September 29, 2007 - Magic

[LAWalz23]

Hope all the kiddos are feeling better really soon!! Sending them a hug and pixie dust! I hate to fly with clogged ears or a head cold It makes for a miserable trip!

 

[LAWalz23]

Oh No! My worst fear with a storm is our Eastern turning into a Western. As long as we can make it into Castaway Cay, I'll be happy!
I can't wait for all of you that haven't been there, to see it. It is just so beautiful and serene, picture perfect!

I totally agree about the Eatern turning into a Western!

GOOD NEWS! I just checked weather.com and it says Jerry is heading into the Atlantic and won't bother anyone except the boaters!

 

[LAWalz23]

Huh?? Paperwork???? uuuuggghhh one thing more to do!

I hope and pray Daelyn and Fallon will be well to enjoy their vacation of a lifetime!

I have to make up a list of what to buy once we arrive in Florida.
1) Bottle of wine or champagne
2) Lysol (I can't take one on the plane right?)
3) Choclates and candies for the pinata
4) Goodies for the CMs

I think that's about it. Hhhmm hope there's a costco near my DH's cousin's house.


Gr00vyChc

Looks a little like my list! I am taking parents to see real estate agent and look at a rental house that they are selling the to my mother's parent's graves on Thursday. While we are there we will be puchasing

Febreeze
Lysol
Chocolate and goodies for CMs
and whatever Mom, Sis and I add to the list between now and then!
We will be meeting Susan and family then eating at Spoodles on Thursday evening as they have a later flight than us! Still trying to get Chef Mickeys as it is our traditional first nighter but it was too late after Susan found out she could take an earlier flight! In fact I am tryng now to get Chef Mickeys for Thursday dinner.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Yes, I'm done packing (I had to make sure I stuff all the clothes in and that they weigh under the minimum amount).

Pauline or anyone....do u all know the weight limit per bag ? I'm thinking 40-50 pounds ?
I'm having a difficult time keeping the number of bags down ! We have 6 maybe 7 right now for four people. Two large suitcases (26 or 28 inches). My girls are splitting one and my dh and I are splitting the other. Then we have 2-3 garment bags for all our dresses/skirts/suits. I'm going to try and squeeze things in to keep it to two.
Then we have one medium suitcase just for all of our shoes ! We each have 2-3 pairs (dress shoes/sandals). I think we're at 10 pairs now for four people. Then a smaller suitcase for towels/snorkels/masks. I can't see renting these on CC for $25 per person ($100 for the family) when we have our own. Then, lastly, one small to med sized toiletry bag. HELP ! Is this too much ? Now I'm not even counting our laptop and camcorder bag.

Tonya,
The paperwork I have is :
1) cruise docs DCL sent us (Bahamian docs)
2)birth certificates (we never had time to get passports)
3)driver's licenses
4) also the online check-in forms on the DCL site.

I'm also printing out our DIS meets and times.

Also....I want to wish a safe and happy trip to those that are leaving for FL in the next day or so. Here's to all of us having sweet tropical breeze dreams very soon !

 

[Deweysgirl]

Is anyone else leaving their kids at the kids club while we're in CC? DD will be there until 12:00. I want at least an hour "alone" time at Serenity. I feel so guilty .. but DH will be parasailing and DD can play for 1 more hour.

Gr00vyChc

Hi Pauline! No, don't feel guilty. We did this very same thing when we were there when our girls were much younger. DH and I had them in the club until lunchtime and we spent the morning alone at Serenity, and for some crazy reason we were having drinks at 11am. After lunch, we went to the family beach together to finish out the day. No regrets! The kids were having fun, they have all kinds of activities planned for them right there on the island, so they stay busy and have fun too!

Maria - Love the sleeping smilie, too cute!

 

[Gr00vyChc]

Maria: The maximum weight is 50 lbs. per bag.. I think you're allowed 2 per person. That is a lot of stuff........ but then again.. you have teenagers so that's understandble

I have 1 big suitcase and 1 medium one. We have my DD's carryon suitcase and a backpack for me and DH. Also, I always pack an extra tote bag for souvenirs whenever we travel.

