Sept 17 2005 Magic - am i alone on the ship?

[jmcdonnell04]

We currently have late seating, but I think we will try to switch. Last year we were able to switch to early and it worked out great for the kiddo and us. I would like PLA rotation, too, b/c Parrot Cay is my fav. restaurant and that way you get it 3x and I don't really like Animator's Palate (too loud

When we booked on Dec 30th, first seating was already booked so we waitlisted for first seating. I thought after everyone had paid in full on July 4th, we may see some movement on our reservations. Perhaps it is too early yet but has anyone been able to move their dinner seating yet?

Wendy, are you getting from the Hyatt to the Port? I read that you can pay
$ 25 and get 6 bags taken by DCL on their buses to the port from the airport.
This would give allow my group of (9) to get a stretch limo for about $ 125
and go in style. No way could our luggage fit in the limo otherwise. Then get a 15 passsenger van from the port to the airport. Since we have $ 450 to spend (9 people x $50 ground transfer via DCL), we can have fun and save some money.

Jen your comments were very sincere and thoughtful. I can label myself a
"lurker" since I do check our board twice a day but do not contribute as much but I feel very welcome and I am always telling my DW what is going on with our cruise. Great job in finding a t-shirt place.

Meanwhile, I keep checking my reservation on DCL daily for a cabin change. Since we were inconvenienced by Hurricane Frances last year,
I keep hoping for an upgrade but as noted on the main board, there is no rhyme or reason to upgrades.

Updating our family:

John (DH) 40 Customer Service Manger selling industrial pumps in Cincy area.
Alison (DW) 41 Project Manager for GE and true Disney fanatic
Katie (DD) 10 Lovely & sweet soon to be 5th grader (having a good first child tricked us into having another)
Kelly (DD) 5 Our baby will be in 1st grade & turns 6 on the cruise
Mary (DM) 65 Retired nurse --we call her Crazy Mary because she will worry about everything and will play BINGO everyday also from Indiana.
Maryanne (DS) 36 Accountant & book store manager at IN university-will celebrate her birthday during cruise departure.
Robert (DB) 34 Project Development for public television in LA
Helen (DMIL) 73 Retired golf fanatic and Canadien citizen
Agnes (DA) 70 Retired legal secretary from The Woodlands, TX



afterwards.

 

[ksumom]

I can't help with the drink issue... we aren't drinkers. (I guess that helps have money for other stuff, doesn't it??) I have to confess, that is probably one reason I don't post a whole lot; my family seems a bit tamer in the entertainment department than most of you. On our last cruise, we found ourselves mostly sitting and watching the stuff going on in the adult lounges, rather than participating. Partiers we are not (unless staying up past midnight playing board games counts, and that's not something to do on the cruise).

I just reread this and it sounds like a downer post; I don't mean it to be. Guess I'm still in a post-move funk. This place still isn't "home" yet.

Sounds like we'll get along great!! I'm not much of a party animal, but I do enjoy a nice drink every so often. My DH isn't a drinker, he's "been there done that" and isn't usually a late nighter either! I'm not sure he'll be up much past dinner since we're the late seating!! But who knows maybe he'll suprise me!!

Just thought I'd let ya know we're in the same "boat" on the party thing. My sister & her DH are totally different... they drink & go out almost weekly.

 

[missyoh8]

I have been known to stay up past midnight and play board games as well! Have also gone to bed before 10 on a cruise! We have never even made it to an adult lounge on 2 DCL cruises! We are more the type that will stay up at night or hang out with out "clubbing". We have decided to make it "out" to a lounge at least one night this time.

WooooooHOooooooooo this is getting exciting, sounds we are almost there flip flops!

Missy

 

[ksumom]

Ok, this might have been done already but just for fun...

Are you flying in the day of or at least the day before?

Where are you staying the night before?

How are you getting to the port?




My answers....

We're flying in Friday mid-morning.
Taking Holiday Inn shuttle to the Holiday Inn Select.
Then a limo from the Hotel to the port & back (actually 2 since we had 12 we needed the extra room).

I'm getting excited!!!

