Disney Dream August 7, 2011

[JACH1976]

"Hello and welcome to our CruiseMeet thread! We're so glad you'll be joining us. We have put together a CruiseMeet website at the following address:

http://web.me.com/colinandheather/Di...t/Welcome.html

The site is password secured for our privacy; if you would like access, please private message Mackie Mouse or request that she PM you. Providing the following information will be a big help so she can add you to the DISer list on the site:

Name(s)
Ages(s)
Children (and ages)
Stateroom Number
Location
Whether you want to join the FE Exchange

Please also feel free to post a photo of yourself or ask to e-mail one to Mackie Mouse so we'll be able to recognize you on the boat.

We can't wait to see you on board!"

[IrishCowboy]

No one has started a cruise meet thread for this sailing. Please feel free to start one and I will add it to the list. :thumbsup2

[IrishCowboy]

I have added your thread to the 2011 Dream cruise meet list :thumbsup2

[teach22180]

Hi Jachs,

I am registered for this cruise, so I was glad you had started a meet thread! I'm hoping to add a few days at DW beforehand, too. The price was just too good; hope my plans don't change in the next 18 months!

My 19 year old and I sailed on the Wonder in 2006 and had a great time. I'm probably solo this time, but I love Disney and the atmosphere on the ship. My favorite things were the great shows and Castaway Cay, so I'm looking forward to two days there! I may sail this summer to Canada and New England, so this is probably my 3rd cruise. Can't wait to see the new ship!

[tinkslite]

We just booked this cruise. We sailed in 08 on the Magic (same deal, 5 nights w/double dip to Castaway Cay, but Hurricane Hannah blocked our second visit to the Cay so we had an xtra day @ Sea instead).
We are looking forward to the new ship, and the new changes to Castaway Cay.
We are Mom (thats me), Dad (age unspecified), James (age 14), Jessi (age 14) and Nick (age 12). My big kids are really looking forward to the Edge and Vibe tween/teen clubs!

[JACH1976]

Nice to meet you both!:)

[klineyqueen]

Hi guys! We are booking this cruise date as soon as good ole Uncle Sam returns my extra tax money! ;)

We can't wait!!! This will be our 4th time sailing with Disney and we are very excited!!!

[musicalminnies]

We are so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My daughter and I are most excited to see the wonderful shows and the beautiful island! Of course we will love every little detail, and now my daughter can finally say she's been on a cruise! She started bawling tears of joy when she found out. I'm not very good at keeping secrets.

Mom:earsgirl: and Hannah::MinnieMo and Dad:mickeyjum :

[tinkerbelle77]

We are also booked on this cruise....It will be me, DH, DD(13), DD(11), DD(6) and our baby that is due in July...And DFIL and GMIL. We are also booked on the next cruise 8/12/11...We are thinking of doing 6 nights before the cruise in WDW...

[Marypoppinsiam]

we are booked for this cruise also. This will be our 5th DCL cruise. We are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on this cruise. We too are planning on visiting the World prior to the cruise. It will be my DH, me and DS (11).

[arlenesp]

Thinking about this cruise as it is a double dip. Have adummy ressie and need to move it.:thumbsup2

[BelleBway]

I just put down a deposit on this cruise! It will be me and my 2 nieces, who will be 13 and 10. :dance3: It will be my 2nd Disney cruise, and their 1st cruise ever. Planning to do a few days afterwards at WDW, which will be their 2nd trip there with me- last trip was awesome! Keeping it secret from them until the end of the year... which is hard for me to do when I am exploding with joy! :banana:

[basketrn]

Hey everyone! I think I have my DH convinced to book this cruise. We are waiting to hear back from Dreams Unlimited to see prices. We are doing 2011 travel with a bang, because I start nurse practitioner clinicals in the fall of 2011 so we will not be doing any travel until I graduate in August of 2012. We are planning to go to Disneyland for the first time in March of 2011 but I also wanted to do another disney cruise next year and wanted to be on the Dream! This will be our 2nd.

We have me, DH, DS who will be 14 at the time of the cruise and DS who will be 2 at the time of the cruise. I am pretty sure it is a done deal, just need to make the deposit once i here back from the TA!

[musicalminnies]

Hello all, this is the musicalminnies on our second post! We are so excited and are slowly counting down to the cruise. Hannah(12) will be celebrating her lucky birthday in 2o11, which is why she is now even more excited for the cruise. All for now! Ta ta!:smickey::smickey:

[ksloane]

We are going on our first cruise in just 12 days :banana:, and I think we are going to rebook for this one if all goes as well as I anticipate! :-) My youngest daughter's birthday is the 10th so this would be a birthday trip for her.

[basketrn]

Only 436 more days :)

[basketrn]

Well...had to change our cruise dates because of my son's freshmen football schedule..hope everyone has a great cruise!!

[ajstaud]

We have been on several disney cruises and couldn't wait to see the new ship! Traveling with parents, sister and her family! Booked inside deluxe staterooms just to see the virtual porthole! Pretty excited about that!

[ajstaud]

Just seeing if my smiles work

[villagesbarbara]

Just switched our reservation -- couldn't resist the pictures of updated Castaway Cay and the new ship -- Alaska will have to wait. We will be traveling with our daughters, son-in-law and two grandchildren. This will be our 5th family cruise. We've done the 3,4, and both 7's (Eastern & Western).

Haven't told the little ones yet, waiting for our Bay Lake Tower vacation in August to break the news. They are 5 and 7 so it's going to be fun watching their faces when we tell them. They keep asking us when they can go on the "Mickey Boat" again.

[jpoeling]

We can't wait to go cruisin with my favorite sister/Auntie!!!

What a blast!!!

[ajstaud]

jpoeling- I am your only sister!! So of course I am your favorite!! Can't wait to go with you guys too!

[ajstaud]

Can someone tell me how to make my smiles appear at the bottom of the post instead of the links? Thank you!

[JsMom2]

Hello!
DD and I just booked. She'll be a month shy of her 13th birthday, so I plan on putting her in the teen club if possible. We've been on DCL multiple times, and have a quick 3-nt cruise on the Wonder in November for Veteran's Day. We were previously booked for Alaska on the Wonder, but now it looks like we'll have a conflct. I was going to wait for the Fantasy to come out so we could do 7 days, but 5 days isn't too bad and I'm really looking forward to seeing the ship!

Wendy

[tinkslite]

My 3 kiddos loved the "middle school" set club. It is geared for 11-14 year olds. My older 2 were there, on the Magic, in 08. They couldn't get enough. We had to coercively demand that everyone attend family dinners each evening, just to see them!! Video game challenges (Guitar Hero and Rock Band), dance parties, and movie nights were some of thier favorite activities :rockband::rockband:. They are looking forward to being in the older kids teen club on the Dream:welcome:.
Little brother has "graduated" to the Middle School teen group. He is very excited about that...:cool1::cool1::cool1:

[BelleBway]

Just popping back in to say...

1 year from now, we'll be on our cruise! :banana:
party:

[Mackie Mouse]

We haven't officially booked yet, but DH and I are planning to come on this cruise as well! We spent our honeymoon aboard the Magic last summer and couldn't resist spending our second anniversary (sailaway day - 8/7/11) on board the Dream.

It will be just the two of us, though we may be dragging another younger couple along. We had an absolute blast on our last cruise participating in FE gifts and meetups during the week...hopefully cruise #2 will not disappoint!

[Mackie Mouse]

ajstaud...take the URL for each image and put them inside img tags that are used here on the boards. for example:

[*img]http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/tink.gif[/*img]

Just remove the asterisks when you type the real code into your signature. So when you are finished, you will have this: http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/tink.gif

Also...got off the phone with the travel agent an hour ago...we are booked! Whoohoo! Hopefully people will start posting more often as we are now less than a year out. Is anyone up for FE gifts on this cruise?

[villagesbarbara]

We haven't officially booked yet, but DH and I are planning to come on this cruise as well! We spent our honeymoon aboard the Magic last summer and couldn't resist spending our second anniversary (sailaway day - 8/7/11) on board the Dream.

It will be just the two of us, though we may be dragging another younger couple along. We had an absolute blast on our last cruise participating in FE gifts and meetups during the week...hopefully cruise #2 will not disappoint!

Welcome - we call Florida home now but for 50+ years we called Delaware County home. Our youngest and her family are still there.

[villagesbarbara]

Just back from 8 action packed days at WDW, we finally told the little ones about the cruise. We prepared a note to each of them that the server at LeCellier presented to each one with their menus. Finally we can stop talking in code.

[Mackie Mouse]

barbara - the little guys must be so excited! Are they part of the DelCo-residing family?

[villagesbarbara]

barbara - the little guys must be so excited! Are they part of the DelCo-residing family?

Yes, they are here until Friday and then head back to Ridley.

[ajstaud]

Mackie Mouse- thank you for your help with the smilies!

We have decided having just been to WDW that it's just way to hot in August so we have change our cruise to later in the year! Hope everyone has a great vacation!

[Melrosgirl]

Just booked yesterday!

[Mackie Mouse]

Welcome aboard!

[JACH1976]

Just back from an early 3-day cruise on the Wonder, and decided to shift our Dream trip to a later date- hope you all have a great trip! :)

[disneyscruella]

I let my husband pick a trip for his 60th birthday. He wants to ride the "Duck" so we will be on our first cruise on the Dream setting sail 8-7-2011. We've loved our cruises on the Magic and Wonder. I don't know if 5 days will be long enough to see everything on the ship. It looks HUGE! We're working on our daughter to get her to let her kids travel with us, but so far just us.:cool1:

[pennymike]

My DH and I booked this one while on the Magic during our Christmas cruise in 2009. Also booked one for my MIL and her hubby (who are guilty of introducing us to DCL in April of 2004:love:). Still trying to expand our travel group, but so far it is the 4 of us, and I am excited to have a 2nd trip with the ILs!

This trip will be Disney Cruise #10 for DH and I.....we have a little bit of an addiction! :rolleyes1 We CANNOT WAIT to see the new ship....ride the duck....enjoy the new bars/restaurants.....2 days at Castaway....SIGH!!! :lovestruc SO excited! Also planning to burn up our last DVC points of the year by chilling at the Animal Kingdom for a couple days after the cruise to make it a full week.

Hope to get to know some other DisBoard friends before this trip rolls around!
Penny

[Mackie Mouse]

hi, pennymike and cruella!

...Anyone else excited to hear details on dining/excursions/spa stuff as the first Castaway Club members on the maiden voyage get to book tomorrow?

[JsMom2]

We just changed the date on our cruise, and will be sailing on the inaugural instead. Hope you all have a great cruise!
Wendy

[momsrule27]

We are on this cruise too! We are going with two other families and cannot wait. We have sailed Disney before and by far the best cruise we have ever took. The teens in our group are really looking forward to the teen club on this ship especially since they have their own deck with pool!

It looks amazing. We are flying out of NJ and I just wanted to mention that we just booked airfare and got great rates flying Continental out of EWR. $610 for the 3 of us RT into MCO. Plus I signed up for their credit card and will receive $50 credit on my bill and no charge for first checked bag so that alone is a savings of $150. Also booked Radisson near the port only $97 a night and free shuttle in the morning. The pool at the hotel is amazing!

We are on Deck 8 in a forward facing cabin which is new to us (and Disney). I am curious about how these cabins are set up and if the window is bigger. Haven't been able to get any info on this. Maybe I will try calling them and see if they have any info.

Getting very excited!:cool1:

Char

[pennymike]

We just changed the date on our cruise, and will be sailing on the inaugural instead. Hope you all have a great cruise!
Wendy

Best wishes on the inaugural! (SOOO jealous! :rolleyes:) We'll be waiting for a report back!!! Let us know how it goes!

Penny:flower3:

[iammrsnesbitt]

We are SOOOOO excited that we are booked and it will be our first Disney cruise!! :yay: We are sailing with my parents, DH, and two kids - DS (4) and DD (7). My kids are going to explode - it is all we talk about and we still have 7 months to go!
We are driving from NJ :drive: and hope to spend a few days in DW and Seaworld, as well, before the cruise.

[villagesbarbara]

I am hearing reports from some of our DIS friends that the Dream was in Castaway Cay today with the Magic. There was a reported horn battle. Can't wait for that to surface on You Tube. Welcome to all new cruisers, the first thing my DH said to everyone last night was "This year" we go on the Dream...

[J & C's Mom]

We are SOOOOO excited that we are booked and it will be our first Disney cruise!! :yay: We are sailing with my parents, DH, and two kids - DS (4) and DD (7). My kids are going to explode - it is all we talk about and we still have 7 months to go!
We are driving from NJ :drive: and hope to spend a few days in DW and Seaworld, as well, before the cruise.

How wonderful, welcome! We will be traveling from southeastern PA. Not sure if flying or driving yet since I may be visiting with family before the cruise. Can't wait, we haven't sailed since the 7 day Eastern cruise on the Magic in 5/07! This will be my 5th cruise. I also have two kids DD just turned 8 and DS will be 6. Have fun planning, its half the fun.

[J & C's Mom]

I am hearing reports from some of our DIS friends that the Dream was in Castaway Cay today with the Magic. There was a reported horn battle. Can't wait for that to surface on You Tube. Welcome to all new cruisers, the first thing my DH said to everyone last night was "This year" we go on the Dream...

