Staci and I/UPDATED with pics 10/08

[Hsminnie]

Seems the second half of 2008 will be quite the travel time for my family and I. I've posted a full size pre trip report here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858002 but wanted to put the cruise portion in it's proper place.

It's just us girls for DCL:

Me 40, entirely too excited
Staci, 13, seems pretty psyched herself

This is a family tradition we began as each daughter enters her teen years. I take them on a small trip and we bond and talk about their father's and my rules about dating, etc. DD1 picked WDW for her trip (she was raised right) but Staci just wanted a cruise. I snuck the DCL in on her but she is very excited about it now too.

There's a great big long story about why and how but we finally ended up on the August 7, 2008 3-night cruise on the Wonder to the Bahamas. Our cabin is 7620 which is apparently fabulous because it used to be a cat 5 (6?) but it was downgraded due to a slight obstruction in the view so it's like getting an upgrade.?.? I have no idea but that's what the folks on wdwinfo.com say and I choose to get excited and believe them all

I had my TA (Keri from MouseFan Travel) order a bon voyage tray for us with petit fours, chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling wine. Staci gets Coke, but she'll love it anyway. I am seriously considering ordering a basket from the lady with the fabulous reputation whose name I cannot remember right now. I need to call her.

We are flying in the 7th. I know, but believe me when I tell you it is entirely UNavoidable. I am freaked but it is what it is so please pray (or whatever) that we get to the boat before 4pm. One failsafe is that we are using DCL transport from the airport. As long as our plane gets us to MCO on time we will make the ship. Of course, we were able to fly home the day AFTER the cruise. Go figure.

I'm trying to gather information to get Staci excited for the trip. The "Pirate Night" helped a lot. I actually have her considering a costume. I went as Little Red Riding Hood to a Halloween party last year and, without the cape, the dress looks like a pirate wench. (Not as slutty as it sounds. Just 'themey') She said it was hot, it is cheaply made like all such things, but she might go ahead since we will be outside a lot. We'll see. Wish me luck. Worst case scenario we have black bandanas with neon pink and green skulls on them.

I've bought character shirts and a Disney "Hawaiin" dress for myself but 1 Eeyore shirt is all I could get Staci to go for. She does love WDW and such fun, she just doesn't go as crazy as her sister and I.

As of now we don't plan to leave the ship in Nassau. I've had several recommendations for things to do, but I just cannot handle the idea of negotiating the taxi drivers or trying to ride the local bus. I know it's unreasonable but there it is. Since I didn't see an excursion I liked (we did dolphins here in 2001) we'll pass and relax onboard. Of course we will get off at Castaway Cay and have a ball I am certain!!!

So there you have it, to be followed by as detailed a trip report as I remember to journal IF I figure out how to post pics I will add those too.

 

[Mozart]

As of now we don't plan to leave the ship in Nassau. I've had several recommendations for things to do, but I just cannot handle the idea of negotiating the taxi drivers or trying to ride the local bus. I know it's unreasonable but there it is. Since I didn't see an excursion I liked (we did dolphins here in 2001) we'll pass and relax onboard.

If nothing else, I would consider taking an hour or two and doing some shopping on the main road in Nassau. It's only a couple of minute walk from the ship and would give dd exposure to something she may not be able to see again. Just a little window-shopping.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You will love the cabin. It is the same as other verandah cabins but with a slight overhang from the contour of the ship. Not noticieable at all while sitting on the verandah watching the ocean go by and you paid less than the people next to you with the same view.

 

[Hsminnie]

Slight change but for the best. We have been trying to figure a way to change our flight from the 7th to the 6th and some extra funds have now made it possible!!! We switched from United to Southwest and now have nonstop flights from CMH to MCO!

We will arrive at 8:35am on the 6th. Since I have an annual pass and it will just mean a ticket for Staci, I think we will go ahead and hit MK that day. I think we can leave our luggage at the hotel and go on. Hopefully we will be in the park by 11am.

Looks like we will stay at the CBR the 6th and a value resort on the 10th.

This gives me so much more peace of mind. If our flight is delayed now all we have to worry about is missing the day at MK!

Any idea when the DCL bus can be expected to drop us at our resort on the 10th? Are there several buses? For that matter, when do they get us to the port?

Thanks!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The times vary for each resort, but you should be picked up between 11:30 and 12:30 from your resort and get to port between 1:00 and 2:00.

The busses start leaving port by at least 8:00 AM so depending on how quickly you get off of the ship and through customs, you should be back at WDW by late morning.

 

[Hsminnie]

Thanks for the help and advice guys!!

I did decide to go ahead and book a tour in Nassau. It's called Blackbeard's Cay Stingray & Beach Adventure. Sounds like a nice relaxing day and Staci will love the stingrays. The only thing I'm not sure about is being stuck out there the whole time. What if we get bored? What if we get overheated? What if I end up a lobster by 11am? Well, it's booked and I suppose I can always talk myself out of it. But I really think Staci will go nuts about the stingrays. (What IS the plural for stingray? Stingrays? Stingri? Stingray?)

Since we are going to MK on the 6th I am now trying to procure ADR's. Or, that is to say, I am having Keri, the WORLD'S best TA from MouseFan Travel, procure them for me. She rocks!!

We have to go to the Crystal Palace..........it's a family tradition plus Staci is part Tigger. I promise.

