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

[Tammy1]

Salutations!

Not much is new here in Ohio-land. I'm quite pleased to be able to say:

Next month we cruise!!!!!!!! Yes, indeed, that does feel good.

I'm also on glasses duty, Tammy. My poor planning and Walmart's stupid reordering policy landed me without any for a week. At least I can see, but it feels inconvenient. Oh well.

Where is everyone today?

I don't think we did decide when to wear the shirts. I respectfully submit the idea of wearing them on Sunday. We can give ourselves free advertising during the cabin tour! I can put it on the reminder signs if that's what we go with.

Glasses on my face look...well OLD!! some people look great in them..just not me

NEXT MONTH!!!! I'm with you Jenny, YAHOO!! can not wait!!! I'm one of those people just tell me when to wear the shirt and we're there. I don't think I can wear it to Palo's but I can do a quick change

Take Care everyone and have a good day!!

 

[Tia]

I want to make a door sign but I must admit...I am not "crafty!" So I'll have to give it a try and see how it turns out. It sounds like everyone is as excited as we are. We are also preparing a Welcome Home party for my husband. He will not have that long at home before we leave on the cruise. I was able to talk to him for a few minutes this morning, he said it was 120+ degrees there I'm originally from FL but I don't think I could stand that much heat!-Donna

 

[TeaforWendy]

Donna, have you seen the tres cute ones Jenny designed? She is kindly offering them up for materials cost only. $2.

I think Sunday is a dandy day to wear our T's.

 

[donaldsgal]

Donna,

As Wendy noted, I'm offering to make the FFC door sign for everyone. I made a bunch for our room in addition to that one. Here's the link: http://www.photodump.com/direct/atsjen/BlankFCCSign.jpg

Let me know if you want one. I'd encourage you to make some of your own for your stateroom as it's VERY fun and a "good" way to spend your time.
For additional help in coming up with ideas, check out this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=838817. It's long but very helpful.

Well, it's now a fact; when I say "nothing new" something will happen. When running errands, I was backing up along a curb to get out of a "no parking 8-5" zone. I wasn't looking and got too close to a telephone pole, which subsequently pulled my passenger side rearview mirror off the door. You know that feeling when you hear a CRRRUNNNNCHCHCHCH and you know it's coming from the vehicle you're attempting to drive? Ah yes, visions of dollar signs were dancing in my head. Took it right over to our friendly body shop, and they are only charging $93.00. Not too bad. Still, in the last year my car was broken into and my CD player stolen (Dec. 23), another driver backed out of a driveway and into my car on the road in Oct of last year, and then this thing today. Oh well.

So that's not a great experience for the day, but at least it's (fairly) cheap to fix.

Hope all of your days are going better!

Jen, btw, I think you asked about my health a few posts back. I'm doing good - no heart palpitations any more. And I do sign karoeke and hope to during the cruise. As much as I may seem to be here, I'm kind of shy at first. But since I've demonstrated an extroverted, attempts-to-be-the-life-of-the-party personality here, I hope to match my IRL personality with my DIS one. All that to say, I hope to cheese it up and be foot loose and fancy free by doing some karoeke!

 

[Tammy1]

Well our T shirts, tank, journal arrived today...means we're gettting closer

I know I was complaining yesterday so I thought I'd post and let you know...like Jen said all the sudden your wondering where it is and presto It's at the front door.

Well back to work for me

 

[CrusinLattas]

I was so clueless when we booked this cruise about hurricane season. I just saw the price of the cruise and jumped on board...smile.

I can tell from the posting that many of you have had experiences traveling in this time of year and keep coming back, so that is a good sign!

I thought this article was of interest for predictions for the rest of the season:

It will not let me post the link, but it is a top story on CNN dot com.

Highlights were:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- This year's Atlantic hurricane season will be worse than previously expected with as many as 21 tropical storms and 11 hurricanes, U.S. government weather forecasters predicted Tuesday.

NOAA officials said they could not predict how of the 2005 storms would hit the U.S. coast, or where.

However, Joe (he has an unfortunate last name that got screened out), a meteorologist with private forecasting company AccuWeather, predicted most of the remaining storms this year will take a more easterly path than the June and July storms that entered the Gulf of Mexico.

"The most action will be from August 15 to October 15 along the Eastern Seaboard. I'm targeting the Carolinas for the worst," Joe said. "Also, there will be (landfalls) in New England and the Florida coast."

For those of you that have traveled with the hurricanes, what would be helpful for others to know in case it looks like bad weather around Florida at the time of departure? I know we have the phone list, but does Disney put you in a hotel until they are able to depart or what normally happens? I have heard if you are already out, they just move the ship to areas away from the storm. But I was just curious if it effected the departing port what would happen.

