Nov 20, 2011 Dream - 3 Nights

[IrishCowboy]

starting Cruise Meet thread as requested by VET.... hope you have a great cruise!:thumbsup2

[VET]

Hello!!!
Has anyone else out there booked this cruise? We booked while on a 3 night on the Wonder. "Only" 700+ more days:scared1: YIKES!!!! Hopefully it will go fast!!!:rotfl2:

[J&C's Mom]

We booked this cruise on our recent 7 day eastern cruise. Myself-Okie; DH-Rick; and our "kids" DS-Joshua 21 and DD Chelsea 19 plan on going-hopefully their college schedule allows it!

Only been off the Magic for a week and a half and I wanna go back!!!

[VET]

Hello!!!:wave2:
Its nice to see someone else on this thread!!! I HAD to book another Disney cruise after we spent the day at Castaway Cay!!! Theres no place else like it and I cant wait to go back!!! We are, Ellen (myself), Valerie, (14 at the time of the cruise) and Thomas (12 at the time of the cruise).

Ellen

[J&C's Mom]

Hi Ellen...nice you live in Florida. When we came back from our cruise on Jan 9th..it was SO COLD! What was up with that?? Can't wait to see the new ship! We booked a cat. with a virtual window. The booking staff told me they are the rooms that are booking up first! Very excited...hope Nemo floats by my "window"....

[VET]

Wow---we have had some VERY COLD WEATHER:scared1: We live about 30 miles SW of WDW. It was even in the 20's for the low for a few days!!! I dont think I could survive in a cold climate!!! Im used to the heat!!! We too have a room with a virtual porthole!!! It sounds awesome!!! On our first Disney cruise we were upgraded to an oceanview...I think I would be disappointed on the Dream if that happened, since there is no virtual porthole there!!! Take care and STAY WARM!!!:flower3:
Ellen

[disneydreamer94]

Hello! We booked this cruise awhile ago... shhh! Our boys don't know yet-it is such a long time away. Not sure when we will surprise them with it but they will be so excited. My husband and I have been on several cruises but this will be our boys' first... November 20th can't get here soon enough!:rolleyes1

[disney1990]

DH & I are booked on this cruise. We have cruised three times before on the Wonder. We were initially supposed to cruise early in 2011, but I start a new job next week and I won't have the time available until Fall 2011.

[GoofyMomInOhio]

We booked this cruise a couple months ago and can't wait! This is our first cruise!!:wizard:

[LD NURSE]

We are going too!!!!!It will be myself, Karrie, my DH, and my son who will be 14 when we sail. It's our second Disney Cruise and I can't wait!!!!!!!:cool1:

[LD NURSE]

I booked today. Are we gonna do a FE gift exchange? I like to start shopping early. Helps to passssssss the time!:hourglass

[VET]

Hello!!!:flower3:
I would love to participate in a FE exchange. It really was so much fun. From purchasing the FE, planning our gifts, distributing them and seeing what treasures we received!!! Whoo-Hoo!!! I just checked our count down...."ONLY" 479 more days to go!!! :yay:

[LD NURSE]

Well, I guess that's better than the 700+ you started with;). I am so excited about this cruise. I can't wait until our thread gets a little busier!!!!!:woohoo:We need to make some noise!!!!!!:yay:

[J&C's Mom]

Hi everyone! Been a long time since I posted or checked the thread. Glad to see more people are logging on. LD NURSE--labor and delivery nurse? I am a nurse too..surgical....I'm the nurse that makes you get out of bed the day after surgery...yep the one all surgery patients do not like!!
Would love to do FE too! :woohoo:

[LD NURSE]

Well, it will be an especially safe cruise--with a bunch of nurses on board!:lmao: I'm only any good if someone is having a baby. I can't get enough of these boards. Hi, my name is Karrie, and I am a disboards addict. It has been 2 minutes since my last post....I need a sponsor.:rotfl2:

[J&C's Mom]

Wow Karrie I just noticed your signature....your DH?? Disney Hater??? Oh my....:confused3
I have my kids so brainwashed..my daughter plans to get married at Disney and then cruise for her honeymoon! Can we say "broke parents?" :rotfl2:

[Wondermom1965]

Hello all my fellow Dis-addicts. :lmao: We are sailing with you! :sail: I would also love to do the FE. We did it on our last cruise and we got rave reviews, check out the posts on July 30th Wonder, so we can't wait to do it again! :cool1: We sailed for the first time in March on the Wonder and loved it so much that we sailed again 4 months later. :rotfl2: Just got home a few days ago.:sad1: We also live in Florida (North), so we may need to take another one in the summer, if I can talk DH into it. :rolleyes1 He thinks I have gone bonkers. :confused: I just can't get enough of the Disney cruise!:cheer2: We couldn't believe how cold it was down here and in the Bahamas this winter. Hopefully it will be warmer for this cruise. Usually my DD is in shorts and tank tops while we are putting up the Christmas decorations. :santa: She will turn 10 during the cruise. :scared1::bday: She will be bringing tons of pins to trade for you pin traders. Last cruise she had 3 full lanyards that she traded. :yay: I am a teacher of 23 years. :teacher: Can't wait to see you all on our cruise!:woohoo:party::dancer::jumping1:

(DW)Patricia-44 :surfweb:, (DH)Frank-43 pirate:, (DD)Anna-8 :littleangel:

[LD NURSE]

:flower3:Welcome!!!!We are growing!!!!!!!!!!!And yes my dear, darling husband is a Disney--World Hater, but I've got him converted when it comes to cruising. He does think that DCL service is second to none.:)

[Tinkerbell.RN]

Hi! We had to change our summer plans due to all the DVC rooms being booked. So we are thinking of booking this cruise.

It seems to be destined: I'm a nurse too! I was a pediatric nurse for almost 20 years. Now I work adult medical-surgical. That means pretty much anything that doesn't have it's own specialty floor.

This will be our 4th cruise for the whole family. My oldest daughter made a wish on the first one that we would take a Disney Cruise every year! Her wish hasn't quite come true, but we are all definitely looking forward to the Dream.... and later the Fantasy!

My DDs will be 12 and 14 at sailing. We have done the FE gifts on 2 of them. It's great fun and I would love to do it again. Hopefully this time our plans will stick. We are keeping it a surprise from our daughters. I guess we'll have to tell them we are going somewhere so they can tell their teachers they will miss some school days!

[Tinkerbell.RN]

Hi everyone! Been a long time since I posted or checked the thread. Glad to see more people are logging on. LD NURSE--labor and delivery nurse? I am a nurse too..surgical....I'm the nurse that makes you get out of bed the day after surgery...yep the one all surgery patients do not like!!
Would love to do FE too! :woohoo:

Day after? How about the day of? No lolly-gagging... up and at 'em!

[SucalT]

My first cruise is less than 3 weeks from now. While on-board, I plan to rebook for this and the 3-day preceding on 11/17/11. Looking forward to my B2B. As of now, it will be me and DD(7). Look forward to meeting all of you over the next 14 months.

[LD NURSE]

Glad to see we are growing!!!!Welcome everyone!!!!:flower3:

[SucalT]

My Ex is an L&D nurse also. She is joining me on my cruise next week; who knows, she may join on this cruise as well. :)

[J&C's Mom]

Okay...I'm ready and needing a cruise...can't believe we still have over a year to go...I WANNA GO NOW!! :crazy:

[VET]

Okay...I am going through some SERIOUS "cruise fever"!!!
We booked a spring break cruise on Royal Caribbean. This will be our first cruise with them.
We went to the beach next to Port Canaveral last week and watched the Wonder and the Freedom of THe Seas sail away...I think it only made my cruise fever worse!!!
Oh well....every day is a day closer!!!

[SucalT]

Booked and confirmed! See y'all in 419 short days!!

We would love to have you join us for the 3-day prior to this sailing and make it a B2B for you too.

[VET]

So...how was your first Disney cruise??? Since you are booked for your B2B, I assume it was great?!?! How did your daughter enjoy it???...Okay...last question....Did you write a trip review???

[SucalT]

So...how was your first Disney cruise??? Since you are booked for your B2B, I assume it was great?!?! How did your daughter enjoy it???...Okay...last question....Did you write a trip review???

The cruise was really awesome, however WAY too short.

My daughter loved everything about the cruise! We really had a great time.

No, I did not complete a trip review. I was so overwhelmed with the entirety of the trip, that I think specific details would be a major problem! I did bring Navigator's back and posted them for all to see. That is about he most I was able to contribute to the board from this trip.

I am regretting not booking a third dummy date so that I could cruise again before this scheduled trip.

[alexturner74]

Hi there, we just got off the WBTA last week and booked this cruise onboard. It's probably about 50/50 whether or not we take this one or transfer it to a 2012 Fantasy sailing. We've never done a cruise quite this short, but looking at possibilities of spending some time at WDW over Thanksgiving to extend the trip out to about a week.

Alex

[SucalT]

Welcome aboard! Glad to have you.

[LD NURSE]

Wow, I just looked on DCL website. All the indoor statrooms are sold OUT! There are a few OV cabins left, but we are filling up fast. We are still more than a year out! Looks like we booked at just the right time. Can't wait for 2012 to be anounced!!!Hope everyone is doing well!!!See ya real soon! Right?:thumbsup2

[J&C's Mom]

Wow...just got info in the mail of my assigned dining and theater times. Makes me want to go NOW!!! Not over a year from now....don't know if I can take the wait! May have to look into a quick wonder cruise :)

[SucalT]

Wow...just got info in the mail of my assigned dining and theater times. Makes me want to go NOW!!! Not over a year from now....don't know if I can take the wait! May have to look into a quick wonder cruise :)

Which dining/show did you get?

We currently have Main dining and 9pm show. Considering changing to Late Dining and 7:00 pm show.

[GoofyMomInOhio]

Which dining/show did you get?

We currently have Main dining and 9pm show. Considering changing to Late Dining and 7:00 pm show.

We are assigned to the main dining and 9pm show but are thinking that we should change it so that our youngest isn't sleeping through all the shows. The letter made us even more excited for this cruise!

[SucalT]

It is gonna be a long year! We can't wait for this B2B. :cool1:

[J&C's Mom]

We too are main dining with 9pm show. I'm glad for this...always dislike eating late. Ok...so I need to lose 30 pounds by next November....when I get on that ship I eat like a hog:scared1: Anyone else?

[SucalT]

We too are main dining with 9pm show. I'm glad for this...always dislike eating late. Ok...so I need to lose 30 pounds by next November....when I get on that ship I eat like a hog:scared1: Anyone else?

I just got done losing 63 pounds prior to my September 2010 Wonder cruise. I plan on it staying off. :-)

[J&C's Mom]

I just got done losing 63 pounds prior to my September 2010 Wonder cruise. I plan on it staying off. :-)

I had lost 85 pounds back in 2001---kept it off for a long time-but had a lot of stress this year-my mom passed away one month ago today and I am a stress eater....so put on 30 of the 85 I had taken off....back to the drawing board :scared:

[J&C's Mom]

I just got done losing 63 pounds prior to my September 2010 Wonder cruise. I plan on it staying off. :-)

How rude am I???? CONGRATS ON THE 63 POUND LOSS:woohoo::cheer2:

[SucalT]

How rude am I???? CONGRATS ON THE 63 POUND LOSS:woohoo::cheer2:

Thanks.

Shall we just go ahead and declare this the nurses cruise?

[J&C's Mom]

Thanks.

Shall we just go ahead and declare this the nurses cruise?

Yes...lets...

[LD NURSE]

Congrats on the weight loss! I have a lap-band and lost 80lbs. Would like to lose 50 more before our cruise! But I still LOVE the food!!!I just make everyone wait on me until I get done eating. With all the nurses on this trip--we should be covered for any medical emergency. Hopefully, we won't experience any. I like to have a few drinks on board---get away from the stress of work.;)

[LD NURSE]

J & C's Mom--so sorry about your loss. :flower3:

[J&C's Mom]

J & C's Mom--so sorry about your loss. :flower3:

Thanks...

[Tinkerbell.RN]

Hi... and unfortunately ... goodbye.

I'm sure the rest of the nurses will understand (somewhat). But, unless the cruise is the only thing we do on our trip, I can't get the time off. Where I work now blocks off vacations from the week of Thanksgiving through the end of December. Sooo.... no pre-Thanksgiving cruise for us.

