Sept 10 2009 "Wonder-ful" Cruise

[acourtwdw]

I thought I would start a thread for our 3 night cruise on Sept 10. Come along, join the fun!!

I am Annette. Traveling with my Dsis (Amanda). This will be our 7th DCL trip.

Anyone else?

Here is the list so far:
Annette F/E gty
Dsis Amanda
Dmom Lorraine
Ddad Clare

Crystal F/E gty
Dh Aaron
Ds Jacob
Dmom
Db

Kimberly
Ds Evan

Alicea
Dh Nathan
Dd Kaitlyn

Jewel
Dh


Lisa FE
Dh
Dd #1
Dd #2

Dixie
DH - Chris
DD,10 - Savannah
DS, 7 - Rhett
and also
Dmom - Dean
DStep dad - Robert

Dawn
DH Terry

Caryn
Dd Aslan(3)
Dmom Gail
Daunt Cam

Dot
Dh
Dd ( 19)
If you want me to add the names of your family members, let me know.

[CrystalS]

We have 2 cat 12 gty rooms on hold until the 13th for this cruise!
Just waiting for the final OK from hubby to go ahead and put the deposit on them!
He's hesitant because there is a chance he might loose his job this summer, but I've already got 1200 saved up for the trip, so I think it might just be a go!

Our group will be:

Me - 24 at the time of sailing
DH - 26
DS - 31mos

My Mom - 48
My Brother - 20

So put us on the "probably" list :)

[bullsmom7]

My DH and I are booked for this one. We did a 7-day the end of April with the family. We loved it! We decided to do a quick one, just the two of us. Shhhh...don't tell the kids! My 4-year old would be devastated! :scared1:

Not sure what we will do in Nassau. Guess we have some time to figure that out.

[CrystalS]

we are confirmed!
Deposit paid!:goodvibes:cool1:

[acourtwdw]

Yippeeee!!!!!

[CrystalS]

We need to get some more people on this cruise with us!

[acourtwdw]

I know. I was surprised that there wasn't a thread already. But we have a GTY stateroom. so hopefully if the ship isn't full we can get an upgrade.:banana::cool1: The smilies are doing the upgrade dance. It is similar to the rain dance :)

[Evan&Kimberly]

Here Thee Here Thee,

Queen Kimberly & Prince Evan will be sailing on this Wonderful Cruise September 10th,2009! This will be Prince Evan's first cruise so hope everything will go beautiful I have cruised before but never with a child, maybe I will need to bring some of my Royal Court with me LOL! I know we are going to have a great time, after our cruise we will be in WDW till the
17th and then I will be taking my mom to the Cayman Islands on the 19th that cruise will be on RCCL, boy am I Going to be busy!

[Evan&Kimberly]

We have 2 cat 12 gty rooms on hold until the 13th for this cruise!
Just waiting for the final OK from hubby to go ahead and put the deposit on them!
He's hesitant because there is a chance he might loose his job this summer, but I've already got 1200 saved up for the trip, so I think it might just be a go!

Our group will be:

Me - 24 at the time of sailing
DH - 26
DS - 31mos

My Mom - 48
My Brother - 20

So put us on the "probably" list :)


I am glad that you and your family are going on this cruise, I pray that your husband does not loose his job see you on the ship!

[CrystalS]

I am glad that you and your family are going on this cruise, I pray that your husband does not loose his job see you on the ship!

Thanks, we're excited to be going!
I have a good feeling that he won't lose his job, but we'll see

[acourtwdw]

Around midnight, Cat 12 opened up so of course I had to book that for my parents!! So that will be 2 more joining us. They did a 7day with us in 2001, so it has been awhile for them.

If you look at the DCL site this is the least expensive cruise for Sept. Any idea why? I know that it is hurricane season but the week before and the week after are higher than this one. I'm not complaining. Trust me, when you can cruise for $299 pp you do it :)

[Evan&Kimberly]

Around midnight, Cat 12 opened up so of course I had to book that for my parents!! So that will be 2 more joining us. They did a 7day with us in 2001, so it has been awhile for them.

If you look at the DCL site this is the least expensive cruise for Sept. Any idea why? I know that it is hurricane season but the week before and the week after are higher than this one. I'm not complaining. Trust me, when you can cruise for $299 pp you do it :)

I was wanting to know the same thing, why so cheap?? Hurricane season I understand but the rest of the month is very expensive,the Sept 27th 4 day cruise was real reasonable to, at least the cat 12's when they were avail, I have a room on hold for that date I think I may double dip! Well what was the dates last year of the hurricane Gustavo or whatever!

[bullsmom7]

The only thing I can think of it is that most schools start right after labor day, which is the MOnday before the cruise. So most families have already taken their vacation and are getting back to the regular routine.

When we were on the Magic the end of April we asked about what happens if there is a hurricane. They all said the same thing....the Captain will find a new path away from the hurricane and the cruise will go on. That made me more comfortable with a September Sailing.

[acourtwdw]

We were on the Wonder in 05 when Wilma came to land and we had to disembark in Ft Lauderdale. That was the only issue that we had during that horrible storm. My parents were at Vero Beach at that time and it wasn't pretty. They picked us up at the new port but I know that Disney was busing people back to Cape to get their cars or on to WDW/MCO.

[WestCoastNovaks]

I am so excited, so's my daughter and hubby (tho he won't admit it)
We are on deck 7, here's our vital stats...

Me, Alicea: 30
Hubby, Nathan: 31 (his bday is on Sept. 9 so on the cruise he will just be 32)
Daughter, Kaitlyn: 4

Hubby's folks will be on the cruise too - we were able to get them the stateroom directly across from ours (score!)

-Alicea

[acourtwdw]

Welcome Alicea :)

[Jewels912]

Hi all!

My husband and I will be on this cruise, too! It's my 3rd and his 2nd. We just went on the 7 day to St. Croix in February and this is our bounce-back deal!

I'll be turning 30 on September 12th...what's better than spending your birthday on Castaway? Woot! :cheer2:

[CrystalS]

Yay! We have more cruisers!

We booked 2 Cat 12 GTY rooms also and are hoping for an upgrade!
I'd love to have a porthole room :)

I'm guessing the cheap price is because, like pp said, school starts just before we sail, and also hurricane season, but I'm not too worried, I'm sure we'd either go around a storm or port somewhere for awhile.
Some friends of ours know a couple that was on a 7 night cruise (not disney) and there was a big storm and they ended up circling around at sea for awhile waiting for it to pass and they had to start rationing out food, I think they ended up turning the nighter into a 12 nighter or something like that!

Either way, I'm ok with going at that time, I know Disney will take care of us!



A cute little tid bit:
I told our 2 yr old that we will be going to Mickey's house and on mickeys boat and now whenever he sees a ship or mickey he talks about how we are going on mickeys boat! Gotta love little kids, I think he may be just about as excited about the trip as I am, haha.


Oh, is anyone else going to WDW after our cruise? We will be staying at a value resort (all stars movies probably) for 4 nights for our first WDW visit. :)




**Just an idea: Maybe the original poster could make a rollcall (list) of all the people that will be on our cruise, then we can easily see when someone new joins us :)

[CrystalS]

Forgot to mention, we will be celebrating our 5th Anniversary on the cruise as well (Our anniversary isn't until Oct 9th, but this is our anniversary gift to each other, so we are celebrating early) :)

[bullsmom7]

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. We are very excited about the trip, but the guilt of not taking my four year old is starting to kick in. I know mom and dad deserve a weekend away, but she desperately wants to go back on the cruise.

Still not sure what to do in Naussau. Not sure it is worth hitting the water park at Atlantis. We may just go check it out since we have never been there before. Anyone have any suggestions?

[natale1980]

I just booked us!! eek! :scared1:
I'm not 100% sure we have baby sitters so we may have to change the date. But for now we are booked in a cat 11. We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary on Sept 12th!
The price is reasonable because of hurricane season I believe. If we do get to go I just hope we make it to Castaway!! :banana: Going to Castaway on our anniversary would be amazing!

-nat

[CrystalS]

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. We are very excited about the trip, but the guilt of not taking my four year old is starting to kick in. I know mom and dad deserve a weekend away, but she desperately wants to go back on the cruise.

Still not sure what to do in Naussau. Not sure it is worth hitting the water park at Atlantis. We may just go check it out since we have never been there before. Anyone have any suggestions?

I have no idea what we'll be doing either. I'd LOVE to go to Atlantis and visit the water park but there is no way we can afford it for 4 people (and a toddler).....

We'll probably wander around the shops a bit and maybe see if we can find a public beach area to hang out :)

[CrystalS]

I just booked us!! eek! :scared1:
I'm not 100% sure we have baby sitters so we may have to change the date. But for now we are booked in a cat 11. We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary on Sept 12th!
The price is reasonable because of hurricane season I believe. If we do get to go I just hope we make it to Castaway!! :banana: Going to Castaway on our anniversary would be amazing!

-nat

Congrats on your 10yr anniversary!

[Evan&Kimberly]

Just stop n in to say hello and hope that all of you have a great weekend, its my birthday so I hope Saturday will be good to me lol, but guys I am having second thoughts about the 3 day trip I really was looking forward to the Pirates menu and the Palo brunch, I mean the trip is pretty much paid for but 3 days is so short, I will be doing the parks before and after the cruise and then I will be on RCCL's enchantment of the seas, maybe I am being greedy well 3 days on the Wonder is better than no days on the Wonder Sept cant get here fast enough!

[bullsmom7]

Just stop n in to say hello and hope that all of you have a great weekend, its my birthday so I hope Saturday will be good to me lol, but guys I am having second thoughts about the 3 day trip I really was looking forward to the Pirates menu and the Palo brunch, I mean the trip is pretty much paid for but 3 days is so short, I will be doing the parks before and after the cruise and then I will be on RCCL's enchantment of the seas, maybe I am being greedy well 3 days on the Wonder is better than no days on the Wonder Sept cant get here fast enough!

Sounds like you have a busy vacation! But FUN!!! 3 days will not be enough. We did a 7-day in April and it wasn't enough. We were just getting used to the ship by day 3-4. But Something is better than nothing. We said that we would never do the 3-day, but since we are leaving the kids at home, the days worked out best. We are looking (and hoping for "cheap" rates) for another cruise for the family. It won't be less than 7-days unless there is some promotion to do less. But no matter how long you are on that ship, it is such a wonderful and special time. One that you will never forget and will soon become addicted to and want to do it again and again.:rotfl2:

[Evan&Kimberly]

Sounds like you have a busy vacation! But FUN!!! 3 days will not be enough. We did a 7-day in April and it wasn't enough. We were just getting used to the ship by day 3-4. But Something is better than nothing. We said that we would never do the 3-day, but since we are leaving the kids at home, the days worked out best. We are looking (and hoping for "cheap" rates) for another cruise for the family. It won't be less than 7-days unless there is some promotion to do less. But no matter how long you are on that ship, it is such a wonderful and special time. One that you will never forget and will soon become addicted to and want to do it again and again.:rotfl2:

Hi, well I just booked the 4 day Wonder for September , but I will be honest I am having second thoughts about my Disney Cruise, I am one that cruises for the food and I am not happy with what I am hearing, I may cancel one of them! Maybe the 3 day one not sure!

