March 12, 2011 Eastern Caribbean, Let's rock the Magic! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Stinasmom

10-29-2009, 12:27 PM

**** see post 119 on page 8 for current roster update as of 2/7/2011 ********

*****See post 227 on page 16 for current roster of FE exchange participants as of 1/9/11*******

Even with new ships coming out and the Wonder going to California, sailing on the tried and true Grand Dame of DCL is still a privilege!

So, it is still a long time before we sail, but I've started cruise meets threads further out than this! Let's get acquainted!

I am Marcy, DH is Vijay, (we're in our 40's), DD 12 (will be 14 at time of sailing, and DS 8 (will be 10 at time of sailing).

This will be our 4th time on DCL, having sailed on the Magic in 2005 to the Mexican Riveria, the Wonder in 2006 to the Bahamas, and the Magic again in 2008 to the Western Caribbean.

We will be traveling with my mom and stepdad this time... first time it wasn't just the 4 of us. Can't wait to share the MAGICAL experience with family (aside from just showing them the scrapbooks, videos, and pictures)!

Anyone else out there? Can't wait to meet 'cha!

Cheryllynn74

11-19-2009, 02:03 PM

Hi! I'm so glad someone started a thread. It's just myself (Cheryl-35) and hubby (Ricky-36). This is our first cruise EVER and we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. We can't wait!!! I feel crazy for starting to plan this early but I'm so excited I can't help it.

Stinasmom

11-19-2009, 05:23 PM

:welcome:
Welcome to the DIS boards and to Disney cruising, Cheryl!
You are going to LOVE your cruise!:love:

You will undoubtedly have lots of questions and you are in the right place to get answers:thumbsup2
both from experienced cruisers and from this website.

I remember finding the DIS before our first cruise. I was so excited and impressed with DCL (from what I'd been hearing and seeing from trip reports, pictures, and videos) that I booked our 2nd cruise before even going on the first one!
I also made a couple friends on the cruise meet thread for that first cruise that I still keep up with today.:dance3:

So, looking forward to chatting over the next 15 months or so!!

Marcy

IrishCowboy

11-20-2009, 01:47 PM

subscribing

boundfordisney

01-04-2010, 08:56 PM

hi there we are looking at booking for this date, just finished a 7 night western nov.28th on the magic. This was our first cruise , me my dh Terry and 2 of our grandkids. It was awesome now we plan on bringing the rest of the family! Hope this thread picks up and look forward to seeing everyone there.:)

DisneyBaby2004

01-06-2010, 10:39 AM

Hi all. We are also looking to book this date. We may need to wait to see if they are going to lower the depost amount again though.
Our first cruise was on the Western in June 09 and it was a blast. I meet some great folks from our Meet board. Can't wait to meet and chat with everyone.

m&p'smom

02-09-2010, 08:58 PM

Hi! We are booked on this cruise and I cant wait! We were supposed to do the Eastern this past summer but it got switched to a western do to a hurricane :( but now that I have another chance and it falls during our spring break we have booked!

boundfordisney

02-09-2010, 09:49 PM

Hi there M&Psmom who is travelling with you? This will be our second disney cruise and we did the western already as well! Looking forward to a new adventure to the eastern caribbean! :cool1:

Stinasmom

02-09-2010, 10:33 PM

Oh yea! Some activity on this thread!
I was considering reviving it at the one year mark which is a month or so away...

Welcome m&p'mom!
We too did the western last and are looking forward to this Eastern.
We also did a Mexican Riveria and a 4 nighter to Nassau.

Looking forward to conversing and getting to know you all over the next 13 months!:wave2:

Marcy

boundfordisney

02-15-2010, 11:10 PM

hi there stenasmom hope this meet picks up soon wow the magic had some rough weather this past weekend what a nightmare for alot of travellers!:scared1:

Beesmom

03-09-2010, 09:52 AM

Our family (me - 45, DH- 39 and DS who is 4) went on our first cruise last February on the Disney Magic. We loved it, and last night during dinner I asked my soon to be 5 son if he wanted to go back on the big boat. He said "YEAH!" and so did my husband. So yesterday I put a deposit on our next cruise (this one, obviously).

Only 368 days to go!:woohoo:

-Sandy

Stinasmom

03-09-2010, 11:27 AM

Welcome Sandy!
Yes DCL is addictive!
The kids have a different experience each time as they get older, and it is just so relaxing for us adults.

We are looking at our 1 year out date this week!

Anyone else excited??!:cool1:

Beesmom

03-09-2010, 03:05 PM

Welcome Sandy!
Yes DCL is addictive!
The kids have a different experience each time as they get older, and it is just so relaxing for us adults.

Thanks, Stinasmom, and I agree about DCL being addictive! Our Disney cruise last year was the first time I can recall a vacation where someone else did all the cleaning and cooking and I loved it. It was very relaxing for us. I'm very excited to be going back.

-Sandy :laundy:

Cheryllynn74

03-09-2010, 08:36 PM

Just thought I would say Hi to everyone. We are almost a year away and I'm getting so excited I don't know how I'm gonna last that long. I've been reading the boards, making lists, printing door magnets...my husband is surprised I don't have our bags already packed. :rotfl:

tecdavidt

03-30-2010, 02:16 PM

We will joining you on the March 12 '11 Eastern cruise! We were on the March 13th Eastern this year and DH rebooked! same room! We are Kathy, Dave & Steph. Ages at time of cruise will be 53 for parents and 18 for daughter. This will be cruise no. 12 on the Magic. We love the Magic.

Our room is midship cat. 3 on deck 8. Perfect location. I hope next March seas are as wonderful as this years. You just never know what you will get in March. Castaway was cold this year as was the water but when the wind stopped blowing it was nice and warm. The ports were fantastic and hot. Just what we needed after our nasty winter.

See you all March 12, 2011. Kathy

vkashyap1971

04-02-2010, 05:00 PM

Stinasmom

04-03-2010, 01:28 PM

I just booked our first Disney cruise to the Eastern Caribbean and cannot wait! My DH (Raj) and I (Veena) will be 40 and 39 respectively, DD (Saira) will be 15 and DS (Nick) will be 3. We've been to Disney several times but this is our first cruise:banana:

We're a cat 10 deck 7. I look forward to meeting some disboard members on the cruise!

WELCOME Veena, Raj, and family!

YEA!! :banana:Someone with a daughter near my daughter's age! She had the best time on our last cruise when she had someone she'd emailed a bit before the cruise and met up with once on board! princess:princess:
And we have something else in common... my Sis-in-law's name is VEENA! She is my daughter's favorite aunt!

Welcome to the DIS boards too. I see that at this point you may not have enough posts to Private Message, but when you do, maybe we could introduce the girls (exchange email addresses)?

So far our group has first timers and many timers! So if you or anyone else has any questions about cruising with DCL... and I know you do!... just post up and we'll be happy to give lots of answers!!:teacher:

Marcy

steve igoe

04-04-2010, 08:24 AM

We'll also be joining you on the Eastern 12th March .

Steve and Sue here .We did our first cruise this year March 6th Western and are "hooked " We've booked to do the Eastern this time .

Really loved the weather on the Ship in March although we were a little disappointed not to get onto castaway cay due to a storm on the friday .

Nonetheless loved the experience and look forward to meeting everyone next year .

candizfan

04-20-2010, 10:52 PM

Hi Everyone:flower3:

We are travelling on this cruise as well. The parks were so crowded this March Break we decided to go back on the ship again.

This will be our third DCL cruise - all three on the Magic. We have done both the Eastern and the Western cruise.

It will be myself, DH, DD15 and DD11 - at the time of sailing.

We had the kids meet others on the DIS thread before we sailed and it really worked out well.

I am already looking at tours to take in the ports.

Happy planning everyone. :cool1:

Cheryllynn74

04-21-2010, 01:45 PM

Wow - great to see so many new comments! I'm looking forward to talking more to all of you. I know it's still early, but is anyone interested in doing fish extenders?

candizfan

04-21-2010, 09:44 PM

I have heard about doing them but I am not sure I would do them well. They seem to mean a lot of planning and I work a lot so that can be hard to pull those little things together.

Do you want to give an explanation and how to make it work well for everyone? I think it might help me understand how it is suppose to work.

I know it has to do with hanging something on the fish (mailbox) decoration outside your door.

Stinasmom

04-21-2010, 10:11 PM

Hey everyone! So glad to see more and more people signing in onto this cruise! :woohoo:
We did fish extenders on our last cruise and it was fun getting things as well as sneaking around the ship to deposit our gifts into everyone's extender.
I have an extender I would love to use again. So, I vote yes on doing this. :thumbsup2
What was kind of expensive was the magnet exchange... I wouldn't be interested in that part.

Hey - candizfan - my DD14 will be thrilled to pre - meet your DD15! She also had a great time having someone to initially to pal around with and make friends in the teen club from there! PM me and they can exchange emails. :cutie::cutie:

OH, I just saw that you were looking for an explanation on how the FE's work... I could do that but I just noticed the time and have to go get DD from dance class!

Marcy

Cheryllynn74

04-22-2010, 09:32 AM

I'm sure Marcy can give a much better explanation of Fish Extenders since she's actually cruised before and I haven't. But from what I read, you can participate as little or as much as you want. Some people seem to just give one little gift per cabin, and others get more elaborate and do one for kids, one for parents, and sometimes also a cabin gift for whole family. Some people get very fancy and creative but simple gifts are great too. It's all about having a little extra fun.

vkashyap1971

04-27-2010, 11:25 AM

Hi,
Sorry to have been away for so long...I'd love for the girls' to exchange e-mails before the trip.

I've tried creative ways to get my e-mail but the disboard is too smart! I'll just have to keep posting.

On another note, I've only ever met 1 other Veena my entire life and between yesterday and reading your note today, I've met 2 other Veenas.

Anyway, hope to hear from you soon and I look forward to meeting you and the family and all the other disboard families as well!

candizfan

04-29-2010, 08:47 PM

Okay, who else is already looking at shore excursions for the ports? :cool1:

I am thinking about a nice sail boat or catamaran trip in St. Maarten.

What is everyone else planning for St. Maarten?

Stinasmom

04-30-2010, 09:40 AM

It's my goal today to catch up on the boards!:goodvibes
We'll see if it happens... I am getting excited about this trip and having a group of you out there posting up about your excitement only helps!:banana:

So, let's see, a little :laundy:. a committee report :surfweb:, wait, where's the vacuuming smily?, a meeting :chat: , of course getting the kids to school and back :teacher::drive:, teaching a Jazzercise class :woohoo: :dance3:, and the other crazy stuff that just doesn't warrant cute smilies....

I hope to catch up with you all!
Marcy

jennyh2829

05-02-2010, 11:02 AM

Hi,

I haven't booked yet but we are planning on going on this cruise. We've only done the Wonder 4-day cruises, and we've done them twice.

It will be Me, DH, and DD10 (who will turn 11 while we are on the ship). We are really excited about taking a longer cruise and like a previous poster did the parks this last March break and thought it was a little crowded...

Jen

Cheryllynn74

05-03-2010, 11:37 AM

Okay, who else is already looking at shore excursions for the ports? :cool1:

I am thinking about a nice sail boat or catamaran trip in St. Maarten.

What is everyone else planning for St. Maarten?

I haven't looked at excursions for St. Maarten yet, but for St. Thomas we are thinking of going to Coral World and doing the sea lion swim and then spend some time on Coki beach.

candizfan

05-03-2010, 09:06 PM

I am not sure what to do in St Thomas. I am not really into the swim with the wildlife excursions.

I am looking forward to hear what others are planning. :cool1:

boundfordisney

05-17-2010, 10:40 PM

Well after going back and forth with different cruise dates we have finally made our mind up to this date! We will be taking our grandaughter who is 14 at time of cruise and grandson who is 15 at the time. More family members may be onboard as well, we will be booking in the next week and will then know for sure as to how many of us will be going. So hello to all other dissers going!:)

Stinasmom

05-19-2010, 03:35 PM

Whoo Hooo:woohoo:
More DIS Cruisers! More 14 year old girls (for my DD to meet) and more Canadians! :rotfl: That has to be good, right?
No really, :welcome: boundfordisney!

How is everyone?? I am going to take the time, finally, to post up! Other stuff can wait!:thumbsup2

I managed to get our flights booked yesterday. Anyone else noticed how much more it costs to fly now than in years past? It use to be cheap to get to Orlando...there were so many flights. But not so much now.

My parents were able to get round trip with Alaska Airlines miles from Portland, OR for 40,000 each. Use to be 20,000!:sad2:

We used most of our miles for tickets to Hawaii (we're going in a few weeks...yeah, don't cry for us Argentina:cool2:) which were WAY more expensive than before, both in mileage and cash.

So, DH had some miles expiring on United, so he flies out to MCO (from Seattle) by himself, Kids and I fly Alaska on the Red-Eye the night before. It was a bunch cheaper to take the red-eye direct than any other flight I could find.
Then, we all fly back on the United flight that DH was booked on. That worked out pretty well. Found a fair price through Kayak.com. I recommend this web site!

We usually fly Alaska Airlines... Round trip on them would have cost over $2800 for the 4 of us!!! So now that we are flying separately and on different airlines, we paid about $1200 plus 25,000 expiring United miles. Craziness!

We actually live a 2 hour drive (east of the mountains) from Seattle, so that has to be factored in too. It's a wonder we travel as much as we do... the coordination is always a chore. But that's what I do. Coordinate. :) or try anyway. Of course then you're responsible for anything that goes wrong!:rolleyes1

I have been forwarding links from the DCL forums here on the DIS to my stepdad, who with my mom will be joining us on this cruise. Mostly, I've sent pictures. They are excited for this trip too.

We plan to spend the following week at Universal/Islands of Adventure and Discovery Cove as well as the resort we booked... Oh yeah, I booked our resort too. I was able to use some timeshare time to get two 2-bedroom condos at the Holiday Inn Orange Lake - West Village.
Anyone familiar with this resort? It looks HUGE with 4 different adjacent properties, water park, lots of activities. Pretty close to WDW... too bad we're not going there this time!

So, now all we have to do is pay for the cruise!
Oh and book pre cruise lodging, transportation, rental car for the week after... But the big stuff is booked!