(My husband thinks this makes no sense... that staffing has to be higher at holidays than on regular days. I told him that what will probably happen is that some of the staff will end up off "on call" due to low census. But, since the prn - or as needed- staff will probably not sign up for as many shifts as usual, they need to guarantee their staffing. It's kind of dumb anyway, since they only allow 1 or 2 people off in any given week anyway. But I have to live with it.)

[SucalT]

Hi... and unfortunately ... goodbye.

I'm sure the rest of the nurses will understand (somewhat). But, unless the cruise is the only thing we do on our trip, I can't get the time off. Where I work now blocks off vacations from the week of Thanksgiving through the end of December. Sooo.... no pre-Thanksgiving cruise for us.

(My husband thinks this makes no sense... that staffing has to be higher at holidays than on regular days. I told him that what will probably happen is that some of the staff will end up off "on call" due to low census. But, since the prn - or as needed- staff will probably not sign up for as many shifts as usual, they need to guarantee their staffing. It's kind of dumb anyway, since they only allow 1 or 2 people off in any given week anyway. But I have to live with it.)


So sorry to hear that. We are working on trying to get the week off for my ex-wife. I am pretty sure I will have to call in sick from the ship(one, maybe two days), but there is not any more penalty for calling in on a holiday week than any other week for me.

The opposite is true for my ex. If she calls in on a holiday week, bad things can happen to her. :-/

[J&C's Mom]

Hi... and unfortunately ... goodbye.

I'm sure the rest of the nurses will understand (somewhat). But, unless the cruise is the only thing we do on our trip, I can't get the time off. Where I work now blocks off vacations from the week of Thanksgiving through the end of December. Sooo.... no pre-Thanksgiving cruise for us.

(My husband thinks this makes no sense... that staffing has to be higher at holidays than on regular days. I told him that what will probably happen is that some of the staff will end up off "on call" due to low census. But, since the prn - or as needed- staff will probably not sign up for as many shifts as usual, they need to guarantee their staffing. It's kind of dumb anyway, since they only allow 1 or 2 people off in any given week anyway. But I have to live with it.)

Wow...this stinks! :scared1: My hospital doesn't let us have time off for the 2 weeks of Christmas and New Years-nothing about Thanksgiving. Made sure though that I work Thanksgiving this year so to have off next-just in case.

[J&C's Mom]

OK....I'm ready to go now! Is it almost time? Hellllooooooooo?!??? Anybody out there??? :lmao: Guess I'll go to work....

[Tinkerbell.RN]

So sorry to hear that. We are working on trying to get the week off for my ex-wife. I am pretty sure I will have to call in sick from the ship(one, maybe two days), but there is not any more penalty for calling in on a holiday week than any other week for me.

The opposite is true for my ex. If she calls in on a holiday week, bad things can happen to her. :-/

Wow...this stinks! :scared1: My hospital doesn't let us have time off for the 2 weeks of Christmas and New Years-nothing about Thanksgiving. Made sure though that I work Thanksgiving this year so to have off next-just in case.

I've had the Christmas to New Years restrictions before. When I was in California there wasn't a restriction, but we signed up in groups for vacations. Since I wasn't in the top group, I basically told my husband I would never get a vacation for Christmas! Even with the restriction to not have the same week 2 years in a row, there were plenty of people to grab it. But Thanksgiving was never really a problem.

Good luck to your ex SucalT. I know I would be in trouble if I called in "sick"! As it is, any weekend we call in we have to make up. And, if we are really, truly sick and call in 2 days or more, we get 2 "incidents" rather than the traditional 1 incident. Makes for people coming in when they're still sick!

I hope you all have a great cruise! I might just stay subscribed to the thread to follow your progress!;)

[Wondermom1965]

Wow...just got info in the mail of my assigned dining and theater times. Makes me want to go NOW!!! Not over a year from now....don't know if I can take the wait! May have to look into a quick wonder cruise :)

We haven't received anything yet. This is the first time we booked on-board and gave them a travel agents name. Will this make a difference?:confused3

[J&C's Mom]

We haven't received anything yet. This is the first time we booked on-board and gave them a travel agents name. Will this make a difference?:confused3

We only used a travel agent one time...the information was sent to them first, and then they sent it to us.

ONE YEAR FROM TODAY :cool1:

I wanna go on the Aqua Duck!! I'll bet the lines will be looooong!

[VET]

We haven't received anything yet. This is the first time we booked on-board and gave them a travel agents name. Will this make a difference?:confused3


I received the notice about the show times too. I didn't use a travel agent...booked while on the Wonder.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!!! Its so nice to see our count down is LESS than a year away!!!

Ellen:cheer2:

[disneygirl319]

Just checking in...trying not to get TOO excited about the cruise (just yet). I had booked another Disney cruise for this Dec (2010) but ended up having to cancel it at the last minute due to a last minute financial issue (not to mention I was already booking/paying for ANOTHER cruise in Feb...on RCI!). I then switched to this cruise (Nov 2011) to give me plenty of time to plan and, more importantly, PAY.

So if we do make it, it will be me, DH, and DS (age 10).

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and can't wait until next year!
:cool1:

[mnrhannah07]

I am hoping to book this cruise with the next month or so...We are already booked and ready to go on the Nov 17th 2011 cruise right before this one..We are going to be in Orlando from Nov 5th then head to Port to do these back to back cruise's! We will be in for the FE as well.....

[SucalT]

I am hoping to book this cruise with the next month or so...We are already booked and ready to go on the Nov 17th 2011 cruise right before this one..We are going to be in Orlando from Nov 5th then head to Port to do these back to back cruise's! We will be in for the FE as well.....

That will make at least our two families doing the 17&20 B2B. :)

[mnrhannah07]

wow this is a nice change! Finally some action on a meet thread! There is NOTHING going on on the other one for the Nov 17th cruise! I swear every time I log in to that thread I swear I hear crickets!!! :rotfl2:

[tiggercraZ]

Booked the cruise last week through DVC. Can't believe how fast this cruise is selling. This will be our second cruise---can't wait.

We would love to be included on FE. Didn't have enough interest or time to do this on our first cruise. If anyone can fill me in on how this works, I would appreciate it!

[kellya6]

New to these boards and Disney cruising! We will be on this cruise with extended family. Myself, DH and 4 DDs (ages 7, 9, 15, 18) will be travelling with my mother and my 2 brothers families and nieces and nephews ages 8, 10, 11, 11, and 13. I would love for all of us to participate in FEs as I plan on making one for each cabin.... reading all of the posts about DCL and the Dream has me so excited!!

[mnrhannah07]

:surfweb:

[hdmeza]

We just booked this one!! So excited!! :yay:

I would love to participate in the FE's, I have been reading about them and think it would be great fun!!!

One question..I booked cat 5E, got assigned room, it is right over the theater...do you think it will be overly noisy? we have second dinner and last showing, so I am wondering if by the time we got back to the room it would be OK.

Also most of the kids clubs are on our level..good for DD (will be 8), we are near the front what do you think traffic will be like?

OOOOHHHHH the questions!!! I'm sure I will have planty more, I look forward to hearing from shipmates (hopefully turned friends!)

Heather

[Wondermom1965]

Can't wait to get on the new ship, don't know if I can wait till Nov.:woohoo: This will be our 3rd Disney cruise. We did the FE's on our 2nd one, so much fun. :yay: We would love to do it again this time. :thumbsup2 I have a question. Our other cruises were 4 day, this is a three day. Do they still have the pirate: Pirate Party on the three day? :confused3 Can't wait to meet you all. We will be DW(46), DH(44), DD(10) at the time of the cruise. Oh, my DD really got into pin trading because of the cruise, so if anyone is interested, they usually have it every evening around 7pm. I'm sure we will be there. She got plenty of new ones at Christmas :santa: and is getting them ready for trading. See you all soon! :dance3::cheer2:

[hdmeza]

OOO mY DD absolutely loves pin trading too!! At WDW it was a sport to her!!!


Did I see someone say they would work on coordinating the FE?

[hdmeza]

FE's? anyone...WOW I am way toooo excited November is SOOOO far away!!!

[Fivepin]

I am hoping to book this cruise with the next month or so...We are already booked and ready to go on the Nov 17th 2011 cruise right before this one..We are going to be in Orlando from Nov 5th then head to Port to do these back to back cruise's! We will be in for the FE as well.....

That will make at least our two families doing the 17&20 B2B. :)


Now 3 families :cool1:

[Fivepin]

Will there be an FE exchange? Can't really plan for this cruise at the moment, but always good to know in advance. There are around 77 cabins(can't remember the exact amount of people) participating for the MV on 1/26.

[mnrhannah07]

We too are doing the b2b nov 17 and nov 20 cruise's...Had a blast doing the FE would love to plan and organize it if needed! Im a stay at home mom, my husband works with the sheriff dept. and works alot so all I have time to is plan!! If everyone is ok with this, let me know and I can start the spreadsheet...I will also post this for the other cruise and see what the other's think of this! Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

[hdmeza]

.Had a blast doing the FE would love to plan and organize it if needed!

yay! I'm a newbie cruiser, but sounds like a plan to me!!!!

Will we also arrange a quick DISer meet and greet? I know it's only 3 nights..but hey I would love to meet you guys!!!

[mnrhannah07]

I would love also like to have a quick meet and greet! It's always fun to meet all of our fellow diser's!

[Fivepin]

We too are doing the b2b nov 17 and nov 20 cruise's...Had a blast doing the FE would love to plan and organize it if needed! Im a stay at home mom, my husband is a sheriff and works alot so all I have time to is plan!! If everyone is ok with this, let me know and I can start the spreadsheet...I will also post this for the other cruise and see what the other's think of this! Looking forward to getting to know everyone!


That sounds like a plan to me. Just let us know what information you need. I have participated in many FE exchanges, and they are all so much fun, especially for the kids. Mine liked going back to room every night to see if they got any new goodies. They also like to pass them out. If it's a big group, I divide up the list, and my 2 oldest go off together to deliver. They get a kick out of roaming the ship without their parents.

A little meet n greet sounds great, kind of tough since there's no sea day, but it would be nice to meet everyone and take a group photo.

Off to get the kids to school.

[mnrhannah07]

OK, if anyone would like to particpate in the F.E, just PM your dis name, each person's name in your cabin(s), stateroom number(if known), and all ages of children. I hope we can get more people involved! :cool1:

[auntlynne]

Thanks.

Shall we just go ahead and declare this the nurses cruise?

Just booked this cruise while on a 5-night Double Dip on the Wonder (Jan 3-8).

Had to pipe in as I am also an RN, though currently a stay-at-home (when not vacationing) daughter, keeping my 81 yo dad company (mom died last year with Alzheimer's). I can catch a newborn and take care of those in comas - hope neither of these things happen while onboard.

Scheduled to cruise with my DNiece (15) and DNiece (18) - who will be on Thanksgiving week break from Auburn U.

[J&C's Mom]

Getting impatient to cruise...all this snow is doing me in! My baby boy turned 21 today :scared1::scared1::scared1:. How does this happen?? I am only 21 myself??? :rotfl2:

[J&C's Mom]

Had to pipe in as I am also an RN, though currently a stay-at-home (when not vacationing) daughter, keeping my 81 yo dad company (mom died last year with Alzheimer's). I can catch a newborn and take care of those in comas - hope neither of these things happen while onboard.



Wow how many nurses do we have on this cruise so far???

[mnrhannah07]

Any more interested people in doing the FE? We have 5 families included already, We are off to a great start with 10 months to go!

[hdmeza]

Wow how many nurses do we have on this cruise so far???

Well I for one feel good knowing that nurses will be everywhere!!! Can't be a bad thing!:goodvibes

[brianjoy81]

As of right now, my family and mother will be traveling along with you fine people! I have never cruised, but have had trips planned, only to not have them pan out. But, hey, what's life if it doesn't mess up your best laid plans?!
The group will be, me, Joy, DH Brian, my 3 kiddos and my mother. We are taking her along to help with the kids, and she has never been on a vacation like this either. Having never cruised, I have never experienced the FE, but I would sure love to hop on that bandwagon. Here's to only 10 more months and lots of planning and anticipation along the way! :banana:

[GoofyMomInOhio]

Wow, there are alot of nurses on this cruise and a sheriff too! We would love to participate in the FE. My DH is a chemist and I work for the food service dept for our local school district. Can't wait to meet everyone!!

