February 4th, 2010 Wonder cruise!

[oceangirl15]

This is for anyone who is going on the February 4th, 2010 Wonder cruise! Let me know who is going and add me as a friend! I'd love to meet all my fellow cruisers! I am very excited about this as it will be my first cruise. :tigger: I want to know what all of you are feeling about the cruise. I think we will have a blast! Feel free to share tips and activities you know about on the ship. Or experiences even. I think I'm most excited about hearing their famous horn! Check it out on youtube it's awesome! Anyway, let me know if you're going! :yay::earsgirl:

[neenslovesdisney]

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

[oceangirl15]

Great looking forward to hopefully meeting you! This will be my family's first cruise on with Disney. I'm overly excited! Any tips for new DIsney cruisers?

[neenslovesdisney]

Sure! Here are a few tips, nothing you won't find by perusing these boards but might be easier to have it all in one place.

1.have your swimsuits on or in your carry-on so you can hit the pool right away.
2.filling out your paperwork online and printing it and bringing it with you will save time at the port
3.read your navigator right away and plan your day to avoid missing anything!
4.go to pay your tips the morning before the cruise ends to avoid the long lines that form that evening
5.get your pagers and wrist bands for the kids at the port before boarding saves time


Let me know if there is anything specific you would like to know.

[oceangirl15]

Oh great thank you! I do have a question though, what excursions are the best to take? Like the ones for Nassau and Castaway Cay...

[1stfamcruise]

We will be going on this cruise! We can't wait -- it is our first cruise! I am traveling with my husband and our 4 kids 18,16 13 and 5!!! Hoping they all will enjoy since we have the teens plus the younger one!!

[oceangirl15]

Awesome! It's my family's first cruise aswell. It's nice to know there will be other people about my age on there too. haha. And I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

[QVCshopper]

We'll be on this cruise as well. Doing back to back cruise with the 2/4/10 & 2/7/10, so we'll be on the boat for a week. Interested in fish extenders, too. We have a DD5 and DS3. It's our first cruise as a family, second as a couple.

[IrishCowboy]

subscribing

[oceangirl15]

Glad we'll be on the same cruise! I'm excited about it! I think everyone will have a great time.

[QVCshopper]

Hi - I'm doing a back-to-back on 2/4 and 2/7 with my hubbie and kids. The 2/7 cruise is doing a fish extender. Any interest in doing that on this cruise? I see we only have about five groups on this thread so far.

Here's more info:

FE stands for Fish Extenders. Just outside each stateroom door on the ship is a little decorative fish that DCL uses to put mail (announcements, flyers, etc) on for your room. I don't know how it all started, but some people started making these fish extenders for a little gift exchange between people. They are just little pockets that you hang from the fish. Then, some cruise meets do a Fish Extender swap where you take inexpensive little gifts (homemade items, glow bracelets, treats, whatever) to other DISers and they take them to you, so it is a fun surprise throughout the ship. There might be 10 staterooms participating or there might be 30 (that's how many did it on my November cruise). The cruises on the Wonder are typically smaller FE groups. So, I made 30 little gifts to drop off to the other DISers on my November cruise. Some people do one gift per person, some do one per stateroom. People with kids especially like to do this because the kids get such a kick out of the surprises, but so many of us are kids at heart that a lot of just adults participate too (which I would encourage). Anyway, that is it in a nutshell. There is an extensive thread on the subject at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

[oceangirl15]

That is soo cool! Thanks for the info QVCshopper. Do they assign FE groups wen u get on the ship?

[tikibirds]

Just got back from a 4-night earlier this month and snagged a Cat 12 last night for this sailling on 2/4/10 - can't wait!

Did the FE last trip - would be interested in doing it again - anyone else?

[oceangirl15]

I would! sounds fun!

[tikibirds]

Anyone else interested in the FE?

Also, anyone get their cabin assignments yet? Not sure when we'll get ours (Cat 12 GTY) since I just booked.

[QVCshopper]

Tikibird, I'd like to do a fish extender... do you have any experience organizing one? If not, I could give it a try.

[tikibirds]

Tikibird, I'd like to do a fish extender... do you have any experience organizing one? If not, I could give it a try.