Now, I can put my focus back on our upcoming vacation... Hawaii here we come! Two weeks on Kauai! :love:

Marcy

boundfordisney

05-19-2010, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the welcome Stinasmom! Wow with all of the work you put into just getting to your vacation you really do deserve one! LOL We fly out of Buffalo its so much cheaper then Toronto and its a much easier airport to navigate and its just about the same distance from hamilton to Toronto maybe an extra 20 mins travelling time no big deal.My grandkids are looking forward to this cruise and they are hopping that some of their friends that were on the last cruise will be coming on board as well, if you pm me I will give my granddaughter your email to give your daughter and vice versa, it would be great for them to get to know someone before the cruise, we did this on the cruise we took in November but the kids were younger and it didnt work out as well as it would have been if they were more the same age. Looks as though that won t be a problem with this trip. Happy planning everyone! PS wish I was goin to Hawaii think you can stow me away? LOL:cool1:

candizfan

05-21-2010, 11:08 PM

Hi Everyone!

It will be great to have a good group of kids on the ship about the same age.

:cool1:

3Goofy's

05-31-2010, 08:15 PM

Hi there!

We are a family of 3 that will be joining you next March. We did our first cruise this past March on a 3 day Wonder cruise (land and sea), and knew immediately that we had to try longer. So we booked on board, and are really excited to try a 7 day.

It will be me (not quite 40 - yikes, how did that happen?), my DH (40s), and our DS who will be 2 weeks shy of his 9th birthday. I'm a big trip planner and love every minute of it, but willing to adjust our plans as necessary. DH is very relaxed about the whole thing and goes with the flow as long as it isn't exhausting. And DS is your typical happy-to-be-on vacation kid.

My parents may be joining us, but their minds are not totally committed. We will see...

Oh, and we are more Canadians! From Ontario, actually, and expect to see many of us on the cruise. It's our March Break. DH is a teacher, so that's why we chose this week.

I'm all for trying FE! I'm not crafty, but will try my best.

So, that's us. Looking forward to getting to know you and having a wonderful week in the Caribbean!

jennyh2829

05-31-2010, 08:32 PM

Well, we are officially booked. Would love to do the fish extender exchange and have no clue about the excursions....but I've got til Dec. to decide about that ...:goodvibes

boundfordisney

05-31-2010, 11:03 PM

Glad to see more dissers onboard here Welcome! We also choose this time to cruise because of the March break as my grandson will be in high school and didn t think it would be a good idea to pull him out of school at another date in time, and figured it would be way to hot in the summer months! We cruised on the magic this past November and loved it! The eastern caribbean will be new to us so we are very much looking forward to this trip:banana:

3Goofy's

06-01-2010, 04:34 PM

Hi BoundforDisney,

Thanks for the welcome. We are about 3 hrs north of Hamilton, and are considering flying out of Buffalo. It's just a bit further than Toronto for us. Do you often get direct flights?

I should mention that my name is Sherri and my DH is Greg.

boundfordisney

06-01-2010, 09:47 PM

Hi 3goofys! Yes we get a direct flight from Buffalo using southwest airline, jet blue also has direct flights but I have found that southwest has the better flight times. Buffalo has a great airport it is so easy to navigate and the big plus is that the price for flights are so much cheaper then out of Toronto. We stay at the Quality inn across from the airport as we always take an early flight down , usually around 7 am so staying at the quality inn the night before works out great! My name by the way is Leslie and dh is Terry, we will be cruising with my daughter and grandkids, look forward to getting to know everyone here on this meet!:cool1:

dfamily

06-12-2010, 02:43 PM

Stinasmom

06-12-2010, 11:06 PM

We will be celebrating my IL's 50th wedding anniversary on this cruise! There's me, DH - 40, DS - 12, DD - 9, DS - 6, DD - 2 and the ILs. Hubby and I have cruised on Carnival before and the ILs have cruised several times as well. This will be the first Disney cruise for all of us. We are all soooo excited!

I'd love to hear any tips on first-time Disney cruising. I love, love, love planning our WDW trips and have been searching the forums for cruise info.

For now, I'm just counting down the days!

Welcome to the thread and to DCL! You will love how perfect this cruise will be for the multi-generational groups. We too are bring one set of in-laws, actually my mom and step dad. First Disney cruise for them but it will be our 4th.

There is lots of good info on the cruise boards. If I find the link to the actual "tips" thread, I'll post it!

Marcy

jennyh2829

07-07-2010, 11:16 AM

Hey all, where are people staying before the cruise, if anywhere? We always like to come in the night before just in case weather is bad and flights are delayed. I was thinking about the Hyatt at the airport. Anyone ever stayed there before?

needAcruise

07-13-2010, 03:31 PM

We just booked two staterooms and are ready to hang our fish extender!

There are 7 of us. Me and DH are in our mid 30's, DD1(8), DD2(10), DNiece (14) and my in-laws who are in their mid 70's.

Whoever is organizing the fish extending (can that be made into a verb like that?) count us in!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Cheryllynn74

07-14-2010, 04:24 PM

jennyh2829

07-18-2010, 04:33 PM

candizfan

07-27-2010, 01:10 PM

Hi Everyone! :goodvibes

Just enjoying my lunch and checking out the planning to see how it is going for others.

Has anyone started to price flights yet? I can't believe how expensive they are for next March. I sure hope they come down.

jennyh2829

07-30-2010, 09:22 PM

We booked our flights and got them for about $470ish/person. Last year we traveled on the same week and they never came down. Spring Break here so lots of people travelling.

azrealtor

08-07-2010, 07:36 AM

Hi Everyone,
Just booked our cruise...So excited...This is second cruise on Disney and will be first cruise for my str & mother. Booked two connecting rooms which was really a chore but all is working out. It took me over 3 hours on the phn to get our rooms booked through Costco. Traveling myself (40's will hv birthday on cruise), dd 9, dd 11, str (50's), her son, & our mother (70's).
Jennyh2829 - we have dtrs same age. Make sure to chk the groups she will be in. Magic has a group called the Edge but I think it is for 11 - 13 Since she will turn 11 not sure how they will put her in Lab or Edge. Also, we did stay at the airport hotel. Was great for location.
Can someone give example of the fish extender gifts to give??

Not sure about the shore time yet. Last time we just shopped, took a cab ride, and went to the beach. We did all booking separate from line.

farmfam

08-15-2010, 07:04 PM

Ashansen

08-17-2010, 08:18 AM

We just got signed up for this trip! My family has done the 4 night Wonder Cruise at Thanksgiving (twice) and loved it. Since the first sale, I wanted to try the 7 night and here we are!

It will my me, DH and my daughters (ages 10 and 8). We have some friends coming that will have two younger kids too.

On our last cruise (11/2009) we participated in the FE...soo much fun! My kids LOVED it! Hopefully someone will be willing to get that organized for this trip!

Can't wait for Spring Break!!

Ashley

azrealtor

08-18-2010, 10:35 AM

What is FE??:)

Ashansen

08-18-2010, 11:16 AM

FE stands for "Fish Extender". On the ship, there are poles that stick out from the wall beside each door and rather than a knob on the end, they have a "fish"....

An FE exchange is a swap that gets organized on many of the cruises between people on this board. Here's what you do:

1) If you want to participate, you "sign up" on the list, tell your stateroom number, and the names/ages of everyone in the cabin (generally it just says Ashley-adult and then lists the ages of the kids).

2) You make or buy a "fish extender"...it's essentially a "pouch" you hang from your "fish extender". It has pockets for each person in your group. You can either make these yourself, or there are several people who can make them (check this board or ebay. We bought ours on ebay and I'd be happy to share the name of the person if you PM me). Here's a picture of a "fish extender" (this is not mine, but a picture I found on ebay).

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/Ashansen/Disney%20FE/ExampleFishExtender.jpg

3) You make or buy little gifts for everyone participating in your FE swap and bring them to the cruise..then you get to deliver them whenever you want during the cruise. My 9 year old and her friend delivered all of ours and had a blast...kinda like playing Santa. Here's an example of some of the items we gave:

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/Ashansen/Disney%20FE/DSCN2557.jpg

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/Ashansen/Disney%20FE/DSCN2554.jpg

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/Ashansen/Disney%20FE/DSCN2556.jpg FE gifts for adults

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/Ashansen/Disney%20FE/DSCN2555.jpg FE gifts for kids

4) Now whenever you return to your cabin, you could have a goody in one of your pockets! I'd say it was fun for the kids, but the adults in our group loved it too! Here's a picture of what we got:

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu355/Ashansen/Disney%20FE/DSCF0622.jpg

There are several threads too on FE gifts to make or buy. Oriental Trading Co is a good source. Also, since Halloween is coming up, you can get some inexpensive pirate items for Pirate night if you want!

HTH! Ashley

Ashansen

08-18-2010, 11:21 AM

Here is my advice to first time cruisers.....Seriously pare down what you are bringing....you don't need that much! There are several lists of things to pack...but again, use your judgement..not everyone needs every size bandaid and type of pain reliever that is on these lists!

The one item I will not travel without on a cruise is my over the door shoe hanger...Must be clear pockets, so you can see what you are bringing. I found mine at Target. Once I arrive, I hang this over the door and give each family members some pockets. Keeps our stuff organized and within reach and we don't have to be dragging out toiletry bags and such.

This board has a wealth of information for cruisers.....just keep reading it and you'll find out whatever you need to know!

Can't wait for Spring Break!

Ashley

Mickeyhugger

08-27-2010, 05:41 PM

Hi!

It's confirmed! Airline tkts purchased (for our family) two cat 9s booked (halfway paid) for DH (Rob) Me (Priscilla) 16 year-old DD (Rachel) and most likely 16 year-old BF (Kristen.)

This will be our 7th Disney Magic cruise (8th for Rachel, she went on the Magic Baltic cruise this summer, with one of her friend's and family.) She's one cruise ahead of us!

We're so looking forward to it!:yay:

Stinasmom

08-29-2010, 02:19 AM

HEY FOLKS!

So, I have a tally of 16 families who've subscribed to this thread and said they are on our cruise.
As "life" has been keeping me busy, crazy, and at times relaxed this summer, the coming school year will hopefully offer me a chance to catch up with you all!:surfweb:

Some mention of Fish Extenders and gift exchange has come up. We did this on our last cruise and I have to admit it was super fun to not only come back to the room to find fun gifts each day, but it was also fun when it was our day to "sneak" to each room and deliver our gifts.

Unless someone else has an already foolproof plan for organizing this, (speak up now!), I will volunteer to do so... :wave:

Here is the compressed list of our "roll call" at this point...
If you want to change or add any info, just post up!

Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
boundfordisney - Grandparents with DD14 & DD 15
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
tecdavidt - Kathy 53, Dave 53, Steph 18
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD11
3Goofy's - Sherri & Greg (40's), DS almost 9
jennyh2829 - DD11
dfamily- me, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws
neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8, + friends
mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18

So.... update the info above as you want. Let me know if you want to participate in the Fish Extender Exchange. NO OBLIGATION!!!:3dglasses

I will figure out how to organize this based on how it worked on our last cruise, even if it means contacting the person who coordinated that one!:cool2:

I am hoping to help create "glue" to bind us before and during our cruise!!
:banana::cool1::cheer2:

Marcy

Ashansen

08-30-2010, 04:28 PM

Marcy-count us in on the Fish Extenders. I'll get together with the other couple we're traveling with and educate them on why they need to participate too! Thanks for agreeing to organize this.

I'll try to look and see if I can find the spreadsheet the person did for our cruise. I do know that the "host" put together an initial spreadsheet and even did some updating, but eventually posted a public document on google docs which people could make changes to, up until the "deadline" to join....

Thanks again!

Ashley

3Goofy's

09-01-2010, 08:24 PM

Count us in on the FE too! It sounds like lots of fun. Thanks for working on this Marcy - it could get confusing!:confused3

DisneyDarwin

09-02-2010, 02:01 PM

Stinasmom

09-03-2010, 12:08 AM

Add two more to the roll call. Myself (crap, I'll be 50!), and DD Bethany (will have just turned 18). I think this is our 7th Disney cruise, and 17th overall. Last year at spring break we took RCCL's Oasis of the Seas to this same itinerary. Loved that ship, but we've been away from Disney for 3 years now and we're ready to get back. Would have liked to have done the Dream, but we no longer bother with cruises less than 7 days! Looking forward to being home; we love the Magic most of all the ships we've been on (although the Oasis IS awesome).

Waiting for Southwest to open up March so we can snag a lower fare. I can't believe the rates, we've never paid this much.

Looking forward to Palo (DD's first time), the shows, movies, late night hot tubbin', onboard shopping where there is actually stuff I want, the Blue B*tch Bar in St. Martin, and jewelry shopping in St. Thomas (deferred B'day present for DD, worked great last year).
party::welcome:party:
Great to have you aboard DisneyDarwin!
I think it's so great that you are traveling with your DD18! She will be able to be in the Adult areas, Palo, Spa, etc. I am definitely the type of mom to take my DD18 (who is only 13 today, 14 at cruise time) vacationing with me to celebrate (anything :rotfl:)

You all have a great Labor Day weekend! We have the county fair happening here, which we live close enough to walk to. Big deal with a national ranked rodeo and all. School finally starts on the 8th!:banana:

Marcy

jennyh2829

09-04-2010, 07:21 PM

Thanks Marcy for organizing...Me and my DH are 40ish...He's there and I'm not far behind :) and then DD11(which you already have).

candizfan

09-04-2010, 11:07 PM

Hi Marcy

I have one correction.

"candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD11" should read DD12 not DD11 - I guess I did not count her birthday in.

I too am looking for Southwest. They have fairs available but only until March 11th. The prices are crazy this year. I usually have my tickets paid for by April or May....:scared1: It is September and still no tickets purchased.

Mickeyhugger

09-09-2010, 03:18 PM

We just booked two rooms via Hotwire and got the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel for $89.00 per night!:banana:

Can't wait for March!

Priscilla

Cheryllynn74

09-15-2010, 01:58 PM

Please count me and my DH in for the fish extenders - thanks!

needAcruise

09-24-2010, 03:40 PM

Count me in on the fish extenders!

