Wonderful Panama Canal Sept 2014

[davidls]

Oh David - the rules have changed a lot since 9-11...

liquids - all should be in packed luggage - as others suggested ziploc bag everything. Do you remember those gorilla commercials for luggage? well, it is true! They manhandle and bounce everything!!

Hairspray will be fine in checked luggage. Make sure your bag is under 50 pounds - the overweight costs are outragous!

Scan is preferred to touch in my opinion...if you are under 70 you will have to take your shoes off, be sure to wear socks - those mats are nasty gross! Don't wear any sweaters or sweatjackets in the line, you have to take them and belts off as well. ALso - any metal in your body? Get a card from your doctor, otherwise it will slow you down. Have everything out of your pockets before you get in line...nothing more annoying than someone trying to do all of this when they get to the scanner!

Are you flying from MCO? If so, they are pretty fast, but be ready for wait. If standing is a problem, try to get a medical exception and use a wheelchair from the airport.

Whew...if I think of anything else I will post it.

Cayla

Thank you all for the information. This is a big help. DW and I both are in pretty darn good shape for our age. (I guess uuhhhhhhhhhh 40 something isn't all that old though!!!) We will be flying out of Tampa. But I'm sure the airports are all about the same..............aren't they??? I know I'll probably have more questions as we go along here. DW is thinking all the time, and I know she will think of something else here soon.

 

[gilchrest94]

Does DCL give you a lanyard or do you have to purchase one? I have some from WDW trips. Just working on my packing list. 31 weeks to go!!!

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Does DCL give you a lanyard or do you have to purchase one? I have some from WDW trips. Just working on my packing list. 31 weeks to go!!!

Starting with your second cruise, they give you a lanyard. Your first cruise, they do not.

 

[kdeans1010]

Scan is preferred to touch in my opinion...if you are under 70 you will have to take your shoes off, be sure to wear socks - those mats are nasty gross! Don't wear any sweaters or sweatjackets in the line, you have to take them and belts off as well. ALso - any metal in your body? Get a card from your doctor, otherwise it will slow you down. Have everything out of your pockets before you get in line...nothing more annoying than someone trying to do all of this when they get to the scanner!

Are you flying from MCO? If so, they are pretty fast, but be ready for wait. If standing is a problem, try to get a medical exception and use a wheelchair from the airport.


Cayla

Last cruise I flashed TSA because I had something in my pocket that I had to hold in front of me (my Panera card...) and then they needed to pat me down because of something near my stomach. I was pissed (with my busted ankle. They made me take off my shoe and it had taken me 30 minutes to put on that shoe) and I was like "Look there's nothing" and I thought I had lifted it to my belly... Nope and because I'm super intelligent (and may have been drunk.... while packing...) I packed my bras/unders. So while I thought I showed them my belly apparently not so much. Nothing like hearing your mother say "Kimberly!!!" and then shake her head in shame.

I would get liquids in California, unless there's something you can't get in CA.

 

[KyCruisinSusan]

Does DCL give you a lanyard or do you have to purchase one? I have some from WDW trips. Just working on my packing list. 31 weeks to go!!!

So much to do....so little time

 

[mmbl]

Check out this link, you'll be glad you did! They look so good!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/02/06/disney-themed-

 

[mmbl]

Oh my! Many of you are freaking me out!!! 31 weeks to go and so little time? My mother always said" you can get almost anything, anywhere in the world!" Pack your prescription meds a few weeks in advance so you can order more if needed, make your hotel and flight reservations as the airlines open the dates and then RELAX until May, June, July! We won't even have the FE lists until 6 weeks prior to sailing! Things will be just fine. The anxiety is working its way through the net and my stress level is going up. DEEP BREATH, DEEP BREATH...
I'm just making lists, getting fast passes, arranging and rearranging dining (we're a group of 24), making group Tee shirts , and drafting tentative itineraries for our group ages 6mo-63 years~ and our family reunion trip in less than 8 weeks!!!

 

[mmbl]

I want to ask ya'll a few questions about flying. As you read, you will see that DW and I haven't flown much here lately. (Like maybe over 20 years!!!) Shoot, everywhere we wanted to go, WDW - within driving distance, Cruising - Port Canaveral or Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale - within driving distance. I could go on, but you see what I mean. So now for this cruise, and for our before cruise trip to Disneyland, we need to fly out to Sunny California. My questions to all my frequent flyer cruise mates are as follows: 1) Where do you pack any liquids you are taking along? I know we will have shampoo at Disneyland and on the cruise, but DW wants to take a can of hair spray. (I may need a can of moose to spike up my hair...........you never know, the situation my come up where I need moose!?!? A windy day at sea to hold my hair in place, or looking my best at the clubs, any and all of these are excellent examples!!) 2) What do you do at the airport check in? I mean do you go thru the body scanner, or do you prefer the pat down. (Personally, I am not sure I want some strangers hands all over my body!!! I'm ticklish!!!) I'm sure I will have more questions as we go along here. These were the first ones that popped in my head. Thanks everyone.

Spouse and I TRY to take just carry-on , but if we have to check a bag or two , which is likely on a 3 week trip, take non-aerosol hairspray and hair fixative. Aerosols are not suppose to be in checked luggage- although many people do. Save yourself the headache and purchase what you need in Ca. unless it's something you cannot find there. Now, on to the airport: Wear easy on/off shoes for the airport, go through scanner unless you have history of cancer or are afraid of radiation, unless you're traveling in first class: take a travel pillow, light blanket, snack, CHARGER (ac/dc) for your electronics so you can recharge if you have outlet access; buy a water bottle after security ; comfy socks if you want to take your shoes off - one pair of socks doesn't keep my feet warm; the thing that covers your eyes to block out light, ear plugs, headsets and splitter so you can watch your own movie on your IPad or phone, together and some sort of stand. I'm sure there is more- my husband says it takes me 20 minutes to "nest" , which may be true, but I'm always warm, cozy and comfortable whether we fly first class or coach. Check out Seatguru.com to get the best possible seat on your specific aircraft. It'll tell you if you have an outlet, obstructed view of movie screens, etc.

http://www.seatguru.com

 

[gilchrest94]

This is our first time to go on a cruise. Do the excursions fill quickly? Should I pick a few at each port?