I do not, but all we really need to do is create a cut off date for being a part of it so that individuals have some time to shop/create, and then a list of everyone participating, to include total number (adults and children listed) in each cabin and cabin numbers. :)

[QVCshopper]

I do not, but all we really need to do is create a cut off date for being a part of it so that individuals have some time to shop/create, and then a list of everyone participating, to include total number (adults and children listed) in each cabin and cabin numbers. :)

OK, let's try to organize one; maybe next week? Also, I don't have a room number yet, also am a 12GTY. Hopefully soon!

[oceangirl15]

tikibirds- my family booked ours back in early November I believe and we still don't have our room assignments. I assume as it gets closer we will all receive them or maybe even when we check in the day of the cruise.

[tikibirds]

OK, let's try to organize one; maybe next week? Also, I don't have a room number yet, also am a 12GTY. Hopefully soon!

Absolutely!

Anyone interested in participating in the Fish Extender for this cruise, please PM me your DISBoard Name, if you wish - the first names/ages of those travelling with you (if you don't wish to list first names and/or ages - just Disboard name, total adults/children), and cabin number (if you have it, if not update when you receive) Include any special celebrations while onboard

For instance mine is:
tikibirds: Sandy(47), DHAndy(48) Cabin TBD (still waiting on assignment)

We'll make the cut off date for letting us know you are participating January 14th to give everyone time to purchase/create their FE gifts for the total number/cabins in the FE.

I will create a list to distribute to everyone participating once complete.

[QVCshopper]

Thanks for organizing the Fish Extender, Tikibirds!

We were a Cat 12 GTY, but with 4 people, we got upgraded to a Cat 10 on Deck 2. Was hoping for a porthole, but not bad at all...

[tikibirds]

Okay, got the cabin assignment (thanks for the heads up QVC!)

So the FE list so far is now:

Deck 2
tikibirds: Sandy(47), DHAndy(48) Cabin 2109
QVCShopper: DW Tara (33), DH Eric (35), DD Ella (5), DS Evan (3), Cabin 2609

Deck 6
oceangirl15: Susan(mom, 50) , Andy(dad, 52) , Rebecca(sister, 10) , Elizabeth(sister, 16) Cabin 6560

Who else wants in on the fun? :)

[tikibirds]

Bumping up to see if anyone else is interested in being a part of the Fish Extender?

[auntsue]

Sandy, I just found out that I will be able to get my FE before we sail, so please add us to the list. Thanks for organizing this. It sounds like fun!

Susan & Chet, both 60ish, Cabin 5128

I have some questions:
Do we give something to everyone every night (in other words, one gift each or three gifts each?)
Is there a set time we should deliver them, like before dinner so they don't go astray? (If people are walking off with the FEs themselves, what's to stop someone from emptying them every day before the recipient even gets to it? Can you tell I'm originally from NJ? Ha, ha!)

OT: Have you found a cruise meet for this date? I can't find one.

[tikibirds]

Sandy, I just found out that I will be able to get my FE before we sail, so please add us to the list. Thanks for organizing this. It sounds like fun!

Susan & Chet, both 60ish, Cabin 5128

I have some questions:
Do we give something to everyone every night (in other words, one gift each or three gifts each?)
Is there a set time we should deliver them, like before dinner so they don't go astray? (If people are walking off with the FEs themselves, what's to stop someone from emptying them every day before the recipient even gets to it? Can you tell I'm originally from NJ? Ha, ha!)

OT: Have you found a cruise meet for this date? I can't find one.

So glad you are joining us - I will add you to the list!

You can do whatever you like in terms of gifts - one whenever you like (and whenever you can deliver) is fine. I am going to try to do a couple since our group (so far) is small. I don't think I had any problem with people taking things out of our FE last cruise, but you never know!

We didn't set a meet yet - what time would be best for everyone to meet for a bit the first day? And would the Promenade Deck or Deck 9/10 work better?

Can't wait! :)

[tikibirds]

Updated FE List - remember the cutoff is 1/14 so if you are interested, please post ASAP! :)

Deck 2
tikibirds: Sandy(47), DHAndy(48) Cabin 2109
QVCShopper: DW Tara (33), DH Eric (35), DD Ella (5), DS Evan (3), Cabin 2609

Deck 5
auntsue: Susan & Chet, both 60ish, Cabin 5128

Deck 6
oceangirl15: Susan(mom, 50) , Andy(dad, 52) , Rebecca(sister, 10) , Elizabeth(sister, 16) Cabin 6560

[oceangirl15]

I think we should make it the evening after the first day. Maybe sometime after dinner? Deck 9/10 would be good. We should have a meeting place obviously. Any ideas?

