Sept 4-8 2005 Wonder S.S. Member Cruise! Part 2

[WDWLVR]

Noreen - yes the recipe off the fluff jar is what I use.

Connie - yes I have you on the navigator list. Should be posting an update in the next day or two.

Lynn/Scott & TennDVC - congrats on getting your docs today.

Let's hope the big brown truck comes for the rest of us tomorrow!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I just(today) talked to a guy from Tiffany Town cars. We are hiring them to take us to the port,(from WDW) and then back to WDW after the cruise.

I told him about surprising the kids, and he said he will make sure we get a "good" driver! I really want a driver who will play along. My Dh and I thought it would be neat if he acted "lost". Because the kids will get suspicious of going to Universal and an hour later we are still driving. So, if the driver acts as though he is lost and can't find it, the kids may not get as impatient as they would if we were driving.

BTW, we are a family of 5, and we need a van. So, if anyone needs transportation to the Port, there would be room for another 5 people. You would just have to pretend you're going to Universal! LOL

If you're interested, send me a PM.

 

[nezy]

What if you said you were going to the beach that day. Cocoa Beach is right there, so it wouldn't be as obvious that you are getting lost going to Universal.

Just curious: What are you going to do about the luggage? Won't the kids notice the suitcases?

 

[iluvdisney]

Finally checking back in tonight before I head to my pillow. I was painting all day so doesn't it figure that I would be looking for the wrong truck - but UPS comes in here everyday so now I have to keep an eye out for him to slow down here. I thought it was Fed Ex - oh well - either way no docs here today.
Our DVC story is simple - we were headed down to Ft Wilderness with the kids for a 2 week stay and received a post card inviting us to check out Disney's new idea - so I told dh that would be cool to see since it's something new but no way were we going to purchase anything. Fast forward a week and after a few days of rain in the campground in June and nothing drying out, it was time to go check out the Disney Vacation Club - after the tour it was like how fast could we sign up - this was June 1992 and that was the one of the best deals I've ever gotten.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

What if you said you were going to the beach that day. Cocoa Beach is right there, so it wouldn't be as obvious that you are getting lost going to Universal.

Just curious: What are you going to do about the luggage? Won't the kids notice the suitcases?

The kids know we would NEVER leave WDW to go to the beach! LOL. Universal would be a shoe-in because they went a couple of years ago, and want to go back.

As for the luggage, I am going to store the bulk of it with the bell service of All Star Sports. I will keep the kids occupied elsewhere while DH waits for the van. When the van arrives, he can put the luggage in, and then I will be right around the corner, he'll call me, and we will climb in the van, and off we go.

I hope what I am planning is fool proof. We shalll see. If we hit any bumps, hopefully we can explain it away. If not, then the kids will have to be told. Hoping we can make it all the way without it being spoiled.

 

[TENNDVC]

Robin- So sorry to hear about your accident. I am glad that none of you were hurt. Since it's coming a gully washer I guess I'll be puddle jumping tomorrow here in Knoxville.

We took the tour of DVC OKW in 1995. Almost bought another timeshare and backed out so we were a little gun shy. Came home with all the info and read everything cover to cover. Called our guide and bought 250pts.
When they opened HH took a trip there and bought more points. Decided we might need a few more points for when our sons have families so have bought two more resale contracts and added on at OKW.
So needless to say we are hooked on DVC. This will be our first member cruise couldn't make the last one. Hoping they have a deal onboard to book another cruise so we can take advantage of the new 10 or 11 day cruises.

 

[cquick]

Lisa, we will volunteer our stateroom for the tour. It's an accessible one on deck 6. Connie

 

[cgcw]

I have enjoyed reading everyones DVC stories. Here's ours.

Our single neighbor bought into DVC about a year before us with his sister and her family. We knew he was taking many trips as he was more than willing to share his pictures with us. We already had a trip planned for 9/2000 so I called and made arrangements to meet with his (our) guide while we were down there. Prior to buying we stayed at the Polynesian and thought it was the best resort and nothing could compare.

