Way Early I know but anyone going on Eastern May 1-8 2004?

[Alice Sr.]

Welcome to the thread and welcome to the DIS, we look forward to getting to know you before the cruise.

I'm waiting for a report from all you shoppers

Alice

 

[conny264]

Hi again guys it's Silke again!

I am to lazy for getting registered myself, sorry!

Actually, i am pretty calm about the trip for now. And i don't know why that is.
Conny has been making list's for ages, and is asking me what i am going to pack.
My answer always ison't know!
I will probably open my cupboard, and throw half of it's contains in my suitcase and that's it. I will leave my winterclothes inside.

Maybe i am not that excited, because it is not our first trip to WDW? But still, the cruise is something new?

I also have this thing about never to expect to much, and that way you won't get dissapointed!

Anyway, i will try to put my head in here more often, it is great to get to know people in advance. And, who knows, the closer we get, the more exited i am bound to get.

I hope i didn't came across as a real bore right now

Have a nice weekend!!!!

P.S * I hate Conny at the moment.She is in sunny Spain! Working, but still! It is raining outside my window!

 

[Boatingman]

Sorry people. I guess I should have left more info when I signed on.

Kathy
DH Jim
DS Paul -Joseph 6y/o
DD Kara will turn 4 y/o 2 weeks prior to sailing

Gotto go stock up on suntan lotion/ On sale today!!!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Good afternoon everyone!

I was just checking out the temps for St. Maarten and St. Thomas on the site and boy are they lucky!

A true temp of 86 degrees F in St. Maarten with a heat index making it feel like 95! It's not even that nice here in Florida! (We're only at 73 degrees F. Although, we do have .)

We've added two new cruise parties to <a href="http://threecircles.net">ThreeCircles.net</a> so check out the info when you get a chance!

I think Travis and I may head out to the mall this afternoon to russel up some more much-needed cruise items. Travis got a great deal on some snorkel equipment last fall and I think I may look into getting some of my own as well.

Heidi--

That's a crazy story about the break-in at your place and more than a little bit scary if the individuals really were looking for a gun. About eight months ago I had someone break into my car. Well, in all honesty, I think I left the silly thing unlocked so it can't really be considered "breaking in." Still, I know how it feels to have your property violated like that. Not a good feeling at all. The individual(s) who went through my car didn't find anything that they liked. They took some change I had (probably less than a buck total) and took my CD case. I would say I had about 45 or so CDs. But, the thing was, they ended up chucking the CDs and case back into my front yard. I guess they didn't like my taste in music! (Lucky for me I guess they weren’t big Disney fans as a large portion of my CDs are, of course, Disney ones! )


Linda--

We've used the "Countdown Riddles" on other cruise threads and, let me tell you, I'm usually not very good at solving them either! But, it's part of the fun stressing your brain out over them! Takes the mind off of the time we have to wait before we get to sail on the Magic! Well, at least for a little while anyway.


Silke--

I hope all is well with Conny. I know the state of current affairs is somewhat difficult in Spain right now. If you speak with her, tell her we're thinking about her and hope that she is safe!

Too funny about your packing style. I think it closely matches mine!


Alice--

Time, fickle? I much agree! Just thinking about how fast our week on the Magic is going to go leaves me a bit disappointed! Especially since the seconds are ticking by now! Oh well, as Heidi is going to do, I plan on taping much of the week so I can enjoy it over and over again. At least in spirit!

 

[Alice Sr.]

Silke--I hope all is well with Conny. I know the state of current affairs is somewhat difficult in Spain right now. If you speak with her, tell her we're thinking about her and hope that she is safe!

Same here, hope all is well with her and she is managing to have a good time.

Alice

 

[ThreeCircles]

Well, I just e-mailed in our shore excursion requests to DCL.

We booked the following:

St. Maarten:

Golden Eagle Catamaran (7:45 sailing) (SM-03)


St. Thomas:

St. John Eco-Hike (ST-03)

Paradise Point Tramway (ST-23)

Is anyone else on any of these?