We have two staterooms, but only one room will be participating. (Me, DH, DD8, DD10 and Dniece 14.) The idea of fish extenders confuse my in-laws :confused3, so it is better to not even count them.

Thanks for organizing this Stinasmom!

terimac

09-27-2010, 01:34 PM

This is our 2nd Disney Cruise and I can honestly say that I am addicted! Our first was a double dip in November of 2009, and we immediately booked this one while still on the ship. I've already told my DH that we will be booking again before the March trip is over!
We had family and friends with us on the first trip, so this one will be a new experience for us "cruising alone." What a blessing these DIS boards are to meet new friends before even stepping foot on the boat!
We definitely want to participate in the FEs. It will be myself (Teri) and my DH Mason (mid 30s), DD Brynlea (almost 5) and DS Rylan (6). (Thank you, Marcy, for organizing this!)

I can't wait!!!

Teri

5fromhamilton

10-03-2010, 02:57 PM

hello every one we are a family of 5 and first time cruisers and will be travelling with farmfam. There will be myself 40ish my dw 40ish our dd 11 and 2 ds's 7 and 5. We will be travelling with my inlaws and my finls db and ds and their familys for a total of 23. 13 Adults and 10 kids, should be a blast. I will be celibrating my bday on the 17th cant wait first real holiday with the fam. see you all on board.:cool1::woohoo:

HookedonMagic

10-04-2010, 10:56 AM

We just got off a 3 night Wonder cruise...booked this spring break cruise while onboard! We took a two year break from DCL, but now we're back and ready to sail again (DCL cruise #12!) :banana: We're a party of three...myself (Lisa, mid forties), DH (Tim, mid forties) and DS (Henry, 8.) Our DD will not be sailing because she is a senior at University of Maryland. Sshhh...don't tell her we're sailing (again) without her! :rolleyes1

terimac

10-09-2010, 08:34 PM

So we are 5 months away and I am so obsessed/consumed with this cruise that you'd think I was leaving next week! My kids have started a cruise "bank" to put all of their "allowance" money in (they get quarters and sometimes dollars for having great days and helping out...they are only 4 and 6). They have bought into the idea so much that they are offering to do more jobs to make more money (like telling the neighbor that they will do work for them, too).
I have started working on the FE gifts...SO excited about those! I hope we have a good group! Can't wait to get the final list so that I can really plan!
I'm so busy at work, and home, so you'd think I'd have too much going on to think so much about this trip...I must really NEED it! :banana:
Nonetheless, we still have to make it through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day, and then we will be celebrating St. Pat's on the ship!:cool1:

OK, that is all for now...looking forward to sharing my excitement with all of you!

Dizneyfool

10-16-2010, 10:08 AM

We are booked for this cruise! DH and I have cruised a few times but this
is first time on Disney, and first time with kids... DS 8 and DS almost 5 at
time of cruise.
Glad to find this thread and hopefully get to meet some of you, and find some playmates for the kids!

jules30

10-18-2010, 06:06 PM

Hi all! :wave2:

We (Me, DH, DD-7, DS-4) are cruising with Ashansen. Count us in for the FE exchange!

This is our first Disney Cruise and I'm more excited than the kids! Let the obsessing begin!

Julie :flower3:

terimac

10-19-2010, 01:12 PM

Yay! More younger kids! For a while I was concerned that the younger clubs would be empty! ;)
5fromhamilton-WOW that's gonna be a great group to cruise with! I'm sure your DS and my DS and DD will spend some fun times in the club together!

Hookedonmagic-first, I love your screen name! Second, how awesome that you are getting to do another cruise so soon after this last one!

Dizneyfool-IMO, you will love cruising Disney with your kids! My kids were hesitant at first about the kids clubs, but it didn't take long until we couldn't pry them away!

Jules30-OK, I am totally more excited than my kids! My husband says that I am obsessed with anything DCL! I hope that that Disney cruising is magical for you!

Ashansen

10-19-2010, 01:32 PM

Unfortunately for our husbands, Julie and I are feeding eachother's obsessions....Having gone on a couple Disney Cruises, I am full of ideas and must haves! Ha! Ha!

Looking forward to the FE and being back at Disney once again!

Ashley

Stinasmom

10-19-2010, 03:36 PM

I'll post on page 1 that this is where to find the current roster.

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
tecdavidt - Kathy 53, Dave 53, Steph 18
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD11
*3Goofy's - Sherri & Greg (40's), DS almost 9
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11
dfamily- me, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws
*neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8
mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Ryan
5fromhamilton - DH, DW (40s), DD11, DS7, DS5 + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
Jules30 - Julie, DH, DD7, DS4
Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+

If there is a star next to your screen name, you have indicated that your family (just those in YOUR stateroom) are interested in participating with the FE exchange.
Let me know if others are! Closer to departure, I'll collect stateroom numbers and set up a schedule.

BTW - I love the enthusiasm starting to build on this thread! I to am getting pretty darn excited to be sailing again!

This week I booked our family at Discovery Cove, booked one night at the Royal Pacific at Universal so we can get "front of the line passes to the Universal parks," booked a night at the Radisson at the Port for the night before we cruise, and booked a rental car for the week after we cruise! Whew!!:cool1:

Back to work! But I'll try to keep up better on this thread now that were getting closer!

Marcy

Paragd911

10-20-2010, 10:58 PM

Hi Guys!!!

My DW Joy, DD Marissa (13 almost 14), DDog Shadow(Service Dog) & I (Mark) are coming with you on this cruise.

It will be Shadow & I, 9th time on a Disney Ship. We did a Eastern before (I Loved it)

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh222/paragd911/100_1458.jpg

Stinasmom

10-21-2010, 10:10 AM

WELCOME!! Mark, Joy, Marissa, and Shadow! :dog:

I just told my DD13 (almost 14) that another girl her age will be on our cruise and her family is bringing a service dog! I've heard of this but never seen it.
Sounds like you all are cruise veterans. Did your signature actually say you are cruising three times in 2011!:teacher: Yes, jealousy here. :rolleyes:

Looking forward to meeting you!:yay:

To all with teenagers... if you want to start PM-ing me or others, we could exchange email or facebook names for the kids to aquaint. (DD says no one emails... that's why I through out the Facebook too:cool2:)

Marcy

Cheryllynn74

10-21-2010, 01:02 PM

jennyh2829

10-27-2010, 10:06 PM

Marcy- we are in on the FE exchange...got a good idea, hope it pans out ;)

A wave of excitement hit me today...won't be long until I'm paying my balance and booking excursions....can't wait!!

terimac

10-28-2010, 11:24 AM

Wahoo! We got our airfare booked last night, and got a great price break (~$500 savings)! I did a little creative comparing, and am thrilled with the results! Now we are going to fly into MCO, but we will leave out of Jacksonville (but I will drive the extra hour or two if that means I will save $500!!!)

And another super exciting development...some friends of ours will also be taking this cruise!!! And our kids are the same age, so they are beside themselves with excitement! We will also be flying together, so we are already planning to party on the plane!:rotfl2: (Don't fly from DFW the morning of the 11th unless you are ready to join in! :cool1:)
I'm already stocking up on FEs gifts...now if I can just make a decision on the homemade gifts...oh, and either make, create, or buy my actual FE!

We are slowly getting closer! (Is anyone else counting down daily?!?)

Teri

terimac

10-28-2010, 11:29 AM

[I have started working on the FE gifts...SO excited about those! I hope we have a good group! Can't wait to get the final list so that I can really plan!

Glad to see I'm not the only one working on FE gifts! My husband has been looking at me like I'm crazy. :rotfl:

Girl! My husband thinks I'm crazy, too! I just keep reminding him that if he doesn't like it, he's welcome to do the planning of everything (but I will expect him to be as detailed as I am with it all!). He quickly reverts to supporting me and smiling as I recount my ideas for the umpteenth time! What we/they do for love1:love: (since they love us and we love DCL!) :laughing: (and we love them, of course, but right now we are loving planning our cruise!!!)

SB's Mom

10-30-2010, 08:51 PM

We're on this cruise...it will be our 5th Disney cruise....we booked this for last year but bumped it until this year. We are so excited to be cruise Disney again....It's my DH (Paul), DD (she'll be almost 13) and myself....

SB's Mom

10-30-2010, 09:13 PM

candizfan....were our girls friends on the March 2009 cruise?
Charlene

candizfan

10-30-2010, 11:57 PM

Hi Charlene! :wave2:

I sent you an email. DD12 is so excited to find out we will be on the same cruise again.

I have not been on this DIS boards much lately but will be on a bit more as the date gets closer.

I am considering the Fish Extender for this trip. I can have good intentions but procrastinate at times so I will have to give it a lot of thought.

We are flying in ahead of the cruise so DD15 can visit with a friend who moved to Florida from here. It will be a busy trip but I wouldn't have it any other way. :cool1:

Beesmom

11-04-2010, 09:43 AM

Well, yesterday I finally bought airfare - and because we're getting to MCO relatively early Friday Afternoon, I also cancelled our bus ride to the port and instead reserved a rental car and reserved a hotel room in Cocoa Beach. *Whew*!

All that's left on my to-do list is to finish paying for the cruise by Dec 12th and trip insurance. Then it's all over but the waiting. And the packing lists.

We have 129 days until the cruise! :cloud9:

-Sandy

Stinasmom

11-04-2010, 09:59 AM

:banana: Yea, Sandy! When you start shelling out the bucks, it starts feeling like a vacation is around the corner!

Anyone else realizing that we have just over a month to pay this baby off?!?!?

I still haven't gottent the word if my DH can change some work plans to make this cruise!!! He has a new boss since we booked this and he still needs to broach the subject with him!! Sheesh. I am pretty sure it should work out but it will mean he will have to fly in from Chicago on the morning of departure (we live in Washington State), hopefully making the cruise in time... that is if his boss OK's his leaving his (university level) Jazz Choir at a convention to fly home with the other Choral director. We better work this out soon!:sad2:

Other than that, all we have to work out is actual transportation from MCO to our hotel (Radisson, Cape Canaveral) the day before the cruise.
Anyone else staying at the Radisson? We could have an early meet!:wave2:

Marcy

Beesmom

11-04-2010, 10:25 AM

:banana: Yea, Sandy! When you start shelling out the bucks, it starts feeling like a vacation is around the corner!

Hey, Stinasmom: :wave2:

Exactly! We are now %100 committed to this cruise!

:
Other than that, all we have to work out is actual transportation from MCO to our hotel (Radisson, Cape Canaveral) the day before the cruise.
Anyone else staying at the Radisson? We could have an early meet!:wave2:
Marcy

Hope your husband gives you good news fast!

I rented one-way cars from Avis. We're staying at Hampton Inn - not sure where that is relative to the Radisson.

-Sandy

Paragd911

11-04-2010, 10:44 AM

We are driving from Nashville. Staying at the SOG (Shades of Green) on Disney.

its $1200 for 3 to fly...:eek::eek:

Stinasmom

11-04-2010, 11:52 AM

We are driving from Nashville. Staying at the SOG (Shades of Green) on Disney.

its $1200 for 3 to fly...:eek::eek:

Wow, wish driving was an option... we booked our flights with a combination of mileage, companion fare ticket, and on two different airlines (one out and different one home!). :rolleyes:
OH, and the kids and I are coming out on a RED EYE:headache:!
Glad we are cruising first on this trip and doing parks after, we'll need the rest right away.

We could drive to Vancouver, BC (and usually do once a year or so) if we wanted to cruise DCL to Alaska... but have you priced those cruises? OUCH! It's practically the same cost to fly to Florida and cruise the Caribbean.
Alaska isn't going anywhere, I just may wait until I have blue hair like the majority of cruisers who sail up there on the other lines!:scared1: <-- well, maybe not that BLUE! Ha!

Everyone have a great day!:sunny:

Marcy

SB's Mom

11-04-2010, 02:46 PM

Mark and Shadow....what area of Nashville are you in? I lived in the Green Hills area for 18 years and still miss it. Hope to meet you on the ship!

Char

Paragd911

11-04-2010, 03:29 PM

Mark and Shadow....what area of Nashville are you in? I lived in the Green Hills area for 18 years and still miss it. Hope to meet you on the ship!

Char
We are in Hendersonville. I hope to see you too! I will be the one in the wheelchair with the big black dog.... :rotfl::rotfl:

Stinasmom

11-05-2010, 05:07 PM

Anyone else happen to notice that DCL is offering "KIDS SAIL FREE" for 2011 sailings on the Magic up to and NOT including our cruise!?!?!?:headache:

Bummer. Guess our cruise will be pretty booked up. Haven't gotten a discount before, why now. (except for onboard booking discount and onboard credit with the TA).

Anyway, anyone else looking at snorkeling excursions at St. Thomas/St. John?:fish::fish::fish::fish:

Read online that the best snorkeling is from a boat at a reef, NOT from the beach. Anyone know more?

Marcy

Beesmom

11-06-2010, 10:05 AM

Anyone else happen to notice that DCL is offering "KIDS SAIL FREE" for 2011 sailings on the Magic up to and NOT including our cruise!?!?!?:headache:

Anyway, anyone else looking at snorkeling excursions at St. Thomas/St. John?:fish::fish::fish::fish:

Read online that the best snorkeling is from a boat at a reef, NOT from the beach. Anyone know more?

Marcy

Hi, Stinasmom:

We're going that week because it's spring break for our little guy. I know the date varies but I suppose it's spring break for a lot of folks.:confused3

I've done a lot of snorkeling in St. John - we go there every 2-3 years for a week and rent a villa for the stay. Many reefs are accesible from a beach and there's plenty to see. http://stjohnbeachguide.com

Having said that, the trick to St. John is getting there - taxi to Red Hook, ferry to St. John, then taxi to a beach. Then reverse it to get back to the boat. I think I'd rather take a boat over to St. John and snorkel from it and skip all those taxis (though the boat may leave from Red Hook instead of Charlotte Amalie).

As for snorkeling on St. Thomas I can't really say - we haven't spent much time on that island (just to and from the airport). My husband plans to scuba dive and I'm probably going to go to Megans beach with my son.