We met with our guide at BWV and toured the models. I think we knew before we went down that we were going to buy. Seeing it first hand left nothing to discuss. We signed the papers for 150 points at BWV and walked out of there knowing we had done the right thing.

In December, I booked our first trip to Hilton Head at the 7 month window using our BWV points. Since we had just been to WDW, I thought we'd try something different. Our July trip comes and on our 2nd night there, I called our guide to add on at Hilton Head. We thought that adding 100 points there would be enough to have a trip in a 1 bedroom every summer. We have a fabulous vacation and come home starting to think about when we can go back. So, I borrow points again and book Hilton Head the next July. That vacation comes and before the week is out, we add on another 82 points. Now we have enough for a 1 bedroom every July. Sure enough, the next year comes and we get down there and start thinking the kids are getting bigger and it sure would be nice to have a 2 bedroom. Yep, 50 point add on before we left that week. We're now set with enough points at HH for a week every summer. Just don't show us a grand villa at HH.

When the incentive for SSR came out, we bought another 100 points. When we went down for Member Homecoming, we stayed at BWV for the first time. No offense to anyone, but it was my least favorite resort. We ended up adding on another 150 points at SSR. I just loved the feel of it there.

We have since sold the original 150 at BWV. I hope the new owners are happy with their purchase.

 

[nezy]

The kids know we would NEVER leave WDW to go to the beach! LOL. Universal would be a shoe-in because they went a couple of years ago, and want to go back.

As for the luggage, I am going to store the bulk of it with the bell service of All Star Sports. I will keep the kids occupied elsewhere while DH waits for the van. When the van arrives, he can put the luggage in, and then I will be right around the corner, he'll call me, and we will climb in the van, and off we go.

I hope what I am planning is fool proof. We shalll see. If we hit any bumps, hopefully we can explain it away. If not, then the kids will have to be told. Hoping we can make it all the way without it being spoiled.

Wow! sounds like you have it covered!
I am sure it will go well. Have the kids ever cruised before? If not, then it might not even occur to them.

 

[nezy]

I know someone on here had a link to something on how to make Pirate Costumes. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[zoecaley]

Phew! All caught up - only took me nearly 2 hours and 58 pages!!! I had to wait until everyone was asleep so I wouldn't keep losing my place! I was gone to my folks to help them with a few things and next thing you know, I'm reading until my eyes are red!

Okay - where to start. I'll start from Wednesday (yikes!)

Birth order - last child of 4, three girls and a boy (the oldest).

Collect cookie cutters (no, don't make a lot of cookies and I have about 4,400 cookie cutters right now) and paper dolls and Christmas ornaments

Favorite food - anything pasta I think

What I would show people if they came to Denver - the mountains, maybe take a drive to Manitou Springs

Turning point in my life - my marriage to dh Tom!

Favorite childhood memory - doing plays for my folks at Christmas time. We'd usually use our Barbie dolls. One time it was an adaptation of Little Women and another time we did a shortened Wizard of Oz book - Glinda of Oz.

One day with Walt - would just listen to his stories all day long.

How to relax on the cruise - watch the ocean - very peaceful and people - they never fail to entertain!

Now to more recent topics - Robin glad you're okay from your car accident!

Diana - cute pictures of the kids!

I take care of all our documents for every vacation. Tom did it once, because I was very sick and he had a great time planning everything as a surprise and getting it in order. Know we plan together, but he relies on me to get everything else done. The packing we do gradually - have a place for everything to accumulate, then the night before we look at it with a critical eye and leave a lot behind.

Earliest childhood memory - running to meet Daddy at the front door to help him take his coat and hat off (back when men wore hats!).

Favorite ride at WDW - I like the Mine ride (my speed) and I know I'll love Soarin' because we loved it at California Adventure.

Worst ride for me is DEFINITELY Mission Space ! I don't know why I thought I could handle it - I get motion sick all the time. I was there for maybe 1/2 hour waiting for the room to quit spinning!