Lori: That's good news about the storm.. thanks for the update

Gr00vyChc

 

[LAWalz23]

Pauline or anyone....do u all know the weight limit per bag ? I'm thinking 40-50 pounds ?
I'm having a difficult time keeping the number of bags down ! We have 6 maybe 7 right now for four people. Two large suitcases (26 or 28 inches). My girls are splitting one and my dh and I are splitting the other. Then we have 2-3 garment bags for all our dresses/skirts/suits. I'm going to try and squeeze things in to keep it to two.
Then we have one medium suitcase just for all of our shoes ! We each have 2-3 pairs (dress shoes/sandals). I think we're at 10 pairs now for four people. Then a smaller suitcase for towels/snorkels/masks. I can't see renting these on CC for $25 per person ($100 for the family) when we have our own. Then, lastly, one small to med sized toiletry bag. HELP ! Is this too much ? Now I'm not even counting our laptop and camcorder bag.

Tonya,
The paperwork I have is :
1) cruise docs DCL sent us (Bahamian docs)
2)birth certificates (we never had time to get passports)
3)driver's licenses
4) also the online check-in forms on the DCL site.

I'm also printing out our DIS meets and times.

Also....I want to wish a safe and happy trip to those that are leaving for FL in the next day or so. Here's to all of us having sweet tropical breeze dreams very soon !

Most airlines the wt limit is 50lbs. I don't think you are being unreasonable, but of course we travel with water due to allergies and such so we always have the max suitcases! And will each have a carryon! The only good part is we have extra suitcases to fill up with souveniers! We love to shop!!
I am hopeful that my suitcase is not oo much over 50lbs and a nice tip to the skycap will help! Funny thing is that the suitcase in question, is not packed to the gills and can actually be expanded! This will be helpful with the shopping between WDW and the cruise!

 

[LAWalz23]

Hi Pauline! No, don't feel guilty. We did this very same thing when we were there when our girls were much younger. DH and I had them in the club until lunchtime and we spent the morning alone at Serenity, and for some crazy reason we were having drinks at 11am. After lunch, we went to the family beach together to finish out the day. No regrets! The kids were having fun, they have all kinds of activities planned for them right there on the island, so they stay busy and have fun too!

Maria - Love the sleeping smilie, too cute!

Hi Pauline, I think your daughter willl be fine and probably not even care! Just thought I would add, Zach told his mother, my sis, Susan, that he would like to spend a part of the day at the kids club at CC because he would like to participate in some of the activities there! Both he and Cassandra loved the kids program on Carnival three years ago and are looking forward to the Disney one. My sister is probably going to pull them out for family time!

 

[LAWalz23]

Hi All!

I will be finalizing my goody bag list on Monday eve so I can copy it on Tuesday for anyone that wants a copy.

If there is anyone whose kids will not be getting goody bags but wants to be added to the list just PM me and I will add you!

Happy Monday to all! Only two work days!!!

See everybody on Friday or Saturday!!!

Lori

 

[phred84044]

I have really enjoyed looking at everyone's pictures! We are all blessed to have such wonderful families and friends!
Here is a picture of us in front of the Castle from last Halloween. We had them made into Christmas cards.

What a great picture! I can't wait to see everyone in their pirate gear!!! I feel like we have already made life long friends...and we have't even officially met each other! All I can say is, WE ARE ALL GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

-Tracy

 

[MiniGirl]

Alright everyone.... we are less than a week away, and I really need to get hopping. I am a newbie at all of this, so please bare with me. I have a few questions though.....

Why are some (all) of you bringing Lysol? Are the rooms musty or unclean or do you generally bring it on every trip you go on?

My dh doesn't want to get into any of the festivities. If we don't "do" formal night, will we still be allowed in the restuarant that evening? Will we be the only ones not in formal attire? The shows are done in the restuarants (Artist's Palette mainly what I'm interested in) only the first time we eat there, right? Do any of you skip the restuarants on any given night and just snack? We have the 2nd seating, and I just don't think the kiddos can make it that late. Would it be acceptable just to get them a burger or something and send them to their club and dh and I enjoy dinner with our friends and no kids? Dh also doesn't want to do any excursions? Will we be bored to tears after a few days? DH is also an early riser. Is there a place for him to get his coffee at say 5:00 am? Everything I've seen says things open at 7:00.