-Sandy

Paragd911

11-06-2010, 02:54 PM

Hi, Stinasmom:

We're going that week because it's spring break for our little guy. I know the date varies but I suppose it's spring break for a lot of folks.:confused3

I've done a lot of snorkeling in St. John - we go there every 2-3 years for a week and rent a villa for the stay. Many reefs are accesible from a beach and there's plenty to see. http://stjohnbeachguide.com

Having said that, the trick to St. John is getting there - taxi to Red Hook, ferry to St. John, then taxi to a beach. Then reverse it to get back to the boat. I think I'd rather take a boat over to St. John and snorkel from it and skip all those taxis (though the boat may leave from Red Hook instead of Charlotte Amalie).

As for snorkeling on St. Thomas I can't really say - we haven't spent much time on that island (just to and from the airport). My husband plans to scuba dive and I'm probably going to go to Megans beach with my son.

-Sandy

yes Its spring break. All the prices are higher........

Mark

5fromhamilton

11-07-2010, 04:53 PM

im candace i want to know how old ur grandkids are i'll be 11 on the cruise

jennyh2829

11-08-2010, 07:37 PM

im candace i want to know how old ur grandkids are i'll be 11 on the crouse

My daughter will turn 11 on the cruise. She is in 5th grade.

Paragd911

11-09-2010, 07:39 AM

YEAAAA I GOT MY ROOM AGAIN!!!! It was not available when i booked this cruise. I called DCL yesterday for something else, but I asked if the cat 6a on this date was available. It was !!!!! Its a wheelchair room with a BIG veranda! i have a photo of it.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh222/paragd911/Verandah.jpg

Stinasmom

11-09-2010, 11:56 AM

Congrats Mark!
I remember seeing that pic of your verandah a while ago thinking how cool it would be to have room for a lounger on your own verandah!
Course, you need room for the "pool of grass" for Shadow too!:dogdance:

I am starting to get that anxiousness about our cruise! Looking online everyday for pictures, new threads, perusing the "what to bring" lists. Bought DH a pirate shirt on clearance from Halloween costumes too. pirate:

Oh, and getting the credit card ready for a big hit! (final payment). I like to use my Disney Visa for the Disney Dollars toward onboard credit, but it gets gummed up when you have other charges on there if you want to take advantage of the 6 months to pay (Disney Vacations). :teacher:

So, hope the rest of you are getting as excited! We are spending T-giving with my mom and Stepdad who are coming with us this time, I intend to get them just as excited with videos of the ship, horn duels, etc!:banana:

Marcy

P.S. OK, it's snowing here today... NOW I am REALLY looking forward to a Caribbean Cruise!!!

Paragd911

11-10-2010, 10:57 AM

New Navigators for the Eastern

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2587210

read post # 9

Beesmom

11-10-2010, 01:34 PM

Thanks for the link, Mark! I'm starting to get really excited and I'm not the world's most excitable person. :banana:

And Marcy: ever since my reply to your post about St. Thomas excursions, I am thinking hard about the Doubloon excursion - I'd rather snorkel than just sit on a beach (though that's fun too) and I've always wanted to see more of St. Thomas, and best of all, no taxi trip to Red Hook! The reviews I've found on these boards have been favorable too.

-Sandy (122 days to go...)

candizfan

11-11-2010, 08:35 PM

Hi everyone! :goodvibes

I found a place in St Martin for a zip line adventure. Has anyone done this in St Martin before?

Thanks.

terimac

11-11-2010, 10:07 PM

Hi everyone! :goodvibes

I found a place in St Martin for a zip line adventure. Has anyone done this in St Martin before?

Thanks.

Not in St. Maarten, but we have zip lined before (in Kauai...it was wonderful!). I will have to look it up in St. Maarten.

So far, we are looking at Maho Beach in St. Maarten for some airplane entertainment, and then some other beach and shopping near the port (we will have the kids). But I would love to drop them back at the ship after they have some beach time and get back on the island for some more excursions...
In St. Thomas, oh where to begin! There is so much to do, that I am going to have to book another Eastern so that I can spread it out! We will probably do Coral World and Coki Beach, and I really want to do Mountaintop and Paradise Point, but our day there is so short! :confused:

By the way, our vacation officially begins a day earlier than the ticker, so in 4 months from today, we will embark on a Magical Disney Vacay! :cheer2:

candizfan

11-17-2010, 07:16 PM

Thanks Terimac.

I will have to look into it more.

I made a payment his week so we only owe a few hundred still....it will be easier to pay off a small amount after the Christmas holidays.

:cool1:

jules30

11-21-2010, 10:26 AM

Ashley and I got together last weekend and I'm even more excited about this cruise! This cruise was initially DH's idea and I suspect he will regret it once I become a full blown DCL addict! ;)

Marcy - when will we have the final FE Exchange list? I'm going to order some things, but wanted to wait until we have the final count.

Julie

Stinasmom

11-21-2010, 04:33 PM

Marcy - when will we have the final FE Exchange list? I'm going to order some things, but wanted to wait until we have the final count.

Julie

Below is a current list of everyone who has posted on this thread and the names with an astrisk are those who expressed interest in participating in the Fish Extender Exchange.
Everyone should review the list and add info (names, ages) to help others find the perfect items to exchange. :flower3:

Anyone who wants to join the FE exchange let me know too. I can be PM'ed too.

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
tecdavidt - Kathy 53, Dave 53, Steph 18
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
*candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD12
*3Goofy's - Sherri & Greg (40's), DS almost 9
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11
*dfamily- Ruth, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws (inlaws not in FE)
*neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8
mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Rylan
5fromhamilton - DH, DW (40s), DD11, DS7, DS5 + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
*Jules30 - Julie, DH("30s"), DD7, DS4
*Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+
*venegasfam4 - Sally, Laz, DD4 Abby, DS6 Cosmo

I'll check in frequently over the next week or so, we'll finalize the FE exchange list around December 6th. I plan on paying off our cruise fare on this day!:)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Marcy

Paragd911

11-21-2010, 09:24 PM

Below is a current list of everyone who has posted on this thread and the names with an astrisk are those who expressed interest in participating in the Fish Extender Exchange.
Everyone should review the list and add info (names, ages) to help others find the perfect items to exchange. :flower3:

Anyone who wants to join the FE exchange let me know too. I can be PM'ed too.

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
tecdavidt - Kathy 53, Dave 53, Steph 18
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD11
*3Goofy's - Sherri & Greg (40's), DS almost 9
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11
dfamily- me, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws
*neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8
mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Ryan
5fromhamilton - DH, DW (40s), DD11, DS7, DS5 + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
Jules30 - Julie, DH, DD7, DS4
Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+

I'll check in frequently over the next week or so, we'll finalize the FE exchange list around December 6th. I plan on paying off our cruise fare on this day!:)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Marcy

We will do FE...

candizfan

11-21-2010, 09:53 PM

terimac

11-23-2010, 10:12 PM

I'm so glad we are getting close enough to really start planning! (OK, I've been planning for months, but now it gets serious!) :cool1:

Stinasmom

11-24-2010, 01:59 AM

Please include Candizfan on the FE list and correct DD11 to DD12 :goodvibes

If you could please clarify for me that we buy one gift for each person on the list or do I need to have more than that?

Thanks.

Done. And my previous experience (on which I am basing this) had each family assigned a one time dispursement of gifts (assigned a certain day). That would mean one for each person or family participating.
Does that make sense? It should make more sense after I create a "schedule." But I want to give everyone a chance to check their email and this thread and get a chance to participate.

Lovin' the count down!!

Marcy

Ashansen

11-24-2010, 08:18 AM

Seems like from reading about FE's different groups do it differently....

Some put together a gift for the cabin.....some do a gift for each person...some do one gift for the adults, and then the kids individually.

On my last cruise (the only one I've done this on), I gave a goodie bag to each person in each room...Some did the same thing...some gave one thing per person, some gave a bag for the room....

We did not have a set schedule for delivery. I was surprised that despite there being no schedule we had gifts all the time appearing!

**Don't forget to put your name on the bags (as to who they are from)....I really liked knowing who did what, so I could send emails afterwards!***

Ashley

candizfan

11-24-2010, 12:28 PM

Sounds great. I will have to try and get creative :rotfl: It can be a stretch for me at times. :lmao:

Paragd911

11-24-2010, 01:38 PM

...

We did not have a set schedule for delivery. I was surprised that despite there being no schedule we had gifts all the time appearing!

**Don't forget to put your name on the bags (as to who they are from)....I really liked knowing who did what, so I could send emails afterwards!***

Ashley

some people like to be "anonymous"

Ashansen

11-24-2010, 01:59 PM

some people like to be "anonymous"

Had not considered this!

Ashley

jules30

11-24-2010, 03:50 PM

the names with an astrisk are those who expressed interest in participating in the Fish Extender Exchange.

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
tecdavidt - Kathy 53, Dave 53, Steph 18
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
*candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD12
*3Goofy's - Sherri & Greg (40's), DS almost 9
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11
dfamily- me, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws
*neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8
mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Ryan
5fromhamilton - DH, DW (40s), DD11, DS7, DS5 + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
Jules30 - Julie, DH, DD7, DS4
*Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+

Marcy, go ahead and put an asterisk by Jules30----we are definitely in on the FE Exchange. DH and I are in our 30's, if that helps!.

Ashansen

11-24-2010, 03:53 PM

Marcy, go ahead and put an asterisk by Jules30----we are definitely in on the FE Exchange. DH and I are in our 30's, if that helps!.

In your "30's"...braggart.....! :)

Ashley

terimac

11-26-2010, 03:59 PM

I think I like the idea of not scheduling each cabin for the FE exchange. My thoughts are that right now (as I continue to brainstorm ideas) is that I may want to give mine out on multiple days, depending on the itinerary...so I like having the freedom to set them out "randomly". Maybe if we set a schedule, it can be more generic, like putting the gifts out during certain times of the day (like maybe between 5-9pm) so that we will kinda know when to look for them, and they won't be sitting out for 12 hours (tempting others that walk by!).
I do like the freedom of each person/cabin deciding how they want to do their gifts (i.e. a gift for each person in each cabin, a gift for each cabin, a combination of both). Does that make any sense?
This may not be up for discussion, and if I've overstepped, I apologize...I am just so ready to get on the boat!

steve igoe

11-27-2010, 11:45 AM

With the due date coming up next month we decided to pay the balance on the cruise off this morning.:yay:

I've been tracking the exchange rate for a few months and decided this morning to cut my losses in terms of waiting for the £ to appreciate agianst the $ .

Given the rate at which we booked the cruise in March this year I still think we've saved a few quid on the conversion . :yay:

Anyway one less thing to deal with before the New year and now less than 95 days till we fly back to the Sun and the Mouse !

Hope everyone's well and looking forward to booking activities ,etc when it opens whatever category of cruiser you are .

with best wishes
:thumbsup2

Stinasmom

11-28-2010, 01:51 AM

Teri - I am open to any and all ideas about the FE exchange! I really didn't know how to handle it except to guess how our last cruise person did.
So, keep the brainstorming coming! Any and all ideas are appreciated!:thumbsup2

Steve & Sue - congrats on final payment! I take it you are coming from overseas? England? How exciting! Althought we are flying in from Washington State, it may be about the same distance?!

Everyone and all - hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day (oh wait, there are a lot of Canadians and even British among us... Well, anyway, it's one more milestone toward spring and our cruise time)!

Anyone in a suite? You get to book excursions soon! Do Platnium CC members get to too?
We're 90 dayers... But really for the 7 night cruises, you can pretty much get what you want either by booking when you can online, checking back, or even booking once you board... Palo, Spa, excursions... if at all possible, they want your $$$ and will do what they can to accommodate your wishes!

Keep warm this winter! and Keep in touch!

Marcy

venegasfam4

11-28-2010, 06:57 PM

Hi, I am Sally and my DH is Laz and we have 2 beautiful children, DD Abby (4) and DS Cosmo (6). We will be sailing with Terimac and her family. Marcy can u add us to the FE? We are so excited that we can hardly stand it!!! :banana:

needAcruise

11-30-2010, 02:49 PM

The last FE I participated in had a schedule of specific cabins giving on certain days. It organized over 20 cabins and gifts were given throughout the week.

dfamily

11-30-2010, 08:29 PM

Marcy, put us down for FE's too. This is our first Disney cruise so FE's are all new to me! Looks like lots of fun and I know the kids will love it. We'll have 2 cabins, but only 1 will participate in the exchange (not the in-laws). So it will be: Ruth - 40; DH - 40, DS - 12, DD - 9, DS - 6, DD - 2.

Stinasmom

12-01-2010, 02:27 PM

Hi!

I've made some changes and updates, here is the list as of today:

*Stinasmom - Marcy 44, VJ 45, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - Sandy 45, DH 39, DS4
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
*candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD12
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11(11th birthday on cruise)
*dfamily- Ruth, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws (inlaws not in FE)
*needAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - Carole 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, Kevin, DD10 Emma, DD8 Lily
*mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Rylan
5fromhamilton - Mike (birthday on 3/17), DW (40s), DD11Candace, DS7Garrett, DS5 Braeden + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
*Jules30 - Julie, DH("30s"), DD7, DS4
*Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+
*venegasfam4 - Sally, Laz, DD4 Abby, DS6 Cosmo
*amysuch - Amy 33, Chris 40, Savannah 14, Macy 2, Connie 67, Bernie 68
*minnieme1 - Tiffany, Morgan 6
Michelle064 - Michelle, Bruce (40's) DD10, DD7
demers - DH, DW, DS11, DD7
Haynay - Heather, Heath, Hunter 10, Madysen 5 (Madysen will turn 6 ON the cruise!)
thekelly6 - Kelley, Sean, Jack 8, Caroline 7, Kate 5, Grant 2, + grandparents Carol & David
sylvieandpinot - Victoria, Gabe, Sylvie 3 [8th wedding anniversary on 3/15]
fawn - Joanna, DD20 & DD21
mqsmob - +DS25, 2DS22s
engaged@disney
Hookemhorns - Glenn, DW, DD12
llambert - +DH, DD14, DS12, DD11, DD19 + her DBF 21, and extended family
Xmas515 - +DH, DD9, DS7
diznynut - Shondra, Trever, & DS12 Zach
mtt-swd - Margaret (42), DH (48 - turning 49 on cruise), DS 17 (hopefully)

( "*" means participating in the FE exchange)

There is still time to join the FE exchange. Just let me know!