[J&C's Mom]

Well I for one feel good knowing that nurses will be everywhere!!! Can't be a bad thing!:goodvibes

I have dreamed of being a cruise ship nurse....:thumbsup2. Actually last cruise I had a man in front of me in line for buffet get lightheaded and dizzy...we had to sit him down...get him to breath right till the real medical staff got there...thank goodness they were eating in the buffet! :woohoo:

[J&C's Mom]

Well it's official...started back to weight watchers...always have to lose weight before I go on a cruise...always gain big time! We usually go on 7 day cruises and I can gain 9 pounds in that week! :scared1:

[mnrhannah07]

Well it's official...started back to weight watchers...always have to lose weight before I go on a cruise...always gain big time! We usually go on 7 day cruises and I can gain 9 pounds in that week! :scared1:


That's funny, I started back with weight watchers at the beginning of December and have lost 6 pounds now...Pretty good considering it was the holidays and what not! good to know Im not the only one to lose before vacation so I wont be upset if I gain a few back!!!:rotfl2:

[J&C's Mom]

Sure wish I was on the Disney Dream right now! :banana:

[GoofyMomInOhio]

Sure wish I was on the Disney Dream right now! :banana:

Me too! Where in PA are you from? We were just in Pittsburgh this weekend for a hockey tournament.

[VET]

Hello everyone!!!

I havent checked these boards lately...and wow!!! Lots of posting to catch up on. We are on the count down for our spring break cruise on RCCL. This will be our first one with them. I am REALLY getting excited about our Dream cruise now, with all of the news releases lately!!!

mnrhannah07...
I see you're from Milwaukee...
Me too!!! However, we moved to FLorida when I was 7. I still love to go back and visit friends and family. Also, I saw your husband works for the sheriff...me too. I'm a detention deputy. Thanks for organizing the FE!!!

Ellen

[VET]

I almost forgot...

Just a suggestion...

On our last Disney cruise, (a 3night) we met in the atrium about 30 minutes before the muster drill. It worked out well. It was so much fun meeting everyone...also took a group photo.

Ellen

[VET]

Will there be an FE exchange? Can't really plan for this cruise at the moment, but always good to know in advance. There are around 77 cabins(can't remember the exact amount of people) participating for the MV on 1/26.


Hello!!!
I just noticed you leave in 5 days!!!

Have a great trip!!! Hopefully you can give us some inside info on the Dream?!?!?

Also saw you are from Treasure Island...nice!!! We love to go to the beach in that area. We live in Lakeland.

[J&C's Mom]

That's funny, I started back with weight watchers at the beginning of December and have lost 6 pounds now...Pretty good considering it was the holidays and what not! good to know Im not the only one to lose before vacation so I wont be upset if I gain a few back!!!:rotfl2:

Wow that's great...I have gained 30 pounds in the last year or so...ugggh!
Losing through the holidays...man that is outstanding!

[J&C's Mom]

Me too! Where in PA are you from? We were just in Pittsburgh this weekend for a hockey tournament.

Oh I'm in the east...just about 40 mins or so south east of Philly. My son however is at PennState, State College.

[mnrhannah07]

My mom's family is from Johnstown and Altoona....All the family actually still lives there except her! :rotfl2:

[kristie03]

Hi all! I just found this thread and want to join in on the fun!

I'll be on this sailing along with my DH, DD (11) and DS (6). We are experienced RCCL cruisers but this is our first Disney one and we are so excited!!

Can someone please explain the FE exchange?? I think I want to be included, but I might should know what it is first :)

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[auntlynne]

:dumbo: W E L C O M E :dumbo:

Kristie

First off, FE stands for "Fish Extender." DCL used the metal fish outside the room as a place to leave messages for cruisers. We extend the space to allow for larger or more items by hanging a receptacle from the fish. (Have you seen one yet? - FE that is, not a fish)

Those participating in the exchange give small gifts to the other participants. Some cruises have multiple groups to keep it manageable and other cruises have everyone participate in one large group - that is usually decided by group chatter. I've done groups of 12 cabins and loved being able to get my gifts to the boat and back home without going over luggage allowances.

Some people bring items representative of their hometown, some make crafts that have the cruise info on them, gifts from the dollar tree, CDs of tropical music, Disney-themed toys... Sometimes there is a price-cap to keep from getting out of hand.

Most people will tell you it's coming back to your cabin and finding a gift in your FE that makes it fun, not that you've gotten some "WOW" gift.

There are people who make FEs for sale (I think ETSY might have a dealer); others make their own in the standard fashion, and then there are some very creative people who come up with uses for shopping bags or purses to allow for a depository.

The organizer will collect first names, kids' ages, and cabin numbers and make a list so the participants will know where everyone is. On a three-night cruise, I imagine drop-off is anytime until mid-day on the 3rd day (to allow for packing/leaving bags outside room that night. Yes, most of us put our names/DISboard names on the gifts so you'll know who they are from.

[GoofyMomInOhio]

Oh I'm in the east...just about 40 mins or so south east of Philly. My son however is at PennState, State College.

We were out your way last March. My DH was working as a contractor for a few months at Harley in York so the kids and I headed out to visit. We went to Hershey, Lancaster, Philly (they really wanted to see the Liberty Bell), and alot more. The kids 'collect' states so we crossed over to NJ, then hit DE and MD too. Driving down 95 over the bridges past the stadiums in the wind and pouring rain was a bit scary.

[kristie03]

:dumbo: W E L C O M E :dumbo:

Kristie

First off, FE stands for "Fish Extender." DCL used the metal fish outside the room as a place to leave messages for cruisers. We extend the space to allow for larger or more items by hanging a receptacle from the fish. (Have you seen one yet? - FE that is, not a fish)

Those participating in the exchange give small gifts to the other participants. Some cruises have multiple groups to keep it manageable and other cruises have everyone participate in one large group - that is usually decided by group chatter. I've done groups of 12 cabins and loved being able to get my gifts to the boat and back home without going over luggage allowances.

Some people bring items representative of their hometown, some make crafts that have the cruise info on them, gifts from the dollar tree, CDs of tropical music, Disney-themed toys... Sometimes there is a price-cap to keep from getting out of hand.

Most people will tell you it's coming back to your cabin and finding a gift in your FE that makes it fun, not that you've gotten some "WOW" gift.

There are people who make FEs for sale (I think ETSY might have a dealer); others make their own in the standard fashion, and then there are some very creative people who come up with uses for shopping bags or purses to allow for a depository.

The organizer will collect first names, kids' ages, and cabin numbers and make a list so the participants will know where everyone is. On a three-night cruise, I imagine drop-off is anytime until mid-day on the 3rd day (to allow for packing/leaving bags outside room that night. Yes, most of us put our names/DISboard names on the gifts so you'll know who they are from.

Thanks for the info......I got thread search happy last night and am all a buzz with excitement to make a fish extender, design door magnets, imagine gifts to give...the whole deal!!!

:dance3::cheer2::dance3:

[mnrhannah07]

Welcome to all the new thread comers! I have started the fish extender list and am up to 7 families..keep the families coming! The more the merrier! Just PM your info!

[SucalT]

I think I have convince myself that I will be on this cruise (as well as the 11/17/11 for a B2B), but I have yet to finalize the rest of my traveling companions. By daughter (7) will be with me, but we are unsure about the third guest.

Once we figure it out, we will join the FE list.

Only 292 more days to go!

I have lost track, who else is doing a B2B with 11/17/2011?

[VET]

WHOOO HOOO!!!!!

Last night, I got my vacation approved at work, so we can officially go on our cruise next month and in November (not that I would have let a little thing like work get in the way):dance3:

[Maltese5]

We will be on this cruise sailing with you guys too! We are also scheduled B2B on the November 23 sailing. Looking forward to The Dream!

[hdmeza]

Welcome to the cruise

Maltese...Where abouts is Southlake, I live just out of Houston

[LD NURSE]

Wow!!! We've grown!!! Getting really excited! Can't wait for the rest of 2012 dates to come out, so, I can maybe book while onboard! We are getting closer!:cool1:

[auntlynne]

The dates are out; there's a thread (or two) showing them for the Fantasy through the end of 2012. As of yesterday, they were only being booked by telephone (or through a TA), not online.

[kristie03]

We will be on this cruise sailing with you guys too! We are also scheduled B2B on the November 23 sailing. Looking forward to The Dream!

I'm so looking forward to The Dream too!! We won't be sailing with you on the B2B but our good friends board on the 23rd as we get off!

Only 273 days from today....that should go pretty fast....right??

[BBCakes]

Hello! We are sailing again - just my daughter and myself! Looking forward to a fun 3 day cruise on the beautiful Dream! :thumbsup2. I'm new to this discussion stuff (obviously), but hope to connect with other DCL cruisers during our voyage on the 20th of November 2011!


Disney Wonder - Bahamas - April 2010

[auntlynne]

Welcome, BBCakes!

I'm traveling with 2 nieces - really looking forward to the Dream.

These 3 night cruises don't usually have as much DIS activity before or during the cruise as the do the longer cruises, but keep in touch. I've enjoyed getting to know people through the forum. On our Med cruise last spring, we shared a table (and a few trips into port) with another DIS family - really helped make the trip.

[mnrhannah07]

Hello fellow cruiser's! I just wanted to update and let everyone know as of right now, we have 9 families included in the FE list already! It's so exciting, and I have a few ideas in mind that I would like to do for ours, just need to get closer to get a better idea of how many families we will end up having...

For everybody participating, when does everybody think the cut off should be to join the list? I know alot of people need time to get things together...

[Maltese5]

Heather,
Southlake is right between Dallas & Ft. Worth. Close to DFW airport.

[cathy_s]

Hi everyone,

We're joining you on this cruise! We have been on 2 previous cruises and have spent the last few years trying to convince friends to join us on a cruise. We go to DW frequently for weekend trips with this other family. They were firm that they were NOT going to cruise. When dates came out for the Dream, we booked (without the other family). We are going on May 19th.

After another not so fun Thanksgiving, they began to look at a cruise. A few weeks ago it came up in conversation that they had decided to go and wanted us to go with them! How could we say no? By the time we met up to book together the Thanksgiving cruise was gone. Schedules were adjusted and we planned to book this cruise and.....it was fully booked :scared1:

We spent days checking for rooms to open. I was lucky enough to get one room and spent the next day (along with my friend) trying to get a second room. Not only were we fortunate enough to get rooms on the same floor, we got them not too far from each other.

I'm actually a lot happier with this cruise than the 4 night on the 23rd. It saves quite a bit of money and with the difference in price, we all can justify spending 3 nights after the cruise at the Swan and STILL come in under the cost of what the 4 night was.

Our family is DH and me and 2 DDs. DD#1 is 17 and DD#2 is 14 (BFF with DD in the other family)

The other family is mom and dad and DD#1 14yo and DD#2 11yo.

I know that I am in for the FE on this cruise and more than likely the other family will want to be part of it too. A PM to the FE list keeper will be sent as soon as I know.

So happy to be part of this group!

[kristie03]

Yea!! I'm glad it worked out for you!

I'm very, very excited about this cruise it will be my first Disney cruise (but I'm experienced on other lines).

I have a DD who will be 11.....let you friends daughter know and PM me if they would like to be pen pals!!

[auntlynne]

People have been talking about the big jumps in prices on DCL cruises; out of curiosity, I thought I'd check the rates for this cruise - no availability for 3 people showing for Nov 20. Wonder if we'll have a full boat?

...Okay, rechecked, leaving off the 3rd person - cabin for 2 is available.

[disneygirl319]

Welcome to all the new thread comers! I have started the fish extender list and am up to 7 families..keep the families coming! The more the merrier! Just PM your info!

Count me in for the FE as well. I already had one made up for my family (I was previously booked on the Magic last year but decided to cancel and wait for the new DREAM!). I also had magnets made up for the door, so I'm all set! :cool1:

What information do you need PM'd to you for the FE? I would think cutting it off either 2-4 weeks before the cruise....?!? :confused3

Side note, we just got back from an RCL cruise (got back last week) and the whole time we were on the ship we kept talking about the upcoming Disney cruise! It was kind of sad, to be sitting there trying to enjoy ourselves but we just couldn't stop talking about a cruise we hadn't even gone on yet!!! :laughing: To say we are excited about the Disney Dream is an understatement. We also felt bad (sort of) that we didn't take our son with but once we saw RCL's kids club we knew he would have hated it. I already know Dream's kids clubs are 1,000 times better!! :cheer2:

[disneygirl319]

People have been talking about the big jumps in prices on DCL cruises; out of curiosity, I thought I'd check the rates for this cruise - no availability for 3 people showing for Nov 20. Wonder if we'll have a full boat?

