Who's sailing April 18-22, 2004 - gotta start this sometime!!

[SCOTTOHIOCPA]

Travel with kids:

We like frozen margaritas best! But our favorites are the Down Under Ritas at Outback Steakhouse.
Warning: Only drink one or you will start to see Kangaroos and wallabys!

About the door sign:

We think you will be safe with your name on the door. We will be putting our name on the door also. After all, they're going to announce "The Thomas Family from Canton, OH" when we board.
Since it's a family oriented cruise, I think it's safe. I read about people stealing door signs and stuff on other cruise boards but it sounded like this sort of thing happens at 2:00 am when some drunken partyers are wandering the halls. We have been on two Carnival Cruises and sometimes people have a little too much fun.


About packing:

We had our DS try on his shorts and they pretty much all fit him. DD got a new pair of capris and some new shorts as she is growing like a weed. She is very into sports and it is hard to get her to wear anything but soccer shorts and t-shirts. I'm sure a dress is out of the question! We did get her to buy a few nice items at Limited Too last weekend.

 

[travel with kids]

Disneysailor- Yes, I was up way too early!! I have to get on the ball and get everything organized for the trip. I have been jumping between this board and my college class (on-line). Both DH and I are feeling very overwhelmed. His job (really bad stuff happening) and my classes have really taken a toll on us. It will be good to relax. I hope that we do not forget anything. Finding time to make a door sing is almost out of the question, but perhaps this what our family needs to let go all that is happening around us.....Lee

 

[goofy601]

I so excited - and I just can't hide it -- Ok - so I've lost my mind - which I'm quite sure most of think that already anyways! AND - your all correct!! BUT - we're going on a mickey ship - hooray - hooray!

I had DH go up into the attic to get the suitcases down (since I'm not allowed on the ladder - because I fell off! ) and wouldn't you know it - he found another container with MORE clothes in it for the kids - He didn't look too pleased - I do hit resale shops - garage sales - clearance racks - friends and family...it's a never ending supply of clothes for everyone -- except ME! LOL! I did manage to find enough "cruise" clothes - or at least I hope so -- something casual - something a little nicer and then plenty of hanging out stuff - sound good...??? This could drive you nuts planning out what your going to wear 6 weeks from now!

I need to go on your shopping trips - disneysailor and travelwith kids - I've driven to PA a couple times to go to the outlet mall and not pay taxes on clothes! That is soooooooo awesome - we of course - pay taxes for everything! Yet another joy of living in OH!

Gotta run - still tons of stuff to do before I go back to work - and I actually LOVE this job!! It's outside - it's with plants and different people every day -- ask me again about July about my job and my attitude changes a little - HOT and STICKY and...you get the idea!

We're going on a Mickey ship....hooray - hooray!

p.s. about the sign - I think it would be fine with your name -- we did just pins for DH and myself and are a little leary about putting names on our kids - of course the kids principal INSISTS on their names being on the outside of backpacks - for confusion purposes -- there's a whole different story!

Ta! Ta!

 

[disneysailor]

goofy 601- How many suitcases are you bringing? I wish I could go up in my attic and magically find some more clothes! BTW,what is your principal thinking, it is definately a bad idea having the kids go to school with their names showing. Until my son brought it up, I wasn't concerned about the ship because I figured they would always be supervised, but walking back and forth to school is another story.

travel with kids-Sorry your dh's job is not going so well. The only thing I can say, is that my dh has had some weird things happen in the past with his jobs and no matter how bad things seem at the time, everything seems to work out in the end. Good luck. We have some extra materials left over from our sign, I'm sure my dd would be happy to make your family a sign if you like. Let me know.

See you all SOON!!!!