The count down continues!
I was dreaming of lounging on deck in the sun as I shoveled snow off my driveway yesterday!:beach:

Marcy

Cheryllynn74

12-03-2010, 10:45 AM

Just paid off my cruise!!! So excited!!! :yay::yay::yay:

Beesmom

12-03-2010, 10:55 AM

Just paid off my cruise!!! So excited!!! :yay::yay::yay:

Me, too! :goodvibes. Has everyone noticed we're finally in double digits? :thumbsup2

-Sandy

3Goofy's

12-05-2010, 06:57 PM

Well, I've been avoiding posting this, but it seems people are getting busy with FEs. Our trip is not likely to happen. For a bit more than a month, I've been having stomach pains and they are doing investigations.:sick: It's nothing serious, and may just be my gallbladder, but the problem is, I don't think there is any way for it to be resolved before the non-refundable period. So trip insurance gets tricky.

I'll likely wait until the last possible moment to move my reservation to another date - next year! :headache:

I'm holding out hope we will see you in March, but I have my doubts. You will totally have an awesome time! The FE will be great and Marci is doing a great job bringing people together!:cheer2:

Stinasmom

12-07-2010, 08:59 PM

tecdavidt

12-08-2010, 11:20 PM

We won't be on this cruise,:sad1:. We moved it to March 2012, our TA said it would be the same room and a bonus, I don't know how but the cruise is a hair over $1,000 cheaper? I hope she looked at that correctly, Disney cruises always go up in price. We will still have the same midship Cat. 3 that we had reserved for this year and it is still an eastern on the Magic.

We changed due to purchasing a vacation home near Disney World. We just have too much going on right now to take a week off. Next year we will need it! This will be the first year since 1999 that we won't be taking a cruise. I will miss not seeing the Caribbean.

For all of you on this cruise have a wonderful time! it is getting close.

Kathy

terimac

12-09-2010, 10:42 PM

We also paid the balance on the fabulous Disney Visa (love those Disney bucks!). :cheer2: We got an e-mail from DCL today reminding us about online booking (starting midnight on Saturday!!!):banana:

We are approaching more major "milestones" as we count down to "Rock the Magic!":cool1:

So just curious...what are some excursions/onboard treat that you will be booking?

Stinasmom

12-10-2010, 01:14 AM

We are going to book the Captain Nautica's St. John Snorkeling Expedition.

Other than that, we definitely plan to go to Palo for dinner and brunch.

We might also get bikes on Castaway Cay.

Spa? Haven't talked to DH yet.... But we sure enjoyed the Rasual thing last time!!:rolleyes1

Marcy

Paragd911

12-11-2010, 03:54 PM

I just saw this. We are going to "TENDER" at ST Thomas now.. Bummer i cant do a tender...

Wednesday 16-Mar-2011 ST THOMAS 7:45 AM 3:30 PM TENDER

Mark

jennyh2829

12-12-2010, 07:15 PM

We are paid...I booked the Under 2 flags tour at St. Maarten and a stone massage for Monday....I want to do the skyride but it is not available already...must have gone quick so we'll have to either keep trying to get it or just go when we get there.

Mickeyhugger

12-15-2010, 09:17 PM

Sorry to hear 3Goofy's, that you may need to postpone your cruise. Understandable, things happen, and I really hope you're right and your stomach issues are not serious. :flower3:

I too paid off the balance of this cruise! :banana:

Well, truth be told, I put it on the Disney Visa... I will actually PAY it off over the next few months as long as the 0% interest deal is still in effect.:rolleyes1 Like the Disney dollars we'll get, should have enough to cover the tips.:goodvibes

Anyone else out there want to be a part of the Fish Extender Exchange?
I will start organizing that soon. Join now!:yay:

Snowing here again tonight... Sheesh, it's not even technically winter yet.:rolleyes:

Have a great week! Castaway club members can start booking ressies Saturday night at Midnight!:thumbsup2

Marcy

Yes please count us in:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 The girls are looking forward to doing the fish extenders again.

We have our Palo brunch and diner booked and I will be booking our excursions tonight.

Looking forward to meeting up with everyone.

Just a FYI ..we were able to get a great deal on our rooms at the Renaissance Inn for $89 per room on hotwire :cool1::cool1:

Rob

Stinasmom

12-16-2010, 10:41 AM

So, I'm not sure if the final payment deadline has come and gone, I know most of us who wanted to make reservations for Palo, etc have paid. Maybe some have until 75 days?

Anyway, here is the most up to date list of our fellow DISsers and those who are interested in the FE exchange:

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
*candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD12
*3Goofy's - Sherri & Greg (40's), DS almost 9
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11
*dfamily- Ruth, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws (inlaws not in FE)
*neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8
*mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Rylan
5fromhamilton - DH, DW (40s), DD11, DS7, DS5 + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
*Jules30 - Julie, DH("30s"), DD7, DS4
*Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+
*venegasfam4 - Sally, Laz, DD4 Abby, DS6 Cosmo

( "*" means participating in the FE exchange)

Anyone not going/rescheduled to another cruise?

I will get going this weekend on the FE list and schedule. If you want to be early in the week, like you have Pirate night type gifts or ones that would be better given/used while on the cruise versus souvenir type items that would be appreciated on the ship or at home, let me know.
Honestly, I am still thinking "Chrismas Gifts" for friends and family... Maybe I'll switch gears and shop for FE things at the day after Christmas sales!!

Stay warm everyone and have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!:santa:

Marcy

candizfan

12-16-2010, 11:52 AM

After Christmas sales are a great idea! I will have to do the same.

I also need to get a Fish Extender. Do you of you have one for sale?

Thanks. :goodvibes

jennyh2829

12-20-2010, 05:08 PM

Stinasmom

12-20-2010, 09:09 PM

Palo brunch is a must do! and worth every extra penny.
Here is a pic from a previous cruise:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/stinasmom/DCP_1009.jpg

Dinner is very romantic. If you have early dining, you should consider going to dinner with the family but not eating much then have a later reservation for dinner at Palo. That way you don't miss "family" dinner.

I haven't done tea. I know it is also very well done.

Enjoy!

Marcy

jennyh2829

12-20-2010, 10:03 PM

What is the attire for brunch or tea? We have late dining so your plan won't work for that. Poo! We usually have early dining but it was gone when we booked.

Mickeyhugger

12-20-2010, 10:14 PM

Stinasmom

12-21-2010, 01:14 AM

Yea! We have 13 families participating, which is just over half of the DISsers who have posted to this cruise meets thread.
Lots of girls!:cutie: Not as many boys,:cool2: but still should be fun shopping and giving out gifts through out the cruise to make the trip extra special.

Based on the last list from post #130, there is enough information (kids ages, genders, and adults info) to put together gifts. BUT, if you would like to add first names to the kids or DHs or others, feel free to. I understand that some don't want to put too much info out on the world wide web for all.
However... I will need stateroom numbers soon, you can PM those to me and I will send all further correspondence via PM or email-if you want to offer up that in your PM.

To those who have never done this... I will offer up my experience, but I am sure others can add info too, and there are threads on the DIS about it to.

"Gifts" can range from personalized magnets, candies, pirate themedpirate: trinkets, toys, etc. 99% of us, I am sure, are not looking to spend a fortune, but want to find cruise/Disney/pirate (or other) related items that are age appropriate. You can give one item per family or separate it out by family member - it's completely up to you. Don't feel obligated to spend much!

There is a thread on the DCL forum about homemade FE ideas, it's amazing how creative some people can be! Frankly, stores like Michael's Crafts, or web sites like Oriental Trading may be more my speed!:rolleyes:
I am hoping to find fun things at an after Christmas sale...

So, please post up any questions, changes, or concerns!
If you are one of the 13 families participating, PM me your stateroom # and I will use it in the "schedule" that I will then PM back to you all. :goodvibes

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!:santa:

Marcy

amysuch

12-21-2010, 11:03 AM

I just found this posting!!
We would love to get in on the FE exchange if we still can!

Stinasmom

12-21-2010, 11:28 AM

:welcome: amysuch!

Yes, you or anyone else can still get into the FE exchange... at least until after Christmas when I have time to focus more on the cruise. I have a hunch we are all in the same boat (:rotfl: - pun!) when it comes to how busy we are with things other than the cruise right now!

I see you are new to posting on the DIS, so I don't think you can PM yet. But if you want to let us know the make up of your traveling companions (kids ages & genders, other adult(s)? I'll add you all to the list.
Are you a veteran cruiser?

Off to cookie baking!

Marcy

amysuch

12-21-2010, 12:02 PM

Yay!!!
DH has been on several cruises. I have been on 1 (8 years ago).

We will have:
Amy (me) 33
Chris 39
Savannah 14
Macy 2
Connie 67
Bernie 68

Cheryllynn74

12-23-2010, 03:15 PM

If you are going to schedule times, I would like mine before pirate night as I was planning on some pirate themed gifts for little ones. Thanks! Will check back in after the holidays.

jennyh2829

12-23-2010, 09:59 PM

I just saw this. We are going to "TENDER" at ST Thomas now.. Bummer i cant do a tender...

Wednesday 16-Mar-2011 ST THOMAS 7:45 AM 3:30 PM TENDER

Mark

Where did you see this??? DH said he's not into tendering either.

On another note just booked Palo brunch...can't wait!!

jennyh2829

12-25-2010, 09:56 AM

Merry Christmas, everyone. We are less than 80 days away....

Enjoy your day!

Paragd911

12-25-2010, 11:12 PM

Merry Christmas, everyone. We are less than 80 days away....

Enjoy your day!

Merry Christmas!!!

Cheryllynn74

12-27-2010, 12:01 PM

3Goofy's

12-27-2010, 01:16 PM

Well, we are officially off this cruise. Very sad about it. My tummy troubles will not be resolved in time for the cruise. We did book for the same week in 2012, so we still have something to look forward to.
Have an awesome time! I'll look for any trip reports!

5fromhamilton

12-27-2010, 01:17 PM

Congrats Cheryl and Ricky I will be celebrating my 42nd bday on the 17th and hoping to get into Palo for dinner it sounds like it is the place to go.

Mike
5fromhamilton

5fromhamilton

12-27-2010, 01:32 PM

Well we are 75 days from sailing out and have never been on a cruise before my DW and I are woundering what to prepair for and were hoping that some of the more experinced crusers could help us out. We are bringing our 3 kids Candace 11, Garrett 7 and Braeden 5. We are looking for some day trips that will be good for all. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Beesmom

12-27-2010, 01:38 PM

Where did you see this??? DH said he's not into tendering either.

Jenny:

I saw this on the itenerary when I received a confirmation letter for paying off the cruise.

If we're tendering in St. Thomas that means there will be a ton o' ships there that day. :scared1:

-Sandy

Stinasmom

12-28-2010, 12:41 AM

Hey all!

Here is the list I have so far of all who've posted.

There are some changes, not to many. We did lose one family that was going to participate in the FE exchange, so adjust accordingly.

BTW- Take care 3Goofy's. Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Glad you were able to reschedule, at least you still have that Disney Cruise in your future to look forward to.

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43, VJ 44, Christina 14, Dominic 10
*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, celebrating 10th anniversary aboard
M&P's mom
Beesmom - 45, DH 39, DS4
vkashtap1971 - Veena, Raj, DD Saira 15, DS Nick 3
steveigoe - Steve & Sue
*candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD12
*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11
*dfamily- Ruth, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2 + inlaws (inlaws not in FE)
*neeedAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 + inlaws
azrealtor - me 40's, DD9, DD11, sister 50's, son, Mom 70's
farmfan - 30's, DD10, DD7
*Ashansen - Ashley, DH, DD10, DD8
*mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin
*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18
*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Rylan
5fromhamilton - Mike (birthday on 3/17), DW (40s), DD11Candace, DS7Garrett, DS5 Braeden + inlaws and family
Hookedonmagic - Lisa & Tim (40s), DS8
Dizneyfool - +DH, DS8. DS5
*Jules30 - Julie, DH("30s"), DD7, DS4
*Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow
SB's Mom - Charlene, Paul, DD12+
*venegasfam4 - Sally, Laz, DD4 Abby, DS6 Cosmo

I did most of my FE shopping on the day after Christmas:thumbsup2

One more thing - my DD14 wants to Facebook friend other teens from our group... PM me and I'll get you in touch!:cheer2:

Marcy

farmfam

12-28-2010, 01:14 PM

Stinasmom

12-28-2010, 03:12 PM

My DD10 is wondering about the kids clubs for her age. She'd like to go in the club that's for 11-year-olds, where she could come and go without having to wait for us to get her. We were wondering if they are really strict with the age restrictions.
Have any of you on this board cruised with daughters her age?

OH, oh... I can speak to this one...

My first suggestion is to see if she and any of the other DD10, or 11s on this cruise meets thread would want to get to know each other over the internet (facebook, email?) so they can pal up right away and go to the clubs together. They'll likely make other friends too, but it's always easier to go into a new situation with someone else.

The Oceaneers Lab is technically for 8-10 year olds but instead of putting age limits on anything in the Oceaneers Club (3-7s) or the Lab, they list the actual activities in the Navigators each day. The activities are catagorized by type such as arts&crafts, sports court, etc and age ranges are suggested. Kids can pick and choose what they want to do.

You can give her permission to "check herself out" of the clubs. Ages 11 and up don't even "check in/out." Also, although I am waiting to hear about the success of these, the cruiseline is now offering wave phones, two to a stateroom with more available for $7.50 per day. These take the place of the pagers and work like cell phones with a range of just the ship and Castaway Cay. She can let you know when and where she is! I love this!!!

As far as 10 year olds going to Ocean Quest, I don't think the councelors actually check ages as long as they look close. I have a DS10 and was concerned that he'd be bored with the younger kids. However, I got to thinking, and even posted a thread about it on the DCL board, that the age separations fall along school grades... my DS10 is in the 4th grade and the Ocean Quest group is meant to be Middle school age.. also to keep them separate from the Stack which would be pretty much high school age.

The other thing kids who are mature enough to check themselves out or who are over age 11 do is "wander the ship." This sounds worse than it is and has gotten a bad rap by the few kids who get out of control. They can go to the arcade, the Goofy pool, food areas, the sports courts, and there are lots of places on Deck 10 to "hang" in the sun.

