Movin' Up to "Fish"

Yeah! The boy has graduated from “Minnow” to join the ranks of “Fish” in the YMCA Aquatics Program.

Water baby would have been one word to describe the boy since he has been in the water since he was six months old. Swimming with Dad and then some sessions of private lessons. Lessons is a loose word—more like privately guided water interactions.

Then came the official “Water Babies” sessions held at The Beach Ottumwa. Once the boy hit preschool, it was time for lessons at the YMCA. He flew through the preschool levels and was ready for the “Guppy” level as a kindergartener. Guppy, Minnow, and now Fish! We’re proud of his accomplishments. Will swim team be next? We’ll wait and see!

Disney's Castaway Club

Disney Cruise Line offers a loyalty program for previous cruisers called Castaway Club. The club has been in existence, as far as I know, since 1998 when Disney Cruise Line began sailing, offering the same perks to all members of the Castaway Club. In October, 2009, the Castaway Club changed to a tiered system, offering various perks to various levels. The more you had cruised with Disney, the more perks. So, while we had been invited to the Castaway Club members only reception during our July 2008 cruise (our 2nd DCL cruise), prior to the change to the tiered club system, we weren’t invited to that same reception in December of 2009, as the “Gold” Castaway Club status was required to be invited.

Here’s a layout of the tiered Castaway Club:



Silver Level—You reach this level after completing your first Disney Cruise. You get access to Castaway Club merchandise, sold only on the ship, a discount if you book your next cruise on-board, access to the Castaway Club web-site. And for your next Disney Cruise, you will receive the silver lanyard, a gift in your stateroom, and the ability to make spa reservations, Remy/Palo reservations, and port adventures reservations 90 days prior to your cruise if you are paid in full.

Gold Level—You reach this level after completing your fifth Disney Cruise. Same perks as listed for the silver level and then add on the Castaway Club members only on-board reception, and a chance to book new itineraries before the general public. If you are a Gold Level Castaway Club member, you have a 105 days out window to book your port adventures, spa treatments, and reserve Palo or Remy if your cruise is paid in full.

Platinum Level—You reach this level after completing your tenth Disney Cruise. Same perks as listed for the gold level then add on exclusive Platinum Level experiences, Platinum check-in at the Port Terminal and a complimentary meal at Palo. If you are a Platinum Level Castaway Club member, you have a 120 days out window to book your port adventures, spa treatments, and reserve Palo or Remy if your cruise is paid in full.

Knowing about the 120 day window for the Platinum Level is what gave me pause when I read a no longer there entry in the Disney Parks Blog this last week. While writing elegantly about the much awaited new ship the Dream, the blog advertised that the Platinum Castaway Club members booked on the inaugural voyage of the Dream were now at the 180 days out mark and could reserve port adventures, etc. if their cruise was paid in full. Ooops! While the 180 day window is for dining reservations, also known lovingly as ADR’s, for the Walt Disney World Resort, it is not the “window” for the cruise line.

The Williams Family is at the Silver Level in the Castaway Club’s tiered member system. We have cruised 3 times and proudly wear our silver lanyards. I remember during our last cruise trying to get a sneak peek at a Platinum Level lanyard, to no avail. The husband has his sights on the Gold and Platinum Levels. And, we may get there. Our pattern is to cruise every 18 months or so, so to get 2 more cruises under our belts will take us a while. To get 7 more cruises may take us 11 or more years, at our current rate. It is always good to have a goal!

All Inclusive Resort v. Disney Cruise Line--A Comparison Trip

After our 2nd trip to Walt Disney World and our first Disney Cruise, we decided to take a comparison trip to find out what we liked better. Our destination: an all inclusive resort in Cancun. I had been to Cancun before, but the husband and boy had not. We already had Passports due to cruising, so why not give an all inclusive resort a try? Would we like it more, less, or the same as a cruise. . . well, a Disney cruise?

We had a 6 day stay booked at the Crown Paradise Club on the southern edge of the strip in Cancun during winter break. The strip in Cancun is shaped like a 7 with resorts up and down the “7.” Crown Paradise Club was near the bottom of the club. We picked the resort due to a “kids stay free” special, it was an all inclusive resort, and it had a kids club. Also, for reference, all inclusive means that all food, all drinks—including alcoholic beverages, non-motorized water sports, and entertainment are included in your stay. Crown Paradise Club had 6 on-site restaurants, 4 pools, a kids club that had its own pool, a water slide area, golf and tennis across the highway, and was on the ocean.

