20th Anniversary Trips - A PTR for a first ever Disney Cruise and a trip to California!

[piglet1979]

Smart!!! What does DD want to do?

She wants to be a pediatric hospitalist. Up until this past summer she wanted to be a forensic scientist but changed her mind after being really sick this past year. We made 8 trips to the ER and countless doctor appointments. She has finally been diagnosed with POTS and Hypogammaglobulinemia (low antibodies). After seeing how we were treated several times she switched. She doesn't want anyone to feel ignored like she has for so long. We just got in with the best doctors who started to look outside of the box with her and that is when we started to get somewhere.

It's on the list! I haven't gotten to the Ohio schools yet. But I will def look!!

Let me know if you want any ideas of things around the Cleveland to do.

So, for anyone who has cruised, what do you keep with you when you get on the ship?

I always take a regular backpack with me. I usually keep a change of clothes (just incase my suitcase gets lost. It never has but is a fear), any meds including Advil, Sudafed and Tums, my book and all the paperwork you need to get on the boat. You will drop off your bags before you check in. I also have my sunglasses and gum with me.

Packing in General
It's been so long since Andy and I have travelled alone, I really don't know if we can get everything into one bag or not. We are thinking one big bag and one small bag? Since we will be going to Disney Springs before we leave, we are hoping to keep it not too bad. I mean worst case it is 2 suitcases.

When Jeff and I went on our cruise in October, we took one carry one, one medium size suitcase and once backpack.

 

[ambula603]

You will have to tell me what to do and not do!

I will pave the way! I am hoping for good weather for us in July!

Remind me, when do you do dining reservations?

We book 60 days out BUT you have to do it one day at a time, which is uncool! I like WDW's system better - you get up early once! Some open at 5:45 EST but most open at 6. For a long trip like ours, that is lots of stressful mornings (it's 7 my time which is right in the middle of morning commute/school drop off).

What else? What am I missing? I feel like we could have not too much? but I am sure I will add stuff anyway.

If you are coming from a cold climate and have socks and shoes on the plane, you will want some thin flip flops for the ship. Otherwise, have your ID/ passport and Port Arrival Form handy (like not in a folder in a bag inside a bag) and I always like to have nausea meds or Tylenol that I take before getting on. We also carry refillable water bottles for the trip. You can fill them up with water or soda. We like to do the Vitamin Water. Otherwise, the to-go cups are small with no lids or straws. We like to fill them up before we head to the room for the night.

What has everybody used to carry stuff around the ship. I assume I will want my phone with me as it's basically my camera at this point. Chapstick and honestly might be it? Oh I guess my key card.

Bring a lanyard, most people wear them around their necks. You can also get one at the ship store. I keep a small bag with chapstick, sunscreen, my water bottle. I have a super clunky (but adorable) Mickey ice cream sandwich purse that I take at night at dinner. Otherwise, its something small like you have.

We always travel with one carry-on and one personal item per person. We don't check bags, no matter how long the trip. So I am not much help there. But you can store the bags under the bed. Also, I usually buy an organizer for closets I put things in it that we need easy access to (hairbrush, sunscreen, lint roller, first aid kit, etc). We use metal hooks and find a place to stick them for wet clothes, jackets, etc. We just carefully remove them so as not to damage the paint. I will look and see if I have pics of some of my stuff to share!

I figured with the trips and if you want to use a magic band it has to be the new ones in Disneyland, it was time to do it.

I love this one, I may get it, too! We have the old ones but with another DL trip and the cruise, I am going to shell out the money for new ones.

Are flat irons allowed on the ship?

Yes, and they have a hot pad to set the iron on. They do have their own hair dryers, I believe.

Keep asking questions, this is getting me prepared, too!

 

[ambula603]

I couldn't find a picture of our room organizer, but this is the one I have:
Organizer from Amazon

This was my purse I took to dinner


This is an unflattering picture of me with the waterproof cell phone case/lanyard I bought that I took to the excursions. You can see we all wore the lanyards with our Key to the World Cards all the time.


This is a picture of a hook (maybe one on the wall or maybe one we brought, can't tell) but I took a wet/dry beach bag and a sun cover and hat - this was also the bag I took on embarkation day.


And a final tidbit - people decorate their doors with homemade magnets. People like me are extra and add lights! ;o)

 

[missjackiemcg]

So, for anyone who has cruised, what do you keep with you when you get on the ship?