Dh really is a great guy. He just doesn't really get into dressing up and such. He is also worried about the cost of the excursions, (We pay off our cc every month, so if we can't afford it, we don't do it.) and things like boarding the dog, parking, etc, are costing us more than we had planned. No worries though. We're still looking forward to the cruise.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Minigirl asks :Why are some (all) of you bringing Lysol? Are the rooms musty or unclean or do you generally bring it on every trip you go on?

One word : Norwalk

If we don't "do" formal night, will we still be allowed in the restuarant that evening? Will we be the only ones not in formal attire? The shows are done in the restuarants (Artist's Palette mainly what I'm interested in) only the first time we eat there, right? Do any of you skip the restuarants on any given night and just snack? We have the 2nd seating, and I just don't think the kiddos can make it that late. Would it be acceptable just to get them a burger or something and send them to their club and dh and I enjoy dinner with our friends and no kids? Dh also doesn't want to do any excursions? Will we be bored to tears after a few days? DH is also an early riser. Is there a place for him to get his coffee at say 5:00 am? Everything I've seen says things open at 7:00.

Hi Minigirl,
By no means does everyone dress formal----but alot dress semi-formal at the least for formal night which is Sunday night. You would not be turned away if you did not dress up though. On our 4 night cruise back in 2002, on semi-formal night (there is no formal night on the 3 and 4 days), we had a table next to us wearing shorts and flip flops. The guy had a Hawaiin shirt on and jeans shorts. They were not turned away. They were treated the same as we were in our dresses and suits. So I wouldn't worry about that. Also, you do have the option of having dinner at Topsiders that night if you don't want to go to the restaurant. The Topsiders buffet usually serve the same things as the formal dining rooms in a more casual atmosphere.
For coffee, if the self-serve beverage station isn't open by 5 am, then there is always 24 hours/day room service.

I think alot of people get food for their kids earlier and leave them in the club. Most of the kids really enjoy this. I wouldn't feel guilty about that.

As for the excursions.......again, I'm sure alot don't do them. In fact, many people just prefer to stay on the ship on port days because it really empties out. If you don't want to pay for excursions, you can still get off at the port and walk around on your own. I don't think you would be bored.

Enjoy your cruise whatever way is best for you

 

[JLSE50]

You know, the TSA would make things easier if they would list very specifically what's okay and what isn't. Sunscreen - okay. Nice smelly stuff - okay. Lysol - okay. Stuff used to create bombs or purposely light things on fire - not okay!

The problem is that the propellent in the "nice smelly stuff" and the "hold your hair in place stuff" is flamable. And there are evil people in this world who want to kill those they hate so they will think up nasty uses for everyday items if it suits their purpose.

Yes the TSA stuff is annoying at times, but we have been spoiled in the US. When we cruised in 2001 we ate with a couple from South Africa. They said that for YEARS BEFORE September 11th, all their stuff was unpacked, checked and loaded back into the suitcases 5 TIMES between South Africa and the US. 5 TIMES~!! The lady said she never packed tightly or neatly as the inspectors did not repack that way AND she took her "unmentionables" in her carry-on.

I would rather be inconvenienced at the beginning of a flight than to worry that my kids will be planning my funeral.

Off my soapbox
Jan

 

[ibela]

Thanks to all for the good wishes. She's still coughing so I'm going to make a "sick" appointment for her tonight and hopefully all will be well.

I hope all your kids are doing better too. Wow, a broken arm really sucks.