As for dinner, I haven't decided yet. Maybe a late one at the Plaza and try to see Wishes from the terrace? I'll get back to you!

 

[Disney Brat]

I followed your link in you TR!! I definalty want to hear all about your cruise!!

 

[tink1957]

I also followed you from your TR & can't wait to read about your plans. We are considering a Disney cruise for 2009 in honor of my DD's college graduation & it will be nice to hear a first hand account. Thanks for sharing.

 

[lazydoxy66]

I want to know everything about this cruise. Who knows, maybe I and DH will do one some day. I've only seen it on the Travel Channel. Take lots of pictures! The excursion at Blackbeard's Cay sounds fun! Wow, you'll be leaving in 2 weeks - do you have everything ready?

 

[Hsminnie]

I want to know everything about this cruise. Who knows, maybe I and DH will do one some day. I've only seen it on the Travel Channel. Take lots of pictures! The excursion at Blackbeard's Cay sounds fun! Wow, you'll be leaving in 2 weeks - do you have everything ready?

Oh, were you serious? I pack the night before. I'm a nightmare!! I did have a good list to pack from when we went to WDW last week and that helped a lot. I'll find one for the cruise too. I always tell myself I'm going on vacation, not to the end of the world.....I can always find anything I've forgotten in a shop. Since they won't let Staci into Palo (grumble grumble) I don't need super fancy clothes and everything else is replaceable.

The big fun is that we leave for church camp Saturday. We get back the 2nd!!!!! Can I get a 'EEK'?? Laundry, laundry and more laundry. Oh well, it will certainly make the time go!!

Can someone teach me how to quote more than one person in the same reply?

 

[lazydoxy66]

See the icons at the bottom right, to the right of the Quote button, hover over that next icon with your pointer you will see it is for multi-quote. You just click that on every post you want to quote. Then just click post reply and they will all display with [brackets] in your reply box. Be careful about deleting some of the quote, the brackets and the word

at the beginning and the end have to be left for it to display correctly. You need to make sure you type your response after the

at the end. I always use preview post to see if it looks right.
Hope this helps.

 

[Hsminnie]

Can someone teach me how to quote more than one person in the same reply?

Apparently someone can

See the icons at the bottom right, to the right of the Quote button, hover over that next icon with your pointer you will see it is for multi-quote. You just click that on every post you want to quote. Then just click post reply and they will all display with [brackets] in your reply box. Be careful about deleting some of the quote, the brackets and the word at the beginning and the end have to be left for it to display correctly. You need to make sure you type your response after the at the end. I always use preview post to see if it looks right.
Hope this helps.

Thanks lazydoxy66......You're the best!!!

 

[Hsminnie]

So much for relaxing in WDW before and after the cruise!

DH has a last minute business trip to Denver the week of the 3rd. He was going to go down that week, fly home for a week then go back for 2 more. Problem is, the Democratic National Convention is being held there the last week he would be there and literally no room is available anywhere around Denver. Since he will have to go for 2 weeks now that leaves my 16 year old at home with her 7 year old sister and 2 small labrador puppies. (1 is 5 months and 1 is 9 weeks.) I can't do it for 6 days. So, we got a very early flight into MCO on the 7th and an afternoon flight out on the 10th. I do not like traveling on cruise days but it can't be helped.

Bleck. But, I almost had to scrap the cruise altogether so this is better!

 

[lazydoxy66]

That's a bummer. I'm sure it will be a great adventure anyway.
I want to see some pics of those pups!!!!

 

[Hsminnie]

That's a bummer. I'm sure it will be a great adventure anyway.
I want to see some pics of those pups!!!!

I'll try to remember tomorrow. My girl, Ellie, is beautiful. She's a yellow and has gorgeous red tones on her back. Buckeye, DH's pup, is coming in from KS in the a.m. They're going to get him at 11:45 and the kids can't wait. He's a red. Technically, according to AKC, he's still yellow but they will hopefully recognize the red as a valid color of it's own soon. These aren't show dogs so it doesn't bother us, but they are an established color.

We are considering breeding them later on. It seems like a LOT of work though. Of course, my baby will be 9 or 10 by then so we'll see.

 

[lazydoxy66]

 

[Hsminnie]

Look you with the yoyo smiley guy!!

We went to church camp and literally got home a few hours ago. Bob has been working with the pups all wekks and they are hysterical!!!!

We're going to Cedar Point Monday but I'll try to get pics posted before. I'm up to my ears in laundry just now!!

 

[lazydoxy66]

OOOOOO, Cedar Point - I loved that place. I've only been once but it was a blast. As the matter of fact, that is where my DH proposed to me. Should we have gone there for our anniversary instead of WDW? Nah. We'll get there again. I guess I'll have to let you know when!!!!

Have a great time!!!

 

[LITTLEKID58]

TFS have a great time

 

[Hsminnie]

OOOOOO, Cedar Point - I loved that place. I've only been once but it was a blast. As the matter of fact, that is where my DH proposed to me. Should we have gone there for our anniversary instead of WDW? Nah. We'll get there again. I guess I'll have to let you know when!!!!

Have a great time!!!

VERY COOL!!!! But no, Cedar Point is NOT WDW!!!

Here you are:

This is Buckeye Red. He's 9 weeks old

Here is him with Ellie (Gram Adele) and she is 5 1/2 months

One more shot