April 11, 2010 4 Night Cruise

[whithouston]

Anyone else joining us on the 4 Night Cruise on April 11th, 2010? It will be me, DW, and DS (23 months at time of sailing.)

Let me know and I will start keeping a list of who all is going. Feel free to put the names of the people in your party, stateroom number and where you are from!

Thanks!

Scott

[whithouston]

April 11, 2010
Disney Wonder
4 Night Bahamian Cruise

Whithouston (Scott,) DW (Christy,) and DS (Evan)--SR 5520
Calhoun, GA

[kjd469]

Hi...just booked this cruise. It will be me, DD 15 and DS 16...SR5020.

(Are you still booked in 5520, because this stateroom was still available when i booked?)

[whithouston]

Actually, we are no longer going...I teach and thought this would be my Spring Break week, but it isn't... :( We had to cancel and we are going to "The World" for a week or two in 2010.

Have fun!! :)

[dischic10]

anyone else going on this cruise?? We are first time cruisers with a 2 year old!

[U2FanHfx]

Hi All,

We will be joining you (my wife and I) and will be bringing three of our friends with us as well. They have a son 10 when we sail and this will be their first cruise ever. We naturally suggested Disney :)

CJM

[suzyqn]

If all goes well, count me in! It is so far in the future but so exciting to look forward to!

It will be me (celebrating my 40th birthday), my dh, and two daughters (ages 2 and 4).

Now I need to figure out how to get my reservation moved over to DU to get the $50 OBC.

[zalansky]

Just booked this morning. Couldn't resist the kids sail free offer.

It will be me (41 ugh) DH (40) son (7) and daughter (4).

Suzy - just call DU and they can move it over and give you that OBC. You should be able to keep your $25 OBC from Disney as well. :thumbsup2

[opraghst]

First time cruisers here. We are a family of 5 - me, my husband, 13 yr old daughter, 12 yr old daughter, and 9 yr old son. We are staying in stateroom 8054. Very excited, but a bit overwhelmed!! I'm an expert at planning our trips to the World, but this is a whole new ballgame!!

[suzyqn]

Just booked this morning. Couldn't resist the kids sail free offer.

It will be me (41 ugh) DH (40) son (7) and daughter (4).

Suzy - just call DU and they can move it over and give you that OBC. You should be able to keep your $25 OBC from Disney as well. :thumbsup2

Thanks! I got the reservation moved over. I haven't checked it but it looks like I'll be able to get both credits. That should be able to pay for babysitting at Flounders!

My almost 4 year old is starting to get very excited. I don't know if she understands how far this trip is in the future. She is still talking about the last cruise. :goodvibes

[winnyis]

My family will also be on this cruise. My family is me, DH, DD (15) and DS (12). Couldnt resist kids free offer especially when it was during spring break and my husband and daughters birthdays.

I was determined to get to 10 cruises and platinum status and this cruise will do it for us.

[zalansky]

suzyqn - glad you got everything switched over! :banana:

winnyis - You don't live too far from me! This will be your 10th Disney cruise?! :worship: This will be our fourth. We pulled the trigger because of the fact they offered this deal during Spring Break also. I think this ship will be full of Floridians!

opraghst - you will love DCL! What category is your stateroom?

We're going to head to Vero after the cruise. It will be our first time there. Excited about that!

[winnyis]

suzyqn - glad you got everything switched over! :banana:

winnyis - You don't live too far from me! This will be your 10th Disney cruise?! :worship: This will be our fourth. We pulled the trigger because of the fact they offered this deal during Spring Break also. I think this ship will be full of Floridians!

opraghst - you will love DCL! What category is your stateroom?

We're going to head to Vero after the cruise. It will be our first time there. Excited about that!

Zalansky- Where in the area do you live - I live near Mulrennan Middle School.

[zalansky]

We're right outside Seminole Heights near the zoo. So maybe 30 minutes from you. :)

[opraghst]

opraghst - you will love DCL! What category is your stateroom?



We are in category 4!

[TaylorsDad]

Add us to the list of first time cruisers. It will be me, DD11, and DW. I have been trying to read up a little on the disboards, but Have to admit to feeling a little overwhelmed. DD has Downs syndrome so is a bit behind other children her age.I dont know what challenges we will have, but know we will all have a wonderful time.

[leslie l]

We are also on this cruise, this is my first time posting so bare with me, DH, DD-8, DS-4, a friend told me to do the Fish Extender, my question is who what & when??? Has anything been set up for that?

[zalansky]

Glad to see some more added to this cruise! :cool1:

I have been on 3 Disney cruises and have no idea what a fish extender is! Someone else will know though.

leslie - My son will be 7 when we sail and our daughter is 4. Almost same ages!

[leslie l]

Zalansky-

Were in florida are you? Emma is 8 and David is 4. They like meeting new people.

[zalansky]

We're in Tampa too ;)

[leslie l]

I am in Valrico, are you near by?

[Tarabra]

We will also be on this cruise.

Tara - 43
Rob - 46
Ava 5
Jonah 2 1/2

This will be our 8th DCL. We can't wait to get back on. Although I wish it was a 7 day, but I'll take the 4 day. :thumbsup2

Zalansky - a fish extender is a little extender that attaches onto the fish outside of the stateroom, people put little trinkets in them each day. Someone will post on here everyone that is participating, and each day you will put a little goody in the other people's extenders. I've never participated, but others do. It seems like a lot of running all over the ship. If you do a search on here, you should be able to find a pic of one.

We are gty 12, so we don't know our room yet. I can answer any questions that anyone might have. It'll be a blast!

[zalansky]

leslie - we're near the lowry park zoo.

tarabra - thanks for the info on the fish extender! I wouldn't do that either. I can't worry about that kind of stuff when I am relaxing!

We wanted to do a 7 night also but this deal came out and it happens to be spring break that week so it meant not having to take the kids out of school. The 7 night will be our next cruise.

:thumbsup2

[winnyis]

I am in Valrico, are you near by?


Leslie - I am in Valrico too... right near Mulrennan Middle School.

I think this will be a floridian cruise since its spring break for Hillsborough county and a great deal at that. So glad I booked when I did- the only rooms left now are double what I paid..

[suzyqn]

I'm very impressed with all the "Veteran" DCL cruisers we have on our thread.

I am especially jealous of Ginny's upcoming Halloween cruise. I'd love to hear all about it when you return. Is this the first cruise after Dry dock? I'm excited to hear what changes have taken place.

Is it too soon to make an organized list of who all is sailing on 4/11 and ages of kids? I just thought it would be neat to keep track of everyone.

I think I saw that there were 171 days until we cruise...but whose counting. ;)

[leslie l]

Winnyis

Hi- I am on the other side of 60, off Valrico Rd, my daughter is at Valrico Elem. Do you have any children there?

[Tarabra]

Are any of you staying at WDW before or after the cruise? We are planning on spending at least 3 days there. I just wish Sat. wasn't one of them. The parks are so busy. Maybe we'll just swim that day. I think that's what we did the last time. The last time our cruise was Thurs - Sun, so we spent the week before at the parks. We are DVC members, so I'm still deciding where to stay. Saratoga Springs is great, but that is where we usually stay, so I think we will try something new.

Tara

[winnyis]

I'm very impressed with all the "Veteran" DCL cruisers we have on our thread.

I am especially jealous of Ginny's upcoming Halloween cruise. I'd love to hear all about it when you return. Is this the first cruise after Dry dock? I'm excited to hear what changes have taken place.

Is it too soon to make an organized list of who all is sailing on 4/11 and ages of kids? I just thought it would be neat to keep track of everyone.

I think I saw that there were 171 days until we cruise...but whose counting. ;)

The Halloween cruise was great - short - but great. DCL had a costume parade for the kids and trick or treating all over the ship - my son came home with 8-1/2 pounds of candy. He weighed it. They were giving out handfulls at every station. Every kids dream. All the CM's had costumes, all the characters had costumes. It was alot of fun and I would definately do it again.

The Drydock changes were cool. The Quiet Cove area is beautiful - the new addition to the Cove Cafe and the enclosure are gorgeous. Very impresive. The whole adults only area looks very classy.

We had a sideways Cat 11 for this cruise and loved it - so much more space than a normal cat 11.

[winnyis]

Winnyis

Hi- I am on the other side of 60, off Valrico Rd, my daughter is at Valrico Elem. Do you have any children there?

My kids are now in Mulrennan (6th grade) and Durant (9th grade)
They both went to Nelson Elementary

[zalansky]

Are any of you staying at WDW before or after the cruise? We are planning on spending at least 3 days there. I just wish Sat. wasn't one of them. The parks are so busy. Maybe we'll just swim that day. I think that's what we did the last time. The last time our cruise was Thurs - Sun, so we spent the week before at the parks. We are DVC members, so I'm still deciding where to stay. Saratoga Springs is great, but that is where we usually stay, so I think we will try something new.

Tara



We're DVC members too. We have been to the parks a lot this year so we decided to try Vero beach after the cruise - I have had enough park time for a while, plus like you said I have a feeling the parks will be crowded. We've always wanted to try Vero so we're excited.

[winnyis]

bumping up.

[IrishCowboy]

Have a great cruise! :thumbsup2

[zalansky]

Well, now that Xmas decorations are all down in my house, the next thing on my list of to-do's is .......what else? Obsess over the upcoming cruise in 15 weeks! I believe we lowly silver members can start pre-booking Palo and spa ressies on the 11th which is a week from tomorrow. I went ahead and paid our balance so we are good to go. Anyone else planning on Palo? I am thinking we will book it for the 2nd night since the 3rd night is pirate night and we don't want to miss that.

What do you all have planned and what dinner seating do you have?

[winnyis]

Hi all - my family has decided to cancel this cruise and go to Hawaii for spring break instead. I found a great deal on airfare that we could not pass up. My kids didnt even hesitate when I asked their opinion (they wanted a break from DCL - I guess that happens after 9 cruises) so I know we made the right choice. I guess I will have to wait until 8/2011 when we sail on the Dream to make platinum status.

I hope you all have a terrific cruise.

Aloha!!

[zalansky]

winnyis - I am jealous! Have a great time in Hawaii, thats a trip we want to do when our kids get older...

[suzyqn]

I booked my Palo and Flounders reservations last night (at midnight [insert sleepy icon) so now I am officially excited!!!!

We chose to book Palo on the Pirate Night. Hopefully, we'll catch the Pirate Night dining experience on our next cruise since this is our first 4-night one. My princesses were not quite sure about the whole pirate thing to begin with so this way they won't be stressing about dinner. (silly I know but they are little)

Anyone else book their reservations yet? Anyone doing any excursions?

[zalansky]

I just booked our Palo reservation this morning for the 2nd night. We don't want to miss Pirate night, our kids love it. We won't book any excursions, we just plan on going with the flow. 13 weeks, woo hoo!

I did register the kids for Oceaneer Club and was happy to see they will be in the same one even though they will probably not stay with one another. It was different, not having to worry about Flounders this time around.

[suzyqn]

Zalansky - I saw that you also have a 4 year old dd. My 4 yr old can not stop talking about this trip. It helps that we went last April so she really remembers details.

Last cruise we basically ate, played in the pool/splash area, napped, ate, and slept. The 3 night just went way too fast. That 2-3 hour nap the girls took in the middle of the day really ate into things but it was necessary.