 

[goofy601]

disneysailor - as of this minute we have 3 suitcases - one for DH, one for the 2 boys and one really really big one for the 2 girls
and me! I still have room in the big one for a couple of extras - and might bag and put our shoes in there - since we girls have SO many shoes! LOL!

about the principal - she's a little wacky anways - at the end of the school year she sends home a packet of information about the upcoming year - which includes a tag for NAME, ADDRESS and of course PHONE # for the students to attach to his or her backpack! Isn't that a sweet thing -- and of course - if you lose it over the summer - she will most definately point that out and give you another one when school starts...isn't she a peach! Oh yes - and bus number (which our city paper publishes a list of which roads ride which buses - which of course leads back to the tags...) Then of course - we teach our kids not to tell people their names and blah blah blah -- and this lady emblazens it across their backs!

You know that door sign thing - does sound like a great idea -- and I really don't think that it will really make a difference with last names -- they do announce us as we get on the ship -- we do have to let our guard down to a small degree - or else we'll all huddle up in our rooms and not enjoy this trip at all!

I need one of those pretty little drinks with a little 'brella in it right now...

cheerio for now...and see everyone really really soon!

 

[travel with kids]

Originally posted by disneysailor

travel with kids-Sorry your dh's job is not going so well. The only thing I can say, is that my dh has had some weird things happen in the past with his jobs and no matter how bad things seem at the time, everything seems to work out in the end. Good luck. We have some extra materials left over from our sign, I'm sure my dd would be happy to make your family a sign if you like. Let me know.

See you all SOON!!!!

Yah!! You made me cry!! Thank you for your kind words. I think it is important for my family to build our own sign to unite as a family and also create something that speaks about who we are. As far as DH's job goes---he has had many different jobs. And some tough situations. This is at the top. It is a no win situation. He entered the Medical Practice while it was loosing $$, he became the whipping boy and can not deal that the establishment will not make and stick to a "plan of action". He keeps saying that it is coming to a head soon, but I am not sure when that is happening.

I will let you know what we decide about the sign. Thanks for the offer......Lee

 

[travel with kids]

Originally posted by goofy601
I need one of those pretty little drinks with a little 'brella in it right now...

I will send my Cabana Boy right over!!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

6 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!!!! I cannot believe how close we are getting!

I am going to start packing this week, I promise! LOL. I am one who has good intentions of packing ahead of time, but end up putting it off, so I am running around the night before panicked that I am forgetting things! LOL. NOT This time, I am going to pack this week, and the pretty little suitcases can sit in my bedroom for 6 weeks! LOL

 

[disneysailor]

from idney1fan2002

I am going to pack this week, and the pretty little suitcases can sit in my bedroom for 6 weeks!

Oh dear Disney1fan2002, I hope Mrs. Scottohiocpa doesn't have nightmares thinking about your pretty little suitcases sitting in your bedroom for 6 whole weeks Glad to hear you're still cruising in April!

 

[goofy601]

Ok - let's see now...do I have everything....shoes, clothes, swim gear, sunscreen...there's just way too much to remember! Only 6 weeks to get all the little things together around all the other things that we have going on. I CAN DO THIS - or maybe I can if I keep telling myself that over and over. Now - I want to have my oldest DD make a sign for our door and have my oldest DS make one for the boys room. That will be awesome! Thanks for the great idea!

Alright - we only have 6 weeks to plan where we are going to meet. That's a mighty big ship - and I certainly want to meet everyone that we've been chatting with over the past few months! Who has been on the trip - and where should we get together...???

I'm looking for the cabana boy with my 'brella drink...it's been one of those days -- and I need that drink!

See everyone 6 weeks from TODAY!!!

 

[goofy601]

Uh-oh - I need Mrs. Scottohiocpa to come and help me get more organized. She'd hate my room - between the suitcases (now packed) and the rubbermaid bins with the rest of the summer clothes and of course all my creative memory gear and let's not forget all my PTA boxes...help! I am hoping that after this trip I will actually be able to get some stuff organized in there...it's a scary place and I'd like to actually be able to walk from the door to my side of the bed without tripping over something or having to manipulate my way around something! See you all soon - very soon that is...we're going on a mickey ship - hooray - hooray!