Of course Mom, it was the first thing Dad said, he is worst than us kids when it comes to cruises.

[iammrsnesbitt]

How wonderful, welcome! We will be traveling from southeastern PA. Not sure if flying or driving yet since I may be visiting with family before the cruise. Can't wait, we haven't sailed since the 7 day Eastern cruise on the Magic in 5/07! This will be my 5th cruise. I also have two kids DD just turned 8 and DS will be 6. Have fun planning, its half the fun.

Thanks! Maybe we'll see you on the road! And maybe our kids can play in the club together!

[BelleBway]

I posted earlier in the thread... I finally told my nieces last night (new years eve) that we are going on this cruise, and they are super excited! It will be me and the 2 of them (ages 13 and 10) And I'm so excited to be halfway there from when I booked (about 8 months ago).

[villagesbarbara]

"Our ship has come in!!!!" Just back from the port, she is truly a "dream". She dwarfed the terminal. You can now see the funnels from the first bridge over the Indian River. So those of you who drive can start looking earlier for your first glimpse. You can check her arrival coverage out at wftv.com.

[brendat22]

Our family of 4 will be on this cruise. We are very excited to be sailing on the Dream! We are traveling with another family and are excited to see them as well! :goodvibes We live several states apart and have not seen them since our last Disney Cruise.

Our family includes myself, DH, and 2 DD's age 19 (20 when we sail). this will be our 6th DCL cruise - our girls were 10 on our first cruise and this will be the first time they will be able to dine at Palo's.

I'm really looking forward to following this thread - I think the anticipation is half the fun.:)

Brenda

[villagesbarbara]

Our family of 4 will be on this cruise. We are very excited to be sailing on the Dream! We are traveling with another family and are excited to see them as well! :goodvibes We live several states apart and have not seen them since our last Disney Cruise.

Our family includes myself, DH, and 2 DD's age 19 (20 when we sail). this will be our 6th DCL cruise - our girls were 10 on our first cruise and this will be the first time they will be able to dine at Palo's.

I'm really looking forward to following this thread - I think the anticipation is half the fun.:)

Brenda

Welcome. We got a look at the Dream the other day and it has just made us more excited. She looks wonderful -- and big!!! We are looking forward to having the two chances to enjoy Castaway Cay.

Barbara

[Mackie Mouse]

Welcome to all the new (that's a relative term, most of you are far more veteran than me) cruisers! Glad to see this thread picking up a bit now that it's the Year of the Dream :)

Here is the Dream horn battle for those who didn't see it on the main cruise forum earlier this week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARh2Cddo31s&feature=player_embedded

We got an e-mail from our travel agent that she will be on one of the preview cruises leaving later this month. She promised to e-mail pics and is asking her clients for questions to answer. I promise to forward along any fun news she has for us...

[villagesbarbara]

Hopefully I do this right, here is the link when the Wonder said goodbye to the Dream as she left on her trip to the West Coast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_c3Rqj8fpM

Barbara

[Mackie Mouse]

I was just about to post a similar video that someone else linked to here, but you beat me to it, barbara! (Yours is even better, BTW :) )

We have been waiting so long to hear the horns do that - I have goosebumps!

[villagesbarbara]

I was just about to post a similar video that someone else linked to here, but you beat me to it, barbara! (Yours is even better, BTW :) )

We have been waiting so long to hear the horns do that - I have goosebumps!

Thanks, it was taken from the Port. A friend was there to see some of our past fellow cruisers (08 PC/Repo) off on the Wonder to the West Coast.

Barbara

[DisneyJenn23]

Just booked today!!! It will be my best friend, her DH and DD (my Goddaughter) and me. This will be my 9th Disney Cruise and the 2nd time we will be on the Dream. 3/20/11 will be the first time!

I did a five day double dip last summer and just loved it, and now seeing the Dream we just had to do a 5 day! If only we would have booked this months ago to take advantage of the cheaper pricing!!

[villagesbarbara]

Just booked today!!! It will be my best friend, her DH and DD (my Goddaughter) and me. This will be my 9th Disney Cruise and the 2nd time we will be on the Dream. 3/20/11 will be the first time!

I did a five day double dip last summer and just loved it, and now seeing the Dream we just had to do a 5 day! If only we would have booked this months ago to take advantage of the cheaper pricing!!

Welcome. We've never done a Double Dip and are really looking forward to it. We went down to Jetty Park to see her leave on the Maiden Voyage. What a sight. We were right next to her in channel when she sounded her horn.

Barbara

[jlawall]

:thumbsup2We were booked for Alaska but during the recent holidays, our youngest DDs asked if we could sail the CCx2 August 7th trip and we're in! We have sailed 7 times to the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, West Coast and Mediterranean with DCL. It will be our second CCx2 and we're so excited to see the improvements at Castaway Cay!:banana:

DCL is our favorite cruise line and we are dying to go to the new adults only restaurants and see all the new features on this ship. It will be my DH, 53, myself, 49 and our two youngest, 24 & 21. :hippie::hippie: Believe it or not, they've been sailing since their teen years and they still love it on the ship! Look forward to meeting everyone....and YES, we want to FE with all!:goodvibes

[CONNIEOSCI]

We are on the aug 7 cruise. There will be 7 of us. My dad at 92, my brother. His son and his family girl 8 and boy 5. My dad and i did the maidon voyage of the dream. It was great.

[villagesbarbara]

We are on the aug 7 cruise. There will be 7 of us. My dad at 92, my brother. His son and his family girl 8 and boy 5. My dad and i did the maidon voyage of the dream. It was great.

Welcome. There's 7 of us too. My granddaughter will be 8 and my grandson just 6 on this cruise. I know they are looking forward to it. The pictures we have seen of the Dream are great. The Clubs for the kids look wonderful. We were there at Jetty Park to see her leave on the maiden voyage. I bet you had a wonderful time.

Barbara

[Mackie Mouse]

Welcome! JLA - looking forward to meeting your "kiddos" aboard :) DH and I are in our late 20's/rapidly approaching 30, and the friends we are sailing with are also in their mid-20s. People in our age range aren't too common on the Disney ships...looking forward to catching you all at Palo!

I am wondering...does anyone know of a good place to organize a cruise meet on the first day of the trip? The promenade lounge was always popular on the Magic/Wonder, but I don't know if there's a similar spot on the Dream.

[jlawall]

Welcome! JLA - looking forward to meeting your "kiddos" aboard :) DH and I are in our late 20's/rapidly approaching 30, and the friends we are sailing with are also in their mid-20s. People in our age range aren't too common on the Disney ships...looking forward to catching you all at Palo!

I am wondering...does anyone know of a good place to organize a cruise meet on the first day of the trip? The promenade lounge was always popular on the Magic/Wonder, but I don't know if there's a similar spot on the Dream.

Let's meet ....on Deck 9..........:woohoo::cloud9:popcorn:::love::banana: :goodvibes

[Mackie Mouse]

Let's meet ....on Deck 9..........:woohoo::cloud9:popcorn:::love::banana: :goodvibes

Party in jla's room...???party:

[jlawall]

Hey All.....saw some great views of the Dream on the View recently!:banana::cool1:

[simbasmom2]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:banana:An opening just came open for my family of 4!!! I am so excited, i haven't been able to book until now! We just did the MR cruise less than 2 weeks ago and it was great, but missed CC. I would love to join your Fe group. We did this last cruise and it was awesome! We have a verandah:cool1:.

Let the countdown begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[simbasmom2]

I just had a chance to read through all of the posts. Do we have a FE group/list started? I sure hope so! It just adds to the magic!:wizard:

[BelleBway]

I just had a chance to read through all of the posts. Do we have a FE group/list started? I sure hope so! It just adds to the magic!:wizard:

I haven't seen one... I've never done a FE before so I'm not really sure about the whole thing. :confused3

But yay, I just paid off my cruise!!! (bonus pts on disney visa for going over a certain $ amount in a month) And bought airline tix!!! :banana: Nieces are very excited.

ETA: wow your daughters are almost the exact same ages as my nieces!

[simbasmom2]

You are lucky it is paid off!!! Maybe all the girls can meet up in the clubs onboard. It is always nice talking to people on here that have children traveling with them the same ages/gender as mine.

Is anyone up for FEs? I will gladly organize it.:)

[Mackie Mouse]

SimbasMom - since the thread has been slow, I think people haven't been keen on the idea yet. If anyone wants to do FEs, though, I am happy to start a list/get on board! We had a blast doing an FE on our honeymoon. At the very least, I really would love to coordinate a place/time for a cruisemeet on our first day.

[simbasmom2]

SimbasMom - since the thread has been slow, I think people haven't been keen on the idea yet. If anyone wants to do FEs, though, I am happy to start a list! We had a blast doing an FE on our honeymoon. At the very least, I really would love to coordinate a place/time for a cruisemeet on our first day.

A meet sounds good. I would love to do the FEs again. If you would like to start it that would be great!:) Why do you think this thread is slow? HMMM
Maybe closer to the time it will pick up! I like to check the boards everyday (one could say I am a little obsessed:lmao:).

[Mackie Mouse]

My guess would be that it's the length of the cruise, maybe? I have only taken one other DCL cruise and that had an extremely active FE exchange/meet thread. Friends with more experience say it seems to vary...hopefully things will pick up (they have over the past month or so a bit!).

I will see if I can play around with Google Sites tonight and get a little page with a spreadsheet going. My last cruise someone set up a similar webpage with all the info that people could print/bookmark and it was very helpful! We kept track of DIS name, ages of kids, # of people in the party, etc. Except for jla's room, I don't know of a good spot on the Dream for a meet yet, though! Any ideas, or ideas for a time? Our last meet might have been about an hour before the muster drill...

[BelleBway]

I will see if I can play around with Google Sites tonight and get a little page with a spreadsheet going. My last cruise someone set up a similar webpage with all the info that people could print/bookmark and it was very helpful! We kept track of DIS name, ages of kids, # of people in the party, etc. Except for jla's room, I don't know of a good spot on the Dream for a meet yet, though! Any ideas, or ideas for a time? Our last meet might have been about an hour before the muster drill...

I would be happy to set up a password protected webpage if anyone wants; I'm a software developer so it would be easy for me to set something up just the way we wanted. (I'm a little concerned about privacy in terms of having too much of my info on a publicly accessible page)

I haven't done a DCL cruise since the inaugural year of the Magic and obviously have never done a FE; I've seen it talked about a lot and get the general idea but I haven't had time to do much research on it and am not sure I totally get what all is involved.

I'm always checking the Dis and I'm happy that this thread is starting to have some activity! :yay:

[Mackie Mouse]

BelleBWay - go for it :)

FYI - Here's what I came up with before reading your post in about 15 minutes on Google Sites, if you want to use it for inspiration :)

https://sites.google.com/site/disneydream8711/

[simbasmom2]

The FE exchange is a lot of fun. I ordered my Fe on EBAY (3 pocket -30.00 shipped) from "GRADYSMOM". It is adorable. I have seen homemade FEs and even just a cute pirate bag as a FE. I received all kinds of gifts: magnets, bookmarks, designer(our cruise info) mugs, journals, scrapbook items, silly bands, candy, ornaments, stickers, pirate tattoos, tiara (my husband wore this for awhile and drove my teen daughter nuts) and many more items. It is like a secret santa exchange. It is fun finding gifts. I like checking other peoples doors, too. We made a ton of magnets last time for our door. Some people give one gift per family, others gave 1 gift per person (everyone got something) and others stuffed the FEs almost everyday. I like the no rules plan. We brought for several days, but then combined them to give on three different occasions(7 nighter). There was a lot of walking, will be even more on a bigger ship. I told the girls in the future we will probably do 1 or 2 days worth...I guess it will depend how many join in. Our last woman who organized just kept a tally of their web name, room number, #of people in the room and if they have children- their age and gender. She just would update it here as people would join. If you can do it privately that would be fine, too. Hopefully more will join in on the fun. We know the ship is full!!:)

[BelleBway]

Our last woman who organized just kept a tally of their web name, room number, #of people in the room and if they have children- their age and gender. She just would update it here as people would join. If you can do it privately that would be fine, too. Hopefully more will join in on the fun. We know the ship is full!!:)

My thought is that some info can be kept public- screen name, # of people, kids ages. But some info should be protected and only available by password to people who have also submitted their info- things like cabin #, real names, home town. I admit to being super cautious about privacy but that's because I was sort of stalked in the past... nothing really dangerous, but definitely very freaky! I can periodically post the public info in this thread, too.

I'll get something together this wknd. :)

[Mackie Mouse]

FYI Belle - if you want to keep the Google site I have going, I can secure it. Only people granted permission would be able to view the site - you would just need a Google account (free, broader in scope than a GMail account). I would able to give people permission to both view and/or edit the site so a few of us could keep track of info. Just in case this saves you effort. If you're like my husband, though (also a software developer)....effort is not effort if you're programming something for fun.

We have our FE ready to go and (sshhh, it's kid of a surprise) bought one for the friends we are cruising with just in case. It will be their first cruise, and they will be celebrating their recent engagement while we celebrate our anniversary.