[auntsue]

Yes, since our group only has thirteen so far (only eleven for me to buy for), I thought I could easily make up a couple of gift bags for each person (the kind you get at a party store to give out at a child's party). I have no problem making up one for each night, but I'd like to know what everyone else is planning to do because DH will think I'm crazy if I'm the only one doing 33 bags. I was a primary teacher for 38 years and I did gift bags like that for every holiday (so he's certainly used to it, ha, ha). The kids loved them. I don't miss working, but I do miss those kinds of things. I can't wait to start shopping for this stuff. It should be fun! Luckily we're driving so I can throw it all in an extra suitcase.

As far as the meet, I have no clue since it's my first Disney cruise and I am totally unfamiliar with the ship. Would meeting out of the way in the buffet restaurant make any sense? That way there would be seating and drinks available. Before choosing a time, maybe we can find a first-day Navigator here on the boards, so we don't choose a time when anything else is going on. What time is everyone planning on getting to the ship? What time is the lifeboat drill? What time is the sail-away party? Do you think there would be some time between arriving onboard and the lifeboat drill/sail-away or do you think between sail-away and dinner is better. We have late seating, so I don't think meeting after dinner would work for everyone. What time are the two shows on the first night? It's up to you. We're available anytime up to our show/dinner time. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Girls (oceangirl & Sandy), thanks for planning all of this.

P.S. oceangirl, did I miss your real name somewhere along the line?

[tikibirds]

If our group size remains around the same I am happy to do something every day for the FE as well, but am fine with other folks only doing one thing - I actually think the giving is the best part of the FE :)

What about a half hour before the safety drill on arrival day? I'm thinking most of us won't have anything specific planning for that timeframe, but on the other days may have excursions, different dining/show times, etc.?

[oceangirl15]

Auntsue- you might have missed my reall name because it's not on there I don't think. lol. My name is Elizabeth, I go by Lizzie though :)

[oceangirl15]

I think you're right Tikibirds. It definately does make more sense to meet before the lifeboat/safety drill. We won't be busy yet and we won't have much to do. My family is staying the whole day at Port Canaveral (we will arrive the night before and stay in a hotel) so we will certainly be on the ship the second the doors are open! I guess we should just decide on a time and place. Not sure what time the safety drills are...

[QVCshopper]

If our group size remains around the same I am happy to do something every day for the FE as well, but am fine with other folks only doing one thing - I actually think the giving is the best part of the FE :)

What about a half hour before the safety drill on arrival day? I'm thinking most of us won't have anything specific planning for that timeframe, but on the other days may have excursions, different dining/show times, etc.?

I think we can meet 1/2 hour before safety drill; just let me know where. :hippie:

I will do my best to make FE gifts for every night, but I have 2 young kids and work, so we'll see how it goes.

[tikibirds]

Okay, how about the Promenade Lounge on Deck 3 a half hour before the drill (which I think is usually around 3:30 p.m.) - that would be a good location that we could all get back to our cabins easily for the drill and should not be too busy then.

Got one of my FE gifts today and part of a second :)

[oceangirl15]

I think that's a really good idea! I saved it to my cell phone. haha. It will be really nice throughout the whole cruise to run into someone you know. It'll make it special :) I can't wait to meet you all!

Any ideas on how to make a fish extender? Just wondering.

[auntsue]

Sandy, okay, 3 p.m. on Deck 3 in the Promenade Lounge. Great! I bought my very first FE gift yesterday, too.

Lizzie, if you go on the FE thread there are lots and lots of pictures of FEs. I am not creative or talented enough to make my own, so I ordered one from Tiffany, but she is now on back to back cruises and won't return until the 24th. If you look through the fish extenders thread I am sure people would be able to give you some ideas. They were very helpful and very creative. I think there were even detailed measurements and stuff. If you don't sew, maybe they could give you non-sewing ideas. There may have even been some there, but I didn't read all 65 pages. Good Luck!

Tara, you don't need to make a gift up for every day. Once is fine. You already have your hands quite full with your babies and a job. We had our grandnieces (same ages as yours) down to OC for a week this past summer and I had forgotten how exhausting they were at that age. Have fun with Ella and Evan and don't stress.