I usually keep our passports, any medicine (just in case there's any issue getting the big suitcase to our room), and clothes for dinner...sometimes the luggage takes a long time to get delivered, so if you have the first dinner, you may want to have those handy.

I ordered myself a Magic Band+ yesterday!!!

Yay!! You don't really neeeeeed it, but we ended up ordering them, too, just because I didn't want to miss out, LOL. It ended up being not very exciting the couple of times they actually lit up on our cruise, but I didn't care--I was so excited for my band to be syncing up with the fireworks. It's the little things!

Are flat irons allowed on the ship?

I've brought my curling iron before, so I'm thinking this should not be a problem!

 

[PoppyJ]

My husband and I just went on our first Disney cruise last summer, and we loved it!

What has everybody used to carry stuff around the ship.

I bought this super cute bag, thinking it would be small enough to just carry around my phone/chapstick (same as you).



Unfortunately, I forgot to bring it!!

It turned out for the best. I really liked being able to walk around the ship with nothing to worry about. I had a magicband and that is really all you need. You don't even need your key card if you have a magicband. I put my phone in my pocket and that was it! If I didn't have a pocket, I didn't being my phone and just had my husband take any pictures I wanted.

Are flat irons allowed on the ship?

Yes, I brought mine. They have a mat that you can put your straightener or curling iron in when it is hot.

 

[jgl130]

But it will probably be our main meal. Anyone been? What should we get?

I always get the tasting menu when I go. It’s a lot of food, but when I was talking to the server on my last solo trip, like 6 of the things on the tasting menu I was going to order anyway. I’m one of those people who will order whatever at a tapas place even if I’m only going to have a few bites.

Honestly you can’t go wrong with anything there. I don’t eat seafood, so they subbed out the seafood dishes on the tasting menu for a couple other things.

Also, spring for the Jambon Iberico they carve it table side and it’s so good!

Below is what I got on the tasting menu last May.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

She wants to be a pediatric hospitalist. Up until this past summer she wanted to be a forensic scientist but changed her mind after being really sick this past year. We made 8 trips to the ER and countless doctor appointments. She has finally been diagnosed with POTS and Hypogammaglobulinemia (low antibodies). After seeing how we were treated several times she switched. She doesn't want anyone to feel ignored like she has for so long. We just got in with the best doctors who started to look outside of the box with her and that is when we started to get somewhere.

Sounds like after that she will make a great hospitalist!!!

Let me know if you want any ideas of things around the Cleveland to do.

I def will. Cleveland might have to be an apply and if she gets in place. There is only so much time to get to these places! But I checked out the website and it looks cool! Some of these schools have terrible websites!

I always take a regular backpack with me. I usually keep a change of clothes (just incase my suitcase gets lost. It never has but is a fear), any meds including Advil, Sudafed and Tums, my book and all the paperwork you need to get on the boat. You will drop off your bags before you check in. I also have my sunglasses and gum with me.

I am thinking I will go backpack as I usually use that on the plane as well. I have a cute Vera Disney print one.

! I am hoping for good weather for us in July!

I hope so for both of us! We have only gone in April so we will see!

We book 60 days out BUT you have to do it one day at a time, which is uncool! I like WDW's system better - you get up early once! Some open at 5:45 EST but most open at 6. For a long trip like ours, that is lots of stressful mornings (it's 7 my time which is right in the middle of morning commute/school drop off).

That sounds like a huge pain... Fun!

Keep asking questions, this is getting me prepared, too!

Will do! I am starting a packing list.

And a final tidbit - people decorate their doors with homemade magnets. People like me are extra and add lights! ;o)

I thought about doing this. But I just don't have the time sadly.... I am planning too many things and work is of course getting crazy again... blag. It will be fun to see how people decorate. Maybe if we do a cruise with the girls I will do door decoartions.

Yay!! You don't really neeeeeed it, but we ended up ordering them, too, just because I didn't want to miss out, LOL. It ended up being not very exciting the couple of times they actually lit up on our cruise, but I didn't care--I was so excited for my band to be syncing up with the fireworks. It's the little things!

I know I don't need it for the cruise but I will use it for our one park day and then I can use it in Disneyland!!!

I've brought my curling iron before, so I'm thinking this should not be a problem!

Thanks!

Unfortunately, I forgot to bring it!!

Oh no! That is the worst!!! I might need to look for something small. I really won't have much. I just need somewhere for my phone and chapstick.