 

[ScrapHappyMama]

Boatingman, welcome to our group! I have a six y/o ds Robbie and a 3 y/o dd Emily. Right now, the 5 and 6 year old age group seems to be the most populated on our thread!

Jason, I love your little riddles, whether I can figure them out or not, lol. Keep em coming!!

Silke, I am waiting to hear that everything is okay with Conny too. Please let us know!!

Well, everyone, our shopping trip today was EXTREMELY productive!!! Um, between mom and I, we ended up with about 20 BAGS full of clothes, lol. I had already gotten most everything that the kids and dh needed, so this trip was suppose to be strictly for me and mom, but I still wound up getting a couple more things for both kids. Just can't help myself! Now there are only a couple things on my list, and I will be all done shopping. How early can I start packing???? lol

Have a great rest-of-the-weekend!!
Linda

 

[conny264]

Hello everyone,I´m back.

Luckily,we were not on mainland Spain,we had to work at the Canary Islands,which are off the coast of Africa.The weather was absolutly beautiful and the job went smoothly(nice team).I hadn´t realize earlier,how muc in need if some SUN I were.
One other plus was,that the resort we were staying was an All Inclusive(even Cocktails were included ).
The only bad experience was the flight home,had to hop to 2 different islnads before heading to Hamburg,then running around the Airport at midnight with tons of luggage to find the rental car agency,then to 3 different park garages to find the car-then to Hannover to drop me off at my car.I was home by 3 in the night and i had started the day at 5 with Make-up for the models to be ready by sunrise,so I have to admit I´m a little tired.

It´s interesting to see,that as soon as I´m gone my sister appears.Up ´till now she was kind of lazy.

Jason-when you commend on her packing style, I absolutly need my OWN suitcase,she is driving me crazy.

The Idea of meeting at 3 on Saturday is really great,I really think the time after the safety drill is to short with getting the lifevest back to the cabin and being early enough for the sailaway.I don´t want to miss it.And a second meet on Sunday for a sit-down lunchis brilliant in my opinion.I´m all for it!

God,I have to remember to ut on sunscreen everywhere,I forgot my decolletee and now i have my first sunburn of the year.

Ok,that´s it for now.i think I better start organizing my stuff,right now I´m having total chaos around,but I had to check here first.

Bye-bye
Conny

 

[Boatingman]

Hello all
Thanks for the welcome!

Scrap Happy Mama- My DD is three now and turns 4 on April 12. Thats close enough for me.

Three circles- Sounds like you'll have a great time on the catamaran cruise. We'll be doing a 'do it yourself" this time. Coki Beach and Coral World in St. Thomas and Great Bay Beach and Casino in St Marten as we have already been to Magens Bay and Orient Beach.

Anybody know if you can bring a corkscrew on board or do you have to pay the corkage fee?

Also... May not make it for 3:00 on Saturday as I have to register the kiddies at Oceaneers Club, make Palo and Spa reservations, get some giant shrimp at the buffet and most important get a big ole cocktail.

Has anybody out there used the excercise equipment or gone to any of the classes?

Can't wait.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Hi Jason - we are still planning on going to Anguilla by ferry from St. Maarten, there are a couple of hotels I want to check out for a possible future vacation. But we did make a change to our St. Thomas stop, we are going on www.daysailfantasy.com. I'm kind of sad I won't get to check out St. Thomas but there's always next time.

Wow Linda 20 bags, you were on a mission. I picked up a few things but I think I will go out today for a little bit. It's supposed to be up to 50F today, that seems to put me in the mood to spend money

All right now Conny here we are all worried about you and you're in the Canary Islands, ROUGH LIFE, I can see how you would need a vacation after that I have only wanted to go there for about 30 years! You'll have to tell me about it (and bring pictures) when we meet for drinks.

Hi Boatingman - I have not been on the cruise before but I am looking forward to using the workout facility. Do we get something in the mail about the classes they offer? I have read some trip reports were they discussed the classes they took but it would be nice to get something from Disney so I know what all is offered.