...Okay, rechecked, leaving off the 3rd person - cabin for 2 is available.

The ship is pretty much SOLD OUT. When I looked on-line 2 weeks ago the sailing date wasn't even available on-line. It took a week for one cabin (oceanview only) to show up. Periodic cabins keep popping up but usually don't last long. :sad2:

[nonnie03]

sooo excited!our first cruise.sailing with daughter,son in law,3 grandkids,and hubby. definately want to participate in FE.count us in! how and when do we start getting totals and room #'s? can't wait to get started making gifts.

[nonnie03]

How do i get added to fe list and when?

[LD NURSE]

Welcome to all the new thread comers! I have started the fish extender list and am up to 7 families..keep the families coming! The more the merrier! Just PM your info!

Nonnie, welcome! Just private message (up in upper right corner of page) your information--ages/sex of children.:thumbsup2

[kristie03]

Welcome!! I know I shouldn't wish days away, but its so hard to remember that when counting down to a cruise!

Especially our first Disney cruise!!

Only 240 days to go........thank goodness I have 2 trips to WDW in the meantime or I might drive everyone around me with all the focus on FE's, potential gifts....oh my!

:banana:

[hdmeza]

It is good to see more people getting on board!! I am really getting excited as this will be our first cruise!! YAY!!! :banana:

[mnrhannah07]

Have you guys started to make or think about what you are making for your fish extender gifts? I have a few ideas but I guess it depends on many families we end up having...I did little bags of odds and ends on our last cruise and it took up too much time so I am going to do something a little different this time and hope it works out better..

[disfamily3]

Please help me out with the way the FE works. I just happened to stumble across this thread and it sounds really fun.
We will be on the Dream Nov. 20-23. DH,myself,DD and DD best friend (both the girls are 12) It is our very FIRST cruise!!!

What do I do first to participate in this?? The girls are very interested too....sounds like a great way for the girls to connect with other kids their age.:beach:

Please clue me in....thanks! We can't wait to see everyone and have a great time!!!
http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/tickers/gc28tu3ehzqnon1t.png (http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/)

[disfamily3]

Sorry, I did go back and read more post and I think I understand now about the FE. I hope we aren't too late to participate. I still would like a little more info. Like do I make a FE with 4 pockets since there are four of us or do we just do it for the kids? How will we know how many FE goodies we will need for to distribute?
On another note, I cannot change the countdown ticker that has the wrong date on it.....where do I go to get rid of it???? The one that says 7 months is the right one.
http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/tickers/gc28tu3ehzqnon1t.png (http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/)

[mnrhannah07]

Sorry, I did go back and read more post and I think I understand now about the FE. I hope we aren't too late to participate. I still would like a little more info. Like do I make a FE with 4 pockets since there are four of us or do we just do it for the kids? How will we know how many FE goodies we will need for to distribute?
On another note, I cannot change the countdown ticker that has the wrong date on it.....where do I go to get rid of it???? The one that says 7 months is the right one.
http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/tickers/gc28tu3ehzqnon1t.png (http://www.myvacationcountdown.com/)


WELCOME!!!

First things first...you can delete the ticker you dont want by editing your signature. You can do this by clicking the quick links tab.
Next, NO! YOU ARE NOT TO LATE TO JOIN THE GROUP! We would LOVE to have you all! I am actually organizing the list and can put you and your family down..The FE is for everyone, even adults so you will need something with 4 pockets so everyone can get their goodies! Let me know your stateroom number, names of everyone in the room and ages of kids. We have about 20 families right now on the list and I think we will keep the list open till beginning or middle of October so everyone has time to get their gifts together..Any other questions, ask away!! :thumbsup2

[disfamily3]

Would anyone care to post pics of their FE holders....I need some inspiration....My creative thoughts are not coming in great numbers right now!
Thank you!;)

[auntlynne]

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/S7300572_2-1.jpg http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp321/auntlynne61/P1010492.jpg

[VET]

Would anyone care to post pics of their FE holders....I need some inspiration....My creative thoughts are not coming in great numbers right now!
Thank you!;)

Hi!!!
I purchased our FE on ebay. It is "Pirates In The Caribbean" themed. I also had one custom made for my sister and her family, also on ebay. Mabey you could get some ideas there too?
I was going to post a picture, but have no idea how to do it!!!:headache::upsidedow:headache:
Ellen

[disfamily3]

where did you get these? Do you make them?

[churchlady]

Subbing! We'll be joining you all, and bringing along my brother and his wife and son! Can't wait!

[kristie03]

Welcome!!

[Wondermom1965]

[QUOTE=hdmeza;39435576]OOO mY DD absolutely loves pin trading too!! At WDW it was a sport to her!!!


DD can't wait to trade with your DD. They should get along well, my DD couldn't get enough of it. She would trade them all and then we would have to buy more!!! Haha :scared1:
So glad more people are on here now. Can't wait to meet you all. This is our third cruise. Did FE's on our second, after I learned about these Disboards. DD loved it! I thought we were to give a gift every day per person, so I got a little carried away. :dance3: I made our own using fabric and fabric glue. I have been collecting FE gifts ever since! :idea: So, I need to PM our FE info., but no clue how to PM? :confused3

[SucalT]

DD can't wait to trade with your DD. They should get along well, my DD couldn't get enough of it. She would trade them all and then we would have to buy more!!! Haha :scared1:
So glad more people are on here now. Can't wait to meet you all. This is our third cruise. Did FE's on our second, after I learned about these Disboards. DD loved it! I thought we were to give a gift every day per person, so I got a little carried away. :dance3: I made our own using fabric and fabric glue. I have been collecting FE gifts ever since! :idea: So, I need to PM our FE info., but no clue how to PM? :confused3

The easiest way to PM (Private Message) is to go to a post by "mnrhannah07" (she is in charge of the FE for this cruise) and click on her user name. Select "Send Private Message" from the menu that appears. It is as easy as that.

You will have to back up one page to find a post by Mnrhannah07.

Alternately, you can click here (http://www.disboards.com/private.php?do=newpm) then type in "mnrhannah07" as the recipient.

Glad to have you on-board.

[Wondermom1965]

Great, Thanks for info :thumbsup2. We can hardly wait! Hope we don't have another freak cold snap down here in November. We better get some wetsuits, just in case. I have a feeling we will be spending lots of time in line for the Aquaduck.:donald:

[hdmeza]

[QUOTE=hdmeza;39435576]OOO mY DD absolutely loves pin trading too!! At WDW it was a sport to her!!!


DD can't wait to trade with your DD. They should get along well, my DD couldn't get enough of it. She would trade them all and then we would have to buy more!!! Haha :scared1:
So glad more people are on here now. Can't wait to meet you all. This is our third cruise. Did FE's on our second, after I learned about these Disboards. DD loved it! I thought we were to give a gift every day per person, so I got a little carried away. :dance3: I made our own using fabric and fabric glue. I have been collecting FE gifts ever since! :idea: So, I need to PM our FE info., but no clue how to PM? :confused3


I just bought some off Ebay..figured she was gonna trade them all why should i be picky...I made sure they were authentic though...
She only has a few (10) I think,she just kept trading for others she liked more, probably made at least 50 trades in our 4.5 day Disney stay!
:dance3:

[mnrhannah07]

I hope this is the part where the thread starts to pick up a little! :rotfl2: I need some company in here to keep me from going crazy waiting for November! DH can only take so much dis info in one day and I think I have him on overload already lol

I have gotten a few messages of people wanting to see the list I have this far so that folks can start planning gifts for different genders and ages, etc. Wondering if any one had any suggestions for the best way to post the list I have, The best idea I have is just post it right in the thread? I have it on speadsheet right now so I would have to type it over again, which isn't that big of a deal since I dont work :lmao:

Oh wait, having a two year is more then work, its slave labor lol (sometimes I feel my day is clean, cook, diapers, clean, cook, diapers, repeat, you get the message)

Anywho, I also had a previous post about when we should close the list and we need to decide this and stand firm on it! On our last cruise, we had people want to join a week before and I had already been done with our gifts and was already on vacation! Lets decide as a group and also decide on the meet and greet place!

[mnrhannah07]

Here is the FE list so far..I will update list every time I get more families! I am NOT including the stateroom numbers at this time for safety issues, the final list will be emailed to everybody when its closed and the stateroom numbers will be on it then! This will also be located in my signature!


mnrhannh07
Mike DH
Rachel DW
Kalel DS/3

fivepin
Judy DW B-Day on 11/20!!
Ray DH
Michael DS/12
Zachary DS/9
Christopher DS/7

tiggercraZ
Tracy DH
Evonne DW
Nicolas DS/14
Jordan DD/12
Courtney DD/10

brianjoy81
Joy DW
Brian DH
Hadley DD/7
Ethan DS/3
Kylie DD/1
Jeanne "Nana"



VET
Ellen Mom
Valerie DD/14
Thomas DS/12

kristie03
Kristie DW
Bill DH
Lindsey DD/11
Nicholas DS/7

lcoasterdizfan
Leslie Sister/
Steve Brother cruise!

Disney1990
Skip DH
Libby DW

SucalT
Lucas
Jennifer (fiancée)
Brenna DD/7

Nonnie03
Vickie DW Celebrating 41st
Len DH Anniversary

Goofmomof3
Michelle DH Celebrating 9th Anniversary
Michael DW
Samantha DD/15
Savannah DD/8
Dalton DS/3


Phillips79
Renea DW
Stephen DH
Kassidy DD/3

Nonnie03's
friends
Sue

Disneygirl319
Michelle DW
DH
DS/10


Disfamily3
Leighann DW
Mike DH
Chandler DD/12

wondermom1965
Patricia DW
Frank DH
Anna DD/9 Turning 10 on the cruise!! 11/21
Brittany DDFriend/12

mbbarron
Michele DW (Bday on 11/21 - turning 39 - Yes 39, really!)
Jon 39 DH
Steven DS/ 9
Ryan - DS/8
Debra - DD/5

mbbarron Friends
Ilene DW
Jerold DH
Daniel DS/9

Tiggerfan1973
Pam DW
Ramoan DH
Grace DD/16
Merlin ((Service Dog))


Discruiser
Kim DW
Dan DH
Nicholas DS/13
Emily DD/11
Olivia DD/7
Nathan DS/5

Cathy_s
Ray DH
Cathy DW
Sara DD/17
Hope DD/14

Cathy_s friends
Guy
Amber
Kaity DD/15
Lina (Angelina) DD/11

BBCakes
Wanda
Elizabeth DD/9

LD Nurse
Karrie--DW
Charles--DH
Hayden DS 14

alexturner74
Alex DH (37) Celebrating 9th anniversary
Jessica DW (36)
Rosalynn DD (5)
Tristan DS (2)

[Wondermom1965]

Thanks so much for the info. :worship: You rock! Sounds good. Can't wait to meet you all. :wave:

[hdmeza]

My best idea would be Oct 31..that would give nearly a month for everyone to finalize thier gifts.
I have never done this before so anyone feel free to chime in if that is not long enough...

[disfamily3]

DD and DD BF are so excited! They talk each day at school about the cruise. They are also into helping me with our FE gifts. I have to admit, this is really a lot of fun and helps past the time (until Nov). I think that planning is almost as much fun as the Disney festivites.

I was also glad to see the ages of some of the kids that will be on our cruise...DD and DD BF are both 12 yr. old girls and it looks like they will have plenty of new friends that will be close to the same age.

:lovestruc

[disfamily3]

Thanks! I am checking those out on Ebay too and on Esty.....I wish I was as talanted as some of these folks that sew. I can't sew on a button very well! lol

[disney1990]

Disney1990 here.
Please change and make Libby the DW and Skip the DH. Thanks!

In the past, we have closed out our FE list about the time of the final payment. That gives people time enough to make gifts or to order gifts through the mail. But, whatever everybody wants, will certainly work for us.