 

[SCOTTOHIOCPA]

Hi! This is Mrs. ScottOhioCPA - boy do I have a reputation already! I'm not all that neat and organized. You should see my basement. Out of site, out of mind. As a matter of fact, I have a box in the basement that I am throwing things into for the trip. Necessities like Downy wrinkle-free spray and hair conditioner. (Heard about the irons and the hair dryers on the ship )

Still need to find Bonine for the kids. Where do you think I can find that? I looked in our Grocery Store (Giant eagle) and Wal-mart but didn't see it. I use the patches and they work well except for the dry mouth.

We should find a time to meet on the first day. We have to work around the muster drill and early and late seating. How about right after the muster drill (around 4:30)? - which will be around the start of the Sail Away Celebration. Let us know what you think.

BTW - anyone interested in the Wine Tasting Seminar ($12 per person) on the sea day? DH can't drink wine, but I would like to go.

Well, gotta go clean and organize more - just kidding!

I really do have to make dinner, though. See you all soon!

Julie

 

[goofy601]

Julie - do you think it is a good idea to bring something for the kids for being seasick - I am assuming that that is what that Bonine is for?!? We've never been on a ship - we are all fine on small boats - except for my youngest DS - he just doesn't like how fast they go -- we're hoping he doesn't realize that the Mickey ship is actually a really really really big boat! Also - what do you mean about the hairdryers on the ship? Do I have to worry about that now, too! If I don't do stuff with this head of mine - it looks horrible - eek - guess I will be shaving my head before we go!

I am hoping to bring a little of my scrapbooking stuff to possibly work on if there is inclimate weather?! I want to get my photos in our family trip album right away - I am already planning on what I hope to do with my photos. Ok - I'm a little strange - but I really enjoy doing our photo albums! I have several for each of the kids and then our family ones and then one for DH and the different types of work he's done on different houses --

Oh - and the whole reason that I am posting - wine tasting sounds good to me - my DH isn't into wine either - so it sounds like we could leave them in deck chairs and head over there! Do we sign up for that now or when we get on the ship? We of course have not gotten anything from the travel agent to book our excursions...we could of course count my DFriend on in that wine tasting -- she always enjoys a good wine and great company!

I am finishing my laundry before this insane week starts...taking the youngest 2 on one last field trip - to the fire station - before it's back to full-time working again!

See you all soon! I have to go back into the archives here and see what else others have said was important to bring along...anyone else hear to bring deodorizes for the bathrooms?

 

[travel with kids]

Wine Tasting--Oh Yah!! Dh & I will be the first ones to sign up.

We also doing (or hope to) Palo Brunch.

Having a meeting time is an excellent idea! During the Sail Away Celebration sound like a good time. This is our first cruise, so maybe all of you who have cruised before could name a meeting place.

Mrs. SCOTTOHIOCPA-- don't worry about the reputation (at least it is a good one!!). If DH wrote about me, no one would want to meet me!!

Goofy601--Cabana boy is on his way---he has had a very busy weekend!!

Disney1fan2002-- so glad to hear from you. Are you still driving? When are you leaving MA? We are up in the air on our departure time and day. Had to cut our trip short at the end. We will let you know when we know what we are doing!! I purchased a lime green antenna topper from the DIS Board. (DH doesn't like it and wants to use our WDW collection).

WOW!! 6 weeks!!

 

[SCOTTOHIOCPA]

You do have to make ressies for the wine tasting after you board because it does get full. But great! I'm glad someone else wants to go!

Goofy601 - I've been reading that a lot of people give Bonine to their kids to prevent seasickness. I guess it's better for them than dramamine (if that's even available for kids) and makes them less drowsy. It is basically an antihistamine that works for motion sickness and it is available OTC. They may not have a problem but just in case I will get something because I don't want their trip to be miserable.