I know we hate to even think about it...but I always like to pray for the best and have a back up plan for the worst. Is this thread already covered somewhere else?

Thanks!

Look forward to seeing everyone and smooth sailing!

Renee

 

[donaldsgal]

Renee,

Thanks for the post. Poor Joe does have an unfortunate name.

I guess I'm wondering about the part where it says they predict a more easterly route (the Carolinas, New England, etc.). Does that mean that our route will be more or less affected?

Just curious. I'm with you - I pray for the best but try to prep for the not-best.

 

[jennat]

Renee, We always travel this time of year. Last year was the only time we have run into inclement weather. You are right that if we are on the ship, it will just go around it. Not a big deal, unless it is hitting somewhere we are going...then it is a bummer. Hopefully, it won't hit the port area on the day we are supposed to leave. As far as finding out information...the hotel we were in in Fort Lauderdale last year knew what was going on but I think for the most part, that is hit or miss. You need to call 1-800-951-3532 to find out information in the UNLIKELY EVENT OF A H******** The information (at least last year) is minute by minute (ie they will tell you"fly in, all is go" and then when you get there "Just kidding!" maybe not in those words. That is why it is good to have everyone's cell (more infor both on the h*****and where the party is!! ) If it is looking likely, I would try and have something lined up (I don't know what Disney does for their cruisers..anyone). Last year we were on the ball and booked an awesome place and had a blast....people who waited ended up in the elementary school gymnasium!

 

[jennat]

Donna, I bet you can't wait to see your dh again. I cannot imagine your life, missing and worrying. All I can say is we appreciate the sacrifice you and your husband make and we are sooooo grateful. 120 degrees....no thankyou!

Don't forget....if anyone wants me to e-mail you the shirt logo you can iron it on yourselves ( if you don't feel like paying someone else to do it). No problem man!
I think Sunday sounds perfect.

 

[skycon]

Jen, I just pm'd you a pic of my family. Heck of a time doing it so I hope it went through.

KD - karen

 

[CrusinLattas]

I did read several other threads about experiences during the big 'h' season. It sounds like if you are flexible it can be an advantage and adventure!

donaldsgal, I think, if I read it correctly, was that 'Joe' predicted the biggest storms to hit a bit higher than Florida, but Florida would still be affected some as well. Of course, the weathermen can miscalculate what is happening today outside their window, so I don't know how much weight to give to the when and wheres of a long term prediction.

Honestly, we are more into this cruise for the on board experiences, so I will not be disappointed with any route we take. Although I am interested in experiencing Castaway Cay.

After reading the board though I wish I had used DCL vs. a travel agent. Our TA does not have much knowledge of DCL. I had to tell her the difference between the navigator balcony and veranda...and I still don't think she believes there is a difference. We also booked when the cruise was not that full and are wait listed for early seating. Hopefully we can get that time since my DD is sound asleep by 8:00 PM. At least I hear we can get the meal delivered if this cannot be arranged. I have learned so much on here!

Anyway, quickly learning and planning for a wonderful adventure!


Renee

 

[TeaforWendy]

Donna, ditto on what Jen said. Thank you and your family!

Renee, DCL took care of us when we had to disembark early last year and put us up at the Dolphin, fed a nice hot breakfast, etc. All gratis. I'm thinking they don't do that if the cruise is late, which is why folks encourage the purchase of insurance. I was on the fence abt it, but got some for $115 for me, DH and DD. If you speak in person to the folks at Insuremytrip dot com, they will help you choose the right package for your family and situation. I didn't need medical, etc., really just "h-cane" insurance.

I won't bore you with my "happy h-cane" experiences again (& again), but there is really nothing we can do but wait and see as Sept 17 approaches. The phone list/chain will be helpful if we get down to the wire and it seems like a storm may be coming, but it's too early to predict for certain. SweetSue is the resource extraordinaire and Jen is in charge of any h-cane parties we have to have, so I think we are in pretty darn good hands.

 

[TeaforWendy]

Oh, and I wouldn't fret too much abt your TA. I use someone local here and she's never been on DCL (lots of other lines) but I like to buy local when I can. I get the good stuff from the board.

On early dining, I think many of the bigger DCL travel agencies book rooms in advance and book all the early seating which is why someone who booked later than you or me could get early seating while we are waitlisted.

Last year we ended up with early seating even tho we were waitlisted. I am hopeful that we will end up with early again (we have the same issue with DD), but I printed out the thread on why Late seating is so great and after I read it to my DH he was so convinced he said let's just keep late seating. I don't want to go that far, but in case I don't get early -- I'll know all the cool things we "get" with late seating. And with Disney, I'm convinced things have a way of working out the way they should -- all that pixie dust.

