Wonder, Waves and Wishes. 18th October 2009. Remembering the waves!

[DCLMan]

This will be our first cruise! :cool1:

Anyone else planning this far in advance like me?

Hi all! Angela (matthewsmom1) here. My DS (10) & I will be cruising with you this fall (first DISNEY cruise!!) In preparing for the cruise, I did research and found something called a "Fish Extender" mentioned. After researching & learning about it, I definitely WANT to do it!! Since we don't have a FE group set up in our thread I volunteered to organize for those who want to participate. I'll try to answer all of your questions. If you want to participate please PM me the following: names of those cruising with you (and ages of kiddos), DIS name, email address, stateroom (if you know it yet).

1. What is a FE? A FE (Fish Extender) was created by one of our DISers (not sure who) so that fellow DISers on their cruise could leave little trinkets/gifts for each other. It's called a fish extender because it hangs off the FISH that is next to your door (where Disney will communicate with you). It 'extends' down off the FISH therefore received the name, Fish Extender.

2. Where do I get a Fish Extender? There are several options. If you are crafty you can sew one. If you don't have a sewing machine some DISers have used no-sew items that you can find in craft stores. You can purchase one off eBay. Use the key words: Disney Fish Extender & you should find some up for auction (they range from $10-40). PM me if you need help finding one on eBay & I can help you. You can also get creative & use bags, etc. for them (check out this link, post #611: http://www.disboards.com/showthread....219607&page=41) In fact, that entire thread has a TON of information about & pictures of Fish Extenders made and/or purchased by DISers.

Things to keep in mind if you create one: The FEs should be no more than 8" wide so that they do not hang out into the hallway. Here are some instructions for sewing FEs:

A site with instructions to sew one: http://www.sewing.org/html/starslockerpocket.html

elderfam's instructions:

Home made using Iron on transfer paper that prints on our home ink jet printer.
You need 1/4 yard of fabric, iron interfacing, wide double fold bias tape, and a 3/8" dowel 8" long.

Pockets are 11" X 5 1/2"
Back is 32" X 8"

Cut out backing and pockets then iron on interfacing.
Sew bias tape on top of pocket
pleat once on each side and pin bottom of pocket so that it is 8" wide.
baste, then pin bias tape on bottom and sew on
Pin pockets on backing and sew bottom of pocket to backing
Pin and baste around entire outside of project.
Pin then sew bias tape around outside edge of whole fish extender
fold top over leaving room for you dowel at top and sew along the inside of bias tape down each side to secure.

3. What do I bring as a gift/what will I be getting? That's the beauty. You can make your FE 'gifts' as inexpensive or extravagant as you wish. Ideally, we will get a FE group of around 20ish cabins. Personally, I plan to give not only my gifts, but little baggies of candy on a different day too. I know my little one will really enjoy getting lots of 'gifts'.

FE gift ideas:
magnets (to decorate your door & then as a souvenier)
bracelets (some have MADE them, some have bought personalized 'rubber' ones)
frames
keychains
ornaments
mini scrap/brag books that they have made
lanyards
pins
candy
representative things from your home state/country
plastic zip ties to keep your FE from 'walking off'
must-haves misc baggie (Tylenol, Motion Sickness pills, zip ties, safety pins, paper clips, etc.)
pens (again, could do Disney or personalized for the cruise)
the possibilities are endless.......

4. How do I give out my gifts? Well, I haven't quite figured out the logistics yet, so I'm open to suggestions.

I think I covered everything, but feel free to PM me with more questions.

Angela (matthewsmom1)

Roll call of Dis crew members

DCLMan. Dominic, Katherine, Isaac (12) and Eloise (9) UK, Fist cruise.

TeamTinkerbell. Brenda (39) and Haley (10) Kentucky, First cruise.

Zach's Mom. Jody, DH -Travis, DS- Zach (11) Mom-Carol, Dad-Mike, Grandma-Arlena, Sister-Heather

A Fat English Gent. (no further info yet)

2002Disneybride. (no further info yet)

tinkerbellmom1. Sheri.

Twinprincesses. Married to Devon, twin daughters 1-15-03, Allison and Zoe.

Smiley22. (Nofurther info yet)

quiltymom. Jan, John. Travis and Charlotte - who will be 11 and 9.

TartanTinker. Judith, DH David, Meghan 12, Holly 10, Cerys 7 our first cruise

matthewsmom1. Angela, Matthew 10.

hlkeck. Brian 36, Heather36, DD7 and DS5.

Belle10 Virginia (the mom) Dean (the dad) Rachelle (who will turn 21 on the boat) Dee (17)

[DCLMan]

Someone else must be booked?

[Zach's Mom]

We are right there with you for planning early. This is my family's first cruise also.

Jody

[DCLMan]

Hopefully it won't be our last.

[A fat english gent]

We too will be on this cruise.....:)

[DCLMan]

We too will be on this cruise.....:)

Another English Gent on this cruise!

[2002Disneybride]

We booked this cruise as well...could it be full? I didn't see it on the disneycruise site! ;)

[tinkerbellmom1]

Hello!

I just booked this cruise for my family of 4! :banana: This will be our 4th Disney cruise and our family is really excited!

We've done the 4 nighter before and had so much fun, we thought we'd try it again!

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you!

[Twinprincesses]

Hey folks!!! Just got off my 7 night Magic and while on there we booked the 4 night on the wonder for 10/18/2009. We are doing some days at WDW as well!!

[Twinprincesses]

We need a theme for our cruise... Lets come up with some ideas...

Sailing with a ship of fools???
4 nights of being Goofy???
Ship Shape on the Wonder

[tinkerbellmom1]

We need a theme for our cruise... Lets come up with some ideas...

Sailing with a ship of fools???
4 nights of being Goofy???
Ship Shape on the Wonder

Welcome!

What cruise did you do, Eastern or Western? How was it? Our family hasn't sailed in October before so I'm wondering what the weather was like and how warm the water was!

I like the 4 nights of being Goofy! Do you know how to start a poll?

[Twinprincesses]

I was just throwing some names out there so any ideas bring it on.

WE did the 7 night western and it was wonderful. We had rain 1 day in Cozumel so that shot the entire day pretty much. The water temp was great though and I cannot wait to do it all over again.

[Smiley22]

We just returned from an amazing cruise!!! We had such a good time on our first cruise we booking while onboard. October weather was great. Water was warm (warmer than at the WDW resort we stayed at after the cruise)
At little background on my DH and myself. We have visited WDW over 25 times as a family. This last cruise was our first cruise and first vacation EVER without children. The last child left for college and I think my DH wanted to save me from slipping into a depression so we booked a cruise.
We even did the fish extender exchange. That was so much fun..so for those that think it is only for children ..wrong. (but I guess I am a child at heart anyway.)

Well just wanted to say hello to everyone and say that I look forward to chatting with everyone in the months to follow. Never too early to start planning. We booked in May for the last October cruise and I felt rushed at the end. I am by far not an expert on DCL but after just coming home I would be happy to answer any questions from those on this meet thread that has never gone.

The countdown begins......:yay: :yay: :yay:

[tinkerbellmom1]

We just returned from an amazing cruise!!! We had such a good time on our first cruise we booking while onboard. October weather was great. Water was warm (warmer than at the WDW resort we stayed at after the cruise)
At little background on my DH and myself. We have visited WDW over 25 times as a family. This last cruise was our first cruise and first vacation EVER without children. The last child left for college and I think my DH wanted to save me from slipping into a depression so we booked a cruise.
We even did the fish extender exchange. That was so much fun..so for those that think it is only for children ..wrong. (but I guess I am a child at heart anyway.)

Well just wanted to say hello to everyone and say that I look forward to chatting with everyone in the months to follow. Never too early to start planning. We booked in May for the last October cruise and I felt rushed at the end. I am by far not an expert on DCL but after just coming home I would be happy to answer any questions from those on this meet thread that has never gone.

The countdown begins......:yay: :yay: :yay:


Welcome and welcome home!! I'd love to hear more! What did you like best and what fun things did you do? We're looking forward to going back to the Atlantis!

I would really like to do the Fish Extender thing, too. I'm just going to have to figure out how to be creative! Have you seen some of those gifts?:eek:

[Smiley22]

Thank you for the welcome. In Nassau, we just walked the area close to the port and then took a taxi to Atlantis to look around. It was beautiful.We didnt want to do the water park at Atlantis so we were back at the ship early. I cant say I was really impressed with Nassau. I think next time we will either stay on ship and do some Spa treatments( which we didnt have time for this trip) or we will do the dolphin excursion. Castaway Cay is pure paradise!!!! I would do a whole trip of only going there. We did the treasure hunt and found the treasure even though I thought I would have to rent a child for one of the clues :lmao: then we floated around the adult beach and then rented a water bike and took some great pictures of the Flying Dutchman up close and personal.

We had a small group of people for the FE but it was very fun and yes the gifts were amazing. I enjoyed coming up with something different for the exchanges. I made CD's and post it note holders with a picture of the Wonder. I love to do crafty things and am already thinking for next time.

[Twinprincesses]

I have to agree Castaway Cay is gorgeous. If they could just drop anchor there for the entire time I would be happy!!!!!

[DCLMan]

Hey folks!!! Just got off my 7 night Magic and while on there we booked the 4 night on the wonder for 10/18/2009. We are doing some days at WDW as well!!

So are we. A total of 16 nights including the cruise.

We need a theme for our cruise... Lets come up with some ideas...

Sailing with a ship of fools???
4 nights of being Goofy???
Ship Shape on the Wonder

Four days of fun and food?

[Twinprincesses]

4 days of Fun, food and friends???

[Zach's Mom]

Hi Everyone!!!

I'm not very good at this so please be patient with me. I leave the chatting to my husband but he rolls his eyes whenever I bring up the cruise and says what ever you want is fine. This is mine and DS (10) 1st cruise but DH cruised with his parents when he was DS age.

To give you a little back ground on our family, it will be myself, DH and DS (10), My parents, My grandma, My sister and my other sister and her DH, DS (7) DS (5) and DD (4 months).

My mom and I have been talking about the fish extenders but she keeps saying that she isn't going to think about the cruise until after the holidays.

Jody

[tinkerbellmom1]

Hi Everyone!!!

I'm not very good at this so please be patient with me. I leave the chatting to my husband but he rolls his eyes whenever I bring up the cruise and says what ever you want is fine. This is mine and DS (10) 1st cruise but DH cruised with his parents when he was DS age.

To give you a little back ground on our family, it will be myself, DH and DS (10), My parents, My grandma, My sister and my other sister and her DH, DS (7) DS (5) and DD (4 months).

My mom and I have been talking about the fish extenders but she keeps saying that she isn't going to think about the cruise until after the holidays.

Jody

Hi Jody!

How exciting for you and your family! Your first cruise! How fun to do it with so much of your family!

I was just e-mailing a lady who is going to make my Fish Extender. I saw a really cute one on these boards and I want her to see if she can match it pretty closely. But I also want to be able to keep it in our den and use it after our cruises.

I'm an obsessive planner! I appreciate both your mom and your hubby's points of view. :lmao: I just am not that mellow! I look forward to all of our cruises this way!

I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween!

[Zach's Mom]

Hi Sherri,

I am with you on the being an obsessive planner. As soon as we booked I started searching for more information on everything. I have already started drawer for odds and ends things that I read about on the boards that make life easier. I just love Target's $1 bins.

I saw a post a while back that had the instructions for making a Fish Extender and showed my Mom who is a quilter. I think we are going to get together and make them for everyone. What type of things do people put in them?

Jody,

[Smiley22]

Hi Jody and Sherri

Guess that makes at least three of us. I have a better idea of what to expect from the cruise but instead of making it easier now I am looking for little things to pick up at every store I go into and am in cruise mode already. I check the boards more than my email. Is anyone else debating on the Buy one get one for 99?? I cant say that it doesnt sound great. I am looking at it and getting flight info together and we plan to discuss it this weekend and make a plan. The only date we could do during the period would be Feb 1...not sure if I want to go and not be able to swim. October this year was perfect!! So many choices:rotfl:

[DCLMan]

Hi Everyone!!!

