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

[jennat]

Penny, I always screw up on Susan....it's just what I do. I will fix that...Don't ever feel bad telling me about mess ups. I don't spend hours proof reading things. The program to design it is painfully slow and my husband thinks I am on it continuously so I count on everyone else to tell me of mistakes. Then it takes a second to fix. twenty eyes are better than one. It is all of our website not just mine so tell me....no offense ever taken!

 

[TeaforWendy]

Hi all and welcome Ellen and your big fun group!

It took me awhile to catch up, I can hear DH stomping upstairs. He thinks I should come to bed. I think I need to catch up with my cruise friends. We just got back a little over an hour ago from Dallas, with, of all things -- MY NEW CAR. Not new-new, but new to me.

Current cars:
DH -- Chevy Venture (minivan), charcoal grey AKA, "The Ladies Van for the Ladies' Man"
Note: he trys to make up for the minivan (which we both ADORE, truthfully) by tooling around on a bright blue Harley Fatboy.

Me -- Volvo V70 (station wagon), goldish FOR SALE
New car: Mercedes 320CLK convertible, deep blue metallic with navy top and grey/taupe interior. I can't believe we got it. It's beautiful. I just wanted a convertible, any convertible, but DH made this awesome deal in the price range I gave him and we brought it home from Dallas just over an hour ago. Twist my arm and I'll send a photo for the web site. I guess I 'd have to include DH's Harley for good measure. Unless of course people want to see the beloved Venture.

Dresses -- I'll wear that same strapless ball gown for formal night that I'm wearing the photo on the FFC website. I got it for last years' cruise and am excited to get to wear it again. And I will probably wear dresses most nights. But the rest of mine are short. DH will wear dark suit and tie for Fromal night, sport coat for semi-formal (but that's our Palo night anyway).

So, I better go to bed. I'm pooped from the 6 hour drive home.

 

[virginiafamily]

It's so close to sailing time and I have no idea what to do? I haven't posted due to very complicated circumstances(you really don't have time to hear and it sounds too much like soap opera to me). I hope you don't think of us as snotty, we really are far from. We are very simple people, my DH works for the USGOV(he's a Phd from OSU) as a scientist and is alot like Dilbert(but very sweet). I am a former army nurse(got out in 1986) and stay home with my DD. Our DD(5) has required alot of time and work, she is special needs and my DH and I work very, very hard to keep her mainstream and off any drugs(which sometimes I wish they had a magic pill). I know most children are a handful(DH and I were 37 when she was born) and mine is a constant fight(docs, school, state and a willful 5 yr-old). We are also on our on, no help, no babysitters, family is 8 hours away. So, we love the idea of going to disney and knowing she is very safe(the staff knows alot about special needs and are so helpful). DH(Dacey) loves everyone, and plays with all children, she reads, writes, gymnastics, swims(not real well but tries) and loves anything PPP(pretty, pink and princess). I hope there will be lots of kids for her to play with onboard. She has two settings - ON and OFF.
We have late setting because DD has never been able to sit through a show
before and I thought it would be better early than late.

 

[virginiafamily]

I do hope I am not being too pushy(I'm sorry)? I have no idea what to do for the cruise? Can I ask what are cruise docs? How do you get them?
I tried going through a TA but she was so stupid, I had to call the disney line for the TA. So, I ended up going through the DCL. I don't know how to get a personal navigator(it's on the DCL website)? How do you change or upgrade something?
Does anyone know how the transportation works from the airport? Do you have to check your luggage from the plane to the bus(at WDW they took care of it for you)? Is there a limit on the amount of luggage you can have?
Are the buses very crowded and is it a long trip? Does anyone ever get left behind or do they overbook the buses?
My DH has a bday on the 18th and I signed him up for a birthday dinner(cake, singing, balloons), how do they find him if I don't know what resturant we are in? I ordered a sign and balloons for the cabin, do they get them up in time to surprise him?
How FORMAL is formal night? How many nights are formal? What if you can't dress-up(DH and I really don't want anything fancy), can we do something else?
Finally, can anyone give me any tips about what I may need besides the normal toothbrush, toothpaste, bathing suit, clothes?
Any other theme nights to prepare for besides pirates night?
I really need the help, I have not been able to do anything intil this monday I finally can start getting ready.
Thank you,
Virginiafamily
(Rebecca, Jim and Dacey)

