Magic Christmas Cruise 2010 (Dec 18th - 29th) - PART II

[mdargen]

Just received an email from our TA. He wanted to confirm our address before he sends out our CRUISE DOCS!!!!

 

[thegales]

A little about our family.

It is me (David) and DW Ann and two girls.

DD12 is a competitive gymnast, competing at Level 6. She was supposed to compete Level 6 last year, but broke her elbow a week before the first meet. After lots of physical therapy, she is able to almost straighten her arm. But she still can't bend it enough to touch her own shoulder. We are looking forward to a good season.

DD14 is on a competitive dance team. Their season starts in February. She has been dancing since three years old, and loves it. When she was 11, her goal in life was to be working on the Disney cruise ships. She even went to a meet and greet with some of the cast members in the shows, and was asked what they did to get there. I am not sure if that is still her goal, but you will see her at every show, including any matinees they have.

Ironically, both girls have their final competitions of the year on the same weekend in March.

Ann is a preschool teacher, and is getting over being sick. Just one of the joys of working with three year olds is that you get all their germs.

I work in Information Security, but one of my hobbies is Gymnastics Meets. I started playing the music at our home meet six years ago. Now I still play the music, but I bring all the sound equipment, emcee, and generally help the meet run smoothly. This year I am working seven meets, including two of the State Meets (they have different state meets for the different levels). I am off today to set up for a meet starting tonight. DD12 competes tomorrow.

So enough posting for now - I need to get on the road.

 

[Three at Sea]

Was off line yesterday - finally succumbed to the kids crud - and everyone posted so much! Angie - great pictures, now I will recognize you. !!

I am so excited - is anyone is our group on the suites or higher cats? I know in the past people did state room tours. I would love to peak inside and see how the other half lives...

By the way, I am congratulating myself on my illness timing. We will have it all done for Thanksgiving - I don't dare mention getting sick on the boat...

I am going to use our long Thanksgiving weekend to get 100% ready. I have loaded up the Kindle at least.

We are staying behind in the parks fro NYE, but we have heard such horror stores about the crowds, that we don't know if we will go to the park. We are not scared of crowds or anything, but people on the regular boards said the parks can close at 11, and then after that, Fast Passes can take 5 hours to get on the ride. And, everything is so crowded you can't do anything but sit for hours. Has any one else experienced this? Kathleen

The Unofficial Guide to WDW website says I believe that EPCOT is open til 1am on NYE and is the least busy park that night (but still 10/10) if you can call it that!!

 

[Three at Sea]

Two surprise 4th graders for Christmas - lucky girls! We'll probably see you in the Oceaneer's club!

 

[MommyLissa]

Things may have changed in the reservation process for the Tea, but in the past it was not a big deal to get the reservations.

It used to be Tea with Wendy, but now it is with Alice.

In the Navigator, there was a time to go to Guest Services to get tickets. It was not on day 1, but a few days before the actual tea. Ask the person who checks you in at the port if this has changed. It would be no fun to wait in a line at Guest Services to find out that you can't get your tickets until later.

At the appointed time, we got the tickets from Guest Services. There was not any type of mad dash to be there first, nor was there any type of line.

At the time of the Tea, they let the people with tickets in first, then they opened it up to others who did not have tickets. I think the only reason for the tickets is to keep too many people from having to stand in line for too long.

It was in Studio Sea, and as others have said, they serve tea and cookies. I sat in the back with another dad. If I recall, the server came over to us and asked if we wanted anything else to drink.

It is a fun event for the kids. Nothing to stress over for trying to get the tickets and a good seat.

Whew!!
---Thanks for the info!!! They make it sounds so exclusive; I was worried about disappointing DD and not being able to get in. Now I can focus on much more important things when we board.....like the DOTD!!

 

[tinkmischief]

I love this board! Seeing everyone getting things done is motivating. Just got baskets ordered from Shirley Now I am headed out for ornament shopping

 

[HFC1969]

Some pretty cool stuff on the Disney Blog today...