I'm not very good at this so please be patient with me. I leave the chatting to my husband but he rolls his eyes whenever I bring up the cruise and says what ever you want is fine. This is mine and DS (10) 1st cruise but DH cruised with his parents when he was DS age.

To give you a little back ground on our family, it will be myself, DH and DS (10), My parents, My grandma, My sister and my other sister and her DH, DS (7) DS (5) and DD (4 months).

My mom and I have been talking about the fish extenders but she keeps saying that she isn't going to think about the cruise until after the holidays.

Jody

That's a big group!

So where is everyone staying on the ship? We've booked at Cat 4 on deck 8.

[Twinprincesses]

I am using the same fish extender we used this last time. It is not perfect but it worked. My kids had fun doing the Tag so we have to get that going when we get closer to see who is interested.

We already have our room assignment we are in room 6608 main dinner seating. Is anyone doing WDW before or after??

[Zach's Mom]

We are in 5 of the secret porthole rooms. I don't remember which ones though. The best part of going with a big group, built in overnight babysitters.

My sister, her family and my parents are going down on Tuesday to WDW. Unfortunately, my son starts junior high next year so we aren't going down until the Thursday before.

What is tag and how do you play? Is it something that us cruise newbies can play?

Jody

[tinkerbellmom1]

Hi everyone!

We are getting more chatty already!:hug:

I'd like to do the FE thing and I'd love to know what 'tag' is! Our other cruise thread we are also doing Secret Mickey's! I've been reading a thread about Fish Extender gifts-some people are really creative! I wish I was, but I'm not! I have been keeping my eyes open for cute little gifts, though!

On this cruise our family (DH, myself, DS17 and DS15) will all be sharing a category 9 on deck 2. :scared1: Big change from the way we've cruised before! With 3 trips back east in 2009, we had to adjust so we can afford it all! The sacrifices we will make to go on our Disney Cruises!

If we want, I can compile a list of who we are, our dis-names, who we are sailing with, what cabin, what dining rotation etc. so that we have it all in one place on the thread. Let me know.;)

I'm off to a college fair with my oldest son. Yikes, time flies! Then I head back to school in the morning. Vacation over!:sad2:

Have a great Sunday!

[DCLMan]

We already have our room assignment we are in room 6608 main dinner seating. Is anyone doing WDW before or after??

We are staying off site, but we have bought 14 day ultimate tickets so we have plenty of time to enjoy WDW.

I know it's a year away till the cruise and I shouldn't wish my life away but I'm so looking forward to it. We are already looking to re-book on-board for 2010.

[Twinprincesses]

The tag not everyone has to participate in.. it is pretty much for whoever wants to with a fish extender. Once onboard we all meet up for a quick second to get a list and a magnet. During the cruise you drop a surprise in the people participatings extender and put the "tag"magnet on their door. Once they get the magnet they move to the person on their list and so on. Hopefully everyone gets through their list and gets some cute surprises. My surprises included homemade magnets and lots of candy. Some people are much more elaborate than others in what they decide to put in their "tag treats".

[DCLMan]

Hi everyone!



If we want, I can compile a list of who we are, our dis-names, who we are sailing with, what cabin, what dining rotation etc. so that we have it all in one place on the thread. Let me know.;)


Good idea.

[Twinprincesses]

If I could just suggest when compiling the list if you also add a column if they are interested in playing the tag while on board.

So lets get to know each other... I will start.

My name is Chrissy, I am 30 years old and work at State Farm Insurance. I have been Married to my DH Devon that is 34 years old and he is a banker. We have been married for 8 years and live in Indiana. We have 5 year old twins that are in Kindergarten. We will all be 1 year older come next year for the cruise. We are avid Disney fans. I have been going to Disney nearly every year since Birth and have been lucky enough to find a man that shares my love for Disney and enjoys having that be our only vacation destination. His family lives in California so we have spent the past couple years going to DL in the fall. However this year we decided to do the 7 day Western cruise instead of taking the long flight out to California. While we love seeing his family this was one of the best vacations we have ever had. This last month we decided it was time to purchase the Disney Vacation Club at now own a share in the Bay Lake Towers so we have made a commitment to our Disney love now LOL.

[DCLMan]

I've made a facebook group for anyone who is going on this cruise and wants to join.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/create.php?success=1&customize=&gid=31751234825#/group.php?gid=31751234825

[Zach's Mom]

I will go next...

My name is Jody and I work at ING as the dreaded margin clerk, funny thing I worked for a State Farm agent before the bigger and better opportunity came up. DH, Travis, and I have been married for 12 1/2 years and have a 10 year old son Zach. Travis works as a service advisor at a local car dealership. We live on our farm in the middle of Iowa. I am the true Disney fanatic in out family with the addiction starting with my first trip when I was 24 thanks to my sister winning a trip and inviting the family along with her. 6 people in one hotel room it made for some really long nights but I can still smell the ginger bread from when we first walked into the Contemporary Hotel. I would not trade that trip for anything. and have made 6 trips since then. Zach's first trip was for his 4 birthday and he has been three times since then and this will only be Travis' second trip. I would go every year however, T & Z would rather take our UTV out and go rock climbing in MOAB, UTAH or to Tennessee for some trail riding.

DCL Man, As soon as I pass my licensing test in a couple of weeks I will figure out the whole face book thing. I would ask Zach, but I am afraid he would know something about it and I am not ready for that. If only I could keep him 5 years old and believing that Mom is the best and truly does know everything and can make it all better.

Jody

[Smiley22]

Hi Everyone

My name is Julie and I work at HearUSA. I have been married to my DH Ed for 22 years. He has worked for Centurytel (telephone company) ever since he was 18. We celebrated our anniversary this last October on our first Disney Cruise and first vacation ever without children. We have two children DS Tyler (20) and DD Shelby (18). We have had a hard time with the empty nest this year. For those of you will little children ...dont blink because they grow up so fast.

We live in Mid-Michigan and are finding the winters more depressing every year. They seem to get longer every year. We have gone to WDW as a family more that 25 times and it is a huge part of our lives. We are very much Disney lovers....I got my husband hooked years ago:rotfl:

We just returned from our first cruise on the Wonder for 3 "wonder"ful days. I knew if I could get my husband on the cruise he would be hooked. Well we booked this cruise on board. He wants to make this an anniversary tradition:yay: :yay:

My daughter is in her first year of college and just played basketball against Rip Hamilton from the Detroit Pistons. She played in a competition for his new sports drink and scored the highest from all around Michigan, so she won a chance to play Rip one on one. True story .........Rip scored 124 and Shelby scored 95......granted it was on one of those pop a shot basketball arcade games but it was the "best day of her life" She was in all the papers and has a large trophy.

My DS just started his third year in college and plans on going into the Disney college intern program this August. My clueless friends (the ones that dont understand our love for Disney) just laugh and say how did I train my son so well:lmao: Like I said Disney is a big part of our lives and he has said ever since he was about 10 that he would work at Disney so Mom and Dad can go to Disney everyday. What a good boy:love:

[DCLMan]

My turn.

My name is Dominic, 37 and I'm married to Katherine, 34. We have 2 children Isaac, 11 and Eloise, 8. We have been married for 17 years.

We live in England and have visited WDW 5 times and DLP 4 times. This will be our first cruise and we are staying in Orlando for 16 nights. We were supposed to coming in October this year but our tour operator went bust (XL Airways). We were so disappointed that we had lost our holiday and we are now trying to claim the money back.

We haven't made any plans for our cruise, we are hoping for a relaxing time, but I would like to go para sailing on CC. I did it in Greece when I was a teenager and loved it.

[Twinprincesses]

We are thinking about Atlantis. I have never been there and that place looks awesome.

[DCLMan]

We are thinking about Atlantis. I have never been there and that place looks awesome.

It looks amazing but I think we are going to have a walk round Nassau and then hop back on the ship. We are hoping to have a relaxing time on the cruise to get over 16 days in Orlando/WDW

[Twinprincesses]

So much to decide. I wish it was here already.

[DCLMan]

So much to decide. I wish it was here already.

True, but it is fun to plan it and look forward to it. I just hope it lives up to what I hope it's going to be.

[Twinprincesses]

Oh it definatly will!!! We were so sad when it was time to leave. We did not book till the last night. I was in line till almost midnight waiting to book this next cruise.

[DCLMan]

We are going to wait and see if we like cruising before rebooking on board. We also need to see how the exchange rate is before committing. The pound is very weak against the dollar at the moment making it so much more expensive.

[Twinprincesses]

Anyone else booked yet??

[DCLMan]

Anyone else booked yet??

No, hopefully it's just us and we will have the whole ship to ourselves!!

Wishful thinking.

[Zach's Mom]

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish everyone happy holidays and a wonderful new year.

Jody

[Twinprincesses]

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

[TeamTinkerbell]

Hello, I guess I'm next. My name is Brenda and I am a litigation paralegal. I am taking my first cruise (this one) for my 40th birthday. My DD11 will be with me. Can't talk DH into coming :confused3 but we'll have fun anyway just us girls. Anyone have a DD11 coming on the ship as well?

[TeamTinkerbell]

Wow, we may be the only ones on this cruise. We can sleep in different rooms every night!! Woo hoo!!:cool1:

[DCLMan]

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish everyone happy holidays and a wonderful new year.

Jody

Happy New Year to you all.

Hello, I guess I'm next. My name is Brenda and I am a litigation paralegal. I am taking my first cruise (this one) for my 40th birthday. My DD11 will be with me. Can't talk DH into coming :confused3 but we'll have fun anyway just us girls. Anyone have a DD11 coming on the ship as well?

I will have a 9 year old DD.

Wow, we may be the only ones on this cruise. We can sleep in different rooms every night!! Woo hoo!!:cool1:

I'm bagging the Walt Suite first!!!

[quiltymom]

I thought that it was about time that I signed up for this thread. We had originally booked for the now-cancelled October 11 cruise, so we had to change our preferred dates to this.

We booked about a year ago. I guess it's time to start some serious planning now that we're less than 10 months away from the trip. We're going to either drive down from Virginia or take the auto train - that way we can have a car for visiting Kennedy Space Center and to make a stop at MNSSHP before heading back.

Let's see... Here's our crew. Me -- I'm Jan. :wave:. This trip will be my 50th (yikes!!!) birthday present from my DH, John. Our kids (Travis and Charlotte - who will be 11 and 9, respectively, when we cruise) will be joining us, too. We haven't told them yet because it's just too far away. We'll most likely tell them when we head out to California again this summer to explain why we won't be visiting Disneyland this year. Somehow I don't think that they'll mind.

I'm a Disney nut. :mickeyjum I started going to Disneyland when I was just 4 or 5 years old. We've been to Disneyworld twice, but this will be our first ever cruise. Needless to say I'm so excited that I just can't stand it!

I've been spending most of my DIS time over on the scrapbooking threads. I'm a Creative Memories Consultant and I'm very addicted to digi-scrapping. I'll be the one toting around two - yes, two! - cameras on the cruise.

Anyway, I'll stop now, but I just wanted to say hi! (I promise I'll be yakking a lot on here in the future!)

[quiltymom]

Oh, and I'm all for doing the fish extender thing! I've had the fabric for a year and now I just gotta design the thing. I've had fun seeing what other people have made.

[Zach's Mom]

Hi Jan,

I just told Zach that there was another 11 year old on the cruise and his first question was is it a boy. When I said yes, I got the typical boy answer of cool. I'm not sure I am ready for the tween one word answers. :eek:

We too were booked for one of the rescheduled dry dock cruises. Luckily, our travel agent was able to keep everything the same when she switched the reservations. Unfortunately, my family will miss my nephew's birthday but at 6 in Disney World he won't miss us.

Jody

[TeamTinkerbell]

[QUOTE=DCLMan;29392663]Happy New Year to you all.



I will have a 9 year old DD.


Hi DCLMan, I just saw this. Do you think your DD9 will be in the same club/lab as my DD11? If so, maybe they could meet ahead of time.

[DCLMan]

[QUOTE]=DCLMan;29392663]Happy New Year to you all.[quote]



I will have a 9 year old DD.


Hi DCLMan, I just saw this. Do you think your DD9 will be in the same club/lab as my DD11? If so, maybe they could meet ahead of time.