[acourtwdw]

only 100 days left until we cruise!!!!

[bullsmom7]

Hi, well I just booked the 4 day Wonder for September , but I will be honest I am having second thoughts about my Disney Cruise, I am one that cruises for the food and I am not happy with what I am hearing, I may cancel one of them! Maybe the 3 day one not sure!

I am not sure about the menus. Since Disney was my first cruise I don't have anything to compare it to. When we were on the Magic, I don't think I had 1 meal that was to die for. Now the lava cake, that was INCREDIBLE. I enjoyed all of my meals and it was great to try new things. I think what made it so special was the service. I loved being waited on hand and foot. And the fact that my kids could get whatever they wanted and I didn't have to attend to them was great. So I guess we will see how this new menu compares.

[CrystalS]

98 now!

[CrystalS]

Boy its quite here..... we need to get more people on our cruise, lol

[bullsmom7]

I was thinking the same thing!

Hey Annette....can you edit your post 1 to include everyone that is on the cruise. Anyone interested in doing fish extender? i have never done one before, but it may be a nice introduction since it is a 3-day with only a few people.

Anyone have any specific plans for the cruise or excursions that you are going to book?

[natale1980]

So Far so good - we're still on the boat.
I would be interested in being part of a FE. We did it last time and it was a lot of fun!

The guilt is really starting to set in cause we're not bringing the kids. :headache: I told my DH that I need us to decide that we are for sure NOT going OR - I need June 27th to be over with so that we can't cancel!

-nat

[LisaRN97]

Add us to the list!!! :yay:Just found my way over here... It will be our first family vacation, hmmm, not really... we have gone away before but to visit my DH's family in Spain..so our vacations have always involved extended family. This will be our first time away, just the four of us. Me who is 36, DH is 45, DD#1 is 4 (almost 5 when we cruise), and DD#2 who will be 3.5.

Orginally we were just going to cruise but we keep changing our mind and adding more days prior at WDW. We became DVC members this year so changing the ressies at WDW are okay.

Don't know which one of us is more excited!!!! Looking forward to counting down the days with all of you!!

Lisa

[LisaRN97]

BTW, what is a fish extender??

[natale1980]

A Fish Extender is kinda like a mail box that other cruise members put gifts in if you sign up for a 'gift exchange'.

Here is a picture of all our gifts from our last cruise. (some were because we were DVC guests & castaway club guests)

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/NATALE1980/2009450.jpg

Here is a picture of our FE

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/NATALE1980/2009457.jpg

[LisaRN97]

Wow!! I have been reading about sending welcome packages, but this idea looks like something fun!!!

[bullsmom7]

Welcome Lisa! You are going to have so much fun! Our cruise in April was the first vacation for US since our honeymoon. All of our other vacations were family related. So I can relate! My daughter (4) LOVED the cruise and asks everyday when we are going back. Since this will be our adult only cruise she will never know that we went on the cruise without her. She would be devastated. We are hoping to take another family cruise sometime soon. But the rates seem like they keep going higher and higher.:eek:

[acourtwdw]

Due to popular demand :) I edited the first post to list everyone that is cruising with us so far. If I have any errors or omissions, please let me know.

Annette :)

[kcashner]

I'm booked on this cruise with a friend. I got it as part of the "bounceback" offer, and really thought I wouldn't use it because 3 days is just too short. However, my DD is starting college, and I'm doing it as sort of a "try out" for sailing with a friend vs. sailing by myself later. We are also doing 4 nights at WDW first with the free dining. No transportation arrangements yet.

Fish extenders are fun. We've done 19 cruises on the Magic, and 2 (back to back) on the Wonder. My only caution would be that a 3 day cruise is SOOOOO short. They really try to pack all the "best" activities into the 3 days, and it almost leaves you spinning. I'm not sure I'd want to add a "something else" knowing how full the schedule is already. I do realize that you can't do everything in one cruise (is that why I've done so many?????), but there are things you won't want to miss!

[dhdozier]

Enjoyed the Disney cruise so much in April that I jumped at the chance to go again for Sept 10! Especially at such a steal of a deal (cat 12 gty for my 4) Cruising will be:
Me - Dixie
DH - Chris
DD,10 - Savannah
DS, 7 - Rhett
and also
My Mom - Dean
Step dad - Robert

One thing that I really want to try this time is Palo's- I have heard such wonderful reviews that it makes my mouth water :rotfl: I also would like to sneak back over to nassau for another Tortugua Rum Cake - MMMMMM!! I am not considering going to Atlantis on this cruise, there are other lines that go there that I am considering just to do this and I don't want to waste precious time away from the Disney boat (other than for the rum cake run, lol) Hope to meet you guys on board!

PS I forgot to mention that we are going to WDW for 3 nights too after the cruise to enjoy the free dining. And, also to go to our first MNSSHP Sept 15th! I heard that Tue. nights were a great night as far as crowds so we will see :)

[natale1980]

Well I just wanted to let you guys know that we cancelled our booking. Have a fun time without us.... Plus I'm sure you have better odds of making it to Castaway Cay without us on the boat any ways!! :lmao:

Have fun!
-nat

[bullsmom7]

Can you add us to the list?
me-Dawn
DH Terry

Natale-sorry to hear about the cancellation. I was looking forward to having someone's shoulder to lean on when I miss my kids so terribly!!

We have neve been to atlantis so we really wanted to check it out. But I don't know. I kind of just want to stay on the ship and relax. I think we may wait until we get into port that day and decide. Also I think we are going to do the bikes in Castaway Cay and then just relax on the beach. Don't want to try to do too much in the short time.

[CrystalS]

Natale - Sorry you guys won't be joining us :( But I totally understand missing the kids :)


I would be up for a Fish Extender exchange possibly, depending on the space in my luggage to bring gifts for everyone :)


We don't have any plans for excursions. I know DH would like to go parasailing, but we aren't sure yet, it depends how much spending money we have when Sept rolls around, lol

[acourtwdw]

Natale-Sorry to hear that you won't be joining us :(

My parents haven't been to the Bahamas, so we will be going to Atlantis for sure and seeing some of the island. I don't understand why people stay on the boat in Nassau. It is a lovely island with very friendly people. The outdoor market is can be fun.

On CC we are renting bikes. It is a great way to see the island. They rent by the hour but last year we were told to keep them as long as we wanted.

Annette :)

[natale1980]

Thanks everyone! But we'll have fun on our anniversary anyways. Right after I cancelled the cruise I bought tickets to a Cubs game :cool1: Not as much fun - but we're are going to the game alone so it will be nice.

Enjoy!
nat

[LisaRN97]

Nat ~ So sorry to see that you cancelled but I am happy to see that you have planned some other events to enjoy your anniversary!

Annette ~ Thank you for the list!

Welcome Dixie, Dawn, and kcashner....19 cruises?!? Wow!

[acourtwdw]

We paid off our cruises tonight :yay: Also made our Palo ressies and our bikes/floats rental too. We only have 83 days left :cool1:

[Stanlemm]

add me to the list, and my boyfriend Casey.

:flower1::tigger:

I am so excited guys!

[sabrecmc]

Permission to come aboard???

Whoo-hoo, just booked us for cat 9 room 2508...this will be our first cruise EVER!

It will be me, my 3-year old daughter, my mom and aunt. We'll follow the cruise with a week at Disney. Totally excited!!!

[acourtwdw]

add me to the list, and my boyfriend Casey.

:flower1::tigger:

I am so excited guys!

Permission to come aboard???

Whoo-hoo, just booked us for cat 9 room 2508...this will be our first cruise EVER!

It will be me, my 3-year old daughter, my mom and aunt. We'll follow the cruise with a week at Disney. Totally excited!!!

Welcome Aboard :) The more the merrier.

Do you want me to list you "real" names on the first page or you Disnames?

I can't believe how close we are getting. My parents are so excited even though this is their 2nd DCL trip.

What is everyone planning on doing in Nassau? I know that we are gambling at Atlantis and some shopping.

[dotty dot]

Hi we are also booked on the wonder for the 10th sep - we are me dot hubby and dd ( 19) we are in room 8520 and it is our first cruise we only booked it last weekend on a whimm but i have been reading these boards ever since and just wanted to say thanks for all the great info we have about the cruise / food and staterooms so far - does anybody know if their is a fish extender thing happening or a meet on our little weekend away? We are from liverpool in the uk and will be in orlando in a villa for a week or so before the cruise then back to the villa after the cruise where we will be at MSSHp on the 15th. We have been going to disney since my dd was 3 so we love disney and the cruise this year will make our holiday. Looking forward to reading lots lots more over the coming weeks pirate::grouphug::cheer2:

[sabrecmc]

Do you want me to list you "real" names on the first page or you Disnames?

Sure...it will be Caryn (me), Aslan (my daughter, age 3), Gail (my mom, aka "Nana") and Cam (my aunt, aka "Aunt Cam").

I think we'll try the dolphin encounter in Nassau...I was skeptical, but have heard good things and my daughter says she wants to do it. The pictures on the company's website do look pretty cool. We're also cruising on a 3 night DCL cruise in November, so I figure we can hang on the boat then.

[acourtwdw]

First of all welcome Dot and family :)

I will add FE next to the first name on your family list if you want to participate in the exchange. I will also need you stateroom number. We won't have ours until we are closer sailing since we have a cat 12. What is a good cut off date for everyone for the F/E?

On past cruises we have the meet around 3pm in one of the lounges. I can't remember the name right now, but it will come to me.

Off to dinner and to see the Proposal.

[dotty dot]

hi i think we would like to take part in a fish extender though we are really not too sure what that involved and is it ok to do it with 3 adults in the room or is it more aimed at children ( if so i am happy to give somthing out to the children and not take part ourslefs but to leave small gifts outside others rooms) do we have to make somthing ourselfs to hang outside our rooms on our fish extenders or would we be able to buy somthing whilst we are away on holiday? It would be nice to meet up with others from the cruise though it may only be me and my daughter as hubby can be a bit anti social somtimes ( though he does secretly love disney )
sorry edited as i have just re read the posts
so me dot ( 46) hubby rob ( 45) daughter becky( 19 will turn 20 whilst we are away) and we will be in room 8520 - we can not book any of the trips ect yet until day 75 so we are still trying to decide

[acourtwdw]

Ok everyone- time to figure out who is doing the Fish Extender. Let me know who wants in and your stateroom number.

I think a good cut off is about a month before the cruise. Will that work for everyone? That give us time to see the final numbers and ship anything to DCL if neccessary.