We checked in, received our bracelets that must be worn to indicate your status as a resort guest, and began our stay. I must confess, that I am actually suited for a lifestyle where you get up, brush your teeth, put on a swimsuit and cover up, reserve your beach or pool chair, have some breakfast, then lounge throughout the day until say 4:00 pm or so, then shower, change clothes, have dinner, take a walk, go to sleep and repeat. I am comfortable wearing a swimsuit for the majority of the day. And, since I am suited for that lifestyle, Cancun and I fit together very well.

Our lazy days drifted together and were punctuated with times at the kids club, brief rain showers during the day, discussions about which restaurant to eat dinner, and daily miniature golf. We had a good time.

And, to think that there would be things you wouldn’t like staying in a tropical paradise, but there were, and this was a comparison trip after all.

Here’s what we didn’t like: that we had to reserve a spot for us to eat dinner each night. This was especially inconvenient on our first night when we arrived after a long day of travel only to discover that getting our first meal at our all inclusive resort was going to be an ordeal. Most nights the “buffet” style restaurant that did not require reservations was open, but since this was the holiday season, that restaurant was often not available. On our first night, we ate Cancun’s version of Italian. We didn’t eat there again the rest of the trip.

While we enjoyed our time on the beach, we would have liked more opportunities to explore. On a cruise, those options are easily available to you. At the resort, we got the “hard sell.” We chose not to take the bait. It also meant taking taxis, etc. On a Disney Cruise, transportation is typically included in port excursions. Interestingly, Crown Paradise Club was a port excursion for cruise ships in the area. We talked to some people at the resort who were day guests from a cruise ship. Waking up in a different port each day is a part of cruising we like.



Service.



Entertainment was a bit. . . well, it wasn’t the same caliber we found on a cruise. Enough said.

The kids club at the resort had variable hours. To quote the staff, “They were in Cancun to party, too.” The pool for the kids was awesome with a pirate ship to climb/play on, plenty of water slides etc. But one day when we picked up the boy, we saw poop on the wall all the way down the hall, and the pool wasn’t heated, so if it was a bit chilly, the kids watched TV. The boy didn’t spent too much time there after that. The Kids Clubs on board the ship are great and we often can’t get the boy to leave.

Disney Cruising came out on top of the comparison and we have cruised 2 times since with another cruise on the horizon. For us, we just had to take the time and do the comparison. We’re glad we did, because now we know. . .

Disney Announces New Theme

Last Thursday, just before the last quarter of the fiscal year, Disney officials announced the theme for Walt Disney World Parks to begin January 1, 2011. The theme: Let the Memories Begin.




It seems that after conducting much research, Disney extrapolated that 9 out of 10 families traveling do so to create memories for their families. Duh! It makes we wonder why the 1 out of 10 families travel, if it not to create memories.



Most of us have memories of family travel growing up. For my husband, it was the annual trips to the lakes in Minnesota. The cabin they stayed in and the dog the belonged to the owner of the resort. He remembers swimming in the cold lake and the car rides to get there.



For me, I can recall a trip to, where else, but Walt Disney World. We stayed in a Howard Johnson’s because I can remember the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Only the Magic Kingdom existed at the time of the visit—approximately 1976 or 1977. And, there were the ticket books, you know the ones with so many E ride tickets, D tickets, etc. It was summer and after visiting Walt Disney World, we drove to Daytona Beach and stayed for a few days. I remember drinking Dr. Pepper, the smell of fish and salt water, and getting sunburned.



There was a funny moment on the way when we stopped to get gas somewhere in Georgia, just north of the Florida border. Gas stations at the time cleared the previous sale as soon as you lifted the lever. So, after filling the car with gas, my younger brother lifted the lever and cleared the sale, before we had had a chance to pay. Imagine the negotiation that went on in trying to pay for the gas when no one was quite sure of the amount. Imagine the gas station attendant thinking we were performing that stunt for the entire trip from Iowa to Florida.



