To DIS or NOT to DIS...THAT is the question!

[RellingTwin]

Having done two cruises, and about to do our third, I was wondering how others feel on this subject.
Our fisrt cruise was great, we had a very nice time, and were excited to get a chance to go again. BUT..........................
Before our 2nd cruise I found this board, and met all my fellow DIS cruise-mate prior to sailing. I Must say.......it was the BEST vacation we ever had! I have made new friends, was extreamly well prepared, and have memories to last a lifetime. I was a little worried about meeting people on the internet (I DO read the newspapers!) and my DH was more then a little worried about feeling obligated to spend time with people, who, in his mind were stangers. BUT, the reality couldn't have been more different. We had a FANTASTIC time and enjoyed meeting all our fellow DIS cruisers.
I would LOVE to hear others viewpoints on this subject.
Did you meet and become friends, or did you "lurk" and avoid?
Were you happy or unhappy with your decision?
I am looking forward to meeting a new bunch of DIS'ers on our upcoming Sept. 28th cruise. 91 days and counting!!!

[MCazer]

I too was a little leary, and my husband more so. But we jumped in on our last cruise and had a wonderful Halloween cruise.

We did meet one particular family (HEY GINNY!). We have gotten so close that we have met up for an all girls trip to Disney in January, and her daughter and husband joined us at home for my son's 4th birthday.

Do we live close? NOPE. Are we close! YUP!

Again, we are sailing on the Magic this August 3rd. Am I leary again, yes.... because, I find it hard to believe that I will be as lucky as I was on the Halloween cruise. But what the heck, take chances in life!

[NCRedding]

We had an agreed upon meeting place & time with other DISers for our January cruise; I arrived late due to my DD having a splinter in her foot, and met no one. At the kid's club later, I met one person from the DIS, who said nobody showed for the meeting. I never saw her again that whole cruise. I really wish I had tried to meet more, but we still had a great trip.

[taswira]

NCRedding - That sounds similar to the May 12 cruise. I know there were at least 15 DISers <I>plus</I> their family members. Although we organized a little "meet", only two couples and myself showed up for it. I met WDWLVR (Mary) and her husband Mark, and "disneycruzin" (Brad & Jenn). They were all WONDERful people! I enjoyed lunch with Mark and Mary upon embarking (We met in the terminal), and we sat together at the CC reception. I took some pictures of "disneycruzin" and their pin collection. No one was obligated to spend time with anyone. I hope to see them again on future cruises. It was nice to meet some of the people I see on this board. We did meet another DISer in the embarkation line, but she didn't come to the "meet." Maybe people do fear getting "stuck" with others, but I don't see it that way. We all have our separate agendas, but I think it's nice to put faces to the names we see here, to discover the variety of interesting personalities among DISers, and to hear about some of their experiences on the cruise. I will still make every effort to at least introduce myself to DISers who care to do the same.

[imgoingtodisney]

We "met" Michellemouse on the internet a while back. We are both cruising with our families Nov 30th. We met a month ago for lunch as we only live about 1/2hr from each other. We have our dinners linked.

[ruvidu]

We have several DIS boarders communicating on our 9/14/02 thread now. I hope we can all meet at least in the terminal. I only met one DISer last year. A couple came up in the terminal and asked if I was Ruvidu. They were fom Chicago and were a wonderful family. We would see them aboard ship, stop and chat and then go on. When I posted my trip report last year I got a message from one of the DISers saying they were in the cabin next to us. I love to meet new people everywhere I go. I have even met RellingTwin and not on a ship. Hey, how's Shadow.

[Ginny]

I have to say that the Halloween Cruise was a really special time BECAUSE of all the Dis'ers we met. Our Halloween Cruise was our third DCL cruise and BY FAR the best!! We are definitely not a family who would usually commit to activities with strangers but made a decision to test the waters. I have been reading the DIS since March 99 and other Dis'ers have made a huge difference in all our trips since I joined the board.