[oceangirl15]

Thank you so much, Ms. Susan :) I think my mom was doing that earlier. :)

[auntsue]

Lizzie, I was just reading the DIS DCL FAQ thread @ http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966 and under FE they have "Directions to make a no-sew FE" with directions and a picture and it is really, really nice. Check it out.

[QVCshopper]

OK, I did some shopping and started my gifts. I am making 1 and the rest I'm buying/adapting. Hopefully I'll finish in 2 weeks or so. We're also on the cruise after this one, so I have about 12 crafts to make. It's going well so far, but I may ask my sister to help with the FE.

The meeting time and location are fine with us. :)

[auntsue]

Tara, I'm not actually making anything, myself. I'm more of a shopping/buying kind of girl. Trust me, you really wouldn't want anything I could make.

Are we supposed to make the stuff ourselves? That would definitely leave me out!

Does it have to be Disney themed? I just bought something for Ella and Evan today, but it is not Disney-themed. Maybe I have this all wrong.

[QVCshopper]

Tara, I'm not actually making anything, myself. I'm more of a shopping/buying kind of girl. Trust me, you really wouldn't want anything I could make.

Are we supposed to make the stuff ourselves? That would definitely leave me out!

Does it have to be Disney themed? I just bought something for Ella and Evan today, but it is not Disney-themed. Maybe I have this all wrong.

I don't know--this is my first one! :) All kidding aside, I don't think there are any rules. I just have one craft that I enjoy, and after reading the FE threads where people posted what they made, I thought I'd give it a try. I don't think it has to be Disney themed at all.

So sweet of you to think of my kiddos--they keep me busy, but they are cute, and I wouldn't want it any other way!

Looking forward to meeting everyone! :)

[oceangirl15]

Thank you sooo much Ms. Susan (if I may call you that since I'm only 16). Me and my mom are gonna check it out today and get materials and things tomorrow!!!

[tikibirds]

Agreed - no rules for FE gifts - whatever you wouldl like to give!

I'm not the crafty type, so I'm definitely a "buy it" type girl. :)

[auntsue]

Great, I'm glad that's settled and we are all on the same page. It's whatever!!!

[auntsue]

Lizzie, are you a group of 4 or 5? I was thinking 5, because I thought Elizabeth was oceangirl's sister, but I just went to write everyone's name down and then I realized that Elizabeth is you. So it's 4, correct?

Ms. Susan is very sweet, but you don't have to be so formal.

[oceangirl15]

Oh I'm sorry I confused you! My name is Elizabeth but I go by Lizzie sometimes. And we are a group of 4. :)

If you want me to call you Susan I'll be happy to oblige, I just didn't want to insult you by calling you by your first name if I didn't have permission :) Looking forward to meeting you!

[tikibirds]

Just a reminder that tommorow is the last day to join in on the FE - so if you have been thinking about it and haven't done so already, please sign up - thanks! :)

[tikibirds]

Okay, so here is our final FE list - we are a small but FUN group! :)


Deck 2
tikibirds: Sandy(47), DHAndy(48) Cabin 2109 (2 adults in cabin)
QVCShopper: DW Tara (33), DH Eric (35), DD Ella (5), DS Evan (3), Cabin 2609 (2 adults, 2 children in cabin)

Deck 5
auntsue: Susan & Chet, both 60ish, Cabin 5128 (2 adults in cabin)

Deck 6
oceangirl15: Susan(mom, 50) , Andy(dad, 52) , Rebecca(sister, 10) , Elizabeth(sister, 16) Cabin 6560 (2 adults, 1 teen, 1 pre-teen in cabin)

Can't wait!!! :banana:

[auntsue]

I worked on my bags last night. You know when you pick up stuff here and there it doesn't seem like much, well my dining room table was overrun. Like I knew would happen, DH walked by and said, "You're cuckoo," then he just laughed. He's seen it all before, four times a year for 38 years, so did he really think I was going to change after all this time? I think not!

I'm having a lot of fun working on this.

[oceangirl15]

So what kinds of things does everyone buy for this? Just trying to get ideas...

[tikibirds]

So what kinds of things does everyone buy for this? Just trying to get ideas...

Let's see - last cruise I received candy, magnets, pens, pencils, pins, necklaces, bubbles, a CD, lithographs, photo album, glow in the dark bracelets, crackers, cookies - it's pretty much whatever you would like to hand out. :)

[oceangirl15]

Oh wow! that's alot of good ideas. lol. a CD? never thought of that. haha thnx!