Yep, memories. That’s what family vacations are all about. So, while Disney could have come up with this one on their own, without the researchers, I agree with the upcoming theme. I can’t help but wonder what the boy’s memories will be. What will he be telling his family about when he is the dad? Will he, too, take his family and travel to the most magical place on earth? What will Disney be like then? It really doesn’t matter where he goes or what he does. What matters is that there are memories and will continue to be memories of cherished moments as a family. Let the memories continue. . .



One way Disney plans to capitalize on the theme is to project the images of guests captured throughout the day onto the castle as part of a nighttime spectacular. Check out the test video at the top of the blog.

A New Set of Matching Shirts!

Our next and 7th trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is less than 50 days away. The packing list has started, at least in my head. Which shirts will go with us this trip?




You may have already read “What’s Up With the Matching Shirts?” so you know about our tradition of wearing matching shirts when we travel to Disney. You may also know that the husband agreed some time ago to wear pink, at least at Disney. Yesterday, armed with a $10 off coupon code and a free shipping coupon code, I placed an on-line order with Zazzle for a set of new matching T-shirts. I took the pink theme along with the boy’s favorite character Stitch and created our newest set of matching t-shirts. Here it is:

Above Stitch is says "Williams Family" and below Stitch is says "Out of this World for Disney."
I wish I could get a screen shot of the back, as it has our touring schedule:

WDW
Nov. 2006

Sept. 2007

Sept. 2008

March 2009

Nov. 2009

March 2010

Nov. 2010

July 2011

DCL
March 2007—Wonder

July 2008—Magic

Dec. 2009—Magic

July 2011—Dream

ABD

July 2009—Southwest Splendors

We get asked questions about the backs of our shirts. Most people can figure out that WDW means Walt Disney World. DCL throws a few people for a loop, but the names of the ships help. ABD is a mystery to most, even Cast Members. ABD stands for Adventures By Disney. (Click here to read about one of our Adventures By Disney days.)



We are getting excited! Just yesterday in the car, the boy and I visited about our schedule of events for the upcoming trip discussing the ins and outs of various attractions. The “drop” in Pirates of the Caribbean was a significant topic of discussion, as was the Haunted Mansion. He told me wanted to carry his own luggage as he is stronger now. I suggested that he could pack it too. He planned for a Disney stuffed animal—Stitch, toys, and his DS. I guess packing the “rest of the stuff” is up to me!

Professional Male Athletes--A Humorous View of Marriage

In every marriage there is the ebb and flow, the ups and downs, the good times and not so good times. If you hang in there long enough rough spots will eventually turn around. And, in the world of being married, there are many times when you bite your tongue and move on.




So when I came home from work yesterday and discovered two items that were meant for the garbage can but hadn’t quite made it into the garbage can, it dawned on me. . . in our society men who can hit the basket or get it in the hole on a regular and predictable basis are revered. Those men are on TV and written about in newspapers and magazines. Those men are considered professionals and are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars.



Stats are kept and posted on attempts and successes. Did the object make it or come near the perimeter? How many attempts were needed to make it to the hole or get it in the basket? What approach was used? How persistent was the defense and were there any barriers like sand traps, water hazards, or high winds?



So what if I kept stats too? Socks almost made it into the basket. Undies on the rim. From a long shot, towel just missed the basket.



Since I live with two men, I don’t quite get how near the basket/garbage/etc. is the same as in the basket/garbage/etc. Yet the mindset is that near and in are one in the same. I’m told about difficult approaches due to darkness or toy hazards.



Let’s just say, that if I were keeping score of how many of my attempts made it, I would have a significant lead. In the meantime, it’s back to coaching!

Your First Day Onboard a Disney Cruise

Congratulations! You’ve made it to Port Canaveral and you are about to embark on your Disney Cruise!




Here’s what the rest of your day might look like. . .

The Disney Cruise Line Port Terminal is two stories tall. You will enter the lower level, and go through security—metal detector and have your carry on bags scanned. It’s similar to an airport, but liquids are OK here. Then it’s up the escalator or elevator just around the corner to the second level. Take all your cruise documents to the lines on the left. Only one person from your travel party needs to go through the line. This is when all the fun paperwork is completed. And, if you have done most of it ahead of time on-line, it will save you loads of time. Just remember to not pack away those travel documents in your luggage, as you will need to have them with you to board the ship. When all the paperwork is completed, you will be assigned a group number. That number is important, as groups of guests board the ship in that order.