Hope this helps! If it brings up more questions, just ask!

Marcy

farmfam

12-28-2010, 04:01 PM

Wow, thanks Marcy! That is very helpful. I just showed your response to my daughter, and she was glad to hear that she won't necessarily have to always be in with the younger kids.:yay:

SB's Mom

12-28-2010, 08:09 PM

Has anyone eaten at Palo before? If so did you do brunch, high tea, or dinner? We are considering this but not sure. DH doesn't want to do dinner since we try to eat as a family. So I guess that leaves brunch or tea....any thoughts?

We love going to Palo's....brunch is my favorite! We've got brunch booked late in the cruise and dinner on the 2nd night....looking forward to it! :cool1:

amysuch

12-31-2010, 12:32 PM

We're getting close! What excursions are everyone going on?

amysuch

12-31-2010, 12:36 PM

Ashansen

12-31-2010, 01:49 PM

We're thinking about booking teh Butterfly tour on St. Maarten....Not sure about what to do on St. Thomas. Kids are 10 and 8.....

Any suggestions??? Might just not book anything!

Ashley

Ashansen

12-31-2010, 01:53 PM

Anyone with a 10 year old who feels a little "old" for kids club? My DD is 10...she's been on the Disney cruise before and liked thd club...but is feeling like she may be a little old for it now..but she's too young for their tween program...I told her that there were other 10 year old girls on the cruise board.....hoping to reassure her!

Ashley

azrealtor

12-31-2010, 02:26 PM

I stayed up until midnight last night so I could make some cruise reservations. I was so nervous I wouldn't get Palo for my anniversary dinner, but I did. Also scheduled Palo brunch and the St. John island tour excursion. I think we will be doing St. Martin on our own either renting a car or using taxis. I'm making DH nervous with that choice but I'm excited about it. Can't wait!!! 75 More Days :yay:

On St Martin you may just want to use a taxi. Would think it to be too time consuming to rent a car. My sp and I took a taxi when we went last. Interesting on the other side of the island there was no warning for seeing the people without garments. Suggest not bring the kids...

Stinasmom

12-31-2010, 03:51 PM

Question: How supervised is the teen area? DD14 is on a "short leash" lately (her grades have been slipping) so DH doesn't want her going to the teen area. I told him I thought it was very supervised and there were lots of activities.

I'm sure she doesn't want to hang out with mom & dad the entire time.

The Stack, or teen area has councelors but the activities are very loosely organized. Not like the younger youth clubs. It's really a place to "hang" and meet new friends. The teens come and go as they please... no checking in and out. You can certainly set curfews, and I am SOOO looking forward to the Wave phones so we can keep in touch with our teens aboard.

I'm not sure what to tell you... unless you keep your DD with you all the time, she's going to want to meet kids her age and be able to go where they're going. My DD is turning 14 today, as a matter of fact. Maybe they could get to know each other before? She is a really great kid and makes friends easily.

We still have a couple months before cruising... maybe your DD could make amends by then? Sorry, I rarely look for parenting advice and am not trying to offer any, just tossing it out there.

Good luck!

Marcy

amysuch

12-31-2010, 04:20 PM

Thanks, Marcy. I'm sure she'll be fine.

She would probably love to get to know your daughter before the trip. I don't think I have enough posts to PM. I'll work on posting more so I can send you her email.

jennyh2829

12-31-2010, 06:18 PM

amysuch

12-31-2010, 08:08 PM

Hey, Marcy. Can we still get in on the FE exchange?

Stinasmom

12-31-2010, 08:31 PM

Hey, Marcy. Can we still get in on the FE exchange?

Yep! Are there three of you? (Mom, Dad, DD?)
I somehow didn't even have you on the roster. I'll fix that.
I thought I'd have time after Christmas but with today being Christina's b-day, and of course a world wide party day, we are having her birthday party here tomorrow. I think she invited the entire 8th grade... :scared1:

Anyway, after I recover from this weekend, I'll get going on the FE schedule.

Happy New Year everyone!:woohoo:

Marcy

farmfam

01-01-2011, 08:59 AM

Farmfam and Ashansen, my DD is 10 as well and will turn 11 on March 17th!! She is in 5th grade and would love to "chat" with your girls online. Let me know if you want to do that.

We have booked the island unde two flags tour and Palo brunch. I also booked a aromatherapy massage. :)

Hi Jennyh...my daughter (Erika) would be interested in chatting online with your daughter :thumbsup2 :surfweb:

Ashansen, my daughter is thinking the same thing about the kids club, but I was looking at a sample navigator and it looks like there's a series of activities aimed at 10-14 year olds, so hopefully they'll like that!

jennyh2829

01-01-2011, 10:52 AM

Hi Jennyh...my daughter (Erika) would be interested in chatting online with your daughter :thumbsup2 :surfweb:

Ashansen, my daughter is thinking the same thing about the kids club, but I was looking at a sample navigator and it looks like there's a series of activities aimed at 10-14 year olds, so hopefully they'll like that!

How do you want to work that out? Do you want to use this thread or should we start a seperate thread for the kids??

farmfam

01-01-2011, 01:03 PM

How do you want to work that out? Do you want to use this thread or should we start a seperate thread for the kids??

Maybe we should start a separate thread for the kids. Would probably be easier to follow that way!

amysuch

01-01-2011, 02:26 PM

There are 6 of us (in 2 staterooms)

We will have:
Amy (me) 33
Chris 40
Savannah 14
Macy 2
Connie 67
Bernie 68

jennyh2829

01-01-2011, 04:14 PM

Here is the kids thread I started....:)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39372085#post39372085

candizfan

01-01-2011, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the link. I showed my DD12 and she made her first post (under my account mind you - so I can edit if she puts anything I don't like the look of) :goodvibes

Ashansen

01-01-2011, 08:36 PM

My daughter posted under my account too! Thanks for setting it up!

Ashley

jennyh2829

01-01-2011, 09:05 PM

yep. Kaitlin will be under my account also....:) We all think alike ;)

farmfam

01-02-2011, 09:47 AM

Great, thanks Jennyh. My daughter's also been on and posted!

azrealtor

01-02-2011, 03:56 PM

Suggestion:

Maybe we should schedule a short Meet and Greet for the 12th. Did this on my last dc and it was great. Was nice to put faces to messages. Then thoughout the trip there was always a friendly face we knew.
Maybe one of the seasoned dc could suggest a time.

I will be traveling with mom (78), my dtr Madeleine 11, and Claire 9,my str (50+) and her son (18 - special needs --hoping to find somethings for him to do on the boat - he is a great kid), If anyone has other teens that are special needs that would be great, too.

Stinasmom

01-02-2011, 08:30 PM

Yep! We should do this.
On past cruises we have met in the Promenade Lounge at 3pm.
I was going to suggest it, azrealtor beat me to it!:thumbsup2

Does this sound good or has anyone else had a different experience meeting somewhere else?

Marcy

PS - be on the look out for more info on the FE exchange. I will put a schedule together very soon (yea, I've said that before, but things should calm down around here this coming week).

I do need stateroom numbers. If you want to PM that info, that's great.
I will then PM the schedule to you all to keep that info private, too.

jennyh2829

01-02-2011, 09:01 PM

We met one time at Scoops (or whatever the ice cream station is) I can't remember the time we met.

Marcy- yours sounds good to me though...I'll just have to look up whrere it is....:)

Ashansen

01-02-2011, 09:15 PM

jennyh2829

01-03-2011, 09:20 AM

Kids are already talking about meeting wherever they can get ice cream! I think the kids thread will be quite "active" with all the 10-12 year olds communicating!

The later the better for us on the cruise meet....we'll be at Disney earlier that day....trying to make the most of the morning!

Ashley

How fun to be at Disney....we will be at the port early, no Disney this time for us:sad2:...we are flying in Friday evening after school and staying somewhere near the airport and taking the bus out that morning.

My daughter is all about ice cream. She will get it on the cruise anytime she can.:rotfl2:

Mickeyhugger

01-03-2011, 02:32 PM

How fun to be at Disney....we will be at the port early, no Disney this time for us:sad2:...we are flying in Friday evening after school and staying somewhere near the airport and taking the bus out that morning.

My daughter is all about ice cream. She will get it on the cruise anytime she can.:rotfl2:

Same here ...we picked up 2 rooms at the Renaissance Inn near the airport for $89 per room. We stayed there a few years ago and found the hotel to be nice:thumbsup2:thumbsup2.
Where in Texas are you guys from? we live in Highland Village just north of DFW.

Rob

Ashansen

01-03-2011, 02:50 PM

Same here ...we picked up 2 rooms at the Renaissance Inn near the airport for $89 per room. We stayed there a few years ago and found the hotel to be nice:thumbsup2:thumbsup2.
Where in Texas are you guys from? we live in Highland Village just north of DFW.

Rob

We're in Westlake (Keller/Southlake/Colleyville area)....so we're practically neighbors!

Ashley

Stinasmom

01-03-2011, 03:46 PM

Mickeyhugger

01-03-2011, 04:26 PM

We're in Westlake (Keller/Southlake/Colleyville area)....so we're practically neighbors!

Ashley

Our daughter(16) rides horses out in Keller and goes to school in Argyle at Liberty Christian.

It will be me,my wife,dd16 and her bff also 16.

If anyone else is staying at the Renaissance Inn and would like to do a pre cruise meet at the hotel bar just let me know.:cool1:

Rob

Ashansen

01-03-2011, 07:28 PM

Our daughter(16) rides horses out in Keller and goes to school in Argyle at Liberty Christian.

Rob

My 8 year old wants to ride and we're just starting the process of finding a barn to get her attached to! Of course she'd love her own horse, but that's not happening! LC is a great school. We have several friends who's kids are there!

We'll, guess we'll have something to talk about when we all meet up!

Seems to be a few Texas families!

Ashley

jennyh2829

01-03-2011, 08:24 PM

We live in Cypress, a suburb of Houston.

I have bought my FE gifts and still need to try to "personalize" them. I won't pack until right before we go. That's just how I do it. It is our Spring Break so not missing school and I just started Weight Watchers again....I'm not sure how much of a dent I'll make but anything would be great!

Mickeyhugger

01-03-2011, 09:58 PM

My 8 year old wants to ride and we're just starting the process of finding a barn to get her attached to! Of course she'd love her own horse, but that's not happening! LC is a great school. We have several friends who's kids are there!

We'll, guess we'll have something to talk about when we all meet up!

Seems to be a few Texas families!

Ashley

We relented and let Rachel have a horse..what a money pit,I can tell you all about that ordeal :rotfl2::rotfl2: Happiest day of my life was the day we got rid of Him!!

Rob

terimac

01-03-2011, 10:02 PM

We're in Westlake (Keller/Southlake/Colleyville area)....so we're practically neighbors!

Ashley

Hi Ashley! We are in Grand Prairie! We have friends that live in Westlake, and my DH worked there until earlier this year. It's a small world! I saw that mickyhugger is local, also. It's such a small world, and I can't wait to meet everyone!

terimac

01-03-2011, 10:28 PM

Any West Coasters out there?
We are in Central Washington, East of the Mountains, as they say, about 2 hours (over the Cascade range) from Seattle.
Unlike Seattle, we have 4 distinct seasons - Hot beautiful summers, windy but sunny spring, calm fall, and COLD, snowy winters. In fact, it's 14 degrees now, up from -2 when I got up this morning and yes, for you Canadians, that is FAHRENHEIT!:cold:
But, being north of us, I guess you know cold too!

Are there others taking their kids out of school for this cruise? :teacher:

My DD14 is a bit worried about missing 6 days, but she also knows how awesome cruising on DCL is and will do what it takes to keep up! Fortunately she is a good student and is still in 8th grade, I assured her once High School starts, I won't book vacations during school days.

So, what kinds of things are you all up to to get ready for this cruise?
I actually thought about getting out a suitcase and start putting stuff in it (stowing it under the bed for now). But I'll give that a month :rolleyes:

I do have over half of my FE exchange gifts bought, I still need to alter our FE itself to reflect this cruise, not or last one.

Other than that, I joined a "Biggest Loser" team on the W.I.S.H. boards... hoping to make a dent in the pudge around the middle before the cruise.

Well, I should get off the computer now. Lots to do always!

Marcy

Hi Marcy!
We aren't from the west coast, but we do love to visit! My brother and his family live near Seattle in Kirkland near the lake. That is beautiful country! I don't think I really know what 4 distinct seasons are...in North Texas, we have a lot of hot, some warm, and a moment of cold. We did have a "real fall" this year in that the leaves changed colors slowly, though they didn't all fall off the trees until after Christmas day... :confused3 By the way, we are in the 60s all week...:rolleyes1

I think you and I have a lot in common! I read your posts and feel like I could've written them! I have been so tempted lately to pull out suitcases and start packing! I mean we are SOOOO close, right?!? I'm not sure I will make it another month without starting just a little (I'll just hide the suitcase in the extra bedroom!):thumbsup2

I am trying to narrow down my FE gifts...bought some and trying to decide what I will make (if I dare!) I am also going to attempt to make my FE...I'm not very creative and only an amateur crafter, so I may have to order one.

I am an over-planner, so knowing that we only have about 2 months left has me starting to stress as I realize all the things I've planned to do for this cruise that I haven't started, yet (FE, FE gifts, t-shirts, magnets, kids gifts, etc.) Did I also say that I also tend to procrastinate?!? It doesn't go very well with being an overplanner! I guess I'd better get busy! :)

Regarding the meet-up on the 12th, I think 3pm in the Promenade is perfect! If all goes as "planned" we will be on the ship early, anyway! :cool1:

As far as room numbers, some of us are still GTY and haven't gotten them, yet. How do other cruisers deal with that, or if your room number changes once we check in?

Ok, time to get stuff ready for the kids to start back to school tomorrow. Back to the grind...:sad2:

Ashansen

01-04-2011, 10:33 AM

Hi Ashley! We are in Grand Prairie! We have friends that live in Westlake, and my DH worked there until earlier this year. It's a small world! I saw that mickyhugger is local, also. It's such a small world, and I can't wait to meet everyone!