This time I want to get Bella (4yrs) to more of the planned kids activities. I am wondering if I can take my 2 year old with us if I stay with them. I saw a puppet show in a Dec. Navigator that my littlest one would like.

This time we are also going to skip the show the first night since dh and I have seen it 3 times. Hopefully, that will set a slower pace for the trip. We still want to see Toy Story and Disney Dreams, however.

We planned on not cruising until our 2 year old was old enough for the kid's club but this Kid's Sail Free along with my birthday seemed too good to pass up. We have first seating this time so our Flounder's Reseverations were a bit trickier than last time. Our little one didn't join us for dinner last time (second seating) so it made it easy. This time we are trying to change it up so we have different experiences. (Our last 3 cruises we got the same dining rotation)

OK, I am rambling. Can you tell that I want to talk about the cruise?

[zalansky]

Ramble away, because all I can do is think about the cruise today too. I know its because of the booking window opening up that got us going!

Which night is Toy Story? Thats the only show we have not seen. I am questioning my Palo reservation now, maybe I should move it back an hour if its night #2.

This is the first cruise we will be on that we won't have to worry about naps. :worship: On the flip side of that, the kids will be so active that come dinner, they should be a handful.

If you plan on using the club for your DD we should plan to try and introduce our kids the first time we check them in - so that it might help them feel like they have a friend. Sometimes my daughter is totally fine with a new situation and then again, she might freak when we drop her off. You never know!

[suzyqn]

Ramble away, because all I can do is think about the cruise today too. I know its because of the booking window opening up that got us going!

Which night is Toy Story? Thats the only show we have not seen. I am questioning my Palo reservation now, maybe I should move it back an hour if its night #2.

This is the first cruise we will be on that we won't have to worry about naps. :worship: On the flip side of that, the kids will be so active that come dinner, they should be a handful.

If you plan on using the club for your DD we should plan to try and introduce our kids the first time we check them in - so that it might help them feel like they have a friend. Sometimes my daughter is totally fine with a new situation and then again, she might freak when we drop her off. You never know!

Thanks for sharing in my rambling excitment! Toy Story is on the second night. We saw it in the spring and really thought it was great. I have heard others that did not share in our positive reviews. It did not keep my youngest engaged as well as the other shows did (since the scenes were a bit longer) so I think we will put her in Flounders for that night. It makes me feel a little guilty but I am trying to create for myself a really fun birthday that day since I am not loving the age.

My dd is all about having a friend to meet. I told her that there would be another 4 year old on the ship that she could be friends with and she wanted to know all about her. I laughed and told her the girl is 4 - that is all I know. That was enough to make her happy :) Here is a link to our trip report which has lots of pictures of Bella in it. I just looked and am amazed how much she has grown in 9 months. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2189789

[U2FanHfx]

WE are all booked for excursions and Palo. We will be doing Palo on the third night, however our friends were not so lucky so we are going to try our luck at having them join us on-board. We are going to be flexible about Nassau and see what is available on-board and tickles our fancy. For Castaway Cay, we are going to enjoy the Single Rider Watercraft Tour. We have wanted to do this for some time and finally have the opportunity. We are really getting excited and trying to share our excitment with our friends. We are going to be staying at Vero Beach the night before and a few days at Disney World afterwards so it's two trips in one.

Really looking forward to this trip!

[zalansky]

WE are all booked for excursions and Palo. We will be doing Palo on the third night, however our friends were not so lucky so we are going to try our luck at having them join us on-board. We are going to be flexible about Nassau and see what is available on-board and tickles our fancy. For Castaway Cay, we are going to enjoy the Single Rider Watercraft Tour. We have wanted to do this for some time and finally have the opportunity. We are really getting excited and trying to share our excitment with our friends. We are going to be staying at Vero Beach the night before and a few days at Disney World afterwards so it's two trips in one.

Really looking forward to this trip!

Congrats, but I hope you can join your friends once on board.

I am surprised we don't have more cruisers popping in, because this ship should be almost full (if not totally full) due to the fact we sail the week of Spring Break for florida residents. Enjoy Vero! We can't wait to try it also. What a great trip you have planned for your crew.

[suzyqn]

Zalansky - thanks for your message. Hopefully, you got mine. I finally figured out how to get e-mail when I get a PM.

U2FanHfx - Sounds like you are all set! We are also booked for Palo on the third night. Hopefully, your friends will get to enjoy it also. If they join you at Palo I would think they'd be able to get a reservation. Happy planning!


I also thought we'd have more people. My friend tried to book on the same cruise recently and could not get a reservation :(

[Tarabra]

Hello...I'm back. Haven't checked in in awhile. I have a 5 year old DD who would love to meet the other kids too.

We are could've booked Palo back in Dec., but I haven't paid off my trip yet. Waiting until the last minute to get every cent of interest in my bank account!! lol! I will try to book Palo on Pirate Night just because we have late seating and it's usually not that crowded on Pirate Night. We'll go to the Pirate Party afterwards. If we don't get Palo reservations, no biggie. I've never had a problem getting in. There are always cancellations or we just book that day.

As far as Nassau is concerned, we aren't planning on getting off the ship due to the recent robberies. If we do get off, we might take the water taxi to Atlantis and hit the beach, but that's it.

Getting really excited!

Tara

[zalansky]

Hi tarabra!

Our plan is to not get off the ship in Nassau either. Unless we hop off to stroll around the straw market to hear the calypso bands and have our kids beg us for 1000 junky items - and have 10,000 bahamians ask us to buy it! :upsidedow

We took a cab last time we cruised - over to Atlantis and hit the beach there. We got roped into paying $30 for one lounge chair and also an umbrella and I forget how much we paid for that. But the wind was bad that day so we couldn't even bring the kids in the water. Funny story that was not so funny at the time was the kids (2 & 5 at the time) ran ahead of us on the beach and some bahamian offered them fruit drinks in a coconut and of course they said yes. :headache: He made them so fast before we could say no, he then demanded $35 from us. I was NOT happy! But at the same time we were on their turf and I was not looking for trouble...so we paid it and learned our lesson. Needless to say I will be happy to stay on the ship this go around.

[Tarabra]

That's horrible about the $35 drinks. What a ripoff. Yea, I remember even when I went as a teenager, they drove you nuts on the beach. "$1 lady" all day long. Must've been necklaces. The straw market is just as annoying. My hair isn't as long as it usually is. That's usually another pain getting bugged about the braids!

Tara

[suzyqn]

We are also staying put on the ship other than CC. I was actually excited to do the Segway tour. It is something I've always wanted to do. Unfortunately, the armed robbery that took place on that tour a few months back kind of ruined any thoughts of that. I am not very adventurous to begin with and the idea of leaving my girls on the ship made me a little nervous so we will just enjoy our time on the ship.

Those better have been some really good drinks for $35. Yikes!

[Tarabra]

I'm so excited...I got my Palo ressies. We're doing the brunch on the sea day, and dinner on Nassau night. Love the brunch.

[suzyqn]

I'm so excited...I got my Palo ressies. We're doing the brunch on the sea day, and dinner on Nassau night. Love the brunch.

Congrats! Isn't fun to know your plans. I wish they'd tell us our dining rotation ahead of time so we can REALLY plan.

This is our first cruise that had the Palo brunch. Part of me is disappointed to miss is but the dinners are so big I can't imagine having such a big lunch. We'd also have to deal with childcare. Maybe we'll catch in next time when both girls are old enough for the clubs.

[leslie l]

Hi Everyone, we are too on this cruise, I posted something a bit ago and have not been on since, please post if there is going to be a meet and greet, is that what it is called? This is our first cruise so help me out, we have 2kids Emma-8 and David-4. Thanks, looking forward to this, can't wait.

[degrapevine]

Hi, all! We are another Florida family on Spring Break cruising on the Wonder. We've been booked since last summer and I am just finally getting around to posting on the meet thread ...

We are a family of 5, Me (Rose, 40), DH (David, 43), DS (Eric, 15), DS (Patrick, 11), and DD (Gina, 9). This is my 9th DCL cruise (have gone on a few w/my Mom and just DH or DD) and first this year (will go on another in Dec w/DH and then the Dream next year!). Usually, we book connecting Cat 10's for our family, but with the Kids Sail Free deal it was a little bit less expensive to book a Cat 4. So, for the first time, we are all in one room, but with a verandah. I'm sure we'll love the verandah, but we may all want to throw each other overboard by the 4th night!

I've done FE exchanges on most of my past cruises as well as organized meets, so if you are interested in doing that, I'd be willing to put a master list together. For the shorter cruises, we've just had one list of all the cabins/families for the FE exchange and then you choose how often you want to "gift" the other participants. It's completely up to you, once a day, or once (or more) per cruise. It doesn't look like we'd have a huge list based on this thread so far, but we can always see how many are interested and set a cut off date so everyone can start getting their gifts together. We've received all sorts of great gifts in the past, such as regional candies, postcards, magnets, and keychains, practical "emergency kits" with things like highlighters, safety pins, bandaids, zip ties, and notepads, homemade crafts, ornaments, Pirate Night goodies, beach balls, Disney themed items for the kids, etc ... You get the idea - It's really whatever you'd like to give out.

Leslie, I'm so glad you, David, and the kids are joining us! I just know Gina will love showing Emma around. I'm sorry Winnyis' family cancelled - Her son goes to school w/Patrick and her daughter goes to school w/Eric. It was nice knowing they already had some built-in buddies. If anyone else has kids the same age as mine, let me know and maybe we can get them emailing before the cruise. On past cruises, we've done a meet on embarkation day at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge. It's a good time, after most everyone's had lunch and checked out their staterooms, but before the muster drill. The Promenade Lounge is just off the atrium, on Deck 3, just around the corner from Triton's and Guest Services. It's a good location to meet, much better than trying to find everyone by the pool.

So, if you'd like to join an FE exchange and our group meet, just post your DIS user name, family name/members with ages (just kids' ages is fine!), stateroom number, and then let me know if it's yes to both the FE and the meet or just one or the other. I've started a post below and will add to it as others post their information. I'm putting everyone's information who is sailing that posts it, whether they are doing the FE or not, so we can see kids' ages for possible "buddies" in the Kids Clubs. Also, if anyone has any questions about the Wonder, just ask away! I'm sure I've encountered most of what anyone might be wondering about ...

Happy planning!
Rose :)

[degrapevine]

Hey, everyone!
Here's the list of everyone sailing on the April 11th 4 Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder
(and for the FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet ONLY if indicated)
(Meet will be at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge, Deck 3):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
kjd469
Self, DD15, DS16
Stateroom #5020
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dischic10
Self (25), DH (26), DD2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U2FanHfx
Self, DW + 3 Friends/DS10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
suzyqn
Suzy (40), DH, DD4, DD2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
zalansky
Self (41), DH (40), DS7, DD4
Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
opraghst
Self, DH, DD13, DD12, DS9
Stateroom #8054
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TaylorsDad
Self, DW, DD11 (Taylor)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
lesliel
Leslie, DH (David), DD8 (Emma), DS4 (David)
Stateroom #2136
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tarabra
Tara (43), Rob (46), DD5 (Ava), DS2 (Jonah)
Stateroom #Cat 12 GTY
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel51201
The Snyder Family
Diane and DD8 (Brianna)
Stateroom #5622
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TahjsmansMum
Self, DH, DS15, DD11
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ychcjbn1
Self (36), DH (37), DS7, DD4, DD3 and Mom and StepDad
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
twoandtwins
John, Donna, Madysen (DD10), and Taylor (DD10)
Stateroom #1034
FE Gift Exchange
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
twoandtwins (2nd cabin)
Chelsea (DD18), Michelle (18), Mitch (18), and Anthony (17)
Stateroom #1036
FE Gift Exchange
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cornwald
Kevin (42), Jill (43) , Noah (12), Hannah (12)
Stateroom #6050
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
jestersgypsy
Bob (58), Cindy (46), and Ashley (10)
Stateroom #8560
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
debfromALa
Deb, DH, DD7, DS5 (Almost)
Stateroom #2132
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disneynut64
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okiegal
Tonya, DH, DS9, DD7 (Almost)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
degrapevine
The Devine Family
David (43), Rose (40), Eric (15), Patrick (11), and Gina (9)
Stateroom #8512
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Tarabra]

Congrats! Isn't fun to know your plans. I wish they'd tell us our dining rotation ahead of time so we can REALLY plan.