While you wait for your group number to be called, you can explore the Port Terminal. Bathrooms are just to the right after going up the escalators. You can register your tikes for the kids clubs and get your pager at the end of the Port Terminal on the right. If you want to get a peek at the ship, there is a door and balcony on the far right, too, just past the kids club registration. You can watch all the luggage come aboard. There’s a cut away model of the ship on display in the middle of the Port Terminal. You can find characters hanging out here, too.

Oh, did I hear your group number being called? Now it is time to go on-board. Take all your day bags and make your way to the large Mickey ears at the far left of the Port Terminal main hall. Along the gangway, you will stop for a pre-boarding photo. Once that is done, it’s time to come aboard. Disney Cruise Lines crew members will announce your family’s name and the rest of the crew will applaud your arrival. What great fanfare! Since you are coming aboard in the Lobby Atrium on deck 3, you will have a choice to go to deck 9 and eat or around the corner to Parrot Cay to eat lunch. Since we can’t wait to get outside, for us it deck 9. The day bags come with us as we take the elevator to deck 9 and head to the aft or back of the ship to eat at Topsiders. Take the wipes for your hands from the crew member passing them out. You will get used to using these before you enter any of the restaurants on board. Take your tray and begin your first trip down the buffet.

After eating, you may explore the ship or take a dip in one of the many pools. We find that this is a great time to hit the Mickey pool, as it is usually not very crowded. Remember to keep those day bags and hopefully you have packed swim gear and sunscreen. There are bathrooms on either side of the pool for you to use to change. This is important, as while guests come aboard as early as 11:00-11:30 am, the staterooms won’t be ready for you until 1:30 pm. So enjoy the ship until that time. This is a novice cruiser mistake, thinking that they will be able to go right to their stateroom and unpack. First, the rooms aren’t ready and second, it will be a few hours before your luggage arrives at your stateroom.

If you haven’t made port adventure reservations (also known as excursions), now is a great time to check out the port adventure desk on deck 3 in the lobby, just opposite guest services. Remember that you can reserve all of your port adventures on-line prior to your cruise. This is also a good time to make spa appointments if you haven’t done that yet on-line. The spa is on deck 9 forward or in the front of the ship.

One way to get the most out of your cruise vacation is to get the most out of your first day on-board. Even though it is not a full day, make the most of it!

Around 4:00 or so, all ship board activities are suspended, as it is time for the mandatory safety drill. You will find the vests in the top of the closet in your stateroom. Your assembly station is listed on the vest as well as posted in your stateroom, and on your key to the world card. If you have a child enrolled in the kids club, your assembly station is listed on their bracelet. All assembly stations are on deck 4.

When all stateroom guests are accounted for at the assembly stations, the drill is complete and it is now time for the Sail Away Party! Click here to read more.

Watch the land fade away as your ship pulls away from port.  We have often seen dolphins and manatees swimming beside the ship as it pulls away from port.  Your stateroom verandah or any outside deck offers a great view!

For us, dinner comes next, as we usually have the main seating for dinner. There will be dining tickets in your stateroom with your dining rotation, dining time, and table number. Bring those tickets with you to dinner on the first night to your assigned restaurant. The crew will use the tickets to help you find your table. You will get to meet your tablemates, if you have them—click here to read more, and you serving staff. They will get to know you and your preferences. Don’t be surprised if they have your drink preferences waiting for you when you arrive at dinner tomorrow night and the next, as they rotate through the restaurants with you.

After dinner, it is time for the show and any other festivities. Check your Personal Navigator for a list of events—click here to read more. Characters will be out in full force, as will the ships’ photographers. After dinner you can go to Shutters and check out your pre-boarding photo taken earlier in the day. Will your post cruise photo show you more relaxed? I’m sure it will! Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

A Mother's Intuition--Listening To That Little Voice In Your Head

I would describe myself as an intuitive person, and I think others who know me would agree. The husband says that my senses and impressions are right on. That’s why I find it important to trust my parenting instinct when it comes to the boy. Yet, even knowing that, I sometimes second guess myself. There have been a couple of times, when I am glad I trusted that little voice inside my head that said “This isn’t right.” “This needs further attention.”