[Kenzie'sGrandma]

Hi Everyone,
I am sorry I didn't find this site sooner. My hubby and myself will be taking one of our grandaughters on this cruise for her 8th birthday. I hope that we all have a great time and we look forward to meeting new people.
Barb

[stitch'sgirl]

Just wondering if any fellow cruisers are going to be (really) early risers to check out the shuttle launch from the ship at 4:39 am on Sunday...

[tikibirds]

Hi Barb!

Would love to have you join us at our meet - we will be in the Promenade Lounge 30 minutes prior to the saftey drill (which we think make it 3:00 p.m.).

:)


As for the shuttle launch - I will not be up that early - but am hoping it does get off at that time or we won't be making it back to the airport in time for our flight!!!

[Kenzie'sGrandma]

Hi Tikibird,
I would love to meet. It sounds like fun, getting to know everyone. We are so excited about this cruise. We have heard so many great things about DCL. My grandaughter thinks her Papa knows Mickey personally.

We plan on getting up to watch the launch. Would not miss it.
Barb

[stitch'sgirl]

See you on deck Sunday morning Barb - hope they have the coffee brewing early!

[Kenzie'sGrandma]

Yes! I am hoping we are able to see it from where we will be.

[tikibirds]

StitchsGirl - didn't catch from your first post that you were going to be on the cruise with us (missed the "fellow" part) - please come and meet us at 3:00 as well if you can!

[Kenzie'sGrandma]

With a ship full of passangers how are we going to find who is in the Promenade Lounge for the meet?

[tikibirds]

With a ship full of passangers how are we going to find who is in the Promenade Lounge for the meet?

I think we will find the the PL will be pretty empty at that time of day. We could say on the end by the internet cafe to make it easier. You can see my picture as my avatar. I'll be with my husband.

[stitch'sgirl]

StitchsGirl - didn't catch from your first post that you were going to be on the cruise with us (missed the "fellow" part) - please come and meet us at 3:00 as well if you can!

aw-so sweet! I'll try and make it down!

[QVCshopper]

Made my Fish Extender--only took a day. Also, I have 2 of my 3 gifts done. Moving along very well. See everyone soon!

And either my hubby or I will go watch the launch--one of us will have to stay with the kiddos. Hubby seems more excited about it than me, so probably he will go.

[oceangirl15]

Hey what is this I'm hearing about a shuttle launch? Like from cape canaveral? I'd love to see it if there was a launch!!

[auntsue]

4:39 is a little too early for us, what with late seating - thus late turning-in, and the drive home in the a.m. (I always get tired driving, and DH doesn't drive anymore), we're going to have to skip it. I hope you all have a great view!

I finally finished putting the last of my gift bags together this afternoon. Lizzie, if you'd like to know some of the stuff I got, pm me. I don't want to post that here and spoil the surprise. Did you and your mom finish your FE yet?

Tara, I see you are finished with yours. How did you find the time? If mine doesn't get delivered to WDW, I'll be hanging out a bag. I wish I was talented enough to make my own, but I do not have the knack. After I finished with the FE gift bags, I spent about three hours printing out just six Mardi Gras invitations. I had so many problems with the program, the printer, etc., I can only imagine how long it would take me to make something complicated, like an FE. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's.

[oceangirl15]

Susan, thanks for being willing to share with me what you got! But I would like to keep it a surprise! We are actually doing pretty good with what we're doing. And yes we made the fish extender, well my mom made it. haha. It looks really cute (it's pink). haha. And actually my mom is now on here too. She tried posting stuff on here but was having some issues but says she is very excited to meet everyone!!!

[tikibirds]

Just a little over two weeks to go! :banana:

[auntsue]

So, what's your mom's screen name?

We're looking forward to meeting everyone also. I think it adds a bit more fun during the cruise, running into people you know. Too bad it's such a short cruise, but I am still totally psyched about it. DH doesn't understand why, since we've been on about ten cruises. He just doesn't get that it's different because this is our very first DISNEY cruise. He's thinking it will be just like the others, but I'm thinking it will be so much more.

[oceangirl15]

My mom's screen name is Susan in So. Maryland. I think she's going to try to post something on here, she was having issues with it last night! haha!