This is our first cruise that had the Palo brunch. Part of me is disappointed to miss is but the dinners are so big I can't imagine having such a big lunch. We'd also have to deal with childcare. Maybe we'll catch in next time when both girls are old enough for the clubs.

Last time I ended up going by myself because my husband decided to watch our DD, (20 months at the time). We had done Palo for dinner one of the nights and she sort of freaked out at Flounders. It was just because she was SOOOO tired, but we didn't want to take a chance. I think I enjoyed the brunch more than the dinner. I don't remember being quite as stuffed. lol! My son is 2 1/2 and potty trained, so he will be able to go to the kids' club w/ my daughter who is now 5. Very excited about that. How old are your kids?


Rose...thanks so much for putting together the list. that is great. We are on DCL number 8 too.

Tara

[Angel51201]

Anyone else joining us on the 4 Night Cruise on April 11th, 2010? It will be me, DW, and DS (23 months at time of sailing.)

Let me know and I will start keeping a list of who all is going. Feel free to put the names of the people in your party, stateroom number and where you are from!

Thanks!

Scott

Hi All,
We're from western NC but we plan to be with y'all on Apr 11-15. We are: Mom-Diane & DD8, Brianna Snyder. Brianna would love to meet some other children her age to pal around with. Any single parents/kids on this trip? We're in room #2576, cat 9.

[degrapevine]

Welcome, Diane! Scott was originally going to do a list, but his family had to cancel b/c his Spring Break as a teacher didn't line up with this cruise date. So, I have a list going (just a few posts up) and I've added your and Brianna's information to the list of those sailing on the 4/11 4 Night Cruise. My daughter Gina is 9 and will be in the same age grouping, so we should plan to have them meet on Embarkation Day at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge. Gina has two older brothers, so she really loves getting to spend time with other girls instead of her "stinky" brothers! We look forward to meeting you both.

Please, anyone interested in either joining an FE exchange (we can only do it if there is a good sized group, even 4-5 can make it fun) or taking part in a meet, post or PM me to let me know. I know as we get closer, more cruisers will be posting, but if you know you'd like to do either, let's get that list going!

74 days and counting ...
Rose :)

[Angel51201]

Thanks Degrapevine. Brianna's a little shy to meet new people (she says), but excited to also, so we look forward to meeting you guys at the meet & greet. Brianna would like to email your daughter if possible.

We want to be included with the FE, probably just once/trip, but will depend on how many people participate, we may change to once/day.

Thank you for getting the list together.

Diane

[Tarabra]

With the winter storm heading our way, I felt the need to start looking at bathing suits. :rotfl2: I found a couple of really cute ones on the Newport News site. I knew they were owned by Spiegel, but I found the same ones on the Spiegel site too. Now i have to decide whether I want the suit for my body type now or my hopeful body type by April!!! lol! :lmao: Lots of mix and match types. It's really putting me in the mood for cruising.

[TahjmansMum]

Hi there, we are first time cruisers with DVC going on the Wonder on the 11th April. At the moment it is a surprise but we would like to get in touch with other kids nearer the time. We live in England.

DS is 15 and DD is 11. DD is more sociable than DS at the moment as DS is a typical teen!

All tips gratefully received. Thanks.

[suzyqn]

I don't think I can commit to the FE right now but maybe things will change.

This cruise now has a lot more meaning as I have had to temporarily relocate to another state (one that had a blizzard today :( ) and care for my mother-in-law who is on home hospice care. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and although I am exhausted (and no longer have time to read the main DIS board ) I look forward to this cruise even more.

I am bummed that I don't think I'll be able to lose the pounds that I wanted to lose beforehand - unfortunately, even though I am constantly moving I am eating all the junk people keep bringing. :scared1:

Anyway, I probably won't be on too much but I am still super excited. The cruise now seems like something so far off.

[zalansky]

Suzy - I sent you a PM. Thanks for checking in with us, my heart goes out to you and your family. :hug:

[Tarabra]

Sorry to hear that Suzy. It'll be here before you know it.

[ychcjbn1]

We've booked this 4 day cruise and our kids (3,4, and 7) are ecstatic! They can't wait to see the big ship and all of the Disney characters. My mom and step-dad will be joining us too. It's a first for the whole family. Woo Hoo! We're exactly 2 months out as of today. Who's excited? :cool1:

[zalansky]

Welcome ychcjbn1! We're all excited here! I checked my reservation online today, just to see on the slight chance I had a room assignment. Not yet.

I have a 7 year old DS and a 4 year old DD.

The weeks are flying by. It will be here before we know it. :banana:

[Tarabra]

We've booked this 4 day cruise and our kids (3,4, and 7) are ecstatic! They can't wait to see the big ship and all of the Disney characters. My mom and step-dad will be joining us too. It's a first for the whole family. Woo Hoo! We're exactly 2 months out as of today. Who's excited? :cool1:


Glad you joined us over here.

Has everyone booked flights yet? I haven't. I'm one of those wait until the last minute flyers. I always get better deals that way. We have 2 airports close by, and the closest has 3 flights per day to Orlando. Usually not a problem. I don't wait too long, but don't book months in advance.

[U2FanHfx]

Our flights have been booked since June 26, 2009! lol

We did have a major schedule change this week so we called the airline and ended up sweet talking our way into much better flight times for us. Basically more time in Florida, less time on a plane, in an airport or home in Canada. :)

Hope everyone is having a great day.

[ychcjbn1]

We are driving from NC for this cruise. My grandparents have a home in Orlando and we'll be staying with them the night before the cruise and hopefully one more night once the cruise ends. I feel like the time will totally fly on a 4 day cruise though! So much to do and not enough time, you know? Is anyone doing an excursion in Nassau? We debated over and over about what to do and have decided on the dolphin encounter. Although I'm shuttering at the cost. Has anyone ever done this before and have info to share? I think we're 59 days out today! :yay:

[degrapevine]

Hey, everybody! Only 8 weeks to go ... If you are interested in joining the FE exchange, please let me know. On such a short cruise, it's really easy (you can choose just to do just one gift per stateroom) and the kids just love it. Also, we are planning a meet at 3 PM on embarkation day in the Promenade Lounge and would really like to see as many families as possible show up.

Suzy, I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL and hope that you can look forward to the cruise as a means of rest for you. It will be here before we know it!

Welcome to the new cruisers posting - I added you to our growing list and hope to meet many of you. Any questions you have, please let us know. There are quite a few seasoned cruisers on this thread.

ychcjbn1 - I took my DD (then 6) on the Dolphin Encounter in Nassau. It is truly a once in a lifetime thing and the pictures we had taken are still on her wall. She loves to tell everyone how she swam (even though we just did the encounter, not the swim) with the dolphins. I would definitely take your 7 year old to do the encounter. The younger ones may not be quite ready (I don't remember the minimum age - They may just have to observe?) and it might not be worth the $. Some of the younger kids when we went (granted it was Dec.) didn't want to get in the water (you stand on a platform, but there's really no rail to hold on to) and weren't really enjoying it. But for my DD, it was amazing!

I sure hope we have an uneventful cruise compared to those on this weekend's cruises both leaving and arriving at PC. What a mess! But it looks like DCL is doing all it can to insure the safety of their passengers and ship as well as keep everyone happy. We missed CC on our cruise this past Dec. and know how disappointed our fellow cruisers were. I really feel for the people that were supposed to leave today and missed a day as well as visiting a whole port. But you can't control the weather!

Tarabra - My kids would love to be stuck in a snow storm right now! They are complaining (my two younger ones, not the moody teenager!) how everyone in the country is getting snow except for us. We are getting the cold (or at least cold for FL in the 30's), but no snow. They keep asking if we can drive to the panhandle to see some snow. Maybe if it was a bit closer. Oh well, you can't always get what you want, that's for sure!

Happy Valentine's Day to all ... and happy cruise planning!
Rose :)

[Tarabra]

Hey Rose ~ is your last name Devine? I have friends' whose last name is Devine. Actually the girl's last name was Devine and her husband took HER last name because it was so cool. Needless to say, they are divorced and he still has Devine as his last name. His first wife's name was Julia Devine and his 2nd wife is now Julie Devine! Definitely odd....but that's just the way this guy is. You'd expect nothing less. :goodvibes

Your kids can have the snow...we still have 13 inches out there. But it's so pretty. The roads are clear so it's not biggie.

As far as Nassau...last time we didn't even get off the ship. We did a double dip and didn't get a sea day, so we used that day as a sea day. My son was 9 months so we didn't want to be dragging two strollers around. I was looking at the Hilton. http://www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com/NassauHiltonResortPass.htm They have a day pass for the beach and pool and $30 food and drink voucher. It would cost us $80 for the day. The kids are free at this age. It's within walking distance of the ship so hopefully pretty safe considering the recent armed robberies on Nassau. I'm a little leery about leaving the ship. We'll play it by ear.

[ychcjbn1]

We are only taking our certified birth certificates and driver's license for this cruise. Can someone confirm that we DON'T need passports? It would cost hundreds of dollars for our party of 7 to get these. My mom is so afraid that we do need them, but DH spoke directly with a Disney agent who said that was all we need. I just wondered if any of you are only taking your birth certificates instead of passports. That would ease her mind and hopefully she can stop worrying about it. Thanks! :confused3

[zalansky]

We are only taking our certified birth certificates and driver's license for this cruise. Can someone confirm that we DON'T need passports? It would cost hundreds of dollars for our party of 7 to get these. My mom is so afraid that we do need them, but DH spoke directly with a Disney agent who said that was all we need. I just wondered if any of you are only taking your birth certificates instead of passports. That would ease her mind and hopefully she can stop worrying about it. Thanks! :confused3

My husband and I have passports from when we went to Mexico so we'll use those, but my kids will only have birth certificates. That's all you need. People will post on the cruise thread that you need a passport to leave the country if there is a medical emergency etc., but what is the likelihood that is really going to happen?

[zalansky]

:cool1: We leave 7 weeks from today! :cool1:

[degrapevine]

Hi, all!

Yes, Tara - My last name is Devine, although we don't have any family in Ohio! It is my husband's last name, decidedly less Italian than my maiden name, Brescia, but much easier to pronounce.

We had a high of 77 today, so I guess our "Winter" spell is over. I know my DH would hate having to shovel snow, but it would be so nice to see the white stuff for once!

