October 28 2010 Wonder 3 night cruise meet

[denversees4me]

I am booked on this one who else is joining us ????

[IrishCowboy]

I have added your thread to the Wonder 2010 cruise meet list :thumbsup2

[denversees4me]

what .... no one wants to cruise with us ?

[khomer504]

You can count us in... we are boked for our first ever cruise...woohoo!! I can't wait.

[denversees4me]

Oh man your in for a real treat !!! and if you have never sailed Disney WILL spoil you !!!! The shows are a MUST SEE !!!! and the private island is AMAZING !!!!! Have you herd of Fish Extenders ? They are fun too and I am hoping to round up a bunch of people who want to do it this cruise !!!!
Who all is going in your party ????
For our group it is me ( Cari ) and my best friend Mary and my seeing eye dog Denver

[khomer504]

Thanks Cari! I had never even thought of going on a cruise til they offerred it as an incentive with our DVC add on... my husband JUMPED on it. Now I can't tell you how excited I am. I don't know why it never occurred to me.

Our party is, me (Karen), my DH Chris, dd will be 8 and I have a son who will be 5 (has autism and we're hoping he'll do well in the kids clubs... time will tell).

Also, along for the for ride will be my parents and my mother-in-law. They've been on all of our Disney trips with us so far.

I have heard just a bit about fish extenders... I'd love to participate! I'll have to find out a bit more though. Sounds like a fun little addition to the cruise!

I'll try to remember to keep checking here... I'm sure we'll find plenty of other cruisemates as we get closer to October!

Karen

[denversees4me]

Hi Karen
Glad you though of crusing - you will be sooooo busy on your cruise !!!! YOU MUST see the shows though ... WAY COOL !!!!! Disney also does fireworks a pirates in the carabean deck party with yummy desserts and so many other fun stuff . Your kids will LOVE it and Im sure your son will do well too . disney has a way with kids as you already know ! My buddy Gary X and his wife and daughter are SUPPOSED to come join us on this board soon too !!!! I need to start nagging him again . They cruised the last 2 years the same cruise and we have become friends thru the boards and cruises . He is a really finny guy and loves his family sooooooo much . So he and his fam will also be joining us on the fish extenders . Hope you like them they are fun and the kids REALLY get a kick out of em !
Talk soon
cari and Denver

[khomer504]

Hey there Cari...just checking in. There are still way too many days before our cruise but I'm keeping the excitement/anticipation up by figuring out all the cute little things we can do to prepare... and of course figuring out whether to make or buy a fish extender! I'm not quite sure how motivated I am yet.

Hope you're having a good week! Talk to you soon!

[denversees4me]

ahhhhhh give it time :-) the more that people jump on this thread the more excited and motivated you will get .... you can buy them on e bay for about 30 bucks sometimes less i have also seen people just hang a bag outside their doors - I made mine and re use it every year . Have a fantastic week !

[IrenicMom]

We've had this cruise date booked as a "space saver" from an on board booking last summer, and we just today decided to actually take it! We were hoping for different itineraries for 2011, so when those didn't work out, we decided to do this one.

Our party will be myself, my dh, ds (8), dd/ds (twins, 5), my mom and dad. This will be the kids' first cruise.

[denversees4me]

YAY !!! For a while there I thought maybe we were sailing alone LOL glad your coming along too !!!!! Where are you guys from ?

[khomer504]

We've had this cruise date booked as a "space saver" from an on board booking last summer, and we just today decided to actually take it! We were hoping for different itineraries for 2011, so when those didn't work out, we decided to do this one.

Our party will be myself, my dh, ds (8), dd/ds (twins, 5), my mom and dad. This will be the kids' first cruise.

Yay! We'll be there with a very similar cast of characters (8 year old dd, 5 year old ds, mom, dad, 2 hip grandmothers and a not so hip grandpa!). It's our first cruise and we can't wait. I'm really hoping there is enough interest to do an FE exchange.

I'm getting more excited by the day :)

[IrenicMom]

We're from the Indianapolis area - we'll be coming in the night before and staying at the Country Inn and Suites.

[denversees4me]

I hope more people join us soon !!!! This board is BBBooooorrrrrrriiiiinnnnnnngggggggg yawn

[acomasdiaz]

We're joining you on this cruise!

We were originally booked on the September 2nd cruise but then my dad passed away and we decided to postpone the trip for a little bit. We've now rebooked for this date. It will be me, DH, DD (5), and DS (3). We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary and having a vow renewal onboard the Wonder. This is our 3rd Disney cruise.

We will be joined by some family, DH's mom and dad, my mom, sis and sis's family. Plus, my brother and some of his family might join us too. We're also part of the FSU alumni group on this cruise.

I'm excited and would definitely like to participate in an FE Exchange.

[friends with mickey]

We are booked for this cruise and it will be our first. As DVC members we are WDW and Disneyland veterans since 1992. This is the first time we are going to enjoy mickey at sea. We hope to find a bunch of you posters on the ship. Any advice from you experienced cruisers will be appreciated.
See you at sea.

[acomasdiaz]

We are booked for this cruise and it will be our first. As DVC members we are WDW and Disneyland veterans since 1992. This is the first time we are going to enjoy mickey at sea. We hope to find a bunch of you posters on the ship. Any advice from you experienced cruisers will be appreciated.
See you at sea.

Welcome! You're going to have a great time. We're DVC members too...:goodvibes

[khomer504]

Just got all of our airline tickets and we're counting down the days! Just checking in... can't wait to get started on FE gifts... FUN!

[friends with mickey]

Welcome! You're going to have a great time. We're DVC members too...:goodvibes

I am sure we will. We can't wait until August 14th so we can get forms completed and make some reservations for our celebration.
Our vacation club home is Old Key West. It was the only DVC when we joined in 1992. Our kids were 6 and 7 when we joined. Now they are25 and 26. They still get mad when we go without them, but now they go without us and we get mad too! The vacation club gets better every year we are in it.
Thanks for the response and "Welcome":cheer2:

[acomasdiaz]

Just got all of our airline tickets and we're counting down the days! Just checking in... can't wait to get started on FE gifts... FUN!


I know...I can't wait to get started on my FE gifts either. :banana:

[acomasdiaz]

Only 3 more months....So excited....:cool1::banana::yay::dance3::cheer2:

[Stay_home_Dad_Scott]

Add us to the list - we'll be joining you for what will be our 5th Disney cruise! The other 4 have been on the Magic, so we're looking forward to seeing what her sister ship looks like. I only hope the 3 days won't go by in a heartbeat - being used to 7-day cruises like we are. It'll be me and my wife, and our DD13 - who'll be in the teen area the whose cruise.

Looking forward to seeing the ship, and meeting up with some DIS friends.

- Scott

[acomasdiaz]

Add us to the list - we'll be joining you for what will be our 5th Disney cruise! The other 4 have been on the Magic, so we're looking forward to seeing what her sister ship looks like. I only hope the 3 days won't go by in a heartbeat - being used to 7-day cruises like we are. It'll be me and my wife, and our DD13 - who'll be in the teen area the whose cruise.

Looking forward to seeing the ship, and meeting up with some DIS friends.

- Scott

Welcome Scott! I know...I am also hoping this cruise doesn't fly by. I haven't done a 3 night cruise in years.

[Docjason2]

Hello all,

I just sent the information to the TA to book this cruise for us. This will be the first actual real vacation we've taken since I can remember. (I don't consider going home to visit family a true vacation!) We've been dreaming of actually going on a Disney cruise since before we got married...and now 7 years later we're finally pulling the trigger. This will be our first ever foray into the Disney scheme and first into cruising as well. Joining me in this adventure is my DW, DS (5), and DD (3). We're keeping it a secret from the kids as I don't think we could handle 2 months of straight...when are we going on the trip, when do we get to see mickey, when can we get on the boat! Plus I think the whole plane and ship ride will be a blast for them.

