Western Caribbean April 30, 2011?

[cage46236]

Wow! Amazed by all of the positive and quick feedback. (Thank you) The excitement factor has definitely gone up. Also, thank you for the link to the Facebook group. Just sent the request to join.

It's been fun deciphering all of the acronyms (FE, DD, DS, etc) on the discussion boards. Feel like I'm back in the Army. LOL! Think I might have figured it out now... One thing I am still puzzled on are the significance of "Fish Extenders?" Is this something I should try and put together? Anything else? I want to make the most of this experience for my girls as I can...

Also, sounds like there are going to be a lot of girls around my daughter's ages (Whew!). I was wondering because I know this isn't "official" spring break season.

Thank you again. Looking forward to meeting you (Lime Green Armbands).


9 days till we hit the road!!!

-Garrett

 

[debc1212]

Is anyone going to PC early enough to see the shuttle launch on Friday the 29th? We are going over early because we have never seen a launch. Since the program is coming to a close, this will be our last chance to view it.

I hear the traffic is crazy before and after the launch.

 

[4 Ears]

Yes we are planning on going over as well. DH is SUPER excited about it!

 

[cage46236]

Is anyone going to PC early enough to see the shuttle launch on Friday the 29th? We are going over early because we have never seen a launch. Since the program is coming to a close, this will be our last chance to view it.

I hear the traffic is crazy before and after the launch.

What time is the shuttle launch? Was thinking about going through PC after, but to watch a launch would be AWESOME!

 

[Audria407]

Is anyone going to PC early enough to see the shuttle launch on Friday the 29th? We are going over early because we have never seen a launch. Since the program is coming to a close, this will be our last chance to view it.

I hear the traffic is crazy before and after the launch.

I wish! We saw the last launch of Atlantis from our backyard last year and even from that distance it was ... mesmerizing? I guess that's a good word for it. It took only a minute from the time it became visible to when it disappeared, but it was one of the longest and most interesting minutes ever. Ya'll in PC should have an incredible view!

 

[debc1212]

Wow! Audria those are great pictures! We can't see the day launches from our home, but were able to see a night launch once. It looked like a shooting star!

For anyone interested, the launch is scheduled for around 3:45pm. But you MUST get there early! Our hotel mgr told us that the traffic is INSANE on launch day!

 

[E&EMom]

We are coming in on the 29th to stay at the Radisson and planned to be there prior to the launch. Good thing you all talked about traffic - I didn't even think about that. I guess we will move up how early we were going to get there. I know check in isn't until late afternoon, but I'm planning on bringing swimsuits and towels to swim while we wait.

Any idea how early we need to get in to make it in without a lot of traffic or is it going to be bad pretty much all day?



Alecia

 

[Audria407]

We are coming in on the 29th to stay at the Radisson and planned to be there prior to the launch. Good thing you all talked about traffic - I didn't even think about that. I guess we will move up how early we were going to get there. I know check in isn't until late afternoon, but I'm planning on bringing swimsuits and towels to swim while we wait.

Any idea how early we need to get in to make it in without a lot of traffic or is it going to be bad pretty much all day? Alecia

Wherever you're headed to watch it, get there early!

It's been my experience that anywhere near Cape Canaveral is thick with traffic on a normal launch day, with hundreds of people making a day-long event of it (think tailgating party!). But with this being one of the last shuttle launches ever, it's already been on the news that people from all over the country plan on camping out the night before just to get a good spot. Add to that it's on a Friday and at a reasonable time, which makes this launch even more attractive.

On launch days, you'll often find people camped out with tents and lounge chairs in empty parking lots, RVs in cattle fields, and dozens of cars pulled over on I-95 or I-4. Launch viewing draws everyone in.

Just remember you don't necessarily have to brave traffic or be in one of the designated viewing areas to have a spectacular view - if you're anywhere near Cape Canaveral (or eastern Central Florida for that matter), get to a spot with an unobstructed sky view and look toward the coast at launch time. You'll still have the best view out there!

 

[cage46236]

Okay, we are at T-9 days, and I'm finding myself scrambling...

I've talked to my girls about Fish Extenders and participating, and naturally they are all over it. Sounds fun! So, I've borrowed a friends sewing machine today and going to attempt to make one this weekend. (Hopefully with no catastrophic injuries to me). It may not be the prettiest, I am a dude...

Is it possible to still join in on the Fish Extender? If so, how many are participating so we can buy gifts over the weekend? Any tips or advice? We are in Stateroom 2573.

Thank you,

-Garrett

 

[4 Ears]

Audria, we will be at Country Inn and suites. Are you saying our best bet is just to view the launch from there?

 

[momo2080]

Okay, we are at T-9 days, and I'm finding myself scrambling...

I've talked to my girls about Fish Extenders and participating, and naturally they are all over it. Sounds fun! So, I've borrowed a friends sewing machine today and going to attempt to make one this weekend. (Hopefully with no catastrophic injuries to me). It may not be the prettiest, I am a dude...