Annette :)

[LisaRN97]

73 days left!!! :) :)

[sabrecmc]

I was able to make our shore excursion reservations today...my daughter and I are doing the Blue Lagoon dolphin encounter, while my mom and aunt do the Ardastra (sp?) Gardens & city tour. Anyone else on either of those? Seemed like there was still plenty of availability for things. I also booked the adults for Palo and me a mani/pedi at the spa...we're headed to Caribbean Beach Resort after our cruise, so figured I'd have nice nails for Disney, lol.

[CrystalS]

Hi, I always forget to keep checking back here!

We are all paid up on our cruise now :)
We will be at ASMovies at WDW afterwards for 4 nights too.

I think we'd like to participate in the FE too please. We don't know the stateroom number yet as we are in a GTY 12 room right now.

No clue whats happening at Nassau yet, lol, I need to check with our group again and see if we want to make any plans or just play by ear. This is a budget vacation for us, so it will mostly depend on how much "play" money we can come up with. Does anyone know the cut off date to book excursions?

[dotty dot]

two months to go :banana::dance3:

[acourtwdw2]

I cant wait to cruise:banana:

[CrystalS]

I'm already thinking that after going on the Wonder for 3 nights I'm going to be wanting to book our 2nd cruise before we even get home!
I'm getting so excited to be going, I've been wanting this for almost 5 years now!

[acourtwdw2]

I'm already thinking that after going on the Wonder for 3 nights I'm going to be wanting to book our 2nd cruise before we even get home!
I'm getting so excited to be going, I've been wanting this for almost 5 years now!

If you decide you want to go on another cruise you should book it while on the cruise. I hear that the discount is huge


Is anyone participating in the fish extender? :confused3

[CrystalS]

If you decide you want to go on another cruise you should book it while on the cruise. I hear that the discount is huge


Is anyone participating in the fish extender? :confused3

Only problem is that I don't think we could afford to book another so soon, lol

There are a few of us that were hoping to, not sure how many though

[acourtwdw]

Hey :)

Just trying to figure out who wants to do the F/E. :fish: Please PM me or post a message here.

Thanks
Annette :)

[LisaRN97]

I can't believe how the time is flying by!!! I am interested in the FE.....let me know what I need to do!! I think my girls would like the little suprises!!

[acourtwdw]

I can't believe how the time is flying by!!! I am interested in the FE.....let me know what I need to do!! I think my girls would like the little suprises!!

Just need your cabin number :)

[LisaRN97]

Cabin # 2612......

[CrystalS]

Original Poster -

Have you tried PMing everyone thats posted here to see if they want to do the FE? (just thinking that some might not check here often, since I know I often forget to as well)

[kcashner]

If you decide you want to go on another cruise you should book it while on the cruise. I hear that the discount is huge


Is anyone participating in the fish extender? :confused3

I don't know that I'd call it "huge," but we always rebook while on board. The discount is 10% of the cruise fare in cat 4-11, no discount in suites or cat 12. In addition, you get a $100 Onboard credit for 3 or 4 days, $200 for 7 days. There are a couple of Med cruises where you get 20% and $400, but those cruises are mega-bucks!

In addition, you should name your TA when you do the onboard rebooking. I use a TA who gives me another onboard credit (amount based on length of cruise and category). In addition, she gives me super service....she computer tracks all her ressies so that if a lower fare becomes available, it's all automatic. It's a delight to see a refund on my credit card!!!

We've done FEs in the past, but I'm not going to do it on this cruise--too short and too much to do. It is a lot of fun on the longer cruises.

This will be my #22 on DCL (yes, I'm an addict)....so far 19 on the Magic and 2 on the Wonder.

Looking forward to meeting everyone...and to ocean breezes again! I booked my flights today!!! And made kennel reservations.

[acourtwdw]

Since there very little interest in doing an FE, I think that I will skip it on this cruise. Sorry to disappoint anyone.

I look forward to meeting all of you on the cruise though :)

Annette :D

[CrystalS]

Yeah, I don't think 3 is enough for the FE :(

Count us out too :(

On the bright side of things, we got our cabin number today and were upgraded (both rooms) from cat 12 gtys to cat 11's on Deck 6 :)

Is anyone going to be wearing anything distinguishing, or want to post photos of ourselves so we might be able to recognize each other in the terminal for a quick hello?

[sabrecmc]

I ordered a gift basket from Shirley at the Perfect Gift today. I think my daughter will love a bit of magic upon her arrival. This is our first cruise (though I've already booked two more, I guess I'm assuming we'll like it) and I want to make it special. My daughter and I are doing the dolphin encounter and my mom and aunt are doing the gardens & city tour. I'm kind of meh on Nassau, really, but whatever. Dolphins are fun any day.

I decided not to do Palo this time. I really didn't want to miss out on that time with my daughter. I think she'll enjoy the dining experiences, especially AP. Maybe next time. We're doing a 10 night Med cruise, so I'm sure I'll find time for it then!

I wonder how many people will be on this cruise. From our little thread, it doesn't seem like it is ridiculously full, but those prices were really good. I'd love to upgrade a port. We're in a cat 9, but I'd happily move up in the world, so to speak.

[dotty dot]

so is nobody doing the FE thing then? I was interested but it will mean us making one and we have no idea what we are doing or what to put in them - is their still a meet going on? or has that gone too due to lack of numbers

[acourtwdw]

Since our numbers on this thread are so small (quality not quantity) we could do a meet before the sailaway party if folks are interested.

BTW, we got upgraded from a 12 to 10 :cool1:

[kcashner]

This is our first cruise (though I've already booked two more, I guess I'm assuming we'll like it) and I want to make it special. My daughter and I are doing the dolphin encounter and my mom and aunt are doing the gardens & city tour. I'm kind of meh on Nassau, really, but whatever. Dolphins are fun any day.

I decided not to do Palo this time. I really didn't want to miss out on that time with my daughter. I think she'll enjoy the dining experiences, especially AP. Maybe next time. We're doing a 10 night Med cruise, so I'm sure I'll find time for it then!

I wonder how many people will be on this cruise. From our little thread, it doesn't seem like it is ridiculously full, but those prices were really good. I'd love to upgrade a port. We're in a cat 9, but I'd happily move up in the world, so to speak.


If you already have 2 other cruises on Disney booked, remember to bring a note of the price you paid with you--if the price has not increased, you can convert them to a "rebooking on board" and get the 10% off (cat 4-11) and onboard credit. I've done this. I was told that I'd have to pay another deposit and then cancel my original ressie when I got home which was WRONG! Leslie on the Wonder made it totally easy--she e-mailed my TA asking the TA to "release the deposit." As soon as she heard back from the TA, she was able to apply that deposit to my new reservation. It was all handled as a paperwork transfer within Disney, nothing ever was charged or refunded to my credit card. Obviously, I was using the same TA for the new cruises and she knew in advance that I was planning to do this.

I'm really surprised that our cruise is showing FL res rates, etc. We're on the $99 bounceback, and thought it would be more crowded! Disney is showing cat 5 and 6 available to select a cabin and cat 4 gty. Interesting.....

[Evan&Kimberly]

Hey just called to find out my room number and I got upgraded to a category 9 booked a 12 and got a 9! Me and my son prayed before we called and boy did God answer my Disney Cruise request! Whoooo hoooo!:cool1::banana::cheer2::yay::banana::cool1:: yay::dance3::dance3:banana::yay::dance3::dance3::y ay::woohoo:::woohoo::banana::woohoo::cool1:

[Evan&Kimberly]

Yeah, I don't think 3 is enough for the FE :(

Count us out too :(

On the bright side of things, we got our cabin number today and were upgraded (both rooms) from cat 12 gtys to cat 11's on Deck 6 :)

Is anyone going to be wearing anything distinguishing, or want to post photos of ourselves so we might be able to recognize each other in the terminal for a quick hello?

Hey, thats a good idea, maybe we can wear a certain color or something!

[crewsin250]

Hello Everyone.

We are first time Disney cruisers and looking forward to being a kid again. We also found out yesterday we where upgraded to Cat 9 from Cat 12 and that gave us a nice warm up for the docs dance to come. It is always funny watching the neighbors when our docs come in they think we are crazy. (maybe just a little)

Ok all you past cruisers fill us in on all the secrets and stuff that can't be missed while on the Disney Wonder.

We would be interested in a short meet and greet onboard and just a thought instaed of a FE, what we have done on some our past cruises is a gift exchange, where you bring an item that represents your home town or state that cost no more than $10 and each person that brings a gift gets a gift that way you can still attend the M&G but you do not have to participate in the gift exchange if you do not wish to. Let us know what you think about this.

Paul and Honna 45 years young
Cabin# 2092
Pascagoula, Mississippi

[Evan&Kimberly]

Hey, It seems that pixie dust has been unleashed on this cruise, If anyone else has been upgraded please share!:cool1:

[Evan&Kimberly]

Hey :)

Just trying to figure out who wants to do the F/E. :fish: Please PM me or post a message here.

Thanks
Annette :)

I have been MIA, so we are not going to do the FE, Maybe you can ask again, and maybe just the few that want to participate can, I think my son would enjoy a couple of surprises rather than none!

[Evan&Kimberly]

Since our numbers on this thread are so small (quality not quantity) we could do a meet before the sailaway party if folks are interested.

BTW, we got upgraded from a 12 to 10 :cool1:

Congrtaz on your upgrade, well if we are not going to do the FE, maybe we can wear a certain color and have a meet and greet!

[kcashner]

The "standard" dis-meets are at 3 or 3:15. Locations vary--Promenade Lounge or by the Goofy pool are common places. However, on the 3 day, that time will interfere with the shopping talk if anyone is planning on that.

Our last cruise had 2 meets--11:15 in the terminal and 3 on the ship. The obvious problem is that not everyone gets to the terminal and checked in that early.

Guess we're open to suggestions.

[CrystalS]

Oh man, how come other cat 12gty'ers got upgraded to cat9's, but we only got up to 11? lol

Did anyone get called about a paid upgrade first? We did and said no thanks, maybe thats why? hmmm

[CrystalS]

Not sure if we'll have "time" for an actual meet. Since its a 3-day I don't want to stop my family from getting the most "boat/activities" they can squeeze in, lol.
But I'd love for a quick terminal meet n greet if everyones up to it. We're trying to be there by 10am or so. I'm trying to find some matching shirts for our group. If I find some I'll post what they look like so you can all find us, lol.

[kcashner]

We're doing this cruise on the bounceback offer. The deal is that you get the same category as you had on the sailing that got you the certificate.

OK, in Feb. I BOUGHT an upgrade at the port from a 12 to a 5. Didn't know how they'd handle it for this cruise, but we are getting a 5 on the bounceback as well....or maybe it's a 6, I'm not sure. In any event, we got a balcony. They said that because I bought the upgrade, I'd get it for the bounceback; if I had been given a pixie dust upgrade, I would have had the 12 for this cruise. Best upgrade I ever bought!!!!