Hope to get to know some of you for this vacation. I am usually trying to absorb as much information as I can from these boards to make this trip as magical as can be. We're really jonsing for a 7 day cruise, but figured we'd test it on the kids with 3 days first.

[acomasdiaz]

Hello all,

I just sent the information to the TA to book this cruise for us. This will be the first actual real vacation we've taken since I can remember. (I don't consider going home to visit family a true vacation!) We've been dreaming of actually going on a Disney cruise since before we got married...and now 7 years later we're finally pulling the trigger. This will be our first ever foray into the Disney scheme and first into cruising as well. Joining me in this adventure is my DW, DS (5), and DD (3). We're keeping it a secret from the kids as I don't think we could handle 2 months of straight...when are we going on the trip, when do we get to see mickey, when can we get on the boat! Plus I think the whole plane and ship ride will be a blast for them.

Hope to get to know some of you for this vacation. I am usually trying to absorb as much information as I can from these boards to make this trip as magical as can be. We're really jonsing for a 7 day cruise, but figured we'd test it on the kids with 3 days first.


Welcome! :beach: So glad more people are joining the forum. I'm sure you are all going to have a blast. My family loves to cruise and disney cruises are our favorite. My kids are 5 & 3 too, except my DD is 5 and my DS is 3. Let me know if you've got any questions, I would love to be of help.

[Docjason2]

Ok...so instead of running through several threads and finding all the info separately...I will ask them here.

We plan on arriving the day before, one of the perks of my wife working for a hotel is cheap stays anywhere!!!

Are there any rental car companies near PC that we can drop a car off and get a shuttle to the ship?

When do you get to sign up and chose shore excursions? Do you recommend going with DCL ones or are there other better ones?

When do you sign up for kids clubs? Dinner rotations?

Is there any good tips you past cruisers have about getting down there and starting out on the ship? I've read a lot of good tips already through the boards. I spend way too much time reading while I am at work!:rolleyes:

[friends with mickey]

We are also first time cruisers. Yes there are rent cars companies with Port Canaveral drop offs and shuttles to the ship. We are using Avis, but Hertz and Enterprise also provide the service. Make sure and search the internet for discount rent car coupon codes. You will save a lot with the coupons. Since you are staying the night before many of the hotels will shuttle you to the port as well.
Once your cruise is paid in full you can use the DCL web site to book excursions and to register your kids in ship activities. The amount of information on these boards can be very helpful and overwelming. One tip that keeps coming up is to get on the ship, relax and have a good time. We plan on following that advice. I hope we have a chance to meet you on board and have a great and well deserved vacation.
Mike and Debbie

[Docjason2]

Well everything worked out well. My TA gave me all the info and we are all booked with the cruise, airfare, and rental cars. It's sad now that I have nothing left to really do except wait. Normally I am a very patient person...but I am looking forward to this little vacation more than I am looking forward to Christmas!!!

I showed my DW the spa packages and she's already getting into it. Does anyone here have any recommendations or anything they particularly liked at the spa? On that subject we were also looking at excursions for Nassau. Now I know a lot of people have said that Nassau gets old and they just stay on the ship, but we've never been out of the country before. So we want to soak up as much as we can. Do you guys have any favorite excursions that you like? Most of them seemed geared towards adults shy of Atlantis ones. DW and I were thinking of just leaving the kids for a few hours and going site-seeing or snorkeling.

Hope to see you all in a few months :cool1:

[acomasdiaz]

Well everything worked out well. My TA gave me all the info and we are all booked with the cruise, airfare, and rental cars. It's sad now that I have nothing left to really do except wait. Normally I am a very patient person...but I am looking forward to this little vacation more than I am looking forward to Christmas!!!

I showed my DW the spa packages and she's already getting into it. Does anyone here have any recommendations or anything they particularly liked at the spa? On that subject we were also looking at excursions for Nassau. Now I know a lot of people have said that Nassau gets old and they just stay on the ship, but we've never been out of the country before. So we want to soak up as much as we can. Do you guys have any favorite excursions that you like? Most of them seemed geared towards adults shy of Atlantis ones. DW and I were thinking of just leaving the kids for a few hours and going site-seeing or snorkeling.

Hope to see you all in a few months :cool1:

Glad everything worked out well. I know...I am also counting down the days. Unfortunately, I've been going to Nassau for years, so I am one of those that usually just stays on the ship that day. If you plan on leaving the kids you can take a tour of the island or just go to one of the nearby beaches. Atlantis is nice but not sure if it's what you would want to do if it's just you and DW.

[Docjason2]

Kinda of quiet around here. Are the 3 night cruises less popular among people?

[acomasdiaz]

I don't think it's less popular. I'm not sure why it's so quiet around here. I was hoping it would be pick up by now...:sad2:

[Docjason2]

Well at least we got it to 3 pages now!!! :cool1:

Maybe I'll throw some more questions out there as well.

DW and I really want to try snorkeling, probably at CC, but the kids really won't feel comfortable swimming yet. Is there options for the oceaneers club on CC for maybe an hour or so while we go do that? I'd hate to leave the kids on the ship while at CC.

Does anyone here use an underwater camera? I've been reading some threads on it and am currently researching some different brands.

Finally i read somewhere that when you check in they have you put $500 on your onboard account automatically. Is this true at the start of the cruise. I assume you just draw down that to begin with?

[acomasdiaz]

Well at least we got it to 3 pages now!!! :cool1:

Maybe I'll throw some more questions out there as well.

DW and I really want to try snorkeling, probably at CC, but the kids really won't feel comfortable swimming yet. Is there options for the oceaneers club on CC for maybe an hour or so while we go do that? I'd hate to leave the kids on the ship while at CC.

Does anyone here use an underwater camera? I've been reading some threads on it and am currently researching some different brands.

Finally i read somewhere that when you check in they have you put $500 on your onboard account automatically. Is this true at the start of the cruise. I assume you just draw down that to begin with?

There are activities for the kids at CC. I don't think the oceaneers club is actually open on the ship instead they have it open on the CC. The don't take the kids to the water though so you wouldn't have to worry about that. But at least, you could go out on your own and have some place for them to be for awhile. :)

I don't have an underwater camera, so I can't help you there. :confused3

We just give out credit card for the onboard account just like at a hotel. I am sure they give you a limit though of how much you are initially approved for. It's not like they charge you the $500 of the bat. It might be different if you're putting cash down though. You could always put a credit card to begin and they pay it with cash at the end.

[friends with mickey]

Well it appears that three of us are posting to the 10-28-10 thread. Maybe a call to action will get some new activity.
It can be risky to use a debit card as the card you put down at check in. The debit card may hold the 500 as an advance and keep you from accessing your money through ATM or charges. If you are considering using a debit card, check with your bank on their policy prior to going. It is also a good idea to advise the credit card company that you will be on a cruise so that none of your out of the country charges triggers a security alert on your account.
Less than two months until the cruise!

[Docjason2]

So where are you all coming from? Interesting to know how people travel to visit the cruise.

My family are living er...stuck in Iowa. Have to stay where the jobs are right? We don't get to see much crystal clear aqua blue water up here, unless it's food coloring! Since we moved here we haven't really left the area other than to visit family.

[acomasdiaz]

I'm lucky to have been born and raised in Florida. I grew up in Miami, then moved to Tallahassee for college, and then came down to the Ft. Lauderdale area after graduation and have been here ever since.

We are about 3 1/2 hours from Disney and go up there a couple a times a year. We are also DVC members which makes that easier.

I have always loved cruising. My dad was a fisherman and I always loved going out on the boat. Then in high school, I got a job working for a small cruise line and was instantly hooked. I find them to be the best type of vacation.

[Stay_home_Dad_Scott]

We're from Kansas City - we're taking advantage of a 2-day break in the school schedule. Our DD is in 8th grade, and I work for a local school district - so we have to follow the school schedules. It makes for expensive cruising, so when I realized our break at the end of October made a quick cruise possible...and a reasonably priced one as well...it was too good to pass up.