I would have thought they would be. I'm hoping my dd will be in the same club as my ds11 as she can be quite shy. She's deaf so finds talking to new people a little difficult. We will have to sort something out.

[TeamTinkerbell]

[QUOTE=TeamTinkerbell;29510730][QUOTE]=DCLMan;29392663]Happy New Year to you all.

I would have thought they would be. I'm hoping my dd will be in the same club as my ds11 as she can be quite shy. She's deaf so finds talking to new people a little difficult. We will have to sort something out.

DCLMan, My DD is excited about meeting your DD and your DS. If you want, PM me and we can have them meet and kind of get to know each other.

[TartanTinker]

Hi this will also be our first cruise and would love to join in on the fish extender. We have 3 daughters 12, 10 & 6 :cheer2:. We arrive in florida Oct 7th and will spend 11 nights DVC before our cruise then 1 night after.

[matthewsmom1]

Hi all! My name is Angela. I'm 34 (will be the dreaded 35 before this trip though). I have a soon to be 10 year old DS, Matthew. I am a high risk Labor & Delivery nurse supervisor. I enjoy my job a lot, but it can be absolutely draining!!

We are Disney FREAKS! In the past 5 years we have been to WDW 8 times. :) While waiting for our Magical Express bus to pick us up and take us to the airport in December, a DCL bus pulled up. Matthew & I kept talking about how fun & relaxing it would be to hop on that bus instead of heading home. It became a running joke with us. Then after the holidays I got a chance to research and we're going to do it!!!!

We will be spending October 12-18 at WDW - Pop Century or maybe Caribbean Beach (depending on if there are any 'deals' to be had). Then 4 GLORIOUS nights on DCL! :) YAY! I'm already ready to book for 2010 - maybe even an overseas cruise!!!! But I will restrain & book onboard for the credit & discount.

We will be booking Cat 12-GTY and hoping for an upgrade. I won't hold my breath, but it'd be nice to be upgraded. It'll be nice to get to know some of you. Being unmarried, lack of 'adult' interaction during vacation is kind of wierd!!

Oh, and I'm VERY excited to do a Fish Extender! Sign me up for "tag" or whatever we're going to do for FE! Has anyone seen/made a list of FE gifts? I'd love to know the kind of things to get for gifts!

Let's talk excursions...has anyone thought of what you want to do? I think we're going to do Atlantis. We'll probably book the Comfort Suites 'deal' to save some moolah. After that I'd like to stroll through the straw market on the way back to the boat.

On Castaway Cay....I want to parasail. I think I can convince Matthew to tandem with me. And, of course, snorkeling. Maybe a 'small' package there.

Any experienced cruisers want to weigh in on excursions. Thoughts, tips, etc.?? :)

[DCLMan]

On Castaway Cay....I want to parasail. I think I can convince Matthew to tandem with me. And, of course, snorkeling. Maybe a 'small' package there.



I really want to parasail, I did it in Greece when I was a teenager and loved it. It's an amazing experience.

[TeamTinkerbell]

Speaking of snorkeling, does anyone plan to bring their own "equipment" instead of renting?

[matthewsmom1]

From what I've read the snorkeling vests aren't that great. How much do snorkeling 'equipment' cost?? See, I told you I'd ask a bunch of questions!!! :)

Speaking of snorkeling, does anyone plan to bring their own "equipment" instead of renting?

[Twinprincesses]

We did the Stingray feeding on Cataway and the kids had a blast. I definatly think it is something to do once. DH and I also did the side by side cabana massage. It was nice (expensive) but am glad we did it once.

This time on Castaway we are not booking any excursions and just relaxing. I cannot believe how wonderful that island is!!! My kids loved the kids club on the island so hopefully they will want to hang there so we can go to serenity bay and hang for a bit.


So tell me about the straw market thing??? I have never been to Nassau before.

[TeamTinkerbell]

From what I've read the snorkeling vests aren't that great. How much do snorkeling 'equipment' cost?? See, I told you I'd ask a bunch of questions!!! :)

Sorry Matthewsmom1, I have been away on business and then came home to a huge ice storm. :faint: I've done a little research and snorkel equipment isn't really expensive at Target and at Overton's. We go to the lake a lot so we could use it there too in the shallow parts to get practice. I'm thinking definitely under $100 for both of us.

[matthewsmom1]

Wow. That's definitely something to think about....... I just might have to invest. What all equipment do I need for each of us? Just a vest, fins, & the face mask/snorkel, right??


Sorry Matthewsmom1, I have been away on business and then came home to a huge ice storm. :faint: I've done a little research and snorkel equipment isn't really expensive at Target and at Overton's. We go to the lake a lot so we could use it there too in the shallow parts to get practice. I'm thinking definitely under $100 for both of us.

[TeamTinkerbell]

Wow. That's definitely something to think about....... I just might have to invest. What all equipment do I need for each of us? Just a vest, fins, & the face mask/snorkel, right??

Matthewsmom1, I will probably look into a mask/snorkel and fins for us. We both have a belt that we use to float at the lake and I'm pretty sure those will work. I'll check back with you on that once I am able to really look into this. Please PM me if you come up with any information. Thanks!

[DCLMan]

I was intending to look in a Walmart in Orlando for a mask or 2 as I don't want to have to buy them in the UK and then have the hassle of packing them in my luggage.

[PeeWee Mom]

Anyone traveling with a 5year old boy?

[TeamTinkerbell]

I was intending to look in a Walmart in Orlando for a mask or 2 as I don't want to have to buy them in the UK and then have the hassle of packing them in my luggage.

DCLMan, Will you leave your equipment there? I am not so sure that I'll buy the fins unless someone who knows better than I (since I don't know anything about snorkeling) tells me we need them.

[DCLMan]

DCLMan, Will you leave your equipment there? I am not so sure that I'll buy the fins unless someone who knows better than I (since I don't know anything about snorkeling) tells me we need them.

I was only intending to buy masks and snorkels (if I can find them) and if they are cheap enough leave them or give them away. Neither of my children are great swimmers so I doubt they would snorkel and the sea around England isn't warm enough.

Fins, from what I remember from the last time I went snorkeling, just help you move through the water more easily without splashing and scaring the fish.

On the other hand I could just rent them and save myself the hassle!

[quiltymom]

I purchased kid's snorkle sets at Target last year, along with two blow-up tubes. I don't know about WallMart in Florida, but at least here in Virginia Target gets rid of all of their summer stuff in August! Hopefully you'll be able to get some. I'd volunteer letting you use ours, but I have no idea whether the kids will keep them on all day or say "forget it."

[TeamTinkerbell]

I'll probably go ahead and buy our stuff b/c we'll use it at the lake this summer. I guess that'll be a good way to decide whether to get the fins or not or even if DD will like it.

Yeah, I would probably rent the equipment if I wasn't going to use it at any other time. I am not going to buy anything elaborate either. We just want to see some pretty fish. But then, I'm with DCLMan, I don't know if I want to bother with lugging it.

[DCLMan]

The other thing to think about is the chance that the ship might not be able to dock. (I hope I haven't jinxed us)

[TeamTinkerbell]

Good point. Let's keep our fingers crossed and throw salt over our left shoulder and all that. :rotfl:

[DCLMan]

Good point. Let's keep our fingers crossed and throw salt over our left shoulder and all that. :rotfl:

*Touches wood*

[Twinprincesses]

So is everyone getting a bit excited??? we booked our room at the resort today since we will be spending 3 nights there. I cannot wait.

[DCLMan]

So is everyone getting a bit excited??? we booked our room at the resort today since we will be spending 3 nights there. I cannot wait.

"A bit excited"? Very excited!

We are having the worst snow here that we've had for 18 years. The whole country has ground to a halt. We are running out of salt and grit for the roads and supermarkets are running out of food as deliveries cannot get through. Schools are shut, I'm not working much as the roads are too icy (I drive a delivery truck) and as the economy is nose diving my hours have been cut. I'm being made to accept a 17% pay cut.

The only thing keeping me going is my holiday, 16 nights in Orlando and the cruise!!!

[TeamTinkerbell]

"A bit excited"? Very excited!

We are having the worst snow here that we've had for 18 years. The whole country has ground to a halt. We are running out of salt and grit for the roads and supermarkets are running out of food as deliveries cannot get through. Schools are shut, I'm not working much as the roads are too icy (I drive a delivery truck) and as the economy is nose diving my hours have been cut. I'm being made to accept a 17% pay cut.

The only thing keeping me going is my holiday, 16 nights in Orlando and the cruise!!!

I'll have to say DD and I are getting very excited too. Sorry to hear about the weather DCLMAN and your current job situation. We just got out of the worst ice storm in Kentucky history. It's a beautiful day here today. I don't know what the temps are, but it has to be in the upper 60s or low 70s. Big change from what we've been experiencing. Still several people w/o power. The cold weather makes me wish that our cruise was here now, but the warmer weather and being able to come outdoors makes me wish it was cruise time too. I'm hopeless.

[DCLMan]

I heard about those ice storms. Sounded awful.

252 days and counting.

[TeamTinkerbell]

It has been awful. I was away 6 nights for business and we just got rain, but driving back into town maybe me think of the North Pole. We have friends who are still without power, over two weeks now.

Thanks for the count down. We can make it!! :grouphug:

[matthewsmom1]

Bite your tongue at the thought of not being able to dock at CC!!! :)

I'm having foot surgery next Thursday, so I'm going to have plenty of time to plan & obsess while I'm off for the next 4 weeks!! Man, I just can't wait to get down there.

Oh, a question, are we going to do Fish Extenders?? I've already got a couple of good gift ideas if we're going to.....

AND....what CAT is everyone? We're doing the CAT 12 GTY and praying for an upgrade. If not, no biggie. But I'd rather spend my budgeted moolah on excursions & souveniers!! :)

[DCLMan]

It has been awful. I was away 6 nights for business and we just got rain, but driving back into town maybe me think of the North Pole. We have friends who are still without power, over two weeks now.

Thanks for the count down. We can make it!! :grouphug:

Two weeks without power must be a nightmare.
Bite your tongue at the thought of not being able to dock at CC!!! :)

I'm having foot surgery next Thursday, so I'm going to have plenty of time to plan & obsess while I'm off for the next 4 weeks!! Man, I just can't wait to get down there.

Oh, a question, are we going to do Fish Extenders?? I've already got a couple of good gift ideas if we're going to.....

AND....what CAT is everyone? We're doing the CAT 12 GTY and praying for an upgrade. If not, no biggie. But I'd rather spend my budgeted moolah on excursions & souveniers!! :)

We have a cat 4 as the exchange rate was so good. I got $2/£1 so it wasn't that expensive.

[TeamTinkerbell]

[QUOTE=matthewsmom1;30182110]Bite your tongue at the thought of not being able to dock at CC!!! :)

I'm having foot surgery next Thursday, so I'm going to have plenty of time to plan & obsess while I'm off for the next 4 weeks!! Man, I just can't wait to get down there.

Oh, a question, are we going to do Fish Extenders?? I've already got a couple of good gift ideas if we're going to.....

AND....what CAT is everyone? We're doing the CAT 12 GTY and praying for an upgrade. If not, no biggie. But I'd rather spend my budgeted moolah on excursions & souveniers!! :)[/QUOTE

I hope all goes well.

We're in CAT 9, second floor.

What is the fish extender?

[TeamTinkerbell]

[QUOTE=DCLMan;30184306]Two weeks without power must be a nightmare.

Yeah, it has been for them. This is when you go to work to get away from what's going on at home and to get warm.;)

[TartanTinker]

TeamTinkerbell thanks for the pm that would be great can't pm you back as I have not made enough posts.
We are in a cat 4 mid ship can't wait.:dance3:
We also have had a bit of snow girls still off school today but it is beautiful they are loving it.
What kind of items do you put into the fish extender?

[matthewsmom1]

Fish Extender: It's a long fabric piece with pockets for 'trinkets' from your fellow DISers. Here's a great thread (with pictures) that show fish extenders & what people put in them: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

As far as the 'gifts' go, they can be as extravagant or inexpensive as you want. Pencils, keychains, notepads, especially things that represent where you live.