EDIT: Just saw in anther thread that Bon Voyage on Deck 3 might be a nice meet-up spot on the first day of the cruise...
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/dream/nightclubs-lounges/bon-voyage/

[simbasmom2]

That sounds like a good meeting place to me.::yes::

[Mackie Mouse]

Belle, or anyone else - any progress on a website? I also realized this weekend that I can make a password-protected site using my Mobile Me account - anyone given the username and password over a private message would be able to access it (no special account creation needed).

[BelleBway]

Belle, or anyone else - any progress on a website? I also realized this weekend that I can make a password-protected site using my Mobile Me account - anyone given the username and password over a private message would be able to access it (no special account creation needed).

Sorry, I really wanted to do this but I had a horrible weekend... :sad1: Maybe it's better if I don't since you already started setting something up.

[Mackie Mouse]

Oh no, Belle - hope everything is now OK! As it's almost my bedtime I'll get something secure officially up and running tomorrow.

[jlawall]

We're in for the FEs!!!:cool1:

[simbasmom2]

We're in for the FEs!!!:cool1:

YAY! The more the merrier!

[Mackie Mouse]

Website is up and running!

Hopefully this is what Belle was looking for :)

http://web.me.com/colinandheather/Disney_CruiseMeet/Welcome.html

You will need the username and password in order to view the website. Please PM me so I can give it to you! Also, check through the DISer list and see if there is any info you would like me to add. As of right now I have only the info posted publicly here on the site, so I tried to include as much of that as possible....and yes, I went through all six pages of posts! (Never have I been so glad that our thread was slow moving :) ) I would be happy to update the list with names, ages, cabin numbers, and locations.

I also did a little homework over the weekend on the Cruise board and found an even more spacious cruisemeet location. I slapped info about that up there and tentatively scheduled the meet for the same time as the one we had on our first cruise. Everything is open to change, especially if you are a more experienced cruise than me and have good advice to share!

Does anyone know if there is a way to have a moderator or admin put this link up on the first post of this thread so anyone joining us can see it?

[J & C's Mom]

I just read on the boards that Disney has lowered the height for riding the Aqua Duck to 42 inches. So happy! Now my DS will be able to ride.

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

With all the crappy weather here in the Mid-Atlantic, I am so looking forward to the warm sunshine!

[villagesbarbara]

I just read on the boards that Disney has lowered the height for riding the Aqua Duck to 42 inches. So happy! Now my DS will be able to ride.

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

With all the crappy weather here in the Mid-Atlantic, I am so looking forward to the warm sunshine!

That's great - But I'm still not riding it!!!!!!!!!!! Don't think you can get those adorable grandchildren of mine to change my mind. My first and last water tube ride was at Typhoon Lagoon.

[jlawall]

Website is up and running!

Hopefully this is what Belle was looking for :)

http://web.me.com/colinandheather/Disney_CruiseMeet/Welcome.html

You will need the username and password in order to view the website. Please PM me so I can give it to you! Also, check through the DISer list and see if there is any info you would like me to add. As of right now I have only the info posted publicly here on the site, so I tried to include as much of that as possible....and yes, I went through all six pages of posts! (Never have I been so glad that our thread was slow moving :) ) I would be happy to update the list with names, ages, cabin numbers, and locations.

I also did a little homework over the weekend on the Cruise board and found an even more spacious cruisemeet location. I slapped info about that up there and tentatively scheduled the meet for the same time as the one we had on our first cruise. Everything is open to change, especially if you are a more experienced cruise than me and have good advice to share!

Does anyone know if there is a way to have a moderator or admin put this link up on the first post of this thread so anyone joining us can see it?

I'm sure the moderators will help our thread by posting the pertinent info on the first post!

We have to start the pirate contest! At the hundredth post, you get a pirate......we will see how many pirates we can all receive by our cruise....it's a fun game and it helps our thread take off.....who's in???:banana:pirate:

[jlawall]

Just 13 posts to go to the first pirate............:surfweb:

[Mackie Mouse]

Am I allowed, in an effort to increase "pirating", to post on the main cruise forum to see if anyone who may have abandoned this thread feels like coming back now that we're getting close to the cruise? :)

[jlawall]

Am I allowed, in an effort to increase "pirating", to post on the main cruise forum to see if anyone who may have abandoned this thread feels like coming back now that we're getting close to the cruise? :)

A true "pirate" wouldn't ask..............pirate:

[Mackie Mouse]

I might have asked...but didn't wait for permission! YARRRR. pirate:

[pennymike]

HEY! Just rejoined.......haven't checked in for a while, but still way excited about Aug 7th! :) My DH is a DCL junkie.....so we've been following EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that has gone on with the Dream! SO excited. Did I already mention that???? :rotfl::rotfl:

Current plans....going to park for 2 nights before and 2 nights after. Still traveling with MIL and SFIL. Still working on expanding group, but going to have a blast no matter!

Glad to see the thread is active! I'll bookmark now that I see it is alive and well! :lovestruc

Penny

[teach22180]

I'm still here, too, and getting really excited for the summer! I found flying on Saturdays to be much less expensive, so I added a night at the end after our cruise at my dream resort, Wilderness Lodge. I'm so psyched about that, too! So, I'll be at POP for 8 nights, cruising for 5 and then finish off at the Magic Kingdom. I'm anticipating taking a 2 year hiatus and not returning until Fantasyland is complete, so this is a big hurrah for me!

I'm not sure I'm interested in the FE, but I'd like to stay in the loop until you all decide if we are doing one. Thanks!
Karen

[susiemmfan]

Good morning,

We are looking forward to this cruise on the DREAM. Booked our flights last night, so no turning back. :banana:

It will be me, DD(14) and DS(12). We will be going to WDW for a few days before the cruise. Hope it won't be too hot!:rotfl2: We have gone in August before and have lucked out with decent weather, not too hot and not too rainy.

We are interested in a FE. We participated in our first FE last August and had a fun time with it.

[Mackie Mouse]

YAY for people coming to say hello! Right now we have five (maybe six) groups in for an FE...not too big a crew, but still enough for a good time. Let me know if you want me t put any info up on our site.

So who will be watching the Oscars tonight (and rooting for Toy Story 3...)?

[jlawall]

YAY for people coming to say hello! Right now we have five (maybe six) groups in for an FE...not too big a crew, but still enough for a good time. Let me know if you want me t put any info up on our site.

So who will be watching the Oscars tonight (and rooting for Toy Story 3...)?

Looks like our first pirate run will hit as the Oscars begin......pirate:

[jlawall]

Good morning,

We are looking forward to this cruise on the DREAM. Booked our flights last night, so no turning back. :banana:

It will be me, DD(14) and DS(12). We will be going to WDW for a few days before the cruise. Hope it won't be too hot!:rotfl2: We have gone in August before and have lucked out with decent weather, not too hot and not too rainy.

We are interested in a FE. We participated in our first FE last August and had a fun time with it.

We still have to book our flights........:cloud9:

[jlawall]

YAY for people coming to say hello! Right now we have five (maybe six) groups in for an FE...not too big a crew, but still enough for a good time. Let me know if you want me t put any info up on our site.

So who will be watching the Oscars tonight (and rooting for Toy Story 3...)?

I'm sure TS3 will win..........:wizard:

[jlawall]

Shameless pirating underway...........

[jlawall]

Going in for the kill..............:dance3::rolleyes1popcorn:::hug: :confused::love::banana::worship::rotfl2:

[jlawall]

:woohoo::yay::dance3::rolleyes1:banana::cool1:


pirate:

[jlawall]

:woohoo::yay::dance3::rolleyes1:banana::cool1:


pirate:

And you wonder how I got the name "Captain Lucky!"

[Mackie Mouse]

shameless, just shameless jla! Like a true pirate!

So while I am kind of surprised by that win for Alice and Wonderland, the Mad Hatter hat the guy made for his Oscar was ridiculously adorable ;)

[Mackie Mouse]

Huzzah! Toy Story 3 wins! :mickeyjum

[simbasmom2]

The girls and I are trying to plan our Fe gifts! We have some good ideas!! :yay: I would like to suggest a cut off date to join, so that we can make/order/buy gifts and have enough without worrying about some joinng late. On our last cruise we had several last minute...the week of...ask to join. Mine were already to go in baggies and packed . How does 4-6 weeks before sound? I think our last cut off was 6 weeks before. I am a planner. LOL. 159 days to go!!!! :dance3:

[Mackie Mouse]

Six weeks out is June 26. If we make it 5 weeks out, the date is July 5, which is my birthday and therefore a very easy date fr me to remember :D Colin and I will probably do a variation of what we did last time (if not the exact same thing)....it was very popular!

[simbasmom2]

July 5th it is!

[Mackie Mouse]

So I have to vent my frustration tonight to someone who will understand! Since we are traveling during peak summer season for this trip, I decided right away that I wouldn't be able to count on any discounts via Disney and would have to go hunting for ways to save money on my own. We got a great deal on a pre-cruise stay at the Dolphin (including a free night), got a slight discount on park tickets by ordering from Undercover Tourist, and none of this was a big deal because we realized that we would pay less out of pocket for the type of meals we want to eat in WDW than we would buy using the dining plan.

Lo and behold...in my inbox today sits a special PIN code just for me for a FREE Disney Dining Plan (quick service for a mod or value, full dining plan for a deluxe) good for dates right during our stay! I have NEVER been a PIN recipient before, and now I can't use it! I actually debated the idea of selling our undercover tourist tickets to a friend and re-booking the whole package, but we would basically break even this way, if not spend more (the cost of two counter-service meals a day basically offsets the total amount we saved by staying at the Dolphin...) So basically, we still make out for the best doing what we did...but I really am sad that our PIN is going to waste!

[simbasmom2]

Sorry for your disappointment.:headache:I get mad at myself when I miss deal, too.

How did you manage to get a free night at the Dolphin?

BTW...what is a PIN?:confused3

[Mackie Mouse]

A PIN code is a special discount code that is sent out seemingly randomly from Disney either e-mail or through snail mail. The code is pretty long and is tied to the name and address of the person it was sent to, so I can't even give away my discount to a friend or family member. Grr!

The Dolphin is awesome in terms of finding discounts, I have learned! I actually booked initially with a teacher discount, but found another deal on the Swan/Dolphin thread here when the Super Bowl rolled around. They ran a promotion where PA and WI residents got a third night free if they booked at least a two night stay in honor of their teams being in the SuperBowl (crazy!). So I called and I turned out that we actually saved more with that code than we did with my original teacher discount. I'll have to see how our stay goes, but I am loving everything about the Dolphin so far in terms of my dealings with them. I feel like I'm getting off-site deals but on-site service, perks, and an awesome location. I am totally flabbergasted about the idea of walking to the Boardwalk and Epcot.

[susiemmfan]

That is a bummer. However, the Dolphin is a great hotel. The location is perfect. I stayed there a few years back when the kids were young with a stroller and it was great to take the boat to EPCOT and then grab the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, no folding the stroller. We had a view of Hollywood Studios.

[simbasmom2]

That will be a great location for you. I think they give a discount for nurses, too. My husband and I are both nurses. I think after the cruise we are going to rent a car and take a big road trip down through the Keys. We have been wanting to do this for quite some time now...so I think we should JUST DO IT!

[Mackie Mouse]

simba, we did a day in Key West on our honeymoon cruise and thought it was great. Definitely a unique and relaxing vibe down there. Halfway between Disney and the Caribbean...which is fitting ;)

[jlawall]

That will be a great location for you. I think they give a discount for nurses, too. My husband and I are both nurses. I think after the cruise we are going to rent a car and take a big road trip down through the Keys. We have been wanting to do this for quite some time now...so I think we should JUST DO IT!

I just did this last year and I loved it......if we do it again, I would just stay maybe one night at Key West (ok, maybe two) and then head back and maybe stay at the Checca Lodge which we discovered by accident along the way...it's in Islamorada.:woohoo:

[simbasmom2]

Thanks guys for the positive vibe for the Keys. :) I have heard great things about the Checca lodge, too. One of my past co-workers stayed there I remember. I think she said it was super expensive...I will have to do some research. We haven't decided about how long to do our "extended trip". Maybe 2 or 3 nights, so I guess I will have to plan our attack. LOL. I know I wont stay in KW very long, my mom goes almost every year and she warned me I will need to redirect my kids eyes often. LOL. She said it wasn't really a place for kids. But DH and I have wanted to go for awhile now.


Is anybody going to try to get a ressie for Remy's? DH wants me to try...it will be luck if me get a reservation. I really am not a huge foodie, but I do like Palo's...sooooooooooo worth the extra $$. Remy's is so expensive on top of the cost of the cruise. Gotta keep DH happy, he is so good to us. I am so glad he loves Disney as much as I do. I think I will try to get Palo's if I can't get Remy's, not both. I personally like both the Dinner and the brunch, so it won't matter which I choose/get.

I am looking forward to going to the district at night. The kids stay late in the clubs so Dh and I live it up. We hardly ever get to go out at home.

Wish me luck-I am really trying hard to loose some weight. My high school reunion is the day before we set sail!! So double the motivation! LOL :rotfl:We typically go 1or 2 nights before we cruise, so this is making me a little nervous heading down the morning of. We plan to get trip insurance this time...can anybody help me? I have never purchased it...just rolled the dice. The last trip was my warning sign, so I think I need to get it from now on. I know DCL is limited and expensive, I just don't know where to start.