 

[Tammy1]

Welcome Ellen
Welcome Rebecca
The more the merrier

Rebecca there are others that will answer you that know more about a Disney Cruise than I. If you go to the top of this page and click under Disney Cruise Line Forum there are a lot of questions that can be answered there. Don't worry I haven't gotten it together in the shopping area either. To busy moving and tagging DD yard sale items (second weekend of doing it)
Comfort is key with the exception of a dress, suit, and your own preference of other clothing. We meet at the Mickey Pool at 3:00, wear green yarn around your arm. Go to www.flipfloppincastaways.com and all the info is there about this group. People/meets...etc.

Jen, the website does looks GREAT...wish I knew how to do that!!
The kids cabin #2103, Palo is Sunday Brunch 11:00 and Christian loves playing with friends, lego's, books, incredibles, of course Buzz and Woody. That's where I got my logo.

Can't wait till we all meet

 

[skycon]

Rebecca, please don't start stressing about this cruise. Bring the normal vacation stuff, comfy clothes, bathing suits and some sun dresses. Last year I brought a white pair and black pair of capris and then switched out my tops for dinner. It helped with packing. During the day I stayed in my suit and just wore a cover up. After dinner I stayed in my dinner clothes. And for bed, well that's my secret.

What I found helpful with packing was to buy the clear plastic containers from Walmart or Target and filled them with shampoo, conditioner and dove bath scrub/soap, and brought a loofa. I labled all the containers with permn. marker and put them in 1 big ziplock bag. I did the same for the tooth brushes and toothpast. Then I had my cosmetic bag which this year will be smaller bc I rarely wore make up on board. I then had a ziplock bag for medications/bandaids etc. This made packing very easy and reduced the chance for leakage too.

Some things I really needed, extension cord and my own hair dryer. There is an outlet by the desk and I got ready there. Bring some bathroom spray for the not so fresh smells. Then always remember the important: YOU HAVE YOUR SISTERS HERE ON THIS BOARD THAT WILL HAVE EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU FORGOT. SO TRY TO ENJOY THIS TIME GETTING READY AND DON'T STRESS.

I promise you will have a blast on this cruise. The cruise docs will come to you before the cruise and there will be instructions attached. There are special luggage tags you place on your luggage so when you drop them at the airport you will see them when you get to your stateroom. The catch is to make sure you take a DISNEY TRANSFER from the airport to the port. Call them to arrange this.

Lastly, any other questions just post and will replied to.

Hang in there. I am one to stress and I made it through x 2 cruises. If I can do it anyone can.

KAREN---- KD ----

 

[batc]

Hello, we are on the sept 17 sailing also. Me, other half, ds11, ds2, sil,bil,dsn7,mil, and my mom. Hoping for a great cruise. We have been on the western sailing with ds11, but for everyone else it's a first. I'm a planner, so I have been stressed with the final details (excursions, etc). I just want to make sure everyone has a great time and I don't want to have to worry about plans once we board. This is what we're doing and when so let's just all have a good time!! No hurricanes! I've tried to read some of the posts, there are soooo many.

 

[TeaforWendy]

Wecome batc! Tell us more about yourself and your family. Post 1250 has all the info as well as our very own website! (Yay Jen!)

virginiafamily, don't stress. As KarenKD put so well, you've got sisters on board -- we'll help. Cruise docs will arrive soon. They will have a lot of info, including info on excursions for St. Maarten and St. Thomas, if you haven't already thought abt those. Also, I agree, for a family of 3 (like us!), the DCL transfers are easy and fun! If you are travelling down on Saturday morning, once you check your luggage at your home airport, you won't see it again until it arrives in your cabin. Pretty slick. My DH didn't believe me abt this last year and we had a stressful moment at the Orlando airport.