I've never participated in one (just read about them). Thought it would be fun to do if there's interest. ;)

[TeamTinkerbell]

Thanks. I'll read about it.

[quiltymom]

We're a cat 6 (I think!) We made our reservations about a year ago, so I can't remember! Isn't that horrible of me? I am very excited about the trip, but right now I've tons of other things taking up my time. But I do have a box that I'm dropping stuff into that we'll need for the trip. And I did order the new Passporter from Amazon. I guess that in a couple of months I'll really start getting more into it all. But I am excited, that's for sure!

We still haven't told our kids yet - we may wait until after school's over this year. We'll see.

[DCLMan]

I checked the price of the cruise and the cat we are in is now $700 more. It certainly pays to book early.

[TeamTinkerbell]

Wow!! We are in a cat. 9. I wonder how much those have gone up.

By the way, is everyone getting to the port by motorcoach? I have ressies for the motorcoach, but thinking about going through a car service.

[DCLMan]

Wow!! We are in a cat. 9. I wonder how much those have gone up.

By the way, is everyone getting to the port by motorcoach? I have ressies for the motorcoach, but thinking about going through a car service.

We have a hire car for the 16 days we are in Orlando so I'm driving it there and parking it up for the 4 days in the car park.

[Zach's Mom]

I don't think winter is ever going to end. Here in Iowa it was 55 on Monday and now we are in the middle of a snow storm with what seems to be at least 8 inches on the ground and its still falling. If this keeps up DS will be ready for a vacation since they will in school all summer.:sad1:

Mom and I started making the fish extenders for the family and are brainstorming ideas for the gifts. We are hoping to keep busy on these for the rest of the winter so we won't notice the cold and snow.

We are in the secret porthole rooms on deck 5, I'm not sure what cat that is but it sounded like a god deal. Unfortunately, one of my sisters and her family may not be going on the cruise so one of the rooms maybe opening up. I will definately post it up if they change their reservations.

Everyone think warm, happy thoughts and October will be here soon.

Jody

[matthewsmom1]

If they decide not to go would you mind PM'ing me???? I'd LOVE a SPH room. I haven't booked yet - probably should, though, huh???

I just had foot surgery (neuroma excision) so I'm off work for 4 weeks. Today is day 2 & I'm a little bored. LOL!!! Not a good sign for me. But my goals are to do my taxes, make ressies at WDW & DCL, & finish my October 07 & December 08 scrapbooks & send them off to Shutterfly for printing.... Lofty goals, huh? I do have til 3/18/09 to finish.


I don't think winter is ever going to end. Here in Iowa it was 55 on Monday and now we are in the middle of a snow storm with what seems to be at least 8 inches on the ground and its still falling. If this keeps up DS will be ready for a vacation since they will in school all summer.:sad1:

Mom and I started making the fish extenders for the family and are brainstorming ideas for the gifts. We are hoping to keep busy on these for the rest of the winter so we won't notice the cold and snow.

We are in the secret porthole rooms on deck 5, I'm not sure what cat that is but it sounded like a god deal. Unfortunately, one of my sisters and her family may not be going on the cruise so one of the rooms maybe opening up. I will definately post it up if they change their reservations.

Everyone think warm, happy thoughts and October will be here soon.

Jody

[TeamTinkerbell]

Matthewsmom1, hope you feel better. You should have plenty of time to plan your trip.

[DCLMan]

Matthewsmom1, enjoy the 4 weeks and good luck with your list of jobs.

Get well soon.

[quiltymom]

Wow!! We are in a cat. 9. I wonder how much those have gone up.

By the way, is everyone getting to the port by motorcoach? I have ressies for the motorcoach, but thinking about going through a car service.

We're either going to drive down or take the auto train - we're not sure. The auto train depot is about 1/2 hour from our house. DH wants to auto train, I want to drive. But if we were flying in, I think that we'd rent a car since there's other things we want to be doing in Florida before we return home.

I've got a bunch of fabrics & stuff for my fish extender. The only problem is trying to decide what to do with it all! But here's a tip - be sure to check out the scrapbooking section of your craft store for fun ribbons. You only get a small amount, but you only need a bit.

[TeamTinkerbell]

We're either going to drive down or take the auto train - we're not sure. The auto train depot is about 1/2 hour from our house. DH wants to auto train, I want to drive. But if we were flying in, I think that we'd rent a car since there's other things we want to be doing in Florida before we return home.

I've got a bunch of fabrics & stuff for my fish extender. The only problem is trying to decide what to do with it all! But here's a tip - be sure to check out the scrapbooking section of your craft store for fun ribbons. You only get a small amount, but you only need a bit.

I think we're going to fly into Sanford instead of MCO and have a car pick us up. I'm pretty sure I can still save money doing that. I'd love to take a train, but we don't have one very close to where we live.

I'm still reading the fish extender thread. I just have two questions:
1. do you put little gifts into anyone's fish extender, only those on your floor, etc?
2. how many pockets do you need, one for each night?

[matthewsmom1]

I *think* we'll make a list of everyone with FE & their cabin numbers. Then you can give out FE gifts whenever you choose & of course, can RAK anyone not on your 'list'. Usually I see people doing the # of pockets of the # of people in their party. Does that make sense???


I think we're going to fly into Sanford instead of MCO and have a car pick us up. I'm pretty sure I can still save money doing that. I'd love to take a train, but we don't have one very close to where we live.

I'm still reading the fish extender thread. I just have two questions:
1. do you put little gifts into anyone's fish extender, only those on your floor, etc?
2. how many pockets do you need, one for each night?

[quiltymom]

Yes, it would be a good idea to have a list going of those participating in the FE exchange. I know that there would be no other way I'd remember everything otherwise!

And maybe when the date gets closer we should make a list of the kids and ages, too. Just a thought...

[TeamTinkerbell]

Okay. That makes sense and good ideas. It'll be here before we know it. (Thankfully) Some friends of ours went on a Disney cruise beginning on New Year's and it's already been 6 weeks!!! Time flies.

[matthewsmom1]

I'd be happy to be 'in charge' of getting a list of people together who are participating in the FE, etc. if that would be ok??? Let me know.....



Yes, it would be a good idea to have a list going of those participating in the FE exchange. I know that there would be no other way I'd remember everything otherwise!

And maybe when the date gets closer we should make a list of the kids and ages, too. Just a thought...

[DCLMan]

This may be a stupid question but where do you get a FE from?

[TeamTinkerbell]

This may be a stupid question but where do you get a FE from?

DCLMan, I had the same question. I read the thread that I believe MatthewsMom1 gave me up a few posts ago and it said that some people have gotten them off ebay and some make their own. It might help to read that post b/c there are some pics.

[matthewsmom1]

You can make them if you're crafty or buy one from eBay. I'd be happy to PM the name of one of the gals I found to anyone who's interested. They are personalized & embroidered. ;)


DCLMan, I had the same question. I read the thread that I believe MatthewsMom1 gave me up a few posts ago and it said that some people have gotten them off ebay and some make their own. It might help to read that post b/c there are some pics.

[DCLMan]

I had a look at them on ebay. They seem quite expensive and I can only get one from the USA. I may have to go for Plan B. As I'm not very crafty I will have to have a think.

[matthewsmom1]

Check out post #611 on this thread. A cute, no-sew, inexpensive alterantive. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607&page=41

I think you could make a FE as elaborate or not as you want........


I had a look at them on ebay. They seem quite expensive and I can only get one from the USA. I may have to go for Plan B. As I'm not very crafty I will have to have a think.

[TeamTinkerbell]

Yeah, I'm not crafty either, though I really want to be. I'll try to come up with something. I think we'll participate. You can put Brenda and Haley on the list. I'll have to PM someone with our room number and all b/c I can't remember it off the top of my head. I liked the little fish extender that Matthewsmom1 showed us. It's definitely something I could put together with maybe a tad bit more added. Hey, as long as we can participate and DD is not totally humiliated by it, I'm okay with it.

[matthewsmom1]

YAY! I'm going to write up some info about FEs, etc. & ask that DCLMan edit his first post to include that information. Then people can PM me so I can start a list of everyone that's participating. ;) I'm SOOOOO excited! :)

[DCLMan]

Check out post #611 on this thread. A cute, no-sew, inexpensive alterantive. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607&page=41

I think you could make a FE as elaborate or not as you want........

Thanks for that, it gives me a starting point.

YAY! I'm going to write up some info about FEs, etc. & ask that DCLMan edit his first post to include that information. Then people can PM me so I can start a list of everyone that's participating. ;) I'm SOOOOO excited! :)

If you PM what you want me to write I'll add it to the first post.

[jajomo0118]

Hi everyone...:flower3:

We will be joining all of you, It will be: ME, DH, DS (13) and DS (12).

We had the 7 day St Croix. booked for the 10th of OCT..then my stupid company started to act like there was a recession or something going on and put a wage freeze and no bonuses for '09.....PLEASE!!! Everything is fine in the world.........................

So here we are!!

I'm in for everything...FE and whatever else is planned.

Christa..aka jajo

[matthewsmom1]

Welcome, Christa!! Is this your first DIS cruise??? I'll put you down for the FE - I'm PMing DCLMan to put more info regarding that on the first post. ;)



Hi everyone...:flower3:

We will be joining all of you, It will be: ME, DH, DS (13) and DS (12).

We had the 7 day St Croix. booked for the 10th of OCT..then my stupid company started to act like there was a recession or something going on and put a wage freeze and no bonuses for '09.....PLEASE!!! Everything is fine in the world.........................

So here we are!!

I'm in for everything...FE and whatever else is planned.

Christa..aka jajo

[jajomo0118]

Welcome, Christa!! Is this your first DIS cruise??? I'll put you down for the FE - I'm PMing DCLMan to put more info regarding that on the first post. ;)


Thank you and nope we did a eastern 7 day in 2007. It was wonderful and I am a little sad that I won't be able to do another 7 day but still excited to go on the Wonder for the first time.

Never did the FE, read a few posts about them sounds fun. On my last cruise our meet just did some gift bags for the kids for pirate night, so this is nice that its for the adults too :)

[matthewsmom1]

I know! It my first DCL cruise. I've done 2 of those 'other' cruises when I was younger. ;) We're excited to have you with us!! Be sure to read the FE info I had DCLMan add to the first page - and PM me with your names, kids ages, email & stateroom (if you know it now). ;)


Thank you and nope we did a eastern 7 day in 2007. It was wonderful and I am a little sad that I won't be able to do another 7 day but still excited to go on the Wonder for the first time.

Never did the FE, read a few posts about them sounds fun. On my last cruise our meet just did some gift bags for the kids for pirate night, so this is nice that its for the adults too :)

[DCLMan]

Hi everyone...:flower3:

We will be joining all of you, It will be: ME, DH, DS (13) and DS (12).

We had the 7 day St Croix. booked for the 10th of OCT..then my stupid company started to act like there was a recession or something going on and put a wage freeze and no bonuses for '09.....PLEASE!!! Everything is fine in the world.........................

So here we are!!

I'm in for everything...FE and whatever else is planned.

Christa..aka jajo

Welcome to our club!

[jajomo0118]

Thank you :)

[TeamTinkerbell]

Welcome Christa, good to meet you!

[jajomo0118]

Thanks!

Anyone know? Do I have to go make a new ticker or can I just reset the one I have? I'll be a week early if I keep it..lol..I don't feel like waiting in the terminal that long...LOL

[TeamTinkerbell]

Christa, I my ticker is not a ticker factory, it's through magical kingdoms, and I was able to change my existing one. Good luck.

[jajomo0118]

Christa, I my ticker is not a ticker factory, it's through magical kingdoms, and I was able to change my existing one. Good luck.

Thanks..I just went and made a new one..it didn't take long. Everything is all good now..Siggy all caught up..:thumbsup2

[TartanTinker]

Hi Christa :cheer2: Welcome.
I'm not crafty at all so looks like I will have to buy a FE. There was really nice Mickey & Minnie ones a month ago for sale on Ebay.

[jajomo0118]

Hi Christa :cheer2: Welcome.
I'm not crafty at all so looks like I will have to buy a FE. There was really nice Mickey & Minnie ones a month ago for sale on Ebay.