Below is what I got on the tasting menu last May.

That all looks so good!!! It gets me excitied!!!! Tasting menu is probably a good way to go the first time.

 

[piglet1979]

I def will. Cleveland might have to be an apply and if she gets in place. There is only so much time to get to these places! But I checked out the website and it looks cool! Some of these schools have terrible websites!

I understand that. That is where we are. We visited a few here in Ohio but all these out of state ones are hard to get to with her taking college classes.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Happy Thursday!!!

I booked out flight to Savannah and then from Orlando home!!!! We are doing it!!!

I am excited to see Savannah and of course squeeze a few days in Disney as a whole family!!

20th Anniversary: Savannah / Disney World Edition

When to tell the Girls: So, now i have to decide when we want to tell the girls. They will know about going to see Savannah, obviously. But I am tempted to wait till Easter to tell them. It's been awhile since I have been we have been able to surprise them. The issue is Morgan is not really fond of suprises.... I will have to think about it.

My other thought would be to get something when we are in Disney for the cruide to suprise them when we get back.

Where to Stay: Andy has already requested we stay at Caribbean Beach. Which is fine but I just looked and we could get a cheaper rate at Corondo in a standard room. We like both resorts but the big draw for Caribbean Beach is the Skyliner. The down side of Coronado would be that Morgan and Gwen will have to share a bed. they don't always love that. Caribbean Beach I can book the 5th sleeper room.


How many park Days: When Andy and I concocted this plan, we talked about just 2 park days and a rest day. Which is fine BUT I am now thinking maybe we just do 3 park days. We like to go back and rest mid day and I feel like we will be able to do that more with 3 days. 2 just feels like we should just goo all day both days.

When: So we fly out Tuesday, April 22nd after work to Savannah. I will need to find a hotel for us that night. Wednesday we will spend the day seeing Savannah College of Design and the area. Once we have done everything we want to do in Savannah, we will drive to Orlando. Spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Disney, flying home Sunday morning around 9:00 AM.



We also finialized when we are going to Maine. Lots of things to still figure out but at least dates have been determined and PTO requests have been submitted.
20th Anniversary: Maine Edition

When: July 4th - July 8th

Where to Stay: Still TBD but the main part of the trip will be in Bar Harbor, Maine. this was one of my parents places to visit.

Things to do: My sisters are really kind of in charge of the planning. But we will do a hike which is where we will spread ashes. And we talked about doing a sunset cruise to cap that day. Kind of celebrate what they loved.

We also talked about a day cruise to see Puffins and Seals and other harbor animals. And a lobster dinner, although that is TBD, my one sister is Vegan so no lobster for them.


I realized I haven't talked much about this yet, so I wanted to give a high level plan.
20th Anniversary: San Diego / Disneyland Edition

When: Fly to San Diego Wednesday, July 23rd late afternoon. Andy will be able to work a 3/4 day and I should be able to squeeze a whole day of work in. I have 5 days alloted to spend in San Diego, Thursday - Monday. On Monday we will drive from San Diego to Disneyland. We will ditch the car when we get there. And then I have another 5 days allotted for Disneyland, with the last day will have to fly home on a red eye, Tuesday - Saturday.

Where to Stay: I have no idea for this yet!!! I want to look into possibly renting DVC points to stay at Disneyland Hotel. But if that doesn't work, then we will probably be off property hotel. Which I know there are plenty of. My sister recommended a hotel in San Diego, I just have to go find the name. But I am open for suggestions!

What we plan to do (San Diego): We def want to do both Zoos the one in Balboa Park and the Safari Zoo. Andy and Morgan want to go to the ComicCon Museum also in Balboa Park. I am thinking we might go to La Jolla the day we switch to Disneyland. I am alotting a day for the Balboa Park Zoo, a day for the Safari Zoo, and then a day for general Balboa Park exploring and the museum. That leaves one more day. I was thinking a trip to Catalina Island maybe? Any suggestions?

What we plan to do (Disneyland): I am mostly excited to just be there. But I am excitied for all of the 70th Anniversary stuff. Gwen LOVES World of Color, so I am sure we will do the dessert party for that. It is by far my favorite dessert party. This will be our 3rd visit to Disneyland. I can't even believe I an say that!!! I thought we would never go! ANYWAY, I say that cause we have done very few sit down dinning in Disneyland. So, I want to do a few this time.


20th Anniversary: Cruise Edition
Nothing new on this front today.