Here is the FE list so far..I will update list every time I get more families! I am NOT including the stateroom numbers at this time for safety issues, the final list will be emailed to everybody when its closed and the stateroom numbers will be on it then! This will also be located in my signature!

hdmeza
Heather DW
Jason DH
Kateri DD/8

mnrhannh07
Mike DH
Rachel DW
Kalel DS/3

fivepin
Judy DW B-Day on 11/20!!
Ray DH
Michael DS/12
Zachary DS/9
Christopher DS/7

tiggercraZ
Tracy DH
Evonne DW
Nicolas DS/14
Jordan DD/12
Courtney DD/10

brianjoy81
Joy DW
Brian DH
Hadley DD/7
Ethan DS/3
Kylie DD/1
Jeanne "Nana"



GoofyMomInOhio
Kelly DW
John DH
Tyler DS/13
Julie DD/12
Erica DD/8

VET
Ellen Mom
Valerie DD/14
Thomas DS/12

kristie03
Kristie DW
Bill DH
Lindsey DD/11
Nicholas DS/6

lcoasterdizfan
Leslie Sister/
Steve Brother cruise!

Disney1990
Skip DW
Libby DH

SucalT
Lucas
Brenna DD/7

Nonnie03
Vickie DW Celebrating 41st
Len DH Anniversary

Nonnie03's family
Michelle DH Celebrating 9th Anniversary
Michael DW
Samantha DD/15
Savannah DD/8
Dalton DS/8
Ddfriend/

Nonnie03's friends
Renea DW
Stephen DH
Kassidy DD/3

Nonnie03's
friends
Sue

Disneygirl319
Michelle


Disfamily3
Leighann DW
Mike DH
Chandler DD/12
Maddie DD BF/12

wondermom1965
Patricia DW
Frank DH
Anna DD/9 Turning 10 on the cruise!! 11/21

[Fivepin]

Would anyone care to post pics of their FE holders....I need some inspiration....My creative thoughts are not coming in great numbers right now!
Thank you!;)

We actually have 2 and I got mine off of EBay as well.

http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo126/fivepin/DSC_0306.jpg
The Beauty and the Beast one is my best friends, we had shared a cabin on the Baltic cruise last summer.

http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo126/fivepin/025.jpg
This was the very first one we got. We got a second when we started getting 2 cabins.

[LD NURSE]

HOW many MORE days do we have? Ugh...I'm dying...:surfweb:

[GoofMomof3]

Does anyone have tweens/teenagers that have facebooks that might want to talk/meet before the cruise?

[Wondermom1965]

Thanks! I am checking those out on Ebay too and on Esty.....I wish I was as talanted as some of these folks that sew. I can't sew on a button very well! lol

I made our Fish Extender right before our July 2010 cruise. I was afraid I ordered, it wouldn't get here on time. I can sew, but I used Fabritac liquid fabric glue. My daughter picked out the fabric. We bought 2 different patterns and several matching ribbons. I just glued it all together. I used glitter glue for our names. It did take some time and planning, but the Fabritac really makes it easy. :yay: We bought the dowel and wooden balls at a craft store. You could glue them together or use screws. I will try to post some pics when I get to our old computer. I have seen some really pretty ones on E-Bay. Good Luck. :thumbsup2

[Wondermom1965]

Can anyone tell me how to post my picture? None of the ways I tried have worked.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1573042605498&set=a.1572889041659.2075464.1218528342&type=1

[Wondermom1965]

It says I can't post attachments. What do I need to do? :confused3 Maybe I don't have enough posts under my belt. Any ideas? :sad2:

[auntlynne]

I'm not sure anyone can post attachments - you've got enough posts (over 10).

I think most people use Photobucket. Free account. Upload your photos.

Once you have uploaded and saved your photo(s), when your mouse is over the photo, a block will come up with various choices of codes - use the IMG code. Click - it will say "copied" Then paste in your DISboard post.

[jkpooh]

Does anyone else have teen boys that will be cruising? We will have our 15 and 14 yo sons with us. This is our first cruise ever. (tips anyone?) We're hoping there are other teens that they can hang out with.

Jill (43) DH- Jeff (52) DS- Tyler (15) DS- Eric (turns 14 week of cruise)

[phillips79]

This will be my famliy's first cruise. It will be myself, my husband and our daughter who is three. We are all very excited!!!!:dance3::cool1::cheer2:

DW Renea :mickeyjum
DH Stephen :earsboy:
DD Kassidy (3) :tinker:

[SucalT]

Southwest releases their schedule for dates after Nov 4 in 25 minutes! We will be flying back the day before Thanksgiving, so I don't expect the airfare prices to get any better than what I will get at midnight Central tonight.

Down to 24 minutes. :cool1:

[Wondermom1965]

I'm not sure anyone can post attachments - you've got enough posts (over 10).

I think most people use Photobucket. Free account. Upload your photos.

Once you have uploaded and saved your photo(s), when your mouse is over the photo, a block will come up with various choices of codes - use the IMG code. Click - it will say "copied" Then paste in your DISboard post.

Thanks Lynne, I will try it that way. :-)

[SucalT]

Southwest releases their schedule for dates after Nov 4 in 25 minutes! We will be flying back the day before Thanksgiving, so I don't expect the airfare prices to get any better than what I will get at midnight Central tonight.

Down to 24 minutes. :cool1:


Flights are booked, but I am not thrilled with what I had to pay for them!! :sad2:

One more task marked off the list.

[Wondermom1965]

Flights are booked, but I am not thrilled with what I had to pay for them!! :sad2:

One more task marked off the list.

Congrats, I bet the flights are outrageous. Glad you are cruising with us. :-)

[auntlynne]

I hear you and I second that. SW prices were released to day - Nashville to Orlando is $133 + $188 for the RT. And Nashville is a 2-hour drive from home. Makes the Airtran price of $119 each way (from hometown) look so much better. And it is too much as far as I'm concerned. Don't know if the Veteran's Day holiday makes any difference.

[SucalT]

I hear you and I second that. SW prices were released to day - Nashville to Orlando is $133 + $188 for the RT. And Nashville is a 2-hour drive from home. Makes the Airtran price of $119 each way (from hometown) look so much better. And it is too much as far as I'm concerned. Don't know if the Veteran's Day holiday makes any difference.

I paid $307 each for our RT tickets, but without having to pay for baggage fees, I think SWA is still the way to go. Plus I can always hope for a Ding fare sale, because SWA doesn't charge a change fee so if it goes on sale, I can change!

[Wondermom1965]

I have found so many neat items for the FE's!!! I can't wait to make up the goodie bags and distribute them to you all! :banana:

[Wondermom1965]

Hi,
Can you add my daughter's best friend on the FE list under our room? :worship: Brittany will be 12 years old on the cruise. Thanks a bunch! :thumbsup2

[mnrhannah07]

Just wanted to let you all know there were some changes to the FE list so do check the updated list when you all get a chance! Thanks!

[tiggercraZ]

My son will be 14 on the cruise, so am glad to see that he will have other boys his age to hang out with.

[disfamily3]

So if there are say 25 or so families, do people ever do a family type gift that is for the entire family or do people mostly due individual gifts? Starting to stress! LOL

[Maltese5]

Hi Everyone,
Just returned last week from an 11 night Med cruise which was wonderful. Now looking ahead to our next DCL vacation on this cruise. Look forward to meeting you all soon!

[Wondermom1965]

So if there are say 25 or so families, do people ever do a family type gift that is for the entire family or do people mostly due individual gifts? Starting to stress! LOL

Don't stress sweetie, this is supposed to add to the fun, not the stress. :thumbsup2 I'm sure everyone will be happy with whatever you do. :) The first time I participated in FE exchange, I thought I had to give a gift everyday to each person. :scared1: There weren't that many people, so it was fine, but it took a long time to get together. I made labels with our picture, name, and room #. I put the people names, room #, and day # on each bag or basket with the labels. I tried to keep the goodies appropriate to the theme. It was so much easier to distribute once we got there. :wizard: Some things we received were Disney pins for trading or collecting, Disney necklaces, bracelets, a handmade water color picture of the ship with the dates of the cruise. Some people have given out water bottles and magnets they customized, etc. This time will be giving out a variety of pirate treasures, Tinker Bell dominoes, lil' purses, lip gloss, glow sticks, Silly Bands, thick rubber bracelets, watches, beach basket, Christmas items, etc. depending on age level. If the items or bag is too large for the FE, you could attach it to the fish with ribbon or tie wrap. Hope this helps alleviate some of your worry. Can't wait to meet you on the ship. :goodvibes

[disfamily3]

Thanks so much for your help....looking forward to meeting you as well.

[mnrhannah07]

Hey Everyone! hope your summer's are going well! We are just starting to warm up here in Wisconsin. Any who, wondering who is interested in a quick dis-meet up the first day..? I am getting so excited! We are almost to the 120 day mark until we leave for Orlando!! Cant wait to meet everyone!

[BBCakes]

Hello! We would also like to participate in the FE fun! It's just myself and my 9 yr old daughter for our 2nd DCL cruise! :cheer2:I'm going on Ebay to see if I too, can find a cool FE! Thank you so much! :yay:

[mnrhannah07]

Hello! We would also like to participate in the FE fun! It's just myself and my 9 yr old daughter for our 2nd DCL cruise! :cheer2:I'm going on Ebay to see if I too, can find a cool FE! Thank you so much! :yay:



Great! Could you PM me your stateroom number and both of your names? Thanks so much!

[BBCakes]

Great! Could you PM me your stateroom number and both of your names? Thanks so much!

Thanks! Woops.....I tried to send you a PM, but it looks like I'm not eligible yet, and once I submitted my reply, I received the following message: "To be able to send PMs your post count must be 10 or greater."

My name is Wanda and my daughter's name is Elizabeth. Unfortunately, we don't have our stateroom number as of yet. My reservation displays "GTY" :confused3 for now.

[BBCakes]

Woo! :thumbsup2 I'll be celebrating my birthday on the day we are at Castaway Cay (11/22)!:woohoo: I just realized this as I was peeking at our itinerary! I love it! :yay:

[kristie03]

Hey Everyone! hope your summer's are going well! We are just starting to warm up here in Wisconsin. Any who, wondering who is interested in a quick dis-meet up the first day..? I am getting so excited! We are almost to the 120 day mark until we leave for Orlando!! Cant wait to meet everyone!

I'm in for a meet :)

I'm getting very excited too! I would wish for the days to go by faster, but for now I'm enjoying the slow pace of my summer TOO much!

[mbbarron]

Woo! :thumbsup2 I'll be celebrating my birthday on the day we are at Castaway Cay (11/22)!:woohoo: I just realized this as I was peeking at our itinerary! I love it! :yay:

I'll be celebrating my bday the day before 11/21. I can't think of a better place to be on my bday!!!

[mbbarron]

I'm interested in participating in the FE also. This will be our first Disney cruise and the first cruise ever for our kids! I think it would be so great for them to get little prizes when they get back to their rooms. Adds to the excitement... Plus I love bargain shopping and assembling things like this so it will be a fun project for me too. My good friend who is a Disney fanatic told me about this so hopefully between her and disboards I'll get some good guidance on how to do this best :-)

[LD NURSE]

I'm so excited that there will be several boys my son's age on this cruise. He's an only child, and I love spending time with him, but he's getting to the age when it's just more fun to hang out with his friends.

[mnrhannah07]

Hey everyone!! Just wanted to update that we are up to 20 families in the FEE, What does everyone think of spilting up the group into 2 if it reaches above 25 families? If we did this, you would still have the option of just handing out to your smaller group OR you could still do the WHOLE group if you wish...I just want to make sure it's not too much for everyone if the group gets too big. Since this is only a 3 night cruise, I'm sure spending 2-3 hours handing gifts out isnt at the top of anyone's to do list!! :worship:

Just let me know, I am currently updating the list again and this time it will in google docs when it's finished. Around the cut off date I will ask for people's email so I can email a final copy. I will also carry a few copies with me on board.

We are getting so close to our window opening up to start booking things!!! :banana:

[Fivepin]

Woo! :thumbsup2 I'll be celebrating my birthday on the day we are at Castaway Cay (11/22)!:woohoo: I just realized this as I was peeking at our itinerary! I love it! :yay:

I'll be celebrating my bday the day before 11/21. I can't think of a better place to be on my bday!!!
My birthday is the 20th. I totally agree no better place-I get to celebrate twice. I am on the leg right before this so I will be celebrating then as well.