If you are travelling the day before (we are this year) you pick up your luggage then when you board the DCL bus on Sat, they take care if it until it reaches your cabin. If you stay at the Hyatt at the airport, you put out your luggage before you go to sleep Friday and once again, don't have to mess with it until it arrives in your cabin. This is why I booked the Hyatt at $159 per night or something, but later got it on Hotwire for $61!!!!!! (I"m still excited abt this deal. My big gamble.)

Clothes -- you will see everything on formal night. Our table mates had a pretty yound child, like 1yo, and she wore jeans and a T shirt with sequins on it and I had a ball gown on ad we both felt fine and ate in our dining room. Pirate night is the only theme night. There is also a semi-formal night and again you'll see everything. Bring what you like that is comfortable and allows you to eat 2 desserts! I wore my swimsuit A LOT, on the ship and on excursions. I brought shorts and a Tshirt for each day and found I wore only about 3 of the 7 sets. So this year, not bringing so many. I wore black and white pants more than one with different sweaters. This year I"ll probably wear more dresses, but I've been collection them "on sale" since I knew we were doing the cruise again this year. But really, don't stress abt clothes, whatever you bring will be good. The only thing and I think I've mentioned it before is bring a princess dress for Dacey, it's so cute to see all the little girls in their princess dresses, getting pictures and autographs from the princesses.

DH b-day. They will find him. And you could always mention it to your servers or the head server on the first night and they will make sure it happens for you. I"ve ordered a cake for our anniv. on the 20th and I plan to mention it to the head server on the first night too. You will be introduced to your servers and the head server on the first night and they'll hover and take very good care of you. No worries!

You can find samples of the personal navigators on the web. Just google the term. I think they are at castaway club dot com. And, order the Passporter from passporter dot com or Amazon. It is awesome and will answer 90% of your questions, give you more info than you ever expected on other stuff and alleviate your fears. My princess needs my attn so gotta go, but be back later.

 

[mommasita]

everyone..


I just wanted to "pop" by and say hello to everyone..I am always reading, and excited for you all.... I will be looking for a LIVE thread...I will be hoping at least..My heart is with you all...I am there in spirit..

Jen, so sorry to hear about your great-grandmother, it is never easy to lose one we love, nevermind the age, Prayers for you and your family...

I have been sooooooo busy working, and my DS Sammy (aka...Quarterback extraordinaire) has started the season 2-0... ...I had to work his first game, so yesterday's was the first game..(LOL) I heard from other parents how he was SO very nervous, but played wonderfully the first game, and then yesterday I got to witness it for myself..It was very emotional for me, as this is the child born with a club foot, and underwent MANY MANY procedures for this from day one of birth..To see him now, is so so right... ANyways, enough of sappy mom stuff, they won 54-0...ANd he threw to passing touchdowns(?) Hope I got that right Brad, otherwise pop right in there...

School starts on the 30th so running around like a maniac for the last minute finds that are IMPOSSIBLE to find...EEK, I wish we could pay the school, and they could supply, feels like I pay enough they should anyway...

Enough of me, just keeping you all up to date..I think of you all, and am thrilled reading your posts..

to you all..
Sherrie

 

[sweetsue]

Mommasita - GREAT to see you here! We do miss you. I see you every once in a while on the main boards and love to hear what's up.

Welcome to the newbies! This is a great place to hang out. We're quite friendly and have lots of fun planned. The major stuff is listed on www.flipfloppincastaways.com, so enjoy! Jen or Jenny are our official cruise coordinators (just now appointed by me). One of them should pop in soon with details, links, etc.

Rebecca, don't stress about the cruise details. It just isn't worth it! My DD4 is special needs too - mobility mostly. We've had quite a few hospital stays, surgeries, etc. over the years so I know how it goes. Call the special needs coordinator at DCL. The number is (407) 566-7735. They were a big help when I first booked a year ago. There is a medical form you will need to fill out before your DD can stay in the oceaneer's club. You'll need to get it faxed quickly!

Also - type up all of your questions (just so you remember), call DCL and just ASK! They are very helpful! All of the castmembers on the phone live in Orlando and many of them have been on cruises themselves!