On past cruises to Nassau, we've done the Dolphin Encounter, Pirate Museum, Ardastra Gardens, City Tour, and the Atlantis Aquarium and Dig. We live so close to Aquatica and Adventure Island that it just seems silly to pay so much to do the water slides at Atlantis and Castaway Cay day is enough beach for us. The last few times, we've just gotten off the boat to go to the Welcome Center, Rum Cake place, and a bit of shopping. This trip, I think we'll do the same for a few hours, then head back to enjoy the ship. I've had enough of Nassau!

We've been on eight cruises with just birth certificates and haven't had any problems. For a family of five, passports are a chunk of $ that we can spend on other things. So we are just sailing without them for now until they are absolutely required (or we go to Europe!).

Less than 50 days to go ... Please let me know if you are interested in the FE exchange. There are just two cabins right now and the more, the merrier!

Rose :)

[suzyqn]

Hi All! I'm back and decided to check my DCL reservation. It looks like we have been assigned a room. Has anyone else received their room reservation? I am a bit bummed because we received great upgrades the last 2 cruises and it looks like this time we are assigned a Cat. 11. (booked Cat. 11 GTY) I am just hoping that all 4 of us fit ok since we are unsure if we are going to use a pack-n-play.

Now that it is almost March, I am really look forward to planning our trip.

[zalansky]

Welcome back Suzy!

I just checked our reservation and we were also assigned a room. We booked a GTY Cat 10 and thats what we got. I am happy about that because I wanted a 10....however, we are on deck 1 where there are not many rooms at all and on the same deck as where everyone tenders. I am not too sure about this!

[suzyqn]

We were on Deck 1 last spring. Reviews said our room would be a bit noisy and it was at times but it was not because of people but some machine sounding thing. The halls were very quiet and because we were midship no one came through that area to enter/leave the ship. (forgot my cruise terms this morning ;) )

I wonder if any more changes will be made with room assignments. This seems early to me. I think we received our room assignments exactly 30 days before our cruise last time. I don't know how long ago our room was assigned as I haven't checked in at least a month.

[U2FanHfx]

Hi All,

We were just informed by our Travel Agent that we were upgraded from a Cat 6 to a Cat 5 stateroom. First time ever upgraded for us even if it is only a small one :)

Regs,

CJM

[zalansky]

U2FanHfx - :cool1: Way to go, congrats!

suzy - thanks for the reassurance. Every little bit helps!

[TaylorsDad]

Hello, anyone else doing a back to back on the wonder? I dont know much about this process, but we had never cruised before and thought with the Kids sail free promotion this would give Me, DD, and DW a chance to see if we like cruising.
Anyone else here doing the dolphin encounter this cruise? We booked the early one, hope the water is warm. I hope DD likes the encounter, it truly seems like a wonderful experience. Any tips from you experienced cruisers would be greatly appreciated.

[Angel51201]

We've booked the dolphin encounter too. I'm with you, hope it's WARM. I'm a little concerned, but looking forward to it.

[Angel51201]

Rose, will you please update us to room 5622? Thanks!

Angel51201
The Snyder Family
Diane and DD8 (Brianna)
Stateroom #2576
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet

[ychcjbn1]

Anyone else here doing the dolphin encounter this cruise? We booked the early one, hope the water is warm. I hope DD likes the encounter, it truly seems like a wonderful experience. Any tips from you experienced cruisers would be greatly appreciated.

We are also on this cruise and we're doing the early dolphin encounter as well. From what I've read, it looks like the water should be warm enough by April. May I ask how old your DD is? We are doing the dolphin encounter with all three of our kids. DH wouldn't have it any other way! :) our kids are 3, almost 5, and 7. I'm worried that they won't all be excited to do this. Especially our 3 year old. Guess we'll see. Hope you have a great time!

[leslie l]

Hi

Hi Rose, we are in state room#2136, can't wait. Getting closer.

[Tarabra]

THanks for the heads up on the room assignments. I've always gotten them 30 days exactly before cruising, so this was a nice surprise. We got a slight upgrade from a 12 to an 11, but that's expected. We've only been upgraded once in 8 cruises and that was way early on from an 11 to a 10. Not a big deal. We don't spend that much time in the room anyway.

As far as the dolphin excursion, I've never done one, but I'm sure it would be great. My kids are 2 1/2 and 5, and I KNOW my 5 year old would FREAK out. She was going crazy today over a ladybug! :confused3 She's at that "afraid of everything" stage right now, and that is just WAY too much money to waste. Hope you have fun.

Tara

[degrapevine]

Woo hoo!

I just wanted to let anyone who is a FL Resident to know that I received a call today from our travel agent with the news that our cruise is now a FL Resident Rate sailing. We are now saving another $423 over our already great rate from the Kids Sail Free! We booked a Cat 4 for our family of 5 since it worked out cheaper than 2 Cat 10's, which we normally book, because of getting all 3 kids free rather than just one. But now, we get to enjoy the balcony room and get an extra discount! So, if you are a FL Resident, call your travel agent or DCL NOW to get the rate adjustment. I know I had read somewhere on the board that they would not do adjustments after final payment, but that's not the case for us. Also, our cruise can't be full (although it's Spring Break for many FL counties) with the FL Resident rate popping up. I also had a friend who had a request for available staterooms on our cruise get a call, too - and she booked! More fun for all.

... Now get moving on those FE gifts. We want more of you to get involved in both the exchange and the meet. Please let me know if you are interested.

Rose :)

[zalansky]

degrapevine - THANK YOU for posting this info! I am going to call my travel agent tomorrow. We had this happen on our last cruise too after we'd made full payment and they refunded us the difference. Ours isn't much, but it almost $100 less so her - thats play money! :thumbsup2 What a great travel agent you have that called you to let you know.

[suzyqn]

degrapevine - you beat me to it! I just got an e-mail from DU saying that we were getting a credit for the FL Resident rate.

Makes me wonder if there was one when we sailed last year but we just didn't know since we booked directly through DCL. Our savings was only $102 but I'll take it! To be able to take advantage of the Kids Sail Free & FL Resident really rocks!

We also received our cruise document booklet (or whatever they call it) yesterday with our luggage tags. I'm still a little bummed about not getting an upgrade but as someone else mentioned, there are not guarantees. Getting an upgrade 2 out of 4 cruises isn't too bad.

Anyone else in shopping mode yet? It has been hard to get excited since it has been so chilly but I am looking forward to doing some shopping (by myself)

Has any ever rented bikes at CC? I am hoping the kids can sit in a carrier on the back of each bike(if they have them) but I haven't ever done that and I wasn't sure if my 4 year old would be too big for something like that.

[zalansky]

We are with DU also and they didn't email me about the price change. Oh well. I emailed them!

Here's what we did. I changed from a Category 10 to a Category 9 room. DH wanted the porthole badly, I didn't - kind of wanted to sleep in the mornings. But we were able to upgrade our room (stayed on Deck 1) and we also got almost $50 back too. I am thrilled.

I love being a Florida resident!!! :yay:

We also got our cruise docs today from DCL with luggage tags etc. I just emailed DU to see if we can get a new one with our new stateroom. I am so excited!!!

[suzyqn]

Zalansky - Do you or anyone else have the number for DU? I might have to find out if there are any upgrades available to get us out of the dark :)

EDITED to ADD: I found it at the DU website. For some reason I had it in my head that this was a difficult number to obtain.

[zalansky]

Zalansky - Do you or anyone else have the number for DU? I might have to find out if there are any upgrades available to get us out of the dark :)

EDITED to ADD: I found it at the DU website. For some reason I had it in my head that this was a difficult number to obtain.

It is! I called the number and they told me that number is only for making payments. I had to email them and hope I got the change. it was a stressful day, I was concerned that people would start booking the available rooms when they released the good rates! I just had to email them again about an hour ago because I realized that the Cat 9's on deck 1 have 2 small portholes instead of one large one. We want one big one. long story short (too late for that right?) we did get moved up to deck 2 to a room with a large porthole. Again I am happy. To get to a Cat. 9 for less money AND get a little money back - awesome!

Suzy - did you call them?

[suzyqn]

It is! I called the number and they told me that number is only for making payments. I had to email them and hope I got the change. it was a stressful day, I was concerned that people would start booking the available rooms when they released the good rates! I just had to email them again about an hour ago because I realized that the Cat 9's on deck 1 have 2 small portholes instead of one large one. We want one big one. long story short (too late for that right?) we did get moved up to deck 2 to a room with a large porthole. Again I am happy. To get to a Cat. 9 for less money AND get a little money back - awesome!

Suzy - did you call them?

Your hard work and stress definitely paid off. Yes, you are right, the phone number does nothing event though it says under the number, "Existing customers can use this number to make inquiries about, or changes to their current reservations with Dreams."

I did hear back and the only option for us was Cat. 9 Deck 1 (and I even asked about a verandah cabin for the heck of it.) I think it was $100 more for the Cat. 9 Deck 1 which mean it would cost what we originally paid for the Cat. 11 before the FL Resident. I think we are going to keep our Cat. 11 Deck 6.

Although I think Deck 1 is fine, we did have a slightly smell and slightly noisy room last Spring. It would be our luck to be stuck with it again. ;)

EDITED TO ADD: Cat 9 Deck 1 was the only stateroom available to upgrade to with the Florida Resident deal. (I missed the FL Resident deal part the first time.)

[princess22]

Just wanted to say that we will be joining you on the April 11 cruise!!! I'm super excited, just booked today =) It's going to be my mom, myself and my two year old daughter!

[zalansky]

princess22 - congrats on booking today! By chance are you a Fl resident? ;)

I ask because it appears as if all the remaining rooms were booked today. We called DCL after changing to that big porthole - because I got on the room reviews here on the DIS and the room we had on deck 2 had reviews of horrible engine noise. People being woken up at 3am when docking and never ending noise. Couldn't have that so luckily DU was able to get us back down to deck 1 with the double portholes. I drove those poor agents crazy today.

Anyway, when I called DCL they told me they had 2 cat 9's left and that was it. Gonna be a full ship now. :thumbsup2

[princess22]

Yup! I'm a Florida Resident!! :goodvibes

We are on deck 2. Rm 2100. I'm not too worried about engine noise. To each their own. I think I'd prefer the big window and can handle the engine noise. :)

I guess I bookd just in time huh!? I'm so excited to be going during a time that isn't a school break. I'm a teacher and have never taken a vacation during the school year!

[zalansky]

princess22 - your room is not near where the alleged engine noise has been reported ;) I was in 2648. If you look at room reports here on the DIS, all the rooms in that area complained of really bad noise at early hours. I am a light sleeper, no way could I have that!

We're in Hillsborough county and that week is our Spring break. It worked out for us so I didn't have to take my son out of school.

[Tarabra]

Great news for all of you Florida residents. What a great deal! Even though our price hasn't dropped, my husband got the biggest bonus he's every gotten in today's paycheck. Woohoo! It couldn't have come at a better time. He works for a bank and the pay raises and bonuses have been few and far between. And NO he's not a big executive or CEO so this isn't in the hundreds of thousands or millions!!! haha!! FAR from it!! I'm getting so excited.

A friend of a friend on Facebook had the DCL logo as her profile pic, so I asked her about it. She's leaving tomorrow on a 7 day. I'm so jealous. I really want to do the 7 day. The 4 day is just soooo short. But hey, with the kids sail free, we couldn't pass it up.

Our weather here in Ohio is getting bright and sunny so it's really putting me in the mood. Can't wait.