I am so glad that we participated!! What a difference it made to go to the various activities and already have friends there to say hi! We went to different family activities and all the DIS families were cheering wildly for each other - it made it so much more exciting and magical. One very special memory was that after two other families wisely worked together and won the Theme Song game, one of the DIS mom's (TinkHappy) brought her "I'm A Winner" medal to our DD, now 7. I have to tell you that it was a really loving and generous thing to do!!

The best part of that cruise was meeting MCazer and her family.....in the van from the Radisson. Something Margaret said made me realize that she was MCazer and it went from there! As Margaret (MCazer) said, our families bonded and have remained close! We live in different states but it is worth the effort because they are so special and giving and can make us laugh and just enjoy the moment!!

So, if anyone is waffling............get your feet wet!! You don't have to make any long-term commitments but you may just walk away with wonderful, new friends.

[RellingTwin]

Last year while reading this board I happen to see a post re: some Lab puppies being born to a DIS'ers dog. I noticed the poster (Ruvidu)was from South Carolina (also my home) and since we had been thinking of getting a Lab, I e-mailed him.Well, those pups were gone, BUT another litter was expected, and a few months and many e-mails later, we got our puppy! Shadow (a yellow lab) is now 1 year old and the best dog I've ever had!So now I am "related" to a DIS'er!LOL!
Russ, I've been following your 9/14 thread. I think you will meet LOTS of DIS'ers this trip.

[Hygiene99]

hi Rellingtwin,
meeting disers was the best , we went on the may 11,2002
trip and we had t shirts and lanyards witch where made by disers and it was one of the best cruises we have ben on every where u turned u felt like u new somebody if u wanted 2 ...
or your privacy was respected , under no way felt obligagted to hang with these people but if u wanted to u could and we did shared storys of the crazy posts on this board and of our adventures of the day ... we also did a prearranged brunch at Palos was very good but just in general it was a blast
i think this is a good thing ... peter

[Mjasp]

I also was on the 5/11 (Hi Jenn and Peter) and I have to totally agree with Peter, everywhere you went you saw a DISer with a green shirt or green lanyard (Thanks Joe) It was alot of fun. My 10 yr old DD sent an e mail to TKD Lisa's DD before we sailed and although they weren't in the same age group in the club, we ran into them outside the lab one night and my DD was so excited to meet her DD, if they were in the same age group I feel they would have hit it off, she even made mention of her as one of the kids she knew on the 5/11 in her travel journal I picked up at Hallmark pre cruise.

We also met TNRobin, ran into her alot at the entrance to the kids club, we must have been on the same kids schedule, when I was having a problem with our room she told me to inform my TA and they would go to bat for me. I would have NEVER thought of that. We also had chairs right behind her in paradise (I mean CC)and when she left she gave us their hammock. Thanks Again Robin.

Alot of us met pre night at the Radisson and I have to tell you it was a blast. We actually got to talk and know each other before the cruise.

We were in no way obligated to hang with anyone. Like previous posters stated it was nice to run into each other on the ship.

Joanna

[prymsu]

I met a bunch when we cruised in January. There were a few of us, and our families that agreed to meet for a sit down lunch on the first sea day of the cruise.

This was lots of fun. It was nice to be able to meet in person the folks that you have shared and planned your trips with.

My son instantly became fast friends with Tinkerkat's kids. After that we would run into one another on the ship, and the kids had fun doing things together at the lab and at the pool.

I would recommend doing this. In October, since I am on a three day cruise, I think we might have problems meeting up, and I know other folks on this board are booked for the same cruise. We may have to settle for the sailaway party. It is neat, because Tinkerkat is also going to be on this same cruise, and it will be nice to already know one person who will be there...