Christmas at WDW

4 weeks til vaca...​

 

[mdargen]

We are staying behind in the parks fro NYE, but we have heard such horror stores about the crowds, that we don't know if we will go to the park. We are not scared of crowds or anything, but people on the regular boards said the parks can close at 11, and then after that, Fast Passes can take 5 hours to get on the ride. And, everything is so crowded you can't do anything but sit for hours. Has any one else experienced this? Kathleen

Well that sounds fun. Can it really take 5 hours to get on a ride? If that's the case I guess we will try and hit up certain ones on the 29th.

 

[miatamel]

Zazzle has a 4 hour sale right now. Basically, 50% off everything. I just made our t-shirts and saved half. So, if you are wanting a special tee or to make a magnet or something for your FEs, jump on this. It only lasts til 4:00 pm EST.

Code for the half off everything: ALLFFHSDEALS

Combine with this and get free shipping, too: FREESHIPFORU

 

[disneycruising]

And the other thing that is killing me is that our DD9 does not know about the trip! We are keeping it a surprise. We are having an extended family Christmas dinner on Dec 12, which is when we are going to tell her. We bought her a new set of luggage which we'll wrap and put under the tree. When she opens the suitcase, there will be Pirate Princess ears with her name embrodiered on the back (I bought this in Disneyland California in March as we've been booked since way back then), and I've made a sign to stick on the bottom of the suitcase (see attached). I am having trouble not spilling the beans. I could use some advice on how to keep my mouth shut, but Dec 12 is so far away! Is anyone else having this problem????

We are also surprising our kids!

My plan is to tell them on dec. 15th...DD's 11th Birthday. We are on a red eye on the 16th. This will give them enough time to pack anything...they want to take.

Right now, I am working on a "scrapbook" that will tell them about the trip. On the front cover is a note to the kids. Then when they open it up, every page tells another thing about the trip:flight to MCO, MVMCP, 11 night cruise, 5 night cruise & flight home. Forunately, the scrapbook I happen to use... has just enough pages for every day we are gone!I also bought some Santa hats that they with get with the scrapbook.

To keep myself from exploding with excitement: I post on the disboards & I go shopping for the trip.

 

[3princessMommy]

I also ordered my basket and Christmas tree from Shirley today. Decided not to risk not being able to find battery operated lights etc when we're driving to the Port on the 17th and just let Shirley take care of it.

DD9 was listening in on the Skype call as I was going down a list of goodies that could be included in the basket that we can't get here...peanut butter M&Ms, reeses pieces, etc. Then I said, "Twinkies." DD9 shouted from behind me, "Mom, what's a Twinkie????" I have definitely failed as an American mom when my daughter doesn't even know what a Twinkie is! The lady taking my order burst out laughing! I think we'll get a Twinkie in the basket...

 

[itutorfortravel]

Hey everyone! I just had to share my excitement. Today I received a fish extender I ordered from a person off etsy dot com. Oh my gosh, it is the cutest ever!!! She really made it special for Christmas...I cannot wait to put it outside our cabin

I went shopping today and found myself looking at dresses. Not sure that I need to buy one, but I enjoyed looking. Before it's all said and done I am sure I will have an extra thing or two to put in my suitcase. I was going to try to make due with what I have but it's soooo hard!

Thank you DVC4US for helping us get in on the wine tasting. We're so looking forward to it! I wish we could get in on a Palo brunch...maybe there will be some times when we board. Keeping my fingers crossed for that! DH and I love Palo!!!

 

[eve adkins]

Hi Eve, if you are still interested in meeting before the cruise, let me know! I'll bet we've run into each other somewhere around town and don't even know it - ha ha!

Kimberly

Hi Kimberly! I definitely want to get together before the cruise. We are heading home to Michigan for Thanksgiving week but hopefully you and I can get together the week or two after that...Time is flying...we'll be on the cruise before we know it!! I'm getting so nervous about going to the parks after the cruise. I knew it would be busy but some of the comments make it seem impossible....