I may just hang out on my balcony and enjoy the ocean breezes for 2 1/2 days!

[Evan&Kimberly]

Do you think they will offer this cruise a bounce back?

[Evan&Kimberly]

Oh man, how come other cat 12gty'ers got upgraded to cat9's, but we only got up to 11? lol

Did anyone get called about a paid upgrade first? We did and said no thanks, maybe thats why? hmmm

Hey I called DCL the other day, cause I saw people on here that got their room assignments so I wanted to check mine and she was like you have been upgraded to A category 9, me and Evan prayed before we called DCL! and we got us a big window!!!

[crewsin250]

Maybe, this is just a thought we could do a M&G for those who want to attend and the ones with kids could still do the FE and I would do my part to make sure they all had something in there FE before the cruise was over.

I think 2:30 at one of the locations listed in a past post would be great and the folks that are going to hang a FE please post your cabin # and everyone who would be interested in droping something in them for the kids could do so.

Hope evryone had a great weekend.

Paul

[kcashner]

OK, this is a thought... We are 2 people staying at the POP for a few days before the cruise. Is anyone out there interested in sharing a rental car or limo to the port?

I don't mind the $70 to get 2 of us to the port, but don't want to arrive at 2 pm. Rental cars from WDW are a lot more than from MCO....etc. I have a back up plan if it's just the 2 of us, but if another family is interested, we'd be delighted to share!

[tiggerguy2000]

Since our numbers on this thread are so small (quality not quantity) we could do a meet before the sailaway party if folks are interested.

BTW, we got upgraded from a 12 to 10 :cool1:
Annette,I guess booking a gty room is the way to go.I was wondering what happens and what the strategy is in getting a good upgrade.With my luck they would call me and say they want more money to just keep the room I booked.I was looking at a 7 day that both cat 6 and 5 are GTY so I was going to book the cat 6 with thoughts they woul give me a cat 4.What are your thoughts on this and say hello to amanda for us.

tiggerguy(Billy) & tiggersgal(Terry)
Hung out together on the 07 DVC Cruise

[kcashner]

DCL has a policy which is now being strictly enforced that you won't get a FREE upgrade of more than 3 categories. If you book a 12, the highest you could sail in is theoretically a 9. In the past there have been reports of incredible upgrades, but a CM told us that they are following the policy very strictly now.

Yes, you odds of an upgrade are greatest if you book a gty, and if you book a lower cabin. If you've booked a 12, there are 800+ cabins you COULD be upgraded to. If you booked a 2, there are only 2 nicer cabins than what you already have. They're having a hard time selling cat 4s, so those are going as upgrades quite frequently these days....good luck!

Upgrades recently have been a lot more common than in past years....this will probably stop as the economy improves.

[sabrecmc]

Interesting about the upgrades. We're in a cat 9 and I would love some pixie dust, but I'd be happy with our cat 9 as well. It was a good deal through DU, so I can't complain. This is our first trip though. If they'd bump us to a cat 4, I'd probably never be able to stay in anything else! Come on, Disney! A little pixie dust now=more money for Disney later! Its only 3 nights though...I don't know that I would really want to pay much of anything to upgrade.

[acourtwdw]

Annette,I guess booking a gty room is the way to go.I was wondering what happens and what the strategy is in getting a good upgrade.With my luck they would call me and say they want more money to just keep the room I booked.I was looking at a 7 day that both cat 6 and 5 are GTY so I was going to book the cat 6 with thoughts they woul give me a cat 4.What are your thoughts on this and say hello to amanda for us.

tiggerguy(Billy) & tiggersgal(Terry)
Hung out together on the 07 DVC Cruise

Hey :)

I say book what category that you will be happy in and then try some pixie dust :) The only difference between cat 5 & 6 is the floor that they are on. I say go with the gty 6. We had a gty 6 in 2002 and it was the best room we have ever had. It was at the very end of the ship so it was very quiet.
Tell Terry hi from me :)

[LisaRN97]

OK, this is a thought... We are 2 people staying at the POP for a few days before the cruise. Is anyone out there interested in sharing a rental car or limo to the port?

I don't mind the $70 to get 2 of us to the port, but don't want to arrive at 2 pm. Rental cars from WDW are a lot more than from MCO....etc. I have a back up plan if it's just the 2 of us, but if another family is interested, we'd be delighted to share!

We are staying at WDW prior as well, but unfortunatley I went ahead and paid for ME. I looked into getting a rental, but it would be very close to what the cost is for ME as we need a car for 4 and two booster seats for our girls. Then the time to run and pick up and drop off the car....

Sorry!

[LisaRN97]

It is nice to see all the upgrades everyone is getting!! :cheer2: Congratulations! I don't think we are eligible for any as our cruise was an incentive for joining DVC.....that is probably why we have had our stateroom # since June! Just a few more weeks!!!

[kcashner]

We are staying at WDW prior as well, but unfortunatley I went ahead and paid for ME. I looked into getting a rental, but it would be very close to what the cost is for ME as we need a car for 4 and two booster seats for our girls. Then the time to run and pick up and drop off the car....

Sorry!

Just a note on terms in order to avoid confusion (not trying to be picky, but people DO get confused.)

Magical Express is a free service that runs between MCO and any WDW resort. It does not go to Port Canaveral at all.

DCL transfers are a paid transportation between MCO and Port Canaveral or select WDW hotels and Port Canaveral. You booked DCL transfers for your trip to the port. You are probably using ME to get from the airport to WDW.

[LisaRN97]

Just a note on terms in order to avoid confusion (not trying to be picky, but people DO get confused.)

Magical Express is a free service that runs between MCO and any WDW resort. It does not go to Port Canaveral at all.

DCL transfers are a paid transportation between MCO and Port Canaveral or select WDW hotels and Port Canaveral. You booked DCL transfers for your trip to the port. You are probably using ME to get from the airport to WDW.

Yes, you are correct and thank you for the reminder ;)

We are using ME to get to WDW from MCO and paid for DCL transfer from WDW to the port....can you tell this is our first trip home as a family?? :woohoo:

[acourtwdw]

Lisa,

We are staying at BLT the night before the cruise and BCV after. When will you be at BLT? I can't wait to see it :)

[LisaRN97]

Lisa,

We are staying at BLT the night before the cruise and BCV after. When will you be at BLT? I can't wait to see it :)

We are staying at BLT the 7th through the 10th. We are looking forward to a few days at MK then a few more resting on the cruise!!

Perhaps our paths will cross? Viewing wishes from the lounge or on the DCL bus? I'll be the one chasing after two little girls going crazy!!:banana:

[kcashner]

I just read that Christiaan is scheduled to be our Cruise Director on the ship. This info is from another guest and I can't verify it as accurate, but...if he is, we are very fortunate. He is totally THE BEST!

[crewsin250]

Hope everyone had a great weekend, we have a tropical storm knocking on our back door here I hope they are all out of the way before our cruise.
Paul

[acourtwdw]

We are staying at BLT the 7th through the 10th. We are looking forward to a few days at MK then a few more resting on the cruise!!

Perhaps our paths will cross? Viewing wishes from the lounge or on the DCL bus? I'll be the one chasing after two little girls going crazy!!:banana:

We plan on viewing the fireworks on Wednesday night from the lounge. So if you're there....

[kcashner]

Got our "documents" today....but with the online check in, documents are really only luggage tags.

[LisaRN97]

I am getting so excited!! I keep crossing my fingers that all those storms will stay very far away!!

[kcashner]

After several September cruises, I've learned not to fret about storms. First, the storm paths change on a day to day basis. Secondly, the captain will not take the ship anywhere near a hurricane (he is too smart for that). The only time a hurricane really messed up our cruise was when it closed Port Canaveral and we had to go out of Lauderdale 3 days late! Our 7 day became a 4 1/2 day cruise. No fun. Yes, DCL did compensate us, but it was still not optimal.

It would be a bummer to miss Castaway, but for me, the destination is the ship. I'll be happy just being back on board!

[CrystalS]

Ahhh! Just under 3 weeks before we leave for our first cruise/WDW!!!
I'm starting to get a little stressed about what things I need to do still before we leave.
I've read up as much as possible, have all our confirmation numbers written down, set up out DCL transfer, rental car and ME, even printed up park maps.
But now I have to actually get it organised and find something to bring it all in, lol.

Oh and I need to find a new pair of shorts for the trip too, lol.

I know I'll be ready by the time we leave (or even a day or two early, lol) but its still starting to get my nerves going, lol.

I'm not sure if I asked yet, but is anyone here travelling from Canada?
We are driving from BC down to Seattle to get our flights there (cheaper than out of Vancouver thats for sure!).

[crewsin250]

We are doing the doc dance, :cool1: UPS just left, and now we feel the trip is real also the upgrade is real have cabin # on paper now.

Only thing now is to get mother nature to work with us on this great adventure onboard the Disney Wonder.

Paul

[Jewels912]

We got our docs yesterday, too! Upgraded to a cat 6 with a balcony...all the way in the back of the ship. We're excited!! We've only ever been on deck 2!

Crystal, I can't imagine how long that trip down will be! We live in FL so we have just a short drive to the port. Safe travels but have fun!

I'm SO looking forward to my 30th birthday on Castaway Cay! Ahhh I can feel the relaxation now. I'll have to forgo the alcoholic drinks since I'll be 22 weeks pregnant, but it will still be WONDERful! :yay:

[sabrecmc]

We got our documents yesterday as well. No upgrade from our cat 9 though. I'm ok with that, since I'm pretty happy with a cat 9. I'm still nervous about the idea of a balcony with a 3 year old, though I know no one has ever fallen off a Disney ship. At least, not yet!

Its exciting to see something official. This will be our first cruise, so we're all a bit unsure of how things will work, but I'm sure we'll figure it out. I've learned so much from reading these boards. Just hope we don't have weather problems!

[Stanlemm]

I got upgraded from a Cat 9 to a Cat 6! I cannot wait! This is my first cruise, and I am so excited to have a balcony. When the woman called to tell me the news, she started laughing because of how happy I was. I love Disney magic! :goodvibes

I hope you all are excited! I am making a trip to walmart tonight to start buying all of my travel gear. We are so close!

[crewsin250]

Ok it seems the excitement is growing:yay: the closer we get to sail time some of ya'll that have not posted in awhile are back, Great.

Lets set the M&G for 2:30 PM Sept.10 at Promenade Lounge,

If you can stop by Please do so we can put faces with all the folks we have been posting with on these boards. I will make a sign to let everyone know where we are in the lounge.

Those families with kids that plan on putting a FE out please post your cabin # so we will be able to drop off the gifts for the kids.