DW has health issues which make cruising especially good for us. Lots of fun, but we can take it at a slow pace, and everyone doesn't have to all do the same thing together all the time. It lets DW rest without feeling like she's killing everyone's fun.

Looking forward to 57 days, 22 hours, 26 minutes from now...(as my Disney Vacation Connection running on my PC reminds me!)

Scott

[Docjason2]

Hey Scott. We're also taking advantage of Parent-Teacher conferences during this time. I wanted to do the trip with minimal school disruption as my son just started kindergarten. The cruises over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break were all way more expensive than this one, so I figure missing 1.5 days of school wasn't bad for a quick trip. Plus I want to really, really go on a 7 night cruise, but we have to test the kids out first...I'd hate to jump into the 7 only to find out the kids hate it, but what are the chances of that really lol.

[acomasdiaz]

Hey Scott. We're also taking advantage of Parent-Teacher conferences during this time. I wanted to do the trip with minimal school disruption as my son just started kindergarten. The cruises over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break were all way more expensive than this one, so I figure missing 1.5 days of school wasn't bad for a quick trip. Plus I want to really, really go on a 7 night cruise, but we have to test the kids out first...I'd hate to jump into the 7 only to find out the kids hate it, but what are the chances of that really lol.

I think your kids will love the cruise and you'll want to do the 7 night next. We did 7 night last year and the kids had a blast. On the sea says they had things going on all day in the kids club. My DD would have lived there if I would have let her. No one wanted to get off at the end of the 7 days. I think the 3 night might be just too quick of a trip for them.

[friends with mickey]

We are coming from the Houston area. Our kids are grown, 25 and 26, so the wife and I are the kids on this trip. I am sure we will all have a great cruise since Disney provides so much to do for kids of all ages.
Mike and Debbie

[acomasdiaz]

We are coming from the Houston area. Our kids are grown, 25 and 26, so the wife and I are the kids on this trip. I am sure we will all have a great cruise since Disney provides so much to do for kids of all ages.
Mike and Debbie

Hey, kids at heart deserve to have fun too! :thumbsup2

[friends with mickey]

And fun we shall have! I hope we run into you on the cruise.
Enjoy your upcoming trip and we will see you at sea.:goodvibes

[Docjason2]

Do I count as a kid? This is the first thing Disney for my wife and I 31 years young!...I am sure the kids will have a great time, I'm not worried.

Do DISers do anything special for the 3 day cruises? Since so far it's a small amount of us on here, do they usually do meet and greets or the FEs I've heard so much about. just wondering what the normal plans for a cruise are, if any :)

53 days and counting!!!

[friends with mickey]

We are all kids in the eyes of Walt and Mickey! This is our first cruise so I cannot answer your questions. I hope there will be a time to meet the other posters to this thread. Every day gets us closer to sailing away.:thumbsup2

[travelgal2]

Hello, fellow DISers! :yay: My husband and I look forward to traveling with you all on Oct 28th! Glad someone started this thread, as we love meeting who else is sailing with us. We look forward to a meet-n-greet, fish extenders, etc. :thumbsup2

[Docjason2]

Welcome Tracey!

Glad to meet another friend journeying with us on the cruise. How many cruises have you been on?

Where will you be coming from?

Awesome..4 pages...we're almost becoming a real thread lol

[travelgal2]

Ha! Glad I could push us over to 4 pages...:rotfl:

This will be our 4th cruise with Disney-and all have been on the Wonder. Our last one was just the two of us also-Disney knows how to do it right, and there is so much for adults to do! We tried the spa on this last one as well-my only regret was that we hadn't done that earlier.

We will be coming from the Midwest as we currently find ourselves in Illinois.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

[Docjason2]

You guys leaving the kids at home on this one?

Where in Illinois are you from? I thought I was from the area of corn and soybeans, in IA! :)

[acomasdiaz]

Many times, disboards members have a dis meet at the beginning of cruise. So, they can meet the people on the thread. We can certainly do that.

I would also love to have a fish exchange. My kids and I had so much fun with it last time. Is anyone interested in an FE Exchange?

[Docjason2]

Yes I'd love to participate in one, as I am sure the kids will love to help give and receive little gifts. I'll have to start doing a little FE gift research on the boards now :)

[acomasdiaz]

Hello, fellow DISers! :yay: My husband and I look forward to traveling with you all on Oct 28th! Glad someone started this thread, as we love meeting who else is sailing with us. We look forward to a meet-n-greet, fish extenders, etc. :thumbsup2

Welcome Tracey! I definitely want to do an FE exchange. Let me know if you'd like to join in...

[acomasdiaz]

So far...2 of us are in... :banana:

acomasdiaz ~ Aymee, Jeffrey, Katerina (5), Phillip (3)
docjason2 ~ Jason, DW, DS (5), DD (3)

Who else wants to join us for an FE Exchange? :dance3:

[travelgal2]

We'd love to join you for a get together on the first day if one is planned...and we'd love to participate with the FE exchange. Count us in. :-) Don't forget to make you magnets!

Yep, it's just the two of us this time. I guess I should say we're more from the land of ethanol or feed corn-as the corn around us here in southern Illinois hasn't been harvested yet...and if anyone was going to eat it, it should have been picked LONG ago. popcorn::

[travelgal2]

Oops...YOUR magnets...Don't forget to make youR magnets...:rotfl2:

PS-acomasdiaz-I see you are renewing your vows...how wonderful, and Congratulations!!! So, does this mean all of our FE gifts will be cigars and champagne? :yay:

[Docjason2]

What are the magnets you refer to? <- Cruise newbie here!

Funny I am looking out my window at work and can see corn and soybeans in the fields around me. I feel so out of place here lol!

[friends with mickey]

Hi Tracey and welcome,

This will be the first cruise for my wife and I. It is to celebrate my 56th b-day on board. We are following the cruise 5 days at WDW for Food and Wine Festival plus we still enjoy the rides. We are in for a meet on board.
We are coming from Texas (Houston area) and noticed the y'all in your countdown. Anyone that says y'all is bound to be fun.
See y'all on the Wonder.
Mike, me and Debbie

[acomasdiaz]

We'd love to join you for a get together on the first day if one is planned...and we'd love to participate with the FE exchange. Count us in. :-) Don't forget to make you magnets!

Yep, it's just the two of us this time. I guess I should say we're more from the land of ethanol or feed corn-as the corn around us here in southern Illinois hasn't been harvested yet...and if anyone was going to eat it, it should have been picked LONG ago. popcorn::

Oops...YOUR magnets...Don't forget to make youR magnets...:rotfl2:

PS-acomasdiaz-I see you are renewing your vows...how wonderful, and Congratulations!!! So, does this mean all of our FE gifts will be cigars and champagne? :yay:

I have some magnets from my last cruise that I will be reusing. But I am also making some new ones. Plus, I want to make some for my mom and sister's cabins since this is their first Disney cruise. :banana:

Thank you! We're pretty excited about the vow renewal. We just turned in all of our paperwork (i.e. music, cake flavor, flowers, etc) which finally makes it all seem so close...

Glad you'll be joining in on the FE exchange. It's always so much fun!

[acomasdiaz]

What are the magnets you refer to? <- Cruise newbie here!

Funny I am looking out my window at work and can see corn and soybeans in the fields around me. I feel so out of place here lol!

Many cruisers decorate their cabin doors with fun magnets. As a newbie, it's definitely something you'll want to look into...

[Docjason2]

Ok I'll look these up on the forums. How do you guys make the magnets? I think I heard something about magnet paper somewhere around here.

Hey I was wondering do you actually have to have a b-day while on board? My DD will be turning 3 on the 5th of Oct and maybe celebrating it with a cake on board would be fun for her.

[acomasdiaz]

Ok I'll look these up on the forums. How do you guys make the magnets? I think I heard something about magnet paper somewhere around here.

Hey I was wondering do you actually have to have a b-day while on board? My DD will be turning 3 on the 5th of Oct and maybe celebrating it with a cake on board would be fun for her.