 

[Evans Family]

I am considering ordering baskets from Shirley.
I am wondering what would be best, 3 seperate smaller gifts that the boys can open individually or one large gift to share. I am not really wanting food/drink items as I think they have enough to eat available onboard just maybe a bucket and spade,coluring, some pirate stuff, maybe a cuddly etc.
Any help idea would be great!
Colette

I ordered a family basket for all 4 of us. Beer, bottled water, movie snacks popcorn and candy. Can't wait to see it. Its from our elf.

 

[Cam Fam luvs Dsny]

Hey everyone! I went shopping today and found myself looking at dresses. Not sure that I need to buy one, but I enjoyed looking. Before it's all said and done I am sure I will have an extra thing or two to put in my suitcase. I was going to try to make due with what I have but it's soooo hard!
QUOTE]

I agree with ending up with a few extra new pieces of clothing. We had initially agreed that we could all make do with what was in our closets, but somehow I just keep looking....

My goal this weekend is to make our FE. DH and DD are away for a hockey tournament, so with just DS and I home it is a little quieter than normal. I can sew basic straight lines and do mending, so wish me luck!

 

[Kitster]

Some pretty cool stuff on the Disney Blog today...

Christmas at WDW

4 weeks til vaca...​

Wow, 262 comments so far and the vast majority are begging Disney to BRING BACK THE ADVENTURERS CLUB ..... my comment was 263 Make that #264

 

[colkath2005]

I am nearly there! My FE gifts are finished and packed, my cases just need one more check before they are ready, all appointements made just 3 more weekends then im off work. Just need my secret Mickey now. I feel like I am doing well then I remember I only have 18 days until we go!
How is everyone else doing?
Colette

 

[STLUCIELADY]

If anyone is still looking for a last minute tuxedo or suit, I bought my DH an Italian tux from overstock.com for about $125! That is cheaper than renting one from the Disney Formal Wear. It arrived last week and it is very good quality. They also have some nice suits for $75. DH doesn't have a lot of dressy clothes but we love to dress up and $200 for two suits is a bargain!

Hi Three at Sea! Do you remember which italian tux it was? Today they have many on clearance so I figured I'd take your lead and jump in.
If anyone else orders, make sure you use one of the rebate sites to get an even better price.

 

[colkath2005]

I just want to say cquick has been added to my FE list so you will get at least one gift! It didnt take long to add an extra FE gift. I just wouldnt be happy if I thought I had left anyone out!
Colette

 

[STLUCIELADY]

A little about our family.

It is me (David) and DW Ann and two girls.

DD12 is a competitive gymnast, competing at Level 6. She was supposed to compete Level 6 last year, but broke her elbow a week before the first meet. After lots of physical therapy, she is able to almost straighten her arm. But she still can't bend it enough to touch her own shoulder. We are looking forward to a good season.

DD14 is on a competitive dance team. Their season starts in February. She has been dancing since three years old, and loves it. When she was 11, her goal in life was to be working on the Disney cruise ships. She even went to a meet and greet with some of the cast members in the shows, and was asked what they did to get there. I am not sure if that is still her goal, but you will see her at every show, including any matinees they have.

Ironically, both girls have their final competitions of the year on the same weekend in March.

Ann is a preschool teacher, and is getting over being sick. Just one of the joys of working with three year olds is that you get all their germs.

I work in Information Security, but one of my hobbies is Gymnastics Meets. I started playing the music at our home meet six years ago. Now I still play the music, but I bring all the sound equipment, emcee, and generally help the meet run smoothly. This year I am working seven meets, including two of the State Meets (they have different state meets for the different levels). I am off today to set up for a meet starting tonight. DD12 competes tomorrow.

So enough posting for now - I need to get on the road.

Your name sounds familar....did you happen to be the family that lost their lugguge in Paris (I think) and went on the Sept 2nd Med cruise with us?