Ok! Small world...WL is small...so I probably know your friends! How funny that there are 3 of us within about a 1/2 hour radius!

Can't wait to meet all the neighbors!

Ashley

Ashansen

01-04-2011, 10:39 AM

As far as room numbers, some of us are still GTY and haven't gotten them, yet. How do other cruisers deal with that, or if your room number changes once we check in?

:[/QUOTE]

Last cruise I went on, we had a "final" update that went out right before the cruise with the rooms on them...Any on board changes were supposed to be turned into "the organizer" (she was going to be at the cruise meet) and she would let the rest of us know by dropping a note to our room if we were not at the meet. We ended up not having any changes, so not sure if this would have worked out or not.

I guess another option would be whomever had the room change or on board assignment could drop notes off to the participant rooms....?

Ashley

amysuch

01-04-2011, 04:17 PM

We're in Westlake (Keller/Southlake/Colleyville area)....so we're practically neighbors!

Ashley

We lived in Keller for a while. We're in Royse City now (east of Rockwall).

Stinasmom

01-04-2011, 05:06 PM

OK - Here is what I have:

*Stinasmom - Marcy 43(turning 44 on 3/18 while cruising), VJ 45, Christina 14, Dominic 10

*Cheryllynn74 - Cheryl 35, Ricky 36, 10th anniversary aboard

*candizfan - mom, DH, DD15, DD12

*jennyh2829 - Jenny, DH 40ish, DD11

*needAcruise - me, DH 30's, DD8, DD10(11th birthday on cruise), Dniece 14

*Ashansen - Ashley, Kevin, DD10 Emma, DD8 Lily

*dfamily- Ruth, DH40, DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2

*mickeyhugger - Pricilla, Rob, DD16 Rachel, Dfriend 16 Kristin

*DisneyDarwin - Mom50, DD18

*terimac - Teri, DH- Mason (30's), DD5 - Brynlea, DS6 Ryan

*Jules30 - Julie, DH, DD7, DS4

*Paragd911 - Mark, Joy, DD14 Marissa, DDog (service dog) Shadow

*amysuch -Amy 33,Chris 40,Savanah 14, Macy 2, Connie 67,Bernie 68

*venegasfam4 -Sally, Laz, DD4 Abby, DS6 Cosmo

Breakdown:
Girls (by ages)
2@ 2years, 4, 5, 7, 2@8, 2@10, 11, 12, 4@14, 2@16, 18

Boys
4, 3@6, 10, 12

Women - 15

Men - 14

Service Dog - 1

I did a breakdown by ages (or number of adults) for shopping purpopes.

Let me know if you see any errors. Also, I know that I read about some birthdays happening within our group while cruising. I'd love to add that info to help people with gifts.

I know Ashley requested an early delivery date prior to Pirate night, but I believe there was someone else too... WHO? Sorry, I searched posts but my eyes are getting blurry!:rolleyes:

As far as delivery goes, I think I will keep a master list but only let each family know what day they are delivering. That way those who wish to remain anonomous, can, and those who want to "sign the card" or items they deliver can also.
I can't remember ever having any problems with people taking stuff from FEs but if that does worry you, delivering really early in the morning is good as then people can check their FE's when they get up.

Any other ideas? Input? I am OPEN!!:listen:

Marcy

jennyh2829

01-04-2011, 06:00 PM

Looks good to me. Kaitlin is having her 11th birthday on the cruise. She is 10 now.

candizfan

01-04-2011, 08:07 PM

Sounds great. I am going to have to buy something for a FE - any suggestions? I am not crafty so the chance of making one is slim to none! :rotfl:

I just hope the things I buy work for everyone....and I must say that I would like to know what the dog can have. I love my dog (shepard/retreiver mix), and would like to provide a little treat but want to make sure it fits in his diet.

Can the dog have biscuits or Dentasticks? Doe you have Detasticks in the US?

Sounds like there will be a lot of Texans on the ship again. The last two cruises the numbers were really close for Canadians vs Texans. It is always fun to see who has the largest group on the ship.

We are going to probably stay at a hotel in Cocoa Beach on Friday night. But 3pm sounds like a good time to meet on the ship.

:woohoo:

Paragd911

01-04-2011, 09:50 PM

On past cruises we have met in the Promenade Lounge at 3pm.

I will be the one in the Wheelchair with the Big Black Dog..... :)
Heres a map!

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh222/paragd911/index1.jpg

Paragd911

01-04-2011, 10:06 PM

Mickeyhugger

01-04-2011, 10:28 PM

Because people asked about Shadow.

Normally I let "little kids" & other folks in wheelchairs pet him. But when its a ship Full of kids i don't let anyone.

He works for the "petting" that i give him. If i let everyone pet him, He wont work for me. (sorry)

I'm a trainer of Service dogs.

For FE "gifts" Toys are always good lol. He cant have "food" of any type. (his tummy)

That is so cool :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 how did you get into doing this? I would love to do this one day when I retire.It must be real hard having to give them up when the time comes.

Rob

candizfan

01-05-2011, 09:48 AM

Hi Mark. Can you tell us what kind of toys would be good for Shadow?

My dog has tummy issues to. :grouphug:

Stinasmom

01-05-2011, 10:51 AM

Found a thread on FE gift ideas for the not so crafty:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2473209&highlight=fe+extender+gift+ideas

There are some other threads too, I did a search on FE extenders.

Some people are amazingly creative!:wizard:

I just hope people find the items useful!

Marcy

Cheryllynn74

01-05-2011, 12:51 PM

needAcruise

01-05-2011, 01:35 PM

I know Ashley requested an early delivery date prior to Pirate night, but I believe there was someone else too... WHO? Sorry, I searched posts but my eyes are getting blurry!:rolleyes:

I was the other person that requested a delivery day before pirate night - thanks!!!

I would like a pre-pirate night delivery date also! I'll PM Stinasmom my room number!

Looks good to me. Kaitlin is having her 11th birthday on the cruise. She is 10 now.

DD8 is also having a birthday on the cruise. She'll be turning 9 (going on 30, she acts so mature sometimes). March 18! I think someone else also has a birthday that day too. I hope they have those great buttons stating "It's my birthday!".

needAcruise

01-05-2011, 01:50 PM

Stinasmom

01-05-2011, 02:07 PM

Don't want to be a party pooper, but...

Will there be a cut off date for joining the fish extender group?

I have to stop shopping and start packing the gift bags at some point and I would hate to come up short on any gift bags.

Maybe make an extra gift bag just in case.... :flower3:

Yep! I agree. My post #190 on Page 13 will be it. I will make small changes as they come up like birthdays or names. But otherwise, this is it.
Stateroom numbers will only be sent by PM.

And it's MY birthday too on 3/18! :bday: Yes, get a Birthday button at Guest Services! Castaway Cay Day!!:beach:

More snow today, on and off and its up to 24degrees!! Balmy!
I need hot sun!!!

Marcy

minnieme1

01-06-2011, 09:53 PM

Hi! We just booked today and want to be inlcuded on the FE please! Thanks!

Mom
Morgan 6

Ashansen

01-06-2011, 09:58 PM

Hi! We just booked today and want to be inlcuded on the FE please! Thanks!

Mom
Morgan 6

Welcome to the board!

Ashley

Stinasmom

01-06-2011, 10:48 PM

Hi! We just booked today and want to be inlcuded on the FE please! Thanks!

Mom
Morgan 6

:welcome:
I thought our cruise was pretty full, but I guess not. We are glad to have more aboard!
Just curious how you decided to take a 7night cruise so close to sail date? I have always had to wait close to two years due to booking so far out!:rolleyes:

Have you sailed DCL before?

Is it just you and Morgan (DD?)?
We talked just yesterday about cutting off the FE exchange list, so no problem adding one more family at this point.

When you have enough posts, PM me to tell me your stateroom #. Only others in the exchange will get your room #.

Hope everyone is well! :wave:

Marcy

candizfan

01-07-2011, 12:46 AM

I ordered something yesterday for the FE gifts. :goodvibes I like them and hope everyone else does to.

Now for the FE itself.. :confused3 .. I would love to buy a used one but may try to make one if I can't find a decent one for the right price. Some of the photos I have seen are beautiful!

I will have to enlist the help of the kids and my husband since I am not very crafty but we shall see how it goes.:dance3:

amysuch

01-07-2011, 09:50 AM

Is Pirate Night the only real "dress up" night on the ship? I can't find much info about it on the DCL website.

Ashansen

01-07-2011, 10:16 AM

Is Pirate Night the only real "dress up" night on the ship? I can't find much info about it on the DCL website.

That's my understanding....there's a semi-formal night (1 or 2?)...and one formal night...but as far as "themes" go....I think Pirate night is the only one.

Ashley

amysuch

01-07-2011, 11:39 AM

That's my understanding....there's a semi-formal night (1 or 2?)...and one formal night...but as far as "themes" go....I think Pirate night is the only one.

Ashley

Thanks!

Stinasmom

01-07-2011, 01:56 PM

Mickeyhugger

01-07-2011, 02:35 PM

Are you going to rebook onboard, anyone??

I thought I wouldn't, the kids are getting older, the money is tight, sometime in the next 5years or so we need to remodel our kitchen, etc...

But did you see the DREAM???:lovestruc

Here is a link to her arrival:http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/04/disneys-newest-cruise-ship-arrives-with-fireworks-at-her-home-port/

Can you imagine pulling up in Cozumel next to some old Carnival ship on that baby?!?!?

The thing about the Dream right now is that they are only sailing the shorter trips only to Nassau. If I do rebook, I'll push it out a couple years until the Fantasy is ready to go and stay with 7 nighters.

Hey! It's 33 degrees here! Let the melting and dripping begin! (for now, anyway).

Marcy

We will be booking a date on the Fantasy while on board. We are not really into cruises that are less than 7 days but will be doing the Dream in August.( booked while on our Nov. 2009 cruise and the price was very low)

Rob

FYI 69 degrees here just north of Dallas:cool1::cool1: ....but cold front coming through on Monday for a few days.:sad1:

Stinasmom

01-07-2011, 03:04 PM

Rob

FYI 69 degrees here just north of Dallas:cool1::cool1: ....but cold front coming through on Monday for a few days.:sad1:

Rob - you taunt me.... this is my backyard right now:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/stinasmom/P1000024.jpg
I am planning on getting that hot tub back up to speed. I won't let the family out there when it's less than 10 degrees!!:lmao:

More snow in the forcast. At least I enjoy the break from yardwork!

Marcy

Ashansen

01-07-2011, 03:12 PM

Can you imagine pulling up in Cozumel next to some old Carnival ship on that baby?!?!?

Before kids my husband and I cruised on a Carnival ship and one of the Disney ships was at the port too. When we were boarding a little boy in line in front of us that pointed to the Disney ship and said "Daddy, I want to go on that one".....Alas, we all boarded the Carnival ship instead!

Went to Michaels at lunch...tons of Disney stuff in their $1 aisle...I got some things to put together a little bag of activities for the kids on the plane. I find *new* stuff always makes any flight delays better!

Ashley

Beesmom

01-07-2011, 04:37 PM

Are you going to rebook onboard, anyone??

I thought I wouldn't, the kids are getting older, the money is tight, sometime in the next 5years or so we need to remodel our kitchen, etc...

But did you see the DREAM???:lovestruc

Marcy

Marcy:

I'm in the same boat (heh) - money is tighter, especially sincy my DH decided we need to move to a bigger house, but that new boat is gorgeous!

I'm hoping to book a western caribbean cruise on the Fantasy while we're aboard. I think I can afford the deposit, at least.

-Sandy

goofygirl27

01-07-2011, 07:49 PM

Hi Everyone!
I am kinda late joining, but my grandmother and I will be on this cruise. We would like to be included in the fish extenders please!
I am Jenn and my grandmother is Jane. Our stateroom is 2066.
This will be our 9th Disney cruise, 9 years in a row. Looking forward to being somewhere warmer than central NY in March!

Stinasmom

01-07-2011, 08:27 PM

Mickeyhugger

01-07-2011, 09:32 PM

:welcome: Goofygirl27!
You and your grandma are veterans!

We do want to cut off the FE list but you're in!
Did you do the Captain Nautica excursion on your last Eastern?
How was that? We booked it and my stepdad is hoping he won't get sea sick on the boat ride over....
I also hope that the snorkeling locations are really the BEST!!

Hey EVERYONE! I will update the FE list and repost the totals by tomorrow!:teacher:

Marcy

We did Captain Nautica a few years ago and loved it:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 We found them to be very professional and informative during the excursion. The boat ride is a fast one out to the first site were we saw a few turtles and some large fish. I am a diver for over 30 years and would say that for the locations that they take you it is a 7. The second site was also about a 7.

Rob

jules30

01-08-2011, 05:46 PM

I am way behind and to catch up!

How many posts do I need to pm? I need to get busy! :rolleyes1

Another Texan here.....live in Carrollton.

Ashansen

01-08-2011, 05:55 PM

Mickeyhugger

01-08-2011, 08:48 PM

I am way behind and to catch up!

How many posts do I need to pm? I need to get busy! :rolleyes1

Another Texan here.....live in Carrollton.

Howdy ...how many of you guys? any teenagers? We will have DD 16 and her BFF also 16

Rob

Ashansen

01-08-2011, 09:40 PM

Howdy ...how many of you guys? any teenagers? We will have DD 16 and her BFF also 16

Rob

Now, see Rob, 16 years old means "babysitters" for us with smaller ones! I know Julies' kids are young too (4 and 7). You're 16 year olds could make lots of $$$ on the cruise ! Ha! Ha!

There are some other teens on the trip....I think there were 7 or so girls on the FE list. Nice for your daughter to have her friend with her too!

Ashley

candizfan

01-09-2011, 01:31 PM

Hi Mickeyhugger - my DD15 will be with us along with DD12. The kids have a thread they are chatting on but it seems only the younger ones have been posting.

My DD15 is happy to know there will be others her age in this group as well. She is a great babysitter here at home. :cheer2:

minnieme1

01-09-2011, 02:33 PM

Stinasmom

01-09-2011, 02:45 PM

Hi everyone! I have been on here a couple of times trying to get signed up for the FE. I don't really know what I am doing and I think I am posting in the wrong places. Anyway, we would love to be included on the FE too! If there are too many, how about starting a second group? We are so excited! I have been sewing lots of new little Disney outfits for my girl as well as trying to run off these winter lbs! I can't wait!