Whoo...I am on a roll typing. All for now.:hippie:

[Mackie Mouse]

I am praying for a Remy reservation. The cruise kicks off on the exact date of our second wedding anniversary, and since we are cruising with friends and will repeat whatever restaurant we visit that very first night (unless it's the show at AP) it would be such an ideal way to kick off the cruise and really do something special just for us. My hopes are not high given how hard it's been to get reservations on earlier cruises...but I am holding out for a miracle. And no, I am not above begging and crying and pleading once onboard the ship that first day ;)

[BelleBway]

No Remy for me this time- not when I'm the only "adult" in my party. :) (age-wise, I am an adult. Mentally? Jury's still out...) I did Palo when I cruised with my mom years ago and it was great- but not this time.

I'm still hoping against hope for a PIN or public room-only discount that will be valid on 8/12-8/13 (current public discount starts 8/14) We're doing WDW after the cruise because it works out better for everyone's schedules than doing it before. Plus, since the nieces have already been to WDW and have never been on a cruise, I figured that they'd want to do that first, anyway.

Sorry I haven't been posting- things have (still) been a little crazy here.

[susiemmfan]

Thanks guys for the positive vibe for the Keys. :) I have heard great things about the Checca lodge, too. One of my past co-workers stayed there I remember. I think she said it was super expensive...I will have to do some research. We haven't decided about how long to do our "extended trip". Maybe 2 or 3 nights, so I guess I will have to plan our attack. LOL. I know I wont stay in KW very long, my mom goes almost every year and she warned me I will need to redirect my kids eyes often. LOL. She said it wasn't really a place for kids. But DH and I have wanted to go for awhile now.


Is anybody going to try to get a ressie for Remy's? DH wants me to try...it will be luck if me get a reservation. I really am not a huge foodie, but I do like Palo's...sooooooooooo worth the extra $$. Remy's is so expensive on top of the cost of the cruise. Gotta keep DH happy, he is so good to us. I am so glad he loves Disney as much as I do. I think I will try to get Palo's if I can't get Remy's, not both. I personally like both the Dinner and the brunch, so it won't matter which I choose/get.

I am looking forward to going to the district at night. The kids stay late in the clubs so Dh and I live it up. We hardly ever get to go out at home.

Wish me luck-I am really trying hard to loose some weight. My high school reunion is the day before we set sail!! So double the motivation! LOL :rotfl:We typically go 1or 2 nights before we cruise, so this is making me a little nervous heading down the morning of. We plan to get trip insurance this time...can anybody help me? I have never purchased it...just rolled the dice. The last trip was my warning sign, so I think I need to get it from now on. I know DCL is limited and expensive, I just don't know where to start.


Whoo...I am on a roll typing. All for now.:hippie:

I have purchased Disney trip insurance in the past. A few years back when my mom was sailing with us, my brother got sick and the doctor recommended that we not leave the area. We canceled the cruise and got all our money back. Also last year for our Med cruise we got a letter stating that we could cancel our trip and use the credit for another cruise due to the volcano ash.

Key West is fun. We have been there twice. The first time we did the train tour and aquarium and the second time we did a bike tour. I could go for some Key Lime Pie on a Stick right now.

No Remy or Palo for me. I had brunch at Palo for the first time with my mom on our last cruise and it was GREAT. We also did dinner with a group from the boards which was fun.

[jlawall]

What is Remy's and how do you get a ressie?

I have a daughter getting married in the fall and I'm on WW....lost 10.5 so far.....:surfweb:

[simbasmom2]

J-awesome on the 10.5 lbs down!! I have done WW on and off for years. I am just counting calories THIS time. As soon as I stop tracking I gain! UGG


BAD NEWS ON OUR POST CRUISE TRIP! We FINALLY got our kids new schedule for school...and they START August 15. What is that about!!!!!!!!!
Needless to say I am really peeved! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO no Keys for us. I still would like to stay Friday some where and come back Saturday. I having problems starting the night before debarking with depression setting in, this last time I booked another cruise so that helped. I plan to book again, but would also like a little trip,too. Even if we just stay at a WDW resort, swim and go to DD that would be OK with me.

Mackie- I wish you good luck and pixie dust. I think you will get your ressie. I read last night on the boards that they only put 10-20 percent of the ressies available online. I also read that someone tried to book after boarding and they had a ton of ressies available for both restaurants and had the most availability on boarding day!! This is perfect for you. On our 2nd Disney cruise we couldn't get a palos brunch, but we were put on the waiting list. The night before they called us and invited us to eat. That was a magical moment.

[simbasmom2]

No Remy for me this time- not when I'm the only "adult" in my party. :) (age-wise, I am an adult. Mentally? Jury's still out...) I did Palo when I cruised with my mom years ago and it was great- but not this time.

I'm still hoping against hope for a PIN or public room-only discount that will be valid on 8/12-8/13 (current public discount starts 8/14) We're doing WDW after the cruise because it works out better for everyone's schedules than doing it before. Plus, since the nieces have already been to WDW and have never been on a cruise, I figured that they'd want to do that first, anyway.

Sorry I haven't been posting- things have (still) been a little crazy here.

Hope your life slows down and little and everything gets straighten out! I am also dealing with craziness here. Don't forget about us...Disboards is a great means for therapy...an escape if u will.:thumbsup2

I agree a discount on the resorts would be nice, we are just missing the dates.

[simbasmom2]

What is Remy's and how do you get a ressie?

I have a daughter getting married in the fall and I'm on WW....lost 10.5 so far.....:surfweb:

Remy's is the new fancy restaurant on the ship. I believe french cuisine. Named after the rat from the movie Ratatouille...Ok I know I spelled that way wrong:rotfl::rotfl:. It is 75pp! WOW. Beautiful pics online. Our anniversary is in August, so I am thinking this would be our anniversary meal/date. This is how i will justify paying that...when we can eat for "free". My sister and I on our last cruise would joke and say "free or 6,000 dollars".

[Mackie Mouse]

Belle - I wish I could transfer my PIN over to you!

I am hoping that Remy works out for us - last cruise we didn't get into Palo for brunch and were easily able to make a reservations on board the ship. (That brunch was epic, by the way... would love to do it again!) So hopefully if we can't get something booked ahead of time it will be available once we're on board.

[simbasmom2]

I just found out last night that my work has a code I can use with destinationsinflorida.com to get discounts on rooms!!YIPEE Also, if all goes well it looks like I could get another 5% of the total of the cruise off in the form of onboard credits:banana::banana: I tried to call them yesterday, but being Saturday nobody called me back. PLEASE cross your fingers for me, this could be another 250 in onboard credit!!! I just need to make sure I can still pay with gift cards, I get fuel perks and this saves us a lot of money we would be spending in gas. I was so happy last night, I hope all of this plays out! I would then have 350 in crdeit!! That would pay for my tips and some drinks!!!

[susiemmfan]

We saw Rango today. Cute movie. Saw a preview for Pirates 4. Can't wait. We will have to go see at the drive-in.

[simbasmom2]

When does Pirates come out? we may have to wait and watch it onboard.

[jlawall]

Remy's is the new fancy restaurant on the ship. I believe french cuisine. Named after the rat from the movie Ratatouille...Ok I know I spelled that way wrong:rotfl::rotfl:. It is 75pp! WOW. Beautiful pics online. Our anniversary is in August, so I am thinking this would be our anniversary meal/date. This is how i will justify paying that...when we can eat for "free". My sister and I on our last cruise would joke and say "free or 6,000 dollars".

Thx, now I always book online as soon as my final payment is due....why do you think we won't be able to get a ressie for Remy? I usually get Palo this way.:confused3

[jlawall]

FYI, I was reading on the boards that check-in has been intense and we need to arrive earlier than usual to get on by ...:scared1:noon.....

[simbasmom2]

Thx, now I always book online as soon as my final payment is due....why do you think we won't be able to get a ressie for Remy? I usually get Palo this way.:confused3

I read several place that unless you were gold status or higher the ressies were all taken.

[simbasmom2]

FYI, I was reading on the boards that check-in has been intense and we need to arrive earlier than usual to get on by ...:scared1:noon.....

We have to fly in the morning of...probably landing around 9:45. I think we are going to get a transfer (not through Disney) we usually rent a car. We think maybe we can get there sooner if we don't have to mess around at the car rental place. I hope we can be out of the airport by 10:30 and maybe get to the port by 11:30. I will probably be getting there when a lot of people do...mad house:scared1:. Oh well, I can't do much about it. When we did the MR we got to the port at 9:30! We were first through the line and we were the 3 station to board...that was awesome!!

Why did they say it was intense? I will try to find those posts.

[jlawall]

We have to fly in the morning of...probably landing around 9:45. I think we are going to get a transfer (not through Disney) we usually rent a car. We think maybe we can get there sooner if we don't have to mess around at the car rental place. I hope we can be out of the airport by 10:30 and maybe get to the port by 11:30. I will probably be getting there when a lot of people do...mad house:scared1:. Oh well, I can't do much about it. When we did the MR we got to the port at 9:30! We were first through the line and we were the 3 station to board...that was awesome!!

Why did they say it was intense? I will try to find those posts.

Early on, it was quite crowded at check-in. Yesterday, I read some more promising reports....maybe they're still working out the kinks.popcorn::

[jlawall]

I read several place that unless you were gold status or higher the ressies were all taken.

How many cruises does it take to get Gold status?

'99 L&W
'02 Eastern Caribbean
'03 Western Caribbean
'04 Western Caribbean
'05 West Coast
'07 Med
'09 Wonder 4day

I think this is our total so far.....:confused3

[Mackie Mouse]

5, I think, for Gold status. I am not holding out much hope for things to come through online for Remy/Palo brunch (which I think they will offer on our cruise, as we have a sea day) but, like our HM cruise, I think that showing up on the day of boarding will yield good results.

Last cruise we left for port at 9 or 9:30 AM from WDW and were on the boat by noon. Granted, we followed the VERY good advice of a DCL cast member who told us to not take the WDW ground transfer and instead leave extra bs travel time. We took DME back to the Orlando airport, checked in at the DCL desk there, and then boarded a ground transfer bus to the terminal. We waited on no lines there and were on the boat just around noon. Since we can't use Magical Express this time due to our Dolphin stay, that won't work this time, but hopefully the awesome friends we are cruising with will make the wait bearable. (We're very close...DH and I are both in their wedding next year! Oddly enough, since I was very close buddies with Rob all through college, I won't be there as a bridesmaid, but rather a "groomschick" ;) )

[simbasmom2]

Yes, I think it takes 5 cruises. So ones 6th cruise one would be considered gold. Then I think it goes to Platinum. I hope we will be on the boat by noon...that is the goal. Hopefully not too crazy in the terminal.:)

[simbasmom2]

How many cruises does it take to get Gold status?

'99 L&W
'02 Eastern Caribbean
'03 Western Caribbean
'04 Western Caribbean
'05 West Coast
'07 Med
'09 Wonder 4day

I think this is our total so far.....:confused3

You should already be Gold!! YAY for you.:banana: You can book your excursions, spa treatments and dining reservations earlier than first time cruisers and silver cruisers. You must be paid in full before booking ressies.

You wil have to look online to see when you can book. I believe full payment is needed 90days before we sail, silver club members can book 75 days before
if paid in full. I want to say Gold can book 60 days before (i could easily be wrong)

[Mackie Mouse]

It's obvious to me that we all can't wait for May to get here so we can book things, no matter what status we are! :P

What spa treatment recommends does everyone have? Last cruise DH and I did the Castaway Cay couples' massage, which was beyond awesome, but DH isn't really in the mood for indulging in a spa treatment for himself this time. H actually expressed interest in the exotic rasul (*blush*), but I hear that the room isn't available on the Dream. Kristen (the gal pal, and my friend Rob's fiance) and I were thinking of booking something together, or just seeing what specials were available on sport days. What has everyone done before? Aaand, might it be worth it to surprise DH with a professional shave or something else small?

[simbasmom2]

I have never done any of the spa treatments. I would love to, but they are so expensive. We spend a fortune as is. We almost booked the exotic rasul last month on the Wonder!:lovestruc I also heard -no rasul on the Dream. I think the Rasul is a favorite for the men :rotfl:. If anything I may just get the rainforrest pass.

I will just book Remy's or Palos. Maybe bikes at CC. We are going to bring our own snorkel gear. We plan to stay on the ship in Nassau.

I transferred my reservation to DESTINATIONSINFLORIDA and now I have more onboard credit!! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:banana: I have enough credit to cover our tips for all of us and some martinis!! The cinnamon bash is the best!! They use to make it in the promenade lounge (on the menu). It was off the menu this last time, but the old staff still remembered how to make it!!;)

I put a ticker on my Droid, so I always know the days till take off!:thumbsup2

How bout the prices for air?!?! Not happy...$1250 for the 4 of us!!

[teach22180]

I'm trying to decide what to do in Nassau, too. I may go over to see Atlantis, but I may just wander around a little bit and go back on the ship. In 2006, I took my teen over to hug dolphins at Blue Lagoon.

