September 22, 2007 -- WESTERN

[CustardTart]

Heeeey everyone :]
My name is Jessica, and I'm 14 years old.
I will be traveling on the Disney Magic on September 22.
I would love to meet new people, and hang out with friends I have made.
Does anyone have a child that is around my age?
I would like to chat with them & meet them on the boat.

Hi Jessica! Welcome onboard!

Sadly my DS14 isn't coming with us on this trip but if you take a look here you'll find a complete list of passengers so any teenagers will be listed there...

 

[CustardTart]

Boy, I need to get busy! Usually by now I have at least a few things stacked up and in bags waiting to go in the suitcase...

I haven't got anything packed/sorted for this trip yet. I'm going to Southern Spain for a few weeks on July 10th and I haven't even thought about that vacation yet let alone the cruise - oh well, will have to get organised next week...

...Maybe it has something to do with the 10 pounds I have left to lose. I'm just not sure how things are going to fit yet. Is anyone else trying to lose a few pounds before the trip? If so, what are you doing about buying new clothes?

I've totally given up with the weight loss now, Eva! I'm enjoying my birthday week and then relaxing in Spain so I've decided on the WYSIWYG approach...

 

[eva]

I've totally given up with the weight loss now, Eva! I'm enjoying my birthday week and then relaxing in Spain so I've decided on the WYSIWYG approach...

Maybe it is too early, but what is the WYSIWYG approach?

We are also staying at the Radisson and will be using the shuttle to get to the ship. Does anyone know how the shuttle works coming back? We have a 'reservation' to get to the ship, but I have visions of 500+ people trying to get in a 15 passenger van or whatever they use. I guess there must be some system in place.

Well, no need to worry about us. We are too impatient and will be driving to port. I know it will cost us an extra $84 dollars for parking. But I have heard mixed stories about how long people have had to wait once they left the ship. Since we are going to WDW after the cruise, I think I would go insane if I had to wait long for the shuttle.

 

[papa]

The radisson shuttles can be a bit harsh. People lose their Mickey attitudes real quick once they get off the ship. For us it is just easier to take our car to the port and pay the parking. When we get off the ship, it is straight to the car, and then head for Walt Disney World.

Happy Birthday Karen. Mike

 

[American Scrapper]

Welcome Jessica! My DS is going to be 11 when we sail & my DD will be 8.

Happy Birthday Karen!!!!

 

[FatCat]

You could get a cab back to the radisson. Pick up the car and get the rest of the gang back on the ship.

May cost a little but save on time.

I actually here the walk from the Radisson bus at the hotel to where you park the cars is a little hike.

 

[scrapperjill]

Jessica.... Your in luck we're brining a whole group of teens with us... all VERY close to your age. We'll have our DD (14) as well as our neice (14) a friends two boys (also both 14 ) and another friend that's tunning 15 at the end of July. They're all hoping the Stack is full of fun stuff. I peeked at the list of past activites (have you??) and they look like they have a bunch of fun stuff to do.

I've heard that if there's a low turn out for activites they'll cancle them. I guess we're going with the idea of supplying enough teens to keep the activites going

 

[Bareacuda]

Bareacuda, If it is not too late, please put me down for 4 wristbands.

Thanks!

Kathy

...


Hi Kathy

I have you down for 4 right now.
I'll be posting a list this weekend for everyone.

Thanks for the order!
Ann

 

[scrapperjill]

Oh...Fat Cat.... Who are you going through with your transfers? I'm guessing at the price I got quoted maybe it was for a hover craft or something along that line Anyways...I'd be intrested to hear who your going through...I'm feeling like I'm getting screwed with the quotes I've gotten, they've been nowhere NEAR what you got.


I never considered driving to the port (I'm not even sure how far that would be...a few thousand miles??) ...but then again with the gas needed to get there and the hotel stays we'd need (not to mention the extra time off from work) I think we come out ahead by flying. Plus we got a SWEET deal on our airfare.

 

[Bareacuda]

I must be taking the easy way out ... I let DCL do all the work and I pay them. I pick the room and relax.

 

[papa]

Good morning everyone. Hope that all have a great weekend.

Karen hope that you enjoyed your birthday yesterday, and that you are feeling ok today.

The reason that we drive, is that my DW has a fear of flying. She has been to Florida 2 or three times on a plane, but does not want to fly now. Driving down also gives us transportation while we are there, and added flexibility. Mike

 

[CustardTart]

...Karen hope that you enjoyed your birthday yesterday, and that you are feeling ok today...

Hello everyone! Thanks for all your birthday wishes! I had a great day and a lovely evening out at a local restaurant with my DD - we had a fab time...

Now I'm looking forward to my DH coming home this evening...

 

[eva]

I know we probably sound crazy. But we love the drive to and from WDW most years. We always drive if the trip is a 2 week one. For one week or shorter we fly. I really get in to books on tape. I already have two I'm saving for the trip. I'm thinking about getting the new Harry Potter on CD too. The drive down really adds to the excitement of the trip. Once we hit the FL border we only listen to Disney tunes. We even have traditions about where we stop for gas. I know, I know, we are weird! But we consider the drive part of the vacation too. My personal countdown is 2 days shorter because we will be leaving on the 20th.

That being said, driving from Washington would probably be crazy, even to us!

Welcome Jessica!
We don't have any teens (or kids for the matter) going with us this trip. But it sounds like scrapperjill has quite a few for you to meet up with.