Favorite place to eat at WDW - Artist Point at VWL is way up there and I loved the steak at Yachtsman. We usually try to go to Le Cellier at least once each trip and the lunch at Rose & Crown is good.

Favorite treat - I agree with Todd the Hercules/Goofy/Hunchback bars with the caramel were the best! We love the Dole Whips, too - they were the first things we tried on our first trip to WDW in 1988.

DVC story - We knew a little about it, but all along we were thinking that it was just a few places that you bought into and the thought of staying at OKW each time didn't appeal (how naive!). Finally this last trip in 2004, we had a little extra time on our hands and thought we'd check into it at DTD. We were able to get a time before we left for home to do the tour and talk to Nick the DVC guru and even though we were sold the moment we walked in the place, we decided to think it over and do some research. After a few days of discovering everything we could (and finding this website) we were absolutely sure we wanted to do it. We're in SSR and have stayed there and VB. We bought in at 160, but discovered that wasn't going to cut it - so upped it by another 75 (there are only 2 of us) in January. I have a feeling it will be more points someday soon!

I think I'm finally caught up now! We just got DSL last week while I was gone - so I'm hoping that I can stay caught up until we leave. Although, it may mean even more time online with my "addiction" as my dh calls it!

No docs for us in Colorado today. Have a great morning! I'll check back when the rest of you are up and chatting again.

Kristi

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning Cruisers!

We sail in 18 days!

17 days until:
the first DIS meet
bon boyage party :thewave:
and pirate scavenger hunt






We are on the hunt for documents!
​

 

[cgcw]

Today's fluffy question of the day.......

What Adjectives would you use to describe any DVC members you have met over the year?


Thanks, Noreen (Nezy) for the idea.



Here's my answers -- upbeat, happy, relaxed, knowledgable

We're going to have a blast!

 

[alikat99]

Today's fluffy question of the day.......

What Adjectives would you use to describe any DVC members you have met over the year?

Fun, silly, easy-going!!!

 

[WDWLVR]

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Tip Of The Day

Lunch on boarding day is held in two places. Parrot Cay on deck 3 or Beach Blanket Bufft on deck 9. They serve exactly the same thing so the choice is yours if you want to eat outside or inside.

Usually they will try to direct you to one (Parrot Cay) first and then when they are filled direct you up to Beach Blanket. We like to eat outside so we'll head up to Beach Blanket using the mid-ship stairs/elevator instead. Remember that you'll still have your carry-on luggage with you.

So if you want to eat outside head up to Beach Blanket. If you prefer to start in a fun festive air conditioned room then head on over to Parrot Cay. You can't go wrong with either.

Not real hungry or have kids that want to head right to the pools - then head up to deck 9. Grab a table and chairs by the pool. You can grab burgers, hot dogs and chicken fingers at Plutos. Also one person in your party can go through the buffet at Beach Blanket and bring back food to the table.

 

[WDWLVR]

Today's fluffy question of the day.......

What Adjectives would you use to describe any DVC members you have met over the year?

Delightful Vivacious Cool

 

[Diana Lyn]

Today's fluffy question of the day.......

What Adjectives would you use to describe any DVC members you have met over the year?


Here's my answers -- upbeat, happy, relaxed, knowledgable

We're going to have a blast!

Nobody has mentioned crazy and obsessed yet?

No, no, seriously...I'm going to say enthusiastic, generous and caring.

 

[Diana Lyn]

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Tip Of The Day

Thanks Mary, now I'm hungry!

 

[cgcw]

Did anyone see Unwrapped the other night on the Food Network?

They did a segment on Key Lime Pie and showed a place that makes the original in Key West. It's the Blonde Giraffe and now on our list of stops. All of us agreed, we'll have to try a piece. They have a website if anyone cares to check it out -- www.blondgiraffe.com

Walker wants the little one in the triangle box. I'm sure Gary wants the big on in the bigger box.

 

[cgcw]

Nobody has mentioned crazy and obsessed yet?

Diana, are you talking about yourself again?

I had crazy in mine but took it out. I've only met crazy DVC'er on this thread so I didn't want to generalize!