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

Happy Thursday!!!

I booked out flight to Savannah and then from Orlando home!!!! We are doing it!!!

I am excited to see Savannah and of course squeeze a few days in Disney as a whole family!!

20th Anniversary: Savannah / Disney World Edition
View attachment 929986
When to tell the Girls: So, now i have to decide when we want to tell the girls. They will know about going to see Savannah, obviously. But I am tempted to wait till Easter to tell them. It's been awhile since I have been we have been able to surprise them. The issue is Morgan is not really fond of suprises.... I will have to think about it.

My other thought would be to get something when we are in Disney for the cruide to suprise them when we get back.

Where to Stay: Andy has already requested we stay at Caribbean Beach. Which is fine but I just looked and we could get a cheaper rate at Corondo in a standard room. We like both resorts but the big draw for Caribbean Beach is the Skyliner. The down side of Coronado would be that Morgan and Gwen will have to share a bed. they don't always love that. Caribbean Beach I can book the 5th sleeper room.
View attachment 929987

How many park Days: When Andy and I concocted this plan, we talked about just 2 park days and a rest day. Which is fine BUT I am now thinking maybe we just do 3 park days. We like to go back and rest mid day and I feel like we will be able to do that more with 3 days. 2 just feels like we should just goo all day both days.

When: So we fly out Tuesday, April 22nd after work to Savannah. I will need to find a hotel for us that night. Wednesday we will spend the day seeing Savannah College of Design and the area. Once we have done everything we want to do in Savannah, we will drive to Orlando. Spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Disney, flying home Sunday morning around 9:00 AM.



We also finialized when we are going to Maine. Lots of things to still figure out but at least dates have been determined and PTO requests have been submitted.
20th Anniversary: Maine Edition
View attachment 929988
When: July 4th - July 8th

Where to Stay: Still TBD but the main part of the trip will be in Bar Harbor, Maine. this was one of my parents places to visit.

Things to do: My sisters are really kind of in charge of the planning. But we will do a hike which is where we will spread ashes. And we talked about doing a sunset cruise to cap that day. Kind of celebrate what they loved.

We also talked about a day cruise to see Puffins and Seals and other harbor animals. And a lobster dinner, although that is TBD, my one sister is Vegan so no lobster for them.


I realized I haven't talked much about this yet, so I wanted to give a high level plan.
20th Anniversary: San Diego / Disneyland Edition
View attachment 929989
When: Fly to San Diego Wednesday, July 23rd late afternoon. Andy will be able to work a 3/4 day and I should be able to squeeze a whole day of work in. I have 5 days alloted to spend in San Diego, Thursday - Monday. On Monday we will drive from San Diego to Disneyland. We will ditch the car when we get there. And then I have another 5 days allotted for Disneyland, with the last day will have to fly home on a red eye, Tuesday - Saturday.

Where to Stay: I have no idea for this yet!!! I want to look into possibly renting DVC points to stay at Disneyland Hotel. But if that doesn't work, then we will probably be off property hotel. Which I know there are plenty of. My sister recommended a hotel in San Diego, I just have to go find the name. But I am open for suggestions!

What we plan to do (San Diego): We def want to do both Zoos the one in Balboa Park and the Safari Zoo. Andy and Morgan want to go to the ComicCon Museum also in Balboa Park. I am thinking we might go to La Jolla the day we switch to Disneyland. I am alotting a day for the Balboa Park Zoo, a day for the Safari Zoo, and then a day for general Balboa Park exploring and the museum. That leaves one more day. I was thinking a trip to Catalina Island maybe? Any suggestions?

What we plan to do (Disneyland): I am mostly excited to just be there. But I am excitied for all of the 70th Anniversary stuff. Gwen LOVES World of Color, so I am sure we will do the dessert party for that. It is by far my favorite dessert party. This will be our 3rd visit to Disneyland. I can't even believe I an say that!!! I thought we would never go! ANYWAY, I say that cause we have done very few sit down dinning in Disneyland. So, I want to do a few this time.


20th Anniversary: Cruise Edition
Nothing new on this front today.