Heidi - where are you? Are you shopping yourself into exhaustion. I think you are going to need a spread sheet for the kiddos.

Tammy how was the tournament?

Tracey and I are having dinner and brunch at Palo's, I would like to have a 2nd brunch if anyone is interested let me know. Also if anyone would like to join us at dinner let me know and I'll add your name to the resv. I can't remember which night we decided on off hand. I think it was the regular rotation at AP.

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Alice

 

[LogansMommy_MD]

I sure did have some catching up reading to do this a.m. - this board has been pretty productive!!

First of all - Welcome Boatingman!! Glad you found us!!

So glad to hear that Conny is safe and sound!! Sounds like the location was just incredible!!! all-inclusive...my favorite!!!

Heidi - sorry to hear about the break-in and them taking the "memories". That happened to my parents eons ago when my sis and I were little and of course, the video was really one of the few things to go.. They were of course heartbroken over it...
But SOOO cool about the new cam - I'm sure ya'll will put that to great use!

Linda - YIPPEE!! Sounds like you and your mom struck gold!! So glad to hear that you got alot accomplished! Isn't that a good feeling!!

Jason - so did you actually sign up with DCL for the Tram?? Was does that include? I must admit, I saw it, but didn't even really read it... But your other excursions sound like a BLAST!!! I'm sure you'll have a awesome time! So, did you end up picking up some snorkeling equip of your own?

Boatingman - from what I've read, you can bring a corkscrew (in your checked luggage).... I recently read that you cannot bring any opened drinks into the dining area (ie. glass of wine), but whether you can bring in an unopened bottle of wine with your corkscrew and open it there? I don't know.. maybe ThreeCircles knows that one.....First cruise for me, but am eager to try out the gym and maybe get in a exercise class or two...

HAve a great day!

-Tracey

 

[conny264]

Hu Alice-I know,life is tough LOL,and I even got paid for it,but believe,we REALLY had to work a lot.Unfortunatly,I always forget to bring a camera,when i go on a working trip,so saddly no Photos,but i ´ll make sure to give you a personal report.

jason-do you think it´s necessary to book the Paradise point with Disney?We were thinking to just go there and by the tickets at the station,it´s the same price.I´m glad ou were able to recreate our site,I would have missed it.I wouldn´t be able to do that.If something happens to my computer I go nuts and call severall people to help(they call me their DPU(dumbest possible user),but they do it nicely)

Talk to you soon,
Conny

 

[ThreeCircles]

Good morning everyone!

I guess I should have checked the thread before I read my Sunday paper because now I'm behind! And Heidi is really going to be behind when she gets back from her over-night shopping trip.

I booked the Paradise Point Tramway though DCL mainly for the convenience but this is by no means required or even needed. From what I remember, tickets for the cable cars are $15.00 right at the station as well but this way I can just pick up my tickets at the Excursion Desk and be ready to go. I think pre-booking or buying them once in port would work either way.

It sounds like everyone has all their plans in place for excursions! I think, between all of us, we're going to experience everything there is to do! We're kinda having a "collective, do-it-all, excursion"!

Tracey--

Travis and I never made it shopping yesterday. We ended up doing housework and yardwork all day. Ugh!

We may make it today though.


Kathy--

I've never attempted to bring a corkscrew onboard the Magic before so this information was collected from the board: Some individuals state that you can request a corkscrew from room service and they'll bring one to your stateroom or you can have the bottle opened at any bar. Others state that they have packed corkscrews in their checked luggage, as Tracey mentioned, and have had no problem.

As far as the corkage fee goes, here is the info I posted on another thread concerning that subject:

All ready-to-drink liquor onboard is subject to a 15% automatic gratuity. It doesn't matter what type of liquor you buy (a glass of wine, a bottle of wine, a shot, a beer, or a mixed drink) or where you buy it onboard (at dinner, at Palo, at one of the bars, or on Castaway Cay). The 15% does not apply to alcohol that will not be consumed on the ship and is purchased from the duty free shop onboard.