[SQUIGGLE]

I have to agree with Peter & Joanna. We were on the 5/11 cruise too. The meet at the Radison was great. Just a bunch of people with a common interest getting together. Then with the lanyards that Joe made we were able to spot other DISers on the ship and it was good to put faces to the names. I think it definitely made the cruise more fun.
I know Mjasp is with us next May 17; how about you Hygiene99?
Can't wait!!

fran
;)

[Hygiene99]

Hi Fran! We are booked on the May 10th Western as of right now... we really enjoyed the Western itinerary, but we have thought of changing so we could see everyone again!! Will let you know!

[papa]

Our dis meet on the 09/22/2001 cruise made it the best ever. We met some very wonderful people that we call our friends and we continue to email and even get the chance to cruise with them again.

It is nice to be able to dine with them and to call and exchange emails and letters. You are under no obligation to be with them 24 hours a day on the cruise. It is nice though to feel that when you meet them you are meeting someone that feels like family.

This was the first seven day cruise after 9/11 and I think that made it ever more special being with your dis friends.

Mike

[Fawn]

On my first cruise, we arranged a meet and only one other person showed up. It was nice to chat, and we saw each other once or twice that week and said Hi.

I think you can make it what you will. You may really hit it off and want to spend some time together or you may just say Hi in passing. But it's so much fun, imho, to put faces to the names and be able to chat on the board before and after the cruise!

[BethC1952]

We didn't meet any DIS'ers on our four night May, 2001 cruise, but I would love to meet people on our four-night Decemer 8, 2002!

I'm not a shy person (DH says I will talk to anything that stands still long enough--I think it comes from the fact that I'm in politics LOL!!) so I always find someone to chat with, but it would be nice to meet other people from here.

From looking at the "Unofficial Cruise List", it looks like there's only one other group going on this cruise--and they're also from New Jersey!

If anyone else will be joining us, please let me know!

We'll have DH's father with us this trip, and it would be nice for him to have someone his own age (76) to hang around with! (He's happily married, not looking for romance, just married to someone who refuses to travel).

Like so many other people, I found these boards to be incredibly helpful when organizing last year's trip. I couldn't have done it without you!

Beth

[Mjasp]

Beth...If you haven't done so already you should start a thread for your cruise. It would be great for your FIL to meet someone around his age. Whether it be male or female. Good Luck, you'll have a blast.

Yep Fran, I can't wait either. 46 more weeks, or 23 more Eastern sails LOL

[Scott H]

As a 5/11'er I thought it was great to meet all you folks from this board. It is kinda like a giant support group.

I must agree with all that the other have said. Don't miss out. The folks from this board are great and have a plethora of knowledge to share.

Enjoy meeting folks.

[MrsScooby]

We have a bunch of 1st time cruisers for the July 21st Wonder. How do we set up a meet? I've read some other threads and thought maybe green ribbons would help in spotting each other. Do we need to set up a specific time to meet? What would be a good place? It seems like everyone who has posted so far is willing to meet, we just don't know how to set it up. Any suggestions?

:confused:
Laurie

[Mjasp]

Well, you could have 2 meets if you want. We had a meet pre night for those of us staying at the Radisson. Then we had a meet on deck 10 for the sailaway party. I would recommend green leis (great idea Joe) as they will be very easy to spot over green ribbons. You could get them at a Party store. If you decide to meet on deck 10 decide where on deck 10 it will be, example, the side of deck 10 over the mickey slide. Our group also did a Palo's brunch as a meet also. I didn't go to that:( Wish I did though.

Hope that helps :)

Joanna

[MrsScooby]

Thanks Mjasp !
Green leis sound like a great idea. They shouldn't be hard to find. Is the Sail Away party mostly on deck 9 or 10? I mean will I be taking people away from the fun of the characters and stuff if we meet on deck 10? (Ynggun21 has a date with Goofy I think. ;) ) Is 5:00pm a good time to meet?
There are several of us at the Radisson also, but we are arriving at different times. I figured hanging out by the pool after dinner would work (especially if wearing green lei).
Thanks for all your help!
Laurie

[Mjasp]

Yes, hanging out at the Radisson by the pool in the evening with your leis will sure be a way to meet.