 

[CustardTart]

I know we probably sound crazy. But we love the drive to and from WDW most years. We always drive if the trip is a 2 week one. For one week or shorter we fly. I really get in to books on tape. I already have two I'm saving for the trip. I'm thinking about getting the new Harry Potter on CD too. The drive down really adds to the excitement of the trip. Once we hit the FL border we only listen to Disney tunes. We even have traditions about where we stop for gas. I know, I know, we are weird! But we consider the drive part of the vacation too. My personal countdown is 2 days shorter because we will be leaving on the 20th...

We always used to drive to the South of France from our home in South East London and that was a looong journey. Nowadays, there are so many budget airlines, we usually fly.

Eva, I know what you mean about story tapes (as my kids have called them since they were toddlers) - they really are great on a journey. Looking forward to the next Harry Potter installment - will have to see if we can buy a copy of the book in Spain as we're there when it comes out...

 

[scottrob]

Thanks everyone for the information about the shuttle. You have confirmed my concerns. After I consult with my better half, we may decide to just park at the cruise lot and head to Disney from there after the cruise.

 

[papa]

Bob I think that it is $12 a day or a total of $84 for the week. You pay the attendant as you park. They take cash, or Visa and Mastercard. Not sure about American Express. It just makes it so much more convenient to have your auto there. No rush to catch a shuttle or having the love of your life having to wait till you come back to pick her up.

Mike

 

[Lucky Penny]

Maybe it is too early, but what is the WYSIWYG approach?

Well, no need to worry about us. We are too impatient and will be driving to port. I know it will cost us an extra $84 dollars for parking. But I have heard mixed stories about how long people have had to wait once they left the ship. Since we are going to WDW after the cruise, I think I would go insane if I had to wait long for the shuttle.

WYSIWYG = "What You See Is What You Get"

This is the approach I'm taking too!! I need to lose more weight, but can't wait too long to finish shopping -- I have a date next Saturday with my 'personal shopping consultant' (DS 29 who is a GENIUS at dressing me!) I'm trying to finish before all the good stuff is gone, but also watching for the fall fashions to start arriving, when the remaining summer things will be on sale!!

I know we probably sound crazy. But we love the drive to and from WDW most years. The drive down really adds to the excitement of the trip. Once we hit the FL border we only listen to Disney tunes. We even have traditions about where we stop for gas. I know, I know, we are weird! But we consider the drive part of the vacation too. My personal countdown is 2 days shorter because we will be leaving on the 20th.

Eva, we prefer to drive from Virginia, compared with flying - most US airlines have lost any sense of customer service IMO, and it's 'sit down and shut up' as if they're doing us a favor to allow us onto their plane. Our drive is about 14 hours including lunch and bathroom breaks - we too have our favorite places to stop. I love your idea about Disney music from the FL border on!!!

Thanks everyone for the information about the shuttle. You have confirmed my concerns. After I consult with my better half, we may decide to just park at the cruise lot and head to Disney from there.

We have consulted and decided to park at the terminal - thanks for all the info, everyone!! This way we can get there early, and leave when we get back - we are also going to WDW for the week after the cruise Already planning MNSSHP with the kids and definitely F&W activities!! We're hoping to book one of the "Party for the Senses" evenings with DS and DDIL if they can find a babysitter - there's a great review from last year here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/PartyforSenses.htm
We have not done this one before, and it sounds fabulous!

Also have our reservation for Victoria & Albert's during our stay.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

 

[eva]

WYSIWYG = "What You See Is What You Get"

This is the approach I'm taking too!! I need to lose more weight, but can't wait too long to finish shopping -- I have a date next Saturday with my 'personal shopping consultant' (DS 29 who is a GENIUS at dressing me!) I'm trying to finish before all the good stuff is gone, but also watching for the fall fashions to start arriving, when the remaining summer things will be on sale!!

Well, this sound like my kind of approach. Unfortunately, my doctor just told me on Wednesday that my cholesterol is 238. I am going back in two weeks for a fasting blood test and hope that it is much lower. Since my Dad had high cholesterol and died of a heart attack at 54, I am taking this pretty serious. Kind of makes me mad that I have been on a good diet and quit smoking almost 4 months ago and this happens. I only have 10 more pounds to lose to be at what my doctor considers the perfect weight for my height. Oh well, enough of the pity party!

 

[FatCat]

Bob I think that it is $12 a day or a total of $84 for the week. You pay the attendant as you park. They take cash, or Visa and Mastercard. Not sure about American Express. It just makes it so much more convenient to have your auto there. No rush to catch a shuttle or having the love of your life having to wait till you come back to pick her up.

Mike

I am actually afraid if I go get the car and come back they may ditch me.
So we travel as a group. Maybe I should re-think my excursions.
My DW did recently make sure my Term Life was paid up.

 

[eva]

I can't believe that DH (Steve) finally decided to get involved in planning the excursions and extras we are doing at WDW. All of a sudden he realized that I am making reservations tomorrow. Well, here is the final excursion list:

Key West - Walking Tour On Our Own
Grand Cayman - Sea Trek Grand Cayman (This choice was really unexpected.)
Cozumel - Jeep Exploration
Castaway Cay - Personal Watercraft Eco Tour

We also decided to take the Backstage Magic Tour while at WDW. I was surprised that there were open spots for the date we wanted, since they start taking reservations at 180 days. But we have it reserved for Oct 4th. We also decided to do the parasailing at WDW instead of CC. I think I will be less scared flying 600 feet in the air, if I am flying over WDW. It will be cool seeing the MK from up there.