A recent time I followed that little voice was just this last week-end. Sometime in the last few days the boy had acquired a bug bite on his leg. We responded with the usual anti-itch ointment. After a few days, the bite became red and swollen. Anti-itch ointment was traded for antibiotic ointment. Over the week-end the bite was looking scary. So, Monday, I phoned our pediatrician and got a appointment. The Dr. cultured the bite and prescribed oral antibiotics. While I’m sorry the boy had a scary looking bite on his leg, the pediatrician’s actions reaffirmed that I had done the right thing by calling. On Tuesday, the culture came back that it was a staph infection. By Wednesday morning the results had changed to a strep infection in the bug bite on the back of his calf. The oral antibiotics he was on would do the trick combined with the topical antibiotic ointment. Whew! We are on the mend!



Another time I followed my gut was about a year and a half ago. The boy had experienced intermittent late night vomiting. We had dismissed it as the occasional stomach bug or something brought on by coughing. You see, it was every now and then. But as I look back, it has been every now and then, every 2-3 months for a while. Then, one week-end at the end of February, he did it two nights in a row. No fever, no coughing, just late night vomiting. OK, I called the Dr. and asked for an appointment. No emergency, just a need to tell him what was going on. We got an appointment for later in the week and told our pediatrician what was happening.



The next few days were a whirlwind. There were a couple of ideas but it meant a cat scan, an ultra sound, blood work, etc. The results indicated that he had acid reflux AND an enlarged kidney. It was off to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for more tests. One test involved watching his bladder empty and another was a renal scan in the nuclear medicine department. Results—the enlarged left kidney was due to a blocked ureter from his kidney to his bladder. Plan—surgery to remove the block and reattach the ureter.



So, one year ago on Sept. 1, the boy was prepped and ready for surgery. We came home the next day with a 3 inch incision and a stint in his bladder. The Dr. said it would feel like a toothpick rubbing against the inside of your cheek. A week off of school was on the list of things to do along with no bikes, running, swimming, or climbing for the next 6 weeks. It was a LONG 6 weeks for all of us! We went back the middle of October to have him go under for another surgery to remove the stint. That sure felt better! We returned in December for another renal scan to see if everything was operating okay, and it was. We’re clear until this coming December when another renal scan is scheduled.



I am learning that trusting my intuition as a mother is important. That little voice is there for a reason—a protective reason. That voice is my friend, a near and dear friend.

Top 10 Items We Could Not, Would Not Travel Without

As traveling is an obvious pastime for our family, I have compiled a Top 10 list of items we could not, would not travel without to Disney or anywhere else for that matter. Here it goes. . .




10. A map either on paper or electronically. We are using our 2nd GPS system and have been know to Mapquest or GPS local addresses. While I can usually “smell” our direction in unknown territory, the husband is a different story. The boy now asks if we are taking the GPS when we head off somewhere new. I think those standardized tests that kids take throughout K-12 school should have a test about programming GPS systems or Mapquesting locations rather than map skills and the card catalog. I’m just saying. . .



9. Something that will save us money. This means coupons, discount cards, discount codes, or refillable mugs for the Disney resort. We buy pins to trade on-line before we go to Disney. This means paying around $1 per pin rather than $7-$15 per pin. (Click here to read more about Disney pins.) The only thing I hate worse than paying full price for something is being lost.





8. A cooler. Reason: see #9. Even if we are traveling a short distance, say 30 miles or so, we pack a cooler with drinks and snacks for the car. Yeah, sure, we could stop and get something, but having it with us saves time and money. Even if we are just going to the pool for an afternoon I pack snacks. We save the butter and sour cream containers, as they make great containers for chips, pretzels, goldfish crackers, and cereal—that way the large servings—bags and boxes stay home and we can throw away the container if we want. Now, a cooler works for traveling in the car, but because we want to stay married, for any long distance travel, we fly. So, I take food on the plane with us too. One favorite is fruit snacks. They are small, handy, bite sized, in single serving packages, and are a bit healthy. Another item is fresh fruit, especially peaches. If we are staying at a hotel the night before we fly, I scour the “complimentary breakfast” area for potential carry on items, like small boxes of cereal and fresh fruit.