For us it's about 12 or 13 days depending on how you're counting. We are leaving Tuesday to get there by Thursday. We will actually get there the night before the cruise.

[auntsue]

Hey, did you notice that in our little FE group of 12, there are two Susans and two Andys.

We leave in just seven days. We'll be at WDW for eight nights before we have to drive to the port on the 4th, so I'll be happy to just take it easy on the ship after all that running around at Disney. I'm going to start working on my packing list today. Whenever we go away, if I don't start packing days in advance, I am always up until midnight the day before we leave. I don't know why that is, but it's every time, even when we just go back to NJ for the holidays. DH, on the other hand, is done packing in no time flat. This time my niece is coming in on Tuesday, we have a show (Spring Awakening) that evening and we leave the next morning, so I have to be ready by this Monday.

Lizzie, how far from Ocean City are you? Sadly, we haven't really ventured very far from OC (I don't love driving), so I am not all that familiar with the state.

Does anyone know what the name of the thing was that you use to secure your FE in place (some sort of tie thing)? I want to pick one up before we leave.

[oceangirl15]

Hey, did you notice that in our little FE group of 12, there are two Susans and two Andys.

We leave in just seven days. We'll be at WDW for eight nights before we have to drive to the port on the 4th, so I'll be happy to just take it easy on the ship after all that running around at Disney. I'm going to start working on my packing list today. Whenever we go away, if I don't start packing days in advance, I am always up until midnight the day before we leave. I don't know why that is, but it's every time, even when we just go back to NJ for the holidays. DH, on the other hand, is done packing in no time flat. This time my niece is coming in on Tuesday, we have a show (Spring Awakening) that evening and we leave the next morning, so I have to be ready by this Monday.

Lizzie, how far from Ocean City are you? Sadly, we haven't really ventured very far from OC (I don't love driving), so I am not all that familiar with the state.

Does anyone know what the name of the thing was that you use to secure your FE in place (some sort of tie thing)? I want to pick one up before we leave.

Susan- We are on the western shore of Maryland, we live abnout 4 or 5 hours from OC. We vacation there during the summer sometimes. What part of NJ are you from? My mom is from Moorestown, NJ.

[auntsue]

Lizzie, we are from Nutley, a town of about 30,000. It's right near Giants stadium and about 10 or so miles from NYC. DH used to work there. If there's no traffic, it's about a 20 minute drive, during rush hour it's more like 45-60. I graduated from Nutley High, went to college, got married and moved away. In 1980 we bought the house next to my parents and a few years later my sister bought the one on the other side of them. It was wonderful - many, many happy memories.

We never really traveled to the Cherry Hill area except once when we went to Philadelphia. Isn't that near Moorestown? I'm not familiar with that area at all.

Are you driving to the port from Maryland? Wow, that's quite a long ride!

[QVCshopper]

Hi! Haven't checked this board in a while. I just sewed the FE by hand while my hubbie drove to Ikea. The hardest part was measuring it out. Surely not the prettiest one, but it will work. Good luck with everyone elses!

We're from Phoenixville, PA, which is near Valley Forge and the King Of Prussia Mall. I'm originally from West Chester County, NY, and my hubbie is from here. We're going to Disney 4 days before the cruise and staying at the AKL villas. :)

[oceangirl15]

Lizzie, we are from Nutley, a town of about 30,000. It's right near Giants stadium and about 10 or so miles from NYC. DH used to work there. If there's no traffic, it's about a 20 minute drive, during rush hour it's more like 45-60. I graduated from Nutley High, went to college, got married and moved away. In 1980 we bought the house next to my parents and a few years later my sister bought the one on the other side of them. It was wonderful - many, many happy memories.

We never really traveled to the Cherry Hill area except once when we went to Philadelphia. Isn't that near Moorestown? I'm not familiar with that area at all.

Are you driving to the port from Maryland? Wow, that's quite a long ride!
Susan, I'll mention that to my mom, I'm sure she's heard of it! And I'm sure that did make for some great memories!
Yeah, Cherry Hill is very close to Moorestown.
Yes, we are driving down there. We've done it 3 other times too!

[oceangirl15]

Hi! Haven't checked this board in a while. I just sewed the FE by hand while my hubbie drove to Ikea. The hardest part was measuring it out. Surely not the prettiest one, but it will work. Good luck with everyone elses!