Tara

[princess22]

Where in Hillsborough county are you!? I'm in Polk County (Winter Haven)

[zalansky]

Where in Hillsborough county are you!? I'm in Polk County (Winter Haven)

Tampa, not too far from the Lowry Park Zoo. :)

Oh yeah - we leave 5 weeks from today!!!!

[twoandtwins]

Hello everybody! We just booked the April 11th sailing on the Wonder. I cant wait!

It will be Me, DH and 2 10 yr old DD's and 1 18 yr DD and her 3 friends.

See you on board!

Donna

P.S. Rose........ I sent a PM about the the Fish Extender. We did this last time on our 7 day. IT was really alot of fun!! OUr DD's loved racing back to our room to see what we got!

[degrapevine]

Woo hoo! Only 5 weeks to go. Just watched Iron Chef America and it was Battle Prosciutto. It made me hungry for the yummy goodies on the Palo Brunch. Can't wait!

Rose :)
__________________
Dream 5 Nt. - 06/12/11, Wonder 4 Nt. - 04/11/10, Wonder 3 Nt. - 12/17/09, Wonder 4 Nt. - 11/15/09, Wonder 3 Nt. - 07/09/09, Magic 7 Nt. to St. Maarten - 06/06/09, Wonder 3 Nt. - 11/6/08, Wonder 3 Nt. - 6/19/08, Wonder 3 Nt. - 5/8/08, WDW FW - 12/07, WDW ASM - 10/07, Wonder 4 Nt. - 12/17/06, WDW FW - 12/06, DLR - Disneyland Hotel - 03/06, WDW FW - 12/05, DLR - Residence Inn - 06/05, WDW Contemporary - 12/04, WDW Wilderness Lodge - 03/04, WDW Contemporary - 12/03, WDW Yacht Club - 12/03, WDW Contemporary - 12/97-2002, WDW Caribbean Beach Club - 12/96
... and many, many day trips as WDW Passholders!

Our "Devine" Crew - DH (David), Me (Rose), Eric (DS15), Patrick (DS11), and Gina (DD9)

[degrapevine]

Welcome, twoandtwins (Donna)!

I've added you (both cabins) to the master list on page 4 and indicated that you will be participating in the FE Gift Exchange. So ... that brings our count to 4 cabins now. We'd love to have more join! Your gifts don't have to be complicated or homemade. Store bought little goodies like candy, stickers, stationary, magnets, postcards, Disney themed trinkets, pirate stuff, etc. can make fun gifts to exchange. So, please let us know if you are interested - Again, the more the merrier!

I'm going to ask that anyone joining the FE exchange please do so by March 28th. That will give everyone two weeks to finalize their gifts. As for the Cruise Meet, we will plan on meeting at 3 PM on Embarkation Day in the Promenade Lounge on Deck 3. Anyone who would like to come by and say hi, please do!

princess22 - We're in Hillsborough County, too (in Valrico), cruising during our Spring Break week. Gotta love those FL Resident Rates!

Have a great week, everyone - We're off to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow since the kids are off from school for the Strawberry Festival. Yeah!

Rose :)

[princess22]

Lots of locals on this cruise!! That is exciting. We are moving to Largo this summer as my husband is starting a residency program over there!!:goodvibes It's going to add some time to our drive to disney though :sad2:

You have today off because of the Strawberry Festival!? That's pretty neat!

As for the FE, I think it sounds fun, but I don't know where to start. How do I get a FE!? And do I get one gift for the whole cruise for everyone, or multiple ones? I will have my spring break to work on gifts, so I will def. have the time! :goodvibes

[Angel51201]

It will be Me, DH and 2 10 yr old DD's and 1 18 yr DD and her 3 friends.

See you on board!



Hi Donna (twoandtwins),
I hope I can have enough energy to be a "cool parent" by the time my daughter reaches 18.

My question: is it Chelsea & Mitch and Michelle & Anthony or switch those out? Just need to know in preparations for the fish extenders exchange thingie.

Thanks, Diane

[twoandtwins]

It will be Me, DH and 2 10 yr old DD's and 1 18 yr DD and her 3 friends.

See you on board!



Hi Donna (twoandtwins),
I hope I can have enough energy to be a "cool parent" by the time my daughter reaches 18.

My question: is it Chelsea & Mitch and Michelle & Anthony or switch those out? Just need to know in preparations for the fish extenders exchange thingie.

Thanks, Diane

IT is Chelsea & Anthony and Michelle & Mitch.

You find your energy returns~now on to to college, ugh I feel so old!

Donna

[princess22]

:goodvibesprincess22 - congrats on booking today! By chance are you a Fl resident? ;)

I ask because it appears as if all the remaining rooms were booked today. We called DCL after changing to that big porthole - because I got on the room reviews here on the DIS and the room we had on deck 2 had reviews of horrible engine noise. People being woken up at 3am when docking and never ending noise. Couldn't have that so luckily DU was able to get us back down to deck 1 with the double portholes. I drove those poor agents crazy today.

Anyway, when I called DCL they told me they had 2 cat 9's left and that was it. Gonna be a full ship now. :thumbsup2

I think maybe they meant there are only 2 cat 9's left at the Florida Resident rate. There are still insides, outsides, and verandahs left if you look online (at normal price). I don't think we are a full ship yet, and kind of hope we aren't!

[zalansky]

There are a few Cat 6's left but those are only available to families of 3 people. We have 4, if you change occupancy they are only offering those cat 9's on deck 1...I am bummed because I'd take a Cat 6 with the resident rate. Oh well, I am hoping maybe they'll let us when we arrive at the port! :goodvibes

[suzyqn]

Only 30 days!!!!!!!!

[ychcjbn1]

25 days out! Who's excited???? :woohoo: DH and I helped the kids make a chain link (red, black, and white) that they are cutting off each morning. We're getting SOOOO excited now!
:banana::cool1::banana::cool1::banana::cool1: :banana: :cool1::banana::cool1:

[degrapevine]

Alright, everybody ...

We have less than a month to go, so now's the time to get serious about the FE exchange! It's so easy - Just use any kind of pocket organizer (you can find directions to sew one with the Search if you are crafty) and personalize it for your family (iron ons, stickers, etc.). You'll hang it on the "fish" outside your stateroom and other guests will leave you gifts throughout the cruise. You can choose to do just one gift per cruise, or one per day, or even one gift for the adults and another for the kids (age appropriate). The gifts don't have to be homemade or even particularly creative - Store bought treats and goodies are completely acceptable!

So, here is the list of who I have signed up so far ...
*Diane and Brianna (DD8) Snyder, SR #5622
*John, Donna, Madysen (DD10), and Taylor (DD10), SR #1034
*Chelsea (18), Michelle (18), Mitch (18), and Anthony (17), SR #1036
*Bob (58), Cindy (46), and Ashley (DD10), SR #8560
*Kevin (42), Jill (43), Noah (DS12), and Hannah (DD12), SR #6050
*David (43), Rose (40), Eric (DS15), Patrick (DS11), and Gina (DD9) Devine, SR #8512

It's a really small group right now, but we'd love to have more join us. We will still have a Cruise Meet at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge on Embarkation Day for anyone else that would like to meet some fellow DIS-ers!

Angel51201 - Diane, I wanted to let you know that somehow Brianna's email to Gina had gotten marked read and she just got it today! She is working on writing Brianna back and is looking forward to meeting her on the cruise, also.

It's getting closer ... We can't wait!
Rose :)

[twoandtwins]

I have all my FE gifts done and ready to go!!

It wasnt difficult to do and my girls really enjoyed being involved on our last cruise! SO if anyone is thinking about it, take the plunge!LOL

Donna

[Angel51201]

[QUOTE=degrapevine;35871522]

Angel51201 - Diane, I wanted to let you know that somehow Brianna's email to Gina had gotten marked read and she just got it today! She is working on writing Brianna back and is looking forward to meeting her on the cruise, also.
__________________________________________________ _________________________________________

Oh, thanks, Rose. I told Brianna I had probably just done something wrong in sending it. I'm never sure of my computer abilities. Brianna will be excited to hear back from Gina.

We've got a bunch of FE gifts purchased & packed. Still working on a few handmade items. With so few participating (so far) we'll be leaving gifts everyday. It's been fun gathering small items that we think will be age appropriate for people we don't even know.

Can't wait to sail with y'all!!!!

[cornwald]

I just found this thread and we are going on our first Disney Cruise April 11th - so psyched. I have boy/girl twins who are 12. DS is very sociable and loves sports of all kinds. DD is more shy, but also pretty active. It'd be great for them to meet some other kids early on. I would be interested in the Meet Up - which day at 3 p.m. - first one? And I'd love more info about the Exchange - what kind of gifts?

Jill

[jestersgypsy]

Hello Fellow Cruisers:

This will be my family's first ever Disney cruise and we are so excited!!!! The family consists of me (46, but who's counting), DH (58), and DD (10). We are from Mobile, AL. I would LOVE to get in on what's going on, so please let me know.

Cindy

[Angel51201]

Hi Cornwald & Jestersgypsy! Welcome! If you read through these posts, especially page 4 & 8 you'll find more info on the fish extenders & group meet (embarkment date @ 3pm in Promenade Lounge). Brianna & I have never done the fish extender gift exchanges, but we've been gathering small gifts (to hopefully fit into fish extender pockets) for everyone who is participating. Our gifts range from $1-4 and from what I understand you can leave one for each person everyday you're on the cruise, three times, two times or just once while you're on the cruise. Oh yeah, we're also concentrating on making them gender and age appropriate. It's a little strange, but fun, when we don't even know the people we're buying/making for. Hopefully we've gotten, or made, at least one thing that each person will enjoy. We're looking forward to it and it starts 3 weeks from today!!!!!

Brianna is 8 (until May) and I do want her to meet some other kids her age to socialize with as we're traveling alone (no siblings).

I'm sure Rose (Degrapevine) will put you guys on the roll call with your info if you'll PM her.

Start packing & getting things together. See y'all in 3 weeks :yay:

[degrapevine]

Hi, Jill (cornwald) and Cindy (jestersgypsy)!

I've updated the list on page 4 to include your families' information. Jill, I put down that you will be joining us at the Cruise Group Meet at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge on Embarkation Day. Once you've read about the FE gift exchange, if you'd like to join that group, just PM me. We are "cutting off" that list next Sunday, the 28th, to give everyone a full 2 weeks to get their gifts together!

Cindy, if you are interested in either the group meet or the FE gift exchange, you can let me know also. We seem to have a good group of girls in the 8-10 age range that will be together in the club, so it would be great to have them meet each other on the first day.

Less 3 weeks to go, everyone ... Yeah!
Rose :)

[jestersgypsy]

We, that is my family and I, want to do everything, so please put us down for the FE and the greet and meet. My DD (10) loves to meet new people just like her Mom! Just to let you know how excited we are, I just purchased all of us special shirts for Sunday and pirate costumes for Pirate Night. We are READY!!!!!:banana: I forgot to add: DH name is Bob and DD name is Ashley and we are staying in cabin #8560.

[cornwald]

Hi Rose,

I realized I didn't list that I was travelling with my husband, so it is actually me (age 43), Kevin (age 42), Noah and Hannah (twins, age 12). We're in room #6050.

Now that I've gotten to explore a little more, we will do the FE. I can't PM you (I don't have enough posts in the forum :).)

I look forward to meeting everyone. I am having a lot of fun reading about people's adventures and suggestions for things to do!

Jill



Hi, Jill (cornwald) and Cindy (jestersgypsy)!