Thanks...:)

Me too, There are some women at work that knit and sew so I'm hoping that they can "hook" me up....lol. I'm still thinking how to even explain what a FE is...:lmao:

[DCLMan]

It looks like most of our children are the same age.

[quiltymom]

I haven't re-read all of the posts lately, but I did just read post #1 again.

About the FE exchanges. I did read on another post somewhere that for the longer cruises people usually signed up for a particular day/time to pass out their gifts. From experience, people were saying that one time is enough since the ship is so large that there's a lot of walking involved. Since ours is a shorter cruise, we may want to do that so everyone isn't handing out stuff on the first day.

Maybe some people will have gifts that could be used right away, so they could go earlier, and those that have gifts that aren't as "useable" right away could go later. For example, if someone's handing out pirate gifts, they wouldn't want to pass them out after Pirate Night. We could figure out who goes when as the cruise date gets closer and we know what we're giving.

I know that DD will be thrilled to help me pass out the gifts. I may even have her help make something for the other kids. She's always making cards & stuff and would think it would be fun.

Does this make sense?

[matthewsmom1]

That completely makes sense! Of course, never having been on a DCL cruise I was underestimating the hugeness factor of depositing gifts every day. ;)

As it gets closer I will ask people if they have a preference as to what 'day' they pass out their gifts. So hopefully we'll have gifts arriving every day. ;)

Great idea! Keep 'em comin'!!!!


I haven't re-read all of the posts lately, but I did just read post #1 again.

About the FE exchanges. I did read on another post somewhere that for the longer cruises people usually signed up for a particular day/time to pass out their gifts. From experience, people were saying that one time is enough since the ship is so large that there's a lot of walking involved. Since ours is a shorter cruise, we may want to do that so everyone isn't handing out stuff on the first day.

Maybe some people will have gifts that could be used right away, so they could go earlier, and those that have gifts that aren't as "useable" right away could go later. For example, if someone's handing out pirate gifts, they wouldn't want to pass them out after Pirate Night. We could figure out who goes when as the cruise date gets closer and we know what we're giving.

I know that DD will be thrilled to help me pass out the gifts. I may even have her help make something for the other kids. She's always making cards & stuff and would think it would be fun.

Does this make sense?

[jajomo0118]

Quiltymom-

I was catching up on the thread and read that yoiu might do the auto-train. That is how we are going down this time, we are driving back and stopping in Atlanta so DS (13) can take a tour of the stadium and get some new Falcon clothes that I don't have to pay tons of shipping costs on...lol.

Anywhoo..Any advice for the auto train, boys seem really excited about it. I guess just because its different, but any tips would be great. TIA

[TeamTinkerbell]

I was thinking along those same lines. It may be hard and expensive to come up with several gifts for every day of the cruise and put them on different levels of the ship. If I have misunderstood what you've said, please correct me. If I'm on the same page, then I agree that we should each give our gifts one day of the 4. Hopefully we'll have enough people to participate.

[jajomo0118]

I was thinking along those same lines. It may be hard and expensive to come up with several gifts for every day of the cruise and put them on different levels of the ship. If I have misunderstood what you've said, please correct me. If I'm on the same page, then I agree that we should each give our gifts one day of the 4. Hopefully we'll have enough people to participate.


JMHO..;) But 1 day sounds the best, I'm sure 4 days are going to fly buy fast and that ship is huge. Even if we only have 8 people thats 2 gifts in you FE a day..sounds good to me :)

But hey this is just my opinion and I'll go with what everyone else is for. I just super excited I didn't have to cancel our trip completely..lol

[quiltymom]

Do we know how many people are planning on participating so far? And right now with they way I'm thinking, I could sign up for the last delivery day. Some of the things are more for after you leave the ship. But I'll just keep that a secret ... ;)

[TeamTinkerbell]

I'd like to have the day before we go to Castaway Cay b/c of the gifts that I am planning. If that is possible. Yes, I am all for one delivery day.

[matthewsmom1]

Sounds GREAT, guys! I'm all for 1 delivery day too. So far here's what we have:

matthewsmom1: Angela & DS Matthew (10)
jajomo0118: Christa, DH Jay, Jay Edward (13), Jonathan (12)
Teamtinkerbell: Brenda & Haley (11) -- need to deliver BEFORE Castaway Cay
TartanTinker: David, Judith, Meghan (12), Holly (10), Cerys (7)
Quiltymom: (I still need you to PM me the names/ages of your cruisers, email address, stateroom (if you know it already) -- last day of cruise

[jajomo0118]

Sounds GREAT, guys! I'm all for 1 delivery day too. So far here's what we have:

matthewsmom1: Angela & DS Matthew (10)
jajomo0118: Christa, DH Jay, Jay Edward (13), Jonathan (12)
Teamtinkerbell: Brenda & Haley (11) -- need to deliver BEFORE Castaway Cay
TartanTinker: David, Judith, Meghan (12), Holly (10), Cerys (7)
Quiltymom: (I still need you to PM me the names/ages of your cruisers, email address, stateroom (if you know it already) -- last day of cruise

I'll do the first day... :thumbsup2

[matthewsmom1]

Gotcha added for that! :)


I'll do the first day... :thumbsup2

[TeamTinkerbell]

This is all very exciting!!!!

[matthewsmom1]

I KNOW! I officially booked & paid my deposit last night. ;)


This is all very exciting!!!!

[hlkeck]

Hi all, we'll be on this cruise as well. This is our first Disney Cruise and my DD7 and DS5 first cruise ever!

My husband, Brian36 and myself, Heather36, will be celebrating our 12th anniversary on this cruise. We are very excited!

We would like to participate in the FE gift exchange (I've found the links and am reading up on it) with all of you, if possible! We're happy to take whichever day we fit into.

Our stateroom number is 5520.

Let me know if you need add'l info. I can't PM people yet - so I need to make a few more posts! Thanks for starting the thread!

[TeamTinkerbell]

Welcome Heather and Brian, glad to meet you!!

[matthewsmom1]

Once you can PM, just PM me (or you can post here if you're comfortable) with your kids names (and which one is which age) & email address - later on when you decide on a FE gift let me know if you need to deliver it on a certain day (some gifts need to be given out before the Pirate Party or Castaway Cay, for example).

Again, WELCOME! Glad to have you here!!


Hi all, we'll be on this cruise as well. This is our first Disney Cruise and my DD7 and DS5 first cruise ever!

My husband, Brian36 and myself, Heather36, will be celebrating our 12th anniversary on this cruise. We are very excited!

We would like to participate in the FE gift exchange (I've found the links and am reading up on it) with all of you, if possible! We're happy to take whichever day we fit into.

Our stateroom number is 5520.

Let me know if you need add'l info. I can't PM people yet - so I need to make a few more posts! Thanks for starting the thread!

[matthewsmom1]

5520 - isn't that one of the secret porthole rooms?? :)


Hi all, we'll be on this cruise as well. This is our first Disney Cruise and my DD7 and DS5 first cruise ever!

My husband, Brian36 and myself, Heather36, will be celebrating our 12th anniversary on this cruise. We are very excited!

We would like to participate in the FE gift exchange (I've found the links and am reading up on it) with all of you, if possible! We're happy to take whichever day we fit into.

Our stateroom number is 5520.

Let me know if you need add'l info. I can't PM people yet - so I need to make a few more posts! Thanks for starting the thread!

[hlkeck]

We booked in like March 08 for this cruise and we were lucky enough to get the *not so very secret* porthole rooms! It seems like a lot of people DO know about them - I saw that someone else on this thread has the other 5! :) I guess we got REALLY LUCKY!

Emily will be 7
Jason will be 5
I can't post my email addy until I have 10 posts either, so I will keep posting and then PM you! :)

Our FE gift will likely be something from Columbus Ohio (go Buckeyes!), so any day should be fine...we'll try to come up with something fun and usable!

THANKS!

[DCLMan]

I was thinking along those same lines. It may be hard and expensive to come up with several gifts for every day of the cruise and put them on different levels of the ship. If I have misunderstood what you've said, please correct me. If I'm on the same page, then I agree that we should each give our gifts one day of the 4. Hopefully we'll have enough people to participate.

I agree, We are in. Any day will be fine.

[quiltymom]

We still need a name for our cruise! I'm horrible with words, so I'm hoping that someone can help with this. Any ideas?

[DCLMan]

We still need a name for our cruise! I'm horrible with words, so I'm hoping that someone can help with this. Any ideas?

We need something, some of the other cruise threads have nifty names and have thousands of posts.

How about.........

The Credit Crunch Cruise 2009?

[matthewsmom1]

That's funny!! Lemme think & see if I can come up with some good ones....

Oh & maybe someone wants to organize cruise meet(s)

AND....TeamTinkerbell & I were thinking (mostly because we're single adults traveling with our kids) that it'd be cool to do a Palo Brunch meet. Anyone want to coordinate that? Not sure how that'd work since we have to pay for the brunch.... Guess we'd have to have someone that was going to be up & doing Shore Excursions/etc. at midnight on the 75 day mark. We could do a sign up & PayPal them the money (does it even need to be paid ahead of time???)

Anyway, just wondering if maybe that's something someone would want to 'head' organizing. ;)

I'm getting SOOOO excited (can you tell I just made our official ressie & deposit last night!)


We need something, some of the other cruise threads have nifty names and have thousands of posts.

How about.........

The Credit Crunch Cruise 2009?

[TeamTinkerbell]

I had absolutely no idea that people named their cruises!! Where have I been? :lmao: I'm horrible with names and words too, so I'll leave it up to those who are good with them.

I think that will be fun to have a meet and greet. Since this is a short cruise we may not all be able to really get together easily. Maybe we should try to get together as families. Maybe have lunch at CC or something like that.

[jajomo0118]

We still need a name for our cruise! I'm horrible with words, so I'm hoping that someone can help with this. Any ideas?

Its hard...lol. I had a word doc open all day at work trying and nothing clicked. :)

We need something, some of the other cruise threads have nifty names and have thousands of posts.

How about.........

The Credit Crunch Cruise 2009?

At that the truth, but in a good way for me .. it lead me to this nice little thread :thumbsup2

[jajomo0118]

Hi all, we'll be on this cruise as well. This is our first Disney Cruise and my DD7 and DS5 first cruise ever!

My husband, Brian36 and myself, Heather36, will be celebrating our 12th anniversary on this cruise. We are very excited!

We would like to participate in the FE gift exchange (I've found the links and am reading up on it) with all of you, if possible! We're happy to take whichever day we fit into.

Our stateroom number is 5520.

Let me know if you need add'l info. I can't PM people yet - so I need to make a few more posts! Thanks for starting the thread!

Welcome....:yay: How wonderful about your anniversary. I've been throwing around hints to DH that I would like to renew our vows on CC for our 15th next year....I hope he bites....LMAO

[hlkeck]

That would be an awesome 15th anniversary gift! I may be able to try to swing that as well! :)

Can't wait to get to know everyone!

[jajomo0118]

That would be an awesome 15th anniversary gift! I may be able to try to swing that as well! :)

Can't wait to get to know everyone!

DH's 37th B-day is the 10th of Oct, but I don't think I'll make note of it or anything, He still hasn't forgiven me from his 30th at Hooters when they made him get up and dance...LMAO..it was great!!!....

[jajomo0118]

How about:

No Worries Wonder Cruise

ok sorry...lol

anybody else?

[jajomo0118]

Wishes do come true...Wonder Cruise.

Ok I'll stop..LMAO

[jajomo0118]

Waves -n- Wishes
Disney Wonder
10/18 to 10/22


:laughing: .....Ok I really am going to bed....Before I say something really dumb...lol. O wait I already did....:banana:

[matthewsmom1]

I like that one ALOT!!!!!!!!! ;) Cause on the Wonder I'm sure not going to have ANY WORRIES!!! :)


How about:

No Worries Wonder Cruise

ok sorry...lol

anybody else?

[TeamTinkerbell]

I like all of those. I'll keep thinking, but unfortunately, nothing is coming to mind. :headache:

[quiltymom]

How about:

No Worries Wonder Cruise

ok sorry...lol

anybody else?