Coronado and the beach there and the hotel (which I think is the inspiration for GF), don't know what's close to San Diego but the missions, see the sea lions in la Jolla, Old Town is kinda touristy but I like it, Belmont park, the gardens in Balboa Park are very pretty and if I remember right they're free so not really committing if you don't want to spend a lot of time there....Catalina island would be a very very long day trip

 

[MPD]

Bar Harbor/ANP is one of our favorite places to visit! The sunset cruise on the Margaret Todd (at Bar Harbor Inn pier) is great - as is the hotel itself. The hotel is a bit expensive but the views are incredible. The whale/puffin cruise is also good, but take all the Dramamine/Bonine - it can be really rough - it was worth it to me though!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Bar Harbor/ANP is one of our favorite places to visit!

It was on e of my parents favorite places to go to as well. As a high school teen I didn't appricate it as much on our family trips.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I’m joining in! First, I’m so sorry about your mom. You’ve mentioned her health issues here before - I’m glad she’s no longer suffering but so sorry for your loss.

You have SO many fun plans - and your cruise is around the corner! Your Disney day before your cruise sounds SO fun… and exhausting! I think you’ll appreciate relaxing the next day on the ship! I’ve yet to take a Disney cruise (I technically have, but it was way back in the 80’s before Disney owned their own ships), but love to read about them here. One day!

I know you’re most excited about the Disney portion of your Savannah trip, but I had to mention a few things we loved there. My husband and I visited Savannah before our oldest was born and we LOVED it. We stayed at The DeSoto Savannah due to its location - it was on the fancy side, but it was a great hotel. Just down the street was an EXCELLENT brunch spot called J. Christopher’s - we ate breakfast there every day! Another good option is the Courtyard that’s right next to SCAD (but I can’t speak to the breakfast options there).

I know your primary reason for going to Savanah is to tour SCAD, but I’d highly recommend doing the Old Town Trolley Tour around Savannah. The main station is right across the street from SCAD and is a trolley that takes you around to see Savannah’s historic sites and famous squares. You can hop off a trolley and get the next one after you’re done checking out that area - I think there were 12-16 different stops? You can even tour some of the historic homes (with an additional fee). It’s a great way to see Savannah and was one of our favorite things we did on our trip.

Also, I agree 100% with @ambula603 - The Pink House was EXCELLENT! My husband and I each got a half fried chicken and it was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I highly, highly recommend getting a reservation - this restaurant is VERY popular and has long waits. You can grab a reservation on Open Table (we got one the day before we ate there) and it was so nice to walk past dozens of people with almost no wait (current waits were over an hour after 1:00 in the afternoon!).

 

[jgl130]

And shouldn’t Morgan take a tour of the University of Central Florida while you’re there too?

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!

We are getting sooo close to the Cruise trip!!?!? 8 Days to be exact!!!

I get to make our LL reservations Thursday morning. I am so excited to do this. Last time we were in Disney I was really not happy with the old system. It was just so disheartening to not get good items while on the vacation. And I had honestly thought maybe we wouldn't come back till the change was made. And the change has been made! If I can't get Slinky Dog on Thursday, at least I have time to salt the wound and make a game plan. You know?

I have outfits! I will try and do an outfit / bag post later day or tomorrow.

I feel like I should be planning more things... It's weird. I did start to look at the Festival of Arts menus again. I have an idea of what we want to try but I want to make a list so that I don't add impulse items and get myself full before I get to a few of the must try items!

Bare with me... I know I am probably repeating myself, but I use this to also process everything!

Wednesday: We fly out at 3:55 PM and it is all goes as planned, we land at 6:42 PM. We plan to take an uber of lyft to Caribbean Beach. We talked about whether we would want to go to Disney Springs that night. Originally Andy wasn't feeling the idea but we talked about it this weekend and I we are going to make an effort to do. Obviously, delays or rain might deter us....

We really want to eat at Eet for dinner. We loved it last time we were there. And there are more things I want to try!

I want to try this bread service...

Andy also really wants to get his beloved Iced Tea Moonshine!


Other than filling our bellies with dinner, the other goal will be to grab anything we want before we head to the parks. I have my eye on this mug!! I love it and I wanted to get a cup with handle for the cruise (and home)



I am hoping I can use the pouch on the plane for my key of the world card, lip balm... and maybe my phone. I do have a Pro Max phone, so there is a good chance it won't fit. And then when I use it at home I will take the pouch off. I am a sucker for the disney ballon stuff.

Andy also wants to check out the corkiscle stand for a cup as well. He wants a bigger one like the orange bird one I got last year.

Thursday: Park day!!!