For general cruise information try http://www.dcltribute.com/ There is also a wealth of information on the main DCL forum. Attire is a regular topic. Many people dress for formal night and others dress less so. Some wear Sunday church clothes, some go all out, and some wear jeans! Formal night is the picture night, so it is a good time to get a family portrait with everyone dressed.

DCL or your TA will send the cruise docs. These are the "tickets" to get onboard the cruise. They also have luggage tags for transfers and all documentation needed at check-in. As far as I know, I'm the only person on the list to receive cruise docs for this sailing.

For some of you newbies, you might want to find the DCL posting "Pay it Forward". You can have someone send your family a postcard from Mickey and Friends looking forward to seeing you on the cruise. It's a great surprise!

Sweet Sue (a bit prolific this morning...)

 

[jennat]

Rebecca, Jim, Dacey.....That is exactly what this thread/board is for. There are never too many questions and between us, we have the answers. First of all send me your e-mail and I will send you the list with eveyone on it and there cabin numbers so whatever you need is just a few steps away. I can also send you a scaled down version of my list ( mjcrouch@4dv.net) (I tend to be obsessive) so you can look at it and decide if you need it or not but you won't forget anything. It also has a page with important numbers, etc, etc....should help you feel more organized.
Think of dressing like this....day (swimsuits) you can take a couple shirts and shorts but real casual (most people stay in swimsuits if they feel comfortable)...hanging out at pool, doing beach/excursion things/seeing a movie or show...whatever you would wear to these things at home.
Here are the most recent navigators (it is from the west coast cruises so may or may not change) http://allearsnet.com/cruise/dcl_west3.htm
Night divided between
1 formal (wear your nicest dress...you will see people in floor length formal, cocktail dresses and their nicest church dresses. If it looks like you made an effort to dress up,you will feel comfortable) (Dillards should go 75% off on their dresses in Sept.) Men wear suit and tie or tux.(or the nicest thing he has)
1 semi formal (a step down from the above...mostly cocktail dresses but once again a nice church dress is fine)
5 other nights....I would say wear what you would wear if you went out and wanted to look cute with the girls....a cute sundress, capris and a top, a skirt and top...no shorts or jeans. Men wear kahkis and golf shirt or nice shirt.
There are other options for dinner...you can eat upstairs at the buffett, you can have room service deliver your dinner to your stateroom (tip), you can eat at Palos (which is recommended) (additional $10 per person) (dressy)

Docs will come in the mail. You will get them but don't stress because our first Disney cruise we booked to late and took care of everything at the port.
They will know your rotation and diningroom for your hubbies birthday but like Wendy said, pull your server to the side and tell them just to be sure. Your servers will be your servers every night and will know everything about you after the first night. They are great!
No other theme nights and you don't HAVE to prepare for pirate night ( most people won't) It is just fun and something extra.
If you have an inside cabin I would take a clock or a nightlight....it is hard to distinguish between day and night. I have to have my over the shoulder crocheted purse for my seacard (wht you charge everything to), my book and my lip gloss. Camera and extra film and batteries. They have shampoo, conditioner and soap and a hairdryer (depending on how picky you are...I am picky), I am sitting here thinking I am packing to much because I can't think of what you have to have....
Everyone....what are two THINGS you have to have when you cruise?
Tammy1, I didn't put everyone's bruch, etc on there...should I....maybe I will.


Wendy, You lucky (I finally got to use one of those cute but otherwise useless smilies!) Definately send a pic! and one of rockin' Harley dude, too!

batc, Welcome! We hope you will get involved with us and be part of our happy family! You will need a support group if you are traveling with your MIL (or at least my mother in law) I actually looked into whether or not we would be charged to full fare if only one of us made it back!) If you want to know more about us...see post 1250 (I think...see my signiture ) and see our website...if you want to be included (and we hope you do) send me an e-amil and I will get you started. Don't be intimidated by all the meets....you will be busy with family,we know. Just get out of it what you want...even if it is just chatting prior or coming to the first meet...
Mammasita, Great to hear from you Good job to your son! It was Jenny with the grandmother...I know you probably know but just so we don't confuse newbies!