Tiffany
Morgan 6

Your in! You may have just missed my post. Check page one of this thread to see where the current list of FE participants is... something like page 8 post #190 or so.
I made the assumption that Morgan is a daughter... correct me if I'm wrong.
I plan to get the FE list even more organized today and will send it out.

Marcy

Stinasmom

01-09-2011, 02:47 PM

Hi Mickeyhugger - my DD15 will be with us along with DD12. The kids have a thread they are chatting on but it seems only the younger ones have been posting.
:cheer2:

My DD14 said she can't remember the last time she emailed someone, that all online communication is on Facebook... for better or worse (I have stories!)

I will PM you with her info and your DD15 can friend her...

Marcy

minnieme1

01-09-2011, 02:51 PM

Thanks Marcy! Yes, Morgan is my daughter. We still are waiting on a room #.

candizfan

01-09-2011, 03:04 PM

Stinasmom - thanks. I will see if she wants to chat with her. As for Facebook, I am not a big fan either.

:goodvibes

Stinasmom

01-09-2011, 03:58 PM

OK, here is what I have. Please let me know if you don't see yourself or see an error. Also, it is not necessary at this point, but if you want to add first names for personalization, feel free.

ADULTS/ KIDS

Marcy & Vijay (Stinasmom) Christina 14, Dominic 10 [Marcy's B-day 3/18]
Cheryl 35, Rick 36 - [10th anniversary aboard] (Cheryllyn74)
(candizfan) Mom + DH DD15, DD12
Jenny + DH 40s (jennyh2829) Kaitlin 11 [Kaitlin's 11th B-day on cruise]
Ruth + DH40 (dfamily) DS12, DD9, DS6, DD2
Brenda + DH 30s (needAcruise) DD8, DD10, Dniece 14 [DD8 will be 9 on cruise]
Ashley & Kevin (Ashansen) Emma 10, Lily 8
Pricilla & Rob (mickeyhugger) Rachel 16, Kristin 16
Mom 50 (of DD18)((DisneyDarwin) DD18
Teri & Mason 30s (terimac) Brynlea 5, Rylan 6
Julie + DH 30s (Jules30) DD7, DS4
Mark & Joy AND SHADOW (service dog) (Paragd911) Marissa 14
Sally & Laz(venegasfam4) Abby 4, Cosmy 6
Tiffany (minnieme1) Morgan 6
Jenn & Jane (goofygirl27)
Amy & Chris (amysuch) Savannah 14, Macy 2
Connie & Bernie (amysuch)

TOTALS
Girl gifts for 2@2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 2x8, 9, 2x10, 11, 12, 4x14, 15, 2x16, 18

Boy gifts for 4, 3x6, 10, 12

Female adults 18

Male adults 14

Service dog - toys only, no food or treats

These are totals, you will likely subtract your own family unless you want to gift yourselves!:goodvibes

Whew! Now to go organize what I have and see what I still need. :thumbsup2

Can't wait!!! (more snow fell today:rolleyes:)

Marcy

Mickeyhugger

01-09-2011, 10:40 PM

Rob - you taunt me.... this is my backyard right now:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e369/stinasmom/P1000024.jpg
I am planning on getting that hot tub back up to speed. I won't let the family out there when it's less than 10 degrees!!:lmao:

More snow in the forcast. At least I enjoy the break from yardwork!

Marcy

Well I guess that I got paid back today for me taunting you, it was 33 degrees today and SNOWED for 4 hours My palm trees out by the pool are sagging with all the snow on them:sad1::sad1:

Rob

Stinasmom

01-10-2011, 01:15 PM

Well I guess that I got paid back today for me taunting you, it was 33 degrees today and SNOWED for 4 hours My palm trees out by the pool are sagging with all the snow on them:sad1::sad1:

Rob

:rotfl: :lmao:

That is funny. Although palm trees with snow is kinda sad too...

Well, we all have a reason to look forward to our Caribbean vacation!!:banana:

Marcy

Mickeyhugger

01-10-2011, 03:31 PM

:rotfl: :lmao:

That is funny. Although palm trees with snow is kinda sad too...

Well, we all have a reason to look forward to our Caribbean vacation!!:banana:

Marcy

We as a family do not deal well with cold weather:scared1::scared1: Give us a 90+ degree day out by the pool with something cooking on the grill and we are a bunch of happy campers:cool1::cool1:

The girls and I booked all the excursions the other night and it looks like we have everything done including the hotel, now we just have to wait:woohoo:

Rob

jennyh2829

01-10-2011, 09:22 PM

I still need to book my hotel....I really want to stay at the Hyatt at MCO but I don't wanna pay that price...keep hoping it will come down.

Mickeyhugger

01-10-2011, 09:34 PM

I still need to book my hotel....I really want to stay at the Hyatt at MCO but I don't wanna pay that price...keep hoping it will come down.

You can buy one of their "stay certs." for $139 if I remember correctly. Being spring break I do not think you will see a price drop.

Rob

jennyh2829

01-10-2011, 09:49 PM

You can buy one of their "stay certs." for $139 if I remember correctly. Being spring break I do not think you will see a price drop.

Rob

What is a "stay certs."? How would I get it? Right now the price is $152

Mickeyhugger

01-10-2011, 09:53 PM

What is a "stay certs."? How would I get it? Right now the price is $152

Wow $152 is a good deal, when we were not able to get the certs. we had been paying $199.

The stay certs are a pre pay certificate that you buy directly from Hyatt. I go to their web site and call the 1-800 # to buy mine.

Rob

Michelle064

01-10-2011, 10:43 PM

Hi everyone! We'll be adding to the Canadian content on the cruise on March 12! It's our first cruise ever...myself, hubby (30's), DD10 and DD7. Our oldest daughter is looking forward to meeting others around her age before we sail.
Any advice for first time cruisers would be helpful, too!
Hi there, We're also first time Canadian cruisers on the Mar 12 Eastern Caribbean. Myself & DH (40's) and we also have DD10 and DD7. Sounds like there'll be lots of Canadians on board. Can't wait!

Michelle064

01-10-2011, 10:54 PM

We're booked for Cat 6A on GTY status. Does anyone know when the stateroom assignments will be available?

ONLY 61 MORE DAYS!!!!! :cool1::thumbsup2:dance3:

Stinasmom

01-11-2011, 09:25 AM

Hi there, We're also first time Canadian cruisers on the Mar 12 Eastern Caribbean. Myself & DH (40's) and we also have DD10 and DD7. Sounds like there'll be lots of Canadians on board. Can't wait!

:welcome: Michelle064!

More the merrier! Yes, looks like a lot of Canadians and Texans!
Did you just find the DIS?
Have you cruised DCL before?
Interesting that you have a 6A GTY... the cat. 5-6 are pretty much sold out, guess this is where they start shuffling people around and some may get upgrades! Don't think it will be us, we have adjoining rooms and a linked ressies. Oh well... (OH, and I don't know when they finally assign the rooms, could be pretty close to sail date... sorry!)

Only 2 months people!!:banana:

More snow predicted to day, 4-9 inches. Usually when they predict it a day or more ahead it doesn't happen, it's the storms they didn't seem to see that dump the most snow on us!:rolleyes:

Everyone have a great day!
Marcy

Ashansen

01-11-2011, 10:26 AM

Hi there, We're also first time Canadian cruisers on the Mar 12 Eastern Caribbean. Myself & DH (40's) and we also have DD10 and DD7. Sounds like there'll be lots of Canadians on board. Can't wait!

Lots of kids in this age group just on this thread! We have a DD8 and DD10 and the friends coming with us have a DD7 too! (and an adorable, I mean handsome DS4!).

Have your daugthers go to our kids thread....My girls have posted a couple times and keep asking me if there's any new messages! I think the "older" girls (10, 11, 12) are making plans for movies, ice cream and "Mickey" hunts on Castaway Cay! Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2623984

Should be a fun trip! Worked on my FE's this weekend....now, I just need to see if I can pack it all (my sister took one look at my projects and said I was nuts!).

Ashley

farmfam

01-11-2011, 05:44 PM

Michelle064

01-11-2011, 07:33 PM

Hi Michelle! Great to hear you're going to be on the same cruise. We're from the Paris area!

Small world. We're from Kitchener. My sister lives in Paris and my inlaws are from Glen Morris.

Only 60 more days! I'm soooooo excited! :banana:

terimac

01-11-2011, 08:22 PM

I'm loving the activity on this thread! Welcome to all the new additions! This seems to be a good group of DISers, and I am looking forward to meeting all of you! :goodvibes

So I'm heading out this weekend for a girls only retreat, and plan on putting together my scrapbook from my cruise from November of 2009...I HAVE to get that one completed before I go on this next one!!! I am also taking all kinds of fun things to work on/experiment with for the FE gifts!!! I am loving doing this! And I am going to attempt at some point to make my own fish extender...I'm not as creative as I'd like to be...but I would like to "make it my own." :rotfl2:

So with all of the talk about the Dream, is anyone wishing that you'd booked that one instead? NOT ME!!! I love the 7 day itinerary, and I love the Magic (she is still amazing!). I would love to check out the new ship, but not until the itinerary lengthens (like with the Fantasy). If I'm gonna pay for airfare to Florida, I'm gonna stay a while! :banana:

And by the way, our lovely perfect 60 degree winter weather here in Texas has disappeared and has been replaced with windy 20s-30s (and a little snow if you were lucky)! :sad2: (not us, but everyone around us!)
Marcy, I love your picture of your backyard! The snow there is gorgeous! But I still can't wait for Caribbean sun, ya'll!!! :cool1:

Stay warm!

Ashansen

01-11-2011, 08:59 PM

So I'm heading out this weekend for a girls only retreat, and plan on putting together my scrapbook from my cruise from November of 2009...I HAVE to get that one completed before I go on this next one!!!

Teri: We cruised in November 2009 and I still have to do my trip! maybe I can just send you the pictures from mine and you can make a duplicate scrapbook for my trip!!;);) What do you think? I have all the supplies....and I'd be happy to drop them by Grand Prairie! ha! Well...maybe I'll start working on mine too!

Ashley

jennyh2829

01-11-2011, 10:14 PM

Okay, Teri, you have inspired me...I still have my cruise from January 2009 and WDW 2009 to do. I will do them before this cruise...so that will be my weekends until I'm done!

Here in Houston....low tonight is.......27!!! My blood is too thin for that cold! BRRRR...:) However by next Monday we're in the 70's again....go figure.

Stinasmom

01-11-2011, 11:40 PM

So I'm heading out this weekend for a girls only retreat, and plan on putting together my scrapbook from my cruise from November of 2009... :rotfl2:

Ha! I remember when I first moved to this small town I was open to meeting new people and accepted and invitation to a "scrapbooking" party. I thought for sure we'd scrapbook for awhile, drink wine, then end up socializing with the wine for the rest of the evening... NOPE! These ladies were serious about their scrapbooking! They stayed until Midnight (so I heard) and there was NO wine!!:sad2:

I only scrapbook our trips and have a really great book from our last cruise, maybe I'll post pics if anyone is interested. I already have them on Photobucket.

So with all of the talk about the Dream, is anyone wishing that you'd booked that one instead? NOT ME!!! I love the 7 day itinerary, and I love the Magic (she is still amazing!). I would love to check out the new ship, but not until the itinerary lengthens (like with the Fantasy). If I'm gonna pay for airfare to Florida, I'm gonna stay a while! :banana:

I totally agree! I am thinking of rebooking onboard then pushing it 2+years like I did last time and end up on the Fantasy 7 nighter.

And by the way, our lovely perfect 60 degree winter weather here in Texas has disappeared and has been replaced with windy 20s-30s (and a little snow if you were lucky)! :sad2: (not us, but everyone around us!)
Marcy, I love your picture of your backyard! The snow there is gorgeous! But I still can't wait for Caribbean sun, ya'll!!! :cool1:
Stay warm!

Just wait, it has started snowing here again and if the predictions are right, there will be an additional 6"-9" by tomorrow afternoon. :cold:

:beach: Marcy

Ashansen

01-12-2011, 12:14 AM

Ha! I remember when I first moved to this small town I was open to meeting new people and accepted and invitation to a "scrapbooking" party. I thought for sure we'd scrapbook for awhile, drink wine, then end up socializing with the wine for the rest of the evening... NOPE! These ladies were serious about their scrapbooking! They stayed until Midnight (so I heard) and there was NO wine!!:sad2:

No Wine???:confused3 You are going to the wrong weekend retreats! There is ALWAYS wine at the ones I attend! Now, we have to watch that we do more scrapbooking than wine drinking...but we find a good balance!

Ashley

candizfan

01-12-2011, 12:42 AM

I went to a scarpbook party once. I came home without buying anything. :lmao: I am not creative enough for that. My DD15 and DD12 do pages and they turn out pretty good. I am amazed at how much it can cost. :scared1:

I still like to print photos and put them in albums and we DO look at them. It is always fun.

We bought material for our FE and will try to put something together this week. :banana:

I am located in Windsor Ontario, not far from Paris and Hamilton. It is always fun to see if there are more Canadians or Texans on board the ship.:hug:

demers

01-12-2011, 01:06 AM

Ashansen

01-12-2011, 07:11 AM

amysuch

01-12-2011, 11:23 AM

Ugh! I need to go to a scrapbooking party (with lots of wine)! My books stopped when DD2 was born.

Stinasmom

01-12-2011, 02:15 PM

My wife, Theresa, and I with our DS 11 and our DD 7 purchased our tickets to this, our first Disney Cruise, or cruise of any sort for that matter, just before Christmas. An impulse buy we are really glad we made! We can't wait to get away from our fridged Ontario winter weather! :)

Big WELCOME!!:yay:

I want to be at your house for Christmas! What a great family gift!.

You will be so amazed at Disney Cruise Line! (oh, yea, and I hear the Caribbean is nice too:rolleyes:)

Just stroll around these DIS boards, trip reports, pictures, reviews, and don't hesitate to ask questions here or on the main DCL forum! Being prepared helps, but any way you'll have a terrific vacation!
Glad you are joining our cruise!!

Marcy