The plan is to start in Hollywood Studios, and it looks like there is early entry at 8:30. Depending on what I get for LLs will probably decide where we want to go to first. I am leaning toward Ride but we will see and how we feel that morning. What I think we will want to try and do:

Slinky Dog Dash (fingerscrossed I can get a LL in the AM - but I do know that might not happen), Toy Story Mania, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (this might be another contender to do first thing), Tower of Terror and maybe Rock n Rollercoast (although I don't love this ride and now that we are coming back with the girls, I def could skip this trip)

Star Tours, Milenium Falcon and Rise are all on the maybe side. I think it will depend on timing and waits.


After we do everything we want in Hollywood Studios, we will head to EPCOT for some Festival of Arts stuff. Like I said before, I will have a list of treats we will want to try and just enjoy looking at all of the art. Maybe we will get a Fancy Ride for Guardians... I am torn on that. I want to ride but I also don't want to rush to get to the front to ride if I pick a too early time. What time would you do?

Not sure if I will other with any other LL in EPCOT. Maybe Soarin'? But I am thinking I will just use this time to get some rides in MK for when we make our way there next.


And then we plan to hop on the monorail and head to Magic Kingdom to end the evening. NO REST for the weary today!! Hopefully we will have 3 LL for MK when we get there. Def want to do Pirates, Haunted Mansion, People Mover, maybe Jungle Cruise. I would love to ride 7DMT, it has been forever since we have gone on that. Andy doesn't love Tron, but maybe I could convince him to try the seats in the back? He just doesn't love the position you are in with his back. Space Mountain is DEF out for him.

We will probably skip Tianna's and wait for the girls to ride for the first time. Especially since we will be back in a few months.

After that VERY long day, we will head back to the hotel to pass out!

Friday: Kick off the Cruise!! Obviously, we will pack up and head to the port in the AM. Doesn't sound like we will have a ton of time in the morning. We will probably be a little tired...

Once we are on the ship, my plan is just for us to get a lay of the land. Grab some lunch, obviously... Grab a drink somewhere and just wander around to see where everything is. I def want to see the sail away show of course..

We have late dinning and I requested we sit by ourselves. It's not make or break for us. I assume we won't know what we have till we go to dinner that night?

Saturday: Bahamas day. We have the Chaufferured Funky Jeep Adventure booked for 10:00 AM.

It sounds super touristy but I think it will give a glimpse of the island. It is 3 - 3.5 hours long, so we will have the afternoon back on the ship to do stuff. or nothing.... who knows! How long is the buffet open at lunch time? If it's already closed what our our options for some lunch?

Sunday: Castaway Cay day! I have scuba gear reserved for us. I think I might cancel it, thinking I can just walk up and get some. The temp is going to be ok but I am afraid the ocean may not be ideal for swimming. It feels like a good idea to play it by ear. Obviously no real plans this day other than see the island and do things on the ship.

Monday: Sadly, this will be our last day of the vacation. We will be getting off the ship early. I think we will skip breakfast that morning. We have an early lunch reservation.

We will be taking an uber / lyft from the port to Disney Springs.


We have a 10:40 lunch reservation at Jaleo! I am super excited to try this place out. If we can, I would love to grab some Gideon's cookies to bring home before we go to lunch. I think they open at 10:00 usually, so we would have to be pretty close to the front of the line to make it work. We will just have to see when we get there.

The only other goal would be to grab anything else we would want to bring home to the girls or treats. Otherwise the goal is just to kill time and have one last good meal before heading home. We will have our suitcases and stuff, so we won't want to be wondering around a ton.

And then we will head to the airport via another uber / lyft and head home... I am so excitied!!!

Coming up, outfits and festival or arts foods!!

 

[missjackiemcg]

How long is the buffet open at lunch time? If it's already closed what our our options for some lunch?

I think lunch goes until 2, but I could be wrong on that! There is also a dining that would be open for lunch; not sure if they're open much later though. If neither one is open by the time you get back to the ship, you can always get food on the pool deck.

Castaway Cay day! I have scuba gear reserved for us.

If it's cooler or not good conditions for swimming or snorkeling, you could always do the Castaway Cay 5K, too! You just start near the bike rental and do the loop twice. When you're done, you let them know you finished and you get your medal.

I'm so excited that your cruise is so soon!!

 

[SEAGULL59]

I’m so excited for you guys!! It will be a nice break from the cold weather at home.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I’m joining in! First, I’m so sorry about your mom. You’ve mentioned her health issues here before - I’m glad she’s no longer suffering but so sorry for your loss.