I've updated the list on page 4 to include your families' information. Jill, I put down that you will be joining us at the Cruise Group Meet at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge on Embarkation Day. Once you've read about the FE gift exchange, if you'd like to join that group, just PM me. We are "cutting off" that list next Sunday, the 28th, to give everyone a full 2 weeks to get their gifts together!

Cindy, if you are interested in either the group meet or the FE gift exchange, you can let me know also. We seem to have a good group of girls in the 8-10 age range that will be together in the club, so it would be great to have them meet each other on the first day.

Less 3 weeks to go, everyone ... Yeah!
Rose :)

[degrapevine]

Yeah!

That's two more cabins for the FE Gift Exchange, which brings our total to six (6) cabins. The updated list is in post #108 and the entire DIS cruise group is in post #52.

Remember, we are "cutting off" the sign up for the FE Gift Exchange this Sunday, so if you are interested, please make sure to let me know before then.

For a short cruise, a small exchange group is nice - It is easy to do a gift per day if you choose, but you can also just do one per stateroom for the entire cruise. I like to do one per day for kids and grownups on the 2nd and 3rd day and then a whole stateroom "Welcome Aboard" and "'Til We Meet Again" gift on the first and last night. But it's completely up to you! A big part of the fun is checking to see what's in your FE every time you return to the room.

Even if you're not joining the gift exchange, please plan to stop by at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge on Embarkation Day to say a quick "Hi!" to all your fellow DIS-ers!

... 19 days and counting!
Rose :)

[jestersgypsy]

We are schedule for the second seating and wondering if anyone else is also. How do we go about changing to the first seating? Also, do your kids normally eat with you or are they at the kids' club? Sorry for all the questions, but I am a information junkie!!!! I am looking foward to Palos for brunch on our day at sea!!! Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:dance3:

Cindy

[zalansky]

jestersgypsy - we're in the 2nd seating too. :) We heard that Disney now has something I think called Dine & Play? Where your kids can sit with you and eat and they actially rush their orders through so their food comes out fast - then the club counselors come to the dining rooms and pick the kids up and take them to the clubs. This way you get to eat with them and enjoy your dinner at a slower pace. I am pretty sure thats how it works, this is a change since our last cruise in 2008. Not sure about changing to the early seating, the shop is pretty full but you never know. I prefer late seating anyway. We have Palo booked for dinner one night - we can't wait for that either!

19 more days - YAHOO! :cool1:

[jestersgypsy]

Thanks for the information! It is good to know that we will see at least one friendly face the first night!!
Cindy:goodvibes

[jestersgypsy]

Since there are alot of soon to be friends on this cruise that are from Florida, I guess anything with the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE on it is out of the question?!:cheer2:
Cindy

[zalansky]

Here's the info on Dine & play :)

“Dine and Play” Gives Kids More Fun While Parents Relax
CELEBRATION, Fla. – “Dine and Play” is now available aboard Disney Cruise Line, providing more time for kids to have fun at youth activities and giving parents a relaxing night cap to their evening meal.

With “Dine and Play,” parents can check their children into evening youth activity programming without leaving the dining room. Offered during the second seating in all of the main dining rooms and open to children ages 3 to 12, “Dine and Play” allows the dining room serving team to facilitate the children's meals first, while serving the adults at a more leisurely pace.

Upon arrival for second seating dinner, parents simply inform their server that their children would like to participate in “Dine and Play.” Children receive their meals in an expedited fashion and youth activities counselors arrive approximately 45 minutes into dinner to escort children to their respective youth activities groups for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Parents can then enjoy the remainder of their dining experience and head over to the adults-only nighttime entertainment district for dancing, drinks and activities especially for them

[jestersgypsy]

That sounds perfect for us. Thank you for posting the information, now I can have Ashley(dd) eat with us and she won't feel like she is missing anything!!!

[degrapevine]

Hi, everyone - So great to see us moving on to another page. The cruise is getting closer and I'm sure you all are getting as excited as my family is!

Cindy - I love getting FE gifts from different parts of the country. We've collected postcards, magnets, keychains, pens, etc. from all over. Something regional is perfect for the gift exchange ... I always include a souvie from Tampa featuring mine and DH's alma mater, The University of Tampa. Sounds like you have a great idea already in mind!

We've always done late dining, even from our first cruise when our DD was 5. The kids are so busy after school with activities and club and DH doesn't get home until 6:30 or so that eating around 8 is the norm for us. While they have freedom on the cruises to explore during the day, we always have breakfast and dinner together. A white board on the stateroom door helps us keep track of them. Usually, they eat dinner quickly and go off to their club activities. DH and I get to have a relaxing dinner (their food comes out first - DD and DS11 order off the kids menu and DS15 just gets an entree) and dessert together. We love late dining. The only night it doesn't work so great is Pirate Night, although our servers have always been able to get us out in time for the party, but we are so full from dinner that we don't get to enjoy the buffet too much - Except for a turkey leg, of course!

If you are still interested in switching to early seating, get to port early and as soon as you board, head to Wavebands (adult dance club) to see if they might be able to move you or put you on a waiting list. This is also the place to go to get Palo dinner and brunch reservations, which are held back from online to save for passengers to book as they board.

Looking forward to meeting you all!
Rose :)

[jestersgypsy]

Hey Rose,

I think I will stick to the late seating after talking to you and zalansky. I have eaten at both early and late seatings on other cruise lines and I think I prefer the late seating. My only concern was for Ashley who thought she would have to wait to 8:00pm to eat! I explained to her that anytime she was hungry, there would be something for her to eat. Also I told her about "dine and play" (thank you very much zalansky!) and she loved that idea. We are getting so excited here and I have been telling all my friends about the meet and greet and the FE gift exchange. My friends know I love to shop so this is perfect outlet for me! Can't wait to meet all of you. We only have 18 more days!:banana:

Cindy

[suzyqn]

Hey Rose,

I think I will stick to the late seating after talking to you and zalansky. I have eaten at both early and late seatings on other cruise lines and I think I prefer the late seating. My only concern was for Ashley who thought she would have to wait to 8:00pm to eat! I explained to her that anytime she was hungry, there would be something for her to eat. Also I told her about "dine and play" (thank you very much zalansky!) and she loved that idea. We are getting so excited here and I have been telling all my friends about the meet and greet and the FE gift exchange. My friends know I love to shop so this is perfect outlet for me! Can't wait to meet all of you. We only have 18 more days!:banana:

Cindy

Cindy, my dd (3 at the time) really enjoyed the dine and play last year. We fed my dd (18months) before the show each night since she went to Flounder's at 8pm each night. DD (3) would then have a snack at that time and still enjoyed eating dinner at 8pm. We are doing main seating for the first time to give my dd (now 2) a chance to eat with us.

[Angel51201]

Hi all! I'm a single parent traveling with DD8. Are there any other single parents and/or married parents, for that matter, who might want to go to a Palo brunch with me if I'm able to book a table on embarkment day?

Thanks,

[debfromALa]

Since there are alot of soon to be friends on this cruise that are from Florida, I guess anything with the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE on it is out of the question?!:cheer2:
Cindy

Hi, just found this site tonight. We are also going on the Spring Break Disney Cruise: April 11th, 2010 we are from NorthEast Alabama, Dekalb, Co area.

It will be DH(36), Deb (me/37) DD (7) DS (4 almost 5yrs)
I am very excited. I booked this cruise in 9/09 and received the kids sail free offer. this is our first cruise ever. look forward to meeting other folks.
blessings to all, DebfromALa

[zalansky]

Hi again everyone!

Just wanted to make sure you all know about this - I was poking around on the DCL website last night and went into my reservation for this cruise. There was a button on the bottom of the screen (under online check-in)where you could click and schedule a call from a Disney character, to welcome your "characters" aboard. I picked Mickey Mouse to call the night before we leave for the cruise. Just wanted to make sure y'all knew about this little feature!

[jestersgypsy]

Hey Diane, I have Palo brunch reservations for me and Bob already. I don't know the reservations work, but maybe we could add more people. My thinking is, the more the merrier!!

Deb, I am glad to know another alabamian going on this cruise! Everyone on this website has been very helpful, since like you, this is my family's first Disney cruise!

See everyone real soon!!!!

Cindy

[Angel51201]

Hey Diane, I have Palo brunch reservations for me and Bob already. I don't know the reservations work, but maybe we could add more people. My thinking is, the more the merrier!!

Deb, I am glad to know another alabamian going on this cruise! Everyone on this website has been very helpful, since like you, this is my family's first Disney cruise!

See everyone real soon!!!!

Cindy

Thanks, Cindy. That would be great if you could (and obviously wouldn't mind) add more seats at your table. Will you call your travel agent, or look wherever you orginially booked, to see if you can increase #? I, for sure, would love to join you. Maybe there will be others speak up wanting to also.:thumbsup2

[jestersgypsy]

Hey Diane, I talked to my travel agent and she told me to go to the website, Disneycruise.com. The website only allows you to make a reservation for the number of people associated with your stateroom, which in my case is two.:sad2: Why don't you try online and see how far you get? Hopefully we can sit together at the brunch!

Has anyone participated in the sea lion excurison at Nassau?

Cindy

[Angel51201]

Hi again everyone!

Just wanted to make sure you all know about this - I was poking around on the DCL website last night and went into my reservation for this cruise. There was a button on the bottom of the screen (under online check-in)where you could click and schedule a call from a Disney character, to welcome your "characters" aboard. I picked Mickey Mouse to call the night before we leave for the cruise. Just wanted to make sure y'all knew about this little feature!

Thanks for sharing this. I chose Goofy for my DD8. She'll LOVE it!

[Angel51201]

Hey Diane, I talked to my travel agent and she told me to go to the website, Disneycruise.com. The website only allows you to make a reservation for the number of people associated with your stateroom, which in my case is two.:sad2: Why don't you try online and see how far you get? Hopefully we can sit together at the brunch!

Has anyone participated in the sea lion excurison at Nassau?

Cindy

Oh bummer. Thanks for trying, Cindy, and maybe something will still work out, but they're not taking any Palo ressies at this time. I'll try when I get on board.:)

[debfromALa]

Hi

Hi Rose, we are in state room#2136, can't wait. Getting closer.

Hi Leslie, I am very excited. this is our first cruise ever. We have a room really close I think. we will be in 2132 DH, Myself, DD (7yrs) and DS (almost 5 yrs old) I have not told my kiddos what we are doing. just want to pull up and surprise them. blessings, Deb

[zalansky]

Hi Deb - I have a 7 year old also, a son - and a daughter who is 4 1/2. Look forward to meeting you on board!

[Tarabra]

I'm so excited for the dine and play!!! We sort of did this anyway, now my husband doesn't have to leave. My son is 2 1/2 and potty trained, so he can go too! Woohoo!!! The kids really have a tough time sitting still through that long dinner. We like late seating just because we aren't rushed for early seating and the kids can stay awake for the shows. Although my kids are up late anyway.

Gonna order a bathing suit today!! Hope it gets here in time.

Tara

Ava (5) and Jonah (2)

[Angel51201]

Do any of you dress up for pirate night yourselves? I realize the children often dress up, but do any adults? pirate: Just curious.

[jestersgypsy]

Hey Diane, funny you should ask, because I just received the costumes I ordered over the weekend for my whole family.:woohoo: And I have already tried mine on!!!!!!