 

[TeaforWendy]

Karen (4kids) -- not a downer message at all. If you knew me you would laugh that I'm even thinking abt bringing drinks (in the end I may not -- too much work for not enough use, it's just DH's idea abt saving money, but when I pointed out how much was actually spent on my beers here and there he did drop it, but I am intrigued by the low-cal stuff). Last year we were in bed by 9 or 9:30 every night. DD is an early riser as are me and DH, so we are pooped by the time she needs to go to sleep. It actually worked out well. We didn't even go to "beat street" except to meet for our excursions! So...don't feel shy at all. For me, it's all part and parcel of obsessively trying to plan every last detail of the perfect cruise. Sorry abt CA not seeming like home yet. That must be tough, but sounds like you are in a really beautiful area.

John, what a great idea on the limo. We are only 3 so we'll do the DCL transfers. DD really enjoyed it last year and it sure is easy. Unfortunately it doesn't allow for picking up water, beer, etc. on the way, but I think you can get a water package on board or something and we've discussed the drinks thing.

Michelle, I guess it is similar with your DH and I think Missy's DH is a firefighter maybe so that would be similar, too. That is also one of the things that makes the cruise really nice for us.

Haven't heard from Jenny or Christal in a few. What's up?

Happy B-day to DD. 4 years old today. I can hardly believe it!

 

[TeaforWendy]

We are flying in Friday afternoon, arrive 7:30 pm. Staying at the Hyatt, DCL transfers to and from.

I've made my things to buy for the cruise list. Yipee!

 

[4kidsandadog]

Thanks everyone, for making me not feel like quite so much of a fuddy-duddy. We enjoyed seeing some of the fun at 80s night last time; maybe some of you would enjoy that as well. The trick was finding seats away from the smokers. I wish DCL would just make the clubs nonsmoking all the time, but I suppose that would create a hardship on smokers.

We are flying in on Wednesday the 14th and taking the Magical Express ride to Beach Club Villas. Joel's 5th birthday is the next day and we'll be celebrating in the parks Thursday and Friday. We have a FL Tours van picking us up Saturday morning around 9 to take us to the port. I'm hoping for a quick embarkation, as we get to check in at the concierge desk this time.

Karen, who NEEDS this vacation

 

[rotary2808]

Embarkation day will be a long one for us.

Flying out of Huntsville at 5:30 am

Getting to Orlando at 9 something their time.

Taking Disney transfers and should be at PC by or around 11 am.

Like Karen, I'm hoping for quick check in and embarkation with concierge.

Emily

 

[TeaforWendy]

Emily -- we did that last year, but started at 2:30am, drove 3+ hrs to KC, flew to Orlando (thankfully straight flight) and boarded DCL shuttle! I was so pooped I skipped the sail-away & took a shower. I'm determined NOT to do that this year. Must be at sail-away!

 

[missyoh8]

Flying in Friday night, not until 11:00p.m.
Staying at the Hyatt at the airport.
Renting a very large van to drive to the port (stopping to pick up the Captain on the way).

That's about it............

Missy

 

[Tammy1]

Just got back in and wanted to say a quick Hi before company started to arive

We will be leaving here Friday afternoon (takes about 3 hrs drive time) staying at the Radisson Inn for Friday night and then get up eat, get transported hopefully not wait to long to board!!! sounds perfect right?? well we all know there is just to much room for error Hey if it can happen it usually does to me....anyway hopefully not

We will be taking drinks on board, funny thing is we rarely drink at home but when we go on vacation...it just happens Sounds like I'm trying to explain myself to my Mom..

I got the rooling cooler from Disney Direct for $19.99 key in Summerfun05 and get 10% off bringing it to $17.99. The same size cooler sales at Sams for $24.95. Not sure about Wal-Mart or Target prices on it. Also got the shoe holder from Wal-Mart for $5.96 and I hear you can get them at the dollar store for just $2.00. Got the sweater hanger for $10.00 from Wal-Mart also.
Sounds like I'm ready right??? NOT!! But yeah I guess mentally I am

Thanks everyone for the good wishes on the party for Sat. it just has to go well

Wendy Happy Birthday to your DD

Take Care everyone

Oh yeah...everyone has made us feel welcome since coming on board We will be rebooking another cruise on board probably in Sept. not sure yet about exact date, have to talk to the DH

 

[Tammy1]

Forgot to add...... I picked up some of those Space Bags (multi size) in a box. Hopefully it will give me more room to pack other things..
hear it is also good for dirty clothes on the return trip

 

[donaldsgal]

I love that I'm missed when I don't post for a while. That's the beauty of this group!