I've also read from these very informative forums that the hair dryers are very weak, so people suggest to bring your own. But with all the wind and humidity maybe shaving our heads would be the best way to go! And the irons have one setting - burning hot! I don't know if that Downy stuff works - but that was another tip I picked up. Worth a try

TTFN

Julie

 

[disneysailor]

Wine tasting, bridge tour, Palo brunch, oh my! So many fun things to do, so little time! My husband wasn't interested in the wine tasting at all and I really wanted to try it, so that sounds great! I also would like to do the bridge tour and the Palo brunch too, though. I tried doing a search but couldn't really find out when these things take place so it is hard to plan.

I noticed some posts about DIS meets after the boat drill that take place in the Promenade lounge on deck 3 midship before the Sailaway Party. I don't get it though since from what I can tell, the drill is at 4:00 and the party is at 4:30. How does this work? The sail away celebration is very crowded from what I remember, but if we could find a place to meet there, it would be a lot of fun.


Sun, Fun and Mickey-We'll be there soon!

 

[goofy601]

So much for fun in the sun in Cleveland, Ohio~it SNOWED, again! I tell ya - living in Ohio can lead to some real mysteries on how to dress for the day! I sent my oldest DS out the door this morning in winter coat, scarf, hat and mittens - he'll probably come home in shorts and a t-shirt!

Winetasting - brunch - and lots of other fun - oh my! I am SO ready for this trip! DH and I went through the suitcases last night to make sure I hadn't overpacked and I had actually underpacked in a couple of places! Thank heavens we thought to double check everything now and not the night before! I'll more than likely be bringing my own hairdryer - this hair of mine is such a pain - and I even cut it shorter than it's been in a long time - I'll probably have to convince the hairdresser to go a little shorter just before the cruise -- the less I need to do for my hair the better. I make a terrible girl - I hate purses and messing with hair and make-up!

Meeting place - I am not very familiar with the ship layout - this being our first trip - so someone that has been before pick the place...and we'll be there!

Well, I need to get off the 'puter and get dressed for the day - need to get the kids ready for their field trip to the fire station - our PTA group does little field trips and this is the last one I will be able to take them on before I head off to work...it should be lots of fun!

We'll be seeing you all really really soon!

 

[disneysailor]

In the words of Charlie Brown, "AAUUGH." We are also covered in snow. Who would have thought? Well, anyone who lives in New England I guess. I'm ready for tulips NOT snow!

I've tried to research where people do their cruise meets a little more and here are a couple of idreas. At 3:00,Secret Aft area Deck 7 (sounds like sometimes the doors are locked to get here) or Deck 10 above adult pool. At Sailaway Party, Deck 10 port side overlooking Goofy pool. It was also suggested that you set up a second meet in case the first doesn't work out.I thought maybe at 9:30 p.m. at wavebands but I don't know how this would work for everyone. There was also a suggestion of wearing green leis. I'm pretty shy and I don't know if I would want to stand out too much. What does everyone think?

 

[goofy601]

Ok - help me out here...I was under the impression that our ship sails around 5 pm on Sunday - you all are talking about 3 pm and 4:30 this and that -- WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!? When do we need to get to Port Canaveral for "take off" or whatever you call it when you go somewhere on a ship? HELP! Do they let us on the ship early? So I don't have to pay for an extra day at the hotel and check out late - we can get to Port Canaveral earlier and check in and walk around the "boat"? I'm so CONFUSED! But, then again - this is generally how I live my life!

M - I - C (SEE YOU REAL SOON) K - E - Y (CUZ WE LUV YOU)...or something like that...lol!

 

[disneysailor]

goofy601- I think you just gained 1/2 a day on your cruise! Embarkation is around 12 but you can enter the terminal around 10:30. The ship doesn't sail until around 5:00 as you stated, but before then you can have lunch, sign up for your ressies, check the kids into the clubs, see your stateroom, swim, etc. and hopefully meet us!