So, no excursions probably for me. I'm just so excited to hang out on Castaway Cay with no pressure to be anywhere at any specific time. Last trip we did feed the stingrays; you can tell it was a trip for my animal lover with stingrays and dolphins! We came back in 2007 and went to Sea World and Discovery Cove. This trip is for me, just to enjoy the sun and the water. :goodvibes

And, no Palo or Remy. I don't think it would be much fun by myself. We did Palo brunch our other cruise, and it was yummy and such a pretty view. I'm not worried about having enough to do; Disney has the best activities, and the ship will be fun to explore.

Edited to add: I forgot to mention that my 19 year old enjoyed the hot stone massage, but she did get talked into buying a lot of stuff from the spa! I don't do spas, so I didn't realize they would try to sell her on the stuff they use.

[susiemmfan]

No excursions for us either. We are looking forward to a relaxing cruise. We will probably stay on the ship in Nassau too. We were even talking tonight about skipping dinner one night and just ordering room service for something different.

As far as spa treatments, I have had a pedicure and massage which was wonderful. I have also done the couple massage on Castaway Cay with my boyfriend. It was GREAT! I think that I might just get the Rainforest Pass this time.

[jlawall]

Thx to all for the Gold info......I am catching up....we've sailed a few other lines due to itineraries, but our first love is always DCL!

I've started to book the spa treatments and they're worth it! The Rainforest is too! We also enjoy booking the "tastings" and always have fun there. Does anyone know the new club name? We always enjoyed the Rockin' Bar D events....what does this ship have?:banana::hippie::worship::thumbsup2:cool1:

[pennymike]

I'm trying to decide what to do in Nassau, too. I may go over to see Atlantis, but I may just wander around a little bit and go back on the ship. In 2006, I took my teen over to hug dolphins at Blue Lagoon.

So, no excursions probably for me. I'm just so excited to hang out on Castaway Cay with no pressure to be anywhere at any specific time. Last trip we did feed the stingrays; you can tell it was a trip for my animal lover with stingrays and dolphins! We came back in 2007 and went to Sea World and Discovery Cove. This trip is for me, just to enjoy the sun and the water. :goodvibes

And, no Palo or Remy. I don't think it would be much fun by myself. We did Palo brunch our other cruise, and it was yummy and such a pretty view. I'm not worried about having enough to do; Disney has the best activities, and the ship will be fun to explore.

Edited to add: I forgot to mention that my 19 year old enjoyed the hot stone massage, but she did get talked into buying a lot of stuff from the spa! I don't do spas, so I didn't realize they would try to sell her on the stuff they use.

FYI: We did learn that when you make spa ressies, you can request "no sales", and then they will not put you through the pitch of what you simply can't live without when you return home! :rotfl2:

DH and I had an Exotic Rasul on the Magic as a comp for a schedule goof on the part of the Vista spa, and we were VERY glad we had NOT paid the $80ish for it. The room was in disrepair, and it was really kind of ... um....I guess creepy is the best term I can come up with for it. Don't get me wrong....we made the most of the experience and enjoyed our time together, but....eeewwww.

Hoping for a 5K on one of the Castaway visits! Did that for the first time this last Xmas on the Magic, and LOVED it!

[Mackie Mouse]

DH and I had an Exotic Rasul on the Magic as a comp for a schedule goof on the part of the Vista spa, and we were VERY glad we had NOT paid the $80ish for it. The room was in disrepair, and it was really kind of ... um....I guess creepy is the best term I can come up with for it. Don't get me wrong....we made the most of the experience and enjoyed our time together, but....eeewwww.


The room condition part would have made me grumpy....is that where the "eww" comes from? Or is it just knowing what others generally like to use the room for? Personally, that's no worse for me than sleeping in a hotel bed. (I may now be laughing to myself at the thought of how many people acknowledged "christening" the beds on the Dream in January...! :X)

I spoke with DH and we agreed not to book an excursion on our day at Nassau. Since we've never been there, we'll probably hop off the boat for a few hours and walk around at the straw market, then be back in time for lunch and something from the spa. I'd much rather get some extra time on the ship on this shorter cruise than spend a day at Atlantis.

[BelleBway]

Hoping for a 5K on one of the Castaway visits! Did that for the first time this last Xmas on the Magic, and LOVED it!

I'd like to do a 5K... but I'm not sure how that will work out while having my nieces with me. Last trip to WDW, I was worried about keeping up with them... when it turned out that they found it more challenging to keep up with me. :rotfl2: (except for swimming; they can swim til infinity whereas after 45 mins or so, I generally get bored with it)

I'd normally stay on the ship in Nassau- that's what I did on my Magic cruise. But it's the nieces' first time out of the country... I'm thinking one of the dolphin excursions would be fun for them.

Also want to take them parasailing on Castaway Cay, and want to do some snorkeling so I can practice for my planned trip to Australia later this year.

[jlawall]

:goodvibesA 5K on CC?? My family would love that! (Not me, I'll be on a chair with my Konk Kooler!)

[Mackie Mouse]

jla - I will toast with you to everyone as they run by!

[jlawall]

jla - I will toast with you to everyone as they run by!
:thumbsup2:rotfl2::worship::cool1::lmao::goodvibes :cheer2:popcorn:::yay:

[simbasmom2]

Is anybody else out there getting anxious about the the itineraries (sp?) for the Wonder and the Magic past spring of 2012? I can hardly stand the wait...I want to plan! I turn 40 Nov.2012 (Thx week) and I need something to look forward to!:rotfl: I hope the Magic does sail out of NYC...that would be cool! I have been following the thread "March 10 announcement..." there are a lot of speculations.

come on DCL release your future plans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:worship:

[Mackie Mouse]

Is anybody else out there getting anxious about the the itineraries (sp?) for the Wonder and the Magic past spring of 2012? I can hardly stand the wait...I want to plan! I turn 40 Nov.2012 (Thx week) and I need something to look forward to!:rotfl: I hope the Magic does sail out of NYC...that would be cool! I have been following the thread "March 10 announcement..." there are a lot of speculations.

come on DCL release your future plans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:worship:

I say yes, because depending on how this summer goes DH and I are seriously considering an Alaska cruise. I'm not sure if we'll have the heart to go on a ship if it isn't the Wonder! I'm in no rush to book until after the current trip is done, but it would be nice to at least know our options.

[jlawall]

I say yes, because depending on how this summer goes DH and I are seriously considering an Alaska cruise. I'm not sure if we'll have the heart to go on a ship if it isn't the Wonder! I'm in no rush to book until after the current trip is done, but it would be nice to at least know our options.

I always book on board!:cloud9:

[kk92476]

Website is up and running!

Hopefully this is what Belle was looking for :)


You will need the username and password in order to view the website. Please PM me so I can give it to you! Also, check through the DISer list and see if there is any info you would like me to add. As of right now I have only the info posted publicly here on the site, so I tried to include as much of that as possible....and yes, I went through all six pages of posts! (Never have I been so glad that our thread was slow moving :) ) I would be happy to update the list with names, ages, cabin numbers, and locations.

I also did a little homework over the weekend on the Cruise board and found an even more spacious cruisemeet location. I slapped info about that up there and tentatively scheduled the meet for the same time as the one we had on our first cruise. Everything is open to change, especially if you are a more experienced cruise than me and have good advice to share!

Does anyone know if there is a way to have a moderator or admin put this link up on the first post of this thread so anyone joining us can see it?
Hello! I am brand new to the Disney Discussion boards but so excited for August to come! Would love to get in on the FE group--I've read all about it and we've already started picking out little goodies! I don't know how the whole "PM" thing works to send a message to Mackie Mouse. Help! : - )

[Mackie Mouse]

kk - I will take care of that part for you! Look up at the top of the browser window in a few minutes. There is a tan box that says "Welcome, *your user name*. Underneath that, there is a link showing whether or not you have any new private messages. If it shows that you have one unread, it will be from me with all the info for the website! Message me back with your stateroom number, names, location, ages of kids, etc. and I will make sure to add you to the list :)

You are also just welcome to post all that info publicly here in the thread, but we opted instead to make a secure website with a password so people didn't have to share with the whole Internet if they didn't want to.

ETA: jla, you can bet that if DCL is going to Alaska next summer and we know about this cruise we will probably wind up booking on board :X Have clearly not done it before...but it will be hard to resist knowing already that we want to go!

[kk92476]

Hmmm, since I haven't done 10 posts yet, the system won't allow me to private message you back. So, I'll just throw caution to the wind and post it here : - )

Kristen & Joel
My DD is Janelle (her 8th birthday is August 8th--we'll be at Castaway Cay!)
Room 8562
We're from Boston

I think that's all you need, but let me know if I forgot anything. Thanks again!

[Mackie Mouse]

Looks good to me, kk! Everything should be updated.

Does anyone have good plans for spring break/Easter? I'm a teacher and definitely ready for our break, which is sadly still another three weeks away. DH and I decided to do a long weekend in DC this year because we need to get away and August just isn't coming fast enough!

[kk92476]

Thanks so much! I'm excited that I've found the board and can't wait for August! As we get closer, I'll need to hear more about the FE thing--I've never done it but love the idea!

No fun plans for April break (3+ weeks away) yet, probably a day trip to Six Flags, some dinners with my DD. We just took a little long weekend to NYC last week (fun but freezing cold!) so nothing else planned so far until the cruise!

We may get another WDW trip in the fall, as DD is auditioning to perform at Downtown Disney over Columbus Day weekend. That would be so fun!

We found a travel channel special about WDW and she watches it at least 3 times a week!

[simbasmom2]

WELCOME KK :welcome:Glad to see you join our FE group!
Funny to hear all of you talk about NYC and DC. My mom just got back from NYC yesterday and my DD gets back from her DC trip tonight. We have no exciting plans for spring break...can't complain though since we were just recently on our "home" boat the Wonder.

I think we have settled on our main FE gift...excited to get started.

Just found out my sister and her family get to travel on the Fantasy summer of 12!! I am excited for her. DH says he wants to book the Fantasy-Eastern. The prices are crazy!!! I am still trying to be patient-waiting for the next release of itineraries.

[Mackie Mouse]

kk - FE was definitely a blast on our last (and only other) cruise two summers ago. We had a HUGE group that time - maybe close to 20 families, if not more. I am hoping more will jump in over the next few months...but I won't complain about only having to put together 6 little gifts! DH and I are really not crafty at all, but our edible gift was pretty popular nonetheless. Since we are also about as creative as we are crafty, I won't give anything away - we will probably repeat what we did last time!

We found that doing the gifts was also a great conversation starter for when you awkwardly ran into people you sort of recognized from the cruise meet but not really at the pool :)

kk, what did you do on your long weekend in NYC? I am a Jersey girl at heart, so I miss day trips to New York. Any chance you took in a show while there? DH and I saw American Idiot last summer (his first anniversary present from me) and - say what you will! - I am dying to see The Book of Mormon this year.

[disneyscruella]

I have never done any FE gifts and I want to this cruise. What kind of things do people do? Do you have any favorites you have received? No secret plans expected, just some ideas would be great.

[BelleBway]

DH and I saw American Idiot last summer (his first anniversary present from me) and - say what you will! - I am dying to see The Book of Mormon this year.

I'd love to see Book of Mormon! I'm also wanting to see How To Succeed... with Daniel Radcliffe (aka Harry Potter) But I don't see nearly as many shows on Broadway as I used to (being that it inspired my screen name and all); Last show I saw was A Little Night Music.

[villagesbarbara]

Looks good to me, kk! Everything should be updated.

Does anyone have good plans for spring break/Easter? I'm a teacher and definitely ready for our break, which is sadly still another three weeks away. DH and I decided to do a long weekend in DC this year because we need to get away and August just isn't coming fast enough!

My DD (J&C'sMom) is also a teacher and looking forward to to the break. She and the little ones are visiting Grandmom in FL this year. My other DD (another teacher) just went back to CT after spending her spring break here.

[jlawall]

How did I miss all these posts??

FEs are fun, did I sign up yet? If not, we're in!

Good ideas are magnets, notepads, anything fun and small...some people like to send things from their hometowns, or DCL themes....

We need a logo, is anyone creative enough to make one? If not, my oldest, who is not sailing this time, could probably help make one.

We have no springbreak ideas, I'm a teacher but since my oldest is getting married, we have no money plus my youngest is living at home for 6 months during her co-op....I need a trip, Yikes!!

:confused:

[kk92476]

NYC was a blast--just wish the weather would have been better. It was pouring and SO cold! We saw Mary Poppins which was WONDERFUL! I think it was even better than Lion King and Wicked, which had been my previous favorites. We loved it!

Other than that we just made the rounds of shopping...Disney Store, M&M store, Hershey Store, American Girl Doll store. Cha ching $$$ but fun!

My DD picked out some little FE prizes already this weekend (we don't have the FE holder yet!) but I guess I'd been thinking we needed like 50. If it's only like 10-20 families I feel like we can get much more creative! : - )

[Mackie Mouse]

jla...I am definitely not creative enough to come up with a logo from scratch! If no one else has an idea, however, I do have something up my sleeve... *twiddles thumbs and whistles*

Belle - you inspired me to e-mailed the friends I have been tossing around seeing Book of Mormon with. We may be in for mid-July, a few weeks before the cruise I will keep you posted and, if all goes well, will offer a full review at our Cruisemeet!