There are some great disigners here that will make you some cool designs. You can either print them on magnet paper or regular paper, then laminate it and gle some small magnets to it.

I did mine on magnet paper but found it to be a little expensive. I am not sure yet how I will do them this time.

As for the birthday, it doesn't actually have to be during the cruise. So, I say go for it. She will love it!

[Docjason2]

So did some research on FE, sounds like fun. I probably know the answer as there aren't many people posting here, but when do we find out how many gifts to give?

[acomasdiaz]

So did some research on FE, sounds like fun. I probably know the answer as there aren't many people posting here, but when do we find out how many gifts to give?

Most people do a family gift and then a gift for each of the kids. I think it would be great to do it that way.

Right now, there are three of us signed up. I think we'll leave sign-ups open until we're a month out. This way we still have plenty of time to get our gifts together.

[khomer504]

Wow! Things have picked up since I last visited this thread. We are going Cat 9 GTY and just got our room assigment... starting to get excited!!!

Time is totally getting away from me though... can't believe it's only 48 more days!

We might be game for an FE exchange... never done it before but it sounds like fun. I know I won't get anything too elaborate done but would love to have fun with it!

Check back in soon!

Karen

[acomasdiaz]

Wow! Things have picked up since I last visited this thread. We are going Cat 9 GTY and just got our room assigment... starting to get excited!!!

Time is totally getting away from me though... can't believe it's only 48 more days!

We might be game for an FE exchange... never done it before but it sounds like fun. I know I won't get anything too elaborate done but would love to have fun with it!

Check back in soon!

Karen

Hi Karen! Glad to see you're back! It would be great for you to join us for the FE. There's not too many cavins so it shouldn't be hard. It'll be fun! Let me know if you want me to add you to the list.

[travelgal2]

Hi Tracey and welcome,

This will be the first cruise for my wife and I. It is to celebrate my 56th b-day on board. We are following the cruise 5 days at WDW for Food and Wine Festival plus we still enjoy the rides. We are in for a meet on board.
We are coming from Texas (Houston area) and noticed the y'all in your countdown. Anyone that says y'all is bound to be fun.
See y'all on the Wonder.
Mike, me and Debbie

Yep, we're southern through and through. :lmao: The "y'all's" give me away as soon as I open my mouth. We've called Georgia home, although we've been moving around the last 20 plus years.

Congrats and Happy Birthday a little early. How fun to celebrate on the ship! And then, to follow it up with the Food and Wine Festival-terrific! My DH actually first started planning this trip-he's my lovable space nut-and wanted to be in Florida for one of the last two launches. Well, I talked him into a cruise since we were already going to be down there. It was an easy sell-as we've just sent our baby off to college and are now experiencing the empty nest. :)

[travelgal2]

Magnets-I have tried them all (magnet paper, magnet tape, small magnets, etc), I think.:confused3 I wasn't thrilled with the magnet paper. It was kind of pricey and it didn't seem to stick as well as I'd liked. I asked for my artwork from some of the DISigners (here on the board) (they do GREAT work, by the way), printed them, and then took them to my local office supply store to have them laminated. I found some sticky magnets at said office supply store (very inexpensive) and those have worked well. My husband tells me I pack too many for our door....I just laugh and pack as many as I can take to thoroughly embarrass him by covering our stateroom entry. :laughing: I find it a compliment when other folks on our hallway tell me they know where THEIR room is based on our door!:laughing::laughing: Its great to check reality at the port as you sail away for a few days....

Oh-for the newbie cruisers...you know they will ask for your name when you board the ship? I found a thread discussing this and others' very creative ways of being announced. Lots of fun ideas out there. We borrowed an idea to go as the "Griswald" family-and that got some laughs from the CMs who were there to greet us. :banana:

[Docjason2]

My coworker pointed out that they moved the last space shuttle launch until the Monday after the cruise. I am kind of bummed as that's when we're heading home. We'll probably be sitting at home by the time the shuttle takes off. It's a shame really....the very last launch of the shuttle ever and I never saw one in person. I think the kids would've loved to have seen it.

I think I have my magnets all lined up, at least for this first cruise! I am going to get an FE for the family and probably some pillowcases for the kids to get signed as well. Just got the stateroom assignment, not that that really helps me out or makes a difference, it's just nice to see how close we're getting! I spend way too much time on the boards just waiting :rotfl:

[friends with mickey]

Tracey,
We had the same empty nest when we sent our kids off to college. Do not think of the nest as empty. You will just find other things to fill it with, like cruises. :goodvibes

[acomasdiaz]

My coworker pointed out that they moved the last space shuttle launch until the Monday after the cruise. I am kind of bummed as that's when we're heading home. We'll probably be sitting at home by the time the shuttle takes off. It's a shame really....the very last launch of the shuttle ever and I never saw one in person. I think the kids would've loved to have seen it.

I think I have my magnets all lined up, at least for this first cruise! I am going to get an FE for the family and probably some pillowcases for the kids to get signed as well. Just got the stateroom assignment, not that that really helps me out or makes a difference, it's just nice to see how close we're getting! I spend way too much time on the boards just waiting :rotfl:

It looks like you're definitely getting ready...Don't worry, I spend too much time on these boards too! :goodvibes

[SheStang94]

Hi Everyone!!

I am very excited I just found this board. My fiance and I are getting married on this cruise on Deck 7! We are super excited! This will be our first Disney cruise. I have been on one cruise about 12 years ago, my fiance has never been on one.

-Kristen

[Docjason2]

Welcome Kristen and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

I hear Disney cruise weddings are amazing. Will it be just the 2 of you coming along? Glad to have another cruisemate along for the ride. :cool1:

[SheStang94]

There is going to be 12 of us all together Me, Fiance, my mom, stepdad, sister (moh), sisters boyfriend, fiance's best friend (best man), his guest (tbd), and 2 friends of the family with their 2 kids, 6 and 8 who will be our flower girl and ring bearer.

A nice size, we do have a few more people who wanted to go but are still trying to figure out if they can go.

[friends with mickey]

Welcome Kristen and congrats on the upcoming wedding. Our stateroom is on deck 7, so if we see a wedding party we will say hello. Sounds like you will have a great group with you for the big day. Have a wonderful time making memories on board the Wonder.:thumbsup2

[Docjason2]

Another little milestone for us that's making it seem close....our passports finally got mailed today and we should have them next week. Kind of exciting...I haven't had a passport since I was 5 and even then it was a british one.

Maybe next I should pack...just in case I forget in the next 40 days :rotfl:

[acomasdiaz]

Hi Everyone!!

I am very excited I just found this board. My fiance and I are getting married on this cruise on Deck 7! We are super excited! This will be our first Disney cruise. I have been on one cruise about 12 years ago, my fiance has never been on one.

-Kristen

Welcome Kristen! We're having our vow renewal on deck 7 too during this cruise! So, we'll have to high five each other in passing. :banana:

[acomasdiaz]

There is going to be 12 of us all together Me, Fiance, my mom, stepdad, sister (moh), sisters boyfriend, fiance's best friend (best man), his guest (tbd), and 2 friends of the family with their 2 kids, 6 and 8 who will be our flower girl and ring bearer.

A nice size, we do have a few more people who wanted to go but are still trying to figure out if they can go.

Too funny...there are 12 of us too! :goodvibes

[friends with mickey]

Welcome Kristen! We're having our vow renewal on deck 7 too during this cruise! So, we'll have to high five each other in passing. :banana:

Sounds like the Captian will be very busy on this cruise. Congrats to both of you.:flower3:

[khomer504]

Wow! How exciting, one vow renewal and a wedding... it's gonna be a great cruise!

We are definitely in for the FE exchange, just let me know what we need to do. We just made our reservations for the hotel the night before the cruise and one last night in Disney World the night we get back. Can't believe how real it all seems now!

See you all SOON!