We're from Phoenixville, PA, which is near Valley Forge and the King Of Prussia Mall. I'm originally from West Chester County, NY, and my hubbie is from here. We're going to Disney 4 days before the cruise and staying at the AKL villas. :)

My mom has been to the King of Prussia mall! She said it was really nice when she went.

[tikibirds]

I love the KoP Mall. We are from Pittsburgh, PA. :)

[QVCshopper]

I love the KoP Mall. We are from Pittsburgh, PA. :)

Yes, it's wonderful. We're about 15 minutes away, so I go there more than I'd like to admit. Though my visits have gone way down since having my kids. I haven't gotten to Pittsburgh yet--maybe some day!

[auntsue]

Tara, have you ever stayed at AKL before? Are you staying at Jambo or Kidani? We stayed there last year before Kidani was opened and we loved it! We thought the staff was wonderful and having the animals right in front of us was awesome. We love our home resorts, but we would definitely stay there again. Have a great time!

I don’t think we’ve ever been to your area of PA. When the kids were younger, we used to go to Lancaster every year, and my sister lives in the Poconos, so those are the only places we’ve been to a lot.

By the way, are you saying you sewed your FE in the car while your DH drove? Wow!

Lizzie, where do you stop on your way down? We have to stop two nights from OC to Naples because I do all the driving. It's about twenty hours. I don't like driving in the dark and I find it difficult to drive for more than seven hours (I can't eat when we drive because it makes me sleepy).

Is anyone else in our group making cruise magnets? I made some. They came out great. The talent on the DIS is amazing!

[oceangirl15]

Susan, we stop usually somewhere in either South Carolina or Georgia. Last February we made it all the way to Savannah, which I think we are going to do this time.

[joestein]

I am going to be on the cruise as well.

I am just shocked to hear the space shuttle is taking off the morning we pull into port. I hope we get there before lift-off. My daughters who are both celebrating their birthday that day (they are turning 7) will flip when I tell them. I am sure we will be up and on deck to see the takeoff.

Joe

[auntsue]

Joe, glad to have you on board. The space shuttle is supposed to launch at 4:39 a.m. We most likely will not be up for it.

We have a meet about 3:00 (30 minutes before the lifeboat drill) in the Promenade Lounge towards the Internet Cafe. Hope to see you there.

Lizzie, that is quite a long stretch at one time. Do your parents share the driving? We want to go to Savannah one day, but we always have the cat with us, so we really can't tour.

We leave in only four days and sadly, I haven't packed anything but the FE gifts. I see midnight Monday in my future. Ha, ha!

[QVCshopper]

Hi Sue - We stayed at AKL once before, after our last cruise. This time, we'll be in Kidani. We go to Lancaster and the Poconos all the time. Both are wonderful!

OceanGirl15, have a great drive! And welcome to other new cruisers. :hippie:

[oceangirl15]

Joe, glad to have you on board. The space shuttle is supposed to launch at 4:39 a.m. We most likely will not be up for it.

We have a meet about 3:00 (30 minutes before the lifeboat drill) in the Promenade Lounge towards the Internet Cafe. Hope to see you there.

Lizzie, that is quite a long stretch at one time. Do your parents share the driving? We want to go to Savannah one day, but we always have the cat with us, so we really can't tour.

We leave in only four days and sadly, I haven't packed anything but the FE gifts. I see midnight Monday in my future. Ha, ha!

Susan, my mom gets sleepy when driving so my dad does almost of all of it. This time I will be sharing the driving because I hav my liscense. :)

[oceangirl15]

Thanks! Can't wait to get down there and feel that warm air hit my face! lol

[oceangirl15]

Okay, I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting soooo excited about this cruise!!! Oh my word. haha. What is everyone looking forward to most about it??:woohoo:

[tikibirds]

Me too oceangirl! :)

I think I'm looking most forward to two things - relaxing at Serenity Bay and those times (usually morning or later in the evening) I can get on the top deck when few others are there - so peaceful!

[oceangirl15]

That sounds wonderful tikibirds! I'm probably most excited about meeting all of you and the waverunners we are going to do in Castaway Cay!

[QVCshopper]

My 5 year old little girl is SO excited. Every day, she counts down another night and she's telling everyone that we're going on the big boat! She even knows the names of the ships and the pools. Too cute!

[oceangirl15]

That is sooo cute! She knows her stuff! I'm counting down the days too! My lil sister was happy there would be another girl on board. lol.Even if she is a little younger than her.