 

[mmbl]

This is our first time to go on a cruise. Do the excursions fill quickly? Should I pick a few at each port?

A lot depends on what you're interested in doing. We have never not been able to book what we wanted. We typically book before cruising, but we have even booked and modified while on board without problems.

 

[mmbl]

Cannot get a link to post on how to avoid lines at Disneyland . I'm typing it out, if you use it, put the words together- no spaces! Disney tourist blog should all one word.

http://www. Disney tourist blog . com/disney- california-adventure-avoid-crowds/

 

[davidls]

Spouse and I TRY to take just carry-on , but if we have to check a bag or two , which is likely on a 3 week trip, take non-aerosol hairspray and hair fixative. Aerosols are not suppose to be in checked luggage- although many people do. Save yourself the headache and purchase what you need in Ca. unless it's something you cannot find there. Now, on to the airport: Wear easy on/off shoes for the airport, go through scanner unless you have history of cancer or are afraid of radiation, unless you're traveling in first class: take a travel pillow, light blanket, snack, CHARGER (ac/dc) for your electronics so you can recharge if you have outlet access; buy a water bottle after security ; comfy socks if you want to take your shoes off - one pair of socks doesn't keep my feet warm; the thing that covers your eyes to block out light, ear plugs, headsets and splitter so you can watch your own movie on your IPad or phone, together and some sort of stand. I'm sure there is more- my husband says it takes me 20 minutes to "nest" , which may be true, but I'm always warm, cozy and comfortable whether we fly first class or coach. Check out Seatguru.com to get the best possible seat on your specific aircraft. It'll tell you if you have an outlet, obstructed view of movie screens, etc.

http://www.seatguru.com

Thanks Maria for the tips.

Got another question for all. (Toldja, DW Is thinking all of the time.) We have those TSA locks for your luggage. Do you lock your luggage? We just bought the locks, never used them yet. So do you use them for flying and cruising? Or just flying or just cruising?

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Thanks Maria for the tips. Got another question for all. (Toldja, DW Is thinking all of the time.) We have those TSA locks for your luggage. Do you lock your luggage? We just bought the locks, never used them yet. So do you use them for flying and cruising? Or just flying or just cruising?

I always use them. Flying and cruising.

 

[OMD13]

Grand Californian booked!!!! We will arrive September 9 and spend a couple of days exploring Disneyland. All that is left to do is book our flights back from Florida.

 

[Va-NanaTink]

Grand Californian booked!!!! We will arrive September 9 and spend a couple of days exploring Disneyland. All that is left to do is book our flights back from Florida.

Yay! We get ever closer!!

 

[bbkeough]

We have booked on this cruise now too. It will be me, Becky, and my husband Brad. Our boys are grown now, one married and the last one will move out in March. This will be our first cruise without the kids. We are looking forward to so many days at sea. I LOVE sitting by the pool, soaking in sun, and reading a good book

Looking forward to getting to know everyone here so we don't feel so alone on board, lol.

 

[OMD13]

We have booked on this cruise now too. It will be me, Becky, and my husband Brad. Our boys are grown now, one married and the last one will move out in March. This will be our first cruise without the kids. We are looking forward to so many days at sea. I LOVE sitting by the pool, soaking in sun, and reading a good book

Looking forward to getting to know everyone here so we don't feel so alone on board, lol.

Becky and Brad! Glad to have you coming along on this awesome cruise.

 

[Va-NanaTink]

We have booked on this cruise now too. It will be me, Becky, and my husband Brad. Our boys are grown now, one married and the last one will move out in March. This will be our first cruise without the kids. We are looking forward to so many days at sea. I LOVE sitting by the pool, soaking in sun, and reading a good book Looking forward to getting to know everyone here so we don't feel so alone on board, lol.

Becky and Brad! We are also empty nesters who love to read by the pool!! It's my ultimate relaxation! Glad you are joining the fun!

 

[mmbl]

Thanks Maria for the tips. Got another question for all. (Toldja, DW Is thinking all of the time.) We have those TSA locks for your luggage. Do you lock your luggage? We just bought the locks, never used them yet. So do you use them for flying and cruising? Or just flying or just cruising?

We use them all the time. Checked bags get locked from home AND put your name, phone number and itinerary on a piece of paper inside your luggage; we keep carry on luggage unlocked until AFTER we are through security, then everything gets locked. We also use brightly colored luggage straps on all luggage just to make them easily identifiable.

 

[mmbl]

We have booked on this cruise now too. It will be me, Becky, and my husband Brad. Our boys are grown now, one married and the last one will move out in March. This will be our first cruise without the kids. We are looking forward to so many days at sea. I LOVE sitting by the pool, soaking in sun, and reading a good book Looking forward to getting to know everyone here so we don't feel so alone on board, lol.

Welcome. We took our first "empty nest" cruise several years ago; it took some adjusting because we always traveled with our kids but really liking it now! Assuming we can find chairs in the sun, reading poolside is where spouse and I usually are during the day. Check out page one for lists and sign up sheets for fish extender, group meals, car pools, etc. Again, welcome!