Had an interesting incident today at work. I'm sitting in session with two clients under 10 (sisters), their mother, and their younger sister, when the speakerphone on my phone gets activated and I hear a voice say: "All staff to Bob's office." Bob is our clinical director, the head honcho in charge of paperwork, diagnoses, client-counselor relationships/grievances, etc. He's in charge of a lot. Anyways, I'm thinking, "Uh, what do I do? I've got clients in my office. Do I take this seriously? We just had staff meeting this AM." I heard the door whip open in one of my coworkers office's, tell my clients I'll be right back, and peek my head out the door to see about 15 of the counselors walking briskly to Bob's office. I also see the psychologist, the nurse, and some support staff coming. It was weird... doors were left open to offices, even when a client was in there, which is a big no-no otherwise because that violates confidentiality. I guess everyone's thinking we had bigger fish to fry. So I get to the end of the hall and the counselors/doc/support staff were all gathered there. One of the drug and alcohol counselors says, "False alarm. Bob's talking - he's not in a headlock." I've only been doing my internship here since January, and I've never heard the panic button go off. Apparently, that's what I heard today. I always thought when I was told there was a button that it would ring to the receptionist desk, who would then call a couple of the male counselors (incl Bob) to my office. Apparently no - the call goes to EVERYONE'S office and people come running. We are a "no restraint" facility, which means if a client starts attacking us, we aren't allowed to fight back (only put up our hands/double over to avoid the blows) and can't restrain them. So everyone comes running to help calm down the client and be witnesses for when the police arrive. Whew! Note to self: don't EVER bump the panic button! Turns out Bob did just bump it, but that was a strange yet educational experience. Then I had to explain to my little clients what a panic button was and why we needed it... just strange.

I read that thread on the main boards too a while back (as did Emily and Wendy and Christal ) and totally agree with what Jen says! I am glad everyone feels like they can post - upper and downer posts are welcome, Karen, so no worries. We're just glad you come here to talk to us!

John, it was great to hear from you and be reassured you don't feel alienated, just tend to read more than post. And sorry I didn't recognize you as the person Wendy was talking about a couple of weeks back when I wrote, "Who's John?"

To answer, um, someone's question (sorry!), we're flying in Sat AM - we leave Columbus at 6 AM, get in at 8:20, hope to be on the first possible shuttle to PC and stand in line to get on the ship early! Emily, maybe we'll meet early. And Wendy too? My sister tells me every few days how many days we have left, so the cruise excitement has caught up to her. (No seeing "Palo Covers" advertised on her way to work, though ). I was giving her all these tips a week or so ago about packing our suitcase in a slightly bigger one so we can put dirty laundry or souvenirs in it on the way home. I was also advising her that we should unpack our suitcases so we can stow them under the beds and have more room in the cabin. I took one look at her face and saw that look that says "I'm putting up with this, not enjoying it." I said, "You think this is all dumb, right?" She, being the ever-indulgent, patient, practical, even-minded older sister she is, looked at me and said, "I want you to have a wonderful time, even if it means taking extra luggage I don't think I need and unpacking my clothes when I don't want to."
I don't know why, but I thought that was hilarious because she said it w/o missing a beat. Aint' she sweet???

I have enjoyed reading everyone's commentary on the lawn/household chores. I'm living with my sis while in grad school, so I don't pay any utilities/rent/groceries. The deal was I'd be the "little woman" - cooking, cleaning, and in my case mowing, while she "brings home the bacon." I don't like mowing, but our yard is small and takes about 45 minutes total.

And I've enjoyed seeing more people lately - Steve, John, Karen, Susan, and us regulars! That does make it feel closer!