Cindy

[leslie l]

Hi debfromAla

We must be right near each other, great, I have a little boy also, David will be 5 in July, and my daughter Emma is 8, you do know about the meet and greet the day we leave right? It is out first cruise also, very excited. I so look forward to meeting you and your family.

Leslie

[Disneynut64]

We just booked this cruise, nothing like being last minute LOL. I see alot of people from florida. Even see some from same county (polk) and neighboring counties.

[Okiegal]

:surfweb: Hi! I found this yesterday after 6 hours of reading this CRAZY disboard. This is our first cruise too! We are so excited! Our son is 9 and daughter 7 (April 26- almost). From outside of Denver. What is the meet and greet? Tonya

[zalansky]

We just booked this cruise, nothing like being last minute LOL. I see alot of people from florida. Even see some from same county (polk) and neighboring counties.

I am just curious - how many people are sailing in your party? I want to see if we can upgrade cabins but we were told rooms for 4 were sold out.

[degrapevine]

Welcome to our newly booked cruisers!

I am re-posting an updated list of everyone who has posted that they are cruising on the April 11th 4 Night Cruise. If you would like information added (family names, stateroom number) or would like to take part in the Cruise Meet (see information below), please let me know!

We ended up with 7 cabins for the FE gift exchange ... that list is now closed to allow everyone enough time to get their gifts together. If you signed up for the gift exchange, the information can also be found below.

Less than two weeks to go, guys! Weather in Florida is warming up, so I am hoping for no surprises as far as chilly winds and water too cold to stick your toes in ... we really want to try out Pelican Plunge. Happy planning!

Rose :)

Here's the list of everyone sailing on the April 11th 4 Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder
(and for the FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet ONLY if indicated)
(Meet will be at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge, Deck 3 on Sunday, 4/11, Embarkation Day):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
kjd469
Self, DD15, DS16
Stateroom #5020
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dischic10
Self (25), DH (26), DD2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U2FanHfx
Self, DW + 3 Friends/DS10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
suzyqn
Suzy (40), DH, DD4, DD2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
zalansky
Self (41), DH (40), DS7, DD4
Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
opraghst
Self, DH, DD13, DD12, DS9
Stateroom #8054
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TaylorsDad
Self, DW, DD11 (Taylor)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
lesliel
Leslie, DH (David), DD8 (Emma), DS4 (David)
Stateroom #2136
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tarabra
Tara (43), Rob (46), DD5 (Ava), DS2 (Jonah)
Stateroom #Cat 12 GTY
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel51201
The Snyder Family
Diane and DD8 (Brianna)
Stateroom #5622
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TahjsmansMum
Self, DH, DS15, DD11
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ychcjbn1
Self (36), DH (37), DS7, DD4, DD3 and Mom and StepDad
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
twoandtwins
John, Donna, Madysen (DD10), and Taylor (DD10)
Stateroom #1034
FE Gift Exchange
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
twoandtwins (2nd cabin)
Chelsea (DD18), Michelle (18), Mitch (18), and Anthony (17)
Stateroom #1036
FE Gift Exchange
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cornwald
Kevin (42), Jill (43) , Noah (12), Hannah (12)
Stateroom #6050
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
jestersgypsy
Bob (58), Cindy (46), and Ashley (10)
Stateroom #8560
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
debfromALa
Deb, DH, DD7, DS5 (Almost)
Stateroom #2132
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disneynut64
Stateroom #2043
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicagobearfan
Al, Barb, DS, DDIL, DGD8, DGD11, DD, DSIL, DGD3, DGD5, DD, DSIL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kandeebunny
Self, Mom
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okiegal
Mark (44), Tonya (37), Conner (DS9), Kennady (DD7 - Almost)
Stateroom #2109
FE Gift Exchange
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
degrapevine
The Devine Family
David (43), Rose (40), Eric (15), Patrick (11), and Gina (9)
Stateroom #8512
FE Gift Exchange and Cruise Group Meet

[Disneynut64]

I am just curious - how many people are sailing in your party? I want to see if we can upgrade cabins but we were told rooms for 4 were sold out.

we have 3 sailing and the only thing left was inside gty.

[Okiegal]

To any of the newbies- I am willing to do our own FE with three or four families. Please let me know if interested. Sounds like fun but I learned about it too late to join the others. Thanks! Tonya :flower3:

[degrapevine]

Tonya,

We just closed the FE gift exchange list yesterday ... with two weeks to go, we needed to have a set list of those participating in order to start getting gifts together. Even though we have a small group, I give daily gifts to both the adults and children, so I really need to get started! If you would like, we can add you to the list - You may not get gifts from everyone if they have already gotten all theirs together, but I know that I haven't started yet, so I'd be happy to add your family to my list. Just let me know. I'd need the names and ages of your family members that are cruising as well as your stateroom number. Thanks!

Rose :)

[Okiegal]

Rose-

Thanks so much! We would love to be a part. Family members are - Mark (44), self (37), son (9), and daughter (7). Please give me some gift ideas. I have seen/gotten some already but need help. I am not crafty and will not be (unfortunately) doing any scrapbook type things! :laughing: Our stateroom is 2109 (at the bottom of the boat!)

Tonya

[degrapevine]

Okay, everyone ...

So I added Okiegal (Tonya) and her family's information to the list in the post above (Post #144). They are now included in the FE Gift Exchange, which brings our total # of cabins up to 7. Please, if you are able to and have not already finalized all your gifts, try to include them in your gifts as you get them together.

Remember, the FE gifts don't have to be homemade, crafty things, although if you are talented in that area, go for it! You can gift items from your hometown (postcards, magnets, pens/pencils, keychains, regional food, college stuff), practical item to use during the cruise, things for the beach at CC, pirate themed stuff, anything Disney, snacks and candy (okay to bring onboard in sealed packages), small toys and trinkets, party things (for Pirate Night), coloring books/crayons (for the little ones), or really ANYTHING you can think of! The idea is not to make it difficult for you, but to just put little surprises together for the other cruisers on the list as a way to make their vacation more fun.

Don't forget about the Cruise Meet in the Promenade Lounge at 3 PM on Embarkation Day. Even if you're not doing the FE Gift Exchange, please stop by to say hello!

Rose :)

[Disneynut64]

Just got room assignment. 2043 and disboard neighbors.

[jestersgypsy]

Tonya,
Would you mind giving us the names of your son and daughter? I am still looking for FE gifts.

Cindy

PS If you are interested in decorating your door, you need to go to creative disigns and look for milliepie. She has some fabulous designs and will personalize them for your family. She does this free of charge.

[jestersgypsy]

Ok, I have a favor to ask. For the ones of us that are still putting together our FE gifts, would you please list things that your kids and teenagers like. For instance, their favorite color, do they like "Twilight" (my daughter, Ashley, is crazy for "Twilight"!), etc. I know for me, it just helps me while I shop. Have I told you before that I love to shop? I do! I do! I do! See you soon.

Cindy

[degrapevine]

Cindy,

Great idea about getting ideas for the kids! As for my kids, my oldest Eric (15) likes Hot Tamales and Big Red gum, my middle child Patrick (11) really likes "5" gum in Zing flavor and plays the guitar (picks or anything musical), and my daughter Gina (9) is really into peace signs right now and her favorite color is lime green. Hope this helps!

Rose :)

[Angel51201]

Hi Cindy,
This info gathering can help several of us, I'm sure. Brianna loves Twilight too, and is a member of "Team Edward". She's also into Winnie the Pooh, reading and her favorite colors are purple & orange.

Feeling excited,

[jestersgypsy]

Like I stated in a previous post, my daughter Ashley is crazy about "Twilight". She is on both Team Edward and Team Jacob!!! She is a girlie girl and she loves the color pink. She also loves any kind of gum or candy.

[leslie l]

Jestergypsy

Hi

Creative Designs is it a web site? I am curious to see what she has.

Thanks
Leslie

[leslie l]

Jestersgypsy

I found her, never mind, WOW, she has great stuff. I will have to use her next time, a friend of mine did a sign for us, and I also made some things.

Leslie

[jestersgypsy]

Leslie,
If you change her mind, just email her and tell her what you want. Her turn around time is really fast!!!

See you soon!:cool1:

Cindy

[debfromALa]

Hi Deb - I have a 7 year old also, a son - and a daughter who is 4 1/2. Look forward to meeting you on board!

Sounds great!!! we are very excited. or at least I am getting giddy LOL
Deb

[Okiegal]

Cindy-

Sorry I am just replying. My son (Conner) is 9 and my daughter (Kennady) is almost 7. His favorite color is blue, likes Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, and Bionicles. Any typical boy thing. Kennady loves anything pink (another girlie girl), Taylor Swift, Hannah Montana, or any Princess or Fairy!! My children are not picky at all. Hope this helps! Thanks for including us! I am so excited!!!:yay:

[jestersgypsy]

Hey Tonya, thanks for the information on your kids. I have been having the best time shopping for the FE gifts! I hope eveyone likes them. I just received the final gifts that I have ordered and my fish extender has just come in and it is too cute!!! I am so looking foward to this cruise and meeting everyone; I think we are going to have a great time:cool1:
Cindy

[kandeebunny]

So I'm going to be rude and butt in lol! We JUST booked for this cruise! It's Mom and myself (26) :) We are so excited to be going. We're in 2536!

[zalansky]

kandee - :cool1: - love your doggie pic!

[kandeebunny]

Thanks! She's a little angel. Not too excited about going to the doggie hotel while we cruise though :(

[cornwald]

Question - not because I care either way, just because I am curious... Do people know who gave them what gifts? Should we wrap them or put our names on them or is it anonymous.

Picked up a few gifts today, but didn't have my list with me to know genders and ages...

Jill


Okay, everyone ...

So I added Okiegal (Tonya) and her family's information to the list in the post above (Post #144). They are now included in the FE Gift Exchange, which brings our total # of cabins up to 7. Please, if you are able to and have not already finalized all your gifts, try to include them in your gifts as you get them together.

Remember, the FE gifts don't have to be homemade, crafty things, although if you are talented in that area, go for it! You can gift items from your hometown (postcards, magnets, pens/pencils, keychains, regional food, college stuff), practical item to use during the cruise, things for the beach at CC, pirate themed stuff, anything Disney, snacks and candy (okay to bring onboard in sealed packages), small toys and trinkets, party things (for Pirate Night), coloring books/crayons (for the little ones), or really ANYTHING you can think of! The idea is not to make it difficult for you, but to just put little surprises together for the other cruisers on the list as a way to make their vacation more fun.

Don't forget about the Cruise Meet in the Promenade Lounge at 3 PM on Embarkation Day. Even if you're not doing the FE Gift Exchange, please stop by to say hello!

Rose :)

[degrapevine]

Jill,

I always attach either a tag or a sticker to my gifts with a little greeting (or explanation, depending on the gift) and my family's name, just so the recipient knows that I'm thinking about them. I do make some homemade/crafty type gifts and personalize them, so to put a little note on the baggie to say "Hi, have a great day!" just adds to the fun! Only one week to go ...

Rose :)

[zalansky]

Happy Easter everyone!

:banana: ONE MORE WEEK! :banana:

[suzyqn]

Yay for one week left!!!!! :yay:

I watched the Wonder leave today from the port on the webcam and was so excited. My kids probably think I am crazy.

I don't think I officially responded but we will come to the Cruise Meet on Sunday. I feel bad that we weren't able to pull off the FE but I am just so thankful to be going on this cruise I am not going to have any regrets! We'll catch FE next time.