Karen

[acomasdiaz]

We got our cruise docs yesterday! We're so excited!!!! It definitely seems much closer now!!!! :cool1::banana::woohoo::yay::dance3::cheer2:

[acomasdiaz]

Wow! How exciting, one vow renewal and a wedding... it's gonna be a great cruise!

We are definitely in for the FE exchange, just let me know what we need to do. We just made our reservations for the hotel the night before the cruise and one last night in Disney World the night we get back. Can't believe how real it all seems now!

See you all SOON!

Karen

Glad to hear that you will be joining us on the FE. I will add you to the list.

I know...it's getting closer...:)

[acomasdiaz]

We now have 4 familes signed up for the FE Exchange:

acomasdiaz
docjason2
travelgal2
khomer504

I guess we'll keep sign-ups open until Thursday, September 30th, in case anyone else wants to join in. This will still give everyone a chance to get their gifts together.

Can everyone participating PM me the following info:
Names in party
Ages of kids (if any)
Cabin #
If you're celebrating anything special

I will then put a list together for all of us participating.

Can't wait. FE Exchanges are so much fun! :cool1:

[acomasdiaz]

Another little milestone for us that's making it seem close....our passports finally got mailed today and we should have them next week. Kind of exciting...I haven't had a passport since I was 5 and even then it was a british one.

Maybe next I should pack...just in case I forget in the next 40 days :rotfl:

I'm definitely working on my packing list already. The suitcase is already visible and can't wait to start packing too. :woohoo:

[Docjason2]

Does anyone know what staterooms can fit 5 people? I am looking at possibly booking another cruise while on board for 2012 and want to make sure we have enough room. Do you guys think the 2012 itineraries will be out by then?

So I kind of feel bad for my wife on this cruise, I think she was looking forward to having some nice tropical drinks and margaritas on board, we really don't get too much of that around here. We just found out this week that she's going to have to wait another 9 months for those drinks :hug:. Going to be expensive booking for 5 now instead of 4!

Oh and shhh... :ssst: My wife would kill me if she found out I told anyone right now :laughing:

[friends with mickey]

Does anyone know what staterooms can fit 5 people? I am looking at possibly booking another cruise while on board for 2012 and want to make sure we have enough room. Do you guys think the 2012 itineraries will be out by then?

So I kind of feel bad for my wife on this cruise, I think she was looking forward to having some nice tropical drinks and margaritas on board, we really don't get too much of that around here. We just found out this week that she's going to have to wait another 9 months for those drinks :hug:. Going to be expensive booking for 5 now instead of 4!

Oh and shhh... :ssst: My wife would kill me if she found out I told anyone right now :laughing:

Your secret is safe with us and congrats on the happy news:cheer2:
You can get the Drink of the day or other drinks made without the booze so your wife can celebrate too! It is neat that all of our posters are celebrating something on this cruise besides sailing and making new friends. Waiting is the hardest part.

[travelgal2]

Wow-I go out of town for a couple of days...and this board goes to six pages -full of fun and excitement! Congratulations to all -babies :cloud9:, renewals :bride:, birthday :cake: , a wedding :bride:...WOW!:dance3::dance3: I wonder if we can all switch our rooms to deck 7-that seems to be where the party deck is located. :woohoo: How fun to have so many special events this trip!

We are getting excited-well, we have been...but now we are REALLY excited as it comes down to about five weeks. Whew!

As for the launch after the cruise, check the NASA calendar...you may not have missed it totally...I was under the impression that there is one final one scheduled for next Feb. DH was looking at that one too...and since he wanted to go to the launches-I planned Disney fun around both of them. :lmao: I bartered with the cruise this time and he agreed to do the Disney Princess Half Marathon with me in February. :rotfl2: Like I said, he's a space nut, so he'll do practically anything. LOL

Yes, we are filling our days with things to keep busy, as far as the empty nest thing goes-I decided I could either eat or train-so we are in week 8 or our half-marathon training. :scared1: The food on the ship is phenomenal-all three restaurants are very good and Palo's is terrific too. My goal is to just not gain while onboard. We really enjoyed the spa area on the ship. The rainforest room is quite nice as are some of the other treatments and the fitness center view will keep you on the treadmill longer than you expect!

[acomasdiaz]

Does anyone know what staterooms can fit 5 people? I am looking at possibly booking another cruise while on board for 2012 and want to make sure we have enough room. Do you guys think the 2012 itineraries will be out by then?

So I kind of feel bad for my wife on this cruise, I think she was looking forward to having some nice tropical drinks and margaritas on board, we really don't get too much of that around here. We just found out this week that she's going to have to wait another 9 months for those drinks :hug:. Going to be expensive booking for 5 now instead of 4!

Oh and shhh... :ssst: My wife would kill me if she found out I told anyone right now :laughing:

CONGRATS! :cheer2: Don't worry we'll keep your little secret. :goodvibes

As for the cabins, I think that you would have to get a cat. 4 to have 5 people in the cabin. My sis tried that but it was just a lot less expensive to get 2 connecting inside cabins instead.

[Docjason2]

Another token milestone today...got my sailing documents. really nothing new other than baggage tags that I didn't already have online. Just nice to see that DCL logo on some mail. 5 weeks to go!!! Got some pillowcases and a FE coming in the mail.

Wow didn't realize there were going to be other launches. Wikipedia you failed me! Nov 22, and....sweet on my birthday Feb 26 next year! What a great Bday present huh...the very last shuttle launch ever! I doubt they'll be any tickets available for that one. :yay:

I'm a little behind you Tracey, just started working on 5k to begin with. I'd love to be able to do the Castaway Cay 5k maybe on the next cruise, not sure I'd be able to handle it this Oct. Still have a long way to go before I get to where I want, but plenty of time until our next cruise.

[Docjason2]

Found this today for the little ones:

http://www.themouseforless.com/disneynews/?p=1580

[acomasdiaz]

Found this today for the little ones:

http://www.themouseforless.com/disneynews/?p=1580

Oh my! I am even more excited now. :banana: If that's even possible...:rotfl: The kids will definitely be excited. Now, I have to add their costumes to my packing list. Maybe I won't tell them and just surprise them. :rolleyes1 Ah, I know I won't be able to keep it a secret.

[travelgal2]

Thanks for the link to the Halloween news...how fun! I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of costumes (for the little ones) to be pirates and princesses.princess:pirate:

As for Castaway Cay's 5K-DH and I just started our program in July and I was determined to try for the 5K when we went in August. DH decided to sleep in, but I got up with about 6 other folks and the CM and did the 5K. The CM needed to be available for the power walk which started about an hour later. It was so hot and humid...that was my problem, so I walked and jogged the course. However, I finished in time and it was great. Neat to be on the island that early and I rewarded myself with the hearty breakfast at BBB later that morning. CM greeted me at the finish with a cup of water and a DCL water bottle. A neat experience for my first 5K! :cheer2: Didn't feel too bad doing NOTHING the rest of the day on Serenity Bay except lounging in the water. :laughing::laughing: I figured I'd start my "running" at CC-it was AT sea level and I was hoping for some Disney pixie dust to get me through...so I figured I had those two things going for me. LOL

[Docjason2]

Is there a time limit for the 5k? I wouldn't mind jogging/walking through the whole thing. I just don't run marathons at all and don't want to go out there and look dumb :)

I don't know if we're going to pack any costumes for the kids. I don't know if we're going to have enough room in the suitcases, stupid airlines charging stupid fees! Plus we won't be heading home until Monday, so the poor kids will miss Halloween this year anyway :(

[friends with mickey]

Is there a time limit for the 5k? I wouldn't mind jogging/walking through the whole thing. I just don't run marathons at all and don't want to go out there and look dumb :)

I don't know if we're going to pack any costumes for the kids. I don't know if we're going to have enough room in the suitcases, stupid airlines charging stupid fees! Plus we won't be heading home until Monday, so the poor kids will miss Halloween this year anyway :(

I hope that ther is no time limit. I plan on doing the 5k and it will be my first one. I will be jogging/walking it an hope for a time in under 45 minutes. If you want to walk along with me then let's do it.:hourglass

[Docjason2]

Ok sounds good. I just got back tonight from my 5k and was able to jog/walk in 45 minutes, but half of it is uphill which sucks...so hopefully in the next month I can get it better lol.

Saw some posts about Halloween stuff as well on the ships. I think the kids would kill us if they didn't have costumes to go trick or treating. The cruise isn't so bad on the checkbook, it's all the collateral damage caused by it :rotfl:

[travelgal2]

The 45 minute pace should be okay. I think I was close to that when I walked/jogged it a few months ago. The CM just mentioned that he would need to be at the start (our finish, I think) for the powerwalkers at 9:30 (and the 5K started at 8:30, although it took a few minutes to get going as we were waiting on a few other runners and he showed us the course. Its pretty unofficial, so I didn't know my exact time, but I asked a guy the time as I was headed toward the finish and I think I was right around the 45 min mark. The only thing is if you are much longer than that, the CM may not be there to greet you at the finish. I would suggest not forgetting your watch if you really want to know your exact time. Make sure you do whatever stretching you're going to do before you get to the map after leaving the ship-once he said "go" -we went! I was thinking "Oh, no! Where's my warmup?" :confused: But, it was fun nonetheless and if you are walking and jogging, chances are you'll like the course. If I can get DH to go with me this time, we'll both plan to be out there, too.

[SheStang94]

I can't believe it's only 5 weeks away! Just got our cruise documents and marriage license in the mail yesterday! Started making our magnets for the door this past weekend, DF could not understand the reason why, but I told him wait until he gets on the ship, then he will understand! The 5K seems like a fun way to see the island, do you have to sign up in advance or can you do it on the ship? I probably would be able to do the run, but I think the time for the powerwalk (9:30) is more my vacation style. :cool1: Is anyone doing any excursions? I was thinking of signing up for one of the boat rides around the island, but don't know if it's worth it..any suggestions?

[acomasdiaz]

Ok sounds good. I just got back tonight from my 5k and was able to jog/walk in 45 minutes, but half of it is uphill which sucks...so hopefully in the next month I can get it better lol.

Saw some posts about Halloween stuff as well on the ships. I think the kids would kill us if they didn't have costumes to go trick or treating. The cruise isn't so bad on the checkbook, it's all the collateral damage caused by it :rotfl:

I definitely think the kids will want to go trick or treating. I'm sure like me you're going to have to figure out how to stick two more things into those suitcases. :rotfl:

[acomasdiaz]

I can't believe it's only 5 weeks away! Just got our cruise documents and marriage license in the mail yesterday! Started making our magnets for the door this past weekend, DF could not understand the reason why, but I told him wait until he gets on the ship, then he will understand! The 5K seems like a fun way to see the island, do you have to sign up in advance or can you do it on the ship? I probably would be able to do the run, but I think the time for the powerwalk (9:30) is more my vacation style. :cool1: Is anyone doing any excursions? I was thinking of signing up for one of the boat rides around the island, but don't know if it's worth it..any suggestions?

I think we're going to pass on excursions this cruise. With the ceremony on Friday while in Nassau, I don't want to be too far away from the ship. And then in CC there is so many funs things for the kids to do that I don't think we need to book anything.

I can't wait to finish working on my magnets. Of course, my printer decided to stop working right now just when I wanted to star printing my stuff for the cruise. So, now I have to wait to get a new printer.

Are you joining us in the FE exchange?

[SheStang94]

I think we're going to pass on excursions this cruise. With the ceremony on Friday while in Nassau, I don't want to be too far away from the ship. And then in CC there is so many funs things for the kids to do that I don't think we need to book anything.

I can't wait to finish working on my magnets. Of course, my printer decided to stop working right now just when I wanted to star printing my stuff for the cruise. So, now I have to wait to get a new printer.

Are you joining us in the FE exchange?

I'm not sure what a FE exchange is, can you give me a brief background and a couple examples of what people usually give?

[SheStang94]

Oops - I meant we were thinking of a boat trip around Castaway Cay. I'm so paranoid, I am tempted not even to get off the ship in Nassau because I don't want anything to interfere with the ceremony and the preparations for it.

[acomasdiaz]

I'm not sure what a FE exchange is, can you give me a brief background and a couple examples of what people usually give?

I got this really good explanation from someone else on the boards. :thumbsup2

Outside of each cabin, there is a metal fish that the crew use to leave messages, etc for people in their cabins. The FE is a (generally) cloth device with several pockets, that "extends" the fish by hanging off of it, and adding pocket space for folks in an organized "FE Exchange" to leave you small gifts.

As for some examples, I can tell you that last year as a cabin gift we gave out a little baggie with small chocolates and tic tacs. They were each wrapped in personalized wrappers with our cruise date. For the kids, I gave a baggie with disney pencils, candy, disney stickers, glow bracelets, etc. I also gave a couple of gifts related to events happening onboard like a wedding and some birthdays. :goodvibes

We got from other passengers: a tote bag, lip balm, a photo album, personalized candy bar, an envelope with cool pics from around disney, some pens, small bottles of alcohol, shot glasses etc. The kids got: notebooks, stickers, bracelets, candy, toys, etc.

There are several threads on here with ideas for "homemade" gifts as well as gifts "for the not so crafty". It's lots of fun and the things don't have to be over the top. Plus, we don't have many families participating so it shouldn't be too difficult. On my last cruise we had to have gifts for over 20 cabins which was alot. On this one, so far we have 4 families participating.

We'd love to have you join in.

[SheStang94]

:banana::duck:ok - My fiance and I are in!:banana:

[Docjason2]

Here is a couple links from the FAQ section about FE and such.

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

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1219607

Basically it's kinda like a small secret santa for the families/people who decide to participate. I like the idea...a ship with 3000 people and a few get together randomly on a forum just to talk about the cruise and get to know some people is amazing.

Just got my markers for signatures, magnetic paper for magnets, also found out at work they have an industrial sized laminater :thumbsup2 so once I get back to work I will take advantage of that, and our color printer! :rolleyes1 Passports should be arriving later this week wohoo!!!

We've booked a couple things for the cruise, I know it's our first one and it's also short...but we're not sure how often we'll be coming back. We are going on the See and Sea tour of Nassau so we can get some good sightseeing in. And for Castaway Cay just snorkels for me and DW and bike riding for the family. My wife is kind of bummed she isn't supposed to go into hot tubs now, so I think she'll book a massage or something at the spa instead.

[travelgal2]

I got this really good explanation from someone else on the boards. :thumbsup2

Outside of each cabin, there is a metal fish that the crew use to leave messages, etc for people in their cabins. The FE is a (generally) cloth device with several pockets, that "extends" the fish by hanging off of it, and adding pocket space for folks in an organized "FE Exchange" to leave you small gifts.

As for some examples, I can tell you that last year as a cabin gift we gave out a little baggie with small chocolates and tic tacs. They were each wrapped in personalized wrappers with our cruise date. For the kids, I gave a baggie with disney pencils, candy, disney stickers, glow bracelets, etc. I also gave a couple of gifts related to events happening onboard like a wedding and some birthdays. :goodvibes

We got from other passengers: a tote bag, lip balm, a photo album, personalized candy bar, an envelope with cool pics from around disney, some pens, small bottles of alcohol, shot glasses etc. The kids got: notebooks, stickers, bracelets, candy, toys, etc.

There are several threads on here with ideas for "homemade" gifts as well as gifts "for the not so crafty". It's lots of fun and the things don't have to be over the top. Plus, we don't have many families participating so it shouldn't be too difficult. On my last cruise we had to have gifts for over 20 cabins which was alot. On this one, so far we have 4 families participating.

We'd love to have you join in.


Very good explanation. We've been the recipients of virtually the same things. You can tell, too, who has access to a die-cutting machine...as we got some fabulous homemade bookmarks before, too! :laughing: I've also heard some folks will give little items pertaining to their home-My MIL on our last cruise brought everyone on the FE list some stuff from Georgia and some UGA stuff-(although I am not sure how well that went over if someone was rootin' for another SEC team...:laughing: ) We've received Texas seasonings from a family in Texas, a coaster or something if memory serves from another area, etc...things like that as well.

As for the FE themselves, the wall that the fish is on is only approx 9 or 10 inches wide (its just to the side of your stateroom door, so if you are making one, I wouldn't go very wide.) There are threads on here with photos of others' FE's-I got some great ideas and then made one for myself and my in laws. I've also seen bags sewn together and I think someone mentioned some sort of shoe organizer or closet organizer is what they used...although I can't imagine that one being very big. Maybe it was for a child's closet and it was just the right size?

20 families before? Wow-we had 8 rooms the last time and probably that many before, too...and wouldn't you know, although it was only about 8 rooms...they were ALL OVER THE SHIP!!! We certainly got our exercise during the gift delivery. It was fun being sneaky and you certainly get to know the ship this way!

We brought enough gifts from our FE exchange that I made goody bags for our tipped servers and stateroom attendant. I know they have very little room themselves, but in addition to their tips I wanted to share some things with them as well on the last day. I've read there are certain things they aren't allowed to have (don't know enough about this to say one way or the other what the policy is...) but we've made them part of our FE too. :yay:

Save room in your luggage to bring your new goodies home! pirate:

[SheStang94]

Thanks for the great explanations! I went on eBay last night and bought our fish extender!

[Docjason2]

Optimus Prime and Cinderalla costumes bought...I swear kids costumes nowadays are bigger and more elaborate. I'll need a suitcase just for these.

[acomasdiaz]

Optimus Prime and Cinderalla costumes bought...I swear kids costumes nowadays are bigger and more elaborate. I'll need a suitcase just for these.

Yay! :banana:

We're trying to make room for Belle and the Green Alien from Toy Story too.

[Docjason2]

WOOHOO :banana: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo:
1 month from today and we'll be flying into Orlando!!!!
Can't.....keep.....waiting.....:headache:

[acomasdiaz]

I know...Can't wait...Only one month to go...:dance3:

[friends with mickey]

We are counting down the days here in Texas as well. Why does one month seem a lot shorter than 30 days?:confused3
Only 5 more Thursdays until we are all on board!

[acomasdiaz]

I wanted to post a reminder that tomorrow will be the last day to sign up for the FE Exchange.

We currently have 7 staterooms participating:

acomasdiaz
docjason2
travelgal2
khomer504 (3 staterooms)
shestang4

If you have signed up yet and are interested in participating, please let me know.

If you are participating and haven't already done so, please PM me the following info:
Names in party
Ages of kids (if any)
Cabin #
If you're celebrating anything special

I will then put a list together for all of us participating.

Plus, let me know if anyone in your party has any allergies we should know about.

[Docjason2]

Almost October!!!!

I just realized once the cruise is over....I won't have anything to look forward to :sad1:

[acomasdiaz]

Almost October!!!!

I just realized once the cruise is over....I won't have anything to look forward to :sad1:

Then, you'll just have to book another one while on board. ;)

[SheStang94]

I CAN'T WAIT...IT'S ALMOST HERE!!! :banana: Just filled out our online check-in, purchased new luggage and faxed over our wedding detail confirmation (Oct. 29, 5:30 PM) acomasdiaz...when is your ceremony?

Are any adults going to be dressing up for the halloween activities??

[Docjason2]

Yes I think we will be rebooking while onboard. If the 2012 dates aren't out yet I am sure we'll create a 2011 dummy date. I think we'll skip a vacation next year and work on the house. I can't imagine the wait for 2 years....and I thought 2 months was bad lol!!!

I don't think we'll be dressing up, just the kids. I'm already reading the baggage fees enough as it is for the airlines :(

[acomasdiaz]

I CAN'T WAIT...IT'S ALMOST HERE!!! :banana: Just filled out our online check-in, purchased new luggage and faxed over our wedding detail confirmation (Oct. 29, 5:30 PM) acomasdiaz...when is your ceremony?

Are any adults going to be dressing up for the halloween activities??

It looks like we'll be going right before you. We're currently scheduled for 4:00 pm. :goodvibes

[acomasdiaz]

The FE Exchange Participants List have pm'd to those participating. We have 7 cabins taking part in the fun! :cool1:

I've got some ideas and can't wait to start working on them! :)

Just a reminder: We're doing overall cabin gifts as well as gifts for each of the kids. :goodvibes

[Docjason2]

The FE Exchange Participants List have pm'd to those participating. We have 7 cabins taking part in the fun! :cool1:

I've got some ideas and can't wait to start working on them! :)

Just a reminder: We're doing overall cabin gifts as well as gifts for each of the kids. :goodvibes

Thanks so much for making the list and gathering the information! I'll have to start working on gathering the gifts for everyone!

[Stay_home_Dad_Scott]

Anyone else staying at the airport Hyatt the night before the cruise? We found a good deal on a room at gtahotels.com...we're taking the Disney transfer over to the port from the hotel. I love that moment on the way to the port when you come over the hill, and get your first glimpse of the ship...

[Docjason2]

I am actually looking forward to that first glimpse....even more so the kids expressions!

My wife works for Hampton Inn so we're staying at the airport one the night before and after we return to port.

[acomasdiaz]

Since we live in South Florida, we'll just be driving up that morning. We usually leave around 6am while the kids are still sleeping, then we stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast around 7:30am, then go straight to Port Canaveral. Can't wait...

[friends with mickey]

We fly in from Houston the morning of the cruise landing at MCO at 10:42 am. We are only traveling with carry ons so we won't have to wait for baggage. We rented an Avis car to drive to the port so we can stop and get some wine and sunscreen (not to be used together). Our goal is to be to the ship between 12:30 and 1pm. Great weather will be a plus!

[khomer504]

Just check in :) We are really starting to get excited. Each child has a countdown calendar and my youngest wakes up every morning and tries to skip ahead and cross of the "1" so we can go on the boat with Mickey!

Hope everyone's having fun with last minute plans... only 21 days til we fly down to Florida and 22 days til we sail! See you all there :)

Karen

[acomasdiaz]

Oh my! Only 3 weeks left!!!! We can't wait!!!! :cool1:

I am actually working on finishing up our packing list right now...

[Docjason2]

I like this....been so busy at work the last week has flown by and haven't fretted over how much time we have left before the trip.

I need to start working on the packing list and trying to get the FEs done this week. I know it's only a 3 day cruise, but I really don't want to leave anything behind, but I REALLY don't want to pay any extra airline bag fees if I can avoid it! :headache:






BTW....Yankees SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

[acomasdiaz]

Well, our life just got really busy too...We've had our house for sale for about 4 months now and now have gotten an offer. They want to close before we leave on the cruise, so that leaves me less than 3 weeks to pack up our whole house. :scared1: At least, it will keep my mind off the cruise. Plus, the cruise will also get to be be a celebration of the house sale and our move into a new home. :upsidedow

[Docjason2]

Can't believe you are selling your house this month before the cruise. After 4 months that must be a huge relief, but also a huge stress. I absolutely hate moving!

I suppose the good news is that we have less than 3 weeks now and it'll be a great getaway after packing everything up. I have half of the FE stuff ready, clearance swimming items bought before the winter jackets come out, all the documents printed, and getting ready for packing.

I forget how much October sucks with all the training and inspections we have lined up this month. I think I should take a vacation every OCT to relax now...before the ice and snow comes :(

[acomasdiaz]

I know I can't believe we're closing in 2 weeks and I still have a million things to pack. Plus, I ended up with a stomach bug which put me out of commission for 2 precious days. I don't think I ever be ready in time. :scared1:

I am really lookng forward to this cruise. I will definitely need it after these two crazy weeks. :goodvibes

[khomer504]

I know I can't believe we're closing in 2 weeks and I still have a million things to pack. Plus, I ended up with a stomach bug which put me out of commission for 2 precious days. I don't think I ever be ready in time. :scared1:

I am really lookng forward to this cruise. I will definitely need it after these two crazy weeks. :goodvibes

Oh my, you are amazing! I would be going crazy... no way I could accomplish it all. I'm so impressed! Hopefully the cruise will be a perfect reward for the hard work you'll be doing the next two weeks.

We'll be cheering you on and looking forward to celebrating with you on the cruise!

Karen

[Docjason2]

WOOHOOOOOO :dance3:

2 Weeks left, starting to get antsy!

[acomasdiaz]

Only 10 more days...I can't wait to start doing the single digit dance. :yay:

I think I'm going to start packing a little bit today. It will get my mind off the other packing I still have to do...

[IrenicMom]

Hi all -
Sorry to have been MIA.

We're still a go for this, but honestly? This is the least prepared I've ever been for a trip.

My boys finished their football seasons just in time to delve into hockey (their true love). My oldest is playing traveling hockey this year, so to say we're swamped is an understatement.

My dd's first gymnastics competition is in a month, so practices have picked up there, too.

Between sports and school, as well as a HUGE commitment for me that's coming to a close this weekend, I haven't had two seconds to put to thinking about this. So, if you see a frazzled mom with 18 fruity drinks lined up around the Mickey pool, you'll know it's me :thumbsup2

We also coincidentally have a family from town that will be on the same cruise - we just found this out a week or so ago!

Unfortunately (though I'm sure I'm too late, anyway) I just can't take on doing FEs this trip. At this stage in the game, I just want to get through this weekend and get packed. (No, I haven't even started yet. Yikes!!!!!)

I've been keeping an eye on the weather and it's looking to be nice and warm, but rain in the forecast. My last cruise included a tropical storm, so I'm hoping for more sunny days!!!

Wishing everyone safe travels and no delayed flights! Here's to the best 3 days at sea!!!!

[Docjason2]

330 in the morning, for some reason I can't sleep. Have to say welcome back to Cheryl, and also thanks for the previous TR. It gave me something to read to help me fall asleep. Wait that came out wrong... Pretty much reading anything in the world helps me fall asleep...it was just great to read something to help prepare for our first cruise. :thumbsup2

1 week to go and finally getting everything in order. Counting down the days of work left, and keeping tabs on when the last time we'll need to do laundry for our trip. It'd be nice to keep the shorts out 1 more week before we retire them to the "summer" drawer in the closet.

I have been checking the weather in the bahamas daily at it looks so inviting, hopefully not stifling hot. Seems to be around 85 degrees with a heat index around 91, but hoping it's nice and breezy and not like the muggy heat waves we get in the midwest, those suck! But I think I can live with the heat as long as the rain stays away. All I want is that picturesque postcard fantasy of clear blue skies and crystal aqua blue water and white sugar sand beach. All I ever see in this darn town is an overcast sky with a muddy Mississippi and flood walls. :rolleyes:

OK well take 2 at getting some sleep. Glad it happened tonight though, 1 kid in daycare and the other in school, so will have plenty of "alone time" to take a nap today.

[Docjason2]

Knowing how unbelievably worthless a weather forecast is 6 hours in the future, much less a whole week, I still have hope for a great 3 days next week.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Nassau,%20Bahamas&wuSelect=WEATHER#History

5 days till finally on vacation!!!!

[acomasdiaz]

Five more days!!!! :cool1::banana::woohoo::yay::dance3::cheer2:

Now, I just have to get through the move into storage tomorrow and the closing on Wednesday. Can't wait!

[Docjason2]

Is there normally a get together and such on the beginning of these cruises? I was just wondering if people get upgraded or change rooms how'd we know for the FE stuff.

[travelgal2]

I can't believe our tickers only say "3 DAYS"! :cool1:

I have to contain our excitement around here...our kids are NOT happy with us-as they are still at their respective colleges and are bummed we are not pulling them out to go with us.

I got online to see if we had decided a meet and greet. I'll check back later to see if maybe I'd missed something. Can't wait to meet y'all! Looking forward to some sunshine! I know on our other cruises we've met around 3pm in the Promenade Lounge for a little get together (and go over if anyone's room was changed). Any ideas? 3pm gave folks time to get into their rooms and it was enough time before the 4pm muster drill.

Tracey

[travelgal2]

Whoo Hoo! By the way, we just got our cute little thread to PAGE 10!!! :banana::banana::banana:

[acomasdiaz]

I think meeting at 3pm sounds great! I can definitely be there. :goodvibes

[friends with mickey]

It would be great to get together and put friendly faces with everyone that has been posting. We will be there as well. The packing will start tommorow night at our house! See y'all on board.pirate:

Mike and Debbie

[Docjason2]

That sounds good to me. I'll have to figure our way around the ship a little bit but 3pm in the lounge is that where we will go?

[acomasdiaz]

Only 2 more days. I hope everyone has a very safe trip down to the Cape.

I'll see you all at 3pm at the Lounge...:thumbsup2

[SheStang94]

Hey everyone! Unfortunately I won't be able to make it since that's when we are scheduled to get "officially" married. Hope you have a safe flight down. We are already here and running off to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

[khomer504]

So exciting! I can't believe we are already packed and ready to go. We fly out tomorrow. This is our first cruise so I have no idea where anything is. We will try to make it to the meet and greet... all depends on how my 5 year old is handling all the excitement (he's autism spectrum).

If any rooms change could someone leave a note in our FE? I have all our FE items ready to go and would hate to miss someone! Any other ideas on how to find out if we miss the meet/greet? Thanks!

Karen

[acomasdiaz]

So exciting! I can't believe we are already packed and ready to go. We fly out tomorrow. This is our first cruise so I have no idea where anything is. We will try to make it to the meet and greet... all depends on how my 5 year old is handling all the excitement (he's autism spectrum).

If any rooms change could someone leave a note in our FE? I have all our FE items ready to go and would hate to miss someone! Any other ideas on how to find out if we miss the meet/greet? Thanks!

Karen

Last cruise, if anyone changed rooms, they just left a note in the FE's of others letting them know.

See you soon!

[travelgal2]

It was great meeting the families at the meet/greet and I also wanted to say a hearty THANK YOU for all the terrific gifts! You are all so thoughtful and we had a great cruise! Hope everyone did as well.

Tracey

[Docjason2]

Yes we had a great time for our first cruise. It was great to see you guys all around the ship. This vacation was the best one we've ever had...meeting all the characters, sleeping in late, swimming in the ocean.

The best part was the kids and seeing what was in the FE when we got back to the room. Thanks for letting us be apart of it all and making our first trip that much more enjoyable.

Funny we even ran into Tracey waiting in line to rebook our second cruise. We're heading on the Fantasy June 16th 2012!!!!

[IrenicMom]

So glad to hear everyone had a great time.

I was just happy to have my family all in one place for a few minutes - it doesn't happen much around here during the "busy" season (aka - hockey and gymnastics season).

We rebooked, too. We'll be two weeks after you, Jason, on the June 30, 2012 Eastern on the Fantasy.

[friends with mickey]

It was very nice getting to meet you folks on board and then seeing familiar faces throughout the ship and on the island. We just returned from 5 days at WDW following the cruise. We got a contract on our home that was for sale during our vacation. I negotiated the final terms in an Epcot bathroom. And just when we thought it could not get any better, we were contacted and got a veranda stateroom on the 2011 DVC Members Cruise, so our second cruise will be on September 18th, 2011.:thumbsup2

[acomasdiaz]

We had a great time on the cruise. :goodvibes I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you all at the meet and greet. Unfortunately, it was at that time that I figured out that we had left the kid's suitcase at the house. :scared1: Needless to say, I was absolutely hysterical. :sad1:

So, there was a mad scramble to the shops that evening to buy everything for the kids.

Thank you for all the FE gifts. We loved them all. The kids loved checking the door every 5 minutes. :rolleyes1

We also rebooked for 2012 on the Dream though. June 15, 2012.