 

[jennat]

Sue, we must have been typing at the same time!
Here is a good sorce of infor (until or if you don't want to buy the passporthttp://allearsnet.com/cruise/mdcg.pdfer start on about page 18)) Deb's site is good for everything www.allearsnet.com
Also, a really good tip. Be on an early bus and get to the port early. You paid for the day and it can be the best day on the ship! You did pay for transfers, correct? Just wanted to make sure you knew they weren't included. Also, a big shocker for us on our first cruise was tips! Do you know there are voluntary (read mandatory) tips for your servers on board? They earn every penny but if you don't know about them they are a $300. shock!

 

[sweetsue]

Jen - I knew you would come through soon! The newbies were floundering without your help.

5 other nights....I would say wear what you would wear if you went out and wanted to look cute with the girls....a cute sundress, capris and a top, a skirt and top...no shorts or jeans. Men wear kahkis and golf shirt or nice shirt.

As much as I hate seeing jeans in a cruise dining room, they are allowed on casual nights. They are discouraged on the semi-formal and formal nights but not everyone listens to the dress code. Maybe we should make the people that don't follow the code (like my DB) walk the plank on pirate night!

Sweet Sue (who loves the old-fashioned ocean crossings where people were dressed to the hilt)

 

[donaldsgal]

Rebecca, I sent you a regular email (not PM) with the subject line DCL questions. Just in case you don't recognize the email address or it gets sent to spam. It's regarding the questions you asked.

 

[donaldsgal]

Jen, have you thought of adding the website to your public profile here on the DIS? When you click on someone's screenname, you can send them a PM, an email, or look at their webpage. It'd be a good place for you to put that since you worked so hard on it!

Not much is new. Enjoying a beautiful day outside and a fantasically clean house inside! DSis just got home, so I'm off to get some lunch! I'll check back soon.

ETA: Forgot to say welcome to batc (hope I got that right) and hi to Sherrie! Nice to have you stop in!

 

[Tia]

Well I finally found a dress for formal night! What a relief. I took ds to finish his school shopping. Yes Jen, I love Steinmart. When I lived in FL I used to shop there a lot. I wish it were a little closer but it was worth the drive. I am so excited about my dh's return home as well as the cruise. I am planning a small welcome home party but the fact that they don't give you an exact date is making it tough. It's good to see that I'm not the only one who overpacks! I bring a little of everything and use about 1/3 of it. Everytime I always intend to pack less but it never happens. -Donna

 

[tracyl921]

If you are travelling the day before (we are this year) you pick up your luggage then when you board the DCL bus on Sat, they take care if it until it reaches your cabin. If you stay at the Hyatt at the airport, you put out your luggage before you go to sleep Friday and once again, don't have to mess with it until it arrives in your cabin. This is why I booked the Hyatt at $159 per night or something, but later got it on Hotwire for $61!!!!!! (I"m still excited abt this deal. My big gamble.).

How did you do this (hyatt through hotwire)? I know it was posted before, but can't remember when or the how to's. Thanks

 

[missyoh8]

How did you do this (hyatt through hotwire)? I know it was posted before, but can't remember when or the how to's. Thanks

go to hotwire.com and put in the date at MCO.....

this is a cut and paste of the result you want when I just did it:

Orlando Intl Airport MCO - See map


Selected amenities include:silkHotAmenities0: Restaurant(s), Pool(s), Fitness Center, Tennis Nearby, Business Center. View complete amenity list and description
silkHotRefNo:Ref No. 6508166585 Best Value!

silkHotPrice0:$

it is comming up at $64 and 3.5 stars

I would bet that this is the Hyatt at MCO. Notice no shuttle and no laundry facilities as part of the description.

Let us know how you did.

Missy

 

[tracyl921]

It worked! It was the Hyatt! Thanks for your help!

 

[jennat]

Good job! So I am assuming you are staying there the night before, now? Where is everyone today? Out shopping I can't believe it is only a couple weeks away. I am soo excited! I really need to focus on losing weight, though. I have a matching outfit with the rest of my family that doesn't fit!!! Bummer. the good thing is it never fit, so I haven't gotten larger! Thank goodness for small favors!