I do like that ... no dishes to clean ... no food to cook ... no beds to make ... and kid's clubs!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:


Sigh. October is such a long way away!

[DCLMan]

Cruising the Caribbean

Boating to the Bahamas

[Zach's Mom]

Hi Heather and Brian...

My Parents and Grandma are in the rooms next to you and the rest of us are on the other side.

Everyone is so creative thinking up names. Personally I like the Waves and Wishes.

MatthewsMom1, I will try to pm you all our names and information for the FE

Jody

[TeamTinkerbell]

It truly will be, Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitude. Not a good name, but it is the way it will be for Haley and me.

[TartanTinker]

Hi another vote for Waves n Wishes

[DCLMan]

So far we have.....


The Credit Crunch Cruise 2009

No Worries Wonder Cruise

Wishes do come true...Wonder Cruise

Waves -n- Wishes (3 votes).

Cruising the Caribbean

Boating to the Bahamas

Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitude

Any more?

By the way, we are off to Disneyland Paris in 14 days! A mini Disney fix.

[hlkeck]

Waves n' Wishes is my vote..
or how about "Waves, Wishes, n' Wonder" or "Wonder, Waves, and Wishes"

Something that incorporates The Wonder since we're using some other w's... :)

[jajomo0118]

I laughed when I just logged on and saw the name change...lol. ;)

[quiltymom]

I know, I looked at my in box and thought, "Did I subscribe to that thread?"

[jajomo0118]

I know, I looked at my in box and thought, "Did I subscribe to that thread?"

Thats great..lol.

[hlkeck]

Hi Heather and Brian...

My Parents and Grandma are in the rooms next to you and the rest of us are on the other side.

Everyone is so creative thinking up names. Personally I like the Waves and Wishes.

MatthewsMom1, I will try to pm you all our names and information for the FE

Jody

Can't wait to meet everyone - I noticed that you mentioned you had the other 5 porthole rooms! That was quite a stroke of luck! You must have booked early, as well...

[DCLMan]

I laughed when I just logged on and saw the name change...lol. ;)

I know, I looked at my in box and thought, "Did I subscribe to that thread?"

Thats great..lol.

It confused me when I logged on this morning and I changed it.

[jajomo0118]

It confused me when I logged on this morning and I changed it.

NOW!!!! That's really really great...:rotfl2:

[Zach's Mom]

Can't wait to meet everyone - I noticed that you mentioned you had the other 5 porthole rooms! That was quite a stroke of luck! You must have booked early, as well...

I think our TA reserved the rooms the first day the cruise could be booked. I learned that by reading the boards. My husband rolls his eyes whenever he sees me on here but it is saving him $. Or maybe it costing him. I'm not really sure at this point but its fun.

Jody

[jajomo0118]

I think our TA reserved the rooms the first day the cruise could be booked. I learned that by reading the boards. My husband rolls his eyes whenever he sees me on here but it is saving him $. Or maybe it costing him. I'm not really sure at this point but its fun.

Jody

Jody,

Hey we have an Altoona, Pa about 25 miles away. I just think thats funny :) Its not a real common name at least I don't think so?

Wonder what it means or if it is a surname of the founder?

---Christa---

[jajomo0118]

Altoona, IA .....It is named for the Latin word for "high," altus, after surveyor Julian B. Bausman discovered that Altoona was the highest point on the Des Moines Valley Railroad between Des Moines and Keokuk.

Altoona, PA....A major railroad town, Altoona was founded by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1849 as the site for a shop complex. Altoona was incorporated as a borough on February 6, 1854, and as a city under legislation approved on April 3, 1867, and February 8, 1868

I love Wikipedia....LOL.. :lmao: ...it makes everyone an expert on everything..:surfweb:

[jajomo0118]

:idea: ....Anyone consider keeping a Roll Call on the first page, It would be up to who ever started the thread but we had it on previous meet threads and it was really nice...just a suggestion...not trying to make more work for any one....:flower3:

[DCLMan]

:idea: ....Anyone consider keeping a Roll Call on the first page, It would be up to who ever started the thread but we had it on previous meet threads and it was really nice...just a suggestion...not trying to make more work for any one....:flower3:

I'll try and do it when I get home from work and if anyone wants to pm me the details I'll add them to the list.

[hlkeck]

I don't know what a 'roll call' is? :confused3 What details would I need to PM to you?

THANKS!

[DCLMan]

I don't know what a 'roll call' is? :confused3 What details would I need to PM to you?

THANKS!

The names of your party or whatever you want adding to the roll call. It's an easy way of knowing who's who.

I've been through the thread and added, I think, everyone. If anyone is missing or wants anything changing let me know.

[jajomo0118]

Anyone dressing full pirate gear for pirate night?

[TeamTinkerbell]

Anyone dressing full pirate gear for pirate night?

We probably will not, but maybe just tropical dress. How about you?

[jajomo0118]

This is what we did before...I'm thinking I might like to really dress up. It might take some real smooth talking to get the men in my life to wear ruffled shirts and tights....lol.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/jajomo0118/clip%20art/pirate.jpg

[TeamTinkerbell]

Cool outfits. I'd like to talk DD into it, but she's not much into it right now.

[TartanTinker]

Was thinking on stripe t-shirts, & bandanas but not sure if DH and DD12 will:cheer2:

[TartanTinker]

nice outfits. Do most of the people on the cruise dress up?

[jajomo0118]

I would say some it full gear, some in tropical gear and some in tee's like us. So its a mix....not sure about the Wonder? I think things are a little less on it, would be my guess....a lot of 1st timers who are not lucky enough to have the vast wealth of DIS behide them.

I heard quite a few comments on the way down in the elevator going to dinner that night...." How did all these people know to dress up" I just smiled and thought to myself...thanks DIS..lol

[TeamTinkerbell]

nice outfits. Do most of the people on the cruise dress up?

I asked that question a few months ago and was told that it's kind of hit or miss. Some people go all out, but most do not. I think it's neat, but DD will be 11 by then so she probably just want to wear a tropical dress. She had a luau for her birthday last year and didn't mind wearing a grass skirt, but wouldn't be caught dead doing that this year. :sad2: I cannot keep up.

I said all of that to say that this is my first cruise so I really don't know what most people do, just know what i was told.

[TeamTinkerbell]

I would say some it full gear, some in tropical gear and some in tee's like us. So its a mix....not sure about the Wonder? I think things are a little less on it, would be my guess....a lot of 1st timers who are not lucky enough to have the vast wealth of DIS behide them.

I heard quite a few comments on the way down in the elevator going to dinner that night...." How did all these people know to dress up" I just smiled and thought to myself...thanks DIS..lol

:worship: Yeah, me too. I don't know what I would've done without DIS for our trips to WDW and this cruise. Plus the friendships that we've made.

[jajomo0118]

I asked that question a few months ago and was told that it's kind of hit or miss. Some people go all out, but most do not. I think it's neat, but DD will be 11 by then so she probably just want to wear a tropical dress. She had a luau for her birthday last year and didn't mind wearing a grass skirt, but wouldn't be caught dead doing that this year. :sad2: I cannot keep up.

I said all of that to say that this is my first cruise so I really don't know what most people do, just know what i was told.

Is she into the Pirate of the Carribean movies? If so she could wear a cute Jack Sparrow or Will Turner tee. Pirate night even on the Magic seemed to be the most casual of all the nights. I even let DH & DS's wear shorts that night...and I had on capris...they were all "camo" so it was kinda of a theme.

[TeamTinkerbell]

Is she into the Pirate of the Carribean movies? If so she could wear a cute Jack Sparrow or Will Turner tee. Pirate night even on the Magic seemed to be the most casual of all the nights. I even let DH & DS's wear shorts that night...and I had on capris...they were all "camo" so it was kinda of a theme.

Of course, who doesn't love Will Turner and/or Jack Sparrow? :rotfl: That's a good idea. Big hoop earrings too. Good idea.

[DCLMan]

Anyone dressing full pirate gear for pirate night?

I'm intending to see what we can pick up at WDW or The Character Warehouse at The Prime Outlets on I Drive. I don't think I'm going for the frilly shirts and tights look.

[jajomo0118]

I'm intending to see what we can pick up at WDW or The Character Warehouse at The Prime Outlets on I Drive. I don't think I'm going for the frilly shirts and tights look.


lol...so your not brave enough either...chicken...:rotfl2:

[DCLMan]

lol...so your not brave enough either...chicken...:rotfl2:
I have pirate earings and tattoos. I don't think a frilly shirt would go!

I'm not chicken.






Much

[jajomo0118]

I have pirate earings and tattoos. I don't think a frilly shirt would go!

I'm not chicken.






Much



ok thats your story and your sticking to it... ;)

[jajomo0118]

So Nassau is my only real concern about the cruise I have read so many people say just stay on the ship! Anyone ever been?

[DCLMan]

ok thats your story and your sticking to it... ;)

I am.

I spent the afternoon sorting out my holiday clothes and making sure my smart clothes are suitable. ;)

[jajomo0118]

I'm still have no idea how dressed up my fellas will get this time.

We followed the guidelines pretty close on the Magic...they worn kahkis and polo shirts most nights, but they might just wear jeans and polos this time and khakis with a dress shirt for "dress-up" night.

[Zach's Mom]

I lucked out and picked Zach up a black polo type shirt with the jolly roger emblem all over it. Unfortunately as much as he enjoys the Pirate movies he isn't big on dressing up. Now myself anything with Will Turner :worship: and I am there.

DCL Man, Wear your tattoos and pirate ear ring and be proud:cheer2: Mom and I are trying to figure out how to get my dad and Travis into anything theme related and are not succeeding.

Jody

[matthewsmom1]

Hey guys! Not sure what we're going to do for pirate night. ;)

LOVE the new name & the roll call on the first page.

As far as Nassau.....I *think* we're going to do the Atlantis Waterpark. ;) Instead of spending all the moolah on the Disney excursion, we may do the Comfort Suites deal. ;) Anyone with any more ideas, tips, it would be appreciated???

[Zach's Mom]

I think we are just going to wander around Nassau for a couple of hours and then hang out on the ship.

I kinda want to see the straw market but I'm not too keen on lots of people in close quarters though. I would love some opinions from anyone who has been.

Jody

[TeamTinkerbell]

I'm kind of hung up on Nassau too. I've never been so I really want to go to say I've been. And I'd like to see it too. My friends who just did this same cruise for New Year's went through Nassau and picked up the freebies that she found out about on the navigator thingy and they shopped a little. Her kids stayed on board the entire time while she and her mom shopped. I'd like to see the Straw Market too, so I'll probably browse around and do a little shopping, but no excursions. That will probably be the best time to be on the ship too.

[hlkeck]

I had intended to stay on the ship - but someone, somewhere mentioned that you can go to ?Diamonds International? I think...and get a charm bracelet for $5 and a free charm at every DI at different ports that you go to. Don't know where to find that info...I think I saw it in a thread somewhere. I would LOVE to do that for my DD7 as I intend to continue cruising to different ports because I just know that we are going to love this! :)

So...that said...I might get off to get some bracelets for myself and my daughter but I bet the kids just stay on board. They would love the dolphin excursion, but at ages 5 & 7, I might just wait a year or 2 before we do that. I'd like them both to be old enough to remember it. And I have no memories of being 5...or at least very very few...

[jajomo0118]

:) Good Morning All.
So whats everyone got planned for this fine day...lol.

I'm headed to the bridal shop to get fitted for a dress "that I'll be able to wear again".....YEAH right!!! I can't believe brides are still trying to tell us that. I tried that line on my own bridemaids 14 years ago and didn't work then either. O well maybe it will this time. Her colors are red and black. I'm really hoping she picks black for the dresses, but its her wedding so i'll just smile and pay up....:laughing:

I think we are just going to wander around Nassau for a couple of hours and then hang out on the ship.

I kinda want to see the straw market but I'm not too keen on lots of people in close quarters though. I would love some opinions from anyone who has been.

Jody

I think we are just gonna take a carriage ride and maybe do the pirate musem. Nothing to big.