 

[skycon]

WOW, I would have thought as we were getting closer to the cruise we would be more active. Not complaining as I needed a break from reading. I was just a bit suprised when I got on to see several hours and only a few posts. I guess we are all very busy.

I just got my DD to bed. She is all ready to start 2nd grade tomorrow. I am not. I have to say I am a little bummed. She is getting too big too fast. She is very excited however anxious and a little nervous but I don't think she would admit it.

Well I am getting very excited about this cruise. My 3rd one but you would think it was my first by how excited I am. I have to watch the weather. I did not know there was a hurricane out there named JOE and I live in FL. Ouch.

Well I better go since I need to get up very early tomorrow. The bus comes at 6:40. Can you believe that... a 7 yr old has to get on a bus that early.

Take care all

KD -karen

 

[donaldsgal]

I did not know there was a hurricane out there named JOE and I live in FL. Ouch.

Karen, I'm not sure if there is one named Joe right now, but if you got this from our posts, we were referencing a weather expert quoted in an article Renee posted from CNN.

Stressful night trying to plan my budget for the next couple of years. I'm off to eat dinner.

 

[jennat]

NEW PICTURE ALERT!!!!!! KAREN (SKYCON) HAS SENT IN PICTURES OF HER BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. CHECK THEM OUT! PICTURES ARE POURING IN NOW. KEEP THEM COMING. I WILL SEND OUT AN UPDATED LIST THIS WEEKEND

Karen, We have the opposite problem with school times. My kids don't have to be there until 9:10, but don't get out until 4:00! Good for me BAD for them. It is hard to have so little time after school. I hate it!

 

[skycon]

Jenny, I guess I misread or didn't read at all the whole posts. I thought there was another H out there. Good thing there isn't.

jen, thanks for the family comment. I like the fact she gets out of school and is home by 2:30. It is nice that I am not working and can be there to get homework done early etc. Before she would have been getting to school early and staying there through after school care until 6:00. Long day for her. I am glad I made the decision to quit my career for a while. Hard decision but I know it was the right one.

Well I really do need to get to bed.

BTW.... Tracy nice family. Your husband is handsome and your kids are adorable. Miss and love you guys.

KD

 

[shmora]

I just need to vent. I booked a flight on US Airways for our vacation. Well, finally there is a sale for 98.00, I payed 176.00 so I called fro a voucher fro the balance to be put on one. They screwed around at first saying they didn't have a fare at that price so I asked for someone else, they said yes there was so she transferred me to someone that would give me the voucher. She disconnected me and instead of calling her back I had to go to work. I called the next day and they said it wasn't on that flight, it had to be on the exact flight so I hung up and went online. There it was 98.00 on that flight so I called back again and was told I would have to pay 100.00 to do this, I then asked for a superviser. He said I didn't have to pay 100.00 for a voucher and then he started the process. He then said that that flight now had no more seats available at that price. I went to my computer and my daughter was on and took off my price of that flight to prove to him that it was. He then told me that he couldn't now do it. I then said then just change my flight since it was their screw ups that made me lose that price. He said that would be a 100.00 change fee even though it was their fault. So now I have to wait and see if that flight comes down again. He said that someone may just be holding tickets and may change their mind by tommorrow for the 98.00 ticket. I am so angry with US Airways. Apparently, only so many tickets per flight are 98.00 and I should have had it because there were some available when I called. I will not fly with them again just on principle. A big airline like they are and they need to try to rip a comsumer off. Okay, I'm done venting. I should have worked tonight instead of fighting with them the last two days.

Lorra

 

[donaldsgal]

Lorra, how frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate it when companies give you the run-around like US did for you. Are you going to write them a letter? I'd write a letter to the HR dept, the customer service dept, and the technical support department (just to cover my bases). I'm all about giving people their due credit AND criticism. I'm so sorry you went through all this. I was drooling with jealousy when people were getting cheap southwest flights, considering we paid $261 a ticket and THEN paid an additional $50 to change our return time. Whew. That's a very tall price to pay, but ours was our own poor planning. You had it all straightened out and got the run-around. When I worked at a hotel, they specifically told us NOT to offer the specials when people called UNLESS they specifically said, "Do you have any specials available?" Well, that's silly to me. Why not offer the special, get their business, get in their good graces that we offered them the special, and then they'll come back? Why charge people more than they need to be charged? I just don't like doing business that way. I hope this works out for you. Just be very vigilant about checking prices. I hope it works out. Keep venting to us when you need it. That's what we're hear for.

 

[shmora]

I really thought I had them when I talked to the superviser but it all slipped away at the end. I could have choked my daughter for taking that price off my screen. I think he would have budged then but I lost the price when she logged me off. Do you think writing will do anything? Do big corporations budge with small people like us?

Lorra