Good FE gifts that we received last cruise were anything edible (candy, home-made cookies, mini bottles of booze...those came in VERY handy as good grown-up gifts!) and geographically-themed stuff. One family from England gave everyone chcolates from a shop in their hometown. Some Jersey Shore natives did saltwater taffy. We got a Phillies beer coozie from a family not too far away from us :) We also did a Philly-themed edible gift for everyone, but again, not giving that away as it was a big hit and I think we want to stick with it! Fun stuff for pirate night is also nice - eye-patches, bandanas, glowsticks. Some crafty people go absolutely nuts making autograph books, scrapbooks, photo albums, etc. for each cabin. I have seen here on the DIS people who have made door magnets and people who have made mix CDs of Disney music for each cabin. Really, the sky's the limit. I would also not be fearful about cost...it's not about what you spend or spending equal to everyone else, just about the fun of gift-giving and meeting fellow cruisers. Some people go all-out, some spend just a few cents per cabin giving what they can.

disneys cruella - I will PM you info about our cruisemeet website so that you can give me your information and we can get you on-board for the FE :)

ETA: jla and susie - What are your cabin numbers? I have you on for the FE but I don't have a cabin listed yet for either of you :)

[susiemmfan]

I am glad that it is Friday. It was a long week back after our spring break last week. We were in Florida and had perfect weather - sunny and mid 80's all week. I am tired of the cold weather back here at home.

I also got to book everything for our Alaska cruise in July this week. I was able to get brunch and High Tea at Palo. My mom is joining us on the Alaskan cruise so I have another adult to dine with at Palo.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

[jlawall]

jla...I am definitely not creative enough to come up with a logo from scratch! If no one else has an idea, however, I do have something up my sleeve... *twiddles thumbs and whistles*

ETA: jla and susie - What are your cabin numbers? I have you on for the FE but I don't have a cabin listed yet for either of you :)

Me neither...I will send you my cabin number...don't have it where I'm at right now............

[BelleBway]

I finally booked my post-cruise hotel with the new discounts that came out on Friday! :banana:

Although it's sorta annoying that I could only get a discount on my first 2 (of 3) nights... stupid timing of having a trip that overlaps into 2 different booking seasons. (yeah, NOW I know I should have booked a room for the 3rd night with the previous 40% off discount and then later added 2 more nights when the new discount came out...)

[susiemmfan]

I finally booked my post-cruise hotel with the new discounts that came out on Friday! :banana:

Although it's sorta annoying that I could only get a discount on my first 2 (of 3) nights... stupid timing of having a trip that overlaps into 2 different booking seasons. (yeah, NOW I know I should have booked a room for the 3rd night with the previous 40% off discount and then later added 2 more nights when the new discount came out...)

How exciting! I like the hotel you picked. It had been on my bucket list to stay there, so we stayed one night after our cruise in 2009. Felt like a queen.

[villagesbarbara]

NYC was a blast--just wish the weather would have been better. It was pouring and SO cold! We saw Mary Poppins which was WONDERFUL! I think it was even better than Lion King and Wicked, which had been my previous favorites. We loved it!

Other than that we just made the rounds of shopping...Disney Store, M&M store, Hershey Store, American Girl Doll store. Cha ching $$$ but fun!

Sounds like our weekend there in December - except we saw Mama Mia. But the store list and $$$$'s were right on. Just saw the hotel we stayed at on a recent ABC News report highlighting the fact that the rooms were way smaller than the hotel site's made them look. Didn't matter, we didn't spend much time in them. We were there since our youngest was on a panel at a film festival. Dec in NY/Holiday Decs/Tourist Shopping/Doomesday Film Festival. Doesn't that sound like a round of "one of these things doesn't belong". You never know where science fiction will take you. For her it led the English Professor to sitting on the film festival panel with the writer of Raging Bull and Taxi Driver. That was kind'a cool. Well at least we are unique.

Getting closer and my better half is really gearing up for his DCL obsession. He reminds me each day when the Dream is in port. A friend sailed on her maiden and the pictures he shared just got us really excited. We were on shore at Jetty Park when she left for that one. She is a beauty.

Getting close to our 105 day mark - can't wait to watch Mickey swim.

Barbara

[Mackie Mouse]

Belle - where are you staying? I want to seethe with jealousy!

barbara...love the use of wanting to "see Mickey swim" :)

[BelleBway]

Belle - where are you staying? I want to seethe with jealousy!

Grand Floridian! :banana: (I assume that susiemmfan must have seen my post in my pre-TR linked in my signature?)

I was supposed to stay there- in RPC concierge no less- for my birthday 2 weeks ago, but that entire trip had to be canceled since my mom isn't up to travel. :( Don't really need concierge- that was more for my mom's benefit so she wouldn't have had to walk to the outer buildings. But I am splurging for theme park view!

[villagesbarbara]

I finally booked my post-cruise hotel with the new discounts that came out on Friday! :banana:



We're all at Villas at Wilderness Lodge the night before and the 5 after. It's our big annual family invasion of WDW. Since we live here, we usually just pop down for a day or two at one of the DVC resorts, thanks to the kid's DVC points. I raised them right, didn't I.

Traditionally, before a DCL cruise, we always have breakfast at Whispering Canyon - the little ones love it and so do the rest of us. Just the right amount of fun to kick off the cruise.

Barbara

[susiemmfan]

[QUOTE=BelleBway;40569323]Grand Floridian! :banana: (I assume that susiemmfan must have seen my post in my pre-TR linked in my signature?)

Yes, I did. :) When I booked at that time, they asked if we were celebrating anything and I stated that we were celebrating the year I turned XX, a milestone birthday.

When we went back to the room that night, they had left a Mickey Mouse made out of white chocolate and chocolate covered strawberries. It was awesome! :cool1:

However, our stay was somewhat bittersweet since the monorail accident happened the night we stayed there. We did not know about the accident until my mom called the next morning to check if we were OK. :sad1:

[BelleBway]

Yes, I did. :) When I booked at that time, they asked if we were celebrating anything and I stated that we were celebrating the year I turned XX, a milestone birthday.

When we went back to the room that night, they had left a Mickey Mouse made out of white chocolate and chocolate covered strawberries. It was awesome! :cool1:

Aww, this was a milestone birthday for me... it would have been so amazing to have been there for it. :sad1: We had all our ADR's and everything when we had to cancel the trip. (I had a sort of awesome day anyway- but in a totally different way than if I'd been at WDW)

However, our stay was somewhat bittersweet since the monorail accident happened the night we stayed there. We did not know about the accident until my mom called the next morning to check if we were OK. :sad1:

Yeah, I can see how it would be kinda weird if you were there when it happened. I think that was a few months before my last trip.

[Mackie Mouse]

Awesome, Belle. Although I must admit that my dream Disney vacation involves a stay at AKL with a savannah view...

[BelleBway]

Awesome, Belle. Although I must admit that my dream Disney vacation involves a stay at AKL with a savannah view...

I did that when I took the girls to WDW for the first time, 2 yrs ago-- until then, I'd really been dying to stay there. :) It was cute when they called home and tried to ask for there to be giraffe and zebra in the backyard when they got back so it would be easier for them to get used to not being on vacation anymore. :lmao:

I think that staying at AKL was what inspired me to actually go to Africa last year. Then I got to stay at a hotel where not only did I see animals from my window, but a monkey actually came into my hotel room and stole a bag with a camera charger and memory card! (I eventually got the charger back)

I like to try different hotels, and GF is the only deluxe I haven't yet stayed at so I'm definitely excited.

[kk92476]

on Ebay! Can't wait to get it. I found a lady who customizes with names and colors--very cute!

Keep checking online and am still stuck in the second dinner--BOO! Last time we did WDW cruise (10+ years ago, before my dd was born, with my husband and his kids and IL's) we were stuck in the 2nd dinner and it just didn't work for us. We eat dinner very early...and my DD LOVES to go to fancy restaurants, so the idea of sending her to camp while we have a date dinner would stink because she's the type who would really appreciate the dinners.

My fingers are crossed, but they said it isn't necessarily first come-first changed on the wait list--they give priority to people with babies. Grumble...

[Mackie Mouse]

kk - I hope you are able to switch! If it helps you look on the bright side, I couldn't imagine having early dinner myself. DH and I usually eat very early at home, but vacation changes our routine, so eating late isn't such a big deal. We also found that early dinner would have definitely cut into our excursion/activity time, and late dinner just made it so easy to have time to hit the pool/grab a drink/change and relax after the show/etc. I can see how ending your meal close to 10:00 might be troublesome with a kid...but if you need to you can make it work!

I am sure you will love your FE if it's from the ebay lady I'm thinking of. We got one from her to give our our cruise buddies as a surprise and it's came out just great :)

Less than four months to go!

[villagesbarbara]

on Ebay! Can't wait to get it. I found a lady who customizes with names and colors--very cute!

Keep checking online and am still stuck in the second dinner--BOO! Last time we did WDW cruise (10+ years ago, before my dd was born, with my husband and his kids and IL's) we were stuck in the 2nd dinner and it just didn't work for us. We eat dinner very early...and my DD LOVES to go to fancy restaurants, so the idea of sending her to camp while we have a date dinner would stink because she's the type who would really appreciate the dinners.

My fingers are crossed, but they said it isn't necessarily first come-first changed on the wait list--they give priority to people with babies. Grumble...

We usually choose the late seating. Last cruise with the family we had early and it was so rushed to get time to do everything - it seemed we were always rushing around to get ready in time for dinner. Now we take late, enjoy our afternoon activities, go back to the cabin for a rest (or nap). We then get a light snack around 5 or so while everyone is getting ready. It seemed to work well with the little ones. So, even if you can't change it might work out well.

[Mackie Mouse]

also, kk...no matter when you will be eating, you will be eating on a DISNEY CRUISE. Can't get any better than that!

Is anyone planning to do a little door decorating? We had no intention of doing it at all on our last cruise, but our door wound up covered in magnets somehow anyway. We wound up with a few magnets in FE gifts, and since it was our honeymoon a few DISers took it upon themselves to make us a bunch of magnets for our door...our collection kept growing mysteriously as the week went on! (We had a pretty awesome group of DISers on the last cruise - you guys have tough shoes to fill, but I think you can do it ;) Either way, having magnets all over the door did make it easy to find our way home in the middle of our endless hallway of staterooms, so I definitely want to jazz up our door this time. I saw this posted elsewhere on the cruise thread and wanted to share in case anyone wants to grab it:

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?mode=Browsing&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sku=57/9500

I was thinking I'd have to get the expensive magnetic sheets that just run through your printer, but this looks way more economical - you print on regular printer paper (so if you mess up with size/placement, no big deal) and then stick onto the magnetic sheets. And the price is great!

[kk92476]

Thanks--I know we'll make it work either way--but when spending so much $$ I feel like I want my first choice, lol! I'm very hopeful that we'll be able to switch! I'd hate for my DD to miss all of the special dinners.

On another topic--does anyone know how the excursion/Palo booking work? I keep reading about people not being able to book what they want (sold out before they get a chance) so I want to make sure I'm ready to pounce the instant I am able! I know the date, but what is the time? 7am like ADRs at the parks? Or is it 12:01am... and what time zone?

Can you tell I'm excited?! : - )

[Mackie Mouse]

You can book at midnight on whatever day is designated via how many previous cruises you have taken. If this is your first cruise, that will be 75 days out; your 2-5th cruise, 90 days (countdown to May 9th has begun here, whoo!), 105 days for your 6-10th cruise, and 120 days out for 10+ cruises or if you stay concierge. I believe time is your local time...although it might be Orlando time.

If you miss out on booking something, the good news for dining is that many reservations are saved for people to book on-board. On our honeymoon, we were unable to get brunch at Palo ahead of time but really wanted to go. We found the desk on board for making dining reservations and had our choice of times on either sea day. They also offered to let us move our Palo dinner time to better coincide with the sunset :) So I am hoping that even if reservations are all booked up for us on May 9th, we'll have luck nabbing Remy, Palo, and another Palo brunch (HEAVENLY) by the time we're actually sailing away.

[susiemmfan]

It is based on Orlando time. I am in the Central time zone so I only have to wait until 11:00pm.

[Mackie Mouse]

It is based on Orlando time. I am in the Central time zone so I only have to wait until 11:00pm.

Since I'm on the eastern seaboard, I was clearly not the most qualified person to answer that part of the question :)

[pennymike]

We're all at Villas at Wilderness Lodge the night before and the 5 after. It's our big annual family invasion of WDW. Since we live here, we usually just pop down for a day or two at one of the DVC resorts, thanks to the kid's DVC points. I raised them right, didn't I.

Traditionally, before a DCL cruise, we always have breakfast at Whispering Canyon - the little ones love it and so do the rest of us. Just the right amount of fun to kick off the cruise.

Barbara

We'll be at WL the 2 nights before the cruise as well, also in the Villas (our first time on DVC points), so we'll probably be on the same bus if you take it to the port! :)

[villagesbarbara]

We'll be at WL the 2 nights before the cruise as well, also in the Villas (our first time on DVC points), so we'll probably be on the same bus if you take it to the port! :)

Since we live in FL we drive to the port. You'll love the villas at WL - it's one of our favorites.

[kk92476]

We'll be at AKL for those 2 days! (Though again, hoping to get my first choice and change to Contemporary if anything opens up!)