Looking Forward To Meeting Ya'll
Paul

[agirlinflorida]

Hi all! We too are going to be on this cruise. We are a party of 4 couples....leaving the kiddies at home.......adult only cruising!! Can't wait! We were upgraded from a Cat 9 to a Cat 6 at the back of the ship port side. It will be our 8th Disney Cruise and our first with balconies!!

[acourtwdw]

Yeah! More people for our thread :)

We got our docs today! Doin' the Dance :cool1:


Can't wait to meet all of you in just 3 short weeks.

Annette :)

[crewsin250]

Welcome Agirlinflorida to the rollcall I hope ya'll will try and stop by the Meet and Greet. Being this is your 8th DCL cruise, any secrets you can share with some of us 1st timers, also congratulations on your balcony. :woohoo:
Paul

[agirlinflorida]

Welcome Agirlinflorida to the rollcall I hope ya'll will try and stop by the Meet and Greet. Being this is your 8th DCL cruise, any secrets you can share with some of us 1st timers, also congratulations on your balcony. :woohoo:
Paul

We will definetely try to stop by the Meet and Greet, but without kids I may be sipping margaritas by the adult pool by then! :rotfl: As for secrets: I have many....most of which I acquired right here on this forum. The 3N cruise is very short so make sure you relax and just enjoy the ship as much as you can. Oh wait, there is one secret that is very important....if you drink alcohol then bring your own with you. Just put it in your carry-on baggage and send it through the scanner. This tip saved us $$$. Also, do a cash account. You can always settle your bill with a credit card. This way your credit card won't have a "hold" on it while you are traveling and they won't "automatically" settle your account whenever they feel like it. A tip for those traveling with kids....bring your own sand toys and floats for Castaway cay. For the room bring....power strip, highlighters for the Navigators, address labels for the return luggage tags, post-it notes, ziploc baggies, shoe caddy for the closet, and a soft sided cooler. That's all I can think of right now. We are counting the days down!!

[crewsin250]

Thanks AgirlfromFla. for the info and ideas we look forward to meeting everyone onboard.:thumbsup2

We have been searching the Disboards for magnet ideas and have printed several already.

Paul

[Stanlemm]

That's all. Just really really excited.


pirate::dance3::dance3::dance3:

[CrystalS]

Just wanted to update,
we have rooms 6633 and 6635.
The only "real" kid, lol will be in room 6633. My 2.5 yr old son.
I'll be making just a small FE for him incase anyone has anything to drop of ;)
I also plan to bring a few things for the other kiddos. So who has kids that will have a FE out?

[kcashner]

Took DD to college today...sort of the last major hurdle before I can really think about WDW and the cruise!!!! Can't wait!

I am so tired! It was pouring when we got there...ended quickly, then turned steamy hot.

Here's to fair seas and a following wind! And number 22!!!! I'm going to be in deep trouble when DD learns that I sailed without her, but tis the breaks!

[crewsin250]

Crystal enjoyed reading your pre cruise report and i'm sure your son will have a great time.

Paul

Kids FE List:

Cabin # 6633 2.5 YO son Jacob

[LisaRN97]

Just wanted to update,
we have rooms 6633 and 6635.
The only "real" kid, lol will be in room 6633. My 2.5 yr old son.
I'll be making just a small FE for him incase anyone has anything to drop of ;)
I also plan to bring a few things for the other kiddos. So who has kids that will have a FE out?

Hi Crystal ~ We will have a FE out.... still need to make it, but it will be there. I have been picking up things here and there and hide them in my trunk. I have a bag of small character beanies and some princess things for my girls ( I plan on leaving small gifts during our trip and saying they are from mickey etc. ) and I a few things for other's FE. Enjoying your pre-trip report!

Three weeks to go!!:dance3:

[CrystalS]

Hi Crystal ~ We will have a FE out.... still need to make it, but it will be there. I have been picking up things here and there and hide them in my trunk. I have a bag of small character beanies and some princess things for my girls ( I plan on leaving small gifts during our trip and saying they are from mickey etc. ) and I a few things for other's FE. Enjoying your pre-trip report!

Three weeks to go!!:dance3:

Can I ask the age of your girls, so that I can make sure our FE gifts are age appropriate :)

[lovechild6175]

Will try not to make this too long, but I have questions for all of you experienced cruisers:

1) I have a handicapped room, Cat 11. Will this still have the bathtub?
2) I know that DCL provides sodas free (unlike other CL's), but how about bottled water?
3) Can I put the gratuities on my credit card or are these cash only?
4) If I want to put out a FE for my daughter, is there a special one? Or can I use something akin to a Christmas stocking? And what do people usually put in these, anyway?
5) I work in the high-end wine industry and would love to share wine brought on board -- does DCL sanction this or is it "hush-hush"?
6) Are there any other single parent cruisers out there?

We can't wait to go on our first cruise ever, let alone on the Wonder. Can't wait to meet all of you at the M&G! :cool1: It will be myself and my DD(4).

Thanks all!

[lovechild6175]

I read your post about wanting to carpool to the port. We will be staying at POP beforehand as well, and will have a rental car to park at port. We will have a small car, but you're more than welcome to squeeze in if you'd like.

[kcashner]

Will try not to make this too long, but I have questions for all of you experienced cruisers:

1) I have a handicapped room, Cat 11. Will this still have the bathtub?
2) I know that DCL provides sodas free (unlike other CL's), but how about bottled water?
3) Can I put the gratuities on my credit card or are these cash only?
4) If I want to put out a FE for my daughter, is there a special one? Or can I use something akin to a Christmas stocking? And what do people usually put in these, anyway?
5) I work in the high-end wine industry and would love to share wine brought on board -- does DCL sanction this or is it "hush-hush"?
6) Are there any other single parent cruisers out there?

Thanks all!
In our handicapped room there was no tub. It had a "roll in" shower. It was not the cat 11, so I'm not totally sure for you, but my guess would be shower only.

Bottled water is available for a cost. You can purchase by the bottle or the case. The water on the ship is totally drinkable (distilled and filtered), no no need for bottled water unless you want it.

DCL is probably the only line that openly allows you to bring wine on board. Your room steward will provide glasses, a corkscrew, etc (or to be safe, bring your own corkscrew. IF you take a bottle into the dining room you will be charged a "corking fee." However, if you carry in a glass there will be no charge.
Gratuities can be charged to your KTTW account which can be paid with your credit card.

Your Fish extender can be anything you choose...you can make something, use a Christmas stocking, etc. Do remember that some have been stolen by other guests! If it has your name on it, it is less likely to disappear. On one cruise I totally forgot my FE, so used a DCL plastic bag! Yeah, it looked terrible, but it did the job!

THis will be my first cruise without DD....after 21 DCL cruises as a single mom. I dumped the kiddo at college yesterday. On the Magic there are lunches with cruise staff members for "single parent or sailing solo." Sorry, but I don't remember if these existed on the WOnder the last time we were there. You'll be really busy on a short cruise!!!

[kcashner]

I read your post about wanting to carpool to the port. We will be staying at POP beforehand as well, and will have a rental car to park at port. We will have a small car, but you're more than welcome to squeeze in if you'd like.

I sent you a pm.
Kathryn

[lovechild6175]

Thanks for the tips! We are so excited!

[crewsin250]

Welcome :yay:Lovechild6175 to the rollcall and we look forward to meeting you onboard im sure your daughter is very excited about ya'lls trip.

[LisaRN97]

Can I ask the age of your girls, so that I can make sure our FE gifts are age appropriate :)


My oldest, Carolina is 4, turning 5 in October.
My youngest, Ana Maria, is 3.5


Our cabin number is #2612. Counting down the days!!!

[LisaRN97]

Will try not to make this too long, but I have questions for all of you experienced cruisers:


4) If I want to put out a FE for my daughter, is there a special one? Or can I use something akin to a Christmas stocking? And what do people usually put in these, anyway?


We can't wait to go on our first cruise ever, let alone on the Wonder. Can't wait to meet all of you at the M&G! :cool1: It will be myself and my DD(4).

Thanks all!

I found some great ideas as well as directions how to make a no-sew FE by searching these boards. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30302583&postcount=609

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33184281&postcount=2

Hope this helps!!!

Nice to meet you...!!!

[crewsin250]

FE Update!!!!

[Jewels912]

Re: bottled water, you can bring bottles of water in your luggage, too. We bring large refillable water bottles and just fill up anytime we're thirsty!

[kcashner]

Re: bottled water, you can bring bottles of water in your luggage, too. We bring large refillable water bottles and just fill up anytime we're thirsty!

Bottled water is actually one of those "problem" items....you can't carry it on if you're flying, but you are asked not to pack liquids in your checked luggage for DCL. You can carry all the water you want onto the ship, but it is supposed to be packed in your carry on so that it doesn't leak all over your stuff or someone else's. For cosmetic sized liquids in your checked luggage, be sure that it is in a sealed plastic bag so that if it leaks, it doesn't get all over your "stuff."

If you are using private transportation, you can stop before checking in and buy bottled water. It is for sale on the ship, but is very expensive. We bring water bottles (empty) and refill them with the ship's water and ice--it tastes good.

On our recent trip with 6 people, 5 of the 6 felt that the ship's water was good. The one who didn't was one of those people who objected to everything!

A hint on excursions--the farther you get from the ship, the cheaper cold, bottled water gets. Right at the port it was $2, 1 block away it was $1.

[crewsin250]

Hope everyone had a great weekend, we are only 17 days away from sailing on this Wonder-ful cruise.:yay:

Still working on our T- shirts for the cruise finally found some white pocket t-shirts will try putting on transfers tommorrow.

Paul

[Evan&Kimberly]

Hey 2 all the WONDERful cruisers! can someone tell me how to get my countdown cruise vacation? I want to start my countdown 2, I havent been on here for a while but I really need to find a hotel, want to be close to the port, I think it is wise to get down a day or 2 before the cruise, I am driving this year flew last year and it was so nice it shouldnt be bad I live in Ga! What hotels are any of you guys staying at before and after the cruise, anyone used priceline? I was thinking of staying at a hotel that will take you to the port but was WONDERing when they pick you up from the port what time do they come get you, I wil be going to WDW after the cruise, and want to get my 2nd part of the vacation started as soon as I get off the ship, so I WONDER if it will be better to just park at the port? full of ??????????????

[kcashner]

We have used the Radisson and the Quality Suites. They are "sister" hotels with the same owner. The Radisson has a HUGE parking lot behind the hotel where you can leave a vehicle while you cruise provided that you stay at one of their hotels either before or after the cruise. You DO NOT have to pay the extra for a "cruise package" to do this. They offer a free shuttle to and from the terminal. The Quality Suites offers a free breakfast--it's pretty basic, but it's adequate. At the Radisson, the breakfast is included if you buy the cruise package, otherwise you pay. Make your shuttle reservation when you make your hotel ressie. They are every 30 minutes starting at 10:00.

