So, we are almost to "go time". Every time I have to pack any sort of bag, I re-visit the realization that I absolutely 100% detest packing. I know, it's necessary, but the rules and regulations make things so darned tough these days.
We purchased a little handheld scale after our last trip - when we had to pay the extra fee for 1 lb over... on 2 bags. Airlines apparently think the average traveler is just bursting at the seems with extra cash to spend, because they don't skimp on the charges in this area, that's for sure!
So, I'm frantically running about trying to get all of our desired items into the luggage so that I can easily travel with my 2-year-old... somewhat worry-free. Add into this my tendency toward OCD when it comes to being organized and finding things that I need in any given bag I carry, and you can definitely see the dilemma.
You have necessities you should always carry when traveling with a toddler...
diapers sippy cup for beverages
wipes extra clothing/shoes
powder blanket
desitin favorite stuffed toy(s)
sunglasses travel pillow
activities snacks
Just to name a few. Then, there are the sanity savers for mommy....
reading (Nook)
ipod/ipad
cell phone
wallet
crafts (only if they fit)
Then... we come to the forgotten items that daddy left behind...
brush
phone charger
camcorder and charger
So, as you can see... room is needed - but airlines don't allow for much wiggle room when it comes to your luggage/carry on... and it seems the seats get closer to the ground every single stinkin' time I travel. So, I have a little carryon... and then realize that everything I absolutely need for a trip to Florida is not going to fit in that tiny little bag. I've already taken the time to weed out those items I don't really need... leaving only the absolute necessities.
So, I search. I search until I find an alternative. I search until I'm ready to cry...thinking I will never find a bag suitable for this task. Then, I open a random closet and find it. An old camera bag containing my old SLR camera. I had forgotten I even possessed such a beast! Is it just my eyes, or is that bag glowing with a silvery shimmer? No, I'm just tired... so it has to be my eyes.
I clean the bag and am able to get my camera equipment secured. Yay! Now, on to getting the blasted carry on packing completed. I will get the things we need into this bag. I'm determined to do so. I will... just you wait and see.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Disney Cruises
I wanted to take a moment to briefly explain the magic of a Disney cruise - moreso for those who have never had an opportunity to go on one... so, here goes.
Embarkation Day - your vacation begins the minute you arrive at the cruise terminal. Minnie and Mickey and some of the other characters are always on hand for photos... and the check in process is a breeze. There are often loads of people milling about, but we have found it much less painful to arrive at a later time at the terminal. You then get to walk right onto the ship after checking in. As you complete the check-in, you walk down the gangway and into the ship - where the cast members are on hand to greet you and announce your arrival.
Once you've boarded, you have a choice as to where you would like to eat. We often find the seafood buffet - we're really quite into seafood. But there are all sorts of foods available - so it's really not hard to find something that fits into your tastes. After stuffing yourself silly, you are released to await the rooms being prepared. The ship usually comes in early in the morning, the passengers go through Debarkation, and then Embarkation begins... so the crew members in charge of staterooms have a task getting the staterooms prepared for the new round of guests by 4pm.
The party is just beginning! Once you're settled, the Sailing Away Deck Party is usually going on up on Deck 10 (Magic and Wonder) or Deck 12 (Fantasy and Dream). When you hear the ship's horn blast "When You Wish Upon a Star" (this varies with the larger ships who have digital horns that can play several tunes), you know we're officially pulling out of Port Canaveral.
Fun in the sun and paradise are on the menu as you embark on your vacation. We usually opt for longer (7-day) itineraries... but there are 3, 4, and 5 day options as well. Aboard the vessels, you have nothing to worry about. You have beverages, food, and anything else you can imagine at your disposal. Souvenirs and alcohol are on your dollar - you use your "Key to the World" card to make purchases.
The ships are really like tiny versions of the amusement parks... only MUCH more pristine.... and loads friendlier. You rarely run into guests that are having cranky pants parties... it's like they spike your first meal with pixie dust to assure a great vacation.
In short, if you ever have an itch to go on a cruise, give Disney Cruise Lines a try. I know we don't regret it!
Embarkation Day - your vacation begins the minute you arrive at the cruise terminal. Minnie and Mickey and some of the other characters are always on hand for photos... and the check in process is a breeze. There are often loads of people milling about, but we have found it much less painful to arrive at a later time at the terminal. You then get to walk right onto the ship after checking in. As you complete the check-in, you walk down the gangway and into the ship - where the cast members are on hand to greet you and announce your arrival.
Once you've boarded, you have a choice as to where you would like to eat. We often find the seafood buffet - we're really quite into seafood. But there are all sorts of foods available - so it's really not hard to find something that fits into your tastes. After stuffing yourself silly, you are released to await the rooms being prepared. The ship usually comes in early in the morning, the passengers go through Debarkation, and then Embarkation begins... so the crew members in charge of staterooms have a task getting the staterooms prepared for the new round of guests by 4pm.
The party is just beginning! Once you're settled, the Sailing Away Deck Party is usually going on up on Deck 10 (Magic and Wonder) or Deck 12 (Fantasy and Dream). When you hear the ship's horn blast "When You Wish Upon a Star" (this varies with the larger ships who have digital horns that can play several tunes), you know we're officially pulling out of Port Canaveral.
Fun in the sun and paradise are on the menu as you embark on your vacation. We usually opt for longer (7-day) itineraries... but there are 3, 4, and 5 day options as well. Aboard the vessels, you have nothing to worry about. You have beverages, food, and anything else you can imagine at your disposal. Souvenirs and alcohol are on your dollar - you use your "Key to the World" card to make purchases.
The ships are really like tiny versions of the amusement parks... only MUCH more pristine.... and loads friendlier. You rarely run into guests that are having cranky pants parties... it's like they spike your first meal with pixie dust to assure a great vacation.
In short, if you ever have an itch to go on a cruise, give Disney Cruise Lines a try. I know we don't regret it!
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