Thanks for those who answered the time question! I'll be drinking extra soda on May 8th so I can stay awake until midnight!!!

I didn't realize Palo brunch was an option on a 5 night cruise.... Mmmmmm! : - )


We'll be at WL the 2 nights before the cruise as well, also in the Villas (our first time on DVC points), so we'll probably be on the same bus if you take it to the port! :)

[kk92476]

Do we give goodies to adults as well...or just kiddos? : - )

[Mackie Mouse]

kk - please to adults as well! Otherwise mine and DH's FE's will be empty all cruise ;)

Some people give different goodies to kids and adults, some make up one gift per cabin, some come up with a gift per person that would work well for any age...you can give gifts however you'd like. We will probably do one gift per cabin containing a few different small items.

[kk92476]

I love it! Thanks for clarifying! And based on dd's idea of what should go in the goodie bags, I'll certainly need a different one for adults! : - )

kk - please to adults as well! Otherwise mine and DH's FE's will be empty all cruise ;)

Some people give different goodies to kids and adults, some make up one gift per cabin, some come up with a gift per person that would work well for any age...you can give gifts however you'd like. We will probably do one gift per cabin containing a few different small items.

[jlawall]

jla...I am definitely not creative enough to come up with a logo from scratch! If no one else has an idea, however, I do have something up my sleeve... *twiddles thumbs and whistles*

Belle - you inspired me to e-mailed the friends I have been tossing around seeing Book of Mormon with. We may be in for mid-July, a few weeks before the cruise I will keep you posted and, if all goes well, will offer a full review at our Cruisemeet!

Good FE gifts that we received last cruise were anything edible (candy, home-made cookies, mini bottles of booze...those came in VERY handy as good grown-up gifts!) and geographically-themed stuff. One family from England gave everyone chcolates from a shop in their hometown. Some Jersey Shore natives did saltwater taffy. We got a Phillies beer coozie from a family not too far away from us :) We also did a Philly-themed edible gift for everyone, but again, not giving that away as it was a big hit and I think we want to stick with it! Fun stuff for pirate night is also nice - eye-patches, bandanas, glowsticks. Some crafty people go absolutely nuts making autograph books, scrapbooks, photo albums, etc. for each cabin. I have seen here on the DIS people who have made door magnets and people who have made mix CDs of Disney music for each cabin. Really, the sky's the limit. I would also not be fearful about cost...it's not about what you spend or spending equal to everyone else, just about the fun of gift-giving and meeting fellow cruisers. Some people go all-out, some spend just a few cents per cabin giving what they can.

disneys cruella - I will PM you info about our cruisemeet website so that you can give me your information and we can get you on-board for the FE :)

ETA: jla and susie - What are your cabin numbers? I have you on for the FE but I don't have a cabin listed yet for either of you :)

You can book at midnight on whatever day is designated via how many previous cruises you have taken. If this is your first cruise, that will be 75 days out; your 2-5th cruise, 90 days (countdown to May 9th has begun here, whoo!), 105 days for your 6-10th cruise, and 120 days out for 10+ cruises or if you stay concierge. I believe time is your local time...although it might be Orlando time.

If you miss out on booking something, the good news for dining is that many reservations are saved for people to book on-board. On our honeymoon, we were unable to get brunch at Palo ahead of time but really wanted to go. We found the desk on board for making dining reservations and had our choice of times on either sea day. They also offered to let us move our Palo dinner time to better coincide with the sunset :) So I am hoping that even if reservations are all booked up for us on May 9th, we'll have luck nabbing Remy, Palo, and another Palo brunch (HEAVENLY) by the time we're actually sailing away.

We are 8656.......

So, if we are gold and we pay by 105 days, we can booked Palo?:confused3

I'm alittle behind with the new system!popcorn::

[villagesbarbara]

We are 8656.......

So, if we are gold and we pay by 105 days, we can booked Palo?:confused3

I'm alittle behind with the new system!popcorn::

We are gold and can book 4/24. I had them figure it out for me when I called to pay off the balance.

[Mackie Mouse]

*happy dance*

The Wonder is officially doing sailings to Alaska from Seattle next summer! On my birthday! Now, to convince DH that we NEED to go on that cruise...

[villagesbarbara]

*happy dance*

The Wonder is officially doing sailings to Alaska from Seattle next summer! On my birthday! Now, to convince DH that we NEED to go on that cruise...

Just tell him you are being fiscally aware - It's so much cheaper to fly Southwest from PHL to SEA than to have to go to Vancouver. And, if you book on board you usually get an onboard credit. And, then he won't even have to buy you another birthday present.

Sounds good, doesn't it?

[thereinertfamily]

We will be on the cruise this will be our second Cruise on The Dream. We are going to WDW for four days prior to the cruise cant wait to meet everyone from Disboard on the Cruise.

[Mackie Mouse]

Hello and welcome, reinerts! Welcome aboard!

http://web.me.com/colinandheather/Disney_CruiseMeet/Welcome.html is a website we have set up with info on our cruise meet and FE exchange. If you want in, you can post names, ages, cabin numbers, if you want to be part of the FE exchange, and where you're from and I'll add your info. I can private message you the username and password for the site :)

We'll also be in WDW for a few days before the cruise...maybe we'll see you there! Where are you staying?

A random idea, in case anyone likes it. Buddies we made on our last cruise (they were also honeymooning, we met them on the DIS and wound up linking our dinner reservations since we were some of the only childless young adults on board!) are cruising on the Fantasy, and part of their role call includes a photo of each DISer to help everyone get to know each other better. I could easily add photos of everyone to our site - we could post them publicly here in the thread or people could send a link of a PM to keep images of their kids and such secure. To tie it back to our cruise buddies, they actually wound up waiting about two families behind us in line for Maelstrom in Epcot before our cruise but were afraid to say hi because they weren't totally sure it was us! We were so disappointed to find this out later because we would have loved to hang with them for part of that afternoon.

[thereinertfamily]

Hey Mackie that would be great have not got up to 10 post yet so cannot PM anyone. Still kinda new to this and still learning our way around.

[jlawall]

We are gold and can book 4/24. I had them figure it out for me when I called to pay off the balance.

Ok, thx, that is very helpful...I'll work on this during Spring break!:goodvibes

[susiemmfan]

Photos are a good idea. It worked for our Med cruise.

[jlawall]

Temptation strikes............

[jlawall]

How can this be happening again?:confused3

[jlawall]

:banana::banana::banana:

[jlawall]

pirate:pirate:

[Mackie Mouse]

Well, since *someone* is a pirate pirate, I will start post 201 with two photos. Again, if you'd rather not post them publicly just PM them to me and I'll work on adding them to the website...it would be nice to just have them as links in our DISerlist, but iWeb won't let me do that. I'll figure something out :)

Here are DH and I almost two years ago doing that thing we'll be celebrating the anniversary of on the cruise:

http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/LaRositaMonita/HeatherandColin0219.jpg

And here's the money shot from our honeymoon:
http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/LaRositaMonita/IMG_1459.jpg

:)

[simbasmom2]

Cute pictures!!! Posting pictures is a good idea so we will be able to recognize each other easier, but I am a little nervous. I first need to figure out how to do it. If we can post them on our website that would be safer.

I will be on a mission for the next pirate...:sail:


120 days!!! Getting closer!!

I have to admit I am not thrilled about the new sailings available. I didn't get what I was hoping for...oh well.

I DREAM daily of our 2 stops at CC...I so hope we have nice weather!!

[simbasmom2]

Can anybody help me with a good travel insurance company? We definately need it this trip. I have rolled the dice and lucked out so far. Since we are sailing in the middle of hurricaine season I don't want to take a chance!!

[simbasmom2]

We will be on the cruise this will be our second Cruise on The Dream. We are going to WDW for four days prior to the cruise cant wait to meet everyone from Disboard on the Cruise.

:welcome::welcome::welcome:

[Mackie Mouse]

simbasmom - if it's easier I can take care of uploading photos for you to the site. Just e-mail me the file...my email address is colinandheather at me dot com.

[simbasmom2]

Thanks. Eventually I will get it together and email you. I still don't have my most recent pix downloaded. ;)

[Robin & Dan]

We will be on this sailing. It is our first Disney cruise, but not our first cruise. I am sailing with my DH, DS(8), DD(6) and also my parents (for Dad's 70th bday) and my 2 siblings and their families. Seven kids between 2 and 8. And the kids are SOOOOOOO excited. We are staying for 4 nights pre-cruise at WDW.

[Mackie Mouse]

WELCOME, Robin and Dan! What a crew you have coming! I will PM you the info for the CruiseMeet website we have set up so that you can share your info and let us know if you want in on our FE exchange. Please also feel free to post some photos as well or e-mail them to me (my e-mail address is located somewhere on this page, let me know if you can't find it) and I will add them t the site.

[simbasmom2]

Robin, Dan & gang-Welcome!!!

[jlawall]

:welcome:We will be on this sailing. It is our first Disney cruise, but not our first cruise. I am sailing with my DH, DS(8), DD(6) and also my parents (for Dad's 70th bday) and my 2 siblings and their families. Seven kids between 2 and 8. And the kids are SOOOOOOO excited. We are staying for 4 nights pre-cruise at WDW.

[villagesbarbara]

Just a quick stop to keep up to date. Welcome to all those who have joined us recently. Between spring break visits now. Another week and I'll be enjoying WDW for a couple of days with my two favorite grandchildren and my favorite oldest daughter. It's been over 3 months since they've been in Florida. Grandmom withdrawal is setting in. Can't wait to see them run down that walkway at OIA. So, if I don't get a chance to check back in, everyone have a great holiday.

[simbasmom2]

Fun fact of the day...will be on the Dream's 55th sailing!!:cool1:

This is of course if I did my math correctly:rotfl:

[simbasmom2]

Just a quick stop to keep up to date. Welcome to all those who have joined us recently. Between spring break visits now. Another week and I'll be enjoying WDW for a couple of days with my two favorite grandchildren and my favorite oldest daughter. It's been over 3 months since they've been in Florida. Grandmom withdrawal is setting in. Can't wait to see them run down that walkway at OIA. So, if I don't get a chance to check back in, everyone have a great holiday.

Hey-I just noticed you will be on the same sailing as my sister and her fam on the Fantasy! Cool:cool1: You lucky ducks!!

[simbasmom2]

OK all you computer savy and creative people out there- would you design us a logo? I was just snooping on the thread for the first DD (May29th) and on page 104 and 105 (I think) they have designed a super cool logo so they can make matching t-shirts and magnets for those who want to join in. That would be so much fun. I consider myself a Disney geek when I am cruising and in the parks. I would definately make t-shirts for my fam. I once made 13 shirts for a big family trip to WDW (09). The design wasn't as cool as the one May 29th sailing has. I am creative, but not not with computers. Anybody up to a design?

[Mackie Mouse]

can you link, simba? I am not photoshop expert...but I need stress relief activities from school lately :P

[CONNIEOSCI]

Got palo dinner and brunch. Also got a cabina on the beach. The cruise is coming up soon.

[Mackie Mouse]

Connie - was Remy available?

[CONNIEOSCI]

Remy
yes there were times.

[simbasmom2]

can you link, simba? I am not photoshop expert...but I need stress relief activities from school lately :P

I don't know how to link, sorry. I will see if one of my girls can help me later. That group DISigned a shirt in green-with the outline of a mickey head with all cruise meets joiners names inside (I think they were on name tags). It was really cute. Maybe ours can have our group name (do we have one?), dates of the sailing and something about double-dippin on the Dream. It would be cool if we all (or however wanted to participate )had a shirt for the first day. We would certainly be able to find each other easily. Buttons would also be a good way to find each other on the first day. :thumbsup2

[simbasmom2]

Mackie- I have a good feeling we will be able to get reservations to Palos and Remy's once onboard. I have read a lot of trip reports and most of them have mentioned that the restautants have been quite empty. Brunch may be harder since it will be offered on one day only (I think). Some people think the restaurants are empty because the ship is still new and past cruisers as well as new want to experience the dining rotation. Good luck!!!

[villagesbarbara]

Hey-I just noticed you will be on the same sailing as my sister and her fam on the Fantasy! Cool:cool1: You lucky ducks!!

Yes, we're sailing with over 100 (could be closer to 200 now) of our fellow 2008 PC Repo Group. We started "talking" online in Jnauary 2007 and have kept it up for going on four years now. Living in FL we get to see many of them when they visit WDW.

[villagesbarbara]

Got palo dinner and brunch. Also got a cabina on the beach. The cruise is coming up soon.

Congratulations. I hope brunch is still available at the 105 day mark. It is our favorite and we haven't missed one yet. Dinner we have always been able to get on board. We have been talking about waiting til on board for dinner anyway - not knowing the rotation til check in we don't want to miss what could be a new favorite. Since Nicole has to head to the dining location to check in on arrangements for Colin's special diet, I'll send Heather with her to work it out. Helps having grown up daughters to take care of things.

[simbasmom2]

Yes, we're sailing with over 100 (could be closer to 200 now) of our fellow 2008 PC Repo Group. We started "talking" online in Jnauary 2007 and have kept it up for going on four years now. Living in FL we get to see many of them when they visit WDW.