 

[JLSE50]

Here's hoping Fallon and Daelyn feel better REAL soon !
When we went to WDW this summer, my one dd had a horrible sinus infection. She could not hear anything at all. Our fear was for her ears on the plane. I was thinking the potential for severe ear pain on the plane was a distinct possibility. I took her to the doctor on day 10 of the illness. I explained about our trip and that she could ear nothing and coughed contantly. He really blew us off. He looked in her ears/throat and listened to her lungs. Then patted her on the hand and said she had to "wait it out". He was gone in less than 4-5 min. Got home, stewed on this awhile and called the office. I demanded to be seen by another doctor the next day or they would most likely be getting a call from me when we got to FL from a hospital down there. They made an appointment for her for the following day. This doctor, immediately said "I'm glad you brought her in". "Over 10 days is long enough to have these symptoms". She immediately put my dd on antibiotics and luckily she was feeling a little more decent by the day of the flight.
Anyway....my point was....what one doctor/nurse blows off as "no big deal", another may not see it that way. I knew in my heart that my daughter was not able to kick whatever she had on her own. We rarely go to the pediatrician for little stuff. We know there is no cure for the common cold etc. But when my child is unable to hear anything for 10 days, I was very shocked (and ticked off), that the first doctor blew us off. Sometimes we really need to be advocates for our kids. Sorry this got a little wordy.

I had a pediatrician like that, won't get into boring details but I ultimately switched her to this new office. They said I could just bring her in tomorrow and I will, they said they only had emergency sick hrs today and so everyone coming in was really sick and that if she was borderline then we'd end up exposing her to all the sick germs and could make things even worse. Anyway, thanks for the wishes.

Your kids are blessed with caring mothers!! You are great advocates.

I anyone else having problems with the disney cruise website I remember there being something I had to print out to take with me and I can not get it to retrieve my reservation to get to the paperwork.

Which brings me to my next question...What all paperwork do I need to take? I completed everything I could online. Most of the stuff in the mail seems the same??? Then I am TOTALLY confused on what to put in most of the boxes on the Bahamas form?? Can any of you DCL pro's help?????

I HATE PAPERWORK AND PACKING !!!

We completed the paperwork on line last year but then had to do the coupons in the booklet because we had not printed it out to hand deliver it to the terminal. When the site is up and running again, print it out and bring it along. If you don't know what to put in a box for the Bahamas form, skip it. The nice check-in Cast Members will know just what to do!
Jan

 

[JLSE50]

Huh?? Paperwork???? uuuuggghhh one thing more to do!

I hope and pray Daelyn and Fallon will be well to enjoy their vacation of a lifetime!

I have to make up a list of what to buy once we arrive in Florida.
1) Bottle of wine or champagne
2) Lysol (I can't take one on the plane right?)
3) Choclates and candies for the pinata
4) Goodies for the CMs

I think that's about it. Hhhmm hope there's a costco near my DH's cousin's house.


Gr00vyChc

GOODIES FOR THE CMs?? Like what?
Jan

 

[JLSE50]

Sigh... DD fractured her shoulder yesterday while climbing on a swingset. She'll be the one with her arm in a sling when we board. Oh well... no parasailing for her this time

So sorry. Hoping she is not in a lot of pain.
Jan

 

[tfc3rid]

The tropical wave that the National Hurricane Center is monitoring in the Atlantic is currently showing a northerly jog according to this morning model runs... It looks like this system will miss the Islands to the North...

 

[ibela]

GOODIES FOR THE CMs?? Like what?
Jan

People in the main forum talk about stuff like candies and calling cards. Others say what they want most is praise on the comment cards (which I'm sure is true b/c they're always concerned with those comment cards promotions and stuff go by that).

I'm not bringing anything extra, if I really like them I'll just additional tip and they can buy whatever they want for themselves. Heck, I usually have a hard time buying gifts for family, so I'm not attempting to buy for strangers!

 

[TNMomof3]

Liz, Terrific picture!!! I love the "Yo Ho Ho" on the card!

I hope everyone's little ones will be much better soon. I've warned mine to stay out of people's faces to hopefully avoid any bad bugs.

Gr00vyChc, we will be leaving our youngest at the kid's club on CC for a bit while we go parasailing. I love that they offer it so that we may go do something like this that she's too young for. I'm sure they have lots of great activities for them to enjoy. Do it guilt free. She'll have fun and alone time at Serenity Bay sounds WONDERFUL!

We got a lot of packing done yesterday. I'm normally a procrastinating late packer, so I hope I don't forget stuff doing it this way. I must admit it feels less stressful and hopefully I won't be up till 1 or 2AM Thursday night.