[TeamTinkerbell]

I had intended to stay on the ship - but someone, somewhere mentioned that you can go to ?Diamonds International? I think...and get a charm bracelet for $5 and a free charm at every DI at different ports that you go to. Don't know where to find that info...I think I saw it in a thread somewhere. I would LOVE to do that for my DD7 as I intend to continue cruising to different ports because I just know that we are going to love this! :)

So...that said...I might get off to get some bracelets for myself and my daughter but I bet the kids just stay on board. They would love the dolphin excursion, but at ages 5 & 7, I might just wait a year or 2 before we do that. I'd like them both to be old enough to remember it. And I have no memories of being 5...or at least very very few...

I'll ask my friend what exactly they were able to get for free, where and how she found out. But I am sure it was a navigator that was in her cabin when she got on the ship. In fact if I remember correctly, there was a map showing you exactly where to go and what was free. I'll make sure though.

[DCLMan]

So Nassau is my only real concern about the cruise I have read so many people say just stay on the ship! Anyone ever been?

We've never been but I want to say I've seen something of it.

We are going to get off the ship, have a wander round and go back to the ship for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing onboard.

[TeamTinkerbell]

We've never been but I want to say I've seen something of it.

We are going to get off the ship, have a wander round and go back to the ship for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing onboard.

Yeah, that's pretty much what we're doing. I want to be back on the ship for lunch or shortly thereafter.

[quiltymom]

I think that we may do the island tour on Nassau, mostly since it will be the first time my kids will have been out of the country. The only thing I really want to purchase is a hand-made doll - I've been collecting them for DD for a while and would love to get one from there for her collection.

I contemplated the pirate museum, but we just may head back to the ship and enjoy it for all it's worth!

For pirate night, we're gonna pull out our Halloween costumes - I'll be Elizabeth Swann, DH Jack Sparrow & I still need to make something for the kids. But here is a pic of us at MNSSHP a couple of years ago...

And now you know what we look like ... kinda...

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/252469342_tQ9bT-M.jpg

[Twinprincesses]

AWWW I am missing out on some good coversation.... Sorry I have not been on. So our game plan so far is to do the big shebang at Atlantis, since it will be along time before we do the 4 day again. My kids would absoluty love it there judging by the photos. When we did the 7 day we tried to browse Key West and do the store thing and at that time we relized the kids loved the beaches.

If you guys have not been before Castaway Cay is an absolute treat, it is paradise!!!!!

I cannot wait to go!!!!

[TeamTinkerbell]

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/252469342_tQ9bT-M.jpg[/QUOTE]


Nice picture!! We loved the MNSSHP!! That was one of the bigger highlights of our trip.

[DCLMan]

I think that we may do the island tour on Nassau, mostly since it will be the first time my kids will have been out of the country. The only thing I really want to purchase is a hand-made doll - I've been collecting them for DD for a while and would love to get one from there for her collection.

I contemplated the pirate museum, but we just may head back to the ship and enjoy it for all it's worth!

For pirate night, we're gonna pull out our Halloween costumes - I'll be Elizabeth Swann, DH Jack Sparrow & I still need to make something for the kids. But here is a pic of us at MNSSHP a couple of years ago...

And now you know what we look like ... kinda...

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/252469342_tQ9bT-M.jpg

That's a good pirate look!

[matthewsmom1]

WOW! You look FABULOUS - both of ya! :)


http://www.smugmug.com/photos/252469342_tQ9bT-M.jpg


Nice picture!! We loved the MNSSHP!! That was one of the bigger highlights of our trip.[/QUOTE]

[matthewsmom1]

Ok, so we've talked about what we're going to do on our Nassau day....

What about Castaway Cay?? What are your 'plans'? Any excursions? Or just 'hanging out'?

I would LOVE to smoosh 3 excursions in, but maybe we'll only have time for 2. LOL!

I have my son all hyped up to Parasail & I really want to Jet ski too. So that leave snorkeling for another time..... I do want a little time to 'relax' on the beach & a girl's gotta eat lunch some time too! LOL!!!!!! :)

What about you? Tell us your CC day plans....

[quiltymom]

I think that we're just going to take it easy that day. Taking a bike ride around the island is a must! Then we'll most likely spend the rest of the day swimming, playing in the sand, and eating & drinking. Maybe we'll splurge on the water bikes so we can get up close to the Flying Dutchman. My kids just love the beach, so it's really going to be a beach day.

[Zach's Mom]

I am letting DH plan the excursions so who knows what we will do. On vacation last year I told him I was going to lay on the beach all day and have a Cabana boy (played by him) bring me drinks all day Of course this was as we were driving through a huge mud puddle going down the side of a mountain.:)

Jody

[jajomo0118]

I think that we may do the island tour on Nassau, mostly since it will be the first time my kids will have been out of the country. The only thing I really want to purchase is a hand-made doll - I've been collecting them for DD for a while and would love to get one from there for her collection.

I contemplated the pirate museum, but we just may head back to the ship and enjoy it for all it's worth!

For pirate night, we're gonna pull out our Halloween costumes - I'll be Elizabeth Swann, DH Jack Sparrow & I still need to make something for the kids. But here is a pic of us at MNSSHP a couple of years ago...

And now you know what we look like ... kinda...

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/252469342_tQ9bT-M.jpg


Love you pics...you both look great :yay:

[TartanTinker]

Great picture quilitymom. We also are planning to stay on the ship in Nassau will might get off and have a look around. I would love to parasail when in Castaway Cay will have to try and talk dd's into that. The water bikes also sound good fun. Is there a BBQ in Castaway Cay?

[DCLMan]

I would love to parasail when in Castaway Cay will have to try and talk dd's into that.

I want to do that as well.

There was a very interesting piece on last weeks Dis podcast about first time cruises and what to expect.

[hlkeck]

My kids would like to go snorkeling and find the hidden mickey in the water! Otherwise - drop the kids off at the kids club area, DH and I hang at Serenity Bay and maybe get some massages...a fruity drink...and just relax.

[quiltymom]

Thanks, everyone, for your comments on our MNSSHP photo! That night was a blast. In fact, we'll be heading back to MNSSHP after the cruise. Yay!

As far as CC is concerned, I was able to pick up some kid's snorkeling gear and a tube float real cheap at Target last year at clearance, so we'll be bringing those for the day. Personally, after our bike cruise I'm gonna find me a hammock and make myself at home for the rest of the day. :beach:

And I think that I'll make my DH my cabana boy, too. Do I ever like that idea!

Now, I'll just need to convince him of that ... :scratchin

[TeamTinkerbell]

Okay, so here's the info I got from my friend about Nassau:


There was a list of places to go to get things for free but it wasn't in the personal navigator. There will be a 1 hour Nassau seminar and if you attend that you will get a map and a list of places (along w/coupons for each place) that will give you a free item. The seminar tells you which stores you can trust and which ones cater to the cruise liners. My mom and I went to a few of them (all the ones that had free stuff for sure). Most of the free stuff was jewelry. The coupons will show you what you can get.

The one store that was the most fun to shop in was De Sol. ALL their stuff was SO cool. I bought the boys t-shirts in there (they were more pricey but so worth it) be sure to look at their jewelry. They have necklaces and rings that turn colors in the sun (everything they sell does that) but this jewelry was so cool and for the price worth it. I bought a necklace and ring from them and love it. JUST BE CAREFUL if you buy jewelry from them you can't wear it in the pool b/c the chlorine will ruin it.

We only visited one store that wasn't on the "preferred list". She bought some t-shirts at that store and b/c they were a lot cheaper than the ones the seminar recommended. So far the quality of what she bought has been good. We were off the boat in Nassau for about two hours, maybe less, and were ready to get back on. It's VERY busy there so stay within the area that the map shows you. You'll be fine but just be careful crossing the street...it's packed w/cars and I don't think there are any real right a ways for pedestrians.

[COLOR="Black"] I hope this helps everyone.

[TeamTinkerbell]

Good morning! I was just reading some threads and thought I'd share this with anyone who is in the dark as I (was). Did you know that you can take a pillowcase, photo mat, place mat, etc to Guest Services and they will have the characters sign them for you? You take those items to GS, fill out a form on how the item is to be signed and who, like princesses, all, etc and you get it back on the last night. We're definitely going to do that. Haley is not excited about standing in line again for autographs. She'll still take her autograph book and I still want photos with the characters, but this would be something really cool to bring home and display. Just thought I'd share. If anyone has done this, please share.

[DCLMan]

I had heard that it was possible. Sounds like a good way of getting lots of signatures.

I'm getting really bored of waiting for this cruise now. We are going to Disneyland Paris on Thursday for 4 days for a mini Disney fix though.

[jajomo0118]

Good morning! I was just reading some threads and thought I'd share this with anyone who is in the dark as I (was). Did you know that you can take a pillowcase, photo mat, place mat, etc to Guest Services and they will have the characters sign them for you? You take those items to GS, fill out a form on how the item is to be signed and who, like princesses, all, etc and you get it back on the last night. We're definitely going to do that. Haley is not excited about standing in line again for autographs. She'll still take her autograph book and I still want photos with the characters, but this would be something really cool to bring home and display. Just thought I'd share. If anyone has done this, please share.

This is a wonderful service that DCL offers, I know there have been a couple of threads about them maybe stopping it or putting on restrictions because many people seem to take advantage of it.

It would be so sad it they did, I didn't use it on our first DCL cruise and would love to this time. I only want one photo mat signed, boys are a little to old for the pillow cases.

Good ole mom wouldn't mind a jack sparrow siggy to lay her head by...LMAO...but I read that he won't sign anything beside another character...temperamental pirate...lol.

[TeamTinkerbell]

I guess if they do away with it then I can just get in line behind DD and get some autographs of my own. ;) I can imagine that people do take advantage of this, but I hope they don't do away with it before we get there.

DCLman, I am with you about waiting for the cruise. Get some Disney in for us too.

[matthewsmom1]

I read about the photo mat/autograph thing too! I'm SUPER excited for it! What a special momento to have!! Don't forget to pack some candy for Mickey & company to snack on while they sign.... :rotfl2:

[Zach's Mom]

I really hope they are still signing the photo mats I would love to have one to put a family photo in.

I am excited that the dates of MNSSHP have been announced:banana: We will be able to go our first night at WDW. QuiltyMom, Are there alot of people who do not go in costume? I am not big on costumes but I don't like standing out either.

I have another question for the past cruisers, I am looking at booking our airfare and it looks like the economy is dictating that we drive 2-3 hours to another airport to save over $200 a ticket. Unfortunately, all the return flights that leave after 12 don't get back to the originating airport until 9 pm at the earlyist. On the disney website is says to use DCL transport the flight has to be after 11:30. There is a flight that leaves at 11:35 which wouldn't be to bad. Is that possible to make?

Thanks,

Jody

[jajomo0118]

I really hope they are still signing the photo mats I would love to have one to put a family photo in.

I am excited that the dates of MNSSHP have been announced:banana: We will be able to go our first night at WDW. QuiltyMom, Are there alot of people who do not go in costume? I am not big on costumes but I don't like standing out either.

I have another question for the past cruisers, I am looking at booking our airfare and it looks like the economy is dictating that we drive 2-3 hours to another airport to save over $200 a ticket. Unfortunately, all the return flights that leave after 12 don't get back to the originating airport until 9 pm at the earlyist. On the disney website is says to use DCL transport the flight has to be after 11:30. There is a flight that leaves at 11:35 which wouldn't be to bad. Is that possible to make?

Thanks,

Jody

Would love some more info on MNSSHP, cost and dates would be great? Does admission get you on the open attractions I read about or do you need tickets separate for these? DH & DS (13) have never wanted to go to WDW so this might be the perfect way to give them a little sample and the "bug" might bite them. I think if I can just get them there once they will want to spend a proper vacation in WDW someday...lol

[TeamTinkerbell]

For the list of dates and costs for MNSSHP, go to allearsnet.com. The party is one of the highlights for us. DD dressed up and we had my niece and nephew with us and they dressed up too, but I just wore a t-shirt with pumpkins on it and light up pumpkin necklace. If you do dress up, make sure it's something that you can be comfortable in until midnight and you can ride the rides.