Yes the action is on deck 9. You can meet there if you like. A date with Goofy, sounds like fun. I want to come.

[atigeg]

Over the course of our many cruises, we have met many DISers and have always thoroughly enjoyed it. People at work think that I'm nuts meeting up with people from the internet, but I'm not too worried in a public place like a ship :)
And it seems like Disney boards really attract the nicest people. We are even linking up with Natsmom for one of our three in a row...we met her through the boards and had dinner with her & the family at Ohana at WDW last year.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[prymsu]

Natsmom (Phyllis) was the person on our cruise who set the time and place for DIS folks having lunch together. She is such a nice person. I really enjoyed meeting her and her husband.

[RellingTwin]

Sue and Barb, I must agree with you both about NatsMom125. I met her and her DD at Hilton Head Resort. She brought all her cruise info and pictures and gave me a "crash course" in DCL!LOL!
If you are reading this Phyllis:wave: hello from Mary and George!!

[billylen]

I'm glad that I stumbled upon this thread. My son (14 ...probably worn that out by now) and I are on the Aug 24th 7-day eastern. There is a thread on the forum that has grown quite extensive.

I really want to take advantage of or simply meet for even a moment some of the folks I have corresponded with, but there is that shyness factor, or that single parent thing or even minor stuff like race or the fact that I am Transplanted Texan living in California...heck think about it, I could wind up encountering a bunch of folks from Pennsylvania or even worse KENTUCKY!

Seriously, I keep reading to see how the meets for my cruise are shaping up...I intend to show up...meet...thank or possibly even share even if it is a one time event

It's good that someone brought this topic up...it was on my mind

THANKS!

[hokie5cruiser]

We just got home from the 6-22 Magic, and although I wore my green ribbon here and there, I only met one DIS'er in the embarkation line. Because we had a big group of family, I didn't get the chance to meet all of the people I "know" from this board. We had a terrific time and many of the hints came in handy. Meeting Dis'ers will have to go on my list for next time-because as I was warned here, there will be a next time.
Trip report to follow after laundry is done.

[Fawn]

Billylen

If you're feeling shy, remember this.

We were all single once upon a time. :earsgirl:

We are all part of the same race (I'm presuming you are human!). :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Someone has to live in CA (better you than me)! ;)

And last but not least, Texan or Pennsylvanian, we are all DISNEY CRUISERS!! :cool: :sunny: :cool:

[SQUIGGLE]

Loved the last but not least Fawn!

I think if you want to meet some DISers you really need to set up a meet. Joe & Joanne and WDW Goose and a few others really got our meets together on the 5/11 cruise. If you just wear lime green and hope to meet someone I don't think it will happen to easily. Tried that at WDW for several visits now and have not met anyone.

Good luck in your plannng.

fran
:D

[Tluvs2talk]

Hi Mary,
I also love meeting other DIS'ers, but am dissapointed that few show up. We have been to 3 DIS'er meetings 1 on the Magic 1 on the Wonder and 1 at Hilton Head where I was thrilled to meet you Relling Twin ( Mary and your husband, children, and Sister) I think people get excited talking about meeting and the cruise they will all be on. when you do finally board after months of talking and planning, it can be overwhelming. You know getting reservations, eating, checking out your room, the lifeboat drill, then sail away party. I think a lot of peole have good intentioms of showing up to the Dis meetings, but get so involved with everything going on around them. In my experieces with Dis' meets maybe 10% show up. I have enjoyed meeting the different people who do show up to the meetings and will continue to attend "Dis meetings when ever I am cruising. Happy cruising everyone........

[billylen]

Originally posted by Fawn


We are all part of the same race (I'm presuming you are human!). :Pinkbounc :bounce:

Someone has to live in CA (better you than me)! ;)



Am I human? depends on who you ask:jester:
(My team would say NO!)

...and I'm inclined to agree with you about the California thing..:crazy:

(Hmmmm wonder if Texas would have me back?)