[auntsue]

I, too, am looking forward to meeting everyone and relaxing after running around WDW all week.

P.S. We leave in about four hours. See you all on the ship!

[oceangirl15]

Safe travels Susan! We will see you next week!

[tikibirds]

Another wish for safe travels Sue!

One week to go!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

[oceangirl15]

I'm sooo excited! I leave Tuesday for our cruise!!!! Ahhhhh! Been waiting for this since October!!!! Oh wow it's almsot here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[texaskate]

Hello everyone! We are leaving tomorrow from Dallas for Orlando. This is our first cruise ever and we are excited and strangely a little nervous? Hopefully we are packing all the right things talking into account the dress codes and weather... We are getting there a few days early and visiting Sea World- we did 10 days at Disney World last May, so we wanted to try something new:)
We have one little guy who will be 5 in April and he is very excited about sleeping on a boat-lol. We booked a room at the Comfort Suites in Nassau so we can use Atlantis- my husband and I went to Atlantis for a week last September, if you have not been there it is AMAZING!!

Looking forward to meeting new friends and having a great time!

[oceangirl15]

Texaskate- we are all meeting at the promenade louge at 3 pm Thursday, about a half hour before the lifeboat drill. Please meet us there. We all decided to do a Disney cruise meet and would love for you to join us! My family would especially love to meet you because we are thinking of moving to Dallas. Hope to meet you!!

[auntsue]

Hi all, we're back! Don't ask! DH casually asks this a.m., "Do we need passports for this trip?" Uhh, yeah!!!!!! It really wan't anyone's fault. Thank goodness we're only about four hours away. Drove back, took a nap, and am heading back out the door in a minute. Passports were not on our "Disney Packing List." Live by the list, die by the list. Anyway, I'll be driving back in the dark, so wish me luck. See you all in three days.

[oceangirl15]

Oh wow! I hope you get those passports! See you soon!!!

[tikibirds]

Ugh, sorry about those passports but thank goodness you didn't wait longer to ask!

Have finished most of the packing and printing out the FE list now - our flight is tomorrow afternoon! :banana:

[oceangirl15]

Hey everybody! I am here in florida pretty close to where the ship leaves!!! Really sunny here! Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!!!! 3 pm, promenade lounge (if I spelled that right). See you all soon!!!!!!!!!!!

[tikibirds]

Woohoo it is departure day! Here at the Country Inn and Suites waiting for the shuttle. Can't wait to see you all! :cool1:

[tikibirds]

Hope you all made it home safely (our flight home Sunday got cancelled and we were stranded at WDW until today) and enjoyed the cruise.

Bummer that we missed Castaway Cay, but we still had a good time!

It was great meeting you and thanks to all of you for the great FE gifts! :)

[auntsue]

Hi Sandy...so sorry you were delayed getting home. Did Andy still get to see the game Sunday night? Where did you stay for the two nights? Did you get any additional snow today? We saw that north Jersey was getting swamped this afternoon. People that were coming in a day early for tomorrow's cruise may have run into big trouble today. Hope all is well with you.

We had a lot of fun with the FE exchange, we got some really cool stuff.

I felt bad for all the people that really had their hearts set on Castawy Cay. Even I was a little disappointed, and we rarely go to the beach here in Florida. CC looked great in all the pictures. Maybe another time.

Here's hoping that oceangirl and her family get home safely. My sister said south Jersey got 27 inches today. They are probably also delayed.

DH really enjoyed the trip, so if we ever get a super great deal, I know he would go again. I loved it, but felt that three nights was far too short. It felt more like two days, so I'd want at least four nights the next time.

Our group may have been small, but it was very nice meeting everyone. It was fun seeing people I knew around the ship.

Happy future planning to all.

[oceangirl15]

Hello everyone! It was great to meet all of you! And thank you sooo much for the wonderful FE gifts, you all are soo clever and generous! As it turns out we were not delayed because we were in WDW until Wednesday then drove home, yeah really boring. We came home to loads of snow though. ha. Anyway, we had sooo much fun meeting you all and I am sooo sad it's over!!!

[QVCshopper]

Hi all - Thanks for all of the wonderful gifts. My kids really enjoyed checking the Fish Extender every day. It was nice meeting all of you as well!

[auntsue]

Tara...glad you made it home safe and sound. We had a lot of fun with the FEs also.