Welcome!!! Thank You. It was hard for sure but she is def in a better place now.

Your Disney day before your cruise sounds SO fun… and exhausting!

I know it will be exhausting but I know we will have plenty of time to relax after!

I know you’re most excited about the Disney portion of your Savannah trip, but I had to mention a few things we loved there.

I am excited about Savannah too! I am nervous about it. I really hope Morgan likes it! I mean I don't want her to be so far away but it could give her the most opportunities after school. I am excitied to see the city as well. I wish we could spend more time there AND do Disney, but vacation days are precious this year.

Another good option is the Courtyard that’s right next to SCAD (but I can’t speak to the breakfast options there).

Thanks!!! I took a look. I think we will stay there. Courtyards are pretty reliable hotel.

The main station is right across the street from SCAD and is a trolley that takes you around to see Savannah’s historic sites and famous squares. You can hop off a trolley and get the next one after you’re done checking out that area - I think there were 12-16 different stops?

We have a 9:30 AM tour scheduled. So we will have to grab lunch and have the afternoon to do anything we want. So, this would be a good idea to give Morgan a full feel of the area!

Also, I agree 100% with @ambula603 - The Pink House was EXCELLENT! My husband and I each got a half fried chicken and it was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I highly, highly recommend getting a reservation

I will check it out. This day will be Andy's birthday. So a nice dinner might be nice!

I think lunch goes until 2, but I could be wrong on that! There is also a dining that would be open for lunch; not sure if they're open much later though. If neither one is open by the time you get back to the ship, you can always get food on the pool deck.

Now that you say that, I think I heard that. So, hopefully we can grab something before they shut down. I don't think I knew there was food options at the pool. We could do room service too, I guess.

If it's cooler or not good conditions for swimming or snorkeling, you could always do the Castaway Cay 5K, too! You just start near the bike rental and do the loop twice. When you're done, you let them know you finished and you get your medal.

Andy might not mind that if it's not too hot. Of course if it's hot, we would swim... ha!

I’m so excited for you guys!! It will be a nice break from the cold weather at home.

I can't wait!!!! We are just coming out of this cold spell and I am ready to NOT be cold!!!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Guys!!! I am so not on my game these days!!!

I realized last night that my window to book LLs was TODAY not tomorrow! I kept thinking since tomorrow is a week since we go to the parks. But we check into our hotel a week from today!!! WOO HOO!!!!

So, I got up to see the girls before they left for school and booked some LLs.

This is what I got:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway 10:10 - 11:10
Tower of Terror 12:05 - 1:05
Toy Story Mania: 3:35 - 4:35

I could have gotten Slinky Dog but it was for 5:00 PM. And that was going to be way too late. So, I pivoted to Runaway Railway and just checked out with what I had. Runaway Railway was 2-ish when I booked and went in a modified that, and was able to get the 10:10 slot.

I am def going to try and get Toy Story Mania moved earlier. I do want to be heading to EPCOT noon-ish. So if we do ToT and then head out, that should be fine. I am also not too worried, We can change to something else if needed. The problem is, I think I need to bump ToT by 5 mintues to get get a time to show up in the middle of the 2. Or Runaway Railway to 10:05.

I will be fiddle faddling all this week for sure!

 

[SEAGULL59]

Guys!!! I am so not on my game these days!!!

I realized last night that my window to book LLs was TODAY not tomorrow! I kept thinking since tomorrow is a week since we go to the parks. But we check into our hotel a week from today!!! WOO HOO!!!!

So, I got up to see the girls before they left for school and booked some LLs.

This is what I got:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway 10:10 - 11:10
Tower of Terror 12:05 - 1:05
Toy Story Mania: 3:35 - 4:35

I could have gotten Slinky Dog but it was for 5:00 PM. And that was going to be way too late. So, I pivoted to Runaway Railway and just checked out with what I had. Runaway Railway was 2-ish when I booked and went in a modified that, and was able to get the 10:10 slot.

I am def going to try and get Toy Story Mania moved earlier. I do want to be heading to EPCOT noon-ish. So if we do ToT and then head out, that should be fine. I am also not too worried, We can change to something else if needed. The problem is, I think I need to bump ToT by 5 mintues to get get a time to show up in the middle of the 2. Or Runaway Railway to 10:05.

I will be fiddle faddling all this week for sure!

I'm sure you will be able to modify the times. Hope it all works out for you!!