As for the corkage fee:

1. It is a flat $15.00 plus the 15% gratuity for a total of $17.25.

2. This only applies to wine or champage that you do not buy directly from Disney Cruise Line (i.e. you bring it from home or buy it at a port of call).

3. The fee is basically a "service fee" to recover the cost of the service involved in handling a bottle of wine for which the restaurant (cruise line) is not making any money off of (since you didn't buy it from them).

[Here is the definition of corkage fee from the Everything Wine Book byDanny May and Andy Sharpe: If you go to a restaurant that serves wine but allows you to bring your own special wine, the restaurant will often charge an additional fee for bringing your own. This fee is called the corkage fee. It covers having the staff uncork and serve you your wine in the restaurant's wine glasses, which will be cleaned later by restaurant personnel. It also covers some or all of the profits not made on the wine you might have bought had you not brought your own.]

BTW, the above mentioned book is an excellent read. It really breaks wine and wine drinking down well and avoids the "uppity" atmosphere of many books on the subject.

4. Bottles of wine bought from Disney Cruise line (say, at Palo or any of the other restaurants) are not subject to the corkage fee but are subject to the 15% gratuity.


So, if you wanted to uncork a bottle of wine and enjoy it in your stateroom, or while wandering the ship, you wouldn't have to worry about the fee. However, if you wanted to have that wine at dinner and uncorked the bottle in your room and then brought it to dinner, the fee would still apply. However, I have heard of individuals brining a "glass" of wine to dinner without incurring the fee.

 

[Boatingman]

Jason & Tracey-

Thanks for the corkscrew info. I think I'll pack one just in case. Most likely I'll be drinking a little fufu drink with an umbrella while DH drinks has a beer.

Alice-
I have not heard anything about the excercise room except that the treadmills overlook the wheelhouse and there is minimal equiptment. I believe some of the classes are listed in the Navigator and other's you have to sign up for. Anybody else know?

FYI-I bought the suntan lotion today for the kids and some Tshirts for DH. Am I rushing it??

Conny & Silke-
My Brother & sister in law left for Germany today. Flying into Frankfurt(Ostheim on der Rohn). We have relatives there and up north too. I was there in 89-Drank too much schnapps but had a blast.

To the Cruise alumni with children-
Do the kids make a scene when you drop them off?? My son is shy and my daughter thinks she is an actress so I know she'll follow suit if he says he doesnt want to go in the club


I'm rambling...46 more days till WDW and 48 till the Magic!!

 

[ThreeCircles]

And the countdown continues with 47 days!!!

 

[hydster]

Well it looks like yet another weekend almost over which brings us that much closer to our meeting!!

Jason--Too funny about your Cd's of Disney getting left behind! Obviously they were looking for something a little more hardcore like Marilyn Manson? We only have 1 excursion planned and that's the Doubloon in St. Thomas. I think in St Martin we are planning on just going to Orient Beach, renting some chairs and an umbrella and the just going shopping. We will probably spend a lot of the day on the Ship. Tanner doesnt seem to do to well if he's overstimulated so I think for us this is the best option. He is excited over going on a Pirate Ship though.

Linda--I think you win for the most shopping bags in one day! I would LOVE to have 20 bags of stuff!!! I keep trying to get out of here to get my shopping done but never seem to get around to it. The weather here is nice enough that we should be pulling out shorts and T-shirts. Maybe this week. I am very jealous of your shopping spree however!!!

Conny--Sorry to hear about the sunburn! I definitely get the "Baby" award when I get sunburned. Glad you were far enough away from Madrid! The all inclusive sounds nice! We did our first all inclusive in Cancun last year and it was SO nice!! I think we may take some time off from cruising and head to Cancun one of these years. It's funny that you checked this first...I do that all day long! I SHOULD go fold laundry but I wonder if someone else has posted! LOL