Oh my gosh, I've set the record for the longest thread. Sorry! Guess you know why I'm a counselor - it's pretty nifty getting paid to talk.

 

[jmcdonnell04]

We are flying in Friday night arriving at 9:30 pm, staying at the Hyatt at the airport (thanks to hotwire and Wendy). Still arranging transportation from airport to port.

 

[jennat]

Okay, I Have to stay off of the "why don't you post?" board. I'm going to get in trouble. "Never knowing when to stop" is my middle name.

Karen, We are not partiers either. I hated bars even in college and left one once to go watch the Godfather part 11 (PATHETIC). I will have wine when I go out with the girls or maybe when hubby and I go out to dinner. We drink more than normal on the cruise, because it seems to be what goes with fun things (which totally makes me pathetic and an alcoholic ). What I mean is dinner, weekend away, etc we tend to drink more. We drink floo floo drinks (manly badge alert!) Maybe three a day on the cruise. We don't ever hang out at bars (unless we meet someone there on the cruise) Two glasses of wine tend to bury me. We stay up until midnight at home, most nights so we definately stay out late on the cruise. We learned our second cruise (for us) getting involved and being silly makes it sooo much more fun (mileage may vary). we went to "watch" a scavenger hunt and got pulled in. We were hooked. I'll be the one doin' the saturday night fever dance! And as far as board games go, Trisha, Steve, Mike and I played a mean game of NERTS (cards) nightly when they were here. So we will all get along fine!

Good to hear from you John. I would love to know more about the luggage transfer.

We are flying in Thursday night. Staying at Pop Century, cruising, pop for 1 night after and Hard Rock for 3 more nights, returning home Wed the 28th. Sharing a van with Trisha to the port. Wanted to do a limo but bags posed a problem.

KSUmom.....you know I remember you from way back! Glad you are popping in more often. Tell Penny hey for us!

I take a clock for the little bit of light it provides. In the inside rooms it is pitch black and it could be 11pm or 11am and you would never know. Don't take airfreshener and haven't tried the over the door hanger but may with four of us. My must haves...an over the shoulder crocheted purse for my lip gloss, book and key to the world card and a highlighter. I do, also, take a powerstrip and use it (clock, batterycharger, curling iron, dryer, curlers)

What are space bags?
Phoebe!

 

[ksumom]

Jenny,

I just saw you're flying down from Columbus... my mom & Sister will all be flying down from there as well... what airline are ya on? Mom's with Delta & Sister is with Continental I think. They are flying down Friday, but back on Saturday (afternoonish).

Susan

 

[ksumom]

Question for those going on the "Double Dip" cruise next year.. is it Eastern or Western??

 

[jennat]

Must be some correlation between the name Jennifer and long winded posts! Just read yours Jenny (wow, made for an interesting day!)

 

[donaldsgal]

Jenny,

I just saw you're flying down from Columbus... my mom & Sister will all be flying down from there as well... what airline are ya on? Mom's with Delta & Sister is with Continental I think. They are flying down Friday, but back on Saturday (afternoonish).

Susan

Susan,

We're on Delta. Are they leaving early like us? Maybe we'll get to bug them on the way down!

 

[4kidsandadog]

Tammy1, are you staying at the Radisson at the Port?? We stayed there the night before our first cruise and loved it. If any of you have the 2nd edition of the DCL Passporter, I'm the Karen with the comment about staying there with my family of 6.

Jenny, your day at work sounds exciting. I worked in mental health for 2 years (case manager in a psychiatric group home)... long enough for me to decide I'd rather be on the couch instead of sitting next to it!

I just used the last of our banked DVC points from last year to book a 1BR suite at the Grand Californian for Nov. 27-Dec. 1. We'll be getting our first taste of Disneyland then. Then at the end of January, I'll start trying to book a 2BR villa for Dec 23-Jan 2 at WDW using our DVC points. Emily and Noah want to spend their birthdays (they share Dec. 30) there next year. I'm thinking it's gonna be a fun trip! We probably won't be cruising a while after this trip....

Karen