Is it possible to still join in on the Fish Extender? If so, how many are participating so we can buy gifts over the weekend? Any tips or advice? We are in Stateroom 2573.

Thank you,

-Garrett

Hi,
I think your best bet would be to PM e&emom. She is in charge of our FE exchange. Many of us have made up our gifts already...so its better to ask her and see if its too late.

If u cant PM her yet... then her name is Alecia on our FB group

Omaima

 

[cage46236]

Thank you for quick feedback on the FE. Totally understand if it's too late.

 

[Audria407]

Audria, we will be at Country Inn and suites. Are you saying our best bet is just to view the launch from there?

I'd hate to steer you wrong; whether it's your best bet depends on what you want out of the experience!

The short answer is: You don't have to brave the crowds of Titusville to get a great view. If you want to avoid the traffic and still have a great view of the launch, you'll be able to see it from outside the Inn. They have a good unobstructed view and I wouldn't doubt if a large crowd gathered in their parking lot and pool area to watch the shuttle. There are several YouTube videos of the shuttle launches taken from Port Canaveral, including one taken of a night launch from Country Inn and Suites that might give an idea of the distance.

The long answer is: Drive a few minutes to Titusville if you want to be in the thick of things, or if you want to actually hear the roar of the shuttle as it launches. Titusville is about 8 miles from the launch pad and is the closest you can get without having an official viewing ticket. Keep in mind Titusville is estimating over 500,000 viewers in the area and it's recommended you arrive to Titusville 4 - 6 hours prior to launch. If I were with other adults and no children, I'd probably head to Titusville just for the atmosphere. For US residents, the ambiance is much like that of our 4th of July celebrations.

Because I have a child, my choice would be to avoid the traffic and tight crowds and stay in PC. Smaller crowds, less travel time, and still a stunning view. If you opt to stay in the Port Canaveral area, you'll be about 15 miles from the launch pad. At that distance you won't be able to hear the space shuttle but you'll still have an awesome view. For reference, the photos I took of the Atlantis launch (previous page) were from 45 miles away. You'll be much closer!

Now I can say with certainty that seeing a launch is really mesmerizing no matter how close or far you are. We were 60 miles away at Aquatica (Seaworld's Water Park) in the Roa Rapids one day when the shuttle came into view and it was like time stood still - for just a moment, everyone stopped what they were doing and quietly stared at the sky until the shuttle disappeared. That was a memorable moment!

 

[4 Ears]

Thanks Audria! Awesome detailed options and info! A+

 

[Audria407]

For those participating in the FE, are you guys packaging your goodies and delivering all at once, or are you spreading deliveries throughout the cruise little by little? Or maybe both? I'm not sure how I should be packing all this stuff!

 

[networktek]

we are packing everything in our suite case. and putting it together when we get to our room and spreading out the deliveries

 

[debc1212]

Funny you mention about the FE gifts, I was putting some things together last night & noticed the staterooms for the FE participants are on either, deck 2, 6, or 8. Unless I wrote something down incorrectly, that will make deliveries much easier.

As for when or how my family will deliver, that's a different story. I don't know how we will do this. Does anyone have a plan? It would be cool if we could somehow all space out our deliveries, otherwise we might all pick the same day to deliver our goodies.

 

[Audria407]

FE Participants, if you haven't already please check your PMs

Funny you mention about the FE gifts, I was putting some things together last night & noticed the staterooms for the FE participants are on either, deck 2, 6, or 8. Unless I wrote something down incorrectly, that will make deliveries much easier.

As for when or how my family will deliver, that's a different story. I don't know how we will do this. Does anyone have a plan? It would be cool if we could somehow all space out our deliveries, otherwise we might all pick the same day to deliver our goodies.

Maybe I'll integrate delivery rounds with an early morning walk (or hobble - I sprained my ankle last week and hope to be off the crutches for our cruise ). 3 floors of delivery, that's an easy mile a morning, right? I'll deliver to a room or two on each floor each day. It'll be great therapy. Join me if you like!

 

[Audria407]

Okay, we are at T-9 days, and I'm finding myself scrambling...

I've talked to my girls about Fish Extenders and participating, and naturally they are all over it. Sounds fun! So, I've borrowed a friends sewing machine today and going to attempt to make one this weekend. (Hopefully with no catastrophic injuries to me). It may not be the prettiest, I am a dude...

Is it possible to still join in on the Fish Extender? If so, how many are participating so we can buy gifts over the weekend? Any tips or advice? We are in Stateroom 2573.

Thank you,

-Garrett

We'd love to have the girls participate! Have fun making your Fish Extender this weekend and let us know if you have any questions. I'll forward you the participant list via PM. Happy crafting!

 

[Navy8tor]

So this is what my current list for FE looks like:

Am I missing anyone, or can anyone fill in any of the missing info?

Thanks,
Chuck