7. Entertainment. In the car this means DVD’s and CD’s. For plane travel, it means our portable DVD player with DVD’s. Bonus—both the DVD player in the car and the portable DVD player have head phones. YEAH! The boy also has a hand held video game that goes with us. For the husband, its books and DVD’s. For me, its books and magazines. Give me a good travel guide or travel magazine and I’m good to go! Now, let’s talk about DVD’s. We are Netflix subscribers, so we will stock up on movies for the boy prior to our travel. We take the nifty red return envelopes with us and mail the movies back from our current location. Cool! And, we don’t have to carry them home with us. Does Red Box do the same? Can you return a Red Box rental to any location?



6. Let’s see, food, water, shelter, oh, Rain Gear. We have several compact umbrellas that go with us and they fit into a day bag while we are touring the parks or anywhere else. We also take the 88¢ disposable ponchos that you can find in the camping section of the large super discount chain store that begins with a W. They’re great to have when you need them and comforting to have when you don’t need them.



5. A Bag-o-remedies—usually a Ziploc bag-o-remedies. During our last Disney Cruise, while waiting for a port excursion, the boy ran and fell held first on the floor taking off a bit of his right eyebrow. Mom to the rescue, as in my day bag was a first aid kit with ointment and Band-Aids. Our tablemates happened to be traveling with us that day and I can remember the husband from that family being impressed by the items in the magic bag. I felt, for a moment, like Michelle Pfeiffer in that movie with George Clooney where she pulled all this wonderful stuff out of her bag. . . oh, One Fine Day. Anyway, the bag-o-remedies includes things like a first aid kit, antacids, anti- diarrhea medication, pain relievers, fever reducers, and moleskin cut up into pieces for blisters and hot spots on feet. Did you know that you will never find anti- diarrhea medication for sale on a Disney Cruise ship? Why? Because, if someone is experiencing those kind of symptoms, the crew and ship’s doctor want to know in case of a potential outbreak of a contagious disease!





4. Cell phone(s). We have a family plan with both our cell phones on one account. I learned this lesson the hard way. . . while our plan allows for a certain number of roaming minutes, for a mere $10, we can add on another 100 roaming minutes. So, a few weeks before we head out, I call our provider and get the 100 extra roaming minutes, but only for our time of travel. The provider automatically takes off the extra for the date specified. So, for only 1 month is our cell phone bill $10 more. That sure beats a surprise bill that could be higher by many more times than $10. (see #9.) I also program several numbers into our phones. For example, if we have used a park and fly with a hotel stay prior to flying and leave our car at the hotel, I program the hotel’s number into my phone so that I can easily call from the airport to get a pick-up. I have programmed town car services, our travel agent, the number for the lady that takes care of our pets, etc.



3. The Camera. OK, sometimes it is more than 1 camera, because we take disposable cameras with us on occasion. During our trip to Adventureland and Adventure Bay—click here to read more—I stashed a disposable underwater camera into our bag and we used it to snap pics at the water park. We still had another disposable underwater camera back at home. I asked the husband if we were the only family that had a supply of disposable underwater cameras and he just laughed. He said “no.” He said he was sure there were other families, but we just didn’t know any of them. So, consider this as an invitation for any of those other families to step forward and comment so I know there are others! Another note about the camera—it seems to be traveling with us more and more, especially due to this blog. Just yesterday, I had to purchase more space for the Picasa web album where all the photos that get uploaded onto this blog go. The additional space for was only $5.00 and the pics are backed up on the Picasa web album, so I get photos for the blog and a back up at the same time. Priceless!





2. A plan. Usually, an organized plan with dates, times, flight numbers, confirmation numbers, etc. I start with the itinerary that I e-mail to friends and family in case of emergency, and then add on details that we need as we travel. This information can fit easily into the PassPorter Travel Guide for Walt Disney World. I have taken that guide with us to Disney World and have taken the cruise guide with us while cruising. One benefit of having the cruise guide with us while cruising is it has a great overview of the port excursions. Another benefit is having the ship’s layout. When we go to re-book onboard to get the great discount and onboard credit, I use the layout from the cruise guide to help pick our stateroom for the next cruise. Works like a charm! The Walt Disney World travel guide has great information and telephone numbers in case we need those while traveling.