Thanks for the encouragement:smooth:

[Fawn]

Well, Bill, my kids may also question the human issue with me before my morning caffeine, but what do they know! :eek:

This board was great at calming my anxiety and encouraging me two years ago for my first cruise. I was a widow and traveling alone with my two youngest for the first time.

As much as my girls LOVED the clubs, I wish we had a bigger DIS gathering on that cruise. I had thought it would be a bonding time for us...little did I know I'd need those 5 books I brought! :cool:

[trishy]

Interesting topic. On our last cruise my dd11 had started emailing another 11 yr. old and they hooked up on the ship - BIG mistake. They were not getting along by the 3rd night. Things happen, I know. I was more of a lurker because I'm not really good about getting to know other people. My dh is definitely not interested. This trip, I already met one other DIS'r when our kids were on the same Pirate Cruise. That was really neat. She was a very nice lady and the kids had fun. I have to say I'm scared of meeting DIS'r because I'll probably make a fool of myself (must be a California thing ;) . It appears a whole bunch of us will be at the Rad the night before our cruise, but I just don't know yet what I'll do. It's tough for some of us. I'll admit, I'm a loner.

[mlshields]

Hi all,

I too can't wait until the 9/28 cruise to meet some DIS's people! I was however an ocassional poster and sometimes lurker in the past and happen to meet some people from the boards during some meals on my last cruise. It started out as polite talk and once they started to tell me where they lived and what they were doing on the cruise, they started to sound "familiar". Twice I was right on the money when I called them by their screen name! It was very nice meeting them, but I look forward to meeting people who I feel I have already met on this board on the 9/28 cruise.

My husband and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon back in '91. We were seated with another honeymoon couple and to this day, we have gotten together at a MINIMUM of once a year! Our children have grown up together and call each other "cousin". The best part about this is that they live in Dallas and we live in Upstate NY!!

These relationships do last!

[SC Minnie]

We set up a couple of DIS meets on the 1/19/02 cruise just in case some couldn't make it. We met a lot of very nice people but did not feel obligated to socialize all week. About 30 of us went on the Golden Eagle Catamaran Excursion and we had a great time! It was nice being on an excursion like that and knowing a few other people. I think over half of that excursion was DISers!

When we went to dinner the first night our table mates showed up and we started talking. Come to find out she was a fellow DISer! (Hi Sue!) Our kids got along great and we have kept in touch since the cruise. We are cruising together again in Oct (the $99 deal!) and have linked our dinner reservations.

[prymsu]

SC Minnie, should we plan on a quick and short DIS meeting in October? I believe we are on the same cruise - 10/17/02? Do you think we should start a roll call thread?

[tkd lisa]

The 5/11 inaugural western had a huge thread here (over 1000 posts), so it kind of made sense that we'd have more success on the DIS meets.

It did help tremendously to have two couples very dedicated to keeping us in touch (thanks Joe&Joanne and WDW goose)! They had set up 1) sailaway meet 2) Deck 7 Boone's Farm meet 3) Palo's brunch. It was something for everyone.

Joe also put together a spreadsheet of who was in what room, and brought green leis and green lanyards for everyone. WDW Goose had arranged for lime green tie died shirts (I think Jennifer Smith and Psiklops have pictures on their web sites). The shirts made it easy to spot people the first day, and the lanyards were awesome for that the rest of the week! The cards in the lanyards had your screen name on it.

If you didn't want to participate, you just didn't wear your lanyard. But for the most part, everyone who had been on the thread had their lanyards on, and I think I spoke to almost everyone over the course of the week. Even if it wasn't an "official" meet, it was nice just to say hi!

[SC Minnie]

Prymsu- I just sent you a PM

[DiSnEyGrL13]

I have went on a 4-nite last year and a 7-nite this year and by far, I enjoyed this year's a lot more, not only because of the length, but of the people I met. I am 13 and before the cruise, I started talking to about 8 people my age, that were going on the cruise the same time I was. We set up a meeting time on the first day and everyone was there. The rest of the week, we all hung out together, and became great friends. Now, that we are apart, we still stay in touch and try to plot our next meeting. I definatly recommend trying to meet people aboard the ship. Who knows? They could be your next best friend!