The Quality Suites is nicer inside than out. Great staff! In the morning you'll check out and drive to the Radisson to park and catch the shuttle. Unload your bags at the front of the hotel and leave one person there with the bags (or everyone who doesn't want to walk. ) Then follow the signs toward the back for "cruise parking."

When you get off the ship, you'll find the shuttle making a continuous loop between the terminal and the hotel--you might wait for 10-15 minutes, but it will come to get you. No reservations or time slots. If you don't want to wait for the shuttle you can take a cab to the hotel for about $20. That's still cheaper than parking at the port.

We paid $107 including all taxes, which was almost exactly equal to the $105 we would have paid to park on our 7 day cruise. Granted, this cruise is only 3 days, but that's still almost 1/2 of your overnight stay cost!

I started packing tonight!!!!! Well...maybe "sorting and making a pile" would be a better word.

[sabrecmc]

What hotels are any of you guys staying at before and after the cruise, anyone used priceline? I was thinking of staying at a hotel that will take you to the port but was WONDERing when they pick you up from the port what time do they come get you, I wil be going to WDW after the cruise, and want to get my 2nd part of the vacation started as soon as I get off the ship, so I WONDER if it will be better to just park at the port? full of ??????????????

We are staying at the Residence Inn. I read really good reviews in the Cape Canaveral info thread and in the Passporter Guide. We have our own car and will just park at the port. I don't really want to deal with the hassle of a shuttle, though I've heard good things about the one from the Residence. Still, I'd rather just pay a bit extra and be able to come and go as I please. With a 3 year old in tow, that is important! We are also headed to WDW after the cruise. We're staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I also wanted to get that part started asap, so that was part of my thinking as well.

[kcashner]

We use Priceline frequently when we need a room in the airport area for an evening arrival the night before the cruise. If I fly in after work/school, I don't want to bother with driving to the port area that night; I'd rather drive when it's light. At the 2.5* level, all the Priceline and Hotwire rooms include free breakfast and free shuttle to/from MCO. We typically pay $31 -$39 + taxes and fees (add $10 for tax and fees). Priceline is technically for 2 people, hotwire allows up to 4. Recently we have stayed at the Amerisuites, Hampton, and for this trip we have the Hyatt Place.

Rooms near the airport are typically cheaper than rooms near the port. Also, if you do a port room on Priceline, many hotels exempt these from their shuttle service. If you have a rental car, that's no problem (you turn it in and ride their shuttle). If you're driving, you then have to pay port parking.

[lovechild6175]

Roll call:

Mabel (that's me)
Jordan (DD4)
Rm. 7631

Question: Do you think that the ship is so full that they wouldn't be able to accomodate a room change request? I'm asking because we are in a handicap room, and I've heard that there are no "tubs" there. But maybe it's a moot point because there are no tubs in the Cat 11/12's anyway? Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated -- thanks!

[kcashner]

Roll call:

Rm. 7631

Question: Do you think that the ship is so full that they wouldn't be able to accomodate a room change request? I'm asking because we are in a handicap room, and I've heard that there are no "tubs" there. But maybe it's a moot point because there are no tubs in the Cat 11/12's anyway? Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated -- thanks!

Ummm...there has been a tub in every cat 11 and 12 stateroom I've ever seen except the handicapped cabins!

Yes, 7631 is an accessible cabin. Did you purchase a cat 11 or did you purchase a 12 gty? If you bought an 11, there is some possibility that they would work with you. If you purchased a 12 gty, you're probably out of luck as they are not showing any 11s or 12s as available at all, not even as gty.

As of today, they are showing only cat 5 as available to select a room on our ship; all other categories are showing as gty (which means that they have few or none of those left but would book them and shuffle upgrades to fill a few more cabins.

What I'd do--call DCL or your TA and ask. It will be easier to have a move made now than at the terminal or at Guest Services after boarding.

[crewsin250]

Has anyone ever traded pins while onboard the ship. I have just received 20 pins that I purchased off of e-bay, if so maybe at the M&G you can take a look and let me know if I have anything worth trading.

Mabel good luck on your room change, maybe they will move you up to a cat. 5 if thats all they have left.:idea:

:banana:14 days till we leave headed to the port. Still have not finished my shirts these 12 hour work day's make it tuff.

[LisaRN97]

I wish we were leaving this week!! I need a vacation!! Ahhhhhh.... :)

[kcashner]

Many CMs will have pin trading lanyards--Guest Services, those seating you at breakfast and lunch, and there are special pin trading sessions with the officers. Also, the sales staff in the gift shops will trade. Obviously, when they are really busy the lanyards disappear....but any CM wearing a lanyard will trade with you.

[Evan&Kimberly]

We have used the Radisson and the Quality Suites. They are "sister" hotels with the same owner. The Radisson has a HUGE parking lot behind the hotel where you can leave a vehicle while you cruise provided that you stay at one of their hotels either before or after the cruise. You DO NOT have to pay the extra for a "cruise package" to do this. They offer a free shuttle to and from the terminal. The Quality Suites offers a free breakfast--it's pretty basic, but it's adequate. At the Radisson, the breakfast is included if you buy the cruise package, otherwise you pay. Make your shuttle reservation when you make your hotel ressie. They are every 30 minutes starting at 10:00.

The Quality Suites is nicer inside than out. Great staff! In the morning you'll check out and drive to the Radisson to park and catch the shuttle. Unload your bags at the front of the hotel and leave one person there with the bags (or everyone who doesn't want to walk. ) Then follow the signs toward the back for "cruise parking."

When you get off the ship, you'll find the shuttle making a continuous loop between the terminal and the hotel--you might wait for 10-15 minutes, but it will come to get you. No reservations or time slots. If you don't want to wait for the shuttle you can take a cab to the hotel for about $20. That's still cheaper than parking at the port.

We paid $107 including all taxes, which was almost exactly equal to the $105 we would have paid to park on our 7 day cruise. Granted, this cruise is only 3 days, but that's still almost 1/2 of your overnight stay cost!

I started packing tonight!!!!! Well...maybe "sorting and making a pile" would be a better word.


Thank You, I am going to look into it time is tick'n

[crewsin250]

Kcashner do I need a laynard to put my pins on in order to trade. And if I get a laynard will they come up to me and see if I would like to trade are do I have to ask the CM if they would be interseted in trading. Thanks for all and any info you can help me with.

13 days till we leave.:cool1:

Paul

[kcashner]

You do not need a lanyard. The CMs who can trade will be wearing lanyards with their trade pins...and sometimes there is a trade book on the sales cart when it is in the atrium. The rules are pretty loose--you just need a pin that is a legit Disney pin (not a cheap knock off), sometimes they enforce the rule that you have to be offering a pin that the CM isn't already wearing, sometimes not. You will need to approach the CM if you wish to trade. They may make a comment about your pins if you're wearing a lanyard, but in general they won't ask you to trade unless you approach them. The CMs are required to trade with you as long as you have a pin (just like in the parks). It isn't an issue of do they like/want your pin.

DD doesn't wear a lanyard for pins. They get heavy! I'll usually keep a trade pin or two in my pocket or my fanny pack...or maybe ONE on my lanyard that holds my KTTW. Can you tell--she trades, I carry!

[LisaRN97]

This is our first trip as a family and I have been reading up on the pin trading....one question: Does Disney supply the pins for the CM's or do they purchase them on their own?

[kcashner]

Any time you see a CM wearing pins, they are supplied by Disney. This applies to the parks as well as the ship.

If a CM chooses to trade pins on their own time, they cannot be in "costume" while doing it.

I've been rather unhappy with the car rental rates from WDW to the port for our cruise. I just re-checked the various codes and was able to take $30 off my previously lowest rental rate!!!! YEAH.

[crewsin250]

Kcashner thanks for all the pin trading info and i'm also glad you was able to get a better rental rate.:thumbsup2

This is my last weekend to get things together for our cruise so we will be getting clothes, paperwork, and all other items ready. Every one always wants off Labor day weekend so I will have to work.

:dance3:Only 10 more days before we leave headed to the port, we are getting really excited about this cruise.

[CrystalS]

I can't wait!!!

I have all our papers together, made shirts already, printed park maps for our WDW stay afterwards. :)

Stuff left to do:
-Pack our bags (planning on using large ziplocks to pack "outfits" to make things easier!
-Make Jacobs FE!
-Confirm our flight times, etc to make sure they haven't changed


We haven't made any shore excursion reservations. Would have loved to do Atlantis, but its so expensive! I'd like to do Blackbeards Cay Beach & Stingray adventure though. But Disney only books 3yrs+ so we'd have to book this on our own. I'm nervous about booking on our own because we then have to get to the excursion and hope that nothing goes wrong and we get back in time.....

Anyone doing Blackbeards Cay?

[crewsin250]

We were able to get out today and buy snacks,drinks and a few items for the kids FE. Also ordered a gift basket to be in the cabin when we arrive. Made reservation for hotel in Orlando and laid out a few clothes for the trip.:cool1:

6 transfers and 2 t-shirts later we were not very successful in this task, will try 1 more time:worship:. But have had a little better luck on the magnets.

[Evan&Kimberly]

We use Priceline frequently when we need a room in the airport area for an evening arrival the night before the cruise. If I fly in after work/school, I don't want to bother with driving to the port area that night; I'd rather drive when it's light. At the 2.5* level, all the Priceline and Hotwire rooms include free breakfast and free shuttle to/from MCO. We typically pay $31 -$39 + taxes and fees (add $10 for tax and fees). Priceline is technically for 2 people, hotwire allows up to 4. Recently we have stayed at the Amerisuites, Hampton, and for this trip we have the Hyatt Place.

Rooms near the airport are typically cheaper than rooms near the port. Also, if you do a port room on Priceline, many hotels exempt these from their shuttle service. If you have a rental car, that's no problem (you turn it in and ride their shuttle). If you're driving, you then have to pay port parking.

How far is the drive from the airport hotels to the cruise port? and when I am looking at hotels should I be looking for hotels near coco beach or the space center area? When using pricline or Hotwire what time do they allow you to check in?

[Evan&Kimberly]

We have used the Radisson and the Quality Suites. They are "sister" hotels with the same owner. The Radisson has a HUGE parking lot behind the hotel where you can leave a vehicle while you cruise provided that you stay at one of their hotels either before or after the cruise. You DO NOT have to pay the extra for a "cruise package" to do this. They offer a free shuttle to and from the terminal. The Quality Suites offers a free breakfast--it's pretty basic, but it's adequate. At the Radisson, the breakfast is included if you buy the cruise package, otherwise you pay. Make your shuttle reservation when you make your hotel ressie. They are every 30 minutes starting at 10:00.

The Quality Suites is nicer inside than out. Great staff! In the morning you'll check out and drive to the Radisson to park and catch the shuttle. Unload your bags at the front of the hotel and leave one person there with the bags (or everyone who doesn't want to walk. ) Then follow the signs toward the back for "cruise parking."

When you get off the ship, you'll find the shuttle making a continuous loop between the terminal and the hotel--you might wait for 10-15 minutes, but it will come to get you. No reservations or time slots. If you don't want to wait for the shuttle you can take a cab to the hotel for about $20. That's still cheaper than parking at the port.

We paid $107 including all taxes, which was almost exactly equal to the $105 we would have paid to park on our 7 day cruise. Granted, this cruise is only 3 days, but that's still almost 1/2 of your overnight stay cost!

I started packing tonight!!!!! Well...maybe "sorting and making a pile" would be a better word.

How far are the hotels from each other?

[lovechild6175]

I was ambivalent about changing rooms, but the decision was made for me. Apparently, they needed an accessible room, so they moved me on their own (last Thursday, after I got all our docs - heh).

So no we are in Rm. 5637 on deck 5. Apparently, they still had at least one cat 11. Bummer. :confused:

I'm using a small tote bag as my daughter's FE. After seeing FE's on eBay, ours looks like it'll do the job.

Quick question: Is it a hike from the parking lot to the terminal? I will have DD(4) and our luggage. Kinda intimidated here.

Can't wait to see you guys at the M&G! :banana:

[kcashner]

From the airport area hotels to the cruise terminal is about a 45 minute drive. Same from the airport to the Cocoa Beach area hotels.

All of the Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral hotels are along A1A. If you take the Beach Line highway from the airport, you'll actually drive past the cruise terminal exit. You'll go around a curve and you're suddenly on a sort of "busy town street" rather than an expressway. That's A1A which also goes by "Atlantic Avenue." It runs for several miles. The Radisson used to be the closest hotel to the terminal, now I think the Residence Inn is 1 block closer...both about a mile or so away from the ships. The car rental return places are all along this road as well...Hertz is closest, then Budget...Thrifty is farther down the road. ALL of the hotels are within about 4 miles of the ships.

When you are looking for places, you want MCO (airport) area or "Cocoa Beach" area (cruise terminal). You do not want COCOA! That's different from COCOA BEACH.

I think check in time at most hotels is 4, but if your room is ready they'll let you check in early. Since it's pre-paid, you can arrive at any time after that (no need to call for late check in). Check out at most places is 11, but some are 10.

You won't have your luggage when you walk in. You'll pull the car up to the porter's line and give them your luggage...then you'll go park the car. When you walk back with your daughter, you'll just have your carry on and your DD.

Did I get all the questions? If not, ask me again!

[crewsin250]

Hope everyone had a great weekend, we are getting so close now.

We are having a break out of flu going on around here some regular flu some swine flu 1 school in our area has had over 100 students out last week.:scared1: We hope we are able to keep this away from us :angel:at least till after the cruise.

Paul

[LisaRN97]

We went to a DVC event yesterday in NY and got to see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofey....the girls went nuts! It was a great prelude to next week....we are all getting so excited!!

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b261/LisaRN97/IMG_0861.jpg

[CrystalS]

Oh how fun!
Your children are adorable :)

I can't wait until next week, I wanna go NOW, lol.

[kcashner]

Now I can get serious about getting ready......YEAH!! Laundry is done, snorkel equipment brought up from basement, paperback book for flight obtained....looks like it's time to get organized!

[crewsin250]

Wow Lisa I bet your kids are so excited they get to see Mickey and Minnie 2 weeks in a row.

Made it through another day at the ship factory,only 9 more days till we leave.:dance3:

Paul

[LenaN4fun]

Me and my family will be on this cruise. We have 2 rooms (deluxe oceanview on deck2) roooms 2526 and 2528. We are celebrating our sons 11th b-day. My brother and his family will be in an adjoining room celebrating his daughters 5th bday. This will be a first disney cruise for my brother and his family. We are surprising the kids with b-day celebration pkg's being placed in each of the rooms with cake! yum! I can't wait. Come on criuse date and go away TS Erica! :dance3:

[LisaRN97]

I am almost finished with the FE....what a PIA!!! I have been using the new sew instructions but what a lot of ironing!!! I will post a pic here once I am done, just need to add some finishing touches. Can't wait until Monday as we are heading down early.....!!

[crewsin250]

LenaN4fun welcome to the rollcall, will you be putting out a FE for your kids if so I will add them to the list.

I sure would like to see Erica go away:worship:, it just give me something else to worry about.

This time next week we should be about 1 hour from Orlando to spend the night.

ONLY 7 MORE DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!!:banana:

Paul

[Evan&Kimberly]

We are staying at the Residence Inn. I read really good reviews in the Cape Canaveral info thread and in the Passporter Guide. We have our own car and will just park at the port. I don't really want to deal with the hassle of a shuttle, though I've heard good things about the one from the Residence. Still, I'd rather just pay a bit extra and be able to come and go as I please. With a 3 year old in tow, that is important! We are also headed to WDW after the cruise. We're staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I also wanted to get that part started asap, so that was part of my thinking as well.

We are going to WDW after the cruise too! It is just me and my 3yr old son and I am thinking the same way I want to get to WDW asap! I dont know if I should use the shuttle,I was thinking it may be easier to use since It is just the two of us.

[sabrecmc]

We are going to WDW after the cruise too! It is just me and my 3yr old son and I am thinking the same way I want to get to WDW asap! I dont know if I should use the shuttle,I was thinking it may be easier to use since It is just the two of us.

I can imagine the shuttle might be easier if its just the two of you. I have my mom and aunt along, so plenty of luggage help and child-wrangling services available!

I'm glad there are a couple of younger kids...I think my daughter is going to LOVE the kids' club. It seems like it will be her kind of thing. I want to go and watch her and take some pictures...does anyone know if that's ok? She'll probably kick me out though. She's all into the "I'm a big girl! I do it all by myself!" stage.

[CrystalS]

I can imagine the shuttle might be easier if its just the two of you. I have my mom and aunt along, so plenty of luggage help and child-wrangling services available!

I'm glad there are a couple of younger kids...I think my daughter is going to LOVE the kids' club. It seems like it will be her kind of thing. I want to go and watch her and take some pictures...does anyone know if that's ok? She'll probably kick me out though. She's all into the "I'm a big girl! I do it all by myself!" stage.

I don't think it would be a problem for you to join her for awhile and take photos.
Children under 3 are allowed into the club with a parent there with them, so you shouldnt have a problem getting in :)

[CrystalS]

6 days left until we leave for Florida!!! I can't believe I'm finally going to DisneyWorld!

Now how keep sane while waiting for these last few days to go by? lol

[sabrecmc]

Now how keep sane while waiting for these last few days to go by? lol

Why, by obsessively packing and re-packing, of course! No? Huh.

[LenaN4fun]

LenaN4fun welcome to the rollcall, will you be putting out a FE for your kids if so I will add them to the list.

I sure would like to see Erica go away:worship:, it just give me something else to worry about.

This time next week we should be about 1 hour from Orlando to spend the night.

ONLY 7 MORE DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!!:banana:

Paul

I hate to ask, but what is an FE?

[kcashner]

Parents are always welcome in the Oceaneer's Club.

[crewsin250]

Lena this is my first Disney cruise and from what I can tell it is sort of like a stocking for Christmas. There is a post on these boards that goes into details and also shows some photos of some them, just a little sompin/sompin extra for the kids. I can't say how much stuff they may get but they will get something, let me know.

Looking like Ericka is not going to be to big of a problem if any at all.:yay:

5 more days till we leave!!!!!:woohoo:

[LenaN4fun]

OK, sounds like a blast. We have 2 kids to add to the FE list

My FE list:
Hunter 10yrs old room 2526
Elyse 4yrs old room 2528

How do we get an updated list of all the kids on the FE list?

5 days...or 6 depending on what you are counting. But Love that we are in the:thumbsup single digits now!!:thumbsup2

[dhdozier]

Hi all! Wondering if anyone has a daughter going on the cruise that is around age 10? My daughter was looking to make a new friend :flower3:

[dhdozier]

Parents are always welcome in the Oceaneer's Club.

Maybe by the cast members, but the kids...particularly your own - probably not so much :rotfl:

[crewsin250]

The FE list is updated:

I think we will have to stop here with the names on the list. This way we will know how many kids to buy for and we are running out of time. So everyone that can or will please try and drop some gifts off to the kids on the list and everyone is welcome to stop by for the meet and greet deck 3 promenade lounge at 2:30 PM on 9/10/09.:grouphug:

Paul

[LenaN4fun]

ok, went shopping today for the FE gift exchange. I did not have enough time to make or p/u a fish extender so I just picked up a white gift bag today that the kids will decorate for their goodies.

Ugh!! I can't wait!:banana:

[lovechild6175]

Have small things for the FE's, nothing big. But thanks for the ages, I do have to get something appropriate for the older gentleman (10yo is old? We must be ancient...)

MNSSHP was a blast, but well underattended (far from sold out). :confused3

Kim & Evan, we will be heading back to WDW after the cruise, if you need a ride. I only have one carseat, though, and we might be a wee bit tight. But if you don't mind, then neither do I. We're at Pop Century right now and will probably come back here (I haven't decided yet, but J is really happy about this place).

Can't wait till Thursday!! YAY!!! :woohoo:

Where is the meet and greet again?

[crewsin250]

Hi mabel hope ya'll have a great time at WDW and any other park ya'll may visit. I looked backed through some of the post and seen where you would like to taste some different kinds of wine I don't know if you have ever had any Muscadine wine but I will be bringing a bottle and you are welcome to taste. It is far from being top end wine but it is made in Natchez Mississippi at Deep South Winery.

We have laid out all our clothes and just about finished up on shopping for gifts for the FE, will try 1 more time tommorrow on making our t-shirts.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and we are looking forward to meeting as many of ya'll as possible onboard the Wonder.


3 MORE DAYS before we leave!!!!:yay:

Paul

[LisaRN97]

MNSSHP was a blast, but well underattended (far from sold out). :confused3


We're at Pop Century right now and will probably come back here (I haven't decided yet, but J is really happy about this place).

Can't wait till Thursday!! YAY!!! :woohoo:


So jealous that you are there!!! What are the lines like and how is the weather?

We are leaving tomorrow... so much to do! Haven't even started to pack! I finally finished the FE this morning...had some difficlties with the iron-on (the paper stuck and it looked burnt) so I used my Dh advice and printed out another iron-on and glued it over top the old one. My oldest saw it and said 'are the princesses (with a few to many s's :) going to leave us presents?'..she can't wait to put presents in other FE's!

Gotta go drop off the dogs (kennel closed tomorrow due to holiday), then cut the grass, do laundry, pack ect! What a day this will be!!

And here is the final product:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b261/LisaRN97/IMG_0915.jpg

[LenaN4fun]

:cheer2:
Wow, that FE turned out nice!
Congrats!

[LenaN4fun]

Have small things for the FE's, nothing big. But thanks for the ages, I do have to get something appropriate for the older gentleman (10yo is old? We must be ancient...)



My 10 yr old will just like the idea of getting little surprises so don't worry about being too age specific with the goodies.

The dollar store had alot of nice items for the exchange when I went yesterday.
Ohh! They also had beads (8 for a $1) if anyone wanted to get some for the pirate party

[Evan&Kimberly]

Have small things for the FE's, nothing big. But thanks for the ages, I do have to get something appropriate for the older gentleman (10yo is old? We must be ancient...)

MNSSHP was a blast, but well underattended (far from sold out). :confused3

Kim & Evan, we will be heading back to WDW after the cruise, if you need a ride. I only have one carseat, though, and we might be a wee bit tight. But if you don't mind, then neither do I. We're at Pop Century right now and will probably come back here (I haven't decided yet, but J is really happy about this place).

Can't wait till Thursday!! YAY!!! :woohoo:

Where is the meet and greet again?

Wow that is so sweet of you, last year I flew down and it was so easy, this year I plan on driving which I really dont want to, but when I found out that the magical express wasnt free like it is from the airport to WDW resort, I changed my mind,but I am so debating about booking a flight for me and Evan. I have got to hury up and make my mind up! The offer is sooo nice and if I book that flight I may take you up on it, so you guys are staying at the pop before and after the cruise how long are you guys staying at the POP?, I understand why many do WDW first and cruise last it would have been better on my purse if we went to WDW first!

[CrystalS]

We leave on Wednesday to head to Florida! WooHoo, not looking forward to the 5+ hr drive and 5+hr flights though, lol.

I totally wrecked our shirts when I washed them the other day so tomorrow I'm off to get a few more and redo them quickly before we leave, I will wash these ones BEFORE putting on the transfers this time though, lol.

Made a make-shift fish extender last night with some material I had laying around and some paint and stencils. Its far from pretty though..... I might just pick up something different when I go get the shirts from the craft store tomorrow and see if I can do any better....

I can't wait for Thursday!
Jacobs things are now packed and ready, I will be getting DH and my stuff together tonight and tomorrow. And then Tuesday will be fitting it all into the fewest suitcases as possible without going over the weight limit :) Oh and of course the double checking that we have everything and making sure we have all we need in our carry on's (stuff to do on the plane, and swimsuits for on the boat, documents, etc).

Can't wait to see you all on Thursday, 2:30pm at the Promanade Lounge, woohoo!

[crewsin250]

All the clothes are clean and laid out:laundy:, The kids FE gifts packed and ready to go just about through with t-shirts so far so good keeping my fingers crossed only 1 more transfer to go. I am already getting so excited I can bearly sleep.:rolleyes:

2 more working days before we leave!!!!!:yay:

Hope everyone has a great Labor day.

Paul

[LisaRN97]

We are on our way today!!!! Still have to pack.....:) See you all on the 10th at 2:30pm!!!

[LenaN4fun]

ok, I know I stated that I was going to have my son just decorate a gift bag for his FE, but my sister in law made a cute one for her daughter using felt from the craft store.
So I made one last night for him and it turned out nice. It is hanging up in our living room as a reminder that the cruise is right around the corner! See you all there....:boat:

[CrystalS]

Just got some items for FE gifts today :)
Got new shirts and will redo our matching shirts tonight :)
This is going to be the best vacation ever!

[lovechild6175]

Hi all,

Our cabin number changed AGAIN, good thing I checked! We are now in room 7043, no upgrade at all :guilty: Oh well....

Got some great things for the FE's, so excited about that!

The lines at WDW are not long. We went on Toy Story Mania twice last night (right at 7, when EMH started) within 45 minutes, including ride time. Not bad -- I waited for that ride for 2 hrs at DL. Also, no wait for anything else we wanted to see. Pretty empty all in all, even for MK.

@ K&E: We are staying at Pop for a couple of days afterwards...see you at the meet and greet to discuss in person? :)

@ Lisa: Awesome FE!!!

[crewsin250]

Sorry Crystal about your shirts but I feel your pain our's got messed up trying to put the transfers on, But the good news is the second time was a charm and I hope you have the same success, good luck.

I have name tags ready for the M&G hope to see all ya'll there.

Great to hear Lena ya'll decided to make your FE, I hope all the kids get some nice things from this cruise.

We will be leaving around 8 AM in the mourning on our way to Orlando, wishing everyone a safe journey and looking forward to seeing ya'll at the meet and greet Thursday 9/10/09 at 2:30 PM in the Promenade Lounge.

Lovechild has change cabins again so please make a note if you plan on leaving gifts in her kid FE.

Paul & Honna

[CrystalS]

The 2nd try with the shirts worked out :)
I used different transfers this time!

We leave in the morning to head to Florida, we have red-eye flights.....

See you all real soon! Look for our white matching shirts in the terminal and come say hi if you like :)

[dhdozier]

I was very lucky to have snagged a 2 bedroom at Boardwalk Villas for tonight and then drive to the port in the morning. Never stayed at Boardwalk and have wanted to for awhile to check out the DVC rooms (rented points from a member for a GREAT price!) Didn't get an room upgrade on the boat either but that's totally fine, plan on being out on deck to soak up the last bit of summer sun :goodvibes Hope to see some of you guys on the boat!! :thumbsup2

[LisaRN97]

We have been here since Monday night and are having a blast!!! Weather is hot, but the parks are empty! (at least MK was yesterday...no wait times, walk right on to everything!!!) Couldn't ask for a better beginning to our trip...see you all tomorrow!

[Evan&Kimberly]

Evan and I are about to get on the road, we will see you guys at the meet and greet everyone be safe!

[sabrecmc]

We leave this afternoon for Cape Canaveral. Its about a 7 hour drive for us (we live in the FL Panhandle). I'm at work this morning, trying to finish up a couple of things. The rest of the family is getting the car ready and doing last minute stuff. We're all SO excited! We'll be heading to AKL after the cruise, so good to hear that the parks aren't crowded. I love this time of year, actually. Still warm enough to swim but not ridiculously hot (we were just there in July). Crowds are better. Halloween stuff is out. Great time to visit.

[crewsin250]

We have made it back safely home and I hope everyone has a safe trip home, and it was great meeting ya'll.

Paul

[LisaRN97]

We got back home on one piece as well...however I still feel like I am swaying on the ocean!!! Everyone eho participated in the FE...THANK YOU!! My girls were so excited each time they saw something hanging in the FE.....you all were so sweet and generous, a magical moment that my girls will never forget!!

It was great to meet everyone on Thrusday, thank you Paul for setting that up!!!

[crewsin250]

Lisa glad to hear ya'll made it home safely and me and the wife enjoyed the chats we shared with you and your family onboard, glad the girls had a great time.

Paul & Honna

[lovechild6175]

To Paul, Honna, Lisa, Kim, and the rest of the DisBoards crew, it was so great meeting all of you! Jordan had a blast, and loved all her treats! For those that are home, glad to see your journey was safe. To those still to return home, have a magical time at the parks! Safe journey to everyone. Thanks again!

[crewsin250]

Mabel glad to hear you and Jordan made it home safely, it was great to meet both of ya'll onboard and I will give you a holler if we ever make that trip to California.

Paul

[CrystalS]

Hello everyone!

We got home late last night (missed our flight home on Thursday, long story, but we got a new flight for the Fri morning). Had a nice time at WDW, but definately exhausted since we did all 4 parks in 4 days!

We LOVED the cruise and it sounds like DH would be open to the idea of going on another (longer) one in the future :)

Sorry we didn't get to meet you all at the Promonade Lounge the first day. After our red eye flights we were all exhausted and didn't make it there in time :( But I bet I saw most of you at one point or another and we may be in each others photos, lol.
(if anyone is doing a trip report, please link to it, I'd love to read it, I'll be doing one soon once we get all settled back into being home).

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that left gifts for Jacob in our Fish Extender. He was so excited each time he saw something poking out of the FE, it was so much fun, and you were all so generous.

I hope you all had a wonderful trip and made it home safely. I am already wanting to do another cruise!

PS - how many others had "sea legs" still after getting off the boat a few days later? lol

[crewsin250]

Crystal glad to hear ya'll made it back home safely, we are guilty of still feeling the motion of the ocean after the cruise. Glad also to hear Jacob had a great time onboard and at Disney. Crusin can be very addictive you either love or hate the first cruise and you are hooked are never cruise again sounds like your husband may be hooked.

Paul

[Evan&Kimberly]

Hello to all, Evan and I got back last night, we had a great time at WDW, the crowds were good but the Florida sun was something else! I first want to say that it was great to meet all of you! Evan was so excited about all the gifts that he got in his FE bag each day, you guys really made our trip special, we had a great time on the ship, we were picked as the magical family in the dining room which was sooo nice we got all kind of special meals prepared for us and little extra things that were sent to our room, at the end of the trip we got a certificate from the chef and Evan was given a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal dressed in a chef outfit, the magic of Disney is great! Well after the cruise we drove to WDW, Evan & I were in such a laid back mood ,that we really took things easy, we just went with the flow which was a change from my pre planned commando itinerary that I had for us, We slept in and just went with the flow, but now I see why it is better to do the parks first and the cruise last. Evan was ready to go home after the 3rd day in the parks, but I couldn’t leave I had paid for 8 days. He sucked it up and did enjoy the rest of his trip and we were able to do everything that I had planned, just at a turtle pace. Evan would have been just fine with the cruise and a day or 2 at the parks, lesson learned, but we did get another good deal on the cruise and a pin code for free dining for December, so we will be returning for Evans 4th birthday, but this time just 3 days at the park! Again I just want to say that is was so WONDERful meeting all of you, What a great bunch of people, you guys really jumped started our vacation, so I send you all magical dreams, lots of pixie dust, and may all of your wishes come true!:grouphug:

[crewsin250]

Kim and Evan we are so glad ya'll made it home safely and had a good time at the parks. We will always remember Evans wonderful smile and the great hugs he shared with us while onboard.

Paul and Honna

[crewsin250]

We had a great time onboard and being able to meet the ones we did was great. If anyone would like to drop us an e-mail from time to time to let us know how ya'll or doing. This will be my last post on this rollcall.(crewsin250at yahoo dot com):grouphug:

Paul and Honna

[LenaN4fun]

I can't believe it has been a month since the cruise. I did enjoy meeting everyone and leaving the FE gifts. I felt like santa's elf..teehee.
I am trying to plan another cruise, but knowing that the new ships will be coming, I may wait until the big unveiling.
BTW, I wanted to show you all the pics I took of everyone at the meet n greet but can you believe I have not seen my camera since the cruise? I don't want to say it disappeared from my luggage, but... :confused3

Take care everyone and now that the fall/winter weather is approaching, stay warm and have a wonderful holiday.

Thanks, Lena, Rob and Hunter and (Elyse)