Can't wait to see everyone's smiling face!

Happy Easter!

Suzy

[chicagobearfan]

Happy Easter everyone!
We are a family of 12 who will be sailing with you on this cruise. This is in celebration of our 45th wedding anniversary. Our son and his wife and 2 daughters ages 8 and 11 are in one cabin. Our daughter and her husband and 2 daughters ages 3 and 5 are in another cabin. Our youngest daughter and her husband will be in the third cabin. Finally my husband and myself will be in the 4th cabin. We were able to get connecting cabins for 2 of the rooms, so that is nice. We can let the younger children fall asleep and then go into the adjoining room to play cards, talk, watch TV, etc.
We didn't tell the grandchildren about the trip until this morning, when the Easter bunny put a note in their Easter baskets. They got some Disney dollars and the entire family got Disney TShirts. Looking forward to seeing you all on board. We are seasoned cruisers, but this will be our first Disney cruise. I know it will be magical for our 4 little "princesses".
We are Al and Barb from the Chicago area.
Can you tell me what post has the information about the Meet and Greet?
Thanks

[kandeebunny]

I'd love info on the meet and greet too, Mom and I would love to stop by and say hello!!!

[degrapevine]

Welcome to all our new cruisers ...

We'd love to have you join us at the Meet and Greet on Embarkation Day (Sunday) at 3 PM in the Promenade Lounge on Deck 3 Midship, just aft of the Main Lobby/Triton's. This will be an informal way to say hi to other DISers and their families and hopefully get some of the kids to meet up with each other (at least make a "face to face" so they can recognize each other later in the clubs).

Hope to see you there!
Rose :)

[zalansky]

I just checked the 10 day forecast for bahamas and they're saying 60% chance of thunderstorms for our Castaway Cay day! :sad1: NO NO NO! Can someone do a rain dance? I know it can change a lot in ten days we just need lots of good vibes!!!

[Okiegal]

Hi! I posted this on the "Cruise magnets" as well so it's redundant!! Is everyone making their own magnets? If so, with what? Cardstock? Magnet paper? Just wondering!

I went to FedEx/Kinko's to have them make my magnets (due to laziness and having one less thing to do); they won't make them due to needing a copyright release from "Disney". Has anyone had success anywhere else? :confused3

Oh- BTW- We may not have a Fish Extender on our door. The local USPS seems to have LOST it :mad::mad:!! "Todd' told me this AM that he put it on my front door yesterday. (That was a DIFFERENT package- "Todd"!) They are now trying to find it. This could get UGLY before it's over! :sad2::mad::eek:

Have a great day! - Tonya

[suzyqn]

I just checked the 10 day forecast for bahamas and they're saying 60% chance of thunderstorms for our Castaway Cay day! :sad1: NO NO NO! Can someone do a rain dance? I know it can change a lot in ten days we just need lots of good vibes!!!

We have had such amazing weather these last 2 weeks - I would hate to even see a cloud at this point. (However, my dh just resoded the lawn and is praying for rain :( ) Zalansky: doesn't a rain dance make the rain come. ;)

[suzyqn]

Hi! I posted this on the "Cruise magnets" as well so it's redundant!! Is everyone making their own magnets? If so, with what? Cardstock? Magnet paper? Just wondering!

I went to FedEx/Kinko's to have them make my magnets (due to laziness and having one less thing to do); they won't make them due to needing a copyright release from "Disney". Has anyone had success anywhere else? :confused3

Oh- BTW- We may not have a Fish Extender on our door. The local USPS seems to have LOST it :mad::mad:!! "Todd' told me this AM that he put it on my front door yesterday. (That was a DIFFERENT package- "Todd"!) They are now trying to find it. This could get UGLY before it's over! :sad2::mad::eek:

Have a great day! - Tonya

Tonya, I have a few cruise magnets that I made. Last year I bought the magnetic paper and because it was so expensive and I was having printer issues I returned it. In the end I just printed things off on my 4x6 printer and then used a glue stick and attached magnets to the back. (The ones that come attached to the phone book ;) ) They aren't as fancy but looked cute and did the trick. Yes, the stores - even Walmart, won't print any Disney graphics.

[Okiegal]

Tonya, I have a few cruise magnets that I made. Last year I bought the magnetic paper and because it was so expensive and I was having printer issues I returned it. In the end I just printed things off on my 4x6 printer and then used a glue stick and attached magnets to the back. (The ones that come attached to the phone book ;) ) They aren't as fancy but looked cute and did the trick. Yes, the stores - even Walmart, won't print any Disney graphics.

Thanks! (Good use for the phone book magnets! And..you're being GREEN!) :thumbsup2 :rotfl2: I should've thought of the copyright because we work for Wal-Mart; this is required for anything in the photolab (Disney photopass, professional photos, etc.) I will get with it and make something! You might be calling me the next "Martha Stewart" when I'm done :scared1:. :laughing:

Thanks again - Tonya

[degrapevine]

Hey everyone ...

For our magnets (which have survived through many cruises), I print them on cardstock, then laminate them using my thermal laminator and pouches. You can find the laminators at Sams, Costco, or even WalMart for around $30. They usually come with enough pouches to get you started and they work great! I've found so many uses for the laminator, making bookmarks, luggage tags, and magnets, of course. Then, I get a packet of magnet strips (again, available at WalMart, but Joann's and Michael's, too) and just stick it on the back. The laminating keeps the magnets stiff and durable, so they can be reused.

As for the weather, that's one of the good things about the 4 day cruise. If it rains on our scheduled Castaway Cay day, the Captain will make a second try on the Sea Day. On our first cruise, it rained part of our CC day and then we actually spent the entire Sea Day at CC, too! The Brunch and other onboard activities went on as planned.

So don't start dancing yet!
Rose ;)

[zalansky]

degrapevine - THANK YOU for that info! I had no idea that was an option. I'd hate to lose the CC day.

suzy - you're right! Rain dancing makes the rain come, so no dancing. LOL!

[kandeebunny]

I think the meet and the shopping talk overlap, bummer for us as we love the shopping talk lol! Hopefully we will run in to some of you around the ship somewhere.

[debfromALa]

Only 4 more day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jestersgypsy]

Just to let everyone know, I just checked the weather forcast for Nassau. There is only a 30% chance of scattered showers!! When you live in one of the wetest cities in the USA, Mobile, AL., 30% is nothing!!!!! We are looking forward to meeting everyone on Sunday. I can't believe it is also here. All I have to do now is pack!!!!!:yay:

Cindy

[suzyqn]

I just checked the movies playing. No real surprises. They did not indicate which ones, if any, were in 3D.

G-Force
Old Dogs
Princess and the Frog
When in Rome
Alice in Wonderland
Last Song

[Okiegal]

Hi! Is anyone else worried about sea lice? Do I need to drive across Denver to go buy "Safe Sea??" Just wondering what you veterans do?

Thanks-
Tonya

[Tarabra]

In 7 cruises, we've never had to contend w/ the sea lice. I'm not worried. (I probably just jinxed myself)

It seemed like I had so much time to get things done on Monday. Here it is Thurs. already. I've been packing as I've been washing, so I have one suitcase ready. I find if I start to early, I keep adding to it. ;)

Can't wait!!!

[Tarabra]

Tonya...as far as the door magnets, they are fun to see, but I haven't a creative bone in my body and they end up being more frustration to me. I did LOOK at the magnetic paper at Wal-mart once!! I don't feel left out. We usually get a magnet or two for being DVC members and return cruisers. The only ones you will see on the rooms are the ones from the disboards. I usually only see 5 to 10 decorated doors. So if you can't do them, you will definitely be in the majority. I wish I had more creativity.

Tara

Ava 5 - Jonah 2 1/2

[Okiegal]

Tara- Thanks for the advice about the sea lice. We'll think positive thoughts and say a prayer!! As for the magnets, don't know if we'll have any or not. I am running out of time and still have a weeks worth of stuff to do. We leave tomorrow for a couple of days at the parks before the cruise. Glad to know I won't feel left out.

Are you going to the "meet 'n greet"? If so I will see you there.

Tonya :flower3:

[degrapevine]

Tonya,

Don't worry ... You'll have some magnets.

Rose :)

[suzyqn]

Rose, is the list on page 4 (or maybe it is on 5 ) complete? I wanted to get an idea of who all to look out for at our Cruise Meet.

Still wish I did the FE but I'll do it next time. Would love to hear what everyone got once the cruise is over.

Tomorrow I pack!!!!!

[degrapevine]

The updated Meet and Greet list is on Page 10, Post #144.

Rose :)

[suzyqn]

Thanks, Rose! I am using my iPod touch so navigating is tricky. Thanks for keeping up w/ all the info. and arranging the meet.

[Okiegal]

Thanks Rose-

Don't make me look bad with your craftiness!! :rotfl:

We should be at the meet 'n greet!

Tonya

[zalansky]

Ok, I need someone to shed some positive light on this. I just checked weather.com for an update and they say 30% chance of thunderstorms and/or rain every single day of the cruise, even embarkation day! :scared1:
I am trying to think positive, but this bites!

On another note, we are definitely planning on the meet & greet too!

[kandeebunny]

30% in Florida is nothing! We are in Spring which is the start of our rainy season, what they are likely suggesting is showers may blow through the state and out to sea. If the weather the past 2 weeks is any indication, even out at sea we shouldn't see rain for more than an hour before it blows over.

No worries mon it's vacation!

(Honestly I saw this too, and am more worried about the change to a north east wind churning up the water, but hey it's vacation!!!)

[Tarabra]

We'll be at the Cruise meets too! I hope. Last time our bus didn't get there until pretty late from the resorts. Unless I can't get my kids out of the pool, we'll be there. Or at least I will try to make it. We haven't posted pics yet of each other. Let me try to find the latest of our family.

[kandeebunny]

We probably won't make it to the meet (shopping talk, girl has to have priorities and pearls are it this trip LOL!)

BUT I attached a photo of me, come say hi! (Real name is Kristi)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/bunn1/IMG_1647.jpg

[jestersgypsy]

Hey Everyone,
We will definitely be at the meet and greet!:cool1: My biggest problem right now is packing my FE gifts!!! I had to change suitcases once already. Don't you know I have my priorities screwed up when it's gifts first, and then clothes.:rotfl2:

Can't wait for this trip!!!!!

Cindy

[zalansky]

See you all tomorrow! :cool1: Pray for sunny skies!

[suzyqn]

Happy Sailing, Everyone!

[cornwald]

Welcome home everyone! Lots of Disney Cruise Withdrawls around here! We had a great time on our first cruise and it won't be our last!! It was fun to meet a few of you at the Meet - great to have friendly faces on board. Made Hannah (who is a little anxious with new things) a lot more comfortable. Thanks to everyone who participated in the FE. Hannah espcially had so much fun with all of it - Noah just liked getting the stuff :). I hope everyone had as much fun as we did!!

Jill:)

[Tarabra]

Nice meeting you Jill. I'm sorry I didn't get to the cruise meet the first day. Our flight arrived around 11 and by the time we rented the car, etc. we didn't get to the ship until 2:30!!!! Rush, rush, rush!

We just got home late last night after spending 4 days in the parks. Whew!!! I'll take the cruise anyday. Although even the cruise was busy, busy. The 4 day just doesn't give you enough time. We rebooked a 7 day for next year. Can't wait for that!

More later....


Tara