That's neat. She isn't one of your originals. This will be her 3rd cruise. She saw how many pages were on your thread and she figured you must be sailing friends.

[villagesbarbara]

That's neat. She isn't one of your originals. This will be her 3rd cruise. She saw how many pages were on your thread and she figured you must be sailing friends.

Tell her to jump right in, it's a really great group.

[jlawall]

:goodvibesHey all....just stopping by.....I can't believe some of us are able to book ressies already..woo hoo.....I'm going to contact my TA and pay in full so we can book at 105......

[simbasmom2]

Barbara I will tell my sister to join in soon. I think she was overwhelmed when she saw how many were already talking.

[simbasmom2]

:goodvibesHey all....just stopping by.....I can't believe some of us are able to book ressies already..woo hoo.....I'm going to contact my TA and pay in full so we can book at 105......

We are getting closer!

[BelleBway]

I finally had a chance to talk to my nieces about the trip again tonight- we are IN for FE! :dance3:

Also they are really excited so it was fun to talk about everything with them again. :banana:

[Mackie Mouse]

Belle - Whoohoo! Excited to get a gift together for your cabin.

I am on spring break this week and may have spent a chunk of my day today printing out magnets for our door... :X I promise that it start out as surprise magnets for our friends, but then I couldn't resist making some for myself.

[BelleBway]

Belle - Whoohoo! Excited to get a gift together for your cabin.

I am on spring break this week and may have spent a chunk of my day today printing out magnets for our door... :X I promise that it start out as surprise magnets for our friends, but then I couldn't resist making some for myself.

LOL, I was just writing a PM to make sure you didn't miss it. :rotfl: Now I have to figure out just what the heck I am going to get everyone and buy a FE thing on ebay and stuff...

I also need to start working on a guidebook for the girls... I did one last trip with our itinerary for each day, general info, etc and it worked out well. They like structure and it really helped them know what to expect each day.

Can't wait to be able to book excursions and such! It's been over a yr since I booked this cruise... it's actually getting close now! I love hearing how excited the girls are.

[simbasmom2]

I finally had a chance to talk to my nieces about the trip again tonight- we are IN for FE! :dance3:

Also they are really excited so it was fun to talk about everything with them again. :banana:

YAY! Glad you are joining the FE group!:banana: My girls are getting really excited, too. Just need to pay off this vacay...that's when I will feel relieved!

[pennymike]

I'll try to get a photo on that shows up a bit bigger than the little one to the left....(although that is one of my faves from our Xmas '10 on the Magic!). Have to re-learn how to post a photo.... :confused3
Take care, all!

[kk92476]

DD will turn 8 on the second day of the trip--Castaway Cay day. Had been planning for months that we would book the parasailing excursion for her birthday--which is age 8 and up. But since her "age" in the system (as in her age as she walks on to the boat) is 7, I was told yesterday that we would be unable to book the excursion until we arrive on the ship and just hope to find an open spot. : - ( I asked if they could just change her age to 8 in the system since she WILL, in fact, be 8 for the majority of the trip and the woman said no.

Can anyone think of a way around this? Help!

[Mackie Mouse]

DD will turn 8 on the second day of the trip--Castaway Cay day. Had been planning for months that we would book the parasailing excursion for her birthday--which is age 8 and up. But since her "age" in the system (as in her age as she walks on to the boat) is 7, I was told yesterday that we would be unable to book the excursion until we arrive on the ship and just hope to find an open spot. : - ( I asked if they could just change her age to 8 in the system since she WILL, in fact, be 8 for the majority of the trip and the woman said no.

Can anyone think of a way around this? Help!

Would you be able to possibly book the excursion just for yourself, or for two adults, and than add in DD once on board, so that way a date/time is saved?

[simbasmom2]

Hope everyone had a great Easter! 104 days left!!!

[kk92476]

If I can't get them to adjust her age, then I'll book for 2 adults and my husband will be left out. That will be OK, but since it's her birthday, we really all want to be together. DH is going to try calling this week in hope of finding a rep who is a little more helpful (we JUST found out we can get on a wait list for our preferred hotel rather than checking back every day for avaialability--I have asked about a wait list at least 4 times and told it didn't exist....so you never know who might help!) plus he is sometimes just more persuasive than I am!


Would you be able to possibly book the excursion just for yourself, or for two adults, and than add in DD once on board, so that way a date/time is saved?

[BelleBway]

If I can't get them to adjust her age, then I'll book for 2 adults and my husband will be left out. That will be OK, but since it's her birthday, we really all want to be together. DH is going to try calling this week in hope of finding a rep who is a little more helpful (we JUST found out we can get on a wait list for our preferred hotel rather than checking back every day for avaialability--I have asked about a wait list at least 4 times and told it didn't exist....so you never know who might help!) plus he is sometimes just more persuasive than I am!

I was going to suggest trying to call again and asking to speak to a supervisor. Hope it works out for you and that everyone can go together! pixiedust:

[Mackie Mouse]

Just doing happy dance to say that as of today our cruise is paid in full! WHOOO!

[simbasmom2]

Just doing happy dance to say that as of today our cruise is paid in full! WHOOO!

YAY!!!:banana: I wish ours was!

[simbasmom2]

If I can't get them to adjust her age, then I'll book for 2 adults and my husband will be left out. That will be OK, but since it's her birthday, we really all want to be together. DH is going to try calling this week in hope of finding a rep who is a little more helpful (we JUST found out we can get on a wait list for our preferred hotel rather than checking back every day for avaialability--I have asked about a wait list at least 4 times and told it didn't exist....so you never know who might help!) plus he is sometimes just more persuasive than I am!

I will wish for a sprinkling of pixie dust!:tinker:

[kk92476]

Congrats!!! I'm planning to make our final payment on Monday! :woohoo:

Just doing happy dance to say that as of today our cruise is paid in full! WHOOO!

[kk92476]

Thanks everyone! DH is going to call at the end of the week to try to work it out. His students have final presentations on Wed, so after that his schedule will open up and he'll have more time for begging cast members to help us, lol! My fingers are crossed that we'll get our preferred hotel, we'll get our early dinner seating, and we'll get our shore excursion situation resolved. Feeling a bit grumpy that we are trying to plan this dream trip, paying a fortune, and I can't seem to get my first choice on ANYTHING! But am hopeful that some Disney magic will happen and it will all come together! :dance3:

I will wish for a sprinkling of pixie dust!:tinker:

[BelleBway]

Thanks everyone! DH is going to call at the end of the week to try to work it out. His students have final presentations on Wed, so after that his schedule will open up and he'll have more time for begging cast members to help us, lol! My fingers are crossed that we'll get our preferred hotel, we'll get our early dinner seating, and we'll get our shore excursion situation resolved. Feeling a bit grumpy that we are trying to plan this dream trip, paying a fortune, and I can't seem to get my first choice on ANYTHING! But am hopeful that some Disney magic will happen and it will all come together! :dance3:

Just curious- which hotel are you trying to get? *fingers crossed for ya*

:banana: for all those joining me in the paid in full dance! Isn't it a great feeling?! :)

[kk92476]

Trying to get Contemporary. It seems to be the one and only hotel that isn't available! And we booked this in December! Once that one wasn't available, we originally booked the AKL, but after more thought decided that with less than 2 full days, we really didn't want to be in SUCH a far flung location (not planning to go to Animal Kingdom....will do one day at MK and one day at EPCOT) so we recently switched to Polynesian and are on the wait list for Contemporary. I'm actually OK with the Polynesian if we don't get moved. I have never stayed there and it seems very cool and a good location!



Just curious- which hotel are you trying to get? *fingers crossed for ya*

:banana: for all those joining me in the paid in full dance! Isn't it a great feeling?! :)

[teach22180]

Hey folks, joining you all in that paid in full dance! It is a great feeling, plus I love to count all those disney points I'll be getting on my visa card before I pay it off in full like I do every month. That will be for some good eating at Disney World before the cruise! ;)

Karen

[BelleBway]

Trying to get Contemporary. It seems to be the one and only hotel that isn't available! And we booked this in December! Once that one wasn't available, we originally booked the AKL, but after more thought decided that with less than 2 full days, we really didn't want to be in SUCH a far flung location (not planning to go to Animal Kingdom....will do one day at MK and one day at EPCOT) so we recently switched to Polynesian and are on the wait list for Contemporary. I'm actually OK with the Polynesian if we don't get moved. I have never stayed there and it seems very cool and a good location!

Personally, if I was just planning 1 day at Epcot and 1 day at MK, the Poly would probably be my first choice! I've stayed at both- and while I slightly prefer the Contemporary in general (or, umm, I did before they decided to change the brightly color room decor to something more understated... that I'm sure 99% of people prefer... but I digress), it was great being able to walk to the TTC from the Poly to take a direct monorail to Epcot. Did you take advantage of the current room only discount offer that they have?

We loved AKL 2 summers ago... but since AK is not high on our list this time and we only have a half a week, I also decided to stay at a monorail hotel because of the distance. It seems like we spent most of our time in MK last trip, especially at night... and those late bus rides home seemed a bit long. (though one of them did lead to a great memory of being silly making up a story together with the girls :rotfl:)

And yes, it seems odd that the Contemporary wouldn't be available- maybe it's a sign that you're meant to stay at the Poly? :)

Hey folks, joining you all in that paid in full dance! It is a great feeling, plus I love to count all those disney points I'll be getting on my visa card before I pay it off in full like I do every month. That will be for some good eating at Disney World before the cruise! ;)


I paid in full in Feb when I had an offer for triple points on my Disney VISA for spending over $1000 in a month. That was nice! :banana: (I pay mine off in full each month too) Very well timed, too- since I'd normally never charge that much in a month.

Countdown is almost at 100 days...! :rotfl:

[T&G92694]

Ok, I have to admit I am feeling kinda lost... I have read most of the 17 pages of posts so I feel like I have a decent understanding of how this all works.

This will be our 1st Disney Cruise and actually first cruise ever.

We have a very persuasive 10 year old that lobbied for a Disney Cruise back in late 2009 or so. He wanted to go on a disney cruise pretty bad and after much research decided he wanted to wait until the Dream was available... Fast forward 1 year... I had completely forgotten about the cruise and he lets us know we need to book the Dream for summer of 2011. He had all the information researched and almost the itinerary all planned out. I am convinced he know as much as a disney travel agent does about the Dream.

Ok, so here is where I am at.. Please someone correct where I am wrong with some of the acronyms...

DH = Disney Husband
DW= Disney Wife
DD = Disney Daughter
DS = Disney Son
GMIL = ?
DFIL = ?
AKL = ?
FE = ? some gift thing

Since we are first timers is there any advice / feeback for the following we are planning to do?

1. Wanting to get a cabana at castaway cay (since I can only book 75 days in advance do you think it will still be available) and is it worth it?
2. Going to Atlantis (we were told to book a room at the Comfort Inn next door to gain access so we did) Is this experience worth the expense?
3. Will it be hard to get reservations to Remy with our late booking date.
4. What is the general weather like during that time of year in Bahamas area (we are from southern California)
5. My son is a mature 10 and will be 10 1/2 by the cruise.. do you know if they will allow him in the Edge club (11-13) He is afraid he will be stuck with a bunch of screaming kids..
6. What is the cutoff time to check in onto the cruise the day of sailing (also if you show early are you allowed on the ship and to the room?)


Thanks in advance for any tips!

[Mackie Mouse]

Hi and welcome, T&G! My husband and I took our very first cruise/Disney Cruise ever for our honeymoon two years ago and loved it so much we had to go back this year :) Your son gets a big high-five for getting you guys on board! You're going to have an absolute blast.

You are on the right track with the Disney lingo. As far as I've always understood it, the "D" in DH, DD, DS, DW, etc. generally stands for "Dear" or "Darling"...but it could probably also stand for Disney on these boards. I have seen it used in other places, as well, though...but it doesn't really matter :) MIL and FIL are mother- and father-in-law, respectively.

AKL is the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel in Disney World.

an FE, or Fish Extender, gift exchange is something that many cruise groups choose to undertake for fun. There is a metal fish hanging outside each stateroom door on the Disney ships, and to facilitate the exchange people make or purchase a small pocket organizer ("Fish Extender") to hang off the fish. Everyone agrees to contribute a small gift to the exchange - cost, type of gift, amount, whether you give to each individual or each cabin, etc. are all up to you. During the cruise, you go around to participating rooms to drop off gifts as a surprise. It's a ton of fun and helps you get to know others on the cruise. We participated two summers ago and loved the experience. There are a number of threads on the DIS Boards that will give you suggestions about what FEs look like and the types of gifts people have given and received before. If you want in, just let me know all the relevant info and I can add you to our list. I'll also happily Private Message you the login info for the website we have up if you'd like, too!

Welcome aboard!

[T&G92694]

Thanks for the quick response... That sounds like a great idea on the FE...

Yeah PM me to get me signed up...

its myself, DH, DS (10), DD (5)

[simbasmom2]

Thanks for the quick response... That sounds like a great idea on the FE...

Yeah PM me to get me signed up...

its myself, DH, DS (10), DD (5)

:welcome::welcome:
You will love your cruise!!:yay:
You have one smart boy there for choosing a Disney cruise for vacay!
The FE exchange is a lot of fun.
Atlantis is awesome...so beautiful!:goodvibes