1. I can hear the drum roll in my head as I type the number 1 thing we wouldn’t travel without and it is. . . . a power strip. Yep, a multi-outlet power strip! I plug all the charger cords into the power strip. . . camera battery, portable DVD player charger, cell phone chargers, and hand held video game charger. I then put the power strip and chargers into a large zip-loc bag and off we go. It is so handy to whip that power strip out at any location, find one open outlet, and have a spot to charge all of our electronic devices. Typically, in a hotel room, there may be only 1 or 2 visible outlets, so having to plug in only 1 item is a dream. I can remember having multiple items plugged in around the hotel room before we started taking the power strip. And, we use the same power strip at home. Just plug in and charge—everything in one location.





Whew! That is some list! I am wondering if I were to make this same list one year from now or several years from now if it would be the same. . . In the meantime, I hope it gave you some ideas of what to take for your family travels.

Swimming In The Mickey Pool On Disney Cruise Line

One of the amazing features of any cruise ship is the pools. Disney Cruise Ships provide plenty of pools to be amazed by. . . adult only pools, the Goofy pool with its retractable covering, the crew pool, and the Mickey Pool. This post is dedicated to the Mickey pool onboard the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.

Many of you readers may already know that we have experienced three Disney cruises and are about 10 months away from our 4th Disney cruise on board the Disney Dream. On each of our three cruises, the Mickey pool has been a spot for fun and relaxation.

Know that the Mickey pool can get quite crowded, especially on “sea” days. We have found that hitting the pool shortly after boarding or early in the morning gives you plenty of less crowded time in the pool and shorter waits for the slide. We just pack swimsuits in our carry on bags, so we can change right after eating lunch after coming onboard. (This is important to do, as your luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until late afternoon.)

One of the draws to the pool is the slide. The 2-story high bright yellow slide held by one of Mickey’s hands is on every kid’s must do list. The boy is no exception.

The “face” portion of Mickey is the main swimming area with two depths. The pool has a 1 ft depth and another that is about 2 feet deep.

Mickey’s two ears act as shallow portions of the pool. Think of them as mini hot tubs. Before the “diaper” splash zone was built just on the other side of the slide, one of the ears was reserved for children in swim diapers. Now the whole pool is for kids without swim diapers.

It was interesting to watch some parents on our last cruise at the Mickey pool regarding the swim diaper issue. While the signs are posted that lifeguards are not on duty, there are a couple of crew members that man the slide—top and bottom. It is also posted that any children in swim diapers must use the splash zone behind the slide. The crew member at the bottom gets to tell parents that if their child has swim diapers, they must use the splash zone on the other side of the slide—this means no swimming in the Mickey pool. Remember, I wrote that swimming in the Mickey pool is a must do for most kids? Well, it must also be a must do for some parents, too. The moms, yes, mostly moms, would argue with the crew members. When the crew wouldn’t give in to the demands, the moms would whip the swim diapers off their kids and the kids would go about swimming. The moms would complain and argue the rest of the time. So much for a happy, relaxing vacation?!?

The Mickey pool is also in a very convenient location to get food and drink. The drink station is just steps away. Fruit, ice cream, sandwiches, and pizza are also within steps. I remember on our second cruise, the boy swimming for a bit and then telling us he was hungry. Within 2 minutes we had a cup of milk, a bowl of strawberries, and 2 slices of pizza for him to eat. All of it included with our cruise. That is one thing I tell people considering a Disney cruise that have small children. . . there is no easier place to feed your kids. I mean, I couldn’t have whipped up the pizza, strawberries, and milk in two minutes at our house. Easy!

Now that the boy is a bit older, he still enjoys the Mickey pool, but we have backed off a bit. We can now find deck chairs on deck 10 while is in the pool on deck 9. He knows where we are and we can see him in the distance. All good. One day during our last cruise, he chose not to swim, saying that the pool was too crowded. He decided to go to a movie with his dad and the kids’ club instead. Again, so easy!

The only other drawback to the Mickey pool is that if your family has children of multiple ages, it could be difficult to use both the Mickey pool and Goofy pool and feel like you were supervising your children at the same time. Disney is addressing this issue in the new ship, the Dream, by having both pools together on the same deck. There will still be a splash zone for those children in swim diapers with a Nemo and friends theme. The boy is worried that he may be too tall or too big to check it out. We can’t wait to check out the design and the pools!