Boatingman--(sorry I couldnt find your first name!) but if you can make it to the 3 pm meet that would be great! If not we understand!! The club registration takes about 15 min, the spa and Palo reservations take a little longer I've heard and then the eating and getting cocktails...THAT could take all day long! LOL About the kids and the clubs.....Tanner our 5 year old will have a hard time going into the club as well. That's one of the reasons I would LOVE him to meet someone from here so he would know someone and maybe go easier. We aren't above bribery at our house so for us it will be "if you go to the clubs then we will do _______" it usually helps! I may end up moving my 9 year old down to Tanner's 5-6 group for a day or so just so he could have someone he knew really well. Our older kids are excited. They have so many fun things for the kids to do...I think once we get them in there they will like it. I think the 5-6 group gets to make flubber in the lab and some other fun stuff. The other nice thing is the pager. You know if your child is having a fit they will page you and that's always good! Our kids have been told that there are 3 times they HAVE to go to the club---That's at 80's night for adults in the club, Palo night and when hubby and I do the massage on CC. Other than that we dont care either way.

Tracey--Sorry to hear the same thing happened to your parents losing memories as well. I was SO mad about the tape and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream (I spent $$ and bought the GOOD kind and then they stole it). Oh well..now we make sure the alarm is on whenever we are going to be gone.

I've personally never ever made it to the gym on a ship! LOL And when you see me you'll know I havent! ROFL It makes me sick to run or walk the treadmill while the boat is rocking so I just go get tipsy on my own with a froo froo drink and sit back and look at all those poor people in there working out while I sit here and watch! LOL

I AM really far behind trying to get caught up in my all in one response!! I only took yesterday afternoon off and last night (had to get drunk and watch the local boys win their Basketball Tournament heading for the NCAA) but then I get on here today and WOW...lots o action!!!

Alice--no report from me on the shopping front! Maybe this week we will start getting it together! I just dont want to seem to over anxious! The Outlet stores in Park City are having a sale (especially Old Navy) so I am waiting for that big day to come along so I can go wade through the clothes with the other 10,000 shoppers!

Jason you managed to stump me on the countdown. The ONLY thing I could come up with is maybe it's 47 miles to the port! LOL I'm working on one too!!! I have 2 less days on my countdown so mine may be for 45 or 47....have to see what I can come up with!!

Well off to get a few belts under my belt before I have to go to the inlaws for Sunday Dinner!!! I will check in in a few hours! Dont get too carried away so I have to spend 20 min reading and catching up again! LOL

Heidi

 

[hydster]

Good luck boys and girls!! Here is my brain bender!!!

Heidi

 

[DisneyMagicTravis]

Keith Van Horn #44?

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by hydster
Here is my brain bender!!!

Heidi

Boy. That's an understatement! See, I knew I should have stuck with posting the riddles instead of attempting to solve them!


Heidi--

Your guess was close but it's more like 60 or so miles to the port from Disney.

Looks like we stumped each other! Dueling riddles!

 

[dthogue]

We're home - The soccer tournament was great. Our girls played well, but didn't end up in the championship game. It was nice to get away for the weekend, but it is also nice to come home.

Can I gues the map riddle - Is it that the WDW property encompasses 47 square miles? Hopefully I'm not totallly off base

Heidi - I don't have a clue about your riddle, but the picture is adorable. Sorry to hear about the break in at your house. It is terrible when memories are lost. Sounds like a bunch of kids with the food that they took.

Welcome to our new cruisers. Boy that 5-6 age group is growing by leaps and bounds. My DD, 5, loves to play with the boys, so watch out. She has a way of wrapping them around her little finger.

Conny - like to hear you made it home safely. What a tradegy in Spain.

For all of you shoppers out there, I jealous. I love to shop, but always have trouble finding things that fit. I think we are just about finished shopping. I need a new scarf and a pair of earrings and DH needs a new tie. I would also like to get a hat with a big brim. Don't want to get too much sun.

Jason - we'll be on the Golden Eagle Catamaran as well. Sounds like a great time. My DD's picked this excursion and we are all looking forward to it.

Gotta run - the van needs unloaded, It seems like we pack for a month when we go away for the weekend.

Take care everyone - 6 weeks and 3 days until we leave.

Tammy