[CamColt]

We just got back from a cruise with Barb & Tony & Disneyholic Family(and some others we never met). While I am a pretty shy person(in real life), I did get up the guts to say hi to Barb & Tony. Then while DH & I introduced ourselves, Disneyholic happened to be right there and so we got to know her too.
I have to say while Im usually a keep to myself type of person, it was lots of fun to "know" other people. For example one day we joined Barb & Tony in the hot tub and had a nice talk with them. They also introduced us around to the Captain and Cruise Director. We bumped into Disneyholic Family quite a bit too. It was nice hearing what the others were doing and how much fun everyone was having. It was like we were cruising with friends, only we had never really met before then. :)

[Beth E. (NJ)]

I am that interesting mix of slightly shy and yenta! But I was that same way about meeting other DISers -- you never know the person who lurks behind the on screen personality. By and large however, the people that I have met on the DIS have been wonderful!

It's like having a built in comfort zone, since these are all people that you have at least one thing in common with -- Disney.

I look forward to meeting more DISers on my cruise! :D

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by Beth E. (NJ)

I am that interesting mix of slightly shy and yenta!

Huh? Yenta?

[Mjasp]

Must be an East Coast saying. Yenta means "busybody" "Talker" etc.

[atigeg]

We had a blast meeting up with CamColt and Disneyholic Family...another great group of DISers! Hubby took a group photo, so we'll be adding it to the DIS page. Of course, hubby and I are the kind who love to chat with just about anyone. In the same area of the terminal, we also started chatting with a family from Northbrook, Illinois who were really into Disney too. The neat thing about DISers and many of the other people we meet on our cruises is that they UNDERSTAND our Disney addiction. Everyone at work, and many of our friends, think we're nuts, but on the cruise there are so many people who understand. It's like finding a long-lost relative when you meet someone else who has stopped telling people where they are going on their next vacation because they get harrassed since it's always Disney!!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Yenta -- the definition is "meddlesome or gossipy" but it is generally used to define someone who likes to talk.

[Tluvs2talk]

I guess I am a "Yenta" too since I am Tluvs2talk... Hahahaha

[MrsScooby]

My husband says that the term "Yenta" is used with affection in his family.;)
Laurie

[Twinave]

We are going on our first cruise in Sept. I can't tell you all what a great resourse these boards have been. As far as meeting the people behind the screens, I can't wait. Although I have the added advantage of having my twin sister(Rellingtwin..Disboard fanatic, and cruise vet) and her family joining us. The following is a direct quote from Rellingtwin re: her last cruise, "it was like cruising with 100 of your best friends".
That's what sold me.

["Ginger"]

I would have to vote To Dis. We will be going on our 5th Disney Cruise on Oct 26 with another fine group of Dis'er. We can't wait because we have met some of the greatest folks in the whole wide world right here on this board. We have cruised with Dave from the Frozen North, TNRobin, MCzar, Ginny, Pryd, TinkHappy, and Natsmom just to name a few. It really is like cruising with your best buds. Try it!!! I think you'll like it;)

[BeanoC]

We still communicate with several DIS friends from last year's cruise, and we will be cruising with 3 of the same couples this year.

In my opinion, our vacation would have been much less enjoyable and less memorable without having met these people! (Right, Denine?) :)

Because DW and I are hosting a DIS gathering on board this year, I have asked everyone for their stateroom numbers, which I realize can make some people uncomfortable. So I would say the same thing here as I have said to everyone on my thread - Reveal only what you're comfortable with! Don't put yourself in a situation where you feel like you have to 'lurk' to avoid someone.
I'ts great to spend some time with new friends, just as long as everyone remembers it's a family vacation, and for the most part that's how you'll spend your time.

JUST HAVE FUN!!



'Beano':cool: