The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 8

[itdjbw]

I have always wanted to do RCL but when you try and budget a family of 4 the Carnival cruises are always cheaper. When we take the jump from Carnival to Disney I know there will be a huge difference.

Lynn

Disney do not have the casino to subsidize the fare, I also don't think people drink as much on the Disney, we have done Carnival and Princess too.

 

[itdjbw]

Denise I sent you a PM

Vicki I sent you a PM and PM!!!!!

 

[Glynis]

Glynis - you are making me want to go to DL! I'm sorry you got sick, but it sounds like you didn't let it rain on your parade.

Naw. No rain allowed at my "happy place." Unless it's the kind that falls from the sky and makes the locals stay away! That kind of rain I like!

I'm glad you are wanting to go to DL. That way you won't want to pass up the DDA meet in DL that Paula is working on (hint, hint, Paula!) We could have a total blast at DL! I promise!

 

[itdjbw]

I'm looking into the RCL Alaskan cruise starting in Seattle. I loved Seattle when I was there in the 80's. It was so beautiful. It would be so cool to be able to go there with Chuck and visit the market place again. There are some cool on-shore excursions in Alaska. Chuck's dad was going to take Chuck on an Alaskan trip for his college graduation but Chuck chose to marry me instead. I told him to we could plan the wedding for later in the summer so that he could still go to Alaska with his dad but he didn't want to be away from me! I may just be able to talk him into this cruise!

I cannot wai and was reading a reveiw last night that had me in tears I was laughing so much
I will try find the link

 

[itdjbw]

I've only cruised RCCL but it was fabulous! We did Martinique, Barbados (so beautiful), Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Martin.

Brian has sailed Princess, RCCL, and NCL. Years ago his favorite was Princess, but it's been ages since he sailed with them so things may have changed.

I plan for our next cruise to be DCL, but it won't be for a few years.

After that - Alaska!! Vicki I hope you can talk him into it. I can't wait to do it but I want my kids to be old enough to get something out of it.


Kate I'm glad you're scheduled for surgery and I hope it brings you some relief. My mother's side of the family all have knee problems and I'm starting to have them. After I have the baby I'm going to the Dr. to see if there's anything I can do for it so I feel your pain, literally.

We love Princess and made a decision after our 3rd Carnival cruise on the Glory last year that if it wasn't Disney it was Princess, we are doing a b2B on Princess in Alaska in September and cannot wait.

 

[itdjbw]

Just thought I would check back in before I leave for the day. I can't wait for 5pm to get here.

The boys are camping with my parents this weekend so it should be quiet around our house. I am sure that some "turtle time" will be involved but I will check in Saturday afternoon when DH is at work.

Lynn

EEEEEEWWWWWWW

Have fun

 

[itdjbw]

Here is the link for the reveiw, it is long but was hysterical

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=356466

 

[dumby]

Kate- glad to hear about your dr appointment. I am so glad they can do something for your knee.

 

[Glynis]

Well, I'm back from the doctor. All is well, but I get to start with the mammograms in January! Great fun!

Back to DL:

We left DL (after getting our hands stamped for re-entry, of course) and crossed the plaza to California Adventure. Since I was now firmly into the "dumping" syndrome my first stop was the bathroom. Everyone else went into the toy shop right there. I rejoined them soon, and we decided to hit Tower of Terror first. Peggy really wanted to do it, but was afraid that if she put it off, she'd talk herself out of it. I love this ride, and could go on it over and over and over. So, we headed to Hollywood Backlot. On our way, we noticed that Turtle Talk with Crush was starting, so we stopped there on our way. This was my first time seeing the show, as I had skipped it with the family last September. What a darling show! It was so cute. I thought of Denise the whole time we were there.

Once that was over we went directly to the TOT. There was a posted 15 minute wait, so we hopped in line. By the time we were in the lobby of the hotel, I was praying that I'd make it through the ride before "dumping" came on again. Well, it did, I'm happy to say! This was a great ride. We were in the front row, and it was quite a different experience from the back row where I'd always ridden before. Once off the ride, I made a beeline for the bathroom (this is where my knowledge of DL and DCA was paying off. I never had to ask directions). I was a bit held up because Cruella DeVille was right in front and there was a huge crowd around her. After my bathroom stop, I took another Immodium and felt much better!

I rejoined our group and we decided to hit Soarin' Over California. This was the longest line of our whole trip at 35 minutes. Still, we decided to wait, and were happy that we did. Even though it said 35 minutes, we were strapped into our glider under 20. This is such a fabulous ride! We all enjoyed it, and grabbed more fast passes on our way out. Bryce and Peggy really wanted to go on this one again. I didn't have to have my arm twisted, either.

Next up was Grizzly River Run. We were still a bit damp from Splash Mountain, so figured it would make sense to go on it now. It was a posted 10 minute wait, but it took a bit longer than that as there were many handicapped people that needed to be helped in and out. It didn't bother us at all, though as it was a pleasant day, and we were in a good place! We got into our "boat" and the other 4 passengers were students from a local school. They were so much fun! We had a blast joking around with them, and when we ran into them later in the day, they wanted to hang around with us. I guess they thought we were cool. It was such a fun ride, made even better by the fact that Peggy and I didn't get wet, but Alan and Bryce got drenched! Poetic justice!

On to Paradise Pier. We bypassed most of the rides here as the only one we were really interested in was the Maliboomer. Think Tower of Terror in reverse. Bryce and Peggy chickened out, but agreed to watch Alan and me. I love the rush this ride gives me! You hear the countdown music in your ears, so the anticipation can really build. It's so very cool! I could ride it again and again!

Next up was California Screamin'. Again a fabulous ride! The launch is spectacular. I had to hold my glasses on as I forgot to take them off, but it was still ok. Nobody but me wanted to do it again, though, and we realized that it was now 2:00 and we hadn't had lunch, yet. A stop was definitely in order. We walked to Paradise Pier and had a split lunch. Alan and Bryce went to the Mexican walk up counter and ordered steak nachos. They were incredibly good! The steak was so tender. Peggy and I went to the Pacific Wharf Cafe for soup in a bread bowl. Peggy had a turkey sandwich on sourdough bread, and I had vegetarian chili in a sourdough bread bowl. I didn't eat the bread, though, as I didn't feel my stomach could take it, but the chili was incredible! I love this place and have tried all the soups and chili's now! I would definitely go back again!

After lunch we strolled over to A Bug's Land and saw It's Tough to Be a Bug. We all agreed this is the best 3-D show here. It's so cute! We were sitting by a father holding a little girl who was probably about 18 months, and it was too intense for her. She kept trying to take her glasses off, but dad wouldn't let her. It was really annoying, and I wanted to just rip those glasses away from the baby. I think she would have enjoyed it better that way. Oh well, some parents just don't understand that a screaming child is not having any fun!

Next we went back for our last ride on Soarin'. It was cool again, and we all agreed it was the highlight of DCA. Having done all that we wanted to do, we decided to head back to DL for the late afternoon and evening. Alan and I just couldn't get over how much we had been able to accomplish by 4:30 in the afternoon.

Next installment will finish out our day at DL. Stay tuned.

 

[marcij]

Denise -- we are about to go on our third Disney cruise with our kids, and I've been on Royal Caribbean three times, once with our kids. We took the kids on RCCL before Disney, so they didn't know how much better the kids club is on Disney, but I have to say I was very impressed with RCCL and their kids club as well.

We love cruising, and our kids do as well. We've always done the Bahamas, or the Eastern before. We are doing the Western this year, but from all my research, I think I won't like the Western as much. I would suggest going around the kids birthday's -- less chance of a hurricane.

I've also found it is cheaper to book your own flights -- I would suggest flying in the night before -- it's much less hectic to go in the night before, and less stressful if there are flight delays etc. (I've found that it's also easier on children who have sensory issues.)

If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to give you my opinion/exerience.

 

[MrsHeg]

Well we saw Cars today, it was cute but for a three year old it got a little long. That being said we will be buying the DVD when it comes out.



Good night all.

Debbie

 

[Brendita]

Hey Jo

Your ticker shows 7 more days of school.......any idea when you will be heading South. Do you know what area you are looking in yet??

Lynn

All depends on what jobs open up.
For my position.
I'm a Maintenance Techican with Equity.
Maybe you have heard of them.
They manage Apartment communities.
So will see.
Jo.

 

[legalslave]

First, I would research it on RC's website to find out which cruise you want to take. You can also look at all of their shore excursions that they offer.

Then I would check Expedia, AAA, etc. to see where the best deals are. From what I understand about cruises, you can get good last-minute deals.

Also, I have always booked my air separate from the cruise, as I have always found better deals on that myself. But you chance missing the boat that way too. For instance, if your flight is delayed, the ship can take off without you and you are out of luck, but if you booked your airfare through the cruise line, they get you there. Just don't book your flight so close that you chance that happening.

Good luck.

Denise, just to add to Tammi's advice about air. I always fly the evening before the cruise. I book a hotel near the pier that has transportation to the ship (or sometimes I just call a cab so I can go when I want to). That way you are much more relaxed for your first day and evening aboard ship. The traveling is behind you. The boarding process itself can be very tiring (waiting for boarding to begin, standing in line for check-in, etc.). I sure wouldn't want to have been up since early in the am and traveling that day, too. I value my time on the ship too much to be exhausted and crabby at sailaway!

 

[Steffy]

Good evening all!!!

I am reading but not taking notes so here is a big CONGRATS!! IXIE DUST: HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!! and for all of you!!

Thank you all for the wishes for tomorrow! My knee is currently KILLING me so I am so ready for surgery!! I am worried about how it will hold out at the festival this weekend!

I can't get the song "Strang things are happening to me" out of my head - why?!? Because this week I have watched the exact scene from toy story playing out in my house - remember how Buzz slowly replaced all the woody stuff in Andy's room - it is very ironic that Cars is slowly replacing Buzz!! It hit me like a ton of bricks tonight when I replaced his Buzz sheets with Cars sheets! When I brought them home Steve's exact comment to me was - "this is just like what happened to woody!!!"

Cars has replaced Elmo at my home....

 

[Steffy]

June - actually to all the DDA - you really are all amazing women who handle life's struggles with grace, support friends in their times of need, show compassion, warmth and generosity - and I say if wearing fanny packs make us a DUFUS

well then:

Love the photo! I wear socks with my SAS shoes and shorts while in Disney. I am not winning any beauty contests at Disney. I need to be comfortable.

 

[legalslave]

Kate - guess what the promo is at McDonald's? There's a tow truck on its way to Nick.

 

[Steffy]

I am very proud to be a DUFUS


D---darling
U---unique
F---fabulous
U---understanding
S---supremes

You go girl!!

 

[Steffy]

How about this one:

Do you know how
Unbelievable it is to have
Friends that are completely
Unmistakenly devoted to their family and friends... I consider them
Super Women and could care less about their fashion choices.

Deb

You go girl too!!!

 

[Steffy]

Wow! I can't believe I got all caught up!!!!! It's good to be back with my DDA family! The bad thing is that we're leaving again for a week on Monday. Try to keep it down to a dull roar, would ya?

Our trip was really fun! I'll try to post a mini trip report here tomorrow. But first I just have to say a few things (bear in mind I'm doing this from memory):

Happy belated birthday, June!! I thought about you the whole time we were at Universal Studios on your birthday! I hope it was happy!

Happy belated anniversary to Chuck and Vicki, and to Terry and her DH. Hopefully you all had good times together! Did that even make sense? Oh well!

Denise - MEGA CONGRATULATIONS ON THE JOB!!!!!!! That is so cool! You will be a wonderful teacher! I'll keep my eyes open for anything you could use to decorate your room! Also, I was so relieved to hear that things went well for Rees! DH and I had a special prayer session for him before we headed off to DL on Monday! He was so thrilled to hear that Rees is doing well, and then I was able to show him the pictures you posted, and I saw his heart swell! He's really getting into the whole DDA as family thing.

Heidi - I was able to get the Mickey ears, etc. at BABW, and I put them in the mail today. I don't have the receipts right in front of me, but I'll PM you the total! It was so fun to get that for you! And you got the last set that they had. There was almost a fight between me and another lady, but when she got a look at my gorilla of a hubby, she backed off! He wasn't about to let me disappoint you!

Amy - Sounds like your house showing is picking up! That's good and bad, right? Good, because it means people are interested, but bad because it means you always have to be ready. I'll continue to pray that your house sells quickly, and that you have a smooth transition to the new house. I love the pictures, by the way!

Kristine - Wow, on all the pictures of your family! What wonderful accomplishments, and what darling children!

Congrats to Emma on losing another tooth! That's a very big deal here at our house, too!

Paula - It's nice to see you posting again! I loved the pictures of your girls! What little darlings! I just have to say that you are amazing! The pillowcases you made for the triples are just darling! No wonder you are always so busy!

Vicki - Step away from the computer! Do not bid on anything else for PM. Just kidding. Go ahead, girl! You deserve it! Sounds like things are looking up for Chuck if they've ruled out all those bad things. I'll just have to keep praying that they find out what is going on with him.

Kate - All I have to say about the fanny pack picture is YOU GO GIRL! I looked just like that at DL and Universal studios, and I saw too many other people to count that also wore them. I love my fanny pack. I love my crocs/airwalks (with socks), and I love matching T-shirts. What would that woman say if she ran into the entire DDA looking that way! Can you picture the look on her face?

Jennifer - Good luck with the wisdom tooth! You have made up my mind for me, and I'm going to have mine out soon! I do NOT want an abcess!

Jen - Congrats on passing the NCLEX!!!! I hope you're having a wonderful time on your cruise!

Clare - Congrats on your passing grade in the one class. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next 2 grades! I love your new avatar! It's just darling!

Steffy - It's so great to see you posting again! I've missed your posts! You always brighten my day!

Now, I know that I've missed someone, so I apologize for that! I'm having post Disney trauma, so blame it on that! Pixie dust for anyone that needs it!

I'm going to bed, and tomorrow I'll report on my trip!

Nighty night!

home Gylnis!!!!!

 

[marcij]

Need some advice -- my DS Andrew went to football camp at TCU. The college football players and coaches signed his t-shirt. They used Sharpies, but is there anything else I need to do to set the names so they don't fade as fast?

Thanks!