Hey everyone!! Just wanted to update that we are up to 20 families in the FEE, What does everyone think of spilting up the group into 2 if it reaches above 25 families? If we did this, you would still have the option of just handing out to your smaller group OR you could still do the WHOLE group if you wish...I just want to make sure it's not too much for everyone if the group gets too big. Since this is only a 3 night cruise, I'm sure spending 2-3 hours handing gifts out isnt at the top of anyone's to do list!! :worship:

Just let me know, I am currently updating the list again and this time it will in google docs when it's finished. Around the cut off date I will ask for people's email so I can email a final copy. I will also carry a few copies with me on board.

We are getting so close to our window opening up to start booking things!!! :banana:

I agree about splitting it up since it is a 3 day. We were on the MV and we had 88 or so cabins to deliver to on a 4 night. It was tough! I had to divide it up among my family. We just got back from Alaska and had 14 cabins and we got that done in no time.
I already booked Remy and Palo for this trip. Booked Remy for the first night for my birthday and Palo the 2nd nite. We really won't be in the dining rooms this trip. If we had to pay for Palo, I wouldnt do it this time, but I'm not giving up a free meal at Palo for being Platinum!

[VET]

Hello everyone!!!
We have been getting really excited for our little getaway...
I have been making some semi-final decisions on what to make for our FE gifts...I cant wait to get started!!!
Also, as a surprise, I got year passes to WDW...It seems like we are going once a week, sometimes more!!!
Someone had mentioned about meeting on the ship? On our last 3 night on the Wonder, whoever wanted to, met in the atrium 30 minutes before the lifeboat drill. It was nice to put a face with names. We had a group picture taken and then were off...some of us made plans to meet up later and it was also nice to recognize some faces while roaming the ship, in Nasasau and on Castaway Cay.
Take care!!!
Ellen

[disney1990]

Hey everyone!! Just wanted to update that we are up to 20 families in the FEE, What does everyone think of spilting up the group into 2 if it reaches above 25 families? If we did this, you would still have the option of just handing out to your smaller group OR you could still do the WHOLE group if you wish...I just want to make sure it's not too much for everyone if the group gets too big. Since this is only a 3 night cruise, I'm sure spending 2-3 hours handing gifts out isnt at the top of anyone's to do list!! :worship:

Just let me know, I am currently updating the list again and this time it will in google docs when it's finished. Around the cut off date I will ask for people's email so I can email a final copy. I will also carry a few copies with me on board.

We are getting so close to our window opening up to start booking things!!! :banana:

I'm easy. I will go with whatever everybody else wants -- keep as one group or split it up.

Are we holding with an October 31 cutoff date?

I am sooooo ready to cruise!!!!

[VET]

Hello Fivepin...
I see that you're from Treasure Island...We were in your "neighborhood" yesterday (Ft. DeSoto beach). It may have been a mastake...now I am REALLY anxious to go back to Castaway Cay!!!

[disneygirl319]

Personally I think we should split up the FE 'assignments' to make it more manageable for everyone. While it's a short cruise I don't want to have to worry about bringing a bunch of extra 'goodies' on board....TRYING to keep it light with the suitcase(s), etc. Though with my DS he seems to pack more than I do! :eek:

Michelle

[hdmeza]

Haven't posted in a long time, I have been pretty sick. Found out in May that we are expecting #2 and it has been a rough road!
Obviously due to the fact that I will be 8 months preggo, we had to cancel our cruise...:guilty: Please remove our family from the FE exchange and have tons of fun! We are going to try to plan to take a Galveston cruise next year as a bigger family.

[LD NURSE]

Haven't posted in a long time, I have been pretty sick. Found out in May that we are expecting #2 and it has been a rough road!
Obviously due to the fact that I will be 8 months preggo, we had to cancel our cruise...:guilty: Please remove our family from the FE exchange and have tons of fun! We are going to try to plan to take a Galveston cruise next year as a bigger family.

Congrats on new baby! It will be sooooo nice to sail out of Galveston! We've booked one in the Fall. Sure gonna miss Castaway Cay though.

[SucalT]

Haven't posted in a long time, I have been pretty sick. Found out in May that we are expecting #2 and it has been a rough road!
Obviously due to the fact that I will be 8 months preggo, we had to cancel our cruise...:guilty: Please remove our family from the FE exchange and have tons of fun! We are going to try to plan to take a Galveston cruise next year as a bigger family.

Congrats on the addition to your family!!

Hope to see to on-board the Magic Fall 2012!!

[cathy_s]

It's been a long time since I've been to the board-lots of people have joined in! I've avoided the subject completely....just in case. We were scheduled to go in May but (long story-sick mom) I had to miss out. DH didn't want to go but he took the kids. There was no sense in losing all of the $ and EVERYONE missing out on the cruise.

I'm feeling a little more confident about being able to leave DM so we just paid off this cruise and here I am back with you nice people! We're still planning to cruise with another family and they want to be a part of the FE.

We're open to both options with the FE-keep it as one big group or split it-makes no difference to us! In my new found confidence I've come up with an idea for the FE and am now headed off to do my shopping!

[SucalT]

I just gave up Main Dining for Second Dining. I hope someone that needs early benefits from this choice. :)

See you in 104 Days!!

[VET]

Hello!!!
I have been thinking about the question on whether or not to split the FE and either would be fine but I do think we should split the list.
Ellen

[VET]

WHOO-HOO!!!|
I just noticed we are around the 100 mark for days left until we sail!...Its just around the corner now!!!:banana::cheer2::banana::cheer2:

[Fivepin]

Hello Fivepin...
I see that you're from Treasure Island...We were in your "neighborhood" yesterday (Ft. DeSoto beach). It may have been a mastake...now I am REALLY anxious to go back to Castaway Cay!!!

That is very close to where I live. I was in that area almost everyday that week. My kids had windsurfing camp at Eckerd's College. What part of Florida are you from?

[VET]

Hi!!!
We live in Lakeland...I think that is my favorite beach. Wind surfing camp sounds like a blast!!
Ellen

[LD NURSE]

Soon to be DOUBLE DIGITS!!!!!!!!:cool1: I can taste the Konk Cooler already!

[discruiser]

Is it too late to join in on the FE fun? We are booked on this cruise and also the one right after (the Thanksgiving cruise). These will be our 9th and 10th Disney cruises but the first time we've done a B2B. Is anyone else doing the Thanksgiving cruise?

Sailing will be myself, my DH, DS (13), DD (11), DD (7) and DS (5). The kids don't know yet that we're doing this trip. We sailed on the Magic for Christmas last year, the Dream in March and the Wonder to Alaska in June so hopefully they'll think we're all "cruised out" and they'll be surprised when we finally tell them about this one! Haven't decided yet when we're going to tell them...maybe on Halloween as that is my youngest DS's birthday! I'm thinking, though, that we won't tell them we're doing a B2B until we actually get on the Dream!

Looking forward to chatting with you all over the next 3 months! :banana:

Kim

[SucalT]

Is it too late to join in on the FE fun? We are booked on this cruise and also the one right after (the Thanksgiving cruise). These will be our 9th and 10th Disney cruises but the first time we've done a B2B. Is anyone else doing the Thanksgiving cruise?

Sailing will be myself, my DH, DS (13), DD (11), DD (7) and DS (5). The kids don't know yet that we're doing this trip. We sailed on the Magic for Christmas last year, the Dream in March and the Wonder to Alaska in June so hopefully they'll think we're all "cruised out" and they'll be surprised when we finally tell them about this one! Haven't decided yet when we're going to tell them...maybe on Halloween as that is my youngest DS's birthday! I'm thinking, though, that we won't tell them we're doing a B2B until we actually get on the Dream!

Looking forward to chatting with you all over the next 3 months! :banana:

Kim

Hi Kim!

Welcome to the party. We will be doing the B2B with the cruise prior, so we will not be with you on-board for Thanksgiving, but we certainly look forward to seeing you on your first 3 days. We should be much more relaxed by then as we plan to do as much as possible on the first 3-day and relax and not feel obligated to make every event on the second!

My 7-yr old daughter will be SO HAPPY to know that there are more girls her age for her to meet and play with! The last time we cruised, we (read her over-protective mother ;) ), wanted her with us all the time. Brenna only went to the club twice! (Once during Palo and the other for dine and play one night). When I told her were would go on another cruise, she asked "Daddy, next time can I play in the club more and go to Scuttle's Cove on Castaway Cay?" She wants to spread her wings! :)

Brenna's mom will not be joining us this time, so we all expect to have a WONDERful time!

We too are from Texas and can't wait for the Magic to make Galveston home next year. We already have the Halloween Cruise scheduled!


Also, ATTENTION FIRST RESPONDERS:

Both my girlfriend (Jennifer) and I are first responders (LEO) and are interested in Challenge Coin Exchange. Let me know if you have some to trade!

[discruiser]

Hi Kim!

Welcome to the party. We will be doing the B2B with the cruise prior, so we will not be with you on-board for Thanksgiving, but we certainly look forward to seeing you on your first 3 days. We should be much more relaxed by then as we plan to do as much as possible on the first 3-day and relax and not feel obligated to make every event on the second!

My 7-yr old daughter will be SO HAPPY to know that there are more girls her age for her to meet and play with! The last time we cruised, we (read her over-protective mother ;) ), wanted her with us all the time. Brenna only went to the club twice! (Once during Palo and the other for dine and play one night). When I told her were would go on another cruise, she asked "Daddy, next time can I play in the club more and go to Scuttle's Cove on Castaway Cay?" She wants to spread her wings! :)

Brenna's mom will not be joining us this time, so we all expect to have a WONDERful time!

We too are from Texas and can't wait for the Magic to make Galveston home next year. We already have the Halloween Cruise scheduled!


Also, ATTENTION FIRST RESPONDERS:

Both my girlfriend (Jennifer) and I are first responders (LEO) and are interested in Challenge Coin Exchange. Let me know if you have some to trade!

Thanks for the welcome! My kids, especially my younger ones, love the clubs! And if you haven't been on the Dream yet, prepare to be awed at the new Club/Lab! There is so much for the kids to do, and because they're connected, they can go back and forth as they please. We did a 4 day in March, and I know the kids didn't get to spend enough time in there. (We're used to the longer cruises! :)) But what time they did spend, they loved it!

Where in Texas are you at? We live halfway between Houston and Galveston, so very close to the Magic's new home! I am so excited to have her here for part of the year. We have spent the most time on the Magic so we consider her our DCL "home"! We are booked for next Thanksgiving, along with a couple of friends. I wish we could do a Halloween cruise (since it's also my youngest's birthday), but there's no way I could take my big kids out of school for that long! :sad2:

Kim

[SucalT]

We are in the DFW area, and while it is still a drive for us to get to Galveston, it is WONDERful to save airfare!

I struggled with taking my daughter out of school for the week, but decided she will learn more in the week on-board then she would in school, and we hope to have the weeks work done PRIOR to the cruise. I know during high school and maybe even junior high, this won't be an option. :(

[Maltese5]

Is it too late to join in on the FE fun? We are booked on this cruise and also the one right after (the Thanksgiving cruise). These will be our 9th and 10th Disney cruises but the first time we've done a B2B. Is anyone else doing the Thanksgiving cruise?

Sailing will be myself, my DH, DS (13), DD (11), DD (7) and DS (5). The kids don't know yet that we're doing this trip. We sailed on the Magic for Christmas last year, the Dream in March and the Wonder to Alaska in June so hopefully they'll think we're all "cruised out" and they'll be surprised when we finally tell them about this one! Haven't decided yet when we're going to tell them...maybe on Halloween as that is my youngest DS's birthday! I'm thinking, though, that we won't tell them we're doing a B2B until we actually get on the Dream!

Looking forward to chatting with you all over the next 3 months! :banana:

Kim

Hi Kim,
I haven't posted in a while and saw today that you too will be on the Thanksgiving cruise. We will be doing the same thing. This will be our 8th & 9th cruise and also the first time we have done B2B. Welcome aboard!!!!

[Maltese5]

By the way.....where in the DFW area do you live?? We live in Southlake.

[SucalT]

By the way.....where in the DFW area do you live?? We live in Southlake.

We live south of Dallas in Ellis County. Can't wait to see you on-board!

I will be booking Palo/Remy Wednesday night @ 11:00 pm for the first half of our B2B!! So EXCITED!!!

[Fivepin]

We live south of Dallas in Ellis County. Can't wait to see you on-board!

I will be booking Palo/Remy Wednesday night @ 11:00 pm for the first half of our B2B!! So EXCITED!!!

I booked already. For the first half I got Remy 11/18 at 6:20pm, Palo 11/19 at 6:00pm
For the second half Remy 11/20 at 6:30pm-husband is still unsure if he wants to do it. We did it on the MV. First half I'm doing it with my best friend. Palo 11/21 at 7:00pm. Can't pass up a free Palo meal.
I managed to get a cabana for the first half at serenity bay since the kids won't be there the first half. I had no luck getting one the second half.
Let me know what you're able to get tonight-maybe we'll see each other.

[nonnie03]

our crew is new to all this. what goes on that we will need cash for on board the ship? what extra activities is there to add? what do we need to schedule in order to do? any info will be greatly appreciated!!!!

[mbbarron]

Is it too late to join in on the FE fun? We are booked on this cruise and also the one right after (the Thanksgiving cruise). These will be our 9th and 10th Disney cruises but the first time we've done a B2B. Is anyone else doing the Thanksgiving cruise?

Sailing will be myself, my DH, DS (13), DD (11), DD (7) and DS (5). The kids don't know yet that we're doing this trip. We sailed on the Magic for Christmas last year, the Dream in March and the Wonder to Alaska in June so hopefully they'll think we're all "cruised out" and they'll be surprised when we finally tell them about this one! Haven't decided yet when we're going to tell them...maybe on Halloween as that is my youngest DS's birthday! I'm thinking, though, that we won't tell them we're doing a B2B until we actually get on the Dream!

Looking forward to chatting with you all over the next 3 months! :banana:

Kim

Hi Kim,

Welcome! Look forward to meeting you on the cruise.

As for joining the FE, you should PM Mnrhannah07. I think we're up to about 21 families and thinking of cutting it off or splitting the group if it reaches 25. Love to include you though!

Michele

[Maltese5]

We live south of Dallas in Ellis County. Can't wait to see you on-board!

I will be booking Palo/Remy Wednesday night @ 11:00 pm for the first half of our B2B!! So EXCITED!!!


Look forward to meeting you on board. We booked Were able to do Palo for Dinner on Tuesday, 11/22 on the first cruise. On our second we booked Remy on Wed 11/23 and also Palo brunch for Friday, 11/25.

My son's school started on Aug 11 so I feel like the cruise will be here before we know it!!! See you on board!

[Tiggerfan1973]

Hi everyone. My name is Pam and I am Disney Addict. This will be our first cruise ever! We are so excited. :goodvibes: I can't wait until Novemebr 20th gets here.

I am very interested in joining the FE exchange if that is still open. Who do I need to "talk" to regarding this?

[SucalT]

Look forward to meeting you on board. We booked Were able to do Palo for Dinner on Tuesday, 11/22 on the first cruise. On our second we booked Remy on Wed 11/23 and also Palo brunch for Friday, 11/25.

My son's school started on Aug 11 so I feel like the cruise will be here before we know it!!! See you on board!

I have Remy on Nov 17 and Palo Nov 19th & Nov 21. :yay:

We are getting closer! FE has been ordered and I have begun to buy FE gifts.


Hi everyone. My name is Pam and I am Disney Addict. This will be our first cruise ever! We are so excited. :goodvibes: I can't wait until Novemebr 20th gets here.

I am very interested in joining the FE exchange if that is still open. Who do I need to "talk" to regarding this?

Welcome Tiggerfan!!

To join the list (yes it is still open), contact mnrhannah07 by Private Message and give your Dis Name, Room Number, and the names of members of your party (remember ages for the kids). That's all there is to it. You will be added to the list.

[Maltese5]

Hi everyone. My name is Pam and I am Disney Addict. This will be our first cruise ever! We are so excited. :goodvibes: I can't wait until Novemebr 20th gets here.

I am very interested in joining the FE exchange if that is still open. Who do I need to "talk" to regarding this?

Hi Pam,
Welcome to the group and on board your first cruise! You will LOVE it. Where is Fordtran Texas??? We live in the DFW area (Southlake). Look forward to meeting you on board!

[cathy_s]

If anyone out there wants an adult cabana (number 20) let me know. I tried to get a family cabana but was shut out :sad1:

I'll keep the reservation for a while but will release it soon-hopefully someone here wants it and can grab it whan I release it.

[Fivepin]

I have Remy on Nov 17 and Palo Nov 19th & Nov 21. :yay:



Depending on your time we will see you in Palo both night. We have Remy the next night.

[Fivepin]

If anyone out there wants an adult cabana (number 20) let me know. I tried to get a family cabana but was shut out :sad1:

I'll keep the reservation for a while but will release it soon-hopefully someone here wants it and can grab it whan I release it.

I couldn't get the family one either. I don't need a family one for the leg of Nov 17th, and they have it available. Go figure. The kids join me on this leg of the trip. I don't the adult one for this trip. Have you ever gotten a cabana before? We haven't and was wondering if it was worth the price point.

Just noticed your from the Tampa area. We're practically neighbors!!

[cathy_s]

I couldn't get the family one either. I don't need a family one for the leg of Nov 17th, and they have it available. Go figure. The kids join me on this leg of the trip. I don't the adult one for this trip. Have you ever gotten a cabana before? We haven't and was wondering if it was worth the price point.

Just noticed your from the Tampa area. We're practically neighbors!!

"We" had one in May. The "we" is DH and 2 DD. I was supposed to be on the cruise but had to cancel at the last minute to care for my sick mother. DH wanted to cancel the whole thing but it was so close to the sail date that we would have lost all of our $.

They absolutely loved the cabana. DH found that it was so much easier to be in the cabana vs. the beach. DD#1 is disabled and having their own private space was really helpful. He and DD#2 were able to enjoy the beach while DD#1 took a nap inside the cabana.

In our situation it is absolutely worth the money. I guess it will be ok in Nov to miss out on the cabana. It won't be overwhelmingly hot and DH won't be outnumbered!

[cathy_s]

Cabana #20 is up for grabs again.

[Tiggerfan1973]

Hi Pam,
Welcome to the group and on board your first cruise! You will LOVE it. Where is Fordtran Texas??? We live in the DFW area (Southlake). Look forward to meeting you on board!

Fordtran is just north of Victoria, and just south of Hallettsville. (LOL I know that isn't much better of a description.) We are about 2 hours south of Houston and San Antonio. Fordtran is actually just a small ranching community where everyone commutes to Victoria or Halletsville for work. We are about 6 hours south of Dallas.

[VET]

Wow...
November 20th will be here before we know it!!!:banana: This year is FLYING by for me!!!
I am having a BLAST making FE gifts!!! We have been on other cruise lines (and have one booked for Spring Break) but, I must say...participating in the FE really adds to the excitement of the cruise!!!:cheer2:
Just wondering...has there been a decision if we will split the list and when the cut off date will be?
Take care,
Ellen:flower3:

[Maltese5]

Fordtran is just north of Victoria, and just south of Hallettsville. (LOL I know that isn't much better of a description.) We are about 2 hours south of Houston and San Antonio. Fordtran is actually just a small ranching community where everyone commutes to Victoria or Halletsville for work. We are about 6 hours south of Dallas.

I had never heard of that town. I don't get to that area too often. However, we are trying to plan something down to the "german" area of Texas around Christmas. Look forward to meeting you soon!

[GoofyMomInOhio]

Unfortunately due to some changes in our family, we've cancelled our reservation for this cruise. I'm really upset but feel that we are making the right decision at this point (being an adult sucks sometimes!). Hope you all have a magical cruise and hopefully we will cruise with you guys in the future.

[kristie03]

Just wondering...has there been a decision if we will split the list and when the cut off date will be?


I'm wondering this too.....anyone know?

[disneygirl319]

Just wondering...has there been a decision if we will split the list and when the cut off date will be?
Take care,
Ellen:flower3:

Wondering that too!

Also, how are we supposed to know if a family switched cabins or, heaven forbid, had to cancel at the last minute? :confused3

Not like the new person in the cabin (if either one of those happened) would mind getting a nice FE...it would just be nice to know how we are supposed to confirm a last-minute cabin move or cancellation!?! So if we did have an extra we could always re-do our remaining FE and split out the items or just find some random family to 'pixie dust'. :wizard:

[SucalT]

Wondering that too!

Also, how are we supposed to know if a family switched cabins or, heaven forbid, had to cancel at the last minute? :confused3

Not like the new person in the cabin (if either one of those happened) would mind getting a nice FE...it would just be nice to know how we are supposed to confirm a last-minute cabin move or cancellation!?! So if we did have an extra we could always re-do our remaining FE and split out the items or just find some random family to 'pixie dust'. :wizard:

Typically the person coordinating the FE list will post a master list on their stateroom door. I don't know if that is what mnrhannah07 is planning to do, but that has worked well in the past.

[mnrhannah07]

Hi All!!

I have not split the list yet, and only will if we get above 25 cabins, we are only at 19. So if we get 6 more interested by Oct 15th, then we will split. I have not yet released any stateroom numbers to make sure I wont have 5tochange people's room 5 times lol I leave for Orlando on November 3 so I will send out a master list then. I will also have some copies on board for people who might have forgotten them! Anything else?? lol


Cant wait to meet everyone!

[VET]

Sounds good!!!
By the way....Thanks so much for organizing this!!!:flower3:

Ellen

[disney1990]

Hi All!!

I have not split the list yet, and only will if we get above 25 cabins, we are only at 19. So if we get 6 more interested by Oct 15th, then we will split. I have not yet released any stateroom numbers to make sure I wont have 5tochange people's room 5 times lol I leave for Orlando on November 3 so I will send out a master list then. I will also have some copies on board for people who might have forgotten them! Anything else?? lol


Cant wait to meet everyone!

Thanks for stepping up and organizing the FE exchange. Having not been on vacation in over a year, we are really forward to vacation this year.

[Wondermom1965]

Hello! We would also like to participate in the FE fun! It's just myself and my 9 yr old daughter for our 2nd DCL cruise! :cheer2:I'm going on Ebay to see if I too, can find a cool FE! Thank you so much! :yay:

Welcome BBCakes:goodvibes,
So glad you are cruising with us. My DD is turning 10 on the 21st!! Hope our DD's can meet. :yay:

[Wondermom1965]

I'll be celebrating my bday the day before 11/21. I can't think of a better place to be on my bday!!!

I know!! That's why we decided to book this Birthday Cruise for our daughter. :banana: She turns 10 on your birthday!! 11/21 :cool1:

[Wondermom1965]

Hey Everyone! hope your summer's are going well! We are just starting to warm up here in Wisconsin. Any who, wondering who is interested in a quick dis-meet up the first day..? I am getting so excited! We are almost to the 120 day mark until we leave for Orlando!! Cant wait to meet everyone!

Would love to meet everyone. Can we make it sometime after the drill, so we have a chance to grab a bite and grab our suitcases? :worship:

[Wondermom1965]

I'm interested in participating in the FE also. This will be our first Disney cruise and the first cruise ever for our kids! I think it would be so great for them to get little prizes when they get back to their rooms. Adds to the excitement... Plus I love bargain shopping and assembling things like this so it will be a fun project for me too. My good friend who is a Disney fanatic told me about this so hopefully between her and disboards I'll get some good guidance on how to do this best :-)

Oh, yes, it is so exciting for the kids...our DD was so excited every time she got something!:woohoo: We had to make frequent trips to check for surprises. :yay:

[Wondermom1965]

Is it too late to join in on the FE fun? We are booked on this cruise and also the one right after (the Thanksgiving cruise). These will be our 9th and 10th Disney cruises but the first time we've done a B2B. Is anyone else doing the Thanksgiving cruise?

Sailing will be myself, my DH, DS (13), DD (11), DD (7) and DS (5). The kids don't know yet that we're doing this trip. We sailed on the Magic for Christmas last year, the Dream in March and the Wonder to Alaska in June so hopefully they'll think we're all "cruised out" and they'll be surprised when we finally tell them about this one! Haven't decided yet when we're going to tell them...maybe on Halloween as that is my youngest DS's birthday! I'm thinking, though, that we won't tell them we're doing a B2B until we actually get on the Dream!

Looking forward to chatting with you all over the next 3 months! :banana:

Kim

Can't wait to meet you all. Our DD will be looking for some friends to play with. :dance3:

[Wondermom1965]

Unfortunately due to some changes in our family, we've cancelled our reservation for this cruise. I'm really upset but feel that we are making the right decision at this point (being an adult sucks sometimes!). Hope you all have a magical cruise and hopefully we will cruise with you guys in the future.

I am so sorry you can't join us. Hope to see you on a future cruise :-)

[tiggercraZ]

Thanks so much for organizing the FE. We are so excited! Would you be able to e-mail or post an updated FE list? I need to get started on getting my goodies together.

[mnrhannah07]

The FE list on post #130 is updated as of last week! I will be emailing a list to everyone once it is closed on Oct 15th. I will still have to send out one final list right before the cruise with stateroom numbers. As I stated before, I will have a few extra copies with me on board in case any one forgets. I am hoping we can pick a spot for a quick meet and greet, we all just have to decide where and when! Hope everyone is having a good week!

the link below will take you to the updated FE list!

[mbbarron]

The FE list on post #130 is updated as of last week! I will be emailing a list to everyone once it is closed on Oct 15th. I will still have to send out one final list right before the cruise with stateroom numbers. As I stated before, I will have a few extra copies with me on board in case any one forgets. I am hoping we can pick a spot for a quick meet and greet, we all just have to decide where and when! Hope everyone is having a good week!

the link below will take you to the updated FE list!

I have another family traveling with us that also wants to join the FE. My cousins: DW: Ilene, DH: Jerold, DS: Daniel (9)

Thanks!

[disneygirl319]

Just thought I'd share the happy dance....we are now at 60 days til our cruise!

:cool1:

[VET]

FINALLY!!!!
Its coming up fast now!!!!:banana:
WHOOOO-HOOOO

[mnrhannah07]

I went through the whole thread and I also went through all of my private messages to make sure I had everyone added that wanted to be added.

[Maltese5]

I went through the whole thread and I also went through all of my private messages to make sure I had everyone added that wanted to be added.
The list is now up to 21 families. I have a total of 24 families that were interested but I have yet to recieve any information for them..If your name is on here, please PM me and let me know if you are or aren't going to join in! If you are, please also send all your info!!

LD Nurse
J&C'S mom
maltese5

Are you guys out there!!!We would love to have you join us!

Hi,

I am Maltese 5 (Shirley). I didn't realize I was on the FE list. We just have too much going on to here at home and would not be able to participate. Please take us off your list.

We are looking forward to this cruise (our first shorter cruise)! Doing B2B with the Thanksgiving Dream. See you all on board very soon:cool1:

[mnrhannah07]

Thank you for letting me know!! I totally understand about wanting the enjoy this shorter cruise!

[GoofMomof3]

Has it been determined if we are going to try and meet up with everyone on our FE list? I know that my oldest daughter (15) would like to meet some other kids her age either before (facebook) or as soon as we get on....Anyone else interested in the meeting up when we board?

[VET]

I would love to meet up!!!
On our last Disney cruise, we met 30 minutes before the muster drill, in the atrium. We had anyone who was on our cruise thread who was interested in meeting, whether or not they were involved in the FE. We also had a group picture taken. It was nice to recognize a few faces around the ship. My kids are on facebook and would love to chat ahead of the cruise!!! Any thoughts???

Ellen

[GoofMomof3]

We really would love to meet some people like that as well....If you want send me a private message and maybe we can get the kids chatting a bit on facebook....My daughter is 15...not sure about your kids?

[VET]

Hi!!
I will try to send a PM.
My kids are: Valerie 14 and Thomas 12

[disneydreamer94]

Hello all!

We sure are getting close now! :banana: Only 1 month until we get to FINALLY surprise our boys with the fact that we are going on this cruise! They are going to be over the moon!!! It has been a LONG wait... I booked this cruise back in April 2010!

I chose not to participate in the FE since this is our first Disney cruise and it is so short and there will be so much to see and do! I certainly do wish all of you tons of fun in participating though! At least when I see those little FE hangers outside the doors I will know what they are for! :thumbsup2

Hopefully you might all still recognize us with our troop of 4 BOYS! Please say hi -if you do!

Amy from Iowa :)

[VET]

[QUOTE=disneydreamer94;42819579]Hello all!

We sure are getting close now! :banana: Only 1 month until we get to FINALLY surprise our boys with the fact that we are going on this cruise! They are going to be over the moon!!! It has been a LONG wait... I booked this cruise back in April 2010!

Wow...
I surprised my kids with our first Disney cruise and had a very hard time keeping it a secret...but it was priceless to see their faces when the day came. I had my sister come over and video tape them finding out at out house before we left. I only had to keep the secret a few months....I KNOW I wouldnt have lasted over a year!!! How are you telling them??? Our first cruise was in December 2006, so on the day of the cruise, I sent the kids to school, as usual and showed up 30 minutes later to check them out. They had no idea what was going on...I told them, no questions...we are going somewhere!!!
Then as we had arranged, my sister and her family showed up at our house (they were going too). I told the kids they were getting an early Christmas present, that we were going somewhere special. I gave them a Christmas present and told them it was a clue. They both opened a plush pirate Piglet and Pirate Goofy. They guessed we were going to DIsney for the day, then I gave them a card which said surprise!!! we are going on a DIsney cruise!!!
It was worth keeping the secret to see their reaction!!! I had everything pack and stashed in my bedroom, so we grabbed our bags and went!!!

How are you going to tell your kids about the trip???

[disneydreamer94]

What a great idea Ellen! Not sure mine will be quite as impressive but here goes...

First, my boys found out this past July that we were going to DisneyWorld in November. (we are going to the parks before the cruise) We had a "Christmas in July" celebration at home. The boys came home from an overnight at their grandparents. We had set up a mini tree and beneath the mini tree was a Christmas present. Inside the present was a "Santa" Mickey with all of our Park passes. Set up the video camera and I was expecting this great reaction...well since this will be my oldest three son's 4th trip to some of the parks it was not the "magical moment" I was dreaming of to say the least. They were happy but there was no pixie dust per say for them. The youngest was thrilled though.

Now, present day, they are all getting very excited as the "DisneyWorld" trip gets closer and have absolutely no clue about the cruise. They have seen the Dream commercials and the AFV shows with the Dream and they always say they would love to go on that ship and ask when will they get to go on a cruise. (my husband and I have been on other cruises - without children :thumbsup2) We just tell them..."oh someday, cruises are very expensive."

So, to answer your question (sorry, i'm a long story teller)-here's the plan to tell them. On November 1st (our 15th Anniversary) we plan to give each of the boys pieces of a puzzle they will have to put together. (they love puzzles!) Once the puzzle is together they will see a photo of Mickey and Minnie on the ship's deck. The puzzle says "Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary with a Disney Dream Cruise - November 20th, 2011" and a bubble above Mickey's head saying "See you real soon" ---I believe their reaction will be priceless -time will tell.:wizard:

I can't keep the cruise secret from them while we are at the parks. I would slip up for sure! Can't believe I haven't yet...almost there though! :woohoo:

[VET]

WOW!!!!
I LOVE your puzzle idea!!!

I would love to hear how it goes when they put it together!!!
At least you dont have too much longer to keep the secret!!!

Good luck!!!
Ellen

[mbbarron]

[QUOTE=disneydreamer94;42819579]Hello all!

How are you going to tell your kids about the trip???

I am also surprising my kids with this trip! Similar plan to yours but I'm going to try to wait until the very last minute. I plan on having them go to school as usual for the day, get off the school bus and basically video tape their reaction as DH and I tell them that we're headed to the airport now! Our flight is at 5:45 and the airport's only 20 min away so I think the timing is perfect.

This is their first "real" trip to WDW AND their first cruise ever! The last time we were there was on my oldest's son's b-day when he was 5. My middle son was only 3 and "baby" was truly an infant at the time. And it was just for two days staying off-off property 45 min away at a friend's house.

Now they're 9, 8 and 5 and I can't think of more perfect ages for all 3 of them for this trip! I have had this planned since Jan 2010 so I think I've proven that I can really keep a secret!!!

The only part that's hard for me is not getting to share my excitement with them and see their anticipation but I think the surprise element will all be worth it!
:dance3::dance3:

[VET]

That sounds like a great plan too!!!
I will never forget how excited and thrilled my kids were when they realized where we were going...I was glad I was able to keep quiet about our plans because it absolutely was worth waiting for that moment!!! I'm sure that is a special memory my kids will never forget either!!!

[disneydreamer94]

[QUOTE=mbbarron;42838588][QUOTE=VET;42821637]

I am also surprising my kids with this trip! Similar plan to yours but I'm going to try to wait until the very last minute. I plan on having them go to school as usual for the day, get off the school bus and basically video tape their reaction as DH and I tell them that we're headed to the airport now! Our flight is at 5:45 and the airport's only 20 min away so I think the timing is perfect.


How exciting!!! I bet their reaction will be quite a moment to capture! Are you doing the parks before or after the cruise? What day are you flying out?

We leave on the 15th!!!! We've planned for 4 full days of parks before the cruise and and couple after as well. I can't believe after all this waiting and secret keeping it is FINALLY here! :yay:

[mbbarron]

We are leaving the 16th and will be in the parks for 3 days before and one day after the cruise. Then we fly home Thanksgiving AM. So we're on a similar schedule to you. Are you staying on property? We'll be at POR.

[mnrhannah07]

We will be at WDW prior to cruise as well! :cool1:

[alexturner74]

I went through the whole thread and I also went through all of my private messages to make sure I had everyone added that wanted to be added.


We're doing the FE...I sent you a PM.

[Tiggerfan1973]

We will be spending 3 days at WDW after the cruise. We are looking forward to this trip because it is to celebrate my DD's 16th birthday and my college graduation. :yay:

I'm working on getting my FE together and the goodies we plan to give out. :)

[disneydreamer94]

We are leaving the 16th and will be in the parks for 3 days before and one day after the cruise. Then we fly home Thanksgiving AM. So we're on a similar schedule to you. Are you staying on property? We'll be at POR.

Still trying to decide if we are going to stay on property. We have a brother in Orlando but the Free Dining Promo is hard to pass up. Unfortunately we had already bought our park tickets and the promo requires at least a two day park ticket purchase. Disney won't let me use the tickets we have already purchased towards a package... a little disappointing with all the money we are spending so we are trying to decide if it is worth it for us. Either way -we will be at the parks! 4 days before and at least one after the cruise! :banana:

[Fivepin]

My kids don't know yet either. Since I will be on board the cruise before and my best friend is driving us to the port that leg, my DH is going to put the kids in the van and say they have to go pick me up at the port. I will have all their luggage with me the first leg so the kids won't get suspicious. I'll surprise them when they get there.

Can't believe how close we are now. Still no family cabana available. I was able to get one at Serenity Bay for my best friend and I the leg before.

[disneydreamer94]

My kids don't know yet either. Since I will be on board the cruise before and my best friend is driving us to the port that leg, my DH is going to put the kids in the van and say they have to go pick me up at the port. I will have all their luggage with me the first leg so the kids won't get suspicious. I'll surprise them when they get there.

Can't believe how close we are now. Still no family cabana available. I was able to get one at Serenity Bay for my best friend and I the leg before.

Love this idea! Your kids are sure to be ecstatic! Also love the fact that you get to enjoy the ship with your best friend a few days before... NICE! :thumbsup2

[mbbarron]

Love this idea! Your kids are sure to be ecstatic! Also love the fact that you get to enjoy the ship with your best friend a few days before... NICE! :thumbsup2

Me too! I love hearing about all the ways that parents are planning to surprise their kids with this trip! You're taking it to a new level.... Surprise, We're at the ship; Now let's get onboard! Love it!!!

[VET]

WHOO-HOO!!!
I got our docs in the mail today!!!
We're getting close!!!:dance3::cheer2:

[alexturner74]

WHOO-HOO!!!
I got our docs in the mail today!!!
We're getting close!!!:dance3::cheer2:

We got our cruise docs in the mail today too and we're starting to get really excited!
:jumping1:

[disney1990]

We got our cruise docs in the mail today too and we're starting to get really excited!
:jumping1:

me too.........me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[disneydreamer94]

me too.........me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't gotten ours yet...:confused3

Does everyone receive these before their cruise? I booked through Disney directly. Just completed registration last week though. Could that delay the docs coming?

Thanks in advance for any info!

[VET]

Two years ago, on our last Disney cruise, I booked before my sister. She got her docs 1 1/2 weeks before we did and we live 6 miles apart!!! I would call if you dont get them in a week or so.
Ellen:flower3: