docs will be here soon....which reminds me...I still need to fill ours out...I was sooo busy with Sydney in the hospital...when we recieved ours...that it's totaly slipped my mind to fill things out.

OH!!! and some good news...when we recieved our doc....it showed we had revieved an upgrade ...I don't think I had mentioned that yet. We went from a cat 12 standard inside to a cat 10 deluxe inside...then the other day our TA phoned to tell us Disney just called her and informed her we had recived another upgrade from the cat 10 inside....to a cat 8 deluxe ocean view. We haven't informed the girls yet....we're going to keep it a secret until we get to the cabin. ...Hey who knows...maybe disney will be real generous and upgrade us to the verhanda before the sail date...well one can dream...right?

Tah Tah for now.