[Zach's Mom]

We haven't been to the halloween party but we've been to the Christmas party twice and loved it. DS11 had more fun at the party than he did after spending a whole day at Magic Kingdom. It doesn't seem to be as crowded, therefor shorter lines for the more popular rides plus riding them at nights give a whole new perspective. Plus there is a special parade, firework and special shows that can't be seen any other time. Another big plus for the christmas party is the hot cocoa and cookies that are handed out for free. Yum. For the halloween party it is the trick or treating.

Good luck convincing them to go. My husband is learning very early on the proper response is "I don't care honey whatever you want."

[jajomo0118]

We haven't been to the halloween party but we've been to the Christmas party twice and loved it. DS11 had more fun at the party than he did after spending a whole day at Magic Kingdom. It doesn't seem to be as crowded, therefor shorter lines for the more popular rides plus riding them at nights give a whole new perspective. Plus there is a special parade, firework and special shows that can't be seen any other time. Another big plus for the christmas party is the hot cocoa and cookies that are handed out for free. Yum. For the halloween party it is the trick or treating.

Good luck convincing them to go. My husband is learning very early on the proper response is "I don't care honey whatever you want."


DH really really hates amusement parks hence the reason for the Disney Cruises, I get Mickey he gets no lines. He's not a big rider either, but he does love the shows on DCL and since the MNSSHP is just one big show I think he'll go with out to big of a fight...I'll just put down my size 5's...(I know crazy small feet uh!!!...lol..I'm not a small lady but feet are!!)

I have been saying for years if they would just go they would love it, so I think that this really will be a great and cost effective way of introducing them to WDW.

[TartanTinker]

Hi Crista I am sure your dh & boys would love the MNSSHP. We have been the last 3 years and we have had so much fun. Not sure if we will go this year but if we do I was thinking on the night we get off the cruise. It would be a great end to the Holiday. Good luck in convincing them to go

[quiltymom]

Let's just say this, my DH believes the two best things out of Disney World are MNSSHP and the Food and Wine Festival, both of which are taking place in October. He wasn't raised going to Disney like I was, so although he enjoys the vacations, he isn't nutso-kooko about them like I am. So coming from him, well, it's a major thing.

MNSSHP is one big show. We saw the parade twice, and it was worth seeing twice. I caught part of the Villians Mix & Mingle while the others went for snacks, and I wish that I would've been much closer. Hallowishes is as good as they get at WDW - but not as good as the Disneyland "Dreams" fireworks. (Okay, I'm a bit biased there!) We went on a few rides, but spent lots of time getting photos & candy. I'm so looking forward to this trip!

You can also enter the MK at 4:00 the day of the party, even though the official start is 7:00, but not any sooner. We'll be in line to enter right at that time since we won't be going any other day. That way you can ride rides, or whatever you want before 7:00, when the fun begins.

On another note - I'm working on a logo for our group, using our "Wonder, Waves & Wishes" theme. I'll post the ideas once I get something worth showing to see what you think.

[Zach's Mom]

If he won't go for Magic Kingdom, you could always start him out slow with Epcot or Hollywood studios. Epcot has the Food and Wine Festival which starts the week before our cruise and has lots of great programs. Epcot is also loaded with street performs so it pays to watch the people around you.

If he like the shows, Hollywood studios (formerly MGM studios) is loaded with shows and street performers. And since it isn't that much more for a multiday pass with the park hopper option you can get him to Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours.

[jajomo0118]

You can also enter the MK at 4:00 the day of the party, even though the official start is 7:00, but not any sooner. We'll be in line to enter right at that time since we won't be going any other day. That way you can ride rides, or whatever you want before 7:00, when the fun begins.

I think this is going to be really fun, DH said "Why do you even ask, just plan it and we'll show up, its not like we are gonna let you go yourself" ...WOW...lol...how sweet!! :lmao: ...Boys drive me nuts :)

On another note - I'm working on a logo for our group, using our "Wonder, Waves & Wishes" theme. I'll post the ideas once I get something worth showing to see what you think.

Can't wait to see!! :thumbsup2

[jajomo0118]

If he won't go for Magic Kingdom, you could always start him out slow with Epcot or Hollywood studios. Epcot has the Food and Wine Festival which starts the week before our cruise and has lots of great programs. Epcot is also loaded with street performs so it pays to watch the people around you.

If he like the shows, Hollywood studios (formerly MGM studios) is loaded with shows and street performers. And since it isn't that much more for a multiday pass with the park hopper option you can get him to Magic Kingdom for a couple of hours.

Thanks ;) But he's good to go.. He will put on a happy face because the motto around this house is "IF MOMMA's NOT HAPPY NO ONE IS HAPPY" just joking (kinda..lol).

All 3 of the my men shower me with love and affection and it is a true blessing :love:. So they would do it for no other reason then to make me happy, but I really do think they will ALL love it!!! Its not like its a punishment...lol..wow!!!... imagine that story..."Can you believe my mean mom made me go to WDW after our cruise..she's so mean!!!" LMAO..:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Twinprincesses]

Here is the link for the Halloween Party at the parks http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm#tickets So how many people are doing the parks afterwards???

[quiltymom]

We are. We'll at least do MNSSHP, and if we're lucky, Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival. But I'm not pushing my luck there.

We're also going to spend the day we get off the ship at the Kennedy Space Center.

[jajomo0118]

We are doing MNSSHP our first family trip to WDW..So Exciting!!!

We had planned to drive to Atlanta on Friday (and maybe stay a day or so) and take DS Jay Edward on a tour of the Georgia Dome (he is a huge Atlanta Falcon Fan...much to his dads disgust....lol) , but received an email today saying all tours will be canceled after April for the year due to construction. So I don't know if we will hang in FL for another day or two or who knows what?

I've got some planning to do. For some reason DH (Jay) mentioned Universal? OK this was odd from the guy who didn't want to do WDW and hates when I drag him to Hershey or Six Flags..so I have no idea what to think of that? I was thinking something non-park like.... so that totally threw me for a loop!!!:rotfl:

[DCLMan]

Here is the link for the Halloween Party at the parks http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm#tickets So how many people are doing the parks afterwards???

We are doing 4 days before the cruise and then 7 days after.

[hlkeck]

We intend to stay a few days after the cruise, as well. We will be going back to MNSSHP - this will be our 2nd/3rd time! ;) We were rained out in '07, but had a good time in '08. It did rain on us a bit, but they still did most of the parade - no headless horseman to lead it off, though. :sad1:

We will be going to Sea World/Aquatica as well. We have been to the parks 4 times in the last 2 years - so, we thought we'd try a new place, but get our MK fix the night of the party.

I think someone above asked if you needed separate park tickets that night? Not really - they let you in with your party ticket at 4 pm and you have full use of everything (hve to wear a bracelet). If you want in BEFORE 4 pm, you have to have a ticket...

[jajomo0118]

I think someone above asked if you needed separate park tickets that night? Not really - they let you in with your party ticket at 4 pm and you have full use of everything (hve to wear a bracelet). If you want in BEFORE 4 pm, you have to have a ticket...

It was me...TY :)

[jajomo0118]

Doesn't this pic look fake...like its a back drop! I love it and I wanna go back so bad...6 1/2 months is way to long!!!

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/jajomo0118/castaway.jpg

[Twinprincesses]

We are doing 4 days before the cruise and then 7 days after.


How wonderful!!!!!!!!! We are only doing 3 days afterwards. Where are you staying at??

[jajomo0118]

happy friday the 13th!!!

Hope everyone is blessed with tons luck this weekend!! :wizard:


---christa---

[Zach's Mom]

As anyone nervous about being on the first cruise after dry dock. There is a thread on the main page that got me thinking about it. Personally, I am looking forward to everything extra clean and shiny but since this is my first cruise it probably would have looked that way anyway.

Jody

[jajomo0118]

When I switched to this cruise I was unaware of that fact. I remember reading some not to happy posts about the first cruise after the Magic dry dock.

I just hope all the work is done...I could really care less about updated tv and safes. I am glad that the ship will be nice and tidy tho... :)

[TartanTinker]

We are staying 4 nights Bay Lake Tower, 7 nights Saratoga Springs Resort before the cruise then 1 night Saratoga Springs Resort after the cruise. :banana: We are so looking forward to our holiday.

[Zach's Mom]

Well its final, I just booked out air fare:cool1: the passports should be here any day. (We were told it was taking about two weeks to get them back when we applied for them two weeks ago yesterday). Now all I have to do is make the final payment and we are set. We are officially flying down on Thursday the 15th and coming home the following Thursday. As much as I like going on vacation, a week without seeing my pets is about all I can take especially since they are all getting older

Has anyone done Kennedy Space Center? Out flight doesn't leave until after 5 so I was think about taking a quick trip on the way to the airport?

[jajomo0118]

As much as I like going on vacation, a week without seeing my pets is about all I can take especially since they are all getting older.

I so agree with you about the pets, we only have Snickers, he is a 5 year old scnhauzer-poodle mix and he is so apart of our family that we all feel quite guilty about leaving him...but his Nana takes really good care of her grand-puppy every time she has him..lol..heck when my boys go over to her house every morning for shcool....Snickers goes too...:)

[Twinprincesses]

As anyone nervous about being on the first cruise after dry dock. There is a thread on the main page that got me thinking about it. Personally, I am looking forward to everything extra clean and shiny but since this is my first cruise it probably would have looked that way anyway.

Jody


Nope I am excited. We were the second or third on the Magic last year after Dry Dock. It is nice knowing everything is extra clean.

[Twinprincesses]

Well its final, I just booked out air fare:cool1: ?

Who are you flying with??? We are waiting for Southwest to come out with their October rates, right now they are only booking through August. I was going to go through AirTran but by the time we pay the baggage fee for all of us each way that is an extra $200.

[DCLMan]

How wonderful!!!!!!!!! We are only doing 3 days afterwards. Where are you staying at??

We are staying at The Homewood Suites on I Drive. I couldn't afford to stay on site and cruise.

We've just got back from Disneyland Paris, a mini Disney fix. We stayed here http://www.dlp.info/Guide/Hotels/Disney-Hotels/Disneys-Hotel-New-York.asp and had a great time.

[Zach's Mom]

Who are you flying with??? We are waiting for Southwest to come out with their October rates, right now they are only booking through August. I was going to go through AirTran but by the time we pay the baggage fee for all of us each way that is an extra $200.

We are flying Airtran. When I was looking everyone was charging the baggage fee of $15 so it didn't really make a difference. I was able to get web special fares for $59 plus taxes making it $160 a ticket which to us is great since to fly out of Des Moines is over $400.

[jajomo0118]

Who are you flying with??? We are waiting for Southwest to come out with their October rates, right now they are only booking through August. I was going to go through AirTran but by the time we pay the baggage fee for all of us each way that is an extra $200.

How great would it be if Southwest ran the same deal in the Fall that they are running right now...$39 each way!!!

[Twinprincesses]

How great would it be if Southwest ran the same deal in the Fall that they are running right now...$39 each way!!!


Now if they would only get with it and run their fares... I check every single day.....

[hlkeck]

We went with AirTran. We didn't pay to pick our seats - hope that doesn't backfire since my kids will be 5 and 7 and quite unhappy if we're not sitting together.

4 of us: $715 from Ohio to MCO. thought that was pretty good - it's no $39/each way though! Wo...that IS cheap! :worship:

[DCLMan]

We went with AirTran. We didn't pay to pick our seats - hope that doesn't backfire since my kids will be 5 and 7 and quite unhappy if we're not sitting together.

4 of us: $715 from Ohio to MCO. thought that was pretty good - it's no $39/each way though! Wo...that IS cheap! :worship:

That is cheap, my plane tickets have cost about $3500 for 2 adults and 2 kids.

[matthewsmom1]

YIKES! I'm shooting for less than $200/ticket from Omaha to Orlando - including taxes... ;) I should be able to do it.....


That is cheap, my plane tickets have cost about $3500 for 2 adults and 2 kids.

[TeamTinkerbell]

What is the concern about dry dock? I guess I missed that.

[DCLMan]

What is the concern about dry dock? I guess I missed that.

From what I heard the Magic was still being worked on when the passengers embarked. All the pools were full of green water and the feeling was that the ship needed finishing off before fare paying passengers got on it.

News on the changes here http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/news.cfm?ID=1806